Rabba... Ishq Naa Hove Season 2 Part 36 Onwards

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Part 36

It is dark outside the house, street lights being the only ones illuminating the Veranda at the main door. She fiddles in her purse to find the keys of the house. She finds them at the back pocket of the purse. After a heavy sigh and gulping her nervousness, she opens the main door, leading herself inside. She feels powerless already. She turns on the switches and the whole house is lighted enough for her to recollect all the little memories she has about this place. Her father used to oil her hair and tie a braid on the sofa in the living room every weekend. He wanted her to have long and strong hair like her mother. She steps inside slowly. There is no dust around, that’s because Shyam has taken the responsibility to maintain this house as she was too unwilling to resurface her pain by stepping in here. Once a fortnight, Shyam sends his servants here to clean the house which is why it still looks very neat and tidy.





She walks through the small kitchen and flashes of her childhood reappears at the back of her mind. Her father used to cook delicious food. Especially aloo poori and dal rice was her favorite amongst the list. She used to sit on the kitchen slab and help him cut the veggies sometimes. She had even got hurt once and he had rushed her to the nearby clinic. The bruise of the knife didn’t fade away for almost 15 days and every time he saw that, he used to feel guilty about it. That was his love, an undying father’s love.

Tears pool in her eyes remembering all of this. She feels dizzy. She has processed a lot today, right from convincing Arnav Singh Raizada for visiting the Psychiatrist, absorbing the cause of his phobia till entering in her house after such a prolonged period. She cannot fall weak now. She hurries to the bedroom. It looks shrinked. When she was small she used to find these rooms so big enough for her to run everywhere. She drags her feet to the bed where her secret place is. There is a small tile below the bed which no one might notice, can be removed. The trunk she is looking for is exactly beneath it. During her childhood, her neighbor friends used to love her doll and one of them even tried to snatch it from her. In the fear of losing her favorite doll, she had cried before her father to find a place where she can keep it safe. That’s when her father showed her this place. Khushi sits down on the floor, her fingers shiver as she decides to remove the tile and take that same trunk out. The key she has belongs to that trunk which is right now her only piece of connection to her father’s last words. What is that secret which he wanted to tell her? Why did he asked Veeru Kaaka to wait until she grows up?
Khushi manages to remove the ceramic tile and finds the small trunk beneath it. This whole house was searched for when her father’s accident took place. The police wanted to find information which might assist them in handling this case thoroughly. But none of them would have ever reached here and checked below this tile because no one can trace there is a secret area like this, so easily. Maybe that’s why her father chose this place. But why did he even leave a message like that? Did he sense any danger to his life? Sweat beads form on her face which she doesn’t bother to wipe off. She slowly takes out the trunk and opens it with the key she got from Veeru Kaaka.

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

Arnav reaches half-way towards Shantivan when Shyam’s call rings on his mobile. He answers it.

“I am on way Bhai. Will reach in 20 minutes” he replies.
“Okay, is Khushi with you?” Shyam asks.
“No.. She” he pauses to take a deep breath. “I dropped her at Lakshmi Nagar”

Shyam gets startled.
“Lakshmi Nagar? Why?”
“Seems she had some work there”
“Work? What work?” Shyam pauses to think. “Has she gone to her home? That’s why she was asking me her home keys. But she has never stepped there in the last 11 years.”

Arnav gets suspicious too.

“I will check on her. Don’t worry” he responds and hangs up. “Mohan, take me back to Lakshmi Nagar”
Mohan nods and takes the next immediate U-turn. Arnav’s heart beats faster. He can already sense her in some problem. He shouldn’t have listened to her. He should have waited out, until she finished her so-called work in Lakshmi Nagar. He clenches his jaw.

“Mohan, hurry” he scowls. Mohan changes the gear and drives faster than usual though he has no clue what urgency has come up suddenly. But Mohan has noticed a pattern. Ever since Arnav has returned, he has always been sensitive towards Khushi and anything related to her makes his heart pound double its intensity.

After another 20 minutes, Mohan parks the vehicle outside Khushi’s house. Arnav gets down. He is equally tensed to step in there because this is the house of the same man who died because of him. But he knows Khushi is in there and she needs him. He rushes inside calling her name out.

“Khushi…” he screams reaching the living room. When she doesn’t respond, he starts looking for her in other rooms, bedroom being the last. As he steps in there, his breath hitches watching her sitting down on the floor, lost in her own thoughts.

“Khushi?” he tries to get her attention, but she doesn’t even look at him. Her eyes are fixed somewhere else and tears are continuously flowing down her cheeks. He feels torn seeing her in that state. She is holding a piece of paper in her hand and he realizes this is the source of her current pain. He gets down on his knees and again calls her name, softly this time.

“Khushi speak up”

Without looking at him, without feeling angry of his presence in this house, she gently raises her arms as if asking him to read the paper she is currently holding. He swallows hard taking the paper from her and then he reads its contents.

Khushi,

My little child, if you are reading this means Veeru has done his job of handing the key to you. I had strictly told him not to reveal anything to you or anyone else about this note until you grow up. I feel terrible to write this but that is the only way I have, to convey you about the reason of my absence in your life.

I am diagnosed with Brain tumor. Last stage. The doctor has asked me to get hospitalized but it needs a lot of money and yet there is no guarantee that I will be cured. After your mother left us, I thought I will raise you and fulfil that part of responsibility too which she couldn’t. But nothing works before God’s choice. He wants to snatch me away from you too soon. I have 3 months left and I cannot live that 90 days waiting for my death to come, seeing you departing away from me. So, I have taken some rough decisions for us.

This house is mortgaged to the Khatri’s. I took a hand loan against this house in the hope of saving it for your future. But I invested it in a bogus company and that money is lost from us forever. I shouldn’t have done that Khushi. I have tried all my ways to ensure that your future without me is safe but failed. I have one last choice left and I am going to fulfil it in the next coming days. I am going to commit a suicide. I will force myself before any speedy car. If not like this, I am going to die as it is in few months. But that will leave you with nothing, not even the house. At least the accident will earn you some shelter and compensation.

While you read this, you might have already got that secure life which I have dreamed for you. You might hate me for this decision Khushi but being selfish for my daughter and her happiness is the only motive left in my life. I don’t know if you will ever forgive me or not. But please, don’t hate me bitiya. I love you and I will always pray to God to give you the best in life.

Your babuji.

The paper slips from Arnav’s fingers as he finishes reading it. Darkness consumes his mind as he is unable to believe what he read. Khushi’s father plotted that accident? If not his car, it might have been someone else who would have suffered instead of him, all these years. He feels cheated, angry and totally disgusted on the man who put him and his family in trouble from the past 11 years. He gapes at Khushi in horror. She is shivering now, and it is enough to divert all his attention on her again. He has always given her importance and priority over him.

“Khushi… look at me” his voice is anguished.

More tears burst out from her eyes. She is unable to meet his gaze. A pool of agony is engulfing her within it and she has no will to dive out. All these years she was fighting a battle against the wrong person. Arnav Singh Raizada has nothing to do with her father’s death. In fact, her father framed this innocent boy and changed his entire life. How is she going to overcome this fact? Whatever she has learnt today, has put her in the debts of the Raizadas for lifetime. These people have given her a fortune which she doesn’t even deserve to have.

“Khushi talk to me Dammit” Arnav growls finally, losing control over himself. He doesn’t want her to be silent. It might create a negative impact on her brain. She must speak and vent out her pain.

Khushi feels like she is standing at the end of a tunnel wherein she can see only darkness around her. Her eyes start shutting down, dizziness takes over and she falls unconscious on the floor. The last thing she remembers happening is Arnav Singh Raizada shouting for Mohan and carrying her in his arms, out of this house.

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

Khushi’s eyes shot open. The room is dark. She can sense this is not Shantivan. It is the same house where she stayed in her childhood. She hears some cutlery sound from the kitchen. This house looks occupied and not vacant like it had been from 11 years. She has no energy left in her body but even then, she gets down the bed and drags her feet towards the sounds from the kitchen. When she reaches the kitchen door she sees her father, Shashi Gupta, cooking at the gas stove. He looks the same, like he was before. But there is a worry on his face, his back seems to have bowed a little, his hands and legs have become thinner than before. His face has wrinkles and his hair greyed. He slowly raises his head and looks at her. A smile of contentment crosses his lips. 

“You woke up? Look what I have cooked for you?” he asks opening the lid of one vessel. “Aloo Poori” 

Khushi smiles at him. That’s her father, her loving father who was the world to her. She immediately rushes to him and hugs him tight. 

“I missed you Babuji” 
“I missed you too Khushi.” He kisses her hair and then pulls back from the hug. Khushi slowly notices his forehead and then recollects he has a brain tumor. Slowly all the matter that he had written in that note strikes in her mind and she steps away from him. 

“You killed yourself?” she screams in anger. 

Shashi looks down guilty.
“I was going to die as is. My life was almost finished. I wanted to save you.. to give you what I couldn’t until I was alive” 
“But you shattered an entire family Babuji.” She yells back. “Your one decision spoiled Arnav’s entire life. Do you even realize what he went through? He served a punishment for 2 years in child remand, for a sin which he didn’t do intentionally. He was almost molested there and his family is still bearing the loss of their grandson who even though is staying with them, he is still completely isolated.” 

Shashi gets speechless for few seconds and then he speaks up. 

“I didn’t think that way. All I saw was your future”
“You made your daughter’s future stamping the happiness of that family, Babuji. I will never forgive you for this. You were selfish. You were selfish” she screams aloud again. 

Khushi jolts awake on the bed, screaming the same words.. “You were selfish Babuji.. You were selfish” 
Her face is covered with sweat. Her body trembling with anger and disgust. She realizes she is not at her home but in Shantivan, in her room. Anjali rushes to her and holds her tight.

“Khushi, relax..” Anjali tries to control her and get her out of the dream.

Khushi stops yelling and looks at Anjali. She immediately hugs her and starts crying. Anjali caresses her with concern.

“If you had to go to Lakshmi Nagar, why didn’t you tell me or Shyam? We would have accompanied you there”

Khushi pulls back from the hug and looks down.
“That house is full of memories for you, we know. That is why we didn’t want you to go alone there and get upset. Thank God Arnav reached there on time and got you here”

Khushi stares at Anjali in horror. Why is Anjali being so normal to her as if nothing happened? Didn’t Arnav tell them anything about that letter?
“Arnav…?” she mutters.
“Yes Arnav. He got you home, called the Doctor to check upon you and he was even here sitting next to you from past 2 hours. I forcibly sent him out now to get some rest.”
Khushi swallows hard. He read that letter, yet he is doing so much for her? He knows he is innocent, yet he has not uttered a word about it to his family? Any one in his place wouldn’t have waited to share this news with his loved ones. But he didn’t. Why? She is already in his debt and he is increasing her guilt more by remaining silent over this matter.

“I will get your dinner in the room” Anjali gets up.
“No Anju.. I .. I am not hungry.”
“Why?”
“Please. I don’t want anything. Just leave me alone for tonight. Please” Khushi requests.

Anjali shakes her head.

“Okay, but don’t think much. You need rest. Go to sleep and if you need anything, call me”

Khushi accepts the condition and lies down on her bed again. She cuddles the pillow, tears continue to roll down her cheeks again. What has her father landed her into? She will never be able to meet the Raizada family’s eyes hereon. Every minute she will stay in this house, it will haunt her and remind her that this family would have been more happier and blessed had her father not taken that decision of suicide. And Arnav? How will she ever face him again?

___________________________________________________


Part 37

“Is she awake?” Arnav worriedly asks Anjali who has just come down from Khushi’s room.
“Yes, but she wants to be alone for some time. She has even denied eating anything”
Arnav fists his fingers feeling her pain.
“She will fall sick if she doesn’t eat” he murmurs.
Anjali is totally impressed by his care for her. She smiles at him.
“Even if we force her to eat, it won’t help. I will suggest let us give her some time, she will be fine by morning. And I will make her favorite Aloo poori’s tomorrow, she will never deny to eat that”

Arnav gently nods agreeing to the plan. He raises his head and stares at the lobby. Today has been the most hectic day for both of them. It has been a day of major revelations. He opened up his tragic past in the child remand to her and they both were exposed to the most shocking truth of that accident. It will be hard for her to accept that her father can go to this extent. She has always considered her father as a role model and knowing he plotted his own death to make her life secure, she is not going to take it very lightly. He knows every inch of this woman, the way she thinks, her feelings, her anger, everything. It is not hard to predict what her next move will be and he must stop her from doing that; at any cost.

Arnav returns back to his room and lies on the bed. Sleep is the last thing he cares for right now. He recalls that incident which took place 11 years ago; he stealing the new car keys from his brother’s room, driving rashly on the streets in that heavy rainfall. It is not very often that he dwells into that accident but this time he realizes what had actually happened that night. He was on the road, driving straight and his eye sight was good enough to notice the road was vacant, deprived of any humans walking at that stormy night. The focus of the front lights of the car were sharp enough to warn anyone on that road to move aside. A sudden bright light shone from the other side of the road, almost making him blind for few seconds. It was in those fractions of seconds that this man, Khushi’s father, took the opportunity to jump before his car and kill himself.

Arnav shivers and jerks at the sudden remembrance of events. His body is still trembling in the fear of the after events of that incident. The massive crowd, the police vehicle sirens, the handcuffs and his cold and drenched body which had almost given up the urge of living with his family again. That one incident had changed his entire fortune and now suddenly it is being proved that he was not totally at fault. He was framed!!!

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

Khushi wakes up with a jolt the next morning. She saw a very weird dream last night. Her father was strangling Arnav’s neck and pushing him into a deeply dug coffin. She presses her head and quickly gulps some water kept at the bedside table. Her stomach is aching. She has not eaten anything since yesterday’s lunch. Neither she has any energy left in her body to even get down the bed. But she doesn’t wish to eat. Every second she is staying here, under the protective arms of the Raizada family, is adding to her guilt. There is a door knock. She realizes that she hadn’t locked the door last night. So, she asks the person to come inside the room. It must be Anjali who was exceptionally worried for her last night. But to her dismay, it is Hari Prakash pushing the trolley of her breakfast inside and wishing her a good morning.

“Khushi didi, your breakfast”

Hari Prakash keeps the trolley of food next to her bed.
“Who sent it here?” Khushi softly asks.
“ME” Arnav’s voice almost echoes in the room.

Khushi watches Arnav Singh Raizada standing at the door, waiting for HP to leave. The moment HP heads out of the room, Arnav gets in. Khushi feels extremely uneasy to face him.

“Anjali Bhabhi has cooked your favorite meal.” He opens the lid and starts serving her the Aloo poori in a plate.
Khushi is surprised that he is acting so normal. She had imagined him to go wild on her, scream at her pointing her father’s deeds but he is doing nothing like it.

“You must eat” he hands the plate to her which she denies holding. She turns her head away.
“Why are you doing this” she murmurs.
“You know why I am doing this” he replies instantly.
“No, I don’t” she snaps turning back and meeting his gaze. “Your family deserves to know”
“Know what?” Anjali steps inside the room interrupting their talk.

Arnav sighs inwardly and keeps the plate back on the trolley. Khushi is equally nervous to respond. Arnav purposely lies to divert Anjali.

“Khushi wants me to inform the family straightaway about my disinterest in Ruchi. She does not want me to waste Ruchi’s time here” he meets Khushi’s eyes again. She doesn’t seem happy that he lied.
Anjali nods in agreement.
“She is right Arnav. You must explain Daadi clearly. She loves you so much, I am sure she will understand” Anjali comments sitting next to Khushi. “But Khushi, you don’t have to bother about anything except gaining your health. Look at you, seems like you have sliced some weight” she adds.

Khushi deliberately gets down the bed. She is not interested in continuing any talks which are not related to the actual problem.

“I will freshen up”
“Be careful” Anjali offers her assistance but Khushi denies it. She heads slowly to the bathroom and Arnav and Anjali hear the shower turned ON in a while.

“She seems very low since yesterday”
Arnav shakes his head. He is not going to move an inch away from this room because he is afraid that Khushi might reveal the truth of that accident to his family, which he doesn’t want them to know.

Khushi stands down the shower head, the warm water soothing her body, relaxing her muscles. The contents of that letter from her father keeps flashing before her eyes, tormenting her soul. If she is so much affected by it, why isn’t Arnav? This is the most bitter truth for him as well. Why is he behaving so normal? Why is he not letting the family know? Is he protecting her? Whatever he intends to do, she is not willing to take any more favors from him or this family. She has to take some rough decisions now. She washes off her tears and exhaustion and comes out in 30 minutes completing the shower. To her surprise, the food trolley is still there but Anjali and Arnav are not seen. There is a small note scribbled on a paper and placed on the trolley. She can read his handwriting. It is from Arnav.

‘Finish this’

She dresses up first and takes a few bites of the aloo poori. She feels empty from within. The only thought wandering in her mind is, how is she going to repay all the goodness of this family? Arnav might not let her speak the truth but she cannot take this burden of guilt any longer. She knows the moment Daadi comes to know the truth, she will not wait for a second more to drag her out of the house. She won’t be wrong either. She will have to taste the bitterness of her father’s actions now.

She comes down in a while, all dressed up. Arnav has just finished the breakfast. Daadi and others are still eating. The moment Khushi comes down, Arnav keeps his eyes glued on her.

“How is your health now?” Daadi asks her “I heard you were not well yesterday”
Khushi glances at Arnav once and nods weakly.
“I am feeling better now” she murmurs.

Arnav wipes his lips with the napkin. Khushi makes up her mind to share the truth with them. She is already very nervous to face the consequence but the more she delays, the worse it could get.

“I want to say something Daadi” she requests.

Daadi and everyone else looks at her with amusement. Arnav gets up from his seat and interrupts this conversation.

“We have an important meeting today, we should leave” he lies again.
“I am not coming to office today” she snaps. She knows he is buying time and he might give her hundreds of excuses for not telling the truth to his family but she cannot ditch them further.
Arnav rolls his eyes.
“Just so you know, I am your Boss and I demand your presence at work. I am not taking chance of giving you a day off. Come on”

He holds her hand. She struggles but in vain. He drags her away from the dinning room. Everyone in the family stares at the two in bewilderment.

“Which meeting was he talking about which you are not aware of Shyam?” Daadi curiously asks.
Shyam nods in denial.
“I don’t know Daadi. There isn’t anything at office which cannot let Khushi take a break for one day”

Shyam’s reply makes Daadi even more suspicious. Everyone continues eating but Daadi gets up from her seat and leaves for her room.

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

“Chodiye humme” (Leave me) Khushi screams as they both reach the parking.

Arnav scans the surrounding and leaves her hand. There is no one around who can see or hear them.
“What do you want?” she yells.
“Stay quiet about yesterday” he replies in a similar loud tone.
“Why? Why don’t you want them to know? It is going to benefit you. Everyone has to know that it was not just your fault” she scowls.
“How does it matter now? Huh?” he asks ragefully. “Khushi, your father is dead and even though he planned this all, I am still responsible for his accident. I have already underwent the punishment for that deed. Nothing is really going to change even if you tell them the truth. So shut your mouth”

Khushi is speechless.

“Don’t act like a God, Arnav. Even if you have undergone the punishment, your family deserves to know that it could have been avoided had we got this letter 11 years ago while the investigation was On. It is not you or they who should be guilty for lifetime but me. Because my father did all of this..”

Tears start rolling her cheeks which she fails to avoid. She closes her face by both her palms and keeps sobbing. Arnav feels terrible again to see her in this state. He comes closer and holds her wrists. He separates her hands so that he can see her face again. She keeps her teary eyes shut, but in few seconds when he doesn’t let go her wrists, she opens them. She stares at him with more guilt.

“I don’t blame your father Khushi” he murmurs. “His intentions were to protect you, keep you secure and this is exactly what I would have wanted had I known you then”

Khushi feels unsettled by his words.
“His actions might have been wrong, but had he not done this, we wouldn’t have met.”
Khushi swallows hard and shrugs his arms from her face.
“Stop it” she looks elsewhere. Why is he getting his personal feelings in between?

Arnav turns her back to face him.

“If you want to lessen my guilt, then don’t put yourself at risk by telling anyone about your father’s letter.”
“I can’t hide” she tries to shrug his arms but he grips her tighter.
“You have to” he insists.
“That letter means something” she almost pleads.
“It doesn’t mean a thing to me”

Khushi feels restless by his strange demand. Why is she even listening to him?

“You cannot protect me all the time”
“I can!!” he snaps. “I will do that till the end of me. Now get in the car”

She looks at him puzzled. Why is he so intimidating? He gestures Mohan to get the Vehicle. The Car halts before them and Arnav opens the passenger seat door. Khushi gets seated inside. He has somehow convinced her partially not to reveal that matter but how is he going to stop her from the next set of action she is going to take?

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

That entire day, Arnav keeps a constant tab on Khushi to see if she is doing okay. He understands she is not in a mood to work. She is unable to concentrate on anything. She is cold and lost during the meetings. It is like her mind is busy planning something and she is not happy with it. When she heads back to her cabin, she finds Arnav already sitting on her chair. She frowns. He is watching all her designs that she has sketched and left it on the desk while going for the meeting. She clears her throat. Arnav sees at her direction and gets up.

“Good work” he praises her. “Did Ruchi call you? He asks.
“Ruchi?” she pauses trying to remember if she got any call or message from her. “No, why?”
“She is taking the whole family for Dinner tonight” he halts “At the Taj”

Khushi passes a weak smile.
“Oh… I see” she heads back to her desk and starts collecting the sketches. Arnav checks his watch.
“We might have to go there directly from here”
“I am not coming”
Arnav stares coldly at her and then nods.
“Fine, we will head back home then. Let them have dinner”

That pisses her off.
“I have my reasons to not go. Why are you denying?”
“Because you are the only reason for me to attend that Dinner” he comes forward

Khushi feels goosebumps on her skin, it usually happens a lot these days because he has openly started confessing his so-called feelings for her.

“Why are you reminding me that again and again Arnav? Earlier you were so reserved about these feelings, you didn’t even like to talk much about it, even to me. Then what is wrong with you now?” she sounds totally frustrated.
Arnav comes to her, without breaking their eye lock.
“I want MORE”

Khushi feels like someone just kicked her heart and made it beat louder and faster than before. MORE? He wants MORE? What the hell is that supposed to mean? 

___________________________________________________


Part 38

“I want MORE”

Khushi feels like someone just kicked her heart and made it beat louder and faster than before. MORE? He wants MORE? What the hell is that supposed to mean? She gets speechless for a while as words choke in her throat. He is observing her every expression, her surprise, confusion, her fear. She is the only woman who makes him feel both strong and weak together. This one note from her father has lost all her confidence. He misses that sharpness in her eyes which are now filled with immense guilt and self-pity. He wants to be her strength and help her absorb this bitter truth; only if she gives him one chance to make her happy again. Khushi finally meets his gaze again.

“Nothing is going to change between us ever, Arnav”

She doesn’t want to give him any hopes. Though unhappy with her words, he still puts a smirk on his fac and folds his arms.

“My ears heard it, not my heart”

She suddenly feels all warm and fuzzy inside her stomach. Where does he get these intense dialogues from? She knows if she continues getting engaged in this conversation, it will lead her into more trouble. So, she gets back to her desk and starts arranging the sketches again.

“I have work to do, so please excuse me” she murmurs.
Arnav smirks at her ways of closing this conversation from leading into the right track.
“Take all the time you need to go away from me Khushi, but you will always end up beside me. The sooner you realize this, we all can be at peace”

Khushi clenches her jaw.
“Stay clear of me Arnav Singh Raizada. We are not supposed to be together. The early you realize this, we all can be at peace”
She leaves the sketches shattered on the table and heads out. She needs a strong coffee to take this conversation away from her head. Arnav stares as she leaves. She is not going to give in so easily.
888
Khushi unwillingly reaches the Taj where Ruchi has arranged a dinner for them. But she makes sure to come with Shyam and Anjali here, not with Arnav Singh Raizada. The more she stays away from him, it will benefit everyone. Daadi and Ruchi are already waiting for them at the table. Ruchi doesn’t smile at her which already makes her feel out of place.

“Where is Arnav? Why is he not here yet?” Daadi asks.
“Daadi, he had a meeting but I have ensured he has left the office now. He will be here soon” Shyam replies.

Everyone gets seated. Khushi occupies the vacant seat next to Daadi. Shyam and Anjali are so much engrossed talking to Ruchi. This is the best opportunity for her to tell Daadi everything about her father’s note. Without proving Arnav’s innocence to his family at least she cannot leave them. But she realizes that it might spoil the dinner treat from Ruchi. Daadi glances when she fiddles with her fingers.

“I had much hopes from you Khushi. But I don’t know what is keeping you so busy these days, you are not even thinking of Arnav-Ruchi match making. Finally, I had to do this.” Daadi mutters.

Khushi looks shockingly at her.
“Had to do this? What .. what are you planning to do?”
“You will see that when Arnav comes here”

Khushi gets a very odd feeling. As if there is something worse going to happen. She knows how Arnav’s reaction will be. He is already on the verge of letting Ruchi know clearly that he is not interested in her. Whatever Daadi and Ruchi have planned, it shouldn’t kick Arnav’s angry buds.

“Daadi, please tell me what you and Ruchi have planned”
“Why? So that you spoil that again?” Daadi angrily asks. “Ruchi told me how you didn’t let her and Arnav speak the other day. You purposely interrupted them. I don’t understand one thing Khushi, what is it that you want? Do you even want Ruchi to impress Arnav or not?”

Daadi’s anger is justified. But the way she is expressing her anger worries Khushi. Arnav comes there from nowhere and sits at the other side of Daadi. He seems to have heard not the entire conversation, but the last question for sure.

“Haan Khushi, do you really want to match me with Ruchi?” Arnav asks.
Daadi is amused by his sudden intrusion, more than Khushi who tries to shrug off his question.

“I am talking to Daadi” Khushi answers Arnav reminding him not to engage in this conversation.
“I know you are talking to Daadi, and I am repeating what she just asked. Do you really think Ruchi is the one for me?”

Daadi is stuck in between their gazes. Will anyone tell her what is happening between the two because she does not want to guess it by herself. She is afraid with the way her grandson is questioning Khushi. It seems like he is trying to get Khushi’s reaction out. Khushi wants to say something really hurtful to him but she zips her lips and turns away. Shyam, Anjali and Ruchi who had been engaged in a different conversation so far, concentrate back on others.

“Arnav…” Ruchi happily screams. “Thank God you came”
Arnav passes her a weak smile.
“What is this treat for?” he asks Ruchi.
She shies at first and then gives a quick glance to Daadi who asks her not to reveal anything now. Ruchi nods.

“Why don’t we order first? I am sure all are hungry”
“Exactly. Let me call the Manager” Shyam gestures to a manager who comes to take their order.

Once the food is served and everyone is busy eating, Khushi tries to get a hold on the tomato sauce from the table. Both Arnav and Khushi hold it at the same time. Their fingers brush. Why is their timing so perfect? Khushi tries to take back her hand and once again their timings match. They both leave the tomato sauce bottle at the same time. Daadi keenly observes their expressions as she is sitting between them. The moment Khushi sees that Arnav has left the bottle, she tries to get a hold on it again. And to her dismay, Arnav holds the bottle too and this time, his hand covers Khushi’s hold on the bottle. Khushi gives him a cold stare but he returns a teasing smirk. Daadi stops eating. What is happening here?

Khushi tries to shrug off his hold. She is afraid if Ruchi or Daadi notices it. Arnav realizes the tension on her face and leaves her arm. Daadi is suspicious enough on Arnav’s feelings for Khushi now. But what is disturbing her more is Khushi’s cold behavior. The way she has hated Arnav so far, she should have become aggressive. But why is she not responding so? Daadi gets nervous recollecting her plans with Ruchi tonight. Taking into consideration Arnav’s gestures towards Khushi, situation should not go out of hand.

Once everyone finishes the desserts, Ruchi gets up from her chair and clears her throat.

“Okay, so now comes the main point of this treat” Ruchi exclaims.
Daadi hesitates to let her finish.
“Ruchi.. listen to me beta, I need to talk to you first”
“Daadi I don’t want to wait now. We can talk later please” she requests.

Khushi’s expression thickens. What have they planned? Arnav leans back on the chair to see the same. Anjali and Shyam give a quizzical look to each other as they too are unaware of all this.

“You all want to know why I am giving this dinner treat, right? So today, Daadi showed me this”

She removes a ring from her wallet and shows it to everyone. Arnav has no clue what is so special in the ring but Anjali and Shyam realize it soon.

“Shyam, this… this ring belongs to your mother, isn’t it?” Anjali whispers to Shyam.
“Yes, it looks like that. But what is it doing with Ruchi?” Shyam raises his confusion to his wife who is speechless. Both again concentrate on Ruchi who is blushing holding that ring.
Daadi looks down. She was the one to give this to Ruchi today with a special purpose, which obviously Ruchi is going to reveal to everyone here.

“This ring… belongs to Arnav’s mother” Ruchi declares. Arnav immediately stiffens manipulating what must have happened and why this ring is now with Ruchi.
Khushi is still confused of this whole act.
“Daadi said this ring belongs to the woman whom Arnav will marry.” Ruchi further informs. “Everyone knows why Daadi got me here. She wants me and Arnav to think about each other.” Ruchi bites her lower lip.

Arnav fists his fingers whereas Khushi feels ridiculous. Why is Daadi in such a hurry? Arnav and Ruchi have not even talked properly to each other, then how can Daadi give Arnav’s mother’s ring to her?

“Arnav” Ruchi comes to Arnav’s chair. “I know we haven’t interacted much, but I also know that you love your Daadi a lot. If she thinks I am the one for you, then you will at least consider her decision.”

Arnav grits his teeth but probably Ruchi is too naïve to read his anger.

“I feel this ring will create that magic between us. I want you to make me wear this ring so that every time in future we interact, the sight of this ring on my finger will remind you that your Daadi and may be even your mother wants the same. As in, they want me as your bride” she extends the ring towards Arnav to do the honors.

Khushi’s jaw drops. This is foolishness. Arnav looks at his Daadi who is beyond confused if her decision is right or wrong. Just few minutes ago she has seen her grandson showing extreme feelings for Khushi. She wants to stop Ruchi but fails because before she can take an action, Arnav gets up from the chair. The moment he gets ups, everyone else get up too. Shyam is worried how his brother will react. Khushi watches in horror at Arnav who softly takes that ring from Ruchi without uttering a word. Ruchi smiles winningly at his actions but her smile turns into shock when he turns to Khushi who is just two steps away from him. He meets her gaze.

“This is my mother’s ring and if Daadi had saved it so that I can give it to the woman I will ever marry, then I will not break their wish.” Arnav declares. “If this ring can create magic and get the woman closer to me then I will not wait long to make her wear this”

In a spur of moment, he raises Khushi’s left arm and makes her wear that ring.

Daadi closes her mouth in shock. Shyam is startled at the guts of his brother. Anjali feels dizzy witnessing the scene before her eyes. Ruchi gets frustrated at the insult thrown at her by Arnav and his family. She always knew Khushi is not what she seems to be. Without any delay she picks her purse and hurries out. She has no reasons left to be here. Daadi tries to stop her

“Marry me, Khushi” Arnav proposes to Khushi. She stares at him with a horror-struck face. Is he even in his senses? She had avoided all his advances towards her because she somewhere felt he will never be vocal about it at least before his family. Despite of knowing his feelings for her she had given a chance to speak to him and try to heal the problems that he is undergoing because of their twisted past. But seems like she was wrong. Her reluctance in correcting him has led to this dreadful situation now.

She looks at the ring which is shining in her finger and then takes it out in no time.

“You have crossed all limits today, Arnav” she yells at him, keeps the ring on the table and rushes out. Arnav swallows hard picking the ring back from the table. Shyam pats Arnav’s back in pity whereas Anjali follows Khushi to stop her.

“Chotte, what is all this? You proposed her? And that too in Ruchi’s presence?” Shyam asks.

Arnav doesn’t bother to answer. He walks out with the ring leaving Shyam and Daadi alone there. Shyam calls him out, asking him to stop but he doesn’t regard his brother’s commands. Daadi looks helplessly at Shyam.

“This is all because of me” she cries. “I shouldn’t have given that ring to Ruchi. She must be hurt.”
“Daadi, please don’t blame yourself for this. We need to fix things now. You suddenly got Ruchi into our family without even consulting once with us. This had to happen”
“But Arnav likes Khushi? How can he even think about her?”
Shyam doesn’t give any surprised reactions to which Daadi gets more infuriated.
“You knew about this?”
Shyam wants to stay quiet but it is too late now. The cat is out of the box already.
“Chotte had told me once”
“And you never told me? How can you both hide it from me?”
“I don’t know why he didn’t tell you but Daadi I was scared. I know you don’t like Khushi much. You have never tried to communicate with her positively anytime. I knew your actions after knowing this truth will be devastating.”

Daadi angrily gets up.
“Had I known this before, todays tragedy could have been avoided Shyam. I am responsible for Ruchi here. I don’t want her to go away hurt and in pain. I should talk to her.”

Shyam nods in agreement. He quickly pays the bill and heads out with Daadi.

Anjali who had followed Khushi a while ago is standing helplessly outside trying to dial her number. Shyam and Daadi comes there.
“Anju, where is Khushi?”
“She left in a cab before I could reach her”
“And Arnav?” Daadi asks.
“He left in his car too. Mohan drove him out” she replies.
“Shyam, let us reach home first” Daadi exclaims.

Shyam quickly gets the car and they head back to Shantivan.
888
Khushi is back home. She didn’t want to step in here again but she has to take her stuff. Whatever happened in the hotel has given her an easy excuse of leaving this house forever. She cannot stay here any longer. She takes out a bag from the closet and starts packing her clothes. Tears continuously roll down her cheeks but she doesn’t bother to wipe them off. Arnav Singh Raizada’s intentions for her have crossed all limits today. Whatever he wants from her is not possible in this lifetime.

“Khushi? What are you doing?” Anjali asks getting inside the room.
“I am leaving Anju.. Please don’t stop me today”
“Leaving? Where?” Anjali asks in fear but doesn’t receive any response from her.

Khushi dumps her clothes in the bag and zips it. Anjali immediately stops her.

“Khushi you cannot do this. I know Arnav’s sudden proposal has shattered you but..”

Khushi raises her palm gesturing Anjali to stop talking.
“Anju, whatever happened out there is beyond my tolerance. I have to leave this house or else things will get more complicated. Please let me go”

Khushi softly pushes Anjali away and heads out dragging her bag.

___________________________________________________


Part 39

Khushi drags her trolley bags down. Anjali rushes to call Shyam and inform him of Khushi’s decision. Daadi who failed to stop Ruchi from the house, now gets inside the living room with teary eyes. Everything is going against her wish. She is shocked to see Khushi with her bags.

“Where do you think you are going?” she barks.
“I am leaving this house” Khushi replies in the same frustrated tone.

Shyam and Anjali reach there and Shyam blocks her way.

“Khushi what is all this? This is not a time to take such hasty decisions. I know Arnav’s proposal has hurt you but we can sort this out. You don’t have to leave the house” Shyam insists.

Khushi tries to push him away. Though everyone here will try their best to make her stop, she has decided not to listen to them.
“Shyam please. I have to go. I feel suffocated here”
“I know Khushi. But please don’t leave like this”
“I can’t”

She gently pushes Shyam away and makes her way to the door. Once again Daadi yells at her.

“You cannot leave the house. These are the court orders. Until you are 25 you cannot leave this family, Khushi. How many times do I have to remind you that?” Daadi yells at Khushi who is still firm of her decision. After what happened at the hotel, she cannot wait here even for a second. She is leaving. She continues dragging her bag when suddenly they all hear him.

“Don’t stop her Daadi, let her go”

Everyone looks at the door and sees Arnav Singh Raizada stepping inside the house. Khushi stops. All are shocked by his statement. How can he agree with Khushi and let her leave this house? Khushi suddenly recollects his proposal in the Hotel. He proposed her with his mother’s ring for marriage? She feels ridiculous of his advances. Their relationship has never been easy. Earlier he was at guilt for that accident and now she is guilty after the horrible revelation done by her father’s note. Why doesn’t he understand that a husband-wife relation between them can never be possible?

“Arnav, what are you saying? The court has strict orders. If she leaves, we might be held responsible unnecessarily. The court will not understand that she left by her choice” Daadi adds.
“I don’t care what the court thinks. In fact, I have myself called up the court personnel and told them that Khushi wants to leave this family. They will be here any moment. They should know what is happening here. That I am pressurizing her for marriage which she is obviously against of” Arnav replies.

Khushi’s jaw drops along with the others. Is he insane? Arnav is gauging her reactions. He knows she is unhappy that he is clearing her way by putting his dignity and his family’s respect again at risk. This is no less than a passive blackmailing. She stares at him angrily for being such an Arse.

“Let them charge me for harassing her. I don’t care what they do to me then”

He is manipulating her by his talks and everyone in the family now starts realizing that. Khushi looks agitatedly at him. She is scared where all this will lead, if she chooses to leave the house still. Two people get inside the house and stand beside Arnav Singh Raizada.

“Miss Khushi Gupta?” one of the man asks.
Khushi leaves her grip from the bag.
“We have got information that you are moving out from this house. Aren’t you aware of the court orders?” the other man asks. He is holding the court order in his hand.

Khushi swallows hard. Shyam intervenes.
“Uhh.. Actually officer, there is some misunderstanding here” he says.
“Bhai please” Arnav interrupts. “These people want to hear it from Khushi, not us. She is old enough to make her decisions. If she is uncomfortable in this house, because of me, then she has all rights to inform the same to the court people who can take the necessary action”

Khushi grits her teeth. She meets Arnav’s gaze again, almost giving him a warning look this time. But he is too adamant to stop pushing himself in the pit. So, she has to take the lead here and end the messed situation.

“Officer, as Shyam said there is some misunderstanding. I am not going anywhere. Actually, I work in AR office and there is a small work outside the city which needs my presence” she lies.

Arnav smirks at her. Such a smart reply.

“Are you sure Miss Gupta? You don’t have to be afraid. If you are not comfortable in this family then you can tell us” the officer urges.
“I am fine Officer. I am sorry for wasting your time”

The two officers look at each other and then start talking in a low voice. Anjali comes and stands next to Khushi, mouthing a thank you to her. She really saved their family from being tormented by the court people. Arnav is still acting neutral as if her lie has not affected him. He puts his hands in pockets and stares at her. The officer finally gets decides to leave suspecting nothing wrong here.

“Okay Miss. Gupta. Based on your statement, we are leaving. But if you plan to leave the city for your work, please ensure that you have at least one of this family member travelling with you. Another 3 months and you will be 25. Until then you will have to ensure that you stay here. And if you are facing any trouble here, you can contact us so that we can take appropriate action on the family”

Khushi fakes a smile and shakes her head in agreement. As soon as the officers leave, Khushi strides to Arnav in anger.

“You are doing this purposely aren’t you? You cannot blackmail me to stay in this house. 3 more months Arnav Singh Raizada and you cannot do anything in your power to stop me from exiting your life” Khushi screams.
“You are living in a big hallucination. You remember I had told you, that you are fortunate enough I am not taking my feelings for you seriously?” he asks coming a step forward without breaking their eye lock. “Now I have. Do whatever in your power Khushi, I am never letting you leave my side”

Each word he utters here, scares not just Khushi but his entire family. So, a lot has been brewing between the two from a long time which Khushi doesn’t want to accept and Arnav is not letting her escape from either. Khushi feels powerless and totally out of place when every pair of eyes are gawking at her for answers. She is not going to fall weak at this moment. She regains her energy and shoots her words back at him.

“You knew I would never want to hurt you again, I am guilty enough to do that. And you used this weakness of mine against me. Didn’t you?” she asks ragefully.

Arnav suddenly becomes quiet. If he allows her to argue and fight further, she might even spill the beans of her father’s suicide note. He cannot let that happen. His entire family is surrounding them. He leaves out again, not answering anything further. Khushi doesn’t stop him either. She is very frustrated right now. She heads back to her room with her luggage. Daadi stares blankly at Shyam.

“Daadi, you just relax. I will talk to Chotte and…” Shyam tries to convince her but she interrupts him.
“Why did Khushi say she is guilty enough to hurt Arnav again? What does she mean by that? Why will she be at guilt?”

Shyam and Anjali also become suspicious and start thinking why would she say that.

“Chotte and Khushi is hiding something from us” Daadi exclaims. “Just like Chotte never revealed his feelings for Khushi to me. I am sure he has hidden some other matters too related to that girl. Didn’t you see how he ignored her further arguments and left? Something is fishy. I have to find it out”

Shyam shakes his head in agreement.
“We will find it out Daadi. I will talk to Khushi first. I know Chotte will not spill the bean. Maybe Khushi will shed some light on this.”
“Not you Shyam, this time I will talk to them myself.” Daadi declares. Shyam doesn’t deny. He is equally worried of the current situations. He just wants peace in this house and wellbeing of both Arnav and Khushi.

Daadi plans out how and when to talk to Khushi about this. It has to be in Arnav’s absence. Today’s day has put her in a different turmoil. Her favorite grandson is in love with the girl whom she doesn’t like at all. And even if she agrees for it, she knows no price in this world can make Khushi reciprocate Arnav’s feelings.

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

Khushi keeps tossing on the bed at night. Arnav has created an uproar in her life. He proposed her for marriage that too before his family. So far, his feelings for her were hidden and now they are out in the open. Today the family knows, tomorrow he won’t mind sharing it to the entire world. How is she supposed to react then? At one side she is angry that he has that kind of feelings for her but on the other side she feels sympathetic for him. People still think him as the culprit of that accident. But he was innocent. Even though her father died under his car, it was not totally Arnav’s mistake. Her father was responsible too. How is she going to live with that truth her entire life?

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

A strong light disturbs Arnav’s sleep the next morning. He returned home late last night. He didn’t want his family to surround him again and judge his acts of proposing Khushi for marriage. But seems like today he has to face all those questions. He rubs his eyes and opens them slowly. His elder brother Shyam Raizada is sliding the curtains of the French doors aside. Damn!!

“Shut the curtains. It’s Sunday. I have all rights to sleep longer” Arnav mutters tossing on the bed, turning other side where there is still little darkness.
Shyam slides the other curtains too and there is light everywhere in the room. It pisses him off.
“What the” he sits finally giving an angry glare to his elder brother.

Shyam just smiles in return.

“You remember Chotte, I used to wake you up the same way when you were small. You hated to wake up early on Sundays”
Arnav recollects those memories. Everything was so perfect those days. Shyam sits next to him and passes him the coffee. Arnav takes it from him.
“I know you are here to talk to me, that’s the only reason why you can wake me up so early on a Sunday morning”
Shyam nods.
“Yes, you are right”
“But I am not in a mood to talk. Especially, about last night”

He gets down the bed and walks to the closet.

“Until you speak to me, how will I help you Chotte?”
“I don’t need any help”
“Yes, you don’t. But an additional support from your family is never going to go waste” Shyam blocks his way. “Khushi was talking something about her guilt yesterday. What is that about?”

This is what he fears to answers. Shyam continues.

“As far as we know you have been guilty, not her. Why did she say that you know she will never hurt you again? What did she mean by that? What is it that you both are hiding?”
“I have to go for gym. Excuse me” Arnav tries to find some excuse but Shyam blocks his way again.
“Arnav… if you don’t tell me that, Daadi will talk to Khushi about it. Do you want that to happen?”

Arnav clenches his jaw. He knows how eager Khushi is to tell his family about Shashi Gupta’s final note.

“Where is Daadi?” he asks.
“She is doing Puja but after that she is going to corner Khushi and ask her the same.”
Arnav suddenly gets restless. He cannot let Khushi utter a word about it.
“Chotte please” Shyam places his arm on Arnav’s shoulder. “If you tell me, I can help”

Arnav thinks for a while and then meets his brother’s eyes.

“If you want to help me, just ensure Daadi doesn’t speak to Khushi about this” Arnav demands.
“That’s too much to ask for. What excuse will I give her?” Shyam argues.
“You had so many excuses to protect me when I was young. Use one of them”

Shyam sighs disappointedly.
“Daadi is not going to be convinced with any excuses this time. This matter is worse than the silly ones which I used to save you from during our childhood.”
Arnav believes he is right about it. Daadi is not going to hear any excuses if she is suspicious about something being hidden between him and Khushi. She will use all her means to find it out.

“Fine, I will talk to her myself. I will tell everyone what me and Khushi are hiding. You just inform her not to speak anything to Khushi as I will reveal it myself”

Shyam’s jaw drops. How did he agree for revealing this without much fuss? As far as he knows his younger brother, it takes a million efforts to convince him to share his inner feelings. Then how did he agree so suddenly today? Arnav heads for the shower and Shyam strides to the puja room where Daadi is busy chanting hymns as part of her daily routine. Once she finishes, he tells her what Arnav has mentioned. Daadi becomes suspicious again just like Shyam is but she wants to desperately know what Arnav has to tell all of them. It might shed some light on why the equation between him and Khushi has changed. Why none of them are able to see the hatred in Khushi’s eyes anymore from past few days?

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

Khushi doesn’t want to come down. She is still lying on her bed and thinking about the proposal from Arnav Singh Raizada, his determination in making her stay under the same roof. This man is not going to leave her way so easily. She will have to do something drastic that he doesn’t even get time to think of negating her plans. Hari Prakash knocks her room door and comes inside.

“Khushi Didi, will you have your breakfast here or down?”

Khushi gets up from the bed and shakes her head.
“I am not hungry HP. Thanks.”

HP is about to leave when Khushi stops him.
“Where is Anju?”
“Bhabhi and everyone else are in Arnav bhaiya’s room.”
This little piece of information from HP startles her. What is everyone doing in Arnav’s room? She has to find out. She will be more than happy if they are trying to convince him to give up the idea of marrying her. She quickly wears her slippers and hurries to his room.

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

“You heard it right Daadi” Arnav exclaims. He is surrounded by Daadi, Shyam and Anjali. “I had faced this tragic situation when I was in the child remand. A woman… she… she tried to molest me.” He swallows hard repeating that incident again to his family who are in utter shock, despair and anger that one of their very own had to undergo all this pain at such a tender age.

“I am Haphephobic and when Khushi got to know this, she was hurt too. As this happened during my punishment period in the child remand, she feels guilty because I was there at that place because of that accident. So, she somehow got connected to my pain. This is why she refused to leave when the court personnel were here. She didn’t want to give me further pain. That’s it”

Everyone is stunned at this revelation but Khushi who heard it all from the door is more furious on Arnav Singh Raizada. Even though whatever he said is true, he still cleverly hide the actual fact, the fact that the accident was more like a suicide from her father and she is guilty because of that path which her father chose to give her a better life. She knows that under no circumstance he will ever let his family or the world know that, because he wants to protect her. To hide this little secret of their’s, he didn’t even think twice before revealing the most tragic incident of his life. How can he be so selfless? Or should she say he is madly in love with her?

___________________________________________________


Part 40

Daadi cries continuously after the revelation from her grandson about he being haphephobic. She is in her room surrounded by Anjali and Shyam who are trying to console her.

“Daadi, please be strong. If you cry like this, how are we going to solve this problem” Shyam exclaims.
“I feel so guilty Shyam, I couldn’t ensure the safety of my grandson. I should have known he is unsafe there” Daadi weeps again.

Anjali caresses Daadi’s back.

“Daadi, how were you supposed to know all this? Arnav himself was unwilling to share that incident with anyone of us all these years. If he had told it, we might have started to cure him much earlier” Anjali adds.
Shyam agrees.
“Yes, but better late than never. I really appreciate how Khushi has taken this initiative to cure his phobia. She is the only one who can get this change in Arnav”

Daadi’s whimpers eases slowly. She suddenly goes into a thoughtful mode and then turns to Shyam.

“But why is she doing all these favors for Arnav?” Daadi curiously asks. “I feel there is more to it Shyam. Something which both are still hiding”

Shyam already was suspicious about this. And Daadi’s doubt is raising his suspicions more.

“Even if there is more to it Daadi, we will find it out. You just calm down for now”
“I cannot be calm. I have to take some action against the authorities of that child remand who tried to mollify the issue years ago. A child was molested. How can they just cover it up?” Daadi gets aggressive.
Shyam agrees with her again.
“But Daadi, Arnav is already in pain. If this matter somehow leaks in the media, there will be more reasons for his grief” he suggests.
Daadi gets restless. This is true. She cannot compromise with her Grandson’s happiness anymore.

“I want to punish them Shyam but not at the cost of Chotte’s dignity. We have to tackle this matter in a very sensitive way” Daadi declares.
Shyam acknowledges her words. It is high time he gives justice to his younger brother.
“Yes Daadi, I will check with our lawyers what can we do about this.”

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

Arnav Singh Raizada is busy watering his plants at the poolside. He hears her footsteps behind and without even turning back he acknowledges her.

“I think you lost way to your room” he says with a cool edge in his voice.

Khushi is startled that he recognized her presence even without seeing or hearing her. But that bewilderment is not going to deviate her from the real purpose of coming here. Arnav finally turns and meets her sharp gaze. She is wearing a peach color kurta over a white salwar. She has just showered as her hair is still damp.

“Beauuuutiful” he murmurs.

She gets conscious by his sudden praise and grips her phone tight in her fist. His eyes glitter dangerously as he drops the water jug aside and folds his arms across his chest.

“I won’t mind just gawking at you the whole day like this, unless you have something to talk” he grins.

Khushi swallows hard. Why is she acting like dumb here? She was going to shout him for hiding the matter related to her father’s suicide note from Daadi and his family.
“You think you are over smart? How could you deviate your family from the actual subject Arnav?”
“Har baar zhagadna zaroori hai kya?” (Is it always necessary to fight?) he interrupts her.

She gets speechless again seeing a mischief in his eyes. Plus, he comes forward to her.
“Can we ever have a normal conversation minus the guilt topics?” he asks further. Khushi gazes up at him impassively. His confidence, his advances towards her is increasing day by day, minute by minute and she is afraid how quick all of this will lead them to.
“No…” she refrains from coming into his web. “There can be nothing between us apart from guilt and sympathy” she adds.
“You are seeing only one side of our relationship” he whispers. “Trust me, the other side is way more beautiful than this”
Khushi feels uneasy as he hints that.
“There is no other side” she replies in a threatening tone.
“Again a misconception, Khushi Kumari Gupta. Only by closing your heart for someone doesn’t actually let him out of your life” he retorts.
Where has he taken this subject to? She was here to discuss why he didn’t let his family know the truth of the suicide note from her father? Why he instead chose to reveal the horrific past he faced in the child remand? Not that she didn’t want his family to know what pain he has undergone there. But it would have been nicer if he had told them both the truths. But just like always he is concerned for her safety and dignity in the house and in the eyes of his family which is making him ignore his own self.

“It is waste talking to you” she mutters bitterly and tries to leave but the moment she turns around, he pins his hand on the French doors not allowing her to go away.

Khushi feels a knot in her stomach by his sudden movements. Was it a mistake to come to his room?

“I dislike when you leave the conversations open between us and run away” he snaps.
She turns back to face him.
“I am running nowhere. Not until my period in this house expires as per the legal procedures. But let me make myself clear Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada, even if you turn the whole world upside down, I can never fulfil your wish of accepting your proposal. Not in this birth at least”

Those few challenging words from her hits his ego. He takes one step away from her and puts his hands in pant pockets.

“I am glad at least you are thinking of my proposal day and night.” he teases.

Khushi presses her lips together, tightening her jaw. Is she really thinking about that proposal?
“Do hell with your proposal. It means nothing to me”

“Stop lying” he warns her, his eyes locked with hers intensely. “I know the thought of being my wife haunts you. And that’s perfectly normal. Tables of guilt have turned Khushi but what never changed is my feelings for you. Some day you will reciprocate them. I am sure about that” his jaws tighten as he throws these power-packed words at her.
Khushi swallows hard, words unable to reach her throat. Where does he get this confidence from? She glances up at his ferocious expressions and the sureness she had all this while starts fading away. Can he really do this? Can he change her mind about this proposal?
“You have completely lost it” she snarls and hurries out. Arnav keeps staring at her as she leaves his room. This woman can take all her time in this world to ignore him, but he is very confident enough that one day he is going to win her forever.

Daadi who had been hearing this conversation, hides behind the pillar while Khushi rushes out. She doesn’t want her to know that she has heard it all. Arnav’s determination in winning Khushi’s love is tormenting her. Her grandson is head over heels on a girl and she cannot even do anything about it. She has never had a good equation with Khushi but if she is her grandson’s only choice and demand then she will have to accept her and find a way that can lead Khushi accept Arnav’s proposal.

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

Khushi paces in the bedroom, thinking how she has to tackle with this proposal. She feels tied up in the house, around people whom she cannot meet eyes with after realizing her father is the reason behind their grandson’s sufferings. She feels suffocated with the mere thought of continuing her stay here. Letting Daadi know the reality might escalate her departure from this house but it is still not sufficient to prove Arnav was not totally responsible for that accident. The world has to know and she has to find a way to make that happen.

Arnav on the other hand gets an intuition that Khushi might go to the extremes to prove his innocence in that accident. He wants to safeguard her from the repercussions of that action. He will have to keep an eye on her constantly. And the best would be to engross her in more work and responsibilities. He thinks for a while and decides what he has to do.

The next day at Office, Khushi is surprised to know that Arnav Singh Raizada has kept an urgent meeting with her team. She has no excuses to escape from this. She steps in the conference room with her team and takes her seat. Arnav is yet to come and everyone is gossiping the probable reasons of this sudden meet. The door opens and Arnav Singh Raizada steps in the room, greeting everyone. The staff greets him back and takes their seat again after he gestures them to. He quickly gives her glance to Khushi who looks away from him. He then addresses the team.

“Thanks for gathering here at such a short notice. I have an important announcement to make” he declares. “After the successful completion of our previous project, we have received a new contract from the Motwani group of company.”

Everyone claps at this news. He gestures them to hold their claps until he finishes the entire declaration.

“Motwani’s are a valuable client for this company and we have to design outfits for the summer collection magazines. We have a deadline of 2 months to do this. Motwani’s are based in Jaipur and a part of our team will have to directly coordinate with them from their location”

Khushi gets enthusiastic about this new work. She somehow feels it is going to be yet another challenge in her professional life which she wants to take up sincerely. She comes out of her self-thoughts and concentrates back on him. Arnav quickly takes 6- 7 names from his team of designers who are going to fly to Jaipur for this work. Khushi happily claps for them but the next statement from Arnav takes her breathe away.

“Khushi Gupta will be yet again leading this team and hence will have to travel to Jaipur with others”

Khushi’s jaw drops as she throws a bewildered look at Arnav Singh Raizada. Everyone claps for her as she has really shown her capabilities well in the last project and is going to yet again prove herself as a best lead. But Khushi is speechless and not in a state to understand why he is doing so. But after giving her brain few kicks she realizes that he is actually protecting their secret from coming out in the open by sending her away from his family. The meeting ends and everyone starts dispersing. Arnav purposely waits as he knows Khushi is very much interested in taking up an argument with him yet again. Once everyone leaves the room and only they both are left out, Khushi bursts out.

“I am not going anywhere.”
“You cannot deny, this is my company and I decide how to utilize my resources”

She grits her teeth.
“You are doing this on purpose, aren’t you? If it had been only for work, I wouldn’t have denied. But you are keeping me away from the family only because you want to protect me from their anger and frustration after I reveal them about my father’s note. This is what hurts me more”

Arnav smiles and comes forward.

“Are you sure that is hurting you the most?” he teasingly asks. “Because I think it is staying away from me that is going to hurt you the most”

Khushi clenches her jaw and her nose flares.

“In your dreams, Mr. Raizada. And you are right, I should go to Jaipur. At least this distance between us will help you sort your feelings for me and make you take back your proposal”

She picks her file and heads out, banging the door hard behind her. Arnav smirks. It worked. He purposely teased her so that she really chooses to go and he was successful in it. And who said she is going without him there? He has stayed enough without her all these years. He is never going to let distances grow between them anymore. He heads out of the room and stops at Aman’s cabin.

“Book my flight to Jaipur with the team Aman” he commands.
“Boss, why to book a flight for you when you can fly anytime in your private jet?” Aman cross-questions.

Arnav shakes his head.
“Do as I say. I am travelling with the team tomorrow and yes, don’t let them know that yet. Understood?”

Aman confusingly nods in agreement and starts making the travel arrangements.

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

“Jaipur? For 2 months? This is a long period Khushi” Anjali complains.

Khushi continues packing her clothes.
“I know. But I will keep visiting you guys every fortnight if possible. Or you all can come there to see me.”
“Yes, that’s possible. But I will miss you”

Anjali hugs Khushi who hugs her back.

“Is Shyam aware of this?” Anjali asks.
“I am sure he is. But he cannot do much about it. Work comes first Anju and this is what I want. I want to keep myself engrossed in work now.”

Anjali nods and cups Khushi’s cheeks.
“You will do great there and succeed in everything”
“Thanks”

Khushi zips her bags and heads out. Shyam and Daadi are downstairs talking something.

“But how can she travel without one of our family member escorting her? Isnt that against the terms of court?” Daadi asks.
“She is not going alone Daadi, Chotte is going too” Shyam replies.

Daadi is horrified to know that. She cannot bear her grandson’s absence for such a long period.
“What? Why Chotte? Why not someone else?”
“Daadi relax. I think he has taken a wise decision. If he really wants to win Khushi, this is the best opportunity he has. And don’t we want to see him happy?”

Daadi understands his point of view and allows things to progress the way her grandson wants. Khushi bids adieu to the family and gets in the car to head for the airport. She is surprised why Arnav Singh Raizada was not around when she left. Probably he cannot see her leaving. But it is good for him. At least he will realize that there is no future between them. She takes a deep breathe and accepts this new phase of her life as a fresh challenge. Very little does she know that this phase of her life is going to give her the most thrilling gift of her life.

___________________________________________________

Part 41

“You have been upgraded to Business class seat Ma’am” the cabin crew girl replies cheekily to Khushi who is highly surprised at the information.
“Upgraded? No.. I think there is some confusion”
“No Ma’am. We have checked it already. Let me show you your seat”

Khushi follows the women who takes her to the business class seat. It is a window seat. She puts her luggage at the top and takes her seat. She knows who might have done this. She removes her phone and quickly messages the man behind this unnecessary upgrade.

‘Stop pushing me to luxury and comfort’

She quickly types the message and sends it to Arnav. She waits for few seconds hoping to get a reply from him but fails. She knows he is also going to come to Jaipur but when, she has no clue. Locking her phone, she looks outside the flight window. Passengers are still boarding the flight. The seat next to hers is vacant and she has no clue who will occupy it. She closes her eyes. That’s the best way to spend the next 2 hours in flight. Just few minutes later, she feels someone occupying the seat next to her. She becomes conscious suddenly and opens her eyes only to be thrilled to see the man occupying it.

“You?” she screams. Arnav immediately puts his finger on her lips to stop her from yelling like that. Most of the passengers who are still in a queue to walk to their respective seats get alert by her sudden scream.
“Khushi Gupta, behave. We are outdoors” he says with a wide smirk.

She pushes his finger away from her lips and grits her teeth.

“What happened to your jet? Why are you travelling with us?”
Arnav makes himself comfortable on the seat and fastens his belt.
“I gave an off to my Pilot. You have a problem with that?”
“Yes, I have. You upgraded my seat.”
“Not for your comfort but mine” he grins and this time she is irritated beyond her control. She is about to get up from the seat but he holds her hand and makes her sit again. “We are on a business trip Miss Gupta and I wanted to discuss work with you. Hence the upgradation” he adds.

Khushi knows he is lying. He has nothing to discuss. He is just going to trouble her the whole way. The flight starts its route to the main runway. Khushi is helpless.

“Seatbelt” he reminds her.
She inclines on her seat and tries to fasten the belt which seems to have stuck somewhere to the seat. It irritates her all the more.
“What an upgrade!!” she comments with a sigh. Arnav holds his laugh and stops her from messing with the seatbelt further. She immediately takes her hand off when he touches the belt and looks in his eyes. He is admiring her already while his hands are working well to fasten her seatbelt. She feels goosebumps when his fingers unknowingly brush her waistline. Why the hell she had to wear this short top over the palazzo pant?? She closes her eyes and opens it again when he takes away his arm from her, tucking the seatbelt as needed. The flight takes off. Khushi ensures not to see at his direction and keeps her head glued to the window.

“I didn’t know you have owl eyes” he whispers “to see in the dark”

Khushi then realizes its night and everything is dark outside. She cannot even see the stars. She bites the corner of her lower lip. This one action from her arouses something inside him which is so difficult to control. She reads that change in his expressions and looks elsewhere again. She doesn’t know how she is going to handle this man in Jaipur. The cabin crew start serving juices and snacks which is complimentary for business class seats. Khushi sips her juice while Arnav quietly finishes his. The temperature inside starts getting cold. Khushi realizes she forgot to keep a shawl in her purse. It is in her other bag. She rubs her arms to suppress the chills. Arnav notices it and takes off his coat.

“Take it. It will keep you warm” he offers.
“No Thanks”

Arnav knows she wont listen to him so easily. She is very stubborn sometimes, just like him. He keeps the coat on his lap while she keeps rubbing her arms to stop the slow chills. In few minutes, Khushi dozes off to sleep. Arnav realizes she is still feeling the chills as her lips are quivering. He slowly opens the coat and places on her, covering her with its warmth. She doesn’t even realize it. He keeps staring at her for a while until her lips stops quivering, meaning she is no longer feeling cold. He shuts his eyes too. This is the first time she is so close to him for such a longer period. It was a good decision from his end to travel with the team than his private jet.

Khushi wakes up suddenly with a jolt. The flight is landing and hence the additional turbulence. She rubs her eyes. She finds his coat covering her body. So, he placed it on her when she dozed off!! She looks at him, he is reading the magazine, showing no interest that she is watching him. She removes the coat and hands it back to him. He starts wearing it again.

“Tum theek ho?” (You okay?) he asks.

She gently nods her head and looks outside the window again. After getting down from the plane, she walks with the rest of the team while Arnav follows her with their client Motwani’s manager, Vimal, who has specially come to receive them.

“How far is the residence from here Vimal?” he asks.
“Sir, it is half an hour from the airport. And you will love it. All the arrangements for the cook, maids and cleaning staff is done”
“I need a driver too” Arnav reminds Vimal.
“Oh okay. That will be arranged. You will have your own driver to pick you from the bungalow and drop you to Motwani’s office everyday”

Arnav nods. He has never drove a vehicle since that accident. Even after coming to India their driver Mohan drove him everywhere. He doesn’t want to recollect any of that past again. He keeps walking until they all come out of the arrivals. There are three separate vehicles to take the staff to the hotel where they would be staying for the next 2 -3 months. Everyone starts boarding the vehicles. Khushi is about to step in when Arnav pulls her back.

“We are going in the other car” he declares.

She feels nervous when her colleagues observe them but later continue getting into the vehicle.

“I am going with my team” she snaps.
“Khushi, stop fussing. I am just following the court orders. Whenever you are out of town, someone from the Raizada family must accompany you. Which means you will not be staying with the team but with me, that includes your travel too.”

Khushi feels helpless. It is like a do-do situation for her. She cannot stay away from him even if she wants to. A posh vehicle stops before them and Arnav opens the seat door for her. She unwillingly gets inside and he follows her too. Vimal sits ahead with the driver to guide him with the bungalow address. Khushi remains silent while Vimal keeps talking to Arnav about the arrangements and their next day’s agenda.

The bungalow is beautiful. Khushi feels restless with the mere thought of staying alone with Arnav Singh Raizada here. Wish Shyam and Anju were here to give her company. They enter the house. Vimal is busy showing Arnav the house and its amenities while Khushi waits in the living room to make calls. She first dials Anju and informs her that she has reached. She tells everything to Anjali how Arnav upgraded her seat, sat next to her and even forced her to stay in the bungalow which he has temporarily rented out for their stay here. Anjali laughs heartily interrupting Khushi’s complaints.

“Anju, what is there to laugh?” Khushi asks.

Anjali holds her laughter.
“Sorry Khushi.. But I am really impressed by Arnav. I initially had a different impression about him. I thought he is stubborn and introvert but looks like he is not what he looks. He is so generous. You should be happy that there is someone who is looking so well after your comfort”

Khushi gets angered.
“Anju stop praising him. And I don’t need his comfort. In fact, I don’t need him anywhere around me”
“You sure?” Anjali asks. “I mean these days I have seen you sobering down for him.”
Khushi’s mind goes back to the reasons why she has sobered down. Because as Arnav said, the tables of guilt have turned. She is the one who is repenting on behalf of her father’s deeds.
“Hello? Khushi are you there?” Anjali asks.
Khushi comes out of her thoughts.
“Yes.. I.. I am little tired. Will call you tomorrow Anju. Give my regards to Shyam”
“Okay, good night. And all the best for your new project”

Khushi thanks her and disconnects the call. She turns around hearing Vimal’s voice again. He is with Arnav at the door. Probably, Vimal is leaving.

“Okay Sir, if you need anything, do give me a call” Vimal politely leaves the house shaking hands with Arnav again. Khushi doesn’t wait for Arnav to concentrate back on her. She climbs the stairs to find which room she can occupy.

She steps inside a big bedroom, its lavish and beautiful. There is a door at the right which leads to an open terrace which has a two-seater swing. She had heard Vimal telling Arnav in the car that this bungalow has 3 bedrooms. If she occupies this room, there are still 2 more for Arnav to choose. She sits on the swing leisurely. This is the first time she has come out of Shantivan for such a long period. She wonders how these 2 – 3 months would pass and most importantly how will she tackle the presence of Arnav Singh Raizada around her, alone. She spends some 5 – 10 minutes thinking about it. Suddenly, she feels a gust of air blowing on her face. She senses his presence around. When she looks at the terrace door, she finds him standing and admiring her from far. Since when was he here? Khushi immediately gets down the swing. He too comes out of his reverie.

“Food will be ready and served in 15 minutes” Arnav informs.
She nods.
“Looks like you have already chosen your room” he adds.
She smiles glancing at the room one more time. She really loved it.
“Strange!! We have started thinking alike. I had just asked the maid to shift my stuff in this room” he notifies.
“What? Oh.. I .. I will stay in the other room then”
“Don’t” he stops her from leaving. “You deserve to stay here” he whispers.
She doesn’t accept that so easily.
“I just realized I didn’t like the color of this room. So, thank. I will fetch myself some other room” she walks away. He knows she is doing this on purpose. Anything that he points out, she will never even think of touching, forget having it for herself. He has to change this first.

Khushi occupies the other bedroom at the ground floor. It is near to the kitchen. She freshens up and comes to the kitchen. There are two maids who are serving the food on the table. They introduce themselves to her and then continue their work. Arnav Singh Raizada comes down while talking to Daadi on his phone.

“Daadi, you know you can come here any time. No one has stopped you from seeing me”

Khushi gives him a quick glance and takes her seat at the table. She starts serving for herself while the maids serve Arnav who is still engrossed pacifying his Daadi.
“I will eat on time Daadi and there are people who will look after my health here, I hope.” he purposely looks at Khushi who meets his eyes for fraction of seconds and continues eating. “Okay, good night. I will call you tomorrow”

He puts his phone away and starts eating. Khushi suddenly coughs hard. Arnav gets up from his seat and offers her water. He is terribly scared.

“Khushi, drink some water. You will feel better” he makes her drink the water and she doesn’t deny his help. She gulps the water down. He caresses her hair to comfort her. “Eat slowly dammit. What’s the hurry?” he snaps once she stops coughing.

Khushi breathes normally again and shrugs his arm away.
“You don’t have to tell me everything. I am grown up enough to do my own things. And please keep some distance from me. I don’t want people here to take us in the other way”
He glares at the maids who had immediately rushed to help Khushi seeing her cough. They walk inside to do their respective work. Arnav looks back at Khushi.
“You don’t want a lot of things, but that doesn’t mean they won’t happen”
Khushi gapes at him. He is unbelievable at times. Arnav heads back to his seat and continues eating. So, does she. They eat quietly and she is the first one to finish. She is about to get up and leave when he interrupts.
“You should never leave a person to have his food alone”

She stops.
“Give me company till I finish” he insists.
For some reason, she listens to him. She sits and watches him eat. He is a fine eater. She has never noticed him eating before. She realizes he is conscious what he eats. No much carbs, just a pure proteinaceous diet. And he doesn’t leave anything in his plate. He finishes everything that’s served. That’s a good habit. From where has he adopted this habit? Could it be from the child remand? She recollects him telling her once that he used to starve there because of the quality of food. She wonders how bad those days were. Realization dawns as he wipes his lips and smiles at her.

Both get up from their seats. He walks with her till her room and then stops.
“I know it was a very hectic day for you but think about my proposal before you sleep” he asserts.
Khushi rolls her eyes.
“That will be the last thing in my mind”
Arnav steps towards her and she suddenly feels intimidated. She hits her back to the wall behind.
“That’s right. Me… and everything related to me should be the last thing in your mind, Khushi” he murmurs huskily.
“You are over dreaming”
Arnav smirks.
“Why do you think I have assigned you for this work here? Why do you think I have left all my important agenda and followed you all the way here? Why do you think we are not staying with the rest of our team in any hotels?” he asks. She feels a spark of mischief in his eyes. As if he has planned something huge for them which she isn’t aware of. She gets an uneasy feeling inside her. Arnav reads her puzzled expressions and smirks again.
“Why?” Khushi stammers. She is barely audible.
“Because I want you all for myself. I want you to seriously think about us, Khushi. You are the only woman I ever want and I want to be the only man to put the whole world at your feet.”

Khushi gulps nervously. He sounds so certain and she can understand where he is getting with this. Tears pool in her eyes seeing his determination. Any woman would fall for this. But she can’t. Their past is the only hinderance which is not letting her accept him or his selfless love. Arnav glowers at her. His jaw tense. He gently touches the drop of tear which is about to roll from her eyes and wipes it off her face.

“Khushi, har baat pe rona zaroori hai kya?” (Is it always necessary to cry?)

His soft tone, his concerned expressions, his gentle touch on her face, his intense eyes, everything seems perfect at the moment. Khushi feels her body relaxing slowly. He really knows some magic to ease all her worries, pain. He clicks the door open and steps back from her.

“You need rest. Good night” he whispers.

He holds the door open for her to enter. She gives him a quick glance and heads inside. This man is weaving some kind of magic on her. If this continues, she won’t take time to re-decide about his proposal.


___________________________________________________


Part 42

It is going to be a hectic day today, Khushi knows, which is why she has woken up early than her usual hours. She did get catch good sleep last night even though the first few minutes on bed went on thinking about Arnav Singh Raizada’s insistence on thinking about his proposal. She didn’t know why but she imagined what would happen if she gives a thought about it. She saw Daadi’s dark red hooded eyes scolding her for accepting Arnav’s proposal. That one imaginary scene was enough to stop her from thinking on these lines further.

She quickly brushes her hair and comes down to know what is the breakfast arrangement. This place is new for her and she will have to put some time in ensuring things work smoothly here for both of them. What surprises her is the fact that she is giving so much attention to Arnav Singh Raizada’s comfort here. But that’s the least she can do to pay off all the debts of his family. She presses her eyes shut and decides not to think about the past at this busy hour.

When she gets inside the kitchen, she sees the maid preparing aloo Parathas.

“Parathas?” Khushi asks the maid.
“Yes Ma’am. These are special parathas of this place. You both will like it”

Khushi sighs.
“I am sure the parathas are good but Arnav doesn’t like it for breakfast”
“Oh” the maids become nervous. “What will we make for him then?”
“Pancakes”

Khushi herself wonders how confident she is about his breakfast choice. Since the time he has arrived from Paris, she has seen him eating this every morning. It is not that she was sneaking his plate but when you eat with the family, you get to know who is eating what.

“Pancakes? What is that?” the maid nervously asks. Khushi realizes they have no clue how to make pancakes. So, she decides to do it herself.
“I will make it, not to worry. Just tell me where the ingredients are”

After half an hour, Arnav heads down looking for her. He had been to Khushi’s room but didn’t find her there. He makes his way to the kitchen hearing her voice. She is talking to the maids there. He stops at the kitchen to witness this beautiful moment where the woman he loves is making his morning breakfast with so much passion. He starts dreaming what would have been the next scene if Khushi was his wife. He would have swept the maids off this room and with quiet steps he would have reached Khushi, hugging her tight, kissing her in a way she wouldn’t even dream of, for being such a dutiful life partner. A smile plays on his lips for this beautiful imagination.

The maids see him and walk out quietly. Khushi doesn’t notice why they left. She pours a scoop of the pancake batter on the frying pan. She tosses it to fry the other side. Arnav thinks of something and without letting her know he was here, or that he has seen her making breakfast for him, he walks out. He then sends one maid in the kitchen to inform Khushi that he has come down for breakfast. Khushi immediately asks the maid to place the dishes over the table. When she comes out, Arnav pretends to be busy texting someone on his mobile phone. He sees her, smiles and wishes her morning while she takes a seat opposite to him. Khushi just nods at his greet and starts serving in her plate. The maid is about to serve Arnav but he denies.

“I will serve myself. Thanks”

The maid leaves and Arnav decide to play around a bit. He opens the vessel and starts himself Parathas. Khushi sees that and immediately pushes the vessel with pancakes in it. Arnav hides his smile. He knows she is pointing him to eat the pancakes but he continues eating the parathas only. Khushi stops eating and finally speaks up.

“Why are you eating Parathas?” she asks in a commanding tone.
“Because I wish to eat them. And believe me they are good.”
“Silly me” she sighs. “I made pancakes for you thinking you wont like to eat parathas in the morning”
Arnav’s brow raises.
“Really? Why?” he asks. “Why did you take efforts in thinking about my likes and priorities?”
Khushi realizes he is doing everything on purpose. She is a fool to even argue on this.
“Fine!! Eat whatever you like. I don’t care”

She is about to take the vessel of pancakes away but he holds her hand, stopping her.
“You just need to say it Khushi.” His voice turns silky.
Khushi feels a shiver run through her spine.
“Saa…ayyy what?” she stammers. His gaze is such a distraction. She feels her hand becoming warmer as if his hold is radiating immense heat inside her. What is wrong with her? Why is she allowing him to control her? This is what he wants her to undergo. But she will not let him win. She looks into his eyes and says confidently.
“I want you to eat the pancakes”

She tries to hide any kind of expressions on her face which can make him think she is giving up to him. But Arnav doesn’t need her expressions, her eyes are enough to say it all. He passes his beautiful boyish smile and leaves the grip from her arm. He serves the pancake in his plate and takes a bite of it. He relishes it as if this is the first time he is getting to eat something so delicious. Khushi observes him without even blinking her eyes. She is so dazed to see him savoring that pancake. He finishes the whole of it in 3 minutes and then looks back at her.

“They were the best pancakes I have ever tasted. It’s like you have put all her dedication into this one dish”

Whenever he becomes this vocal, especially for praising her, she gets goosebumps all over her skin. She doesn’t say anything, because words simply choke her throat. This seems to be happening quite frequently these days.

“Thank you, Khushi. I won’t insist you to make them often for me, but I really appreciate that you care for me. You care for my needs and my wellness, as if you are the only one responsible for looking after me. It means a lot to me”
She swallows hard trying to put forth her thoughts.
“I am just trying to repay your debts by whatever little I can do for you”

Arnav’s smile vanishes. He frowns at her but before he could argue over this, Vimal enters the house and greets them.

“Good morning Sir, morning Ma’am. I am here to take you both to Motwani’s office”
Arnav nods grimly. Vimal waits in the living room while Khushi quickly finishes the breakfast. She is about to get up but realizes Arnav is still eating. And then she recalls what he had told her last night. He doesn’t want to be left alone while he is eating. So, she waits. And he realizes it too. It is evident that she is changing towards him, now all he needs to do is make her confess that she is doing this not to repay any debts but because she cares for him.

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

The Motwani’s office staff greet Arnav and the entire team of AR group of companies are lead to their respective work place where they can start the Project. Khushi gets engrossed in handling the team whereas Arnav takes care of the management side. The confidence and spark in his talks impresses the client beyond their expectations.

After a hectic day, when they finally decide to wind up, Arnav makes his way to Khushi’s cubicle. Unlike in AR office, here she has a smaller place to work but he knows she will never complain. He sees her talking to Molly, one of her co-workers from AR, and her assistant.

“Molly, we have just 2 days to complete the designs. I have talked to the Motwani’s lead for this Project and they will need a presentation from us on the 3rd day from now.”
“Yes Ma’am. The team will be ready by then”
“Great”
“Should we leave then, Ma’am?”
“Yes. You all reach the hotel. I will stay here for some more time”

Molly nods and leaves the cubicle. Arnav enters after she is gone.

“No one is stretching work beyond the agreed hours. Pack up, we need to go” he orders.
Khushi gives him a cold stare and then concentrates back on the sketches.
“It is easy for the managers to say so, but when the deadlines are not met, these same people harass their staff demanding the reasons. I don’t want to upset my Boss”
Arnav grins.
“You have enough ways to cheer him up” he replies.
She stops sketching and glances at him again. Is he flirting? Arnav comes closer and placing both his palms over the table she is working, he leans forward to her.
“Just three words from you to ease your Boss’s aching heart”

Khushi feels blood gushing in her cheeks and turning its color. She quickly scans around to see if anyone saw or heard him. Fortunately, there is no one except the peon who is very far from them.
“I don’t have any words to cure your aching heart Mr. Raizada” she replies coolly.
Arnav leans back, crossing his arms across his chest.
“You have started lying now? Not your forte, Miss Gupta.” He teases.
She tightens her jaw.
“Will you please get out of this cubicle and let me work?”
“Mind your words, you are talking to your boss!!”
“That’s right. You are my Boss so act like one. Don’t get personal topics here at workplace”
“Impressive” he smiles. “Now that you want me to be your BOSS, I demand you leave the office and do whatever is left out at home, not here”

He wins!! Khushi suppresses her anger and shuts down the laptop. He does everything to annoy her and she cannot even fight back. He quietly waits until she finishes packing her bag and is ready to go. Without a word, she heads out and he follows her. It is good to see her agreeing to all his terms. She sits in the car, while he takes the seat next to hers. The driver takes them back home.

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

2 days pass. There is no much change in their routine. Everyday morning, she cooks pancakes for him, and he appreciates that daily. They go office together and get engrossed in work. He doesn’t let her work late there. So, she has to complete all the pending work coming back home. Today she had a deadline to complete the designs for the Summer collections for Motwani group and get it ready for presentation tomorrow.

It is 01:00 am. Khushi finally keeps the sketches aside and decides to sleep. She has been working ever since she is back from Motwani’s office. She was even going to skip her dinner which Arnav didn’t let her do. He forced her to come down, taking a short break and eat food. At 11:30pm he even sent a maid in her room to check if she needed anything. Though she denied for anything, he has been very kind enough to send her a cup of coffee to keep her awake and active to complete the work. Though not directly, but she realizes they have started sharing an unknown bond which is weaving them together. She is aware he is expecting beyond this. MORE. Like he said to her one day. But she is unwilling to settle it for him.

She realizes the sketches will need his approval. She cannot scan and upload them without his approval. She checks the time. It is ten past 01:00. Will he be awake now? Yesterday, he was. She should go and check. She wears her slippers and takes the sketches along, walking to his room. She knocks the door but realizes it is open already. He must have forgot to lock it. She steps in slowly in the dark light and realizes he must be asleep. She looks at the bed and finds Arnav restless and tossing. He is murmuring something. It must be a nightmare.

“no… just go away..no” he shakes his head with force, as if trying to suppress that fear from his mind.

Khushi immediately rushes to the bed. He must be recalling those horrific moments in the child remand which is why he is behaving like this. He jerks on the bed, clutching the pillow above him, shaking his head vigorously. Tears brim in her eyes as she urges to soothe him down. There are beads of sweat formed on his entire face and she cannot let him be in this state for long. She climbs the bed. She extends her hand to touch his face because she knows she cannot touch him on chest which might scare him all the more. Her fingers shiver when she finally reaches for his face and holds it tight, not allowing him to shake his head.

“Sshh.. It’s fine. It’s fine Arnav..You are safe. You are safe” she keeps repeating.

He does not come out of that dream yet. He keeps shivering badly and even tries to push her away.
“NO!!” he cries out again.

Khushi struggles to use all her energy to control him and pins him below her.

“Arnav.. wake up.. it’s a dream.. It is just a bad dream… Please wake up”

She herself doesn’t realize when tears start oozing out of her eyes and falls on his face, drop by drop. He shudders continuously. She puts all her force to stop him from feeling that way.

“Sshhhh.. I am here.. I am here Arnav” she keeps whispering in his ears

His shuddering eases off slowly. He doesn’t realize when he rolls back on the bed, embracing her. She looks at his face, his expressions ease up. His tears have dried away. He is probably back to sleep and out of his nightmare. She feels a deep ache in her heart seeing him sulking this way. He must have faced such nightmares so often and having no one beside him. How did he manage to come out of it by himself every single time? All this could have been avoided, this man would have got the best in his life had her father not been selfish for her. Even though he would never accept it, but she is somewhere responsible for his worse state.

His breathing normalizes and he slowly opens his eyes. She becomes alert of their closeness and stares in his eyes with horror. He smiles at her, stroking his finger over her cheek. She realizes though his eyes are open, he isn’t fully awake. He is in some other world. Probably he is thinking that he is hallucinating her presence, so close to him. She swallows hard when his finger strokes her lower lip, pulling it out gently. He inhales deep and closing his eyes again, he pulls her close to him again, and kisses her forehead, going back to sleep. Khushi heaves in relief. This is such a royal mess. She cannot even isolate her body from his by placing her arms on his chest, avoiding their direct contact. He might be scared again as he doesn’t like to be touched there, that way. She has to keep her arm to herself and wait for the moment when he tosses back on the other side, freeing her. There is no other way she can climb out of his bed otherwise.

___________________________________________________

Part 43

She is in his arms. In Arnav Singh Raizada’s arms..

This thought keeps flashing in her subconscious mind. She is dreaming something about Arnav. What? Why? She has no clue. It is just his face everywhere in her dream and he is smiling. ARNAV SUNGH RAIZADA IS SMILING!! He looks satisfied and happy. This is no less than a victory for her. With all these flashes juggling in her mind, Khushi slowly opens her eyes. But she sees him still. That too so close to her. Why? Is she still dreaming? She tries to toss on the other side of the bed. Maybe this gesture can break her dream. But the moment she tries tossing, Arnav pulls her close. She can feel him. This is REAL. He is REAL. Her eyes open widen as she recollects the incidents of last night. Arnav saw a nightmare and she had tried to soothe him down. She is REALLY in his arms. She slept the whole night here. She didn’t get a chance to leave back to her room. DAMMITTT!

She slowly pushes him away. She cannot allow him to wake up right now. She does not want him to realize her presence. She will have no answers to his doubts then. But as soon as she pushes him away, he opens his eyes and stares at her with discomfort. As if someone just snatched his peace!!

Shit!! He caught her. He is watching her with hooded eyes. She quickly gets up and sits on the bed. Arnav relaxes. He stretches his arms and gets up too.

He will shoot his queries now, she knows. But why the hell is she waiting here? She should run. No.. Running away will deepen his doubts and he might be suspicious that he is genuinely concerned for him. It is better to sit here and wait for him to ask what is she doing in his room.

“It is such a lovely morning, isn’t it?” he asks her.

She gazes back at him with surprise. Why is he not coming to the point? He just saw she was sleeping in his arms. Why didn’t he question her?

“Why are you staring at me like that?" he asks.
"Arent you surprised to see me in your bedroom, next to you, close to you?"
Arnav smirks.
"No..I am not."

Her jaw drops at his reply. He leans forward and touches her cheek with his finger.

"This is where you always belong" he whispers

Khushi swallows hard trying to decipher something. He reads her mind and confirms her suspicions.
"Thats right. When I opened my eyes last night, I knew I wasn't hallucinating. I knew you were actually sleeping beside me."

Khushi is totally surprised at his revelation. This can’t be true. How can she be so foolish to think he was hallucinating?

"You... You still didn’t let me go? I thought.. .I thought I shouldn’t disturb your peaceful state and hence I stayed next to you the whole night, in your arms!!"
Arnav rolls his eyes.
"So? Big deal!! Didn’t you hear what I just said? You always belong next to me"
Khushi clenches her jaw pushing him away.
"You kissed my hair" she scoffs.
He gives a quick glance at the region of her scalp where he had kissed her and then meets her eyes again.
“I can take it back if you didn’t like?”

Blood rushes in the pit of her stomach, making it ache. She pushes him away while he smirks at her actions. She wants to shout at him, for being so inconsiderate.

“This is a Sin!! We … we are not supposed to be like this..”

Arnav’s raises his brow sharply.

“Excuse me? SIN? Just sleeping next to each other is a SIN for you? Which generation are you living in Khushi?”
Khushi fists her fingers.
“I believe it is wrong. We are not a couple, neither there is any chance for us to become one in future. It might not affect you, but it does to me” she screams.

Arnav presses his lips into a thin line.

“Let’s rectify it then. Let’s become a couple and thrash this sin away”

He cannot hold his grin, seeing her expressions. She realizes he is using every word from her as a weapon to prove his point. He just wants her to give up and say yes to his proposal. It is her fault that she went this ahead to soothe his pain. How could she sleep next to him? She should have known her boundaries. Analyzing the ache in her body she realizes that she didn’t even change her side or toss away from him for the whole night. She was this close to him. But it was necessary. He was in pain.. His nightmare was turning him weak and she didn’t like seeing him shuddering so bad. She shouldn’t repent taking that decision of soothing him last night. It is just that she should have walked off from here a little later after he felt better, which she didn’t.

“Tum theek ho?” he clicks his fingers to grab her attention.

Khushi jerks and gazes back at him.
“How can I be alright when you are around?” she snaps.

Arnav’s expressions darkens. He knows she is purposely trying to instigate his anger so that he stops thinking about her. But he won’t let that happen. He smirks again.
“That’s right. How can you be alright when I am around?” he takes a step towards her and she starts moving back, confused. “Because whenever I am around, your heart starts beating louder” he declares in a husky tone.
“W… h….a…. t rubbishhh” she tries to leave but Arnav catches hold of her wrist.
“Don’t believe it? Fine”

He slowly places her own hand on her chest, towards her heart, so that she can feel her heart beating louder. Her breathing becomes heavier. This is true. Her heart is beating louder and faster than she ever felt before.

“Ab yakeen aaya?” (Now do you believe me?) he whispers.
Khushi meets his darkening gaze, her lips start quivering.
“I… I don’t know why this is happening” she still tries to defend her gestures.
“But I know” his voice drifts off as he raises her arm from her chest and pins it to the wall behind. “When we are around each other, our heartbeats sync and then unite to become one”

Her blood chills. Their heartbeats unite? To become ONE? How… how is that possible? He keeps admiring her reactions. Small sweat beads form on her skin, her cheeks turn pink, her eye balls widen and she finally swallows with a determination, not to take his talks seriously.

“Such things happen only in fictions” she shields her emotions.

Arnav sighs inwardly and leaves her hand. He then crosses his arms on his chest sighing.

“Your words and expressions don’t match Khushi Gupta. So, decide which one is right?”
Khushi knows he will never stop discussing this over this topic.

“I will decide later which side to choose. But we are getting delayed for work. And guess what? My Boss doesn’t like me extending my working hours. So, if you don’t mind, can I leave?” she asks.
Arnav once again smirks which startles her.
“Since when did you start needing my permission to leave? You came here because YOU wanted to, you can leave whenever YOU want to. Because if you ask me, then I would NEVER want you to leave my room”

His reply once again makes her flush. She looks away from his eyes and hurries out of his room before he can engross her in another conversation. It has been so difficult these days to stay with him. It is no longer suffocation, but something more intense than that. But earlier going away from him relaxed her, but now-a-days it chokes her. WHY?

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

Jaipur – Motwani’s Office

The meeting starts. Khushi presents the designs to the client, in the conference room. She feels Arnav’s eyes constantly on her. She looks back at him. His eyes have a spark of passion. She feels restless and twitchy to take in his admiration. He doesn’t even care there are people around who can easily notice his intense stares at her. She continues explaining while he leans back and keeps gazing at her without breaking the contact of his eyes with her charming face.

The meeting ends. All the sketches for the summer collection are finalized. Arnav walks out with the Motwani’s. Khushi sits back on the chair, alone in the conference room, taking a sigh of relief. He has started affecting her. And she also knows that he is aware of that. But this is wrong. She cannot think a life with the man whom her father has sinned. Her phone rings. She realizes it is from Dr. Akash’s clinic. She answers the phone call.

“Ma’am I am calling from Dr. Akash’s clinic. There is an appointment for Arnav Singh Raizada scheduled for tomorrow. I wanted to check if you can make it or should I reschedule?” the receptionist asks.
“We are not in Delhi right now. So yes, please reschedule”
“Okay Ma’am. Thank you”

Khushi thinks for a while after disconnecting the call. Should she speak to Dr Akash about it? Maybe he can put some light to her confusions. She decides to do it. Fortunately, last time she had been with Arnav to Dr. Akash, he had given his personal contact number to them, just in cases of any emergency. She has it saved with her. She immediately messages him and asks if she can have a word with him, whenever he is available to talk. Akash messages back saying he will call her in an hour. She thanks him and then sighs. Hopefully he will guide her.

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

An hour later when Akash calls her back, Khushi isolates herself from the team and heads to a room where she can talk to him openly.

“Yes Khushi, how can I help you? Is Arnav alright?”
“Yes Dr. He is doing fine. He had a nightmare recently though. I don’t know if this was just once or he had a series of them in the past few days. It is just that I happened to notice it only once. And you know him. He doesn’t open up about these things so easily.”
“Yes. But if he doesn’t talk about it, maybe someone should make him do so”

Khushi realizes Akash is hinting at her to take the lead.
“Don’t worry Khushi. Therapies work but it will take time for him to come out of it totally.”

Akash’s response gets a smile on her face.

“Thanks Doctor.” She pauses to decide how to start the topic. “Uh.. I had to speak to you about something else though and of course in Arnav’s absence, hence I asked you to make this call”
“I realized that. Don’t hesitate, you can talk to me openly”
“Thanks. Doctor actually, Arnav has proposed me for marriage”

Akash chuckles.
“Oh congratulations. That’s a great move by him. Usually people who are haphephobic don’t really make this move. They tend to avoid any relationships, especially the ones which demand intimacy but Arnav seems to be one step better than those. There are just few things he has to gain control over.”

Khushi frowns.
“No. I mean, Doctor its not so easy. I mean, we had a very complex relationship so far. You know already that he was in that child remand because he was involved in the accident of my father. Even at such circumstances he developed all these feelings for me and he says it is right from the time he has seen me during our childhood. We.. we didn’t meet at all after that, until two months ago”

Akash sighs.
“So, you mean to say you don’t trust his feelings for you?”
“No, that’s not what I mean. I trust his feelings are genuine and he has been showing all signs to me that he is not going to back off but..” she pauses.
“Khushi.. I haven’t met you guys much but whatever I have seen is enough for me to conclude one thing. You mean something to him. He is damaged from inside and some damages are irredeemable. Whatever therapies we do, will lessen it for sure but there is a more quick and efficient way to heal him.
Our medicines will settle his mind for some time but his demons can be erased off from his memories, from his life only by Love.”

Khushi freezes. Does she want to hear this? No!! She grips her phone tight, shutting her eyes.

“Your love can be his permanent cure” Akash continues.

LOVE???? Can she love him? She almost feels blood rushing from her head.
“This is just my advice. I don’t know what you think about him and you might have other priorities than involving yourself into something which you are not prepared for.”

Tears pool in her eyes. After that note from her father, Arnav and Raizada family’s wellbeing is the only priority in her head.

“I am saying all this because you affect him and if he has proposed you for marriage, I think you should give it a thought than denying him away. It is like denying him from his only way of cure. This might have an adverse effect on him too. He might never want to have any relationships in future or he might go into a different level of depression. It will be no less than a nightmare for his entire family then” Akash adds.

“I… I understand what you mean Dr. Akash. I will think about it” she murmurs.
“Good. Let me know if you need any other help. I am just a call away.”

Khushi thanks him and disconnects the call. Talking to Dr. Akash felt like he was her therapist and not Arnav’s. She hears voices outside the conference room and quickly wipes her tears. She doesn’t want to let anyone know she was crying, especially to Arnav Singh Raizada.

___________________________________________________

Part 44

Khushi is quiet on their way back to home. She is with Arnav at the backseat of the car and is absolutely in thinking mode. Dr. Akash’s advice to her regarding Arnav’s marriage proposal is all that is ringing in her head. Arnav tries to ignore asking Khushi the reason of her sudden gloominess but when it extends for a longer period, he decides to intervene.

“You look stressed!!” he utters looking in her direction.

Khushi comes out of her chain of thoughts and meets his eyes. Can she tell him that she is stressed thinking about him?

“No.. I am fine” she lies looking elsewhere.
“You can never lie to me, Khushi. I can read your mind much better than you do”
Khushi swallows hard without looking back at him.
“If you can read my mind, why don’t you find yourself?”

Arnav smirks at her fine reply.

“Okay, if you insist, I can try”

She looks at him and he pretends himself to be busy guessing.

“You are thinking about not cooking pancakes for me anymore. It bores you”

Khushi sighs.
“Wow!! You read me too well” she mocks.
“No?? Okay, let me try again” he insists.
Khushi shows the same disinterest in his guesses but is still eager to know what he comes up with.
“You are planning never to turn up in my room at night, so that you don’t have to end up sleeping next to me” he smiles teasingly when he sees her eyes widening in surprise. She didn’t expect him to get this point here.
“What rubbish!!” she snaps.
“That’s rubbish for you? So, you genuinely don’t mind repeating that?”
Khushi feels like someone just tickled her already aching nerve.
“Last chance Mr. Raizada and it will prove that you can never read my mind”
Arnav doesn’t take long to use his last chance and this time responding correctly.
“You are thinking about my proposal and if I am not wrong, you are almost on the verge of saying a YES”

Khushi feels blood gushing in her entire body. How did he know this? Maybe he is right. He knows to read her mind and whatever two guesses he made before were only to divert her mind and change her mood.

The car halts inside the premises of their bungalow. Khushi realizes he is still waiting for her to confirm his guess is right. But she won’t do that ever.

“You missed all your chances Mr. Raizada. None of your guesses were correct”

She lies and she knows he is aware of that too but she cannot take the risk of confirming his suspicions about her decision to his proposal. The driver opens her side door and Khushi hurries out leaving a smirking Arnav behind. She knows he hasn’t believed her words.

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

Shantivan

Subhadra Raizada is restless since the time Arnav has left for Jaipur. And what haunts her more is that he is staying with Khushi alone under one roof. He might have feelings for her but she cannot trust that woman. Khushi can hurt her grandson verbally or even physically in that regards, is what scares Subhadra.

“Change the curtains of all the rooms Hari Prakash” she orders. “And where is Anjali bitiya?”
“Daadiji, she has gone to meet her friend”
“Oh Yes. She had told me that yesterday. Fine, you do your work”

Subhadra heads to the couch and dials some number. The maid from the Bungalow in Jaipur where Arnav and Khushi are presently residing, answers the call, secretly.

“How is Arnav?” Subhadra asks the maid. She has appointed this maid to keep an eye on Arnav and Khushi, without letting them know. She does not trust Khushi to look after Arnav’s needs. Plus, she wants to know where their relationship is progressing.

“Arnav Sir is doing fine, Madam. In fact, he looks very relaxed and happy here”
“Happy?” Daadi’s tone brightens.
“Yes. He is getting his favorite breakfast every morning. Khushi Madam makes pancakes for him”
“What? But.. why? Did he ask her to do this?”
“No Madam. It was Khushi Madam’s decision to make it and she is doing this for him every day. In past few days, I have seen them coming closer. Khushi Madam eats fast and Arnav Sir is slow, but she never gets away until he is finished.”

Daadi is surprised. What has suddenly changed Khushi’s attitude towards Arnav so much? Only because Arnav faced an assault in his childhood cannot be the reason. There has to be something else. How is she supposed to find that?

“Okay, keep updating me”

She disconnects the call. Something is fishy. While she is busy trying to analyze this, Hari Prakash comes back.

“Daadiji, where are the curtains of Khushi didi’s room?”
Daadi’s chain of thoughts break.
“Must be in her closet.”
“Okay, but I don’t have the keys”

Daadi recalls Khushi had handed over the keys of her closet to Anjali before leaving for Jaipur.

“Anjali has it. Let me ask her”

Daadi calls up Anjali who informs her where the keys are. Daadi herself collects the keys from Anjali’s room and heads to Khushi’s bedroom with Hari Prakash. She opens Khushi’s closet and removes the fresh curtains. She passes them to Hari Prakash.

“Take these”

Hari Prakash leaves. Daadi is about to lock the closet again when she sees an envelope underneath Khushi’s folded clothes. It looks like the envelope was hidden but while she was taking the curtains out, it must have shuffled. She knows it is wrong to check other’s personal belongings but since it is something Khushi wants to hide, Daadi decides to read its contents. She takes the letter out of that envelope and starts reading. Tears start rolling down her cheeks as she finishes reading.

“Khushi’s father committed suicide? That means it was not an accident?” She stares blankly at the paper in her hand, recollecting all the pain she and her family had to go through because of this one incident.

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

Anjali and Shyam are shocked to read the suicide note of Shashi Gupta. Daadi shared it with both of them after they came home.

“I … I cant believe this. Khushi’s father planned his own death?” Shyam murmurs.

Daadi’s anger if on another level today.
“Daadi, that means our Chotte is .. .is not totally responsible for that accident?”
Daadi doesn’t utter a word. She is unable to control the raging fury in her mind.
“Where did you find this note, Daadi?” Anjali asks.
“Khushi’s closet” she mutters clenching her jaw.

Shyam and Anjali both look at each other in surprise. How is it possible? Daadi finally gets up from the couch.

“She knew this.. She knew her father did this stupid thing and framed my innocent grandson” Daadi shouts.
“I don’t think she knew this Daadi” Shyam intervenes.
“Then how could I find this Note in her closet? It was clearly hidden Shyam. She knew this and she didn’t tell us anything. I don’t even know since how many years she knew this truth? I always suspected Khushi is not what she seems to be. Maybe she was involved in this too, with her father”
Shyam comes forward and tries to calm Daadi.
“Daadi, we are overthinking. Maybe Khushi is innocent.”
“Now I don’t care if she is innocent or not Shyam but I am not letting her stay close to my grandson. This time even Chotte wouldn’t be able to change my decision”

Daadi picks her phone and dials someone.

“Book my tickets to Jaipur” she pauses “Yes the first flight in the morning” she yells on the person at the other end.

Anjali and Shyam stare at each other in horror.

“Daadi, I am coming with you” Shyam says.
Daadi denies his request.
“No need. I will go there alone and if anyone tries to inform Arnav or Khushi about my arrival, I will not spare them too”

Anjali swallows hard. She realizes this time Khushi cannot be saved at all. Daadi leaves back for her room to get ready. She cannot wait to confront Khushi.

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

Arnav Singh Raizada is busy changing the channels of the television, trying to put a decent channel which he can watch. He and Khushi have just finished their dinner and while she got busy chit chatting with the maids downstairs, Arnav decided to head back in his room and watch television. He hardly gets time for this otherwise.

While he keeps flipping the channels, there is a knock at his door and Khushi gets inside.

“May I come in?” she asks.
Arnav mutes the channel and keeps the remote aside.
“Always”
His reply makes her nervous again but she shows herself unaffected and gets inside the room. She has a tablet strip in her hand.
“Dr. Akash has asked you to take one of this pill for a week, before sleeping. It will help you get good sleep” she tries to hand over the strip to him but he denies taking it from her.

Arnav cocks his head to one direction looking intensely at her.
“You were so worried for me that you called Dr. Akash to treat my nightmares?”
Khushi gets speechless. She understands that he is teasing her again and this time she gave him the chance. She should have measured his sharpness before coming to him and advising him to take these medicines.
“Yes, I did. But I am more concerned about my betterment than yours. I don’t want to frequently take turns of this room to check on you. So, take it”

She pops one tablet and passes it to Arnav. He doesn’t deny her this time. He swallows it down his throat with water.

“I have survived without any of these for years Khushi. You don’t need to bother much. These nightmares are a part of my life now”

His reply pricks her heart. She gazes at his face. He has a pained look which she hates to see. But what she likes is that he never grumbles on what tortures life has given him unlike her who always kept cursing him for her loneliness.

“It must have been difficult in the initial days, these nightmares, I mean” she asks.
The pain on Arnav’s face deepens.
“Worse” he murmurs.
Khushi feels for him and sits next to him on the bed.
“How did you cope up then? All these years, there might have been so many terrible nights you suffered” her worry reflects in her tone.
“I did. But I never understood what can relieve me from that pain until last night” he replies in husky tone as his eyes locks with hers. “Until you chose to soothe me down” he adds.

Khushi feels breathless.

“I am sucker of such moments Khushi, I don’t think I will ever let you go”

Khushi now feels totally uncomfortable as if she is out of place yet in the right place where she belongs. He continues.

“And if you still choose to leave me, I might never breathe again”

That one statement makes her feel utterly sorrowful. This man is still surrounded by pain and remorse. If there is anyone who can get him out of this, should be her. !! She believes that too now.

___________________________________________________


Part 45

“I am sucker of such moments Khushi, I don’t think I will ever let you go”

Khushi now feels totally uncomfortable as if she is out of place yet in the right place where she belongs. He continues.

“And if you still choose to leave me, I might never breathe again”

That one statement makes her feel utterly sorrowful. This man is still surrounded by pain and remorse. If there is anyone who can get him out of this, should be her. !! She believes that too now. He holds her hand and raises it to his lips. She shuts her eyes in anticipation of his next actions. He places a warm kiss at the back of her palm, without missing any expression on her face. She swallows hard when she feels his lips touch her skin. An intense ache surfaces in her body. This is such a huge step from her end. He has always been a very crucial part of her life but from today she is letting him in her heart and this is going to be new beginning for both of them.

“Say yes” he whispers, kissing her wrist.

She keeps her eyes shut. He breathes hard, controlling his urge to go further, and palms her cheek, wanting her to open eyes and look at him. She follows his unsaid commands and meets his eyes.

“Say Yes” he whispers again. Her lips part unknowingly. Her body is showing all signs of giving in to his proposal. Suddenly, her phone starts ringing. She jerks, coming out of the web which he was tangling her into. But there are no signs of withdrawal in her eyes. As if, she was willingly getting weaved into this web. Arnav groans softly, disliking this interruption. She slowly gets off the bed. Answering the call, she heads out of Arnav’s bedroom.

“Hello” she is hardly audible. Her voice, her body is not supporting her to do anything else apart from spending time with Arnav Singh Raizada.
“Hello Khushi.. You .. you okay?” Shyam worryingly asks.

Khushi fears how did Shyam manage to know she is not okay. She clears her throat to sound normal.

“Yes Shyam.. I am fine. How did you call at this hour?”
“If it hadn’t been urgent, I wouldn’t have called you so late.” He pauses. Khushi enters her bedroom and locks the door.
“Urgent?” she checks herself in the mirror. She looks all flushed. Is it the effect of Arnav Singh Raizada’s touch on her?
“Yes, Daadi got a note from your closet.”
“Which note?” she becomes serious now.
“Your father’s suicide note”

Khushi feels like someone just pushed her into a deep valley. She gets speechless. How did Daadi find the note? This is not good news for sure.

“Khushi, what is all this? When did you find that note? You know what Daadi thinks? She thinks all these years you knew your father wasn’t murdered, it was a suicide and you still hide it from us for monetary needs”

Khushi swallows hard. That was the intention of her father, to give her all the amenities of a good lifestyle after he passes away. Even if she tries to prove that she was not involved in this planning, no one will believe her.

“I don’t care what she thinks Shyam. But do you and Anju trust me or not?”
“We do. If we hadn’t, we would not call you now and warn you about the upcoming threat”
“What threat?”
“Daadi.. Khushi, Daadi is coming to Jaipur by morning’s flight. She wants to confront you regarding the same. She has warned us not to tell you about any of this. But you know we couldn’t hide it from you.”

Khushi’s eyes become moist.

“Thanks, Shyam. Thanks for being such a good support all these years. I will always be in your debt”
“Khushi, I am worried. If Arnav gets to know this, he”
“He KNOWS” Khushi interrupts. Tears start rolling down her cheeks.

Shyam is totally shocked.
“He … he knows? How? When? And why did you or him never share it with us?”
“I wanted to share it, but Arnav was apprehensive how Daadi will take this news. This Jaipur trip is only because he wants me to stay away from Daadi, to avoid sharing the news with her.”
“Oh God. Chotte must have broken down”
“He was” Khushi whimpers. “But he has always put me and my wellbeing over his own pain, Shyam. And he proved that yet again”

Shyam feels the strong emotions Khushi is having towards Arnav. He has never felt her so compassionate for Arnav before.

“Thanks for informing about Daadi’s arrival Shyam. I will handle this from here”
“You sure Khushi? Me and Anju can come if you want us to”
“No, don’t. Daadi should not feel I have snatched the confidence of her entire family. You and Anju be there.”
“Fine. I am sure as long as Arnav is with you, he will never let anyone harm you. He will always keep you safe, more than anyone of us can”

Khushi shakes her head in agreement. She disconnects the call and sits on the bed, thinking deeply how to handle this situation now. She does not want to bother Arnav. He has done enough for her. How long will she make Arnav to fight for her? She has to grow up and take her own responsibilities. Now it is her time to show dedication towards this man and ensure he gets some peace of mind. She is prepared now to welcome any hurricanes in her life. She has a defined goal now, so until that is met, no one will be able to wipe her off emotionally.

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

The next morning, when Arnav comes down, he finds Khushi hurrying at the breakfast table. He reaches there.

“Thank God you came. These are your pancakes and your juice” she immediately forwards the glass and plate towards him. “Eat fast, the car is ready outside”
“Why are you hurrying? We still have an hour to reach office” he asks.
“The Motwanis have scheduled a meeting at 09:00. You should not miss it”
“What meeting? Why was I not made aware of this earlier?”
Khushi sighs.
“Last minute changes. And they are our clients. We cannot control them”

Arnav feels something suspicious in her behavior.

“I will call Aman and check”

He is about to take out his phone from pocket but Khushi stops him.

“Aman is not aware either. I told you these are last-minute changes. You will get late if you don’t leave soon. So please hurry up”

Arnav decides to believe her and starts eating fast. He doesn’t find any reason why she would want him to leave otherwise.
“Why are you not eating?” he asks.
“I have taken an off today” she replies. “I will eat later”
Arnav is skeptical now.
“Why? Why are you on leave all of a sudden?”
Khushi sighs in frustration.
“Arnav, stop interrogating me. I am a human, I can feel stressed too”
Arnav gets worried again.
“You are not well? Let me call the doctor”
Khushi snatches his phone this time and keeps it back on the table.
“Enough!! Stop worrying so much. I am fine. I just need one day off, and as per the terms of our company, I am allowed to take that at least once a month”

Arnav gives up arguing with her.

“Okay, take rest. If you need anything then...”
“I will take care of myself” she interrupts. She doesn’t want him to bother too much.

Arnav shakes his head and concentrates back on the breakfast. She checks the time. As per Shyam’s information, Daadi must have landed in Jaipur. She can reach here anytime. Khushi does not want Arnav to be here when she and Daadi confront to each other.

“I will see you in the evening” he says wiping his lips and gets up to leave.
She nods. He walks some distance away from her and then stops. He comes back.
“Are you hiding something from me, Khushi?” His voice is soft.
Khushi swallows, trying to regain control on herself.
“I am not hiding anything” she replies. “I… I need time to think wisely on your proposal”

Arnav’s mouth presses into a hard line.

“That’s why I have taken an off today. If you keep crowding me all the time, I might never be able to reach a conclusion” she adds.
His eyes soften. He palms her cheek again.
“I might have shown some hurry last night to earn a YES from you. But please don’t stress yourself. I can wait and you know that too”

Khushi passes a weak smile at him. Oh yes. She knows this man can wait for a lifetime to hear one Yes from her. But he doesn’t have to. She is going to take this final call about their future, today only.

“You are getting late” she reminds him. His heart swells to leave her alone like that. But as she said, he cannot crowd her all the time. She needs time for herself and he can give her that. He heads out of the house, straight to his car and in few minutes, he is off the premises. Khushi sits on the couch, waiting patiently for Daadi to come.

In half an hour, she hears the sound of another car getting parked before the bungalow. She shuts her eyes, preparing herself to face Subhadra Raizada. Daadi strides inside, her raged expressions almost giving goosebumps to Khushi. She gets up from the couch, faking a surprise on her face.

“Aap?” (You)

Subhadra scans the house. She has no smile on her face, neither any joy that she will get to meet her beloved grandson.
“Where is Arnav?” she asks in a raged tone.
“He left early for work”
Subhadra nods.
“Good he is not here. Because whatever I am here for, doesn’t need his presence”

She throws the note of Khushi’s father on the table in anger.

“What do you want to say about this?” Subhadra asks, adrenaline coursing through her body and turning her anger into fire.
Khushi slowly picks the note and shows herself unaware and unprepared of this situation.

“Let us talk upstairs” Khushi requests and walks to the stairs. Subhadra follows her. They reach Khushi’s bedroom.
“You knew it all these years, didn’t you?” Subhadra rushes into conclusion.
Khushi interrupts her.
“I got this note just few days before coming here to Jaipur.”
“Don’t lie. I am not going to believe you this time. You and your father have given enough pain to Chotte, but not anymore. Your father fooled us and plotted you in a rich family for enjoying the perks. You think I will stay calm even after knowing this truth?”

Khushi cringes at first for being held responsible for Arnav’s pain but she knows she indirectly has been a part of it.

“I would still have accepted it, but this one sin of your father has costed the happiness of my grandson. He faced all those terrible years in child remand, got almost molested and lost his smile forever, because of you and your father”

Khushi accepts this. Yes, all of what Arnav Singh Raizada is today, is only because of that one incident which might have been avoided had her father not taken the decision of committing suicide jumping before a rich man’s car.

“I will show this letter to Chotte.. He.. .he will then throw you out of this house, out of his life” Daadi scowls.
“He won’t” Khushi murmurs. Her eyes brim with tears which she carefully wipes off and meets Daadi’s stunned eyes. “I showed him this note the very next moment I read it. He is aware if it already”

This is one huge blow to Subhadra who sits down on the couch, feeling totally helpless.
“He knows? Chotte knows and he is still quiet? How is that possible” Daadi mutters to herself. “You.. you are a bad omen for him. Why can’t he see that? What has he seen in you which is making him so unaffected towards his own pain?”
Khushi slowly comes forward and kneels before Daadi. Tears continuously roll down her cheeks.
“Arnav has done enough for me. I cannot even measure his goodness, protectiveness, the love he has for me. My father’s sins have made him face horrors which are harder to erase from his mind. I cannot give back the life he missed in the past years but I can promise to ease off his pain and drag him out of the darkness he has been living into.”

Her words seem more like her potential, which Subhadra is disinterested in listening.
“I don’t want you anywhere near my Grandson, you heard that? Just go away. Just leave Arnav to us. I am capable enough to look after him, to get him treated and to show him what his betterment lies in. We don’t need you Khushi Gupta.” Daadi roars in anger.

This was expected by Khushi but she is not going to step away.

“Sorry Daadi, but that’s not happening” she firmly replies

Subhadra is angered and little confused as well. She keeps staring at Khushi.

“I am not going away from Arnav… Not until I get him out of his sorrows and pain”
Daadi refuses to believe what she just said. Is this the same Khushi Gupta who hated Arnav so much that she kept hurting him at every single opportunity?
“I am not discussing this. It is an order Khushi. I want you out of our lives” Daadi tries again but fails seeing the look in Khushi’s eyes.
“You throw me out now, you lose your grandson. He will turn the whole world upside down to bring me back. Why do you want to lose a battle which was never in your control?”

Khushi’s words prick Daadi’s ego.

“How dare you Khushi? Are you challenging me?”
“I am not challenging. I apologize if it sounded so. I am just showing you the results of your decision. Admit it Daadi, even you know how much he loves me. I need a chance to bring his life back to normal. Don’t you want to see your grandson smiling, living freely without any fears, any sickness, any incidents haunting in his mind?”

Daadi weakens. Yes, this is everything she wishes for her grandson. And somewhere deep in her heart, she knows only Khushi can reverse it. But the next instant, fury hits back.
“Shashi Gupta has snatched the peace, the dignity of our family. I will never let his daughter be a part of my family anymore. If you have some guilt left inside you, then treat my grandson and leave after that. Leave so much away from him that even if he wants to fetch you, he cannot. This is your only punishment which you have to bear because of your father’s deeds.
I don’t even want your shadow hovering on my grandson or my family, forever. I don’t care how you do this, but never think of taking your relationship official with Arnav because a girl like you don’t deserve a family like us”

Khushi is shaken at Daadi’s harsh words but she realizes any woman in her place would want the same. Why would she want that bride whose father has hurt their family so much?

“Tell me Khushi, do you accept my challenge?”
Khushi swallows hard and nods in agreement.
“I do.. You will get your grandson back, freed from his pain, his sorrows and freed from me as well”

Daadi takes a sigh of relief.

“Fine. Let me see how you manage to do that!! I don’t have to tell you that keep Arnav out of this matter. I don’t want him to know we ever had this conversation.
Khushi shakes her head and wipes her tears.
“He won’t!!”

Giving a last glance to Khushi, Daadi heads out of the room. She has finished her work here. She had come to remove Khushi away from Arnav’s life forever but considering Arnav’s attraction for Khushi, she knows only Khushi can treat him. So, she has cleverly invested some time to get Arnav’s life back to normal and as Khushi has promised, she will be out of his life after that. Once that happens, Daadi decides to get Arnav married to a woman of her choice who can take their family forward.

___________________________________________________

Part 46

Khushi Gupta decides to keep Daadi and her confrontation a secret. If Arnav by any chance gets to know Daadi was here, he will dig for more details. And if he becomes aware that she has promised Daadi to leaving him after he recovers completely from his past, he will break down. However hard it is for her to work on this promise, she decides to find a way out soon.

Khushi is lost in the same thoughts when she hears Arnav’s voice. He is back home from work. She immediately composes herself. She has no plans to show her depression to him.

“Just coffee Suman” Arnav informs the maid and hurries to the stairs. He slows down as he sees Khushi getting down the stairs.

Their eyes meet and she is lost in him. The turn of events which took place today has shaken her. She wants to confess few things to him and hide a few. How is she going to do that, hiding the pain from her face? He reads her for a few seconds and breaks the silence.

“You look pale. What did you do the whole day?” he asks.
She keeps staring at him, words fail to come out from her throat. He comes forward and lingers the back of his finger on her left cheek. What he likes about it is that she doesn’t retreat from his touch. It itself proves she is slowly welcoming him in her life.
“Missed me?” his voice softens.
Khushi feels a gush of sentiments storming in her heart. So much happened today, which has altered every emotion in her heart.
“I was too busy to miss you” she lies. Arnav smirks at her reply.
“What is that?” she asks pointing at the invitation card he has been holding.
“This?” he looks back at the card. “Motwani’s have some Puja today at their home, they have invited us”

Khushi exhales.

“I don’t think I can come.”
Arnav shakes his head.
“I know.. After that accident, you have lost faith in God”

She looks surprisingly at him. How does he know that? He reads her eyes.

“It was obvious in your actions Khushi. Every time in Shantivan you attended the morning Puja which Daadi did, was only to follow the rule of the family. You never had any feeling attached to it. I know”

Yes. He knows everything. He knows things about her which even she has failed to understand all these years.

“So, I won’t force you to come.” He adds.
“You never gave up praying?” she asks him. Both start walking upstairs, towards his room.
“I used to pray with Daadi daily before that accident. Sometimes asking for good marks in exam, sometimes to help my team win the football match, sometimes for good health for Daadi who was doing a lot for us. After that accident, I might have stopped praying regularly but that doesn’t mean I have stopped believing in God’s existence”

Khushi is highly surprised that a man who has gone through so rough time still believes in existence of that eternal power.

“Wanting you in my life, kept my faith in God alive” he admits.

Khushi is once again bewildered. How does he connect all of this?
“Your entire life is surrounded around me, isn’t it?” she asks. Her excitement to know his reply is palpable.
“Yes” he whispers as they reach his room door. “Your interest in knowing me so well is commendable. Now can I ask you a favor?”
Khushi shakes her head.
“Please accompany me to the Motwanis. If not for prayers, at least to give me a nice company”
Khushi tries to deny but his pleading eyes make her accept his demand.
“Okay”

Never in so many weeks she has seen such a bright smile on his face and that’s only because she has agreed to do something which he wants her to. She heads back to her room, both hurrying to dress up and leave. Khushi keeps guessing how did she readily agree to go out with him? It is those feelings she has cultivated in her heart for him which has made her do so. But she keeps reminding herself not to consider these little encounters between them as permanent. Daadi has already drawn a line between her and Arnav even before she could accept her feelings for that man. It is always going to keep her in limits. But she decides never to let those limitations ruin this beautiful relationship building between her and Arnav. She wants to give that man her 100% because he deserves it.

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

The Motwani’s have called few close guests tonight at their residence. When Arnav and Khushi enter the house, they are welcomed with much affection. Khushi is overwhelmed with so much of attention.

“Rohini, this is ASR, the client I was talking to you about and she is Khushi, his company’s designer lead.” Motwani introduces them to his wife.
Rohini is a middle-aged woman who greets the two with the same warmth.
“Come ASR, let me introduce you to my other people” Motwani suggests.

Arnav looks at Khushi once.
“You go” she replies even without he asks her permission.
“You sure?” he whispers. “I know you aren’t much comfortable with new people”
Khushi rolls her eyes at him.
“I will be fine” she stresses. “And stop caring so much about me.. because now it is my turn”

She walks away with Rohini and joins some other elderly women group. Arnav is highly flabbergasted at her reply. What did she mean by Now it is her turn? Khushi turns around to see him once and is not surprised when she finds him staring at her still. She has given him enough hint to think on her words, didn’t she?

“ASR.. .come” Motwani comes back to Arnav and drags him to introduce to other guests.

Arnav is unable to concentrate on anyone else, on anything else. His mind is giving him enough reasons to stay focused on Khushi who is slowly unveiling her new skills of mingling with people. She has always been shy and reserved types. She takes longer to mix up with people but she is changing and it is this change in her which is bothering Arnav. He removes his phone and texts her quick.

‘Now It is my turn!!! What did you mean by that?’

He sends the message and quickly glances at her. She checks her phone when it beeps and reads his message. She gives him one quick glance too before typing back a reply.

‘You will know that soon’

Arnav desperately reads her reply the moment it buzzes on his phone. What game is she playing? He replies again.
‘I hate hide and seek’

‘Be attentive to your Business partner, he is saying something to you’ she replies.

Arnav quickly looks at Motwani who is indeed explaining him how he started his business in the critical days of his adulthood. Once he is done faking his ears on Motwani, he texts her back.

‘What have you been doing the whole day?’

Khushi recalls Daadi’s sudden arrival and their conversation later on. But none of this can be shared with him. But if she doesn’t reply, he might become suspicious.

‘I have been thinking about your proposal’

He feels a sudden spark inside his body as he responds back.
‘Khushi, come to the point’
‘I will’ she responds.

The Puja begins and Khushi sits with the other women separately. Arnav takes his seat with the Motwani men and other male guests. They both decide not to disturb the decorum of the ritual by texting each other in the middle of this auspicious ritual. It takes an hour for the Puja to get over. Everyone starts offering the flowers individually or as a couple, to the idol. Arnav and Khushi reach there at the same time, they are the last ones to do the offerings. All the others now disperse for the dinner. Arnav offers the flowers and while doing so, Khushi just watches him. He closes his eyes for few seconds, to pray and when he opens his eyes, he sees Khushi praying too. She has joined her palms and her eyes are closed. He is surprised at her actions. She is doing this from her heart, he can say that. When she opens her eyes, she finds him admiring her. She knows he has a lot to know from her.

“These prayers won’t get my father neither can it get your peaceful childhood back.” She murmurs. “But my father always used to say one thing. Whenever you want to do something good, start it by a small prayer.”

Arnav keeps listening to her. She slowly holds his hand in hers.


“There was something between us, since the first time we met before that court hall. It was rage and anger which slowly turned into frustration and revenge when you returned back in my life after a long span of 11 years. Slowly, after unraveling the events of our lives, that revenge turned out to sympathy and then a huge guilt. Unlike you, my feelings for you have always been unstable. My feelings for you have changed in the course of time. I don’t know what that is? And this is definitely not something I would ignore. I want to decode it in my own way”
Arnav already feels out of the world.
“Tell me this is not a dream” he whispers, gripping her fingers tight.

Khushi stares at the corner of his lips, where an acute smile of satisfaction is about to gear up.

“It’s a magical combination of dream and fact, Arnav. It’s new and the only way we both can come out of the pain we have lived in all these years”

He closes his eyes and exhales. This moment feels so pure and blissful for them. They hear voices of people coming in their direction. Khushi is the first one to get alert.
“We should leave out” she insists.
Arnav slowly nods in agreement. He wants to celebrate this moment but not when there are so many disturbances around. He holds her hand and leads her out where the other guests have been enjoying the dinner.

Khushi is again with other women, finally saying goodbye to them. Arnav is doing the same with the Motwani men. She glances at this man who once had a bundle of seriousness shadowed on his face but now it has been torn away by the hope of living again. She has made a wise choice to give him all that he has missed all these years because of her father’s actions. She is not doing this just out of some guilt or sympathy, there are intense underlying feelings in it which she wants to comprehend too. It is never going to be easy considering the finish line of this race is not going to be fruitful for her but she will think about all that later. Right now, all she wants to do is, give every happiness he deserves.

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

They come back home and she is not very far from reading the urge in his eyes to stay back and talk to her for some more time. But the very next instant he is reminded of the video conference with his US client. He cannot skip it neither postpone. She coaxes him to go on and handle the work. Unwillingly, he accepts her decision and heads back to his room. Khushi freshens up quickly and gets back to bed. She sees Shyam’s missed call on her number and decides to talk to him.

“Khushi? What happened there? You okay? Was Chotte there with you?” Shyam asks all of this in one breath.
“Shyam.. relax. I am fine” she replies.
Shyam sighs at her cool reply.
“I need every bit of detail what happened there. Daadi has returned to Delhi but she seems to be very normal. I tried to ask her but she said she has taken care of everything. I didn’t get it”

Khushi is in a fix now. Should she tell Shyam what promise Daadi has taken from her? Maybe not. He will be hurt too and she cannot see the Raizada family in more pain.

“I had a long discussion with her but she understood at the end”
“Understood what?” he digs for more information.
“That her beloved grandson loves me and he can be happy only when I am beside him” tears pool in her eyes as she visualizes the consequences of that day when she will forever leave Arnav to fulfil the promise she has given to Daadi.

This is insane, she realizes. Today while she was arguing with Daadi, she didn’t realize what grave mistake she is committing by promising something like that. She might get Arnav out of his pain but it will be only temporary. Once she leaves, his grief will be irrevocable. She cannot hurt him again only to fulfil a promise like that.

“Khushi, I am really surprised that Daadi understood your point. But what makes me more curious is that, what are your next actions?”
Khushi wipes her tears and composes her voice again to sound normal.

“Right now, my only focus will be to cure Arnav’s pain. I want to give him all the happiness he deserves. No one can come between me and him until that happens”

Shyam is baffled but he can read the determination in Khushi’s voice to make it happen.

“Are you sure about this, Khushi? I don’t want you or Chotte to repent over this thought in future. Chotte has seen worse in the past and if you intend to brighten his future, you got to be very serious about this. Don’t commit to something which can give him happiness temporarily.”

Shyam’s words prick her conscience.

“I know” she is barely audible. Shyam feels she is hiding something but he decides not to poke her more.

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

The next morning when Arnav comes down for breakfast, he finds Khushi arranging the plates at the table. She looks quite energetic and happy just like he is. He had finished the client call late night and since then he tried hard to get some sleep but couldn’t. Khushi’s confession about giving her newly found feelings towards him a chance had managed to drive his sleep away. He kept imagining, dreaming, forecasting a life with the woman he has loved so dearly.

“Good morning” she smiles and pulls the chair for him. Arnav is little embarrassed at her gesture.
“I should be doing that” he replies and makes her sit on the chair next to him.

He then opens the lid to serve the pancakes which she makes for him every day, but to his dismay, today she has made something else. He looks at her quizzically as she smiles back. Until they were not dating each other she made things of his choice and now when they are together, she happens to break that rule? Why?

“Where are my pancakes?” he asks.

Khushi starts serving him the puffy Dosas.

“What is it with you and Pancakes? Why are you so much fond of them?”
Arnav is quiet for few seconds but he decides to share it. After all, Khushi needs to know everything about him.
“That’s the last dish from my mother that I have tasted”

His reply stuns her. Now she knows his emotion attached to it.

“Oh…” she gets speechless for few seconds. “I thought a little change will spice up your boring mornings. So.. I made dosas”
Arnav likes her concern. His life is indeed boring because he keeps continuing the routine which he himself set years ago. He eats one bite of the Dosas and instantly falls in love with it.
“It is nice”
Khushi smiles.
“Try with these chutneys”

She serves him tomato and coconut chutneys and he tastes it without delay. She really cooks nice, he had no doubt about that. Khushi keeps staring at him as he eats. He really is fond of eating, she can say that looking at the way he eats. Now whatever happens, she has to take the strings of his happiness in her hands and ensure he is always smiling. While she is busy admiring him, a message beeps on her phone which gets her out of this stance. She quickly opens the Inbox and reads the message which she is not happy about. It is from Subhadra Raizada, asking her if she remembers the Promise and warning her not to delay in her tasks. This woman is so much eager to get her out of their lives. Wish it was that simple!



___________________________________________________

Part 47

Jaipur Residence

Khushi is unsure what to do with Daadi’s message reminding her of the promise and forcing her to speed up the process. Arnav constantly glances up to her and decides to ignore it until he finds her fingers shivering while doing something on the phone screen. Khushi deletes the message. Not before replying Subhadra not to send her such messages openly, it can get them both in a fix, just in case Arnav happens to read them later.

“Whose message?” he asks becoming curious.

Khushi keeps the phone aside and fakes a smile.
“No one’s” she replies and continues eating.
“What the!!” he gets little angry. “You just took a message and probably deleted it. Why are you lying to me? Is there something you are hiding Khushi?”

Khushi knows there is no one else who can read her better than him. How is she supposed to hide this matter then?

“Arnav, why will I hide anything from you? And yes, I got a message but a usual promotional one from some shopping store. I deleted it. That’s all.”
“You are still lying” he snaps.
Khushi tries to be patient. If she gets hyper, she will prove him right.
“Don’t you trust me?” she asks. She feels pathetic to ask him this because she knows she is lying. But she has no choice.
Arnav quickly holds her hand above the table and presses her fingers.
“I trust you more than my own self. And that’s why I am warning you Khushi, don’t ever lie to me. You have a problem, share it. Don’t keep it in your heart. We had enough complications running between us so far, don’t pile it up again.”

Is this a warning? She swallows hard still hiding the matter from him and smiles reassuringly.

“We are getting late for work. Don’t know about you but I have a team meeting with my colleagues at 09:30. Cannot miss it at any cost”
Arnav nods and leaves her hand. He glances at her one more time and sees her eating normally now. Is she hiding something?

After breakfast, even in the car, Khushi looks very distracted. She is sitting next to him, yet she is lost in some other world. Arnav notices it and decides to give her some time. Maybe their newly started relationship is demanding time from her to get accustomed to. What matters is that they are together and it means a world to him.

They get down at the office premises, Khushi sees him slowing down his pace of walking. She turns around to know why.

“I have to make a call. You go ahead” he insists.

She agrees and hurries inside. Arnav stops at the lobby and dials Shyam’s number.

“Chotte?” Shyam answers. “It is so nice to see you calling me”
“Yea, I needed one favor actually”
“Favor? What is it?”
“You remember Maa’s anklets?” he asks.
“Anklets? Oh yes. The ones which Maa had specifically kept your future wife?”

Arnav smiles fondly.
“Yes, that one. Can you send it here through someone?”
Shyam is not very surprised that Arnav needs it, because he knows he wants it to gift Khushi.
“Okay” he coughs sarcastically. “Now that’s a huge task. What will I get in return”

Arnav bites his lip.

“Nothing. Just do it okay. Bye”

He hangs up and Shyam on the other end cannot hold his laugh. Somewhere today in their conversation, Shyam could see a glimpse of the same old brother Arnav was, 11 years ago. BOSSY.!! He quickly heads to the closet and starts fetching the Anklets. Anjali comes in the room and asks him what he is so desperately looking for. Shyam tells her about Arnav’s call and she is equally happy that things are progressing between Arnav and Khushi. She quickly finds the box of Anklets and gives it to Shyam.

“Thanks Anju. I will send Aman with these to Jaipur.”
Shyam and Anjali’s excitement is beyond their control. They are happy that Arnav and Khushi are giving a chance to know each other.

“Shyam, I cannot wait for that day when Khushi will officially be a member of this family. It is going to be a big day for all of us” Anjali shares her anxiety.
“I agree Rani Saheba. After all those bitter experiences of life, even Chotte will get peace and happiness that he deserves.”

Anjali suddenly becomes gloomy recollecting something.
“Shyam, I still don’t understand how did Daadi get convinced? It all feels so sudden and hard to believe. Daadi has always hated Khushi. She has always felt Arnav is in pain only because of her and Shashi Gupta. In these circumstances, how did she agree for their relationship? I really feel we are missing something here”

Shyam feels the same.

“I have been trying to link all this too, Anju, but failed. When I asked Khushi she was very much normal. But I did find her voice upset. I am not very sure what communication Daadi and Khushi had, but since then things have changed. Khushi has probably shared it with Arnav that she wants to accept his proposal. Arnav seems happy too. But Daadi, she is not talking anything about it. If she was okay with their relationship, why didn’t she talk to Arnav? Why didn’t she decide with him and fix a date of their wedding?

Anjali nods.

“Yes. She has always been so eager to see Arnav married. What happened now to her?”
“Something is fishy Anju and before it is too late, we need to figure that out”

Anjali agrees with Shyam. Khushi and Daadi are hiding something and they will find that out.

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

Motwani’s Office

Khushi is tossing the sketches she just finalized for the Motwanis. They look elegant but she wants more glamour. It’s supposed to be a summer collection and she does not want to give bright shades to her design. She has tried various patterns to ensure that they can be easily wore in heavy summers, without much discomfort. But she still thinks it is not glamourous. She has to think hard. Tomorrow she needs to present them to the client. Though the rest of her team is working on it, she wants to have some extra designs in hand, just in case the present ones are chopped out from the list.

She keeps tossing the design sketches, sipping the fourth coffee of the day. She feels no taste of it anymore as if she has consumed enough for her mouth to feel any difference.

“Time’s up” he mutters.

She quickly glances at her cabin door where Arnav Singh Raizada is standing.

“What?” she doesn’t understand.
Arnav comes ahead.
“Everyone has left the premises, except us. Let’s go”
Khushi shakes her head denying his orders.
“Not today Arnav, I have to finish these. I have to wait. Maybe you can leave and we will meet at night”

Arnav snatches the designs from her and keeps them away.

“That’s not happening”
Khushi frowns at him.
“Please, don’t mix them. I have segregated the designs for tomorrow”

She snatches the designs again from where he had placed and keeps them on the other pile.
“You are stressed Khushi, you need a break. Finish the work from home after dinner”
“I cannot concentrate there you know” she defends. “Besides here I have everything I need to complete my work”

Arnav sighs.

“I can get this whole desk parceled at our guest house if you want”
Khushi blinks with surprise, gazing at his serious face. He can do that, can’t he?
“Thanks for the offer but I still prefer working from here”
Arnav shrugs.
“Fine. I will wait until you finish”
“No. I don’t need a babysitter. I will come back home when this is done. And will make sure not to stress myself. If you stay here, I will always be in a hurry to complete. So, please” she requests.

Arnav understands her concern and agrees to go.

“I will send the driver again after dropping me. Come back soon” he holds both her hands in his.
She passes an assuring smile at him.
“I will”

Though uncomfortable to leave her alone like that, Arnav decides to give her the privacy she needs, after apart from being his girlfriend now, she is also a professional and has commitments to fulfil.

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

Jaipur residence

When Arnav reaches the guest house, he finds Aman waiting for him.

“Aman!!” he exclaims in a happy tone. “I was expecting you but not so soon”
Aman gets up to greet him.
“Actually, Shyam Sir insisted I hand you this as soon as possible”

Aman passes the box to Arnav which is aware of. The Anklets!! He is going to gift them to Khushi. He must thank his brother for making it happen so soon.

“Have dinner with me”
“No Boss, that’s fine. I will have it in the airport. I have the early morning flight to catch”
“You won’t be late if you have dinner here. Give me company. I don’t like eating alone”

Aman doesn’t deny. He agrees to have dinner with Arnav here. Arnav soon freshens and returns back. The maids serve them food and Arnav gets a good opportunity to discuss the work update of Delhi Office.

“Boss, this reminds me of something” Aman slows down eating. “While booking the flight here using our company login, I found out that there was one more return flight booked for yesterday”

Arnav is confused. Whose flight is Aman talking about?

“You mean a return flight between Delhi to Jaipur?” he asks.
“Yes Sir”
“I don’t recollect any official coming from Delhi office here for work. Did you check the name of the passenger?”
“I didn’t, Sir. But if you want me to, I will fetch the details and let you know tomorrow morning once I reach there”

Arnav initially doesn’t find it necessary to know but he suddenly recollects how Khushi took a sudden holiday yesterday and then she even confessed her feelings to him. Whoever this person is, is he/she responsible for their sudden turn of relationship?

“Yes, find the name Aman” he strongly commands and continues eating.

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

Khushi returns back home at 11:30pm and she is totally exhausted. She wants to just lie down on bed and go to sleep. It has been a very hectic day for her today at work. She gets down from the vehicle and heads inside. She finds no trace of Arnav downstairs. Maybe he is asleep. But she knows he cannot sleep without finding her safely returned home from work. She enters her room and what surprises her is a Red Saree neatly pressed and placed on the bed. Beside it is a note. She keeps her purse and picks the note to read.

‘Wear this and come to the poolside’

Khushi’s brow arches. So, the man is planning something? She is clueless. She feels a strong desire not to deny his request even though she is deadly tired. She quickly freshens up and wears the Saree. She is not a pro is wearing a Saree but she manages to tuck it nicely without much fuss. She comes out of the room and heads to the poolside where she has been called.

The lights at the lobby towards the poolside guide her and she is stunned to see a dinner arranged there. She gets raged. She sees Arnav coming towards her from the other end and she doesn’t wait to scold him.

“You didn’t eat? Arnav, you have medicines to take. Why did you wait for me?” she shouts.

Arnav’s eyes are busy admiring her in that saree. She looks very beautiful, elegant. He doesn’t bother to respond but keeps coming closer. Khushi gets irked by his silence. She is about to shout at him again but he holds her hand and makes her sit on the arm chair. She doesn’t resist.

“I ate” he whispers, before she can open her mouth again.
Khushi quickly glances at the dinner table and realizes there is just one plate, not two. Means he really ate. She flushes at her overprotective reactions. But she cares for him, his health and will even cross the line if necessary to protect him from any signs of danger. He kneels down before her arm chair, at her feet.

“Medicines?” she asks in a reminder tone.
“Taken” he replies instantly.
She finally heaves in relief. He keeps gazing at her anxiously, holding his breathe in awe, his expressions serious.
“What are you staring so much?” she whispers.
“Just trying to believe you are finally mine” he murmurs. His eyes feast on her a little more and then he gently raises her feet and places it on his leg. Khushi tries to take off her feet but he holds her ankle, gazing in her eyes, warning her to do as told. She feels restless but manages to hold her breathe and do as he instructs. He then removes a pair of anklets from his pant pockets. Khushi watches him with amusement as he ties the anklet on her feet, with so much of emotions in his gesture.


“These belong to my mother” he breathes hard.
Khushi flinches at the information and doesn’t understand how to react. He is gifting her something which belongs to his beloved mother. She cannot even deny him. But their relationship is not permanent. He makes her wear the other one. Khushi’s heart beats erratically as he does that.

“You could have waited before giving me those” she murmurs with tears in her eyes.

Arnav keeps his look the same.
“I wanted you to have them the soonest. My mother’s blessings are with you now. I am sure she must be happy wherever she is looking at us from.” His voice is quiet, breathy.
She had no idea she has affected him so much. Getting a present like that from the man himself is every girl’s dream. She doesn’t want to remind herself about the expiry of their relationship now as it would bitter down everything. His cure is the only thing in her mind now and she wants to lead it bravely.

“You should eat. Come” he says.

He gets up and leads her to the chair at the small table and starts serving her. She looks amusingly at him. She never knew being loved by someone is so serene. She already feels full in her stomach.

“Has your work completed? For which you stayed so long?” he asks.
“Yes. I could manage to complete it” she replies.

She then tries to pick the spoon to eat but he stops her again. She looks questioningly at him and gets the answer as he feeds her by the spoon. She eats it slowly, swallowing it, all the while looking in his eyes. Arnav Singh Raizada, the same man who is so much drenched in pain and sorrows of his past can become the sunshine of her life, she had never even imagined that.

“You carried these Anklets here all the way?” she asks swallowing the next morsel.
“No, Aman got it for me.”
“Aman came here? When?”
“When you were overworking” he feeds her the next morsel.
Khushi sighs and keeps chewing. She decides to play a bit.
“Oh, I See. Aman has a good choice” she teases. “I mean look at the Saree. It’s beautiful, isn’t it? I think red is Aman’s favorite color”

She chuckles seeing him frowning at her.
“It is my favorite color Khushi Gupta. And I was the one who shopped it for you”
Khushi pouts at his efforts and starts digging more.
“I was just teasing”
“It worked. Made me mad enough!!” he warns.
Khushi holds her ear to apologize while he immediately takes her hand off her ears, forgiving her.
“When did you buy? Today?”
“A while ago.”
“Really? But how did you know I will wear it?”
“Gut feeling” he says twitching his brows in pride.
Khushi keeps eating as he feeds her and finally asks him to stop.

“Enough”
“Why? You hardly ate”
“I am full and besides I don’t want my stomach to bloat. I am already wearing a saree and its revealing too much of my stomach”

The moment she says this, she flushes. How can she discuss all this with him? It is so embarrassing and to top it, Arnav’s eyes gaze at her shinning stomach for few seconds and then back in her eyes.

“You are too skinny there, nothing will happen if you eat little more”

He stuffs her mouth with the next morsel and she eats it without complaining. After two more morsels he finally stops feeding her. She thanks him for understanding.

“No desserts?” she teasingly asks.
Arnav’s eyes glow possessively as he starts playing with her open hair.
“I didn’t know you will want to have desserts so late”
Khushi frowns.
“That means you don’t know me fully yet. I can eat sweets at any time of the day and night”
Arnav pulls her against him and she is astonished by his actions.
“Accept my apologies Khushi Gupta and give me a chance to make it up to you” his voice turns husky.
“A..p…olo…gies… acc..ep…ted” she stammers.

He smirks and lifts Khushi in arms. She grips his suit and keeps waiting with baited breath to know what he intends to do.

___________________________________________________

Part 48

Jaipur Residence

Khushi keeps fisting his shirt as he carries her to the car. After the stomach filling dinner, she had requested him for some desserts and probably he didn’t arrange one for her which is why he is taking her out.

“You need to put me down” she murmurs.

Arnav tightens his grip on her.
“Why? Are you ashamed of me?”
Khushi frowns.
“No, I am not ashamed. Just a little embarrassed because the guards are watching us”

Arnav looks in the direction of the guards and they immediately turn around reading his gesture. Arnav then gazes back at her.
“Problem solved” he huskily replies.
Khushi giggles.
“You never delay in sorting my issues, do you?”
“I will always push every hurdle from your path Khushi. It’s a man’s promise”
Khushi feels proud and slowly leaves his shirt and wraps her arms around his neck possessively.

“Where is the driver?” he keeps scanning around to see where their regular driver is? Meanwhile she keeps admiring him. He is a very adorable gentleman, having all the traits that can keep a woman happy with him forever.

“Why don’t you drive?” she carefully asks and in return gets the most dangerous expression back from him. He is amused to hear that from her. She knows everything. Yet she is asking?
He slowly puts her down.
“I want you to drive tonight” she commands.
“I don’t like such pranks Khushi. Please” he cuts her demand strongly and removes his cellphone to dial the driver. Khushi objects again by taking his phone away.
“I am serious.” She adds. “I know you love driving. I even heard it from Shyam that you learnt it when you were abroad and even got license for it. Then why don’t you drive here?”
He loses his temper. He holds her hand before she could touch his face.
“You don’t know why I don’t drive here anymore?”

Khushi realizes it’s more of an argument now than a normal conversation.
“Let it go” she murmurs. “The fear of hurting others. It won’t happen again”
Though she has addressed his fear he is not convinced.
“Khushi, don’t” his brow furrows. “I don’t want to discuss this further” his tone is guarded.

All these years he has kept explaining the same to himself that he won’t be hurting others anymore. He will always be cautious in his actions and decisions and will never be the reason of anyone’s pain. But he couldn’t really accept it. Even when today Khushi is explaining him the same, he is unable to believe it. The driver comes out and apologizes for not being here on time. Arnav drags Khushi to get in the car but she remains stiff. He meets her eyes and can easily see her disinterest in going out for this ride.

“Fine” Arnav scowls. “Good night”

Arnav strides back in the house. Khushi is not surprised by his behavior. She hadn’t expected him to overcome his fears so easily. It will take time. But she has no time, has she? Daadi’s warning is always oscillating in her mind and she knows the early she frees him from pain, less messy the forth coming situations would be.

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

Arnav is lying on his bed, thinking about what happened an hour ago. Suddenly, he hears the door knob and finds Khushi getting inside his room. She has changed back into her night dress. Why is she here now? His anger has still not mellowed down. He was so eager to take her out for desserts and she spoiled it all by putting such a disturbing wish forward, of making him drive. He turns to the other side of the bed, not wanting to see her. He thinks she will go away noticing his disinterest in continuing that topic, but he is wrong. Soon enough, he feels her warm arm sliding down his waist as she hugs him from behind.

“Hurt?” she whispers in his ears.

Arnav swallows. What is she doing?
“Go back to your room, Khushi. It has been a long tiring day for both of us” he mutters.
Khushi inhales deep and leans her head back on the pillow, next to him. What the hell is she doing? He straightens himself and she places her hand on his chest which he instantly removes. He is not used to this. He feels different and painful when a woman touches his chest. It reminds him of that awkward moments of his life in that child remand. Khushi meets his eyes and gulps down the pain which she feels in her throat too. She does not want to rush into treating him. She keeps her hand off his chest and continues staring at him.

“I am sorry” she whispers. “I was too much hurrying to make you normal again” she admits.

Arnav gazes back at her.

“Won’t you love me the way I am?” he painfully asks.

Khushi fights the urge to cry. How can he ask her that? The way she acted today made him feel that probably. It is her fault. She showed him unnecessary hurry. She gently cups his face.
“I love you the way you are Arnav. I don’t want to change you. Not for me.. Not for anyone else. I just want to ease your fears”
“Then just stay with me and my fears will be gone”
Khushi nods. Her eyes brim with tears and she doesn’t control them any longer. They start rolling down her cheeks.
“Don’t cry” Arnav wipes her tears and hugs her. She wraps her arms around him, both find solace in each other’s arms as the night passes.

The sharp sound of the alarm wakes them up. Arnav stretches his arm and turns the alarm off. It is 06:30 and as usual he plans to exercise in the gym. He watches Khushi who has analyzed their situation. So, she slept with him in his room again. The only difference is that she doesn’t have any remorse.

“Sleep for a little longer” he insists, pulling the duvet on her.
“Where are you going?” she holds his hand.
“Gym” he whispers with a smile noticing how much disinterest she is in letting him go. “I will be back in an hour”
He kisses her forehead winning a smile back from her. She leaves his hand and cuddles the pillow, falling back to sleep.

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

“Daadi, please” Khushi pleads. “Let me see him once” she pleads continuously, crying.
“No”

Daadi’s sharp voice instigates some more fear in her heart. So the time has come when Arnav is perfectly fine, his fears all gone and the truth of her promise made to Daadi is out before him. To her dismay he is behaving very unexpected out of him. He is hurt that she made such a promise to Daadi despite of knowing how much he loves her and at the end has taken a decision of never seeing her face again. She has packed her bags to leave Shantivan forever but wishes to see Arnav once. But Daadi is not letting her to do so.

“Get out of this house. You have no place here. This family was never yours. Arnav was never yours. Get out” Daadi yells on top of her voice.

Khushi keeps pleading Daadi to let her meet Arnav once but Daadi drags her out and throws her belongings too, shutting the door of Shantivan on her face.

“Daadi… don’t shut me out.. Daadi.. please..”

Khushi gets up with a jerk, sweating. Was she dreaming? She scans around and realizes Arnav is sitting next to her and caressing her head. Did he hear whatever she said in the dream?

“Khushi? Relax.. It was a bad dream”
He pulls her to him and she hugs him as tight as possible. She was so desperate to see Arnav once before she leaves Shantivan and here she is, in his arms. Arnav keeps caressing her back.

“I was just back from the gym and heading for shower when I heard you screaming in your dream. What was it about?” he curiously asks.
Though he tries to pull back from the hug, Khushi doesn’t let him go. She just wants to be in his arms as long as she can. She knows these moments will never come again so until she has him around, she wants him close to her. This is so painfully ruined. Her life has been centered by only one man who loves her immensely and she has made this foolish promise to his Daadi that she will leave him soon enough after he is normal. Will she really do so?

Arnav realizes she has been traumatized by whatever dream she saw.

“If you don’t wish to talk about it now, I am okay. Just calm down” he keeps hugging her until she finally eases and pulls away.
“I…It was a bad dream” she replies.
“Hmm.. I heard you pleading to Daadi. What were you pleading for?” he asks.

Khushi gets speechless and she tries to look away from him. Arnav realizes that and consoles her again.

“I know why you got such a dream. You are always worried if Daadi will accept our relationship or not.”
Khushi nods. This is just half the truth. She knows their togetherness is not going to be relished by his Daadi for long. Daadi is going to throw her out of their lives soon.
“I have a very good idea to take out this fear from your mind forever” he replies with a smile.
“What?” she asks curiously. “What do you mean?”
“That’s a surprise. You will get to know it soon. Now get up and get ready. You have to present those designs today, remember?”

Oh yes. She had forgotten work completely. She forgets everything when she is around him. She gets down the bed and hurries to her room. Arnav keeps watching her leave, thinking if she is really okay or not. Why does he feel she is in a different zone since the time she has accepted their budding feelings for each other? What is it that she is hiding from him?

His phone rings the same instance. Its a call from Aman which he can never ignore.

“Yea Aman” Arnav picks the call.
“Boss, I checked the name of the passenger who travelled all the way to Jaipur a day before I came”
“I am listening” Arnav becomes serious and interested in the topic. “It is Subhadra Raizada, your grandmother”

Arnav is shocked. Daadi came here to Jaipur? Why? What work can she have here?

“She had her return ticket booked for the same evening” Aman adds.

Arnav is totally confused why he was not made aware of Daadi’s arrival here? Did she come to the guest house? Arnav tries to recollect what their agenda was that day. Khushi had taken an off and it was the same day when Khushi accepted her feelings for him. Is this all connected? Has Khushi accepted his love only because Daadi might have pleaded to her? He hopes not!! He is not in for any kind of heartbreak now. But he has felt Khushi’s love for him, true love. She cannot be doing this because of Daadi. Then what is it? Did Khushi and Daadi meet that day? What did they talk? What was the reason that Daadi showed her presence here? All these questions start haunting Arnav.

“Thanks Aman. I.. I will look into this”
“Okay Boss”

Arnav disconnects the phone and sits on the bed, feeling exhausted. He has to find out what is going on. There is something happening between Khushi and Daadi for sure. This is why Khushi is always so much afraid of Daadi these days. He has to find out. Should he ask Khushi? They are dating each other now and he has all rights to know every little thing which is related to their relationship. But he knows breaking Khushi’s resolve to speak up is not going to be fruitful. She has a lot of control over secrets and promises. She will never openly share anything even if it is bothering her beyond control. So, who else can help him? He closes his eyes and the only one person comes in his mind. His brother.. SHYAM!!

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

The afternoon drags. Khushi finishes her presentation at Motwani’s office. She is happy that most of their designs have been selected and now the next phase of their project can begin. She wants to share this news to Arnav. She hurries to his cabin and gets inside but he is not here. She asks the manager who then informs her that Arnav Singh Raizada is in the conference room. She makes her way to the conference room and knocks the door. Arnav is on call. He sees her entering.

“I will talk to you later” he mutters to the person on the call and disconnects.
Khushi smiles weakly at him. With his expressions she can say that the call was important yet he chose to disconnect it… For her!!

“Sorry.. .I thought you have finished” she apologizes.
“I have finished” he gets up and reaches her.

Khushi quickly shows him the papers which the Motwanis have signed.
“My designs have been selected”
Arnav is elated but there is something in his mind which is clearly visible on his face. She avoids to analyze it at the moment.
“I knew it. They were the best”
“You saw them?”
“Yes, before the presentation. They were outstanding” he praises.

Khushi is already on cloud 9. She feels happy that he appreciated her work not that she had any doubts. But their hard work has paid off.

“Okay, so the team is going to celebrate this” she happily announces.
Arnav shakes his head.
“Let them celebrate. We are not going to be part of that. We have other plans”
“Plans?” she gets confused.
Arnav smirks back.
“Yup.. You will know them soon”
“Arnav please stop giving me surprises. What are you planning?”
“I said you will come to know soon. Stop asking me that and get back to work. I don’t want you to extend your shift hours like yesterday.”

Khushi does not force him to tell. She agrees and leaves the conference room. While closing the door she turns back and finds him again dialing some number. Probably it is to the same person he was talking while she entered. What is this all about? What is he planning?

___________________________________________________

Part 49

Shantivan

Shyam and Anjali’s sudden interest in going to Jaipur and staying there for few days has surprised Daadi.

“I don’t understand why are you insisting over it?” Daadi refrains from agreeing to their demand, not that she doesn’t want to spend time with her grandson. She misses Arnav too.
“Daadi, I thought you will be the first person to agree” Shyam replies. “Come on Daadi, Arnav will be so happy to see you there”
Daadi smiles.
“But our intrusion will affect his work”
“Never. You know Chotte, he is very peculiar in handling his professional life” Shyam defends.
Daadi looks at Anjali who is insisting on the same.
“Okay, as you both wish. I will pack my bags too”

Shyam and Anjali are overjoyed.

“But this is going to be a surprise Daadi. Don’t inform Arnav or Khushi about it” Anjali requests.
Daadi nods in agreement. She has no idea why suddenly this couple has made such a huge plan but she approves it.

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

Jaipur

Khushi is sitting on the couch, reading a novel. She just happened to find one of her colleagues reading this during her free time at Office. She raises her feet on the couch and blushes in between while reading one of the paragraphs. Arnav pats once on her back and then passes her the coffee mug.
“Thanks” she takes it and continues reading.
“Novel?” he sits next to her.
“Hmm. Interesting one”
Arnav sips his own coffee.
“What is so interesting about it?”
“The hero of this story. He is just so adorable.” Khushi shies again as if summarizing the entire story in her mind.
Arnav stiffens.
“What is so adorable about him?”
“Everything... He is calm, focused, intelligent and so much passionate about the woman he loves”
He raises his eyebrows and the frown on his face vanishes. He draws her closer and runs his fingers in her hair.
“Why do you need to read a novel when you have a similar man in your life?”

His words touch her heart but she knows he is teasing her on purpose.

“Well…” she meets his eyes. “I am reading the novel because I am interested in knowing where their love leads them to”
Arnav gives her a pained look suddenly. She stops smiling reading that pained expressions on his face.
“Where is our love leading us?” he whispers to her.
She looks at him with utter confusion. Did she say anything wrong? Tentatively she reaches out her palm to touch his cheek, keeping the novel away.
“I didn’t get you” she murmurs.
“It is time we think about taking this relationship forward” he replies.
Khushi swallows hard. What exactly does he mean?
“In terms of commitment” he immediately clears her doubts. She is not satisfied though because commitment is that one thing which she cannot provide him ever. She has promised Daadi to leave him one day, though she herself is not willing to do that yet.

Her silence over this subject hints Arnav again about the serious dilemma she is going through. He cannot help but feel a crushing disappointment.

“You will have to tell me exactly whats in your mind, Khushi” he urges again so that she speaks up but she instead chooses to move away from his hug.
“It… it is too early Arnav. I mean, we have just started being together, and..”

Arnav roughly holds her neck and pulls her closer. Their gaze piercing through the others soul.

“Do you really love me?” he asks immediately.
“More than you know” she whispers back.
“Do you trust me?”
“More than I trust my own self”
“Good” he whispers against her ears and then embraces her.

Khushi hugs him tight, trying to regain her energy and calm.
“Why do we have such intense conversations?” she mumbles while brushing her fingers in his hair.
Arnav smirks rubbing his palm on her back. He knows he doesn’t need to answer that. When he is so much extraordinary, how can his ways of showing love to her be normal?

Khushi pulls back from the hug after few minutes.

“I will cook dinner for us tonight”
“Stay with me” he insists.
Khushi sighs at his undeniable requests.
“Arnav, by being so cozy with each other we are increasing the issues of global warming”

Her joke does get a smile on his face too. He leaves her hand and she realizes he has allowed her to cook.

“So, what would Sir eat tonight?”
“Whatever Madam can cook” he replies in the same teasing tone.
Khushi giggles.
“Give me an hour”

She hurries to the kitchen to see whats available. She knows whatever she cooks, he will always like. That’s LOVE!! Arnav keeps looking at her as she leaves. She might have ignored his advice on proving her commitment level towards this relationship but it wont work tomorrow. He has planned everything beforehand to make her either speak on whats holding her back or commit to his love forever.

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

Khushi wakes up next morning in her room, a little early than usual. It was once again because of a bad dream where she saw Daadi getting Arnav married to some other woman in her presence. It was so devastating to see Arnav tying a knot just for the sake of his love for Daadi. Will it ever happen? Can he choose someone else over her only because of Daadi? Maybe when she ditches him and moves out of his life, Daadi plans to do the same, get him married to a woman of her choice. Tears brim in her eyes as she continues imagining all these scenes before her eyes. Arnav love for her is beyond anyone’s understanding and for a man like him to bear the distance of separation forever is never going to be easy. She is illogically, insensitively going to hurt him where he is the weakest… his heart!!

The urge to see Arnav right at this moment makes her get down from bed and hurry in his room. It is Sunday today and they have no other schedule planned. She doesn’t want to stay away from him even for a minute today because of that stupid dream she saw. She is frightened when she doesn’t find him in the room. Where has he gone? She walks down the stairs and finally finds Arnav in the gym, working out on his abs. She takes a sigh of relief and stops at the gym door, admiring him. His T shirt is drenched with sweat. Her eyes automatically shift lower to see toned muscles of his chest and then his flat stomach.

“You know what your stare does to me” he shouts.

She jerks at his sudden intrusion and sees him keeping the weights down. She resists from showing her playful smile to him and keeps giving a bemused expression. He wipes his face with a fresh towel to remove that excess sweat. She feels all the more attracted to him. He has every quality imbibed in his body which can make a woman fall for him. And then suddenly she recollects her dream again. No woman can deny him as a husband. And what is she doing? Leaving him for a damn promise which she didn’t give it by heart.

She doesn’t realize when he reaches her until she feels her chin tilted and Arnav kissing her cheek, just below her ear. She gets goosebumps all over her body and suddenly a sharp ache when he bites her skin there. She hisses in pain and meets his eyes with horror after he pulls away.

“What was that for?” she asks rubbing the area of her cheek which has reddened.
“A punishment”
“Punishment?” she shouts. “What did I do?”
Arnav heads out of the door.
“You will come to know soon”

His reply surprises her and makes her curious to know whats going in his head. What punishment is he talking about? What did she do?

“Arnav.. .wait” she calls him again but he keeps heading to his room. Khushi has to run to block his way. “Tell me” she gives him a no-nonsense expression.
Arnav cups her face and gives back a wicked smile.
“Don’t be so impatient.”
Khushi can sense he is up to something.
“You will love my surprise” he further adds, tucking her hair strand. Khushi decides to respect his so-called surprise.
“Fine, if you say so. But what are we doing today? It is Sunday” she happily exclaims.
“I have booked a Spa appointment for you in the afternoon”
“Spa? For me?”
“Hmm.. You have been stressful all the week at work. I want you to de-stress yourself”

It is this loving nature which isolates him from the rest.
“Will you join me there?” she pouts.
“I would have loved to join you but I have some important work to do.”

Khushi pouts nervously at his reply.
“But we will see each other in the evening. I promise” he kisses her forehead this time.
His assurance is enough for Khushi’s mood to brighten again. She obeys him and heads back to her room, to prepare herself for a relaxing Spa. She never had one so this is going to be very new and interesting experience.

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

It’s evening and the Spa really helped Khushi regain her energy and mind. She already feels glowing and rejuvenated. She reaches home and gets back in her room where another surprise takes over. There is a pink Lehnga placed on the bed with a similar note like before. It’s from Arnav, asking her to wear it and come to the Terrace. What is this for? Is this his much-awaited surprise? Probably!! First the Spa, then this lehnga and now he also wants her to come on the Terrace, something is romantically fishy. She wants to forget that promise for a while again and enjoy the moment with him. Such occasion might never come again. With that in her mind, she starts dressing.

Khushi looks at herself in the mirror. She is not looking any less than a bride though the Lehnga is simple and she hasn’t done much justice to it. She hopes the maids don’t watch her going like this on the Terrace. She has heard the maids already discussing about them from past few days. For sure, all the maids here know they are a couple. She looks at herself one last time in the mirror and takes the Dupatta on one side of her shoulder. She cannot decide of any other style to take it. She strides to the terrace, waiting anxiously to meet Arnav and see what he has planned for tonight.

She steps inside. There are few lights here and there and she can think of a private candle light dinner planned but it is not so. The moment she gets in, she finds a fireplace at the center of the terrace which is burning. Is this some kind of bonfire? It doesn’t look like that, it is lit more like for some holy ritual. Finally, she sees Arnav coming to her. He is normally dressed in one of his regular suit. She feels his eyes appreciating her look in his gifted Lehnga. He strolls towards her and admires her for few more seconds after reaching her. She flushes. Arnav gently takes the Dupatta off her shoulder and makes her wear it over her head like a bride would. Khushi meets his eyes with an intense stare. What is he doing? He holds her hand and then leads her towards the holy fire. Khushi’s heart starts beating faster than ever as she notices two garlands, sindoor, bangles and Mangalsutra kept aside in another thali.

“Arnav… what is all this?”

Arnav stops before the holy fire and looks at her, finally answering all her questions.

“Aaj humaari Shaadi hai” (It’s our marriage tonight)

Khushi feels like someone just dragged the floor off her feet. Marriage? Now? How is this possible? She looks at him with horror.

“Marriage?” she stammers.
“Yes, that’s the next step in love” he declares.
She knows that too but she cannot forget the promise which she has given to Daadi. She wants Arnav forever but she knows he is beyond her reach. Daadi will never like it. Plus, the guilt of Arnav suffering the punishment unnecessarily because of her father’s deeds is making it all the more difficult for her to think of taking this huge step.

“Arnav.. we… we can’t do this”
“Why not? We love each other and you said you trust me. So, trust me on this decision Khushi. It is for us.. For our love”
Khushi denies.
“No.. It is not about trust. You are hurrying unnecessarily”
She knows he is going to be very angry if she keeps denying but that’s all she can do at the moment. He didn’t even give her time to think for any excuse. She notices his face turning red in anger. He must be so annoyed of her confusing reactions. They being in love have all rights to take this step but yet she is denying him without being reasonable.
“Why are you denying for marriage?” he ragefully asks.
Khushi lowers her eyes. She is unable to look at him because she is afraid of blurting out the truth. After knowing about the promise, he will break down, she knows.

Arnav grips her upper arm.
“Tell me Khushi. Why are you suddenly backing off?”
Khushi shrugs his arm in frustration.
“I am not backing off”
“Then marry me” he demands again.
“I cant” tears pool in her eyes.
“I don’t see a reason for that. Give me one and I will back off”

The fight has started, she knows. She cannot help but keep hiding that promise. It is for his own benefit and for the sake of his relationship with Daadi.

“I cant” she murmurs.

Arnav clenches his jaw.
“Under usual circumstances I would have gone down on my knees to propose you, but not anymore. I don’t see why you cannot marry me when you love me so much. So this is happening, Khushi. You like it or not”

Before she could comprehend, he carries her in his arms and starts taking circles around the holy fire.

“How many pheres (circles) do we need to take? 6 or 7?” he asks, his voice darker than ever.
“Arnav please stop it” she shouts but nothing affects him.
“2 are done. 5 more pheres right?”

His heartbeats are abnormally rising because he is mad at her and she knows that too.

“Arnav.. at least listen to me once”
“Listen to what? You aren’t giving me proper reasons”
“I do have reasons..” she yells again. “Daadi doesn’t like me”
“It will change once we marry”

Arnav completes circling the holy fire 4 times and Khushi this is not the right way of marrying, yet she is scared of what his actions would be after taking the 7 pheras? He is in such a hurry that he will even fill her forehead with Sindoor and tie the Mangalsutra over her neck. What will she do then?

“It is not that simple Arnav… I have promised Daadi” she finally starts blurting out the truth. Arnav keeps circling, gripping her tight in his arms.
“Promise what?”
“That I will leave you once you recover from your dark issues. I have promised her to leave you forever and never return in your family. That’s what she asked me for and that’s what I promised her.”

ARNAV FINALLY STOPS and so does Khushi’s mouth. She looks scared at him as he stares back at her. And it happens!! Instead of dropping her down on feet or fighting and arguing with her, Arnav looks ahead. Khushi feels something seriously wrong and she looks in the direction where he is staring. Daadi, Shyam and Anjali are standing before them, totally bewildered and confused with this entire drama.


Was this pre-planned by Arnav? Is this the sin which he was punishing her for in the morning? Did he get any hint that she and Daadi ever had this conversation? And many such questions which kept arising in her mind one by one, all had the same answer. YES!! HE KNEW IT!!


___________________________________________________

Part 50


Daadi is stupefied witnessing Arnav’s forceful ways to marry Khushi. Her head spins in anger as she analyzes what would have happened if she hadn’t come here. Arnav would have married this woman who is the only reason why he is like this.

Shyam and Anjali though had an idea of this entire concept, are still dazed at Arnav’s planning to get the cat out of the box. After knowing from Aman that Daadi had been to Jaipur, Arnav had dialed Shyam and tried to get more details about it. Shyam didn’t step back from telling him the truth. He told Arnav that Daadi had been to see Khushi and confront her about Shashi Gupta’s suicide note. He and Anjali had noticed a difference in Daadi after she had returned back from Jaipur, as if she had won something huge. It is this point which Arnav didn’t let go. He immediately joined the dots and realized that Daadi and Khushi definitely had some conversation which is unacceptable for him. That is why Khushi got the nightmares recently where she saw Daadi always separating him from her. Plus, Khushi’s continuous denial from taking their relationship towards a commitment level proved his suspicions. But this was not enough. He knew none of the two would tell him the entire truth and this is why he had to plan something huge to get them together, before him, to unveil the fact. And he is successful. But this success has come up with lots of bitterness and pain. He cannot believe Daadi could ask such a promise from Khushi even after knowing how much he has been loving her.

Daadi notices the audacity of Arnav. He is staring at her with an unknown rage and there are no signs of him putting Khushi down. He is still carrying her in arms though she is trying to struggle every few seconds to get down. Daadi looks elsewhere unable to digest this. Arnav finally puts Khushi down. She feels her legs trembling in fear. This is not good. Their little secret has unveiled the beast inside him. He is not going to understand any of their point of views now. He heads to Daadi and stands before her. A surge of anger pulses through him.

“I understand you always had issues with Khushi and of course after knowing about the suicide note, those issues have grown to an unrepairable extent. But you were not blind about my love for her Daadi”

Daadi meets his eyes.

“What you think is love, was always a guilt Arnav. You were torn for breaking her family and it is that pain which took the name of feelings and love. Now it is her turn to be guilty, because everyone of us knows what her father did. And it is that guilt again which has given her a reason to accept your love proposal. Relationships based on guilt and such temporary arrangements never last long. They have to break and I am helping you both understand it”

Daadi’s words accelerates his fury.
“Is this what you have known about me so far?” he scowls. “Daadi, I thought you are the only one who have felt every ounce of pain I have went through, right from the start of it. You have seen every little phase of my life, every ups and down, my tears, my longings, my devastation. But I guess I was wrong all this while”

In spite of his fury, he doesn’t break the bond of respect between him and Daadi. He is patiently talking to her, trying to learn why she did this to him. Khushi is already in tears. She is feeling every ounce of pain which he is going through right now and she knows she is totally responsible for it. Shyam and Anjali are equally emotional. Their family is breaking before their eyes and they cannot do anything about it.

“Chotte, I want you to get the best in your life” Daadi continues explaining her side. She tries to touch Arnav’s arm but he shrugs off.
“You have snatched the best from me already, Daadi. I suggest you stop now”

Arnav strides out. Shyam tries to stop him but Arnav doesn’t give a ear. Daadi keeps staring at Arnav as he leaves. She had not expected their secret to come out in this form. Now she understands who has helped Arnav in analyzing all these facts. She turns to Shyam.

“So, this was your surprise Shyam?” she angrily asks. “This is why you were so much eager to come to Jaipur? I thought being the elder brother you will support my decisions for him”
“Daadi, didn’t you see Chotte’s state? He is crushed by your actions. He has never demanded anything much and when he did it for once, you snatched it from him? Khushi is his life Daadi. It is only now that he had started to come out of his personal zone and mingle with us and you once again pushed him into darkness. I am sorry if this hurts you, but I am not going to support your decision this time. Because you are wrong”

Daadi looks at him horrified. What has happened to her grandsons? None of them is taking her side? Shyam moves his gaze towards Khushi now.

“What should I tell you Khushi? You wanted to sort his dark issues and for once I thought it was out of love, but you proved me wrong. Instead of healing, you have stabbed his heart. I hope he forgives you”
Anjali holds her husband’s arm trying to soothe him down. She has never seen Shyam so broken down.
Daadi is speechless. She walks out of the terrace. Shyam heads out too and Anjali follows him. There is total silence around Khushi. All she can hear is the erratic beating of her heart. It feels like it will soon stop functioning. She looks at the holy fire which is still in its glory and kneels down before it. What has she done? Wish all this was a nightmare. Arnav’s outburst to Daadi was heart wrenching. But what concerns her right now is the fact that he didn’t even question her once. She has hurt him beyond repair this time. How is she supposed to mend it? She closes her face with palms and cries bitterly. She wanted to become the smile of his face but she ruined everything. She should have confronted him about Daadi’s promise. They both could have found a solution for it. She knows it is impossible for her to leave him after coming so much ahead of all their past issues. Then why did she make such a promise? What was she thinking then? All these years she had been selfishly trying to hate him and give him pain. But when the time came to soothe him, she bruised him again. How could she be so foolish?

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

Arnav shuts the bedroom door, locking it from inside. He leans on the door and closes his eyes. It is so hard to believe what he just heard from Khushi. How can she make such a ridiculous promise to Daadi? Was she faking being in love all these days? No!! He fists his fingers and punches the wall hard. His eyes darken in anger. Her eyes can never lie. He had seen true feelings in her eyes for him. But if it is so then why did she hide such a crucial fact from him? He recalls how she insisted him to drive the car, how she regularly gave him the medicines to cure him from the nightmares. Did she really intend to leave him after his demons had soothed? Is her acceptance of his love proposal only to complete the mission of treating her and then leaving him forever? If that’s so, he doesn’t want to be cured. Never ever!!

He walks to the drawer, opens it and removes the bottle of medicines which Dr. Akash had prescribed. He throws all the medicines in the bathroom and flushes them off, throwing the empty bottle away, breaking it into pieces. He comes out of the bathroom and his gaze falls on the bed which he and Khushi shared. Why did she let him come close to her when she intended to leave him forever? He had plans for them. He wanted to give her the world she deserved, he deserved, they both deserved and what did she do? Make some stupid promise to his Daadi. He opens another drawer and takes out the lighter and turns it on. He throws the burning lighter on the bed, to avoid seeing the flashes of him and Khushi sleeping there together. He doesn’t deserve this. She is one woman he has ever loved and she returning his love in the form of a deceit is not acceptable. The fire claims the entire bed and soon starts spreading. The smoke runs out from the creeks of the door and windows and the fire alarm breaks open. Water starts sprinkling from the ceiling, trying to shut the raging fire.

Shyam, Anjali, Daadi and even Khushi rush to his room to ensure he is safe. None of them expected him to react this way. They are afraid what he has done and if he is safe or not. Shyam breaks the door open and finds Arnav standing in the middle of the fire which is trying to soothe down. He is all drenched and exhausted.

“Chotte” Shyam hurries in and drags him away from the remaining fire. Khushi is deathly scared seeing Arnav’s state of mind. Daadi is in tears again as she has never seen Arnav behaving so wild ever. There are minor bruises on his arms which are the effects of the fire he was standing close to. Shyam drags him out of the room, followed by the rest of the family.

“What were you doing Chotte? Anything could have happened to you. That fire would have consumed you” Shyam shouts at him. “I know you are angry on us. But this is not the way to show your anger.”

Arnav keeps his wild gaze fixed on Khushi who is unable to react. She is afraid thinking what would have happened today if that fire alarm hadn’t worked. Arnav might have got himself killed in that fire. She should have gauged the repercussions of making such a promise to Daadi. She should not have expected Arnav to take this matter lightly. He is beyond anyone’s control now. At least earlier there was a hope that he will let her cure him. But now, that hope is crushed down and broken into pieces. He will never trust her again. He will never trust anyone again. Arnav is still holding his gaze on her. There is a strong emotion running in his eyes which he wants her to read and understand her fault. She is not going to be forgiven. He would have pardoned any kind of sin from her but not this, not the one which will make her go away from him. He is mad because of her and whatever he is doing in that daze is nothing. There is a lot to come yet from his end.

He makes few calls and then comes back to Shyam.

“We are going back to Delhi, tonight” he says and then looks at Khushi. “All of us” he adds.

Shyam agrees. At least that way he will be able to look after his brother and try to patch his wounds. Khushi swallows hard as she sees Arnav taking his eyes off her and engaging his fingers back on the mobile phone. She is feeling suffocated now every time he sees her. His gaze has so much of pain in it that it has started haunting her. She wants to talk to him, once. Will he listen to her? Anjali comes to Khushi.

“We should pack your stuff. We have to leave within an hour” Anjali informs and takes Khushi back to her room to pack. Khushi has no clue what will they respond to Motwani’s about their sudden departure. She knows Arnav will have good excuses for that. He is the boss but what about her? She is part of this project and she cannot leave it midway. But she doesn’t have a choice, neither she wants one. Arnav is her priority now and she will do anything he wants her to do. She slowly starts undressing, recollecting the flashes of what happened at the terrace. That holy fire, the marriage preparations, the sindoor and mangalsutra, their pheras. She shuts her eyes recalling the way he whispered to her ‘Aaj humaari Shaadi hai’ (It’s our Marriage today) in her ears. It sounded so perfect and necessary even though she continued to avoid it from happening. Wish she hadn’t made that promise to Daadi and hurt Arnav to this extent. Wish all this could be rewinded and changed.

Arnav is still standing away from the family, alone and wounded. Daadi tries to bandage his bruises but he denies anyone to even come near him.

Shyam quickly dials someone and asks them to take care of this house. It needs refurbishment, especially after the stunt which Arnav did in his bedroom. This house can still be renovated but what about the wounds which has made a deep impact on Arnav and Khushi’s heart. He hopes they talk to each other and soothe them too.

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

Arnav sits alone at the last seat in their chartered plane while the rest of the family sit ahead, trying to mend their moods. Khushi sits next to Anjali who tries to console her cries. Anjali is hurt too and she knows Khushi did wrong but she still supports her at this hour, giving her the shoulder to cry. Shyam does the same to Daadi. It is now upon him and Anjali after all to take care of this situation. Arnav continuously drinks at the backseat. Shyam tries to stop him but he ignores his plea. He wants to drown himself and his pain and getting intoxicated looks the only option.

After an hour flight from Jaipur, the Raizadas reach back Shantivan. Every one heads to their respective rooms. It is late night. Shyam drops Arnav till his room and asks him to rest. Arnav is too drunk to understand that. He nods and shuts the door, closing all the contact from his family, especially the one who broke his heart beyond repair today… HIS KHUSHI. 

“Did he sleep?” Khushi stops Shyam in the lobby.
Shyam sighs.
“I hope he sleeps. He has gone through a lot.”
Tears again pool in Khushi’s eyes.
“I am sorry Shyam.. I messed it all up” she cries.
“Don’t say sorry to me, say it to him. He is the one who is hurt the most. The two most important people of his life messed with his heart today. How do you think he will cope up?” he angrily asks.

Khushi keeps whimpering and Shyam suddenly feels pity for her. He clutches her arms.

“I don’t want you to cry Khushi. Make it right, that’s all” he advises.
She nods.
“But let me warn you. You have wounded the beast inside him. I don’t think he will heal that easily this time”
Khushi felt shivers in her body apprehending what Shyam just warned her about. She nods gently and wipes her tears.
“Go and sleep now. You have a big fight to fight from tomorrow and you will need a lot of patience and energy for that. Go”
Khushi moves away, letting Shyam go while she takes baby steps towards her room. This feels like a dead-end now. As if there is no other place for her to go. The man she loves is just few feet away from her yet she cannot go to him. What has she done with them? Will she ever be able to forgive her own self for doing all this to him? Probably never!!

___________________________________________________

Part 51

Shantivan

The night goes horrible for Khushi. She couldn’t sleep at all. She was only thinking how to make up for the mistake she has done. Daadi also doesn’t get good sleep. She is troubled with the fact that her grandson will no longer trust her. She did all this to give the best to him but he won’t understand it so soon. It will take time for him to actually appraise her decision and accept it. Khushi is just their responsibility. She cannot be a permanent part of this family. Arnav deserves a better woman, a better life partner who can look after him the whole life, someone who knows him and can support him in these horrible times.

The next morning, Daadi is the first one to wake up and come down. She wants to pray but before that she wants to drink water. She is very thirsty. She enters the kitchen and is shocked to see Khushi making breakfast.

“What are you doing here?” Daadi asks.
Khushi doesn’t reply. She continues her work. This used to be her routine in Jaipur, to make Pancakes for Arnav in the morning. She cannot miss doing that here, even though he us angry on her. Daadi notices what she is preparing and gets more raged.

“These tricks will not work anymore Khushi. Stop doing anything for him. Arnav knows about the promise now and he will not easily come in your grip again”

Khushi continues ignoring. She is so much dedicated in cooking that she doesn’t want any kind of hurdles in that. Daadi gets frustrated. None of her words are affecting Khushi and she will not let that happen. She comes to her and snatches the spatula from her hand.

“Stop it, I said” she shouts.

Khushi meets her gaze and she doesn’t look sober either.
“Try not to stop me Daadi, please” she requests but her tone is a warning one, not pleading. It confuses Daadi.
“Are you out of your mind?” Daadi snaps.
“I was..” Khushi snaps back. “I was out of mind to promise you something like that. I wont do that mistake again”

Daadi looks horrified at her.

“What is that supposed to mean?”
Khushi snatches the spatula back from Daadi.
“I am not leaving Arnav ever. Not for you, not for anyone. He is my life and I don’t want to end my life only because someone else thinks this is not where I am supposed to be”

Daadi is highly disturbed by her tone and the meaning behind her words.

“Watch your words” Daadi cautions her.
“I should have watched my steps. At least Arnav wouldn’t have been so much hurt”
“Did you forget what your father did to him?”
“No.. I didn’t” she scowls. “And I am sorry about that. But neither Arnav nor me are going to let the deeds of my father come between our love for each other this time.”

Daadi feels cold at her confession.

“You have lost your mind”
“I had lost it a while ago. Now I can see and sense things easily. I know what I am doing. And it’s a request, if you cannot accept me as Arnav’s partner, don’t. But I am not doing anything further that will hurt him more. I won’t let anyone else hurt him either”

It’s like this time she has clearly drawn the borders around her and Arnav and she is challenging people not to cross it for their own good. Daadi is speechless seeing her courage. She never thought Khushi will go against her promise like this. Khushi finishes frying the pancakes and she heads out to arrange them at the table. The moment she comes out, she finds Arnav there. Khushi shifts uncomfortably as he approaches her. He still looks mad. Realization dawns. He was not coming to her but towards Shyam who is just few feet away from her.

“I have arranged a meeting in an hour, I don’t want you to miss it” he informs his brother.
“Meeting? What for?”
“You will come to know. Don’t be late”

He turns to leave but Khushi blocks his way.

“Breakfast” her voice seems scared yet full of concern.
He gives her a cold stare and walks out of the house. Khushi grips the tray of pancakes in her hand. He didn’t eat. She made it for him, hoping he will at least eat if not talk with her. Shyam sighs at his behavior and comes to Khushi.

“Don’t worry. I will ensure he eats something at work. You go and get ready. We will leave together”

Khushi nervously keeps the pancakes on the table and rushes to her room. She is unable to bear this ignorance from Arnav. He has never done that before. Earlier when she hated him to even look at her, he still found ways to ensure she is everywhere around him. She is used to his protectiveness, his love not his avoidance.

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

AR Office

Arnav strides in the office, followed by Aman. Shyam and the other board of directors are already seated. Khushi is not part of this group as only the managing heads are present for this meeting.

“Sorry Gentleman to call you on a short notice” Arnav exclaims, taking his chair. “I have some announcements to make”
Shyam hears out to him with baited breath. He knows his little brother. He takes some disastrous decisions when he is angry. Today he is sure to witness one of it.

“As you all know I was here specifically for one Project which is already under completion. Plus, the other Motwani Project is midway and running successfully in Jaipur. So, I am leaving back to Paris”

Shyam fists his fingers angrily. He knew it. He knew his brother would plan something like this. The board members are equally confused and not willing to let this happen.

“But ASR, we still have few critical projects lined up here which will need your support” Khanna insists.
“I am not quitting the company Mr. Khanna. And I will always provide my support wherever its needed. I am just not going to be here personally to look into it. I will be available over phone and of course on Video conferences too. Nothing will be affected, I assure you that”

Shyam stays quiet. He doesn’t interfere any of this. He keeps listening.

“Aman has made the papers ready for whatever actions are needed from me to wind up my work here. I will sign them and pass it on to you. Point out if we have missed out anything” he adds.

The board seems to be okay with his decision. The meeting soon ends after discussing few sets of issues that the company might want to look into. As the others leave, Arnav waits in his chair. Shyam gets up last.

“So, you are now running away” Shyam asks.

Arnav looks elsewhere.
“I am protecting myself from getting more humiliated by my own people” Arnav replies.
“I agree to that. You have all rights to be angry on them but running away is not a solution Chotte. Where is that fighter attitude gone in you? You were not like this when you were a teen”

Arnav gets up angrily from his chair.
“I am not a teen anymore. I have grown up too fast. And coming to the fighter attitude, I don’t want to fight with my own people. If they don’t think I am worth in their lives, so be it. I don’t want to beg them to stay with me”

Shyam sighs in disappointment.
“She did a mistake. Forgive her”
“Forgiveness is not going to satisfy the pain I am bearing right now”
“Then punish her” Shyam scowls. “But don’t leave like this. If you do, none of you will be happy. And as far as I know you Chotte, you want to see Khushi happy. So don’t give her the pain which will make her repent for her whole life”

Saying that, Shyam leaves the conference room and Arnav stands there, cold and disoriented by this conversation. She hurt him beyond repair this time. And no punishment either can get their lives back to normal, not this soon at least.

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

“What? How.. how can she decide that?” Khushi yells after knowing from Shyam that Arnav has decided to head back to Paris.
“I was expecting him to do something like this, but not so soon” Shyam sighs.
Tears pool in her eyes. The very thought of Arnav going away from her kills her from inside.
“He can’t do this to me” she murmurs.
“He cannot do this to himself either. He is not punishing you but himself to. I don’t know how we have to change his mind but if we don’t do that now, it can be too late”

Khushi feels choked.

“I wont let him go.. I wont let him go”

She runs out of Shyam’s cabin and heads straight to Arnav’s room. She barges inside. He is thankfully there. He glances at her once and continues doing his work. She reaches his desk.
“You cannot do this.” She pleads.
He does not reciprocate to her words. He keeps typing on his laptop.
“Don’t do this to me Arnav.. Please say something. At least look at me” she pleads again.

Arnav pushes the laptop away, gets up and strides to her. He grips her forearms and pins her to the wall behind.

“SSsshhhh” he warns. “Stop shouting Miss Khushi Gupta, this is my office, not your boyfriend’s bedroom”
Khushi looks at him seriously. How could he say that? He reads her confusion and decides to ease her muddle.
“Why are you seeing me like that? You yourself did my demotion from your boyfriend to just your boss. Forgot?”
Khushi swallows hard. Her face falls with guilt. Arnav roughly pulls her chin up, making her look in his eyes again.
“Don’t try to hide now. You cleared everything between us yesterday. We know where we stand, what we mean to each other so why are you being upset suddenly? This is what you wanted, right? To see me living without you? Now when I am trying, why can’t you sustain it?”
“Because I can’t” she shouts. Arnav’s brow furrows as he deepens his hold on her.
“Where was this thought when you gave such a meaningless promise to Daadi?” he scowls.
Tears gush out from her eyes.
“Where were you fooling me then or are you fooling me now Khushi?” he barks.

Khushi cries bitterly and though Arnav hates to see her like this, he still doesn’t stop shouting at her.

“I had kept my heart below your feet Khushi and you didn’t take long to kick it away. This is not what I expected from you ever. If you cannot understand others sentiments at least don’t make fun of them”

Arnav’s intercom buzzes. Unwillingly he leaves her and picks the phone.

“What?” he shouts at the person on the other end. It is Aman.
“Sir, Mr. Saxena is waiting for you in the conference room”
Arnav sighs heavily.
“I am coming”
He drops the call and gives one last glance to Khushi. She is still crying bitterly. He comes to her and gives her a tissue.

“There is no point in shedding tears now, Khushi. These tears wont reverse things happened between us in the last 24 hours. You got this on us. Now be ready for the consequences”
He turns to leave but she holds his arm to stop him. He stops.
“Don’t… don’t leave me” she pleads.

Arnav gulps down the pain from his throat and shrugs her hand from his.

“You planned to leave me right before you even confessed your feelings for me Khushi.” His voice drops. “You left me, I didn’t”
When she doesn’t use the tissue to wipe her eyes, he holds her wrist and forces her to wipe them. She looks at him with remorse. Its all her mistake..
“I know you are… (she sniffles) … you are hurt”

Arnav lets out a scornful smile.
“You think you know the intensity of my pain?” he angrily asks. “Trust me, you are not even close to it”
He hands her the tissue again and walks out of the cabin, breaking her all the more by his powerful words.


___________________________________________________

Part 52


Shantivan

Daadi hears from Shyam what happened at office today including Arnav’s decision to leave to Paris. She is still cold and not reacting which confuses Shyam.

“Daadi, did you hear what I said? Chotte is planning to go to Paris tomorrow” Shyam repeats.
“I heard it Shyam” she replies.
“Aren’t you surprised?”
“I know him better than you. I have handled his anger and his ideas of hideout when he is in pain right from his childhood. You remember once when you rode his new bicycle, upsetting him and he pushed you down from the bicycle, getting you hurt?” she asks.

Shyam nods recollecting that incident. It was much prior to Shashi Gupta’s accident. Shyam wanted to tease his brother and hence rode Arnav’s bicycle without his permission. It had pissed him off and in anger he pushed Shyam down his bicycle, injuring his brother’s knee. The moment he saw blood from Shyam’s knee, he immediately realized his mistake and ran away. The whole house was disturbed and looking for him everywhere but Arnav couldn’t be traced. It was at night, after many hours that they found him hiding in the garage, sobbing for hurting his brother. He was punishing himself by isolating from his own family for his deeds. And this didn’t stop there. After years later, when he came out from the child remand, he didn’t wish to come back to Shantivan. He wanted to stay away from the family, not just because of Khushi’s presence and the guilt he had in his heart, but also as a punishment for his own self.

“I remember” Shyam murmurs.
“He is repeating the same. He wants to hideout from us because he is hurt”
“But there is a difference Daadi” Shyam snaps. “This time, he didn’t hurt anyone of us, we hurt him. You and Khushi hurt him”

Daadi’s eyes fill with tears.

“Why cannot anyone understand my point of view? I am not his enemy. I just want his happiness. Arnav has already served a punishment for killing Khushi’s father and it is now that he knows he is not totally guilty for it. Whatever relationship they both are getting into is not going to last long. Someday this argument will come up between the two, might even lead to their separation. I am just safeguarding Arnav from facing all of this in future. And what will people say if they get to know about Arnav-Khushi’s interest in each other. Either they will defame Khushi for falling for the same man who murdered her father or they will think Arnav pitied on her state and thought of giving her shelter by marrying her. How will we shut their mouths then?”

Shyam is still not agreeing to her thoughts.

“Daadi, why do you care for what people will say? You cannot keep everyone happy and we don’t need either. We should care for what our near and dear ones want. And Arnav is the soul of this family, isn’t he? Then for once why can’t we give him what he wants?” he argues.
“You think he still wants Khushi?” Daadi asks.
Shyam is quiet to this.
“If he did, he wouldn’t have taken a decision to go back to Paris” Daadi points out.
Shyam sighs in disappointment.
“Yes, he is hurt, but he hasn’t stopped loving her. I am sure someday the issues between them will clear off and he will get her officially back in her life.”
“I don’t see that day coming” Daadi negates his thoughts and gets up to leave. “He needs to cleanse his mind from the so-called feelings he has for Khushi and it will only happen when he goes away from her. We cannot throw Khushi out of this house until she is 25, which still has 2 more months, as per the court’s orders. So, it is better if Arnav goes to Paris and fixes his pain. I am sure he will”

Shyam looks elsewhere dissatisfied. However hard he is trying to sort this mess, everyone here is only complexing it. Daadi heads back to her room. She sits on the rocking chair, thinking. She cannot let Arnav be alone in Paris. There has to be someone to look after him. She decides whom to ask help. She dials Lavanya’s number.

“Hello” Lavanya answers. “Daadi?”
“Yes, its me. I need a favor Lavanya”
“What favor Daadi?”

Daadi explains everything that happened between Arnav and Khushi, including the decision of Arnav to go back to Paris. She is shocked to hear all this.

“Oh God. So much happened in my absence. I am in Mumbai for the marketing work. Nobody told me”
“I need you to follow Arnav to Paris, Lavanya. Can you do this for me? I want someone to look after him there. You have been his friend from the past 6 years. Only you can look after him again. Please tell me you will go”
Lavanya understands what Daadi means. She literally can never back off from her friendship with ASR.

“Don’t worry Daadi. I will go with him to Paris. I will never leave him alone”
“Thanks. Thank you so much”

Daadi hangs up and sighs in relief. At least there is someone whom she can trust to look after her grandson.
****************
“I am not hungry” Khushi denies eating. She didn’t come for dinner downstairs which is why Anjali got her plate in the room.
“Khushi, you haven’t eaten much today. It will make you weak. There is a huge battle that you need to fight. How will you get energy if you don’t eat?”

Khushi keeps staring blankly at the sky, sitting on the edge of the balcony window. She is already falling weak by Arnav’s choice to leave for Paris. She doesn’t know how to stop him, what to do, how to make him understand that she really loves him and it was a mistake she committed by accepting Daadi’s demands. She is also worried what will Arnav do there alone in Paris. He is hurt and the loneliness will kill him more if he goes. She cannot let him leave… Not like this.. Not before forgiving her.

“I am scared” she murmurs. Tears roll down from her eyes. Anjali keeps the plate aside and touches her arm.
“I know”
“I want to stop him Anju.. What should I do?”
“Did you talk to him?” she asks.
“I did.. He .. he didn’t listen. He is very much angry on me. He is avoiding me all the time. I hate to see him behaving like that with me. After realizing what he means to me, seeing him ignore is heart wrenching.”

Anjali feels her pain. She wipes Khushi’s tears and tries to console her.

“Keep trying. Keep talking to him, fight, argue, do everything you can in your limits.” She suggests.
Khushi nods.
“What if he still doesn’t stop?”
“Then give him time. He loves you beyond anyone’s understanding. He will come back”
“Sure? He will come back?” she asks crying.
“He will” Anjali hugs Khushi, caressing her hair. That’s all she can do at the moment. She just hopes happiness knocks their door again and they stay together as a happy family.
****************
Arnav Singh Raizada finishes packing his bags. It’s the next morning. He is leaving for Paris today. It is not going to be easy for him, he knows. Avoiding Khushi and not seeing her for not sure how long is already killing him from inside but he wants to take this step because he is hurt and he wants her to realize this once for all so that she never does this mistake again. To make their relationship work, they need to be transparent in their talks and she hide the most important fact from him, the Promise. They could have sorted this some other way had she confided in him. Whatever problems arise in their relationship has to be tackled at this state of their bond only. He doesn’t want to complicate things in future. Daadi should accept Khushi as his partner and Khushi should realize the depths of his love for her. Only then he will be considering accepting her back in his life. Not that he would cut himself off from her totally. Wherever he stays, he will always have his eyes on her. Because that’s his responsibility; to look after her safety and her needs. She has bruised his heart and he is making her pay for that. It is their fight, not with the outsiders but with each other so that they both understand it very clearly that all they want from life is each other, nothing else. But it aches to be like this.. be away from her… even in this state of separation and anger, her shadows are all over his mind and heart and his dreams.. yet he is lonely.. speechless.. incapable to express the reason of his tears… Why does it hurt so much in love?

Kyon khabon pe tere saaye hai.. 
Dil kyon hai tanha mera.. 
Kyon khamoshi hai zubaan meri.. 
Ashqo se keh paau naa. 
Kyon dard hai itna… tere ishq mein… 
Rabba Ve… Rabba Ve..Rabba Ve.. Rabba Ve

He stands at the poolside, with moist eyes, looking at the still water of the pool when Shyam steps in there. He sees the packed luggage of Arnav at the bedside. He gets through the French doors where Arnav is standing.

“So, you are really going?” Shyam asks.

Arnav comes out of his stance and nods. Shyam swallows hard.
“Khushi has not eaten anything since yesterday. Her energy is draining. I don’t think she can sustain this kind of trauma ever. I have seen her when she first came in this house, 12-year-old. She was cut off from each and every one of us. She was in a lot of pain for her father’s absence. Today, I can see a more intense pain in her eyes. I was able to get her out of this shell before, but this time I don’t think I can. It’s you who can relieve her by forgiving her. You have always given her happiness, priority above all others, even above yourself. Then why not this time Chotte?

Arnav gulps. He should have realized she will do something of this sort. How can she remove her anger on food? She has to eat.

“I thought I should tell you this, rest is in your hands” Shyam adds and leaves the room.

Arnav fists his fingers. If he goes and sees Khushi now, he might fall weak, he might change his decision to go. What should he do?
****************
Khushi is sitting at the balcony window of her bedroom again, lost and hurt.


The door knob clicks and she realizes someone has come in. She doesn’t care. She knows it can’t be Arnav. He will never come to her, not when he is so much pissed off by her. But a familiar breeze blows around her, making her feel his presence. She turns to the side and finds him in her room, with a glass of juice. Tears gush in her eyes again and start rolling down. He is suited up, as if he is leaving now.




He comes to her and forwards the glass of juice.

“Drink” he commands.

She sobs meeting his eyes but doesn’t touch the juice at all.

“I am sorry” she murmurs again. He hates to see her like this but it’s going to be a lifelong lesson for her.
“Drink” he repeats but she still doesn’t do as told. She turns her posture to face him properly.
“Don’t leave me like this. Please” she pleads. “I beg you Arnav”
Arnav is still cold and expressionless.
“I know I wronged you.. I realize what I have done. But I seriously didn’t know you would react this way”
“You took me very lightly” he mutters in anger. “But now I don’t care” he lies. It’s necessary for him to show he is unaffected by her pleads. “Anyways, drink this and end your uncalled fast. It’s not good to ignore your health”
“I know you care for me. I know you do .. Then why don’t you forgive me for once? I know you are in equal pain. Why don’t you let me heal you?” she snaps, trying to touch his chest.

Arnav shrugs her arms immediately.

“You know what touching here does to me” he barks. “And if I wanted to be healed, I would have consulted a doctor. I needed a partner Khushi.. I needed love.. I don’t even know whatever we had between each other in Jaipur was even love or not. What if you faked it for satisfying your damn guilt? Because if you truly loved me, you wouldn’t have promised to leave me.”

His words pierce her heart. She is crying, begging, pleading, doing everything to show him how much he means to her and yet he thinks she doesn’t love him?

“I thought you love me with my flaws” he mutters in a weak voice. He is falling weak. There are tears in his eyes.
“I do” she whimpers.
“Maybe you do, but your love comes with a responsibility to heal me. And I will never let that happen because after what you did, I will always be in the impression that you will leave me the day I heal. This is what you induced in my heart by shaking hands with Daadi.” He pauses. “All this while, more than loving me, you were busy trying to heal my fears. And it will keep happening. I don’t want to repeat that mistake again by giving you another chance so soon.”

“Don’t hate me” she pleads.
“I won’t.. I can never hate you, Khushi. But you need to fix this mindset of yours first. Stop giving a damn to what others want out of you. That’s how I managed to survive my love for you despite knowing I might never get the same back in return. I want you to love me to that level, with that intensity, with that mindset. I don’t think you are ready for it yet. If you want to still do something for me, then don’t hurt yourself by avoiding food and please stop crying”

Khushi wipes her eyes with the back of her palms.
“Don’t go” she continues requesting. She holds her hand this time.
“I have to go” he slowly breaks their hand hold and walks to the door. Khushi keeps staring at him with teary eyes. He is leaving finally. She did everything from her side to stop him and yet he chose to leave her alone. He didn’t do good. Not this time.!! Why his eyes don’t look familiar anymore asks her uncontrollable tears. She lost him even after confessing her love for him.. Will they ever be one? Why does it hurt so much in this love?

Kyon nazarein teri yu anjaan hai..
Aankhen hai meri bhi namm..
Kyon paakar bhi tumko khoya hai..
Hum kyon naa ban paaye hum..
Kyon dard hai itna… tere ishq mein… 
Rabba Ve… Rabba Ve..Rabba Ve.. Rabba Ve


___________________________________________________

Part 53


2 month later – Shantivan

The bells of the temple room tinkle, disturbing and confusing Daadi a bit. Who else other than her can wake up so early and do the Puja? She quickly dresses up and comes down to check. She steps in the temple room and is astonished to find Khushi Gupta performing the Puja there. She doesn’t intrude her. She has seen the various stages of Khushi’s interaction with this temple room. Initially, when she had just arrived in the house, she had lost hope on God. She was angry on God for snatching her father from her. Slowly, because of the rules of this family, she started joining everyone during the morning Puja, though she was the most passive member during that period. It was only after Arnav left for Paris, she started actively taking part in performing these little rituals here in the morning. And today, she has crossed her limits. The task of performing the morning Puja has always been Daadi’s. She has snatched that right from her. Anjali and Shyam reaches the Puja room and they are equally bewildered seeing Khushi performing the Aarti. She looks highly devoted and lost in prayers. Daadi gestures Anjali and Shyam not to interrupt her because she doesn’t want to insult the prayers amidst the anger she has for Khushi. They all join their palms and recite the prayers after Khushi.

The prayers end after few minutes and Khushi turns around to offer Prasad to everyone. She is glad to see everyone present. They take the Prasad from her and then head out of the room. Khushi keeps the Plate back in its place and steps out of the temple room. Daadi stops her.

“What is this new drama? Who gave you the right to take this position in the temple room?”
Khushi smiles. She has no fear, remorse or guilt of doing this.
“I didn’t mean to hurt you Daadi. I have been in this room, this house from past so many years and never even got the feeling to lead the prayers. But today I couldn’t stop myself from doing this as it’s a special day for me”

Her explanation goes above Daadi’s head. Shyam suddenly remembers and shouts at Khushi with joy.

“It’s your birthday. Oh God, how could we forget this? Happy birthday Khushi” he comes and hugs her. She happily hugs him back. Anjali is the next one to wish her.
“Thanks Shyam, thank you Anju”
Khushi then leans down to take Daadi’s blessings.
“Khush raho” (be happy)
“Thanks Daadi”

Daadi doesn’t react to her smile. She has noticed one more difference since Arnav has left to Paris. Khushi though have not tried to build a rapport between the two, yet she is not being harsh to her, neither avoiding Daadi and her so called rules in the house. She is following it like usual as if nothing wrong ever happened between the two. Initially Daadi thought Khushi is trying to forget their enmity but this seems more than that. What is her motive behind all of this? Why has she become extra sweet and cheerful with everyone? It looks like she has no botheration that Arnav left her. Maybe she has considered and accepted the end their relationship. So be it. This is the day she had been waiting for all these years, to throw Khushi out of this house, this family. But she is binded. Her grandson Arnav before leaving for Paris asked only one condition to forgive Daadi and it was never to force Khushi leave this house, even if the court orders fulfils on her 25th birthday. Wish she hadn’t given this promise to her grandson. But she had no choice. It was the only way she could regain Arnav’s lost trust in her.

“Shyam, I should be hurrying for work. I heard the meeting is preponed, cannot miss it” Khushi mutters.

Shyam checks the watch.

“I agree. But at least today let me drive you to work.”

Since Arnav has left, Khushi never utilized the personal cars of any family members for her commutation to work. She has self-managed.
“Don’t make me get used to it. I will reach on time. Bye”
Shyam sighs. Khushi grabs a pancake topped with some honey from the table and quickly heads out to find her ride to work.
“She has managed to divert her focus from that heartbreak so well” Anjali exclaims.
“It’s not heartbreak Anjali. She and Arnav are just staying away, but their hearts still beat for each other”

Anjali smiles nodding in agreement.
“I have heard Arnav is keeping a constant eye on her through his sources. Is that true?” Anjali asks him.
“Yes, I too feel so. Aman is always on call with him. I am sure he keeps him up-to-date about Khushi. Whatever happens between them, Arnav will never stop looking after her.”
“Then why is he doing this? Why give pain to each other when they love each other so much?”

Anjali’s question puts Shyam in a dilemma too.
“They know how to put an end to this situation. Let us just wait and watch”

Anjali agrees and continues serving breakfast to her husband.
“Do you think Arnav will send a gift for her?” Anjali asks curiously.
“I have no idea. He should send something, I feel it too. But let’s see what surprise he has in store for her”

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

Paris

“I thought you love me with my flaws” he mutters in a weak voice. He is falling weak. There are tears in his eyes.
“I do” she whimpers.
“Maybe you do, but your love comes with a responsibility to heal me. And I will never let that happen because after what you did, I will always be in the impression that you will leave me the day I heal. This is what you induced in my heart by shaking hands with Daadi.” He pauses. “All this while, more than loving me, you were busy trying to heal my fears. And it will keep happening. I don’t want to repeat that mistake again by giving you another chance so soon.”
‘Don’t leave me’ she whimpers.
‘I have to go’

He slowly breaks their handhold and walks to the door away from her.. forever.

“Khushi…”

Arnav wakes up with a jolt. It was a dream and every night he dreams the same sequence which happened between him and Khushi, when he was leaving for Paris. This scene has replaced all his earlier nightmares. That sad, crying face of Khushi is more soul-wrenching than anything he has ever witnessed so far. It was his decision to separate and ever since he made it, he has always repented over it by heart. A man who has always taken decisions by his heart all these years of his life, for this one matter, has started thinking from his mind. He wants to give her time to know the depth of their love. Is 2 months sufficient? He doesn’t know!!

The door knob clicks and his best friend, Lavanya Kshyap enters the room with a cake in hand.

“Happy birthday to her… happy birthday to her.. Happy Birthday to Khushi.. Happy birthday to her” she sings and places the cake on the bed, before Arnav.

There is a faint smile on his lips. He knows its Khushi’s 25th birthday today. But he hadn’t expected Lavanya to celebrate it this way.
“That’s a lovely surprise Lavanya”
“That’s what best friends are for, aren’t they? Now come on, make a wish for her and cut the cake. I am so tempted to eat this”

Arnav closes his eyes and sees few flashes of the same woman whom he loves so dearly. Khushi smiling.. Khushi blushing.. Khushi shying when he bites her cheek and then Khushi with tears in her eyes.. His eyes shot open in horror. Why does he always see her crying? Why can’t he forget that crying face of hers? Its agreed that he loves her and cannot see her sad, but she isn’t sad, is she? He has kept his eyes on her and every time he listens from his sources, she is always in a joyful and happy mood at work. Even Shyam keeps telling him on calls that Khushi is doing everything to stay happy. She eats well, sleeps on time, does fantastic designs at office and free time, dances with Anjali, cooks for everyone, including pancakes which she has started self-eating since he left for Paris. She is doing everything which proves she is happy and not sad. She is doing exactly what he asked her to do. Even after all this, why does he always see her crying face whenever he sleeps or closes his eyes and remembers her?

“ASR?” Lavanya clicks her fingers to get his attention. “What happened? Cut the cake”

He nods shrugging his thoughts and cuts the cake. Lavanya claps and feeds him one piece of it. She feeds herself the next one.
“It’s yumm” she praises.
She then takes out her phone and clicks a picture of the eaten cake.
“Got to send this to Khushi. Her birthday will be brighter knowing you cut the cake here on her behalf”

Arnav doesn’t stop her from doing so. This has been a habit now. Lavanya has always being taking Selfies of the little things that Khushi would want Arnav to do. It is just that Arnav never allows his photo to be captured directly. It’s always either his back, his arm, or he is mostly absent in the pictures, only his actions are noticed.

“Sent” she says hitting the send button on her phone. “Okay, so did you gift her anything?”
Arnav takes one more piece of the cake, especially the one which has Khushi’s name written over it. He eats it softly.
“Yes, she must have got it by now”
“Wow. That’s cool. What did you gift her?”
“She will tell you.”

He gets down the bed and hurries in the shower. His meetings are all lined up.

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

AR office – Delhi

Khushi checks her phone and opens the picture message from Lavanya. She is alone in the cabin, there is no one around her. So, she doesn’t have to fake smiles and pretend being happy. She touches the photo on her phone, the one which Lavanya just sent, the picture of the cake and a piece of it missing which supposedly Arnav has eaten. Tears pool in her eyes. She hears someone coming to her cabin and hence quickly rubs her eyes and shows herself busy in work. It’s Shyam. He gets in the cabin.

“Hello Birthday girl. Here’s your present” he passes a gift-wrapped box to Khushi.
She takes it from him.
“It’s from Arnav. Aman told me this came for you yesterday from Paris but he was strictly informed to give you today. I got it from him”

Khushi is overwhelmed.
“I am sure it must be nice” she replies with a fake smile. “I will open it in a while. You wanted something?” she asks him.
“Yes, I heard you want to go home early. Is that true? Any plans?”
Khushi chuckles.
“Yes, few important plans await implementation” she smiles again. Shyam doesn’t understand.
“What plans? If I may ask”
“Shyam.. come home when you finish, you will get to know. Now please let me finish the designs. I don’t have much time to leave”
“Ok sorry. Please continue”

He hurries out. Khushi stares blankly at the gift from Arnav. It has no card attached. She has no clue what it might contain inside. She will open it for sure, but not now. She holds the gift box to her heart. It has his touch. He might have bought it himself. He won’t let anyone else buy things for her on his behalf. Lavanya might have helped or maybe he didn’t take her help. Hugging the gift feels like she is hugging the man who gave her this, the man who loves her and now she knows how much she loves him too. She loves him so much that it hurts. everyday… every minute… every second. Now she realizes what he must have gone through all these years when he knew he loved her but never got or expected any response from her end. It is such a painful state. She prays no one else should go through such situations which she and Arnav has. She tries to sort her mind and shrugs all these painful thoughts. She really has to finish work and reach home early. After all, the main moment of her birthday will take place after she reaches home.

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

Paris

“Did she open my gift?” Arnav asks Lavanya in the middle of the conference, they are attending.
Lavanya leans towards him.
“No, I asked her. She said she will open it at evening”

Arnav sighs. He doesn’t know why she is delaying to open his gift? Doesn’t she want to see what he sent for her? Lavanya notices the frown on Arnav’s face.
“She might be busy working. Let her open the gift at home, that’s better” she whispers.
Arnav nods and once again concentrates on the meeting.

He and Khushi have never conversed directly, through any medium since the time he has come to Paris. It is always through Lavanya or others. There were many such occasions when he felt he should hear her voice, his name from her mouth, but he didn’t want it to hinder their main motive of separation. He didn’t want to fall weak and run for her back to India. But today is her birthday. He should have wished her personally. She must have expected that too.

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

Shantivan

“What is happening Khushi?” Shyam steps in Khushi’s bedroom. She is packing her stuff in bag. She has almost vacated the room, keeping all her belongings in the bag as she finally zips it.

Anjali saw this and tried to stop her but when she didn’t, she immediately called up Shyam and asked him to reach home soon.
“I am doing nothing new Shyam. This had to happen today” Khushi murmurs.
“I know that. But none of us want you to leave the house, this family. Even Daadi is not forcing you to leave then why are you taking this decision?” Shyam shouts at her.
“Daadi is bound by Arnav’s condition. She wont hurt her grandson. You and Anju are binded by the love you have for me. But I cannot take things for granted. My custody by the Raizada family ends today, on my 25th birthday and I don’t wish to extend it unnecessarily”

Anjali roughly pulls Khushi around.

“Unnecessarily? Really Khushi? You didn’t have a connection with us unnecessarily. It was meant to happen.”
Khushi doesn’t speak anything. Shyam interrupts.
“And Arnav, think about him. What will he do if he comes to know you left this house?”

Khushi sighs disappointedly.

“He will understand this is my decision. He wanted me to be happy, to be independent and safe. I will ensure all of this happens. I wont let his faith in me die. If I stay here, even beyond the agreed court decision, it will never keep me happy Shyam. Will he like if I be sad?”

Shyam knows she is just playing with words. She has already made up her mind to leave and she wont listen to any of their pleas. Hari Prakash comes inside, he was called by Khushi to collect her bags and keep it out in the cab she has hired. He collects the bag and heads down. Daadi is happy that things are happening like she always wished for. Khushi is leaving this house, finally. And she is glad that Arnav cannot point her for this decision of Khushi’s. She can say she didn’t force her, it was purely Khushi’s idea to leave.

Khushi turns around to Shyam and Anjali and hugs them once.

“Arnav has already saved my house from the mortgage. I will always owe him for that. I will stay in Lakshmi Nagar. It’s not very far from here. Whenever you guys wish to see me, you can come there. And we will always see each other at office too Shyam”

Shyam has tears in his eyes.
“You cannot stay alone, you have never stayed alone Khushi”
“I will have to get used to it” she replies with the same ache in her throat. “I will manage. I will call you guys if I fear. I promise”

Anjali bursts out her tears and hugs Khushi tight. Shyam knows nothing can stop Khushi now. She has already made up her mind well. He blesses her to stay happy and all the three come down. The court personnel is waiting down, to get Khushi’s final signatures on the paper, that she completed her tenure in this family, she is not free to leave. She signs the papers and the court personnel leaves. Khushi once again takes Daadi’s blessings. She blesses her superficially. Khushi glances once again at the entire house and then with moist eyes she sits in the cab. Shyam and Anjali waves at her and she waves back at them. The cab rides out of Shantivan.

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

Paris

Arnav answers his brother’s call, excusing himself from the conference. His facial expressions change as Shyam narrates everything that happened in Shantivan, that Khushi took the decision to leave this family and headed back to Lakshmi Nagar, to stay at her home, alone.

He fists his fingers. She took such a major decision without consulting with him? How can she do this? What does she want? When he had ensured no one removes her out of this family, why did she self-decide to leave? Whats bothering her? He disconnects the call and grips the phone tight in between his palms. This is not done. He knows she will not be able to stay alone suddenly, after being used to staying in a family. Plus, there will be no one to look after her, to convey him if she has eaten, if she has slept peacefully, if she is still happy and smiling. The urge to be near Khushi pricks his heart. That’s enough. Whatever it takes, he will go back to India right away and sort this matter. He has never stopped looking after her and even if this means he has to end their separation period, he will do it. He will go back to India and sort this mess.


___________________________________________________

Part 54

Gupta House – Lakshmi Nagar

Khushi unlocks the main door and drags her trolley bag inside, turning the lights On from the main switch. The house looks little dusty but Khushi knows she can manage to get it cleaned by herself. But what concerns her here is the loneliness of this place. She has lived in a family so far and suddenly staying alone, without them is going to be a tough challenge. Plus, she cannot avoid the little memories she has of her childhood when she used to stay here with her father. She places the bags aside and removes the cover of the Sofa. She sits on the sofa, closing her face by palms. Arnav must have faced similar desolation from his family, from the world, from his own self, when he stayed for so many years alone in Paris. She was the lucky one between them to still get the support and love from his family. Today, she is going to understand what he went through and it is only his love which is going to give her that strength to fight back the silence around her.

She slowly opens her eyes and recollects that the gift sent by Arnav is yet to be opened. She fetches it in her purse and starts unwrapping it. When she opens that box, she finds another small box inside it with a note alongside. She opens the box first and her eyes become moist. It’s a Mangalsutra, a chain which women wears after marriage. She holds the Mangalsutra in her fingers and adores it, tears start rolling down her eyes. Why did he gift her this? This is the most sensible and romantic gift any man can give to his beloved, a token of their love and commitment. She takes out the note and reads it.

‘This gift shouldn’t be a surprise to you. I have always wanted this, Khushi. Since the time I had seen you first and the desires still haven’t changed. Happy birthday to the most difficult woman I have met so far. Wish I can soon lay the entire world’s happiness at your feet’

Khushi holds the letter to her heart and sobs. He could send her this gift, write this emotional note and still not call her once to wish her? She was hoping he would call her at least today. They never had decided not to be in direct touch with each other during their phase of separation. When he went to Paris, she wanted to give him time to understand why she did this and forgive her just like he did always. But this little time of not having a direct communication kept extending and she realized it must be one of his tricks to punish her and keep her desperately waiting for him. She promised herself to do whatever and however he plans to test her. All she wants is to win his trust, his patience and get him back. But looks like he has gained a lot of patience than he had before. He can stay without seeing her, without hearing her voice, without touching her. If this continues, she fears he doesn’t stop loving her one day, though she knows that would be the end of him.

She wipes her tears as the phone rings. It is Shyam’s call. She answers the call, hoping he doesn’t realize she has been sobbing.

“Hello”
“All okay there? Did you settle down?” he asks.
Khushi takes a deep breath.
“I am still settling. There is .. there is a lot of cleaning pending”
“Oh yes. It didn’t catch my mind. I will send someone to help you”
“No” she instantly responds. “I will manage to do this alone Shyam. It’s not much”

Shyam sighs in disappointment.

“Don’t make us look like strangers Khushi. You stay with us or not, we are still a family”

Khushi gulps her tears.
“I .. I know. But if I need any help, I will let you know Shyam. Just let me understand what it means to be independent. This is the first time I have got an opportunity to learn something, let me use it to my benefit”
Shyam agrees to her point of view.
“Okay, just do what you like but remember we are just a call away. Don’t hesitate to call us, please”
“I will.. Thanks” she murmurs and hangs up. She scans around. She has to seriously start working here or else, she won’t be able to make it to Office the next day.

It takes 2 hours for Khushi to clean the house and order food from the nearby restaurant. She has to fill groceries tomorrow so that she can start cooking here. She hops in the room where she and her father used to sleep before.. that’s the only bedroom they have in this house… the same room where she kept waiting that whole night for her father to return from the ice cream parlor on that stormy night. Today she realizes he never intend to come back. He was always planning to end his life and that night he got a perfect opportunity. It was insane on his part to do so. She tries not to recollect those memories and hurt herself more. She lays on the bed, closing her eyes and soon sleep takes over.

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

AR Office

Shyam waits for Khushi to reach Office. He wants to know how she spent her night in her own house, alone. She gets down the cab and pays the driver. She watches Shyam waiting for her and hence instantly puts up a fake smile on her face.

“Hi” she says reaching him.
“Hi Khushi, how was your second half of your birthday?” he asks.
“Good. I didn’t realize how time flew. I was so busy in cleaning. I finished it though and I have plans to buy some groceries tonight”
Shyam smiles.
“How is Anju? And Daadi? She must be very happy that I left”
“Anju is not very happy but yes Daadi is neutral.”
Khushi chuckles.
“I am glad for once Daadi liked my decision and appreciated it”
“But Arnav didn’t like it Khushi” Shyam utters.
Khushi stops and looks at Shyam astounded.
“You… you told him?” she asks. Shyam nods. “Why?” she yells. “I … I don’t want him to know this so soon”
Shyam laughs sarcastically.
“He has many other sources here who would give him that information, if not me. And Khushi, he is my younger brother. I don’t want to hide anything from him, especially the matters that concerns you. Because I know what you mean to him”

Khushi is still upset.

“I understand what you mean, Shyam. But you know he won’t take this lightly. He shouldn’t hold Daadi responsible for my departure from Shantivan”
“He had taken a Promise from Daadi before he left for Paris, not to coax you to leave the family even after your 25th birthday.”

Khushi is bowled hearing that. Yes, definitely he would do that to protect her shelter.

“Why didn’t you tell me this before?” she asks.
“Because he asked me to. And I wanted the same, none of us want you to leave the family. But when you did this, I couldn’t keep this secret only to myself. I told Arnav and I don’t know what he is going to do about it”
Khushi suddenly feels helpless. She knows how far Arnav can go to protect her, to ensure she stays safe. But now that she has decided what she wants, she wont bend easily on his demands. She has to wait and see what he plans next though.

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

Anjali calls Khushi in the middle of her work. Khushi responds to her call and talks to her.

“How are you going to manage all the groceries and arranging the kitchen? I will come there to help you” Anjali suggests.
“Anju.. I will manage”
“I know you can. But you are no less than my sister Khushi. If I don’t do this much for you, I will never be at peace. I will come to help you arrange the kitchen today evening”
Khushi doesn’t argue.
“Okay, I will buy the groceries and keep it ready. Once you come, we can start. Happy?”
“Yes” Anjali finally smiles at ease. They talk for few more minutes and then she continues her work.

At sharp 05:30pm, Khushi decides to leave home. She has a lot to buy today, fortunately her salary has got credited few days back and she can utilize it for all these expenses. She is not going to spend anything lavishly though. She goes for shopping directly from work. She realizes that the more she gets herself involved in such activities, the easier it becomes to stop thinking of Arnav’s actions to her decision of staying in Lakshmi Nagar. But he is not going to be quiet. What can he do from Paris to stop her from settling down alone? This question never leaves her mind. She finally shops the necessary groceries and reaches back home. She unlocks the door, steps inside and puts the bags away. Shopping alone is really tiresome. She sits on the couch to relax when suddenly someone offers her a glass of water to drink. She jerks and stands up in fear. How can anyone enter her home when she had locked the house?

Arnav Singh Raizada is holding a glass of water for her. Is he really here or is she hallucinating? She has imagined him around her many a times in his absence. But right now, it feels so real. Is he here for real? Arnav keeps the glass down and crosses his arms across his chest, never breaking their eye lock. He is really here!! She swallows hard noticing the mixed expression in his eyes. He is excited to see her after this gap but at the same time he is mad for the decision she took. She hadn’t expected him to fly all the way from Paris to Delhi, just for this.

“How.. .how did .. you get.. in?” she asks in a fearful tone.
“That’s not important” he replies, stepping towards her. She takes a step behind, surprising him. He stops noticing her actions. She is getting away? Is it just the shock of seeing him or she is purposely putting a distance between them?
Khushi tries to compose herself. Being fearful or forgetting everything out of the excitement of seeing him is not going to solve things. She knows if he is here, he is going to take her back from this house which she cannot afford to happen.

“Why are you here?” her voice still lacks the courage of asking him this. “I.. I didn’t expect you to be here, like this” she adds.
Arnav raises his brows.
“I didn’t expect you to be here either” he snaps. “You don’t belong here Khushi” his voice turns hoarse.
Khushi gulps. She has been hearing his voice after such a long time, and the way he utters her name, it’s still with the same passion. He hasn’t changed a bit. But she has. Will he notice that too?
“Is this because I left?” he asks straightaway, without beating the bush. “Is this your trick to get me back to you? Because if it is, then you are successful. I am here.. right before you.”
Khushi shakes her head.
“Always so presumptuous, Arnav” she replies. “I didn’t do this for getting you back. This action of mine was decided right from the time I was made to stay with your family. I have taken enough comforts from Shantivan, though I realized much later that I never owned them” she swallows recollecting how her father planned his own death to give her the benefits of a good life.

Arnav laughs sarcastically.

“This is not a decision, it’s more of an escape. If it was a decision, why wasn’t I made aware of it?”
“Would you let me leave, had I told you this?” she asks.
“NO”
Khushi smiles.
“There you go. I had assumed your response already, hence didn’t inform you or took your advice”

Arnav is shocked by her firm replies. In all this he forgot to notice her. She has become weak, though he was always informed that she eats well. It’s not physical weakness. She is weakened emotionally, because she has missed him, just like he missed her. Her eyes have become more expressive than before, he wonders if it is just he who can read them so well. He can say she has been crying every day, not once, or twice, but many a times, remembering him. She might have acted being happy before others, that’s why none of them could catch her real sense of mind, before. Now he knows whenever he closed his eyes, why he would see a glimpse of her crying? Because that’s what she did, she cried in his absence, longing for him.

"So you were pretending? " he asks. "To be happy"
Khushi doesn't understand on what context he is asking her that.
"I was a fool to believe it. The way I read you, no one else can." he grits his teeth. "I should have known" he expresses his regret.

Khushi now apprehends on what context he is asking this.

"You cannot expect everything to work your way, can you? At least not in terms of love."
Arnav nods.
"We will see that later. Right now, you are packing everything and coming back with me to Shantivan, and this time forever?"

Khushi chuckles.

"What makes you think I will do that?"
He gets angry.
“I see this little distance between us has invoked the argumentative side of yours” he scowls.
“I am not going anywhere. This is my house, I belong here more than anywhere else.”

Arnav glares at her as if she has offended him by saying this. It is not what Khushi wants to do. She wants him to understand, not fight. She softens her tone and tries to explain.

“This place is very near to the office. It’s convenient for me”
“I will get your ride arranged from Shantivan” he replies almost instantly.
“I don’t need this unnecessary extra comfort”
Arnav keeps giving her scornful expressions.
“I had enough of it all these years. Now, I want to live a simple life, the one I deserved right from my childhood. Plus, there was a reason why I had to stay in SHantivan before, now that reason is over, that period enforced by the law is over. I don’t see any other excuse of continuing my stay there, especially without you”

Arnav raises his eyebrow at her.

“A reason, that’s it?” he strongly asks.
Khushi doesn’t understand what he inferred out of it, but she simply nods.
“Fine”

Arnav makes his way to the kitchen and she keeps waiting to know what he went in for. When he comes out, she finds no difference in him, until he raises his arm and she notices his thumb bleeding. He must have cut it with a knife. But why? Before she can even ask him this, he raises his bleeding thumb over her forehead and marks his blood on her partition. She is shocked beyond any repair. Her eyes widen as the aftereffects of his actions.
“Now, that makes you my wife. And no law on this earth can let a man and his wife stay separate.”

Khushi is horrified. Her stomach somersaults. What has he done? This is not a way to prove his right on her. It’s so drastic.

Arnav notices someone standing at the door and witnessing their conversation. He turns around and finds his brother Shyam and wife Anjali. They are equally shocked like Khushi. They didn’t expect to see Arnav back here and that too fulfilling his right and completing their long-lasting relationship this way.
Arnav turns back to Khushi. Before she can question him on this action, he interrupts her chain of thoughts.

“We have witnesses too. I don’t think you need any more reasons to deny this” he adds.

Khushi touches the blood on her forehead and stares at her fingers with moist eyes. Why is he like this? All this is so hard to process.

___________________________________________________

Part 55

Gupta House

Shyam and Anjali steps inside the house in shock. They were here to assist Khushi with the kitchen work and none of them had a clue that they would get to see Arnav here, that too showing his rights on Khushi by making her his wife.

“Chotte? When. When did you come? And what is all this?”
Arnav gives a no nonsense look to them.
“She needed a reason to stay in Shantivan with me, I gave her that”

Khushi swallows hard, tears start rolling down her cheek but she wipes them soon.

“This is foolishness. I am not going to abide by it. Marriage is not a Joke Arnav” she snaps.
Arnav smirks.
“Marriage is just a legal excuse for a man and woman to stay close, have babies and start a family. I want all of this from you, I always did. And you have to abide by it”
Khushi wants to yell at him and she does that.
“Just by applying your blood on my head is not going to make me your wife. There are other rituals needed to complete it. We have to take vows before the holy fire, there are hyms and mantras chanted by the Priest in the background, Sindoor, Mangalsutra….”
“I can arrange all of this in a fraction of second. The temple is not that far either” he interrupts her.
Khushi clenches her jaw.
“And blessings of the elders? How will you arrange that?” she cross questions.
Arnav’s lips zip in silence. He knows she is talking about Daadi and his Daadi will never bless them as a couple.

“I will talk to her, convince her”
“Maybe you will. But until that happens, I am not going to marry”

Now this invokes some anger in him.
“2 months Khushi Gupta and you still think the same? Daadi’s permission so important to you, but what about my feelings? My desires? I don’t care if we complete the further rituals or not.. I don’t care if we get others blessings or not.” he shouts.
“You don’t care for the rituals, you don’t care for blessings either. Then what do you care about Arnav?” she snaps.
“That I love you Dammit” he shouts grabbing her forearms.

There is a pin drop silence. Shyam and Anjali felt like witnessing a tornado. These two have so much intense feelings between them, it’s rare to find such a couple.

It is not new for Khushi to hear those 3 magical words from him, she has heard him confessing his love before as well, but the way he did it today makes her heart flutter. She knows he loves him the most and can turn the fate of this planet if that’s what can let him win her forever.

“I know” she murmurs softly, without breaking their eye lock. Arnav’s grip on her forearms softens. They don’t bother Anjali and Shyam’s ogling eyes on them. “But will you be able to see Daadi turning her back everyday on me? Will you be able to tolerate my tears every time Daadi hurts us by saying that I snatched you from her? She has been your pillar all these years Arnav. She has loved you beyond her capacity. She has safeguarded you, given you the best, protected you from this cruel world, she has fought for your innocence. She gave such important years of her life to you and when she is old now and needs you to understand her decisions, you will turn your back on her? Is that going to keep you happy? Will we ever be happy staying in the same house when the eldest person of the family is against our relationship?”

Though she has point in every statement she made, Arnav doesn’t want to take it.

“Fine, you don’t want to come there, don’t. I will stay with you here”

Khushi lets out a sarcastic chuckle.

“Why are you adding one more sin on my head? I cannot separate you from her”
It pisses him off.
“You won’t come there, neither you will let me stay here. How will it work?”
“Like it works for others and like it worked for us in past 2 months. At least we are in the same city, just few kms away from each other. We will try to sustain this period too, Arnav. Until Daadi accepts me willingly, not by any pressure.”

Anjali and Shyam don’t accept this, just like Arnav.

“Khushi, we all know Daadi. It might take years for her to understand your importance in Arnav’s life. Will you guys wait all those years just to get her convinced? It’s a bad idea” Shyam exclaims.
Khushi lowers her head. She is unable to make them understand. Arnav notices her nervousness and decides to wipe off this topic.
“2 more months. If Daadi doesn’t accept you still, you are getting married to me and coming back to Shantivan forever” he shouts. “I cannot wait more than that”

Khushi realizes this is a very short period. When Daadi couldn’t understand her all these years, how can she get convinced in the next 2 months. But she also realizes that there is no much choice for her. She cannot stay away from Arnav either. They will have to take a call after 2 months. She nods in agreement.

“Okay” she weakly murmurs.

Anjali is happy. She holds Shyam’s hand with excitement.
“I cannot wait for these 2 months to pass” she says.
“Neither I” Arnav whispers gazing over possessively at Khushi. She looks away. Whatever stunt of applying his blood on her forehead he did today is going to oscillate between them for these 2 months then. Anjali gestures Shyam something and he quickly nods.

“Okay then, I suppose Khushi doesn’t need our assistance for the kitchen work anymore. We should go back home. Chotte, you can come later. We will inform Daadi that you are back” Shyam exclaims.

Arnav nods putting a weak smile on his face. Anjali quickly hugs Khushi and whispers something in her ears which makes Khushi’s face pink. She then pulls back from the hug, waves a bye at them and leaves with her husband. Khushi is confused how to react now. Besides whatever happened today, she has so many complaints on him.

“Ask me water at least” he pokes her.
Khushi nods nervously and heads in the kitchen. Arnav follows her. She opens the vessel she used to fill the water and turns around. She doesn’t realize Arnav was standing behind, close to her. She fears and drops the glass of water down, sprinkling the water on his clothes.

“I. .I am sorry” she mumbles, kneeling down and picks the glass. Her hands are still shivering. “I will get some towel to wipe” she says and heads to the bedroom. Arnav follows her there too. He notices she is still carrying the glass. She is poorly confused and disoriented, firstly meeting him after such a long time and then the stunt of almost marriage that he pulled out a while ago. She fetches a cloth and starts wiping his shirt sleeves which is wet by the water.

Arnav stops her, takes the glass from her hand and keeps it aside. He snatches the cloth and throws it on the bed. Khushi senses him doing all of this but doesn’t react. She stands there, still and nervous. He finally halts, staring at her. His fingers move her silky hair lock away. His other thumb strokes her cheek.

“Just relax” he whispers. “I know it’s hard to keep up after meeting each other after such a long time”
Khushi gulps.
“Let me see you, feel you enough to believe we are together again” he adds.
She gazes at him submissively.
“I have missed you in every breathe Khushi” he cups her face and kisses her briefly on her cheek. She feels numb. He first leaves her alone and then comes back and says he missed her in every breath? He kisses her other cheek. Khushi restraints herself from reaching out to him, to touch him inappropriately because she knows he isn’t comfortable every time she has tried doing that. She clasps her dress to suppress from touching him. She has no clue what his current status of Haphephobia is. Has it increased or pacified a bit than before? Blood heats within her as he reaches for her lips. When he is too close enough to kiss her, she pushes him away. He looks surprised at her actions. She breathes hard so control the urge of getting back to him.

“You left me here.. to punish me..” she clarifies her actions.
Arnav swallows the pain in his body evoked by her sudden distance.
“So, you are going to punish me back? This way?” he asks being hopeful that she close the distance between them but she doesn’t.
“You cannot even sense what I went through, how I coped up without you. So, yes. This is my way of revenge” she walks out in the living room and Arnav rolls his eyes, sighing in disappointment. He follows her out in a minute and finds her picking the bags of groceries. He assists her.
“I can manage”
“I am sure you can but a little help from me won’t lower your capabilities”

He takes the bags in the kitchen and places it on the slab. She gets in the kitchen too.

“You have travelled a long distance. I don’t want you to work here and stress again. I will order some dinner for us unless you wish to eat at Shantivan”

Arnav smiles at her suggestion.
“I will eat with you” he replies. She likes that too. She takes her phone and quickly places the order. She knows what he would like to eat. She knows all of his choices now, in various departments. Until the food arrives, Arnav helps her in arranging the groceries in their appropriate bottles.
“This is not what I thought we would do when we meet again after so many days” he says glancing once at her. She is busy taking out plates and glasses for them.
“Not everything works as planned Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada”
Her replies are crisp and without smiles. He stops her from going out to keep the plates. He grabs her wrist.
“You have forgot to smile” he comments.
“I do smile. Didn’t shyam and your other sources tell you that?”
“I meant the genuine smile, not the fake ones which you keep showing others to prove you are happy”

Khushi is overwhelmed how easily he picked that up. He really knows her in and out like no one else.
“How could you expect me to smile in your absence?” she asks. “The circumstances you left me didn’t give me much choice. Remember what you said to me before you left to Paris? You wanted me to love you unconditionally, like you love me. All my days and nights went in evaluating that. I didn’t realize when I lost my real smile in all of this”

Arnav feels the powerful intensity in her words.

“I really put you in a lot of pressure then. I didn’t mean to” he admits.
Khushi doesn’t reply to that. The doorbell rings breaking their stance.
“Must be the food. I will get it”

She heads out and pays for the food. Arnav watches her intently from the living room. She has been so robotic now, in all actions. She locks the door and keeps the food on the table before the couch.

“Plates” she says looking at him. He nods and heads back to the kitchen to get the plates.

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

Khushi washes the dishes after dinner while Arnav assists her in wiping them with a dry cloth. Though she kept denying his help, he doesn’t sit quiet.

“Daadi must be waiting to see you home.” She reminds.
Arnav nods.
“How do you sleep alone?”
He is still bothered of her comfort.
“Like every other Orphans sleep”
Arnav immediately puts his finger on her lips, to shut her from saying anything further.
“You are not an Orphan. You have Me.. You have my family..” he says in a hoarse voice. She softly nods. “Never say that again, promise me”

Khushi gently takes off his finger from her lip.
“I promise” she whispers. But this is true, this house reminds her that she is an orphan again. Her father is dead and she will have to survive with that forever. She has nothing much to do, not even a TV connection to divert her mind. But she is glad that Arnav is back. She knows he will keep giving her company until the next 2 months here and after that he will marry her with full rituals.

“Show me your bed” he urges. He holds her hand and she leads him to the bedroom. It’s a cozy room and has a very small bed but enough for one to fit in comfortably. Arnav turns her to face him and cups her cheek again. He quickly kisses her forehead partition which is still shining by the mark of his blood.

“I am just a call away. Don’t hesitate me to call me if you feel alone” he commands.
She shakes her head and puts her hands on his which are still cupping her cheek.
“You should go now”
“Yes. I will see you tomorrow at office. Do you want me to pick you up?”
“No” she instantly denies. “I told you how convenient this place is to office. I will come by myself.”
Arnav sighs inwardly.
“You have become bossy Miss. Gupta”
That one comment from him gets a very weak smile on her face again and he appraises himself for at least bringing a trace of his old Khushi back. He will soon clear off all her complaints.

“I am leaving. Go to sleep early and no bad thoughts” he warns her again and she nods, licking the corner of her lips. Arnav inhales sharply seeing her doing that. It was not intentional but it evoked something inside him which will be hard to pacify now.
“Good night” she exclaims dryly.
“Good night” he pats her cheek gently and heads out. Khushi follows him till the door and watches him get in the car and drive out of their lane. It has been such a pleasant evening. He is here.. finally!! And though she kept some limits and distance between them, she is glad he is available for her whenever she needs him. Now she cannot wait for the next morning to see him again at work. She was already in love with him and now that he is back, that love is blooming again.


___________________________________________________

Part 56


Shantivan

Arnav steps in the house. Daadi welcomes him with open arms. Arnav takes her blessings. She kisses his forehead and utilizes some seconds in admiring his face.

“You have become thin. Didn’t you eat well in Paris?” she asks.
“I am learning Martial arts Daadi. Got a fine trainer in Paris”
“Whom you want to fight with?” she asks in confusion.

Shyam laughs at Daadi’s innocent questions.

“Daadi, people don’t learn martial arts only for fighting with someone. It keeps you fit. Chotte, how come you suddenly thought of learning this new skill?”
“Just like that Bhai”
“Okay Okay.. now that you are back, I want you to spend as much time as possible with us” Daadi interrupts. “When are you returning back to Paris?”
Arnav sarcastically smiles at his grandmother. She is on a full swing again to separate him from Khushi.
“Don’t you like me being here?” he asks straightaway.
Daadi is speechless.
“I do, that’s what I always pray for. But you have many distractions here. I don’t want you to waste your life running behind those distractions”
Arnav lets out a sigh.
“Her name is Khushi. And she is not a distraction to me, Daadi. But anyways, I am in no mood to start another argument now. I am tired, want to sleep. We will talk tomorrow. Okay?”
Daadi nods. Arnav hurries to his bedroom, removing the phone out of his pocket. He wants to know if Khushi slept or is she still awake.

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

Khushi is lying on the bed, finishing all her work. So much happened today in the last past few hours. She never even imagined in her dreams that Arnav will fly back from Paris so soon after getting the news that she shifted back to her home. And the stunt that he pulled up of applying his blood on her forehead, as a sign that she belongs to him now, was something beyond her capabilities to think. But she is glad he didn’t force her by any other means to join him back in Shantivan. He gave her the much-needed space to stay here but along with it came most important decision of her life. She has 2 more months to let Daadi accept her as Arnav’s choice and if that doesn’t happen, Arnav will not wait anymore to marry her.

Every night in the last two months, she has always cried, yearning for him, wanting him to forgive her and come back. This is the first night after that when there are no more tears in her eyes. Last night she couldn’t sleep because she felt alone and lonely in this house, and tonight she is unable to get rest because her mind is clouded with memories that Arnav has left in this house, by spending some time with her, helping her in the kitchen chores, having dinner with her. She tosses on the bed recollecting how much he needed that kiss from her which she denied giving him. They have met after 2 months, and the passion, the intensity of their love has grown infinitely. She can feel her body trembling to be in his arms which never happened before. It might have taken a lot of self-control for him to obey and respect her wishes of not kissing. She still doesn’t know if he has any change in him in regards to his fear of being touched deliberately. She has no idea if he has worked on that fear by himself or not. But she won’t do anything that can hurt him again, thinking she is trying to change him. If he doesn’t like to be touched, so be it. She can resist herself from doing so as and how he likes. It is just him that she wants, with all his fears, anger, self-control, passion and all those feelings that comes from him, that belongs to him.

A deep blush rises on her cheeks as she recollects his hardened face when she denied kissing him. She is acting no less than a teenager now who has just got to be with her first crush!! She sighs inwardly and tosses on the other side of the bed again. But Arnav is her first crush, so what if she found this crush feelings for him when she was 22? She had no time for having a crush on any boy when she was in those high-class private schools which the Raizadas had put her into. All she did was study and earn marks. So, Arnav is her first love, her first crush, her first partner and obviously her only soon to be husband. This feeling of having the same man fit in all these roles makes her even more proud and happier.

A message buzzes on her phone, getting her out of this enjoyable stance. She checks her phone and opens the message which has been sent by Arnav Singh Raizada, the only man who has abducted her sleep, mind and heart.

‘Missing you’

Khushi sighs. Yes, she misses him too. It’s not been even 2 hours seeing him and she is already missing him. How did she live without him for 2 months? Why doesn’t she ask him the same? She types back.

‘Had you lost my number when you were in Paris? I didn’t get even a single message then, I didn’t expect that from the man who claims to love me beyond this Universe’

Arnav is slightly pricked by her choice of words. He types back.

‘Watch your words, get your facts correct. I just don’t CLAIM to love you, I actually DO’

He understands why she is so pissed about it. He should have tried to be in touch with her, so what if he was angry? When his love for her didn’t fade ever, why did he avoid communicating? Khushi is intrigued by his reply.

‘Then why no message in the last past 2 months?’

Arnav smirks and writes back.

‘That was supposed to be your punishment. And I can ask you the same. You had my Paris number too. Why didn’t YOU message?’

Khushi frowns. She replies.

‘Guess, I was respecting your Punishment’

Arnav types back.

‘Smart woman. Now go to sleep, and meet me in our dreams’

Khushi blushes again. Can she find a better man than him? Why is he such a PERFECT lover? She puts her phone down. Replying him back will just continue their chat which he won’t like her to do. He wants her to sleep and she will obey his orders.

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

There is an unusual spark in her as she gets ready for work. She has missed having him around for 2 months and now she gets to see him at least 15 hours every day. It is like a bonus. Only she knows what she went through all these days without him. She is still hurt and trying to figure out if he is satisfied with the way she loves him now or he still has any complaints.

She hears the door bell and finds it strange. Can it be Arnav? But she had told him she doesn’t need a ride to office. How can he not respect her wishes? The doorbell rings again and she hurries to open it. As soon as she sees the person before her, she freezes.

“Daadi?”

She steps back as Subhadra Raizada gets in the house. Daadi scans the house with an appraised look.

“You seem to have settled down” Daadi exclaims.
“Yes. Uhh. Why don’t you sit? I will make some tea”
“No thanks. I am not here for that” Daadi replies in a rough tone. Khushi keeps looking at Daadi. She is not getting any positive vibes either. She knows how much Daadi has hated her and Arnav’s relationship. She can do anything to ensure her grandson is away from her, from Khushi Gupta.

“You played your trick again, didn’t you?” Daadi asks.
“What trick?” Khushi snaps.
“I was really thinking hard why you left quietly from Shantivan? At some corner of my heart I felt you genuinely understand that Arnav and his love is not meant for you and that’s why you chose to stay apart. But I was wrong. You purposely left Shantivan because you knew Arnav will come back to you knowing that. What a sharp mind you have got, Khushi? If this wasn’t about my grandson, I would have really applauded you”

Khushi is not angry, neither she is surprised by Daadi’s thoughts. She has always been bitter for her.

“You have always seen me in the wrong angle. It’s not my fault, neither yours. The circumstances we dwelled in all these years is the reason behind this. I cannot change your thinking about me, Daadi. But I can only assure you I am not a trickster. If I wanted Arnav to come back to me like this, I wouldn’t have let him board the flight to Paris, forget staying there for 2 months”

Daadi is stunned at her reply.
“Whatever explanation you give, I won’t be convinced Khushi. I am here to warn you again, for the last time. Do not cross your limits. Arnav is far away from your reach, forget him”

Daadi’s warnings do prick Khushi’s heart. Why is she so harsh on their love? Can’t she see they are made for each other? Khushi composes herself and smiles at Daadi.
“I am also telling you this for the last time, Daadi. Don’t try to separate Arnav from me, he won’t be able to survive that. I would have really liked to obey your warning, considering how much trouble my father gave to your family. I would have killed myself to free Arnav from the chains of our love, but wish it was so easy. Even if I die, he will never stop loving me. And I don’t want him to push him into darkness again after showing him the hope to live.”

Daadi is infuriated at her confidence.

“Also, I am getting late for work. So, unless you don’t have any other matter to discuss, can we please leave?”
Daadi seriously feels insulted even though Khushi didn’t use one single bad word which can let down her dignity. Where does she get all this power from? Obviously, its Arnav’s pampering on her which strengthens her.
“I am still giving you time” Daadi tries one last time but Khushi interrupts her.
“2 months, Daadi. That’s all the time you have to accept me for your grandson. That’s what we decided yesterday. It was me who made him grant you 2 months to think about it. So, if you agree within that period, we are marrying before that and if you don’t, we are still marrying after 2 months. Choice is yours, to decide when this marriage happens”

Daadi is left shocked at this revelation. How could Arnav make such an aggressive decision against her? She angrily leaves the house and Khushi takes a deep breath to relax the goosebumps formed on her skin while coolly explaining to Daadi. She hopes that this time she has made it clear to Daadi, not to come in their way.

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

AR Office

Arnav notices Khushi getting out of the Floor Elevator. She is dressed extra formal today. A white shirt nicely tucked in her grey pencil skirt covering till knees. And beneath that is her black stockings and a nice polished black shoe. He has never seen her in such an outfit before. He waits outside his cabin door, hoping she would come first to him, greet him. But he is wrong. She heads to her colleagues, wishes them, takes her today’s agenda from Preeti, her assistant and then heads out to the Pantry to quickly make a cup of Coffee for her, to start the day. He knows she has seen him watching her and he very well knows she has a clue on what he expects out of her. Yet, she chooses to even acknowledge his presence? That doesn’t go well with him. He follows her to the Pantry. She is alone, stirring her freshly made coffee.

“It is not nice to ignore your Boss at the start of the day”

Khushi almost jerks. She hadn’t expected him to follow her here. She composes herself and turns around, taking a sip of the coffee.

“I have just been warned to stay clear of you” she replies in a teasing tone.
Arnav stiffens. She notices the change in his expressions suddenly. He is not going to take any nonsense from her. He strides to her.
“Daadi?” he tries to clarify who gave her that warning and she nods a Yes.
He fists his fingers. He should have seen that coming. Daadi will not stay suppressed. She is a fighter but she is fighting the wrong side.
“What did you say to her then?” he roughly asks.
Khushi smiles brightly, holding his tie.
“That I am not leaving her grandson, EVER” she replies as softly and slowly as possible to notice his expressions changing again. He smiles pleasingly. That one smile makes her day. She didn’t expect her morning to be so bright so soon.

“Smart reply” he holds her hand.

Someone from the staff gets in the pantry, Khushi immediately shifts. Arnav steps back too.

“You need a coffee?” Khushi asks him, just to show the staff that they were talking, normally.

Arnav has had one coffee already but he doesn’t deny for the next, he has his own reason.
“Yeah, get it in my cabin” he replies and walks out.
Khushi understands his tactic. To get her in his cabin, he purposely agreed for the coffee. Now she cannot deny. She has to make one for him and even get inside his cabin. But she is focused on her motives. This is their workplace and she will abide by the norms here. She makes a coffee for him and heads to his cabin. Shyam wishes her a good morning, while she is still making her way to Arnav’s cabin.

“Hey, nice dress. You look a thorough business woman today.”
“Thanks Shyam, this was in my wardrobe from a long time. I bought it from my first salary. Thought I should wear it today”
Shyam smiles sarcastically.
“Yes, why not. Your admirer is back, I am sure he has already praised you enough in this dress”

Khushi tries to hold her blush.

“Not yet. Now excuse me, he has asked a hot coffee, not cold”
Shyam laughs and gives her way to go. Khushi pushes his cabin door and gets in. He is standing at the huge glass wall, where he can see the whole city’s view. As soon as she enters, he turns around and takes the coffee mug from her.

“Why made you so late?”
“Met your brother. He was praising my attire”

Arnav raises his brow and then looks at her once from top to bottom. She is waiting for his comment but he gives her that’s okay.. not perfect look.

“You didn’t like?” her subconscious scowls at him for not praising.
“Something is missing” he replies and then looks at her forehead. “Where is the Sindoor?” he asks.
Khushi swallows.
“I don’t remember we marrying” she replies nervously, hoping not to screw his mind with that reply. Arnav steps once towards her.
“You don’t?” his voice has that aura to make her knees weak.
She steps behind as he keeps advancing.
“Do you want me to remind you again?” he asks with authority.
Khushi swallows hard.
“Arnav… we… we discussed that already yesterday.. it wasn’t a marriage” she stammers while explaining.
Arnav keeps the mug down.
“I still take you as my wife”
Khushi freezes as he touches her lips and strokes his thumb on them. It doesn’t seem like he is only touching her, its something else. He then raises his thumb and sticks the lipstick mark on it to her forehead, just to highlight it like a Sindoor. Khushi closes her eyes momentarily.

“Now you look like one” he replies. Khushi senses tension in their behavior. This is too much to bear.


___________________________________________________

Part 57

AR Office

“Arnav… we… we discussed that already yesterday. It wasn’t a marriage” she stammers while explaining.
Arnav keeps the mug down.
“I still take you as my wife”
Khushi freezes as he touches her lips and strokes his thumb on them. It doesn’t seem like he is only touching her, it’s something else. He then raises his thumb and sticks the lipstick mark on it to her forehead, just to highlight it like a Sindoor. Khushi closes her eyes momentarily.

“Now you look like one” he replies. Khushi senses tension in their behavior. This is too much to bear. Her heart races as if she is on fire. She opens her eyes. He is gazing at her like she is the most precious being which he has earned for a lifetime. Her eyes are full of panic when he grabs her head in between his hands and examines her closely.
“I would love to see you like for my entire life” he whispers.

Oh yes. She feels the same about him. Their few months of separation hasn’t really changed anything. He still craves for her.

“If you think, I am going to let you have your way with me, then you are wrong Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada. I have so many issues because you deserted me some time ago and flew to Paris. Until I equalize those, you stand no chance”
Arnav raises his brow. His mouth twitches into a smirk as he leaves her.
“I like your determination” he mutters. “But alas, it wont work for long”
Khushi rolls her eyes. He is not someone to argue with. She quickly checks her reflection in the glass walls of his cabin and is shocked. He has artistically colored the partition on her forehead with the lipstick mark. It is looking no less than a Sindoor. Why did she choose a red lipstick color today?

"Arnav... I can’t go out like this. What if someone notices this?"
"I don’t care" he says coolly
"But I do"
He frowns. His smirk is gone away.
"You don’t want people to know about our relationship?" his voice gets rough.
Khushi realizes his amusement and doesn’t want to hurt him. She explains him her stand on this.
"It's not that, Arnav. I just don’t want them to react unnecessarily, especially over this Sindoor. We still have 2 months, right?"
“2 months for Daadi to accept you.” He clears. “I already take you as my wife”
Khushi clenches her jaw.
“I believe in complete rituals, not the half ones we did last night”
“I can complete it for you right away” he growls.

Khushi pauses to control her temper. This is his problem. It is always his way or no way. She grazes back at the desk clock. She has work to finish. This argument will go on without any end. She opens her hair and hides the Lipstick mark of her forehead with a strand of hair. That’s all she can do to avoid people from noticing it.

“I will ask Aman to send you another coffee. This one must be cold now” she picks the mug to take it out. Arnav grabs her arm and snatches the mug from her. He gulps the coffee while she stares at him bewildered.
“Why did you drink it?” she asks.
“I didn’t want to waste your efforts” he finishes the coffee and hands the mug again to her. “Finish your work fast, I have plans for us in the evening”
“What plans?” she asks.
“You will know”

He gets back to his chair and resumes working. Khushi sighs in disbelief. She has no clue what he thinks at times. She heads out of his cabin, being extremely cautious of the lipstick mark.

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

It is evening, everyone at AR office is leaving back home. Khushi is still working on her laptop though. She has a presentation to work on before she leaves. Arnav knocks her cabin door. She raises her head.

“I am not finished yet” she exclaims.
Arnav looks at his watch.
“Didn’t I tell you I have plans for us tonight?”
“I cannot miss this Arnav, please.” She keeps typing.
Arnav sighs in frustration.
“Okay, take an hour more. I will wait”
“Thanks. But you don’t have to wait here. Go home, change and pick me up from my home in 2 hours. We can then go out wherever you have planned”

This seems feasible for him.

“Sure? I can drop you home first”
“I don’t need a lift Arnav and I have cleared this many a times since we talked on this matter. I can manage to reach home myself. You go”
“Okay. See you in 2 hours. Wear something casual”
“Casual?” she murmurs. “Fine, now bye” she focusses back on the laptop screen.

Arnav leaves for Shantivan with Shyam.

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

Shantivan

Daadi paces in the living room nervously, thinking about her conversation with Khushi earlier today. She had never seen Khushi so rebellious like today over her love affair with Arnav. Ever since Arnav has returned that girl has got some invisible strength to face the world and oppose anyone who is against their relationship. If this continues, that day isn’t far when Arnav will marry her and get her back in this house.

“Daadi, you are not ready yet, we have to go to the temple, isn’t it?” Anjali asks.

Daadi decides to ask Anjali about it.
“Anjali, tell me honestly what happened in Lakshmi Nagar yesterday. Has Chotte committed Khushi about marrying her soon?”
Anjali is in a fix. Is it right to inform Daadi that Arnav almost married Khushi last night?
“Daadi, relax. You know Arnav has always been serious about Khushi”
“I know. But I saw a different spark in Khushi’s eyes today. I had been to see her in the morning and warn her to stay away from Arnav. But she seemed to be totally against taking warning, forget taking it seriously”
Anjali is shocked to know that Daadi had been to Lakshmi Nagar today.
“Daadi, this matter is no longer in our hands now. And Khushi is a nice girl. She and Arnav love each other, what else do we want? I feel you should accept them too. Because someone has to bend here Daadi. If you and Khushi both try to pull Arnav towards each other, I don’t think it will last for long. Arnav has taken a decision already and we should respect that”

Daadi frowns. No one is on her side. Everyone is supporting Arnav and Khushi’s relationship.

“If that happens, if Arnav gets her as his wife in this house, I will no longer stay in this family” she declares.

Arnav and Shyam who have just got back home, are shocked to hear this decision.
“Daadi?” Arnav almost loses his control.
Daadi turns around. She didn’t expect Arnav to hear it out the same instant but now that he has, it will be easier for her not to repeat the same talks again.
“What are you saying, Daadi? You plan to leave this house? Me?” he asks coming forward.
Daadi gets emotional but she is still holding her stand.
“You didn’t leave me much choice Chotte. That girl has become so much important to you that you have no regards for all that love and care I gave you all these years”
Arnav is agitated.
“Her place and yours is equal in my heart, Daadi. I want you both in my life” he snaps.
“I don’t want to share you with her” Daadi shouts. “Any other woman Chotte, but not her. She and her father are the sole reason for snatching our family’s peace from years. I can never see her as a part of this family”

Arnav had expected Daadi to feel all this still and avoid accepting Khushi but whatever she declared today, about leaving them if he gets Khushi here is not acceptable. Shyam tries to explain Daadi but no use. Her decision this time is as hard as a rock. She keeps staring at Arnav to see what his decision will be further. He strides to his room, without continuing the argument. Daadi swallows her aching throat. She knows Arnav will definitely think about this and hopefully he will backout from the decision of marrying Khushi.

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

Lakshmi Nagar

Khushi is ready. She managed to return home an hour back, finishing all her work and she quickly changed into a blue denim and Pink top. She has no clue where Arnav plans to take her tonight but she is already excited. After Jaipur, this will be the first time they will go out together and spend some time. Sitting on the Sofa, she glances at the wall clock. What is delaying him so much? Should she call? She picks her phone but stops. No.!! She might look desperate. She keeps the phone back and leans back on the couch.

“Come soon, Arnav. I am missing you already” she murmurs closing her eyes.

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

She wakes up with a jolt. Her phone is continuously ringing. It is Shyam’s call. What has happened? She checks the time on the clock. She had been asleep for an hour almost. And why is Arnav still not here? Is this what Shyam called to tell? She immediately picks the call.

“Shyam?”
“Khushi, hi.. you okay?”
“Why did you ask?” Khushi stands up feeling a tinge of pain in her body, because of the same position she slept in.
“Arnav didn’t tell you?” he asks.
“Tell what?”
“Uhh… no.. Nothing. I don’t want to share it if he has other plans”
“No.. Shyam wait. Is there anything wrong? I can sense it. Where is Arnav?” she asks curiously.
“He is home, in his room.”
“What? How can he be at home? He was supposed to come here.. I have been waiting for him” she scowls.
Shyam keeps patience.
“Khushi, today Daadi really crossed her limits.”

He tells her everything that Daadi said, about leaving the house if Arnav gets Khushi in Shantivan as his wife. Khushi is frustrated. How can this woman not see their happiness? Forget hers, at least her own grandsons? Is that why Arnav didn’t come? Is he . is he respecting Daadi’s wishes? Is he afraid of losing her and is willing to sacrifice his love instead? No.. This.. this cant happen.

She disconnects the phone and hurries out. She hires a cab and reaches Shantivan in 30 minutes. The servants are happy to see her and few of them even greet her but she has no time for that. She strides to Arnav’s bedroom and pushes the door open. Arnav is sitting on the recliner, in a thinking mode. Even he is shocked to see Khushi here. He gets up.

“Khushi?”

She comes forward and clutches his T shirt collar.

“Is this it? What is wrong with you Arnav Singh Raizada? Daadi said something and you decided to sacrifice me? Your love? Is this why you came all the way back from Paris?”

Arnav tries to apprehend on what context she is fighting with him.
“Shh.. Calm down.” He tries to touch her cheeks but she shrugs his arms away.
“Calm down? Do you even realize what I am going through? All these months you fought with me to make sure I accept your love. Then when I accepted our relationship, you went away because you wanted me to love you selflessly, not changing my stand because of your Daadi or others. And now, when I love you more than anything and anyone in this world, you are planning to sacrifice me?” she shouts.

Arnav’s mouth flattens into a thin line.

“Who said that to you?” he angrily asks.
“Why should anyone tell me that? You proved it. You were supposed to take me out, and I was waiting like a mad woman there and you didn’t even attempt to send me a message to say the plans are altered? What is that supposed to mean? Does it mean that Daadi has succeeded to tear us apart?” she growls and this time she tries to push him back in anger.
Arnav catches hold of both her arms before she can touch his chest. He pulls her closer.

“I texted you, an hour back” he mutters with frustration.

Khushi doesn’t believe it. He messaged? Why didn’t she get it? She recollects waking up by Shyam’s call. And when Shyam told her everything, she didn’t even wait to check her Inbox to see if she has missed any message. Arnav leaves her arm and opens the message on her phone. It is still unread. He shows her the screen. He had messaged her that he cannot make it for tonight and that he misses her. Damn her!! she shouldn’t have skipped reading that. At least her entire stunt of coming here and torturing him would have been avoided. What an inappropriate thing to do!!

Arnav throws her phone on his bed and cups her cheeks.

“I am not leaving you ever. Not for Daadi, not even for God” his expressions are one of anguish and appalled. “I wanted some time for myself. To consume what Daadi has decided to find a way to stop her from leaving us. That’s why I messaged you the cancellation of our plans for tonight”

Khushi bites her lip.
“I… I am sorry Arnav. Shyam called me to ask me if I was okay. Probably he thought you have shared this news with me. So, when he told me, I didn’t even realize I should check my phone once or call you, I … I took the next cab and came all the way here to confront”

Arnav grips his hold on her cheeks.

“Look at me, Khushi”
She can’t!! She is ashamed of what she did here. She bursts into tears. All this is just too much to absorb. She shakes her head denying to look at him while tears continue to flow down her cheeks. Arnav leaves her cheeks and holds her wrist. He then carefully makes both her palms touch his chest. She is shocked at his gesture. He is haphephobic, isn’t it? He never liked being touched by anyone on his chest. Then.. then how is he letting her do that now?

“You have me, Khushi. All of me… I cannot give you a better proof than this” his voice gets soft and achy. “You are my lifeline, the one your fingers are feeling right now” he adds.
Khushi actually feels his heart beating under her touch. She closes her eyes in a silent prayer. She wants to thank God that he is making attempt to let go his fears. What else does she want. He slowly leaves his hold from her wrist, wanting her to explore him if that makes her feel better. She strokes her fingers over his chest, trying to feel him. He flinches when she first rubs her palm over his chest but he keeps reminding his mind that she is not going to harm him.. she is the one he loves.. She deserves this right on him. Khushi lets out a whimper as she slowly touches him all over his chest and then wraps her arms around his neck, hugging him tight. He rocks her gently, raising her few inches above the ground. This is the best hug they had so far. She is the center of his universe and he will ensure it stays like that.

___________________________________________________

Part 58

Shantivan

“I love you” she whispers in his ears. Her feet are still above the ground, her arms wrapped around his neck.
Arnav smirks as she confesses it again. Their love doesn’t need such confessions frequently, but when they do, it spices their relationship even more.
“I love you too dammit” he grips her back stronger this time and she squeals.
“Oww.. Put me down” she pats his back and struggles to land on the floor again but all her attempts are futile. “Arnav” she scolds him, holding her blush but he still doesn’t put her down.
“Say Sorry to me first” he mutters.
“Sorry? For what?” she lets out a chuckle.
“For not believing in my love”
Khushi giggles again.
“Come on” he presses her more into him. Their bone crushing hug is really making her crazy..
“Okay… Sorry”
“That’s not enough. I need a more appealing apology” saying that he drops her back to the ground and cups her cheeks. Her giggles subside. He angles his head to one side, assessing her expressions and then kisses her cheek. His own look turns dark and unreadable. He is never him around her. It’s someone else. As if the entire world pauses when he is with her.



He kisses her other cheek. Her forehead and nose come next. Khushi grips both his wrists as he advances towards her lips. The kiss is soft, showing no urgency to pull back. But he ends the kiss with a bite. She yelps in pain as he pulls back and notices him smirking.
“Don’t ever think I will leave you Khushi. If I had to do that, we wouldn’t have come this far”
A myriad of emotions crosses her face as he eases off her tension.
“Thank you” she murmurs “For giving me all of you” she touches her palms on his chest again, stroking her fingers gently there.

Now that was a hard decision for Arnav but he had to do this someday. He kept running from his fears, but he has now realized that if he wants to see Khushi happy with him, he will have to let open his fears and let her deal with it. Until they both work on each other’s worries, their relationship will not progress.

“I should leave before Daadi sees me here”
“I am coming to drop you home”
“Arnav no. Daadi won’t like it”

He doesn’t want to listen. Holding her hand, entwining their fingers he leads her downstairs. Fortunately, there is no one down to see them together and leaving. She sits in the backseat of his car and he next to her. Mohan drives them out of Shantivan. Khushi leans her head on Arnav’s shoulder while he plays with her fingers.

“You need to cut your nails” he rubs his finger over the sharpness of her grown fingernails.

She raises her head and locks their eyes.
“You don’t like sharp nails?” she asks.
“Not that I don’t. But I am afraid what they might do to my skin” he mocks.
She blushes and hits his arm gently. He holds her wrist and kisses her there. She gestures him to be cautious because Mohan can see them from the rear mirror. He gives her a I don’t care expression and kisses her once again in the same area.

They get down at Lakshmi Nagar.

“Don’t think too much on Daadi’s decision. I will handle it” he assures.
“And you don’t stop involving me in such matters Arnav. It makes me feel aloof.”
“Okay” He breathes hard passing a smile.
She waves her hand and walks to the house. Once she gets in and waves him back, he sits in the car again and heads to Shantivan.

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

The next morning, Daadi has just finished her Puja and as usual, Shyam, Anjali and Arnav are standing behind her to take the blessings. She feeds the Prasad to the couple and then comes to Arnav. He picks the Ladoo and feeds her first. She denies initially but seeing Arnav’s unbreakable expressions, she gives in.

“Are you buttering me Chotte? It’s a waste. I am not going to change my decision” she mutters.

Arnav keeps her Puja thali aside and slides his arm around her, taking her out of their little temple.

“I won’t convince you neither I will let you leave this house Daadi. Our bond is not that weak to separate us from each other”
A warm smile pop on Daadi’s face.
“So, you will leave the thought of marrying Khushi?” she hopefully asks.
He smirks.
“I have given her my word Daadi. Marrying Khushi in 2 months is unavoidable”
Daadi shrugs Arnav’s hand from her shoulder and walks away.

He stares at her disappointed. Shyam and Anjali cheer him up.

“Chotte, she will take time, but she will understand. You don’t worry much about her” Shyam exclaims.
“Arnav, where is our party of your half marriage?” Anjali asks to divert this subject.
Arnav bites his inner lip with a lopsided smile.
“Any time you want”
“Okay then. How about today evening? A Private dinner. Just two Raizada couples. No one else?”
“Looks like Rani Saheba has made her plans already” Shyam appreciates.
“Sounds good to me too” Arnav replies. “I will make the necessary arrangements. It’s been long since we had an outing like that together. But Daadi?”
“Don’t worry about her. Today she is going for a Satsang and she won’t be back till late night. I will ensure someone accompanies her and gets her back safely” Anjali assures.
“Okay. Tonight then” Arnav looks all set and the two brothers leave for work.

******************
AR Office
“Dinner?” Khushi asks Anjali who is over the call.
“Yes, your half husband has asked me to convey you this.” Anjali replies with a giggle.
“Okay, I will check my appointments and confirm my presence” Khushi teases.
“Stop teasing Khushi. Tell me what are you wearing? How about we giving a surprise to these Raizada men today?”
“Surprise? What do you mean?” Khushi curiously asks.
“I meant, how about wearing a sexy dress? I haven’t worn such an outfit after my honeymoon. Though Daadi doesn’t mind but I was very shy to wear such clothes before her”
Khushi laughs.
“I know. I always wondered when will you wear those dresses you have dumped from years in your closet. Today seems a nice opportunity. I am sure Shyam is going to fall in love with you again” she teases.
“Forget Shyam. Our relationship is old now. But think of Arnav. If you wear something like that too, I don’t think Arnav can handle it for long. And to be honest, even we don’t mind if he takes you away from us after the dinner, for the whole night”

Khushi feels her heart thudding. She is glad there is no one in the cabin to see her face. She is absolutely red and grinning like an idiot.
“Shut up Anju”
“I will Khushi. But who will stop Arnav? You know its either his way or no way. Anyways, so you decide on your outfit and let me know. Bye”

Anjali hangs up giving Khushi enough time to think what the Post dinner with Arnav would be like.

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

“Where’s the Profit chart Mr. Mehta? I want the details on the Profits we have earned from our last Project”

Arnav is busy in a conference with some of the top Managers of his Company. Shyam is also part of this Meeting. Mehta flips the slides on the Projector and shows the Profit Chart. He then starts explaining. Arnav keenly observes the chart and is totally engrossed in it when his phone vibrates. He doesn’t like intrusion when he is working but when he notices the message is from Khushi, he cannot resist to open it and read.

‘What do you suggest I wear for the dinner tonight?’ 

Arnav smirks and starts texting her back, below the table. He doesn’t want his staff to know he has no interest in the Profit chart anymore.

‘Anything that’s decent enough to keep my hands off you’ 

He looks back at the Projected screen. He can imagine what her expressions might be now reading his reply. And it happens. Khushi flushes at her desk. Her fingers shivers as she types him back.

‘That’s means no Red, no backless and no short length?’ 

Arnav mutters something in his mouth, to avoid the temptation his half wife is creating right now. He types back.

‘Wear anything in Red, it’s been long seeing you in Red’

That interests Khushi. Is he so desperate so see her in his favorite color? She types.

‘Who will guarantee your decency then?’ 

Arnav sighs inwardly. He wants to ask her something today, even if she doesn’t agree, he is fine with it. But he wants to put forth his request at her and know her take about it.

‘I am tired being decent and gentleman. We can forget these two traits for tonight?’ 
Khushi is drinking water when she reads the message. The bottle almost spills on the floor. She uses a tissue to wipe the water spilled on her dress. Did he really write that? She is so so glad that she is alone. She types back.

‘You are scaring me Arnav’

Arnav smiles stroking his finger over her message on his phone screen. He replies to it.

‘I like you scared in this matter’ 

Khushi swallows hard. She is unable to focus on work. She never thought they would be deciding something like this over a chat conversation.

‘What do you intend to do?’ 

He tenses up. She is really scared. He should not enforce his request on her. He types back.

‘Nothing if that bothers you so much. We can just eat and I will drop you. That’s Plan A’

This tension is too much for her to bear. Though he has assured her that they can go with Plan A, it still rings bells in her ears. She has to ask this. She starts texting a reply.

‘Is there a Plan B too?’

She gets a response to that almost immediately.

‘Yes, but it is purely based on YOUR will’ 

Khushi stays tightlipped. A part of her knows what she wants, but there is still a part of her which is bound to the norms created by the society they live in.

‘You are scaring me again. My palms are sweaty’ 

Her reply invokes a raw expression on his face. He has no qualms to drop this topic if she is so scared. He replies back to her.

‘Let’s drop Plan B then. Plan A can work for me till we marry officially’

Though he has assured it, Khushi is still not satisfied. She is confused. She doesn’t want to push him away. It’s her mistake. She shouldn’t have started this conversation with him. Is he hurt? Will he think she doesn’t trust him on this? Her scalp prickles. She has no clue how she is going to face him after this. The next message tone on her phone almost makes her jerk thinking it’s from Arnav again. But she is wrong this time. It is Anjali’s message, asking her if she decided what to wear. She wanted to check this with Arnav. Who knew their silly conversation turned intense like this?

Her phone beeps. Now when she thinks its Anjali asking her the same, she is wrong again. This time it’s Arnav. Can they chat one at a time. Of course, she wants to give Arnav the first priority here. She bites her lip reading his reply.

‘Stop worrying too much. It’s Plan A.. Plan A and only Plan A. See you tonight in the Restaurant’ 

She doesn’t understand what to reply. She fiddles with the phone and it beeps again.

‘Are you okay, Khushi?’ 

How can she be okay? She is confused.. pissed on her own self and worried for him.. his sentiments.. Plus the physical tension has also taken its painful course. What is she supposed to do? How should she react? Her phone beeps again.

‘You are scaring me now. Should we cancel the whole plan? No Plan A even’ 

No No No. That’s not what she wants. She wants to go out with him and wants this plan A to work. She replies back.

‘Don’t cancel. Plan A is ON. But I am still thinking about Plan B’

The meeting is over. Everyone is dispersing from the conference room except Arnav who flushes at her reply. He is also relieved that he didn’t scare her too much to cancel the whole plan.

‘What part of Plan B are you thinking?’ 

He knows her palms will be sweaty again and it will be worth to see her face while she reads his message. Khushi blushes. She grips her phone; her smile is back. He is doing this now on purpose, isn’t he? She pouts shyly. Her phone beeps again.

‘Stop pouting. You know that does something to me’

Khushi immediately scans the area. The curtains to the lobby are open and the meeting room is not far enough from here. Did he see her from there? She immediately closes the curtains and replies back.

‘We got to finish our work Mr. Raizada before proceeding for Plan A. Let’s leave it for later to decide if Plan B should be implemented or not’

It takes heavy courage for her to write this. She gets an instant response back from him.

‘Glad to see you thinking in my lines. So, Plan B is exactly not a NO? There are chances. Is that what you mean?’ 

Why is this getting so sensitive? She thinks her heart cannot sustain reading such conversations for long. This message banter is all well and good but she really doubts if she can face him tonight.

‘Plan B .. Maybe .. May not be. Be prepared for both. Now please let me work. See you tonight’ 

She keeps her phone aside and tries to work. It is not that easy though to shift back to the designs she was drawing. She keeps glancing at the phone again and again to see if he replies back. Guess he took her request to let her work, seriously.

___________________________________________________

Part 59

AR Office

It’s 05:30pm. Khushi finishes her work, clears her desk and stuffs her laptop in the bag again. She has to leave now and prepare for the Dinner date tonight. To be more specific.. for Plan A tonight. But the bells of Plan B are still ringing in her ears. She leaves the cabin, her team wishes her a good day ahead and she passes on the same wishes to them.

“Khushi, so what is your plan for the weekend tomorrow?” Roma, one of her team members asks.
“Nothing yet decided Roma, why did you ask?”
“We are planning a Movie tomorrow. The entire team. Would you join us too? It will be fun” Roma replies.
“Movie?” Khushi nods. “Sounds good, but I will let you know by tonight if I can make it”
“Sure. But do come. You never come out with the team otherwise.”
Khushi smiles. That’s true. She hardly likes socializing. Her phone beeps. She opens the message. It’s Arnav’s.

‘What’s being discussed’

Khushi scans the area around, where did he watch her from? Then she sees him at the lobby with one of the senior managers. They are talking something. Why can’t he mind his talk? Why does he have to know everything about her? Yet, she replies him back.

‘They are asking me for a movie tomorrow. I think I will go’

She purposely says she has made her mind. She wants to know his reaction.

‘Don’t’

His instant reply kicks her senses. If he wanted her to be all the time with him, why did he go to Paris? Does he realize how she has spent all those days without him? And now that he is back, he wants all her time.

‘Sorry, plans made already. Cannot change’

She looks at Roma and then waves the team a quick bye. She knows Arnav might be pissed off. She leaves the office. He deserves a little bit of teasing. She is almost done booking a cab when his car halts before her. Mohan is driving as usual and Arnav is at the backseat. He slides the glass window down.

“Get inside. I will drop you home” he exclaims.
“I have booked a cab already” she shows her phone screen.
“Cancel it” he barks.
Khushi’s jaw drops.
“Stop being control freak Arnav. It won’t work every time”

He gets down the car and she step behind in horror. Is she crossing the lines or he? Her cab parks behind Arnav’s.
“Are you putting distance between us because of my proposal of Plan B?” he asks in a low voice, though the tone is quite scary.
Khushi flush. He thought he scared her? How cute of him. She squeezes his hand reassuring.
“I am not going home. Have taken a Salon appointment which falls opposite to your usual route to Shantivan. Don’t want you to get stuck in the traffic and be late for our dinner tonight. That’s why you leave home and I will finish my Salon and be ready for the Dinner party”

He understands and finally takes a sigh of relief. He palms her cheek, without even bothering about people walking and driving around them.
“Shyam and Anjali Bhabhi will pick you up. I will see you directly at the Venue”
“Why?”
“Got to drop Daadi at her Satsang. She requested me to drop her at least because I usually don’t get to spend time with her due to my busy schedules. Plus, my frequent visits to Lakshmi Nagar these days have increased. I thought I owe her this much”

He is right. He did right. He knows how to balance between his Daadi and her. Arnav kisses her cheek openly. She blushes again.
“Wear Red if possible” he whispers in her ears and pulls back. She nods assuring him that’s what is in her mind too.

She strides to her cab and gets inside. Arnav leaves for Shantivan once her cab heads to the Salon. He is still onway when his phone beeps. It’s Khushi’s message.

‘Thanks for letting me go in the cab. And I wanted to tell you that I love you’

He smiles and texts her back.

‘I am flattered. Can’t wait for the dinner tonight and …’

Shit!! She hadn’t expected him to continue that earlier topic. She quickly types back.

‘And..? Is that about my approval for Plan B?’

He smirks reading her reply. She is a very nervous soul today ever since he discussed the Plan B with her. He shouldn’t have scared her so much.

‘Yes, awaiting in anticipation. I want ALL OF YOU Khushi, but only if you are willing to share yourself. Not otherwise’

Khushi’s heart races. All the muscles in her belly clench. The cab halts at the Salon. She pays the driver and heads inside.

‘Reached the Salon. See you at the Dinner Venue’

Arnav shuts his phone exhaling. He was never so impatient. He wonders how he controlled himself in Paris for 2 months without her.

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

Lakshmi Nagar

Shyam presses the horn for Khushi to hear. She waves at them from the window, asking for 2 minutes. She has to shut the lights and lock the door. She looks herself one last time in the mirror. She has worn a red Knee length frock. It’s purely red, no mixture of any other colors. Just like he would have wanted her to wear tonight. She has curled her hair at the ends just to drop those curls on her shoulders. She hopes he won’t mind that she curled her hair. What if he likes her straight hair? Oh!! She doesn’t want to ruin his mood of Dinner date.
Shyam presses the horn again. She comes out of her stance and hurries out to lock the door. Anjali gets down for her and the two hug each other.

“Red.. ? Me too” Anjali flaunts her long Red gown.
“You look gorgeous Anju. I am sure Shyam has overdosed you with compliments and kisses may be?” she teases enough for Anjali to blush.
“Yea. kind of”
Both laughs. Shyam presses the horn the third time now.

“Ladies. We are running late, get inside”

Khushi sits behind and Anjali next to her driver husband.

“Has Arnav reached the Venue?” Khushi asks.
“Yes, he might have reached by now. He had to drop Daadi at Satsang. She has no idea what plans we have tonight.” Shyam replies.
“I hope she doesn’t mind if she gets to know it someday. I feel bad that we are ignoring her” Khushi says.
“Khushi going out with your family isn’t bad. Don’t worry. Cheer your mood. We will reach in 15 minutes” Shyam explains.
Khushi quickly drops a message to Arnav again.

‘Started’

Anjali looks at Khushi from the rear mirror.

“Shyam, don’t you think we should have let them go alone on a date?”
Khushi pouts and looks at Anjali.

“Anju, stop teasing me okay. I am already tensed.”
“Tensed?” both Shyam and Anjali ask her the same time.
She bites her lip. She cannot talk about Plan B to them. This is her and Arnav’s secret.
“I mean, this dress. I hope Arnav likes it” she shifts the topic.
“Why won’t he like it? He likes anything and everything about you Khushi” Anjali replies.

Khushi smiles with pride. She really cannot wait for this Dinner date. It’s going to be close to heart and be in her memories for many many years ahead.

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

Restaurant

Arnav is standing at their much-reserved Table, talking to the Manager. Shyam, Anjali and Khushi reach there. Arnav feels a gust of wind blowing around him and he turns. Seeing Khushi in that red Frock makes his heart beat louder. He is glad she kept her words of wearing his favorite color. Shyam and Anjali take their seat whereas Arnav mouths a Hi to Khushi. She smiles back at him. He pulls a chair for her and then sits next to her, but making no attempts to touch her. She is already feeling warm and nervous. So, the Plan A begins.

“Chotte, did you notice how these girls are ready for us tonight? They don’t look married, do they?” Shyam asks.
“Half Married in my case” Khushi interrupts.
Arnav grins broadly at her.
“We should have such group dates often. Only then such outfits come out of their closets. Otherwise they don’t take the risk of wearing such sexy dresses in solo dates” Arnav comments.
Anjali giggles.
“This is not relevant to me, Arnav. The last time your brother took me out for a date was 7 months ago. And that date didn’t last even for an hour. He got some urgent call at office and he rushed back, leaving me to pay the bill”

Everyone laughs. Khushi stiffens suddenly when Arnav places his warm palm over her leg. He looks at her and smiles, hoping she doesn’t mind but she looks nervous and there is a load of tension on her face.

“Tum theek ho?” (You okay?) he whispers.

Anjali and Shyam are busy talking to each other. Arnav somehow realizes what made Khushi so uncomfortable suddenly. She was talking so well before he kept his palm over her leg. He decides to withdraw. But the moment he tries to do that, Khushi keeps her palm over his, not permitting him to pull out. He looks mischievously at her when her smile finally returns.

“I am fine” she murmurs back to him, entwining his fingers with hers over her thigh.

They order a bottle of Champagne first and Shyam pops it open.

“For the new couple of Shantivan” he says pouring the Champagne in four glasses. Arnav offers one glass to Khushi.
“I don’t drink this”
“It’s a non-alcoholic Fruit Champagne. You won’t be intoxicated” he admits.
Khushi takes the glass from him.
“I am already intoxicated. Sitting next to you, having your hands on me, it’s changing a lot inside me already”
Arnav raises his brows. She has never been so expressive before.
“Then I guess we should cancel Plan B” he whispers. Her face drops as if that’s not what she wants. Arnav smirks reading her expressions. “I don’t like taking advantage of an intoxicated woman”
Khushi blushes.

“And what if the Intoxicated woman still wants you to take advantage of her?”

Arnav bites his inside lip.

“Are you serious?”
She nods.
“Never been so serious before, Arnav. I am serious about Plan B” she sips the Champagne.
Arnav gulps his entirely without taking his eyes off hers. They have almost forgotten they are here with one more couple. Arnav strokes her cheek with the back of his finger.
“I want you to know that you can change your mind about Plan B anytime”
Khushi is overjoyed not because she has any intentions of changing her mind, but seeing his concern for her. He will never stop thinking from her angle. She is his priority. She closes her eyes briefly when his finger strokes her lower lip. When that touch becomes intolerable, he hugs Arnav, turning completely towards him. He hugs her back, stroking her spine and kisses her hair.

They stay like that for a minute or two and then slowly realization dawns. They are not alone. Khushi pulls back first and neatens her hair. Shyam and Anjali are watching them with love and adoration. It’s such an embarrassing moment for Khushi. She has never been fond of Public Display of affection but seems like she has no control over it now.

“Anjali you were right. We should have sent them for a Solo date. This group date sucks” Shyam teases.
“There’s still time, we can opt to leave them alone” Anjalii suggests.
“No please. Let’s order the food” Khushi interrupts.

The next one hour goes in eating. Khushi doesn’t stuff more. The Fruit Champagne has made her full already. Arnav feeds her the dessert which she simply cannot resist. They start talking about their future plans, especially Arnav and Khushi’s with respect to Daadi.

“I think Daadi and Khushi needs to be locked in one room for an hour. They will sort out themselves” Anjali suggests. Khushi drops her jaw in horror.
“No way, she will eat me alive”
“You think I will let that happen?” Arnav interrupts
“I am really scared of her Arnav. Earlier I didn’t care about her inputs, now I do. I want her to know I am the only woman who can keep her Grandson happy” Khushi pouts.
His eyes soften and his expressions warms.

“Yes, you are. But you don’t need to prove anything to anyone. Time is a big healer. It will heal things between you and her.” he taps her nose once.

They continue to talk on other topics. Shyam checks the watch.
“It’s 11:00. We should leave. What do you think?” he asks Arnav who nods in agreement.
They pay the bill and head out.
“I will ride Khushi home” Arnav says without any doubts. Anjali hugs Khushi and whispers something to her. Khushi flush again and rolls her eyes.
“I will see what I have to do” she mutters under her breathe holding a chuckle.
“Okay Chotte, see you at home” Shyam waves at Arnav.
Arnav nods and holding Khushi’s hand he walks her to his car. Mohan is already waiting to drive them out.

They take the backseat. Now that Shyam and Anjali are gone, and its just him and her, Khushi’s mood shifts visibly. She leans her head on Arnav’s shoulder.

“Take us to Lakshmi Nagar, Mohan” Arnav commands. Mohan starts the engine and takes them out of this place. The cover the distance in 20 minutes. Arnav and Khushi get down at her home. She unlocks the door and they get inside. Mohan is still out, waiting for his Boss to come. Khushi fishes for her phone in the purse and keeps it on the couch. Her palms are sweaty again. She has no clue how to behave. Arnav leans to the closed door, watching her moves. He has a faint smirk on his face reading her confused state of mind. She turns around to see why he is standing there? One minute she is confused and the other minute she knows what she wants. She wants the man who loves her beyond any limits. That’s when she realizes she hasn’t turned the lights on yet. It’s just the moonlight which has illuminated the room. The main fuse is right next to where he is standing.

“I should turn the lights On. I am so foolish. .How could I forget it?”

She hurries back to him and in the process stumbles with the table.

“Careful” he shouts but she manages to rub her knee which has started aching now.
“I am fine” she almost limps to the door to turn the main Switch On and in the process hits her hand to the side lamp. It hurts her again.
“Ouch…”
Arnav laughs this time.
“What is wrong with you, tonight?” he laughs again. Khushi switches the lights On and pouts.. “I don’t know. I am just being fine”

The moment she says this, she loses her balance again and their heads collide. It aches her once again.
“Oucch” she starts rubbing her forehead. Arnav bursts out laughing. Khushi feels more embarrassed. Is her nervousness visible? She is glad at least he laughed so heartily because of her silly actions. She keeps observing him laughing. This has to be his future.. him being so cheerful always. He deserves this. In few seconds he finally stops laughing and reaches her over and runs his thumb on her cheeks, grazing her skin softly there.

“I will ask Mohan to take me back to Shantivan. You take rest. You need it” his voice is husky and unavoidable. All her nervousness is suddenly gone. She clutches his arms.
“I want you to stay tonight”
He cocks his head to one side, still grinning.
“Plan B?” his gaze turns dark.
She shakes her head.
“Plan B” she assures.

Arnav takes a minute to absorb this and then fishes his phone from his pocket. He does this without shifting his gaze from her. He dials Mohan.

“Leave for Shantivan. I will call you back to pick me up later”

He hangs up after passing the message to the driver and carries Khushi in his arms, all the way inside.

___________________________________________________

Part 60

Khushi wakes up the next morning, with Arnav beside her. He is fast asleep. He looks much younger and at peace whereas she feels so different; pale, tired and totally out of place. As if this is not her. She flushes. She knows the reason behind this change in her. It’s him.. Arnav Singh Raizada and the love they made last night. Flashes of those moments keep flipping before her eyes. She shakes her head, not to think about it so much or else she will never be able to start her day. She has a lot to process about last night though. She never knew sharing your own self to someone who loves you beyond limits will so soothing and effortless. But she was very careful in her actions last night because she didn’t want him to turn away from her, with the fear of being touched though it was he who had given her the rights of having all of him. But he didn’t flinch at all. It was strange and he owes some serious explanation to her on how he managed to get over that fear? Is it gone forever? She hopes so.

Slipping out of the bed, Khushi makes her way to the bathroom. She is glad its weekend and she has no office today. It would have been difficult to work considering the flashes of last night are not leaving her mind vacant for even a fraction of second. Khushi locks the bathroom and stares at herself in the mirror. She has given herself completely to the man she loves. This feeling is so different and out of her control. She also gets little bewildered at her own self for taking such a huge decision of her life. She doesn’t know its consequences but she is prepared for it and there is no remorse. She runs the shower and stands below it, letting the water ease her aching muscles.

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

An hour pass since she woke up and her sleeping handsome is still on bed, not willing to wake up. She doesn’t want to disturb his little precious sleep. And its always a treat watching him so peaceful around her. She stirs the coffee. She needs one desperately to start her day. Suddenly she feels a gust of wind blowing and she realizes his presence behind her. It’s hard to face him again, though there are no more barriers between them anymore. She turns around keeping the mug back on the Kitchen counter. He is watching her intently. His hair is messed up and eyes still sleepy. How much sleep did they get? Not even 4 hours she supposes. He lowers his gaze upon her, trying to read her body reactions completely. It makes her nervous. When his eyes are back on hers, he stretches his arms to call her for an embrace. She takes two long strides and hugs him tight. He scoops her like his most possessive asset and brushes his fingers in her damp hair, untangling them.

“Tum theek ho?” (Are you okay?)

He has asked for her assurance so many times in the past 10 hours. She simply nods and snuggles closer. Arnav’s hold on her back, suddenly eases down, she doesn’t understand why? She pulls back and notices his expressions. He has been staring something on the wall in the living room. She looks at that direction and sees the picture of her father hung on it. Arnav abruptly pulls away from her. The memories of what happened with her father years ago and he being even little responsible for it gets a bitter taste in his mouth. Khushi reads his inner turmoil and cups his face, trying to divert his gaze from the picture.

“Don’t coil yourself again in the past. It’s over. We have come out of it, Arnav”

Her words make him feel little better. And he has to accept it too. They have come a long way now, letting those awful memories screw their lives again is not an option.

“I hope he approves me to have his Daughter” he whispers in an achy voice.
“He will. I am sure wherever my father is, he has watched you taking care of me, you keeping my wishes, my needs forward has not gone unnoticed by him.”
Her explanation flutters his heart and pulls her for one heated kiss. What has he done to her? Once they pull away, Khushi gently touches his chest, observing his expressions, its not torn down or fearful. It’s calm and his gestures probing her to continue.

“When did this sort out?” she asks too sweetly.
“When I was in Paris” he answers.

Khushi knows this is going to be long and notable story, she heads to the kitchen and gets their coffee. They sit next to each other on the Sofa, talking about it.

“Dr. Akash gave me the contact of one of his friends who practices in Paris. Dr. Scott. I consulted him there.” He sips the coffee.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” she snaps at him.
“We were not in talking terms for that 2 months, remember? And I didn’t know if it would sort my issues completely. I was still skeptical about it. Fears like these don’t go away that easily Khushi. And he told me the same during my first visit. I told him everything about us. He suggested me a couple therapy, so that you get to understand what I am comfortable with, what can evoke my fears, and all that. But I didn’t want you to get involved in all this and hurt yourself every time seeing me like that, or be conscious whenever you want to touch me.”

Khushi clenches her jaw.

“But Arnav that’s how it works. I didn’t see anything wrong in what Dr. Scott advised”
“Yes” he holds her hand and kisses the back of her palm. “But for me that was Option number 2.”
Khushi shrugs her hand from his hold.
“And what was your Option number 1?” she asks dryly.
“To heal myself”
Khushi sighs.
“You always do this. You hide your pain and let it engulf you all alone. This won’t work all the time Arnav”
“It worked this time, didn’t it?” he interrupts. “I no longer withdraw to your touch”
“Yes, lucky me” she sighs and keeps her head over his chest. “Please continue”

Arnav brushes his fingers in her scalp again.
“Option 1 was to fight back my fears, in every tough way possible. Apart from medication, I enrolled in Krav Maga”
Khushi has no clue what that is. But she knows he will explain.
“It’s a form of self-defense training. It helps you fight against some threatening situations. More of a physical training where you know what you have to do when you are suddenly attacked”

Khushi had no clue such thing exists. She had always heard of other forms of self-defense, this is new.

“It is sourced from all the traditional techniques like boxing, karate, judo and stuff like that” he adds.
Khushi raises her head and looks at him.
“Then?”
“I spent a lot of time practicing Krav Maga. And it somehow gave me the courage. Whenever I was learning this, I always pictured the moment when I was molested and when I fought back in my self-defense it gave me a sense of relief, as if I am fighting that same person who tried to do all that to me”

Khushi’s eyes brim with tears.

“It really helped Khushi. And here I am.. No longer restraining myself from your touch”

Khushi is overwhelmed. She palms his chest again to believe what he just said. He is not flinching. He is stronger now.
“Did you tell home about this? I am sure they will be happy to know”
“I told them I joined some martial arts sessions. I didn’t want to explain all these details to them”
Khushi nods.
“And the medications, you are on them? Are they part of your daily dose?”
“No, just when I have nightmares, that’s all”
“How frequent are those nightmares now?”
Arnav tries to recollect and gazes at her with a smile.
“I don’t remember having one since I have returned back to you”
Khushi smiles with pride, sipping her coffee again and keeps the mug on the table.
“While I was in Paris, I did get a few. But the medicines helped”
“I want to visit Dr. Scott with you, once. Just to see if I can help you with anything in terms of these nightmares”
Arnav nods approving her idea.
“We can go for our honeymoon to Paris”
Khushi bites her inner lip.
“Sounds good. I want to see Eiffel Tower” she murmurs.
He scoops her again in his embrace.
“You will love Paris”
Khushi runs her fingers on his rough jaw and kisses it later. His phone rings in the bedroom.
“Go check whose call it is” she says.

Arnav is in no mood to jump out of this homely feeling of having Khushi in his embrace. But he knows he has other responsibilities to take care. Plus, it’s 08:00 am now. The day has begun and there are people who might be looking for him, his family members. He gets up and heads in her bedroom while she takes their empty mugs in the kitchen and drops them in the sink.

“Yes Bhai” Arnav answers Shyam’s call.
“Chotte, where are you? I didn’t find you in your bedroom, neither in the gym. And Mohan told me he didn’t get you home last night. I am worried”
Arnav smirks. His mouth forms a hard line.
“I will reach in 30 minutes. Send Mohan to pick me up”
“Okay, but from where should he pick you from?” Shyam asks.
“Khushi’s home”

His reply almost stuns Shyam and a lot many thoughts cloud his mind, like did Arnav stay back last night with Khushi, etc but he doesn’t raise his concerns over the call. They are two matured people who know what they have to do about their relationship. He shouldn’t bother them with his silly questions.

“Okay, I will send Mohan. See you once you back”

Arnav hangs up and watches Khushi checking her phone too. They didn’t touch their phones since last night.
“Whose message?” he asks her.
“Roma’s. I told you my team is calling me for a movie today afternoon”
“And you are going?” he painfully asks.
Khushi keeps her phone aside and reaches him. She starts playing with the hem of his T shirt.
“Not if you don’t want me to go”
Arnav holds her wrist and pulls her close.

“Go”
“What?”
“Yes, go. I too have some work to finish. I don’t want you to stick around only with me and forget the rest of the world. You need little distraction from me Khushi or else you might get bored of me very soon”
Khushi punches his chest and the moment she tries doing it, Arnav holds her wrist and turns her around in self-defense. He does it all softly though.
“Easy Sweetheart” he whispers. Khushi gives up her struggle and he allows her turn and face him again.
“I can never get bored of you, Arnav and it really hurts when you predict all that”
“I am sorry” he kisses her forehead to make up her lost mood. “But do go for the movie. I wont mind”
“Hmm”

In next 10 minutes Arnav is all set to go back to Shantivan. Mohan halts the car outside Khushi’s house. Arnav heads out in the same clothes he wore last night. Khushi keeps staring at him as he gets in the backseat of the car. She waves him a lazy bye and shuts the door.

The moment she gets back inside, her phone beeps. It is Arnav’s message.

‘Did you sleep well last night?’ 

Khushi cannot help but grin. She types back.

‘Have never slept so peacefully before. I hope you felt the same’ 

She waits for his reply which is almost instant.

‘Looking forward for such peaceful sleep forever’ 

Khushi almost jumps in joy. Yes Yes Yes. She wants that too. Earlier she wanted to wait for Daadi’s acceptance of their proposal but now she wants these 2 months to fast forward because staying away from Arnav Singh Raizada, even for a night is going to be torturous.

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

Shantivan

Arnav gets in the house. Shyam and Anjali are at the breakfast table and the moment they see him, they read his face. They have never seen him so composed and happier before. There is a different spark on his face.

“Arnav” Shyam calls him.
Arnav doesn’t ignore them.
“Good morning” he wishes the couple and sits next to Shyam.
“Morning. Hungry?” Shyam asks.
“Very”

Anjali quickly starts serving Arnav.
“When did Daadi reach home last night?” he asks.
“At 02:00. Seems her Satsang went well. She has never been so satisfied about such holy gathering before.” Anjali replies.
Arnav continues eating.
“Where were you last night?” Daadi’s voice rings in their ears from behind.
Both Shyam and Anjali stiffen as they see Daadi coming to the breakfast table. They are worried if Daadi will know where Arnav spent his last night? Arnav slows down eating.
“Good morning, Daadi. I heard your Satsang went well” Arnav shifts the topic but fails.
“I asked you something Chotte. Where were you last night?” Daadi snaps.
“I was with Khushi” he answers without any fear.
Shyam and Anjali glance at each other and then gauge Daadi’s reactions to this revelation. She looks pissed and utterly disappointed.
“I thought so” Daadi shouts. “I knew she would do something like this to keep a hold on you.”

Arnav gets up from the chair, wiping his lips.
“She doesn’t need to do anything Daadi. She has me for her life. She knows I will always be with her. Please change your thoughts. She is your grandson’s choice, she has to have something in her which makes me love her so much”
Daadi is furious.

“You are not taking me seriously Chotte. All these years I have bent towards your wishes. But this time, I won’t. I have already told you what I will do if you get her in this house as your wife.”
“I remember that” he says shaking his head. “I am not letting either of you go away from me Daadi. And it’s a promise”

Arnav picks his phone and walks back to his room leaving Daadi stare at him with confusion. What does he intend to do? How can he hold both Khushi and her in his life?

___________________________________________________

Part 61

She is missing him very much. How much time has passed since he left? Hardly 3 hours but she has started disliking every moment since then. Wish she had not made any plans of movie with her teammates. She would have got to spent a whole day with Arnav but he had some work, that’s why he asked her to enjoy some time without him. What work did he have? And what would have happened in Shantivan? Anjali and Shyam might have got suspicious seeing him home in the morning and not at night. Did Daadi realize it too? What was her reactions? She wants to know it all but she has no guts to speak to Anjali about it. Because she knows if she calls her, Anju would like to get other details and it will make her very nervous. She wonders how will she face them next time. With all the thoughts in her mind, Khushi gets down from the cab at the Multiplex where her colleagues are waiting for her. Roma is the first one to see her entering the Cinema hall.

“Khushi.. here” Roma waves her hand.
Khushi notices her and quickly strides to the group.
“Hi guys. Hope I am not late”
Everyone greets her.
“Not really, we are glad you came.”
“Me too. Let’s get in”
Two of her team members join the queue to buy popcorns and coffee for everyone. Khushi checks her phone, there is no message from Arnav. She types a message for him.

‘Why no message? Or has the successful implementation of Plan B now lowered interest on your favorite subject… i.e ME?’

She hits send and holds the Popcorn which Roma hands over.
“Thanks. Which screen?”
“Screen 2. Let’s go. The Recliner seats are awaiting us”
“Yup” Khushi fakes a smile. She is more interested in Arnav’s reply to her message. Her phone beeps and she cannot wait to get seated and keep the Popcorn away so that she can open that reply and read. Once settled, she checks her phone again.

‘I can never get enough of my favorite subject i.e.… YOU. I am in the middle of an important meeting. Want to free up my time, mind and heart for you so that I am not bothered of work while I am with you. Enjoy your movie. Don’t drool the actor a lot, keep your eyes for me.’

Khushi blushes. Even though he is not around, he can still make her blush so hard even by a single message. This is so not her. Roma notices Khushi and whispers in her ears.

“Everything alright? You seem different today”
Khushi shuts her phone.
“All if fine, Roma. Just lack of sleep I suppose.” This is not a lie. She has hardly slept last night and anyone can notice by seeing her eyes.
“Lack of sleep? Why? Had any work to do?”
Khushi recollects the flashes of last night and her face turns crimson red.
“Household work” she lies.
“Oh yes, I heard it. You shifted from Raizada house, isn’t it?”
Khushi shakes her head. She is glad that she took this decision because that triggered Arnav’s return from Paris. The movie begins.

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

After almost two and half hours, they come out of the Multiplex. The movie was good but Khushi didn’t enjoy it thoroughly though the actor was one of her favorites. Whenever any romantic scene played, she kept comparing her and Arnav’s relation, their way of romance and their talks. She was hardly able to focus on the actual movie. It’s so insane. But true love makes you stamp all your crushes, Ex’s and all you see and want is the person who made you believe what true love is.

“Khushi” she hears Arnav’s voice from behind the group and everyone turns around, including her.

Arnav Singh Raizada is here, casually dressed, striding towards them, taking off his sunglasses. Khushi skips a heartbeat. He is glowing. She has rarely seen him in such casuals, probably he did some shopping for himself in Paris.

“Oh my God. That’s our Boss” Roma and the other girls quickly straighten up to face him, so does the guys, who happens to be Khushi’s teammates.
“Good afternoon Sir” Roma and few others wish him as he reaches them. He greets them back, his eyes never moving away from Khushi’s.

“How was the movie?” he asks only her.

Her colleagues are surprised how come he knows they were here for a movie and why is he specifically asking only Khushi’s review?

“Good” she lies.
“If you guys don’t mind, we have some plans. So, I got to take Khushi with me” he slides his arm around her waist, clearing marking his territory. Khushi can’t help but feel excited by his touch. She bites her tongue. This man is giving her goosebumps just by his voice. Her colleagues are awestruck. They can sense something brewing between the two.
“Of course, Sir. Bye Khushi” Roma waves her arm.
“Bye” Khushi gasps as she feels Arnav’s fingers stroking her skin at the waist. “Thanks for the movie invite. I really enjoyed spending this little time with you all, outside office. See you on Monday then”
“Yea.. yes.. See you on Monday. Good day Sir” Roma utters in a shaky voice. She is too startled to absorb the fact that Khushi is going around with their Boss. Most of them here do know their past, if not directly, they have heard it from the senior staff. So, for them it is quite shocking to see Khushi dating Arnav.

Khushi smiles back and follows Arnav to his Car which Mohan has parked outside the Multiplex.

“You did this on purpose, didn’t you?” Khushi asks glancing at his handsome face.
“You didn’t like my surprise?” he twists her question.
“I did.. Of course. But what was the need to show them off what we share?”
“They had to know this someday”
“Yes, some day. Not today” she stops walking.

Arnav stops before her.
“They are going to be shocked after 2 months, seeing the Raizada tag after your name. They deserve to know this much to reduce the effects of that upcoming shock”
Khushi rolls her eyes.
“Arnav” she wants to explain how this might look odd right now to anyone but he interrupts her.
“Are you going to waste your time arguing with me or should we proceed with our plans?” his tone gets intimidating.

Khushi exhales.
“Plans? I don’t remember we making any plans for today”
“I did.. For us” he gives an enigmatic smile to her and holding her hand again he leads her to the car. Mohan opens the backseat door for them and they slide in.
“Where are we going?”
“You will know in sometime” he keeps their fingers entwined. Khushi decides to raise her other doubts.
“Did Daadi get a hint you were not home last night?”
Arnav raises her hand and kisses her knuckles.
“Yes”
Khushi immediately withdraws her hand.
“What? What did you tell her then?”
“I told her I was with you” his reply bothers her even more. “The whole night” he adds.

Khushi’s face turns pink again.
“Why would you do that, Arnav? You know she is already against us and you gave her another reason to hate me. She will think I did this to keep you with me”
“She already thinks so but I don’t care. We both know that’s not true. It’s not you trying to keep me with you, it’s Me who doesn’t want to let you go away”

Khushi’s mouth goes dry. Is he even understanding how twisted her image will be before Daadi right now? He tilts his head to one side.

“Stop being so conscious about Daadi” he murmurs. Khushi frowns.
“You wouldn’t say that, had you been in my place”
Arnav grins which pisses her even more.
“What are you grinning at? I am serious”
“You really need good sleep, Khushi, to take all this out from your head”

Maybe he is right. She really needs sleep to ease her tensions. She and Arnav have already decided that no one will ever be able to separate them. And when she trusts him, why is she bothered about the rest of the world. She knows he will never give anyone a chance to even raise a finger at her, forget ruining her image. She leans her head on his shoulder and closes her eyes.

“Wake me when we reach” she whispers.

Arnav soothes her hair as she gets totally relaxed beside him. He is her home.. There can be no other place she can be this comfortable.

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

“We have reached” she hears his whispering sound and opens her eyes. She was leaning on his shoulder and she didn’t recollect when she felt asleep.
“How long did I sleep?”
“40 minutes” he replies and then unlocks the door. “Come”

Khushi gets down after him. She sees a beautiful bungalow before them.

“Which place is this?” she scans the exterior of the house.
“It’s southside of Delhi, away from the crowded city life. It is still a developing area though”
Khushi learns whatever he utters and walks with him to the door. He removes a key from his pocket and gives it to her.
“I want you to open the door”

Khushi is confused. Whose house is this? Why have they come here? And how does Arnav have the keys to this Bungalow?

“Go on” he urges. Khushi inserts the key and unlocks the door. They get inside together, their fingers still entwined. The bungalow has all the modern features of today. Arnav keeps glancing at her face as she takes the luxury in here.
“Liked it?” he asks.
“Yes” she murmurs, still confused whose house this is.
“This is going to be our home after we marry” he whispers to her.
Khushi freezes. Home? She turns to meet his eyes.
“And Shantivan?”
Arnav’s face drops.
“You know we cannot go there until Daadi accepts you willingly” he says sourly.
“So, you mean we will stay separate?”
“It’s a temporary arrangement” he tries holding her forearms but she shrugs.
“How temporary? Can you even guess that period?” she painfully asks.
Arnav looks away, anger slowly hitting his brain but he tries to handle this patiently.
“Arnav, I cannot separate you from your family. This is not a solution to the problem. It will complicate things further between us and Daadi. She will still think I snatched you from her”
“Do we have a better option than this?” he snaps. “If you have, tell me. We will go for that”

Khushi is speechless. Arnav comes again to her and clutches her arms.

“I cannot leave you, neither I can waste any more days in convincing Daadi how much I love you. So, this is the only way out. We like it or not, we will have to stay away from Shantivan for some time until I manage to change Daadi’s thoughts about you”

Khushi’s eyes brim with tears. Arnav cups her face.

“I don’t want to take the risk of keeping you both under the same roof. I will divide my time between you and her and ensure that she never feels void because of my decision to stay in a separate house with the woman I love”

Khushi hugs him. She does not know what to say. She is not very fond of his idea but there is no other way. She does not want to extend their marriage date either. They both want each other and there is nothing wrong in that. The people who don’t understand their love will need some time to absorb it and this is the only choice they have.

“She is not going to be happy after learning this idea of yours” Khushi mumbles in between her sobs and then raises her head to see him. “Have you shared this with her?”
“Not yet” he swallows. “I wanted you to know this first. I will talk to Daadi tonight”

His voice breaks in between. Khushi realizes this is not going to be easy for him either. He loves his Daadi because she is the only one, he had to look as a support after his parents’ death. She feels for him. She soothes his back and then pulls back from the hug.
“Show me our bedroom” she insists, wiping her tears.

Arnav’s mood slowly starts being normal.
“I heard women are more interested in seeing the kitchen first”
“You heard right, because women try to reach their man’s heart through their stomach. I don’t need to undergo such formalities. I am already in your heart” she strokes the region of his chest, just above his heart.

Arnav doesn’t stop her. He keeps gazing at her as she touches his neck, shoulder and nape.

“Why are you so perfect?” she murmurs appreciating his body.

He doesn’t say a word. He keeps noticing how her eyes suddenly turn dark and dangerous as her fingers touch his jaw and then his lips. He surrenders to her touch and soon their lips meet. When they pull apart, she flush.
“Before you distract me again, let me show you the rest of the house” he swiftly carries her in arms.
“Like this?” she asks holding his nape for support.
“Yes, like this” he replies and take her to the stairs.

Khushi has no complaints. More than the house, she is interested in the man who is so excited about their forthcoming days here, after marriage.

___________________________________________________

Part 62


“Thank you, Mr. Patel. We loved the house” Arnav shakes hands with the Builder of this Bungalow, which is supposed to be their home now after he and Khushi marries.
“I am glad you liked it Mr. Raizada. I will look forward to complete the paperwork then”
“Absolutely. Aman will get in touch with you.”

Once Patel leaves, Arnav turns to Khushi who is still admiring at the bungalow, standing in the middle of the small garden before it. She is later engrossed in gazing the flowers. She notices a small plant uprooted from the soil and she immediately kneels down and gets it rooted back in the ground. Arnav reaches her.

“We seem to be sharing hobbies now?” he murmurs, helping her fix the plant again. Their palms get soiled.
Khushi smiles.
“This was one of my pastime when you left for Paris. I always went at the poolside to water your plants, nourish them.”
Her reply stuns him but he continues to listen.
“I kept talking to them and somehow got connected to them very easily. It gave me some peace.” She slowly looks in his eyes after they root the plant. “It made me feel closer to you even when we were miles apart.”
Arnav swallows the pain he feels for her right now.
“I hope you didn’t remove my anger on my plants” he mocks, trying to change her mood.
Khushi groans and hits his arm gently. Arnav holds her wrists before she can hit him again and pulls her for a hug.
“I punished you bad, I shouldn’t have left you alone” he whispers in her ears and presses a kiss on her hair.
She nods and snuggles closer. They stay like that for another few minutes until Arnav’s phone rings.
“Yes Bhai” he speaks. Khushi realizes it is Shyam’s call from Shantivan.

“Chotte, please come home. Daadi is not well” Shyam pleads.
Arnav’s heart skips a beat.
“What .. what happened to her?” he asks nervously holding Khushi’s hand and dragging them to the vehicle again.
“She has high fever”
“Fever? She was fine in the morning”
“I know but suddenly she felt dizzy and when we touched her we realized she was burning with fever. I have called the Doctor. You come home soon”
“I am on my way. Keep me posted”

He hangs up and opens the car door for Khushi. She has heard the conversation enough to understand what has happened.
“Take us to Laxmi Nagar, Mohan. We will drop Khushi and then head for Shantivan” Arnav orders the driver and gets inside the car.
Khushi presses his hand.
“Arnav, I also want to see her” she requests.
“Not now, Khushi. She won’t be happy even if you are thinking so much about her. Let me drop you home”
Khushi gulps. She understands what he means. It shouldn’t be that seeing her in Shantivan, Daadi feels sicker.
“Okay, but you have to reach Shantivan soon, so drop me anywhere in the city, I will manage to get back home. You should not waste time to see Daadi. She needs you”
Arnav doesn’t argue. Right now, he is very much concerned for his grandmother who has stressed herself seeing his determination to marry Khushi, no matter what.
“She will be fine” she tries to assure him.
Arnav nods. He doesn’t know what to think. Tonight, he was planning to share his idea of staying away from Shantivan after marrying Khushi, with Daadi. But looks like that’s not going to happen anytime soon; not until Daadi recovers.

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

After dropping Khushi in the city, Arnav reaches Shantivan. He strides in Daadi’s room where Anjali and Shyam are standing beside Daadi’s bed while the Doctor is diagnosing her.
“Daadi” he mumbles coming closer.
Shyam stops him.

“She is unconscious. The fever was so high that the Doctor has to sedate her so that she gets some rest” Shyam exclaims.
Arnav nods. The doctor returns back to them.
“How is she Doctor?” Arnav asks.
“She is under stress. I think there is something which is bothering her from inside. This fever is just a consequence of that fear and stress. She will be alright.”
“We need a full-time nurse to look after her here” Arnav suggests.
“Yes, I have called for one. She will be reaching here any moment”
The Doctor writes some medicines and hands it to Shyam.
“I have mentioned the dosage. Please ensure she takes them on time and only light food for her for two days.”
“Yes Doctor”

Shyam leads the Doctor out whereas Arnav walks closer to Daadi and sits next to her on the bed. He caresses her head slowly. She looks pale and weak. She is stressed because of him. He is responsible for her present state. He has always given her pain in life, right from his childhood. He was a stubborn kid, then the accident made him cold and his Daadi strived so hard to fix him. Her entire life passed in looking after him, his needs and now when it is time for payback, he is unable to fulfil her wish. He really cannot leave Khushi, the only love of his life. But how is he supposed to convince Daadi? He kisses the back of her palm.

“Please be fine Daadi. We need you. I need you” Tears swell in his eyes. Daadi and Khushi have been both his strength and weakness. Not having even one of them in his life is going to break him forever.

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

Khushi waits for Arnav’s call to get an update about Daadi’s health and when that doesn’t happen anytime soon, she decides to dial Anjali and check.

“Anju.. how is Daadi now?” Khushi instantly asks as Anjali receives her call.
“She is unconscious Khushi. Her fever is really high. I hope she recovers soon” Anjali whimpers.
Khushi feels that fear in Anjali’s voice.

“Anju.. don’t lose hope. Nothing will happen to Daadi. I know she is stressed right now, but I am very sure she will soon recover her health”
“I hope so, Khushi” Anjali wipes her tears. “I have to make some soup for Daadi to feed her after she wakes up, I will call you later”
“Okay, keep informing me about her health”
“We will”

Khushi hangs up and keeps the phone aside. She can well imagine if Anjali is so upset about Daadi’s condition, what will be Arnav going through?

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

Subhadra slowly opens her eyes, she feels pale and weak. Her body is still burning. There is little light in the room. Someone is holding her hand, she can feel that. She turns her head to see who it is and finds Arnav gazing at her with hopeful eyes.
“Daadi.. Thank God you are awake” he kisses her palm and sits closer.

Anjali and Shyam who were sitting on the couch aside, rush to the bed.
“How are you feeling now Daadi?” Shyam asks.
She blinks her eyes as talking seems impossible for her right now.
“I will feed her some soup” Anjali says and rushes down to get the hot soup.

Daadi slowly shrugs Arnav’s hold from her and even denies looking at him. Arnav feels painful seeing her reacting like that.

“Daadi.. it’s me.. your Arnav” he says.
Daadi feels her throat choked but she still manages to speak in feeble words.
“Shhhhyyaam” she calls for Shyam who immediately holds her other hand.
“Jee, Daadi”
“Ask him to leave this room” Daadi commands in a weak voice.
Arnav is shocked to see her behaving like that. Shyam gulps.
“Tell him to go away, Shyam” Daadi orders again.
Arnav has never felt so hurt. Daadi has always been kind and a mother like figure for him. And today that same woman doesn’t want to see his face? Has he hurt her so much?

“Chotte, please go out. We should not do anything that can stress her further” Shyam requests.

Arnav feel his body trembling as he gets up from there to leave. Tears swell in Daadi’s eyes and soon start rolling down her cheeks. But she doesn’t stop Arnav neither looks at him.

“Don’t do this to me, Daadi. Please” Arnav pleads in a shivering voice but it doesn’t break her resolve. She keeps looking in the other direction, avoiding him and his words completely.
Arnav slowly walks out of her room, just as she wanted. He cannot hurt her further. If she doesn’t want to see him right now, he will follow her commands.

After reaching back in his room, Arnav takes few minutes for composing himself. This has never happened before. Even after being thrown in the ditch by this world, he always had Daadi’s hand to take him out of it and today that same woman doesn’t want him to be around her. Is loving someone and wanting to marry her such a huge crime in Daadi’s eyes? Only because she hates Khushi’s father and what he did with them? His phone beeps with another message. Khushi has messaged him almost five times so far and he didn’t respond to even one of them. He finally picks his phone to talk to her. She is his only solace.

“Hello, Arnav” she instantly receives his call and is desperate to hear him. “Arnav, are you there? Hello?”
“Daadi is shutting me from her” he whispers in a pale voice.
Khushi is shocked to hear his pale voice.
“What happened? What did she say to you?” she asks.

Arnav slowly describes everything to her and she is equally surprised how did Daadi take such a harsh step. She feels poor for Arnav.
“I don’t know what to do” he is almost going to break down.
“Arnav… please don’t behave like this. I know she is angry on you. But she loves you. She will never hurt you. She just wants you to listen to her”
“You know I cannot do that” he shouts. “I cannot leave you ever, Khushi”
“I know. I am not asking you to do that either. Right now, please put your entire focus on Daadi. Once she gets better, we will find a way to make her understand how much we belong to each other”

Arnav agrees. He has to spend maximum time with Daadi right now until she feels better.

“But she doesn’t want me near her” he raises his concern again.
Khushi sighs and thinks for some time on a resolution for this. She gets some hint and that brings a smile on her face as she shares it with Arnav.
“Didn’t you tell me you were a stubborn kid in your teenage?” she asks him.
“I was. But how does that matter now?”
“Be the same again. If Daadi is against having you around her, you make it a point that you don’t fulfil her wish. Rewind all your childhood memories. Be with her, don’t give her any opportunity to complain, but of course, don’t enforce it if she is not showing any signs of liking what you do. After all we don’t want her to take any more stress.”

Arnav understands what she wants to say and also agrees for it.

“I think you are right. I know what I have to do now. Thanks, Khushi”
Khushi feels lighter, even his voice is better than before. She hopes their plan works.
“Mention not”
“I want to see you” he suddenly puts forth his desperate wish. Khushi gulps.
“You know I want that too, but considering I cannot come there in Shantivan and you shouldn’t leave Daadi alone in such a state, I would suggest we can meet directly on Monday morning at Office.”

Arnav sighs in disappointment and leans back on the recliner.

“How would I stay for 1 more day without you?”
“Just like I will without you” she whispers.

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

The next morning, Arnav comes in the kitchen. He sees Anjali making Daadi's breakfast ready.

“Keep the juice here” Anjali asks the maid to keep the juice on the tray. She is about to take the tray in Daadi's room when Arnav stops her.

“I will take it.” he exclaims.
“Arnav but Daadi doesn't want to” Anjali tries to deny.
“I know. But I will handle her”

He takes the tray from her and strides to Daadi's room. Anjali rushes to inform Shyam about this.

Arnav kicks Daadi's room open and gets inside. Daadi is sitting on the bed, whereas the nurse is checking her vitals.

“Good Morning Daadi” Arnav wishes her normally, as if yesterday's behavior of hers didn't affect him at all. Daadi is surprised to see him so casual enough.

“How is she doing today nurse?” he asks.
“She is fine. No fever. The medicines are working.”

The nurse’s update about Daadi's health calms his worry.
“Saw Daadi, I knew it. Nothing can happen to you. We won't let you be on bed for long”
Daadi does not meet his eyes. “You have a whole bunch of people who pray for you”
Daadi keeps looking away.
Arnav sits next to her on the bed and puts the tray of breakfast forward.
“That’s your soup. You remember how you used to feed me the soup when I was a kid? You told me stories of birds and animals and I always ended up asking you for more”

Daadi swallows hard recollecting those memories. Arnav was hardly 8 then and though he was beyond the age of listening to that level of stories, he still enjoyed them. Arnav fills the spoon with the soup and brings it to her lips.

“Today I am going to feed you the soup, it’s just that I don’t have any stories to tell”
Shyam enters the room and asks the nurse to give them a minute alone. Once she leaves, Daadi looks at Shyam

“Shyam.. ask him to go away” Daadi shouts.
“Chotte. I think” Shyam is about to advise Arnav the same when he is interrupted.
“I am not going anywhere. Daadi I am not running. I am tired of running away from your commands, from this world which always kept pointing me for my sins, and from the love of my life. I want to face them all”

Daadi angrily looks at him.

“Look Shyam, who is saying this? He has already purchased a house for him and Khushi so that after their marriage they can shift away from us, and he still says he is not running away from me?”

Arnav is shocked. How did Daadi got to know about his plan? And is this the reason why she suddenly felt ill? It must have been a huge blow for her. Even Shyam is baffled.
“Chotte? Is.. is this true?” Shyam asks
Arnav keeps the spoon back in the bowl and nods.
“Yes, it is true. I was going to share this with Daadi and you all, yesterday but”
“Don’t lie Arnav” Daadi scowls. “You didn’t plan to tell us this easily and this early. You are no longer worried for anyone but that one woman who has brainwashed you ever since she has entered your life”

Arnav grits his teeth. He can never take false blames on Khushi. But he remembers he has to handle this patiently.

“You didn’t give me a choice Daadi. If you accept Khushi” he tries to explain but Daadi interrupts.
“Not a chance, Arnav. I will never accept her in this house again”
“What’s her fault? You cannot judge her based on her father’s deeds”
“That’s not the only reason I don’t like her, Chotte. You can forget how she kept on throwing insults at you every time she got a chance. She has hurt you both physically and mentally. She gave this scar to you” Daadi points at the little scar above Arnav’s eyebrow which was due to Khushi throwing a stone at him when he was sentenced for that 2 years child remand.
“She is the reason behind your nightmares, your ugly phobias” Daadi adds.

Arnav accepts it all. But not this one.

“Khushi has nothing to do with the phobia I have. In fact, she is the one who showed me a path to cure it. She has always been trying to treat my fears, make me normal again, why don’t you see that Daadi?” he asks painfully. “Someone tried to molest me in the Child remand is not Khushi’s fault. My nightmares have nothing to do with her either. When she is beside me, I get the best of my sleep. I find solace in her Daadi.”

Daadi sighs with sarcasm. She shows no signs of changing her attitude and thoughts about Khushi.

“Fine” Arnav gasps. “Let us never talk about this again. You don’t want Khushi or her topics to be discussed in this house, so be it. We never got a chance to be together, like before, ever since that tragedy happened. Can we please ensure that for the next few weeks, we behave normal? I swear not to talk about Khushi or convince you to like her, accept her, in this house. And I request you to stop bothering about her too. Please”

His request however pleasing it sounds, Daadi knows it is just applicable for some weeks, not forever. He holds Daadi’s hand and kisses the back of her palm.

“I am not asking too much Daadi. I have always stayed away from this family, trying to keep myself isolated from you all. I don’t want to do it anymore. I just need to relive all the moments which kept this family happy few years ago. Just like old times”

Daadi unwillingly shakes her head in agreement.
“Fine, but you have to promise me something in return” Daadi asks.
“What promise?” Arnav asks.
“You have to meet my friend’s granddaughter Suman”

Arnav fists his fingers.
“You said you want to act like Khushi never existed here in this family, didn’t you? So, if that was the case, I would have liked you to tie a knot with someone I think is capable for you. Suman is the girl, Chotte”
“You know that’s impossible, Daadi. I already love someone”
“You think you love her, because she is the only one you have always thought about ever since that tragedy. Until you actually meet another woman, spend some time, how will you understand if whatever you doing now is right or wrong? I am more experienced than you Chotte. I know what real life is and I have this feeling that once you try thinking past Khushi, you will be more happier than what you are now”

Arnav looks at Shyam as if trying to seek his input. He gestures him to accept this condition of Daadi’s for now so that she doesn’t stress herself further. Arnav sighs in disappointment and shakes his head

“Fine, I will meet Suman. Happy?”

Daadi’s joy is immeasurable.
“You wont regret my choice Chotte. I am sure of that”
Arnav rolls his eyes. Doesn’t matter how many women he meets and spends time with, his undying love for Khushi is never going to change and it is that which he has to make Daadi realize soon.

“So now without further arguments, I want you to have this soup” Arnav dips the spoon back in the bowl and feeds Daadi. She allows him to feed her. She is happy and so is her grandsons seeing her showing the willingness to recover her health. Arnav keeps feeding Daadi but he is lost in some thoughts. What will Khushi do when she gets to know about this? She is going to pick up a huge fight and he hopes he can pacify her. But some part of him tells him she will understand why he agreed for this silly idea from Daadi and since they love each other so much, he is also assured she will believe he took the right stand.

___________________________________________________

Part 63

AR Group Office

“Daadi wants me to meet Suman” Arnav exclaims to Khushi whom he has been sharing with what happened last night in Shantivan. He tells her about Daadi’s health condition and her urge to make him meet her friend’s granddaughter. The moment he utters this, Khushi bursts out laughing.

Arnav keeps staring at her bewildered. He hadn’t expected her to mock over this topic.

“You.. And …Suman.” she laughs again. Arnav has no clue how can she laugh over it. She laughs so hard and uncontrollable that her eyes almost tears. She holds her stomach to stop the dull ache her actions are creating inside. Arnav walks to her and clutches her arms, to make her stand firm and face him.
“What’s there to laugh?” his voice gets rough.
“Sorry” Khushi tries to become serious and then the next instant she bursts out laughing again.
Arnav rolls his eyes, crosses his arms across chest and continues to stare at her. Khushi notices the mixture of confusion and anger in his expressions and decides to get serious over it.

“Okay.. no more laughs.. Sorry.. But that really cracked me up”
“Cracked you up?” he asks with sarcasm. “It took my breathe away when I assured Daadi that I will meet this girl”
Khushi chuckles and shakes her head.
“I can understand” she inhales deep. “I was really wrong. I thought Daadi will accept me some day but by making you do this, its confirmed that day will never come. She just hates me and wants you to stay away from me as much as possible”

That’s the sad part. He cannot live peacefully with the fact that the most two important people in his life cannot stay under the same roof, not share a humble equation with each other. Khushi notices his torn expressions and comes closer.

“Hey… it’s okay. Don’t lose hope” she brushes her fingers in his hair. “She will realize it soon that the only woman who can keep you happy is me” she adds with pride.
Arnav’s lips curve with a smile. He wraps his arms softly around her waist and draws her closer.
“And what if I start liking Suman?” he teases.
Khushi knows he is just testing her.
“If that happens, I will clear your path because all I want is to see you happy, contended and smiling. If you are getting all this from another person, I won’t mind losing you Arnav”

Arnav is hurt for her and also within himself for her choice of words. He pulls her by her nape and kisses her. She doesn’t fight back. When he pulls away, his face is reddened with anger.

“That will never happen. You and me are meant to be together”
“Humesha” (Forever) she adds. Even if God himself comes on earth and tells her Arnav is breaking up their relationship, she will not believe.
Khushi hugs him tight. They stay like that for another minute until the door of his cabin knocks. She pulls away from him and walks to his desk to pretend checking the files. Shyam gets inside.

“Hey” Shyam notices that the two might have been talking privately. “Sorry, should I come later?”
“No Bhai.. come in” Arnav replies heading back to his chair. Khushi stops her actions and looks calmly at Shyam to know what he is here for.
“Chotte, Daadi had called. Seems your number was not reachable so she dialed me”
“Is she okay?” Arnav asks worried.
“Yes, she is doing fine. Anjali and the nurse are taking good care of her. She called because she has fixed your so-called appointment with Suman. She has called Suman at Shantivan tonight for Dinner”

Khushi might have been enjoying the talks of Arnav and Suman’s meet but now it has slowly started haunting her. She loves this man and seeing him even pretending to be nicer towards another woman in those terms is going to be so crucial for her. Arnav glances at Khushi, reading her inner turmoil and then stares back to Shyam.

“I will be there for Dinner, tell her” Arnav replies.
“Arnav” Shyam sighs. “Yesterday, seeing Daadi’s heath condition I might have agreed for you to do this but I really don’t feel good about it. Daadi’s demands in these regards will never end. She has to understand you and Khushi are inseparable. She cannot push you like a toy to other woman. You are human. You have feelings which cannot be altered so easily. I don’t understand why she is doing this?”
Arnav’s mouth hardens.
“It might be her age, Bhai” Arnav replies.
“Or her insecurity” Khushi interrupts.
Both the brothers look at her to know what she meant by Insecurity.
“Look” Khushi comes ahead. “Arnav loves me beyond limits and Daadi might be thinking that her place in Arnav’s life will be compromised if he marries me. So, she plants this safer woman, like Suman, who can be under her control and she can never expect Arnav to give Suman that place in his heart which he has for Daadi”

They understand her point.
“How can she think like this?” Arnav shouts.
“I might be wrong. But this is my opinion. She wants a safer woman for you, so that your love for Daadi can never divide. She thinks if we marry, I will be snatching her place, which is so not true”
Shyam pulls his own hair in frustration.
“Yes, this thought can come up in Daadi’s head. I have seen her so much focused on Chotte right from his childhood. She can be this possessive.”
Arnav rolls his eyes.
“She is scared to lose me again and this staying separately matter suddenly popped up before her, in a way it shouldn’t have” Arnav responds. “That might have escalated her thoughts to convince me for Suman. Because welcoming Khushi in Shantivan again will be her defeat. And we all know how strong willed she is. What I don’t understand is how she got to know about my other house plans?”
“Seems Mr. Patel, the builder of that Bungalow you are buying had contacted Shantivan in your absence to talk to you. And that’s how Daadi got to know your plans to stay separate with Khushi” Shyam replies.

Arnav sighs in disappointment.
“But Arnav, what are you both planning to do now? You said that by the end of two months you will marry Khushi. But looks like because of Daadi’s sudden change of plans it is not going to happen so soon” Shyam asks in a troubled voice.
Khushi would have shown the same fear listening to Shyam but Arnav interrupts.
“Our marriage is not going to postponed, Bhai. Daadi likes it or not, me marrying Khushi at the end of next month end is inevitable”

Khushi feels her body heating up as he gazes back at her. He is so confident about this and she cannot wait for that moment either. She sighs in relief but all this turn of events happening around her is now making her feel giddy.
“Great. That’s what I wanted to know. I shall leave now. Have a meeting to catch up” Shyam leaves the cabin. Khushi is still bemused and lost. Arnav notices her pale look and reaches her. He raises her chin and their eyes meet.
“If you behave so cold and bothered, I am not going to meet Suman at all”
Khushi shakes her head in denial.
“Don’t do that. I will be fine”

He kisses her forehead for her great understanding.
“I can’t wait to marry you, Khushi”
“Me neither. But right now, lets focus on Daadi’s wellbeing, her wishes. You remember what I told you? Relive the moments which your family couldn’t do due to that tragedy” she kisses his chin and pulls back.
Arnav nods.
“And you don’t think a lot about it. Even if I am physically away, my heart and soul always belongs to you”
“I know” she smiles bright. “Now let me continue my work”
“See me once before you leave for home”
“I will”

Passing a smile, she heads out. Arnav know she is not comfortable with his decision. She is accepting it only because she doesn’t want to pressurize him more. She knows he is already having his plate full of problems and she doesn’t want to burden him. It will be hard for her to see him with any other woman, spending time with her, having lunch and dinners with her. If it had been him in her place, he would never allow Khushi to do that. Because he knows it will kill them both from inside.

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

Shantivan

Daadi is very excited to host tonight’s dinner. Suman is going to be here anytime and she is coming alone. Arnav steps in the house straight from work and finds Daadi almost glowing by his entry.

“Thank God you came. I thought you will purposely be late tonight” she reaches him.
Arnav smiles and puts his arm around Daadi’s shoulder and they start walking to the living room.
“How can I break my promise given to you?”
Daadi is overjoyed.
“I assure you, my choice will be the best for you Chotte. Suman is a nice girl”
“I am sure she is”

Arnav has no doubts that the woman his Daadi has chosen for him. She has to have all the qualities which Daadi always have been looking in her Bahu.

“I will freshen up quickly and be right back”
The moment he says this, they hear a woman’s voice from the door.
“Namaste Daadi”

Everyone turns around and are surprised to see Suman here.
“Oh Suman” Daadi rushes to greet her. “I am so glad you accepted my invite. Please come”

Arnav stiffens because the drama begins. He has to pretend being a good host and ask all sorts of questions to Suman which obviously he has no interests in knowing. Daadi gets Suman inside and introduces her to Shyam and Anjali first. Arnav continues standing where he is.

“He is my elder grandson, Shyam and she is Anjali, his wife”
“Hi”
Suman and Anjali share a hug whereas Shyam just greets her with a smile. They come forward and Suman’s eyes sparkle as it meets Arnav’s warm face.
“And he is one you are called here for. My youngest Grandson, Arnav”
Suman passes him a cute smile.
“Hi Suman” Arnav warmly welcomes her showing no signs of resentment. He recalls Khushi’s face suddenly and if she had been here to witness all of this, she would burn in jealousy and then the next thing she would do is head straight to her room, lie on the bed and wet her pillow by her tears. Damm!! He never wants to see her cry.

“Arnav, suman asked something” Daadi gets him out of his stance.
“Oh, sorry. What did you ask Suman?”
She blushes and then repeats her question.
“You work so late? I guess you came now from Office”
“Oh Yes, some client meetings and stuff. I try coming home early otherwise. Why don’t you sit? I will go change”

Daadi is so happy to see Arnav behaving so nice to Suman. She is already on cloud 9. Arnav heads to his bedroom and takes a huge sigh as he was suffocating pretending to be someone he isn’t. He doesn’t want that girl.. he doesn’t want any other girl in his life.. but Khushi. And it is today that he knows how much more he feels for Khushi, after meeting this unknown woman.

He changes into his night pants and pulls a T shirt over his head, that’s when his eyes fall on the bedside table. There used to be a photo of Khushi there which seems to be missing right now. He had framed Khushi’s photo when he was in Paris and he always kept it by his bed so that every time he sleeps or wakes up, he sees her image the first thing. He had continued that habit even after returning. He hurries to the bedside and checks the drawers. Suddenly he finds his door knocked and Daadi stepping inside.
“It’s in your closet” Daadi exclaims.

Arnav knows what she is talking about. So Daadi kept that picture frame purposely inside. He walks to the closet and confirms it again. Meanwhile Daadi reaches him.

“I didn’t want Suman to know that the man she is here to meet already likes someone else so deeply”

Arnav lets out a sarcastic chuckle.

“She will know this some or the other day, Daadi. Why hide? I thought we are going to play it openly. You know I hate to lie”
“Just this one thing, Chotte. One lie. That you are single and not involved with a woman. Can’t you tell this much for me?”
“The woman who preached me to tell the truth is now asking me to lie?”

Daadi feels suffocated. That’s right. She has always taught Arnav to be honest in everything he does and today she is making him do exactly against her own preaching. Arnav clutches her shoulders.

“Fine, I will do this for you. Because I don’t want to see you hurt. It aches me”
Daadi swallows hard. She feels like someone just slapped her hard and then apologized.

Hari Prakash comes inside.

“Daadi, the dinner is served. Anjaliji is calling everyone downstairs”

Arnav smiles at Daadi and leads her out. At the Dinner table, Anjali sits next to Suman and Daadi whereas Arnav and Shyam sit opposite to the women clan. They start eating.
“Arnav” Daadi interrupts. “Why don’t you ask Suman something? She is dying to talk to you” she teases.
Suman blushes again. Arnav clears his throat and smiles at her.
“So, Suman, I already know what you studied and that you work in your father’s company as his Assistant Director”
“Yes, I am their only daughter so got to support their Business. I would prefer to do the same even after marriage”

Arnav gulps. She should be telling that to her would be husband, not him, because whatever happens he is not going to marry Suman.
“Of course,” Daadi replies on his behalf. “You know Chotte, Suman is so much religious. She visits Satsang everytime with her grandmother. That’s how I met her and instantly liked her” Daadi adds.

Is that what Daadi wants to see in Khushi as well? But he knows Khushi has always been angry on God for snatching her father at such a small age. It is just now that she is slowly trying to connect with the holy rituals and be a part of it.

“Good” he replies gulping some water. “I hope you know about my past, Suman” he suddenly changes the topic.
Daadi freezes. Suman nods and becomes serious.
“I do. And I totally think its not your fault. These middle-class people, if they don’t care of their own life and plot something so nasty to trap a rich family like yours, what are you supposed to do? It’s totally their mistake”

Arnav looks angrily at Daadi. Did she spill the beans of Khushi’s father’s suicide note to Suman and her family? Daadi looks away from his eyes and continues eating. Suman keeps talking.
“I am also glad that that girl, whats her name?” she pauses and thinks for a second “Khushi, right?”
Anjali nods.
“Right.. So, I am glad that she is out of this house. In fact, you should remove her from your Company as well. That will be the best punishment for her”
“Why?” Arnav sharply intervenes. “What is her fault in this?”
“What was your fault in that accident Arnav? It was her father’s doing”
“I was behind the wheels.. that’s my fault” he snaps “I didn’t had the license to drive and I still drove that vehicle speedily. That’s my fault. I couldn’t apply the brakes on time when Khushi’s father came before my Vehicle.. that’s my fault.”

Suman gulps with fear. He seems to have taken this topic on a different level totally.

“Khushi lost her father at such a tender age.. NOT her fault. She had to live and adjust in a different family, outside her comfort zone.. NOT her fault. She had to bear the anger and rage of my Daadi .. NOT her fault. She is ashamed of her father’s deeds after reading his suicide note and even then people are so much against her.. NOT her fault. And even then, you are asking me to fire her from Work?”

Suman is speechless. Daadi sulks at Arnav’s sudden outburst. She knows he can never listen one single word against that woman and Suman just pinched his wrong nerve.

___________________________________________________

Part 64


Suman gets speechless listening to Arnav’s strong opinions about Khushi Gupta. She immediately apologizes.

“Sorry Arnav, I didn’t mean to hurt you.”

Arnav fists his fingers below the dining table. He is so much irritated right now that he doesn’t even intend to finish the Dinner but he knows it will hurt his Daadi and their guest Suman too if he does that. So, he tries his level best to cool down.

“It’s okay” he continues eating and so does the others. Daadi takes a sigh of relief. She is glad that Arnav didn’t extend this argument neither Suman.
Shyam and Anjali are passive participants of today’s dinner. They are absolutely against this idea of Suman-Arnav meet though Shyam initially had agreed to this just like Arnav. After Dinner, Suman wishes to go back home.
“Why Suman? Stay for some more time” Daadi insists.
“I will come again, Daadi.”
“Don’t take Arnav’s words to your heart. He is not like this always”

Suman holds Daadi’s hands assuring her that she is fine.

“Arnav.. why don’t you drop Suman home?” Daadi once again tries to get them together.
Arnav agrees without showing any signs of hesitation. The moment they leave, Daadi bursts out in anger.

“Chotte shouldn’t have behaved that way”
“Daadi, one minute. What was the need of telling Suman and her family about Shashi Gupta’s suicide note?”
“I had to Shyam. Because that’s the truth. And they should know that Arnav is innocent” Daadi snaps.
“So that means if Arnav hadn’t been innocent, they would have not agreed for this?” he asks.
“Why are you twisting my words? And why should we discuss what has not happened, Shyam? Didn’t you see how quietly Suman apologized to Arnav? She is matured enough to deal with such things. And whatever she argued about was my opinion too. Why is Arnav to be blamed for what happened? I am not saying I hold Khushi responsible for it, but I don’t want her for Arnav ever”
“Daadi but” Shyam is about to argue but Anjali grips his hand, gesturing him not to extend this topic.

Daadi leaves for her room and Shyam sighs in disappointment.
“I really pity on Daadi’s thoughts about Khushi” he expresses his thoughts to his wife.
“Until she sees what happiness Arnav gets from Khushi, she won’t realize why only Khushi is the best fit for her grandson.” Anjali suggests.

Shyam raises his head and looks at his wife to know what she has in mind.

“We have to get Daadi see Arnav-Khushi’s relation, their love, by her own eyes to believe it”
“That sounds nice but how can we make it happen? She will not let Khushi step in Shantivan”
“But she can go to Lakshmi Nagar, can’t she?”

Shyam is clueless.

“Why will Daadi go to Lakshmi Nagar?”
“Leave that on me. The next time when Arnav and Khushi are together, I will somehow make Daadi be there and witness how lovely couple they make. They are inseparable. And that’s exactly what we will make her understand”

Anjali’s words soothe Shyam’s boiling blood temporarily. He really wonders why couldn’t he get such a great idea like his wife before?
“You are right Anju. Since Arnav already has too much to take care of, it is our responsibility now to share his problems and find a way out for him” he agrees.

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

Lakshmi Nagar

Khushi tosses on her bed, staring at her mobile Phone. It’s 10:00 pm. Is Suman still in Shantivan? She feels nauseated by that thought but hadn’t she agreed for this? She cannot even call Arnav and share how much it aches her to even believe something like this is happening because she does not want Arnav to be more stressed than he already is. She wants him to be happy and stay away from any more tensions, at least from her side. But it hurts to realize that some other woman might be looking at him with the same hopeful eyes, like she does. The hope to be her man.. the hope to look after her for lifetime.. the hope to love her like no one else does.

Tears brim in her eyes and soon start wetting her pillow covers. Suddenly she feels an arm around her waist, hugging her from behind. She jerks but his breathe on her neck and his soft whispers in her ears soothes her down as she realizes its him… the man she was thinking about.. the man she loves.

“Why are you still awake?” he whispers.
“What are you doing here? How did you get in? And Suman? Is she gone?” Khushi turns to face him and raises her doubts.
Arnav clenches his jaw seeing tears in her eyes.
“You were crying?” he asks.
Khushi swallows denying his words.
“Something pricked my eyes. That’s all”
Arnav presses his lips in a thin line.
“For every lie you tell me, I am going to stop coming here for that many days. How about that?” he asks.

Khushi pouts and slowly nods her head, blurting out the truth.

“I was scared for us. I don’t like this drama of you and Suman at all” she finally confesses.
“I don’t like it either” he accepts.
“We are hurting the feelings of another woman, Arnav. What if she falls for you? We have no rights to cheat her.”
Arnav nods.
“Yes, we don’t”
“Then… then what should we do?”

Her stress level increases and its clearly noticeable in her expressions. Arnav cups her face.

“Sshhh… don’t stress out so much. It’s not good.. .Breathe”
Khushi shuts her eyes and tries to breathe normally again. Arnav keeps observing her as she inhales and exhales, her nostrils opening as the air gushes in and out of her nose. Her lips parted, her eye lashes shivering as her eyeballs keep oscillating behind her closed eyes. He presses a gentle peck on her lips.

“You feeling okay now?” he asks.

She gently opens her eyes and smiles.
“Better”
“Good”
“But you still didn’t tell me how did you get in?”
“I have a set of keys, remember?”
Khushi recollects that he had made another set for himself.
“And Suman?”
“I dropped her home. We had a heated argument at Shantivan over you”
“Argument? What sort of argument? Did she get to know about us?”
“Do not think about all of this. Just be assured that I will make things right. Trust me”
Khushi frowns.
“If you don’t intend to give me the details, don’t fill my head with the Subject line either. I keep thinking about it the whole time then. Cannot help”
Arnav smirks.
“Okay, how about we do something else that can divert your mind and body from every problem we are currently undergoing?” he teases, his grip on her waist hardening. Khushi realizes what he intends to do to divert her. She blushes patting his chest and hugs him.
“Stay with me tonight” she pleads.

Arnav pulls her closer and kisses her forehead.
“I will”

He pulls the duvet over them and shuts the lamps.

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

“Coffee” Khushi passes him the coffee mug next morning at 07:00. He has just woken up.
“Thanks” he sips once and makes her sit next to him on her little bed.
“Don’t stress yourself about anything Khushi. And I mean it”
“I don’t intend to think about all that, but somehow I cannot ignore it Arnav”
“I have something which can keep you focused elsewhere until I sort this”

He immediately pulls out his wallet from the side table and removes a business card.

“Contact this woman. She is the designer of our house. Provide her your inputs for the décor of the Bungalow”

Khushi takes the card and a smile pops on her face.
“How would I alone make a choice? It’s our home, you should also be a part of this”
“Your choice is my choice” he presses a quick kiss on her cheek and then sips his coffee again.
“Alright. I will pay a visit there and look after the décor. Anything else you want me to do?” she playfully asks.

Arnav quickly glances at the clock and then looks back at her.

“Wish we had more time for that, but I have to be home before Daadi begins her morning Puja”
Khushi nods.
“I understand. I miss being there.. with you.. Anju and Shyam” she expresses.
“Then take Anjali Bhabhi along for the Décor work. That way you can spend time with her”
“Hmm.. Good idea”

Arnav finishes his coffee and wears his T Shirt again. Khushi admires him all the while he dresses. He knows that he is being watched but doesn’t mind. She is the only one who has that right over him after all. Khushi tries to assimilate the information that he is going to handle it all in terms of Daadi and Suman. And she has to trust him over that instead of making her own opinions and be hurt. Once he is ready, Arnav comes back to her.

“See you at Office”
“Shall I get you some lunch today?” she asks. “We can have it together”
Arnav’s heart swells with joy.
“I won’t mind. Make anything, I will love it”
“No.. Give me your choice.” She really wants to cook something he likes. She has his list of choices in vegies but she wants him to make it easier for her by picking one out of it. Arnav thinks for a second.
“Ladies Finger or Bitter gourd” he replies.
“Okay. Bye”
“Bye Sweetheart” he tries to kiss her lip but instead settles for a cheek kiss as she turns her head on purpose.
“Save some for later” she whispers with a giggle.
“I will never be out of kisses for you” he says pinching her cheeks and then heads out.

Mohan is already waiting in the car to pick him up. Khushi wonders when he calls the driver but she is glad that Mohan is punctual enough to keep Arnav toggle between Shantivan, his office and here.

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

“Wow, that’s a beautiful house Khushi” Anjali praises paying a visit at the Bungalow with Khushi the next evening.
“Yes. But Anju, I really don’t like staying away from you all”

Anjali pouts and then gives Khushi a reassuring smile.
“It’s a temporary arrangement isn’t it? Once Daadi accepts you, this bungalow can be our getaway for weekends”
Khushi nods and cheers up her mood. The two meet the Designer and start finalizing the Interiors for the house. Khushi makes a note of Arnav’s choice too before placing the orders. She wants this house to be a mixture of their likes, their expectations, this is going to be their cozy den after all.

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

A month passes. Khushi is absolutely busy in the house décor as well as at AR Office with her fashion designing work. She is able to handle it all smoothly so far. There is no major change in Daadi’s acceptance towards her. She is probably still thinking to get Arnav married to Suman. Arnav and Khushi have been meeting at work daily, and on weekends they spend their time here deciding the décor of their room, checking the progress of this work here so that once they move in after their marriage, it will all be set.

It is one such weekend and Khushi is at the Bungalow. She clicks the completed picture of their bedroom with all the décor and sends it to Arnav with a caption – Our Room. She gets an instant reply from him that makes her blush. She keeps her phone back in the purse and heads down only to find a girl walking inside. As she comes closer, Khushi recognizes her to be Suman. She freezes on her spot. Suman notices her and comes ahead.

“Hi, Khushi”

Khushi swallows hard.
“Hi.. Uhh… Suman right?”
“Yes” she smiles.
“How did you know this place?” Khushi asks.
“Arnav told me”
Khushi is baffled. Why would Arnav tell Suman about this place?
“It’s a beautiful house” she compliments.
Khushi is clueless whats happening and what are Suman’s intentions of being here?
“Don’t be so surprised.” Suman says seeing the look on Khushi’s face. “I know about you and Arnav. He told me about your relationship the first time we met”

Khushi’s jaw drops. He did? Why didn’t he tell her then?

“Actually, me and Arnav had an argument about you at Shantivan and he got mad. When he was dropping me back home, he told me about your situation. I wasn’t very shocked knowing it because I had realized he was inclined towards you the very moment he was defending you in our argument.”

Khushi gulps nervously.

“Then why are you still supporting him?” Khushi asks. “You could have easily denied Daadi from marrying Arnav”
“Hmm.. That’s true. I could have done that but then what? She would have found some other woman in my place.”
Khushi sighs. That’s true. Daadi will not stop until Arnav does what she wants.
“And to be honest, I got a bit of Selfish too” she adds.
Khushi’s heart flutters. What does she mean by Selfish?
“Selfish?” Khushi cross questions.
“Hmm” she comes forward. “Arnav is a very nice man. Any woman would want him. Even me”

Khushi’s eyes dart with mixture of fear and anger.

“Khushi, I am not going to be a Vamp in your story. I know Arnav loves you, wants to marry you. But he has a strong bond with his Daadi and somehow I think he will never be able to break that.”
“What do you mean?”
“I know he has promised to marry you in the next 3 weeks. But I somehow feel, he won’t do that. He won’t go against his Daadi’s will and if that happens, he will surely do what his Daadi wants, which means there are chances he can marry me”

Khushi clenches her jaws.
“You know he loves me Suman”
“He does. But just if he marries me, I will ensure he only loves me.. not you anymore”

Khushi’s head starts aching listening her intentions.

“I don’t mind if he loves you now.. What will matter is who he marries and starts a life with. If he chooses you instead of his Daadi, I will happily back off but if he chooses his Daadi, you will have to forget him forever.”
“You are out of your mind, Suman. You know the risks involved here and you are still gambling with your own life. Don’t be foolish” Khushi warns her.
“I have always lived my life on the edge, Khushi and won everything I desired”
“Arnav is not a Trophy that you can win him. He is my love and people in love don’t gamble. Be wise and take my advice. Arnav will marry me, doesn’t matter if Daadi agrees to this or not. Instead of breaking your heart later, break it now and move on”

Suman keeps smiling.

“Let’s see whose heart breaks. Good bye Khushi”

She leaves the house leaving Khushi totally shocked by this conversation. Does Arnav know Suman’s intentions? Has she confronted the same to him? Is that why Arnav never told her that Suman is aware of their relationship?


___________________________________________________


Part 65

AR Office

Though its weekend, Arnav is at Office with few of his employees. One of their Project has a deadline for this weekend and he wants to ensure that’s not missed. So, to take the final progress report from the team, he has called them in the conference room for a quick meeting.

Khushi strides in the Office and heads straight to the conference room. After her face to face conversation with Suman, she couldn’t delay meeting Arnav and confronting him about it. He watches her entering through the Glass door and interrupting the meeting. She looks very annoyed.

“I am sorry for intruding like this. But I have to speak with you” she says, meeting his sharp gaze. The team is highly surprised by her gesture. But most of them at Office are now aware about the budding love between their Boss and Khushi and hence they don’t show any botheration to this interruption.
Arnav gets up without delay.
“Aman.. I need the full status report on my table by evening. Excuse me guys” he addresses to Aman and the team and follows Khushi out. The moment they are away from everyone’s eyes, he stops her.
“What’s wrong?” he asks.

Khushi gulps down the ache formed in her throat.

“Let’s get married” she strongly exclaims.
Arnav is little surprised seeing her desperation.
“We are getting married in 3 weeks” he reminds.
“That’s too far” she swallows. “I want to marry today.. right now..”
Arnav smirks. He comes forward and strokes his thumb over her cheek lazily.
“Okay” he gasps.

She looks in his eyes with even more surprise.
“Okay? You won’t ask me anything? Like why I am hurrying all of a sudden?”
“Are you pregnant?” he asks giving her a no-nonsense look.

Khushi’s cheek turn red. Did he just ask her that? Is that possible? That thought had skipped her mind. She really doesn’t know but she has to find out, it’s good to be prepared than be surprised about it later.

“I .. I don’t know” she shyly replies. “Would be happy if I was?” she back questions him.
“Yes” he nods with a smile.
It’s very hard to ignore falling all the more for him, but she is here for something else.
“No.. I am not pregnant”
“Then why are you so confused and upset about?” he murmurs, closing the distance between them.
Khushi decides to blurt it out.
“Suman had visited the Bungalow today. She came to meet me there”

Arnav is thrilled to hear that.
“She told me you shared that address to her” she adds.
“She lied” he interrupts.
Khushi takes a sigh of relief. She wanted to hear that from him. She knows Arnav would never share with Suman their personal stuff or future plans.
“I don’t meet Suman often to share all this with her. You know that, Khushi. I have hardly met her thrice”

Khushi slowly tries to calm down.
“I thought so..” she sighs. “Shyam and Anju would never do that either. It must be Daadi then”
“Possibly” Arnav shakes his head in agreement.
“But why didn’t you tell me Suman is aware about our relationship? Did you tell her about us the same night you met her?”

Arnav realizes Suman must have already shared this with Khushi which means he cannot hide it anymore. She deserves to know it from him too.
“Yes, that’s true. I told Suman the same day I met her because I didn’t want her to have hopes from me.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because that conversation I had with Suman took a different turn that night, when she confessed something very illogical” he replies.

Khushi reads his mind. So, this is why he didn’t tell her.

“She said she wishes to marry you, didn’t she?” Khushi asks.
Arnav rolls his eyes with a heavy sigh.
“Yes. She thinks my connection with Daadi is stronger than the one I have with you. Somehow, she thinks I will not go against Daadi’s wishes”
Khushi’s eyes become moist. She doesn’t want to measure his love for her and Daadi.
“I don’t care what she thinks” he adds. “My decision is not going to change. So, if you insist on getting married today. I have no issues. I am all yours” he stretches his arms away and she immediately cocoons to him, gripping him tight.
“No..”
“Why No?” he asks in a confused tone.
“I don’t want to marry today. We will go with the original date” she replies.
Arnav gapes at her.
“Why are you women so complicated?” he asks. “Just few minutes back you were so much anxious to marry today and now you have changed your mind? Why?”
“I was scared” she replies. “Insecure” she adds.
“That’s exactly what Suman and Daadi wants. Don’t be their prey” he explains.
Khushi nods in agreement.
“Not anymore. You go and do work. I will go back home”

Arnav nods. He raises her hand and kisses her wrists.

“I will see you tonight”
Khushi blushes and leaves from there. Arnav keeps staring at her but the smile on his face vaporizes soon. Daadi is manipulating their love at every step and if she doesn’t stop doing this, it will create a deep impact on them as well as her. He has to do something about it.

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

Satsang

“Wish I was there to see that girl’s face” Daadi says to Suman while serving her the Prasad. They have been attending many Satsang together these days.
“Daadi. I have no qualms with Khushi. She is a nice girl. I really wonder what will happen to her once Arnav takes the decision in your favor” Suman replies.
“Arnav is not going to be happy about it, Suman. For some time, he will never accept you as his wife even if he gets married to you. I want you to know that and handle the situation very maturely.”

Suman holds Daadi’s hands.
“I will Daadi. You don’t worry. I will be a good wife”

Daadi is impressed. She hugs Suman and blesses her again.
“Even after knowing Arnav likes some other woman, you have trusted me on this decision. I couldn’t have found a better wife for him than you”

Suman blushes. The night when Arnav told her about Khushi and his relationship, while dropping her back home, she gave a thought about it and instantly put forth her decision of still continuing to be Daadi’s choice for him as his wife because she really feels he is not going to break the heart of that old woman. Arnav clearly had shown her a red signal and asked her to stop keeping any hopes but she still continued to meet him. She even confronted the same with Daadi who was initially very upset and guilty of not telling this to Suman earlier. But Suman forgave her and just prepared her to focus on the future. That’s how she learnt from Daadi that Arnav has even bought another house where he intends to stay with Khushi, just if he happens to marry her. And that’s when she decided to meet Khushi once and talk to her clearly about where she stands in their lives.

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

Arnav mentions about Suman visiting Khushi to Shyam on the way back from work. Shyam is equally shocked.
“Suman knows? She is still ready to support Daadi’s mission?” he asks.
Arnav sighs in disappointment.
“This is a suicide, Arnav. Initially I thought we are doing injustice with Suman by keeping her in dark about yours and Khushi’s relationship. But now, I am annoyed. And what was the need for her to warn Khushi about it? She and Daadi are crossing the line, Arnav. We have to stop their madness.”
“Bhai, you think I am happy with all these developments? If I am tolerating it, that’s only because I don’t want to hurt Daadi”

Shyam knows. Daadi has always been their weakness.

“It’s obvious for Khushi to feel insecure” Shyam adds. “Poor girl”

Arnav gulps recollecting how upset Khushi was when she turned up to him today morning, becoming anxious to marry him as soon as possible. He wouldn’t have denied her if she had been firm in her stand. He already takes her as his wife. Marrying Khushi with all the rituals is just going to be a formality, for the sake of this society. Some thought suddenly flashes in his mind.

“Bhai” he interrupts Shyam’s words. “I want you and Anjali Bhabhi to arrange for our pre-wedding rituals next week”

Shyam is over impressed.
“Why not? We will be more than happy to arrange that for you both”
“Thanks”
It gives him a sense of pleasure to imagine how happy Khushi will be to perform all these rituals.

****************
Shantivan

“Shyam, where is Chotte?” Daadi asks the moment Shyam returns from office.
“He got down at Lakshmi Nagar” he informs. Daadi gets furious. Shyam notices she has invited a Priest at home who is sitting on the couch, waiting for Daadi’s further instructions.
“Panditji.. My Grandson will be late. But you can match his Kundali with the would-be bride Suman” Daadi forwards the horoscope details of both Arnav and Suman to the Priest who starts matching it.

Shyam sighs in disappointment. Anjali comes out with a glass of milk for the Priest. She gives the same disappointed expressions to her husband seeing Daadi going over the board. She serves it at the table and then returns to her husband, in their room.

“Why didn’t you tell me Daadi has called a Priest?” Shyam asks her.
“I didn’t know it until he came here, few minutes before you arrived. She is keeping all of this a secret. She knows we are supporting Arnav and Khushi, that’s why she is not letting us know her plans prior”
“Did the Horoscope match?” he asks in a worry.
“Yes, almost 80%.”
Shyam rolls his eyes.
“This is insane” he groans. “Anyways, Arnav has assigned us a responsibility. We have to arrange for Arnav-Khushi’s pre-wedding rituals next week. He wants Khushi to get the real feel of their wedding.”
“Oh wow. That’s a nice thought. Khushi is so stressed these days. She really needs this change” Anjali expresses. “I will begin with her shopping first. Or should we leave it for them to do? And we will arrange the rest?” she asks.
“Anything you say. I will look for another Priest and get the details from him on the marriage stuff”

Both husband-wife divide their duties and wait desperately for it to begin. Their only concern is Daadi now. She or Suman should not be play any cheap tricks to halt any of this.

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

A week more passes. Khushi is clueless when Anjali asks her to come to Lakshmi Nagar the earliest from work. She finishes her work at office and rushes home only to be surprised seeing Anjali and Shyam already waiting for her inside. Arnav must have passed on his extra set of keys to them. That’s how they got in. But they have decorated the house from inside. It looks so lively today.

“Anju… what is all this?” Khushi asks admiring the living room which doesn’t look like hers anymore. “Why did you light it up and decorate?”
“Now this house looks like a Bride’s house should” Shyam replies.
Khushi’s jaw drops.
“What?” she gasps. “What do you mean?”

Anjali clutches Khushi’s shoulder warmly.

“Your pre-wedding rituals are about to begin Darling. Today is your Mehndi ceremony”

Khushi’s happiness is at its peak hearing that.
“I cannot believe this”
“Arnav had planned this a week ago and assigned the responsibility on me and Shyam to arrange everything.”

Khushi smiles proudly. Arnav never fails to surprise her.
“Where is he?” she asks.
“He will be joining us in some time. You freshen up and wear the Lehnga I have kept on your bed. I have called two beauticians to draw the Mehndi on your hands and feet. They will be here any moment. Go”

Khushi pouts at Anjali and then hugs her.

“Thank you, Anju”
“Don’t thank me.. Thank Arnav.. He got this idea. It’s his mind”
Khushi nods but another thought sweeps her mind.
“Does Daadi know?”
Anjali sighs.
“We couldn’t afford to let her know. Even Arnav thinks the same”
Khushi sighs disappointed.
“But you don’t worry about all that. Just enjoy your wedding. Now go, we are running late already”
Khushi smiles and heads inside the bedroom to freshen up and change.


___________________________________________________


Part 66


Gupta House

Khushi watches at her Mehndi clad hands. This is happening. Her marriage… with Arnav Singh Raizada. That man loves her unconditionally and he has really turned everything in their favor, except the feelings his Daadi has for her. It would have bothered her had all this taken place earlier. But now, she has seen how illogical Daadi is behaving by getting Suman in between them. And what to say about Suman? She is making a fool of her own self by accepting this challenge to win Arnav’s hand in marriage, even though she knows he loves someone else. But amidst all this mess, Khushi is still elated that Arnav could think of this pre-wedding rituals.

“Khushi…” Anjali gets back in the bedroom. She had been out to pay the Designers for their artistic Mehndi work.
Khushi comes out of her thoughts and shows her palms to Anjali.
“It’s darkening” Anjali exclaims. “And why not, we all know how much Arnav loves you”

Khushi blushes but soon regains control of the situation.

“Where is he? Why is he still not here?” she asks.
“I don’t know. He has left office already. Shyam just checked with Aman. He must have gone Shantivan first to change his clothes.”

Khushi’s breath hitches. Every time on such important occasions when Arnav is around Daadi, she feels insecure. She really has no clue what Daadi can plan against them to stop this marriage.

“Daadi knows whats happening here?” Khushi asks.
“No, me and Shyam didn’t tell her. I hope Arnav would do the same”

Khushi sighs.

“I don’t know why Anju, but I feel we should be acting little more matured now. Hiding all this from Daadi is like fooling her. She is so much elder to us. Arnav says he doesn’t want to hurt her, but that’s exactly what we all are doing by keeping this a secret”

Shyam comes in.

“Then what do you want us to do? Share her the details? So that she can come here and spoil it? Or plan something more impactful this time to cancel the wedding?” he asks in frustration.

Khushi and Anjali both look at him with the same confusion. They fear Daadi has that impact on Arnav to make anything possible.

“Khushi” Shyam sits next to her and holds her hand. “I know this is not good but we are doing the right thing. Whatever Daadi is doing is wrong. She has to stop it and realize her mistakes. That will only happen when she sees you and Arnav wedded.”

Khushi’s eyes turn moist.

“Don’t think too much of it. Just enjoy your wedding” Anjali says and hugs her tight. Khushi is speechless. Why does it happen that when you are most happy in life.. there always arises a situation which threatens to weaken you the most?

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

Shantivan


Arnav dresses up and gets down the stairs, texting a quick message to Shyam that he is starting for Lakshmi Nagar now. Daadi blocks his way. She looks at him from top to bottom and kind of reads the situation.

“Where are you going Chotte?” she asks.

Arnav hates lying to her. He thought Daadi will be busy reading her Holy books.
“To meet Khushi” he replies.
Her face drops. She is clearly unhappy.
“In such a traditional outfit?” she cross questions.

Arnav gulps. He knows Daadi is very good in connecting the dots. She has already been suspicious from past few days. Plus, he and Khushi had already told her once that they both are going to get married in 2 months. She must have easily calculated the days and she knows the deadline is nearing.

Seeing him quiet, Daadi continues.

“Oh… so you are planning your marriage rituals with her” she sighs in disappointment. “That’s why Shyam and Anjali both are not at home”
“You are invited too, Daadi” he replies. “You are the eldest in our family. Without your presence and blessings all these rituals are lifeless”
Daadi narrows her eyes.
“Then don’t do it, Chotte” she answers. “If you care for me so much, don’t marry Khushi”
Arnav clenches his jaw
“This is madness Daadi. I gave ear to all your requests, all your demands. But this one is out of my reach. I have given my word to Khushi, this marriage is unstoppable.”

He walks away, making it very clear to her. Daadi fumes. She tried so many ways to make sure Arnav withdraws his decision of marrying Khushi but nothing worked. Is she failing? She scans the whole house from where she is standing. She is alone. None of her grandsons are supporting her decision. They are against her, they are going against her wishes and bringing Khushi Gupta in their family legally. If this happens, she might not sustain her calm any longer. And Suman? What about her? She has dragged Suman all along this play. Will she back off? What will she tell to her if Arnav really doesn’t give up his decision of marrying Khushi? Will Arnav leave this house? Will he stay away from her forever? Her same grandson whom she gave her past so many years? Will he forget all her love and leave her just like that? For a woman? No… this cannot happen… She feels weak. She holds the railing of the stairs and shuts her eyes for few minutes. She feels lonely. She had never expected this day in her life. It was better if she had died before witnessing her grandsons breaking away from her. They are so stubborn. But haven’t they got these traits from her? She is the same. She is hell bent in not accepting Arnav’s choice. She sits down on the Stairs breathing hard.

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

Gupta House
“Khushi… what are you doing?” Anjali stops her Khushi when she finds her trying to hold her phone.
“I… I was about to dial Arnav… Whats delaying him so much?” she replies.

Anjali sighs and takes the mobile phone from Khushi.
“Watch your Mehndi.. You might spoil it. Arnav is yet to admire it properly and you seem to destroy that moment by wiping it off. You need to be careful”
Khushi rolls her eyes.
“You have high hopes Anju.. .That man doesn’t love me that passionately anymore. It’s the problem with every man. They run behind you until you give them some hope and when get it enough, they start running away.”

Anjali giggles listening Khushi’s complaints.

“Arnav is unlike these men. Come on Khushi, you know him better than all of us”
“Whatever” she rolls her eyes again.

“WHATEVER?”

They hear Arnav’s sharp voice from the door. He is here, FINALLY! Khushi feels her entire body heating up acknowledging his presence. He is looking charming in that Maroon Kurta. She wonders who made him wear that? Or maybe this man is taking their pre-wedding rituals very seriously.

“There he comes” Shyam sighs. “Arnav… You were desperately been missed here. What got you stuck?”
Arnav doesn’t take his gaze off Khushi’s face. Her bright maroon Lehnga has got a unique glow on her face. She looks happy and why not, its their pre-marriage rituals after all. Khushi realizes he has been admiring her and she quickly puts her hands behind, as if she wants to hide her Mehndi design from him. He presses his lips together, reading the anger on her face for coming late.

“Daadi caught me coming here” he replies.

The other three get speechless hearing that.
“What excuse did you give her then?” Shyam asks.
“I didn’t make any excuse. You know I cannot lie to her. I told her I am coming here and she sort of guessed it because of your absence as well that we have started the rituals”

Anjali presses her husband’s hand in fear.

“Do you think she will digest this? I am afraid how she will react day after tomorrow when on the wedding day”
Shyam holds her hand and tries to ease her.
“Let’s not create more fear around here” he gestures Anjali to look at Khushi who is totally tensed.
“Yes..” Anjali replies, cheering up her mood. “Arnav… Wont you see Khushi’s Mehndi?” she teasefully asks
“I wont mind.. Unless she got the mood to show me that” he says coming forward to Khushi who keeps her hands behind.
“You are late” she mutters.

Anjali and Shyam head to the kitchen to leave the couple alone for some time.
“I told why I got late” he answers.
“You still owe to be punished”
“Punishment?” he raises his brow. “And what that is?”
“You should apply the Mehndi on your hands too” she exclaims.

Arnav frowns.

“Never”

Ever since his childhood he has hated that. Whenever his mother applied Mehndi during some auspicious moments, Arnav used to run away from the house because he hated that smell.

“I cannot tolerate that smell on my hands” he replies “It’s too strong”

Khushi’s jaw drops.
“Really? Then this is the best punishment for you.”
“Khushi come on.. .just show me your damn hands”

He tries to grab her hands but she keeps strongly putting them behind her.
“Nope.. Punishment first”
“Are you not going to listen to me?” he asks
“You are not listening to me either”
“That’s it” he leans down and puts her on his shoulder.
Khushi feels totally embarrassed.
“Arnav… what are you doing? Put me down”

He carries her to the bedroom and puts her down once they are inside.

“Shit” she screams seeing her palms. “see what you did” she shows him both her palms where the Mehndi has just screwed up. Though it was dried enough not to spoil the actual design. Arnav feels guilty. He reaches her and grabs her wrist.
“I am sorry” he says glancing at her ruined Mehndi.

Khushi pouts when he raises her palms to his lips and kisses them individually.
“I should be punished” his regret continues.
Khushi senses he is genuinely sorry for what happened.
“It is not your fault entirely. I was adamant in showing you my hands in the first place”

An idea hits Arnav’s brain.
“Come here”

He drags her to the bed and makes her sit there. He then leaves out .

“Where are you going?” she asks but never gets a reply. He comes back inside in a minute with the Mehndi cone in his hand. Before she can ask him about it, he sits next to her and keeps her hand on his lap. She freezes. Is he going to draw it on her again? She would love to. But she shrugs her hand from his hold.
“But you don’t like the smell of it. That’s fine Arnav.”
“No, its not” he pulls her wrist again and starts re drawing the design in her hand. She keeps admiring him and the way he artistically draws it again.
“You should shave” she says touching his rough stubble. “Its spiky”
“Sshhh.. Let me concentrate” he shouts.
Khushi grins. It’s hard to concentrate on her palms anymore. She just cannot take eyes off his face.
“How is this now?” he asks in a few minutes.
She gazes at her palms and is startled.
“Impressive.”

She notices how he has specifically highlighted his name initial ‘A’ in her palm. He keeps the cone aside and pulls her chin up.
“Happy now?” he asks.
“Very” she wraps her arms around his neck and hugs him.
“Careful” he warns again to be careful of the Mehndi which she obviously cannot let spoil again. “I have something for you” he whispers in her ears.

Khushi pulls back while he removes a small box from his pocket.

“Whats that?” she asks.
“Patience Khushi Gupta” he replies and slowly opens the box. It contains a diamond ring. He takes the ring out and gently puts in her finger.
“So now, technically.. we are engaged.. we have even finished the Mehndi ritual.. Haldi is tomorrow and then next day… Our wedding”

Khushi’s eyes glitter with joy. Arnav cups her cheeks.
“You will be legally Mrs. Khushi Singh Raizada” he adds.
She nods in agreement, her eyes getting teary again. She gives him yet another hug and this time a tight one. She is happy for all that is happening in their lives but still a strange fear looms in her heart. Is this really going to happen? She cannot bear any unwanted twists.

___________________________________________________

Part 67

When the Raizadas reach back Shantivan, they see a Doctor coming out of Daadi’s room, with Hari Prakash following him. They all get tensed.

“Doctor?” Arnav exclaims. “What are you doing here?”

The Doctor reaches them.
“Subhadraji is unwell. Hari Prakash called me here”
Arnav and Shyam both start worrying, whereas Anjali rushes upstairs to check on Daadi.
“What happened to Daadi?” Shyam asks the doctor.
“Why were we not informed?” Arnav shouts at Hari Prakash.

“Sorry Bhaiyaa” Hari Prakash replies. “But Daadi denied to update you about her ill-health”
“And you listened to her?” Arnav snaps at him.
“ASR” the doctor interrupts. “Subhadraji is fine now.. Her blood pressure shot up. But she is normal again. I think she is over stressed. If that stress wipes off, she will not face this situation again. Please ensure she takes the medicines on time and call me again if you need”

Shyam nods and allows the Doctor to leave. Arnav frowns at Hari Prakash.

“Next time.. if you don’t inform us such critical situations, you will be fired from this job” he yells.
“Yes Bhaiya” Hari Prakash apologetically nods and leaves back in the kitchen.
Shyam places his arm over Arnav’s shoulder.
“She must not have liked what we are presently doing. That’s why she got tensed and her pressure shot up. I don’t understand what to do Chotte? At one side we have Daadi’s arrogance and the other side your love for Khushi. It is so hard to choose one” Shyam exhales nervously.
“Lets go and see her” Arnav declares and heads to the stairs. Shyam follows him. It is such a serious situation. The marriage of Arnav-Khushi is still oscillating in between Daadi’s sword of pride. Who will win?

As soon as Shyam and Arnav enter the bedroom, they see Daadi scolding at Anjali who is asking her hard if she needs anything.
“Just leave me alone Anjali” Daadi shouts at her.

Anjali gets upset seeing Daadi ignoring her.
“You don’t need to scream at her” Arnav interrupts. “I am the one you are angry at. Shout at me”
Daadi looks elsewhere as she sees her grandsons coming in.
“Daadi.. Why didn’t you call us?” Shyam asks.
“It’s unlikely for me to expect anything from you all. I don’t want to keep any hopes from you. I have strived alone, fought my war myself. And I will continue doing so. I don’t need anyone” She snaps.

Arnav swallows the lump formed in his throat. Why is she so adamant? Tears start rolling down Daadi’s eyes.
“You both were apple of my eyes and now none of you have that care and concern for me. I am just a burden on you all. It’s better I die”
“Enough” Arnav interjects. He sits next to Daadi on her bed and holds her hand. “Death is not going to touch you anytime soon. You still have to see babies of your Grandsons”

Daadi shrugs his hold.

“When you three don’t bother about me, what else remains in my life? You have no regards to my words, my feelings, my decisions anymore”

Arnav sighs heavily.
“We all love you more than you know” he replies.
“It’s a white lie” she snaps noticing the Mehndi stains on Arnav’s hand which makes her more infuriated. “You wouldn’t have performed the pre-marriage rituals otherwise”

Arnav rolls his eyes.

“I love Khushi and I don’t see anything wrong in marrying her. Why are you so against it? You have supported me in every walks of life. You have known me so well. Why is it that in this matter you are neglecting my feelings?” Arnav asks.

Daadi decides not to reply to that. She has explained it to him many a times, she cannot do it more.
“Just leave.. I want to be alone” she pleads.
Shyam gestures Anjali and Arnav to follow Daadi’s wishes. They cannot stress her more. They come out of the bedroom. Arnav looks frustrated with all this.
“Its okay” Shyam tries to soothe him. “Once the marriage happens, things will settle down. Daadi will accept Khushi someday.. Until then we will have to bear all of this”

Arnav doesn’t utter a word. He strides back to his room. Shyam and Anjali feel like deserted.

“How are we going to handle this Shyam?” Anjali asks.
“I don’t know.. We don’t want to take sides and yet we are compelled to take one” he replies.
“Tomorrow is Haldi” Anjali reminds.
“Hmm. Do one thing.. you stay with Khushi tomorrow. She is the bride. She needs someone by her side”
“But Daadi?” she asks. “She is not well”
“I will make some arrangements for that”

Anjali agrees. She has so many things to take care of. She has to look after the decoration of the Bungalow where Arnav and Khushi will be heading to, after the wedding.

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

Next Day

Khushi has officially taken a week off. She is glad that none of the AR Staff asked her the reason behind it. Though they have a suspicion that she and Arnav are in a relationship, no one even has a clue that the marriage is tomorrow. She wears the White Lehnga and the flowery accessories which Anjali has specially designed for the Haldi ritual.

“Khushi… are you ready?” Anjali gets inside the room. “Oh my God. You are looking so pretty today” Anjali adds.

She comes inside and applies the Kohl behind Khushi’s ear.
“Anju… Thank you” Khushi holds her hands. “Amidst all this, you have been the greatest support to me”
“And I will always be” she replies “Not because Arnav is Shyam’s brother, but because you and Arnav are doing the right thing. If you wouldn’t have taken this decision of marrying, because of Daadi, that would have been wrong.”

Khushi pouts. “But Daadi is still upset and even if Arnav wont say it out, I know he is in pain”
“Sshshhh” Anjali silences her. “He knows what he has to do. So, leave it on him. It’s Your haldi today. And even though its going to be just between the four of us, we still have to do it best”

Khushi agrees. The door bell rings.
“They are here. Come”

Anjali rushes out to open the door for Arnav and Shyam. The two brothers are dressed up in White. Anjali whistles.
“Men in White!! Suits you both” she teases.
Shyam raises his brow.
“You never flirted before”
“New skill” she says shaking her shoulders and then drags the two in.
“Where’s Khushi?” Arnav asks.
“Coming out. But wait a minute. Let me remind you, after the Haldi is done, you are going straight home. You wont get to see Khushi after Haldi until the marriage rituals start tomorrow. Understood?”

Arnav is unhappy with that idea.

“Disapproved” he sighs. “I don’t believe in all of this”
“But I do” Khushi interrupts them, stepping out.

Arnav is once again mesmerized seeing her. She heads straight to them, her eyes never taking off from Arnav’s.

“Every ritual has a reason to follow. It’s inauspicious for the bride and groom to see each other after Haldi” she continues.
“Says who?” Arnav asks sliding his arm around her bare waist and pulling her close. Khushi’s jaw drops.

Shyam and Anjali holds their blush seeing the two in this state.

“No one can take that right away from me” Arnav claims.
Shyam clears his throat.
“Chotte… Khushi… Let the Haldi begin.?”
Khushi shies away whereas Arnav slowly withdraws his arm from her waist. They sit down, separated by a thin cloth between their seats. Anjali first applies the Haldi to Arnav. Shyam repeats the same. After that’s done, the two apply it to Khushi who is very enthusiastic about this ceremony. Arnav keeps gazing at her from the thin cloth. She is going to be his bride tomorrow. His life is going to change. If there is happiness of staying with Khushi forever, legally, he is also upset that its at the cost of separating from Daadi for a while. He wishes some miracle happens and Daadi accepts their relation without much fuss.

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

Whilst Anjali is busy talking over the phone to the Priest for tomorrow’s agenda of the wedding and Shyam discussing with the workers on the readiness of the Bungalow decoration, Arnav takes the opportunity to pay a visit to Khushi’s bedroom and see whats keeping her so busy inside from last few minutes.

She is standing before her father’s photo frame, silently praying to him. Arnav’s heart clenches seeing her so emotional and teary. He comes in and stands next to her. She realizes his presence and quickly wipes the tears from her eyes. Arnav notices that.

“It’s every girl’s wish that her father is present during such an auspicious event of her life. And he is not here, only because of me” he stammers while uttering this apologetically.

Khushi turns to him and palms his cheeks.
“We have discussed this before, didn’t we? His absence in my life is not because of you. He is equally responsible for it”
Arnav sighs sarcastically.
“It sounds nice but it still can’t change the truth. I killed him”
Khushi grits her teeth.
“If this is what you have to talk, then I better leave”

She turns to go away when he holds her waist and stops her. She doesn’t face him. He comes closer and hugs her from behind, kissing her shoulder blade.
“I won’t discuss this again, just don’t leave me” he pleads like a child.

Khushi immediately turns around and meets his eyes. She notices tears in them.

“Arnav..” she murmurs. “I won’t leave you ever. If we have survived all of this so far, it’s because our love is true”
“And true love never dies. It becomes stronger with time.. and we will ensure that it happens with us too” he completes her statement.

She wipes the corner of his eye, stopping that lone drop of tear from rolling down. She cannot see him weak. Arnav raises her palm and kisses it.


“AGAIN?” Anjali intrudes. “Will you both ever get enough of each other?” she gets inside the room with Shyam.

Khushi once again feels caught and cornered for her actions. She looks at Anjali apologetically.
“I warned you both not to see each other after the Haldi” Anjali mutters and then turns to Shyam. “Will you stand quiet or say anything to them?”

Shyam nods and looks at Arnav.
“You should have closed the door” he murmurs.
All the four burst out in laughter. Arnav is the first one to stop.
“Me and Khushi are going to miss you both” he replies.
Shyam agrees.
“Same here. But lets hope that we don’t have to stay separate for long”
“Yes” Anjali interrupts. “And the day Daadi accepts the two and get them back in Shantivan, we are going to celebrate it insanely”

Khushi pouts and hugs the couple. They have really taken every step to prove how supportive they are. She couldn’t have asked for more.

Anjali stays that night with Khushi in Gupta Mansion and helps her packs the bags. They talk a lot that night, gossip about the Raizada brothers like teenagers and then go to sleep. And then comes the D-Day… The WEDDING day.

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

The marriage is set up at one of the oldest temple in the outskirts. Shyam is already there to take care of things. Aman has been asked to get Arnav from Shantivan to the temple. Anjali would be starting with Khushi from Lakshmi Nagar in some time.

Whilst Khushi has dressed up in the wedding Lehnga, and she is busy now wearing the bangles, one of the bangle breaks in her hand, bruising her wrist. She hisses in pain and then looks at the broken bangle on her lap. She picks it up. It’s considered ill-fated for something like this to happen with the bride. Tears wells her eyes. Anjali comes in and notices it all.

“Khushi.. it happens.. Don’t spoil your mood”
“Anju… I am scared” she confesses.
“Don’t be.. Everything is going to be fine. Shyam has reached the temple and he is asking when we will start. Should I tell him we will leave in 30 minutes? Will you be ready by then?”

Anjali tries her best to make up Khushi’s mood and disorient her from this subject. Khushi plainly nods.
“Good. Wear the Earrings.. I will help you with the necklace. And Mohan has arrived with the car”
“Mohan is here? Then who is going to drive Arnav?” Khushi asks.
“Aman”

Khushi nods and continues getting ready. Yet the fear of something ill going to take place never leaves her mind.

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

Arnav is ready for the marriage, but before leaving the house, he decides to take Daadi’s blessings once. He knows she will not bless him but it is such an important day of his life, he cannot leave without seeing her. He heads to her room and knocks it. She doesn’t respond. He knocks it harder this time and realizes the door is unlocked. He pushes it and gets in the room. There is no presence of Daadi.

“Daadi” he calls out but doesn’t find her anywhere.

That’s when he sees a note kept on her bed. He strides to the bed and reads the note. His heart bleeds.

‘Chotte… I know you will not stop this marriage. So, this is the only option left with me. I cannot let you separate from us.. from this family.. from Shantivan. Shyam and Anjali loves you too. And from the past few days I have noticed my presence or absence in your lives means no difference. So, instead of making you move out, I have decided to go away from all of you. Please do not make any attempts to find me. Because by the time you find this note, I might have even decided to leave the world. I am aged, Chotte and I do not see any brighter side of my life beyond this, especially if you are not part of it… I will love you always. .Your Daadi’

Arnav stumbles crumpling the note in his fist. How can she do this? He never thought Daadi’s self-pride would make her think so against her own family.. her own life. He runs out of the room, straight to the main door.

“Hari Prakash..” he screams. “Did You see Daadi?” he asks worryingly.
“Daadiji .. yes.. I saw her leaving out some half an hour ago”

Arnav runs out to look for her.. He will scan every streets. Every roads.. to find her.. She cannot just disappear from his life like that. He realizes Mohan, his driver has gone to pick Khushi and Aman is yet to come to receive him. But he cannot wait. Every second counts. He sees another Car parked in the garage. But who would drive it? He cant!! He has to.. He runs to the garage and opens the front seat to get in.. His brain flashes images of the same stormy night when he had crushed Shashi Gupta by his car. He cant drive!! He has lost that confidence a long time ago.. He cannot take the risk again. But Daadi? What if she harms herself? With that horrified thought running in the background of his mind, he gets in and starts the engine. It takes him a while to pull the gear and take a reverse. The car hits the wall behind in the process but he doesn’t care. Once he takes the wheel, he will control it. He can drive.. He has to drive.. There is no choice.. He boosts the accelerator and whisks out of the gate.

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

It’s been more than an hour now that Khushi and Anjali have reached the temple. But there is no sign of Arnav yet. Shyam is trying his number but receives no reply back. They are all tensed. Where is Arnav? Why hasn’t he reached here yet? He has asked Aman to check why Arnav is not answering the phone.

“Aman must have reached Shantivan now” Shyam says with a hope to his wife. “He should give us some update”

Anjali nods and looks at Khushi who is sitting before the holy fire, alone, in despair as every second ticks. Shyam’s phone rings.
“Yes Aman. Did you find Arnav?”
“No Boss. ASR is not here. I asked Hari Prakash and he said that ASR has left a while ago”
“What? But he didn’t come here. Where can he go?”
“That’s what I have been thinking too” Aman replies. “He has left his phone here. So, there is no other means to contact him”
“Ask HP if he has seen him leaving. I mean whom did he leave with and what mode of transportation?”

Aman asks the same to HP who tells him that he has no clue about it as he was all the time inside the house. Aman informs the same to Shyam to is frustrated.

“Aman.. this seems something serious to me.. Keep looking for Arnav.. I want to know where he is”
“Yes Boss”

Shyam disconnects the call and the instance he does this, they all hear Daadi’s voice.

“So, Chotte finally made his choice” Daadi proudly utters.

Khushi looks at Daadi with teary eyes. She cannot believe whats happening.

“I knew it” Daadi continues looking at Khushi. “He is my Grandson.. He has my blood. He cannot ditch me for a woman like you”
“Daadi” Shyam interjects. “We are really in no mood of arguing. Where is Arnav?”
“How would I know where he is Shyam? All I know is that he was supposed to be here, to marry this girl and he is not. He has finally shown whom he truly loves and cares about”

Khushi swallows her tears. She is not going to believe this.

“he will come” she murmurs.
Anjali’s heart aches seeing Khushi in this state.
“What?” Daadi asks.
Khushi meets Daadi’s eyes with determination.
“He will come” she mutters, but this time louder than before.
Daadi laughs at her.
“You are mistaken. He has realized my worth in his life and before it, all these temporary relationships which he has with you means nothing. He has understood that. And the early you acknowledge this, you will be less hurt”

Before they can argue further, Shyam’s phone buzzes again.
“Yea Aman, any update”
“Boss.. ASR.. ASR has taken the car from Shantivan’s Garage. Just found it missing”
“WHAT? But .. but Mohan is here and the other driver is on leave. Who can drive him out then?”
“I think he is self-driving”

Shyam feels like someone just electrified him. Arnav and self-drive? Again? No ways..
“Aman.. find him.. I don’t want him to get hurt.. You hear that? Just find Arnav at any cost”
HP comes running to Aman and gives him something. Aman is shocked to see that note.
“Boss.. One more development.. Seems Daadi is missing too and ASR is chasing her. Just got a note from her room”
“What note?” Shyam looks angrily at Daadi trying to gauge to situation. Aman reads the note for him on the phone. Shyam understands the whole situation. He disconnects the call and comes straight to Daadi.

“What a game plan, Daadi? You did all of this on purpose. Didn’t you?”
“What did I do?” she asks making an innocent face.
“You left a threatening note for Arnav and that’s why he is gone missing”
“Note? What rubbish? I didn’t leave any note for him. Why would I?”
“Really? Then what is this?”

Shyam shows the picture of the note which Aman texted him just now. Daadi is shocked herself. Khushi gets up and reaches the two with Anjali. She snatches the phone from Shyam and reads the note.

“Shyam” Daadi gulps nervously.. “I .. I didn’t do this”
“Then who did it?” Shyam scowls. “Do you realize, why Arnav is not here? He read this note and probably thinks he is going to lose you forever. That’s why he is madly chasing you. And to top on it.. he has taken the car from the garage. He is self-driving it.. If anything happens to him Daadi, who is responsible”

Khushi stumbles behind. Arnav is driving? What if he loses his balance again? What if something happens to him? Before she can drown her heart in such odd thoughts, she finally sees the man himself. He has climbed the stairs and he is striding towards them.. But .. HE IS HURT!! His head is injured.. There is blood all over his face..

__________________________________________________________________________

Part 68

“Arnav” Khushi screams.

Everyone turns around to see him. Though they are highly relieved he is here, they are shocked seeing him injured. Daadi is the first one to walk to him.

“Chotte.. what is all this? What happened to you?”

Before she could touch his face, Arnav stops her by holding her wrist.

“You crossed the lines today, Daadi” he mutters. There is no compassion in his eyes anymore. He is hurt. “You used to be the one who protected me and today you risked my life? Do you even realize what I went through reading your note? I thought…” words choke in his throat. “I thought you left me forever. I felt guilty, selfish.”

Daadi’s eyes moist with tears.

“I can understand you don’t like my feelings for Khushi but I cannot fathom you playing with my life, Daadi. Why did you do this?” he shouts.
“Arnav… I didn’t write any note”

He doesn’t believe it. She cups his face.
“Believe me. I have no idea what that note is about”

“She is saying the truth Arnav” comes another familiar voice from behind them. It’s Suman. She strides in the temple where they all are gathered. Daadi is stunned seeing Suman here.
“I am sorry, Daadi” Suman comes forward. “I wrote that note on your behalf” she confesses.

Khushi swallows hard. She has been standing quiet so far because she didn’t want to add fuel in the already broken relationship between Daadi and Arnav but now that she knows Daadi is partially innocent in this situation, she cannot stay quiet.

“What? You?” Daadi looks horribly at her.
“Yes, I told you to leave the house exactly before Arnav and reach the temple to witness it from your own eyes that he doesn’t make it for the marriage. It was my plan to make him chase you. I wrote that letter and kept it secretly in your room. I knew Arnav would surely pay visit to you once before he leaves for the temple. And it worked.”

“Worked?” Khushi rushes to Suman. “You risked his life, Suman? Do you even know how terrified he gets with the mere thought of driving again?”
“I know..But I thought that’s the only way to make him not reach the temple. Also, I was in the impression that this note will make him realize Daadi’s worth in his life”
“Shut up” Khushi snaps. “He has never forgot Daadi’s worth that you need to remind him again. His family.. his Daadi means the world to him. Your foolish actions would have taken his life today.”

Suman looks down apologetically. Khushi then turns to Daadi.

“This is your choice for Arnav, Daadi?” she mocks. “She didn’t even think twice before acting on her silly plans. Would you take the responsibility if anything had happen to Arnav today?”

Daadi gulps nervously.
“I might not be the best woman for your grandson, but one thing I assure you, Daadi. If anyone even tries to play with his feelings.. his dignity and his life, I wont tolerate it. Even if it is someone he calls his own”

Daadi meets Khushi’s eyes. She sees a spark in them. Khushi is on a roll today seeing Arnav’s state. She continues firing the two women.

“You both don’t want to see us married, I don’t care. Even if this marriage doesn’t happen today, it won’t affect us. We don’t need any society’s approval for loving each other or staying with each other. Even if you don’t let this marriage happen by blackmailing him using your place in his heart, one thing I can assure you Daadi. Arnav will never give any other woman the place he has given me. And that is enough for me to live with my entire life”

Arnav proudly admires her. This is the first time she has shown this love warrior side of hers. Daadi is speechless and though she cannot admit it openly, she is impressed with whatever Khushi said to her. That just proves how much this girl loves Arnav. Though she is still against it, she decides not to become a hurdle in this marriage anymore. Khushi is right. Suman was a wrong choice for Arnav because without thinking where this one plan of hers would lead them to, she implemented it.

Daadi gazes at Arnav once again and then leaves the temple. Suman follows her out .

“Daadi.. Please forgive me” she pleads.

Daadi raises her hand gesturing Suman to stop talking.

“I had expected more from you Suman, but you failed. I was wrong in judging you”

Suman looks away for a second and then holds Daadi’s hands.
“I have disappointed you and I am extremely sorry about it. I should have thought once or at least discussed with you my plans. You would have stopped me. I blindly did this to prove myself. And I was wrong. Whatever happened today has opened my eyes. Khushi is right. I can never take her place in Arnav’s heart because what they have between each other, I will never have for Arnav or vice versa. It’s love, Daadi” she confronts. “Their love supersedes everything”

Daadi listens to her silently.

“After all this mess, I have realized no one can break Arnav from Khushi. The earlier you accept it, things would sort out soon in your family. And once again. please forgive me for what happened today”

Saying that, Suman leaves the temple. She really feels guilty for reaching this extent. After keeping that note in Daadi’s room, Suman had waited patiently in her car, outside Shantivan. And as she had expected, she saw Arnav leaving the house to chase Daadi. But what shocked her was that Arnav was self-driving. She had never taken that risk into consideration. So to ensure he doesn’t end up hurt, she followed his car. She could have stopped it all at once, by dialing Arnav or informing this to someone from his family but she still had a hope that things might turn out in her favor. Now she realizes how she made fool of her own self.

Daadi follows Suman, to her car and heads back to Shantivan.

Shyam reaches Arnav and hugs him tight.

“I was so scared for you” he admits.

Arnav swallows. He is not used to so much of affection. But he can understand how much afraid they all must have been knowing he is in danger.

“I am fine, Bhai” he pulls back from their hug.
“No, you are not. Come here”

Shyam drags him to the side and makes him sit there.
“I will get the first aid box. It’s in the Car” Mohan, their driver rushes out. Arnav then looks at his brother.
“Ask Aman to be at Shantivan and look after Daadi once she is back” he commands.
Shyam agrees. They cannot take another risk now. He walks away to give Aman these orders on the call.


Khushi kneels down before Arnav. Her tears are unstoppable. Arnav wipes her tears. Mohan comes back and gives the first aid kit to her. She starts wiping the blood from his face.

“Khushi, I am fine. Stop crying”

She keeps swallowing her tears and dresses his wounds. Anjali doesn’t disturb their moment. She keeps talking to the Priest until then.

“You thought I wouldn’t come?” he asks Khushi who disappointedly gazes back at him. However confident she had been pretending to be in his absence, somewhere in the dark corner of her mind, she feared this. Though she has full faith in their love, she knows that his equation with Daadi was at risk and even his little inclination towards Daadi’s wish and point of views would have stabbed her heart.

“We can complete the marriage rituals some other time.” She suggests. “You might not show it but I know its paining”
Arnav rolls his eyes and gets up. Khushi gets up too from her kneeling position.
“Every pain will subside once we marry” he replies.

He extends his hand for Khushi to hold. A weak smile plays on her lips as she places her hand in his and they walk to the alter, to complete their wedding rituals.

*****************
The priests chant the Mantras as Arnav and Khushi sit before the holy fire. Slowly, they perform each ritual, holding each other’s hand, committing their heart and soul to the other. He takes a pinch of Sindoor and fills her forehead. It’s the best moment of her life. When he circles his arm around her neck to tie the Mangalsutra, he whispers those 3 magical words in her ears again. He might have told this to her thousands of times so far but repeating the same at this moment of their lives is something exceptional. She tries not to make it obvious for Shyam or Anjali to see her flushed face. Soon, they get up to take the Pheras. Arnav pays keen attention to whatever promises the Priest asks them to take at each step they take to complete the 7 circles around the holy fire. They are finally termed to be husband-wife.

They take Shyam and Anjali’s blessings after the Priests and then Khushi hugs Arnav with immense warmth and love. He completes the hug with same passion and then kisses her forehead.

“Aakhir ho hi gayi…” he murmurs.. “Humaari Shaadi” (Our marriage is finally done)

Anjali clears her throat. Arnav, Khushi pull back and concentrate on her. She feeds them sweets.
“Congratulations and may God keep showering his blessings on you two”
“Rani Saheba” Shyam interrupts. “Give them the other blessing too.”
“Which one?” she asks.
“To give Raizada family the smallest family member soon”

Khushi’s jaw drops whereas Arnav smirks and replies back to his brother.

“We won’t snatch that right from you both. You deserve to give that news before us”
Anjali shies away.
“Looks like Arnav and Khushi are in no hurry to become parents and why not? They are newly married, they need to spend more time with each other first and then think of starting a family” Anjali adds.

Shyam chuckles.
“So, does that mean we should start planning for a baby soon? It’s been more than a year since we married” he whispers. Anjali pinches him for discussing this topic so openly here.
“Enough of us… this day is about them.. We should get back to the Bungalow. So many things are pending there. Come on”

They finally retreat from the temple, back to the house where Khushi and Arnav’s Grihapravesh begins. Anjali takes the lead again to circle the Puja thali before them and welcomes them inside.

“Hold on..” Shyam intervenes before Arnav and Khushi can get inside the house. “Rani Saheba.. how can you forget the main ritual of our family?”
“Oh yes” she nods and giggles.
“What’s that?” Arnav asks with an urge to know.

Khushi recollects it because when Shyam married Anjali and got her in Shantivan, she had seen them performing it.

“Anju.. Shyam.. We can skip that at the moment. He is injured already” she exclaims.
Anjali pouts and even Shyam is about to give up stressing over it but Arnav doesn’t let them ignore.
“Will you guys tell me what that ritual is? I don’t want to keep anything pending in this marriage. Please, brief me” he commands.
“You need to carry your bride all the way to your room” Shyam finally blurts it out.

Khushi keeps gazing at her husband. Yes.. she can finally call him as her husband. She has full rights on him.. on all of him… That mere thought invokes hell lot of desires in her heart. Her chain of thoughts break when she finds herself in his arms.

“Arnav? You are not well”
“I am always well for doing this” he winks at her. She giggles circling her arms around his neck.

Shyam whistles seeing them entering with style. Anjali laughs heartily seeing the two finally bonded together as one..

Arnav takes Khushi directly to their bedroom, which is decorated with flowers and candles. Khushi is awe-struck seeing the room. She must appreciate Anjali and Shyam’s efforts in all this. He lands her on the bed and quickly places a gentle kiss on her lips. In the attempt to draw him closer, she presses her palms at the back of his head and he hisses in pain.

“Sorry.. is it paining there?” she worryingly asks.

Arnav shakes his head admitting it is. Khushi holds his wrist and makes him sit next to her.

“How did you end up injured? Did you hit something?”
“The brakes of that car failed. I think that’s why it was locked in the garage from past few days” he replies. “I drove rough. The moment I realized the brakes were out, I drove in the low crowded area. Saw a construction site and ended up hitting the car there.”

Khushi gets goosebumps on her skin listening to all that. It was so close to another major accident.

“Then how did you end up in the temple?”
“Suman.. She was following me in her car. I didn’t know it until I got down at the construction site. When I saw her there, I realized she is behind Daadi’s note. So, I asked her to take me to her. She was already very scared of what had happened to me that time. She didn’t take another risk of denying me. Suman got me to the temple which is probably the last place I would look for Daadi”

Khushi sighs.

“She wouldn’t have got the courage to tell you probably, that the note was written by her and not Daadi. But when you scolded Daadi in the temple, she couldn’t have bear it and hence she confessed the truth”

“Whatever. Why are we talking about her tonight?” he huskily asks. “This is our day.. our wedding day and as far as I can sense, it’s night already”

He tries to pull her closer for an embrace and she gives in. Going away from him is the last thing she will ever want.


To be Continued.

______________________________________________________________________________

Part 69

Sleep is the last thing in her mind. It’s 3 am already and she cannot take her eyes off her husband.. Her Arnav. After making love to her, they had been talking about their future, when suddenly he dozed off. She didn’t mind. She knows he has gone through a lot today. That fake note killed half of his mood and strength. He had to drive again and that too in a panicky situation which obviously didn’t end up well. The brakes had failed and she can imagine what he might have gone through when he bumped the vehicle in the construction site, in an attempt to stop it. Memories of that dreadful night might have haunted him again. The only good part that happened today is their marriage, despite of all the efforts Suman and Daadi put to stop it. Love always wins. It might take time, it might drain your mind, your heart and all that energy from your body, but when it wins, there is no better feeling than that. Khushi Gupta.. No.. Khushi Singh Raizada was undergoing that same feeling right now. She traces her finger on his face, carefully not to wake him up again. There is sleep in her eyes, but the joy inside her heart of having Arnav Singh Raizada forever in her life, is overpowering everything. She didn’t go through any less drama either today. The broken bangle gave her enough intuition about something worse happening. Arnav’s delay of every second to reach the temple added more misery to her heart. Seeing Daadi in the temple with that full bright smile, taunting her that Arnav will never make it for the marriage got fear instilled in her entire body. It only worsen seeing Arnav stepping in there with blood over his face. All this had to happen, nothing was avoidable. It was needed to test their love for each other and show the world that they wont settle for anything less. Daadi got the taste of her own medicine. She probably has realized that her choice for Arnav cannot always be the best. She has to settle with his likes, his priorities and his preferences too at times.

She doesn’t realize when her finger which she had been tracing his face a while ago, reaches his chest and lingers there for a moment. Arnav’s eyes shot open and he grabs her wrist, twisting it hard at her back. She screams in pain and it’s only then that he realizes the person touching him is his wife, not any outsider. He immediately releases her wrist and cups her face.

“Khushi… I .. I am sorry” he pleads.. “I was not prepared.. I thought.. someone is .. trying to touch me again”

Khushi, though in pain understands the issue. He might have submitted himself completely towards her but there can be such implications if she touches him without his knowledge. It might invoke that fear and resistance in him which would push him away from getting physically involved.

“Its okay” she palms his cheek. “I should have been careful”
“No” he murmurs.. “I feel ridiculous for behaving like that with you. Did it hurt?” he holds her wrist carefully this time and kisses her there.
“I am fine, Arnav. Believe me”

He reads her eyes again and is assured that his action didn’t scare her more. He throws his head back on the pillow and she cuddles him.

“Why didn’t you sleep yet?” he asks.
“I am too happy today to get sleep. I feel like I have won a trophy of my life” she expresses.
Arnav chuckles.
“A Sexy Trophy?” he asks.
She nods and hugs him tighter and keeps talking.

“Whenever we are together,  I feel.. the outside world doesn’t exist”
“It doesn’t exists for me either.” He agrees.
“I love it like this, Arnav” she raises her head from his chest and looks at him. “You.. Me and our little world here” she adds.

He suddenly goes all quiet. She senses some pain enveloping him. He must be thinking about Daadi. She recollects she had scowled at Suman for being reckless and she had even held Daadi responsible for whatever happened to Arnav today. She is glad that it didn’t lead to another major accident but it was still bad.

“Thinking about Daadi?” she asks in a low voice.
He blinks his eyes.
“She must be feeling alone” he replies. “Whatever happened today, she must be blaming herself a bit. I don’t want to see her stressed about me again, Khushi. She is all I have who has been a mother figure to me so far.”

He is right. If Daadi hadn’t been a strong support for Arnav, he wouldn’t have survived all of this pain alone.

“You should go and see her tomorrow” she suggests.

Arnav meets her eyes and thinks for a moment.
“I think we both should see her tomorrow.” He replies.
Khushi swallows hard.
“We need her blessings too, she gives it or not. She is elder to us, we should try”

Khushi smiles weakly.

“That’s why I love you more” she exclaims. “You always think about others. You put forward other’s pain over yours. I haven’t seen many people doing that”

Arnav doesn’t respond to that. He just relaxes against her. Tension leaves his body slowly and they both finally doze back to sleep.

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

The next morning when Arnav comes down looking for his wife, he finds her in the Garden, watering the plants. He recollects she has taken gardening seriously ever since he had left to Paris, against her wishes. She is wearing a simple Salwar Kurta and no one would actually tell she is a new bride unless they see the dozens of bangles in both her hands, the dark Sindoor on her head and his all time favorite.. the Mangalsutra.
He clears his throat reaching there and hugs her from behind.

“I expected you to wake me up with bed tea” he mutters.
Khushi chuckles.
“Like a typical wife?” she asks continuing to water.
“Hmm.” He rubs his nose on her shoulder.
“When our love is so untypical, how can we act like typical married couples Darling?” she mocks.

Arnav rolls his eyes.
“You have got some sharp brain” he praises
“I am honored”
“Hungry?” he asks.
“Very. What about you?”
“Starving. You finish this, I will make something for us”
Khushi is highly surprised to hear that.
“You will make breakfast for us? On our first day after marriage?”

Arnav keeping stepping away from her, backwards, without losing her sight.

“Didn’t you just say … we are untypical?” he asks.
She giggles nodding her head in agreement. She passes him a flying kiss which he gestures catching and sticks it to his heart. Khushi keeps staring at him in awe as he heads inside the house.

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

Shantivan

Anjali just receives the call from Arnav and Khushi who tells her they are on their way to Shantivan for meeting Daadi. She gets excited but is equally unsure if this is a good idea. Ever since Daadi has returned from the temple and realized Arnav has married Khushi going against her wishes, she has become extremely quiet. She is behaving as if Arnav never existed in this house, in her life. She is normal to others and not removing any topic related to Arnav or his marriage.
“All set?” Shyam comes in the kitchen and asks Anjali if she is done here. He and Anjali had plans to visit Arnav and Khushi today and take them out for lunch. Also, they still have to decide when and how to make other’s know about their marriage. No one from the outsiders know about this secret marriage.
“Shyam, they are coming here” Anjali briefs him about the call she received.
“What? Here? But Daadi?”
“They are coming to take her blessings. I don’t think this is a good idea”
“I know. Let me call up Arnav and see if he can change his plans”

Shyam is about to dial Arnav when Hari Prakash comes inside and informs about Arnav and Khushi’s arrival. The couple rushes out. Khushi is wearing a Saree. She has a bright red Sindoor on her hair partition and a long Mangalsutra on her neck. They are holding hands.

“Where is Daadi?” Arnav asks his brother who has just come out.
“Upstairs. But Arnav.. I don’t think you both should meet her today. She needs time to accept this. I promise you me and Anjali will talk to her and try to get her insights”
“Bhai. I know you both will do this for us. But it’s necessary for me and Khushi to take her blessings once.”

Anjali acknowledges their need and gestures her husband to allow them do this. Shyam sighs.

“Fine, see what she says” Shyam moves away from the mand Anav and Khushi head straight to Daadi’s bedroom. She is sitting on her arm chair, rocking gently, lost in some deep thoughts. Anjali had told Khushi on the call today morning that Daadi is totally ignoring their topic in the house, behaving normal as if they both never existed for her. Khushi clutches Arnav’s arm. He soothes her to be normal and then both step inside Daadi’s room. The moment they step in, Daadi opens her eyes and looks at them. For a moment, she cannot take her eyes off her grandson. It feels like she has seen him after ages. She misses him. The compassion, love is back on her face but the moment she notices Khushi alongside, she masks anger again.

“Why are you both here?” she asks.
“To take your blessings Daadi” Arnav replies.
Daadi sighs sarcastically.

“I don’t think you both need that. You are capable of living your life together without anybody’s wishes. I don’t have anything to offer you both”

Arnav leaves Khushi’s hand and comes forward. Daadi knows she is melting down but she tries to show some powerful arrogance on her face. He kneels down at the arm chair.

“Please don’t do this, Daadi. I cannot imagine a day without your blessings on my head”
“That would never happen either” she admits. “Even if you break my heart Chotte, my blessings are always with you.”
Arnav smiles weakly.
“If that’s so, you cannot make me go away empty handed this time. Me and Khushi have entered a new phase of our lives and we are happy. But this happiness means nothing if you don’t be a part of it”
Daadi gulps her tears.
“I have nothing to give you both” she mutters.
Arnav sighs and looks at Khushi, gesturing her to come to him. She slowly walks to the arm chair and leans beside him. They both touch Daadi’s feet together. Daadi cannot control her tears. She waits desperately for them to withdraw their hand from her feet but when that doesn’t happen, she finally gives up and blesses Arnav.. just him!! Arnav raises his head and then holds Daadi’s hand and places it on Khushi’s head too. Daadi wants to object it but she cannot.

“All my happiness are sourced through her.. If you don’t bless her, its meaningless” he exclaims.
Daadi finally blesses Khushi too.

“Khush raho” (Stay happy) Daadi murmurs.

Khushi feels heavy hearted. She didn’t expect Daadi to actually bless her today. But since that has happened, she feels relieved. It might not have been necessary for her. But it was must for Arnav’s sake. For him, Daadi is vital part of his life.

“Stay here” Daadi commands and then gets up. She walks to the Closet and removes some box. Khushi and Arnav are both unaware what she is trying to do. She comes back to them and opens the box.

“These bangles belong to Arnav’s mother. It’s our tradition that every new Bride owns this. If Arnav’s mother would have been alive, she would have liked to give you this.”

Daadi keeps the box in Khushi’s hand. Khushi looks at Arnav in shock. He shakes his head to accept that thing.
“Thank you, Daadi” she softly murmurs.
Daadi takes a deep breath.
“Don’t think I am going to melt down. I still don’t approve you as my Grandson’s life partner. But as they say, we have to sometimes bend towards the wishes of our loved ones. So should I. Arnav was always very demanding. And I have fulfilled all his wishes happily. I tried to object it once this time and failed. Somehow, I guess I failed to change his fate. You were written to be his wife and you are now. Keep him happy. If anything goes wrong between you two, I will be the first person you will have to answer because you have hurt my Grandson enough. NO MORE!!”

That seems like a serious warning to Khushi but she knows its only for the well being of Arnav.

“Trust me” Khushi replies. “You and me are on the same page when it comes to Arnav’s feelings. I can never hurt him, not even in my dreams” she adds.
Daadi passes a weak smile and then looks at Arnav.
“My love for you is stronger than the hate I carry for her” Daadi exclaims looking at her grandson. “So, you can get her in this house and stay with us. I wont mind”
Arnav and Khushi are highly surprised that she offered them this. Khushi stares at Arnav to wait for him to respond. This has to be his decision now.

“No, Daadi. Until you accept her wholeheartedly, I won’t be getting Khushi in this house. I am very sure that day isn’t far.”

His reply shocks both the ladies. Daadi had expected him to agree but how can she forget? Arnav is her grandson and as stubborn as she is. He will get his wife with full dignity in this house and until that happens, he will keep her away. Fine!! If that’s what he wants, she will wait for her own mindset to change regarding their relationship. And by doing so, this newly married couple will get their own space for some time. She nods.

Arnav hugs Daadi for understanding him.
“You know you are always welcome in that house too” he says
She nods and hugs him tight.
Khushi watches the two with equal affection. She can understand how close they are to each other and a part of her heart says she should do something to get the two stay together forever. She will have to work on that. But even when that happens, will she be able to receive the same love and affection from Daadi for her? Maybe not!! But she doesn’t care. If Arnav receives it, she will automatically be satisfied. And as Anju says, the moment Daadi sees her Grandson’s child, she will forget all the bitterness between them and accept this relationship wholeheartedly. The mere idea of that happening tickles her stomach. She has to talk to Arnav about it and see if they can plan a baby soon or should wait for some time. She is happy for both choices.


To be Continued 

______________________________________________________________________

Part 70

Mohan is driving back Arnav and Khushi from Shantivan to their Bungalow. Khushi entwins her fingers with his. When he notices her face, he finds her staring at him with love and pride.

“What is Mrs. Raizada thinking about?” he asks raising their handhold and kissing the back of her palm.
“Every time I think I know you in and out, you show me a complete new side of yours” she replies.

Arnav is not very clear why she said that but he knows she will educate him.

“You had such a great opportunity to make me and Daadi stay under the same roof, so that you miss none of us. Daadi openly welcomed us in Shantivan and you disapproved.” She adds.

Arnav smiles.
“You heard my reasons too” he mutters. “I cannot compromise when it comes to your dignity. Accepting Daadi’s wish today would have given me what I want, but it would still be injustice on you. I want her to accept you with full heart and feelings, not just because you are my wife”

Khushi grins.
“I fall in love with you every time you say such cute things to me” she whispers.

Arnav strokes her cheeks with his thumb, gazing her like she is the most possessed thing of his life. They reach home in another few minutes of drive.

A huge bouquet is placed at the center table of the Living room.

“Who sent that?” Khushi picks the bouquet and reads the little note attached to it and smiles. “That’s from Suman. Her wishes on our wedding”

Arnav is surprised but he knows Suman is not a bad girl. It’s just that she didn’t love him to take into consideration the risks of winning him in her life. No one can love her more than Khushi does. This woman has not just welcomed his positive side, but also accepted every flaw he carries.

His phone rings.
“It’s Aman” he mouths looking at Khushi and picks the call. “Yea Aman”

Aman says something to him which gets another contended smile on his face. He hangs up in few minutes.
“What did Aman say?” Khushi asks keeping the bouquet aside.

Arnav picks the remote control of the TV and switches it On. The news of their marriage is all over the channel.

“Oh my God” Khushi places her palm over her mouth in surprise.
“I had told Aman to get this news publicized. Everyone should know you are taken” he slides his arm around her waist, drawing her closer.

Khushi is very thrilled to see her photo on the Television. This is so new for her. She is just a normal person and seeing her photo flashing like that on the channel seems weird. But she knows its unavoidable. She is also wife of this business tycoon now.

“You are famous now” Arnav whispers at her as she keeps staring nervously at the Television. Whilst some channels play the happy news of their wedding, few reporters have dug a bit of their pasts too and very much shocked about this relationship. How can a woman marry her father’s murderer? This line is displayed on one of the Channel with a debate happening between the anchors. Few of them are supporting this new angle naming it Love as it can happen to anyone whilst few others are taking this as Khushi’s strategy to become rich.

Khushi shuts the Television.

“What rubbish” she snarls. “They don’t know anything. How can they make an issue of someone’s personal choices?”
“That’s what they are paid for. We don’t have to bother about them” he replies.

Khushi’s mood is off. Arnav senses that. He had expected her to get excited seeing their wedding news flashing everywhere but he should have measured such negative implications as well.

“Arnav” Khushi’s eyes are back on him.
“Hmm” he starts playing with her hair strand.
“I think people should know.”
“What?”
“The truth behind my father’s death” she mutters. “I cannot see them pointing you for something you were not fully responsible for”

Arnav freezes.

“They should know about the Suicide note.”
“Khushi” he tries to say something but she interrupts him again.
“I know it won’t be making any good now because you have already undergone the punishment, but it will still keep their mouths shut.”
“It wont shut their mouths. It will give them another topic to gossip about. Whatever dirt they were throwing upon me, now they will throw it on you because your father plotted all this and I got trapped in it”
“That’s fine with me”
“Not with me” he snaps. His voice roughens. “I cannot hear a word against you. It hurts me. Do you want me hurt, Khushi?”

Khushi gulps and cups his cheeks. She is really so lucky to have a man like him in her life whose primary concern is to see her out of problems.

“Why do you love me so much?” she murmurs, pressing their foreheads together.
“You are worth loving” he whispers.

Khushi pulls her head back and grins.
“No.. I need a full summary.. Not a brief statement like this. Why do you love me so much? What do you see in me?”

Arnav rolls his eyes.
“WOMEN!!” he curses. “Always craving for appreciations. All of you” he mocks.

Khushi giggles and crosses her arms at her front.
“I am waiting, Arnav.. Open your mouth and speak up”
Arnav sighs.
“Okay.. Let me try”
He thinks for a second and starts responding.
“You are bright and brilliant woman.. with powerful thoughts.. pure heart.. you know to fight for your rights which makes you witty at times”
Khushi pouts but keeps listening.
“You are caring.. you might have no close friends but you really care for the ones who are close to you.” Khushi blinks. “You are strong.. self-contained, you accept your mistakes” he comes closer. “You are exceptionally beautiful..” he lingers his finger on her face.. “and the most important one.. you make my heart flutter every single time I think about you. Doesn’t matter if we next to each other or far off, you still control every string of my heart.”

Khushi, who had shut her eyes momentarily when his finger started lingering on her face, now opens them and watches him with pure passion. He feels the same in a second and carries her in arms, all the way back to their room.

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

It’s late evening when Shyam and Anjali come to meet them and discuss about their wedding reception. After much inputs, they decide to arrange it on the coming weekend so that they get enough time to make the arrangements.

“Daadi will have her own invite list” Shyam says. “Ever since you both took her blessings today and left, she is back to normal again. When Anjali happened to ask her if she would like to invite her friends for the reception, she didn’t deny”

Arnav is happy to hear the progress. Khushi admires the bangles in her hands which Daadi gave her today morning. She is still surprised that Daadi showed this curtesy to follow their tradition.

“What are you plans after reception? Are you taking Khushi out for honeymoon?” Shyam asks Arnav.
“I am thinking on those lines” he replies looking straight at his wife who has a flushed expression on her face.
“Where?” Anjali interrupts. “Khushi give him your options because these Raizada men have no idea how to impress their wives with locations. Remember where Shyam took me?”

Khushi giggles. Yes, she remembers Shyam had taken Anjali to a very holy place rather than a romantic one.

“Okay.. I wanted to take the blessings of the almighty there.. I thought our first trip out as a couple must be unique” Shyam defends.
Anjali pats his arm and laughs.
“Come on Shyam.. You were too shy to even spell Honeymoon..”

Arnav smirks looking at his brother. He knows how innocent his elder brother can get at times.

“Can we talk about the recently married couple now?” Shyam tries to cut this conversation. Anjali nods, holding her laughter.
“I will take Khushi to Paris” Arnav suddenly declares. “Unless she has some other country in her mind”

Khushi shakes her head.
“Wherever you want me to come.. I will.. I don’t care if it is just next to our home. You are my world.. Arnav. I have seen it all ever since you have come in my life”

The other three stare at Khushi bewildered. She is speaking like utterly romantic person, confessing her feelings so openly was never her forte. Arnav smiles weakly and kisses her forehead.

“Paris then” he murmurs and she simply nods.

Shyam and Anjali watch them overwhelmed.

“We need to take some lessons from them Anju, what do you think?” Shyam speaks.
“Totally agree.” She adds.

Khushi and Arnav glance at the other couple as they get up to leave.

“Okay.. We will see you both tomorrow again”
“Not in the morning, Anju” Khushi replies.
“Why?” Arnav asks. He wants to know what she has planned for them in the morning.
“We have plans” she replies grinning at her husband who is clueless, hoping it would be worth it if she has made it.

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

Next Morning


The attacker tries to choke Arnav’s neck. Arnav grips his arm and uses all his strength to push it away from his neck. The man stumbles behind and Arnav instantly turns to punch him. He hits the attacker’s nose and the man falls down, giving up the fight.

Khushi has been watching Arnav fight for the first time. This was her idea to get Arnav continue his Krav Maga sessions which he left half in Paris only to return back to her. This little self-defense techniques and training will help him become more confident and will ease off his phobia too. She couldn’t take the risk of leaving it incomplete. That’s why she enrolled his name in the best training center of the city and booked weekly slots for practicing taking into considerations his Work schedule.

“That’s it” the instructor shouts seeing Arnav giving an upper hand to the fake attacker. “Wonderful ASR. You already seem to have learnt good techniques. It wont take time for you to complete all of the sessions then”

Arnav nods and pulls a Towel to wipe the sweat off his body.

“See you next week then” the instructor shakes hands with Arnav and leaves. Khushi rushes to Arnav.
“That was a good fight” she says with excitement.
“This was not in mind when you asked Shyam and Anjali to see us in the evening and not morning” he snaps.

Khushi giggles. Obviously, he wouldn’t even dream she enrolling him into something like this. But this was necessary. The last night when she tried to touch him without his notice, she literally could see that fear again on his face and he even acted differently for a while until he could open his eyes and realize it was his wife touching him, and no one else. This fear will ease up only with time, her love and such training sessions. She just wants to do everything in her ability to make him normal.

“What did you have in mind then?” she asks wrapping her arms around his neck.

Arnav’s anger mellows down.

“Making love” he whispers, none of them bothered of the other people practicing the fight surrounding them.

Khushi grins and glances at her watch.

“We still have 4 hours and 25 minutes for them to come home” she slowly interjects.
“Then we should hurry” Saying that he drags her out while she keeps giggling following him.

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

The wedding reception happens just as planned. Simple and with limited guests. Khushi faces the cameras for the first time with her husband. They are glad that none of the reporters ask them about the past. Daadi introduces her guests to Khushi, showing the same warmth which she would have demonstrated had Khushi been her choice too and not just Arnav’s. Shyam and Anjali steal the show by singing a special song for the newly wed couple. That comes as a total surprise for the two but they like it very much.

Two days after the reception, when Khushi wakes up she finds Arnav asking her to get ready as he wants to take her somewhere. She tries to get the details but he keeps it a total secret. She showers and gets ready to leave with him. Mohan, who is obviously aware of the place, stops the car at a temple. Khushi wonders why he got her here.

“Temple?” she asks looking surprisingly at her husband.

Arnav nods and opens the car door for her to get down. They climb the stairs of the temple. She has not really been religious or even offered much prayers to God ever since her father died. She knows Arnav is aware of it too then why has he got her here today?

“Arnav… what is all this?” she again asks.

Arnav stops.
“Every year on this day your father used to offer prayers and some basic food to the poor people in this temple. It’s your mother’s death anniversary today”

Khushi’s heart beats frantically. She didn’t know this date!! She has never seen her mother. Her father has been her everything. And when he died, she always mourned for him, never for her mother. She didn’t even have any contacts who can tell her when her mother’s death anniversary is.

“How.. how did you find it out?” she asks in a teary voice.
“Your father’s friend, Veeru Kaka told me this during our wedding reception”

Khushi sighs. Yes, Veeru Kaka had come with his wife on their wedding reception and she is glad that Arnav could get these details for her, which she never thought they knew.

“I have arranged for the food and basic clothing for the poor people here. You need to offer them. Come”

He takes her to the backside of the temple where the poor people are waiting in a queue to be served. Khushi offers prayers first with Arnav in the temple and then distributes food and clothes. The poor people bless them both and walk away, thanking for this gift. Once all this is done, Khushi returns back to her husband who has been talking to Aman who arranged everything here. Aman smiles at her and leaves. She hugs Arnav instantly and weeps.

“Thank you” she whimpers

Arnav completes their hug.
“Did I thank you for every little effort you have put to make me normal again?” he asks.

Khushi raises her head and meets his gaze.
“We are one, Khushi.. Maybe two different identities but we are still one soul!! And we will always stay like this” he adds.

Khushi nods gulping the lump of tears from her throat. He kisses her forehead and then drag her back to the car. They have to pack stuff to fly for Paris tomorrow.


To be Continued



__________________________________________________________________________


Part 71


Paris 


“This is our house” Arnav Singh Raizada says standing in the middle of the spacious living room with Khushi. They both have just reached Paris after a long flight.

Khushi admires the house with a satisfying look.

“Hmm.. so this is where you stayed last time?”
“And the last .. and the last too” he replies. “It’s like I have stayed here forever.. All my growing years”

Khushi shakes her head. She knows Arnav resided here, away from Shantivan, his own family, when he had no guts to face her. The house is spacious yet cozy enough for any couple to spend quality time together.

“It’s beautiful” she adds.
“Not more than you” he says cupping her face and kissing her hard.

When they pull back, Khushi notices a Guitar at the corner of the room. That reminds her Arnav can play a Guitar too. He has played it in Shantivan as well and whenever he did that, she had shut her room door, her ears and her heart because she hated him then. But now, he is all she loves.  That’s such a huge change which happened in her life in such a small span. She touches the Guitar, with a hope to hear him playing it again, soon. Arnav reaches her and hugs her from behind.

“The bedroom is upstairs” he whispers and the next moment she finds him carrying her in arms and climbing the stairs.

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

They stand before the Eiffel Tower. Khushi watches it with great admiration.

“It’s Magnificent” she murmurs.

He keeps clicking her pictures and when she realizes this, she draws him close and takes few selfies. She checks the photos on the Camera and laughs.
“Give some expressions Mr. Raizada” she mutters and once again tries to click few pictures.
“You want expressions? I am expressive only when I get romantic”
He kisses her cheek and she clicks the picture at the exact same time, giggling.

The next two days Arnav shows her every nook and corner of Paris. They dine finesse cuisine at the best luxury restaurants and taste the local food on the busy streets as well. They watch Opera, some museums and great monuments. Khushi is extremely happy to see such a fascinating and lively place.

“You showed me a whole new world” she mutters, flushing.
“Stop flattering me Mrs. Raizada”
“This has become spiky” she says rubbing her palm over his rough stubble.
“You don’t like it spiky?”
“I do” she blushes again. “But it pricks” she pouts.

Arnav smirks at her diplomatic reply.

“Consider it gone” he says with a flashing smile. He drags her back to their Car to get home.

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

Khushi wakes up next morning, only to find him missing on the bed.

“Arnav” she screams lazily. “Come back” she tosses on the other side with a hope that he returns to her. But when he doesn’t, she finally gets up and wears her slippers. She should find him. She comes out of their room and she hears the light music of the guitar. It’s soft but a very pleasant note. She walks in the direction of the music and reaches the living room where he is sitting comfortably on the recliner and playing the Guitar. She never got this opportunity before to see him playing music. His eyes are open and he is not at all trying hard to concentrate. He is perfectly in sync with whatever note he is playing. She stops at the door, leaning against the wall, admiring this uniqueness in her husband. Something awakens inside her and after that she cannot stop her footsteps to him. She reaches him and gives him a bear hug from behind, kissing his jaw once. He stops playing.

“You play stunning” she whispers.

Arnav grins holding the guitar.

“I thought you hate when I play”
Khushi frowns.
“I pretended to hate it”
He nods and pulls her front. He makes her sit before him so that her back hits his chest and then places the Guitar on her lap.

“Want to learn?” he asks.
Khushi is overwhelmed. She nods. Arnav holds her hand and makes her play the guitar, a tune which is much soothing, romantic and tantalizing. None of the two realize when this little tutoring got passionate and they headed back to their room.

When Khushi wakes up again late morning, she hears Arnav talking over the phone. It has to be Aman. If there is one man whom she can be jealous of, he is Aman Mathur. Because he gets to hear Arnav’s voice more than anyone else, he gets to be with him more than anyone else. And this tradition didn’t break even in Paris. Arnav is always available to talk and have video conference with him every day, though it’s just to discuss work.!!

She rubs her eyes and gets down the bed. They have been seriously enjoying their time alone here but she misses Shyam and Anju and she is very sure Arnav misses them too and most importantly he must be missing Daadi. But such moments don’t come forever in a couple’s life. That’s why the honeymoon period is termed as golden and now she knows why. Another 4 days and they will be off to Delhi. After that, she is going to miss this period. Very much.

She tip toes to the bathroom and enters inside. He is standing before the huge mirror inside, probably to shave his beard but this call might have interrupted him. She doesn’t want to eaves drop but by his tone and expressions she realizes it’s not Aman this time. It’s Daadi. She called? Wow!! Arnav sees her from the mirror and gestures her to get inside. She walks to him and sits on the marble slab before the mirror, facing him, tucking him in between her legs. He keeps admiring her, but his ears are only for Daadi.

“In 4 days, we are starting back” he informs her.

Khushi sighs and picks the Razor in between his fingers. He raises his brow and nods in dismissal. Does he think she cannot shave his beard without hurting him? She pouts, pleading from her eyes to let her do this. He is still thinking, but soon shakes his head. With a relieved sigh, she picks the razor again and slowly starts to shave his beard. She has never done this before. It’s like an art. She needs to concentrate to ensure she doesn’t bruise him. At first her fingers shiver but she picks it up in few minutes. Arnav keeps talking, asking Daadi if she is taking her medicines on time, her Satsang schedule, her next doctor’s appointment, etc. Khushi really wonders how can a man be so perfectionist in maintain each and every relationship he is tied into? He finishes the talk and soon disconnects the call, keeping the phone aside.

“How’s it?” Khushi asks, half done.

He looks at himself in the mirror and touches his jaw
“You have skills, Khushi Singh Raizada” he replies.

His reply invokes more confidence within her and she once again gets back to work.

“You were snoring” he says in the middle of her artwork.
“I was tired” she mutters.
“Why is that so?” he mocks. “I don’t see you doing anything so physical which can make you tired”

Khushi’s face flushes. She gives him a warning stare.

“Don’t instigate me to cut your skin” she threatens him.
Arnav chuckles.
“Alright.. Please continue”

She finishes shaving his beard, he wipes his face with a towel and admires her hand work.

“Mind-blowing. You get the job” he mutters. “You have to do this for the rest of my life”
Khushi keeps her finger on his lips.
“Our life”
Arnav smiles.
“Yes.. Our life”
She embraces him and then heads out, pushing him for Shower. Meanwhile she decides to keep his clothes ready. He never lets her do such basic things for him. He is a self-sufficient man. But today, she will surprise him. She opens his closet and starts fetching a decent T-Shirt and Pant for him to wear. That’s exactly when a Diary falls down. She leans and picks it up.

“What is this?” she murmurs to herself and opens the diary. It’s Arnav’s handwriting inside and he has written a bunch of Shayaris. He can write? Wow!! She stops doing her work, takes the diary on the bed, and starts reading.

‘Jism ke nishaan aksar dikh jaate hai, 
Yeh rooh ke zakham dikhau kaise?
Ek dastan thi uske hone mein, ek pal main usse bataun kaise?’

(It’s easy to spot the wounds on your body, 
The bruises on your soul are invisible. 
Her existence in my life seems a lifetime.. not something which can be told in few moments)


Khushi gets emotional when she recollects that day when he was been sentenced for 2-year child remand and she had hit his forehead with a Stone outside the court premises. That mark is still there above his eyebrow. Maybe this loneliness, this sudden guilt in his heart which aroused for her then slowly invoked in writing out what he felt. The initial ones were too painful which she just kept flipping until. After reading a few others, she finally gets her eye on the best one which depicted his growing feelings for her. She checks the date and it is somewhere after they came face to face again after 11 long years.


‘Main hoon bhi aur nahi bhi uske bina
Kabhi lagta hai kismat hai meri, kabhi lagta hai aakhri dua!!
Koi aake yeh paheli suljhaaye, 
Mujhko aake bus itna bataye, Ke Iss pyar ko kya naam doon?’

(I exist and I don’t without her,
I feel she is my fate, my last wish from God. 
Can someone please enlighten me.. what should I name this love?)

She is about to flip the page again when Arnav reaches her and snatches the diary.

“What the!!” she snaps. “Arnav..you write so well”
“You shouldn’t have read it” he shouts.
“Why?” she scowls.

He gets back to the closet and locks the diary inside.

“Arnav.. why can’t I read it? They are such beautiful words.. And painful.”
Arnav swallows hard.
“That’s why!! I don’t like to show my pain. It’s only for me” he replies.
“All that’s yours.. is mine now. Your name. your pain.. everything Arnav. I want you to share it with me and not hide like this”

Arnav rolls his eyes and the comes forward.

“Ever since you have accepted my love, I don’t feel pain any longer. Whatever I have written here is just before that”

Khushi smiles and cups his face.
“But its beautiful. I got to know this new skill of yours and I am so proud of you baby” she kisses his nose.
Arnav shuts his eyes briefly.
“You really didn’t write anything after we started seeing each other?” she pokes him again.
He opens his eyes and smirks.
“Once, after I came to Paris again”

She nods.
“What did you write?”
Arnav shakes his head in dismissal
“Arnav.. please.. I want to hear it . .not read it anymore. Please” she requests.

Arnav takes a deep breath and then finally utters those lines which were his last quotes in that dairy so far.


‘Teri aakhon mein jab dekhta hoon khwaab iss kadar 
Toh yeh haqueeqat ki duniya kuch anjaani si lagti hai
Tu door hai mujhse phir bhi pass hai mere, 
Tere hone mein kuch kahani si lagti hai’ 

(Whenever I see those dreams in your eyes
The real world seems delusional
You are away from me, yet you feel so close
Your presence in my life seems so much like a Story in itself)

Khushi claps. Her heart is filled with so much of emotions right now.

“Brilliant” she says clapping again. “I didn’t know you love me so much”
“There’s no limit of how much I love you.. It’s limitless. And it will stay like that forever” he replies touching her nose with his.

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

The honeymoon comes to an end in the next 4 days and Arnav-Khushi return back to India. It’s been a week now. Khushi takes the initiative to meet Dr. Akshay again and get a counselling session for Arnav, this time they take a joint session. Arnav sounds more confident now in terms of his phobia. The Krav Maga self defense training has helped him ease the phobia to a great extent. Khushi is happy to see these results and she knows that day isn’t far when he will be perfectly normal.

It is one such bright day when she is home, waiting for Arnav to arrive. His meeting extended and hence the delay in his return. She is just checking their honeymoon photo album when the bell rings. She opens the door thinking it’s Arnav. But to her surprise, he is not. It’s his Daadi.

“Daadi?” she steps back nervously.

Daadi maintains that grim look on her face.
“Is Chotte home?” she asks
“No.. Not yet.. But he will come back anytime.”

Daadi nods and gets in.
“I am not here to meet him today” she replies.

Khushi freezes.
“I… I didn’t get you”
“I came to talk to you Khushi”
Khushi feels her body tensing up. Is this a bad news or good? Is Daadi here to throw another challenge at her?
“Me? What?”
“Will you ask everything here or call me in?”
“Oh.. Sorry. Please come in”

She takes Daadi inside. They get seated in the living room. She serves Daadi some water and asks the maid to make some tea.

“Sit here” Daadi demands her to sit next to her on the couch. Khushi gets more restless though she obeys her orders. “I have heard from Shyam that Chotte is no longer taking any medicines for his phobias” she asks.
Khushi nods.
“Yes, that’s because he is improving”
“I know” Daadi mutters. “I have been keeping a close eye on Chotte’s routine and also his visits to the Psychologist and the self-defense training. I have seen his reports too. He seems to be normal than before. And all of this has happened because of you”

Khushi gulps. Did she really acclaim her?

“Daadi.. I didn’t do anything”
Daadi gestures her to stop interrupting in between.
“You were and will always be the right woman for him. All this would have been impossible if you had not taken initiatives to make his life better. I needed time to judge you and after all these days I have had my final judgment.”

Khushi’s heart flutters.

“I don’t want anything else if Chotte is happy and you keep him happy both emotionally and from his physical issues. You might be guilty for what your father did with us, but I see all this above the guilt level. It’s your love for him which has subsided all other feelings and emotions you both had in between.”

Khushi has no clue where this conversation is leading. Daadi smiles and presses Khushi’s hand with assurance.

“I accept you wholeheartedly in Chotte’s life and our family. I am here to take you both to Shantivan, with full dignity as Chotte wanted”

Khushi is elated with the changes happening. Tears brim in her eyes and she leans down to take Daadi’s blessings again. This time Daadi blesses her and then kisses her forehead. Arnav witnesses this entire scene after reaching back home, almost the same time as Daadi began this conversation. Khushi gets up seeing him back.

“Arnav… you heard?” she joyously asks.
He nods and the next instant he strides to his Daadi and hugs her tight
“I knew you will change your thoughts about Khushi” he whispers.
Daadi smiles and pats his back.
“Go and pack your stuff. We are going home”
“We can always pack later. Getting home where the family is, is more important” he replies.
“Sounds like a good plan to me.” Daadi agrees and holds his hand and then Khushi’s to take them back .. this time forever!!

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

It seems like a dream come true for Khushi. Two months have passed since they have started staying in Shantivan and things have taken a pleasant turn. After her request that she wants him to see driving again, he has taken up that request seriously and is even working on it. He is driving again.. though not very confidently yet… but he is trying and he is very specific about the speed limit too. That gives her a hope that someday he will drive without any fear in his heart.

Anjali gave her pregnancy news and the whole family cannot wait to get a new member in this house. Ever since then, Daadi is waiting for Khushi to give such news but Arnav is still reluctant to have a baby. He is not ready to share her yet and its understood. She wont hurry either. She wants to give him all of her .. what he deserves, before they take up an additional responsibility.

She turns around and watches her husband sleeping peacefully. He looks no less than a Greek God… so handsome.. so irresistible. She lingers her finger on his face and then a bit lower, on his neck, leading straight to his chest. He takes a deep breath and shifts but doesn’t fear like the previous time. He is changing.. for good. He is becoming fearless again.. Like he was when he was a teen. She smiles at this improvement of her husband until he snuggles her and puts her to sleep. Love can do magic. The man who had no hopes of getting love from her because of his past mistake, is now being loved unconditionally by the same woman. If this isn’t a miracle.. what else it is?


THE END


Credit to #IPKKNDREWIND promos for all the Shayaris mentioned in this update!! 



Thank you guys for being with me in this journey of Rabba.. Ishq Naa Hove – Season 2. This is my Favorite Arnav so far after Imposed Vows Season 1. And I really wish such strong lovers exists in the world to make people believe in love.