Teri Ore

Prologue

The park was full of kids, all age, but her eyes stuck on the ones with age group 3 - 4. The kids were accompanied by their parents mostly. A sudden void filled her heart when she saw a woman kissing her daughter's cheek lovingly and then placing her on the slide. Tears pooled in her eyes witnessing that scene. Every child deserved this kind of attention from their parents. Every parent’s deserved kids who would shower so much of love on them. She shut her eyes trying to wipe off that bitter memories which life had given her 3 and half years ago, when her phone buzzed aloud. Wiping her tears, she answered the phone call.

"Yes Akash"
"Khushi, he is over drunk again"

She sighed in frustration. This nature of her father had almost panicked her from years. Whenever he is overdrunk he definitely creates a scene, grabbing the attention of media. Was it not enough that their Business was already toggling, that her father was adding up more to her misery. She got up from the Bench and strode out of the park, towards her Car.

"I am coming Akash. Just get him back home, please"
"Don’t worry, fortunately I accompanied him to the Party. I won’t allow him to talk bulshit again. I will get him home" he assured.
"Thanks Akash"

Disconnecting the call, she wore her glares and started the car engine to drive out.





Somewhere in the Same City

Arnav Singh Raizada was sleeping only on his Shorts, in all his glory, dreaming the ups and downs of the latest Profits which his Company made in the past 5 years, when some fresh and fruity smell filled in his nostrils. In the next few seconds, he could feel two wet palms over his chest, which soon started feeling heavier as the girl's whole body sat on his chest, riding on him like he was a horse. A wide grin appeared on his face as he opened only one eye to see the sight of his baby girl, trying to wake him up. He clutched her shoulders and pulled her closer, placing a peck on her chubby cheeks. Giggles turned into laughter as he tickled her stomach.

"Morning beautiful"
"mor..nin.. Paapa" the 3 and half year-old girl replied in her sweet accent.
He sat on the bed, taking her on his lap, trying to untangle her hair curls.
"Paapa??"
"hmm"
"What is mumma?" she innocently asked.

His heart beat skipped. His fingers stopped untangling her hair curls. An unknown rage surfaced on his face mostly in his eyes.

"Who... who taught you that word?"
"Misss Dshouuuzzza.. She say.. evely baby has a paapa and mumma.."

He had always been confident that he could alone suffice all of Aashi's needs, but he could not save her from the social dogma. The baby pulled his chin with her little fingers so that he looks in her eyes and replies.

"Whel ish my mumma?"
Even though it was a very tricky question to answer, he handled it in his own way.
"Aashi... Not every baby has a mumma..You dont have a mumma.." (he kissed Aashi on her nose)

When he saw her face turning pale, he picked her in arms and swinged her in the air once. She giggled.

"Isnt Paapa enough for Aashi?"

He did that swinging again making her laugh even more.

"yesh.. paapa enough.." she replied in a sweet tone, earning a hug from him.

He took her out of the room. For now he had resolved the matter, but it wont take long for his daughter to demand a proper answer from him. It would be the most difficult day of his life.

888

Gupta House

"Leave me" the man yelled in anger, his body was still unable to balance on its own. Akash Gupta was holding his Uncle, Shashi Gupta's arm to ensure he doesnt fall.

"Uncle.. You are heavily drunk. Let me drop you till the room" he sincerely requested.
"I am drunk ? I am drunk?" Shashi Gupta laughed heartily, making fun of his own state.

Khushi Gupta, his only daughter, who had arrived home, just few minutes back, came forward.

"Yes Dad.. You are drunk.. But that is nothing new right.?" her tone reflected her anger.
"Who is this girl?" Shashi pointed at her, asking Akash.
"Uncle.. She is Khushi.. your daughter"
"Daughter?? my Daughter" he laughed again heartily.

Akash and Khushi gave a cold glance to him and then continued their efforts in taking him upstairs. Once they placed him down on bed, Akash pulled the Duvet over him whereas Khushi turned the lights Off. They both shut the room door and came out.

"What exactly happened at the Party that made him drink so much?"
Akash tried to dismiss that question from his cousin.
"He doesnt need an excuse for drinking, Khushi"
"Come on Akash, I am not a fool. I can read your face. What are you hiding from me?"

Akash knew his cousin was not going to sit in peace until she gets all her queries answered.

"The Business Khushi, you know how we are losing clients rapidly. We are facing the same situation which we did almost 4 years back. We are already bearing heavy losses. One of his old competitor just reminded him how unsuccessful businessman he is and that provoked him in drinking above limits"

Khushi sighed in disappointment.

"How am I supposed to handle this man? He is going mad at everyone even when he is in his fully conscious state" she added in disgust.

Akash placed his palm over Khushi's hand, pressing it gently.

"Dont you worry Khushi. I am there to tackle all this. I will not let the Business turn into ashes. Trust me"

She had full faith in him. She nodded pretending to be calm. 4 years ago, they had faced a similar situation and she had to pay a huge price to get her business stable. What else was fate going to demand from her, this time?

__________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 1




We Gupta's have been in the Shipping Business from past few decades. Import/Export had been a very traditional business of our family which my Grandfather, Suyash Gupta, had started. Taking his vision, my father, Shashi Gupta, continued running this business, making it reach new heights of success. But unfortunately, Business is not always about Profits. You sometimes need to incur heavy losses. And we faced this situation 5 years ago. Dad's one wrong decision and we ended up selling most of our properties. But even that didn’t suffice. Let's not get into the details of it, right now. But making few huge sacrifices, we still managed to hold the reins of the Company again, battled for another 2 years to make it little stable, though not like earlier and we were just hoping things would be fine here on, that the new issues mounted. Our Company Share price degraded, our clients started moving out, we are once again at the same position, we were 5 years ago. And to top over it, we don’t even have any properties left to sacrifice. I am in the elevator with my cousin Akash Gupta. We have a meeting with the Bankers in few minutes. LOAN is the only option we are hoping to get, in this situation.

Akash gripped my shoulder's gently.

"Are you nervous?"
"Got to be. I am not very comfortable discussing our financial situation with the Bankers" I replied curtly.
"You will be good, Khushi. They are here to help us"

I passed a sarcastic smile, stiffening.

"The amount is huge Akash. No bank can invest it in a Business which is already crumpling"
"We are here to try, don’t lose hope" Akash assured Khushi.

I nod and then looking at each other for one last time, we walk inside with full confidence on our faces. Somehow, we got to win this conversation. We are in desperate need of money to save our Business.

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

"Daayi Maa.. Daayi Maa" Arnav called out for Devyaniji, a 60-year-old lady, who was the caretaker of this house. She had extended her service beyond a caretaker after the birth of Aashi and had given all her love to nurture this motherless child. Arnav Singh Raizada called her Daayi Maa and she was the only one he trusted upon with respect to his daughter, Aashi.

Daayi Maa came out with a bowl of Cereals and Milk for Arnav and paratha and milk for Aashi.

Aashi had fisted the spoon which she was banging on the table due to her hunger.

"There comes daayi Maa.. " Arnav happily acknowledged and tied a small bib on Aashi's neck so that she doesnt spoil her dress while eating the food.
"Aashi wants choco milk sake" Aashi demanded making annoying face seeing the glass of milk in Daayi Maa's hand.
"Aashi.. Good girls drink milk in the morning. Choco milkshake at the evening, okay? " Arnav tried to convince her but she kept denying him, by screaming out again for choco milkshake.

"Alright. Alright. Stop.. "

He asked Daayi Maa to make her chocolate milkshake. She readily left to the kitchen. Meanwhile he slowly started feeding the Paratha to Aashi. His phone started buzzing as usual. Mornings had always been busy. It was Aman Mathur, his best friend cum business Partner. Arnav answered the call over his Bluetooth.

"Aman, I am aware of the schedule. Will be there on time"

"Aman chachu.. ? (Arnav noded at her) Aashi wants to talk to Aman chachu" she tried to take out his Bluetooth set but Arnav's one look at her made her stop the actions.
Arnav disconnected the call.
"Aashi.. Aman chachu is at Office. He has lots of homework to do. So, we should not trouble him"
"Ohhhkkkkkk" she stressed the word and continued making pieces of the paratha with her little fingers.

Daayi Maa came out with her Chocolate milkshake and fed it to Aashi. She drank it fully and then Arnav wiped her lips with the napkin.

"Paapa is going to office. where is Paapa's kissi?"

She readily got up and stood on the chair, Arnav had to still bend to save her efforts for reaching his height. She kissed his cheek and he kissed her other cheek in the next second.

"Bye Paapa..."
"Bye Sweetheart"

He instructed Daayi Maa to drop Aashi to the Nursery School. It was her daily duty. Before he could leave for his car, Daayi Maa stopped him for a special message.

"Arnav, one more thing" she said in a gentle voice.
"Boliye (Tell me)" he kept the bags at the backseat of his car and waited for the woman to talk.
"Aashi was asking the meaning of Mumma yesterday. I.. I didn’t tell her" her voice turned weak.

Yes. That was a big deal right now, even for Arnav Singh Raizada.

"She asked me the same today morning. I have explained her. She won’t ask it again" the confidence in his explanation to Aashi, kind of confused Daayi Maa but she didn’t react over it. Arnav then headed for the Office for starting his Business routine.

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

AR Software was one of the top 10 IT companies in the Country. Arnav was the successor of this Business after his Father's death few years ago. Initially the board members were reluctant he will raise the name of the Company, considering he was very new and hardly had any experience, especially because even his father was no longer alive to guide him. It took Arnav Singh Raizada almost 5 years to build that trust and confidence for the Board members in him. The Company had bagged some top clients and was even expanding in 4 other countries. After so much of hard work and dedication, Arnav Singh Raizada was now the most talked entrepreneur cum celebrity.

He strode in his Office building talking to his secretary, Sheetal Goel, asking her to prepare the Audit report and get the details of their next Bid, in his cabin. Sheetal was his Personal secretary, almost stuck to him in every meeting he attended, every conference he conducted and every country / city he visited. Sheetal was working for him from past 4 years and she was the only woman who had managed to learn at least 50% of what he may need and when.

Sheetal knocked his cabin and entered inside. She was wearing a White Shirt nicely tucked in a Black formal skirt. In one hand she was holding few files which needed Arnav's attention and her other hand was busy holding the Coffee Mug. She placed the coffee on the table and then put the files down. Arnav sipped the coffee, this was just what he needed right now to start his day.

"These are the few companies which have participated in the tender for the SAP Project" Sheetal forwarded the list to him.
Arnav looked at the sheet carefully. Some of the best companies had bided.
"When is the last date of the bid?"
"Tomorrow. We are still waiting for your figures"
"Me and Aman will quote it by today and ensure no one else but you submit the Bid from our end. I don’t want to trust anyone else at this point of time"
"Okay" she smiled politely.

Arnav continued checking his emails. That means she had to leave, though she hardly wished this.

"How is Aashi?" she asked hoping to get some insight of his personal life Arnav had always maintained short and crisp replies before everyone, be it his family, friends or Media, when asked about Aashi.
"Good" he replied without breaking his gaze on the laptop.

Sheetal didn’t coax him further. Even after working for 4 years for this man, she felt she hardly knew him. It was not that he didn’t show interest in women. But he never crossed the boundary of their professionalism. He was very secretive personality and a very hard to crack nut. As she was leaving, Aman Mathur, her second Boss, got inside the cabin. She wished him too and then left hurriedly.

"You never fail to bewitch women, do you?" Aman asked in his usual loud style.
"Whom did I hurt today?" Arnav asks with sarcasm.
"Sheetal. Man, she is so much into you. Always hungry for one look of yours. But you always fail in responding" Aman declared without any guilt.
"She works here, Aman. And I am not looking for any kind of hookups right now" he replies softly.

Aman shrugged his shoulders as Arnav rubbed his palms, getting up from his chair, all set to leave for the meeting.

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

My meeting doesn’t go as expected. I had at least a slight hope that the Bankers might reconsider about the Business Loan, but me and Akash fail to convince them. This is worse. Very worse. I head straight to my bedroom, locking the door behind me. I don’t want to be disturbed by anyone. Akash had not given up yet, he had plans to talk with few other Bankers and see if they can help us. I feel lost. This feeling is not new. I have been through this, even before. The mere thought of those days makes my stomach churn. No. I can’t let the past swallow my present and future. My phone buzzes and it's some unknown number. I answer the call almost immediately.

"Hello"
"Is this Khushi Gupta?"
"Yes. Speaking. Who is this?" I ask with concern.
"Ma'am I am calling from 'The Bay Pub'. Your father is here and he is over drunk. Can you please send someone to pick him from here? The bill also needs to be settled"

She felt ashamed of her father's condition. What was wrong with that man? Why was he doing this?

"I will be there. Thanks" I disconnect the call and dial Akash. Unfortunately, Akash's had kept his phone on Voice mail. I drop him a message about this and quickly drive to the said Pub.

I dont give a damn to the speed limit. Right now, getting my father out of that pub, safe and sound is my only motive. I park my car and quickly hurry inside. The Pub is famous in Delhi, but I am not used to such environment. I feel totally out of place. I am not even in an appropriate dress. Who cares!! The place is dark and the music too very loud. What pleasure does people get coming at such places? I would never opt for such place ever. I scan the place and find my father, almost half conscious. He was sitting on the huge chair at the Bar Counter, his head resting on the table, on his arm. He was murmuring something which obviously couldn’t be heard due to the loud music. I touch his shoulder.

"Dad"

He opens his eyes and sees me. He is not very impressed seeing me here. He tries to shrug my arm.

"Why do you follow me, everywhere?" he manages to ask.
"This is the last place I would like to follow you, anyways. Let’s go." I try to make him stand but fail. He is not supporting me, either.
"I am not going anywhere" he shouts at me.

This is again not new. When he is overdrunk he hardly cares for anybody. That's when an unknown man stands beside me. He is drunk too.

"Hi beautiful. You need help?" he asks in a flirtiest voice
"No thanks. I can manage" I again try to hold my father and make him stand up but instead, my father pushes me away.

I almost stumble with the same unknown stranger. When I try to get off his hold, his grip on me tightens.

"What the hell are you doing? Leave me at once" I command.
He gives a mischievous laugh. I am hell scared. I look around, hardly anyone is even concentrating at us which means I have to handle this situation myself. I look at my father who is equally stunned and intimidated by this man's behavior. That's when out of the dark, I hear a strong voice.

"Leave the lady"

The drunk stranger and me, both, look intently at the direction from where the voice came. I see a tall handsome man coming forward, staring angrily at the stranger, as if he would beat him black and blue if he doesn’t obey him.

"Guards" the handsome man calls out immediately and two guards come and drag the overdrunk stranger out of this Pub. I feel safe. The man who saved me then asks curtly.

"Are you okay?"

I nod, shrugging off that drunk man's touch from me.
"Thanks. I.I am really thankful for that little help" I respond with a shivering voice. Any girl would have been in a similar situation right now, I am no different.
"Little help?" He asks defensively.
I smile.
"Yes. I would have been fine, kicking that jerk off me." I reply regaining my smile.
He seems impressed and so am I. Especially the way he was dressed. He was in full three-piece suit, light stubble, fab haircut, dark eyes and a well-shaped jaw, in short he was a typical English movie actor. Crap!! I should focus on Dad more than anyone else, here. I turn back to Dad and try to make him stand but fail again. What surprises me is that, that man who saved me, as he thinks, doesn’t budge out of that place. He keeps admiring my efforts, until I give up and turn to him.

"I need some help here though, if you don’t mind"

I can see he is masking his laugh. I move aside as he comes to my father and makes him stand, putting one of my dad's arm around his neck. How I wish Akash was here with me. I would have managed to get Dad back home, long ago. We start walking out. I open the front seat door of the car and he makes Dad sit inside, ensuring the seat belt is fastened. That's very generous of him. I wait until he closes the car door and meets my eyes.

"Thank you. Once again" I murmur.
"Pleasure is all mine. Though that wasn’t really a pleasure "(he says pointing to my father)
I chuckle. I shouldn’t. This is a serious topic for me. Dad should stop drinking and landing me in more problems, like this.
"Nice meeting you Miss??"
"Khushi Gupta" I extend my arm for a handshake which he completes almost instantly.
"I am Arnav Singh Raizada"

What a name!! Sounds Royal and little known. I don’t know why!! I smile briefly, the warmth of his hands giving me a different feeling. We leave our hands and I get into the Driver's seat to drive out of this Pub. What should I call this? Accident? Or a pleasant Incident? It wasn’t really decent enough with respect to Dad, but I met someone really cool and drool worthy. At least I was able to divert my Business Tension for a little time period, by his presence. Huh!!

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 2
“Shut the curtains” Shashi Gupta shouted in his sleep but when his orders were not obeyed, he rubbed his eyes and opened them to see who was violating his commands. “You? What are you doing here?” he showed little patience seeing his daughter Khushi, standing right next to his bed. She placed a glass filled with some liquid, on the table aside.

“This will cure your hangover” she replied in a stern voice. “We have some serious problems to discuss Dad, if you choose to save our Business. If you are interested, me and Akash are waiting for you at the Breakfast table”

She turned to leave and immediately heard him saying a “Sorry” in an apologetic tone. She stopped and met his eyes again.
“Don’t use that word unless you really mean it”
“I don’t know how I got back home last night, but I remember you coming all the way to the Pub to take me”
“You have no idea what happened there. I was literally going to be assaulted by some random overdrunk man. Do you even realise what it means Dad? Is there any fatherly bone remaining inside your body which wants to save his daughter’s dignity?”

Shashi was terrified to know what Khushi had to go through last night.

“Baby, I am so sorry. Who was that man? I won’t leave him alive” he got down the bed, hardly able to stand, all thanks to the hangover effect.
“Stop it Dad. I don’t need your sympathy. We need You. Me and Akash are putting our best to handle the downfall of our Business and we need your suggestions. Stop running away from such situations”

Shashi got emotional. He sat on the bed edge, closing his face with palm.

“I am tired, Khushi. I am tired of handling this. I am not a fighter, I never was”
However angry Khushi was on her father, she couldn’t see him in so much distress. She sat next to him, placing her arm on his back.

“Dad, we have fought a worst situation like this even before. We can handle this”
“How? What else we have to lose now?” he asked in frustration. Khushi had no reply. Her mind diverted in her past, 4 years ago when she had to sacrifice the most important phase of a woman’s life. She pressed her eyes to suppress those feelings from resurfacing again. Right now, she had to give some confidence to her father.

“We are not going to break down. I know we have nothing left to sacrifice, we have to find other ways to come out of this crucial stage. Me and Akash cannot handle this alone. You have to help us dad, with your expertise, with your guidance. Is that too much to ask for?”

It was like an eye opener for Shashi Gupta. He hugged Khushi tight.

“Sorry baby. I am so sorry. I promise I won’t touch alcohol again, not until we have come up from all these problems”
“Don’t give me promises, Dad. I know you won’t fulfil them. I am not asking you to stop drinking. Just be in your limits. And please don’t land me in such horrible places, again. That’s all”
“I won’t” he replied kissing her forehead. “How did you manage to settle your score with that drunk man, in the pub, then?” he was very curious to know.
“Someone helped me. Actually, I would have managed but he just barged into the scene and drove that drunkard away”

She remembered his face again and his name too, both of which were so unforgettable.

“That’s great. Who was he?”
“Arnav Singh Raizada” the way she took this name from her mouth, felt strange yet kind of attractive.
“I have heard this name. Where but?” he tried to remember.
“That’s not our concern right now, Dad. Akash is waiting for the Breakfast. Come soon, we are running short of time. We need to plan something terrific to re-stabilize our Business”

She was right. Shashi gulped the cure of his hangover and rushed in the Shower. Khushi headed back to the breakfast table.

The three of them discussed internally about few cost cutting initiatives which they would need to approach, to start with. As the Bankers were not willing to sanction the loan, they will have to try some private investors.

“Uncle, I think it’s risky to raise such a heavy loan from Private investors” Akash suggested.
“Ditto, Akash. I think the same. If we delay in repaying, they won’t take it easily. Also, the rate of interest will be too high” Khushi acknowledged.
“Hmm. I have some known contacts who might help us. Let me try them” Shashi intervened.
“Okay Uncle. We can try”
“Dad, one more thing. We need to have an automated Database for the in/Out Cargo entries. This might help us to improve the manual costs” Khushi forwarded her laptop towards Shashi and Akash. “Look at these graphs. We have been spending lacs of rupees every quarter for the Data entry work. I had a meeting last week with our Staff and that’s how we all came up with the idea of a new software database for the Data Entry work. We have to consult some Software company to build such a software for us. I am sure the production cost will not be as huge as the wages we pay for entering the data manually into our Systems”

She looked totally prepared for this.
“Impressive research Khushi. What do you say, Uncle?” Akash seemed to have liked the proposal she made.
“It’s good. Saving even a penny now, can help us build our empire again. Do you have any good Software Company known which can build this software for us?”
“Right now, Dad, I have three Software Companies in mind. I have already requested quotes from them. Whoever is going to bid the least price, we shall go for it”
“Great. Well done, Khushi. I always admire your spirits. You never fail the Company” Shashi praised her, patting her back.

Yes, she never failed the company, but she has failed in various other responsibilities. She shut those thoughts from her mind and concentrated back on the discussion.
888
Arnav kept patting Aashi, who was sleeping on his chest, while he lay on the bed, restlessly. Since the time Aashi had queried him about the meaning of the term ‘Mumma’, his mind was darkened remembering the little attempts he had put few years ago to give a complete family for his ‘To be born’ daughter. But destiny never works that way. It has its own set of mischiefs to play. He failed to give this own child the warmth of a Mother. Aashi’s fate was similar to his, even he never got the love of his mother and no one else can understand what his baby was missing, better than him. His bedroom intercom buzzed. Arnav didn’t delay in responding, otherwise Aashi would wake up again. Fortunately, she didn’t. It was from the servant, telling him that Aman Mathur was here. Aman and Arnav were first best friends and now even Business Partners. Arnav asked the servant to send Aman to his room. He tried placing Aashi on the bed, but she clinged to him even more. Aman entered inside.

“Looks like Daddy is busy” Aman got in and sat on the Recliner, facing Arnav.
“She is becoming too cranky nowadays. Doesn’t leave me at all once I am back from work”
“Not her fault. She must be missing you for the entire day” Aman clarified.
“Even Daayi Maa was complaining that” he murmured softly, so that Aashi doesn’t get disturbed.

Fortunately, he now places Aashi on the bed, she is snoring. That gives the two men some time to discuss work.  They head at the Poolside.

“The SAP Project is Ours. Just got the confirmation from Sam” Aman announced.
“Congratulations. We need to hire some recruits for that. Inform HR” Arnav declared
“Yup. And we have submitted the bid for Gupta Shipping Company’s Software requirement. Looks like, we will bag that deal too”

The last name “Gupta” reminded Arnav of the woman he had met in the Pub, the other day. Can this be anything related to her? She didn’t look like a Business woman to him, may be a student.

“Hey, where are you lost?” Aman snapped his fingers to get Arnav’s attention towards his talks.
“Nothing buddy” he palely replied.

Aman read the worry on Arnav’s face and like a good friend, he just wanted to help.

“It’s high time you should get a mother for Aashi, Arnav”
Like always, Arnav shrugged that thought.
“Mother’s aren’t available Online Aman”
“Well, they are. You know the matrimonial sites and forget those, why do you need to even register anywhere? You are such a famous personality, women dote on you Idiot”
“That’s right. They dote on me, my money and reputation. They can shower everything on me, but not on Aashi. It’s rare to find a mother for her. I can’t let any woman ruin Aashi’s future, Aman”

Aman sighed, accepting what Arnav just said.

“But you need to start somewhere, Arnav. Aashi is 3.5 now? She will turn 5 soon and then she might ask you where her mother is? What will you answer her then? That her mother never existed?”
Arnav gritted his teeth.
“Yes, I will tell her that. Because that’s what the truth is”

He raked his fingers in hair, in frustration.

“Let’s not get into this topic, Aman. It spoils my mood”
Aman didn’t force any further.
“Fine, it’s your life and Aashi is your daughter, I am sure you will plan the best for her. Drink?”
“Yea, I need one.”
Arnav asked Daayi Maa to look after Aashi while he and Aman had one – two pegs together, downstairs.
888
Akash Gupta drove to the AR Software with Khushi. AR software and one more competitor company had quoted almost similar values for their requirement. Thus, they personally decided to meet the respective heads of these two companies, before making a decision. They already had been to the other company, a day before, and met the leads who gave an impressive sketch of how they would automate their Cargo database entry work through their new software. Khushi and Akash were both impressed, yet they decided to visit the AR software once before taking that call.

After parking their Vehicle, Akash and Khushi were escorted by Shivani, one of the Software manager to the company, to Aman Mathur’s cabin. He was going to lead this Project. Aman Mathur welcomed them.

“Nice meeting you both, please come” they all seated at the Conference table and the meeting started. The presentation was discussed. Khushi and Akash loved the idea which AR Software had innovated for them. This software will surely earn good cost savings for them. After 2 hours, when the meeting was over, Aman took them over to meet the team who would be implementing that software for Gupta’s. Khushi was delighted to meet such intelligent people. She had a few words with them and appreciated for their skills.

“Aman, your employees are brilliant. Such a pool of knowledge they have” Khushi complimented.
“Thanks. ASR and I have taken special initiatives to ensure each one of them gets trained on different technologies, multi-skilling is what we are looking for, in all our employees”
“Oh yes, will we get meet ASR too?” Akash queried.

Khushi was aware that AR software was run by two Partners. ASR And Aman. She had done a quick research before coming here. This was a billion-dollar Company which was handled by only Two thick headed friends cum Business Partners. She hardly got time to research beyond that.

“Yes, let me introduce you to ASR, please come”

Aman took them to Arnav’s cabin. Khushi felt her entire body lively, meeting this man, again. ASR is Arnav Singh Raizada? Why couldn’t she relate it before? Was this a coincidence? She walked nervously, behind Akash and Aman.

“ASR, the Gupta’s are here, to see you” Aman shares.

Arnav is equally surprised to see the same woman from the Pub, here. So, his guess turned wrong. She was indeed a Business Woman, and not some student. He shakes hand with Akash and then extends his arm for Khushi to complete the handshake.

“Miss Gupta, pleasure to meet you” he smiles.
“Me too, Mr Raizada” she flushes. It feels so awkward and unnecessarily formal.

They all get seated in his cabin, again, and have a quick exchange of words. Khushi realises he was a man of very few words, but whatever he spoke, he could make the opposite person spellbound.

“Aah, coffee is here” Aman exclaims happily. Akash, Aman and Arnav picks their cups, whereas Khushi denies.
“Are you the Tea kind, Miss Gupta?” Arnav asks politely.
“Oh no. None of the two” she replied smiling.
“She is milkshakes kind” Akash chuckles letting the truth out.
Khushi bursts out laughing with others.
“Which one?” Arnav asks curiously.
“That’s fine Mr Raizada, I already had my daily share of milkshake today, I won’t have another one” she felt too shy to order for a milkshake by him.
“One more, won’t harm” he utters picking up the Intercom, waiting for Khushi to specify which one she would like to have.

Khushi gave up. She told her choice.
“Chocolate Milkshake”

That reply, stirs an unknown, unsettled feeling within Arnav. What was it with Choco milkshake? Even his daughter, Aashi loved it to the core. Shrugging those thoughts, he quickly placed the order for a Chocolate milkshake and continued his participation in the discussions.

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 3

Khushi is very quiet in the car, she feels a certain kind of pull towards Arnav. Is it only because he had saved her in the Pub? Maybe, but he was utterly charming and polite. She had felt his gestures quite warm and fuzzy, during their handshake at the end of their meeting. He hadn’t left her arm, so what If he was lost in talks with Akash? She practically waited for few seconds for him to realize it. And when he did realize, he was not defensive either. He casually smiled at her and escorted her and Akash till their floor Elevator. Does it all mean, something?  She restricts her thoughts from flowing in the wrong direction. A man like him cannot be single and most importantly she is not willing to get into relationships. Stabilizing their Business should be her only motive. Akash is driving the car, fortunately, giving her enough time to reconsider what she felt between her and Arnav.

“So? What do you think about AR Software?” Akash gets into business again.
“Um. Yeah, I think they have great teams to prepare such a software database for us. And besides their price quotes can still be afforded” Khushi tries to divert her mind.
“Okay then, we will finalize the AR software. I will ask Tony to make the necessary documents and we will seal the deal.” Akash sounds happy, so do I. Whatever can help us save cost right now, is our biggest achievement.

Arnav rolls the paper weight on the table, Aman is sharing his views about the Gupta Shipping company.
“They seem to be convinced with our ideas, what do you think?” Aman stated.
“Yes, I agree. We might crack this deal, Aman” his voice was pale.

Arnav is still lost in his little meet with Khushi Gupta. She seems to be a refined woman. Smart, bold and beautiful. Her energy drivers amused him too. She must be leading her Business well.

“Actually, I have researched about their company, seems they are undergoing some heavy losses; hence they are restructuring everything that can cut cost. This database being one of their way to reduce manual entries cost” Aman clarified.
“They sounded too confident for a Company which is in Loss, Aman. That’s what I liked about them” Arnav clears his view.
“Liked about them? Or liked about HER?” Aman grins.
Arnav stares at Aman who is trying to control his laugh.
“You will never stop linking me to women, will you?”
“Right, not until you find a suitable partner and get settled. We are buddies ASR, I want to see you happy. How long do you intend to be single like this? Grow your family man”

Arnav gives up arguing.
“Let’s work?”
“Good diversion” Aman points at Arnav’s ignorance towards his advice.

Arnav starts discussing the other concerns of their Company and the meeting goes on for a long period.

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

“Aashi, come here, we need to do your homework” Arnav pulls her on his lap, while she tries to run away.
“No homewolk” she yells spelling the word incorrectly.
“Sweetheart, stop troubling Daddy, I am tired” he drags her again and keeps the slate on her lap. “Let me teach you to write K, come here”

Aashi has learnt to write numbers from 1 to 10 and Alphabets A to J, in her playschool. She is taught a new Alphabet today, ‘K’ and the teacher has asked every kid to learn writing that word on the slate. Making Aashi study, is a tedious task for Arnav, every day. He still skips it sometimes but Daayi Maa has complained to him that Aashi doesn’t study under her guidance. She is becoming a tough kid to handle. So today, even though Arnav is bone tired, he decides to make Aashi finish her homework.

“Look, here” he holds Aashi’s fist and writes ‘K’ on the slate. “What do you call it?” he fondly asks.
“K” Aashi murmurs showing complete disinterest.
He makes her draw over the same word, again and again. She likes to do it, slowly. And every time she finishes drawing that letter once, she says the word aloud “K”. She raises her head to see her father.
“Daady, K for?”
“K for Khushi” that response comes instantaneously surprising Arnav himself.
“khooosi?”

He groans at his stupid thoughts and corrects her.
“No, sorry. K for Kite”
“No, you shaid ‘K’ for Khoosi. What is Khoosi?” she is a smart kid. She will not stop until she knows what her daddy just said.

Arnav once again is short of words.

“Khushi is Daady’s friend” he cannot say Business colleague, she will not understand. Friend seemed easier to explain.
“Fliend?”
“Yes, like you and Dolly?” he tries to explain. Dolly is Aashi’s best friend in her playschool.
“K for Khoosi” Aashi giggled. She likes the name. Very much. Arnav sighs in relief. Tough times in handling his baby. He continues teaching her to draw ‘K’ which seems so much familiar and nice.

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

In three days, AR software gets to know about cracking the deal with Gupta’s. Aman circulates this information to Arnav who is equally elated.

“I knew it, ASR. They were already impressed by us” Aman says with a happy face.
“Yes. Our Sales team is going to get the paperwork done and we will kick start the Project. They have given us deadlines of 6 months, we won’t take that long, our teams are much competent in making these kinds of Databases” Arnav replies.
“Cool, I think we should celebrate” Aman’s idea doesn’t sound that bad.
“Since when did we start celebrating such small deals, Aman?”
“When you started showing slight interest in your business colleagues, since then” Aman winks at Arnav who gives him another blazed stare.
“Stop it, will you? I am not interested in relationships, I told you”
“Yes, but a small party wont damage your goals. I will invite the Gupta’s. Let’s keep the party at my place. It’s been long since I have made proper use of my Penthouse”

Aman has a penthouse, he is single and alone, just like Arnav. No family to look after, no one to bother.

“This weekend fine with you? Or do you have any plans with Aashi?”
Arnav tries to remember his schedule.
“Should be fine”
“Cool. Let me start preparing myself to be a good host then. Bye”

Aman leaves the cabin. Arnav wonders if this is going anywhere. A small Celebration was fine, he supposed.

******************
“What? Party? With Raizada’s?” Khushi asks nervously to Akash.
“Yes, sis. Why? Anything odd?”
“No. I mean, yes. Aren’t they becoming too liberal?”
“They just want to extend their curtesy. They are going to work with us, some people like to make their Clients feel nice. Nothing’s bad in that” Akash defends
“Whatever, you know I am not a party kind. It’s you and Dad who always attends such parties and fills my place too. I won’t come”

Khushi never attended any social events apart from the ones which are really needed. She is poor at socializing.

“Uncle is travelling to Malaysia, this weekend. How can he make it? And I won’t go alone. Give me company, Khushi. Please”

Khushi sighs in disbelief.
“Okay, I will come. Happy? Now can we just discuss the Bank issues?”
“Yup”

The two of them continue to research and talk to other bankers for the Loan. They are falling short of time.

******************
It’s weekend. Arnav parks his SUV, at Aman’s penthouse. Aman has invited some important officials from AR Software and Gupta Shipping Company, who will be directly or indirectly getting involved in this Project. As soon as Arnav gets inside, Aman welcomes him with a hug.

“The Star is here. Looking stunning ASR.” he comments aloud.
“Don’t make it awkward, people shouldn’t think we are dating” Arnav replies with a sheepish smile, getting in. Aman chuckles heartily.
“Well, if I was a girl, your sanity would be at stake” he winks.
Arnav sighs in disbelief.
“My Sanity is still at stake if you don’t stop blabbering. Have the Gupta’s arrived?”

Arnav scans the room and does not find Akash or Khushi around.

“They are on way. Akash had messaged. How about a drink?” Aman offers
“Later”
A team from the Gupta’s, mostly elderly, comes and shakes hand with him. Aman introduces Arnav to them. Time passes. There are all sorts of talks happening, right from the reputation of the AR software till the downfall of the Gupta Shipping Corporation. Arnav never digs out the Client details too much, it’s Aman who does it through his team. Arnav is surprised to know that the Gupta’s are suffering so much loses and most of their properties are in mortgage. Once he and Aman are alone again, he talks about this.

“Is this all true, Aman?”
“Yes. Most of it. I have researched. Gupta’s faced this kind of downfall some 4 years back too. But they managed to come out of it. Now’s it’s the same again”
“What’s their current strategy, any luck in finding that?”
“No Arnav, I don’t know. They are not very open about it. But why do we worry? As long as we are getting paid on time for this Project, I don’t think we have a problem” Aman says.

Arnav nods and his eyes automatically shifts to the door where Akash Gupta and Khushi Gupta are standing. They have just entered. Khushi has preferred to wear a Black Gown, her hair tied up in a fancy Bun, the dress clings to her body perfectly and she is very comfortably wearing it. She meets some of her known people from Gupta Shipping corporation.

“They are here, we should greet. Come” Aman drags Arnav along.

Both the men reach the Gupta Siblings and greet them. Aman takes away Akash for a drink, purposely, so that Arnav is left with Khushi.

“Hi” Khushi smiles at him.
“Hey, you are looking great” his comment makes her flush. Fortunately, the lights are dim. But he still sees notices that.
“I .. I didn’t know what to wear. I .. I am not very Party material” she tries to look for words to talk to him and divert this topic. When she met his eyes, she realizes he is smirking at her. “What?” she asks again, feeling completely out of the place.
“Nothing. Come, let me get you a drink”

They start walking inside. Khushi picks a Soft drink. Arnav introduces her to some of his Office people. Khushi talks to everyone, with ease. She is good at handling people, so what if she is not a socialite? Arnav is back to Aman and Akash, though it is hard for him to pierce his eyes from Khushi. She is a delight for every eye. Her smile, her confidence, her hand gestures as she talks and tries to prove her point, everything is a bliss to watch. Akash snaps his fingers at Arnav to get his attention. Arnav feels weird. Has Akash caught him, watching his sister?

“Where are you lost? Or is it the drink?”
“Definitely not the drink. I know my limits, Akash” Arnav hisses. Since the time Aashi was born, Arnav had a strict control over his own diet and drinking habits.

Aman rushes to them asking to choose partners for dance. Akash walks to his sister, Khushi and leads her on the dance floor. Aman sighs in frustration.
“You are late, your partner is taken” he looks at Arnav who shrugs him off.
Another woman from the Gupta’s Shipping corporation asks Arnav for a dance. He doesn’t deny. Aman joins some other woman and heads for the floor. The music is soothing. Arnav fixes his eyes on Khushi who is enjoying every bit of her dance, with Akash. She giggles as Akash whispers something in her ears and then she hits her palm on his back, asking him shut up. The music alters and everyone changes their partners. Khushi whirls around and ends up in Arnav Singh Raizada’s arms. She feels flattered while he smiles, asking her permission through his eyes, to hold her. No one has ever done that before. She nods and he slides his arm around her waist, his other arm holding her palm. They start dancing slowly. Their eyes meet for a small time and she begins a conversation.

“Aman likes to spend a lot. All this luxury and party proves it”

She chooses a safe topic. He nods with a frown.
“Why are we talking about Aman?”
That gets another blush on her face. She hardly knows anything about this man yet she feels powerful whenever he teases her. His mouth twists to hide the amusement.
“Aman is too friendly, I mean, anyone can have loads to share even if they meet him just once” she confides.
“Yeah, he has always been very frank, unlike me” Arnav accepts it, twirling her once and then landing her back in his arms. She gulps nervously.
“And why is that? Why are you so different from him?” she digs further to know him.
Arnav swallows.
“Hard times, probably” his response is very honest. “I have something to admit, too” he adds.
“About me?” she frowns as he nods.
“Yes. When we first met, I took you as a student or something. Your appearance can be totally delusional for men like me”

She chuckles but that isn’t a happy one.

“I am not what I look” she sounds pretty serious. His mind oscillates now, why did she say that? It is not in a happier way though. The music stops and everyone claps for the wonderful dance that the guests participated in. Arnav releases Khushi from his arms, with much reluctance. She claps with others and leaves the dance floor. The party continues for some more time. Arnav checks the watch and talks to Aman about leaving. He agrees. Since Gupta’s are their VIP guests tonight, he doesn’t leave them uninformed. He returns to Akash and Khushi.
“Alright Akash, Khushi, I need to leave. You guys enjoy the party”
He is leaving? It’s hardly 10:00pm. It’s like someone is waiting for him at home. She feels like asking, but it might be too much, right now. She remains quiet and bids him a formal Bye. Arnav hurries outside the Penthouse. Aashi doesn’t sleep without him. And he doesn’t like his daughter to keep waiting for his return. This was one more change that he got into his routine after Aashi’s birth. No late night parties.

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 4
Daayi Maa is running behind Aashi in the living room. She is trying to get her sleep but Aashi is not willing to until her father returns.

“Aashi, stop running, you will fall down” Daayi Maa pleads chasing Aashi.

Aashi giggles aloud and keeps running. She suddenly stumbles with her huge ball, she was being playing with earlier, and is about to fall when her father’s arms securely pick her up. She is confused and also a bit scared. Arnav Singh Raizada hugs his baby to his heart and kisses her head.

“Why are you not sleeping yet?” he brushes his stuble on her cheek. She giggles again.
“I want to sleep with Daady” she wraps her arms across his neck and hugs him tight.
“Good that you came back soon, Arnav. She is unwilling to sleep without you” Daayi Maa admits.
“I will put her to sleep. You can rest too” he informs her and climbs the stairs to get into his room.

Aashi has her own room, where she sleeps every night. It is only a few times that she desires to sleep with her father, in his bedroom, tonight was one of it. Arnav placed her on his bed. She stood up on the mattress, watching her father remove his coat.

“Daady, whel had you been?” she places both her arms on either side of her waist.
“Daddy had been to meet his friends” he doesn’t find a suitable answer than that.
“Fleinds ?” she asks with excitement.

He does not understand what makes her so much happy but he nods when she questions him that.

“Did you meet Khoosi?” she continues

So, this is why she asked. Since when did his daughter start so much interest in Khushi Gupta, that too without even meeting her once. No wonder, that woman had her own charm on people. Arnav removes his Shirt and starts wearing a T Shirt.
“Yes, I met Khoosi” he stresses her name, the way she utters it.

Aashi starts clapping her hands.
“I want to meet her too” she commands.
Arnav is highly surprised
“Why do you want to meet Daady’s friend?”
“Because Daady meets my fleinds” she argues.

Well, yes. He knows all her friends at playschool. She has quite a lot of friends, unlike he had during his childhood. That was one trait which she had not picked up from him.

“Well said. We will meet Khoosi sometime. Okay? Now come here, let me put you to sleep”

When he tries to reach her, she again starts running away, giggling.

“Aashi, Daady is very tired baby. Don’t make him run”

The party had really sucked all his energy. All he wanted to do right now is sleep. But looks like his daughter was not going to let him that, so easily. He started chasing her. After 5 minutes of chase, he gets hold of her. He drags her to bed and then lies down beside her. While he pats her, she in turn starts patting him to sleep.

“Daady close youl eyes” she closes his eyes with her soft fingers.

He does that, though he is continuously patting her to sleep. She closes her eyes too and in no time, both father-daughter are fast asleep and snoring.

******************
The Contract between AR Software and Gupta Shipping Industries begin. Aman Mathur is mostly the first point of contact for this Project. Arnav’s hands are already full with some International Projects, which he is very good at handling. It’s been 3 weeks for the party which Aman threw at his Penthouse. Since then Arnav and Khushi didn’t see each other. But not seeing each other does not mean they don’t think about each other. Khushi is not very aware of his relationship status but she does feel an unknown pull towards that man. He is someone she always dreamt of having. Likewise, Arnav’s attraction for her is not faded either. But he knows his limitations. He knows no woman will want additional package with a man, like he had. He can never give time to any woman, more than he gives to Aashi. His daughter is his only priority.

Today, Arnav has come to drop Aashi to her playschool. She was not very interested in going to school today, since the time she woke up. So, Arnav took this opportunity to convince her somehow and got her here. He opens the car door and makes Aashi get down, with her Teddy bag on her shoulder. She starts crying.

“I don’t want to go”
Arnav kneels down and takes her in his embrace.
“Aashi, today is your drawing test. You like painting, don’t you?”
“No” she yells in anger stamping her feet on the ground.
Arnav sighs and stops her from hurting her feet.
“Daddy promises to take you out today evening. We will go and watch Poo bear movie. Just Aashi and Daddy. Okay?”

That seems to work. She stops crying and looks at him.

“Poo bear?”
“Yesh Poo Bear” he picks her in arms and carries her till the school gates. He puts her down when she is fully ready to accept the deal which he just made.
“Give Daddy a kissi” he leans at her. She pecks his cheek and then waves him a Bye. She runs inside the school gates. Arnav keeps watching her until she gets in and then sighs again. So tonight, he will have to get two tickets booked for the Poo bear movie which has released recently. He quickly makes his way back to the car and coincidently finds Khushi talking over the phone. Her car is just parked beside her. She probably looks in a hurry. He makes his way towards her.

“Hi” he utters gazing at her with an appraising look.
She puts the phone down.
“Hi” she is really excited seeing him here.
“What happened? What are you doing here?” he asks with concern.
“My car broke down” she points at the flat tyres of her car.
“Oh, never mind. I will drop you where you want to go. Come” he offers.
“You sure? I mean, I don’t want to delay you”
“Stop being formal. And besides you are my Company’s Client. I cannot miss a chance to impress you” he smirks and she likes his little sense of humour.
“Okay” she chuckles and walks with him to his car.

Once they get inside, he drives to her office.

“How is Akash?” he asks.
“He is fine. Has been to Singapore. We have some shipping consignment issues arising there. So, he is sorting those out”
“Which Yard?” he asks in concern
“The Marine Yard” she replies
“Oh, I have some known people there. Let me know if you need any help.”
She is surprised to hear it.
“Thanks. But how come you have connections there? I mean, you guys are into Software and.”
He interrupts. “They are a very long-term client of ours. That’s how we know them”

She nods.
“Wow. I . I will check with Akash and see if he needs your help then. Thanks for the offer anyway” she replies.
“Anytime” he keeps driving.

Khushi is quiet. His driving is perfect. He knows the roads too well. Is he always so focussed in everything? She bites her lip supressing the growing tickles in her stomach. Why does she feel like she is re-undergoing her teenage period? She never feels this lively and active around any other man. Why him? Arnav keeps his eyes on the road. He knows he might not be able to drive this good if he keeps glancing at her. They still look at each other once and then back on the road. She feels awkward.

“Uh, what were you doing there? At that school?”

Arnav really has no clue if she has ever googled him or not. Does she know about his daughter or not? He still chooses to reply the truth.

“I came to drop my daughter at school today” he replies noticing the reactions on her face.

Her eyes widen, her lips part with surprise. Daughter? He has a daughter? She thought he is unmarried. Damn!! What the hell was she thinking from past so many days. She felt like cursing herself at the moment. Arnav judged her reactions enough and then continued sharing about his life a bit.

“I have a three and half year-old girl”
She gulps. That’s really shocking. Words block in her throat. She feels weird of those reactions her body is giving her, right now.
“Oh, I .. I didn’t know you had a baby. That’s .. That’s cool” she manages to utter.

He guessed so. She didn’t know about his daughter. He smiles weakly and continues driving.

“Don’t Gupta’s do a simple googling before signing up a Contract with their Clients?” he mocks.

She smiles but her smile is too much affected. She does not know what he might think of her reactions. She feels like cursing herself for even having some pull for a man who already has a three and half year-old baby.

“No, seriously, we Gupta’s are not much into Background check, especially the personal lives of the CEO’s and the Board members” she mocks too

Arnav chuckles. They reach the Gupta Office and he parks his car, allowing her to get down. She seems nervous. She is unable to even unbuckle her seat belt.

“May I?” he asks
She nods and he unfastens the belt. She sighs and gives him a brief smile.
“Thanks for the drive. And.. .BYE”
“Why do I feel this Bye is like Forever?” he teases. He has seen girls reacting in the same way when he confesses about having a baby. No wonder Khushi is so nervous about his ‘Daddy’ status.
“Forever? No.. I mean, not until the Contract is over” she tries to compose herself.

That is a well framed reply, he thinks and smiles back with a heavy heart.
“Bye, Khushi.”

She gets down from his car murmuring a quick Bye and hurries inside the office. Arnav drives out. What the hell was this? It seems so much like a farewell to the woman whom he had got little attracted to.

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

That night, Khushi keeps tossing on the bed. He has a baby girl. 3 and half years-old? He doesn’t even look married. Damn!! Like her, even he is not what he looks. Now she knows why he left so early from the Party, at Aman’s house. He had a family waiting for him. A wife and a daughter waiting for his return. All of this sounded so nice that it made her entire body warm. Wish she had a life like this. A husband, a baby!! Tears pool in her eyes. Does she even have right to dream of this type of life? She has done enough sins to repair them now. Plus, their business issues are like never ending. Wish Akash was here. At least she would get some company to share her griefs with.

Arnav is tossing on the bed too. He is recalling the reactions Khushi Gupta gave on knowing about his daughter. He shuts his eyes. He opens his eyes and picks his phone to text Khushi.

‘Are you okay now?’ he sends the message.

Khushi’s phone buzzes. She shifts her gaze on her phone and opens the message. Arnav messaged her? At this hour of night? How can he? She messages him back.

‘Yes, I am okay. I hope your wife and daughter wont mind you texting your Client at this hour of night’

She types a fitting reply, sends that message and waits desperately for his reply. Arnav reads it and smirks. He types again.

‘I don’t have a wife. And my daughter doesn’t really understand her father’s business. She cannot even spell the word CLIENT’

He hits the send button and waits. Khushi’s jaw drops when she reads it. He has no wife. Damn. Means she is not alive in this world. She might have died. Holy lord. His baby is motherless. That’s not good. She feels sympathy for him and his daughter. She types back.

‘I am sorry. I didn’t know about your wife’

She sends the message and receives its reply instantly.

‘Gupta’s are worst in Googling. You proved that again. Never mind. Go to sleep now. Good night’

She smiles cuddling her pillow, reading that reply. That means he is kind of single now but with a baby. Not really bad as she earlier thought. How does he take care of his little one, alone? It must be so tedious for him, to look after the Business and his baby, together. Whatever it is, she knows he is a good father. She can say that even looking at him once. Her subconscious glares up at her. She will have to restrict her growing fondness for Arnav Singh Raizada and mind her own business and life. She will really have to fight the urge of intruding in his personal life and not disturb her own peace of mind. She closes her eyes and tries to get some sleep finally.

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 5
It’s been a month since the contract between Gupta’s and AR Software is signed. As defined earlier, today is their monthly meet in AR Office. Shashi Gupta and Akash Gupta are welcomed by Sheetal, Aman Mathur and the rest of the staff. Arnav hurries to greet them, after finishing his other Meeting.

“Hello Mr Gupta, hi Akash” they shake hands.

Aman and Arnav then lead them to the Conference room, though his inner mind is poking to ask why Khushi Gupta is not present for this meet. Aman reads that on Arnav’s face and asks on his behalf.

“Isn’t Khushi coming for this meet?” Aman asks.
“No, she is in Mumbai today. Handling some other Shipping issues” Shashi replies.

Aman looks at Arnav who gives him a weak smirk, as if he need not had to ask that. Arnav then takes a seat, opposite to the Gupta’s.
“She is one intelligent woman” Akash exclaims
Arnav nods. “Yes, it’s very rare to find such dedicated resource” he adds.

They start the conference and discuss the progress of this Project. After an hour, when it’s over, they have a formal lunch. Akash is busy talking to Aman, while Shashi is impressed by Arnav’s Business Expansion plans in few more countries.

“Impressive” he pats on Arnav’s back. “Khushi always praises you. Today, I understand why” Shashi chuckles.
Arnav is thrilled. So, she talks about him with her father, not bad.
“And I have to thank you for saving my daughter that night in the Pub” Shashi adds apologetically.
Arnav smiles.
“That’s old news now. Besides, she hardly needed my help to tackle. She was fine on her own”
“But you still intervened” Shashi mocks. Arnav chuckles.
“Yeah, I was flaunting my gentleman nature there” he replies sarcastically and Shashi laughs heartily.
Suddenly, he stops laughing, feeling like sharing more.

“The version you are seeing of me today, is all because of Khushi. She motivated me to face the problems rather than lamenting over the loss. She is a very strong woman. Not many in her place would have done that, especially after what she underwent” Shashi appraised his daughter.

What did she undergo? Arnav gets curious but it will be too much to ask, right now. Shashi diverts the topic and they discuss something else. After finishing the Lunch, Gupta’s leave and Arnav is left hanging with the thought of what exactly is Khushi Gupta’s past? What is it that makes her so strong yet so emotional and grounded?

Aman comes to Arnav after some time, with a new Proposal. He seems excited. Their subsidiary in Mumbai had some important concerns to be addressed. One of them had to go there and handle it.

“You know I am full with the Gupta’s Project. What about you Arnav?” Aman asks.
“I have some Conferences to attend but they can be done from Mumbai Office too. Don’t worry” he replies.
“You sure? It can take up 2 -3 days” Aman warns.
Arnav knows why Aman warns him that. He will have to think about Aashi too.
“For 2 -3 days, Daayi Maa can look after Aashi. If it’s more, I will send the Jet for Daayi Maa to get Aashi to Mumbai”
“Sounds like a plan. Great then. You may start tonight or tomorrow, your wish.”

Arnav nods. Before Aman opens the cabin door to leave, he stops and turns around.

“By the way, don’t forget to meet Khushi Gupta there. She might like to see you too”
Arnav smirks. Yes, he remembers that Khushi is there in Mumbai.
“I will meet her Aman, you don’t have to remind me that” he tries to hide that blush on his face.
“Cool. Let me know if anything clicks” he says winking at Arnav and then leaves.
Arnav briskly tries to ignore all other topics and focus on work. He will have to wind things here before leaving for Mumbai.

******************
Aashi starts crying. This is so unusual. She does not do this often when he leaves for such 2 – 3 days business trip. The servant keeps his packed luggage in the car and waits for him to finish his talk with Aashi. Arnav carries her in arms and pecks her cheek.

“Daddy will be back soon. What should I get for you?” he asks lovingly.
She starts swaying her leg in air.
“I want you” she replies in between her cries.
Part of Arnav dreads to go away from his daughter. But how will this work? He cannot take her everywhere. But she is too small. He hugs her, getting emotional. Daayi Maa looks worried.
“Aashi, daddy will send you an Aeroplane. It will fly you to Daddy” he assures.

Aashi’s sobs fade.
“Aeloplane”? she asks anxiously.
“Yes. You and Daayi Maa will sit in the Aeroplane and come to Daddy. Till then Daddy will finish all his work there. Okay?”
No wonder he is good at making deals. Aashi agrees. She nods and hugs him back.
“When will daddy send Aeloplane?”
“Tomorrow” he kisses Aashi on her forehead and hands her to Daayi Maa. “Now smile and say Bye to me” he commands.
She smiles back weakly and waves her hand.
“Good girl”
He then tells Daayi Maa to inform him anything that needs his attention and waving a Bye to his daughter, he gets into the car and drives to the Airport. He feels disoriented today. Aman is right. Maybe, if he had a wife today, Aashi would never have cried to come along with him. His wife would have handled the baby, but, can any woman handle her husband’s child like her own? It is so rare to find such a woman. How can he trust? And even if the woman agrees to give her best to the child, what about Aashi? Will she accept this new person in her life, and give her the place of a mother?

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

Arnav lands to Mumbai. He has his own Sea-facing Penthouse here. His driver drives him to the Building. He gets down and to his surprise, he sees Khushi Gupta talking to a handsome man at the entrance lobby. What is she doing here? His face drops unknowingly when the man hugs her and makes his way to the car. Khushi waves a Bye to him. She is wearing Pink Pyjamas and a plain white T-shirt. As soon as the man drives out and she turns to leave, she sees Arnav. She is as shocked as he is, seeing her here. Arnav walks ahead, holding the Suit in his hand.

“Hi. What are you doing here?” she asks
“I own a Penthouse here. And you?” he does not show any happiness meeting her. His expressions are stern. He should have realized this before. She can have a boyfriend too. She is young, dynamic. How can she be single?
“My friend owns a Penthouse here. And I usually stay here whenever I come to Mumbai for work” she replies.

Arnav nods, not impressively though. Friend? Means Boyfriend, obviously. So, she stays with her Boyfriend in the Penthouse, like she is on a Vacation. He gulps angrily. They start walking towards the elevator. He is very quiet. Khushi is nervous too. Since the time she has known about his daughter and no-wife thing, she has mixed feelings about what to induce out of her still growing attraction for him. But no-wife doesn’t mean he is single. He might be dating some woman now. They enter the elevator.

“Which floor?” she asks
“18th”
“Cool, we are neighbours then. You know Rajeev?”
“Rajeev, you mean that guy whom you were seeing off down?” he asks showing a little interest in digging about her current relationship status.
“Yes. He is Rajeev. You know him?”
“No”
“Strange. You guys have Penthouse on the same floor, yet you don’t know each other” she smiles sarcastically.
“I am not very social as you are” he points out.

Khushi feels some kind of rage in his tone and expressions. As if he is not happy to see her. Maybe, she is intruding too much in his life. The elevator stops at 18th floor. Arnav drags his bag out. Khushi follows him. There are only two houses on that floor. It’s the top floor of the building.

“I will see you later” he murmurs before entering the house. She nods weakly and opens the door of her room using the card. What is wrong with him? She locks the door and so does he.

The maid of the house, Mrs Jones has cleaned the house and even made the necessary breakfast for Arnav. She welcomes him.

“Hello Mr Raizada, how you doing?” she asks warmly.
“Good Mrs Jones. I seriously need a Coffee. Will you make one for me?” he loosens his tie.
“Why not Sir, give me 10 minutes” she quickly makes her way to the Kitchen and Arnav heads for his bedroom to change his clothes. He calls Daayi Maa to check what Aashi is doing. Seems after he left for Airport, she again cried for few minutes but when Daayi Maa played her favourite Poo bear movie, she got engrossed in it. After talking to Aashi for a while, he made quick calls to Aman and also some Business delegates to get an update on the work which he had to tackle today.

******************
Khushi finished typing the email. Their Shipping issues were slowly getting back to normal but finance was still a major concern. They seriously needed some loan to sort things. Wish the bankers could show some trust on their Business. She sent the email and was about to shut the laptop when she suddenly remembered what Arnav Singh Raizada had told her about Googling. Should she google about him? To get some insight of his personal life? Nope. The way he behaved today, made her restless. He was so cold and unaffected. As if he was unhappy to see her. This is not how he behaved in Delhi. Men are so confusing at times.

If without knowing much about him, she is feeling so uneasy, what will happen if she gets an insight of his past and present life. No way. It is better this way. Maybe he is disinterested in extending their relationship beyond Business. So be it. She shuts the laptop and walks in the Balcony. She stands out, looking at the spectacular view of the Mumbai City. Her eyes suddenly fix to the neighbouring glass window. Arnav Singh Raizada is exercising. He has his own Gym inside the house. Wow!! She didn’t know he is so serious about work outs. Her jaw drops as she sees his muscles flex during the push ups. She turns her gaze away from him. This is wrong. She never felt so strong feelings for any man. Why him? He has a daughter. His motives are different. His priorities are different. Plus, he has started showing his disinterest in her now. She sighs in disappointment.

Focus Khushi. She leaves back to her room and turns the light off. Tonight, she plans not to let any other thoughts intrude in her mind, not even the image of Arnav Singh Raizada in the Gym.

******************
The next day, again out of coincidence, both Arnav and Khushi come out of their homes, at the same time. She is in a proper formal skirt and top and he in a Business Suit. They smile at each other. She decides not to interrogate much about him. Maybe he is in some different mess. Why to poke? But today, for a change, he starts speaking to her.

“Work?”
“Yes, you” she replies timidly.
“Same”

She smiles and checks her phone. Akash has messaged her about the Banker whom she has to meet today. Suddenly out of the blue, he asks her the next question.

“Is Rajeev your boyfriend?”

She almost drops the phone from her hand. She is startled. She meets his eyes with little anger. Is that why he behaved so cold yesterday? Arnav leans and picks up her phone, handing it back to her.

“Rajeev?? No.. He is my friend. Just a friend”
Arnav feels like someone just removed a huge stone from his heart.
“Jesus, I don’t have a boyfriend.” She snaps in anger. The elevator door opens and they walk at the parking. “Men!!” she scoffs while hurrying her steps. “Always so eager to presume things”

Arnav grits his teeth. Did he make it obvious to her that this is why he was so cold yesterday? She opens her car door and gets inside. Arnav is blank how to react, or frankly speaking, how to apologise. She drives out of the Parking lot. His driver gets the Car. Arnav gets seated and leave for Office. He promised never to Presume things, at least the ones related to Miss Khushi Gupta.

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 6
Khushi is back from the shipping yard. It’s early evening. The Penthouse has a Private beach at the backside. That is why the cost of affording a house in this Apartment is way beyond anyone’s imagination. She would have thought of affording one earlier, when their Business was doing fine. Now, it might cost her a fortune. All thanks to Rajeev, her school friend who runs a Business in South Africa and has bought this place for times when he might need to visit India. Rajeev was here when Khushi landed to Mumbai for her work and he insisted her to stay in his house, as he was leaving back to South Africa and the house was vacant. She could not deny him.

Khushi is striding through the beach, at its edge, reading some official papers. She is wearing a blue knee length denim and a Pink top. The sand kisses her feet below as the small waves flow across her. There is hardly anyone seen at this Private beach. There is a small group of college students at almost 300 meters away from her. No wonder it’s so peaceful here. She continues walking, keeping her eyes glued on the paper. Suddenly the wind blows high and he paper scatter in the air. She tries to catch hold of the paper which keeps floating away, taking Khushi unknowingly deep in the water. She is almost drowned till her knee. She is so much engrossed in catching the paper that she doesn’t realise there is a big wave coming in her direction, which can give her a huge blow. Besides, she does not know swimming. The wave crosses her in seconds and she loses her balance. She screams for help. Being a Private beach, there is hardly anyone who can even see her drowning, forget coming and helping her. Khushi’s eyes start closing, the flow of water entering her mouth and nose, making her difficult to breathe. She screams again and sways her arms to somehow manage to come out, but fails. She loses strength and is about to give up, when she strangely feels an arm dragging her towards him. She opens her eyes weakly, she knows him. He is Arnav Singh Raizada.

Arnav had seen Khushi Gupta walking at the Beach, from his Penthouse Balcony. So, in order to apologise for his early behaviour, he quickly reached the beach. But the moment he came here, he saw Khushi floating in the water. Without any delay, he jumped in the water and dived towards her, to save her. Arnav pulls Khushi towards him and slides his arm around her waist. She loses all her strength and consciousness the moment she lands in his arms. Arnav carries her in his arms and walks back to the shore. He places her quickly on the sand and pats her cheeks.
“Khushi? Khushi wake up”

She is cold and unconscious. He presses above her abdomen. Khushi spits water out of her mouth and starts coughing. Arnav lifts her upper body and caresses her back until she feels better.

“Tum theek ho?” (You okay?)
She gently nods but starts shivering. The water was indeed cold. Arnav is equally drenched. It is better they head back inside.
“Can you walk?” he asks.
She plainly nods and tries to get up holding his hand but her ankle hurts. She might have twisted her own ankle while trying to swim and calling for help. She hisses while getting up and falls back on the sand.
“My leg is hurt” she squirms unable to touch her ankle. He understands and bows down to pick her in arms again. She meets his eyes, they are cold yet filled with a concern. She clutches his shirt for support while he heads back to the Penthouse. Khushi is uncomfortable. This has never happened before. No man has carried her in arms. Plus, she is all drenched. Why did she land up in this situation at the first place? She zips her quivering lips and waits until he reaches the elevator. She presses the button for the 18th floor. It’s no point in getting down now because he might again have to carry her inside the house, till she finds some first aid. And is there a first aid in Rajeev’s house? Who knows where he has kept it? When the elevator door opens on the 18th floor, instead of taking a left turn, he takes a right. Is he heading for his house? Oh no.

“Arnav, you can drop me at my place” she swallows hard.
“I will, after we take care of your twisted ankle” he replies, pressing the doorbell. Mrs. Jones open the door and Khushi flushes. She didn’t know there is a full-time maid in his house. She thought he might be alone. Mrs. Jones startles seeing them. Arnav passes through her and Mrs Jones follows.

“Mrs Jones, please make some hot coffee for us” he commands.
“Yes Sir”

She nods and quickly leaves for the kitchen. Arnav places Khushi on the couch and leans down. He looks at her feet. She curls her toes the moment he touches her. Khushi anxiously awaits to see how he intends to take care of her ankle. He looks in her eyes as if warning her that it might pain a bit. She clutches the pillow on the couch in anticipation. He twists her ankle. She screams shutting her eyes, but the pain slowly fades away and she opens her eyes again.

“Better?” he asks with the same concern.

Khushi acknowledges.

“Yes. It’s fine now”
“Good” he replies getting up and takes off his T shirt. Khushi literally swallows hard to avoid meeting his eyes. He might take it all casual but she is not used to all this.

“I should leave” she gets up.
“Not yet. Mrs Jones makes lovely coffee. You should have it”
“But” she tries to explain that her current state is not very comfortable enough. She was still drenched and wet.
“This house has 5 bathrooms. Use any. Get warm”

His offer is very captive plus who will deny a homemade effortless coffee? Without arguing, Khushi leaves for the nearest room and Arnav returns to his bedroom for a quick shower. While Khushi cleans herself and wipes dry, all she is thinking about is how Arnav saved her. Thank God, he came there on time otherwise she might have been straight to heaven or HELL!! She gulps.

She picks a fresh knee-length robe, wears it and comes out. Mrs Jones has just kept the two hot coffee mugs in the living room. Khushi and Arnav comes out from their respective rooms at the same time. He stares at Khushi while walking to the couch. Khushi smiles at him. But he looks mad now. All that concern is gone away.

“If you don’t know to swim, how can you get so close to the beach waters?” he angrily questions.

His frustration is not sudden, he had been hiding it all the while until she composes herself from this accident.
“You might have got drown if I hadn’t reached there on time” he groans coming closer.

He looks absolutely stunning when he is angry. She clears her throat and replies.

“Is this how you scold your daughter?”
Arnav grits his teeth and she realizes she has to give him a fitting reply to cool him down.
“Sorry, I wanted to breathe some fresh air and needed absolute privacy. So, I had been there, at the beach. I was so engrossed in reading that I didn’t realize that wave coming near”

Arnav is little relieved by her reply. He picks one mug and hands it to her.

“Thanks and Thanks” she utters.
“What?” he asks with amusement.
“Yes. First thanks is for saving my life and second one is for this wonderful coffee” she sips the coffee and loves its taste. “Can I steal your Mrs. Jones for one day? I am missing home cooked food. So much loaded with work and issues that I don’t have time to cook myself. Besides its boring to cook for just one person”

Arnav smiles and sips his coffee.

“I don’t share my assets”
Her jaw drops.
“Mrs Jones is your asset?”
“Yes, she belongs to this house and strictly cooks only for me, whenever I am here”

Khushi pouts.

“But, you are always invited to come here for food. She can cook for both of us until we are here” he offers grinning.
“No. No I didn’t mean that” She feels odd to take such a huge offer from him.
“Hold on. Mrs. Jones” he calls out

Mrs Jones comes there and waits for his demand.

“Mrs Jones, from today onwards you will have to cook for both of us. She is Khushi Gupta, our neighbour and one of my Client. Please check her likes and priorities in food”
“Sure, Sir. Hello Ma’am” Mrs. Jones smiles at Khushi.

Khushi smiles back at her and when she leaves them alone, Khushi again gazes at Arnav.

“Nice technique to butter your client, Arnav. I am impressed” she teases.
“Business tactics Miss Gupta” he winks at her.
Her mouth drops open. Does this man ever seize to baffle a woman by his charm? She wonders how lucky his wife had been.
“How is your daughter?”
“She is fine. Missing me” his tone reflects how much he loves his baby. Aww.
“What’s her name?” she asks curiously.
“Aashi” he proudly replies.

Khushi already likes that name. She feels so connected with that name, she doesn’t know why.
“Aashi.. That’s such a cute name. Whom does she look like? Like her father or mother?”

The smile that Arnav had on his face, vanishes. Khushi realizes that too and then she understands that he must be missing his wife, she cannot ask all this. Not so soon.
“I am sorry. I get too personal sometimes. But whenever a child is involved, I lose my senses. I always dig for more” she covers the silence between them

Arnav comes back in talking mode.

“You love children?”
“Very much” her throat aches when she replies this. Arnav notices her eyes getting filled with tears. She doesn’t want him to know that. She gets up.

“I should leave. I will laundry the robe and return”
“Keep it” he replies getting up from the couch to drop her till the door.

They reach the door.

“Dinner time is 08:00. Finish your work and come here. We will dine together”
Khushi nods and rushes to her apartment. She clicks the door open and then shuts it hard. Today she faced so many different emotions, all at a time. The fear of dying, the joy of being saved, the surprise of being invited for Dinner, the anger of poking into his life unnecessarily, the feeling of disgust when he asked her about her love for children. All this is happening so fast. Is it good?

******************
Mrs. Jones places everything on the table. She has cooked many varieties. Arnav comes out from his room, finishing a business call.

“Will that be all Sir?” Mrs. Jones askes.
“Yes Mrs. Jones. You may leave now” he replies closing the lid of one of the vessel which had the Vegetable curry.

Mrs Jones takes her purse and opens the door to leave. That’s exactly when Khushi is about to press the door bell. She is wearing her night Pyjamas and loose top.

“Hello Ma’am. Please enjoy the meal. Good night” Mrs. Jones greets and leaves the house.
Khushi surprisingly enters the house. Arnav is waiting for her and he is still in a three-piece suit. She feels awkward.

“Uh, I am feeling out of place, right now. Was a dress code must for Dinner?” she sarcastically asks.
Arnav gives her a lopsided smile.
“I didn’t get time to change. Had a video conference with one of my Client. Please make yourself comfortable, I will change and be right back” he replies and leaves to change into his night dress. When he comes out after 10 minutes, Khushi is happy to see him in Track pants and a V-neck grey T-shirt.
“Hungry?” he asks pulling a chair for her. She sits and he takes the opposite seat of the dining table.
“Very. Uh, you mind me serving you?”  she asks showing some courtesy.
“Sure” he waits until she serves some stuff in his plate and then makes hers.
“The food is really yummy Arnav. Where did you get Mrs. Jones? I seriously need a cook like her back in Delhi”
Arnav smirks.
“She is with me from a long time. Like 8 years or so”
“Wow. Amazing cook. She handles the entire house?”
“Yes. Even in my absence. I don’t visit frequently but then Aman keeps coming for work”
“I see”

Khushi continues eating. She takes an extra Aloo paratha and starts searching for something. Arnav sees her.

“You want anything?”
“Yes, where is the butter”
Arnav forwards the peanut butter to her. She immediately denies.
“I am allergic to peanut butter. I am looking for plain butter. Ohh there it is.” She picks the butter bottle and adds some in her plate.

Arnav is stunned.

“Even you?” he asks.
“What do you mean by Even me?” she replies
“Even Aashi is allergic to Peanut butter” he states.
Khushi’s face drops. Such a small baby and allergic to peanut butter?
“That’s sad. I got it from my mother. I mean Dad told me that. I suppose it’s in the genes then. May be Aashi got it from her mother”

She casually says that and continues eating. Will this woman stop talking or asking things about Aashi’s mother? When she looks back at Arnav, he doesn’t seem to be in a good mood.

“Hey? What’s wrong?” she asks innocently.

Arnav stares in her eyes and makes sure he closes this topic here itself, forever.

“I don’t like talking about Aashi’s mother, ever. So, can we please take care of that?” he seems more like demanding than requesting. But which husband will talk so roughly about his wife? That too mother of his baby? Why? She nods weakly and continues eating quietly. What is his past? He seems to have a rough past like she does. Should she bother to dig?

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 7
Khushi and Arnav have finished the Dinner. Why doesn’t he want to talk about Aashi’s mother? Is he divorced? Or is she dead? Gosh, the curiosity is killing her. She observes him placing their plates in the sink. She had offered help but he strictly denied considering she was his Guest, tonight. She slowly walks to the huge 12-seater couch. From the glass wall behind, she can see the Arabian sea. The glowing city lights are adding up beauty to such a spectacular view.

“Ice-creams?” he softly asks.

She turns around and finds him holding two bowls of Ice cream in his hand. She takes one. It’s a plain Vanilla ice cream. She loves it but with a small topping.

“Do you have Chocolate sauce?”
Arnav crouches his brows. Once again, this woman’s taste resembles with his daughter’s.
“Yep. Hold on”

He leaves again in the kitchen and returns with a chocolate sauce bottle. She pours some in her bowl and sits opposite to him on the couch.
“What are your plans for tomorrow?” he makes a pass to her.

She smiles and licks the end of the spoon which has the trace of sauce over it.
“I am working at the Shipping yard tomorrow. Some consignment issues” she replies.

He nods discretely, thinking if he should ask her out or not. She somehow reads his mind and intrudes his thought process.

“I will finish by 06:00 though” she adds.
“You mind going out with me?” he raises his doubt.

Khushi flushes. She hopes he is not good enough to read her expressions because she is smiling as if someone has just asked her what she herself wanted to.

“Uh.. umm .No. We can go out, Arnav. But where?” she mutters.
“Anywhere. We will be back for Dinner at home. I don’t try outside food much. So”

She nods.
“Sounds like a good plan. Okay, we will go somewhere. It’s nice to have a friend in an unknown city like this.” She licks the ice cream again. It feels like a mission accomplished for her. Arnav is not as disinterested in her like he sounded earlier. He needs his own time to come out of his shell. Damn!! What is she thinking? She is not a girl who craves for a date. She has hardly met him and she is not very willing for relationships too. Not at this point of time when her Business needs her the most. But her subconscious mind snaps her own thoughts. Arnav is just a friend and she would like to go out with him and kill some of her boring time which she otherwise would end up spending in her apartment, alone.

******************
The next day, Arnav parks his car inside the shipping yard where Khushi is working. He could have waited outside and texted her to come out, but he wanted to see Miss. Khushi Gupta’s live performance in the yard. He is told that she is in the Cargo ship, which is getting loaded for cruising tonight. Arnav walks to the dry dock area where the containers are being loaded in the ship with the help of the crane. He finds Khushi there, talking to the supervisor. She is wearing blue denims and a pink half sleeve Kurti. Her hair tied into a pony tail, her ears devoid of any earrings, her right wrist having a watch. Every time she talked, her pony tail oscillated, based on her hand gestures. He stood few meters away from her, taking in her beautiful form.

The people she is talking to, glance at him, for staring at their Boss and this makes Khushi turn around and look at him. She is initially surprised to see him here but later she waves her arm and asks him to come forward. He heads to her.

“Hi” she murmurs.
“If I am up early, I can wait out” he replies.
“No. I am almost done. I was just giving final instructions to the team.”

She then turns around to her people and gives them strict instructions for their next actions. They finally disperse leaving Arnav and Khushi alone there. A crane is moving a huge container from above their head. Arnav drags her out of that area. She is startled with his sudden actions. Once they are safe, inside the building he stops and looks at her with concern.

“I don’t see you following any safety measures which is totally absurd. You did the same while walking on the beach yesterday. Where is your helmet? Every employee, even the CEO of the company needs to wear a helmet at such dock areas where the loading work is carried out” he shouts.

Khushi is stunned for few seconds. Who is he to shout at her? Even her father or Akash never did that. But Arnav is doing this for her own benefit. He is right to warn her.

“Fine, I will take care of that from next time” she utters carefully not to reveal him that he just succeeded in scaring her by his tone.
While Arnav still continues staring her, she quickly takes a peek of the Ship which is getting loaded for cruising. Arnav realises that.
“Are you okay?”
“Hmm, I hope the consignment reaches on time. We have a huge amount invested on it”

Her tone reflects the fear, the uncertainty she had on their company’s losing stock. Arnav had a brief idea what loses the Gupta’s were incurring for every delayed consignment. Khushi focusses back on Arnav.

“Let’s go?” she asks him.
He nods and they stride out to his Car. Arnav drives to the Marine drive, a 3.6-kilometre-long boulevard in South Mumbai. Parking the car, both walk along the bay. Khushi is quiet for few minutes but she cannot hold her anxiety. So, she decides to ask.

“How is Aashi?”
“Same state I left her in. She wants me to come back and that’s somehow killing me from inside. She never behaved like this”
“You can’t predict kids, Arnav. They keep changing their likes and their behaviour.”
“You mean its normal?” he curiously asks.
“Yes, absolutely. But this is not a solution. I feel you should do something for her, to make up her mood”
“She is my daughter, not girlfriend” he smirks at her ideas.
“Typical men” she scoffs and gazes back at the sea.
Arnav decides to take up her idea.
“Okay, fine. What do you think I should do for her?”
“You should buy something for Aashi” she forces.
“Aashi has everything”
“So, what? Kids always love to have more toys. They always expect their parents to get something for them while returning from office or from such outstation trips” she advises.

Arnav smiles weakly. No one ever told him that before. There were times when Aashi actually asked him what he got for her. But he never realised it was so important. A woman thinks so differently about a child and its needs, unlike a man.

“I know some toy shops here, we can go there” she replies.

Her excitement is beyond words. She holds his arm and they quickly cross the road. Arnav is surprised seeing her eagerness for buying toys for his baby. Seems like she has a close connection with kids. But is this just by chance or she has some past related to it?

They start looking for a suitable toy for Aashi, in one shop. Khushi gives the preferences to the Shop keeper and Arnav is happy seeing her interest. They see a few toys and Khushi gets confused which one to select. Arnav tries to sort her confusion, finally.

“Which one would you take if you were Aashi?” he asks in humour.
She chuckles hard.
“Really? You want me to select that way?”
Arnav nods in acknowledgment. She sighs in disbelief and picks a stuffed doll.
“I think she will like this”
“Let’s pack it then”

Arnav quickly pays and they come out of the store. Khushi tries to handover the gift bag to him but Arnav denies.

“Why don’t you give her this?” he replies
Khushi gets confused.
“How will I give her this?”
“She is coming here tomorrow”

Khushi jaw drops with anticipation. Aashi is coming here? In Mumbai? That means she will get to see his baby. Wow.

“She is coming? How?”
“Daayi Maa, the one who looks after her will get Aashi here in Mumbai. I have already asked my Jet to drop them here. I told you how much cranky she is getting these days, for meeting me. So I decided to make her fly here”

He is really a good father. And besides Khushi can see he misses his daughter too.

“Well made decision, Arnav. And I am so excited to meet her. But will she mingle with me? She doesn’t even know me.”
“She knows your name” Arnav replies
“What? Really? How?”

Now that’s a long story. He cannot tell Khushi that he taught K for Khushi to his daughter.

“Will tell you some other time. Shall we get back home? I am hungry”
“Same here. I can’t wait to know what Mrs Jones have cooked for tonight” she chuckles and heads with him to his car. Tomorrow is going to be a happy day for her. She is going to meet his daughter, his baby and she is already hoping to create fine memories in her heart with that kid, whose thoughts itself have created a havoc in her mind.

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

The next afternoon, Arnav rushes back home, finishing the Office work. He is on call with Aman, in the living room. Mrs. Jones is busy in the kitchen.

“Yes Aman. Aashi and Daayi Maa will be coming anytime. I have sent Mihir to pick them up from Airport” he pauses to listen to Aman. “I think I will be staying here for 2 more days. I don’t think its good to travel back with Aashi so soon. She must be tired and will need time to adapt such frequent journeys”
“Absolutely right. Take your time. I am handling things here. By the way, you didn’t update me anything about Khushi Gupta. Did you meet her?” Aman asks.

Arnav is silent for few seconds. What will he tell Aman? That he just didn’t meet her but now they also share Dinner’s and he has been out with her too?

“Arnav? You there, buddy?” Aman raises his voice thinking Arnav didn’t hear him out.

The door bell rings and Arnav knows it is Aashi.
“Aman, I think Aashi is here. Will call you later, Bye”

He hangs up and rushes to open the door. Daayi Maa is holding Aashi’s finger. The moment Aashi sees her father she wraps her arms around his leg. Arnav picks her up, kisses her, throws her in air and catches her again.

“Aashi came to Daddy?”
Aashi is equally fond to see him. She kisses his cheek and hugs his neck. They all get inside the house.
“Aashi, talk baby” he shakes her a bit. That’s when Daayi Maa tells her how she got afraid to fly in the Jet.
Arnav starts worrying. He sits on the couch and makes Aashi sit on his lap. She is still hugging him tight.

“Aashi got scared of Aeroplane?” he asks caressing her face.
She nods.
“It flies so high” she clutches the collar of his shirt.
Arnav kisses her hair and embraces her again.
“Okay, we will ask the pilot to fly it on the road, not on sky then”

Aashi starts giggling.

“Daddy aeloplane flies in sky not road”

She thinks her father doesn’t know this and Arnav pretends to be illiterate on this topic.
“Really? Aeroplane doesn’t fly on roads? Who taught you that?”
“Mish Dsouza” she takes her teachers name.
“Okay, I will thank her for teaching you that” he kisses her again and raises up from the couch.
“Come, I will show you Daddy’s room”

He takes her inside the house. Daayi Maa is happy that the father-daughter are together again. She really had a tough time handling Aashi this time, without Arnav.

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

It’s evening, Khushi holds the gift bag in her hand, the one which contains the stuffed doll. She is excited to meet Aashi tonight. She was always attracted to kids and Aashi happens to be the first kid whom she is going to closely encounter. How will that moment be? Will Aashi like her? What if she doesn’t talk to her nicely? She had so many questions in her mind but she shrugged all of those and rang the door bell of Arnav’s apartment. Mrs Jones opened the door and Khushi gets inside.

“Has Aashi arrived?” she asks Mrs. Jones
“Yes. She is with Sir in his room. Please be seated, I will call them out”

Mrs Jones leave and Khushi anxiously waits in the living room.

Arnav brushes Aashi’s hair.

“Daddy, are we going out?” she asks curiously.
“No baby, why?”
“Why are you combing my hair?”
“That’s because, today Aashi is going to meet Daddy’s friend” he replies

Aashi is quiet for some seconds thinking which friend her father is talking about and then suddenly she jumps with joy.

“Khooshi?” She asks with amusement in her voice. Arnav nods in response. She jumps again and hugs Arnav. “Aashi will meet Khooshi. Yehh”

Mrs Jones comes there and informs about Khushi’s arrival. Aashi gets super excited. She runs out of the room in hurry to meet her. She stops at the Living room corner. Khushi’s heart skips a beat. So, she is Aashi? She has cuteness of her father. Arnav who had followed Aashi, stops beside his daughter. Aashi feels shy. She immediately hides herself behind Arnav. Khushi’s eyes fill with tears of joy. Arnav pulls Aashi in the front and finally takes her in his arms.

“Aashi, say hi to Khushi” he commands.

Aashi hugs her father again, feeling totally shy. Khushi is determined to talk to Aashi and even take her in arms, if she permits to do so. Khushi comes forward and stands before them.

“Hello Aashi” her voice makes Aashi raise her head and look at her. “Come to me?”

Aashi denies and hugs her father again. Khushi sighs whereas Arnav tries to give an explanation to her.

“She is very introvert. She doesn’t get acquainted to new people easily”
“Oh, that’s so much like me. I was the same in my childhood” Khushi chuckles and caresses Aashi’s back.

Arnav smiles. Khushi then removes the doll from the bag and gives it to Aashi.

“Look what have I got for you. Do you like dolls?” she asks her.
Aashi looks at the doll and nods a Yes. Very slowly she manages to take the doll from Khushi and she starts admiring the new doll. Khushi gazes at her for some time.

“Come, let me introduce you to Daayi Maa” Arnav says and takes Khushi along with him to the Kitchen where Daayi Maa is assisting Mrs Jones. Meanwhile Aashi also keeps stealing glances of Khushi, the way she smiles, talks to her father Arnav, Aashi notices everything. Though she has already developed an attachment for this woman, she feels extremely shy to take it forward.

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 8
Daayi Maa is in the kitchen, with Mrs. Jones when Arnav and Khushi enters. Aashi is still in Arnav’s arms but she is constantly admiring Khushi. This is the first time she has met one of her father’s friend. There are not many people her father keeps introducing her to. Aashi finds Khushi very attractive.

“Daayi Maa, she is Khushi” Arnav introduces.

Daayi Maa turns around. Khushi smiles at her, joining her palms. “Namaste”
Daayi Maa returns the smile with same warmth.
“Daayi Maa is caretaker of not just Aashi but also me” he adds smirking.

Khushi chuckles.

“Nice” she replies.
Aashi cuddles the doll which Khushi has gifted her few minutes ago. Arnav tries to get Aashi bonded with Khushi.

“Aashi, did you want to show your new purse to Khushi?”
Aashi nods a yes. She gets down from her father’s arms and rushes in the bedroom to get it. Arnav and Khushi both follow her out. Daayi Maa keeps staring at Khushi. Why does she feel she has seen her before? She remembers this face, but where has she seen her?

Mrs. Jones starts praising Khushi to Daayi Maa.

“She is a very good woman. Very gentle to talk.” Mrs Jones explains.

Daayi Maa nods and continues making Chocolate milkshake for Aashi.

Aashi comes out with her new purse but she is shy to show it directly to her. She keeps hiding again behind Arnav. Khushi sighs.

“Aashi, come here baby” she calls very pleasingly.
Aashi puts her thumb in her mouth. Arnav immediately holds Aashi’s wrist and tries to take her thumb out

“Aashi, bad manners. Take your thumb out” he scolds.
Khushi smiles.
“That’s fine Arnav. Kids are used to do this when they are shy. My father keeps telling me I had this habit untill I was 5 years.”

Arnav gives up the idea of scolding Aashi further to take out her thumb. He picks her up and carries her to the couch where Khushi is sitting. He sits next to Khushi and puts Aashi on his lap.

“Okay, now Daddy is here. Show the purse to Khushi” he utters.

Aashi extends the purse towards Khushi and she immediately starts praising.

“Wow, pink color purse. That’s so nice, Aashi” Khushi says.

Aashi is elated that someone is appreciating her stuff.
“And who is this” Khushi asks pointing at the Barbie doll picture at the front of the purse.
“That’s Balbie” Aashi finally replies to her.

Khushi swallows hard hearing her voice. Aashi is really an angel. Arnav is busy observing the reactions of the two. He is baffled seeing Khushi so fond of children, especially his child. Arnav gets a call meanwhile. He slowly puts Aashi down on the couch, beside Khushi.

“Aashi, Daddy has to take this call sweetheart. I will be back” he looks at Khushi also who gestures she has no problem and that she will look after his baby.

Aashi starts talking to Khushi, slowly. She unzips the purse and shows the baby powder and comb which she has kept inside. Khushi appreciates that and Aashi is on cloud 9 already. Arnav keeps an eye on Aashi and Khushi, both, while talking over his Bluetooth. He feels good that Aasho started communicating. So far, he has never shown or introduced Aashi to any outsiders. She just knew Aman and Daayi Maa from her father’s side. He never took Aashi to any parties because she had no work there. Khushi is the first person being introduced by him and he is glad to do that. Khushi and Aashi seem to get comfortable.

Whilst talking to Khushi, Aashi slowly starts blinking. She is going to fall asleep. She looks tired too. She is about to lean behind on the couch and sleep when Khushi gently holds her head from hurting. She takes Aashi in her arms, she almost hugs her. The touch of this baby girl reminds Khushi of something similar which she had felt years ago. But this was not a time when she can reminisce those memories. Aashi’s head rests on Khushi’s chest and she is fast snoring. Khushi gently picks her so that Aashi’s head rests on her shoulder. She keeps patting the baby so that she doesn’t wake up. Khushi gets up from the couch. That’s when Arnav returns. Khushi gestures him not to speak aloud. He is surprised. She handles Aashi so nicely.

“Where’s the bedroom?” she whispers.
Arnav leads her to the bedroom. She drops Aashi gently on the bed. Aashi whimpers in sleep to which Khushi starts caressing her head. Arnav is amazed seeing their bonding. She keeps patting Aashi on the bed until Aashi starts snoring again. Arnav is just admiring. This is the difference between a father and mother’s touch. Aashi never sleeps so easily on his shoulder or when he pats. She keeps tossing and sometimes even gets cranky. Aashi is too small to understand that she is missing a mother’s love in her life. But he cannot be blind after this. He will seriously have to think of getting a mother for Aashi. The very thought of getting a mother for Aashi, makes him think of Khushi Gupta. The way Khushi is dealing with Aashi is commendable. She can very easily take up the role. But will a woman like her want to nurture a child which is not hers?

Khushi gets up from the bed and gestures at him, if they can go out. He nods and follows her out.

“Aashi seems to be comfortable with you now” he utters.
Khushi smiles.
“I am glad she started interacting with me. I was dying to hear her voice”

Daayi Maa has witnessed this scene, especially how Khushi comforted Aashi while she was sleeping. She likes it too, though she is still suspicious why she feels Khushi’s face so familiar?

“Dinner?” Arnav asks.
“Yes. I am hungry now. I don’t think Aashi will wake up for an hour, will she?”
“No, she won’t. She has a very fine sleeping habit. I will feed her something when she wakes up. We can eat now”

They head back to the dining table. Mrs. Jones sets everything on the table and leaves inside with Daayi Maa. Khushi serves Arnav first and then her plate. It feels like a routine to her now though just 2 days have passed that they are having their Meals together, at his place. Arnav feels curious to know her plans for the next day.

“What are you doing tomorrow?”
“Me? Well, I am leaving tomorrow night to Delhi.” She pouts feeling sad already. She does not want to go back. She wants to spend more time with Aashi.
Even Arnav gets shocked to know that she is leaving tomorrow. Once she is back to Delhi, she will always be around Akash and her father. Obviously, her work pressure is more there in Delhi and she will not get free time for him. He is disappointed but her next words cheer him up.

“But I don’t feel like going so early. I have just met Aashi and I so want to spend some time with her” she replies.

Yes. He wants that too.

“Then don’t go” he glances lovingly at her

She feels electric sparks between them. This is so palpable. She shrugs her eyes from his and continues eating. Her pulse is still beating high. Arnav realizes he behaved different with her and that’s why she is silent.

“Me and Aashi are flying back day after tomorrow. If you really can wait for one more day, you can travel with us, in our jet” he offers.
She first hesitates but Arnav somehow manages to convince her.
“Fine. We will travel together” she smiles and continues the meal.

******************
The next morning, when Arnav wakes up, he finds Aashi missing beside him. Where has she gone? He comes out, thinking she must be sleeping in the other bedroom, the one which is smaller and has few toys stuffed in. But she is not there either. He comes to the Living room and asks Daayi Maa.

“Daayi Maa, where is Aashi?”
“She woke up early today and forced me to drop her to Khushi’s apartment. I wanted to wake you up but she was getting too cranky to go to her. I just dropped her with Khushi 15 minutes back” she replies.

Arnav sighs in relief. He knows Aashi will be safe with Khushi but that doesn’t mean Khushi has time to entertain her. Khushi might have to go to Shipping yard.

“I will get her back. What did she eat?”
“Nothing yet. She just wanted to meet Khushi”

Arnav nods and hurries to Khushi’s apartment. The door is slightly open and he enters inside. He heads to the kitchen area as he hears Aashi’s giggles from there. He stops at the kitchen door. The sight itself is so pleasing enough. Khushi is in her night pyjamas and spaghetti top, very much revealing dress but suits her thin figure. Aashi is sitting on the kitchen slab.
Khushi is feeding something to Aashi from spoon while narrating stories of her favourite animals and birds. Aashi claps happily and giggles seeing the movement Khushi makes while describing the story. Aashi is very excited. Arnav has never seen Aashi so much happy ever.

“And you know what the sparrow said to the Elephant?” Khushi asks.

Arnav leans on the door, his arms crossed around his chest, as he continues admiring them both.

“What Spallow say?” Aashi asks while chewing the food which Khushi is feeding.
“The sparrow says, hey you big elephant, stop dancing on the ground, my nest will break. I have baby sparrows in my nest who are sleeping now. Go away” Khushi continues.

Aashi jumps in joy and claps again. That’s when Khushi sees Arnav. She feels embarrassed.

“You? Here?” she asks getting confused. “How did you come inside?”

Arnav becomes serious because she has picked a very important issue.

“The door was open. Though the apartment Is fully secured, you have to ensure the doors are safely locked Khushi, its for your own safety” he replies coming forward.

Khushi bits her lower lip feeling apologetic.

“Sorry, Aashi rushed inside so I had to follow her to ensure she doesn’t fall”
“That’s fine”

He comes to Aashi and strokes her cheeks.

“Good morning sweetheart”
Aashi pecks his stubble. Khushi feels her heart racing fast, especially when he uttered the word ‘Sweetheart’.
“Daddy, Khushi telling stoly of Spallow and elephant” Aashi says.
Arnav gazes at Khushi.
“Yes, I know baby. I heard”

Khushi again feels shy.

“Uh.. I was feeding her chocos. I hope its okay with you?”
“Hmm. She likes anything of chocolate” he replies.
“Another trait of mine” Khushi winks happily at him and hugs Aashi. She herself doesn’t realise she has just winked at Arnav Singh Raizada. She is still lost in the baby and he is lost in both of them.
“You must have work to do. Aashi simply disturbed you” he adds.

Khushi clearly nods a No.
“I told you I was leaving tonight. So, I purposely winded up everything till yesterday. No work today. I am totally free”
“Great. So why don’t you join me and Aashi at the beach? Aashi wants to play in water” Arnav offers
“Okay. I wont mind. What is Aashi wearing then? A sexy bikini?” she tickles Aashi who starts giggling. Arnav is again smiling at them.
“I want to go to beach” Aashi roars in excitement looking at her father.
“Yes sweetheart” he picks her up in arms. “We will go in sometime. Daddy wants to finish some work before that. Okay?”

She agrees. Khushi feeds Aashi again the chocos while she is in Arnav’s arm. Their family seems complete and blessed to onlookers.

Arnav takes Aashi back home, giving Khushi time to dress up while he also can finish his stuff. Exactly after 2 hours, Khushi comes to their apartment again. She is wearing a knee length capri and a sleeveless short top. Aashi is dressed in a cute bikini with a scarf tied on her waist. Khushi loves Aashi’s look. She picks her in arms and kisses her.

“Perfect dress”
“Where is your bikini?” Aashi asks innocently to her.

Arnav holds his smile seeing Khushi’s amusement and shyness to answer Aashi’s question.

“Uh um. I don’t have such cute dress” she lies. Obviously, she cannot wear such outfits before Arnav Singh Raizada.
Aashi feels bad to know that.
“Daddy will buy for you” she replies.

Khushi gulps nervously whereas Arnav cannot help hiding his smirk. She glances at Arnav and then they both burst out laughing. How Khushi wishes to explain Aashi that her daddy cannot buy such outfits for his client, Khushi Gupta.

“Why ale you laughing?” Aashi asks to both of them.
Khushi hugs her but before she could respond, Arnav does it.
“Yes, daddy will buy those for Khushi. Now shall we go? The beach is waiting for us”

Aashi happily nods whereas Khushi’s cheeks are turned pink and red imagining if that day actually comes when Arnav Singh Raizada buys such private clothes for her. What the hell is wrong with her? Is she falling for his charms? Or is the baby playing a cupid to enhance their likings for each other?

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 9
Khushi is busy making sand house with Aashi. The baby is too excited to do this. Aashi’s hand is filled with wet sand. Arnav is sitting next to them and is helping Khushi make the house.

“That’s Aashi’s house” Khushi finally finishes the edging of the sand house.

Aashi hops in excitement and claps.
“Aashi show me your room here” Arnav insists.
Aashi looks at the various windows carved in the sand house and points at one.
“This is my loom”

Aashi’s anxiety is uncontrollable. She points at the next window to her left.

“This is Daady loom”
Khushi chuckles and Arnav appreciates it too. Aashi then points to the small window at her right.
“This is Khoosi’s loom”

That one statement chokes Khushi. She stares at Arnav and then smiles weakly at Aashi.

“Aashi will let me stay in her house?”
Aashi nods instantly and hugs her. Khushi takes Aashi in her arms and then her eyes fall on Arnav who is keenly watching the bonding of the two. No one has ever come so close to Aashi. Maybe he never allowed anyone to interact with Aashi to this level like Khushi is permitted.

“I want to go there” Aashi points at the beach water.
Khushi looks at Arnav.
“Can I take her? I promise we won’t go far” she requests.
“Play safe” he commands.

Khushi holds Aashi’s hand and they both run at the edge of the beach where small waves of water keep touching their feet and going away. Aashi keeps jumping, splashing water on Khushi and vice versa. Arnav is still sitting next to the Sand house they just created, glancing at the two girls in between. This looks so picture perfect. Aashi has never been happier than this. Besides the way Aashi and Khushi ate mingling with each other, it will be hard for both of them to part tomorrow.

******************
Khushi is almost wet. Aashi has splashed enough water on her to make Khushi feel cold. Arnav removes his jacket and places it on Khushi’s shoulder.

“Arnav, it’s okay. The house is just here.”
“Ssh.. Be warm, can’t afford you to fall sick”

She gazes at him with affection. Aashi taps her foot, asking Arnav to take her in arms. He immediately obliges and the three then head back to the Apartment. Once they reach the floor, Aashi holds Khushi’s hand, stopping her from leaving.

“Come with us Khoosi”
Khushi smiles and kisses her tiny fist.
“Khoosi is all wet right? Let me change and come. You wear some fresh clothes too, okay? Then we will play.” She replies.

Aashi agrees and allows Khushi to go back to her home. Daayi Maa takes Aashi for a bath. Even Arnav rushes for Shower. His clothes are fully drenched and stuck with sand. He stands beneath the cold water, shutting his eyes and flashes of Khushi and Aashi playing in the sand and then in the water clouds his mind. They made such a great team. Aashi’s growing fondness for Khushi is attracting him more to that woman. How is he supposed to deal with that? It’s been years since he has ever thought of a woman in that way. Since Aashi’s birth, he has mostly suppressed his desires for a woman but it has evoked again since the time he has met Khushi, that control no longer exists.

He hears Aashi knocking the bathroom door and calling him out.

“Aashi, give me 5 minutes sweetheart” he screams from inside and hurries with the shower.

He comes out drying himself, in his Track pant. Aashi looks sleepy. She stretches his arms for him to pick her. He carries her and takes her straight to the bed.

“Sleep a little” he whispers to her.
“When will Khoosi come?”
“She will come after you wake up” he replies kissing her forehead.

Aashi slowly closes her eyes and slumbers into a deep sleep. She is tired from all this play in the beachside. Arnav stays next to her for sometime and then makes his way out. Mrs. Jones gets some coffee for him and tells him the menu for Lunch. He agrees. Once Mrs. Jones is back in the Kitchen, Daayi Maa comes to Arnav with his Black coffee.

“Aashi seems very happy today” Daayi Maa says.
Arnav smiles.
“Hmm, she has got a very good team player with her now”
“Yes, I saw that. She is very fond of Khushi.”
“Hmm” he gulps nervously. He does not want to show a wrong picture to his daughter. What if all this doesn’t work? What if Khushi backs off some day?
Daayi Maa senses the confusion on his face and intrudes.

“I don’t know why Arnav, but I think I have seen Khushi before”

That gets Arnav out of his reverie.

“Impossible. When I haven’t met her before, how can you?”
“I agree but her face is so known and the way Aashi is bonding with her so quickly makes he wonder, how is that possible?”

Arnav proudly smiles.
“They share many things in common. Aashi is allergic to Peanut butter, so is Khushi. Both dote for chocolates. In fact, Khushi says much of her childhood habits match Aashi’s. Even I wonder how?

Daayi Maa is even more suspicious now. So many similarities between the two? How? Even Arnav looks quite smitten by this woman. She is about to leave when Arnav stops her.

“Daayi Maa, one minute”

Daayi Maa sits again on the couch, waiting for him to speak up.
“I was thinking, to ask Khushi” he is nervous.
“Ask what” Daayi Maa queries back.
“For marriage”

Daayi Maa smiles in amusement.

“Marriage? Really Arnav? That will be the best thing for you and Aashi. I have always thought of asking you this, if you will ever marry but then I couldn’t get that courage. It’s a nice decision Arnav. Go for it” she boosts him more.

Arnav takes a sigh of relief but the next instant he is confused again.

“I don’t know what she thinks about it. She is single after all and might have her own choice for a husband. I might not fit in it. Plus, she has to understand that my sole purpose of this marriage is going to be for Aashi. I need a mother for Aashi first and then a wife”

Daayi Maa nods.

“The way she is bonding with Aashi, I feel she likes the baby too and sorry to say this directly Arnav, but I feel she likes you too. I have felt that compassion and concern for you in her eyes”

Arnav’s face lights up. Did Daayi Maa really see that in Khushi’s eyes?

“So, when are you asking her?”
“After reaching back to Delhi. I got to talk to Aman as well. You know he is best at advising on such things”
“That’s right. But don’t delay. I will be very happy to see your family complete”

Arnav nods with a smile. He is already feeling like his family is complete, seeing the way Khushi and Aashi are bonding. Daayi Maa heads back to the Kitchen. She is happy with Arnav’s decision but she is still curious to find out why she feels like she has seen Khushi before?

******************
“Aashi, stop running baby” Khushi hurries behind Aashi who is running in the living room, at Arnav’s apartment.
Arnav has kept her with Khushi so that he can peacefully attend some video conference. He has almost finished the call, just checking a few emails now before winding up. Khushi manages to catch hold of Aashi and she and Aashi both fall on Arnav’s bed.

“Naughty girl. See, I am sweating, running behind you” she forcefully kisses Aashi who squirms under her hold. “Let’s pack your bag. We are flying back home tomorrow, aren’t we?”

Aashi becomes silent all of a sudden and hugs her. Khushi is surprised.
“Aashi. What happened?” she starts caressing her back.
“I don’t want to go home” she whispers.
Khushi sighs in displeasure. She also does not want to go back home. It feels so good here. She, Arnav and Aashi. How can she get attached to them so easily? Her father always used to complain her that she hardly gets friendly to anyone. She always takes time to get acquainted to people. Business world is different, she manages to be social but in personal life she is always very introvert. But when she met Arnav and Khushi, she could not hold herself any longer. She got dragged to them like a moth to a flame.

Arnav is watching all of this from the door. He is disheartened too. But he gets inside the room, to cheer up the mood of both the girls. He sits on the bed.

“Aashi is going to sit in the Jet again tomorrow”

Aashi pulls back from the hug and her eyes glitters again.
“Aeloplane?” she asks going in Arnav’s arms.
“Yesh, Aeroplane. And this time with her daddy.” He adds

Khushi smiles at them.
“And Khoosi?” Aashi innocently asks.
“Khushi will also be there with us.”
Aashi looks at Khushi to see if she agrees to this or not. Khushi nods at her and Aashi jumps with joy.
“Yehh. I will pack my bags. Daady pack bags”
“Let me get your bags”

Arnav hurries to the closet and gets Aashi’s bag out. He gets her dresses from the closet which needs to be packed. Khushi starts folding the dresses, all the while talking to Aashi and complimenting the colors and fashion of her little dresses. Aashi is overjoyed. Once the bag is packed, Aashi hurries out to tell Daayi Maa to pack her bag too. After all, she knows Daayi Maa is always with them. Arnav and Khushi are left alone in his bedroom.

“Aashi is going to miss you” he utters.
Khushi smiles and he can say that she is hiding her pain.
“I will miss her too”
“Will you come to see her sometimes? She will feel nice” Arnav asks.
“Are you inviting me Mr Raizada?”
“Do you need an invitation, I don’t think so. You are not just my Client but Aashi’s friend too. So you are most welcome, anytime.”

Khushi takes a sigh of relief. It will be really hard for her to stay without Aashi. The baby has really created a special place in her heart. And it’s different. Khushi has always been spending time with other kids too, in the Orphanage but no kids have ever touched her soul like Aashi did. There is a unique bonding which they both share and she really wants it to be intact for lifetime. But can this really happen? Today Arnav is single, Aashi has no mother, tomorrow who knows, he might find a woman of his choice and marry her. Will Aashi get detached from her then? The mere thought of it got tears in her eyes. Arnav observes this and he unknowingly wipes the tear from her eyes and strokes her cheek. She gulps nervously, her head tilts naively towards his palm so that she feels his touch on her cheek. Something burns within Arnav as she shuts her eyes. Her heavy breathing, her parted lips, the wetness on her cheeks, everything draws him close to her. He touches her other cheek with his other palm and draws her closer. She opens her eyes feeling her face burning by his touch. He is so close. She has never felt a man this close to her. She gazes at his parted lips which are an inch away from hers. Desire pools inside her as she shuts her eyes again. He is about to bridge the gap between them when Aashi rushes in the room. The moment breaks. Khushi opens her eyes and stares at him with deep confusion. He withdraws his hold on her cheeks and is gazing at Khushi with the same amusement. What the hell was he going to do?

Khushi steps back and leaves the room.  She is unable to face him again, at least for some time. Arnav fists his fingers. What was he doing? He has not even asked Khushi yet about his proposal. He has to keep a tab on his desires. He has scared her enough.

It’s night. Khushi has packed her stuff and she is lying on the bed, unable to get sleep. Tomorrow morning, she will be joining Arnav and Aashi in their Private Jet to go back to Delhi. Will she be able to face him? She tosses on the bed when a message beeps on her mobile. It’s from Arnav.

‘We will start at 10:00 tomorrow. Good with you?’

She is stunned to see his message but maybe he is just checking her mood after that little act. She replies back.

‘Fine with me. Anything else you want to say?’

He is lying on his bed, with Aashi in the other room sleeping with Daayi Maa. He smirks at her reply.

‘What do you want me to say?’

His reply stuns her. But there is a smile playing on her lips. She is glad he is not shutting her up neither she is going to do that to him. She types the reply.

‘An apology maybe’

She bites her lip and sends the message. The next minute she has his reply.

‘An Apology is asked for something you are sorry about. I don’t regret that moment, Khushi. Do you?’

Holy Shit. Her body burns again and this time she feels some heated pool of liquid rise inside her stomach. What does he mean? Her fingers shiver as she types the reply.

‘Good night Arnav. C you tomorrow’

He groans in frustration reading her reply. What is that supposed to mean? Does she regret it or not? Damn!! She has left the reply hanging. He replies again.

‘DO YOU REGRET IT, KHUSHI?’

She had not expected him to ask her that again. Looks like he wont sleep if she doesn’t give him a reply. She types.

‘I DON’T’

She feels like hiding inside her duvet. Her phone beeps again.

‘V need to talk then. Tomorrow in the Jet or after reaching Delhi?’

Oh Hell!! What does he have to talk? Is it about how they going to proceed with their relationship? Why is she shivering still? She replies back to him.

‘After reaching Delhi please since V have Aashi and Daayi Maa with us in the Jet tomorrow’

Arnav finally gets some peace of mind. She looks interested. He responds.

‘Okay. Now go to sleep. Good night’

She reads the chain of messages again and then hugs her phone. She will get a great sleep tonight. But she wants morning to come soon. She wants to see him and Aashi. Holy God. What is wrong with her? She is acting all weird, isn’t she?

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 10
“Dad, I am doing great. Which party by the way?” Khushi asks on the phone while sipping the coffee.
“Okay, but no drinking. You know I am not there to get you back home, so please. Take care”

Shashi laughs at her advises.

“I sometimes don’t understand I am your father or you are my mother. I will be in limits while drinking. I promise. Okay, talk to Akash now”

He hands the phone for Akash to talk.

“Hey Sissy, when are you coming back?” Akash asks.
“Tonight. Actually, we were supposed to fly in the morning but then the Pilot had some last-minute checks to be done. So, we are flying at night. I will head straight home and see you both”
“Okay, uh.. umm. How did you agree to fly with Arnav Singh Raizada?” he asks curiously.

Khushi feels her cheeks flushed.

“Why? Shouldn’t I?” she questions back.
Akash chuckles.
“Nice way to divert the subject. Just come back, I have much to talk about all this” he replies.

Khushi feels her cheeks changing color because she sees Aashi getting inside her apartment. Aashi rushes towards her screaming her name.

“Khoosi”

Khushi immediately holds Aashi before she falls down in the attempt of hugging her legs.

“Aki, I will call you later. Got to go. Bye”
She hangs up and kneels down to kiss Aashi’s cheek.

“Hey little girl. Look at you, such a cute bag this is” she caresses the soft teddy bear bag pack hanging on Aashi’s shoulder.
“Where is your purse? Take it fast” Aashi screams.

Since they are starting tonight, Arnav decides to take Aashi for shopping and he asked her if she would like to join them. Khushi agreed and hence they are here to take her along. Khushi quickly gets inside the bedroom, followed by Aashi. When they both come back outside, they find Arnav waiting for them at the apartment door. He looks wow in that Black Denims and White shirt. Why has he kept the top three buttons unbuttoned? That’s quite a sight to watch and it will take hell of a control to ignore her from giving him frequent glances today. Suddenly she remembers their little moment of last night in his bedroom and the following message conversation they had about talking about their so-called attraction towards each other and giving it a proper route. She clears her throat finding it extremely difficult to meet his eyes. He smirks when she reaches him, holding Aashi’s hand.

“Hi” he whispers softly.
“Hi” she replies in the same tone.

Aashi holds the other hand of Arnav and drags both of them to the elevator. Fortunately, the baby saves their embarrassment of last night. They reach the Shopping mall. Aashi is very excited getting so much big space to run around. Arnav and Khushi are walking behind her.

“Tell me something about yourself” he urges. “How did you end up being a business woman?”

Khushi smiles.
“You don’t have much choice when you are the only child of a businessman”
Arnav nods.
“But then I enjoy my work. There are ups and downs, but that’s what life is about. Unpredictable, uncertain.”

She feels a lump in her throat as she remembers some incidents of her life 4 years ago. Aashi pulls her Dupatta, pointing at the ice cream parlour. Khushi’s mind diverts. She looks at Arnav who acknowledges Aashi’s demands and agree to buy ice creams.

“Which one?” he asks Khushi.
“Chocolate of course” she replies while feeding Aashi the small chocolate cone which she was holding in her little hands.
Arnav is mesmerised at her ways of taking care of Aashi. Anyone who will see them will think she is Aashi’s mother. Daayi Maa’s words strike in his mind. Why does Daayi Maa feel she has seen Khushi before?
“I never heard you telling anything about your family” Khushi says with a weak smile. She does not intend to ask him about Aashi’s mother because she knows he has strictly asked her not to.

Arnav stiffens a bit.

“Uh.. My parents died in a Car accident when I was 20. I was their only Son, had to take over my father’s business. Aman offered his interest in putting his share to. So, he became my partner in AR Software Industry. Daayi Maa was there from quite a long time to look after my needs and after Aashi was born, she started looking after her too. That’s all I have in my family. Me, Aashi, Daayi Maa and Aman.

Khushi feels sad for him. He must have really felt lonely after his parents died. How did he cope up to get that courage again and take over the business? One thing she again noticed is that he didn’t talk about his marriage or anything about Aashi’s mother. Why? Is she dead? Or Alive and divorced? Aashi finishes the ice cream. The three of them then heads for shopping some clothes. Khushi buys a jumpsuit for Aashi and apart from that Arnav buys few toys. Overall, they both buy only for Aashi and nothing for them.

They reach back at the apartment and finish their final packing. Khushi appreciates the cooking of Mrs. Jones again and asks her to be in touch. They all then head for the airport. Khushi is stunned to see the lavish Jet with ‘AR’ written over it in a stylish font.

“Aeloplane” Aashi screams in excitement.

Daayi Maa takes Aashi inside the Jet. Khushi and Arnav follow.
“Do you always roam around the world in this?” Khushi asks climbing the stairs.
“Not much”
“Why? It is at your disposal, right?”
“I am done travelling alone” his look at her totally confirms his inclination towards her. She shies and then gets inside. There is a beautiful woman, their only cabin crew who welcomes them inside.

“I will sit with khoosi” Aashi says.

Arnav and Khushi share a quick glance. It is not that she had any plans to sit with Arnav but she is just ensuring he is okay if she shares this little space with this daughter. He nods happily at Aashi’s demand. Khushi wants to keep her bag in the upper storage. Arnav realizes it and offers help but she denies.

“It’s just one bag. I will do it”

She raises both her arms to keep the bag. She is wearing Jeans and the top rises above her waist unintentionally, grabbing Arnav Singh Raizada’s attention. He sees a scar mark on her stomach, looks like she had undergone some kind of surgery. Which one? Khushi closes the storage and sits next to Aashi, ensuring to tie the seat belt of the child and then fastens hers too. Arnav takes the seat adjacent to theirs while Daayi Maa sits behind them. The flight takes off. Aashi screams in joy initially but then her stomach starts tightening in fear. Khushi realizes that and pulls Aashi to her. She starts talking to Aashi, diverting her attention from the take off. Arnav watches her intently. She is such a motherly figure to Aashi, already. Even Daayi Maa notices this extra concern which Khushi keeps showering in the baby. Though Arnav is going to propose her for marriage, Daayi Maa feels that he should clarify about her past before taking this biggest decision of his life because it is going to affect even Aashi in the longer run.

When the flight lands, Aashi is already asleep. Arnav takes Aashi in arms and carries her out of the Jet. Khushi follows him along with Daayi Maa. They come out of the arrivals and halt there.

“We will drop you home” Arnav suggests.
“No, Aki has sent the car for me.”

Aashi is fast asleep and it is good or else she might not have let Khushi go away. Khushi gently leans and pecks Aashi’s arm which is swinging in air. Arnav notices the tension building in Khushi’s expressions while leaving. Before she can turn away, he holds her hand and slowly pulls her towards him and Aashi. Khushi is stunned. She observes his eyes. They are dark and intense.

“Call me once you reach home” he says.

She likes the way he cares. So very possessive.

“And we will meet tomorrow. Remember, we have a lot to talk” he adds.

She feels blood gushing in her body at every sensitive organ inside her. She feels foolish and embarrassed at the same time for being attracted so much to a man whom she hardly knows from few weeks. How is her father and Akash going to react to this? Plus, she herself has so many secrets to share with the man she will devote her entire life to. Will he understand? Will he still accept her and want to take this relationship ahead?

Arnav pulls Khushi for a side hug and she quickly touches her cheeks with his rough stubble, both ensuring that in this process they don’t wake up Aashi. He smells intoxicating.

“Bye, Arnav”

She smiles and finally heads back where the car is waiting to pick her up.

******************
Khushi has always been transparent to Akash and her father. But she wants to first clear her stand with Arnav before involving them. What if this is not as she has thought it to be? When she returns home at night, her father and Akash are back from the Business party. She gives them an update of their Shipping work in Mumbai. Shashi is proud of her that she could manage it all alone there. She then discusses the help which Arnav has proposed based on his contacts in Singapore. Shashi praises Arnav and decides to talk to him about this help. Once Shashi is off to sleep, Akash catches hold of his sister.

“Okay, tell me now. What’s happening between you and him?”

Khushi is all flushed.
“Aki, its nothing yet.”
“Really? Look at yourself in the mirror. Who will believe this?”

Khushi feels like a teenage idiot who has recently known what Crush is and discussed about her first crush with her family.

“Shut up. I am saying there is nothing yet. When it starts, I will let you know. Happy?”
Akash smiles.
“Start? Wow. I heard he has a daughter.”
Khushi gets excited.
“Yes, Aashi. She is very cute. She is so fond of me. I hardly met her for 2 days and she is all in my mind and heart.”

Akash observes the expressions and fondness in Khushi’s talks when she is describing Aashi and her antics. He stops her from continuing.

“Are you sure of this, Khushi?”
“Sure, of what?”
“Arnav Singh Raizada” he pauses. “Only because he has a daughter who mingles so nice with you doesn’t mean you have to fall for that man”

Khushi gets raged.

“Do you think I keep falling for every man who have a baby?”
“Khushi I didn’t mean it that way. I am just saying Arnav has gone through all of this. Marriage, baby and most importantly, love. Will he be able to match your expectations? It will be your first relationship with him, not vice versa.”

She understands what Akash wants to address her. Being a second wife to someone, taking place of some other woman in a man’s life is not going to be easy.
“Think wisely, that’s all I have to say. Okay?”
Khushi nods but she has lost her mood now. How she was dreaming a happy family with Arnav and Aashi. But looks like she will have to go through a lot. But it didn’t feel like Arnav is reminiscing his past woman. He looks moved on and ready to start something fresh. So, she need not worry. She shuts her eyes and tries to calm down. She will have to think wisely, that’s true. Arnav might have bitter memories of Aashi’s mother which is why even while discussing his family with her today, he didn’t even mention that woman once. She will have to reach the roots of his past, understand his present and then commit her future to him.
888
Aman has come to Shantivan to meet Arnav because he is very desperate to know what happened in Mumbai between Arnav and Khushi. Aashi is still sleeping in the room and Daayi Maa is looking after her. Arnav and Aman are sitting in the Living room. Arnav has almost given Aman highlights of how the dynamics slowly changed between him and Khushi there.

“Impressive Arnav!! Remember, I told you its high time you date a woman. Good you followed that bit of my advice”
“We are not dating yet Aman. We have to decide about that”
“Oh yes, I forgot. You are ready to propose her for marriage, aren’t you? But don’t you think it’s too early?”

Arnav gets tensed.

“Look, I feel you guys have just met and it’s a good sign that Khushi is so much fond of Aashi and vice versa. Even you have started feeling attracted for her which is a plus point. But don’t forget this is going to be for a lifetime. Marriage like decisions should be taken wisely. Date Khushi first and try to know more about her. Then decide on marriage. What do you think?”

Aman’s advise sounds a bit helpful for Arnav. He agrees to it.

“Let’s try it this way then.”
“Good. Keep me posted”

Arnav nods. He drops Aman till the door and then heads back to his room. Daayi Maa is sitting next to Aashi’s bed. Aashi is sleeping peacefully. He recollects how Khushi had snuggled her close in the Mumbai Apartment while putting her to sleep. He smiles. If everything works out, it will happen daily and his Aashi will be finally blessed with a mother. With that thought, he carries Aashi on his shoulder.

“She will sleep with me tonight” he informs Daayi Maa who agrees readily. Arnav heads back to his bedroom and places Aashi at the centre of the bed. His phone beeps with Khushi’s message.

‘Is Aashi asleep?’

Arnav is utterly fascinated by that message. It’s 11:30pm and she is still awake and asking if Aashi is asleep. He smiles and texts her back.

‘Yes. I have convinced her that you will see her tomorrow. She was getting too cranky without you.’

Khushi’s eyes become moist reading that message. She has always been very strong in terms of emotions. There were times when Akash have taunted her to have a stone heart, she was that emotionless few years ago. But whenever she thinks of Aashi, she is unable to control her motherly type desires for that child. Why? She messages back to Arnav.

‘I will finish my work early and come at your home tomorrow to meet her’

Arnav responds

‘Okay, C you tomorrow then. Sleep well’

She locks her phone reading that message and then slumbers into a deep sleep. She dreams of him tonight with Aashi.

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 11
Khushi gets down the car. This is the first time she is going to step in Raizada House. She had imagined it to be one of the best and from the exterior appearances she can say she was right. The house has a beautiful garden at its front and a small swing, slide and a see-saw in the center of this lush green lawn. This is where Aashi must be playing every day. Khushi opens the backseat door of her car and takes out the one big balloon of Mickey mouse face. She knows Aashi will love it. She had promised Arnav to finish her work soon and come to see Aashi. So, here she is.

Daayi Maa comes out to welcome her.

“Hello Khushi, please come in”
“Hi Daayi Maa. Is Arnav back from work?”
“No, not yet. But he had told me that you will come. Aashi is waiting for you”

Khushi chuckles and gets inside the house. Her eyes search for the baby who comes out running after hearing Daayi Maa telling her that Khushi is here.

Khushi kneels down seeing Aashi running to her. Aashi hugs her tight and Khushi gets up, taking Aashi in her arms, kissing her hair and cheek.

“Hello Hi Aashi”
“Khoosi. Whel did you go? I misshed you” Aashi complains.
“I missed you too” she pecks Aashi’s lip and then carries her to the couch and gets seated with Aashi on her lap. Daayi Maa informs the maid to get some coffee for Khushi.

“This Mickey Balloon is for you” Khushi hands the big balloon to her.

Aashi’s excitement is to a new level today. Aashi starts her list of talks which she had saved to share with Khushi, once she meets her. Khushi patiently listens to every little talk of her. No kid ever had shown so much interest in sharing such lengthy conversations with her like Aashi. Khushi kept brushing Aashi’s hair from her fingers, trying to loosen her hair knots. Aashi had few curls but they were soft and bouncy. Aashi jumped from her lap and ran inside to keep the balloon safely in the fear of the balloon flying away from her fingers.

Daayi Maa came out with the coffee for Khushi.

“Thank you” Khushi takes the mug and sips the coffee.
“You came directly from work?” Daayi ma asks.
“Yes. I couldn’t wait to meet Aashi. Arnav told me last night she was cranky because I left without informing her from the airport”
“Hmm. It took me an hour to make her understand that. You must be already tired”
“For Aashi, I can never be tired” Khushi proudly declares.

Aashi came out again and jumped in Khushi’s arms.

“Khoosi”
“Hey.. come” Khushi shifted her properly on the lap and started talking again. Daayi Maa was fondly looking at the two. She still felt she has seen Khushi somewhere. She clears her throat and tries to investigate.

“So, how many years you are in this city?”
“From childhood.” Khushi replies, smiling.
“It’s such a small world but its strange that we never met” Daayi Maa adds.
“I hardly get time to even shop for myself Daayi Maa. I am very busy in work.”

Daayi Maa tries to recall but she fails. Arnav comes from work and he steps inside the house. The sight before him is a must watch. Aashi is sitting on Khushi’s lap and continuously talking and the best part is the contribution of Khushi Gupta. She looks so interested in all of her talks. Daayi Maa is no longer sitting with them. She rushes to take Arnav’s laptop bag and leaves for his room to keep the bag.

Khushi always feels heated when he is around. He comes and sits next to them. Aashi is equally happy seeing her father back. She goes to him.

“Daady, khoosi is here”
“Yes, I saw her” he softly replies giving a heated glance to Khushi.
“I will take Khoosi to my galden. On the swing”
Before Aashi can drag Khushi, Arnav stops her.
“Aashi, Khushi might be tired. Let her get sit for a while”

Aashi pouts. Khushi chuckles at her expressions.

“I will be fine, Arnav. I will take her to the swing”
“Yehh” Aashi happily runs inside to get her teddy bear too.

Arnav holds Khushi’s hand.

“I don’t want Aashi to frighten you so much by her constant nagging that you run away” his voice is apologetic.
Khushi blinks.
“I will never run away, neither from her nor from you” she assures.
Arnav feels elated at her reply. His eyes automatically gaze intently at every corner of her beautiful face. Where does she get this much of patience and energy from?  She flushes at his admiration.
“You said you want to talk something” she reminds on purpose.
“Hmm.. I thought we can talk here but looks like Aashi needs all of you. She is not going to let us talk peacefully here.”
Khushi nods in agreement.
“I will meet you at your office tomorrow, whenever you are free” His voice is curt.

She approves of his idea. Aashi comes back with her teddy.

“Khoosi come”
“Yes baby. Chalo”
“I will join you later” Arnav replies.

Khushi happily takes Aashi out in the garden to play on the swing. Arnav keeps looking at her and gives a satisfied smile. It is so good to see Aashi giving the other half of her love to someone other than her father.
888
Khushi spends 2 hours in Shantivan. She plays on the swing and slide with Aashi. All her energy is drained now. Aashi is also tired. Arnav carries Aashi in his arms and they all enter the house again.

“Okay Aashi, now I got to go” Khushi pecks Aashi’s cheeks.
Aashi pouts nervously. She does not want Khushi to go. Before Aashi starts to cry, she promises to come again. That gives some relief to Aashi. Daayi Maa comes out and takes Aashi from Arnav’s arms and in that process Aashi’s dress gets stuck to the small red thread on Arnav’s wrist. Arnav tries to detangle it but fails.

“Let me try” Khushi offers help and starts opening the lace of Aashi’s dress nicely, ensuring not to break it. Daayi Maa watches the way Arnav is admiring Khushi’s attempts. Daayi Maa tries to look away but that’s exactly when she sees Khushi’s chain hanging on her neck and the ‘K’ shaped Locket. She remembers seeing that platinum locket somewhere. But where? Khushi manages to detangle Arnav’s wrist thread from Aashi’s dress lace.

“I will leave then” she tells Arnav.
“I will drop you till your car. Come”

She waves a bye to Aashi and also gives her a flying kiss. Aashi nervously waves back and wraps her arms around Daayi Maa’s neck to rest on her shoulder. Daayi Maa takes her inside but she is very confused. She remembers that locket very well. She has seen it at some critical situation. Where? Why can’t she recollect anything?

Arnav opens the car door for Khushi to get in. She stops at the door and looks at him.

“How about a lunch tomorrow? We will get some privacy to talk as well” she offers.
He watches her with a hungry look, combined with a longing and some anxiety.
“I am good with that. Will pick you at 12:30”
She presses a smile and then gets inside the car. He closes the door. She waves a bye at him, he waves back. She accelerates the vehicle and leaves the premises.
888
That night, Daayi Maa keeps tossing on the bed. Aashi is again sleeping with Arnav in his room so she gets some ample of time to put some stress on her brain and remember where she has seen Khushi before? Is it in the market? But Khushi said she hardly gets time for all this. May be in some garden where she takes Aashi usually. But what will Khushi do alone in a garden? No.. She has seen her elsewhere. School? No. Any party which she attended as Aashi’s nanny? No.. Shopping mall? No. Hospital? She opens her eyes. Yes. At Hospital. She had seen Khushi in a hospital. She can remember seeing her in hospital clothes, plain white blue clothes. She tries to put some more strain on her brain and she finds the answer.

“Oh my God” she gets up from the bed in shock. “How is this possible?”

She swallows hard. Is she over imagining? No!! She knows which Hospital she has seen Khushi and on what occasion.

‘3.5 years ago

Daayi Maa climbs the stairs of the City Hospital entrance and rush to the reception.

“I am here to meet Dr Rao. She is an Obstetricians here”
The receptionist quickly checks her system.

“Dr Rao was in Operation Theatre. You can wait on the 5th floor. She will see you after the Operation is over”

Daayi Maa takes the elevator and presses the 5th floor button. She is tensed. After the call from Dr Rao herself, she could not wait home. She informed Arnav and rushed to the hospital immediately. The elevator door opens. She steps out. There is no one out of the Operation Theatre. But she can see the Red Light On at the top of the door. It means the Operation is still going on.  She stands at the corner of the OT and prays to God.

“Please let the mother and child be safe. Please” she murmurs in her prayers.

Dr Rao comes out with her team of other doctors. She comes to Daayi Maa and smiles.

“Congratulations. It’s a baby girl”
Daayi Maa’s happiness is at its peak.
“Is the baby healthy?”
“Yes. We have few other tests to perform. We will do that and let you know. Please wait till then” The Doctor replies.
“And the mother? How is she?”
“She is unconscious because of the C-section that we had to perform. Complications were there especially because of the little accident she underwent before coming here. There is no internal bleeding. She will be fine in few days”

Daayi Maa takes a sigh of relief. She gets an International call from Arnav. He is in South Africa waiting for his flight to Delhi. Daayi maa answers the call, giving him this news.

“Arnav, congratulations. It’s a baby girl. You are a father now”

Arnav screams aloud in joy. She talks to him for few more minutes and then comes to the main point.
“Do you want me to meet her?”
“No” he angrily yells. “Talk to Dr Rao and take the baby home. I will reach tomorrow morning” he commands.

Daayi maa has to agree. She cannot argue.

After 2 more hours she is asked to see the baby. Daayi Maa is about to go in the other room where the baby is kept under the incubator, but she feels the urge to get a glimpse of its mother. She knows this is wrong. She is asked not to even see that woman once. This is against the terms which Arnav has signed for. But all these 9 m0nths, Daayi Maa was curious to know about this woman, how she looks, where she hails from, how does she talk, whats her nature, behaviour, likes, dislikes? This interest stops her from moving ahead. She waits at the door of the private room where she had heard that woman has been shifted from the Operation Theatre. The door of this room is partially open and she can easily see the pale woman sleeping on the bed, in a white-blue cotton hospital dress. Though that woman has turned her face to the other side, Daayi Maa could still see a bit of her features. She is beautiful, thin and looks exhausted. Suddenly a nurse comes to the door asking her to move aside.

“Are you her relative?” The nurse asks.

Daayi maa checks the tray which the nurse is holding. It has that woman’s clothes and her accessories which she had on her body while she was got in the hospital. It has that same chain and the ‘K’ shaped platinum pendant on it. Does her name start with the alphabet ‘K’? Maybe. Daayi Maa clearly denies to what the Nurse asked her and walks away from that room to see the baby. To see Aashi.

Daayi Maa comes out of her stance and gets up from the bed. This is why all the time she felt she has seen Khushi somewhere. That means, Khushi is Aashi’s biological mother? Sweat beads form on her face and she wipes them off instantly. Does Khushi know this truth? Has she purposely intruded in Arnav’s life? What is her motive behind bonding with Aashi? Will she take Aashi away from Arnav? She has so many questions rising in her head. Should she tell Arnav about it or wait for some more time to pass? She has to judge Khushi’s intentions first and only then talk to Arnav because that poor boy is building hopes of marrying her. Will he still want to marry her after knowing that Khushi is Aashi’s mother? As far as the past is concerned, she doesn’t think so. He has cultivated hatred in his heart for the woman who gave birth to Aashi. He will not let that hatred go so easily.

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 12
“Daayi Maa, where is my Juice?” Arnav screams from the dining room. She comes out in a hurry, with the juice glass. She looks pale and tensed.
“Thank you” Arnav gulps the juice. “Are you okay, Daayi Maa?”

She fakes a smile and nervously replies back.

“Yes, why?”
“You look worried for something.”
“Me? No.” she wipes the sweat beads from her face. “I didn’t get proper sleep last night. Maybe because of that” she adds.
“Hmm. Aashi is getting naughty and over active these days. I understand how tough it is for you to keep running around her. Do you want a help? We can have one more nanny for her”
“No Arnav, I don’t need any help. I like to look after Aashi. Please don’t think she is bothering me”

It is this selfless nature of Daayi Maa which makes Arnav also so fond of her. He gets up and wears his suit.

“Okay, Aashi is still sleeping. She has no school, today right? You can take her out in the garden, she loves it there. Take Mohan and Vimi (their maid) along. Don’t go alone”

Daayi Maa shakes head in agreement.

“I can be late. I am meeting Khushi today and taking her out for Lunch to discuss our relationship. But I am just a phone call away”
The name of Khushi itself makes her uncomfortable, now that she knows Khushi is the same woman who gave birth to Aashi.
“You are meeting her today?”
“Yes, actually I was supposed to discuss this yesterday when she was here, but Aashi kept her busy all the time. So, today we can talk over it without any intrusion, hopefully” he sounds very promising and equally excited. It is this anxiousness of Arnav that is worrying Daayi Maa now. What will he go through once he comes to know the truth of Khushi?

“Okay, got to go. Bye”

He hurries out and drives to office. Daayi Maa makes her way to Aashi’s room where she is still sleeping peacefully. She sits on the bed, next to her and admires her face. She has the same features of her mother, same color, same eyes and most importantly her hair texture. Why cannot Arnav see this similarity? Maybe because he will be the last person to believe that Khushi is Aashi’s mother. He hates that woman so much. And his hatred is genuine. Khushi has played with his emotions, unknowingly. She will never be forgiven by him.
888
“Yes, get it in my cabin within next 10 minutes. I won’t be there for a while then” Khushi informs her secretary who rushes out of her cabin to get some papers which need Khushi’s signatures. Shashi Gupta, comes inside the cabin at that same time.

“Lunch?” he asks.
Khushi smiles weakly and nods a clear NO.
“Why? Not hungry?” he asks.
“I am hungry but I have lunch plans with someone else”
“Okay, who is that lucky man?” Shashi asks in excitement.

That’s exactly when the secretary knocks the cabin and pushes the door open.

“Ma’am, Arnav Singh Raizada is here.”

Shashi rolls his eyes at his daughter. Khushi feels caught. She knows her father will want to know the additional details.

“Uh..um.. Get him seated out. Tell him I am coming in 5 minutes.”
“Yes Ma’am”

The secretary leaves and Shashi patiently waits for his daughter to say something.

“Dad, can we talk later?”
“Sure”
She happily hugs him and then leaves the cabin. Shashi shrugs his shoulders.
“Now that’s interesting” he murmurs to himself and heads out.
Khushi comes to the main lobby of her office where Arnav is talking to the receptionist. No wonder, the lady is highly excited to provide the details whatever Arnav is asking. The way that woman is blushing and smiling makes Khushi realize how women dote on a handsome man like him. Is she lucky to have him? Well!! She clears her throat to get his attention. He turns around.

“Hi Arnav”
“Hey” he gives her a quick top to bottom glance. His mouth presses into a hard line. She looks lovely in today’s formal attire. A Crisp off white shirt tucked in carefully, behind the navy-blue colour knee length pencil skirt. She has tied her hair in a pony tail, and a fruity lip gloss which gives shine to her naturally coloured lips. His warm expressions make her curl her toes.

She feels flushed suddenly when he extends his arm for her to hold. Is that even necessary here? They are at her office and their staff is almost eyeing their expressions. Without much worry, she holds his hand and allows him to drag her out of the office. The moment they come out, she stops him at his car.

“You just made my staff realize we are dating”
“Aren’t we?” he asks in the most authoritative way. She swallows hard.
“I thought we are going to discuss that TODAY over lunch” she questions back but he knows she is just pulling his leg.
“The discussions today are beyond that, Miss Gupta” he checks his watch. “I don’t have much time. So, would you mind getting in the car now?”

She is startled at his dominant behaviour. She gets inside and he follows her. Arnav’s driver drives them out of this place.

“You seem so domesticated when Aashi is around, but now I realize it is not the case. You can be dominant and control freak too.”
Arnav smirks.
“Is that too bad for you to follow?”
“YES” she sternly replies.

Both know that they are not arguing, just playing around with each other.

“Okay, I shall change a bit if that’s what satisfies you.”

Khushi chuckles.
“We will see”
She turns and looks outside the window. She is liking this phase of her life already. She has someone to rely upon. Today she is going to set a definition of their relationship status. It feels necessary because Aashi is involved in between them. He is not exactly an open book yet but so is she. She has a past too and she will have to clear it out before he finds it from elsewhere. Though her past is not known to many, just few of her close ones, she still fears if that one incident is going to change her dynamics of present and future.

They reach the hotel and order some food. She realizes he is totally crazy for trying new dishes. In fact, he suggests her to try few dishes which she has no idea about. He has a good taste in food.

“Wine?” he asks.
“Sure”
He pours little Wine considering they both have to get back to work after this Lunch. He starts the conversation.
“You know this is not going to be as simple as it seems. All these years, Aman and Daayi Maa kept advising me for getting a mother for Aashi. I never took it seriously because I had a different mindset about women.”

She sips the Wine, her eyes never leaving his. He suddenly grabs her hand in his. She feels a spark at his touch.

“That changed when I met you. Not every woman is same. There are few who shower equal love to others children. You are one of them, Khushi.”

She feels elated at his thoughts about her.

“I want to give this a chance, but obviously not if all this is a huge baggage for you.”
Khushi immediately stops him.
“Aashi is not some baggage for me. I feel so much connected to her in all sense. I will be more than happy if I can give that baby the love of a mother she deserves”

Arnav feels contented by her choice of words.

“But Arnav, there is something I need to ask you, before we get into all this”
“Ask” he confirms.
“Is this relationship only for Aashi?” she asks.

Arnav understands on what pretext she is asking this. He gently raises her palm and kisses it. This was unexpected for her. She feels her stomach walls contracting.
“If this was only for Aashi, I wouldn’t have lost my control in Mumbai, the other night. I feel that spark between us from day 1. I am incapable to think of any other woman the way I think about you these days.”

This is far too much for her to digest. She shouldn’t have asked it probably, because she is unable to process his reply.
He narrows his eyes.

“Do you still doubt on me?” he asks
“No” comes an instant reply from her.

Both smile happily at each other. He leaves her wrist and both concentrate back on the food. It’s started to become awkward now, in each other’s presence.

“So, what is it now? Have we started dating officially?” she asks with a lopsided smile.

Arnav nods happily piercing the fork in the dessert and brings the fork towards her mouth. She feels shy to eat it but she does.

“This marks the beginning” he comments.

She suddenly feels all beautiful and strange to realize that this man wants her for himself and for his daughter. This is going to be great. Very great.
888
“And she agreed” Arnav informs to Aman, after reaching back to work. Aman was so desperate to know the outcome of the lunch and now that he has heard it word by word from Arnav, he jumps in joy and hugs him tight.

“Oh boy. You just stole the show man. I am seriously happy for you. See, I told you. Not every woman is same. There are some who are naturally kind. She is one of them” Aman replies.
“Yes. I have never felt this good” Arnav replies with a satisfied smile.
“Okay, party from my end tonight. To both of you and your prosperous future.” Aman says
“Tonight? No. Seems impossible. I have promised Aashi for a long drive with me. Just the two of us.”
“Doesn’t matter. We can make it happen some other time” Aman sighs but he is genuinely happy for his friend who seems to be walking the right path, this time.
888
Khushi is stalked by Akash for the same reason. He heard about the Lunch date she had today with Arnav and since then he is equally interested to know what happened. She tells him that they have officially started dating and life feels so good suddenly. He is happy for his sister who is already glowing. But he distracts her for a moment.
“Okay, have you told him anything about your past?” he asks in a serious tone.

Khushi’s face drops.

“No. It’s too early I suppose”
“But it shouldn’t be too late either. I am sure he will understand why you did it. He is a matured person, Khushi.”

Khushi hopes this is what happens. Arnav should understand that the decision of having someone’s baby in her womb was her individual decision and she did it as per the situation. She has no regrets of it except the way it all ended. Akash shakes her.

“Hey, don’t get stressful now. Take your time and explain it to him. For now, just enjoy this new phase in your life. Got it?”

She smiles weakly agreeing to her brother’s advice. Is it that simple to explain to Arnav Singh Raizada?
Her phone buzzes, it’s Arnav’s call. She answers it and hears Aashi’s voice. All her worry goes out of the window.

“Khoosi”
“Hey Aashi, why are you still awake? You should be sleeping”
“Daddy is putting me to sleep” she replies.

Khushi can feel Arnav’s presence around the baby. He must have dialled the number for Aashi.
“Okay, did you brush your teeth before going to bed?” she asks.
“Yesh, daddy blushes my teeth” she replies.
“That’s cool. Aashi’s daddy is the best, isn’t he?” Khushi asks.
“Yesh. Give me a good night kissi” Aashi demands.

Khushi passes a kiss on the phone for the baby. Aashi giggles happily.
“And one kissi for daddy too” Aashi demands again.

Khushi feels her cheeks burning. She remembers how Arnav had kissed her palm during the lunch.

“Khoosi” Aashi screams to get her attention.
“Yes baby, I am here”
“Give kissi to daddy, he is waiting”

Khushi tries to divert the subject.
“Okay, pass the phone to daddy, I will give it to him” she says.
Aashi innocently passes the phone to an equally excited Arnav.
“Hmm” he murmurs.
Now this is more nerve tickling. She feels her body heating up slowly even by listening his voice.
“Good night Arnav” she replies
“I thought you agreed for the kissi” he teases.

Khushi bites her lip.
“Shut up”
“Don’t break the baby’s heart like this” he teases again.
“Arnav, you are too much. Good night” she keeps the phone. Her heart is beating louder than usual. Just few instances with this man and she is already so much into him. Why? What is that connection which she shares with him that is so strong, so immortal?

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 13
The next morning, Daayi Maa comes down with a small purse in her hand. Arnav is sitting with his daughter in the living room. Aashi is very lazy today. She is not in a mood to even go to school, so, Arnav is trying to convince her. The last night he had taken his baby for a long drive. Just the two and she was so happy. They had ice creams and he bought mickey balloons for her which are still flying in her room somewhere.

“Aashi, when I was small like you, I hated school too. But everyone has to go to school baby. How will you grow big then?” he tries to explain her.
“Just today Daady, I want to play with Mickey balloons” she tries making another excuse.
“You can play with balloons after coming back” he sounds stern now.

Arnav is getting frequent official calls but he is unable to answer even one of them considering how Aashi needs his attention for now.

“No school” Aashi yells.

Arnav is losing his patience. It is exactly the same time, when Daayi Maa comes to them.

“Uh, Arnav. I have to go out for an hour. Is that okay?” she asks.
“Yes sure. All okay Daayi Maa?”
“Yes. I am fine. It’s just that I have to meet one of my friend who has returned from my home town. So”
“No problem. I will get Aashi ready and drop her to school. You can pick her later. I will ask Mohan to drop you wherever you wish to go.” he informs.
“No, I will manage by hiring an Auto. It’s just few blocks away” she replies.

Daayi Maa does not want Mohan to know where she is going. Arnav doesn’t react much because he has other major issue to handle – convincing his daughter to go to school.

“No school” Aashi screams again and starts crying. Arnav frowns and takes Aashi in his embrace. She struggles to get away from him because he is not listening to her but Arnav doesn’t allow her to go.

“You go Daayi Maa, I will take care of her.” he picks Aashi in his arms and takes her inside.

Daayi Maa feels bad for leaving home at such a peak time but she can’t help. She has got the appointment now and she cannot postpone it.
888
Khushi Gupta checks her watch. It’s 09:30 am. She is waiting beside her car, at a park close by to her residence. She had got a call early morning from Daayi Maa who wanted to meet her. At first, Khushi was stunned because there is no reason why Daayi Maa would want to meet her like this, without informing Arnav about it. What can the matter be? She is so curious to know. But there is a strange feeling in her heart. She hopes all is well. Arnav had told her that Daayi Maa is the only elderly person whom he is so close to and respects immensely. He might have told Daayi Maa about he dating her and maybe Daayi Maa wanted to be sure too. She clears her mind when she finds Daayi Maa getting down an Auto-Rickshaw and walking towards her. Somehow that woman looks quite determined today. Whatever!!  She will finish the talk and head back to work. She has so many meetings lined up at office.

“Namaste Daayi Maa” Khushi greets her the moment she reaches.

Daayi Maa joins her palms too, greeting her the same way. But there is no smile on that lady’s face. She looks disturbed.
“Uh.. um. What was so important that you called me here Daayi Maa? Is all okay at home? Is Aashi okay?”

The moment she takes the name ‘Aashi’, Daayi Maa gives her a heated glance.
“You seem very attracted to that baby in a very short time.”

Khushi feels bothered by that statement.
“It’s an unknown connection that I have with her, which I myself cannot define or justify”

Why is she here? To judge if she can become Aashi’s future mother or not?

“Is it really unknown to you or are you pretending?” Daayi Maa shoots the question.
Khushi is shocked. What is this woman suppose to mean? And why is she sounding so rude?
“Don’t you like me getting close to Aashi?” she asks politely.
“That is not the answer I am looking for” Daayi Maa replies.

Khushi shrugs her thoughts and tries to be specific.

“Daayi Maa, I am confused what you want to know? Can you please speak clearly?” Khushi raises her tone though she is still not truly offending.
“City Hospital, 10th August 2014. Do you remember this date?”

Khushi feels like someone just stabbed her with a sharp knife. This date!! How can she forget this date? How does Daayi Maa know this date? Was she there? Had she seen her in that hospital on that date? What else does she know? Goosebumps form on her skin and she steps back. Daayi Maa observes her expressions and she is now very sure of everything.

“What. What about that date?” Khushi asks in a low tone.
“You gave birth to a child. Didn’t you?”

Fear collides with her nervousness as she manages to meet Daayi Maa’s eyes. What is she supposed to answer? If she says the truth, will Daayi Maa understand?

“You gave birth to a child. Didn’t you?” Daayi Maa repeats but this time more sharply.
“YES” Khushi screams in anger and turns her face away.
She cannot meet her eyes anymore. She feels low. All her self-esteem and strength are drained away from her body.

Daayi Maa’s anger shoots up. She forcefully makes Khushi turn around and face her again. Khushi feels breathless. It is not that she has forgotten this incident of her life. But she never thought it will open up this way again. That chapter of her life she had closed forever for her own good and others. But looks like God has his own way to remind her about that sin.

She was placed on the stretcher and few staff dragged her inside the hospital, heading for the emergency room. She was bleeding. Her head had minor injuries but she was more worried for the child she had inside her. It was her mistake that she decided to drive that morning. It was not advisable for her at that stage of her pregnancy. She could see lights passing by as the staff pushed her stretcher few more blocks away. Dr. Rao was here, asking the nurses to get prepared for the operation. Is she going to be operated now? But is her baby fully developed? She wanted to ask but she couldn’t find her voice. She felt so helpless and hurt. And then suddenly Dr. Rao injected touches her face once they are in the emergency room.

“Khushi, we will have to get the baby out. We will try it the normal way first. You need to use all your strength”

Khushi nods. This is going to be tough. It felt like the most difficult part of her 9 months of pregnancy. The accident pain had left no strength in her to push her baby out. Her heart was sinking. The doctors finally decided to operate. Khushi can hear their soft sobs. The baby is in danger. She wants the baby to be saved. However, complicated all this is, she wants her baby, her blood child to be saved.
“We cannot take this decision alone. We have to consult the baby’s father. Call him right away” Dr Rao tells the assistant doctor.

Khushi feels like someone just sucked her heart out of her body. Baby’s father? Will he come here? Will he see her? What will he do if he gets to know it was her mistake that she chose to drive? She has put not just her life but the life of their baby in danger.

A nurse injects her with some sedatives and Khushi cries in pain. She then dozes off.

When Khushi opens her eyes, she finds a nurse checking her pulse. She feels light and not heavy like past 9 months. She touches her stomach and the thought of her baby immediately crosses her mind, haunting her.

“My baby. Where is my baby?”

She has never addressed that baby as hers. She knew it can never be hers. But today, she cannot wait to claim the child, to see it, to love it, in however shortest period possible. The nurse heads out and calls Dr. Rao. Khushi is unsettled. She is waiting to see at least a glimpse of her child. Dr Rao gets inside and checks her.

“My baby, where is my baby?” Khushi asks.
“Khushi, relax. You should not take so much stress right now. You need to rest”
“My baby” she cries again and Dr. Rao gives her the update.
“Your contract specified not to tell you whether it is a baby boy or girl. I can only tell you that it’s fine and with the father and his family right now”

Khushi though feels relaxed that her child is fine, it still hurts because she cannot know if it’s a baby girl or boy. Is that even necessary for her to know? It will grow more attachment inside her for that child.
“Can I see the baby once?” Khushi asks.

Dr. Rao feels depressed but this is not in her hands.

“I wish I could show you the baby once. But they have taken the baby an hour ago” she replies.

Fresh tears start rolling down her cheek. Her baby is taken away. What did she gain? Money? Her business? Is this ever going to be satisfying from here? The past 9 months were the most gruesome for her, wherein the first trimester she was still adopting the new feeling inside her womb, thinking if her decision is correct, the second trimester she started experiencing the most delicate and sensitive emotions within her, and the third trimester got out her feeling for the baby growing within her. Wish she could stop all this from happening. It will be some other couple raising her child and she can do nothing about it. She has sold her womb and this fact will remain until she dies. Her child will never get to know that she is the mother. How is she going to live with this fact? With this guilt?

Daayi Maa shakes her again, getting Khushi out of her stance. She was so lost in the past happenings that for few minutes she felt it all happening now, right before her.

“Do you even realise what will Arnav go through when he gets to know this truth?” Daayi Maa asks.

Khushi gets alarmed by this one question. Is the lady blackmailing her? No, she doesn’t seem to be a woman who can blackmail.

“How do you know this?” Khushi shoots this question because it is important for her to know how Daayi Maa knows the truth of her past, that too so close.
“Why are you pretending Khushi? I feel all of this is your plan. To snatch away Arnav’s only happiness”

Khushi feels a sharp prick in her heart. What has Arnav to do with her past? She immediately clutches Daayi Maa’s arms.

“What do you mean? What plan” she snorts.
“To snatch Aashi from Arnav”
Khushi freezes.
“Aashi?”
“Yes. Aashi. The baby you gave birth to only for money”

Khushi jerks. She feels like someone dropped a bomb on her. That day she gave birth to Aashi? Aashi is her baby? Is this possible? She steps away. Daayi Maa is amused observing her expressions. She is behaving like she got to know this truth right now. Is that possible?

“Aashi is my baby?” Khushi murmurs.

Khushi’s back hits her car door. She kneels down in shock. There are mixed feelings inside her. That is why she was so much attracted to Aashi, because Aashi is a part of her, she belongs to her. She should have known when Arnav had shared Aashi’s habits which matched hers. Her baby has got all her traits. She is Aashi’s biological mother. That contract which she signed for money, in order to save her business, was with Arnav Singh Raizada. And now she meets him and her child again after all these years. All this is just a coincidence or God’s wish to allow her to meet her own child? What does God want? She yells in anger and starts crying. Daayi Maa wants to pity this woman but she is not sure if Khushi is faking all of it. What if Khushi has plans to snatch Aashi from Arnav? That boy will break down if this happen. This is why Daayi Maa purposely came here to meet Khushi and sort this matter before Arnav comes to know the truth. But it doesn’t seem like Khushi is pretending. Her tears could melt anyone. But Daayi Maa decides not to get carried away by her tears.

“I am warning you Khushi, stay away from Arnav and Aashi. I know he has started dreaming of you. But when he will get to know the truth, he will hate you more. So, stop all your plans at once and leave Arnav and Aashi at peace.”

Khushi is still crying. She is unable to absorb anything right now. All she can see and feel is Aashi’s angelic face before her. That baby belongs to her. The motherliness which she had saved within her all these years suddenly has burst out in the form of tears. With that one last warning, Daayi Maa leaves the park. Khushi is still kneeling down, beside her car, lifelessly, crying her heart out for landing herself in this terrible state.

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 14
Arnav Singh Raizada has dropped Aashi to school. Fortunately, he was able to convince her somehow. He reaches office. Aman Mathur is already here, discussing something with their secretary. But as soon as Aman sees Arnav coming, he hurries to him.

“Hi Lover boy. What’s up? Anything progressed?” Aman asks curiously.
Arnav smirks and gets amused at the same time.
“I am not a lover boy yet and nothing is progressed so far. Besides, I don’t have to remind you we are at Office Aman”

Aman chuckles.
“Really? If that’s so, why did you not follow this when you had been to Gupta Shipping Industries yesterday? You were dominantly holding Khushi Gupta’s hand and dragging her out with you for Lunch, didn’t you?”

Arnav presses his lips.

“Who told you that?”
“I have my spies” Aman replies winking at him. “Actually, I was there, at the same time, to collect some papers from Akash. I saw it myself and got totally impressed by your commitment skills. Not to mention I have also heard a few of our staff discussing the same here. They are equally happy that finally they will be getting a holiday” Aman laughs again.
“Holiday?” Arnav gets confused.
“Yes. The day their Boss marries, we are going to declare a Holiday for sure. Everyone has to attend their Boss’s wedding after all.”

Arnav gives a lop-sided smile to Aman and tries to hide the blush which is about to form on his face.
“Shut up Aman. And let’s get back to work. I have to pick Aashi today from school in few hours. Come”
Arnav drags Aman along to their cabin to discuss work.
888
“Aashi is my baby” Khushi cries murmuring to herself. She has returned back home after meeting Daayi Maa who revealed so much today. She has locked herself in the bedroom. This is the most tragic truth of her life. She had given birth to a baby and tried to move on, though she failed, she never thought a day would come when she will encounter with her past in such a way. Why is fate being so cruel with her? Why is it testing her patience? She feels lonely, dejected and empty from within once again.

After her baby was taken away by its father, she had faced a similar emptiness for months. The promised money was credited into her account but that could never give her the satisfaction, though it had handled their business crises successfully. She had locked herself from her father, from work for almost 7 months. The desperation to know if her baby was okay killed her day and night. There was a time when she had even asked her father to talk to Dr. Rao and check if she can ask the permission of that family which took her child, to allow her meet the baby once. Her father had clearly told her the repercussions of this act. The contract that she had signed didn’t allow her to even know the names of the person who are the parents of her child, forget meeting them or the baby.

Slowly, she started digesting this truth and decided to live with it. But today, when it came out before her suddenly, she is forced to ponder over that period once again, when she had taken this huge decision to bore someone’s child in her womb for 9 months.

“Khushi, this is insane. Do you even realize what you are talking? We have a respect in this society, what will people say? For saving our business, you would stoop to such a low level?” Shashi angrily questions Khushi who is as solid as a rock in her decision.
“The society will never know Dad. And giving birth to a child is not stooping low. I am not going to sleep with someone for that. I am just going to help someone who is in need of a child. There are so many couples out there who cannot give birth to their child by a normal process, I am just going to be a mediator for giving them their baby.” She replies.
“It is still not considered a holy act in our society. We have all sorts of people around who will take this in a disgusting way” Akash adds.

Khushi sighs in frustration at both of them.

“These people are not going to help us with their money. I am not going to lose our business only because we could not handle the crises. Someone has to do something” she yells.
“We are handling it Khushi. I have talked with some Banks. We might get a positive response” Akash claims.
“Really? You think so Akash? We are already being denied by five bank firms. I don’t think anyone is willing to invest in losing business. If in one month we don’t settle the vendors and investors, we are going to be totally bankrupt. I can’t see that happening. It’s high time we take a firm decision and agree to a common solution”

Akash and Shashi Gupta are left speechless at that moment. They gaze at each other as Khushi makes this quick call to Dr Rao, the head of the IVF centre in Delhi. Khushi had always been stubborn in taking decisions of her life on her own.

It was a quick meeting with Dr Rao in the hospital where Khushi showed this interest in giving birth to a child for any couple who walks in for this purpose in the hospital. And in 5 days she got a call back from Dr. Rao.

“Khushi, we have someone who is interested in having a child this way”

Khushi holds her breath.
“Oh, that’s great. Who are they?” she questions back.
“I can’t share that information with you. I mean” she pauses. “Okay, my Client is not interested in disclosing their identity.”

This sounded fishy but Khushi still gave her ears to Dr. Rao.

“So, this client of mine wants to have a baby. My Client belongs to a rich class society, having enough money to donate it to the woman who can bore the child. But my client has few conditions before attempting this. This whole process has to be kept under wraps. No names to be disclosed. If you choose to agree, there might be a Non-disclosure agreement which you got to sign. My client is ready to quote any amount as per your requirement”

Khushi swallows hard. However cool this sounded, she felt like trapped. So, she will never even know if the client, Dr. Rao is talking about is a man or a woman who can’t deliver a child hence getting her husband ready for this procedure? And can this agreement guarantee the money?
“How will I know that I am dealing with the right people?” she asks.
“I will be the only one you can trust upon. Plus, my Client is ready to pay half of the amount once you agree to do this and the rest half after the child is born.”

This gave her some relief. The investors had been waiting outside their home some days back to get their money back. Her father had assured them to allow them a week more. If she agrees to do this, she can handle them for now and also get their Business stable in some months.

“Fine. Give me a day to think over it”

Dr. Rao agreed. That night wasn’t easy for Khushi as she had to convince her father and her cousin Akash. They insisted she should still think once and try to negate this idea but she was firm. She knew the bankers had denied Akash who was still trying his best to sort the problem by talking to others. Her father was slowly getting addicted to alcohol trying to find solace in it. She knew if all this can be ended at once, it can only be after accepting the offer which Dr. Rao suggested.

The next day she immediately met Dr. Rao and discussed the further process. A lawyer from the Clients side was ready with the papers wherein again there was no proper mention of the names of the two parties. It was though a legal document but it still could never be hold to press charges against each other if there is any misuse of the terms and conditions which were laid in it. Just like the client’s name was unknown to her, she decided to keep her identity wrapped up. A client who stays in the same city and most importantly rich and powerful enough to take such a decision can land her up in trouble in future, in case her name is disclosed to him. She didn’t want to take that chance.

The legal Non-disclosure agreement was signed in the presence of Dr. Rao. Khushi was initially very reluctant to this after reading the terms in the document. It even stated what she could eat and what not in this period of her pregnancy. And drinking was a strict No. Seems like whoever this person was, wanted to take no risk in the birth process or the health of the child. The procedure took place and Khushi was announced to be pregnant within 3 weeks after that. She didn’t know how to take that news. Should she celebrate this new feeling inside her? Or refrain herself from getting attached to the child which will never stay back with her?

Half of the amount was already settled in the account and she used it to shut the mouth of their investors. The Guptas faked a news to their known relatives and friends that they had an old property which they sold off to use in this crises situation. Also, they informed that Khushi has gone to US for learning new Business techniques but the truth was, she chose to stay in the farm house where Dr Rao checked on her regularly. Shashi and Akash also frequently visited her. The baby was growing inside her and so were her worries for the day when this baby will be handed over to the client. What will she go through? Every single second that passed, all she could think about was her after life, without this child.

The phone call gets Khushi out of her stance. It’s her father trying to reach her out. She wipes her eyes and somehow manages to answer the call. She doesn’t understand how to react to the news she has just got? Should she tell her father and Akash?

“Yes Dad” Khushi wipes the tears from her eyes.
“Khushi, where are you? The investors are waiting here. You know we have to discuss the upcoming financial strategy with them” Shashi mutters.
“I know.. But.. But I am not feeling well today. I can’t make it there for the meeting” she lies.
“Not feeling well? What happened? Did you call the Doctor? Where are you?”
“At home. I will rest dad. I will be fine.”
“Okay. Call me if you need me. Bye. Take care”

Khushi disconnects the call and leans back on the bed. Never did she imagined that the client she was referring to, during the period of her pregnancy was none other than Arnav Singh Raizada. She was having his child in her womb. The same man whom she is terribly attracted to, is the father of the child she gave birth to. What is this? A coincidence? Arnav has just proposed her, he wants to take their relationship forward, he wants to marry her. What will he go through when she gets the truth out? Daayi Maa said he hates her. Why? What did she do that he hates the woman who gave birth to Aashi? If she plans to ask him, means she will have to reveal all of the truth, the truth that she is that same woman. Will he understand? Will he accept? What if he rejects the idea of marrying her then? What will happen afterwards? Will he deny her from meeting Aashi? Now that she knows she is Aashi’s mother, can she stay without being with her? No!!! She pressed her head and closed her eyes. She has to hide this from him, as long as she can. But Daayi Maa? What if she tells Arnav? And why does Daayi Maa want her to stay away from them? What is that part of their life which she is missing to understand?
888
2 hours pass. Khushi is still lying on bed, trying to solve the puzzle of her life, trying to fix things back to normal. That’s when another call rings on her mobile. And this is from Arnav Singh Raizada. She feels reluctant to answer his call. Why is he calling her at this hour? He usually talks to her in the evening after they both are free from their office work. Did Daayi Maa reveal the truth to him? She is unprepared to pick this call and talk to him, if so. She ignores the call and hides her face in the pillow. She wants to just get away from all this. Her phone goes silent for few minutes and then it rings again. Seems like Arnav is in need to talk to her. How should she react? Normal? She gathers some courage and finally answers his call.

“Hello”
“Hey, sorry for bothering you while you working. But it was important”

By the tone of this, she felt Daayi Maa didn’t open her mouth to him. She relaxed too.
“What is it?” she asks.
“Actually, Aashi was not ready to go to school today. I had to convince her somehow and she agreed only on the condition that both you and me will pick her back from school today”

Khushi’s eyes start tearing the moment she hears about her baby, her Aashi.

“So, if you can spend some time to reach her playschool and pick her up, it will be great. But if you busy, its fine. I can understand, I will pick her alone” he adds.
“No, I.. I am not busy. I can come. I will come”

Yes, she wants to see Aashi, wants to hug her, kiss her like this is the end of her life. She has carried that baby for 9 months in her womb. She has spent time talking to her, sharing her grief, her likes during her pregnancy phase. She wants to cuddle her baby and wish that time never passes.

“Okay great. So, I will see you at the school then. In an hour” Arnav replies.
“Bye”

She disconnects the call and hides her face on the pillow again. She just hopes that she doesn’t get vulnerable seeing Aashi again, especially when Arnav Singh Raizada is present around.
888

Khushi is waiting outside the playschool of Aashi. The school hasn’t left the kids yet. All the parents are anxiously waiting for their children to come out. This could be her life if Arnav marries her. She is ready to bunk her office and pick and drop Aashi to school every day. Arnav has not come yet. He had messaged her a while ago that he is stuck in traffic. The bell rings and all the kids rush out in search of their parents. Khushi’s heart beats faster as she sees Aashi slowly coming out, with her mickey bag at the back, scanning around. Oh, her baby!! She looks so pretty. Arnav has tied her a pony tail today. The moment Aashi finds Khushi at the other corner of the school campus, she smiles heartily and starts running towards her. Khushi’s eyes become moist seeing the baby’s attraction for her. Aashi is shouting her name while running towards her.

“Khooooosi”

Khushi removes her sun glasses and kneels down to match the baby’s level. In few seconds Aashi rushes in her arms and Khushi embraces her with all her warmth and love. She pulls the hug away and starts kissing her baby on her forehead, cheeks, chin, everywhere like there is no tomorrow. Aashi is giggling hard by her behaviour.

“My baby” Khushi murmurs kissing her all over again and then hugging her back. She doesn’t want this moment to pass. She wants to stay here, forever, keeping Aashi glued in this embrace.

“That’s quite a lot of kisses” Arnav’s voice falls on her ears.

She looks ahead and finds him staring at her with an enthusiasm. Aashi is glued to Khushi still and the moment she sees her father, she rushes to him and hugs his feet. Arnav picks her in his arms and stares at his baby’s face. Khushi takes this opportunity to wipe the tears from her eyes. She doesn’t want Arnav to notice them.

“Where should I kiss my baby? There is no space left” he mocks.
Aashi points her finger on her cheek.
“Kish here Daddy. Khooshi kished me here too” Aashi replies.
Arnav feels shy and he kisses Aashi on her cheek, at that same spot, giving a quick glance towards Khushi who is faking a smile.
“Ummmm.” He purposely makes that sound. “That’s a sweeeeeetest kiss” he adds.

Aashi giggles and Khushi looks down. She is not ready to process his flirty talks right now. She is messed up from inside and she wants to clear it out before she can be normal again. Before she can come out of her stance, Arnav holds Khushi’s hand and drags her towards them. Khushi feels her heart pounding. This is the same man whose baby she had carried. She can’t even meet his eyes now. She feels choked.

“Thanks for coming here at such a short notice” he murmurs.

Aashi is busy sipping the water from her water bottle. She is still in Arnav’s arms though, giving no attention to them.
“I should go”
“Can I have one more favour?” he asks

She wants to shout a Big NO. She cannot do this. The more she will spend time with them, the more difficult it will be for her to accept the fact.

“What favour?” she weakly murmurs.
“Have Lunch with us”

It is one such request which she cannot deny. She will get to feed her baby and of course also spend some time with the man whom is so damn attracted to. What she craves for (her baby) now belongs to him. May be thats why she is so much fascinated by this man.

“Okay” she nods and leaves his hand.
Arnav kisses Aashi again after getting Khushi’s response.
“Time for food now. We will go to Aashi’s favourite restaurant”

Aashi happily jumps in his arms and Khushi starts walking with the two, wherever they were leading her to.

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 15
The restaurant is nearby Aashi’s playschool where the three enter for having Lunch together. Khushi is stealing glances of Aashi in every bit of time she gets. Aashi is engrossed talking to Arnav about her teacher and the new poetry which she is taught today.

“Which poetry” Arnav asks.
“Jack and Jill” she replies.
“Who is Jack and Jill?” Arnav purposely shows his unawareness.

Aashi pats her own forehead with the palm.
“Daady, you don’t know Jack and Jill poetry?”
“No” Arnav lie, holding the smile on his face. “Ask Miss Dsouza to teach Daady also” he adds.

Khushi is observing the two, unable to take her eyes from both of them. That’s her child, the same child she has nurtured in her womb for 9 months. And this man, he is the one whom she signed that agreement with. And it’s a coincidence that she has got this opportunity to enter in their lives. She has successfully held this secret inside her from 4 years. No one in the world, apart from her father and Akash got to know it. But she does not feel like hiding it from Arnav. She feels like cheating him. It’s a truth which he also is supposed to know. But if he gets to know, what will he do? Will he still date her? Marry her and make her his wife and Aashi’s mother in all respects? Or will he throw her out of their lives? This feeling is killing her from within and her eyes become moist immediately. She takes a tissue and wipes the corner of her eyes.

Arnav notices that and gets alert.

“Hey, you alright?”
Khushi nods and keeps the tissue aside.
“Yes, something caught in my eye” she lies.
“Let me see” he offers his best help but she denies.
“No, seriously. I am good” she wipes the corner of her eyes again and he sighs.
“Let me see it once. Come here” he commands.

No!! She does not want him to look in her eyes. What if he reads her mind?
“Can we eat? I am hungry” she replies hastily.

Arnav shrugs his shoulders and turn to Aashi to ask her what she would like to eat.
“I want shouuup” Aashi replies to him.
“Soup? Tomato Soup? But you never have it full.” He purposely complains so that this time Aashi doesn’t just sip two spoons of the soup and leaves the rest.
Khushi suddenly interrupts them.
“I will share it with Aashi” she says.

Arnav likes the thought.

“Aashi come here. We will share the soup” Khushi extends her arms for getting Aashi to her side of the seat. Aashi immediately jumps down from beside her father and sits next to Khushi.

Arnav places the order for them and when the soup arrives, Khushi blows air in the soup and feeds Aashi first.

“It’s yummy. You have it too” Aashi takes another spoon and she dips it in the spoon. Khushi holds her hand to ensure Aashi doesn’t drop the spoon down. Aashi then feeds Khushi from ther spoon and feels totally ecstatic. So does Khushi, to eat from her daughters hand. Arnav is observing the bonding of the two and as usual he is liking it very much.

When they finish the Lunch and head out, Khushi again wipes the lone tear from her eye because she will now have to go away from Aashi, until she gets an opportunity to meet her again, next time. Arnav watches that and sighs in frustration.

“I told you, let me see. You never listen, just like Aashi. Come here” he drags Khushi towards him and pins her to the car.
“Arnav, I said I am okay. Please don’t” she hesitates.
“Sshh”
Khushi meets his eyes. He has placed a finger on her lip and his eyes are gazing at her.
“Not a word now” he commands.
She opens her eyes completely for him, as he stretches the lower skin of her eyes, below eyelids and tries to find out what is pricking her. Khushi swallows hard. This distance between them, which he is erasing slowly is killing her senses. But her mind, her heart is unable to feel his touch the same way like she did until she got to know Aashi’s truth.

Arnav blows some air in her eyes. There is nothing that he can trace in them but the moment he realizes Khushi is admiring his face, he smiles hard and his finger automatically lingers from the corner of her eyes to her cheeks. He strokes her cheekbone. Khushi closes her eyes, feeling his touch. Will he do the same if he gets to know the truth? Aashi slowly pulls her father’s feet

“Daady, what happened to Khoosi?” she asks.

Arnav and Khushi’s stance break. Khushi opens her eyes and hesitates to meet Arnav’s.
“Nothing baby, Khushi is fine” he says holding Aashi’s hand in his.
“Shall I drop you at work?”
“No, I am not going to Office. I will go home. And I have my car. So, thanks” she hurriedly replies and kneels down to Aashi.

“Bye Aashi.” She kisses Aashi’s cheek and tries not to get emotional again or else Arnav will be suspicious.
“Bye. You come home with us naa” Aashi insists.
“Not today. Tomorrow.” Khushi replies. She needs some space to think about her future.
“Promise?” Aashi asks.
“Yes promise” she kisses Aashi again and gets up on her feet.

Arnav opens her car door for Khushi to get in. She starts the engine, waves her hand to them and drives out of the parking. Arnav feels she was not the same like always. That spark was missing inside her. Khushi’s energy level was low. Is everything alright with her? How is he supposed to know if she doesn’t tell him? Maybe, he can ask Akash. He takes Aashi back home and decides to call up Akash Gupta.
888
Akash is on way home when Arnav’s call rings on his phone. He answers it immediately.

“Hello Client” Akash teases.
“Akash, hi. You at work?”
“No, reaching home. Tell me whats up? You hardly call me without a reason” Akash complains.
Arnav chuckles.
“No Buddy. It’s not like that.”
“I know” Akash laughs too. “Tell me, how can I help?”
“Is Khushi okay? I mean, she had met me today but she seemed very off” Arnav tells.
“Oh, yes. Uncle was telling me she is not feeling well today. In fact, that’s why she didn’t come to office either”

Not well? Why didn’t she tell him that? He would not have asked her to pick Aashi from school.

“Arnav? Are you there?” Akash asks.
“Yes. I got it Akash. Thanks. But, uhh.. where can she be now? Home?”
“Yes, she is at home” Akash answers.
“Great. I will see her in an hour. Don’t tell her I am coming” Arnav warns.

Akash smirks.
“I won’t. Come soon, maybe we can have a peg together, if you got time”
“Okay, Bye”

Arnav hangs up and gets quickly dressed to go to Gupta house. When he comes down, Aashi is playing with Daayi Maa.

“Daddy, I will also come” Aashi drops everything she is playing with and holds his feet.
Arnav picks her in arms.
“Aashi, daady will be back soon. I have some important work. Please” he pouts and whenever he does that, Aashi cannot stop laughing. She laughs and kisses Arnav’s stubble.
“Come shoon”
“I will” he kisses her back and drops her down.
“Daayi Maa, look after her. I have to meet someone. Will be back in an hour or two”

Daayi Maa strongly feels that Arnav is going to meet Khushi but she does not ask him that.
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Khushi has locked herself in the room. She cannot show her father or Akash that she is upset because of the recent known truth about her relationship with Aashi. She is sleeping on the bed, cuddling the pillow when she hears the door knob. She thinks it’s one of the maid who has come to call her for Dinner.

“I am not hungry now. Ask Dad and Akash to eat” she says without even turning around and seeing the person who has come inside the room.
She hears the footsteps of this person inside which irritates her. She turns around to scold but her jaw drops seeing Arnav Singh Raizada. When did he come here? And Why?

“Arnav?” she gets up and sits on the bed. Arnav sits next to her, close enough to make her breathless by his one look. He is wearing a Black jeans and White T shirt. His hair is tousled, probably he didn’t get to comb his hair. Khushi sighs because he is looking gorgeous like ever.
“How could you hide this from me?” he murmurs.

Khushi feels restless. What is he talking about? Did he get to know the truth?
“Hid…ing?” she is hardly able to utter a word.
Arnav slides the hair lock and tucks it behind her ear.
“Akash told me you are unwell. Why didn’t you tell me before? I would not have asked you to pick Aashi” Arnav replies

Khushi feels like oxygen is finally entering her lungs. He still doesn’t know anything about the past. He is just asking about her poor health.

“I cannot deny you ever for Aashi”

She says it from her heart. Earlier she thought she was only attracted to a baby like Aashi and hence she was so much into her. But now that she knows she is Aashi’s mother, she cannot shove off her baby’s responsibilities. Arnav feels proud. He admires her love for Aashi and smirks.

“That’s one of the reason why I want you in my life. Your devotion towards my child is beyond words, Khushi” he utters.
OUR CHILD!! Aashi is our child Arnav. She wants to scream this to him. Tears pool in her eyes again and start rolling down her cheeks. She suddenly feels scared that he might question her about them and hence hides her face in her palms to avoid him from noticing her. Arnav is stunned.
“Khushi, why are you crying?”
She nods her head in denial. She cannot answer that. Arnav is bewildered with her reactions. But he tries to soothe her down
“You know what? Aashi does the same when she is cranky and confused like you” he mumbles.

Oh, stop comparing Aashi with me. She is showing all these traits because she is my daughter. Khushi’s inner mind snaps.
Arnav holds her face.
“Get your palms off your face, right now” he commands.
She does it without further argument. Her teary eyes make him forget everything. She feels ashamed as he saw her crying today. He tries to kiss her cheek but she moves her head sideways. He stops and looks at her.
“What?” he asks.

Khushi is scared to let this man get so close to her. What if he throws her out of his life once he comes to know the truth? How will she live with it then? She wipes her tears and looks at him with a stern expression.

“Nothing” she replies.

Arnav groans.
“What nothing? There is something you are trying to hide from me for sure. What is it?” he shouts but gains nothing from her except silence. “We need to communicate Khushi to get through this phase of our lives. Our relationship is not that simple and by being cold to me you are messing it more” he adds.

Khushi knows he is right. Unless they talk, nothing can be sorted. She decides to shoot him some questions which are haunting her from quite a few days.

“Can I know some more details of your life?” she safely asks.

He stiffens but doesn’t discourage her. He nods. She inhales deep and asks him the first question.
“Your wife, where is she? Did she pass away? Or you guys divorced?”

Arnav gives her a confused look
“Seriously? That’s what you want to know? You could get that answer even from Google” he replies.

Khushi gulps. Why? Is it that bad? She waits for him to complete.
“I never married” his reply stuns her. Never married? Then Aashi? “Now before you ask me about Aashi’s existence, let me tell you myself. I had no plans to marry ever. I wanted to enjoy my freedom. Marriages have never really worked well in my family. My parents had a love marriage but they divorced when I was hardly 4. Seems they used to fight day and night like enemies over my existence. My mother was sceptical if the divorce would affect me mentally and emotionally. So, she and dad decided to keep me away from all this. I studied abroad and they both made a point to visit me, separately. That worked for me too. But then one day they were both for the first time, heading to see me together and that’s when that car accident took place. They died on the spot.” He takes a pause there as if to digest this bitter truth again.

Khushi feels remorseful for hurting him by cribbing about his past.

“I am sorry for their loss” she murmurs. He nods and holds her hands in his.
“It’s fine. I could never see them together. But this loneliness in my life always left with me. I never felt like getting involved in a relationship seriously. I was not ready to face that type of life again, fighting with your partner, divorcing and all that. But I wanted someone of my own. Someone whom I can call as my own. Someone whom I can nurture and safeguard for my entire life”

Khushi started getting hints of what he did next.

“I talked to Aman as well and then this idea of becoming a father to a child without marriage came up in my head. It sounded pretty cool. Today, this idea is getting flourished in our country as well. I felt nothing wrong in it. At least that would give me someone whom I can keep with me for years. I opted for this method of having a child through surrogacy, started looking for a woman who can give birth to my child, without hoping to claim on my child ever.”

Khushi felt her heart beats stop. That’s where this idea came up from?

“That’s how I got Aashi.” He tries to cut short explaining the part about that woman who gave birth to Aashi. But that is important for her. She wants to know what he feels for that woman? Why he hates that woman so much.

“And that woman who gave birth to Aashi?” Khushi gathers courage to ask him this. He becomes all cold.
“She got what she wanted. It’s over”

Over? What will his reactions be when he gets to know it’s not over. That same woman is back and now he is planning to marry her too. Before she can ask anything further, he holds both her hands in his and looks in her eyes.

“That’s all I can tell you, Khushi. That’s all you need to know. I never wanted to marry but Aashi needs a mother and I now have realized the need of having a life partner. You have managed to evoke those feelings inside me which I never thought existed. I want to sleep next to someone and wake up holding her in my arms. That’s you. Just you.”

She feels that pride within her for being so much needed by a man who is none other than her child’s father. She wraps her arms around his neck and hugs him. He completes the hug, rubbing her back gently.  He then pulls back from the hug and cups her face. He feels the urge to kiss her but she drops her eyes down. He frowns and raises her chin up so that she meets his eyes again.

“I want to have a legal hold over you, if that’s what you are stopping me for” he murmurs.

She feels her heart skip a beat again. Legal hold? That means marriage, so soon? Is she ready enough to do this? But wait, if this happens, no one can take away Aashi from her. And even the man she is so deeply attracted to will always be hers. That’s going to be the best moment of her life.

__________________________________________________________________________



Chapter 16

“I want to have a legal hold over you, if that’s what you are stopping me for” he murmurs.

She feels her heart skip a beat again. Legal hold? That means marriage, so soon? Is she ready enough to do this? But wait, if this happens, no one can take away Aashi from her. And even the man she is so deeply attracted to will always be hers. That’s going to be the best moment of her life. But this means she will have to cheat Arnav and keep him in dark.

“Why are you so shocked?” he whispers. “You want to marry me, right?”

She stares at the face of this man who is the father of her child.
“You want time to decide?” she asks again.
She is still very cold and speechless. He cups her face in between his palms.
“I am not going to pressurize you if this is too soon. I understand. This is going to be the biggest decision of your life and I am not going to crowd you. Take as much time as you need but before that, get well soon. And for regaining your health, you need to eat.”

She passes a faint smile. He gets down the bed and holds her hand.

“Akash and your father are waiting down for dinner”
“I am not hungry” she resists.

Arnav sighs.
“You know what I do when Aashi denies for eating?” he teasingly asks.
She swallows as she finds him leaning over her.
“I carry her in my arms and feed her myself. I can do that with you.”

She feels daunted by his talks.
“You won’t” she challenges.
He immediately leans to carry her and she pushes him away, screaming.

“All right, I am coming. I will eat”
Arnav nods.
“Good girl” he grins and steps back for Khushi to get down the bed.

They both head downstairs where Akash and Shashi are waiting at the Dining table.

“There they are” Akash says while seeing the two.
Shashi quickly glances at his daughter and he already feels the bonding between Khushi and Arnav happening. Though Khushi has never told him clearly about her newly assessed feelings for Arnav, Akash has given him some hint. He is happy that his daughter is taking this decision of settling in her personal life but what bothers him is her past and will Arnav accept that truth or not?

As they come closer, Shashi thanks Arnav for convincing Khushi to eat and offers Arnav to have dinner with them.

“No Mr. Gupta. Aashi must be waiting for me. I have to go” Arnav replies.
“Oh yes, family comes first. We will plan a dinner together some other time” Shashi answers.
“Sure, very soon” Arnav looks at Khushi and then murmurs a quick Bye to her.
“I will see you till the door” she replies and walks with him.

As they leave, Akash exclaims to Shashi.

“They make a lovely pair, Uncle. What do you think?”
“I am worried if he will still pair with her after knowing her past”

Akash gets little tensed too.
“Arnav is an open-minded guy. I am sure he will understand the circumstances and trust the decisions which Khushi took 4 years back. Don’t worry. Everything will be fine”
“I hope so Akash. I hope so.”

There is a slight fear in Shashi’s mind cultivating regarding this matter. He does not want to see his daughter’s heart break. This is the first time she has shown interest in a man and decided to settle down. She should get the best. She deserves the best after every little effort she has been taking for their family.
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Khushi focusses back on work, the next day and tries to indulge in some serious topics about their financial issues which have still not eased up. She has personally come at a Private bank, to meet the Manager and discuss about the Loan that their company needs. But seems like this is a never-ending task now. All the banks show interest in supporting them at the initial stage but then considering the background business issues and no proper guarantee of providing any asset as a bank security, they deny going ahead with the process. Today’s meet ends the same way. She finishes the bank meeting and comes out of the cabin with a heavy heart.

“Hi Khushi, what a pleasant surprise”

She turns around to see who just spotted her. And it’s Aman Mathur. She smiles back at him as he nears her.

“Hello Aman.”
“Meeting?” he asks.
“Yes. Just ended. You?”
“I was here to take a quick record of our overdrafts” he replies.

“Sir, its done. I have collected the reports” Sheetal Goel, joins them, giving update to him.
“Oh great. By the way, you must know her Khushi. She is Arnav’s personal secretary. She is working for us from past 4 years. She is our life saviour for fitting our schedules without much hitch” he compliments.

Sheetal quickly greets Khushi.

“Hello Ma’am. I know you are one of our recent client for that Shipping Software project” she recalls.
Khushi nods.
“Yes, but I keep visiting a lot to your office, never saw you there” Khushi asks in a confusion.
“That’s because for few days we had sent Sheetal to Mumbai Office. But she is back now and you will see her much” Aman addresses.

Khushi nods in apprehension and then checks the watch.
“I should be leaving. Have another meeting.”
“Oh sure. See you soon and yes, I have already told Arnav that I am going to throw a party for you both, let me know when you guys are available” Aman exclaims.

Sheetal is puzzled which Party Aman Sir is desperate to throw for her and most importantly with Arnav. Khushi’s face glows at the mention of Arnav’s name. She bites her inner lip and replies back.

“Aman, if you are so desperate to spend for a party, then fine. I will decide with him and will let you know. Okay?”
“Okay, but make it soon” he hugs her from side and then waves a quick bye.

Khushi heads out of the bank. Sheetal interrupts.
“Party? Do you want me to make any arrangements?” Sheetal questions.
“No Sheetal. It’s not any official party. It’s quite a personal one and I will do all the stuff myself”
“Personal? I didn’t understand” she adds.
“Your Boss, Arnav and our Client Khushi Gupta might soon get married” he happily declares.

Sheetal’s jaw drops. She grips the files tight in her hand. Marriage? Arnav is marrying? How is that possible? He was never interested in getting into such bondage. When did this happen?

“Surprised, right? So was I. But things worked out in their favour and soon you will hear the wedding bells ringing” Aman continues.

Sheetal tries to control her anger behind a fake smile.

“Oh, that’s great. But Aashi? I mean, will she accept Khushi Ma’am as a mother?”
“Don’t ask that. Aashi is so fond of Khushi and vice versa that no one will ever think Khushi is not Aashi’s mother. They make such a cute family. I am so happy for them. Arnav deserves this. Most importantly, Aashi deserves this.”

Aman’s words pass like daggers through Sheetal’s heart. She controls the urge of arguing over this topic because Aman just isn’t the right person to argue. Aman heads out and she follows him quietly.
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“Out? Why? You can come home and see us both” Arnav replies over the call, to Khushi.

Khushi gets nervous. Like every day, she wants to meet Aashi and spend some time with her. She wants to be a part of that family and include them in her daily routine. But she cannot do that with her heart, when Daayi Maa is around in that house. The fear of Daayi Maa letting Arnav know the truth, always scares her. But till when will she be scared of this fact? Some day she will have to face this bitter truth. She should have a word with Daayi Maa first and see if that woman supports her thoughts. She has to gear up her opinions about this matter and face it courageously.

“Khushi, where are you lost again?” Arnav asks from the other end. She comes out of her stance.
“Sorry, my mind drifted elsewhere. I will come home to see you both. In an hour” she replies.
Arnav sounds happy.
“Okay, we are waiting”

She hangs up and then gathers some courage to face her problems rather than running away from them.
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“Khoosi” Aashi rushes to Khushi, who is standing at the door, and hugs her feet. Khushi kneels down and kisses her baby. All that motherly warmth engulfs her whenever Aashi is in her arms. Arnav walks to them. He is just back from work and not even changed yet into his home wear. Khushi’s patience with Aashi is really extraordinary which is what he admires the most.

“Khoosi. I was waiting for you. Daddy got me new doll. Come” Aashi holds Khushi’s hand and drags her inside. She passes a quick smile to Arnav and then they both follow Aashi to the stairs. Daayi Maa watches them head to Aashi’s room. She is startled seeing Khushi not following her orders for staying away from Arnav and Aashi. What is her motive? Is she going to break their heart some day?

Once in Aashi’s room, Aashi rushes to get the doll, leaving Khushi’s hand. Both Arnav and Khushi wait for her to come back. Arnav watches Khushi’s face intently. She is not peaceful and energetic like always. And he kind of knows why.

“Aman told me he met you at the Bank yesterday” Arnav starts the conversation.
“Oh yes. We coincidently met” she replies.
“Any luck with the bank work?” he further digs.

Khushi presses her lips and shakes her head in denial.

“No. So looking for other opportunities” she answers.
“I have few sources, you want me to try with them?”

Khushi waits for few seconds to think over it.
“What kind of sources?”
“They are not banks. They are private investors. They lend money on a guarantee or some kind of security, but they will need their commission too.”

Khushi is not very hopeful after listening this.

“If we had good guarantors or a valid security assurance to give, why would the bank deny us for Loan?”

Arnav then understands their problem.
“Any land, any business papers which you might keep as a mortgage?”
“No. It’s all been utilized already and we don’t want our house to be used for this. You never know when the situations go against us” she expresses further.
Arnav nods in agreement.
“How did you manage to overcome a similar crises 4 year ago then?”

She becomes speechless. How is she supposed to answer that? Is he open enough to understand that she had to do sell her womb, her baby, to come out of that situation? But she will have to tell him one day. Otherwise she will never be able to breathe normally.

Aashi comes to her rescue with the new doll which Arnav gave her today.

“Khoosi. Shee my doll”
Khushi takes the doll from her and compliments it. Aashi is absolutely happy that someone is complimenting her stuff, that too in her style.
“Let us bathe my doll. It didn’t shower today” Aashi insists Khushi to play with her. Khushi doesn’t deny. Arnav meanwhile gets a call and he leaves the room to answer it. Aashi spreads all her toys later on the bed and starts playing with Khushi who teaches her how to take care of the doll. How to feed her, how to comb her hair, everything. The door knocks and Daayi Maa steps inside. Khushi freezes. Daayi Maa gives her a cold stare and walks inside with the tray of snacks. Khushi fumbles with the toys whereas Aashi is totally busy in getting her attention back on the play.

“You are still cheating Arnav” she murmurs.

Khushi gets up from the bed and regains her courage for speaking up.

“Cheating is a very huge word. I am just hiding the truth from him, which I am myself trying to cope up with” Khushi snaps back.

Daayi Maa is surprised to see her defending herself.
“Don’t lie Khushi. You knew everything and that is why you stepped in Arnav and Aashi’s life”
“Don’t presume things Daayi Maa. This is a shock to me as well. I didn’t plan anything. I am not a woman who manipulates people”
“Didn’t you manipulate Arnav before? While you were carrying his child? I know everything Khushi. I might not be his blood relative. But Arnav is like my Son and he has shared every bit of his pain with me which you gave him 4 years ago.”

Khushi is dazed at that revelation. What pain did she give Arnav? She doesn’t remember anything going wrong in the whole process of that surrogacy. Then what is it which Daayi Maa is pointing her for? Is that why She and Arnav has so much hatred for the woman who gave birth to Aashi?

“What are you talking about Daayi Maa? I didn’t do anything. I don’t know what you are even pointing me for” tears pool in Khushi’s eyes.
Daayi Maa clenches her jaw. They both hear Arnav’s footsteps coming to the door.

“Wipe your eyes Khushi. I don’t want him to be suspicious of our conversation. I don’t care if you even come in this house becoming his wife or Aashi’s mother forever, but this should happen with his consent. Just tell him the truth and leave it to him to decide if she still wants to keep any kind of relation with you or not”

Saying that, Daayi Maa keeps the tray of snacks on the bed and walks out. Khushi is perplexed. Something is definitely not matching. Until she knows the angle of their story from Arnav’s side, she cannot join the puzzle or their life neither give their relationship a permanent tag.

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 17
Daayi Maa leaves the room and Arnav steps in. He finds Khushi wiping her tears and that surprises him. He comes forward.

“What did Daayi Maa say which got tears in your eyes?” he softly asks.
Khushi gets speechless.
“Nothing”
“You can’t cry for nothing, Khushi. Tell me”
Khushi swallows hard. She finds some excuse to handle this situation temporary.
“She has never seen Aashi with a woman in this house. So, she was appreciating my bond with her. Nothing else.”

Arnav smiles with pride.
“If that is what she said, then I won’t mind if you cry some more.”
Khushi lets out a chuckle and punches his chest softly. This man knows to make her smile in the worst situations. But will it remain like this forever? Or will he become the cause of her pain in future? Aashi drags them together and makes them play with her. Khushi stares at the father-daughter. She is so grateful that she is getting an opportunity to spend time with her baby. But will this continue if Arnav gets to know the truth? He will surely take some time to absorb reality. But such things cannot be hidden forever. Some day she will have to make a move and the more she delays, the more complicated it will turn out. Daayi Maa is totally right. She has to tell everything to Arnav before it’s too late. But before that happens, she also has to find the missing piece of this puzzle. She wants to know why Arnav hates her so much first. Until she knows that, she cannot take the risk of letting him know the truth.
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Khushi is back at home and is quietly eating dinner with Shashi and Akash who are busy talking business. They are discussing options which can help them grow their business somehow. Khushi is a passive participant. She is listening everything but not processing it. Akash notices her mood and checks on her.

“Sis, all good?” he asks.
Shashi becomes conscious of his daughter’s sudden gloominess.
“You had been to meet Arnav and his daughter, right? Anything happened there?” Shashi questions.
Khushi intervenes.
“No. All is good. Actually, Arnav gave some options of his sources for trying private loans. You think we should meet them and check?” she diverts the topic.
“But they would need some guarantee” Akash points out.
“I know, which is why I am not considering them to be a good choice. But I thought I should share it with you both.”

Shashi nods slowly.

“That reminds me, you have to meet Aman tomorrow at AR and also sign some papers” Shashi informs.
“Oh yes. I will go there tomorrow morning” she replies with a cold smile and continues eating food. Once she finishes, Arnav’s call buzzes on her phone and she knows it is Aashi’s time to sleep and she might have insisted him to call her so that she can say her good night. With much pleasure, she answers the call and heads back to the room. Shashi and Akash see the glow on her face as she starts talking to Aashi while leaving for her room. This was missing in Khushi before she met Aashi and they are glad that somehow that void is getting filled with love and happiness.
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AR Office – Next day

Sheetal is restless since yesterday. Arnav is thinking of marriage? That too with his client Khushi. He also got his daughter introduced to Khushi? So much happened in her absence. She bites her nails, feeling agitated. She should not have taken up the task of Mumbai office last few weeks. She would have been here and maybe even stop things at the right time. Her intercom rings. She immediately picks up.

“Yes Sir”
“Sheetal did you get the cheques signed from Arnav?” Aman asks from the other end.
“Oh no Sir. Actually, he was busy in Video conference since morning”
“That’s fine. Get it now. He is just back in his cabin”

Aman disconnects and Sheetal gets a bright opportunity to meet Arnav on the pretext of this work. She adjusts her skirt and her hair, making it bounce over her shoulder and hurries out.

“Come in” Arnav replies to the knock at his cabin door. Sheetal gets in with the cheques.
“Morning Arnav” she flaunts her smile and a sexy voice but he plainly nods and glues his eyes back on the laptop screen.
“How are you doing this morning?” she asks.
“Fine Sheetal. Thank you. Nice to see you back from Mumbai” Arnav responds.
She smiles again.
“Yes, I was equally restless to get back here”
Arnav raises his head trying to understand what she meant by that?
“I mean, here I have all my friends” she replies. He shakes his head in agreement and continues typing. “Plus, I have you here.” She adds.

Arnav stops typing and leans back on his chair, glancing at her.

“What do you mean?”
“Did you miss me Arnav?” she boldly asks.
Arnav is as cold as ever.
“Workwise, Yes. No one else here has that potential which you have.” He replies diplomatically.
She feels praised but even then, she frowns for not getting the answer she demanded.
“Anything else Miss Goel?” he formally asks.

Sheetal groans in anger and shows him the cheques.

“Aman wants your signatures on these.”

Arnav extends his arm, she hands the cheques to him and he starts signing. Sheetal keeps admiring him and decides to clear her doubts.

“How is Aashi?”
“Good” he keeps signing.
“I heard you are getting a mother for her”

Arnav stops signing and meets her eyes.
“Yes”
Sheetal swallows hard nervously.
“When did this happen? I mean, until I left for Mumbai, you didn’t tell me anything”
Arnav interrupts her.
“Sheetal, it’s my personal matter and I don’t like discussing it at work. You know that, don’t you?”

Sheetal gulps and takes the signed cheques from him. She purposely pretends to lose her balance and falls on him. He holds her before she hugs him completely. Her eyes try to find some feelings in him for her but nothing happens as she expects. She holds his tie for support.

“Careful” he warns her in an unhappy tone. She lingers her finger on his tie and then manages to stand back on her feet.
“That’s a wonderful tie. Suits you.” she comments.
Arnav shrugs her arms and looks forward. He is stunned to find Khushi standing at the door, her arms crossed on her chest which is heaving in rage, witnessing the scene before her. Sheetal looks at the direction where he is watching and seeing Khushi here she feels delighted. Will it create a misunderstanding between the two now? She hopes so. Keeping fingers crossed she clears her throat and hurries out, wishing Khushi quickly before making her way out. Khushi fakes a smile and gets in the cabin. She is very serious. Seeing Arnav with someone else made her heart flutter. The very reason behind this being the thought of some other woman taking her place in Aashi’s life and his.

Arnav gets up and comes ahead to greet her. He can see a part of her insanely jealous of what she just witnessed.

“Hi.. didn’t know you were coming here today” he quickly reaches her.

She stares at his tie which Sheetal just complimented.

“I don’t like this tie a bit.” Her voice serious and commanding.
Arnav gives a lop-sided smile and quickly takes off the tie from his neck.
“Happy?” he starts neatening his shirt collar again.
“Flirting with your secretary?”
Arnav clears his throat.
“Actually, yes. The one I am dating is not letting me flirt with her. What should I do?” he teases.

Khushi clutches his shirt collar.
“I hate you”
She turns around to leave but before she could step away, his arm slides around her waist, drawing her closer. Her back hits his chest. She struggles but he is equally strong to hold her close to him.

“Sorry” he whispers in her ears. She shuts her eyes. She has never felt so vulnerable before any man. He has that aura to touch her heart, just by one look.
“Leave me Arnav” she struggles again.
“Not in this birth” he replies in a husky voice, his nose stroking her earlobe, raising Goosebumps in her whole body. More than his touch, his words startles her. She slowly turns around and meets his eyes.
“Promise?” she asks.
He shakes his head and she hugs him tight forgetting all the anger that had screwed her mind, just few minutes back.

There is another knock on the door and they pull back. Aman comes in.
“Hey, there you are. I have got the documents ready.”
“Thanks Aman” Khushi replies. “Actually, out of the two, I think you are the one who work so hard.” She purposely teases.
“Really?” Aman feels praised. “Why so?”
Arnav is giving a heated stare to Khushi.

“Your partner is very busy in appealing women these days” Khushi exclaims looking at Arnav.

Aman laughs heartily.
“No no.. He is very innocent since Aashi is born”
“Whatever. I don’t think so” she sounds rude purposely.
Arnav frowns and pulls Khushi holding her elbow.
“Itni Akad acchi nahi hai” (Stop being so adamant)
Aman realizes he has to leave the cabin, so that the couple can sort this alone. He quickly makes his way out closing the door behind.
Arnav and Khushi are still looking in each other’s eyes. Khushi becomes serious.
“Let me be clear on this Arnav. You are not just Aashi’s father now. You are going to be my life partner. I won’t tolerate any other woman coming close to you”
Arnav gets serious too.
“I thought you are only jealous, which if fine. But now you are blaming me for what I am not”
Khushi touches his cheek.
“I am not blaming you. I am just asking you to be careful. There are many women out there who want your attention on them, don’t get carried away”
Arnav removes her hand from his cheek.
“Then get married to me. I will ease off all your suspicions.” He proposes again.

She becomes quiet for some seconds. She knows until she clears the hatred which he has in his heart for the woman who gave birth to Aashi, she cannot say a Yes for marriage and complicate things further.

“I have to think about this” she utters. “You know I am engrossed in the business issues. I cannot think anything right now, beyond it. Once it clears, Marriage is the first thing in my list.”

Arnav understands her concerns and kisses her forehead.
“As you wish.”
Khushi inhales sharply and checks her watch.
“I need to go. Have few meets lined up”
“Let me escort you to the lobby.” He holds her hand and they both walk out.

Sheetal Goel who has been waiting to see the reactions of Khushi Gupta after that incident is left shocked and unhappy seeing them holding hands. Khushi stops little away from her desk and leaves Arnav’s hand.

“One minute. Got to meet someone”

She hurries to Sheetal’s desk and Sheetal gets up from her chair with a smile.

“Sheetal right?” Khushi asks. “Would you mind booking Arnav’s favourite restaurant for me? We are planning to have a dinner together tonight”
Sheetal fumes and Khushi whole heartedly enjoys it. Arnav hears it too and is absolutely stunned at Khushi’s feistiness.
“And yes, make it a candle light dinner. I want it to be the most romantic dinner he remembers his whole life” Khushi adds and with her signature smile she turns around and walks to Arnav again. She entwins her fingers in his and they walk out.

Arnav keeps glancing her face while they wait for the elevator to halt.

“Now that’s what I call a Show” he comments.
“I just claimed whats mine” she winks at him then gets inside the elevator.
“Are we really dinning together?” he confirms again.
“Yes Mr. Raizada. Message me the details. I will be there. Bye” she waves her hand and the elevator door closes.

Arnav smirks with amusement and heads back to his cabin.

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 18
Sheetal Goel books a table for Dinner at Arnav Singh Raizada’s favourite restaurant. Though she did none of this with her heart, she feels raged for the efforts she put in arranging a candle light dinner for Arnav with some other woman. And that woman, Khushi Gupta is sharp and witty, she can already feel those fumes of possessiveness in her. How can she build such a quick rapport with the father-daughter in such a short time span?

Sheetal finds Arnav getting inside the restaurant. He looks very casual tonight, she feels like admiring this man for hours, sitting here but then she watches Khushi Gupta making an entry. Arnav stops midway for her and then, they both walk hand-in-hand with each other. Sheetal crushes the rose she is holding in her hand, thankfully the flower still blooms when she opens her palms, as Arnav and Khushi reach her.

“Hello ASR, hi Ma’am” she addresses quickly, faking a smile to Arnav and then glaring venomously at Khushi who picks that up yet remains ignorant. “I have the table ready for you two. Please follow me”

Khushi holds Arnav’s arm tight and walks to the table with him. The moment they reach, Arnav pulls a chair for her and makes her sit. Sheetal is staring at them. The manager of the restaurant comes there and introduces himself.

“Hello Mr. Raizada, Miss Gupta, I am Pavan, the Manager of this place. Please enjoy your candle light dinner and call me if you need anything. As your Secretary had informed, the menu has been reformed based on your likes”

He puts forward the new menu and then with few more greetings he is off. Khushi looks at Sheetal.

“I am impressed Sheetal. Good work.” Khushi praises her.
Sheetal gives a cold glare to her instead.
“Thanks” she mumbles and then looks at Arnav. “Do you need anything else ASR?” Sheetal asks him.
“No that’s fine, Sheetal. Go home and get some sleep”

Sleep? That’s the last thing she will get tonight after facing all of this.

Putting a fake smile again on her face, Sheetal Goel leaves the restaurant. Khushi keeps staring at her while she leaves. Arnav clicks his fingers to get her attention back.

“Spare her” he teases.
“I don’t know why but whenever I see her, I get suspicious on her intentions for you. Didn’t you notice it ever?” Khushi asks.
“I don’t think so.”
“Since how many years she is working with you?”
Arnav inhales sharply.
“She is working for both me and Aman, Khushi. Not just for me. Now for God’s sake, stop spying on her and let’s enjoy the meal. What would you like to eat?”

Arnav opens the menu and makes the selection. Khushi diverts her attention too and their dinner begins.
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Akash comes back home, disappointed. He sits next to his Uncle Shashi Gupta and describes how their last hope of getting the finance, which Akash himself was trying has failed. Shashi sighs in disappointment.

“This is not good Akash. Khushi will be stressed if she gets to know this.”
“I know. That’s what I was thinking, how to tell her?”
“Lets not tell her now. She is already taking in a lot these days. Plus, just now I am able to see my daughter dreaming of a happy life, since she has met Arnav Singh Raizada. I don’t want her to tense up now” Shashi exclaims.
“Yes Uncle. I understand. Don’t worry, we wont tell this to her yet. But what is the backup plan?”

Shashi starts thinking something.

“Can I say something Uncle?”
Shashi nods.
“I think we should take Arnav’s help. Didn’t Khushi say, he was willing to help? I mean, he might have some contacts. Or if not, we might at least take his advise”
Shashi is in agreement with it.
“But Akash, Khushi wont like it. You know she is a women of high self esteem”
“Lets not tell her yet. We can try. If something really good clicks, then we can let Khushi know too. What do you think?”

Akash’s ideas were not bad. Shashi, finding no other ray of hope, agrees to this.

“Okay. I will meet Arnav tomorrow and see if he can help” Shashi declares.
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After the dinner, Arnav drops Khushi at Gupta Mansion. Though they have parked he vehicle before the house, they are still inside the car. Arnav remembers something which he had to tell her.

“This weekend I have promised Aashi to take her for boating.” Arnav informs.
“Boating? But we have no lake here”
“Not here. In Nainital. We will fly by my charter, stay there for two days and head back on Monday”

Khushi feels elated that he is doing so much for Aashi. And being Aashi’s mother she couldn’t have asked for a better father than him. He is always so concerned about his baby.

“Wow, I hope you two have a good time there. I will miss you both” she replies.
Arnav smirks.
“You wont miss us if you join us”
She glares at him.
“Umm.. The offer is quite tempting Mr. Raizada but ..”
“It’s a weekend Khushi, spare that time for us. Please” he requests.

She knows there is no chance to deny him after this.

“Okay. But.. who all are going?”
“Just me, you, Aashi and Daayi Maa” he answers.
Khushi stiffens at the mention of Daayi Maa’s name. Arnav reads her face.
“Why are you so uncomfortable around Daayi Maa?” Arnav asks. “She is not your mother-in-law, just Aashi’s caretaker” he adds passing a teasing smile to her.
“Not just Aashi’s, she is your caretaker too. Maybe that’s why” Khushi replies. She is mortified when he points out her uneasiness so openly.

Arnav narrows his eyes, as if expects her to explain further.
“I mean, she loves you both. And with her around, I feel conscious. When she looks at me, I feel as if, she is judging me.”
“Judging for what?”
“To see if I can be a good life partner to you or not, if I can be a good mother to Aashi or not”

Arnav raises her hand and kisses her knuckles.

“In my eyes, you are already a good mother to Aashi, but good life partner or not, that I am little unsure of” he mocks.
Khushi clenches her jaw and pushes him away.
“That’s very insensitive of you Arnav, I expected more”

She looks outside the window, but he pulls her chin to make her face him again.
“You want more?” his eyebrows twitch high, taking her words in the other meaning.
She initially shies and then pinches his cheek.
“More of affection, being considerate of my emotions” she describes, before he drives her into another puzzle of double meaning talks.

Arnav inhales sharply and gets down the swing
“Till you open up your problems to me, how can I even consider them Khushi?” he asks in a serious tone.
“No.. I .. I didn’t mean my professional life” she interrupts.

Arnav sighs and leans over her. Though there is no much space to move back, she still does while processing his movement, their eyes locked with each other’s.

“Personal or Professional, all your problems are mine. Let me in and help you” he coaxes.
Khushi bites her lower lip. He is so close that she can inhale all of him and he is intoxicating her senses
“Okay. I will think about it” she replies in a soft voice.
Arnav smirks.
“I am glad you will” he unbuckles the seat belt and sets her free. He had leaned for this? She thought something else. Or maybe it was for something else but he chose this safer option. He laughs as her mind is lost in reading him.
“Okay.. I should leave. Aashi must be waiting for me”

Khushi nods. She gets down the car and waves her arm as he drives out. It really has been a lovely evening today. Now as he told her, she will have to prepare herself for the coming weekend. Maybe this getaway will be the best time to talk with him about the differences he has with the woman who gave birth to Aashi, which is her!!
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3 Days Later
“This is none of your business Raj” Khushi scowls at someone over the phone, in her cabin. “Yes, I don’t care what the media shares, it is part of their job. But you belong to my company and anything like this is your responsibility to handle.”

Shashi knocks the door and gets inside. He finds his daughter in a frustrated mood and decides to wait until she finishes.

“Arrange a press meet. I will ask Akash or Dad to attend it, if I am unavailable” she orders and hangs up.

Shashi offers her some water which she denies and composes herself. Today, one of the leading newspaper has published an article on their Business crises. Though it is nothing new to be on the cover page for such reasons, Khushi didn’t like when they related it with the similar situation that they had faced 4 years ago. She stares at her father next.

“Stop getting hyper on such silly articles Khushi. You know better than us that such things are part of our lives”
“They are Dad. But did you read it? They are questioning my absence after that situation. Who are they to point us out and make conclusions where I was? Had I really been abroad for further Business collaborations, those days or not?” she angrily questions her father.

Shashi nods. He knows which matter she is talking about. After the earlier crises, Khushi though was in the same city, they had informed people that she had been abroad for getting more work. The reality was that she was nurturing the child in those 9 months of her pregnancy, totally cut off from the world.

“Calm down. I will attend the Press conference and take this up. What is your schedule for this weekend?”
Khushi remembers Arnav’s plan of Nainital.
“Uhh. If I am required here for work, I can cancel my plans” her tone softens.
“Plans? What plans? If I may ask” Shashi smiles.

Khushi’s mood lightens immediately.

“Arnav is taking Aashi for Boating in Nanital and he wants me to join them. Daayi Maa is coming along too”
Shashi is overjoyed how slowly his daughter is bonding with Arnav Singh Raizada.

“Great. Then you should go. No need to cancel your plans. Me and Akash will handle things here.” He declares.
“You sure, Dad?”
“Yes, very sure.”

Khushi is elated that she didn’t had to break Arnav and Aashi’s heart. Once Shashi leaves, she immediately texts Arnav that she is prepared to start tonight with him to Nainital and in reply she gets a emoticon blowing a flying kiss at her. She bites her lip. A businessman like Arnav Singh Raizada, sending that kind of emoticon is quite opposite to his character. She chuckles at her thoughts and gets back to work.
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Khushi gets down from her car, at the private Boeing field where the jet is going to take off from. Her chauffer keeps the luggage inside as per the instructions. Arnav is waiting for her, at the stairs of the Jet. She waves a quick Hi to him and comes forward.

“Am I late?” she asks.
“Not much” he leads her to the stairs and they start climbing.
“Where is Aashi?”
“Asleep” he informs as they head inside the boeing. Khushi and Daayi Maa face each other. Daayi Maa is holding Aashi in her arms. And Khushi finds that grip tightening as if Daayi Maa thinks she is going to snatch the baby. That thought cripples her self-esteem but Arnav’s next set of actions eases her down.

Arnav holds her hand and makes her sit next to him. He fastens her seat belt. She smiles at him after which Arnav commands the pilot to take them in the air. Khushi entwins her fingers with his and leans her head on his shoulder.

“Did you read that article today?” she asks him on purpose, trying to find out what he thinks about it. Does he also want to question her absence?
Arnav kisses her forehead. She raises her head and meets his eyes.
“We are on a vacation. Let’s drop the package of our work life here.”
His response makes her relax a bit. As the Jet starts turning to the main runway, Aashi wakes up and she starts crying. Khushi immediately turns around and stretches her arm for Aashi to come to her. Seeing Khushi, Aashi’s cries soften. Daayi Maa slowly hands Aashi to Khushi who unfastens her seat belt and fastens it again after taking Aashi on her lap. She knows her baby is afraid of take-off and landing. But now that she is here, she can take care of that. Arnav smiles with affection seeing his baby safely cuddled in Khushi’s arms. He doesn’t have to bother when about his child now, because Khushi is there to take her responsibilities just like he does.

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 19
“It is cold here” Khushi rubs her palms as they all get inside the hill top bungalow, which Arnav has pre-booked for their weekend stay. It is perfectly located on the sloping slot, with wooden flooring throughout. There is a fireplace at the centre of the living room, surrounded by couches and some wooden furniture.
“Yes” he replies.

Aashi runs inside the house, finding it adorable.
“Daddy where is the boat?” She yells.
Arnav smiles while walking to her.
“We will go for boating tomorrow morning. Let’s order some dinner and sleep”
“I will shleep with Khoosi” Aashi runs back to Khushi and hugs her feet.

Arnav raises his brows.

“Aashi forgot Daady?” he teasingly asks.
Aashi pouts and then innocently replies back the best solution.
“Daady, you also shleep with us”
Khushi feels her cheeks heating up with colour and Arnav is not very ignorant about it. Khushi and Arnav glance at each other. Aashi pulls Khushi’s hand to ask her if that is a good idea.
“Khoosi.. Can Daddy sleep with us?”

Khushi swallows hard and then kneels down to Aashi’s level.

“Aashi.. Daady can sleep with us some other time.. not today. Okay?” Khushi explains.
“Why?”
“Aashi. Enough” Arnav intervenes. “Let us quickly change and then we will light the fireplace”
Aashi is diverted by the idea of lighting the fireplace. She runs to Daayi maa who is in the other room, asking her to change her clothes fast. Arnav then gazes back to Khushi.
“Let me show you the room. Come” he insists.

Khushi shakes her head then she follows him to the room which is at the top floor. There are two bedrooms on this floor. Arnav occupies one and asks Khushi to occupy the next. They change in their respective rooms and then Khushi comes down. She finds the food already ordered and Daayi Maa is arranging it on the dining table. Khushi starts helping her. Aashi comes out finishing the milk from the bottle. Khushi is amused to see her using bottle still to drink milk. Aashi keeps the bottle on the table and heads back to the couch to play with her toys. Khushi then turns to Daayi Maa.

“She still uses bottle?” Khushi asks her.
Daayi Maa nods.
“Just for plain milk. She needs a bottle compulsorily or else she will never touch milk.”
“Hmm” Khushi looks at Aashi who is busy playing alone.
“Is that normal? I suppose we should stop allowing bottles when the baby is 2 years max.”

Daayi Maa stops her work and gives Khushi a cold stare. Khushi exhales deeply.

“Please don’t think I am doubting your nurturing techniques Daayi Maa. It’s not so. I am really happy with the way you have raised my daughter” Khushi’s voice turns low. “Your dedication towards Aashi is commendable. I can never suspect that. It is just that…” she is about to continue but Daayi Maa interrupts.

“It is normal. We might need to play some trick in order to get her stop using the bottle”

Khushi realizes that this woman does not like it when she is been praised by her. Maybe she doesn’t like the praises coming from her, but anyone else. She understands where this bitterness is coming from, only because Arnav hates the woman who gave birth to Aashi, Daayi Maa is supporting that thought of his.

“I know you don’t like me, but, believe me Daayi Maa I mean no harm to my own child” Khushi mutters.
Daayi Maa stops serving the food.
“That’s why you put Aashi’s life in danger when you were 9 months pregnant? You just didn’t drive the car, you even crashed it. What if something wrong had happened to the child?” Daayi Maa scolds.

Khushi gulps nervously.

“That was a mistake. I agree. I was not allowed to drive but I had my own reasons to do that.”
“I don’t need to know those reasons. All I see is that you put your baby’s life in danger” Daayi Maa warns her again.
Khushi clenches her jaw.
“My father met with an accident that morning and when I got a call from the hospital, I had to rush alone because there was no one who could drive me there.” Khushi blurts out.

Daayi Maa softens. She looks at Khushi with a surprise.

“I don’t know if you would even believe this, so, that’s okay” Khushi ends this conversation, wipes the lone tear from her eyes and is about to leave when Daayi Maa stops her.
“I am sorry” she apologises.
Khushi is overwhelmed by her gesture but she accepts the apology placing her palm over Daayi Maa’s hand.
“Is this why Arnav hates me? For putting Aashi’s life in danger?” Khushi asks.

Daayi Maa looks compassionately at her.

“He hates you from before this accident. And why are you trying to clarify from me? You should know it better than me why he hates you so much”
“I don’t !!” Khushi yells. “I don’t remember  doing anything that can hurt the man whose child I was going to give birth”
Daayi Maa is shocked at her revelation. Why does she always say that she doesn’t remember anything like that?
“did you suffer any partial amnesia?” Daayi Maa asks.
Khushi shrugs.
“Fortunately NO.. I didn’t and it is on this basis I am telling you I didn’t hurt anyone in this regard. You said Arnav’s hatred is beyond repair for that woman, why did you say that? Did he talk to you ever about it?” Khushi clarifies
“He never spoke to me directly. I remember one day, when he came back home with a letter in hand. He was very frustrated that night. I had never seen him so demoralized and raged before. When I asked him, he just said that he wished he not to have selected you as the woman for giving birth to his child, that he is regretting over the fact that he cannot even reverse the process now. I had sensed an unusual fury in him which took days to fade. In fact, even now whenever I see him gloomy, I feel like he is thinking about that night only. As if, he is trying to keep that anger burning inside him forever”

Daayi Maa’s disclosure over this matter gives goose bumps to Khushi. She does not remember doing anything so critical that he would hate her so much. What happened that night for him to react so intensely that he felt like withdrawing himself from that contract?

“Daady” Aashi shouts seeing her father coming down the stairs. Both Daayi Maa and Khushi becomes conscious of his presence. Daayi Maa continues serving and Khushi turns around to see him. He looks so relaxed and calm. As far as she has known him, he cannot lose his calm easily. It has to be a very sensitive matter which lead him to hate her so much. But what is it? She cannot live with this suspense for long. The early she clears it off, the easier it will be for them to move on in their lives and get married.

Arnav comes to Aashi and takes her in his lap and the father-daughter starts playing with the toys. Khushi keeps admiring them both. The dinner begins in sometime and Aashi sleeps off in an hour after dinner. She was so tired after the journey which made her sleep early than usual. She is sleeping on the bed, in Khushi’s room. Khushi is lying next to her, patting Aashi’s back. There is so much that she yet has to know. And the only man who would be able to tell her is Arnav himself. Though she is scared to remove this topic out before him, she hopes that when she does, he understands her side. It has to be some kind of misunderstanding. As far as she recollects, she, Akash or her father have never met Arnav before. Neither his side people, who knew about this contract ever turned up to her family. Dr. Rao is the only mediator and the lawyer who had prepared the agreement between them. Then how can a misunderstanding even occur which can lead him to hate her so much? She will have to investigate.

Arnav knocks her room door and gets inside. He finds her relaxing beside Aashi. Khushi gets up but he gestures her not to get so formal.

“I came here to take Aashi. It’s very late” he whispers so that Aashi doesn’t wake up.

Khushi looks at Aashi once. She has that fear that once Arnav gets to know she is the woman who gae birth to Aashi, he might not let her get close to their child.

“Can she stay with me here, tonight?” Khushi pleads.
Arnav is not very surprised because he knows how much Khushi and Aashi have bonded to each other, in all these days.
“You sure? She kicks at night” he reconfirms.
Khushi lets out a soft chuckle.
“Typical of kids. Don’t worry, I will be fine” she replies.

Arnav happily nods and then quickly pecks Aashi’s cheek. The good night kiss is a must for him from his daughter. He never misses that. Khushi lovingly observes his gesture and then gets conscious when he looks at her and kisses her forehead.

“Good night” he whispers in her ears after the kiss.

The sounds of that kiss melts her down, wiping off her fears in an instant.
“Good night Arnav” she replies back.

He puts the quilt on both his girls and then shuts the lamp off. Khushi feels warm by his kindness and total gentleman attitude. This is one thing she does not want to miss out after she reveals the truth to him about her identity.
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The next morning, when Khushi opens her eyes, she finds Aashi sleeping next to her, cuddled to her. That’s a wonderful sight for a pleasant morning. Her baby is cocooned to her and all she has to do is embrace her back. She kisses Aashi’s soft cheeks and then hugs her back. Tears pool in her eyes thinking the possibilities of this never happening again in her life. It will be hard if Arnav doesn’t get convinced after she exposes her identity. Aashi wakes up feeling the soft whimpers of Khushi. She looks at her and then rubs the tears away from Khushi’s eyes.

“Khoosi.. why did you cry?”
Khushi feels strange to be noticed in this state. She cuddles Aashi again and responds back.
“I saw a bad dream”
“Dleam? What is that?”

Khushi smiles at her innocent question.

“Dream is something you see when you close your eyes.” Khushi answers.
“Closing eyes?” Aashi tries to recollect something and then quickly adds “I see you and daddy with me when I close eyes. Is that a dleam?” she asks.

Khushi realizes the hopes Aashi is building upon in her mind. She wants to see her and Arnav together, forever. Is this possible?
“Yes.. that’s a dream and I hope it soon turns out to reality” Khushi murmurs and gets up from the bed.
Aashi gets down too.
“Where is daddy?” she asks.
“In his room. You want to go to daddy?” Khushi questions.
Aashi smiles and nods.
“Let us wake him up Khoosi. Come”

Aashi drags Khushi to Arnav’s bedroom. She has no choice but to obey her baby and who wouldn’t like to have a sight of Arnav Singh Raizada’s early morning state? Fortunately, the room is not locked. Maybe he had thought Aashi might wake up at night and want to get back to him. Hence, he had left the room open. Khushi and Aashi both get inside the room ensuring he doesn’t wake up by their footsteps.

Khushi looks at Aashi, trying to decide how to wake him up. Aashi asks Khushi to come closer to her and then gestures her that she will kiss her father on cheeks. Khushi agrees and watches as Aashi slowly places a peck on Arnav’s cheek. Arnav is still in deep slumber. But he looks ravishing. His hair is all ruffled and even in this cold weather, he is sleeping shirtless. Isnt that quite strange yet sexy? His half body is exposed to them and Khushi is trying her best not to get carried away.

“Khoosi.. your turn” Aashi suggests Khushi to kiss Arnav on his cheek.
Khushi quickly denies.
“No…”
Aashi pouts. She wants Khushi to wake up Arnav in the same manner which she does to her father. Khushi sighs seeing her pouting. She does not want to hurt their baby early morning plus not kissing Arnav when he is so fast asleep is very depressing.

“Okay” Khushi whispers and finally moves her hair at one side of the shoulder to ensure they don’t tickle him when she will kiss Arnav’s cheek. The moment she places her lips on his stubble, he blinks his eyes and grasps whats happening. He immediately catches hold of Khushi and rolls on the bed when she is about to get up. Aashi giggles hard for being caught and starts clapping. Khushi on the other hand is totally amused at his reactions. Arnav meets her eyes and gives a wolfish smile.

“What were you doing Miss Khushi Gupta?” he smiles far too sweetly.

Khushi blushes hard as she had never expected him to wake up and roll her on the bed so quickly. Besides she is still underneath him and if he doesn’t leave her soon, she might become breathless.
“Arnav… leave me.. Aashi is behind us” Khushi stammers.
“So?”
Khushi flushes again.
“You cannot kiss me in the broad daylight when I am asleep” he tries to make a point. Khushi knows he is pulling her leg now and won’t leave her so easily. So, she decides to play a bit

“Then when can I get the opportunity to kiss you, Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada?” she asks with some confidence.
Arnav smirks.
“Why do you want to kiss me?” he throws back another question at her which gets goose bumps on her skin.
“You have been doing a lot many favours on me, you allowed me to sleep with the baby, you got me for boating, so consider this as a small repayment strategy” she replies.
Arnav narrows his eyes at her. Its distracting her for sure.
“That’s inspiring. I prefer to do few more favours if the returns are so seductive”

Khushi bites her lip and pushes him away. He doesn’t follow her down the bed. He knows their baby is around and she can get wrong ideas if she finds them getting cosier.

“Good molning daddy” Aashi jumps on the bed and onto him. He takes her in his arms, wishing her the same, while gazing at Khushi Gupta who is busy neatening her night dress.

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 20
Their day begins with a simple breakfast and then after a quick shower the three then head for Boating. Nainital has a pleasant weather. Khushi holds Aashi’s hand and watches the beautiful lake while Arnav is busy buying Popcorn, chips and cold drinks for them.

“I want coke” Aashi raises her hand to take the cold drink from Arnav but he strictly denies.
“No coke for you. Have got this Frooti (Mango juice) for you” Arnav replies and hands over the tetra pack of Frooti to her.

Aashi denies taking it.
“I want coke. No Flooti”
“If you don’t take Frooti, I will not book the boat for us” Arnav tries blackmailing her. Aashi begins to fake a cry and Khushi intervenes.
“Aashi.. when you grow up like Daady and me, you can have coke then. Okay?” Khushi explains.
“Why?” Aashi sniffs once.
“Because big people like us have big stomach, but Aashi has small tummy, doesn’t she?”

Khushi starts tickling Aashi’s stomach and the baby giggles.

“Come on now, take this Frooti and lets all enjoy the boat ride”
Aashi readily takes the Frooti and starts sipping it. Khushi looks at Arnav and takes the popcorn from him. He is still admiring her.
“Why are you seeing me like that?” she asks.
“Heavens!! Why didn’t I meet you before?”
Khushi gets amused at his question.
“No one can handle Aashi like you do.”
Khushi chuckles.
“You handle her too, Arnav”
“I blackmail her, that’s not called handling. Whenever I want her to do something good, I promise her to give her something she likes after that work is done. I take her out to watch cartoon movies if she agrees to listen to me. I scold her if she demands something extra ordinary. But what you did is commendable. You taught her what is right and I appreciate that.”

Khushi’s heart melts at his kind words. She touches his cheek.

“I didn’t go anything extra ordinary. And blackmailing isn’t too bad. To handle kids, we have to use all our techniques. You are not totally wrong, neither I am totally right.” Khushi describes.
Aashi finishes sipping the Frooti and pulls Arnav’s arm.
“Daddy, the boat is going, come fast”

Arnav and Khushi come out of their stance and concentrate on her. They hold Aashi’s hand and hurry to board the boat. The ride goes smooth. Arnav and Khushi both paddle the boat and Aashi is sitting in behind. It is a four-seater boat. Arnav quickly leans towards Khushi.

“Next time we come back to Nanital, I hope that fourth seat is also filled”
Khushi shies. She knows what he means.
“You mean we should get Daayi Maa next time?” Khushi mocks.
Arnav smirks at her purposed innocence.
“Daady, look at that boat”
Arnav and Khushi focus back on her. Khushi realizes that Aashi’s life jacket has loosened. She and Arnav both touch her the same time, to tuck it nicely. Arnav gazes at Khushi. Only true parents can have such a sharp eye to witness any danger to their child. Arnav is pleased yet startled how a woman whom he has met just few weeks ago can be so attentive towards his child? There has to be some background behind this behaviour of Khushi. What can that be?

“Done” Khushi answers tucking the belt of Aashi’s life jacket.
Arnav concentrates back on paddling the boat. Aashi splashes water on them. Khushi holds Aashi’s hand to ensure she doesn’t topple down the boat. Khushi gestures Aashi to splash water on Arnav. Aashi does so. Arnav angrily turns to Aashi and then Khushi who is giggling hard.  Arnav stops paddling and splashes water on both of them. Khushi and Aashi repeats the process and time flies.
888
“What is all this? You all have drenched in water. Had you been for boating or swimming?” Daayi Maa shouts as the three step in the villa again.
“You should scold Khushi for that Daayi Maa, she changed the theme by taking Aashi on her side” Arnav replies.

Daayi Maa immediately rushes inside to get towels for them. Aashi runs to the centre of the room at the fire place. Arnav shakes his head to spill some water droplets on Khushi’s face. She blinks her eyes to avoid the droplets and hits him.
“Arnav, stop it. You are not a kid” Khushi exclaims and tries to leave when he suddenly holds her arm and pulls her close.
“Where was this thought when we were boating?” he huskily asks.
Khushi bites her lip. She was the one who initiated the thought of splashing water on him.
“So, is this Tit for Tat, Mr Raizada?” she slides her hand in his damp hair, fisting tightly a handful of his hair.
“What is your intention Miss Gupta, you don’t need to be normal”
“Don’t hold me responsible for my actions. I have never been on a holiday in the last few years. This one is very refreshing, especially because its with you and Aashi.”
Arnav nods.
“Same here. It’s like a pre-honeymoon period for us. I hope this holiday fills your brain with better thoughts and you agree to marry me soon and take the strings of my life and Aashi’s in your hands.”

He expects Khushi to shy or agree with him, but instead he finds that excitement wipe off from her face.

“Hey… did I say anything wrong?” he cups her face.
“No.. I .. I need to … Arnav.. There are some things which we both need to clear before we marry. And .. it has it come from me. I mean.. I” Khushi stammers.

She is not going to tell him everything right away, but she wants to give him a hint that there is something that she needs to talk to him, but Aashi’s voice breaks their interaction.

“Daady, light it” Aashi commands pointing at the Fire place. Daayi Maa is wiping Aashi’s head and body. She had got towels for the couple too but seeing them engrossed so much in each other, she decides not to disturb them.
Arnav nods looking at Aashi and then stares back at Khushi, stroking his finger on her cheek.
“Let’s talk after dinner. Okay with you?” he asks.
Khushi shakes her head and puts a smile on her lips. He kisses her forehead and then heads to Aashi. Khushi feels her heart thumping. Will she be able to tell him everything? Before that happens, she will have to talk to Dr Rao and confirm if there is anything else that she is missing to know.
888
Khushi is alone in her room, thinking if she should involve Dr. Rao at this instant or not. And can she talk everything to her on the phone call or is a face to face meet preferable? The door knocks and Arnav steps inside.

“Hey” he calls out.
Khushi comes out of her stance and gets up.
“I am going out in the super market at the corner of this lane. Do you need anything?” he asks.
“No.. But why are you going? Can’t you send anyone?”
“Driver is far away and Daayi Maa is with Aashi. She forgot to pack extra sweaters for Aashi and the one she had got, tore off. I will buy a new set for her. It’s cold here.” He explains.

“Should I come?” Khushi asks.
“If you want to” he winks. She smiles and quickly puts her shoes and drapes a shawl around her.

They step out of the Villa. The Super market is just 200 meters away from the Villa. Khushi finds some known woman, dumping the bags in the car. That woman is just out of the super market. She looks familiar. Khushi’s eyes suddenly widen in shock. She is Dr. Rao.!! What is she doing here in Nainital? What if Arnav sees her too? Khushi immediately blocks his way to the super market.

“What the!!” he stares at her for this sudden action.
“Arnav, why do we need to go to super market? We can buy a sweater even at that shop. See!!” Khushi points out a store which is much near than the super market.
“Yeah. If we get her size there, its fine with me. Come”

Khushi sighs that she is able to divert him but she cannot miss meeting Dr Rao, now that she is so close to her.

“Uh. I have to make a call. Can I join you in few minutes?” she lies.
“Sure. I will be inside. Come soon”

He heads in the store and once he is out of her sight, she rushes to Dr. Rao’s car.

“Dr. Rao” Khushi screams before the lady can get inside the car. Dr Rao turns around. For few seconds she doesn’t recognize Khushi and then when she does, she smiles.
“Khushi Gupta right?”
“Yes. Hi.”
Khushi shakes hand with her. She is breathing hard.
“It is so nice to see you again. How are you doing?” Dr. Rao asks.
“Good. Doctor, I have to speak to you about that past again. But not here. Are you in the same place tomorrow?” Khushi asks.
“Yes. I am here for a week. It’s my niece’s wedding. But what is it that you want to talk about?”

Khushi turns around to see if Arnav is out. Fortunately, he isn’t.
“That contract and its privacy which you signed for” Khushi answers. “I am sorry to drag you again into all of this, but it’s important for me and Arnav.”
Dr. Rao gets speechless.

“Arnav? You mean, you both now know each other?”

Khushi swallows hard and nods.
“Yes. I.” she is about to continue explaining but she finds Arnav coming out. “I have to go now. I will call you tomorrow. We can decide a place. Bye”

Khushi rushes to the store. Arnav is scanning around to see where Khushi left. When he sees her coming back, he takes a sigh of relief.

“Where were you?”
“I .. I just didn’t realize when I went ahead while talking over the phone. Got the sweater?”
“Yes. It’s a good one. Aashi is going to love this”

She holds his hands and walk back to the Villa. It is such a coincidence that Dr. Rao met her in Nainital.
888
Arnav Singh Raizada is pacing in the living room, discussing to Aman Mathur about the developments of a Project, over a call. Khushi is standing alone at the Window, looking out. She is going to tell Arnav about their connected past tonight. She knows he will be mad at her, he might not even consider listening to her side of the story completely, but she has to do her part. She does not want to extend this further. Suddenly, she feels him gripping her shoulder and then standing next to her.

“What are you so busy thinking? I called you twice, you didn’t even hear.” He murmurs.

Khushi gets restless.
“Arnav, I told you that I have to talk something important.”
“Yes, you said something like that this afternoon.” He moves her hair strand away from her eyes. “I know the business crises has been crushing your personal life. But it will soon be gone. Trust me. I have taken things in my hands now.”

Khushi breathes hard.

“What do you mean by that?” she gets diverted.
Arnav strokes her cheeks.
“I had met your father before we started for Nainital. He told me the actual crunches which your company is facing.”
Khushi angrily looks away.
“How could dad do this? I had told him not to involve you” she grunts in anger.

Arnav pulls her chin to make her meet his eyes again.

“So, what if I get involved? Khushi, we are dating and our lives are not just interconnected personally but professionally too. I am going to ease down your problems and I don’t think it is that a big issue. The sooner you come out of this, the better it will be for all of us. I can’t see you burning alone in the flames of this crises.”

Khushi gulps. She appreciates his efforts but she does not want to take a chance if he links this help somehow to her selfish reasons for being in his and Aashi’s life.

“Arnav, please don’t get into this. I can handle it. Things will turn good again, I know. You don’t have to worry”
He clenches his jaw.
“I cannot believe you are still denying my help. Khushi, I thought you are equally restless to become my wife and most importantly, Aashi’s mother. Until you sort these issues, you cannot fit into this role. But looks like it is just me who is expecting you to enter our lives sooner. You seem to be disinterested”

That statement irks her. How can he even think so? Arnav leaves her arms. She glances up at him. There is a feeling of rejection in his face and tone. That’s the last thing she wants him to go through.

“You cannot even measure my desperation to enter your lives officially, Arnav. But this is way too much. My company needs financial sources, which is way beyond your scope of help” she blurts.
“You think I am not capable enough to get you out of these crises? You want a financial source, you are standing before one. I am going to finance your company and this has nothing to do with my Business accounts. I am backing your business purely on my savings. I have earned enough to take care of that. I have given a word to your father Khushi, and Arnav Singh Raizada will stand by his promise.”

Khushi is amused. This man has so much trust on her and this is why he is ready for such a huge step. Her eyes tear. She doesn’t seem to understand how to stop him from doing this. He looks very determined.
Arnav cups her cheeks again and wipes the tears from her eyes.

“That’s what people in love do for each other. Helping in each other’s needs. I am sure you would have done the same if I had been in crises”

Khushi shakes her head. She cannot deny him further. He is a man of words, he will never go back. She hugs him tight. He caresses her back, giving her all the warmth, she needs from him. He has decided to become a strong pillar for her henceforth, someone she can easily rely upon to share her pain, her problems, her grief.

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 21

“Is this all you wanted to discuss or is there anything else?” Arnav asks Khushi who is still hugging him, drawing his love out of their embrace.

Khushi feels like the words are choked in her throat. She had decided to reveal everything to Arnav about the past but then he suddenly divulged into their Business topic and now she thinks it is better not to overdose him with problems. In fact, she is becoming selfish. Every time she decides to reveal, she is afraid that he might break all ties with her, if he really has a strong reason to hate her, and she doesn’t want to be distanced from him and Aashi. So, she is just cashing some more time, before exposing her side truth.

“Uh. No.. Not anything that I remember.” She lies.

Arnav’s phone buzzes again. Khushi pulls away from him and watches as he removes the mobile from his pant pockets.

“Sheetal” he murmurs to Khushi. The moment she hears it, she stops him from answering the call.
“She knows you are on vacation, and this is not the time she can call her Boss.” Khushi argues.
Arnav smirks at her possessiveness.
“Agreed sweetheart but she is my assistant and it can be important”
Khushi frowns.
“She better has good reasons to call you at this hour”

Khushi turns the other side to leave but Arnav holds her hand and answers the call too. He doesn’t want her to leave. He keeps the mobile on speaker mode so that her doubts get cleared.

“Yes Sheetal, what is it?”
“Hi Arnav, sorry to disturb you at this hour, but it is a matter of concern”
“I am listening”
Khushi keeps looking at him, he has his eyes fixed on her.
“The Oberoi’s deal seems to be shaken. I have reviewed the contract and some critical points are missing. We might need to formulate the contract again based on their new requirements”
“Oh… Then get the papers ready Sheetal, you don’t need to ask me that.”
“Yes, I Know. I have already asked the concerned team to start the paperwork but to send it forward, we will need your signatures. And we cannot wait till Monday.”

Arnav sighs in disappointment.

“Okay hold on” he presses the mobile on his chest so that Sheetal doesn’t listen to their conversation. He stares at Khushi.
“We might have to leave tomorrow morning itself. Fine with you?” he asks.
Khushi is in a dilemma. She had plans to meet Dr. Rao here tomorrow morning. How can she leave in such a short notice?
“Okay”
Though she agrees to the plan of leaving Nanital early morning tomorrow, she is already fetching alternatives to meet Dr. Rao somehow.

“Sheetal, I will be there tomorrow afternoon to sign the papers. Thanks for looking into this in my absence. I appreciate that”
“ASR… I have always been extra cautious in these regards. Don’t thank me. I hope your trip to Nainital is going great” she purposely asks.
“Yea. More than great. You take care. I will see you then. Good night”

Khushi likes it when Arnav doesn’t stretch the conversation and concentrates back on her. Once he hangs the call, he takes Khushi again in his embrace.

“I am sorry for these last-minute changes. But I will make it up to you. I promise”
“How?” she murmurs, intensely looking in his eyes.
“You want me to show? Now?” he teasingly asks.
She swallows hard. His voice radiating tension and alarming her what might happen if she nods a yes to his question. She still shakes her head confidently. Love always takes you on the verge and tests your sanity. Arnav sweeps her and pins to the wall behind. He grabs her face between his hands and kisses her softly. When their lips part away, she ardently meets his eyes.

“I won’t pamper you with more, unless you agree to marry me soon” he winks at her.
Her cheeks flush at his determination.
“Aashi’s birth has made you hopelessly sane Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada. But I like that trait in you. Very much Controlled and irrevocably strong-minded.” She comments pushing him little away. She ties her pony again as she doesn’t want Aashi to question her why her hair is all messed up. Arnav keeps admiring her settle down and then pulls her back to him.
“Even after being such controlled and strong minded, you bring out this extreme vulnerability in me which makes me rethink on my own decisions. I won’t mind pampering you a little more”
Her smile evaporates for some seconds and then she pushes him away.

“But I don’t change my decisions once made. We will get into more, when I am your legal wife” she winks at him now and hurries out leaving him desperate behind.
888
“Hello, Dr. Rao?”
“Yes, who is this?”
“It’s Khushi… Khushi Gupta. We had met today afternoon.”
“Oh Yes Khushi, is this your new number? Sorry, I didn’t had it saved with me.”
“That’s okay. Uhh.. I just want to tell you that can you meet me in the morning by 07:00? I know it’s very early but I really have something very important to discuss”
“Important? I hope your health is fine.”
“Yes, I am fine. I just need some clarifications about the contract that we got into 4 years ago”

Dr. Rao takes few seconds to answer back.

“Khushi, it will be tough for me to meet you early morning.”
“Dr. Please. I am leaving back to Delhi tomorrow and the sooner we meet, it will be good for me. Please” Khushi urges.
“Okay, fine. I will come. Text me the address”
“Thanks Doctor. Thank you so much”

Khushi disconnects the call and takes a sigh of relief. Finally, she will start somewhere to learn why Arnav hates her so much. Arnav has told her that they will have to leave by 10:00 tomorrow. She will meet Dr. Rao and come back before he wakes up. Hopefully, he will never get to know she was out.
888
“Khushi.. Khushi” Arnav screams while scanning the house, the next morning. Daayi Maa comes out from her room.
“Arnav, what happened?”
“Daayi Maa, did you see Khushi today?”
“Today? No, I didn’t. Isn’t she home?”
“I have looked for her everywhere. She is not here. I even tried her phone but the network is bad. Her call isn’t connecting at all. I hope she is fine. She cannot leave without informing me. This place is new for her” Arnav sounds worried.
“Arnav, don’t worry. She is a businesswoman. She might be new to this place but she is wise enough to roam this place alone. I am sure she must have gone for a morning walk. She will come back. I will make some Coffee for you”
Daayi Maa leaves for the kitchen whereas Arnav dials Khushi’s number again but it still doesn’t connect. He groans in anger. This is heights of negligence. If she had to go somewhere, she could have at least dropped him a message.!!!
888
Khushi fiddles with her phone, trying to check if she gets some signal to call up Dr. Rao and check where she has reached. Fortunately, she sees Dr. Rao coming towards her.

“Hi Khushi”
“Hello Doctor. Thanks for coming at such a short notice.”
“No problem. Since I have known you more than just as my Patient, I had to come. Anyways, tell me what information you needed?”
They sit together at a small coffee shop.
“Doctor, you remember everything related to that contract, don’t you? I mean, the conditions under which I agreed to sign it, protecting its privacy and stuff like that?”
Dr. Rao nods.
“Yes. It was one such contract which I was so much personally involved. How can I forget it?”
“Doctor, can you please tell me who else knew about it apart from me, you, Arnav and his lawyer?”

Dr. Rao sighs.
“No one else knew about it other than we four. And first you tell me how you got to know that it is Arnav who is the father of your child?”
“That’s a long story. I will tell you some other time. Right now all I can tell you is that me and Arnav are together. I know Aashi Singh Raizada is my daughter and very soon I am going to be her legal mother too” Khushi announces.

Doctor seems delighted to know this.

“That’s great. Congratulations Khushi. I never thought that even after signing such a secret contract you or Arnav ever will get to know each other and most importantly he will accept you considering how unwilling he was to even let you see the child after you gave birth to her”
Khushi gulps nervously.
“Was he always this angry and unwilling to care for me?”
“No No.. He was so caring about you in the initial phase. And it was beyond genuineness.”

Khushi keeps staring at the doctor, analysing each of her words. If he suddenly changed his behaviour and attitude towards her, then it must have been because of the misunderstanding that was created between them those days. Doctor Rao continues.
“I do remember how much worried Arnav was in the first trimester of your pregnancy. He wanted to know each and every development of his child. He visited me almost twice a week personally to know if there are any complications in your pregnancy.” She chuckles.

Khushi feels numb to hear all of this. She always thought that she was the only active participant in that contract being a woman who was going to give birth. But she was wrong. Arnav was equally involved, though not physically but emotionally.

“He had to worry about two lives.. His baby’s and yours. I suggested him to read some books to understand the stages of the pregnancy, just like I advised you. He took it very seriously, just to feel connected to the child.”

Khushi is lost listening to Arnav’s version of those 9 months.

“I remember one such incident Khushi”

Dr. Rao starts recalling that period when Arnav had visited her to check on Khushi and his baby’s health.

“Arnav? Good to see you. Come” Dr Rao greets Arnav in her cabin.
“Any update Doctor? How is the mother and baby?” he asks taking a seat opposite to Dr. Rao.
“They both are good. I just visited her yesterday and she seems to be totally healthy. It’s her 5th month now and she is doing great. Your child is healthy too, had done some tests”

Arnav is delighted to hear. Dr. Rao is the only one who connects him to his child and the woman who is going to give birth to it.

“Is she eating well?”
“She is.. Her first trimester was bad, as I told you already. She didn’t gain the required weight but now she is getting her appetite again.”
Dr. Rao takes a pause and then gets serious in her tone.
“Usually a woman needs her husband beside to bear her tantrums, but I feel poor for her. Though she has a maid to look after her, that woman cannot take place of a husband’s care who can look after all her mood swings”

Arnav swallows hard.
“What is it that she wants to eat these days?” he asks.
Dr. Rao smiles proudly.
“Gol Gappe (Pani Puri’s)”
“What the!! She cannot eat such unhealthy food. Not when my baby is inside her” he yells.
“Arnav, you cannot deny demands of a pregnant woman and eating in limited quantity wont harm. She is so fond of tangy foods that last time I met her, I took some of it for her and she couldn’t stop thanking me”

Arnav is left speechless and then he thinks something for a while.

“When are you meeting her next?”
“This Saturday.”
“Fine, I will send some stuff for her, please take it along”

That weekend Arnav sent Khushi the best Pani Puri from a famous Chat shop in Delhi which Dr. Rao took along with her. Khushi finished it in almost 3 days, considering she cannot eat all at once.

Khushi smiles heartily.

“You mean those Gol Gappe were from Arnav? He sent it for me?” she asks.
“Yes, and not just that. Every time I met you after that incident, whatever stuff I used to get for you, it was from him. He didn’t want me to tell you that. He thought it might breach your contract.” Dr. Rao explains.

Khushi feels like reminiscing those days again but this time with Arnav’s presence. She can well imagine how much he loved the baby and how much he cared for the baby’s mother’s health.

“Then what happened suddenly that he turned the opposite? Why didn’t he let me even see the baby once after its birth?”
“I don’t know Khushi. He never told me that. During the end of your 8th month, when I asked him if he is not going to send anything for you, as I was going to visit you, he got frustrated. I still remember how much anger he had in his eyes that time. I cannot forget the words he chose that night”

“I have pampered her enough Doctor. She means nothing to me now except. The early she finishes this process, I can get rid of her, forever”

Khushi feels like someone stabbed her heart. He wanted to get rid of her? Why? What is that piece of information which no one knows but him?

“Khushi, instead of finding that reason from others, why don’t you ask him straightly? I am sure it must have cleared from his mind now. Which is why he has accepted you to become his wife.” Dr. Rao explains.

Khushi fakes a smile. She doesn’t want to tell her that Arnav is yet not known to her true identity. She thanks the Doctor and then heads back to the Villa where Arnav and Aashi must be waiting for her to return.

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 22

Khushi enters the Villa where Arnav is restlessly pacing in the living room. Aashi has just finished her bath and Daayi Maa is wiping her head. The moment Aashi sees her, she screams her name and rushes to her.

“Khoooosi”

Arnav turns behind and it is evident that he is not happy about Khushi’s sudden absence. Aashi comes and hugs Khushi’s feet.

“Khooosi. Whel were you?”
Khushi picks her in arms.
“I had been out for a walk.”
“Walk? Why didn’t you take me?”
“You were sleeping baby” Khushi replies kissing Aashi’s cheeks. “You had bath? Good girl.”

Arnav comes to them and asks Daayi Maa to take Aashi inside and get her dressed. Daayi Maa obeys his orders. Khushi meets his curious eyes. She recollects all the incidents which Dr. Rao had just narrated to her on how Arnav took extreme care of her cravings during the pregnancy. She feels loved suddenly. Before he could vent out his anger on her, she hugs him. Her sudden gesture startles Arnav.

“Is this some sort of tactic to save yourself from my anger?” he asks hugging her back.

Khushi denies by shaking her head and then she raises it slowly.
“My desires for you bloomed suddenly” she murmurs.
Arnav smirks.
“That’s called mood swings and it is common in every woman”

The mood swings topic reminds her again of how he took care of her food cravings even without his physical presence during those 9 months.
“Where had you been Khushi Gupta?” he sternly asks coming back to the point.
“Khushi Gupta?” she raises her brows. “Why are you addressing me so formally?”
“Because I am angry on you. How could you leave without even dropping me a message? I was looking for you everywhere”

Her smile vanishes.
“My phone battery drained when I tried messaging you and I am not a baby Arnav. I can take care of myself.”
“I know you are not a baby but you are still my responsibility now”
“Not until I marry you” she argues.
Arnav grits his teeth and she realizes it was too much from her end to comment.
“Okay.. Sorry. Now don’t argue over the marriage topic. I will never leave without informing you henceforth. Happy?”

Arnav slides his arm around her waist and walks with her till the bedroom.
“I might be a lenient father but don’t expect me to be generous partner. I am very strict in those regards. Aashi is small so if she does this mistake, I can still ignore it, but I don’t expect the same from you Khushi.”

She nods.
“Yes Boss. Now can I go and bath? I hope we are not getting late”
Arnav checks the time in his watch.
“You have 30 minutes, finish everything fast. And the breakfast is ready, we shall have it together” he replies.
“Okay. I will be quick.”

She heads for shower after throwing the phone back on the bed. Arnav is about to leave her room when her phone starts vibrating with a call. It is from her father. But what surprises him is the fact that she just told him that her phone battery had drained. But it seems to be working. Why did she lie to him then? Where had she been early morning? Is she hiding something? Why? A lot other questions start haunting his mind but he ignores them for now. Probably, Khushi doesn’t trust him that much yet to share everything about her which is why she hasn’t even agreed for their marriage yet. This has to get sorted though.

At the dining table, Khushi is hurrying up with the breakfast. She is even feeding Aashi in between, who has insisted on eating only if she feeds her. Arnav is very quiet. Khushi realizes that and caresses his hand over the table.

“You okay?” she asks.
Arnav nods pressing a fake smile and continues eating.
“Stop lying to me. I can read your face Mr. Raizada. Whats wrong? You can tell me”
Arnav stops eating and looks at her.
“Look whose advising me that?” he sternly replies.

Khushi’s smile fades.
“What.. what do you mean by that?”
Daayi Maa takes Aashi to wash her hands, leaving the couple alone to talk. Arnav places his hand over Khushi’s over the table.
“Are you telling me everything enough to know you or you don’t trust me completely yet?” he asks.
Khushi swallows hard. Why is he suddenly asking her that?
“Where did this come up from?” she curiously questions back.
“Your phone battery wasn’t drained completely. I realized that because after you left for shower, your father’s call rang on your mobile.” He answers.

Khushi gets in a fix. This is such a bad timing. He must be really confused why she lied to him. She drops her gaze from him. Arnav raises her chin by his fingers.
“I thought we are in a relationship Khushi and people tend to share when they are dating each other seriously. Maybe I have not done anything so far to instil that trust for me within you”
Khushi nods mutely.
“No… For Gods sake Arnav, never take it that way. I…” she pauses and shuts her eyes for few seconds and then opens it. “Yes, there is something which I need you to know but I cant tell it right away. I need some time.”

Arnav looks at her with some hope in his eyes.
“I need time to decipher it myself before confronting it to you.”
Arnav grasps her hands and gives it a squeeze. He then raises it to the level of his mouth and kisses the back of her palm.
“Whatever this is about, I am with you. Take your time. I just want things to be transparent between us. It is fine if you need time but please don’t lie to me, that’s the last thing I will expect from you”

Khushi freezes. Though this half confrontation with him should have given her some peace but it doesn’t. She is only buying time, she knows. And for what is she doing this? To find the rest of the truth behind his hatred for Aashi’s mother? As Dr. Rao said, it is best to ask him directly than doing this self-investigation.

They bid adieu to this beautiful vacation they had in Nainital and head back to board the Private jet. Aashi sits next to Arnav this time and Khushi before them. She keeps watching the antics of her daughter and also keeps admiring Arnav’s ways of handling their child. After getting down in Delhi again, she kisses Aashi and hugs her one more time.

“Khoosi… don’t go” Aashi insists. She is about to cry if Khushi denies her wish.
“I am going nowhere Aashi. But like Aashi has school, I have office to attend. I will finish it and come back.” She replies.
“Plomise?”
“Promise” Khushi answers and gives another peck to Aashi.

She then raises back on her feet and watches Arnav who is smirking at her.

“What are you smirking at?” she asks.
“Nothing.. I had something in mind”
“Enlighten me please” she requests.
“What if this really happens… You come home every evening and stay with me and Aashi”

Khushi grins at his imagination.

“Are you proposing me to live-in your house?” she clarifies.
Arnav gives her a lop-sided smile.
“Yes I am.”
Khushi expressions heat up.
“Our society is not going to appreciate it”
He shakes his head and groans inwardly.
“Yes, but I hardly care about them. You think they were ready enough to accept my ways of having a child?”
“True.. Let me think about it.”
Arnav rolls his eyes.
“You have so much to think about. First, my marriage proposal, then the matter that you are hiding from me and lastly this, living in my house with us if marriage seems far. How will you manage thinking each one of them? I feel I will get old waiting for your answers”

His complaints are genuine but she cannot hold her laugh. She giggles and gives him a quick hug.
“I won’t disappoint you. All your proposals will be answered very soon and until then you have to show some patience.” She then kisses his cheeks. “See you at eve. Bye”

He kisses her back, making her yearn for more. Aashi is still clinging to Arnav’s feet and once Khushi starts heading to her car, Arnav picks Aashi in arms. They both wave at Khushi and wait until her car leaves the premises.
888
Sheetal Goel is extremely delighted to see Arnav back from Nainital. She quickly greets him and then discusses the Oberoi’s contract issues with him. Arnav checks the papers. Their company lawyers are here to validate the same.

“Good work Sheetal.” Arnav says after signing the papers. “Get them sealed and send them to the Oberoi’s.”
“Yes Boss” she flashes a bright smile. Aman who has been a part of this, continues appreciating Sheetal.
“Arnav, you don’t know how genius she is. Look at this”

Aman shows him some other document.
“What about this?” Arnav asks analysing the papers.
“I had just signed the papers but forgot to mention my name below it.”
“But your name is written here Aman.. And it is your handwriting”
Aman chuckles.
“I didn’t write it. Sheetal did it for me in my absence to get the papers processed fast. Or else she would have to wait for me to reach office and do it, which in turn would have delayed all of today’s process. We would have lost few margins because of this delay as you already know.”

Arnav studies the papers carefully and still fails to find the difference in Aman and Sheetal’s handwriting.
“How did it match to this extent?” Arnav praises
“I am handwriting expert, I can copy anyone’s handwriting very easily.” Sheetal informs.
“I am so lucky you are Sheetal.” Aman adds.
Arnav gasps.
“I see… It is a tricky to do something like this but until it is used for good purpose, I wont mind”

Sheetal realizes something and fakes a smile. Arnav then glances at his watch, it is still Sunday and the weekend is yet to get over. He and Aman heads out, talking about the Nainital trip. Aman keeps teasing Arnav for how slowly he is falling for someone so deeply and starting a new phase of his life. Arnav shares a few bits of his holiday with Aman.

“I am impressed Arnav. This is what I wanted you to have.. Good days with people you love and cherish. I am glad Khushi is that woman who has finally made you believe that life cannot be lead all alone. At some point of time, you do need a partner.” Aman exclaims.
“I agree Aman. But things are still at a primary level. Khushi needs time to fix few issues and only then she can step in mine and Aashi’s life forever. I don’t think she is asking too much.”
“Yea.. I wanted to talk to you about this. I heard you are using your savings for assisting the Gupta’s business?”
“I am”
“Arnav, why do you think we cant invest in them from business perspective? Look, I totally agree that investing professionally into a company which is running into loses is not going to be a good choice. But this is not any random client of ours. You are dating Khushi and she is also now my friend. We can invest in their business mutually”

Arnav passes a pleasing smile and pats on Aman’s back.

“I am glad you are even thinking from this angle Aman. But I don’t want the attention of the media here. If we invest professionally, it will grab their eyes. Khushi is already dealing a lot with the media’s hype these days, I don’t want to bother her further. Let us just keep all of this strictly confidential and to the personal level.”
“Fair point. And once you become the son-in-law of the Guptas, no one will ever dare to ask you why you assisting them? It will be your right to look after their needs.” Aman teases.

Arnav blushes at that comment and then opens his car door.

“Aman, instead of teasing me, you should be doing this to Khushi. At least that might escalate her thought process and she may agree to marry me soon”
“Again a fair point.. well made ASR.. I will do that with her next time.”

Both share a laugh and then Arnav drives back home.

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 23

When Arnav returns back home in the evening, he finds Khushi already present there and playing with Aashi. They are both giggling and so much engrossed in each other that none of the two realize his presence. Arnav leans to the pillar, in the living room, admiring the two angels in his life. Earlier, in Khushi’s absence, when he used to come home from work, Aashi was always hungry for attention which she missed from him the entire day. But now, Khushi’s presence in their lives is dividing his responsibilities towards Aashi. The life of being a single parent was great but sharing that position with someone who is equally in love with his child cannot be greater than this.

Khushi suddenly looks at his direction, as if she just felt his presence. He smiles at her and comes to them.

“Daddyyyy” Aashi screams and jumps on him. He takes Aashi in arms and pecks her cheeks. “Daddy… Khoosi and me going to pool”
“Pool? Which Pool?” he looks at Khushi to get an answer.
“Your Pool.. The one in your room” she winks.
Arnav raises his brows.
“No… that’s very deep for Aashi. And she doesn’t know to swim.”
“Who said she will get down alone? I will be there inside to take care of her. Don’t worry”

The mere thought of Khushi Gupta inside his bedroom pool drops Arnav’s jaws for few seconds. He puts Aashi down who then holds Khushi’s hands. Once she is comfortable, Khushi explains Arnav.

“It is very hot these days and Aashi desired to play in water. So, we mutually took this decision. I hope you don’t mind.” Khushi further explains to him.
Arnav steps closer to her.
“Actually, I do mind” he almost whispers in her ears. “No woman has ever got that close to my pool so far”
“Then get used to it” she bites her inner lip.
“I will” he whispers again and allows her to lead Aashi to his bedroom to play in the pool.
Khushi makes Aashi wear a swimming suit.

“Here you go”. Khushi ties Aashi’s hair and makes her wear a swimming cap. Arnav reaches his room and joins them.
“My girls are ready then? To Swim?” he purposely looks at Khushi to tease her. She has folded her jeans till her knees so that she doesn’t wet anything apart from her feet.
“Daddy, you also come with us” Aashi holds Arnav’s hand to drag him too but he stops her.
“I will freshen up a bit and join you both. Okay Sweetheart?” he asks.
“Okayyyy” she jumps in joy. Arnav then meets his gaze with Khushi’s.
“Be careful. She easily slips away from hand if you don’t pay attention”
“My eyes are always on her. You don’t worry”

Arnav nods at her assurance and Khushi and Aashi make their way to the pool.
888
Arnav comes out of the bathroom, wiping his face with a towel. The poolside is filled with giggles of Aashi and Khushi. Sometimes he wonders who is smaller among them. The way Khushi giggles makes her sound not less than a baby. He smiles watching Khushi completely standing inside the pool in the attempt of teaching Aashi swim. Aashi is busy swaying her legs in the water while Khushi has caught her well above the water level. Khushi sees him and gestures him to join but he nods in denial. He is happy watching them from here. After few minutes he comes to them with two fresh towels. Khushi comes out of the pool with Aashi and then starts wiping Aashi’s head with the towel. While she does that, Arnav wipes Khushi’s head. Khushi stops him.

“I can do it Arnav.”
“If I do this for you, is there a problem?” he growls.
Khushi chuckles and concentrates back on Aashi.
“You can dry my hair but what about my clothes?” Khushi asks.
“Who asked you to get down in the pool?” he continues drying her hair and then heads for the closet. He comes back in few minutes with his robe and offers it to her. Khushi looks at his offering and giggles hard.
“Are you serious? I can’t wear that. It is so big”
“That’s all I have. Better than wearing your present wet clothes. Come on.. Go and change. I will ask Daayi Maa to get your clothes dried.”

Khushi looks at him uncertainly and realizes that’s the only option she has.

“Okay, I will” she gets up to go, but Arnav holds her elbow and pulls her back to him. Their eyes meet for few seconds but none of them speak. It is he who then whispers in her ears.

“No woman has shared my robe ever. I think there are lot many things I need to get used to, with you”

His voice, thoughts and the tone get shivers in her body. This feeling is heavenly and she doesn’t want to go away but Aashi is around and right now watching them with confused eyes. She has never seen her father getting so close to any woman.

“Aashi” she murmurs looking at Arnav, indicating him to stop behaving so romantic before their child. Arnav swallows hard and leaves her hand. Khushi quickly heads for the bathroom to change.

Khushi looks at the robe which she is wearing, in the mirror. She suddenly feels all warm, as if it is not the robe but Arnav himself has embraced her. She is sure this feeling is mutual. Arnav’s present gestures says it all. He has proposed her for marriage and if that sounds too quick, he still has offered her to stay with him, here, so that they both will get to know each other better. It is a very tempting thought to deny but she has to keep in mind the impact it will create on them and mostly on Aashi.

Arnav bangs the door breaking her chain of thoughts.

“Khushi, what’s taking you so long?” he shouts.

Khushi composes herself and opens the door. Arnav stares at her top to bottom once. Khushi clicks her fingers to get his attention. Arnav presses a smile on his face and comes closer. She doesn’t mind. Aashi is not in the room which means they are allowed to get closer.
“How can you always look so elegant in everything you wear?” he asks.
Khushi blushes and waves her arms, gesturing him to notice how loose the robe is.
“I am looking like a clown here and you still find me beautiful? Check your eyes Mr. Raizada” she tries to make fun of his words and escape but he pins his arm to the door so that she doesn’t leave.
“I have a perfect eye sight Miss. Gupta. Otherwise I wouldn’t have chosen you” he whispers.

Her eyes open wide in shock as she stares at him with complete bewilderment.

“I see..” she murmurs and the next instant she sneezes. Arnav frowns.
“You caught cold. Come here.” He leads her to the recliner and that’s when she realizes he has already made a hot brewing coffee ready for her. She sips the coffee as he sits next to her, playing with her semi wet hair.
“Where is Aashi?” Khushi asks.
“Daayi Maa is feeding her soup. She sneezed too”
Khushi feels the connection. Aashi has got most of her traits. And that reminds her that she still has to understand from Arnav a lot about his hatred for the woman who gave birth to Aashi.
“I shouldn’t have taken her for swim. I don’t want her to be ill” Khushi apologizes.
“Don’t be guilty. She is fine and the way you look after her, even her own mother wouldn’t”
He suddenly zips his lips. Why does he have to remember that woman now? She means nothing to him. He lowers his head, avoiding meeting Khushi’s eyes. Khushi stops drinking coffee and turns to him. The hesitation in his eyes to even talk about that woman is evident. She wants to know why, desperately.

“Whatever I am doing for Aashi is equivalent to what her mother would do for her, Arnav” Khushi replies. “Why are you judging her actions?” she adds.

She observes his face turning red at her question. He looks in her eyes with utmost dissatisfaction.

“I have reasons to believe so”
“What reasons?”
Arnav swallows hard.
“I don’t want to discuss this now”

He tries to leave but Khushi holds his hand.

“If that woman was me, would you still hate me?”

This question startles him to the core. She can see how much he gets affected by it but she doesn’t stop.
“Arnav, I am sorry to even ask this but I need to know”
“Why?”
Khushi gulps.
“I have my own reasons” she replies in the same diplomatic way like he did a while ago to her question.

"Khushi stop it. Please." Arnav tries to avoid speaking on this topic but Khushi doesn't allow him to ignore. She holds his arms again.
"Arnav this is important for me to know. Answer me" Khushi urges.
Arnav clenches his jaw. Whatever Khushi has asked him is beyond his imagination. But only because she wants to know, he replies.
" Fine. Listen. If you were the woman who gave birth to Aashi, I would have broke all ties with you, forever. And I would ensure that Aashi never sees you again"
His answer breaks her heart and makes her eyes moist. She had expected this but never thought of hearing it directly from him.
"It doesn’t matter now. Does it? You are not that woman and"
"I am" she interrupts.
Arnav is stunned by her sudden intrusion. He gazes at her in horror. Is she out of her mind? Khushi raises her head and meets his eyes. She cannot hide this fact anymore.
" Aashi is our baby, Arnav. I gave birth to her"

His brow furrows with disbelief first and then he clenches his teeth.
“This is not a joke Khushi. Tell me you are lying.” His voice almost breaks at the end but not her determination to let him know the truth. Tears pool in her eyes but she remains strong.
He gets up from the recliner, color drains from his face. Khushi gets up too.

“I.. I wanted to tell you this the moment I got to know but…” Khushi tries explaining but Arnav pushes the vase from the table in anger. The sound almost breaks her ear drums in fear.

“Not a word Miss Khushi Gupta” he stresses on her name purposely. “All these days you fooled me?”
“I didn’t” Khushi tries to explain again but he moves back not allowing her to touch him.
“I thought I am giving Aashi what she deserves, but I was so wrong. You are the last woman I want Aashi to be raised beside” he exclaims.

Khushi gives him a ridiculous look. Does he even know what he is saying?

“Am I now?” she snarls. “What happened to all those feelings you had for me? What have I done that you are so against me? That you hate me so much?” she shouts back.
Arnav gives her a quizzical look.
“Why don’t you ask that yourself Miss Gupta? You know your sins better than I do”
“Sins?” she whispers.
Daayi Maa knocks the door at the same time. She didn’t exactly hear them fight but she understands something major has just happened between the two.

“Khushi, your clothes are dried.”
Arnav tries to contain his temper while Khushi wipes the corner of her eyes. Daayi Maa keeps the clothes on the bed and leaves.
“Wear them and get the hell out of my house” Arnav shouts in anger.
Tears slip again from Khushi’s eyes. Is he the same man she loves? How easily he took her out of his life only because of that one truth. Why is he punishing her for something she is not even aware of?

“Why are you doing this to me?” she asks painfully. “Don’t you love me anymore?”

Arnav’s eyes blazes in anger as he responds.
“You are not worthy enough for my love.”
Khushi chokes. How she wishes he takes back these words. She picks the clothes from the bed and hurries in the bathroom to change. Arnav heads out of the room. This one revelation has changed every little hope he had for his daughter and himself. Now he understands why Khushi has that scar on her lower abdomen. Now he realizes why Aashi is so similar to Khushi. It was not any coincidence. It is her blood, her traits that Aashi has inherited from Khushi by birth. How is he going to handle the situation him? It is not just his heart that Khushi broke but also the hopes of his daughter Aashi.

Aashi sees her father coming down and she rushes to him.

“Daddy, whel is Khoosi?”
Arnav gets speechless for few seconds. Aashi pulls his arm so that she gets some answer from him.

“Daddy…” she calls out again. He finally meets her eyes with pain.
“She is going” he answers.
“Where?” Aashi’s face drops. Daayi Maa though doesn’t come forward but she picks up that the fight has been critical enough.
“Daady… where is Khoosi goin? Aashi asks again.
“I don’t know.” He shouts back scaring the child. “Go back to your room and play”

Aashi steps back in fear. Daayi Maa rushes to her and holds Aashi in arms, who has now started crying.

“Arnav, don’t shout at her. What has happened?” Daayi Maa asks him but he leaves the house without giving any response.

Khushi comes down in few minutes wearing her dress again and she looks totally shattered already. She makes her way to the stairs and finds Aashi and Daayi Maa standing. The moment Aashi sees Khushi, she leaves Daayi Maa’s hand and runs to Khushi and hugs her feet.

“Khoosi.. don’t go” she starts crying.
Khushi kneels down and kisses Aashi everywhere on her face. Khushi starts crying too. Aashi looks at her face and then wipes her tears.
“Did daddy shout at you?” Aashi asks with compassion.
Khushi denies. She cannot even tell how Arnav’s reaction was when she has revealed the truth.
“No.. he didn’t”
“Then why are you crying?”
Khushi gazes numbly at her baby. What is she supposed to answer? She kisses Aashi one more time on her forehead.
“I have to go Aashi.”
“No….” she cries again. “Stay with me and Daddy”

Oh Yes. She wants the same but the present situation is not going to let that happen.

“I can’t. But promise me you will be a good girl and listen to Daddy”
“No..”
Daayi Maa guesses what has happened. She looks at Khushi who gestures her to take Aashi and handle her. Khushi then stands up and hurries out. Aashi keeps calling her but she doesn’t turn around. She knows if she falls weak today, she might never be able to leave this house. But this is not a last good bye, she promises to herself. However badly Arnav hates her, she is not going to let their baby compromise. She will talk to Arnav again about this and fight the situation. If she hasn’t done anything wrong on purpose to hurt Arnav or Aashi so far, she will never leave them at all, doesn’t matter what odds she has to go through for this.

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 24
Arnav Singh Raizada’s life seems shattered. That exposure of one truth and everything feels torn inside his heart. He grips tight the glass of alcohol and gulps it down his burning throat. Khushi has managed to bruise him not once but twice and this pain is never going to be eased down in this lifetime. He had invested a lot of trust in her once when she was carrying their child in her womb which she conveniently crushed by her greedy desires. Was that not enough that she stepped back in his life after 4 years? What was her intention to come back? Was she not satisfied with the huge sum of money she managed to grab from him? He launches the glass hard on the counter demanding for more.

“Refill” he shouts amidst the noisy music which is playing in the background.

The bartender refills his glass for the 5th time and informs his supervisor about it. Arnav Singh Raizada is not very much in control tonight. The supervisor comes ahead and greets him.

“Sir, we are closing down in few minutes”
Arnav glares at the supervisor.
“Just keep refilling this damn glass” Arnav scoffs.
“Sorry Sir, but as I said we are closing down. No more refills. Do you want us to drop you to your car?”  he politely asks.

Arnav throws the glass angrily down, breaking it into pieces. He then manages to get up from the seat. The Supervisor gives him a startled look as Arnav removes his card and throws it on the table.
“Charge it” Arnav replies in frustration. The Supervisor quickly charges for the number of refills Arnav had and the broken glass after which he hands the card back to Arnav.
“Thank you, Sir”

Arnav turns to leave and reaches his car at the parking. He somehow manages to open the door and sit inside to drive. His eyes start closing. How is he supposed to drive like this? He might end up in an accident. So? Who cares? Khushi Gupta has managed to take out his soul, whats left now is just a body which he doesn’t care about any longer. He starts the engine but the flashes of his daughter Aashi, crosses his mind. He is not alone to decide anything about his life. He has a baby and he must look for her entire future. He cannot land her in difficulty by becoming so selfish. Who will take care of her if anything happens to him? He stops the engine and shuts his eyes. He must call someone to take him back home. He dials Aman who is doing some work at his home.

“Hey buddy” Aman exclaims in delight. “You didn’t sleep yet?” he asks.
“NO.. I…. I didn’t sleep”
Arnav’s voice itself creates a panic in Aman’s heart. He realizes Arnav is not totally in his senses.

“You are drunk? Where are you Arnav?”

Arnav tries to scan around and recollect where he is and why has he dialled Aman.

“I don’t know.. I .. I am in a car.”
Aman gets up. He realizes Arnav is out and cannot make it home alone. This is the first time Arnav has lost his control or else ever since Aashi is born, he is always in limits.

“Arnav, come on. You can do better than this. I will come there but tell me where are you?”
Arnav reads the name of the Pub with sleepy eyes.
“C.. C-Zone. I am at C-Zone Aman”

Aman picks it up. This a pub nearby his house and he can reach there in few minutes.
“Okay, don’t drive. Be there, I will come to take you”

Arnav smiles lovingly.
“I know you will come”
He kisses his phone after disconnecting the call and closes his eyes, leaning against the seat. Within next few seconds he falls unconscious.
888
Daayi Maa and Aman puts Arnav back on his bed. He seems to be totally unconscious. Aman reached the Pub within 20 minutes of his conversation with Arnav and traced Arnav in the car, at the parking lot. He drove Arnav back home safely. Daayi Maa removes Arnav’s shoes whereas Aman shuts the bedside lamp off. They both then head out of the room, disappointed.

“Thank you, Aman beta, for getting him home. I was so worried when he didn’t return by his usual time”
“I am fortunate that he called me on my phone or else I would have never reached to him. What is wrong with him today? Why is so overly drunk. Is everything alright with Aashi?” Aman asks.

Daayi Maa nods.
“Yes, Aashi is fine. But ..”
“But what Daayi Maa?”
“Today Khushi had come home. They had a good time but suddenly they fought, and she left crying.”

Aman is unable to comprehend what might have lead to a fight between Arnav and Khushi. He knows both and they don’t seem to fight unnecessarily. Something big might have happened.

“I will talk to Arnav tomorrow about this.” Aman replies.
“Thank you, Aman. Please help them sort this out. In their fights, Aashi will be the one to suffer”
“I understand.” Aman agrees apologetically.

Daayi Maa drops Aman till the door and then gets back to Aashi’s room. She had a high time in looking after Aashi today after Khushi’s departure. Aashi was not willing to do anything beyond crying. Even Arnav was not here to take care of her. After a lot of efforts Daayi Maa put Aashi to sleep. But she knew the next morning, the first thing Aashi would demand is Khushi.
888
“Sir, I need to talk to you something important” Roy gets in the office cabin in hurry.
“Roy? What are you doing here?”

Roy sits opposite to Arnav and takes out an envelope.
“I am sorry to interrupt your work like this. If it hadn’t been about the NDA of the baby, I wouldn’t have bothered to come here”

Arnav stiffens.
“What about that agreement, Roy?” he asks.
“It seems the mother of your baby is breaking few of the rules mentioned in the contract”

Arnav clenches his jaw. He always had this fear that the woman might breach a few rules.

“Which ones?”
“She has been drinking lately”
Arnav grits his teeth and bangs his fist on the table. He then gets up from his chair. Roy gets up too in respect.
“Dammit!! Is she insane? She knows this is going to affect the child.”
“Yes Sir, that’s why I am here. I suppose we should talk to her directly about this.” Roy suggests.

Arnav remains quiet for a few seconds and then speaks up.

“That would breach the agreement from our end too Roy. She and I have strictly agreed to remain strangers with each other. I don’t want that to break.” He pauses. “How did you get to know about this? That she has been drinking?”
“I saw her myself in a party last night. She was heavily drunk”

Arnav fists his fingers again.

“I will ask Dr. Rao to get in touch with her and warn her strictly again”
“I don’t think that is going to affect her” Roy looks down as if trying to say something but cannot. Arnav glares at him.
“What are you hiding Roy?”
“Sir…”
Arnav tries hard not to scowl at him for the suspense he is creating.
“Speak up, ROY” he still shouts.

Roy shows him the envelope. Arnav opens it and reads the contents. He crumples the paper in his fist. His expressions darken.
“Sir? What do you suggest we do?”
Arnav stands speechless for few minutes and then heads to the desk, determined about his next actions.
“Buy some time for this, Roy” he answers.
“That means you are agreeing for this?” Roy cross questions.
“Do we have a choice?” he snaps back. “That woman is already 8 months pregnant. My unborn child is at risk, Roy. I will not let anything happen to the baby. Buy some time and inform her that she will be given what she needs”

Roy shakes his head in agreement and leaves out.

Arnav’s eyes shot open and he immediately looks around. He realizes it is early morning and he is in his bedroom, alone. Whatever he saw was not a dream but the flashback of the days when he saw the true color of the woman who was going to give birth to Aashi. The woman whose identity he is now aware of. KHUSHI GUPTA!! He grits his teeth in anger. He was in such a big illusion all these days. He thought Khushi’s sudden entry in their lives is going to be a boon for him and Aashi. But he was wrong. That woman who was so manipulative years ago, might have calculated all her moves accurately before stepping into their lives again. But he has no reasons now to dance on her fingers. He is capable enough to safeguard his child from anyone, even from her. He gets down the bed and heads to Aashi’s room. He clicks the door open and finds her sleeping peacefully on the small bed, hugging her favourite teddy. He sits next to her and caresses her hair. She might have cried bitterly; the patches of the tears are still visible under her eyes. How is he supposed to make her understand that the woman she is so much attached to never had any concern for her. She was always acting. A sudden rage fills his mind and he gets up again from Aashi’s bed. She might have slipped off from his rage earlier because she was carrying his child, but now he is going to revenge her for all that she has taken from him.
888
Khushi Gupta didn’t sleep at all that night. She kept weeping on her bed, trying to fix this problem which has started to haunt her heart and mind. She cannot think of living away from Aashi and Arnav. She must find ways to get to the root of this problem to eradicate it forever. If she falls weak, she can never win them back. She reluctantly gets up from the bed and wipes her tears. It is going to be tough for her to do this all alone. But she is not prepared to unveil this news to her father and Akash who are already in stress because of their business issues. She must sort things alone for some time. She heads for a shower and cries there again, recollecting the moments of last evening when she was teaching Aashi swim. She feels solitude all around her. Will she be successful in her mission? Will she be able to win Aashi and Arnav back? She must … she must win them back to change their lives for good. With that determination she quickens her bath and dresses up for work.
888
“Good Morning, Aman” Arnav greets Aman as he steps in his cabin.

Aman reads Arnav’s expressions and realizes that he is still not in a good mood.
“Morning. Aren’t you too early for work? You usually drop Aashi at playschool before coming here”

Arnav stops his actions. Yes, he is 2 hours early today and that’s because he didn’t wait at home for Aashi to wake up because he knew the very first thing she would ask about is Khushi and he doesn’t want to upset her early morning telling her to forget that woman.

“Lets do some work, Aman” Arnav responds, diverting the topic. Aman stares at Arnav and then comes to him.
“You can talk to me Arnav. I know something is wrong.”
“Nothing is wrong” Arnav snaps.
“Oh really? Then why were you overdrunk last night? Why did you call me for help? Do you even recollect in what state I picked you up from the pub yesterday? You were totally unconscious”

Arnav shuts his eyes in disgust.

“I apologize for that Aman. I lost my control and thanks for coming there.”
“Don’t thank me. Share your problems with me. That’s all I am asking for. I cannot see you in so much of pain. What is it?”

Arnav looks away from Aman. He is not in a state to talk about it right now.

“Give me some time Aman. We will surely talk on this but not now” Arnav insists.
Aman nods his head. At least he is confident that Arnav is going to talk to him and he can fix the problem. Arnav turns his laptop ON whereas Aman leaves for his cabin.
888
It is afternoon and Akash and Khushi Gupta have come to AR Office to get an update on their work. After the meeting with the leads is over, Akash goes to Aman to discuss something else whereas Khushi waits at the cafeteria, finishing her coffee. Her eyes immediately sparkle seeing Arnav Singh Raizada coming out from the meeting room. He is busy talking to some manager and they are followed by Sheetal Goel with some files in her hand. Arnav feels a gust of wind blowing, highlighting him of her presence around. He slows down turning to the left, looking exactly in the direction where Khushi is standing. She is hardly few feet away. She looks at him with the same pain that is currently hurting his heart, but he quickly ignores her, dropping his gaze away and increases his walking speed. Khushi swallows hard. She doesn’t expect him to behave like normal but can he just to her and sort this out instead of avoiding her? Sheetal Goel observes this coldness between the two and is confused. She is delighted that there is something off between them and prays to God that it keeps being the same forever, until they separate from each other totally.

Arnav enters his cabin and Sheetal waits out with the manager. Khushi is about to step in Arnav’s cabin but Sheetal stops her.

“Ma’am. Sir is busy”

Khushi clenches her jaw.
“I want to see him right away”
Sheetal thinks something and nods.
“Okay, please wait here, I will check with him.”

Khushi is angered but she knows the woman is just following the procedure. Sheetal gets inside the cabin, asks Arnav if she can send Khushi in. She then comes out and stops by Khushi.

“Sir has strictly denied meeting you. I am sorry Ma’am. But you cannot go in”

Sheetal is happy that Arnav has denied and now she will be able to give a tit for tat to Khushi for all that ego which she has demonstrated so far. Khushi denies accepting this statement and pushes the door open of Arnav’s cabin, getting inside. Sheetal follows her.

“Ma’am please. You cannot go in. I will have to call the guards otherwise” Sheetal shouts.

Arnav stares at Khushi with frustration seeing her inside the cabin even after his denial. Khushi doesn’t care to Sheetal’s screams.

“We need to talk” Khushi says angrily looking at Arnav.

Arnav doesn’t want to create a scene at his office hence he asks Sheetal to leave them alone. Sheetal frowns and goes out of the cabin, closing the door behind her. She is too eager now to know whats happening between the two that Arnav doesn’t even want to meet Khushi? Arnav gets up from his chair and walks ahead. He leans at his desk and crosses his arms across his chest.

“You got 5 minutes. Say what you want and leave my office” he growls.

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 25


“We need to talk” Khushi says angrily looking at Arnav.

Arnav doesn’t want to create a scene at his office hence he asks Sheetal to leave them alone. Sheetal frowns and goes out of the cabin, closing the door behind her. She is too eager now to know whats happening between the two that Arnav doesn’t even want to meet Khushi? Arnav gets up from his chair and walks ahead. He leans at his desk and crosses his arms across his chest.

“You got 5 minutes. Say what you want and leave my office” he growls.
“I want to know why you hate me so much?” Khushi asks with a hope that he will vent it out straight away.

But instead, Arnav smiles sarcastically responding in his usual quizzical way.
“You don’t remember? Or should I say you are pretending not to remember anything that happened.”
“Arnav, you are misguided”
“Yes, I was misguided. All the time” he scowls. “I thought I am giving Aashi a mother back, but that was not the case. You didn’t want Aashi or me, you came back in our lives for something else”

His words prick her heart. Her stomach twists painfully by his thoughts.
“Something else?” she pauses. “You really think so Arnav?”
Arnav crosses his arms across his chest.
“Yes, I think so and I am right” he mutters. “Money!! This was always about money, Khushi. Even then and even now. You never had interest in anyone of us but money, in order to save your company. Over ambitious women like you are like that, I should have known. I should have known”

Tears pool in her eyes. Where is he taking this conversation to? He thinks she is behind his money? Arnav returns back to his desk and removes a cheque book. He signs a cheque leaf and tears it off, throwing it on his desk.

“Fill in your damn amount and never intrude in our lives again”

Khushi gets raged at his behaviour.
“How dare you Arnav? You think this is all about money?” her voice turns frustrated now.
“Yes, like before. This is again about money” he grunts.

Khushi comes forward and tears the cheque into two pieces.

“Don’t you dare show me your money, Arnav. It might get ugly between us”

Arnav stares at her in bewilderment and then claps.

“Wow!! Seems like you have changed your game now, huh?”
“I am not playing any game, you are twisting things here. Please don’t do this” she requests.
Arnav angrily clutches her arms and pulls her to him.
“I am twisting things? Really?” his eyes spring fire as they meet hers. A lone tear escapes from the corner of her eye. Why is she crying now? Because the cat is out of the box? But she herself shared this news with her, didn’t she? For a fraction of second he thinks from the other angle. If Khushi had to grab money from him, why would she let the truth out? She could have easily hidden this fact from him for some more time. But she didn’t. She herself revealed it. Does that anywhere mean, she is innocent? He swallows hard, trying his best not to stroke her cheek to wipe off that tear drop.
“I am not playing any game Arnav. I have never even thought of betraying you, be it now or 4 years back when I was expecting your child. Believe me”
“I have believed you twice. I won’t come again in your words.” With a force he leaves her arms. She jerks at his sudden actions. He turns away from her.

Khushi is shocked at his behaviour. Is he the same man who was so eager to make her part of his life? She wipes the tears from her eyes and composes herself.

“Fine Mr. Raizada. If you don’t want to believe me, fine. I won’t insist. But I will prove my innocence to you someday. And I promise, that day will come soon” she challenges him.
Arnav clenches his jaw and then looks at the watch.

“Your 10 minutes are over, you may leave Miss. Gupta”

Khushi glares at him for few more seconds and then leaves the cabin. The moment she comes out, she sees Aman. He was about to enter Arnav’s cabin. She quickly wipes the tear from her eyes again and gives him a weak smile. He notices she had been crying. But why?

“Khushi? You okay? What happened?” Aman asks.

Khushi swallows her tears and shakes her head.
“Nothing Aman. I need to go. Bye”
She hurries out wearing her sunglasses, covering her teary eyes from the rest of the world. Even Sheetal notices this bristling tension between the two and starts thinking what exactly must have happened? But she is extremely happy because this seems like an end to the so called growing bond between Arnav and Khushi. This way, Arnav is single again and she will use this opportunity to the fullest.

Aman enters Arnav’s cabin.

“Arnav.. what is happening here? Khushi just left crying. Has anything happened between you two?”

Arnav tries not to reveal anything now. He cannot open up his wounds again and again.

“Aman can we concentrate on work? Please?”
Aman denies his request. He grabs a chair and sits opposite to Arnav.
“I know something is terribly wrong. That’s why you were overdrunk last night. Look Arnav, we are friends. We have been sharing all our secrets, good and bad with each other. You cannot ignore me. Please tell me what is bothering you both?”
“Khushi is Aashi’s biological mother” Arnav shouts, revealing the truth to his bestie.

Aman feels like someone just gave him a 100000 Volt shock direct to his brain. There is a total silence in the cabin for few seconds after which Aman clears his throat. He wants to clarify what he heard is true.

“Aashi’s mother? Khushi is.. Aashi’s mother? How is that possible?”
“She told me this yesterday” Arnav bangs his fist on the table and gets up from the chair. He stops at the curtains of the glass windows of his cabin, brushing his fingers angrily in his hair. “That’s why she and Aashi have so much in common. Aashi has most of Khushi’s traits.”

Aman gulps and gets up too.
“Okay, so what does she want now?”
“I didn’t ask.” He turns back to Aman. Anger is still bristling on his face. “It must be money again, what else? Whatever loses she incurred earlier, she sold her womb and sorted it. Now, she took the other way to get more money, when her business is again drowning. She purposely stepped in my life, breaching that contract of never sharing each other’s identities, to captivate me in her fake love”

“Hold hold hold Arnav” Aman snaps. “What is wrong with you? You never think straight when you are angry. You just said she herself revealed to you that she is Aashi’s mother. If she had such plans to grab money from you again, why would she reveal it?”
“May be that’s her plan.. To show me she is totally innocent” Arnav scowls.
“No…” Aman retaliates. “I don’t think this is true. There has to be something else. Did you give her a chance to talk about it? Did you confront with her why you hate her so much? Why she breached the contract earlier when she was carrying Aashi in her womb? Did you talk to her all this?” Aman asks.

Arnav denies.

“I don’t wish to talk all that again. All I know is that she is the same woman who put my baby at risk 4 years ago and who only cares for money.”

Aman feels terrible hearing Arnav’s comments.

“Arnav.. You need to calm down. Look, as a friend I have known you from childhood. You always subside the truth before your anger. May be the truth is right before your eyes and you are not seeing it. You should talk to her.”

Arnav shuts his eyes. How he wishes all these words from Aman to be true. May be Khushi is innocent but he has proofs that she isn’t. But the proofs are related to their past. Maybe she has changed now. Maybe she really wants to come in their lives and change it for good? Should he give her one chance?

Aman pats Arnav’s back gently.

“Give her a chance to defend herself. Please. This matter Is critical because it involves Aashi too. You have to be careful”

Aman’s advise seems genuine. Arnav nods weakly. He will think on this again. He knows how attached Aashi is to Khushi and hence only for her, he will speak to Khushi again.
“I will talk to her” Arnav decides.
“Good. And when you talk to her again, please keep your anger aside and be polite. Understood?”
“I will try” he mutters and reaches back to his desk to continue work.

Aman hopes that their next conversation will be fruitful.
888
“No, I wont eat anything. I want Khoosi” Aashi pushes away the plate of food which Daayi Maa was trying to feed her.
“Aashi baby, be a good girl. If you do like this, Khushi will not like it.” Daayi Maa explains but the kid is too adamant to eat anything.

Arnav gets inside the house and witnesses this. He is already not in a mood to discuss anything about Khushi right now but looks like he will have to show some more patience.

“Aashi” Arnav calls out her name. Aashi rushes into his arms and he picks her up.
“Daddy, whel is Khoosi?”
“She … She is at her home.”
“Home?”
“Yes.. She has her Daddy too whom she loves. And right now her daddy is feeding her food.” He makes up a story so that he can convince Aashi to eat.
Aashi chuckles. Arnav sits on the couch and gestures Daayi Maa to pass the food plate. She obeys him and he takes a morsel in his fingers.
“And Khushi has told me to feed you, if I don’t then she will not come here again”

Aashi opens her mouth immediately. Her lips forming a perfect O. She cannot even imagine Khushi not meeting her again.
“So will Aashi eat?” Arnav asks again. Aashi nods and holds his hand forcing him to feed her the morsel. Arnav feeds her and is contended that he could convince her to eat. Aashi completes the food and then runs inside to wash her hand. Daayi Maa looks nervously at Arnav.
“You have to sort this out soon Beta, today Aashi still managed to eat without her, but this won’t continue for long.”
“I know that” Arnav weakly replies and gets up to head for his room.

Daayi Maa keeps staring at his condition. He has lost his charm. She had never seen him so disoriented in the past few years.
888
“I am not hungry Dad”

Khushi has just returned back from work and when Shashi insisted her on having dinner with him, she denies. She is missing Aashi terribly. From past few weeks she has been visiting Aashi almost every day and spending time with her. But since the truth is revealed, Arnav doesn’t even want her anywhere near to their child. How can he be so mean? Neither he is sharing her fault nor he is ready to believe her. On top of that he even blamed her for being a gold digger? Does he think she is behind his money? Agreed, he has given her enough money in return of giving birth to his child, but that was the end to their contract. They have personally met after 4 years of that contract and shared so much with each other. He said he loved her and wanted to marry her, but his love lacked trust. Can’t he read her innocence? Why is he acting so blind by rage and grief?

Shashi senses something wrong with her and hence decides to speak about it.
“Khushi, you can talk to me if there is anything wrong happening in your life.”

Khushi nods in denial.

“Later Dad. I need to be alone for a while. Excuse me”

She heads to her room. The moment she locks the door, she leans back and cries bitterly. This is not what she had expected from her life. 4 years back she gave birth to Aashi and lost her. She cannot lose her baby again. Can Arnav give her one chance to make him understand that she has never done anything which he was not aware of? She gets impatient suddenly to see Aashi or at least listen her voice. She takes her phone out and dials on the landline number of Raizada House. She knows Aashi has to be in the living room at this time, playing. There are chances that she might answer the call. She has seen her doing that often when she used to visit there. The phone rings for few seconds and Aashi picks the call.


“Helllllooooooo” she exclaims in a chirpy voice..

Tears roll down Khushi’s cheek, listening to her. How she wants to hug her baby and cuddle her the whole night.

“Hellllo…. Hello….” Aashi repeats again as she doesn’t hear anyone speak.
Khushi is about to speak to her when she hears Arnav’s voice in the background.
“Who is it Aashi?” he asks.

Khushi shuts her mouth. If he knows she is calling them to speak to Aashi, he may do something more terrible and put more barriers between the mother-daughter.

“No one speaking Daddy” Aashi responds.
“Give it to me”
Arnav takes the phone receiver from Aashi.
“Hello.. Who is this?”
Khushi holds her palm over her mouth so that he doesn’t hear her sobs. But she is too late for that. Arnav recognizes her sobs and is equally cold and speechless that she called. He quickly realizes she has been crying and that somewhere irks him, makes his heart ache.

“Khushi….” He calls out her name. She is shocked that he got to know it is her but she doesn’t respond. Arnav gulps hard. He recalls what Aman had advised him today. One more chance… Maybe Khushi has changed... And with that hope he commands her further.
“I know it’s you Khushi. You must already know what you have done to irk me so much in the past. But if you still want to hear it from me, then fine. Let’s meet tomorrow for Café. Bye”

He disconnects the call and so does Khushi. He has called her to meet. It feels like a small ray of sunshine in a dark room. She will go. At least this will give her some idea how he is misguided?

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 26
Arnav returns home. He has called Khushi to meet him, so that they can discuss. But he has no much hopes of the outcome of this meet. He has all relevant proofs which can show she has wronged him before. Why is he even meeting her again then? May be because you love her, his inner voice pokes. He leans on the recliner, shutting his eyes.

“Arnav” Daayi Maa comes in the room with a cup of coffee.
“Thanks Daayi Maa”

Arnav sips the coffee.
“Where is Aashi?” he asks.
“Her playschool friends have come, they all are busy playing in her room”
“Oh. That’s better. The more she gets engrossed with others, the easier it will be to forget Khushi”

His voice breaks as he completes that statement. Daayi Maa feels the bitterness in his tone and decides to confront.

“So, she told you the truth?”

Arnav looks puzzled at her.
“How do you know?”
Daayi Maa keeps the tray aside and sits next to him.
“I should have told you this before, but I didn’t.”
Arnav is clueless what she is talking about.
“Daayi Maa please.. Tell me everything clearly”
“The first time I met Khushi, I felt like I have seen her somewhere. I tried to remember, but couldn’t. I always kept wondering how her habits, her traits are so similar to Aashi. And then one day I realized why her face is so similar. The day Aashi was born, you had asked me to be at the hospital and ensure everything goes fine. After the operation was successful and I was asked to see the baby, I had also seen the glimpse of Khushi in the other room. She was unconscious.”

Arnav looks at her distracted.

“I am sorry Arnav, I know you had warned me strictly not to see her or meet her. But I didn’t do it on purpose. I happened to see her face as the door of her room was slightly open. And that’s why after all these years when I met Khushi face to face, I realized she is Aashi’s birthmother.”

Arnav interrupts her.

“So, you confronted her?”
“Yes, I did. But she behaved too ignorant. She was unable to relate anything when I started blaming her for purposely entering your and Aashi’s life.”
Arnav feels a glimpse of hope that may be Khushi is really innocent. She didn’t plan their meet again. But he doesn’t want to conclude anything so hastily. He keeps listening.
“She trembled when I told her that she is Aashi’s real mother. She cried and I didn’t feel like her tears were fake Arnav.”

Daayi Maa wipes the corner of her eyes and looks at Arnav firmly.

“I somehow feel she has not planned anything. I have seen people and experienced the complexities in relationships more than you Arnav. And all of my experience says Khushi is innocent. She happened to come in our lives. May be this is some kind of sign from God himself. Fate wanted you three to meet and live together. Don’t let her slip away Arnav. Please don’t”

Arnav looks away, rethinking on Daayi Maa’s advise.
888
One chance!! He is giving her one chance to explain. This is the best opportunity which she can use in their favour. With that hope, Khushi dresses up quickly and heads to the Hotel where Arnav has asked her to meet.

Arnav is already here. He is talking to the Manager of the Hotel, who is overwhelmed with his arrival. He seems very serious today unlike the other times she has seen him. His anger towards her has made him like that. She walks slowly towards him. He somehow feels her presence and turns around. Their eyes meet for a brief period. Just one look at her and he feels his body giving away all that anger. This is the effect she creates on him. He swallows hard to keep a control on his feelings.

“We need a table” he looks back at the Manager.
“This way Sir, Ma’am” he smiles and escorts them to the best private table where no one can interrupt them.

Arnav pulls a chair for her and she is glad that he didn’t forget his noble etiquettes.

“Please be comfortable and let us know when you are ready to order” the Manager leaves.
Arnav sits opposite to her and leans back on his chair. His eyes all set on her.
“Thanks for meeting me again” she murmurs.
“I wanted a proper closure, which is why I am here” he answers.

She feels choked. He is here to end everything between them?

“Listen to me first and if you still want a closure, I wont mind” she replies.
Arnav nods but there is no gentleness in that nod.
“You will find it hard to believe but I really didn’t plan all of this. I didn’t meet you on purpose Arnav. We happened to give this contract to your company because we knew you are best in it. None of us knew that time that we are actually breaching the contract which we once signed, of not interfering in each other’s life”

Arnav keeps listening to her. He is not going to interrupt her.

“Let me remind you, it wasn’t me but you who started showing your attraction towards me.” She adds. Arnav still doesn’t speak a thing. Yes, that’s true. He was deeply attracted to her the moment he saw her first.
“I was just doing business Arnav and then you came and melted my heart”

Arnav swallows. She is already in tears, he can see that.
“If I had planned any of this, why would I ask you time to accept your proposal of marriage?”

Arnav is still quiet.
“You can ask Daayi maa, she is the one who revealed what relationship I share with Aashi.”
“She told me that already” Arnav intervenes.
“I am glad she did. That day when she told me that Aashi was my daughter, all of those memories which I had hidden in dark, started resurfacing. I wanted to confront to you the same but the love for Aashi and the fear that you will take her away from me kept my lips zipped. I had sensed you have some kind of hatred for the woman who gave birth to Aashi which is why I chose not to reveal anything to you. I wanted time to find out the reason behind it. I even met Dr. Rao accidently when we were in Nainital. And she was my last hope. She agreed to meet me there”

Arnav clenches his jaw. So, it was Dr. Rao whom she had gone to meet without letting him know. Khushi continues.
“Remember, you had asked me what I was hiding? And I said that when the right time comes I will let you know. It was this, Arnav. I was hiding this truth because I wanted to know the reason why you hate me so much”

Arnav gulps. She is really that innocent or acting like one? It doesn’t seem like she is acting but he has proofs of her evilness.

“I am amazed” he finally utters. “You really don’t know why I hate you so much?”
She stares at him with the same confusion.
“Fine!! Then listen. We had a contract in place Khushi, and you were strictly binded by its terms. You were told to follow some rules which you skipped on purpose”
“I was abiding all of the rules. I didn’t miss any of them” she snaps.
“You were not supposed to consume alcohol dammit” he bangs his fist on the table while yelling out.

Khushi looks at him with surprise.

“I didn’t” she murmurs.
Arnav gets more agitated.
“You are still lying to me dammit!!” he barks.
“Why would I lie? I really followed each and every rule that was mentioned in the contract. You can ask Dad or Akash”
“They are your people, they can lie for you. Roy himself gave me this news”

Khushi gets raged.
“Arnav, if someone fed your ears you should have asked some proofs. Why didn’t you tell Dr. Rao to check on me or even do my test and see if I have been drinking that time”
Arnav grits his teeth.
“I should have done that. I was so mad at you Khushi that it skipped my mind. And why not, I had other reasons too which proved Roy didn’t lie to me”
“What proof?” she snaps.
“Your note”
“Note? Which note? I didn’t send any note to you”

Arnav rolls his eyes sarcastically.

“Khushi, please. At least now stop lying”
“I am not lying. I really don’t know which Note you are talking about”

Arnav angrily removes a note from his pocket and shows it to her.

“This note” he yells.

Khushi takes the paper from him and reads the contents.

‘My baby’s father,

You must be aware already that I am breaking your rules. I couldn’t help it. You know first I thought the amount you were giving me in return of this baby is sufficient for me. But it was only later that I realized my mistake. I am here to build my fortune. And this petty amount is not going to satisfy me. So, if you want your baby to be safe and sound, I need more. Following are the bank account details wherein you can load additional 50 crore rupees, failing which I have many ways to end this contract right then and there. I am sure you love your baby too much, so don’t put it at risk. You have 1 week time to do this.

Your baby’s mother.’

Khushi’s eyes open wide reading this note. Arnav is angrily staring at her.

“I … I didn’t write this”
Arnav clenches his jaw.
“I knew you would say this. So, I got this note verified for your handwriting before coming here. We had your written agreement with us and I asked an expert to match your handwriting”
Khushi shivers.
“It looks like mine but I didn’t write it”

Arnav snatches the letter from her.

“Come on Khushi, how many more lies do you have?”
“I am not lying Arnav. This is a hoax. Someone was trying to instigate hatred in your mind against me”
“Okay, for one damn second, even if I believe this, then what about the money that I have put in your account additionally after this demanding note?”
“Which account? This account is not mine”
Arnav shakes his head in disappointment.
“Again a lie.!!”
“Arnav, please believe me” she pleads.

Arnav removes a file wherein he has thoroughly got the details of the account number.

“I have verified this too. It is your account and the money is already used by you. Look at these statements”

He shows her the bank statements and she is totally shocked to see its contents. It does belong to her and the balance is nil now.

“Arnav..I… I cannot believe this. It is not me Arnav.. I … I cannot even think of all this”
“But you have done this Khushi. Accept it.” He pauses. “You know what? May be.. just may be if you accept that you have done all of this, I will still think of forgiving you considering you have changed”
“How can I accept something so nasty which I haven’t done Arnav?” she strongly opposes.

Arnav gets up.

“Okay. Then there is no point we extend this conversation. I wanted to give you one chance to prove yourself but you failed. You even failed to commit that you have done of all this. I am not going to take any kind of revenge Khushi. I just want to say the truth”

Khushi gets up too.

“I am telling you the truth. All this is planned to separate us. I didn’t do any of it.”
Arnav presses his forehead in frustration.
“Okay, then I better leave you to find out who did it and why? Which I am sure you cannot prove anymore because it was you who got greedy that time and demanded more money from me, keeping Aashi’s life at stake. Wish you realize what mistake you have done Khushi. At least now, you need to admit your mistakes.”

He heads out from there leaving Khushi alone. She sits down again and lowers her head. Such a big conspiracy? Who must have played against them and why?

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 27
When Arnav comes back home, Daayi Maa asks him how his meet with Khushi go. He is not very open to talk about it all again but he still manages to respond in one single statement.

“She is too adamant to accept her fault Daayi Maa. So be it. I had given her one chance, she lost that too. I don’t want her name to be taken again in this house, especially before Aashi”

He heads back to Aashi’s room to be with her and Daayi Maa sighs in disappointment. What is all this happening in their lives? When Aashi started bonding with Khushi, she was hopeful that finally this family will complete. But it seems that the dark clouds of misunderstandings is not going to fade away that easily.

Khushi Gupta comes back home with the same depression. Today, she got to know the real reason why Arnav Singh Raizada hates her. He thinks she wrote that note and grabbed 50 crores of rupees going against the contract, risking the life of their to be born child? How can he consider so low of her? But that note was true. That account which seem to belong to her shows the records of the credit and debits made. Any man in his place would take her as the culprit. But if she didn’t do this, then who? And why? How is she going to find it out? Should she talk to her father or Akash about it? Should she confide on them? But whoever has done this on her behalf, has to be close to her. Someone who knew about that contract. According to her Akash and her father are the only two people who knew about it. Can it be one of them? No!! They are her family!! They cannot go to this level. How is she supposed to find out?

“Hey” Akash pats her back.

Khushi almost jerks at his touch and steps away. She is already seeing him as culprit. She feels ridiculous for thinking so.

“What happened? You look worried. All okay with you?” Akash asks.
“Yea.. I… I am sorry.. I was just..” she presses her forehead. “I have a headache. That’s all” she lies.
“Oh, you need a medicine then. Come.”

Akash makes her sit on the couch. Khushi doesn’t avoid him because that would make him suspicious. She doesn’t even know why she is spying on him. Maybe he is innocent. Akash asks the maid to get some water and medicine for headache. Meanwhile, he tries to talk to Khushi.

“I know things are not fine yet with our Business. But time changes and our time is going to come soon.” Akash assures.
Khushi smiles. He has always been supportive to her. Though he is not her real brother, he still has treated her like his own.
“I heard from Uncle that Arnav is going to invest in our business to sort these crises. It is a good sign for us, isn’t it?”

Khushi’s smile fades away. This is not going to happen. The dynamics of their relationship has changed. He hates her now so he will surely call off this plan of investing in their business.

“You are lost again, whats the matter Khushi?” he questions.
Khushi is speechless. She doesn’t want to tell him anything.
“Let me guess, you and Arnav had a fight? Is that why you are so gloomy from the past few days?”
Khushi swallows hard. The maid comes out with a glass of water and medicine. Khushi gets up from the couch.

“I will take it upstairs.” She murmurs. Akash shakes his head realizing she doesn’t want to talk about it. Khushi hurries to her bedroom. She is going mad today. She cannot just spy on Akash or her father just like that until she has a proper proof. And most importantly, if it is one of them, she will be the only person hurt because she had never expected them to stab her this way.
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“Daddy, whel is Khoosi? She didn’t come here. Why?” Aashi asks Arnav the next morning. He is just awake and has no reply to give. He cuddles Aashi to him and kisses her forehead.
“She is gone away”
“Away? Whel?” Aashi asks unhappy with the news.
“I don’t know Aashi” Arnav’s voice thickens, controlling his anger.

Aashi pouts saddened with her father’s answers. Arnav quickly brushes her hair.

“Let me drop you to school today and after that I will take you in the garden. Today Aashi and Daady will have a date out. What do you think?”

Aashi is satisfied with the idea.
“Will Khoosi come?”

Her questions about Khushi now start irritating him.

“Khushi .. Khushi .. Khushi.. what has happened to you Aashi? Didn’t I tell you she isn’t coming to see you again?” he yells.

Aashi fears and gets down the bed, hurrying out.

“Aashi wait” Arnav calls her but she doesn’t stop. She runs down to Daayi Maa, hugs her feet and starts crying. Daayi Maa picks her up and starts convincing her not to cry. She stares at Arnav angrily, who is standing at the lobby of the top floor and watching them. Why he has to be so loud and frustrated? Aashi is too small to understand the complexities of his and Khushi’s current situations.

Daayi Maa takes Aashi in the kitchen and tries to mend her mood again by making her favourite chocolate milkshake. Arnav comes back in an hour getting ready for work.

“I am leaving for Office Daayi Maa, will you please drop Aashi to school?” he asks.
“I will.”
“Thanks. I will try to come early and will take Aashi out”

Arnav takes the lappy bag in hand.
“Arnav beta, I suggest you talk to Khushi again and..”
“No!!” Arnav cuts her words. “This isn’t happening Daayi Maa. That woman or even her shadow is no longer permitted in my family. Please bear that in mind”

Daayi Maa looks down in worry. Arnav leaves. This matter is worsening. Arnav doesn’t want Khushi in their lives but has he realized his daughter cannot stay now without her?
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Khushi is feeling very uneasy today since morning. As if something worse is happening. She tries to concentrate on the work but fails to do so. She heads back to her cabin and drinks a glass of water. Shashi follows her.

“Khushi”

Khushi turns around and smiles at her father. She is again suspicious about him too just like she showed the same on Akash last night.

“Yes.. yes Dad?”
“You might have to go to Mumbai tomorrow. We have received a new export contract and it needs some supervision.”
“Mumbai?” Khushi asks in a low voice.
“Yes, for a week maybe. You okay with that?”

Khushi looks away. She doesn’t want to leave this place. She wants to stay here, around Arnav and Aashi. Shashi comes to her.
“I would have asked Akash to go but he is travelling to Singapore next week. If you don’t want to, I will go to Mumbai myself”

Khushi shakes her head denying that.

“No dad. I will go. I know how important every client is at this situation. I will not miss this. I will go”
Shashi becomes happy. He pats Khushi’s back.
“I knew you would never deny. I am proud of you baby.”

Khushi fakes a smile. Shashi heads out. Khushi sits on her chair and leans back. Mumbai? This is the same place where she had been few weeks ago, with Arnav. She recollects how he had saved her from drowning in the beach. That was the first instance when she felt a spark between them. How she wishes to relive those moments.!!!
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Arnav rushes home after receiving the call from Daayi Maa about Aashi’s sudden fever.

“Aashi” he enters the room where Aashi is sleeping and Daayi maa is sitting next to her, treating her. “Daayi Ma what happened to her? She was fine till morning”

He sits next to Aashi and caresses her head.
“When I went to playschool to pick her for home, she had little fever since then. She was crying there too and was being cranky.”
“You called the Doctor?”
“Yes, I did. He is onway”

Arnav kisses Aashi’s pale face. She is sleeping but is murmuring something. After acutely listening to what she is murmuring, both Arnav and Daayi Maa realizes she is calling for Khushi. He looks at Daayi maa who stares back at him with the same surprise. The doctor arrives and starts checking Aashi’s fever.

“Khushi? Who is Khushi, Mr. Raizada?” the pediatrician asks.

Arnav looks away for a second and then his gaze meets the doctor again.
“She is no one”
Daayi Maa immediately intervenes.
“She is Aashi’s mother”
Arnav gives her a sharp angry look for disclosing that to the Doctor but she doesn’t care. All she wants at the moment is Aashi’s good health. She knows Arnav wants the same but his ego is too high to admit that Aashi needs Khushi and her love at this stage.

“Mother? Oh, then you must call her immediately. The baby is continuously murmuring that name and if she stays close, it might help in her speedy recovery Mr. Raizada”

Arnav clenches his jaw. The doctor prescribes some medicines and then leaves the room. The moment he is gone, Arnav snaps at Daayi Maa.

“I have raised my daughter before this, in situations worse than this. I don’t need her to be present around Aashi”
“How can you be so blind Arnav beta? Earlier was different. Aashi had never met Khushi, but today, she is her world. Whatever health issues she is facing today can be recovered only if you get Khushi here. Please” Daayi Maa almost begs before him and he looks at her horrified.

“Khoooosi” Aashi murmurs again and this time she even starts sobbing in her sleep. Arnav immediately cuddles her and tries to calm her down. He kisses her cheek and starts analysing the situation. It was he who got Khushi in Aashi’s life. He got attracted to that woman and felt like having a family with her. He introduced Aashi to Khushi and allowed them to bond with each other. Aashi is not at fault for wanting her now because he showed hopes to his daughter. Now when she desperately wants that woman in her life, he cannot make her stay away from her. If he does, he might lose Aashi which he can never let happen. He has to be wise and take some thorough decision.

“Call Khushi” Arnav commands looking at Daayi Maa who appreciates his thoughtfulness. She immediately leaves the room to dial Khushi and inform her about Aashi’s health.
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The moment Khushi gets the call from Daayi Maa, she doesn’t stay even a minute longer at her home. She drives to Raizada Mansion and rushes inside. Daayi Maa meets her at the stairs.

“Daayi Maa, what happened to Aashi? Is the fever still there? What did the doctor’s say?” Khushi asks nonstop.
“Fever is still there and she is crying continuously for you. She was asleep for some time but since she woke up she has become little crankier”

Khushi swallows hard. She hurries to Arnav’s bedroom with Daayi Maa. Arnav has taken Aashi on his lap and is trying to calm her down but she is sobbing. Khushi breaks down seeing Aashi in this state. She has always seen Aashi smiling, laughing and giggling. But today she looks so pale and exhausted. Arnav sees Khushi in the room. Her tears almost surprise him. It does look that she is immensely attached to their daughter. Where was this concern when she was pregnant? Why did she put Aashi’s life at risk? Why did she become so materialistic and greedy for money?

The moment Aashi sees Khushi, she stops crying and stretches her arms for Khushi to come and take her. Khushi runs to the bed and pulls Aashi to her. She hugs her tight and showers numerous kisses on her face.

“My baby… my baby” she keeps murmuring. Arnav gulps hard seeing their bonding. Aashi has held her tight and her cries have stopped. Khushi stops showering the kisses and looks at her daughter’s pale face.
“Khoosi… you wont go away naa?” Aashi palely asks.

Khushi is speechless now. She doesn’t want to give her child false hopes but she cannot tell her the truth either considering she is ill. Before she can make up words, Arnav responds.

“No Aashi, she is not going anywhere now”

Khushi immediately meets his gaze. He doesn’t seem to be calm but he looks very determined as if he isn’t giving any wrong faiths. Aashi happily hugs Khushi again while her parent’s eyes continue being locked with each other’s.

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Chapter 28

It has been an hour since Khushi has arrived here in Shantivan to look after Aashi. The moment she took Aashi in her arms, Arnav left the room, without even talking to her. She didn’t complain either. She wants to make an attempt to put forth her innocence before him but she knows he will not believe her neither give her a chance. Whatever they had between them all these days was not enough for him to trust her. His hatred for her with respect to the misunderstanding is stronger than the feelings he had for her.

Daayi Maa comes in the room, it is late night 10:00 pm. She gets the food for Aashi and hands the plate to Khushi for her to feed.

“Aashi baby, let’s eat this now” Khushi insists.
Aashi denies looking away from her.
“If you don’t eat, how will you become fine. Tomorrow don’t you want to go to school? All your friends will miss you. Won’t they?”

Aashi slowly looks at her again and then opens her mouth. Khushi feeds her the morsel.
“I want daddy also” Aashi murmurs.

Khushi swallows hard and looks at Daayi Maa who is equally unsure if Arnav will be in the room until Khushi is here.

“Daddy” Aashi starts sobbing again calling for Arnav.
“Sshhh” Khushi starts patting her back. “Daddy will come. He is doing his office homework. We will call him when he is done. Okay?”
“No..”

Aashi denies eating the next morsel. Khushi realizes the child is not going to agree to her silly excuses. She needs both her father and Khushi together.

“Daayi Maa, will you please call Arnav here?” Khushi requests.
Daayi Maa nods and hurries out.
“Daddy is coming.. .Let us show daddy how quickly you eat..” Khushi tries to feed her the next morsel but Aashi denies. Khushi sighs in disappointment hoping Aashi gets well soon.

Arnav reluctantly comes in his bedroom after Daayi Maa informs him that Aashi needs his presence too. Without even glancing at Khushi, he reaches the bed and sits before them putting a weak smile on his face, just for his daughter.

“Daddy” Aashi slowly shifts on her father’s lap.
“Why is my baby not eating?” he asks.
Aashi cuddles to his chest as he slowly rocks her. Khushi takes another food morsel in her fingers and gets it to Aashi’s mouth.
“Aashi, now daddy is here. Come on, open your mouth and finish this” Khushi exclaims.
Aashi denies. She keeps hugging her father. Khushi looks at Arnav once. Her eyes as if conveying him to convince Aashi somehow to eat. He pulls back Aashi from the hug and makes her sit on his lap.

“If you don’t eat it Aashi, I will send Khushi back home”

Khushi stares at him with sheer disappointment. She has always disliked this way of blackmailing their child. They should be convinced rather than forced. Aashi starts sobbing again. Khushi hushes her by caressing her cheek.

“I won’t go anywhere. I promise. But if you don’t listen to me, I will feel bad. You want me to cry?”

Aashi shakes her head instantly in denial. She loves Khushi too much to let her cry.

“Then eat” Khushi requests again. This time Aashi opens her mouth and eats the morsel.
“Good girl” Khushi pats her back slowly and there is a slight smile on Aashi’s lips. Khushi continues to feed her while Aashi relaxes on her father’s lap. Daayi Maa admires the trio from the door. She is happy to see them together but she knows this is temporary. Once Aashi is good, Arnav might again want to detach her from Khushi. What will happen thereafter?
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“Dad, I am at Shantivan” Khushi answers to her father who calls her number to check why she is not home yet.
“Shantivan?” he sounds surprised. “Khushi, it is too late for you to be there”
“I know dad. But Aashi is not well and..”
“She has her father to look after her.” He scoffs.

Khushi doesn’t like the way he said.

“Dad, please.”
“Khushi, I don’t mean to hurt you but look, I am also your father and I need to ensure my daughter’s name is not tarnished by such small emergencies she participates in”

Khushi has no clue why he said that. She looks at Aashi who is sleeping peacefully on the bed. It took her an hour to put Aashi to sleep. But her fever is still there and might take time to recover.

“Dad, I don’t understand what you mean but can we discuss this later? I cannot leave Aashi at this hour.”
“Fine. When you are done, call me. I will come to pick you up.”
“No, I have got my car”
“I won’t let you drive alone that late Khushi.”

Khushi doesn’t argue much as she sees Aashi tossing on the bed and murmuring her name again.

“Okay. Bye”

She disconnects the call and rushes to the bed. Arnav enters the bedroom again. After Aashi was asleep, he was busy making calls downstairs. Khushi has no idea what was so important to him than his daughter. Arnav heads to the closet whereas Khushi covers Aashi with the duvet. She realizes that Aashi’s body is still burning.

“Where is the thermometer?” she asks.

Arnav quickly removes the thermometer from the closet and without giving it to her, he himself sits next to Aashi and starts checking her temperature. Khushi waits until he notes the reading.

“It’s still 101” he softly says.
Khushi gets worried. She immediately rushes out of the room and comes back in 10 minutes with a bowl of cold ice water and a piece of cloth. She keeps the bowl over the side table and dips the cloth in the ice water. She then squeezes it and places it on Aashi’s forehead. Aashi cries softly to which Arnav pats her and again puts her to sleep. None of the two talk to each other, they just keep doing their duties towards their child. Khushi repeats the process for many minutes until Aashi’s fever reduces. They both check the temperature again and start easing a bit finding it better than before. Aashi wakes up again and slowly cuddles Khushi who is sitting next to her. Arnav takes a seat on his recliner. He keeps staring at the two. Khushi is softly humming a song to make Aashi sleep again. She pats her back softly. In the next few minutes Aashi goes to sleep and Khushi dozes off too. Though Aashi is covered with the duvet, Khushi isn’t. Arnav gets up from the recliner and pulling the rest half of the duvet, he covers Khushi too. He then shuts the night lamp and heads back to the recliner to lie down there. Khushi, whose phone she had put in silent mode keeps vibrating for an hour more. It is Shashi Gupta who keeps trying her number and when she doesn’t respond he realizes she is not returning back home tonight. He decides to go to Shantivan personally the next morning and make things clear and simple.
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Khushi feels something heavy on her chest, as if there is some load kept on her body. She slowly opens her eyes and realizes it is Aashi who is not sleeping next to her, but on her. She immediately realizes where she is and why? She quickly puts Aashi to her side and pats her softly, not to let her wake up. Aashi’s body temperature now seems normal. She glances at the recliner but it is vacant. That means Arnav is awake. Why didn’t he wake her up? It is 07:00am and she didn’t even inform her father that she won’t be returning home last night. He must be tensed for her. She quickly neatens her dress and decides to call up her father.

Daayi Maa hands Arnav a cup of coffee in the living room where he has just occupied the couch.

“How is Aashi now? Has the fever gone?” Daayi Maa asks.
Arnav shakes his head.
“Yes, she is still sleeping though. She had woken up once last night but I managed to put her to sleep”
“When did Khushi leave?”

Arnav sips the coffee and his expressions darken.

“She didn’t leave. She is sleeping with Aashi in my room”

Daayi Maa is startled but she knows it was not his or choice. They both are equally concerned for their daughter’s well-being.

“The way she took care of Aashi last night, no other woman can Arnav” Daayi Maa tries to explain further but he diverts the subject.
“Can you please check if my clothes are ironed for today? I have a meeting to attend in a while though I won’t be gone for too long”

Daayi Maa understands he doesn’t want to speak anything about Khushi and her innocence. She nods and heads upstairs.

“Khusssshhii” Shashi Gupta screams in a harsh voice. Arnav is not surprised to see him here. He is not happy either. He somehow feels the entire Gupta clan responsible for what happened during Aashi’s birth.

“Mr. Gupta” Arnav acknowledges his entry. Shashi heads to him.
“Where is Khushi?”
“Upstairs” he pauses. “Last night Aashi was unwell so..”
“She has told me that Arnav.” Shashi interrupts. “In fact she had promised me to come back home which she didn’t.”

Arnav realizes where this conversation is leading to. He tries not to intervene Shashi’s anger.

“Dad?” Khushi rushes down in the living room. Shashi looks at her in frustration.
“You could have message me once that you are staying here” Shashi blurts.
“I am sorry Dad. I should have, I Know. But Aashi was constantly needing my attention and” she pauses. She knows her father will not understand what she and Aashi shares. Because he is not aware that Aashi is his granddaughter. But she cannot even reveal that to him because she is yet to find out who played with her and Arnav during that period of her pregnancy.

Arnav looks away, allowing the two to finish this conversation.

“I am sorry Dad” Khushi apologizes again.

Shashi doesn’t seem to be convinced but he decides not to extend this conversation with Khushi here. He strolls to Arnav.

“Arnav, I think this is high time I talk to you about all of this”
Khushi looks bemused at her father. What is it that he wants to talk to Arnav now? Shashi continues.
“As a father you know that we will always want the best given to our children. It includes happiness, dignity, respect and many such aspects which can give our kid the best life on earth”

Arnav nods in apprehension. But he is not understanding what Shashi is trying to infer here.

“I know Khushi and you like each other”

That was past, Dad. He doesn’t love me anymore. Khushi wants to scream this but her voice chokes in her throat as she notices Arnav giving her a quick cold glance and then looking back at her father.

“She has gone outdoor with you twice or thrice and I was totally okay with it because I trust my daughter. But our society will not understand this relationship until you give it a name. And last night was just too much. You didn’t even bother to inform me about staying here?”

Khushi chokes again and she interrupts her father from continuing this conversation. She doesn’t want him to know about the misunderstanding that has been created between the two which has made naming the relationship between them almost impossible.

“Dad please. Can we not discuss this now? And besides, it was never Arnav delaying to name our relationship. It was always me”
“That doesn’t matter Khushi. You both are together into this, aren’t you? So, if one of you is having some reasons not to make it formal, it is the other’s duty to convince” Shashi snaps.

Before Khushi can explain anything further, Arnav finally interferes here.

“I think you are right Mr. Gupta. I understand your concern very well”

Arnav’s sudden statements over this topic make Khushi fizzy. What is he going to say next? That they broke up and no longer together? She doesn’t want him to do so right now, not until she finds the culprit for the misunderstanding between them.

“Only understanding is not going to solve this problem Arnav” Shashi argues. “If you are really serious about my daughter, I think you should make it legal. And if you even have a tinge of confusion about it I suggest you stop getting Khushi involved in your life”

Khushi flinches at that direct commands from her father. Even Arnav looks pissed off now.

“Our business tie ups will never be affected by your decision, I promise” Shashi reassures.
Before Khushi can take a lead now and blurt out to her father the truth of their breakup, she hears Arnav speaking the most unexpected thing on earth.

“I am ready to marry Khushi right away, with your permission, SIR”

Khushi feels like someone just kicked her heart and fixed it again in her body. Did he just propose her hand in marriage to her father? Why? They have broke up, haven’t they?

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 29

“I am ready to marry Khushi right away, with your permission, SIR”

Khushi feels like someone just kicked her heart and fixed it again in her body. Did he just propose her hand in marriage to her father? Why? They have broken up, haven’t they? Shashi Gupta is super impressed by the proposal. He happily heads to Arnav and clutches his shoulders.

“You don’t need my permission Son. If you and Khushi want to start a life together, I will be the happiest person in this world. I couldn’t have found a better man for her than you.”

Arnav fakes a smile on his face and then gazes back at Khushi who is still awestruck. He knows she is puzzled by his sudden proposal. Shashi turns around and walks back to Khushi.

“Saw Khushi, this is what I was talking about. Your relationship needed a kick start. Today my intrusion has played a major role and finally I am going to see my daughter married.”

Khushi gulps her tears. She does not want her father to see them or be in any false hopes. This marriage, if happens, is not going to give her any happiness.
“Okay, I am getting late for work. I will go. But you don’t forget to reach home soon” Shashi utters and then looks at Arnav again. “Son, I will come officially with Akash for further talks on this. I can’t wait to see you becoming my Son-in-law”

Arnav doesn’t react anything to that. He just knows that his motive to keep Aashi close to Khushi is going to finally fulfil. Shashi heads out and once he is gone, Arnav concentrates back on Khushi.

“Don’t be in any false hopes that I have forgiven you for all your deeds Miss. Khushi Gupta.”

Khushi keeps staring at him in anger.
“And you don’t be in any false hopes Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada that I will accept your fake marriage proposal.” She snaps.

Arnav grits his teeth. Khushi’s body trembles as she faces him again.
“I know you are doing this only to keep Aashi happy but only seeing us under the same roof is not going to make Aashi smile forever. Today she is small, she won’t understand anything. But in due course she will easily notice the differences between us, in our behaviour and I don’t want her to raise any questions then. I don’t want to cheat my daughter.”

Arnav laughs sarcastically.
“It is better if you don’t talk about cheating, Khushi. Doesn’t suit you”

His taunt makes her more aggressive.
“I don’t have answers to your misconceptions. You have insulted me enough and I have some self-esteem left in me which can never allow me to accept your proposal Mr. Raizada.”
Khushi turns around to leave.
“Soch lo Khushi.” Arnav intervenes. She stops but doesn’t turn to him. “You have clearly heard what your father said. He is bothered what the society might think about our relationship if you keep visiting us frequently. He won’t let you come here again if you deny marrying me. Plus, I myself will not like any stranger visit my house to see my daughter. The doors of this house will be closed for you forever if you chose to deny my proposal. You will never get to see Aashi again.”

His words shatter her completely. How can he be so cruel?

“So, take your time till tomorrow and let me know what you have decided. I will wait” he further adds.

Khushi swallows her tears again and walks away. He keeps looking at her as she exits his house. He cannot believe he has proposed her for marriage before her father, that too in these circumstances when he knows she is the one who has cheated the contract which was made between them for Aashi’s birth. But he has no choice. His love for Aashi has overpowered his hatred towards Khushi today. As a father he can go to any extent to make his daughter comfortable and happy. Aashi’s half happiness lies in Khushi and if that’s so he is ready to entertain her as his wife, but obviously, he will have his own terms in it.
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Khushi is back to work, but little late than usual. She is unable to take any kind of decision with respect to Arnav’s marriage proposal. She sits on the chair and presses her head, trying to relax herself before taking any firm decision. In all this she is just bothered about her daughter Aashi. Whatever decision she takes will affect the life of her child. She cannot tell her father or Akash that Aashi is her daughter, neither can she disclose to them about Arnav’s hatred towards her. She has to be very careful until she finds the real culprit who has played with the contract and earned additional profit on her name.

There is a knock at her cabin door and after her permission, Aman Mathur gets inside.

“Hi Khushi” he warmly greets her.
Khushi immediately composes herself and gets up from the chair to welcome him in.

“Hi Aman… I … I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“Oh Yes. I wanted to speak to you, if you are free and not very busy” he asks.
“Don’t bother. You can speak to me any time. Please come”

She leads him to the couch and both sit there. He is silent for a while deciding how to start.

“What’s the matter Aman?” Khushi tries to check what urgency brought him here.
“Khushi… Arnav told me everything” he replies.
Khushi gets stunned.
“I know you are Aashi’s biological mother.”

Khushi looks at him with shock while he continues.
“Arnav and I have always been very transparent. He doesn’t hide anything from me and vice versa. He told me that you are Aashi’s mother and that he has proposed you now for marriage”
Khushi angrily gets up.
“And that’s why he has sent you here? To convince me for marriage, isn’t it?” she asks.
Aman shakes his head in denial.
“No, he hasn’t. He doesn’t even know I am going to meet you” he pauses. “But I am really surprised how can you deny his proposal?” he adds.
“Didn’t he tell you why I am denying to marry him?”

Aman keeps his gaze on her as she continues pouring her heart out.

“How can I marry a person who doesn’t trust me, Aman? He thinks I have cheated upon that contract for extra money. He thinks I risked the life of Aashi when I was pregnant. When he thinks so low upon me, how can he expect me to say Yes to his proposal? I cannot live with a man who has nothing in his heart for me except hatred” she vents out.
“And Aashi?” Aman asks. “What about her? Are you ready to sacrifice her?”

Khushi suddenly becomes quiet. Aman leans forward and keeps his hand on hers.

“Khushi, this decision has to be taken very wisely. Whatever Arnav is doing is only for Aashi right now but you will get a chance to prove your innocence only if you stay with him. I know he loves you immensely. It is just that you have to wipe off that suspicion from his eyes regarding your sanity. And just not that but you will be with Aashi forever. Your child will be always before your eyes. What else do you want?”

Aman’s advice seems to be logical.
“Why are you saying all this to me, Aman?” she asks.
“Because I trust you, Khushi. Somehow, I feel you didn’t do any of it. You are innocent. Arnav never thinks wisely in his anger. I know him from childhood. He might be sharp in business but in relationships he is worse. Maybe because he never got one ever. He has always been alone and a lonely man like him finds it difficult to trust anyone so easily. Please don’t take him wrong. We just need to be practical now. He will believe only if we have the proofs and right now all of them are against you. We need to find something which can prove your innocence. Arnav will take time to join the dots and once that’s done he is going to repent over his hatred for you. I am sure about that.”

Khushi almost breaks down before Aman. At least there is someone who trusts her in this matter. Aman gets up and pats her back.

“Khushi come on.. Don’t break down like this. You need to be strong.”

Khushi nods and gently wipes her tears. Aman passes her some water to drink. She feels better soon.
“Thanks Aman. I really needed some piece of advice on this matter. Couldn’t have got a better one than yours”
“Don’t thank me. We are friends first, aren’t we?”

Khushi smiles weakly at him.
“I hope you got some clarity. Now take some time again and give your response to Arnav on that proposal. He must be waiting for it. And regarding the proofs, let this marriage happen first. We both will work together to find the real culprit after that. Understood?”
Khushi feels elated at his offer of help. She acknowledges his idea.
“Okay, time for me to leave. Have lots of work pending at my Office. See you later. Bye”

Khushi drops him till the door. She feels much better now after Aman’s exit. He has given her some major ideas on how she needs to proceed further. This man is really a gem. Arnav is lucky to have him and now so is she.
888
At Gupta Mansion, Shashi informs Akash about Arnav’s marriage proposal for Khushi. He looks very happy and excited with the news.

“That’s a great news Uncle. I must congratulate Khushi. Where is she?” Akash exclaims.
“Upstairs probably. And yes, I am happy too. But I don’t think she will be able to fly to Mumbai for our pending work there” Shashi informs.
“I will manage to go there once and check before flying to Singapore. Don’t you worry on that. When are we proceeding with the marriage talks then?” Akash asks.
“Tomorrow evening? I will check with Arnav when he is available at home so that we can go there personally and meet him to discuss”
“Great. I will be there to accompany you. Oh God Uncle, I am so excited to know that Khushi is finally going to settle in her life. Arnav will be a great partner for her”
“Yes, he will be. But I worried of one thing Akash, will he accept Khushi if he gets to know about her past?”

Akash shows the similar disappointment but soon manages to ease up.
“Uncle, Arnav is a man of today’s generation. I don’t think he will care of Khushi’s past.”
“I hope so Akash. But I really wonder how and when Khushi should tell him this.”
“Let her decide that Uncle. We should be happy for them”

Shashi agrees and clinks his glass with Akash’s. They both then gulp the drink. Tonight, they are going to celebrate this news to the fullest. Khushi hears their talks from the lobby and heads back to her room. She has still not given her response to Arnav. Maybe now she should.
888
The next morning, Khushi reaches Raizada Mansion to see Aashi. Daayi Maa informs her that Aashi’s health is better than before.

“Don’t send her to school for one more day Daayi Maa, she still needs rest” Khushi says kissing Aashi’s cheek and rocking the baby on her lap.
“Arnav was asking me the same.” Daayi Maa replies.
Khushi caresses Aashi’s hair. She is still sleeping and not willing to wake up even though it is 08:00 am. Daayi Maa seeks this opportunity to talk to Khushi.
“What have you decided of Arnav’s proposal?”

Khushi raises her head to respond but finds Arnav leaning at the room door and watching them. She becomes conscious suddenly and so does Daayi Maa.

“I will get some coffee for both of you.” Daayi Maa quickly leaves them alone to talk. Khushi pats Aashi again and keeps her back on bed. She covers her with the duvet and then gets down. Arnav keeps staring at her with the same cold expressions. He knows she is here to give him some response about the proposal. Khushi slowly comes back to him.
“We should talk out or else she will wake up” she suggests.

Arnav nods and gestures her to walk with him out. They both come out in the lobby. Khushi stops midway, her fingers fiddling with the mobile phone and words choking her throat. Arnav checks his watch.
“I don’t have the whole day for this, Khushi. Be quick” he demands.

Khushi meets his eyes. How can he be so cold towards her? He is definitely not the man she loved. He has changed so much because of that one misconception. She composes herself and speaks up finally.

“I am ready for the marriage” she utters.
Arnav smirks.
“Cool. I knew it. You won’t be losing this golden opportunity”
His words seem more like a taunt again. But what else can she expect from the man who is so much blinded by hatred and delusion?
“Dad and Akash will come today evening to take the talks ahead” she informs.
“I will talk to them but before that we need to be clear on some terms” he addresses to her with much arrogance.
“Terms? What terms?”
“I will let you know that by afternoon. I will come to see you personally at your office today. Be available”

Giving her one last glance, he heads down. Khushi is bewildered. What is going in his mind? How is she supposed to understand what terms he is planning to impose before they proceed for their marriage?

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 30
Arnav Singh Raizada steps in the Gupta office where he meets Shashi Gupta first.

“Arnav? What a pleasant surprise. I didn’t know you were coming here” Shashi exclaims.
“I had to meet Khushi. Is she in her cabin?”
“No. She is talking to one of our client in the conference room but she will come out soon. Why don’t you have coffee with me in my cabin till then?”
“Sure”

Shashi leads Arnav to his cabin and both sit on the relaxing couch there. He sees some envelope in Arnav’s hand.

“What is that?” Shashi asks.
Arnav tries not to reveal any details, not until he talks to Khushi about it and she still agrees to abide by it.
“Work papers” he lies.
“Oh”

The office boy gets the coffee inside the cabin. Arnav takes a sip of it while Shashi continues deciding a perfect time to visit Arnav’s home.

“I was initially going to send Khushi to Mumbai for looking after our work there, just for a few days but when you proposed her last night, Akash decided to go there on her behalf. We don’t want any disruptions in the marriage process”

Arnav fakes a smile and looks at the glass wall from where he can see what is happening outside. The conference room door opens and Khushi comes out with a tall handsome guy, probably the same client Shashi Gupta was earlier talking about. Arnav becomes extra attentive when that guy says something to Khushi which makes her laugh heartily. It pricks his ego. Someone else is making her laugh and seems like she doesn’t even care what gruesome things are happening in her life.
“So, will 07:00 pm be alright with you?” Shashi re-confirms.

Whatever Shashi had been talking to him, Arnav gave his ears to none as all his senses were busy noticing and assessing Khushi Gupta that time.

“Uh.. Sorry I didn’t hear you” Arnav apologizes.
“I was asking if me and Akash can come by 07:00pm today to Shantivan to take the marriage talks ahead?”
“Oh yes. Why not? I will make sure I reach home by then” he replies and his eyes are back on Khushi who goes all the way till the elevator to drop that same client. She is wearing a Grey formal skirt with a white cotton shirt perfectly tucked in. She has curled her hair at the ends making them look extra bouncy on her shoulders. She is not wearing any stockings and he doesn’t want to roll his eyes at her creamy legs anymore.

Khushi’s assistant informs her about Arnav’s presence in her father’s cabin which makes her hurry there. She knocks the door and gets inside. Arnav stares into her eyes with burning gaze.

“Dad, Kushal liked our offers. He seems to be interested in the project. We might be able to crack this deal” she updates her father who seems over excited at this news.
“My Son-in-law’s presence in this office is the reason for that. I consider him very lucky” Shashi compliments. “Ever since he has come in our lives, we are progressing, aren’t we Khushi?”

Khushi doesn’t utter a word. She doesn’t want to believe any of this. And she knows Arnav will give full credit to himself for whatever her father said. Arnav gets up from his seat with the envelope.

“Let’s talk in your cabin”

Khushi doesn’t smile, she simply nods her head and tells Shashi that she will discuss about this deal later. Shashi happily allows them to leave but he gets little suspicious because he didn’t see any love in their eyes today. Both appeared very cold and distant from each other. This is definitely not how people in love behave.

Arnav pulls the door open for her and she gets inside first. He follows her quietly and slams the door behind him. She keeps her mobile on the desk and turns around.

“What terms you want me to agree upon?” she straight away asks.
“Too eager for the marriage, aren’t you?”
Khushi presses her lips in disappointment, but she lets out a chuckle suddenly.
“For Aashi, yes”

Arnav removes some papers from the envelope.

“I have formulated a contract. You can call it a pre-nuptial agreement. Go through it once” he offers her the papers.

Khushi is not very surprised. She takes the papers from his hand.
“This is so much you, Arnav Singh Raizada. Always securing yourself from future troubles”
“What to do? I have always got greedy people on my way!!” he snaps.

Khushi realizes that taunt was for her. He thinks she is greedy for his money!! And she is very sure he must have framed something horrible in this prenup which can make her hate him more.

“I will read them and let you know if I need any changes” she replies.
“There will be NO changes” he interrupts. “I am not going for any negotiations here. Whatever has been mentioned is final and if this marriage has to happen, it will be purely on my terms”

Khushi clenches her jaw.

“That’s not fair. You cannot make me sign any of your foolish demands”
“If you want Aashi close, you will do this”
“Stop blackmailing me using my daughter”
“MY DAUGHTER” he shouts. “She is just my daughter. You never had any rights on her based on our previous contract. Don’t forget that”

Khushi controls the urge to argue beyond this point. She does not want the whole office to hear them screaming.

“Fine. I will read it and see what I have to do next. You may go now” she turns around and looks down. Her heart is sinking with the mere thought of this contract. Why is her relationship with Arnav always been chained with terms and conditions? Initially it was for Aashi’s birth and even now if they are getting together again, it is for Aashi’s benefit. Their relationship will never bloom with love or emotions. It can only burn with pain. A lone tear escapes from her eye. She wipes it off and turns around only to be surprised that Arnav hasn’t left her cabin. In fact, he is checking out the rose bouquet which her client Kushal gave her today before the meeting.

“Hard to believe it was your first meet with your client” he ragefully mutters.
Khushi snatches the bouquet from Arnav.
“None of your business Mr. Raizada”

Arnav’s irrational anger takes over and he clutches her forearms and draws her closer.
“All that we have between us is Business Khushi Gupta. So, don’t you say that again to me”
Khushi struggles to set free but he is too strong for her to come off his hold.
“You are hurting me Arnav” she yelps.
“It is just the outcome of pain you gave me all these years. Start accepting it from now. Our marriage is never going to be bed of roses but thorns”
She finally succeeds in coming off his grip.

“I know. I know all you can offer me is thorns but if you think I will walk over it silently, then you are wrong. I know to push the thorns away and clear my way. You might be blinded by misconception but I won’t let it ruin my life Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada. Now GET OUT!!”

Arnav gets more frustrated by her audacity but he doesn’t continue their fight. It is not worth it at this place. He heads out of her cabin, fuming while Khushi sits on the couch, hiding her face in between her palms, controlling her tears.
888
The contract is kept simple yet the terms are highly unfeasible for her to believe. Even after being his wife,

1. She will never have any share in his property.
2. She will never interfere in his business and thus will not have any rights over his profit share.
3. She will never have any other relationships, outside their marriage, which can defame his name in the society.

Khushi groans in anger. He thinks she will run for another man because she isn’t getting his love? She cannot believe he can even think from this angle. That shows how much he distrusts the feelings which they had once between them.

4. He will not be responsible for any debts that she or her company owe to others.

Does he think she will any longer ask his help to settle her business needs? Yea, that’s why he is securing his money by making such terms.

5. Only he will have the rights to decide and take any major decisions for Aashi’s betterment. She will have no rights to object him.

Khushi scoffs angrily. Why is he even allowing her to be with Aashi if she is not given such simple rights to take decisions for her daughter’s future?

6. If at any point of time she wants to exit from this marriage and the agreement, she will have to bear a sum of 50 crores before getting the final divorce from him.

She is bemused at his thought process. He has purposely enrolled this clause, making the alimony so huge because this is exactly the same amount which he thinks she asked additionally from him, risking Aashi’s birth years ago. So, this is how he plans to recover it back from her. She doesn’t feel like reading beyond this. The contract sucks.!! But she knows there is only one clause left and she doesn’t want to miss it knowing how low he can still fall in her eyes.

7. She will be staying in a separate room after marriage, having no chance of any kind of physical relationship between them.

Khushi laughs reading this clause. That’s the last he could do. He thinks she will seduce him? Does he think she will use this way to make him believe her sanity? Dammit!! She pushes the papers away and walks to the glass window. She needs some fresh air.
888
In the evening, Arnav welcomes Shashi and Akash Gupta at Shantivan. Daayi Maa helps their driver to settle the gifts on the table.

“What is all this Mr. Gupta?” Arnav asks.
“Arnav, you are going to be my only son-in-law. I have all rights to gift you. Where is Aashi?” Shashi asks.

“Aashi” Arnav calls out. Aashi comes out in her tricycle. Daayi Maa holds her tricycle while she gets down. “Look who has come to meet you. You wanted to see Khushi’s daddy, here he is. Go and wish him”
Aashi shies away and hides behind Daayi Maa. Shashi extends his arms for Aashi.
“Aashi beta, come here. See what I have got for you” Shashi removes a chocolate bar from his pocket and shows it to her.
Aashi denies coming to her still.
“She cannot be bribed so easily Mr. Gupta” Arnav proudly says.

“Khooooosi” Aashi suddenly screams looking at the door. Everyone gets surprised to see Khushi here. Akash and Shashi smile at each other. Aashi rushes to her and hugs her feet. Khushi bows down to kiss her hair and then holds Aashi’s hand. They both walk to the living room together.

“Khushi? What a pleasant surprise. Why didn’t you tell us before that you want to come here too?”
“Dad, I didn’t plan anything before. Just decided at the end moment”

Shashi finds her holding the same envelope which Arnav had this morning. Arnav glances at that envelope too. She sits next to her father and takes Aashi close to her.
“Aashi, he is my daddy” Khushi tries to introduce them.

Aashi smiles sweetly at Shashi who immediately offers her chocolate. She takes it from him.
“Say thank you” Khushi whispers. Arnav is watching all of this. He has always cherished the bond Khushi and Aashi share. Seeing how she is teaching good manners to Aashi makes him cringe. Wish she had imbibed some of them in her.
“Taaank youuu” Aashi murmurs shying away.
“You are welcome sweetheart” Shashi caresses Aashi’s hair while she sits on Khushi’s lap.

“Hello.. I need an introduction too” Akash intrudes.
“Oh yes. Aashi, he is my brother Akash. Say hi to him.” Khushi waves Aashi’s hand towards Akash.
“Hiiii” Aashi utters. “My friend Dolly also has a brother” she adds.
“Wow. That’s nice” Akash exclaims.
“I want a brother too daddy” Aashi’s sudden requests gets smiles on everyone’s face except Khushi and Arnav’s.

Shashi slowly takes Aashi on his lap.

“Aashi, now your daddy is going to make Khushi stay in your house forever. They both can give you a brother soon. Just keep on demanding, okay?” Shashi teaches her.
Arnav keeps his eyes glued to Khushi.
“Dad please. Stop teaching her all this” Khushi fakes a smile.

Daayi Maa quickly serves the tea for everyone.

“What did Aashi have Daayi maa?” Khushi asks.
“Just some chips and that too in the evening”
“Very bad Aashi. Come here, lets make some nice milkshake for you.” Khushi takes Aashi inside the kitchen. Shashi is over impressed seeing his daughter so well versed in this house and with this family.
“So, Arnav. Tell me how you want this marriage to happen?” Shashi asks.

They talk for a while, discussing how simple the wedding should be. Everything seems okay to Shashi and Akash who agree on his terms. Daayi maa takes this opportunity to talk to Khushi in the kitchen while Aashi is busy eating the chocolate aside.

“I am so glad you agreed for this wedding”
Khushi smiles weakly.
“Things will turn out good Khushi. Just have faith in God”
Khushi’s eyes become teary. She quickly hugs Daayi Maa to supress her tears. She does not want Aashi to see her crying and raise questions. Daayi Maa caresses her, giving her the warmth, she needs.

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 31
Shashi and Akash Gupta have a general conversation with Arnav until Khushi joins them back after feeding Aashi.

“Okay, now that Khushi is back, let us talk about how you both want the marriage to happen and when?” Shashi asks in excitement.
Arnav quickly puts his thoughts forward.
“A court marriage Mr. Gupta. I don’t really want to waste time on the rituals”

Khushi is not very surprised when he says that. Shashi and Akash are disappointed though.
“Arnav, I understand you don’t want a grand wedding, but at least follow all the rituals. These moments will be cherished by you both for lifetime” Shashi insists.

That’s exactly what he doesn’t want to do. Cherish!!

Khushi stares coldly at the envelope which she has placed next to her purse. It carries the prenup agreement. It is so obvious that a man who has contracted such terms will never want a proper wedding with her. All he wants is to bind her through paperwork and not with any kind of emotional bonding. Why will be care for the rituals then? She tries not to bring tears in her eyes and supports Arnav’s ideas.

“Dad, I am fine with court marriage. It will save time. We all are already having so much plans on the work side. Akash is going to Mumbai and Singapore, you are tied up with our new clients and I am still engrossed in the AR project. I don’t think anyone of us have time to participate or even arrange all these pre-marriage rituals. So that’s fine. Just a court marriage followed by a small reception should work for all of us.”

Arnav finds her voice torn. Just in few days of their togetherness, he has learnt the meaning behind her every expression and tone. A part of him wants to forget everything and embrace this woman but he holds himself from doing so by remembering all that evilness she did during her pregnancy, proving herself not less than a gold-digger.

“Okay then, I suppose this is it” Arnav tries to end this conversation.

Akash and Shashi shake their head passively and get up to leave.
“I will ask my lawyers to start the formalities of the court marriage. Once they give us the date, I will let you know” Arnav adds.
Shashi hugs him while he is all stiff. Akash notices this abnormal behaviour between Arnav-Khushi but decides not to raise this point here. He will talk to Khushi separately about it.

“We should leave then” Shashi says.
“Dad just give me 5 minutes. I will come out”
Shashi and Akash leaves after which she turns to Arnav who is holding Aashi in his arms.
“I have signed it” she says handing the envelope of prenup papers to him.
Arnav takes it from her coldly.
“Shocked reading the terms?” he purposely asks.
“Yes” she swallows. “I didn’t expect you to be any lenient on me as you are already blinded with rage”
“And you are responsible for that rage, don’t forget” he comments.

Khushi passes a sarcastic laugh.

“Whats there to laugh?” he sternly asks.
“I was just thinking about your reactions post you get to know the truth. That I didn’t deceive you”

Her reply baffles him. She sounds very confident.
“You are so going to repent hard Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada and to your dismay, I am not going to change my mind then. I would like to continue our marriage on these same terms as mentioned in the prenup.”

Arnav clenches his jaw. If whatever she is saying to him is true, then he will be the unluckiest man on this earth to have lost the trust and love of the only woman he has in life. There will be nothing left to redeem his mistakes and reverse his actions. While he is busy lost in these thoughts, Khushi comes forward and leaning over him, she kisses Aashi’s cheeks.

“Bye Aashi.”
Aashi stops her by holding her hand and pouts.
“You said you will stay here”
“Yes, that’s right. Ask your dad to fix that date soon and then no one can separate you from me. Not even your daddy” She then gives a cold stare to Arnav and walks out of the house.
888
Akash knocks Khushi’s bedroom door that night and gets inside. She is working on her laptop which she closes down seeing him inside.

“Hey… didn’t sleep yet bro?”
“No. Some thoughts are juggling in my mind which have driven away my sleep” he replies taking a seat opposite to her.
“You can share it” she offers.
“Only if you are willing to tell me the truth”

Khushi becomes serious now. She can read Akash’s face. He is looking for her answers to his raising doubts.

“Look Khushi, I have always taken you as my real sister, though you are just my cousin. You and Uncle are the only family I have.”
“Yes I know, but why are you saying all this to me now?”
“Because I want you to confide in me and tell me whats happening in your life?”
“Whats happening?” she fakes a smile. “I am getting married. That’s happening” she tries to cover up.
“This marriage has no love in it. This is surprising me. I thought you and Arnav are compatible for each other but from past few meets I don’t see that compatibility. I feel you both are getting distant from each other even after being close. What is wrong Khushi?”

Khushi knew a day would come when the bitterness between her and Arnav will be sensed by others but she didn’t realize it would happen so soon.

“Akash, look”
“Don’t even think of lying. I have known you since childhood”

Khsuhi shuts her eyes briefly.
“Okay, yes there is a problem between us” she declares.
Akash sighs.
“I knew it. !! What problem? Doesn’t he love you?? Then why agree for marriage?”
“Hold on Akash. You seem to have lots of questions but I don’t have answers to all of them yet”
“What do you mean?”
“Means, it is not that he doesn’t love me. He does. I know he does. But recently, after he proposed me for marriage, I tried to dig some details from him about Aashi’s real mother and since then he is upset with me. Seems he had a very rough connection with that woman and doesn’t wish to talk about her to anyone”
“Is it? But why?”
“I don’t know” Khushi lies. “That’s what I want to find out. I believe I have the rights to know. I am marrying him, I should know his past. It is not that I will judge him if he tells me everything. But I should know. That’s what is happening between us. Nothing very serious”

She cleverly handles the situation without lying to Akash yet intelligently hiding the truth as well. She cannot take a chance by revealing it to Akash or her father that she is Aashi’s biological mother. If by any chance one of them is responsible for that mess, they shouldn’t get alert and try hiding the proofs against them.

“Oh!! I.. I feel he is right. Why to dig his past when it is over? People move on Khushi. And he has moved on too. So, should you”
Khushi nods.
“Are you going to tell him about your past?” he asks.
Khushi gulps hard.
“Yes, I have told him already. And he seems to be okay with it” Khushi replies. This she doesn’t hide.
Akash nods happily.
“Then that’s it. You don’t worry about anything else. Be happy that you are marrying the man whom you love. I am sure as the time passes, he will open up to you about that woman.”

Khushi smiles back at him shaking her head. Wish all of this was so simple. Akash leaves and Khushi once again gets engrossed working.
888
“Aman Chachu see my new doll” Aashi shows her new doll to Aman who has been playing with her since an hour. He has purposely come to Shantivan to meet Arnav but to his dismay, Arnav is busy in some video call with their Client, hence Aman decides to spend time with Aashi meanwhile.

“Oh Wow. She is cute. What is her name?” he asks holding the doll.
“Bella” Aashi replies.
“Bella? Wow.. That’s a cute name. Who gave this name to her? Daddy?”
“No.. Khoosi” she proudly declares.
Aman smiles and takes Aashi in his embrace.
“Do you know your Khoosi is going to stay with you foerver in this house?”

Aashi nods.
“Yesh. We will all play together then. Daddy, Khoosi and me” she starts clapping while Aman gets emotional. He has never seen Aashi so happy and he is glad that Khushi took the right decision of marrying Arnav despite of the issues going between them.

Arnav joins them after finishing the call.

“Sorry Aman. It was Mike. He said their company is undergoing some organizational restructuring. They will need some software from us to accommodate their new changes.”
“That’s a great news Arnav. We should update the team. I will do that personally tomorrow”
“Yup. So? Did Aashi trouble you?” Arnav holds Aashi and pulls her in his arms. He then sits on the couch, with Aashi on his lap and starts brushing her silky hair with his fingers.
“It’s not Aashi but her father who is troubling me these days” Aman teases.

Arnav raises his brow.
“How did I trouble you?”
“You are doing a court marriage. You didn’t even share this news to me? You are my only best friend and I dreamed to dance on your wedding, sing, drink and what not. But looks like you are too desperate to wind off the marriage without much fuss”
Arnav rolls his eyes.
“Who told you this?”
“Your better half did the honours” he winks.
Arnav keeps acting stubborn.
“She is not my better half Aman. She can never be one”
Aman sighs with disappointment.
“That’s what you think. But if you see it from my angle, no one can handle that position in your life other than her”

Arnav starts getting irritated hearing praises for Khushi.

“Can we talk something else?” Arnav requests politely.

Aman sighs disappointedly.

“Fine. Court marriage will work for me. But an engagement is must. You both should exchange rings at least” he sees Arnav trying to negate that idea too but he doesn’t let him interrupt. “No.. No excuses Arnav. I have talked to Shashi Gupta already and he thinks it is wise enough to have an engagement. So, no further negotiations on this. We are going tomorrow to buy a ring for her. That’s final”

Arnav eyes dart into Aman’s.

“Damn you Aman… Sometimes I wish to strangle your neck for being so stubborn”

Aman chuckles to which Arnav finally smiles with a lighter expression on his face.
“Fine. The engagement can be next week”
“Perfect. We should toast on this. What do you say?”
Arnav nods in denial pointing out at Aashi.

“Not until she is awake”
“Then lets get her to bed. Come on Aashi.. .Today Aman chachu will put you to sleep”

Aman takes Aashi in his arms.
“I don’t want to sleep. I also want toast”
Aman laughs at her wrong co-relation of words.
“Babies don’t eat toast at night. Daayi Maa will make you one in the morning. Now let’s sleep. Daddy and chachu have a lot of homework to do until then”
“Homework?”
“Yes.. Office homework… come on … I will pat you to sleep, close your eyes”

Aashi rests her head on Aman’s shoulder while he carries her to the bedroom. Arnav follows the two. If Aashi is close to anyone outside their family, it is only with her Aman chachu.
888
The next evening, Khushi hurries out of her car, from the parking lot of the jewellery mall. She is specially called here by Aman to pick a ring for Arnav. She knows having Aman by her side will help her make the best selection. Aman and Arnav have been friends from so many years. He must know well what kind of ring Arnav will like to wear. She makes her way to the escalator, to go on the top floor where Aman has texted her to come.

Arnav notices her coming and immediately turns to Aman.

“You called her here?”
Aman smiles nodding in agreement.
“Why?” he snaps.
“What do mean by Why? We are here to buy her a ring. We don’t know her ring size. Plus, she too approached me to accompany her for buying a ring for you. So why would I waste my time twice when  I could finish this all for once?”

Arnav realizes Aman called Khushi on purpose. He somehow wants them to stay close to each other. Aman places his hand on Arnav’s shoulder.

“Did you forget how desperate you used to get to get a glimpse of her? She is still the same Arnav. You are seeing her from different light. That’s all”
Arnav shrugs Aman’s hand.
“Whatever your intentions are, it is not going to work. We can never be the same again”
Khushi is equally overwhelmed to see Arnav accompanying Aman. She reaches them and smiles only to Aman.

“Hi Aman”
“Hey Khushi..”
“Thanks for coming Aman but you should have told me if you had other plans. We could have rescheduled this”

Aman realizes she is hinting at Arnav’s presence which she hadn’t expected too.
“Oh Lord. You guys are so being so formal. It’s your marriage guys. And is this how you plan to behave around Aashi? What image will she form of you two? She needs parents, not just her father and his client Khushi Gupta. Are you understanding me?”

Both Arnav and Khushi glance at each other and then look away. They realize the depth in Aman’s words but are too adamant to accept it so easily here.

“I don’t have much time for this. Let’s finish the purchase and leave” Arnav heads to the jewellery store.

Aman nervously looks at Khushi who passes a weak smile.
“He is right. I don’t to force him either to spend time with me. Lets get this done as soon as possible”
Aman feels like biting his own tongue seeing their cold reactions. Maybe it is too early to think that they will get together again. Let the marriage happen, things should speed up then. He is going to team with Aashi to make this work.

__________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 32

Arnav, Khushi and Aman are at the jewellery store, making the rings selection.  Khushi tries not to converse with Arnav at all. She is cold towards him and even though Arnav wants to behave the same, he is unable to. He keeps glancing at her to analyse if she is really so unaffected by his presence or is she pretending to be so?

“This one is pretty” Aman picks a ring for Khushi from the box. “Stunning diamonds for a perfect occasion like this. What do you say Arnav?”

Arnav glances at the ring and is about to agree when Khushi interrupts.

“I don’t need such a costly ring. Just a simple one should be fine.”
Arnav keeps staring at her. Aman cross-questions.
“Why a simple one? This is going to be your engagement ring, it has to be the best”
Khushi continues denying.
“Aman, I am already termed as gold digger, now I don’t want any more names added to that list. I will go with that other ring” she points at the simple gold ring she was earlier looking at.

“Don’t assume anything. I never called you gold digger” Arnav snaps.
Khushi gives him a sarcastic smile.
“You made me feel like one. Isn’t that enough?”
Aman intervenes.
“Guys.. What is happening? We are at a public place. And I really cannot see you both fighting like dogs and cats. Please show some mercy towards each other”

Arnav swallows hard. He picks one random ring for himself and places it over the counter.

“I will go with that. Let’s settle the bill and leave”

Arnav then heads to the billing counter followed by Khushi to pay for each other’s rings. Aman sighs in disappointment. He had little hopes that they would at least talk to each other politely but he was wrong. The distances between them is growing like a plague. He will have to do something quick to reverse this.
888
“What?” Sheetal gets up from her seat in utter shock. “Arnav and Khushi are getting engaged today? No one told me” she yells at her colleague Shreya, who has just informed her along with the others.
“Sheetal, I just got to know this from Aman Sir. He was here today morning to take care of some work for Arnav Sir. He has left now to attend the engagement party which obviously he has arranged at his Pentahouse” Shreya adds.

Sheetal fumes in anger. How can this happen? Just few days back she had seen Arnav and Khushi giving cold shoulder to each other. Did they patch up? She feels restless.

“No one from the staff is invited?” she tries to clarify.
“No. Seems they want this to be very private. Even their wedding is going to be private. Just a court marriage, no rituals and all”
Sheetal is again surprised to know.

“Why are they hurrying?” she tries to ask it to her own self but Shreya overhears it.
“May be Khushi Gupta is pregnant” Shreya teases.
Sheetal gives a scornful expression to Shreya who smiles back at her.
“Oh Dear. Why are you so angry? It is their life. They have every right to decide what they want to do and when?”

Sheetal looks away as if trying to hold her anger.

“Actually, I am very happy that they are marrying. I like them as a couple. They suit each other so much, don’t they?” Shreya asks.
Sheetal bangs the file on her desk and walks out leaving Shreya totally confused by her reactions.
888


Engagement Day

Arnav suits up and looks at himself in the mirror. Today he is going to get engaged to Khushi Gupta in a while. It could have been the best decision and moment in his life had she not been so selfish in their past. Aashi comes inside the room screaming.

“Daddy… daddy.. come fast. We need to go”

Arnav comes out of his thoughts and looks back at his daughter. He might not be, but his daughter is very excited and happy about the situations running around her. She is the only one who is looking so desperate to get Khushi in this house, forever.

“Daddy… come” Aashi holds Arnav’s hand and tries to drag him out. He stops her, picks Aashi up and makes her stand on the recliner.
“You really want Khushi to come here forever?” he asks her as if trying to confirm her for one last time.
Aashi nods happily.
“Yesh Daddy.. I want Khoosi and you.. both here”

He fakes a smile and then hugs his daughter, kissing her hair. Daayi Maa intrudes their moment.

“Arnav, the car is ready. Aman has already called up twice to check if we have started. We should go Beta”

Arnav puts Aashi down and holding her hands he leaves the room, heading for their car.
888
Aman’s Residence


“Why is this Lehnga so loose?” Khushi groans looking at herself in the mirror. The designer tries to tie the Lehnga properly on her waist.
“Ma’am is it okay now?” The designer asks.

Khushi weakly nods and then starts wearing the bangles. One of the bangle breaks when she tries to put forcefully in her wrist. Blood oozes out of her skin and she winces in pain. The designer immediately wipes the blood off. Shashi comes inside.

“Khushi? What is this?” he asks.
Khushi fakes a smile.
“I am fine Dad.”
Shashi takes the bandage from the Designer and asks her to wait outside. The designer leaves. He then glues the bandage on her bruise.
“Khushi why are you so frustrated today? It’s your engagement sweetheart”

Exactly!! That’s why I am frustrated.

“It’s not frustration dad. Just a bit nervous” she lies.

Shashi smiles and makes her sit on the bed. He then sits next to her.
“It is a big day in your life and believe me, I have always waited for this day to come. Arnav is a good man and you both being in love with each other is just like an icing on top of the cake. Your relationship will bloom for sure”

Khushi feels choked hearing such words from her father. Wish she could tell her father about the prenup which she has signed. With that she is reminded of something else too. She holds her father’s hand in hers.

“Dad, I need to speak to you about something”
“Yes, go ahead”

She is about to say when Akash knocks and gets inside.

“Uncle, Khushi? Are you done because everyone has arrived. The Mahurat is passing. You are called down. Come”

Shashi happily gets up to take his daughter down. Khushi feels more restless. So finally, that time has come. She decides to talk to her father later and presently just focus on the engagement.
888
Only selective guests have been called for the engagement party; few of Raizada and Gupta’s close relatives and friends. While Arnav is busy talking to them, suddenly his daughter screams Khushi’s name as she sees her coming out. Shashi and Akash escort Khushi to the living room. Arnav’s eyes automatically set on Khushi’s face. She looks beautiful in that maroon Lehnga. She is not giving him any glances though.
Aashi leaves Daayi Maa’s hand and runs to Khushi. She hugs her feet, Khushi stops and bending down she kisses her daughter. That smile which Aashi has on her face, on this occasion is worth any pain she has to undergo for her entire life.

“Khoosi… you look cute” Aashi shouts happily.

Everyone laughs at her adorable comments.
“Thank you baby” Khushi kisses Aashi’s hair and then holds her finger, allowing Aashi to lead her where Arnav is standing. She stands next to him and that’s exactly when she notices his eyes… his dark brown eyes which seems to be cold and merciless from past few days. Once she used to see love for her in those eyes. Wish she could see that again someday.

“The rings are here” Aman hands over the respective rings to them and waits for Arnav and Khushi to complete the ritual. Shashi waits with baited breath to see this auspicious moment in Khushi’s life. Arnav reaches for Khushi’s hand and then slides the ring coldly in her finger. Khushi repeats his actions but the only difference is that she makes him wear the ring promising herself to open his eyes and make him see the real picture. He has to know and believe that she is not what he thinks she is. She has never hurt him deliberately.

Everyone claps after they exchange rings. Aashi looks at all and starts clapping too. She has no clue what this ceremony means but it makes her feel that Khushi is coming closer to her, and very soon Khushi will be staying with them forever. Aman raises Aashi and places her on the small side table between Arnav and Khushi. Aashi stretches her arms towards both of them to come and hug her. This is one such act which neither Arnav nor Khushi deny from doing it from their heart. They hug her together, with smiling faces and kiss her cheeks. Aashi kisses them back and starts clapping again. Aman takes a few pictures of the happy moments shared by this family. He hopes that these smiles remain forever on their lips.

“One selfie guys” Aman requests to the engaged couple.

Arnav frowns. He doesn’t understand why Aman wants to get him involved so much with Khushi.

“Come closer” Aman appeals to Arnav and pushes him towards Khushi who is holding Aashi in her arms. When Arnav doesn’t follow the instructions, Aman almost pushes him towards Khushi who feels the jerk and is about to lose her balance but Arnav holds her. His arm automatically slides around her waist and he pulls her to his body, closer. Khushi gasps, surprised by his actions, that he actually saved her from falling down. But soon she realises he might have done this only because she is holding Aashi in arms. He will never want Aashi to be hurt. Aman manages to click the selfie with Arnav, Aashi and Khushi. Akash joins them in the next selfie. There are smiles on everyone’s face for being a part of this occasion.

After a huge round of selfies with the family and friends, Khushi finally gets a chance to go away from Arnav. She is feeling restless inside. Every time he touched her shoulder or her waist, unwantedly, for the clicks, she felt nervous and agitated, both at the same time. She knows he is faking it all and she is not a good actor like him. She cannot act to be happy when she isn’t pleased by heart. Suddenly someone comes before her, holding a huge rose bouquet in hand and takes it away from his face.

“Happy Engagement gorgeous” he wishes.

It is Kushal, her old friend and now a client too. She takes the bouquet from his hand.
“Thanks, Kushal”
“Sorry for being late. Couldn’t come during the ring exchange”
“Its fine. You came here, that is enough for me” she smiles.
“Won’t you introduce me to your fiancée?” he asks.

Khushi recalls how possessive Arnav had got the last time he had seen Kushal in her office. But she doesn’t care. He is no one to judge what relationship she shares outside.

“There he comes.” Kushal shouts looking behind Khushi.
Arnav Singh Raizada had seen Khushi taking the wishes from Kushal and he couldn’t keep his eyes off them. He himself makes his way to them faking a smirk.
“Hello ASR.. Thats what everyone calls you, am I correct?” Kushal shakes hands with Arnav who nods. “Happy engagement.”
“Thanks .. Mr?”
“Kushal. I am Khushi’s college friend and now her client too” he winks at Khushi who chuckles at his flirty gestures.
Arnav slightly fumes at her behaviour.
“You are too quick ASR. I met Khushi after so many years and you didn’t even give me few days to fall for her and propose her. You took this opportunity too wisely and snatched her”

Khushi knows he is just teasing but Arnav doesn’t take it lightly. He once again slides his arm around Khushi’s waist, to show she is his.

“Khushi had eyes on me ever since she has known me Kushal. You never had a chance”

Kushal might have taken this statement in fun but it hurts Khushi. She knows he was taunting her again. That she purposely wanted him to be hers because he is rich and powerful. She angrily takes his hand off her waist and looks directly in his eyes.

“Excuse me”
Arnav looks back at her with the same intensity. She smiles at Kushal and heads away.
“Uff. That was one killer look” Kushal comments looking at Khushi’s direction. Arnav fists his fingers but Aman comes to help at the right time. He has witnessed jealousy in Arnav’s eyes seeing Kushal and Khushi together. And he very well knows how impatient his friend gets when something belonging to him is tried to snatch away from him.

“Arnav.. You met the Khanna’s? They are looking for you. Come” Aman interrupts.

Giving a quick smile to Kushal, Aman drags Arnav away.

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 33
The engagement party is still on full swing. People have started enjoying the buffet. Shashi is busy talking to people, getting them introduced to Arnav Singh Raizada. Everyone has a nice feeling about this new tie-up except the actual couple. Arnav has earned a huge fame in the country through his business and people related to the Guptas are more than delighted to get introduced to him. Khushi’s maternal cousins are frequently gazing at Arnav who is not even aware of them. Khushi tries her best to stay away from him, even though the guests keep demanding to see them together. Even now they had been talking together to few guests who have just dispersed in other group. Daayi Maa quickly takes this opportunity to come to them.

“Arnav, you and Khushi should eat too. Everyone has started to relish the desserts and you both are not even bothered to start dining” Daayi Maa mutters.
Khushi is the first one to show the hesitation to dine with him.
“I will eat later Daayi Maa, after I feed Aashi. Where is she?” Khushi starts scanning the room and finds her playing with few other kids.
“I will feed her Khushi.” Daayi Maa answers with a deep sigh. She then holds Khushi’s hand. “I know things aren’t fine between you and Arnav but please don’t make it obvious to your own child. You both are doing all of this for Aashi, isn’t it?”

Arnav doesn’t utter a word but Khushi nods in agreement.
“Then show Aashi, that you both are together. Stop isolating yourselves from each other at every possible chance”
Khushi understands the gravity in Daayi Maa’s words. Aashi wants to see them together afterall.
“Let’s eat” Arnav commands being the first one to accept Daayi Maa’s advise.

Khushi heads with Arnav to the buffet counter. None of the two talk to each other. They are quietly eating, with guests coming and blessing them, talking to them, in between. The moment one such guests leaves them alone again, Khushi exhales. Arnav notices her.

“I know you are tired of faking smiles here but I am not enjoying this either” he blurts.
“Aashi is coming” Khushi quickly intervenes as she sees Aashi rushing to them. “Aashi don’t run. Slow down” Khushi shouts.
Aashi reaches them and stands next to Khushi.
“I want to eat this” she points to the Jalebis which are in Khushi’s plate. Khushi smiles happily and feeds her the same.
“Ummm” Aashi makes a satisfied sound to which Khushi smiles again. “What is this?” Aashi asks.
“This is Jalebi. I like it too. When I was of your age, I used to eat all of it from my mummy’s plate”

Aashi becomes curious.
“What is Mummy?” she innocently asks.

This one doubt of hers gets tears in Khushi’s eyes. Their baby never got the warmth of a mother’s love. She only had her father besides, all these years. How is she supposed to understand who a mother is? Will she ever be able to make Aashi call her, mother? Arnav analyzes the situation and is not very impressed either. He recalls the time when he was planning to amend the contract and try discussing with his baby’s mother if she will be interested to terminate the contract and become his actual wife, so that they both can take care of their baby, together. But it never happened because before he could do that, he got to know the greedy intentions of that woman, of Khushi!!  Aashi keeps looking at Khushi’s face, waiting for a reply. Arnav drags Aashi to him and diverts the topic.

“Aashi, you like Rasgulla too, don’t you?” he asks her and then feeds her the Rasgulla. The sugary syrup of the rasgulla sticks to Aashi’s lips and both Arnav and Khushi raise their fingers together to wipe it. Their fingers brush with each other’s in the process. Their eyes lock for few seconds. Arnav is the first one to pull back his hand though. He doesn’t want to make his distance with Khushi more difficult for himself. Since the time they have seen each other today, he has felt an uncontrollable need within him to hold this woman passionately in his arms. And it is this fear of forgetting the sins that Khushi has done to him and Aashi, that he wants to learn controlling whatever little feelings he still has for her. He lets Khushi wipe Aashi’s lips while he finishes the food in his plate and strides away from them.
888
The party is almost getting over. Something clicks in Khushi’s mind while talking to the guests. Most of them were asking Arnav why his office staff is not invited. It is this question which makes Khushi wonder of one important person’s absence here. She hurries to Aman who is at the moment alone.

“Aman” she reaches him.
“Hey..”
“Arnav’s lawyer, Mr. Roy. Where is he?” she asks.
Aman has no clue why Khushi is suddenly interested in Roy.
“He is in Canada for some official work. Why?”
Khushi is lost in some deep thoughts which Aman gets her out of by asking his next set of doubts.

“Why did you suddenly remember Roy here?”
“Because he is the only one who can prove I am innocent” Khushi replies.
Aman gets confused.
“What do you mean?”
“Roy made the contract between me and Arnav 4 years ago, but I have never met him personally. He has always interacted with my father or Akash. I have never come face to face with him”
Aman still doesn’t understand her point.
“Okay, so whats the deal in this?” he asks.
“Aman, Roy is the one who informed Arnav that I had been breaking the terms of that agreement, that I was harming our child’s health. Roy made him believe that he has seen me drinking heavily during my pregnancy which is a lie.”

Her talks finally strike the link in Aman’s head.
“Oh yes. That means we somehow got to get Roy to meet you before Arnav. When he doesn’t recognize you, we can easily prove to Arnav that he had been lying earlier.”

Khushi nods but she is not as excited as Aman sounds.

“That’s not going to be easy Aman. This can induce a suspicion in Arnav’s mind about Roy but he will never easily believe that I am innocent.” She pauses to gulp the ache formed in her throat. “But you know what?” she gains some confidence again. “I don’t care what he thinks. I am going to prove my innocence and that is it. I don’t expect anything from him in return neither I am prepared to share that same feelings with him, which we once had”

Aman is hurt to hear this. Arnav is his best friend and it really aches to see your best friend never getting the love he deserved. But Khushi is right on her part. If Arnav cannot trust her, he will have to earn her love once again.
888
The party finally winds up. Arnav hugs Aman for being such a good host as usual.

“Thanks for the party Aman. I don’t know what I would do without you?” Arnav asks.
Aman starts laughing.
“I know that buddy. But I am jealous because someone else is stepping in your life to replace my activities.” Aman points to Khushi who is standing with Daayi Maa and Aashi who is asleep in Daayi Maa’s arms. She looks at Aman too as he continues drilling Arnav on purpose. “Khushi is going to be your life manager from now”

Arnav gives a heated stare to Aman who holds his ears to apologize. Shashi Gupta joins them soon.

“Aman, we will also leave now. You hosted so well. Even we would never have thrown such a good
Party for the engagement” Shashi exclaims.
“Uncle, it was my right to do this for Arnav and Khushi. Earlier I was just Arnav’s best friend but now Khushi and I share the same rapport, don’t we Khushi?”

Khushi shakes her head smiling.
“We just have a week more for the wedding to take place. And there is still so much to do” Shashi expresses. “Even though it is going to be court marriage, we have to gift our close relatives and friends”
“Oh yes Uncle. Don’t worry, I am here if you need my help. Just let me know”

Shashi thanks Aman again for offering this much help. Akash intervenes them.
“Uncle, the car is waiting out. When shall we leave?”
“Anytime Akash. I am ready. Khushi, what about you?” Shashi asks.

Just before Khushi could reply, Akash pauses her.
“Uncle, Khushi is not coming with us” Akash says.
Khushi is stunned and so is Shashi and Arnav. Aman winks at Akash for the perfect timing and continues sharing their ideas.
“Yes Uncle, try to understand. Arnav and Khushi have just got engaged. They need some time alone” Aman teases.

Both Khushi and Arnav look angrily at Aman for doing this to them. He is the only one who knows whats happening between them, yet he keeps pushing them towards each other which is totally unnecessary. Shashi Gupta laughs after understanding what Aman meant.

“Okay . okay.. I understand now. I am sorry Beta, I have grown too old to decipher couple goals of todays generation. But never mind. You are there to correct me.” Shashi then turns to Arnav. “Arnav, would you mind dropping Khushi home after you guys have some time together?”

Arnav frowns deeply. He straightens suddenly.

“I would have loved to spend some time with Khushi, but” he tries to look for some excuse and finds one. “Aashi is asleep and I have to take her home”

Khushi doesn’t react much to his denial. She knows there is nothing left between them to spend time alone now. Shashi and Akash agree to Arnav but Aman quickly finds a solution.
“Don’t worry about Aashi and Daayi Maa, I will drop them home safe.” Aman suggests.
Arnav clenches his jaw. He swears if no one else where here, he would have strangled Aman for pushing him so hard to do something against his will.

“No Aman, that’s fine. You have done a lot for us today. You need rest” Arnav negates Aman’s ideas but Shashi pokes in between.
“Arnav, I support Aman’s intentions here. Once you and Khushi are married, you will have a lot to focus on. Be it your individual work life, your home, Aashi and rest all things too. You will never get such time again. So, I suggest, you take Khushi for a drive and then drop her in some time”
“Dad but” Khushi tries to interfere but Arnav cuts her words by accepting the offer.
“Fine, I will drop Khushi in an hour”

While Shashi, Akash and Aman are happy that they could send the couple alone for some time, Khushi feels relatively sad that she is being forced to be with a man alone who doesn’t want her. This is such a royal insult. But only for the sake of her family’s happiness she agrees to go out with Arnav.

Arnav makes Daayi Maa and sleeping Aashi get in the other car so that Amna can drop them safely home. Khushi bids bye to Shashi and Akash and asks them to go home and head straight to bed. Today has been a hectic day for all of them. They accept her orders and then push her to Arnav who is waiting for her, beside his own car. Khushi hesitatingly gets in his car and he drives them off this place.
888
It has been 20 minutes that Arnav has been driving the car. He and Khushi have not spoken a single word since then. They are on the deserted streets, driving endlessly, without knowing where they want to go. Khushi suddenly feels suffocated. She remembers how he had avoided taking her along by giving excuse of Aashi’s sleep. She doesn’t want to be a burden on him.

“Stop the car” she mutters.

Arnav gives her a quick glance and then grips the wheel, continuing to accelerate the vehicle.

“I said stop the car, Arnav. Drop me here, and I will find a ride to go back home”
Arnav groans inwardly.
“Right, so that your father thinks I left you stranded on our engagement night?”
“We are lying enough to add one more lie in the list. I will tell him you dropped me. Now stop the car” She yells again but Arnav doesn’t give a damn ear to her screams. He keeps driving. Khushi gets raged.
“Fine” she groans and pulls the hand break hard. The car almost comes to halt immediately with a sharp noise and a bad jerk. The moment their car steadies, there is suddenly silence around. Khushi unclasps the seatbelt and opens the door.

“Are you mad?” Arnav yells at her but she doesn’t care. She gets down the car and starts walking ahead. Arnav gets pissed off.
“Khushi come back here” he screams.
“GO AWAY” she shouts and continues walking on the dark lonely road.

Arnav is frustrated at her behavior. He doesn’t like anyone throwing so much of attitude at him.
Sometimes she acts so stubborn that it becomes difficult for him to control her. He gets down the car and follows Khushi.

“Khushi come back, you won’t find a ride here” his tone is guarded.
“Not your problem, Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada. I will manage” She keeps walking.

A motorbike crosses from their side with full speed and halts at some distance from them. Two drunk men sitting on that motorbike look at Khushi with teasing eyes.

“Hey baby, got a problem? We can help” one of the man says.
“Shut up and mind your own business” she shouts and continues walking.
Arnav becomes alert.
“Khushi wait” he yells again but she continues to walk. She is now almost crossing the halted motorbike when the man sitting behind, holds her arm.
“We will give you a lift, if you don’t want one from him”

Khushi struggles to set herself free.
“Leave me” she shouts and the two men laugh, enjoying teasing her.
Arnav reaches there and punches the man who is holding Khushi’s arm. The bikers lose their balance and fall on the ground, with their bike. Khushi is shocked seeing Arnav kicking the two men, beating them black and blue. Both the men keep groaning in pain. Khushi tries to stop Arnav before he can do worse.

“Arnav, stop it. They are hurt enough. Leave them” Khushi pulls Arnav’s arm and tries to drag him away. As soon as she pulls Arnav off them, the men gather their strength and start the bike, leaving the spot immediately. Arnav picks a stone from the ground and throws it towards the speedy bike.
“Arnav stop” Khushi pulls him again and clutches his collar to get his senses back. “You will kill them Arnav, compose yourself”

Rage is still pulsing through him. His eyes blaze bright with anger.

“This is not a safe place to walk alone or find a ride. You went back on my word” his tone still carries a warning tone.
“Yes, I ignored your words because you were not happy either to take me away for an hour. What else did you expect me to do?” she yells back at him.

Arnav clutches her forearms strongly, pulling her close.
“You are out with me and thus you are my responsibility. If anything had happened to you, what would I tell to your father?”
“Don’t give me that excuse. I might be your temporary responsibility, not your asset” she scoffs and struggles to be freed.
Arnav grips her tighter and glares at her.
“ASSET?” he scorns.
Khushi shrugs him off and steps away.
“Yes, asset. I have seen how you claimed me to be yours before Kushal, in the party. What was that?”

His brow furrows. Yes, he did. He wanted to show Kushal that he has no chance anymore. He or any man in this world has no chance to win Khushi because she is his. Doesn’t matter if he hates her or loves her, but she is his. But confessing the same to her would make her suspect he still has feelings for her which he wouldn’t let happen. He cannot let Khushi use these feelings to convince him her innocence.

“Tell me, what was that?” she yells again coaxing him to reply.
“I think you haven’t read the prenup terms seriously yet. Let me remind you. Clause 3 - You will never have any other relationships, outside our marriage, which can defame my name in the society. Remember?"
“He is my friend and client. And you don’t get the rights to choose whom I meet and do business with” she shouts back.
“I know” he sighs. “But if that man or anyone else tries to lure you, or you breach the contract again, it is going to be a life-changing moment for you Khushi. Because this time I am not showing any leniency”

Khushi feels utterly disappointed by his talks. She still sees a glint of jealousy in his tone which he might be trying to hide.

“Neither of this is going to happen Arnav, because this time I am not letting anyone come between us to raise further misconceptions. This time, I will take care of it myself” she asserts. “But yes, one thing I can clearly see happening in future. Your repentance. And when that happens, I am not going to be lenient either. So, start preparing for those days”

Arnav is baffled to see her so affirmative about proving her innocence. How is she so sure about it when he has all the proofs of her cheat? Can those proofs be fake? For one second, even if he thinks in that angle, he gets goosebumps imagining what grave sin he has already committed by hurting the most treasured woman in his life. It indeed will be a worst nightmare if she proves her point and the clock of his repentance starts ticking.

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 34


Arnav parks the car inside the gates of Gupta Mansion. The little time they were forced to spend with each other wasn’t fruitful at all. All they did was fight with. But there was one small beam of hope too. Khushi could see again how much possessive he is about her. But this possessiveness has no meaning until he trusts her completely. This man whom she is marrying only believes in what he sees, he cannot blindly trust anyone, not even the woman whom he says he love.

“Bye” he murmurs looking at her but she is still cold to him. She unclasps the seatbelt. She tries to open the door and get down but Arnav uses the key controls to disallow her from leaving.

Her jaw tenses.

“You are not doing any favor by marrying me, Khushi. You need Aashi close to you, just like I do. So, stop pretending like I am forcing you for this marriage”

Khushi sighs inwardly.

“I don’t understand one thing” she snaps. “Why does it matter if I respond back to you or not, at least when we are alone. We don’t need to pretend being normal at least when there are no onlookers, Arnav.”
“It matters because ignoring each other is going be a habit otherwise. I don’t want to take a risk especially when Aashi’s future is at stake.”

Khushi chuckles sarcastically.
“You amaze me Mr. Raizada. You are going to make me stay in a different room after marriage. Wont take create a doubt in Aashi’s mind when she grows up? Or are you sure that by then I will prove myself innocent and you can then start amending the contract?”

Whenever she strongly says about proving her innocence, Arnav feels like he has done a grave mistake by hurting her. Somewhere deep down his heart, he wants the same. He wants to be innocent in that matter so that he can heartily accept her as his wife. But he recollects what she said. She is not interested in altering any clauses of their prenup agreement even after she has proved herself innocent. This is going to tough for him ahead.

“Open the damn door” she shouts. He is still watching her coldly. “Fine!!” she sighs in frustration and tries to get the control of the keys at his side door. She leans over him in the attempt to move his fingers away from those controls.
Arnav winces in pain. She stops her actions and retreats back. She sees the bruises on his fingers. Its because of the heavy punches he showered on the two men on motorbike who tried to tease her. A sudden concern emerges in her eyes.
“You are hurt” she voices out slowly. “Where is the first aid kit?”

She tries looking for the kit in the front storage and finds one. Arnav doesn’t utter a word. He is busy staring at her actions, at her expressions. She has to be innocent. A woman who is so much concerned of his little pain, can never give him such an ache. If she says she is going to collect the proofs which can prove her innocence, then he has to find those before her. By the time he is busy lost in these thoughts, Khushi manages to apply a bandage on his bruises.

“Get this changed tomorrow morning. I will call Daayi Maa and remind her too” she exclaims.

Arnav though comes out of his chain of thoughts, he unknowingly raises his fingers and wipes the dust from her forehead. The moment his fingers contact her skin, she shuts her eyes. They both know how deeply they still affect each other. He lingers his finger for few more seconds, on her face, even though the dust has been wiped off. Khushi opens her eyes and pushes his arm away.

“Let me go” she whispers.
Arnav swallows hard, trying to control his own self. What was he doing? He takes a deep breath and unlocks her door. She gets down and hurries to the main door. Arnav keeps staring at her until she gets inside the house and shuts the door. Starting the car engine, he accelerates out of Gupta mansion back home.
888
The next day Arnav steps in his office. Everyone from his staff start wishing him for the engagement. He keeps walking ahead, taking their wishes and finally gets in the cabin. There Sheetal Goel is already present, holding a flower bouquet.

“Congratulations on your Engagement, Sir” she slowly hands the bouquet to him which he accepts.
“Thank you”

He keeps it away and takes a seat. Sheetal starts pulling out the files which need his attention. Meanwhile she decides to dig some information too.

“I thought you and Khushi Ma’am broke up. How did this marriage thought suddenly pop up?” she asks him.
Arnav gives a quick glance to her and folds the sleeves of his formal shirt. He does not intend to let the world know he is marrying Khushi only for Aashi, though a part of him knows he wants her too.
“Every relationship has ups and downs Sheetal. But that doesn’t mean we end them. Besides, Aashi is too fond of her. She and Khushi love each other unconditionally. I didn’t want to break Aashi’s heart. Khushi is the best fit for her”

His diplomatic reply stuns her. Earlier she thought he likes sharing about his life with her but since the time Khushi Gupta stepped in, he gave this honor to her and now the matter has reached to this extent that he will never need other women to take that place. Sheetal groans inwardly.

“You are right Sir. Anyways, these are the files which need your signatures. Let me know when you are done.”

She heads out of the cabin controlling her anger but the moment she reaches her desk she pushes the paper weight down in frustration. How is this possible? She has done so much in the past 4 years to grab his attention but he never even looked at her. All her attempts so far will fail if this marriage happens. She will not let that happen. She will find some way to stop this marriage. She sits on the chair and starts thinking her next set of actions.
888
Two days later

Khushi welcomes Aman inside the cabin. She is surprised to see him here though.

“Hi Aman. Sorry, I was busy in a meeting. Why didn’t you tell me you were going to come here?”
She sits on her chair, keeping her laptop aside.
“I have something for you”

He takes out a hard-colorful envelope seeing which Khushi is more than overwhelmed. It’s a marriage invitation card.

“This is the invitation card to go out to the guests from the Raizadas and Guptas. How is it?”

Khushi takes it from him and admires it.
“Beautiful” she murmurs. Wish her married life with Arnav was going to be as beautiful as the contents of their wedding card. Her eyes tears but she controls her emotions. “Did you show him?”

Aman smiles.
“I did. He was admiring your name in it for a long time”
Khushi shakes her head in denial.
“You are lying”
“I am not”
“Aman, I really don’t care what he thinks about me now. We might walk together for Aashi but parallelly. That’s all”

Aman sighs.
“That’s what you think now. But who knows what surprises are instore for you both in future? You guys might not but I have a lot of hopes from my best friends. Anyways, how are the wedding preps going? Just 4 days to go”
“Dad and Akash are totally into it. I will be taking 3 days off from work anyways. I am so desperate to see Aashi. I talk to her daily but I want to take her in my arms, Aman. I am officially going to be her mother, it’s such a heavenly feeling”

Her happiness is reflected on her face.

“I can say the feeling is mutual. Arnav was telling me how much excited Aashi is to welcome you. Every morning she counts the days and asks Arnav how many more days to see you at their home”

Khushi likes to see how excited her daughter is.

“I should be leaving now. I have to handle a lot of work in Arnav’s absence”
“Why? Where is he gone?” she curiously asks.
“Mumbai. A client set up an urgent meeting there and since that project was entirely in Arnav’s control, I couldn’t replace him. But he will be coming back in 2 days.”
Khushi nods.
“Plus, Sheetal is not there too. So I cannot rely on my other staff to handle the work. I will take your leave now”

Khushi immediately gets alert.

“Sheetal has gone with him?”
“Yes. She usually travels a lot with him.”

Khushi doesn’t like this already.
“Bye Khushi. See you soon”

Aman leaves and Khushi’s mind start ticking. She knows Arnav has no feelings for Sheetal but she cannot say the same for the later. She knows how Sheetal longs for Arnav’s attention on her. She might have got to know about his engagement and it could have tricked some nasty ideas in her brain. Khushi hopes she is wrong this time. And Arnav is not a kid. He can look after himself. But he acts too lenient for Sheetal Goel. Will that create a problem for him? What if her suspicions turn true and Sheetal play some dirty trick to trap Arnav? She has to ask him to be cautious. But, he will never believe her so easily. Dammit!! What can she do?
888
Mumbai

Arnav and Sheetal shakes hand with their client again, concluding the meeting. It did go well. They have got another Project from the same client and this is a very good news for AR Software.

“Mr. Raizada. We heard you got engaged?” the client asks.
Arnav passes a feeble smile.
“Yes Mr. Shah. And the marriage is in 2 days” he answers. Sheetal stiffens in anger but doesn’t show it off.
“Oh congratulations. I must say your life partner has got good fortune for you. And no wonder she is one lucky woman to have you as husband”
“Yea looks like” he fakes a smile again. Somewhere deep down his heart he wants to believe that too. And suddenly Khushi’s arrogance of proving her innocence to him flashes in his mind. He has to do something quick to ensure they both are on the same page.
“Let’s toast the cocktail” the client exclaims.
“I will serve everyone” Sheetal offers and heads to the counter to address the waiters to fill their glasses.

She keeps an eye on Arnav who is busy talking to the clients. And then she plays her cards. She removes some tablet from her wallet and pops it in Arnav’s drink.

“Now let me see how you marry that Khushi Gupta” she grins at herself and carries the tray full of glasses to the group. She tactfully ensures Arnav picks the same glass which is spiked. They all toast the drink. Arnav gulps down the entire drink. Sheetal finishes hers.

They stay there for another 30 minutes after which Arnav feels something strange going in his head. He is about to stumble when Sheetal holds him.

“Sir, you okay?”
“Yea. I .. I Am fine. Just little dizzy.”
“Oh, in that case we should leave back to your Penthouse then.”

Arnav and Sheetal are staying in the same Sea-facing penthouse he owns here in Mumbai at a prime location. It is the same place where Mrs. Jones is the housekeeper and Arnav, Khushi and Aashi had spent some good time, the last time they were here.

Sheetal hurries Arnav out, back in their car to the Penthouse. Once they reach, Arnav presses the bell. He is losing his conscious state and is unable to understand why?

“Arnav, Mrs. Jones is not at home today. Don’t you remember you gave her a day off?”

Arnav doesn’t recollect that happening? When did he ask Mrs Jones to take off? He fishes his pocket and takes out the keys. He opens the door and stumbles again. Sheetal happily holds him and leads him to the bedroom. She puts him on the bed.

“Damm!! Whats wrong with me? I feel very.. .very different” he mutters. “My head aches”
“I know” she replies sitting next to him. “Do you want me to press your head?” she asks mischievously and without even his consent she touches his head. Arnav immediately shrugs her hand.
“Don’t” he snaps.
Sheetal still continues to touch him, trying to convince him.
“Arnav.. I … I have a special feeling for you. I have always had..” she utters.
Arnav looks horrified at her.
“Yes Arnav, all these years I have been yearning to say this to you. But I was afraid. I am just your valued employee and I know you will never breach the professional tie up between us. But Arnav, its enough. You cannot marry someone else. It hurts me”

Arnav shrugs off her arm and tries to move back.

“Stop it Sheetal.. You… I have . I have never felt for you”

She keeps coming closer to her.
“I know.. I know that but maybe from now you will feel it too”
She tries to hug him and he is about to push her away but he doesn’t need to put an effort for it. Within a fraction of second, someone forcefully pulls Sheetal away from him and slaps her hard on cheek. Arnav strains his eyes to see who did that and is bowled to see his fiancée Khushi Gupta standing between him and Sheetal Goel.


__________________________________________________________________________



Chapter 35

Arnav shrugs off Sheetal’s arm and tries to move back.

“Stop it Sheetal.. You… I have . I have never felt for you”

She keeps coming closer to her.
“I know.. I know that but maybe from now you will feel it too”
She tries to hug him and he is about to push her away but he doesn’t need to put an effort for it. Within a fraction of second, someone forcefully pulls Sheetal away from him and slaps her hard on cheek. Arnav strains his eyes to see who did that and is bowled to see his fiancée Khushi Gupta standing between him and Sheetal Goel.

“How dare you?” Khushi growls. There is possessiveness in her eyes and tone. Sheetal has not expected to see Khushi here. She rubs her cheek, where Khushi has just slapped, to erase off the pain and gets up from the floor.
“What are you doing here?” she mumbles in fear.
“I should be asking you that. What are you doing in my fiancee’s bedroom? You are just his secretary and you should have known your limits”

Arnav already feels safe when Khushi shows Sheetal her right place. He wouldn’t have been able to do that in his drunk state with this level of intensity.

Sheetal gets confused. She tries to turn the game.

“He… he got me here. I was just helping him. That’s all.. It is his mistake.”

Arnav startles and he is about to confess she is lying but Khushi doesn’t give him a chance to feel guilty at all.

“Yes, it is his mistake that he made you stay in this same house. But I am sure he might have done this to cut off your additional travel to the client’s location in this city. He doesn’t have any feelings for you Sheetal. It is your nasty mind which fooled you to do all this. Do you think by pretending to sleep with Arnav, you could have broken our relationship? I am not a woman who can buy your lies so easily. I trust Arnav. He can never do anything like that.”

She trusts him? Even in his drunk state he realizes the power behind those words.

More than being angry on Sheetal, Arnav is angry on himself. He was always so busy in accusing her, showing distrust on her, but look what she did today? She trusted his instincts, his sanity, his love. Isn’t that the most painful thing to expect from the woman whom he pretends to hate?

Sheetal is in a fix how to handle the situation. She doesn’t want to lose this game which she started for her benefit. But maybe this is not the right time to perform another stunt. She will have to let Khushi win this time.

“Get out of here before I call the cops and hand you to them, myself on the charges of forcing yourself on my fiancée” Khushi barks.

Arnav smirks at Khushi. He has no eyes on anyone else but her. She is so damn cute. How did he miss how beautiful she looks when angry?
“Yea.. she… she can do that” he stammers from behind her, warning Sheetal to take Khushi’s words seriously.

Khushi is too angered to notice he is taking her side. Sheetal angrily picks her purse and rushes out of the house. Mrs. Jones gets in their room.

“Thank God you came Khushi. I was wondering why suddenly I got message from Arnav asking me to take a leave tonight. He has never done that in all these years. Whenever he is here with Aashi or alone, he always needs me to take care of his food and stay. I really appreciate your sixth sense for coming here on time and even alerting me to get back home and keep an eye on Arnav”

Arnav raises his brows at Khushi. She planned his escape. Wow!!
“You are genius baby” he cups her face and she is not very surprised by his drooping love, considering he is not in his senses. She shrugs his arms slowly, not letting Mrs. Jones know they don’t share this bonding anymore.
“Thanks, Mrs. Jones. I will call you if I need anything. You can go rest”

Mrs. Jones leaves and Khushi turns to Arnav. He is so much drowsy that he cannot even stand on his feet by himself.
“I cannot believe you are here” he slides his arms around her waist. She realizes he is not in his senses to remember he hates her.
“She must have spiked your drink. I am glad you didn’t get Aashi along. She would have not recognized her father otherwise” she replies.

Arnav chuckles.
“I like your sense of humor” he touches the corner of her lips and rubs his finger there.
Khushi feels breathless. What is he doing? They say that people in this condition usually say the truth, is this what he is doing? He is showing every sign of desiring her, so opposite to what he keeps presenting otherwise these days.

“You.. you should sleep”

She tries to take him to bed. Arnav uses her support to reach there.
“You came for me.. ? All the way?” he asks lovingly.

Khushi doesn’t reply. It might be true that she came here for him, but she is not going to let him take that advantage and think she is always available for him, even though he hates her. But she cannot let him manage his own stuff at this state. He needs her help. On humanitarian grounds and because he is her child’s father, she will help him.

“We need to get you out of these clothes first” she mutters.

Arnav laughs. He pulls her closer to his face. Their eyes meet.
“Really?”
Khushi wants to bite her lip to suppress the growing desires for him. How she wishes he gets his senses back. He is so drunk that he is unable to sit either. He tries to lie down behind but she stops him.

“No.. No.. Arnav.. wait.. You cannot sleep in these clothes”

Arnav groans when she wakes him up again and makes him sit. She removes his suit and then starts unbuttoning his shirt. Arnav smirks. He starts playing with her hair, curling a strand of it with his fingers.

“I like your hair” he whispers.
Khushi gives him a quick gla nce without smiling and then takes his shirt out. It is so difficult to undress a drunk person. She groans when he becomes stiff on purpose, making it all the more comfortable.
“Arnav” she shouts.
He shakes his head as if reading her mind and loosens himself to allow her take the shirt off. The instant she pulls it away, he lies down on the bed. Khushi removes his shoes and socks and throws them away. All this is hard for her. To help a man who hates her so much. But it is not always about the other person. What about her feelings? She still feels for him somewhere in the bottom of her heart but doesn’t want to give air to that feeling. She knows the end result will be devastating. She switches the bed lamp off and is about to leave when he holds her wrist.

“Don’t go” he urges. His voice is desirous.

She wants to shrug him off but doesn’t. She sits next to him and caresses his hair. The next morning she knows he will remember none of it.

“Close your eyes and sleep” she mutters.
He immediately raises his head and places it on her lap. She is baffled by his action. He cuddles her lap taking her by surprise. He is acting like a baby who needs his mother beside, at least until he sleeps.

“Don’t leave me ever” he murmurs.

Khushi gets tears in her eyes.

Please say this when you are back in senses, Arnav. Her subconscious mind pleads.

She unknowingly brushes his hair by her fingers. He raises his head and looks at her face when a drop of tear falls on his cheek. He becomes serious too. He wipes the tear from her cheek.
“Don’t cry” he breathes hard and gets her hand to his mouth level. He kisses her palm.
“I have a thing for your hands” he sexily kisses her palm again. Khushi withdraws her hand immediately.
“God!! What has she spiked your drink with? You are acting so weird” she complains.
Arnav chuckles to her comment.
“I am born weird” he winks at her and holds her hand again but this time he keeps it over his chest.

Khushi wants to admire him like this, so calm, so lovable and so much into her. But she knows at the next ray of sunshine, he will be hurting her again. Though his eyes are closing by sleep, he is still trying to keep them open and admire her face.

“Aashi has your nose” he touches the tip of her nose gently.

Oh yes. That she does. Aashi resembles a lot like her.
“She has your eyes too” he adds.

Khushi shifts uncomfortably beneath his head. Why is he saying all this? She cannot bear it more.

“Let me remind you Arnav, you hate me”
“I don’t” he tries to shut her up. His eyes speak volumes tonight and she cannot see even a glimpse of hatred in his expressions.

Please say this when you are back to your senses, Arnav.. Please.

Her subconscious mind keeps hoping he would do that but she is not sure. She doesn’t want to keep dark hopes like this. Arnav slowly raises himself and sliding his arm around her waist, makes her sleep next to him. She feels weaker to avoid him.

“I don’t hate you, Khushi” he reassures. “I tried.. I tried everything to hate you but I couldn’t.”

Khushi feels so relieved hearing that from the man himself. She swallows.
“I don’t care either if you actually did all that in the past or not. All that matters right now is us..” he inhales sharply. “I want our marriage to work. Not just for Aashi.. But also for us”
What is she supposed to say after this? She cannot even argue saying how much he hurt her all these days because she doesn’t know if he really will have the same feelings and thoughts when he wakes up tomorrow.
Arnav kisses her forehead and then hugs her to his chest. He keeps his arms secured on her back, so that she doesn’t leave him and go away.
“Arnav… please… I have cried so much.. Don’t do this to me again. I don’t want to get entangled in you in any way which can dishearten me again in future”
He pulls away and rests his head against hers.
“Ssssshhh”
She melts. This so feels like home now. In his arms.. this eye to eye contact… their breathes colliding… She sees him closing his eyes again and within the next few seconds he is snoring softly. Its over!! She knows it is over because tomorrow morning he will forget each and every little word he has uttered to her. Her heart aches but she doesn’t let it screw her mind. She has to keep a control over her emotions and desires. She slowly comes off his hug and leaves the room.
888
Next Morning

“Khushi” Arnav shouts her name, throwing the duvet off his body. He wakes up with this one name ringing constantly in his sleep. He scans the room and recollects where he is. And then the series of flashes of last night cross his mind. Sheetal trying to get close to him, Khushi barging in and slapping Sheetal. Damm!! He never thought in his dreams that Sheetal Goel will go to this extent. Having feelings for someone is fine but how can she try to break his marriage with Khushi? And Khushi? She came here all the way to protect him? He is so thankful to her.

Slowly few more flashes cross his mind and recollects how Khushi took care of him last night. She helped him remove his clothes, shoes. He was sleeping on his lap, telling her he doesn’t hate her. Shit!! She must have been so confused by his double reactions. Where is she?
He wears the shirt lying next to the bed and comes out. Mrs. Jones is making his Omelets.

“Oh.. Good morning ASR. Drink this, it will cure your hangover”

She passes him a drink but he denies.
“Where is Khushi?”
“In the guest room. She is leaving in few minutes. Her car has arrived to take her to the airport”
“Shit!!” Arnav gasps and hurries to the guest room. The door is not completely locked so he easily gets inside. She is checking the contents of her purse and when she sees him standing before her, she halts her actions.

Arnav gets speechless for a moment. Last night he slept on her lap, praised her, took her in arms and said he wanted their marriage to work. What else is supposed to say now? Negate everything that he said last night or accept it heartily.

“You.. .you are leaving?” he asks apologetically.
“Yes. The Mehndi ritual is today evening. Have to reach home before that”
Arnav understands.
“I am leaving by my jet in 2 hours. You can come along”
“No!!” she instantly denies. “I have booked my flight. Thanks”

She turns around and continues checking her purse. Arnav realizes she is mad. And he wants to thank her too for coming here and saving him.

“Thank you” he softly mutters, loud enough for her to hear it.
“For?” she doesn’t turn around.
He gazes at her attitude impassively.
“For coming here and watching my back. I cannot even imagine what that woman had planned.”

He is being truthful to her and she knows that.
“Now you realize why I always warned you against her?” she snaps. “We women can sense the other women’s intentions quite easily. Especially if it is about her man”

She pauses seeing a glint of joy in his eyes. She knows that’s because she showed her possessiveness once again to him. That was not needed.

“I am getting late. Excuse me” she drags her bag out but he holds her hand. There is a warmth in his touch, similar one which she felt last night too. Does he remember what all he did, what all he said? Before she can ponder more about that, he comes ahead and meets her eyes. They stand staring at each other, drinking each other in.
“It needs a lot for anyone to show that level of trust which you did on me last night. I am grateful to you” he whispers, his eyes gazing in hers.

Khushi lets a sigh of sarcasm.

“Maybe I couldn’t cultivate that trust in your heart, in the little time we were together, which is why you abandoned me”
Arnav gets mad.
“I didn’t abandon you”
“You didnt support me either” she snaps. “Arnav Singh Raizada believed some damn papers and his lawyer over the women he gave his heart to. Or wait” she pauses. “Did you ever love me, Arnav? Because people who love each other, trust each other. I never saw that in our case”

Arnav clutches her arms strongly.

“Can we start over once again?”

Khushi shrugs his arms.
“It is too late for that”

She drags her bag finally out of the room and leaves the house. Arnav stands there totally disappointed by their conversation. Whatever he has done so far has dug a huge distance between them. It wont be easy to cover it up again. Not so soon.

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 36
Khushi boards the flight, recollecting all the memories of her visit to Mumbai. She wonders what would have happened hadn’t she come here at the right time? Her sixth sense really functioned this time and she didn’t let Sheetal’s wicked intentions to work. Arnav’s over trust on Sheetal would have costed him a lot otherwise. Khushi doesn’t want to judge Sheetal’s feelings for Arnav. Any woman can fall for his charming, smart and intelligent personality. But the ways which Sheetal used to conquer him is wrong. She has crossed every limit of her professionalism. Now it will be worth seeing what action Arnav will take against her once he is back to Delhi.

With all these thoughts she closes her eyes as the plane takes off. She knows the evening function is not going to give her any rest.
888
Arnav narrates everything that happened here to Aman over the call as he drives back to board his jet. Aman is highly shocked to know Sheetal could go to such lower limits for getting Arnav’s attention forever.

“I am disappointed Arnav. I always saw a huge potential in Sheetal. She did so well all these years. How come I never realized she had such hard feelings for you?” Aman exclaims.
“Even I never suspected that Aman. I had a feeling she likes me but there is a difference between liking someone and wanting someone so badly. I cannot even imagine how would I face myself had Khushi not interfered here”

Aman smiles.

“I told you Arnav. You are marrying the right girl and she will always be there to protect whats hers”

Aman’s confidence on Khushi gets a small smile on Arnav’s lips as well.

“She trusted me so easily, no other woman would have done that Aman” Arnav mutters.
Aman is happy to see a glimpse of that same lover boy which Arnav was before all the truth of Khushi-Aashi relationship came out.
“Why don’t you start over Arnav?”
Arnav gulps recalling how he had asked Khushi the same today and she rejected.
“It’s too late for that”
“No, it’s not. You both are getting married in 2 days. This is the perfect timing to forget all the past and start fresh”
“I wished the same” Arnav murmurs. “But she denied. Its hard for her to accept things between us like before. I guess I have broke her beyond repair”

Aman feels the pain of his friend and desperately wants to ease it off.

“So where do you stand now? You believe her innocence or you still don’t?” Aman asks.
“Whenever I look in her eyes, I see her innocence Aman. And it is that confidence which makes me want to believe her. But you know me. I have always trusted proofs and all of them are against her. But I want to forget all this past and go ahead. But that’s not the case with Khushi.”

Aman chuckles sarcastically.
“That’s because you didn’t trust her. Your accusations have bruised her heart. You need to mend it back with love. Nothing is impossible my friend. One day you will get the old Khushi back and this time forever.”

Aman’s advises soothe him up. He gets down the car which halts before his Private Jet.

“I am boarding now. See you in the evening at Gupta house”
“Gupta house? What work do we have there?”
“Aman stop acting. It’s Khushi’s Mehndi ceremony tonight”
“Yes, it is. And groom is not allowed” Aman reminds.
Arnav sighs memorizing that.
“But Aashi is allowed and she is missing Khushi already. It will be nice if Aashi visits Khushi today”

Aman agrees.

“Okay, then I will take her there. You don’t need to come”
Arnav rolls his eyes.
“Stop teasing Aman. And bye for now”
“Okay” Aman laughs. “See you at evening”

Arnav hangs up and boards his private jet. For now he just wants to reach home and spend time with Aashi but tomorrow he is going to take some important decisions related to Sheetal Goel who messed up really bad with him.
888
Gupta House

The house is partially crowded by guests who have come to be a part of Khushi’s Mehandi ceremony. The would-be bride is sitting on the couch, surrounded by few of her cousins and friends, getting the Mehandi pasted on her hands and legs. She is staring at the initial of Arnav on her palm. It’s very artistically drawn and quite visible. Her father is running around, greeting the guests. His happiness is immeasurable today. And Akash, he is so much into the arrangements. This is her family. Small and sweet. She cannot even imagine any one of them cheating her. It has to be someone from the outside who played with their contract. But who? Until Arnav’s lawyer, Roy is back, nothing more can be found out. Earlier she was in such a hurry to prove her innocence to Arnav but now she isn’t. She knows proving it once for all will clear the doubts but from the recent behavior of Arnav, especially in Mumbai, she feels he has already started to trust her. But it is still late. She cannot forgive him that easily. And there is also the prenup agreement oscillating between them whose terms are horrible. It is going to be a disaster to follow for Arnav, more than her.

“Khooossii”

Khushi’s chain of thoughts break as she hears the lovely voice of her baby girl. Aashi rushes inside the Mansion straight into her arms. Khushi lovingly kisses her cheeks and embraces her. She was missing her baby and thought she won’t be able to see her until the wedding day but Arnav really gave her a surprise by getting Aashi before she had expected.

“Khoosi.. when are you coming home?” Aashi asks.
“Umm.. in 2 days. And then we are going to have lot of fun together”
“Yessshhh” Aashi happily puts her arms around Khushi’s neck and hugs her. It is such a pleasant feeling to get so much love from your own kid.

Khushi notices Arnav passing glances at her while talking to her father who is highly surprised that he made it here. He is going to be grilled with teases for sure. He looks relaxed and not that stubborn which he was few days ago.

“Mr. Gupta, Aashi wanted to see Khushi so I couldn’t deny her” Arnav explains. Aman who has also accompanied Arnav here starts laughing. Akash also chuckles at the same time.
“Uncle..” Akash interrupts. “Haven’t you seen movies? The groom is always finding excuses to meet the bride. Whats the harm if Arnav does the same?”

Both Aman and Akash laugh again while Shashi smirks at the fondness he sees in Arnav’s eyes for Khushi. It was missing from past few days.
“Okay .. okay.. I will allow. But Arnav, tomorrow is your Haldi and after that until the marriage happens, you wont be able to see Khushi. And this has to be followed strictly” Shashi replies.
“Of course, Mr. Gupta” Arnav is short of words now. He has never dealt such a situation before.

Akash and Aman drag Arnav towards Khushi and Aashi.
“Perfect lie Arnav. I didn’t know you were desperate from inside to see Khushi” Akash teases. “I thought you guys met in Mumbai”
Arnav is confused. So Khushi didn’t tell her father or Akash anything about the Mumbai incident? That is very kind of her otherwise it would have been awkward for him to face this family.

“Khushi you are one lucky woman to have such a loving man” Akash exclaims after they reach the couch. Khushi fakes a smile and helps Aashi sit on her lap.
“Hi Aman” Khushi greets him but not Arnav who frowns at her ignorance.
“Hi Khushi. You are looking very pretty tonight. So, all set to cage my friend?” Aman asks.
Khushi smiles again. Arnav gives a sarcastic stare to Aman as if asking him to be quiet.
“Okay.. okay. I get it. Come on Akash, lets leave the love birds alone”
“Yes, please enjoy” Akash winks at the two and leaves with Aman.

Arnav sighs as they leave and takes a seat opposite to Khushi and Aashi who is busy staring at Khushi’s palm.
“Thanks for getting Aashi here” Khushi says quickly. “I was missing her too”
“How was your flight back here?” he politely asks.
“Good.” She fakes a smile and then admires Aashi who has a very important question for her.
“Khoosi.. what is this?” Aashi asks pointing at her palm.
“Its called Mehndi. It’s like a drawing”
“Drawing?”
“Yes”
“This is A” Aashi points at the initial of Arnav on Khushi’s palm.
Arnav keeps observing the two. It is always soothing enough to see the mother-daughter conversing.
“Yes, that’s A for Aashi” Khushi replies giving Aashi another side hug.
Aashi claps her hand with anxiety.
“I also want it on my hand” Aashi insists.
Khushi chuckles and picks a Mehndi cone in her hand.
“I will draw it. Open your palm”

Aashi opens her palm.
“I want A for Aashi and K for Khoosi here” Aashi demands.
Arnav gazes down at Khushi as she answers.
“And what about Daddy’s name?”
Aashi pouts understanding the point.
“Okay. So A for Aashi .. K for Khoosi and A for Arnav”

Khushi smiles brightly and starts putting the initials on Aashi’s little palm. She draws all the three initials artistically and then keeps the cone aside. She starts blowing air on Aashi’s palm to ensure it dries soon. Arnav watches it all.

“Daddy see” Aashi gets down from Khushi’s lap and comes to Arnav to show the Mehndi.
“Its beautiful. Don’t rub your palms or else it will go away. Okay?” he explains.
“yes. I will show to Aman uncle”

Aashi runs towards Aman and Akash who are busy enjoying the desserts at the corner. Khushi suppresses the impulse to get away from him. She knows every pair of eyes are on them and she does not want to give them a topic to gossip.

“Can we talk somewhere private?” he asks without wasting time, surprising her.
“No” she gasps. “If this is about Mumbai then let me tell you I have closed that topic. I don’t need any explanations”
“It’s not about Mumbai” his voice is expressionless.
Khushi stares at him with an unknown gesture.
“Then what is it about?”

Arnav gasps looking elsewhere and then back at her. It is like he wants to say something but isn’t finding the right atmosphere around.

“Lets go upstairs” he snaps.

Without a warning he gets up and holds Khushi’s hand too, making her get up from her seat. He isn’t asking for permission, he is demanding.
“We cant. There are guests around” she scolds but he doesn’t take it seriously.
Khushi keeps walking with him until they are stopped by her cousins at the stairs.
“Oh Jeejaji, you look very desperate to take our sister. But you cannot” one of Khushi’s cousin pokes.
“We need a moment to talk” his sudden errant behavior surprises Khushi.
“Neha, please. We will be back in a moment” Khushi interrupts before he says something horrible to her cousins and scare them.
Neha and others shake their head and keep giggling as they make their way upstairs.

They enter Khushi’s room and it is then where Khushi takes her arm off his hold.

“I hope this is really important because you have created enough scene for everyone downstairs” she scolds him again.
“It is” he replies trying to find the exact words. Khushi waits for him to settle down and utter what he wants to. “I am withdrawing our prenup” he whispers.

Khushi feels a jolt within herself as she hears it from him. She swallows as he gently clutches her arms and draws her close.

“Because its baseless” he adds. “I framed it because I was mad at you and I always take the wrong decisions when I am angry. I have been the same always.”
Khushi closes her eyes in fury and then meets his gaze again.
“This is not a play Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada. When you agree to commit to something, do it with all your heart. That agreement was between us and you cannot take the decision all alone to withdraw it”

Arnav had expected her to be so rigid in agreeing to him.

“And let me remind you, I am yet to give you the proofs of my innocence, so why hurry?” she asks sarcastically.
“I don’t need any proofs” he stares impassively at her. “I just want us to leave the past where it is and concentrate on our future”

Khushi steps away giving a mocking laugh.

“I don’t agree with this. Your allegations were too strong to just leave it hanging. And I don’t work like you. I finish things off which can ruin my present and future and only then I am satisfied.”

Arnav is slowly getting intense and raged but he knows she is right. He comes closer again.

“Look, I absolutely understand your state of mind Khushi and I promise never to show distrust on you. Just give me a chance” he politely requests.
“Too late for that” she snaps and turns around to go.
Arnav clenches his jaw and clasps her hand, pulling her back to him. Their eyes meet. She has never seen him so passionately looking in her eyes.

“If this is how you plan to punish me, then I am ready for it” he snarls. “But for the love of God, Khushi, don’t make it too hard for us.”
Khushi has never felt such strong emotion in him for winning her, like she saw today. It is just the start. He will have to go through everything that he has made her go in the last few days. She turns around and leaves the room without answering him any further.

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 37
A soft voice startles Arnav who has been trying to put Aashi to sleep tonight. Since the time he has returned back from Gupta House, after Khushi’s Mehndi ceremony, he has been thinking about his conversation with her which didn’t go as planned. He had thought after knowing that he wants to cancel the Prenup agreement, Khushi would sober down a bit towards him but it didn’t happen. Khushi is not going to tone down so easily. He has crooked things enough between them which might take long to ease down again.

It is Daayi Maa who wants to step in his bedroom and she is holding a cup of Coffee for him.

“Please come in Daayi Maa” he utters slowly pulling the quilt over sleeping Aashi.
Daayi Maa waits for him to reach the recliner.
“She slept finally!!”
“Yes she did” Arnav says taking the mug from Daayi Maa. “She is very excited that Khushi is coming here permanently”
Daayi Maa smiles with the same excitement.
“She is not the only one who is so excited. I am equally happy that you will finally have your own complete family now. I always wondered how that woman would be with whom you will settle down. Because I was worried for Aashi. But that worry has gone now. You are getting the woman who has not just given birth to Aashi but she loves her immensely too”

Arnav smiles. But Daayi Maa doesn’t notice that spark in his smile and she is very much aware why it is so. She places her arm on his shoulder.

“Give some time to her, she deserves it after everything you did”

Her advice is not very different from that of Aman’s.

“You know I am not very good with having patience Daayi Maa. I always jump into conclusions and I want quick results. This is what has hampered my relationship with Khushi so far”
“Yes. You have always hurried to get things your way. Do you remember your haste for having your own child?”

Arnav chuckles.

“You were so shocked that day when I revealed my plans. I remember you asked me if I was drunk that day”
Daayi Maa shakes her head.
“Yes, I do remember. I was really surprised that you could take such a decision. Plus, I was not really happy that the idea of having a baby was through such artificial means. It had really blown my head thinking how the health of the baby would be when it takes birth. I was so worried to even hold her in my arms the first time” Daayi Maa shares her concerns and then pauses giving one glance at the sleeping form of Aashi.

Arnav keeps smiling. He had never heard what Daayi Maa felt when she was assigned the responsibility of raising Aashi.

“You took good care of her Daayi Maa” he says holding her hand. “Just like you took mine” he adds.

Daayi Maa feels proud whenever he says that.
“After Dad and Mom died, you could have left this job of handling me and start your own family. But you never did it. You were there to raise me as your own child. I don’t know what would have happened to me had you not taken this responsibility”

Daayi Maa’s eyes brim with tears. It is true that she never started her own family because the mere thought of leaving this little orphaned boy alone to survive melted her heart every time she planned to take that decision.

“Who said I don’t have my own family?” she asks him back, wiping her tears. “You, Aashi and now Khushi are my family. I will always be there for you all”
Arnav falls short of words to thank her.
“Finish your coffee, it is getting cold” she interrupts and gets up to leave. “Should I take Aashi with me?”
“No let her sleep with me tonight”
Daayi Maa agrees and leaves the room. Arnav hears Aashi softly whimpering in sleep. It might be a bad dream. He quickly reaches her and starts caressing her head. She stops whimpering and continues to snore. Life is going to change in few hours. Khushi will be joining his family and he will have to make every attempt to win her heart again and ensure to trust her at every walks of life. But that doesn’t mean he is going to leave the culprits of their misunderstanding loose. He is going to trace them and ensure they pay for their sins.
888
Arnav Singh Raizada storms in his office. He is not going to be here for long. He can see a shock on the faces of his Staff, to see him at work today. Tomorrow is his wedding and there is no urgency according to them that he should be here. But they don’t know why he is here for. Aman meets him at the lobby.

“Arnav?? You.. what are you doing here?” Aman sounds irritated.
“Won’t be here for long. Come with me in the cabin”

Aman does as told. Both reach the cabin. Arnav picks the receiver and calls his HR Manager inside. He comes in the cabin with some papers.
“Sir, the papers are ready. We just need your signatures”
Arnav takes the papers from him and gives a quick look.
“What is all this about?” Aman asks.
“A formality Aman” Arnav signs the papers and gives it back to the Manager. “Please coordinate with her”
“Yes Sir. But she is on leave today. I will talk to her on Phone though”
“Yes, do that”

The HR Manager leaves and Arnav finally details everything to Aman.

“I am firing Sheetal from this office” Arnav exclaims.
Aman is not very startled to know. Arnav has all reasons to do so.
“Oh” he mumbles.
“But I don’t want the staff to know what she did with me. Finally, she is a woman and she has given her 4 years to us. I don’t want her name to spoil.” Arnav further adds.
“I agree.” Aman pauses. “So, on what grounds are you removing her from this job?”
“We need a more upgraded resource for our upcoming projects which she at the moment hasn’t specialized in.”

Aman sighs.

“That’s an enough excuse. But she is going to serve the notice period, right? She has to go through the handover process”
“Yes. She will serve one month and that much time is enough for anyone to handover all the responsibilities she was loaded with here. I have asked the HR Manager to recruit for an assistant who can take her place”
“Perfect. You have really taken a very good decision Arnav. Even Khushi will be happy to know this” Aman teases.

Arnav passes a faint smile.

“And one more thing, Aman” Arnav points out. “I have invited Roy for the wedding”

Aman gets curious now.
“Roy? Isn’t he in Canada?”
“He was, now he is on the next flight to Delhi”
“Okay, that’s interesting. But why have you invited him? Any plans?”
“I want him to recognize Khushi, which he won’t” Arnav replies. “Khushi and Roy have never met personally. And it was Roy who fed this to me that he has seen Khushi breaching the terms of the contract while she was pregnant; that he has seen her drinking heavily. This means when he sees Khushi in the wedding, he should recognize her, but he won’t. That will be enough to prove he was lying”

Aman is dazed by Arnav’s planning.

“Wow.. This is going to be very interesting to watch. So, you haven’t told him whom you are marrying? Not even her name?”
“I purposely didn’t. I just said I am marrying one of my Client”
“Wonderful. Roy will be trapped if he is the real culprit and even if he directly isn’t, we will know whom he did all this for”

Arnav shakes his head in agreement. Aman feels extremely proud of his friend again.

“Khushi will be impressed again. I was going to help her sort this misunderstanding with you. But looks like I don’t need to do anything now. You are enough to clear it out” Aman expresses.
“Don’t tell anything about this to Khushi yet. She is already nervous, I don’t want to add it on especially when she is so much full of people around her. She needs time to unwind herself from the Gupta’s and join me and Aashi forever. Let us give her that space Aman”

Aman is once again astonished by Arnav’s thoughts. Now it seems like Arnav is on a run to chase his love and this is really very pleasing.

“Well, its your Haldi today and the groom isn’t allowed to loiter outside. Let’s get back home and start preparing for the ceremony” Aman drags Arnav out of the office back to Shantivan.
“There is one more thing that’s left to do” Arnav interrupts.
Aman stops.
“Now what?” he is infuriated.

Arnav happily instructs Aman his further plans. Aman is super excited to know it.

“Damn!! I feel like kissing you Man” Aman screams.
“Of course not. I am marrying tomorrow” Arnav winks and walks ahead, followed by a over excited Aman. He has so many additional tasks to take up to make Arnav’s new plan a success.
888
The Haldi ceremony begins at Gupta Mansion, in the evening. The guests apply Haldi on Khushi who is sitting in a white Lehnga, reciprocating smiles at people. She tries not to think about her conversation with Arnav that happened yesterday during the Mehndi. He suddenly wants to end the prenup and she denied doing so. What made him suddenly believe her? She feels it is just a reciprocation of what she did with him in Mumbai. This man takes huge decisions of his life so hastily. Today he wants to believe her, tomorrow he will be the first one to jump into another conclusion and misunderstanding. She cannot take it again and again. This distance which he created between them is necessary until they he learns to respect the love between them.

At Shantivan, the ceremony is addressed with the same joy. Arnav is sitting in the middle of the living room, with Daayi Maa applying the Haldi on him first. Aman is next. Aashi is confused and she keeps asking Aman why is everyone painting her father.

“Because it’s Daddy’s painting day today” Aman answers. “Do you want to paint dad?”
“Yesh” Aashi happily replies.
“There you go” Aman makes her little hands dip in the haldi and takes her to Arnav.

Arnav closes his eyes as his baby pastes the Haldi on his cheeks and then arms as directed by Aman.

“Daddy, you look like a yellow cartoon”
Arnav rolls his eyes.
“I know that Sweetheart”
He takes her in his embraces and rubs his cheeks on her face too. She giggles and struggles to free but he doesn’t leave her.
“Now you also look like a little yellow cartoon” he taps her nose.
She giggles again and hugs her father.

Aman takes a snap of the two and some group selfies later. Khushi must see all of these. He quickly sends these pictures to Khushi who is just back from shower. She is wiping her hair when this message beeps on her phone. She checks her phone and a series of smiles sweeps on her face. She zooms the picture to see if Arnav is really that happy and she is very thrilled to know he is. It looks so much like a regular marriage but it isn’t. Even though Arnav is trying his best now, she is the one who will need some time to heal the bruises which he gave her before.

She continues admiring the pictures though and soon realizes something. She dials Aman’s number who receives it almost instantly.

“Saw the pics?” he asks.
“I did. Pass the phone to Aashi”
“Aashi? Okay wait”

Aman looks for Aashi and passes the phone to her.
“Khooosi.. I painted on daddy’s face” Aashi shares this incident with so much excitement.
“I know baby, I saw. Now do one thing”

Khushi instructs Aashi something and Aashi agrees to it. She passes the phone back to Aman and runs away.

“What did you tell her?” Aman asks.
“You will know”

Soon Aashi comes back with her palms dripping with Haldi and pastes it on Aman’s face.

“Yehhh.” She starts jumping with joy.

Aman’s jaw drops as he sees Daayi Maa and even Arnav laughing at what just happened.
“This is what I told her” Khushi replies over the call.
Aman laughs too and before he can drag Aashi to him, she runs away.
“Good one Khushi. Let me get hold of that little minx first. Will call you back. Want to talk to Arnav?”
“No” Khushi instantly denies.
“Come on.. don’t be so rude. I am passing”

Aman passes the phone to Arnav and starts chasing Aashi.

“Hello” Arnav is happy to talk but as soon as he says that, Khushi disconnects the phone on the other end. “Khushi.. Hello” he again calls out but realizes it is of no use. She is too stubborn to forgive him that easily. Fine!! He will see till when she ignores him and how.


__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 38
“Yes, I heard it” Sheetal clenches her jaw. She is just been informed by the HR manager of AR that she is been terminated from work but she will have to serve the notice period of one month, not that she was expecting any leniency from Arnav Singh Raizada.

She drops the phone away and angrily pushes the pillows of couch down on floor. Arnav has known her from 4 years and this is what she gets only because she has feelings for him? Was this really a surprise for him? Didn’t he ever notice her special connection towards him before? How is that possible? Can a intelligent man like him have so poor judgement capabilities? She recalls their first meet at AR when she was interviewed for the personal secretary post. She was so nervous for getting this job especially seeing the rest of her competitors. Every woman who had come for the interview that day was stylish and beautiful. Belonging from a middle-class family, she felt little out of place. But she was not here to walk out. She wanted this job because working in such a reputed company like AR software was going to be a huge accomplishment for her career.

She was interviewed by the HR Manager first. She was selected in the best 10 and was allowed to undergo the next face to face round with Aman Mathur. She was highly excited to meet one of the leading heads of this Company. Aman was decent, smiling and very sensibly professional. She liked him the very first instance they met but whatever she felt after the midway of her interview was beyond her control because the other leading head of the company, Arnav Singh Raizada intervened when they were half way of their interview.

“Sorry for intruding” Arnav steps in the conference room where the recruitment process is ongoing. Aman smiles at him and gestures him to walk in. “Aman, where is the Mehta’s file? I have been looking for it desperately”
“Oh Sorry. It’s with me. I forgot to keep this in your cabin before interviewing the candidates” Aman apologizes, handing over some file to Arnav who then quickly glances at Sheetal and smiles at her.
“I hope Aman is not harassing you with questions.” He asks.
Sheetal is lost seeing his smile and words choke in her throat. She couldn’t have asked for more. She is not even appointed yet and she got this opportunity to meet both the Boss.
“No. of course, not” she quickly gets up from her chair. “I am Sheetal Goel” she introduces herself extending her arm.
Arnav completes the handshake.
“Arnav Singh Raizada.”
“Yes… I .. I know” she tries to hide her blush but fails.
“This job needs a lot of dedication and hard work Sheetal. I am sure you can easily fit in. I have seen your resume. It’s perfect for this role. What do you think Aman?”

Aman shakes his head but doesn’t seem to acknowledge his words so easily.

“But she has no prior experience. Did you notice that?” he cross questions to Arnav who immediately shrugs it off.
“I know. But we all start from somewhere. And I think Miss Sheetal Goel can start her career with us. But I don’t want to interrupt your decisions. Please continue with your interview and we shall meet again. All the best Miss Goel. Don’t let me down”

He heads back to leave and Sheetal is already mesmerized by his attitude, his voice, his smile and the way he took her side. This meet cannot end here. Aman continues with her interview and even though she replies to him satisfactorily, he selects her in the best 2 and informs her that he would be again screening the profiles and the final decision would be made within an hour after screening all of their original educational documents. Sheetal feels restless. The only other competitor left before her has the needed experience and that can serve as one tie breaker which may make her lose this job. She cannot let this happen. Now, it is no longer the greed of money but the greed of staying before the sparkling eyes of Arnav Singh Raizada. She makes her way to the other girl who is sitting anxiously to know the results and tries to talk to her casually. Just when the girl gets a call on her number and asks her to look after her file which contains the necessary educational documents, until she finishes the call, Sheetal gets the idea what she has to implement to win this job. She carefully steals two of educational documents from the girl’s file and tears them off.

Due to the non-providence of the required documents the girl is asked to leave and finally Sheetal Goel gets the job. She didn’t earn it, she stole it.

She led a series of such incidents to keep buttering her boss’s, try to read their pain and happiness and try to be a part of it. She did this for exactly 4 years and what did she get in return? The termination letter? No ways. She is not going to accept her defeat so easily. She knows to fight even though she is playing on the wrong side.
888
Next Morning – Gupta house

It’s their wedding day. Today morning when Khushi woke up with this thought, she unknowingly felt her body heating up with unknown feelings. She knows he has started trusting her but that is not enough. But the plus point of their wedding is that she will get to stay with Aashi forever as her mother. That is the best gift she can ever get from life. When she was pregnant, she had tried her best not to get too attached with the baby but it is very tough to do so. Whenever she walked, talked, laughed or even looked in the mirror, she was always reminded of the baby growing inside her and the connection that she felt with that baby was beyond anyone’s understanding. She strictly followed all the terms in the contract between her and Arnav and not just that, she also ensured to practice all the advises which Dr. Rao kept giving her time to time. All that finally paved off and she was able to give birth to a healthy child whom she couldn’t even see once until all these years when fate got her and Aashi before each other. She is glad that their relationship has progressed since the first day of their meet. Aashi is no longer shy, not to her at least. They have a beautiful rapport between them and she will ensure it remains so until the end of her life.

Her stance breaks when she hears the door knock and sees her father getting inside. He is holding a designer Lehnga and she is very thrilled about it.

“Dad, what is all this?” she gets up.
“Its your wedding outfit” he smiles keeping the lehnga on the bed.
Khushi inhales deep.
“You forgot it’s a court marriage” she tries to remind him.
“I know. But whats the harm if you wear it? I specially designed this for you.”
Khushi keeps denying.
“Dad who wears such an outfit in court? I am going to wear a Saree, that will look decent.”
Shashi continues to insist.
“It’s my wish to see you wearing this designed outfit for the wedding. Wont you fulfil my one last wish before you settle in another family?”
Khushi rolls her eyes.
“Fine. You don’t need to blackmail me like that. I will wear it”

Shashi chuckles seeing her expressions.

“Okay, get ready soon. We have to leave in an hour”
“I know”

Shashi leaves. Khushi unwraps the lehnga from the box. It is beautiful. Very typical for a bride to wear. She knows Arnav will be surprised to see her in such an outfit at the court, but she doesn’t bother anymore. She wants to make her father happy.
888
The Gupta family sit in the car and ride towards their destination. Akash is busy talking over phone with Aman, informing him that they are onway. Khushi notices this route is not the one which goes to court.

“Dad, aren’t we going to the court?” she asks.
“We are” he tries to hold his laughter.
“But this route is..”
“The other route must be busy. It’s a weekday Khushi. So, we are taking this other route” Akash interrupts.
Khushi gets suspicious. She feels her father and Akash are hiding something from her. But what is it?

Soon the car halts before a temple. She looks horrified at her father who gets down and opens the door for her.

“Dad what is happening? What are you both hiding from me? Why are we here?”
“To take blessings of God, what else?” Shashi cuts her suspicions and holds Khushi’s hand once she is out.
“Khushi for once will you allow us to lead? It is your wedding and we want to make the best of it” Akash explains.

Khushi is clueless now. She lets them lead her to the temple which is decorated with lights and flowers. She believes there must be some function here today. As soon as they climb the stairs and she steps in, she hears Aashi’s voice, calling her name. She turns to her left and sees Aashi running towards her. She feels happy as Aashi cuddles her feet. Without bothering of her outfit neatness, she picks Aashi in arms and kisses her cheek.

“Hey…my baby looks so beautiful in this lehnga” she murmurs

Aashi is wearing a similar fashioned lehnga which Khushi has worn right now. But how did it happen? Did her father made two sets of it? One for her and the other for Aashi’s size?

“We are matching” Aashi touches Khushi’s veil and feels the fabric.
“We are” Khushi happily answers and kisses her again.

Aman and Akash head aside to discuss something. Even Shashi hurries to the priest and starts talking to him about the preparation. Khushi then realizes this temple is decorated for a wedding. Does that mean she and Arnav are following all the rituals and getting married? When did this happen? Her father and Akash knew it, why didn’t they inform her? And Arnav? How did he agree for this?

Shashi comes back to her and smiles happily.
“How was our surprise?” he asks.
Khushi has no words to express what she is feeling right now.
“Arnav designed these similar lehngas for you and Aashi. He asked me not to tell you this until you reach here. So I emotionally blackmailed you for wearing it.”

Khushi swallows hard. Though she is still mad at Arnav and others, she liked this surprise of matching her outfit with Aashi’s.

“Yesterday evening Aman called me up and told me how Arnav wishes to do a proper wedding with pheres and other rituals. I was overwhelmed and immediately gave my permission to do this. Fortunately, both Arnav and Aman had pre-arranged everything here. We only had to get you and give you this surprise.”

Khushi passes a fake smile. She cannot believe Arnav could think so much about her choice of marriage. He is trying to rectify all the mistakes that he did by not trusting her. Shashi is again called by the priest and hence he leaves.

Aashi shouts Daddy looking behind them and Khushi becomes alert of Arnav’s presence too. Arnav is wearing a kurta which she has never seen him in before. He is looking extra handsome today. Khushi keeps Aashi down and then meets Arnav’s eyes which are admiring her like never before.
“What is all this?” she maintains a strict tone and expression.
“It’s our marriage, what else?”
“What happened to court marriage only idea?”
“I striked it out” he replies coolly.
Khushi sighs.
“How convenient of you to do that. First the prenup and now this” she pauses. “But all this is not going to change my mind”

Arnav’s eyes glow with love and something darker. This was the surprise that he planned to give her but looks like she is not fully happy. He has spread so much of rage in her heart that she is unable to judge the good things he has been doing to mend his mistakes. He nods mutely as if accepting passively whatever she just said. Aman comes to them.

“Guys, the auspicious mahurat is passing by. The Priest is calling you both”

Arnav fakes a smile. Khushi composes her anger and waits till Akash and her father reaches her and leads her to the holy fire where the rituals are about to begin.
888
“The rituals complete and now you both are pronounced as Husband-Wife” the priest shouts while the rest of their family members shower the rose petals on the newly wed couple.

Aashi is Aman’s arms and he is making her shower the petals on the couple too. She is doing this all playfully, having no clue whats happening. All she knows is that Khushi will now forever stay in their house.

Arnav looks at Khushi lovingly again. The Sindoor he has marked her with and the Mangalsutra he tied on her neck is making her glow. She is his wife now but the legal part still remains. He looks at Aman and gestures him to check where the Marriage registrar has reached. Aman quickly puts Aashi down and hurries out to make a call. Aashi comes to Arnav-Khushi and asks Aman to click them together. Khushi is surprised to see how fond Aashi is getting to be clicked these days. Kids of this generation are superfast in handling electronics, especially mobile phones. Arnav and Khushi both bend down to Aashi’s level to pose with her. Khushi realizes that one sole condition of their marriage is not to let Aashi ever know the differences between them. She will have to follow that strictly for the benefit of her child. She smiles happily while posing with Arnav and Aashi.

Aman comes back with the registrar who is specially invited in the temple with the legal marriage papers. Khushi and Arnav sign them as indicated and complete that formality too.
888
Khushi hugs her father before getting in Arnav’s car. She cries though the tears are happy ones. She has spent so many beautiful years with her father and cousin Akash and she is going to miss them badly. Akash is the next one to hug her. He promises her to look after Shashi in her absence. She knows he will. Akash then hugs Arnav and pats his back. Daayi Maa later helps Khushi get in the car. Aashi gets in too followed by Arnav who is the last one to bid bye to all the others present in their wedding.

The car heads for Shantivan where the next phase of their lives will begin hereon. Aashi sees Khushi wiping her tears and she immediately passes her little napkin to her.

“Khooosi… don’t cry” she becomes low too.
Khushi smiles at her and puts the napkin back in Aashi’s purse.
“I am fine sweetheart”

She takes Aashi on her lap whereas Arnav keeps admiring the duo, glancing at them in between his thoughts. The reception is at evening and he has invited the most important guest of tonight. His laywer Roy. He is desperate to see Roy’s reactions when he introduces Khushi to him.
888
Shantivan

Daayi Maa circles the Puja thali before Arnav and Khushi and completes all the other formalities to welcome the new bride. Khushi steps in the house, she is being clicked all the time by Aman while doing all these rituals. It makes her feel uneasy as she is not used to so much of attention. Glad that their marriage was a private affair and there were no outsiders in the temple.

“Stop stop stop” Aman intrudes the couple from walking inside the house. “Daayi Maa, don’t you know the most important ritual of this family?” he asks. “The one which I told you about a while ago?”

Khushi and Arnav both looking surprised at Aman and Daayi Maa’s reactions. Daayi Maa nods and laughs at the remembrance.

“Yes, sorry I forgot” she replies. “Arnav, you need to carry the new bride till your room”

Arnav bites his inner cheek getting hopelessly excited for getting this moment whereas Khushi feels awkward.

“Aman, Daayi Maa. Please” she interrupts. “I know this is not any ritual. Aman has made it up”
“No no no.. Its not made up. Arnav will show you the pictures of his parents performing the same. Right Arnav?” Aman teases.
“Well, if I have one of those pics” Arnav replies with another smile.
“Come on guys, be sportive. Don’t make me blackmail you guys by making Aashi to insist you doing this. Please” Aman exclaims.
“Fine” Arnav takes the lead and without Khushi’s permission he carries her in his arms. Khushi freezes for a second because his touch is mellowing her down which is so unfair to all those bitter moments he has shown her last few days.

“Take her upstairs and get ready for the reception. We will have the guests coming in two hours” Daayi Maa informs.
“I will also go” Aashi is about to follow them but Aman stops her.
“Aashi wait. You and I have to do so many preparations of the party. Don’t you want to help me surprise your daddy and Khushi?” he tries to divert her attention and let the couple have their moments for some time without anybody’s intrusion.
“Yes” Aashi jumps in excitement.
“Okay, then come on let’s go. Until then your daddy and Khushi will get ready and come down. Okay? Come”

Aman takes her along to keep Aashi busy for some time with him.

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 39

Arnav enters his bedroom with Khushi in arms. He is still gazing at her while she is avoiding his eyes. She feels very uneasy with all these changes in their life. Arnav is her husband and Aashi is now her official daughter. But wish all this had come up with Arnav’s trust upon her right from the beginning. The moment they are inside the room, she finally looks at him.

“Aashi is not here, you can put me down now”

Arnav holds her tight, not letting her go.
“I wasn’t doing this for Aashi” he replies with a soft grin.
Khushi forcefully gets down from his arms.
“But I was”
She quickly gazes at the decorated room and then turns back to him.
“Haven’t you told Daayi Maa that I will be staying in Aashi’s room? Why did she take so much efforts in decorating this room?”
Arnav doesn’t respond to that and keeps staring at her.
“I will stay in Aashi’s room as we discussed before” she asserts.
Arnav takes a deep sigh.
“We have cancelled the prenup Khushi”
“You did it.. Not me. I am still going to abide by its terms”

She tries to leave but he blocks her way.

“I don’t want to argue on our first day of marriage but I won’t agree to this. We are going to share this room… forever” he declares. “And if you don’t agree, I will have to involve Aashi in making this happen”

Khushi angrily stares at him.
“You cannot break the terms of our prenup”
“Too bad” he mutters with a grin again. “I just did”

Khushi is speechless. He is trying to win her love back, she knows but it is not going to be so easy.
She sees her bags are already placed near the closet and the reception dress box is on the bed. She cannot waste time in arguing with him. She strides to the bed and opens the box. The red-maroon color Saree is beautiful. The reception attire has been chosen by the groom again and she couldn’t complain over it. This has been a tradition in their families from long.

Arnav gazes her admiring the saree and another thought crosses his mind.

“You need a help wearing that?” he playfully asks.
Khushi feels her cheeks burning. Arnav comes forward.
“I can..”
“I don’t need your help Arnav” she interrupts him before he could complete the sentence.
Arnav chuckles.
“I wasn’t offering my help to make you wear it. I was talking about Daayi Maa. Should I send her?”

Khushi clenches her teeth. He is twisting words on purpose. Arnav raises his hands in defeat. He cannot irritate her more than this for now.

“Okay, I am leaving you to decide that. I will change in another room. This room is all yours”

He heads to the closet, takes his suit and leaves the room. Khushi finally takes a sigh of relief. It is not that she hates him but pretending to hate is very difficult. She knows he is going to use every opportunity to tease and win her back. She just needs to show some self-control before giving in to his desires.
888
An hour later, Arnav comes down, marking presence in his wedding reception. There are lots of people who are invited and Aman has done a fabulous job in organizing this party. He doesn’t need to bother of anything until his best friend is there to look at his back, be it at work or in his personal life. Arnav meets many of his guests who congratulate him and everyone is just being waiting to see his bride.

“She is Mrs. ASR now.. another perfectionist…She will join us soon” Aman keeps sharing this same sentence to everyone.

Once Aman is all alone, Arnav asks him the most important thing.

“I hope Roy is attending my reception”
“He is. He will be here shortly. I have already taken a follow-up” Aman replies.
Arnav sighs.
“I cannot wait to see his reaction knowing I married Khushi Gupta”
“What then?” Aman cross-questions. “Will that make you less guilty towards this whole misunderstanding that has happened?”

Arnav is quiet. He is speechless to be more specific. He is already guilty for not showing his trust on Khushi when she most needed it. They hear the whispers of the guests as everyone turn to look at the stairs. Arnav turns too. It is Khushi who is coming down, holding hands of Aashi, their daughter. The saree has made her look more elegant and enhanced her gorgeousness. He did a right choice by selecting that color for her.. His favorite color. A bright smile crosses his lips as he admires her, giving a thorough observation to every minute change of expression on her face. She is happy. That joy is because she will be called as Aashi’s mother forever and not only because she married him. He has done nothing notable to make her feel happier of this marriage, their bond, their togetherness.

Aashi keeps holding Khushi’s finger tight as she crosses the line of guests flaunting smile and taking in the wishes. Aman leads her and Arnav to the center stage.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, here we have finally. The Raizada couple.. Mr and Mrs. ASR.. Freshly wed and looking beyond happier. Please give them a big hand”

Everyone claps, including Aashi. The waiters get the wedding cake arranged on the center table and lights the candles.
“You blow the candles” Arnav asks her and she behaves the best of her by showing nothing wrong between them. She blows the candles and then holds the knife. Arnav holds her wrist and they cut their wedding cake. He feeds it to her and then they both feed the next bite to Aashi.
Soon the party begins. Arnav and Khushi get busier meeting guests, taking their wishes and blessings. Aman is a busy host yet keeping a tab on Roy’s arrival. Finally, an hour later he who is awaited finally arrives. Arnav’s lawyer Roy.

Arnav gets Khushi’s attention by pulling her close to him and whispers in her ears.

“Roy is here”

She stiffens hearing that name and is also surprised why Arnav specifically indicated it to her. Roy comes to them and hands the bouquet of flowers to Arnav who takes it and then keeps it aside, shaking hands with him.

“Roy, thanks for attending the wedding reception.
“How could I miss it ASR? We have known each other since years” Roy smiles shaking hands with Arnav.
“Anyways, meet my wife.” Arnav gestures him to Khushi who is standing next to him with baited breath. Roy is one such crucial proof against all the allegations Arnav has against her.
“Of course,” Roy smiles at Khushi. “Khushi Gupta. How can I not recognize her?” he replies.

Arnav and Khushi are both stunned at his reply. Khushi feels cold and numb suddenly. How does Roy recognize her? She has never met him in person. She thought their face-to-face meet will prove her innocence but it failed.

“If anyone that time would have told me that someday my two clients will tie a knot, breaking all the terms of that contract I made for them, I would have laughed” Roy further adds.

Khushi swallows hard. What is happening? How can he say such a big lie? He seems to be more dangerous and manipulative than she thought he is.
“Yea” Arnav exhales. “Why don’t you join Aman for a drink?”
“Sure. I will go meet him. Congrats once again and I will see you both soon”

Roy makes his way to the crowd again whereas Khushi looks down in despair. Arnav is silent too. He doesn’t understand how to comprehend this situation. It didn’t work as he expected.

“He is lying” Khushi murmurs in a breaking voice. Her throat aches.
Arnav quickly takes her closer and moves her hair strand away from her forehead.
“I know he is lying. But it doesn’t affect me anymore. Whatever he says I don’t want to account it in judging you”

She raises her head and looks in his eyes, dazzled. Arnav gently wipes the tear from her eye.

“Let’s not make others think we have a problem, please. It’s our wedding reception and your family and mine want us to smile, not cry or feel low because of some stupid dishonest man.”
She snuffles.
He grasps her hand and then slowly leads her to the dance floor where everyone is enjoying the ball dance with their partners.
“I don’t think I can dance” she still feels bittersweet about their meet with Roy. This was her one chance to prove herself and she lost it mercilessly. How can she ignore it and fake being happy? She tries to leave but Arnav holds her hand.
“One dance” he insists. “Please”
She comes back to him, as if giving him this opportunity to make her feel better. He puts his arms around her waist and entwins their fingers. She is cold and shivering. It could be because of the unexpected reactions from Roy, obviously not because of his touch.
“I haven’t told dad anything” she exclaims. “If he sees Roy in this party, he will be worried. And if Roy speaks to him, it will only lead more confusions.”
“Hmm.. I think we should talk to your father and Akash about it then. They should know Aashi is your daughter”

He is right. She cannot keep such an important truth away from them. They are her family, they should know. She will have to take this leap of faith.

Roy doesn’t wait for longer in the party. Neither he gets a chance to meet Shashi or Akash Gupta. He informs Aman about his exit and that something important has come up in his family which needs his attention and leaves.

“He left? Why?” Arnav asks.
“He said some family issues”
“Family?” Arnav thinks for few seconds and then questions back. “He has no children, has he?”
“No, that’s right. It is just him and his wife. And as far as I know, his wife is always sick. So maybe it is her sickness emergency which called him off from this party”

Arnav nods.
“I feel we should keep an eye on him, Aman. The way he recognized Khushi didn’t seem like a surprise to me. He seemed very confident as if someone has fed this information to him before he arrived here”
“You think someone is supporting him in all this?”
“It’s just a doubt. And hence I need eyes on this man. Constantly”
“One minute, Arnav. If he has recognized Khushi, that means he will also know that you and Khushi have had the talk about that money transfer. If he is the mastermind in creating the misunderstanding between you two then he might already be cautious of how to safeguard himself from you both. I don’t think he will be that easy to catch”

Aman’s thoughts are right but they don’t have any other choice than to wait.
“Let us do our part. I am sure he will make some mistake in the attempt of covering his mistakes. And we will wait for him to do that”
Aman agrees. Khushi comes back to them with her father.

“Arnav, it is time for us to leave too” Shashi exclaims.

He then hugs Arnav and Khushi both after blessing them.
“Tomorrow, I will send Akash to pick Khushi for the Pag phera ritual. You can take her back in the evening.”
“Sure” Arnav smiles.
“And yes, do send Aashi too. We will get to spend time with her as well” Shashi adds.
“Yes. Aashi is going to be Khushi’s tail from now on” Arnav replies making everyone laugh and agree to his words.
888
The party is over and all guests have left. Aman is the last one to leave but not without giving a friendly advice to Khushi.

“Try to forgive Arnav sooner” Aman says to Khushi who gets annoyed.
“So he has forwarded you to butter me”
“No.. He didn’t. It is just that I cannot see you both like this. He did a mistake and now he accepts its. You both are in pain so why not heal each other than deepening each other’s wounds? Think about it”
“I am not forgiving him that easily Aman. If he can have the courage to hurt the woman he loves, he must sustain its outcome too”

Aman sighs.
“Okay, I hope God shows mercy to both of you. Bye” he gives Khushi a quick hug and heads out to drive back his home. Arnav and Aashi wave him until he leaves. Khushi meanwhile returns to Daayi Maa who is busy winding up the mess of the party.
“You must be tired Daayi Maa, why don’t you leave all this and take rest?” Khushi asks.
“It is you and Arnav who needs rest. This day has been very hectic for you both.” She replies. Arnav and Aashi comes there.
“Daayi Maa, Khushi is right. Stop all of this. We have servants to finish it up. You go and sleep”

Daayi Maa never goes against Arnav’s words. She agrees.
“Come on Aashi, I will put you to sleep”
Aashi denies going to Daayi Maa.
“I will sleep with Khoosi today” she replies.
“why not” Khushi takes Aashi in her arms and kisses her cheeks. “Let her sleep with me Daayi Maa”
“No Khushi, not tonight”
Khushi understands why Daayi Maa is denying but she continues taking Aashi’s side. Arnav doesn’t deny either. It will be the first night when they will sleep together with their baby. Arnav explains daayi Maa the same and she finally agrees.

Khushi takes Aashi to the bedroom. She recollects Arnav wants them to share the same room, much contradicting the terms of their prenup but if she doesn’t listen to him, he will somehow make Aashi force her to do this and she does not want that. She agrees to sleep in his bedroom tonight because Aashi is joining them too.

“Time to change clothes now.” Khushi locks the bedroom. Arnav stays down for some more time. “Where are your clothes?” Khushi asks Aashi who opens the closet of her father and shows the night dresses.
Khushi makes her wear one. Aashi seems to be very sleepy so instead of getting changed herself, she decides to put Aashi to sleep first. She sits on the recliner, with Aashi in her lap and starts rocking her. Aashi giggles.
“What happened? Why did my princess giggle like that?” Khushi asks.
“Daddy doesn’t rock me like this. He roams in the room with me in arms to put me to sleep” she replies.
“Oh ok. You want me to do that?”
“No… this is nice”
Khushi smiles
“Okay close your eyes now” she makes Aashi close her eyelids and then starts humming a lullaby. Aashi has never heard a lullaby. Her father doesn’t know even a single lullaby and Daayi maa usually tells her stories of prince and princess while putting her to sleep. Lullaby is new. She starts dozing. Arnav gets in the bedroom and witnesses all of this. Today, in real terms their child has got a complete family. And he is happy to make that decision. He dims the light and heads to change into his night pants. When he comes out, he sees Khushi struggling to get up from the recliner with sleeping Aashi in her arms. He quickly rushes to help her.

“Let me take her” he insists.
“Ssshhh” Khushi gestures him not to speak loud.
He nods and slowly takes Aashi from her arms. He takes her to bed and puts her on it. Khushi covers Aashi with the quilt.
“She won’t take that now” Arnav whispers. “Once she is fast asleep we can put the duvet on her”
Khushi didn’t know that. Now since she will be with Aashi forever, she will have to learn all the things that her baby does or is acquainted to. She removes the quilt and switches off the bed lamps so there is enough darkness for Aashi to sleep cozy.

She then sits before the dressing table and starts removing her jewelry. She feels lighter when all the jewels are removed, especially the necklace. She ties her hair in a bun fashion, with few hair strands still hanging loose at the sides of her cheek. It is that time when she notices Arnav admiring her from the mirror. It creates ripples of nervousness in the pit of her stomach. There is a spark in his eyes, which can consume both of them if given a chance. She drops her gaze from him and hurries to the bathroom to change her saree. Is it going to get this awkward every night? She hopes not!!


__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 40
She comes out of the bathroom, changing into her night dress. Their marriage finally happened and it still had the twist of Roy recognizing her and behaving normal. This was not expected. But she is glad that Arnav trusted her amidst all this. He too sensed this unusual behavior of Roy when they met. Something is fishy. How she wishes to punch Roy’s face and ask him what the truth is? He is the only one who knows everything. With these thoughts she steps in the bedroom again and hears the soft snores from the bedside. Both Arnav and Aashi are sleeping peacefully. She cannot have asked for more. Their family looks complete and no matter what differences they still share between each other, they will never let Aashi know or feel it ever. They want to give her the best life hereon. She deserves it. After all the small sacrifices and adjustments, they made to accommodate her in their life, she has to get the best out of them now.

Khushi turns off the small lamp from Arnav’s side and is about to go to the recliner. She doesn’t want to share the bed with him yet. She is about to leave when he clutches her hand and drags her behind. She thought he was asleep. She is wrong. His eyes are wide open and he is staring at her. She looks so much married and different. In that night suit, with all those heavy bangles, sindoor and Mangalsutra, she looks all the more ravishing.

“Leave my hand” she whispers at him.
“Where do you think you are going?” he asks.
“Recliner. To sleep”
Arnav gives her a sharp stare.
“Sleep on the bed, Khushi” he insists but his tone isnt very insisting, its demanding.

Khushi looks away, without uttering a reply.

“Either you get on the bed yourself, or I can place you there myself” he warns.
Khushi turns back to him.
“You won’t do that”
Arnav raises his brow gesturing her not to challenge him. When she still doesn’t take him seriously, he actually gets down the bed and picks her in arms. She sways her feet in air, struggling to get down but he is too strong for her.
“I told you” he mutters in a hoarse voice.

Before she could react further, they both hear Aashi’s giggle. She woke up? When? They see her sitting and giggling with her palm over her mouth.

“Aashi?” Khushi asks in a surprised tone. Arnav is equally confused how did she wake up? Khushi manages to get down from Arnav’s arms and strides to Aashi on the bed. She takes her on lap.
“Why are you giggling so much?”
“Because daddy does the same when I don’t listen to him” she answers.

Khushi sighs heavily glancing once at Arnav who is also returning back to the bed.

“You should listen to Daddy” Aashi urges, smiling.
“What if I still don’t?” Khushi asks Aashi, but her eyes are on Arnav now. Arnav comes closer to them.

Aashi looks notoriously towards Arnav who understands her intentions

“Aashi, should we show Khushi what happens if she still doesn’t listen to me?”

Aashi nods giggling again. Khushi is confused and totally unaware whats their next action.
“Soch lo” Arnav warns Khushi one last time but she turns her head away, with attitude, not willing to discuss this further. Even she has rights to deny him, considering what all he did with her in the past few days.
“Okay” Arnav whispers and the next moment both Arnav and Aashi starts to tickle Khushi.
“Gosh.. Stop it” Khushi starts laughing aloud but none of the two stop their actions. They keep tickling her stomach. She falls on the bed and rolls, Aashi sits on her hips and continues tickling, so does Arnav lying by her side.
“Ok .. okay.. I give up” Khushi screams in defeat. Both the father -daughter stop. All the three breathe heavily. Khushi manages to catch hold of her breath and she draws Aashi closer and hugs her.
“Say you will listen to daddy” Aashi wants a confirmation.
Khushi smiles faintly. She knows she cannot deny Aashi for anything she asks. Thus she nods in agreement.
“yehhh” Aashi kisses her cheeks and cuddles into her. Khushi embraces her back. Arnav, admires the two. He knows this little deal between the mother-daughter to agree to everything he asks for will only remain before Aashi, in her presence, not otherwise. So if he wants to win Khushi back, he will have to try his tricks within that limited circle and he will do his best. He closes his eyes once he sees Khushi and Aashi getting their share of sleep. It now feels complete.. They are a family !!
888
The next morning, Khushi comes down, freshly showered, in the kitchen. Daayi Maa is already there, making breakfast.

“Good morning Daayi Maa” Khushi steps inside.

She bends down and touches Daayi Maa’s feet who is completely overwhelmed to see Khushi doing this. She immediately raises Khushi.
“You don’t have to do this, Khushi”
Khushi smiles.
“Why not? You are the eldest in this house, plus I don’t need to tell you how much you mean to Aashi and Arnav. Now that I am part of this family, I do want to respect and love you the same way they do”

Daayi Maa who was already impressed by her gets awe-struck.
“Whats cooking?” Khushi changes the subject.
“Usual breakfast. Aashi likes Aloo Parathas and Pancakes for Arnav” she pauses. “What will you eat? I will make that too”
“Aloo Parathas” Khushi answers smiling. Arnav had already pointed out that her and Aashi’s likes matches very much.
Daayi Maa chuckles.
“Like mother.. like daughter” she teases and continues cooking.
“Let me help you” Khushi offers assistance which Daayi Maa denies.
“No, not for another week or two. You are the new bride, you are not allowed to even step in the kitchen for some time, forget cooking”
Khushi sighs.
“And your cousin Akash will be coming here in an hour to take you for Pag Phera. Are you taking Aashi too?” Daayi maa asks.
“Yes, Dad wants her to come. She has not spent much time with my dad and brother. So, I think this is the best way she can mingle with them too”
“Oh yes, why not”
“What time Aashi wakes up?” Khushi asks.
“For school I usually wake her up by now. But because of your marriage, she isnt going to playshcool for another week.”
“Let her spend time with us.” Khushi mutters. “I have so much to share with her”
Daayi Maa nods.
“Yes, she is all yours now”
Khushi giggles.
“Did Arnav wake up?”
Khushi stiffens. The last time she saw him was while coming down after shower. He was sleeping cuddling Aashi.
“No”
“That’s surprising. He usually wakes up early for gym”
Khushi doesn’t respond to that.
“Go and wake them up. Tell them their breakfast is ready. Get them down”

Khushi agrees to this order and heads back to the room. When she comes in the room, she sees Arnav already awake, talking to someone over the phone. He is at the French doors, facing the poolside.

“Nice work Aman. I want all eyes on that man.” He speaks.
He sees Khushi’s image on the French doors and turns around.
“Aman, what happened to the gift I told you about?” he purposely asks that aloud, grabbing her attention. “You know how special that gift is to me, don’t you?”
Khushi understands he is purposely speaking aloud and she is falling into his trap. She avoids staring at him further and climbs the bed.
“Aashi..” she slowly caresses her. “Baby.. .wake up.. it’s morning.”

Aashi yawns and stretches her arms in air. When she opens her eyes slowly, she realizes that Khushi is waking her up. There is a huge smile on her face when she recollects that Khushi is going to stay with them forever. She jumps onto her and hugs her tight.

“I love you, Khooosi” she shouts.
Khushi gets emotional. Arnav finishes the call and comes to them on the bed.
“I love you too baby” Khushi replies pulling back from the hug and kissing Aashi’s cheek.
“And what about Daady?” Arnav asks looking at Aashi.

Aashi then jumps to him and hugs him too, kissing his stubble once
“I Love you too daddy” she says aloud.
Arnav kisses her back.
“Daddy loves you too” he replies.
“And Khoosi?” Aashi asks him curiously. Arnav and Khushi share a quick glance.
“Daady loves Khushi too.. more than she knows” he replies, admiring Khushi’s confused and nervous face. She is unable to hide the flushed expressions from her face.
Aashi seems to be happy but she has yet not finished her task. She grabs Khushi’s arm. Khushi meets her eyes.
“Khoosi, now you tell” she requests.
“Tell what?” Khushi asks.
“That you love daddy”

Khushi swallows hard. Arnav had not taught any of this to Aashi. Looks like she is already playing a cupid in their lives.

“Say” Aashi shouts.
Arnav waits with baited breath to hear Khushi’s reply. Will she confess it for Aashi? Or will she break their hearts. Daayi Maa knocks the door at that same instant, breaking this conversation. Khushi is glad that she made entry at the right time. She didn’t want to give Arnav a false picture. She loved him, but that love has faded a bit because of the distrust he showed on her.

“The breakfast is ready” Daayi Maa informs. “Aashi, I have made chocolate milkshake for you”
“Wow. Choco milksake. I want it now” Aashi screams happily.
“Lets get your teeth brushed then” Khushi carries Aashi in her arms and heads to the bathroom.
Arnav looks disappointed. He fakes a smile at Daayi maa and walks down with her.

Khushi joins them with Aashi in few minutes. Khushi feeds Aashi one morsel and Aashi takes the next from Arnav. This is like a heaven for her, to have someone she loves so much apart from her father, beside her. Arnav and Khushi keep noticing all her antics and become glad that she is in such a joyous mood.

“Good Morning” Akash gets in the house.
Khushi and Arnav get up to welcome him. Khushi hugs him and so does Arnav after her.
“All set to go sister?” Akash asks.
“Yes, I will get my bag. Aashi.. say Hello to Akash Uncle”
“Helllloooo” Aashi replies. She is not very shy of Akash now as she has been around him during the wedding rituals.
Akash comes and hugs her too.
“Hey Princess, look what I have for you”

Akash gives her a big chocolate.
“Thank you” Aashi says after taking the chocolate from him.
Meanwhile Khushi gets down her bag and asks the servant to keep it in Akash’s car. She then takes Daayi Maa’s blessings again.
“I will send Arnav to pick you both at evening”
“Okay” Khushi murmurs.

Akash and Arnav are normally talking.
“So, Whats your plan for today Arnav?”
“Office” he replies.
“Office? So soon?”
“Yes, what else am I supposed to do here? You are taking both my wife and daughter. And I am not invited. I suppose I will go and do some work at least”
Akash laughs agreeing to him.

“Let’s go” Khushi says.
Arnav kneels down for Aashi and she kisses his stubble.
“Bye Daddy”
“Bye sweetheart. Don’t trouble Khoosi or anyone else there. Be a good girl”
“I will” she promises and throws her arms around his neck. He hugs her back. Akash then holds Aashi’s hand and takes her out. Daayi Maa follows them. Khushi is about to leave when Arnav holds her hand.

“So, now you will pretend that you don’t love me?” he groans. “Why didn’t you say those 3 words when Aashi asked you to say me?”
Khushi behaves unaffected.
“Because I don’t want to say something I don’t really feel now”

Arnav clenches his jaw. He holds her arms and pulls her closer. Their eyes pierce through each other’s soul. Khushi can feel his grip tightening. He is mad and impatient.
“You married me”
“For Aashi” she replies strongly. He pulls her closer, their lips an inch apart.
“We have kissed before. What was that then?” his voice turns hoarse.
“A mistake. I shouldn’t have let a man who never trusted me, get so close to me”
Arnav swallows hard. Their breathe collides, heart races.
“Let’s rectify the situation then. Let’s kiss again because this time I trust you more than myself”

His offer seems tempting but she doesn’t bow down.

“I am not interested” she pushes him away and walks out. Arnav breathes heavily. This was so close and yet she didn’t give in. It is going to be very hard for him to convince her, prove her that he will never make this mistake again. Everyone deserves a chance and so should him.

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 41
AR Office

“Good Morning buddy” Aman enters Arnav’s cabin.
“Hey Aman”
Aman pulls a chair opposite to Arnav.
“How was your Suhaagraat?” he teases.
“Good. I could convince Khushi to stay in the same room, that’s my first step to win her love back”

Aman chuckles over his reply.

“At this speed you will win her back when you guys are senior citizens of this country.”

Arnav stops typing on his laptop and stares at Aman coldly.
“What kind of friend are you? Instead of understanding my situation and appreciating the efforts I am putting into it, you are busy teasing?”
“What else do you expect me to do? This is all your mistake. You got it upon yourself. Now repent”

Arnav clenches his jaw.
“Seriously? Now you too will blame me?”
Aman laughs again.
“Okay, let me help you speed up your repentance.”
“Much appreciated” Arnav replies.
“Pass me your phone” Aman asks.
Arnav pushes his phone towards Aman over the desk. Aman types something and then hits the send button.
“What did you just do?” Arnav curiously asks.
“You just asked my help, I did it. I have messaged Khushi on your behalf”
“What the”

Arnav immediately gets up from his seat and reaches Aman’s chair. He snatches his phone from Aman and reads the sent message.

‘Miss you sweetheart. Life is bizarre without you around’

Arnav’s jaw drops.
“What the hell!! How could you write that? What will she think?” he shouts.
“She will be happy to know that you are desperate for her, that you miss her badly. Arnav, I know women better than you. They need such words to come out from their partners. They like reading it from them or hearing it”

Arnav sighs deeply.
“If she replies anything odd, I won’t leave you”
Aman shrugs his shoulders coolly.
“Okay, but you know what I think? Knowing how much angry Khushi is with you at this stage, she won’t reply to this message”
Aman’s confidence in this comment makes Arnav curious.
“What do you mean?” he asks.
“She will ask you about this directly, face to face”

Arnav imagines what that conversation would be like. She is not a chocolate and flowers girl. Neither she is going to get awed by the way he has addressed in the message as Sweetheart. She is surely going to start a fight and ask him to stop sending her such messages.

“It’s better I don’t take your suggestions. You will make her beat me up by using such tricks” Arnav gets back to his chair.
Aman laughs heartily seeing his friend’s turmoil. “Anyways, till what time are you here today?”
“By 05:00. After that I am leaving to pick Khushi and Aashi from Gupta house”
“Great, will you attend the conference then?”
“Yes, it’s at 03:00, isn’t it?”
“It is. See you later then. Will have lunch together. Okay?
Arnav nods. Aman gets up and makes his way out. Arnav continues to do his work. After few minutes, he picks the receiver.
“Send me the latest financial updates of the new project”

He hangs up and continues his work. The door knocks in 2 minutes.
“Come in”
He hears the familiar sound of the heels of the woman who has entered. He stiffens. He just realizes that the person on the other end of the call was his personal assistant, Sheetal Goel, who has been serving the notice period of 1 month. He raises his head and meets her eyes. She is staring at him with some softness plus remorse.
“Keep it” he says looking at the file she is holding in her hand.

She comes ahead and keeps the file on the desk. Arnav tries to concentrate back on his laptop, hoping she will understand he is not interested in talking to her and will leave but it doesn’t happen. She stays there.

“You may leave” he shouts without looking at her again. She jerks but doesn’t move an inch. Arnav finally gives her a cold stare.
“I need to talk to you” she replies in a pleading tone.
“I don’t want to talk to you Sheetal. It is better if you leave this cabin, right now” he barks.

Sheetal comes ahead.

“I know I shouldn’t have done that Arnav. I am not going to give you any justification. I truly apologize. Don’t throw me out of this Job. I badly need it. Please”
Arnav raises himself from the chair and walks to her. He holds her arm and drags her to the door.
“Leave, before I create a scene here and let everyone outside know what you did”

Sheetal grits her teeth. She had tried to get his sympathy and trust again but looks like he is too much beyond her control now.
“Congratulations on your wedding” she says.
“I don’t need your fake wishes” he snaps. “Just get the hell out of my cabin”

Sheetal is unable to bear this much of insult from him. She clicks the knob open and heads out. Arnav breathes normally again. Where does she even get that audacity to face him again and talk?
888
Gupta Mansion


Aashi and Khushi are welcomed with all rituals in her house.

“Thank you Uncle” Aashi says to Akash when he gives her a doll as a gift.
Shashi then gives Aashi a chocolate.
“That’s for my granddaughter” he offers the chocolate to Aashi. She happily takes it.
“Dad, its such a big chocolate. I am already worrying for her teeth” Khushi interrupts.
“You have eaten bigger chocolates than these in your childhood. Nothing will happen”

Khushi sighs and asks Aashi to thank him.
“Thank you…” Aashi pauses and looks at Khushi. “Khoosi he is your father?”
“Yes he is.” Khushi replies.
“And I am your Naana” Shashi taps Aashi’s nose.
“Naana?” she tries to spell the word correctly.
“Yes Naana”
“Thank you Naana” Aashi hugs him tight and he kisses her back.

Khushi is glad that slowly her daughter is getting every relation in her life which she deserved. She had a father already, now a mother, maternal uncle and even a grandfather.
888
Aashi has played enough the whole day with Akash and Shashi. Khushi likes the way her father and cousin are bonding with Aashi, even without knowing she is her real child. She decides to share this news today with them. Shashi returns back to Khushi, who is sitting on the couch at the living room, watching her daughter play.
“Oh god. I have never felt so refreshing like today. Really Khushi, having a kid in the house makes such a huge difference in the atmosphere there” Shashi exclaims sitting next to her.

Khushi smiles with a nod.
“Drink some water” she offers Shashi a glass of water to drink. Akash is still playing with Aashi, little away from them.
Shashi keeps the glass down.
“Seeing Aashi, her habits, her ways of talking, her behavior, everything reminds me of you. She is so much like you already”
Khushi smiles. She decides to open this secret to them.
“That’s because” she is about to tell when Shashi interrupts her.
“By the way Khushi, did Arnav talk to you on the finances that he is raising from his own accounts for our company?”

Khushi is stunned. She recalls this was agreed between them before the truth of she being Aashi’s biological mother had striked his mind. But then it had suddenly paused. And considering the distrust he showed upon her, she thought it was a bad idea to take any kind of financial help from him.

“Dad, I suppose we shouldn’t be taking his help. We can still try elsewhere” she suggests.
Shashi is confused.
“Why are you denying? Is it because now he is your husband and you don’t want him to do any favors on our company?”
“No.. that’s not the point. I just feel it is too early to take such a huge help from him”

Shashi is not satisfied by her reply.

“Khushi, has he said anything to you about this?”
“No, he didn’t”
“Then whats wrong? We didn’t go to him, he came and offered to help. I know he is now my son-in-law and it might not look good to take such a help from him. But this is not about us, it’s about the entire company. We have so many employees whose future depends on the progress of our company. We cannot let them starve because of us”

Akash hears a bit of their conversation and joins them. Aashi is still playing with the dolls, away.

“Uncle is right, Khushi. We are not going to keep his money with us forever. Once our company is progressing well, we will return back with interest.”

Khushi is unable to make them understand.

“Dad, Akash, I know what you mean but I don’t feel comfortable doing this” she continues to convince them.

“Daady” Aashi shouts looking at the door. Arnav Singh Raizada is here. She rushes to him and he picks her and throws her in air and catches her again. She kisses his jaw. “I missed you daddy”
“I missed you too sweetheart”

That word reminds her of Khushi and the message which Aman had sent to her on his behalf. Khushi is watching him too. The moment he sees her, she looks elsewhere.

“Arnav.. what a pleasant surprise. We thought you will come late and we will get to spend some more time with both” Shashi exclaims.
Arnav walks ahead with Aashi in arms.
“I was missing them badly. So, couldn’t resist myself from dropping here early”
“Never mind” Akash pats his back and makes him sit next to Khushi. She slowly moves away, creating some distance between them. Aashi sits on Khushi’s lap.
“How was your day?” Arnav asks huskily to his wife who fakes a smile.
“I will make tea for everyone”
She is about to get up but he stops her.
“I don’t want anything, I am fine. Stay here. I have something to share”

He removes a leaflet of cheque from his pocket and hands it to Shashi.

“That’s the amount you asked for. Use it for your company”

Khushi is shocked. Shashi and Akash are overwhelmed.
“Arnav, we didn’t know you will arrange it so quickly. Plus, what about the paperwork?” Shashi asks.
“My lawyer will get your signatures soon. I didn’t want you to wait until then. So please encash the amount and start using it for your projects. Paperwork can be done later”
Khushi somehow doesn’t like him doing this favor on them. Shashi looks at Khushi.

“Saw Khushi? Didn’t I tell you Arnav is more worried for our company than us?”

Khushi fakes a smile. She doesn’t want to argue with Arnav here. She will take this matter when they are back to Shantivan. They talk for a while. Akash and Shashi are proud and thankful to Arnav for his timely help and when they praise him, he denies taking their praises.

“We are a family now, Uncle. I am doing this for my family” he glances back at Khushi.

She notices his eyes, he is being genuine. He is not doing this to reduce his repentance period. She gets her bag and stuffs the gifts and toys which her father gave her and Aashi. It is finally time to leave. She hugs Shashi and Akash. Aashi bids them bye and invites them to Shantivan so that they can play there. They promise her to come soon.
888
Aashi sits on Khushi’s lap at the front seat as Arnav drives. She is busy eating chips.

“What was the need to hurry with the cheque?” Khushi cannot hold this question more. Arnav keeps driving.
“I want to reduce your stress”
“I could have managed”
“How?” he snaps.
She gets speechless. Arnav accelerates the vehicle.
“I don’t like my wife convincing every finance company of this city to assist them”
“I had talked to Kushal already. He had assured me” she snaps. Arnav angrily gazes at her once with disbelief and then keeps his eyes back on road. He doesn’t like what she said. Khushi bites the corner of her lip, she realizes she shouldn’t have told him this. He is already so jealous of her old friend Kushal, who is now also her client.

None of the two talk in the rest of the journey. Arnav parks the car. Aashi hurries inside to tell Daayi Maa how much she enjoyed at Khushi’s place and what all gifts Shashi and Akash gave her. Khushi and Arnav follow her. Though Khushi stops to talk to Daayi Maa, Arnav heads straight to the room. Daayi Maa notices his disinterest and asks Khushi if everything is alright between them. She nods and decides to talk to Arnav later about it.

“I will get Aashi’s clothes changed. You go and see what is wrong with Arnav. He doesn’t behave like this usually.” Daayi Maa says to Khushi.

Khushi has no option but to do as said. She herself has to change her clothes and for that she will have to step in the bedroom where he is. She slowly pushes the door open. Arnav is just wearing his night T shirt. He pulls it down his neck and turns around. She strides to the closet but before she can reach there, Arnav blocks her way and pulls her to him.

“Now Kushal is more important to you than me?” his eyes blaze fire at her.
“Be careful what you say Arnav. You are already repenting for not trusting me”

Arnav pulls her closer.
“There is a difference between distrust and jealousy. The latter is more upsetting. I don’t want to fight with you, Khushi. I just request you not to give me a reason either. Kushal is your friend, I accept it. I don’t have any harsh feelings for him. But if he tries to do what I should, I won’t like it at all. You and your family are my responsibility, not his. Don’t get him between us”

This is more like a threatening for her. She doesn’t give any justification that can instigate him further. Arnav leaves her arms and moves out of the room, shutting the door after him.


__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 42
Shantivan

The dinner had been quite today. Aashi had been the only active member at the table. She kept sharing what all she did at Gupta Mansion and how Akash and Shashi whom she calls Naana now kept giving her gifts, chocolates and even played with her. Khushi realizes Arnav’s mood is off because she tried to deny his financial help and chose to take it from Kushal instead. But isn’t he done his part? He has already given the needed help to her father, without caring she liked it or not. She is tied up from her paternal side though. She cannot openly declare her father why she didn’t want Arnav’s help.

Arnav gets back in the room, and sits working on his laptop while Aashi and Khushi enjoy their time, watching cartoons on TV, with Daayi Maa. Khushi’s eyes keep looking at the stairs to see if Arnav is going to join them or not and when he doesn’t step out of his room, she realizes she owes him a talk on this subject. She gets back in their room and knocks the door which is already half open. Arnav raises his head, looks at her and again concentrates back on his laptop screen.

“You don’t need to knock this door ever” he exclaims, his voice is still harsh. “Get in”

His words are powerful enough to make her feel the ownership of this room, being his wife. She steps in.

“I had something to talk” she says folding her arms across her chest.
“The finance matter is closed, so don’t reopen it” he replies.
Khushi exasperates. He is so adamant about his stand. She decides to talk over some other subject, now that she is here.
“It’s about the message you sent me today morning from work”
Arnav stops typing. He realizes she is talking about the over romantic message which Aman sent on his behalf to Khushi. He recalls the exact words of the message and smirks.

‘Miss you sweetheart. Life is bizarre without you around’


“What had gone into you to write that?” she asks in an argumentative tone.
Arnav raises his head again and looks at her.
“I didn’t write anything which crosses the limits between a man and his wife” he replies coolly. “I have called you sweetheart before and life actually sucks when you don’t be around me. That’s all was written in that message, isn’t it?”

Khushi feels she did a grave mistake opening this topic. She just wanted to get his mood out of that finance topic and hence she chose a subject which might mend his temper. She didn’t realize it would get intense and totally out of her hand. He gets up. She understands it is better to exit the room rather than extending this conversation. She turns and walks to the door, Arnav follows her and before she can move out, he shuts the door and pins her there. She gasps at his sudden actions.

“Which part of that message you didn’t like?” he huskily asks.
“All of it” she snaps, trying to keep her eyes away from him. Arnav holds her chin and raises it so their eyes forcefully meet.
“You sure?” his thumb strokes her cheek lazily.
She shivers but doesn’t show herself defeated by his actions. Arnav stops and gazes back at her. He then retreats. He steps a foot away from his wife.
“Okay, I won’t message anything like that again”

It should have made her feel happy but she is not. She has mixed feelings running inside her. She keeps staring at him with confused eyes.
“Though I cannot wait to shower all the love I have for you, I won’t do that until you aren’t comfortable” he pauses. “Not until you forgive me”

Khushi senses a strong will behind these words he just spoke. She composes herself and gulps the tension she felt so far when he had cornered her. His gaze holds her and a smirk automatically appears.
“And I know that day isn’t far when you will put our pasts behind and accept me not just as your baby’s father but as your husband too” he adds.
Khushi rolls her eyes.
“Too dramatic Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada. I didn’t know you can deliver such good dialogues with so much intensity.”
Arnav smiles at her.
“I guess it’s the marriage effect, it won’t fade so easily”

Khushi wants to smile, desperately but she holds herself. Though her eyes don’t react to her self-control. Arnav reads the softness in her eyes and decides not to poke her further. This has to be slow win after all.
“I have something else to share too” he becomes serious recalling another important matter. Khushi keeps her eyes and ears open.
“Sheetal is on her one-month notice period in the company. I have fired her”
Khushi sighs. She doesn’t look satisfied or happy.
“She is good at work” she interrupts.
“Yes, she is. But I don’t have to remind you what she did with us.” He replies. “I don’t want such a woman around me who can make my wife insecure”
Khushi laughs.
“Don’t put words in my mouth Arnav. I am not insecure when she is around you. She used the wrong way to get you and I guess she won’t repeat it again. You didn’t have to snatch her job”

Arnav stares at her blankly.

“How can you expect her to be around me again?”
“Change her department, her role or anything else which can keep her away from you. That’s enough. She tried to involve with you personally, now you don’t repeat mixing your personal issues in profession”

Arnav is not very happy to seek that advice.

“I like your approach, but I am not going to adopt it. Not in this matter at least. I want her out of our lives and I will ensure that happens, for our own good”
Khushi sighs deciding not to argue further.
“Your wish. Aashi was calling you down to watch cartoons. You want to come?” she hopefully asks.

Now that Khushi have eased off his anger, he decides not to drag it more and waste time away from her or Aashi. He shuts the screen of his laptop and heads down with Khushi.
888
The next morning, when Arnav opens his eyes he sees Khushi, at the poolside, talking over the phone. She looks freshly showered but still in a bathrobe. Probably the phone call didn’t let her change. He checks on Aashi who is still snoring. He kisses his baby softly, ensuring not to wake her up and heads out. Khushi finishes the call and turns around, only to be amazed seeing Arnav admiring her. He quickly comes out of the stance and smiles.

“I wasn’t eavesdropping, just catching the morning sunlight” His gaze then lowers as he glances at her top to bottom. “Is that my robe?” he asks.

She gets little confused and she gives a look at what she is wearing. It is indeed his robe, not hers.
“Yes.. I .. I didn’t realize it. The call was important so I wore whatever was available there and…”
She doesn’t realize that while she gives the explanation, Arnav has stride to her and is standing close.

“This is the second time you are wearing my robe” he replies. Khushi immediately recalls when she had last worn it. She was teaching Aashi to swim in the pool that day and hence used his robe after coming out of the pool. She and Arnav were so much in love that time, he had even proposed her for marriage.

“It’s fine. Whatever is mine, belongs to you” he adds further, in a husky tone.
Khushi frowns at him.
“No thanks. I don’t want to pamper myself with that thought. This marriage has just one motive behind it and I don’t want to enjoy any perks apart from being Aashi’s mother”
She tries to leave back in the room. He grabs her wrist and pulls her back in his arms. She struggles. He enjoys her feisty nature.
“Okay, then give my robe back… Now” he shamelessly demands.
Khushi feels her entire body trembling.
“I am not interested to have it either” she squeaks. “I will throw it out once I change”

Arnav grins at her reactions.
“Stop being so cute all the time” he murmurs.
Khushi has no clue how can he think she is cute when is looking no less than a clown wearing this loose robe of his.
“I will catch cold if you don’t leave me right now” she replies in a warning tone and it is then that Arnav realizes she hasn’t even wiped herself properly, especially her hair. He recalls the last time when she was teaching Aashi to swim here, she and Aashi both started sneezing because of cold. The protectiveness in him erupts and he drags Khushi back to the bedroom. He makes her sit on the recliner and starts wiping her hair with a dry towel. He has done this before, on that same day when she and Aashi had a swim session in his pool. Why are these memories so beautiful?

“I will manage” she snatches the towel from him and heads out. Arnav doesn’t stop her. Anything he does now to show his lovely side, she will not take it so easily. She will keep avoiding him and this is the toughest time he has got to handle.
888
Khushi is tempted not to go but she knows how much important her presence is at office. After Arnav gave the much-needed financial help to her father, things at Office have speeded up and needs her attention at some major projects. After changing her clothes, Khushi comes down and is talking to Daayi Maa about her dilemma.

“I didn’t want to step at office for a week at least after marriage but things really need my attention there” she scoffs. Daayi Maa smiles.
“You don’t have to worry about here. I am there to look after Arnav and Aashi. You can go and come back”
Khushi is still not very sure about it. Arnav who has overheard their talks comes to them.
“If you are waiting for my permission, then you don’t need to. Work is important, I do understand that” he says sitting next to her on the couch.
Khushi is pleased. She was already thinking how to inform Arnav this but he made it easy now.
“I don’t want Aashi to think I left before she woke up. Besides I had promised to take her at the Park today”
Arnav places his hand over hers, giving her an assuring look.
“I will handle her. I will take her to the park if she wants to”
His reply gets a smile on her face.
“Thanks”
“Go get ready, I will drop you”
“No… I ..”
“I will either drop you to work or you won’t go. Up to you” he arrogantly replies. Khushi raises her brow. At one instance he becomes all good and understands her problems and the next minute he puts such weird conditions.
“Fine” she leaves back to the room to get her purse and laptop.
888
Arnav halts the car at the Gupta Office premises. He didn’t even dress appropriately before stepping in the car. He is still in his night pants, his hair unkempt and eyes still sleepy.

“Go and finish your work, Mrs. Raizada” he says dropping his arms from the steering wheel. Khushi turns to look at him. He just addressed her with his surname. It feels strange to be called something different from your usual identity.
“Don’t worry about Aashi, I will handle her”
Khushi sighs and shakes her head. Arnav keeps staring at her as she gets down from the car and walks inside the Office building. He has a surprise for her after she returns. He knows she will have another argument after he reveals it but he would still go for it. He starts the engine again and is about to drive out when he sees Kushal, Khushi’s friend and now client, getting inside the Office. What is he doing here? Arnav grips the wheel. However hard he wants to ease down the jealousy he feels when Kushal is around Khushi, he still cannot achieve it completely.

Kushal walks in the office, following Khushi.

“Hey Khushi”
Khushi stops and turns around.
“Kushal? Hi.. I thought I am the only one to arrive late today”
He chuckles.
“I got stuck in the traffic. But I didn’t think you would come. It’s been 2 days for your wedding. Just 2 days”
Khushi smiles.
“I know. But I have got a very cooperative and understanding husband”

That was spontaneous from her. She didn’t make it up because its true. Arnav does understand and appreciate her work commitments.
“Lucky girl” he comments with a grin. Suddenly they both hear Arnav’s voice, calling her name.
“Khushi”

They look behind and see Arnav walking towards them. She is surprised. He didn’t leave yet? Kushal waits there too. Khushi gazes at him confused.
“You forgot something baby” he responds coming closer.
Khushi swallows hard as he slides his arm around her waist and pulls her closer, as if Kushal doesn’t even exists.
“Your phone” he murmurs in her ears taking out her mobile phone from his pocket.
Khushi takes her phone, giving him a cold stare. Does he realize that the entire staff around is watching them and whispering something to each other, with blushed faces. Arnav reads her expression and still acts cool. Kushal clears his throat.
“Uhh.. hi Arnav”
Arnav finally turns to him.
“Hi Kushal. Nice meeting you again”
“Same here. You came to drop Khushi?”
“Yes, I came to drop my wife” he says glancing back at Khushi who is still in his arms. She gapes at him, understanding he is doing all of this because of his jealousy. But it’s a healthy one, at least he isn’t pouncing at her for calling Kushal at office and not even informing him.

“Thanks for getting my phone, Arnav. We are already late for meeting. Dad and Akash must be waiting, we should leave”
Arnav smirks nodding in agreement. He quickly presses a kiss on Khushi’s forehead, once again making others totally feel awed of this newly married couple.
“Will miss you” he whispers in her ears after the kiss and then passing a quick smile to Kushal he walks out. Khushi feels like her entire body became standstill. He is too much at times.
“He is totally into you. Anyone can see that” Kushal exclaims. Khushi gets nervous.
“I know. Let’s go before we are disallowed to attend the meeting”

Kushal chuckles and hurries with Khushi inside.

Arnav comes back to his car and is about to get in when he sees someone from the rear mirror.

“ROY?” Arnav mutters becoming seriously and turns around to double confirm if he really saw Roy here. Roy steps in his car and leaves the premises of Gupta Office. Arnav is stunned. What work did Roy have with Guptas?


__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 43



Arnav is stupefied seeing Roy at Gupta Office Premises. As far as he remembers, Roy has no client related to Guptas. Then what can be there for? Is this something to bother about? Maybe he happened to make a new client? Whatever it is, he cannot give a benefit of doubt to Roy at all. The marriage celebrations have taken enough of his time, now he has to seriously look into that matter which can prove Khushi’s innocence and also bring out the culprit.

“Aman” Arnav dials Aman’s number to discuss this.
“Hey Arnav. All okay?” Aman asks yawning.
“Not okay, Aman. I saw Roy at Gupta’s office. He seemed to be in a hurry and he looked bothered about anyone noticing his presence there. I am sure something is fishy” Arnav replies.
“Hmm. Sounds fishy to me too. We need to do something about Roy, Arnav. Before it’s too late”
“We shall start with the bank account details wherein I transferred the additional amount thinking Khushi demanded it”
“Okay, what do you want me to do then?”
“Your friend John, he is the manager of that bank isn’t it?”
“Yes, he is. But he wasn’t the Branch Manager of this bank when that account was opened. He got this position just a year back”
“I see. Anyways, through John we need to get some more details of that account which belongs to Khushi, but obviously is operated by someone else”

Arnav’s idea seems to be good to work.
“Okay, I will contact John. What details you need?” Aman asks.
“Anything, like mobile number or registered email id. We can track whoever that person is using those details”
“Bingo!! This is amazing. I love the way you think” Aman compliments him.

Arnav smirks and starts his car engine to drive back to Shantivan. His daughter must be awake by now and will be angry not finding him and Khushi at home.

As soon as he gets in the house, he finds Aashi crying, she looks frustrated too. Daayi Maa is trying to calm her down.

“Aashi. Please don’t cry. You are a good girl, aren’t you? Come on, drink milk” Daayi maa urges but Aashi denies to even understand anything. Arnav gets in.
“Aashi?” he calls out.
Aashi comes running to him. He picks her in arms.
“Daddy..where had you been? You and Khoosi left me alone” she cries again.
Arnav sighs and sits on the couch, taking her on his lap.
“Khushi has gone to office, she got some work to do baby. And I had gone to drop her by car. You were not awake, you were sleeping. But do you know Khushi kissed you before she left”

Aashi slowly starts to sober down.

“where?” she asks.
“Here” Arnav points out on her cheek.
“And Daady now is going to eat that kiss away” he gets into a playful mood and kisses her on the same cheek. Aashi giggles and tries to run away. He holds her tight and only when all her teary mood is gone, he stops tickling her.
“When will she come back? She said she will take me to the garden today” she pouts.
“I know, she told me which garden. So, I will take you there. And from there, we will go and pick her from office. We will give her a surprise. What say?”

Aashi’s face lights up.

“Yes” she chirps.
“Good. Then first you got to drink the milk, finish your breakfast. Until then I will shower. Okay?”
He raises his hand pointing his palm at her. She raises her hand too and hits her palm to his.
“Okay” she screams in joy. “Daayi Maa, milk” she gets down and runs to the dining table where Daayi Maa is still waiting for her to return and continue the breakfast.
888
When Khushi and Kushal enters the conference room, everyone is here except Akash. She is confused where he can go. Shashi tells her he got some urgent call which made him leave the cabin. He will be back in few minutes and until then they decide to begin their agenda for today.

It takes almost 4 hours for the Guptas to finish their meetings. They have a clear picture now how to use the newly arranged finances for their upcoming projects. They plan some good strategies this time to ensure that they don’t suffer similar situations in future. After all, the future of the company has to be secured.

“Thanks for your inputs Kushal” Khushi exclaims while walking out with him.
“Come on Khushi, no formalities please”
“Khushi” Shashi calls her from behind. Khushi stops. “I have some work with you, you got some time?” Shashi asks her.
“Yes Dad. I will see you a week later Kushal. I am officially off until next week. Couldn’t skip today’s meeting though”
“Oh yes, I Know. You can carry on. We will meet soon. Bye”

He gives her a quick side hug and hurries out. Khushi returns back to her father’s cabin now.

“Yes Dad. Tell me”
“I need some of your identity proofs again” Shashi exclaims.
“What for?”
“Nothing serious, just for completing some of the formalities related to our new project work. You wont be coming to office for a week, so don’t want to bother you later.  I will hand it over to you once you are back next week”
Khsuhi nods
“Okay, but I don’t have them with me now. It’s at Shantivan. I will send it through someone.”

Shashi is little reluctant for this delay.
“Okay, do that once you get home today”
Khushi agrees and gets up to leave.
“I should leave now. Aashi must be waiting”
Shashi smiles.
“Just Aashi?” he teases. Khushi tries to hide her blush, reading her father’s mind.
“Arnav too, happy? Now let me go. Bye Dad”

She quickly gives him a hug and hurries out. To her surprise, Arnav is already standing before their office, with Aashi next to him, sitting on the car bonnet. When did they come here? She had messaged Arnav to send the car for her, not forced him to come and pick her up. But it’s nice to be surprised like this. And the car? It’s a brand-new car, one of her favorite brand. But why did he buy a new car? The moment Aashi sees her, she comes running and hugs Khushi’s feet. Khushi kneels down and kisses her.
“Why did you leave before I woke up?” Aashi shouts but there is no anger in her voice, it’s just her worry.
“I didn’t wish you break your beautiful dreams. But I promise to let you know every time before I leave for anything like this. Please forgive me this time?” she gently holds her ears in apology.
A smile creep on Aashi’s angelic face. She quickly kisses Khushi’s cheek.
“Okay, forgiven” she replies.
“Thank you, baby” Khushi gets up and holds Aashi’s hand. They both then walk to Arnav who has been quietly witnessing the scene between the two.
“New car?” she asks.
Arnav waves the keys and then gives it to her.
“It’s a present, from your husband”
Khushi is dazed. Wedding present? Such a lavish car?
“I .. I cant take it. It’s too much and I have a car already”
Arnav rolls his eyes.
“Yes, its old now. Besides, I know this is your favorite brand. Take it”
“No” she keeps showing her reluctance.
“It’s Aashi’s favorite color car and she wants you to have it” he tries convincing her in other angel. He knows her weakness, it’s Aashi.
“Arnav, please” she angrily mutters.
Arnav gestures her towards Aashi who has been confusedly noticing their silly fight over the ownership of this car.
“Aashi, you said you want to see Khushi drive, isn’t it?” Arnav very conveniently gets Aashi involved in this argument.
“Yes” Aashi jumps in joy. “Khoosi.. you drive.. please”

Khushi mouths something angrily at Arnav for doing this. He knows she cannot make Aashi angry or see her sad. She takes the keys from Arnav. He lovingly opens the driver door for her. She gets in. He sits next to her, wearing the seatbelt while Aashi chooses to sit behind them. Khushi accelerates the engine.

“Take the left turn” Arnav orders as she is about to exit the gate of their office.
“Left? But Shantivan falls in the right”
“Do as I say Sweetheart” he softly exclaims. Khushi clenches her jaw. What is happening?
“Take the next exit to highway now” he further commands.
Khushi doesn’t understand where they are going?
“Why are we leaving the city?”
“Because we are going on a vacation” he replies coolly. “Aashi you want to hear some music?” Arnav purposely asks to break Khushi’s chain of questions and then turns the music player, playing some of Aashi’s favorite Bollywood songs. She keeps making some dance moves at the backseat, even though the seatbelt is not letting her move much.

Khushi gets frustrated now.
“Who planned this? And why?” she continues asking him.
“You wouldn’t go on a honeymoon with me, I know. Vacation is much safer, isn’t it?” he smirks.
Khushi wants to hit him but she controls her hand movement. She doesn’t want to set a bad example of being a wife at least before their daughter.
“Will you at least tell me the name of the place we are going?” she tries to ask calmly but fails. The streaks of anger are purely reflected in her voice.
“Mussourie” he answers. “It’s some 320 kms from Delhi. We might reach there by tonight”
Khushi’s jaw drops.
“And who told you Mussourie has been my favorite hill station so far?” she asks.
“Akash” he says giving her a lopsided smile. He is totally prepared to win his wife. He has already gathered a lot many information about her choices, likes and things that can bring smile on her face. He is going to try everything possible from his end in these 5 days of their stay in Mussourie to ensure she forgives him, at least little enough to behave as a friend, if not wife.

Khushi accelerates the vehicle. Arnav is always one step ahead of her. She understands why he planned all this.

“Where is your charter/chopper now?” she asks. “Don’t you think reaching in 30 minutes was better than driving all the way for 5 – 6 hours?”
“I purposely chose the road trip. We get more time to spend with each other” he says softly and inhales deep. “Let me know when you want me to drive.”
“Thanks, but no thanks. I am well versed in driving.
Arnav holds his smile. He knows she is frustrated with this sudden idea of vacation. But he will change her thoughts about this soon.

They almost drive for an hour, Arnav notices Khushi continuously moving her hair lock away, which is kind of disturbing her driving.
“Allow me” he says touching her hair lock the next time it tries to tickle her cheek. She looks at him. “Eyes on the road, sweetheart” he orders.
Khushi focusses back on the road. Arnav lingers his finger on her cheek in the attempt to move her hair lock and tuck it behind her ear. She gets goosebumps on her skin, Arnav notices that on her exposed arm and smirks.
“I can’t wait to ease all your anger” he softly utters, so that only she hears it, not Aashi who is sitting behind.
Khushi gives him a cold stare and then looks back on the road.
“That’s not going to happen anytime soon” she replies changing the gear.
“Is it?” he pauses and touches the area of her arm where the goosebumps are still active. “Then what is all this? Why is your skin so sensitive to my touch?”
Khushi swallows. She is speechless. Her hair lock once again tickles her skin coming out from the ear it was tucked behind.
“Have a rubber band?” he asks.
“In the purse”

Arnav leans back and picks her purse from the backseat. He notices Aashi is almost dozing. He quickly takes out a rubber band from her purse and volunteers to tie her hair. She moves back and applies the brakes at the side of the road.

“I can do this myself” she snatches the rubber band from him and ties her hair. Arnav grits his teeth at her behavior but soon calms down.
“I will drive from here. Aashi is dozing” he informs.
Khushi notices that too and agrees to let him drive. She takes his seat now and before that, she takes Aashi out from the backseat and makes her sit on her lap. Aashi cuddles her and sleeps on her lap. Khushi keeps caressing her baby while Arnav takes the wheels and drives them to Mussourie.
888
It’s cold in Mussourie. It is still 50 Kms climb on the Mussourie hill, Arnav stops at a tea stall and while he gets tea for him and Khushi, she makes Aashi wear some warm clothes. She is freezing too. She didn’t realize it will be so cold out here during this month.

“I want Maggi” Aashi sees a Maggi stall and demands for it.
“Aashi, no outside food. Daayi maa has packed sandwiches for us” Khushi replies.
“No.. I want Maggi” she keeps demanding.
Arnav reaches them and he is already holding a bowl of Maggi for her in the tray, with two cups of brewing tea. How easily he reads their mind. They get back in the car and enjoy their refreshments. Aashi is busy eating at the backseat again whereas Khushi sips the hot tea. It’s a perfect combination. Maggi and hot tea, in this chilling weather, something she used to enjoy in her childhood whenever she came here for picnic, either with friends or with her father. She finishes the tea and hands the empty bowl and the cups to the vendor. Arnav pays him and shuts the glass of their car again. Khushi rubs her palm. She is freezing still. Arnav realizes this and quickly takes off his jacket and puts it around her.

“No.. that’s fine” she denies.
“Take it. You should be warm” he replies. She doesn’t deny him further. She wears his jacket. “Daayi Maa has packed your clothes but I forgot to ask her to keep a jacket for you out.” He further adds.
“Doesn’t matter” she softly moulds herself in his jacket as if seeking the necessary warmth out of it. “How much more time to reach?”
“40 minutes approx.” he replies starting the car engine again. Khushi smiles. She has started liking his idea of vacation now.


__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 44
Mussourie

Arnav hands the keys to the hotel chauffeur for parking their new car. He then waits for Khushi and Aashi to get down. Aashi is very excited to be in this new place and she is totally loving the cold weather here. Khushi seems a bit tired, especially because he didn’t give her any time to rest. He directly picked her from Office and made her travel such a huge distance to Mussourie. But he has plans to get her totally relaxed here.

“Daddy.. There is a slide over there.. and see-saw too. I want to go there” Aashi points out at the children play area in the garden.
“Aashi.. we will come later. It’s getting dark” Arnav replies but Aashi doesn’t want to listen. She is in a playful mood.
“It’s okay, you do the check-in formalities, I will take her to the play area and come back” Khushi exclaims.
“You sure? You already look tired”
“That’s fine. Aashi’s demand should come first” she says holding Aashi’s hand. Arnav nods with a smile.
“Okay, I will finish the formalities and come out”

They head to their respective areas of interest, Aashi and Khushi at the garden whereas Arnav at the lobby. He collects the room keys and also books the next day slot for a Spa. He wants Khushi to relax, feel sated and calm. His phone buzzes. It’s Aman.

“Reached Mussourie?” Aman asks.
“Yup, just a few minutes ago. Thanks for this lovely Idea Aman”
“Anytime Friend. I want you and Khushi to reconcile soon. You know until that happens, I cannot concentrate on my personal life either. I am always thinking about you guys… day and night”
Arnav lets out a snort.
“Okay, that was too much. By the way, any news from the Bank Manager?”
“Yes, that’s why I called. John has passed on a few details”

Arnav becomes curious to know what details Aman could manage to draw. He keeps walking to the play area but slowly, so that he can finish the call with Aman before reaching there.

“What have you got, Aman?”
“Both, the registered email id and mobile number with that Bank account”
Arnav is delighted to know that their plan is working.
“And of course, I have got the registered communication address too” Aman adds.
“Okay, send me all that.”
“I will Arnav, but”
“But what?”
“But I don’t see if this is going to be of any use”
“Why?” Arnav doesn’t understand why Aman is being so skeptical about this plan all of a sudden.
“Because, it won’t lead us anywhere” Aman replies. “The communication address is that of Gupta Mansion, the mobile number which is registered with the bank is again on Khushi Gupta’s name and the email id also has her own name as initials. I don’t see anything suspicious here which can even point to the real culprit”
Arnav hears it all and shows the same disappointment. He reaches the play area now and watches his daughter Aashi on the swing, whereas Khushi is busy taking Aashi’s video. She is looking so happy right now. Who can do this with her? This is not as that simple as it seems to be. The person behind this entire misunderstanding is a mastermind.
“Whatever Aman, just send me the details and I will see how we can proceed further”

Aman agrees to share the needed information and Arnav hangs up the call and reaches his family.

“Daddy…” Aashi screams. Arnav forgets all his worries and grins at her. Aashi jumps down the swing and the moment she comes to him, Arnav swings her around making her squeal. Khushi continues capturing the video. She has always loved their bond. He has not failed as a father… single father. He has taken good care of Aashi in all sense. She has yet to learn a lot from him, in this aspect.
“It’s getting cold” he extends his arm to Khushi. “Let’s get in the room”
Khushi stops capturing the video and heads inside in the hotel with them.
888
After a stomach-full dinner Khushi makes Aashi wear the night dress. She seems to be sleepy now.
“I don’t want to wear socks” Aashi resists.
“You cannot skip wearing that. It is chilling here, what if you catch cold?” Khushi asks.
“I won’t” she keeps resisting.
Khushi looks at Arnav who is busy checking something on the laptop.
“Arnav.. say something” Khushi shouts.
Arnav stops working.
“Aashi.. you got to listen to Khushi, that’s the deal, okay?”
Khushi raises her brow in amusement.
“Will you ever stop using this deal language all the time? She is our daughter, not a business project” she yells. “And I thought we are on a vacation” she specifically looks at the Laptop. Arnav understands what she is hinting at. He shouldn’t work right now. He shuts the laptop and comes to the bed.
“Sorry, had something really important. Anyways, whats this all about?” he whispers.
Khushi shows him the socks which Aashi is not ready to wear. He takes the pair from her and calls Aashi to him but she runs around in the room, ignoring his call.
“Aashi.. you naughty girl.. come here at once” he runs after her. Khushi smiles seeing him chasing their daughter. He looks kind of cute whenever he does that.

Arnav finally manages to catch hold of Aashi and he makes her wear the socks. Khushi finally gets up and unzips her bag. She hadn’t done it yet. When she unzips the bags, she is shocked to see the night gowns packed for her and not the night suits which she usually wore in Shantivan.

“What the hell” she yells. Arnav notices her disappointment seeing something inside the bag and drops Aashi on her feet.
“Daddy, can I watch Cartoon?” Aashi picks the TV remote. Arnav nods and she hops on the sofa as Arnav walks to Khushi to see what has saddened her.
“You okay?” he asks.
“Who packed my bags, Arnav? I need an honest reply” she shouts.
Arnav gazes at Khushi, his mouth twisted in an amused smirk.
“It has to be you. You packed my bags and lied to me that Daayi Maa did it” she raises her suspicion.
“What nonsense. Why will I lie? I had no time to pack your bags, I was just so busy taking Aashi out and then heading to the showroom to pick your new car”
Khushi exhales.
“Then what is all this? What is all these?” she picks a gown.
“That’s a gown, I suppose and its yours”
“It is but I wear night suits. You know that, don’t you?”
“How would Daayi Maa know what you wear in our bedroom?” he scowls.

She shakes her head in agreement. Maybe she misread all of this. Arnav didn’t do it at all and he is innocent. Arnav stares at her bewildered.
“Did you think I packed these gowns on purpose?” he raises his voice.
Khushi looks away.
“You think I got you here for all that?” his voice radiates tension and anger.
“No.. I..”
Arnav doesn’t wait to hear her regret, he just walks off. Khushi grits her teeth. It is her mistake, and now she has pissed him off.

Aashi dozes off while watching the cartoon. Khushi wears the knee length gown packed by Daayi Maa and comes out of the bathroom. Arnav is back on his laptop, working. His mood is totally off and she can say that because he is not even giving her a single glance. She comes to the sofa and carries Aashi in her arms. She takes her to the bed and places her on it. She then makes her wear a woolen cap to cover her ears. She again notices Arnav and he is still engrossed in work. This doesn’t look like a vacation anymore and she has ruined it all. He took so much efforts to plan of this. She shouldn’t have been suspicious on him.

She dims the bedside lights and makes coffee for her and Arnav. She keeps the mug beside the laptop, to get his attention. Arnav notices the cup and then raises his head to see her. She is also looking at him.

“I know you like coffee at any odd hours and you need one while working”
“Thanks” he murmurs and stares back on the screen. She clears her throat.
“Uh.. Sorry” her voice is hardly feeble but though Arnav has heard it, he pretends not to. He keeps typing something on his laptop. Khushi swallows hard. “I said I am sorry” she says louder this time”

Arnav glares back at her.
“I overreacted. I already got so many surprises today and I wasn’t ready for another one especially in my clothing. Hence I..”
“Forgiven” he says interrupting her words.
Khushi gazes at him impassively to read what is exactly going in his mind. Arnav smiles weakly, offering her to sit next to him and she doesn’t deny. She sits next to him on the couch and suddenly she recollects something.

“Oh, how could I forget this?” she sighs.
“Forget what?”
“Dad wants my ID proofs again, he seems to need it for some project work. Since I am not going to resume work for a week more, he had asked me to send it through someone to the earliest.”
Arnav’s brain starts ticking. Does it have to do anything with the bank account that is being operated on Khushi’s name?
“I will ask Daayi Maa to send those to Dad tomorrow”
She is about to get up for dialing Daayi Maa, when Arnav holds her hand and makes her sit again.
“What?” she asks looking at his confused face.
“I have something to share” he murmurs.

He slowly informs her how he has gained some information through Aman on that bank account operation details. Khushi is shocked again.
“What? How is it possible, Arnav? Okay, regarding the email id I understand, the actual culprit might have created a new email taking my initials and used it for that bank account, but the communication address? How can that account have my home address as communication address? How come I never got any such letters or statements from the bank for that account so far?”
“Maybe someone else collected it before you could”
Khushi denies.
“Impossible. Why would the delivery guy handover the bank letters to anyone else than me if those are addressed for me?”
“Nothing hard in that. The delivery guy can be bribed”
“Okay and the mobile number? How can that be registered to my name without my identity documents?” she further questions.
“Someone had your documents already then”
“Impossible Arnav, I don’t give my documents to anyone apart from Dad and Akash”

Arnav gazes at her strongly this time, to make her understand that he is suspicious on them. She is dazed reading his eyes.

“I .. I don’t think its one of them” she whispers, unable to accept this fact. “They.. they are my family, Arnav.. I cannot stop trusting them”
Tears pool in her eyes as she expresses how much she loves the two. Arnav immediately embraces her.
“Maybe I am wrong, but there is no other way anyone can use your identity documents. I always had a suspicion that it has to be someone inside the Gupta Mansion doing this, and after getting all these details from Aman, I don’t think I am wrong this time”

Khushi lets out a soft cry.
“We are this close to finding the real culprit Khushi, and I don’t want you to lose your strength” he advises. “Whoever this person is, he has to be identified for whatever he has done to us. He is the sole reason for the hatred I showed upon you all these years. This person has just not cheated me out of money, but he has misused your trust.”

Khushi quietly listens to him,

“But if you don’t want to know who he is, I would end all this investigation, right here. We can forget the past, forgive this unknown person who did this to us and move on. If this bothers you or hurts you more, I don’t want to drag it” he adds.

Khushi is touched by his words. He is saying this because he does not want to see her hurt after they come to know who from her family cheated them. He is thinking so much about her now. She palms his cheek.
“I need some time to think” she requests.
Arnav nods instantly.
“Take your time and decide if we should stop or proceed with the investigation”
He then gently wipes off the tears from her eyes. She lets him do that because she is draining out of love and support. The people she took to be her family has cheated her, who else can she expect some trust and love from, if not from Arnav who is helping her trace this matter? She finds it hard to resist his touch at this sensitive moment. Arnav carries her in his arms, straight to the bed and lays her down there.

“Go to sleep” he whispers in her ears and then covers her and Aashi with the quilt. He shuts the lamp off and is about to move to his side of the bed when she holds his hand. Her eyes are teary again and he reads her unsaid request. She wants him to sleep next to her tonight. Just few minutes ago she was accusing him over the night gown matter and now she wants him next to her. It is so difficult sometimes to understand what a woman actually wants. But right now, all he knows is that Khushi needs him and he decides to give her that. He slowly shifts Aashi to his side and Khushi automatically shifts in the middle. Arnav sleeps at the corner, next to Khushi, entering the same quilt. It’s warm in here. He drapes his hand over her waist and kisses her hair. She closes her eyes to sleep, drowning in the moment. It is all too difficult to digest at the moment, someone from her family, between Akash and her father, had been cheating her all these years for money. Now that the clouds are passing, she is scared of the outcome. Will she be able to cope up with that?


__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 45
Mussourie

“Daddy..”

Khushi hears Aashi’s voice first as she is the one sleeping next to Aashi tonight. Aashi is sitting on the bed, trying to wake her father up.
“Aashi? What happened baby?” Khushi embraces her.
“I want to go to loo” she pouts admitting why she woke her up.
Khushi smiles.
“Come, I will take you”
“But Daddy takes me every time at night” Aashi exclaims.
“So, what? Now I am part of your family. So, I am sharing your daddy’s responsibilities. You can wake me up instead of him at such times. Okay?”

Aashi happily smiles. She gets down with Khushi who takes her to the bathroom. Khushi waits outside the bathroom for Aashi to finish. Aashi though wants her to be in their family, she will still take time to understand what role Khushi plays in her life. She is her mother. Whenever Aashi calls her by her name, she always wishes that day comes soon when Aashi uses the word ‘Mummy’ or ‘Mumma’ for her. She has been craving for that day to come. She does not want to teach Aashi that. It has to be on its own. But she worries. If Aashi gets to know some day that she is her mother, how will she react? Wont she ask her why she was missing all these years? Why she left her only with Arnav? It scares her. How will she face that day? What will she reply to her daughter? Will she understand?

Aashi comes out of the bathroom and holds her hand again. Khushi switches the lights and takes her back on bed.

“You want to sleep in between us?” Khushi asks. She doesn’t want Aashi to think her father is being shared now.
“Yes”

Aashi happily jumps on the bed next to her father. That movement wakes Arnav up. He looks at the two.
“What happened?”
“She wanted to use the washroom”
Arnav nods.
“Why didn’t you wake me up?”
“That’s okay. Don’t bother of my sleep”

Arnav watches Khushi sleeping on the far end now. He already misses sleeping next to her. She reads his eyes but holds herself from blushing. Aashi hugs her. Khushi keeps patting Aashi’s back to make her fall asleep again.
“It’s cold” Aashi murmurs. “Daddy come close”
Arnav comes closer to them and pulls the Quilt comfortably on the three. He hugs them both and once again this time, Khushi does not resist. But she realizes that he is not closing his eyes. That somehow bothers her, makes her uncomfortable because he is admiring her, intensely. She raises her brows.
“What?” she softly murmurs.
“Watching you sleep” he replies, gazing steadily at her. She raises her other palm and tries to shut his eyes but the moment she pulls back his eyes open wide again to stare at her.
“Don’t do that” she pleads.
“My eyes… my wife..” he clarifies. “I can watch her anytime I want”

Khushi pouts. She cannot get sleep if he keeps watching her like that with hungry eyes.

“Okay, go to sleep. I am sleeping too.” He brushes her hair softly and then resumes back to hug them. Khushi takes a sigh of relief. If he keeps throwing so much of love at her, it will be tough to keep distance from this man. She is already worried why she got so emotional and allowed him to sleep next to her, so cozily. Not that she didn’t like it. But she was very careful not to give any wrong signals to this man. And he too was careful about it. Her eyes start closing again and she drifts to sleep.
888
She feels something tickling on her face. It’s very light yet she is sensitive to that touch. She opens her eyes and finds her husband Arnav and their daughter Aashi showering rose petals on her.

“What is all this?” she slowly gets up.
“Good morning” both father and daughter shout together.

A smile breaks on her lips and she wishes the two back. Aashi sits on her lap whereas Arnav places a tray on the bed.
“Bed tea, Mrs. Raizada”  he passes her a mug.
Khushi takes it but frowns.
“I thought we are on a vacation and on vacation we get to sleep a lot.”
Arnav smirks.
“Yes, we do. But not when we have prebooked plans” he replies.
“What plans?” she sips the tea. It’s awesome. “You made it?”
Arnav shakes his head with pride.
“I ordered it” he winks at her and takes off his T shirt. Khushi swallows. What the hell is he doing?

He doesn’t leave her gaze and is very well aware of her confusion.

“Khoosi.. look at daddy’s muscles” Aashi screams in joy.
Khushi fakes a smile. Not that she doesn’t appreciate what she saw but she cannot openly show it to him.
“Yea, let. Let daddy shower. Until then we will decide what to wear today” she breaks her gaze from Arnav.
“I have ordered the breakfast. It will come any moment” he informs.
Khushi nods, without even looking at him. He is doing all of this on purpose now, she knows and she minds!! Not seriously though.

He makes his way to the other room of their suite to do Floor Push-ups. He must be missing his home gym. But she likes his addiction for workout. Everyone should practice it. Wish she could get more time to do her cardio too. Work and the financial stress had burdened her mind and then the marriage. She has to fetch her own time to participate in fitness again. Aashi runs back to Arnav and Khushi doesn’t stop her. She likes to see her father working out plus she loves to count for him.

Khushi showers meanwhile. She has no time for a relaxed bath. She wants to spend more time with her husband and kid. She comes out and starts drying her hair. Arnav is still working out. Aashi seems to have lost the count of his push-ups. The doorbell rings and Aashi rushes to open the door.

“Aashi be careful. Don’t run” Khushi shouts but she doesn’t listen to her. She opens the door and pulls it hard to allow the room service girl to get their breakfast trolley inside. Aashi is hungry.

“Daddy come out soon”

Khushi signs the bill and watches Arnav coming in the main hall of the suite. He looks exhausted and toned up. Soon protectiveness towards him shines in her eyes and she throws him a Towel. Arnav grins at her. The room service girl wishes the two and then heads out.

“What was this for?” he asks gesturing at the towel she threw at him.
“I don’t want another Sheetal Goel to be born” she mocks.
Arnav cannot contain his boyish laugh. Khushi starts serving their plates. He comes and sits next to her, wearing his T Shirt again.
“I will be careful with every woman henceforth. I promise”
She likes what he said and looks back in his eyes.
“I cannot take the risk to upset my wife further” he adds.

Khushi is already captivated by his dialogues. He stops alluring her more and helps her serve in the plates.

“You have a Spa Appointment today at 11:00” he informs.
“What?”
“I booked one for you”

Aashi comes to them and Khushi starts feeding her.
“Why Spa?”
“Because I want to pamper my wife. Besides you will feel relaxed. I want you to enjoy this vacation”
“I am enjoying it Arnav but that doesn’t mean you have to be my Host here. You and Aashi have to be part of this enjoyment too. I cannot take everything alone”
Arnav smirks.
“There was a couple Spa option too in that case. But I thought you will be uncomfortable”

She swallows. Obviously, it will be uncomfortable because she has no clue how that works. When she notices him again, he gives her a lopsided smile.

“And someone has to be there with Aashi too” he adds.
“You didn’t do good. I want to spend time with you both and you are making me go alone there”
Arnav feels elated to hear that and little disappointed too that she is not happy with the Spa arrangement.
“Okay, I will cancel your Spa then. If you don’t want to go, I won’t push you”
Khushi notices his saddened look.
“Don’t cancel it. I won’t let your efforts and surprise go waste. I will go.”
“That’s like my girl” he pinches her cheek and Aashi giggles.
“Daady my cheek too” she forwards her cheek to Arnav who pinches her the same way and then feeds her the next morsel.
888
Whilst Khushi enjoys her Spa appointment, Arnav takes Aashi out for a swim. It’s a hot water Swimming pool and there are many other parents already teaching their kids to swim. While they both are still in the pool, a small boy similar to Aashi’s age falls down on the slippery floor next to the pool and screams for his mother.

“Mummmyy” he screams and starts crying. That draws Aashi and Arnav’s attention to him. Before Arnav can help the boy, his mother comes and starts soothing him down. Aashi notices that. She admires them very sincerely, trying to judge the bond between the two. Arnav clicks his fingers to get Aashi’s attention back.

“Aashi.. splash the water come on” he tries to teach her. Aashi’s stance breaks and she continues to splash water by her feet while Arnav holds her steady above the water surface.
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Khushi comes out of the Spa, and turns on her phone. She sees 8 missed calls from her father. She dials back.

“Dad? Sorry my phone was in silent mode”
“Khushi, what is this? How can you be so ignorant? Where are you?”
Khushi is astonished. Her father sounds very rude today.
“Dad, I am in Mussourie. Arnav planned a surprise trip”
Shashi becomes quiet.
“hmm. Okay, have a good time. But, did you forget I had asked for your documents”

Khushi gulps nervously. Her father is insisting a lot on those. Does that mean it is him who cheated them? No. She does not want to think in that angle.

“Dad, actually that skipped my mind” she lies. “Give me few minutes, I will see who can get it delivered at your place”

She wants to buy some time so that she can talk to Arnav about how to deal with this situation.

“No need, I can go to Shantivan myself and collect it. Just tell me where they are”
The hurry her father shows today is gruesome. He is proving her suspicions by doing so.
“Dad, please wait. Wait till my next call. Okay? Please”

She hangs up and exhales. Arnav had given her a choice to stop investigating this matter but she wanted some time to decide about it. Looks like she cannot waste more time. Either she gives the documents to her father and end this investigation here or catch him red handed. She is very sure he needs these documents to wipe off all the proofs of his past deeds. Maybe he is closing that bank account now so that she or Arnav doesn’t get a chance to dig more on this matter. But she won’t let it happen. Even if it is her father, he should accept his mistake and also confess why he did all that.

“Khushi”
She hears Arnav’s voice. Seems like the father-daughter had planned to receive her from the Spa.
“Khoosi… you look beautiful” Aashi says noticing Khushi’s new haircut.
“Thank you, sweetheart. Did you swim?” she asks.
“Yes, daddy taught me to swim. I splashed water on daddy. We played a lot.”
“That’s cool” she then looks at Arnav. “How was your Spa date?”
“Better than I thought” she replies and then asks Aashi to go and play in the swing while they follow her there

Aashi happily leaves. Arnav senses she has to talk something which is why she made Aashi go away.

“Dad had called up. He is far too serious and showing urgency on my Identity documents. I think he is doing something to hide the matter”
Arnav is not happy to hear that but he has promised her he wont dig further if she doesn’t want to know.
“I want you to go ahead with it, arnav. Lets just find the culprit and end this matter forever. I don’t want to live in this suspense for my entire life.”

It hurts when she says that but she has no other choice. Arnav clutches her forearms.

“Are you sure about this? There is no backing out if we begin now”
“I know” she nods sniffing once. She is about to cry but she doesn’t want to weep before him. He reads her expression and quickly soothes her back.
“Don’t get upset. I want you to face it or drop it. But not weep over it. Please” he insists.
Khushi shakes her head and hugs him tight. She needs this support. She needs him. He hugs her back and keeps soothing her back and her hair.
“Everything will be normal soon,”
“I know” she murmurs and hugs him tighter. That’s all she cares about now. Arnav and Aashi are her world. And once this cheat is exposed, she will utilize her entire time in looking after her family.

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 46
Mussourie

Khushi looks once at Arnav who gives her a go ahead, she then dials her father’s number and keeps the phone in speaker mode so that Arnav can hear their conversation too. Shashi Gupta answers her call in no time.

“Khushi, tell me, should I leave now to Shantivan to collect your documents?”
“No, Dad. I have asked Daayi Maa to send those already. Someone from Shantivan will reach you in an hour”
“Great. You saved my time child. How is Arnav and Aashi?”
Khushi swallows.
“They are good. We are enjoying our little time here”
“I know baby, you needed this change. Considering all the odds you have always received in life”
Khushi knows which odds he is talking about. She looks at Arnav again who shows the same sympathy which anyone else would have shown had they known she sold her womb for saving her business. Arnav mouths her something and gestures her to say what they had decided. He wants to shift her mood. She nods.

“Dad, I have decided to tell Arnav about my past”
Shashi freezes.
“Khushi, don’t do this mistake. Not every man can take it lightly. And how long has it been since you know him? The trust factor is yet to be built, Khushi. Don’t ruin your marriage at this stage. Please”

Khushi and Arnav both stare at each other. They do see the streaks of fear in Shashi’s voice.

“Maybe we are thinking too much Dad. He might understand why I did this and I am already very late. I should have shared this with him much earlier”
“Khushi, baby listen to your father. I can never give you a wrong advice”

Khushi fists her fingers. She is angry on everyone. For her father because he is still a suspect in her eyes. He might be the one who cheated them out of money and she is also angry on Arnav because yes, he didn’t trust her in the first instance. Though now he is thinking on her lines, his trust on their relationship and love is getting stronger day by day, but she will always remember how he hurt her when she revealed the truth of being Aashi’s biological mother to him.

“Khushi, are you listening?” Shashi asks.
“Hmm” Khushi wipes her tears. Arnav gets up from the couch and reaches her. He takes the phone from her hands and disconnects it. Khushi tries to fight the tears that prick her eyes.
“Stop crying” he palms her cheeks and then strokes it with his thumb.
“Just leave me alone. Please” she pleads
“No, don’t shut me off. I know I did a grave mistake by not trusting you in the first instance. Believe me Khushi, that guilt will always be there, no matter you forgive me or not. Please don’t make it worse by crying again over that matter. Please”

Khushi nods. She controls her mind and the pain she is going through in her heart.

“Are we really giving him my documents?” she comes to the main point.
“Yes”
Khushi is about to raise her concern but he doesn’t let her speak.
“Trust me, no one can misuse your ID any more. We have to use it as a Bait Khushi to trap the person who has cheated us both”
Khushi swallows hard.
“And when we find him? What after that?”
Arnav knows it’s hard for her to even think of her family being involved in that fraud.
“Whatever you say, Khushi. I give you the choice to dispose that matter forever too. I am digging this truth for you, I don’t care about it anymore. The bad is done, we have both suffered it, Aashi suffered it. But now things are settling down and I don’t want the shadows of our past to keep messing with our present and future.

“If you think I will be more hurt seeing one of my family members undergo the punishment and that’s why you are willing to set them free, I don’t want you to do that, Arnav” she says reassuringly. “The bad is done, I agree but if we have to give justice to it”

Arnav rolls his eyes.
“We will think about it later. Right now, we are just going to see what happens when your father gets your identity documents. I have strictly asked Aman to take care of it. He is more than willing to help. He has already paid some detectives to keep an eye on this matter. They will be tracking every move of your father and Akash for the next few days until we get our Culprit”

It’s too much for her to absorb. Arnav reads it on her face and once again cups her cheeks.
“Now let’s come out of this painful conversation and do something happier” he suggests.
“Like?”
“How about some shopping in the Mall road here? We will get some good woolens for you and Aashi” he proposes.
“Stop being the Host of this vacation” she hits his chest gently. “We will fetch something for you as well”
Arnav smiles bright acknowledging her orders.
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“Aashi walk slow” Arnav shouts as she keeps running ahead in the Mall road. Arnav and Khushi are walking together, hand in hand. Their eyes are constantly on their daughter who is super excited about this idea of shopping. She is fully clothed unlike the rest of the times when making her wear a pair of socks also is tiring. All thanks to the chilling weather of this place. She is covered from top to bottom, just her little face is visible beneath the woolen cap.
“Daddy, I want this toy” Aashi points out at a teddy bear which is not on sale.
“Aashi, your daddy will have to win shooting the balloons to get that teddy bear for you” Khushi replies with a giggle. She knows Arnav is not going to participate in any such funny games.
“I have option 2” Arnav murmurs seeing Khushi enjoying the situation. “I can bribe the owner by paying double the cost of that teddy bear”
Khushi shakes her head in denial.
“Be sportive, Arnav. Don’t you want to show our daughter you are a hero?”

Arnav passes her a lopsided smile.
“You think it’s funny? Shooting some random 10 balloons to win a toy like that?”
Khushi giggles again. Arnav is enjoying her mood. That’s what he wants her to do. Smile and be happy. He can pretend being a loser and scared of these silly games if that makes her smile.
“Try Arnav.. Try try… until you succeed” she teases.
“Daddy, toy” Aashi points out again.
“Alright”

He looks at the owner of this stall and pays him the sum to shoot the balloons. He then picks the gun and aims.

“You need to hit minimum 8 balloons to win the toy” the shopkeeper says.
Khushi holds her laugh. She can say he is pissed or at least pretending to be pissed. She likes it when he does that to keep the smile on her face intact. Arnav misses the first shot. Both Khushi and Aashi laugh at him and give each other a Hi-5.
“It happens” Arnav says aiming the gun again. “I am not a shooter, okay? I can miss”
“I am relieved” Khushi teases. “There is something at least which Arnav Singh Raizada is not good at”
Arnav gives her a grim expression.
“What if I win that toy?” he asks.
“Impossible.”
He closes the distance between the two.
“What If I win that toy?” he asks again, in a husky voice this time. Khushi gets serious.
“You get anything you wish” she puts the bet.
“You sure?” he reconfirms. His smile turning into a grin now.
“Of course,”
Arnav presses his finger on the trigger and then takes his gaze away from her.

“Daddy come on” Aashi cheers him.
Arnav shoots. The 1st balloon bursts. Khushi smiles. That was quite a strike. Arnav doesn’t glance at her. He won’t do that until he wins this. He keeps shooting, keeping his aim in mind. And in the next 10 seconds, he manages to target the remaining 9 balloons.

Aashi claps happily as the Storekeeper hands her the Teddy bear, she was so desperate to have. Khushi is awestruck. That was too brilliant. But how? She gazes at Arnav who keeps the gun down and finally meets her gaze.

“I have mastered in Shooting, have a gun license too” he clears her doubts.
“This.. this is cheating” she exclaims. “If I knew you were expert, I wouldn’t have played the bet”
Arnav shrugs his shoulders.
“Be a sport Khushi” he teases the same way she did a while ago. “What kind of example are you setting for our daughter? To make a promise and then not fulfil it?” he adds.

Khushi mouths something which he is hardly able to read but he knows she might be softly cursing herself for ending up in this situation. He slowly leans over her shoulder and whispers in her ears.

“So, kya karwaoon tumse?” (So, what should I make you do?) his voice is terribly sexy that something churns in her stomach.

Khushi jerks behind. Her stare at him turns intense and nervous. Aashi pulls her hand.
“Khoosi.. let’s go there” she points towards the ropeway (cable car)
Khushi’s stance breaks. She holds Aashi’s hands and starts walking towards the ropeway queue. Arnav smirks and follows them. After spending 1o minute in the queue, they manage to book an entire cable car for their ride. Arnav wants to enjoy the ride exclusively with his wife and daughter. They get inside the cable car and the ride begins to the Gun Hill point. It’s a 45-minute ride. Khushi keeps showing Aashi all the mountains and the amazing view from such a height. Arnav clicks some pictures of Aashi-Khushi together, without their knowledge and few when they are ready to pose.

“Daddy you also come” Aashi extends her arm, calling Arnav to join them in the selfie. Arnav sits next to Khushi and takes Aashi in his lap. They click a fabulous selfie together, with all smiles on their faces.
Aashi then gets down from Arnav’s lap and takes the camera from his hand.
“I will take the picture of you and Khoosi” she insists.
Arnav looks at Khushi who willingly sits close to him. Apart from slowly opening her pain to him, she is letting him take a control of their lives. He likes that and knows if everything works like this, soon, she will forgive him.

Aashi clicks their picture and is not very satisfied.

“Daddy, take Khoosi close” she insists.
“Aashi” Arnav denies in a warning tone and tries to take the camera back but she doesn’t let him snatch. On her continuous demands, finally Arnav raises his arm and places it on Khushi’s shoulder, drawing her close. Khushi feels warm. She unknowingly places her hand on his lap, while looking in his eyes. Aashi though has no consideration and knowledge of such perfect timing poses, she manages to click them. Though the click is done, Arnav and Khushi keep gazing at each other. He is utterly sincere not to touch her beyond his limits, though he desperately wants to do that. The ropeway comes to a halt which finally breaks their posture.

They get down for yet another breathtaking view of this place. Aashi seems tired after a while. Arnav calls for their hotel vehicle to drive them back. They manage to eat on way before Aashi completely dozes off.
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Hotel

Khushi covers Aashi with a quilt and kisses her softly on the forehead.

“Good night baby” she murmurs after kissing. Arnav is watching all this. Having Khushi around them have given both his and Aashi’s life a new meaning. He shuts the laptop screen and stares at Khushi who makes way to him.
“She is very tired. I wonder if her legs might ache tomorrow. She walked a lot today, didn’t she?” Khushi asks him.
“Yes, let’s not go out tomorrow, just within the vicinity of the Hotel, what do you think?” he replies.
“Sounds good to me” she sits next to him on the same couch and picks a magazine to read. “I never got such free time in all these years to even go through something other than work. Office to Home and Home to office has just been my routine” she flips some pages of the magazine and keeps it back on the table not finding it interesting. Arnav’s gaze is still on her. She meets his eyes. “I really want to thank you for getting me here. It’s feels so calm here, so serene and peaceful. I think we all need such blissful time more frequently”

Arnav smiles and tucks her hair behind her earlobe, and caresses there with his fingertips. She doesn’t shrug him away.

“We can come here or go anywhere around this world whenever you want. You just need to talk to me when you want it”
“That’s quite a tempting offer, Arnav. But I will take it. Because spending time with Aashi like this is not what I am looking to avoid.”

Arnav smiles again but that smile is more painful. She wonders why.

“Just Aashi?” he asks with a hope. She is quiet for some seconds and then she finally replies what he wants to hear, what she herself feels right now.
“You as well. I like spending time with both of you. We are a family now, remember?”

Her reply is priceless and she sees its effects on him already. He becomes relaxed again and keeps his phone away. Khushi yawns.

“I am not a Sore loser by the way, so tell me what are you going to make me do because I lost the bet? I hope its nothing weird”
Arnav lets out a chuckle and gets up from the couch.
“Not tonight. You look tired too and sleepy as much as I am.”
He stretches his arm for her to hold.
“Lets go to sleep”
Khushi frowns. He is losing an opportunity, but she loves his point. He is more concerned for her sleep than anything else. She looks at his hand and thinks if she should hold it or not. Arnav sighs and is about to pull away his arm when she finally holds it and gets up from the couch. He feels contended. They walk to the bed. Arnav waits to see where Khushi sleeps. He crosses his fingers hoping she would sleep in the middle like she did for a while last night. Khushi somehow reads whats going in his mind. She is becoming too lenient since they have come here. But she needs this too. His warmth, his closeness and most importantly his support. She climbs the bed and lays down in the center, leaving him enough place to join her. Arnav smirks and shuts the lamps. He sleeps next to her, under the same quilt. He then places his arm around her waist and whispers in her ears.
“Thank you”

Khushi smiles and she is glad that the darkness in the room won’t let him see it.

“Good Night Arnav” she doesn’t give him any reassurances back neither she has one. Somethings are unexplainable. But she is glad that even without she lets out those words, Arnav reads them and does it for her.
“Good night” he replies. “Wake me if Aashi is up”
Khushi nods placing her arm over his and shuts her eyes. Arnav wonders how she managed to doze so instantly. She was indeed very tired. He keeps caressing her for a while, unable to sleep. It’s difficult to be so close to her yet be in limits. And he wants to tell her something he has been waiting to say again from a long time. It is so easy to say that especially when she is sleeping.

“I love you Khushi. I love you” he says kissing her hair. She swallows hard, her heart urging her to open her eyes and face this man, face his confession, face his love. She wasn’t totally asleep. His words and touch were tickling enough to keep her awake. But its glad that he doesn’t realize this. Earlier their love was without trust, now it is little better than that phase. And she can’t wait to get this any better.

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 47
Mussourie

Arnav opens his eyes sensing the aroma of fresh brewing coffee around him.

“Good morning” Khushi wishes him with a warm smile as she stirs the coffee. He gets up and sits with his back touching the headboard of the bed.
“Gooood morning wife” his sleepy voice has always been sexy but Khushi tries not to be too affected by that.
“Coffee?” she offers him the mug which he willingly takes. She looks freshly showered.
“Your clothes are ironed and hung in the bathroom already” she informs.
Arnav sips the coffee and raises his brow with a surprise.
“What are you trying to do?” he asks.
“Show you I can be a good host too” she replies with a cheeky smile and starts arranging the quilt on the bed.
“Oh is it?” he asks putting the mug on the bedside table. “I hope you haven’t booked a Spa appointment for me” he teases.
Khushi chuckles.
“I don’t copy ideas from my co-host” she throws a pillow at him which he manages to catch on time.
“Where is Aashi?” he asks.
“She is at the play area. She is outside, playing”

Khushi points at the window where they can see Aashi playing in the little garden, just next to their presidential suite.
“I told her not to go elsewhere. She even made friends here. Look” Khushi adds.
Arnav notices the same boy who felt down while he was teaching Aashi to swim the other day. And there are few other kids too with them.

“She is so happy here” Khushi sits next to Arnav on the bed, both admiring their daughter.
“She has always been happy since you stepped in our lives, Khushi” his gaze now fixes upon her. Khushi smiles.
“You didn’t take her for vacations before?” Khushi asks.
“I did. A lot many times, but none of them could match this. It’s really hard to be a single Parent” he swallows the ache formed in his throat. Khushi moves to him and touches his cheek.
“I know. But you still raised her beautifully”
“We could have raised her better had we been together before she was born” Arnav interrupts.
Khushi’s eyes soften. Arnav holds her wrist and pulls her closer. She doesn’t stop him from doing so. He stares in her eyes.
“I had realized the importance of giving our child the love of both, her father and mother when you were some 6 months pregnant. I even talked to Aman about it and he was more than happy that I considered this option. I was going to convey my idea of marrying you, through Roy, but before I could do that, he raised this misunderstanding between us. It broke me, Khushi. I don’t think I have ever taken any decision so blindly as I took that day to hate you for my entire life”

Tears prick her eyes and soon start rolling down her cheek.

“I should not have believed anyone over such a sensitive matter. We should have had a face to face conversation about it” he further adds, stroking her cheeks, to wipe away he tears.
They both have never discussed much about that phase of their lives and now when he is opening up, she wants to share her thoughts too.

“It never crossed my mind that the father of my baby would want to propose me for marriage” she murmurs.
Arnav smirks.
“If I had, what would you do?”
Khushi nods nervously.
“I don’t know, Arnav. Having a baby like that was already a big decision for me and I marrying someone I don’t know at all would not have been my choice. But I might have agreed for our child. After all our lives revolved around our baby ever since I got pregnant, isn’t it?”

A sarcastic grin pops on his face.

“I want to know each and every minute detail of that phase which you underwent. All of it.. Your cravings.. your mood swings, everything”
Khushi shies but she continues the topic. Such moments, such conversations don’t happen every time in your life.
“It was hard. Aashi was giving me all kinds of mood swings.. all unwanted cravings. You know I don’t like Bananas. But when I was 4 months pregnant, I suddenly felt this urge to eat bananas and I couldn’t stop myself”

Arnav smiles, he is so enjoying listening to this.

“And that nurse you had appointed to keep an track of my health, she used to tell me about her affair, her boyfriend. I used to listen so patiently to her, but one day all of a sudden I felt so bored, I literally barked at her saying I had no interest to know how he keeps her happy, what he does for her and all that. Poor her. She didn’t speak to me for 2 days. My mood swings were that worse”

Arnav laughs.

“I apologized to her on the 3rd day and she forgave me. She knew such shifting of mood happens to every pregnant woman”
“What about morning sickness” he asks.
“It was worse. Every morning I always woke up with the urge to throw up. It didn’t go well with me, Arnav. I literally used to cry after I came out from the bathroom. I was so silly”

Arnav’s eyes fill with lot of concern. He cups her face in between his palms.

“You lived all of this alone? I wish I was there beside you”
Khushi pouts.
“I wished that too Arnav. I really wanted that man badly to be next to me whose baby was giving me all sorts of horrible twists in my life. I really wanted him.. I wanted you”

Somehow, something happens and she kisses him with desire. Whatever she felt that time, whatever she wanted him to do that time, she does it now. Arnav is utterly confused at first but he doesn’t lead. He gives in, doesn’t lead. He wants this to be her moment. She pulls back and her face flush when their eyes meet again. What the hell was she doing? She tries to get up when he pulls her back.

“Ssshh.. It’s fine.. It’s okay” he tries to pacify her changing mood. His words make her flush even more.

Aashi bangs the door and barges inside. She is totally exhausted playing with the other kids.
“Daddy… Khooosi”
Khushi pulls away from Arnav and turns to Aashi who hops on the bed and cuddles her father.
“Daddy.. Vinu has so many toys, he got them all here. I want my toys too”
Arnav glances at Khushi who is still in a confused state as if she did the most horrible mistake of her life yet liked it.
“Uh. .yea, we will get all your toys next time we come here. Okay?” he replies.
“Okay”
“You had bath?”
“No”
“No? Then Aashi and daddy will have bath together. How about it?” he raises his palm and she gives him a Hi-5
“Yesh.. Tub bath”
“Okay, tub bath. Come on”

He gets down from the bed and carries Aashi in arms.
“Khushi.. Will you fetch some clothes for Aashi?” Arnav asks, trying to change the topic running in her mind.
Khushi nods and walks to the closet to get Aashi’s clothes. Arnav takes Aashi inside the bathroom and starts filling the tub.
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Khushi makes Aashi wear the clothes, after she comes out. Arnav is still finishing his bath. Aashi is continuously talking to her, sharing her the names of her new friends she met today morning. Khushi is not at all listening. Her mind is lost in her own actions an hour ago. They have kissed before but she had decided to make him earn her love again after that misunderstanding. How can she just give in to her own desires so rapidly? But hasn’t he earned it yet? He is doing everything he can in his power to make things right between them. He gave her a beautiful marriage, with all the rituals, unlike a court marriage as decided previously. He gave her the liberty to decide if they should really continue hunting the real culprit for their misunderstanding and then he gave her this little vacation which has given her the best moments with Aashi and Arnav so far. She could not have asked him for more. Plus, he is opening up his heart to her. He wanted to marry her when she was pregnant because he cared for the wellbeing of both her and their child. He was so excited to learn what all she went through during her pregnancy? He is being such a good husband and a good friend even. He didn’t misuse their sleeping position ever, he didn’t even demand for more closeness after she kissed him today. He wants to take things slow, he wants to make her feel comfortable with him, in love with him again.

“Khoosi..”

Khushi comes out of her stance and notices Aashi laughing. Arnav comes out of the bathroom, freshly showered and when he notices them, he laughs too.

“Khushi, what have you done?”

Khushi then realizes she was trying to make Aashi wear the socks, but she didn’t make her wear it on her legs, but on her hands like gloves.
“I. .. I am sorry”

She quickly removes the socks from Aashi’s hands.

“You are still lost Mrs. Khushi Singh Raizada” he whispers leaning closer. Yes, she knows that too. She tries to get a grip on the situation.
“Not anymore” she replies. “Aashi, ask your daddy where he is going to take us today?”
Arnav starts wiping his head with the towel.
“Wherever my two princesses would like to go”
Khushi grins. He called her Princess?
“I want to see the mountains daddy. Vinu said there is snow on the mountains” Aashi replies.
“There won’t be snow now Aashi but we will see the mountains for sure. I will make the arrangements and be right back”

He pulls a T shirt over his head and then heads out to make their travel arrangements. Aashi jumps in joy. She loves roaming with her father and Khoosi.
Khushi pinches Aashi’s chubby cheeks.
“Who is this Vinu?”
“My friend. He is so cute. He has a sister too”
“Oh is it? You met his sister?”
“No, she is a baby. She doesn’t come to play.”
“Awww.”
“I will play with her when she grows like me and Vinu” Aashi decides.
“Sure. Now let me get ready before your daddy comes”
“Okay” Aashi jumps again on the bed and allows Khushi to dress up.
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A Chopper ride? This was not that Khushi had in mind, not that she complains. She likes his mind-blowing surprises. They get down from the Car at the Helipad.

“How’s my surprise?” he asks Khushi.
“Nice. But didn’t you tell me Aashi gets scared of Airplanes?”
“Yes, but only when I am not accompanying her. She will be fine”

Aashi is excited. She has never sat inside a Helicopter before.
“Daddy, its has Fan” Aashi Points.
“Yes, it needs fans to fly. Now come on, get in”
Khushi is the first one to get in this 5-seater Helicopter. Aashi sits in between her and Arnav. Khushi helps Aashi with the seat belts. But when she is about to clasp her own, Arnav helps her. It sends a shiver in her spine. His cold fingers touching her warm skin below the hem of her T shirt. She is wearing a Jeans and T shirt, twinning her husband who has wore almost the same color combination as hers.

“You okay?” he makes sure she is ready. She nods. Arnav gives a go ahead to the pilot. The chopper starts rolling in the air. Aashi feels a knot in her stomach and she giggles hard to avoid it from overwhelming her. Soon, they are above the mountains, and the view is breathtaking.
“I cant see from here” Aashi complains. Arnav unclasps Aashi’s seat belt and takes her in his lap.
“Look there” he starts being Aashi and Khushi’s personal guide for the entire trip on the sky.
Khushi forgets watching from her window and sits close to Arnav, ensuring all the three are seeing the same view. Mussourie with a glimpse of the Dehradun city is worth gazing at. Arnav keeps glancing at Khushi as she unknowingly holds his hand, then overlooks through his shoulders to see the view outside. Her lips brush his neck and that freezes him instantly. He stares in her eyes and soon she gets a hint of what her movements are doing to her husband. Her eyes meet his gaze.
“The view is outside” she whispers.
“Not as pleasant as the one I am currently admiring” he replies.
Khushi blushes. He really knows how to turn her mood and make her whole-body tremble for him. She gently touches his right cheek and then places a quick peck on his left cheek.
“Thank you” she mouths.

He smirks and soon his arm drapes over her waist as he tugs her close. The three then continue to admire the view outside.


__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 48

Delhi

Shashi Gupta gets down the vehicle. He is in a hurry. He scans the surroundings once, just to ensure he is not been followed. He has drove almost 45 miles to reach this place and he really wants to control the situation that has arisen in his life, which he never thought would fall upon him like this. His phone buzzes. He instantly receives the call and speaks.

“I have reached Roy and I have got the papers with me. Where are you?”

Roy instructs him something and then Shashi disconnects the call. He removes his sunglasses and then strides inside the office. After exactly an hour, Shashi Gupta comes out with Roy and hands him a bag from the backseat of his car.

“Count the money, and I want this matter to be closed as soon as possible” Shashi exclaims.
Roy takes the bag from him.
“It will” he assures. Shashi Gupta gets inside his car and leaves the place.

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

AR Group

“Roy” Aman calls out as he sees Roy, their lawyer, walking in the office.
“Aman” Roy greets with the same warmth but with little surprise in his tone.

They shake hands.
“What work got you at Office today?" Aman asks.
“Had to collect few documents of that new project. Some legal formalities needs to be completed before you and ASR sign for that contract” Roy replies.
“Oh. Okay” Aman doesn’t show any suspicion in his behaviour. He has assigned his sources to keep a keen eye on Roy from past few days on Arnav’s request. And looks like soon they will catch the real culprit who is the mastermind of this game plan.
“How is ASR and his wife?” Roy tries to talk on casual matters.
“They are good. Have gone on a vacation. I am left alone here to take care of work” Aman pouts.
“I understand, ASR needs this change in his life. And also Khushi”
“You know Khushi Gupta?” Aman purposely asks.
Roy fumbles for words.
“No.. I mean. Not directly. I have just met her in the wedding reception”

Aman smiles. He has got some real proof now that Khushi is innocent. Though it doesn’t matter any long to either him or Arnav, yet it is a substantial evidence. It was Roy who had filled Arnav’s ears that he has seen his other Client, Khushi Gupta, intoxicated during her pregnancy and now he confirms he has never met her before the wedding reception. Great!!
“Anyways, I should do my work and leave” Roy shakes hand with Aman again and heads to the finance department cabin.

Aman rushes to his cabin to access the camera footage. He wants to see whom Roy meets and what work has really brought him here. Initially Roy shows no signs to be suspicious about him. He heads to the finance department as mentioned earlier and gets the team make some ammendments in the contract of their new Project. But once thats done, Aman notices Roy getting inside Sheetal Goel's cabin. That puts Aman in confusion.

“Sheetal” Roy quickly stops her from doing her work.
“Roy?” she gets up. “Good morning” she greets him.
“Why are you not answering my calls?” he angrily asks.
“You called? Oh I am sorry, my phone is in my purse. I forgot to take it out. What’s the matter?”

Roy scans the surrounding to ensure no one is watching them converse and even if they are been watched, he wants to pretend it’s no more than a general talk.

“See me at the parking lot in 10 minutes”
“Parking? Why?”
“Do as I say. I have some work for you”

He leaves, without waiting for Sheetal to cross question him. Sheetal is confused. She thinks for a minute and then walks out, ensuring no one knows she is following Roy.

Aman is puzzled at the development of this suspense. What work can Roy have with Sheetal? And the way Roy called her out to meet in the parking lot makes him think, it cannot be an official work. It has to be something personal or illegal. He has to find out. Aman accesses the Parking lot cameras to ensure he doesn’t miss that conversation between Roy and Sheetal. He is glad that their security features have installed few Mikes along with the CCTV cameras which when enabled can help them hear the voices where they have been installed. Roy coincidently happens to have his car parked beside one such pillar which has a Mike and a Spy Camera installed just above it.

“Roy… what is happening? You cannot call me like that here. I have work to finish” Sheetal barks at him as she reaches the car.
Roy gives her a sarcastic grin.
“I thought you will like to take some revenge for what that Khushi Gupta and ASR did with you” he blurts.

Sheetal panics.

“How do you know what happened between us?”
“Oh, come on Sheetal. I have to keep an eye on everyone who have worked in some way or the other for me. And not to forget, you have been the most crucial part of my game”
“What game?” she angrily asks.
“The one which we played almost 4 years back”

Sheetal clenches her jaw.
“Lower your voice Roy. I don’t want anyone to listen us”
“No one will hear us here. Do you remember which game plan I am talking about?”
“I do and that’s why I am asking you to zip your lips forever about it. ASR has already given me one-month notice. I am jobless. I don’t want to go in Jail after he learns what else I did with him 4 years ago”
“Sheetal.. Since when did you start being so scared?”
“Ever since that Khushi Gupta came in ASR’s life.” She groans. “I really don’t understand what that man sees in her? What does she have which I don’t? I have given this company so much, I have strived so hard to make a place of mine here and that woman, spoilt it all. She must have fed Arnav’s mind against me. Do you realize I would have been Arnav’s wife if that night Khushi wouldn’t have reached Mumbai in his residence? He was so much in my control that night until she came there”
“I know. I have heard you intoxicated him, drugged him with something.”

Sheetal frowns.

“It’s past Roy. Looks like my fate is no longer supporting me”
“It will. Just like before”
“What do you mean?”
“You are going to be jobless in few days and I have a chance where you can again earn some money for yourself, at least sufficient enough to make you live without working for a year or two”

Sheetal is confused.
“What do you want me to do?”
“Just use your talent. I need you to do the exact same signatures on this application, which you did 4 years back”
Sheetal looks horrified at him.
“Same signatures? You mean the signature of Aashi’s mother?”
“Yes” he smiles.
“But why? I mean, what are you planning to gain from it this time?”
“I am seeking to close all the loopholes which we should have done years back"
“You mean closing that account which you used to get that additional money from ASR?”
“Yes”
“But why? I mean, now I don’t think Arnav will be even interested in knowing about that woman, neither he will get to know it was not she who asked for the money”
“He won’t take long to know all of this, Sheetal” he sighs. “You won’t believe what destiny did. Arnav Singh Raizada has married the same woman who happens to be the biological mother of his child”

Sheetal steps back in fear and hits the pillar.

“What? You… You mean Khushi.. is.. Aashi’s real mother?”
“Unfortunately, Yes”

Sheetal is absolutely scared of this new revelation.

“Oh My God. We are doomed Roy. She must have told Arnav everything. What if he already knows all this and that Khushi is innocent?”
“I don’t think so.”
“How can you be so sure about it?”
“Because Shashi Gupta told me that. It seems Khushi has still not revealed anything to Arnav and no one from the Guptas yet know that Arnav is the same man whom they did that deal with. So, we still have chance to close all the loose ends”

Sheetal is confused.

“Shashi Gupta?”
“Yes. I met him and through him I have got these ID proofs of Khushi which I will need again to close that account in the bank. Once that account is closed, no one, not even Arnav Singh Raizada will be able to trace who had operated it and where did his money go? I have asked Shashi Gupta not to let his daughter speak anything to Arnav yet”
“But she will tell him some day. What then?”
“Once the account is closed and even if she tells the truth to him, he will first be hating her for being that woman. You know how I have brainwashed ASR about her before. And later, even if he wants to believe her and tries to do any investigation related to that account, he wont find anything because we would have closed the account by then”

Sheetal smirks.

“So, that means Khushi will have no proof of her innocence and maybe there is a chance that he might leave her”
“And you can step in his life, be his healer. Who knows, he might not shrug you off like he did last time? ASR will need a support obviously”

Sheetal’s face lights up.
“Where do I need to sign?”
“Here” he hands the bank account closing application to her. She learns the signature from the ID documents of Khushi and then signs the application, just like she had done before. Roy kisses the papers afterwards.
“This has built our fortune earlier and now it is going to keep our secret closed forever”

Sheetal agrees, nodding her head.

Once Roy departs from there, Aman leans back on his chair. He is shocked. Though they were aware Roy has played with the money, he never imagined it was Sheetal who assisted him by forging the signatures of Khushi. And Shashi Gupta did exactly what  was expected from him. He somehow convinced Khushi to give her ID proofs and he straight away handed them to Roy which Roy himself confessed in the video. This means Shashi Gupta is the one who is involved in the plan with Roy and Sheetal. It is going to be a huge blow for Khushi, when she gets to know this.

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

Aman shares this entire scene at night with Arnav and Khushi who are still in Mussourie. Arnav’s eyes flicker nervously at Khushi who is on the verge of crying. She is unable to absorb this fact that her father can play such a nasty game with her only for money. She feels embarrassed. Her father has cheated both her and Arnav. Aman is still on the speaker mode, talking to them.

“I have got both the footages with me. The one with Shashi Gupta and Roy in it and the other with Roy and Sheetal at the parking. The Mike and Cameras worked and we have got enough data to prove they are all guilty” Aman says. “We have all proofs to take some action on them now. I don’t think we should delay. If Roy hands the closure application in the bank, the account won’t take long to be shut forever and then it will be difficult for us to get proofs related to that account from the bank”

Arnav stares at Khushi to see what she feels about it.

“It’s up to you” he murmurs. “Go ahead or drop the idea of punishing them” Arnav once again throws the ball in her court.
Khushi’s throat swells as tears prick her eyes. Arnav closes the distance between the two and takes her in his embrace.
“Aman.. Let me call in some time.”
“Sure. Take care”

Arnav disconnects the call and hugs Khushi tighter. She doesn’t utter anything, just keeps snuggling close to him as tears roll down her cheeks. Aashi is fast asleep as she was tired of their entire day out in Mussourie.

“I still don’t think its Dad” she whimpers in between.
Arnav caresses her back.
“I know this is hard for you Khushi but we have enough proofs now.”
“I wish they are fake. I really hope that whatever proofs we are building against them is false, it’s just our misconception” she pulls back and sees in his eyes.
Arnav sighs. He doesn’t want to give her any hope of that sort. She will take time to believe what her father did. While he is still busy consoling her, Khushi’s phone rings. She pulls back from Arnav and wipes her tears. Arnav gets up to bring her phone from the far side table.

“Akash” he says handing her the mobile phone.
Khushi is not sure why Akash called her so late in the night.
“I cannot talk to him right now”
“I know. But maybe its important, or else he wouldn’t disturb us this late”
Khushi agrees and answers the call.
“Hi Akash”
“Khushi, sorry to bother you so late. But I thought you should know”

Arnav once again sits next to Khushi and checks his mobile phone to see if he missed any important call or message today.

“What happened Akash? You sound tensed”

It drives Arnav’s attention back to Khushi.
“I am tensed. I don’t know to react. Okay, first tell me is Arnav around because I don’t want him to know what we are talking”

Khushi swallows. There is nothing she doesn’t want to let Arnav know.

“He is not here. He is down. Tell me” she lies and puts the phone in speaker mode on purpose so that Arnav can listen them.
“Thank God. Okay. Listen. Shashi Uncle is being blackmailed”
“WHAT?” Khushi almost shouts. “Blackmail? For what?”
“Khushi, I know this sounds very disturbing but believe me from past 2 – 3 days your father seemed to be restless and he didn’t want to share it with me. Today, I talked to him and he finally blurted out. You know the lawyer who was our only point of contact for the deal of the baby?” he asks.

Khushi and Arnav both stare at each other blankly.

“Yes, what about him?”
“He had met Uncle after your wedding reception. That’s when he told Uncle that the man whose child you gave birth, now somehow knows your identity and he also knows that you are getting married to someone… To Arnav Singh Raizada.”

Khushi is confused and so is Arnav. How can there be another man when they both know its Arnav?

“So he is now blackmailing us through Roy that he will let ASR know everything”
“What the hell” Arnav mouths looking at Khushi. Either Akash is lying or he is been fed with wrong info. There cannot be such a blackmailer because Khushi has married the same man whose child she gave birth to, which yet Akash has to know.
“Akash. Akash that’s impossible” Khushi gulps nervously.
“Why Khushi? It’s totally possible. And we cannot take a chance because if Arnav knows about your past he might not be able to accept it. Thats why Shashi Uncle has asked you not to share anything with Arnav yet, until he sorts this blackmailer issue. Today Uncle met that lawyer and gave him Money which that Blackmailer is asking now to keep his mouth shut.”

Arnav clenches his jaw. Roy is playing a huge game for sure. There can be no blackmailer obviously and looks like there are chances that Shashi Gupta is innocent. He got the ID proofs of Khushi only because Roy has threatened him giving him false impression of existence of such a blackmailer. This has to be sorted.

“Khushi, I don’t understand what to do” Akash helplessly replies.
“Don’t worry Akash. Wait for my call. I will find a way out of this” Khushi replies.
“Okay, I will wait for your call. Bye"

Akash hangs up and Khushi stares at Arnav blankly.

“We have to go back to Delhi tomorrow” he says with a determination to unwrap this Mystery. Khushi shakes her head. However twisted this has become, they will unwind for sure.

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 49
Shantivan

Daayi Maa is startled seeing the family back in hardly 3 days. She welcomes them inside the house. It’s still dark outside as the sun is yet to rise. Aashi is in Arnav’s arms, sleeping peacefully. After killing the call from Akash, Arnav and Khushi packed their stuff to return back to Delhi as soon as possible. Aman sent the Chopper to pick them up from Mussourie. Thats how they reached here within 3 hours after Akash’s call. Aashi probably still doesn’t know she is back to Shantivan and no longer in Mussourie. She has been sleeping throughout their journey.

“Arnav? Khushi? I thought you are staying there for 5 days.” Daayi Maa exclaims.
“Had to come back Daayi Maa. We will tell you everything in the morning” Arnav replies.
“Sure, you want to make Aashi sleep with me? You both look very tired”

Arnav looks at Khushi who is still cold and disoriented. He nods at Daayi Maa as if giving her the permission she needs to take Aashi along. He has to look after his wife and give her all the support she needs so that she is prepared to face the most dreadful consequence of the misunderstanding thats been hanging between all of them from quite a few years now. Daayi Maa carries Aashi in her arms and takes her in the other room to put her to bed.

“Khushi..” Arnav holds her arm.. “Let’s get some rest. Come”

He takes her with him upstairs. She has no energy left to do anything by herself. Arnav makes her sit on the bed and then opens the closet. He takes out her night dress and returns back.
“Go get changed”
She takes the dress from him but remains seated. Her eyes prick with tears again. She recollects what Aman told them today. Her father met Roy, handed him some money and also her ID proofs. Sheetal has forged her signature 4 years back and she has done the same again today, to close the account which can put all of them at risk. Roy, whom she thought is a good lawyer has backstabbed them both from quite a long period. But whatever Akash told her is still confusing. How can anyone blackmail her father that too becoming the same person whose child she gave birth because that man is Arnav. It is obvious that if her father and Roy are together in this plot, then Roy would have told him that Arnav is the same man and Aashi is Khushi and Arnav’s Daughter. Thats why they are showing the hurry to close the account, aren’t they? And maybe only because Akash was suspicious of her father’s recent moves, he faked a story of being blackmailed. All of this is so frustrating. She cannot imagine her father being the mastermind of this entire game. And for what would he do this? Some extra sum of money? She sobs.

Arnav sighs and sits next to her, clutching her shoulders.

“Khushi, I told you, this can end here. We don’t need to prove anything to anyone. We can let them all loose. You are not letting me do that neither you can stop taking it so much to your heart. I cannot see you like this. It hurts” he snaps. “To see you hurt, hurts me like hell baby”

Khushi stops sobbing and meets his eyes. All she can see in them is immense love and concern for her. He has changed so much. He wants to support her decision, whatever it is, even if letting the culprits loose should not be his choice. He has all rights to seek his money back, to see the people who ditched him, getting punished. But he is still ready to backout and thats only because he cannot see her in pain. He knows how much hurt she is considering her father is behind all this fiasco. His extended support towards her at this critical phase of her life is worth admiring and appreciating. She leans her head on his shoulder.

“I want to give us justice, Arnav. We both have lost so much because of that misunderstanding. We deserve good and for that we need to put an end to this but in a lawful way. Only then I will be able to meet your eyes again” she whimpers softly, clutching his T shirt.
Arnav pulls away and cups her face.

“I am the one who should repent for not trusting your words. I am the one guilty here and deserve to be punished. You are not to be blamed. You are innocent and even if someone from your family has played nasty games with us, it has nothing to do you. Do you understand that?”

Khushi has no words to express gratitude of him. She throws her arms around him and hugs him tight. He pulls her closer, kissing her hair and earlobe. She withdraws strength from him, their closeness. It kind of boosts her with the feeling that whatever terrible happens, he is there with her, always. That one unsaid promise is enough to subside all the worries she has been fighting so far.

“I love you” she murmurs in between her sobs.

Arnav feels ecstatic at her sudden confession and it somehow urges him to pull her further closer.

“I love you too dammit” he exclaims and kisses her hair. His return confession gets a weak smile on her face, her tears dry slowly. He has no clue if she has forgiven him or not yet. He doesn’t want to push her either for that. Her open confession that she loves him is enough for him to survive. His gaze falls on the clock. He pulls away from their hug.

“It’s going to be 05:00 am and we are still awake. You need to rest, Khushi. It’s a big day ahead. Go change”

He gives her the nightdress again which she accepts and heads to the bathroom. Arnav keeps gazing at her until she locks herself inside. When she comes out, he has already changed into his Track pants and a V-neck T shirt. He is sitting on the recliner, looking at some files on his laptop but when he notices her watching him, he raises his head and smiles at her.

“Go sleep” he commands.

Khushi nods in denial and comes to him. He slowly shuts the laptop screen, not allowing her to notice what he has been checking on his laptop. Aman has sent him the footage of the videos of her father and Roy and Roy and Sheetal together. He knows if Khushi sees them, she will take more stress unnecessarily. She knows about this verbally and thats enough. She better not sees the proofs herself, not until she has strengthened her mind and heart. Khushi reaches him and sits on his lap. Arnav is highly surprised by her actions, not that he minds it. She rubs her finger on his rough stubble.

“Sleep with me” she insists.

Without any further discussion over it, Arnav carries her in his arms and takes her to their bed. Her wish has been his command, always. He puts her down and slides inside the duvet, shutting the lamps off. She hugs him and closes her eyes to get some sleep. He caresses her back and her hair gently to relax her.

“I don’t know how I will face dad today” she murmurs.
“We will face it together” he replies and presses a kiss on her forehead. She nods and snuggles closer. Khushi suddenly remembers Aashi is with Daayi Maa.

“Aashi?” she gasps.  “She will be worried if she doesn't see us when she wakes”
Arnav smiles seeing her so tensed.
“She will be fine. She is used sleeping with Daayi Maa at times”

Khushi curiously watches him.
“I don't want Aashi to feel I snatched her father”
Arnav's smile vanishes. Where did that thought come in her head?
“Why will she feel that? We are her parents”
“You are her father, she knows that but she has no clue what a mother is. I will always remain Khoosi for her.. Not her mother” she whimpers.  It has always hurt her when Aashi has called her by name and not by the relationship they share.

Arnav understands her point. He strokes her cheeks with his thumbs.

“She will soon give you that honour. Trust me. The day she realizes what a mother is, she will love calling you that” he murmurs. That one little hope from him brightens her mood.  She leans her head on his chest and closes her eyes.
“That will be the second-best day of my life” she whispers.
Arnav raises his brow wrapping his arms securely around her.
“Second?  Which was the first best day then?”
“When I gave birth to her”

Arnav feels a strange ache in his heart as he hears that.

“That's the best day of my life too” he admits. “But in all this, where am I? Your first and second best are just related to Aashi” he complains
She slowly raises her head and meets his gaze.
“You are the source of my happiness Arnav.  You gave me Aashi.. I say it or not, you are the most integral part of my life.”
Arnav smiles with pride.
“So are you” he kisses her cheek.  “And you always be the centre of my life. Humesha”

That draws a smile on her face too and soon sleep overpowers them.
888
AR Group

Sheetal comes in the office early. She looks pretty happy and satisfied today because somehow, she has got to know through Roy that soon Arnav and Khushi are going to fight over their past. She cannot wait for that day to come. She cannot wait to win Arnav Singh Raizada again and this time forever.

“You look very happy today”

She instantly turns around to see Aman who has been smiling at her.
“Oh.. No, nothing like that” she lies.
“Okay, I thought so seeing that smile on your face. Looked like you hit some jackpot”

Sheetal gulps. She is afraid if Aman can read every other thought that is going in her head right now. Aman has always been sharp, just like his friend Arnav.

“Uhh.. you got some work for me?” she asks.
“Yes, I do. Good you reminded. I need you to imitate a handwriting and copy it exactly on a different paper”

This sounds confusing to her. Why would Aman want something like that from her? Aman notices the confusion on her face and decides to ease it off.
“Actually, since last time you copied my handwriting, I thought of using your skill again. It’s just that this time the handwriting is not mine” he admits.
Sheetal swallows.
“Not yours? Then.. .then whose?”
“Why do you need to know? It’s confidential. For now, just follow me to my cabin and finish this work”
“Okay” she accepts it blankly and watches him head to his cabin. Why is she worried of it so much, she is soon going to take a control over Aman’s best friend again. She will be ruling this place, then. She follows Aman in his cabin. Aman soon gives her a letter which seems to be handwritten. She is stuck for some time, trying to recollect where she has seen this writing before? Aman observes her reactions and smirks.

“Come on, get to work”

She nods and starts writing the same in a different letter head. Aman sits before her and notices her quietly until she finishes.

“Done” she sighs and passes him the paper.
Aman takes it from her. “Good. Now, one last one”

He hands over another small note to her.

“Copy this too in a different paper” he commands.
Sheetal takes it from him and is shocked seeing its contents. It’s the same note she had written on Roy’s orders, which now she knows was faked by them, pretending that Aashi’s biological mother wrote it to Arnav Singh Raizada.
‘My baby’s father,

You must be aware already that I am breaking your rules. I couldn’t help it. You know first I thought the amount you were giving me in return of this baby is sufficient for me. But it was only later that I realized my mistake. I am here to build my fortune. And this petty amount is not going to satisfy me. So, if you want your baby to be safe and sound, I need more. Following are the bank account details wherein you can load additional 50 crore rupees, failing which I have many ways to end this contract right then and there. I am sure you love your baby too much, so don’t put it at risk. You have 1 week time to do this.

Your baby’s mother.’

She almost jerks behind and looks horrified at Aman.
“What happened? It’s the same handwriting you just copied few minutes ago, nothing new for you” Aman replies.
Sheetal gets up from her seat. What is happening? Does Aman know she is involved in this? But how can he know when according to Roy, Arnav and Khushi are yet unaware of this entire scenario?
“Sit down, Sheetal”

She hears another familiar voice from the door. She turns around and is startled to see Arnav Singh Raizada who has just showed his presence at office.

“Ar…rrrr… nnaaaav?” she stammers in shock.

Arnav fists his fingers as he shuts the door.
“What are you shocked about Sheetal?” Arnav asks coming forward. “Actually, let me tell you, this letter is from the woman who gave birth to Aashi” he adds. “I was told she sent me this letter. But you know what? She never wrote this letter to me. It seems someone else forged her handwriting, just like you did minutes ago. This is such a bad skill, don’t you think, Sheetal?”

Sweat beads form on Sheetal’s forehead.

“I.. I didn’t” she whispers..
Arnav punches the desk before her.
“Don’t lie to me.” He scowls.
Sheetal looks at him horrified. She is duped. Arnav has got to know everything and he is now not going to let her loose.

“Call the Cops, Aman. I want this woman to be arrested right now” Arnav barks.

Sheetal immediately joins her palms to request Arnav not to do so.
“Please don’t.. My entire life will be finished if you get me arrested” she pleads.
Arnav is not even interested in hearing her pleas. Aman smirks.
“You should have thought that earlier, Sheetal Goel. We really didn’t know that you could stoop so low for some share of money”

Sheetal bows her head.
“This was not my idea” she mutters apologetically.
“Doesn’t matter. You have played a very crucial part in this and I cannot forgive you for that” Arnav snaps and picks the receiver to pretend dialling the cops. He just wants to threaten her right now. He cannot take the risk of involving the Police until the real culprits are caught.
“Arnav please.” She holds his hands. “Don’t call the cops. I will tell you everything what Roy did. Please. I can even lead you to him. Please don’t call the cops now” she pleads genuinely again. Arnav and Aman quickly glance at each other and he drops the receiver down.

“Fine. Speak up Sheetal Goel”


__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 50
Shantivan

Khushi showers and comes out of the Bathroom, finding Aashi pressing some keys on Arnav’s laptop which he left home.

“Aashi, don’t mess with Daddy’s laptop” Khushi softly warns her.
Aashi pouts and folds her arms across her chest.
“I want to play game” she says pouting.
Khushi keeps her Towel aside and comes to her.
“Which game?”
“Balloon shoot”
Khushi chuckles.
“Okay, I didn’t know your daddy has such games on his laptop”
“Heeehhehehhehe” Aashi joins that laugh.
“But I don’t have Daddy’s password” Khushi genuinely means it.
“I know it” Aashi replies. “It’s my name..Aashi”
Khushi is not surprised for the choice of Arnav’s password but she is really thrilled that Aashi knows it too.
“Okay, let me try open it. But I will have to tell your Daddy about it. It’s bad manners to access his things in his absence, without taking his permission”
“We will tell him when he comes back from office” Aashi replies, curiously waiting for Khushi to help her get the Laptop started.

Daayi Maa comes in the room.
“Aashi.. your friend Urvi has come with her bicycle”
“Tell her I won’t come. I want to play game”
Khushi sighs.
“Aashi.. your friend has come down, you should at least meet her and tell you are doing something else and you cannot come. It’s good manners. Go” Khushi advises.
Aashi shakes her head and runs out to meet Urvi and tell her she cannot make it for Bicycle ride today.

Khushi is happy that Aashi listens to her and follows all her advises instantly. That’s signs of a good behavior. Meanwhile she decides to unlock Arnav’s laptop and keep it ready for Aashi to play her game. She types Aashi’s name in the Password but it doesn’t unlock the screen. She is confused. Aashi said he has set her name as password. Then why didn’t it unlock? Maybe he changed it. She thinks it’s better to call Arnav once and ask for his password rather than she fiddling with it. But something strikes in her head and she decides to try one more time. She types her name in the password tab and hits the Enter button. The screen unlocks. A deep blush rises on her face. Typical lover boy this man has turned into. He is not just Aashi’s father but also her husband and he decided to use her name as his laptop password too at times, which is not so bad.  She recollects how today morning she had slept cuddled to him for the next few hours. When she woke up today, Arnav was already dressed and sitting next to her on the bed.

“Good Morning sweetheart” he whispers leaning to her ears and presses a heated kiss on her forehead. She doesn’t flinch nor avoid it. She needs this warmth of his.. always..
“It is morning already?” she asks in a throaty voice.
“Hmm” he tucks her hair strand behind the earlobe, admiring her intently. “It’s a treat to watch you sleep” he adds.
Khushi feels her cheeks turning red like tomatoes.
“That answers why you still look so sleepy” she murmurs. “You should have slept”
“I tried but then I thought what if I don’t get this moment again so soon” he replies. “This was first time after our marriage that we slept together, so close and alone”

She knows what he means. Aashi has always been there, between them. Not that they dislike her presence. But wanting to spend time just with each other sometimes is not wrong, isn’t it?

“Why didn’t you wake me up?” she asks changing the topic.
“You can rest for some more time. I am going to Office. Have devised a plan with Aman to get Sheetal Goel confess everything. Ever since Roy has taken the money from your father, he is not traceable. We believe he has kept himself hidden for some time so that none of this gets linked to him. So, we cannot find Roy directly. We have to get the clues from Sheetal only. But until I give you a green signal, do not go to Gupta Mansion. It can be dangerous”

Khushi is not very impressed to hear that.

“But Akash needs me” she stresses.
“I know. But until we are clear about your father’s involvement, we cannot be taking any risks”
“Is there a chance he is innocent” she asks with a slight hope in her tone.
“Maybe he is innocent. I have already put your father’s number for tracking. We will soon know if he is really blackmailed or is he faking it”

Khushi is shocked. When did he plan all this? They hardly reached today morning and seems like he is all set to implement the plan.

“You be safe” she murmurs. “If there exists a Blackmailer, he can be a threat to you as well” she adds with a concern in her eyes.
“Nothing will happen to me. I am yet to complete my repentance term. And once that’s over, I am going to give you and Aashi all the happiness of this world”

His reply makes her raise her brows. He really thinks she hasn’t forgiven him yet? Will he not accept it until she says it verbally to him? His phone buzzes.
“Who is it ?” she asks.
Arnav turns his phone screen and shows it to her. Its Aman’s message asking him if he has started for office.
“You didn’t had to show me” she lets out a giggle. “I trust you in other women’s regards” she adds.
Arnav lets out a sigh of relief.
“I am glad you do. Now I should be going. Wait for my call. Bye”

He gets up to leave. She holds his hand. Their eyes meet again and some unsaid feelings get exchanged. They have started reading each other’s needs, desires just by looking at each other. He smiles and leans down to kiss her. She closes her eyes, hoping he doesn’t ruin the kiss by giving it on her cheek or forehead. She knows he has read her wish in her eyes and yet she feels his lips close to her lips, but not on her lips. He kisses her cheek and meets her eyes again.

“I will take my prize after we settle this thing. I promise” he exclaims.
She leaves his hand, allowing him to go and finish it. Until this is sorted, none of them can take a sigh of relief. Arnav heads out.

“Khoosi” Aashi comes in the room, breaking Khushi’s flashback. “I will play game later. I am going with Urvi with my bicycle”
“Okay, play in the garden. No going out of the gates” she warns.

Aashi agrees and hurries down again. Khushi decides to lock the laptop screen again when suddenly she notices the video file named as Proofs on the desktop. She feels the urge to open it and check. Is this something which relates to the fraud they are dealing currently? Why didn’t Arnav tell her he has those proofs? She opens the video and sees her father meeting Roy. Her blood boils seeing her father giving a bag full of money and asking Roy to close this matter soon. Tears swell in her eyes. The next video she sees Roy and Sheetal discussing how they had fooled the Guptas and Arnav 4 years back for money and spread the misconception of her character in Arnav’s eyes. Khushi feels sick to hear them talk about it. How can people be so selfish? They didn’t even care that amidst their greediness, they spoiled 3 innocent lives? She realizes why Arnav hadn’t told her about these videos. He knew she would take it more to her heart and weep again. He really cannot see her depressed anymore. He genuinely wants her to be happy and he is doing every little thing to ensure that she has smile on her face. He planned such a beautiful wedding for them in the temple, he took her and Aashi to Mussourie and though they couldn’t stay there for longer as planned, they still enjoyed whatever little time they have spent there. It was fun and totally a family moment.

She decides to let Arnav know that she had to access his laptop and also, she saw the videos. She messages him quickly.

‘Your laptop password made my day. Had to access it as Aashi wanted to play her game. Have seen the videos too which you didn’t share with me. Don’t worry, I am not crying anymore. I am becoming stronger now’

Arnav Singh Raizada, who is at AR group office, in Aman’s cabin, have just managed to threaten Sheetal Goel and now she has agreed to spill the beans of whatever crime she have done together with Roy. He reads Khushi’s message and is unable to measure his reactions. Should he be worried that the videos might have upset his wife or be glad that his password made her day? He types a quick message back to her.

‘Your name is in my Bank Passwords too with some extra characters to increase the strength of a good password. Keep Aashi home with you. Don’t go out until I call you personally and allow you to do so”

Khushi blushes again. Bank passwords? Like seriously? She wouldn’t have done that if she was in his place. Because anyone who knew how much they love each other would have hacked their accounts long ago. Well!! She is now being humorous. She has to ensure Aashi is not out of her sight too. She shuts his laptop and heads down to keep an eye on Aashi.

Daayi Maa comes inside the house, calling for Aashi. Khushi is confused.

“Daayi Maa. What happened?”
“Where is Aashi?” Daayi Maa asks her.
“She is playing in the garden with Urvi, isn’t she?” Khushi replies.
“No.. she is not there. Urvi is finding her too. Seems they were riding the bicycles together and then suddenly Aashi went missing. She thought Aashi came in the house to drink water or talk to you”

Khushi skips a beat. Where is Aashi?
“Look in the house everywhere for her.. And in the garden too. Ask the servants to see if she crossed the gates. Where is the security? I need to check the camera footage” she shouts and hurries out. Daayi Maa is confused to see Khushi overreacting. But she quickly follows all her instructions.

Khushi looks for Aashi everywhere while the security of Shantivan check the footage on the cameras, trying to look for some clue. A guard hurries to Khushi and gives her the update.

‘Ma’am… We found a clue. Please come”

Khushi runs behind him to the camera monitoring area. She finds the footage being played on the TV. A man in black pants, black shirt wearing a black hat jumps in the garden area from outside. He surpasses the eyes of the guards and finds Aashi riding the Bicycle. He keeps hiding behind the bush until Aashi’s cycle reaches nearby his hidden area and the moment it does, he comes out of the bush and presses a cloth on Aashi’s nose, suffocating her with chloroform. Aashi falls unconscious and he manages to carry her out the same way he had taken to drop in the compound wall of Shantivan. Khushi is shocked to realize that her daughter is kidnapped. She starts crying immediately. The guard zooms the video and Khushi manages to recognize the face of the man before he could jump out of the Wall. He looks like a typical goon. But she doesn’t recognize his face. He is not someone they know. She almost stumbles behind witnessing all of this. Daayi Maa holds her.

“Khushi.. please calm down.. We will find her. Call Arnav first” Daayi Maa urges.
“Daayi Maa.. Aashi.. Someone took her.. I hope she is fine.. I .. .I want her back”
“Yes.. we will get her back. Don’t worry.. believe in God. .We will get Aashi safe” Daayi Maa sobs but still manages to give strength to Khushi.

Khushi’s finger shivers as she dials Arnav’s number. He receives the call. Sheetal has just confessed everything to him and Aman and without her knowledge they have even recorded the video of it, to utilize it as a proof against her.

“Arnav” Khushi cries..
Arnav is worried to hear such throaty sounds of hers.
“Khushi.. what happened?”
“Aashi.. …”
“What? What happened to Aashi?” he angrily asks.
“Someone kidnapped her. She was playing in the garden.. And.. that man.. he..… he abducted Aashi.. Save our baby Arnav.. Please get her back”

Arnav gets totally offensive. He kicks the table off before him.

“I told you dammit. I told you not to let her out of your sight..” he shouts in anger.
She weeps. She feels like a reckless mother already. How can she be so careless? She knew the threat of Roy was still haunting above their heads. She should not have allowed Aashi to play outside, not even within the vicinity of their home. She keeps crying hard.

Arnav swallows hard. He knows she is not at fault. It has to be Roy who did this through someone. Roy has been one step ahead of them from the start.

“I will find her.. Stop crying.. I won’t let anything happen to Aashi.. I promise.”

He kills the call and looks at Aman who is very curious to know what has happened.
“Roy has kidnapped Aashi”
“What? How? Oh My God. I swear I will kill that man myself” Aman snaps. “I think we should let the cops know. We cannot take the risk Arnav” Aman suggests.
“No Aman. If Roy gets to know, he might harm Aashi. I cannot afford that to happen”

His worry is genuine. Arnav is restless and so is Aman. They have kept Sheetal in a secluded place under high supervision to ensure she doesn’t escape.
“Call Roy”
“What?” Aman asks confused. “You think he will answer our call. He has gone totally hidden Arnav”
“I know. Call him because if he has abducted Aashi, he might have done for some favor from us. I want to know what he wants”

He is right. Aman agrees to his point and dials Roy’s number. Arnav meanwhile asks his sources to track every call, incoming, outgoing for each phone in Shantivan as well as the personalized cellphone numbers of his and Khushi.

“It’s out of coverage” Aman sighs disconnecting his attempts to dial Roy. “he won’t be using the same number Arnav. He must have destroyed it”

Before they can think anything further, Arnav’s phone buzzes. It’s from an unknown number. He gestures Aman to get this call traced. Aman rushes out to inform the same to their technical team.
“Hello” Arnav answers the call.
“Arnav Singh Raizada, your daughter is my custody” an unknown voice speaks from the other end.
“Who the hell are you? And what do you want? If anything happens to my child, I swear…”
“Keep your swears to yourself and listen to me very carefully. Do not contact the Police if you want to see your daughter safe” the man warns. “The tapes… which you have recorded of Roy with Shashi Gupta and Sheetal Goel, I want those tapes and any other copies of the same if you have made one already”

Arnav fists his fingers. The kidnapper wants the only proofs they have against the culprits so that they cannot build a case on them. And to get those, they kidnapped Aashi. Aman gets in the cabin again giving him a thumbs up. That means they have been able to trace the call of this kidnapper.

“You will get the proofs” Arnav replies. “When and Where?”
“We will text you in an hour. And remember, do not contact the police, or else”
“I want my daughter back… Do you understand. Safe and sound.. If anything happens to her… I will ensure you and whoever your Boss is, will be spending the rest of their lives in Jail”

The kidnapper disconnects the call and Arnav instantly looks at Aman.

“Whats the location?”

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 51
Shantivan


The moment Khushi sees Arnav at home, she rushes into his arms. She has been weeping and cursing herself for being so negligent. If she hadn’t let Aashi play in the garden, away from her sight, this incident would never have taken place.

“Arnav… Where is Aashi? Did you find her?” she asks clutching his shirt. Arnav holds her and makes her sit on the couch beside. Aman has also accompanied Arnav back home.
“Sit” Arnav insists to Khushi and then kneels before her.
“I got a call from the person who abducted Aashi” he exclaims. “They want the proofs against Roy and Sheetal so that we do not file any complaint against them”
“Then give it” she barks. “I want Aashi and I don’t care if we let this fraud matter slip away from our hands forever”

She is becoming impatient and restless. Arnav reads her tension and cups her face.

“I am giving them the proofs. Just waiting for their next call for the location details”

Khushi shivers.
“I will come along with you”
“No” he snaps. “You will stay here. I don’t want any more mess with my family”
Khushi keeps weeping and pleading him.
“Arnav please.. I cannot wait to see Aashi.. I hope she is safe. Who can do this to her? I .. I really do not understand”

Aman softly intervenes.

“Roy cannot do all of this alone, Arnav. I am very sure he is backed up by someone else. How would anyone know that we have collected proofs against Sheetal and Roy otherwise?”
Arnav nods. He has the same view.
“Let us get Aashi safe first, we will then deal with this”

There is a call on Arnav’s phone again from an unknown number. He instantly answers it. He and Aman have already made arrangements to trace every call that keeps coming to this number and few others which belongs to Khushi, Shashi Gupta, Akash and the landline numbers of Gupta Mansion and Shantivan.

“Arnav Singh Raizada?”
“Speaking” he barks. “I have the proofs with me. Where do you want them?”
“I will message you the address. But come alone. And I hope you remember what I warned you about the Police?”
“I will come alone. But I want to speak to Aashi first”

Arnav puts his phone on the speaker mode.

“Don’t worry about your child. She is safe with us until you don’t open your mouth before the cops”
“I said I want to listen to my daughter’s voice. Give her the damn phone” Arnav scowls.

There is a complete silence for some time as if the caller has kept the call on Mute to ask if his request can be fulfilled.
“Hello” Arnav shouts.
“Fine. I will let you talk to her in a minute”

Saying that the caller disconnects. Aman quickly calls from the other number to the security team who are tracking the calls for them.
“Got the location coordinates?” Aman asks and starts noting down the location details.
“We got it” he later screams keeping the phone down. “It’s not very far from here. We can reach there in 20 minutes”
“But we are still not sure if Aashi is with this man. We won’t start until he makes Aashi talk to us” Arnav replies. “We won’t call the cops yet, just some hired professionals who can deal with this. Once Aashi is secured, we will let the cops involve”

Khushi is just hearing their plans, in between her sobs. In a minute, there is another call on Arnav’s number.

“Daddy” Aashi shouts but there is no fear in her voice. She seems normal.
“Aashi” Arnav gasps. He is happy to hear her voice. “Baby.. how are you..? Are you okay? Are you hurt?”
“Daddy… I am fine.. where are you and Khoosi? When will you come to take me?”
“Aashi” Khushi interrupts. “Baby. We are coming to take you.. Just wait for us.. okay? And … don’t cry… We are coming”

The kidnapper snatches the phone probably and starts speaking instead of Aashi.

“You heard your daughter’s voice enough. Now get us the proofs and come alone Raizada. Or else… You know”

Arnav kills the call and throws his phone aside in anger. Aman tries to calm him down.
“Arnav.. relax.. We will find her” Aman assures.
Suddenly a thought strikes in Arnav’s mind.
“Did you guys notice?” Arnav asks. “Aashi was speaking so normally”
Khushi, daayi Maa and Aman realize the same.
“Glad they didn’t hurt her” Daayi Maa interrupts.
“Yea, but she has never been so calm and cool with any strangers before. This means” Arnav takes a pause and looks at Khushi. “She is with someone she knows”

Khushi swallows hard and shakes her head in denial.
“Dad? You mean my father took her?”
Arnav gulps and his eyes confirms that he meant the same.
“No.. Dad.. dad cannot kidnap anyone.. And Aashi? Never..”
“Khushi.. We already know what all he has done.. He has kept Aashi safe and unaware of the fact that she is been kidnapped... maybe he has made some story to her why she is away from us and even promised her that we are coming to pick her up. Thats why Aashi asked me when we are reaching to her”

Khushi shuts her mouth with her palm and sits on the couch.

“Oh My God. I cannot believe Dad can do this”
“We should not waste time. I am going to give these proofs and get Aashi safe. Aman where are the professionals we hired?”
“I have already sent the location details to them and they are on way. They will reach before you. But no action will be taken until you get to meet Aashi”
“Good”

Arnav looks once at Khushi and then asks Daayi Maa to take care of her while he gets Aashi back. Aman stays here with Khushi.
888
It’s just been 10 minutes that Arnav has left when a guard comes inside to talk to Khushi.

“Ma’am, we found this in the garden area where Aashi baby was playing”

He shows Khushi a bracelet which she takes in her hand and starts inspecting. Aman gets up too.
“You know whose it is?” he asks.
Khushi startles as she recollects the person this bracelet belongs to.
888
Arnav gets down at the same old factory whose location details were been texted to him. He knows the professionals hired to take care of him and Aashi if anything goes wrong, have surrounded this place. He sees a man coming forward to him. He seems to be one of the man hired by Roy. He checks Arnav to ensure he is unarmed and then asks him to follow.

Arnav keeps walking behind the man and soon, he enters the most remote room behind the factory area.

“Welcome, ASR” he hears a known voice.

Arnav turns in the direction of the voice and smirks.
“Roy!!”
Roy comes ahead holding a gun in his hand. He seems to be having no repentance on his face or behavior.
“Took you so long to get to me ASR” Roy mocks.
“Hadnt expected you to ditch me from all the rest” Arnav replies. “I confided in you. I made you my Attorney for the most important deal of my life.. the birth and custody of my child and you seem to have profited yourself out of it, of course by illegal ways”
Roy shakes his head and chuckles.

“What to do ASR? Don’t get paid enough legally. And I was really a nice person, no bad records, loyal to my work, until I realized how foolish I am to ignore how much money my client has. If you could pay millions of rupees to get a baby from some unknown woman, why not utilize this and that’s how I became an opportunist. By my experience working with you, I knew you trusted me for this deal, a lot. You had no options considering how much secretive you wanted this deal to be. So, I cultivated hatred in your mind for the woman.. for KHUSHI GUPTA”

Arnav fists his fingers. He feels like hitting his man till death. His one lie turned their lives in a different angle. Wish he had shown some trust on Khushi earlier, than this man.

“But see the fate.. The world is so small. You fell in love with that same woman and my world shook again”
Arnav swallows hard, controlling his urge to beat Roy.
“You might have made plans to trap me at your wedding reception, but I was one step smarter. The moment I realized you are getting married, I did a research on that lucky woman. I was shocked to know its Khushi Gupta and for some time I even felt that my drama is coming to an end. But then, I thought of playing it along, at least until I sort it myself”

Arnav keeps listening.

“I didn’t show any surprise when you introduced me to Khushi Gupta at your wedding reception. I didn’t know that time if Khushi knew that Aashi was her child. I knew you wouldn’t hide Aashi’s birth suspense from your would be wife. And if that happens, it wont take long for Khushi to know that she is Aashi’s biological mother. And I didn’t wanted to take that risk of her confiding in you and then you guys clearing off the misunderstanding which I had induced in between you. So, I decided to close all loops.”

Arnav clenches his jaw.

“Who from the Gupta’s are involved with you?” he asks a direct question to which Roy laughs heartily.
“Why would anyone from them need to be involved? I did this on my own”
“Impossible Roy. Even if you did all of this, you couldn’t close all the loops until getting someone from the Guptas involved. So, blurt it out”

Roy becomes impatient.

“ASR… Come on… It’s enough talk. Show me the proofs”
Arnav removes the Pen drive from his pocket and hands it to one of Roy’s men.
“Where’s Aashi?”
“She is safe.” Roy assures. “You know I am not someone who would like to hurt an innocent child”
“You already have Roy. You have snatched the right of a child to have its Mother beside from its birth. Isn’t that enough?”
Roy smirks.
“Oh Yes, you had plans to propose your baby’s biological mother for marriage, for the sake of your unborn child. I do remember that conversation we had. In fact, it is that conversation which made me speeded up my plan. I couldn’t wait to make you hate that woman”

“Daddy” Arnav hears his daughter’s voice. He turns to the right and sees Aashi running towards him. She looks normal.. safe.. She jumps in his arms. Arnav hugs her, kisses her cheeks and hair.
“Aashi? You .. .you okay?”
“Yes Daddy”
“Let’s go” he just wants to take her away from this place. He carries her in his arms and but he won’t be leaving without giving a last warning to Roy.
“You won’t be free for long Roy. Very soon you will be behind bars.”
“I don’t think so” Roy chuckles. “I am leaving this country in an hour. You cannot find me ever ASR.”

Arnav grits his teeth but he tries to calm down. He knows Roy will never be able to leave the country, his right place is behind the bars and soon, that’s going to happen. He has already ensured that it happens. He comes out of the old factory and rushes to his car with Aashi. He makes her get inside, buckles her seat belt and then drives out. He dials Khushi’s number which she picks instantly.

“Did you get her?” she asks.
“Yes.. You reach Gupta Mansion with Aman. I will come there with Aashi”
“On my way, Arnav. Can I talk to Aashi?”
“Hmm” he extends the phone towards Aashi. “Aashi.. speak to Khoosi.. she wants to talk to you..”

Aashi stares at the phone and looks away. Arnav is confused why she is behaving so.

“Aashi.. take the call.. Khushi was worried for you” he tries to convince her again but she doesn’t look at him. She has never done this before. What is wrong with her? Something is surely going in her mind and he has to find out. He speaks back to Khushi.

“Khushi.. I … I will get you talk to her later.. She is tired.. sleeping” he lies.

Khushi somehow doesn’t believe him because she did hear him convincing Aashi to speak to her. Something is wrong.. She can feel it as a mother. But what? She agrees to Arnav and keeps driving towards Gupta Mansion with Aman.

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 52
Gupta Mansion

Khushi steps in the house with Aman. Her state of mind and the expressions on her face worries Shashi Gupta and Akash who have been sitting in the living room.

“Khushi? When did you arrive back from Mussourie?” he disturbingly asks seeing her come closer.

The moment Khushi reaches them, she slaps hard on Akash’s face. Akash almost stumbles back, holding his cheek.
“What the hell is this, Khushi?” he barks.
“How dare you Akash? How dare you kidnap my daughter?”
Akash freezes and so does Shashi.
“Kidnap? Aashi is Kidnap?” Shashi asks.
Khushi holds Akash’s collar and jerks him.
“Yes, he kidnapped my baby for hiding his black deeds” she yells.

Akash holds her wrist.
“What are you saying, Khushi? I am sure you have some sort of misunderstanding”
“I don’t have any misunderstanding, Akash. I had closed my eyes so far, trusting you blindly in terms of my Company and the responsibility of my father, but not anymore”

Shashi is speechless. He is unable to believe his eyes. Khushi and Akash have always shared a good sibling relationship. How can Khushi blame him for something so huge? Aman shows Akash the braclet which they had found in Shantivan today.

“Isn’t this yours?” Aman asks Akash.

Akash immediately checks his wrist and realizes the absence of that bracelet on it. Dammit!!

“Yes.. I . .I had lost this. Where did you find it?” he innocently asks.
“In the Garden area of Shantivan. It slipped from your wrist when you abducted Aashi today morning” Aman replies.

Shashi is horrified to hear that.
“Khushi.. what is all this? Will anyone of you tell me whats happening?” Shashi requests.
“I will tell you Uncle” Aman replies. “You might be surprised to know that the baby Khushi gave birth to 4 years ago is none other than Aashi Raizada”
Shashi’s jaw drops.
“What?”
“Yes Uncle. Aashi is Arnav and Khushi’s daughter. Khushi got to know this before their marriage. But she chose to hide it from both of you because she had to first clear the misunderstanding Arnav had about her character”

Shashi keeps listening.

“When the deal was made, 4 years back, somewhere during Khushi’s third trimester, Roy, the mediator and your lawyer, fed Arnav’s ears that Khushi had been drinking in her pregnancy and demanding for 50 crores more or else she would harm the child inside her. Arnav was almost on the verge of asking the woman carrying his child to marry him for the future of their child but when he got to know this, he broke down. He fulfilled the demand of money through Roy and once Aashi was born, he forever broke his ties with the woman who gave birth to his child. When Khushi got to know about this misunderstanding she tried to find proofs of her innocence but Arnav somehow managed to know that Khushi is that woman. They were already dating each other then. He would have broke his ties with Khushi again but he couldn’t do that as Aashi had got quite attached to Khushi. So he decided to put another deal. A contract marriage”

Shashi feels like he might get an attack now. A Contract marriage? Aman continues.

“Arnav confronted to Khushi and they both agreed to get together only for the sake of their child. A prenuptial agreement was formulated which they both even signed. Despite of Khushi’s efforts to prove him she was innocent, he decided not to give her any benefit of doubt. But love is not so easy to be forgotten and punished. Arnav’s love for her somehow weakened his resolve and he decided to find the proofs of Khushi’s innocence himself. He burnt the prenup agreement, gave her a proper marriage with all rituals in the temple and when that was still not enough, he even took her and Aashi out to Mussourie to change Khushi’s mood and win her back. And amidst all this, me and Arnav started to find the real culprit. We already had a doubt on Roy as he was the only person who knew everything about that deal and chances that he can be the real mastermind, striked first in our head”

“Oh my God” Shashi expresses shock. “I trusted Roy. Because… I got some threatening calls on my phone.. That man pretended to be Khushi’s baby’s father and he said he will tell everything to Arnav and destroy Khushi’s marriage. He wanted money and Khushi’s Id proofs. I didn’t go to tell this to Khushi yet because I thought she already has a lot in her plate. She was just married and I wanted her to be out of these problems. I tried to handle it alone. But.. if Arnav is Khushi’s baby’s father then who was that man who blackmailed me?”

“It was Akash” comes a loud and clear voice from Arnav Singh Raizada who has just stepped in the house with Aashi in his arms. Everyone turns around and the moment Khushi sees Aashi, she runs to them. She touches Aashi’s face, trying to believe she is here and totally fine.
“Aashi… my baby… you are back.. come here” she tries to take Aashi in her embrace but Aashi shrugs her hold and hugs Arnav tight, denying to go to her.
Khushi and Arnav are again shocked to see her behaving like that.
“Aashi.. .you wont come to me?” Khushi painfully asks.
Aashi does not speak to her neither makes any gestures.

Akash is stupefied to see Arnav-Aashi here. Shashi’s confused state is still unable to understand anything.

“Arnav… Khushi said Aashi was kidnapped by Akash.”

Daayi Maa gets inside the house. Khushi has no clue who called her here. Arnav hands Aashi to Daayi Maa and Aashi doesn’t protest this time. She goes in Daayi Maa’s embrace. Khushi is stunned. Why Aashi is behaving like this only with her?

“Take Aashi upstairs” Arnav orders to Daayi Maa who quickly takes Aashi with her to Khushi’s bedroom. Khushi stares at them with teary eyes. Something is not matching here. Aashi doesn’t even seem to be meeting her eyes. Why?

“The man who threatened you over the call and the one who kidnapped Aashi today morning is none other than your Nephew, Akash Gupta” Arnav exclaims.
“Enough of this shit, Arnav. Only because I am quiet, you people cannot blame me for something I never did. Why will I do this?”
“To hide your sins” Arnav barks. “So you Akash Gupta, is the mastermind behind this entire misunderstanding between me and Khushi and the fraud of 50 crores rupees which you stole from me using Khushi’s name”

Sweat beads form on Akash’s forehead.

“Why.. why will I do this? And what proof do you have?”
“Proof?”  Arnav mocks. “Yes, that’s right. What proof can I have? Because whatever clips we had recorded of Sheetal and Roy’s conversation in our office, it never mentioned about you. And I have already handed over the proofs to Roy for getting Aashi safe”

Aman and Khushi look disappointedly at Arnav.
“ASR.. Can’t we get a backup of the videos from the Spy camera’s again?” Aman asks. “We have to get Roy first who will then confess that he did all of this with Akash”
“No Aman” Arnav interrupts. “The Spy cameras and the original recordings clip which was saved in the hard drive at our company’s security desk are destroyed. Seems some hacker got the recordings deleted from our office remotely. Someone who got paid to do this. We do not have those proofs anymore.”

Akash’s face lightens with that news. He neatens his collar. “Only because you find my bracelet in your garden doesn’t prove I abducted Aashi”
Arnav fakes he lost this.
“We are doomed. We have nothing against Akash to put you behind the bars. I still don’t understand why he did all of this? Just for money??”

Akash smirks with pride. All that innocence he had been faking has vaporized.

“Money..!! Yes. It plays an important factor in everyone’s life. It’s a game changer, isn’t it?” Akash laughs aloud.

Shashi and Khushi look at him with moist eyes. He really did all of this and he has no guilt about it.

“Must say, Arnav. You are very intelligent. You got our phones tapped, you even hired spies to keep an eye on us so that you get some hint that your wife is innocent. Good move. But what you forgot is, if I can play such a nasty game with you before, I can easily safeguard my back even now. Just like you kept spying on us, I hired spies at your office to see what you and your dear friend Aman were planning. It was very tough to break into your office, or to hack the security cameras but I managed.. Had to pay a huge amount to get this done” Akash confesses.

Arnav doesn’t cross question him anything. He wants Akash to blurt out everything.

“The moment I came to know Aman has got some tape recording of Roy and Sheetal, I immediately devised a plan to get these tapes so that none of you can use it against Roy. Because if Roy and Sheetal get arrested, Roy can point my name. So, I got this hacker to delete the original copies of the recording from your Security room and then used another trick to get you and Khushi back to Delhi. I purposely informed you about Shashi Uncle being blackmailed so that you three come back to save him. And during that period, I can kidnap Aashi”

Arnav fists his fingers whereas Khushi throws a frustrated look at Akash.

“I am sorry Khushi, but Aashi was my last hope to get those tapes from Arnav. Believe me I did no harm to her, except”
Khushi and Arnav get alarmed
“Except what Akash?” Both ask him at the same time.
Akash smiles with pride.

“I had to tell her that you are her mother.. And that you had a choice to be with her right from her birth but you abandoned her because you didn’t want her”

Khushi breaks down. Now she understands why Aashi is behaving indifferently with her. Akash brainwashed her mind and fed her with this half-truth. Poor child, she must have lost trust in her now. Arnav strides to Akash and punches his face. Akash hadn’t expected Arnav to behave so, he falls on the couch.

“I won’t leave you for this, Akash.” Arnav strangles his neck. “Hadn’t you harmed us enough already?”
Aman and Shashi pull Arnav away from Akash.
“Arnav.. stop it. You will kill him”
“Yes, I will do that if necessary” he snaps in anger.

Akash holds his neck and coughs. If Arnav had kept gripping his neck so strongly for another minute, he would have choked to death.

“Why Akash?” Shashi barks. “Why did you destroy my daughter’s life? Why?”

Akash gets up from the couch.
“It’s all your fault Uncle. You showed extra trust on your daughter every time than me. And why? Only because I was an Orphan? My father had equal stakes in our Company but after his death, instead of transferring those stakes, that rights to me, you kept it with you”
“I didn’t use it for me. I utilize it for the company Akash”
“And yet incurred losses, didn’t we?”
Shashi is speechless.
“We went in losses because you invested my father’s stakes in the wrong company. And then when we were bankrupt, you drowned yourself in alcohol. But me and Khushi? We had to strive so much to get it back on track. All thanks to Khushi, that she agreed for something so unique.. selling her womb to an unknown Businessman”

Akash is slowly spitting all the venom he had in him as he grew with Shashi and Khushi in their family.

“Whatever money you got from the deal you re-invested it back in the company, I didn’t even get a penny out of it. I had my needs too but none of you father-daughter even asked me for it”
“That’s because we thought our intentions match. We didn’t know you were so much against us” Shashi snaps.
“You always took me for granted Uncle. That’s what I hated the most. So, I used this opportunity, contacted Roy and brainwashed him to join hands with me. I devised this plan to grab some extra money from Arnav. I didn’t care to know his name, his identity from Roy because all I cared was for money. Roy didn’t mention Arnav Singh Raizada’s name to me either. We faked a letter from Khushi to Arnav demanding money and I used my contacts in a bank to open an account on Khushi’s name using the same ID proofs which we had already given Roy that time for the Deal to happen. It was as easy as that. Once the money was transferred, we divided it and sorted our lives. You and Khushi didn’t even realize that I had backstabbed you both. Everything was running smoothly until the marriage reception of Arnav and Khushi when Roy called me up and told me that Arnav is the same man. We were afraid our matter is leaked. We had to close all the loop ends and that’s exactly why I devised yet another plan to close the bank account so that Arnav can never understand who operated that account earlier. And since the branch manager was changed now, we needed more documentation to get this account closed. If I had asked Khushi directly, she might have doubted me so we had to play this entire drama of blackmailing you Uncle. You managed to get me the docs and we were almost on the verge of closing the account when I got to know Arnav has kept his spies over us. So, I reworked on my plan, got Khushi and Arnav back from Mussourie and kidnapped Aashi to get the recorded tapes. Rest, you guys already know”

Arnav clenches his jaw. Khushi and Shashi are blank. Khushi feels guilty for being suspicious of her father behind all this.

“I will drag you to the court, Akash” Arnav roars in anger.
Akash laughs heartily.
“Really? How? Who is the witness of all this? Aashi? You think the court will believe a 3-year-old kid?” Akash mocks. “And yes, Roy must have already left the country by now” he says checking his watch.
“Unfortunately, he didn’t” Aman interrupts with a grin. “You think we would let Roy get out of our hold so easily? Our hired professionals have already blocked him out in the Private Airport where he was supposed to catch his private jet to fly abroad. He didn’t make it Akash.”

Akash is flabbergasted with this new information.

“But you think Roy would have saved those proofs Arnav gave him to save Aashi? I had asked him to destroy them the moment he has gets his hands on them” Akash exclaims.
Arnav smiles sarcastically.
“Who said we need those proofs anymore?” Arnav asks.

Now Akash gets serious.
“You guys are just threatening me. I have already hacked and deleted all the security tapes that could lead you guys to Roy or Sheetal”
“We know that” Arnav agrees. “But I am not talking about the Security tapes of AR office. I am talking about the security camera tapes of Gupta Office” he adds.

Akash is confused. Arnav finally confronts the most interesting twist of this entire drama.

“Remember the day when Shashi Gupta called Khushi for a meeting at your office? Just a day after our marriage? That same day, I came to drop Khushi to work and even picked her up and took her to Mussourie?” he asks.

Khushi looks surprised at her husband. Akash doesn’t understand where this is leading to.

“I had seen Roy at Gupta Office that morning, coming out. And today when I got my people to check those tapes, they have a record of your conversation with Roy inside the office, in a secured room. If you can hack my office camera’s, can’t I hack yours?” Arnav proudly asks.

Akash is shocked. Yes, that day he had called Roy there to discuss something about their plans and he had no clue that Arnav would get a hand on those cameras. Shashi and Khushi recollects that during the meeting, Akash had come in very late. So, he was busy with Roy that time.

“And Akash, before stepping in this house today, I have already given those tapes to the Police. And one more surprise for you” he lets out a satisfied laugh. “Whatever you confessed right now, is all recorded”

He gestures towards the door from where the Police officials get inside. Akash realizes his plan has badly failed. Arnav is sharper than he thought he was.

“Arrest him Inspector. Take him to his other two friends Roy and Sheetal” Aman commands.

The police arrest Akash and take him away. Shashi feels bad but he is happy that his daughter finally can live with her own child and husband with ease. Aman happily walks out with the Police to get this complaint registered whereas Arnav and Khushi gaze at each other because even though this problem is solved, they have one more battle to fight. They have to convince Aashi.


__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 53
Gupta Mansion

Shashi Gupta collapses on the couch, witnessing all of this. Both Khushi and Arnav hold him.
“Dad…” Khushi quickly passes him some water to drink. He gulps it down.
“So much happened.. so much happened behind me and I didn’t realize anything” Shashi murmurs.
He slowly raises his head and looks at Khushi blankly.

“You went through so much alone? For once didn’t you didn’t thought of sharing it with me?” he asks bitterly.
“I am sorry Dad.. When I got to know its someone from our family doing all of this, I even suspected it to be you”
Shashi is shocked to learn that from his daughter.
“I am so sorry..” she sobs, placing her head on his lap.

Arnav tries to explain things further.

“It’s not her fault Uncle. Roy and Akash cleverly fabricated the proofs in such a way that even if we were trying to look for the main culprit, we would never reach Akash. They always kept you in the front. They made you ask for Khushi’s ID documents and that’s how we suspected more on you being the mastermind of this entire plot” Arnav exclaims.

Shashi’s eyes tears.

“Akash could do all of this? It is so hard to believe. I always took him as my own son after my brother died. I ensured never to make difference between Akash and Khushi and still he had so much bitterness for us. It’s so disgusting”

Arnav nods.
“Khushi and I have decided to put a strong case against them. I hope you are going to support us” Arnav asks Shashi Gupta just to be sure they all are on the same page.
“If you think from a father’s perspective, I would never want Akash to get that bad treatment but whatever he has done is intolerable. He snatched your hard-earned money Arnav”
“I could have still forgiven him for that, but he spoilt 4 golden years of my daughter.. Aashi could have got Khushi’s motherly love right from her birth if he hadn’t played with us. And to top it all, he even abducted Aashi for wiping off the proofs, he brainwashed her. I don’t think I will ever want to forgive him after that”

Shashi nods. He agrees.
“He should be punished Arnav. Akash deserves this. I am with you”

Khushi suddenly recollects Aashi is still here and with Daayi Maa. She has not been behaving nicely to her ever since Akash fed her with the truth of she being Aashi’s mother. She cannot even imagine what will be going in that innocent mind of her baby. Khushi slowly raises her head from Shashi’s lap and looks at her father

“Aashi is my baby, Dad.. She is my daughter”

Shashi smiles and cups her face.

“Yes.. She is my real granddaughter. Now I know why I felt so special when she played with me, spent time with me here”
Arnav gulps. Though he is happy that the entire misunderstanding is clear and the culprits are caught, he knows it is still not the end. He and Khushi still have some tough moments to face and before all that he also needs to do something else. He kneels down before Shashi.

“I have given enough trouble to Khushi.. I didn’t trust her. She kept screaming about being innocent but I didn’t forgive her. I don’t think I will ever be able to face myself after this. I have hurt you both. If possible, please try to forgive me”

Tears roll down Khushi’s cheeks. This is the first time he has openly been asking for forgiveness. She doesn’t say anything but Shashi immediately forgives him and hugs him tight.

“Mistakes like these are prone to happen Arnav.. Please don’t make yourself feel so bad. I am sure as time passes, we all will be able to come out of it. For now, you and Khushi have to be stronger and get Aashi convinced about the reality. She should not distance herself from you both. She has stayed without a mother’s love enough, not anymore” Shashi exclaims.

Arnav and Khushi both agree to this but if only it was so easy to convince their child.

Daayi Maa comes down from Khushi’s bedroom with Aashi in her arms.

“She is asleep” Daayi Maa informs, gently patting Aashi’s back.
Khushi walks to Daayi Maa and softly touches Aashi’s cheeks. She is snoring.
“She has seen a lot today. She needs rest and so do you and Arnav” Daayi Maa insists. “We should head back to Shantivan”
“That’s right” Arnav gets up from the floor. “Why don’t you come with us Uncle? You shouldn’t be alone”

Khushi’s likes Arnav’s responsible side of caring for her father’s betterment.

“No Arnav. I will be fine here. I will see you both tomorrow.” Shashi replies.
“Okay.. get some rest then” he quickly shares a hug with Shashi and then turns around to leave. Khushi hugs her father too.
“Sorry Dad… Sorry for spying on you. I feel so disgusted already”
“Don’t be.. It’s all over. Now just concentrate on Arnav and Aashi. Don’t force other thoughts to cloud your mind. It’s going to be fine”
Khushi nods at her father’s advise and then walks out with her family to their car.

The driver whisks the car out, with Arnav seated at the front seat. Khushi and Daayi Maa sit behind. Khushi takes Aashi on her lap and keeps patting her. A drop of tear rolls from her eyes and falls straight on Aashi’s cheek. She wipes it off. She wants Aashi to forgive her.. Soon.. She really hopes that happens soon or else she never be able to live peacefully.

After reaching Shantivan, Daayi Maa urges them to let Aashi sleep with her for one night as she is already fast asleep. Khushi declines and Arnav agrees to her denial. He doesn’t know how Aashi would react once she wakes up, so if in her state of sleep, Khushi is able to keep her close, that should be fine.

When Arnav returns back from his night shower, he sees Khushi hugging Aashi and sleeping. Both his angels look stressed and strongly in need of some rest. He doesn’t wake Khushi up. He joins them on the bed and shuts the lamps off.
888
Aashi cries in her sleep, waking both Arnav and Khushi. It’s early morning 06:00.

“Aashi” Khushi instantly cuddles her. “Baby.. what happened?” she kisses her forehead and rocks her gently.
Arnav turns on the lamps.
“She might have seen a bad dream” he replies with the same worry.

Aashi opens her eyes and realizes she is in Khushi’s arms. She pushes her softly and turns to Arnav, stretching her arms so that he can embrace her. Khushi feels like her heart just stopped beating. Aashi had never pushed her away, this is the first time. Arnav swallows hard seeing Khushi’s face and takes Aashi to him.

“Sweetheart… why did you cry?” he asks cuddling Aashi.
Aashi denies to reply. She closes her eyes and tries to sleep as Arnav keeps rocking her. Khushi gets down the bed and strides in the bathroom, locking herself there. She cannot see this happening. She cannot even cry before Arnav and Aashi. She wants to stay alone and bear this without involving Arnav who is already stressed about it. As soon as Aashi sleeps again, Arnav puts her on bed and knocks the bathroom door.

“Khushi.. don’t do this.. come out”

Khushi wipes her tears and unlocks the door. She doesn’t come out though. Arnav gets in the bathroom and shuts the door. Khushi breaks down in his arms, sobbing bitterly. Arnav hugs her and caresses her hair.
“Sshh… stop crying”
Her throat swells and she is unable to voice out her current feelings. She doesn’t have to. Arnav knows it and can sense it equally with her. They stay like that for a minute after which he pulls her back from the hug and stares at her.
“Give her some time..” he urges. “We don’t even know what Akash told her, what she has in her mind?”
Khushi nods.
“She must be having so many questions for me, Arnav.. And until she talks to me, asks  me, how would I tell her? It’s not that I didn’t want her. I wanted my baby.. I wanted her the very moment I felt her first inside me. But you…you took her away before I could even see her. I .. I was so helpless. It’s not that I didn’t love her. I did.. At times during my pregnancy, I felt I should run away, somewhere far.. So much away that you wouldn’t find me at all. So that I don’t have to give my baby to anyone.. I really love her.. I always did” she cries again.

Arnav feels so guilty right now to snatch a baby from a mother, without even letting her see or feed her child, feel motherhood. He gently wipes off the tears from her eyes.

“I know you love her.. you love her more than I can ever imagine. A baby finds its first connection with its mother and through her the rest of the world.” He replies. “I snatched her from you and I promise I will get her back to you. Do you trust me?”
Khushi shakes her head and hugs him back. He is the only one she trusts now who can let this happen.
888

Daayi Maa enters the kitchen that morning and finds Khushi cooking something.

“Khushi.. you should have waited for me to do this. You are already tired”
“No Daayi Maa, I am fine”

Daayi Maa comes forward and starts assisting Khushi.

“I know what Akash did with you and Arnav is wrong. He should not have brainwashed Aashi. It has left an impact on Aashi but its temporary, believe me, she will soon be normal again”

Khushi feels soothed hearing that.

“I know.” She replies. “But I cannot sit waiting for that moment to come. I want to put my efforts too.”
“I can see that.” Daayi Maa smiles. “You made Aashi’s favorite aloo paratha and Chocolate milkshake. I am sure she will like that. Where is She?”
“Arnav is getting her ready for school.”
“School? But after all this happened, we should have let her rest for a day more”
“You are right Daayi Maa, but Arnav suggested she should join the school to divert her mind. That will feed other thoughts in her brain and she wont be thinking too much about it.”
“Did Arnav try to talk to her about what Akash said?”
Khushi sighs in disappointment.
“He didn’t find the right time to do that yet”
Daayi Maa feels sorry.
“Oh that’s okay. She cannot stay away from you for long.”

They hear Arnav’s voice from outside.
“Daayi Maa.. Breakfast” Arnav shouts.
“There they come. Go.. I will get all of this” Daayi Maa says to Khushi who takes Aashi’s plate with her chocolate milkshake glass.
“Good morning” Khushi normally greets her but she frowns.
“Aashi.” Arnav turns to her. “Khoosi wished you. Wont you wish her back?” he asks.
Aashi hugs Arnav tight, without uttering a word. He is about to force her again when Khushi gestures him not to. She doesn’t want to force Aashi at all.
“Aashi.. look what we have for breakfast today?” Arnav pulls Aashi on his lap. “Aloo paratha. You like it. Don’t you?”
Aashi nods.
“Yes”
“Great.. so, lets eat it and finish them all.” He playfully drags the plate towards them and the two start relishing it as if there is some unsaid competition between the two. Khushi admires both of them from the opposite chair. She doesn’t want to intrude. She is afraid if Aashi will stop eating if she does that and leave her breakfast half. She can never let that happen. She slowly pushes the glass of chocolate towards Arnav, gesturing him to make Aashi drink it. He nods and then once again playfully, tactfully makes Aashi finish her entire breakfast.
“Daddy.. will you drop me to school?” she requests.
“Why not? Today Daddy will drop Aashi to school. Come on.. lets go.”

He puts her down wiping her face with the napkin.
“Bye, Aashi” Khushi waves at her but Aashi runs out without responding. It aches her again but Arnav clutches her arms.
“Be brave. I don’t want to see tears in your eyes all the time. You are not a cry baby, are you?”

Khushi gulps the pain and agrees to him.

“Go drop her” she pushes him softly.
“You eat” he commands and then looks at Daayi Maa. “Daayi Maa… please ensure she eats”
Daayi Maa shakes her head and Arnav strides to the door where Aashi is waiting for him to drive her out.
888
After dropping Aashi to school, Arnav picks Khushi and they head to the Police Station to complete the rest of the formalities. Aman and Shashi Gupta meet them there, they sign on the necessary legal documents and Arnav proposes Shashi Gupta to come and stay with them in Shantivan.

“No Arnav.. that’s not needed. I am fine” Shashi Gupta denies
“Uncle.. What will you do staying alone in Gupta Mansion? You will be bored. And I am sure you aren’t that orthodox to calculate the drawbacks of staying in your daughter’s sasuraal” Aman interrupts.
“Aman is right Dad” Khushi adds. “We will feel good if you stay with us. Don’t you want to spend time with Aashi?”
“I would love to do that darling” Shashi replies. “But you know I have some business commitments to complete. I will have to travel a lot in a few days.”
“We won’t disturb your travel plans” Arnav exclaims. “But after that, we want you to shift in Shantivan”
“Okay, I will. At least for few days. Happy?” Shashi asks.

Arnav and Khushi are delighted that he agreed.
888
Aashi returns from school that evening, she looks normal but her isolation from Khushi doesn’t end. She keeps playing on the bicycle with her neighbor friend. Khushi tries to make a few attempts to talk to her but she speeds up the ride, leaving Khushi helpless. Arnav supports Khushi every time she feels distressed because of Aashi’s behavior.

Arnav feels like Aashi is challenging Khushi’s existence in the house. She is behaving as if Khushi never existed around her and this is really painful. He knows he has to mend this situation sooner. He comes back in his room at night, watches Khushi sitting alone on the recliner, lost and disturbed.

“Aashi is sleepy” he utters.

Khushi registers his presence.
“Oh” she gets up. “I will make the bed here”

She is about to walk to their bed when Arnav holds her hand.
“She wants to sleep in her room” Arnav replies swallowing the pain after reading Khushi’s expressions. Her eyes become moist with tears.
“And she wants me to sleep with her there” he adds.
Khushi’s feet tremble. She can feel Aashi distancing from her already. Arnav gently cups her face.
“I will put her to sleep and come back.”
Khushi gulps the ache formed in her throat and nods in agreement. Arnav kisses her forehead and then hurries out. It’s high time he makes Aashi wipe off this distance she has created between her and Khushi.

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 54
Shantivan

Arnav pats Aashi as she keeps reading the story book aloud to her father, in her little room, where she urged to sleep tonight with him. It came as another shocker for Arnav when she demanded to sleep in this room and not their bedroom. He immediately guessed it she was trying to distance from Khushi. He had promised Khushi to fix this and that too very soon.

“Aashi”  he tries to get her attention.

She stops reading and meets his eyes. He takes her on his lap.
“You remember one day when your teacher Mrs. Dsouza taught you about Mumma and you came home and asked me who that is?”

Aashi nods blankly.
“I didn’t tell you then… but you know now that Khushi is your Mumma, don’t you?”

Aashi presses her lips, her nose flares. She looks back in the book, trying to avoid this conversation.  Arnav reads her expressions and realizes she is purposely trying to ignore but it wont work like this. He snatches the book from her and keeps its away.

“Did Akash Uncle tell you that Khushi is your Mumma?” he adds.

Aashi keeps staring away from him. Arnav slowly pulls her chin up.
“Aashi.. say it.. I am asking you something. Did Akash Uncle tell you that?”
She nods a slow yes. Arnav sighs.
“Is that why you are angry on Khushi because she didn’t tell you this before?” he continues.

Aashi’s eyes with tears. She pouts, her lips quiver. Arnav pulls her closer.
“Aashi.. what did Akash Uncle tell you?” he urges to know.
She sobs.
Arnav feels ridiculous for making her cry by poking such questions at her but it is necessary.
“That she hates me” she whimpers. “Khoosi… does not like me”

Arnav swallows hard. He kisses her forehead and starts brushing her hair with his fingers.
“How did you believe that?”
“She left me” Aashi whimpers.
“No, she didn’t” Arnav explains. “I made her go”
“You are lying”
“Daddy is not lying Aashi. Aashi Promise” he says pinching his neck.
Aashi keeps staring at her father. Arnav continues to explain.
“I thought Khushi is bad.. she wont take care of you.. So I snatched you from her. But I was wrong. She loves you.. She loves you so much just like every other Mummy loves her baby”
Aashi keeps listening.
“Then why did she go?” Aashi starts sobbing. “All my friends have mummy, only I didn’t”
Arnav feels poor for her. He draws her closer.
“Now you do.. Khushi is your Mummy.. She is back. Daddy realized his mistake and brought her back to you. She is the best mummy you could get. Do you know she cried so much when you didn’t talk to her? She doesn’t eat properly either. She will fall sick. You want to see her sick?”

Aashi instantly denies.
“No…”
Arnav smiles and cups her face.
“Then talk to her. I know you love her just like you love me. If someone tells you I don’t love you, will you believe it?”

Aashi nods in denial.

“See… that’s what it is.. Only because Akash Uncle told you something, you shouldn’t believe it. You are still a baby. There are so many things which me and Khushi cannot tell you now because you wont understand it. When you grow up, we will tell you everything. But for now, do remember one thing. Khushi loves you very much.. She came in this house for you, she married your daddy for you. And if you don’t love her back, she might go away. Do you want that to happen?”
“No” she sobs again.

Arnav kisses her forehead. He has explained her in the best way possible. He cannot tell her about his idea of wanting a child through surrogacy, the deal he got into with Khushi and how the misconceptions broke them apart. Once she is capable of absorbing and understanding this truth, they will make her aware of all of this, if necessary. He cuddles her and pats her to sleep. It is enough for today. If Aashi still needs this grilling to make her anger towards Khushi wipe off, he will do that until it really happens. But as far as he knows his baby, she has realized it. Only the next morning will show how she is going to behave with Khushi hereon.
888
That night, Khushi is alone in the bedroom. She is unable to sleep. Aashi is distancing from her and Arnav is trying his level best to patch them up. How long will it take? Just 24 hours she is unable to sustain without taking Aashi in her arms, will she be able to hold herself for next few days? Her eyes swell with tears as she cuddles the pillow. A mother can sustain anything but never such a day in her life when her child hates her. That is the worst nightmare of every mother. Her decision to be a surrogate mother for the sake of saving her business is the reason why she is facing all the odds like this today. Hope Aashi forgives her.
888
Just like the previous morning, Khushi makes Aashi’s favorite breakfast. She was hardly able to get sleep last night. The puffiness below her eyes easily proves that. She still managed to wake up early and cook. Arnav comes down looking for her and finds her in the kitchen. He gets closer to her and turns her around. That’s when he notices her moist eyes.

“You didn’t sleep well, did you?” he asks with a concern in his voice.
Khushi shrugs that question from him.
“Where is Aashi? You need to wake her up for school”
“She is awake, showered and dressed for school. Daayi Maa is getting her down. But that’s not what I want to hear from you about. I am worried for you, Khushi.” he clutches her arms. “I know Aashi and your relationship is not good right now, but that doesn’t mean you ignore your health to this extent”
“I am fine” she fakes a smile. “what will you eat? Pancakes?”

Arnav clenches his jaw. He is upset on her and she is asking him what he would like to eat? He shrugs and turns around to leave. Khushi wraps her arms around his waist, and hugs him from behind.

“Now you don’t leave me” she pleads. Arnav sighs and turns around, to hug her properly. She snuggles into him.
“I will never leave you. I need you more than you know” he whispers.

She feels relieved and happy that there is someone who really loves her so much. They hear Aashi’s voice asking for breakfast. Khushi pulls away from the hug.

“She is down. Go and give her company, I will get her breakfast” she commands to her husband who willingly accepts them and heads out.

Khushi comes out in few minutes with the milkshakes and grilled sandwiches which is Aashi’s yet another favorite. Aashi is playing with the spoon and her empty plate. She looks much energetic and happy this morning. As if nothing is affecting her at all. Khushi wonders if one day Aashi will shrug all her importance in her life. If that happens, it will be impossible to make her place again in Aashi’s heart. It aches her to even think about it. She fakes a smile at Arnav who is keenly reading her expressions as she comes closer to the table and starts serving.

Aashi stiffens. Khushi serves her quietly recalling how Aashi had not even replied back to her morning wishes yesterday. Expecting her to do the same today, she decides not to wish her at all. She then starts serving Arnav.

“Mumma”

They both hear this soft call from Aashi who instantly puts her head down, not wanting to see her Daddy and Khushi’s expressions for it. Khushi turns around in surprise. Did she really hear that Aashi calling or are her ears ringing?

“What?” she asks softly to Aashi who has still kept her head low. “What did you call me?” Khushi asks with a desperation in her voice.

Aashi slowly raises her head and meets Khushi’s eyes.
“Mummaaa” she repeats it again, but this time in a firm tone.
Khushi kneels down on the floor, next to Aashi’s chair and hugs her tight. She pulls back and cups Aashi’s face.
“Say that again” she pleads.
“Mumma” Aashi says it with pride in her tone now.
Khushi takes a deep sigh of relief and kisses Aashi’s cheeks, forehead and nose. Aashi wraps her arms around Khushi’s neck and hugs her tight. They stay like that for a minute. Arnav admires their re-bonding and is beyond happy to witness this happening so soon again. Like looked bitter when the two angels of his life were not in talking terms with each other. Now it seems to be coming on the track again.

“That’s right” Khushi pulls away from Aashi and cups her face.. “I am your Mumma.. Your mother… I always was..” she cries. “I carried you in my stomach, you know that?”

Aashi giggles.
“I was inside your stomach?” she playfully asks. “But it is so small here. How did I fit in?”

Khushi and Arnav both laugh at her silly question.
“It had blown this much to occupy you inside” Arnav replies to her.
Aashi giggles and so does Khushi. Suddenly Aashi becomes serious again.
“You wont leave me again, will you?”
Khushi straightaway denies.
“Never.. I will never go anywhere.”
“Promise”

Khushi swears by pinching her neck.

“Promise. And I am sorry Aashi.. I am so sorry that I had to let you go away. I didn’t want to.. but I had to.”

Aashi pouts.
“That’s okay… Daddy took good care of me” she replies.
Arnav decides to get their moods lighten. He drags Aashi to his lap.
“Good? Daddy took excellent care of you… didn’t he?” he starts tickling her and Aashi laughs aloud.

Khushi keeps brushing Aashi’s hair until she stops laughing and extends her arms for a hug. Khushi fulfils her demand and hugs her back. She then kisses Aashi’s left cheek.
“Now your turn Daddy” Aashi puts her other cheek forward for Arnav to kiss. Arnav happily kisses her and waits for her next orders.
“Now you both kiss me together” she demands.

Arnav and Khushi both lean on her respective cheeks to place a kiss there when Aashi slides behind. Their lips are an inch away when they realize Aashi’s prank.

“Naughty girl” Arnav starts tickling her again. “where did you learn that from?” he asks.
“TV”
“Then no TV for you anymore”
“Daddy .. No”
Arnav holds his laugh seeing her so desperate to change his mind.
“Mumma.. tell daddy to let  me watch TV.. please”

Khushi smiles. She loves to hear that word again and again from Aashi. In real sense, she feels this is the right moment for her to feel like a mother again. She had been missing this feeling from long.
“Mumma… tell him naa” Aashi pleads..
“We will watch it when he is at office. What say?”
Khushi’s reply satisfies Aashi and she grins at her mother.
“I love you Mumma”
Khushi kisses her again.
“Mumma loves you two.. three… four.. five” she starts tickling Aashi throughout until the baby gets off their clutches and starts running away. Khushi keeps chasing her. Arnav sips his juice, watching the duo play with each other.

“Finally.. peace is back” Daayi Maa utters.
Arnav nods.
“Yea.. Glad they patched up.”

He watches Khushi getting hold of Aashi and carrying her in arms back to the table. She makes her sit on her lap and then feeds her the sandwich.

“Its yummm” Aashi enjoys it and also feeds Khushi a morsel.
“I will make more when you come back from school” Khushi replies.
“No school. I want to be home today. We can play together” she insists.
“Aashi.. that’s not good to bunk your school so often. You finish it and come back home. Until then me and your daddy will plan something nice for us tonight. How about a movie?
Khushi asks.

Aashi jumps in joy.

“Yes.. I want to eat popcorn there” she says. “And coke”
Khushi looks at Arnav who nods in agreement.
“Okay.. So Daddy” Khushi glances at Arnav.. “Book our tickets for tonight’s show.”
“Yes Ma’am” he replies bowing his head. “Come on Aashi.. we have to go to school. Finish your breakfast”

Khushi continues to feed her and then waves her bye as Arnav heads for his car to drop Aashi to school. He has been taken a long off from his work but he is enjoying this time zone with his wife and daughter. He feels like a complete family man now. He makes Aashi get in the car and then stops before Khushi, to have a word with her.

“All love and kisses to Aashi only? What about me?” he asks playfully

Khushi feels her body tensing up.
“What special did you do?” she teases back.
Arnav’s brow raises.
“I patched you guys up”
“Really?” she asks. “Was it your recommendation? I don’t think so. My baby is mature enough to understand how much I love her. That’s why she forgave me and reconciled”

Khushi tries to hold her chuckle. She can see her husband clearly frowning. Aashi shouts from inside the car.

“Daddy… I am getting late” she yells.
“Coming sweetheart” he replies without moving his gaze away from Khushi who cannot hold her laugh anymore. She chuckles.
“I will see you after I come back” he mutters.
“Sure.. I will WAIT for you” she says pushing him to the car. He gives her a lopsided smile and whisks the car out. Khushi keeps waving at them happily. She could not have asked for more.. This looks perfect. She .. Arnav and their baby… Together.. Humesha!!!

__________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 55
The Movie date of the trio is fantastic. Aashi is very excited throughout her time out, with her parents. When they reach home, Shashi is already in Shantivan.

“Naana” Aashi happily runs to Shashi and hugs his feet.
“Dad, what a surprise” Khushi and Arnav follow Aashi inside.

Shashi carries Aashi in his arms and kisses her forehead.
“Look what I have got for you” Shashi gives a big chocolate to his granddaughter.
“Thank you Naana” she kisses him back and then gets down from his arms.
“Aashi . You just had a chocolate, loads of popcorns and ice creams. No more today”
“Mumma.. just this one. Please” she requests.

Shashi is startled to hear Aashi calling Mumma..

“Alright. just one. And then straight to bed”
“Yesh”

She runs inside to tell Daayi Maa how much she enjoyed with Daddy and mummy today.
“So Aashi accepted you as her mother then” Shashi exclaims happily.
“Your son-in-law patched us up” she proudly replies.
“No wonder” Shashi sighs in relief. “I am so glad that Aashi didn’t stretch that distance for long with you. She looks happy and contended now and so are you”
Khushi quickly hugs her father.
“All good Uncle?” Arnav asks as they take a seat.
“Yes.. All good. I came here to inform you both that I am going to Singapore. Some work needs my attention there”

Khushi pouts.
“Akash was supposed to handle it” she says looking at Arnav. “Now since he cannot, someone has to go” she turns back to her father. “Dad.. if you want, I can go”
“No.. No please. You stay here with your family. That’s important. All this can be handled by me” Shashi denies.
“Uncle.. don’t take stress. If Khushi wants to go, she can. In fact, I will join her too”
“Arnav” Shashi sighs. “I really like the way you are supporting Khushi. It shows how much you love her”

Khushi proudly smiles and gazes at her husband who is little shy in taking such compliments directly from her father.

“I have already planned my schedule” Shashi informs. “I will come back in 3 – 4 days.”
“And after that you are packing your bags and coming here to stay with us” Arnav declares.
“Absolutely right” Khushi supports him. “You cannot deny us this time Dad”
“Okay. I will come and stay here with you guys. Happy?”
“very”

Daayi Maa comes out with the tea for everyone.

“I had met Akash today” Shashi continues. “He didn’t seem interested to talk. His anger has doubled.” He swallows painfully. “I really want to forgive him but what if he backstabs us again? No one can guarantee that”
Arnav nods.
“That’s exactly what we feel too. We cannot trust him again”
“Yes” Shashi sips the tea. “I am going to make my will soon. I want you both to be a part of it when the lawyer reads it”
“Dad? Will? Why?” Khushi asks with concern.
“Just a procedure, sweetheart”
“But why?
Arnav tries to be open minded here. He does not want to intrude in this conversation unnecessarily. It is Khushi’s right to ask why her father is suddenly so much interested in making his will.

“Khushi” Shashi holds her hand. “I am an old man now. And this is the right time to take such a decision. I always thought Akash and you both will handle our business together, after me. But now, we know that’s not going to happen. I don’t want to burden you alone with all of this. You have a family now, a loving husband, a baby to take care of. I want you to concentrate on your family more than anything else. You have done enough for us. I am making my will to ensure even Akash gets his share. He is my nephew, I have treated him as my own son. When he finishes his sentence term, he should have something in hand to restart his life.”

Khushi realizes the meaning behind her father’s words.

“Dad, you make the will or not, I am going to support our business forever. And if you think I will fall alone after you retire, it’s not true. Arnav will always be there to back me up”
“Absolutely” Arnav backs up her words.
Shashi smiles.
“I am delighted to hear that. I am confident you both will manage everything smoothly”

They talk for some more time and then Shashi leaves back home. Khushi waves him bye and then turns back with Arnav to get in the house.

“He looks very tired” she mumbles.
“Hmm. It’s not his age to slog so hard for the business. He should stay home and play with his grandchildren” Arnav replies.

Khushi bites her inner cheek looking sarcastically at him.

“My father has a grandkid. Just one. Aashi.”
“What if Aashi demands a sibling?” he teases.
Khushi hides her smile.
“She won’t” she pauses. “Unless you don’t brainwash her”
Arnav swallows as she lingers her finger on his cheek lazily. She has never shown so much of love gestures before and since she is showering it upon him now, he cannot just ignore. His eyes don’t leave hers.

“You don’t want another baby?” he softly asks sliding his arm around her waist, drawing her close.
“I want” she is serious. “And unlike using the methods we did during Aashi”
Arnav exhales. She raises her palms and cups his cheeks.
“I want to have another baby with you Arnav” she declares.
“I cannot wait to make our baby either” he confesses.
“Then why didn’t you start?” she complaints.
Arnav smirks.
“I thought I was serving your punishment still?”
Khushi snorts.
“You are forgiven Arnav Singh Raizada. If that’s what makes you believe your punishment is over” She kisses his temple.

He hugs her tight, satisfaction in his eyes which had been waiting for this moment to arrive in their lives. He was desperate to earn her forgiveness for all the mistrust he showed upon her earlier. And here she frees him.

“Mumma.. Daddy”

They pull away hearing Aashi’s voice. Khushi feels embarrassed for being witnessed by their daughter, so close.

“Are you both crying?” she asks in a worry seeing their flushed faces.
He shakes his head shyly and comes forward.
“No. Your Mumma was thanking me for making you talk to her”

Aashi thinks something for a second.

“Thank you, Daddy” she mutters
“For?”
“For giving me Mumma”
Khushi chuckles with pride and comes to them.

“It’s late. Bed time” she gives Aashi a playful slap behind and takes her in arms. Aashi slides her arms around Khushi’s neck and leans on her shoulder. Arnav and Khushi carry her back to their bedroom.

As they climb the bed, Aashi takes the center area. Arnav looks bemused at her.

“You sleeping between us?” he asks with a tortured smile on his face. Aashi nods a yes and pulls Khushi beside her.
Khushi pouts at her husband and then cuddles Aashi. His gaze darkens seeing her holding laugh.
“Better luck next time” she mouths at him softly, so that Aashi doesn’t listen.

Arnav rolls his eyes and shuts the lamps off. As he leans down, he kisses Aashi as he does usually before sleep and then for the first time, he also kisses Khushi’s cheek whispering good night wishes to her.

“Don’t distract me” she murmurs. “Good night”
Arnav rolls on his side of the bed and soon dozes off. Khushi’s heart feels much lighter today, she has forgiven Arnav, Aashi has accepted her as a mother, the real culprits are behind the bars, their business is slowly flourishing. Everything is right on track and she prays it stays so.
888
The next day, Khushi resumes office. As her father leaves for Singapore, she decides to do some work which he couldn’t finish before leaving. Arnav joins Aman back in AR Office too. He tells Aman everything how he managed to influence Aashi from accepting Khushi. Aman quietly listens to him. His silence starts disturbing Arnav.

“Aman.. say something” he urges.
“Impressive Man” Aman mutters. “You know Arnav.. If I had been a woman, I would have fallen hard for you”

Arnav was so serious until now and this sudden statement from Aman makes him grin.

“Thank God you are not a woman. Because I don’t want anyone to intrude between me and Khushi ever”

Aman laughs.
“Someone has fallen hard in love then.. Not bad. Not bad… So, when are you both giving me the news of Aashi number 2?”
Arnav rolls his eyes and smirks again.

“Whenever Khushi and Aashi are ready” he replies.
“Khushi’s readiness is understood.. But what has Aashi to do with this?”
“She should also be willing to have a sibling. That’s what Khushi thinks. And its right. Aashi has got her mother after such a long period, she would want all attention and love from her. She won’t be ready to share that love so soon”

Aman sighs.
“Gosh!! You parents have to think so much of their child. I am really happy Single.” ‘
“Don’t be” Arnav interrupts. “Having someone to love you so deeply and a family to wait for you every evening you return home, is the best thing that can happen to any man. Look at me.. I was so disinterested in having a proper family because I never got to live with one. And see me now.. Even the slightest thought of Aashi and Khushi going away from me, kills me. I don’t think I can ever stay away from them”

Aman is deeply touched by his feelings.

“You are right. Guess, I should find a partner for myself soon then. Aashi will need extra friends to play, wont she?” he winks.
“Make it soon. It shouldn’t be that Aashi’s kids and your kids are of the same age”

Aman scorns at his comment first and then both friends laugh heartily.

888

Aashi is back to her school and Daayi Maa has got her usual routine to pick Aashi from school and take care of her until Arnav and Khushi returns from work.

When Khushi comes back home, Arnav greets her with a hug. The living room looks decorated as if for some children party.

“Whats happening?” she asks.
“Surprise”
“What surprise?”
“You will know.. First go and freshen up. How was your work?”

He leads her to the stairs.
“Good. But Please tell me what is happening? Where is Aashi?”
Arnav sighs
“You hate surprises, don’t you?
“Yes.. Now speak up”
“Fine. Aashi’s friends are coming home.”

Khushi is confused when did this happen and why?
“Okay.. they do come every time or is it anything special?”
“You will come to know it in sometime. Now go and freshen up. You look like a ghost.”

Khushi frowns.
“Ghost?” she hits his chest playfully.
“Sexy Ghost” he replies.. pinning her to the wall at the stairs.
Khushi scans the area
“Leave me.. Anyone can watch us like this” she struggles.
“You think I care?”
Khushi swallows hard seeing him advancing towards her lips.
“Arnav… what are you doing?” she asks frightened.
“You know what I am doing..” he replies with a grin.

Khushi pushes him away and runs upstairs, giggling.

“What the..” he scowls. He is about to run behind her but Aashi’s friends get in the house. She has a bunch of friends and they are all here. Arnav gets back in the living room to welcome them.

Khushi comes down wearing a Saree. The moment she gets down, Aashi comes running to her.
“Mumma.. come…”
She drags Khushi to the living room where Arnav is sitting with her friends. One by one Aashi starts introducing her friends to Khushi.

“And she is my Mumma” she officially declares.

Khushi feels all the little pair of eyes on her. She is now sitting next to Arnav on the couch who whispers at her.
“Aashi wanted to introduce her Mumma to everyone” he says. “She has never been so happy before”
“I can see that” Khushi admires Aashi’s excitement as she keeps taking praises from her friends regarding her mother.

In some time, Khushi serves the kids cakes, chocolates and snacks. She joins the kids, taking Aashi on her lap possessively, and keeps sharing some stories to them. Arnav clicks pictures. It is these little moments which will always be alive in the next coming years.

Aashi’s best friend and neighbor, Urvi decides to stay that night with Aashi. Khushi makes sure to call up Urvi’s mother and take her permission. As the other kids leave, Aashi keeps playing with Urvi in her toys room. They have finished their dinner some time back and Khushi helps Daayi Maa to clear some of the mess after the kids party.

“Leave the rest” Daayi maa mutters. “The servants will finish it. You go and rest.”
“That’s what I have been telling her” Arnav comes in the kitchen.
“I am done.. Where are the kids?”
“Still playing”
“Lets put them to bed”

With that agenda in mind, Khushi walks with her husband to the kids room.
“Aashi.. Urvi. Enough of playing.. Time to sleep”
“Mumma… few minutes. Please”
“No. You both have school tomorrow” Arnav denies, dragging Aashi to him.
“You both want to sleep here or with us?” he asks
“Here” she whispers slowly in Arnav’s ears who doesn’t understand why she is whispering that to him.
“Why?” he asks in the same tone.
“Mumma is mine.. If Urvi sleeps with us, what if she wants my Mumma?”

Arnav sighs. He understands Aashi’s insecurity. She wants Khushi all for herself.

“Okay. But what If you get scared?”
“I won’t. I will hug Urvi and sleep”
Arnav smiles.
“We are just in the next room, call us if you need”
“What happened? What’s decided? Where are they sleeping?” Khushi interrupts.
“Here.. this room.”
“Aashi.. you sure?”
“Yes” she was never surer than this.

Arnav and Khushi put Aashi and Urvi to sleep. Daayi Maa asks them to be assured the kids will be fine as she is not going to leave their sight. She decides to sleep in this room, next to their bed so that she can keep an eye on the two kids. That way both Arnav and Khushi get finally satisfied and head to their room. The moment they get in, Arnav locks the door. Khushi turns around.

“Did you teach her that?” she playfully asks. Somehow, she feels that the Arnav is behind the reason why Aashi and Urvi decided to stay in the other room for night and not sleep with them
He comes forward as if she is his prey and he had been looking to corner her from ages.
“It’s called coincidence baby” he replies.
“I don’t believe it” she steps behind.
“Are you going to waste our precious time, arguing?” he asks.
She stops at the spot.
“I don’t see anything else we can do except sleep” she teases.
“Sleep?” he strides towards her faster. Khushi starts running away and soon Arnav begins chasing her.


To be Continued.

________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 56

Shantivan

Arnav hears a knock at the door. He immediately opens his eyes.  Khushi has cuddled to him. She is extremely drained to be attentive to that door knock and he knows why. Their marriage took a beautiful turn last night, a step ahead. He never thought it would happen so soon, neither he had hopes that his redemption period will be over. In all these years he had immensely missed being so close to someone, to a woman specially, with whom he can share every minute detail and possession of his life. If he had known this earlier and if conditions had been favorable, Khushi would have been a part of his life ever since Aashi's birth. But Akash’s deceit and greediness for money turned him against the mother of his child. But they have finally crossed every barrier that had separated them and are together forever. This is not the end, but a beginning of their beautiful life together and he will ensure Khushi and Aashi gets the most out of it.

The door knocks again and Arnav comes out of his stance. He slowly places Khushi's head on the pillow. She tosses on the other side in sleep. He grabs his T shirt and wears it quickly before there is another knock and then opens the door.  Daayi Maa is holding Aashi in arms.

"She woke up just now and asked for you both"

Aashi stretches her arm to go to Arnav.  He carries her.

"And Urvi?" he asks.
"She is still asleep.  I will look after her" Daayi Maa replies.
"Thanks"

He shuts the door and kisses Aashi's cheek.  She seems to be still in sleep.

"Morning Sweetheart" he wishes her.
Aashi kisses him back and then her eyes fall on Khushi on bed.
“Mumma is still sleeping?”
Arnav nods.
“Yes”
“Why?”
Kids are always curious and they never feel tired digging the problem until they are satisfied.

“That’s because Mumma is tired”
“Why?”
“Ummm.. we slept late” he holds his blush.
Arnav rolls his eyes. He cannot explain her beyond this. He tries to change the topic.
“You left Urvi alone?” he asks.
Aashi nods.
“That’s because she is sleeping” she replies. “We played all night”
“All night?” he takes her on his lap, sitting on the recliner
“Yes.” She proudly smiles. “Why did you and Mumma sleep late?” she continues her cross-questioning.

Arnav has no reply to that.

“We.. .uhh… we were talking..”
“About?”
“You”
“Me? What about me?” her face glows up.
“That you are such a naughty kid” he tickles her stomach and she starts laughing aloud. Khushi hears it and opens her eyes. She looks straight at the recliner where Arnav is playing with Aashi.

“Mumma” Aashi notices her awake and runs to her for help. Khushi takes Aashi in her embrace. Arnav follows her on bed.
“Where is that naughty girl?” he tries to chase her again. Aashi tries to hide into Khushi’s embrace, her laughs never ending. Arnav jumps on the bed and sleeps next to Khushi, hugging her and their daughter. Aashi’s laughs subside.
“Mumma.. you shleep. I will make breakfast for you”
Khushi’s eyes widen in shock and pride, both.
“My baby is yet to grow to help me. And why this sudden thought of helping, by the way?” Khushi asks.
“Daddy said you are tired”

Khushi turns her head to meet Arnav grinning.
“Tum theek ho?” (You okay?) he asks again.
“I am” she assures. “But I feel different”
Arnav palms her cheek.
“That should be normal” he huskily replies.
She bites the corner of her lips, to avoid her growing desires again for him. Though this a new phase of their lives, they cannot ignore that they have an almost 4-year-old daughter whom they have to keep in mind before dwelling into such activities openly.

“Mumma” Aashi shakes Khushi’s hand to get her attention. “I am hungry”
Khushi turns around to her.
“How about I make Sandwiches for everyone?” Khushi playfully asks.
“I will make” Aashi insists.
“Okay.. You help me stuffing the tomatoes and cucumber in it? Alright?”
“yes” Aashi is glad to help her mother. She jumps down the bed and heads to the door.
“And what about me? I won’t be assigned any work?” Arnav queries his wife who is getting away from him too.

Khushi meets his gaze again.
“How about buttering? Can you butter the bread?” she asks.
Arnav grabs her arm and pulls her onto him again.
“How about me buttering my wife?” his voice sounds sexy while his eyes darken with passion. “I want you again” he whispers gently to her.

It’s truth. She knows that as she can read those desires in his eyes again. She remains absolutely mute, making her more adorable. He is lost in her again and the moment he tries to kiss her, they hear Aashi’s voice.

“Mumma.. come”

Khushi pulls back and gets down the bed.
“Khushi..” he stares at her impassively.
“Later” she mouths and rushes outside to chase her daughter before she can make some real mess in the kitchen.

Arnav sighs deep and hugs Khushi’s pillow. Guess he has to use its comfort until his wife finds some middle way to come back to him.

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

Shashi returns back from Singapore after a week, finishing his work and the next day he is here at Shantivan to stay with his daughter’s family. Khushi is more than excited to greet her father and he is totally satisfied seeing Khushi so much loved by everyone here. Arnav spills life into her, Aashi dotes on her and Daayi Maa showers her with motherly love. What else did she need?

“dad” Khushi sits next to her father on the couch. “What are you thinking?”

She saw her father deeply lost in some thoughts which made her interrupt him and ask. Arnav is in the drawing room, taking an important Video conference whilst Aashi is playing with Urvi in the garden.

“I am so happy for you, Khushi. You got everything you ever deserved and missed all these years”
Khushi smiles and leans her head on Shashi’s shoulders. She feels that too. So much of happiness is sometimes too difficult to handle.
“Oh yes, that reminds me of the will” Shashi exclaims “I have asked the lawyer to make the papers”

Khushi raises her head.

“Are you sure about this, Dad? I mean the will?”
“Yes, I have never been so sure. I am transferring everything to you and Akash. I will meet Akash personally and inform him this. Do you want to join me?”

Khushi nods in denial.

“No Dad. I don’t think I want to see him again. He has spoiled everything that was so dear to me. He cultivated distrust between me and Arnav, brainwashed Aashi against me. I will never forgive him”

Shashi understands her point.

“I am also not in his favor Khushi. But I am just doing my duty. If Akash’s father had been alive, he would give something to his son.”
“I am not stopping you from doing that.” Khushi clarifies. “But Dad, I have a suggestion to make”
“Of course.” Shashi is open to listen.
“Whatever you are transferring to me, I mean my share, please give it in the name of Arnav and Aashi. I don’t want anything directly to me”
“But Khushi” Shashi tries to interrupt.
“Dad, they are my family. I don’t trust myself that much, the way I trust them. I have Arnav and Aashi, that’s enough for me. Please”

Shashi understands her point and is about to agree when Arnav joins them. He has heard a part of this conversation and is strictly against it.
“That’s not happening, Khushi” Arnav reaches and sits opposite to his wife and father-in-law. “This is your grandfather’s business, your father and you got it so far and striving for it. I don’t have any rights on that, not even because I am your husband. And I have saved enough for Aashi”
“So what?” Khushi argues. “I want her to have my share too”
“She can.. but not like this.. Uncle” he turns back to Shashi. “Make the will in Khushi’s name only. Please”
“Dad no” Khushi retorts.
Shashi chuckles.
“I have a middle way” he points out. “I will make it in the name of you, Arnav and Aashi. How about that?”
Khushi agrees but Arnav still denies.
“I don’t think that’s necessary” he defends again.
Khushi gets up and sits next to her husband, holding his hand.
“Baby, please. I want this to happen”
Arnav meets her gaze.
“Is this because Akash cheated on my money? Or because I helped Gupta industries financially?” he comes to the point. Khushi is speechless. “Khushi. I don’t care about the money part in Akash’s fraud. All I wanted was you and Aashi and I have you both. And coming to financial help, I did this for my wife, her father. I don’t need to be paid off like this”
Khushi’s eyes fill with happy tears.

“I can never repay your goodness, Arnav. I just” she feels her throat painful and is unable to speak further.  “I want this because I love you.. I want you to be part of everything I have.. I share.. That’s it”

Arnav wipes her tears and cups her face.
“Okay.. If this makes you happy.. I will go with your decision”
Khushi is elated by his reply. She hugs him and Shashi gets another proof of how much Khushi means to Arnav now.
“Okay then” Shashi continues. “I will ask the lawyer to make the following amendments”
He gets up and makes his way to the room.
“I don’t like to see you crying” his tone alarms her.
She nods briskly and smiles.

Aashi comes inside the house, running. She looks unhappy.

“Aashi.. What happened?” Arnav takes her on his lap.
“Urvi said she is going in a new house in some days” Aashi mutters. “I will have no one to play” she pouts.

Arnav looks at Khushi.

“Yes, I heard that from Urvi’s father too. Seems his Mumbai office is getting renovated. Once that’s done, they will permanently shift to Mumbai” Arnav says to Khushi who pouts just like Aashi.

“Aww.. That’s sad. But we can always make new friends Aashi. And you can talk to Urvi from my phone. We can even go to meet her when you like” Khushi finds the best alternatives to this problem.
Arnav grins.
“I have a better solution” he exhales and looks at Aashi who is expecting some real help from her parents. “How about me and Mumma give you a permanent friend? Who will always be in this house, with you, play with you whenever you like and even sleep with you in your baby room? Like a Brother or a Sister? Just like your friend Vinu has”

Aashi recollects Vinu has a little sister. Her face lights up whereas Khushi blushes hard. She knew he is the only one who can convince Aashi for a sibling.

“Yes, I want a sister” Aashi replies in excitement.
“It can be a Brother too. We don’t know” he continues explaining.
“When will you know?” Aashi asks.
“When the baby comes out.” He replies.
“Out from where?” she continues probing.

Khushi signals Arnav not to explain her further. They still have to decide if this is the right time or not to think of another baby. Promising Aashi now can only lead her waiting desperately until this actually happens.

“We will let you know when we come to know. But remember one thing. When the baby comes, me and your Mumma will have to love her or him too. Will that be okay with you?”

Aashi thinks for a second and then nods happily.

“I will love it too. You, me and Mumma will take care of the baby together” she confirms.

Khushi is extremely proud of Aashi. She pulls Aashi to her and kisses her with love.

“You will be a good sister. I know” she commends and swings her around. Aashi laughs freely. Watching them like this is a joy, Arnav can never miss. He cannot wait to have one more addition in their family now to complete their already complete family.


To be Continued.

________________________________________________________________

Chapter 57 


Shantivan

It’s Aashi’s 4th birthday today. Arnav has arranged a party at Shantivan. After dressing Aashi for the event and sending her down, Khushi is busy fetching a decent dress for her own self. Arnav gets inside the room and notices the heap of dresses on the bed. He stops by the door to admire the cute antics of Khushi. She is so confused. She has been so disoriented from past 2 months and its absolutely normal.

Khushi notices Arnav standing inside the room and sighs in relief.

“Thank God, come here and help me with this” she exclaims.

Arnav strides to her.
“We have the servants to fold this mess for you” he replies.
Khushi frowns.
“I am not talking about sorting and folding the dresses. I mean, finding one for me to wear tonight”
“Oh” he nods. “Wear this” he selects a top from the closet. “It matches your denim”
Khushi sighs.
“It doesn’t fit me anymore”

Arnav picks a gown for her.
“How about this? You will feel comfortable”
“Haaa.. I look fat in this”
Arnav rolls his eyes.
“I don’t care you how you look, Khushi. I love you in every attire.. better without any” he says closing the gap between the two. She senses his budding desires and places her arm to stop him before claiming her.
“You are saying that because its red and that’s your favorite color”

Arnav clenches his jaw.
“Seriously? That’s all you know about me?”
“No.. I know more than you” she snaps. “You don’t want other men to eye me, so you are purposely making me wear something so no one prefers to look at me”

Arnav rolls his eyes.
“What the hell is wrong with you? You don’t sound normal, at all” he yells.
Khushi bites her lip. All her anger and frustration suddenly mellowing down.
“Shit!! I am sorry” she cries. “I don’t know whats wrong with me. I am getting so confused and angry these days. Yesterday, Daayi Maa gave me cold milk instead of hot and I bursted on her too. I never spoke to her with such a harsh tone. I said sorry to her though but I am still wondering why I am getting hyper in every little situation” she confronts.

Arnav pulls her in his arms.

“Sshh.. relax.. just breathe in … breathe out.. come on..”

She does it once for him and it really helps calming down her anxiety.
“Better?” he asks.
She nods in agreement.
“All this is because of your pregnancy. That’s called mood swings” he explains.
Khushi pouts.
“You remember what you told me earlier? You behaved the same with the Nurse who assisted you full time during your first pregnancy? You were rude to her too. It’s the same. It’s just a phase. 5 more months and you should be fine”

She feels so good listening to such motivational words from him. She hugs him tight.

“What would I do without you?” she murmurs.
“You don’t have to think that” he says patting her back, caressing it gently. “I am not going anywhere. I am with you.. Humesha”

That one statement soothes her down completely. He kisses her once and then makes her sit on the bed.

“You are going to wear whatever I choose for you tonight, done?”
“Done” she agrees.

Arnav makes his way back to their closet and picks a Red Frock for her. It’s below the knees and loose enough to fit her growing weight.

“This” he removes the dress from the hanger and reaches her again. “Let me help you wear it” he leans on her to unzip her dress but she stops him. “WHAT?” she asks unhappy for being interrupted.
“If you do this, we won’t make it down for the party on time” she whispers.
“An hour delay wont cost much, will it?” he asks in the same whispering tone and she lets out a giggle as he pushes her behind and hovers over her.

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

When they come down after an hour, the guests have already started filling their place in Shantivan. Aashi is busy playing with her school friends and neighbor kids. She is on cloud 9 today, getting so much love and attention from everyone.

“Arnav.. Khushi.. What took you so long? The guests had been asking for you both” Daayi Maa exclaims.
Khushi blushes whereas Arnav this time replies other than his usual standard answer.
“Khushi needed help in dressing”
Khushi’s jaw drops. She pinches him gently on his arm. Daayi Maa notices their gestures and laughs.
“She could have called me” Daayi Maa teases.
“He is lying Daayi Maa” Khushi interrupts.
“I know..” Daayi Maa laughs again. “Now go and greet the guests. I will get the cake outside in few minutes.

The moment Daayi Maa leaves, Khushi gazes back at her husband.

“You are such a tease. You don’t leave a chance to embarrass me before the others” Khushi complains.
“All your fault. Why do you have to look so appealing and cute every time that I cannot take my eyes off you?” he asks.

Khushi shies again. He never fails to appraise her for everything she does or cares about. Such a loyal and doting husband.

“Mr. and Mrs. Raizada” someone from the guests calls out. “Meet us too. We are waiting for you both”

Khushi and Arnav finally acknowledge the guests presence and join the group for talks.

Daayi Maa gets the cake out. Aashi comes running to her parents. Her friends follow and circle the table for the cake cutting. Aashi cuts the cake while her parents sing the birthday song with the rest of them. The party continues..

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

“Wow, talking doll?” Aashi jumps in excitement taking the gift from her parents. She had seen this doll in the shop and demanded for one, just few days ago. “Thank you” she hugs them both.
“You are welcome sweetheart” Arnav kisses her and picks her up. He then looks at Khushi who gestures him to start the conversation which they had both decided to initiate with her. He nods. “And we have one more gift for you” he adds.

Aashi looks with excitement at her father.

“One more? Where is it?”
He makes her sit on the recliner with Khushi while he kneels down at her feet.
“Uhh.. it’s yet to arrive”
“What is it?” she continues probing.
“A baby” Khushi replies.

Aashi’s face brightens up.
“Baby? I want to see it. Where is it?” she keeps asking.
“Its here” Arnav takes her hand and places her palm over Khushi’s stomach. “It’s here and when it grows the doctor will get it out from your mummy’s stomach”

Khushi feels nervous. She recollects the complications she had faced during Aashi’s birth. But it was her fault. She had run into an accident. She drove a car when she was strictly denied to drive. She was still lucky that she survived. This time she wouldn’t make any such mistakes. Neither Arnav will let her do so.

“Wow.” Aashi softly touches Khushi’s stomach “Mummy really? Is the baby inside?”
“Yes” Khushi caresses Aashi’s head with admiration.
“How did it get inside?” Comes her next question at which both Arnav and Khushi go speechless.
“Uhh.” Arnav clears his throat. “Your Mummy knows it. She has the baby.. ask her” he grins watching Khushi’s face.
“What the” she yells. “Arnav..?”
“Mummy.. tell me no..” Aashi insists.
Khushi sighs and finally makes the same story which almost everyone else tells to their kids about the origin of babies in this world.

“God blessed me with this and when me and Daddy were asleep, one night, he came and using all his superpowers he sent the baby inside my stomach”

Aashi takes it all in a magical way.

“Where was I when this happened?”

Khushi gets exhausted answering such illogical questions. Arnav takes it up from here.
“You were sleeping too. Now will you keep asking more about it or feel happy that soon you are going to be a sister of a baby”

Aashi’s mind is finally diverted from that subject.

“I will tell my friends tomorrow. I will tell Urvi and Vinu also” she jumps with joy and starts clapping her hands. “I will tell Daayi Maa too”

She runs down to inform this to Daayi Maa who already knows it from past 2 months.

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

2 months later

“Easy..Easy” Arnav says, holding Khushi in the bathroom after she threw up. She feels tired, having no energy left. It was just an hour that she woke up and after drinking the juice, she suddenly felt like throwing it up.

Arnav carries her in his arms and gets her out. He makes her sit on the bed again.

“Drink some water” he insists.
“No. I don’t want to drink anything” Khushi weakly replies, wiping her face.

Arnav keeps the glass away and kneels down to her feet. He tucks the strand of hair behind her ear.
“You said the morning sickness stopped for you after 4 -5 months, during your first pregnancy. Why is it still do dominant this time?” he asks.
“Every pregnancy is different. Symptoms of my first time and this might never match”

He sighs listening to that explanation.

“There is so much that a woman goes through, physically, mentally in such state which a man cannot even measure, forget understanding. I am so proud so of you” he kisses her forehead.
“Awww… you got me emotional again” she pulls him for an embrace. “A father equally goes through a lot.” She adds. “I always used to think it’s the mothers doing everything and fathers, they only pay bills. But I was wrong” she admits. “You have double responsibility when your wife is pregnant. You think not just from your wife’s perspective, but also the baby’s. And that’s not an easy task. So, hats off to husbands too”
Arnav laughs.

“Thanks for enlightening me with such glorious words. Now let me make something delicious for you to eat I am sure you are hungry” he asks.
“Super Hungry” she admits. “But why will you cook?”
“Because I want my baby to know his dad is a good cook too, just like his mom”

He gets up.
“HIS? You think it’s a Boy”

Arnav shrugs.
“I am fine with any gender, unless the baby is healthy and so are you. Now let me concentrate on something other than you for a while. Rest”

Khushi nods and watches him leave the room. She has missed all of this attention and love during her first pregnancy. She is glad that Arnav is showering it double on her this time. She couldn’t have asked for more.

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

Hospital

It was early morning 02:00 when Khushi suddenly felt pain in her abdomen and woke up Arnav. Without any delay, Arnav and Daayi Maa got her to the hospital. Aashi stayed at home with Shashi and Arnav assured Shashi that he would call him as soon as the time comes.

Dr. Rao was handling Khushi’s second pregnancy too and she is currently inside the Ward to deliver the baby. Arnav desperately waits out, hoping his wife to survive all this bravely. Dr. Rao comes out after some time.

“How is Khushi, Doctor?”
“She is fine. And congratulations you have got a baby Boy”
Arnav sighs in relief, blood gushing finally in his heart which was thudding frantically from a long time. Daayi Maa hugs Arnav and wishes him too.
“Can we see her?” he asks.
“Sure, we are getting her prepared. Once that’s done, you can see them both”

Arnav agrees to wait and calls up Shashi who is already on the way to reach the hospital with Aman and Aashi.

“It’s a boy” Arnav mutters seeing them coming to him.
“Congrats” Aman hugs him and so does Shashi. “How is Khushi Did you see her?”
“Not yet”
“Daddy. Am I a sister now?” Aashi asks in excitement.

Arnav leans to her and takes Aashi in his embrace.
“Yes you are. You got a baby brother”

Aashi smiles with joy.
“I want to see him and Mumma”
“Very soon sweetheart”

After a little more wait, Arnav is finally allowed to see his wife and son. When he comes inside, Khushi is unconscious. She looks pale, drained. But she is fine and he is glad about it. The moment he touches her face, she jerks and opens her eyes.

“Don’t take my baby.. don’t take my baby” she cries.

Arnav immediately leans down and hugs her.
“Sshh.. Khushi.. I am not taking our baby anywhere” he whispers. He realizes she must have dreamed about it, considering how he snatched Aashi from her the last time. That picture would take some more time to erase completely from her mind.

Khushi finally eases down and looks at him.

“Our baby?” she weakly murmurs.
“It’s a boy. They are cleaning him up”
She takes a deep sigh
“Thank you” he mouths at her. “Thank you for again giving me this happiness again”
His eyes tears realizing all the times he had avoided her during her first pregnancy, when she needed him the most. Khushi slowly cups his face.

“Are you crying?” she asks becoming teary. “Ohh baby” she pulls him closer and snuggles onto his Chest. They lie down in that same position for a while until the door opens and Daayi Maa gets their baby inside.

“Your son” she proudly exclaims coming in. Arnav reaches her and takes the baby in his hands. “Damm!! He is so tiny. Aashi was the same, wasn’t she?”
Daayi recalls that and nods. Arnav takes the baby to Khushi and slowly gives him to her.
“That’s our boy” he murmurs.
“Oh boy!!” she cries touching him the first instant and then kisses his tender cheek. “I have decided his name” she adds. “Aarav” she whispers in the baby’s ears. The moment she says his name, Aarav passes a quick closed-eyed smile to them.

Aashi comes in the room.

“mumma” she screams happily. Arnav pulls her close. “That’s your brother”
Aashi is scared to touch him. “He is sooo small”
“He will grow” Arnav explains.
“Was I small like him?” Aashi asks.

Arnav realizes these questions are going to never ending from her but he has no worry of answering them. He can never be tired of Aashi’s queries. He keeps enlightening her while Khushi and Aashi keep admiring their new family member.

The END


I am again nostalgic that this ended, a similar feeling when any of my FF ends. But thank you Guys for being a part of this journey because that’s what makes it more awesome and worth loving. No Epilogue!! 

I will soon be starting a new Fiction.. Details to be out SOON!!