The Raizada Gods

Prologue

"The road is clear" Nandakishore Singh Raizada, the youngest of the Raizada Clan whispered over his Bluetooth. He was standing before a two-storey building which supposedly looked no less than a haunted house. The city of Lucknow had many such deserted places which were now used only for one sole purpose, to keep the kidnapped asset. There was only one Law which ruled the city, the law of the Raizada Gods, as the people here termed them to be.

Two armed men quickly came out of the bush, wearing black masks on their faces. Nandakishore gestured the men, quietly, to check the backyard. They nodded and left.

"I can see a dim light on the first floor. I am going in" he whispered again over his Bluetooth.
"Don’t. Wait, till I reach" Akash Singh Raizada, 1.5 year elder to Nandakishore replied in a hurry. He was hiding at a little distance from the building.
"There is no much time Akash. I have to get in. I won’t leave that Rascal today" Nandakishore replied in a raged tone while stepping his foot inside the building.





After a quick search, he climbed the stairs and reached the first storey of the building. It was very dark inside, but the faint light from the room, made at least his pathway visible. But why would the kidnapper keep the light glowing? As if he was expecting visitors? Though that thought creeped in his mind, he chose to ignore it. For now, his only mission was to save Sudarshanji, their loyal Munimji (the accountant), who was kidnapped today morning by "The Sehgals" one of their opponents, from their long list of enemies. As he slowly pushed the door open, pointing a gun inside, so that he could threaten anyone coming in his way, he heard the vague sound of a string breaking. His eyes went wide as he yelled over his Bluetooth.

"It’s a ploy. There is a bomb here"

He ran as fast he could, towards the only window in that room and jumped out, the bomb blasting immediately after his jump. The whole building collapsed into ashes. Akash Singh Raizada and the other two men, with masks, hurried to help Nandakishore who was brutally wounded.

After exactly 3 hours from that incident, someone pushed hard the car door and dragged the man sitting inside the car, out. Before that man could even retaliate, a gun was pointed right over his head.

"Let us not shed more blood Tushar. This can end in peace. Tell me where Sudarshanji is?" the eldest son of the Raizada clan, Arnav Singh Raizada asked his enemy Tushar Sehgal, in a brutal voice.

Tushar Sehgal was a tough man. No one could hurt him that easily, considering that muscled body he possessed, all thanks to the drugs that he was been addicted to.

"Maar dalega mujhe?? Toh maar. You know I won’t spill a bean where Sudarshan is" (You will kill me? Then do it. You know I won’t spill a bean where Sudarshan is)

Arnav smirked at his response.

"Right. You won’t spill any beans until I plan to kill someone else, not you. Look there" he turned Tushar's neck to see at his right. His Uncle Pratham Sehgal was tied up, with a gun pointed on his head by one of Raizada's soldier. Tushar was infuriated.

"Leave my Uncle, Arnav"
"I won’t, until you tell me what I want to know"

Tushar saw the man's fingers on the trigger of the gun, as if any delay would pierce the bullet in his Uncle's head. He stamped his foot on the ground, in anger and gave his reply.

"The old temple. He is being locked there"

Without any delay, Arnav Singh Raizada, asked his guards to check the old temple. His men were already at every place where they had suspected Tushar Sehgal could keep his prey. In next 10 minutes, he got a call from his men that Sudarshan was freed and safe now. The victory was definitely his. He left Tushar's collar and stepped back. His men meanwhile freed Tushar's Uncle, Pratham, who ran towards Tushar and his car. But things can never go that easy when Arnav Singh Raizada was in picture. He triggered his gun and fired it towards Tushar's arm, the bullet pierced Tushar's flesh and came out from the other side. Tushar yelled in pain. His uncle tried hard to stop blood oozing from Tushar's hand. It was just a flesh wound, yet equally painful.

"That one was for wounding my brother, Tushar Sehgal" Arnav barked in his usual anger, sat in his Jeep, along with his men and drove out from that place.

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Chapter 1

She drove the car speedily, Lucknow was now 100 Kilometers more. She didn’t have much time. It is getting dark and the ceremony will start in an hour. How will she manage to reach there on time? She will have to hurry up. She accelerated the engine and kept driving as fast as could. If she doesn’t reach soon, she will never be able to save her friend from the torturous future, which beholds, if she gets married tonight.

“Speed up, Khushi” she angrily hit her palms over the steering wheel, increasing the car speed.

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

The Sehgal’s were one of the richest family in town. Today was the wedding of Pratham Sehgal’s daughter, Payal Sehgal to one of their family friend, Lakshman Sinha, who was twice divorced. He was almost double Payal’s age. It was pretty obvious that she was against this marriage. Her father Pratham and her cousin brother, Tushar Sehgal, had fixed this wedding, considering the huge amount which Lakshman Sinha was offering in return to start a Chemical factory in Lucknow, which was one of the many dreams of the Sehgal’s. They had a male dominant family and Payal was utmost scared to even raise her denial to anyone in the house. She had hardly completed her graduation 2 years ago, in the same city, and since then, all she was made to do was learn the household things, which might be useful for her after she marries. She hated Lakshman Sinha, especially the way he eyed her on their engagement day. That’s when she decided. She will not let this marriage happen. She had few contacts who could help her in this situation, her friend Khushi Gupta was one of them. She dialed her on the pretext of inviting her for the marriage, and told her everything. Khushi devised a small plan to make Payal escape from her wedding. But where was she? Just an hour more and her family will take her down for the wedding. She was highly nervous.

“Don’t be scared Payal, Khushi will come” Payal Sehgal assured herself, looking in the mirror.

888
Lakshman Sinha sprays perfume over his Sherwani, grinning at his friends, who were mostly drunk.

“Wish me luck, guys. I am going to be married, again”

His friends cheered for him. The door knocks and one of his friend opens it up. They see a thin lady, hiding her face with a Veil, standing with a tray full of Lassi glasses.

“Who are you?” they immediately ask.
“I am Preeto, groom’s chachi” she murmurs faking an old woman’s voice. “Please have Lassi’s everyone” she extends the tray forward.

The boys start laughing.

“Auntyji, we need hard drinks. Not Lassi’s”
She lets out a chuckle too.
“In that case, you will have to see my husband outside, he is serving drinks to everyone. Go before it finishes”

The boys leave hurriedly. Lakshman is going to follow them soon, when she extends the tray of Lassi again, towards him.

“Beta, you cannot have anything else except this Lassi. It’s our tradition”

Lakshman sighed in disappointment and picked one glass.

“Auntyji, why are you hiding your face by that Veil? Or has Uncleji warned you not to show your beautiful face to anyone else?” he mocks.

She clenches her jaw faking a giggle. Lakshman gulps the lassi. He feels terrible after drinking it. He holds his throat. He was going to faint.

“Who?? Who are you??” he tries asking her, while stumbling down on the floor.

She removes the Veil from her face and points a gun on his forehead.

“Lavanya Kshyap. I am your Fate, you Monster” she slaps him hard on his face. “Marrying twice was not enough for you, that you are trying to spoil a third innocent life?”
Lakshman was too scared to move, his eyes were closing slowly.
“I will get you married now, to your perfect suitor”

He became unconscious as she drags him till the door where her men were waiting. She hands over unconscious Lakshman to her men.

“You know where you have to take him, don’t you?”

Her men nodded. In few minutes, they dumped him in the Bonnet of a Car and drove him out of Sehgal Mansion. Lavanya Kshyap’s phone buzzed the next instant.

“Job done, Khushi” she whispered slowly, while hiding behind a pillar as Lakshman’s friends were passing through the lobby.

Khushi Gupta took a sigh of relief.

“Thank God, you got there on time, Lavanya. You know this damn vehicle of mine, got punctured, in the middle of the road. I am still 30 kms away from Lucknow, finding some ride back to the city”
“What? You are alone there at this time of night? Lord, be inside the car Khushi, I am coming to pick you” she immediately left the Sehgal house, finding her own car which she had parked aloof from this vicinity.
“Oh, Come on Lavanya, don’t you worry. A beautiful girl like me will get a ride in seconds, you see” Khushi replied with a high attitude clicking her fingers.
“This is Lucknow, Khushi. You will find danger at every corner of this place” Lavanya warned her again, driving speedily towards the location where Khushi was stuck.
“Danger? I find this place so romantic” she curled her hair strand, scanning around to see if she could find an alternative ride.

Lavanya sighed in disbelief. She knew Khushi Gupta from childhood. She was always like this. She was active, lively and totally flirt. She could easily win heart of any man. And why not? She had not seen the bitterness of her home town yet. Her parents had kept her aloof from this place, for her own benefit. Khushi studied in a posh college in Mumbai. She had recently completed her Master’s degree in Media and communication. Her talkative and full of energy nature was one reason why she chose this subject. So, when Khushi realized she couldn’t make it to Sehgal Mansion to help Payal elope, she called up Lavanya and explained the situation to her. They both changed the plan. Why to make Payal elope? Where will she go? So, they decided to kidnap the groom and send it out of Payal’s life, forever.

“Whatever happens, don’t take lift from anyone. I am reaching there in 30 minutes. Understood?” Lavanya asked in a commanding tone.
“Yes Ma’am” Khushi pretended to agree and disconnected the call. She sat on the Bonnet of her broken car, looking at the sky. The stars looked extra ordinary today. As If something cute was going to happen in her life. Lucknow had always made her curious. She was not fully unaware of what tragedies kept taking place here but she still had some good memories of this place

“Such a cold weather” she murmurs rubbing her palms over the length of her arms. She sees a pile of dry leaves and sticks at the corner of the field. An idea pops in her head. She opens her car door and fetches a match box. She is about to light the dry leaves and sticks when someone clutches her arm, snatches the match stick and the box, throws it away and before she could even react, he manages to shut her mouth, with his palm. The man seemed extremely strong and in fighting spirit. He had cuddled her into him, from behind, his face had almost dug into her hair, she could even hear his unsettled breaths. The grip of his palm over her mouth was so strong that she couldn’t shrug him off.

“Burning the fields, huhh? Who sent you here?”

His husky voice and his assumptions startled her. She became extremely nervous when he raised her vertically in his arms and carried her to the Car. Was she being kidnapped? Holy Lord, what was happening? The moment he dropped her back on the ground, his palm left her mouth and he started tying both her hands to the car bonnet. She was about to scream aloud but the moment she saw his face, her jaw dropped. She became numb. Woah!! He was so handsome. His eyes, the way they scorched in hers with full power, tickled her wrong nerves. She didn’t even realize when he finished tying both her hands. He was about to shut her mouth with her own scarf when she finally came back to her senses and uttered in hurry.

“I won’t scream, I promise”

He moved a step back. Did he hear right? She said she won’t scream? That was the first way of self-defense technique for any woman. He curiously looked at her.

“God Promise” she assured once again.

For the first time in his life, he was facing a woman like her.

“Who are you?” he asked without glancing away from her.
“Khushi” she proudly replied. “And you? What’s your good name?” she desperately wanted to know his name. Even by the way he looked at her, she was getting teased inside.

Suddenly, they both heard the shriek of a car which stopped some distance away from them. Lavanya Kshyap got down hurriedly and rushed to this scene. She was still holding a gun in her hand. He became alert.

“Leave her, at once” Lavanya roared in anger.

Before he could respond, it was Khushi who replied on his behalf.

“La, drop the gun, he was just introducing himself to me”
“Shut up Khushi” she scoffed at her friend. “Look Arnav” she politely tried to explain him. “Looks like there has been some kind of mistake. She is my friend. She is nowhere involved in our fights. Leave her”

Khushi felt her heart thumping. Arnav?? His name is Arnav. Cool. She kept gawking at him in Awe. Arnav kept the knife, he was holding, back in the pocket.

“Take this clown home before others spies on her” he interjected.
Khushi’s jaw dropped. Lavanya started untying her. Khushi felt insulted.
“Clown?? You called me Clown? Check your eyes Mr.” she snapped at him. Not that he wasn’t interested in hearing her out.

Khushi then looked at Lavanya “Not his mistake La, I think he has never seen a beautiful girl in his life ever, that’s why he doesn’t know to respect them”

Lavanya started dragging her to the car. But Khushi kept on talking to him, turning around to see him, again and again.

“I will gift you a dictionary. Learn some words” she shouted.

Arnav smirked unknowingly and that infuriated her even more. She left Lavanya’s hand and strode back to him. He waited, why would he run away?

“Khushi, what are you doing? Come back” Lavanya pleaded but it went unheard.
Arnav glared at her audacity to return back to him for a fight.
“You can’t intimidate me. And I was not burning the field. It’s cold here. I was lighting some fire when you cocooned me like that, in your arms” she growled.

He crossed his arms across his chest, patiently, listening everything she had to convey.

“And even if I was burning the fields, who are you to stop me?” she yelled again.

Now that hit his brain, directly.

“I am the GOD of this Place” he replied in a dark tone, stepping towards her. She gulped nervously moving behind.
“God?? Which God? Isn’t god supposed to stay in Skies? What are you then? A Demi-God? I can sue you for faking your identity, calling yourself God, I can ruin your name. I am a media spokesperson”

Fortunately, Lavanya reached again and dragged her forcibly, away from him.

“Khushi, enough. Stop this, Please”

Khushi struggled but Lavanya’s grip was stronger. Khushi continued yelling at him.

“God of this place, huh!!” she mocked. “God’s don’t keep stubbles Mr. And I am not falling for that stubble of yours”

Arnav Singh Raizada crouched his brows at her comment. Lavanya made Khushi sit in the car and she drove out of this place as fast as she could, whereas he kept staring at the speeding car with cold eyes. What was that? She was an epitome of a perfect Crazy woman.

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Chapter 2

The Sehgal’s are roaring in anger, after finding the absence of Lakshman Sinha, their would-be Son-in-law. They are searching him everywhere. Payal is utterly happy and elated that she is safe from that man. She fakes some gloominess on her face, that will keep her safe and no from her family will ever think she is behind abducting him, through her friends. The marriage is called off. The guests have gone back to their respective homes.

“I know who did this” Tushar groans in frustration, striding in the room. “The Raizada’s. They are the only ones capable of entering our house and abducting our man”

Pratham Sehgal, Payal’s father stands up from his arm-chair. He stops at the guards and slaps one of them, hard.
“How could they enter our house? Why do I pay you for? Find Lakshman and get him back”

The guards nod and run outside to look for Lakshman Sinha. Payal looks at her brother, Tushar, who is fuming, still. What if they find Lakshman? It means the knife of marriage is still hanging on her neck. She tries to leave to her room, but Tushar stops her.
“Wait, you are not going to leave our sight.”
Payal stops, horrified. Pratham intervenes.
“Why, what happened Tushar?” he asks in concern.
“Uncle, what if The Raizada’s were here to abduct Payal and not Lakshman? But since they couldn’t reach her, they took him. We can’t risk Payal’s life.”

Payal gulps nervously. Where was this heading?
“You are right, Tushar. We need to keep an eye on Payal, henceforth. I will assign two body guards for her. She will not leave the house until Lakshman is found”
Payal hesitated. Here she is planning to elope forever from this messy family and they are going to tie her with guards? She wants to yell and deny but she is too incapable of doing this. She is weak and scared. She is like this from her childhood. She has seen so many fights and blood, that she has no courage to stand up even for her own self. Tushar’s wife Sandhya, takes Payal inside the room to get her out of the wedding outfit. For the time being, the wedding was called off.

888
Lavanya halts the car at the Kshyap’s residence. The Bungalow is surrounded by guards, which is not new. Every big shot family here have their own personal security to look after their family’s safety. It’s the standard protocol which they follow. Khushi gets down in anger. The scene which just took place has killed her excitement of returning back to Lucknow. Lavanya gets down too, throwing the keys to one of her guards who drives the car into the parking.

“Why have you got me here? I want to go home” Khushi blabbers.
“Not tonight, Khushi. It is unsafe. Come. We have a lot to talk” Lavanya replies, dragging her inside.

Tulsi Kshyap, Lavanya’s mother, greets Khushi who then bents down at her feet and take her blessings. Khushi tries to calm her anger, not willing to reveal it before the elderly lady.
“How are you, Khushi? It’s been long seeing you. You look so beautiful my dear” Tulsi’s eyes adores her with appreciation.
“Not as beautiful as you Aunty. I wish I can stay as fit as you when I am 55”
“54” Tulsi corrects her age.

Khushi chuckles and hugs Tulsi once again.
“Maa, tonight Khushi will stay with us” Lavanya commands and her mother shakes her head happily.
“You must be hungry, let me get you something. Why don’t you freshen up?”
“I will take her to the guest room” Lavanya drags Khushi again. She is rough, as always.
“Ouucch. La slow down. You will ruin my pedicure” Khushi screams.

Lavanya slows down and once she and Khushi are in the guest room, Lavanya locks the door.

“Holy Hell. What do you intend to do by closing that door?” Khushi teases, winking at her.
Lavanya sighs in frustration.
“Shut up, Khushi. You know I am angry. What was all that, huh? I had warned you not to act childish when you step in here. This place needs maturity at every inch you walk” Lavanya confides in anger.

Khushi drops herself on the puffy mattress.
“I am talking to you little Princess” Lavanya roars again
“I know, I am listening Sweetheart. But you see, it’s not my fault. He cocooned me, I tried to escape but he was too strong for a sexy girl like me”
Though the memories of that argument with the so called ‘Raizada God’ was bitter, she still cannot forget how it activated all her senses, by just one touch of that man. He is really something. An Eye catcher. But he has a bad mouth. His talks are full of arrogance. And what is that ‘I am the God of this place’ stuff? So unpractical. Which Era does these people live in?

Lavanya snapped her fingers to get Khushi out of her reverie.

“Are you even listening to me, Khushi?”
“Yes. I.. I am. I always intend to listen to you. But what were you saying, by the way?” she gets up from the bed.
Lavanya’s jaw drops. Khushi will be Khushi, always takes her life so cool. Lavanya clutches Khushi’s shoulders.
“Listen to me carefully, since we have abducted Lakshman Sinha, the Sehgal’s will be going mad now. They will search for him everywhere. So, until we finish Part B of our plan, you cannot visit your home. You are safe here, Khushi. Understood?” she explains.

It is all too much for Khushi to understand but she nods in agreement.

“Okay, I got it. What’s Plan B by the way?”
Lavanya smirks with Pride.
“Lakshman Sinha’s marriage” she grins wickedly.
“What?” Khushi screams in excitement. “To whom? When? How?”
“Shh… Okay, listen. You know this Lakshman Sinha has been married twice, so his second wife, wanted to reconcile with him, but he wanted some fresh prey, means poor Payal. So, before I abducted him, I talked to his second wife and she is more than willing to get married to him again. By now she he must have got married to her, somewhere in the outskirts of the city. So technically, even if Sehgal’s find him, they can’t do anything about it. They can’t get Payal married to him, anymore. And his second wife’s family will deal with all this abduction mess. Sehgal will think it was they who did it. Matter closed.”

Khushi is bowled at that information which Lavanya shared. She hugs her instantly and then pulls back.

“Wow La, you are genius. How I wish to kiss you, right now” she screams
“You better save that kiss for someone else.” La winks at her.
Khushi flushes. Only one man’s face circles before her eyes, at the thought of ‘Kiss’. She licks her lower lip to burn down that excitement churning inside her.
“I am hungry. I am on a sandwich since morning, can you believe that?” Khushi palms her stomach, pouting.
“Okay, change your clothes. I will get something to eat.”
Lavanya leaves the room and Khushi hurries in the bathroom to change into her night Pyjamas and a loose T shirt, her usual night combo.
888
Arnav Singh Raizada parks his Gypsy in the garage of ‘Shantivan’, his home. The Palace is huge. ‘Gigantic’ is the right word. This has been the home of Raizada’s from past few decades. Their ancestors seemed to be the rulers of this city which was a small village in that era. ‘Uday Singh Raizada’, father of Arnav, Akash and Nandakishore Raizada, was one of the finest ruler of this Palace. Until he was alive, he had maintained peace and harmony in the town to the fullest. But after his sudden death, that peace shattered again.  And since then, his three sons, were contributing to set back the same tranquility, law and order amongst their people. The people of this town had witnessed their strength and their sincerity in ruling the place, which is why they were termed as “The Raizada Gods”

When Arnav enters the house, he finds his two brothers, Akash Singh Raizada and Nandakishore Singh Raizada, sitting on the Couch, discussing something important. He gets mad.

“NK? Didn’t I tell you not to get down from your bed until those wounds heal” he scowls.

Nandakishore is still recovering from the Bomb blast which he had to face while looking for their Munimji, Sudharshan. The bomb which was placed there by Tushar Sehgal. Nandakishore sighs.

“Bhai, it’s been 15 days now. I am fine”
Arnav points at his plastered leg.
“I can see how fine you are”
“The plaster will be removed tomorrow and I will be free to walk. You worry too much”
“Yes Bhai, the Doctor is coming tomorrow to take out that Plaster” Akash adds.

That’s when Arnav looks at Akash, he has some fresh cut on his arm.

“What’s that?” he asks pointing at Akash’s arm.
“Me and Rob were practicing a Sword fight today”

Sword fighting was one of the skill which all the three brothers had. They had learnt it from their father.
“Who won?” Arnav takes a seat on the couch.
“Rob” Akash replies in disappointment.
Rob is the head of the security of Shantivan, he is trained in Martial Arts, shooting and Sword Fighting. He is also responsible for training the other guards in all these skills, whenever required.
“Rob won?” Arnav is unhappy.

NK starts laughing at Akash who throws a pillow at him.

“Shut up, NK” Akash growls. “Rob practices it every day, how am I supposed to compete him?” he tries to find some excuse.
“I am glad that Rob is the best in what he does, but Akash, stop giving excuses. You need to brush up your skills. We have lot of responsibility on us. I don’t want anyone to get hurt. We need to win every fight we get into”

Akash and NK nods in approval.
“What were you both discussing about, before I returned?” Arnav shows interest in their talks.
“Good news, Tushar Sehgal’s sister’s marriage broke. Lakshman Sinha is abducted”
Arnav is shocked to know this. He was out only for 2 hours and so much happened?
“Abducted? Who got the guts to kidnap him, entering the Sehgal house?” Arnav gets curious.
“That’s what we were thinking. I suppose, he eloped” Akash shares his suspicion.
“Why would he elope? He and Tushar had plans to set up a Factory here. Unless, Tushar’s sister is not as beautiful as Lakshman’s ex-wives” NK winks at his last words.
“She is beautiful, better than his Ex-wives” Akash responds instantly, surprising his two brothers. He realizes his mistake and quickly tries to wrap it up. “I mean, we all know Sehgal women are born beautiful” he clarifies.

Arnav is little suspicious what Akash really meant by that. But he keeps his suspicion to himself.

“Let’s not get into women, right now. Our subject is, what happened to Lakshman Sinha? Eloped or Abducted?” Arnav holds the discussion again. “Let’s not forget, Sehgal’s will come here, sniffing, for their COULD-BE son-in-law. They might suspect us behind his absence. We have to be prepared”

All the three brothers get up. Arnav calls Rob inside. Rob is a huge, sturdy man out of all his guards, the most trusted guard of the Raizada Gods.

“Sir” Rob enters.
“Rob, inform our security to be at high alert tonight. We might get some threat from the Sehgals” Arnav warns him.
“Yes, Sir” Rob nods and leaves the room.
“NK, you are not going to come out. You will stay here and rest. Me and Akash will handle it out” Arnav commands.

NK is unhappy about this. He loves action especially when it is with that Sehgal family. But he never goes against his Brother’s command. He accepts and returns back to the room. Once he is gone, Akash finishes his call with their spies.
“Tushar’s men is looking for Lakshman in every corner of the city. They won’t take long to reach here”
“I am not going to wait for him to come here, Akash. I want to tackle this outside the premises of our house” Arnav checks if his Gun is loaded.
“Okay, let’s go then” Akash is fully ready.

Both the brothers leave the house with Rob and few guards.
888
“The food was so yummy, La. Aunty cooks so well” Khushi licks her fingers before washing them clean.
Lavanya hands the towel to her for wiping her fingers.
“Did you happen to talk to Payal?” Khushi asks curiously.
“Not yet. Her family is over protecting her now after Lakshman abduction. But she messaged me, she is doing fine. She has thanked you for saving her life.” Lavanya smiles.
“Awww. She is my friend. Why wouldn’t I do this for her?” Khushi sits on the puffy bed again.
“True. So, what are your plans? When are you returning back to Mumbai?
“Not so soon. I am doing a small project for my Channel. Some offline Project. So, I have a month at least to hang around this place” she happily squealed.
“Don’t even think to hang around here. Not alone. I will take you where you want. This place is not safe, Khushi. I have told you this many a times. When will you be serious about it?” Lavanya scolds her.
“What’s so unsafe about this place, La? And until you don’t hurt people, people don’t hurt you. That’s what I believe in. People here don’t know me, also, I have done nothing against their will. Why will they come after me?” Khushi tries to provide some logic but fails.
“Oh really? Then why did you end up in trouble tonight? With one of the Raizada Gods?” Lavanya scoffs

Khushi’s jaw drops.

“One of the? You mean there are more like him in this town?” She almost jumps in anxiety while La rolls her eyes at Khushi. When will she grow?
“Khushi?”
“Okay, Sorry. But who are these Raizada Gods?” she asks curiously.

Lavanya sighs.
“They are everything, you don’t want to know about. Trust me. Now go to sleep. You look very tired”
Lavanya turns the lights Off and leaves the room. Khushi pouts at the ignorance of Lavanya on this subject. It is so hard to ignore such a holy incident which took place tonight, beside the farm. She hugs her pillow recalling that handsome man. His eyes were so expressive, his hold on her was so firm and tantalizing. Though he made fun of her, she wants to know everything about him. He actually looks no less than a Greek GOD !!

“Aww.. My Raizada God !!” she blushes and closes her eyes drifting into a peaceful sleep.

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Chapter 3


Arnav Singh Raizada punches one of the Sehgal’s man who tries to jump over the wall and enter the Shantivan premises. After a few punches the man kneels on the ground, totally exhausted. Akash comes forward and points a gun at him.

“You are Tushar Sehgal’s Spy, I know” Akash groans in anger.

The man grits his teeth, waiting for the trigger to be pulled. He will die but never cheat his Boss. Arnav stops Akash from shooting him.
“Akash, wait”
Akash never disobeys his brother. He pulls the gun down. Arnav clutches the man’s collar, raising him up on his feet again.
“Tell your Boss, Abduction is not our thing. Raizada’s fight in the open” his voice turns hoarse. He drags the man till the gate and pushes him away, freeing him. Akash is tensed. The man runs away, looking back again and again, just to ensure he is not been followed.

“Bhai, we should not have left him. He is a Sehgal Spy”
“He has a family; besides he didn’t hurt us. He was here to check if we are the ones behind Lakshman’s abduction. I am sure he got his answer” Arnav walks back to door.

The guards secure the area again. Rob is busy instructing the guards to search the entire Bungalow.

“How did the Spy enter the premises, Rob?” Arnav asks in anger.
“Sorry Sir, we found him hidden in the Garage”
“Whose car was the last to enter the Premises today?”
“Your Car Sir” Rob replies, bowing his head.

Arnav recollects how the Spy must have got into the Bonnet of his Car. His car was unattended when he had met that woman tonight, beside the fields. ‘Khushi’, that’s what she introduced herself. Who is she? He never saw her before in the City. What is she doing here exactly on the same night when Lakshman Sinha got kidnapped? How is she related to Lavanya Kshyap? Does Lavanya have anything to do with Lakshman’s abduction? He is lost in all these thoughts when two guards reach them.

“We have checked the house, its clean” one of them utters. Rob had asked the guards to check the whole house, they didn’t want to take any risk after the bomb incident which happened with Nandakishore.
“Next time, be more cautious” Arnav warns Rob and the other guards. They nod. Akash then follows Arnav inside the house.
888
Khushi feels someone walking in the room. She must be dreaming. This is Lavanya’s home. Except La and Tulsi Aunty, no one else can step inside this room. She stretches herself on the bed, and cuddles to the pillow. That sound of someone in her room has broken her dream. She dreamt of the same man whom she has met just once, that too not for more than 15 minutes and yet she feels like she has known him from ages. His voice, his eyes, his stubble, his lips (especially the lower one) and his messy hair, everything is worth dying for. She feels a strong pull already towards him and to add up, that title he carries – The Raizada God. Damn!! She tosses on the bed, there is no more sleep in her eyes, yet they are closed. She wants to dream about him, like forever. Why is the Sun rising so early? She feels the sun rays hitting on her eyes. Did she leave the curtains open last night? No, she had closed them. She slowly opens her eyes and her jaw drops. He is here? For real?

The Raizada God – Arnav Singh Raizada is standing at the Window, leaning towards it, his arms folded and his eyes dangerously staring at her. She feels her entire body heat up by his gaze. But instead of becoming scared of his presence, she feels delighted and her flirty nature is back in limelight.

“Hi Sexy” she murmurs sitting on the bed.

That comment hits his sharp mind but he doesn’t react. What is this girl? Why isn’t she scared of his presence?

“I know why you here” she smirks, his brows twitch high. “You are here to say Sorry for how you behaved with me last night, aren’t you?”

She is so full of herself. Arnav steps towards her. Khushi’s heart beats frantically. He is advancing? Damn! She moves back as he puts his knee on the bed and leans over her. This is more than intimidating, she thinks. But she likes to see his closer look.

“Umm.. Okay, maybe you are not Sorry. But” she wants to say so much but he places his finger on her lip, shutting her up. Her eyes widen with surprise.
“Who are you?” he asks in a hoarse voice. His eyes never leaving hers. She gulps. She lowers her eyes, gesturing towards his finger. How can she speak when he is not letting her lips even move? He understands it and takes off his finger. She sighs in relief.
“I told you who I am. My name is Khushi. And if you want to know anything beyond this, you will have to meet me outside. You know, like a date? Have you ever been on a date with a woman?” she questions back becoming curious.

She watches the way his lips murmur something. Probably he said “What the ….” Damn. She does not want to say the third word now. She gulps again.

“No?? No Date? Okay, then Sorry, I can’t tell you anything beyond my name”

She tries to get up from the bed and he angrily pulls her back. He pulls her so strongly that she almost falls flat on the bed, with him almost on her top. This is ridiculous but words choke in her mouth.

“Enough of your silly banter. Tell me why are you here, in this city? Who sent you and who do you work for?” anger surfaces in his tone and expressions. She gets little afraid but she holds little arrogance in her tone.
“You are a Raizada God, aren’t you? You don’t know who I am? Why I am here? Who sent me and whom do I work for?” she backfires.
He grits his teeth and gets off the bed. Holding her arm, he makes her stand too. His actions are too rough for an innocent soul like her. She winces in pain by the grip of his hold.
“You are coming with me. Until I know what your intentions are, you will stay with me. I don’t want my people to suffer another tragedy because of you” he drags her out of the room, towards the stairs. She gets confused. STAY WITH HIM? What does he think of himself? How can he take any decision like that, without her consent? She screams aloud, yelling for help. He doesn’t care. He keeps walking and dragging her. The moment they reach the living room, Lavanya blocks their way, she is holding a knife in her hand which she points at Arnav.

“Leave her.. Or else I will call the guards” Lavanya scowls.
Arnav stops.
“You think I can’t handle your guards?” he asks with the same frustration.
“She has nothing to do with our enmity Arnav” Lavanya’s tone starts becoming polite.
“Then why is she here? Why is she here exactly on the same night when Lakshman Sinha got abducted?” he snaps back.

Khushi then tries to connect dots. Lakshman Sinha? Does he know him too? Oh why not? He is Raizada God of this Place.

“We abducted him” Khushi spits out the truth with pride. She just wants to show she is capable of making such big planning too.
“Shut up, Khushi” Lavanya warns her not to utter a word beyond this. But Arnav is not deaf. He hears it out and his hold on Khushi loosens. Khushi realizes that too. She immediately shrugs his arm off and runs to Lavanya.
“See, I freed myself” she happily says looking at Lavanya who sighs in frustration.

Arnav Singh Raizada is still shocked to know that Lavanya Kshyap and her so called friend, Khushi, kidnapped Lakshman Sinha.

“Why? What do you guys have to do with him?” he queries back.
“Why do you want to know? Is he your Ally?” Khushi asks in return.

Lavanya looks angrily at Khushi.
“Will you just shut your mouth for sometime and let me deal with this, Khushi? Like, Please?” she shouts.
Khushi pouts and nods a yes. But she does not go away. She stays there to hear this conversation. Lavanya turns to Arnav Singh Raizada.

“Payal Sehgal is Khushi’s friend. She did not want to marry Lakshman. She was supposed to elope but couldn’t make it before the wedding day. So Khushi and I made this plan to abduct Lakshman Sinha.” Lavanya confesses.

Arnav is still shocked but he can now understand why they both did this.
“Where is he now?”
“Mewad. His second Ex wife showed much interest to marry him again, forcefully, of course. So, she and her family are handling him now. We just had to deliver that man to them” She continues.

Arnav inhales deep. Khushi is giving him some serious glances, in admiration. He is aware of that, yet he is more interested in fixing the issue rather than that woman.

“You both have no clue what you have done. If the Sehgals get to know about this, there will be another riot” he frowns staring at both of them. “Lavanya, she is unaware of this city’s culture. You are not. How could you act so foolish?” he adds.
“We saved a life and we don’t regret that” Lavanya replies in fury.

Arnav thinks something. He is quiet for few seconds and then he utters his word.

“Send this woman back from wherever she came. She is not safe here and you raise your security measures as well. It won’t take long for Sehgals to know the truth” he tries becoming protective. This is the first time even Lavanya has seen this side of his. The Raizada Gods she knew were always brutal in her actions and plans. Why has he changed so suddenly? Before she can negate his ideas, Khushi does it.

“I am not going anywhere. I am not a coward. I don’t care who comes and tries to harm me. I will not leave this place until I really want to” there is a thrill in Khushi’s voice.
He smirks. She is flirty and feisty too.
“Your wish” he tries to move past them. There is no point in waiting here. He got his answers. At least, he knows who abducted Lakshman Sinha. He was about to leave when he hears Khushi’s voice again.

“Think about the DATE”

She almost jumps in joy when he turns around to see her. That arrogant look of his is so HOT. His stubble kind of hides the smile on his face. Lavanya pulls Khushi’s hand and drags her inside, though she keeps turning behind to see him. He leaves the place, at once. This girl is crazy.
888
“Are you mad? I told you not to utter a word. You are not taking any of my words seriously, Khushi. You are going to land us both in trouble” Lavanya scolds Khushi.
“What is my fault in this? It’s your guards mistake. They should have been alert when he entered my room. How did he get in, by the way?” Khushi gets curious. She looks at the window of her room. Did he get in from here? No way, it’s too small for his size.
“How he got in, is not the point. Why do you get so vocal when he is around? And what that DATE topic about? You asked him for a Date? Are you crazy?” Lavanya scolds her again.
“What’s so wrong about it? Didn’t you see? He likes me. That’s why he was in my room today morning. I think he is falling for me” she blushes.
“Don’t even think about him. He is THE RAIZADA GOD, Khushi”
“So? Don’t GODS fall for GODDESS? Like me?” she blushes again.

Lavanya realizes there is no point in arguing with Khushi. She has a flirty reply to all her questions.

“I want to go for some shopping. I couldn’t pack much before leaving for Lucknow. Can you guide me, La?” Khushi pouts.
“Hmm. I will take you out. And then we will pay a visit to your home too”
“Pay a visit? Why? Wont I stay there?”
“No way. Not after the stunt you pulled out before Arnav Singh Raizada”

Khushi is blank. It’s like she is been caged here now. Not that she doesn’t like the Kshyap’s. And who knows, that Raizada God might pay her a visit again, here. She blushes again and hides her face in the pillow.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 4

Khushi is shopping some outfits in the local market of the city. She is accompanied by Lavanya and two of her guards, who are tightly protecting the area. Khushi picks a skirt and shows it to Lavanya.

“Will this look good”
Lavanya’s brows twitched high.
“That’s not very recommended at this place. Why don’t you pick handful of those?” Lavanya points at the Salwar Kameez which are piled on the other end.
Khushi chuckled and pinched Lavanya’s cheek.
“You act like a possessive boyfriend sometimes. Don’t wear this, don’t go there, be serious, blah blah blah”
Lavanya rolled her eyes at that comment and folded her arms across her chest.
“Fine. Buy whatever you like but make it quick. I can sense some problem here”

Khushi is surprised.
“Problem is in your brain, not in the place. You know La, you have become too insecure staying at this place. You need a change. Why don’t you come with me to Mumbai? I will show you what life really is, there.”
Lavanya scans the place and holds Khushi’s hand.
“Our life might end here if we don’t get out NOW” she scowls and drags Khushi out of the shop.
“What? Why? I didn’t buy anything yet. Wait” Khushi tries to stop La from taking her away, but it doesn’t work.

The moment they reach out of the store, they stop. Tushar Sehgal and his 10 -12 men are circling the place. Lavanya becomes alert but Khushi is startled. Her jaw drops.

“Oh my God, La, you called more guards to look after us?” she asks.
“They are not my men. They are not our ally Khushi” La replies gritting her teeth, trying to find a solution to this problem.
Khushi gulps nervously.
“They are not your men? Then who are they?”
“Tushar Sehgal” La murmurs, pushing her hand in her pocket to remove her gun. But before she can do that, Tushar points a gun at her, from far.

“Don’t, don’t make that mistake Kshyap” Tushar roars.

Khushi angrily looks at Tushar Sehgal. He is Tushar? He has grown up so huge and masculine. She remembers how he always eyed on her, in her childhood. And she really had fun ignoring him. Tushar’s eyes stare at Khushi. He too feels he has seen her somewhere. But where?

“Who is she?” he asks maintaining the same anger in his tone.
“You don’t need to know that” Lavanya scoffs.
Khushi sighs. Why are people so secretive here? She intervenes.

“Hi Tushy” she used to call him by this name in her childhood. Tushar’s face suddenly lights up.
“How do you know that name?” his voice softens.
Khushi tries to move ahead, but Lavanya holds her hand.
“Don’t. Just stay here” she warns.
“I will be fine. Wait” she whispers to Lavanya and heads to Tushar. His men immediately come forward to stop her from reaching their Boss. She sighs.

“Come on Tushy, since when did you start needing protection from me? You forgot me?”

Tushar Sehgal recollects finally.

“Khushi? Khushi Gupta?” he grins.
“Finally” she smiles and nods. “Hi”
Tushar immediately asks his men to move away. Lavanya eases up but she is afraid of Tushar and Khushi’s unnecessary bonding. Khushi walks ahead.

“What are you doing here? You and your family had eloped from this place quite long ago”
“Not eloped. We shifted.” She corrects him.
He nods not arguing more on this subject.
“How do you know her?” he points at Lavanya.
“She is my friend. I am staying with her for few days. How is Payal?”
“She is good. But someone abducted her groom before marriage” he gives a suspicious look to Lavanya.
“Holy Cow. Abducted the groom? Who is that heartless?” she tries to hold herself from laughing. Wish she could tell him, she is that heartless who made Lavanya abducted Payal’s prospective Groom.

Lavanya clenches her jaw. Khushi’s drama of not knowing anything what happened at Payal’s wedding, might land them up in trouble. She comes forward.
“Khushi, we should leave”

She tries to drag Khushi but Tushar blocks their way out. Lavanya’s guards immediately intervene. The situation tenses up.

“Tushar, why are you stopping us?” Lavanya asks in rage.
“Just you” he replies with a scornful look. “Where were you last night?”
Lavanya understands he is spying on her. But she is a mastermind in twisting things.
“Such a dumb question. I had been to pick Khushi, her car had damaged mid-way”
Tushar looks at Khushi who immediately nods.
“Oh, so you are the one whom that Raizada God had tied up?” he laughs.

What the hell!! How does he know? Even Lavanya seems surprised.

“Who else knows this?” Khushi asks in worry. “Oh my God, did he shoot that scene? I knew he is smart and handsome but can he go so low?”
Tushar starts laughing.
“You know nothing about him, Khushi. Come home some time. I will tell you everything about him” he replies grinning.
Khushi frowns. The look in Tushar’s eyes is not very homely.

“I will come Tushy. But for Payal. Not for you. Now move your men away and stop bullying my friend here” she pushes one of his men and drags Lavanya out of this circle. Tushar stops his men from following them. He just smirks. Khushi has not changed at all. She is still that feisty little girl whom he liked to trouble in their childhood days.

Lavanya is impressed by the way Khushi dealt the last scene. Once they are in the car, driving, she looks at Khushi with appreciation.

“What?” Khushi asks while keeping her eyes on the road. She is driving.
“You showed some real nuts and guts moments to me there” La replies.
Khushi’s jaw drops again. NUTS and GUTS?

“You should be thankful to me, Lavanya.”
“I am, but only for that last bit. Whatever you did in the beginning was quite silly. Why are you vocal?”
“That’s what my profession has taught me. Freedom of speech La”
“Yes, but that’s not applicable in this place. Here the more you stay away from arguments, the safer your life will be”
“Whatever” Khushi rolls her eyes and continues driving. Their car passes the path through the same fields where last night The Raizada God had tied her up to the car. She feels that electric current pass through her body again. He is quite an unforgettable man… Oops. God”
“I will take you to your home tomorrow. After all this Tushar’s fiasco, we cannot take more risk.” La suggests. Khushi pouts in dismay but she agrees finally. They head back to Kshyap Mansion.
888
When they return back, Tulsi Kshyap asks the servants to serve the girls some hot Coffee. Lavanya tells her what happened in the market. Tulsi laughs hearing Khushi’s antics.

“Such a genius girl she is, Lavanya. She saved your life.” Tulsi utters.
“See, even your mother agrees” Khushi sits next to Tulsi, almost hugging her.
“I always wanted Lavanya to be like you, Khushi. Sweet and innocent. But I couldn’t take the steps which your family did, to leave this place, shift elsewhere”

Khushi knows this. Tulsi Kshyap was a widow from quite a long time, she alone had to take the responsibilities of their family work and raising her girl. She could never think of leaving her Husband’s memories of this place. Lavanya tries not to extend this topic.

“Mom, I am happy with how I am raised. I never had that charming and bubbly personality ever. Right from my childhood, I was always eager to get into fights. So, don’t be upset. I love my work”
Tulsi nods, wiping the lone tear from her eye.
“Anyways, are you going to attend the Jalsa (gathering) tonight?” Tulsi asks.
“Oh, I almost forgot. Yes. We have some issues to raise and discuss. I will get ready”
“Jalsa? What Jalsa?” Khushi questions curiously.
“You don’t need to know it, Khushi. Just stay at home and relax” Lavanya replies.
“I won’t let you go until I know where you going”

Lavanya sighs in frustration and explains.

“It’s a sort of gathering, an official meeting, held bi-weekly at the community hall. People from this place, come up there, raise their concerns and fix it, reconcile, whatever you call it” She explains.
“But whom do they raise their concerns with?” Khushi asks showing more interest.
“The Raizada Gods” Lavanya responds. “I told you, people here treat them as Gods”
Khushi’s eyes glitter. That means he will also be present there. Wow. She would love to see how he sorts the issues of his city people. She gets up.

“I will join you too”
“No” La gives her a warning look.
“Please La, look, I told you about the offline work I have to do. It’s all related to this. I will get to understand what people here are facing, their problems, their way of resolving things. Please don’t deny. This is for my Job. Wont you do this little help for me?” Khushi pouts.
Lavanya knows this girl very closely. She is doing this just to get a glimpse of the eldest Raizada God. She agrees.

“Okay, but you are not going to utter a word. Neither will you leave my side. Only then I will take you there”
“Done” Khushi happily accepts. “I will get ready. Is there any dress code?”
“Anything you like baby” Lavanya winks at her and Khushi rushes to wear her favorite, a pair of Jeans and a sexy top.
888
As usual, Lavanya and Khushi are escorted by three hefty guards. The community hall is lightened. The security is very tight. Khushi is baffled to see so many guards, securing this place.

“All of these are men of The Raizada Gods” Lavanya murmurs to Khushi. “They have the largest group of supporters and guards compared to the rest in this place” she adds.

Khushi nods proudly and walks ahead. They are stopped at the door. It’s been mentioned there; Arms and ammunitions are not allowed inside. It’s one of the protocol followed during this Gathering. Lavanya and her guards deposit their guns and knives. Everyone entering inside is still scanned under the Electronic scanner.

“I am impressed. So much tight security is not even given to any Ministers these days” Khushi scans the place with interest. Lavanya meets some woman and starts talking to her. Khushi uses this opportunity to take her mobile out and try clicking some pictures of this place. That’s exactly when someone snatches the phone from her.

“Photos not allowed” Arnav Singh Raizada warns.

She gulps. He is wearing a Blue denim and a White Full Sleeves Shirt, nicely tucked in and sleeves folded till his elbow. He had gel on his hair which made him look quite decent yet rough. She clears her throat.

“Is gawking allowed?” she bites her lips. That’s what she has been doing. Gawking at him with so much affection and need. She sees his Adam’s apple almost bulging out and resting back in its place. That’s such a huge and positive response to her teasing. In reply to her question, he places her phone in his pocket.

“This will stay with me until this meeting is over”
Before she could retaliate, he disperses in the crowd.
“Heartless” Khushi mutters in frustration. But then she smiles. She cannot believe one of her asset, her phone is in the pocket of Raizada God.. Hayee.
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The Gathering begins. Arnav Singh Raizada comes on the Stage with one more man. Khushi is sitting next to Lavanya and her men.
“This is Akash Singh Raizada, with Arnav. His younger brother” Lavanya murmurs.
“Hmm. So, they are two Brothers?”
“Three. There is one more. He is usually leading the guards and their coarse of actions. You will find him with them, not on stage”
“Cool. I already like them” Khushi shows anxiety in her voice.
Lavanya gives her a shrug. Khushi continues staring at the only man who has stole her attention right from the very beginning – Arnav Singh Raizada.

“Our Munimji, Sudarshanji has been moved to a secured place with his family. After his abduction, 2 weeks ago, we do not want to risk his life or his family’s” Arnav addresses the people who cheer hearing this news and start clapping.

Arnav then steps back and gets seated on the chair. People from the audience start raising their issues, related to their fields, water issues, school matters and what not. He answers them all holding a responsibility. Khushi is more than impressed. As the gathering progresses, Khushi feels more and more
Attracted towards him. How can he handle so many problems of his people, with so much ease? She cannot believe he is the same man who had tied her up. He is not a goon. He is a savior, of his people, of his city. He is only protecting his people from odd situations. He is such a gentleman. No wonder the people term him as The Raizada God. The meeting lasts for 2 hours, but Khushi does not even understand when time passes. She is so engrossed in learning every expression he gives. Finally, once everything is addressed, he comes back to the stage and advices the crowd.

“I want the people to be careful, alert and highly responsive. Stay with your families and stop fearing. It’s your fear which is going to turn against your life. Don’t let that happen”

Everyone claps for him. The meeting is over. People start dispersing. Lavanya gets up too. But Khushi is still sitting, admiring him get down the stage. Lavanya shakes her.

“It’s over. Come”
Khushi comes out of her stance. She suddenly remembers he is having her phone. But if she tells La about it, she will not let her go and talk to him. So, she plans another way.

“I have to go to washroom. I will be back. You wait here only. Okay?”
“I will come along” La proposes.
“No. Stop baby sitting me everywhere. I will come back soon”

Khushi rushes from there in the pretext of going to the washroom. Lavanya doesn’t follow her. Khushi is safe in this place, she knows. Khushi searches for Arnav Singh Raizada and finds him talking to a group of people. They are his men only, not any outsider. So, she heads to him and stands behind. She clears her throat to get his attention. He stops speaking to his men and turns around. She is smiling at him. He looks again at his men and asks them to stay out, he will come shortly. They abide his orders and leave. He then gazes back in her eyes.

“I need your phone” she says with some courage.
His brows twitch high. Why his phone?
“Don’t worry, I will not run away with it. Believe me” she winks

He nods and gives her his iPhone. She immediately dials a number which starts ringing on her mobile, which is currently in his pocket. He takes it out and checks his number displayed on the screen. She disconnects the call and gives his phone back, taking hers from him.

“Now we have each other’s numbers. We got to communicate”

She passes a flying kiss to him and leaves the place. He is startled. What is this woman? How can she not be scared of him? He saves her number as “Clown” in his phone and heads back to his men.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 5

Khushi is on top of the world. She has the number of THE RAIZADA GOD!! Wow. It will be so much fun hereon. She can hear his voice whenever she wants. Wish she could get a chance to steal one of his picture. Lavanya is waiting with her men, outside the Community Hall for Khushi. She is afraid what is taking her so long? She is about to get inside again and self-check, when someone blocks her way by his hand. She jerks behind. It’s the youngest Raizada God, Nandakishore Singh Raizada. She and Nandakishore share a very frizzy equation.

“You can’t get inside now. The Jalsa is over” he mutters.
“My friend is inside. She is taking more long to come out. I have to check” she replies.
“Friend? I thought you are not that Friendly types” he teases but ragefully.

She exactly knows what he is implying at. Their equation is never going to match in those regards. She gulps hard and then meets his eyes again. But he is not cruel like she always considers him to be. He calls one of his guard and asks him to check the hall, to see if any woman is still inside. As soon as the guard leaves, Nandakishore again gives her a warning look. But she tries to be little sympathetic considering he is helping her find Khushi.

“How is your leg now?”

She is asking him in context of the Bomb blast which he survived, while looking for Sudarshanji.

“Not broken yet” he grits his teeth staring intensely in her eyes. Lavanya gulps. She suddenly hears Khushi’s voice, from behind Nandakishore. Khushi comes hurriedly to her, followed by the guard who was looking for her.

“Hey, I am back” she happily walks to Lavanya and stands beside her.
Nandakishore is also taken by surprise to see a new face in town. Khushi senses she has intervened some serious conversation between them.
“Uh Hi” she whispers to Nandakishore.
He smirks.
“Who is he La?” she looks at Lavanya who comes back to the real world and does the introduction.
“He is Nandakishore Singh Raizada” she replies.
Khushi’s eyes curiously looks at him. So, he is the third Raizada. Cool. All brothers have one thing common. They only know to smirk not smile. And they are extremely handsome. Like, God devoted special time in adding each and every feature in them. Maybe that’s why they are called The Raizads GODS.

“Nice meeting you Nandakishore. Jesus. This is such a huge name. Can I call you, umm. NK?”
Lavanya’s eyes go wide.
“Khushi, please. No one calls them by nicknames.”
“Is it? Why?” she asks in amusement.
Nandakishore is only staring at Lavanya. Khushi is aware of his burning gaze on her friend. Does it imply anything?
“Khushi, let’s go” Lavanya tries to drag her but Khushi stops her and again looks at Nandakishore.
“Bye NK.. And you are very handsome. But not as much as Arnav” She winks at him. “Tell him that. I want to know how he reacts to it. Bye” Khushi chuckles as Lavanya drags her, hurrying back to their car.

Nandakishore’s jaw drops. What is this girl? He cannot believe Lavanya Kshyap can have a friend like her. Arnav comes out and pats on NK’s shoulder.

“Where are you lost?” Arnav asks.
NK smirks at his brother remembering what Khushi just said.
“Someone just complimented you Bhai. You should have been here”
“Complimented? Who?” Arnav asks curiously.
“A woman. Lavanya Kshyap’s friend”

Arnav is not very surprised. What else can he expect from her? She is the flirtiest woman he has ever met in life.

“Ignore her. She is just like that”

Their Driver halts the Jeep before them. Both Arnav and NK get in.
“So that means you know her?” NK asks.
“Hmm ..Met her recently”
Arnav tries to focus on his mobile phone. NK continues.
“No wonder she is so much into you then. You know what she said? She said I am handsome but not as you are, which is so true”

Arnav stops fiddling with his phone and stared at NK.

“Don’t believe her. She is Goddess in Flirting”
NK’s brows creases.
“Looks like she has created a deep impact on you then. Anything we should know Bhai?” he teases.

Arnav gives him a SHUT-UP look.

“NK.. We are The Raizada Gods of this place, we don’t do the love thing” he is very serious and NK nods in approval. Who better than him knows that? Both brothers get engrossed in their own world - The dark world of being the saviors of their people.
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“I am done with you. Just pack your bags, I am dropping you back to Mumbai” La scowls at Khushi once they reach back home.
Khushi frowns.
“What did I do?” she asks innocently.
“What you did? You did everything which I asked you not to? What was that last dialogue you said to Nandakishore? About his handsomeness?”
“Oh, so you didn’t like me comparing him with anyone? You want me to tell that he is more handsome than his other two brothers? Fine.” Khushi grins.

Lavanya still looks mad at her. Khushi comes forward and hugs La from behind.

“Is there anything between you and him?” she softly asks.
Lavanya stiffens and the next instance she shrugs Khushi’s arms.
“Stop it. Don’t divert the topic. We were talking about you not me”
“I am not diverting the topic, you are. What’s between you two?”

Lavanya gets angry.
“Enough. I have to make few calls. I will check with Maa if the food is ready”

Lavanya hurries out of the room. Khushi is now very sure that there is something brewing between La and NK. But if it is so, then what is stopping them? With that she remembers she has the contact of Arnav Singh Raizada. She can call him anytime. Why not start now? She jumps on the bed and cuddle the pillow, dialing his number.

Arnav is busy talking to Rob, giving him strict instructions of the next day event. That’s when his phone starts ringing. Since he has saved her number already, the name ‘CLOWN’ starts flashing on his phone screen. He disconnects the call and then continues his talk with Rob.

Khushi chuckles. She knows he is purposely ignoring her. It is obvious no other woman has ever troubled him so much. But she bets he likes it when she does all this to him. She dials his number again. Arnav disconnects it again. Rob realizes that his Boss has been getting calls which he is ignoring. Arnav ignores the calls almost thrice but when she still repeats, he answers it finally.

“What?” he roars in anger.

Khushi sighs in relief.

“Hayee… Issi awaaz ne toh humari raaton ki neend churai hai” (This is the same voice which is making me sleepless) she utters.

Arnav clenches his jaw.
“Why have you called?” he asks maintaining the same tone.
“I just told you, I am not getting sleep” she bites her lower lip
“You called the wrong person then. You should see a Doctor” he replies, taking a walk in the garden before Shantivan, gesturing Rob to leave.
She flushes.
“No Doctor can treat me, only a GOD can” she rolls on the other side of the bed, feeling utterly shy to flirt. This is the first time she is flirting so perfectly with a man and loving it to the core.

Arnav sighs in frustration. He has so much important work to do and this woman is wasting his time. He disconnects the call. Khushi frowns at his actions. How can he drop the phone like that? She dials again. He ignores but when she tries the second time he answers it and speaks aloud, not allowing her to start the conversation

“Stop bothering me by your calls or else”
“Or else what?” she challenges “will you come here?” she asks happily.

No, that’s the last thing he would like to do. Run behind a woman in order to scare her.

“What do you want?” he asks in frustration.
“A Date with you” she confesses feeling utterly shy.
“I don’t do Dates” he hisses in anger.
She pouts.
“How can a Handsome man like you NOT like dating a beautiful woman like me?” she mutters with all her heart. She desperately wants to know why he does not want to even meet her, or talk to her nicely?
“That’s none of your business” he snaps “And now listen to me very carefully, if you call me again tonight, I swear you will regret badly tomorrow”

He hangs the phone. He breathes hard. He has never spoke to any woman that rudely. But this is necessary. That’s the only way she will learn to let him live in peace.

Khushi sighs in disappointment. How can he be so rude? What will he do if she calls him again? Better not. She will call him tomorrow. He said not to call him tonight. If she calls tomorrow, he shouldn’t mind. She chuckles to herself and gets out of the room, feeling hungry.
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The next morning, Khushi gets down the stairs to leave for her home. Lavanya insists on coming along but she denies.

“La, I know you have work today at your mother’s factory. Don’t worry, I will manage”
“Yes, some lunatic argued with the workers and ended up fighting. Mom cannot handle this alone. I have to go. Why can’t we visit your house tomorrow?” Lavanya proposes.
“It’s already 3 days since I am here and unable to make it to my own house. I have to go”
“But you won’t go alone. Two of my guards will escort you there and please don’t pull up any stunt with anyone. Understood?”

Khushi giggles and hugs Lavanya.

“As if I will follow those orders” Saying that Khushi pulls back and pinches Lavanya’s cheeks. “I will take care of myself. Happy?”
Lavanya smiles back and nods. Two of her bodyguards Keshav and Rahim escort Khushi in a Car to her house.

The car halts at the gates of Khushi’s house. She gets emotional getting down. She has few memories attached to this place. Keshav and Rahim wait outside the house, while Khushi opens the door and gets in. The house is cleaned. Lavanya had herself taken this responsibility to get this house cleaned every month. Khushi is glad that she has a friend and helper like her. She starts taking a look inside the house, getting busier.

Arnav Singh Raizada gets down his Jeep with his men. He heads straight towards another house in the same vicinity with his men. Khushi has almost finished packing some of her stuff which she wants to carry back with her. That’s when she hears the screams of a girl from the neighboring house. She immediately rushes out. Keshav and Rahim are on high alert. She sees Arnav Singh Raizada dragging the girl out of the house. The girl is struggling to come out of his grip but he is too strong for her. Khushi stiffens. Who is this girl? And why is Arnav taking her along?

“What is happening here?” Khushi asks Keshav and Rahim who are equally confused. “Where is he taking her? Go and save the girl.” Khushi yells at them.
“No, if the Raizada Gods are involved, we cannot intervene in between” they reply.

Khushi frowns and takes the lead. She tries to go to the Jeep but Keshav stops her.

“Ma’am please stay out of this. If Lavanya Ma’am comes to know she will not like it”

Khushi pushes him away.

“I know what I am doing. I am not a coward like you are” saying that she runs to the Jeep. Arnav Singh Raizada has taken the front passenger seat. Behind, the girl is made to sit between two of Arnav’s men. Before the driver can take them out of this place, Khushi blocks their way.

Arnav Singh Raizada is totally surprised seeing her.

“Where are you taking this girl? Leave her.” She scowls.
Arnav’s nose flares. Now she has started poking in his business? This is so not good for her. He gets down from the Jeep.

“Leave our way” he screams at her.
“No, not until you leave that girl. What is your business with that girl? I can clearly see she is unwilling to come with you. Where are you taking her? This is wrong. You cannot take a woman like this, without her permission”

Arnav grits his teeth. That’s the last nail in the coffin she just hit. He walks to her.

“You won’t leave my way?” his voice has a warning tone but she is not scared. She nods in denial.
“Well, then come with us”

Saying that he picks Khushi Gupta off her feet, on his shoulder and carries her to his Jeep. Keshav and Rahim rush to them. But Arnav Singh Raizada’s guards stop them from intervening. There is even a fight between Keshav, Rahim and two of the Raizada’s men but the jeep doesn’t wait to witness. Khushi keeps hitting Arnav’s back, commanding him to drop her down but he lands her inside his Jeep at the front seat, between him and the Driver. The Jeep leaves the area.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 6


Keshav and Rahim are little injured but they manage to escape from the clutches of Raizada’s security and call Lavanya Kshyap.

“Ma’am” Keshav tries to breathe normal. He and Rahim had been running from a long time, looking for Khushi Gupta.
Lavanya recognizes a tension in Keshav’s voice.
“Keshav? What’s the matter?” she immediately excuses from the group of factory workers and comes aside.
“Arnav Singh Raizada took Khushi Madam away” he manages to blurt out.

Lavanya is shocked. Keshav explains everything what happened, how Raizada God’s forcibly took Pushpa, one of the resident of Lakshmi Nagar, how Khushi intervened and finally how Arnav Singh Raizada picked her in arms and took her along.  Lavanya becomes mad. She immediately leaves the factory premises to save her friend, meanwhile, asking Keshav and Rahim to keep looking for their whereabouts.
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“Where are you taking us?” Khushi screams. She is sitting at the front seat of the Jeep, sandwiched between the driver and Arnav Singh Raizada.
“Are you abducting us?” she asks angrily, looking at Arnav who is very cold at her reactions. He is not even concentrating on her.
Khushi fumes. She starts pushing the driver’s arms from the steering wheel so that the car stops somehow. That’s when Arnav intrudes. He holds her hands in his, pulling Khushi towards him.

“Shut up and stop struggling” he scowls at her.

She tries to free herself from his grip but fails.
“So, this is what you do? Selling young girls like me and her?” she shouts.
Arnav Singh Raizada grits his teeth but she continues.

“And the people here still worship you as GODS? How can they? Do they even know what you doing at their back?”

Arnav knows he cannot stop her constant bickering. He removes a scarf from his pocket and ties her wrists together.

“What the hell are you doing?” she screams again at him. Once he is done tying her wrists together, he then uses one more scarf and ties on her mouth. She cannot even stop him as her hands are tied. All she can do is, give him some angry glances. Once she is restricted from speaking or moving her hands, Arnav meets her eyes.

“If you move yourself again, I will tie all of you like a Mummy”

Mummy? The ones which are found in Egypt? Shit. She blinks her eyes as if signaling him that she will do as told. Arnav relaxes once he gets that signal from her and answers the call on his phone.

“I am getting the parcel. Get them out” he mutters and disconnects the call.

Khushi is confused. What does he mean by parcel? Did he term the girl to be his Parcel? What a code way of talking, typical goons. She wants to stretch as her back starts aching, sitting so stern in the jeep but she is afraid that he will actually tie her whole body like a mummy. It’s better she feels some more pain than that.

In 30 minutes, the jeep halts at an old house of the adjacent village. It’s a remote area and Khushi has no clue why they are here. Is this the area where he sells girls? Damn!! She gets scared. Nandakishore Singh Raizada comes out of that old house with an aged couple. Khushi gets alert. Oh, so he is also involved? Looks like selling girls is their family business. Arnav gets down the jeep and also his other men. They drag the girl Pushpa along. The moment the aged couple sees Pushpa, they run towards her. Initially, Pushpa seems disinterested in hugging them but later she bursts into tears and embraces them. Khushi is confused. Who is this couple and why is Pushpa embracing them?

“Why Pushpa” the unknown aged man asks. “Why did you elope? How could you leave us alone for a boy? Is he so close to you now that you were ready to sacrifice your parents?”

Khushi is baffled. Shit. They are Pushpa’s parents? Things start getting clearer as she hears Pushpa’s side of the story.

“I am sorry Babuji. Nilesh brainwashed me. I knew you will never agree for getting me married to him so we eloped. I promise never to do this again. I missed you too. I will not marry Nilesh until you both agree. I am sorry. Please forgive me.”

Pushpa kneels on the ground, begging for pardon from her parents. They embrace her and forgive her in no time. Arnav and NK then look at each other. Arnav gestures him to leave as the work here is done. There was no point in waiting here longer. NK nods and leaves in another jeep with his men. He does notice Lavanya’s friend, Khushi in his Brother’s Jeep but he doesn’t question. He will ask his brother later at night.

Arnav returns back to his Jeep and unties Khushi. She finally inhales deep and smiles at him.

“Sorry, I mistook you” she murmurs.
He maintains a cold expression on his face and gets on the wheel. His men quickly sit behind. Khushi is happy that they were leaving back to Lucknow. She is alone sitting with him, at the front now. Arnav accelerates the vehicle and keeps driving.

“Won’t you forgive me?” she asks in a sweet tone.
He still doesn’t look at her. He keeps driving.
“Fine, don’t talk. I will talk to your men” she turns around and looks at the three-gun men who are sitting behind. They are all maintain the same sturdy expressions like their Boss.

“Hi, I am Khushi. Your Boss’s new girlfriend”
“WHAT THE” Arnav finally speaks, staring at her.
Khushi chuckles.
“See, I told you. Its not easy to be angry with me for long. I am a charming woman” she winks at Arnav and looks ahead.
“Stop flattering yourself” he mutters in frustration, keeping his eyes still on the road.
“What else can I do? This flattering should come from you but you are never in mood. Did you think about that Date Deal between us?” she curiously asks.

Arnav clenches his jaw.

“You didn’t? Oh dear. What should I do with you that you agree?”
“Stop talking” he whispers.
“What? If I stop talking how can I” she is stopped from continuing as he takes a rough U-turn in the fields.  She is almost about to fall but he holds her hand and pulls her back towards him. “How can you drive so bad?” she scowls again.

Arnav looks at the rear mirror of the jeep and alerts his men.

“We have a tail”
Khushi gets confused.
“Tail? How can we have tail? We are humans, not monkeys” she replies.

Arnav’s men become conscious, they keep scanning the surrounding from the jeep, keeping their guns in position. That’s when Khushi understands what Arnav means by Tail. They are being followed.

“Who is following us?” she whispers keeping her head low.
“Sehgals” he responds.
“Tushy? Tushy and his men are following us?” she curiously asks.

Arnav is bewildered. Does she know Tushar Sehgal and why is she calling him Tushy? She reads his mind and tries explaining him.

“Tushy and I know each other from childhood. His sister Payal, you know we are good friends”

Arnav is least interested in knowing what bond she shares with Sehgals.

“Bow your head down and stay quiet for God’s Sake”
“But” she is about to reply but his one dark gaze makes her obey his orders.  After all he is the God of this place and for his sake she can stay quiet for some time. She blushes with her own thoughts and lowers her head. Suddenly, there is a loud noise of the tyre bursting. Their Jeep becomes uncontrollable and hits the tree nearby.

“Sehgals shot the tyres” one of Arnav’s men shouts and gets down, securing his Boss and Khushi.

Arnav holds Khushi’s hand and gets her out of the jeep.

“Find them. I am taking her out of here”
His men nod and walk in the direction from where the bullet was shot. Arnav drags Khushi along with him in the opposite direction. He is not a loser. He wants to fight with his men and he would have done that if Khushi Gupta had not been with them. He got her along with him, so now he is responsible to ensure she reaches back safe and sound. Khushi feels excited to run with the Raizada God.

“Oh my god. Feels like we are eloping from our family to marry” she says while constantly running wherever he was leading her to.

Arnav doesn’t care what she thinks. He keeps running to ensure he takes her to the safe point.
“Bushes” she points at the left. “Best place to hide. Come” She tries to drag him there but he doesn’t let her. Instead he finds a better place to be secure for some time. There are huge boxes at the corner of the road and behind them is a deep crack between the wall, where they can both hide. He pushes her down the crack and then follows her in. It feels like a cave. She gets super excited. It’s dark and scary though. She immediately clutches the hem of his shirt.

“I am scared of darkness”
“Hush” he murmurs pointing at the small hole from which they can see the feet of two men who are looking for them.
Her blood starts gushing in her body. This is not some movie which she is watching. She is actually in a life and death situation today. People are after the Raizada God and since she is with him, they are now even after her. She feels scared. The men start nearing the cracked wall, behind which they are hiding. She immediately leans on his chest, trying to hide herself in him. Arnav’s arm automatically winds around her, protectively. She is so close to him that she can even hear his heartbeats. The God’s heartbeats.

In few minutes the footsteps fade and she slowly raises her head from his chest, meeting his eyes. That’s when she notices the small scar on his cheek from where the blood is oozing out. While hiding inside the cave, some thorny tree bark might have pricked his cheek. He looks breathtakingly handsome for any woman to resist. She has never been so close to a man and to be in the arms of the Raizada God is like dream come true. Khushi looks at Arnav Singh Raizada with a puzzled expression. Can her day get any better than this? She feels her heart shuddering in his warmth, as if it might explode if she doesn’t back off. She slowly manages to murmur looking at him.

“Is this really happening?”
Arnav looks curiously at her. What is that supposed to mean?
“Am I really so close to you?” she adds.

Arnav realizes where her flirty mind is going now. Before he could get up she clutches his shirt again, pulling him to her.

“I have seen such things in movie. When the hero and heroine are so close, they.. they..” she is unable to describe further, considering the smoldering look he is giving to her.

She flushes and Arnav shrugs her arms from his collar.

“This is not any movie. Wake up and smell the coffee. If these goons come back, you will either be dead or abducted by them which I am sure you are not ready for. So, get up, let’s go”

He pushes her away and gets on his feet. She angrily looks at him. He extends his hand for her to hold and get up. She doesn’t deny. She holds his hand and gets on her feet, smiling throughout. They run for another 2 miles and finally get back on the main road. Lavanya Kshyap’s car halts there and she gets down with her men. Arnav is armed but he doesn’t take his gun out. He knows Lavanya wants to take Khushi back which is exactly what he wants. He leaves Khushi’s hand and she pouts.

“I am warning you Lavanya and for the last time. Don’t leave this clown alone. She is dangerous to all of us” he throws a warning message at Lavanya.

Khushi’s jaw drops. AGAIN? He called her CLOWN again? How dare he? Lavanya comes and drags her along. Arnav Singh Raizada keeps staring at her. Even Khushi keeps turning around, again and again, to see him, and she is happy to notice that he is unable to take his eyes off from her. That’s her effect on him. She is so ready to tame this God and make him dance behind her. But she likes him commanding too. Eeeks. What is this feeling called?

She gets inside Lavanya’s car and leaves the spot. Nandakishore Singh Raizada reaches there in his jeep and Arnav gets inside.

“Were they Sehgals back there?” NK asks angrily.
“Yes, but don’t worry. We managed to get out” Arnav replies.

NK fists his fingers on the wheel.

“Enough is enough. These Sehgals are not going to retreat back. We have to end this somehow. Just give us the orders Bhai, we will finish them in no time”
“No. No more muscle fight, we need to tackle the situation sharply”

NK sighs in disappointment and keeps driving again, back to Lucknow. Arnav looks at his wrist, and finds a piece of Khushi’s dupatta stuck in his Wrist Band. He removes it from his band and presses it in his fist. He cannot let a woman ruin his motive. Not at this stage when he is so close to his destiny.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 7


“I feel like tying you up in the room so that you stop playing such stunts again, Khushi. How many times do I have to tell you do not intrude in people’s matters here. You are just going to land yourself in more trouble” Lavanya scolds.

Lavanya has brought Khushi back to Kshyap Residence.

“Only because of you Rahim and Keshav are injured. They tried stopping the Raizada God from taking you and see what happened to them” she points out at Rahim and Keshav who are standing outside the door, but getting medical help they need on their little bruises.

“I am sorry La, I really didn’t mean to hurt your guards. But how can I be quiet when some injustice is happening before my eyes?” Khushi argues.
“It looked like an injustice to you but it wasn’t right? They were just handing that girl back to her parents.”

Khushi nods apologetically.

“Yes. But how could I trust them before? And it’s his mistake too. Arnav should have told me why he is taking the girl along which he didn’t”
“Why will he answer you? You are nothing to him, Khushi. In fact, he or any other Raizada God is not answerable to anyone. They make their own rules and ensure that everyone follows it here for their own safety. Anyone who doesn’t, or tries to affect the peace of this place are crushed to ashes”

Khushi swallows hard, feeling scared.

“I had to leave all my factory work and rush to find you. What if the Sehgals had caught you? They are not good people Khushi. They could hurt you.” Lavanya continues.
“But I have not done anything wrong to them, did I?” Khushi retaliates.
“They won’t wait for you to harm them. Only seeing you with the Raizada god is enough. And not just Sehgals, there are many such people who are Raizada God’s opponents. In the chase of fighting the Raizada Gods they can even hurt anyone who is seen with them”
All this is too much to digest for Khushi. Is this really such a serious topic? She didn’t realize that before.

“I am really Sorry for getting you in trouble” Khushi replies. She really means it.

Lavanya gives up all her anger. She knows Khushi is scared already.
“Hopefully, this is the last time you are disobeying me Khushi” La responds and both friends hug each other.
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Arnav Singh Raizada presses the cotton ball to clean the blood from his face. He is standing in the bathroom, before the mirror. It’s been 2 hours since that incident. The Sehgals are sniffing like dogs. They will never back out. Maybe they still think it’s them who abducted Lakshman Sinha. They will never even guess that it was all Khushi Gupta’s idea and she devised this plan along with Lavanya Kshyap.

He wipes the blood and washes his face with cold water. Flashes of his closeness with Khushi Gupta tickles his mind. The way she was staring at his eyes and then lips. She had held his shirt as if he was her only savior. Well!! At that time, he was her only hope to be alive. But does she even realize that? Why is she so care free by nature? She truly does not belong to this place.

He steps in the shower. The cold water slowly eases off his body ache. It has been a hectic day. When he comes out of the shower, he finds his phone ringing on the bed, the caller id displays as ‘CLOWN’. He thought she must have been scared enough by today’s incidents, not to contact him again but looks like this woman will not let him slip away so easily. He answers the call. Before he could utter anything, she interrupts.

“I don’t mean to disturb you. I just called to say a Thank you” Khushi says.

He is quiet for few seconds. She can feel him inhale sharply before responding to her.

“I don’t think that is necessary. Besides, that’s the first and last time I have done a favor on you. Don’t cross my path again if you want to be alive”
“Are you always so bad-tempered or is today anything special?” she chuckles.
“KHUSHI… Don’t test my temper”
The way he utters her names gives her enough goosebumps to feel his presence around her.
“I like the way you take my name” she whispers.

Unknowingly, Arnav feels the pressure building in his body by her continuous teases. He shuts his eyes to control his mind and body.
“I am disconnecting the call” he warns her.
She chuckles again. They have crossed a certain level in their relationship. Till last night he never warned her of disconnecting the call, he used to directly hang up. Today he is at least showing her that curtesy.

“Okay, hold on, I want to know have you thought about a Date with me? Just an hour or so. I am not asking your entire day. I know you got people to protect” she blushes.
Khushi has never been so shameless like she is now. How can she run behind a tough man like him who is not at all interested in her? Wrong. He is interested, he pretends to be cold. That’s it.

Arnav knows she will not stop asking him for a Date, so why not challenge her something which she can never attempt to do?

“You want a date with me, then you will have to propose me for that, coming in my house, amidst my family. Do that first and then I will think about it” he replies and disconnects the call.

Khushi’s jaw drops. Propose him for a Date, before his family? Hell No. That will be too much! He knows she can never take that risk. Besides, who will allow her to enter his house? His guards will stop her at every step she takes there. She groans in frustration. He has done this purposely. But she loves such fiery challenges. She will take it up.
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Tushar Sehgal beats one of his men who had been leading the chase today in hurting the Raizada God but failed.

“One task and that too you cannot do properly. I pay you so much, what for? To get beaten up by the Raizada’s?” Tushar roars in anger looking at his men who are bowing their heads in apology.

Pratham Sehgal, Payal’s father gets inside the room and asks the men to leave. The men walk out and Pratham tries to calm Tushar.

“Tushar, there is something else which you need to look into”

Tushar gazes at his Uncle.
“We have got the information of Lakshman Sinha.” Pratham updates.
Tushar gets curious.
“Where is he? Who had abducted him? Is he okay?”
“There is a woman behind his abduction, that’s all he remembers. Seems she even told her name to him, but the drug which was used to make him unconscious doesn’t allow him to remember anything beyond that”

Tushar fists his fingers in rage.

“Woman? Who can that woman be?”
“That’s what we have to find out. I am sure she is not alone in this. There must be a whole gang who planned it out from a very long time” Pratham raises his doubt
“Where is Lakshman now? We have to get him back. The marriage can be taken forward” Tushar shows the same hurry like he always showed to make Lakshman Sinha, his brother-in-law.

Pratham gets disappointed but he knows he has to reveal the further truth.

“Lakshman cannot marry Payal.”
“Why?”
“He got married to his second Ex-wife”

Tushar gets totally confused how that happened. Pratham explains him how Lakshman was abducted and taken to the family of his ex-wife who always had shown the same urgency in getting re-married to him. So now even if Lakshman wants, he cannot marry Payal again. He is almost being guarded by his wife’s family and guards who will never let him escape any longer.

Tushar grits his teeth.

“Such a big ploy? Who can do this Uncle? I am sure the Raizada’s have something to do with all of this. They never wanted Lakshman to join hands with us”
“We need proof’s Tushar and only then we will take care of the Raizada Gods. Until then you are not going to send your men after them. Am I clear?” Pratham gets commanding.

Tushar nods to his Uncle’s commands at the moment.
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The next morning, Lavanya saw Khushi trying to escape from the house. She stops her immediately.

“Where do you think you are going?” La questions her.

Khushi feels cornered but she has already prepared her answers.

“Uh. Um. Temple. I am in serious need to see GOD” Khushi bites her lips realizing which GOD she is talking about.
Lavanya frowns.
“You mean Raizada God?” She asks.
Khushi gets trapped in her own words. She pouts and doesn’t lie anymore.
“Yes. I am going to see him, at his house. In fact, not see him, but propose him for a date with me” she shies.

Lavanya is raged.

“Are you mad?” La groans. “Raizada’s house is like a private Jail. You cannot enter inside without their permission. The moment you step in there, they will shoot you first and ask you later the reasons of being there”

Khushi swallows hard. Yes, she had guessed it will be so difficult. That is why, Arnav Singh Raizada had challenged her.

“La, please don’t get mad. I know what I am doing. Arnav himself have challenged him to come there and propose him for this Date, before his brothers. Actually, all of this sounds crazy even to me, but you know how desperate I am to spend little time with him, know him more than anyone else knows about him. So, I have to do this”

Lavanya nods in denial.

“I won’t let you go there alone. No ways” she replies.
“But”
“No Khushi, if you want to go there, you will have to take me along. Besides, its only me who know how to enter that house, without anyone’s notice” Lavanya confesses.

Khushi gets stunned.

“And How do you know that?” she asks.
Lavanya is speechless. She had no reply to Khushi’s questions. So, she tries to divert the subject.
“That’s not important. Now you decide if you want to go there with me or not go there at all?”

Khushi realizes she has no choice. And what else she wants if Lavanya agrees to show her how to enter that house?
“Fine”
“Good. But we can’t go there at day time. Too much of threat. So, we will go there at night. Okay?”

Khushi agrees but she too excited right now. How will she propose him for Date? How will he look at her while she is proposing? OMG!! This is so much thrilling.
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It’s 11:00pm and Khushi and Lavanya are both standing in Black Jeans, and Black Shirt, outside the Raizada Mansion. Khushi almost gulps hard seeing this place.

“Wow.. Looks like the eight wonders of the world. Such a big place only for 3 brothers?”
Lavanya sighs at her question.
“Why? They will marry someday, have wives, kids and then grandkids too”

Khushi blushes at that thought.

“Just imagine just to search for Arnav, it will take me a week if I have to look in every room” Khushi replies.

Lavanya immediately corrects her.
“Don’t even think that. Raizada God’s already have their would-be wives defined”
That stuns Khushi.
“Defined? You mean they are looking for specific qualities in their would-be wives? What are they? I am curious to know.”
Lavanya sighs in disappointment.
“Do you want to get inside or should I leave?”
Khushi immediately holds her hand.
“Sorry, lets get inside. Which door?”
Lavanya drags her to the secret door of the Mansion. The dim lights help them not to get noticed. No one knows about this secret door except the three Raizada God’s and Lavanya.

“There is a secret door here” Lavanya slides a stone which leads a strong metal door open. Anyone who sees it from outside might consider it to be a wall. But this is actually a door. Khushi is amused. They both get inside the house through that door.

“How do you know there is a door here?” Khushi whispers to Lavanya.

Lavanya swallows hard. It was the youngest Raizada God, Nandakishore, who had shared this secret with her, at the time when they were together.

“Where are you lost?” Khushi shakes Lavanya who immediately comes out of her stance.
“Don’t talk. We will be caught otherwise. Arnav Singh Raizada’s room is on the first floor, third room from the right. Got it?”
Khushi nods happily.
“I will go there. What about you?” she asks.
“I will wait here. If you sense anything wrong, come back. Understood?”
Khushi nods again and hugs Lavanya.
“Thanks for this help Baby. I will always be in your debt” she kisses Lavanya’s cheek and rushes to the direction which Lavanya showed her.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 8

Khushi tip-toes in the huge hallway, hiding behind the pillars when she feels someone might catch her. The house has beautiful interiors and very authentic type. She is awed at the neatness maintained here. Everything is so clean and in its place. Khushi keeps walking ahead. The main wall of the living room, is huge and has few family portraits hung on it. She does not have time to peep at those pictures. There are two big, old fashioned guns cross hung below those Portraits. Looks like this family has been using guns from generations.

She keeps walking ahead. There are noises coming from another room, next to the Living room. Should she go inside and check? She slowly pushes the door open. There are two men practicing Sword fight and few spectators which she guesses to be the guards of Raizada God. She closely observes the face of the two men and then recognizes them to be Arnav Singh Raizada and Akash Singh Raizada. Both of them are wearing White Sleeveless Vest which is soaked by their sweat. She glances at her prey, her Raizada God whom she is so interested in dating. The way he is commanding his sword makes her gulp nervously. His chiseled body, carved jaw, well-shaped body and lean muscles, are enough to give her goosebumps. Akash pushes sword towards Arnav who manages to shove it away without getting hurt. Everyone watching the show, cheers for them. The next attack from Akash gets Arnav on his kneels but he shoves the blade again, and this time Akash falls on the ground, losing grip on his own sword. Arnav takes this opportunity to get up on his feet and point the Sword on Akash’s chest. Akash gives up. Arnav wins the fight. He throws the sword away and stretches his hand for Akash to hold and stand on his feet.

Akash congratulates his brother and they hug each other. Everyone claps and the only one who claps a little longer than others is, Khushi Gupta. The spectators turn around and that sound also catches the attention of the Raizada Gods. Khushi realizes she is caught. She shuts her face with her palms just like a cat who closes eyes while drinking milk, thinking that if it closes eyes, no one can see her. Arnav’s jaw drops. Khushi Gupta came here? How?

The guards quickly surround her so that she doesn’t escape. One of them tries to remove his revolver but Arnav waves his hand, gesturing him to stop. The guard nods and keeps standing at his place.

“Bhai, you know this girl?” Akash asks curiously.

Arnav does not respond to him. He walks ahead and stands a feet away from Khushi. She slowly removes her palms from her face and opens only one eye. She jerks seeing Arnav Singh Raizada so close. She opens both her eyes and gives him a sheepish smile.

“Hi” she murmurs.
He nods in amusement. This girl is really mad to enter his den and stand before him.
“Uh.. umm. Can you ask your guards to go away? They kind of intimidate me”

She tries to get away from the guards and close to Arnav. He looks at his guards and his one gaze is enough to make them leave the room. Akash is also following them but Khushi stops him.

“Hey, wait. Not you. You stay here” she says to Akash.
Akash stops and looks confusingly at his brother. What is happening here?
“Where is the third God? I mean, your other Brother? Nandakishore Raizada”

Arnav does not utter a word. He keeps staring at her with rage. She can say he is mad. She gulps and decides to get along with the task which has got her here.

“Okay, don’t spoil your mood. Please”

She then kneels on one leg and then entwins her fingers pleadingly.

“Can you please come out as my date, Arnav Singh Raizada?”

Akash feels choked listening her words. Arnav’s rock-solid heart melts a little. What is this woman? She didn’t even care what the consequences will be for entering the Raizada House without permission? She is not even shy or embarrassed to propose him for a date, that too before his brother, at his home. She really has guts, so what if she is crazy too.

“Please” she pouts again.

Akash is stunned. Since when did his elder brother start showing taste in woman? And who is she? He has never seen her before even in the town. Arnav nods weakly looking at her.

“Fine”

His reply shocks Khushi as well. She immediately stands up on her feet and claps happily, jumping.

“OMG. You agreed? I can’t believe this” she jumps again in excitement. Akash removes his specs, cleans it and wears it again. Is he dreaming all this? Practically it is impossible for his brother to agree to such demands.

“Okay, I will message you the time and Venue. Please don’t change your mind. Okay?” Khushi mutters.

Arnav is not bothered to discuss this ahead. But he has one important thing to ask.
“How did you get inside the house?” he roughly asks.

Now that makes Khushi swallow hard. She cannot tell him that Lavanya helped her in this, by showing the secret door, can she? He waits for few seconds to observe her reactions. She is tensed. He draws her closer, she flinches at his grip.

“Tell me how you got inside or else you will never go out from here” he adds.

She starts struggling in his grip.
“It’s hurting” she weakly murmurs. Arnav Singh Raizada eases his hold on her.
“I am asking you for the last time, how did you enter?”
888
Lavanya looks at her watch and then her eyes are back on the path from where Khushi had been inside the house. What is taking her so long? Is she trapped? Is she in problem? Hell!! She should not have got Khushi here in the first place. She is about to step a little inside when someone holds her arm and drags her behind, pushing her to the wall and shuts her to mouth so that she cannot scream. Her eyes turn wide and she forgets all her self-defensing techniques because the man holding her is Nandakishore Raizada. Once she has seen him, he slowly removes his arm from her mouth.

“What are you doing here?” he whispers. He does not want anyone else to see them, hear them.

Lavanya gets tensed. How did he come here? What should she do now? NK is raged by her silence. He grips her arms tighter.
“A very determined, capable woman like you coming secretly to see her Ex-boyfriend, what is that supposed to mean?” he asks.
Lavanya fumes and pushes him away.
“Stop it. I don’t even think about you, so don’t get any ideas.”

NK grits his teeth but he likes the way Lavanya always keeps pushing him to the edge and tests his limits. That is what had attracted him to her, long ago.

They both hear the voice of Arnav Singh Raizada coming towards the secret door direction. NK gets alarmed.

“Leave now. No one should see you”
“I cant go. My friend is inside”
“Friend?”
“Khushi.. She is the one who is inside to see your brother because he challenged her to do so. I wont leave without her” Lavanya argues.

Whatever she told him is over his head but he does not want his brothers to notice Lavanya here. He cannot land her in danger.

“I promise she will be safe. I will get her out. Now go back home.”
“I won’t” Lavanya tries to push him away but he drags her to the end of the secret door and pushes her out.
“La.. JUST GO”

He closes the secret door and turns around. His brother Arnav Singh Raizada has dragged Khushi Gupta till this secret place. They both look at Arnav and get stunned. Khushi is worried where Lavanya go.

“NK? What are you doing here?” Arnav asks in suspicion.
NK clears his throat.
“Bhai, I left this door open mistakenly. I think Khushi found it open and she entered inside the house from here”

Khushi understood he is lying but why? To save Lavanya? She always felt he and Lavanya shared something which they are trying to avoid now.
“Yes, I came from this door only, alone. I saw it open and .. I came in..” Khushi lies.
Arnav grits his teeth.
“How can you leave the door open NK? This is a grave mistake, you never got so careless before” he shouts.

NK bows his head and is standing silent. Khushi feels bad for him. Poor NK. She decides to help this situation to calm a bit. She looks at Arnav.

“Why are you scolding him? It is not his fault. It is because of your silly idea that I had to come here looking for secret entries like this. Had you agreed to go out on a date with me, I would never step in here. Stop pointing others now because this is all your fault” Khushi fakes anger to him.
Arnav clenches his jaw. He holds Khushi’s nape and pulls her closer.
“Don’t you dare talk to me like that again. If it had been any other person, I would have killed him, right away”
Khushi gulps and blinks her eyes as if accepting his commands. Arnav has always been the wildest of the all three brothers, but he has still shown this woman enough patience, not anymore. Not when she meets his eyes and shouts at him, in his house, before his brothers.

NK comes to rescue.

“Bhai, I will drop her back to the Kshyap’s”

Arnav leaves Khushi and she starts walking with NK, towards the main door. Akash is still having a set of questions for his brother regarding this situation. Khushi keeps turning around, to steal few more of Arnav’s glances. Once she is out of the house, Arnav sighs in frustration. He then looks at Akash.

“NK was lying” Arnav utters.
“Lying? No Bhai. Why would he lie to us? He has never done that before” Akash responds.
“That is why I am surprised, Akash. Whom is he lying for?”

Arnav’s suspicion is already high on NK because of what he did today. He knows his brothers perfectly. He has lived with them, preached them from childhood. Even if they blink without his observation, he can still understand. But why cannot he link the dots and decipher what made NK lie today? Was he saving Khushi Gupta or someone else?
888
“Thanks” Lavanya utters to NK who has accompanied Khushi till the Kshyap house.
“Your stupid idea would have killed you both today” he screams in anger. “Be careful Lavanya because today I saved you, tomorrow I won’t”

Lavanya gets raged.
“I didn’t ask you to do this favor on me. You jumped in to help. I would have handled it”
“Yes, you would have handled it and messed it even more”

Saying that NK walks back to his Jeep and drives away. Khushi is in her own dreamland. She is reminiscing how she proposed Arnav Singh Raizada for a date. Oh Lord, there is so much she have to do for that one date. Right from selecting a suitable dress for her she also has to decide the venue, date, time and most importantly the agenda for that date. She is so nervous even thinking all of this. How will that time be when she and the Raizada God are going to be alone for some time. Hayee!!
888
Payal Sehgal manages to dial Khushi and speak to her, that same night.

“I have an important information to share with you, Khushi”
“What?” Khushi keeps filing her nails while responding over the speaker of her phone.
“Tushar and my father have got to know that it was a woman who abducted Lakshaman. I am sure they will trace it soon it was your idea and Lavanya implemented it. I am worried for you both”

Khushi gets shocked to know that but she doesn’t lose hope.

“Payal relax. They just know it’s a woman. They can’t trace us. Tushy will never spy on me, come on” Khushi replies carefreely.
“Khushi, don’t take my brother lightly. He is a devil and when a devil like him pounces on you, it will be difficult to escape”

Khushi chuckles.

“If he is a devil, I have my GOD to save me” she blushes.
“What do you mean by that?” Payal asks in confusion.

Khushi smiles at herself.

“Nothing. You don’t worry about it. I will handle things and Tushy will never ever know who did all of this. You chill baby. By the way, why don’t you come to meet me? It’s been such a long time”
“They won’t let me out of the house” Payal replies in dismay.

Khushi sighs in disappointment.

“No problem. If you can’t come out, I will come there”
“You will come here? No don’t.”
“Payal relax. I will come tomorrow to see you. And I will get Lavanya also along, if she is free. As it is, she doesn’t let me out alone”

Payal doesn’t know if this is a good idea or not. But Khushi is hell bent to do this so finally she agrees.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 9



“I wonder how Bhai agreed for a Date” Akash murmurs buttering his bread.
“That’s what surprises me too. He is not someone who can be charmed so easily” NK replies.
“You think he will go?” Akash asks.
“He is a man of words. If he agreed, he will go.”

Akash rolls his eyes and bites the bread.

“I must say that girl has guts to do so. She entered our house to propose him for a date? That’s the most dangerous task anyone can even dream of fulfilling” Akash continues.

NK nods in agreement. They both hear Arnav’s voice. He is talking to one of their guards.

“I want additional security outside their premises. Also, get two of our men keep a constant eye on them, wherever they go, but ensure that they don’t know this. Understood?”

The guard nods and quickly rushes out. NK and Akash give each other confusing glances. Arnav heads to the table.

“Morning boys”
“Morning Bhai” both respond at the same time.

Arnav sits next to NK and starts serving himself some Juice.

“Bhai, what’s this additional security for?” Akash asks.
“Not for us, Akash. It’s for someone else”
“Someone else?” NK raises his suspicion.

Arnav stops eating and looks at NK with sarcasm.

“Lavanya Ksyhap” Arnav replies.
NK coughs hard. He feels like the bread he just ate has choked in his throat. Arnav passes him some water which he gulps and then looks at his brother again.

“Why? What’s wrong at her place? I mean, her house is no less than a fortress, they have their own guards to protect her”
“But if you recollect, they are not very efficient in protecting her from the Sehgals”

Yes. Nandakishore remembers that very well. That’s the first incident when he fell for that woman while saving her. He liked the fieriness she showed while fighting against the Sehgals. She was so eye-catching that night.

Arnav clicks his fingers to get Nandakishore’s attention.

“Sehgals? Why will the Sehgals go behind her?” NK asks in confusion.
“They might not. It’s just a precautionary measure Nandakishore but why are you so eager to know?” Arnav asks.

NK feels trapped. He tries to concentrate again on the breakfast. Akash is totally amused by this conversation. Arnav continues eating but then he provides some relief to his brother’s confusion.

“Sehgals have traced Lakshman Sinha”

NK and Akash are swept away by this one statement. Arnav slowly explains how Lakshman was kidnapped by a woman and then transported to his Ex-wife who married him forcefully and thus Lakshman Sinha’s chapter is ended in Sehgal’s life.  NK and Akash are highly shocked to know all of this.

“But what has all this matter to do with Kshyap’s?” NK tries to clarify.
“The woman who kidnapped Lakshman is Lavanya Kshyap”

NK’s jaw drops. La abducted him? Why? Before he could raise further doubts, Arnav explains.

“She did all of this because her friend Khushi Gupta asked her to do so. Khushi and Payal Sehgal are friends”

Arnav continues eating. Akash clenches his jaw. A timid girl like Payal Sehgal can have such fiery friends? Strange!!

“Payal Sehgal had no interest in becoming the third wife of Lakshman Sinha. So, to protect her, Khushi devised this plan and Lavanya assisted her in fulfilling it.” Arnav adds.

NK grits his teeth.
“Why should Kshyap’s get into trouble? Khushi Gupta is new to this place but Lavanya knows everything. How can she do all this? She knows Tushar will easily catch hold of her and then.. Damm!!” NK roars and leaves the table.

Arnav keeps looking at his younger brother who seems too frustrated with all this information.

“What happened to him? Why is he so tensed?” Akash asks Arnav.
“I am trying to figure it out too” Arnav bites his sandwich and continues the breakfast.
888
“You go to hell, Nandakishore” La scowls on the phone.
“I am already in hell, Lavanya. Just don’t make it more worse” NK yells. He is not satisfied with the fact that Lavanya did such a huge stunt at his back. “Tushar will not take long to find the entire truth” he adds.

“So? Why do you care? It’s my lookout. I will handle this. I don’t need the Raizada God’s to save me”
“Lavanya…” NK stretches his tone while taking her name. It is a clear indication that he dislikes her arguing with him.


“Lavanya.. are you ready?” Khushi pushes the door of Lavanya’s bedroom and finds her talking over the phone.

“I will call you later” La hangs up the call and sighs at Khushi. “You ready?”
“Yes, whose call was it?” Khushi asks.
“Uh.. um.. One of my old friend. Come, let’s go” Lavanya tucks the locked gun behind and then neatens her shirt.

“Old friend? Him or Her?” Lavanya gives her a cold glance. “Why are you so tensed? Was that old friend of yours scolding you over the call?” Khushi questions back.

Lavanya’s face drops. Yes, she indeed got few scolding from Nandakishore Raizada whom she was talking over the phone. She had ignored NK’s call from morning but when he threatened her for answering the call or else he will end up coming at her home, she had to talk to him. First, she thought he was going to scold her for what happened last night, that is she showing the secret door of Raizada Mansion to Khushi but then it was not so. He is mad because she helped Khushi to go against Sehgals.

Khushi shook her.

“Hello? Where you lost?”
“Nothing” La replies. Her phone buzzes again. She checks the message. It’s from Nandakishore.

‘Never hang up on me La, or else you know how good I am at punishing. I mean it.’

A smile pops up on her face. Though Nandakishore Raizada has clearly threatened her, that reminds her of their lovey dovey moments in the past. She exactly knows what his punishments on such acts will be. But all that has ended now, isn’t it?

Khushi sighs in confusion.

“Are you going around with someone?” Khushi asks.
“Do I look like going around with someone?” Lavanya questions back.
“Yes, sometimes”
“Come on, we are getting late” Lavanya drags Khushi out. They have planned to meet Payal at the Sehgal house.
888
“Hi Tushy. Hello Uncle” Khushi waves her hand at Tushar Sehgal who is sitting with his Uncle Pratham Sehgal.

Tushar smiles lovingly at her. Lavanya scans the house.
“Khushi? Come on inside. Why didn’t you tell me you are coming here? I would have send my car and men” Tushar says while welcoming her.
“She is more comfortable with my men and in my car” Lavanya replies in a rough voice.

Tushar stares at her in anger.
“Kshyap, you will never change” he scans her from top to bottom. Lavanya feels raged. Khushi clutches her arm so that she doesn’t remove her gun and point at Tushy right here. They are not in for a fight but to see their friend.

“Where is Payal?” Khushi asks.
“In her room. Come I will show you”
“No thanks. I know her room. Come La”

Khushi drags Lavanya along.

“Jerk. He is married and still eyes on beautiful girls” Lavanya murmurs.
“I feel poor for his wife” Khushi adds and knocks Payal’s room door. Payal opens it and is very excited to meet her friend. They get inside the room, hug, laugh and finally talk.

“This place sucks Payal. Why don’t you force them to allow you outside the house? Lakshman is married now, they cannot do anything about it. They cannot lock you up in the house until they get you married to someone.” Khushi says.
Payal’s face drops.
“I can’t argue with them, you know. I am afraid to talk to Tushar.”
“Then ask Uncle. He is your father. I am sure he will understand”
“No Lavanya, Tushar has brainwashed my father. I think Tushar has a doubt on me. He thinks I will elope because he knows how pissed off I am because of them”
“Seriously Payal. You should stop being scared first. They wont harm you”

Payal feels goosebumps on her skin with the mere thought of arguing with her father and cousin Brother. Khushi diverts the topic so as to change their moods.

“By the way, I am going on a date tomorrow” Khushi announces.

Payal’s jaw drops whereas Lavanya smiles with sarcasm.
“What? Date? With whom?”
“The Raizada God – Arnav” Khushi blushes even by taking his name.
Payal almost collapses on the bed. Khushi shakes her.
“Payal? You okay?”
“Am I dreaming? Or are my ears ringing unnecessarily?” she asks.

Khushi chuckles.

“I am serious dumbo. He has agreed to come out on a date with me. Ask Lavanya if you think I am lying”

Payal looks at Lavanya who nods in acknowledgement.

“Holy God!! How did this happen? Raizada Gods are not meant to date women.”
“He is charmed by me” Khushi blushes again after winking at her friend.
“Oh really? Charmed? I think he just wants to get away from your continuous teasing and nagging. That’s why he agreed for this ONE date. I am sure after that he will never let you around her” Lavanya replies.

Khushi frowns at her.
“That’s not happening. I will never let him forget me so easily” she replies.
The girls share a hearty laugh and they continue to chit chat.
888
“They are insane” Arnav loads his gun and hangs it on his Jeans belt. “How can they go there?”

Arnav Singh Raizada has just been informed by his men that Lavanya and Khushi are in Sehgal’s house.

“Start the Jeep” he orders to his men who rush out to obey his commands. Arnav follows his men out, while dialing his CLOWN’s (Khushi Gupta) number.

Khushi is busy chatting when the name “My GOD” displays on her phone screen. She shies away holding the phone so that Lavanya and Payal sees who is calling her. Their jaw drops for sure. Why is he calling her?

“See, he cannot even stay without talking to me” she comments to her friends and answers the call.
“Hi handsome”
“Shut up and get out of that house” he roars getting inside the jeep.

That voice is so loud that even Lavanya and Payal realize he is shouting at her. But they cannot hear exactly what he said. Khushi frowns and moves away from them so that she can talk to him privately.

“What do you mean? And why are you shouting at me?”
“What else do you expect me to do? Are you foolish? You are in Sehgal’s house, under that Tushar Sehgal’s nose? Do you realize he might get the update that you and Lavanya abducted Lakshman Sinha, anytime? He will not think again to kill you both then and there” Arnav roars.

Khushi gulps.

“He cannot do that. I am sure about it” she confidently replies.
Arnav clenches his jaw. They are almost nearing the Sehgal house now.
“GET OUT OF THAT HOUSE NOW KHUSHI KUMARI GUPTA!!”

Something churns deep in her stomach when she hears him taking her full name. It sounds so sexy from his mouth, in his voice. That’s when she sees his jeep arriving towards Sehgal’s house.

“Oh My God. You came here? All the way here? For me?” she screams.

Payal and Lavanya also hear it and rush to the window where she is standing. Even they are shocked to see Raizada God here.
“Come out. NOW” he warns looking angrily at her, getting down the jeep.

“Khushi, I think you both should leave. If he steps in the house, there will surely be bloodshed. Please go” Payal pushes her and Lavanya.
“But Payal. We hardly met and”
“That’s fine. We will meet again. I promise. Now go” Payal replies

Lavanya realizes that this is the best solution. It isn’t good to wait here if Raizada God is around. Khushi hugs Payal quickly and then she and Lavanya get down the stairs. Fortunately, Pratham Sehgal and Tushar Sehgal are busy talking in the drawing room. They don’t even understand when Khushi and Lavanya leaves.

Arnav sees the girls coming out of the house. He finally sighs in relief but he is still mad, his eyes are hooded on Khushi who is making her way to him even though Lavanya denies to let her meet him at this odd hour.

“Aa aisa nahi kar sakte” (You cannot do this), she groans folding her arms across her chest.
“Main yehi nahin aur bahut kuch kar sakta hoon. Don’t test me” (Not just this, I can do beyond that too. Don’t test me”, he replies in a raged and intimidating tone.

She feels her skin burning under his gaze. Just because she came at Sehgal’s house he got so mad? That’s so protective of him. She bites her lip and that action doesn’t go unnoticed by him. Desire pools in his body to hold this woman, touch her but his strong will power cools him down.

“Consider this as my first and last warning. You will not enter this house until you have my word. Is that clear”
She swallows hard at his possessive tone.
“IS THAT CLEAR?” he repeats and this time his possessive tone becomes threatening.
“Yes” she whispers.

Her response somehow calms down his anger. He gets back in the jeep and leaves the place. Lavanya who is watching all of this is speechless. Seems like the Raizada God has completely thrown himself on Khushi’s antics towards him. Interesting it is but equally scary. The love of Raizada God’s is no less than a Danger.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 10

Khushi, is waiting for him outside the Community hall. She got to know from Lavanya that Arnav Singh Raizada is in Community Hall, so she came to see him here. She has to discuss about their impending date. She tries to go inside the hall but the Raizada’s security rejected her plea of entering inside. She tries to butter them. She reads the guards name on the label pricked on the left side of his shirt.

“Pushpakji, look, it is very important for me to see him”
“Everyone says the same. This trick is very old lady” Pushpak replies.

Khushi grits her teeth.

“Pushpakji, there is a difference between others and me. And even if there are millions of people around him, he will always choose me out of all”

Pushpak flares his nose at her nonsense comment.

“Really. You don’t believe me? Fine, once he is out, you can ask him and see what he replies.” She folds her arms egoistically.

Pushpak and the other guards immediately become alert. They see their Boss coming out. One of the guard forces Khushi to stay away. She is almost pushed behind which rages her. She dusts her clothes and watches them angrily.

Arnav Singh Raizada walks past the long lobby of the Community hall. At the exit, he shakes hands with the royals of Rajgad, one of the famous fort in the neighboring town.

“I will think on your proposal Amar Singhji and will send you my response”

Amar Singh nods and completes the handshake.

“We will wait for your reply” Amar replies.
Arnav presses a thin smile on his lips and walks till their car. The guards open the car door for Amar Singh and his wife. They both get inside and the car leaves. Khushi is confused who this couple was and why were they here? Most importantly, what proposal was he talking about? Arnav Singh Raizada then sees her. He had seen her antics from the window of the Community hall. He had seen how desperate she was to get inside the hall and meet him. Somehow, that had accelerated his conversation with Amar Singh which winded up before the scheduled time.

“Leave her” he commands to his guards who were blocking her way towards him.

Khushi dusts the remaining of her clothes and looks at Pushpak.

“Dekha.. humne kahan tha naa..” she winks. ( See, I had told you)

Pushpak doesn’t pass any expression. He is as cold and stern as he was during the entire argument he had with her before. Arnav rolls his eyes at her statements and waits until she reaches him.

“What are you doing here?” he asks.
“Jahan aap.. wahan hum” (Wherever you go.. I have to come) she replies cheesily.

Arnav feels blood gushing in his body whenever she passes such crazy comments. She realizes how important every minute is, for her, when she is with him. So she decides to come to the point.

“I wanted to discuss the date details” she shies.
“Which date?” he roughly asks.
Khushi’s jaw drops. Her mouth forms a perfect ‘O’.
“You forgot? Impossible. Are you doing this purposely? You like teasing me don’t you? How can you forget I won your challenge and you agreed for coming out with me for a Date”

Arnav folds his arms. Yes, he remembers that very well. It’s just that he doesn’t want to show her that he thinks about it too.

“Oh, that”
“YES.. THAT” she stresses on both the words.

Arnav feels like laughing. This is one emotion which he never openly shares with anyone.

“Okay, what about the date then?”
Khushi hates how non-excited he pretends on this subject.
“I have decided the venue and the date and time”
“I am listening” he replies.

She smiles, suddenly feeling all shy again.

“Uh.. That Cliff” she points out the cliff at the far end of the town.

Arnav eyes in that direction and looks back at her.

“That is our venue. We will celebrate this date there” she pouts.
Arnav feels disoriented.
“CLIFF? Do you know that cliff has nothing except barren land” he says.
“I know. Lavanya told me that. But that’s the whole idea of this date. To make a barren land like that feel fertile, productive.”

Arnav raises his eyebrow because she was hinting something so not going to happen in that one single date she has planned with him. She gulps nervously and explains again.

“I mean, no one visits that cliff only because its barren. I think we should make it feel loved. Don’t you think?”
Arnav shrugs his shoulders.
“Whatever you decide. I will be there”
“No..” she stops him before he can leave.
“We will go together. Do you think I will travel alone there? No way”

He understands her point.

“Fine. When?” he asks.
“Tomorrow for Dinner. You can pick me by 07:00 from Kshyap’s house” she replies.

Arnav shakes his head. He then wears his sunglasses, melting all of her. He looks so damn hot in those glasses. She feels like an ice cube which is just placed on a gas stove.

“I don’t like people who don’t respect time. Be punctual. I will pick you at sharp 07:00” he commands.

She swallows hard. Does he even know how desperate she is for this date? Looks like she is going to get ready today only for tomorrow’s dinner. Once she nods, he heads back to his car. His guards follow him. Khushi feels her legs jelly. Holy Cow. Tomorrow is that day then. She jumps in air and giggles to herself.

“Okay Khushi, now prep time.” She says to herself.

She has to prepare so much, decide so much, including what dress to wear, the food arrangements and most importantly what all topics to talk with the Raizada God. She has a list of things to do with him. Will he allow her or is he going to show his usual tantrums?

888
“Khushi, what is all this mess?” Lavanya asks, seeing the bed full of clothes and matching accessories.

Khushi is standing before the mirror and checking herself. She is wearing each and every dress she has to see which one looks best for the Date tomorrow.

“La, please help me. I am going mad here”

Lavanya chuckles. She knows what is going on here. She comes inside and stands before Khushi.

“Seems like you are on a roll to impress the Raizada God”
“You think I can impress him?”

Lavanya is amused to hear it from Khushi. She is usually so full of confidence. What happened today?
“Yes, why are you sounding so disheartened?”

Khushi sighs feeling confused.

“La, he is just too much beyond my reach. He looks so dashing, ravishing, tough, fighter type and look at me” she pouts.

Lavanya knows what she means. She slowly pinches Khushi’s cheek and makes her stare in the mirror.

“You are no less bold, beautiful and smart. The confidence that you have, no other girl can ever think of showing, especially in the Raizada God’s matters. Trust me, you will be fine.”

Khushi feels motivated.

“But, let me warn you again Khushi. Don’t take any of this seriously. They are actually beyond our reach. They have a mission to fight for this place. And they will not let anyone come in between that” Lavanya adds.

Khushi feels disheartened again. Will she really take the Raizada God seriously? Whatever Lavanya is advising her, is not wrong. These Gods actually have a mission and vision in life. They are not normal men who will fall in love, marry and have kids.
888
It’s next day evening, Arnav Singh Raizada gets down the stairs. Akash and Nandakishore are playing Chess. They are at their peak moves when they see their elder brother.

“Bhai, want to play a round with us?” Akash asks.
“Not today Akash” he says in a hurry.
“Are you going out?” NK questions.
“Yes”

That catches the attention of both the brothers. They get up and come to him.

“Anywhere special Bhai?” Akash asks again scanning Arnav from top to bottom.

Arnav has never hidden anything from his brothers. He has shared every little bit with them. Also, the challenge that Khushi fulfilled by entering their house and proposing him for the date was also known to his brothers. So, he decides to share the latest update regarding the same.

“I am going for Dinner with Khushi”

Akash and NK’s jaws drops. Akash clears his throat and tries to dig a bit more.

“Bhai, anything serious going on?”
NK is still bewildered. He is unable to understand if this is good news to him or bad.
“You think I will take all this seriously Akash? She was behind me since long. I avoided her at every stage and hence threw that challenge of getting into this house and asking me for the same which she accidently happened to fulfil. I am only following my word that I gave her that night”

Akash nods in agreement though he still feels that his Bhai is losing the track.

“Okay Bhai, have a wonderful time”

Arnav smirks and without waiting any longer and face further questions from his brothers, he leaves the house, with his guards.
888
Khushi checks her watch for the infinite time. She is wearing a long black gown. She is already feeling on top of heaven tonight but she is equally anxious to know how the date goes.  Arnav Singh Raizada stops the jeep at the gates of Kshyap’s residence where Khushi is waiting for him. She is startled to see four guards along with him in the jeep. One of the them who is sitting at the front gets down and joins the other three behind, leaving that space for Khushi to sit.

She stares at Arnav Singh Raizada with an amused expression. He is the one driving the jeep.

“Do you need an invitation to get in?” he asks.

She sighs helplessly and gets inside the jeep. Arnav is careful in noticing her. He does not want to give her any such hints which she takes seriously. This feeling of going out on a date with a woman is new for him. He wonders if anyone from his ancestors ever tried it during their generations. Raizada men if have been known for their generosity, they are also known for their rough and tough nature. Arnav starts the jeep and drives towards the cliff, which is supposed to be their date venue tonight.

Khushi slowly leans towards him and whispers, ensuring the guards don’t listen to them.

“I wanted to take only YOU on a date, not your Guards. Why have you got them along?” she whispers/

Arnav gives her a cold stare and then continues driving.

“They go everywhere I go” he scoffs.
Khushi cocks her head back to the front. Suddenly she remembers more.
“But I have cooked only for 2. Not 6. What will the eat?” she complains.

What the hell? She cooked for him? That’s when his eyes fall on the small basket she is carrying with her on lap.

“They will eat after we are back” he answers.

Khushi feels pity for these guards but a smile suddenly pops up on her face.

“No problem. I have few fruits too. We can share it with them”

Arnav rolls his eyes. This woman is going to make him mad, for sure. He wonders how the next few hours with her are going to be?

_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 11

The journey to the Cliff ends in 30 minutes, thanks to the rough driving of Arnav Singh Raizada but not that she didn’t enjoy. He seems to be a professional driver, he knows exactly how to accelerate the vehicle even on such rocky surface. They are almost at the top of that small cliff now, and thankfully it has a huge plain surface spread out for few meters. Khushi is amused to find a woman, dressed in a rugged jeans and checkered shirt, with a gun in her pocket, earpiece which she is using to giving instructions to the other men on her earpiece, the moment they arrive.

Arnav observes the confusion on Khushi’s face and addresses her.

“They are guarding this place for us.”
“Why? Who will intrude us here?”

Arnav takes a step towards her, his eyes intensely looking in hers.

“This place is full of enemies and Raizada God’s don’t trust anyone. Not even their own Shadow”

She gulps nervously. The woman with the earpiece comes to them.
“Sir?” she utters.
Her mere gestures are enough for Arnav to nod at her and step back. The woman takes the basket away from Khushi and checks the contents.
“What the hell is she doing?” Khushi angrily asks.
“Normal security procedures Ma’am. Please cooperate”
Khushi’s jaw drops. This is too much. When the woman is done checking the basket she then starts checking Khushi for any electronic item or weapon. Khushi looks at Arnav Singh Raizada who is staring at her reluctance.

“You think I will get a weapon here to hurt you?” she asks him.
“I told you, this is how we are, we don’t break our rules for anyone.” He answers with a stiff smirk on his face.
Holy Lord. No wonder no one ever dated him before. All this is so intimidating. It feels like she is some prisoner.

Once the woman is done checking her, she leaves. Khushi neatens her gown and composes herself. Her mobile is taken by that woman.

“Your valuables are safe with her” he assures and leads her to the corner of the cliff. The guards keep securing the area.
“It is such a relief that at least they are not staring at us like we are aliens” Khushi exasperates.

Her leg hits a small rock which she misses to see and she is about to lose her balance and stumble, but Arnav saves her at the right time. She feels embarrassed but also blissful because that keeps his eyes glued to her face for many seconds. Her hand is clutching his shirt while his arm has slide around her waist in order to support her. He is the first one to come out of that stance and leave her. Khushi felt a current pass through her body which she misses after he leaves her.

“Can we sit somewhere?” she asks.
He realizes she has worn long heels which is not allowing her to walk casually. He leads her to a huge rock where they can sit for a while and she can put her feet at rest. She is glad that the guards are much away from them. But they are constantly looking at them whenever possible. She takes a sigh of relief. But there is a dull ache in her stomach which is only because it is just the two of them now. Once they get seated on the rock, she removes her shoes.

“So, this is your family business? Protecting the people of your town? Scaring innocent people like me?” she asks.

She wants to make him talk. His voice is something which can keep her awake for hours.
“Yes”
She frowns.
“So, you like controlling people then?”
“Is this some sort of interview?” he snaps. “Because I don’t like to be interviewed”
“Fine, but I like to share about myself. I am an open book you know. Even when I was in school, the whole class knew what I liked, where I stayed, who my best friend is, everything. I don’t understand how they got to know everything about me?” she speaks in confusion.

He smirks. That’s because of your talkative nature dammit, his rational mind screams on top of its voice.

“You have no control on your own tongue when you start talking to people” he replies.
Khushi giggles. That’s so true.
“I think that’s why I chose this profession. Media and communication” she proudly answers.
He stiffens and gets up.
“You are from the media?” he shouts.
She nods. He clenches his jaw.
“Why didn’t you tell me that before? Why are you here?” he screams doubting her intentions.

She jerks and attends his questions immediately.
“Why? Do you have a problem with the media people?” she asks.
Arnav fists his fingers.
“What’s your purpose Khushi?” he asks again.
Khushi stands on her bare feet and glances at him.
“I am on a vacation. I don’t have any hazardous purpose to be in your town, so relax”

He keeps looking at her in disbelief.
“What? You don’t trust me?” she asks again.
His brow furrows and he tries to leave but she blocks his way.
“You got to trust me”
“I just told you, we Raizada Gods don’t even trust our own shadows” his words touch her heart. What makes him say that? Is there a connected past?
Khushi becomes serious. Unknowingly, she places her palm over his heart. He is mystified by her act. He swallows hard.
“I don’t want to be your shadow, but your soul” she replies.
Temperature rises between them and the next instant he grabs her hair and pulls her closer.

“I don’t have a soul to offer you.” His reply confuses her. She feels the pain in her scalp as he has grabbed her hair. But she denies telling him that. Her tone gets lighter.
“As a matter of public record, everyone has a soul. You have it too Raizada God, I don’t know where you have locked it within you and why but you do have a soul.”

She winks at him and he is surprised that even after stating her some things very clearly, she is unwilling to leave him his way. She feels the pain intensifying and that makes her squirm. He leaves her hair, trying to compose his anger. She had tied a pony tail until now but his rough touch has messed it up. So, she sets her hair free, taking off the band. He is mesmerized. He inhales sharply, giving few minutes to admire the woman before him. She might sound and act foolish all the time, but she is not the same inside. She is sharp, she knows how to tackle situations her way, in fact she is so smart that she handled his anger too. What is she doing to him?

“Okay, time to eat” she says opening the basket. Arnav just watches her intently as she serves him.

She has cooked noodles?? He rolls his eyes at her when she hands him the plate.

“Noodles?”
“That’s all I could make in such a short time. But I have dessert too after this” she smiles.
Arnav stills doesn’t eat. She sighs in disappointment.
“Fine. I got it. You don’t trust anyone, right? You think this food is spiked or poisoned? Wait. I will taste it first then”

She is about to eat some of the noodles from his plate when he snatches the fork from her and eats it first. She is glad he didn’t show distrust at that point of time. The noodles are spicy and well cooked. He is not very fond of junk food but he eats it for her. She feels delighted. She starts eating from her plate. She eats like a kid, sipping the long noodles first, relishing its taste and then chewing them, blowing her cheeks. They eat quietly. His eyes burn into her at every bite of food she intakes.

He is a fast eater. He finishes first and she is still half done. She asks him a minute and stuffs the remaining noodles in her mouth.

“Careful” he screams when he finds her choking the food. She flushes bright pink. Did he just care for her? She finishes the rest of the noodles and opens the next box which has two brownie cake pieces in it. She picks one and tries to feed him. He stops her and takes the piece in his hand and eats it on his own. She frowns again but there is nothing she can do about it. This man is so full of himself and his set rules. It’s hard breaking inside him.

Once he finishes the cake, he finally gestures his guard to set the vehicle ready.

“We need to head back” he utters.

Her face drops. It’s not even an hour that they had come here and he is talking about leaving. She shrugs.
“Can’t we wait for some more time?” she pleads.
“No” he is very straight forward.
She presses her lips in disappointment. This felt more like a picnic than a date. That security checking screwed her ideas of even taking a selfie with him as her mobile phone is still with that woman wearing the earpiece. And now he is already hurrying to leave. He is scanning the area, as if checking if the car is ready or not. She quickly raises on her toes, to reach his height and kisses his rough cheek. He is stunned at the wetness created on his face by her act. Their eyes meet each other’s for few seconds and then she runs to the car, feeling totally shy of what she just did. She had no such plans to kiss him at the end. It was in the spur of the moment. Arnav touches his wet cheek, feeling all flustered. Strange alien emotions grip his state of mind.

He gets back to the car. She is sitting ahead, like before. He takes the wheel and drives off the cliff. She doesn’t make an effort to meet his eyes. Who knows how he will react? What if he scolds her? No way. She is so desperate to escape. When she gets down at the Kshyap’s residence, one of the guard hands her the mobile phone. That is when she gives Arnav Singh Raizada a glance. He is still very rude and pretending to be ignorant of her gaze. Why is he like this? She thought she could melt him a bit after today’s date but she failed. She sighs in disappointment and heads inside the house. He then turns to see her. He is equally disturbed as she leaves. But he does not want to give that woman any hopes of their togetherness. That cannot happen ever.
888
Lavanya comprehends what might have happened in the date, by seeing Khushi’s state. She hates to see her chirpy friend so silent. She had expected it to be somewhat the same. She knows the eldest Raizada God is the worst in emotions related to a woman. Nandakishore was still different. He at least showed the signs of wanting a relationship but Arnav Singh Raizada has blocked his heart with self-created rocks of rage and responsibilities. He will not let any woman break those rocks and enter his heart or head. He is very determined personality.

She is still obsessed with the pitiful state of her friend when her phone rings. Why is Nandakishore calling her at this hour of the night?

“What?” she snaps.
“You got any update from your friend? Like what happened at the date?” NK asks.

Lavanya is stunned that he is even interested in knowing it.

“Why don’t you ask your brother?”
“He will not utter a word about it. You are the only one I hope to get details from”
“Why? Why do you even need those details?”
“Will you ever do what I have told, without questioning back?” he scowls.

Lavanya gets irritated now.
“Don’t raise your voice at me. I am not your slave.” She retaliates.
Nandakishore holds his breath. Lavanya gets defensive very quickly. That has been her trait since the beginning.

“I believe your friend has created some impact on my brother, which is why it is necessary for me to know what happened there” he replies.
Now, hearing that, Lavanya’s interest in the subject deepens. She softens a bit and starts sharing.
“I don’t know what exactly happened but since the time Khushi has returned she is silent, all lost in her own thoughts. I will try to get details if possible, tomorrow.”
“Great. Keep me posted”
“Yes”

Both become quiet for few seconds.
“We will see each other tomorrow at the same old place, to discuss this.” His proposal to meet seems so attractive to her. Just like old times, she will meet him at the same place where they used to meet secretly before. But is this right?
“No. Meeting is not necessary. We can talk over the phone” she says with a heavy heart.
“La” he insists “Talking such matters on phone is not right. Even walls have ears. So please meet me tomorrow”

She fails to argue.

“Okay, sharp at 11:00”
“I will be there” he confirms and disconnects the call.
888
The next morning, Khushi feels a bit lighter than yesterday. She is back to her normal self and is behaving very ordinary. Lavanya uses this opportunity to understand from her what had happened during the date with Arnav Singh Raizada. She tells it all except the last part where she had kissed his cheek and ran away.

“What is his problem with the Media people? He sounded like he hates them”
“Few years ago, the media had tarnished the image of his family. It’s history now which he doesn’t want to remember.”

She thought so. He has a past connected which makes him like this. It is just not responsibilities of the people of this town, it is beyond that.

“So, what happened to their parents?” Khushi asks.
“Their father, Uday Singh Raizada died in a car crash while he was returning back, meeting his wife in Rajgad”
Khushi gets confused.
“Meeting his wife? His wife stayed in Rajgad? Not here, with him?”

Lavanya nods in denial.

“That’s one of the rule which have been the trademark of these Raizada’s. They don’t allow their wives to stay with them. Their wives are securely located outside this city, where no enemy or traitor can trace them. It’s for their own safety”

Khushi’s jaw drops. So, if by 0.0000000001% chance she gets married to Arnav Singh Raizada, she cannot stay with him under the same roof? Damn!
“That’s insane” she screams at Lavanya who nods in agreement.

This is one of the reason why she and Nandakishore Raizada broke up. No woman who loves a man so deeply, would like to stay away from him, and meet him just once a month or so that too for a day or two. It is not about loyalty. She trusts him completely but she is not so selfish to leave this town, her mother to suffer behind her. She has her father’s business to look after.

Khushi shakes Lavanya.

“Can’t they change this rule?” she hopefully asks Lavanya who sighs in disappointment.
“If they could, they would have done that long ago. These Raizada Gods are very stringent when it comes to following their self-made rules.”

Khushi cringes. Crap. She is displeased by all of this and needs a change of mood. Maybe a visit to temple can sort her temperament.


_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 12

Khushi is glad that Lavanya has left for some important work. This means she can alone go to the temple and quickly come back. She is not planning to visit the temple of this town. While driving to this town a week ago, she had seen a beautiful temple at the outskirts. She felt like visiting there. But she has no plans to carry Lavanya’s guards. They will not let her go alone anywhere and she hates so much of security. She feels caged already in this house, not that she dislikes the motherly warmth of Tulsi Aunty (Lavanya’s mother). Whatever!! She somehow manages to take the backside door and get out of the Kshyap’s residence. She waves for an Auto-rickshaw and gets inside, directing it to the temple at the outskirts.

It takes almost 45 minutes for Khushi to reach. She finds a lot of vehicles and additional security at the temple vicinity. Is any politician here for visit? Maybe. She pays off for the ride and passes through the hard security. Fortunately, she recognizes one of the guard there.

“Pushpakji?” she immediately calls.

Pushpak, one of the Raizada Guard turns around. He recognizes her too. Khushi hurries to him.
“Pushpakji, what are you doing here? Did you change your job? You work for the Raizada Gods, didn’t you? Then what are you doing here?” she asks.

Pushpak sighs in disbelief. He still doesn’t understand why this woman is always at places where the Raizada Gods are present, especially the elder Raizada.

“I have not changed my duty Madam. I am here with the Raizada Gods only.”

Khushi hiccups. He is here? No ways. What has destiny planned? Knowing or unknowingly, she is always getting close to him. Her cheeks flush but then the mere thought of the Raizada Gods ideals about keeping their wives away from them, flashes in her mind, getting bitterness in her heart. How she hates that rule and wishes to change it.

Pushpak is still gawking her as if trying to read her mind. She clears her throat and excuses from him. If he is here, she wants to see him. She has no plans to talk to him because she is still not got over the fact that the last time she was with him, on their so-called date, she had kissed him at the end. She doesn’t want those memories to turn rough if by any chance he wants to scold her for that.

She is still very far from the stairs of the temple when a White posh car parks at those stairs. Almost 5 guards secure the car and one of them opens the car door for the person to get down. Khushi stops to learn who is here to visit this temple that too in the presence of the Raizada Gods. A woman in a plain blue cotton saree slowly gets down. The guards bow their heads. The woman looks not more than 50 and she has a very pleasing and gentle personality. She looks disturbed and silent and may be even cold towards the surroundings, as if she has no idea why she is here and with whom?

Arnav Singh Raizada who was inside the temple with his other two brothers gets down the stairs and quickly rushes to this woman. The moment he reaches her, he bends down and takes her blessing. The woman is unaffected. She is as cold as ice. She is not even looking at Arnav Singh Raizada who has bent down to take her blessings. Why is that? It can’t be rudeness. She looks so innocent and lovable. Khushi keeps observing the whole scene. Akask SIngh Raizada and Nandakishore Singh Raizada reaches too and take her blessings. She behaves the same with them. She looks mentally sick. The three brothers then take her slowly to the stairs. Though she walks with them she treats them like total strangers.

Once they all are inside the temple, one of Raizada Gods servant, hands a Puja thali to this old woman. She circles it around the Devi Maiyaa idol. The guards start ringing the bells. All of this feels so holy, except the cold reactions of this old woman. Khushi keeps observing them. The Puja goes on for almost 20 minutes. Once it is over, Arnav Singh Raizada takes the Puja thali from that old woman and hands it back to the Priest. The three brothers then talk something to each other. Akash Singh Raizada nods at his elder brother’s commands and takes the old woman back down, back in the same car she had come from. He along with few other guards leave the temple area. Even Nandakishore Raizada leaves the area in the pretext of some work. And while this is happening, Arnav Singh Raizada keeps looking at that white car in which that old woman left, with so much hopes and feelings. Khushi feels touched by his look. This is so much opposite to what he keeps showing to everyone. It’s like she is seeing the most vulnerable side of his.

She had decided not to meet him here, but after witnessing his state of mind, she gives up that idea and walks to him, climbing the temple stairs. The moment she nears him, she realizes he has seen her and there is a shocking expression on his face. She smiles weakly.

“Don’t see me like you saw a ghost” she utters.

Arnav Singh Raizada is back in his tough mood.
“Are you following me? I find you everywhere I go”
Khushi chuckles.
“Didn’t I say, Jahan aap.. wahan hum?” (Didn’t I say, wherever you go.. I will be there?) she replies cheesily again.

Arnav Singh Raizada rolls his eyes. She is glad that he is out of that remorseful look.
“Who was that woman?” she questions.
“No one you should be concerned about” he angrily mutters.
Khushi feels a shiver by his raised voice.
“Why shouldn’t I be concerned? All of the Raizada Gods are present here, at this temple, with additional security, just to do a Puja with that woman. I am sure she has to be special. But if you don’t want to tell then”
“She is our mother” he interrupts her.

Khushi’s jaw drops. Mother? Mother of the Raizada Gods? Holy Lord. She didn’t know she was alive. But how come she didn’t see her that night when she had been to the Raizada Mansion? Oh wait. She must be staying in Rajgad, because of that shitty rule of Raizada Gods.

“Mother? But she .. she didn’t even recognize you all.” Khushi raises her concern.
Arnav swallows hard.
“Why are you here?” he asks roughly and scans around. “And why are you alone? Where is Kyshap’s guards?”

Oh my Raizada!! He is so concerned about my safety. Khushi though wants to enjoy his possessiveness right now she still cuts him off.
“I can take care of my own self. I don’t need guards to protect me”
Arnav grits his teeth and folds his arms. She continues blabbering.
“I don’t need guards to protect me because every time I am in danger, Gods come to protect me”

She hits the cord in the right place. She can see him swallowing again. But that is true. Whenever she is unsafe, he has always been there to save her.

“Don’t change the topic” he snaps.
“I am changing the topic or you are? I asked you about your mother’s cold behavior and instead of replying to that, you started worrying about my safety.”

Arnav clenches his jaw and the next instant, he pins her to the temple pillar behind. She feels intimidated. She can feel his breath fanning her cheeks, his face is that close to hers.
“Go back home before I cuff your wrists and drag you from here” he whispers in her ears.

Khushi feels scared at his warning.
“Why cuff my wrists? I will happily come with you wherever you wish to take me”
Arnav Singh Raizada feels totally disoriented now. What is this woman? She always keeps shoving off his angry words with her cheesy talks. Sometimes he feels like holding her jaw and kiss her right away to take out all this strange frustration she keeps getting inside him. But then he knows his limits. He has never done that to any woman and she is not an exceptional. He pulls back from her, and looks elsewhere, letting her breath freely. Khushi stands straight again. She knows he is not going to spill the beans about his mother so easily. That’s fine. But she will ask him what she knows through Lavanya.

“I know why she doesn’t stay with you three brothers” Khushi mutters.

That catches his attention back on her.
“Lavanya told me about this specific rule of the Raizada Gods. To keep their wives away. What I don’t understand is Why? I mean look at the brighter sides of having your wife besides you. She can be your better half and help you, guide you, cook for you, sleep next to you and ..” she pauses. Sleep next to you? How can she say that? She was changing the direction of this topic. She better takes a U turn now. “I mean, I want to know why they are kept away?” she raises her concern.

To feel Shocked is an understatement. Arnav Singh Raizada is bewildered seeing the thrill this woman has to know their family secrets.
“Why do you want to know why Raizada’s don’t keep their wives with them?” Arnav Singh Raizada asks. “Why do YOU care?” he adds.

Khushi gets in a fix. How can she tell him that she still feels she has 0.000000001 % chances of becoming his wife and hence she is strictly against the idea of staying away from him, in another city?

“For General knowledge. That’s all” she replies bluntly.
Arnav clenches his jaw.
“Raizada’s personal matters are not meant for public record. If you don’t have a reason to ask me this question, then better avoid it”

He tries to leave and she finally blurts out.

“What if I become your wife? Will you put me in another city?”

Arnav felt his body convulsing at her question. He stops and turns around to understand how could she even go so far in dreaming all this but he finds her hiding her face with her palms as if she has no guts to face him. Her cuteness washes off his anger in seconds. What is he supposed to do with this woman? She is so silly yet adorable that he hates shoving her off all the time like a fly on his face. She is much more than that. She is unique and fearless. She can raise her doubts to anyone, doesn’t matter what the outcome is.

Khushi slowly opens her eye, moving the palm away and she is doomed to see him leaving. He has already reached his Jeep and is getting inside. He is leaving unanswered? How can he do that? He stops once and turns to look at her. She is standing alone, pouting, hoping he returns back to her but it doesn’t happen. He just informs something to Pushpak and then gets in the Jeep and drives out of the temple vicinity.

Pushpak comes to Khushi.

“I am asked to drop you back home” he commands to her.

Khushi frowns. That’s all that Raizada God can do. Ensure she is safe, which he would do for almost any other girl because he genuinely cares for the safety of the people here. But isn’t she a bit more to him than that? Maybe Not. Maybe she is only overthinking.
888
Payal Sehgal is out with her Bhabhi Sandhya, Tushar’s wife, in the market. She was so bored in the house and fortunately when she got to know that Sandhya was going to the market for buying some stuff, she pleaded to her family, to allow her to join Sandhya. She was tired seeing the same four walls of her house. Though the Sehgal guards are following them everywhere they go, Payal feels relieved to breathe the fresh air. Sandhya’s family was coming for Dinner the next day which is why Sandhya had planned to buy some gifts for all of them. They were in the gift shop.

A Raizada God Spy was keeping an eye on these two women. He quickly dials Akash Singh Raizada.

“She is here” he says over the call.
“What? She is out?” Akash whispers. He is still in the car to drop his mother back to Rajgad.
“Yes, what should we do?” the spy asks.

Akash is all silent.

“Boss? What are your instructions for us?” the spy repeats.

Akash sighs in disappointment. He knows this is a golden opportunity that Payal Sehgal is out of her house.
“Don’t do anything yet. We will have to do this the next time she is out” Akash replies and disconnects the call. “Give me one more chance Payal Sehgal. Just come out again of that fortress, soon” he mutters to himself and then stares back at his mother who is sleeping during this journey.
888
Khushi does not share whatever happened at the temple, with Lavanya. She knows Lavanya will be pissed off if she gets to know that she had been there all alone. Even today, Khushi gathers her eloping skills and ends up looking for her Raizada God. She finds him at a field area. He has an axe in his hand and he is hitting the log of wood to cut it into pieces. His shirt is lying on top of his Jeep bonnet. He is only in his Khaaki pant and a White Sleeveless Vest. His Chiseled body is covered with sweat even in the cold early morning. He is so fair and flawless. She sticks her tongue out for ogling at this man so sharply. The best part of her meet with him today is that he is alone and not guarded by his guards like usual. She clears her throat to get his attention.

Arnav turns around and sighs in frustration. She immediately cuts him before he can shove her off.

“Before you ask me the same question, let me tell you my reply. Yes, I am stalking you” she smiles pleasingly but he doesn’t return the same. He never has.
“You are wasting your time on me” he replies and starts hitting the axe again on the wood.

Khushi frowns and comes ahead. She kneels before the log of wood which he is trying to break.

“You have a fine body Arnavji” she ogles at his broad and exposed muscles.

Arnav Singh Raizada is disoriented again. She called him ‘Arnavji”? Why so much extra respect all of a sudden? He hits the axe at the wrong place. Khushi chuckles seeing him miss the target.
“I have always dreamed of becoming fit. Can you train me or give me some tips?” she purposely starts a conversation, over a safe topic which will not let him run away from her.
Arnav stares at her intensely. She feels his gaze burning her entire body. This is such a powerful feeling.
“If you keep staring me like that, you will fall for me Arnavji” Khushi winks at him and he rolls his eyes away from her. It is difficult to tell if he is smirking with joy or anger.
“Stop all this melodrama Khushi and stop stalking me.” He tries to put some sense into her brain but she is unmoved.
“This is not a melodrama, I am a free citizen, I have all rights to be close to people whom I like.” She pauses because his eyes are softening now. She is lost in him. “I feel safe when you are around me Arnavji”

Arnav gulps hard. The grip on his axe tightens. What is happening to him? He is unable to take his gaze away from a woman. Khushi slowly closes the distance between them and her finger lingers over his cheek where she had kissed two days back. Arnav Singh Raizada stiffens at her touch. Khushi is impassive towards his reactions. She herself doesn’t understand where she got this confidence to touch him? Her finger lingers sexily over his cheek and then tries to evade the space around his lips when he drops the axe on the ground and uses his hand to hold her wrist, disapproving her from touching him further.
“What do you want?” his voice is low yet hoarse. Their eyes are sparking fire of passion towards each other.

She doesn’t choose to reply. She wants to hear him out.
“I gave you a date the other night, its over. I can’t give you anything more. Stop invading my space or else you are going to burn badly”

She smiles sheepishly.
“If the fire is so lustrous, I think I would like to burn” she answers. Arnav’s eyes automatically shift towards her lips which have parted a bit. It takes him a lot more strength than present to jolt from the idea of kissing her and he pushes her away, pointing a finger at her.

“Consider this as my final warning Khushi. I not willing for any of this.” He almost threatens her and leaves the spot. She should have felt bad but instead she is smiling like an idiot. She has felt it today in his eyes, he is attracted to her, just like she is towards him. Now it is going to be more fun.


_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 13

Akash Singh Raizada bites the apple staring intently at his elder brother Arnav Singh Raizada who is punching the bag with all his strength, sharpening his Boxing skills. Something seems preciously wrong with his elder brother and he has been noticing it from past 2 – 3 days, in fact, from the time he and that Khushi Gupta had been for a date. Nandakishore comes there and picks up another apple and takes a bite.

“What is wrong with him?” Nandakishore asks staring surprisingly at Arnav.
“I am trying to figure it out. Can it be the Amar Singh’s proposal?” Akash queries.
“No, it has to be something else”

Nandakishore very well knew why his elder brother was so restless these days. Khushi Gupta had got in his brother’s head and he didn’t expect that to happen. It is her thoughts and the feelings he has started getting for her that he wants to erase off from his heart and mind. That’s why he is punching the bag so badly.

Arnav tries to keep his focus sharp on the bag. But the flashes of his conversation with Khushi Gupta keeps flashing in his mind.

“Jahan aap.. wahan hum”
“What if I become your wife? Will you put me in another city?”
“If you keep staring me like that, you will fall for me Arnavji”
“If the fire is so lustrous, I think I would like to burn”

That woman had mixed in his blood like a sweet poison. The more she comes closer to him, the more she will burn. He cannot let that happen. He punches once again the bag and this time so hard that blood starts oozing out of his fists.

Both Akash and NK immediately rush inside. Akash holds the Punching bag and NK pulls away Arnav, from hitting the bag further.

“Bhai, enough” Akash screams.

Arnav shrugs NK’s arms from his shoulder.
“You are hurting yourself Bhai” NK adds.
Arnav looks at his bleeding fists and without uttering a word further, leaves the room. Akash and Nandakishore stare at him with dismay.

“It’s high time we talk to him and try to sort the problem.” NK suggests.
Akash nods in agreement.
“Do you think we should meet that girl first?” Akash asks.
NK becomes cautious now. Does Akash feel it too? That their brother is behaving all this because of Khushi Gupta?

“Girl? You mean Kshyap’s friend?” NK mutters.
“Yes, that same girl. I feel she is the one who is haunting his mind. I have heard a lot about her stalking skills these days. She is always there where Bhai is.” Akash replies.

Nandakishore takes a deep breath and shakes his head.

“Let’s meet her then.” NK suggests.
“Tomorrow” Akash confirms.
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Khushi is lying on the bed, holding a rose in her hand and plucking its petal one at a time.
“He loves me” she blushes.
She then plucks the next petal.
“He loves me not” she frowns.
She continues this until a last petal is left on the rose and her chanting suddenly stops. He doesn’t love me? No ways!!

She throws away the leftover of the rose aside and hides her face into the pillow. Lavanya has been noticing her from long. She finally decides to intervene her friend and try to analyze the situation and take control over it.

“Khushi, what is happening?” Lavanya asks getting inside the room.

Khushi raises her head from the pillow and sits on the bed.
“Nothing is happening La, that’s my problem”
Lavanya sits next to her.
“Are you really serious about the Raizada God?” Lavanya shoots the question.

Khushi nods her head immediately.
“Of course, you think I like wasting time otherwise?”
“Khushi hold on” Lavanya gets serious. “I have to warn you these men are dangerous”
“I am not a peace lover either. I can be dangerous too if time comes” Khushi replies and starts giggling showing her muscles to Lavanya. “See, I have started fitness exercise too” she giggles again.

Lavanya grabs her hand and makes Khushi listen to her.

“Get serious Khushi. There is no future with these guys. They might be termed as Gods but they are mortals after all, they have enemies who can rip them off any time. And they just won’t rip them but also their families, if they ever get married. Do you understand that? Are you even prepared for all of this?”

Khushi gets serious.

“If they come to rip him off, I will be the first time to come in between them and him” she replies.

Lavanya is horrified at her reply. She keeps staring at Khushi who continues to shock her by each word she utters hereon.
“Who doesn’t have enemies Lavanya? We all do. And he is fighting for the justice of his people. That’s the most sacred thing any human can do for another. I am proud of what he does and I want to support him with all my strength and love”

Lavanya gets stunned. Hearing Khushi today she remembers the time when she had the same thought for them, when she had planned to stand beside Nandakishore forever and fight with him for the justice of their people. But it is very easy to say this, to feel this, but equally difficult to follow it, especially when they have such weird conditions.

“Okay, even if for a second I agree with you, the Raizada Gods wont. Even if you get to marry Arnav Singh Raizada, he will never let you stay with him. I told you about their condition, didn’t I? You will be forced to stay away from him, hundreds of kilometers away and you will get to see him only once or twice a month. That’s the only time you can feel him all you want. Are you ready for that? Are you ready to see the person you love, your husband only for few hours in a month?” Lavanya snaps.

Khushi feels that disgust within her, over this condition. She sighs in disappointment and looks away from Lavanya.

“I will discuss it with him. I have already tried” Khushi confesses.

Lavanya’s jaw drops.  She discussed this with Arnav Singh Raizada? When? Khushi suddenly realizes that she just spilled the beans which she had saved from Lavanya only in the fear of being warned again.

“You met him again? When? Where?” Lavanya asks.
“Yesterday in temple and then.. today also at the farm.” Khushi blushes hard.

Lavanya sighs totally disappointed.

“I must admit, you are not going to stop all this, will you?”
Khushi nods a head.
“It’s not my fault, why is he so charming?” she replies.
Lavanya smiles at her cute replies and decides to take this matter to Nandakishore because Khushi seems to be serious interested in the eldest Raizada God. Something had to be done.
888
The next morning, Lavanya and her mother Tulsi are bewildered to find Akash Singh Raizada and Nandakishore Raizada at their door.

“You?” Lavanya pauses “I mean what are you both doing here?” she comes forward.

Akash scans the house. He has never been here. But Nandakishore has his eyes glued on to Lavanya who is looking extra elegant in khaki shorts and loose T shirt. It’s her home wear, he knows. He quickly gazes her from top to bottom. Lavanya returns his gaze with a sharp stare. He gets to the point.

“We have an issue to discuss” he replies.
“Then take it to the weekly gathering, why now? Why here?” she snaps back.

She is not used to see him coming to her house so openly. So, this is just her amusement and disappointment, both, speaking on her behalf.

“This is a personal matter, so we cannot take it up for the weekly gathering” Akash responds on NK’s behalf.
Lavanya swallows hard. PERSONAL matter? Did Akash Singh Raizada get to know about NK and her past affair?
“Can we sit?” Akash asks.
Tulsi immediately comes out with a tray of water.
“Please sit. Lavanya, stop questioning them. Let them relax”

Akash and NK take a seat on the couch. Tulsi sits before them and Lavanya chooses to stand next to her mother.

“Where is your friend?” NK asks.
“Why? Don’t get her involved in this. She is here only for a month.” Lavanya replies.
“We are not involving her. She is involving in our lives” Akash snaps.

Lavanya gets speechless. So, this is why they are here? To talk about Khushi’s growing attraction for their elder brother? She gives a cold stare to NK. At least he should have informed her before coming here.

Tulsi becomes serious.

“What has happened? What has Khushi done? She is a very sweet girl. Please don’t mind her antics, she is innocent to the culture of this place” Tulsi defends.
“Aunty, we are not here to punish her. In fact, we want to know what is actually happening between her and our elder brother? He seems to be very aloof these days. He doesn’t talk well. Since the time he and Khushi have been out together, he is unable to concentrate on anything else. We are worried for him, that’s all” Akash describes the problem.

Tulsi looks at Lavanya in confusion.
“So much happened and you didn’t tell me?” she asks her daughter.
“Maa, actually I didn’t want to get you involved. You know Khushi, she even hides from me all these things. I didn’t know she is so serious about it until last night”

“Last night? What do you mean?” NK asks.
Lavanya takes a deep breath.
“Last night she told me how serious she is about her and Arnav Singh Raizada. She wants to .. to marry him”

The Raizada Gods felt like someone just punched their faces. MARRIAGE? This girl is too fast!!

“WHAT?? And what about Bhai? Does he want the same?” NK asks.
“I don’t know. She didn’t tell me what she and him have talked about it” Lavanya replies.
“I don’t think Bhai has any such plans. Otherwise he wouldn’t have met Amar Singhji” Akash adds.

Everyone stares at Akash in astonishment.
“Amar Singhji? You mean the royal from Rajgad?” Tulsi questions.
“Yes. He has proposed bhai for marrying his elder daughter. I think Bhai might even say a Yes”

“What?” comes a huge shout from the stairs. Everyone turn to see there. Khushi Gupta is hurrying down and she is equally shocked to get this news of Amar Singh’s proposal for Arnav Singh Raizada. She reaches the group.

“He can’t do this with me.” Khushi yells, she is totally pissed off and looks at the two brothers. “Save him from getting married to a woman he is not attracted to.”
Akash and NK are too much bewildered to express anything at this moment. This woman in front of them is openly confessing that their brother is attracted to her. Lavanya feels the pain for her friend. She knows what it feels after getting shattered like this.

“Khushi, love is not really their thing. You really need to be sure if you want to chase that man” Lavanya speaks looking at NK as if taunting him too.
NK tries to defend.
“You stop scaring her, we are not that heartless as you think we are” NK scowls.
Tulsi Kshyap is too confused at this moment. She can feel some sparks between her daughter and Nandakishore Raizada but right now that’s not the matter of her concern.

Akash gets up from the couch and comes to Khushi.

“Bhai has made a decision of marrying Amar Singh’s daughter. He might even give his word to them in a day or two. And Raizada Gods words are non-changeable. We have a mission to accomplish. You are from a different town, with different ambitions. This is not your world. You might face a lot of difficulties to adjust with us. And first and foremost, Raizada Gods trust no one”
“Yea not even their own shadow. I know this. Your bhai has told that to me many times” Khushi interrupts.

Akash and NK glance at each other. Looks like the woman is still prepared to take the risk. Nandakishore comes forward.

“Bhai is not some candy that you just grab one for yourself. He is a suicide bomb.” NK tries to be straight forward. He does not want to give any hopes to this girl.
That raises Khushi’s temper.
“What kind of brothers are you? Instead of praising your brother, you are showing me his negative traits?”
“That’s because we don’t you to repent later. And there is no turning back once you accept to do this” Akash explains.

Khushi swallows and shakes her head.

“I know what I am getting into. If you all can’t support me, then so be it. I will manage on my own” she replies.
“How can we even be sure that you really like our Bhai and want to marry him? What is the guarantee that you are not some spy who wants to kill him or destroy our empire? We hardly know you” Akash opens up a valid point.
“How dare you think she can be a spy? She is my best friend. I guarantee her” Lavanya intervenes.
“And who will give your guarantee?” Akash questions back.
“I will” NK intrudes almost immediately.

Everyone gets amused by NK’s confidence over Lavanya. He and Lavanya both share a heated glance at each other. Khushi sighs in frustration.

“Stop it every one” she angrily mutters and turns to the Raizada brothers. “And if you both don’t trust my intentions towards him, there is no point in extending this topic. You go and support your brother. I will deal with my issues, myself. I don’t need any one”

After making her point, Khushi heads back to her room upstairs.
“Don’t hurting my friend? Now you may leave” Lavanya points at the door.
Akash and NK hurry out. They had thought of sorting the issue but looks like it has messed even more.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 14

“Where were you both?” Arnav Singh Raizada questions his brothers who have just returned back from Kshyaps residence.

Nandakishore quickly frames an answer.

“A drive. We had been for a drive” he lies. “You okay?” he asks Arnav in return.
“Why? What’s wrong with me?” anger still reflects in his expression and tone.
“No, I didn’t mean that. But you look quite tensed these days. Anything you want to share with us?”

No!! He cannot share anything with them. It would be like making a fool of himself. Their motive should not be disturbed by his silly attraction towards a crazy woman.

“There is nothing to share. I am going to Rajgad tomorrow, to accept Amar Singhji’s proposal” he declares.
Both Akash and Nandakishore are stunned.
“Bhai, so soon? Have you really thought about it?” Akash asks.
“What’s there to think about it Akash? This marriage is necessary. Besides his daughter can always stay close to him even after marriage. That is one of the main reason they want this marriage to happen” Arnav replies.
“And you? You want this marriage to happen too?” Nandakishore pokes.

Arnav pauses to give a cold glare to Nandakishore.

“Yes, I want the same. Now stop asking me such rubbish questions and get to work. Our gathering tomorrow should not be affected because of my absence. Akash will lead it. And what happened to the farm machineries vendor? Have you talked to them NK?”

Nandakishore nods. They both very well know he is purposely diverting that topic.

“Yes bhai. These people will see us today evening. I have made arrangements for their stay”

The Raizada Gods have some solid proposals of increasing the yields by using modern machineries, imported from Japan. Arnav Singh Raizada himself had enquired everything and showed interest in welcoming these vendors to India wherein they can give demonstration of these machines to their people and show them how the yields of their veggies will be more. Raizada Gods leave no stone unturned to manage the betterment and flourishment of their town people.

After getting the update from Nandakishore, Arnav makes his way to Rob, his head of security to discuss their guest’s security in the town. He very well knew their enemies will be jealous of this initiative and will try their best to stop it from happening.

Akash and Nandakishore look at each other with dismay.

“Did you feel it too? He doesn’t want to marry Amar Singh’s daughter. He is only doing this to keep himself away from any such thing which can distract him from our motives.” Nandakishore affirms.
Akash agrees to this.
“Yes, I don’t know what to say. We have been taught to be like that. To work independently, without any burden of a woman’s love. That’s what we should be doing. Bhai doesn’t want any attachment with the woman he marries because it will only mean he will be unable to keep her away from him”
“And keeping the woman away from us is the only way we can focus on the people’s betterment here” Nandakishore adds with remorse. He too had done the same thing. When he proposed Lavanya for staying away from him after marriage and that he will only see her once or twice a month, she had totally denied. She was not prepared for this condition, neither she wanted to leave her mother and her business here in this town and settle away. She was right in her place. Wish this sacrifice part was never a constraint in their lives.

Akash senses the coldness in Nandakishores gaze. He places an arm on Nandakishore’s shoulder.

“You stop thinking about all this. Let’s hope Bhai’s decision will be fruitful for all of us here.” Akash advises and leaves for his room.

Is that so easy? Will he let his brother face the same gloominess which he has been fighting with, after breakup with Lavanya? No, he will have to do something. He couldn’t try in his case but this issue is different. Khushi very well knows what she has to go through if she marries the Raizada God and she looks well prepared to accept all these conditions. And seeing his bhai’s state from past few days, he knows his Bhai wants the same. Then why not do something to get them together? This time he won’t let anyone else face the same fate which he and Lavanya did. He will help Khushi Gupta and he knows what he has to do.
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“Seriously NK? Are you sure about this?” Lavanya asks in fury. She is amazed that he didn’t show so much interest even to handle their relationship from breaking up and here he is totally willing to patch his brother and Khushi.

NK nods taking out his glares from eyes.

“I never say anything I am not sure about” he makes a statement again to which Lavanya rolls her eyes.
“Typical Raizada God!!” she murmurs.
“What?”
“Nothing. I got it. I too cannot see Khushi in pain. Let us help her.”

They both get inside Nandakishore’s jeep and head for Khushi who is sitting at the bank of a small pond, beside the farm, dropping pebbles in the pond, one by one, feeling totally lost. She hears Lavanya and NK’s voice but she doesn’t move from there. They both come and sit next to her.

“Why have you come here? To measure the depth of my pain?” she angrily mutters to Nandakishore.
“You cannot talk to us like that” he angrily replies.

Khushi gets up from her place in rage.

“This … this is the problem with you guys. I don’t understand why God gave you so much egos? This ego of being Raizada Gods have killed every little emotion, sentiment that you had in you”

Lavanya wants to make her quiet but she cannot hold her chuckle after Khushi’s outburst at Nandakishore who is speechless.

“Khushi hold on. Stop shouting at him. He is here to help you” Lavanya holds Khushi’s hand and makes her sit again.
Khushi frowns.
“I don’t need any help”

NK pulls his jacket, trying to come back to the present. He never had any woman shout on him. Lavanya’s case is different. He still has chance to think if he really wants to make Khushi as his Bhabhi because if that happens, there are lot many chances that he and Akash will be getting scolding from her every now and then.

“Khushi please listen to him at least” Lavanya insist.
Khushi finally shuts her mouth. Nandakishore takes this opportunity to reveal his ideas.

“Bhai is going to talk to Amar Singhji tomorrow and say Yes for the proposal. He is going to Rajgad tomorrow.”

Khushi’s jaw drops.
“I knew it. That man is pretending to be insensitive. He wants me, he is purposely escalating this decision so that he can shove me off. His ego is coming in between to choose me instead of that Royals”
“No Khushi, that’s not the case. None of us have ever given importance to marry a Royal instead of commoners. We can never distinguish based on this factor.”
“Then why is he doing this?” she asks.
“I think he likes you too but you are different. He is the eldest among all of us, he has more responsibilities. Marrying a woman who is ready to meet his shoulder and take few of his responsibilities, or even understanding his role towards this town is what he is looking for in the woman he marries. And I am sorry to say, but you are not that kind.”

Khushi frowns. Tears are going to burst out her eyes, anytime.

“You are simple and very childish. He wants a mature woman”
Khushi nods.
“I know, he thinks I am a clown, who will keep revolving around him to play pranks and disturb his daily routines. But that’s not true. I can be matured when time comes.”

Nandakishore smiles at her.

“Your willingness to compromise is why I am here.”
“So, what is the plan NK?” Lavanya asks.
Nandakishore exhales
“It’s complicated. Once bhai takes a decision, no one can change it, except ONE”

Khushi gets interested now
“Who is that?”
“Maa” Nandakishore replies.

Lavanya suddenly becomes numb as if she is recollecting that holy figure who had to bear so much at such a young age. But she does not utter a word now.
“Your mother?” Khushi intervenes. “But why will she agree to do this?”
“You will have to convince her somehow that you can keep Bhai happy, that you love Bhai truly.” NK suggests.

Khushi gets motivated. When you really have feelings for someone, you don’t have to pretend it. You don’t even need to convince others those feelings are real. They just get to know it by looking at you.

“NK, wait. You are talking about Khushi going to Rajgad?” Lavanya asks.
“Yes.”
“What? Are you mad? That house is a fortress. Even a maid has to go through so much of formalities there to enter and you think they will allow Khushi to go there and that too meet your mother and convince her? This is next to impossible”
“Not impossible when I am myself taking her there” NK replies.

That somehow soothes the fear in Lavanya and Khushi gets excited. It feels like her need to get married to the Raizada God is finally back on track.
“Really? You will take me there? When? Can we go there now?” Khushi asks
“Not now. We will go tomorrow morning. Before Bhai reaches Rajgad and gives his consent to Amar Singh for the marriage, he will go to Maa and take her blessings. Before that you should be able to convince Maa that you can be the only good bride for him. Understood?”

Seems like Nandakishore has devised a great plan. But will it work? What if his mother doesn’t get convinced?
888
The next day early morning, Nandakishore secretly takes Khushi with him to Rajgad. Lavanya joins them too. She is not going to leave her friend alone, at such critical time. Khushi is nervous. And besides, she has so many questions popping in her head.

“I had seen your mother the other day, in temple, while performing Puja with you three brothers”

Nandakishore nods weakly and continues driving. Lavanya is sitting next to him and Khushi at the backseat. They have purposely chosen an SUV and not his usual Jeep which is quite open and anyone can trace them heading to Rajgad.

“She seemed to be very cold” Khushi adds.
Nandakishore swallows hard.
“She cannot talk. She has lost her voice”

Khushi’s jaw drops. Lavanya does not react, she knows it already.
“That’s bad.. I mean, how did that happen? Did you guys consult any established Doctors? There are treatments out there which can help”
“We have tried everything. Nothing worked. We have left the hope of hearing her talk. And she is herself not making any attempt to speak” he explains.

Khushi shakes her head. This family had their share of bad memories already. Wish she could show them some good days. After a long drive of 90 minutes, the car enters the gates of the huge Palace of Rajgad where the mother of Raizada Gods resides. And this place is really a fortress. The guards at the gate stop the vehicle.

“Why are they stopping us? It is your house” Lavanya asks NK.
“But I am not alone. I have you two as visitors, and they are asked not to trust anyone except we three brothers”

Lavanya and Khushi look at each other and then back to the guards who open the door of the car.

“Ma’am can you both please step out?” the guards ask both of them.
They both look at NK who shakes his head.
“It’s a normal security procedure” he admits.

Khushi and Lavanya get down the car. Two female guards take them at the security booth for checking. The guards have no smile on their faces.

“Do you have any weapon Ma’am?” the female guard asks Khushi.
“No” she raises her arms allowing the guard to check her.

Once the guard is confirmed she is weaponless, she then asks her to get back to the car. Lavanya also comes out from the other booth. Both get in the car again. NK drives them inside.

“Is this additional security for your mother from your enemies?” Khushi asks.
“Yes. She needs to be protected”

Why? Only because she is their mother or is there any other secret to that? Well, all that she knows right now is that, she has to convince that same woman today so that she approves her for becoming the bride of the eldest Raizada God.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 15

Arnav with few of his men, head for Rajgad, with a heavy heart. Today he is going to accept the marriage proposal of Amar Singh’s daughter, Kanika. He has already done a background check on that woman. She is an artist and she has done her education in agriculture. She knows what best measures can be taken to grow the yields of crops. Plus, she is a fighter. She has skills of sword fighting and most importantly she is cunning enough to make her enemies fall weak. She has all the traits to become the wife of a Raizada God. But does she have that innocence which he has seen in his Clown? In Khushi Gupta?

Arnav shuts his eyes and recalls all the beautiful memories he has of that woman. How first time when he met her at the farm and had tied her to the car. He was mesmerized by her looks since then. She is funny, has a perfect comic timing. And that innocence comes with some responsibilities towards supporting the people she loves. She can go to any extent to help her friends, like she demonstrated by abducting Lakshman Sinha, to protect Payal Sehgal. She could have faced the worst, but she didn’t. She was prepared to go beyond her capabilities to protect her friend. What astonishes him the most is the fact that whenever she comes closer to him, his heart beats faster than usual. Is it some kind of signal?

The jeep shakes hitting to a boulder, getting Arnav Singh Raizada out of his stance. He checks his phone which is ringing. It’s call from Akash.

“Yes Akash. Has the gathering started?” he asks
“Bhai, not yet. We are waiting for NK. Do you know where he is? He is not answering my phone call” Akash answers.

Arnav becomes speculative of NK’s absence.

“Let me try calling him. I am sure he must be the vendors who are our guests today”
“No Bhai, these guests are with me here. Even then have not met NK yet”

Arnav gets serious.
“Okay, I will call you back. Send few of our men to trace him in the town, just for backup in case he is in some kind of trouble and do update me if you get to know anything”
“Yes Bhai”

Arnav hangs up and then dials NK’s number. It rings but NK is not answering. Why is that?

“Where are you NK?” Arnav mumbles to himself, trying to think all the possibilities.
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Nandakishore gets down from the Jeep with Lavanya and Khushi. Both the girls are beyond amazed seeing this place which is so full of life. There is a vast garden before the bungalow which has all types of fruits and flowers plants.

“This is Maa’s favorite pastime. Gardening. Bhai does it sometimes, when he is here”

Khushi smiles.
“At least he has some other skills than beating people”
Lavanya pinches her to shut her mouth. NK sees that too.
“No one is allowed to speak a word against the Raizada Gods. Not here especially. If you are caught speaking ill about us, you will be punished” he warns.

Khushi’s jaw drops.

“Really? This is insane. You guys make your own laws?”
“Yes” he confidently replies and leads them inside the house.

When they step in, all the maids and servants bow their heads down. Khushi feels respected but she doesn’t like this rule.

“Are they doing this only because they fear you guys?” she asks NK again.
He chuckles.
“No. They do this to show their respect. No one has forced them to bow their heads before us. We are their Kings not rulers”
Khushi shrugs. What is she supposed to decipher from all of this? If Raizada Gods are insane in creating some rules to govern this place, they also are sensitive enough not to hurt the emotions of their people.

A woman dressed in simple lehnga choli comes hurriedly to them and greets Nandakishore.

“Radha, where is Maa?” NK asks her.
“Mataji is in her room, worshipping” she informs.

NK heads with Lavanya and Khushi to his mother’s room.

“Maa is very much into rituals and traditions. You must be careful not to hurt her sentiments related to those” NK warns Khushi.
She nods. Now slowly she has started feeling restless. Will she be able to convince his mother or not?

Nandakishore opens the door of his mother’s room and there the woman is sitting on an arm chair, her eyes shut. Looks like she has just finished her prayers.

“Maa” he calls her. She opens her eyes and sees them. She has no feelings or expressions on her face seeing her son. She is as cold as ice. NK walks ahead and leans before her. He takes her blessings and kisses her feet. She places her palm on his head, but without being vocal on the blessing. Khushi recollects she has lost her voice.
“Maa, I have to introduce you to someone.”

He turns behind and points at Khushi.

“She is Khushi. She is here to meet you and find a solution to her problem” he says.
Khushi comes ahead. His mother stares at Khushi once from top to bottom. Khushi fiddles with her dupatta becoming restless. Usha Raizada, the mother of Raizada Gods keeps her gaze constant on Khushi. Nandakishore highlights this trait of his mother.

“Khushi, my mother is a face reader. She is very good at judging people.”

Now that scares Khushi more. She leans down before Usha Raizada’s feet and touches it. Usha stops her from doing so and raises Khushi’s chin to make her meet her eyes. Khushi looks in Usha’s eyes and this continues for few seconds. Usha leaves Khushi’s chin and then looks at NK.

“Maa, Khushi has to share something important to you” he utters and gets up, allowing Khushi to take a lead from here.

Usha looks at Khushi and tries to decrypt her expressions. Khushi clutches Usha’s hand in hers.

“I am in love with your elder son, Arnav Singh Raizada”

The first statement itself makes Usha shrug Khushi’s arm and lean back. Khushi understands that the woman is shocked.

“He loves me too, I have seen it in his eyes but he will never confess it to me. He is very ignorant to his own feelings. He is trying to mask it because he thinks I might not be worth him”

Usha looks elsewhere, anger slowly rising on her face.

“He is going to marry Amar Singh’s daughter only to prove that he does not care for those unknown feelings he has for me. Is this right?”

Usha swallows.
“NK said you are a good face reader. Can’t you read me and understand that I mean no harm to your son or your family? I just want to stay close to him, I want to support him in his duties towards his people. I might not be aware of the culture of this place but I am ready to learn. I can do anything to marry Arnav Singh Raizada and stay close to him. I can’t see him becoming someone else’s.”

Usha’s eyes narrow. She takes out a sword from the side of the arm chair and places it on Khushi’s neck. Lavanya gets alarmed and is about to rush to save her friend but NK stops her. He whispers to Lavanya.

“Don’t worry. Maa is testing her. She means no harm to Khushi”
Lavanya frowns at NK and hopes that this is true. If anyone harms Khushi she will burn this place.
Khushi’s eyes start tearing.

“Fine. If this is what you have to give me in return of asking your Son, then I am ready. Kill me before I do harm to myself, seeing your son with someone else”

Khushi shuts her eyes. Usha almost pierces the knife a bit on the side of her neck, a drop of blood oozes out of her skin but Khushi doesn’t react. She is still kneeling before the woman and has shut her eyes, waiting for death to take over. If this means an end to her life, it better be here, at this place so that when Arnav Singh Raizada sees her cold and lifeless body below his mother’s feet, he will realize that she really loved him and sacrificed her life.

The pain on her neck is getting worse as few drops of blood even stain her dupatta. Usha is stunned to see so much courage in this woman who has shamelessly come here to ask the hand of the eldest Raizada God. Slowly she eases the knife from Khushi’s neck and throws it away. Khushi opens her eyes which are full of tears. She is going to faint if some more blood sheds from her body. Usha smiles at her and kisses her forehead.

NK smiles hard. Even Lavanya is surprised with that gesture of Usha Raizada.

“Seems she has selected her bride for Bhai” NK whispers to La who is more than elated to hear that.
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Arnav Singh Raizada reaches Rajgad. He hurries to his mother’s room. Their guards here just told him that Nandakishore has come here with two women. Who are they? And why has NK got anyone here? What’s the purpose? He has no clue, so he is heading to see his mother to check if NK is with her. And after that he has to do the most difficult task of his life, agreeing to marry Amar Singh’s daughter.

Arnav pushes the door of his mother’s room and gets inside, only to be shocked witnessing the scene before him. His mother is sitting on the huge Arm chair and Khushi is kneeling before her. His mother gently raises her arm and places it on Khushi’s head. Khushi shuts her eyes being pleased of this entire situation. His mother then takes a red Veil, which her maid offers and puts it on Khushi’s head. Arnav Singh Raizada fists his fingers. He knows what this ritual means. His mother just selected Khushi Gupta as her daughter-in-law.

“Maa” he screams, trying to stop his mother from going beyond repair. Usha Raizada and all others get alert by his voice. Nandakishore stiffens. He has expected his brother to be here any moment but he cannot predict what his reactions to this whole situation be like. Lavanya swallows in nervousness whereas Khushi fears seeing the redness on Arnav’s face. He is mad like hell for witnessing this entire scene. Arnav Singh Raizada steps forward, throwing daggers on his brother NK. Now he knows why NK was missing from morning. He was here to help Khushi convince his mother. And Khushi? She really has guts to go this far.

Usha Raizada extends her arm as if gesturing Arnav to come to her. Arnav Singh Raizada kneels before his mother, just next to Khushi. He first gives a heated glance to Khushi who is watching him nervously and then he meets his mother’s eyes.

“Maa, aa paisa nahi kar sakti” ( Maa you cannot do this) he tries to negate this entire situation.

Usha slowly raises Arnav’s hand and places it on Khushi’s hand, pressing them together. It’s a sign that she wants him to tie a knot with her. Arnav clenches his jaw. He cannot say anything beyond this. It’s like his mother has given her statement which he or anyone else cannot defy any time. Khushi feels restless when Arnav Singh Raizada holds her hand tight. Their eyes lock with each other and she can read how mad he is for seeing her here.

Usha then leaves her hand from theirs and takes a small box of Sindoor from the plate which the maid was holding so far for her. She extends the box towards Arnav, stunning each and everyone present here. Does she mean she wants Arnav to apply Khushi sindoor right now? Arnav gulps hard. Even Khushi gets edgy to see so many things happening together. It is in such a hurry. She had not expected his mother to even make him marry her right now. Now that Arnav has no word to say further, hurting his mother’s emotions, he takes a pinch of Sindoor from the box which his mother has extended and applies the Sindoor on Khushi’s forehead, marking her as his wife, for this birth, the next and the next.

He looks down at her as Khushi shuts her eyes. There is so much going in her head and heart right now. She feels strange, scared and utterly defeated, though she has won the man of her choice. She knows that somewhere her attempts have unleashed the beast inside him and he is not going to let her slip away from his anger so easily. Everything happened so fast, one minute she was convincing his mother and the next instant Arnav fills the Sindoor on her head. She inhales deeply. NK is totally speechless and so is Lavanya to witness the almost marriage of the eldest Raizada God with Khushi Gupta. The mother really gave everyone a big shock today!!

Khushi opens her eyes and when she looks at Arnav, to measure his feelings, he turns away from her. Usha kisses her son’s forehead and then Khushi’s. There is a warmth in her gesture. Arnav gets up and so does Khushi. Both lean down to take her blessings. Arnav kisses his mother’s feet after taking her blessings. Khushi twins his actions. She kisses Usha’s feet too. Now that she is the bahu of this family, she will have to follow the same traditions which they do.

Arnav Singh Raizada looks at the maid and she immediately leave out to announce this news to everyone, that eldest Raizada God has almost married to the woman of his mother’s choice. Arnav then turns to Nandakishore.

“Call Akash here. The marriage rituals will happen here, in an hour” he commands.

Khushi’s jaw drops. He is marrying her ritually now? That sounds cool yet scary, especially because since the time his mother had given his hand in hers, he has been holding her tight since then and is not ready to leave it at all. Is this a good sign of a steamy night? Or a forecast of a stormy night?

_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 16

Arnav Singh Raizada is standing alone, at the terrace, looking subconsciously at the lawn before their Mansion in Rajgad, where the servants are enthusiastically arranging the porch where the wedding is going to take place. His wedding!! A storm has clouded in his mind which his yet to burst on the people responsible for it. His own brother ditched him today by showering selfless support to a woman whom he hardly knows. And Khushi, what should he say about her? He never thought she will reach to this level of urgency to get him hitched to her. He thought she is naïve in her actions but he was wrong. She is much more than he ever expected her to be. What does he know about her? her background? Her family? Nothing!!! And yet, she is his wife now. And all this happened in just fraction of seconds. He didn’t want to hurt his mother who seemed to have been convinced on whatever story Khushi framed to her. He fists his fingers as he recollects how he pressed the Sindoor on her forehead. Why is his heart unable to accept the fact that she is his wife now? Maybe because even though he has a soft corner for her, he knows she is not fit to be the wife of a Raizada Gods yet. There is so much that she has to learn first.

Nandakishore comes there and stands next to him. Since the time Arnav has come here, he has not even had a word with him. Nandakishore knows that his brother is upset on him.

“Bhai” NK tries to speak.
Arnav turns to meet his eyes. The mere gaze of Arnav is enough to tell NK how much mad his brother is right now.
“With whose permission did you get Khushi here?” Arnav scowls at him.
Nandakishore swallows nervously. Arnav’s gaze becomes more intense on his brother.
“Khushi ko Maa se milaane ki tumhaari himmat kaise hui NK?” (How dare you introduced Khushi to mother?)

Nandakishore understands the level of seriousness this matter has ended into. But even he didn’t think his mother would expedite the matter of marriage so quickly. He just wanted mother to meet Khushi and give her the approval for marrying bhai.

“Bhai I” NK tries to speak again but Arnav cuts him off.
“If you hadn’t been my brother, I would have punched your face” Arnav groans in anger and leaves the place.
Nandakishore kneels down on the floor. This has never happened. His brother has never talked to him in this fashion. Arnav Singh Raizada has always been protective and caring for his brothers and today that same man is hurt for being ditched by his own blood.
888
Khushi and Lavanya are in other room, getting Khushi dressed in the bridal attire for the wedding. They are still in Rajgad Mansion of the Raizada Gods.
“Lavanya, I .. I am tensed. All this is happening too soon” Khushi screams.
“It’s happened already Khushi. Look at you” Lavanya turns Khushi to make her see through the mirror. “You are a Raizada God’s wife now. This Sindoor proves it. Nothing can be altered beyond this”

Khushi touches the sindoor on her partition and she recollects how Arnav had applied it to her. He was so mad at her, he still is. She is sure about that. But if he is mad, why is he speeding up the marriage rituals?

“Will he hurt me for doing all of this? For meeting his mother without his approval?” Khushi breathes hard.
Lavanya cups her face.
“Raizada Gods can never physically hurt any women. I know that much. Now you stop being tensed and allow me to dress you. Come here”

Lavanya drags Khushi to the bed and starts making her wear the jewels. Khushi is lost in her own world. This is really happening?
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Arnav is wearing a Sherwani, all set to sit for the rituals, when his eyes darts at his mother, Usha, who is sitting on a chair, just little away from the Porch where the wedding is going to take place. There is a sense of satisfaction in her eyes. This is the first feeling he has seen in his mother’s eyes after years. Is this some kind of signal that whatever is happening is right for their family?

Akash comes forward. He has just arrived to Rajgad after getting this news from Nandakishore. Even he is mad at his younger brother, NK, for taking such a huge step against their elder bro.

“Bhai, the priest is waiting” Akash whispers.
Arnav drags his eyes away from his mother and heads for the Porch sternly. He sits down, starting the rituals as per the Priest’s guidance. In few minutes, Lavanya gets Khushi down. Khushi is very nervous yet she is constantly trying to gauge Arnav Singh Raizada’s reactions. But even though he knows she is making his way to the Porch, he doesn’t lift his eyes and see her, not even once. That scares her even more. She clutches the sides of her Lehnga and sits next to him, before the holy fire. The marriage is very private, amidst only few important people of Raizada’s who managed to reach Rajgad at such a short notice.

The priest starts chanting the Mantras. Heat emanates from every gesture that Arnav makes as per the Priest’s guidance. Khushi feels scared of the outcome, especially when she will be alone tonight with him. What will he do? Hope he doesn’t crush her in a juicer and gulp her down his throat. He is that mad.

‘Breathe Khushi.. Breathe..  You can handle him. Don’t let him control you..’ This is her only Mantra which she continuously chants in the back of her mind. When she can handle such critical situations, she can manage this one too.

“Please get up for the Pheras” the Priest requests them to get up for taking the 7 circles around the holy fire.
Arnav stands. Lavanya helps Khushi to get up, considering the Lehnga she is wearing is too heavy to be lifted alone. The moment she stands up, Arnav carries her in his arms. Khushi is shocked at his gesture. She wraps her arms around his neck. She hears the Priest explaining it to her.

“A Raizada God takes all the 7 Vows carrying his bride in arms” the Priest clarifies to her and others.

Khushi feels like hiding her face. What kind of tradition is this? It is getting awkward. And the most embarrassing thing is that, now, finally, Arnav has his eyes all on her.. Just her. The same man who had not even seen her once after applying the Sindoor on her forehead is gawking at her like an eagle on its prey. Ohhh Hell!! This is going to be a goosebumps ride hereon. She entwins her own fingers behind his neck for support as he starts walking around the holy fire, uttering the first vow of their marriage, as advised by the Priest.

“I will cherish you and provide welfare and happiness for you and our children” he mutters looking intensely in her eyes. She feels like she will faint any time. CHILDREN?? Is that even possible if he keeps giving her such raged looks? But as they say, the angriest man can be the most romantic one too. She will wait to see that side of his.

Arnav finishes the first circle and starts the second one.

“I promise to protect you by all means.”

Yes.. She knows he will protect her. That’s one trait she of his which has captivated her from their first meet.

“I will be utmost faithful towards this relationship. Every other woman who exists in my life will be secondary”

Khushi’s heart starts fluttering. These vows seem to be creating a deep impact inside her. But is it affecting him the same way or is he just uttering them for namesake? Arnav completes the third Phera and starts the fourth.

“Your happiness is my happiness, and your sorrow is my sorrow. I will trust you and honor you, and will strive to fulfill all your wishes”

Khushi’s smile is gone. TRUST?? She just broke his trust by coming here to meet his mother and forcing him into this marriage. Will he still trust her henceforth?

“I will accept death before you if it ever comes on our way”

Death? No.. This is supposed to be her line. She cannot even imagine him sacrificing his life for her.

“I will always be there by your side in every walks of life.”

This sounds little holy and docile. Khushi really appreciates that he has been dutifully taking all the vows, without even breaking their eye lock. Plus, the Lehnga weight is too much. He must be tired. Then comes the last Vow by him.

“Now that you are mine, you will adore, honor, respect and follow your husband for as long as we shall live”

Khushi’s eyes widens. What kind of vow is this? This feels more like a threatening than a promise. All the 6 vows were beautiful and meaningful, the 7th one seems complex and demanding to her.

The Priest and other guests starts showering the rose petals on them.

“You both are now pronounced Husband-Wife” the Priest exclaims. Arnav slowly puts Khushi down. Lavanya smiles at the joy of her friend and then her eyes meet NK’s who is admiring her too. She feels a fire burning inside her, as if she wants all of this too, but she knows it is next to impossible. She concentrates again on Khushi and claps at the newlywed couple with others.

Arnav’s mother slowly gets up from the chair as she sees them coming towards her for blessings. They both lean down, touch her feet. She blesses them. The marriage is finally complete. Arnav Singh Raizada removes the Veil from his shoulder that had been tied to Khushi’s Dupatta. Akash hurries to him. Arnav whispers something to Akash and then leaves the porch. Khushi is amused by his reactions. They just got married and he left? Without even speaking a word to her? Maybe he is too shocked of this sudden change in his life but so is she. If she can adjust with these changes, why can’t he?

“Bhabhi, Radha will take you to the Puja room where you will have to worship our family Goddess. It’s another tradition of our family” Akash utters.
Khushi weakly nods and leaves inside the house with Radha and Lavanya who is the only one from her side family today. Wish her parents were here to witness this day. They would have been happy.
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Almost 2 hours pass. Khushi and Arnav have not seen each other since the Pheras. Arnav is back. Akash is addressing Arnav how their people are utterly shocked at this sudden marriage of their Raizada God.

“They are anxiously waiting for you and Bhabhi to return Bhai” Akash comments.

Arnav gets serious. The news has spread so fast that even their enemies might have got to know about this marriage. He will have to ensure that they don’t create any trouble to his mother or Khushi here.
“Get the security tighten here for some days” Arnav orders.

Nandakishore becomes alert. He is the one who always looks after managing the security.

“Bhai, I will brief them before we start from here” NK replies.
Arnav angrily looks at Akash, and not NK. He doesn’t want to converse anything with your youngest brother who broke his trust today.

“Akash, he is not coming back home with us. He will stay here until my next orders” Arnav screams.

Nandakishore is shocked and so is Akash.

“Bhai, please. Don’t do this” NK requests. He knows that his brother is punishing him for supporting Khushi over him.

Arnav doesn’t utter a word, he doesn’t even look at NK who becomes quiet suddenly. Akash presses NK’s shoulder, gesturing him to calm down. It is better if he obeys the orders until things eases down.

“We both are leaving back tonight Akash. Get the cars and our guards ready” Arnav adds.

Akash looks puzzled at his Brother.

“Tonight Bhai?” he reconfirms.
“What’s wrong with tonight?” Arnav angrily snaps.
“Bhai, you just got married today. It’s your first night with Bhabhi”

Arnav Singh Raizada remembers that very well and he is yet faking desperation to get back to Shantivan. But not so easily. He is not going to leave unless he has a word with Khushi. It is necessary for him to show her what she has signed for herself.

“Do as I say Akash. We will be leaving in 2 hours.”

Arnav heads upstairs and Akash and NK stare at each other. Nandakishore is very dull to react. He can feel that his elder brother is not going to forgive him for this day. But everything happened so fast that even he didn’t realize. Akash pats his back.

“Don’t worry. I will talk to Bhai and try to get you back there. Until then you take care of Maa”
NK nods.
“Take Lavanya with you. Drop her to Ksyhyap’s residence please”
“I will” Akash replies with a weak smile.
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Khushi finishes the Puja of the Raizada’s family god idol and then she is taken again to Usha Raizada’s room. She is so exhausted by all these rituals. She didn’t even get time to check her mobile phone and inform anyone about this marriage yet. Except Lavanya, no one from her end knows this. Usha is sitting on the arm chair, quiet and lost in some thoughts, like usual. Radha, Usha’s personal maid is standing next to her with a huge plate covered with a red satin cloth over it. Khushi had no clue what is hidden in that plate. As she steps inside, Nandakishore also follows her. Usha gets up slowly from the arm chair and removes the satin cloth from the plate. It has a huge shinning sword. Khushi is scared and little nervous too seeing a weapon. She has no clue why Usha wants to show that sword to her?

Usha Raizada picks the sword and then gives it to Khushi. Nandakishore explains Khushi what is happening.

“Maa has gifted this Raizada Sword to you as the marriage present” NK says.

Khushi nervously takes the sword and bows her head as NK gestures her to do so. Usha places her palm on Khushi’s head and sits back on the arm chair. Khushi admires the sword though she is equally scared of it. Using weapons have never been her type, not even for self-defense.

“Bhabhi, this one belonged to Maa. She was a great fighter during her young days. Every Raizada Bahu has to know some basic sword fighting skills, like for self-defense.”
Khushi swallows hard.
“I have a lot to pick up then. Don’t know where to start” Khushi sighs in disappointment.
NK smiles and tries to brighten her mood.
“I will be here for some days. I will help you where to start with”
“You will be here? What do you mean?

NK’s face drops.
“Bhai and Akash are leaving for Lucknow tonight. In an hour.”
Khushi becomes numb.
“And what about me? Wont he take me?”
“Bhabhi, I told you. The Raizada Bahu’s don’t stay in Shantivan. They stay here. You will be here with Maa”

Khushi becomes emotional all of a sudden. Yes, she knows about this dumb rule but she didn’t realize it will be followed right from today. And it is supposed to be their first night after marriage. How can Arnav Singh Raizada leave her like that?

“Where is Arnav?” she angrily asks.
“In his room. I mean, in your room.”

Khushi raises her Lehnga a bit and runs outside. Usha and NK glance at each other. Usha knows this rule is never going to amend. For anyone.

Khushi pushes the door open of Arnav Singh Raizada’s room in this Mansion. It took her many minutes to trace his bedroom. It is decorated with flowers, including the bed. Arnav Singh Raizada is busy checking some documents, standing next to the closet. Khushi storms inside. He senses her presence and raises his head to see her. She is breathing hard. Probably she ran all the way to come here. He keeps the papers back in the closet and turns to her.

“Close that door behind you” he dangerously orders her, crossing his arms on chest. Khushi swallows hard. She has got her answer finally. This is not any steamy night.. but a stormy one, and it has just begun!!!

_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 17

“Close that door behind you” he dangerously orders her, crossing his arms on chest. Khushi swallows hard. She has got her answer finally. This is not any steamy night..but a stormy one, and it has just begun!!!

Khushi does as told. She closes the door and looks back at him. He strides to her in few steps. She can read his eyes, he is totally mad. She moves behind.
“I know… all this happened very fast but..” she stammers while explaining him but everything goes in vain as he pins her to the wall behind.
“I had asked you to stay clear of me, didn’t I?” his voice dangerously sickening, giving her goosebumps.

Khushi swallows hard and tries to meet his eyes. The closeness between them is not allowing her to even see him clearly.

“WHY?” he scowls, almost tearing her ear drums.
She gives him a quizzical look. WHY? He wants to know why she did this? Isn’t it obvious that she loves him and want to spend her rest of the life, with him?
“I always thought you are stupid, but this one step that you took today was very calculative. I don’t know how you managed to drag NK in helping you. My very own brother has gone against me for the first time in his life. You trapped my mother and got her convinced to make you my bride. Such a woman cannot be stupid.”

Khushi gasps. Where is this conversation leading to? Does he think she is trapping him? That she has her own motives to become Raizada God’s bride? She just gazes at him, unable to speak anything. Arnav Singh Raizada continues blaming her.

“What’s your purpose?” he angrily shouts.
Tears start to surface in her eyes. Arnav holds her neck but he doesn’t press his grip. He is just threatening her and she is beyond shocked to grasp his actions. Just few hours before he has taken those 7 vows of their marriage, to keep her safe, protected and loved. But his actions now are totally contradictory.
“Even if you don’t tell me the purpose of your existence in my life, I can still find it out in my ways. So just pray to God that you come clean in my eyes or else no one can save you from my wrath”

His voice is mixed with rage and panic. Rage because he is unable to comprehend their newly established relationship and panic because somewhere in the corner of his heart, he wants her to come clean and unharmed for his family and people. It’s a shock for Khushi that he even thinks there is a chance of her to harm his family. She knows the Raizada Gods trust no one, not even their shadow. But she never thought that he will think that she has motives to come in his life.

Arnav stops venting his anger on her. Probably her moist eyes are the reason behind this. He has never threatened any woman to this extent, forget catching hold of a woman’s neck like that. But Khushi crossed all the limits today and this is the only language he can speak with people who go against his wishes. He turns around to leave when she catches hold of him, placing her hand on his shoulder blade.

Arnav stops. His hands fists at his side.

“You can’t rant and leave without hearing my side” she demands.

Arnav shrugs her arm from his shoulder and walks out of the room. She calls his name and asks him to stop but he doesn’t. He gets down the stairs and she collapses on the floor. What just happened? She was here to reason him that she didn’t had marriage in her head when she came to see his mother. Just like every normal girl would dream off, she also had her own wishes for her wedding which didn’t go as planned. She was only supposed to convince his mother and was even ready to undergo any kind of tests to make him believe that she can adopt his lifestyle and is the right candidate for becoming his wife. The sudden act from his mother, of demanding Arnav to marry her, is a surprise to her just like it is to him. But instead of understanding her, he left by putting the entire blame of their marriage on her head. How can he do this?

Suddenly she remembers that he and Akash Singh Raizada are supposed to head back to Lucknow tonight. She has to stop him somehow and convey her part. She gets up from the floor and rushes down. She hears the sound of a car engine outside. She hurries out but by the time she reaches, the car is off the Mansion.

“Arnav” Khushi shouts, running a little, trying to stop the car but in vain. She extends her hand, to gesture the car to stop but it doesn’t work either. She stops, breathing hard. He is gone.. !! He left her here.. And he is gone back… How can he do this with her? Isn’t she his responsibility?? Is this why she married him? To stay away from him? No… She cannot stay here.. Not without him.. And especially not when he has misunderstood her.. She tries to run again, towards the gate but someone stops her by holding her arm.

“Leave me.. I need to go” she cries.

Nandakishore tries to calm her down. Even Lavanya comes running to them, seeing her friend in this state.
“Bhabhi.. he is gone.. And you cannot go with him. .Please understand” NK tries to explain.
Khushi nods in denial.
“He can’t leave me here. He thinks I trapped him. Did I, NK?”
Nandakishore and Lavanya look compassionately at her.
“Lets get you inside, Bhabhi. Please” he requests.
Khushi continues to struggle. NK looks at Lavanya and gestures her to help him. Lavanya nods and cups Khushi’s face.

“Khushi, he is not going to come back so soon. Neither he will take you along with him. You knew this already. Me, NK and Arnav Singh Raizada himself had warned you about this, didn’t we? Now please don’t hurt yourself. Let us get inside the house and talk about it. Come”

Khushi stiffens. Yes, everyone had explained her this rule of Raizada Gods about dropping their wives at this place and not taking them along in Shantivan. But she had a firm belief that she will be able to amend this rule. But it didn’t happen. How would she get time to do this, when Arnav didn’t even let her speak a word in her defense? She becomes stiff and cold suddenly. NK and Lavanya, both, take her back inside, in the same room which belonged to Arnav Singh Raizada. Lavanya makes her sit on the bed.

“Drink some water. Take this” Lavanya hands her a glass of water and makes Khushi sips some.

Nandakishore leaves the two women to talk to each other. He knows Lavanya will make Khushi understand somehow. After he leaves, Khushi remembers that Lavanya is still here, in Rajgad. She didn’t go back to Lucknow.
“Why are you here?” Khushi asks her.
Lavanya smiles at her.
“I am here for my friend. I know all of this is new for you. So, I will be here for few more days until you are comfortable in this family”

Khushi smiles sarcastically.

“Family? Is this even a family? My husband just left me to stay here away from him”
“Again!! Stop poking him for this fact. I know he didn’t do right but he had warned you of this. And what is wrong with you? I feel since the time you married him, you have already changed. You are stronger than this, Khushi. You have always fought for the right, in fact I havnt seen a brave woman like you who can risk her life for anything that she desires. Where is that woman now?”

Khushi looks down but Lavanya continues.

“Instead of becoming a cry baby, take the lead and handle this role with the same efficiency and will power, like you manage the rest of the situations.”
Khushi realizes the meaning in Lavanya’s words. She is right. She cannot lament over the fact that Arnav left her. So, what if he left her, she can go to him whenever she wants. No one can stop her. And she is not going to fight this alone. She will not let him forget the 7 vows of their marriage. She is Khushi Kumari Gupta and she knows how to fight against injustice.

“Thanks, Lavanya. I was really messed up, thank you for bringing me out of this” Khushi replies.
“Anytime baby, now you get some rest. I will find which room I can fit in here”
“I will ask NK to check a room for you” Khushi insists.
Lavanya stops her.
“Don’t bother. I can tell him too. You just rest now. You have gone through a lot already.”

Khushi puts a weak smile on her face and hugs Lavanya who leaves after few minutes. Khushi scans the room. Just few minutes ago, Arnav Singh Raizada was here and now she is alone going to spend the rest of her time here. She lies down on the bed and cuddles her knees, today’s incidents flashing continuously in the back of her mind.
888
Arnav Singh Raizada is sitting in the Car, looking out of the window. Everything seems to be changed now. He feels hollow suddenly. His brother Nandakishore whom he considered as his right arm ditched him. And Khushi, what can he incur about her? She shocked him beyond repair. He cannot even think that she can play such a nasty act. She tricked his mother and got her approval for marriage. Arnav Singh Raizada for the first time in life, feels defeated by his own family. He shuts his eyes and leans back. Akash, who is sitting next to him, places his arm on Arnav’s shoulder.

“Bhai, are you okay?” Akash asks.

Arnav shakes his head and tries to get a grip on the situation.

“I need details on Khushi Gupta. Where she was born, where did her family migrate, her professional life, her friends, colleagues, everything. I want to know all about her”
Akash gulps.
“Is this some kind of background check?” he asks.
Arnav looks angrily at Akash.
“Now you are going to question me?” Arnav shouts.

Akash looks down in guilt and quickly calls up his sources and gives the commands to do a background check of Khushi Gupta. They reach Shantivan in 2 hours. There are already few people of their town, waiting with garlands to greet them. Arnav gets down the car with Akash. The people wish Arnav for his marriage and starts offering him garlands. He feels a void in his chest when one of the woman asks him when they can see his bride. Akash reads the silence of his brother and responds on his behalf.

“Bhabhi will be here very soon to meet you all. Thank you for your blessings and wishes. Now please, it has been a very hectic day for all of us. We need some rest” Akash replies joining his palms.
The people start leaving the premises and Arnav heads inside the house. While he is climbing stairs, he gets the call from Amar Singh of Rajgad who had proposed his daughter’s hand for Arnav to marry. What is he supposed to answer him now? Arnav reluctantly picks the call.

“Yes Amar Singhji” he tries to keep a normal tone.
“Arnav Singh Raizada, what are we listening here? Is it true that you got married today?”

Arnav becomes speechless again. This news has spread like fire everywhere.

“Maa chose the bride for me Amar Singhji and you know her word is final for us.” Arnav responds.
“I understand but you should not have kept us on hopes. Anyways, wish you a happy married life. And we would definitely like to see the woman whom the Raizada Gods mother has chosen. We are sure she will be having all the skills of becoming your bride. We also want to see how she manages to run this huge empire with you.”

Every word which Amar Singh utters, pricks Arnav’s heart. He knows Khushi Gupta is totally unaware of all their customs, roles and duties towards their people. Will she ever be able to handle these responsibilities? He hangs up. By now he has reached his bedroom and he bangs his fist on the wall, almost hurting himself. He wants to escape from this situation. Somehow, he wishes to rewind these few hours of his life and change the circumstances which lead to this marriage. He sits on the edge of the bed, his head hidden in between his palms as he recalls the events of his wedding.. with Khushi Gupta..!!!
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When Khushi opens her eyes again, she recalls where she is. This house, this room and this entire place is new for her, including the people staying here. And the only person she knew and did all of this for, has left her alone. She jumps awake. In all this she has forgot to inform Daadi about her marriage. She cannot ignore this. After her parents death, Daadi is the only one who raised her and gave her all the comforts. What will she go through after knowing this truth? Will she accept this marriage or will she create another ruckus? Khushi bites her nail. Can she hide this matter for some more time from Daadi? Maybe after Arnav Singh Raizada accepts her wholeheartedly she can inform Daadi or else her Daadi will not let her stay here even for one day. This is so much mess!! She stops biting her nails and looks at her phone. Arnav’s anger might have cooled off in one night? Or not? She has to check. Though she loves him immensely, she is not going to forget how he insulted her last night. But she cannot give him a cold shoulder and expect him to come around. As they say, when a couple fights, one of the two should try to mend the relationship. Considering his anger and stubbornness, she cannot expect much from him. She gathers some courage to dial his number.

Arnav Singh Raizada is doing the weight lifting in the gym at Shantivan. He was unable to sleep last night. After two- three hours of unsound sleep, he woke up early and started his routine exercising. He puts the weight down and walks to the rack where his phone is being ringing. The caller name ‘Clown’ keeps flashing on the screen, increasing his rage. He disconnects the call and tries to get back but the phone rings again. He knows she is not going to stop until she talks to him. He disconnects the call again and switches off his cell phone.

Khushi’s jaw drops when she realizes he has switched off his phone. Such a huge insult? How can he do that? She is his wife now, can’t he show some curtesy?

After five minutes, Rob, their security head, knocks the gym door and comes in. He extends the cordless phone to Arnav.

“Sir, Ma’am is on the line” Rob informs.

Arnav clenches his jaw. He wishes to drop the cordless phone and break it into pieces but he knows it will simply grab attention of his people and they will start spying on his behavior and try to somehow link it with his sudden marriage. He takes the phone from Rob and asks him to leave.

Once Rob leaves, he puts the receiver on his ear. When she hears his breathes, she pauses for a heartbeat.

“Stop calling me, Khushi” he commands in a dangerous tone.
“Didn’t you take the responsibility of my well-being yesterday? If I don’t call you, then whom can I rely upon?” she tries to ease off his harsh intentions but Arnav is totally pissed off. He is not going to let her win him so easily.
“I don’t need a woman who has to rely on me all the time” he snaps.
Khushi gulps.
“I didn’t mean it that way. I can take care of myself. I don’t need others to look after me.” She strongly opposes.
“That still doesn’t fit you in the role where you currently are. You don’t fit in at all, Khushi Gupta. I don’t understand what Maa saw in you? Or maybe just like you tried to mislead me by your flirty talks, you played your cards on my mother as well and she got deceived”

Khushi gets raged.

“Enough!! Don’t you dare utter a word against my character. I didn’t mislead anyone. Only because you had to marry me, you don’t get these rights to prove me unworthy.”
“You ARE unworthy dammit” he roars getting up. “You were incapable to become my wife… to become a Raizada God’s wife. That’s why I never gave you any false hopes whenever you attempted to flirt with me. You are unqualified for this role Khushi and you always will be unfit for me, for my family and for my people.!! Nothing can change that fact.”

He disconnects the call without being remorseful even for a bit, that he actually broke her heart today in the effort to keep the honor of his family which he thinks has been affected only because of her..


_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 18

Khushi coldly looks at her mobile phone after Arnav disconnects the call. She never thought Arnav will talk to her in this tone. He thinks she has deceived him into this marriage? He feels she is unfit for him? How can he judge her without knowing her completely? Agreed that she hurried in proposing her feelings before his mother, but the marriage decision was not hers. It was his mother who wanted to implement it at the same time and Arnav was the one who fulfilled it because being a Raizada God he cannot deny his mother’s orders. So, why is he blaming her now? Arnav’s harsh words has left a bitter taste in her heart and it won’t go away so easily. Not until she proves to be worthy of him and he realizes that fact and even accepts it.

Her head spins thinking of the various responsibilities she will have to undertake and the efforts she will have to put to make that happen. There is a knock at the door. Usha Raizada’s personal maid, Radha, comes inside with a pile of heavy designer clothes.

“What is all this, Radha?” Khushi asks as she places the clothes on the bed.
“These are your clothes”
Khushi shakes her head in disapproval.
“No, they aren’t mine. I mean, I don’t wear such heavy dresses”
Radha bows her head and responds back.
“This is what you are supposed to wear being a Raizada God’s wife”

Khushi clenches her jaw. Really? Such heavy clothes? They will make her double-weighed.

“Who sent these for me?”
“Mataji” (Usha Raizada)
Khushi gets speechless. She cannot offend her mother-in-law. But that doesn’t mean she will willingly do everything which she doesn’t think is right. This is what Arnav had warned her against. She doesn’t belong here, but she has to prove him wrong. So, should she adopt the lifestyle here and prove him wrong?

“Today’s Maha Aarti will be done by you, this is also Mataji’s orders” Radha adds.
Maha Aarti? What is that now? Khushi simply nods her head. Radha heads back to the door.

“Radha, wait. Can you please send NK here?” Khushi requests.

Radha turns back.
“He is one of the Raizada God. We call him Nandakishore Raizada. Not by nickname” Radha’s voice is little raised. Khushi swallows hard. “You can meet him in his room or when he comes down for Maha Aarti” she further adds and leaves the room.

What the hell is this? Only because he is a Raizada God, he cannot be given orders by anyone? He won’t come to her to meet but she will have to go to him? Which era are they living in? Khushi sits on the bed staring at her new clothes. She feels like crying. She feels lonely amidst this family where she is trapped now. She wanted Arnav Singh Raizada, agreed. But he is not here to boost her confidence, or to make her understand how she has to behave. How will she deal with all of this alone?
888
Arnav heads to meet the Vendors of the farming machinery, who have come from abroad, whom Nandakishore was supposed to handle. Now that his brother is not here, he has taken up this responsibility. Akash joins him too. They meet the Vendors who first congrats him for the wedding. He takes the wishes feeling nothing but pain. The meeting goes on for almost half of the day and then the Raizada Gods retire back home.

“These machines are going to give us good yields Akash. We should not miss the opportunity” Arnav exclaims in their Vehicle back home.
“Yes, Bhai. I am working on getting them planted in the factory soon. We will need to train the farmers accordingly.”
“Do that on high priority” Arnav shrugs off the topic and then concentrates on their drive back home.

Another Jeep, crosses them and stops horizontally on the road ahead, blocking their way. Arnav applies the brakes and stops his car.

“Sehgals” Akash angrily yells and is removes the gun from his pocket but Arnav stops him.
“Wait Akash” Arnav mutters without breaking his gaze from Tushar Sehgal who gets down the Jeep and comes ahead.

“Raizada!!! I heard you got married!!” Tushar shouts.
Arnav gets down the car and stands before him, at a distance though.
“Where is your wife? Where have you hidden her? Don’t you think we deserve a chance to see our enemy’s wife?”

Arnav fists his fingers. Akash gets down too.

“Tushar!! Mind your tongue.” Akash screams.
“I will. Yeah!!” Tushar laughs along with his men in a mocking way.

Arnav takes steps towards Tushar. Akash is ready as a backup, just in case Tushar tries to hit his brother. Tushar stops laughing when Arnav reaches him.

“If you ever ask me about my wife, or even think of her, I will burn you alive, then and there” Arnav’s eyes blaze fire as he warns Tushar.

Tushar though gets extremely scared of this threatening, he fakes some courage.
“You think you will plan to burn me and I will do nothing Raizada?” he pauses and starts moving backwards to his car. “You cannot do anything to me. I have more power than you and the coming days will prove that”

Arnav’s mouth presses into a hard line. Tushar gets back in the jeep and leaves with his men. Akash walks to Arnav.
“As usual, he only has fake praises for himself” Akash mocks.
“But we have to be cautious. I don’t want him or his men to ever reach Rajgad. Ask our men to keep an eye on them”

Akash nods. He can see how even though Arnav Singh Raizada is unhappy about his marriage, he is still taking all his measures wisely to keep his newly wed wife safe and sound. They both get back in the car and drive home.

“What happened with the background check I asked you to do?” Arnav questions Akash.
“Bhai, it is going on. We still need some more time”
“How much more time, Akash?” Arnav snaps.
Akash bows his head.
“Sorry Bhai, I will ask the spy to escalate this process. The results will be on your desk before tomorrow morning”

Arnav doesn’t utter a word. He keeps driving. It is strange that Khushi didn’t call him up again. He was really very rude today morning but she has done such a grave mistake which he can never forgive easily.
888
Khushi comes down wearing one of the heavy Lehnga Choli which her Mother-in-law had sent through Radha. She is already uncomfortable. She has pinned the Veil over her shoulder. She comes down and stands at the recliner in the living room, where Usha Raizada is sitting. Usha watches her head to toe and she doesn’t give any warm smile. She turns to Radha and gestures her something. Radha immediately nods and comes to Khushi.

“You haven’t worn the attire properly. Come with me” Radha takes Khushi in the adjacent room.
“Really? I don’t think so. How else is a Lehnga choli supposed to wear?”

Radha unpins the Veil from her shoulder and then covers Khushi’s head.

“The Raizada Bahu has to cover her head all the times”
Khushi grits her teeth. This is going to be more uneasy for her to handle the veil now. Lavanya knocks and enters the room where Radha and Khushi are present. Khushi is delighted to see Lavanya.
“Oh Thank God you are here.” Khushi cries in joy.
Lavanya admires her friend in the attire and quickly rushes to her.
“Wow.. You look no less than a queen of this place”
“Really La? I mean, I loved the dress but it is so clumsy”

Lavanya eyes Khushi to keep quiet as Radha is hearing their conversation. Khushi sighs in disappointment. Lavanya comes for her help.

“Radha, I will help her drape the veil. You may go” Lavanya commands.
Radha gives a stern look to Lavanya.
“I am assigned to do this for her, I cannot leave the task undone”
Khushi interrupts.
“She is my friend Radha and I am comfortable around her. So please leave”

Radha cannot deny her orders, after all she is the wife of a Raizada God, that too the eldest one. Radha leaves and Khushi finally takes a sigh of relief.

“I feel like running away from here”
“I am sure you do. But where will you go? Lucknow? To your husband? He will drag you back here, besides you will have to bear his torturous words if you run away to him. What about that?”

Lavanya actually shows her the true picture which Khushi is scared to even imagine.

“Maybe you are right. I can’t go anywhere until I fix this.” Khushi laments.
“Or maybe you get fixed by these traditions here.” Lavanya teases.
Khushi pouts.
“Daadi will kill me if she gets to know all of this. You know she doesn’t believe in such orthodox and backward thinking mentality” Khushi replies.
“Oh Yes, I absolutely forgot about her. Did you tell your Daadi? Is she back from Kerala?”
“Not yet. She is still there and fortunately she is busy in her social work. I am hoping she doesn’t ask me to come back home until next month.”
“She doesn’t even know about your trip to Lucknow, does she?”

Khushi pouts. That’s true. She had not informed Daadi before coming to Lucknow to save Payal from marrying Lakshman Sinha. After her parents’ death, her Daadi had always kept her away from this place as she knew the danger that the people here keep facing each day. Khushi is scared what her reactions will be after she gets to know that her granddaughter even married someone who belongs to this place, in fact the one who protects this place and hence is the main target of all his enemies.

“It’s done” Lavanya exclaims, turning Khushi to look in the mirror. The veil is covering her head now.
“Wish Arnav Singh Raizada was here, he would have laid his heart at your feet” Lavanya tries to cheer her up.
Khushi pouts and suddenly recalls the harsh words which Arnav threw on her in the morning’s call. Wish he hadn’t said those and broke her heart mercilessly.

“Let’s go” Lavanya takes Khushi outside.
“What is this Maha Aarti Lavanya?”
“The Palace has a temple within its compound. They worship their Goddess there. You will have to perform the Puja being the new bride. It will be a long puja, almost an hour or more. Hope you don’t faint”

Khushi swallows hard. She will have to perform the Puja for an hour? Does she even have that much of stamina to stand for one long hour?

When Usha Raizada sees Khushi coming out of the room, properly dressed, especially the Veil which she is now covering her head with, she gets up from the Recliner. Khushi touches her mother-in-law’s feet and then gets up. Usha holds Khushi’s wrists and dips her palms in a dish containing Vermilion paste. Radha then shows Khushi the wall where she has to paste her palms and create a mark of a Raizada Bahu’s existence in the house. Khushi follows the ritual as said. Two maids quickly come and wipe her hands after she is done. She already feels like a queen when someone takes care of her every detail.

They all then head to the Temple.

“Where is Nandakishore?” Khushi murmurs to Lavanya.
“He is detailing the guards, just a security measure. Besides he is also upset that his brother is not talking to him. Did you talk to Arnav again?” Lavanya asks and Khushi’s heart sinks. She doesn’t want to let others know how he dishonored her.
“No… I didn’t.”
“That’s strange. But it is good that you don’t talk to him for a while. He needs time to accept you.”

Khushi face dulls. It is not time that can heal him, she will have to prove that she is worthy of him, she will have to learn all the skills which a Raizada Bahu should have. She will have to make him proud. But even after accomplishing all of this, she is not going to forgive him so easily. Enough of chasing him, she will make him run behind her now. The mere thought of Arnav Singh Raizada chasing her to get a glimpse of her gives her goosebumps and makes her happy. Can the days just fast forward now? She sighs wishing the unexpected and then climbs the stairs of the temple for finishing yet another ritual of a Raizada God’s wife.
888
The knife pierces through Khushi’s neck and she falls down on the floor, bleeding to death.

Arnav wakes up with a jolt, feeling totally disoriented. He scans the room. Khushi is not around. That means it was a dream… a terrible dream. He saw his enemies killing Khushi. He never usually believes in such bad dreams but since the time Tushar Sehgal has warned him, he feels like adding an extra layer of protection for his mother and wife.. Yes.. WIFE!! However hard he finds to accept this, the fact will still remain that she is now his wife and he is responsible for her. Since last morning, he has not talked to her, neither she called. It is necessary for him to know she is safe, just a precautionary measure. He picks his phone and dials her number.

Khushi comes out of the shower, the previous day had exhausted her and today is not going to be much different. Today it is her Mooh Dikhai. People close to the Raizada’s are going to visit Rajgad and see the new bride of the Raizada Gods. She has a lot to prepare already. She had just finished her shower and was dressing up when this phone call rings.

She is stunned to find the caller id. Arnav Singh Raizada is calling her, himself? Where did the Sun rise from today? She desperately wants to answer his call but she recollects how he has insulted her about being unworthy. She has to stay strong and fight against his illogical blames. She disconnects the call and drops the phone on bed.

Arnav clenches his jaw. Did she just ignore his call? He can see where this is coming from!! He has said enough to her yesterday and she is probably venting that anger out on him, in her own ways. Though he is not going to forgive her that easily, he also will not let her ignore him as if he is no one to her. He is the Raizada God and she has to attend to his demands, whenever and however he wishes for.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 19

Khushi stares at herself in the mirror. Is this really her? Khushi Gupta in such a heavy traditional attire? Can’t be!! What has she done to herself? Right from her childhood she has always given freedom to do what she likes. No one ever forced her for wearing anything she is not comfortable in. And here, after the wedding, she is doing everything against her like. It is not that all this is wrong. Such heavy attires, this way of living is just not what she had ever expected from life. But changes do take place as you lead your life and maybe she will one day like this change. But nothing is happening as per her wishes. She wanted Arnav Singh Raizada but even after getting married to him, he is not with her. At least before marriage, she was able to see him, admire him, but now she doesn’t see a chance of that. Doesn’t he miss her? Is he really going to visit her only once a month? And most importantly, is she going to tolerate his absence around her? She has no clue!!

The door knocks and she hears Radha calling her name. She opens the door and is delighted to see her mother-in-law Usha Raizada with Radha.

“Aunty?”
Radha immediately interrupts.
“She is Mataji.. Everyone here calls her by that name”

Khushi sighs.
“It is still a huge word for me. Can I call you Maa?” she asks in a measured tone, just to ensure she is not hurting the woman by making her own rules in their house.
Radha again intervenes.
“Only the Raizada Gods call her that”

Usha raises her arm gesturing Radha to stop speaking in between. Radha bows her head. Usha then smiles weakly at Khushi and touches her cheek nodding a yes. Khushi feels delighted.

“Thanks Maa” she carefully utters and is about to hug her but she stops. She doesn’t want to scare her mother-in-law. She can amend things here, but one at a time.
Usha Raizada gets inside the room with Khushi and makes her sit on the bed. Radha then hands Usha some authentic bangles. Usha pulls Khushi’s hand and starts making her wear them, one in each hand. Khushi realizes this must be one of their traditions.

“I know what this is. I have seen such things happening in a Bollywood movie. The mother-in-law gifting her daughter-in-law the auspicious bangles of their family” Khushi chirps like a kid.

Usha gives her a serious expression to which Khushi stops smiling.

“Sorry.. I .. I know this is one of your traditions and I am not defying it.” She looks at the shinning bangles in her hands. “I will adore this for my entire life Maa.”

Usha is elated but she doesn’t show it to Khushi. She gets up and leaves the room. Radha is still waiting here.

“It is time you come down. The guests have arrived for the Mooh Dikhai” Radha informs.

Khushi nods and then raises the Veil over her head to cover it. She has at least learnt this much now. Radha then follows her out.
888
Akash is in the fields with the Vendors of the new machines, sharing knowledge of how to use this machines for getting higher yields with the farmers. They seem to be in a listening mode and the session becomes interactive. Akash suddenly sees a Sehgal vehicle passing by the fields. He keeps staring at it and suddenly becomes silent when he realizes that the person sitting inside that jeep is none other than Payal Sehgal. So, she got yet other opportunity to come out of the house. He cannot lose this chance. He asks one of his men to continue the session and he himself gets into the jeep and follows Sehgal’s vehicle.

The Vehicle stops at some distance in a bazaar. Payal gets down from the vehicle with two of her guards and enters a stop. The guards secure the area, keeping a tight watch to ensure she is safe inside. Akash parks his jeep and enters that same shop from the backdoor. Fortunately, this shop belongs to one of his friend whom he has known from school. It is a sweet mart. Akash has been here many a times and hence he knows about the back door.

“I need 5Kgs of this Halwa” Payal points out to the store keeper.

Akash scans the area and ensures that no one sees them together. When the store keeper gets busy in packing the sweet, Akash comes to her and shows a picture of a man to her. She jerks and takes a step behind. She knows he is one of the Raizada God, their enemy. But why is he here?

“Don’t. don’t hurt me.. Just leave” she almost starts sweating in fear.

Akash sees how scared she is and stops.
“I am not here to hurt you. I just want to know some information”
“I don’t know anything.. Just go away” she snaps, but her voice reveals how scared she is.

She steps back further, hitting to the door. Before she can signal the guards, Akash pulls her by the shoulder and pins her to the wall behind, with his one hand shutting her mouth.

“I have been waiting for this day from long. Don’t fail it Payal Sehgal!!”

Tears pool in her eyes and soon they start rolling down her cheeks. Akash gulps for making a woman cry like that but he has no choice. Whatever information he wants only she can give him, no one else.

“You remember this face?” he once again forces her to see that photo. She gives it a quick glance and denies. He clenches his jaw.
“Don’t lie to me. I know you know him and are purposely hiding the truth”

Payal feels breathless considering Akash has still shut her mouth with his palm.
“ummmm mmmm.. mmmmhh” she tries to scream and he forces his palm more.
“Sshh!! Don’t make noise. I will let you speak, but if you play any kind of tricks with me, I will shut your mouth again until you agree to tell me the truth. Until you give me the details of this man”

Payal stops struggling and blinks twice as if accepting the deal. Akash slowly removes his palm from her mouth. She starts breathing normal and the next moment she cries for help, calling for her guards. Akash angrily looks at her. He had heard she is a silent and naïve woman, but that was wrong. She is very cunning. She pretended to listen to his orders so that she can then call her guards. He fists his fingers and punches to the wall, warning her.

“You didn’t do good Payal. I will find you again and that time no one can save you from me.. No one”

With that threatening, he hurries outside the store from the same backdoor. Payal sits down, getting terribly scared of this entire event. No wonder her brother and father keeps telling her it is not safe to roam around in the city. Their enemies can do anything, anywhere to hurt them.
888
Lavanya gets Khushi down, at the center of the living room. There are some 20 – 25 women who have come to meet the eldest Raizada bride. Khushi’s face is covered, hence no one can see her yet. Lavanya makes her sit on the couch, and other women surround her. Khushi feels thrilled and equally nervous that from today the whole community is going to know her and address her with the respect which a Raizada God’s wife should get. One woman is about to raise her veil and see Khushi’s face when an elderly woman stops her.

“Yashoda wait.!!” The elderly woman then turns to Usha Raizada. “Mataji, isn’t it the Raizada Tradition where the Veil in the Mooh Dikhai is first raised by the Raizada God?”

Khushi feels a lump in her stomach. These Raizada traditions are actually quite sexy, only If, her husband had that much consideration for her. She sighs and waits to know what these women decide. Suddenly the same woman who raised this question, happily adds on.

“Oh, there he is. The Raizada God is here. No wonder he didn’t forget the tradition”

Every other women bow their heads as Arnav Singh Raizada walks inside. Khushi feels excited. He is here? Is he really here? Can she see him? Actually yes, she can see his image from the translucent material of the veil. He is walking towards them. He came here? Is that only for tradition or did he miss her? She wishes the later thought to be true. Her subconscious mind snaps at her suddenly.

“Khushi wait.!! Control your anxiety.. He is the same man who blamed you for not being worthy of becoming his wife. You have to make him change his words, his thinking for you. Don’t be a fool at this stage or else he will always make you dance on his fingers. Get a grip”

Khushi gulps hard. It is true. There is a lot yet to change before she showers her attention on him again, like before. She presses her eyes to get that strength to control her urges of being normal to the Raizada God and then opens her eyes again. Fine!! Let the show begin.

Usha Raizada is still sitting on the Royal chair, staring at her son who comes and takes her blessings. She was not informed that he was going to pay a visit. But she is happy that he remembers this tradition, which she herself had forgot in all this. Arnav takes her blessings. Usha gestures him to perform the ritual, to draw open the cover from Khushi’s head and let the world see the new bride. Arnav gets perplexed. He was not here for this. He just wanted to get this in Khushi’s head that she cannot ignore him, at all. He reaches the couch and then leans down. He finds Khushi curling her toe fingers, as a reaction to his presence. An unknown smirk lights on his face. Even after all this mess, he likes the affect that he creates in her. He holds the Veil and raises it from her face. Khushi keeps her eyes low, promising herself not to meet his eyes or give him any attention so easily. Arnav is mesmerized. The other women start praising Khushi immediately. Arnav stares at her intently, waiting for her to meet his eyes. But she restricts herself in all ways. She shows no usual signs of being totally in love with him. It pricks him straight in his heart but he keeps his ego to himself and raises up.

“Let the ceremony continue, I will be upstairs” he says looking at his mother who nods in agreement.
Khushi gulps hard. It is good that he is not going to be around until the guests are here or else she would find it hard to keep her resolve. As soon as he leaves, every woman comes to her, one by one and gifts her. Khushi collects these gifts on her lap. A very elderly woman kisses her forehead.

“May the kingdom of Raizada Gods shine brighter by their wisdom and courage. I have seen two generations of this family and with your incoming, I am very eager to see the third one.”

Her blessings tickles Khushi’s inside. She smiles weakly. The next generation of Raizada Gods is possible only when Arnav takes things seriously between them. Huh!! She sighs and the functions continues.
888
As Arnav walks towards the room, Nandakishore meets him at the lobby and smiles.

“Bhai” he softly murmurs.
Arnav though has seen him, he doesn’t stop by. He keeps walking. Nandakishore follows him.

“Bhai please. Talk to me.”
Arnav keeps walking ahead.
“Bhai.. You can punish me in any ways but please talk to me. Tell me what you want me to do. I will do anything you ask, but please don’t stop talking to me. This has never happened before Bhai. You have always ignored our mistakes. Please consider this as the last one Bhai” NK pleads.

Arnav finally stops. Nandakishore comes and stands before him.

“So, you realize that whatever support you showed to that woman, was a Sin?” Arnav asks.
Nandakishore is stunned. He bows his head.
“Sorry Bhai, but I still can’t call it a Sin. Khushi Bhabhi loves you”
“BUT I DON’T” he yells in anger.
Nandakishore almost jerks back. He knows his brother will never accept the liking that he has for Khushi.
“I am doing no injustice by keeping you here, away from me. You know our rules Nandakishore. Until the culprit realizes his mistakes and most importantly accepts his mistakes, we don’t forgive them. The same applies to you. Until you grasp the fact that whatever you did was a SIN, I will not forgive you.”

Nandakishore feels terribly hurt but he keeps bowing his head down as Arnav heads back to his room. How can he call this marriage a Sin? Their Maa accepted the bride and she initiated the marriage so hurriedly. Then why is only he blamed for everything?
888
The Mooh dikhai ritual finishes and the guests begins to leave. Khushi gets up. She feels the marks of the heavy lehnga on her waist. It was almost half her weight, considering the diamonds studded in the border of the Lehnga. She has to do something quick about the attire rule here. But even before that she has to face the man who considers her not worthy for him.. her husband.. !!

“Khushi. You better change. Look at this marks on your waist. They might be hurting, aren’t they?” Lavanya asks.
Khushi nods.
“She has to be used to such clothing now. Every little occasion that happens in this family, she will have to wear such heavy outfits only. And she is a Raizada God’s wife. Such bruises cannot stop her from following the rules of this house” Radha replies.

Khushi sighs but she knows that she can change these rules very soon.

“Where is Arnav?” she asks Lavanya.
Radha again interrupts.
“You cannot call him by his name. At least not when others are around. He is the eldest Raizada God”
Khushi clenches her jaw.
“So what should I call him? Swami? Pati dev?” she snaps.

Lavanya feels like laughing but she holds her laugh. Radha meets Khushi’s eyes.
“Forgive me bahu Sa, but you need to adopt the lifestyle and the culture of this place. And the early you understand this fact, the better it will be for everyone”

Radha leaves after delivering this heavy dialogue and Khushi gazes at Lavanya..

“She behaves like my mother-in-law. Who is she to tell me all of this?”
Lavanya clutches her shoulders.
“She is a very old maid of this house but she speaks only what is been followed here from ages. She is like your mother-in-law’s voice. Understood?”
“I wish Maa gets her voice back. I am ready to hear all this from her, but not from anyone else”
Lavanya shakes her head.
“You can burn life into anyone Khushi. I am sure you will find a way for every illogical thing happening in this house”

Her motivation boosts Khushi’s spirits.
“I don’t know La. I hope to do so. Well, now let me go and teach some manners to my husband.” She winks.
Lavanya is not surprised to hear that.
“Well, technically, this is going to be your first night with him. I heard from Nandakishore, Arnav is staying here tonight, which means you guys are going to be together. Radha and the other maids are already preparing your room”
“What preparations?” Khushi asks being amused.
Lavanya blushes.
“Stop acting Khushi. Though this night cannot be that fruitful considering Arnav is still angry on you, yet you cannot deny it is your Suhaagraat. So all the best”

Lavanya hugs her and Khushi feels tickles and goosebumps in her body.. She swallows hard and with a determined look she hurries back to the room.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 20

Khushi clicks the door open and her jaw drops. The room is totally decorated with flowers, especially the bed where strings of roses and white flowers are hanging from the top. She swallows hard. Radha is still instructing the other maids to light the scented candles and arrange them on the side tables. Khushi is driven into some other world when she sees Arnav Singh Raizada coming in from the balcony. He seems to be very relaxed as if the preparations going on here doesn’t matter to him. That’s true!! Why will it matter to him when he doesn’t even take her worthy to be his wife? She steps inside.

“Radha, this is enough!! You all may leave” she commands.

Arnav looks at her with complete bewilderment, she seems to have nailed her commanding tone just in one day. Radha gestures the maids to stop decorating further and leads them out. Khushi locks the door after they leave and carefully avoids any glance towards Arnav’s direction. She is on her mission to ignore him. Though it infuriates him to digest her ignorance, he is spell bound to see her beauty tonight. She is still wearing the Veil over her head, though it doesn’t cover her face anymore. Every time she moves, her bangles tinkle creating enough unknown, unfelt sensations in his body. What is this feeling? An attraction towards this woman or beyond that?

Khushi keeps checking her call logs to see if she missed any important calls. Suddenly she feels all warm and cozy and by the time she looks in the mirror to understand why, Arnav picks her in arms. She is shocked beyond repair. Her hands automatically encircle his neck and they stare at each other for many seconds. He takes her to the bed and gently puts her on the mattress. What is he doing? Is he even in his senses? He hovers over her, his fingers unknowingly brush on her waist making those bruises there hurt her again.

“Aahh” she hisses softly.

Arnav instantly looks at her waist and gulps hard seeing the bruises. He knows what might have pricked her. Khushi pushes him away and gets down the bed.
“What is all this? Don’t tell me you Raizada Gods have a tradition of consummating marriage on their first night” she scolds.
Arnav smirks. Even if this had been their tradition, would he fulfil it? He gets serious again and coming to the real point.
“You were ignoring me”
“Yes, I was and I will do that forever” she angrily replies.
He pulls her by her waist.
“Lower your tone Khushi” he snaps, making her speechless. “No one ignores the Raizada Gods”

She breathes his musky aftershave. He has left a slight stubble on his face, which makes him look more handsome and breathtakingly hot. Desire pools in her stomach, as she realizes how close they are. Wish she could raise her hand and palm his cheeks. But she won’t. She cannot forget the Mantra which has been ringing in her ears since their last phone conversation. She uses all her strength and pushes him away. He gazes at her with horror. She seems to be acting all fiery.

“Stop giving me orders, I am not your slave. I am your wife..” she pauses and smiles sarcastically. “Your unworthy wife” she adds and walks to the closet.

Arnav continues his gaze at her. So, this is why she is so mad at him. Because he called her unworthy!!

“So that’s your point, you are angry because I called you unworthy?” he watches her with wide eyes.
“Being angry doesn’t even count” she turns to him. “You put all the blame of this marriage on me and left. Let me recall, I was here only to convince your mother so that she understands what I felt for you. It was SHE who proposed the sudden marriage and it was YOU who didn’t oppose her. Do you even realize how harshly you fought with me?”

Arnav is not used to seeing her this mad. He understands that he has not been perfectly correct with her in his behavior but he had his reasons. She just changed his life drastically and he cannot even do anything about it.

“Khushi” he mutters.
“Don’t…!! I don’t want to listen your justification”
“I wasn’t justifying” he growls.
“Great. Then let’s resign this conversation. You are free to go back to Lucknow or sleep wherever you wish to in this house.”

She grabs her night Salwar which Lavanya managed to buy for her today and leaves for the bathroom to change.

Arnav runs his hand through his hair. What was this? Their first fight after marriage? Or maybe the second one and the way she was behaving, seems like there are many more to come.
Khushi comes out in few minutes and finds him dusting the rose petals off the bed. She gulps at that sight. A night like this has been every girl’s dream but in her case this dream has shattered the same day he called her unworthy. Yes, she does not know their family customs and practices, neither she has any skills of fighting or any kind of art which can benefit the people who has immense trust on him and this family. But that still does not justify his rude words. He put the entire blame on her for this marriage and left her to tackle things alone here.

She wipes her face with the towel and sets it aside on the table. Arnav watches it and picks the wet towel from there and places it back in the bathroom. Khushi scoffs. Mannerisms!! He can show all types of those except respecting his wife and being sober to her.

She holds a pillow from the bed and keeps it on the recliner. Before he could ask her to put it back on bed, she lies down on the recliner and closes her eyes. Arnav grits his teeth.

“You can’t sleep there” he almost threatens her by his sharp voice. She opens her eyes.
“Why? Is this another Raizada Gods rule? To sleep together when his highness comes to see his wife once a month?”

His mouth presses into a hard line as he comes to her and extends his arm for her to hold.

“Yes, that’s the rule. Now get back to bed” he orders.
Khushi sighs and gets down from the recliner, but without his support. He fists his fingers noticing the audacity of this woman. Khushi is about to take the right side of the bed but he intervenes again.

“That’s my side” he shouts.
She throws the pillow on the left side and lies down muttering something. She disapproves all of these rules. How she wishes to change each one of them. Arnav is about to turn the lights off when his phone buzzes. It is Akash. He heads to the balcony to speak.
“Bolo Akash”
“Bhai, I have got the details about Khushi Gupta.. I mean Bhabhi”
Arnav gives a quick glance to Khushi who is sleeping cozily on the bed, her eyes shut.
“Anything suspicious?” Arnav asks.
“Nothing I could trace. Her parents died young and she is raised by her grandmother in a very free environment”

Arnav doesn’t break his gaze from Khushi’s face. She lost her parents at a very young age? It must have been very hard for her.

“Her grandmother is a social worker and she is right now in Kerala. Seems like she has no clue yet of her granddaughter’s marriage.”
“What about Khushi’s work life?”
“She is into media and communications. She is not the front face though. She does the back-office work. But she has taken a break before coming to Lucknow and it is soon going to end. She will have to resume back by next week”

Arnav shakes his head in disappointment. Though he very much appreciates her profession, he cannot let her go back and work there.

“That is not going to happen Akash. Get her resignation prepared, send it to me here. I will get her signatures and send it to Mumbai”

Akash is not very sure if Khushi will agree to that but he doesn’t argue.
“Yes Bhai” Akash pauses.
“What about relationships? Did she ever have a serious relationship with anyone there?”
Akash gulps.
“Sorry Bhai, but if she had any relationships there, why would she marry you?” Akash questions.
Arnav scowls turning to the garden.
“What is wrong with you Akash? Or have you lost your mind just like Nandakishore? We Raizada Gods don’t trust on anyone. What if this marriage is a trap? What if she has joined hands with any of our enemies? I cannot let a woman ruin our people’s lives by trapping us. For me, our people and their wellbeing are more important”

Akash gets his point.

“No relationships bhai. She has few friends and colleagues with whom she has a very good rapport but none of them are related to our place.”
Arnav takes a deep sigh. He appreciates that this woman has come out clean in his background check.

“Anything else you want to know Bhai?”
“Nothing as of now. You get some sleep.”
“Yes Bhai”

Arnav hangs up and turns around, only to find Khushi folding her arms and staring with frustration. Did she hear everything, it seems so.

“Done with my background check? Did I pass?” she angrily asks.
Arnav keeps his phone in the back pocket. He is about to ask her why she had to give ears to his talks but she somehow reads his mind already and confronts.
“You were too loud, I wanted to shut this door. That’s it.”
Arnav feels a sudden discomfort in his heart when he sees her shutting the balcony door and getting back to the bed. Yes, she has passed in this check but he is not going to forgive her for this situation so easily. He keeps standing at the balcony for some more time and then heads back inside, sleeps next to her on the bed. She is already snoring softly. He tries to keep his eyes off her face and closes his eyes too.
888
At morning when he opens his eyes, it is again because of a bad dream, the same one which he had seen a day ago, where his enemies are slitting Khushi’s throat. He scans the bed and realizes her absence even in the room. She must have gone down. There is no threat for her here but he has to ensure she does not take her security related matters lightly. She is a Raizada Gods wife now and all his enemies are even hers.

Khushi is wearing another Lehnga choli, with the pallu covering her head. She would still have managed it if she hadn’t been assigned this ritual of cooking something for the family. She looks at the kitchen like she has just entered a restricted province. Not that she doesn’t know to cook, but she has no clue the dishes she makes will be liked by this family or not. Plus, this Veil keeps falling on her face disturbing her insanely.

“And this is where all the vegetables are kept” Radha guides her.
“Knives and Cutlery?”
“There” Radha points.
Khushi nods.
“If you need anything, give us a shout”
Khushi takes a knife and starts cutting the veggies. She has decided what she to make.
“One more thing Bahu Sa” Radha stops at the kitchen door. “Every Raizada Bahu has been the best cook so far. And today’s meal will decide if you are continuing that same tradition or not”

Khushi grips the knife tight.

“Thank you, Radha. Now please leave”
Radha goes out and Khushi begins cooking.
“Should I help?” Lavanya enters the kitchen.
“No La.. I have to do this alone. You cant help me.”
“Says who?”
“The rules of this house.” Khushi sighs. “And besides I really don’t need help here. In fact I need your help in other matter”
“Which matter?”
“Can you arrange a laptop for me here? I have to email my boss officially for the extension of my leaves. I had dropped him a message last night but he said he will need an official email too”
“Oh .. that means you are not going to go to Mumbai so soon?”
“I don’t think I can.. Not until I fix things in my life plus I am very sure these Raizadas will have another rule of not letting their women work”

Lavanya understands her problem.
“Khushi, I really appreciate how positively you have taken these changes in your life. I will arrange a laptop, don’t worry. How was last night? Did the bomb named Raizada God burst on you again?”
Khushi continues chopping the veggies.
“We consummated” Khushi pouts..

Lavanya’s jaws drop and her eyes widen in shock.
“WHATTTTT ?” she screams.
Khushi holds her laugh.
“YES.. They have a rule it seems.. Consummating on their first night.”
“So, you let him fulfil this rule?”
“Had to..” Khushi winks and then after a short pause she laughs heartily. “Oh My god.. La.. Look at you. You seem so shocked about this.. I was lying stupid.. How can I take such a huge step when I am already in this mess?” Khushi continues laughing..

Lavanya finally breathes normal and then hits her.
“You really took my breath away. But for some seconds I really believed it..I do know how much you adore that man, so getting physical after marriage seemed possible in your case”
Khushi stops laughing and continues her work.
“Not so easily La.. He has to accept first that I am worthy enough for him in all respects. Only then I will let that happen.”
“I know.. It’s a good thought. But Madamji.. just cooking for his family is not going to make you worthy in his eyes. You will have to go beyond this..”

Khushi agrees to Lavanya’s suggestion. She has to learn a few things which a Raizada Bahu deserves to know. And learning has always been one of her hobby. She will definitely put efforts and prove him wrong very soon. He might be a Raizada God but he has no clue that when a common woman decides to do something, she does it with her heart. She is desperately waiting for that day when she will surprise him by her skills.

Khushi finishes cooking the breakfast for everyone and the maids place it on the table. Arnav comes down with his mother. Khushi doesn’t meet his eyes. Nandakishore, Lavanya, Arnav and his mother take the seats. Khushi doesn’t sit. She opens the lids of the bowls. She has made a simple breakfast but keeping in mind the nutrition and the health aspects of each and everyone. She has made a separate low salt food considering the blood pressure issue which her mother in law has. Arnav and NK needs high protein in their diet so she has made some eggetarian dishes for them which are healthy as well as delicious. Salad, fruits and juices are supplements. Usha Raizada tastes the first bite and then smiles in delight. She calls Khushi to her and then kisses her forehead. Arnav watches the two women with mixed feelings. It seems his mother is totally impressed by his wife. Usha Raizada looks at Radha and gestures her something which Khushi doesn’t understand. Radha nods.

“Bahu Saa, Mataji is very impressed with your cooking. She wants you to ask something in return”
“I didn’t do this for any returns.”
Nandakishore interrupts.
“It is a tradition. The first meal a Raizada Bahu cooks is always award-winning. You may ask anything Bhabhi”

Khushi thinks for few seconds and then sits next to her mother-in-law, holding her hands.
“Maa, I will ask it when the right time comes. Not now. Is that okay?”

Usha and Arnav stares at her in bewilderment. What is it that she will ask in future and not now? Before Arnav can intervene, Usha Raizada gives her reply by keeping her right palm over Khushi’s hand, as if promising her that whatever she will ask in future, she will be given.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 21



Akash Singh Raizada holds the picture of the same man whom he has been searching from a very long time. The same man whose picture he tried to show Payal Sehgal and asked her to tell him who he is but she denied mentioning anything. He still remembers that horrible night when his family had shattered in a matter of minutes.

“Why are you driving so speedily?” Usha Raizada asks her husband Uday who looks tensed suddenly.
“We are under attack” he replies looking again in the rear mirror.

Usha panics. She immediately cuddles Akash in her lap.
“Who are they?”
“I don’t know Usha. They may be anyone. We have many enemies you know that. Akash, go and hide under the seat. Do not come out until we tell you. Go”

Akash, who is not even a teenager yet, nods and hides below the backseat so that no one knows he is there.

“Where are our guards?” Usha asks her husband again.
“They might have jeopardized their lives already to stop our enemies from following us. Don’t worry, within 5 miles we have a safe house, we will get help there”

Usha nods. Suddenly a speedy car comes from the front lane and purposely hits their car which topples and crashes onto a huge tree trunk at the side road. Akash is safe but he sees his father’s bleeding head. His mother Usha also has got few injuries on her head and hands. She tries to regain her consciousness and finds her husband’s almost lifeless.

“Uday.. Uday open your eyes.. Uday” Usha screams but Uday Singh Raizada breathes his last and shuts his eyes forever. Usha suddenly becomes all cold and traumatized witnessing the death of her husband. She cries aloud and falls unconscious. Akash is about to get to his mother and father when a man wearing a mask reaches their car and opens the front door. Akash angrily clenches his jaw. He is still hiding.

“Uday Singh Raizada is dead.. The Raizada GOD is DEAD !!” the masked man laughs aloud with his other men. Akash’s eyes fill with tears.
“Sahib, what about his wife? She is unconscious” one of the men utters.

The masked man removes the mask from his face and looks at Usha who is unconscious. Akash sees his face. He pastes the image of this man in his head never to forget him.

“We are not supposed to touch her. We have killed our target – Uday Raizada. Let’s leave them here and hurry back. No one should know this was a murder and not an accident. Come on”

All the men hurry back to their respective jeeps and leave. Akash comes out and shakes his mother, trying to wake her up but no luck. Fortunately, their guards who were in other jeep, misguided by the enemies, reach the spot and take Uday and Usha to hospital where Uday is declared dead and Usha seems to have lost her voice forever due to this trauma.

Akash comes out of this flashback. His entire body is shuddering with anger remembering that moment. This man who was asked to kill his father is still alive somewhere and he has to find it out. No one other than him, in their family knows that it was not an accident but a cold-blooded murder. Though his mother is aware of it, she is not remembering that incident well. After that accident, she lost her voice and was in a disturbed state for quite a long period. The doctors hence asked them never to discuss that night with her or it might affect her brain adversely. Akash Singh Raizada kept this matter a secret, he always thought of sharing it with his elder brother Arnav, but after that incident all their responsibilities were suddenly imposed on Arnav and he had a lot to handle already. Arnav Singh Raizada almost started suffering from nightmares for a long period. He always started worrying about the safety of his brothers and mother since then. It was not right to give him such a huge blow though he should have been the first person to know this. So Akash Singh Raizada started the search of his father’s murderer and promised to inform Arnav and NK about it when that man is traced. He and his brothers won’t mind turning the whole world upside down to punish those people for killing their father.
****************
Tushar slaps the man hard who gives him the information about Lakshman Sinha’s abduction.

“Do you know whom you are pointing at?” Tushar angrily asks.
The man bows his head down.
“We have got this information from Lakshman Sinha himself. It was Lavanya Kshyap who abducted him. She spiked his drink and transported him to his Ex-wife”

Tushar’s blood boils.

“Kshyap!! Why would she do this?”

Tushar tries to find some clue to this mystery. Even Pratham Sehgal, his uncle and Payal’s father becomes alert and analyses the reason.
“Khushi… She is the one staying with Kshyap’s right? And we saw her in our town exactly from that same night when Lakshman was kidnapped”

Tushar’s brain lights. He connects the dots and barges into Payal’s room. Payal is resting on her bed, thinking about her encounter with Akash Singh Raizada yesterday. She jerks listening the door bang so loudly. Tushar gets inside and stands before her.

“Bhai..” Payal shivers..
“Where is Khushi and that Kshyap?
Payal gulps nervously. Why does her brother want to know their whereabouts?
“I don’t know..”

Tushar boldly steps towards her.
“Don’t you lie woman!! I know they are not in town and this is bothering me now because I want to punish them for backstabbing us” he shouts.
Payal gets a clue that he might have come to know about Lakshman Sinha’s abduction truth. But she still pretends to be innocent.
“Bhai.. I .. I really don’t know where they are.. If I get to know, I will tell you” she murmurs.

Tushar doesn’t believe her. He snatches the mobile phone from Payal and starts checking the phone contacts. Fortunately, Payal has never saved their numbers, she knows it verbally. She had realized the risk of saving their numbers which could be used against her friends anytime by her Brother and father. When Tushar doesn’t find their names, he throws the phone back on bed in frustration.

“Fine!!” he turns back to his men.
“Trace them. I want both the girls alive at this house. I will punish them both myself”

His men nods and hurries out. Payal horridly stares at her brother. Now that he has got to know the connection, what will he do to her friends? And where are they both? Why havnt they contacted her in past few days? She will have to warn them about this danger!! She immediately picks the phone from bed and decides to call up Khushi and inform her that they have been caught.
****************
Khushi is sitting down with Radha and her Usha Raizada who are preparing to leave for a temple in a while. She has been told that taking the blessings of that Goddess is must for every Raizada Bahu. Khushi watches Arnav talking to the guards about their security. Radha observes Khushi’s intense stare to her husband and interrupts.

“No men can step in that temple.”
Khushi immediately looks at Radha.
“Why? Don’t men deserve the Goddess blessings?”
Usha looks at Khushi in pure anguish.
“Bahusa, it’s a very old temple and the deity there is considered to be the purest form of woman’s soul in our community. Even the shadow of any man inside that temple is considered to be ill-luck for every generations of that family.” Radha explains.

Khushi sighs at such age-old beliefs of these people. She looks at her mother-in-law.
“I am sorry, I didn’t mean to hurt your sentiments Maa but I feel every human has equal rights to take blessings. All these beliefs were made decades ago. They should be revised again Maa. World has changed”
Radha clenches her jaw. Usha looks speculatively at Khushi. Both don’t speak or gesture anything in support to Khushi’s words. They continue making the flower garlands for the temple. Khushi knows these people are not going to change their mind sets so immediately. She will need a lot of time to alter their thoughts and beliefs.

Arnav Singh Raizada appears there and sits next to his mother. Khushi’s presence in this house has got a major change in his mother. Though she cannot interact, she has still started participating enthusiastically in various activities happening in the house. He glances once at Khushi but she ignores him. But she decides to torture him a bit. So, she immediately looks at Radha and talks to her in an authoritative tone.

“Radha, please ask someone to load the luggage in the jeep”
Radha gets confused.
“We are going in a car, the jeep is used only by Raizada Gods and their men”
“I know that” Khushi replies. “I am talking about his luggage not ours. He should be leaving back to Lucknow any time now. So, ask the men to load his luggage.”

Arnav immediately draws his attention on Khushi.

“Okay” Radha nods.
Khushi gets up.
“Maa, I will change the Saree for the temple” she informs.
Usha Raizada weakly shakes her head and continues making the garlands. Arnav gets up too and follows her. Both Radha and Usha stares at him. A weak smile appears on Usha’s face seeing her son’s movements. His marriage has changed him already.

Khushi knows he is following her but she doesn’t stop. She gets inside the room and purposely tries to lock the door but he keeps his arm in between the door and stops her actions. Their eyes meet.

“I need to change” she mutters. “If you wish to take your luggage now, you can” she adds.

Arnav clenches his jaw and gets inside.
“Very desperate to throw me out of my own house, aren’t you?”
“Duty Sir… Duty. I am just following the rules of this house”

Arnav has no clue what she implies by that. He keeps staring at her in frustration. Khushi wants to laugh at him but she controls and continues explaining.

“Raizada Gods don’t stay in Rajgad Palace with their wives much. They hardly meet them once a month for a day or two. It is your second day today, so technically, you will have to go tonight. I am just obeying the rules which are succeeding from past so many generations”

Arnav’s anger vanishes. So, she is using his own rules against him. Yes, he clearly remembers that this is not where he belongs, he is needed more in Lucknow to look after his people. But for some unknown reason, he is not very desperate to go back. He wants to stay here.

“Don’t teach me” he points a finger at her.
Khushi exhales deeply.
“Why are you annoyed? Or should I say, you want to cheat these rules for some time.?”
Arnav gulps. Did she read his mind?
“Rules are rules. You cannot expect others to follow it when you yourself aren’t obeying those. What example are you setting for your other two brothers? Tomorrow, when they get married and wish to stay longer, closer to their wives, will you let that happen?”

Arnav knows she is purposely doing this. He strides towards her. She marches back but he is too fast for her to escape. She falls on the bed.

“This is my house and I am not extending my stay here for you. You don’t need to give so much importance to yourself” he groans leaning over her. He stares in her eyes for some seconds and realizes that she might read in them that he is lying to her. She is the reason why he is still here. He hastily retreats from her and again in the process his fingers brushes over her waistline, making her wince in pain. The bruises are still visible and painful for her. He grits his teeth.
“Don’t wear another heavy saree until these bruises are fine” he commands.
Khushi presses her lips into a hard line.
“Don’t you bother about them, it is none of your concern if they keep hurting me. I don’t want to pamper myself going against the rules of this house. So, let them hurt me or keep re-appearing, you don’t have to worry.” She snaps.
“Watch your tone Khushi” he shouts. “No one talks to us like that”
Khushi shuts her mouth and looks away. This is bad. He gets her frustrated and doesn’t even let her vent it out on him. Arnav softens a bit seeing her so disappointed. But Khushi is still mad and she makes him apprehend that in her next sentence.

“I hope one day you don’t lose someone precious because of your rules”

She picks the heavy saree which she has to wear for the temple now and hurries in the bathroom to change. Arnav keeps gawking at her. Why did she say that? He is Raizada God and he will never lose anyone until he is alive.

_________________________________________________________________________________


Chapter 22

Nandakishore is cleaning his gun. He has been very quiet and deserted since his brother Arnav has punished him. Lavanya is walking by the lobby of the Rajgad Palace when she finds his room door open. She stops at the door and observes him cleaning the gun. She has noticed that displeasure and helplessness in him but her eyes blinks with surprise as she watches which gun he is busy cleaning right now.

“Do you still use that gun?”

Nandakishore turns around, sees her and nods.
“Someone special had gifted me this” he replies.

Lavanya chokes at his response. She had gifted it to him when they were together, dating, few years ago. She knew his passion for guns and she had kept in mind his choice while selecting this gift. She steps inside.

“Those days were so adorable” she murmurs.
“Yeah..” he softly whispers.
“You remember the first time we met? I was so mad at you”

Lavanya sits opposite to him, both recollecting that moment of their life.

It was month end and as usual the time for the raw materials of textile to come in Kshyap’s factory from the city. Lavanya got a call from the truck driver at late evening 07:00 that their truck was stopped few miles away from the town and that they are not allowed to enter without a thorough checking. It had made her mad and she rushed to the site to see who was stopping them.

As soon as the truck driver saw her on site, he came running to her, joining his palms.
“Madam, they are not allowing us to enter. We told them that the truck only has the fabric raw materials but they say without the thorough checks they wont let us in the town”
“Who are they?” she scornfully asks.
“The … The Raizada Gods” he stammers.

This name was not new for her. She had seen them, knew them but never had any personal encounter with any of the three brothers. The Truck driver points her to the small tent where the guards of Raizada Gods were sitting. They had snatched the keys from the truck driver and were not letting him go.

Lavanya strides to the tent and barges inside. Three armed men were standing, surrounding the youngest Raizada God, Nandakishore Raizada. The moment he sees her, his eyes glitter.

“Aap ki taarif?” (Who are you?)
“Lavanya Kshyap. These trucks are mine”

Nandakishore already likes her attitude. He comes forward.
“Why have you stopped my trucks? We have a legal business in this town which I am sure you are aware of” she snaps.
“We have got information that these trucks carry weapons from the city to this town which are illegal”

Lavanya rolls her eyes.

“You have got the wrong information”
“Then prove me wrong. Let us check the trucks”
“No ways. I wont let anyone touch my trucks only because they have got some wrong information from their sources”

Nandakishore is startled at her fieriness.
“Papers?” he demands

She shows him the legal paperwork of these raw materials which NK thoroughly inspects.

“License of the drivers are verified Sir” one of the guard suddenly comes inside and informs NK who nods handling the papers back to Lavanya.
“The papers look fine but I still cannot let you take the trucks. We have not touched your trucks yet because we were waiting for the legal papers. Now, let us do our procedure and you and your trucks are free to go” NK explains and tries to move to the door with his men so that they can check the trucks.

Lavanya stops him. The guards immediately raise their arms and point at her. NK eases his men.

“She is harmless” he shouts at them.
Lavanya chuckles sarcastically.
“You know I am harmless yet you have stopped my trucks thinking we supply guns?”
Nandakishore inhales deep.
“I understand your point, but we cannot take risks.”

He moves past her with his men and she can do nothing but follow them. He jumps inside the truck with his men and start their hunt. Lavanya keeps staring at them in rage. Nandakishore and his men take some 30 minutes to inspect everything and then they get down.

“Your trucks are clear”
Lavanya folds her arms across her chest.
“Change your sources Nandakishore Raizada. They are not doing their work properly” she scoffs and gestures her drivers to start the trucks and head for the town.

Nandakishore watches her leave. For the first time he feels like he got his match.

NK comes out of those memories as the gun from his hand drops down. Lavanya intensely looks at him pick the gun again. Truly, they did make one fiery couple, wish they had never broke up.

“Are you going somewhere?” she changes the topic.
“Yes. Bhabhi and Maa are going to the Temple. I am going with them”
“Oh.. !”
She was asked by Khushi to come along but she had denied. She did not want to intrude and participate in every tradition of the Raizadas because she is no one yet to them apart from their Bahu’s friend. But now that she knows NK is going to be a part of it, she wishes to join them too. She looks at NK who suddenly goes all gloomy again. She knows why.
“NK… I know you are not happy here, far away from your land, from your brothers, from your people. But trust me, time heals everything. And one day that Arnav Singh Raizada will realize what he is doing”

NK gets up from there.
“I am not worried of this punishment which Bhai has given me Lavanya, I have survived worse than this.”
Lavanya knows which worse situation he is talking about, their breakup. As soon as he realizes she is guessing it right, he diverts the subject again.
“I just want things to speed up and everything should settle down quick. I am becoming impatient”
Lavanya nods and reaches him.
“You were always impatient. Stop being that and focus on your mission NK. That’s what suits you the most”

Her words kind of boost his spirits. Payal’s call rings on her phone. She excuses him and answers the call.

“La… La where is Khushi? In fact where are you both?” Payal asks in fear.
“Payal.. You seem to be in a hurry and scared. Whats wrong?”
“There is a problem here. Tushar Bhai has got to know the connection between you two and abduction of Lakshman Sinha.. He is madly looking for both of you”

Lavanya gets perplexed by this news. They hadn’t expected this truth to come out so early.

“Okay.. Thanks for the information. You take care. Did they hurt you Payal?”
“No.. They didn’t.. But they shouldn’t hurt you or Khushi either. I don’t want you guys to be in any kind of trouble because of me Lavanya”
“I know.. we.. we are safe here”
“Where?”
“I.. I can’t tell you anything now but once me and Khushi are back, we will tell you everything. For now, you stop worrying for us and we will see what we can do to save yourself from your brother’s wrath. Bye”

Lavanya hangs up and immediately rushes to Khushi to tell her the same.

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

Khushi drapes the saree and comes out of the bathroom assimilating all her thoughts about the recent conversation she just had with Arnav Singh Raizada. He is still in the room and probably waiting for her. Why? As soon as he sees her, he comes forward.

“Take this.. It will soothe some of your pain”

He gives her a small ice pack but she doesn’t take it.
“I don’t need it”
She walks to the mirror and takes the Veil over her head, just like a typical Raizada Bahu would drape it. Arnav throws the ice pack aside and walks out. Khushi starts brushing her hair when Lavanya comes inside and gives her Payal’s message. Khushi is equally disturbed to know this but she tries to be confident.

“Lavanya, chill” Khushi replies. “Even if Tushy has got to know that I am the one who had planned this abduction of Lakshman Sinha, to stop Payal’s marriage with him, he cannot harm me.”
“If he even tries to harm you, I will kill him myself” Lavanya shouts in anger.
Khushi giggles.
“Wish you were a boy Lavanya. You are so possessive about me, I would love to see the same streaks in my husband, but alas!! That man is never going to melt so easily”
Lavanya smiles at her silly comment and clutches her shoulders.
“Is going to the temple necessary?”
“It is. Another tradition which I cannot miss. Maa has done all the preperations already. She will feel bad if we cancel it now. Plus, NK is coming along and he will not let anything happen to me.”
“I know. But I am coming too. Just for additional security” Lavanya utters.
“But…”
“No Khushi.. We have been together so far, I wont let you alone face this. I am coming”

Khushi agrees to her and looks in the mirror. That’s when she realizes that her husband is back and is watching her with extreme emotion in his eyes. Both Lavanya and Khushi turn around.

“How did Tushar got to know about your connection with that abduction?” Arnav angrily asks.
“Don’t think he is any lesser than you. He has his own sources, he found out. So, what?” she shrugs the topic as if she is not bothered of anything.
Lavanya decides to move out of the room and let them talk privately. Once she is gone, Arnav strides to Khushi and clutches her arms.
“You are not going to step outside the house until I sort this” he warns.
Khushi feels her cheeks turning crimson red. Just a minute ago she was telling Lavanya how she would like to see Arnav possessive for her and here he is. But she cannot melt down now. She shrugs his arms.

“Didn’t you listen what I said to La? Maa has prepared everything and it is a Raizada rule that every new bride has to take the blessings of the Goddess. I don’t want to break it.”
Arnav feels ridiculous seeing her so determined to defy him.
“You never fail to test my patience, do you? Why are you doing this? To prove that you are worthy enough for me? Is that why you are going against my words and following each and every tradition of this house blindly?” he shouts. “Mind you Khushi but following every word of Raizada God, your husband, is also one of the most important rule here which you always tend to forget. You are not stepping out, understood?”

Khushi feels her body heating up by his words and care for her. Or maybe she is seeing too much in his eyes which is not completely true.

“I just know one thing that you Raizada Gods worship your mother and I don’t want to break her heart. So, I will be going with her and performing this ritual, no matter how mad you get on me. It is your duty to protect me, do it if you can. Rather than hiding your women inside the house, locking them away from you, in the name of protecting them against the enemies, it is better you let them breathe freely by sorting all your fights with the rivals”

She picks her phone from the dressing table and walks out. She has said enough to him today. She herself doesn’t know where she got this idea of hinting him about not locking her away from him in Rajgad. But this was necessary. The Raizada Gods cannot always keep their loved ones away.

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

The car halts at the stairs of the temple. Lavanya and Nandakishore have already reached the temple in the other car. Khushi, Usha Raizada and Radha reach the temple now. Someone opens the car door for Khushi from outside. Thinking it to be one of the guard, Khushi casually gets down and is stunned to find her husband opening it for her. What is he doing in the temple? As far as she knows only NK and the guards were going to accompany them. She gulps nervously. Arnav shuts the door once she is out. She decides to avoid him but he clutches her elbow and pulls her back.

“We lock our women away because we care for them. And we are neither afraid to fight the rivals, nor sort our rivalry with them” he whispers in her ears.

Khushi feels his heated stare on her face after he moves back, as if he is waiting for her to respond.
“So, you care for me?” she cross questions.
Arnav doesn’t ignore this question.
“Only because you are a part of this family now.” He answers.

Very intelligent reply!! Even though he cares for her only because she is part of his family, she knows one day his concern will reach to the next level. She will wait for that day to come. Radha comes there and takes Khushi inside. Arnav and other men wait there as they are not allowed in.

While Arnav is busy scanning the area, his phone buzzes with an unknown number. He answers it.

“Hello”
“Raizada God!!!” the man laughs at the other end.
“Who is this?”
“Your mother’s death”

Arnav clenches his jaw.
“WHO THE HELL IS THIS?” he shouts aloud, almost grabbing the attention of all his men who are around him.
“Don’t shout Raizada!! Your voice is not going to be heard by your mother. She is busy performing the ritual in the temple, don’t disturb her” the man replies nastily.

Arnav immediately gestures his men to get inside the temple and get his mother and Khushi out. !! The guards rush towards the temple stairs. The man on the other end of the call laughs again.

“She is not at the front Raizada. She is at the backside.. With your wife!!!”

The man disconnects the call. How does this man know so much? He must be here somewhere. But that is not important. Right now, all he has to do is save his mother from being hurt. Arnav runs with full speed towards the backside of the temple. His mother’s life is in danger. He won’t let anything happen to her. He sees the masked man hiding in the bush, very close to the pillar of the temple where his mother is standing. She is unaware of this threat. The masked man targets the poisoned knife towards Usha Raizada and aims at her.

"Maaaaa" Arnav screams aloud to make his mother aware of this danger. He knows he is late to safeguard her. Usha turns around hearing the scream and the next instant everything changes.

The knife hits the arm, not of Usha Raizada but Khushi who had witnessed this man behind the bushes and had anticipated his next moves. The moment the knife hits her, she falls on the floor. Arnav feels like his world just collapsed right before his eyes. Khushi has put her life in danger just to save his mother..!!!!!

Few of his guards run to the bush to catch hold of that masked man who tries to escapes from the vicinity. Usha Raizada drops the Puja Thali from her hand, witnessing her daughter-in-law stabbed. She was here to get her the blessings of their goddess and everything turned wrong. Arnav runs to his wife, who is unconscious due to the poison’s effect. Nandakishore and Lavanya also rush into the spot. NK immediately takes his mother, Radha and Lavanya back in the car and once they are safe he rushes to chase the culprit. Arnav carries his wife in arms and hurries to the other car to drive her back home. He feels his heartbeat dropping every second seeing her lifeless form.

He sits at the backseat of the car, with Khushi’s head on his lap. They drive out of this place speedily. He has seen a lot of bloodshed so far, he has seen his own people dying in the fight but today is different. She is not any random person whom he has just known, it is her!! She is Khushi Singh Raizada now.. His wife… The same woman who has always attracted him by her antics, her flirtish nature and today by her selflessness. He cannot let anything happen to her. He raises her head to his chest level and whispers in her ears.

“Don’t die Khushi… don’t you dare die”

_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 23

The doctors are busy treating Khushi Singh Raizada inside while Arnav Singh Raizada is waiting impatiently out. Anger, rage, revenge, all these feelings are far worse than what is going inside his mind right now. Someone tried to harm his mother and in the process Khushi almost got killed. The mere thought of Khushi taking her last breath chokes him. Nandakishore and his other men rush in the hospital after settling down Lavanya, Radha and Usha Raizada back at the Rajgad Palace. NK comes and straightway talks to his brother, forgetting the distances that have recently been developed between them. There is similar anger bubbling inside NK after this incident.

“Bhai, our men have got hold of that masked man”

Arnav clenches his jaw, his eyes and face turn red in anger.
“But he is just an assassin. He was been assigned this task. We are trying to make him confess his name” NK adds.
“Maa?”
“She is safe. I have ensured additional security at the Palace”
Arnav nods and sits on the small bench, outside the ICU where Khushi is being treated. NK kneels before him.
“Your one word Bhai and I will kill that man who hurt Bhabhi”
“NO” Arnav shouts in denial.

NK is not shocked at his brother’s denial. He knows that if he is denying now to kill that man means he has planned something even worse to punish him. NK slowly gets up from the stands with his other men giving them instructions about raising the hospital security. They cannot take further chances.

The doctor comes out in a while and Arnav immediately raises on his feet. His shirt is still covered with Khushi’s blood and he wont even dare to change it until he sees her fine.

“How is she Doctor?” Arnav asks.
“Her vital signs are still unstable but we are monitoring it. The blood loss is fortunately not major but the knife was poisoned. This poison has got a swelling in her arm which might take few days to get cured completely.”

POISON? That scoundrel poisoned the knife?

Nandakishore intervenes.

“We need samples of that Poison Doctor” NK demands.
The doctor nods. There is no law greater than the governance of Raizada Gods at this place. Whatever they ask for, people here abide by.
“When can we see her?” NK asks again.
“You can see her now but please one at a time”

As soon as the doctor leaves, NK places his arm over Arnav’s shoulder.

“Bhai, you go and see her first”
Arnav gets inside the room slowly, his feet want to hurry and cuddle the woman who is lying lifeless on that hospital bed only because he could not protect her. Her words start haunting his mind.

‘It is your duty to protect me, do it if you can. Rather than hiding your women inside the house, locking them away from you, in the name of protecting them against the enemies, it is better you let them breathe freely by sorting all your fights with the rivals’

Arnav stands next to her bed and watches her intently. This woman bravely saved his mother’s life today. No other woman would have been this incredibly remarkable but her. No one else but her can be worthier to be the bride of a Raizada God. He was such a fool to hurt her all the time by his words and actions.

“Khu…..usss… hi” his voice cracks. He wants to talk to her, but words fail to form in his mouth. His eyes scan the wounded area on her arm and he fists his fingers automatically in anger.

When he doesn’t return out, NK slowly gets inside to see if Arnav Singh Raizada is fine. He stands next to him watching his sister-in-law in so much pain.

“She outdid all our expectations Bhai” NK whispers.

They both stand there quiet, hoping things will start becoming fine again. NK’s phone buzzes. He had put it in vibration mode when he had stepped in. He checks the message and he sighs in disappointment.
“Maa is here Bhai”
Arnav is still behaving cold and unable to take his eyes off Khushi’s face.
“Maa didn’t had the patience to wait for us. She came here along with Lavanya. I will get them inside” NK exclaims and rushes out.

Khushi makes a soft movement in her sleep. Arnav gets restless again. What was that movement for? Is she in pain? He immediately leans over her and caresses her hair. The movement stops and she resumes her sleep. Usha Raizada and Lavanya gets inside the ICU. Lavanya notices the way Arnav is caressing Khushi’s hair with so much concern and warmth. She has always been strong but watching her best friend in this state makes her weak. Her eyes become moist. Usha stops beside Arnav who moves behind, allowing his mother to take a closer look of Khushi. Usha swallows hard seeing her daughter-in-law unconscious. She applies a pinch of prasad on Khushi’s head with a hope that their goddess will cure her soon.

Usha then gazes at her son. She has never seen him in such a distress.

“I nearly lost her” he murmurs to his mother, without breaking the eye lock with Khushi. Usha presses his arm as a gesture to convince him that everything will be alright soon. The Nurse then come inside.
“Can everyone please go out, I need to check her vitals again”

Slowly NK, Lavanya and Usha Raizada start stepping to the door but Arnav remains still. The nurse looks at him.

“Sir, please” she requests again.
“I am not leaving her this time. I will stay” he commands in a deathly voice.

The nurse shivers at his unusual mode of request cum warning and allows him to stay. She wraps the badge of the BP machine over Khushi’s upper arm to check her Blood pressure. Pulse comes the next. After few minutes she winds up and heads out. Arnav sits next to the bed watching, staring, admiring, waiting for her to wake up.
888
It is next morning already. Arnav Singh Raizada is asleep on his chair next to the bed. He didn’t realize when he dozed off after the Doctors confirmed last night that Khushi is out of danger and even her vitals look stable now. Two nurses come inside again which breaks his sleep. He looks angrily at them for disturbing him.

“Sorry Sir, but we have to give sponge bath to her” the nurse replies. She doesn’t plan to request him to leave. She knew what his standard reply would be. Arnav looks once at Khushi and gets up from his chair. He can let the nurses do their work. He picks Khushi’s phone from the side table and leaves out. He finds Nandakishore present again. He has changed into fresh clothes now. He might have been home and returned back in the morning. As soon as he sees Arnav out, NK rushes to him with a bag.

“Bhai, I know you wont go home until Khushi Bhabhi wakes up. At least change your clothes. Please” he requests.

Arnav nods and taking the bag he leaves for the washroom.
888
Arnav is still holding Khushi's phone when suddenly starts ringing with an unknown number. He has never answered her calls before but now that she is still unconscious, he cannot ignore anything related to her. He answers that unknown number which seems to have dialed from a different state.

"Hello"

There is a pin drop silence for few seconds and then an elderly woman speaks.

"This is Khushi's number, isn’t it?" she asks from the other end.
"It is" he harshly replies.
"Then where is she? Who am I talking to? " the woman asks.
"You are talking to her husband, Arnav Singh Raizada"

The woman barks angrily at the other end.

"What??? Husband??"

Arnav doesn’t comprehend why the lady reacted that way.
“Whoever you are, if you have to pass any message to her, do it because I don’t have time to entertain anyone right now”
“It is you giving me a bad entertainment right now. My granddaughter never got married, how can you call yourself her husband?” she growls.

Arnav Singh Raizada is quickly alarmed who the lady is on the other end.

“Are you Khushi’s grandmother?”
“Yes, I am” she angrily responds.
Arnav authoritatively decides to highlight few details to this woman. It is necessary.
“I am not sure if you know this, but your granddaughter married me few days ago. She is staying with us at Rajgad Palace if you want to see her”
Daadi’s voice chokes in horror.
“Married? No… She .. She cannot do this. You are lying”
“Raizada Gods never lie” he huffs.
“RAIZADA GODS?” Daadi gets another shock of the day. Khushi married one of the Raizada Gods? How? Why?

There is a long pause and Arnav somehow realizes that the woman is totally baffled at her granddaughter’s latest update.

“Give me your address, I will send my men to escort you here”
“No, I will come there myself. I need to talk to Khushi first. Pass the phone to her” Daadi commands.

Arnav gulps hard looking at the door of the ICU where Khushi is sleeping.

“She… she cannot talk now.”
“Why?”
“Because she is unconscious. She is hospitalized”

Daadi’s head spins bad. Khushi is in hospital?
“What? Hospital? What happened to her? Is she fine?”
“She is stable now and will regain consciousness in few hours”
“I will reach there by tonight. Send me the hospital details”
“I will”

Arnav disconnects the call and then heads to Nandakishore.

“Khushi’s Daadi is coming tonight. Ensure she reaches safely here. This is her number”

Nandakishore takes the number and leaves with few of his men to make necessary arrangements.
888
“What? Daadi is coming here? How did she got to know?” Lavanya screams at NK while they both head to receive her at the nearest airport.
“Bhai answered her call on Khushi Bhabhi’s phone. He told her about the marriage and this incident”

Lavanya sighs in disappointment.

“Daadi is going to be very mad at Khushi. She has raised her in a free environment. When she will see the various traditions and restrictions which Raizadas have imposed on Khushi, she will dislike it”

Nandakishore glances at her with frustration.

“We don’t impose anything on the women we marry. It is their choice that they decide to make before tying knot with us.” He defends.
Lavanya rolls her eyes.
“Whatever!! But she is not going to be impressed. I just hope seeing all of this she doesn’t plan to take Khushi back with her”

Nandakishore angrily applies the breaks and stops the car.

“Watch your words La” he shouts at her. “Raizada Gods don’t break their marriages. This is not a love affair which ended up in a breakup. It is marriage. And we consider it to be for a lifetime.”

Lavanya feels sorry for igniting his emotions but she didn’t say anything out of the world. Daadi will never like Khushi to be in so much of mess where even her life can be in danger.

“Sorry, I … I didn’t mean to hurt you NK” Lavanya apologizes.
“Good you didn’t share these thoughts before Bhai” he tries to cool down. “Bhai will never let his wife go away, never!!”

NK starts the car and drives to their destination.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 24

Khushi opens her eyes with much effort. At first everything seems dull and colorless but after few forced blinks she is able to see clearly. She sees Arnav Singh Raizada standing at the corner of the room, talking softly on his phone. She tries to get up from the bed and in the process drops the tray from the side table. The Raizada God gets alarmed and rushes to her. He holds her shoulder and tries to put her back to bed.

“You cannot get down yet.”

She gets confused and does as told.
“Where … where am I?” she asks.
Arnav sits next to her and holds her hand in his.
“Hospital” he replies. “You saved my mother Khushi”

Khushi tries to recollect and flashes of that incident at the temple educates her mind. She herself doesn’t realize when she decided to come in between the knife and her mother-in-law. Everything was so instant. She just saw some masked man behind the bush aiming a dagger at Usha Raizada and she knew only screaming at her mother-in-law to move aside or bend down would not help. It would be too late still and she saving her would not be easy. This is when she came forward and saved his mother.

She looks at her arm which is bandaged and then her eyes meet Arnav’s gaze again.

“Maa?”
“She is fine.” He answers.
Khushi looks aside, finding difficulty in swallowing. Her throat is parched. Arnav reads her mind.
“Do you want some water?” he asks. She nods gently. He gets up and pours some water in a glass. He then raises her head slowly and makes her drink the water. She gulps it quickly, as if she is thirsty from ages. Meanwhile, she also observes sarcastically the change in Arnav Singh Raizada’s behavior towards her. It is so opposite to the attitude he had for her before that incident. She closes her eyes leaning back. Arnav keeps the glass and presses the bell. A Nurse rushes in.
“Call the Doctor. She is awake” Arnav commands.
The nurse hurries out and in few minutes two doctors come inside. Arnav moves little away. The doctors check Khushi’s statistics, ask her some basic questions to see what all she remembers about the accident.

“She looks fine now. We will observe her for 2 more days here” one of the Doctor turns and informs Arnav who immediately objects.
“I will take her back home Doctor. You can send the nurse and a doctor full time to look after her there”

Khushi frowns. She prefers staying here and getting the treatment. At home, it might get ackward. Everyone will show extra sympathy to her and she doesn’t want that. The doctors talk to each other and agree to Arnav’s orders.

“Fine, you can take her home today evening”
“Thank You Doctor”

The doctors leave and NK and Lavanya rush inside. They were in the waiting room and they got this news from one of the nurse that Khushi is back to consciousness.

“Khushi..” Lavanya rushes to the bed and hugs Khushi. “I was so worried for you”
Khushi passes a weak smile.
“You woke up after 24 hours Bhabhi” NK adds. “Welcome back”
Khushi’s smile turns into a grin. She has never passed out for such a long time.
“I am hungry” she murmurs.
Arnav immediately asks NK to get some fruits and soup. He leaves. Khushi stares at the extra concern he is showing. Looks like she has missed something when she was passed out. Only Lavanya can update her about it. Fortunately, Arnav gets a call on his mobile phone and he leaves out.

“He is behaving odd, isn’t he?” Lavanya chuckles.
Khushi nods in agreement.
“You should have seen his state yesterday, he didn’t even change his stained clothes. He was just sitting next to you and praying to God probably to cure you soon”
“Gods praying Gods” Khushi chuckles.
“Yea, you scared him a lot. I think this accident has made him know your value now”
Khushi doesn’t react to that statement. Sometimes to make a person understand your value, such accidents are necessary. But this one was little worse. Someone planned to kill her mother-in-law and she cannot even imagine what these Raizada God’s plan of action will be, hereon.
888
“Akash, what are you doing here?” Arnav asks looking surprised that his younger brother came to the hospital.
“Bhai, someone attacked Maa and Khushi Bhabhi got hurt. You expect me to sit calm in Lucknow?”

Akash pauses seeing the raged look on his brother’s face. There is something strong going in his head, anyone could say. He is just here to support him.
“I am here to take care of that scoundrel who attempted such a huge attack Bhai”

Arnav fists his fingers and turns back to Akash and NK.
“None of you would touch him until my word” Arnav yells. “Let Khushi get back home first, we will then decide what to execute”

His words are always final for them. The brothers nod in agreement.
“Can I see Bhabhi once?” Akash asks.
Arnav nods. Akash heads to meet Khushi whereas Arnav waits out with NK taking further updates from him.

“What happened to Khushi’s Daadi’s arrival?”
“I have sent our men to station and they will get her safely from there.” NK replies.

Arnav knows Khushi’s Daadi will have many questions for them. She might start shooting a few of these questions the moment she meets his men but he is also aware that none of his men will open their mouth. They shouldn’t too. Whatever truth should come out, it must be from either Khushi or him.
888
Lavanya packs all the medicines and hands it to NK who further heads out of the ward to keep it in the car. The discharge formalities have done. Doctors have allowed the Raizada Gods to take Khushi home where she will be treated further. Khushi slowly keeps her feet on the floor, trying to get up. Lavanya helps her to stand.

“Feeling dizzy?” Lavanya asks.
“A little.”
“Okay, let me ask for a wheelchair then”

Lavanya moves away to press the bell so that some nurse attends to their request.
“I don’t need a wheelchair. I hate it La.. Please” Khushi replies.
Lavanya stops.
“You will faint before you reach the car. Do you want that to happen?”
“I wont faint. I am feeling better now. Just hold my hand” Khushi insists.

Lavanya sighs but agrees to her demand. She doesn’t want to hurt her friend even a bit, not when she is already going through so much pain. Lavanya has also not told about Daadi’s call to her. She is finding the right time to tell her that. But she does not have much time. Daadi will reach any moment today. She holds Khushi’s hand and helps her walk out.

The moment they both reach the lobby, Khushi feels dizzy again and everything darkens before her eyes. Her hold on Lavanya loosens and she is about to fall when a pair of arms grip her strongly. Within a fraction of second she feels her feet swinging in air. Her arms automatically clutch the shirt of the man who is carrying her. She opens her eyes gently and recognizes him to be her beloved Raizada God, her husband. He is staring her too with the same intensity.

“Put me down” she fights in a low tone.
“You were fainting” he argues.
“I am stronger than you know me” she retaliates but her voice has no strength.

Arnav presses his lips together, as if giving up the argument and starts walking. Khushi feels totally awkward, because everyone passing by is giving them flushed looks. Why are they blushing? It should be her to grin like that for being in Arnav Singh Raizada’s arms.

Akash opens the car door for Arnav and he puts Khushi down. She sits inside and Lavanya next to her. Arnav takes the wheel while Akash at the front seat, next to his brother. NK is shuts the door of their car. He is standing out.

“I will come by Jeep”

NK purposely denies travelling with them considering his brother has still not forgiven him. He is only abiding by the punishment silently which is imposed on him by the eldest Raizada God.

“Rob will get the jeep. Get inside” Arnav demands harshly. Everyone sitting inside are startled. Even NK freezes at the spot, staring at his brother coldly to be sure he just said that. Arnav starts the engine and meets his brother’s gaze.

“Get in NK” he scowls.

NK nods and quickly takes a seat behind, next to Lavanya. Khushi looks at NK and then at Lavanya. The happiness is visible in Lavanya’s eyes more than NK. Does it mean anything? She should find out.
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Usha Raizada welcomes Khushi like she has returned from some war, winning it. There are flowers everywhere. Radha comes forward and hands the Puja Thali to Usha Raizada. She circles it before Khushi and then takes her in.

“Maa, all of this is too much” Khushi mutters softly. “But thank you” she further adds and tries to bend to take her blessings but Usha doesn’t let her touch her feet. She realizes the pain Khushi is undergoing hence stops her midway and kisses her forehead. She then looks at Radha and gestures her to take Khushi upstairs to rest. Radha and Lavanya escort Khushi. Arnav looks at his mother.
“Aap se baat karni hai” (I need to talk to you)

She nods and the three Raizada Gods head to the other room with their mother to talk to her. Though she cannot speak, they have always shared their plan of actions with her. She has always been their guide doesn’t matter what they plan to do. And this incident was more like an alarm for this family. They have to tackle it before something more worse comes their way.
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“No way… I am not eating this” Khushi denies the soup which Radha has cooked specially for her considering her appetite needs and Doctor’s advice.
“Bahu Sa, you have to finish this bowl. This is very nutritious.”
“It doesn’t look like” Khushi makes a weird face which even gets a smile on Radha’s lips.
“Bahu Sa…” she calls out. “I… I don’t know how to say this.. but..” she pauses while Khushi keeps staring at her to know what she wants to tell. “I have always been judgmental about you. But what you did for Mataji, you changed my views. I am thankful to have you as the Raizada God’s wife and I am sorry for all the times I have misbehaved” Radha bows her head.

Khushi is elated to hear that she could change Radha’s views about her.

“Radha….Please don’t bow your head. I … I would have done the same if it had been you instead of Maa. But that doesn’t make me queen here. I still have a lot to learn here and if possible just help me do that instead of bowing your head”

Khushi’s reply gets a smile back on Radha’s lips.

“Sure Bahu Sa.. But first you have to drink this” she again tries to feed her the soup but Khushi moves her head away reluctantly.
“Never!! I am never having that tasteless soup.”

They both hear the footsteps of someone behind and both look at the door. The eldest Raizada God is here. Khushi stiffens. Radha bows her head and then leaves the room after reading his gestures. Khushi is clueless how to react. The way he is looking at her glues her to the bed motionless.

“That soup..” he pauses striding towards her “is for you” he completes the statement reaching the bedside where the soup bowl is placed, hot and tasteless.
Khushi feels a sudden urge to taste that soup if he is insisting on it so much but then she decides to control herself, recollecting all the times when he showed he didn’t care for her. Then why now?
“I said not once.. but thrice..” she murmurs grumpily. “I am not drinking it”

Arnav holds the bowl in his hand and dips the spoon in it to fill the soup. He is now sitting opposite to her, on the bed.

“There is only one person whose words matter in this room.. THAT’S ME”

Khushi’s eyes turn impossibly wide.
“And there is only one woman in this room who has the audacity to deny you.. THAT’S ME”
“Yes you do” he answers almost instantly. “You do..” he repeats.. His tone softening and giving Khushi some real-time goosebumps. He was never like this. What does he mean? Her brow creases and her jaw drops. Arnav takes this as the only opportunity to feed her the soup which she swallows blindly and then makes a weird face again, coming back to the present.
“Ramanchi.. This is total Ramanchi”
“What?” he has no clue what that means.
“Ramanchi.. means.. cheating.. You tricked me into drinking this soup”
“That’s because I don’t want your grandmother to see you so weak.”

Khushi looks at him with horror.
“What do you mean by that? Why will Daadi be here?”
Arnav smirks.
“That’s because I have called her here. She wants to see you and she should know about our marriage too which I have already given her a hint about”
Khushi keeps gaping at him in shock. He told Daadi about their marriage? She is coming here? In Rajgad? Holy Hell!! Why didn’t she remain unconscious for few more days? How is she going to face Daadi now?

_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 25

“What do you mean by that? Why will Daadi be here?”
Arnav smirks.
“That’s because I have called her here. She wants to see you and she should know about our marriage too which I have already given her a hint about”
Khushi keeps gaping at him in shock. He told Daadi about their marriage? She is coming here? In Rajgad? Holy Hell!! Why didn’t she remain unconscious for few more days? How is she going to face Daadi now?

“Are you.. are you mad?” she angrily asks.
“Watch your words Khushi” he warns her.
Khushi presses her lips in anger.
“Daadi should not come here, if she does, everything will complicate further”

Arnav gets up from the bed.
“We will see that later. You finish this soup, she will be here any time”

Khushi shuts her eyes feeling agitated.

“Why are you not taking my words seriously?”
“I can ask you the same” he calmly comments.
“You don’t know her”
“She doesn’t know me. This is my place, my house and my people. She cannot take any decision against my will”
“Overconfident” Khushi murmurs looking elsewhere.
“You said something?” he asks. She knows he has heard it and is purposely confirming from her.
She doesn’t reply but stares at the soup blankly. Her head is spinning with this news. The Raizada God has already given a hint of their marriage to Daadi. How is she going to rectify all of this? Couldn’t he wait till she was conscious before disclosing this hypersensitive news to her Daadi?

There is a knock at the door and Radha gets inside.

“Bahu Sa’s Daadi is here” Radha declares.

Khushi feels her heart beating louder now. Cold sweat beads form slowly on her forehead. Arnav glances at Khushi once and then commands Radha to get Daadi comfortable in the living room and inform that they are coming. Radha leaves.

“Chalo” (Come)
“No” she screams. “I am not facing her so soon”
Arnav’s brow creases.
“You don’t have to be scared. I am there with you. We have married, not committed any crime” he explains.
Khushi lets out a sarcastic chuckle.
“Well, this marriage was not less than a crime for you earlier. You punished Nandakishore and me equally for this situation. Did you forget?”

Arnav grits his teeth.
“Fine!! If you aren’t interested in seeing her, I will leave it upto you. But I have to go and meet her”

He takes few steps towards the door, he knows she will stop him. The moment he reaches the door, she shouts.

“I am coming”
Arnav stops and turns around.
“You sure? Darogi toh nahi? (Wont you be scared?) he purposely teases.
Khushi slowly pushes the quilt away and tries to get down the bed.
“Darna humme nahi.. aap ko chahiye. My Daadi is a very strong woman. She will sue you unnecessarily” (You should be scared, not me. My Daadi is a very strong woman. She will sue you unnecessarily)

Arnav reaches her again and holds her hand. She is still weak enough to walk on her own. But that is not the only reason he has come to her. He wants to declare something strongly which she is waiting for him to speak up. He meets her eyes ferociously.

“No one yet has shown that guts to hunt and cage a wounded leopard.”

Khushi swallows hard seeing the confidence again on his face. Leopard is fine.. But WOUNDED? Is he really wounded? Who has injured him?

“So, stop worrying about me. I will handle this”
“I hope you do” she whispers and starts walking with him slowly.
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“I don’t want anything” Daadi shouts at Radha who offers her some tea. “I want to see my granddaughter. Where is she?”

Radha keeps the tea on the table and bows her head. Daadi is related to Raizada Gods now and she should pay some respect to her as well.

“Bahu Sa is coming down with the eldest Raizada God.”

Daadi feels terrible seeing Radha bowing her head.
“Don’t bow your head before me. I am not God.”
“But you are related now to them”

Daadi rolls her eyes.
“These people are humans. We all are humans. Only terming them as Gods won’t make them Gods”

Radha raises her head and gives back a sharp reply.

“For us, they are more than Gods. They have done enough for us which even real Gods wouldn’t have done coming on earth”

Nandakishore Raizada and Akash Raizada make their way to the living room. They greet her by folding their palms. Radha introduces them.
“He is the second Raizada God, Akash Singh Raizada and he the youngest one, Nandakishore Singh Raizada”
Daadi weakly smiles at them. They are handsome, just like their father. She diverts her attention and waits with baited breath to see her granddaughter.

Khushi reaches the lobby and sees Daadi from there, though Daadi has yet not seen her. She stops and Arnav halts too.
“What?”
“What have you told Daadi about our marriage?”
Arnav sighs in disbelief. Why is she so hungry for details?
“I have told her that we married; why, how, nothing yet revealed”
“Oh.” She starts making plans in her mind on how to convince her. Arnav watches her with acute surprise.
“I don’t think you are ashamed of this marriage or me, then what are you so hesitant about?” he asks.
Khushi frowns at him.
“She had given me the liberty to choose a life partner, not to marry secretly. That is what is making me so nervous right now.”

Arnav clutches her hand again.
“I will handle that. Come” he slowly starts walking again, holding her hand.

As soon as they start descending the stairs, Daadi gets up from couch. She stares at her granddaughter’s nervous face and then her gaze automatically shifts to their handhold. Khushi’s fingers are trembling. She then notices the expressions of the eldest Raizada Gods – Arnav. He is beyond perfection in his looks and he has more features of his father compared to his other two brothers.

“Daadi” Khushi slowly whispers as they come closer. Arnav leaves her hand and she quickly hugs her grandmother.

Daadi shuts her eyes and completes the hug. She has been hell angry on Khushi for marrying secretly but Khushi being her only family, her only lifelong possessed asset, she cannot avoid her. She has given every thing that Khushi wanted, right from her childhood. After Shashi and Garima’s death, she didn’t even let Khushi miss them. What could have led her granddaughter hide such an important fact from her? She knows how consistent Khushi’s brain all these years has been. If she decides something, she makes sure she wins it. Can this marriage be one of that?

Once Khushi pulls back from the hug, Khushi meets her eyes.

“Please don’t be mad at me Daadi”
“You haven’t done anything to be praised of either”
“I was going to tell you this” Khushi tries to convince her.
“When? After having two – three kids from your husband?” Daadi cross questions.

The mere thought of having kids from Arnav Singh Raizada gave goosebumps to Khushi. That is way far to happen. But she gets speechless. Arnav intervenes.
“I hope you were comfortable enough to come here all the way” he diverts the subject.
Daadi gives him a cold look.
“I was comfortable but not very happy after knowing that my granddaughter is trapped here.”

Arnav grits his teeth. Does this woman think he has trapped Khushi?

“Daadi please” Khushi intrudes. “This marriage was my decision”
“You need two hands to clap Khushi. He is equally responsible for this marriage.”
Khushi steps away from her.
“Are you here to talk against my husband?”

Daadi is astounded to see how supportive Khushi is towards this family. There is immense pain on Khushi’s face which she realizes is because of fear that her grandmother will further insult her in laws. Daadi decides to ignore this conversation for a moment and concentrate on Khushi’s health.

“Your husband told me you were hospitalized. What happened?”

Oh No!! That’s another thing which Daadi will not like to hear about.

“I … I got hurt” Khushi doesn’t explain the bits and pieces.
“Hurt? How?” Daadi looks at Arnav purposely, hoping he sheds some light on this.
“Your granddaughter is very courageous. She saved my mother from being attacked”

Daadi gets furious that Khushi unnecessarily put her life in danger for others.

“Khushi, what is all this? What kind of family are you surrounded with?” she pauses and turns to Arnav. “I am not demeaning anybody. But as her grandmother I have all rights to question about her safety”
Arnav comes forward.
“It was my duty to protect her, but this won’t repeat again. Her safety and happiness is going to be my priority” he replies.

Khushi feels flushed at his reply but she doesn’t see him. She does not want to show him so easily that she is still affected by all his words and actions. Daadi chuckles sarcastically.

“Priority? I have heard that the Raizada Gods have only one priority, their People!! Are you ready to sideline that?”
“You heard it right Subhadra Guptaji. Our people are our priority. But if we can sacrifice our lives for our people, we are capable of much more than that for our family.”
“Impressive words. But very hard to put them into action. Anyways, now that I am here, we will see how much you stand for your own words”

Arnav smiles weakly as if accepting the challenge. Khushi presses her head.

“Aah!!”
Daadi immediately holds her with concern. Even Arnav comes ahead.
“What happened Khushi?” Daadi asks.
“Feeling little weak.”  She murmurs.
“You should rest” Arnav commands.
“He is right” Daadi agrees. For the first time in the past few minutes she has agreed to him without questioning back.

Lavanya who was also witnessing all of this, comes ahead.

“Khushi, me and Radha will show Daadi her room. You meet her after taking a small nap.” Lavanya insists.
Lavanya and Radha take Daadi away. Arnav is still standing next to Khushi and watching her. She quickly takes a sigh of relief. Arnav gives her a confused look.

“You pretended to fall weak?”
Khushi bites the corner of her lips nodding a yes.
“Did I have a choice? She had so many accusations to make against you”
“I would have handled them all” he sternly replies.

Khushi rolls her eyes.

“Here I saved you from unnecessary arguments with her and instead of thanking me you are getting mad?”

He keeps glaring at her. It feels so frustrating when you expect the opposite person to react and he doesn’t.

“I was better unconscious at the hospital only!!” she blurts out in anger
“That’s right. At least you didn’t had energy to argue with your husband so much” he snaps.
Khushi’s cheeks blow in anger but he knows it is not going to be for long.
“Radha” Arnav calls.

Radha comes out running.
“Ji”
“Take her back to the room” he commands.
Radha nods and leads Khushi back to the room. Akash and NK who were not overhearing their talks, finally come back to Arnav.
“Bhai, Maa wants to meet Khushi Bhabhi’s Daadi”
“Hmm.. Escort Maa to Daadi’s room and don’t leave her alone”

The brothers nod in agreement and head back to their mother’s room.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 26

Usha Raizada gets curious to meet someone from her daughter-in-law’s side. The moment she came to know that Khushi’s grandmother is here, she paused reading a holy book and gestured Radha her decision of meeting that woman. Radha escorts Usha Raizada towards the guest room which Subhadra Gupta has just occupied. Akash Singh Raizada is waiting outside the door to take his mother inside. As soon as his mother reaches him, he knocks the guest room door. Subhadra opens the door.

“Daadiji, this is my mother. She wanted to see you” Akash introduces.

Subhadra nods and leads them inside. She was always very keen to meet Usha Raizada, the woman who took the place in Uday Raizada’s life as his wife. She had heard about her skills and talents to which the whole of their village was so proud of. Subhadra doesn’t show that curiosity on her face though, she maintains a cold look at her as if she knows nothing about Usha Raizada or the Raizada Gods.

The moment they all arrive inside, Radha speaks on Usha Raizada’s behalf.

“Mataji is very happy that you are here. If you need anything, you can let me know.” Radha utters.
Subhadra fakes a smile.
“I thought you won’t like me to even drink water of this place. I mean, it’s a very old tradition where bride’s family is not supposed to eat/drink anything in her Sasuraal.”

Usha’s smile vanishes. Akash intervenes.

“Daadiji, we believe in rituals which are comfortable and acceptable for everyone.” He clarifies.
Subhadra nods. “The whole of this village knows how much charity Maa does. And you being part of our family now she will leave no stone unturned to make you feel comfortable in this house. Please don’t hesitate to call any of us if you need anything.”

Subhadra accepts his curtesy. When Subhadra glances back at Usha, she realizes that Usha has been sarcastically staring at her finger ring. She immediately realizes something and hides it. Usha quizzically looks at Subhadra once. Radha and Akash turns to leave but Usha doesn’t. She comes forward and raises Subhadra’s hand. Subhadra becomes cautious of what is coming next for her. Usha stares a bit more at the finger ring of Subhadra and then leaves her hand.

“What happened Ushaji, why are you looking so suspiciously at my ring?” Subhadra asks.

Usha shakes her head. Maybe she is overthinking. But this ring reminds her of someone. Usha feels restless for a minute. Can this be possible? Can Subhadra have any connection with those people? No… They had left this place years ago. It is not possible. She shakes her head in reluctance and leaves the room, followed by Akash and Radha. Subhadra takes a sigh of relief. If Usha Raizada gets suspicious, it might affect Khushi’s stay in this family.
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It’s mid night, Khushi wakes up with a jolt. She saw a bad dream. Arnav Singh Raizada and Daadi were having a fight and she was in between them, trying to sort it out, unsure whose side to take. That day should never come. Daadi is her only family and Arnav is the man she loves. She can never choose one of them. She needs them both.

She wipes the sweat beads from her forehead and realizes that Arnav Singh Raizada is not in the bedroom. She checks the time. It is almost 02:00 am, where can he go? Or he didn’t turn up at all to sleep. She gets down the bed and wears her slippers. She finds the lobby lights on, so she comes out of the room and takes steps towards the drawing room from where she can hear few voices. Seems none of the Raizada Gods have slept yet. She sees them through the creek of the glass door. Nandakishore and Akash Singh Raizada are taking some strict instructions from the eldest Raizada God, Arnav.

“He will die Akash and that too very soon. Prepare our men for the attack tomorrow.”

These words echo in Khushi’s ears and she almost stumbles behind, breaking the expensive Jar which she was leaning against for some support. The noise is loud enough for the brothers to hear and within a fraction of second all the three stand before her with their knives and guns targeted on her. She pushes herself to the wall behind in fear. The moment they realize it is her, they lower their weapons. Arnav is the first one to get mad at her.

“What are you doing here at this hour?” he scoffs.

Khushi is speechless for a moment. She wants to answer but words choke in her throat. Arnav reads her expressions. She is scared. Probably she heard their conversation and she is shocked. He gestures his brothers to leave. They abide to his instructions and head back to their respective rooms.

The moment they leave, he turns back to Khushi and his anger is relevant in his eyes.

“You were eavesdropping our conversation?”
Khushi swallows hard.
“I.. I was here to look for you”
“Why?” he snaps. “I am not a baby who can get lost in my own house.”
“I was scared” she yells in anger. “I.. I didn’t find you in the room so I was scared”

His anger slowly starts mellowing down seeing her fear-stricken face. He sees the lone drop of tear rolling down her cheek and his heart grows weaker. She wipes it off before he can even think of doing it.

“Let’s get back to the room” he says trying to hold her hand but she shrugs him off.
“Don’t touch me”
Arnav’s brow twitches high.
“I will” he grips her shoulders. She throws a sharp look at her. “And not just this, I can go much beyond this, Mrs. Khushi Singh Raizada” he adds.

Khushi’s heart constricts at his comment. However hard she wants him to act this romantic, she doesn’t want to give in so easily, not unless he learns her true worth in his life.

“I don’t need your charity” she replies and once again manages to shrug off his grip. Arnav smirks hard.
“Me touching you is a charity?”
“It is.. If you think I want all this from you, then you are wrong”

She starts walking back to their room and he follows her.

“Okay, then what is it that you want?” he coolly asks.
Khushi rolls her eyes.
“You cannot give that to me Raizada God”
“Don’t judge my capabilities”
She stops and turns around.
“I am talking about your responsibilities not capabilities. I know how much capable you are for this whole village”

She starts walking again. Arnav is very confused by her words. Once they reach back, he holds her arm and pins her to the wall.

“Will you just stop meddling with my mind and tell me exactly what you want?”

She gazes in his eyes. There is something about him which has charmed her from their first meet. His rough cheeks, prickly stubble, parted lips and piercing eyes.

“Your time” she answers.

He takes a huge breath as if this is very little of him that she is asking but the moment she utters the next word, he gets speechless.

“Tomorrow” she adds.
“To…om…morrow?” he reconfirms.
“Hmm”
“I have something important tomorrow” he responds loosening his grip from her.

Khushi gets agitated.
“I know that. You have plans to kill someone, don’t you?” she angrily mutters.
Arnav gazes at her coldly. So, she has really heard his conversation with his brothers.
“Khushi, my people will always come first. And this is exactly what I had warned you when you chased me earlier”

Khushi feels sorry for herself. She knew it. He has plans for tomorrow which he cannot amend. In fact, it is this quality which had attracted her first to him.

“Good night” she declares and heads to the bed. Arnav doesn’t stop her. He knows he has broke her heart again by denying her request. This is why he wanted a partner who understands his duties and accepts it without questioning back. Khushi doesn’t fit here. He follows her to the bed and sleeps on his side, watching her back facing him. His fingers tremble in the urge of holding her and taking her close to him. But doing so can have an adverse effect on his plans for tomorrow. In the spur of moment, he doesn’t want to commit to Khushi anything for tomorrow because there is something more urgent which needs his attention. Minutes later, he dozes off.
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“Where is everyone?” Khushi asks Lavanya the next morning. When she woke up, Arnav was not on bed. She thought he might be down with his brothers but none of them are seen since morning.
“I don’t know Khushi. I havnt seen them either. I suppose they have gone together somewhere” Lavanya replies.

Khushi recollects the planning of the three brothers last night. She shivers in fear.

“La… I. I think they have gone to kill someone”
“What?” Lavanya snaps. “Khushi, what are you saying?”
“Yes. I heard them conspiring this last night. It is illegal to kill someone La.”

Lavanya sees her restlessness and makes her sit on the bed.

“Relax.. Khushi you don’t have to stress so much. You are just out from the hospital.”
“Lavanya I am worried”
Before Lavanya could convince her, Radha came there. Both the girls suddenly muted.
“Sorry for hearing your talks Bahu Sa, but Raizada Gods never kill someone without a reason”

Khushi gets raged.

“Reason or not, taking law in your hand is a crime”
“Raizada Gods is the law of this place. And this is not new to us” Radha further declares.

Lavanya shakes her head when Khushi looks at her.

“I am taking Mataji along. We will be back in some time” Radha informs and leaves. Khushi feels restless.
“Where is Daadi?” Khushi asks La.
“She is in her room. She must be busy in calls, managing all her social service work from here. Why?”
“La, I have to go there. And I want you to be with Daadi and ensure she doesn’t know where we all are”
“What? No.. I am not supposed to leave you alone. Not after what happened to you. And Khushi, if the Raizada Gods wanted you to be there, they would have taken you along” she warns.

Khushi doesn’t listen to her. She gets up and strides to the door.
“I have to see what they are doing and why”

Khushi opens the door and leaves. Lavanya sighs in disappointment. She knows it will be hard for Khushi to be a part of all this, unlike her who has seen all of this from her childhood. This war and blood shed has been a part of this place and the nearby ones from decades. The roots of this place has been soiled by such bloodshed.
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Radha initially denies taking Khushi along but Usha Raizada welcomes her. Now that Khushi is part of their family, she has all rights to be present with them, whenever she wants. Usha and Radha take her along in their car guarded by two other jeeps having a tight security.

They stop the vehicle at an old factory site which looks deserted from long period. Khushi gets down with them and they head inside. Khushi feels nauseated seeing this place. The guards lead them inside. Slowly, as they step in, Khushi finds a man tied to a broken chair. She feels awful to see the blood covered on the man’s clothes. He has been beaten up a lot. The Raizada Gods, including her husband are standing before him. As soon as Arnav sees her, he grits his teeth. He doesn’t seem to be happy. It is obvious he didn’t want her to be part of this. He strides towards her.

“Rob, take Khushi back home” he commands in anger.

Khushi is startled to see the anger in his eyes. He definitely doesn’t seem to be normal.

“Go” he barks at her.
“I won’t let you do this” her mouth goes dry as she utters this. Arnav crouches his brows. He clutches her upper arm and drags her away from the crowd.

“Khushi stop this nonsense and leave before I get pissed off. You have no clue who this man is”
“I don’t need to know who he is. All I know is that this is unlawful. It is a crime to kill someone.”
“He is a bloody criminal” he bursts in frustration and clutches her arms strongly. “He wanted to kill my mother, he is responsible for wounding you Khushi. He deserves to die. I was quiet all this time because I wanted you to recover first. He has to die today. And if you can’t see it, I want you to go back home. This place is mine, these people are mine and I will not let anyone hurt my people. Today someone has raised his arm against one of my family member, tomorrow there might be few others who would want to hurt everyone belonging to this place for their selfish motives. We, Raizada Gods won’t let it happen. We are the law here and anyone who is against our judgement is free to leave this place”

His leaves her and heads back to the crowd of his people, who are cheering them up to kill the man. Khushi is stunned at his reactions. She turns around to leave this area. She truly cannot be part of this crime. She starts taking baby steps towards the exit and by the time she reaches the exit door of that old factory, she hears a loud noise of the gun been shot. She feels like someone just shot her, the sound was that loud. There is a cheer everywhere behind, where the people are celebrating the victory of the Raizada Gods who just punished the criminal. She feels more nauseated and before dizziness and lack of oxygen can overpower her mind and body, she runs back to the jeep to head back to the Rajgad Palace.


_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 27

Nandakishore and Akash Singh Raizada are rejoicing the death of their enemy along with their supporters. Their people are overjoyed by the punishment publicly given to the person who tried to kill Mataji (Usha Raizada) whom they respect and worship just like they do to Raizada Gods. Arnav Singh Raizada takes the blessing of his mother. He touches her feet and then raises his head.

“Anyone who comes to hurt our people will suffer the same death” he pledges. The crowd cheers once again delighted by the protectiveness of their leader. The Raizada Gods are their only strength and if anyone tries to harm them, none of them will be spared.

Usha curiously looks around and Arnav Singh Raizada knows whom she is searching for.

“I have sent her home” he declares.
Usha doesn’t seem to be pleased. Arnav reads her expressions and provides explanation.

“Maa she is new to all this. She has a lot to learn about our practices, our believes and our ways of handling the safety of our people. She will take time to come around. I would suggest until that happens, don’t force her to be here”
Usha looks at Radha who explains on her behalf.

“Mataji didn’t force her, Bahu Sa herself requested to be part of this”
Radha’s reply though surprises Arnav Singh Raizada, he realizes she might have come here only to stop him from publicly killing someone. Usha reads her son’s face and she can easily say he is thinking about his wife. She decides to leave back home. She blesses Arnav again and then strides back to the vehicle which has been waiting to take her home.
888
Rob, the head of the Raizada God’s security, who drives Khushi back to the Rajgad palace is worried seeing her rushing inside the house, closing her mouth with her palm. Even in the vehicle she felt very nauseated and disturbed. He realizes that today’s public punishment given to their enemy might have been the reason for her ill health. He waits outside for his Boss’s next orders.

Khushi runs to her room. Lavanya who is the living room, waiting for Khushi to return, follows her with concern.

“Khushi, whats the matter? Are you okay?” she keeps asking but Khushi doesn’t stop. She shuts herself in the bathroom. Lavanya bangs the door.
“Khushi, I am worried. What has happened to you?” she asks again but gets no reply. Instead, she hears the sound of the running tap inside. She keeps banging the door. After few minutes, Khushi opens the door, wiping her face with a towel. Lavanya is shocked to see her pale face. “You okay?”

Khushi nods slowly and sits on the bed putting the towel away. Lavanya sits next to Khushi after finding her shivering.

“Khushi, I .. I told you not to go there”

Tears roll from Khushi’s eyes as she tries to narrate that incident to Lavanya.

“I know.” She pauses to take a breath. “That man was bleeding La.. He was so brutally beaten up. And the people of this place.. they were rejoicing his state. How can people be so cruel?” Khushi asks shivering still.
“That man tried to kill Raizada Gods mother and even though it was a failed attempt, they still managed to hurt the eldest Raizada God’s wife, YOU. This one reason is enough for the people here to rejoice his death. Khushi I have told you this before. There is only one law here which prevails from all these years, the law of Raizada Gods. They are not liable to anyone, not answerable to anyone. All their actions are considering the welfare of the people of this place”
“Welfare? Killing someone for welfare of their people?” Khushi snaps. “I know that man was not innocent, he was a criminal. But that doesn’t mean he should be shot publicly like that.”

Lavanya sighs in disappointment.

“It is hard for you to digest it now. Let the time pass, you will understand. But now you need to rest” she suggests Khushi.
“Where is Daadi? Did she come to know what is happening here?”
“No, she was busy in her work. She asked me once where you are and I had to lie that you are out with your In-laws for some ritual.”

Khushi presses her lips in dissatisfaction.
“She should not come to know all of this La. If she does, she will take me from here”
Lavanya nods.
“And you don’t want to go. Even after seeing everything today?”

Khushi becomes speechless. She recollects Arnav’s words which he said to her few hours ago.

‘We are the law here and anyone who is against our judgement is free to leave this place’

She comes out of her thoughts and shakes her head in denial.

“I won’t leave him ever La. I might come after his people for him, but for me, he will always be my priority”
Lavanya is awestruck hearing her comments.
“That’s true love. It is very easy to fall for these Raizada Gods but it is equally tough to see them loving their people more than us”
Khushi immediately stares at Lavanya who seems to be lost in her own world now. Khushi was suspicious from past few days about Nandakishore and Lavanya’s relationship but now she is sure. They definitely had something between them which broke up. Lavanya comes out of her reverie and asking Khushi to rest, she heads out.
888
Arnav Singh Raizada steps in his bedroom at evening. He had been out for a long while completing the agenda for today. The man whom they killed publicly was just a contract killer, who was assigned this task of hurting Raizada Gods mother. Despite of beating him worse, he couldn’t give them any information about his Boss who had given these killing orders. But before they killed him, they have got a very important clue. There was a chit in the man’s pocket when they searched him. That chit contained an address of one location in Rajgad. Though the man didn’t open his mouth giving any further details on that address, Arnav Singh Raizada knew it somehow connected them to the actual person behind this murder attempt. Maybe this was the place where their real enemy had asked this contract killer to meet him after the work is done, to collect the remaining payment. Arnav Singh Raizada has already sent his men to trace that location and try to find the real culprit. Giving instructions to his men and plotting their next actions took a lot of time today.

He finds the room empty. Where is Khushi? Rob had told him a while ago, before he entered the house, about Khushi’s nausea and the uneasiness with which she rushed inside the house. He hopes she hasn’t gone away fearing her husband or his capabilities.

He steps in the bathroom and stands below the hot shower shutting his eyes. Khushi’s shocked expressions, her pleads to make him avoid killing today, her tears, her fear, everything flashes in his mind. This is what he had warned her earlier. He can never stand by her expectations. Last night she asked his time and he couldn’t even give her that. How is this supposed to work if they both becomes two poles apart in terms of lifestyle and choices? He has to revise himself a bit, if not fully, upto her prospects and give her what she truly deserves. With that thought in his mind, he completes his shower and comes out, only to disbelieved. His evening clothes are arranged neatly on the bed and Khushi is standing at the window, looking out. She has her back facing him. He wipes his head and steps out clearing his throat.

“You are still here?” he asks. “I thought you had gone” he teases.

Khushi doesn’t turn around neither she responds to his unnecessary teasing. Arnav rolls the T shirt over his head and pulls it down.

“Did you take your afternoon medicines?” he tries to involve her in the conversation but she is least interested in that. It somehow irks him, to see her so cold towards him. He reaches next to her and touches her arm. She shrugs it and steps away. She looks scarily at his arms, as if she is recollecting how he must have pulled the trigger to shoot his enemy today morning. Arnav drops his hands and sighs in frustration. There is a knock at the door and Radha comes inside. Arnav composes himself and gazes at Radha for intruding.

“Should I call the Doctor here to change Bahu Sa’s bandages on the arm?” Radha questions.

Arnav thinks for few seconds and denies.
“No, I am taking her to the hospital in some time. We will get it done there”

Radha shakes her head and leaves the room. Arnav stares at his wife again.
“Get ready, we are leaving in 15 minutes”

Khushi doesn’t utter a word. She simply walks to the closet and picks another saree which is more comfortable to wear out. Arnav strides out of the room to allow her to change.
888
In the Jeep, on way to the hospital, Khushi chooses to remain quiet. Arnav is driving and she is sitting next to him. Rob and two other guards are following their vehicle. Arnav chooses to start a conversation again but this time he is not getting into topics which can divert her mind. He wants to be open enough about his lifestyle and the reasons why he and his family is so.

“Not everyone is born with a silver spoon Khushi. I haven’t chosen this lifestyle either, circumstances have made me to do so.”

Khushi doesn’t look at him, but she starts fiddling with her fingers becoming nervous.
“After my father died and Maa lost her voice in that trauma, our enemies got an open ground to torture the people here. They started harassing them, looting them with their money. I had two choices. Either to flee to some other place with my family and give them a better life or stay here and fight for the injustice done to the people around me who needed a strong leader to keep them safe and alive”

Khushi swallows hard.

“I don’t repent taking that decision to stay and fight here”

It is at that instance when she finally meets his dark eyes which are filled with pain. He turns his gaze back on the road. Khushi slowly feels connected to his pain as he continues pouring his heart out which he has never done yet with anyone.

“This is a never-ending fight now. Until there exists even a single human who can torture my people, I cannot step back from protecting them”

His words pierce her heart but this time the pain seems much lighter than before. She knows he is doing this for the betterment of his people and though it might involve such cruel ways, it is not his choice anymore to back off. He parks the jeep before the hospital. Rob gets down from his vehicle and opens Khushi’s side door for her to get down. Arnav scans the place for any unusual activity or enemies and then holds Khushi’s hand, entwining his fingers with hers. She doesn’t shrug his gestures anymore. She keeps walking inside the hospital lobby. The hospital is small and the people here are mostly poor or middle-class. They all stand up seeing him and their happiness to see him here is beyond limits. He gestures them to sit and continues walking with her. This doesn’t seem to be the same hospital where she was treated earlier. But she finds the same doctor who had nursed her wounds hurrying to them.

“Sir, why did you take the pain of coming here? I would have come to the Palace to treat her”
“She needed some fresh air.” He replies and leaves Khushi’s hand. “Change her bandages please”
“yes”

The doctor leads Khushi to another room. Arnav and his guards wait out. Khushi sits on the small bed, looking from the creek of the door how the poor people surround Arnav Singh Raizada, joining their palms and probably thanking him. She gets confused. The Doctor reads her confusion and smiles.

“Your husband is a very generous man. This entire hospital works on his orders.”

Khushi still doesn’t understand anything.

“You know how costly the hospitals here are. These poor people cannot afford it at all. The death rate at this place was so huge 10 years back. Thanks to the Raizada Gods for opening this hospital and giving free treatment to everyone. If their backing wasn’t there, these people would never have survived the huge costs of medication.”

Khushi’s eyes glitter with pride. No wonder the people here respect and love him so much. She sees an old man trying to touch Arnav’s feet but he stops the man and denies of paying that kind of respect to him. His guards then tackle his followers while Arnav head to the room where she is being nursed.

“Please come in Raizadaji” the doctor allows him to get inside.
“How is she doing now Doctor?” he asks coming to her side.
“She is a fighter’s wife. How can her wounds not heal soon?” the doctor chuckles after responding him.

Arnav glances at Khushi who feels proud of being addressed that way.

“Good. Let’s go”

He offers his hand for Khushi to hold so that she can get down from the bed easily. She doesn’t deny his gesture. She holds his hand and gently drops her feet from the bed. They head out of the hospital. A lot has settled down within Khushi. Had he not opened up today about his need for doing this, his stand in supporting the people here, she wouldn’t have understood him at all.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 28

“What? Are you sure about this?” Akash Singh Raizada angrily asks his informer over the call. He has been striving to find the details of the person behind his father’s death and so far, he has only one clue. Payal Sehgal!! Akash remembers the face of the man who had hit their vehicle, when he, his father and mother were travelling back home, few years ago. That man though had a mask over his face, he had taken it off for a while after confirming Uday Singh Raizada dead and Usha Raizada unconscious. It is that man who can lead him to their actual enemy who gave him the orders to kill his father. And somehow, he knows that man is connected to the Sehgals. He has a picture of that man holding baby Payal in his arms. It is that hint which is making him chase Payal from so many years.

“Yes, I am very sure about this. We already know that Tushar Sehgal has some connection with all of this. He is hiding the man who killed your father and Payal Sehgal is the only one who knows about this connection.” the informer declares.
“But she won’t open her mouth. She is a Sehgal after all” Akash clenches his jaw in anger recollecting the day when he had cornered Payal in the market and she tricked him and ran away without providing him any inputs on this matter.
“They have also got the news about Raizada God’s marriage. They are on their way to Rajgad to wish the new couple. I am sure they have some motive behind this”

Akash suddenly becomes alert.
“Let them come. Khushi Bhabhi and Payal Sehgal are close friends. So Payal Sehgal will surely accompany them here. We will strike our next moves after they reach here. Just keep me informed”

While talking to the informer, Akash sees some shadow outside the door, as if someone is overhearing his conversation. He quickly becomes alert again.

“Vishnu, I will call you in some time” he whispers and disconnects the call. The moment he starts advancing towards the door to open it and check, the shadow starts disappearing. He runs to the door in the attempt to catch hold of the person. He opens the door and scans the surrounding but there is no one visible. Probably whoever was hearing him, has disappeared. Who can it be?
888
Khushi is lost in her husband’s thoughts. Just few hours ago she was horrified seeing Arnav’s determination in killing the man who hurt her. But after he explained her the motive behind his chosen lifestyle, seeing his dedication in helping the needy people of his town, her anger mellowed down. She cuddles the pillow shying away, thinking about the possibilities if he takes their marriage seriously now and starts a family with her. Though she is not going to forgive him for the hurtful words he had thrown upon her few days ago, after their marriage. But thinking closely on his words she does realize that she has to upgrade herself to be a part of this family. This is just not for him, but also for her. Learning new skills will always help her in the longer run. So with a strong determination she decides to learn and adapt slowly the skills which are important to be a part of this family. Sword fighting being the first thing in her list.

Radha gets inside the room with her soup.

“Bahu Sa, drink the soup before it gets cold”
Khushi acknowledges it and stops Radha from leaving the room.
“Radha, who is the best sword fighter in this house?” she asks.

Radha though surprised by her sudden interest reveals her the information.

“All the Raizada Gods are best but if you ask me personally, I would say no one can beat Mataji. In her young days she used to be the best. It was this quality in her which had made Uday Singh Raizada fall for her”

Khushi smiles at the very thought of that. She gets up from the bed.

“Maa and sword fighting? Wow!!”

Radha’s smile vanishes as she further continues to address Khushi.

“But ever since Udayji died, Mataji has lost interest in any of this. She didn’t touch the sword after that accident”
Khushi swallows unhappily.
“I understand. But if I am lucky, you might see her holding the sword again and even fighting with it” Khushi mutters.
Radha shakes her head in confusion
“What do you mean if you are lucky? What do you intend to do Bahu Sa?”
“I am going to ask her to teach me sword fighting”

Radha’s jaws drop in surprise.
“No.. Don’t do this mistake. She might get very angry if you even ask her this. And Raizada Gods? They too will never agree. They have never forced their mother to practice any skills after that accident. She has left it all”

Khushi sighs in disappointment.

“I know how to convince them. And I am not going to force her, it is just a request. I am sure she will agree to teach me”

With that hope, Khushi leaves the room heading straight to Usha’s bedroom.
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Usha Raizada raises on her feet after listening to Khushi’s request for teaching her sword fighting. By her expressions, Khushi does realize she is not ready for it.

“Maa please” Khushi insists. “I know you are the best in it. Radha told me everything. I do realize that you have your own reasons not to touch the sword again but I feel only you can understand my urge for learning this”

Usha looks carefully in her eyes. She sees the need in her daughter in law’s eyes to learn something which can make her eligible for being a true Raizada God’s wife.

“Maa, I have been seriously thinking over this from past few days. Learning self-defense is going to benefit everyone, isn’t it? And I want to make good use of this. This is just not to show Arnav that I am capable. What if someone ever tries to hurt us again? I should be strong enough to fight them. I cannot always wait for my husband or his brothers and security to protect me.”

Usha is convinced with her explanation but she is still unsure if she is the right person to teach Khushi this. She is not as strong as she was earlier. Khushi reads her expressions and immediately replies.

“Maa, skills once learnt remain with us for lifetime. No one can teach me better than you, trust me”

Usha is still thoughtful so Khushi finally uses her last power.

“Remember Maa, few days ago when I cooked for everyone for the first time, you had asked me to demand any one thing in return of that delicious cooking? I demand this.. I want you to teach me sword fighting. Pleasee….” She pouts and Usha gives up. Even if Khushi might not have any major skills, she is truly good in convincing people to listen to her demands. She touches Khushi’s cheeks and nods in agreement. Khushi jumps in joy and hugs her mother in law. Finally, she is walking on the right path.

“But Maa, I have one more request”

Usha waits for her to ask.
“I don’t want anyone else in this family to know about it until I learn it completely. Not even Arnav”

Usha understands she wants to surprise Arnav and she agrees for it because if any of her sons knows that, they might get overprotective for their mother as they don’t want anyone to trouble her with any such requests. As soon as she acknowledges, Khushi jumps in joy and hugs Usha.

“Thanks Maa.. You are the best”

Usha smiles. It is very unusual for her to be hugged so frequently by someone from her family. Her sons have been very formal and busy ever since her husband died. She doesn’t blame them. She knows how much responsibility they have on their shoulders. They love her but their love is never displayed in the form which Khushi keeps showering on her. She already felt connected to Khushi the very first time she met her. And after staying with her all these days that connection seems to be growing stronger. Arnav might take time to realize what a gem his wife is, but she has full faith in Khushi’s love for him. Now that Khushi is going to learn their essential skills, she has no doubt her son will soon fall head on heals for her.
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Arnav Singh Raizada tosses on the bed. He opens his eyes and finds the other side vacant. He immediately gets up and checks the time. It is hardly 06:00 am, where can Khushi go this early? Is she okay? Yes, she has to be. This house is not less than a fortress, secured with his best guards. She is safe here. He still doesn’t want to take things lightly. He wants to find her and ensure she is doing fine. He gets down the bed and heads out of the room. The maids are doing their usual cleaning work. He stops one of them.

“Where is Khushi?” he asks.

The maid denies knowing her whereabouts. He keeps asking the same to few others who have no idea where she is. This pisses him off.

“What the hell is happening in this house? How is it possible that none of you know where my wife is?” he yells. Everyone keeps their heads bowed down helplessly. Radha comes there immediately for help. She knows where Khushi is and as strictly warned by Mataji and Khushi, she cannot even let their whereabouts to be known by any of the Raizada Gods.
“She is with Mataji” Radha interrupts.

Arnav Singh Raizada gives her a sharp surprised look.

“With Maa? What is she doing there?”
Radha bows her head.
“Yoga” comes a voice from the other end of the living room. Arnav turns at the voice of his wife and takes a sigh of relief seeing her before him, though her outfit seems abnormal. She is wearing a track suit which is quite unusual at this place. He is not worried of her western outfits but the reason why she was missing early morning. Radha takes a sigh of relief that Khushi came back on time and she didn’t had to lie further. Radha gestures the maids to continue their work and they all head inside, leaving the couple alone. Arnav takes predatory steps towards Khushi, his eyes never leaving hers.

“Why didn’t you tell me while leaving the room?” he scowls.

Khushi’s brows twitches high.
“I wasn’t leaving the house, just the room. What was it to tell? And plus, you were sleeping very peacefully. I didn’t feel like disturbing you”
Arnav is not very pleased with her reasoning.
“Don’t give me that excuse, Khushi. Your safety is more important to me than the bloody sleep”
“It is?” she curiously asks. Does he even know what he is confessing? Arnav reads her intentions behind that question but chooses not to answer it now. He has some other confusions to resolve first.
“Where did this Yoga suddenly fit in your schedule?” he holds her arm and pulls her closer.
Khushi shrugs his hold and crosses her hands in the front.

“You must be knowing every nook and corner of this town but you don’t know anything about your wife then.”

Her words prick him. He waits for her to finish.
“I am practicing Yoga ever since I was 22” she smiles with pride.
“And you are 23 now” he folds his arms too.
Khushi gets in a fix now. She should have told a longer period. Damn!! She clears her throat.
“So? So, what? I am doing something productive and I am very proud of it”
“That’s not the point. What has Maa to do with your Yoga?” he scoffs.

Khushi bites her lower lip becoming speechless. She has to think fast and something convincing.

“Yoga is for every age. When I told Maa about it, she showed her interest in learning it too. So, we decided of this specific time in the morning wherein we both will practice. It is going to make us stay fit and our entire day will be active.”

Arnav seems 50% influenced but he is still very unsure that Maa would have asked her to teach Yoga. Maa from the past few years have been busy in spirituality and social world. Why would she suddenly decide to do Yoga to stay fit? Khushi reads his confusion.

“If you don’t believe me, ask Maa” she commands.

Arnav shakes his head.
“I believe you” he admits looking straight in her eyes, and she knows he means it. It is such an honor that he believes her intentions though this time she is hiding from him the actual reason behind her early morning schedules. But she knows he will be happy seeing her a full-fledged sword fighter. She cannot wait for that day any longer to see his expressions when she fights with a sword.

Akash Raizada intrudes their conversation.

“Bhai, the Sehgals are reaching here by 10:00” Akash informs.

Arnav doesn’t react much because he was already made aware of this by Akash yesterday. But Khushi is surprised and shocked.

“What? Tushi and Payal are coming here? Why? Arent they your enemies?”

Arnav clenches his jaw.
“It’s Tushar Sehgal, Khushi. You might have nicknamed him before but now you are my wife and I don’t want you to call him that way”
Khushi swallows hard. Is he jealous? Maybe and if yes then this is going to be fun if Tushi .. oopps.. Tushar Sehgal reaches here. Arnav turns back to Akash.

“You have arranged everything required for their stay here?” he asks.
“Yes Bhai. They will be staying for 2 days so I have arranged the top floor rooms for them. The rooms will be having additional security 24x7 to ensure that none of the Sehgals interact with our family members without the presence of our guards. Plus, I am sure their guards will accompany too so their stay is arranged too at the outside quarters. Only their close bodyguards will be staying inside our house.”

Khushi rolls her eyes.
“If you are so much insecure about their stay here, why don’t you deny them from coming?” she asks.
Akash stays quiet but Arnav takes the lead in explaining her.
“Sehgals have some proposal for us which is why they are coming here. Until we know what that is, we cannot deny them”
“Proposal?” Khushi seems equally shocked but she gives up thinking too much about it. “Whatever, I am very excited because Payal is coming here. Me, Lavanya and Payal are going to have a lovely time here. I hope you don’t mind that” she asks Arnav who shakes his head in agreement.
“But you will always be guarded. Even though if it is only Payal Sehgal with you. You might trust her, I don’t. Understood?”

Khushi pouts in dismay but he is very stern in his decision. He heads to the drawing room with Akash making further planning of the Sehgals visit here.


_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 29

“The Sehgals are here” Rob, the head of the security comes and informs the Raizada Gods who become prepared to unwillingly welcome their enemies. Usha Raizada is the only one sitting on the couch while her sons standing next to her.

Pratham Sehgal, his daughter Payal Sehgal and his nephew Tushar Sehgal walk inside the Rajgad Palace, along with three of their bodyguards. Rob stops them for another layer of security check. A woman takes Payal aside to check her thoroughly while Pratham and Tushar are checked up right at the entrance. Tushar chuckles sarcastically.

“Raizadas.. What is all this? We are going through this check for the third time. Are you all scared of our motives?” Tushar asks.
Arnav smirks coming forward.
“It is better if you don’t talk about motives Tushar Sehgal. We very well know your motives have always turned harmful for us”
“They are clear Sir” Rob confirms and allows the three to get inside.

Akash gives a smouldering look to Payal Sehgal who clutches the ends of her dupatta in fear. She recollects their last encounter at the market and wonders if he has any plans to repeat the same here. Raizada Gods allow the guests to be seated on the couch, opposite to their mother. Khushi and Lavanya get to know about the Sehgal’s arrival and rush down to meet Payal.

“Payal” Khushi happily screams and rushes to her. She is about to reach the couch where Payal is sitting, to hug her, but on her way Arnav catches hold of Khushi’s arm. She gives him a tight disappointing look.
“She is my best friend” Khushi argues.
“We are yet to know their intentions of coming here” he snaps.

Pratham Sehgal then takes the lead.

“Ushaji, we know that our families have never been cordial with each other from past so many years. But after a lot of discussions, me and Tushar have decided to end all of this on a good note. Who has benefited from enmity after all?” he softly laughs.

Usha looks at her eldest Son, Arnav. She can see the don’t believe him look in his eyes. Arnav has always been over protective towards her. She knows that he feels she may easily give in to anyone pleads. But it is not so. Akash and Nandakishore Raizada are equally stern towards their talks as if they are not even a bit affected by the Sehgal’s change of minds. Khushi seems very happy though.

“Arre waah!! That’s a nice thought Uncle. I am sure if Sehgals and Raizadas join hands, the people of this town and yours will be surely at peace” she exhales.
Arnav grips her arm giving her a sharp stare as if he didn’t like her intruding in this conversation. She pouts at him and he concentrates back on the Sehgals. Khushi’s Daadi Subhadra, chooses to stay away from all this though she is keeping an eye on everything that is happening, from the lobby.

“Khushi is right. Our people are our strength and if they are benefitted, we will be more than happy.” Tushar replies. “We never realized Khushi and Arnav Singh Raizada are in love by the way” he teasefully adds. Arnav senses a jealousy in Tushar’s tone and the way he is looking at Khushi is very odd. He decides to smack Tushar’s face if he stares at Khushi again like that.

Khushi who is very innocent to these man to man reactions between Arnav and Tushar blushes at the comment from him. Arnav intervenes.
“I am sure you have no interest in our love story Tushar, so spill the beans. Tell us why are you here? And what is the proposal that you have got for us?” he straightly asks.
Pratham frowns.
“Ushaji, this time we are not initiating any argument, but your son is. We were here to wish him and his newly wed wife. Is this what we get in return?” Pratham complains.
Arnav fists his fingers.
“Maa, I feel they are wasting our time” he scowls.
Usha gestures him to stop shouting at them. Arnav controls his anger. He cannot go against his mother. Pratham smiles and then looks at Payal.

“Payal beta, won’t you wish your friend and gift her these flowers?” Pratham asks.

Payal nods and gets up from the couch. She is already very scared and clueless why her father and cousin made these sudden plans to visit the Rajgad palace and too making a compulsion that she also joins them here. Khushi waits with excitement for Payal to gift them the bouquet while Arnav is still holding her arm tightly, eyeing at the flowers to see if they can be a threat to anyone. Payal comes ahead.

“Congratulations Khushi” she hands the bouquet to her which Khushi happily accepts and the two hug each other. Arnav leaves Khushi’s hand that time. He takes the bouquet from his wife and passes it to Rob who takes it away, as if to check backstage if there is anything life threatening in it.
“Thanks Payal. I am so glad to see you here. Me and Lavanya have made full plans. We are going to rock these two days” Khushi giggles sharing her ideas to Payal whose smile fades as she sees Akash Singh Raizada giving her still few heated glances.
Pratham Sehgal continues talking to Usha Raizada.

“Khushi is just like our daughter. Though her family chose to stay away from Lucknow years ago, we still consider her as part of our family only”

Khushi fakes a grin at Pratham Sehgal.
“Since when did the Sehgals start caring for people outside their families?” Akash interjects.
Pratham presses his lips tight to control himself from uttering anything against the situation.
“Akash.. I have seen the world more than you” he pokes.
“I am sure you have.” Akash replies. “But we Raizada Gods don’t believe in words but in actions.”
Tushar gets up from his seat.
“We know that and what we also know is that Raizada Gods treat their guests with utmost respect. I don’t see even a trace of it here.”

Usha mouths and gestures something to Radha who immediately speaks on her behalf.

“Mataji wants you all to take some rest. Our men will show you your rooms. After lunch, we can take these talks ahead”

Pratham and Tushar are led by Raizada’s men towards their room. Their personal bodyguards trail them. Khushi stops Payal from following them.
“You will be staying with La in her room”
Nandakishore Raizada immediately protests.
“No!! Payal Sehgal will stay on the same floor where her father and brother will. She cannot stay with Lavanya”

Lavanya knows he is bothered about her safety and doesn’t want to take any risk. What these Raizada Gods don’t understand is that Payal is harmless and most importantly she is a friend of Khushi and Lavanya who want to spend maximum time with her. Khushi looks down remorsefully. Payal pulls up her chin.

“That’s okay Khushi. I will come down anytime when you and Lavanya need me. Okay?”
“Okay” Khushi hugs her again and allows Payal to leave with her guards. Khushi stares at her husband who was behaving extra careful during this entire moment.
“You scared my friend. She is already so pale and nervous after coming here”
“Who asked her to come here? We didn’t invite them. They are here on their own” he snaps.

Khushi arch her eyebrow at him but he doesn’t wait for further argument. He heads back to his brothers. He gives them some specific instructions and then asks Radha to take his mother back to her room. This house seems more like a war zone now where both the parties have decided to take a break and start the war again after lunch. Khushi sighs in disappointment coming to Lavanya.

“Bechari Payal. I couldn’t even introduce her to Arnav properly”

Lavanya sighs too.
“I wonder what proposal they have got Khushi. Don’t you think something mischievous in their behavior?” she asks.
“I am not bothered of that. I trust my husband and his brothers. They will always be one step ahead of the Sehgals”

Khushi’s sentence makes Lavanya smile with pride.
“Looks like someone has finally started adapting and accepting the family values now”
Khushi bites her inner lip.
“Yes. I have. That’s what every typical wife and daughter-in-law will do. Anyways, let’s see what is cooking for lunch today”

She takes Lavanya in the kitchen and both ensure the food meets the taste and likes of their best friend Payal too.
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After 2 hours when the two families again meet for Lunch at the table, Khushi gestures the maids to serve everyone. Khushi’s Daadi, Subhadra Gupta meets the Sehgals. She has never shared a great bond with them but nevertheless she does interact and sit together with them for Lunch.

“I have specially ensured the food is as per everyone’s taste” Khushi addresses chirpily.

Payal is happy to see her favorite meal and is about to start but Tushar stops her.
“The Raizada’s will eat first” he declares looking at the three Raizada Gods.
Khushi and the Raizada gods are stunned at his sudden demand. Usha is equally raged.
“What if the food is purposely poisoned for us?” Tushar further adds.
Arnav is highly angered at this statement.
“We are not backstabbers Tushar. We consider our guests as Gods and we don’t kill our Gods” he scowls.
Khushi’s face becomes pale. She had so cheerfully got the food prepared for everyone and these people instead of cherishing it are spying on her family. Arnav reads her face and then looks back at the Sehgal family.

“I will eat it first”

He starts eating one morsel of every item served in his plate and then looks back at them.
“If your suspicions are sorted, you can eat now” he angrily blurts.
Payal feels sorry and she mouths the same to Khushi who blinks at her to ease down. Everyone starts eating finally. Daadi is proud to see Arnav’s support towards Khushi.
“The food is very delicious” Tushar utters shamelessly after tasting the first morsel. Khushi rolls her eyes and sits next to Arnav.

Arnav notices a small scar on her arm, just above her wrist. He stops eating and touches the scar.

“What is this?” he asks with concern.
Khushi immediately withdraws her hand from his. How can she let him know that while practicing the sword fighting today, she got little hurt.
“This? It’s nothing. Just a minor injury.” She replies.
“How did you get injured? And when?” he starts digging the matter.

Khushi scans around the table. She is fortunate that no one is concentrating on their talks. Everyone is busy eating except Tushar who is constantly staring at the two.

“Tushar!! Uhh.. why don’t you have some kheer?” Khushi purposely tries to divert Tushar’s ears and eyes from her and Arnav but her husband takes it negatively. He doesn’t like his wife showing so much interest on someone else, that too when he is sitting just next to her. He clenches his jaw seeing Tushar taking the bowl of Kheer from her and serving himself. Khushi smiles at him and then looks back in her plate.
“I asked you something” Arnav continues to probe. His voice is turning little forceful.
“You did?” she teases him. “Sorry, I forgot. What was it?”
Arnav looks aggressively at her and grasps her arm.
“Khushi.. I don’t like this attitude of yours” his voice seems annoyed now.

Khushi slowly takes her arm off his.
“Payal. Do you want some salad?” she again ignores her husband’s attention which irks him beyond control. He gets up without finishing his food.
Usha stares at Arnav for his indecency. Khushi immediately gets alert too.
“Arnav… Don’t leave your food half finished” she urges.
Arnav wipes his lips with the cloth.
“I am done”
He doesn’t care if everyone is staring at him, curiously, to find reasons why he didn’t finish his food. He just didn’t like the way Khushi ignored him. She has to learn to be attentive to him. Only to him!!

“I think he didn’t like our company for Lunch” Pratham interrupts.

Khushi knows that’s not true. He left because of her. She already feels bad for him.
“No Uncle. That’s not true. You people please continue. I will check on him and be right back”
Usha doesn’t allow her to go. She shakes her head as if denying to leave the table like that, especially when the Sehgals are still eating. Khushi realizes it might insult their so-called guests even more. She sits back and continues eating, though her mind and heart is wondering how she is going to convince Arnav and with what excuses!!

After everyone finishes their lunch, Khushi rushes to the bedroom where she knows the temperature might have shot up because of her husband’s anger. She doesn’t find him there. She starts looking for him everywhere and finally after much efforts she gets to know from Rob that Arnav Singh Raizada is in the gym. She hurries there and gets inside. Arnav is in his sweat pants and sleeveless Vest, punching the boxing bag. His face and body is sweating but he doesn’t stop. He keeps punching the bag to take out all his anger. Khushi swallows hard and starts taking baby steps towards him.

“I pity on the punching bag” she softly utters. “Even after getting so much punched, it is still swinging back at you.”

That statement was just meant to tease him, in order to calm down his anger, but it in turn makes him wilder. The moment she reaches him, he clutches her arms and pins her roughly to the wall behind him. She gasps for air. He has pinned her many a times before but today it feels more dangerous and life-threatening.

“Three things Mrs. Khushi Singh Raizada. First, never ignore me again. Second, never lie to me. And third, never shrug away from my touch” he shouts at her.

Khushi feels like she is on a war field where the enemy has conquered her territory and she is been surrounded by the warriors from all sides, leaving her no chance to escape. Her subconscious hisses seeing him so possessive for her. She had plans to make him feel jealous by using Tushar but if without doing anything he is raged to this extent, it is better she doesn’t try beyond her capabilities. Words choke in her throat. His close proximity makes her feel dizzy, as if she might fall any instant. He is pressurizing her head too much, no one has ever done that. She slowly clasps his sweaty upper arms for support. Her touch invokes something inside him. Her scalp prickles when his eyes lower from her eyes and his gaze shift on her quivering lips. She has died to get his attention from day one and today when that is happening, she feels dazed and confused. Should she welcome his advances or just knock him away and run?

_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 30

“Knock him Khushi. He has insulted you” the grey side of her subconscious mind pokes
“Don’t. You love him Khushi and you know he is falling for you too. Don’t miss this opportunity. Kiss him” the other side of her mind intrudes.
“Knock him”
“Kiss him”
“Knock him”
“No.. Kiss him”

“SHUT UP” Khushi screams just at the wrong time when Arnav was this close to kiss her. He looks sarcastically in her eyes.
“WHAT?” he scowls.

Khushi realizes she said that very loudly. She wanted the two sides of her subconscious mind to shut up and let her concentrate.

“No.. That.. That wasn’t for you” she bites her lower lip nervously.
Arnav sighs.
“There is no one else here, Khushi. So technically, that Shut up was for me, isn’t it?” he angrily asks.

Khushi actually feels like punching someone. Why is everyone confusing her? This should have been the best moment of her life but she duped it. They hear some voices at the door. Arnav immediately recognizes the voice. Khushi is about to ask him something when he suddenly shuts her mouth with his palm. He gestures her not to make any sound and then holding her hand, he drags her along till the wall, adjacent to the door. Khushi loves such sequences wherein her husband is in action. They stand next to each other at the door. Arnav gives a sharp ear to the voice, trying to hear what is being discussed. Khushi also repeats his action and very soon she comes to know it is Tushar Sehgal and Pratham Sehgal talking.

“Are you sure about this proposal Tushar? I think it’s a risk” Pratham reconfirms.
“Uncle.. Believe me. This is the only solution” Tushar replies to Pratham’s worry.
Pratham shakes his head.

“Fine, if you still insist on doing this, then I will talk to Usha Raizada today. Come”

The voices disappear and they can only hear the sound of their shoes, as both Tushar and Pratham walk away from that lobby. Khushi is confused just like Arnav is.

“What proposal they were discussing about?” she asks him.
“We need to find that out. I know they have some big plans here”
“Should I ask Payal?” she suggests.
“No. She is one of the Sehgals. I cannot trust her and so shouldn’t you”

Khushi frowns.
“Don’t forget, she is the one because of whom we are together”
Arnav doesn’t want to concentrate on anything else right now but to know the plans of Sehgals but if his wife talks are so sarcastic, he cannot even avoid to hear it all.
“What does Payal Sehgal have to do with us being married?” he asks.
Khushi chuckles.
“You really don’t relate it or are you purposely making me wait here so that you can spend some time with me?” she teases him.
Arnav clenches his jaw.
“Khushi.. speak up” he growls.
Khushi giggles seeing his frustration.
“How silly of you Arnav Singh Raizada. It is so simple. Why did I come to Lucknow? Only to save Payal from getting married to that Lakshman Sinha. And in that process, I met you. So she is the one responsible indirectly for us to be together, isn’t she?”

Arnav finds it silly but yea he should have been able to relate that beforehand.

“Go back to your room and don’t let anyone know what you heard the Sehgals talking about” he dictates.
Khushi nods placing her finger on lips.
“At your commands Sir!!” she chuckles again and hurries back to her room.
Arnav smiles as she leaves. Will she ever get serious? She must be finding all this funny and like watching some thriller daily soap. She is unware how serious things can get here in a fraction of seconds. This is what makes her so innocent amidst all of them. And he wants her to stay that way. It is that quality in her which currently is keeping this whole house shinning.
888
“But what is their plan Bhai?” Nandakishore asks Arnav who has just shared the conversation he heard between Pratham and Tushar Sehgal, outside the gym room.
“I don’t know NK. But that’s what we have to find out before they take this so called proposal to Mother”
“I agree” Akash interrupts. “I have a very strong suspicion that this is not related to anything about our people. This has to do something with us.. With the Raizada family only” he adds.

Arnav nods.
“We need to be careful” Arnav further declares.

Rob comes in the drawing room, driving the attention of the Raizada Gods to him.

“Mataji has called everyone out. The Sehgals are also with her” Rob informs.
Arnav, Akash and NK glance at each other. Maybe they are late. The Sehgals have already put their proposal before their mother. They all hurry out to see what the matter is. Khushi, Lavanya and Payal also get down from the stairs.

“Payal, what is it? What does your father and Tushi want to talk to my mother-in-law?” Khushi asks.
“You think they would tell me? They always keep me away from their business talks. I am never involved Khushi”

Khushi knows she isn’t lying. If Payal had known, she would have told them much earlier.

Usha waits for everyone to reach at the living room. She then makes Radha speak up what was just spoken by the Sehgals to her. Radha shivers to raise this topic before the Raizada Gods because she knows it will shake them for sure.

“What is it Radha? Speak up” Arnav scowls.

Radha nods and bows her head down to speak.

“The Sehgals want to give their daughter Payal’s hand in marriage to Akash Raizada”

Everyone gets stunned by this statement. Payal feels like someone just pushed her into a deep well. The Raizada Gods are totally annoyed. The only person who is happy with this news is Khushi.

“Oh my god!! Payal.. and Akash? It will be so good” Khushi screams.
“KHUSHI STOP!!” Arnav roars from the other end. His angry stare is enough for Khushi to hold her smile and excitement. Arnav then shifts his gaze to the Sehgals.
“I don’t know what you intend to do by throwing this proposal at us but we are not interested. Raizadas can never get a Sehgal woman in their family”

Arnav’s harsh words make Khushi’s heart flutter with pain.

“If that’s the case Arnav, then even a Gupta woman shouldn’t have been in this house. You might not remember this, but even Guptas had a grudge upon your family years ago. You people made them leave their home, their village, their people” Pratham shouts.

Khushi is taken back by this revelation. Arnav himself looks surprised and confused with it. Subhadra Gupta, Khushi’s Daadi intervenes.

“Pratham.. Don’t try to instigate hatred between us. There is nothing so what you have been claiming about” Subhadra shouts.
Usha stares bewildered at Subhadra. Is that true? Was there something between the Guptas and Raizadas too which she wasn’t aware of? She thought her husband Uday had shared every bit of information with her even though she stayed away from him, in the Rajgad Palace. Was there something which he was hiding from her? But why?
Pratham laughs sarcastically.

“Subhadraji, we don’t want to instigate hatred between anyone. Neither we wish to dig old graves. We just want to end our enmity by giving our daughter to the second son of this house. What is wrong in this proposal?”
Arnav is speechless. His mind is ticking fast thinking the probabilities of truth in Pratham Sehgals words about Gupta and Raizada enmity. He is now blinded only with this thought and hoping it to be false. He cannot even imagine anything that can drive Khushi and him apart.
“Ushaji, you have a kind heart. You have always shown the right path to everyone. We will accept to whatever you decide. The ball is in your court now” Pratham Sehgal coaxes Usha Raizada to take a stand.

Usha looks at Payal who has gripped Khushi’s hand tight. It looks like this girl has no idea all this had to happen or else she wouldn’t have joined her father and cousin here. Khushi is standing clueless. She is also trying to decipher why Pratham Sehgal said something about her family? That they had to leave the town only because of Raizadas? Is there any truth in his words? Or was he just spilling lies?

Usha gestures Akash to come with her in the other room where she will talk to him alone. It is obvious she cannot take this huge decision without Akash’s input. When Khushi Gupta has proposed her for Arnav and her relationship, it was different. She had seen love in Khushi’s eyes for Arnav. But Payal Sehgal is not in love with Akash, neither he seems interested to marry her. So before she can decide anything, she will have a word with Akash first.

Akash and Usha Raizada go to the other room. NK comes and stands next to Arnav.

“Bhai, don’t worry. We know Akash will never agree for this” NK tries to calm Arnav’s growing frustration.

Payal grips Khushi’s arm strongly. She is in tears

“I cannot marry him, Khushi. I am scared of him. He will hurt me” Payal whispers, shivering a bit in fear. Khushi ignores her own dilemma and tries to soothe Payal’s worry.
“Akash is not bad, Payal. He is one of the Raizadas, he has always been protective towards his family. If this marriage happens, he will care for you.”
“No.. I cant.”
Khushi asks her to calm down. Crying or fearing to this extent is not going to help her right now.

After 15 minutes, Akash and Usha Raizada come out. Usha’s face reflects how much shocked she is. She still tries to be calm and then gestures Akash to tell his decision openly before everyone. Arnav and Nandakishore stare at Akash confidently. They know what his answer would be. But when Akash’s speaks up, his words shock everyone.

“I am ready to marry Payal Sehgal” Akash declares openly before the family.

Arnav Singh Raizada is the first one to come forward and clutch Akash’s arm.

“Are you out of your mind, Akash? What the hell are you agreeing for? We don’t expect any healthy relationship with the Sehgals. Just few minutes ago we had talked about this, didn’t we? Then why are you doing this?” Arnav growls.

Akash bows his head down. How he wishes to tell his brothers that he is doing this only for their benefit. Pratham and Tushar Sehgal sigh in relief and happily hug each other.
“This is such a great news Ushaji. Just mark our words, this marriage is going to be a new beginning for all of us” Pratham exclaims.
Khushi is speechless though she is happy that Akash has agreed for this marriage. Now she just wants to convince Payal somehow that this is the best alliance for her. Lavanya is speechless. She looks at Nandakishore with horror. She knows how shocked and troubled he is right now. Wish she could relieve his pain somehow.

“Bhai, Sehgals are right. This marriage will be a proof that our enmity has ended. It will also benefit our people, along with both the families” Akash explains. “These two families have seen a lot of bloodshed between them. This is one such chance to stop it forever.”

Arnav is not convinced. He reads in between the words that Akash just uttered. He feels Akash is doing this on purpose which later he will make his brother reveal. Right now, if Akash has decided something so big, he will have to respect it.
“Fine!! Do what you think is right” Arnav mutters and leaves for his room. He cannot show that much of patience to greet the Sehgals and wish them for this marriage.
888
Arnav hits his arm to the glass table, bruising his palm but he feels no pain. Khushi who sees this as soon as she enters the bedroom immediately rushes to him.

“Arnav, what do you think you are doing?” she holds his hand. He has bruised it badly. “Let me wash your wound” she tries to drag him to the bathroom but denies getting it cleaned up. He is still raged.
Khushi sighs in disappointment and kneels down before the recliner where he is seated.
“Hurting yourself is not going to settle things happening around you” she advises.
Arnav clenches his jaw. And finally vents his heart out.
“Why are my brothers so secretive at times? Earlier Nandakishore cheated me by taking your side and got you all the way to Rajgad to meet Maa. Now Akash did the same. Even after knowing the horrors Sehgals can do in the pretext of this marriage, he still agreed to marry that Payal Sehgal.”

Khushi realizes his point and tries to shed some light on it.

“Do you think NK took the wrong side that time? Are you still not happy with our marriage?” tears brim in her eyes. He gives her a sharp stare. Khushi lowers her head, trying to hide her tears from him. But Arnav pulls her hair gently turning her face to look at him.
“This is not about you, Khushi. I don’t repent marrying you”
Her face glows at his words but she would have still liked it if he had elaborated that a bit more. She understands though that this is not the right time for that.
“Then trust Akash’s decision this time. He too must have some strong reasons to agree for this marriage. Your brothers are your strength Arnav, don’t let yourself fall weak. People need you three brothers together. Until you trust each other completely, how will they trust you to protect them?”

She has a point which Arnav likes and even accepts heartily. He doesn’t understand is she the same silly girl he always thinks she is? She sometimes amazes him by her talks and broad mind. Nonetheless, whatever she has advised him this time has raised her level more in his eyes. He draws her closer and without any delay or fuss from his wife, he kisses her lips. Khushi’s eyes widen in shock. Is this really happening? Is Arnav Singh Raizada really doing this to her? She doesn’t want to give in but when she is about to do so, he pulls back. He is still fisting her hair and now looking passionately in her eyes. Khushi feels lifeless as if he sucked all the life from her.

“You still didn’t tell me whom you asked to shut up in the morning when we were in the gym” he whispers.

Khushi flushes. She knows he is simply teasing her so she decides to play it further.

“Three things Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada. First, never pull my hair like that again. Second, never kiss me without my approval”
Arnav raises his brow.
“And third?”
“That’s the easiest. Never take the first two things I said seriously” she chuckles and rushes out of the room before he can catch hold of her.

Arnav smiles heartily at her words and reactions. Khushi is really something he can never understand. She is full of life and it is this trait of hers which is slowly making his heart beat again with feelings and emotions.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 31

Khushi touches her lips, trying to feel what just happened few minutes ago. The Raizada God is full of surprise for her. When she was chasing him, he always pushed her away and today when for a change she ignored him, he couldn’t take it even for an hour. He marked his territory on her, clearly indicating her that she belongs to him. She flushes at the thought and keeps walking in the corridor, absentmindedly.

“Hello Princess”

This is Tushar’s voice. She stops and turns around, coming out of her stance.

“Tushar? Hi” she murmurs. Arnav’s warning flashes in her mind. He has specially asked his family not to meet any of the Sehgals without the presence of their guards.
“Where are you heading?” he comes to her.
“Downstairs.”
“So? Are you happy that your best friend will now stay in the same family?”
Khushi smiles with joy but before she could utter anything, he interrupts.
“I hope this time you don’t make any attempts to kidnap her groom”

Khushi freezes. She had completely forgot Payal had warned her that Pratham and Tushar Sehgal have got to know who was behind Lakshman Sinha’s abduction. Now she really needs their guards. Tushar grins at her as if he finally got the chance to catch the mice he was looking for from such a long time. She swallows, trying to suppress her fear. She is wife of a Raizada God, the strongest of everyone in this town. She has to be confident enough and ensure her own safety.

“So, you got to know that? Good. Anyways, whatever I did was only to protect Payal from becoming a trash in that Lakshman Sinha’s life. He was not fit for her. But I am glad you have chosen the right partner for her this time. Akash is a good man and he will take good care of her”

Tushar fists his fingers. Khushi notices that.
“Angry on me?” she asks. “Not your fault. But you need to think it calmly Tushar. I have saved your sister’s life.”

Tushar sees Akash Singh Raizada coming towards them and he eases his fist.

“Indeed. You saved her life”

Akash comes forward.
“You okay?” he asks concernedly to Khushi who nods her head.
“Yes Akash. I was just explaining Tushar how you are the best suitor for Payal”
Akash gives a warning look to Tushar. He like his brothers doesn’t trust the Sehgals yet.
“Pratham Sehgal is looking for you downstairs” he informs.
Tushar nods and goes away. Akash then looks at Khushi.
“If bhai had seen you alone talking to any Sehgal, he would have taken the whole house on his head. Please don’t repeat this next time. Take his warnings seriously”

Khushi sighs.
“Sehgals are not just our guests now but soon they are going to be part of this family. We cannot always see them with suspicion.” Khushi explains.
“You are too innocent to understand what we have between these two families. Our enmities will never fade no matter if I marry the woman from their family.”

Akash’s cold reply stuns Khushi. If he is so against the Sehgals still, why is he marrying Payal then?
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Arnav talks to Akash about his shocking consent for marrying Payal Sehgal. Akash wants to share with his brothers the suspicion he has about Sehgals been involved in their father’s murder but he cannot add oil in the already existing fire between the two families only because of his doubt. He should have proper proofs to place this matter before his brothers. So, he tries to convince them by saying that he is doing this marriage to end the enmity between Sehgals. This would also be a benefit for the people of their town. Arnav and NK though not very convinced by his explanation, try not to argue. They will wait for Akash to open up all his cards.

The Raizada Gods come out of their mother’s room after sharing their ideas for the marriage. They want to keep this ceremony as low as possible, to avoid any kind of dangerous masterplans from Sehgals. Usha Raizada agrees. Though Arnav has cleared most of his doubts about the conversation they had with Sehgals, there is still one matter which is not ready to skip from his mind. Why did the Sehgals say that Guptas also had been their enemies once? Is that true? Nandakishore and Akash who had been part of the discussion about the marriage see his distress.

“Bhai, all okay?” Nandakishore asks.
“Not really Nandakishore. I am wondering why did Sehgals point about our enmity with Guptas? I have never heard about it before from anyone” Arnav shares his concern with his brothers.
“Exactly Bhai, we are equally surprised to hear that. But seems like Maa is unaware and it won’t be a good choice to bother her. We have to find it out from elsewhere” Akash suggests.
“Khushi’s Daadi” Arnav points out. “She definitely knows something.”
“But will she agree to open up about that past? She has her granddaughter married in this family, she will not take that risk” Nandakishore puts forth his thoughts.

Arnav and Akash agree to this.

“But we have to find it out NK. I want to know everything that connected us to the Guptas” Arnav stresses upon.

He sees Khushi sitting with Lavanya and Payal in the living room and laughing heartily. She is probably trying to cheer Payal for this marriage. He wonders if that smile she has on her face will remain so or will fade away once they get to know what connection they shared in the past?

Payal tries to get away from there. But Khushi pulls her back on couch.

“Payal come on. My brother-in-law is not a Dracula. He won’t eat you up.” Khushi says.

Payal sighs in disappointment. She believes it is high time she tells Khushi and Lavanya what Akash did with her in the market few days ago.

“He is not what he seems to be” Payal replies.
Khushi and Lavanya both look at each other and then back at Payal.
“What do you mean?”
“He can hurt me” she murmurs. “He has done that before.” Tears start rolling down Payal’s cheeks which gets Khushi and Lavanya worried. Khushi immediately cups Payal’s cheeks.
“What? When? And what did he do?”

Before Payal could say anything, they all hear Akash’s voice.

“I shouted at her”

All the three of them look at Akash who has just interrupted their conversation. He stares at Payal as if warning her not to reveal anything. She gets scared easily and cocoons herself on the couch, taking her feet up and cuddling the pillow.
“You shouted at her? Why?” Khushi asks.
Akash comes forward.

“Actually, what happened was, I had been to the Lucknow market while chasing few of our enemies. I saw them in a store and I entered there asking all the people inside to leave. I could not risk the lives of people there. So, everyone left but Payal, she stood cold and numb. She was so scared that she couldn’t lift her feet and walk away.”

Khushi sighs.
“And you scolded her to get out? Right?”
Akash nods. Khushi laughs.
“So that’s how you both met for the first time. I understand why she is so scared of you then. Akash, you are just like Arnav. Khadoos”
“Excuse me?” Arnav intervenes.

Khushi gets alert by his presence and suddenly the flashes of their first kiss run in her subconscious mind.

“What did you call me?” he asks. Nandakishore and Lavanya enjoy seeing them fighting because they know it is not by any hatred or anger. It’s a love fight.
“Khadoos” Khushi answers coming out of her stance. “Don’t you remember our first meet? You had tied me up to the car. I tried to explain you so many times that I was not going to burn the farms but you didn’t believe me”
Arnav rolls his eyes.
“I don’t believe strangers” he scoffs. “Even if that stranger is a beautiful woman”
Khushi flushes. Lavanya quickly whispers in her ears.
“Did he just call you beautiful?” Lavanya teases her. Khushi bites her lower lip feeling on top of the world and pinches Lavanya to stop teasing her further.

Arnav waits for her reaction but she decides not to give in. He might have kissed her but that doesn’t mean he got his attention forever. For that, he will have to work hard.

“Payal, the basic rule of marrying a Raizada God is, never expect them to praise you or be gentle towards you. It is not their fault. After their puberty, these men have just got engaged in sorting fights and getting engaged in public welfare services. Had they got into affairs, dated women, they would have known what pleases a woman. They can never sober down.” Khushi explains.

Arnav grits his teeth. Nandakishore glances at Lavanya recalling their good old days when they used to have such cat fights yet they were in a relationship. Lavanya sees him too but soon looks away as she remembers the bitter memories of their break up.

“Don’t spoil her head Khushi. She is yet to be a part of this family” Arnav warns her openly.
“I am giving her tips. I don’t want her to be in high hopes, like I was” she snaps and holding Payal’s hand she drags her away. Lavanya follows them too.

Arnav’s jaw drops. Akash and Nandakishore glance at each other.

“Bhai.. What more hopes can a woman have from us? We are doing everything possible to keep them happy, aren’t we?” Akash asks but fails to get any reply from his brothers. They both walk away to their respective work and later, so does Akash.
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Khushi raises her sword for defense. Her mother-in-law is too strong in her moves. She sometimes gets surprised to see how Usha Raizada is still energetic and active in this art even though she had stopped practicing it for years.

“Khushi focus” Radha shouts from the other corner. Khushi realizes she was lost in her thoughts and her mother-in-law has already pointed the tip of the sword on her neck. Just one more second delay and it would have pierced her skin. She drops her sword in anxiety.

Usha gives her an angered stare and gestures her through hands. Khushi tries to understand what she is saying but Radha helps her by putting it in words.

“Putting down the sword in the fear of dying is the weakest sign you can show to your enemy. Never do that.” Radha utters mirroring Usha’s gestures.
Khushi pouts and picks her sword again.
“Sorry Maa, I.. I was overwhelmed when you pointed it on my neck. For a second I felt like this is real”

Usha blinks her eyes and again takes the position. She stands behind Khushi and teaches her how to raise the sword, how to keep her hands firm, without shaking and most importantly how to concentrate on your goal. Khushi is a quick learner. She mirrors the actions and techniques easily, proving her willingness to learn this art.
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Arnav wakes up in his room and again finds the other side of the bed vacant. Khushi and her Yoga is making him restless these days. Last night he was busy analyzing with his brothers their forthcoming agenda for the wedding and hence was delayed to come back in the room. When he did, Khushi was snoring softly in her sleep. He had wished to kiss her again but he would never take advantage of her sleeping form, even though he knows she has given him that permission while laying forward her silly three conditions after their initial kiss. So, with a heavy heart he went to sleep next to her and now when he has woken up, she isn’t there again. He takes his shower and comes out. He realizes his phone has been ringing continuously. He answers the call which happens to be from the clients who are still in Lucknow waiting for the Raizada Gods to finalize the deals of the pesticides which can benefit their crops. He speaks for few minutes with them, addressing their concerns and then comes down.

Khushi is serving tea to Usha Raizada. He sees his mother is sweating. He rushes down.

“Maa? You seem tired”

Khushi swallows. How can she tell him that it is because his mother is teaching her Sword fighting? Usha holds Arnav’s hand and denies anything wrong with her. Arnav is not convinced.

“Stop your Yoga sessions Khushi, at least don’t involve Maa in it.”

Khushi frowns.
“I am taking care of her health, I am equally worried of her”
Before Arnav could argue further Radha interrupts.
“Mataji herself has shown interest in this. She wants to continue”
Arnav looks at his mother who seems to be nodding in acknowledgement. Khushi grins. Arnav rolls his eyes and then comes to the point.

“We have to go back to Lucknow Maa. A lot of work is pending there which requires mine, Akash and NK’s presence.”

Khushi suddenly becomes numb. So finally, that day has come. Like the traditions which Raizada gods have been following, he will leave while she will have to stay here in Rajgad Palace. She suddenly feels hollow from inside. Arnav quickly looks at her.

“Akash-Payal wedding will happen in 2 days here after that we brothers will leave”

Usha seems untouched by this as she continues sipping the tea but Arnav and Khushi both keep looking at each other. There is pain in their eyes, the pain of separating from each other. Khushi is the first one to look away.

“Maa… I . I will shower and come back” she says in a weak voice to Usha and hurries to the room. Arnav knows she is hurt and so is he. There was a time when he was proud of their rules, their traditions and could do anything to ensure these are followed strictly but today he doesn’t want to believe in any of it. Why? He is falling weak and weakness is not allowed in their family.

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Chapter 32

‘He is leaving.. he is leaving you here. .’

Khushi stands below the cold shower, trying to regain control of herself. An hour ago, Arnav informed his mother that the Raizada Gods have to finally leave for Lucknow again and stay there. And based on their rules, none of their wives are allowed to stay with them. They got to be here, in Rajgad Palace as they are considered safer here. It is such an irony that none of these men have understood the fact that a woman is safe when her man is around. And being safe is not everything that a woman wants. Apart from being safe, she wants to be close to her husband, get his love, serve him in his good and bad days, take his and his family’s responsibilities upon her shoulders and walk hand-in-hand with her husband proving his better half. Will these Raizada Gods ever realize this?

Khushi comes out of the shower in a robe. She realizes that she didn’t even take out her dress for her before rushing for bath. She was so much depressed by Arnav’s revelation of wanting to head back to Lucknow, that it skipped her mind. But when she comes out, she sees a plain yellow saree neatly kept on the bed. That Saree does belong to her but this is way too simple and light weighted compared to the heavy designer Sarees and Lehnga Choli’s she is supposed to wear as a Bride of Raizada God.

She picks the Saree and stares at it, when suddenly she feels someone standing closer, behind her. She panics but the moment she hears Arnav’s voice whispering in her ears, her fear eases off.

“Wear it” he whispers.

Khushi understands it is he who kept it here. She immediately turns around.

“But this is very simple; not as per Raizada’s standards” she mutters.
“You feel comfortable in it. That’s what matters”
She likes his reply. But she is too hurt to imagine he is going to leave soon. She keeps the saree back on bed and heads to the dressing table to blow dry her hair.
“I get it. This is just like old times. My father used to do the same. When he couldn’t fulfil his promise to take me out for play, he would get toys or chocolates to mend my mood as a compensation”

Arnav doesn’t understand why she gave this example.

“I didn’t do anything to compensate Khushi. I just want you to be comfortable here even in my absence. I have told Maa and Radha not to bother you or Payal to dress royally. You can wear whatever you both are comfortable in”
“Oh” she whimpers as tears pool in her eyes. The more he argues with her now, the more painful it is getting.

Arnav reads her expressions and realizes what state of mind she is going through. She is unhappy because in two days he would be leaving to Lucknow. Will he ever be able to tell her that he is not happy either? Though he doesn’t want to run away from his duties towards his people and town, he also doesn’t want to ignore his wife. He decides to convey her the same but the moment he tries, she turns on the blow drier, the sharp sound of which frustrates him. She stops it for few seconds and combs her hair. Arnav uses this opportunity to speak.

“Khushi, I ..”

Again, Khushi turns the drier on and his words remain unheard to her. Arnav is infuriated. Is she doing this on purpose? He strides towards her and snatches the drier away, turning it off.

“I am saying something” he barks.
Khushi swallows hard. She knows he is frustrated because she is not hearing him out.
“This is exactly how I feel now. Disappointed.. Upset..” she snaps.
Arnav tries to read her expressions and he knows why she is saying all that. He clutches her arms and pulls her closer.
“I will come back soon” there is an unspoken promise in his words but she is not satisfied with it.
She shrugs his arms from hers.
“You don’t need to. And stop pretending like you are hurt. Because you are not. Your town.. your people mean everything to you. I will always come after them and I want to live with this truth forever.”

Arnav is highly disappointed by her accusations.

“I know I will take time to grasp this but I will.. I will learn to accept this fact soon, Arnav. And it is good. It is good that you are leaving. I don’t want to be attached to someone who is not going to be beside me day and night.” She adds.

Arnav swallows his anger because he can clearly see how much his decision to leave has hurt her. She heads back to the bed, picks the saree and rushes in the bathroom to change. Arnav stands there like an idiot, trying to analyze his next actions.
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The marriage time is fixed and the entire Raizada family is busy in making the arrangements. While Khushi and Lavanya are busy with Payal, helping her dress up, Nandakishore is keeping a strict eye on all the security aspects with Rob, whereas Arnav Singh Raizada is assisting Akash with some needful tips for this marriage.

“Akash, from tonight, Payal is no longer going to be a Sehgal. She is going to be Raizada God’s bride. I hope you don’t forget that”
Akash understands what his brother is pointing at.

“Bhai, I am not a monster. And I know how to behave with women.”
“That’s not what I meant. Whatever enmity we have is with Pratham and Tushar Sehgal. We have to draw clear lines when it comes to Payal henceforth. She should never be facing the wrath of our enmity”

Akash nods. Though he will ensure to look after Payal’s integrity and respect, he will never forget that she holds some information which is related to the man who killed their father. After being his wife, she will have to unleash that name.

There is a knock at the door. Khushi gets inside. She is wearing a nice Lehnga, looking no less than a new bride. She ignores Arnav’s hooding eyes on her and walks to Akash.

“Maa wants me to make you wear this turban” she says.

Akash smiles gently and sits on the recliner. Khushi picks the turban cloth and stands behind him. She starts circling the cloth on his head. Arnav keeps staring at her. She is pretending to be strong and unaffected by the fact that the next morning Arnav will be leaving back to Lucknow. She wants to enjoy this wedding of her best friend and welcome her in this family. Since their conversation a day back, Arnav has made innumerous attempts to talk to her and make her feel better but she has ignored him every single time. She is not prepared to say goodbye to her husband with smiling face.

Khushi knows Arnav is waiting for her to meet his eyes which she obviously wouldn’t. She keeps circling the cloth, turning it into a groom’s turban. It is just at the end when the cloth is about to slip from her fingers. Before it could completely come out from her grip, Arnav saves it. He holds the other end of the cloth standing right beside her. His fingers brush with hers for seconds but she immediately withdraws her hand.
She ties the final knot of the turban and stands before Akash to see how it suites on him.

“You are looking very handsome today Akash. And knowing you so far, I am sure you will always keep my friend happy”

Arnav likes her few generous words to his brother. She has been taking her role as the eldest daughter-in-law very seriously. Akash smiles and stands up.

“Should we leave now?” he asks.

Arnav and Khushi both lead him down, to the same lawn before their Palace where once their marriage had taken place. All those memories flash before their eyes when they see Akash and Payal performing the same rituals. Khushi, though standing next to Arnav, she ensures not to feel excited about it. Very soon he is leaving and it will leave her in horrors if she tries to build up any further attraction for him. She wants to wait and see how far he is able to stay without her because for her, every single second is going to be a lifetime.

Tears pool in her eyes as the wedding rituals complete. The Sehgals cheer aloud and come forward to hug the Raizada brothers. Arnav cautiously embraces Pratham Sehgal and congratulates him for his daughter’s wedding. But when Tushar comes around to hug him, Arnav purposely tightens his grip around Tushar’s back and whispers in his ears.

“I hope this is not one of your tactics to get control over the Raizada Gods. If it is, then very soon you will witness the downfall of Sehgals and this time, FOREVER”

Tushar grits his teeth and pulls back from the hug. He gently pats Arnav’s arms.

“Let’s see whose downfall it will be in the coming months” Tushar murmurs.
Both Arnav and Tushar smile posing a photo together as the camera flashes on them. If not for each other, at least the onlookers should feel their enmity is going to be wiped off by this marriage.
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Khushi waits beside her mother-in-law while she gifts the new bride a necklace. Khushi has already been briefed about the history of this necklace which she speaks about on behalf of Usha Raizada.

“Payal, this necklace belonged to the Grandmother of Raizada Gods. Seems during her times she had won this necklace from her husband for saving lives of hundreds of people during a flood in this town”

Payal nervously smiles looking at the necklace. Seems like the Raizada Gods’s wives were very strong-willed women. Can she ever be one of them? She has always been so scared of everything. Her words have never counted before by her family, her father and her cousin brother. Will she ever be able to think and work like the other brides of Raizada Gods have been? Usha makes her wear the necklace and then kisses Payal’s forehead. Khushi recollects the day when Usha had gifted her their prestigious sword. It had been such a proud moment for her. And today she can also proudly say that she knows how to use that sword.

Lavanya holds Payal’s hand and then looks back at Radha and Usha Raizada.

“Me and Khushi will drop Payal to Akash Singh Raizada’s room”
Payal grips the ends of her dupatta. She is going to enter the den of that angry lion? How will he treat her? She doesn’t even know what he wants from her?
Usha and Radha leave while Khushi and Lavanya escort Payal upstairs.
“I don’t want to go there” Payal whispers.
Khushi sighs.
“Payal, stop it. You don’t have to fear. This family is not like yours. They respect everyone here. Akash will never harm you” Khushi tries to ease off Payal’s worry.
“I have been telling her this since yesterday but she is not ready to believe me” Lavanya interrupts.

Khushi sees Radha coming out of her bedroom with a tub of flowers. She immediately stops her.

“Radha, you had to decorate Akash’s room, not mine” Khushi utters.
Radha smiles at her.
“I had Mataji’s orders to decorate your room as well, which I did” Radha replies shyly. “The Raizada Gods will leave tomorrow to Lucknow. It’s hardly been few weeks that you and Arnav got married. Mataji wants you to spend the best time before he leaves. So”

Khushi is amused to hear that. Payal and Lavanya’s jaw drops. Khushi feels strange thinking what Arnav’s reactions would be to see their room decorated too? She knows he has been dying to be with her, talk to her from the past two days but she kept ignoring him. Even today during the marriage rituals, he tried to stay close to her but she avoided him again. She does not want to give him more attention. Because at the end she is the only one to be more hurt.

She politely smiles at her two friends who are waiting for her reactions over this unnecessary room decoration.

“Akash might visit his room anytime and before that happen, his bride has to be there. So, come on. Speed up girls”

Her cold reply to the situation makes Lavanya wonder why Khushi is behaving so? The way Arnav Singh Raizada is behaving these days should have impressed Khushi, but she isn’t happy about it. Why?
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Akash Singh Raizada steps in his room with Arnav Singh Raizada. The brothers seem to be very normal until they reach Akash’s room and witness their respective partners. Payal clutches Khushi’s hand when she tries to leave. Khushi gestures her to be calm.

“Good night Payal. My wishes for this new start of your life” Khushi hugs Payal wishing her and gets down the bed. She then smiles at Akash. She is about to leave the room when Arnav holds her hand. Her breath chokes in her throat. Arnav doesn’t make it obvious to Akash or Payal that he has stopped Khushi. He acts very calm and normal.

“Okay Akash, don’t forget we have to start early tomorrow. Good night”

Akash nods at his brother’s words. Arnav then gives an intense stare to his wife.
“We should be heading back in our room” he declares.
Khushi tries to shrug his hold, but fails.
“No. I … I have some more work left downstairs”
“Radha will complete it. We are heading back to the room and that’s final” he grabs her arm properly and hauls her towards the corridor. He doesn’t lead her to their bedroom. Where is he taking her then?

He stops as they reach the end of the corridor. He then scans everywhere to see if they are being watched. Khushi curiously stares at him. What is he doing? He presses a button at the wall and out of nowhere, the wall slides. It is a damn door!! Khushi fears and quickly holds his hand.

“What.. what is this? Some kind of secret door?” she asks.
Arnav shakes his head and leads her in. The moment they reach inside, he leaves her hand. It is totally dark inside and Khushi wonders why?

“Why there is no light in here?” she asks.
“Quiet” he whispers in her ears.

He slowly pins her to the wall behind. Her pulse quickens.

“No one ever knows about this place which I am going to show you. Don’t freak out because its dark here. I am there to hold you. Okay?” his voice and the situation should have scared her but it turns her on. To make it worse for her self-control, he slides his arm around her waist and turns her to the way ahead. She tries to concentrate now and realizes it is a small pathway which leads them further inside.

“This.. this looks like a cave to me” she murmurs. “Why is it so dark in here?”
“It is supposed to be like that” he replies leading her further in. “Khushi this is a secret pathway, the end of which will lead you to another door.. More like an EXIT”

They reach the end of the tunnel and he presses another button at the wall. Another door slides. It is indeed an exit.

“You see that hut there?” he asks, pointing her to the small hut which is almost 100 feet away from this exit door.
“Yes”
“That’s a garage. It has a vehicle inside which is fully functional. The keys of that vehicle is kept below it, hidden under a heap of hay. You will find it easily”

Khushi is stunned.

“Why are you telling me all this?”
“Safety procedure. If there is any trouble inside the house in my absence, I want you to take Maa, and others right from this tunnel to that garage. Use that Vehicle and reach the safe house whose location is written in a small note kept safely at the backseat pocket of the passenger seat.”

Khushi’s head spins.

“Arnav.. I.. I appreciate that you have told me all of this but why just me?”

Arnav cups her cheeks and brings her closer.
“Because you are the only one whom I trust, can safeguard the family in we brother’s absence”

Tears form in Khushi’s eyes. It is this trust which makes her forgive him for everything harsh he has ever told her.

“Don’t go” she pleads in a whimpering voice. Finally, she utters this. She is tired of keeping this pain within her. She really wants to stop him from going or want him to take her along. Arnav swallows feeling the pain of separation in her voice. Yes, he knows how difficult it is for her to see him going back to Lucknow tomorrow. But it is equally tough for him.


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Chapter 33

“Arnav.. I.. I appreciate that you have told me all of this but why just me?”

Arnav cups her cheeks and brings her closer.
“Because you are the only one whom I trust, can safeguard the family in we brother’s absence”

Tears form in Khushi’s eyes. It is this trust which makes her forgive him for everything harsh he has ever told her.

“Don’t go” she pleads in a whimpering voice. Finally, she utters this. She is tired of keeping this pain within her. She really wants to stop him from going or want him to take her along. Arnav swallows feeling the pain of separation in her voice. Yes, he knows how difficult it is for her to see him going back to Lucknow tomorrow. But it is equally tough for him. They hear some noises from the other end of the tunnel. Arnav grips Khushi’s wrist using one hand while the other quickly removes the rifle from his pocket.
“I don’t want this place to be leaked. The Sehgals are still in the house. Let us get out of here” he whispers.

Khushi doesn’t give a damn to his words. She clutches his collar and pins him to the wall behind. His eyes sparkle with surprise. She has become stronger than before. Is it her emotions which are coming out or is she sharpening her self-defense skills? He keeps his doubts to himself.

“Let me see how long you stay without me there” she challenges.

It hits his ego somewhere. It has never happened before. Whenever he used to visit Rajgad before, he always was in a hurry to get back to Lucknow and handle his duties there. But this is one time, when he has no such hurry. He knows it is because of Khushi. He is not happy either to leave without her. But he won’t make that obvious to her.

“Why do I think you will be the first one to come hopping there?” he teases her because he wants to change her mood. He cannot see her in tears, not because of him, not because of anyone else either. Khushi takes his words very seriously though. And as Arnav has wanted, her mood changes. She becomes defensive again.

“Let us see who comes for the other first”

Arnav’s brow raises as if accepting the challenge. Khushi leaves his collar and starts walking out. Arnav smirks and follows her. She is one angered soul tonight who cannot be mellowed down. When they both enter their room, Arnav is dazzled seeing the decorations inside. Khushi is overwhelmed too. Radha has
adorned their room very well. She recollects their first night when Arnav had fought with her for getting him tied into this unwanted relationship. And to top of it, he even left her alone the same night and went back to Lucknow. He was so mean to her that night. Arnav recalls the same and feels utterly bad for making her go through all of this.

Khushi tries to avoid his eyes and starts taking out her jewelry, one by one. Arnav heads to the closet and starts packing his stuff. He keeps glancing at her image in the mirror. She is too busy in her own thoughts. He zips his bags and then makes his way to the bed to sleep. Khushi purposely delays. She keeps wasting time in deciding what to wear tonight? Arnav silently watches her. She is intentionally doing this. At least if she comes to bed, he can admire her closely and take in these little moments forever in his heart, until he meets her again, during his next visit. His eyes slowly start closing, and in next few minutes he is fast asleep. Khushi hears him snoring and then comes to bed. She admires his face as much as she can. For few days from now, she won’t be having him next to her. How will she cope up living alone in this room? She is going to miss him badly and she knows he will miss her too. She brushes her fingers in his hair, palms his scalp and then lies down next to him, dozing off to sleep.
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Payal curls up her toes as she sees Akash Singh Raizada coming to her. She closes her eyes and prays God to give her strength and save her from this monster who is now her husband. Akash watches her with confused eyes. He soon hears what she is murmuring. Is she praying? Is she really this innocent? For a second he wishes to believe it but soon he realizes she has Sehgal blood in her, she can never be innocent.

“No God is coming here to save you Payal Sehgal” he declares. “Only I can save you from myself”

His words confuse her very much. She opens her eyes and looks at him. He might look very sober but she knows he is not what he looks. He walks to the bed and sits opposite to her.
“You just have to answer one simple question and I swear I will never bother you again”

Payal stiffens.

“What question?” she shivers moving back, creating some distance between them.
“The same old one” his voice turns harsh. “I showed you a picture the other day in the market. I just want to know who that man is? And most importantly, where is he?”

Payal swallows hard. She doesn’t understand what information he is looking from her and why?

“I don’t know what you are asking” she tries to get off the bed but Akash spins her back and this time she falls on the mattress, totally clueless of what this monster might do to her next.
“I think your family didn’t teach you not to lie to your husband” he growls.

Tears pool in her eyes. Akash feels uneasy to go with this interrogation further. But he married her for this one reason, to find the whereabouts of the man he is looking for madly from past so many years. But it is not going to be fruitful in one night. Payal Sehgal is purposely hiding the identity of that man but he is also a Raizada God, today or tomorrow, he will force that information from her. He leaves her on the bed and walks out of the room. Payal feels little comforted when he is gone. This is what she feared of.  What exactly is he trying to find from her? Why is he so much into that one photo? Maybe she should talk to Khushi about it. But it is only possible when these brothers leave the palace tomorrow and also her own family who are still in this same house, probably plotting their next set of actions against the Raizada Gods.
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Khushi feels a warm palm over her cheek, as if someone is caressing her, trying to wake her up from sleep. She slowly opens her eyes and realizes it is her husband, Arnav. He is sitting next to her, dressed in dark denims and a white Shirt. He looks neat and totally handsome. But why is he dressed now? It is still dark outside. Suddenly the fact that he and his brothers are leaving back to Lucknow today, flashes in her mind and her eyes widens. She tries to get up but he stops her from doing so.

“Don’t” he whispers.

He does not want her to come out and see him off. He might not be able to go otherwise. Khushi forgets all the anger that she had bubbled in her heart against him and holds his arm. He raises her arm and kisses her wrist.

“Time is up.  Akash and NK are waiting down for me” his tone sounds apologetic.
Her eyes brim with tears which he notices too.
“Don’t make it difficult for me, Khushi” he wipes the corner of her eyes before those tears could roll down her cheek.
“Call me when you reach” she mutters softly.
He shakes his head, giving her a half-hearted smile. The next instant, he leans down and kisses her lips. Khushi doesn’t retreat. She wraps her arms around his neck, pulling him closer, giving in completely. There is an unknown connection between them already which draws them so close to each other. And this one kiss proves it to her how difficult it is for him to go away. He is going to miss her badly and if she doesn’t support him at this instant, she will make their little separation worse for both.

He pulls back in few minutes and without even glancing at her again, he heads out. He knows if he turns behind to see her, he might never step out of this room without her. Khushi cuddles the pillow and hides her face inside it. Tears keep rolling down her cheeks as she starts feeling his absence this very instant. Though they will talk on phone, though she will even get to see him in video calls, she is going to miss his warmth, his touch, his breath and this very feeling which only comes when he is next to her.
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“The Sehgals will leave first, Akash and only then we shall leave the Palace” Arnav declares coming down.
“Yes Bhai, Pratham Sehgal is seeing off their daughter. They will come down now” Akash informs.
“Let us meet Maa till then”

The three brothers head to their mother’s room. She is awake and sitting on the recliner, watching photo frame hung on the wall. It is Uday Singh Raizada, her husband’s photo. As she sees her sons coming inside, she wipes her eyes and turns to them. Arnav guesses she must be thinking about their father. There have been times when he has seen his mother sinking in pain. She has lost her husband at a very young age and in a very tragic situation. It was never easy for her to raise her three Sons amidst so much of enmity and bloodshed. Even after losing her voice she has always stood up for her sons and given them the courage and strength to take the hardest decisions in life. Akash and NK take the blessings of Usha. Arnav then touches her feet.

“We stayed quite long this time.” Arnav mutters. “If it hadn’t been that necessary, I wouldn’t have taken Akash along. He is just married and needs to understand Payal to get along in this relationship”

Usha nods in agreement. Akash interrupts.

“Bhai, even you had to leave on your first night, remember? I think that is in our blood” he tries to make the conversation easy but Usha doesn’t like it. She frowns at her sons for taking their wives and their marriage so lightly.
“Sorry Maa” Arnav apologizes collectively on their behalf. “I am sure Khushi and Payal will get a good opportunity to learn everything under your guidance.”

Usha remembers she is already training Khushi sword fighting which her daughter in law wants to surprise Arnav about after she completes it.

“Bhai, you still didn’t tell us what is the emergency in Lucknow?” Nandakishore asks.
“The well construction has stopped”
“What?” Akash shouts in worry. “But why Bhai? That well is going to be useful for irrigation to every farm surrounding it”
Arnav agrees.
“I know. Our sources say that while digging, they have found some precious diamonds. I have purposely asked to stop digging further until we reach there and take the matter in our hands” Arnav explains.

Usha is equally curious like her other two sons.

“Bhai, diamonds? That land belongs to the old Zamindar who died last year, isn’t it? And we bought the land from his son who stays abroad. So how did the diamonds get there?” Nandakishore raises his concern.
“That’s what we have to find out NK. I don’t want any of our enemies to know about it. Otherwise they will start shedding blood to get those handful diamonds under their custody. Whatever treasure we will find there, we will be depositing it for the welfare of the town.”

Both Akash and NK realize this is going to be a huge responsibility for them and until they sort it out, they will never be able to get sound sleep. Usha blesses her sons again feeling proud of their dedication towards the betterment of their people. She knows whatever happens, her sons will protect them.

Radha comes inside and informs everyone that the Sehgals want to take their leave.

“Finally!!” Arnav exhales and leads his family out to see off the Sehgals, though each one of them is disinterested in doing such formalities for that family.

“Okay Ushaji, we should leave now” Pratham Sehgal joins his palms. He holds Payal in his embrace. She is not really upset that her family is leaving. She was hardly happy with them. “Please take care of our daughter. Now that our families are united, I hope she will be given every comfort and dignity in this house that she deserves.”
Arnav dislikes their talking sense.
“We don’t torture women, Sehgals”

Payal slowly looks at Akash who gazes back at her. He didn’t torture her, did he? He only wants the name and whereabouts of that man whom she and her family are trying to protect.

Subhadra Gupta, Khushi’s Daadi, wakes up and comes out. She sees the Sehgals and Raizadas talking. She doesn’t want to interrupt but she knows Arnav Singh Raizada is leaving today to Lucknow, keeping Khushi here. And she is unhappy about it. So, she purposely comes to ask about this to Arnav and check how soon he is planning to return back. Pratham Sehgal sees Subhadra coming and he immediately decides to taunt Arnav on his earlier statement.

“You don’t torture women, but Raizadas can torture an entire family, can’t they?” Pratham laughs sarcastically, giving a teasing smile at Subhadra, raising few more suspicions in Arnav’s mind.
“Mind your words Pratham Sehgal” Arnav becomes defensive.

Subhadra doesn’t want this conversation to extend so she decides to intervene.

“Arnav, I need to talk to you” she says.
Tushar looks at Pratham and gestures him that they should be leaving now.
“Our vehicles are ready Uncle. We should go”
Pratham smirks at the Raizada family once and heads out. Their guards follow them and soon the Sehgals are out of the Rajgad Palace.
“Boliye” (Speak up) Arnav mutters angrily. He didn’t like how Subhadra Gupta interrupted his conversation with the Sehgals. He feels like there is something happened in the past which he is able to feel every time the Sehgals and Subhdra Gupta have come face to face.
“I need to talk to you alone” she requests.

Arnav nods and excuses from his mother and brothers. He takes a walk with Subhadra Gupta to the door.

“So, you are leaving” she asks. “Why cannot you take Khushi with you? She is your wife”
“I have discussed all of this with Khushi. There are some irrevocable terms which Raizadas have kept following from past many decades. Khushi is aware of it and we are following the same.”
“I know about your terms but what kind of conditions are these which cannot allow a husband-wife to stay together?”
“Women can weaken us. They can divert us from our motives. This separation is needed so that we focus on our primary goals” he harshly explains.

Subhadra realizes he is not someone to be argued with.
“You will not realize the pain of living away from your better half until you actually go way from her. I think this is it then, your turning point. Until your intentions are strong, no one can weaken your goals. I think you Raizada Gods have to learn that yet. Anyways, I am also leaving back for my work today. We will meet again. And I hope that time I see a different man. A man who is just not the protector of his people, but also my granddaughter’s husband. Safe journey.”

Her words prick Arnav’s heart because whatever she said, part of it he is already going through. He is in pain of leaving Khushi here but he has no choice. He cannot risk her life by taking her in middle of the war field.

The Raizada Gods finally take leave of their mother and head back to perform their duties towards their people.


_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 34

Khushi feels void already. It has just been 3 hours that Arnav has left the Palace yet she feels like it has been ages seeing him around. It was necessary for him to go, she knows and she supported his decision. There is nothing to ponder more about it. She showers, dresses and sends a message to her mother-in-law through Radha that she is too tired to practice the sword fight today. Usha understands her excuse and gives her a day off. Khushi comes down and sees Payal and Lavanya together, talking in the living room. In all this she it had skipped her mind that Payal will need her support in starting her new life in this family.

“Payal..” she quickly hugs her friend and then admires her face. “How was last night?”

Payal shrugs away from her hold.
“He is gone and I cannot be happier than this”
Her reply gets a smile on Khushi’s face too.
“Bad girl. Here I am hoping my husband to return back soon and you are enjoying isolation from him?”
Lavanya and Payal both stare at Khushi.
“You seem to be in love totally, Khushi. I really wish the eldest Raizada God comes back to you real soon”
Khushi pouts.
“That’s not happening. He thinks I will be the one hopping at his place first. Do you guys think so too?”

Lavanya and Payal nod in agreement immediately and then the three burst out laughing.

“I love you guys” they give a group hug. Khushi’s mood starts getting better, thanks to her friends. Lavanya clears her throat.
“Okay Khushi, time for me to leave back too”
“WHAT? NO way” Khushi holds Lavanya’s arm. “Stay for some more days. Payal has just joined us yesterday. We will have some fun”
“I wish.. But Maa is alone there and the work is also pending. I cannot leave everything on Maa”

Khushi understands her need to leave though she is not happy about it.
“Daadi is also going today. The house is going to be silent from evening” Khushi complains.
“You have Payal and you guys have so much to learn now. I heard the Raizada Gods asking Radha to teach you both all the rules of their family. It will be fun” Lavanya winks.
“But not without you, La. Really, can’t you stay for few more days?” Payal insists.
Lavanya keeps denying and they both finally agree to her.
“I will drop your Daadi to Lucknow station. She will take the next train from there.”
“I should go and see Daadi too. Excuse me, girls”

Khushi rushes to the guest room which is occupied by her Daadi. She knocks and gets inside. Subhadra is packing her bags. Khushi goes and hugs her from behind.

“Daadi.. I will miss you”

Subhadra stops packing and turns around. She is not in a cheerful mood either.
“Why did you let him go?”

Daadi’s question is unclear to Khushi but soon she understands she is talking about Arnav going to Lucknow.

“He had to Daadi. He has his duties there. I cannot chain him to me”
Daadi sighs in disappointment.
“I don’t understand what women see in these Raizada men. They are so crude. They don’t have any emotions. No wonder she”

Daadi suddenly stops from completing the sentence.

“She? She what Daadi? Whom are you talking about?”

Daadi gets sweat beads on her forehead. How could she openly talk on this matter? What if she had completed that statement? Khushi would not have stopped digging until she had heard the entire truth.

“Daadi, why are you sweating? Arent you feeling good?” Khushi worries. “Come here. Sit”

She makes Daadi sit on the bed and makes her drink some water.
“What happened to you?” Khushi asks again. Daadi fakes a smile.
“Nothing. The very thought of going away from you has made me weak.”
“Then stay here. Who asked you to leave?”
“No Khushi. Even if I wish to extend my stay, I cannot. I have responsibilities outside”
Khushi smiles sarcastically.

“See, just now you were saying why I allowed Arnav to go. You are doing the same. Going away from me because of other duties. Is that fair?”

Daadi understands her point and caresses Khushi’s face lovingly.

“I will come back soon”
“You better. Let me help you pack the stuff”
Khushi starts assisting Daadi to pack the bag. Subhadra sighs in relief. She is fortunate that the Sehgals didn’t say anything that could raise doubts regarding the Gupta’s in the minds of Raizada Gods. And now that they all have left back from here, Khushi is safe. But how far is this matter going to be hidden? Some day if the Raizada Gods find out, they might soon join the dots and reach the conclusion. What will happen to Khushi and Arnav’s relationship then?
888
Lucknow

The Raizada Gods reach the site. The well erection has halted. Pulling up the jeans, Arnav gets down into the under constructed structure of the well with Akash. Nandakishore starts inspecting the site outside. The well is hardly drilled some 60 feet and it is mud everywhere. Akash ties a scarf on his nose to avoid the dust. Both the brothers get inside, following their source who had given them the information about the diamonds.

“There” the man points. “We had found the diamonds there”

Arnav and Akash follow him and soon reach the base of the dry well. Arnav coughs hard as the dust chokes his nose and throat. Akash passes him the scarf which he denies to wear and continues inspecting the site. He sees something shining there at the corner of the base. He slowly walks there and wears a hand gloves before touching the shinning item. It is a ring. A woman’s ring. He picks it up and shows it to Akash. They have no clue what a ring like that will be doing so deep here? And why does this ring look familiar? Arnav tries hard to think and soon he gets his answers. He knows where he has seen this same ring before.!!
888
Rajgad Palace

Khushi is startled to see Arnav’s call buzzing on her mobile phone. He had just messaged her today morning after reaching Lucknow. And she thought he would get so engrossed in work now that he might not call her until late night. She picks the call and doesn’t let him speak.

“Started missing me Raizada God?” she giggles. “It’s been hardly few hours and you are showing all the traits of hopping here the soonest.” She giggles again.

Arnav is not in a mood of talking romantic or arguing with his wife. He comes to the point.

“Where is your Daadi? I need to talk to her. Pass the phone”

Khushi is surprised.
“Daadi? You married Daadi or me? I have the first right on you.”
“Khushi I said pass the damn phone to her” he growls.

Khushi becomes serious. Sometimes she doesn’t understand when he is cool so that she can flirt and when he is in anger so that she stops messing with him.

“Daadi has gone to Agra. She left immediately after you all left for Lucknow”

She feels Arnav groaning at the other end.
“What happened? What is it that you want to talk to her?”
Arnav presses his lips into a thin line. He doesn’t want to share anything with Khushi until he learns the full truth.
“Nothing, give me her number. I will talk to her directly.”

Before Khushi could say anything, he disconnects. Khushi feels little weird by his behavior. She keeps the phone away.

“I thought he must be missing me. But he doesn’t even seem to be affected by the distance between us” she says to herself. “But that kiss?” she recollects how passionately he had kissed her before leaving. It had so much intensity that she can never believe it was just in the spur of moment. It was meaningful. Something so deep and promising. But then why didn’t she see any streaks of it in his voice now? Maybe he is too messed up with work there. But what work can he have with her Daadi? She has to find out either by Arnav or Daadi, but not now. Not until they talk to each other. She quickly messages Arnav Daadi’s number.
888
Khushi explains the basic rules of the Raizada family to Payal. She learns them attentively.
“I love their outfits” Payal says admiring the beautiful designer work on the Sarees which are gifted to her as a new bride in the family. Khushi smiles.
“Yes, I love them too but I cannot wear them every day.”
“Yea, me too”

Khushi helps Payal to arrange all the clothes in Akash’s closet. Payal thinks of sharing Akash’s question which he keeps asking her again and again, with Khushi. She stops doing everything and sits next to Khushi.

“Khushi, I .. .I have to tell you something about Akash”

Khushi’s eyes widen.
“I am not interested in knowing what happened last night” she giggles. Before Payal could show her disappointment, Khushi gets serious. “Okay, sorry. I was just teasing”
“Khushi, I … I don’t know where to start this from”

Khushi notices the fear in Payal’s expressions.
“Payal, is everything alright between you two?”
“I don’t know Khushi, I mean, I understand that he is my husband now and I have to accept it but it is not about me, but him.”
“What about him?”
“Akash is behaving weird. Since the first time we have met. I don’t know what grudge he has against me”
“Grudge?” Khushi worryingly asks.
“Yes. He thinks I am hiding something.. no.. not something.. but someone”

Khushi is totally confused.

“Payal, will you explain everything nicely? I am really blank now”
Payal inhales deep. She slowly starts explaining how she and Akash met first in Lucknow market. She tells Khushi how he has been asking her about a man, showing her some photo. Even on their first night of marriage he warned her not to hide anything further and give him the details before it is too late. Khushi wonders what all this is about.

“Where is that photo?”
“With him.. I didn’t even see it clearly. Some man is carrying a baby in arms. I don’t even know who that baby is?” Payal replies. “I don’t understand why Akash thinks I know him”
Khushi’s head starts spinning.
“These Raizada Gods are so secretive. If they even want to share something with us, they wont share it completely.”
“Hmm”
Khushi thinks for few seconds and looks at Payal.

“Okay, do one thing. Message Akash and ask him to message back the photo. Tell him you will try to remember who that man is and will update him soon”
“What? No.. I don’t want him to keep reminding me of this again and again. I really don’t know who that man is, why will I give false hopes to him?”
“We are not giving him false hopes. We will try to find who that man is, together. What I don’t understand is if Arnav is aware about Akash’s secret mission in tracing this man. If he isn’t, means something big is going to blow up soon between these brothers because Arnav doesn’t like his brothers hiding anything from him. I am not saying Akash is wrong, maybe he wants to get into specifics before disturbing his brother. So, whatever it is, we will help Akash. Okay?”

Khushi’s advice seems to be working for Payal. At least she will not have to go through all of this, alone. She agrees to message Akash.


_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 35


Agra

Daadi reaches Agra and settles in the cottage which she had pre-booked for her stay here. She is going to visit an orphanage tomorrow to spend time with the children there, also raising funds for their education. She arranges her clothes in the small wooden cupboard. Suddenly she hears a knock at the door. And the sound is very loud to scare her completely. Who can it be? She slowly walks to the door and tries to check first from the peep hole but cannot see anyone standing out. What is this about? She decides to be brave and open the door.

She opens the door and looks around. There is no sign of anyone. There are few workers who are busy handling the guests in the other cottages. Who can it be? It was definitely not a hallucination. She is about to step back inside when she sees an envelope on the grass floor, just beside the door. So, someone had indeed come here to keep this. But what is it? She slowly picks it up and opens the envelope to read its contents.

‘Meet me at the Shiv temple tonight at 07:00 pm’

Sweat beads form on her forehead as she quickly locks herself back in the room. What is happening? How can it be possible? SHE cannot be here. Did SHE follow her all the way from Lucknow or Rajgad? Does SHE know about their newly made up relationship with Raizada Gods? This is not a good news for sure. How is she supposed to handle it? She is still lost in the same thoughts when her phone rings loudly, scaring her more. She tries to control her fear and heads to the couch where her phone is still ringing. It’s an unknown number. Should she answer? What if it’s HER? But she knows ignoring it might not help. She will only have to attend few more unknown knocks until she actually does what SHE wants.

She answers the call.

“h…hee…llo” her voice reflects her fear and Arnav Singh Raizada picks up the difference in her tone. He is not sure if its fear or the travel which has made Daadi sound like this.
“This is Arnav Singh Raizada” he exclaims.

Daadi panics. Why has he called? Did he come to know everything? Or maybe she is overthinking. She has to attend this call bravely.

“How did you call me?” she tries to sound fearless.
“Did you reach Agra? I hope the journey was not tiresome”
“No, it wasn’t. I .. I have just settled down and taking rest.”
“Didn’t want to bother you but the matter is Urgent and no one but you can solve it for us”

Daadi is confused. What is the matter for which the Raizada Gods needed her help?

“What is it about?” she asks.
“While digging a common well for the village here, we have found something valuable” Arnav explains. “It’s a diamond ring and the pattern resembles the one I had seen on your fingers when you stayed with us in Rajgad”

Daadi feels numb and speechless. She has her ring, though she chose not to wear it before the Raizada Gods again. So, that means the twin ring is found? And by none others than the Raizada Gods themselves from whom she wants to hide the matter? What is she supposed to do now?

“I don’t think that ring which you found has any connection with me. There must be so many rings of that pattern sold” she tries to shrug having any connection.
“Yes, maybe. But we want to know what such a costly ring is doing 60 feet down on our land? It doesn’t seem normal because we have also found some diamonds around here. It is my responsibility to trace what had happened here and why? So, if you could tell me where did you buy your ring, we can get some clue”

Daadi panics again.

“I.. I don’t remember. I am sorry. I don’t think I can be of any help”

Arnav gets suspicious of her tone. It’s like she knows something but does not want to share. Why?
“Can you please put some effort and try remembering? This is really important for us. I won’t disturb you again but if you remember, do give me a call.”
“I . I will. Bye”

She disconnects the call and Arnav is lost in thinking what is Khushi’s Daadi trying to hide?
888
Kshyap’s Mansion – Lucknow

“I am home, Maa” Lavanya shouts to get her mother’s attention.

Lata Kshyap comes out from the kitchen and she seems to be extremely happy to see her daughter after so many days. She rushes to her and hugs Lavanya, kissing her forehead.

“It’s so good to see you back. You left me alone here” she gently hits Lavanya’s hand to show how much disappointed she is.
“Sorry Maa, you know we didn’t plan to stay there. It just happened that Khushi and Arnav’s wedding suddenly came up and I didn’t want to leave Khushi all alone in Rajgad until she becomes comfortable.”

The smile on Lata’s face vanishes. She doesn’t understand if she has to ask this or not but she does.

“How did Usha Raizada accept Khushi as her daughter-in-law?”

Lavanya is puzzled why her mother asks that.
“Why not? Khushi bravely told her how much she loved Arnav and Usha Raizada agreed. She is a great woman, Maa”
Lata smiles.
“Yes she is. But does she know Khushi’s background? I mean, Khushi is not from our town. I mean, they used to belong here but…”
Lavanya interrupts.
“Maa, its all over now. Khushi is happily staying there and she loves and respects her mother-in-law very much. Why wouldn’t Usha Raizada like her? Whats in the family background Maa? You think too much. Anyways, I am hungry. What have you cooked?”

Lata realizes there is something either fishy or the Raizada Gods have not done a thorough investigation on the Gupta’s yet.

“Maa… where are you lost?” Lavanya shakes her mother.
Lata comes out of her stance and realizes she should ignore thinking so much about them and focus on her daughter who has just returned.
“Rajma chawal, your favorite. I will serve in 2 minutes”

As Lata leaves back in Kitchen, Lavanya smiles to herself.

“NK loves it too”

She smiles to herself. Past few days were so good, at least she and NK were staying under the same roof. She felt him closer, she could see him, talk to him every day. But happy days are gone. Though they are in the same town, she can hardly meet him. But why is she so desperate to spend time with him? They have broken their relationship long ago and she cannot be the only one interested in mending it again. He should feel the same. With a heavy heart she heads back to her room to freshen up.
888
Lucknow – Shantivan

It feels no longer a bliss to return back home, because there is no touch of his wife here. She is away from him. But Safer.!! Arnav Singh Raizada retreats back in his room after a tiresome day. He recalls he had been rude to Khushi in the morning call. But it was not his fault. He was in an urgency to talk to her Daadi first to enquire about the similar ring which they found while digging for the well. Why isn’t Daadi supporting? It felt like she knew the answers he needed but didn’t wish to share it. Why? What is she hiding? He has already asked his men to investigate on that ring, but it might take longer to get details. If Khushi’s Daadi had helped, it might have been easier.

But putting all those matters aside, he decides to talk to Khushi for a while. He dials her number. She answers his call after few long rings.

“Whose details you want next?” she instantly asks without even greeting him.

Arnav smirks. He realizes she is angry for his earlier behavior, hence decides to play a bit.
“I need details of my wife. He has never teased before to anyone. So, this is a bit for him.
Khushi grins but doesn’t let him know that.
“Your wife? Isn’t she staying with you??”
“Hmm” he apologetically murmurs.
“She is doing great without you. In fact, she is glad you left, she got her freedom back”

Now that pisses him off though he knows she is just teasing him.

“Freedom? I never chained you there? Did I?”
“Not physically. Nope!”
Arnav waits for her to clarify.
“But your presence was always a distraction” she wants to laugh aloud but holds the thought.
“DISTRACTION?” he paraphrases.
“Yes. When you were around, I was always busy to impress you. I always felt that there is a pair of eyes constantly gawking at me” her voice softens. “Your voice in the house made me feel safer yet always on the edge.”

Arnav is lost in her talks. She is incredibly romantic, but he is not a man of hearts and flowers. He has never been that. So, he doesn’t understand how to respond to her at this instance.

“Khushi..” he interrupts.

Khushi zips her lips, hoping he would say something further, like how he feels there, without her. Does he remember their kiss? There is a short pause from his end and she realize he is still finding words, of her type, maybe. She doesn’t want to strain him so much so she diverts the topic.
“How is your work going? For which you hurried there?” she asks.
“It’s intriguing actually. Nothing of this sort has been looked into before”
“Really?? What is it exactly? If I may ask” she is cautious not to feel she is poking in his work. But she is curious.
“We have found some diamonds here while digging the well and along with it a diamond ring too” he shares.
Khushi is equally surprised to hear.

“That place is very far from the town Khushi. And had been barren from a long time. That land belonged to some Zamindar who died last year and we bought it from his Son. It is going to be used for some high core irrigation techniques” he adds.
“Okay.. so whats the intriguing part in this?” she asks.
Arnav takes a deep breath and leans back on the pillow.
“How did the diamonds come there?”

Khushi giggles.

“How silly of you? You guys call yourself Raizada Gods and still cannot understand a simple puzzle like this?” she teases.
“You solved the puzzle?” he curiously asks.
“Of course. And I cant believe you need my help” she chuckles again.
“Are you going to enlighten me what your thought is? We will decide it later if that thought actually solves the puzzle or not” he snorts.
Khushi smiles and gets more anxious to share her point of view.
“Okay listen. The Zamindar might have dug these diamonds to save it for his next generations. That’s how they are there”
“Impossible!!” he shouts. “If he had saved it for his future generations, why didn’t he inform about it to his Son? If his son was informed, he would have never sold the land or even if he had sold it, he would have taken the diamonds first, which he clearly didn’t”

Khushi nods.

“You have a point. Okay, in that case I think even the Zamindar never knew about these diamonds. Maybe someone else had planted it there”
“Who? And what for?” he presses more for an answer.
“Maybe those diamonds were stolen and the person who stole it decided to hide it there. What may be the actual cost of those diamonds?”
“At least 10 millions” he declares.

Khushi’s jaw drops.

“10 million? That’s a huge amount”
“It is.. We have got it further investigated and seems like these diamonds were hidden there around 20 years ago” he exclaims.
Khushi gets involved again.
“Means 2 decades. I don’t think it is anyone from this town who has hidden them there. It has to be an outsider. This was a barren land.  It must have been the safest place to hide something so huge”
“Exactly” Arnav scoffs. He sounds too desperate to find all the answers right away.
“Then you must find who left your town at that time. It has to be one of them. Because if that person is in town, then he/she would have removed it long ago”

Her suggestion seems valid.

“Thanks Khushi. I wouldn’t have reached this conclusion if I had tried to solve this alone”

She blushes at his compliment.

“That means a lot to me, Arnav”
Some other thought comes in Arnav’s mind at that instance. Daadi’s denial on sharing any information about that ring and Khushi’s family leaving the town almost during the same era, is it all interlinked? He decides not to share this suspicion with Khushi right now. It might all be wrong. She will be hurt to know that he is suspecting her family too behind all of this. He will first fetch the answers, the truth and only then he will decide what to do with that information next. If Guptas are anyhow involved in this matter, it is going to be a huge blow to Khushi, which he cannot afford to let happen.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 36

Shiv Temple – 07:00 pm - Agra

Daadi carefully steps in the vicinity of the Temple, scanning in everywhere possible direction. She is afraid if someone known to her, notices her here. An unknown man with a big moustache comes out of the temple and reaches her. He looks dangerous.

“This way” the man gestures Daadi to follow him.

Daadi does exactly the same. The man takes her inside the temple. It is crowded by priests and local devotees. Daadi keeps hurrying behind the man without looking anywhere else. After taking a walk of almost 100 meters, the man opens a side door which will lead them to the other side of the temple. He gestures Daadi to get in first. She does as told. The door seems to lead her into another one and one more after few more meters.

“How far is it?” Daadi asks

The man doesn’t respond. He keeps leading her and then finally pushes another door which opens into a small dark room. As usual, he makes Daadi enter first and this time he doesn’t follow her. He shuts the door from outside once she is in.

Daadi gets scared inside that dark room but soon she sees the shadow of the woman who has called her here.

“Why have you called me here?” Daadi asks furiously looking at the shadow.
“It has been ages since we met” the women utter, but never comes out of the darkness really, neither Daadi asks her to.
“I never want to meet you. Didn’t I clear that already?” Daadi snaps. “I have no connection with you and you promised to stay away from me and my family. Then why are you suddenly following me?”

“Because your silly granddaughter has gone rogue” the woman screams.

Daadi sees the shadow moving in her direction but she is still at a safe distance from her. Daadi tries to be calm.

“What… what do you mean?”
“Don’t act so innocent. Your granddaughter married the Raizada God, didn’t she?”

Daadi swallows hard. This news had to reach her ears from somewhere, but she didn’t realize it will happen so soon.

“How can you let her do that?” the woman snarls again, keeping her face well hidden in the darkness.
“I .. I was not aware of it. She told me after the marriage was done.”

The woman groans in anger.
“Oh yes, after all she has the Gupta blood. And Gupta women are famous for going against their family”
Daadi clenches her jaw.
“I don’t need to learn from you what qualities my family women have. And now that you have come to know everything, let me warn you. Do not even think of harming my granddaughter. She is innocent. She has nothing to do with the enmity you have with the Raizadas”
“She marrying the Raizada God itself has given me enough reasons to hold grudge against her too. You know I have never been lenient on anyone. How can I spare her then?”

Daadi gets afraid. She starts shouting back.

“No.. Don’t do anything to Khushi. She is innocent. She doesn’t know anything”

The woman starts leaving the room from the backdoor, her shadow fading and moving away from Daadi who keeps shouting. The dangerous looking man who had escorted Daadi here unlocks the room and gets inside.

“Come on.. I will take you out” he says in a rough voice.
“No.. I wont go anywhere. Just let me meet her again. She cannot hurt my granddaughter. Khushi is innocent”

The man doesn’t wait to hear her reasoning. He drags Daadi out and takes her back through the same exit doors, finally leading her out of the temple vicinity. Daadi sits on the small bench, feeling totally helpless. The man has disappeared in the crowd. She doesn’t even know where? She keeps crying sitting on the bench there, feeling scared of the upcoming threat on Khushi and her new family.

Another man who has masked his face with a thin cloth, who had been observing Subhadra Gupta enter the other end of the temple few minutes ago and exiting now, finally dials a number. He is hiding behind a pillar to ensure that the people whom Subhadra Gupta was here to meet doesn’t see him spying.

“That man has disappeared in the crowd” he informs on the call.

Akash Singh Raizada, on the other end of this phone call, clenches his jaw.
“How could he disappear? Ask our men to trace him. Go” Akash commands.
“Yes, but what about Subhadraji?”
“Keep following her. We want to know whom she met and why. Understood?”
“Yes”

The man disconnects the call and gestures his other men to start looking for that dangerous looking man who has disappeared in the crowd. It is very necessary for them to find him.
888
Rajgad

“Unbelievable!! You still didn’t talk to Akash yet?” Khushi exclaims to Payal in the kitchen. Both the daughter in laws of this family have decided to cook today.
“Talk slow!!” Payal hushes her. “I don’t want Radha or Mataji to know that”

Khushi sighs and drops the knife away. She had been cutting veggies.

“Payal, I know you are scared of Akash but until you start talking to him, how are you going to clear the misunderstanding between you two?”
“I know it Khushi and trust me I have tried. But whenever I dial his number and recall how his reactions would be on the other end to know that I am calling him, I fee scared and I disconnect the call.”

Khushi rolls her eyes.

“Payal.. When is this trait of yours going to wipe off? This is not Sehgal house, this is not your over dominant family who always used to press you down. The Raizada Gods are more human than them. They care for their people. Trust me, you just have to initiate this to make your own life better”

Payal understands the point. It is not her fault. Right from her childhood she has never got courage to do anything of her choice. She always had to give sacrifices for one thing or the other. Now when she is totally into a family who is opposite to hers, she is taking time to adjust.

“Do one thing. Call him right now”

Khushi hands the cell phone to Payal.

“Now? No.. He . he must be busy” Payal starts making excuses.
Khushi forcefully makes Payal hold the phone.
“I said dial”
Payal pouts, hoping Khushi becomes little lenient but fails to get that reaction from Khushi.
“Okay, if he.. if he shouts.. I will disconnect the call”
“He wont shout” Khushi tries to make her positive.
Payal finally dials Akash’s number and keeps the phone in speaker mode so that Khushi too can listen their conversation.

Akash is at the site, where the well construction has restarted after getting out the hidden diamonds from that land. He is amazed to see Payal Sehgal’s call on his phone. He answers it unwillingly.

“What?”

Payal almost jumps in fear. Khushi calms her down by holding her other hand and gesturing her to speak without getting scared.
“I.. I am payal” she stammers.
Akash sighs inwardly.
“I know that. Why did you call?”
“Because.. because I..” Payal looks at Khushi who instigates her to come to the point. “I want you to send me that picture.. which.. which you kept showing me all the time.”

Akash suddenly stiffens.

“Why?” he angrily asks. “Why do you suddenly need that picture?”
“Because… I.. .I haven’t seen that picture clearly ever. Let me see if I can remember who that man is”

Akash clenches his jaw.

“Don’t lie to me Sehgal. I know you have seen the picture very well and you know that man too”
“No I don’t” Payal yells this time but she is already in tears and her voice shifts. She starts sounding paler and weaker again. “I really have no idea about this. Please send me that picture and I will try to help you”

Akash senses the change in her tone and for one percent wants to believe she is telling the truth.

“Fine. I am sending it now on your phone” he snaps and disconnects the call.

Payal keeps the phone away and jumps to the other corner of the kitchen slab. Khushi smiles at her.

“That was a good start. You did well Mrs. Payal Akash Raizada”
“Really?” Payal asks slowly getting some confidence.
“Yes. And please stop crying every time someone raises his voice on you. Remember one thing, you are not a cry baby anymore. You are wife of a Raizada God who needs to be strong, bold and capable enough to face their enemies. You have to act like one”

Payal slowly feels motivated.

“How did you learn all of this?” she asks.
Khushi smiles happily.
“I had my own experience here and trust me the eldest Raizada God gave me a tough fight in the initial days. But you know what the beauty of these brothers is? They are hard from the outside not inside. They have a kind heart and they easily mellow down for their woman. And jealousy is always on their nose. I got Arnav’s attention because of his jealousy only. They might not show their feelings for us directly but they care for us by all means. You will figure it out soon”

Payal is lost in some dreamy land now. She just visualizes how would Akash and her relationship be if whatever Khushi is defining about the Raizada Gods is true. She comes out of her stance in few seconds and notices Khushi is lost too.

“Looks like someone is missing her husband too bad.” Payal teases.
Khushi pouts.
“I do. But I am not going to fall weak. I want him to hop in here first and that too before the deadline”
“Deadline?” Payal curiously asks.
“Oh my God. You too forgot?” Khushi shouts. “Next month is my birthday Payal. How can you forget out of all?”
Payal starts laughing and gives Khushi a side hug.
“I remember it. I was just testing you”
Khushi feels nice and hugs her back. She knows Arnav has done enough investigation on her and hence knows her birthdate too. She really wishes he somehow surprises her by coming to see her on her birthday. It is the only gift she can ever ask for.

Payal’s phone beeps and the message from Akash opens up on her phone. The picture starts getting downloaded slowly. The moment the download is complete, Khushi gets the shock of her life. Though she has no idea who that man is, she knows the baby that man is carrying. She has seen the picture of this baby in one of her old family albums in Mumbai.

Payal notices the surprise on Khushi’s face.

“Do you know him?” Payal asks.
“Not him.. But this baby.. I have seen this baby before in one of the old albums at my house.”
“What?”
“Yes Payal, in some group photo. I don’t know though who this baby is and what relation this baby has with this man”
“I am so confused. Akash Raizada is looking for this man madly and he somehow is holding a baby who seems to belong to your family. What is all this supposed to mean? And what should I tell Akash?”

Khushi is speechless.

“Don’t.. don’t tell him anything yet. I .. I don’t want to give him any wrong data. I have to find out first. But how? I ..”

Khushi pauses and recollects something.

“My hard drive.. Yes.. My hard drive Payal. It has the scanned copies of all the old photos. I had kept them in the hard drive as memories. I am sure that baby’s photo is in the drive too.”
“Okay great. Where is the drive?”
“In Lavanya’s house. When I came to Lucknow first, it was in my belongings. I always carry it with me. I need to call Lavanya and ask her to somehow send me that drive here”

Khushi immediately picks her phone and dials for Lavanya.
888
Arnav Singh Raizada tosses on the bed, trying to fetch some sleep. However tough the days go, nights always make him weak. He has started missing the presence of his wife beside him and he finds it too hard to acknowledge. He has fought some bravest fights with his enemies but he cannot keep a control on his heart. Is that possible? He shuts his eyes and the face of Khushi smiling at him flashes before him. He opens his eyes again to erase off her image because right now he needs to sleep or else he won’t be able to concentrate on work tomorrow. He is going to a neighboring town tomorrow for sorting some issues there. He has to take rest now but it seems hard to get. He finally gives up controlling his heart on his own and dials Khushi’s number.

Khushi is awake too because she is restless trying to understand what connection Raizada Gods share with them. Do the Guptas and the Raizadas have a connected past? All these thoughts are not letting her any peace, at least not until she gets the hard drive from Lavanya and she starts finding the secret. Fortunately, Lavanya has promised to come with the drive in 2 -3 days as she has been binded with lot of pending work in Lucknow. So until then she will have to soothe her restlessness.
As soon as Khushi finds her phone ringing and that too by her husband’s call she feels uneasy. She wants to sound normal and she tries her best.

“Hello…”
“Were you sleeping?” he asks.
“No.. and you?”
“If I was sleeping, how would I call?”
Khushi realizes what a foolish question she just asked. It is not her mistake; her mind is not supporting her tonight.
“How did you call?” she diverts the subject.
“Why? Can’t I call you without a reason?”
“You can” she relaxes knowing he genuinely misses her and hence the call. “I know listening to my voice makes you get sound sleep” she teases.

Arnav holds his smirk at the other end as if, if he smirks she might notice it too.

“Actually, that’s not why I called” he lies. “I am going to Tejgad tomorrow for some work. Just wanted to inform you so that you can update Maa.”
“Tejgad? Whats there?”
“Nothing serious. I will let you know once the work finishes”
“Okay” she doesn’t drag the subject. “Well, I too have plans for tomorrow” she highlights. “I am going to learn horse riding”

Arnav is stunned to hear that. Khushi continues.

“Radha was explaining me the other day how every Raizada bride knew to ride a horse so far”
“Khushi” his voice weakens. “You don’t have to adapt anything going beyond your will”
Khushi smiles. Is he the same man who had taunted her for not being capable of becoming the wife of a Raizada God?
“I know.. This is not for you Arnav. I am not proving anything. I really wanted to learn horse-riding but never got time. Radha told me Dheeraj is the best person to teach me. And I have seen your horses here. They seem to be very friendly”
“And cranky” he adds. “They don’t let strangers sit on them. So don’t play any trick and try riding them. If you want to learn it, I will teach you”

Khushi senses a bit of care and jealousy both in his tone. Dheeraj is one of their guard who takes care of the horse stable at Rajgad and also knows to ride. He is young and that might be one reason why Arnav doesn’t want Dheeraj to teach her.

“You will teach me? When? During your next visit which none of us know when it is? No ways. I am going to learn horse-riding from Dheeraj only.” She holds her laugh because she wants to make it sound serious to him

Arnav clenches his jaw. He called her to find some peace of mind but seems like she has ruined his sleep totally now by sharing this idea.

“Let me see how you ride the horse tomorrow”

With that warning, Arnav disconnects the call. Khushi is amused at his words. What was that? What does he intend to do? Well… he can do anything. She has instigated him too much probably. She shouldn’t have done that. Lets see what he plans tomorrow. Amidst all this secrecy and digging of past, this short conversation with Arnav did give her some peace of mind. She is happy now. She just wants things to remain the same between them or get better, but not worse.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 37

Rajgad

The next morning after Sword fight practice Khushi comes to the stable looking for Dheeraj who would be teaching her horse riding. The horse stable seems empty and Dheeraj is cleaning it up with few other servants.

“Dheeraj.. Where are the horses?” Khushi asks curiously.
“Arnavji asked them to transport back to Lucknow. Seems some farm work needs to be done which would require the horses”

His reply though stuns Khushi for first few minutes, she later realizes it is just an excuse. Arnav purposely did this so that she doesn’t learn Horse riding from anyone else but him. So, this was his masterplan to avoid her taking lessons from anyone else. Her mobile starts ringing at the same instance and she answers the call without delay.

“How was the practice?” Arnav asks over the call.

Khushi presses her lips into a thin line. Now he is making her angry.
“It went well” she lies.
Arnav is little astonished to hear that.
“I didn’t know Dheeraj can teach so well. You should upgrade his position as a Horse Trainer. I am sure many people of Rajgad would like to get trained from him” she further adds, holding her laughter.
Arnav stiffens.
“Impossible! You are lying. How can he teach you without a horse”?
“Without a horse?” she shows the same curiousness.
“I had asked him to deport all the horses back to Lucknow. How dare he didn’t obey me?”

Khushi starts laughing aloud. Arnav initially hates to hear her laugh because he is mad at her and Dheeraj but sooner he realizes why she is laughing so hard.

“You made up this story?” he angrily shouts.
“Yes.. I did. How would I know your jealousy level otherwise?”

Arnav clenches his jaw. How did he fall for her silly prank?

“Ohh my dear husband.. I didn’t know you are so eager to see me in Lucknow and teach me horse riding. That’s why you transported all the horses there, isn’t it?” she further teases and continues laughing.
“It’s not funny Khushi” he scowls.
Khushi apprehends his hoarse voice and decides to get serious.
“Exactly, it is not funny anymore. Why so much of insecurity for? At one side you want your wife to have all the qualities which a Raizada bride should possess and when she is taking efforts to learn, you are snatching the opportunity. How fair is that?”
Arnav understands her point.
“I didn’t mean to intrude your interests. But as your husband I have some wishes too. I want to teach you ride a horse. If you still want to learn it from someone else, I will send the horses back”

His reply makes her blush.
“No.. don’t send the horses back. Now I will learn it from you only”
There is a long pause between them. Both feel the same desperation to be with the other. Arnav is unable to believe how he easily put forth his desire before her. He has never been so affectionate about any women other than his mother. He has always kept enough distance from such tie-ups. Ever since Khushi stepped in his life, it changed. He changed!! She just didn’t make him feel the magic of love but also realized him what he was missing in his life. He is happy that she accepted his wish. It is just matter of time, then he will teach her what she wants.

“Uh.. you were supposed to go to Tejgad today, weren’t you?” she asks.
“We had to shift that schedule for tomorrow. Got other priorities” he replies. “Do you still practice Yoga with Maa?”
Khushi bites her lip. She hates to lie about this but it’s a surprise for him. She cannot wait to see him thrilled seeing her fighting with the sword.
“Its going well. Maa seems to be liking Yoga now”
“Hmmm”

Khushi suddenly sees Radha and Usha Raizada coming out of the bungalow. They seem to be ready to go out. She informs Arnav she will talk to him later and quickly hurries to them.

“Radha, where are you and Maa going?”
“In the village. To distribute sweets and clothes to the people there” Radha replies. “Two marriages happened in this family and we didn’t get the opportunity to gift the villagers yet. So, Mataji herself decided to take this initiative”

Khushi acknowledges their need to do this.
“Okay, but Radha please don’t leave Maa out of your sight even for a second.”

Radha nods in agreement whereas Usha proudly stares at her eldest daughter-in-law who seems to be protective towards her, just like her sons. Khushi immediately calls out for the best guards and asks them to accompany Radha and Usha to the village. Usha lovingly caresses Khushi’s hair and then gets inside the jeep. Radha follows her inside. The jeep rides out. Payal comes out too to bid them bye.

“Do you think we should have gone too?” Payal asks Khushi.
“Maa didn’t ask so I didn’t raise this idea Payal. But next time I think you should also join them. Remember the small social service activities which you kept doing during our primary school?”

Payal recollects their school days. She always was the first one to put her name in such activities. She loved to assist the needy people. She was so good and humble that she was appointed as a monitor by their class teacher to lead such activities.

“Yes, I really love doing it Khushi. But you know my father and brother. They stopped me from doing everything I like and all of this was on the excuse that our enemies can harm me.”
“But now they don’t stand a right to deny you of your choice. The family you are married to is already doing this duty to assist people around. You should accompany Maa the next time”
“I will” Payal happily confirms.

Khushi is elated. Being the eldest daughter-in-law of this family, it is one of her duty to guide the others in this house towards what suits best for them, based on their interest.
888
Lucknow

Arnav Singh Raizada is finishing his meals with Akash and Nandakishore when one of their guards come inside and intrude them.

“Sir, there is this parcel for you”

Arnav stops eating.
“What parcel? Who sent it?”
“A normal delivery boy got it here. We have checked for radiations, its safe to open. There is no From address or name mentioned on it though”
Arnav gets curious.
“Open it” he commands.

The guard opens the box. The Raizada brothers quickly finish their meal and wipe their hands. The guard quickly exposes the contents of the box to Arnav.
“It’s a Diamond” he exclaims.
Arnav takes the diamond in his fingers and notices it very cautiously. It is a similar one he found a few days ago in the construction site of the well.

“Bhai, this is one of the same kind” Akash points out the same.
“Yes. But who can send this and why?”

The guard inspects the box again and finds a note there.

“Boss, it has a note”
Arnav immediately takes the note from him and starts reading.

It is called Jalnoor. It’s one of a kind, isn’t it? I heard you are looking for the person these diamonds belong to. I made your search easy. They belong to me. I knew you wouldn’t believe me hence sending you this sample of Jalnoor. I want all my diamonds back. When and how, I will let you know later. Don’t even think of denying because I have enough reasons to blackmail you.

Arnav crumples the note. Who sent this? Apart from few of the masons who were digging at the site, no one from outsiders knew about these diamonds.

“How did this information get leaked out?” he angrily stares at Akash and Nandakishore who expresses the same confusion.
“Bhai, it is impossible that anyone from our side would do this. Maybe someone is keeping an eye on us”
Arnav considers this possibility too. He doesn’t want to leave any suspicions dry. This note seems no less than a blackmailing note to him.
“Whoever this person is, if he/she owns the diamonds why bury them initially?” Nandakishore puts forward a valid question.
“It is not as simple as it looks NK. We have to find out who sent this note” Arnav replies.

He immediately turns back to his guard.

“Alert the security team both here and at Rajgad. I don’t want anyone from my family stepping out of the house without my permission.”
“Yes Sir”

The guard leaves in a hurry to follow these commands and make the others aware too.
“Bhai, but what about Tejgad? We were going there tomorrow to keep these diamonds in safe so that we can then collaborate with the social welfare services here and utilize it for developing ours and few neighboring towns”
“I know Nandakishore. That won’t halt. No one can threaten us by such a silly note” Arnav shouts.
“I guess we are taking a decision in haste bhai” Akash intrudes. “Now it is just not us. Khushi and Payal are also part of this family. We have to think about their safety too”

Nandakishore agrees. But Arnav is confident about his decision.

“Khushi knows what she has to do if such a circumstance arises. I have given her all the instructions she needs to save everyone at Rajgad if our security team fails”

Arnav’s reply stuns the other two brothers. They have seen Arnav not trusting anyone so easily apart from the 3 of them, his brothers and mother. But seems like things are changing now after his marriage. He has started showing that same level of trust on his wife as well. It’s a good decision and taken at the right time.

“Prepare for our trip to Tejgad. We will go there today itself and complete the work” Arnav further commands.
“Yes Bhai”

Both Akash and NK leave the room. Arnav takes a deep breath looking at the crumpled note in his hand. Whoever this person is will be contacting him again to update on the date and time where the diamonds have to be delivered. It will be their only chance to trace him/her. Can this be one of their old enemy or is it someone newly emerged?

Within an hour all the arrangements are made. The Raizada brothers devise a plan to secretly go to Tejgad and keep the diamonds in the Safe locker. But this news will not be spread out of this house. They will not let this unknown person showing his possession on the diamonds know that they are not doing as told by him/her. As soon as the date and venue are shared, they will follow it and replace the real diamonds by fake ones in order to catch this person. The Raizadas are very well known for such tricks.
888
The Raizada Gods, all three of them head to Tejgad and secure the diamonds in the safe locker. They return back to Shantivan and keep waiting for the next parcel which can hint them further about this stranger enemy. The next parcel comes exactly at next morning. Arnav reads the only note that this box contains.

Handover the diamonds to Subhadra Gupta, she is back from Agra and currently in the train that will reach Lucknow by 01:00 pm today. She knows where to deliver these diamonds.  And I don’t have to tell you that no one should be following her. Otherwise not just her, but her only granddaughter, your wife Khushi, will also have to bear its consequences.

Arnav is shocked to read this. What connection does Khushi’s Daadi have with the person claiming the diamonds? Is she being blackmailed to do this? He immediately looks at Akash.

“We have our men spying on Khushi’s Daadi as well, aren’t they?”
“Yes bhai. Let me check with them”

Akash moves away to make a call. Arnav waits desperately to know whats happening. Just few days back when he had conversed with Subhadra Gupta about any information on the diamonds, her confused replies had raised a suspicion in his mind. This is why for safer reasons he asked Akash to keep a track on Khushi’s Daadi and track her whereabouts. They knew that once in Agra she had been to visit someone at the temple but they failed to get hold of the person. Maybe its all interlinked. Also, he cannot sideline the fact that Khushi’s Daadi had the similar ring on her finger which they got along with these diamonds. But what connection she has with it or these people who are claiming it?

Akash returns back. He looks worried.

“Bhai, Daadiji is in the train as said in this note. She is alone and seems to be little shaken. Our men are following her in the same train, just the next compartment though.”
“Hmm. Get the fake diamonds ready. Ask Sarju (their close guard) to hand it over to Subhadraji in the train when it stops at the Lucknow station. And I don’t want anyone to get on that train from our side. Only the two spies who are currently in that train will keep following her but ask them to be cautious. Nothing should happen to Khushi’s Daadi.”

His instructions are crisp. Akash heads out to talk to his guards about it. NK gets restless.

“Bhai, allow me to go there. I will kill that person without letting them hurt Daadiji or anyone from us”

NK has always been rageful and it is this reason why Arnav worries more about him.

“No NK. You think I can’t kill them?” he shouts back. “We have to show a bit of patience in this matter. Too many lives can be at risk. Any suspicious move from our end can hurt not just Daadi but many other people who are in that train. I cannot take that risk. I don’t want innocent people to die.”
“So, what do we do? Sit here and wait for Daadi to deliver those fake diamonds? You think those people will not know the diamonds are fake?” NK yells.
“Nothing will happen to Daadi. The spies in the train are my best and they can remove Daadi out of that place whenever she is in danger. Until those people get to know the diamonds are fake, Daadi will be out and safe.”
“And after that?” NK continues asking. “They have also threatened to hurt Khushi. What about that?”

Arnav fists his fingers

“Until I am alive, none of our enemies can touch my wife” he roars in anger.

Nandakishore stops poking him more. He reads the rage in his brother’s eyes and tone and that is enough to prove whatever he just said. Now their only mission will be to trace the person behind all this fiasco.


_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 38

Lucknow Station

Subhadra Gupta is sitting tight, afraid of the situation she has been put into. Just yesterday evening she had scheduled a visit to one of the old age homes with her team to spend a day assisting them, when suddenly two armed men barged in her room and took her away, closing her eyes with a dark cloth. It was only after an hour when she heard the noise of a train and she was freed from the eye band. She struggled to set free but when one of the men warned her to hurt Khushi if she tries to flee, Subhadra stopped attempting her rescue. She immediately understood whose men they were. They had a mission for her which she had no choice to deny. She was made to sit on the train which goes to Sitapur and was strictly informed that someone will hand over her a package at the Lucknow station which she will have to deliver at Sitapur once she gets down at the last station. She was forced to accept doing this because she cannot take the chance of seeing Khushi hurt. Khushi has always been her weakness. So without asking further questions she got in the train and is waiting for finishing this task so that she can be free again. But she decides not to be quiet anymore. She will have to get some permanent solution to the increasing threat in her and Khushi’s life and she knows only Raizada Gods can help them.

The train stops at the Lucknow station and a local hawker gets in the train to sell his eatables. Subhadra tries to look away from him but the hawker comes to her keeps a packet on her lap. She almost jumps in fear. The hawker leaves the train and Subhadra realizes this is the packet which she was asked to deliver to Sitapur. She keeps the packet secured with her and the train starts again.

Raizada God’s two best spies in the next compartment notices all of this and inform the same to Akash Singh Raizada. They are given strict instructions not to let Subhadra Gupta out of their sight even for a fraction of second. Also, they have to get her out of Sitapur once the packet is delivered, so that she is not harmed in any way.

Sitapur station in just an hour away from Lucknow and the train is already 20 minutes delayed. When the train stops, Subhadra gets up and leaves the train, looking for any suspicious person who is supposed to take the parcel from her. She keeps walking, looking around. Soon a woman wearing a scarf on her face stumbles with her. Subhadra is about to fall but the woman holds her. The moment Subhadra meets the woman’s eyes she knows who she is. She gets frightened. The woman smirks behind the scarf and snatches the parcel from Subhadra.

“I did your work. Now let me go” Subhadra insists.
“Not until I know the parcel is real” the woman whispers and drags Subhadra along with her.

The spies who were keeping an eye on Subhadra follow the two ladies, also giving the same updates to Akash through phone messages.
888
The place looks like some old factory which is been shut from past few years. Subhadra is locked in a dark room. The woman wearing the scarf is sitting on a chair, waiting for the artisan to confirm the authenticity of the diamonds. Soon, the artisan raises his head in disappointment and looks at the woman.

“All these diamonds are fake” he exclaims.

The woman gets highly agitated. She pushes the table before her by her feet in anger and gets up.

“I knew it.. I knew these Raizada Gods will play nasty with me. But I am Mohini. No one can escape from my attack. No one.” She scowls. “I will teach these Raizada Gods a lesson they will forever remember”

She asks the guard to get Subhadra from the locked room. The guard hurries to obey her orders. Mohini impatiently paces around. She is devising a plan already to attack the Raizada Gods and she knows what will weaken them the most.. THEIR WOMEN!!

The guard returns back in a hurry and looks nervous.

“Subhadraji is not in the room. She is been taken” he informs.

Mohini is shocked. How is it possible? How can she escape despite of such strong security? It has to be the Raizada Gods again. These people have always ruined her plans, even before and even now. She will avenge for all those times she has lost from them. Before she could think of any alternative arrangements there is a noise of gun shot outside their location. Mohini and her men get alarmed and take their positions. Mohini takes out her gun and starts defending herself.

“Raizada Gods men have surrounded this place. Our location has been compromised” one of Mohini’s guard screams aloud, alerting the others.
The gun shots keep coming and Raizada Gods men soon start outnumbering Mohini’s small troop. She is left with no choice but to flee. Keeping herself safer at this instance is the only target for her. She takes few men and hurries through the backside area of the Factory location. They face few guards there whom they beat up and manage to escape. The whole plotting, she did for getting the diamonds from the Raizada Gods has costed her a lot today and she will not leave them so easily.
888
Lucknow

The Jeep enters inside the gates of Shantivan and stops at the entrance. Subhadra Gupta gets down from the jeep. She is still in a state of shock with what is happening with her. She was in that dark room of the old factory in Sitapur when suddenly two men barged in and rescued her from that place. She was made to sit in this jeep. She didn’t realize whose men they are. Initially she thought they are Mohini’s men transferring her to some other location but they didn’t shut her eyes with any cloth during the travel which then made question them back on their identity. She was told that they are Raizada Gods men who have rescued her and they have been asked to get her to Shantivan, safely. She trembled in fear thinking how Raizada Gods came into picture suddenly. Were they spying her?

As she gets down, she finds the Raizada Gods standing before her, watching her with acute suspicion.

“What is all this? You were spying on my whereabouts?” She angrily asks looking at Arnav Singh Raizada.
“You don’t seem happy to be rescued?” he cross questions.
Subhadra shuts her mouth. She doesn’t know how to react. The Raizada Gods will have numerous questions to ask and she will have to answer them. That’s the only way to safeguard herself and Khushi from Mohini.
“You must be tired. Get freshen up, we will talk after that” Arnav exclaims.

Two maids come out and assist Subhadra Gupta inside.

“Bhai, that woman managed to escape with few of her men. We couldn’t trace her” Akash informs with disappointment.
Arnav is unhappy and restless but he decides not to overreact. They have Subhadra Gupta safe and through her they will manage to find that woman again.
888
After an hour, Subhadra comes out of the guest room. She feels much relaxed and composed compared to earlier. The Raizada Gods are waiting for her to join them and share what’s happening. She takes a seat before Arnav Singh Raizada.

“I am sorry I over reacted. I was just not expecting anyone to look on me; especially you all”
“You didn’t leave us a choice Subhadraji. If you had told us about the diamonds before, when I called you, all this would have been avoided”

Subhadra nods her head in agreement.

“I was afraid if this secret will affect the wellness of my granddaughter”

Her reply stiffens Arnav.
“Khushi is your granddaughter but now she is my wife. I will never judge her based on her paternal relationships alone.”

Subhadra sighs in sarcasm.
“That’s what I have been hearing from long. But it doesn’t work that way Arnav” she pauses. “The Guptas and the Raizadas share a past.. a connection which could have made our bonding completely different had it happened”
Arnav is totally confused just like his other brothers.
“What past?”
“Your father, Uday Singh Raizada was engaged to someone else before he married your mother”

The three brothers are completely bowled.

“My mother was his first choice” Arnav yells back. “Please mark your words before you utter anything about my father or mother” his warning tone doesn’t scare Subhadra because she is speaking the truth.
“I have no reasons to lie Arnav. And if you don’t trust me, you can always get back to your mother and ask her. She knows this too”

Arnav clenches his jaw. His mother knows? Why didn’t she ever tell them?

“Uday Singh Raizada was engaged to Mohini Gupta, my first born” Daadi further adds.

Arnav is shocked at this revelation. He had done an investigation on Gupta’s through Nandakishore and it never mentioned about Khushi having an aunt.
“Mohini like her name was beautiful, attractive for any man who would even look at her. She was proud of her beauty and so was I. We had many suitors for her but she secretly liked your father, Uday Singh Raizada. When I got to know it, I personally came to meet your father and put forward my daughter’s marriage proposal. Initially he was surprised, but within 2 days he replied back his acceptance of the proposal. We were overjoyed. The engagement took place in Rajgad Palace. Everything was running smooth, preparations for the marriage were on. My son Shashi was unmarried then. He was quite younger to Mohini and only after her marriage, we would look out a bride for Shashi. Suddenly one day, Mohini came back home afraid. I stopped her and asked the reason of her concern”

“Mohini.. Mohini wait. Why are you looking so tensed? What has happened?” Subhadra asks her 22-year-old daughter Mohini.
“He … he got to know everything. He is coming for me.. We have to go.. .We have to go away from here before he catches us”

Subhadra was unable to understand Mohini’s fear.

“Who is coming?”
“Uday… Uday is coming after me” she shouts.
“Uday Singh Raizada? But, why ? What have you done?”

Mohini doesn’t answer any of these. She rushes in her room and starts packing her bag. Subhadra tries to stop her.

“Mohini, whats going on? Until you tell me the whole truth, how are we supposed to understand?”

Mohini looks angrily at her mother.
“I stole the Jalnoor diamonds from Uday’s secret vault” she confesses.
“What?”
Subhadra gets very angry learning this from her daughter. She clutches her arms in rage.
“Why? Why did you stole it? You are marrying in that house Mohini, there was no need to do something so foolish.”

Mohini shrugs her mother’s arms.

“You wont understand”

She keeps packing her stuff while Subhadra weeps analyzing the repercussions of this sin done by her daughter.

“Pack your bags Maa and Shashi’s too. We have to leave before Uday reaches here” Mohini yells again.
“We are not going anywhere. Neither are you. Where are the diamonds? We will return it back to Uday Singh Raizada and ask his apology. I am sure he will forgive us.”
“Are you mad? I wont return the diamonds. They are mine. I need them”
“Mohini stop this greediness. He is your would-be husband”
“Then he should have let me have them when I asked him leniently. He didn’t. He is more into using the diamonds for the welfare of his people. It is so foolish. He cannot see anything apart from the happiness of the people of this town. I am not going to be part of this foolishness.”
“Foolishness?” Subhadra interrupts her. “You were ready to look after his people when he told you about handling the responsibility of Rajgad after marriage. Why did you agree for it then?”
“Because I want to rule Maa, not look after the needs of the people there. I don’t care if these people have nothing to eat or wear. There are many ways out there to become rich, if they cannot adopt one of the illegal ways to get their needs fulfilled, they better die poor”

Subhadra slaps Mohini for her choice of words. How did her daughter become so much against her principles? Or was she always like that and she never noticed? She cannot do all this alone. There has to be someone supporting her. But who is he?

“This is your real face then? All that love you showed me for Uday Singh Raizada was just an attempt to get to rule his people and lead them to wrong ways?”

Mohini holds the cheek to hide the pain of her mother’s slap. Her eyes spilled fire.

“Yes. I pity that you don’t understand it Maa and neither supporting me. So, just let me go. You and Shashi can stay here in this ditch. I won’t”

Subhadra tries to stop Mohini from fleeing but Mohini pushes her mother so hard that she falls down and hurts her head, falling unconscious.

Subhadra wipes her tears. She still feels hurt that her daughter can do something like this.

“After that night, I was totally shattered. Uday Singh Raizada and his men came to our home and when I told them she had fled, they started chasing her. Your father didn’t punish me or Shashi for the deeds of Mohini. They could never catch her though. She became invisible to the town. Nobody knew where she went. Neither Raizadas got the Jalnoor diamonds back. 6 months later to this incident your father married Usha, your mother and started his family. Everyone as if had forgotten the chapter of Mohini Gupta. In the next 8 years you three were born and my son Shashi married to Garima. Everything was going smooth until one night when Mohini’s threat returned back in the town. She had formed her own army, a troop who hated the good works of Raizadas. They started killing innocent people, and threw then in the river which was a source of water to our town. Your father couldn’t handle it. He used all his efforts to trace Mohini and give justice to his people but failed. Mohini was too sharp and cunning to escape every time. One day she purposely came to meet me secretly at our home. Khushi was very small and was sleeping in the other room with Shashi and Garima. I asked Mohini to leave at once. I didn’t want her dark shadow to be casted on our family again. She was forcing me to come back and join her, stay with her, again as a family and when I denied she played a nasty trick. She got this news spread to the Raizadas that I have been supporting my daughter and allowing us to visit the family secretly. When your father got to know this, he started bothering Shashi and me to tell the details of Mohini’s whereabouts, which obviously we never had. He didn’t believe us and asked us to leave the village.”

Arnav fists his fingers. Now he remembers why Sehgals that day in Rajgad were pointing about Gupta’s being troubled by Raizadas to leave the village. He didn’t take this topic seriously then. But he knows now that the Gupta’s were not totally at fault.

“So, you packed everything and left forever” he asks.
“We had no choice. But I don’t regret that fact either. I am glad that after reaching Mumbai Shashi could earn well and do much for our family which he couldn’t do here. But after Shashi and Garima’s death, I have still being giving the best to Khushi and always tried to keep her away from this place. But fate doesn’t work that way. She was connected to you, and thus she came here again.”

Arnav leans back shutting his eyes for a few seconds, recollecting their first meet in the farm where Khushi’s car had broke down. He had really taken her to be a spy from the enemy side and even tied her to the car while she was still busy flirting with him. It gets a weak smile on her face. Things have changed so much. That same woman is his wife now.

“But Daadiji” Akash interrupts. “When did Mohini contact you again?”
“She has always been keeping an eye on your family. She got to know about that you have found the Jalnoor diamonds which she had secretly hidden in the Zamindar’s land before escaping this town. Now the urge to get the diamonds back made her contact me because she knows we are related. So, she threatened me to do this otherwise she would hurt your family and even fill your ears against me and Khushi that we are still connected to her.”

Anger surfaces on Arnav’s face as he hears the whole past.

“As I said, nothing can break the bond between me and Khushi no matter what the consequences are. And now that you have told us everything, we cannot let you go away until we find this Mohini and take care of her”
Daadi nods in agreement.
“Mohini has realized she has got the fake diamonds and she will come back for them. We have to be prepared Bhai” Nandakishore suggests.
“But she manages to escape all the time. How can we be assured that we can still catch her?” Akash asks.
Arnav gets up from his seat.
“I have a plan” Arnav smirks.

The other two brothers look at each other and then back to Arnav. They know if he has planned something, it got to be a success.


_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 39

Rajgad


Lavanya is welcomed by Payal and Khushi back to Rajgad Palace. She has been specifically called here by them to provide Khushi’s hard drive.

“Here it is” Lavanya forwards the drive to Khushi. “I hope you get what you want” she adds.

Khushi happily takes it from her. Lavanya then passes her laptop.
“I got my laptop too as you don’t have one.”
“Oh, thank you La”

Khushi inserts the drive on the laptop and starts searching for the folder of old photos.
“What is this all about guys, will you tell me at least now?” Lavanya asks.
“It’s a long story Lavanya” Payal replies.
“Okay, but I am here, not leaving for the next 24 hours at least. So, you can tell me. Maybe I can help”
Khushi nods and gestures Payal to describe everything to Lavanya.
“Seems Akash Singh Raizada is looking for a man desperately. We have no idea who he is and why he is suddenly so important to be found. But that man has been holding a child in one photo which Akash showed to me and Khushi has seen that same child in one of their family photos. We are trying to trace that child and through him the details of that man”

Lavanya grasps everything in her head and then questions back.

“Here he is” Khushi immediately stops at one photo and shows it to Lavanya and Payal. “This is the same baby that man was holding in the other photograph.”
Lavanya looks at the baby and her face drops. Khushi and Payal are confused.
“You .. you know this baby La?” Khushi asks.
“That’s.. Pallavi” Lavanya replies. “Tushar Sehgals real sister”
Khushi and Payal are confused. Why didn’t they ever know about this?

“Tushar has a sister? That’s impossible” Payal exclaims. “Tushar’s father left him stranded and fled years ago”
“I don’t know much about that. But Pallavi died by some disease when she was too young. I heard it from my mother. It is obvious you don’t know much about her Payal because she dies before you were even born”

Payal looks tensed. How could her family hide this history from her?

“How do you remember her face?” Khushi asks Lavanya.
“I had seen her picture in one of the town club photos with her father”
“Father?? You mean Pratham Sehgal’s elder brother?”
“Yes”

Khushi immediately shows the photo which Akash had sent to Payal few days ago.

“Is this Pratham Sehgal’s brother?” Khushi asks.
“Uhhh… Yes, maybe. He looks very young in this. But yes, he is the one I guess”

Khushi and Payal looks dramatically at each other.

“So, Akash is looking for Payal’s Uncle then” Khushi exclaims sighing in disappointment.
“But why? Why is he behind him?” Lavanya questions back.
“We don’t know that yet” Khushi answers.

Payal stares at Khushi.

“Should I tell him that?” she asks.
Khushi is not sure.
“Maybe you should. You are his wife now and as far as I know these brothers, they won’t like any information been hidden from their wives”
“He already hates me. What if he hates me more knowing the man he is looking so madly is my Uncle?” Payal shares her fear.
Lavanya and Khushi console her.
“You do your bit Payal, rest all leave it on time and Fate. It won’t disappoint you for sure”

Payal draws some courage from her friends’ words. She decides to share this truth with Akash tonight.
888
Shantivan

Akash answers the call without much delay.

“Is all okay there?” he immediately asks Payal over the call.

She closes her eyes, trying to compose herself and share the truth.
“Yes, I just called to share something”
“What?”
“I know whom you are looking for”

Akash feels his heart thudding fast. He grasps whom Payal is talking about.

“It’s my Uncle, my father’s elder brother. I heard that he fled away, isolating from our family many years ago. I wasn’t even born that time.”

Akash swallows hard fisting his fingers.

“Are you telling me the truth?” he questions back.
“I have nothing to lie. But if you don’t trust me, you can still find out. The history of Sehgals is not any closed book. You could have got this information if you had looked at the right place. But maybe God wanted you to get this info from me, so that you stop hating me and know that I am not your enemy”

Akash gulps. There is an unknown feeling rising in his heart for her. But he doesn’t want to analyze it now. He is too busy right now. He disconnects the call. So, that masked man who is responsible for the accident and murder of his father is Payal’s uncle. But did he do all this alone or was he just a puppet in the hands of someone else? Now that he has got this information, he cannot hide it anymore. He had decided to share it with his brothers once the identity of that man is traced. It is the right time now. But before he could decide further, NK comes out to him.

“Akash, we have to leave.. NOW”

Akash understands where they need to leave and why. He immediately gets inside the jeep with NK.

“And Bhai?” Akash asks.
“He has already started”
NK starts the jeep and they head out with their men.
888
Some Unknown Place

The troops gather in the assembly hall waiting for their leader to come out and give them next orders. Mohini Gupta, comes out with a tall man, her bodyguard, Shankar. She looks once at her troops. These are her men, the people who have been supporting her to fight against the Raizada Gods from years. She is proud to have them trained to give their best.

“The time has come” she shouts at them. “The empire of Raizada Gods have to fall by our feet. They might have ruled Rajgad, Lucknow and many other places like this until now but from here it will be us who would be snatching this responsibility from them.”

Shankar keeps standing beside her with the same rigid expressions on his face.

“The Raizada Gods have cheated us with the diamonds, they killed our men in Sitapur yesterday. Now it is our turn to avenge whatever we have lost because of them.”

The troops cheer her, praying victory for their mission.

“The Raizada Gods have their soul in their women, and we will tear their soul apart today. So who is with me in this?” she asks loudly.
“Me … Me.. Me” everyone from the crowd shouts back their responses. She smiles at them with pride. No matter what, today the victory is hers. She will conquer Rajgad Palace today and mark it as hers forever. She always had an eye on that place, right from the time Uday Singh Raizada had promised to make her stay there after their marriage. So, what if Uday didn’t marry her, she still knows how to get what she wanted. No one can come between her and Rajgad Palace today. And once this happens, she will make the Raizada women her slaves, especially Usha Raizada. She has been waiting for that moment from years.

Mohini gestures Shankar to brief out their plan to the troops. They will start tonight to Rajgad.
888
Khushi wakes up with a jolt. She saw a bad dream. Rajgad Palace was burning in flames. She checks the time in the clock. It’s 2:00 am. Why did she see such a dream? She wipes the sweat from her face and heads to the balcony to get some fresh air. It’s too dark outside plus there is a thick fog which is hindering the visibility. She sees a mob marching towards their Palace, secretively. Who are they? Khushi immediately removes the binoculars from the drawer and rushes to the balcony again. She recognizes this mob as their enemies. The way they are slowly, striding towards the Palace, hiding themselves behind the bushes makes it obvious that these people are their enemies. What should she do? She has to alert their guards.

She quickly runs out of her room and hurries to the guards who are at the door.

“A mob is coming from the front gate. Stay alert” she shouts. The guards immediately raise the pointed rods on their compound walls so as to stop anyone from climbing the walls and getting an easy entry.
Khushi is afraid. She sees the guards running around her to stop the mob from entering the Palace and hurting anyone but she cannot take a chance. She recollects what Arnav had told her before going to Lucknow. The safehouse. She will have to take the family there. She hurries inside the house, straight to her mother-in-law’s room. She bangs the door. Radha opens the door.

“We have to go from here. Maa” Khushi hurries inside to Usha who is confused by her sudden intrusion. “We are not safe.”
Usha gets down the bed. Radha comes to her.
“But where will we go? And this is a fortress, no one can come inside. The security is too good.” Radha points out.
“I cant take that risk. We have to leave”
“But where?”
“I know where we have to go. Just get Maa on the top floor. I will be there”

With this, Khushi rushes out to wake up Payal and Lavanya.

“What?” Lavanya screams. “Who are they?”
“I don’t know and we don’t have time to know that either. I have already informed Maa and Radha. Let us go”
Lavanya wears a jacket and checks her gun.
“You carried that all the way here?” Khushi asks with surprise.
“I always do. It’s for my safety. Did you inform Payal?”
“On my way” Khushi runs to wake Payal.

After few minutes, when Khushi gets the family to the corridor, they hear the gun shots. Khushi fears but she doesn’t let that fear cloud her mind. Her only mission is to safeguard her family from whoever these people are. She hits the button and the door on the wall slides.

“What is this place?” Payal asks. Even Usha, Radha and Lavanya are surprised that such a place existed.
“It will lead us to the safe house”

They all start heading inside the tunnel like place, waiting to reach the EXIT door. Khushi presses the button at the other end of the wall again and the door slides.

“We need to get to that garage” Khushi points out. It is totally dark outside, Payal turns the torch light on to show way to others. Lavanya removes the gun and holds the trigger.
“I will stay behind you all, to back us up in case we are attacked before reaching the hut” Lavanya says.

Usha and Radha keep moving ahead following Khushi. Payal is behind them. They reach the hut and as described by Arnav, there is a car inside. Khushi tries to recollect where the key is. She starts fetching it under the heap of hay and finally finds it.

She unlocks the car and everyone gets inside.

“I will drive” Khushi says taking the driver’s seat ahead. Lavanya sits next to her whereas Payal, Usha and Radha take the backseat. Khushi starts the engine and is about to drive when they hear a loud gun shot.
“Someone has shot the car tyres” Khushi yells.

“Stay down” Lavanya shouts. “I am going out. Don’t get down” she screams to others.
“La don’t. They are many” Khushi yells.
“I know how to handle them”

Lavanya gets down the car and starts firing on the people who are nearing them. Khushi feels scared. She is afraid if these men will overpower Lavanya. She decides to help her fight. She gets down from the car and picks a rod from the ground. Few men approach her. Khushi starts hiting them one by one, not letting them open the car door and hurt Usha Raizada or Radha. They are old, they cannot fight actively. Another man manages to opens the passenger seat door and tries to drag Payal out. Payal gets scared. She has never faced such a situation before. She has always been the terrified child but she somehow gets the courage to kick that man when he tries to reach for Usha Raizada. She gets down too and joins the fight with Lavanya and Khushi. All the three girls give a tough time to their enemies.

Soon, more men come there, making them weak.

“Take the sword” Radha yells at Khushi from the car. Khushi looks at the direction where Radha has been pointing. She finds a sword there. She knows to fight now, doesn’t she? But she has never given a demo of it. She is not very confident if she can fight well. But she has no time to judge her own skills. She has to use this only weapon to save her family. She picks the sword and starts to fight. The first strike on her enemy makes her dizzy. There is blood everywhere. It is because of her!! She hit him. But this man is her enemy, he might kill her and the others if she doesn’t defend. She continues fighting, trying to keep the men away from her family. Suddenly, there is another gunshot sound and the bullet pass from just an inch beside her. It was a missed target. She immediately sees in the direction of that gunshot and to her surprise finds her husband Arnav Singh Raizada strangling the neck of the man who tried to fire the bullet at Khushi. He is here!! How did he know this danger? She sees NK and Akash too and along with them a few guards of Raizada Gods. She is glad they could make it here on time. Payal is still being attacked by their enemies and Akash notices it too. The enemy strikes a knife on Payal’s arm making her forearm bleed. She screams in pain and is about to fall on the ground when Akash comes for help. He kills the man who hurt Payal and then immediately picks her in arms.

“Payal” he rushes to the car.

Payal falls unconscious. Arnav shouts at Akash asking him to take the women away, somewhere safe. Khushi keeps on striking the sword on the enemies and she knows she is being watched.. Her husband Arnav is glancing at her in between his own fight. Should she be proud of it? Has she made him proud today? Lavanya keeps firing the bullets when suddenly she is out of bullets. Nandakishore backs her up as she tries to hide behind the stack of hay to find another weapon to fight. He comes to her and passes his second gun.

“You okay?” he manages to ask amidst the shooting.
“I am fine. When is this ending?”
“Soon” he assures.

After putting Payal in a jeep, Akash drags Lavanya too. Meanwhile Radha gets Usha Raizada to the jeep. Khushi is the only one who has not yet stopped fighting.

“Khushi go with them” Arnav shouts while beating a goon.
“I wont leave you alone” she yells back.
“I said get the hell out of here, you have done enough”
“No”

Arnav manages to get rid of the goon and comes to Khushi. He throws away her sword and drags her to the jeep. He forces her to get inside.

“Don’t ever deny my orders” he yells again at her banging his palm on the jeep door. She angrily stares at him as Akash drives the jeep taking them away from this place. Few of their guards follow the jeep to ensure they reach safe.
_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 40

Shantivan – Lucknow

Akash gets the family back in Shantivan. He has already called the Doctor home with his team to take care of the wounds that these women have got by the fight. Payal is unconscious. He carries Payal all the way to his bedroom.

“Will she be okay? There is so much blood she has lost” Khushi worries.
“She will be fine.” Lavanya assures. “I will be with Akash. You look very stressed, wait here”
“No, I want to know if she is fine”
“Khushi I said I will update you. Stay here” Lavanya hurries behind Akash and the Doctors. Another doctor comes and asks Khushi to get seated so that he can bandage her bruises.

“Radha, are you and Maa alright? Is anyone hurt?” Khushi asks.
“No, we are fine. All thanks to your sword fighting. I didn’t know you would do so well in such a less time” Radha replies proudly.
Usha comes to Khushi and kisses her forehead. She has really made her proud today. She is glad to teach Khushi Sword fighting which has helped them all in today’s incident.

Subhadra Gupta rushes down from the stairs. She just got to know that Akash has got the family here. Khushi is getting her wounds bandaged.

“Khushi…” Daadi rushes to her.

Khushi is shocked to see Daadi in Shantivan.
“Daadi? What are you doing here?”
“What happened to you? I knew it.. I knew she will do something so nasty to hurt you all.” Daadi cries.

Usha and Khushi are totally clueless what she is talking about.
“Daadi, I am fine. These are not deep cuts. I will be fine. See, the doctors are bandaging my wounds already” Khushi tries to relax Daadi.
“Is she caught”
“Who?” Khushi asks.
“Mohini.. She is the one who did all this to your family in Rajgad.”

Usha’s eyes blaze with fire. Mohini? How does Khushi’s Daadi know about Mohini? Usha comes ahead and holds Daadi’s arm, turning her around. She gestures her to tell whatever she knows about this. Daadi nods.

“Mohini is my daughter”

Usha is shocked and angry.
“I have told everything to your sons.”
Khushi realizes she is missing some big fact in between. But what is this about? And why didn’t she ever learn about having an Aunt named Mohini?
Daadi joins her palms and pleads to Usha.
“I didnt share this before because I was afraid it would change the relationship you all have with my granddaughter. But when Mohini started to blackmail your sons for the Jalnoor diamonds, I decided to tell them everything. That’s how they got alert about this attack and reached Rajgad on time to save you all”

Usha is still mad. So much happened and none of her sons considered to warn her? Why? Have they grown up so much that they don’t feel like sharing such important matters with her? She sighs in disappointment. She doesn’t want to learn the further development on this from anyone else but her sons. She gestures Radha to take her to the room. She needs rest. After a long time she has seen an actual war happening between her family and their enemies. She needs some time to come out of it. Plus, she is also worried if her other two sons are doing well in that fight. She cannot afford to lose them at any cost.

Once Usha leaves to her room with Radha, Khushi drags Daadi and makes her sit on the couch.

“Daadi you got to tell me everything. Please” she requests.

Daadi slowly starts sharing about the existence of Mohini, how she was related to Raizadas family, her deceit, her elopement and how she turned into a traitor and the most dangerous enemy of the Raizada Gods. Khushi is shocked to know this little history. So Mohini Gupta was the reason why her family was asked to leave their hometown, that too by Arnav’s father. She doesn’t consider them wrong. If her aunt chose the wrong side and decided to stand against the benefit of her own people, the Raizadas had all rights to do so and turn their backs against the whole of Gupta family. And today one of their eldest son is married to the woman of that same family. It’s a crooked fate. But is Arnav bothered about this? She asks Daadi who clarifies what Arnav’s say was on their past, that he doesn’t wish to spoil their relationship because of Mohini’s disobedience. Khushi is glad that he felt so but it was until yesterday when things were not so complicated. Today, someone from her own family, Mohini Gupta, has attacked the Raizada Gods. Will he still feel the same about her or will their relationship end here? The very thought of it makes her dizzy. She tries to balance herself. Daadi is scared to see her state.

“Khushi… Please don’t think about it. Everything will be alright”

Khushi shakes her head. She is still worried if that war is over. She wants to see her husband safe and back here. But her eyes are closing. She smells of blood all over, its either by the wounds on her body or the blood spilled on her from their enemies’ bodies. It sickens her more. She is unable to bear it more. The chaos that happened in Rajgad can never slip from her mind easily. This is what Arnav Singh Raizada was always warning her about. She is not someone who can easily fit in their family. She has never fought even with her friends so far and fighting so brutally with weapons, killing people by your own hands makes her feel low and terrible. She did this for her own defense and save the family members but that doesn’t count when she tries to stabilize her mind. Something is wrong.. inside her… within her.. What is it? The guilt of killing people? The fear of hurting humans? The remorse of being related to the enemy of Raizada Gods? What is it? She tries to understand but fails. Her eye sight weakens. She is yet able to hear a feeble voice. She recognizes it’s Arnav’s voice. She strains her eyes to see the direction from where it is coming and finds Arnav walking towards her. He is back.. Thank God he is back.. Safe and alive As he nears her, Khushi’s body loses all its energy, she is about to fall when Arnav catches her.

“Khushi.. oh God what happened to her?” Daadi shouts.

Arnav looks at the lifeless form of his wife. She is overly stressed. He carries her in arms, to their room.
888
Everything is calm. The war is over. There is no sound of gunshots, no clinking of the swords, no cries of pain, no fear of being wounded. It’s only peace and serenity everywhere she is looking. She sees someone walking towards her amidst this smoke. It’s a man. Why is she stumbling? Is she hurt? Who is she? She walks closer to take a proper look. Her heart stops a beat when she sees his face clearly. Its Arnav and he is covered with blood, his blood. He manages to reach her and before she could touch him, he falls on the ground, dead.

“Arnav..”

Khushi wakes up with a jolt. Daadi who has been sitting next to her immediately holds her.
“Khushi.. Its okay.. He is fine.. Arnav is fine” Daadi hugs her and tries to soothe her down.
Khushi shuts her eyes. She realizes it was a dream. She tries to recollect what had happened. She was in Rajgad, when the attack happened. She managed to get the family through the tunnel but before they could escape their enemies surrounded them, she fought, they all fought until the Raizada Gods took over. And then after returning to Shantivan, she got to know about this Mohini Gupta, her aunt.

Khushi pulls back from the hug. She checks her dress, she is wearing a fresh one, the stained clothes are no longer on her.

“I changed your clothes. Got you cleaned up too.” Daadi exclaims.
Khushi suddenly remembers how she fought today in Rajgad. Rememberance of those scenes make her whimper.

“Daadi.. I … I killed people.. with my own hands” she cries.
Subhadra nods. Tears fill her eyes.
“But it was for a good cause. You saved your family”
Khushi is unable to digest this.
“You safeguarded your people, they would have killed you otherwise. I am glad you did this. But.. when did you learn Sword fighting? I don’t remember you taking any such classes”
Khushi composes herself.
“Maa taught me to. I insisted her to teach me some of her skills. And I am glad she did. Or else I would not be able to save them”

Daadi wipes her tears and Khushi’s too.

“You need to calm down” she requests.
Khushi shakes her head.
“How is Payal?”
“She is fine. Akash and Lavanya are with her. It was a flesh wound only.”
“I will go see her”

Khushi gets down from the bed. Daadi stops her.

“No, she is resting. Besides Arnav doesn’t want you to talk to any of the ladies until you speak to him first”
“What? Why?” Khushi asks confused.
“I don’t know. You better ask him that. He is in the drawing room downstairs”

Khushi heads down in the drawing room. She finds Arnav in the drawing room, cleaning a pair of swords. The moment he sees her coming, he stops. He is glad she is awake. The condition he had seen her in, made him go through a series of bad thoughts today. When his sources got the information back to them that Mohini was planning an attack in Rajgad, the first thought which came in his mind was safety of his mother and Khushi. He was unsure if she would remember his advice of using the safe tunnel to escape. He is glad she did.
“How are you feeling now?” he asks.

Khushi wants to hug him, ask him if he was okay. She even expected him to take her in arms and kiss her, praise her for what she did out there.

“Daadi told me you wanted me to speak to you first before seeing others. Why?”
Arnav keeps the sword away.
“How did our enemy track you through the tunnel?” he asks without beating the bush.

Khushi is shocked and angered.

“You think I let them in?” she snaps. “I saved the family Arnav, I did everything possible in my power to ensure they get out of the palace safely”
“THINK” he urges in a hoarse voice and that pisses her off. She cannot believe he think she broke the enemies in the so called safe tunnel. She strides to the table where the swords are and picks one in her hand.
“If you think I cheated you, cut me off” she shouts.

Arnav is dazed at her choice of words. He glances at the way she is holding the sword, extending it towards him, so that he takes it from her. Instead of snatching the sword, he picks the other one and clinks it roughly on her held sword to push it away. Her grip is too strong on the sword. It doesn’t fall. She looks angrily at him.

“You seem very eager to fight” he teases.
Khushi clenches her jaw.
“If you insist” she strikes her sword on his and he easily defends himself. She is very angry and he wants to see where this anger leads her to.

He lifts Khushi’s chin with the tip of his sword.

“So, this is what you learnt in the name of Yoga?”
Khushi raises her hand and strikes on his sword to get it off her chin. There is immense anger on her face which he acknowledges. But it makes her look prettier and more breathtaking. Before she can strike again, he uses his arm to twirl her once. Her back hit his chest and he takes this opportunity to place his sword on her neck, not letting it touch her skin though.
“I need just two strikes to win but you are much of distraction today” he whispers in her ears, creating goosebumps in her body.

Khushi uses all her strength to push him back and after doing that she turns around, again pointing her sword at him.

“But I have learnt how to ignore distractions and keep fighting for the cause. So, there is no chance you can win”

Arnav smirks. This fight gets more interesting now.

“Two people with the same cause, don’t fight. They are allies” he yells striking his sword towards her and she defends herself. But he is so strong this time that her kneel touches the floor, yet she keeps using her strength to push him away.
“Allies don’t spy on each other. How could you think I compromised the safe tunnel location to our enemies?”

When she strikes again, the tip of the sword tears off a piece of shirt Arnav is currently wearing. He gets raged now. Even his brothers couldn’t cut his clothes while he fought with them. His mother has trained Khushi very well. He looks at the cut on his shirt and then gazes back at her. Khushi is still not bothered. They keep striking on each other few more times, both beating each other well. The next instant when Arnav strikes his sword at her, it breaks the strings of her kurta on her back, making it loose. Khushi’s eyes widen while he doesn’t seem to repent. He grins.

“That was unintentional” he murmurs.

Khushi grits her teeth and continues striking at him. He has no other way but to keep defending himself.

“You intentionally hurt me. You know I cannot harm your family, you or anyone else in that matter. How could you still ask me that question? How could you think I let the enemies through the Safe tunnel?”

Arnav strikes so hard that her sword falls down and he uses this opportunity to turn her around, and points his sword back on her neck, at a safe distance though.

“Because.. You forgot to lock the tunnel door again after you entered. You left the damn door open, That’s how the enemies could trace your path and that’s what I wanted you to remember. That’s all. I know you didn’t do anything intentionally.” he yells.

Khushi realizes her mistake. She actually didn’t realize she had to shut the door back in the hurry to leave the place. Dammit!! He is right, it is her mistake. She slowly raises her head from the side and looks at him. He is breathing hard and so is she. Never did she realize that sword fighting can be something so intimate if it is with your husband. Rob, their security head knocks the door and Arnav immediately becomes cautious and pulls Khushi closer, to ensure her back sticks to his chest so tight, that no one understands her dress has loosened. Khushi’s heart beats frantically. Anyone watching them will be shied off and she is not prepared to see the after reactions of people.

“Boss, Mataji is waiting for you in her room”

Arnav swallows hard. He is equally unwilling to leave his wife at such an intense situation. But he cannot ignore his mother’s call.

“Tell her I am coming”

Rob nods and leaves. Khushi slowly comes out of his grip. She feels uneasy and shy. Arnav throws away his sword and then gazes back at her.

“This fight is not over yet” he says in a teasing voice and heads out.


_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 41

Shantivan

After Arnav Singh Raizada leaves for his Mother’s room, Khushi immediately ties the back knot of her Kurta. She is angry on herself for doing such a huge mistake. How could she forget to lock the safe tunnel door? If she had done that, this fight between the family and their enemies could have been avoided to some extent. She was too careless. And she knows Arnav is pissed about it. She won’t give any justifications to him, because she knows she is wrong. But amidst all this, she realizes her heart is beating erratically since the sword fight with her husband. She just demonstrated her newly developed skills to him and by the look in his eyes she can say he was impressed. And why did he say that this fight is yet not over? What does he intend to do with her once he is back speaking with his mother? She gets impatient thinking all the possibilities. Will he punish her? In what way? She deserves it though and she has to be prepared for anything. She knows the Raizada Gods don’t forgive mistakes, especially if they are so gruesome. For sure Arnav has planned something huge for her. She just hopes she is capable enough to handle it.

Lavanya comes looking for her.

“Khushi.. What are you doing here?”
Khushi shakes her head, shrugging the thoughts.
“Nothing.. How is Payal?”
“She is conscious now.”
“I will meet her”

Lavanya takes Khushi to Payal’s room.
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Akash Singh Raizada pops the medicine and passes it on to Payal along with a glass of water. Her hand shakes. She cannot believe she fought today and not just that, when she got hurt, it was Akash who saved her. Did he do this only because she is his wife before the world or did it have any other meaning too? When he sees her hand shaking, he sits next to her on the bed and holds the medicine to her lips. She feels scared and tries to move back but he holds her hand.
“Take it” he says in a commanding tone.
She fears him still. This fear will not go that easily. She still opens her lips allowing him to put the medicine in her mouth. He then feeds her water. She nervously gulps the medicine, without meeting his eyes. Fear is not letting her face him eye to eye.

“Thank you” he murmurs. She raises her gaze and looks at him finally.
“What… what are you… thanking me for?” she softly asks.
“For saving my mother’s life. For fighting for my family. Radha told me how you didn’t let the enemies drag Radha and Maa out of the car. You kept them safe inside. I know this is not your zone, but you still tried”
She feels delighted that he recognized her goodness.

“You also gave me the information I needed, about that unknown man in the picture I showed you. Thanks again”
Payal smiles.
“You wanted that information so badly. I didn’t have it before, neither you asked for it in a polite way. If you had done that, I would have tried to trace it much earlier. And please don’t thank me for any of this. It is my duty to help this family and be of some use to them”

Akash is pleased to hear her thoughts. He was really wrong about her. He always thought being a Sehgal she is their enemy. But now he knows she is not. She is not like her father Pratham or cousin Tushar. She is naïve, innocent.

Khushi and Lavanya push the door open and get inside. They stop. None of them knew Akash was here in the room, talking to Payal.

“Sorry… we… we should have knocked” Khushi apologizes. Akash nervously gets up from the bed.
“No, its okay. I was just going to meet mother. You can talk to her”

He leaves the room. Without delay, Khushi rushes to Payal and hugs her, ensuring she doesn’t hurt Payal’s injured arm. Payal hugs her back.
“I am so glad to see you fine” Khushi mutters pulling back.
“So am I to see you and Lavanya doing well. You fought so bravely. I didn’t know about your sword fight skills” Payal replies.
Lavanya comes forward.
“Seems she was learning it from Usha Raizada, hiding it from all of us”
Khushi shies.
“I wanted to surprise Arnav” she says.
“And you are successful in that. You should have seen Raizada God’s face when he saw you battling with the sword. He was totally mesmerized” Lavanya adds.
Khushi shies more. She suddenly recalls their intimate sword fight a few minutes ago. His words are still ringing in her ears. This fight is not over yet. She gulps nervously and focusses on Payal and Lavanya.

“Everyone is shaken. The person who attacked us is my aunt, Mohini Gupta. Even I was unaware I have an aunt. Daadi told me when we reached here. I just wonder what else has that woman planned against us” Khushi shares her views.
“She didn’t come herself to fight in Rajgad. She sent her troop. She is still out there looking for another opportunity to strike” Lavanya adds.
“We won’t let her win” Khushi replies. “This is no more a family fight now. Looking at her history and the crimes that she has done, she has to be punished severely.”
“Yes, I am already preparing myself to fight her” Lavanya continues.
“No Lavanya. I don’t expect another series of war. We should let the Police handle it. If there is no law and order here, we can appeal to the big cities law and order to tackle this problem” Khushi interrupts.
Lavanya laughs.
“Baby, people here have just one law and order and that’s the judgement of Raizada Gods. No one can surpass them”
Khushi is about to argue when Radha comes in the room.

“The dinner is ready. Everyone is asked to come down” Radha informs.

The topic gets disconnected here. Khushi and Lavanya helps Payal to get down the bed. They all head downstairs. At the table, the Raizada Gods are present with their mother and Khushi’s Daadi.

“I will go home. Maa must be waiting for me” Lavanya says.
Usha nods in denial and gestures her to sit with them.
“Maa is right Lavanya, you are also our family. The way you helped us, we owe to you. You played with your life for us” Khushi praises.
Lavanya looks at NK who gestures her the same. Akash notices this eye lock exchange between the two. He senses something deep in their eye lock. He continues to eat. Payal is unable to serve herself. Khushi is about to help her but Akash notices it and is the first one to offer help. He serves food in Payal’s plate. Usha notices their slowly growing bond and appreciates it with a smile. Khushi glances at Arnav who is sitting opposite to him. He looks at her too but there is no softness in his gaze. He is still in anger, she can sense that. She wonders how Akash softened for Payal but the eldest Raizada God is still the same.. stubborn and unaffected by even her presence. She feels hurt. She tries to avoid her eyes from tearing and continues eating.

The dinner is quiet. No one talks much. After they finish, Usha heads with Radha for a silent walk around the Palace, within its vicinity. She needs some fresh air to suppress the memories of the almost war at Rajgad. Khushi’s Daadi also decides to join them.
“Now I should really go” Lavanya gets up.
“I will drop you home” NK gets up too. Akash and Arnav both notice this time the concern in Nandakishore’s gestures for Lavanya. What’s brewing up between them?
“No that’s fine, I will manage” she resists.
He grits his teeth looking at her. Everyone notices his anger.
“I said I am dropping you home” this time his voice is harsh. She doesn’t argue further.
He strides out. Lavanya senses Akash, Arnav, Khushi and Payal giving her confused stares. She fakes a smile, not willing to answer any of their raising doubts at this moment. If they have any, let NK clear it.
“Bye, I will pay a visit tomorrow” she mutters looking at Khushi and quickly rushes out.
“Akash, take Payal back to your room and make her rest.” Arnav commands.
“Yes Bhai, even you and Khushi Bhabhi needs rest. Good night” he replies getting up from the couch with Payal. She is nervous by such caring gestures Akash is showing towards her. She has never received it from any men in her life and she had definitely never expected it to come from Akash Singh Raizada. She walks with him quietly to their bedroom.

It is just Arnav and Khushi now in the living room, both sitting at the opposite couch, staring at each other like never before. His eyes are expressing some unknown emotions which she is unable to read. It’s a mixed feeling. What is it that is going in his head? She decides to clear this confusion.

“You said our fight is not yet over” she speaks. “what.. .what is that supposed to mean?”

He gets up, making her jerk on the couch. He comes straight to her and carries her in arms. She is totally unaware how to react. He starts walking to their room. Khushi’s heart keeps giving her signals of something hard coming her way. He still looks mad at her which means he is taking her for the punishment.

“I can walk” she speaks softly while he climbs the stairs.
He doesn’t react but keeps walking. He kicks the door open and closes it the same way after getting inside. He then drops her to the bed and hovers over her. Before she could open her mouth, he bends and kisses her hard. She is unable to understand what is happening. This kiss is not that smooth and soft like he gave her when he was returning back to Lucknow from Rajgad. This is more intense and needier. She tries to cope up with his pace and when she willingly responds, he pulls back. He holds her jaw.

“You got my worst nightmare alive today. Seeing you out there, fighting between the enemies instilled all sorts of fears which I never knew existed in me. For the first time in my life, I have felt weak and powerless”

Khushi is dazed by his sudden confession.

“I feared losing you” he murmurs, squeezing her jaw. She doesn’t feel any pain this time because she knows it is his right to feel afraid of losing her. Does he even realize why he felt that way? She keeps staring in his eyes, hoping he would clear that too by the end of this conversation.

“I hate this feeling” he further adds, making her stiffen. He hates it? How can he say that? She thought he would be confessing something else. Well, she shouldn’t judge him until he completes this conversation. He closes his eyes briefly and rolls on the bed, to lay next to her. She instantly turns to his side and raises on her elbow, to admire him.
“I wanted to punish you for disobeying me” he look at her again. “I wanted to punish you hard” he adds. “But I cant. I cant see you hurt. Not by anyone.. not even me”

Khushi feels something blooming in his eyes for her. That’s love. She knows. Though he wouldn’t say it aloud.

“I thought I am the only one pretty shaken up here” she replies. He doesn’t react, he is very cold and stiff. She gently squeezes his arm. “I am sorry. I didn’t do what you told. I didn’t perform the safety procedures as asked and when you urged me to stop fighting and go away with Akash and others, I didn’t obey you. I trouble you so much”

Arnav stares in her eyes.

“But that’s how I am Arnav. You like controlling people, keeping them safe, even if that means keeping your dear ones away. But I have different views. I want to keep my dear ones close, so that I can always watch them, give them my personal attention and ensure to keep them smiling and happy”

Arnav lets out a throaty laugh.

“You just got lucky then. Rajgad is demolished, compromised and totally inhabitable for you and other women of our family to stay. No one has to go anywhere. You, Payal and Maa can be with us, forever” he replies.
Khushi grins.
“And what about the rules of Raizada Gods?” she playfully asks.
“Broken” he replies. “For good” he adds further.
Khushi in unimaginably happy. She will always stay by his side now, no matter what. She slowly touches his face, noticing his reaction. He doesn’t dislike it. He closes his eyes, allowing her to explore him. She brushes her fingers in his hair and then kisses his forehead. He opens his eyes then.

“What are you doing to me, Khushi?” he hoarsely asks.
She shies but doesn’t turn away. They have been together after such a long time. Arnav has missed this too. Admiring her, touching her. He starts playing with her silky hair, curling it with his fingers and letting the strand loose again. Such tender gestures are new for him. When he was a child, he hardly got time to do things as per his wishes. Early duties and the responsibilities of his family crowned his head at that age and he could never really come out of it. The age where he could have played with toys, he got guns, swords and axes in his hands. When he should have poured with the shadows of a safe environment, the fear of enemies hurting and killing his family crowded his mind.

“You were brave out there” he says palming her cheek. She suddenly glows. She wanted to hear this from him. Everyone has appreciated her but not him. She loves it when he does.
“Was I?”
“Hmm. You have a strong command over your sword. Reminds me of the early days when Maa used to fight”
Khushi smiles happily.
“She has taught me well then to be appreciated by the Raizada God himself”
“Maa has always been the best” he mutters. “And now so are you”

Khushi feels like in heaven. So much of praises is being showered on her by none other than the man she loves. What else does she need? She gazes at his lip and kisses him once again. He grabs her face and kisses her back, softly yet intense.
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Khushi wakes up disoriented. Her eyes spring open and she immediately spreads her arm to feel her husband’s presence. He is curled next to her and seeing him sleeping so peacefully relaxes her. Her bad dreams are quite frequent these days. She knows the environment around her is the reason. She has never seen or even imagined bloodshed to that extent before. So, until all of this is sorted it will be the same. She lays still beside him. She doesn’t want to wake him up. What a frightful day it has been. It is hard to believe that she survived that torturous war sequence in Rajgad, all thanks to her husband and his timely entry there along with his brothers and men. It occurs to her that even after being so strong before the world, this man lying beside her is fragile. He is afraid to lose his loved and dear ones. And he genuinely cares for each one of them. Last night, she doesn’t remember when that kiss broke and she fell asleep. He too might have been surprised by that for sure. But it was not her fault. So much happened yesterday that she was already pale and unsettled. She lingers her finger on his face, slowly enough for him to feel. After careful inspection of his face, she touches his shoulder blade and then his ripping muscles. This is the gym effect and must for men like him who are always surrounded by enemies. Her eyes keeps lingering on his body as her finger work down. Before she could reach his lower abs, he holds her wrist and pulls her closer. She is absolutely clueless when he woke up.

“What were you doing?”

His morning tone is huskier.
“Nothing. I was just checking if you got hurt anywhere by yesterday’s fight” she lies and she knows he has already caught that too.

He raises his brow.

“Physical wounds heal, not the ones which are subjected to the ministrations of your wife”
Khushi feels like running away.
“Arnav.. you have changed” she murmurs. “You were not so open in such talks before”
Arnav wraps his arms around her waist.
“Your effect”
Khushi giggles.
“Do you like this new effect in you?”
He doesn’t reply. He thinks.
“Maybe.” And then he gives his million-dollar smile which makes her day already. He doesn’t smile much but when he does, she can stop the world to see it.

His phone buzzes, getting them out of their lovely stance.

“I am coming” he talks only this and gets down the bed.
“What happened?”
“I have to be somewhere. Didn’t realize I woke up so late”
Khushi sighs, lying back on her pillow.
“Can’t you reschedule?” she asks in a low tone, just to avoid him from thinking she is forcing him.
Arnav smirks, walking to the closet and picks his clothes for wearing after shower.
“It’s a matter of few hours. I will be back before you realize you missed me”

Khushi frowns. She knows she cannot stop him from doing his responsibility. And presently he has too many. He notices she is lost in some thoughts and comes forward. He leans over her again and kisses her lips.

“Catch you soon” he whispers.

She shies. This is enough for her to gather her mood until he returns back. He heads straight to the shower. Khushi keeps lying on the bed, trying to visualize what their lives would be, if all these enmity and fight ended from this town. Arnav will be less occupied and can devote his maximum time to her and their family.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 42

Shantivan

Arnav Singh Raizada enters the place where his men have chained few men from the troops who attacked them in Rajgad. They are severely injured but none of them would be spared for what they have done. Akash and Nandakishore follow Arnav inside. Nandakishore’s blood boils when he sees the men who attacked them. He immediately strides to one of them and punches his face hard. The man yells as his face hangs loose on his shoulder, by the effect of the punch.

“Where is she? Where is your leader Mohini?” Nandakishore ragefully asks him.

The man doesn’t respond. Nandakishore punches him hard again and then moves to the next chained man and repeats his action.

“Tell us where she is and you will still be saved”
“We don’t know where she is” the other man yells in pain.

“NK stop” Arnav commands before he hurts the men more. “Enough. These people are her loyal men, they won’t say anything”
“Bhai, I won’t stay quiet until I get her location details from them. Even if it means separating the flesh out of these men” NK angrily barks looking at the chained men.
“We won’t do anything like that” Arnav shouts and then looks at Rob. “Get their families here”

The men suddenly start struggling and shouting.

“No.. don’t hurt our families” one of them yells.
Arnav stares back at them.
“When you could hurt our families, why won’t we? We all want to keep our family safe and aloof from this dark world. But when people like you drag innocents like them on war field, they don’t deserve any mercy either”
The men keep struggling and howling.

“We.. we really don’t know where Mohini is. We would have told you otherwise. Please don’t hurt our families” another man yells.
Arnav nods in disappointment.
“Get their families Rob” he shouts. “Until they see their people’s blood shed here, I don’t think they will open their mouths”

Rob nods and is about to leave when one of the chained man shouts.

“I .. I know where she is”

Rob stops and the three Raizada Gods keep their ears and eyes glued on the man.
“She is here, planning to implement Plan B” he shouts.
Arnav stiffens. He strides to the man and holds his neck.
“What is Plan B?” he asks in anger.
“She.. she is planning a similar attack in Shantivan, not sure when. She knows the various safety locations of your family, she has an eye on each one of them. And this time she plans to get more troops than before”

Arnav is fumed by this update. NK immediately orders the guards to put extra attention and force at Shantivan.
“I will warn the family Bhai” Akash says and moves aside to give a quick call to Radha who can then inform others.
Arnav walks back to the man who gave them this information.
“Who is supporting her in Plan B?” he asks. “I know there has to be someone from Lucknow with whom she can plan such a serious attack again. She doesn’t have enough troops left otherwise. So, tell me who is supporting her to attack us this time?”
The man looks nervously at him and in the fear of getting his family hurt, if he doesn’t provide this information, he gives the details.
“The Sehgals”

Akash clenches his jaw. It was since yesterday that he had started to sober down for Payal, but looks like her family is never going to stop backstabbing them. Arnav is equally surprised and raged to hear that name. He had no hopes from Tushar and Pratham Sehgal but he at least didn’t expect them to go at such cheap levels, considering they have given their daughter in this family. He steps back and looks at frustrated Akash.

“Don’t let Payal know this yet” Arnav warns.
“Bhai, her family is doing so much against us and”
“She is a victim too, not our enemy. She has no participation in this. We have no reasons to drag her in middle of this war. She is innocent”
“I know that she is innocent. But she has to be aware what her family is intending to do. Maybe she can help us with their weak points”
“She might not know anything Akash. She is already scared by whatever happened at Rajgad. I don’t want our women to take up this fight again. They need rest and a secure place to hide until we sort this”

Akash nods understandingly. The three brothers then discuss their plan of actions.
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Shantivan

“What?” Khushi’s voice raises as she hears Radha explaining the family about the upcoming threat to Shantivan which Akash gave her minutes ago. “This woman is insane. What does she want?”

Usha Raizada loses her cool too. She can link this enmity with Mohini Raizada from their past. Mohini is trying to destroy everything that is related to Uday Singh Raizada, whom she could not obtain as her husband. She wants pure revenge from this family and she will go to any low level to let this happen.

“Our people have not even recovered from the war at Rajgad. How can they survive the next one here?” Khushi’s concern is genuine. Arnav, Akash and NK enter the house. Khushi notices the rage on her husband’s face. Any man would react that way knowing his family is in danger. How she wishes to see him calm and normal like he was last night and the morning today, with her.
“We will need more men” Arnav utters coming to the living room with his brothers.
“Bhai, I have people who can help us in this” Akash suggests. “I will talk to them”
“I think we should take the help of the government bodies this time. They are also responsible for our safety” Khushi interrupts.

Khushi’s suggestion goes unheard by the Raizada Gods. But she continues.

“I know some government bodies who can assist us if we raise this concern” she adds.
“Stay out of this conversation if you want to suggest something so bizarre” Arnav snaps.
She is stunned at his coldness.
“I am helping you here and.”
“We don’t need your help.” He shouts again.
Khushi feels humiliated. She has no clue why these people are so much against using the government forces to put a full stop to these civil fights? Akash and NK remain silent. They are favoring their brother’s decision. Khushi shakes her head in disappointment.
“Any help that can save the lives of our family and the rest of our men here should be embraced, be it from your known civil troops or the government bodies”

Arnav gets mad at her continued intervention.

“GO BACK TO YOUR ROOM” he shouts at her and this time is voice is dangerously harsh. Khushi gets tears in her eyes to see him behaving that way amidst so many people. She really has no rights to be a part of this conversation? To share her opinion? It is such a shame that these men, who call themselves Gods of this place, doesn’t give other women of their family, the importance of sharing their ideas. She doesn’t want to be a part of this one-sided action plan either then. She hurries upstairs to her room, avoiding meeting anyone’s eyes. She doesn’t want them to see her tears and create more drama in the family when they are discussing something so crucial. Once Arnav sees her entering their room, he continues the conversation with the rest of the family.
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“I want to see you now, Lavanya. Same place” Nandakishore speaks on the call and then hangs up. Akash clears his throat, to get NK’s attention. NK turns around nervously. He had no idea, someone was hearing his talk.
“Going somewhere?” Akash asks him.
“Yes”
“Hmm, take few men along. Let us not take any risk of wandering alone. Our enemies are always waiting for that one chance to defeat us”
NK grits his teeth.
“I am sufficient enough to handle them all.”
Akash smiles.
“Bhai is right, you still have that raging blood in you. But it’s nice to be sober at times, don’t you think?” Akash asks coming forward. “Especially when you are going to meet a woman”

NK is confused and disoriented by this statement from his brother.
“What do you mean?” he asks.
“None of us is blind here NK. We know something exists between you and that Kshyap”
“LAVANYA” NK interrupts. “That’s her name”
Akash smirks.
“Looks like you are serious for her” Akash replies. “We all have seen how protective you get for her.”
NK doesn’t respond.
“I have to go” he loads the gun in pocket and hurries out. Akash keeps staring at him with a smile. He cannot believe his younger brother is falling so hard for someone. Out of the three brothers, he is the only one who loves a woman before legally binding himself with her, like in marriage. He hopes these two get the share of love from each other, soon but that can only be possible after their war with Mohini Gupta is over.
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After spending an hour in the room, alone, Khushi decides to calm her nerves, her anger, by doing something extraordinary. She feels suffocated inside this house, especially when the man she loves so much doesn’t bother about her inputs. She comes outside the house, in the backyard, to take a walk and notices the stable where all the Horses from Rajgad have been tied to and fed. She recollects how she wanted to learn Horse riding from Arnav and he had promised her the same one day. But looks like this isn’t going to happen that soon either. She decides to take a self-lesson. It cannot be that hard, can it?

“Untie this horse” she commands to the person taking care of the Stable. “I am going to take it for a ride”
“This one is the eldest Raizada God’s horse” he replies.
That infuriates her even more.
“And I am his wife, don’t I have some say, some command over his things?” she snaps.

The man bows his head down and slowly unties the horse. She gulps as the horse gallops hard.

“Typical bullying horse” she mutters “his traits are so similar to his master” she further murmurs. The man manages to tame the horse and waits for his next set of commands from Khushi.
“Good. Have you fed him?” she asks.
“Yes, twice since morning”

Khushi feels that’s enough for the horse to be happy and allow her to ride him. She slowly catches the belt and sits on the horse. She slowly pats the horse’s back.

Arnav Singh Raizada who has been looking for Khushi in the house, everywhere, comes to the balcony and finds her sitting on his favorite horse. He suddenly panics and shouts.

“Khushi” he shouts from the balcony. She looks nervously at him. “Get down the horse.”

Khushi angrily clenches her jaw. He always does this. Never allows her to be herself. Why can’t she ride his horse? It’s just a horse, isn’t it? And she won’t elope with it, she will come back. She grips the belt of the horse tight and starts taking it for a ride. Arnav fists his fingers to see her disobeying him. She is in danger. He runs through the lobby to stop her from hurting herself. Khushi has no clue what she has got into. She happily rides the horse, which is just walking in the ground, not running. Suddenly her smile turns into fear as the horse takes a speed. She feels imbalanced.

“Hey… stop” she speaks to the horse who doesn’t understand her command obviously and keeps running. She really gets afraid now and shouts for help.
“HELPPPP” she screams. The speed of the horse is so fast that she cannot even turn behind and see if anyone is coming to help her. She tries her best to stop him, she pulls the belt, tries to pat him, but nothing works. The horse keeps galloping and running all the faster. Khushi feels dizzy. This was really a bad idea to ride on something she has no clue about. She is about to fall down from the horse, losing her balance when an arm grips her tight on her waist and pulls her on another horse. She feels relieved when the other horse stops and the man who helped her, puts her down. She finally raises her head to see who saved her. He is tall, white, sturdy man who is almost of the same age as the Raizada Gods. He grins at her as she steps away from him. She has never seen him before in this town and the way he is clothed, in typical casual outfits, does make him look like a stranger to this place.

Arnav Singh Raizada reaches this place, on another horse. He is glad that his wife is safe. He gets down and strides to her.

“You okay?” he asks, trying to comfort her. She simply nods and looks back at the stranger. Arnav looks at him too. He realizes this man saved Khushi.
“Thanks for saving my wife” he exclaims.
“You are welcome” the man grins. “I have heard that the Raizada Gods keep their familiy safe from every evil. Didn’t look so, today” he adds staring at Khushi again.

Arnav grits his teeth, disliking his comment.
“Never seen you before in town. Who are you?” he directly asks.
“I am Suraj” he extends his arm towards Arnav.
Arnav completes the handshake.
“Suraj…?” he tries to get his last name to which Suraj chuckles.
“If you are looking for my last name, you won’t find it.” He replies.
Arnav gets more curious now.
“I have some issues with my father, that’s why” Suraj adds with a weird smile.
Arnav doesn’t extend the conversation in that context.
“What are you doing in this town?”
“Just paying a visit. I like exploring places. This one looks more of my interest” he says staring at Khushi again.

Arnav notices that and gets agitated. He moves Khushi behind him, and stands in between Suraj and Khushi, staring deeply and angrily in Suraj’s eyes.
“In the name of exploring places, don’t do anything that can hurt the ethics of my place. This town and the people here mean everything to me, I won’t bear anyone outsider coming and disturbing the peace here”

Suraj chuckles and raises his hands in defeat.

“I just saved your wife. I have no other intentions” he replies and then sits back on his horse. Arnav waits until he rides away from them and then he stares at Khushi with frustration.

“How could you risk your own life? I warned you to get down” he scowls.
“Only because this is your horse?” she asks.
“No. Because this horse doesn’t let anyone else ride it, except me”

Khushi bites her lip. No wonder when she sat on his horse, it galloped, trying to warn her.
“I didn’t know that” she mutters in a soft voice. “I was mad at you”
Arnav pulls her to him.
“However mad you are, never put your life in danger like this again. You understand that?”

His concern and the love for her is noticeable in his eyes. Khushi pouts and slowly nods in agreement. Arnav leaves her and sits back on his horse. He then stretches his arm for her to hold. Is he going to take her a double ride on the horse? She gets excited but the fear of sitting back on the horse is still lingering in her mind.

“He won’t hurt you again” Arnav reads her mind and replies. Khushi smiles and puts her hand in his. He pulls her up on the horse and makes her sit before him. He slides his arm on her waist to hold her firm while he uses the other to hold the belt and ride the horse, back to Shantivan.


_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 43


Lavanya gets down the jeep at the garden where she is called by NK. He is already there and not seeming to be in a good mood.

“Why have you called me here?” she asks.
“Mohini is planning another attack, in Shantivan” he informs.
“What?” Lavanya sounds nervous. “Will that woman ever stop? Didn’t she get enough blood in Rajgad?”

Nandakishore sighs.
“She won’t stop until she defeats us, she wants to conquer our position, our house and that’s why she will not give up so easily”
“Let her dream NK, we all know she will never achieve it” she assures him.
“Raizada Gods don’t fear to fight, whatever she plans for us, we will ensure she only gets defeat on her side. But that’s not why I have called you here”
Lavanya keeps looking at him to know his real intentions of calling her to meet.
“She can harm anyone connected to us, I cannot take that risk with you” he confronts with a serious face. “I will extend the security at your place too for some time, until all this is over” he adds.

Lavanya’s face blooms with happiness. He is so much worried for her, its clearly replicating on his face and expressions.

“She doesn’t know what we shared NK. She will not come behind me, don’t worry”
NK gets frustrated.
“She knows every damn secret locations of our family, you think she won’t know what we both have between us?” he angrily asks.
“HAD” she corrects him. “We HAD a relationship and I very well remember we broke up, a long time ago”

Nandakishore laughs sarcastically.

“Who are you fooling Lavanya? Anyone who sees us knows we feel for each other still. And even if it isn’t so, I don’t care. Things have changed. The reasons why we broke up, are no longer valid”

Lavanya swallows hard. What is he implying? They broke up because she was not willing to follow the rule of Raizada God’s wives staying in Rajgad. She was not ready to leave her mother alone here to handle all the work.

“What are you trying to say?” she questions back.
NK comes forward and clutches her arms.
“Bhai has decided not to keep Khushi or Payal away from the family. They will always be with us now and so will you, after we marry”
Lavanya gets goosebumps all over the body. Marriage? Is that possible now?
“I am going to talk to Maa and Bhai about us, once this is all over” he exclaims.

Lavanya is elated but she doesn’t reveal it on her face. She pushes him away.

“It is so convenient of you NK. To leave me when you couldn’t break the rules made by your elders and then pull me back in your life when those are broken. Tomorrow, few more rules or decisions I might not be ready to accept, what will you do then?” she snaps.

Nandakishore is speechless. She lets out a throaty sigh, trying to ease the ache in her throat. “There is no point discussing this” she murmurs.
Before she could decide to leave, she hears his reply.
“I have never gone against my family and I never will do that for anyone. But I promise you one thing Lavanya, I will never let you leave me. I will stand by you whenever you need me. I cannot promise never to fight with you. Fights, arguments are in my blood, but I will be the first one to reconcile every time we have an argument. I might not be a perfect boyfriend, but I will try to be a perfect husband you deserve”

Lavanya’s eyes tears as she hears him out. There is no chance she can deny his thoughts and disapprove his proposal. She hugs him tight, looping onto him in every possible angle.

“Why did you delay so much to realize this NK? Why?” she whispers in his ears amidst her sobs.
“I learnt the real meaning of marriage, relationship and love seeing my two brothers. Their marriages are not perfect either but I am seeing them strive to keep their relationships intact. It kind of boosted me too” he replies.

Lavanya chuckles and hits his back softly. She doesn’t care about the major fight which is yet to be sorted between the Raizada Gods and Mohini Gupta, she knows her NK will safeguard her and in return she will stand beside him to fight back his enemies.
888
Shantivan

Khushi gets down the horse followed by Arnav. It was nice riding with him on his favorite horse. His arm on her waist had made her feel safe and comforted. She really wonders what it will be like when he teaches her to ride a horse like he promised earlier? Wish this little journey back had taken some more time. The guard comes forward and takes the horse back to the stable. Khushi comes out of the stance as she recollects what her initial reason for riding his horse was. She is mad at him for not letting her give advice in regards to the safety measures of their family. Arnav looks at her.

“You won’t be leaving the Palace without my permission. Take this seriously Khushi” he mutters.
Khushi doesn’t respond to him but chooses to walk inside the house. Arnav is infuriated by her behavior. He follows her and within next two strides he manages to grab her wrist.

“You are disrespecting me by walking away like that” he scowls.
Khushi turns to him.
“And what was that which you did before the whole family? You screamed at me when I was suggesting something for the betterment of everyone”
Arnav clenches his jaw remembering that.
“Your advice cannot be considered and even after I warned you this, you still continued to drag the topic”
“What is the problem if we take the government bodies help? Why are you so adamant in asking help from them?” she angrily asks.
“Because I don’t trust anyone except my own trained civil troops. The people you are talking about are corrupt, two-faced and I have seen them ruining my family already before. I won’t let anyone of them even get closer to us again. Is that clear?”

His explanation over this subject sounded too brief and makes her even more confused. Arnav lets her be in her continued dilemma and walks in. He has so much to take care of to save his family and Shantivan from another attack. Khushi realizes this is just the bad timing for her to make him share his problems. He will speak up when he wants to, maybe when they are alone together, not when his mind is busy in other issues.
888
Arnav discusses his sudden encounter with someone called Suraj, with his brothers later today.
“Suraj?” Akash mutters. “Never heard about him before Bhai. What does he look like?
“He looks everything which a normal tourist doesn’t, I am sure. And how can a man like him find our place a tourist spot? It felt like he was waiting for an opportunity to have a conversation with someone from our family and Khushi’s sudden panicky state gave him that.”
Akash shakes his head.
“I will get our sources to find more about him” Akash assures.
“Right Akash, we cannot take any chances now, till we wipe off that Mohini forever” NK adds.
Arnav continues discussing about the other issues when suddenly there is a knock at the drawing room where these brothers are sitting. It is Khushi and Payal who have come there to ask Arnav’s permission.
“I am going to the village with Payal. We have to get some stuff for the Maha Puja tomorrow”

Arnav recalls that his mother performs this Maha Puja every year for the wellbeing of their family. They even distribute meals and clothes to the people of this village on that day.
“Take Rob with you. And don’t get out of his sight” he commands. Khushi maintains a grim look on her face and heads out. Arnav senses that she is still angry on him but he decides to sort it out later.
888
Khushi and Payal obey Arnav’s orders by taking Rob and few more guards with them to the market. It takes them 2 hours to collect everything they need. Payal gets the stuff packed in the vehicle while Khushi stops to check some local artifacts at the shop. Rob and the other guards have an eye on her. Suddenly a man tries to snatch valuables from her purse. It doesn’t take a flick of second for her to realize this and she instantly pulls out the knife and strikes on that man’s arm. He gets wounded by her attack. The man still tries to run away but someone else grabs him hard before he can elope.

“Where do you think you are going?” the man shouts holding the robber’s neck.

Khushi is bewildered to see Suraj again. He is holding the robber’s neck. Rob and the other guards surround them.
“You okay Ma’am” Rob asks.
Khushi nods.
“He was trying to rob me” she replies.
Rob looks at the robber suspiciously. He pulls the man from Suraj’s clutches and slaps him hard.
“Don’t… he has already got hurt by my knife” Khushi replies. “Just let him go” she adds and then looks at the robber. “What did you want from me? Money?”
The robber swallows hard and nods acknowledging her.
“That’s the problem. Why has god given you a strong body? Cant you earn? Robbing is not a profession and shouldn’t be one’s choice either” she snaps and takes out some money from her purse. “Take this. You look hungry. Get the wounds cleaned. Find a work for yourself rather than doing all this. Go”

The robber takes the money from her and runs away.

“Ma’am you shouldn’t have let him go” Rob replies.
“That’s fine Rob. He didn’t seem to be a professional robber. This must have been his first instance. I know such people don’t really mean to hurt, they have just chosen wrong routes to fill their stomachs. I am sure he won’t repeat such mistake again.”

Rob nods though he is not convinced by the measures she has taken. Suraj claps at Khushi’s thinking.

“Wonderful. I thought everyone from the Raizada clan only believe in punishing people” he comments.
Khushi stares at him.
“What do you know about Raizada Gods and their family to judge them? Are you here to see the places around or keep an eye on our family?” she asks.
Suraj is stunned on her sudden suspicion. Khushi lets out a chuckle.
“Got you, Mr. Suraj. I was just joking. Thanks for coming to help. The robber would have run away otherwise without listening my advice.”

Suraj relaxes too.
“Oh.. I thought you will ask your guards to arrest me and take me to the Raizada Gods for thinking me a Spy”
“You don’t look like Spy to me”
Suraj raises his brows.
“Why? Do spies have different set of looking style?”
Khushi chuckles.
“Yes, they are mostly rough in their talk, if they talk by the way. The ones I have seen so far have never even opened their mouths, forget smiling and laughing” she replies coolly. “So, you cannot be a spy” she confirms.
Suraj shakes his head.
“Your husband doesn’t think so though” he answers. “I see his men everywhere I go, as if they are trying to find my real identity”

Now Khushi gets little scared. If Arnav is putting so much efforts in spying Suraj, then there must be a reason. She shouldn’t extend this conversation further.

“Uhh… I should leave. We are getting late”
“Oh yes. The Maha Puja is tomorrow, I am sure you have lot of work to do at Shantivan” he says stepping back.
Khushi gulps hard. How does he know all of this? He is not from their town even. Where did he get this information then?

“Will you be coming for the Maha Puja?” she purposely asks.
“If you call” he replies cheekily.
Khushi has no clue what to reply. She thinks something quickly and puts a smile on her face. She is a Raizada God’s wife now. She has to think and act like one.
“You should” she replies.
“Okay” he smiles again.

Khushi walks away with Rob and the other guards back to their car. She turns around once to see if he has left but he hasn’t. He is still standing there, watching her leave. Who is he? She gets inside the car and they drive back to Shantivan. She has to put this in Arnav’s ears before his spies or even Rob informs about her meet with Suraj in the market. She hopes he doesn’t get more pissed.

When the car halts at the Shantivan doors, she finds Arnav Singh Raizada desperately waiting for her. She gets scared seeing the expressions on his face. He looks mad already.

“Rob, did you tell him about Suraj and our meet in the market?” she asks before getting down from the car.
“Yes Ma’am. I messaged him while we drove here”

Khushi clenches her jaw. It is good for his men to be so honest with their master but now she is in trouble, isn’t she? As soon as she gets down, Arnav holds her hand. She gawks at him, baffled.

“Take the stuff inside Rob and meet me in half an hour at the drawing room” he commands.
“Yes Sir” Rob replies starting to unload the stuff from the vehicle. Payal walks inside without disturbing the couple. Arnav drags Khushi with him to their bedroom. The moment they are in, he leaves her.

“Are you hurt?” he asks first, making her confused. She keeps looking at him trying to understand the meaning behind his question. “That robber, did he hurt you?” he adds.
“Oh.. that. No. I hurt him though. I hit my knife on his arm, he was bleeding”
“And?” he further coaxes her to explain him everything.
“And what? Didn’t Rob tell you already? We met the same guy who saved me yesterday. Suraj”
“You called him for tomorrow’s Maha Puja?”
Khushi realizes it is this decision of hers which is bothering him.
“Yes, I did. Because keep the friends close and enemies closer. I don’t know if he is our friend or enemy so we might get a chance to know that if he comes here tomorrow. I did what my instinct asked me to do that time”

Anger evaporates from his face. He comes to her and brushes her silky hair with his fingers.

“You acted like a typical Raizada God’s wife out there. I am proud of you” he praises.
Khushi’s worry turns into a smile as she finds him sober down.
“I think you are getting into the skin of a Raizada wife now. You carried your own weapon, the knife for your safety. You striked it on that unknown man to safeguard yourself. You bravely tackled the situation there and very cleverly invited that stranger to us so that we get to know his intentions.”

Khushi is on cloud 9. He is really praising her so well these days.
“I told you, I take time to learn but once I do, no one can beat it out of me” he proclaims with excitement forgetting all the anger she had on him earlier.
“I shouldn’t have screamed at you before everyone. I realize I was wrong” his tone is apologetic. “I am so much used to dominating, commanding all the time that I forget I have to soften a bit when I am dealing with a woman, who is also my wife. I will try not to repeat that again”

Khushi cups his face. This is enough for her. He at least realizes his mistake and wants to work on it.
“I know you won’t repeat it again. But Arnav, we need to talk. You cannot keep secrets from me. I should know what makes you stand against a matter so hard so that I don’t provoke you more or hurt your feelings. Like what happened today during our discussion. I don’t want to repeat it either. If you don’t want to talk about it now, fine. I will wait”

Arnav falls weak. Is he ready to share this secret of his life with her? Or with anyone in that matter? He shuts his eyes for a brief period and then opens it.

“My father’s accident was a pre-planned cold-blooded murder by our enemy and they did this with the help of the government bodies and local police” he finally opens his emotional wounds to her, the ones which he buried in his heart from the day he got this news of his father’s accident.
Khushi is shocked.
“What? How.. how did you know?”
“From the car which we recovered after that accident. My father always used to have a spy camera installed in all of his cars, just beside the steering wheel. It recorded the images and voices of the two people who implemented that accident. One of them was a police official and the other probably an assassin who was appointed by the enemy to kill my father. No one knows about these spy cameras except me because somehow my father didn’t trust to let this information leaked to anyone.”
“So… Maa knows that it wasn’t an accident?”
“No. She doesn’t recall this incident well and the Doctors don’t want us to put strain on her. She might take it adversely which we cannot afford to let happen. She has already lost her voice since then, we cannot hurt her more.”

Khushi feels his pain. Akash who was here to call Arnav downstairs, overhears all from the accident part which Arnav explained to his wife and he cannot stop himself from intruding them.

“Bhai” Akash calls out, getting inside the room.
Arnav and Khushi are shocked to see him.
“Bhai, even I knew this was a murder” he exclaims.

Arnav sighs in disbelief. He knows Akash was in the car when this happened but he has asked this years ago if he knows anything about it and Akash had straightly denied.

“I lied to you Bhai because you had so many responsibilities back then. Maa, me and NK were all on your support. I didn’t want you to weaken more getting this news. But I didn’t sit quiet. I was inspecting all these years to find the identity of those two men. I have seen his face too Bhai and he seems to be from the Sehgals’ side. Payal confirmed that to me.

Slowly the secrets start getting untangled. Arnav doesn’t show any disappointment towards Akash. He understands why Akash did this. Now that they are together in this, they can find their real enemy sooner and punish him for snatching their father like that.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 44

Shantivan

“This is sick” Nandakishore growls as his brothers reveal the truth of their father’s death to him. He also needs to know this fact. “Paapa was … murdered?”

Arnav nods. The three Raizada Gods are sitting in their private den inside Shantivan, the same place where they usually have such conversations.

“Who did this Bhai, just tell me his name. I will finish his myself.” He shouts at Arnav.
“Nandakishore calm down” Akash intervenes.
“I cannot calm down Akash. How can you expect all of us to sit quiet and let that murderer roam freely outside? I want him dead, just like he killed our father. I don’t understand when both of you knew this, why none of you thought of telling me? Didn’t I have that right to know?” he growls again.

Arnav comes to him and puts his arm on NK’s shoulder.

“Akash didn’t know I knew it and vice versa. Don’t think we treat you any less capable to take this news of our father’s death. Today coincidently I happened to share it with Khushi and Akash heard that conversation.”

Nandakishore calms down but he is still mad about his father’s death. It was a murder? He definitely won’t leave that person who did this to his family.

“Akash has found the details of that man who implemented that accident. The same man whose face I have seen through the spy camera installed in that vehicle. He is a Sehgal. Pratham Sehgal’s elder brother, Dushyant Sehgal” Arnav exclaims keeping a photo of that man on the table, before his brothers. Akash recognizes him too whereas NK’s blood is still boiling. Arnav continues explaining. “Through Payal’s information and our sources I have found some details of this man. He was the ruling head of the Sehgal’s during his time. He married a woman from the Goel family of Vishramgad and had two kids – Tushar and Pallavi. Pallavi seem to have died due to some disease, his wife couldn’t take that and died of shock. Dushyant was still survining in the hope of his only son Tushar. But seems like Pratham Sehgal wanted to be the ruler of their family so he and Dushyant had a fight, over the property issues and others and the next day of that argument, Dushyant was not found in the house. Pratham Sehgal thinks he left the house in anger, stranded his own son Tushar and never returned back so far.”

Akash raises a doubt.

“So, you mean after he left the Sehgal family forever, he implemented our father’s accident? Or was it before that when he and Pratham Sehgal were together?”
“I matched the dates of all these incidents and seems like after he stranded from the Sehgal’s he murdered our father. I don’t think he did all of it alone. He was backed up by someone. He did this on someone’s orders. He was sent as an assassin to fulfil this task. Someone who had a huge contact with the Police officials too. That’s why the other assassin with Dushyant was a cop” Arnav keeps the photo of that other man who accompanied Dushyant in this killing. “He is Rajesh Sethi. A local cop from the neighboring state”

Akash doesn’t recognize this man because he was wearing a mask.
“Bhai, how do you know its him? Because he was wearing a mask all the time”
“I know Akash, but after they killed dad, they headed back from their vehicle outside Lucknow, and before taking the freeway, they both had got down to make a call from some telephone booth which supposed to have a camera nearby. When I was finding these details through my sources, I had asked them to specifically look for the surrounding area cameras and hence we could trace this second man. Because when they both got down to make this phone call, none of them were wearing the mask”

Akash and NK are really surprised seeing Arnav’s entire efforts in finding all these details.

“So, that phone call, I think they would have called the same person, the mastermind, who had given them the killing orders. Did we find that number or anything about that call?” Nandakishore asks.
“Unfortunately, No. We don’t know whom they called neither we have any number. Until I got this information few years ago, obviously it got impossible to get the backdated data. I had sent our spies in that shop where the telephone booth was used to show the photos of these two men and check if they know anything about it, but no luck” Arnav replies.
“So, a dead end then” Akash sighs in disappointment.
“So, you mean after completing their motive, Dushyant Sehgal and this cop, Rajesh Sethi fled? And no one has ever seen them back in Lucknow again?” Nandakishore asks.
“Or may be the mastermind killed them to shut their mouths forever. Obviously, he won’t like to leave any trail through which we can trace him.” Arnav answers.

Akash looks at Arnav.
“First this Mohini and now Dushyant, Rajesh Sethi and the mastermind behind our father’s murder. We have to finish them all Bhai.”
“We will. I won’t let our father’s murderers live for long”
“But what about Maa? Are we going to share all this with her?” NK asks.
“We have to but let the Maha Puja happen tomorrow. We will talk to her then. I just hope she doesn’t take another shock” Arnav replies in a pale tone.
“Right. We have to be careful” Akash adds.
888
Khushi and Payal together finalizes the food menu for the Maha Puja tomorrow. All this is new to these girls but they handle it well. Usha Raizada is impressed seeing them performing their duties so well.

“Mataji” Radha exclaims. “We are really lucky to have brides like Khushi and Payal for this house”
Usha nods in agreement. She is still admiring her bahu’s who are so busy in looking after the rest of the arrangement. Arnav Singh Raizada comes and sits next to his mother.
“Radha, how are the preparations going for tomorrow?”
Usha gestures him to look at the corner where his wife is taking care of it. Arnav is once again bowled to see Khushi so much engrossed in the household duties. She is been such a good commander there. She knows to lead, for sure. A smile props on his face. Usha notices it too and gestures Radha to go and call Khushi. Radha obeys her orders and, in few minutes, Khushi comes to the couch where her husband and mother-in-law are sitting.

“Jee Maa, you called me?” Khushi asks.

Usha makes her sit next to Arnav. Khushi doesn’t understand why she has been called in the middle of her work?
“What happened?” she softly asks Arnav who shrugs his shoulders denying. Both Arnav and Khushi patiently wait for Usha to gesture them something to understand. Usha places her palm over Khushi’s stomach and gestures her from eyes as if asking something. Radha understands it and chuckles.

“Mataji wants to know when you both will give a grandson to her?” Radha openly asks.
Khushi blushes hard. She had expected her mother-in-law to ask her this sometime soon. But poor woman, she doesn’t know that her son and daughter-in-law are yet to consummate their marriage. Arnav holds his smile. He is just unable to react. He doesn’t know what to reply. So far, he has never discussed such matters with his mother. Whenever they talked, it was always about the safety and other concerns of their family and town. This question is very personal which he and Khushi have yet to figure out.
“Maa.. .its… its too early” Khushi replies, looking down.
Usha lifts Khushi’s chin to meet her eyes. Khushi shies all the more and runs away. Arnav for the first-time chuckles seeing the state of his wife. It must have really stunned her. Usha then looks at her son. Is he really smiling? That’s really new to her. Ever since her husband died, Arnav had to look after all the responsibilities of this house and outside. He lost his childhood very early amidst all these chores. So, seeing him so relaxed and happy now, makes her relieved. At least there is someone he can share his grief and sorrow to. She wanted to be that supporting shoulder for her son but he never gave that honor to her because he was over caring for his mother. She is fully confident that Khushi can handle all his pain and give him back the smile he lost years ago.
888
Kshyap House

“You are definitely hiding something from me” Tulsi Kshyap asks her daughter Lavanya. She knows her daughter had been out to meet someone today and since then she is only blushing and smiling.
“Nothing Maa, what will happen? I am not hiding anything”
“Really? Nothing is wrong? Then why are you suddenly in the kitchen, learning to cook from me?”

Lavanya bites her tongue. Her mother is genius, She knows how to connect such sensitive dots.

“Just like that.. I mean, all these years you cooked for me, I never showed interest in even stepping in the kitchen. So why not lessen your workload.?”
Tulsi smiles brightly.
“Don’t fool me. I am your mother. Something is surely wrong. Has someone proposed you?”

Lavanya drops the spatula from her hand. She freezes, trying to think hard what to answer.

“No.. no Maa”
“Yes, that’s what has happened. I can read your face Lavanya. Tell me who is he and what did you reply?”

Lavanya finally decides to blurt out. After all her mother needs to know this. She shouldn’t be shocked later.

“Fine!! Then listen. And don’t panic”
Tulsi raises her brows.
“Why will I panic? The man who proposed you should panic from now. He has no clue whom he is marrying”
Lavanya hugs her mother.
“Maa, please. You are making it more difficult for me to say”
Tulsi pulls back from the hug and smiles.
“Okay, sorry. Tell me who is he?”
Lavanya takes a deep breath.
“Nandakishore Raizada”

The moment Lavanya reveals this, Tulsi drops the spoon from her hand. She stands like a statue. Lavanya chuckles seeing her mother’s response.
“We liked each other from many years but it never worked out because of the little rules they had which I wasn’t ready to follow. Now NK really wants to make it work. Plus, you know Khushi and Payal are already so happy there. I want to be a part of that family Maa. Please”

Tulsi laughs.
“Please? My fighter daughter is pleading? Is this the love effect?” she asks.
Lavanya shies.
“You didn’t get any other man in this town? The Raizada Gods are very.. very far from our reach Lavanya” she says seriously.
“Maa, we love each other and that’s all matters isn’t it?”
“But what about Usha Raizada? Will she agree? She may be a kind woman but she will always want the best for her sons. She always sees qualities in the brides she looks for her sons.”
“I know.. But I am sure she likes me too. And NK will handle it all. Just like Khushi and Payal have won Usha Raizada’s heart, I will do that too. But first tell me are you okay with me and NK together?”

Tulsi puts her hands on her waist.

“Why are you asking me this? If I deny, you won’t meet him? You will reject him?” she teasingly asks.
Lavanya sighs in disappointment and nods her head.
“yes, anything for you” she looks plainly at her mother who starts laughing the next instance.
“Liar. You cannot cheat me La, I know you won’t leave that Raizada God ever. If he makes you happy, I am happy”

The mother-daughter hug each other tight. Looks like happiness is soon going to touch their lives again.

“I will go and talk to Usha Raizada after tomorrow’s Maha Puja” Tulsi declares.
“No Maa, let NK talk to her first and then we will. Plus, the sword named Mohini is still hanging on their necks. Until we sort all of this mess, don’t talk to Usha Aunty please.”
Tulsi agrees.

“Fine, but when is my son-in-law coming to see me? He should take my permission at least”
“We can call him for dinner then”
“Better idea. But he must be busy today, so let’s call him after the Maha Puja. Okay?”
Lavanya agrees.
“Okay, Maa. You are the best”
888
Khushi comes back in the bedroom after finishing assigning all the work to the servants with respect to the Maha Puja which is tomorrow. She is tired but there is still one thing she has to arrange before she gets to bed. She walks to the closet and removes a White Kurta for her husband. Arnav, comes out of the bathroom. He has changed into his night pants and T Shirt. The moment she realizes he is out, she drags him to the mirror.

“What are you doing?” he asks looking genuinely bemused.
“I want you to wear this tomorrow for the Puja” she says placing the Kurta before him. “I purposely didn’t choose any color, white looks the best on you” she adds.

Arnav looks at the silky Kurta and then back to her.
“I don’t wear such stuff”
“Why? People wear such outfit on religious occasions. I want you to wear this, tomorrow and that’s final”
Arnav frowns.
“Didn’t I say, I won’t wear it? I will wear the usual outfit tomorrow.”
Khushi shrugs.
“I was a fool to buy this for you. I should have known, Raizada Gods are too adamant in changing their own habits. Fine, wear whatever you feel like. And .. And throw this Kurta out, or the best, tear it”

Arnav realizes he has pissed her off.
“Why am I asking you to tear it? I know you won’t listen to anything I say. It’s better I tear it myself”

She takes a scissor out and is about to tear the Kurta when Arnav stops her. He throws the scissor aside.

“I will wear it” his voice has that sweet submission into it which she feels too. She smiles whereas he takes a strand of her hair in between his fingers. “No one has ever shopped for me before, so I was just little amazed and unprepared when you showed me this outfit.”
Khushi feels poor for him. These Raizada Gods need love, they have got everything else in their life, except love from a woman.
“I hope I won’t look like a clown” he says immediately.
Khushi giggles at his comment.
“You look handsome in anything you wear. I am worried if any woman from the guests fall for you tomorrow”
Arnav likes her humor and decides to extend it.
“What will you do if that happens?” he has already moved enough closer to her which she doesn’t recognize yet.
“I will kill her by my sword. You know how well versed I am in sword-fighting”
Arnav smirks nodding in agreement. Before she can talk more, he seals their lips. The Kurta she was holding slips down from her hand. She has never intended to resist any of his charms. She feels dizzy and light when they pull back.
“Let’s sleep” he whispers. “Tomorrow is a big day for us”
Khushi pouts.
“Will we ever get time for ourselves?” she politely asks.
“We will” he kisses her on the forehead and carries her in arms to the bed. “Once all this is over, I promise all my time is yours.”

His assurance is enough. She lets him put her to the bed and cuddles him as he joins her. These little moments and the sweet gestures he does, have made their love spicier than before. She can live with that until he frees up his schedule and time for her.


_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 45

Suraj walks in the lone streets of the town, keeping a constant eye if anyone is following him still. It was very hard to avoid the prying eyes of Arnav Singh Raizadas’s men who have been sniffing his moves like trained dogs. He keeps crossing the streets. He stops finally at one door of a small hut. He scans the area once again to see if anyone is watching him enter this place. Once he is confirmed he is not watched, he gives a knock on the door, in a musical way, as decided. Once the door is opened, he quickly gets inside and shuts the door. There are 10-12 men sitting there, waiting for his orders.

“It’s confirmed. Tomorrow is the Day. We have to take the decided action”

The men nod in agreement.
“Our ammo truck is yet to arrive. Seems like the Raizada God’s Men have been keeping a strict eye on the city border.” One of the men explains the situation to Suraj.
“Don’t worry about that. It will be my responsibility to get the truck inside the city. And be careful, no one should know our whereabouts until this situation is handled”
“Yes Sir” another man replies to his commands.

Suraj takes a sigh of relief. Now he has to concentrate on the other things. Tomorrow is going to be a big day for all of them.
888
“It is important for me to know if you are going to help me in this or not?” Mohini barks on the phone. She is at her regular hideout which only her close ones know about.
She grips the phone listening to the reply from the other end of the phone call.

“Where are your men? Didn’t you ask them to reach before tonight?” she asks yelling at the top of her voice. The person at the other end replies back and somehow this reply soothes her fear.
“Okay, I need you this time with me” her voice trembles. Suddenly she recollects another important topic. “Where is Suraj now?” she pauses.

Their conversation continues for some more minutes and finally she disconnects. One of her men, Shambhu, steps in the room.
“Our men have almost reached the border of the town but the Raizada Gods men have blocked most of the entries. No vehicle can be crossed without their notice”
Mohini chuckles.
“Implement our First step. This is the right time” she commands.
The man nods and hurries out. Mandira happily looks at the picture of the entire Raizada family. The three sons with their mother Usha Raizada.
“Your time is up Raizada Gods” she laughs heartily.
888
It is 04:00 am. Khushi tosses on the bed, stretching her arm to feel her husband beside her. But she finds his side vacant. She immediately opens her eyes and scans the room. He is not here. Where can he go this early? She is about to get down the bed when the door opens and Arnav Singh Raizada gets inside.

“Arnav… where were you?” she curiously asks.

He comes to the bed and sits next to her.
“The farm at the border caught fire.”
Khushi’s jaw drops.
“Oh my God. How? Is anyone hurt?”
“No one is hurt. But a lot of the crops got burnt. All my men are now at the farms to take care of the loss and clear the mess.”
Khushi swallows hard.
“All of your men?” she worryingly asks. “Arnav, can this be some sort of a diversion?”
Arnav nods.

“That’s what even I think. Maybe its Mohini’s ways to clear our men from the Border. She must have called some additional troops to start a war with us. And she very well knows that my men in the border will not let these men enter the town. So, she burnt the crops to divert us from the border”
Khushi is scared.
“But it was necessary to move almost all of our men and get them handle the farm issue. Or else we would have suffered more loss. I still have a handful of them keeping an eye on the border. Let’s see what news we get from them”

Arnav’s phone rings. He immediately answers the call and his expression change.

“What? Where? Dammit” he yells disconnecting the call.
“What happened Arnav? Whose call was it?”
“A truck full of ammo has been seen inside the city. My men have tracked Suraj inside that truck. He is with Mohini in this. She is planning a heavy attack on us soon.”

Khushi is shocked. So, their suspicion was right. Suraj is with Mohini in this plan. She had thought him to be innocent. How can she be so wrong in judging people? Arnav gets up and opens the closet. Khushi follows him. Her head has started spinning.
“Arnav, today is the MahaPuja. Do you think she will attack us today?”

He doesn’t reply. He is too busy in looking for something. He opens the drawer and finds the key. He then takes out his gun and checks if it is loaded. Khushi stops him from leaving the room.
“Arnav where are you going now?”
“I cannot sit here and wait for Mohini to attack my people Khushi. This has to finish today”
Khushi grips his arm.
“Arnav don’t. Don’t take any drastic decisions. We have to be cautious I agree but you are not going to start this fight. Not today, it’s such a big occasion in our family. We cannot ruin it. Let this day go and then I won’t stop you from doing anything. But please not today”

Arnav’s blood boils. He shrugs her hold and yells back.

“What do you want me to do, Khushi? Sit here and wait for that sick woman to kill my men at my back? No.. I am not going to let any of it happen. You look after the Puja, I will handle this matter outside the house. I cannot let them enter Shantivan and hurt my family again. I will hunt her down myself and finish her chapter once for all”

He tries to leave but she blocks his way.

“Arnav.. stop. This is madness. She is a devil. She must have done all of this to instigate you? So that you come to her and she can easily kill you. I can’t see you getting killed” tears roll down her cheeks as she continues explaining him.
“If my life can save the lives of my brothers, family and my men, I don’t mind wasting it” he snaps at her.
He pushes her away but she catches hold of his arm.
“And what about me?” she asks in a teary voice. “If anything happens to you, what will I do?”
He frowns initially but after reading the pain in her eyes, he grabs her face with both his hands and kisses her forehead.
“Our marriage has come with all these backdrops Khushi. If after all this is over, and I am still alive, I promise to give you a better and safer life than this”
She gazes at him for another split of second after which he leaves the room.
“Arnav …. Wai… tttt..” she cries calling him out and sits on the floor, crying. She doesn’t want to lose him. Is it so hard here at this place to get a normal life? Will this ever end? Even if Mohini dies today, tomorrow a new enemy might pop up in the town. How far will this fight go? This has to end somewhere.
888
At 07:00 am, when Payal comes down to start the preparations of the Maha Puja, she finds Khushi blankly staring at the flowers, while trying to make a garland of it.

“Khushi?” Payal shakes her to get Khushi out of the stance. Khushi jerks and looks at Payal. “What are you so busy thinking? Arent you feeling well?”
Khushi takes a minute to take in the questions and realize where she is, doing what?
“Sorry.. I .. I was just lost”

She continues making the garland.
“I know why you are so upset. Arnav has gone out, isn’t it?”
Khushi swallows her freshly formed tears.
“He has responsibilities apart from me, Payal”
Payal senses the pain behind these words. She can sympathize with Khushi who is so much in love with her husband. It is so obvious that she will care for his safety and it will always bother her when he prioritizes others wellbeing more than himself. Khushi finishes the garland and gets up.

“I will look after the other preps. Will you help me arranging the stuff for the Priests. They will be coming in an hour” Khushi informs.
Payal readily agrees to help.
“I am here” Lavanya steps in. “I came early to help you both” she adds.
Khushi smiles at her and assigns some work to Lavanya too. She then heads to check if Radha and Usha Raizada are ready to be a part of this Puja. People of the town will start flooding here in the afternoon for food.

“What’s wrong with her? Why is she so much upset?” Lavanya asks Payal.
“Arnav has gone out to look after Mohini’s hideout. Akash has also gone with him. Khushi is worried if anything wrong will happen to him”
Lavanya nods.
“It is so obvious to feel so. But these Raizada Gods have always put others wellbeing before theirs. No love for their women can stop them from doing this. I just hope they return back safe, soon”
Payal smiles weakly. Even she is bothered for Akash. Afterall he is her husband and these days he has sobered down. Even today morning before going out, he had asked her to take care of this family in his absence, stay strong and fight back but not give in, if anything wrong happens. She has started seeing trust and concern in his eyes for her. That is such a major development in their relationship. She will pray he comes back safe.
888
Nandakishore is constantly taking updates from his brothers who have been out to trace Mohini’s hideout and next plan of action. He wanted to be a part of it but there had to be someone who could look after the safety of the family here. So, he stayed back.
The guests have started coming. The Priests are already performing the Puja inside. Khushi has wore a red Saree which Lavanya’s mother Tulsi helps her drape. She is doing her best not to show the fear and pain on her face. She has been continuously taking updates from Nandakishore about Arnav and Akash and is aware of their plan of action.

“Namaste Khushiji” a familiar voice interrupts Khushi in the living room. She turns around and notices that it is Suraj. Her eyes burn with anger.
“You?” she asks.
“Yes, why do you look so shocked seeing me here? You called me for the Puja yesterday, I came. Don’t you remember?” he asks.
Khushi swallows hard. He is faking this to drive her attention. If he is here does it mean he is going to attack them? Even Arnav and Akash are not around. How will they manage to fight back, especially when their whole family is busy in the Mahapuja. Plus, there are so many guests here. No one should be harmed. If she confronts him that she knows about the ammo truck he got in the town this morning, he will get alert. She has to pretend being cool until she lets Arnav and Akash know that Suraj is in Shantivan and god knows how many of his men have already got in the house in the pretext of this Puja.

Suraj clicks his fingers

“Khushi.. you don’t seem to be normal. You are looking at me as if you saw some Ghost”

Khushi exhales.
“No.. No.. I was just too busy enough to recollect that you are going to be a part of this”
“I understand. You are taking so much efforts to make this Maha Puja happens. I hope it completes without much fuss”
“Will it?” she angrily asks and then suddenly fakes a smile on her face. “I mean, I hope that too”

Suraj senses she is hiding something. He is very good at reading people, it has always been part of their training.
“You… you please take the blessings. I will come back”
“Sure” he nods.

Khushi keeps the plate she was holding so far aside and then hurries to the other room where she can dial Arnav and inform him about Suraj’s presence here. She shuts the door, but forgets to lock it. She fishes for her phone first and then immediately dials Arnav’s number. It hasn’t even ring once when someone snatches the phone from her and before can shout, the man closes her mouth with his palm. Khushi is horrified to see it is Suraj who is here, trying to stop her from informing Arnav and others. She hits him with all her force, using her elbow. He almost falls back and she uses this opportunity to run to the door.

“Khushi wait” he shouts and follows her to the door. He holds her hand before she can open the door and run away. “I said wait.. You don’t have to do this” he yells back.
“Leave me.. I know. I know you are with them.. You are with Mohini. You are here to attack us” she shouts, applying all the force she can to open the door which he has kept shut by his arm.
“No, I am not here to attack” he keeps tackling the situation but suddenly someone pushes the door hard from outside and Suraj falls on the ground, his arm hurt.

Nandakishore steps inside. He had seen Suraj following Khushi in this room. He was made aware by Akash and Arnav that Suraj is also with Mohini in this Attack.

“How dare you get inside this house?” Nandakishore screams holding Suraj’s T shirt and making him stand again.
“Nandakishore” Suraj growls.
But before Suraj can utter a word, NK punches him on his face. “How many others are in Shantivan? What is your plan?” he asks once again beating Suraj on his chest.

Suraj falls on the ground. It is strange for Khushi to notice that Suraj is not raising his hand on Nandakishore. Is he really their enemy or have they misread him?

_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 46

Shantivan

Nandakishore Raizada punches Suraj again who falls down but this time he doesn’t keep calm. He punches back. Khushi gets scared.

“Stop hitting. I am on your side” Suraj shouts but Nandakishore is too mad to believe that.
“You stop lying evil. You are one of them” he yells and beats Suraj again.

Khushi is confused. How is she supposed to get help? If she goes out and shouts for help, the Maha Puja will be hindered. And what if Suraj’s men are here, amidst the guests? What if they get alarmed and start the war? There are so many guests out there and she cannot take that risk.

In the fight, Suraj’s wallet drops down and his identity card falls out of the wallet. Nandakishore is about to hit Suraj again when his eyes fall on the ID card. He is a Cop. NK stops punching him and picks the ID in between his fingers.

“You are a Cop?” he growls. It is not that his anger has subsided. He is still mad because Raizada Gods don’t trust their enemies, neither cops.
“Yes, an undercover Cop. And I am not your enemy” Suraj stands up on his feet. His nose is bleeding. Nandakishore has really hit him hard.
Khushi is bowled over this fact that Suraj is an undercover cop. Nandakishore throws his ID card and clutches Suraj’s collar.
“Cop or not!! You are still our enemy. What are your motives of coming to Lucknow?” he growls.

Before Suraj could say anything further, Arnav and Akash Singh Raizada barges in the room. Arnav comes straight to Khushi and pulls her in his embrace.

“Tum theek ho? Are you hurt?” he asks with concern filled in his eyes and voice.
“Arnav?” Khushi gasps. She had not expected him to be here at this moment. And he is safe. She is glad he came back. She was so much worried for him.
“Are you hurt?” his tone rises as he asks her again.
“No, I am not hurt. I am fine” she assures.

Her reply eases him down. Nandakishore pushes Suraj in the corner.

“That’s him, Bhai. Suraj”
“I know” Arnav clenches his jaw. He leaves Khushi and strides to Suraj.
“He is a cop Bhai, an Undercover cop” NK further shares. NK had made an emergency call to his Brothers after seeing Suraj in their house. That’s how they left their chase to Mohini and came back here.
“You guys are mistaking me. I am an undercover cop. I came here to help you guys. To stop this war” Suraj yells.

Arnav strangles Suraj’s neck, pushing him to the wall behind.

“What kind of Cop gets a Truck full of amo? You are not here to stop the war, you are here to begin it. I know who you are Suraj.” He barks. “You are Mohini’s son, aren’t you?”
Nandakishore and Khushi both get speechless. Mohini’s son? Now that confirms Suraj is on a wrong side.
“What?” NK shouts. “He is her son?”
“Yes” Akash replies. “Our sources have finally found his real identity”
Suraj shrugs Arnav’s grip from his neck.
“Yes, she is my mother and I am not very proud of it. Do you understand? It is not necessary that a child adopts every trait of its parents. She has no single positive trait which I would like to inherit. She is my birth mother but I am not going to let her do mass killings”

Arnav’s gaze turns dark with anger.
“Until the Raizada Gods are alive, she can never touch our people”
Suraj nods.

“I wish it was all so easy. But you people cannot take law in your hands.”
“We are the Law here” Arnav barks.

Khushi has witnessed this crude side of Arnav after a long time. She had thought he had sobered down after their marriage, at least 10 percent but she was wrong. She can sense him more powerful and strengthen than he was when he met her.
“No Arnav, we are the citizens of this Country which has certain laws build for its welfare. You or I cannot break it” Suraj explains again.
“Really? Where was your law when my father was murdered? Where was your law when my people in Rajgad were killed brutally by your mother and handful of her men? Where was your law when my town was tortured, harassed and looted? Where were you then? Why didn’t you or your law take some action against the criminals? You couldn’t catch your own mother and punish her for the sins she did for so long and now, you are asking me to let it go and let your so-called law handle it? No. I will never do that mistake. My town is my home and the people living here my family. I will not believe on external forces to take care of them. Me and my brothers are capable enough to fight back and we will. Whether your law likes it or not, we don’t care”

This is a fitting reply to Suraj. Khushi is biased. She has no idea whom to support? Arnav is right, he and his people have faced odds all these years and he was their only protector. But Suraj, if is on a lawful side, she believes he can help them too.

“You are doing a mistake Arnav Singh Raizada. Mohini is not going to get handful of people this time to start the war, she will get an army. People who have been trained all these years for this day. You and your brothers cannot fight them all alone. You will need my help”

“Go to hell. And I will send your mother there soon to accompany you” Arnav scoffs.
Khushi comes in between, interrupting their conversation.
“Arnav, I know you don’t like me advising in such critical matters but here we are talking about the lives of our people. Any little hope which can save their lives, I think is worth trying. If Suraj is really offering help, we shouldn’t deny”

Suraj smiles.
“At least there is someone here who is smart enough to understand unlike you three brothers who are blinded with Ego”

The moment he says this, Arnav once again grips his neck.

“I think you won’t shut up until I kill you by my bare hands”
Khushi holds Arnav’s hand.
“Arnav.. .leave him.. He is a Cop”

Arnav angrily pushes away Khushi who falls on the ground, bruising her forehead. She raises her head and looks at him with utmost guilt in her eyes. Is this the man she loved all the time? He is something different today? Arnav’s hold on Suraj softens when he sees Khushi hurt. But he still doesn’t leave him. Akash and NK comes to Khushi’s rescue but she shrugs them off.

“Kill him. Kill Suraj.. You three are a bunch of lunatic people who in the process of saving your people are contributing in hurting them. Do it, just go ahead and fulfil your minds” she shouts.

Arnav remains stubbornly silent. Lavanya comes inside the room in a hurry and she looks at Arnav with horror.
“Arnav.. your mother is not been found.. Mataji is missing”
Arnav leaves Suraj’s neck. NK comes forward to Lavanya and clutches her forearms.
“What the hell are you saying La?”
“Yes NK, the Priest was calling her for some ritual but she isn’t found in the whole house. I have looked everywhere. Even Radha is looking for her still. I doubt if that Mohini’s men have abducted her.”

The three Raizada Gods rush out to look for their Mother. NK calls for Rob and the other security and almost barks at them for searching Usha Raizada. Akash heads out of the house and Arnav madly looks for her inside. Khushi and Lavanya follow out.
“Where can Maa go? I hope she is fine” Payal whimpers. Khushi is traumatized. She cannot even think anything bad happening to her mother-in-law.
“She is not here Bhai” NK shouts..
“She is not outside too” Akash shares.
Arnav fists his fingers. He is in a fix. None of them thought that their mother can be Mohini’s next target. Suraj comes out. Arnav angrily pulls him and slaps him hard

“Where is my mother? Where has Mohini taken her? Where ?” he growls.

Suraj pushes him back hard.
“This is not a time to fight Arnav. I know where Mohini and her men are hiding. And only I can help you get your mother back but you three brothers got to trust me”
“We don’t trust you” Akash shouts.
“Stop it.. Please stop it” Radha interrupts. “This is not a time to fight over trust issues. We need to save Mataji. If that means we have to take his help, we shouldn’t step back”

Khushi, Lavanya and Payal agree to Radha and slowly the Raizada Gods agree too.

“Fine. Lead us there” Arnav finally gives Suraj the permission.

Suraj rushes out with the Raizada Gods towards their jeep. A handful of the Raizada Men also follow them. NK takes out his walkie talkie.
“Seal all the exits of the town. No vehicle should be passed without thorough checking” he orders his men who are guarding the border of the town.

Lavanya removes her gun and checks if this is loaded or not.

“We should secure the perimeter of this place” she commands to the other guards who are at Shantivan protecting the people inside her.
“Radha, you, Tulsi Aunty and Daadi will be taking care of the people here. Do not let anyone leave out until we return”
“Where are you going?” Daadi stops her. “This is not your fight Khushi. You are not a fighter like them”
“Then you haven’t seem my fight yet Daadi” she picks a sword hung on the wall. “I will demonstrate my skills once this is all over” she promises.
“I will come with you. I might be of some help” Payal coaxes. “I will help warn the people of this town not to step out of their homes until this is over. Someone should inform them”
“Payal is right” Khushi agrees. “Go take some guards with you. Me and Lavanya will follow the Raizada Gods to that Mohini’s Den and get Maa out of that mess”
Payal hurries out in another car with some guards, straight inside the town. Lavanya and Khushi sit in her Gypsy.

“I hope Maa is fine”
“She will be, Khushi. She is yet to see her third daughter in law and grandchildren from all her sons” Lavanya assures.
Khushi looks curiously at La who is busy driving now.

“That’s mean you and NK have sorted it out?” she asks.
Lavanya gives her a confused glance once.
“You knew it?”
“We all do” she replies “Nandakishore has given us enough hints by showing how much possessive he is for you”
Lavanya blushes.
“That man has no control over anything”
Khushi chuckles. Looks like once this is over, there is one more big celebration to come. Nandakishore and Lavanya’s wedding.
888
Usha Raizada struggles to set herself free. Her hands have been tied to a pillar. She was at Shantivan a while ago and had been to get some stuff from her room when suddenly someone pressed a cloth on her nose and she became unconscious. She has no idea how she got here. When she opened her eyes, that Mohini was right before her.

“Finally, after all these years, I am able to see you face to face Usha Raizada” Mohini happily yells. “It’s such an auspicious day for me. I couldn’t have asked anything better than this”

Usha keeps struggling.

“Your sons are fools” Mohini continue blabbering. “They thought I will get a war upon them to finish them. I will actually, yeah. But none of them could even think that it will start with your abduction. I know they have guarded Shantivan like a fortress and it was impossible for me to break in. So, I played this trick. I got you out. I know your sons will be looking for you everywhere. And my people, will kill them. I call it DIVIDE AND KILL” she laughs heartily.
888
The three Raizada Gods and Suraj are still in the Jeep on their way. They cannot be normal until they see their mother fine.

“How did you know about Mohini’s hideout?” Akash asks.
“I am a Cop. Got some Informants”
“Bulshit. Our sources track better than your informants” NK growls while accelerating the Jeep.
Arnav gives a heated glance to Suraj.
“Don’t forget we are yet to settle the score with you after this is over”
Suraj inhales sharply.
“I am not afraid of settling scores Arnav. If it was so, I would never have come here. I am here only to help you guys. To give justice to the people here from my crooked family”

Arnav is confused. FAMILY?

“That means someone else apart from your Mother is involved in this?” he tries to clear his doubts.
“Yes, the mastermind of all this who happens to be my father”

Arnav is stunned. Suraj’s father?
“MLA Madhav happens to be my father and he is involved in every torture that my mother gave to your family and the people of this town from the beginning”

This is a new revelation to the entire history they have been aware so far. While NK accelerates the vehicle, his ears are on Suraj’s disclosure. Arnav and Akash are equally desperate to know how is this linked?

“My father, when he wasn’t a politician, met my mother Mohini after she ran away from Lucknow hiding the diamonds here. He gave her shelter and soon the two got married. He knew every evil that my mother casted on your family. In the greed to take the Raizada Gods place in this town, they both planned to invade your wealth and your place here. But my father got the ticket to the party. His political career just began and he didn’t want it to end if by any chance his black ideas were exposed. So, he made my mother handled all his dirty work alone, giving her a handful of trained men who can assist her in continuing with her plans. I was unlike both of them. I wanted peace and tried to be away from both of them. I studied in a military school, got interest in being a cop and hence became one. Initially, my parents thought I would help them handle their black tasks but I totally denied. I even warned them not to continue these fights or else I will have to arrest them. But they never listened to me, neither took me seriously. When the last time my mother attacked you people in Rajgad, I wasn’t aware but when I did, I needed proofs of her sins. That’s when I started keeping a eye on my mother and father’s conversation. That’s how I overheard them planning about this massacre here. That’s why I came here with a small troop to protect you people and warn you about their intentions”

It’s an interesting turn of events for the Raizada Gods. They finally seem to start giving a benefit of doubt to Suraj. Is Suraj’s father the same man they are looking for who killed their father? If so, then this loop of enmity and war will end once they kill that MLA and his lunatic wife Mohini.


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Chapter 47

They reach Mohini’s hideout. It’s few meters away from where they have parked the jeep. The Raizada gods get down the jeep with Suraj.

“We cannot take the front door. It will be heavily guarded” Suraj informs.

NK loads his guns.
“We are no less for them” he says keeping his finger on the trigger.
“NK, no” Arnav snaps. “One shot here and Mohini will be alarmed of our arrival. We cannot take that risk because Maa is still in her custody”
NK puts his gun down.
“There is one route from the backside. We should try that one to barge in. I have already informed my men, they will be surrounding this place in few minutes and then we will charge in” Suraj adds. He is prepared with the plan just like any other cop would. But what he doesn’t know is that Raizada Gods make their own plans.

“We don’t have time to wait for your men to arrive. We are going in” Arnav growls.
“No, you won’t do this mistake” Suraj blocks his way. “We will need backup. Just 4 of us cannot fight almost 40 people inside”
“We don’t need your backups. We are enough to take care of these goons.” Akash replies.

The three brothers make their way to the earlier pointed direction by Suraj, the backside of this old demolished factory.
“Don’t do this mistake” Suraj shouts but none of them wait or turn back. Their mother’s life is at stake.
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“We need to split” Arnav murmurs. “Akash, you will enter from the left and NK you will look specifically for Maa. I will go for Mohini” They nod at his orders and head to their respective directions.

Akash keeps moving ahead, something doesn’t seem right. Suraj had told them there would be men guarding this place here. Then, where are they? As he strides further ahead, he sees a goon holding a big gun. Akash hides behind the pillar before that goon catches his sight. He attaches the silencer to his gun and takes the aim. The shot perfectly hits the goon who falls down. Akash heads to him and snatches the riffle. He continues moving ahead. Another group of men start rushing towards Akash who starts firing at them openly. Few of them are rightly targeted but there are still a few who keep shooting at him. He hides behind a pillar again and reloads his gun. His breath hitches when one of the goon points a knife on his throat. He is at complete mercy of this goon. He looks dangerously at the goon for making this mistake. The goon’s hands shiver at his one look and it is that moment which Akash uses for his benefit. He kicks the goon and snatching the knife from him, he slits the goon’s throat. The bullets keep firing for him from the other end and he continues shooting back.

Nandakishore starts his mother’s search from the basement of this building. He knows such tacky places can be the toughest ones to scan for the presence of a human being. If his mother is tied here, she must already be suffocating. He cannot bear that to happen. He has to search her as faster as he can. He stops at a broken window and peeps inside the room. There is someone tied in here. But it’s not a woman, it’s a man. Though saving his mother is his priority right now, he still has to save this person from the clutches of Mohini. He barges inside. The goon starts firing bullets at him which Nandakishore excellently avoids. He rolls on the other side of the room and manages to shoot the goon on his leg. There are no more gun shots. He reaches the chair the man has been tied to and is startled to know who he is.

“Tushar?” NK yells.
Tushar Sehgal’s mouth is tied with a cloth just like his hands and feet. NK unties him.
“Thank God you came.. This woman is mad..” Tushar shouts.

Another goon bursts in the room. He has a thorny metal chain in his hand. He looks built and extremely dangerous. He stretches the chain towards Nandakishore who cleverly avoids it but in the process his gun falls away. Tushar hides behind Nandakishore who gives him a sarcastic smirk.

“Where are your guts gone Tushar?” NK asks.
“Shut up.. You don’t have a gun anymore. And look at him. He is stronger than both of us. We cannot fight him” Tushar exclaims.
The goon keeps striding towards them with fierce look in his eyes.
“I am alone enough to kill him” saying that Nandakishore kicks the goon’s stomach. He doesn’t flinch. Tushar laughs.
“I told you” he mouths at Nandakishore whose smile gets brittle as he punches the goon right on his face, and the punches don’t stop. He keeps punching until the goon’s nose and mouths bleeds. Tushar is awed of this Boxing Talent of Nandakishore. He has seen NK practicing boxing from his childhood and always wondered whats the point in learning physical fight techniques like these when one bullet is enough to kill a man. Now he realizes that it is the only way to survive when you are running out of bullets or when you don’t have a gun.

The goon kicks Nandakishore who falls down with a huge blow. The chair which Tushar was earlier being tied to breaks by the sudden fall of Nandakishore on it. The goon uses his thorny chain to hit Nandakishore when someone shoots his arm and leg and then his other arm too. The goon falls on the ground. Nandakishore takes a sigh of relief. Tushar Sehgal grins at NK holding the gun which had fallen earlier. He saved NK.

“Favor returned” Tushar smirks
“Whatever!” NK gets up and dust his clothes. “Why were you tied? I heard you were supporting Mohini’s intentions in this war” NK raises his concern.
“I was, yeah. That was the initial plan but Mohini is a back stabber. She used my men and turned them against me and Pratham Uncle. All my men are now officially hired by her. And in return she awarded our loyalty by planning to kill the Sehgals too once she wins this war.”

NK is not surprised.

“That’s what happens when you choose the wrong sides Tushar Sehgal”
Tushar rolls his eyes.
“Hell yes!  But we can argue on this later. My family and your mother are also tied in somewhere at this place. We need to find them”
NK nods. This is the first time the Sehgals and Raizada Gods are teaming up to save their respective families.
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Arnav Singh Raizada when enters the den from the backdoor, he is surrounded by 7 -8 men. They are holding hockey sticks in their hands. He fiercely stares at them who have circled him in such a way that he cannot pass ahead without beating the hell out of these guys. When one of the goon tries to hit him with the hockey stick, Arnav holds it and whirls the goon with so much force that he falls on the ground along with two other men who had circled Arnav. The fight begins. Arnav kicks everyone who tries to hit him. He punches a few, beats the rest with their own sticks. Just in 8 minutes all the 7-8 men crawl on the ground, pleading for help. He strode inside looking for his main enemy.. Mohini!!

As he strode inside, another group of men start rushing towards him. Arnav notices a barrel of oil at the corner and rolls it towards them. The oil starts leaking out of the barrel which none of the Goons notice. He removes the match box and lights the flame. He throws the flame towards the leaking oil and the moment it touches the surface, the barrel bursts open with fire, huge enough to consume all the men who had been running to hit him. Today none of the forces existent in this universe can stop him from killing Mohini.

Suddenly he realizes someone behind him. He immediately rolls away but is a bit late for escaping completely enough from the sword the goon was holding to kill him. The sword tears away his shirt which falls apart in pieces. Arnav gets up in his white Vest. His muscles ripple seeing the goon asking him to face the sword. Arnav frowns and the next moment he jumps high enough to kick the man on his face. The man falls and Arnav drags his sword, piercing him into the man’s body, killing him. But the next moment when he turns, someone holds a gun on his forehead.

“Game’s over” the man says. He is not a normal goon. He face resembles Suraj a bit. And the clothes he is wearing makes him look like a politician.
“Madhav Singh is more powerful than you Raizada Gods” he adds.
So, he is Suraj’s father indeed. The MLA Madhav, Mohini’s husband. What is he doing here? Few more men surround Arnav and they drag him to the main room.
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Few men of Mohini’s barge in Shantivan to kill the remaining family members of Raizada Gods. Tulsi Kshyap yells for the guards who rush there to protect the people inside Shantivan who had come for the Maha Puja. Radha fights with another strong man but when she falls weak and is about to be hurt, Khushi’s Daadi and Tulsi beat the goon hurting Radha and save her from his clutches. There is a lot of commotion in the house. Everyone is trying to hide. The guards manage to drive all the enemy out of the house, safeguarding the people inside from further harm.
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Payal reaches the Community hall where the people of their Town have assembled. They have no idea why they have been called here urgently. Payal stands on the stage and takes the mike.

“Usha Raizada has been abducted” she addresses the people. There is sudden chaos and panic among the people. They have treated Usha Raizada and her sons as Gods of this place. Anything happening to them will never be tolerated.

“Please calm down. .Please listen to me” she shouts.
“Where are the Raizada Gods?” Someone from the crowd asks.
“They are out there to save her. But right now, our concern is the safety of each and everyone on the town. Please go back to your houses, don’t move out. Our enemies might have surrounded this town and they are very strong to hurt anyone of us. So please, it’s a request to all of you, do not move out of your houses. Keep your children, your women safe. Once this is all over, we will send out a message again. Until then keep praying and be safe”

This is the first time she has addressed to such a big crowd. She was so naïve and scared all these years. She has no clue how she got this skill in her to lead. Maybe the circumstances and the fact that she is a wife of a Raizada Gods. The image of Akash Singh Raizada flashes before her eyes, especially his protectiveness, his concern and lastly the trust which he finally bestowed upon her.
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When the group of men and Madhav Singh get Arnav in the main hall, he notices both his brothers already been held by the other goons of Mohini.

“Here he comes” Mohini cheers. “The eldest Raizada God.. The one.. who .. who resembles his father.. Uday Singh Raizada so much” her voice turns dark with both passion and rage. Arnav grits his teeth seeing his mother tied to a pillar. She looks pale but the fighting spirit is still alive in her. They have got this trait from their mother. To fight until you die.

“Leave my mother” Arnav growls.
“Leave her? That’s impossible” Madhav laughs. “She is the one who had to die after Uday. If she had died along with him, at least you three brothers would never have led the people of this town. We would have conquered this town long years ago. Wish we had killed your mother the same time we killed your father” Madhav barks.

All the three brothers boil in rage. So, he is that mastermind behind their father’s kill.

“Madhav… Just untie us and see how we end yours and Mohini’s lives” Nandakishore yells struggling to free himself.
Mohini laughs heartily.
“Usha.. your sons.. My god. What a passion they have. Each one of them is different from the other yet their anger.. its same.. I wish my son had such traits too for his parents. He is so much against us”
“That’s because he knows which side is right” Arnav yells.
“So, you met him” Mohini curiously asks. “Of course, he has to be the one to guide you at this place otherwise you or your brothers would have never found this hideout”

“Mohini” Madhav interrupts. “If Suraj is here, he will soon get the army here. I don’t want to land into any problems. Let’s finish this family and leave this town”
Arnav laughs. And soon NK and Akash follow his actions.
“What do you both think? You can run away from us? From the Raizada Gods?” Akash asks.
“You came in our town by your will but leaving it or not will be ours” Arnav continues.
“Is it?” Mohini angrily asks and snatches the gun from her men and points it out on Arnav’s head. “Now your life is in my hand. To make you bleed is my will Raizada God. Let me see what can you do about that?”

She is about to pull the trigger when a sharp knife hits her wrist. The gun from her hand falls down. Everyone looks at the direction from where the knife was aimed. Khushi Singh Raizada is standing there, grinning.

“You didn’t see that coming, did you Mohini Aunty?” she shouts from the top floor.

Mohini groans in anger but there is nothing left much to do. The three Raizada brothers start kicking the men who have tied them. Lavanya starts shooting from the other corner of the top floor, freeing NK and Akash from the goons.

“Khushi, go and save Usha Raizada” Lavanya shouts.

Khushi quickly makes her way down towards the stairs. Few goons chase her and she keeps fighting with her sword, piercing it through them, injuring them. Lavanya keeps shooting the goons to clear Khushi’s way. Arnav punches Madhav Singh hard on his face and stomach. When he falls down, Arnav drags him on his feet again and punches hard.

“You killed my father. You took him away from his family. You won’t be alive to see tomorrow” he keeps punching.

Khushi manages to reach the hall and she runs to Usha Raizada and unties her hands. Usha’s head falls on Khushi’s shoulder.

“Maa, are you okay? Maa?” She pats Usha cheeks. Usha nods. Another goon comes to attack Khushi and Usha but Akash manages to grab the goon’s arm and punches him hard.
“Take Maa away from this place. Go” he barks.
Khushi nods and starts making her way to the exit.
“My sons” Usha murmurs. “I wont leave them. .I wont leave them alone.” She struggles to be here till this war ends but Khushi doesn’t let her do that.
“Maa, until you are in here, your sons will not be able to finish the fight. They need to be assured that you are out and safe. Please listen to me” Khushi urges.

Usha is still not convinced. Mohini and Lavanya are fighting. Mohini snatches her gun and pushes Lavanya on the ground. She falls down, hurting her head. Mohini uses this opportunity to shoot at Arnav who is beating the hell out of Madhav Singh. Usha Raizada notices this and shouts her son’s name.

“Arnavvvvvvvvvv” Usha shouts..

Everyone from the Raizada family still at this moment. Usha had lost her voice when she saw her husband die before her eyes. Today when she faced a similar life-death situation, she couldn’t suppress her reactions. The cells in her brain which controlled her voice somehow got activated and Usha could scream like that. Arnav misses the bullet luckily and save himself. Khushi holds Usha and tears brim in her eyes to see her mother in law getting her voice back. It must have been a huge shock for her too. Mohini is about to shoot again when someone shoots her, right in her chest. She falls down. Madhav Singh notices his wife lying in the pool of blood and when he raises his head to see who shot her, he finds his son Suraj Singh holding the gun, looking coldly at his mother’s dead body.


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Chapter 48

Suraj’s hands shiver as he puts the gun down. The woman he shot was not a random criminal, she was his mother. The woman who gave birth to him. Though she missed fulfilling every responsibility towards him, she was still his birth mother. Today, he might have set an example for choosing his responsibility over his relationship but this one moment is going to haunt him for his entire life.

“What have you done?” Madhav Singh, his father, roars at him. “She was your mother. Your mother, Suraj. How could you kill her?”
Suraj freezes. He drops the gun from his hand. He is unable to react. The police officials have secured the place and have started arresting the goons. Madhav Singh realizes how the Raizada Gods have ruined all his plans. They are solely responsible for his wife to be dead today, that too by the hands of their son, Suraj. The frustration in him rises to its peak. Arnav is too lost to notice that his mother has got her voice back. Madhav Singh uses this opportunity to push Arnav and try to escape. Arnav stumbles but the next instant chases him again.

Within few seconds, Madhav Singh topples on the floor and Arnav pulls out the gun, aiming it at the man who killed his father. Madhav freezes seeing death so close to him.

“Death is your only escape Madhav” Arnav angrily blurts.
“Arnav no..” Khushi yells from the corner. Lavanya reaches her and takes care of Usha Raizada. “Let the police arrest him, don’t dirty your hands by killing him Arnav. Please” she begs.

Arnav is insanely mad to leave his father’s killer loose. Suraj takes the lead again, shouting the same view.

“Arnav, law will punish him for all his crimes. Just let us arrest him”
“He killed my father.. no one else has the right to punish him except me” Arnav roars, almost about to pull the trigger. Madhav is very scared and speechless.
“If you do this Arnav, we will have to arrest you too” Suraj shouts.
“I don’t care” he yells again

Tears brim in Khushi’s eyes. He doesn’t care? He doesn’t care for anyone? Not even his family? She comes forward, yet at an enough distance from her husband.

“Arnav, you don’t have rights to say that you don’t care. You have a family to look after.. a Mother… Brothers.. a Wife” she tries convincing him again. “Do you even realize how will we survive if you get arrested?”
“I don’t care” he keeps mouthing the same.
Khushi steps back. That’s it then. He will do what he intends to do. He really doesn’t care.
“Fine.. Kill him and free me from our marriage too”

The moment she utters this, Arnav gaze shifts from Madhav Singh to his wife, Khushi. She is broken from inside by his words, his actions and that is clearly visible in her eyes, on her face.

“Let’s go Maa” she reaches back to Usha who gives a sad look. Usha is in a state of turmoil. She has always seen her sons giving justice to their people by killing their enemies who tortured them. And Madhav Singh is the main culprit, he is not any random person, he killed Arnav’s father. How will Arnav let him go? He wouldn’t. But she cannot see her son getting arrested. This is no longer their local fight; the law is involved.

Madhav slowly takes a sigh of relief noticing there is a gun just next to the place where he is lying. And Arnav is too lost in seeing his wife and mother leaving the place. The police officials are busy in gazing at Arnav Singh Raizada to see what his next action would be. No one is really looking at him right now and he plans to use this opportunity. He wants to kill Usha Raizada and her sons and he will do it now. He kicks Arnav away and snatching the gun beside him, aims at Usha Raizada. Arnav stumbles on the floor but the moment he realizes that Madhav Singh is going to shoot his mother, he pulls the trigger of his gun and shoots Madhav Singh right then and there.

The two gunshots fire simultaneously. Madhav’s target misses but not the Raizada God’s. The bullet hits Madhav right on his forehead and before he can realize what just happened, Madhav falls dead on the floor. Arnav finally takes a sigh of relief. He has no remorse. Finally, he gave justice to his father. Suraj once again trembles to see his father dead. But inside his mind he counts the innumerous sins his parents had done and they deserved this end. Khushi shivers. So, Arnav killed Madhav Singh, he did what he wanted to do. But there was no choice left for him. If he hadn’t pulled the trigger, Madhav might have been successful in hurting Arnav’s mother. He did this to defend his mother, as a part of her self-defense. But what will the consequences be?

Akash and Nandakishore Raizada rush to their brother. They are equally tensed on what just happened. The cops start arresting the rest of the goons and take them out of this place. Tushar manages to free his wife and uncle Pratham Sehgal who were abducted by Mohini and her lunatic husband. The Sehgals for the first time are proud and under debt of the Raizada Gods.

Usha leaves Khushi’s hand and heads to her sons. She wants to hug them, to shower her love on them. She wants to be grateful for how they saved her life and put a full stop to this massacre forever. She hugs her three sons together and kisses each of them on their head.

“I am proud of having you three” she murmurs. Her voice slowly bursting.
“It’s good to hear your voice Maa” Akash says.
“Love you Maa” NK hugs her again. Arnav is still blank. He is overwhelmed that his mother’s voice is back but he is equally tensed for Khushi. She is not going to like what he just did. He hugs his mother too but his eyes blaze at Khushi’s. She is hurt beyond repair. Lavanya is holding her hand, trying to soothe her down.

Suraj comes forward to the three Raizada brothers.

“You three have to come with us to the Police Station”
“Don’t arrest my sons” Usha scowls at Suraj. “They have saved this place. They have fought for the peace of this place. If they are taken and punished for saving people’s grace in this town, no one will ever believe law”
Suraj nods.

“I understand your stand on this Mataji. But I am binded by law. I have to take them along with me. I will assure you to do everything I can to ensure they are not proven guilty”

Usha lowers her head. She is so unprepared for this. If she had known this would be the end of her son’s lives, their future, she would never give them the responsibilities which her husband put on her shoulders, to save the town.

Without a word, Arnav, Akash and NK get in the Police jeep which drives them out of this place. Khushi breaks down. Lavanya is equally tensed and worried but she knows she has to handle Khushi and Usha Raizada first.
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The next few hours, after reaching Shantivan, goes in dark. The people of their town when realize that the Raizada Gods have been taken by the Police, get agitated and they march to the Police Station to prove their innocence. Their protests will continue until the Raizada Gods are set free.

Khushi plunges herself under the shower, to wipe off the stains of today’s fights. She can wipe off every stain from her body but what about the bruises on her heart? Her husband is arrested and also his brothers. She has to do something to get them out. She cannot sit here and wait for things to change. Mataji is forced to take rest. Radha is continuously monitoring after her health. Usha wants to see her sons again, safe and sound and hence is unable to keep calm.

Lavanya and her mother Tulsi Kshyap are in Shantivan with the family, trying to handle them. Payal is all teary and worrying for the safety of her husband and the rest of the Raizada Clan. Khushi’s Daadi uses some of her NGO contacts who assures her that they will put all their connections in this matter and get the Raizada Brother’s safely out. Khushi comes down changed, her face hard and emotionless.

“I have talked to the Lawyer, I am going with him to the Police station”
“I will come along” Lavanya declares.
“And Me too” Payal gets up.
“Fine”

She then heads to Usha Raizada and promises to get her three sons safe and clean from the allegations puts on them. Usha prays she becomes successful in doing so and blesses her.
The three ladies of the Raizada clan head out. Lavanya drives them in her Jeep to the Police station.
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It takes 3 more days for them to get the matter totally in their favor. The constant protest of the people of their town for releasing the Raizada Gods, the petitions from them through the NGO authorities to prove how the Raizada Gods have always done things in favor of their people, to protect their town which the law kept failing in, escalates the matter to the superior level. The Party which supported MLA Madhav doesn’t want any more defamation for his doings and hence join hands in considering the release of the Raizada Gods which can turn out in their favor. Orders to release Raizada Gods finally get printed.

“Congratulations” Suraj sighs after seeing the Raizada Gods again, prepared to leave the Police Station. “Whatever you have done for your people have paved off. No one from your town have left this place. They have decided to go only when you three accompany them back home. I have never seen so much respect given by the public to any politician either. I must say, this incident has changed my thoughts about you three”

Nandakishore smirks.

“We are glad too for giving you benefit of doubt.”
Suraj smiles and shakes his hand with Nandakishore and then with Akash.
“We are sorry for your loss” Akash mutters.
Suraj becomes pale again but he cheers up himself.
“They didn’t deserve to be in this society and I am glad I was never connected to them by heart. I always lived like an Orphan and I will continue doing so”
“No ways” Nandakishore interrupts. “You have a family now.. Three brothers.. a mother and all the people of our town. You are no longer an Orphan”
Suraj is happy that the Raizada Gods are so open to share their family with him.
“Of course. And Khushi is my cousin sister, how can I forget that?” Suraj adds. “I will always be around then. And my posting is done here in this town. I don’t think I will be transferred anytime soon. So henceforth, I will take the law in my hands because I have been assigned that role, not you three”

He then shakes hands with Arnav who gives him a sharp stare.

“Doesn’t matter who have been allocated that role, but if such incident happens again in our town, you will always find we three brothers fighting for the right cause. This is our town and all of its responsibility continues to be ours”

Suraj chuckles.

“I like that attitude. Please be like this, forever. Now come on, go back home to your family”

The Raizada Gods leaves the Police station and the entire crowd cheers for them. They are escorted back to Shantivan with a procession.
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Shantivan

Usha Raizada is overjoyed to know that her sons will be reaching home any moment now. She is all set to welcome them.

“Payal, where are the flowers? I want every person here to shower flowers on my sons” Usha declares.
“I have already made that arrangements Mataji” Payal replies.
“Lavanya, where is Khushi?” Usha asks.
“She is in the kitchen. Getting the sweet ready. You will have to feed the sweet to your sons after welcoming them”
“Oh yes, how can I forget?”

They hear the sounds of the procession entering the gates of Shantivan.

“They came.. they came.. Call everyone out” Usha shouts.. Her excitement is on another level today. The Raizada Gods get down the jeep, thanking the people of their town for all their help and efforts in making this day happen. They request everyone to get back to their homes and take enough rest, plus, they all are invited the next day again in Shantivan for a small celebration. People leave and the brothers step in the house. At the door, they are stopped by their mother.

“Not like this, wait here. I need to circle the Puja Thali before you three” Usha says.
Payal hands the Puja thali to Usha who lovingly circles it before her three sons. Arnav’s eyes keep looking for his wife. Where is she? Why is she not a part of this? Payal, Lavanya, Radha, Daadi, Tulsi, everyone is here except Khushi. Why?

Usha kisses her sons as they take her blessings individually and welcomes them inside. They all sit on the couch, surrounded by their family. It is that time when Khushi comes out with the Kheer bowls. She is wearing a decent Lehnga. She comes to the couch and hands the bowl to Usha who feeds one spoon to her sons and then offers them their individual bowls.

“Ushaji.. Your family is finally complete” Daadi interrupts. “But there is still something I want to say to each one of you. Please forgive me for whatever Mohini did. I am her mother after all and even though I had cut her out from my life, I deserve to ask your forgiveness” Subhadra joins her palms asking apology. Usha stops her from doing this formality.
“Subhadraji, the past is done and dusted. My sons have got new lives and it is only because of Khushi, Payal and Lavanya’s efforts. We should be praying for their happiness now”

Usha and Subhadra hug each other. Lavanya stares at NK who is surprised how his mother got to know about their affair?

“Tulsiji” Usha turns to Tulsi Kshyap. “I want Nandakishore and Lavanya’s marriage to take place soon. How about next week?”
“Anytime Ushaji.. She is your daughter now”
Usha and Tulsi hold hands.
“Okay, I will talk to my sons and let you know which date to fix then” Usha exclaims.
Payal pinches Lavanya who blushes hard. Khushi heads to her and hugs her tight.

“Cant wait to welcome you officially in this family La”
“I know. Thank you for talking to Usha Aunty about me and NK” Lavanya replies.
“Had to.. duty of the eldest Raizada bahu you see” Khushi replies.

Arnav’s eyes are just on his wife. She is behaving so normal with everyone but him. He has hurt her, he knows that and he will have to repair her mood at any cost.

After a quick get together with the family, Usha requests her sons to head to their rooms and take enough rest. Lavanya and Tulsi leave back. Nandakishore urges to drop them home but Lavanya denies. She wants him to rest and hence after a quick talk between Tulsi and NK, she takes her mother in her jeep.

Arnav steps in his room, only to find it vacant. Khushi is still downstairs probably, with the rest of his family. He notices she has kept his clothes ready which he can wear after a quick shower. He heads in for a shower. He feels much lighter since all this fight is over. He was always behind knowing who killed his father and now that search is over, he even killed the couple who has snatched the happiness of their family and the town. The people of their town will never have to face any more torture because he doesn’t recollect having any more enemies left. He believes now peace has finally been showered upon their town, its people and hopefully in his family too. And he had promised himself that once all this is over, he is going to spend all his time with his wife, to give her everything she deserves from him and their marriage. But is it very late? Has he lost his wife’s trust and love now? Will he be able to repair it soon?

_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 49

Shantivan

Arnav has showered and it’s been an hour since that. But Khushi is still not in the room. What is taking her so long? When he wasn’t here for 3 days, he had thought the moment he returns, she is not going to leave his side even for a second.  But it’s not true. She has not even given him a proper glance, forget talking to him. There hasn’t been a moment in the last 3 days when he has not thought about her. He saw her coming in the police station with their lawyers and almost spending the whole day there, completing the formalities. She was always around him, but she never met him. Lavanya and Payal who had accompanied her in these 3 days met Nandakishore and Akash but Khushi, she was so busy that she didn’t even look at him. It hurt him. And that pain is still lingering somewhere in his heart because he knows she had purposely kept herself busy and avoided him the whole time. He is the reason behind that state of mind she has at present.

The door opens and Khushi stops there, winding up her talk with Radha.

“Don’t forget to give Maa’s medicines, Radha. She will not take it unless we remind her”
Radha chuckles.
“I will ensure she takes it before she sleeps. And now you also get some rest. You are slogging so much from the past few days. Look at yourself, your eyes and your face look so dull”

Khushi fakes a smile. She knows Arnav is watching her and even listening their conversation.
“Now since your husband is back, you should spend time with him and not us. Good night” Radha teases.

Khushi wishes her the same and locks the door. She is very tired. She heads to the dressing table and starts taking off her earrings and the other jewelry which her mother-in-law made her wear today. Though her mood was off, she didn’t show it to Usha Raizada who was so much excited for her son’s return.
Arnav strides to her and stands behind, admiring his wife in the mirror. He knows she is aware of his presence behind and is still choosing to ignore him. The earrings come off easily but she is unable to unhook the necklace by herself. The moment he realizes that, his fingers touch her nape to help her unhook it. Khushi angrily shrugs his arms.

“Don’t touch me” she snaps.

Arnav almost jerks at her sudden intrusion. Her eyes spit fire at him, which never happened before. She seems to be very mad.

“What’s wrong?” he tries to be polite hoping she would cool down too but she doesn’t.
“What’s wrong? Why don’t you ask yourself that?”

She pulls off the necklace in anger. It bruises her nape but she doesn’t care. It is then when Arnav notices the other bruises on her arm and face. She got those while she saved his mother 3 days back. She had used all her skills to fight using her sword and, in that process, she was also hurt. He wants to soothe her pain, he doubts if she even attended those wounds.

“You need to dress these wounds first” he tries to touch her arm but she again pushes him away. This time she seriously pisses him off.
“I said don’t touch me Arnav Singh Raizada” she yells. “I don’t need your fake sympathy. I can take care of myself and your family”

Arnav clenches his jaw.

“Of course, you can. But we will do this together” he replies. “You have done enough in my absence. Now let me take care of things”
“Oh” she interrupts with sarcasm. “You intend to take care of us again? What happened to that ‘I don’t care’ attitude you gave to us before killing Madhav Singh? You were only concerned about satisfying your rage that day. You didn’t bother at all what would have happened in your absence with your wife, brothers and your family”

Arnav is speechless. He knows what she is trying to remind him and it is this attitude of his which has hurt her.

“You know what he would have done if I hadn’t killed him, Khushi. You saw it by your own eyes, he was going to shoot Maa”
“I saw it” she snaps with the same rage. “And I don’t repent it either that you killed him before he could hurt Maa. I am talking about what you said to me before all that happened?”

Arnav swallows. He recollects what he said to her in the rage of enmity towards Madhav Singh. He said all he cares that time was to kill him by his bare hands and he wasn’t going to bother of anyone else, even if that means he would have been sentenced for life time imprisonment he was ready to do it, because he really wanted to punish the man who killed his father, by himself. Seeing Madhav Singh arrested would not have eased that flame of revenge inside him.

“You got very selfish out there, Arnav Singh Raizada. For the very first time, I have seen you only thinking about yourself and not about the people who adore you, care for you, love you” she mutters with tears in her eyes. “And this is not the only mistake you did. Do you recollect how I got hurt here?” she points at her forehead where another bruise is visible. Arnav fists his fingers. He had pushed her away when he was fighting with Suraj and she came in between to sort their fight. She had fell down and that’s how she hurt her head. He is unable to give her any justification to that either.

“I didn’t get these bruises because of our enemies, Arnav. I got them because of YOU. This one truth has been haunting me since then. I would have loved to die fighting our enemies, but this is not justified. One side you show you want to protect me and the other end you don’t mind hurting me physically and emotionally? I am sick of this two-faced man standing before me” she shouts again.

Arnav feels her pain and though he has no answers to her blames, he still decides to assure her that he won’t be repeating these mistakes again but the moment he takes a step closer, she gestures him to stop.

“It has left a deep impact on me, Arnav. I don’t think I can be normal with you again. So please, please don’t give any justifications because I am not going to be impressed by those either.”

Arnav blinks startled, he is totally disappointed by himself and his deeds with her.

“What do you want me to do?” he helplessly asks.
“Stay away from me, as much as you can. Just stay away from me” she commands.

Arnav’s face drops. His body jolts at her words. Stay away? She is the only one he wants to stay close and she is pushing him away? Khushi ignores his facial expressions and walks inside the bathroom. Arnav keeps staring at her as she locks herself in the bathroom. Anger and irritation flashes on his face and he leaves the room.
888
When Akash comes out of the shower, he saw Payal holding a towel in her hand, for him to use. She had no idea he already had taken one inside.

“Oh..” she murmurs and is about to put that towel aside when Akash stops her. He is startled that she is doing all this for him, he likes it.
“I will use this one” he takes the towel from her hand and drops the other one at the bedside table.
Payal smiles at him.
“Thanks, Payal. For being with the family in these tough times”
Payal frowns.
“Don’t thank me, Akash. In fact, I should be grateful to you and your family who gave me the opportunity to contribute my skills. I had lost all hopes that I can do something for the people of this town. The circumstances under which I was raised in my family, didn’t let me do anything of my choice”

Akash heads to the recliner and sits there. Payal follows him.

“I can wipe your head” she insists asking for the towel from him. He doesn’t deny. She starts wiping his head slowly and he is lost in a different world. Apart from his mother, he doesn’t remember anyone else doing this for him.
“Also, thanks for saving my family” she adds recollecting how Tushar had first went against the Raizada Gods but later when Mohini trapped Sehgal family, he realized which side to choose.
“We are a family now, Payal. Sehgals are our ally now, not enemies. These 3 days in the police station, Tushar and your father Pratham has also contributed equally for our release. All those protests and marches which happened, had been led by them.”
“Yes” Payal chuckles. “I have never seen them so calm and positive about your family before. I am sure they have changed, for good”

Akash holds Payal’s hand and makes her sit next to him. She shies initially but later decides to face his captivating look.

“The fight is over.. enmity over.. no more revenge.. no hatred for anyone. I have never felt so peaceful before” he admits to her.
Payal keeps gazing at him.
“Me neither”

They both get lost in each other’s eyes. They have a long way to go, in terms of their relationship, but they have surely started that journey from today.
888
Nandakishore tosses on the bed, while talking to Lavanya on phone. Ever since their marriage talks are been taken seriously, all he can think about is her.

“NK.. you should thank Khushi, she talked to your mother and even convinced her” Lavanya informs.
“Khushi Bhabhi is the sweetest. Bhai is really lucky to have her. We all are lucky that she is there with our family” he replies.
“Agreed. But seems like your brother though realizes this, he still has to reform himself to make her feel that way”
“What do you mean?” NK asks.
“The last 3 days she has been suffering a lot. I think she is angry on Arnav for being so rude with her at times. She is confused if he even loves her or not, or has he taken her for granted?”

NK frowns.

“Bhai loves her and he cares for her more than anyone else. Didn’t you see how he came running home on the Maha Aarti day, when I informed him that Suraj had been following Khushi?”
“I don’t know NK. I really hope whatever distance has been created between them sort out. I cannot see my friend like this. She has always been a cheerful person. Whoever is staying in your house, doesn’t look like my friend anymore”

NK feels bad to hear that and somehow, he accepts it too. Khushi was so much flirty, happy-go-lucky kind of a girl when she had met his brother initially. She has turned into a different woman now.
888
The next morning, when Usha Raizada wakes up and comes out of her room, she notices Arnav sleeping on the couch in the living area. She is terrified to see him here. Is something wrong between the couple? She had thought after Arnav returns home, Khushi will get her smile back but it doesn’t seem so. Why? She decides to talk to them but she doesn’t want them to think she is intruding. She will wait and notice it for some time, if things between them don’t change, she will talk to both but separately.
888
When Khushi wakes up, she finds the other side of the bed vacant. That means he never returned in the room last night. She is hurt but it is her decision to keep him away from her, at least until he realizes her importance. He cannot keep dusting her off whenever he has other duties to fulfil. Can’t their relationship, love and his duties towards the town run parallel?
She gets down the bed when the door knocks. She rushes to open it, thinking it can be Arnav but she is wrong. It’s Radha

“Mataji is waiting for you for the sword fight practice. Do you wish to practice it or want a break?” Radha asks.

It had skipped from her mind. She hadn’t practiced past a week all thanks to the issues surrounding this family.

“I have missed it enough, please inform Maa I will be there in 15 minutes”
“Okay”

Radha leaves and Khushi starts getting dressed appropriately for the Sword fight.

In 20 minutes, their practice begins. Usha is continuously observing the tension on Khushi’s face. Khushi raises her sword to strike. Usha defends it and pushes Khushi away. She falls down. Usha shakes her head.

“Focus Khushi. What are you so lost at?” Usha speaks up.
It’s nice to hear her mother in law’s voice as she trains her for this fight. Khushi gets up rubbing her thigh.
“Sorry Maa. I will focus now” she strikes again. Usha defends herself and then makes her strike on Khushi’s sword. Khushi uses all her energy to keep the edge of Usha’s Sword away from her body.
“Use your other hand” Usha guides.
Khushi nods and uses her other hand to apply the force. It works. The practice continues for some more time but Usha senses Khushi is not playing sportingly. Something is haunting her and there is no change in Khushi from past 3 days. Initially she thought Arnav’s return will sort her mood, but she was wrong.
888
After a tedious practice, Khushi returns back in her room. She wipes her face and heads for a shower. She realizes the bathroom has just been used. That means he had come here. But managed to slip away before she came. It hurts her even more. No wonder it was her idea to keep him away, but seeing him following it is pricking her heart even more. She avoids thinking in that angle because she is already too much in stress to pick up another reason for worry. The family shouldn’t know much about their distance because it will hurt each one of them. Plus, NK-Lavanya’s marriage is ahead and they deserve every bit of enjoyment and happiness in these coming days. She does not intend to spoil the decorum of this house. She comes out, dresses and is brushing her hair when Arnav gets inside the bedroom. He looks at her, his one look enough to make her heart skip a beat.

“Sehgals are here. Maa wants us to be down. You are coming with me or you want me to go alone and you will follow later?”

His voice is rough and there are no expressions on his face, he is as cold as her. A surge of anger pulses through her.
“Give me 2 minutes, we will go together” she replies controlling her urge to fight at his non-attempts towards working out on their breaking relationship.
Arnav gives a plain nod and waits for her to finish combing her hair. She applies the Sindoor quickly and then strides to him.
“Don’t be a stranger to me” he murmurs. His voice is more respectful and pleading. She doesn’t meet his gaze but she can feel the intensity, the need he has for her. Khushi’s heart sinks. She opens the door and walks out. Arnav Singh Raizada has never felt so helpless and abandoned ever. He cannot let her pull away completely from him, he decides to do something to bridge the gap between them.


_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 50

Shantivan


“Prathamji, what is all this?” Usha asks Pratham Sehgal, Payal’s father, seeing all the gifts he has got for them.
“It is a small token of love for our new friendly ties Ushaji. You know we have always been enemies and even though we got Payal married in this family, that desire to have the power of ruling this entire place never left our minds. Me and Tushar were still hungry for it. But we now understand that only having that hunger to rule is not enough. We should be capable enough to understand the needs of our people and also have the ability to keep them safe from all threats. And your sons have all these qualities in them. They truly deserve to be the Gods of this Place. We are so thankful of you and your family for saving our lives from Mohini”

Arnav and Khushi enter the Living room together, where the two families are seated. Usha quickly gestures Payal to come forward.

“Prathamji, your daughter has proved herself an asset to our family. We don’t need all of these gifts, having her is enough. I would suggest you get these gifts and sweets distributed to the people of this town. They will be happy and of course remember you in their prayers. We will take only one box of sweets as a tradition, we don’t want to upset our Bahu’s family after all”

Tushar chuckles and quickly offers one box of sweets to Usha.

“It is so good to hear your voice Ushaji. Really, I can imagine how happy your sons would be to have you back with so much of liveliness and spark” Tushar exclaims.

Usha smiles with pride.

“By the way, Nandakishore, I would really not mind if you teach me some of your Boxing skills. You know, I am only well trained in shooting. But what you did out there, to save me, got my nerves kicking again and I really wish to learn that from you”
Nandakishore has no interest in doing this, but he doesn’t deny. This is the first time the Raizadas and Sehgals have become ally and he would like it to stay that way.
“Sure” he mutters.
Subhadra Gupta, Khushi’s Daadi who is sitting next to Usha Raizada speaks up.

“Ushaji, you will have to allow me to leave after Nandakishore’s marriage. I have stayed here quite many days and I am really thankful for everything you have done for me so far.”
Khushi gets nervous.
“Subhadraji, what are you saying? We are like a family. You belong to this place as much as Khushi. I understand you have other duties, but please don’t part away from this house. You can handle your Social service responsibilities from here as well” Usha suggests.
“It’s kind of you to offer me this. But we have a house in Mumbai where Khushi used to stay with me earlier, someone has to look at that place too.” Daadi replies. “But I will keep visiting here often. Even I cannot stay away from you all for long”

Usha agrees.

“Ushaji” Pratham interrupts. “We have one more request to make. Actually, in our family, every new couple visits our family temple which is in Pratapgad, some 90 kms from here. If you don’t mind, we would like Akash and Payal to go there and pay a visit”
“That’s a good thought Prathamji. And why just Akash – Payal, I would suggest let all my 3 sons visit that temple with their wives, including Lavanya. After all she can also get blessings in advance for the wedding”

Khushi is neutral about this. Arnav sees a little spark in the idea of travelling with Khushi somewhere away from this place, even though it will be only for a day. He will surely get a chance to win back her lost mood.
“That’s wonderful” Pratham replies. Tushar for the first time tries to talk soberly with Payal. He is no longer that bossy brother who kept on torturing her for obeying the rules of their family. Khushi makes her way to the kitchen to ensure the lunch arrangements are done. The Sehgals cannot leave without having Lunch with them. She purposely is trying to keep herself engrossed in the duties here so that she will have to bother less about the tension between her and Arnav.

Daadi comes inside the kitchen to talk to her.

“Khushi..” she calls. Khushi stops all her work and looks at her.
“Daadi” she whispers softly and hugs her. “Don’t go so soon” she adds.
Daadi pulls her back from their hug and cups her face.
“I still have 7 days to go. And my granddaughter is settled here, what else should I wait here for? All that threat which this family had is gone. Finally, you and Arnav will be able to start a family, live happily with all others”

Khushi’s eyes tears at that thought. Daadi doesn’t fail to read the depression on her face.

“Khushi, what’s wrong? You don’t seem happy. Arnav is back. You were so stressed to get him out of the custody. He is there with you now. Why do you still look so sad?” she asks.
Khushi wipes her tears.
“Nothing”
Daadi turns Khushi’s chin to make her look in her eyes again.
“Tell me. I will not be at peace otherwise”
“I want to come with you, for some days”
Daadi is very surprised to hear that from her.
“To Mumbai? But wont you miss Arnav? Or is he coming along with you?”
“No.. Just me alone. I haven’t asked Maa yet, I will do that tonight”
Daadi senses something terribly wrong.
“Khushi, did you and Arnav fight? Is this why you want to distance yourself from him?”
“Daadi” she gasps, words choke in her throat. “I want to officially put my resignation at work and my presence there will be required to do this. Don’t worry, I won’t stay for long and burden you”
Daadi gently hits her hand.
“Don’t say that ever. You are always welcome to come there and stay with me. Understood?”

Khushi feels relieved. She immediately hugs Daadi and tries to cheer her mood. She really needs a little space away from Arnav for some time. This will help them both to understand the depth of their feelings for each other.

Arnav Singh Raizada eavesdrop their conversation and is totally unhappy with Khushi’s decision to go with Daadi in Mumbai. It is now that they are getting time for each other and she wants to run away from him? Will he let this happen? He cannot let her go. He is afraid of losing her. Why does he feel that this little separation will create more distance between the two? No cannot afford to lose Khushi, not at any cost. And how can she make this decision alone? She didn’t even discuss it with him once? He walks out in anger. He really doesn’t know what to do and how to stop her from going away from him. He has always been weak in such matters. Give him a task to fight their enemies, he can do that without even proper planning, but he has no experience in handling matters related to love and marriage. He really has no clue what his next step should be.
888
Usha hears the gunshots from the backyard of their House. Seems like her son is keeping himself busy practicing Shooting. She reaches the window and looks down. Arnav is firing at the fake targets in the woods behind their Palace. He seems to be agitated. He does this only when he is totally upset by something or when immensely angry on someone. Usha decides to speak to him.

“Arnav” Usha calls out as she stands behind him. He stops shooting and turns around.
“Maa”
It feels soothing to hear his Maa’s voice. He had missed this from so many years.
“What are you doing here?” Usha asks.
“Nothing. Just wanted to spend time alone” he replies.

They both start walking in the backyard and sit on the small bench.
“Everything is so calm now. There is bliss of peace everywhere.” Usha exclaims. “I hope my sons don’t have to use their weapons ever again. You three have done enough for protecting this family and the people of this town. Now, you should concentrate on your individual families, your wives and look forward of having children”

Arnav passes a faint smile. Usha understands he is not going to share anything with her so she decides to self-talk on this matter.

“What’s wrong?” she asks him. “You seem very disturbed ever since you returned”

Arnav doesn’t speak a word. He is still unsure if he should talk about this to his mother or not. Will he give her another reason to be worried? She has just become normal again and she is happily looking forward for Nandakishore’s wedding. He cannot spoil her mood by raising his problems to her.

“Just tired Maa. I think I need some rest, that’s all” he lies.
“You never lied Arnav” she angrily exhales. “I always heard what I saw in your eyes. But today, your words and eyes don’t match. Stop hiding things from me, you are not very good at that”
Arnav swallows. He holds his mother’s hands in his.
“I don’t want to bother you”
Usha feels pity for him.
“If you don’t share your pain with me Arnav, I will never be at peace. Tell me” she urges.
“I think I am losing her” he softly opens up his heart. “I thought after the end of this war, I will give Khushi everything she deserved, but looks like I am late. I have hurt her in the rage of revenging our enemies. I know she understands why I did this but she didn’t expect me to be so hard on her. I don’t know Maa. I don’t know what should I do to resolve this. I cannot change how I am, nor can I change what happened.”

Usha slowly understands his problems.

“You don’t have to change anything Arnav. Khushi married you knowing what you are, what you will always be. She has slowly molded herself in this family, but she will take some time to mold herself as your wife. She is not wrong either. Considering the background, she comes from, it is tough for her to absorb all of this. Yet, she exceled in all her duties. She strived hard to get you three out of the custody, no other woman in her place would have shown that strength in such a critical time.”
“I know. I really appreciate that Maa. I want her to know that I didn’t hurt her intentionally. It happened”
“Then speak to her” she advises.
“She is not willing to talk about it”
“Since when did you start following orders?” Usha teases. Arnav’s eyes spark. “It won’t harm if you avoid her orders to bring alive your relationship with her.”

Arnav is still confused. Usha continues advising him.
“Sometimes when a woman asks for something, it is not exactly what she wants. Men have to understand that. I am sure even Khushi might be upset seeing you distancing yourself from her. I am very confident that she wants you to give attention to her, praise her, make her feel loved and comfortable, make her believe that you will never hurt her intentionally or unintentionally ever. That’s all she wants and I am sure it is not that hard for you to do”

Usha’s words stick in Arnav’s mind and heart. He feels motivated.

“Do something special for her tomorrow. As it is you guys are going to Pratapgad at the temple. Utilize this time to win her, at least a part of her heart if not fully”
Arnav nods. A weak smile is back on his face.
“I will. Thanks, Maa”
“Thank me when she is totally fine with you. Now stop wasting the bullets and get in the house”
“Yes, after you” he says getting up from the bench and assisting his mother to get up too. She touches his cheek lovingly once and then heads in the house.
888
As soon as Usha enters the house again, Khushi notices her. She had seen Usha and Arnav talking something in the backyard. She had seen the look on Arnav’s face and that upset her.

“Maa, what happened? What was Arnav saying?”

Usha notices the nervousness in Khushi’s tone. She smirks.
“Why don’t you ask him yourself?”
Khushi is confused what excuse to give Usha. But seems like Usha doesn’t wait for that.
“Khushi, Arnav was like a war machine so far. He was fed to be so. He never got to live carefreely. He always had responsibilities. Of me, his brothers and the people of this town. He didn’t had time to think of anything beyond that”

Khushi wants to know more. She has always been a sucker of Arnav’s past and when she is getting to hear it directly from his mother, what else does she want?

“But then you came in his life. You just saw the exterior of him before marriage”
Khushi gulps. That’s true. She was so much attracted to his rough personality, his attitude, his looks that nothing else mattered. She got so much involved in winning him that she straightway asked his hand for marriage to Usha.
“He was torn down from within Khushi, right from his childhood. He got the first hit when his father died and seems he was aware that Uday was murdered. And then I lost my voice. No one could have survived so many situations of distress one after the other. But Arnav did and ensured his brothers handled them too. Plus, he always kept me away from them, safely in Rajgad, because thats what was one of the traditions set by the Raizada ancestors. He has never lived with a woman before, not even under my shadow. It made him rougher”

Khushi’s eyes tears down. She knows where this conversation is leading to. Usha is explaining her why Arnav is like this and instead of someone else putting that in her head, Khushi should have self-realized because Arnav is not just any man in her life, he is her husband.

“I have seen you becoming upset with him because he hurt you by his words and also emotionally. That’s not acceptable but can’t you forgive him for one last time Khushi? I don’t think my son has otherwise ever given you a chance to hate him”

Khushi breaks down. She weeps softly before Usha who immediately takes her in embrace.

“Sshh!! Don’t cry. I know you love him very much but even if he doesn’t say it openly to you, doesn’t mean he has no such feelings for you. Men have always been like that. And the Raizada men are the worst in that category”

Usha pulls back Khushi from the hug and wipes her tears.

“Don’t be so hard on him. Take your time to sort your issues but don’t stretch it for long”

Usha’s advice seems like some hope to her drowning ship of love.


_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 51

Shantivan

The next morning, Tulsi comes with Lavanya to drop her at Shantivan, from where the three Raizada Gods are going to take their respective partner to Pratapgad. They seem all set to leave.

“Tulsi, please come” Usha welcomes her and blesses Lavanya as she touches her feet. “God bless you”
“Aunty, where is Khushi and Payal?” Lavanya asks.
“They are in their rooms, getting ready” she replies and looks at Lavanya from top to bottom. “I don’t mean to pressurize you, but since you are going to a temple, will it bother you if I ask you to wear a Saree instead of this Dress?” Usha asks.

Lavanya feels embarrassed. Her mother had told her to wear a Saree but since she has never worn one before, she denied.

“If you don’t like it, then its okay” Usha adds.
“No” Lavanya replies instantly. “It’s not that I don’t like. I have never worn it before so not sure if I can handle it” she shies away as she notices Nandakishore staring at her from the other side of the living room.

Tulsi and Usha both notice their exchange of heated glances and chuckle. Their laugh gets Lavanya’s attention back to them.

“Unless you try, how would you know?” Usha replies.
Lavanya nods in agreement. Usha quickly calls Radha and asks her to help Lavanya wear a Saree. Lavanya leaves with her.

“Thank you Ushaji.. My daughter has always lived like a Tom boy. I have tried all my ways to make her dress like a woman but she has never been in my control” Tulsi exclaims.
“I don’t want to control any of my daughter-in-law either. I wouldn’t mind anymore what they wear. But on special occasions like this, I think they can follow the attire”
“Yes, I agree”

Soon Subhadra joins the two and their conversation continues.

Khushi wipes her head coming out of the Shower and is startled to notice that the Saree which she had placed on the bed before walking in to the shower has been changed by someone. She had kept a blue Saree and the one lying on the bed now is Red. Who might have changed it? Is it Daadi or Maa? There is a knock at the door and its Payal calling out her name.

“Khushi.. are you done? Mataji was asking where you have kept the flowers to be taken in the temple?” Payal shouts from outside the door.
“I have asked Radha to keep it in the car, Payal. And I am not done yet. I will take another few minutes”
“Okay, come soon”

Payal leaves and Khushi reaches the bed to pick the Saree. That’s when she finds a note. What note? Who kept it here? She takes the note in between her fingers and reads it.

‘Can we start over?’

Khushi’s heart beats frantically as she reads this and understands who wrote it for her. So, her husband wants to start over their relationship again, freshly. He is the one who might have changed the choice of Saree. If she wears it, he might think she agreed for his idea of starting over. Is she ready to forgive and forget everything and start afresh? But he didn’t even apologize once. Did she give him a chance? She just asked him to stay away from her as much as possible. But why did he follow it? He could have argued. He didn’t and now suddenly he places this note here. Her nose flares. She decides to wear any other Saree but not this one, not the one he wants to see her in. She heads to the closet and tries to slide it open but its locked. She never locks it, neither Arnav then who locked it today and why? Did he do it on purpose? Where are the damn keys to this closet? She knows where to look for it and opens the bedside drawer but instead of the keys, she finds another note.

‘I am not giving you a choice. We are starting over. this relationship. this marriage. everything’

Khushi fumes again. This is what she hates in this man. He is so control freak. He wants everything to be done at his lightning speed. Khushi pushes the drawer close and tries to find a solution to fix this problem. The door knocks again.

“Khushi.. how long? We all are done except you. Come fast. We have to reach the temple before afternoon” Payal shouts.

Khushi sighs in frustration. She has no choice. She has to wear whatever he chose for her and head out.

“Just 10 minutes. Please” she shouts from inside and starts wearing the Red Saree which her husband placed for her.
888
Nandakishore’s jaw drops seeing Lavanya in a Saree. Akash reaches him to ask something.

“NK.. Have you asked Rob and rest of our guards to escort our vehicle to Pratapgad?” Akash asks.

When NK doesn’t give any response to that and keeps gazing at Lavanya who is talking to his mother now, blushing and flaunting her dimples, Akash notices in that direction and sighs heavily.

“Lover boy” Akash shakes NK who gets distracted. “We will give you enough time to drool her in the vehicle”
NK passes him a lopsided smile.
“Sorry… What were you asking?”

Akash repeats the question which he asked earlier.
“Oh yes” NK replies. “I have told them. We are taking few guards with us just as a backup. Bhai wanted us to take them along though we don’t see any more threat now”
“Yea, he is right. We are not alone. We have our partners and it’s our duty to secure them always. It’s a good idea” Akash agrees.
“Now, you continue staring and let me see where Bhai is”

Patting on NK’s shoulders, Akash heads out. NK continues admiring Lavanya. He really cannot wait to make her officially his.

Akash comes out where their car has been parked, the one they would be driving to Pratapgad today and notices Payal struggling to open the backseat. He immediately rushes to assist her. Their fingers touch when he opens the backseat door for her. She jerks but the moment she realizes its Akash, she gets normal again.

“Sorry.. I didn’t meant to scare you” Akash says.
“No..thats okay. I was just.. you know how the last few days were.. So, I will take some time to come out of it. That’s all” Payal explains.
He takes the bag from her hand which she wanted to keep in the backseat.
“Let me settle this here” he keeps it inside and then turns back to face her.
“Uhh.. you.. you look nice in this yellow color”

She smiles at his sudden praise.
“Thank. Thank you”
Radha comes there interrupting their talks.
“Akash.. Mataji is calling everyone inside”
“Yeah. We are coming” Akash gestures Payal to walk ahead and then he follows her.

Usha notices her three sons down. Everyone is there except Khushi. Radha informs her that Khushi is still getting ready which she totally understands.
“I can’t believe my sons are going to wear Jeans in the temple” she exclaims in a rough tone.
Arnav stares at Akash and NK and then back to his mother.
“What else are we supposed to wear?” he asks.
“This” she quickly gestures Radha to give her the three bags which has Men Kurta’s which she had selected for her sons. The Raizada Gods rolls their eyes.
“Maa.. we can’t wear that” Akash says.
“Exactly, I can’t drive wearing that” NK adds.
“No ways Maa. This is little too much now” Arnav concludes.

Usha looks angrily at her sons.

“I asked my bahu’s to wear Sarees which they agreed upon and you three being my Sons are denying my orders? That’s not happening Sons. Head to your rooms and wear these”

Akash makes a face and takes the bag from his mother. NK sighs and is the next one to pick his. Arnav is still away.

“Arnav… no special treatment for you. Take it. Wear it” Usha commands.
“Maa. Seriously? We will look like Jokers”
“Who says that? And doesn’t matter if you all look like Jokers. My bahu’s will not leave you and run. Go and wear it. You are wasting time”

Arnav groans in frustration and snatches the bag from his mother and heads to his room. Akash and NK have already dispersed. Usha laughs seeing the condition of her Sons. Tulsi, Subhadra also joins her in that laugh. Payal and Lavanya giggle between each other.

“These boys deserved it” Lavanya says.
“They will look cute” Payal murmurs shying.
“Oh My God. Are you blushing Payal? Looks like you have started liking Akash Singh Raizada”
“Kind of” she whispers and giggles with Lavanya.
“What is this Khushi doing? Why isn’t she down yet?”
“It’s good she hasn’t come down. Now that Arnav is upstairs, I hope they talk and sort their issues. I cannot see them behaving so cold with each other”
“Me neither” Lavanya mutters. “But don’t worry, we will have enough time to get them close to each other today.”
“Fingers crossed” Payal agrees and the two-start making some serious plans.
888
Arnav knocks the door because he knows Khushi is still inside, probably dressing. He doesn’t want to scare her. But the door is open and he gets a glimpse of his wife, dressed in his favorite color Saree. He gets inside the room and leans to the door, admiring her.  She has still not realized his presence in the room. She is so busy trying to untangle her hair from the Mangalsutra. He has no clue how her hair got hooked in her marital chain? She hisses in pain and that gets him out of his stance. He voluntarily closes the distance between the two and stands behind her. The moment his fingers touch hers, she feels a chill in her spine. His fingers are warm and she can feel spark in her body as he strokes her nape, instead of untangling her hair. She turns around and glares at him.

“I can manage” she raises her arms again and keeps trying to untangle her hair. Arnav grits his teeth but recollects his mother’s advice. He has to sober down and handle this situation carefully. He cannot mess it more. He strongly holds her elbow and turns her around.
“What are you doing?” she scowls but he doesn’t reply to that. He softly pushes her to the wall ahead, locking her there. She cannot turn around neither she can use her hand to self-assist her. He leans on her from behind, his fingers already working to help her.
“Sshh.. Sometimes.. to make things right.. we have to take one step behind.. And that’s exactly what I am doing” his voice turns huskier. She feels he is knotting her hair all the more in her chain, she doesn’t understand why?
“Arnav” she snaps.. “You.. you can hurt me again” she tries to warn him because whatever technique he is using to untangle her hair from the chain is not working. Anytime she can feel more pull of her hair on her scalp by his actions.
“I won’t hurt you ever” he whispers carefully in her ears. She feels his breath on her cheeks and it kind of diverts her from her real motive of making him get off her. He continues to speak to her, while his fingers work magic in her hair. “Every time I have hurt you, it has ached myself too. I wish I could rewind and erase off those moments forever from our lives. But I know I can’t. I need one chance Khushi. To make it right.. to wipe off that bitterness, that fear in you, that I will ever hurt you again.”

Khushi swallows hard. Her body slowly easing and she no longer stiffens at his touch. She closes her eyes but her ears are wide open. She is just listening him carefully. She is glad that he is thinking in this angle. To make things right, rather than obeying her orders and staying away from her.

“I cannot do this alone Khushi. I need you to trust me once again.. To believe in me again. Please” he urges. His voice gets huskier. Her breathing shallows as he gently turns her around. She continues to keep her eyes close. When she doesn’t feel his hands on her anymore, or his breath on her skin, she opens her eyes and finds him taken a step away from her and taking off his T Shirt. His Jeans has already been replaced by a Satin Pyjama. Why is he taking off his clothes like that? However hard she tries to take her eyes off his chest, she cannot. His proximity is heavenly. He steps back, gazes at her and grins. The next instant he manages to wear the Kurta from above his head. He pulls it straight down and looks at himself in the mirror.
“I hope this Pyjama stays in its place till we reach back home. Every time I turn, I feel it’s going to fall” he asks her.
Khushi smiles but she doesn’t let him notice it for long. And what happened to her hair? She touches her hair and acknowledges that he has managed to untangle them from the Mangalsutra. There is another knock at the door and this time its Usha Raizada herself. Both turn around to face her.

“What is wrong with you both today? None of you seem interested in hurrying up. Akash and Nandakishore are already waiting for you in the car.”
Khushi hastily reaches Usha.
“Sorry Maa. Lets go”
Usha realizes something happened between the two which is why Khushi’s cheek color has changed to red. She really hopes that Arnav and Khushi sort their differences soon and looks like Arnav has already initiated something in these regards.


_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 52

Shantivan

Arnav Singh Raizada notices the soft whispers of Nandakishore and Lavanya. His brother seems so much in love. Why couldn’t he see that before? He comes ahead, breaking their conversation.

“Keys” Arnav asks NK.
“I will drive Bhai”
“No, that’s okay. I will drive today. You and Lavanya sit behind”

Khushi, who is talking to her mother-in-law hears them. She is happy that her husband has noticed and realized that his brothers need to spend time with their respective wives and he is giving them that space. NK blushes before giving the keys to Arnav who waits for his wife to come.

“We will call once we reach the temple Maa” Khushi says taking Usha’s blessings.
“Don’t worry about here. I will be fine. Plus, Arnav has asked Suraj to pay a visit to me in the free time. Radha, Tulsi, your Daadi and me are going to have a gala time without you kids”
Khushi chuckles.
“Miss us” she says and hugs Usha tight. Usha hugs her back.
“I asked for one girl child and God never fulfilled that wish of mine. He gave me 3 strong sons. But I am glad he has rewarded me with such good daughters-in-law. Couldn’t have asked for more”
“Love you Maa” Khushi mutters proudly and heads to the car. Arnav opens the car door for her. She gets inside. Arnav shuts the door and takes the driving seat. He waves a quick Bye to his mother and others and drives out. The other jeep of Guards follows their vehicle.

In just few minutes, he notices Khushi juggling with the seat belt. She is unable to hook it. Arnav notices her struggle.
“Wait” he pulls the belt strongly; their fingers brush again. Her eyes are full of panic as he leans over her, his one arm pulling the belt while the other controlling the wheel. The other 4 seated behind, quietly notice them and then divert attention to their respective partners.
“There you go” he says buckling the belt in its place. As he pulls away from her, Khushi adjusts the belt and looks out.
“Thanks nahi bologi mujhe?” (Wont you thank me?) his tone is playful.
She looks back at him and notices Arnav smirking.
“It’s better you look on the road than me. We have to reach the temple safe” she mocks.
“Don’t worry about that. I won’t let anything happen to you or anyone here” he replies.
“I had believed that once. Won’t make the same mistake again, Arnav” she snaps.

Arnav clenches his jaw as she turns her head to see out of the window. He would have argued over this, but he cannot, considering they are not alone in the Vehicle. He decides to take up this matter later. He gently tries to hold Khushi’s hand but she shrugs him off. Arnav grips the wheels. He has to find a solid way to mellow down her anger.
888
Akash and Payal are at the center seat whereas NK and Lavanya are behind them.

“You see that Mountain there?” Akash points outside the window for Payal.
“yes”
“We own a farm house there. It’s very close to the temple we are heading to”
“Oh, I didn’t know that”
“That’s because, we never disclosed it to anyone apart from our family”
“So its like another Safe house?” she asks.
“Yes, you may say so. There is a swing there. You like swings, don’t you?”

She is surprised how did he got to know?
“Yes, but I never told you” she replies.
“I have seen you swinging before”
“Really? Where?” she gets curious.
“The Sehgal House. Your terrace. It has a swing isn’t it? I have seen you swinging there. Many a times”

Payal is stunned to hear that and she now finds it very exciting that her husband had always kept a tab on her.

“You stalked me?” she asks.
“I had to. You know I wanted those details from you regarding the photograph. I was always waiting when you would be out alone so that I can talk to you”

Payal smiles. She remembers how he had scared her the first time in a Store where she had come to collect some sweets. She literally thought he was going to hurt her that day, but he didn’t. Instead she had stamped his foot and escaped.

“I am sorry I stamped your foot” she apologizes.

Akash recollects which incident she is talking about.

“Oh that” he sighs.
“Did it hurt?” she worryingly asks.
“I got a muscle cramp” he fakes a pout but she takes it seriously.
“I am so sorry Akash. I didn’t know it would ache you so badly” she pauses seeing a smile on his face.
“I lied”
Payal rolls her eyes and chuckles. Akash laughs too.
“You look cute when you laugh” he murmurs. She becomes serious as he gently tries to hold her hand. She doesn’t back off. She lets him entwin their fingers. She feels safe and protected and most importantly.. she feels loved. She looks shyly at him and then concentrates back on the information he keeps sharing about the scene outside.
888
NK pinches Lavanya’s arm.

“Ouuch” she murmurs. He gestures her to speak low. They don’t want the rest to hear them out.
“You don’t seem very comfortable in Saree”
“Just like you aren’t comfortable in Kurta Pyjama” she teases.
“Yea.. Couldn’t deny Maa. Ever since she has started talking, her demands from us have peaked up”
Lavanya chuckles.
“You deserve it. I am going to make your mother trouble you more like this”
Nandakishore’s brow raises.
“Really?” he asks.
“yes”
He tickles her waist and she almost jumps on her seat.
“Will you?” he asks and tickles her again. She tries to hold his hand.
“NK.. stop it..”
He pulls her to him.
“Say Sorry then”
“Sorry? My foot” she is not willing to bend.
“okay then I wont stop” he tickles her again and only Lavanya knows how hard it is to control her laughs from being heard by others seated before her.
“Sorry.. sorry.. happy?” she finally gives up.
“I didn’t hear” he continues teasing.
Lavanya pinches his thigh. He groans.
“How about now?” she gestures him to look at her fingers which are ready to pinch him again.
He pouts like a child.
“Okay. I heard.. I heard..”

Lavanya giggles and leans her head over his shoulder blade. Things are settling down for them.
888
After a two-hour drive, they reach the temple. Khushi asks the guards to remove the Puja stuff from the backseat and take it inside the temple. This place is calm and there are hardly any visitors. Arnav makes a quick call to Suraj.

“Hey Bro in law” Suraj answers his call.
“Suraj, did you pay a visit to Shantivan?”
“I did. In fact, I am going to enjoy my lunch here with the ladies. What about you all? Did you guys reach the temple?”
“Yes”
“Cool. Don’t worry about here. I am there to handle if needed.”

Arnav is glad that they have got another brother now, though he is Khushi’s cousin, he seems to have bonded well with their family. After Mandira and her husband’s death, Suraj has no one else whom he can care about except them. Arnav hangs up and reaches the group who are being introduced to another old lady by Payal.

“She is Girija Mausi. She is been looking after this temple from years. All generations of her family have been taking care of this place” Payal exclaims.

Girija is an old lady in her late 60’s. She has a very smiling and pleasant face.

“Your father had informed me about your arrival. I have made all the arrangements. Come” she turns around and suddenly recollects something. “Wait. Not like this” she adds.
“What happened?” Payal asks.
“Your husbands should carry you in their arms and climb all these stairs. It’s a tradition to be followed by all newly married couples”

The Raizada Gods are petrified. They are not normal couples to lovingly follow these orders. NK takes a sigh of relief.
“Thank God we are not coming here after our marriage. I cannot carry you until you thin down”
Lavanya’s jaw drops but she knows he is teasing. Girija laughs.
“You are yet to be married, isn’t it?” she asks. “But that doesn’t matter. You are a couple still. You can lift her in arms”
Lavanya passes a lopsided smile to NK.
Akash doesn’t argue. He wants to do this. He reads Payal’s eyes as if seeking permission from her and gently lifts her up. She shies but holds his neck for support. Nandakishore is the next one to follow. He lifts Lavanya and the two brothers start climbing the stairs. Khushi fiddles with her phone which Arnav snatches the next instant and keeps in his pocket. She gives him a blank stare.

“What are you both waiting for? Lift her” Girija Mausi commands.
“With pleasure” he whispers in Khushi’s ears and lifts her in his arms. She clutches his Kurta. Arnav smirks. “You have thinned down. You should put on some weight” he starts climbing the stairs.
“Don’t force me for any talks Arnav, it’s not going to happen”
“You are disappointing me” he purrs. “I am coming out of my comfort zone and trying to be a good husband. I am learning, Khushi. And I want you to know if you like this change in me or not. Until you tell me, how would I know?”
Khushi feels her body tightening by his words, his intentions and this feeling is indescribable.
“Say something” he urges. They might have climbed 50 stairs by now and there are still 100 more to go. Akash and NK are some distance away.
“I don’t feel anything anymore” she lies looking elsewhere.
“It hurts” his voice turns rough. “Say that looking in my eyes”
Khushi swallows and that doesn’t go unnoticed by him.
“I don’t have to”
“You do” he snaps. “Say that looking at me, Khushi”

He stops at the 70th step.
“I won’t walk until you say that”

Now he is creating a scene and Khushi doesn’t like it at all. In no time, she knows that anyone can see them stopped and might raise questions. She cannot let everyone know that something is wrong between them.

“Arnav.. please walk” she begs.
“Say it” he does not move an inch.
“Fine” she gulps. “I feel.. I feel something when you do all of this to me.. Because that’s what I have been needing you to do right from the start of our relationship. Unfortunately, the time and situation we were in as a couple were never favorable. I don’t blame you for that.”

He gazes down at her, there is a mixture of thrill and fear in her eyes. She looks thoroughly confused if she has to forgive him and move on with him like before or wait for some more time to let him try winning her harder. He will do anything to please her, anything to make her believe that he can never hurt her again, neither emotionally nor physically.

“We have been through a lot these days, I know” he replies, slowly continuing the climb. “I am just going to make things better for us. I promise”
Khushi slowly raises her arms and slides it around his nape for support. She knows he will make things fine again and she cannot wait for it to happen.
888
They finish the rituals in the temple. The weather turning bad rapidly. It’s cloudy and indicates an incoming storm.

“Bhai.. It’s not safe to drive back home all the way. I just confirmed, it has started raining heavily outside this village. We might get hit by the storm if we drive” Akash exclaims.
Arnav thinks for a while and then takes the decision.
“We will stay in the farm house today. NK, inform the guards at Shantivan to take extra precautions in our absence”
“Yes Bhai” NK replies and makes few calls.
“I will ask Suraj again to take a round at home if necessary” Akash says and heads away to dial Suraj.
Arnav turns to the three women of their family.

“Had you packed extra clothes?”
They deny.
“We will find something in the Farm house then. Get in the car”

The three quickly head in the car trailed by the Raizada brothers and the guards following them in their jeep.

A short drive of 15 minutes, gets them to the Farm House. It’s a small house backed up with a huge garden area. The servants here who were pre-informed by Akash quickly assist them to unload the stuff from the vehicles. Arnav asks the guards to use the guest house built beside the Bungalow where they can rest tonight. Few guards leave and the rest secure the house. The house is dark inside, only light is from the candles glowing at almost every corner of the living room.

“What happened to lights?” Arnav asks.
“The lightening has killed the main switch. We are getting it repaired. Might take few hours” the servant replies.

Khushi shivers. It’s too cold here. Lavanya and Payal are busy admiring the house which has very artistic interiors. Arnav notices her shivering and asks the maid to light the bonfire inside. They will need it tonight to be warm.
“Do we have any clothes to change for the women?” He asks another maid.
“Just few sarees of Mataji. She had left it here when she had visited this place a year ago.”

Arnav looks at his wife who gestures him that won’t be needed.

“We will manage in these clothes” she replies on behalf of Lavanya and Payal too who agree on the same.
“Good for them, Bhai. What about us” NK interrupts. “I cannot sleep in this attire. It’s satin, what if it sparks at night?”
Lavanya and others laugh at his question. Arnav stares at Khushi and it makes him smile too seeing her so relaxed. Khushi turns to him randomly and stops laughing. The way he is staring at her stiffens everything inside her. She wants to freshen up and has no clue where the rooms are and which one belongs to which brother? She knows only Arnav can tell her that. While the other two couple make themselves comfortable at the couch, before the bonfire, Khushi walks to her husband.

“I need to freshen up. Where is our room?”
“Let me show you. Come”

He holds her hand and takes her to the stairs. It’s so dark in here, everywhere. She grips his arm.
“This place looks scary” she mutters.
“Because of no light, yeah” he agrees.
“How many rooms do we have here?”
“Three. Why?”
“NK and Lavanya are not married. They cannot share a room. Someone has to adjust”
Arnav stops. He had never thought that.
“I will sleep with Lavanya. You and NK can share a room. Akash Payal can take the last one”

Arnav stops. He doesn’t like that. She stares at his face.

“What?” she asks.
“What is Akash and NK share a room, Payal joins Lavanya in the other and we take the last one?”

Khushi blushes at his idea, there is clear desperation in his eyes and tone.

“No, that’s not happening. Akash and Payal need time to know each other. They deserve to be left alone”

As if this is final whatever she just suggested, she turns around to leave. Arnav holds her hand and pulls her back to him.
“I am not sleeping without you” he declares like a stubborn child.
Khushi shakes her head
“Okay then… be awake the whole night..”
“What the” he snaps but she manages to slip away from him and lock herself in the washroom. Arnav sighs in frustration and keeps waiting for her to finish. He cannot leave his wife in dark here.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 53

Guest House – Pratapgad

Khushi comes out of the washroom and her leg slips.

“Watch out” Arnav manages to catch hold her arm at the right time.
She takes a sigh of relief that she didn’t get hurt. Her skin is cold as ice.
“You are cold” he exclaims and then touches her forehead.
“Hmm. I usually fall sick when the weather drastically changes” she replies.

That’s something new he learnt about her. In their few months of marriage, he never got the opportunity to know what Khushi Gupta Singh Raizada really is. He has just seen her improved version as his wife, after she started adapting to their family culture and sharpened her skills.

“Let’s get you warm then” he scoops his arm around her shoulder.
“I will be fine” she tries to move back but he grips her waist. The heat of his body enough to hold her back in place.
“Stop fussing” he shouts. “I can sober down to win your heart but I won’t tolerate your carelessness towards health”
She frowns, but at the end accepts his warning. She has no plans to avoid this new thoughtful version of Raizada God. They walk down to the living area again, hoping the generator would soon be repaired. Akash is putting woods in the bonfire, making the flame high enough to keep them all warm. Payal cuts some fruits sitting next to him. Lavanya and Nandakishore are murmuring something to each other, probably teasing, but the moment they see Arnav and Khushi returning, they become serious again. They have to keep a control on their behavior.

“Khushi.. you look pale” Lavanya exclaims in worry seeing her face.
“Yea, a bit. Don’t worry about me. I will be fine”

Arnav strides to the guards securing their place.
“Go and help the servants fix the power” he commands.
The guards hurry out.
“I hope the heater will work once the power is back” Arnav then asks the other servant.
“Yes, the heater should work.”

Khushi notices the concern which Arnav is showering passively for her. Her pale health has got his nerves kicking again. Is this the same man who had hurt her, though unintentionally? Arnav reaches to her and sits next to Khushi.

“I have asked the maids to make some soup along with the dinner. You will feel better”
Khushi smiles.
“I will check if they need any help” she is about to get up when he stops her.
“They don’t need your help. They can manage. That’s what they are paid for”
Khushi rolls her eyes.
“But how will just 2 maids cook for so many people? They will need assistance as they are not used to cook regularly for us. And they don’t even know the preferences of Raizada Gods.  I will guide them”

Arnav clenches his jaw.
“You won’t listen to me, will you?” he asks in a stern voice.

Payal interrupts their argument.
“Khushi, he is right. You should rest. Me and Lavanya will assist the maids. You have done enough so far, you deserve this break.”
“Payal, but”
“No arguments” Lavanya cuts her words. “Allow us to share your load.”

Khushi sighs in agreement.
“Okay, but do let me know if my help is needed”

Payal and Lavanya hurry in the kitchen whereas Khushi sits back on the couch, taking her feet up, cuddling them comfortably, taking in the soft warmth which the bonfire is slowly emitting in the room. This is the first time after such a long time that she has got few minutes to relax. Arnav thinks of something.

“You should share your responsibilities with them now” he suggests.
“No, Payal has just got married and Lavanya is yet to step in our family. They are too new for this.” She disagrees.
“You were new too. But you have managed it all so well in such a short period. They will learn.”
“Why are you so much interested in seeing my load shared? I am happy doing what I do. I don’t feel burdened at all. I have enough time to manage all this and I am enjoying it”
“TIME!!” he replies. Their eyes meet and she can see glimpse of naughtiness in them. “Your time is going to be divided”

She doesn’t understand. She keeps giving him a confused stare.

“Remember what I told you? After all this is over.. I am going to give all of my time for you.” He exclaims.

Khushi swallows hard. She remembers this. She had been praying secretly for that time to come soon in their lives and here it is. He wants to give exclusive attention to her.
“Fine” she shrugs. “I will see if I can fit you in my schedule” she teases.
“What the” Arnav mutters in frustration.
Khushi holds her laughs and picks her phone.
“Let me call up Maa and check how is everything there” she dials Usha Raizada.

Arnav keeps admiring her as she converses with her mother-in-law with such ease. She knows how to bond with people. She has always been an extrovert. She can easily mingle with strangers, she can make friends easily. She builds relationships with people, keeping trust in them. She is everything which he is not. And even then, they have been married and attracted towards each other.
888
Payal and Lavanya are almost finishing the cooking. The maid cuts the veggies whereas Lavanya starts mixing them for a Salad.

“Put some Jalapenos” Payal insists.
“NK is allergic to it” Lavanya replies with a pout. Payal raises her brow.
“You dated him for how long?” she asks.
“Long enough to know everything about him” A blush appears on Lavanya’s face as she replies.
“Don’t you think, we three couples are so different from each other? You and Nandakishore have a love affair, mine and Akash’s marriage is like arranged and Khushi and Arnav, theirs was a one-sided love which is hopefully turning better.”

Lavanya nods.
“Yes, 3 unique love stories” she adds. “These Raizada Gods are changing drastically for us, I can feel that.”
“Yes” Payal replies. “They are exclusively engaging their time with us. That’s a huge change.”
888
Everyone sits for Dinner. Khushi feels better drinking the hot soup specially made for her. The power is still down though the servants are trying their level best to bring it back up.

“It’s pouring outside” Akash says.
“I wonder if the weather will be clear tomorrow morning for us to leave” NK adds.
“We wont drive in this bad weather” Arnav replies.

Khushi sips the soup.

“That’s right. Even Maa has strictly denied us to travel back until things settle down here” she exclaims.
“What if the weather doesn’t get better soon?” Lavanya asks.
Nandakishore replies back to her.

“Then we are stuck here”
She giggles as he entwins their fingers below the table.
“I won’t mind” she whispers to him. “Until we get to stay together under one roof”

Payal hears it out as she is sitting next to Lavanya. She clears her throat to get their attention.

“Under one roof is fine.. not in one room.. Don’t forget your marriage is yet to happen” Payal mutters.
Khushi has been witnessing all their talks with Arnav.
“That’s right. So, you and I will be staying in one room La. And NK will stay with Arnav” Khushi declares. “Payal, you and Akash can stay together”

Payal looks at Akash and they immediately deny this, even though they would love to share some time together.

“No…why we?” Akash asks. “Bhai, you and Khushi take the room. Me and NK and Payal and Lavanya will use the other two. What do you say NK?”
NK shrugs.
“Either ways, I am stuck with you or Bhai. It’s like no profit.. no loss for me. I am cool” he replies.
Khushi is about to deny but Arnav holds her hand below the table, pressing it tight.
“Fine… if you want us to stay together, we will” Arnav says.

Khushi notices the glimpse of wickedness back in his eyes. She doesn’t cut his words. She continues eating their meal. She is absolutely tired and desperately needs some sleep. Doesn’t matter who is next to her tonight, Lavanya or Arnav. Though the very thought of Arnav being so interested in sleeping together, makes her stomach churn with an enjoyable feeling.
888
Arnav asks the guards and servants to go and rest. They can work on the generator the next morning. Khushi is sitting before the bonfire with Lavanya, both talking something. Akash heads to the room upstairs where Payal has been making the bed for her and Lavanya. He knocks the room and gets in.

“You want something?” she asks.
“No… I just came to ask if you are angry on me. I mean, when Khushi Bhabhi offered us to stay in one room, I denied.”
Payal smiles.
“You did good by letting them be together. Considering the present situation, they are the ones who need it.”
Her reply brightens his mood.
“Thanks.. Uh… If you need anything, call me”
Payal holds her laugh. She can clearly see Akash mellowing down for her.
“Sure”
“Bye” he starts moving behind,
“Bye”
“Good night” he keeps moving behind without watching.
“Good night”
“Sweet dreams” his back touches the knob of the door and he hisses in pain.
Payal laughs heartily.
“Sweet dreams Akash. Now before you hurt yourself again, you better leave. See you tomorrow morning” she replies.

Akash feels shy. He rubs his back where it hurt him and heads out of the room.

Khushi notices Lavanya’s eyes looking past her while they talk. She senses that’s because of Nandakishore who is purposely sitting behind them, little away, admiring Lavanya.

“Go give him some company” Khushi says to Lavanya who feels shy for being caught.
“No, that’s okay.”
“Oh come on.. Stop lying to me. Go. And then I want you straight in Payal’s room”
“Of course, Mrs. Raizada” Lavanya gets up mocking at her. “Thank you and Good night”

She hurries to NK who then escorts her till Payal’s room upstairs. Khushi keeps gazing at them for a while and then turns back to the bonfire where now her husband is busy firing it more with some woods. He returns back to her and sits beside.

“Finally, I have you all for myself” he murmurs.

He looks sexy in that Kurta, with the top two buttons open. It’s both inviting and tempting her. He notices her gazing there and tilts his head to one side, looking in her eyes.
“I am all yours” he whispers.

Khushi realizes on what context he just said her this. She nods in disagreement.

“I have no plans of exploring you.”
Arnav gently raises her hand and kisses her knuckles. She freezes. She is beyond cold now. “Someday then.” He replies.
Khushi shrugs her hand from his. She knows he has been trying hard to convince her. Arnav clenches his jaw as she withdraws her hand from his. He takes a deep sigh and looks ahead, at the fire.
“I heard you are going to Mumbai after NK’s wedding”

Khushi is shocked. She hadn’t shared it yet with him. Did Daadi tell him? How can he know otherwise?
“Yes” she softly replies.
“Forever?” he looks back at her, this time all his teasing gestures are gone. She can see that roughness back in him which he had during the time of his enemies.
“For some time” she replies.
Arnav swallows hard.

He doesn’t say anything. She expects him to react some way but he gets up without continuing that conversation.

“Let’s go upstairs. You should sleep”

She nods and slowly gets down the couch. Arnav turns the fire off and then leads her to the bedroom. The rain is still pouring. He shuts all the windows as it might worsen Khushi’s health. She is already freezing and shivering. Khushi gets on the bed, covers herself under the duvet but even then, her shivering doesn’t stop. When Arnav joins her there, he notices her quivering lips. He extends his arm for her to hold and reach his side of the bed so that he can cuddle her, to give some warmth by hugging her, rubbing her. Khushi’s eyes widen.

“If you trust me” he whispers.

Khushi takes few seconds to decide and then holds his hand. He drags her towards him and hugs her tight.  She wraps her arms around his back, breathing hard on his chest. Her lips brushing his skin.
“Close your eyes” he says rubbing her back gently. The warmth of his palms slowly starts creating its magic and effect. It still takes a while for her shivering to stop completely. Arnav hears her soft snores once he is assured, she is asleep, he starts whispering.
“Don’t leave me, Khushi. I might not survive. It will take long for me to openly say this.. but you know me.. you read me better than anyone else does. You are the source of my happiness, my smile, the sole reason why I have ever felt I have a heart too. If you go away, darkness might engulf me back. Don’t push me away… ever!!!” he kisses her head and then hugs her tight… Khushi feels a lump in her throat. She wasn’t fully asleep yet and when she heard his first request of not leaving him, she couldn’t hold herself from hearing his full confession. He really wants her in his life.. though he might never say it aloud and clear. That’s Arnav Singh Raizada.. A man with a warrior heart yet weak in showing affection and love to a woman. But he is trying it.. he is learning and if she distances herself from him, he might really not be able to sustain. Tears pool in her eyes. She feels her heart in her mouth. But she doesn’t want him to know she is awake, it might create panic and a sense of tension in his mind. He has already said what he feels for her.. and its time she should stop pushing him away. But will he ever say those three magical words to her? It might be hard and totally out of his territory but she knows even if this Raizada God never says it loud, he feels it from his heart and that’s all that matters.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 54

Guest House – Pratapgad

Akash tosses on the other side only to realize Nandakishore’s absence.

“NK” he shouts to check if he is anywhere in the room. He turns the light but does not find his brother.
“Where can he go at mid night?” he self talks and gets down the bed to go look for him. The Raizada Gods have always got each other’s backs covered. They were 3 bodies but one soul. He knows there is no longer threat from any enemy, so he need not worry NK might be in any kind of danger. He still has to find him at any cost.

He comes out of the room, flashing the torch lights of his mobile phone. Its dark in the corridor. Obviously, everyone is fast asleep, including the servants. He reaches the stairs and when suddenly someone collides with him.

“Damm” he shouts at the first instance but soon realizes the person he just stumbled with is his wife, Payal. “Payal?”
Payal rubs her arm which hit his chest
“What are you doing here at mid night?” he asks in a worry.
“I am looking for Lavanya. She is not in the room”
“Not in the room? What do you mean?”
“When I woke up feeling thirsty, she was not beside me” Payal replies
“How is it possible? Even NK is missing”

Payal tries to corelate but Akash gets serious.

“Let me inform Bhai and the guards” he mutters “I hope Bhai and Khushi are not missing” he adds and is about to shout for the guards thinking someone has kidnapped both NK and Lavanya.
“Akash wait” she stops him. “You are overthinking”
“Payal.. They are missing. How can I calm down?”
“Maybe they are together” she hints.
“Together or not.. I just want them to be safe”
“Akash” she holds his hand. “I am sure they are safe.. they must be missing each other and hence.. thought of spending time together” she almost blushes explaining him so detailly.

Akash slowly tries to understand what she is hinting about. He calms down.

“Ohh” he rubs his forehead shyly. “I didn’t thought about that”

She shies away too. Atleast NK and Lavanya thought about spending time privately, and here even after being husband-wife, such ideas don’t even flash in their silly heads.
888
Nandakishore and Lavanya are at the backside lawn, sitting together, warming themselves before the bonfire.
“It’s so romantic” he says curling a strand of her hair in his fingers.
She raises her head from his shoulder blade and smiles at him.
“Mr. Romantic.. If your brothers get to know we are here, they will make an issue of it”
“I don’t think so” he snuggles her close to him. “Bhai must be busy with Khushi Bhabhi in his arms, just like I have taken you now. And Akash and Payal too would be following us, but in their dreams. Poor them”

Lavanya chuckles.

“They are coming closer to each other than before. I can sense that”
“You mean Akash – Payal?” he asks.
“Yes” she nods. “Payal is shy type and so is Akash I feel.” She adds.
“That’s true. They will take long long time to reach the way we are with each other.”

He tries to Kiss her but she stops him teasing.
“That’s going to happen after marriage now”
NK frowns.
“We used to before” he reminds.
“And we know what happened after that. We broke up.. we had such a huge lapse in between. I don’t think we should try that again before we are legally married”

NK looks at her seriously. Since when did Lavanya start being so orthodox. His tense looks makes her come out of the pretense and she starts laughing aloud.
“Oh God NK” she laughs. “Look at your face.. You took that seriously, didn’t you?” she asks.

NK sighs in frustration and starts tickling her fast.

“Damn you La… is this even a time to pretend all that?”

He keeps tickling her until she gives up finally. She rolls on the ground, with him above her.
“Fine. I .. I give up” she says breathing hard.
NK grins with pride and kisses her forehead. Before they can get engrossed further, they hear some soft voices coming towards the garden.
“Who is it?” she whispers to him as he gets up and gives her a hand too
“Sshhh. Come” he drags her towards the door to get in the house again.

Payal’s torch light blows off and she gets a little scared with the sudden darkness. They both are still looking for NK and Lavanya. She presses Akash’s hand tight.

“I am here” Akash places his hand around hers.
Her fear goes away as she meets his eyes. They both gaze at each other… completely lost of their initial motive of looking for the missing couple.

NK and Lavanya reach the d0or to get in without anyone catching them together. That’s exactly when they see Akash and Payal’s intense eye lock.

“Oh Shit… What are they doing here?” La whispers..
“Probably looking for us” he replies with the same softness in his voice.
“I am finished.. Payal and Khushi wont stop teasing me for this. I shouldn’t have come with you” she hits him gently.
“They wont”
“How can you be sure?” she snaps.
“Wait and watch. Just support me” saying that he drags her inside.

“Akash…. Payal Bhabhi?” NK shout turning the lights ON of the living room.

Akash and Payal come out of their stance and face them. Akash feels embarrassed for being caught admiring his wife by his brother.

“Saw Lavanya..” NK continues.. “Didn’t I tell you, these two would be with each other? Where else can they go?”
Akash is confused and so is Payal.
“Excuse me?” Akash mutters “You two were looking for us?” Akash asks.
Lavanya holds her laugh. NK has so intelligently turned the game on their side though she knows its not going to work for long.
“Of course.. When I woke up, I didn’t find you beside” NK lies. “I came out to check and that’s when I found Lavanya. She was searching Payal Bhabhi”

Payal’s jaw drops.

“Lavanya?” Payal fakes a shout...
Lavanya pouts.
“Payal Bhabhi.. that’s okay.” NK continues. “Its not your fault. You guys are newly married. Spending time with each other is your sole right..Thats okay”

Akash comes ahead and pinches NK’s ears.

“Sole right? Is it?” Akash mutters. “You do wrong and then put the blame on us? Nice trick NK”
“Ouucch Akash.. its paining” NK yelps.
“Really? Then let me press your ears harder” Akash presses his ears hard.
“Okay. Sorry.. sorry .. It was me and La who were out.. Happy?”

Payal laughs whereas Lavanya is too ashamed for being in this situation. Akash leaves NK’s ears.

“I am sure it must have been your idea. You are spoiling Lavanya” he exclaims.
“Akash.. Don’t tell this to Bhai.. Please”
“I will”
“Please Akash…. You are my best bro.. aren’t you?”
“Hmm” Akash knows he is buttering. “Fine.. no more cheating us until you guys marry. Understood?”
NK nods.
“I wont cheat you guys even after me and La marry. Happy?”

Akash grins.
“Good boy. Now come on.. let the girls get some sleep and so should we”

He drags NK back to their room whereas Payal takes Lavanya to theirs.
888
Khushi wakes up, slowly opening her eyes. She feels cold suddenly as if the warmth she got at night is again lost suddenly. When she is able to see clearly, she finds Arnav Singh Raizada sitting next to her, on the bed, admiring her. She moves back in horror.

“Hey” he tries to calm her down. “It’s me”
Khushi nods.
“I know.. why … why are you seeing me like that?”
“I don’t know how else a husband is allowed to see his wife” he replies.

Khushi feels her cheeks changing colors by the reactions happening inside her, recollecting his one-sided confession last night thinking she was asleep.

“How are you feeling now?” he touches her forehead to see her temperature.
“Better” she clears her throat and gets up. He puts some pillows behind so that she can rest her back there. “Thanks”
“Mention not” he whispers.
“What time is it?”
“08:00” he replies.
“God!! How could I sleep till 08:00? Is everyone awake already? How’s the weather outside? Are we leaving back home?” she shrugs the duvet off her body.

Arnav rolls his eyes.
“The world won’t stop if you miss waking up on time for once”

Khushi slows down her actions.

“I am habituated now… You know at Shantivan, by 08:00 I finish my Sword fighting training with Maa, shower and also cooking breakfast for everyone. And see today. This place and the weather here is spoiling me” she replies.

She is about to get down the bed, but Arnav pins her back to the headboard.

“If that’s so.. we should stay here for another day” he declares.

Khushi swallows hard. Is he serious?
“I am” he replies reading her eyes.
Khushi keeps swallowing hard.
“Maa.. is alone.”
“Radha.. Tulsi Aunty.. and your Daadi are there with her”
“They miss us”
“We miss them too”
“We can come here again” she continues convincing him.
“We won’t get this time again” he argues.

Khushi gets speechless. Arnav likes her silent. It makes him convinced that she accepts the idea of staying back for one more day.

“The weather is still not good. Another hail storm can hit this place. People are requested not to travel” he informs
“Really?” she wonders if he is lying.
Arnav shakes his head.
“It’s on the news. You can ask Suraj”
“Oh” she breathes normally again.
“But .. we don’t have more clothes.. None of us”
“uhh.. not all of us.. just you 3 women”
“What do you mean? You guys have extra set of clothes?”
“Found a few pairs in the guest room. Seems we had left a few of our clothes when we had stayed here once last year. They are all washed and dried.”

Khushi frowns..

“And what about me, Payal and La? What will we wear?”
“We will find something for you all. Now will you ask everything from the bed or you plan to freshen up too? The breakfast will be served in few minutes, we shouldn’t miss it”

Khushi rolls her eyes. She was going to get down the bed long back. It was he who kept pinning her and filling her with so much of news. She gets down and hurries in the bathroom.

888
Payal tells Khushi how she and Akash caught NK and Lavanya together at night. The entire incident makes Khushi laugh heartily. Lavanya keeps blushing all the time.

“Payal. .Khushi… stop it guys.. I am so embarrassed” she says.
“Aww… Someone has fallen hard in love” she teases.
“Just me?” Lavanya interrupts. “What about you? You are the master of love. Remember how you used to flirt all the time with the stern Arnav Singh Raizada?” she asks.

Khushi recollects all those moments. Arnav was very rough and always angry and frustrated whenever they met. She left no chance to melt him down. She misses being that flirtiest Khushi Gupta again.
NK gets inside the room where the three girls have been chit chatting after the breakfast.

“Uhh.. excuse me. Anyone interested in playing Basket Ball with us?”

_____________________________________________________________________

Chapter 55


NK gets inside the room where the three girls have been chit chatting after the breakfast.

“Uhh.. excuse me. Anyone interested in playing Basket Ball with us?”
Khushi, Lavanya and Payal look at each other’s faces and then back at NK.
“Basketball? Here?” Lavanya asks.
He nods.
“We have a ground behind. It will be fun”
“Okay, I am in” Lavanya accepts “What about you both?” she turns to Khushi and Payal.

Payal is skeptical about it.
“I have never played Basketball” Payal pouts.
Akash and Arnav get in the room.
“We are not Champions either.” Akash replies to her query. “the last time we brothers played Basket Ball was 5 years ago”
“I remember that one” Lavanya interrupts. “Raizadas vs Sehgals” she adds.

Khushi has no clue about it. She keeps looking at everyone blankly. Arnav notices her confused stare and briefs her.

“That match was organized for the community welfare of our town. A lot of money was invested on the team who would win.” Arnav exclaims. “Tushar was the captain of their Team”
“Did they win?” Khushi purposely takes the Sehgals side here.
Arnav passes her a lop-sided smile.
“No one can win opposite to Raizada Gods. I think by now you should have known that”
Khushi rolls her eyes.

“Egoism runs in your blood, doesn’t it?” she snaps.
Arnav comes forward. She stares up at him. Only she can have that audacity to tell him that.
“You are a Raizada too now” he reminds her. “And you will be mother of Raizada kids someday. So, try to get accustomed to it”

Her breathing mirrors his. Why did he have to talk about their kids now? It makes her stomach churn. He turns around to his brothers who are gawking at them.

“Let’s get to the ground” he instructs.
Everyone nods and leaves out of the room except Khushi who doesn’t move an inch.
“You won’t play?” he asks her again.
“I don’t feel like playing” she denies.
Arnav sighs in disappointment but he is cleverly faking it.
“I understand. You have totally changed your lifestyle for us. You are keen in learning new skills like sword fight, horse riding and what not!! These old pastimes are not your cup of tea anymore. It’s okay. Stay indoors and watch us play”

He walks out. This was a pure taunt. She knows he tried to instigate her to join them and he just happened to be successful in doing so.

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


The Raizada Gods reach the Ground with Lavanya and Payal who are very excited for the game. Fortunately, it is not raining now which means they can leisurely play without any interruption. Arnav is constantly looking at the Backside door, as if waiting for someone to join. NK and Akash notice that and they know why their elder brother is so desperate.

“Bhai” NK interrupts. “Whom are we waiting for? I think we should start the game”

Arnav realizes he cannot make them wait anymore. For one last time he glances at the backside door and there she comes out.. Mrs. Khushi Singh Raizada strides out, tying the Dupatta on her side, tying her hair by a band, stretching her arms to prepare herself for this sport. Lavanya whistles seeing her entry. Arnav keeps watching her warm up. She finally meets his eyes after reaching the basket ball court.

“I am playing” she declares.

NK and Akash wink at each other. They are so grateful that their Bhabhi didn’t leave this golden opportunity to show her skills to her husband. That way, they can bond a bit amidst this game.

“You sure?” Arnav pokes her again. “Don’t cry later for losing”
Khushi grits her teeth.
“Overconfident people always lose. And everyone here knows who has those traits here”
Payal giggles with Lavanya.
“Wow, Khushi. we already feel boosted since you joined. We won’t let these Gods win this game”

The three girls give each other a Hi-5.

“Girls vs Boys” Lavanya shouts.
“Okay” NK and Akash stand on either sides of Arnav.
“Let the play begin” Akash announces. Arnav flips the ball, passing it carefully to his brothers. None of the girls get a grip on the ball. Within a minute, Arnav manages to bounce the ball in the basket from a distance.

“Damm!!” Khushi growls.

Akash is the next one to get the ball. He keeps passing to NK. Lavanya tries to snatch it from him, but he cleverly passes again to Arnav. Khushi blocks Arnav’s way to the basket. But before she can tactfully snatch the ball from him, he passes the ball to Akash. Khushi loses her balance in the attempt to get a grip on the ball. She is about to fall down when Arnav’s strong arms slides around her waist and pulls her to him. Her breathing roughens feeling him so close.

“Careful” he warns. “I don’t want you hurt” he whispers.

“You should have thought that before provoking me for this play” she shrugs his palm from her waist and chases the ball again.

Arnav smirks and gets back in action. The boys seem to be mastering this game. They take a short break. Khushi gathers the girls to the other corner.

“I don’t think we will ever win. Their score is 3 and we are at 0” Lavanya exclaims.
“I agree” Payal adds.
“Come on you two. Don’t lose the spirit. We still have 20 minutes to show our worth” Khushi tries to boost them.

“What Happened?” NK shouts from the other side teasing them. “Looks like you have already accepted defeat”
“You have no idea of girl power” Lavanya screams back.
Khushi and Arnav share a heated glare too. Though his look towards her is more passionate kind, she is more desperate to win for once.
“La.. don’t listen to him. I have a plan”

Khushi’s shares a plan with the other two. Lavanya bites her lips.
“It’s quite tempting not to agree to your plan” Lavanya says giggling.
Payal hesitates.
“I cant.. I cannot do this with Akash”
“He is your husband Payal” Khushi reminds.
“I know.. but .. this is cheating”
“Everything is fair in love and war” Khushi snaps.
Payal looks calmly at the two who are very eager to win and so she decides to choose their side.
“Alright.. I will try my best”
“Cool. So who implements it first?” Khushi asks.
“Me” Lavanya volunteers.
“And I will be next” Payal declares.
“That’s like my girls”

Khushi is totally in the mood of wining this game and she has thought of everything to make it work. The game begins again. This time when NK has the ball, Lavanya purposely tries to get closer to him, in the pretext to snatching the ball away. NK gets bowled by her sudden change in behavior and for a second loses his concentration. Khushi takes this chance to grab the ball and runs to the basket. Before Arnav or Akash could catch her, she throws the ball in the basket, winning a point for her team. Payal and Lavanya jumps in joy and the three girls soon give a group hug.

“What the hell, NK? Where were you lost?” Akash shouts.
“That’s okay” Arnav interrupts. “They won’t be winning this, we know”

Khushi hears him out and rolls her eyes. She soon shows him a thumbs down. Arnav clenches his jaw. How can she be so sure of wining?  The game continues, its just 15 more minutes now to decide the winner.

“Come on Girls.. Get that ball” Khushi shouts cheering up Lavanya and Payal. Arnav passes the ball to Akash who is about to throw it in the basket when Payal comes in his way and purposely stumbles. He drops the ball in the attempt to save her and Lavanya uses this opportunity. She grabs the ball and runs to the basket, scoring 2 points in total for her team.

“Yes… great work girls…” Khushi yells.

NK looks at Arnav who then stares Akash for his silliness.
“Sorry Bhai… I thought Payal is slipping, so..”
“They are diverting us. We have to be cautious. We have just 5 more minutes to left”. Give your best boys and beware” Arnav warns his brothers.

He turns to Khushi who passes him a quick flying kiss. His brows raise high seeing her doing that. The flirty attitude in her is back, and now that its back, he realizes how much he missed her being like this.

Lavanya has the ball now, she tries to pass it to Khushi but Arnav manages to grab it before his wife. Khushi knows what she has to do. Just a minute more is left and if she doesn’t use this opportunity, they might lose. She decides to divert him and starts chasing. The moment she reaches him, Arnav whispers in her ears.

“I love you”

Khushi stops.. She feels frozen to the spot. She meets his eyes, he is grinning at her. Did he really say that? While they keep staring in each other’s eyes, Arnav passes the ball to Akash. Lavanya and Payal keep screaming from behind so that Khushi can do something, but she simply cannot hear them. Her mind is busy absorbing the last three words said by her husband. Akash puts the ball in the basket, scoring one more point for the boy’s team and thus winning the game.

“We won” NK and Akash cheers aloud.

That scream breaks her stance.

“This.. this is cheating” she yells at him.
“Really? Then what was that which happened with NK and Akash?”
Khushi swallows. He caught her plans?
“Kya hua? Bolti bund?” he asks (Speechless, aren’t you?) “Tumhe laga ki tum badi hoshyaar ho?” (You aren’t the only intelligent one here)
“My trick was way better than yours. At least I didn’t make Lavanya and Payal give any false hopes to their husbands. But whatever you did, is not dignified. You cannot use those golden words to win a game like this” she snaps.

“You think I lied?”

He closes the distance between the two and uses his finger to raise her chin.
“Mrs. Khushi Singh Raizada.. I meant each and every bit of it”
Khushi feels the insides of her stomach clenching.
“Last night, I confessed that but you were sleeping. I realized it was a bad timing, so gave it a shot again.”

Khushi forgets the world around them. She is just keen to hear more. Can he really elaborate all of this?

“I have fallen in love with you Khushi. Ever since I saw you the first time in the field. Though I never showed it off openly, I couldn’t name it then and I was very much aware that the feeling was not something which can fade with time. I have faced death many a times, but with you around, I have realized the importance of life and I want to live it with you… every second.. in every beat of my heart.”

Khushi just hopes she doesn’t faint in his arms, listening to such power pact confession.

“I didn’t even realize I could fall for a woman so bad, until the thought of you leaving me hit me hard. I overheard your conversation with Daadi about going to Mumbai with her and that awakened the sleeping atoms of my heart. I have the power to stop you from leaving me, but I don’t want to force you for anything hereon. Love is giving away what your partner needs, not holding him/her for your sake. I don’t want you to go anywhere leaving me. Because if you do, I might breakdown forever”

Khushi immediately places her palm over his lips, stopping him from saying further. Her eyes tears.

“How do you think I am holding up from past so many days?” she asks “I have been waiting to hear it from you Arnav. I was so desperate to know what you feel for me. I didn’t know you would fulfil my wish so soon. The pace at which you worked in our relationship, I thought it will take ages for you to confess. I was wrong” she declares and chuckles “Love can do wonders. Even with Raizada Gods”

Arnav passes a shyish grin at her and she throws her arms around him and hugs him tight..

“I love you” he murmurs again, in her ears.
She grips him tighter than before.
“I love you too Dammit!!”

They stay there, in the middle of the Basket ball ground and the rain starts pouring. The other two couples rush inside, to avoid drenching in the rain but looks like Arnav Singh Raizada and Khushi Singh Raizada are in no hurry. They are letting the blessings of that heavenly body to shower on their love, to keep it intact for the rest of their lives.

“They look so cute together” Lavanya says looking at the two. NK hugs her from behind.
“They make a perfect pair” he replies.

Akash turns to Payal who is shamelessly admiring Arnav-Khushi’s hug.

“I wish we end up like them one day” he whispers to Payal who blushes hard and then nods her head.
“I wish that too”


__________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 56

“How can Bhai do this?”
“Do what?” Akash asks his Brother who is sharing his feelings about the aftermath of Basket ball when they all saw how Arnav Singh Raizada confessed Khushi Singh Raizada something, which mellowed her heart.
“This… shift of mood and temper. Till yesterday I thought he is never going to confess he loves Khushi Bhabhi so soon, but he proved me wrong after the game today. And just when I thought we are going to get some more beautiful moments of them, he is serious again and talking to Maa, ignoring Bhabhi”

Akash looks at Khushi’s direction who has been waiting for her husband’s attention to her again but fails. They were so much engrossed in the hug, out in the rain, totally drenched when Arnav’s phone rang and they had to pull away from each other. He told her that he had to answer this call from Maa and they both got back in.

“I think he is talking something very important to Maa. Hope nothing is serious there”

NK becomes alert too.
“I will check with Suraj”
“No wait” Akash stops him. “Let Bhai finish. We will check with Suraj after Bhai’s input”

NK agrees.

Khushi takes a Fresh towel and walks to Arnav. She has to wipe his head before he falls sick. As soon as she reaches him, he takes the towel from her, gesturing Khushi that he will wipe it himself.

“Maa please hold on” he mutes the call and concentrates on Khushi. “Why didn’t you change your dress yet? You might catch cold”
Khushi nods. She likes him so caring for her.
“I will change now”
She is about to leave when he holds her hand, his eyes burn with passion again as he notices a strand of hair stuck on her cheek. He tucks it behind her ear and lingers his thumb over her ear and cheekbone. Khushi gulps.

Akash notices that and makes NK watch the scene too.

“See.. the romantic Raizada is back” Akash mocks. NK chuckles in agreement. Khushi holds Arnav’s wrist and gestures him to continue the call. He comes out of his stance and finally unmutes his mother.

Khushi walks away from him. Payal and Lavanya blocks her way. They both give her some serious glares.

“What?” she playfully asks though she gets a hint that these two girls are going to pester her for losing the match.
“Lavanya… who made the plan to win the game?” Payal asks.
“Khushi” Lavanya replies almost instantly. “And who was giving us high hopes of winning Payal?” she adds.
“Khushi”
“And who ditched us at the last moment?” Payal asks.
“Khushi.. Khushi… Khushi” Lavanya yells.
Khushi closes her ears.
“Okay.. sorry sorry.. I am sorry.. If that’s what you guys want to hear” she snaps.
“Of course, we deserve an apology from you. We put all efforts to win and what you did? Just few buttering words from Arnav and you froze? We were so close to winning, Khushi”
“I know La.” Khushi pouts. “But you have no idea how much desperate I was to hear that from Arnav. I never thought he would say it amidst the game. He tricked me, that’s right but he meant those words. I am so flattered... and smitten” she adds biting the ends of the towel.

Both Payal and Lavanya are awed for her. They hug her.

“We are happy for you Khushi” Lavanya exclaims.
“I know. I wish these moments just freeze here” Khushi wishes.
“I hope that too” Payal tightens their hug.

Arnav finishes the call and then comes back in the living room where his brothers, their wives and his darling wife is present.

“We have to start for Lucknow today. Maa wants us to come back as soon as possible” he informs.
“Khushi, Lavanya and Payal pout seeing each other. Just few minutes ago they were praying their stay gets extended and here they now this news.
“Everything okay there Bhai?” Akash asks.
“Yes, they are fine Akash. I even talked to Suraj and he said there wont be any storm around here till tomorrow. So, before that happens, its better we get back to Shantivan”

NK is unhappy. He knows this won’t make a difference to his brothers. Because their wives will stay together with them in Shantivan. But that’s not the case with him. Lavanya will go back to Kshyap house once they reach and he will have to find excuses to see her until their marriage happens.

“No Bhai.. One more night here.. please” NK requests.

Akash and Payal chuckle seeing him pleading. They know what he and Lavanya had done last night. Arnav shrugs his shoulders as if giving in to the demand .

“Okay.. I am cool if you want to postpone your wedding rituals” Arnav replies. NK immediately stands up.
“What? Wedding rituals? I … I didn’t get you Bhai”
“Maa has talked to Tulsi Aunty and the Priest. It seems the best Mahurat for your wedding is either this weekend or the next month. Maa didn’t wish to wait so long, so she has decided that the wedding will happen this weekend only. Means in 3 days. If you don’t want that then..”

Arnav pretends to remove his phone and dial back his mother to inform. NK immediately stops him.

“NO.. I am ready.. We should leave .. In fact, we should leave for Lucknow now.. Shall we?”

There is a moment of silence around for few seconds and then everyone bursts out laughing seeing Nandakishore’s desperation. Arnav pinches NK’s ears.

“Too eager to climb the horse? Arent you?” he asks.
NK shies away and hugs him. Arnav gives him a pat in the back
“I know you will keep Lavanya happy. Just wondering why didn’t you tell us about your affair all this long?”

Khushi holds Lavanya’s hand and drags her to Arnav and NK.

“That’s because they had broke up in between” Khushi explains. Arnav gets curious to know why and waits for her to address that too. Lavanya looks down feeling guilty and shy.
“Why?” Arnav asks.
“That’s because of your golden rules of wives staying separate” Khushi replies. “I was not fond of it either. Glad you broke that rule” she says smiling at her husband.

Arnav smiles back at her. Yes, now he knows how painful it can get to stay away from the person you love.

Akash comes forward.

“In that case Khushi Bhabhi, we should be thanking you. Because we all know why Bhai demolished that rule. Right Bhai?”
Arnav bites his inner cheek unable to respond in words but doesn’t fail to nod his head. He is opening himself, his feelings now, no more restricting them to his heart.

“All right.. Now should we just pack and leave? Cannot wait to help Maa in the preparations” Khushi breaks their stance.
“Yes” Arnav interrupts, and comes to her. “But first you are going to change that wet dress”
“And you are going to wipe your head” Khushi commands.
“Yes, Ma’am”

They both head back in their room to change and prepare themselves to leave back for Shantivan.

NK decides to drive and Lavanya sits ahead with him. Arnav and Khushi take the backseat and Akash and Payal the one behind them. Khushi recollects how much mad she was at Arnav while their trip to Pratapgad and now while returning back from here, she is only taking good memories with her. She cannot forget this place ever because that’s where her husband proposed his love for her. Arnav entwins his fingers with her and gestures her with his expressions what she is so lost at. She nods in denial, not willing to share her silly mind and places her head on his shoulder. Good days are here to come!!

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

Shantivan

The preparations of NK-Lavanya’s wedding begin. Khushi being the eldest Bahu takes up all the major responsibilities whereas Payal assists Lavanya and Tulsi Kshyap in shopping and doing the other chores from the Bride’s side. Usha is engrossed in making jewelry for her new bahu and she wants to ensure this wedding is memorable for everyone in the town. After all, this will be the last wedding of their family, at least for the present generation. Subhadra assist her with the choice of sarees and Jewelry.

“Subhadraji, it feels like just a day back I had got Arnav married to Khushi and see now, Akash and Payal wedding took place after that and now my youngest son is also in the same line. I am such a lucky woman” Usha shares her thoughts.
Subhadra nods in agreement.
“I told you that already, didn’t I? You have a full-fledged family now. And everyone is so happy. I will pray this happiness remains like this forever”
“Thank you Subhdaraji” Usha thanks her and continues making her choice.

Arnav reaches them.
“Maa, where is Khushi? I don’t see her around”
“She is at Lavanya’s place, getting Lavanya ready.”

Arnav recollects Khushi had told him this, in the morning that he won’t be seeing her today until evening when the engagement ceremony will take place in Lavanya’s house. Ever since they have returned back from Pratapgad, they have not been able to spend time with each other. His mother has assigned so many responsibilities of the wedding on Khushi, that it has killed all her free time throughout the day. Not that he is any less busy. They both get to see each other only at night, when she is extremely tired and dozes off almost the moment they get on bed. He had never imagined that even after their love confession for each other, they would keep their hands off each other for such a long span.

“Bhai.. I have prepared the invite list. Just check once and see if I have missed anyone” Akash gives the list to Arnav, interrupting his thoughts.
“I will go through this” Arnav replies. “What about the Kshyaps?”
“I am sending this list to Tulsi Aunty today, she can add her names”

Arnav gets some idea in his brain and he smirks. Akash notices that unusual grin on his brother’s face and asks.

“All okay, Bhai?”
“Yes, just got a solution to my problem” Arnav winks at him and strides away removing his phone from pocket.
Akash has no clue what solution Arnav got but he cannot waste time thinking about it. He has to check if NK’s Sherwani for today’s event is ready or not.

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

Kshyap’s Residence

Khushi helps Lavanya get ready for the event.

“I don’t think NK can survive after seeing you tonight. You look ravishing” Khushi appraises.

Lavanya blushes hard. Payal kneels down to make Lavanya wear the Anklets. Khushi suddenly hiccups which the other two girls notice.
“I don’t know whats wrong today, this is the 10th time I am hiccupping like this” Khushi mutters.
“Oh really?” Lavanya exclaims “I know why this happening”
“Why?” Khushi asks.
“Someone is deadly missing you” Lavanya replies and starts giggling with Payal.

Khushi realizes whom Lavanya is talking about. That’s so true. Arnav must be missing her in Shantivan today. At least past 2 days they were in the same house, around each other, doing their respective work and still able to catch up few glances of each other. But today, she hadn’t seen him since morning and vice versa.

Tulsi comes in the room to check if Lavanya is ready. She gets tears in her eyes seeing her daughter and realizing that in 2 days she is going to leave this house.

“Mom” Lavanya gets up and comes to her. “Whats there to cry?”

Tulsi wipes her tears.
“Seeing you in a typical Indian attire for the first time got tears in my eyes” she replies.
“Aww.” Lavanya pouts. She knows her mother is lying. “Such a big lie Mom. If you don’t want me to go away, then so be it. I will stay here after marriage”

Khushi chuckles at her idea.
“You think NK will let you stay here?” she asks.
“Why not? And if he still misses me, he can come here to see me some times”

Tulsi pinches Lavanya for her silly ideas.
“Enough of this. Khushi, your brother Suraj is here with the Guest Invite list. He seems very interested in helping us throughout the marriage preps”
Khushi is surprised.
“Suraj? Here? Really?”
“Yes.. Go check on him if you want”

Khushi nods and hurries down. Suraj has been a huge support to the Raizada family ever since he has revealed his real identity and assisted them in fighting against their biggest enemy. But she still remembers the time when she and Arnav had no clue he is her cousin brother and Arnav used to feel jealous about him.

“Suraj” Khushi stops him in the living room. He is monitoring the servants who are busy decorating the Couch area where the rings will be exchanged.
“Hi Khushi”
“Hi.. What are you doing here?”
“Helping. I have heard, any number of helping hand in a marriage house is always less. The more… the better”
Khushi nods.
“That’s true but what about your work in Police Station? Wont you be needed there?”
“I have taken 2 days off”
“Oh” she sighs.
“I think you should head back to Shantivan and look after the preps there. I will manage everything here. You are the eldest bahu of Raizadas. Your requirement there is must”

Khushi feels something fishy.

“Tell me honestly, did Arnav sent you here to replace me?” she frankly asks.

Suraj grins coming closer to her.
“You have got one hell of a loving husband, sister. He really needs you by his side. Go to him”

Khushi’s cheeks change color. She cannot believe Arnav could use Suraj to get her back to him.
“He has sent a car for you. Get going before he loses his mind both on you and me”
Khushi fakes a frown at him.
“What if I don’t accept this offer?” she teasingly asks.
“Consequences would be bad” he replies. “My bro-in-law is a very dominant commander and I suggest you don’t take a risk by going against his wishes”

Khushi’s jaw drops

“Whose side are you in?”
“Right now I am on his side because his demand is genuine. Having his wife besides is his birth right”

Now that makes Khushi laugh harder. Birth right? Damn!! She pats his arm.

“Fine.. I am leaving.. Call me if you need any help”

Khushi rushes out to make her way to the car. She cannot wait to check what was so urgent that her husband played this little trick?


To be Continued.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 57

Shantivan

“Khushi?” Usha is surprised to see her elder Bahu back home. “What are you doing here? You were supposed to assist Tulsi”

Khushi pouts.
“Suraj replaced me there” she replies with a hope that her mother-in-law doesn’t catch her excuse.
“So what?” Arnav comes out from the other room. “You shouldn’t have come back like that. Tulsi Aunty might need you again for other duties”
Khushi knows he is mocking
“I shouldn’t have come here?” she purposely asks.

Usha keeps looking at the two. Whats happening?

“No.”
“Fine.. I will go back then”

She is about to go when Arnav holds her hand.
“You don’t have to” he mutters. “Now that you have come home, I need your assistance in something”
Khushi decides to show no mercy to him now. She crosses her arms in the front.
“There is no work which Raizada Gods cannot do on his own. Since when did you start needing assistance?”

Arnav bites his lip. Now she is killing their time to be together.

“Why don’t you come upstairs and I will show you what I need your assistance for?” he teases back

Khushi becomes speechless whereas Usha Raizada is intelligent enough to pick it up. She decides to play along.

“Arnav.. let her help you later. I have so much of things to sort out for the Ring ceremony today. I will take Khushi with me” Usha exclaims

Both Arnav and Khushi react unhappily.
“Maa.. but” Arnav tries to explain but Usha doesn’t let him do that.
“Arnav… I will ask Rob to help you” she declares.
“ROB?” Arnav snaps. “He… he can’t help me Maa”

Khushi giggles seeing Arnav’s tortured face.

“He can’t?” Usha asks “Okay, then take Akash. Or the best, take Nandakishore. He has nothing to do except getting ready. Go”

Saying that, Usha drags Khushi along with her. Khushi has no other excuse to give. She keeps walking with her mother-in-law but keeps turning behind to see the reactions on her husband’s face. He is very frustrated and that somehow makes him look hotter.

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

It’s been an hour since Khushi is assisting Usha in selecting the Sarees which they need to gift the relatives of Kshyap family.

“How many did you count these are?” Usha asks Khushi.
“22 Maa. And these ones here are the gifts for the maids and servants of the Kyshaps” she replies.
“Good. Get them packed and yes, don’t forget to ask the servants to load them in our car. We should not forget them here”
“Jee Maa” Khushi smiles and gets back to work. Arnav notices his mother coming out of the room. He takes it as the best timing to get back to his wife and steal her all for himself. He steps in the room.

“Khushi” he calls her out. She stops doing her work and looks at him.
“Hmm?”
“Leave all that and come upstairs. I have to talk”
“Now? Arnav.. I need to get all these packed”
“Someone else will do it, Khushi”
“Who else? Everyone is working.. And I cannot make the groom do this. Come on”

Arnav grits his teeth and comes forward.

“Fine.. Let me help you finish this soon”

He sits next to her and helps her pack the Sarees. Khushi chuckles.

“What?” he snaps.
“Nothing. Haven’t seen a Raizada God doing such silly work.. So” she replies holding her laugh.
He tries to touch her hand, but another servant comes inside to collect the gifts.

Khushi shrugs his hold and keeps packing. Arnav clenches his jaw and shouts at the servant, asking him no one is allowed to be here until their work is finished. Khushi feels pity for the servant but she knows Arnav is totally in a messy mood right now. Only she and she alone can calm him down. But she has no time to do so.

“Show some mercy on them” Khushi request him as soon as the servant leaves the room.
“Why don’t you show some mercy on me and obey my commands?” he asks.
Khushi’s face flushes again. Arnav glances around, assessing the surroundings.
“Come with me” he gets up and is about to drag her too along when Khushi’s Daadi comes inside.

“Arnav.. Akash is calling you.”

Arnav grits his teeth. What the hell is wrong with everyone today? He wants to spend time with his wife and every force in this house is against it!!

“Jee” he replies and heads out. Khushi feels utterly sorry for his state but wish she could help. Daadi sits and helps Khushi instead of Arnav now.

“He looks tensed, doesn’t he?” Daadi asks Khushi who fakes a smile.
“He has taken the preparations quite seriously” she lies and continues her work.

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

Khushi finishes the packing of the Sarees and is finally ready to see Arnav in the room and check what is so urgent that he wants her to come there? She almost reaches the room when NK stops her.

“Khushi.. I need your help”

“Now?” she asks.
“Of course.. The engagement is today, so I need your help in making me wear the Turban. Maa is busy so.. can you?”

Khushi smiles and agrees. She can never deny NK because if he hadn’t helped her earlier, she would never have got married to Arnav. It was NK and Lavanya who had taken the initiative to introduce her to Usha Raizada and since then her life changed because she got to marry the man she was head over heels on.

“Okay.. come”

She heads with NK to his bedroom where Radha is already present and collecting the gift boxes.
“Uhh..  Radha.. Where is Arnav?” Khushi asks.
“He is getting the gifts loaded in the car. We have to start in few minutes”
“Oh yes”
“Once you finish with NK’s turban, go and get ready”
“I will”

Radha leaves and Khushi makes NK sit on the couch. She then starts making him wear the Turban.

“Excited?” she asks him.
He nods.
“Very”
“So is Lavanya”
NK smiles.
“She is my best friend NK.. I know her from my childhood. She might be dominating at times but she does it only to protect her loved ones. Compromises is not her thing and you know already.”

He nods.
“That’s why we broke up earlier. She couldn’t compromise staying away from me, after marriage. Glad Bhai broke that rule” he replies.
“Hmm. Now whatever happens, don’t hurt each other. Marriage is much more than what you both think it is”
NK feels the heat in her words.
“Thanks, Khushi Bhabhi”

She finishes wearing him the Turban and pinches his nose.

“Stop thanking and smile. I want you to keep smiling forever henceforth”

NK smiles and taking the Veil he walks out. Khushi follows him and heads back to her room. The moment she gets inside the room, she realizes its dark. She fears for a second. Why are all the windows shut and curtains closed? But this is her bedroom, she cannot fear to get inside alone. She slowly walks in and looks for the light to switch on. The moment she raises her finger to turn the lights, someone holds her wrist. She would have surely screamed if she hadn’t recognized his touch. It’s him.. her husband.. her love.. He snuggles her closer from behind and kisses her ear.

“Why are the lights off?” she murmurs.

He doesn’t respond to that. He keeps hugging her closer.

“You are scared” he whispers.
She gently nods to that, placing her arms on his at her waist.
“What is it that you wanted to tell me in the room?”

He slowly starts swaying her, as if some music is played in the background, which only they can hear it, no one else.

“I wanted to show you something” he replies.
“Which is?” she asks almost instantly.

He turns the lights ON and her eyes widen in surprise. He has decorated their bed, with roses and strings of flowers.

“I don’t need to explain you why I did this” he whispers to her again.

Khushi feels a dull ache inside her. She recollects their actual first night when he chose to leave her stranded in the room and he drove to Lucknow with his Brother, Akash. He was unable to accept her as his wife mentally that time.

Arnav reads her face, he knows what she is thinking and immediately cups her face.

“I was a jerk to behave so rude with you on our marriage night. You have always been polite, quick learner, peace maker and what not for this family and the people of this town. I failed you before Khushi. And I want you to give me a chance to rectify all of that which we both missed. Will you let me love you?”

Khushi’s heart swells. She nods palely. Arnav feels that heady joy and kisses her forhead.

“Get ready, everyone must be waiting for us down”

She wipes her tears and flashes smile back at him.
“I will be down in few minutes”

He breaks their hand hold and walks out of the room. Khushi locks the door and once again stares at the decorated bed. It’s going to be one heck of a night. How is she going to hold up her feelings after knowing whats in for her tonight?

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

Kshyap’s Residence 

Lavanya and Nandakishore exchange rings. Everyone cheers for them and claps. Usha blesses the couple and the party begins. Khushi AND Arnav keep sharing glances at each other. It’s hard to be together in the middle of so many guests. Payal notices Khushi blushing seeing her husband from far.

Payal clears her throat to get Khushi’s attention back on her.

“Did we miss anything?” Payal asks her. “Ever since you have come here from Shantivan, you are glowing”
Khushi hides her blush.
“Shut up Payal. Now help me distribute these gifts to Lavanya’s relatives”

Payal chuckles and picks the tray of gifts. The moment she turns around with the tray, she collides with the servant and the gifts fall down.

“Sorry” the servant apologizes and starts picking the gifts from the floor. Payal gets a suspicion. The face of the Servant is very familiar. She feels like she has seen him before.. But where? And he apologized in English? A servant like him can speak English? That’s strange”
“You work here? In the Kshyap’s house?” Payal asks.

He nods and quickly keeps the tray aside, loading all the gifts back.
“Jee” he bows his head and walks away
“Hey. .wait” Payal calls him out but he doesn’t stop and soon he gets dispersed in the crowd. Khushi turns to Payal.
“Payal? What happened?”
“Khushi.. that servant”
“What about the servant?”
“I feel I have seen him somewhere before”

Khushi doesn’t find anything strange in it.

“So? Maybe he works here.”
“But… he spoke English and his face had too much of resemblance with someone”
“Whom did he look like? Bollywood heros?” Khushi teases.

Payal sighs because Khushi is not taking her words seriously.

“Can it be someone from our enemy list?” She asks.
Khushi thinks for a second.
“I don’t think Raizada Gods have any more enemies left. I feel you are simply worrying. Maybe he is really a servant and nothing more.”

Payal nods. She cannot just suspect on anyone. She takes the tray and follows Khushi to the other room to distribute the Gifts.


_______________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 58


Shantivan


The Celebration ends. Guests have dispersed to their respective home. It is just the Raizada family, Sehgals and Kshyaps who are still present and chit chatting.

“Ushaji” Tulsi interrupts. “I hope we did all the rituals as per your tradition”

Usha smiles seeing so nervous. It is obvious from her tone and expressions that she wants to give the best treatment to the Groom’s family.
“Tulsi. All the arrangements were great and even if you would miss anything, we would never mind.”
“That’s because you have a golden heart Ushaji.” She praises back.
“And I have 3 golden daughter-in-laws too” Usha replies almost instantly and the ladies chuckle.

Nandakishore and Lavanya are admiring their rings, sitting together on the Terrace.

“Your mother’s choice is the best” Lavanya mutters. “Khushi told me she designed the rings”
NK smirks.
“What about her Son’s choice?”
Lavanya meets his mischievous eyes.
“Her Son’s choice is marvelous. That’s why he chose me to be his wife” she winks.
NK draws her closer.
“And the mother of my kids” he adds.

Lavanya giggles.

“We still have time for that NK.. And I don’t want to rush. I am telling this to you much prior. Later don’t insist me on having babies soon”

NK rolls his eyes.
“Fine.. Duly noted Ma’am” he agrees.

Lavanya gets up from the bench.

“Let me go and change the outfit. That’s the excuse I gave to everyone downstairs to come up and meet you”
“wait for few more minutes, please”
“Nope” she declares. “Go down and join everybody else in their conversation. I will be right back”

Nandakishore sighs and gets up too. They hold hands and start walking back to the Door.

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

As soon as Lavanya enters her room, she senses the curtains moving. As if someone just hide behind it. As the doors and windows are closed, it is not possible that the curtains were moved by the wind. She becomes alert. This is something which she can never forget. Ever since her childhood she has been taught to be cautious at every step. She quickly rushes to her side drawer to take out her gun. Before she can unlock the gun, someone shuts her mouth with a Cloth and ties her hand too. She struggles to set free. It’s a man. That kind of strength only a man can possess. His hands are rough. She has to fight him or else she is doomed. He can be anyone from her enemy list, though they have already taken care of all their town enemies.

He pushes her to the wall and she can finally turn around and see him. Her eyes widen in shock. He is Lakshman Sinha!! The same man whom she had kidnapped on his marriage day with Payal and shipped him to his Second Wife in Mewad who had promised to take care of things further. Damn!!

“Surprise… surprise.. .surprise” he exclaims. “You remember me, don’t you?”

Lavanya gulps. She can fight this man and take him down easily, only if he opens her hands.

“I feel so good… So damn good” he roars in joy. “You tricked me that day” he removes a sharp knife from his pocket. Lavanya gets serious and starts looking for alternatives through which she can either escape or call for help.

“We had no enmity ever and still you crossed my path. I was marrying the Sehgal woman, who were you to interrupt that marriage and abduct me?”

She tries to speak, to shout but fails as her hands are tied and also her mouth.

“Lakshman Sinha never fails to take revenge and that’s why here I am” he shouts piercing the knife just beside her, on the wall. “I wont leave anyone.. anyone..”

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

Khushi is in the Puja Room, looking for the Shagun Thali. They had got it from Shantivan specially and its suddenly gone missing. Arnav comes inside the room and clears his throat to get her attention. Khushi freezes. Even the slightest remembrance of what awaits tonight at Shantivan  for her makes her heart flutter with intense emotions.

“Looking for something?” he asks.
“Yes, the Shagun ki Thali is missing. I had kept it here few hours back and now its nowhere seen”
Arnav gets inside.
“Are you sure its missing?” he teases.

Khushi stops her actions and looks at her husband
“Why will  I waste my time looking for it if it’s not missing?”
Arnav comes closer and lingers his finger on her arm, sliding it upwards, with passion.
“I don’t know.. maybe you are scared and you want to hide from me” his voice turns hoarse and tone mocking.
Khushi shivers as his finger reaches her shoulder blade.
“Why will I be scared?” she asks parting her lips to gasp.

Arnav’s eyes stare hungrily at her lips.

“Kyon ki aaj humaari Suhaagraat hai” (Because today is our consummation night)

His reply tenses up every muscle, bone and nerve inside her. She had never expected him to be so confident and mischievous.
“I hope you remember that, don’t you?” his tone chills.

Usha gets in the room and suddenly halts seeing the two so lost in each other. She doesn’t want to intrude but if she doesn’t do that now, somebody else will and this is not a place to get so cozy with each other. They are after all at other’s house, amidst a good number of people who can easily catch them here. But she is glad that Arnav and Khushi’s problems with each other are finally coming to an end. They seem to behave nice and wanting each other ever since they came back from Pratap Gadh. That was the turning point of their life and she is glad everything went well.

Usha decides to interrupt them.

“Remember what, Arnav?” Usha asks.

Khushi opens her eyes as soon as Usha’s voice rings in her ears and she pushes Arnav away. Arnav gives her a confused glance.

“It’s okay” he tries to relax his wife who is behaving as if the whole world just saw them being cozy with each other.
She swallows and walks away, continuing her search for the Shagun ki Thali.
“Nothing” he replies to his mother who is waiting for him to speak up.
Usha smiles and comes closer.
“You don’t seem to behave normal today. Just running behind your wife wherever she goes. Raizada Gods never had that trait before. And now, seems like all my sons have started imbibing it. Each one of you have become Zoru ka Gulam (Slave of their wives). What has gotten in you all?” She asks.

Khushi bites her tongue. That was a perfect fitting reply from her mother-in-law. Arnav feels shy and speechless. He definitely cannot tell his mother that he like his other two brothers, have got fever of love. They cannot stop thinking about their partners even for a second.

“When are we getting back home?” he cuts the topic.
“In an hour. Are you in a hurry?” she purposely asks.
“No” he lies glancing at his wife who is still engrossed in her search. “I will inform the guards to be ready in an hour to leave”

Saying that he walks out of the room. Usha then concentrates on Khushi.

“Khushi.. Payal told me that the Shagun ki Thali is in Lavanya’s room. Seems she had taken it there before the ring exchange”

Khushi takes a sigh of relief.

“Couldn’t she tell me this before? I wasted almost half an hour here”
“How would she know you are looking for it? Anyways, go and get it”
Khushi nods and heads out of the room. Arnav watches her climb the stairs and he so wishes to follow her back. But when he sees her mother coming out again, he stops. It is better if he waits for Khushi to return.

Khushi knocks the door of Lavanya’s room.

“Lavanya.. Open the door. The Shagun Thali is in your room. Maa wants me to get it down. Please open the door” she knocks again.

Lavanya tries hard to respond her back and warn Khushi of this danger but she cannot. Lakshman Sinha smirks hard and watches Lavanya.

“She is the one responsible for breaking my marriage with Payal, isn’t she?”  he asks in a low dangerous voice.
Lavanya denies by shaking her head. She does not want Khushi to fall in this trap.

He laughs and slowly opens the knob of the door, letting Khushi in. The moment Khushi steps in, he shuts her mouth too. Khushi panics by this sudden intervention and notices Lavanya tied up. She feels a strong grip of arm trying to tie her hands. Who the hell is this man and what does he want from them? She immediately strikes back using her elbow. Lakshman fall down. Lavanya rushes to Khushi who immediately unties her arm.

“Who the hell is he?” Khushi roars. Lakshman gets up and pushes both the woman away from the door so that they don’t go out.
Lavanya removes the cloth from her mouth and breathes hard.
“He is Payal’s former suitor” she replies.

Khushi recollects who he is.

“I wont leave you both alive..” Lakshman takes out a Revolver from his jacket..

Khushi giggles.

“Oh my God.!! You are that clown?” she mocks.

Lakshman frowns at her.
“I had almost forgot about him La” Khushi replies casually as if there is no threat from him.
“Khushi, don’t take him lightly. He has killed many people before, he can do it again” Lavanya warns her.
“He killed people before?” Khushi laughs again. “Really?” she adds.

Lakshman gets furious of Khushi’s constant mocking.

“Ehh! Stop it. You .. you cannot insult me. You don’t know who I am” he shouts.
“And you don’t know WHO I AM” she shouts back coming closer.

Lavanya apprehends what Khushi is trying to do. She is diverting Lakshman Sinha so that Lavanya can get some help. She slowly starts making her way to the door.

“I am Khushi Singh Raizada.. The eldest bride of the Raizada clan. Even a small bruise on me and you will be finished forever” she snaps again.

Lakshman Sinha’s points the revolver at her. He had got that news of Raizada Gods marriages back to back. And he was so frustrated when he got to know that two of the Raizada Brides were involved in getting him abducted that day and Payal Sehgal? She crossed the heights by marrying Akash Raizada. Taking into consideration all that running in his mind, Lakshman points the revolver on Khushi’s forehead.

“Let me see who comes to save you today?”

Khushi gulps. She doesn’t fear to die but she cannot die by the hands of such corrupt man. The moment he fixes his finger on the trigger, Khushi removes the hidden knife from her Lehnga and pierces it on his arm, bruising it. Lakshman pulls the trigger but misses the shot. The bullet hits the wall. Khushi strikes again on Lakshman’s feet this time and he gets serious injured.

Arnav, Akash, NK, Suraj and Lavanya comes rushing inside the room. Lavanya was successful in getting help but when they all heard the Gun shot, Arnav felt his heart bursting out considering the chances that the bullet might have hurt Khushi.

Suraj immediately handcuffs Lakshman Sinha whereas Arnav pulls Khushi and cups her cheeks.

“Are you hurt? Did the bullet?” he pauses and checks her. “are you hurt?” he screams again.
“I am not hurt. I am fine.. Nothing happened to me” she tries to cool him down.

Arnav takes a sigh of relief. Blood gushes in his brain as he sees the source of all this drama and action. He walks to Lakshman Sinha and punches hard on his face. Suraj has held him tight.

“I will kill you… How dare you touch my wife” Arnav screams and keeps hitting Lakshman.

None of the Raizada brothers come to stop him. This man deserves that. Khushi interjects.

“Arnav… Stop it..” she yells
But Arnav doesn’t listen to her.. he keeps punching.
“Arnav… you promised me” she shouts back at him. He stops!! Yes, he has promised her that henceforth he wont kill people. He will never take law in his hands. He will fight for self defense and even safeguard his people from their enemies, but he will never kill anyone. He cannot go back on his words. He knows Khushi has suffered a lot because of his arrogance and nature of finishing the enmity by only one means.. KILL. Now he cannot hurt her more. He steps back.

“Take him Suraj..”

Suraj nods and drags Lakshman out of the room.


_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 59

Kshyap House

Usha sees Lakshman Sinha been taken away by Suraj and the other guards, hand cuffed. She was inside the other room with Tulsi Kshyap and had no idea what happened. The servants brief her about this incident as she hurries to the room where all this happened.

“Khushi” she enters. “What happened? How did he come here? Amidst all this security?”

Khushi holds Usha before she can stress herself more.

“Maa.. nothing happened to me. I am absolutely fine”
“You handled it so well Khushi” Lavanya thanks her. “If you hadn’t come here on time, I don’t know what he would do. I am so grateful”
“We are family La. You don’t need to thank me”
“Arnav” Usha turns to Arnav. She is still in shock. “What is wrong with our security? They have failed to protect the family many a times, recently. We need to take this seriously”

Arnav nods. He is still in shock and utter distress. NK comes forward.

“Maa.. I will assure we strengthen our security protocols again” he exclaims.
“But why Khushi and Lavanya? Why did Lakshman attacked them?”
“Maa” Akash mutters. “They had saved Payal from getting married to Lakshman Sinha and that’s why he was here to revenge them”
Usha sighs.
“I need to talk to Khushi, can you all leave us alone?” Arnav suddenly interrupts. He was desperately waiting so far for everyone to leave the room but when that didn’t seem happening, he had to interject.

Khushi swallows the pain formed in her throat. The family understands Arnav’s state and leaves the room. The moment they all go out, Arnav storms to the door and locks it from inside. Khushi patiently waits for him to express what he is going through. He strides to her in next 3 steps and scoops her in arms, kissing her like never before. She gives in too. They both missed this but most importantly, he needed this to be assured that his wife is safe. When they pull back after a while, she cups his face.

“I am fine, Arnav… You should stop worrying now” she pleads. “I am a warrior’s wife… I know to fight now.. I can safeguard myself”
“That’s my duty, not yours. I should be the one protecting you” he replies in remorse.
“You have thousands of people to take care of and you are doing that brilliantly. Let me take care of the rest.”

Their noses touch, breathes collide and the next instant, they kiss again.

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

Shantivan

The Raizada family reach home and disperse back to their respective rooms. They have another 2 important days ahead to look after. The Haldi and Marriage, both of which has been organized in Shantivan this time, to ensure such incidents don’t happen again.

“Maa, Daadi, I am fine. See” Khushi turns around. “I don’t even recall what happened in Lavanya’s room anymore”

Daadi looks depressed and she decides to quickly ask this to Usha as this is the right time.

“Ushaji, if you don’t mind, I would like to take Khushi with me to Mumbai for some days after Nandakishore’s marriage. It will be a good change for her. I feel it is necessary for her” Daadi explains
Usha nods.

“I understand Subhadraji.. And I am totally in your favor. Khushi needs this change. You may take her for a week or so. I don’t mind at all”

Khushi’s face drops. She suddenly feels restless. Going to Mumbai means staying away from Arnav? For a whole week? Will that be possible? Wish she had not shared any such idea with Daadi before. But she really has some work there. She has to resign from her job. Usha gazes back at Khushi and reads her confusion.

“Subhadraji, you took my permission, and I gave it. But looks like Khushi is no more interested in going to Mumbai”

Daadi too notices the gloominess on Khushi’s face.
“Khushi.. Are you not interested to come with me?”
Khushi shakes her head, shrugging any more thoughts on this topic.
“Daadi.. .can we decide later? I am very tired now”
“Of course.. You should rest. Go”

Khushi happily hugs both and watches Arnav coming to her after finishing his serious talks with the other two brothers. Usha and Subhadra leaves but Khushi waits for him. As soon as he reaches her, she entwins her fingers with his and leans her head on his shoulder. Arnav kisses her hair and the next instance, he picks her in arms. Khushi is baffled by his romantic move, that too when anyone from the family could see them.

“What is this? A brave Welcome?”  she mocks as he carries her to their bedroom.
“Tradition” he replies.
She giggles.
“What tradition?”
“Worshiping wife for her bravery”
Khushi snuggles closer to him and kisses his cheek.
“That’s a romantic tradition, I love it”
“Newly invented” he winks. “And the copyright owned by only Arnav Singh Raizada” he teases her back.
“Aww..”

They enter the room and he shuts it by his leg. That’s when they see the decorated bed again.

“This had skipped my mind” she mutters.

He puts her down.
“This was the only thing I had in mind the entire evening” he replies huskily.
Khushi shies.
“Lakshman Sinha ruined my evening otherwise I too wasn’t thinking anything else”

Arnav smirks.

“People are dangerous here Khushi. You should be careful henceforth. But how did you have that knife?”
Khushi smiles.
“I always keep one these days, hidden in my dress for such sudden events. Maa taught me to. And its seriously lifesaving”

Arnav nods.

"Now you realize how silly your plan was? You didn’t even know the background of this place and you started a rivalry with that Lakshman Sinha" Arnav shouts at her.
Khushi narrows her eyes. She thought he would praise her for what she did, instead he is shouting at her?
"Your Brother Akash would have still been a Bachelor and Payal would had to submit to the torture of Lakshman Sinha, hadn’t I taken this decision that day"

Arnav knows she is right but he was seriously afraid when he heard from Lavanya that Lakshman Sinha had captured Khushi. He holds her by her elbow and pulls her close.

"What if anything had happened to you today?" he asks.
Khushi pouts.
"Hmm." she glances at their decorated bed and then gazes back at him. "These flowers would be used for my burial then" she mocks.
Arnav tightens his grip on her hand.
"Arnav.. .what are you doing? It's hurting"
"Thats right.. It hurts" he snaps. "It hurts when you talk about your death. I have seen lot of blood, injuries and deaths Khushi and none of it affected me so far. But if anything ever happens to you, I will burn everything around me.. I swear"

Khushi forgets all the pain she is feeling right now because his words touched her heart.

“Why?” she whispers.
“Because I love you.. I love you Dammit.. Even thinking a moment without you kills me thousands of times. I don’t recollect how I stayed without your presence all these years, but now that I know I love you.. I cannot imagine a life without you, Khushi. Never leave me alone.. Never!!” he warns dangerously.

Khushi feels her stomach churning.. She nods and closes the distance between them, sealing their lips with a passionate kiss. He doesn’t realize when he carries her in arms and takes her to the bed. He makes her lie down and then stops.

“I hope there is no more hidden knife inside” he mocks.

Khushi giggles nodding in his favor and pulls him over her. One of them manage to find the button of the Table lamp after a little juggling and shuts it off.

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

The next morning, Usha begins her usual preparations for the marriage. Payal is helping her too.

“Payal, where is Khushi?”
“I don’t know Maa, she didn’t come down yet”

Usha checks the clock.

“It’s 08:00. She has never been so late”
“Maybe she needs more rest. Plus, whatever happened at Lavanya’s place yesterday must have exhausted her” Payal replies.

Usha agrees but she is still worried for Khushi and wants to know if she is really good or not.

“I will go and check”

Payal nods. Usha doesn’t find anything wrong in doing this. She has always been a protective mother whether that concern be for her sons or daughter-in-law’s. She knocks the bedroom door of Arnav-Khushi. After repeated 3 knocks, Khushi tosses in her sleep, disturbed. Arnav is sleeping next to her, with his arm possessively resting on her waist. Before she can lose herself in the web of her husband again, she hears the next knock and jerks. Arnav wakes up too.

“It’s 08:00? Oh God!!” Khushi wears the robe and gets down the bed. Arnav grabs her arm. “Arnav leave, someone is at the door”
“Must be Payal or some maid. Ask them to come later” he murmurs.

Khushi frowns. She knows her husband can never get enough of her. She manages to grab his Shirt fallen on the floor and throws it at him.

“Wear it”

She ties her hair loosely in a bun and opens the door. Usha finally takes a sigh of relief seeing her but Khushi cannot hide her blush. She has just woke up having the best night of her life and the first person she has encountered with is her mother-in-law? That isn’t going to be nice. Usha notices the reluctance in Khushi’s eyes and then she somehow reads her expressions.

“Maa.. I… I am sorry.. I will come down in 30 minutes.” Khushi stammers all the way.

Usha chuckles and then touches Khushi’s cheek lovingly.

“I shouldn’t have intruded you both!! But what to do? I was used to banging my Son’s doors to get them out to work. Now I should stop doing it. They have a life too, don’t they?”

Khushi flushes.

“Take your time” Usha whispers teasingly and heads back. Khushi shuts the door and turns around to see her husband admiring her.
“Eeekksss” she screams. “You think she caught me?”

Arnav nods in agreement.
“She will get used to it. Now come here” he extends his arm and gestures her return back.
Khushi glares at him.
“Nope!! I am getting late. I need a shower”
She heads to the bathroom but he catches hold of her midway. He hugs her from behind. Both looking at each other in the mirror before them.
“Are you still planning to go to Mumbai with Daadi?” he asks.

Khushi shakes her head.
“It’s unavoidable”
Arnav frowns.
“Why don’t you join me there? I will show you my City”
Arnav had never thought in this angle. He seems satisfied about it.
“I didn’t think that way. But, NK and La will be just married and they deserve to go out too unlike me and Akash who never took our wives for Honeymoon”

Khushi sighs .

“Somebody has to be there to look after things here” he adds. “I cannot leave everything on Akash’s shoulders”
“Right.!! But wasn’t it you who asked me to share my load? So should you, Arnav. And your brothers know what they have to do. Plus, we have Suraj here. He can always keep an eye on the family and report us directly”

Arnav leaves her and turns her around.
“Poor him!! We always use him as per our needs.”
Khushi giggles.

“Lets get him something from Mumbai, he will be happy” she replies.
“We should..”

The door knocks again. Arnav rolls his eyes.

“We seriously need to spend some time away or else we will never be able to be together except few hours of night” he mutters angrily and opens the door. It’s NK this time.
“Bhai.. You saw my Wedding Sherwani? I don’t find it anywhere in my room. I had to try it on”

Arnav gazes at Khushi in frustration. Out of all this, NK had to come to them for such a small thing and disturb their moments? NK is clueless whats happening because Khushi giggles and heads in the bathroom seeing Arnav’s state.

“Bhai.. I asked you something”
“Yea” Arnav turns to him again. “I heard.. It’s in Akash’s room. Are you free for a Boxing round for few minutes?”
NK gulps.
“Boxing? Like NOW?”
“Yes.. NOW”

Saying that Arnav drags his youngest brother out of the room.

_________________________________________________________________________________

Chapter 60


Shantivan

Nandakishore and Lavanya finally get married. Usha is sitting with Radha in the living room, watching the liveliness in this house.

“Radha.. This house has got its soul back, don’t you think? Earlier we only talked about enemies, revenge and fight. I am glad that phase ended and my Sons have started to look after their own families now. Everything feels so calm”
“I agree Mataji.” Radha nods. “And the best thing that happened to this house was you getting your voice back”

Usha nods. Yes. She wanted her voice desperately so that she could communicate with everyone freely, without any help. She clutches Radha’s hand in hers.

“Thank you, Radha, you have helped me throughout”

Radha gets emotional. She is a servant to this family but they always took her as a part of their group.

“I will always be there to assist you Mataji. This is no more my duty now, but my desire.”

Usha happily nods. Khushi returns back dropping Lavanya in her room.

“Maa.. Did you take medicines?”
“There she comes” Usha interrupts. “I don’t understand who is the mother-in-law between us” she adds.
Khushi giggles and sits next to her.
“What are you doing here? Where is Arnav?” Usha asks.
“He has gone to meet Suraj. Just wanted to check on Lakshman Sinha’s status.”
“Now? So late?”
“Yes, he doesn’t want to take a chance”
“Hmm, he is right. We should keep our eyes open towards any such threats in future. I cannot risk anyone among us to get hurt again”

Khushi nods.

“Maa, tomorrow I am leaving for Mumbai. Will come back within a Week. I am going to miss you all”
Usha sighs.
“We too will miss you both”
“Both?” Khushi asks in surprise.
“Yes, both” Usha nods. “Arnav has talked to me today. He seems interested to join his wife to Mumbai. I was hoping one of you would ask me this”

Khushi bites her tongue. So that means Arnav has decided to actually join her? That’s great news. Why didn’t he tell her yet?

“Don’t worry about things here. Akash and Payal are there. They will look after everything. And when you both return, I am planning to send them away for a small break. They also should get their individual space.”
Khushi agrees.
“NK and Lavanya will be going in next 2 days to their honeymoon. This house is going to be empty again without you all”

Khushi pouts and leans her head on Usha’s shoulders.

“Why don’t you come along with us?”
Usha chuckles.
“What will I do there?”
“You can see your Bahu’s Mayka. Stay there, relax for some days. We will go to the Beach. Have you ever seen a beach, Maa? It’s beautiful. The Sunrise… Sunset”

Usha smiles measuring Khushi’s excitement. She will be visiting her own house after such a long span. She had come here to Lucknow for saving her friend Payal from marrying that Lakshman Sinha and so much happened after that. She came here as a Visitor and returning back becoming a Warrior herself.

“Not this time. I want you and Arnav to enjoy first. I am old. And I have enough people here to keep me busy. Don’t bother”
Khushi sighs.
“Fine.. But Next time, we all will go to Mumbai.. Akash, Payal, NK, La, Radha and you.. Promise?” Khushi asks.

Usha looks at Radha.

“This girl reminds me of my young days. I was just like her, always thinking from the family angle.” Usha exclaims and then turns back to Khushi and palms her cheek. “You will replace me after I am gone”
Khushi frowns.
“You will never leave us Maa. Don’t say that again. We all need you”

Khushi hugs Usha possessively. She never got opportunity to shower love on her parents because they passed away soon. But she will use every chance to make up for that by pouring that love on her mother-in-law.

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

The next morning, when Khushi wakes up, she finds her husband missing in the room. It’s 05:00 am. Where can he go at this odd hour? He came late back that night after meeting Suraj. He looked exhausted and she didn’t ask him why because she wanted him to rest. Talks can happen the next day too. But since he is not in the room now, it has started to worry her. She comes down looking for him. The first place she looks for him is the Drawing room where the brothers usually have a private talk about their next agenda over the town’s wellbeing. But he is not here either. She makes her way to the other room where they workout and there he is.. in the middle of the room, punching hard the Boxing bag. Something is terribly wrong, she can say that.

She steps inside. He is about to punch the bag again, when she holds the bag from the opposite side. He stops. His face is sweaty and his muscles all toned up.

“What’s wrong?” she asks. “What is bothering you, Arnav?”

He shakes his head.

“Nothing.. Just couldn’t get sleep. So came here”
“Stop lying to me” she comes ahead and strokes his sweaty cheeks. “Are you not happy to travel to Mumbai with me?”
“No” he denies that option. “I want to be with you, more than you know”
“Then what is it?”
“Lakshman Sinha” he murmurs.
Khushi stiffens
“What about him?”
“He won’t be behind the bars for long. Suraj told me that he might be booked for the Attempt to murder but that won’t guarantee he will be sentenced to death. Maybe just an imprisonment of 7 or 14 years. Which means, he can come back. Some day of some month of some damn year..” he sighs in frustration.

Khushi still doesn’t understand his concern.

“You are afraid that he will again pull this stunt of hurting our family? What if he comes out as a changed man?” she asks.
“No” he denies. “I Know such people. They don’t change. The fire of revenge always burns inside them. We all have seen enough of this Khushi. I want to give you the best days, a safe life and if anyone comes in between our family and that happiness, I don’t think I can stop myself from taking the law again in my hands and killing them”

Khushi swallows hard. She can sense his fear now. She wraps herself around him, to hug him, give him that moral comfort.

“It’s not going to happen Arnav. And if it does, we will see it that time. We are in this together. You three brothers and your wives. We will always be together in whatever circumstances our enemies put us into. But for now, let’s just focus on utilizing this opportunity of spending time with each other. I cannot wait to show you my place”

Arnav’s breathing eases as he plunges into her.

“Me neither” he whispers in her ears.
She pulls away and gazes his eyes.
“Sun is going to rise anytime. You need to sleep” she exclaims.

Arnav shakes his head and carries her in arms.
“Our night activities are still pending. The Sun won’t rise until we finish those”

Khushi giggles at his mischievous talks and wraps her arms around his neck, allowing him to take her back.

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

Khushi had never seen Lavanya shying so much like today. But its unavoidable when so many people are just teasing you every minute, wanting to know what happened on their marriage night. Lavanya might be strong fighter but she has no skills to hide that blush from the onlookers but that’s what is making the moment cuter. She is the youngest bride of this house and the last one for this generation.

Lavanya manages to come out of the teasing group and head to the kitchen where Khushi and Payal were.

“This is so embarrassing. Everyone wants to get details like I was on a treasure hunt” Lavanya exclaims.
Payal chuckles.
“Forget all that, tell us if you got that treasure or not?” Payal asks, making Lavanya more embarrassed.

Khushi laughs heartily seeing the two chasing each other inside that confined space of the kitchen.

“Tease me.. I will also tease you when I see similar expressions on your face Payal” Lavanya snaps.

Payal immediately blushes.

“It’s too early for us” she accepts. “But not that we have not participated in the game. We have reached few levels” she shamelessly confesses.

Khushi rolls her eyes.
“Girls.. We have to change the topic before people get to know the romantic secrets of the Raizada Gods and their beloved wives.” She points out.

Lavanya and Payal both reach her and hug her together.

“What this for?” Khushi asks
“We are going to miss you”
Khushi sighs and hugs them back.
“Wish I could say the same. But I wont!! Who misses friends when your sexy husband is just next to you on bed?”

Before Lavanya and Payal can get a hold of her, Khushi runs to the Kitchen door.

“Khushi.. Not fair” they start chasing her. Khushi bumps with her husband who had come here to inform that the bags are loaded in the car and they have to head to the Airport now.

“Easy baby” Arnav holds her before she can fall. “Whats going on?”
Khushi stops laughing and her eyes go wider seeing the lipstick mark on Arnav’s cheek, the one she had given him while zipping her bags as she finished the packing.

She instantly rubs his cheek to wipe off that mark but she is deadly late. Lavanya and Payal have seen that already and they start giggling behind.

“Where had you been with this mark on your cheek?” she asks.

Arnav then comprehends why everyone he met today was giving him flushed stare.

“How would I Know it was there?”
“Don’t you see mirror?”
“Women do that.. Not Raizada Gods”

Khushi rolls her eyes.

“Fine.. we should take Maa’s blessings before we leave. Where is Maa?”
“NK has gone to get her from the room. Come out soon”

Arnav makes his way to the living room. Both Lavanya and Payal come back to her.

“Just one mark, Khushi? Or are there more?” they tease.

Khushi pouts and holds her blush.
“I will definitely miss you guys now.” She commits. “All these teases and banters..” she adds pulling them for a hug.
“Awww” The three hug each other like teen friends who are getting away from each other due to vacations.

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

Mumbai

“That’s Mumbai” Khushi opens her arms to feel the air of her place. She missed it so much. After getting down the Plane, they reached Khushi’s Apartment in Juhu and whilst Daadi thought of resting for a while, Khushi got Arnav to the Juhu Beach, to start showing him what this place is all about.

Arnav scans the Beach. He has never seen a Beach in his life. The fresh smell of the sand.. the sound of waves… the Snack Stalls at the entry of the Beach, everything enchants him for now.
“Isn’t it beautiful?” she asks entwining their fingers.
“It is. Indeed.. But not as beautiful as my wife” he gazes back at her.

Khushi shies.

“Your wife is unique baby”
“I admit” he nods and the two of them start walking across the shore, as she starts sharing her life here, before she met him.

“So you used to wear such outfits?” he asks pointing at the skirt a woman has wore.
“Yes” she flushes.. “Much shorter than that too”
Arnav’s brows rise.
“It’s there at your home? In your closet?”
She doesn’t realize why he asked her that.
“Yes, I see no reason why I would have dumped them off”
“Good” he smirks. “You will wear one tonight when we go for Dinner then” he declares.

Khushi shakes her head in rejection.

“No way.. I can’t”
He holds her waist possessively.
“Why? Did you forget we have nothing left to be shared with each other anymore? We know each other in and out” he whispers.
She gasps feeling his close proximity once again and places her head on his chest greedily.
“Okay” she mutters shyly. This is going to be one heck of a show for him. She hopes he doesn’t cancel their Dinner plan after seeing her in Skirt!!

To be Continued.


NOTE: Next Part will be the last part of this FF. 

_________________________________________________________________________________

Part 61 ( LAST PART )


Mumbai

“Skirt” Arnav mouthed at Khushi who served him coffee in the evening.

Is he going to embarrass by reminding her again and again? She pats his arm and sits next to Daadi serving her the tea.

“Daadi, why don’t you come with us for Dinner tonight?” Khushi asks.

Arnav narrows his eyes staring at his wife. Is she serious? He wouldn’t have mind Daadi joining them but… isn’t the whole agenda of coming here is to spend some private time?

“Khushi, I would have loved to come, but you know I have to meet my friends and even share the news of your marriage.  Especially to Kamla”
“Oh Yes” Khushi realizes. “I don’t want her to find any more suitors for me”
“SUITORS?” Arnav interrupts, wanting to know more on this topic.

Khushi can clearly see how jealous he is right now.

“Yes, Daadi had given her the responsibility to find suitable boy for marrying me. And trust me, she has made me meet many of them”

Now that interests him even more but the very thought of his wife spending time with a Suitor, is not what he is comfortable with.

“Okay, Khushi. I am leaving” Daadi gets up. “You both enjoy your dinner. I will be back by 10:00 pm”

Khushi walks up Daadi till the door and locks it. The moment she turns around, she jerks. Arnav is standing close and he pins her to the door the next moment.

“You scared me” she snaps.
“You never told me about the Suitors” his voice is hoarse again.
She loves him so jealous and possessive. It proves how much he wants her to be only HIS.

“So? There was nothing to be told about it. And my dear Raizada God, you had no time to hear out my past. How would I tell and when?”

Arnav agrees and steps back. He crosses arms across his chest.

“I am all ears now” he mutters.
Khushi’s nostrils flare.
“Is something burning?” she keeps sniffing and points out at his heart. “Here it is.. Your heart is burning with jealousy”

Arnav knows she is purposely teasing him and delaying the talks. He bends down and puts her on his shoulder, carrying her straight to the couch. He places her on it and hovers on her, leaving her no chance to run away.

“Okay.. okay.. I will tell you about them” she shouts. “I met a guy named Suresh first. And that was 2 years ago. I had just passed out of College and Kamla Aunty happened to introduce me to him. He was smart but no regards for fitness. He was slightly overweight but I liked his smile.”

Arnav frowns.

“You seemed to be very observative those days” he mutters. She blushes.
“Not really, but I was curious.. I lived in a different world Arnav. And I didn’t know I would meet you someday or else why would I pay so much attention on others?”

She had a point.

“So? What happened to Suresh?”
“Got rejected. Our Horoscopes didn’t match. His mother was very peculiar about that”
Arnav nods. Khushi shares about the next guy and the next. She really had some funny incidents to share about these suitors and Arnav soon started enjoying it instead of becoming jealous.

“And then the last one before I met you was Kabir” she blinks with admiration as if she just memorized his picture in mind. “He was.. too .. too.. cute.. Cool biceps.. Very fit guy… fluent in 3 foreign languages. And he even had a bike. You know.. Motorbike? That filmy types..?”

Arnav shakes his head. He is not much into films but yes he has seen a few.

“He is the first guy I met twice among the Suitors.”
“Twice?” Arnav frowns again.
“Yes.. our first meet was very short. And I couldn’t decide in one meet if I should say Yes to his proposal”
“He proposed you?” Arnav intrudes with a not so happy tone..
“Not really. But yes, he said he liked me and wanted to take the marriage proposal ahead if everything works out”

Arnav gets up from her and sits on the side couch. Khushi realizes she has pissed him off.

“Arnav.. come on.. You cannot be so much possessive over my past..”

She comes to him and sits on his lap, wrapping her arms around his neck.

“Baby… Until I met you.. I didn’t realize what true love is” she admits. “It was your selflessness, your obsession for helping your town people, your love for your family which got me glued to you. Kamla Aunty would never have found such a lovable husband for me”

Arnav smirks. He pulls her closer and kisses her ear.
“Enough of buttering. Go and wear the Skirt. We are leaving for Dinner. I am hungry”

Khushi flushes. She lingers her finger lazily on his cheek.

“Are you sure you won’t cancel our Dinner plans after I wear Skirt?”

Arnav kisses that finger.
“Depends.”
She chuckles and then gets down his lap.
“Can I join you?” he lovingly asks.
“No.. Wait here”

She hurries to the bedroom to change.

“I am Waiiitttiinnggg” he shouts back.

Khushi comes out in 20 minutes changing. She opens the door and waits for him to lay his eyes on her. He is busy drinking water in the kitchen and when he come out and sees her, he freezes to the spot. She looks so young in such outfits. It’s a sweet Pink Skirt, just covering till her knees.

He grins ear to ear making her uncomfortable. She tries to pull the Skirt to make it cover her legs even more.

“Don’t hide” he bites his lips and reaches her.
“This is so embarrassing” she mutters. “Why are you laughing like that?”
“I am not laughing. I am very delighted that you wore it. I wouldn’t know you look so adorable in such outfits”

Khushi likes being praised by him.

“You liked it?”
“Hmmm” he strokes her cheeks which have turned red by blush. He then leans down and kisses them.
“What time does the Restaurants close here?” he whispers.
“Few by 11 and others midnight. Why?”
“You know why” he whispers and drags her back in the bedroom, shutting the door behind.

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

“You didn’t go out yet?” Daadi asks after coming home at 10:00 pm. She is startled to find them leaving now.
“Uhh… Yes.. We were not hungry.. Arnav said we should go late” Khushi makes an excuse.
“Alright. Go and eat now. You both look exhausted.”

That brings another blush on Khushi’s face but she doesn’t let it reveal to her Daadi, all thanks to the dim lights in the apartment. Arnav entwins his fingers with hers and they leave.

She shows him the Marine drive area after their Dinner. They sit on the Bench, watching the Ocean, dreaming about how their future would be. There are couples everywhere and Arnav is surprised seeing the Public display of affection between the other couples out in the open. It’s not something he had ever seen happening in his town. He can understand what a major change Khushi has gone through to adapt in his family.

The next day they visit the Siddhivinayak Temple, Gateway of India and few more tourist places around. He then takes her for Shopping at Bandra high street.

“This place is famous for Shopping. I am going to buy for everyone” she says excitedly.

Arnav happily wanders with her, helping her do some street shopping. He watches her bargain. She is a Pro in that. She exactly knows how to get the Stuff in its best price. She buys some cool T Shirts for him and a Suit too.

“Suit?” he is baffled.
“yes. It’s my wish to see you in a Suit and a waistcoat like that”
Arnav rolls his eyes.
“I am not a Businessman”
“I want you to wear this on our first anniversary.. Please”

After a lot of argument, he agrees. He cannot cast his wife’s wish aside afterall.

Three more days after which the couple returns back to Lucknow. Khushi shares the details of her trip with Usha and also distributes all the gifts and shopping she had done for them.

“This is all too much, Khushi. What did you buy for yourself?” Usha asks.
“Maa.. I have everything with me.”

Usha has always liked this selflessness in Khushi. She has put forward other’s happiness before hers and that’s what makes her the eldest smart bride of the Raizada family.

“How is NK and Lavanya doing?” she asks Payal.
“They are enjoying the beaches in Goa. Lavanya had send me few pictures yesterday” Payal replies.
“Really? You didn’t show me” Usha interrupts.

Payal pouts. She cannot show those romantic pictures to her mother-in-law.

“Maa.. Uhh…”

Usha chuckles and pats Payal on her back.

“I was not serious. I know what honeymoon means.. Okay? I had been once too with your father-in-law.”

That excites Khushi.

“Really Maa? Where had you been?”
“Pratapgad. Where else? We didn’t had that much time to explore big cities. And honeymoon is not about roaming and shopping.. its much cozier and private than that, isn’t it? So who cares which place?”

That statement makes both Payal and Khushi blush profusely. None of them thought Usha
Will ever share such things with them. She is not a typical mother-in-law. She is like their friend.. a close friend.

“Now It’s Akash and Payal’s turn to go out and spend some gala time.” Usha adds.
Payal shies.

“Maa…”
“Yes.. And you wont believe it. Akash was already telling me about this yesterday. He seems to have a plan”

Payal bites her lip. Yes, they had talked about this too and she cannot wait to see which place he has planned for them.

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

After NK and Lavanya return from Goa, Akash and Payal head to Nainital. Akash loves lakes and so does Payal. They planned this destination together. Time kept ticking and after the golden honeymoon period of all the three couples, they got serious in their other duties too. Payal joined Usha’s initiative of serving the poor people of their nearby towns and assisting them to make their own living. Lavanya took the self-defense, Shooting and fighting classes for the children and women of their Town. It was high time every people of the town were self-sufficed to take care of their own family. Why should they always depend on the Raizada Gods? Though the Raizada family were never going to back down from this role, they still considered training the people with the similar skills beneficial for the growth of their town.

Khushi learnt Horse riding from her husband and now she was well-versed in it. Her Sword fighting skill was yet another feather in her cap. The Raizada Gods opened a new School for children and a night school for women who can get education and stand on their own feet without depending on the men of the house. It was also a necessary change to bring on in this town. Khushi took over the responsibility of the school management. The Weekly Jalsa meeting which happened in the town auditorium was now anchored by her. She handled the social meetings with the people of their town, to know what they needed, what difficulties they had and how it could be sorted. It was one such meeting which she was anchoring and her husband decided to secretly attend it.

“The yields of the crops was low this quarter due to the lack of irrigation facilities. This has been taken into consideration and is currently going to be our top priority” Khushi addresses the crowd.
Tushar Sehgal comes forward and says something to Khushi which makes her smile.

“The Sehgal family is going to invest in digging of more wells for conserving water and wants your support to make it happen.”

The crowd cheered and clapped for them. Tulsi Kshyap who was also a constant member of this Meeting shared her interest in investing too. She decided to lead this agenda with Sehgals if they would like to share this responsibility. Pratham Sehgal, Payal’s father readily agreed. The more helping hands, the quicker they can completely eradicate the problem.

The meeting finally ended and Khushi came out of the hall, only to find her husband talking to the villagers. As soon as she sees him, her eyes sparkle with love and affection. He had been to Rajgad 2 weeks back to get the renovation of their house done there, the same house which was burnt down by Mohini and her husband once. It’s always a treat whenever he pays a surprise visit to her when she is so busy taking up his duties in the town.

He excuses the villagers and reaches her. She gets extremely ignited when he closes the distance between the two and kisses her forehead, without caring they are been watched by the people of the town.

“missed me?” she asks.
“Like hell” he whispers. “Let’s get us out of here” he holds her hand, drags her back in the Jeep and drives out.

They stop the Jeep at the same spot where they had first met, the farm where Khushi’s car had punctured once.

“Remember this place?” he asks.
“Hmm” she breathes heavily as she leans her head on his arm. “You had tied me to this Jeep’s bonnet”
Arnav lets out a throaty chuckle.
“I had saved your number as Clown”
She shakes her head with a giggle.
“I insisted you to have a Date out with me, I was being so persistent, remember?”
“Yes” he grabs her hand and makes it touch her heart. “You made me a better man” his eyes full of longing and desires.

Khushi’s subconscious tickles as she raises herself and kisses his jaw.

“Are we going to waste time just praising each other or do have more plans?” she asks seductively.

Arnav’s eyes dart in hers. She has never been so cranky for his touch. He finds her glowing and watching her this closer, he realizes she has also put on some weight. He gets a thought of what can incur these sudden changes in his wife and touches her wrist, to check her pulse. He feels two pulses and he quickly finds his answer.

“You are pregnant” he is asking or confirming this he doesn’t know but she is not at all surprised. In fact, she grins and makes his palm touch her stomach.
“I was waiting for you to feel this” she replies.

Arnav’s eyes are full of dark passion. He raises her off the ground vertically and kisses her.

“Tell me I am the first one to know” he demands.
“Yes”

She hadn’t told this to anyone yet. She herself got this news when she had been for a regular checkup last week. She is 3 months pregnant. She wanted to tell this to Arnav on the phone but she restrained herself from doing that. She wanted to see his reactions, feel his body when she shares this news with him. And she had done it right. It is such a bliss to share it face to face rather than on a phone conversation.

He puts her back in the Jeep and they head to Shantivan. He cannot wait to share this news with thee family and then have his wife the way he wants.. The Era of Raizada Gods was soon going to be overtaken by the Baby Raizada Gods!!


THE END

EPILOGUE

Thank you Guys for being a part of this journey once again..