Wedlock Prologue to Part 25

Prologue

Arnav Singh Raizada, one of the multi-billionaires in the world, running a chain of fashion companies in almost 18 countries, is somewhere in Tokyo, inside the conference room, doing business with his clients.

“Mr. Raizada, we have scrutinized your offers again and we think it is a fair deal” Chi Wang declares on behalf of his company.

Arnav gets up from the chair and shakes hand with Chi, closing the deal.

“My manager will get in touch with your team for further communication, Mr. Wang”

The door knocks and Aman Mathur, the personal assistant of Arnav Singh Raizada gets inside holding his personal mobile phone in hand.

“Boss, you have an urgent call” Aman utters nervously. He knows his Boss doesn’t like to be intruded when he is doing business with his clients. Arnav Singh Raizada clenches his jaw for this misbehavior from Aman but decides to ignore it for a while, he doesn’t want to vent out his anger before his clients.

“Excuse me for a moment gentlemen.”

He makes his way to the door where Aman is waiting to pass the phone.

“Who the hell is it?”

“Your wife” Aman murmurs. The color on Arnav’s face changes and for a few seconds he feels his body heating up recollecting few flashes of that woman. Ever since their marriage, this is the first time she has been calling him, that to not on his personal number. He is sure she must not have it saved anywhere. He gives a cold stare to Aman and snatches the phone to speak to her and attend to her present need.

Few Minutes Ago – Paris

The Royal Casino is crowded by millionaire’s who are betting money at every counter, some winning by their luck and others losing their fortunes and walking out. A tall blonde holding the tray of drinks offers two glasses to the table of cards which is occupied by four females and two men.

“That’s your drink Ma’am” the blonde girl flaunts a smile to the most overdrunk woman at the table.

Khushi raises her head and smiles back at her.

“Tha..aankk.. you babes” her voice is hardly audible in the loud music running constantly at the background. Gulping the drink in one shot, Khushi checks her cards again.

“Show guys” she declares.

She places her cards one by one on the table, so as the others.

“Dammit!! I lost again” she screams pushing the glass away in anger.

“Oh baby” the girl sitting next to her pats her back. “I told you not to put all your money in this. Look what happened. Come lets go back to the hotel”

“Noooooo” Khushi shrugs Lavanya’s hand and tries to fetch something in her purse. “I can’t lose. One last game” she urges.

The other females on the table laugh at her desperation. Lavanya Ksyhap, Khushi’s best friend from school tries to stop her from fetching her purse.

“Khushi, you have used all your money and your card is also nil. Did you forget, your pocket money for the month is over and there is still 8 more days for your next installment to come. So, forget it. Let us get back to the hotel. We are done for today” Lavanya insist.

Khushi shrugs her arm again.

“No I wont go anywhere till I win.”

Lavanya sighs in disappointment.

“I will call dad and ask him to send some money” Khushi says unlocking her phone to dial her father. Even after 3 full rings, her father doesn’t answer the call making her more pissed.

“He might be busy Khushi. Lets go”

Lavanya tries to drag her but Khushi doesn’t move an inch. Lavanya gives up.

“Okay fine. One more game, okay? But where will you arrange the money from? You dad isn’t responding”

Khushi pouts.

“Lets ask your father then” Khushi suggests.

“My father?” Lavanya laughs hard. “He must be celebrating his 3rd marriage anniversary with his 3rd wife at some beach. I don’t think he will even attend my call at this hour” Lavanya says checking time in her phone.

Khushi pouts again. Lavanya suddenly remembers something and a smile pops on her face.

“Why don’t you call your husband and ask?”

Khushi hiccups once and nods her head.

“Husband?” she hiccups again. “Am I married?” she innocently asks and in few seconds she realizes that’s true. She is married to a rich, wealthy man in this world who knows nothing except doing business. “Oh yes, I am.. .I am married. But to whom?” she starts thinking again.

Lavanya chuckles at her overdrunk state.

“Idiot!! You forgot your husband’s name? How can someone forget such a handsome face?”

Khushi widens her eyes at Lavanya.

“Behave, Lavanya Kshyap. He is Mine!!” she scolds.

Lavanya shakes her head and holds her ears, asking an apology.

“Lemme call him” Khushi picks her phone again and realizes she doesn’t have his number noted. “Damm!! Whats his number?” she tries to recollect if she ever had written it anywhere.

“You don’t have?” Lavanya asks in shock. “Jesus, you are insane Khushi. Hold on. I think I have his manager’s number. That dude is no less hot than your husband you see” she winks at Khushi and passes the number of Aman Mathur to her.

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

Present – Tokyo

“Hello” Arnav Singh Raizada speaks over the phone call.

“It’s me” Khushi tries to sound sober but fails. Anyone can realize she is drunk.

Arnav catches her state and is not very surprised.

“I know it’s you. What is it? Why did you call me?”

“I called you?” she quickly checks her phone and grasps that she has indeed called him. But why? Lavanya gestures her to ask for money and she remembers the reason too. “Yes.. I called. I called you to ask for some money.. I… I need money” she hiccups.

Arnav rolls his eyes hearing that hiccup sound and grits his teeth.

“Which part of the world are you?” he angrily mutters.

“Paris… The city of love….” She cheezily replies irritating him again.

“Why do you need money? What happened to all those cards you have?”

“They are all nil.”

“NIL?” he snaps.

“Don’t scream at me.” She shouts back at him.

Arnav moves away from Aman, to talk to her privately.

“Watch your tone, Khushi” he snaps.

Khushi giggles.

“I wont watch my tone.. because I am presently watching a hot dude just next to my table. Damm!! He is so cute” she giggles again.

Arnav clenches his jaw. This woman always manages to lose his control over everything. He feels ridiculous thinking what kind of lifestyle she is living there.

“MONEY.. MONEY.. MONEY” she starts shouting on the call again.

“STOP” He screams back and heads to Aman. He hands the phone back to Aman. “Trace wherever she is and settle the money she needs. Do you get it?”

Aman nods and leaves the conference room, continuing the call. Arnav Singh Raizada is fuming from inside. This is not done. He has to handle that woman sooner before she fails him in every way.

__________________________________________________________

Chapter 1

Shashi Gupta clinks the glass with Deep Kshyap, his best friend who is here in the Maldives celebrating his 3rd anniversary with his 3rd wife Ryma Kshyap.

“Congratulations on your 3rd Anniversary Deep. May you have many more to come with Ryma”

Ryma gives a side hug to her husband as he kisses her on forehead showering love.

“Thank you, Shashi. I am really glad you made it here. I thought you and Kyle will be in Australia for your new venture”

“We had that those plans, yeah. But Kyle insisted to come here. She didn’t want to miss the anniversary of her best friend”

Ryma proudly smiles. She and Kyle have been buddies from quite a while. It is because of her that she met Deep Kshyap three years ago and even got married to him. She flashes her cheeky smile looking proudly at her husband’s face and then she is reminded of someone else.

“Where is Kyle? I didn’t see her since the party started” Ryma comments.

“She is a busy woman Ryma. Even in her 50’s she is so much energetic that I feel jealous of her” Shashi replies making both Deep and Ryma laugh at his words.

“There she comes” Deep Kshyap exclaims driving the attention of Shashi and Ryma towards the passage.

Kyle, a 40-year-old British Indian met Shashi Gupta in London during one of his business meets. Shashi being a born romantic couldn’t help falling for Kyle’s charms. She is his second wife now. He married her when his daughter Khushi was 16. This one decision was a breakthrough in his daughter’s life though.

“Hey love” Kyle envelopes her arm around Shashi’s.

“Darling, you are been seriously missed here. Where had you been?”

“Calls!!!” she mutters but her expressions make it clear to Shashi that something has happened. He excuses Deep and Ryma and takes Kyle away from them.

“All okay?” he asks Kyle who is still holding his arms possessively.

“Your daughter seems to have nil all her accounts again before the deadline” she grumbles.

Shashi though surprised shakes his head in dismay. This is not new to him. He knows how much spendthrift Khushi has become in the past few years. He doesn’t understand what she does with such a huge money?

“She has failed me ever since she grew up, Kyle. She was such a bright kid in her school. I really wonder how I am going to handle her?”

“You don’t have to handle her now Sweetheart. She has her husband to do that”

Kyle’s words don’t convince Shashi. He feels like getting his daughter married to Arnav Singh Raizada was another such hasty decision from his end after marrying Kyle without Khushi’s acknowledgment. Maybe if he hadn’t done it, Khushi could be controlled. Kyle reads his mind and touches his cheeks.

“Sweetheart, don’t scratch your head again digging the past. I want to see you smiling. Forever.” She hugs him and he completes the hug without any delay.

“Khushi will need more money to survive till the next pocket money of hers is credited” he murmurs. It is this worry of his which irks Kyle and she immediately snaps.

“Don’t even think of sending more money now. She will never understand its worth if you keep filling her pockets like this”

Shashi gets angered.

“Kyle, she is my daughter. I don’t want to see her suffer without a penny.”

Kyle sighs.

“That has been taken care of”

“What do you mean?”

“She apparently happened to call ASR.”

“WHAT?” Shashi shouts in surprise.

Kyle gestures him to lower his voice.

“Darling…There are people around” she fakes a smile at Mr. and Mrs. Ahuja who stares at Shashi in horror for the way he screamed. Kyle handles the situation there and drags her husband away. Shashi gets curious to know what Kyle has to share.

“She… she called him? Really?” he re-confirms.

“Don’t be in high hopes Shashi” Kyle interrupts. “She was drunk and you know what people do in such state. She didn’t call him with her will”

“Still Kyle. That’s some kind of progress, isn’t it?”

Kyle laughs sarcastically.

“Progress? ASR is pissed off!! He had called me and was asking why Khushi is contacting him for money that too before the end of the month”

Shashi sighs in disbelief.

“Did he say anything else?”

“He didn’t utter a word beyond complaining about your daughter, Shashi. And he wants to meet us”

“Meet us? Why?”

“I don’t know. I hope it won’t put us in any major troubles. Well, let’s see what happens. I have asked your manager to get the charter ready for tomorrow, we are leaving to India tomorrow. Even ASR is flying back from Tokyo tomorrow to make this meet happen”

Shashi nods in agreement. He has never been in touch with his son-in-law directly, all thanks to Kyle who has been taking care of that.

∞∞∞

“Get away from me” Khushi pushes the pillow away in sleep. Lavanya who has been busy surfing the internet, at the late morning hours, shakes her head in disbelief.

“That’s just a pillow darling” Lavanya shouts.

Khushi slowly opens her eyes and scans the room. She is in her bed and no one is bullying her. She suddenly feels a sharp pain in her head.

“Owww” she screams pressing her forehead sharply. Lavanya gets up from her seat, picks a glass of some liquid and passes it to her.

“Your hangover cure. Take it before this hangover kills your mood”

Khushi gulps the liquid and keeps the glass away.

“Thanks La!! What would I do without you?”

Lavanya sits next to her.

“That’s good you appreciate my presence in your life because last night I had to literally use all my energy to drag you out of that Casino.”

“Casino?” Khushi tries to recollect the incidents of the previous night but fails. “What did I do there?”

“Ask me what you didn’t do? You had no control over your drinks, you betted even the last penny you had in your account and lost miserably. Thank your husband that he saved us on time by sending the cash or else I don’t know where we both would have been today”

Khushi tries to apprehend each and every word that Lavanya utters but the moment the conversation starts about her husband, Khushi’s eyes widen in shock.

“Wait wait wait!! How did he know I needed money?”

Lavanya claps her hands.

“Oh wow!! You don’t remember anything that means?” she pauses “Never mind. It’s been taken care of. Let’s just forget it now. Okay?”

As Lavanya tries to get up, Khushi pulls her back.

“Not okay. You give me details of last night or else I am going to curse you my entire life”

“Curse me? Babes, I was the one who gave you that idea to call ASR and ask for money. If I hadn’t done that, we were duped!!”

Khushi’s jaw drops in horror. She becomes cold and speechless.

“Hey? Khushi? What happened? Say something”

Lavanya clicks her fingers to get Khushi’s attention back on her but she still doesn’t respond. Finally, Lavanya shakes Khushi to drive her out of that odd posture.

“Come on.. say something Khushi”

“Shit!!” Khushi yells and gets down the bed, looking desperately for something.

“What? That’s all you have to say? I thought you will say Thank you to me”

Khushi keeps looking for something.

“Thank you, my foot. You don’t realize what you made me do Lavanya!! I am so screwed up now”

“Screwed up? How? And … why? He is your husband, why can’t he lend some money to you?”

Khushi finally finds her mobile phone which she was looking so desperately for.

“Exactly, he won’t give me money by choice, he can only lend it to me. And now all thanks to you, I am in his debts which I hate to be. Do you realize what he can make me do because I am in his debts?” she angrily asks.

Lavanya takes that question as a tease.

“Yes, I can imagine what he can make you do.!! But isn’t that cool? You are his wife after all, you shouldn’t deny him” she winks.

Khushi grits her teeth and pushes Lavanya away.

“Shut up. Let me speak to dad first”

She makes her way to the bathroom dialing Shashi Gupta.

∞∞∞

Kyle Gupta, Shashi’s wife, checks the caller-id of the person who has been continuously dialing Shashi’s number to speak to him. Shashi being in the washroom, has left his phone with her. A rage builds up on Kyle’s face as she finally decides to answer the call.

“What is it?” she scowls over the phone.

Khushi doesn’t appreciate Kyle answering on Shashi’s behalf. Initially that used to happen a lot and it was only when she had ignored speaking to her father for weeks that he realized he shouldn’t be allowing Kyle and Khushi to have a conversation ever on his mobile phone.

“I need to speak to dad” she matches Kyle’s frustrated tone.

“He is unavailable right now”

“He has to make himself available for me. I am his only daughter” Khushi snaps.

“Don’t remind me that Khushi. Me and Shashi cannot keep collecting your mess every time. Grow up.”

Khushi laughs heartily for few seconds.

“What a joke. I am in this mess because of you and you have that audacity to point at me? Wow!! You show yourself very cool and highly qualified before everyone, don’t you? Wish you had used even 1% of that brain before ruining my life”

“STOP IT KHUSHI” Kyle roars getting up from the couch and making her way to some secluded place where no one can hear her shouting.

“I won’t stop!! It is better if you STOP expecting me to dance on your fingers. Ask dad to call me when he is done. It is urgent”

Passing that message, Khushi disconnects the call and throws her phone away. It is so disappointing to hear that woman’s voice at mornings. Plus, it has just worsened her hangover!!

∞∞∞

Delhi

“Boss, the Guptas are here” Aman Mathur, informs Arnav Singh Raizada who has been waiting at the posh business lounge of a Hotel where he has called the Guptas for a meet.

Arnav Singh Raizada gets up from the couch as the Gupta couple enter. Kyle is the first one to smile at him and he greets them back with a half-hearted smile.

“Mr. Gupta… Mrs. Gupta” he greets, shaking his hands with both of them, formally.

“It’s been quite a while since we met” Shashi replies taking his seat.

“Yes, last time we met was I suppose one year ago. In the Summer fashion event at Thailand?” Kyle reminds.

Arnav nods.

“How is your health Mr. Gupta. I heard you got some Knee problems” Arnav asks.

“Yes, got the surgery done in New York. You won’t even realize which Knee was hurting me the most, I can walk that normally now” Shashi answers.

“Perfect”

Arnav leans back on the couch.

“Mr. Gupta, Kyle must have told you why we are meeting here”

Shashi nods.

“Yes.. She.. She told me” he pauses giving a nervous glance to his wife. “It is a shock to me that Khushi asked money from you. She… she has never done so before. I later checked my phone and realized I missed her calls which is why she must have turned up to you”

Arnav keeps listening.

“But don’t worry. I will settle whatever amount you have paid to her. I will sign the cheque and send it to you” Shashi offers.

Kyle interrupts.

“Shashi, what are you saying? It is this attitude of yours which is not allowing Khushi to self-realize her mistakes”

Before the couple can argue over this issue, Arnav Singh Raizada interrupts them.

“It’s not why I called you here Mr. Gupta. Relax” Arnav stops the situation from slipping through his hands.

Shashi and Kyle look at each other with confusion and then back to Arnav.

“Then what do you want ASR?” Kyle asks. Arnav looks at Shashi Gupta who is still very bemused at this point.

“I want you to call your daughter here. It’s my sister’s birthday next month and she will be visiting India with her husband. I am throwing a private party for her. Just few close friends and relatives. I want Khushi to attend that party with me.”

Shashi is dazed at Arnav’s request. Kyle has the same reactions but her mind starts ticking, wanting to learn the reasons behind such a demand from ASR.

“Let me just recall what you said. You want Khushi to be officially introduced as your wife to the world? I mean…though the world already knows you are married, you both have never made public appearances. And this was your decision” she reminds him.

“That was 18 months earlier Kyle. When people can change in months, why can’t their decisions?”

His counterreply gets the Gupta couple speechless. It is going to be one hectic task for them to bring Khushi back to India.

“Okay then, I have few other meetings lined up. I will see you guys after a month on my sister’s birthday…” he gets up to leave. “with Khushi of course” he adds with a cheeky smirk and then heads out of the lounge.

To be Continued.

__________________________________________________________

Chapter 2

“Kyle, what kind of problem we have landed into? This seems impossible to me. Khushi won’t come here. Not at any cost” Shashi nervously paces in the room, while Kyle sits quietly on the bed, filing her nails. He has been restless since the time they have met Arnav Singh Raizada and heard his demand.

“So, do you mean that this time you will not accept ASR’s proposal?” she asks.

Shashi frowns at the sarcasm in his wife’s tone.

“I wish I could deny him but you know that’s next to impossible. Besides he is my son-in-law”

“Hmm” she murmurs. “And he is not demanding anything extra ordinary. Khushi is his wife Shashi and he wants to make a public appearance with her on his sister’s birthday. I feel his demand is genuine.”

Shashi comes back to bed and sits next to her. Kyle gives all her attention to him, dropping all the other work she has been doing so far. She leans her head on his shoulder and entwins her fingers with his.

“Just make some excuse and call her here Shashi”

Shashi nods. Kyle is right. He should give Khushi some strong excuse to make her come back to India. If he tells her the real reason, she might run away further.

“I will call her up tomorrow and speak”

“Hmm” Kyle smiles closing her eyes. “Think of a nice excuse. You know how hard it is to convince your daughter.”

Shashi chuckles. Who better than him knows that? Khushi has always been demanding and cunning. She cannot be easily fooled. She will fight for her side until she wins. He really has to come up with the best excuse which she cannot be suspicious about.

∞∞∞

Paris

Khushi is busy on the call talking to the customer service of her bank account, getting details of her account balance. She has been doing this since an hour and writing the balances of all the bank accounts she possesses, trying to sum them up. Lavanya gets her a beer. She takes the bottle from her, gulps it down her throat and disconnects the call.

“That’s it? I have just this much left with me? That’s unbelievable. This is not even enough to buy a dozen of beer bottles” Khushi shouts.

Lavanya gulps her drink and nods in agreement.

“You should have spent it wisely” Lavanya teases.

Khushi gives her a cold stare. Lavanya holds her ears to show her apology.

“Sorry.. But really Khushi, that ASR is very cunning. He only paid the due of the Casino, that night. He didn’t leave an extra penny for us.” Lavanya complains.

Khushi gives her a please shut-up look. Lavanya shrugs her shoulders and sits next to Khushi.

“Did you talk to your dad?”

“No. His wife screwed up that chance” Khushi mutters

“Oh no. That means we have to wait for another 5 days for our accounts to get loaded?”

“Yes babes” Khushi pouts. “Did YOU get to talk to your dad?” she cross-questions.

“Me? Yeah. I did. And guess what? He scolded me because I called him when he was busy in his business meeting.”

Khushi frowns.

“Our fathers are so irresponsible La. I sometimes feel how did we handle them for so many years?”

“That’s because we had our mothers to communicate between us and them. And the moment our mothers left this world, that chain broke forever”

Lavanya’s reply pricks Khushi’s heart. This is true. Life was so different when her mother was alive. She used to love being home. School and home were her only life then. Her mother used to take her studies at home, teach her good ethics. Her father Shashi was not bad either. He used to get her toys, chocolates. He used to pamper her so much. They would go to weekend outings, play indoor/outdoor games. Her father taught her to swim. She was so happy during those days, unlike now when she has no one to even ask her how she spent her day. Lavanya realizes she made Khushi emotional.

“Hey… lets forget all that for a while. How about a disco night? Let’s dance like there is no tomorrow” Lavanya suggests.

“Sure babes. Let me wear something sexy” Khushi cheers up her mood.

As gets up from the bed her mobile phone rings. It is her father’s call.

“There he gets time for me!! Finally!!” Without much delay, Khushi picks the call.

“Khushi.” He exclaims.

“Yup.. I am alive” Khushi screams.

“I know you are angry on me baby, but that day when you called, I was in the washroom, so Kyle had to answer on my behalf.”

“Stop giving excuses dad. Anyways, did you send me money? I am falling short here”

Khushi has always been short and crisp while conversing with her father. She doesn’t want to waste his precious time neither wants him to lecture her anything.

Shashi clears his throat, trying to get some strength before denying his daughter.

“I didn’t send anything”

Khushi’s jaw drops.

“You didn’t? Why?” she screams. “Okay whatever. Send me now. If you are busy, ask your accountant to send. I am in an urgency dad”

“I am sorry Khushi, but I cannot send you any money now”

Khushi feels traumatized.

“What the!!” she yells. “Can’t send? Why? Are you going in losses? Oh my god, did Kyle divorce you taking everything you had in alimony?”

Lavanya giggles hearing that.

“Khushi stop thinking in that angle.!! By God’s grace my business is fine and Kyle is still with me. She is your mother Khushi, pay some respect”

Khushi makes a face at her end and is fortunate enough that her father couldn’t see that. But she senses something wrong in this conversation. Until now, Shashi has never delayed in sending her money. Why is he doing it now? But she won’t beg, if that’s what he wants her to do. She is sure that Kyle is sitting around, somewhere next to her father, and listening their conversation.

“Okay fine. I know there are 5 days more to send me the next slot of money. I will wait” Khushi answers.

“Khushi, you are not understanding. It is not about money sweetheart. Actually, there is some paperwork which needs to be done before I can transfer you money from now.” He lies.

“Paperwork? What paperwork? A father is sending money to his daughter who needs it. What kind of rubbish paperwork is needed for that Dad?” she shouts.

“It is business Sweetheart. We need to show the account of every penny we are spending. You will not understand it until you start to earn.”

Khushi rolls her eyes. She is fuming from inside for this news.

“Okay. Sort out the paperwork soon and send me the money”

“No.. you still didn’t get it. That paperwork will need your presence here”

Now that baffles her.

“WHAT?”

Lavanya shuts her ears with her palms to avoid hearing her best friend’s screams.

“Dad are you kidding me? I am not coming anywhere”

“Khushi.. Listen”

“No.. You listen.. I don’t know why you are doing this to me. But just sort it out, okay. And if you don’t want to take my responsibility any further, just say it. Stop giving me such excuses. I am not going to be convinced. I am capable enough to take care of myself even without your money. Good Bye”

She drops the call and sits angrily on the couch. Lavanya finally takes off her palms from ears.

“Wohh!! What was that? Do you realize how sharp your voice is? My ear drums just busted. I am badly in need of an ENT now”

Khushi throws a pillow on Lavanya to shut her up. Lavanya catches it and then walks to her.

“Okay, explain me nicely what’s the matter”

∞∞∞

Arnav steps in the house with his personal assistant Aman who has been briefing him about his next weeks schedule. He hears some chanting from the Puja room and realizes his Nani must have arranged yet another havan (ritual) to cleanse the family’s fate. He is not going to get into this. Arnav never saw his parents. His elder sister Anjali was 7 when they had died in a rail crash. He was just 3 then. Nani came to their rescue and stayed with them since then. Their business was turning major loss since then but Nani couldn’t handle it all. It was only after he graduated and got the necessary degree for Business management that he took the chains of their business in hands and took it to another level which even his father couldn’t do during his time. He might have no memories of his parents but his sister does. She has always been emotional and family bonded unlike him who kept judging everything based on money and power.

Nani has always been caring to him and Anjali in their childhood but as he started growing up, his thoughts didn’t match his Nani’s and there came a point when he and Nani even fought verbally to this extent that she decided to leave the house and go for pilgrimage. Had it not been Anjali handling the situation then, Nani and Arnav would never have been in the same house anymore. However hard Nani pretends to be with him, he knows she loves him immensely and is only concerned about his well-being. But she doesn’t need to bother about it. He is matured enough to take his own decisions and bear its consequences too.

“Aman.. What about the party arrangements? I don’t want any compromises in its lavishness”

“Absolutely not ASR. It is going to be the best party ever thrown in decades by anyone in this country. Trust me”

Arnav seems little impressed by it and keeps walking.

“Chotte” Nani calls out.

Arnav curses for the wrong timing. Just one minute early and he could have skipped meeting Nani. He unwillingly turns around and faces her.

“Ji Nani”

“I had requested you to come early today, didn’t I? This Havan was for you”

Arnav smirks mockingly.

“Why do you insist I be a part of something I don’t believe in Nani?”

Nani frowns at his reply.

“I am doing all of this for your happiness. That has always been my motive since the time I sheltered you and Anjali. Is that too much to ask for?”

Aman realizes he should be walking away from their personal talks.

“ASR.. I will wait at the drawing room”

Arnav nods. Aman leaves for the drawing room.

“Nani, let me make it very clear. I don’t mind you doing anything in this house but please don’t involve me in such things because that’s not my forte.”

“I have enough to worry on my plate Chotte, please don’t make it more difficult. I heard from Anjali bitiya, that you promised her Khushi’s presence for her birthday party? Is that true?”

Now he understands why Nani suddenly thought of cleansing the family’s fate. He sighs deeply and shakes his head.

“Yes, that’s true”

Nani frowns at his affirmation.

“That woman will never enter this house and spoil its decorum. Even if you don’t tell me anything, doesn’t mean I don’t know about her present lifestyle. She has totally spoilt her life and a girl like her doesn’t stand a chance to stay in this house”

Arnav grits his teeth.

“She won’t be staying here. Relax. And now please excuse me, I have some business to look after. Send my meals in the room upstairs after an hour until then, I work with Aman”

He strides to the drawing room, leaving Nani stunned on what plans he has for that girl?

∞∞∞

After much argument with Lavanya and the worry of being penniless forever, Khushi finally decides to agree to her father’s demands. Whatever paperwork she needs to do for getting her share of money in installments, she will finish that and leave India again. She informs the same to Shashi and then both Lavanya and Khushi pack their bags to travel back to Delhi, their hometown.

After a hectic flight of 12 hours, both the girls head out of the arrivals, breathing the air full of memories for them. 18 months back, she recalls her state of mind when she was sitting here at the departures, holding the flight tickets to Sydney and trying to figure out what she had to do next in her life. She had felt unwanted by everyone; be it her father or the man whom he got her married to.

She closes her eyes to wipe off those flashbacks from her mind. Lavanya gets their bags dumped in the car, which Shashi Gupta father has sent to pick them up.

“Khushi, come on. Let’s go”

Khushi sits in the car with Lavanya.

“Khushi.. why don’t you stay with me in my house? As it is my father and his third wife are not at home for a week more. I will be all alone there” Lavanya suggests.

“I will La. I just need to show my face to my father that I have returned for that so-called paperwork. I won’t be staying there with them. I can’t stand Kyle’s presence at all”

“Great. I will look out for some nice pubs around. We will have a ball tonight. And I will call our old friends too. What say?”

Khushi nods. She is just not feeling good about anything after coming here. She tastes the bitterness of her past whenever she is in India. She just hopes that her stay this time, for whatever duration it is, doesn’t make her feel again like a piece of a commodity by her father, which can be traded whenever and however he likes.

To be Continued

__________________________________________________________

Chapter 3

“Kyle, did you send the car to airport?” Shashi asks returning back home from work. Kyle smiles.

“I did Shashi. How can I forget who is coming today?” she taunts.

Shashi paces in the room, glancing again and again at the door. Kyle notices that and reaches him.

“I suggest you sit and relax for some time. She will come”

“I am very excited to meet my daughter, Kyle. It has been 18 months since I have seen her”

Kyle nods. They hear the horn of the car and easily guess it must be Khushi. Shashi hurries out to welcome his daughter. Kyle slowly follows him.

Khushi gets down from the car, trying to familiarize with the surroundings again. This was supposed to be her home once. But she feels no connection with it.

“Khushi, my sweetheart” Shashi comes out and hugs Khushi tight.

She embraces him half-heartedly.

“How was your flight?” he pulls back from the hug

“Not bad.”

“Look at you, Khushi. You have become so thin. Don’t you eat properly there?” he asks in worry.

Khushi chuckles.

“I eat, isn’t that enough Dad?”

Shashi frowns at her confusing reply. Khushi sees Kyle outside. None of the two greet each other.

“Where are the papers that I need to sign Dad?” she asks.

“They are not ready yet. And are we going to talk everything outside? Let us get in. Kyle has got your room cleaned”

Khushi doesn’t react to it. She starts walking in with Shashi, but more like a guest in her own house. The maids come and greet her. Some of them are the same ones who used to look after her before. She knows their names and she greets them with joy.

“How is your child Rama?” she asks one of the maid.

“He is fine Madam. Now in school”

“Good. Educate him and let him stand on his own feet” Khushi replies.

Kyle scoffs.

“Look who is advising”

Khushi frowns.

“Excuse me?” she angrily looks at Kyle who shows no repentance of saying that.

“Even educated people these days like to depend on their fathers” Kyle adds.

That one statement infuriates Khushi.

“Kyle, stop it” Shashi’s tone gets harsh too.

“Sorry Shashi. But I spoke what the truth is. What has Khushi done of her degree? She is just wasting it by spending in clubs and casinos. If she doesn’t value her education, how can she advise others?”

Khushi fists her fingers and turns to her father.

“Thanks for this wonderful welcome Dad. I cannot take much of this here. I am leaving. Will be staying with Lavanya at her place. When the papers are ready, let me know”

She heads back to the car, screaming at the driver to put her luggage back in. Shashi tries to stop her but in vain. She leaves the premises. Kyle comes back to Shashi.

“Let her go Shashi, she will come back”

Shashi angrily shrugs Kyle’s arm from his shoulder.

“For once Kyle, for once you couldn’t shut your mouth? I saw my daughter after 18 months. I wanted her to stay with me here. But you messed it all.”

Kyle is left open-jawed seeing Shashi throwing his frustration at her. This never happened in all these years of their marriage. Shashi heads inside the house, back to his room. Kyle sighs in disappointment. She doesn’t think she did anything wrong. It was necessary to show Khushi her right place. Shashi is blinded by love but she has to act responsible which she will, no matter what the father-daughter think of her.

∞∞∞

The moment Khushi steps in Kshyap’s house she heads straight to the private bar counter and opens a bottle of vodka. Lavanya who is in the living room drinking coffee is stunned seeing her so frustrated.

“Khushi what happened?” she hurries to Khushi who by now is pouring the next shot. Lavanya stops her.

“What you doing, leave it” she shouts taking the bottle away from Khushi.

“Give it back La” Khushi yells.

“No, we have plans for tonight baby. Don’t ruin it like this”

Khushi sighs in frustration.

“What plans?”

“Disco!! You forgot? I have called up all our friends. They will meet us there.”

Khushi presses her aching head.

“You are right. I need to change my mood and disco is the best place for that. I will freshen up La. Please take out my red frock from the bags. Pretty please” she pouts.

Lavanya smiles.

“I will darling” she winks back at Khushi.

∞∞∞

Disco

“Hi Robin, you have grown muscles now” she says hugging her college friend Robin.

“Yes Khushi, you liked it?” he asks feeling proud.

“I loved them. I have always had a special liking for boys who have toned muscles. It needs such a dedication to work out every day and make that happen, isn’t it?” Khushi appreciates.

“And Lucy, you look amazing in short hair” she hugs her other friend.

“You don’t look bad either Khushi. I loved your frock” Lucy replies.

“Thank you. That’s a Valentine gift” Khushi winks shyly.

“Cool!! From your husband?” Lucy asks and Khushi starts laughing out loud.

“Don’t talk about devils Lucy.!!” She comments.

Everyone laughs at her words and Lavanya finally drags them all to the center stage for the dance.

“I need a drink” Khushi picks a glass which is already loaded by some drink, from the counter.

“Khushi, that’s not ours”

“So?” she gulps the entire drink and keeps the empty glass back. “Now it’s ours” she winks at Lavanya and is about to head back to the disco stage when a woman in an elegant white dress stops her.

“What the hell did you do? That was my drink” the woman shouts at her.

Lavanya looks down feeling guilty and caught but Khushi doesn’t bother.

“You left it unattended and it is a shame to do that lady” Khushi barks.

The woman angrily looks at Khushi.

“You are ridiculous”

Khushi laughs aloud.

“I know that. Many of them have said it to me. Now leave my way”

The woman blocks Khushi and Lavanya’s way out.

“Okay. you want to fight? Let’s fight”

Khushi takes the boxing pose and the woman is all the more surprised to see such indecency. Lavanya stops Khushi from going further.

“Khushi what are you doing? Apologize to her”

“I won’t”

“You have to girl” the lady barks. “If you don’t, I won’t let you go”

Khushi frowns.

“You can’t stop me babes.!! So, don’t even try!!”

She tries to get away but this time that woman pushes Khushi behind. Her head hits on the counter table and Khushi gets a small bruise on her forehead. Lavanya shouts for her friends to come and save them but due to the loud music none of them hear her. Khushi stands up and touches the bruise on her forehead. She realizes it is bleeding. She grits her teeth and the next instant she pushes the woman so hard that she falls on the ground. The woman feels embarrassed when the surrounding crowd starts laughing at her. Khushi laughs too.

“Get up you fool, and fight me” Khushi screams, giving a boxing pose again.

“Suzzane?” someone calls out from the crowd, rushing towards the spot. The voice seems familiar to both Khushi and Lavanya. And there he comes, unexpectedly… ARNAV SINGH RAIZADA.

Khushi almost steps back seeing him here. She shakes her head thinking she must be hallucinating him. But nothing works. The man is indeed him. She squeezes Lavanya’s hand who is equally bewildered by Arnav’s presence in the disco. None of them had even imagined in their wildest dreams that they would even meet him here.

Arnav gives a sharp surprised stare at Khushi first and when he hears Suzzane wincing in pain, he immediately diverts his attention to her. He helps Suzzane stand.

“ASR.. what kind of place have you got me in? People here don’t have manners” Suzzane complains.

Arnav again looks at Khushi, trying to analyze if he is really seeing her here. He didn’t know Shashi Gupta would be able to convince his daughter to come back India so soon.

“Are you okay?” he asks looking back at Suzzane.

“No!!” she yells. “This girl, she kicked me down”

Khushi gets hyper now.

“Oh really, wont you tell him why I kicked you?” Khushi shouts and tries to stride towards Suzzane again becoming defensive, but Arnav comes in between the two women. Khushi stops seeing his dark eyes.

“What the hell do you think you are doing?” he barks.

“Partying!!” she says in the same tone. “With my friends. And this woman here suddenly started fighting with me”

Suzzane comes ahead.

“That’s because you snatched my drink and even finished it without my permission. What kind of manners have your family given you?”

Khushi laughs.

“They didn’t teach me anything. Understood? Whatever I am is because of my own choice. Stop involving my family otherwise..”

“STOP!!” Arnav roars.

Lavanya quickly holds Khushi and whispers her not to extend this argument. Arnav meanwhile turns to Aman who has reached there too and trying to understand whose side his boss would take now.

“Aman, please buy another drink for Suzzane.” Aman nods at the commands from his Boss. “Suzzane, you need to freshen up. Please” he requests.

Suzzane gives a cold stare at Khushi and then heads away with Aman.

“Khushi, chal” Lavanya insists and tries to drag Khushi away but the moment these girls turn, Khushi feels a sharp pull on her arm. It is Arnav Singh Raizada who is holding her hand not allowing her to leave. She turns back. The way he is gazing at her makes Lavanya leave Khushi’s hand and the moment she does this, Arnav drags Khushi away from this place.

“What the hell. Where are you taking me?” Khushi keeps shouting but he neither responds nor stops.

He gets her out of the Disco where there is no loud music or people to disturb their conversation.

To be Continued.

__________________________________________________________

Chapter 4

“What the hell. Where are you taking me?” Khushi keeps shouting but Arnav neither responds nor stops.

He gets her out of the Disco where there is no loud music or people to disturb their conversation. He leaves her arm.

“What are you doing here?” he snaps.

“Why should I tell you?” her tone matches his.

There are some words which comes till his lips but he holds them at the last moment. Maybe he was going to tell her she is his wife and thus he has all rights to ask her any damn thing. She clears these thoughts from her head as he throws some more harsh words at her.

“When you cannot behave well, you don’t deserve to be in public places like this, to spoil others impression”

Khushi gets raged by his taunts.

“You don’t damn owe this place. And stop poking in my matters. I am a free bird. I am nobody’s responsibility. You hear that?”

“Watch your tone, Khushi” he warns her while taking a step towards her aggressively.

Khushi instead of taking a step behind, wraps her arms around his neck, grinning wickedly at him.

“Oh Dear!!! I never realized you look so hot when you are angry”

Her gaze lowers on his lips and then back in his eyes. She can say he is hell confused by her behavior but so is she. She has few nerve gripping memories of their hasty marriage procedures which turned into a huge disaster the same evening she became his wife. And since then she decided to cut off every emotional tie she had with her father and every social tie she has with this man whom her father offered her for the sake of expanding his business.

Arnav stares in her eyes while she is lost in her own world. Looks can be deceptive. He is not a man who can be charmed only by looks. He always wanted a sophisticated woman who can understand his agenda and motive towards success. Some decisions go wrong, without giving much time to reverse. Khushi is one such wrong decision in his life which he doesn’t know how to tackle further. She is overly bold and out of his predefined ways of leading life. Indulging into her, in any form, can be hazardous.

They have never seen in each other’s eyes for so long, and now when they do, Arnav feels a difference in the woman he had married 18 months ago and the woman who is now partially in his embrace. Her eyes, they have some deep thoughts running behind them which he is unable to read nor decipher.

“Khushi” Lavanya screams from the other end, breaking their stance.

Arnav is the first one to shrug Khushi’s arms from his neck. Khushi smiles sarcastically.

“Let’s go home babes. I am bored here” Khushi shouts as Lavanya reaches them.

The two girls start walking back to the parking.

“What were you doing? Did you guys kiss?” Lavanya whispers in Khushi’s ears who immediately pushes her away and turns again to take one more glance of Arnav Singh Raizada who is standing there, staring at her with the same confused expressions.

∞∞∞

When Arnav Singh Raizada reaches Shantivan that night, he sees Nani sitting on the couch, before the laptop, busy on a video call. He knows whom she has called at this hour and why. He makes his way towards Nani and sits next to her on the couch, to join the conversation.

“Hey Di” he waves his hand at the laptop screen for his sister, Anjali Jha, who lives in California with her husband.

“Hello Chotte, how was the party? Your client, Suzzane, left back for Capetown?” she asks.

Arnav tries not to make anything obvious on his face which can lead his sister drill further.

“Yes, the party was good. And Suzzane has her flight tomorrow morning. How is your health? You had an appointment today, didn’t you?”

Anjali blushes hard.

“It went well. The doctor said both me and the baby are doing well” she gently places her palm over her 3-month belly.

Nani takes a sigh of relief.

“Anjali, what about the travel? Did the Doctor allow you to travel to India? I hope it won’t affect your health”

“No Nani, the doctor said I can travel until I complete 5 months. After that she has advised me complete bed rest. I cannot wait to come back to India and see you all. Chotte, you remember my birthday gift, don’t you?”

Arnav shakes his head pretending to smile but Nani frowns.

“Anjali, I still feel you should change your mind. You know how that girl is. She will destroy our family”

“Nani why are you saying like that. She is Chotte’s wife. She deserves to be part of our family. It has been 18 months that they are living separate. Somebody has to take a lead and get them together. I am very firm about this. And Chotte has promised me to get her back, didn’t you Chotte?”

Anjali’s sudden depressed expressions worry Arnav. He tries to handle the situation with immediate effect.

“Di, don’t stress. Yes, I have promised you and I will fulfil it. You will see us together when you are back, okay? Where is Jeejaji?” he tries to divert the topic.

Anjali feels better listening Arnav’s assurances.

“Where will he be? He is making breakfast for me” she chuckles.

“Okay, give him our regards. I will call you tomorrow. Bye”

“Bye Chotte. Bye Nani”

Arnav hangs up and turns to Nani.

“Why do you argue with Di? You know how much emotional she has always been and the Doctor has strictly asked us not to give her any stress.”

Nani lowers her head.

“I know that but I cannot accept what she has asked from you.”

“We will sort that later. For me, Di and her health matters first”

“You both matter to me equally, Chotte. Is it wrong on my part to think about your wellbeing? You want me to blindly accept an indecent girl in this house, as your wife?”

Arnav immediately cuts off her words.

“She is spoilt, not indecent. We cannot judge anyone sitting here in this room. And it is hardly a matter of 2 months Nani. Once Di goes back, everything will be normal. Khushi will be back to wherever she belongs and I will get engrossed in my work. So, until then, please bear with me”

Nani understands his point of view. Anjali is here in India for only 2 months. So whatever Arnav is planning with respect to Khushi, it will be limited to that period only. Once Anjali heads back to California, she won’t be returning any time soon. Until then her baby will be born and it won’t be difficult to convince Anjali that Arnav and Khushi’s worlds are different. They can never be one. Nani considers not to nag further about this topic. She will accept this drama for 2 months and once that’s done, their lives will as it is be back to normal.

∞∞∞

Arnav is on the bed, trying to catch some sleep but his unexpected meet with Khushi tonight isn’t allowing him to rest. Her misbehavior with Suzzane, was so unnecessary. How can she just snatch someone else’s drink only because it was unattended? It is both cunning and scary. What if someone had spiked that drink? Anyone can take advantage of her if she continues behaving this way. This is heights of carelessness. He tries to shut his eyes, to stop thinking about her, but fails. Flashes of their first night after marriage crosses his mind.

“Nani, I will explain you everything tomorrow” Arnav blurts over the call. “Yes, I have informed Di. She understands my decision” he keeps walking through the lobby of the Hotel where the marriage procedures took place. It is supposed to be his first night after marriage. He reaches the door of his room and removes the keys from his pockets. “Nani, I will call you in the morning, don’t worry. Good night”

He hangs up and inserts the keys, opening the room door. A strong smell of scented candles, half burnt, fills his nose. The room is completely dark but the burning candles are enough to show him the way inside.

“Khushi?” he calls out, hoping to get a response back from her. He doesn’t know anything much about her, expect that she is a spoilt kid, very arrogant and cunning. She has done exceptionally well in her curriculum but she had no plans of tying knot at such a young age. He knows she has been drilled by her step-mother, emotionally blackmailed by her father after which she has agreed for this so-called relationship. He has just met her twice. Once, when she was too busy to notice him with her father when they made been making this deal and the second time was today before the lawyer when they signed the marriage papers and exchanged rings. That’s all he knows about her. He could have used his men to dig information about her past but he decided not to get into so much depth of the woman when he knows he isn’t going to be sticking to her a lot. She will be free to do whatsoever she wants in her life, and let him mind his own life, without interfering in his personal space; that’s one condition he has strictly mentioned about before signing the papers today. He doesn’t expect her to get physically involved with him either. Relationships which start on bed, end very soon and can have very tragic effects in future. Besides, she has just crossed her teenage phase and mentally she is very immature to understand the desires of a man who is 7 years older to her. So, what should he expect from tonight? Only the next few minutes will tell.

He suddenly stumbles as his feet hits something solid. He looks down and realizes its an empty Champagne bottle. That must have been complimentary tonight in the room, but why is it empty? Did Khushi drink it all? Strange. Not that he didn’t know she drinks. He has personally seen her drinking Vodka today like she is gulping water after being thirsty for months.

He keeps walking towards the bed and finds her sandals down. What the hell is happening? Why has she scattered everything so clumsily? On his next step towards the bed, he picks up the long white gown which she had been wearing while signing their marriage papers. Its lying lifeless on the floor. Has she changed? His mind starts ticking when he picks up the last piece of her clothing from the floor and he truly wonders what she is up to. He manages to turn on the light and to his surprise, he finds his wife, Mrs. Khushi Singh Raizada sleeping on his bed, unclothed, only covered by the white duvet. She is sleeping on her stomach, her silky long hair resting on her shoulders. For a second, he feels like joining her on the bed. She is damn beautiful and to top on it, she is his wife. But a strange anger takes over as he realizes how insensible it is for any girl to get overdrunk and pass out on her marriage night? He throws the gown and the rest of her clothes on the bed and walks out of the room. He will talk to her the next morning, when she is awake and in her senses.

∞∞∞

Kshyap Residence – Next Morning

“Fish!!!!! Why is she here?” Khushi peeps from the window and then looks back at Lavanya.

“I suppose she wants to meet you. Get dressed, she won’t like to see you in these clothes for sure”

Khushi checks herself from top to bottom, standing in front of the mirror. She is wearing a Tank Top and Shorts and she knows this kind of dressing will blow the mind of Arnav Singh Raizada’s Nani. But why is she bothered? She is not here to impress him or his family. Neither she has any plans to settle down with them.

“I don’t care what she thinks. Neither I am interested in meeting her”

“But what will I tell her if she asks for you?”

“Tell her anything, but I am least interested in having any conversation with that family”

Lavanya sighs.

“Fine. Let me see what I can do.”

Lavanya hurries down to greet Arnav’s Nani. Khushi somehow cannot sit back and wait for Lavanya to return and give her the updates. So, she slowly gets out of her room and hides behind a pillar in the lobby to witness why Arnav’s Nani is here.

“Hello Granny.. I mean Nani” Lavanya bites her nails in fear.

Nani is shocked to see Lavanya.

“You? When did you come?”

“Uhh.. Yesterday.”

“Hmm. Where are your parents? I am here to see them”

Lavanya is confused.

“They are not back. They will come next week. Why? I mean what work did you have with them?” she asks.

Nani doesn’t like to be cross-questioned.

“That I will tell only to them. Ask your father to call me once he is back”

“Sure” Lavanya frowns.

Nani is about to leave when something strikes in her brain. She stops and turns around.

“Is she back too?”

“She? Who she?” Lavanya pretends as if she doesn’t know what Nani is asking.

“Your friend”

“Friend? I have many friends. Which one?”

“Khushi” Nani mutters with some frustration in her tone.

Khushi who had been hiding all this time, finally comes out.

“I am here” Khushi screams from the top floor and strides down.

Nani is shocked to see her in such a modern outfit. She immediately drops her gaze down, chanting gods name. Khushi chuckles as she reaches them.

“What happened? Didn’t like my clothes?” she asks.

Nani meets her eyes.

“I never expected more from you”

“Oh really? Then what was all that which you blurted out during our first meet?” Khushi snaps. “One second, let me recall. You called me characterless if I am not wrong!! Didn’t you?”

Nani recollects she had used this term on her.

“I am not here to argue with you nor I am pleading for forgiveness. In fact, I am not even interested in talking to you”

Nani turns around.

“I don’t think your grandson believes the same.” Khushi pokes. “He was very desperate to talk to me last night at the pub”

Nani is stunned at this revelation. Arnav met Khushi last night? Why didn’t he tell her? She will not wait here to get more details from this girl. She knows Khushi will twist it on purpose. It is better she asks Arnav directly. Nani heads out of the house and once she is gone, Lavanya takes a sigh of relief.

“What was that Khushi? You said you don’t want to see her then why did you come out?”

“Just like that darling. You know how unpredictable I am” she winks. “I am going to meet dad in his office today and see how the paperwork is going. I want to get off this country as soon as I can.” Khushi heads back to her room to dress up more decently because she doesn’t want her father’s workers to drool her in such short dress, ignoring their work.

To be Continued.

__________________________________________________________

Chapter 5

Gupta Office

“Where is Dad?” Khushi asks the receptionist who immediately recognizes her and gets up from her seat to greet her.

“Good Morning Ma’am”

“Morning Dolly. Now will you tell me where dad is?”

“Sir is in the conference room with”

Before Dolly could complete the statement, Khushi strides towards the conference room. Dolly runs behind her.

“Ma’am, you cannot go in there. Please” Dolly requests, but Khushi doesn’t give a ear. She pushes the door of the Conference room open and three heads turn in her direction. She is highly shocked to see that the meeting her father was having here is with no one else but her husband – Arnav Singh Raizada. So she has to face him again, not good. She maintains a cold expression on her face and gets inside.

“Dad, are the papers ready?”

“Khushi?” Shashi gets up from his chair and comes to her. “What are you doing here?”

Arnav leans back on his chair, without breaking his gaze on her.

“Did you ever ask me what I was doing all these months? Where was I? How was I?” she pauses to see Shashi’s brow narrowing. “No!! So, don’t do formalities here. Please. I am here to know about the paperwork. If they are done, I would like to sign them and leave back.”

Arnav smirks and a soft chuckle lets out from his lips.

“Mr. Gupta. I don’t have much time. Ask your daughter to wait out until we finish” he commands.

Shashi is unhappy to do so but Khushi doesn’t approve it either. She comes ahead.

“Why don’t YOU get out of here then?” she snaps.

Kyle finally intrudes.

“Enough Khushi. Show some manners. He is our prestigious client plus he is your husband”

Khushi laughs heartily for the next few seconds.

“Gosh!! You guys are so funny. I am your daughter dad, but you don’t care about my dignity. I am his wife..” she points at Arnav. “But he doesn’t care about my dignity too. But I am expected to show respect to all of you. WOW!!”

Arnav feels a tinge of pain and need of something in her voice. But he is not here to analyze any of it. He gets up.

“Mr. Gupta. Guess we should continue this meeting some other time. Or maybe never!!”

Khushi grins, liking the fact that she has managed to get him out of the conference room instead of her. Shashi and Kyle immediately try to stop him.

“ASR.. Please.”

“No Kyle” Arnav stops her from saying anything further. “It was you both who insisted I should come here and discuss the further development of our new venture. But your daughter ruined it all. I don’t give second chances to people so this venture ends here”

Kyle is shocked and so is Shashi. Khushi sits on the chair ahead of Arnav, raising her feet over the table. She is already showing the signs of winning this situation. Arnav gazes back at her and she passes him a flying kiss.

“Good bye Mr. Raizada. Guptas have no plans of any further ventures with you as well” she waves her arm and gestures him the exit door.

“Khushi shut up” Shashi roars.

Arnav clenches his jaw seeing her audacity and heads out of the conference room. Kyle follows Arnav but nothing works. He speeds up and she decides to stop and come back where her husband and his errant daughter are.

“What have you done silly girl? We have waited for 10 months for this one meet to happen and you ruined it all? Couldn’t you wait for few minutes, couldn’t you show this little patience?” Kyle growls.

Khushi puts her fingers in her ears.

“I hate your voice, Kyle. And low down your voice, you might get an attack”

Shashi who had been handling this all in calmly, shouts back.

“Stop it Khushi. Kyle is right. You don’t care if this venture works or not but we do. It is how we earn money. The same money which you are spending lavishly”

Khushi dislikes his tone but decides to remain quiet as she sees her father sweating hard and holding his chest as if to stop it from aching.

“Shashi calm down” Kyle passes a glass of water to him. “What is happening to you? You look pale. I will call the doctor”

“No” Shashi stops her. Khushi panics too. She gets up from the chair and comes to Shashi.

“DaD”

Shashi shrugs her arm off.

“Don’t.. You… you don’t care for me. I live or die, you don’t care.”

Khushi grits her teeth. She can tell the same to him. Did he care for her when she was away? Is her father emotionally blackmailing her now? Maybe!! But she cannot take the risk of arguing. Not when he looks so pale.

“Even if I answer, you won’t believe me Dad. So, don’t ask me if I care for you or not. I didn’t come here to spoil your meeting. I just need to know what update you have about the paperwork. I won’t give you all more trouble by staying here. Just finish the paperwork and let me leave”

Kyle intrudes.

“You want the paperwork to complete? Fine. But before that happens, you need to get Arnav Singh Raizada agree to continue this new venture with us”

Khushi look at her in horror.

“WHAT THE”

“Yes.. you heard it right. You spoiled our meet so now you mend it again. Until ASR agrees to do this new venture with us, you won’t get the paperwork for your share of money”

Khushi is agitated by the condition laid down by Kyle.

“This is insane” she screams.

“You got it on you, Khushi. It is your mistake” Kyle shouts back and keeps patting her husband’s arm and chest to ease his pain.

Khushi watches them angrily for few more seconds. She cannot believe her father didn’t say a word against Kyle’s condition. She shouldn’t expect him to go out of his wife’s words. She strides out of the conference room and leaves the office within few minutes.

∞∞∞

Lavanya listens the ranting of Khushi after she is back from Gupta office.

“They are not at fault, Khushi. You ruined their meeting. How can you expect them to be calm?”

Khushi tightens her jaw.

“You too think its my mistake? La why everyone is expecting only from me? If they had done the paperwork soon, I wouldn’t have barged in their so-called meeting”

“Khushi, paperwork on such crucial matters takes time. They don’t happen in minutes.”

Khushi is about to open a chilled beer to soothe her bubbling anger but Lavanya stops her from doing so.

“First rectify your mistakes, baby. And then drink as much as you want.”

Khushi gives her a frustrated look.

“What the hell La? You are talking like my parents now”

“I know I am. But only for you. It is you who want to get out of this country as soon as possible. And until you sign those papers and start getting your share of money again, regularly, you cannot do that. I am just asking you to speed up the process by fulfilling the condition your step mother laid. Go and apologize to Arnav Singh Raizada. Convince him for doing the new venture with Guptas or else all flying back from here will just be a dream”

Khushi though takes time to understand the depth in Lavanya’s words, knows what she has to do next.

“Fine. I will go there tomorrow” she keeps the beer bottle back and heads to her room.

The next day she comes down dressed in a casual top and dark blue denims.

“Ooo la laaa” Lavanya screams. “Someone is fully prepared to impress the man I see”

Khushi grins.

“That’s what I intend to. You know he will not like me going in his office wearing a denim shorts and tank top” she giggles.

“True. All the best”

Khushi’s agenda is clear. She will walk into his office, politely take permission from his receptionist to meet him, enter his cabin, fake a sorry and ask for apology. All of this is enough to convince him, if he still doesn’t, she won’t mind kissing him and making him accept her demand. No husband can avoid a kiss from his wife if she is so willing to give. With that intention, Khushi drives to AR office.

∞∞∞

AR OFFice

“Good Morning Ma’am, how may I help you?” Sia, the receptionist of AR politely asks Khushi who steps in there.

“I need to see ASR.”

“Do you have his appointment?”

Khushi chuckles.

“Wives don’t need appointments to see their husband, lady” she winks.

Sia is stunned in the beginning but she scans Khushi once from top to bottom and then her behavior changes.

“Ma’am, there are many women out there who want to take his wife’s place. But we entertain none of them here. If you don’t have an appointment, I suggest you take one from his personal assistant, Aman Mathur and then come back”

Sia’s taunting words irritates Khushi but she doesn’t bark at her. She is here to convince Arnav Singh Raizada, not piss him off more.

“You are making a mistake Sia. But anyways, where can I see Aman Mathur?” she politely asks.

Sia points out to Aman’s cabin. Khushi strides there. She steps inside his cabin. Aman immediately gets up. His look itself reveals how much shocked he is to see Khushi Gupta here.

“Ma’am?”

Khushi takes a sigh of relief. Finally, someone noticed her real identity.

“Yes, me. I want to meet your boss. Where is he?”

“ASR is busy in a video conference”

Khushi initially plans to barge in there but nope she cannot dismiss his mood again.

“I will wait until he finishes”

“Sure, uhh.. please be seated on the couch Ma’am. I will inform you once ASR is done”

“Thanks”

Aman leads her to the couch which is exactly opposite to the receptionist desk.

“Aman, can you do one more favor?”

“Yes Ma’am.”

“Introduce me to your receptionist. She needs a reality check”

Aman doesn’t understand why Khushi wants to meet Sia but he agrees and takes her there.

“Sia, she is Khushi Singh Raizada, ASR’s wife and Ma’am she is our office receptionist, Sia”

Sia starts sweating after getting introduced to Khushi again and this time by Aman.

“Sorry Ma’am. I … I didn’t recognize you” she apologizes.

Khushi smiles.

“Sia, there might be many women out there wanting to be in my place, but it isn’t happening. Understood?”

Sia quickly nods. Aman has no clue what conversation took place between Sia and Khushi before she met him but he knows that it has been sorted now. He leads Khushi back to the couch and asks Sia to look after her needs. Aman then leaves to inform ASR that his wife is here to see him.

“Ma’am what would you like to have?” Sia politely asks.

“Do you get beer here?”

Sia is confused.

“Sorry Ma’am, alcohol is not permitted in the campus”

“That’s boring. Well, get me a cup of coffee then and without sugar”

“Okay Ma’am”

Sia hurries while Khushi leans back on the couch, scanning AR office. It is big and classy. This man has spent a lot to make this office one of the best in infrastructure amongst all the other companies in the city.

An hour passes, Khushi is now bored. There is no update from Aman if ASR has finished the video conference. She walks to Aman’s cabin again to check.

“Is he finished?”

“Ma’am, actually I have informed him that you are here. He said he will call when he is done”

Khushi grits her teeth. She realizes ASR is doing this on purpose. She troubled him the other day at their office, now he is revenging her.

“Fine. I will wait”

She heads back to her seat and another hour passes. She has finished 3 coffee’s by now and almost read a whole magazine. Aman is passing by to meet someone else. She stops him.

“Ma’am, ASR is now in a meeting with his Finance head. The meet will be for an hour or more”

Khushi is started to get pissed off. She sits back on the couch and almost falls asleep for an hour there. She wakes up hearing Aman’s voice.

“Is he done?” she quickly rubs her eyes.

“Uhh.. Not yet. He is now with the HR Manager; some crucial updates need to be taken. So”

Khushi clenches her jaw.

“He is doing this on purpose, isn’t he?” she asks Aman.

“I .. I don’t know Ma’am”

Khushi nods.

Fine. This is heights of testing her patience. It’s been 4 hours she is here and he is continuously ignoring her. But enough now. She is not going to tolerate more.

“Where is his cabin?” Khushi gets up.

“But ASR is not in his cabin, Ma’am” Aman interrupts.

“I know. But I cannot wait here any longer. I will be in his cabin. Where is it?”

Aman is little skeptical if he should allow her to wait in ASR’s cabin but he cannot deny either. She is ASR’s wife after all.

“This way Ma’am”

He leads her to ASR’s cabin. She doesn’t let Aman enter along with her.

“I will manage Aman. Thanks”

Aman nods and leaves her alone. Khushi scans the cabin. It is elegant and very huge. There is a vast desk at the center wall and a stylish chair which is where ASR might be sitting and taking such pissing off decisions to run his business. There is a huge sofa at the other end. She heads there and sits down. It is very comforting. She removes her heavy shoes and raises her feet above. Let him come anytime now, she at least has a place to chillax. She turns on the plasma TV in his cabin and puts a sexy movie to watch. She adds some volume and happily enjoys the waiting period to see Arnav Singh Raizada.

To be Continued.

__________________________________________________________

Chapter 6

AR Office

“What the hell are you watching?” Arnav Singh Raizada roars as he steps in his cabin and finds Khushi Gupta watching some sexy romantic scene on the Plasma TV, with all those kissing noises in the background. Khushi does get startled at his intrusion. She didn’t know he would come that quickly. But she maintains a cold unaffected expression on her face.

Arnav snatches the remote control from her and switches off the Television.

“That was my favorite Movie” she barks.

“Then watch it home, not at my office” he snaps again.

“Which home? My father’s or your?” she laughs sarcastically seeing him twitching his brows.

Arnav reads her sarcasm again. It has been happening since the time she has returned. During every conversation, she has to say something which slightly hints the disappointment she has of being alone.

“By the way, I loved your cabin. It’s sexy” she scans the area in appreciation again and turns around to wink at him.

Somehow that look when she winked, cools down his anger.

“But I think the glass walls should have been at the South side. Not here. It would give you a wider view of the city. And that vase there is blocking the way to the couch, it is better to be placed at the west corner of the cabin”

“Are you here to give me inputs on the interiors of my cabin?” he interrupts.

Khushi shrugs.

“Nope. Consider those as few free tips from your wife” she winks again and this time biting her lower lip.

“STOP” he clenches his jaw. “Why do you have to wink all the time? And stop biting your lip. It gives a different meaning to people around you”

“Are you intending to teach me how to be decently presentable in your high society?” she interrupts.

Arnav shrugs this time and gives her the same reply which she did a minute ago.

“Consider those as few tips from your husband”

Khushi grins. For some unknown reason, her eyes glues to his for a few seconds and finds him doing the same. Admire her. Suddenly her real motive behind coming here flashes in her mind.

“Well” she clears her throat, coming out of the stance. “I don’t want to take much of your time”

“You already have” he says looking at his watch.

“Whatever” she scoffs.

“WHATEVER?” he questions back, striding towards her. “Do you know how precious every minute is for Arnav Singh Raizada?”

Khushi rolls her eyes.

“Fine!! Quote your price Mr” she offers.

Arnav laughs sarcastically.

“Bankrupt people cannot fill other’s accounts”

Now that frustrates Khushi. How dare he call her bankrupt? Well, its true. She doesn’t have a penny for her own survival. She has to depend on her father for that. What’s strange is that both her father and husband are billionaires and yet she has to beg for her share. What a fate!!!

Khushi gasps.

“Fine. Let me come to the point” her tone is emphatic. “Dad wants me to convince you for doing your next venture with them, which they think they lost because of my arrogance”

Arnav crosses his arms across his chest.

“THEY think so? YOU Don’t?”

Khushi knows he is testing her patience. Maybe he wants her to be sorry.

“You coaxed me that day to be arrogant. I didn’t mean any harm to others”

“Forget others. You couldn’t show some patience for the meeting to get over. You barged in the conference and then insulted your father’s prestigious client”

Khushi laughs.

“PRESTIGIOUS? Oh God. How can someone be so much self-obsessed?” she teases.

Arnav keeps giving her the same cold stare.

“You are making it all the more difficult for you” he warns her.

Khushi’s smile vanishes. He is right. If she will laugh at him, taunt him, how will she convince him for doing the new venture with her father? She clears her throat again.

“Yea, well” she swallows. “Please agree for this or else I have other ways to convince you”

Now that makes him enough curious.

“Other ways?”

“Yes” she comes ahead and stands close to him. He has a marvelous face. He has those smoky eyes which can hypnotize any women. How many women has he dated before? Has he been dating someone at present? For a man to be that cool and composed even after the hectic work schedule, a break is needed and they usually search that break and solace in a woman. Something stirs in her stomach, making her feel possessive about it.

“You were going to enlighten me the other ways” he coaxes further.

She comes back to her sense, ignoring the confusions of her silly mind. She was so affirmative about doing this while she talked to Lavanya about it. But now that she is actually in the situation, she is unsure, unprepared and most importantly, afraid of his reactions. What if he shoves her off? He can do that and there will be no big insult than that, if it happens.

She steps back.

“I don’t think I will like to use my other ways here. It’s your office, not bedroom” she is about to wink but she doesn’t. he reads her reactions too. Strange to see her accepting his tips and advices so quickly.

“So, are we cool about this? Have you agreed to do the next venture with Guptas?” she happily asks.

Arnav grins.

“NOPE”

He walks back to his desk, leaving her stunned.

“I cannot tolerate you in this cabin more than this. So, get out”

Though his orders are rude, she doesn’t feel his tone supporting his words. Seems like he is still testing her. Her jaw drops.

“What the hell. I haven’t behaved so patiently with anyone”

“Neither I” he sits on his chair and unlocks his laptop.

Khushi has no clue how to convince him now.

“Okay, let us do this again. I am ready to do anything in return if you do this Venture with my father. Done?”

Arnav winningly raises his head and looks at her, leaning back.

“Now you are talking” he mutters.

Khushi has no clue why he said that. What does he want her to do in return? Her cheeks turn crimson with the mere ideas he could try doing with her in return. But then she recollects how he had shoved her responsibility off after marriage. He doesn’t deserve those rights then.

“What do you mean?” she asks.

“Means” he gets up from his chair and comes back to her. She can tell he is enjoying this. But what will be his conditions? “For the next days until you head back to wherever you came from, you will have to do everything that I say.” He gives her a professional smile which she gets scared of.

Khushi looks at him amused and then gets back in defensive mode.

“No ways. This is too much to ask for. You want me to become your slave for the next few days?”

Arnav nods.

“Kind of” he shrugs his shoulder. “And by doing that, I will agree to do the venture with your father”

“No thank you, Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada. I am not going to agree for this. Khushi Gupta cannot be slave of anyone. She is a free bird. I cannot be caged”

Arnav sighs.

“Okay then, go back to your father, tell him I have no interest in any partnership with him. I am sure he will understand”

Khushi groans in anger and picks her purse to leave. She strides till the exit door. He keeps watching her gestures. She is going to agree for this, he knows. And even if today she is denying, tomorrow she will come back and do as he says. This is the only way he can make her stay with him, under one roof until his sister Anjali stays with them during her next visit to India.

Khushi stops at the door and turns around.

“You are the meanest man I have encountered in my life Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada. But God is there. Soon you will repay for all this” she curses and heads out.

Arnav rolls his eyes.

“WHATEVER” he repeats in the same tone which she did some minutes back and gets back to work.

This was the first conversation he had with his wife for such a long time. He never thought she would be so funny too. He always saw her as a highly attituded, stubborn girl. But the one he conversed today was not too bad. She has that sense of humor in her which can get a smile on anyone’s face. His sister will enjoy her company because she loves people with good sense of humor.

∞∞∞

Kshyap’s Residence

Khushi explains everything to Lavanya who is equally surprised that Arnav Singh Raizada has proposed such a condition to Khushi.

“I.. .I don’t support it either. God knows what all he intends to do with you.”

“Exactly La. What if he asks me to cook for him? Make his bed and the most horrible of all.. Warm his bed” Khushi exclaims in terror. “No ways. I will do none of this”

Lavanya giggles seeing Khushi’s horrified face.

“Chill. He is not interested in you. Trust me”

Khushi twitches in anger.

“What do you mean?”

“Look” Lavanya opens her laptop and types Arnav Singh Raizada in a search website.

Many pictures of Arnav posing with his clients, friends and women flashes on the screen which Khushi keenly observes.

“That’s his choice. Well behaved, sophisticated, decent manicured women. And look at this” she quickly drags Khushi to the mirror. “You don’t fit to be one”

Khushi feels like pouting and yelling at the same time but soon she accepts it.

“You are right. I don’t want to be his choice either. You know I am no good with commitments La”

Lavanya laughs again.

“Dumbo!! You are already committed to the most non-committed marriage on this earth. Why don’t you get out of this marriage? It’s really wasting and killing your goals Khushi”

Khushi gives it a thought but soon shrugs.

“I can’t. If I come out of this marriage, my father will find the next highest bidder for me” something choke in her mouth and she feels cold and weak.

Lavanya comes and rubs her arms to give her some strength.

“I understand. Anyways, so what have you decided? If you don’t accept ASR’s condition he will not do the venture with your father and in turn Kyle will never let your father fulfil the demand of giving you your share in his property. What will you do then?”

Khushi thinks deeply.

“You are right. Kyle can do this. She is already hating it when Dad sends me money”

“Exactly. So, I don’t think you have a choice”

Lavanya leaves Khushi alone for some time so that she thinks about this again.

∞∞∞

Shantivan – AR Mansion

“No, I am fine Di” Arnav speaks to his Sister Anjali, who has again called him on Skype. She notices the creases on his forehead and quickly realizes he is tensed.

“Chotte. Don’t lie to me. I can read you better than anyone else. What’s wrong? Who has spoiled my Chotte’s mood today?”

Arnav recollects the conversation he had with Khushi Gupta today. It was not easy.

“She is here Di” he finally blurts. “Khushi is in India”

A broad smile props on Anjali’s face. She gets anxious to know more.

“Really? Khushi is in India? In Delhi? Did you meet her? What did she say? She agreed to patch up with you?”

“Di.. DI.. relax” Arnav interrupts. “And don’t get excited, it might affect the baby inside” he warns.

Anjali pouts and caresses her stomach.

“My baby is happier than me. Afterall it also wants to meet Khushi, just like its mother. Chotte, I am dying to come there, you know.”

“I know Di” he smiles. “And you will meet her soon. I am worried of something else though” he pauses. “Khushi is not a woman who can easily fit in our home. Her ways of living life are different, her motives, her likes are way beyond ours. I don’t think it will be a good idea that me and her should unite again”

Anjali sighs.

“Chotte, everyone who is born, is different. No two people can be alike. And that spices up the idea of living with your opposite kind and building a relationship. And if you are worried that she is not perfect, then let me tell you, no one is perfect. Love should be perfect, people who are in love are perfect or not, doesn’t matter.”

Arnav rolls his eyes and his smile brightens.

“LOVE? Di you are so fictional” he teases.

Anjali pouts again.

“Chotte, you can call me anything you want, but remember I want Khushi to be with you when I come there. And that’s an order”

Arnav nods in agreement. He knows he cannot deny his sister at any cost. And its hardly a matter of 2 months. Once his sister is back to California, Khushi will leave too and he will be free again. His phone rings at that same moment. Anjali gets curious to know who would call Arnav so late.

“Who is it? Don’t tell me its Aman” she giggles.

Arnav slowly turns his mobile screen so that Anjali on the laptop screen can see it. She almost jumps in excitement seeing the name displayed on Arnav’s phone.

“Khushi? It’s Khushi? Oh my God. I didn’t know you guys are in talking terms now. I need every details Chotte. Please”

Arnav again tries to relax her. He knows why Khushi has called. She has no choice but to agree to his condition.

“Okay.. I will talk to her first and will call you back. Fine?”

“Totally fine. Love you Chotte. And give my regards to Khushi as well. Bye.”

Arnav disconnects the call and then answers Khushi.

“So, is it a YES?” he asks wickedly.

Khushi is not very surprised that he guessed the reason why she has called him. But however hard he enjoys her temporary yes, she knows he is soon going to repent it bad.

“YES”

“Cool. So, meet me at my office tomorrow. We need to get these on papers again”

Khushi sighs in frustration. Why is he so much into making every single tie up between them legal? First their marriage conditions and now this!!

“For a change, can we meet elsewhere? Like a disco or something?” she pleads.

Arnav gives it a thought.

“fine. I will text you the address”

“Cool. Wear something sexy then. Don’t wear your suit, please. And one more thing, don’t get your chain of personal assistants and lawyers. You are going out with your wife, not an associate.”

Her list of do’s does surprise him but he doesn’t deny any of it.

“You too wear something decent. And for God’s sake, don’t create a scene”

Khushi giggles. He has no clue what she has planned for him.

“Okay cool with me. Now bye”

He doesn’t like it when she disconnects the call so abruptly. But what else can he expect out of her. Khushi Gupta is unique and for a change he has started admiring that for some reason.

To be Continued.

__________________________________________________________

Chapter 7

Kshyap’s Residence

Shashi and his wife Kyle Gupta step inside Kshyap’s house. Khushi and Lavanya who are enjoying the video games on TV are shocked to see them here. Khushi turns the game off and gets up.

“Dad, Hi” she greets. “La’s parents are still not back if you are here to see them”

Kyle remains quiet. Shashi is the one to clear his daughter’s misunderstanding.

“We know that. We are here to meet you.”

Lavanya holds her laugh and gets up from the couch.

“Please sit Uncle, Aunty.. ooppss.. KYLE I mean” Lavanya shuts her mouth.

Kyle doesn’t fume, she hadn’t expected much curtesy from Khushi or her friends.

“You guys came all the way to see me? Why?” Khushi asks.

“We want to know if you are going to consider apologizing to your husband” Kyle wastes no time in sharing the real motive of coming here.

“My Husband or your Potential Prestigious client?” Khushi scowls.

Shashi comes forward and clutches her arms.

“Khushi, why don’t you understand. ASR is just not to be messed with. He is related to us in both ways and we don’t want to hurt him” Shashi explains.

“Hurting your daughter’s self-respect is fine, but not your son-in-law? Wow!!”

Kyle finally opens her mouth.

“Self-respect? You have totally lost it by your own deeds Khushi. Until you respect yourself and understand your potential, no one else will do. Stop expecting others to shower dignity on your unnecessarily”

Kyle’s words prick her heart but she doesn’t let it hurt her tone.

“Wow!! She always amazes me by her powerful words, Dad. Where did she learn all this from? I would like to pay a visit there too” Khushi teases.

Shashi sighs in frustration.

“Enough you two. Can we all ever have a peaceful conversation?” he shouts.

Kyle looks away. Khushi doesn’t want to waste their time either. So, she comes to the point.

“Give me 24 hours dad. I have talked to Arnav about this and we are up to something.” Her words surprise the couple. What is she intending to do?

“What.. what did you talk to him?” Kyle curiously asks.

Khushi grins at her.

“Its personal. We have strictly decided not to speak about it to outsiders”

She is about to wink but she holds herself from doing that recollecting Arnav had denied her to drag this habit of hers. She herself doesn’t apprehend why she is obeying him, when he is not even around to see her following his orders.

Shashi draws Khushi’s attention back to him.

“Khushi, it is good that you are Arnav are bonding”

“Just for the sake of your new Venture Dad. It’s not permanent” she interrupts.

Shashi sighs in disbelief but still has a hope that it might change his daughter’s future for good. Khushi picks the TV remote back as a gesture to show them that the conversation can be ended.

“Arnav will call you up tomorrow to discuss about Business. I give my word”

Kyle looks surprisingly at her. What is happening between the two that Khushi is so much sure about this?

“Hope you keep your words, Khushi” Kyle exclaims. “Let’s go back Shashi. You have to meet the Chinese delegates in an hour” she reminds.

Shashi nods. He still looks at Khushi.

“You will come home to stay with us?”

“I don’t think so. I am happy here”

Khushi’s denial makes him pale but he doesn’t force her. He caresses her head once and then turns away and leaves with Kyle. Khushi feels a lump in her throat. Is he the same father who used to keep convincing her, when she was a child, until she accepts his words. Wish he had forced her a bit more, she might have agreed to go and stay in her own house. Even after staying in her best friend’s house, she has no peace of mind. Which will be that place where she will love to stay forever?

∞∞∞

Shantivan

Arnav is quietly eating breakfast, Nani is just before him, thinking if she has to ask him what’s happening between him and Khushi. She knows even if he is building a rapport with Khushi, it is only to make Anjali happy.

“Have you spoken to her?”

Arnav’s stance breaks, he looks at Nani to know what she is talking about.

“About her stay here during Anjali’s visit?” Nani further adds.

Arnav then understands the topic and shakes his head in affirmation.

“Yes, not directly though. I am seeing her tonight, so we will discuss everything”

Nani swallows.

“Chotte, please think one more time. Anjali’s happiness is on one side but you know how Khushi is. I wont be able to tolerate her tantrums here. She has no respect for anyone and who is going to control her big mouth?”

Arnav places his hand over Nani’s on the table.

“Nani, I will take care of all this. You please calm down. Khushi will be in her limits and Di will never be able to know that it is all a setup”

“But what after Anjali leaves back? She might demand to speak to Khushi, see you both together. What excuse will you give then?”

“We will tell her it didn’t work. I know it will hurt Di, but she will understand that we at least tried”

Nani is still restless.

“I hope it all works the way you want Chotte. Because I don’t trust that woman. She can mess this totally”

“I said I will take care of that, Nani. Please don’t worry “

Arnav starts eating again. His assurance temporarily allows Nani to divert from this subject. But she still has one thing in mind which she always wanted to ask Arnav. She bravely asks him this time.

“Why don’t you divorce her?”

Arnav stops eating again. Holy Crap. He never had thought about it recently.

“It … it is not necessary Nani”

“Why? It will free you from this unwanted relationship”

Arnav swallows hard. Unwanted? He was desperate enough to marry her though when the proposal came in from the Guptas, for obvious reasons. Though those reasons have subsided momentarily but he never thought of breaking the marriage.

“Chotte, what are you thinking so much? It is wasting your life. Why to unnecessarily drag it when you can put a full stop over it? And don’t tell me you will always live like a bachelor even after having a wife? Our family will need someone to take the generation forward, you will need a life partner who can understand you, be with you in both good times and bad. Khushi is not that type. She is not your type”

All of this information is too much for him to digest right now.

“Okay, okay. I will think about it.”

Nani sees a glimpse of hope in his assurance. Arnav completes the breakfast and heads for work. As soon as he reaches Office, he asks Aman to find the best Disco in this town. Aman is puzzled why his boss suddenly needs a Disco, but he gives a list of the best ones and Arnav chooses one among it. He then texts the address to Khushi, asking her to see him at 07:00 pm there.

Khushi laughs reading his message and replies back to his message.

‘Disco starts after 10:00pm. Shame you didn’t know.!!’

Arnav feels someone just punched his ego. He texts her back.

‘I have better things to do than knowing the disco timings. I can pick you up at 09:45 if you want”

She arches her brows.

‘I prefer you give me a drop back. I might be heavily drunk to find a ride for myself at late night’

Arnav who had just concentrated back in the meeting clenches his jaw. He has no ears or eyes to the person presenting at the conference, he leans back and texts Khushi over the table, almost making few of the meeting attendees to peek at him.

‘NO DRINKS TONIGHT’

He sends that message and then adds one more.

‘I want to have a healthy conversation with you and need you to be stable to understand my terms and conditions. I don’t want your hands to shake while signing the contract’

He desperately waits for her reply. He waits for a minute more and adds one more message in the series.

‘???’

He gets impatient when she doesn’t respond back even now. How much is he going to press her for answers? But he tries again.

‘KHUSHI REPLY DAMMIT’

And there she replies back, finally.

‘I had gone to pee.!! Got your series of messages now. And OMG!! You got to be kidding me. No Drinks? Dry Disco?? Not my type. And didn’t I tell you not to get your lawyers or any legal papers there? Whatever I have to sign, will be done tomorrow morning at your office. TONIGHT, IS OUR NIGHT. No Paperwork!! Can we reconsider about drinks, please? I AM POUTING!!’

The first line of her message makes his flush. No woman has ever been so shameless to him. Maybe that’s what only wives can do. He raises his eyes once, to pretend he is concentrating on the presentation and continues texting her again.

‘We will decide that when we meet.

P.S Your pouts cannot melt my heart’

He gazes back at the projector screen, his fingers fiddling with the mobile phone, waiting for it to vibrate by her reply and when it does, he puts all his attention on the mobile phone again.

‘Who said I want to melt just your heart? I want to melt ALL OF YOU’

She has added a wink emoticon at the end of that line. Arnav coughs to clear his mind and the sudden tickling in his throat. She is manipulating him, he knows. The conference ends, everyone waits for Arnav to say something and he is sitting here, clueless, for the first time.

“Good. Give me some time to think about this proposal. Aman, will get back to you with my response” he addresses that and leaves the room. Aman follows him out. Arnav quickly types back to Khushi.

‘Stop hallucinating. It is never going to happen. I have a metal heart’

He has no clue why he is so much desperate to keep the messaging going. He has never conversed with her all these months and suddenly, its like raining messages. They are talking like best buddies or clingy lovers.

‘And I am fire’

Her reply once again makes him restless. What are they doing? Flirting? How did this conversation suddenly become all intense and fiery? It has to stop or else he will be unable to work.

‘Be at the Disco by 10:00. Got to work.’

His reply makes her uncomfortable. Did he mean she doesn’t have any work to do? But that’s true. She has nothing to do. She keeps playing video games, boozing, partying the whole day. She has hardly anything sensible to do. That’s why others think she is available anytime. She has to seriously sort her life before she loses its control forever. She recollects what Kyle said in the morning about self-respect. Though it sounded rude, it had truth in it. Until she respects her own self, takes responsibility of her own, no one else will respect her. She will be oscillating between her father and husband like a trash, whom no one wants to keep close. Her head aches. Why has she suddenly started thinking in this direction? She is here to get her share of money as per her mother’s will. That’s her priority. Once that’s done, she will never have to beg to her father for her monthly pocket money. She just hopes this happens soon.

∞∞∞

“Are you nervous?” Lavanya asks Khushi who is fully ready to leave for the Disco. She is wearing a knee-length decent frock and it took her an hour to decide what she wants to wear tonight.

“I am okay, La. Why?” she lies.

“I don’t know. You have never taken so long to dress up. It’s like you are going on a date” La giggles. “It is not less than a date, I know. But remember what your agenda is. Don’t let him overrule you”

Khushi shakes her head.

“I am going to let him overrule me until he signs the contract with my father. Once that happens, I know how to retreat”

“But what about the papers. He is going to make it legal, isn’t he?”

“Oh yes, I will find some way to make them lenient”

She gets up from before the dressing table and gives herself one last look.

“Isn’t the gloss too shinny? I don’t want him to think I want his kiss”

She starts rubbing the gloss gently with a tissue and then when she thinks its perfect, she smiles at Lavanya.

“I will be late. You go to sleep”

“Wish I could. I am so much interested to know what happens there” Lavanya shows her excitement.

Khushi feels her cheeks burning by Lavanya’s words.

“Stop it La. It is an official meet in the most unofficial place of the town. Weird, isn’t it? Plus, I Have to convince him for at least allowing me one drink.”

“Since when did Khushi Gupta start convincing? I thought she can only order”

Khushi flushes.

“Whatever!! Now give me a hug and wish me luck”

Both the girls hug each other and Lavanya drops Khushi till the car. She waves her arm and waits until the car moves out of its vicinity. Whatever Khushi is doing, might feel exciting right now but it shouldn’t break her more than she already is. Lavanya has seen that phase of Khushi wherein she had no place to go, no one besides to give her a hug and assure her that life will change for good. She just hopes, whatever Khushi is getting into now will make her happy forever. And if that Arnav Singh Raizada does anything to hurt her, she will break his nose for sure.

To be Continued.

__________________________________________________________

Chapter 8

Disco

Khushi waves her arm as Arnav gets down the car and passes the keys to the security for Valet Parking. He waves her back, though it is not his style. He doesn’t know to be so informal. He has always attended meetings and conferences, where handshakes are the only formal way to greet. Waving a hand like that and smiling unnecessarily is not his forte. As soon as he reaches her, he gazes her top to bottom. She moves her eyes at herself, following his stare.

“Don’t tell me you expected more decent outfit than this!!” she shouts.

Arnav shakes his head denying her comment.

“I am glad you didn’t wear shorter outfit than this”

Khushi sighs in relief and then giggles.

“Why? Afraid of melting, metal heart?” she punches gently on his chest. He gets speechless by her actions. Is she the same with all others or he is special?

“Shall we get in?” he asks shrugging all the other thoughts.

“Yup”

She quickly leads him in. A very loud western music is playing inside. It can easily tear off the eardrums if exposed to it for longer hours. Khushi starts moving her body to the rhythm and is about to pick a drink for herself when Arnav suddenly catches hold of her wrist shaking his head in denial. She frowns recollecting what he had told her before during their message conversations. No Drinking tonight!!

“Just one” she pleads.

“Nope”

He drags her to the private couch where they can sit and talk. Khushi chews her teeth and keeps following his track.

“You are such a bore” she yells.

“And you are so much addicted. What harm will it cause if you don’t drink one day?” he shouts back.

Khushi clenches her jaw.

“Whatever!! You win… I lose. Now can I at least get a lemonade? I am thirsty”

“I will get it.” Arnav is about to get up but she stops him.

“No fine. You won’t understand my taste. I will buy it myself. You want anything?”

“No thanks. I am fine”

“Cool”

She hurries to the bar counter and orders something. She gives him a quick glance and smiles. He is keeping an eye on her, she knows. She cannot even fool him and buy a drink instead of that boring lemonade. Once this meeting is over, she will buy one for sure. She pays for the lemonade and then quickly comes back to him, sipping the juice.

“This song is my favorite” she exclaims as the DJ changes the music. “Lets dance”

She holds his wrist. He pulls her back and makes her sit next to him on the couch. She gasps.

“We are not here to dance. I don’t like to waste time. I spend every minute in making money, Khushi” he shouts.

Khushi pouts.

“Typical businessman. I thought I am here to meet my husband.”

Arnav feels a spark in her voice but he knows she is just trying to manipulate him and change things to her favor. She suddenly leans back and starts fetching something in her purse. Arnav stares at her with confusion.

“What are you doing?” he asks.

“Finding my card.”

“Card?” he snaps. “Why?”

“To pay you for your prestigious time” she meets his gaze again. “You just said every minute you like making money and not wasting on people like me”

Arnav understands she is showing him the mirror, that’s all. He should have really taken things lightly than blurting all that to her.

“I.. I didn’t mean that” he replies in an apologizing tone.

“Thank God you didn’t. Because neither I have any money to pay you back” she openly declares zipping her purse close. “I am bankrupt” she admits. “In fact, that’s why I am here. To get my share as per my mother’s will and leave this country.”

Arnav had an idea she was bankrupt, but he didn’t know what excuse Shashi Gupta gave his daughter to get her back to India. Now he knows. He feels sympathy for this woman but he cannot ignore that she is bankrupt only because of her extravagant nature. She has wasted enough money all these months.

“Anyways” she clears her throat. “Let’s discuss what we are here for. You want me to do whatever you ask me for, and only then you will agree to do the new venture for my father. Am I correct?”

Arnav nods.

“It’s not as simple as you think”

Khushi laughs sarcastically.

“I know that already. If Arnav Singh Raizada has put such a ridiculous condition, it can never be that simple”

Arnav raises his brows.

“You don’t know me yet”

“I am sure I don’t. Actually, never got time you see” she fakes a smile and gulps the lemonade. “I was kind of busy”

“Busy in drinking, partying in discos like this with your wasted friends. Right?” he snaps.

Khushi doesn’t like his intrusion.

“Right. But why do you sound bothered? I was doing exactly what you asked me to do. STOP BOTHERING YOU!!”

There is a long silence between them. Though the music is loud in the background, both feel like they can even hear the voices of each other’s heartbeats. This is such a meaningful conversation. She hadn’t expected to discuss here, why she got away from him or chose this life, neither he. Arnav is aware what she meant. During their last conversation before she left the country, he had asked something similar from her. To STOP BOTHERING HIM. She did exactly the same but in her own way. She left the country and that too without informing him or anyone related to her about her whereabouts. It took him a week to trace her location and know that she is safe there. He was so mad then. But that anger cooled off and he got busy in work again, forgetting that part of his life, that part of his responsibility to look after the woman he had married. He somewhere does realize it that he is responsible for whatever their relationship status is today. But he never took any steps to amend it.

“Sorry” she pauses. “See.. this is what happens when I don’t drink. I always hurt others. I am here to convince you to do business with my father not push you away with my baseless talks. I am really sorry”

Arnav doesn’t like her unnecessary apology. But before he could say anything about it she puts the subject back.

“What are your terms? I am eager to know” she states.

“I have got them drafted. You will get a copy of it tomorrow when you come to my office. But there are few specific ones which I personally want to discuss”

“I am listening” she takes another sip of the lemonade while keeping her eyes on him.

“I have a sister, Anjali Jha” he proudly introduces.

“Oh really? I thought you are single. Where is she?”

“In California, with her husband”

“Oh cool. I had been to California last year. It has some amazing pubs.” She happily says.

Arnav frowns and that sobers down Khushi.

“Okay, how is your sister connected to our conversation?”

Arnav takes a deep breath and explains further.

“She wants us to patch up and give another chance to our marriage”

Khushi, who was taking another sip of the lemonade, starts coughing hearing it. Arnav knows she got a shock. He takes the glass back from her and keeps it down. Khushi composes herself and meets his eyes again.

“Are you serious? I mean, is she serious? This is like next to impossible” Khushi exclaims with anxiety. Arnav keeps listening to her. “Is that what you want? Oh my God. Is that why you are here? To convince me?” she keeps her palm over her mouth in shock.

Arnav finally intrudes.

“Done? Done building your own conclusions? Now can I talk?” he asks.

Khushi nods giving him permission. Arnav leans forward.

“I don’t care what Di wants and I would have shrugged her off easily over this idea but I cant. It is not as easy as you think”

“But why?”

“Because she is pregnant”

Khushi’s jaw drops.

“So? She is pregnant. Not me. Why does she want to see us together?”

Arnav rolls his eyes.

“Khushi she is naïve. She has always been like this. Caring, over possessive for my happiness. She thinks I will be happy if I give a chance to our marriage which is not true”

Khushi swallows. She gets serious after hearing the last line from him. But soon she masks that seriousness with a smile.

“So true. None of us will be happy if we stay together. We haven’t tried it but we wont try it either” she declares.

“We will” he intrudes again giving her a major shock. “We will pretend to do this before her”

Khushi’s head spins.

“Before her? Didn’t you say she is in California?”

“She is.. But she is coming in 10 days here. And she will be staying for 2 months.”

“SO?”

“So I want you to stay with us in that period and make her believe we are trying.. HARD!!”

Khushi feels like someone kicked her badly and she is still in the air, waiting to fall on ground and hurt herself. Arnav analyses her situation.

“This is only until she is here. Once she leaves, you are free to go wherever you want. And this is my condition for doing business with your father”

There is again silence between them as she is trying to believe what he said. Is he serious? This seems like a failed plan already. She picks her purse and gets up.

“I .. I cannot do this”

She leaves towards the exit. Arnav is raged at her behavior. How can she leave their conversation half? He follows her out.

“Khushi wait”

She keeps hurrying and waves for a taxi. Arnav reaches her and pulls her back.

“Never leave until I have finished” he snarls.

Khushi shrugs his arms.

“You cannot expect me to be a part of this foolishness. I am not going to convince anybody and give false hopes that too to a pregnant woman. What if she falls sick after knowing the truth? You and your grandmother will not wait a second to blame me for that. I cannot take that risk”

“No one will blame you, I promise” he mutters.

Khushi keeps looking at him. He is so confident about all of this. How? She calms down and retry convincing him how hard it is.

“Look… I know you love your sister very much. Just tell her you tried to talk to me but I denied. I am sure she will understand.”

“No she wont. She is very stubborn. If I tell her that, she will want to meet you and she will try to convince you from her end”

“Fine then. I will deny her the same way. I will talk to her. Give me her number”

Arnav is frustrated now.

“You cannot argue with me Khushi. You want your father and I to do the business, then this is it. Say Yes, agree to my plan and I will handle it all.”

Khushi keeps gazing at him for few more seconds and finally gives up. There is no hope from him that he will agree to her.

“Fine. Why am I bothered? She is your sister so you know what lies can convince her and what can hurt her. I am ready. Happy?”

Arnav takes a sigh of relief. He knows he is doing nothing good to his sister in terms of longer run but her present condition is more important. Her pregnancy is critical and the Doctors have advised them not to give Anjali any mental stress which can affect her emotionally. This is one major reason why Arnav doesn’t want to deny his sister’s request.

“Okay. We will meet tomorrow at..”

“Your office and sign the contract. Right? I know already” she snaps.

Arnav reads the restlessness on her face. She was not prepared for something like this. He too didn’t expect her to agree at his first insistence.

“After you sign the contract, we need to get you polished. Aman will discuss that with you further”

Khushi squeezes her eyes.

“Polished? What do you mean?”

“Etiquettes” he mutters. “I am very much into mannerisms. Before Di comes here, I want you to learn how to be around her. It includes how to talk, behave, respect and most importantly do nothing that can hurt her. Aman will guide you on that”

Khushi feels like punching him. Now he will decide how she should talk and behave?

“Can I punch you? Because I am sure you wont like me doing it before your sister?” she angrily asks.

Arnav raises his brows again at her silly request. No women have ever wanted to hit him.

“We will see that when Di has gone. Now let me drop you back home. Come”

Khushi mutters something behind him and follows him. Arnav waves for the guard to get his car. They both get inside.

“Seatbelt” he insists.

“Who wears seatbelt at night?”

“People who want to live do” he replies and she fakes a frustrating smile over it.

“Oh right. I forgot I am sitting in the car of a gentleman. I really wonder how do you get so much patience from to follow all these social rules?”

Arnav ignores answering that and asks her his next doubts.

“Where are you staying these days?”

“At Lavanya’s place”

“Lavanya? The same girl whom you stayed with all these months?”

Khushi nods.

“Take right. I will show you the way.”

Arnav takes a right turn and keeps driving. Both don’t talk to each other after that until their destination arrives. Khushi unclasps the seatbelt and turns back to him.

“I really wish God gives you some brains and you change your mind.” She murmurs.

Arnav smirks.

“Good night, Khushi. See you at my office tomorrow”

Khushi sighs and gets down from the car, watching him drive out of the premises. Is this really happening? She is going to fake behaving like a couple when his sister arrives?

To be Continued.

__________________________________________________________

Chapter 9

Kshyap’s Residence

“Eeekss.!! Did he really ask that from you?” Lavanya exclaims in surprise after Khushi explains her in the morning what conversation took place between her and Arnav last night in the Disco.

“Yes, he wants me to pretend all this before his sister. At one side he calls himself a gentleman, having all the right etiquettes and morals and on the other side he is going to fool his own sister. Isn’t that ridiculous, La?

“Hmm, it is. But he has a reason. She is critically pregnant”

“Exactly my point. What if she gets to know we are fooling her and she becomes ill? God forbid, but if this happens I will not like it at all. I am already feeling bad for his sister.”

Lavanya smiles and keeps staring at her friend while the later keeps applying butter on her toast.

“What?” Khushi snaps at her as she notices Lavanya admiring.

“You already seem to be protective for the Raizadas. That’s new to me”

“She is a Jha.. Anjali Jha” Khushi scoffs.

“But she is ASR’s sister” La points out.

“Whatever!!”

Khushi bites the breads and quickly finishes the rest of her toast without any argument over this topic. She then wipes her lips and gets up.

“I have to meet him in an hour. Can I take your car?”

“Of course, baby, it’s all yours”

“Thanks. Bye”

Khushi hurries out and gets in the car. She does not want to give any excuses to Arnav Singh Raizada for being late. Her only motive behind accepting this deal is to assist her father in getting business from Arnav so that she can get her share of money and leave this place again. And this time, forever.

∞∞∞

AR Office

“Good Morning, Ma’am” Sia, the same receptionist who hadn’t recognized Khushi during her last visit, welcomes her with extra cheesiness today.

“Hey Sia. Where is your Boss?”

“In a conference Ma’am. But he has asked me to guide you to Aman Sir”

“Oh great.”

Sia leads Khushi to Aman’s cabin. He greets her too and asks her to be seated. Sia leaves.

“ASR told me about your deal” he expresses. “These are the papers. You can go through the list and let me know if you suggest any corrections”

“As if my input matters!!” she mutters taking takes the papers from his hand and gives it a quick read through.

“It covers my term period in this deal as well?” she asks.

Aman nods pointing at some clause which she reads thoroughly again.

“3 months? But Arnav said his sister is not going to be here for more than 2 months”

“Yes, but considering all odds of Anjali Ma’am extending her stay, he mentioned it 3 months in the contract.” Aman clarifies.

“Not okay with me” she grumbles.

“Okay, you may want to discuss it with ASR then”

Khushi tries to analyze where would that lead. ASR being arrogant and very much stringent in amending his conditions will not agree even if she fights back and she being the one in need will have to agree. Why to bother him then and waste time?

“No fine. I will sign.”

Aman shows her the spots where her signatures are must. She signs the papers and hands it back to him.

“Cool. I need a copy of that” she mutters.

“Sure, once ASR signs, I will share a copy of it to you as well.”

Khushi gets up to leave but Aman stops her.

“So let us start with Stage 2?” he asks.

Khushi stares at him bewildered.

“And what is stage 2?”

Aman smiles.

“The etiquettes?? ASR might have briefed you about it, didn’t he?”

Khushi rolls her eyes.

“Does he seriously think I don’t know how to behave?”

She doesn’t want to be angry on the middle man Aman but she cannot control her bit.

“You have behavioral issues”

Khushi looks in the direction of that familiar voice of Arnav Singh Raizada. He is inside Aman’s cabin and looking straight in her eyes. Aman stands up as a respectful gesture. Arnav is wearing a shiny grey suit, similar to the one he was wearing the other day at her father’s office. He had prickly beard until last night in the disco but today he has shaven. She clears her mind from observing this specimen called ASR so intensely and meets his eyes again.

“How can you say that?” she snaps. “You have hardly known me”

“Known enough of you in that one night” he utters almost instantly, making her jaw drop.

Aman shifts from his chair.

“I will wait out until you finish”

Thank God he left, otherwise the poor guy would have fainted knowing the details of the one and only marriage night of his Boss.

“You cannot discuss such personal things before your employees” she shouts.

“I just made a statement, not given any inappropriate details which can embarrass you”

“Whatever” She rolls her eyes and drops her bag on the desk, folding her arms. “So, where did I go wrong in that one night which made you think I have behavioral issues?”

Arnav takes a deep sigh.

“Let us not get into that now” he restraints himself from dwelling into those details here, knowing it could lead into a nonstop argument.

“Oh my God. This is what I don’t like about you. You are so secretive and obsessed with your own self. You can only point at others but when the time comes to explain, you back off”

“That’s because we are at my Office and I have some important work to do”

“More important than me?”

She suddenly zips her lips. How can she expect she is of even a little importance to him? She shouldn’t have asked that and embarrassed herself. Even Arnav is blank. How is he supposed to answer this? Khushi takes a lead and turns the meaning of her question.

“I meant, more important than the deal between us?” she twists her words.

Keeping his eyes fixed on hers, Arnav strides to her.

“You have no idea what this deal means to me. And I am the Boss of this deal so you have to undergo everything I want you to. Is that clear?”

Khushi fists her fingers. She wishes to hit him on his chest, face, arms, everywhere because she hates overpowering men like him. But she knows doing this would end everything.

“Clear!!” she picks her purse and leaves Aman’s cabin. The moment the door closes after she is gone, Arnav realizes he shouldn’t have been so over demanding. But it is better to be holding every strings of this contract in his fingers because even if one of the strings slips off, he will have to pay a huge price.

∞∞∞

Khushi is sitting in a wide conference room, alone, sipping her second black coffee, waiting for Aman to come and start the session. This seems little disgusting at the moment that she has to learn mannerisms from someone else only because they think she is not well groomed as a family person, especially at her in laws place. Learning has never been a problem. She can easily grasp things but this is going to be more than that. She has to act.

“Sorry to keep you waiting Ma’am” Aman gets inside.

“That’s fine. I had no other plans” she replies. “And please can you call me by my name? Ma’am seems too formal”

Aman likes the idea.

“Are you buttering me to be lenient while teaching you?”

Khushi giggles.

“No seriously. I have done nothing great to be called myself with such high terms”

“But you are ASR’s wife, who is a rich powerful business man here. And I feel that’s enough to give you the same respect”

Khushi rolls her eyes. She doesn’t like it when people see her identity only because she is Shashi Gupta’s daughter or ASR’s wife. She is more than that, isn’t she? These tags will keep sticking around until she is here in Delhi, where people know her. When she was away from this place, she felt more dignified among her group of friends because they never saw these tags behind her.

Aman clicks his fingers.

“Hey… Where are you lost?”

Khushi comes out of her thoughts and shakes her head.

“Nothing. Can we start?”

“Sure”

Aman opens an album first and then hands it to her. Khushi looks at the picture of a small boy holding hands of a little elder to him girl. The girl has possessively wrapped her other arm around the little boy and with the smile on her face it looks like she sees heaven in him.

“Who are these tiny winy kids?” she asks.

“That’s ASR and his elder sister Anjali Jha”

Khushi’s smile weakens when she gets this intro.

“Okay, he looks hot in half pants”

Aman raises his brow and feels little nervous to continue. He is getting no vibes at all of sharing the space with his Boss’s wife. Khushi’s behavior is too friendly.

Khushi keeps turning the pages of the album.

“ASR and his sister have always been emotionally close. She got married when he was in his teens. And since then she stays in California with her husband. But that distance never mattered to these siblings. They talk every day, share the ups and downs yet giving personal space to each other”

“Impressive. Sounds like an ideal sibling pair”

“They are” Aman proudly replies.

A Doubt surfaces in Khushi’s brains.

“Why didn’t Arnav call her when he signed the marriage papers with me?”

“He had called her but she was ailing from a miscarriage. Which is why she couldn’t come here at your wedding”

Khushi feels pity on the woman. She didn’t know Anjali was pregnant before too.

“Actually, Anjali Jha and her husband completed 8 years of their marriage 2 months ago and they are trying for kids from long. This is the second time Anjali Jha is expecting a child and so far she is doing good. After her last termination of pregnancy, the doctors have advised her serious care and no mental stress”

Khushi listens it all with her heart.

“Her birthday is up in 2 weeks and this time as a present she demanded ASR to reconcile with you, give another chance to your marriage. That’s why the deal”

Khushi nods.

“And the deal ends at the most critical trimester of her pregnancy? What about that?” Khushi scoffs. “She will obviously get stress when she comes to know we have separated again”

“She will know it only if she is here. Which is not happening. She is going to continue her last trimester of pregnancy in California only, under the supervision of the best doctors so that nothing wrong happens this time. So once she is gone, the deal will as it is end and you just need to ensure that you be in touch with her sometimes over call. Once the baby is delivered, ASR himself will tell her how it didn’t work. And that you are back in your own world”

Khushi swallows.

“How can your Boss expect his sister not to be stressed when she gets to know it? Only because the baby will be out, doesn’t mean Anjali will be fully recovered. In fact, that will be the most sensitive time to give her this news.”

Aman sighs.

“ASR will take care of it”

Khushi shrugs her shoulder.

“I hope he does, or else his poor sister will be in a huge trauma”

She suddenly sees the camera placed at front of her, on the wall and she realizes that a small light is beaming from it.

“Am I been watched?” she gets up. “Is this whole conversation seen by someone else too?”

Aman gets up from his chair.

“Khushi calm down. It is ASR at the other end.”

Khushi looks angrily at the camera.

“Ridiculous!! What did he want to see? My first day of this family intro class?” she snaps “I am not doing this if I am being shot on some stupid camera”

Aman gulps and nods with agreement.

“I will have a word with Boss about this”

“You better” she looks back at the camera so that Arnav can see her too. “The next sessions will be in my choice of place. Not here”

Arnav Singh Raizada smirks at her ferocious look and warning. Does she really think she can mess with his terms? Yes, he chose to have a live look into the conversation between Aman and her but that was necessary. He wanted to see her seriousness in doing this. He wanted to see what level of understanding she subjects when Aman discloses about the seriousness of his sister’s health. And she did extremely well. She even hinted at those topics which even he skipped to understand. If he discloses his sister that his relationship try with Khushi didn’t work, even after Anjali gives birth to the baby, it will still be a matter of concern. He has to think on some alternatives for that. But overall, he is happy that he is making the right choice. Khushi will be compassionate towards his sister, doesn’t matter how rude and stubborn she is towards him.

To be Continued.

__________________________________________________________

Chapter 10

Khushi wheels the car towards Gupta Mansion. She wants to give this news to her father that he will soon get Arnav Singh Raizada signing the new joint venture with them. He will be overjoyed. Though she is not very impressed by the first day of her training with Aman, only because she was seen live on screen by Arnav in the other room. Why was it necessary for him to do so? Is he plotting something else? She is not going to accept it. Now though she cannot deny from taking training from Aman, still the place will be her choice. She smiles happily parking the car and gets inside the house.

A group of rich women are sitting in the living room, with Kyle at the center. It is not a right time for Khushi to be here. Kyle becomes alert as Khushi enters the house.

“Khushi?” she gets up from the couch and hurries to her.

“Where’s dad?”

“He is not home yet” Kyle replies.

One of the women curiously intrudes.

“Kyle, isn’t she your step daughter? Hadn’t she flown away from this place? What is she doing back here?”

“Malti, please” Kyle interferes defensively, shocking Khushi a bit.

The woman, Malti, looks away from the two and concentrates back on the chips served on the table.

Khushi looks at Kyle with an astonished disbelief.

“You don’t need to protect me”

“I didn’t protect you. I know how good you are at verbal fights. But you are Shashi’s daughter and I don’t want his head to be lowered because of you.”

Khushi rolls her eyes.

“I came to see dad and pass him a message”

Kyle takes her away from the room where no one can hear their conversation, or even see them.

“What message?”

“Why should I tell you?”

Kyle frowns.

“What attitude is this Khushi? Even after doing so many mistakes, how can you behave like you are the one who is suffering?”

Khushi clenches her jaw.

“Excuse me, I am not suffering okay. I am stronger than you all think I am. And it is you who is showing me attitude right now. This house is mine too. So, don’t treat me like I am the guest”

Khushi’s reply stuns Kyle. But she keeps her control and folds her arms across her chest.

“If you think this is your house too, why don’t you stay here? Why show the world that we don’t treat you good and hence you are taking shelter under your bestie’s home?”

Khushi picks an apple from the table and bites it.

“Actually, you are right. I could have done that but it’s not necessary now. In two weeks, I will be staying where I legally have a right to stay.” She grins biting another piece of that apple. “SHANTIVAN” she winks.

Kyle laughs sarcastically.

“Don’t bluff Khushi”

“No, I am not. I know you won’t believe it until you actually see me with Arnav Singh Raizada staying in Shantivan. Never mind. I will invite you and dad once for Lunch there. Okay?”

Kyle suddenly becomes serious. Before she could dig further, both hear Shashi’s sound. He is back from work.

“Khushi?” Shashi is equally surprised seeing his daughter.

“Hey dad, thank God you came” she pauses. “I have good news for you.”

Shashi listens patiently.

“Arnav has agreed for the venture with your company. Soon, someone from his team will contact you”

Shashi is immensely happy but he still looks tensed at her.

“What did you do to let it happen?” he asks.

The smile that Khushi had on her face suddenly evaporates. She cannot share this with anyone. She has signed another contract with her husband and one of the terms stated she would never let this contract be known to anyone else. Not even her family.

“Well..” she fakes a laugh. “I am his wife. Why wouldn’t he hear me out? I just had to butter him a bit and he agreed”

“That’s a lie” Kyle snaps. “ASR cannot be buttered by anyone. He is a very manipulative man. He doesn’t do anything without his own profit”

Khushi swallows hard. Are they going to force the words out of her? She cannot let that happen.

“That’s creepy, isn’t it?” Khushi exclaims. “Even after knowing so much about him, you both got me married to that man”

Shashi and Kyle glance at each other disliking where this conversation was heading to.

“Khushi, I just want to know what is going between you and him? I heard you telling Kyle that you are moving into Shantivan. Is that true?”

Khushi nods.

“100 percent true”

“Good” Shashi gets back his joyous mood and hugs Khushi. “I am glad you took the right decision this time.”

Khushi hugs him back. She does not want to break his heart today. Her father has sometimes knowingly and at times unknowingly became the reason of her tears but she still doesn’t want to complain. He is the only one she has, though he thinks the same about her or not, she doesn’t care. She pulls back from the hug.

“Time to go. I have a lot to prepare before I step in Shantivan. So, good bye”

Shashi tries to stop her but she doesn’t stop. She hurries out like a wind.

“What does she mean by preparations?” Kyle raises her doubt to Shashi who shrugs from over judging Khushi’s words.

“Come on Kyle, she has never stayed with him. Obviously, she will have to buy stuff, some for herself, some for him. Did you forget what all you did to impress me when we got married?”

Kyle blushes.

“And I still keep impressing you, don’t I?”

Shashi chuckles agreeing.

“Go join your friends. I will be in the room”

“Wont you meet them?”

“Not today Kyle. I don’t want to be part of their silly jokes. All the best to you.”

He kisses her forehead heads back to the room.

∞∞∞

The next 4 days passes well. Khushi spends half of her day with Aman, sometimes either at Lavanya’s home or outside at the cafeteria to learn things about Anjali, Shantivan and how she has to behave when she gets in there. She is saddened to know that ASR really doesn’t feel she is capable enough to handle this without any behavioral classes like the one he is making her undergo. She might not be a homemaker but she is not a homewrecker either. She knows how to keep people around her happy. It is just that no one gave her a chance to prove. Arnav Singh Raizada is giving her that but again, only by predefining his boundaries.

Khushi has not met him at all since her training has started. And she is glad that it is this way. Meeting him will give her nothing but more reasons to hate him. She is ready to sleep when her phone rings and to surprise it is Arnav Singh Raizada’s call. Why is he calling her at this hour?

“Hello” she answers.

“How is the training going?” he tries to come straight to the point.

“Great. I thought Aman is reporting you about my performance on daily basis”

“He is. But I wanted to get your feedback too”

Khushi laughs.

“Feedback is for making improvements. Are you planning to give such sessions to other women too?” she pauses.

Arnav smirks at her silly question.

“Why will I do that?” he asks casually.

“I don’t know.. Maybe after you get rid of me, you might want to marry a perfect woman and hence train her in advance”

There is a silence from his end for few seconds. He has no clue what to answer.

“Do you think I am going to cut you loose so easily?” he asks in a serious tone.

“Yes, if that profits you” she snaps.

She wouldn’t have said that but she couldn’t forget the brief talk she had with Kyle few days ago where Kyle mentioned her that ASR never does anything until it benefits him. She always wondered earlier why Arnav Singh Raizada would want to marry her? And now she has a reason to believe it was only for his own profit; something she is yet to find out.

“What do you mean?” he barks at her.

Khushi comes back to reality.

“Don’t shout. I didn’t say anything people don’t know about you”

“PEOPLE?” he gets very curious to know on what basis she said that. “Which people you are mentioning here?”

Khushi tries to remain silent over this topic.

“Khushi.. speak up” he urges again and this time his voice is forceful.

She breaks her silence.

“Kyle Gupta said you don’t do anything without your own profit. So, I thought maybe one day if leaving me can benefit you, you won’t step back”

There is a short silence from his end again.

“Should I take this as a YES then?” Khushi breaks their pause.

“Don’t judge me based on others opinion. You will get enough time to know me once you start staying in Shantivan. So, keep your verdict for later.”

A weak smile pops on Khushi’s lips.

“You are really wicked. You didn’t deny my accusations neither you proved them wrong. Wow!”

“Wicked?” he exclaims. “One more judgmental word!!”

Khushi chuckles.

“I got it. Let me keep all these adjectives to myself until I know you in and out”

“IN AND OUT? What is that supposed to mean?” He is teasing, she can say that by his tone.

She hadn’t expected him to poke her on these two words. But why is she blushing like a teenager? Men have flirted with her before but she never felt weak like she did today, as if someone just tickled all her senses.

“You there?” he enquires softly.

She comes out of her chain of thoughts and focuses back on their conversation.

“Yes. I am”

Lavanya knocks the room door and gets in.

“Khush… Guess what?” Lavanya screams and Khushi quickly hushes her out. Lavanya realizes her friend is on call and sits on the bed, quiet, waiting for Khushi to finish.

“Who’s that?” Arnav asks.

“Uhh.. its La.”

Khushi gets a nice excuse to stop this conversation.

“Okay, I won’t take much of your time. I had one more update for you. Di is coming day after tomorrow which means tomorrow is the day you are coming to Shantivan. I want you to be here with me, when Di arrives”

Khushi hiccups. It’s so soon.

“She was supposed to come 3 days later. Why is she coming so soon? I mean why didn’t she inform us prior? I am not ready yet. I mean, I have so much to pack and..”

“Pack? No… You don’t need to pack anything” he cuts her off.

“What do you mean?”

“I am talking about your clothes. You don’t need to get them. I have organized a wardrobe for you already”

“What the hell” she angrily yells at him.

“Look Khushi, I don’t mind what you wear but Nani is little peculiar about it. And since we are doing this contract on my terms, I had to ensure no one from my family gets hurt by my decision”

Khushi understands his point and sighs sarcastically. She wishes someone had cared about her pain too. But she is not very upset about the clothing stuff. She was herself thinking of shopping few decent clothes to wear in Shantivan before stepping there.

“Fine. I will be there at Shantivan tomorrow” she agrees.

“Aman will pick you up from Kshyap Mansion”

“Cool. Good night”

“Good night”

Khushi disconnects the call and turns back to Lavanya to hear her out.

“What happened to you now?” Khushi asks her. “Why do you look so depressed”

Lavanya frowns.

“You are leaving tomorrow?”

Khushi nods.

“His sister has preponed her trip. So, the drama starts tomorrow”

Lavanya pouts and hugs Khushi gently.

“I am sure you will do good. Just don’t hurt yourself. Okay?”

Khushi smiles and hugs her back. At least there is someone who cares about her.

To be Continued.

__________________________________________________________

Chapter 11

Khushi gets down the car with Aman Mathur who had escorted her till Shantivan. Even though all this seems weird, she is still nervous.

“So, whatever I have taught you so far, you need to put it into actions from now” Aman says with a sloppy smile.

“I know.” She gasps. “It feels like I have re-entering some exam hall, doing my bit of study yet unprepared”

“I am sure you will do well” he extends his arm for a handshake. “All the best” he adds.

Khushi completes the handshake with a weak smile.

“Thank you, Aman”

The door opens and Arnav Singh Raizada comes out. He seems to be in a decent pair of track pants and a T-shirt. He looks cool. Is he on a day off today? Why? Arnav reaches them and sees Khushi once, from top to bottom.

“Looking good” he praises.

Khushi rolls her eyes.

“I don’t understand why men are so much into simplicity? I looked hotter in skirts and jeans than this salwar Kameez”

“This is not a pub where you need to look hotter. It’s my home”

“OUR HOME” she corrects him with a strong voice.

Both Arnav and Aman are startled at her sudden correction.

“You need to do your homework Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada. We have to show your sister we are working on our marriage. So, there is nothing like yours and mine now. Everything is us” she stresses on the last word.

Arnav grins and looks at Aman.

“You do seem to have worked hard Aman. I can see that already”

Aman shies.

“Thanks Boss. I shall take your leave now.”

“Yup”

Aman gets back in the car and leaves. Arnav gazes back at Khushi who is admiring the house.

“Shall we go in?”  he asks.

She nods and starts walking with him. At the door, they hear Nani’s voice asking them to stop where they are. Arnav understands why they have been commanded so but Khushi is totally surprised, especially when she sees Arnav’s Nani coming to them with a Puja thali in her hands. Is she dreaming? Khushi looks at Arnav who simply asks her to be calm and do whats been told.

“Didn’t you tell your Nani I am not in here forever?” Khushi asks him. “Why is she doing all this then?”

“Because Anjali Bitiya wants me to welcome you this way” Nani replies.

Arnav shakes his head in agreement. He was strictly told by his Di to fulfil the Grihapravesh ritual when Khushi returns back in Shantivan. He is doing all this only for her.

“You could have lied” Khushi suggests. “As it is she is not here today to see if we doing this or not”

“Raizada’s don’t believe in lying” Nani interrupts.

Khushi laughs.

“That’s strange. This whole contract is a lie. What about that?”

Arnav finally intrudes.

“Can we just get this done?” he hoarsely asks.

Khushi shrugs her shoulders as if unaffected by the ritual. Nani circles the thali before her and Arnav and asks Khushi to perform the ritual of pushing the Rice kalash from her feet and stepping inside the house. Khushi feels little strange performing all these rituals. She didn’t expect her to fulfil all this anytime in her life. She has never stepped in Shantivan before. After their marriage, on papers, their first night together was arranged in a hotel. And the next day they had the most amazing fight of their lifetime after which their ways separated forever.

“Come inside” Nani exclaims

Khushi comes out of her stance. She decides to exaggerate this scene a bit.

“Isn’t the groom supposed to carry his bride in arms?” she asks with a teasing voice.

Arnav looks at her sardonically.

“What?” she asks looking at him. “If we are following all the rituals for your sister, why not this?”

Nani looks elsewhere. She was right about Khushi. She is so shameless.

“You think all this is funny?” he asks.

“This is crazy. When you guys make me do these, its rituals and when I hint a few, its funny?” she snaps.

Arnav does realize how the coming 3 months are going to be with her. She is not leaving a single opportunity to poke.

“Let me show you our room” he holds her hand and drags her inside. Khushi notices both of them putting their right feet inside the house, together. It’s another ritual they passed.

They reach his bedroom and she is mesmerized for a while to see the décor inside. The grey white theme suits him so much. The bed is at the center and a green artistic recliner, probably where he sits and work on his laptop. She then notices the pool adjacent to his room and the huge French doors leading to it.

“Anyone uses that pool or is it just for show?” she asks him.

“It’s too small to swim. The main pool is downstairs, beside the gymnasium. I use that one”

“Such a luxury” she teases.

“I will take that as a compliment. Because I work hard for this luxury”

Khushi suddenly feels like he is pointing at her, as if she has nothing of this sort to afford as she doesn’t earn. This is one serious question which she herself wants to think about. But she chooses not to argue over it. He slides the closet and shows her the wardrobe. He has really designed some great clothes for her. Designer sarees, dresses, gowns, sandals, jewelry, makeup and much more. He had expected her to be crazy seeing all this but she isn’t. She is still calm.

“That’s too much” she says in a serious tone.

“Consider it complimentary”

“Complimentary with this contract?” she chuckles. “I will use them safely within this period”

She stretches her arms in air, feeling tired.

“Why didn’t you go to office today? I heard every minute of yours is precious”

“I didn’t expect Nani to get you acquainted with the house and this room. So, I had to stay back”

“Thank God you stayed back. She doesn’t like me much and believe me I feel the same about her”

Arnav sighs looking at her intently.

“Khushi, one thing” he comes forward. “Whilst Di is here, don’t show your unlikeness towards Nani. I have explained her the same.”

Khushi nods. How much this man loves his sister. She must be really special.

“Okay” she whispers swallowing the unknown pain in her throat.

“Good. The Dinner will be ready in half an hour. You can see the rest of the house if you want. I have few calls to make. Excuse me”

He leaves the room and Khushi exhales out. Her mouth goes dry. She is still nervous about all these arrangements. It is like her whole life is going to change for the next 2 -3 months and she can do nothing about it. She is not allowed to drink or even party with her friends. She has to stick to the Raizadas and follow each and every term mentioned in the contract. It is going to be boring.

∞∞∞

“I have never seen so much food at a time” Khushi says looking at the variety of Indian dishes cooked for dinner.

Arnav sits on the chair, opposite to her and starts serving.

“Nani is not coming” he adds

“I know, she just eats fruits for her dinner and that too before 08:00 pm” Khushi replies.

Arnav nods. All that schedule she knows was part of Khushi’s little training with Aman. He is happy that she remembers it all.

“What did you eat when you were out of India?” he asks.

“I have tried all cuisines but obviously nothing could beat the Indian food.”

“You know to cook?” he asks.

Khushi stops serving herself and looks at him with horror.

“You wanted me to learn it for this contract? Aman didn’t ask me anything about cooking”

Arnav leans back.

“That’s okay, I just asked”

“Thank God” she continues serving. “I know to make sandwich and burger. I can make any kind of drink too” she winks.

Arnav clenches his jaw.

“That’s unallowed as per this contract, I have specified that strictly to you, didn’t I?”  he shouts.

“I remember that. I was just teasing. Don’t you understand the simple difference between when I am serious and when not?”

“I never find you serious” he snaps.

Khushi’s jaw drops.

“Well, you need to check your eyesight then”

“Khushi..” he mutters her name angrily. “don’t talk to me like that” he warns.

Khushi stops eating.

“My bad!! You are the boss, I forgot”

“And the Boss is always right” he adds. “Now eat”

Khushi gives him a raged look from the corner of her eyes and then continues eating.

∞∞∞

“Now comes the hardest part” Khushi murmurs looking at Arnav after they come back in the room finishing dinner. “Our sleeping arrangements” she adds.

Arnav looks intriguingly at her.

“Whats hard in that? We are both using the same bed”

Khushi’s brow furrows.

“Are you serious?”

“Yes, should I be worried?” he teases.

Khushi chuckles.

“No, I don’t throw myself on men who dislike me” she jumps on the bed.

“And what about the men who flirt with you?” his voice gets hoarse. “Do you flirt back?”

She senses a tinge of jealousy in his voice but she avoids judging it.

“Healthy flirting is good for health. Keeps you happy, smiling and feeling wanted. I don’t think its bad”

Arnav gives her a cold stare as if he is not impressed by her thoughts. He comes to the bed and holds her jaw, raising it up to meets her eyes. He then leans down, without breaking their eye lock.

“These 3 months, you are mine. Flirting, healthy or not should be strictly avoided during this period”

Khushi suddenly feels so powerful. Is she getting into his head which is why he is behaving so strange? She already feels wanted by someone, even though it is only 3 months.

“Are we clear?” he asks again.

She nods her head and he finally leave her jaw. Sanity returns in her eyes as she sees him going away from her. He wants to make a call probably. He dials some number and starts speaking at the poolside. Khushi shows no interest in knowing whom he is talking to. Can it be a girl friend? She has to admit a man like him cannot stay much from his needs. She has seen him posing with other women in the magazines and always wondered if there was any story between him and those women. Maybe these 3 months will clear that part too.

She realizes she is still in the salwar Kameez. She cannot sleep in that. She needs something else. She hops down the bed and slides the closet. The color of her clothes attracts her but she notices they all are very classy and designer type. How can he forget to get nightdress for her? What is she supposed to wear now? She sighs in disappointment thinking how to solve this issue. If he had told her before, she could have got hers. Something clicks in her mind. She takes his white shirt and rushes in the bathroom.

When Arnav comes back in the room, his feet get glued to the floor seeing Khushi in his white shirt. The top two buttons opened. It is very loose for her and he thanks God she is wearing the same salwar pant down which she had been wearing since evening. At least she is decently covered.

“Where did you get that from?” he asks with amusement.

“Oh this.!” She looks at the shirt she is wearing and them gazes back at him. “You forgot to buy me nightdresses so take this as a punishment.”

She sits on the bed and opens her hair. She is in full sleeping mode now. Arnav bites the inside of his cheek realizing he shouldn’t have skipped the most needed set of clothes for her. But that doesn’t mean she can wear his clothes.

“I don’t like anyone touching my stuff without my permission” he warns.

“Oh really?” she pouts. “Not even your wife? Is this how you are supposed to behave before your di?”

Arnav apprehends she is not being easy. She will keep doing this forever. Khushi provides her explanation.

“I cannot sleep in that tight dress. And there is nothing here which can give me peaceful sleep. So, I found this lifeless shirt in your closet and I thought of giving it some life. You have so many white shirts, if I take one, whats the harm?”

Arnav still doesn’t accept her clarification. She sighs.

“Okay, you can take it back” She tries to unhook the top bottom when she hears his hoarse tone.

“Stop it” he shouts.

Khushi holds her laugh. This is so interesting. She likes how he reacts when she messes with his mind.

Arnav shuts the lamps and comes back to bed.

“Di is reaching tomorrow morning for breakfast. We have to get wake up early”

“You wake me up” she commands and drops herself on the cushion.

What the!!! He keeps staring at her childishness but she seems to be unaffected. She closes her eyes and soon starts snoring softly. It is going to be a long night for him. He has never shared his bed like that before and not with a woman who is so much pissing him off in both good and bad ways. How is he supposed to handle her?

To be Continued.

__________________________________________________________

Chapter 12

Shantivan

Arnav jerks in his sleep. It felt like someone punched his chest. He opens his eyes and to his surprise he finds Khushi’s hand over his chest. She is no longer sleeping on her side of the bed. She has invaded his side. She seems to be snoring soft. She didn’t do intentionally. He gently takes off her arm from his chest and places it on her waist. She seems to be okay with it. He shuts his eyes again and is about to fall asleep when Khushi kicks his feet hard.

“Damn!!” he shouts but she hardly hears it or wakes up. She is still snoring.

What is this way of sleeping? He pushes her feet away and turns to the other side of the bed, facing his back to her. Now this time he hopes to get a normal sleep again but its hard to even imagine that happening. Khushi turns the other side of the bed and pushes him from her back. She has taken almost 3/4^th of the bed now. Is this how she sleeps usually? Does she know? He uses his strength to push her back to her side. She rolls there herself and snores again. Arnav waits to see if she again does anything of that sort but when it doesn’t happen for next few minutes, he gladly dozes off.

The morning alarm rings at his ears. He quickly stretches his arm and turns it off. His di is coming home today. He cannot wait to see her. He opens his eyes and the sight before him gets his eyes glued to the bed. Khushi is sleeping on her stomach, her long open hair knotted up on her back. The shirt she is wearing has slid down from her right shoulder blade, making her skin exposed. Her lips slightly open to breathe and her nostrils flaring in and out every time she inhales and exhales. She looks best in her sleeping form, so much peaceful and wanted types. Arnav swallows hard, keeping his eyes still glued on her. Something churns in his body to touch her hair, her face or maybe her parted lips. He extends his hand to touch her but soon he realizes it wont look decent. He checks the time on the clock. It’s almost 07:00 am. Di will be here by 09:00. He should wake up. He gets down the bed and heads for a shower. It takes him around an hour to come out and he finds her still sleeping. He throws the towel aside, deciding to wipe his head later and reaches the bed.

“Khushi” he shouts. She is in a deep sleep to even hear his voice. He touches her arm and shakes her.

“Khushi wake up”

She tosses in sleep, shrugging his arm away.

“Let me sleep” she murmurs, turning the other side.

Arnav sighs.

“Khushi, Di will be coming in an hour” he yells again. “Don’t you forget we have a deal here” he adds.

Khushi mutters something angrily in sleep but doesn’t open her eyes. She will wake up when she wants to.

“Fine” he barks. “I have other ways to wake you up”

He leans over her, pinning her under him and shakes his head, making the water from his hair drip continuously on her face. She wriggles beneath him in anger.

“Stop it” she pushes him away and gets up. “What the hell is this?” she says opening her eyes finally and staring right at him.

Arnav stands beside the bed, crossing his arms across his chest, gazing at her. Khushi moves her gaze to his finely chiseled body, as seen through the T shirt he is wearing. Her jaw drops seeing how the water from his hair drips gently on his forehead.

“You.. you look hot, when wet” she whispers appreciatively.

Arnav feels his body tightening at her comment. What the hell is wrong with him? Since when did her praises affect his hormones so much? He clears his throat. He doesn’t want to get into this, not at this hour, not when their present deal is so close on the verge to begin.

“Get showered. Di’s flight has landed long back. She can come here anytime”

Khushi pouts but doesn’t get down the bed. There is a knock at the door. Arnav thinks it might be Nani. He opens the door.

“Chotte” Anjali screams happily.

“Di?” he immediately hugs her and so does she. “When did you come?”

“Just now”

Khushi gets down the bed. She had not expected his sister to barge in their bedroom without proper intimation. But she has nothing to object. She sees Anjali pulling back from the hug and kissing Arnav’s forehead. The joy on their faces is beyond measurable. It is so nice to see someone loving and caring you to that extent. She stands beside the bed, cold and amazed. Anjali’s eyes fall on her and she moves Arnav away from the path.

“Khushi Bhabhi !!” she happily screams and strides towards her. She comes and straightly hugs her with the same warmth she did to Arnav.

Khushi feels different, as if someone motherly figure has took her in embrace. She hugs her back. Arnav gestures Khushi to take care of her exposed shoulder. She doesn’t understand what he is trying to gesture. And when she does, Anjali already catches them. She giggles.

Khushi raises her shirt to the shoulder level and smiles at Anjali.

“Hi Di”

“Hi” she giggles again. “You have no idea how much happy I am to see you Khushi Bhabhi”

“Same here” Khushi replies, buttoning up her shirt.

Anjali clears her throat and looks at Arnav.

“Chotte, isn’t this your shirt?”

Arnav bites his lip, little shying, little confused and majorly speechless.

“I thought I will have to work in patching you both up. But looks like the efforts have already begun” Anjali teases again.

Khushi realizes Anjali is misinterpreting their present dressing sense. She decides to use it to her benefit. Arnav has denied her from flirting outside. But she can flirt with him, can’t she?

“Di, it was your Chotte’s idea to make me wear this. I told him, it will not look nice if others notice but you know how arrogant he can get”

Arnav raises his brow. What the hell is she doing? And how dare she called him CHOTTE? It’s only his sister’s right. He keeps staring at Khushi bewildered. Anjali shies.

“He is arrogant, but I know that staying with you, he will tone down his arrogance”

“Of course.” Khushi winks looking at Arnav. He simply smirks. He knows what she is doing. She is purposely instigating him.

“Di, where is Jeejaji?” he breaks the topic.

“Downstairs with Nani”

“Okay, let’s go meet him until Khushi showers”

“Yes. Come” Anjali then cups Khushi’s face and kisses her forehead too. “Come down soon Khushi Bhabhi. We will wait for you at the breakfast table”

Khushi smiles. She just feels so nice and loved. Anjali and Arnav leaves down and Khushi locks the door. Anjali is too cute. She likes her already. It won’t be hard to do this now. She doesn’t have to act being good to Anjali as she already likes this woman. Wish she could feel the same for that Old Nani. But well, not all people are worthy to be good.

∞∞∞

“That’s my Jeejaji, Shyam” Arnav introduces Khushi and Shyam once she is down.

“Nice to meet you Jeejaji. Arnav was telling me how much you love Di and take care of her” she replies.

Arnav is confused. When did he tell her that? Maybe Aman told it while teaching her his family background. It is good that she remembers it and uses that info well in her conversations with the family.

“Did he say that? That’s nice of you Saale Sahab. Thank you” Shyam replies with a smile. “But it’s not one side effort. Rani Saheba cares for me more. I don’t think I give her enough what she gives back to me”

Khushi is awed at his response. They look such a pretty couple. She has seen two people getting in love, making love at some point of their relationship and even breaking up. But a pair like Anjali-Shyam, she has hardly seen in her life. They are so cute and adorable together. Their gestures towards each other are enough to confirm how much they love each other.

Nani is still cold, trying to show herself accepting Khushi’s presence in their family.

“Chalo then, let’s eat” Anjali insists and everyone starts taking respective seats at the dinning table. Khushi is about to sit next to Anjali but Arnav drags her to sit next to him. She then realizes her mistake. She has to act being good wife now. She fakes a smile at Arnav and starts serving him.

“What will you eat, CHOTTE?” she holds her laugh seeing his angered expressions. Seems he doesn’t like her calling him by that name. But she loved it.

He stops her from serving him and whispers.

“Don’t call me by that name”

Anjali serves Shyam while talking something to Nani. They don’t pay attention towards this couple.

“Why? Your di calls you too. You don’t mind it then” she argues but in a whispering tone.

Arnav clenches his jaw.

“Exactly, only Di and Nani can call me that. No one else.”

Khushi pouts.

“Okay, CHOTTE. Ooopps.. Arnav” she lets out a chuckle and starts serving herself. Arnav rolls his eyes and starts eating.

“By the way, why do they call you CHOTTE? In what sense if I may ask” she again tries to grill him. He angrily drops her spoon down. She notices that and bends to pick it up. Arnav bends too and catches hold of her wrist below the table.

“One more time you call me by that name and I will punish you” he warns.

Khushi giggles softly.

“Grow up Arnav Singh Raizada. I am not a school girl to be threatened in the name of punishments” she whispers.

“Chotte” Anjali shouts.

Khushi chuckles and gestures him that its her who called him again by this name, it’s his sister. They both raise their heads and look ahead at Anjali and Shyam.

“What’s going on? What were you both discussing below the table?”  Anjali asks.

Arnav is short of words but Khushi takes the opportunities to handle this situation.

“Nothing Di, I wanted to shop a few things but he is denying to join me”

“What the” Arnav stares at Khushi who pouts innocently.

“See, this is what he always does. Keeps ignoring my pleas. How will our relationship work if we don’t understand each other’s needs?”

Arnav mutters something in his mouth which even Khushi doesn’t hear but she realizes he is going to punish her for all of this drama.

“Chotte, whats the harm in accompanying her for shopping?” Anjali queries.

Arnav doesn’t say anything.

“Saale Sahab, you are lucky that your wife is atleast asking you to come along with her. Rani Saheba just orders me to get everything. I have to slog alone in San Fransisco. I am her private slave” he teases.

Anjali’s jaw drops. Everyone laughs at Shyam’s joke. Khushi is very impressed by this couple.

“Di, you and Jeejaji have just came today. How can I leave you guys alone?” Arnav asks.

“We will rest Chotte. You can go with Khushi Bhabhi and come back soon. And there are other preparations also that I have to do”

Anjali suggestion sounds fantastic for Khushi but she and Arnav have no clue what preps she is talking about. Khushi looks at Arnav, waiting for his reply. He finally agrees.

“Fine. I will take her”

“Thank you” Khushi chirps. “Thank you, Di. You are the best”

“You are welcome Khushi Bhabhi” Anjali happily replies and everyone continues eating.

∞∞∞

Arnav barges in his bedroom. Khushi is tying the back knot of her kurti. She had forgot to lock the door. She doesn’t react to his barging in though. She ties the knot of her Kurti.

“Can’t you lock the door before dressing up?” he gets another reason to shout at her.

Khushi sighs.

“I forgot. Never had the opportunity to stay in a family. It was just me and La. But I will remember that from next time”

“What is all this drama about shopping?” he shoots his actual reason for anger.

Khushi inhales deep and starts wearing the dupatta.

“You want me to wear your shirt every night?” she questions him.

Arnav slowly understands she wants to buy night dresses which he forgot to include in her wardrobe.

“We don’t need to go out for that. Aman can get it” he replies, his voice sobering down.

“No ways. I won’t let any other man select what I should wear at night. It has to be my choice” she retaliates. “But if you cannot come with me, that’s fine. I will tell Di” she holds her laughter.

Arnav strides towards her and points a finger at her.

“Stop being over smart. You cannot blackmail me with Di. Remember, I am the one holding every rights of this deal, not you.”

Khushi raises her arms in defeat and suddenly wraps it around his neck, coming closer to him. He gets stunned. How can she flip so easily and why? She gestures him that they are being watched and he realizes it has to be his sister or Jeejaji. He composes his anger.

“Next time, you lock the door before starting a fight” she whispers to him.

Arnav is surprised. Just few minutes ago he was asking her to shut the door while getting dressed and now she is warning him for some similar reasons.

“Shall we go now?” she softly asks, diverting their argument.

She unwraps her arms from his neck and both turn to the door. Anjali just steps inside.

“Sorry, I came here to ask for a phone charger” Anjali says.

Arnav walks to the bedside drawer and passes Anjali the charger.

“Thanks, Chotte. You guys going for shopping, right?”

“Yes, we are just leaving” Arnav replies.

“Great. Have fun. Bye”

Anjali leaves the room and Arnav sighs in relief.

∞∞∞

Store

Arnav is least interested in what Khushi’s shopping. He is busy texting on his phone and checking emails.

“Pack all these” Khushi places a few nighties she just selected, on the table. The salesgirl nods and takes those for billing. Arnav stops all of his work and gazes at her.

“Done?” he hoarsely asks.

“Almost” she chuckles seeing his desperation to leave.

She suddenly notices Kyle in the same store and her face falls. Arnav notices the shift in her mood and looks in the direction where she is currently staring.

“That’s your mother” he says.

“Step Mother” she mutters.

“Whatever!!” he removes his wallet to pay. “You want to say Hi to her?”

Khushi looks at him speechless.

“You really think I would want to even acknowledge she is here?”

Arnav gets curious now.

“Why not? You don’t like her?”

“She is the last person I will ever walk to and greet”

“I thought I will be the last in your list” he smirks.

Khushi gets some idea in her mind.

“I need a favor” she gets back her excitement.

“FAVOR?”

Khushi raises on her toes and whispers something in his ears. He rolls his eyes after she finishes.

“That’s stupid”

“Stupid for you.. I will be entertained though. Please do this for me… Pretty please”

“That’s not in the deal” he reminds.

“Don’t be so rude. Think beyond the deal also at times”

Arnav thinks for few seconds and then nods.

“Fine.”

“Yes” she jumps in excitement again.

He strides to Kyle Gupta and greets her.

“Hello Mrs. Gupta”

Kyle is shocked to see ASR here. She sees him and greets him back.

“Hello ASR.. What are you doing here in a ladies store?”

“My wife had to pick up a few things”

Kyle is again astonished at his cool response. Wife? Khushi? Did they reconcile? Suddenly Khushi joins them.

“Baby, I am done” she pauses looking at Kyle as if she didn’t knew she was here. “Hi Kyle. What a surprise”

Kyle is totally shocked, especially when she sees Khushi entwining her fingers with Arnav’s and looks like even Arnav doesn’t mind.

“H…hi..ii” Kyle is short of words. “So this was true? You and Arnav are really together?”

Khushi smiles shaking her head

“Yes, we are trying to work on our marriage isn’t it Arnav?”

Arnav smirks, he doesn’t say anything.

Kyle is still confused when did this happen.

“We have to go. Arnav’s sister is back in India for her birthday. It’s in 2 days. We will send you the invitation. Please come with dad” Khushi invites.

Kyle fakes a smile.

“Sure. We wont miss it”

“Great. Okay, then bye Mrs. Gupta. Give my regards to Mr. Gupta”

Arnav shakes hands with Kyle.

“I will”

Arnav and Khushi then head out paying the bill. Kyle keeps staring at them until they become invisible to her eyes. Something is fishy. Arnav Singh Raizada cannot be such an easy catch for Khushi to win him back like that. She has to find whats happening between them. But at the moment she is glad that they have reconciled. At least that will help the new venture between Raizadas and Guptas to start.

To be Continued

__________________________________________________________

Chapter 13

Gupta House

“That’s the best news you have given me so far, Kyle. Khushi and Arnav together!!” Shashi exclaims happily.

“It has to be some kind of secret arrangement between the two. They have never showed interest in each other from so many months, then why now?” Kyle raises her suspicions.

“Why are you being so judgmental Kyle? Don’t you want to see Khushi happy?”

Kyle gives him a cold stare.

“You think I won’t be happy if she reconciles with ASR?” she questions him back. “I just didn’t expect any of this to happen so soon. They had an ugly fight before they separated. I don’t think it is so easy to patch up. How much time elapsed since Khushi is back? Hardly few days? Then how is all this possible?”

Shashi nods in agreement.

“And in these few days, she wasted a few more in insulting ASR in our office. You remember what happened later? We pressurized her to go and ask for an apology from him. I feel she is doing all this for our joint venture with AR company, for you.” Kyle points out.

Shashi thinks about this for a minute and then replies.

“But what has ASR to do with it? Why will he agree?”

“Maybe for his sister. I heard she is pregnant. You know how much close these siblings are. Maybe Anjali demanded him to stay with Khushi again and sort everything out.”

Kyle very cleverly has linked all the dots and without any delay she could come to the right reasons of Arnav and Khushi’s togetherness. Shashi gets worried.

“If it is so Kyle, then I am worried what will be the future of this relationship”

“Exactly, I don’t want Khushi to waste few more years of her life in trying to resolve this pain”

Kyle’s words touch Shashi’s heart. He comes to her.

“You think about her so much, Kyle. I really wonder why she still hates you”

Kyle scoffs.

“She hates me because I am too much honest. I don’t hide her mistakes. But I don’t care if she hates me. I don’t hate her Shashi. Yes, I do have some issues with her, she makes me lose my temper at times but I don’t hate her. I cannot hate anything that is related to you. I love you that much”

Shashi is over-impressed by his wife. He kisses her forehead.

“I am overwhelmed Mrs. Kyle Gupta. I really wish one day Khushi recognizes the mother in you”

Kyle sighs in disbelief.

“I don’t care if that never happens because I don’t want to snatch her real mother’s place from her heart”

“Attituded women” he teases and takes her in embrace. Kyle is lost in some deep thoughts. Whatever Khushi has got into is going to become a huge mess soon. She hopes that silly girl uses her brains and understands that people are using her for her foolishness. She had no ill feelings for Khushi, ever. When she got married to Shashi, she didn’t expect Khushi to accept her as mother. She knew any child will take time to accept such huge changes in life. But as time passed she realized Khushi doesn’t want to put any efforts. However hard Shashi tried, Khushi kept herself aloof from this relationship. So, she gave up too, thinking time will heal things. But Khushi never restored her ill feelings for Kyle. She always saw her as her father’s second wife, not even as her step-mother. She was becoming a tough girl to be handled in her early teenage. Complaints from school and colleges poured in and Shashi being busy in work, Kyle was left alone to handle it all. It was that time when she and Khushi used to fight like two wild cats. Khushi insulted her at every step she could and so does Kyle. This is where the decision to get her married, to improve her ways of seeing life came into picture.

A phone call breaks Kyle’s stance.

“Excuse me Shashi” she walks to the bed and picks the phone. It’s from Shantivan. Though she is surprised to see a call from ASR’s home, she answers it. “Hello”

“Is this Kyle Aunty?”

“Yes, who is this?”

“Namaste Aunty, I am Anjali, Arnav’s sister.”

Kyle looks at her husband and keeps the phone on speaker mode.

“Hello Anjali. How are you doing? I heard you came back to India”

“Yes, today morning. But who told you that?”

“Khushi. Actually she and ASR met me in a lingerie shop today”

Anjali blushes.

“Oh, okay. Then they must have told you about the upcoming party”

“Yes, I got a informal invitation already. Thanks”

“You must come with Uncle. It’s kind of a gettogether so please don’t miss it. I will be glad if you and Shashi Uncle can make it on that day”

Kyle looks at Shashi, as if seeking his permission. He nods in approval.

“Yes we will be coming”

“Thank you so much. Okay then see you in 2 days. Bye”

Kyle hangs up and looks at her husband.

“I told you. This entire drama is for this woman. She is the soul of that family”

Shashi sighs in disbelief.

“I should talk to Khushi about this” he exclaims.

“You think she will listen to you? I doubt”

“Then what do you expect Kyle? I have to warn her”

“Yes you should. But let the right time come”

Shashi nods. He has never gone against the advice of his wife. She is more capable according to him in handling such matters manipulatively. So, he agrees to do as she says.

∞∞∞

Shantivan

Khushi and Arnav are in the car, driving back home. While he is busy paying attention to the traffic ahead, Khushi is busy admiring him. He realizes that too and quickly glances at her once.

“What?” he asks in a rough voice. “Haven’t seen a man driving before?”

Khushi chuckles.

“Oh please. I drive better than this. You know what happened once? I was little drunk and Lavanya didn’t let me drive the car but soon she got this need to throw up and she parked the car. I took the opportunity to take the wheels and once she got in again, I drove so fast that I covered 20 miles in 5 minutes”

Arnav rolls his eyes.

“I hope you didn’t injure anyone on the road”

“Naah!! I am well aware what it might cost to me”

Arnav smirks. She is totally nonsense sometimes but even in that she talks something sensible.

“I want to thank you” she softly speaks.

“For?”

“Favoring me in the store. I cannot believe you actually did that for me, making Kyle believe that we are together and happy”

Arnav doesn’t say anything. He keeps driving. She pats his arm.

“Say something.. At least say you are welcome”

“I wont” he replies and glances once at her. “Because you are not welcome to do that again. I don’t like to commit people unnecessarily”

Khushi pinches his arm. He scowls.

“What the hell was that for?”

“Because you don’t follow your own words. You cannot show Kyle we are happy, but you can pretend it for your sister? You are a two-faced animal”

Arnav groans in anger.

“Did you just call me ANIMAL?”

“YES” she snaps.

Arnav roughly applies the brake and parks the car at the road corner. He gets down. Khushi gets nervous but prefers to show some courage on her face. He opens her side door and drags her out. He then pins her to the car. Khushi refuses to get intimidated by him.

“You are the one who sleeps like ANIMAL at night, kicking people beside you, having no mannerisms.”

Khushi’s jaw drops.

“How will I know how I sleep? No one has ever told me that before.”

“Unbelievable” he refuses to agree.

“And who follows discipline and manners in sleep? If you have so much problem with our sleeping arrangement then fine, you can take the recliner”

Arnav’s brow raises high.

“Why should I take the recliner? It’s my room, my bed and my deal” he mutters clenching his jaw.

“And you are the Boss, right?” she scoffs.

Before they could further argue, Arnav’s phone rings.

“Haan Di. We are onway” he speaks to his sister and disconnects the call. “Get in the car”

Khushi shrugs her shoulders seeing him heading back to drive.

“Such a strange personality he is. First drags me out and then asks me to get back in”

She gets inside and upon Arnav’s next orders, clasps the seatbelt. They drive back to Shantivan.

∞∞∞

As soon as they enter the house, Anjali stops them.

“Chotte, Khushi. How was your shopping?”

“Perfect Di. He waited patiently until I finished”

Anjali giggles.

“That’s great. I have a surprise for you two”

“Surprise?” both Arnav and Khushi ask the same instant.

“Yes. You guys will love it. Come”

She starts taking them to their bedroom.

“Di you should have taken rest. Why did you plan surprises for us?”

“Only this one surprise Chotte. And that’s because its mandatory for you both to get this sort of treatment from us”

Arnav and Khushi look confused at each other. They have no idea what the surprise is going to be. As soon as they reach their room, Anjali asks Khushi to slowly push the door open. She does that and the preparations inside stun both of them. Their room is decorated with candles and flowers. Their bed is pouring with rose petals and there is this floral fragrance everywhere in the room.

“What… what is all this?” Khushi asks looking at Anjali again.

She laughs softly and clutches both Arnav and Khushi’s hands.

“Tonight is your Suhagraat”

Khushi hiccups. This arrangement was not part of their deal though it makes no much difference to her. They are sharing a room. Who will come to know if they completed their Suhagraat or not?

Anjali notices the confused expressions on Arnav’s face.

“Chotte, say something” she urges.

“Di, this is impossible. We have gone through this before” he replies in fury.

“I know. But that went wrong. This time I want everything to be perfect for you both” Anjali replies. “Hence I arranged everything myself.”

Arnav rolls his eyes. He knows when his sister decides something, she does it with all her heart. He stares at Khushi trying to read her reactions. She looks cool now and unaffected.

Anjali then turns to Khushi and tries to make her understand the importance of this ritual.

“Khushi, you know the best part of a husband-wife’s life starts when they give time to each other. I know my brother is not going to go out anywhere especially when his sister is here and he has work to handle too. So, I won’t be insisting on that. That’s why this idea came in my mind”

Khushi holds Anjali’s hand.

“Di, thank you. I was actually thinking how about this type of arrangement to surprise Arnav. But you outdid me. Nothing could have beaten this level of preparation” she says looking inside the room again.

Arnav is bowled how casually Khushi took this surprise. Isn’t she affected at all?

“Okay then, I will send your dinner in the room. I don’t want to see you both outside this room until tomorrow morning, understood?”

Arnav and Khushi both fake a smile at her.

“Good night” she adds and leaves them alone. Khushi steps in first and whistles.

“Such a royal mess” she mutters. Arnav shuts the door behind him.

“Mess?” he smiles sarcastically. “When you messed our actual first night, that was more horrible compared to this”

His words prick her.

“Couldn’t you ask your people to keep alcohol away from that room, that night?”

Arnav stares at her with disbelief.

“I was already disinterested in the marriage and alcohol seemed my best friend that night. So, I consumed it and didn’t realize when I dozed off”

Arnav strides to her and grips her elbow.

“Dozed off without your clothes on your body. What kind of stunt was that?”

Khushi gulps nervously.

“I.. .I had plans to take a shower, I…  I was tired. So, I took off .. my clothes. But I suppose before I could reach the bathroom, I fainted on the bed”

Arnav keeps staring in her eyes. Khushi tries not to be weak in this conversation.

“Wait a minute. Why are we even discussing this? We have already dealt about this situation

the next morning.” She scoffs.

“Yes, we dealt it so beautifully that you fled that same day without even informing anyone.. Without even leaving a message for me” he yells.

“That’s because you insulted me. Did you forget what you told me that morning? You said

you are not like those desperate boyfriends of mine to grab such opportunity and take advantage of my drunken state” she loses her temper now. “You didn’t take a minute to judge your newly wedded wife. You judged her entire character by that one night. Isn’t that strange? Did you even know if I ever had boyfriends or not? Did you even make that effort to get to know me before marriage? You didn’t do any of it Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada and yet you had that audacity to call me a nasty woman, who according to you doesn’t think twice before sleeping with anyone. What else you expected me to do apart from leaving you and your cheap mind to go to hell?”

Arnav gets speechless. So, this is what hurt her that time? This is why she left their relationship oscillating? The door knocks. Khushi composes her mood. Arnav is stunned to see how easily she sorted her temper and is ready to open the door and face people. It’s their maid with the food trolley.

“Keep it here” Khushi commands. The maid keeps the trolley and leaves the room.

Khushi locks the door again and heads straight to the closet. She takes the newly bought night dress and walks in the bathroom to change.

“I am not hungry. You can have all of it” she says before locking herself up in the bathroom.

To be Continued.

__________________________________________________________

Chapter 14

Khushi splashes water on her face, trying to erase off the memories of the next day of her marriage. But it keeps haunting her. She had tried her best to keep her views of that fight to herself. Arnav Singh Raizada was not worth her explanation, nor he could understand what she felt that day when he accused her for being characterless.

The morning light hits her eyes. She tosses to the other side of the bed, trying to retain her sleep but a sharp ache in her head makes her groan in frustration and wake up. She has never felt so much of pain before. She opens her eyes and scans the room.

It’s a hotel room. Her clothes are lying lifelessly on floor, the champagne bottle is empty next to it. She quickly pulls the duvet to cover her body. What happened last night? It was her marriage night, isn’t it? She tries to recollect and nothing flashes in her head which could remind her of Arnav Singh Raizada’s presence in this room. He didn’t come? Why? Or did he return back seeing her in this state? Can a man actually resist his newly wed wife in that state of their first night? She didn’t realize he was so sane. She has to find out. She quickly dials the reception.

“Hi.. Uhh.. I am looking for my husband, Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada. Can you please check if he is still in the hotel and ask him to come back in the room?”

“Ma’am, he has left the premises already but yes he has left you a message. He had asked us to deliver it to you today once you wake up. Please hold on, I will pass it in your room”

Khushi disconnects the call. He left a note? He left without her? What’s going on? She quickly dresses again when the doorbell rings. She opens it and a housekeeping woman hands her the note.

“Thanks”

She shuts the door and immediately opens the note to see what it reads.

‘I trust you had a good sleep alone. Whatever you did last night doesn’t seem like you have any regards for our marriage. My driver is down, waiting to pick you. Leave the room and get in the car, without doing any further damage to my reputation. He will drop you wherever you wish to go, either to me, or your home.’

Khushi is shocked and equally frustrated reading the note. She believes she ruined their night, but that doesn’t mean he will shrug off her responsibility from his shoulders. How can he expect her to go back to her house? She quickly picks her stuff and hurries out fetching his car.

“Take me to Shantivan” she commands getting inside.

The driver accelerates the car and heads out of the hotel premises. She is not going to let him dump her like that. Agreed she did a huge mistake by overdrinking but he wasn’t less rude either in the note. Is this the man her father chose for her? So insensitive and uncaring? Well, it has to be Kyle’s choice then. She keeps waiting desperately for reaching Shantivan and when the car halts, she hurries in. She is glad there are no guests or relatives of this family, waiting to welcome her. She steps in and is stopped by a sharp voice.

“Don’t get inside”

She turns to see the elderly woman who commanded her this. She must be ASR’s Nani. She has never met her in person before neither she knows much about his family.

“I … I think you didn’t recognize me. I am your grandson’s wife” Khushi introduces.

“Oh yes you are” she comes ahead maintaining the same harsh voice. “I was not very happy about his choice earlier, that’s why I didn’t attend your wedding in the court yesterday and after the way you behaved with him last night, I don’t think I will ever change my judgment about you”

Nani’s continuous taunts make her even more frustrated.

“Where is Arnav?” she angrily asks.

“Why? What other humiliation is left to show him?” Nani snaps.

Khushi groans in anger.

“I will fetch him myself”

She steps in the house but Nani blocks her way.

“I really sympathize you girl, what is it that made you marry my grandson? You saw his money, his status or just his looks?”

Khushi gets overly mad.

“Look, I have been showing enough decency so far but don’t instigate me further”

“Or else what will you do?” Nani steps further close and Khushi is already intimidated. Suddenly they both hear another voice and its thankfully familiar for Khushi. It’s her husband, coming down the stairs. She quickly walks past Nani, to him.

“Thank God you came. I was losing nuts here” Khushi utters.

“Chotte” Nani tries to interrupt but Arnav gestures her to pause.

“I need to talk to her Nani” he replies and looks at Khushi who gives Nani a winning smile. He holds her wrist and drags her to the drawing room next to the living area.

“Ouchh.. easy” she scolds him as he twirls her in anger and leaves her wrist. “Why are you being so rude?” she asks rubbing her wrists.

“What else do you expect me to do? Fall on your feet? Appreciate your last night’s acts?”

Khushi swallows. He has a very sharp voice which is making her knees weak.

“I know I shouldn’t have done that but..”

“But you can’t change yourself, isn’t it? That’s what you are and will be, doesn’t matter what people around you want”

Khushi is raged.

“I don’t care what people want from me because I am tired of fulfilling their demands all the time. I am not a show toy or your asset.” She snaps. Arnav listens, though anger is bubbling inside him. “What was that note about? How could you give me a choice like that? Go to my home? Why? You married me lawfully, not bought me for a desired period or motive to give me a choice like that” she scowls.

Before she could raise more voice, he clutches her forearms.

“Don’t give me that Marriage shit.!!”

Khushi gulps hard.

“Is this what you think it is? Shit?” she angrily asks.

Arnav clenches his jaw.

“You didn’t make it feel like heaven either” he growls.

“It’s been one-night Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada. Just one night and you are concluding its future.. totally wrong” she shouts.

There is a pin drop silence between them for few seconds, their eyes spilling fire at each other continuously. “Or wait. Is it that you didn’t get what you expected from me last night which is why you are being over dramatic today?” she asks.

This infuriates him even more.

“You are insane” he blurts. “I am not like your other boyfriends who would take advantage of your drunken state”

Something pricks Khushi’s heart. Did he just say that? Does he really think she has chain of boyfriends? Did he even make an attempt to learn her past?

“If this is what you think about me, I don’t deserve you further explanation” she shouts.

“Neither I want one” he snaps.

Khushi’s nostrils flare in anger. This was her last hope. Marrying a man who would at least pretend he wants her, but she failed again. She is not as lucky as others. She turns around and walks out of the room. While she makes her way to the door, she hears Nani passing another comment behind her.

“Characterless”

Khushi stops. She wants to turn around and fight with Nani for using such a wrong word for her. But she knows it will not be fruitful. This family sucks and she have no one who will ever want to understand her. She did a mistake and she deeply apologizes for it but the people whom she wants to forgive her, are not even worth her company.

The door bangs, getting Khushi out of her stance. She is still in the bathroom, in her new nightdress, remembering their tragic past which could have been avoided by normal conversation and forgiveness but it took a nasty turn, ruining their lives like forever.

“Khushi, come out” Arnav bangs the door again.

Khushi wipes her tears and splashes some more water on her face. She wipes her face with the towel and then opens the door. He is standing there, looking at her.

“What took you so long inside?” he asks.

Khushi sighs.

“My wish.. I will spend as much time as I want in the bathroom and no one can snatch that right from me” she scolds and walks back to the bed.

“I cannot send the food back, Di will understand you didn’t eat and she won’t take long to figure out we had a fight”

Khushi sighs in disappointment.

“Why is your Di so smart?” her voice has toned down.

Arnav replies with a smirk.

“Because she is MY sister”

Khushi rolls her eyes.

“Why did I even ask this?” she mumbles to herself and picks her plate. Once she starts eating, Arnav makes his plate too and eats. They don’t talk to each other after that. Arnav notices the way she is eating. She was indeed hungry, good he didn’t let her sleep without eating.

“I have decided something” he interrupts.

Khushi looks at him.

“We will never talk about the past topics that can get us into fight again. I think that’s the only way we can sustain this 2-month period”

Khushi smiles.

“What a convenient way to tackle the past”

Arnav knows she has said this ironically. Before he can explain, she agrees.

“But I agree. That’s the only way we can stick to the deal”

Arnav sighs in relief.

“Good. Finally, sorted”

“Not yet” she interrupts.

“You had our sleeping arrangement problems I believe” she pauses reminding him about how she troubled him throughout the night by her tyconda positions.

“That can be ignored for a while” he replies.

“Or you will get used to it” she replies with a million-dollar smile. She realizes she must have really slept in bad positions for him to complain like that.

After finishing the food, she jumps back to the bed and sleeps on her side. It’s very flowery and the fragrance of the roses fill her nostrils. But she has no complaints. She can manage to get sleep. She sees Arnav busy on his laptop.

“You work so late?” she asks.

“Can’t help, I am the Boss. Need to keep an eye on everything”

Khushi nods.

“Great.. Happy working and good night”

She pulls the duvet and quickly falls asleep.

∞∞∞

“Don’t … Don’t come near me.. Get away…” she pleads.. “Get away” she finally shouts at the top of her voice.

Arnav Singh Raizada, who was sleeping peacefully so far wakes up with a jolt. He turns to the side and notices Khushi sweating and murmuring something in sleep. Does she sleep talk? How would he know? They have hardly slept once together. He tries to touch her arm in an effort to wake her up but the moment he touches her, she opens her eyes and pushes him away.

“What the” he yells at her. “I was trying to help”

Khushi scans the room, realizing she is safe and not bullied by her class boys. Her breathing is still rapid and she feels sorry for pushing the man away who was going to comfort her. Arnav doesn’t take it harsh on her either.

“Must be a nightmare?” he says.

“No… Just a bad phase of my life” she replies and gets down the bed fetching for water. As she doesn’t find water in the room, she decides to go down and get some.

“Khushi wait” Arnav tries to stop her because she still doesn’t seem to be normal. And what bad phase was she talking about?

Khushi comes in the kitchen, opens the refrigerator and picks a bottle. She gulps the cold water down her throat. When she closes the door of the refrigerator she freezes seeing someone standing behind it.

“Khushi? It’s me.. relax” Anjali says trying to stop making her more panic.

The moment Khushi hears Anjali’s voice and sees her clearly in that darkness, she throws her arms around her, hugs her tight. Anjali takes Khushi in her embrace, with the same warmth,

“What happened Khushi? Why do you look so scared?” she worryingly asks.

Khushi realizes she is confusing the woman who can draw any conclusion seeing her in this state. She pulls back from the hug.

“I saw a bad dream” she admits.

“Oh.. where is Arnav?”

“Sleeping. I didn’t want to wake him up” Khushi lies.

Anjali smiles.

“Sorry Di, I couldn’t hold my fear and hence I hugged you so tight”

Anjali chuckles and caresses her head.

“That’s okay. You don’t have to be sorry for that. Even Chotte used to do the same when he was young. In all his bad phases he used to come and take my assurance.” That puts a hopeful smile on Khushi’s face. Wish she had someone like Anjali during her childhood days when she needed someone around her, to understand her, ease all her fears and worries.

“Khushi” Arnav enters the kitchen. He had followed Khushi down in the kitchen but before he could try to soothe her down, Anjali got in and he stopped himself from being that pillar to Khushi for her current issue.

Anjali looks at Arnav, faking anger.

“Chotte, you were sleeping when your wife needed you the most. This is not a good sign of being a good husband” she shouts but politely.

Arnav shakes his head.

“Guess I have a lot to learn from Jeejaji then” he replies. Anjali laughs.

“Go take your wife and ensure no dream scares her again”

Arnav swallows and wraps his arm around Khushi’s shoulder, taking her back upstairs. As soon as they reach in, he locks the door while she makes her way to the bed again.

“You want to talk about it?” he offers to help her but she nods in denial.

“I want to sleep. Good night”

He doesn’t coax her further, but he promises to be cautious henceforth. She is one secretive book which has never shown interest to read, looks like he has to finally do so now.

__________________________________________________________

Chapter 15

Shantivan

Arnav returns from work in the evening. He finds Khushi and Shyam sitting on the couch, discussing something. Khushi is busy noting down in a paper whatever Shyam is telling her. She looks so cool and happy. She seems to have built a good rapport with his Di and Jeejaji. Why doesn’t she seem so happy when he is around?  Shyam notices Arnav coming to them and greets him.

“Saale Sahab.. Good you came, I want you to ask your wife not to take so much personal efforts for tomorrow’s event” Shyam exclaims.

Arnav keeps his laptop bag aside and sits next to Khushi, on the couch. She closes the notepad.

“What kind of efforts?” he glances once at Khushi and when she doesn’t answer, he looks at Shyam to help reveal.

“Khushi is planning some surprise for Anjali on her birthday” Shyam replies.

“Surprise?” Arnav stares at Khushi again. She doesn’t want to reveal her surprise so she gets up. “What surprise?” he asks again.

“If I tell what the surprise is, it wont be surprise anymore. So, wait and watch”

Shyam laughs.

“Must say Saale Sahab, your wife is a good planner. She has so many hidden skills in her”

“Thanks, Jeejaji. And now excuse me. I have so much work pending” Khushi rushes towards the stairs. Arnav is not very impressed. He follows her up, in their bedroom. She is at the closet, looking at the dresses.

“What’s cooking, Khushi?” he loosens his tie.

“Cooking?” she giggles. “That you will have to ask Di. She is making dinner for all of us with your Nani today”

Arnav clenches his jaw. Khushi is still in her own world, looking for a perfect dress.

“I hope you have arranged a dress for me for tomorrow’s party. I don’t find it here. These all are nice, but not party type” she complains, rejecting a few dresses hanging in the closet.

Arnav strides to her and turns her around.

“Are you ignoring me?” he looks uncomfortable with his own question.

Khushi meets his eyes and stares at him for few extra seconds, as if reading his mind.

“I am not supposed to ignore you before your Di and her husband. But I can do that when we are alone, can’t I?”

Arnav’s grip on her loosens. What is she doing?

“Why are you dying to get my attention?” she teases.

“I am not dying, understood. I am only warning you, don’t plan anything for my sister, without letting me know. You have to inform me prior doing anything for Di”

It is not what he means, it is his ego which makes him change his stand. He was hurt when she was being extra cool and happy around everyone in this house, except him.

“Okay” she shrugs his arms and steps back. “I am planning to give your sister a surprise tonight when the clock ticks 00:00; when her birthday actually starts. And I had no plans to do this alone. I was going to wake you up at that hour to participate in the surprise”

Arnav stills. Whatever she plans seems good. He shouldn’t have pounced on her, unnecessarily.

“Fine” he mutters.

“Not fine, Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada. Compose yourself, you seem to be an over possessive, jealous husband which I am sure you aren’t.”

Commenting that, she heads out of the bedroom to continue with her work. It is just 3 more hours left for Anjali’s birthday to begin and she still has so many things to finish. Arnav retires himself from such uneasy feelings. Maybe she is right. He suddenly behaved possessive which was totally unnecessary at the moment. He will wait to see what she has planned.

∞∞∞

Khushi is pacing in the room. It’s 15 more minutes for 00:00. Arnav decides to be awake with her, though he is a passive member in this surprise plan made by Khushi. He pretends to be engrossed in working on his laptop but his eyes are fixed on her at times to see the excitement on her face.

“La is right, you should never wait for anything, the wait is always longer” Khushi murmurs.

Arnav raises his head and looks at her.

“Whom are you talking to?” he asks.

Khushi stops pacing in the room.

“Myself. I am talking to my soul, you have a problem with that too?”

Arnav raises his brow in defeat. She is such a Nautanki sometimes. Suddenly he hears her phone alarm ringing. She happily jumps and turns it off. Arnav keeps staring at her.

“Okay, time for some action” she says. “I am going in the kitchen to get the cake. You get Nani and meet me outside Di’s bedroom” she commands him and heads out.

Arnav is surprised to see her commanding him but he has to consider the cause. She is doing all this for his sister and he wont mind taking a few orders from her. So, this was her plan? Her surprise? She has a cake pre-booked for a small celebration tonight? Why didn’t this thought creep in his mind? No wonder, Khushi seems to be a good planner than him. He shuts his laptop and heads out.

Once Khushi reaches Anjali’s room with the cake, she finds Arnav with his Nani already present there.

“Chotte, why are we disturbing Anjali bitiya now? She is pregnant, she needs good sleep” Nani pokes.

“Nani, Khushi has plan this cake cutting surprise for Di” Arnav replies.

“Only she can think of something like this. How will she understand what taking rest means for a pregnant woman?” Nani angrily questions looking at Khushi who feels insulted. She looks angrily at Nani.

“If that’s so, why don’t you demand your grandson to plan a baby with me? I will surely give my feedback about what sleep and rest means to me in that state”

Nani’s jaw drops at her unpleasant comment whereas Arnav is in a state of shock. How can she take such topics so lightly.? Khushi tries to compose her mood again.

“If you are not interested in this, you may leave” she says looking at Nani once before knocking the bedroom door of Anjali softly.

Nani is infuriated.

“Saw Chotte. Who is she to ask me to leave? This is my house?”

“This is my house too for the next 2 months” Khushi promptly reminds.

“Stop it!!” Arnav shouts.. “Can we just do all this nicely? I don’t want Di to know we are fighting outside her room, on her birthday”

Khushi smiles teasingly.

“Finally, someone is acting sensible” she mutters taunting at Arnav who rolls his eyes.

Shyam slowly opens the door. It is dark inside.

“Jeejaji, is she awake?” Khushi whispers.

“No” he smiles and lets them inside. Khushi and others circle the bed and turn the bedside lamp On. Everyone then start singing the birthday wishes for Anjali who immediately wakes up at that noise. She sits on the bed, smiling, astonished to see her family so lovingly giving her a birthday surprise. Khushi places the cake on the bed, before Anjali and passes her the knife.

“Oh my God, no one ever wished me like this before” Anjali becomes teary.

Khushi sits next to her.

“Di, that’s why it is a surprise.”

Anjali touches her cheeks.

“I want you to wish me like this for the rest of my life. You and chotte, wishing me together, always” she demands.

Khushi’s face falls. She doesn’t want to give Anjali any false hopes but Arnav doesn’t take time in responding. He would do anything to make the present better, without thinking of its consequences

“Of course, Di, you will always be wished like this by us in future. Now cut the cake please” he requests.

Anjali nods in joy and cuts the cake. She feeds to Shyam first, then Khushi and Arnav. She gets down from the bed and takes Nani’s blessings.

“God bless you bitiya.”

“Thanks Nani. This seems to be the best birthday for me, already. My whole family is with me, especially Khushi Bhabhi”

Anjali gives Khushi a tight hug. Arnav realizes how slowly his sister is getting attached to Khushi and it seems like the feeling is mutual. Khushi is not faking at all. She genuinely seems to like his sister. Strange!!

∞∞∞

Birthday Party

The party at Shantivan has just begun. Guests have started showing their presence. The media is out, waiting for the glimpse of Arnav Singh Raizada with his family. There is a buzz everywhere that today Arnav Singh Raizada’s wife is also going to be a part of this occasion and everyone wants to get a glimpse of her. But Khushi is in the bedroom, holding her breath. All this is too much. She is going to be officially declared and introduced as Arnav’s wife before the whole world and it is not going to be easy for her after she and Arnav part ways in next 2 months. She doesn’t like fooling people, hurt their sentiments unnecessarily. Wish Arnav thought like her, he could have easily avoided fulfilling his sister’s wish of seeing them together again, by giving any random excuse. At least this drama would have been saved. There is a door knock. She gets up hurriedly and opens the door.

“Di?” Khushi is surprised to see Anjali here. She thought Anjali must have been enjoying the party down.

“Khushi, what is this? You are still not dressed? Everyone is waiting for you”

“Why me? It is your birthday, they are waiting for you Di”

Anjali sighs and gets inside the room.

“What is delaying you so much. Didn’t you finalize what to wear yet?”

There is a black dress placed on the bed which Khushi has chosen for tonight’s party. Anjali sees it too.

“I think you should wear something in Red tonight” Anjali suggests.

“Red?”

“Yes, it is Chotte’s favorite color”

Khushi dons a fake smile.

“Red… color of anger, rage” she mutters.

“Color or love too” Anjali adds. “Wait, let me help you”

She slides the closet and removes a red gown for Khushi.

“Wear this”

Though Khushi likes her choice, she is skeptical if she should wear anything that Arnav Singh Raizada would like to see her in.

“Di, are you sure? I mean, I don’t want his favorite color to become non-favorite forever just because I wore it”

Anjali is in no mood to listen to her.

“Khushi, it is my order. You cannot deny me, its my birthday”

Khushi chuckles.

“Di, you are too much. Okay, I will wear it”

Anjali touches Khushi’s cheeks flaunting her bright smile.

“Come soon”

Khushi nods and locks the door after Anjali leaves out.

∞∞∞

Arnav introduces Anjali and Shyam to his new clients whom he had specially invited for this party.

“ASR, it’s nice to know your family. But where is your wife?” one of the clients asks.

Arnav scans around. He has not seen her yet in the party and it kind of pisses him. He doesn’t like unpunctual people. Anjali suddenly intervenes.

“There she is” she points at the stairs. Khushi is getting down. She is wearing the red gown which Anjali chose for her. Arnav had no idea such an outfit exists in the wardrobe he arranged for her. Aman has a good taste, for sure. But the thought of someone else buying such outfits for Khushi suddenly infuriates him. Why? Earlier he was okay with it, he didn’t want to waste his time for such silly matters. Then why is he not happy now?

Khushi feels a dull ache in her body as she gets down the stairs. Everyone is just staring at her, is she looking like a clown? Is something wrong in her dressing?

“Chotte, what are you doing here? Go and get her” Anjali pushes Arnav and he readily follows her orders. He makes his way to the stairs. Arnav smiles as she reaches him, his eyes gleaming wickedly at her. He is unusually attentive towards her which makes her heart flutter. He pulls her arm in his and once she is close to him, he wraps his arm around her slender waist.

“Smile” he whispers in a lazy tone and she realizes why she is doing this. The media is capturing this. There are lights flashing on them. She is not used to this much of attention. Shashi and Kyle make an entry in the party at that same moment and they see their daughter standing with ASR, flaunting her smile.

“Is this really happening?” Shashi’s eyes gleams with joy.

“It looks fake” Kyle replies.

Shashi sigh fully looks at his wife.

“For once Kyle, say something good about my daughter”

“I said what the truth is. So much of sudden cheesiness between them has to be fake. They can fool everyone around, but not me. I am a face reader”

Shashi nods in disappointment.

“Lets go and meet them” he holds his wife’s hand and head forward.

“Ladies and Gentlemen” Arnav shouts. “I have been asked about my wife many a times, be it in any party, any event or a get together. So, today I am officially introducing my wife, Mrs. Khushi Singh Raizada to everyone.”

Khushi gulps. That was one heck of an introduction. MRS. KHUSHI SINGH RAIZADA? What happened to her maternal surname GUPTA? Can it change so easily? She holds her breath and once again smiles for the cameras.

“I am grateful for your presence today on my Sister’s birthday. Bring the cake please” Arnav further adds looking at the event management team. They get the cake and place it at the center table. Everyone surrounds the table. Khushi and Arnav walk there and stand next to Anjali and Shyam.

Anjali cuts the cake and everyone claps and cheers for her. The moment of celebration begins. Arnav pops out the Champagne making Khushi’s eyes glitter with joy. But soon after he pours it for his close ones, he whispers to Khushi.

“You won’t touch a drop of it” he hoarsely warns her

Khushi mouths something angrily at him which he ignores with yet another winning smile. She knows the deal between them clearly states that she cannot drink for this 2-month period. Wish she can break this for a day at least. It’s a celebration, shouldn’t she be enjoying the moment too?

“Khushi, where is your glass?” Anjali asks her.

“I won’t drink di, I am giving you company” she says with a weak smile.

Anjali is confused.

“Did Chotte deny you from drinking?”

Khushi pouts.

“Yes, he has. He wants me to stay in limits” Khushi smiles at the end of that sentence imagining what would happen if he sees her drunk at the end of the party. He will have a high time handling her. With that, she gets some idea in her silly mind. She won’t break the terms of the deal but she can pretend doing so and check how he handles her after.

To be Continued.

__________________________________________________________

Chapter 16

Shantivan

“Hello ASR” Kyle greets Arnav who is talking to the other guests. Arnav immediately turns around and smiles at his in laws. He shakes hand with them.

“Glad you could make it”

“Of course, we could never miss your party” Shashi replies. “Must say, its quite fascinating. All these arrangements seem to be over the top” he adds.

“Thank you, Mr. Gupta. But you know, I always want the best. I hired the top event management company to take care of this” Arnav replies with pride.

“Of course, we know your choice ASR and that’s why we are little surprised to see how easily you and Khushi got back together. Isn’t it too early, considering how much angry you were that she left?” Kyle interrupts.

Arnav very intelligently handles her suspicions.

“Seems like you are not happy that we reconciled?” he asks.

Kyle smirks at how cleverly he handled this topic.

“That was not the answer I was looking for ASR”

“You will see Kyle. You will get the answers yourself in the coming time. Did you both meet Di?” he shifts the topic.

“Not yet” Shashi replies.

“Then please come”

Arnav leads them to his sister.

“Di.. This is Mr. Shashi Gupta, his wife Kyle Gupta. They are Khushi’s parents” he introduces.

Anjali is very happy.

“Hello, so glad to meet you both”

Kyle and Anjali hug each other.

“Which month?” Kyle asks seeing Anjali’s belly.

“Start of 4^th actually”

“Wow. Just 5 more and then you will welcome your baby.”

Anjali touches her stomach lovingly.

“Yes, I can’t wait”

“I heard the Doctors had advised you bed rest. Then how did you travel all the way to India?” Kyle keeps poking her questions.

“I couldn’t resist meeting Chotte’s wife. He had told me his plans to patch up with Khushi again and make this work. I wanted to be a part of it. But I will be leaving in 2 months. I cannot take the risk of travelling in my third trimester”

“Agreed” Kyle smiles. She has somehow linked the dots again. So whatever Khushi and Arnav seem to show off to the world won’t last after Anjali leaves the country. ASR doesn’t wish anyone else to know about this part of his deal with Khushi, which is why he is ignoring any questions related to this topic.

“Dad” Khushi joins the group. She is happy to see her father.

“Khushi.. my baby” he embraces her. “You look lovely in this dress” he compliments at her Red gown.

“Thanks Dad, that’s Arnav’s choice” she replies.

Kyle clears her throat. All this affection between Arnav and Khushi is confusing her. A waiter comes there with a tray of glasses. Arnav gestures Shashi and Kyle to make the choice. They pick a drink. Anjali is called by Shyam to meet the other guests. Khushi takes this opportunity to raise the impending topic.

“Arnav, did you tell Dad that you are now ready for the new Venture with his company?” she reminds.

Arnav passes a lop-sided smirk and nods.

“That’s right Mr. Gupta, my assistant will get back to you on this shortly. We can fix a meeting early next week if you have some free time”

“Yes, why not” Shashi gasps happily. “Whenever you say you are ready, we will make time for that. Right Kyle?”

“Yes” Kyle sips the drink and notices Khushi who is standing next to Arnav. Khushi is very sharp to realize that. She slowly slides her arm around Arnav, pretending it as an obvious gesture between any couple. Arnav gazes at her when she does that and doesn’t take long to grasp the motive behind her actions.

“Okay Mr. and Mrs. Gupta, please excuse us, the media is waiting to click our pictures. Please enjoy the party” Arnav holds Khushi’s hand and drags her away from the spying eyes of Kyle Gupta.

Khushi takes a sigh of relief.

“She is very sharp” Khushi exclaims. “I don’t want her to know about this arrangement between us. She will simply create a problem otherwise”

“She will get to know this someday. Say after Di leaves. Then?” he asks.

Khushi quickly recollects that their deal will have to end someday. This is not a permanent offering. And it is so rude of him to remind her that so obliviously.

“I don’t care what she makes out of it then. My job is to get my Dad business, which I did”

Something irks him by her unaffected behavior. Before she can move away, he grips her hand.

“Has this always been a Business for you?”

Khushi quietly notices his expressions and then shrugs her arm away from his hold.

“Why are you acting so strange all of a sudden? Marrying me was also a business for you, isn’t it? In fact, I have learnt this from you Arnav Singh Raizada, how to make use of relationships for running Business.” She mocks.

Arnav narrows his eyes.

“Who told you that?” he asks dryly.

“Why should anyone tell me that. It was obvious, you were marrying a girl out of your regular choice of women. You didn’t make any attempts to know me, my choice, before the wedding, neither after that. So, all this has to be some business for you. Why are you pretending it not to be?”

Arnav is highly frustrated by her choice of words but he tends not to reveal it to others. They are in the middle of ample of guests who can make a story out of a small scene if he wishes to create. He gestures Aman to allow the media to get inside. There is a special place lit up for letting the media catch some pictures of the party and this couple.

“Let us pose, they are all around us now” Khushi whispers faking a smile seeing the media. She really cannot imagine what will be published after 2 months when they separate again. Arnav roughly slides his arm around Khushi’s waist and looks at the camera flashes. He is unable to get a grip on the situation. Seems like a lot has been left unspoken between him and Khushi all this while. And this is the main reason why they didn’t really got along with each other.

“Mrs. Raizada, what were you doing all these months away from your husband?” one of the reporters asks. She hadn’t expected to be asked questions like that. She thought facing the media is all about posing for pictures. Wish she had prepared some real answers for their nagging questions. Before Khushi can think about it, Arnav replies.

“My wife is an Interior Designer, she had some projects to work on which kept her away all this while”

Khushi raises her brow. How did he know what she studied? But she didn’t work at all. She was busy spending money her father sent every month. She somehow feels low thinking how much she wasted the money and time all this while. This reputation she is getting today, is not because of her efforts, it is only because her husband is a big shot just like her father. Anjali and Shyam are the next ones to get clicked. Khushi shares Anjali’s pregnancy news too. Nani is not very comfortable when she does that.

“That’s it. No more questions” Arnav gestures to Aman to take the reporters out. Nani comes there and barks at Khushi once Anjali and Shyam are away.

“How could you be so careless?” Nani shouts.

Khushi and Arnav are both confused on what context Nani said this.

“What did I do?” Khushi asks. Even Anjali and Shyam are

“Why did you spread the pregnancy news in the media? Don’t you know such things should be kept hidden until the right time comes? Few people have bad eyes and that can ruin the health of the mother and the baby inside”

Khushi hears it all patiently and waits for her turn to speak.

“Nothing will happen to Di or her baby. All these are Orthodox beliefs” she replies.

“Huh” Nani sighs. “What else can I expect from you? And what will you understand what the meaning of losing someone is? Anjali has lost her first child in the earlier pregnancy, only we can understand what we had been through during those days”

Khushi feels suffocated. Why does everyone think she is unbothered of others sufferings? She too has a heart and even if she never came into such tragedy situations doesn’t mean she cannot reflect their pain. Arnav doesn’t let Nani shout further.

“Nani, Khushi is right. Even I don’t believe in such orthodox things. Also, you know people will keenly observe Di today. Anyone can understand she is pregnant.”

Nani scoffs.

“Now you are also taking her side?” she asks. “I can tolerate her in this house, but if she does anything to hurt my granddaughter, I will not forgive both of you”

Nani leaves the spot. Her warning is always torturous for Khushi but this time she is not angry, but worried.

“Did I really do something wrong?” Khushi worryingly asks Arnav, biting her nail.

Arnav removes her finger from between her lips.

“No”

“Whatever!!” she shrugs all the ill thoughts. “I will take extra care of Di from tomorrow. Until I am around her, I won’t let anything happen to her or the baby.”

She walks away. Arnav keeps staring at her bewildered. She doesn’t have to be so worried but it is nice to see her so caring for his sister. It is all genuine and he really wonders how can a girl like her so easily click with a woman like Anjali who is so much grounded to values?

∞∞∞

“No, Khushi” Khushi speaks to herself, attempting not to touch the alcohol. She is so tempted to drink but every time she decides to do so, she recollects their deal. But one single peg won’t affect that much, will it? She tries to touch the glass again when suddenly she hears Anjali calling her name.

“Khushi?”

Khushi almost jerks on the spot. Anjali laughs seeing her so much disoriented.

“What are you doing here alone?”

“Di.. I am getting tempted to drink” Khushi says without hiding her feelings.

Anjali gives her a wolfish grin.

“Then drink. Who has stopped you? Until you drink in limits, I don’t mind and I am sure Arnav wont mind either”

Khushi shakes her head in dismissal.

“No Di, he wont like it. He has already warned me enough about this. I don’t want to go against his wishes otherwise he will break the deal”

“DEAL?” Anjali asks shocked. Khushi instantly realizes her mistake and tries to divert.

“I mean the deal of giving our marriage a chance.”

Anjali takes few seconds to grasp it and then smiles lovingly.

“I am glad you guys made this deal or else how would I get a chance to meet you?”

Khushi sighs that Anjali didn’t spy on her words or else she would have faced a tough time. She notices Arnav busy talking to a woman. He is glancing at his wife too in between their talks and the woman whom he is talking with is also throwing some serious looks at her.

“Di, who is she?” Khushi asks Anjali to see if she has any idea about the woman Arnav is talking to.

“She is Shagufta Khanna. Arnav and Shagufta studied in the same College in Harvard”

Khushi watches Shagufta holding Arnav’s hand and then leaning onto his ears to whisper something. Seems like Shagufta and Arnav share a great bonding already and she is completely his type; stylish, good dressing sense and knows how to behave in the public. Khushi gets a warm feeling inside her stomach and she hates seeing this woman showing her possession over Arnav Singh Raizada. Now, who is breaking the rules? Arnav smirks when Shagufta pulls back and he gestures her to head to the bar counter and enjoy some drinks. She forces him to join her but he gives her some excuse and heads to meet the other guests. He knows Khushi had been noticing his little meet with Shagufta.

“Khushi, food?” Anjali asks her again.

“I am not hungry Di, but looks like I will have one drink before I start my dinner”

Anjali is surprised because just few minutes ago she was denying to drink.

“Fine. Come soon”

Anjali walks away and Khushi picks the glass of alcohol. It takes a lot of will power for her to keep it back. She cannot do this. She won’t drink but she can pretend to do so to irritate this man.

After few minutes, Arnav gets a message on his phone. It is Khushi’s.

‘I broke Clause No 7’

Arnav grips his phone exiting the Inbox and scanning around to find her. He sees her at the bar counter, waving a hand at him. Her teasing smile and the shaky legs says it all to him. He strides to her.

“Are you.. drunk?” his voice is filled with anger.

Khushi passes a fake drunken grin at him.

“I.. I think so” she replies. “Why.. why don’t you kiss and find out?”

Arnav clenches his jaw. How can she do this?

“I had warned you not to touch alcohol, didn’t I?” he almost pounces at her.

She takes a step back.

“You… you are so dominating” she giggles. “Di should know this” she adds “DIIIIII”

Arnav puts his palm over Khushi’s mouth to stop her from calling his sister and blabbering unnecessary things but he fails to do so because Anjali comes there in no time.

“Khushi, Chotte.. what happened?”

Khushi shrugs Arnav’s hand from her mouth and quickly holds Anjali’s arm.

“Di.. .this man.. this man is bullying me”

Anjali realizes Khushi is drunk and she giggles. “Khushi.. this man is your husband.. and husbands don’t dominate, they love”

Khushi pouts.

“No.. he is a dictator... he always picks up unnecessary fights..”

Arnav intervenes. “Di.. she is just overdrunk. Don’t listen to her.”

He tries to catch hold of Khushi but she steps away from him.

“Khushi come here” he warns.

“See.. This is what I meant.. He is so control freak”

Arnav rolls his eyes. How can she behave so carelessly? She can spill out their deal to anyone in this state. He has to take her inside the house.

“Khushi, come with me” he once again tries to gain control of the situation.

“Nope.. first you say sorry”

“Sorry?” he snaps. “Don’t forget, it’s you misbehaving, not me. Why should I be sorry?”

Anjali tries to calm the situation.

“Chotte, she won’t understand this. She is drunk and such people should be handled with care and love. Don’t pick up a fight with her. Go take her inside the house and feed her something. She didn’t eat Dinner yet”

Khushi giggles seeing his frustrated look.

“What are you thinking Mr. Khadoos Raizada?” she fakes a hiccup. “It’s your Di’s orders. Take me Inside” she stretches her arms for him to pick her up. He clenches his jaw.

“Di, I will take her, you look after the guests.”

“Don’t worry Chotte, I will take care of them. You go”

Anjali leaves. When Arnav turns to Khushi, she is not there. Where the hell did she go? He panics. He cannot take the risk of leaving her alone in this state. He quickly scans around and finds her walking again to the Bar counter where Shagufta is enjoying her drinks. He strides there quickly to stop her from creating any mess.

To be Continued.

__________________________________________________________

Chapter 17

Khushi is few feet away from the Bar Counter where Shagufta Khanna, Arnav’s close and old friend is enjoying her drink alone. Arnav timely grips her hand and stops her from heading there.

“Where do you think you are going?” he asks.

“That lady is alone” she fakes being drunk again and points at Shagufta.

Arnav clenches his jaw.

“She doesn’t need your company. Come on. We need to go in”

He tries to drag her but she doesn’t move an inch. Though he is much stronger than her, she uses all her strength to stop him.

“How do you know she doesn’t need my company? She is our guest. I won’t let her sit alone. It’s bad manners to do so. I want to be a good host” she fakes a hiccup.

Arnav rolls his eyes in frustration.

“You are not even able to stand by yourself and you want to host my party? I won’t let you ruin it Khushi. Come on”

He is about to drag her again when she shrugs his arm.

“Party.. oh yes.. the mighty ASR’s great grand Party” she mocks.

Khushi turns to the bar counter again. Arnav blocks her way. He cannot even shout at her as it might attract the attention of the media and the guests.

“Khushi stop it or else”

She pouts.

“Or else what?” she doesn’t fear him. Why should she? Arnav exhales helplessly. “She is your friend, isn’t she? I know” Khushi adds. “Di told me”

“Yes, she is” he replies. “So, what?”

“So, nothing” she giggles. “I want to know how you were in your teenage” she hiccups.

She is enjoying this state of Arnav. He is totally in her control. Neither he can shout at her nor he can drag her back inside. Poor husband. But he deserves this.

“Arnav” Shagufta comes to them. Arnav is already dealing with Khushi and now he has to tackle Shagufta as well because he cannot zip Khushi’s mouth for long.

“Shagufta Khanna” Khushi shouts.

Shagufta fakes a smile.

“Hi.. I am ASR’s close friend” she introduces arrogantly.

“And I am his wife” Khushi almost glues to Arnav. He holds her carefully, to ensure she doesn’t fall down.

“Yes, I know.” Shagufta gulps the remaining drink. She is clearly jealous. “Khushi Gupta right?”

“Singh Raizada” Khushi adds with a smirk.

“Okay enough now. We have to go inside. Excuse us Shagufta” Arnav interrupts.

“Sure” she steps back.

Khushi passes a sweet smile to that woman again.

“Bye Shagufta, we should meet someday”

“We will”

Arnav picks Khushi in arms. He is done with her. She shouldn’t have drunk in the first place and even though she did, she had to shut her mouth and listen to his commands which she again failed doing. He takes her somehow back inside the house. Khushi gets little uncomfortable when he carries her in arms but now that she is faking so much, she cannot do anything. Every action has its own pros and cons. Guess talking to Shagufta, irritating Arnav was the Pros and now what he is going to do to her will be the cons. Is she prepared for this? She swallows hard and continues faking her drunk state.

Arnav kicks the door open by his feet and gets her inside. He throws her on the bed.

“Ouuchhh” Khushi rubs her back.

“Don’t you dare come out of this room now” he shouts.

She decides to keep her mouth zipped. Did she cross the lines? Arnav exhales in frustration.

“I should have known this” he barks. “You are not serious Khushi. You are just not serious about our deal. Why are you like this? Why can’t you take life seriously? I am done with this attitude of yours” he continues yelling.

Khushi gazes at him impatiently. Looks like this drama is going to cost her a lot. She better opens her mouth and says she was acting.

“Stop yelling Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada” she gets down the bed.

Arnav is bewildered at her sudden change of tone and expressions. He doesn’t take long to read she is not drunk.

“You acted?” he growls. “All of this was fake?” he gets more irritated now.

“Yes I was acting. And now that you know it, why are you still angry? You should be happy that I didn’t break the deal, I didn’t break your damn clause”

Arnav strides to her and grips her forearm, pulling her close.

“Happy? You want me to applaud for what your acting skills? Do you realize how impatient I got there seeing you overdrunk?”

“Chill Arnav” she shrugs his arm.

“No one even realized I was drunk except Di and that Jealous friend of yours, Shagufta”

Arnav clenches his jaw.

“She wasn’t Jealous, you were. Now I get why you did this. You were jealous because a friend of mine was getting too close”

Khushi folds her arms across her waist.

“Wouldn’t you be the same if I start whispering in a man’s ears, try to drag him to share a drink with me? Try to Compel him to dance with me?”

Arnav is speechless. Where is this conversation leading to?

“Terms should be same for both of us Arnav. I know its not your mistake that your so-called friend was trying to throw herself upon you, but someone had to do something. I showed her where she stands in your life and where I stand”

“Where do you stand in my life, Khushi?” he asks. His voice is harsh and by the look in his eyes she can say he is desperate to hear her reply. “No tell me. In fact, I want to know where do you stand in your own life? What are you? An overpampered child of a rich father? Or a contracted wife of a wealthy business tycoon? What are you?

Now she gets speechless. She seizes her unexpected anger. His words prick her like a thorn. Tears spring in her eyes in no time.

“Don’t realize it yet? Do you?” he scowls. “So, take my free advice. Don’t try to show people their place when you are unable to find yours. Because if you do, you will lose your own respect”

Tears start spilling down her face and only after seeing those Arnav Singh Raizada decides to zip his mouth. There is a knock at the door. They hear Anjali’s voice.

“Chotte?”

Khushi locks herself in the bathroom. She does not want to face anyone right now. Arnav fists his fingers. He suddenly realizes he spoke too much. But she gave him no choice. He opens the door for his sister.

“Chotte, is Khushi fine?”

“Uhh.. Yea di. She is resting” he lies. He cannot tell his sister that his wife was acting all that. It will ruin things again.

He comes out of the room with Anjali.

“Did she eat?”

“No, I will ask Hari Prakash to serve her the food in sometime”

Anjali nods. She has no idea the two fought and this time the fight was more bitter.

Khushi weeps inside the bathroom. She has never felt so miserable. She was trying to make some fun out there and it all turned upon her. She is not angry on Arnav, he just showed her the mirror. He told her things which so far even her father never said. He might have been harsh in his choice of words but she deserves that. He is right. What is she? A spoilt brat? That’s all. She has knowledge but she never used it for her benefit. She was so much affected by her father’s second marriage that she lost her track. In the attempt of showing her anger towards her father’s sudden marriage, she got herself involved in all the wrong things which can put his head down. She was a teen then but she didn’t stop it till date. She is still living a teenage life, partying, drinking, dancing and spending her father’s hard-earned money lavishly. What else has she done? She came here all the way to India, only because she wanted money which her father has stopped sending. She got into this deal with Arnav Singh Raizada so that her father can get Business from him and she will be profited too out of it. She has done all of this only for money. She is a loser. She cannot do anything good in her life. She is a loser!! She cries bitterly sitting inside the empty tub.

∞∞∞

The party ends. Shashi asks for his daughter to Arnav who tells him she is tired and resting in her room.

“Tired? She loves parties, she can never be bored of them ASR” Kyle points out. “Can we meet her before leaving?”

“No.. I mean, her head was aching, probably because of the loud music. So she is sleeping now. I will tell her you guys left”

Kyle gets suspicious again but she gives up arguing. Shashi and Kyle decide on the date and time when ASR would be meeting them to discuss their new Joint Venture and then they leave. Slowly, all the guests leave.

“Thank you Chotte, it was a wonderful party. I thoroughly enjoyed” Anjali praises.

“Me too” Shyam adds with a chuckle. “But we missed Khushi. I hope her headache is fine now”

“Chotte, please tell us if she needs anything. And check if she ate her dinner or she slept without it”

“I will, Di” he replies with a fake smile. He does realize he was harsh on her. He should not have said that but he has always been like this. He wants to see maturity in her, and he is tired of her foolish attitude. Everyone disperses back to their respective room. Arnav gets inside the bedroom. She is not on bed. Where is she? He looks for her at the poolside. She is not even there. He recalls when Anjali had knocked their door, Khushi had went in the bathroom. He knocks the door.

“Khushi, you in there?” he asks but no reply comes from her. He gets worried. “Khushi answer me dammit” he bangs the door again. “Fine, I have a master key of the bathroom, I am coming in”

He heads to the closet, takes out the master key and unlocks the bathroom. He sees her in the bathtub. She is sleeping in there, curled. How can she sleep there? He comes to the dry tub and notices her face. Her eyes have swollen. She has cried. He didn’t intend to hurt her to this extent. He is really insane. He doesn’t understand where to draw a line when he speaks in anger. He feels pity for her. He loosens his tie and then kneels down to pick her in arms. She is light. He easily carries her back in the bedroom. Strange that she didn’t wake up still. She cant be acting now. He knows. But then why didn’t she wake up? He puts her on the bed and pats her cheeks.

“Khushi? Wake up”

She is still the same. Did she fall unconscious? Maybe she cried too much. He quickly sprinkles some water on her face and pats her cheek again.

“Khushi.. please wake up”

She slowly opens her eyes. He takes a sigh of relief when she does. She tries to push him away once she recollects what had happened.

“Get away from me” she shouts and starts hitting his chest when he doesn’t budge.

Arnav understands she is angry on him because he was very cruel to her. He holds both her hands and pins them on her either sides. She breathes hard but continues struggling. She wants him out of her sight.

“Sshh… Listen to me” his tone is much composed than before.

“Just get off me” she yells again. He is almost hovering on her which both haven’t realized so far. He grips both her wrist tight by one hand and uses the other to hold her face upright, so that she has no choice but to see him, face him.

Khushi clenches her jaw.

“I said listen to me” he raises his voice now.

She cools off her struggle because he is very overpowering and she has no energy left to fight.

“I was very mean when I said all that to you. I was angry on you and those words were out of anger.”

She drops her gaze. Though she cannot move her head, she can at least stop looking in his eyes.

“I don’t want any explanation from you. Just get off me”

“I will. But all I want you to know is that I didn’t enjoy demeaning you either. You didn’t leave me a choice. That’s it”

Khushi is hurt beyond all endurance.

“You are hurting my wrists Arnav” she yells with an agonized expression on her face.

Arnav eases his grip on her and rolls on the side of the bed, then sits there, facing her. She gets up too and rubs her wrists.

“Let me see” he requests but she denies his sympathy. She then shuts the bedside lamp and rests on the bed, taking the quilt above her head. Arnav realizes she is not in a mood to listen neither talk. He has never tried to convince a woman for his outburst. It’s strange that he at least tried to express it to Khushi not to take his words by heart though she is unwilling to accept his apology. He will not disturb her further. He will wait and try to talk to her again tomorrow.

∞∞∞

The next morning when he wakes up, Khushi is not in the room. He looks for her again but later Anjali tells him that Khushi has gone out to see her friend Lavanya.

“Lavanya’s place? Why?”

“They are friends Arnav. Didn’t she tell you she is going?” Anjali asks back.

“No, maybe she didn’t want to wake me up. Anyways, thanks Di”

He heads back in the room. He hopes she is not going to plan another foolish action taking his last night’s words seriously. Whatever, he will come back home from work and talk to her.

∞∞∞

Kshyap’s Residence

“Oh God Khushi. You came all the way here to wake me up early morning at 07:00 to tell me this?” Lavanya asks rubbing her eyes.

Khushi eats the biscuit she had packed in her purse while starting for Lavanya’s home. She didn’t eat dinner last night hence she is very hungry now.

“Okay, listen. You are just shocked and in anger right now. Don’t take any decisions in this state of mind. Understood?”

“No La. I have decided. I will stand on my own feet. I will show that Arnav Singh Raizada where I stand”

“Khushi” Lavanya pushes her Duvet away and holds Khushi’s hand. “It is not easy. You are free bird, independent. How will you like working for someone?”

“Lavanya, I am not independent. If I had been one, I would not have to depend on my father and husband for my daily expenses. I have decided and I am very sure about this. I am going to look for a job”

“Okay, okay. Why don’t you ask your dad. He must have some vacancy in his office. And its your office too. Some day you will own it from him”

“I don’t need his favour. I don’t want to take anybody’s favour. I want to do something on my own”

“Own? How? What will you do? Go around every offices and ask them if they have a job to offer? Do you realize, every company in this city or country knows now that you are ASR’s wife, Shashi Gupta’s daughter. You think they will offer you a job? And even if they do, it will only be because of their name and fame again. Will you like it?”

Khushi pouts. She picks her purse.

“I don’t know what I am going to do, but I will fetch a job and start earning my own money. I will show this damn world, I don’t need a man in my life to take care of my expenses. Be it my father, or my arrogant husband. You are going to guide me in this or not?”

Lavanya realizes Khushi is not going to back off this time.

“I will baby. I will do anything for my friend. Let’s research something. Happy?”

The two girls hug each other. Khushi finally gets some relief. She has taken a big decision and she knows this is not going to be easy but she doesn’t like to do easy things either. She promises herself to prove her worth one day to everyone who is looking low upon her today.

To be Continued.

__________________________________________________________

Chapter 18

Shantivan

“Khushi, what are you doing?” Anjali asks seeing the pile of newspapers on the bed. She just got to know that Khushi is back from her friend’s house and hence she thought to check upon her.

Khushi knows she is too late to hide the papers. She moves them aside, to make place for Anjali to sit.

“Nothing Di, I was just reading” she lies.

“Reading? So many papers? I don’t think so”

Khushi pouts.

“Di. Forget all this. Tell me did you take your medicine?”

“I wont tell, until you open up whats happening here?”

Khushi bites her lips.

“I am looking for a Job” she finally blurts out. Anjali is speechless.

“Job? Why? Did Chotte tell you anything? Or Nani?”

“No, he didn’t. Nobody told me anything. It’s my thought. I get bored at home. Arnav goes to work, Nani has her own list of agenda for the whole day. I know you and Jeejaji are here but not for long. So, I thought instead of wasting my time, I can utilize it to do something I like”

Anjali nods but she is still not convinced that Khushi is doing this on her own. She touches Khushi’s cheek softly.

“Are you sure, Chotte or Nani is not the reason behind your decision to work?”

Khushi swallows hard. She doesn’t like lying to people, especially to Anjali who has always given her love and warmth like a sister.

“Di. Even if someone else triggered this thought in my brains, I still want to give it a try. How long will I survive like this? Taking money from my father and husband?”

Anjali understands that Arnav- Khushi might have got into a fight the last night, because she was drunk. She knows her brother, he can be really rude at times.

“So, you mean every housewife should earn and she should not be dependent on her husband’s hard-earned money?” Anjali questions.

“Di, I am not saying that. I know there are housewives who put large efforts in maintaining their homes. But I want to do something else. I want to stand on my own feet, see if I can survive” tears brim in her eyes. Anjali is upset seeing Khushi like this. She immediately hugs her.

“Okay. I understand what you mean. And who said you won’t survive? If you can survive being Chotte’s wife, you can survive any other job in this world” she teases to bring a smile on Khushi’s face.

“Thanks Di” they pull back. Khushi has never felt this much of love from anyone and seeing Anjali giving her all that, she is more indebted to her.

“I will help you in this”

“No di, I don’t want anyone’s help. Or else I would have asked my father or Arnav for a favor.”

“Fine. But let me do something for you. These methods you are using to find a job is slow. I suppose you should make a resume first”

Khushi smiles. Why didn’t this thought sparkle in her brain?

“Sounds great Di. But I don’t have prior experience. I hope my resume still counts”

“Why wont it? Everyone starts for the first time somewhere. I will get Shyam’s laptop. Let us make a nice resume for you and upload it at all the possible Job-hunting sites. I am pretty sure, you will find one soon”

Khushi jumps with joy. If this happens, she will be the happiest girl in the world.

“But Khushi, have you talked to Arnav about it? I mean, he is your husband. He has to know your plan to do a Job”

Khushi’s face drops. She looks palely at Anjali. It is quite hard to explain that man. He has never genuinely understood her point of view. Will he do this time? But he is the one who lighted the fire in her to stand on her own feet. He cannot backout now when she is so serious about it. And who is he to deny? Their deal is only for 2 months. He cannot take decisions of her life after that.

“I will do that Di. I will talk to him in a few days. When I get a job maybe. Not yet”

Anjali looks convinced. She is happy that Khushi is taking her life seriously. She knows this girl will do magic wherever she lands. She is fully confident of that.

∞∞∞

AR Office

Aman notices his Boss is not in a good mood today. Something is hurting him inside.. Some guilt maybe. He tries to find out.

“Boss, I hope the party went as expected” Aman begins the conversation.

“Hmm” Arnav’s one word reply stuns him again, proving his suspicions.

“Did Khushi Ma’am work her magic on everyone at home? I hope Anjali Ma’am is not suspicious about this deal”

Arnav puts his pen down. He gives a scowling stare at Aman who gulps nervously.

“Sorry Boss, I will leave”

“No wait” Arnav stops him. “I need a piece of advice”

Aman is enchanted. His boss needs an advice from him? That has never happened before.

“What will you gift a woman whom you have hurt and you want to patch up her mood?”

“Anything she likes or is fond of” Aman replies. “And of course, I will add an apology card too. The best would be to ask an apology face to face. That works well with women” he adds.

“Okay..” Arnav pauses to think something. “Okay. You may leave”

Aman nods and leaves the cabin. Arnav has never dealt with such situations before and hence needed an advice. He couldn’t ask his Di or Jeejaji for it as they might know he has fought with Khushi. Hence taking Aman’s help was required. He knows what he has to take for Khushi tonight, to dissolve her mood.

∞∞∞

Shantivan

Khushi completed uploading her resume in almost all the job-hunting websites. She hopes some good company decides to give her a chance even though she has no experience. She has studied Interior designing and that’s what she wants to excel in and take up as a full-time profession. Anjali has really been a help today. She sorted the best resume samples for freshers like her. Wish she had met Anjali Di earlier; her life would have been sorted.

She has handed the laptop back to Shyam and now she is back in her room checking her phone apps to see if any Employer or recruitment consultancy has responded. She knows it’s too early to expect that but she can hope. She is so much engrossed in her phone that she doesn’t even realize Arnav has returned from work. He hides something behind him and waits for her to acknowledge his presence. When that still doesn’t happen, he finally clears his throat and asks.

“What’s so interesting in that phone?”

Khushi jerks and drops her phone on the floor. She is fortunate it didn’t break. Her hands shiver. She hadn’t expected him to be home so early. Arnav senses something wrong with her. He comes forward and leans down to pick her phone but before he can touch it, she picks it up and hides it behind. It raises his suspicions.

“What are you hiding from me, Khushi?”

“Nothing” she responds almost instantly.

“Don’t lie to me. You were busy reading something in your phone. What is it?” he further pokes.

Khushi sighs.

“I am an adult. I can read and watch anything I want to. Stop acting like a typical father of a teenage girl”

Arnav clenches his jaw. Had her father taken some responsibility when she was a teen, all this would have been avoided. She is about to go.

“Wait” he barks.

Khushi stops at her spot but doesn’t turn to him. Arnav comes ahead and gives her the bottle he had got. Khushi’s face lights up.

“That’s my favorite Wine” she gasps.

“Take it” he urges.

She is about to take it from him but she stops herself. Her eyes hold his gaze again.

“Is this supposed to be a gift?”

“It is a gift” he replies shaking his head.

“Why? It’s not my birthday, neither our anniversary”

“Take it” he continues urging and this time he turns the bottle to ensure her eyes notice the card attached to it.

Khushi takes the bottle from him and reads the card.

‘For my errant behavior last night’

Khushi’s eyes shines. She hadn’t expected him to do something like this for her. He seems genuinely sorry but his ways of asking an apology is not up to the mark.

“This looks more of a bribe to me than an Apology” she comments.

Arnav frowns.

“Whatever you like to think it is” he shrugs removing the coat from his shoulders. Khushi stiffens. She doesn’t want a strip show right now, even though the man doing this is her lawfully wedded husband.

“Okay, I accept it. We will have it together some day. Maybe on the last day of our deal. Afterall you and I will be free again to choose our lives from that day”

She walks out. Arnav expression becomes impassive. Something doesn’t fit right, even though he knows that’s what the deal says.

∞∞∞

Two days pass and almost one week of the deal. Arnav Singh Raizada and Shashi Gupta meet up again to discuss on their Joint Venture. They share with each other how this venture will be a boon and success to both the parties involved. The meeting goes well, both the parties get the papers ready and fix the contract between them.

Shashi messages Khushi a quick thank you for what she did for them. He also sends an invitation for the couple for a dinner at Gupta Mansion. Khushi reads it and ignores. She is happy that her father has got business he wanted from Arnav but that doesn’t concern her anything beyond. She is not going to ask her share of profit as she had planned earlier. She doesn’t need her father’s money, neither her husbands. She wants to earn it herself and that determination won’t leave her head so soon.

Her phone buzzes for an email notification. She checks its out instantly reading the Subject. It’s from a Company well known for House Interiors. She reads it completely and jumps in joy

“DI… Di” she starts looking for Anjali in the house.

Anjali comes out of the kitchen. She had been making Kheer for her husband, just the way he likes.

“Khushi, what happened? Why are you shouting?”

Khushi quickly hugs her and kisses both her cheeks too.

“DI, I am called for an Interview tomorrow”

“What? Wow. Where? Which company?”

Khushi quickly gives her the details. Anjali feels the same joy seeing Khushi so much excited about it.

“I didn’t realize they will pick my profile.”

“Why not Khushi, its your determination and hopes which has got you this opportunity. Do not miss it”

“I wont”

She hugs Anjali again.

“Chotte should know now. Don’t you think?” Anjali asks.

Khushi pulls back from the hug and shakes her head in denial

“No Di. Not yet. Let them give me this Job first. Only then I will inform Arnav”

“Fine, as you wish. Now let me quickly prepare the kheer and share this news with Shyam too”

“Yes” Khushi steps back letting her go.

∞∞∞

It’s night. Arnav tosses on the bed and notices some light from Khushi’s side of the bed. The light is coming from inside the quilt. What is she doing at 01:00 am on her phone? He seriously doubts now. He pulls down the quilt from her head and she jerks again.

“What the hell are you doing?” he asks.

Khushi swallows hard.

“Why do you care what I do? I am not disturbing your sleep, am I?”

Arnav clenches his jaw.

“Khushi, whats going on? I know you are hiding something from me. I have been noticing you from past 2-3 days and you seem to behave like I don’t exist in this house. Are you still angry on me because I told you all that on the party night?”

Khushi sits on the bed gasping for air. He is suffocating her with all these questions.

“Don’t think I give any importance to you or your spoken words. So shouldn’t you because this deal is not permanent.”

Arnav gets very angry on her choice of words.

“This deal isn’t, our marriage is. Don’t forget we are not ending our marriage, it’s just the deal. And being your permanent husband, you like it or not, I still have rights to know what you are doing at my back”

“Nothing that can scar your public figure personality” she snaps.

“That means you are up to something” he says in a sharp voice.

She has half blurted out. She hopes he doesn’t get to know it fully before she cracks this job. She doesn’t want him to demotivate her again. She needs positive energy around her, someone who can inspire her for doing good in her life. He might have triggered that idea in her head, but she knows he will never support her if he has to. She does not need his favors either. She has cleared that to herself much before she thought of taking up a job.

“Can we please sleep? I am really tired for having an argument at this hour of night.”

Saying that she lays down again, pulling the quilt above her head. She wants to hide herself from him, from everyone who doesn’t deserve to know what she wants to do with her life. Arnav is alarmed now. Whatever she is intending to do, he has to keep an eye on her, just to ensure she doesn’t land herself or him in trouble.

∞∞∞

The next day, Khushi gets down from the cab and steps inside the Huge building before her. Many small firms and IT companies have their offices set up in this building. The Company she is here for the Interview is situated on the 14^th floor. She shows her appointment letter for the Interview at the reception downstairs and heads for the elevator. She has tried to be as formal as she can look. Crisp Semi formal shirt and a Business skirt. Her hairdo is simple, all thanks to Lavanya for her attire who helped her to google what best she can wear for a Job interview like that.

The elevator is crowded. But soon people start to disperse at their respective floors. She is the only one who is in the elevator now. The doors of the elevator open on the 12^th floor. 2 more floors and she will reach. She freezes seeing the man standing outside the door. What is he doing here? Arnav Singh Raizada gives her a fierce stare and gets in the Elevator. He presses the 18^th floor button. Khushi is just fetching for words that she can throw at him but the elevator halts at the 14^th floor, her destination. She is about to get out when he grabs her wrist and closes the doors of the elevator again.

“You are not going there” he scowls.

The doors shut and the elevator starts rising for the 18^th floor.

“Arnav leave me. I have an interview here”

“I realized that the moment I saw you in this building” he snaps, gritting his teeth. His hold on her wrist tighten. She struggles.

“Good you realized. Why can’t you just mind your own business then?” she shouts.

“How can I mind my work when you are so busy hopping everywhere to screw it up?”

The elevator door opens on the 18^th floor and she sees the logo of AR Group there. He owns an office in this building too? She should have checked it before coming here. He has many offices in the city.

The staff get up to greet him. They are equally confused to see their Boss at this office. He usually visits it only once a month. And it’s hardly been 10 days that he had been here. He drags Khushi out of the elevator and mutters angrily to her.

“Walk”

Khushi realizes there is no point in creating a scene here. He wants to talk to her in private, so be it. She lets him lead her to his cabin. It’s equally lavish as his usual cabin is, in the main AR office. He shuts the door behind them and leaves her hand.

“You said you don’t give importance to my words, then what is this? What the hell is this?”

“An eye opener” she snaps. “And unfortunately, you are the one I should thank for that. You are right Arnav. I am nothing. I do not have an identity apart from being Gupta’s daughter or ASR’s wife. And I don’t want that. I want people to recognize me for my work, not because I belong to you two.”

Arnav listens. He didn’t have that in mind though before he dragged her here. He wanted to put some brains in her and tell her that she does not need to take this foolish step. But he was wrong in judging her. He can see the desperation in her eyes to work.

“You want to work, I will fetch something right for you. Not this” he says gazing at her steadily.

Khushi crosses her arms across her waist.

“Why? Why not this? Is it hurting your ego that I can do something without your support?” she asks.

“Don’t jump into conclusion. My ego is not that cheap to block my wife from doing something on her own”

“It didn’t look like when you dragged me here” she grumbles.

“I don’t care what it looked like. Why didn’t you tell me this prior? Why wasn’t I informed?”

“I don’t need your permission to stand on my own feet. And what are you so angry about? That I didn’t tell you prior about my plans or that I am going to work right under your nose?”

Arnav smirks intolerantly.

“Any decisions taken in haste is a waste. You don’t need to prove me anything, Khushi. I don’t doubt your capabilities but a woman like you who have never taken your life seriously will not be able to handle a profession like that, full-time. You will soon be bored of it. I don’t want people to raise finger at my wife and talk about her inconsistency. Wait for some time. I promise to fetch you some work which can be lighter and convenient.”

Khushi clenches her jaw. This is what he knows about her like the rest of them. He maybe right. That’s what she is. She is fickle minded. She changes her likes very soon but he is yet to see her seriousness. However hard it gets, she is not going to give up on this decision.

“I don’t need your special treatment Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada. I want to be capable enough to fetch a job for myself and earn on my merits. If you can still stand next to me, do it. And if you think this is breaking any clauses of our contract, then I will give this interview after completing the 2 months of our deal. Because that time, you will have no rights to poke my decision”

Arnav is helpless. He has never seen her so serious about anything. What has gone into her? She leaves his cabin and Arnav doesn’t stop her from doing so. If she wants to try this, let her. He will find other ways to ensure she doesn’t land in any kind of trouble. He has not realized it yet that the woman whom he has ignored right from his marriage, has now become the center of his Universe. All his time just passes thinking about her, good or bad, both!!

To be Continued.

__________________________________________________________

Chapter 19

After a heated conversation with Arnav Singh Raizada, Khushi still decides to follow her heart and give the interview. She is not going to step back only because her husband doesn’t trust her decision of standing on her own feet. But she has seen a different side of him today. Though he was compelling her not to give this Interview, he still had allowed her decision to work, but under his support and guidance. What did he intend to do? Protect her? He doesn’t need to. She has taken care of herself all these years, without her father’s eyes on her, without anyone’s supervision. She wants it to remain the same.

“Khushi Gupta” the receptionist of the Icon Interiors calls her name. Khushi comes out of her stance. “That’s me”

“You are called inside”

Khushi gets up from her seat and enters the cabin. Two elderly men are sitting inside. She passes them a smile and greets them.

“Please come in” one of the men says.

Khushi takes her seat and shows them her qualifications.

“You seem to have exceled with good grades”

“Thank you Sir”

“But then why didn’t you work after your graduation?” the other man asks.

“That’s because, I got married” she swallows.

“Oh yes, how can we forget that you are wife of Arnav Singh Raizada?”

Khushi flinches. They know? Did they do any background verification? Without even meeting her once? Or did Arnav call them up and inform about me showing up here for the Interview.

“We are happy that even after having two pillars like Shashi Gupta and Arnav Singh Raizada, you are showing interest in working with us”

Khushi smiles.

“That’s because I don’t to build my career using my father or husband as ladder. Also, I do not want this job if you are considering to use their references”

The two men look at each other and whisper something. They seem to be unhappy with her statement. Khushi realizes she is not going to find luck here.

“Can you please wait outside? We will call you again in few minutes”

“Sure”

Khushi heads out and sits on the couch with her file. She has no hopes. But she is not going to be disturbed by it. She will keep trying until she finds some place to work where she is given an opportunity to show her talent. She looks at the direction of the Exit door of this floor and notices Shagufta Khanna on that floor, just out from the elevator. What is she doing here? And in no time, Khushi gets her answers. Arnav Singh Raizada blocks Shagufta’s way and the two quickly share a hug. Khushi cannot see Arnav’s reactions as his back faces her, but Shagufta seems totally smitten by Arnav’s charms and presence here. Are they here to see each other? Is that why Arnav Singh Raizada is here in this building rather than his usual AR Group office which happens to be in the other side of the city? She wants to find the reason for their meet desperately but before she can do anything about it, she is been called again. She sighs in frustration and gets back in the Cabin where her interview was handled a few minutes ago.

“This job is yours” the elderly man replies.

Khushi is startled.

“Really? I mean.. Thank you.. Thank you so much Sir”

She shakes hands with the two elderly men who give her a sweet smile.

“We are looking ahead to see what you have got. We do not really recommend taking up Freshers. Our company has designed and worked on some prestigious projects. So, we need experienced people. Right now, you will be working as a Trainee for 2 months and we will measure your potentials. If we like your work, we will give you a suitable post after that”

“Fine with me” Khushi stands up.

“Congratulations” they wish her luck and she heads out to collect her joining letter. She is super excited. She is glad that even after Arnav’s heady actions of not wanting her to give interview here, she did it and she even earned its prize.

∞∞∞

Khushi comes out of the building, keeping her Joining letter in the purse. She is still confused why Arnav and Shagufta were together here. They are definitely not business partners, she knows. They are friends as far as Di told her but do they share anything more? Why is she so curious to know? Does she want to pin her husband and show him how he is being illogical by dating someone else having a wife at home? She tries to divert her mind. She should not bother about anything else right now apart from her Job. She has to first give this news to Di and then of course Lavanya. She wants to celebrate it. She is lost in her own world, thinking how to share this news with Di and Lavanya, when she bumps into someone. Her purse and the joining letter falls on the floor. Before she can pick it up, the person she bumped with does it for her. Unfortunately, it’s Arnav Singh Raizada.

He reads the letter and then hands it back to her. She expects him to get mad that she disobeyed him but he doesn’t show those kinds of expressions.

“Congratulations,” he mutters. “As always, you went against my decision”

“I suggest you don’t make any decisions for me, its waste of time” she snaps.

“Don’t talk to me like that Khushi” he says stepping closer, his eyes gazing at her dangerously. Khushi feels intimidated but she tries not to let his anger weaken her.

“And you don’t try to rule me like that Arnav Singh Raizada. Go and take out your frustration somewhere else who will better understand it. Like your bestie.. Shagufta Khanna”

Jealousy peaks in her tone and he gauges that too. Is she trying to prove her worth only to show him that she is better than the other women in his lives? If that’s so, she is totally on the wrong track. He stills shows some patience in talking to her.

“You don’t have to get Shagufta between us” he declares.

“Oh I am sorry, I am the one who is between you and her then”

“Excuse me?” his brow twitches with anger. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“Don’t act so innocent Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada. You know what I mean. But tell me one thing. She is so much like you.. totally your type.. your choice… You guys look great together on magazines and her social account even, then why didn’t you marry her instead? She would have willingly become an obedient puppet to you unlike me”

Arnav loses his mind now.

“How do you know what she puts on her social account?” he barks.

“She has not kept her account private. And she had sent me a friend invitation, I rejected” Khushi proudly replies.

Arnav mouths something to himself in frustration.

“What happened? She didn’t tell you that? I thought she shares everything with you” Khushi further teases.

“You are going over the board Khushi” he snaps. Anger pitching high in his tone and expressions.

“That’s how I am. Free will. You can control me inside your house, before your Di but not apart from those boundaries”

That’s it. She has managed to ruin his mood completely. He grips her hand and drags her out. Why does she behave so unpredictably rude with him? Not that he treated her any good so far, but he is trying to get them both on talking terms at least so that these 2 months can be smoother. But seems like Khushi has no such plans.

“Leave me” she shouts. He takes her to the exit where his Car is waiting to pick them up. He opens the door and pushes her inside. “What the hell are you doing?” she growls at him again but he doesn’t care.

He sits next to her and shuts the backseat door. The driver drives them out. Arnav loosens his tie, his eyes blazing fire.

“You.” She is about to say something when he shuts her mouth with his palm,

“Not one more word from you Khushi” he yells.

Khushi zips her lips. She has no other choice, he has shut her mouth. She blinks, as a gesture of accepting his commands. Arnav slowly withdraws his palm from her mouth and looks outside the window. Khushi needed a ride back home and ignoring the equation between her and Arnav for a while, she is glad she got a free ride.

∞∞∞

Anjali is surprised to see Khushi coming back home with Arnav. She desperately wants to know her interview results. Khushi doesn’t delay to share it with her.

“I got it Di” she happily shows the letter to her. Anjali is excited. Arnav watches his sister in confusion. She knew Khushi’s plans?

“I am so happy for you.” Anjali hugs her. Suddenly Anjali realizes Arnav is still standing there and watching them. She pulls back and looks at him. “Chotte..”

“You knew it too?” he angrily asks his sister. She swallows hard unable to respond. Her silence is enough for Arnav to get his answer. He walks back to his room. Anjali tries to stop him but he doesn’t. Her face falls and seeing her in this state, Khushi becomes nervous too.

“Di.. I am sorry. He is angry on you because of me”

“Don’t be sorry for anything. Me and Chotte share a very unique bond. I will explain him later. But how did you manage to tell him?”

“It’s a big story” Khushi sighs and tells Anjali how she met Arnav in the building where her interview was scheduled. She just skips the Shagufta Khanna part as she does not want Anjali to think in that angle.

“Oh my God. He has an office in that same building? I didn’t know or else I would have warned you before”

“It’s okay Di. All went well.”

“Hmm.. But let me tell you one thing Khushi. Marriage is always based on love and trust. Both are equally important. You might try to shower love upon him but trust, you both need to earn that for each other. If that doesn’t happen, love is impossible”

Khushi though understands the meaning behind those words she is not really bothered of it. She has no plans of loving Arnav and she cannot trust him either. He is like a closed book. She has no idea why he married her, why he is not ready to break their unwanted relationship when he can get any other woman of his choice? She has no clue. And she is also aware that Arnav Singh Raizada is never going to trust her either, love being totally out of question.

“You should speak to him. I am sure he will understand your urge to work and be independent” Anjali suggests.

Though talking to him again on this topic is the last thing she wants to do, Khushi still heads back to her room. Arnav is talking to someone on the phone and is not in a good mood. He is almost shouting to the person on the other end. Khushi does not take a chance to speak because of his present mood. And what will she talk about? She has already conveyed her plans to him, she does not need his opinion neither his approval.

∞∞∞

“Party? But where?” Anjali asks Khushi who has just shared her party plans with her.

“The Resto Pub. It’s the best in city”

Anjali gulps.

“Okay, but what will I do there? You go and celebrate it with Lavanya”

“No Di, me getting this job is purely because of your efforts too. I won’t celebrate it alone with Lavanya. I want you by my side”

Anjali is unsure.

“Will Chotte agree?”

“Why don’t you ask?” Khushi butters Anjali to speak to Arnav about this party plan.

“Me? No way. You should ask him. And see if he wants to join us. Maybe he will”

Khushi pouts. He is a tough nut to crack but she has to try. After all, in the vicinity of this house, she is binded to their deal and cannot take independent decisions like these.

She finds Arnav in the gym. Why is he toning his body at such odd hours? Probably to wipe off his frustration. He lifts some heavy weights while she walks in.

“Lavanya is throwing a party for my new job tonight” she informs.

Arnav has no expressions on his face. He keeps pulling the weights.

“Di is also coming along with Jeejaji. Can... Can I go?” she softly murmurs.

Arnav drops the weights and turns to her. His face is sweating and seems like his body temperature is burning high. He is all red.

“Did you take my permission before going to that Interview?” he asks sarcastically.

She understands his point.

“I won’t go if you don’t want me to go. Because I am inside the house and the clauses of the deal matter to me”

He gets up and strides to her in anger. She steps behind and hits her back to the wall. Arnav pins her there.

“**** the deal” he scowls hitting his palm to the wall and leaves out.

Khushi breathes heavily. She has never seen him so much angry. Maybe she should cancel the plan. Not because she cares what he wants, but because she cannot screw their deal and hurt Anjali Di in the process.

∞∞∞

Anjali is disappointed seeing Khushi coming out from the gym. She realizes Arnav is still angry on her on the Job matter. She decides to put some brains to her little brother. She follows Arnav in the room.

“Chotte”

“Di don’t take her side” Arnav snaps. “I don’t mind her working but I know her. She is unstable in her decisions. Today she is excited to be independent but tomorrow she might not feel the same. This is not a joke Di. She is going to spoil her reputation and I don’t want that to happen. People have mocked behind her, including her own parents. I don’t want anyone else to get an opportunity like that again”

“Give her a benefit of doubt this time. Maybe she is serious about it”

Arnav clenches his jaw. Anjali is happy to see her brother softening for Khushi, thinking so much about her.

“Chotte” Anjali comes to him and sits next to him on the recliner. “She needs motivation and she can get that only from her family.. from you.. from us. If we don’t support her now, she will lose hope. Do you want her to lead the same life she used to before?”

“No” he snaps.

“Then support her. I am sure you will find a way to keep a passive eye on her. That way before she can take any difficult decision for herself, you will be there to protect her”

“You think I haven’t thought of it yet?” he asks looking at his sister. “I know how to take precautions in matters related to my family. I will do that for her too”

Anjali smiles.

“Good then. Shed your anger and join us for the party. In fact, you should be throwing a party because your wife has got a job, she likes”

Arnav is not sure if he has to do that. But it will make his Di happy he won’t step back.

“Go and shower. I will inform Khushi and Lavanya about it.”

Arnav nods and heads for a shower while Anjali leaves the room.

∞∞∞

Anjali doesn’t get a chance to inform this change of plans to Khushi as Nani keeps her engrossed in some work. Nani is neutral about Khushi’s decision to work. She just wants her to be out of this house and their family as much as possible. Anjali calls up Lavanya at their home and tells her the change of plans. Also, she convinces Lavanya not to share this news yet with Khushi. She wants to give Khushi a surprise.

When Anjali finally frees her time and reaches to inform Khushi, she notices Lavanya has just reached their home, all set for the party. And Arnav is down, ready to leave. Khushi is startled seeing Lavanya here.

“Lavanya? Didn’t I deny you for the party?” Khushi asks.

“You did, but Anjali di had called me and..”

“And…” Anjali interrupts. “We are going to celebrate your Job tonight. Arnav has agreed”

Khushi is super happy. He agreed? That’s a miracle. She jumps with joy and kisses Anjali on her cheek.

“Thank you.. You are the best Di in this world”

She then moves to Lavanya who is standing next to Anjali and kisses her too.

“And you are my best friend in this world”

In excitement, she moves further aside where Arnav is standing and kisses his cheek too.

“And you are the best husband in this world”

The moment she pulls back, she realizes what she just did. She kissed Arnav Singh Raizada’s cheeks? Damm it!! Anjali giggles at her reactions whereas Lavanya is completely bowled. Seems like something is brewing between the two and Khushi has still not shared it with her best friend. Arnav touches his cheek where the wetness of her lips still lingers. His brow furrows while his eyes dart in hers. He knows she didn’t do it willingly. It was in the spur of the moment.

“I will go change” Khushi murmurs biting her lip and runs in the bedroom. Anjali slowly comes to Arnav and holds his hand.

“Chotte, finally all your anger is cooled down now. I should have given this trick to Khushi much before, at least you would have saved some calories instead of burning them in the Gym”

Arnav’s face flush but he manages to mask it with a frown and heads out.

To be Continued

__________________________________________________________

Chapter 20

Khushi finds it really hard to focus on Arnav Singh Raizada after their unexpected kiss. She chooses to sit at the backseat with Lavanya and Anjali whereas Arnav drives the car with Jeejaji beside him. Khushi keeps herself busy in discussing about her interview and how she straightly denied taking up the job had they offered it to her using references of her father and Arnav.

“References strengthen your profile” Arnav interrupts her in the car. “There was no harm even if they had offered you this job considering you are my wife”

“Did you take one when you built this Empire?” Khushi asks.

Arnav understands her point. Anjali intervenes.

“Chotte, its fine. What is important is that Khushi has got a Job. This is a new phase of her life and I am sure she will succeed in it”

Khushi smiles. At least someone understands her here. They reach the Resto Pub in almost 30 minutes. Arnav hands the keys for Valet parking. Khushi is the last one to get down from the car.

“Chotte, this is the same Pub which Shagufta owns, isn’t it?” Anjali asks.

Arnav glances once at Khushi who is clearly shocked to know that.

“Yes Di. She owns this place”

They all head inside. Khushi pulls Lavanya behind.

“In the entire city, you found only this place to celebrate my Job?” she scowls.

“Yes, why? You didn’t like it?”

Khushi grits her teeth.

“I hate the woman who owns it”

“Is it? Why?”

“Long story. Anyways, just pray she doesn’t hop in here”

Arnav turns around to see whats taking so long for Khushi and Lavanya to get in. Khushi realizes that and stride inside.

“Arnav” Shagufta turns up there, unexpectedly.

Arnav stiffens at first and then gives her a formal hug. Khushi presses Lavanya’s hand hard, making her yelp.

“What are you doing?” Lavanya groans at her.

“That’s the Devil I was talking about… Shagufta Khanna”

Lavanya is astounded but she manages to quickly glance at Shagufta from top to bottom and also notice the way she is staring at Arnav, trying to touch his arm in between their talks.

“She is Beautiful” Lavanya murmurs.

Khushi pinches Lavanya.

“Whose side are you in?”

“Of course, yours. But I see why you hate her. She does want to be in your place Khushi. She is trying to lure him. How do they know each other?”

“Childhood friends” Khushi mutters.

“Just friends? Or Childhood lovers?” Lavanya teases back.

“Shut up”

“Oh my God. !! Are you jealous?”

“Why will I be jealous?”

“No No. Stop lying. I can read your face better than anyone else. You are getting attached to ASR. You cannot stand to see him with any other woman. And the kiss you gave him in Shantivan, is enough to prove I am thinking in the right direction.”

Before Khushi can defend, Arnav turns to Khushi as Shagufta greets her.

“Hello Khushi. It’s so good to see you again”

“Me too” she comes ahead and shakes hand. Shagufta later gives her a quick hug and whispers in her ears. “Congrats on the Job offer”

Khushi pulls back and gazes at her with confusion. How did Shagufta know she got a job? There is only one way she can know. Through Arnav. How dare he share every bit of their life with her?

“Anyways, you guys enjoy. I have some stuff to handle. Will catch you guys later”

Shagufta once again passes a sweet smile to Arnav and then walks away.

“Khushi, let’s go” Anjali calls. Khushi suppresses the anger and follows Anjali, Shyam and Lavanya. Arnav notices she is upset and he does realize it is because of Shagufta’s sudden presence here.

“Not here” Anjali stops Khushi from sitting next to her. “You should sit with Chotte” she insists. “That’s your real place, always beside Chotte”

Khushi clenches her jaw but soon fakes a smile and sits opposite to Anjali, Shyam and Lavanya, beside Arnav. Soon the Champagne is placed on their table. Khushi’s eyes turn wide but Arnav clears her doubts.

“It’s a fruit Champagne” he whispers.

She rolls her eyes. She cannot expect him to treat her with Alcohol, not until she is bound by his contract. But tonight, even a nonalcoholic drink is enough to get her intoxicated considering Shagufta Khanna is just around the corner.

Khushi pops the bottle open and pours the Champagne for everyone.

“Let’s raise a toast” Shyam urges. They raise a toast. Khushi gulps the Champagne in one go and keeps the glass aside. She is clearly frustrated and Arnav senses that too.

“Stop acting grumpy” he warns. “Di would notice”

“You should have thought about it before inviting your best friend here” she murmurs, clenching her jaw. She does not want Anjali or Shyam to notice they are fighting.

“I didn’t invite her. And this was your choice of place for celebration, not mine”

“Why didn’t you tell me before? I would have preferred cancelling it rather than coming here”

“Chotte, Khushi? What are you both whispering to each other?” Anjali interrupts.

Both look at her.

“Nothing Di, your Brother wants to take you for a dance and I was just telling him, we have hardly started Dining. So..” Khushi fakes something but Anjali takes it seriously.

“Oh, that’s a great idea. Dinner can wait but Chotte you don’t need to take me for a dance. You have a wife now, take her.”

Arnav rolls his eyes. Out of all the lies Khushi could have made up, she only thought of this? Dancing? Not that he minds. But dancing with an angry woman like her, is going to be tough fight.

“Di.. I don’t want to dance” Khushi quickly hesitates.

“Why not? This is the best occasion for you to enjoy your moment and of course with the best man in your life. Didn’t you say earlier today in Shantivan that Arnav is the best husband in the world?”

Khushi fakes a smile. Best Husband? No ways. He is not even close to it. But She has no other excuse to cut Anjali’s words.

“Come on.. don’t deny a pregnant woman’s wish” Anjali continues insisting.

Arnav is little uncomfortable when his sister claims him to be the best husband in this world.

“Saale Sahab, looks okay to dance, isn’t it?” Shyam teases.

“Go Khushi” Lavanya whispers in her ears. “Show this man how good you dance”

Khushi sighs giving up her resolve not to dance with him.

“Okay”

“That’s like my Bhabhi” Anjali mutters with a blush. “Chotte, go take her”

Arnav nods gently and leads Khushi to the dance floor. The music is western. Khushi changes her mood and tries to divert her mind from all other topics racing in her head. She starts grooving as per the beats, ensuring she doesn’t touch Arnav in the process. That’s the last thing she wants. She can think she is alone dancing, or with her friends, just like old times. The lights keep changing colors. Arnav is lost seeing his wife dancing so well. She twirls around and sees him gazing at her. It induces a sudden impactful shy feeling inside her. She raises her finger at him and turns his chin, to make him divert his gaze. But the moment she pulls back her finger, Arnav’s eyes are back on her.

“Haven’t seen any other girl dancing so well before?” she shouts, because the music is too loud for their voices to be audible to each other, even if they are a foot away. “Not even your Shagufta?” she adds with a sarcastic smirk.

The smile which Arnav had on his face a second ago, evaporates and he slides his arm around her waist and drags her closer.

“One more time you link her with me, I am going to punish you severely” he scowls.

Khushi swallows. This is her problem. One such warning from him and her anger runs away. Why? She never felt so bound to anyone like this before.

“The one breaking rules wants to punish the one who is strictly following it? Strange, isn’t it?” she mocks.

“I didn’t break any rule but I cannot change your silly suspicions either.” He pauses. “In fact, I don’t know if I should worship you for behaving like a typical suspicious wife or should I whack you for doubting my loyalty?”

Khushi’s jaw drops. Whacking? Loyalty? Worshipping? All this is too much to hear from him.

“Shagufta is just a friend Khushi. I have never seen her beyond that. And I don’t care what she feels about me. I know whom I want in my life and in what position. I don’t care if others think the same way or not”

She wishes to believe him but she cannot do that until he clears few other doubts she has.

“How does she know I got a job?”

“She saw you at the Building that day entering the Office. I had to tell her you are interested in working. But I never told her you got that job”

“What was she doing exactly the same time I was in that building?”

“She has her office there”

She too has an office in that building? AR Group office was already there and now Khushi is also going to work in that same place. All 3 at one place. Like a Triangle. Eeekkss.

Though she dislikes the fact that she is going to see Shagufta Khanna more often from now, her anger slowly starts fading. She can tell Arnav is not lying to her. There is sincerity in his eyes and tone. Arnav continues explaining.

“When we entered this Pub and she met us, Di told her that we are here to celebrate for your job. That’s how she got to know.”

Is it so? Why didn’t she hear that conversation? She suddenly recollects the reason behind it. She was busy in talking to Lavanya that time.

“Oh” she gasps.

“Is there anything else you want me to accuse for?” he mocks.

Khushi bites her inner cheek. This Raizada is not that bad as she thinks he is.

“Nothing I can think for now” she throws the same attitude and pulls away from his hold. “I am hungry”

“Of course. Let’s eat something. Come” he leads her back to their table where Lavanya seems busy chatting his Di and Jeejaji. The three seem to be sharing a good rapport by now.

“You guys came back so soon?” Anjali asks seeing the couple.

“Khushi is hungry” he pulls the chair for her beside him. Khushi is grateful he did that. She sits.

“Khushi, I was telling Di and Jeejaji about us. Our friends in San Fransisco, our shopping places and all that.” Lavanya exclaims. “Di lives quite nearby to our apartment there” she adds.

Khushi smiles. She is not very happy in sharing her past lives with anyone now. She wants to stay focused in the new changes happening in her life.

“Once we head back there, we are going to hang around with Di and her baby too. What do you say?” Lavanya asks.

Anjali suddenly becomes suspicious.

“But Khushi is no longer returning to San Fransisco. She will be here with Chotte, in Shantivan. Now she also has a job here. Isn’t it Khushi?”

Arnav clenches his jaw. He looks at Lavanya to make her realize she cannot talk such things which can confuse his sister. Khushi holds Anjali’s hand, over the table and controls the situation.

“Yes Di. I will be here. But we can still meet in San Fransisco some time and we can hang around for a while”

Anjali’s suspicions wipe off.

“Yes, we will. I cannot wait to see you and Chotte there and Lavanya accompanying you both will make the moment happier. We will plan something like that soon”

Khushi nods, she is relieved that Anjali didn’t get any odd hint about this deal. Arnav calms down. He is again impressed how Khushi handled the problem.

∞∞∞

The next morning when Arnav wakes up, he finds the other side of the bed vacant. Where did she go this early? It’s not even 06:30 yet.

“Khushi…” he softly calls out to see if she is around. The door of the bathroom clicks open and she comes out in a robe, drying her hair. He is surprised.

“Are you okay? Why did you shower so early?” his morning voice is hoarse and sounds unavoidable to her.

“Mr. Sleepy head. It’s my first day of work. And I don’t want to be late.” She replies opening the closet to fetch something formal.

Arnav recollects she is employed now. He sits on the bed.

“What is your In and Out time?”

“In at 09:00 and out at 17:00. Why?”

“I will arrange the car for you”

Khushi thinks something for a minute and then denies.

“No, thanks. I will take a cab”

“Don’t fuss. If you are doing this, you need to respect my protocols. I agreed you not taking my reference for getting this job but as your husband, I can arrange the transportation for you.”

Khushi sighs.

“Fine, do it until this deal ends. I will manage it afterward”

She heads to the bathroom picking a formal dress to wear and Arnav is lost in her words. This deal will be over in around 45 days. His sister would be gone back to San Fransisco and he will have to let Khushi go wherever she wants to. All this seems so hard even to imagine, what would be his state when this actually happens?

To be Continued.

__________________________________________________________

Chapter 21

Khushi’s eyes follow the Puja thali as Anjali circles it before her as a piece of good luck. It is going to be her first day of the Job after all. Suddenly she recollects something and her eyes get moist. Anjali notices it too.

“Khushi?” Anjali keeps the Puja Thali aside. “You okay?”

“Yea” she lies but wipes the tears formed in the corner of her eyes. “Just remembered someone”

“Whom?”

“Maa” Khushi murmurs. “She used to do this all the times before I attended my school exams. To wish me luck”

Anjali smiles, placing her palm over Khushi’s cheek.

“I am sure she will be very proud of you today”

Anjali’s kind words melt Khushi’s and she quickly hugs her. Wish her mother was alive today to see her putting efforts in making her own name. Arnav who has been silently witnessing all of this from the breakfast table gets emotional seeing Khushi’s state. These days he himself doesn’t understand why he feels so connected to her pain, earlier it was not like that. He always thought her to be a spoilt monster of a rich father but she is not the same to him anymore. Ever since they have started living together under one roof, he has seen her other shades too. She is one of her kind. If she tests his anger and patience by giving him a hard time handling her, she also makes his heart flutter with pity and emotions thinking how hard it would have been for Khushi to accept her mother’s death and above all she also had to deal with the sudden entry of a stepmother in her life. Wish Shashi Gupta had taken things one at a time and not burdened Khushi with so much of mental pressure. Now he understands what derailed Khushi from becoming a matured and independent woman. He really hopes she turns out to be one soon, considering she has put her one step towards the right track now.

Nani clicks her fingers to get Arnav out of his stance.

“Chotte, your coffee is getting cold” she reminds.

Arnav shakes his head and sips the coffee without taking his gaze off Khushi and Anjali who are just a few feet away from the breakfast table.

“Di, I should leave. I don’t want to be late”

“Yes. Heard Chotte has arranged the car for you to drop and pick”

Khushi nods and meets his gaze. He immediately diverts his attention from her and gets up.

“I am dropping you for today, tomorrow the driver will take care you” he picks his suit.

“Are you sure? You won’t be late for your work?”

“No” he replies. “Come”

Anjali is happy seeing Arnav taking such small steps towards being a good husband. As it is Khushi’s first day at work, it will be nice for her to have her husband giving her some boosting speech in the car while dropping her to office. Anjali gestures Khushi to take Nani’s blessings too and Khushi gives her an unwilling smile.

“She doesn’t like me” Khushi murmurs to Anjali.

“You do your duty, leave the rest upon God. Taking some elderly blessings is must when you are going out for such good work”

Khushi nods and leans down to take Nani’s blessings. Arnav is enjoying the show. Nani withdraws her feet, not letting Khushi touch it.

“Nani” Anjali quickly gestures the old woman to put some efforts in making this work. She really wants them to stay like a happy family. Even if one of the family members doesn’t want to participate in this cause, it won’t work. Nani unwillingly blesses Khushi and she finally leaves with Arnav to his car.

The initial 10 minutes, none of two speak. Mohan is driving the vehicle whereas Arnav and Khushi are both at the backseat.

“There is mostly all young staff in your office, you will have to be careful of competition. Do not let them overpower you only because you are a new joinee” he suddenly advises.

Khushi finds it strange that he is advising her on this but she nods in acceptance.

“I am going to mind my own work there. And I have handled competition before in college. It’s not easy for anyone to drive my self-confidence”

Arnav rolls his eyes.

“Such words sound good in theory. You are stepping into the practical world now” he adds.

“I can handle it Arnav” she snaps. “And stop acting like you are a father and your only daughter is putting her first step in college”

Arnav clenches his jaw.

“Father? I am not interested in having kids so soon” he snaps. “And as it is, I am not very good in handling kids”

“Neither I am prepared to be a mother, but that doesn’t mean I cannot handle kids. I love them.. their innocence, their cute gestures, aww” There is a spark in her eyes when she thinks about kids.

“Innocence?” Arnav snaps again. “Where do you find innocence in them? They are notorious, every single one of them. They just know to scatter their stuff, keep the entire house untidy and add extra pressure to their parents’s lives.”

Khushi presses her lips in anger and meets his eyes.

“You must have been like that. Doesn’t mean everyone is like you. I was a sober child, very shy and reserved. My mother used to worry if I will ever make friends even.”

Arnav’s brow raises.

“You? And Silent? Shy? Reserved? No ways” he mocks.

Khushi grits her teeth. Is he making fun of her?

“Why am I certifying you? And how does it matter to you how I was as a child?”

“Because they say every child inherits genes of both its parents. I hope our child gets my genes more than yours. At least in terms of brains”

Khushi’s jaw drops.

“What the hell!! You think I don’t have brains?” she angrily mutters. “You know what Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada. FINE!! Let our child have your brains. But I have better sentiments and feelings than you, though I don’t keep flaunting it everywhere and I really hope our child inherits that from me.”

Arnav is about to defend when suddenly the two realize what they have been discussing and arguing upon so far. KIDS?? Their Kids? Will they ever have one? His Nani is behind him for the Divorce after Anjali Di gives birth to her baby and Khushi? Now that she is going to start becoming independent, she will want to free herself from his ties and get away from him. On what basis can he ever think of having a child from her? Khushi turns her head with the same confusion running in her heart. She should really zip her mouth and not lead such conversations again. She has no hopes from their marriage, its always been a forced relationship on her ever since this man here doubted on her character and also never made any attempts to look for her in the past so many months when she was away.

The car comes to a halt.

“We have reached, Sir” Mohan exclaims. Khushi gets down from the car and hurries in the building without even caring to look at him. Arnav fists his fingers. She didn’t even allow him to wish her good luck?

∞∞∞

After a quick induction where Khushi is made familiar with the company policies and code of ethics, she is then introduced to Prem, the Senior Designer of this Company whom she is going to be assisting in the Décor work for some of the prestigious clients.

“Nice meeting you, Khushi. I have seen your ideas that you put forth in the induction program today morning, they were classy” Prem appreciates shaking hands with her.

She completes their handshake and smiles.

“Thank you, Sir”

“Call me Prem” he insists. “Everyone calls me by my name here. I like it that way” he adds.

“Okay, Prem. So, when should we start?”

“Right now, my assistant Designer Shikha will give you the details of the client and their requirements. Once you are clear about that, we will take your inputs and share what plans we have so far. We will take it from there then. Initial one week, I want you to understand every details and necessities of that Client, once that’s done, from next week you can join us to the Client’s office location where we are actually deigning the interiors”

“Sounds great”

“Okay, Shikha” Prem calls another thin woman who seems to be all smiling kind. She comes to them and Prem gives her instructions on what to train Khushi about. He then leaves the two girls on their own. Khushi heads with Shikha to her cubicle and starts learning the details about their Client requirements for the new Office space which they have recently purchased.

∞∞∞

Arnav keeps himself busy the whole day in some back to back meetings and conferences. He has no time to even think of anyone or anything else. But even then, in his short break of 30 minutes, he is reminded of his wife, who must be adjusting herself in the new environment. He decides to message her once and check.

‘How is it going?’ he types and hits the send button.

Khushi is at Shikha’s desk, taking knowledge training and she really cannot afford to check her phone. It won’t look nice if she shows any kind of distractions on her first day at work. She puts her phone in silent mode and even though she knows its Arnav’s message that has beeped on it, she decides to keep her phone back in the purse.

Arnav waits for 20 minutes more for her reply and then types again.

‘Don’t pretend to be so busy on your first day at work. Reply Dammit!!!’

Khushi feels her phone vibrating in her purse. Shikha feels that too and smiles.

“Hey, you can take the message. Maybe its urgent”

“No.. I am fine. It’s my husband. Must be checking on me, that’s it”

Shikha’s eyes dart with surprise.

“You are ignoring Arnav Singh Raizada? He is your husband, right? I heard it from Boss.”

Khushi notices the glimpse of blush forming on Shikha’s cheeks.

“Yes, he is.. he is my husband” she clears her throat. She didn’t know her husband fan following is also in this Office.

“I seriously recommend you taking his message then. He must be worried” Shikha urges.

Why the hell are YOU so worried for him? Khushi’s subconscious snaps at Shikha, only if she could hear that too. Not willing to extend this conversation further, Khushi decides to agree to Shikha’s demands.

“Okay, I will quickly make a call and be back then”

“Great. I will get coffee for us. You will have Cappuccino?”

“Yup, less sugar”

“Of course,” Shikha heads out of the cubicle and so does Khushi to find some place where she can quickly talk to her husband and see why he is bothering her so much? She reads his messages and fumes. Only because it’s her first day at work, she cannot be busy? How can he think like that? She dials his number. Arnav’s break has just finished and he is about to step inside for another conference, when his phone rings.

“Aman, go ahead, I will be right back” he asks Aman to lead and then comes to the corner to talk to his wife.

“Where the hell were you?” he barks.

Khushi mouths something in anger which he obviously cannot hear. She really wonders what women see in such an attituded man? All he knows is to bark at times.

“I am working and so should you” she replies.

“I was checking on you, don’t make it look so bad, Khushi”

“Fine. You want to know how I am doing at work? I am doing great here, Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada. Enjoying my little time away from you and your constant domination.”

Arnav wants to argue but he cools down his anger because in whatever little time they both have got to speak to each other, he does not want to spoil their moods.

“Is Prem your Boss?” he comes to the point.

Khushi is awestruck that he knows that.

“Yes, why? And how do you know Prem?”

“AR group office in your building has been renovated by them 2 years back and Prem was handling it. He is the only one who is capable to lead it so well. You have got a good mentor”

Khushi feels relieved knowing that her Boss is appreciated even by her husband.

“He is really nice, very polite and humble. And he surely knows how to behave with a woman” she adds.

Arnav finds it hard to hear such praises from his wife for another man.

“Just focus on your work there. People can be deceptive”

“Thanks for your advice. I will keep that in mind” she mocks. “Now, I got to go and work. Bye”

He hangs up and waits for a minute to absorb that his wife is really in a different zone now. She is no longer that insensitive woman whom he considered her to be. She is trying to make her own private world and he really hopes she succeeds.

∞∞∞

When Arnav gets back home, he hears from Anjali that Khushi is back too and in the room.

“How was her first day of work?” he asks Anjali because he is sure Khushi must have shared that with her. He has seen his Di and Khushi connecting well and whatever she might not feel comfortable sharing with him, she will surely do it with his Di and that’s why he chooses to get updates from her directly.

“She had a great day. She seems to be liking her job” Anjali replies. “And why are you asking me all of this? Go and speak to her, she must have so much to share with you too. Go”

Anjali pushes Arnav to his room which he obviously doesn’t deny heading to. He opens the door and is totally surprised to find Khushi in this state. She is sleeping on the bed. She looks very exhausted. She might be very excited about working and doing a job, but since its her first time, her body will take some time to adapt to this much pressure. He walks in and slowly pulls the Duvet over her. Somehow, he cannot take his eyes off her beautiful face. So, he decides to sit and observe her, for some more time. She is like a specimen for him. He always had her name connected to him, in his life but her internal composition, like her feelings, what she thinks about, what she likes, dislikes, he has started learning it now. Until he knows her completely, he is afraid their separation time doesn’t tick. She slowly starts whimpering in her sleep. He gets alert.

“Don’t bully me.. .just leave” she murmurs..

Arnav has no clue why she keeps saying that sometimes during sleep. He has heard it before too. He immediately clutches her arms and wakes her up.

“Khushi…. wake up” he pats her cheeks.

Her eyes shot open and she looks at her surroundings.

“It’s me.. You are home” he tries to ease her fear

She nods and takes a sigh of relief. Arnav pours some water and makes her drink.

“Thank you” she keeps the glass aside after gulping the cold water.

“Who was bullying you?” he asks without beating the bush. He knows it might terrify her again but he really wants to know whats the story behind her frequent nightmares like these. She gives him a sarcastic stare and tries to get down from the bed. He holds her hand.

“You cannot ignore me this time. Has someone tried to overpower you? I need to know”

His tone is rough as if he is worried for her and if she tells him the incident, he might even beat that guy black and blue.

“Why should I tell you?” she snaps. He is about to argue but she continues. “Don’t give me that you are my husband excuse.”

Arnav inhales sharply and tightens his grip on her wrist.

“I need to know if I failed in protecting you as a husband” he answers. She is quite startled at the choice of his words. Did he ever intend to even protect her? Arnav swallows and his gaze softens. “I need to know whether this happened before I came in your life or after.”

Khushi angrily shrugs his hand away.

“Nothing very bad happened. I am fine. And this incident was before I met you. We didn’t even exist for each other then. So, chill.”

“Chill?” he lets out a snort. “You almost get panicked in your sleep and you expect me to chill, Khushi?” he growls.

“No no no. Don’t take me wrong” she snaps. “I am just asking you to stay away from my problems. That’s it. Because you might be my husband, this marriage according to you might be permanent but it doesn’t mean a thing to me anymore. I am here, in this house only for Di and when our contracted period is over, I will leave. I don’t want any kind of attachments between us because that will screw both of us when we part ways. I hope I have made it clear now”

She gets down the bed and makes her way out of the room. Arnav clenches his jaw. She just told him so much and he couldn’t utter one single word against her thoughts about their relationship. She thinks all of this is so easy? But why is he so concerned about it if this marriage doesn’t mean anything for her? It’s not that his Ego is hurt, its something else. It’s definitely aching inside.. where? He gulps hard realizing... its his heart.. aching by the confrontation he just had with his wife.

To be Continued.

__________________________________________________________

Chapter 22

Almost a week passes. Khushi is enjoying her work. She has very quickly learnt about the various projects that her Company Handles and some topmost clients who are very important for their Company’s growth and future, AR Group being one of them. She is really thrilled to learn from Prem that AR group has once been their highest paid Client. She is glad that Project with AR Group is over as working for her husband on Professional front might disturb her potential and caliber.

Ever since she has made clear to Arnav Singh Raizada that this marriage means nothing to her anymore, he has made less efforts to communicate with her and she likes it that way. They talk around Di and she is glad that he has been getting additional workload for himself which is keeping him at Office for longer periods. When he usually returns, she is either sleeping or at least pretending to sleep.

Meeting Lavanya has been difficult ever since she took up this Job. The last time they met was in Shagufta’s Pub where they had Dinner together. She really wishes to spend more time with Lavanya not wanting to leave her alone. This girl has supported her in her bad days and she will always be in her debt. Shagufta has tried befriending with Khushi again by sending her the Friend invite again on her social account. Khushi is at the moment, checking the same and planning to decline it. But ignoring someone to this extent will just look bad. So for a change, she decides to accept Shagufta Khanna’s friend invitation. She hits the accept button and keeps her phone aside and Prem walks in her cubicle.

“Khushi”

“Yes Prem”

“You need to accompany the team to the Client Location today. I told you about the Mishra’s house décor which is currently been handled by Shikha’s team? Remember?”

“Yes” Khushi nods.

“Right, so take Shikha along. Mrs. Mishra needs to finalize some Art work for the walls and she wants to have our inputs. Shikha can guide her in that but I want you to take a note and provide inputs if necessary”

Khushi’s face brightens. This is going to be her first opportunity to work directly with the Client.

“I will go. Don’t worry. Mrs. Mishra will have the best Art work designs from us” she assures.

“I like that reply” Prem winks at her casually and then leaves her cabin. Khushi likes Prem’s working ways with his team. He is a Boss but not bossy at all. He knows the potential of each of his team members and that way he ensures everyone gets a chance to explore those talents. She wonders if he is married!!

She packs her stuff, ready to accompany Shikha when her phone buzzes with a notification. It’s an update on her social account and that update happens to be of Shagufta Khanna. She has posted a picture of hers in a social gathering which happened 2 days back in a posh hotel here in Delhi and to Khushi’s surprise, she is seen holding Arnav Singh Raizada’s hands. That’s bothersome. Khushi recollects Anjali informing her about such a Hotel Inauguration which Arnav had plans to attend. This man seems so cool and casual with her. It is still a question to her why Arnav didn’t plan to take their friendship forward? She has always seen that need in Shagufta’s eyes to make that happen but never in Arnav’s. He might flaunt this woman beside him, but he never showed any glimpse beyond that. So, this is what Shagufta wants? She wants Khushi to keep seeing such photos of them together and be jealous, maybe even fight with Arnav over it. But poor girl, she doesn’t know that they have passed this stage already. Even though her equation with Arnav was never smoother, she is aware that he is not going to walk in Shagufta’s den any time. She picks her phone and heads to Shikha’s cubicle so that they can leave for Mishra residence.

∞∞∞

Mishra’s Residence

Khushi and Shikha meet Mrs. Mishra, a lady in her late 40’s. She seems to be humble and kind to them. Shikha shows her the best Art work they can offer for the residence, along with their pricing. Mrs. Mishra loves the art work and keeps discussing how and where they would go the best on her home walls. Khushi uses her skills and makes few suggestions which Mrs. Mishra loves to adopt. They fix the further details and then Khushi and Shikha decide to leave. It is exactly at that moment when Kyle Gupta steps in that newly built house to meet Mrs. Mishra. Both Kyle and Khushi are shocked to see each other here.

“Kyle… welcome darling.. I am glad you came here to assist me with the color of the walls” Mrs. Mishra exclaims, hugging Kyle.

“Khushi?” Kyle pulls back from the hug and concentrates on Khushi who is about to leave. “What are you doing here?”

“You know her?” the Mishra woman asks her friend Kyle. “She has fabulous idea of Décor  by the way” she adds.

Kyle is still surprised what is this all about. Khushi takes a deep sigh and replies back to her Stepmother.

“I work for an Interior Décor Company. Mrs. Mishra is our Client”

Kyle lets out a sarcastic chuckle.

“Are you kidding me?”

Khushi rolls her eyes. She asks Shikha to wait for her out. Shikha agrees and leaves. Mrs. Mishra gets a call on her phone and she excuses the two.

“Wish you had taken me seriously every, Kyle” Khushi replies.

Kyle swallows hard. She knows what Khushi is talking about.

“You took up a Job? And you didn’t even tell your father? Does ASR know about it or have you kept this hidden even from him?”

“He knows. And I had messaged Dad. Think he ignored it or maybe never read my message in his busy schedule”

Kyle nods.

“He is in South Africa. For the new joint Venture between Raizadas and Guptas” Kyle mutters.

“That explains” Khushi smirks with sarcasm.

“He is coming back tonight. I will let him know about your Job”

Khushi looks away. She has no hopes that Kyle will ever do that. She is so much selfish that she will always her husband to think only about them.. and never about his daughter.

“In fact, why don’t you tell him this yourself? Come home with ASR tonight for Dinner. I have already invited him many a times, he didn’t show that interest”

“No thanks. I don’t think that’s possible. As Di and Jeejaji are here, I don’t have time for other plans. Plus, Arnav is busy too.”

Kyle is about to convince her but Khushi winds up their conversation.

“I am getting late, I should leave. Bye”

“Bye” Kyle watches her leave and join Shikha who then get in a car and head out of the gate. This is really shocking to see Khushi doing something like this.. A Job ? That’s the last thing she expected Khushi to do.

∞∞∞

When Khushi comes home, Anjali surprises her by giving her the news that they all have been invited for dinner tonight in Gupta Mansion. Khushi is startled. She had denied Kyle for this and yet Kyle called up Anjali to fix it? Why? What’s going in her mind?

“Di.. I don’t think I can come” Khushi tries to deny again.

“Why? Girls die to meet their parents after marriage, go to their homes and you don’t want to ? I understand you love Chotte and all of us too much to pay a frequent visit at your home, but that doesn’t mean you cannot visit them at least once a month”

Khushi sighs.

“Look Khushi, I don’t want to listen to any excuses. We are going, that’s it. You cannot deny a pregnant woman’s demands”

Khushi giggles. Her mood is back.

“Di… that’s very unfair of you”

“When you get Pregnant, make me do anything you wish. I will never deny. That will make it fair. Happy?”

Khushi feels an uneasy churn inside her stomach. Pregnant? By Arnav Singh Raizada’s child? Just 7 days back they had discussed unknowingly, about the traits that they would like their child to inherit. That conversation was so much at ease until they both had realized they have been discussing the wrong subject considering their present relationship status.

“Shy?” Anjali asks, making Khushi look back at her. “when are you both planning for kids?”

Khushi rolls her eyes.

“We haven’t thought of it yet” she takes the topic lightly. She just wants to see Anjali happy and if discussing this makes her so, she won’t mind dragging this conversation.

“I know. It’s too early. But you both must at least talk about it soon. I know Chotte. He is never going to initiate having a baby otherwise”

Khushi is puzzled. She had felt the same when she and Arnav had discussed this.

“Why?” she asks.

“He doesn’t like the mess which babies make. He is not a father material at all. Even earlier, before my marriage, I used to do Kanya Puja here and that one day of the year, at least 15-20 kids used to pay a visit in Shantivan. You know, Chotte used to stay in a Hotel that day, so that he doesn’t have to face the kids”

Khushi giggles with Anjali.

“That’s so uncool of him to do so. I wonder what he will do when your baby comes in the world” Khushi says touching Anjali’s stomach.

“I wonder too”

“Or who knows it might change his thoughts about babies?” Khushi exclaims.

“I hope so, Khushi. I cannot wait to see a Junior Arnav or Junior Khushi”

Khushi feels uncomfortable at that thought but doesn’t let it reveal on her face.

“Okay, so since I cannot deny the commands of a pregnant woman, let me go get ready for Dinner at Gupta House”

“Yes, I will check on Shyam. Nani cannot make it as she is having other plans. And Arnav will be coming directly from work there”

Khushi processes all this information and then hurries back to her room. She will have to bear her father and Arnav Singh Raizada together tonight.

∞∞∞

Gupta Mansion

Shashi Gupta and Kyle welcome Khushi, Anjali and Shyam inside.

“Khushi.. my sweetheart. Kyle told me about your job” Shashi hugs his daughter.

“I had messaged you Dad, you didn’t check” Khushi mutters.

“Oh yes, I was in South Africa. Returned an hour back. I am so sorry I didn’t check the messages on my Indian number. But I am happy. I am really really happy that you are going to stand on your own feet”

Khushi smiles. She knows her father is genuinely happy.

“That’s why when Kyle suggested this Dinner plan, I couldn’t help agreeing to it” he adds. “Where is Arnav?”

“He is on way” Anjali replies.

“Oh okay. Please come.”

Anjali and Shyam are happy to meet the Gupta couple. Khushi meanwhile scans the house. Once again so much has changed here. She wonders if her room is still the same or even that has changed? She has no hopes from Kyle, even if her father will not make any moves to her room. Kyle has always tried to intrude in her privacy and this is one thing she hated her doing. The door bell rings and soon Arnav Singh Raizada makes his way to the Living room. Shashi welcomes him with extra enthusiasm.

“How’s work in South Africa going?” That’s the first thing Arnav asks his father-in-law.

“It’s progressing” Shashi happily updates him.

Arnav then gazes at Khushi who is quite uncomfortable here. She is sitting at the corner of the couch, checking her phone. She seems so disinterested in this dinner meet with her parents.

“Excuse me” Arnav reaches and takes the couch adjacent to hers. “So, how have you been?” he asks softly, ensuring his Di or others don’t listen their conversation.

Khushi meets his eyes.

“Why are you asking me as if we are meeting after a long time?”

“We aren’t?” he questions back in a sarcastic tone.

She continues giving him an amused look.

“You seem to leave no chance to ignore me in Shantivan. You are off to work when I wake up, you don’t respond well to my messages when you are at work and when I am back home at night, you are fast asleep or pretending to be so”

Khushi swallows hard. Did he know that she sometimes pretends to be asleep?

“Whats your point?” she asks, unable to articulate anything further.

“Why don’t you show me your room?” he says this very loudly, n purpose so that the others listen.

Khushi is confused. What is going on in his head?

“Yes Khushi” Kyle interrupts. “Wont you show ASR your room?”

“My room?” Khushi sarcastically asks. “Is it still there where it used to be?” she adds.

There is total silence for few seconds as everyone is stunned at her question. Anjali feels for her whereas Arnav is happy she voiced out. Khushi likes to see the horrified look on Kyle and her father’s face. She decides not to make them more embarrass.

“I was kidding” she lies. “Come.. I will show you my room. Di? Would you like to join?”

Anjali shakes her head.

“Not now, Khushi. You show it to Arnav, I will see it later”

Arnav likes his sister’s thoughtfulness of not coming along. He really wants to talk to Khushi and without other’s interruption or presence.

“This way” Khushi gestures and Arnav follows her to the stairs.

She opens the door of her bedroom and scans inside. When she turns on the light, she finds it as she had left it. The same interiors, same stuff, same curtains and a lot cleaner than she has left it when she got married. She finds her favorite Doll hanging on the wall.

“Oh God!! This one is still here?” she instantly rushes and hugs the doll. Arnav keeps staring at her. He can understand her liking and attraction for kids if she is still so much fond of dolls and toys. She kisses her doll and keeps it back. She turns around recollecting she is not alone in this room.

“I suppose that Doll belongs to the time your mother was alive” he softly asks.

Khushi is perplexed.

“How do you know?”

“That’s not important” he comes forward. “Yes or No?” he asks.

“Yes” she smiles. “My mother gifted me this doll when I was 10” her eyes become moist recollecting those few memories she has now of that old times when her mother used to play with her with toys. Those were so happy days. She doesn’t realize he has reached her and clutched her shoulders. Only when he presses them gently, she comes out of her stance and meets his eyes.

“Tum theek ho?” he asks quietly. Her expression hardens. She quickly wipes the corner of her eyes and then shrugs his arms.

“Don’t pretend that it matters to you if I am fine”

“It didn’t before. But Now, YES. It matters to me”

His reply stuns her. His expression clearly states he is in no mood to lie or make fun of the situation. He doesn’t let her mind wander much to his sudden change of thoughts. He comes to the point.

“Next week I am going to South Africa. For 3 days and you are coming with me”

Khushi’s jaw drops. How can he even propose this to her? He knows she has a job to do.

To be Continued.

__________________________________________________________

Chapter 23

Gupta Mansion

“Next week I am going to South Africa. For 3 days and you are coming with me”

Khushi’s jaw drops. How can he even propose this to her? He knows she has a job to do.

“Are you out of your mind?” she snaps at him. He is exceptionally cool though.

“If taking my wife with me outdoor means losing mind, then yes. I have lost my mind”

Khushi sighs in frustration. She is not getting good vibes from his adamant replies. She keeps the doll she was holding, aside. She wants to concentrate right now and ensure he doesn’t take her for granted.

“I cannot come” she declares. “My new job and the commitments I have there, won’t let me travel at such a short notice period”

“I will talk to Prem” Arnav replies.

“You won’t” she scowls. “You cannot interfere in my career like that. You have to let me take my own decisions there”

“Fine” he sighs. “Then you talk to Prem tomorrow, give him any damn reason for approving your 3 days leave and pack your bags. We are flying next Monday”

She is confused. Arnav loiters in her room, taking in every inch of this place. He has never shown so much interest in her things.. her place.. in HER. Khushi is really annoyed that he is doing that now when she doesn’t want him to. He sees a photo frame of Khushi with her father. She was 10 years old then. He picks the frame to admire it closely.

“You had chubby cheeks before” he smirks turning around to see her reactions.

“Stop buttering me” she comes ahead and snatches the frame from him. “Why do you want me to come to South Africa? It just doesn’t make any sense”

“It will.. Once you come there” he snatches the frame back from her and keeps it on the table. He keeps moving ahead. There is a swing at the Balcony. “Girls and Swings have a deep connection I feel. Even Di had such a swing in her room before”

Khushi follows him out in the balcony.

“Now you have a problem even with my Swing?”

“I never said that” he meets her eyes. “Tell me one thing Khushi, why do you always bark at me? Can’t we have a decent conversation? What goes wrong with your tone and pitch when we talk?”

It’s like someone just slapped her gently on her face and tried correcting her behavioral skills. She doesn’t know why she keeps getting so irritated when he is around? Is she trying to control him or her own self? She tries to divert the topic.

“I accepted your friend Shagufta Khanna’s friend request on my social account” she exclaims.

Arnav maintains the same smirk on his face, as if he is unaffected.

“What does Shagufta have to do with our present conversation?” he asks. “Or are you trying to throw some reasons at me for your irrational behavior?”

She gets speechless. He seems to be on a roll today, to argue, to fight with her but in a way which can make him win every argument.

“Something is terribly wrong with you. Suddenly why are you showing so much interest in me?” she asks.

“Good question” he puts hands in his pant pockets, standing firm and meeting her sharp gaze. “I will tell you that in South Africa. I will have proofs there to support my reply”

This again confuses her. What proofs? What answer does he intend to give her there? What is going in his mind? Why is he so stuck to South Africa?

The door knocks and Anjali slowly peeps inside.

“May I come in?” she asks.

Khushi changes her mood.

“Di.. come in. You don’t need to ask” She hurries to give company to Anjali. Arnav follows her too.

“Where is Jeejaji?” Arnav asks being normal again.

“He is with Shashi Uncle. They would like your company too if you are done here”

“Sure” he replies and walks out. Khushi keeps staring at him as he leaves. Anjali reads her expressions and clicks her fingers to get Khushi’s attention on her.

“I shouldn’t have disturbed you guys, I think. Was it a wrong timing?” she asks Khushi who rolls her eyes.

“Di… you and your timing can never be wrong”

“Aww. Very flattering. Nice room. It’s so much like a teenage girly type room”

Khushi laughs.

“Yes… I left this room when I was a teen. That’s why”

“That explains” Anjali replies and gets serious suddenly. “You don’t seem to have accepted Kyle Aunty as your mother”

Khushi nods in agreement.

“That’s right Di. She will always be my father’s wife.. not my mother. No one can ever take place of a mother in a child’s life”

“I agree to that” Anjali replies. “When Maa died, me and Chotte felt the same. We didn’t want anyone else to fill that place ever in our lives. Fortunately, Nani took us in her shelter. She became that motherly figure for me” she adds.

“And you, a motherly figure for Arnav” Khushi interrupts. “That’s why he loves you so much”

Anjali smiles. Khushi swallows. She knows that already. Afterall this deal they have between them to stay together for 2 months is also for that same love which he has for Anjali.

“Yes, he loves me a lot” Anjali replies with pride. The servant comes in and informs them that the food is ready. Anjali and Khushi both walk out.

∞∞∞

“Paneer Mutter?” Khushi opens the lid of the Serving bowl. Everyone is seated at the dining table.

“Your favorite” Shashi exclaims happily.

Khushi is perplexed that her father remembered her choice still. She is lost holding the lid.

Arnav notices that.

“You want me to serve?” he asks.

Khushi comes out of her stance. Anjali hears that too.

“Just serve Chotte?” Anjali teasefully asks.

Arnav rolls his eyes, his smirk popping back on his lips.

“I can feed her too” he replies.

Khushi hiccups. Is she drunk or he? Why is he being so sweet? She knows Anjali Di is around but he has never been so sweet before even then. She hears Anjali, Shyam and her father giggle which makes her concentrate on the present. Arnav has served her already in the plate. Two rotis and Mutter paneer. He pours some water in her glass. Shashi admires the way Arnav is taking special care of Khushi. Everyone continues eating.

“Khilau?” (Should I feed you?) he whispers.

Khushi jerks. She has to take a grip of this situation before it goes out of her hands.

“You don’t have to do this..” she murmurs.

“This?” he asks, waiting for her to elaborate.

“This..” she points at the plate. “this extra buttering. If you are doing this for Di or because of my parents, you should stop it right away. It’s overacting”

“I am not overacting. And its not my fault. If I get to be with my wife after a week, that’s how I will behave.”

Khushi rolls her eyes.

“I get it.. you are trying to convince me for South Africa. This is all for South Africa.. isn’t it?” she angrily whispers. Before she can continue her soft banter, he feeds her a morsel of the Roti. She feels her mouth stuffed though she really needed some food to get energy arguing with him. She is betrayed by the flush on her face which automatically develops seeing him admiring her as she chews the food.

“You eat like a small kid” his voice is sterner, eyes frost.

Khushi swallows the food, without chewing it properly. Before she can voice out anything, Shashi interrupts them.

“Arnav… when are you going to South Africa?”

“Next week Mr. Gupta” Arnav replies. “For 3 days. Khushi is coming along. I hope Di wont mind” he looks at his sister who is overjoyed to hear that. Khushi grits her teeth. Why did he confirm all this without taking her approval?

“That’s a great idea Chotte. Why wouldn’t I be happy? My brother and sister-in-law are going to spend 3 days together, away from their usual routine, in a different place. I am very excited” Anjali replies.

Khushi keeps eating. She really is hungry plus it’s too hard to ignore your favorite food. Kyle notices Khushi’s disinterest in this talk.

“Khushi doesn’t look excited about this.. All okay Khushi?” Kyle asks.

Khushi frowns. Was it necessary for her to Poke? She realizes she has to give some answer to that.

“Actually, I am worried if I am going to get 3 days off to make this possible” she replies.

“Oh” Anjali pouts. “I never thought about it”

“Arnav.. Khushi has just joined. I wonder if her Boss will approve her off”

Arnav sighs.

“Di.. Khushi will talk to her Boss tomorrow and check. I am ready to flex my dates based on her schedule”

Once again this has bowled Khushi. He is ready to make changes to his schedule to accommodate her? That’s news now!! Kyle raises her eyebrows in surprise.

“Must say.. Our Son-in-law is a gem. Isn’t it, Shashi?”

“Of course, he is. But my daughter is no less. What do you say Arnav?” Shashi asks.

Arnav smirks turning to Khushi.

“Absolutely.. Khushi is NO LESS!!”

Khushi is unable to take so much appreciation for her from the same people who never cared for her. What’s going on in Arnav’s mind? She has no clue. But she has to find it out.

∞∞∞

The next day, she asks Prem about the holidays and as expected he strictly denies to approve 3 days off for her. Khushi is unsure if she should be glad about it that she will not have to travel with Arnav Singh Raizada or be worried that Arnav will not like it and might talk to Prem himself. She doesn’t want him to do that. So, she tries convincing for at least 2 days off to which Prem finally agrees.

Khushi takes a sigh of relief and decides to inform this to Di and Arnav at night. Her phone buzzes with a message. She opens it to read. It’s from Arnav.

‘Whats the update? Did you talk to Prem?’

His desperation in taking her to South Africa makes her stomach rumble.

‘Yes, but 2 days only’

Instantly, she receives the next message.

‘What the!! Didn’t you stress on 3 days?’

Khushi groans. Only she knows how much convincing she was today. She types back.

‘You should be glad I convinced even though I still don’t favor this idea of travelling with you.’

She sends the message and continues working on her Laptop when his message buzzes again.

‘What the!!’

Khushi mutters something and then types back.

‘What the se kabhi aage bhi badhiye Arnav Singh Raizada’

She hits send button. After a minute his reply buzzes on her phone.

‘Agar main aage badh gaya… toh tumhare liye mushkil hojayega’ (If I think beyond… You might end up in trouble)

Khushi’s heart flutters. What he means by that? She wishes to type that but she stops herself from doing so. Why extend an unwished conversation? She keeps her phone away though her eyes keep strolling at it again and again just to check if his message beeps again and it happens. The light on her phone glows again displaying his reply.

‘Aman is arranging the Visas. You have any specific Itinerary for this trip? Anything you would like to see there or visit?’

Khushi is done with this messaging. She really cannot take this anymore. She picks her phone and dials him. As soon as the call is answered she scowls.

“This is your Business trip and as far as I am concerned, you need a show doll to flaunt. Don’t make it personal, Arnav”

“Hello, Khushi” some familiar female voice speaks from the other side. Khushi is baffled to realize it’s Shagufta’s voice. How come she answered Arnav’s phone? It frustrates her all the more.

“Where is my Husband?” Khushi barks.

“Just shaking hands with the client. His phone rang and I answered on his behalf” she replies.

Khushi grits her teeth. She should have checked it before speaking all that. Now Shagufta definitely knows something is wrong between them. What if she tells this to Di or uses it for her own benefit? Damm!! She disconnects the call, patting her forehead in fury. If Arnav gets to know this, he is surely going to be angry.

To be Continued.

__________________________________________________________

Chapter 24

Arnav Singh Raizada looks sternly at Shagufta as she disconnects his phone call.

“Did you just took my call?” he asks snatching the mobile from her. She hadn’t expected him to behave so rudely for it.

“Yes, I did. You were very busy with the Clients and”

“No Shagufta. That’s not acceptable” he interrupts. “I know we are good friends but I don’t give that rights to anyone to touch my stuff and answering my call you just crossed the limits”

Shagufta feels embarrassed for that warning.

“I am sorry. I thought I am that close to you.” She comes slightly closer to him “Arnav.. I like you hopelessly” she touches his arm which he instantly shrugs off.

He has never taken Shagufta’s advances towards him seriously, but seems like its high time to warn her now.

“Shagufta… I like you too but as a friend. You know me from long time. Did I ever show you any of those signs?” he asks.

“You didn’t warn me either” she snaps.

“That was my mistake then. I should have” he scowls. “I take you as a friend and you will be the same to me always. Do not cross that line or else I will have to end that too”

He walks towards the exit of the room when her sharp voice stops him again.

“Is this because of your wife, Arnav?”

Arnav turns around and meets her eyes. She continues.

“Don’t tell me you suddenly have got any feelings for her. That’s unconvincing. She cannot be your choice. I mean, just look at her. She is just a spoilt brat of a rich father. That’s all. She has been wasting her life ever since she realized she has one. She has been no good for others. She can never be your choice. And as far as I understood from her words today, which she told me considering its you, I don’t feel she likes you either. You both are two poles apart. Why waste time on her? Or wait” she pauses. “Is this because of her mother’s will?”

“Enough” Arnav roars in anger. “Not one more word Shagufta” he adds.

Shagufta swallows seeing the intensity of his anger.

“I don’t owe any reasons to you. Do you understand?” he warns her.

She doesn’t move from her place, neither she takes her gaze away from his face. Looks like she has awakened the beast out of him. She has known Arnav ever since they studied together. He has never taken any women seriously in his life neither got involved with any woman utterly. He had a bunch of girls dying for his attention in the College but he was always very focused in studies and sports. His goal was to win the world, every inch of success, earn everything which caught his eye. It was that quality of his, which attracted her and that magnetism never faded. She had shown signs of liking him beyond her control years ago, but when he didn’t respond back she waited for the right time. And suddenly one blue moon, this man announced his marriage to that Gupta woman!! She felt doomed and disoriented by his decision only until he got an eye on Khushi Gupta’s mother’s will. That gave some peace to her that Arnav was not serious about the marriage, he was doing it only to win something that was going to be a crown on his success.

Arnav strides out of the room, totally pissed. How did Shagufta get a hand on Garima Gupta’s will? Shagufta soon realizes she shouldn’t have spoiled his mood. Will that get a permanent crack in their sensitive relationship? She cannot let that happen.

∞∞∞

When Arnav returns back home, he is been told that Khushi is still not back from work.

“Not back?  But her working hours are over.  Why is she not home yet?” he asks his sister who passed him this update.

“She has to complete all her work before she can fly with you to South Africa.  That’s quite reasonable. Isn’t it?”

Arnav is still not convinced which Anjali easily reads from his face.

“Chotte… You always think like a boss. You want to control things happening in your life but Khushi is not an asset, she is your wife, you should respect her commitments too”

Arnav rolls his eyes.

“Di when did I deny?” he asks. “Is it so bad to take my wife out?”

“It’s not. But don’t pressurize her. She is already doing beyond her capabilities.”

This is indeed true. Who had thought that over pampered daughter of Gupta will even think of standing on her own feet some day? But he appreciates that. She has walked out of her comfort zone to achieve something in life. He is proud of that.

Nani reaches home from the Satsang and hears their conversation.

“Anjali bitiya..” Nani calls out. “Keep this Prasad in the temple room”

Anjali takes the box from Nani to do as told. Arnav is about to go back to his room when Nani stops him.

“Chotte… What is wrong with you?”

Arnav gives her a strange stare.

“What happened? What did I do now?”

“I heard you are taking Khushi to South Africa” she comes to the point.

Arnav nods.

“Yes”

“Why?” she snaps “I thought getting Khushi in this house was a temporary arrangement for Anjali. But you are making things complicated. Are you even thinking in the Divorce lines as we discussed earlier?”

Whilst they are still arguing over it, Khushi enters the house. Arnav senses her presence and the moment he turns to see her, she is looking right at him, shocked, little disappointed. She might have heard the conversation between him and Nani and that Divorce line was heavy to digest for her, maybe. Nani sighs in frustration seeing her and goes back to her room. Arnav is about to say something to break her chain of thoughts when Anjali comes out.

“Khushi… good you back. Chotte was just asking for you”

Khushi fakes a smile to Anjali, diverting her attention from Arnav. She is still in a state of shock. Not that she didn’t expect him to do this at some point. But if he really has plans of divorcing her, why wasting time in taking her out? This was just not to show Di for sure. She feels its beyond that. She talks with Anjali for a minute and resumes to her room to freshen up. Arnav follows her. His bags are open on the bed. Probably, he was packing his stuff for South Africa trip. She ignores that mess and heads in the bathroom.

When she comes out again, she finds Arnav packing actively. He is a good organizer. All his clothes are neatly folded, medicine pouches zipped and sealed. How can a man be so good packer? She wipes her face.

“How was your day?” he asks.

He has the audacity of asking that after almost ruining her day by his frequent nudging for updates on her leave approvals?

“Good. I met some new clients”

Arnav stops packing.

“Why is Prem making you interface with the Clients so soon? You are still a Trainee”

“Maybe he likes my work, my designs, my ideas”

Arnav nods. He has seen a part of her work. She has tried to advise him on the décor of his office cabin too, the day she had come to AR to meet him. Somehow, he liked it. In fact, he has made that changes and it looks really great now.

“There is someone who at least acknowledges it” she adds.

Arnav comes out of his thoughts and sighs. She stands before the mirror to brush her hair.

“I appreciate your knowledge too, Khushi. Only because you cannot see something, doesn’t mean it’s missing. Maybe you are looking in the wrong direction”

She laughs sarcastically looking at him from the mirror.

“Or maybe I no longer want to see anywhere. I am tired” she mocks.

Arnav knows it was a pure taunt for him. He has given her enough reasons to avoid him now. When she needed his trust, he distrusted her. When she needed him to shed some light in her dark life, he pushed her into darker. Whenever she tried looking for a long-term bond, be it with her father or him, she got nothing but rejection. She has really lost hope in relationships now and its high time he does something to change her opinion, to redefine it.

“Then this break is perfect for you. It will rejuvenate you and your eyesight”

Khushi frowns at him while he grins back. She recollects to update him something important.

“I don’t think we can travel to South Africa on the same dates”

Arnav dislikes to hear that.

“Why ? You said Prem approved your leaves for 2 days”

“He did. But then the Client I met today has arranged an important meeting that same day. My presence is required too. I cannot skip it. He is a very prestigious client for my company. I talked to Prem again before leaving and he approved my 3 days leave instead, with the guarantee that I will attend the meeting on Saturday. And that day is also Lavanya’s birthday. She has been a good friend, I cant miss her birthday”

Arnav groans.

“I just scheduled my meeting on Saturday in South Africa based on your confirmation” she mutters. “Anyways, I will ask Aman to reschedule it. We will fly together on Sunday then”

“No..” she interrupts.

“You don’t have to do that. You go ahead, I will follow you there on Sunday”

“That’s okay, Khushi. I can reschedule.”

“You think I cannot travel alone? For your kind information, I am a good traveler. I know all the formalities and I can manage to reach South Africa in one piece”

Though it’s not a decent choice to make for Arnav, he still realizes the repercussions if he reschedules the meeting again. Their work might get affected and he cannot afford that to happen.

“You sure?” he wants to be assured she is comfortable enough if he goes ahead.

“Be assured unless you think I will break the terms of our deal and consume alcohol in your absence, at La’s birthday Party” she pokes him again.

“Hmmm” he comes forward. “Regarding that… I have a solution. Aman will escort you to that party. Keep an eye on you”

Khushi’s jaw drops. He really doesn’t believe her? She picks a pillow from the bed and aims it at him.

“Just get lost” she roars.

Arnav manages to catch hold of the pillow at the right time before it can hit him.

“I was kidding. No one will watch you on that. Enjoy the party and see me in Capetown (South Africa) on Sunday morning. Now that’s it’s a 3 day leave for you, we have lots of time to catch up there”

Though Khushi is still unsure what his true intentions are for taking her to South Africa, she agrees.

 “Yes Boss”

Arnav nods coolly and continues packing. He doesn’t know if she really heard his conversation with Nani some time back, about the Divorce. Probably she didn’t. Otherwise she won’t be behaving so normal with him. Khushi on the other hand purposely avoids discussing it because she knows that’s what the end of this messed relationship has to be. A clear separation so that they both get to live with their individual identities without each other’s headaches. And that reminds her of Shagufta Khanna.

“I hope Shagufta told you I had called on your number” she decides to talk about this incident too.

Arnav shakes his head.

“Yes, she did. I have warned her not to answer my calls henceforth”

Khushi doesn’t answer.

 “You don’t believe I did that?” he asks. She keeps staring at him.

“I give you a benefit of doubt. But I told her something thinking its you. I don’t know how she might have processed that”

“What did you tell her?” he enquires.

“That this is just a business trip between us, so not to make it personal” she replies. “I was irritated by your sudden urge of taking me away from here. I thought it was you.”

Arnav shakes his head as if to recover from this shock. Now he knows why Shagufta said she feels they don’t have any compatibility. Plus, she knows about Khushi’s mother’s will too which is not good. She can brainwash Khushi anytime if she wants to distance her from him. He cannot let that happen.

“That’s Okay. I don’t care how she digests that. But I want you to avoid her”

Khushi pouts.

“I accepted her invite on my social account”

“Then decline it” he snaps.

“That will be rude”

“Nothing you don’t know being one yourself”

Khushi jaw’s drop again.

“That second pillow is still intact on the bed. I wonder how” he adds.

Khushi walks to the bed and picks the second pillow and aims at him.

“How about that?” she asks. But he catches it right again.

“Your aim is good”

“I learnt to shoot in Mexico. Had been there for a short trip” she exclaims.

“Is there a place left in US where you didn’t go? It’s like you had your private world tour with your friend”

“Oh Shit” she mutters. “I had to call Lavanya, ensure she has no other plans for Saturday. I have to buy her a gift. Plan a party.. How did it skip my mind?” she suddenly becomes tensed.

Arnav understands she has a deep connection with Lavanya.

“Don’t stress. Take Aman for help. He will arrange the party and send invites to your friends on your behalf”

She is happy that he is being so kind.

“But.. Aman already has your work to do.”

“He can manage” he exclaims. “He is a robot. Trust me”

Khushi chuckles. That’s so true. Aman Mathur is one unique robot whose copyright and patent lies in the hands of Arnav Singh Raizada.

To be Continued.

__________________________________________________________

Chapter 25

It’s been 2 days already. Khushi wakes up when she feels someone touching her hand, trying to wake her up. She opens her eyes only to find Arnav dressed up.

“I am leaving” he mutters.

Khushi rubs her eyes and slowly sits on the bed. It’s still dark outside and she recollects he is flying tonight to Cape Town. It’s Friday night after all.

“Okay.. Have a Safe flight”

“Aman has your passport and Visa” he informs. “He will see you off at the Airport tomorrow morning”

“Okay”

“Enjoy the birthday Party and don’t drink” he warns.

Khushi rolls her eyes. He will never forget the terms of their deal, will he?

“I won’t.. I know I have to travel the next morning, so no drinking. I will remember”

Arnav nods and gets up from the bed. In next few seconds, he drags his trolley bag out and shuts the door behind. Khushi jumps back on bed, dozing off to sleep.

∞∞∞

Khushi reaches Office and waits desperately for the day to end so that she can then head for Lavanya’s birthday party. She checks the time and realizes Arnav’s flight must have landed to South Africa by now. She decides to drop him a message. This is not for her satisfaction. It’s because if Anjali Di asks her later if she heard anything from Arnav again, she will have some reply. She messages him.

‘Landed?’

She keeps doing her work again and gets engrossed. After half an hour, she checks her phone again. No reply yet!! She types the same message to him again and waits for his reply. Seeking no response from him even after the next 15 minutes, she decides to phone him. She dials his number which happens to be switched off.

The client meet begins. Khushi wants to pay attention but fails. She is skeptical why Arnav didn’t turn his phone ON? Didn’t he land yet? He should have. It’s been hours now since his landing time. The meeting goes on for another hour and at last when it ends, she is the first one to rush out and make another call. She dials Aman Mathur this time.

“Aman”

“Hello Khushi”

“Did Arnav call you? I am trying to reach him from hours, even messaged him but no reply.”

Aman hears her out patiently. He can sense she is tensed.

“Hey.. Why do you sound so tensed? He has landed and right now he must be attending the Conference”

“Must be? Are you sure?” she tries to reconfirm.

“I am sure. I checked his hotel, he had checked in there”

Khushi rolls his eyes.

“Why is his phone Off then?”

“Could be some technical problem. I am not aware of it. But do you want me to patch your call to that conference?”

Khushi thinks for a second about it and denies.

“No.. that’s fine. When he calls you, ask him to call home and inform once. Di must be worried”

She hangs up and heads back to work. In the evening, she returns home. Anjali looks pale.

“Di.. you alright?” she asks in a worried tone.

“I am fine. Just had a mild ache in the stomach”

“Oh. Is it anything to worry? Is the baby okay?”

Anjali smiles.

“Baby is fine. Shyam had called Doctor home. All is good. Did Chotte call?”

Khushi frowns.

“No.. but I checked with Aman in the afternoon. Seems Arnav has reached and is busy attending Conferences”

Her mocking and irritated tone doesn’t go unnoticed by Anjali.

“Don’t worry” she says. “When you reach there tomorrow, shout at him for being so reckless.”

Khushi shakes her head. She really wants to do that because this situation has kept her frenzy since morning. Her phone rings.

“Its him” she states to Anjali and answers the call.

“Toh tum mere liye pareshan thi?” (So, you were worried for me?) he asks sharply.

“Yes, I was” she snaps “And don’t be so proud about it”

Arnav smirks at the other end.

“Why not? At least I got to know how much I am missed” he replies.

Khushi bites her lip. She cannot even react to this because Anjali is constantly looking at her speak.

“When are you leaving for Lavanya’s Party?” he changes the subject and she is really happy he did.

“In an hour.”

“Wish her on my behalf”

“I will”

“Packed all your stuff?”

“It’s a 3 day trip. I don’t need to pack much” she reminds.

“Hmm.. I have informed Aman to drop you at the Airport tomorrow morning. And a vehicle is arranged to pick you from Cape Town airport and get you in the hotel once you land”

“Okay.. Anything else?”  she asks. “I have to get ready”

“Enjoy the party”

Khushi is glad he didn’t remind her for not drinking which she is obviously going to follow. She doesn’t believe him. What if he really makes someone spy at her in the Party and update him? She has committed to the deal and she wont break it for anyone.

∞∞∞

Party

“Happy Birthday to you… Happy Birthday to you… Happy Birthday to Lavanya… Happy Birthday to you”

The group cheers as Lavanya cuts the cake. She feeds it to Khushi first and then the rest of her friends. Popping of the Champagne comes next. Khushi ensures to pick a mocktail instead. The music is loud. Lavanya is busy taking greetings and gifts from her friends. She notices Khushi standing away from the group and sipping her mocktail. She is also busy in her phone. Excusing from the rest, Lavanya heads to her with a glass of Champagne.

“Drink?” she offers.

Khushi nods in denial.

“I am fine with this” she replies gesturing at the mocktail.

“Hmm” Lavanya sighs. “He is controlling you”

“It’s not like that La.. I have a flight to catch in the morning. Cannot take the risk of drinking.”

“Oh Yes.. you told me about this. You are going to South Africa? Why is that?”

“Arnav has some conference. You know my father and he are doing a Joint Venture. So, that’s why he had to be there.”

“And what will you do there? I mean, you have your office too here”

“I took a leave.”

Lavanya rolls her eyes.

“Isnt all of this too fast?” she asks.

Khushi doesn’t understand. Lavanya continues to explain her.

“I don’t want to scare you Khushi, but why is this man suddenly showing so much interest in you? If you see from my angle, I see only one motive” she adds.

Khushi sips her mocktail.

“Which is?” she asks.

“He wants what every other husband wants from their wives.”

Khushi quickly picks what Lavanya is trying to hint about. She gulps hard.

“Come on La.. Don’t make him sound so bad”

“Whats bad in that? He is your husband, you guys are now staying together.. and maybe he wants this relationship to develop.”

Khushi goes back in the thinking mode. She had never thought in this angle.

“But what matters the most is.. what do you want Khushi?” Lavanya asks.

Khushi comes back to reality.

“No” she denies. “He doesn’t want this either” she adds.

“How can you be so sure of that?”

Khushi decides to spill the beans.

“He is probably going to give me a Divorce soon” she blurts.

Lavanya is shocked.

“What? Divorce? Did he speak to you about this?”

“No.. Not directly. But I heard him and Nani discussing about it. I am sure he wants that”

Lavanya feels pity and then suddenly she is anguished.

“Don’t you dare mess this up then, Khushi” she shouts. “If that man ever tries to even touch you, punch him hard. If the end of this relationship is Divorce, he has no rights to spoil you emotionally or physically. I have seen the end of you once… I cannot bear to see you broken again. Do you understand?”

Khushi hears her out and then bursts out laughing… Lavanya keeps giving her serious stare..

“La… My dear La” she hugs him.. “You think a lot.. Arnav Singh Raizada is no desperate to want me. He has better choices.. And if not for everything, I do trust him in this regard. He will be the last person who would want to complicate our already tangled relationship. Trust me” she explains.

Lavanya is not satisfied but she accepts it at the moment.

“I hope so. I don’t want you to call me up from Cape Town and give me that news” she adds. "That he and you ... spent a night together”

Khushi holds her laugh and rolls her eyes.

“That’s the last thing I will call you up and update”

Lavanya smiles finally.

“Gosh!! I am sweating.. Lets go and dance. I hope dancing wont tire you for catching tomorrow’s flight” La asks.

Khushi pats Lavanya’s back and drags her on the dance floor.

∞∞∞

Cape Town

Khushi lands to Cape Town the next day and the first and foremost thing she does is to give a call to Anjali and inform her that she has reached safely. When she comes out from the Arrivals, she finds a tall man holding the board of Mrs. Khushi Singh Raizada in his hands. Was this Arnav’s idea of using that name? Couldn’t he inform to mention Khushi Gupta instead? But how will the Hotel Staff know what’s going between the two? She dismisses that thought and heads to the car, following the driver who was holding her name board a while ago.

There are no check-in formalities for her. She just takes the duplicate keys and strides to her room. She has been told that Arnav is not in the Hotel, which is obvious because he must be busy in Conference. As soon as she enters the room and sees the breathtaking view of the ocean outside, she already starts liking the place. It’s perfect for a vacation. She and Lavanya deserve one such luxurious trip in the next coming months. She unpacks her bag and that’s when she finds this note from Arnav.

‘See you at Trendy Pub tonight. 08:00 pm. Hotel Vehicle is already booked… Arnav’

Trendy Pub? Why there? Khushi is unable to decide why that Pub name sounds so familiar? She has been before to Cape town with her friends. Maybe she even visited that Pub, that’s why it sounds so familiar. She really wonders what he has in mind and most importantly… WHY? As far as she knows, Arnav is not a man who would go clubbing. Is he doing this for her? To impress her? Because she loves it? She shrugs such thoughts and after unpacking, she takes a quick nap. She is tired and the jet lag is not letting her think straight.

∞∞∞

Trendy Pub

The lighting is muted, the place is too crowded considering its weekend. She walks inside. The music is loud and its one of the best music she has heard so far in a Pub. She feels like dancing already. Now she recollects why the name sounded so familiar to her. She has been here before. Lavanya was not part of this visit though. She had come here with a group of her college friends. It was supposed to be their re-union. Is it just a coincidence that Arnav asked her to come here? Or did he know that she has been here before?  

She looks at the women around and feels overdressed in comparison. But how would she know that Arnav would take her to a Pub in Cape Town, or else, she would have packed some related clothes. Never mind. But where is this guy?

Her phone rings again and thanks to the Vibration mode that she could feel it ringing, because the music is so loud around here that she cannot hear even her own voice. She walks away from the dance floor and answers the call which is supposed to be from her husband.

“I am here.. where are you?” she shouts on the phone so that he can hear.

“I am here too.” He replies.

She scans around but doesn’t find him. There are thousands of people here, how can she pick his face?

“Where?” she asks again.

“You need to find me” he says in a no-nonsense manner.

Khushi shakes her head in resignation. Whats happening? He wants her to find him in this crowd?

“Find you? How? And why are you playing games?”

“We are.. and I know you are best in this one. You won the last time you played it” he exclaims.

Khushi’s breath hitches. She recollects playing this game last time she had been here with friends. It was like a Truth and Dare spinning the bottle game. It was her turn and she chose to Dare. Her friends showed her some photo and asked her to find that person in the crowd and kiss him. She doesn’t remember whose picture it was now because she was heavily drunk that night. But how does he know this?

“Kuch yaad aaya” he huskily asks. (Remembered anything?)

Khushi jerks. It was him? She shuts her eyes, trying hard to remember that moment again and the only teaser that flashes before her eyes now is the one when she had pulled away from the man after she had kissed him briefly.. It was Arnav Singh Raizada..

To be Continued 

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