Yaadein - Part 29

 

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Chapter 29


“What were you saying to Aarav?” Arnav asked. His predatory stride towards Khushi made her nervous.


So, he heard her confession to their son that she loved Arnav. And yet, he wanted her to say that again? Before him? Loud and clear?


“That you both are twinning” she replied turning back to the closet. “And he wanted me to wear something in Maroon too.. but I denied”


She knew he was close. Yet, she chose to ignore him and continued setting the rest of Aarav’s clothes back in the closet.

“Now before you ask me why I denied wearing Maroon.. let me recall, it was you who strictly warned me not to wear anything in red or shades of red” she added. 

Arnav gripped her elbows and whirled her around. Once their eyes met, he pinned her to the closet.


“I am not talking about colors or twinning Khushi and you know that very well. I just..”

“You heard me Arnav. You heard what I told him.. But, let me tell you what you didn’t hear”

Arnav was intrigued.


“Just like one kiss wouldn’t change our relationship, my confession on what I feel for you now doesn’t change anything either”

Her words pricked his heart.

“We have a long way to go Arnav and I don’t even know if we will ever decide to walk that road together. But yes, we will always be together when it comes to Aarav and his future. Doesn’t matter what we decide for us individually”


It was even more painful for Khushi to say that but she didn’t hesitate to raise her point. Their marriage was for Business. They got attracted to each other and one such night of intense attraction gave them Aarav. She didn’t want any of that to repeat.


“Arnav, Khushi…”


Ayush’s voice from the door forced them to end this conversation.

“Our guest is reaching in 5 minutes” Ayush exclaimed from the door and left.

Arnav stepped back from Khushi who was still not ready.

“Get ready” he said before turning to leave.

“Who is coming Arnav? You still didn’t tell me”

“You will know. Just come down soon”


She plainly nodded and followed him out to head back to her room and change.


When Arnav came down, Anjali was dressed in blue Saree and she had no clue why her father and brother insisted she wear this color.

“Dad, I am really not comfortable” Anjali muttered. “I am not prepared for this”

She stared at Arnav who had reached the living room.

“Chotte, you know already. We talked few days back on this”

“Di relax” he insisted. “You won’t regret tonight. I promise”


Hari Prakash came running inside.


“Sir, he has arrived”

Arnav and Ayush headed to the main door whereas Anjali stayed back at the couch. She waited desperately to know who the guest was and wondered why they were suddenly interested in getting her married.


“Namaste”


The moment she heard this familiar voice, her body froze. Anjali couldn’t see his face because her brother and father’s back was covering the man who was here. He had even leaned down to take her father’s blessings. She desperately wanted to see him and confirm it was really him.. That’s when Arnav moved away, welcoming the guest inside. Anjali’s eyes widened in shock.


“Shyam?” she murmured.

Shyam Jha strode towards her with Ayush Singh Raizada and Arnav.

“Hi” he smiled. “How are you doing Anjali?”

Words choked in her throat. Was she hallucinating?

“I… I am.. You.. What..” she struggled to find the right words but failed.

“Anju..” Ayush slid his arm around her shoulders. “Shyam was in town so Arnav invited him for a dinner with us”


Anjali turned to Arnav who was grinning at her. He knew she had loved his surprise. Shyam admired her thoroughly. Seeing her in his favorite color thrilled him too.


“How are you Anjali?” he asked holding his breath.

“I am … good” she lied. She wasn’t good lately ever since Khushi returned in this house but now that Shyam was back, she couldn’t ask for more.


Arnav got Shyam seated and then introduced him to Aarav.

“That’s my son, Aarav”

“Hey Aarav”

“Hi” Aarav sat on his father’s lap.

Anjali was too excited by Shyam’s sudden entry in her life after 7 years and she couldn’t wait to know all about him again but her expressions changed the moment she saw Khushi coming down in a Pink Saree. She was about to go stop her from being a part of this moment when Arnav held her hand and denied her not to make a wrong move. Shyam and Ayush were busy talking meanwhile.


“Chotte, she can’t be part of this..” Anjali muttered angrily.

“She is part of this family right now.. so she is part of this dinner too” Arnav argued.

“But…”


Arnav left Anjali’s arm.

“And that’s my wife… Khushi” he said aloud for Shyam to hear.

Khushi stood beside Arnav and smiled at Shyam. She still had no clue who the guest was?

“And he is Shyam Jha..” Arnav introduced. Khushi’s face paled. Shyam Jha? Anjali’s Ex Fiancée? So, this was Arnav’s surprise? Was he trying to patch Anjali-Shyam again?

Shyam passed her a weak smile.

“Your mother must have told you already Shyam” Arnav added. “Khushi has lost her memories so even though you both have met before, I had to re-introduce you”


Shyam nodded acknowledging his words.

“I am sorry about that… accident” he apologized. That apology had a guilt in it and even though none of them could pick it up from his face, Khushi did.

“I will ask to serve the dinner” she said before heading to the kitchen.


The dinner was normal. Shyam shared how he had settled permanently in Canada and loved to be there. He was good at his profession and currently had no plans to stick to India for long.


“But you never shared your abroad plans with us before” Arnav questioned. “We thought you wanted to work in your own hospital here with your mother”


Shyam nervously shook his head.

“Plans change Arnav”

“He is right” Ayush supported Shyam.

Arnav shrugged and continued eating. Anjali was silent mostly but that was only because she wanted to grasp all that he said. She admired him secretly and had no clue Arnav and Khushi were noticing all her reactions. She looked madly in love with him despite the fact that he didn’t even meet her once when his mother broke the alliance.

After dinner, Ayush took Shyam and Anjali back to the living room.


“You both talk, I will be right back”


He purposely left the two alone and pretended to be busy in some other work. Khushi didn’t intrude them either. If they talk and sort it out, it would be good for each one of them. She returned to the kitchen. Her head spun. That man… she didn’t get negative vibes from him yet she felt something odd. The entire dinner with Shyam felt wrong but he was also sweet to Anjali. But whenever his eyes met hers, Khushi could see hesitation in them.. like some guilt washed over his face. She had tried her best to be normal but he clearly wasn’t normal around her. Why? She placed the bowl of fruits away and leaned on the marble slab of the kitchen. Her eyes felt heavy and giddy. She was about to collapse when Arnav gripped her upper arms.


“hey.. you.. you okay?”


She nodded gently.

“I need a minute” she rubbed her forehead to stop the ache. Arnav realized she had a headache and quickly opened the drawer and popped a medicine out.

“Take it” he held a glass of water too.

“No” she pushed away his arm. “I don’t like medicines”

“I am not giving you a choice Khushi. Don’t act like Aarav. He is small boy; he can argue over this, not you. Grow up”

She eyed him.

“I have grown up. It’s not my problem if you can’t see it”

Arnav exhaled audibly. She might have not meant it the other way but he couldn’t help notice the changes in that thin 20-year-old girl she was when they married and this curvy woman, she had turned out to be now. When his fierce dark eyes landed on her face, her cheeks flushed realizing what she just said.


“I am glad you invited Shyam for dinner” she changed the subject. “But I am surprised he accepted this invitation. Did he make a fuss about it or..?”

“I thought he was in Canada but when I spoke to Di the other day and realized she still wanted him, I decided to talk to Shyam and see if he too is still interested”

Khushi looked past Arnav at the Living room where both Shyam and Anjali were sitting together, hesitating to communicate but desperate too to hear each other.


“You took a wise decision. They look good together and still interested in each other” she replied.

Arnav didn’t comment. He showed her the medicine and urged her to take it. When Khushi still showed no signs of willingness, he pressed her jaw line to forcefully open her mouth and popped the medicine in it. He then made her gulp the water.


“Ar….arn.aavv” she swallowed the medicine and stared at him annoyed.

“That’s how I feed Aarav the medicines when he fusses like you”

“So, you mean Aarav has got this fussing trait from me?” she argued.

“Looks like” he shrugged.

“Really?” she folded her arms. “What other traits you think he got from me?”


Arnav took few seconds to decide that.


“I think the eye color”


Khushi chuckled.

“Yea.. He’s got my eye color but he has inherited your hair texture.”

“Maybe. His Intelligence is mine too.” Arnav proudly added.

Khushi rolled her eyes.

“Healthy eating habits are yours. You already know how I love junk food” she pouted.

“Temper is definitely yours. He sometimes fights like you do”

“No way.. He is a sweet boy” she argued. “he fights for taking the right stand like I do” she proudly stated.

“He sleeps like you”

His voice was low and hushed. Arnav was himself surprised how easily he said that. Khushi was stunned too. Arnav feels that Aarav sleeps like her? Does that mean he watched her closely while in sleep, when they were together?

“He does?” she queried but Arnav didn’t say a word. “Well..” she swallowed. “Now I know why Aarav sleeps in his room mostly. You don’t like him reminding you of me”


Arnav clasped her wrist before she could get away. She said it for fun but Arnav was serious.


“You think I will make my son sleep in a separate room only because he sleeps like my wife?”

His chest tightened with anger and disappointment.

“Mom..” Aarav interrupted them. “Look what Shyam Uncle gave me”


He showed a big chocolate box to them. Arnav left her arm.

“Did you say thank you to him?” Khushi asked.

“I forgot.” Aarav patted his forehead. “I will go tell him thank you now”

“No” Khushi stopped him. “He is talking to your Bua. Lets not disturb them”


Arnav watched his wife-son interact and then enjoying the chocolates. There was one more trait in Aarav which completely belonged to Khushi – his smile. It was innocent and pure just like Khushi’s.. now!!



To be Continued.

NEXT PART 
 

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Imposed Knot Ebook - Marriage Excerpt

 

"Monsters like you don’t deserve a Slap. They deserve a stab in their heart whose mark will remain on them forever, reminding them of their deeds . You will soon see that Phase in your life Mr Arjun Raheja. You will soon see that day!!"

Kajal never imagined in her dreams that her cousin’s fiancee, the shrewd Arjun Raheja would marry her on a gunpoint and her life would take a 360-degree turn. Will she ever find the reasons behind it? His known motive turns out to be the most bitter event of her life. And only when she decides to part ways from their already broken ties, the heartbreaking truth of his unconditional love for a 5-year old baby surfaces. Who is this baby? What connection does she have with Arjun? Will Kajal ever find out the other side of the man she hates? Where will this Imposed Knot lead them to?

A Star crossed romantic love story molded with passion, pain and guilt with a happy ending. 

Read on Amazon Kindle

Indian Readers Buy PDF by Netbanking/ Wallets HERE

International Readers / Indian Readers can also Buy PDF by Card HERE

Buy PDF by PAYPAL HERE

Sample Chapters of Imposed Knot (1 to 4) HERE

For Other Ebooks by Madhu, Click HERE

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Marriage Excerpt 

Maanav rushed to Arjun's room and the entire family who were getting gathered in the Living room hearing their talks were confused. Even Sheetal came down after doing her final make up with Manorama and was confused where can Kajal go and why was Maanav searching for Arjun? The moment Maanav reached Arjun's room, he pushed it open but Arjun too wasn’t anywhere. He came down again.

 

Maanav: (To Ayush): Where is Arjun?

Ayush: I Don’t know. Must be with Rohan. Why?

Maanav: I need Rohan's number.

Ayush instantly dialed Rohan and he did answer.

Ayush: Rohan. Where is Arjun?? He is not at Outhouse.

Rohan: ARJUN?? Well. Uhh!! I think he must be having some fresh air outside then.

Ayush: Stop joking Rohan. It’s impossible that you Don’t know where he is.

Rohan: Sorry Sir. But trust me. This time I really Don’t know.

 

Ayush nodded a "NO" look to Maanav and then cut the call.

Maanav: I hope they are not together.!! (he said brushing his fingers in his hair once, in frustration)

Sheetal: Maanav. What do you mean by that? Why will Arjun and Kajal be together??

Maanav didn’t reply anything. He just walked outside the outhouse and everyone followed him. Tanvi kept trying Arjun's number but he didn’t reply. Now there was really a Big Question in everyone's mind Where should they think Arjun and Kajal are?? Maanav took his Car out. He didn’t even get his guards this time because he knew he was there to protect his Kittie. Now he cursed himself for that decision.

 

Sheetal (Running behind Maanav): Maanav. Where are you going? It’s my Engagement in few minutes. I am sure Arjun and Kajal must be somewhere here only.

 

That stopped Maanav . He turned back to take a look at the entire family and checked if anyone else was missing.

Maanav: Who else we have in the Temple now?

Ayush: No one. We all are here.

Maanav: Damm!!

 

Saying that he rushed towards the Family Temple of Raheja's and everyone just followed him blankly. The moment the Entire Family reached the family temple, they froze at the Spot witnessing the Scene before them.

 

"Arjun Raheja was tying the Mangalsutra on Kajal Kapoor's Neck".

 

The entire family couldn’t believe what they saw here. Arjun Married Kajal?? Why?? They had so many questions running in their mind. Ayush just leaned to the side pillar feeling dizzy seeing this Scene. Tanvi's eyes were teary. Akash and Manohar were blank too. Manorama held Devyani and Sheetal and Maanav were raging fire from their eyes.

 

Maanav: ARJUNNNNN.!!! (he roared in anger  which only made Arjun and Kajal look at them. )

 

Kajal with her teary eyes looked at her brother and she was about to get up when Arjun held her hand making her sit back . Aditya Mathur (Arjun's best Friend and Owner of Mathur Textiles) who was the Supporter and the First Guest to see Arjun and Kajal's Marriage looked at Maanav and then back to Arjun.

 

Panditji (Little Scared as he was almost on a Gun point to perform the marriage of Arjun and Kajal here instead of the Engagement of Arjun and Sheetal): Now you both are termed as Husband and Wife. All rituals are complete.

 

Arjun sighed in relief and left Kajal's hand so that she is free enough to do whatever she wishes. She instantly got up and rushed to her brother and hugged him. Arjun took a bunch of notes from his pocket and gave it to the Pandit.

Arjun: Leave.!!!

 

The Pandit just nodded and left the Temple hurriedly..