Lawful Sins - Season 2 - Part 55

 

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Chapter 55


Lavanya used the washroom and came out. The Villa was crowded with guests but none around this area where she decided to spend some time admiring the pictures of Aman’s childhood with his parents, hung on the wall. There was one particular picture which picked her gaze for long. Aman’s father and mother were holding one-year old Aman’s hands and helping him walk. She gently touched her belly to feel her baby. The next instant, she felt another palm stroking her stomach the same way. She didn’t flinch knowing who he was. Nandakishore slid his other arm around her belly, from behind, pulling her closer and admiring those pictures with her.

“We will click more of these kinds too” he whispered.

Lavanya didn’t react. She wanted to rest her head on his shoulder, lean on him, hear him talk and plan their future, but she curbed those desires.

“I never got this kind of parenting” NK continued. “I don’t want my child to miss any of this. I might not be the best husband now, but I want to be one and a good father too” 

He gently turned her around and met her pained eyes.

“But I can’t do this alone La. I need you to help me”

“Now you need me?” Sarcasm dipped from her tone. “You have influential people in your house NK, why don’t you take their help as usual?”

NK was hurt but he didn’t lose his stand.

“Please go on..” he replied. “I deserve to be reminded of my mistakes. And who best than my wife can do that? So please point out every mistake I have committed towards you so that we end this chapter of our lives here and begin a new one with no room for errors like those again”


Lavanya stared at him in fury.

“Don’t play a victim card NK. And if you still want to know what your best mistake so far is, then it is trusting your sister blindly”

“I agree” he acknowledged. “I have always trusted Khush blindly. She played with my love for you and I couldn’t see it. That’s blindness. I agree. I was incapable to take a stand for our love but now, its not the same. I am not the same. You know it La.. I have changed.. my love for you.. has grown and I have realized what you mean to me”


Lavanya exhaled crossing her arms at the front.


“Tell me one thing NK. If ASR had denied signing that contract of enslavement with Khushi, do you think she would have let our marriage happen?”

NK gripped her upper arms and drew her close.

“Yes” he replied sternly. “And I am not saying this because I believed her blindly. She has protected me from all harms, from every torture that I might have to bear if she hadn’t taken a stand for me in my childhood. She has read my feelings better than me. She would never keep me away from the person I truly loved and who was carrying my baby in her womb”

“You remember she sent you to Malaysia on the pretext of some business? She knew I was pregnant and yet..” tears brimmed in her eyes.

“I remember” he agreed. “She had asked me that day what if she doesn’t agree to our marriage, would I still go against her and marry you. I remember”


Lavanya’s body went cold.


“I told her if that’s what she wanted, I would not go against her wishes but.. that never meant I would leave you alone to fight the world and raise my baby alone. If Khushi had been firm on this decision, I would have fought for us La… I swear I would have. Believe me”

She wanted to believe him but it was hard.

“How can you expect me to trust you won’t repeat the same mistakes again NK? What if someday she just wants something from you which can affect our relationship? Whom will you keep happy then? Her or me?”

“You both” he assured cupping her face. “I don’t think any man would like to choose between his mother and wife. And if he still chooses one, I don’t think it’s a fair choice. Khushi is my sister, my mother, my only family and she is nothing what she used to be before. ASR and his love have changed her into a better woman and I will always respect her. I want to learn things from both you and her. I want to support you both.. I want to love you both. Please don’t make me choose one. I can’t”


His words brought fresh tears in her eyes again.


“We are going to be parents soon La. I have missed you enough these few weeks and so have you. Can’t we just put that past behind us and move forward? Give me one last chance. Please”

She fought internally to keep her resolve of not forgiving him or his sister for all troubles caused by them in her life and ASR’s but the love she had for NK superseded. When she saw tears of guilt rolling down NK’s cheeks, she threw her arms around his body and snuggled him.


They kept stroking each other’s back, easing the pain of their partner, healing their hearts until he finally pulled away and cupped her face.


“I promise you La, I will always protect you and your dignity. I will stand by you when you need me and I will fight anyone who tries to mess with our relationship..”

“Even if it’s your sister?”

“Yes” he nodded. “But I can assure you, she will never do that again. People in love do realize its worth for others too. And Khush…” he smiled.. “She is so deeply and madly in love with ASR that I don’t think she will ever hurt him or his family again”


Lavanya shook her head in agreement. She didn’t have to be told what Khushi felt for Arnav. It was visible in her eyes and actions. Suddenly touched her belly and giggled.

“What?” NK was instantly worried.

“The baby kicked” she replied grabbing his palm and placing it over her stomach. “Can you feel?” she asked NK who was in tears as he felt the kick too.

“I can feel.. Gosh!! This is so.. crazy”

He wrapped her arms and pulled her close.

“Has he/she done this before?”

“Not yet. Today is the first”

“Do you know what that means La? The baby is happy that we are together again”

“I know” she brushed his hair. “I am happy too”


NK kissed her cheek and they both turned around to admire the pictures again, planning what types of photos they would like to click once their baby was born.


Khushi was a silent spectator of this entire moment. She had seen NK following Lavanya and somehow the protective side of hers forced her to back him up in case he needed her. But after witnessing how NK sorted his relationship with Lavanya again, she was assured her brother was now capable to handle his own problems. He might need advice but he would act on them without anybody’s support and she as his sister, couldn’t be less proud of him.

“Happy ending?” Arnav’s warm breath touched her skin first before his arms which slide around her waist from behind and rested there.

“Seems so” she turned her head to meet his eyes. “Your sister was a tough nut to crack Mr. Raizada”

“But she can’t compete you Miss Gupta. You are giving me tough time even now”


He nibbled her earlobe and though her body wanted to just give in to all his ministrations, she didn’t. He turned her around, without breaking their hug.

“Now that Lavanya is going to shift back to Gupta Mansion, I will be left alone in Shantivan”

She knew what he was going to suggest next.

“I need a company.. someone whom I can cuddle, love and kiss”

“I will send Bella” she teased. “Cuddle her, love her and kiss her as much as you want in my absence”

“Excuse me?”

“I am flying for work. I had told you” she stroked his hair.


Arnav rolled his eyes letting out a slow growl.

“When are you flying you said?” He caught her wrist and pulled her fingers to his mouth to kiss.

“Next week”

“Then fit me in your schedule this week .. for a whole week please”

Now she was curious what he meant.

“Let’s spend afterwork hours together.. until you fly” he demanded.

“I would like that too” she stroked his rough stubble. “And that’s only because you haven’t shaved this..”


He laughed softly and she soon joined him. Now that their siblings had patched up, they had one less thing to worry about. Arnav snuggled her closer, pulling her into his warmth.


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


The next morning, NK had been to Shantivan to pick his wife and Nani and get them back to Gupta Mansion. When they returned, Khushi stopped them at the door.


“One moment” she said before holding a Puja Thali to circle it around the couple. Nani was impressed by her preparation. Khushi had called her up to inform she wanted to do welcome Lavanya ritually in the house again and needed help to prepare the Puja Thali. Nani had willingly taught her what all and how she could do that. Lavanya waited for Khushi to finish and then stepped in the house.


Though Lavanya had returned, her and Khushi’s equation didn’t ease much. She was very formal to her and talked only when it was required. The living room was decorated with Balloons and flowers to welcome Lavanya and she was really impressed by it.


“This is marvelous” Lavanya said holding a balloon in her hand.

“Khush’s idea. She wanted to do something special” NK acknowledged.

Lavanya held Khushi’s gaze.

“There’s more” Khushi came forward and handed her a bunch of keys.

“What are these for?”

“Your rights Lavanya” she answered. “This house and family is now yours and rightfully you should be taking up this responsibility”

NK was surprised as Khushi didn’t discuss this with him but he liked her idea. Some day Lavanya had to handle all of this.

“I .. I can’t. Not yet Khushi” Lavanya hesitated.

“I will be there to assist you and besides when you have NK along, you don’t need to worry much. Your husband is taking good care of the household duties as well as the Business now. I will be gone for more than a month. So, its better if you takeover”


Lavanya turned to NK who nodded her to accept.


“Khushi bitiya” Nani interrupted. “You might get away from these bunch of keys but there are other set of keys waiting for you to claim them”


Khushi knew she was talking about Shantivan.

“That..” Khushi exhaled. “Has to wait”

“Don’t make us wait too long” Nani urged putting a smile. “Especially Arnav. He has already planned the changes in the interior of the house based on your preference?”


Khushi was stunned. Has he?

“Oh Nani” NK sighed. “You just let out a surprise. Khush didn’t had to know this yet”

“I am so sorry, I thought she knows”


Lavanya tried not to intervene. If ASR was happy, she was happy for him.


“Don’t worry, I won’t tell him I know” Khushi muttered. “But he doesn’t need to change anything. I like that house for what it is”

“Let him do it” Nani insisted. “It’s his way to show you how much he cares for your likes”

“I know” Khushi pressed Nani’s hands. They spoke for some more time where Khushi discussed how she will be flying to three different countries and stay for a week or more in each and check on the Business there. She did that every year to ensure the Business was running smoothly. Next year, NK had plans to travel with her and learn, as this year he was busy in welcoming his baby.

After some time, Lavanya wanted to rest and NK carried her in arms effortlessly to take her in their bedroom. He didn’t want his wife to climb the stairs. They even decided to shift their room on the ground until Lavanya delivers to ease her movements in the house. Seeing things settling down in Gupta Mansion, Khushi heaved a sigh of relief. Now she could happily devote all her time this week to the man who was her greatest all-time support.


The next whole week she spent the evenings with Arnav, going for Dinners with him or visiting him at Shantivan. Sometimes she even took Bella along and the three enjoyed their private bubble around each other. Khushi had to fly to Singapore the next day and Arnav had invited her to Prem Nivas this evening to spend time with him. She hadn’t expected him to call her there but if he had, it only meant he had planned out something intimate for them tonight. With that anxiety in her body, Khushi parked her car and got down. She stopped to stare at the exterior of this house where she had memories both good and bad. This was also a place where she met Arnav for the first time and developed a sudden attraction for him despite hating him for wining the auction. This same house had locked the memories of her bad childhood. She had blackmailed Arnav to sign the 6-month slavery contract here and they had even grieved for each other at this same house. Overall, Prem Nivas was a place of high emotions for both. But tonight, she hoped that they could change it forever, by making new memories.


She stepped in the living room, only to find it dark and cold. But the next instant some glittery lights glowed at the center of the room, giving her view of the table decorated with flowers, cake and holding a Champagne Bottle on it. Once again, she felt his hot breath on her skin before his arms.


“You are running thirty-minutes late” he said, his voice husky with want.


Khushi felt the crackle between them as their bodies touched.

“The last conference got extended” she replied turning to him. He was wearing White silk shirt with a Vest and no tie. His jacket was lying on the couch beside them. Overall, even after such tiring working hours, he still looked edible and drool worthy. “Is this a farewell party?” she teased.

“I don’t celebrate farewells” he grabbed her hand and led her to the table. That’s when she saw the cake and the wordings on it.


‘Marry Me’


Her heart filled with a sudden awkward silence.

“Relax” he pressed her arms from behind, his chin resting on her shoulder blade. “There is no date mentioned on it.. no expiry either”

That one statement was enough to bring back her smile.

“The last time I proposed you for marriage, didn’t give us the right feel. So, I decided to propose you again, officially”

Khushi was still processing this when he went on his knees and held her hand.

“Miss Khushi Gupta, I know you are a dominant woman who wants to rule her life her way. I also know it’s hard to satiate you for anything” he winked. “But.. I still want to spend the rest of my life with you, tending your pain like a parent, pampering you like a friend and making love to you like an obsessed lover. Will you marry me and make me the happiest man in this world?”


He had made her speechless. Raising him back on his feet, she kissed him hard and then cupped his face.

“I will marry you every day if you propose me like this..”


It was so strange that they had never confessed those three magical words to each other. Yet, they were here, promising a lifetime of commitment and love. She recalled reading it somewhere – ‘Love isn’t is a nightmare, it’s a miracle.’ Today, she knew it was true.


To be Continued. 

NEXT PART

Note: Lavanya – Khushi’s convo is pending which will come up in next part.

__________________________________________________________________________________

NEW EXCERPTS OF 4 EBOOKS

 His Destined Bride (Book 2 of The Bride Series) 

All this was like a nightmare for Niyati but she kept her focus and did as told. She headed to Jahaan Singh and met his extra ordinary gaze. She had seen that kind of look before on a man’s face for her. Men swooned on her beauty whenever she was out in public. That was one of the reasons why the Zamindar was so desperate in making her his wife. But never in her dreams she thought of a Royal Prince falling for her charms. 


“Meet my bride, Niyati Jahaan Singh” Jahaan introduced her the moment she stood next to him. The media kept clicking them together. Niyati was stunned by the attention everyone was giving her. Here she had decided to elope and lead a simple private life but everything had turned the opposite. 


Jahaan Singh handled the rest of the interview in his own stylish way, without caring for all the allegations and poking questions raised by the reporters. All he wanted was to face them and stuff their notes with enough lines which could maintain the dignity of his family and hers. The Royal tag meant everything to him and he would do anything to keep it that way. 

Mr and Mrs Sehgal (Book 1 of Mr and Mrs Series) 


“Mr. Sehgal” the doctor turned. 

“How is my wife Doctor?” 

Aashi turned away from looking at him. 

“She is having high fever. But we have given her medicines. The fever should go. We have taken some blood samples too so nothing to worry. We’ll let you know when the reports come. And Mrs. Sehgal” the doctor turned to Aashi again. “Please do something about your lost appetite. You are losing weight” 

Aashi faked a smile. As the doctor moved out, Kabier walked to her bed. 


“You should leave” she snapped. “Don’t waste your time in attending me. I can look after myself” 


Kabier frowned. He had never taken care of someone ill and right now had no clue what to do next. 

“You are not eating well?” he asked. 

Now he is asking her that? Hadn’t he noticed before when they had dinners together? She hardly ate. 

“Kabier please leave” she pleaded. 

“Don’t you dare push me out” he growled. “This is my hospital and you are my wife. I belong here” 




Mr and Mrs Thakur (Book 2 of Mr and Mrs Series) 


“I am sorry but you got to stay tonight” he exhaled in a rush. 

“I am aware of that. It was my idea to ask them as a good host. I didn’t know they would agree” 

“Glad you asked” he murmured not for her ears. 

“Did you say something?” 

“I did?” 

“I heard you Neil Thakur. Don’t sound so pleased. I am going to spend the night in the living room as all other rooms are already occupied” 

There was a promise in his eyes that he wouldn’t let that happen. His lips thinned at her persistence. 

“If you are staying anywhere under this roof tonight then you are sleeping in my room, on my bed. I don’t want my friends to be suspicious” 

Something in his tone set her on the edge. 

“How about I don’t sleep at all under this roof and just pack my stuff and leave?” 

“That’s not happening Mrs. Esha Neil Thakur” 




Marriage Jitters (Book 1 of Accidental Marriage Series) 

My phone rings and I answer it subconsciously without checking the caller Id. 

“Hello” 

There is a complete silence from the other end for few seconds. 

“Hello? Who’s this?” 

“Hello Tarini Kaur” 

I jump from my seat. Viren?? Viren Dewan called me? Rachna stares at me curiously to know why I reacted that way. 

“Viren?” I stutter. 

“You didn’t forget my voice. Impressive” 

“I guessed” 

That’s a lie. I can recognize his voice even if I go deaf. But I don’t want to look like a fool right now. He announced his marriage, and I don’t want to look desperate to grieve about that. 

“Good guess then. I am sure you have read the article about my marriage” 

I stare at Rachna’s phone and my jaw clench on its own. 

“I did. Congratulations” 

“Thank you” 

“Who is the bride Viren?” 

Shit!! Do I look anxious to ask that?