Yaadein - Part 45

 

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Chapter 45


That night Aarav slept in the other room where his toys were and though Khushi was worried he doesn’t feel left out, she knew this decision was totally his. Even at Shantivan Aarav had a separate room for himself and he mostly slept there at night. He was used to this routine. But Khushi put Aarav to sleep and only when she was sure he was fine, she resumed to their bedroom. Arnav was lying on the bed, but his eyes were wide awake. He was thinking something so hard, that he didn’t realize when his wife joined him on bed.

“Aarav slept?” He asked as she placed her head on his chest, curling her arm around his waist.

“Yes. If he wakes up in the middle of the night, I have asked him to knock our room”

“Hmm” 

They stayed quiet for a minute as he played with her hair. Khushi knew he was thinking hard about his talk with Anjali a while ago and that was the only reason for his sudden gloomy mood. Though Khushi had refrained from asking him about that conversation so far, she decided to ask now as that was the only way to understand what was going in her husband’s head.

“Is Anjali alright? How she is coping with work?”

Arnav exhaled sharply.

“She looked fine to me but I know she was pretending. She is not fine”

“And that still hurts you” She raised her head to meet his eyes. “Which is absolutely okay. She is your sister, your feelings for her will never go. Doesn’t matter how much she messed with us in the past”

“I told her I need time” His voice was thick with pain.

“You do” Khushi agreed. “But don’t drag this if it hurts you both so much”

Now he was stunned.

“You telling me that?” He asked and when she softly nodded, he turned to her completely, taking Khushi in his embrace, their faces inches apart. “Despite all that she did with us? The misunderstandings, feeding Aarav’s ears against you?”

“I know” Khushi palmed his cheek. “Now that I remember a lot about the past, I do recall how much we hated each other. She has tried to insult me between her friends many a times and I have always given her back my way. We will never get along Arnav. I don’t see that happening ever. It was only one time I genuinely felt for her and that was when I saw her with Manjith, thought she loved him and opened up the matter before the family when Shanti Jha came to break the engagement. I didn’t want Anjali to have the same fate as mine, getting tied to someone forcefully only because the family wanted so. I do understand she was afraid to bring up her one-night relationship with Manjith before all of us that day and hence she painted me wrong in front of everyone. Misunderstandings just piled up Arnav. But we all were ignorant then, not now. I was immature, not anymore. If there is anything, I could do to help us all bridge the family ties, I will. I want us all to be happy. Aarav has forgiven me for such a big sin. I think his father should forgive his sister too and mend things gradually”

Arnav kept admiring her for a while. Yes, he might forgive Anjali soon but since Khushi was so nicely helping him come out of this misery, he wanted to thank her and the best way to show that, was to make love to her. From the glimmer in his eyes, she knew exactly what he was thinking and it didn’t take a second more for Khushi to take the lead. They spent the whole night making love and thankfully their son was fast asleep in the other room, having no idea how soon his parents were going to give him another sibling.


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

The next morning, Khushi brewed some coffee for them and brought it at the living room where Arnav was busy on calls with Aman. Poor Aman, she thought. Arnav spoke to him for some minutes and disconnected after Khushi sat next to him.

“Aman’s day has not even started that his Boss wakes him up for updates” she mocked. “I would have quit if I was Aman. He has no private life. I think its because of you that he is still single”

Arnav pulled her leg on his lap and pressed it hard. She winced taking a sip of the Coffee.

“He knew what he signed for when he took up this job Sweetheart. I am planning to give him a long off once we sort Sheetal’s connection with your accident”

“Oh yes, do we have any update there?”

“We do. My detectives are going to search Sheetal’s house for proofs. This is a secret operation. I am sure we will get some clue there if she is connected”

“Good” Khushi placed her other leg on his lap now, urging him to press it too. Arnav’s brows twitched at her demand.

“You are making me work very hard these days” Arnav grinned.

“Who works hard at night?” She winked.

He was about to pull her and kiss for that statement when they heard Aarav’s voice. Their boy had woken up. Khushi put her feet down and was about to get their breakfast ready, when Arnav whispered to her.

“Secret love making is ON”

Her cheeks flushed. What was that supposed to mean?

“Now? No” she snapped trying to get off the couch but Arnav grabbed her too hard.

“This was entirely your idea, you can’t deny”

With that, he left his hold on her as Aarav reached them. Khushi watched the two talk and make plans for the day but more than that she was curious how Arnav was going to implement their secret love making in Aarav’s presence. And yes, it was she who had introduced her husband to this idea and she will now have to bear it.

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

The couple went for Skiing late morning to a nearby Ski resort. But before that, while Aarav was off for shower, the couple had utilized that time for making love again. Khushi could never complain all these little bits of time and moments she got to spend with her husband because they both had missed it equally in the last few years. At the Ski resort, Aarav watched Arnav skiing and also learnt some basic techniques from the Ski Instructor hired by them. They spent the entire day there, playing in the snow and making snowman. It was their best day so far with each other. While driving back to the Villa, when Aarav was fast asleep at the backseat, Arnav got a call from Aman with an update.

“What proofs?” he asked turning to Khushi who was equally interested to know what they spoke. “Send me those. Right away”

He dropped the call and continued driving.

“They got something?” She asked.

“My team searched her house. They scanned her personal laptop and found some bank transactions done in the account of that man”

Khushi’s jaw dropped. So far, this was just their suspicion and now they even got proofs she was the culprit.

“Now my spies are trying to check the CCTV footages of the fair where I had taken Aarav and Sheetal. To see if she was involved in Aarav’s accident too somewhere”

Anger simmered on his face.

“I can’t believe she really could go to that extent” She muttered. “How are we dealing this further?”

“That man will be arrested tonight. Aman is handing way these proofs to the Police and get him arrested. Our men have an eye on his whereabouts. He is still in Delhi, hiding in a cheap lodge whose booking is on Sheetal’s name.”

Khushi’s eyes fiercely locked on Arnav.

“What about Sheetal?”

“I am going to speak with the Embassy here. Once the accused confirms her involvement and we have Sheetal’s confession too, she will be deported back to India and the Police will arrest her at the airport”

Khushi’s heart fluttered. It was hard to imagine Arnav’s long-term employee, going to this extent to win him. Khushi saw the frustration on Arnav’s face. He had gripped the wheel hard. She placed her hand over his shoulder, giving it a gentle squeeze. It was high time they got every thorn out of their lives now and they will, Sheetal being that last thorn.

When they reached the Villa, Khushi got down and Arnav carried their son back in his room. Aarav was still fast asleep.

“We will wake him up directly for Dinner. He is exhausted” Khushi mentioned to Arnav who was busy in other thoughts.

“Stay home, I will be back soon” He said coming out.

“Where are you going?”

When he didn’t answer, Khushi knew what he had in mind.

“Arnav, its not necessary you meet her and confront. Let the Police deal with her now”

“I am not going to let her walk away in prison, without telling me why she did this”

“You know why she did this” Khushi snapped. “She wanted to take my place in your life”

“I trusted her Khushi. With work .. and Aarav.. None of us can even think she can hurt Aarav ever. I shared so much about Aarav to her. She almost knew my son in and out and yet.. yet she did all this? Why?”

His anger was palpable.

“I don’t even know how many times she has tried to hurt him. I am not letting Sheetal leave without telling me that. I have to end this once for all” He added.

Khushi didn’t debate much. If this confrontation can help him clear his mind and help him get Sheetal’s confession too, she will never stop him. But she had a better plan.

“I want to be there too, when she confesses” she said. “Please”

Arnav didn’t like the idea.

“She can be dangerous. I don’t want you or Aarav to see her ever again”

“You think I will let you see her alone when I know she is so dangerous? No Arnav. We will meet her together. Call her for Dinner tonight”

“Dinner?” he snapped. “And here?”

“Yes, here. We will put Aarav to bed soon or make him play in his room. Seeing us together, happy and in love, she will burn in jealousy. Who knows we might even get her direct confession?”

Arnav was unable to accept that idea but Khushi convinced him hard and he gave up. If Sheetal was coming here, he will make sure she leaves with the police.


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

Sheetal paced in her hotel room, feeling completely bored and out of place. It had been two days since she was here with Aarav and what was she doing? Nothing. When Arnav had requested her to bring Aarav to Auckland, she never thought he would ignore her so badly. She had hopes he would let her stay around him and she will use that opportunity to turn things in her favor. But when she met Khushi, all her plans shattered. Khushi was glowing which any woman in love would. And knowing she and Arnav had started planning a second child, burnt Sheetal’s heart. She could never imagine Arnav with any other woman. All these years, though he was out of her reach, she was still relieved that he wasn’t dating any other woman. She wanted to be that woman in his life who could give him all the happiness and get his complete focus. And she was quite close to achieve her dreams, until Khushi Gupta entered their lives again.

Her phone beeped. She checked the message which happened to be from Arnav. A smile crept on her lips as she read it. He had invited her for dinner at their Villa. It was surprising knowing Khushi didn’t like her much but right now she didn’t think too hard. She would do anything to be a part of this Dinner tonight and see Arnav again.

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

Khushi answered the doorbell, opening the door for Sheetal. She had worn a heavy long coat as it was freezing out.

“Please come” Khushi moved aside, giving her way to step in. “You can hang your coat here” she pointed to the wall beside.

Sheetal did as told and that’s when Khushi saw the red frock she was wearing. RED? Did she purposely wear Red to lure Arnav? Huh!! What a waste.

“I am sure this is Arnav’s idea, to call me for dinner. Because you don’t look very happy inviting me”

“That’s right. Totally Arnav’s idea but I had to comply. Afterall you brought our son here. And I don’t like to keep other’s favors on me for long. I return them back my way”

“Sheetal” Aarav came running to them. He was told Sheetal was going to be here tonight.

“Hey little boy” Sheetal gave him a hug and Khushi’s fingers fisted in annoyance. What a fake woman she was. “You look good. Guess what I have for you”

She showed him the chocolate bar she had brought along and handed it to Aarav. Khushi was instantly alert. She took the Chocolate from Aarav, not letting him have it.

“Mom? I want to eat it”

“Not now” Khushi declared. “And definitely not alone. After dinner, we will all eat this chocolate. Now come on, go show Sheetal the house”

“Yes”

Aarav dragged Sheetal inside and while that woman was totally disinterested, she kept looking for Arnav in the pretext of seeing the house. Khushi was about to throw the chocolate bar in the dustbin but she didn’t. If this had any ingredients which can prove she was hurting Aarav, she better keeps it as a proof. But as far as she knew Sheetal, this woman wouldn’t make such a huge mistake at this stage.

“Dad.. look Sheetal is here” Aarav exclaimed seeing Arnav coming out from the Kitchen.

“Hey” Arnav faked a smile, trying his best to hide the anger bubbling inside him.

“Hi” Sheetal heaved seeing him, her fingers grazed on her red frock in an attempt to grab Arnav’s attention but he hardly saw her anywhere apart from her face. The moment he knew her intentions, he walked to his wife and stood next to her, his arm sliding around Khushi’s waist. “Dinner’s ready sweetheart” He kissed her cheeks on purpose, very close to her lips and Sheetal burned in anger watching them from far.

“Thank you Darling. Please get your employee comfortable, while I serve”

“Uh huh” he smiled teasingly at his wife who gave him a gentle push and left for the Kitchen. “So?” he asked coming forward. “Did you see Auckland?”

“A little. Yea” she smiled. “I don’t like roaming alone” She moved to him at the Bar counter where he was making a drink for them.. “I wish .. I had someone along to spend time with me”

When he felt Sheetal closer, he stepped back and showed her the glass.

“I hope you still enjoy Wine”

She laughed taking it from him.

“You remember?”

“I remember everything very clearly now” he smirked pouring some wine for him and Khushi too.

Tonight, he was going to enjoy this moment of grilling Sheetal until she confessed all her sins.


To be Continued.

NEXT PART 

_________________________________________________________________________________

NO WEDDING BELLS 

Standalone Romance Novel 


Aryan Bohra 

They say ‘Patience is virtue’ and I have lived by that term for six long years. Not anymore. The woman who has possessed my dreams all these years, is back in town and she also happens to be my newly hired PR Manager. If there is anything in this world that I have so strongly wanted, it’s HER. 

Avni Singh 

They say ‘Coincidences mean you're on the right path’. I don’t think so. The man who has chased and stalked me six years ago is now my Boss. I wanted none of my paths to cross his and still here I am, at his Office, as his PR Manager. If there is anyone in this world whom I have so strongly ignored, it’s HIM. 

A tangled web of Love, Passion and Responsibility. 


RELEASING IN FEBRUARY 2021!!!!