ARSHI FF: Gustakh Dil... (Stubborn Heart)

CHAPTER 14: Ek thi Daayan...

ARNAV-KHUHSI’S ROOM, SHANTIVAN, DELHI - 08:30 AM





It is a normal busy morning in Raizada Mansion with everyone getting ready for the day, but scene in Arnav-Khushi’s room was different. Arnav dressed in white shirt with blue trouser and waistcoat with his hair perfectly gelled sat on recliner as he flipped through the file pages said in conversational tone: “And my answer is still No... In a very big fat ‘NO’ that too in capitals!” without looking at her as he noted down the quote on spreadsheet.





Khushi argued trying to convince him: “But Aman said that you need to attend the meeting or else you’ll lose the deal...”





Arnav simply: “I don’t care, you’re not well and I need to be with you than some stupid meeting.”





Khushi: “I’m fine now, you don’t need to baby-sit me all the time...anyways you’re not going to office since last 05 days.”






Arnav: “If I don’t babysit you than you won’t bother to take care of yourself, I know you well enough”





Khushi tried saying: “But I’m fine no--”





Arnav cut her off saying: “I don’t want to listen anything; main office nahi ja raha bas...” 





Khushi made a face looked up as if complaining to God, cribbed on: “Hey Maa Durga! Ae kamon ziddi bor diyecho amaye, kono kotha sune na amar...ki kori oke niye bolto..? Kokhon theke bolchi ami thek achi, ami thek achi, kintu na.... amar kono kotha jodi sune, nijer-e bole jaye, Laad Governor!” (Hey Maa Druga! What kind stubborn man of a husband have you given me, never listens to anything I say...what am I suppose to do with him..? I’m saying that I’m fine, I’m fine...but no, he won’t listen to anything, just keep on going about his own, Laad Governor!)   

All the while she was cribbing Arnav was admiring her cuteness as she continued complaining against him which he didn’t understand a word as she kept on blabbering in rapid Bengali looking adorable in simple cotton white blue-red printed sleeveless salwar with her long hair in loose-ponytail over her left shoulder and face free of make-up. Arnav remembered the long argument they had on her wearing salwar-kameez as she wasn’t ready wear because she was still new bride and it doesn’t look nice that she wears salwar; but Arnav has put his foot down that traditions can go to hell she would be wearing salwar-kameez because it’s more comfortable than saris, also he strictly didn’t allow her to do any household chaos. Actually he didn’t even let her put a foot on ground or left a glass of water, much to Khushi’s annoyance yet at the same time she couldn’t stop falling more in love with him.

Khushi's Salwar

Khushi turned her face to look at Arnav watching her with amused eyes and she walked up to him, sat on his lap garlanding her arms around his neck and his on its own accord wrapped around her waist as she try make him understand: “Jaanu, Aman said it’s an important deal and you guy are working on it since last 08 months which I don’t want to get wasted because of me... Please maan jao na office jane ke liye... Please for me...” giving her best puppy-dog eyes which always scrubs him to her wish.





Arnav signed knowing that he can’t win against her so with a sign he said: “Fine I’m going to office; you just won’t let it go...” making Khushi jump in joy and kiss him on his lips sweetly, pull back with a bright smile as she jumped off his lap doing a happy dance. He could simply chuckle at her crazy antics shaking his head as he called out, “Koyel...” making her stop and turn towards him as he continued, “I’ll agree to go office but I’ve a condition...”

Khushi mutters in low voice: “Typical ASR does everything with terms and condition applied, humph Laad Governor” twisting her lips cutely, the Great ASR definitely heard her comment and his eyes twinkled with amusement but didn’t counter back as she asked out loudly, “What?”







Arnav: “You’ll have to come to office with lunch today and no excuses...agreed?”








Khushi pretended to think for a moment or two and said with mock-seriousness: “Okay, I can make out some time for you from my busy schedule...” then she broke into pearls of laughter followed by Arnav who got up and hugged her tight, kissing the top of her head affectionately as he tucked her face under his chin while she just snuggled closer to him feeling loved.















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The whole Raizada House in-mates except Arnav-Khushi at breakfast table, Payal was serving her Grandmother-in-law, her Mother-in-law and Father-in-law paratha and aloo sabzi, HP served Lavanya her fruit salad, NK paratha-sabzi also to Akash who wanted his newly-wedded wife to serve him but couldn’t word as he silently watched her serving his mother. Anjali served Shyam who gave her an over-sugary smile than made a plate for her own. The table was full of casual chattering among everyone, when their eyes fell on Arnav ascending stairs fully dressed in blue suit with white button-down shirt, his hair perfectly styled and holding his laptop bag in one hand while his other hand wrapped around Khushi’s shoulder as they both made way to breakfast table greeted everyone with polite ‘Good Morning’ taking their respective seats.





Nani asked curiously: “Chotte are you going office..?”




Arnav replied: “Ji Nani, there is important meeting today can’t be avoided though I didn’t want to go but Mishti is insisting...” he passed a smile to Khushi who put the toast on his plate and he picked it up, took a bite of it. 








Everyone present were not surprised by Arnav’s statement that Khushi asked him something and he religiously bends in front of her, but what surprised them that he agreed to go office today as he hadn’t let Khushi out of sight for a moment in last 05 days since she got fever. Ever since Arnav married Khushi he has turned into all together different person for them who is giving them one after other shocking surprise. First Arnav’s open display of affection towards Khushi, than he didn’t go office for taking care of Khushi that too taking not only a day off but whole 05 days; the man who never took even a half-day off for anyone, not even if his dearest Di got sick. He would call 50 times to check on her but never take a day off staying at home, took 05 days off for taking care of his wife and now also not yet willing to go office only after Khushi insistence he agreed. They all had seen in disbelieve how Arnav has taken care of Khushi in her sickness, always hovering around her like mother-hen, not letting her do anything not even put a feet on ground...carrying her around in his arms, feeding her with his own hand, even twice or thrice they had witnessed him making Khushi’s hair. They have never seen Arnav pampering someone so much, true he pampered his Di by fulfilling her every need but seeing the way he was now treating Khushi like some precious glass doll and taking care with so much love, everything failed in front of that, also they all have observed that they have never seen Arnav this happy that he is ever since he married.  










These new changes in him has gotten different reactions from the residents of Shantivaan, where Nani felt as if a burden is taken off her shoulder seeing her elder grandson truly happy for once with no pretense and though she hadn’t said out loud that she had forgiven Arnav-Khushi, but in hearts of her heart she had forgiven and blessed them seeing how happy Khushi made her grandson. Other hand Mamaji was also happy seeing Arnav so happy, he had seen how much the boy faced and silently struggled with his demons...it was after Khushi’s arrival did happiness did truly knock in his life and he silently prayed God to always keep the lovely couple happy, Manorama Mami simply fanned herself with usual ‘Hello Hi Bye-bye’ but never said anything to Khushi knowing her Arnav Bitwa would not leave anyone who disrespects his wife rather concentrate on dominating her Daughter-In-Law so she won’t snatch her son from her and was happy that till now it’s all just the way she wants. 










Anjali was burning in anger seeing her Chotte on toes after Khushi, while hardly asked about her once and this was not going well with her, she isn’t use to Arnav’s ignorance, he should run after her not that middle-class chit of a girl. But she just gulped her anger for now knowing she would strike at right time throwing that girl out of Arnav’s life. Shyam was irked seeing Arnav-Khushi’s closeness but was silent as he was indirectly going to strike through Anjali and after that Khushi would be his till than he would wait. In the line of being jealous was Lavanya, Payal and Akash for different reasons of their own; one side where Lavanya was jealous of all attention Khushi from ASR, she couldn’t get 0.01% from him in their 02 years relationship no matter what she did. On the other hand Payal was jealous of Khushi getting so much love from her husband openly while she hardly get anytime from her husband which made her look at Akash longingly and so was Akash, he too wanted to spend time with his newly wedded wife but if only his over-meddling family lets him and seeing Arnav’s PDA at times made him wish if he too had eloped. But and then he wasn’t as brave as his Bhai, so instead ate the paratha which was more promising right now than his love life. NK was also happy seeing his cousin happy and was trying to get over his first heartbreak, so he was busy these days looking for a good job to distract his mind. 








So as everyone finished their breakfast started getting up one-by-one; Nani went to her room, Mamaji left for office, Maamiji got up and went to her room to get ready for afternoon kitty-party with Payal on her toes behind her while Akash kept glancing longingly at his wife going after his Maate before he left for office, NK went to get ready as he had an interview today and Lavanya also left for office finishing her fruit salad but not before giving an angry glare at Arnav-Khushi which both didn’t see as being busy in their love-dovey moment. Shyam finishing his food went to his room followed by Anjali who was to help him pack as he was going out of town for two days for some case the next day.








So at last it was only Arnav and Khushi left at the dinner table, they took finished up quickly and got up. Arnav picked up his laptop bag and made way to main door followed by Khushi came behind him to see him off, walking out to the main door he pulled her to his hard chest taking her soft pink lips in passionate kiss which she returned with equal favour wrapping her arms around his neck. Arnav pulled back from their long kiss and his forehead on hers as they both gasped breathless staring in each other’s eyes which was shining with love and a cute smile graced both their lips. 








Arnav asked in a breathless husky voice: “You sure want me to go..? I can stay if you want...”





Khushi pushed him lightly pulling apart with a smile replied: “Yes, it’s important for you to go office and don’t worry I’m fine now.”






Arnav concerned: “Are you sure..?”






Khushi: “Haan baba, now go I’ll come to office with your lunch and we’ll have lunch together”





Arnav smiled at that said: “Can’t wait for that and I’m gonna miss you Mishti...” cutely pouting at the thought of being away from her even if it was for mere few hours, as he gotten too used to around her all the time in last 05 days that he was loving a lot.








Khushi smiled seeing his pout said: “I’ll miss you too my Baby.” pecked his lips and then motioned him to go.









Arnav knew he has to leave now or else he will get late, so reluctantly he kissed her forehead and moving walked down the porch steps got into his SUV and looked at Khushi who waved him smiling and blew him kisses making him smile as he started the engine and zoomed out of the gates with a smile playing on his lips but already missing his Mishti wife, sometimes it really makes him wonder that how much in such a short time he has gotten attached to his wife. Khushi also went inside with a shy smile in her lips wondering what to make in lunch for her dearest husband; she was so used to be round him these days that she already started to miss him. What Khushi actually missed to see were two pairs of eyes watching her, one with anger and another with jealousy. 













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RAIZADA MANSION, 12:50 PM






Khushi finished preparing her hubby’s favorite Italian cheesy white-sauce mushroom pasta, soft ginger-garlic bread and sugar-free chocolate mousse with raspberry in desert which she very lovingly packed in Tiffin-box to take office for lunch. She also supervised HP in making the regular lunch for family members, not forgetting her duties as elder daughter-in-law of the house in giving attention to her husband. 







Khushi wiped her hands on the kitchen-towel than turned to HP said: “HPji can you please pack the salad and keep it in the basket. Also ask Mohanji to take the car out and keep he bags in car, I’ll just change and then take the lunch office for Arnav...”

HP nodded: “Ji Badi Bhabhi” getting into doing what he was asked to and Khushi smilingly left from kitchen to go to her room as to freshen up and change.








Khushi reaching her room locked the door and went to washroom for a quick shower as she came out 15 mins later in a fluffy bathrobe, padded in walk-in-wardrobe with silent feet as she stood in front of her large rack full of cloths wondering what to wear because she was going to AR Designs for the first time after marriage as ASR’s wife and wanted to look like that. So finally after 05 mins she settled to wearing a royal-blue net sari with pink-gold border with golden sleeveless blouse and accessories she wore with the sari was a blue pearl and diamonds necklace with matching earrings and her hands were adorned with her churda and bangles of her Mother-In-Law. She left her long curly chestnut wavy hair open, taking over her left shoulder knowing Arnav loved her open hair and gave the finishing touches with wearing her Mangalsutra, filling her maang with sindoor and put on light-peach lip-gloss. Giving herself a final check in the mirror she picked her little matching blue purse which had money, her credit-cards and her phone, she quickly left see the time informing Nani that she is going office with Arnav’s lunch who simply nodded in acknowledgement but didn’t say anything and Khushi too left in hurry so as to not get late.

Khushi's Saree and look

*****














AR DESIGNS, DELHI, 01:47 PM







The black Audi entered the premises of AR Designs and opening the door got down from the car was Mrs. Khushi Singh Raizada as the watchmen stared at her open mouth but closed their mouth shut smiling back at her who greeted them with a sweet smile. Taking the lunch-basket with her she walked inside the building as the watchman held the door open for her for which she thanked him smiling sweetly. As soon as Khushi walked inside the building the whole staff went statue seeing her which made her smile politely though her eyes were dancing with amusement because she knew all were surprised with seeing her here again as it’s one thing to hear about their strict boss getting married and a whole lot of another thing to see the evidence of it with own eyes, not to forget her new style which is so different from the Chamkeli Lucknowie Khushi Kumari Gupta they had seen compared to this elegant sophisticated Mrs. Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada.








Smiling sweetly Khushi greeted everyone with polite ‘Hello everyone’ which made them come out of their stumped state and all greeted her with pleasant ‘Good afternoon ma’am’. Khushi politely asked them not to address her as ma’am because it was too awkward for her which made all smile knowing that she is still the same down-to-earth person they had known even after marrying the mighty ASR. Khushi walked through the aisle making way to Arnav’s office returning polite smiles to the employees who greeted her. 









Khushi climbed up the steps leading to Arnav’s cabin and she first saw Neha, ASR’S Personal Secretary working in her desk as she smilingly walked up to her greeting with: “Hi Neha...” making the young women look up.





Neha was bit surprised to see Khushi and her new avatar but nonetheless greeted her back with sweet smile: “Hello Khushi ma’am”






Khushi simply with smile said: “Please don’t call me ma’am, it’s awkward and besides we were good friends when I use to work here. So call me Khushi like usual.”






Neha smiled replying: “Okay fine”





Khushi inquired: “By the way your boss is in his cabin now..?”






Neha: “Yeah, you’re here with lunch for him?” seeing the lunch-basket in her hand.









Khushi replied with shy smile: “Yes...”







Neha smiled back at Khushi and motioned her to proceed to Arnav’s cabin as giving Neha another smile Khushi went while Neha got engrossed in her work again.







Khushi was walking down the corridor leading to Arnav’s cabin with sweet smile playing her lips but somebody calling her from behind made her stop and turn around to see Pam and Sim walking towards her. She smiled at them greeting them politely: “Hello...” 






Pam and Sim stood in front of Khushi with predatory smile which made Khushi uncomfortable said: “Hi Chamkeli.”






Pam: “Wow Chamkeli, new style...” looking at her from head to toe as she was some showpiece at exhibition.





Sim said: “Why not Pam, after all she is Mrs. ASR now... By the way Chamkeli, good going you finally succeeded in trapping ASR and become Mrs. ASR, you had charmed everyone so well that no one saw that coming from you...”





Khushi didn’t reply anything didn’t say anything knowing well that these two are Lavanya’s minions while taking her silence the two wicked witches continued as Sim asked: “You’re here with lunch for ASR..?” pointing towards the lunch basket in her hand.





Khushi simply nodded, her face not giving away much as to what was in her mind and Pam said: “Well Chamkeli, if I were you I wouldn’t be going to ASR’s cabin now...”








This statement made Khushi frown in confusion not understanding where was this conversation heading towards as taking the opportunity Sim added: “Yeah I would say the same, don’t go there now Chamkeli....who knows what you might see...”








Khushi confused: “Huh?”





Pam: “You wouldn’t want to know that my dear...”








Sim: “Yeah better you remain unaware of it...”






Khushi replied: “Okay I had enough of your riddle talks, I’m getting late so if you’ll excuse me...” not bothering about the talks of the two minions she turned around and walked to her husband’s cabin.








Khushi was near the cabin now able to see inside the glass cabin and her steps halted witnessing the scene inside the cabin as tears pooled in her eyes. There the scene inside in front of her was Lavanya stood very close to Arnav with her arms on his shoulders while he had his arms wrapped around her waist with both looking in each other’s eyes, the scene from outside looked very compromising and intimate.








Standing on either side of Khushi stood the two wicked witches, Pam said: “See this was what we tried to warn you about...” with mock sympathy.





Sim continued the sentence: “....but you didn’t listen to use. Sad Chamkeli, here you thought ASR loves you but seems like he is using you.” clearly fake sympathy to mock her.





Pam: “Yeah, he is two-timing on you. I understand what you might be feeling right now, like totally shattered.”





Sim: “Like totally...very sad Chamkeli”





Pam: “But you know what Chamkeli, if I were you, I would have left such a man, no matter how rich he is...”





Sim: “Yean, I mean if he is betraying you just after few days of marriage, imagine a lifetime...full of betrayals. I agree with Pam’s advice you deserve better than a cheating two-timer...”








Not being able to take the scene in front of her or the mocking sympathetic taunts of both the women, Khushi stumbled back a few steps with tears started to flow from her eyes and turned around hurriedly running away from there...from the scene, from the people, from everything wiping the tears furiously which were cascading down her eyes. 

Watching Khushi’s retreating back both the women hi-5ed as Pam said gloating with success: “Mission accomplished!”






Sim: “Yeah so right, poor Chamkeli...” with a cunning smile on face





Pam with mock sympathy: “Chu chu chu poor poor innocent Chamkeli...” as both of them broke into wicked laugh knowing now Khushi would be out of ASR’s life forever for good.













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A/N: Hi people, I know I'm very late with update but what could I do, my Dad just keeps hogging the laptop to himself and doesn't give enough time to sit and do anything. Anyways here is the update, will update other stories soon too... till then enjoy this.