CHAPTER 17: Take me home...
Hearing the husky voice Khushi looked up startled with her tired eyes which were now red and swollen from all the crying. She stared at Arnav disoriented trying to comprehend if he is real or not while Arnav stared back at her, taking in her sight and assuring his heart that he has finally found. As the initial panic and fears subsided, replacing it with anger and he strode towards her pulled her off the bench forcefully by her elbow bringing her crushing her to his form. He started shouting at her: “Tum aise kaise bina bataye yahan aa sakti ho..? How dare you do something like this..?! Do you’ve any idea how worried I was for you..? You left office crying, without seeing me and just bloody ran off!! You were not picking your phone, you just send driver back and leave just like that... I’ve been searching you like mad in whole Delhi, and you were here... hiding away, at this god damn deserted place! Have you seen the time..? It is bloody eight-thirty o’clock and you are here in this place, all alone... what if something happened to you..?”
All Khushi saw behind those anger and shouts was his concern for her which made her eyes fills with tears knowing how worried she made him. She had been so miserable and lost in her thoughts that she had been failed to notice how late it had been, she could clearly see his worries and this made her guiltier for making him worried-sick. Everything started taking toll on her and not being able to take anymore she sorted her refugee in his arms, breaking into sobs as she spoke in-between: “I’m sorry *sobs* I’m so so sorry *sniff sniff* I’m sorry for everything... I’m so sorry for making you so worried today *sobs sobs* I’m sorry for hurting you... I’m sorry for forcing myself on you... coming in-between you and your love...” all this time Arnav was trying to make sense of what she was saying and as her next words came made him freeze, “But now I’ll make everything right... I won’t be standing in-between you and Lavanya, I’ll leave forever and you can be with her. It would be as if I never happened...” as she bit her lower lips hard to stop herself from breaking into wailing cries.
Her blabbering weren’t making sense to him but the thought of her vanishing from his life as if she never happened scared him to death. So he pulled her making her lift her face to his and then slammed his lips on her, kissing her hard. His action momentarily stunned her but then the way his lips moved on hers made her get swept on his passion. Arnav poured his every emotion in that kiss, he bit her lips hard making blood ooze as punishment and then passionate sucked her lips, soothing her pain with all his love for her. He had his one hand around her waist while other hand was laced in her hair as her glued her so close to him that not even air could pass between them. And Khushi had her fingers tugging his hair as she reciprocated him with equal passion as they were having a real steaming-hot making out session.
After what seemed eternity did they reluctantly broke up with much need of breath and panting hard they stared at each other’s face. Arnav pushed the lock of hair behind her ear as he cupped her face said: “Shut up okay! I don’t know from where did you get such nonsensical ideas but I know one thing. That is I loved only one girl in my entire life with whom I want to spend my life and I’m holding in my arms right now, my one and only wife, Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada... nothing more and nothing less. By the way who told you that you’ve force yourself upon me..? Maine hath thama hai tumhara, zindigi bhar saath nibhane ke liye... yun beech mein akele chord ne ke liye nahin. But if you still leave me toh main mar--” and she quickly put a hand on his lips to stop him saying something like this, shaking her head in ‘No’ for ever to utter such words as tears rolled down her eyes which he softly wiped off. (Shut up okay! I don’t know from where did you get such nonsensical ideas but I know one thing... That is I loved only one girl in my entire life with whom I want to spend my life and I’m holding in my arms right now, my one and only wife, Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada... nothing more and nothing less. And who told you that you’ve force yourself upon me..? I had held your hand, to be there for you for whole life... not to leave you in middle just like that. But if you still leave me than I’ll di--)
Arnav pulled Khushi in his arms and she hid her face in chest crying, constantly kept wiping her tears on his coat covered-chest and he rubbed her back in comforting gesture. Then he pulled them both to sit on the bench as he cooed in her ear softly: “Hush, bas ab... hogaya, Koyel stop crying. You know I can’t handle your tears, Baby-jaan.” as he felt her calming down and as she sniffed hiccuping a little and he continued, “But I’ve something important to talk to you...” which made her raise her face from his chest to look at his somber face waiting as he said, “Don’t you’ve anything to tell me..?”
She looked at him confused questions: “About what happened in office..?”
He shakes his head replied: “No, that we’ve to discuss that eventually anyway... but I’m talking about something else which I think you should’ve told earlier...”
Khushi still confused: “I still don’t get it... What..?”
Arnav put his on hand in his coat pocket and pulled out the mafia seeing which her eyes widened as he brought in front of her face asking: “Does this help in remembering anything..?”
She stammered: “Whe- Where did you get that..?”
Raising a brow at her he said: “That’s not the reply I wanted...” Khushi lowered her eyes her head bowed down guiltily and he put a finger under her chin making her look up as he spoke, “I found it in your wardrobe when I was looking for something that might give me a clue about where you might have been. Now I expect if something like this happens you yourself come to me with it, I don’t want to accidentally stumble upon things like this...”
She felt even guiltier whispered lowly: “I’m sorry...” sniffing some more.
Arnav signed and explained on her his reasons: “Koyel, hush I don’t want to scold you or something... Mishti I just don’t want anything to create rift between us. And miscommunication or lack of communication are one of the main and major reasons for couples to fall out, no matter how in-love they are. I love you so much Baby, I know you love me too and I don’t want us to fall out because of anyone or anything else between us...” seeing that she understood him, he continued asking, “Is this why you got fever last week..?”
Khushi nodded as replied softly: “Yes, I got it in afternoon that day when I was going to room to get ready...”
He asked further: “And you believed what the sender said which is why you never told me and what you saw today confirmed you that I’m cheating on you, which is why you ran off..?”
She hurried shook her head in denial answered: “No I can never doubt you... I know how loyal you’re in your every relationship, so I can never doubt that. I never doubt you when I got neither the envelope that day nor today when I saw Lavanyaji in your arms. After finding the content of the envelope, I tried calling you but you were busy and I cried a lot... no lies on that and then I fainted after which when I came conscious you were there. The whole thing flew out of my mind and I decided I didn’t want to upset you with this, so I just simply ignored the whole thing because I know whatever that letter said about you was nonsense. But today when I saw Lavanyaji in your arms in your cabin... I couldn’t ignore it anymore; at least not that one thing in that letter which had struck me and that was you might actually be in-love with Lavanyaji. I felt that maybe you love you Lavanyaji and you had to leave her because of me and you’re compromising with yourself for my sake which I can’t let happen ever.”
Arnav didn’t know if he should be happy that she trusts him so much to believe that he would never cheat her or bang his head at her stupid thought that marrying her is a compromise, didn’t she know that he never wanted to marry or fall in love with anyone before she happened to him. He then put forward his view as he softly explained her: “Thank you so much for putting faith in me and trust me I’ll try my best to not to fail you ever, though I would’ve appreciated it more if you had simply come and talked to me about it...” she was about to say something in protest but he didn’t let her by continuing himself, “Please let me finish first and just listen to me without saying anything in-between.”
Making Khushi pout as he smile at her antic and pecked her lips not being able to resist her adorable pout which made her shy, then getting serious he continued speaking his mind: “Koyel, I never talked much about my parents to you right..?”
She curiously look at him nodded replying: "Not really that much, you did made fleeting mentions of your parents but never really said much about them." not quite understanding were this whole conversation was heading.
Arnav with an indulgence look further spoke: “My name wasn’t Arnav Singh Raizada until 13 years ago, my name was Arnav Malik, son of Mr. Amar Malik and Mrs. Ratna Amar Malik. Malik’s were quite renowned rich family in Lucknow... Sheesh Mahal was childhood home.” he was looking up at the night sky as his mind reeled back to his past, “Dad had textile business, we were well-to-do and happy family, Mom, Dad, Di, me, Dadi, Chacha-Chachi and their kids... my parents loved each other a lot. You would be shocked to know that I was quite a prankster in my childhood days and I was very much pampered boy especially by Dad and Dadi, I loved my family and though everyone thought I’m a Mumma’s boy... which I was sort of but I adored Dad more. The way he loved Mom, I used to wish as a little kid that when I grow up I too find someone and love someone like Dad does, I wanted the love my parents had. But being rich and successful had its drawbacks; you make more enemies than well-wishers...especially if they’re hiding behind the mask of being your well-wisher. Dad had to travel a lot for business and there people who were jealous they use to make all sorts of rumor-gossips, just to create nuisance in happy lives of others and so there were false rumors about my Dad like he had affairs or his female staff or client if seen talking to them or if he took any female assistant with him to any business trip. Most part when Dad use to hear those he made it clear stating he is a happily married man who loves his wife but not all did got to his ears or he cleared... he simply learned to ignore such rumor not wanting to add anything. My Mom too use to hear them but she never told anything about to Dad or shared her thoughts, she just kept it to herself... if Dad himself told her clarifying then the topic was brought briefly but it was never discussed openly nor Mom herself initiated it ever to talk, so he too never thought much knowing his wife knows him well enough to trust him. I guess Dad never realized that somewhere insecurities had started growing inside Mom and one day it happened, I was 14 that time and it was Di wedding that day. The whole house was decorated like palace, there were so many guests and I was having so much fun, teasing Di and seeing her smile with blush on her face. Dad was also so happy that his daughter was getting married and Mom too... but it all changed when he went to his study room to get something and Mom was seeing the guests at that time a lady entered the hall creating a ruckus claiming that she had an affair with my Dad. Also she said that she is pregnant with his child whom he wasn’t ready to accept now and as proof she showed some photographs of her with Dad... that created a lot of whispering in that hall and Mom ran off inside which no one noticed but I did. I followed her and saw her entering Dad’s study where she was going hysterics shouting at him for cheating her and he tried to explain, calming her down but she was nowhere to listen. Then suddenly she picked up Dad’s hunting gun and shot herself, it all happened in spur of moment, so fast that I could only just stand there watching it happen in front of me. That noise did get everyone come run to see what happen and all saw the scene of my Mom in pool of blood with gun on her side and my Dad crying holding her. Nothing could be done, she had already died and the house which was brightened up for wedding celebration had changed into funeral house... the wedding was called-off of course as the groom’s side said they didn’t want such girl whose Dad is such a scoundrel. Then Mom’s funeral preparation was going on and Dad who had gone silent after that first break down over holding my Mom’s dead body was nowhere seen. All started to search for him and he was finally found in his study room, sitting on his chair, the same hunter gun with which Mom had shot herself lying on the floor as he was dead shooting himself with gun. There was a letter on the table with an white envelope... he had written on the suicide note addressing me that he was sorry for opting suicide leaving us behind but he couldn’t live without mom. The white envelope had proves that the allegations on him were false; he is clearing his name not because for himself... but because if he can’t live without his wife than can’t die peacefully knowing his children suffering, hence he is proved his innocence. It were some of Dad’s business rivals who did this to ruin Dad’s reputation in market and with those I asked Mamaji to do the first thing was clear Dad’s name and get the people punished responsible which he did... within 02 hours they were all behind bars. After the funeral of my parents were over and all the relatives left, did me and Di got to see the face of the backstabber in our house. My Chacha had wrongly taken over the whole property and had thrown us out, locking Dadi in her room... it was Mamaji and Nani took us in when Di and I somehow managed to reach their Lucknow home in middle of the night with heavy rain. They kept us with them but 05 days later in middle of the night, someone knocked on the door, it was Dadi who seemed injured and fainted on the doorstep... after that doctor was called and she was treated. When Dadi came in her senses, she told us that Chachaji along with few of Dad’s business rivals were planning to kill me and Di to remove us from his way permanently... she had somehow managed to escape hearing this to warn us. Dadi requested Nani that she legally adopts me and Di, changing our name from ‘Malik’ to ‘Raizada’ and just leave Lucknow forever taking us somewhere far enough. That was how Arnav Singh Raizada was born from Arnav Malik. I also got to know that my Chachaji was the mastermind behind the whole fiasco happened with my Dad, that too only for property did I decide to take revenge from him. His destruction became my mission and that was how the ruthless, cold, heartless ASR has raised. That whole incident changed my life with matter of few days, from a happy-go-lucky child I became a grownup who very well knew how cruel can the world be...”
Arnav’s eyes had turned red and tears rolled down his eyes which he didn’t bother to wipe and Khushi’s heart clenched seeing him so vulnerable and hurt already crying for what her Arnav had to face at such young age. No wonder he has turned to detached and aloof from everyone and had trust-issues... who wouldn’t after facing so much, she thought. He faced her as shook his head asking her not to cry, he concluded saying: “I’m not telling you all this because I wanna make you sad, or sympathize me or something. I’m telling you this because I wanna explain you that what miscommunication or misunderstanding can do... I had first-hand witnessed it myself and I don’t want us to end like how my parents did. They loved each other a lot, they were very happy and just one topic they never openly talked about led to such a disaster which could have been easily prevented if only they had talked then letting the situation getting best out of them.”
Khushi nodded in agreement understanding his point said: “I understand and I promise from now I would never keep anything from you... If I ever want to know something, I would come and ask you before believe anything or anyone blindly.”
He smiled on relief replied her: “Glad to know that, just remember Mishti... this relationship of ours, sirf humara relation hai, humne banaya hai toh phir koi teesra kaun hota hai beech mein aane wale..? We’re not only bounded by marriage to each other, but love and trust also binds us together and when all of this is solely ours, why let a third person or thing come in-between us. Don’t ever let anyone or anything come in-between us, not even the air. Always remember that I never loved anyone else before you... whatever relationship or link-ups are there about be before where almost all rumour and two or three dates I had gone with one or two girl were due to constant pestering from Di which always ended with being no more than friends... I’ve never ever touched any other woman in my life expect you, Biwi. And I don’t care who was what for me before our marriage but now no one is more important or close to me than you. You hold the lifeline in your hands; it’s up to you how’ll you keep it...”
Overwhelmed by all what he told her, realizing how much he loves her and how in her own foolishness did she not only hurt them both but also was going to make the biggest blunder in her life. She just simply hugged him tight promising herself never to do something as stupid as today she did or was going to do, she had learned her lesson. Khushi softly says: “I promise Arnav hum kabhi kisko humare beech nahi aane denge, hawa ko bhi nahi.” (I promise Arnav I won’t let anyone come in-between us, not even air.)
Arnav smiled holding her close to himself, smiled feeling light after sharing his past with her, he knew she finally understood and from now she would fight for their relation harder, not letting anything come in-between them.
Their moment was broken by Arnav’s phone buzzing in his pocket making them pull apart and Arnav quickly pulled it out of his pocket and saw the caller id showing ‘Aman calling’. So quickly answering the phone he said: “Hello Aman...”
Aman from other side inquired: “ASR what happened... did you find Bhabhi..?”
Arnav: “Yeah, Aman I found her in the park behind big Mahadev’s mandir. So just call off the search party and please inform them...”
Aman signed in relief: “Thank God, I’ll just inform them and have you talked to her yet, clearing the matter..?”
Arnav: “Yeah I sorted it out, don’t worry... I’m taking her home now, so will you be coming or I’ll be seeing you tomorrow..?”
Aman: “No I’m coming to meet Bhabhi at RM now. And by the way that thing you asked me confirm is done and it’s confirmed about the 03 being involved. So now..?”
Arnav felt his temper spike but not wanting Khushi to know he controlled and carefully replied knowing if she knew than she would ask him not to do it and he’ll give in to her wish like always: “Just do what I told you, give the two letters and I’ll handle the other one myself.”
Aman simply agreed: “Okay as you say Chief.”
Arnav: “Okay than, see you later.” ending the call turned to Khushi said, “Come on, and let’s go home now...” and holding her hand they both got up from the bench. It was then Arnav noticed carefully that she was wearing a royal-blue sari with pink-golden border, looking downright ravishing and she felt his heated gaze on her which made her turn pink with shyness. He cupped her cheek said, “You look so beautiful in sari... bilkul, what do you say in Hindi... yeah apsara jise lag rahi ho.” (You look so beautiful in sari... totally, what you say in Hindi... yeah you look like an enchantress.)
Khushi lowered her eyes with a shy smile on her lips and to change the topic asked: “Arnav you were saying that you have your Dadi, so where is she..?”
Arnav teased her before answering: “Nice way of diverting my attention...” she swats him lightly on chest lightly making him laugh a little and then continue, “Dadi lives in Ashram in Lucknow... I had asked her plenty of times to come and stay with us but she wants to stay there. She visits us once a while and sometimes even I go visiting her but mostly she comes here in Delhi, knowing my dislike re-visiting that city.”
She nodded in understanding and then questioned doubtfully: “Will she like me? She would also be angry with us knowing they way we got married... especially with me, god only knows what she’ll think of me...”
He smiled at her saying: “Don’t worry, she’ll definitely like you... yeah she’ll be little angry knowing but trust me, it is easier to melt her than rest of the family. And then I’m sure you’ll be her favorite.” making her smile too.
With that they both walked out of the park, hand-in-hand and smiling at each other. Arnav opened the car door for her and helped her in settling, then walked around quickly got around sat in driver’s seat. Giving her a smile started the engine and then drove off, both now happy souls.
............................
AR DESIGN, DELHI, 09:25 PM
Pam and Sim walked inside empty office wondering why they were called to office so late, as they walked to Aman’s cabin and knocked on the door. From inside came reply: “Come in.”
Pam pushed the door open and walked in along with Sim, asked: “Aman sir, you called us..?”
Aman looked up from the file which he was reading while waiting for them, quickly closing it he picked up the two letters and handed them saying: “These are for you, please read it out...”
Pam and Sim opened them quickly, after reading it their jaws dropped and looked up questioningly at Aman. He simply spoke in formal way: “You two are being terminated, so your services are no longer required in this office.”
Sim pleading: “Sir, please don’t fire us...”
Pam: “Yeah what did we do to get fired..?”
Aman: “You guys really want me to spell the reason to you... Did you guys really think that you can get away with it..?"
Both the girls were looking at him fearfully and Sim asked: “What do you mean by that sir?”
Aman: “Fine if you want me to say it, you both have being under invigilation as it had been brought to our notice that you two have been interfering in other employees work rather than your own. And especially what you guys did today with Khushi Bhabhi was the last straw, hence your termination letters.”
Sim tried saying: “Sir we didn’t do anything, you are mistaking somewhere...”
Aman shook his head at their pathetic attempts: “Now you really think that ASR would take any action without evidence..? You made a very big mistake of thinking that you can get away so easily with it, you dared to mess with ASR’s family... especially his wife and he won’t simply let you get away with it. And don’t worry, not only you but the other member in your plans would also get her piece of reward she deserves.” motioning them to leave.
Sim and Pam pleaded but none were paid any heed, so knowing they were fired for good, so with dull faces they decided to leave while cursing their bad luck for agreeing to such plans... now they won’t be employed anywhere. Aman saw them leave and then quickly wrapped up his ting and grabbed his car keys dashed out, wanting to meet his Bhabhi and give her a piece of mind for making them so worried-sick.
..................................
RAIZADA MANSION, 09:48 PM
Arnav’s car came to halt at the drive way of RM and he quickly got down, ran other opening the door of Khushi’s side he held hand for her. She shyly looked at his hand and held it with a shy smile on her lips which just made him admire her more. Stepping down, she was pulled making her crash on his chest as she held his shoulder to balance herself which he wrapped his arm around her waist looking at her with bedroom eyes. He slowly lowered his face towards her lips and shyly she turned other side last minute making his lips land on her cheek instead of lips. Giving her a long lingering kiss on her cheek, he watched it change color from peach-cream to bright red like litmus paper which made him smirk.
Khushi shyly said trying break free from his strong hold: “Come let’s go inside...”
Arnav instead of letting her go quickly picked her up in his arms making her shriek at the suddenness of the action. She immediately started wiggling trying to get down saying: “Arnav put me down!”
Arnav only tightened his hold and said: “Stop swimming in the air, Koyel... I’m not letting you down.”
Khushi protested: “You’re not taking me inside like this are you..?” and knowing his intentions she whined, “Arnav no please, sab kya sochenge ander..?” (Arnav no please, what would everyone inside think..?)
Arnav’s pat reply was: “Who care, you’re my wife...”
Not having anything to argue with that she hid her red face in his chest making him smile at her cuteness, however they stopped in mid of climbing porch stairs and turned around to look at the car which entered the drive way. As the car came to halt and immediately jumped off was Aman and he came running to them seeing Arnav-Khushi on porch stairs.
Aman hurried asked: “Bhabhi, you’re okay, right?"
Khushi smilingly replied: “I’m fine Devarji.”
Aman signed in relief and then started scolding her: “Bhabhi what you did today was very wrong... you shouldn’t have run away like that. You didn’t even say anything to me; I thought you considered me your Devar... but you don’t because if you did then you would’ve shared with me. Do you have any idea how worried we were..?” clearly showing that her behavior upset him.
Khushi tried saying: “Nahi nahi Devarji, it’s not like that...”
But Aman wasn’t in mood to melt so soon: “Yeah right, then what was it like..?” saying sarcastically.
Arnav was admiring the Bhabhi-Devar relationship between Khushi-Aman, he is very grateful to Aman that for being there with them. Aman has very nicely never let Khushi feel the emptiness or bad about lack of family acceptance who haven’t yet giving her the rights she deserves as his wife and elder bahu of the house.
Khushi pleadingly look at him to make Aman stop scolding her and smiling at her, he looked at Aman said: “Okay enough Aman, I guess she had enough of scolding for today...”
Aman frowned but seeing Khushi’s baby-face and Arnav’s look of ‘Let-it-go’, he nodded and then took note of Khushi in Arnav’s arms which made him grin mischievously: “Oh ho Bhabhi in ASR’s arms... how romantic!” wiggling his eyebrows funnily.
Khushi shied and tried to get down in vain as Arnav tightened his hold and smirked proudly said: “I’ve all rights to...” as if holding some trophy.
Aman hooted cheering and Khushi turned red, hid her face in Arnav’s chest who laughed heartily. The three of them then made way to main door with Khushi turning red and Aman-Arnav laughing at her expense. Aman rang the doorbell which was opened by HP and he moved aside to let them walk in and closed the door, went back to his work.
In living room were Nani, Mami, Lavanya and Anjali sat chatting though Anjali and Lavanya had eyes on the door waiting for Arnav’s arrival saw him entering with blushing Khushi in arms and along Aman, laughing. The trio had all the eyes turned to them as Arnav walked in with Khushi made her sit on one couch and bend on his knees in front of her, holding her hand asked: “Tum theek ho na Mishti..?” (You’re okay Mishti..?)
Khushi smiled at him sweetly replied: “Hum theek hai Arnav, don’t worry...” (I’m fine Arnav, don’t worry...)
Arnav concernedly: “Are you sure?”
Khushi cupped his cheek saying: “Haan baba, sachi... I’m fine. Okay now let me get up and freshen-up I’ll cheek on the dinner arrangements.” and got up as Arnav turned to sit beside Aman on the coach watched Khushi walked to kitchen.
Nani curiously asked: “Chotte, kaha se aa rahe hai aap log..?” (Chotte, where are you all coming from..?)
Arnav turned to her replied: “Nowhere Nani...” not wanting to tell about today’s incident and went on discussing something with Aman to avoid further interrogation.
Khushi walked in kitchen to see Payal finished with dinner cooking with HP’s help and asking him to call everyone, helping Payal to set the table. Everyone was called for dinner, even Aman joined on Khushi and Arnav insistence. The dinner was quite affair with everyone chatting casually, Nani and Mami talking about their ladies club, Mamaji was discussing something with Akash, Anjali was busy fussing after her husband who according to her is very tired after the day’s hectic work and was giving overly-sugary smiles to Anjali faking his concern over her but had eyes on Arnav glaring and occasionally looking at Khushi lustfully, NK was talking to Payal cheerfully while Lavanya was hatefully glaring at Khushi. The family was ignoring Khushi but Arnav and Aman made sure not to let her feel that by keeping her engaged enough with their talks.
After dinner was finished Nani went to her room, Mamaji and Akash went for a stroll in garden, NK planning to watch a movie so left to his room with big bowl of ice-cream, Payal went to see if the water jugs were full in all the rooms, Anjali along with Shyam and Lavanya were at poolside and Khushi was doing post-dinner clean up with HP and JP’s help. Arnav asked Aman to wait as he’ll get the file from study room which he wanted to give him.
Arnav with file walked out of study-room thinking of having a conversation with Lavanya after seeing off Aman. He was passing by the poolside and saw his Di with Lavanya-Shyam and no intentions to eavesdropping, so he with all intentions and purposes he was just going to walk by but stopped hearing at mention of Khushi.
After dinner Lavanya gestured Anjali that she wants talk to her, so with Shyam following the trio went to poolside to have a conversation without being overheard. Lavanya anxiously told Anjali: “Di, Pam and Sim just called me and they told me that ASR has fired them. He came to know about what we to Khushi and he knows I was involved too... I’m sure he’ll corner me soon and Di what if ASR fires me and throws out of RM? I don’t wanna go away from him. Or worse Di if he gets to know it was your entire plan, tab ab kya hoga..?”
Shyam who was already frustrated seeing that Anjali’s plan failed to create rift between Arnav-Khushi, spoke out: “Rani Sahiba, kya hai yeh..? You said that this would create rift between them but nothing happened. Last week that courier you send to Khushiji... what happened..? Khushiji falls sick and they get more chance to spend time together. You said today’s plan would definitely work... but what happens? Arnav walks in with Khushiji in arms. Are even trying to separate them?” his frustration laced in his voice.
Anjali too annoyed at her plans failed, almost screaming in frustration: “I don’t understand what to do about this Khushi now! First I thought that after seeing those photos and reading that letter, she would freak and to add more when she calls I made sure she knows Chotte is alone with Lavanya. So when he comes home she would fight with him but instead she falls sick and never even speaks of it to Chotte. I thought today seeing with her own eyes might make her doubt him of cheating her and it was successful to an extend but instead of coming home, she goes missing making the whole plan backfire. Grrr, what to do that would make that Khushi leave!” then she turned to Lavanya assuring her said, “And don’t worry Lavanya, I won’t let you go... he won’t go against me like always, also he would never get to know about my involvement. We need to think something else to throw that girl out of our lives. Don’t worry Chotte ko kuch pata nahi chalega....”
That was when from behind came a dangerous voice saying: “Pata toh chal gaya Di...” making the three startled and their eyes went wide as they turned around to see Arnav Singh Raizada standing behind them with a dangerous predator’s stance and his eyes cold and hard as steel making them gulp hard in fear.
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NOTE: Finally update, well sorry for being so late but I was having a writer's block...anyways next update be of 'Meant to be' most probably, take a little time as I want to wrap most of flashback along with present romance.
Hearing the husky voice Khushi looked up startled with her tired eyes which were now red and swollen from all the crying. She stared at Arnav disoriented trying to comprehend if he is real or not while Arnav stared back at her, taking in her sight and assuring his heart that he has finally found. As the initial panic and fears subsided, replacing it with anger and he strode towards her pulled her off the bench forcefully by her elbow bringing her crushing her to his form. He started shouting at her: “Tum aise kaise bina bataye yahan aa sakti ho..? How dare you do something like this..?! Do you’ve any idea how worried I was for you..? You left office crying, without seeing me and just bloody ran off!! You were not picking your phone, you just send driver back and leave just like that... I’ve been searching you like mad in whole Delhi, and you were here... hiding away, at this god damn deserted place! Have you seen the time..? It is bloody eight-thirty o’clock and you are here in this place, all alone... what if something happened to you..?”
All Khushi saw behind those anger and shouts was his concern for her which made her eyes fills with tears knowing how worried she made him. She had been so miserable and lost in her thoughts that she had been failed to notice how late it had been, she could clearly see his worries and this made her guiltier for making him worried-sick. Everything started taking toll on her and not being able to take anymore she sorted her refugee in his arms, breaking into sobs as she spoke in-between: “I’m sorry *sobs* I’m so so sorry *sniff sniff* I’m sorry for everything... I’m so sorry for making you so worried today *sobs sobs* I’m sorry for hurting you... I’m sorry for forcing myself on you... coming in-between you and your love...” all this time Arnav was trying to make sense of what she was saying and as her next words came made him freeze, “But now I’ll make everything right... I won’t be standing in-between you and Lavanya, I’ll leave forever and you can be with her. It would be as if I never happened...” as she bit her lower lips hard to stop herself from breaking into wailing cries.
Her blabbering weren’t making sense to him but the thought of her vanishing from his life as if she never happened scared him to death. So he pulled her making her lift her face to his and then slammed his lips on her, kissing her hard. His action momentarily stunned her but then the way his lips moved on hers made her get swept on his passion. Arnav poured his every emotion in that kiss, he bit her lips hard making blood ooze as punishment and then passionate sucked her lips, soothing her pain with all his love for her. He had his one hand around her waist while other hand was laced in her hair as her glued her so close to him that not even air could pass between them. And Khushi had her fingers tugging his hair as she reciprocated him with equal passion as they were having a real steaming-hot making out session.
After what seemed eternity did they reluctantly broke up with much need of breath and panting hard they stared at each other’s face. Arnav pushed the lock of hair behind her ear as he cupped her face said: “Shut up okay! I don’t know from where did you get such nonsensical ideas but I know one thing. That is I loved only one girl in my entire life with whom I want to spend my life and I’m holding in my arms right now, my one and only wife, Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada... nothing more and nothing less. By the way who told you that you’ve force yourself upon me..? Maine hath thama hai tumhara, zindigi bhar saath nibhane ke liye... yun beech mein akele chord ne ke liye nahin. But if you still leave me toh main mar--” and she quickly put a hand on his lips to stop him saying something like this, shaking her head in ‘No’ for ever to utter such words as tears rolled down her eyes which he softly wiped off. (Shut up okay! I don’t know from where did you get such nonsensical ideas but I know one thing... That is I loved only one girl in my entire life with whom I want to spend my life and I’m holding in my arms right now, my one and only wife, Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada... nothing more and nothing less. And who told you that you’ve force yourself upon me..? I had held your hand, to be there for you for whole life... not to leave you in middle just like that. But if you still leave me than I’ll di--)
Arnav pulled Khushi in his arms and she hid her face in chest crying, constantly kept wiping her tears on his coat covered-chest and he rubbed her back in comforting gesture. Then he pulled them both to sit on the bench as he cooed in her ear softly: “Hush, bas ab... hogaya, Koyel stop crying. You know I can’t handle your tears, Baby-jaan.” as he felt her calming down and as she sniffed hiccuping a little and he continued, “But I’ve something important to talk to you...” which made her raise her face from his chest to look at his somber face waiting as he said, “Don’t you’ve anything to tell me..?”
She looked at him confused questions: “About what happened in office..?”
He shakes his head replied: “No, that we’ve to discuss that eventually anyway... but I’m talking about something else which I think you should’ve told earlier...”
Khushi still confused: “I still don’t get it... What..?”
Arnav put his on hand in his coat pocket and pulled out the mafia seeing which her eyes widened as he brought in front of her face asking: “Does this help in remembering anything..?”
She stammered: “Whe- Where did you get that..?”
Raising a brow at her he said: “That’s not the reply I wanted...” Khushi lowered her eyes her head bowed down guiltily and he put a finger under her chin making her look up as he spoke, “I found it in your wardrobe when I was looking for something that might give me a clue about where you might have been. Now I expect if something like this happens you yourself come to me with it, I don’t want to accidentally stumble upon things like this...”
She felt even guiltier whispered lowly: “I’m sorry...” sniffing some more.
Arnav signed and explained on her his reasons: “Koyel, hush I don’t want to scold you or something... Mishti I just don’t want anything to create rift between us. And miscommunication or lack of communication are one of the main and major reasons for couples to fall out, no matter how in-love they are. I love you so much Baby, I know you love me too and I don’t want us to fall out because of anyone or anything else between us...” seeing that she understood him, he continued asking, “Is this why you got fever last week..?”
Khushi nodded as replied softly: “Yes, I got it in afternoon that day when I was going to room to get ready...”
He asked further: “And you believed what the sender said which is why you never told me and what you saw today confirmed you that I’m cheating on you, which is why you ran off..?”
She hurried shook her head in denial answered: “No I can never doubt you... I know how loyal you’re in your every relationship, so I can never doubt that. I never doubt you when I got neither the envelope that day nor today when I saw Lavanyaji in your arms. After finding the content of the envelope, I tried calling you but you were busy and I cried a lot... no lies on that and then I fainted after which when I came conscious you were there. The whole thing flew out of my mind and I decided I didn’t want to upset you with this, so I just simply ignored the whole thing because I know whatever that letter said about you was nonsense. But today when I saw Lavanyaji in your arms in your cabin... I couldn’t ignore it anymore; at least not that one thing in that letter which had struck me and that was you might actually be in-love with Lavanyaji. I felt that maybe you love you Lavanyaji and you had to leave her because of me and you’re compromising with yourself for my sake which I can’t let happen ever.”
Arnav didn’t know if he should be happy that she trusts him so much to believe that he would never cheat her or bang his head at her stupid thought that marrying her is a compromise, didn’t she know that he never wanted to marry or fall in love with anyone before she happened to him. He then put forward his view as he softly explained her: “Thank you so much for putting faith in me and trust me I’ll try my best to not to fail you ever, though I would’ve appreciated it more if you had simply come and talked to me about it...” she was about to say something in protest but he didn’t let her by continuing himself, “Please let me finish first and just listen to me without saying anything in-between.”
Making Khushi pout as he smile at her antic and pecked her lips not being able to resist her adorable pout which made her shy, then getting serious he continued speaking his mind: “Koyel, I never talked much about my parents to you right..?”
She curiously look at him nodded replying: "Not really that much, you did made fleeting mentions of your parents but never really said much about them." not quite understanding were this whole conversation was heading.
Arnav with an indulgence look further spoke: “My name wasn’t Arnav Singh Raizada until 13 years ago, my name was Arnav Malik, son of Mr. Amar Malik and Mrs. Ratna Amar Malik. Malik’s were quite renowned rich family in Lucknow... Sheesh Mahal was childhood home.” he was looking up at the night sky as his mind reeled back to his past, “Dad had textile business, we were well-to-do and happy family, Mom, Dad, Di, me, Dadi, Chacha-Chachi and their kids... my parents loved each other a lot. You would be shocked to know that I was quite a prankster in my childhood days and I was very much pampered boy especially by Dad and Dadi, I loved my family and though everyone thought I’m a Mumma’s boy... which I was sort of but I adored Dad more. The way he loved Mom, I used to wish as a little kid that when I grow up I too find someone and love someone like Dad does, I wanted the love my parents had. But being rich and successful had its drawbacks; you make more enemies than well-wishers...especially if they’re hiding behind the mask of being your well-wisher. Dad had to travel a lot for business and there people who were jealous they use to make all sorts of rumor-gossips, just to create nuisance in happy lives of others and so there were false rumors about my Dad like he had affairs or his female staff or client if seen talking to them or if he took any female assistant with him to any business trip. Most part when Dad use to hear those he made it clear stating he is a happily married man who loves his wife but not all did got to his ears or he cleared... he simply learned to ignore such rumor not wanting to add anything. My Mom too use to hear them but she never told anything about to Dad or shared her thoughts, she just kept it to herself... if Dad himself told her clarifying then the topic was brought briefly but it was never discussed openly nor Mom herself initiated it ever to talk, so he too never thought much knowing his wife knows him well enough to trust him. I guess Dad never realized that somewhere insecurities had started growing inside Mom and one day it happened, I was 14 that time and it was Di wedding that day. The whole house was decorated like palace, there were so many guests and I was having so much fun, teasing Di and seeing her smile with blush on her face. Dad was also so happy that his daughter was getting married and Mom too... but it all changed when he went to his study room to get something and Mom was seeing the guests at that time a lady entered the hall creating a ruckus claiming that she had an affair with my Dad. Also she said that she is pregnant with his child whom he wasn’t ready to accept now and as proof she showed some photographs of her with Dad... that created a lot of whispering in that hall and Mom ran off inside which no one noticed but I did. I followed her and saw her entering Dad’s study where she was going hysterics shouting at him for cheating her and he tried to explain, calming her down but she was nowhere to listen. Then suddenly she picked up Dad’s hunting gun and shot herself, it all happened in spur of moment, so fast that I could only just stand there watching it happen in front of me. That noise did get everyone come run to see what happen and all saw the scene of my Mom in pool of blood with gun on her side and my Dad crying holding her. Nothing could be done, she had already died and the house which was brightened up for wedding celebration had changed into funeral house... the wedding was called-off of course as the groom’s side said they didn’t want such girl whose Dad is such a scoundrel. Then Mom’s funeral preparation was going on and Dad who had gone silent after that first break down over holding my Mom’s dead body was nowhere seen. All started to search for him and he was finally found in his study room, sitting on his chair, the same hunter gun with which Mom had shot herself lying on the floor as he was dead shooting himself with gun. There was a letter on the table with an white envelope... he had written on the suicide note addressing me that he was sorry for opting suicide leaving us behind but he couldn’t live without mom. The white envelope had proves that the allegations on him were false; he is clearing his name not because for himself... but because if he can’t live without his wife than can’t die peacefully knowing his children suffering, hence he is proved his innocence. It were some of Dad’s business rivals who did this to ruin Dad’s reputation in market and with those I asked Mamaji to do the first thing was clear Dad’s name and get the people punished responsible which he did... within 02 hours they were all behind bars. After the funeral of my parents were over and all the relatives left, did me and Di got to see the face of the backstabber in our house. My Chacha had wrongly taken over the whole property and had thrown us out, locking Dadi in her room... it was Mamaji and Nani took us in when Di and I somehow managed to reach their Lucknow home in middle of the night with heavy rain. They kept us with them but 05 days later in middle of the night, someone knocked on the door, it was Dadi who seemed injured and fainted on the doorstep... after that doctor was called and she was treated. When Dadi came in her senses, she told us that Chachaji along with few of Dad’s business rivals were planning to kill me and Di to remove us from his way permanently... she had somehow managed to escape hearing this to warn us. Dadi requested Nani that she legally adopts me and Di, changing our name from ‘Malik’ to ‘Raizada’ and just leave Lucknow forever taking us somewhere far enough. That was how Arnav Singh Raizada was born from Arnav Malik. I also got to know that my Chachaji was the mastermind behind the whole fiasco happened with my Dad, that too only for property did I decide to take revenge from him. His destruction became my mission and that was how the ruthless, cold, heartless ASR has raised. That whole incident changed my life with matter of few days, from a happy-go-lucky child I became a grownup who very well knew how cruel can the world be...”
Arnav’s eyes had turned red and tears rolled down his eyes which he didn’t bother to wipe and Khushi’s heart clenched seeing him so vulnerable and hurt already crying for what her Arnav had to face at such young age. No wonder he has turned to detached and aloof from everyone and had trust-issues... who wouldn’t after facing so much, she thought. He faced her as shook his head asking her not to cry, he concluded saying: “I’m not telling you all this because I wanna make you sad, or sympathize me or something. I’m telling you this because I wanna explain you that what miscommunication or misunderstanding can do... I had first-hand witnessed it myself and I don’t want us to end like how my parents did. They loved each other a lot, they were very happy and just one topic they never openly talked about led to such a disaster which could have been easily prevented if only they had talked then letting the situation getting best out of them.”
Khushi nodded in agreement understanding his point said: “I understand and I promise from now I would never keep anything from you... If I ever want to know something, I would come and ask you before believe anything or anyone blindly.”
He smiled on relief replied her: “Glad to know that, just remember Mishti... this relationship of ours, sirf humara relation hai, humne banaya hai toh phir koi teesra kaun hota hai beech mein aane wale..? We’re not only bounded by marriage to each other, but love and trust also binds us together and when all of this is solely ours, why let a third person or thing come in-between us. Don’t ever let anyone or anything come in-between us, not even the air. Always remember that I never loved anyone else before you... whatever relationship or link-ups are there about be before where almost all rumour and two or three dates I had gone with one or two girl were due to constant pestering from Di which always ended with being no more than friends... I’ve never ever touched any other woman in my life expect you, Biwi. And I don’t care who was what for me before our marriage but now no one is more important or close to me than you. You hold the lifeline in your hands; it’s up to you how’ll you keep it...”
Overwhelmed by all what he told her, realizing how much he loves her and how in her own foolishness did she not only hurt them both but also was going to make the biggest blunder in her life. She just simply hugged him tight promising herself never to do something as stupid as today she did or was going to do, she had learned her lesson. Khushi softly says: “I promise Arnav hum kabhi kisko humare beech nahi aane denge, hawa ko bhi nahi.” (I promise Arnav I won’t let anyone come in-between us, not even air.)
Arnav smiled holding her close to himself, smiled feeling light after sharing his past with her, he knew she finally understood and from now she would fight for their relation harder, not letting anything come in-between them.
Their moment was broken by Arnav’s phone buzzing in his pocket making them pull apart and Arnav quickly pulled it out of his pocket and saw the caller id showing ‘Aman calling’. So quickly answering the phone he said: “Hello Aman...”
Aman from other side inquired: “ASR what happened... did you find Bhabhi..?”
Arnav: “Yeah, Aman I found her in the park behind big Mahadev’s mandir. So just call off the search party and please inform them...”
Aman signed in relief: “Thank God, I’ll just inform them and have you talked to her yet, clearing the matter..?”
Arnav: “Yeah I sorted it out, don’t worry... I’m taking her home now, so will you be coming or I’ll be seeing you tomorrow..?”
Aman: “No I’m coming to meet Bhabhi at RM now. And by the way that thing you asked me confirm is done and it’s confirmed about the 03 being involved. So now..?”
Arnav felt his temper spike but not wanting Khushi to know he controlled and carefully replied knowing if she knew than she would ask him not to do it and he’ll give in to her wish like always: “Just do what I told you, give the two letters and I’ll handle the other one myself.”
Aman simply agreed: “Okay as you say Chief.”
Arnav: “Okay than, see you later.” ending the call turned to Khushi said, “Come on, and let’s go home now...” and holding her hand they both got up from the bench. It was then Arnav noticed carefully that she was wearing a royal-blue sari with pink-golden border, looking downright ravishing and she felt his heated gaze on her which made her turn pink with shyness. He cupped her cheek said, “You look so beautiful in sari... bilkul, what do you say in Hindi... yeah apsara jise lag rahi ho.” (You look so beautiful in sari... totally, what you say in Hindi... yeah you look like an enchantress.)
Khushi lowered her eyes with a shy smile on her lips and to change the topic asked: “Arnav you were saying that you have your Dadi, so where is she..?”
Arnav teased her before answering: “Nice way of diverting my attention...” she swats him lightly on chest lightly making him laugh a little and then continue, “Dadi lives in Ashram in Lucknow... I had asked her plenty of times to come and stay with us but she wants to stay there. She visits us once a while and sometimes even I go visiting her but mostly she comes here in Delhi, knowing my dislike re-visiting that city.”
She nodded in understanding and then questioned doubtfully: “Will she like me? She would also be angry with us knowing they way we got married... especially with me, god only knows what she’ll think of me...”
He smiled at her saying: “Don’t worry, she’ll definitely like you... yeah she’ll be little angry knowing but trust me, it is easier to melt her than rest of the family. And then I’m sure you’ll be her favorite.” making her smile too.
With that they both walked out of the park, hand-in-hand and smiling at each other. Arnav opened the car door for her and helped her in settling, then walked around quickly got around sat in driver’s seat. Giving her a smile started the engine and then drove off, both now happy souls.
............................
AR DESIGN, DELHI, 09:25 PM
Pam and Sim walked inside empty office wondering why they were called to office so late, as they walked to Aman’s cabin and knocked on the door. From inside came reply: “Come in.”
Pam pushed the door open and walked in along with Sim, asked: “Aman sir, you called us..?”
Aman looked up from the file which he was reading while waiting for them, quickly closing it he picked up the two letters and handed them saying: “These are for you, please read it out...”
Pam and Sim opened them quickly, after reading it their jaws dropped and looked up questioningly at Aman. He simply spoke in formal way: “You two are being terminated, so your services are no longer required in this office.”
Sim pleading: “Sir, please don’t fire us...”
Pam: “Yeah what did we do to get fired..?”
Aman: “You guys really want me to spell the reason to you... Did you guys really think that you can get away with it..?"
Both the girls were looking at him fearfully and Sim asked: “What do you mean by that sir?”
Aman: “Fine if you want me to say it, you both have being under invigilation as it had been brought to our notice that you two have been interfering in other employees work rather than your own. And especially what you guys did today with Khushi Bhabhi was the last straw, hence your termination letters.”
Sim tried saying: “Sir we didn’t do anything, you are mistaking somewhere...”
Aman shook his head at their pathetic attempts: “Now you really think that ASR would take any action without evidence..? You made a very big mistake of thinking that you can get away so easily with it, you dared to mess with ASR’s family... especially his wife and he won’t simply let you get away with it. And don’t worry, not only you but the other member in your plans would also get her piece of reward she deserves.” motioning them to leave.
Sim and Pam pleaded but none were paid any heed, so knowing they were fired for good, so with dull faces they decided to leave while cursing their bad luck for agreeing to such plans... now they won’t be employed anywhere. Aman saw them leave and then quickly wrapped up his ting and grabbed his car keys dashed out, wanting to meet his Bhabhi and give her a piece of mind for making them so worried-sick.
..................................
RAIZADA MANSION, 09:48 PM
Arnav’s car came to halt at the drive way of RM and he quickly got down, ran other opening the door of Khushi’s side he held hand for her. She shyly looked at his hand and held it with a shy smile on her lips which just made him admire her more. Stepping down, she was pulled making her crash on his chest as she held his shoulder to balance herself which he wrapped his arm around her waist looking at her with bedroom eyes. He slowly lowered his face towards her lips and shyly she turned other side last minute making his lips land on her cheek instead of lips. Giving her a long lingering kiss on her cheek, he watched it change color from peach-cream to bright red like litmus paper which made him smirk.
Khushi shyly said trying break free from his strong hold: “Come let’s go inside...”
Arnav instead of letting her go quickly picked her up in his arms making her shriek at the suddenness of the action. She immediately started wiggling trying to get down saying: “Arnav put me down!”
Arnav only tightened his hold and said: “Stop swimming in the air, Koyel... I’m not letting you down.”
Khushi protested: “You’re not taking me inside like this are you..?” and knowing his intentions she whined, “Arnav no please, sab kya sochenge ander..?” (Arnav no please, what would everyone inside think..?)
Arnav’s pat reply was: “Who care, you’re my wife...”
Not having anything to argue with that she hid her red face in his chest making him smile at her cuteness, however they stopped in mid of climbing porch stairs and turned around to look at the car which entered the drive way. As the car came to halt and immediately jumped off was Aman and he came running to them seeing Arnav-Khushi on porch stairs.
Aman hurried asked: “Bhabhi, you’re okay, right?"
Khushi smilingly replied: “I’m fine Devarji.”
Aman signed in relief and then started scolding her: “Bhabhi what you did today was very wrong... you shouldn’t have run away like that. You didn’t even say anything to me; I thought you considered me your Devar... but you don’t because if you did then you would’ve shared with me. Do you have any idea how worried we were..?” clearly showing that her behavior upset him.
Khushi tried saying: “Nahi nahi Devarji, it’s not like that...”
But Aman wasn’t in mood to melt so soon: “Yeah right, then what was it like..?” saying sarcastically.
Arnav was admiring the Bhabhi-Devar relationship between Khushi-Aman, he is very grateful to Aman that for being there with them. Aman has very nicely never let Khushi feel the emptiness or bad about lack of family acceptance who haven’t yet giving her the rights she deserves as his wife and elder bahu of the house.
Khushi pleadingly look at him to make Aman stop scolding her and smiling at her, he looked at Aman said: “Okay enough Aman, I guess she had enough of scolding for today...”
Aman frowned but seeing Khushi’s baby-face and Arnav’s look of ‘Let-it-go’, he nodded and then took note of Khushi in Arnav’s arms which made him grin mischievously: “Oh ho Bhabhi in ASR’s arms... how romantic!” wiggling his eyebrows funnily.
Khushi shied and tried to get down in vain as Arnav tightened his hold and smirked proudly said: “I’ve all rights to...” as if holding some trophy.
Aman hooted cheering and Khushi turned red, hid her face in Arnav’s chest who laughed heartily. The three of them then made way to main door with Khushi turning red and Aman-Arnav laughing at her expense. Aman rang the doorbell which was opened by HP and he moved aside to let them walk in and closed the door, went back to his work.
In living room were Nani, Mami, Lavanya and Anjali sat chatting though Anjali and Lavanya had eyes on the door waiting for Arnav’s arrival saw him entering with blushing Khushi in arms and along Aman, laughing. The trio had all the eyes turned to them as Arnav walked in with Khushi made her sit on one couch and bend on his knees in front of her, holding her hand asked: “Tum theek ho na Mishti..?” (You’re okay Mishti..?)
Khushi smiled at him sweetly replied: “Hum theek hai Arnav, don’t worry...” (I’m fine Arnav, don’t worry...)
Arnav concernedly: “Are you sure?”
Khushi cupped his cheek saying: “Haan baba, sachi... I’m fine. Okay now let me get up and freshen-up I’ll cheek on the dinner arrangements.” and got up as Arnav turned to sit beside Aman on the coach watched Khushi walked to kitchen.
Nani curiously asked: “Chotte, kaha se aa rahe hai aap log..?” (Chotte, where are you all coming from..?)
Arnav turned to her replied: “Nowhere Nani...” not wanting to tell about today’s incident and went on discussing something with Aman to avoid further interrogation.
Khushi walked in kitchen to see Payal finished with dinner cooking with HP’s help and asking him to call everyone, helping Payal to set the table. Everyone was called for dinner, even Aman joined on Khushi and Arnav insistence. The dinner was quite affair with everyone chatting casually, Nani and Mami talking about their ladies club, Mamaji was discussing something with Akash, Anjali was busy fussing after her husband who according to her is very tired after the day’s hectic work and was giving overly-sugary smiles to Anjali faking his concern over her but had eyes on Arnav glaring and occasionally looking at Khushi lustfully, NK was talking to Payal cheerfully while Lavanya was hatefully glaring at Khushi. The family was ignoring Khushi but Arnav and Aman made sure not to let her feel that by keeping her engaged enough with their talks.
After dinner was finished Nani went to her room, Mamaji and Akash went for a stroll in garden, NK planning to watch a movie so left to his room with big bowl of ice-cream, Payal went to see if the water jugs were full in all the rooms, Anjali along with Shyam and Lavanya were at poolside and Khushi was doing post-dinner clean up with HP and JP’s help. Arnav asked Aman to wait as he’ll get the file from study room which he wanted to give him.
Arnav with file walked out of study-room thinking of having a conversation with Lavanya after seeing off Aman. He was passing by the poolside and saw his Di with Lavanya-Shyam and no intentions to eavesdropping, so he with all intentions and purposes he was just going to walk by but stopped hearing at mention of Khushi.
After dinner Lavanya gestured Anjali that she wants talk to her, so with Shyam following the trio went to poolside to have a conversation without being overheard. Lavanya anxiously told Anjali: “Di, Pam and Sim just called me and they told me that ASR has fired them. He came to know about what we to Khushi and he knows I was involved too... I’m sure he’ll corner me soon and Di what if ASR fires me and throws out of RM? I don’t wanna go away from him. Or worse Di if he gets to know it was your entire plan, tab ab kya hoga..?”
Shyam who was already frustrated seeing that Anjali’s plan failed to create rift between Arnav-Khushi, spoke out: “Rani Sahiba, kya hai yeh..? You said that this would create rift between them but nothing happened. Last week that courier you send to Khushiji... what happened..? Khushiji falls sick and they get more chance to spend time together. You said today’s plan would definitely work... but what happens? Arnav walks in with Khushiji in arms. Are even trying to separate them?” his frustration laced in his voice.
Anjali too annoyed at her plans failed, almost screaming in frustration: “I don’t understand what to do about this Khushi now! First I thought that after seeing those photos and reading that letter, she would freak and to add more when she calls I made sure she knows Chotte is alone with Lavanya. So when he comes home she would fight with him but instead she falls sick and never even speaks of it to Chotte. I thought today seeing with her own eyes might make her doubt him of cheating her and it was successful to an extend but instead of coming home, she goes missing making the whole plan backfire. Grrr, what to do that would make that Khushi leave!” then she turned to Lavanya assuring her said, “And don’t worry Lavanya, I won’t let you go... he won’t go against me like always, also he would never get to know about my involvement. We need to think something else to throw that girl out of our lives. Don’t worry Chotte ko kuch pata nahi chalega....”
That was when from behind came a dangerous voice saying: “Pata toh chal gaya Di...” making the three startled and their eyes went wide as they turned around to see Arnav Singh Raizada standing behind them with a dangerous predator’s stance and his eyes cold and hard as steel making them gulp hard in fear.
****************************
NOTE: Finally update, well sorry for being so late but I was having a writer's block...anyways next update be of 'Meant to be' most probably, take a little time as I want to wrap most of flashback along with present romance.
