ARSHI FS: Dard Se Tere...

PART 02 : Kisi aur ka hoon filhall...

“There are things we don't want to happen but have to accept, things we don't want to know but have to learn, and people we can't live without but have to let go.”

                                                                                                                             - by Jennifer "JJ" Jureau

                                                

Pushing the huge door open she entered the hallway, her anklet’s chan-chan with each of her steps as she started to follow the faint giggling sounds holding her veil covering her face carefully. Walking down the decorated hallway little ahead she found few giggling little girls dressed in traditional outfits pointing her ahead in the direction she needs to go. Smiling at them she starts walking the stairs carefully in that direction and she could see a couple standing at end in front of a door with back towards her. As she comes near them and they turn around to face her, seeing them making her halt for a moment before she runs up to them.

KHUSHI'S LEHENGA/LOOK

The middle-aged couple smile at her as she hugs them, shedding happy tears and blabbering: “Mumma, Dad I missed you so much!” 

Pulling back the elderly lady smiles at her daughter affectionately says: “We never went anywhere; we were always with you Titli.” as Mrs. Kaya Vivek Malhotra patted her cheek lovingly.

And the father nodded in agreement, spoke: “And we’re so proud of you Khushi, of everything that you have overcome and achieved.” and Mr. Vivek Malhotra holds his daughter’s hand continues, “But at the moment you need to be somewhere, he is waiting for you.”

Khushi looks a little confused but with both her parents beside her, she happily follows them through the doors as it opens and watches in amazement the beautiful garden as a decorated aisle leading to the mandap. She could see someone standing dressed in white shrewani with back towards her, but hearing the arrival turns to face them. She blinked in surprise steps halted to see him while he smiled at her in amazed lovingly and held his hand out for her. 

MANDAP

Unknowingly Khushi started walking towards him and she didn’t notice that her parents were not besides her anymore. She climbed up the three steps and held his hand as she stood in front him: “Arnav” whispered in amazement.

Arnav smiled at her, he pulled her towards him replied: “Aaj humari shaadi hai, didn’t I promise you that we’ll get married today? So, I’m here to fulfil my promise.” and led Khushi to sit in front of the hawan kund.

The pandit started the wedding rituals and Khushi looked around as her and Arnav’s parents stood there smiling at them while Arnav looked at her lovingly. Ratna had been the one to do the gaatbandhan and Arnav held Khushi’s hand as they took the saat phere. Khushi felt like in an unbelievable moment which she never wanted to end as Arnav filled her maang with sindoor and put mangalsutra around her neck. Soon the wedding was over, the Pandit declared them husband-wife and the newly married got up to take their parents blessings. 

Ratna hugged them both smiling and then pulling back she removed kangan from her hands: “Shangun humari taraf se, always be happy.” as she made Khushi wear them.

Avinash blessed his son and daughter-in-law after his wife said: “I am so happy for both of you, I always want to see you both together.” stepping back beside his wife and put an arm around her smiling.

RATNA AND AVINASH MALIK

Kaya happily hugged the couple next and pulling back she says: “Arnav always look after my baby and I know you’ll never let her be alone.” to which Arnav smiled promising in affirmative.

Vivek blessed them next as he patted Arnav on the back: “Look after my girl or there be hell to pay for you.” and Kaya swatted him for threatening their son-in-law.

KAYA AND VIVEK MALHOTRA

Arnav grinned replies: “Yes sir, I’ll remember that.” 

   

As the taking blessing part was over, Arnav turned towards Khushi and pulled her towards him said: “So Mrs. Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada ready to come with me.”

Khushi smiling brightly replied: “Anywhere you go, I’ll follow you, my hubby dear.” 

So, Arnav lifted Khushi up taking her by surprise as he walked down and started to make his way inside with his new bride who was now hiding her face inside his chest shyly.

…

MATURE CONTENT 18+

Arnav looked into her hazel eyes intently, keeping his gaze on her innocent doll face as she turned scarlet under his smouldering gaze and even though wanted to hide from those ice-blue eyes, she couldn’t look away. She kept her gaze fixed on him, smiling he kissed her ever so gently on her forehead as he climbed the stairs and entered their room.

He asked huskily: “Are you happy?” and instead of answering she lowered her lashes nodding and looking down coyly, then said, “Now look around you…” as he put her down gently to stand though still had arms around her.

She lifts her gaze up to look around and a smile spread across her lips seeing the room decorated with hundreds of tealights. She looked around and saw the bed with silk sheets and roses with jasmine along all around the bed, exclaimed: “Arnav this is so beautiful!” 

When she looked at him and seeing her bedroom eyes on her made her breathing quicken realizing as to what he had in mind. As age old instinct to run started to creep, she was about to turn around running but he grabbed her by the arm and push her back onto his chest.

Arnav huskily whispers in her ears: “Don’t you think it’s high time that you stop running away every time like, Mrs. Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada.” making her shiver with his closeness. 

He let go of her hand and began slowly turned her around to face him and she looked into his passionate eyes and noticed his eyebrow arched, said meekly: "Arnav..."

His reply was only: "Mmmh?" and in a rather sexy tone.

Khushi started stammering: "Arnav...hume...jaane...dejiye--" but couldn’t finish her sentence as he kissed her lips aggressively. 

She held onto his kurta tightly as she took his sweet torture that he unleashed on her which made her knees weak. His hands went behind her back and pressed his body against hers, pushing off her veil from her head and undoing her hair from the bun as it tumbled down her back. Soon he broke off the kiss, grabbing a fistful her hair but not too tightly to hurt : "Tonight I'm going to make you mine in every sense Mrs. Arnav Singh Raizada, understood?" looking into her eyes.

Arnav gave feathery kisses on her forehead, then he kissed her eyelids and then he kissed her cheeks in turn. She shuddered and arched her back as his hands simultaneously freed her from her jewellery as he his fingers played havoc over her senses making her sigh at the sensations, he made her feel. He removed her hair to gain access to her long slender neck as he unclasped the gold necklace and kissed her neck. She grabbed onto his back and he began giving her love-bites while she moaned in painful pleasure.

His sinful hands reached her breasts and he began playing and toying with her chest as he seductively took her gold earrings off with his mouth off: "Biwi I have always imagined doing this to you." he whispered in her ear and began nibbling it.

She moaned: "Really?" as he gave her open mouth kisses and she felt his arousal against her.  

Arnav bent down on her chest and began kissing her over her choli untying the pin holding it in place. She slid her hand inside his sherwani and began feeling his rippled taut body. He suddenly began biting her breasts and she hissed and was surprised at his aggressiveness. He pulled off and placed her leg over his hip and smacked his lips onto hers. She felt an intrusion of his devilish tongue and he gave her a deep French kiss all the while she felt him grinding his arousal against her. He cupped her bottom and pressed her onto himself.

After kissing each other senseless he broke off: "Come on Biwi lets go to bed." picking her up and lowered her onto the silky bed.

He dimmed the lights and starting kissing and biting her lips and eyes while she started to unbutton his sherwani and he unhooked her choli. She saw his masculine form all perfect and she began massaging and feeling it. Being the man, that he was the sight of her milky breasts drove him wild and he kissed and took her satin red bra off immediately. He sucked her breasts and played around with her nipple with his tongue and then he did the same to other one. He went down a bit further and tortured her stomach with love bites and kisses.

He unzipped her skirt and pushed it down and then kissed her lips, all the while unzipping and discarding his pants. She felt his leg in between hers as slowly slid a hand inside her panty and stroked her side to side. She held on to his bicep as she withered under his sensual ministration and he stroked her top to bottom, to which she moaned in pleasure. He pulled her panty down and pushed it down with his foot. 

He parted her milky legs and continued the assault, and she gasped: "Arnav…" moaned in pleasure.

Arnav continued his sweet torture: "Yes sweetheart?"  whispered coming near her mouth sensually.

Khushi gasped in intoxication: "I love you". and that was it to drive him up the wall. 

He pulled his boxers down and gently lowered himself aligning his overpowering masculine body over her delicate petite one. He grabbed her hands and sort pinned them down: "Biwi look at me…" as she looked into his eyes softly told her, "It will hurt a little.” though hurting her was last thing he wanted to do, but it was inevitable.

In one swift motion he entered her and she squirmed in pain while holding onto his shoulder as he drowned her painful sobbing with his kisses. He slowly began thrusting and she began sensing the pain turn into a pure pleasure she had never felt before as she moaned though the wild ride her husband took her. She fell over the edge with an earth-shattering organism and then only did Arnav let himself follow over the edge with her, then he collapsed onto her panting heavily. 

Both lay in bed exploring each other body and Khushi still felt a different type of sweet pain like never before, she whisperingly questioned: "Arnav is always going to be this painful?" like some secret only meant for him to hear.

Arnav asked her little concerned: "Why does it hurt?" brushing a lock of hair behind her ear from her sweaty forehead, she nodded in affirmation though bit shy, he told her, "Don't worry it will get better and you will love doing it with me Biwi." as he pulled her in his arms and sighed contently, finally marked her his as mind, body and soul for the rest of eternity. 

...

Entangled in silk sheets basking in the silent afterglow of their love-making Arnav was leaning back on the headboard with a pillow behind in back with Khushi laying on top him. He was running fingers through her hair while she was making patterns on his chest and said softly: “Today was perfect and I’m so happy, thank you for this day Arnav.” looking up at him affectionately.

Arnav smiled down at her, replied: “And that is all I want, for you to be happy.” and kissed her forehead, “Can you promise me something?”

Khushi looked at him amusedly says: “It’s not even a day we’re married and you’re already asking for promises, should I be worried?” teasing him.

He laughed softly, said: “Rest assured you’ve nothing to be worried of for like ever, that I promise you.” flashing her a million-dollar dimple smiled and she nodded smiling happily than he continues, “ I want you to promise me that you’ll always take care of yourself and not to get in troubles… Promise me?” holding his hand out in front of her face.

She looks at him quizzingly asks: “First of I never get in troubles and secondly, you’ll always be with me to look after me. Why are you asking such a thing?”

Mysteriously he replies: “Am not always going to be there to play your knight-in-shining-armour for damsel-in-distress situations you always seem to end up in. So, promise me now, come on.”

Khushi didn’t understand any of his riddle-talks but seeing as the promise meant important to him, she gave in: “Okay I’ll take care of myself even though I know you’ll always be there for that and I’ll try not to get in trouble. And to clarify things that I don’t willingly get myself into but somehow seem to end up in and you always save me.” putting her hand in his outstretched palm.

Arnav intertwined their fingers and brought it to his lips, kissed her hand and fingers says: “Thank you.” making Khushi to look at him and was about ask him about sudden mood change but he spoke first, “Listen, can I sleep with my head in your lap?” looking at her with wide-innocent blue eyes like a kid.

Not being able to say not to such an innocent request with such cute face, finding herself giving her consent before she could even think of anything else. So soon they ended up in reversed position with Khushi now leaning back on headboard and Arnav’s head in her lap as she carded her fingers though his hair while other hand his clasp. They sat in silence like that for a while like that and Khushi checked if he was asleep but he wasn’t and held her hand tightly, like any moment he has to let her go but didn’t want to.

After a while Arnav whispered softly: “Thank you for giving love of a life time, for being the love of my life… something I never thought I would get to experience ever. I love you so much, always and forever, remember that.”

Khushi didn’t understand and said: “I know how much you love me, why are you talking like this all of sudden… Arnav kya ho raha hai?” feeling something changing around her and starting to panic almost.

Arnav pulls her down for a kiss and halting the panic before it came and soon, they were looked in a passionate kiss, it was like ending and beginning at the same time…like lifetimes of love and promises were being exchanged. Pulling back, they both were panting and gasping for breath, Khushi’s fell around them like a curtain and Arnav softly tucks it back behind her ear while caressing her cheek and looking at her intensely.

Gently caressing her kiss-swollen lips he spoke: “Take care of yourself, always be happy and I’m always with you… even when you can’t see me. I love you so much, always remember that… remember me.”

Khushi held his hand tightly that was on her face and asked: “Why are talking like that? Like am never going to see you again… Kaha ja rahe aap? Aap hume chor kar nahi ja sakte, hum nahi jane denge aapko kahi bhi.” as tears started to sparkle in her hazel eyes.

He brought their foreheads together; his fingers wrapped in her long chestnut-brown hair and closed his eyes desperation not being able to see her tears. Taking a deep breath, he opened his eyes, and said: “I’m not going anywhere… but you have to go now, it’s almost time for you to leave.” as he looks sideways to see out from the bedroom window and slow breaking of the dawn.

She started shaking her head in disagreement: “NO! I’m not leaving you and going anywhere…hum yahi aapke saath rahenge, kahi nahi jayenge suna aapne!” tears streaming down her face.

Arnav smiled sadly at her wiping her tears and tells her: “Tumhe jaana hoga, you can’t stay here…at least not yet. But I’ll always be waiting for you here, at our home but you have to go now.” caressing her face lovingly while she shook her head, ready to argue but he didn’t give her a chance to and continued, “I love you, tumse itna pyaar kiya jitna kabhi kisse nahi kiya. When I didn’t have anything to hold on, it was your love that kept me going… I loved you like I never loved anything; I wish we had more time. I wish things had been different for us, ended differently, done things differently but I never regretted loving you or the time I had with you…I just wish I could’ve done things better. And until it’s you time to come home, main yahi tumhara itezaar karunga humare ghar mein.” and tears streamed down as his face while she cried harder not understanding, “I love you and I wish you could stay but it’s time to wake up now… Main tumse humesha pyaar karta rahunga, yeh kabhi maat bhoolna, meri Piyu.” placing a tender kiss on her forehead.

Khushi felt him fading away her grasp and desperately tried to hold him tight, crying harder when she couldn’t. She felt as if everything around her was fading into nothingness and Arnav’s whispers: “I love you, humesa yaad rakhna Piyu.” rang around her in winds. 

Not being able to stop her world from falling into pieces, she started to scream: “ARNAVVVV!”

…...

“ARNAVVVV!” with a loud screaming cry and outstretched hand Khushi jolted up sitting in her bed disoriented and panting heavily, covered in sweat and utterly terrifyingly empty. She looked around her confused and notes the bedside clock displaying February 15, 05:56 AM making her heart beat faster if that was even possible. And a little voice in her head whispers to her that, today is Arnav’s birthday. She keeps staring at the clock blankly and for a while not even hearing the heavy knocking starts on her bedroom door. But breaking her splendour and registering them, she wipes the sweat and tears from her face, gets up carefully to open the door to see everyone standing in front of her with worried expression.

Payal was first to come forward asking: “Khushi kya hua tum chila kyun rahi thi?” caressing her face and taking note of the distressed look on her sister’s face.








Everyone was now inside her room and NK asked concerned: “What happened Khushiji? You seem like you were crying and we heard the scream, is everything alright?” as he scanned the room suspiciously, he had heard the name she screamed and wanted to make sure no one was here.







Seeing that she stood silent and was again questioned again by Buaji: “Arre oh Sanka Devi tumse baat kar rahe hai… kya hua hai?” quite loudly as she shook her crazy niece but the only response, she got was silent tears rolling down her cheeks with her eyes looking lost.










The lack of response was beginning to make everyone concerned about what could have happened and there seems no sign of an intruder either. The Gupta family had stayed in Raizada Mansion last night upon Nani’s request as it had gotten quite late discussing about Khushi and NK’s marriage and ceremonies which were supposed to be starting from next week, they had accepted but it was Khushi’s sudden scream early morning that woke everyone.










It was Sashi who had slowly went forward and touched her shoulder that seemed to wake Khushi out of whatever trance she was in as she met his eyes trying to hide her pain unsuccessfully. Over the last year Sashi has recovered from his paralysis and he hasn’t told anyone except Khushi that it was Arnav who had arranged everything for his treatment which was paid by him also. He knew the reason behind the pain in his daughter’s eyes but there was nothing that could be done, she herself had pushed the man out of her life without giving him a chance over others words for which he had been angry with her. But now seeing her like this made him feel helpless than again what could he or anyone could even do, it is been one year and there is no news of Arnav and his daughter has to learn to live with this heartache of hers.











Khushi had hugged her father and bit back the sobs that wanted to escape her but still she couldn’t hold the silent tears, for a moment when she woke up her heart seemed to stop beating. And even if it was beating it was strangely empty, like something irreversible has just left and only the echoes are left behind. She knew that everyone was worried but she just couldn’t bring herself to speak yet and it was only her father’s embrace that gave her some solace, after all he is the only one who truly knows her heart other than Naniji.










After few minutes she somehow controlled herself enough to reply softly: “Bas ek sapna dekha jo kuch zayda hi asli laga.” (I just saw a dream that felt little too real.)









Everyone signed in relief after hearing that and Anjali said: “Bas itni si baat, you scared us all Khushi, it was just a nightmare and nothing to worry about as it was only dream no matter how real it felt.” smiling at her and making others smile a little too.








Khushi felt another strong urge to cry but only hugged her father tighter for silent support, whispered quietly: "Kis ne kaha ki bura sapna tha aur shayad hota toh itna dard nahi hota kyunki yeh jaan kar woh sapna tha itna zayda dard ho raha hai... aur usse bhi zayda jaan kar ki kabhi yeh sapna humare samne tha aur humne khud hi usse tor diya. Ab toh kitna bhi kyun na chahe yeh sapna kabhi sach nahi ho sakta aur hume woh sapne mein nahi sach mein chahiye... par phir yeh haq aur moka bhi humne khud hi kho diya." chocking on her words as she suppressed her sobs though everyone heard it but only few people understood the meaning of what she said. (Who said it was a nightmare and maybe it was then it wouldn’t have been this painful because knowing that it was a dream makes it hurt more… and maybe knowing that once I had that dream in front of me but broke it myself makes it even more painful. Now no matter how much I want this dream would never come true and I don’t want him in dreams, I want him in real… but than again the right and chance I lost due to my own fault.)


















Mainu pata k dunia nu
Ae gawara nai ho sakda
Par jhooth kehnde ne saare
K pyaar dubara nai ho sakda

Buaji not understanding any of her talks, loudly said: “Ee dekho ek sapne ke liye itna rona... Arre o Sanka Devi, now you are getting you Prince and am sure if you tell him, he will fulfill all your dreams, so don’t be so upset.” and except Khushi, Nani and Sashi all smiled her remark.







NK feeling confident and wanting to charm his fiancé, said: “Haan Khushiji, tell me and I’ll make your dream come true, so stop being so upset.” being all smiles and maybe this will finally melt his would-be father-in-law towards him, who he knows doesn’t like or trust him.










Khushi merely whispers brokenly: “Aap ki baaton mein aa kar hi toh humne apne sapne ko khud hi tor diya, ab woh kabhi sach nahi ho sakta. Aapke hote huwe toh nahi, shayad uske baad bhi nahi sach hoga, apne sare raaste bandh karwa diye humse.” just wanting to be left along to mourn for what she lost. (Coming into your words only led me to break my dream myself, now it will never come true. At least as long as you are there, maybe even after that also it won’t come true, you made sure that I closed all doors for that.)









NK felt little hurt and others too were confused by her words but everyone thought maybe she is still depressed over the dream. It was Nani who said: “Theek hai bas hua, Khushi Bitya ko aaram karne dete hai aur sab jake ab so jao, it’s still too early to wake up.” motioning all to leave. (It’s okay that enough, Khushi Bitya needs to rest and everyone go back to sleep, it’s still too early to wake up.)









As everyone left the room, only Khushi was there with Sashi hugging her and Nani came forward to pat her cheek affectionately and wipe her tears. Khushi said brokenly: “What a mess have I created out of my life Nani; this is never going to sort out. And today this dream shook me so badly, it showed me what I could’ve had… of what I lost. It makes me feels so empty… feels like something gone forever and it will not come back. I am scared Nani, woh jahan bhi hai theek toh honge na?”










Nani herself seemed to holding her tears back replied: “Galat toh hum sab ne kiya Khushi Bitya and I too feel like that we all have to carry the guilt of this wrong doing all our lives, we wouldn’t get the chance to ask forgiveness or rectify it.” as her thoughts drifted to her morning dream she had of her beloved grandson, who came to see her, feeding him with her hand and slept in her lap. She doesn’t know why but somehow it felt like he came to see her one last time…to bid his final farewell. But she didn’t say anything about it, simply said, “Get some rest Khushi Bitya, there is no use of crying and making yourself sick now when nothing could be changed anymore.”












With that being said Nani and Sashi went back to their respective rooms while Khushi pushed open the French doors connecting to poolside of her room, this was the only guest room with access to poolside other than Arnav’s room. She walked to the other side and stood outside French doors that will never open, the Prakash brothers have sealed the room as never to be opened again like their last instruction by Arnav. Leaning on the glass door she slid down and finally broke into the sobs she was holding back; he was no more within her reach and only memories were left behind as her gaze fell on her feet with one anklet missing.










Knowing where or rather who has her other anklet she whispered brokenly: “Aap humari payal leke gaye saath, par hume kyun nahi le gaye apne saath Arnav… Kyun nahi hume humari galti nahi dekhi…? Kyun nahi hume se lade humesha ki tarah…? Kyun sirf humari payal aur mangalsutra leke chale gaye apne saath… Kyun hume bhi saath nahi le gaye apne Arnav, kyun…? Agle mahine koi aur humari maang bharega, kisi aur ke ho jayenge duniya ke liye par hum jaante hai ki humare dil mein sirf aap ho aur koi nahi ho sakta, kabhi nahi ho sakta. 
 Aapko hume bhi apne saath lekar jana chahiye tha, kyun hume nahi le gaye Arnav...? Kyun apni Piyu aise peeche chod kar chale gaye... kyun nahi le gaye apni Piyu ko bhi apne saath Arnav, kyun...?" as she cried to herself despite knowing why he didn't take her with him and it was her fault, if only she could go back in time. (You took my anklet with you, but you didn't take me with you Arnav... Why didn't you show me my fault...? Why didn't you fight me like you always did...? Why did you take only my anklet and mangalsutra with you... why didn't you take me too with you Arnav, why...? Next month, someone else is going to fill my maang, for the world I will belong to someone else but I know in my heart it will only be and no one else, never anyone else. You should have taken me also with you, why didn't you take me Arnav...? Why did you leave your Piyu behind like this... why didn't you take your Piyu with you too Arnav, why...?)

Par jhooth kehnde ne saare
K pyaar dubara nai ho sakda

….



















MARCH 21, 2013











Khushi sat in front of the vanity mirror and simply stared at her reflection blankly as one of the beauticians puts the veil over her head teasing her smilingly but she heard nothing, she felt nothing. Today was her wedding day and here she sat decked as bride amidst laughter and teasing of others but she wasn’t the blushing bride, she was just sitting there and doing what asked of her without even taking notice of what was happening or she was doing. The girl she saw in the mirror wearing golden lehenga with little maroon border zari work and kundan jewellery wasn’t what she had envisioned herself as when was going to a bride. She had thought she would be in a red bridal lehenga like the one she had wore when Arnav had married her or like the one, she saw in her dream when she married him, she had envisioned herself as only Arnav’s bride. But this, what is happening or why is it happening... she never wanted this but then she knows none of the family members were going to let her escape this, only Naniji and Babuji will understand but they will be so easily outnumbered. The Raizada family minus Nani, has taken this thought that marrying her with NK is the only way to correct all wrongs Arnav has done to her as they believe that he left everyone to be with that other woman... that he is enjoying somewhere with that woman, so why should she suffer alone. And there solution is to marry Khushi off with NK and Amma, Buaji are all up for it so the family reputation doesn't get dragged in mud. They both had given her long lectures about it when later she had tried to say no to marrying NK or anyone else, but in the end they all pestered her in their own search of redemption or something that no one actually cares about what she wants or thinks anymore. So, now Khushi is nothing but a mere lifeless doll for them to do whatever they want, she has no energy to fight them... maybe this is her punishment for hurting the man who had loved her more than life.

She could have tried to think of any reason or anything that might have delayed this wedding but she didn't have the strength to even fight or do anything anymore... also it would have been delaying the inevitable, she truly has no escape from this. She was at fault when she didn’t give her Arnav a chance to explain things to her… does she even have the right to call him hers after what she did to him…? Khushi knows if NK had used her moment of weakness when he had proposed her and she was in no state of mind except to accept it under family pressure and she is also aware that if he had his way then they would be married by now, it was only legal procedures that had made him wait a year. Her mind went back to the day when her life had changed, when she realized how wrong she had perceived the man she loved in her anger and what she has pushed herself out of her life.
















Tu mainu puchh na koi sawal
Ho chal door kite mere naal
K teri ho jauu

---FLASHBACK---











FEBRUARY 21, 2012








RAIZADA MANSION, DELHI – 06:30 P.M.









Khushi stepped back after knocking on the doors of Shantivan as she waited for someone to open the door for her to enter, so has finally moved back to Buaji’s house three days ago despite the Raizada family wanting her to stay with them, she couldn’t. Today she was here because she was informed by Anjali that their family lawyer was coming this evening and has requested everyone’s presence including hers. No one had any idea why the lawyer had called them and wasn’t even telling them anything and so no one had any other option except to be present.








Her thoughts were broken by the door being opened by HP who simply moved aside to let her inside, she smiled a little asking: “HPji kaise ho aap?” as she stepped inside. (HPji how are you?)










But she didn’t get her usual smile or greeting from HP instead he just closed the door and told her that everyone was waiting for her in the living room before leaving from there to go back to his work. Khushi’s face dulled due to his behaviour but she knew not only HPji but his brothers OPji and JPji were behaving the same with from past 02 weeks and she couldn’t understand the reason behind it, she thought of asking any one of the brother to tell the reason for suddenly giving her cold shoulder.










Khushi walked towards the living room wondering if her ex-husband will be there too, chances were that he would be since the lawyer had asked for everyone to be present, so he will be there too and this will be the first time she’ll see him after that night. But as she stepped in the living room, she saw Naniji, Mamiji, Anjali Di and Jiji chatting, Shyam along with Akash and NK were playing with baby Shreya while talking to Mamaji… there was no sign of Him. She felt tinge of disappointment but soon scolded herself for wanting to see him, maybe He is in his room and will come down when the lawyer arrived though she didn’t dare to question anyone about him and neither anyone mentioned him. So, she went greeting to greet everyone with enthusiasm and cheerfulness that she didn’t feel these days anymore but she was determined to not show this to anyone.











Everyone was happy to see her and welcomed her merrily and though she chatted with everyone, though she felt uncomfortable with NK and the family trying to tease her about NK. She thanked her Devi Maiyya as the doorbell rang and HPji went to open the door, entering few moments later with Amanji and a very tall handsome man behind him. All attention was on the two man who just entered with stern looks on their faces as they looked at everyone and greeted formally, sitting down at a sofa as Nani gestured them to.











After they sat down Nani asked: “Aman Bitwa, tum yaha iss waqt…? Aur yeh kon hai tumhare saath…?” (Aman Bitwa, you here at this time…? And who is this with you…?)








Akash questioned: “Aman do you have any idea about why Mr. Roy asked us to be present here or what he wants to talk about? Where is Mr. Roy anyways…?” pushing his specs up his nose.








Aman formally replied in no-nonsense tone: “I here to witness and execute the official matters that are going to be discussed today and I am here to make sure they are being fulfilled as stated, Mrs. Raizada. And Mr. Akash you all were asked to be gathered her by your family lawyer, why would Mr. Roy be here…?” saying in a way that somehow made Akash feel like an idiot.








Everyone was taken aback by Aman’s cold behaviour, he never behaved liked that with any of the family members. Anjali was the one to speak: “Yes we were asked by our family lawyer to be here and Mr. Roy is our family lawyer, so shouldn’t he be here by now.”








It was the man beside Aman who answered this time: “No Mr. Roy is AR’s one of the members of legal team who drafts the contract papers for the company only. I am Rishabh Kundra, your family’s lawyer and all legal matters related to Raizada family, company and properties are dealt by me and my team.” as he introduced himself formally.










The Raizada’s seemed to fall from sky with this new information, they all knew till today that Mr. Roy was their family lawyer but here this man says. Mamaji frowned as he questioned: “But Mr. Roy is our family lawyer, he is the one who brings the documents for signature and process them and we haven’t seen you before.” asking what everyone wanted to know.









Rishabh replied: “I have been ASR’s legal advisor and lawyer since the beginning and working with him when he had started AR Designs, handling all legal things for him. He was my first client and as we both have grown in our professional field; I had more clients and so ASR has another legal team to do the paperwork though it all gets processed by me before being filed in court.” providing new information that was unknown to them and how come they have never known this. But not wanting to get into more idle talks, he continued, “Well let’s get to business, I am here to discuss to very important matters today with you, so shall we all begin than.” And other then nodding what other option did they have, “I will first be reading out ASR’s Will and do necessary formalities regarding that, after which we will discuss other matter…” as he opened his briefcase to take out necessary documents.  






Everyone other Aman froze in shock at knowing that Arnav’s Will was being read and Khushi felt an unexplained panic rising inside her, as she stammered asking: “Ar- Arnav’s W- Will…?” her hand flew over her heart which was flattering in fear.








Rishabh took out a file as he opened it rather than looking at anyone’s face and replied: “Yes ASR’s last testimony and Will, which I’ll be reading to you all and will be executed accordingly.” and didn’t give anyone a chance as he went on stating the gist of the Will, “According to ASR’s last testimony and Will, he has given each and everyone of you your share in property and business. Mrs. Devyani Singh Raizada owns Shantivan, two prime housing properties and 300 acres land in Lucknow along with 10% shareholder in AR Designs. Mr. Manohar Raizada, you own a farmhouse in Mumbai and a penthouse in Delhi as well as 10% shareholder in AR and 5% of profit AR makes in international deal as you travel mostly to negotiate them. Mrs. Manorama Raizada, you own two mansions in Lucknow, a penthouse in Delhi and ASR has left quite a lot of jewellery for you which states here are the ones you had sold for his start up along with 10% shares in AR. Mrs. Anjali Jha, ASR has left you Sheesh Mahal in Lucknow, two properties in Delhi, a farmhouse in Shimla, a penthouse in Pune and you are also 20% shareholder in AR. Mr. Akash Singh Raizada, you own two properties in Pune, a penthouse in Bangalore and an house in Delhi along with that you are the new MD/CEO of AR Designs as well as you own 25% shares in the company. Mrs. Payal Singh Raizada, you own a flat in Delhi and a house in Hyderabad as well as ASR has left a huge sum of money deposited in your account which can’t be accessible to anyone accept you, not even your husband is allowed to touch that without you consent. Lastly, Mrs. Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada, you get everything else that was previously owned by him and that includes a farmhouse Delhi, one house in Pune, a beach-house in Mumbai and Goa, a townhouse in London and Greece, along with few other fixed deposits and 25% of shares in AR has been transferred in your name.” but he was rudely interrupted before he could continue.

RISHABH KUNDRA

And the interruption named NK spoke in protest: “Listen Khushiji isn’t Mrs. Arnav Singh Raizada anymore, their so-called 06 months contract marriage is over.” but shut his mouth as he was on the receiving end of two death glare aimed at him by Rishabh and Aman while the family was too shocked by the will reading to react any other way.








Rishabh coldly said: “I am well aware of what am saying, it is you who better get his facts said… who has ever said about ASR’s marriage being a contract marriage of 06 months. Do you have any proof stating that, because I have proof of her very much being Mrs. Arnav Singh Raizada…And why are you even here or talking in between because I don’t see you part of the Will or anything, so why are you questioning?” as NK flushed with embarrassment, he had no problem with not getting anything as he was Akash’s cousin and not Arnav’s. But what bothered him was Khushiji being addressed as Mrs. ASR., he didn’t want that.






Khushi felt her head spin at what lawyer had said and couldn’t help saying: “But Arnav had said to me when we married that it was a 06 months contract marriage… so how… how…” feeling at loss of proper words.







Rishabh have problem understanding her question and replied: “Just tell Mrs. Raizada, did you ever sign any contract or legal papers stating your marriage was temporary ever…?”






She thought for a moment and answered: “He made me sign few documents but I never read them and thought that those were contract papers.” whispered softly, feeling uncertain.







Aman replied this time: “Those weren’t any contract papers; they were your marriage registration papers and I had myself gotten them processed. Along with them were few other documents to change your name to Mrs. Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada, also bank formalities under your name… aapne koi contract kabhi sign hi nahi kiye kyun ki kabhi koi contract tha hi nahi. You are still very much still Mrs. Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada and ASR’s wife.”










Khushi felt her head spin at that new information as she sat still like a statue, not even knowing how to react, she was still Arnav’s wife as her teardrop fell from eyes which she didn’t even realize.
















Main kisi or ki hoon
Main kisi or ki hooon filhall

The others were also shocked to react about this and it was NK who swore loudly: “What the! What do you mean Khushiji is still his wife! How is that possibly?!”
           





Aman leveled him a look and replied: “It is very much possible and the truth…”







NK fumed at Aman’s attitude and said: “Okay if that is true and Khushiji is still his wife, then she wants a divorce because this doesn’t change the fact that he was cheating on her.” not wanting Khushi to actually think about giving that man a chance.







Rishabh glared at NK like he was a pest, spoke with barely concealed fury: “Well I think Mrs. Raizada is more than capable of speaking for herself and I didn’t I tell you to not give you unwanted opinion about matters not related to you.” and not giving NK to speak anything, he continued with the Will reading, “According to this Will, Mrs. Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada cannot divorce him and if she tried to than all the properties except Shantivan will go under trust and you all will only receive a monthly allowance.”








This brought another outrage from NK while rest of the family too protested as now that NK has brought out the cheating, all the good impression made by no contract marriage went into drain. It was only Khushi who sat calmly and then asked as all quietened: “So, I can’t divorce him and am still his wife…?”







Rishabh met her calm gaze and replied: “Yes, for the next one year you can’t divorce ASR and after a year you will be free from this marriage to do whatever you want.”




She asked: “I will be free from this marriage after a year?”







He replied: “Yes.”







She asked again: “But this is real marriage and no contract marriage involved?”






He replied again: “Yes.”







She questioned again: “And we are not getting a divorce?”







He answered her: “No, no divorce, you have to be his wife till next year February and after that you’re free from this marriage to do whatever you wish or whoever you wish to marry.”






She asked again: “Then how will I be free by February next year…? Why that specifically after that month…?” but she didn’t get any reply and tried probing again, “Why will I get free of this marriage next year after February… what is going to happen? There is something you are not telling us…” frowned at the silence she got.








He shrugged simply saying: “I am not obligated to tell you anything, and I am only stating what is in the Will, you won’t get anything out of me other that.” and went on to proceed with taking necessary signatures from everyone. After finishing that he spoke, “Okay so moving to next important matter is that Avinash Malik has been proven innocent, his name cleared and his brother along with his accompanies are convicted for their crimes with life prison.”








At this the Raizada frowned and Anjali said angrily: “What are you talking about…? Avinash Malik’s name cleared for what…? And why would we care about that ghatiya aadmi…?!”




Nani also said: “That man was responsible for my daughter’s died, he was a cheat and scoundrel! Why would we care about him?!” as she wiped her tears and Manohar wrapped an arm around her to show support.







Manorama loudly exclaimed: “Nothing could make that man innocent after what he did to Ratna Jiji, hello hi bye-bye!”







Rishabh calmly replied to them: “Because Avinash Malik had been framed with all those allegations you just said by his younger brother for property.” while stared at him in disbelieve as he continued, “Yes Avinash Malik was framed, he never cheated his wife with any other woman and Ratna Malik was provoked to commit suicide and Mr. Malik loved his wife so much that he too committed suicide after his wife died.”







The family wasn’t prepared for this earth-shattering truth as Anjali stammered out: “Bu-- but ho-- how?”








He replied: “Your father had left ASR a suicide letter with everything written about this conspiracy and he had requested that no matter how many years it takes but he should prove the truth and punish the culprits. And he wasn’t asking for himself but for the humiliation his children face and the wrong done to his wife do she would kill herself, he wanted justice for that. ASR after AR was established had PI hired to investigate, the case was on-going and 02 weeks ago the guilty were punished. Avinash Malik was a man who loved his wife so much that he couldn’t live without her that he followed her to death and he never ever cheated or betrayed her in anyway.” and he took out the case file of Avinash Malik and showed the copy of last letter written by him that he had as one of the evidence.










The whole Raizada family was shaken by this truth but no one more shaken then Khushi was at that moment. She realized that how unfair she was with her husband and looked at Aman asking him: “Amanji, Arnav kaha hai?” her question seemed to have made others pay attention too. But he remained silent and she prompted, “He is not at Shantivan from last two weeks and he hasn’t been to office also, I know that. But I know he will not leave AR like that or his family… I know he is somewhere else and you know where he is… Boliye na Amanji, where is Arnav?” pleading him to just tell her something.








Aman looked at her, replying carefully: “Woh nahi aayega wapas RM or AR kabhi, unhone apne sare responsibilities puri ki aur ab woh azaad hai. Mr. Akash Singh Raizada is officially MD/CEO of AR Designs now and the owners of AR Group are Mr. Akash Singh Raizada, Mrs. Anjali Jha and Mrs. Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada. Usne sabko sabka hissa property ka de diya hai, ab uski zimedari khatam hui. Aapko ya kisi aur ko iss parivaar mein fikar karne ki zaroorat nahi ki woh aapko pareshaan karega ya uski unchahe mojudgi ko jhelna padrega  kyunki ab ASR kabhi aap logo ki zindigi mein nahi aayega… ASR ka manhoos saaya aap logo zindigi mein kabhi nahi pardhega.” as he looked dead in the eyes. (He will not be coming back to RM or AR ever again; he has handed over everything and now he is free from all his responsibilities. Mr. Akash Singh Raizada is officially MD/CEO of AR Designs now and the owners of AR Group are Mr. Akash Singh Raizada, Mrs. Anjali Jha and Mrs. Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada. He had given the share of property that was to be given, his responsibility is over now. You or anyone of this family, don’t have to worry about being disturbed or to put up with his unwanted presence because now ASR will never come back in your lives… ASR won’t ever cast his black ill shadow won’t ever fall in your lives.)






Others were shocked at such rude behavior from Aman and what did he mean about Arnav never coming back...? But Khushi understood what Aman was saying, a fear gripped her heart but she didn’t want to believe that… that he was gone, no that cannot be.







She wiped her tears and tried asking again: “Amanji I know you are angry but please tell me where is he…? I want to talk him, please baatiye na ki kaha hai woh..." pleading him to tell her.






Rishabh was the one to answer her: “Zayda log nahi jaante yeh baat, in fact I doubt ki uski family ko bhi shayad yeh pata hoga par main, ASR and Aman hum best friends hai school ke dino se and throughout our University days. Aman aur main the ASR ke saath uske his struggling days mein, be it student life or when he started his business, hum dono uske saath the ache aur bure mein issliye main uska legal advisor aur Aman ne uske P.A. ki job li. Hum dono the jinke saath woh apni pareshaani share karta tha jo woh apni family ko bhi nahi bata sakta that, hum the jo uske saath hote un sare stressful sleepless raato ko, hum the jinse woh apne bure sapne share karta kyunki uski family ka pass itna waqt bhi nahi tha ki usse puche ki woh theek hai ki nahi. Aapko pata hai mujhe bahut khushi hui thi jab aapki Arnie se shaadi hui chahe jo bhi halat kyun na rahe ho, mujhe bharosa tha ki shayad aap uski chupi ko samjhengi, uske pyaar ko samjhengi… Aapko andaza bhi hai woh aapse kitna pyaar karta tha Mrs. Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada…? Woh aapse itna pyaar karta tha ki usne aapna naam diya aapko, itna pyaar karta hai aapse ki apna wajood bhi aapko de diya, par aapne kya kiya uske saath…? Aap ne usse itna tor diya ki ab mujhe pata hai woh kabhi theek nahi hoga, aapne humare Arnie ko haazar tukron mein tor diya.” his eyes were accusing her for breaking his friend beyond repair. (Not many know this, in fact I doubt his family even know this but me, ASR and Aman have been best friends since school days and throughout our University days. Aman and I were with ASR during his struggling days, be it student life or when he started his business, we both have stuck with him through thick and thin which is the reason that I became his legal advisor and Aman took up the job of his P.A. We are the one with whom he shares his distress which he couldn’t even share with his family, we were there with him in all those stressful sleepless nights, we were with him to share his nightmares because his family didn’t ever bother to ask him if was alright or not. You know I was very happy when you married Arnie and despite the circumstances, I had faith that maybe you’ll be the one to understand his silence, his love… do you even have any idea how much he loved you Mrs. Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada…? He loved you enough to share his name with you, itna pyaar karta hai na aapse ki apna wajood bhi aapko de diya, but what did you do to him…? You broke him in ways that I know that he’ll never recover from, aapne humare Arnie ko haazar tukron mein tor diya.)









Silent tears rolled from her eyes as his words pierced her heart, still she tried asking: “Please just tell me where he is, I want to talk to him… Just once, please boliye na woh kahan hai… Amanji…? Rishabhji…?”









Aman looked at her coldly as he said tonelessly: “Woh toh aap sabke liye maar chuka hai, haina aur aap sabne unse yahi kaha tha toh ab kyun pooch rahi hai ki woh kaha hai. Maare hue log wapas nahi aate Khushiji, toh aap kyun pooch rahi hai mujhse ki woh kaha hai, ek kaam kariyega ASR ke tasveer par mala chara kar kal hi sharadh kar dena unka, after all he is dead as far as you all are concerned, right. Maar gaya ASR Khushiji ab aur kabhi nahi aayega aapko pareshaan karne kyunki maare hue log kabhi wapas nahi aate.” being every bit of ruthless with his words. (He is dead for you all, right and you all told him that then why are you asking me where he is. Dead people don’t come back Khushiji, then why are you asking me why he is, do one thing put a garland on his photo and finish off ASR’s last rites tomorrow, after all he is dead as far as you all are concerned, right. ASR is dead Khushiji and now he is never going to come to disturb you because dead people don’t come back.)

Khushi puts a hand over her mouth to stop her sobs as she realized why Aman was saying all this and being so rude. He knows about what happened in RM two weeks and he made clear that Arnav wasn’t coming back and neither will he tell her about where he is, she sobbed realizing the mistake she did. She cried not even caring about others around her as she realized the intensity of the situation, that how unfair she had been to her husband by not giving him a chance to explain himself once. She had punished him listening to a third person, for no mistake of his and now he was gone… gone from her life to never come back again as she broke down like never before. At that moment she realized that the man she loved has taken her mangalsutra, her anklet, her heart but has left her behind… that she was left behind, as she broke into more sobs.

Ho kuch esa kar kamaal
K teri ho jau
Ho kuch esa kar kamaal
K teri ho jau

















---FLASHBACK ENDS---















A tear rolled down Khushi’s eyes remembering that day and after a month Amanji had left AR along with any way to reach Arnav had also closed for her. No one except Naniji that day had understood her pain or realized their mistake but like her, Naniji had also not said anything to anyone and from that day not even his name was spoken. She also realized the reason for the Prakash brothers being so detached was the unjust behavior towards their Arnav Bhaiyya, she never knew before that despite his temper her was so loved by the household workers. Soon she also realized that Arnav’s room was sealed with all and/any belongings that was mere even linked to him, he was wiped out Shantivan so thoroughly as if he never even existed in the first place.

The past year had been for her like a never-ending series of anguish and nightmares that just doesn’t seem to come to an end. The family had been after her to marry NK and only the legalities had been stopping him but now that it was over, she is getting married at the first auspicious date available after the period ending. She knows the she had lost the zeal of life and was just a former shell of the chirpy bubbly girl that she was and the only good thing was Babuji getting well, but he too was very disappointed with her behavior. Her past year was miserable and it is about to get even worse after marrying NK, then a thought played in her mind, Diwali was brief relief for her, ek pal ka sukoon mila tha mandir mein.

















Main kisi or ki hooon filhall
Main kisi or ki hooon filhaal
K teri ho jau
Main kisi or ki hooon filhaal
K teri ho jau

---FLASHBACK---









NOVEMBER 13, 2012 – 07:45 PM








SIDDHIVINAYAK TEMPLE, MUMBAI - DIWALI NIGHT







This Diwali was decided to go for a family trip as things had been stressful for everyone because for the first time, they all were realizing that their Chotte/Bhai/Arnav Bitwa was no more there to solve their every problem. They never realized before now just how much their lives hand been made easy by that man but now, they had no choice then learn to live without having their problems magically solved for them. So now they were going to Mumbai’s famous Siddhivinayak on Diwali and Khushi had decided to lit up lamps all over the temple for Arnav’s welfare.









So, she had worn a simple red sari with golden border and left her hair open with minimal make-up along with earrings and bangles adoring her hand but still there was something missing in her eyes. After prayer she had gone to lit diyas all over the temple and she was just finishing up as she sat in a circle of diyas, lost in thoughts of last Diwali she had spent in RM with Arnav. Suddenly a gust of wind came fearing she put a diya was going to blew off she quickly put one hand to prevent it and then another hand also came from other side, following the black suit clad hand she looked up at the owner of it.








There he was kneeling down beside her in his black Armani suit looking at her with those loving ice blue eyes of his smiling at her as he tugged a lock of hair behind her ear. They both slowly stood up and he held a hand for her to take, as he carefully helped her to walk out of the circle of diyas all the while looking at her lovingly. They were soon out of the circle when at the last step her feet twisted and he held her in his strong arms before she face-planted, they were so close as they kept staring at each other’s eyes.

Ae gal te galat ae
Jovi kar reha jaani
Par ae vi dekh
Tere bin kive mar reha jaani

Then he carefully made her stand straight, still arms around her so she doesn’t fall down and then there was Jiji calling for her, she heard the faint sound of calling her name over the noise of laughter and cracker bursting. She looked around to see who was calling her but soon her Jiji came to see her standing asked: “Khushi are you finished with lighting your diyas…? Everyone is waiting for you to start bursting crackers…”







Khushi looked around her to see that Arnav wasn’t there anymore with her realising that she was daydreaming about him again. She replied: “Haan Jiji hogaya, chalo.” giving small fake smile.








Payal nodded at her and turned around to walk away as Khushi looked back at the place she had just seen him as she pressed a hand over her heart and prayed: “Hey Vighnaharta, hume nahi pata woh kaha hai, par jaha bhi ho unhe bas theek rakhna.” took a deep breath as she turned to leave, her eyes roamed around and there she saw him standing near the steps looking back at her as he gave a heart-breaking smile before vanishing. A lone tear escaped her eyes, it felt good to see him before her eyes like he really was there but she knew it was just her imagination, he was never coming back. (Hey Vighnaharta, I don't know where he is, but wherever he is just keep him safe.)

Ae gal te galat ae
Jovi kar reha jaani
Par ae vi dekh
Tere bin kive mar reha jaani

---FLASHBACK ENDS---

















Payal came with Lavanya and Anjali to take Khushi with them downstairs as the pandit had had called for the bride to be brought. Lavanya had arrived 06 months ago and after hearing about ASR cheating Chamkeli, she had also had joint anti-ASR team with other family members and she got along with everyone in the family. Anjali and Lavanya were teasing the bride but didn’t get desired reaction which made them pout and were so blind in happily chatting that they didn’t notice the bride’s distress. But Payal had seen her sister, it was like something inside her was broken and nothing seemed to reach her, she had been seeing her sister fading into shell of what she was. Nowadays Khushi doesn’t smile or laugh or causing mayhem like she used to, it’s like all life has been sucked out of her in the span of a year, ever since Arnavji had walked out of her life and Payal was worried for her sister, she hoped this marriage with NK would bring her sister.










Khushi just went with them as they led her, without a word they said registering her mind as she sat down in her place beside NK as the pandit went on with the wedding rituals. She kept staring only at the fire in front of her blankly, she didn’t jump during jai-mala laughing at teasing or antics, she didn’t look once at her bridegroom nor did she tried to sneak shy glances like other brides, she didn’t smile or blushed, she simply sat through everything like a lifeless doll and doing what was expected of her. Even though Khushi was physically present, her mind and heart were somewhere else, lost in the thoughts on one man who now only resided in her every waking thought and every dream only…

Mar jange lae sambhal
Mar jange lae sambhal

---FLASHBACK---













THREE-AND-HALF MONTHS AFTER ARNAV-KHUSHI’S MARRIAGE






RAIZADA MANSION, DELHI – 10:30 P.M.














The dinner was over early this Saturday night and everyone was in the living room chatting, even Arnav and Akash had returned from office early this evening along with Mamaji and Shyam was also present at home this weekend. Khushi was sitting beside Nani, Mami, Anjali and Payal who were chatting about their ladies social gathering but she wasn’t listening to them… nope, she was busy blushing under the hot gaze of her husband who sat on the opposite side with other men of the house, clearly not listening anything either.










Suddenly NK popped down loudly: “Oh God! This is so boring!” groaning which made everyone to look at him questioningly and he went to say, “People we are sitting together today… I mean after ages the full family is in one place, even Nannav is here but everyone is engrossed in their own chatting or something else. Come on let’s play something together, we don’t get chances like this easily…” putting forward his brilliant idea.










This seemed to have appealed almost everyone instantly to agree while Arnav could care less about stupid games when he had definitely more interesting game to play with his wife while Khushi was happy to be included by the family. Since last few days the Raizada family were warming up to her though she knows the most credit goes to her husband’s constant support to her that made everyone realize soon that she wasn’t one to be messed with. So, it was settled that a game of Truth and Dare would be played, for while an empty glass bottle was bought from kitchen to spin as they all sat around the table in circle… everyone mostly sat on floor, only Nani and heavily pregnant Anjali were on chair.










Arnav was sat beside Khushi and was constantly brushing or touching her discreetly making her blush furiously, trying to get away as to not let the family know but wanted to stay as she loved his touches and attention. Everyone was having a good time with embarrassing truths that were shared and funny dares were given as task, after long the house was filled with laughter as troubles and complains were forgotten.









So, after Shyam finished his dare of mimicking any Bollywood villain, the bottle was span again and this time it stopped on unsuspecting Arnav who was busy flirting with his lovely wife but the loud cheer made him pay attention. Anjali loudly exclaimed: “Chotte it is your turn now!” excitedly clapping while her Chotte blinked perplexed.







He frowned saying: “I am not doing anything… and who said I was even playing…?” was his response.






Even looked at him and Anjali being the only daring soul, asked: “If you’re not playing than why are you sitting here…? Ab Chotte, stop your tantrums and bolo truth or dare…?” gleefully rubbing her hands thinking what she could make her brother do. 






Arnav shrugged his shoulder answered: “Main yaha hoon kyunki meri Biwi yaha hai varna mujhe koi interest nahi hai iss stupid game mein.” without least bit of shame or embarrassment. Everyone looked at him wide-eye jaw dropped expression at his words while Khushi blushed to roots, he casually says, “What! Aise kya dekh rahe ho sab, it’s true…” (I am here because my wife is here or else, I have least bit interest in this stupid game. What! Why are you all looking at me like that, it’s true…)







Recovering quick, Anjali said: “Chotte woh sab mujhe nahi pata, aap yaha baithe ho toh aapko khelna pardhega… ab bolo truth or dare…?” seeing his protest coming, she added, “Ya phir the great ASR darr gaya ek mamuli truth and dare ke game se…?” knowing well that her brother will fall for this. (Chotte I don’t know anything; you are sitting here so you have to play… now say truth or dare…? Or is it that the great ASR got scared of a little game of truth and dare…?) 







Arnav exclaimed: “What the! ASR kisi se darr ta nahi… Fine I choose dare, bolo kya karna hai Di…” retorted back. (What the! ASR isn’t scared of anything… Fine I choose dare, tell me what I have to do Di…)






Having him where she wanted, she mischievously smiled and said: “Okay Chotte, since you choose dare… your dare is to ask something to the one person you love most...” 






He prompted: “Bas itna, fine I’ll do it…” and was going to question like his dare was.






Anjali stopped him, saying: “Offo Chotte phele puri baat toh sunn lo… tum jise sabse zayda pyaar karte ho tumhe usse kuch poochna hai woh bhi gaana ga ke aur woh jo jawab de uska jawab bhi gaane mein hi dena hoga... that is your dare.” with an excited smile on her face. (Offo Chotte first listen fully what I am saying… the person you love most you have to ask them something singing a song and also whatever they reply, you have to reply in song… that is your dare.)






He frowned: “What the! How can I ask question in song…? And I don’t even know that many songs, that too full lyrics of such long songs… kuch aur dare do Di.” as he asked her.






She smiled at him, replying: “No change in dare Chotte, you have to do this or accept that ASR can’t do everything… and anyways I didn’t ask you to sing full song, aapse toh do line bhi bahut hai. So, will you do your task or accept defeat?”












He looked at his sister, narrowing his eyes as he knew damn well what she was trying to do but never one to back off from challenges, he accepted: “Fine I’ll do…” then sat a moment to think while others waited in anticipation as to what he’ll ask Anjali in song, as everyone knew he loved her the most. 








Suddenly Arnav was reminded of a song lyric he heard playing on the radio of his car once while returning from office with Akash who had turned the radio on, knowing it was perfect for questioning the person he loved the most. So, turning to his right he sang in low husky voice: “Main duniya se chala jaaoon / Kabhi na laut ke aaoon / Karogi kya akele tum bataao dilruba…” with a teasing smile on his lips as he looked at his wife much to everyone’s surprise.

Khushi felt her heart skip a beat just at the thought of what he asked and looking him in the eyes as her eyes got teary, replied singing her lines sweetly: “Main Rab se chheen laaungi / Tujhe apna banaaungi / Chalegi saans jab tak yeh / Na honge hum juda…” while clutching his hand as if he would vanish if she didn’t hold him to her.

He smiled lovingly at her as he put his hand on her head, caressing her hair and sung, assuring her: “Na apni yeh kasam toote / Jo Rab roothe to Rab roothe…” all the while staring at her with so much love shining in his icy-blue eyes.

At that moment they both had forgotten all about the game or their surroundings or that their family was staring at the pair with wide-eyes jaw-dropped in shock. Arnav got up and pulled Khushi too with him to stand up, then bent down and picked her up in his arms and walked up the stairs to his rooms, all the while both lost in each other’s eyes. The family was so shocked that by the time they came out of their splendour the love birds were gone which had gotten varied reaction as some giggled happily planning for next day teasing and few others burned in jealousy. 








While unaware of all this going downstairs Arnav and Khushi entered their room and he had shut the door with his foot, went to bed and carefully dropped his precious bundle and hovered himself over her. As both their breathing accelerated when their lips met in a long, passionate kiss which told a story of its own and soon the barrier of cloths vanished as they drowned in each other, expressing and promising forever to each other all night.











---FLASHBACK ENDS---

During Bidaai her Amma and Buaji cried hugging her but she stood like statue letting them drench her with their tears while NK promised them that he’ll take care of her standing beside her. When her Babuji had hugged her, he whispered in her ears: “Rolo Khushi Bitya apna dukh roke nikal dijiye, kab tak aise murti ki tarah rahogi…” only for her to hear. (Cry Khushi Bitya cry your sadness, how long are you going to be a statue like this…)









Khushi hugged her Babuji back and merely whispered tonelessly only for him to hear: “Shaadi nahi hui humari Babuji, cheeta jalee aur ab humari aarthi uth rahi hai. Hum iss shaadi ke havan-kund mein jal gaye aur ab kuch mahsoos nahi ho raha kyunki maare hue logo ko kuch mahsoos nahi hota.” pulled back to look him in the eyes, he shed tears seeing the lifeless look in her eyes. (I didn’t get married Babuji; it was my cremation and now my pyre is going to be picked up. I burned in the holy fire of this marriage and now I don’t feel anything because dead people don’t feel anything.)











She pulled back from him, did the rice throwing ritual as she got in the decorated SUV with NK following after her and looked out of the window to see her crying family as the car started to drive away. NK tried being the supportive husband and started to console her but she remained unresponsive to him and didn’t even bother to look at him, so he gave up and looked out of the window as they drove to RM.















K teri ho jauu
Main kisi or ki hoon
Main kisi or ki hooon filhall
Ki teri ho jauu

…
















FEBRUARY 15, 2018







MORNING – 07:30 A.M.










Ta Pa Ni Ga Re Sa Ni Sa Ni Sa
Pa Re Sa Ni Ree
Ta Pa Ni Ga Re Sa Ni Sa Ni Sa
Ni Pa Ni Pa Ni Pa Ma Gaa (x2)

Khushi was silently setting the table for breakfast like her usual morning routine and Payal brought the sabzi dish with her from kitchen and placed on the table. Khushi said to her: “Jiji I am going to mandir, can you handle the breakfast alone…?”






Payal looked at her silent sister and took in her appearance, once colorful Khushi was clad in a white-black sari with black blouse and her hair tied in a loose bun. She doesn’t know where her chirpy sister went, she doesn’t recognize this shell of woman that her sister has turned into anymore nowadays. Gone the Khushi who used to talk and smile nonstop, in fact she doesn’t remember the last time she had seen her smile, gone the colorful Khushi nowadays she only wears white or pastel color sarees, no glass bangles adored her hands, only a gold kangan in each hand for the formality of no one saying anything about her bare hands. 

KHUSHI'S SAREE

She replies: “Haan Khushi jao, hum sambhal lenge and you have your breakfast now, I’ll do all this myself.” with a fake smile to hide her worries.







Khushi shook her head: “I am fasting today.”








Payal tries to converse: “Khushi why are you wearing this black and white saree, go change into that red-blue saree Di gave you, tumpe acha lagega.” trying make her sister wear something colorful for once.







Khushi looked up at her Jiji for few moments and then replied quietly: “I don’t like colors anymore Jiji.” as she quietly went on with her task and as she moved around her one anklet tinkled filling the silence.






Payal comments: "Khushi tum sirf ek payal kyun pehenti ho...? Mera matlab hai ki mujhe pata hai yeh tumhari Amma ki akhri nishaani hai iss liye inhe replace nahi karti lekin dursi jab kho gayi hai toh aise hi ek aur banwa lo... yeh kya tum sirf ek hi pehenti ho aur dusra pav khali..." curious as well as wanting her sister to talk a little maybe, it's so hard these days to get her verbally speak. (Khushi why do you wear only one anklet...? I mean I know this is your mother's last symbol that is why you never replace them but if one is lost than why don't you get another made of same design... why do you wear only one and your other feet is empty...) 

Khushi was so lost in thoughts that maybe that was why she slipped, answering: "Dusra pav khali kaha hai, humare dursre pav mein toh Arnav bandh--" caught herself mid-sentence as complete silence descended upon them. Payal looked somewhere between shock and speechless while the other wanted to leave, so quickly finishing her task briskly said, "Okay am leaving now, bye." walked away from there without further ado. (Who said my other feet is empty, on my other feet Arnav is tie--)












Hun roni aa pachtoni aa
K chann he hoea chakor da
Hun main vi kisi hor di
Tu vi ae kisi hor da

…














Khushi climbed the steps of mandir carefully holding her puja-thalli, today is Arnav’s birthday and like every year she came to mandir to do puja for him along with keeping fast for him. She has changed so much and though for world she is NK’s wife but for her no one can be her husband except her Arnav. She rang the bell and gave pandit her puja-thalli asking to do puja in Arnav’s name and she stood with hands folded, eyes closed as she prayed but then felt some movement around her which she ignored at first. Then there was little noise around her and curiously she opened her eyes and looked around but nothing was there and she turned in front of her to Devi Maiyya’s idol and back to her prayer. And that was when she saw a cute little head pop from behind the donation box with mischievous ice-blue eyes, ruffled black hair and lips pouting in concentration as he reached his tiny hand to steal ladoo but his eyes went wide as he saw her looking at him and quickly hid.

TODDLER ARNAV

She didn’t even realize a small smile graced on her face after years and took her puja-thalli from panditji who gave it back to her and left from there. She went to the little person’s hiding place and peered at him asking: “What are you doing here…?” hiding her smile though her eyes fond.








The little boy looked up at her pouting and gazed longingly at her puja thaali that had sweets, replied cutely: “Ladoo…”






Khushi smiled offering: “If you come from there than I will give you all the ladoos.” he looked at her with a bright smile and hurriedly came out holding his out. She smiled at the cute little boy who looked to 04 or 05 years old wearing a blue shirt and black pants, she gave a ladoo, crouching be of his height, she asked, “What is your name…?”








The kid took ladoo from her and replied: “Arnav… Arnav Singh Rajput, but you call me ASR.” as he happily bit in his ladoo unaware of the way his statement caused the havoc on the good Auntie who paled drastically.

















Hun roni aa pachtoni aa
K chann he hoea chakor da
Hun main vi kisi hor di
Tu vi ae kisi hor da

Khushi felt as memories flashed in front of her eyes and a lump in her throat, but gulping that she asked: “Why are your parents…?” thinking if the child is lost.






Little Arnav looked at her cutely as he replied: “My Mumma and Papa are doing prayer for my Godfather, after that we’ll go do party…”





His cuteness making her forget her sadness for moment, and asked: “Party for what…?”







He replied eating his sweet: “Today is my birthday and am now 05 years old, am a big boy now!” cheerfully with toothy smile and all.






She smiled a little at him, said: “Happy birthday…” ruffling his hair, continued, “Come on I’ll take to your parents…they might be looking for you.” standing up, she holds his hand asking where his parents were.









Khushi smiled little listening to little Arnav talk as she guided them to where his parents were. She saw at little distance a couple dressed in white sat with Panditji doing havan and they got up as it was over now, from distance she couldn’t make the faces. But as she neared, she saw a man she hadn’t seen in years, it was Aman with a lady beside her and she recognized her too even if she had never met her… she was the woman with whom NK had shown Arnav’s photos all those years ago.
















Mera dil karda ae sawaal
Teri mohobbat da ki haal
O tere bin din lagde saal

The little boy left her hand as he ran towards his parents loud call: “Mumma! Papa!” as the couple turned to look at the child coming running to them and smiled at him a little. He started telling them something animatedly and then point in her direction and as they smilingly looked at her but their face paled as much as her seeing them.









Khushi walked up to them, looking nowhere except their face, hardly believing that they were here and a hope in her eyes, if they are here than it means Arnav might be with them. She softly greeted: “Amanji kaise hai aap...? Aur yeh aapka beta hai...?” glancing at the lady beside him who was glaring angrily at her, she had mangalsutra and sindoor. (Amanji how are you...? And this is your son...?)





Aman too perplexed replied: “Yeah this is my son.” too taken back by Khushi’s appearance, gone the cheerful girl he remembered, in front of him stood a lady with broken heart.






She bit her lip nervously, then asked not being able to help herself: “Amanji, woh bhi yaha hai...? Arnav bhi yaha aaye hai aapke saath...?” her lips trembled in nervousness. (Amanji, is he here too...? Arnav too came with you...?)

He looked clueless about how to answer, though tried: “Khu-- Khushiji woh… woh…” instead of continuing he gestured with his head in front.







Khushi confused turned to look where he pointed and what she saw made the puja-thaali in her hand slip as she stared wide-eyed, she stammered: “Am-- Amanji yeh-- yeh-- what is this… what kind of joke is this?!” shock gone and now felt angry.







Aman looked at her with sad eyes replying: “Mazak nahi hai Khushiji, aaj ASR ki paachvi barsi hai... He died 05 years ago from today Khushiji…” his voice trembled with grief as he averted his eyes from her.

Khushi looked at his serious face and back to the huge photo of smiling Arnav with garland on it. She couldn’t take anymore and started falling as he quickly caught her, fainting due to shock as she last heard was her name being called.

Ki chad dunia da tu khyaal
Aa chal tur main mere naal
Ki mach jaane de bawaal
K teri ho jau

Main kisi or ki hoon

....







PRECAP: And the pain continues...







....











[NOTE: Hello lovelies, so how was this chapter...? How many of you still hate Khushi or think she deserves the suffering that she is...? Also the time of Khushi's dream visit was morning 05:30 A.M Indian time was London time after midnight, so her dream happened just before he died. I don't know how much of it is true that before dying the person visits their most loved one in dream but my mother had a early morning dream the day my Nanaji died ... so that little dream visit was actually Arnav's last visit to her.




And yes, those who didn't understand for them, yes Arnav and Khushi were married as long as he was alive, there divorce didn't happen and she didn't marry NK before March as Arnav passed away in Feb.... jab tak Arnav zinda tha Khushi sirf uski Biwi thi... maybe after that too since she never accepted NK as her husband, no matter what the world said. I know many of you probably didn't like Khushi marrying NK, even I didn't like that but that was the way it was supposed to happen. Also about Khushi marrying NK, well she did only because of family pressure, she realized that Arnav didn't cheat her and maybe on the last day of supposed-contract marriage he had something to tell her but she never gave him a chance to, instead in anger coming in NK's words she had lashed out on him... she realized she had behaved wrongly listening to third person like her mother-in-law and father-in-law had a MU but instead of anyone committing suicide like them, she had driven the man who loved her away. 




Khushi also realizes that NK had most likely taken advantage of the situation and proposed her when she was neither in right state of mind nor could she escape due to family pressure. It is only Nani and Sashi who have realized along with Khushi that they were wrong to Arnav, maybe NK too that is why he doesn't Arnav's image to improve in front of family or Khushi because than she wouldn't marry him. But they are silent because Arnav is gone and the whole situation is a mess they don't know how to deal with it while NK is just taking advantage. Now, NK is not villainous or with evil intend, he is love and in his selfishness he doesn't realized the damage he caused to the two people even if it wasn't intended. Now the aftermath and confrontation is going to happen between Sonakshi with Raizada family, bitter truths with harsh words are going to be spoken while Khushi would break even more.






Also, I know many think Khushi shouldn't have married NK but she really didn't have any choice on that as the Raizada family thinks that Arnav is living happily with another woman... for them marrying Khushi with NK is their redemption to all wrong Arnav did to her. While Garima and Buaji are thinking about family reputation which can only be safe with marrying Khushi off again... she had actually tried refusing NK's proposal but everyone had hounded Khushi into submission till she agreed. So, really the poor girl has no choice, if Arnav was present or if she knew where to go find him than she would have gone but his absence has made it all even worse as she has no escape with being completely outnumbered by others... that was what the quote in the beginning of the chapter said, sometimes we have to do things even if we don't want to. 









So until the next time, take care people...




With love,
 Kavya



#PS: Some asked me why did Arnav called Khushi, Piyu in last update... ‘Piyu’ means Beloved, it was his nickname or endearment for her that he called her with. As in the end Arnav didn't remember much due to his disease, so he mostly addressed her Piyu instead of Khushi as he didn't remember her name, just that he lovingly called her Piyu, her face and memories of her also Sonakshi never told him her name as it was better the way for him 




#PSS: I didn’t get as good of comments or likes on previous chapter that I did on Prologue... silent reader better get bit active, if not comment at least give vote/like or else I wouldn’t post next chap soon. And I want comments more then ‘nice chap’ or ‘good’, I know you can write better than one or two words.





#PPS: What do you think of the song was appropriate for the chapter... ? I thought it was, what do you think or you would have liked another song and if so what..? Also the flashback scene of truth and dare game was a last minute, I was  actually listening the song and really wanted to use those lines in one of my stories, and it seemed appropriate for this... what do you think of it...? Also I wanted Arnav to be present in this full chapter without actually being present, so was there enough of his presence...?





#PSSS: Next update is of  ‘Gustakh Dil...’ as I am almost finished with the update, MTB readers have to wait a little, the next update is on-progress.]