Part 51:

"Arnav... Arnav open the damn door... Arnav..." Aman almost banged the door continuously.

"What the Aman? Can't you wait until I open the door?" asked Arnav after being pushed by Aman, who rushed into Arnav's room.

"Oyyyy..." said Arnav balancing himself.

"Not even one word Mr. Raizada. Otherwise I will kill you"

"What? What did I do?"

"You did nothing. That is the problem"

"Stop it Aman. If you want to say anything, say it straight. Don't beat around the bush. I don't like that"

"Either I don't like that. Do you have any idea from where I'm coming now? I'm coming from your parents' room. They doubt your character."

"WHAT?! Aman say it clearly"

Inhaling deeply, Aman said whatever happened in Arnav's parents' room. He also mentioned about Akul plan to marry both Arnav and Anjali. He finished saying all these and sat on the bed disappointedly.

"What's going on Aman? And Di's marriage? Did you say they are going to search for match?"

Aman nodded his head silently. "That is what they said. I don't know what to do Arnav. I can't lose Anjali"

"Who said you will lose Di? You will never lose her, you have my word. I will make them understand. I will tell them that you both are interested in each other. I will make sure you both will get married. You have me. Don't worry about that Aman. I won't accept my Di to go into other family. I can't trust any other man, with my Di except you. Don't worry... I will talk with Dad. You just get relax"

Aman hugged Arnav "Thank you so much Arnav. I'm really tensed about Anjali's marriage. I thought I lost her. But..."

"No way... If you don't say or ask also I won't allow any other person in her life, where I know she likes you. Don't worry everything will be fine"

"Then what's about that Sheena? I mean she is rumouring about you in college"

"I already know about that. Khushi told me"

"What? How do Choti knew about this?"

Arnav told everything what Khushi told him – her confession, her fears, about Sheena and her hurt everything except their mind blowing kisses.

"Oh... god that is the reason Choti chooses to be Sneha?"

"Yeah... she is just insecure. She is scared of losing me. She is scared of my rejection. That silly girl thought I will reject her." Arnav smiled little.

"Arnav... don't lose Choti at any time. You won't get any girl like Choti. She is wonderful, innocent, pure and most importantly she is deeply in love with you. Don't lose her"

"Hmm..."

"And thanks for your word about me and Anjali. Now I can sleep in peace" Both friends smiled and hugged. Both bid good night and left to sleep.

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

Mohini stopped combing her hair with the ring of her phone. She looked at the number and answered it immediately.

"Ma'am, I found the details of Ms. Khushi's family and her brother's details. Mr. Shyam Gupta's number is 9686626355. He is working in Pine Software Solutions (A/N I pick this name randomly. I don't know if it exists or not. Sorry) He has a wife and two kids – one boy and one girl. He loves his family and his second sister – Khushi."

"Good... tell me about her family – her parents, other siblings"

"Shashi Gupta and Garima Gupta. They have four kids including Shyam and Khushi. Shyam is the first one followed by Keshi, Khushi and Radhi. Keshi got married and staying here in Mumbai with her family. And Radhi is studying her +2 and staying in Lucknow with her parents. And one more member – Ms. Khushi's buaji also stays with them. And finally Shashi is ready to get marry Khushi, if they finds good match."

"Hmm..."

"Ma'am is there anything you want me to do? Please let me know, if you want anything."

"Sure... thanks for the information. I will call you if I need anything" with that she dropped the call and went to living room to have her breakfast before going to office.

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

"Khushi beti... Dean Sir is calling you" attendant informed Khushi, who sat in canteen with her friends.

"Ji... kaka... thank you. I will go"

"For what?" asked Anjali.

"I don't know Di. Let me check. I will meet you all in lunch. Bye" saying this Khushi left from there not before looking at Arnav, who smiled at her in return.

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

"Come in" said Dean after hearing a knock on the door

"Good Morning sir. Did you call me?"

"Oh... Khushi... come on dear. Yes, it's indeed good morning. Come sit."

"Thank you sir. But sir... can I know the reason for what you have called me here?"

"Of course you can. Mr. Shah told me that he wants to talk with you. He is on his way. He asked me to inform you. And congrats"

"Oh... but why congrats sir?"

"I can't believe this. Didn't you follow the news about your song?"

"Um... actually no sir, I didn't." She said lowering her head

"Mr. Shah said your voice caught so many listeners. Your song is one of the songs which is getting more downloads. The number of online listeners of your song is also increasing hour by hour. I'm really proud of you Khushi. You kept my respect in safe place Khushi. Thank you"

"No Sir. I'm the one who should be thankful to you. You trusted me with my voice. Thanks for that" Khushi is way too happy after listening about the response her song is getting. She wants to share this news with her family, Aman Bhai and Arnav. Unable to control her happiness she asked Dean "Sir... when will Mr. Shah coming here? I mean at what time?"

"I think you are in hurry to share this news with your family and friends. I can understand, but Khushi you have to wait. Mr. Shah said he will be here around 9. As it is already 9, he may come at any time. So, you have to control your happiness for some more time" said Dean with a smile on his face.

"Oh... Ok... Sir... I will wait outside till then"

By nodding his head, Dean gave the permission. When she comes outside, she surprised to see Aman and Arnav waiting for her.

"Bhai? Arnav Ji? What are you doing here? You should be in your class?"

Both Aman and Arnav rushed to her after hearing her voice.

"Leave that. Tell me why did Dean Sir call you? What's the matter? Is everything alright?" asked Aman.

"Ha Bhai... everything is fine. The matter is Mr. Shah is coming here. He wants to talk with me about what I don't know. That's why Dean Sir called me here to wait"

"Oh ok... but what he wants to talk with you?"

"I don't know. But leave it... I want to tell you one thing" both Arnav and Aman can see the twinkle in her eyes. They knew whatever she is going to say, is really good news.

"And what's that one thing?" asked Arnav.

Khushi said everything what Dean said about her song with so much excitement. She is jumping all the time telling about her song.

"Arey wah... meri Choti famous ho gayi..." Khushi smiled a big smile and hugged Aman.

"But it wouldn't have been happened without your and Arnav Ji's support Bhai. Thanks for that. Ahhh... Arnav Ji... it's paining. Ahhh please leave" Khushi hissed trying to remove her ear from Arnav's grip.

"What did you say? Thanks? You are saying thanks to us?" asked Arnav turning her ear little more, making sure it won't hurt her more.

"Ok... I won't say... please leave my ear. It's paining"

Arnav left her ear and said "Don't you dare to say thank you to me. I am not supporting you for your good. I'm doing this for my happiness. Do you get that?"

Khushi nodded her head with shyness.

Aman smiled seeing these two important persons in his life.

"Hello Ms. Khushi. How are you?" the trio turned their head to see Mr. Shah stood there and smiling at Khushi.

"Namaste Mr. Shah, I'm fine. Thank you... How are you?"

"I'm perfectly fine" Mr. Shah looked at Aman and Arnav, who stood beside Khushi and noticed protectiveness and love in their eyes. He turned to Khushi and asked "Don't you introduce your friends to me, Ms. Khushi?"

Khushi smiled at Mr. Shah and said "He is Aman, my brother. And he is Arnav, my best friend" she introduced both the men without any hesitation, which make both Arnav and Aman surprised. They both shook their hands with Mr. Shah.

"Your sister and friend is a great singer. Her first song is really a good hit."

"Thank you" both said in unison.

"Well, why don't you guys join us inside? I want to talk with Khushi about something. I'm sure; she will be more than comfortable if you two are there with her. What's say?"

"If you don't have problem, then it's our pleasure" said Arnav. Both Aman and Arnav are well known about how to behave formally.

"Then please join us" saying this Mr. Shah, walked inside the Dean's room followed by the trio

"Welcome Mr. Shah. Oh... Aman and Arnav... you both are here? I think you are eager to know about your sister. Good, take your seats. Mr. Shah, please sit."

After sharing the pleasantries, Mr. Shah came directly to the point.

"Well, I don't want to waste time. So, I'm coming directly to the point. As, Khushi's song got good response, I want to make a contract with her for my coming movies. And Mr. Malhotra want to release one devotional album with the combination of me and Khushi" he turned to Khushi and asked "Khushi beta, Did you register you name in singers' forum?"

"Singers' forum?"

"Yes, you have to register in that forum. Otherwise, most of the music directors won't consider your name. It will be loss for you"

Khushi looked at Arnav and Aman.

"What will be the procedure? Did we need to submit any documents for them?" asked Aman

"No, not much, I will give you the letter, stating about her song in my movie and some of her educational certificates along with music related documents if she has any. As she is not major..."

"She is major. She is 19 years old" said Dean

"Oh... then there won't be any problem. But as she doesn't have any graduation still, my letter will help her" Mr. Shah turned to his PA and asked him to bring the letter with Khushi name and also the association address.

"What about Mr. Malhotra? Can we trust him?" asked Dean

"Of course we can. He is really a wonderful man, who encourages young talent. He used to manage their studios along with his elder son. But now as his elder son DS moved to Sydney, he is managing this alone. He is waiting for his younger son to come and join with him" he stopped to hear his PA's words and continued saying "Just now, my PA said, that Mr. Malhotra's younger son is studying here. His name is Rahul. Did you know him?" asked Mr. Shah not noticing shock, surprise and tensed faces around him. All the four, Dean, Aman, Arnav and Khushi looked at each other. Noticing the tension and question in their faces, Dean asked "Considering Rahul, is it safe to work with Mr. Malhotra?"

"What do you mean by that?" questioned Mr. Shah

Exhaling deeply, Dean said everything about Rahul and Khushi's encounters, which made Mr. Shah shocked to the core. He looked at Khushi and others. He can see the tension, anger in their faces. He turned to Dean and said

"I know Mr. Malhotra from ages. He is my best friend. But he never said all these things to me. I doubt whether he knows all these or not. Didn't you complaint to them about Rahul?"

"We did. But every time, Rahul's mother sent her PA to handle the situation. We suspended Rahul for one month from college. After that also he is continuing his dirty games" said Dean

Mr. Shah turned to Khushi and said "Trust me when I say, that Mr. Malhotra is really a nice person. He is not at all like Rahul. I can assure you in this. You will be safe working with him" he turned to Arnav and Aman "Don't worry about her. She will be in safe hands when she will work with us. She is like my daughter. I will take full care of her well being. You have my word. I will look after her safety by myself. Don't worry" Mr. Shah tapped Aman's shoulder while smiling at Arnav.

Both Aman and Arnav looked at him and noticed the sincerity in his eyes. Before they say something they heard Khushi saying

"I just want one confirmation. Can you make sure that Rahul will not come to know about my work with his dad? If he knows then definitely he will create problem for me. Please... inform this to Mr. Malhotra. Other than this I don't have any major problems in working with you I think"

Aman, who sat next to her hugged her sideways, assured her everything will be ok and he will be with her whatever happens. She smiles at him

"I will do that Khushi beta. Rahul will never ever come to your way. I will make sure that. I never had good impression on him. From childhood onwards he is completely a spoilt brat. I will talk with Mr. Malhotra about this. He never allows his son into the studio, if he knows this. I will talk with him. Don't worry."

After that everyone talked for some time about Khushi's registration in association and about contract. Aman asked some of his doubts like what if she gets other chances while she is in contract with Mr. Shah and Mr. Malhotra; will they allow her to sing with others or not. Mr. Shah answered every question of them with so much patience. After satisfying with the discussion Aman, Arnav and Khushi took their leave from there and went to their classes. Mr. Shah gave them the recommendation letter and address of the association before they left from there. After Khushi, Aman and Arnav left from there he and Dean talked some time. Mr. Shah bid his bye to Dean and left to Mr. Malhotra's studio.

***********

"Bhai... let's go" said Khushi after coming out from the association office.

"What? Is your registration completed? Did you submit everything needed? Did they accept Mr. Shah's letter?"

"Haa Bhai... everything is over. Let's go"

Both Aman and Arnav looked at each other. 'Something is missing' both thought.

"Khushi... can I see your membership card?" asked Arnav suddenly.

"They didn't give the card. They said they will give later"

"Khushi... look at me"

"Bhai... I'm feeling hungry. Can we go from here? Please?"

Arnav very well knew, if Khushi is not meeting his eyes then something is there or something is bothering her. So, he went inside the office to know what the matter is. Khushi tried to stop him, but he is fast. After few minutes he came out with full anger and held Khushi's hands in a deathly grip

"Your registration finished, right?"

Khushi flinched in pain. She nodded her head in yes

"Oh... great then show me the acknowledgement "

She looked at him with wide eyed.

"What? Don't say that you didn't take the Acknowledgement or they didn't give. Show me"

"Um... Ah... I... I..."

"What's wrong Arnav?"

"She didn't register her name because they asked her to pay 40,000 rupees as fees"

Aman looked at Khushi surprisingly. She nodded her head and said "I didn't register because I don't have money. And I can't ask my dad or my brother. 40,000 is really big amount for us. Let's go from here Bhai. It won't happen. Come on Arnav Ji. Let's go from here"

"Oh... you can't ask your father and brother, can't you ask me also Khushi? Can't you ask Aman also?" asked Arnav. Hurt is clear in his voice.

"Leave it Arnav. If she can't ask her family then who are we to her to ask us? Come on let's go from here" said Aman looking at Khushi. She can see the hurt in his eyes.

"Bhai, Arnav Ji... Please don't make it difficult for me. I can't do this. I don't want anybody to think that our relation is based on money. I don't want anybody to think I'm doing friendship with you for your money" said Khushi. She is on verge to cry.

"Now... I'm going inside and will pay the fee. I don't want any arguments on this. You better come inside to sign" said Arnav

"Arnav... Here are the documents required" Aman grabbed the documents from Khushi's hands and gave it to Arnav. Taking the documents Arnav immediately went inside.

"Arnav Ji wait... Bhai... I can't take money from you. Please... don't do this. Please..." she was cut by Aman's words

"We are not helping you. We are just giving you a loan. After you get your money, return it to us. Now, shut up" Aman very well knew about Khushi. She will never accept any help from others in the form of money. She won't listen to Arnav also in this matter. So, he said what he has to. Not having any other choice and listening the finality in Aman's voice Khushi agreed to take the help, but not before taking the promise from Aman that she will pay them back. Both went inside and completed the formalities.

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

"Hello..."

"Hello... Can I talk with Mr. Shyam Gupta?"

"Yes... speaking"

"Hello Mr. Gupta. I called you to talk about your sister Khushi and my son. Can I have few minutes of your time?" asked Mohini smiling evilly.

...to be continued