Part 36:

Khushi is pacing in her room, remembering Arnav's words. She is worried. 'What if he really comes?' this thought is eating her brain up.

"Khushi..." Latha's voice came from the hall. Hearing her sister's voice, Khushi immediately lied on the bed and pretended to sleep.

Latha, after coming from the shopping she was shocked to see all the raizada-s in the living room of her house. But she composed herself immediately and wished everyone. But when she is about to wish Arnav as her jeeja ji, Arnav looked at her with narrowed eyes. She gulped and wished him with 'hello sir' and went inside to keep the things she purchased. After coming home and seeing Raizada-s, Latha kept her eyes on her sister throughout, observing her every moment and eye contact with Arnav. Now, when she finished her work, she wanted to talk with Khushi about her day with Arnav. She is just curious to know everything about Khushi's relationship with Arnav. She just want to know how the life will be with a rich fiancé.

Latha entered Khushi's room to see Khushi sleeping on her bed. She went towards her and shook Khushi little to wake her up from her sleep.

"Khushi, wake up... I want to talk with you"

"What jiji... I want to sleep... please..." with that Khushi waved her sister's hand and went to sleep again

Latha tried again to fail. She huffed and left the room muttering something under her breath. Inside the room, Khushi maintained her cool till her sister leaves the room.

On other side - outside of the room, Arnav stood silently listening to the sisters. He was angry on Khushi and Latha. Latha for disturbing his Khushi's sleep and Khushi for sleeping despite his coming. He waited for some more time and slowly peeked inside the room from window. After confirming Latha's absence in room, he slowly climbed the window and entered inside. He walked to the door and locked it. He slowly went to the bed and poked Khushi on her upper arm.

"Jiji, please let me sleep" Khushi said in irritation

"She left long back" Arnav replied on low voice, but audible to Khushi. His voice clearly noting how irritated he is

Khushi sprung on her bed, sitting with wide eye

"Arnav ji!!! what are you doing here?" She asked in surprise and shock

Arnav leaned on khushi making both their noses to touch, he gritted his teeth and said "Didn't I say that I will come tonight? what does this your sleeping means? How should I react to this?"

"I was just pretending to sleeping before her" Khushi said in her low voice. Seeing his frown she continued "I don't want to talk with her when she is hell bent on knowing about our relationship. I don't want to share my personal life with her or any other" she sat crossing her legs, kept her hands on her lap, pouted and looked Arnav with the eyes which accused him for his anger and shout.

Looking at the figure she made, Arnav's heart melted. He cupped her face and kissed her forehead and whispered sorry and then kissed her pout lightly.

"I was just... I'm sorry..." he again said. Khushi looked at him and smiled little seeing his desperate eyes. "Come..." he took Khushi's hand in his and led her to the window. He sat leaning on the wall and made her sit on his lap. The moon light is reflecting on her face clearly showing her face to him, leaving him in dark but not for Khushi.

"Why do you want to come here at this time, Arnav ji? Is everything okay with you?" Khushi asked him with concern.

"Yes, everything is fine. It's just, I missed you a lot.." Arnav answered hugging her to his heart. They both stayed like that. Arnav can clearly notice her heart thumping with his visit. "Relax Khushi, I'm not here for doing something which you don't like. I'm here just to feel you, with me, near me. Relax... nothing will happen without your concern" he whispered. Khushi looked at him, raising her head. She slowly moved forward, little upward and kissed his cheek

"I love you Arnav ji. Thanks for understanding" she said in low voice.

Arnav smiled little and hugged her tightly. He knew, accepting him in her life itself big change to her. He know how much difficult is this for her confused and scared mind. He don't want to make it more difficult for her. He knew, she will come to him as soon as she can without any fears and confusions. She is in a state of accepting new life, he knew she wants things to go slow. He will help her, he will be there whenever she needs him. He will give her time for 'everything' she wants and for 'everything' she needs. All he wants is her to be his side in all the situations. His thoughts got disturbed with her voice

"I'm sorry Arnav ji... for not able to meet your expectations... for not able to be the girl you expected. I know, every man expect 'something' from his lover or fiancé. But... but... I... I mean... I... hmmm... I'm sorry..." Khushi said feeling her inner fears coming out about the relationships. Her heart is racing like a jet fearing the rejection again. Her eyes conveyed her fears about her future

"Shh... I know... relax... I don't want anything but you, beside me. I will never leave you Khushi. whatever happens or however our life turns out, I.WILL.NEVER.LEAVE.YOU, okay? Trust me, I know your importance in my life, I know how good you are and I know what you are. I can never leave you Khushi. I will be always there with you, in all the times. Just let me in... everything will be fine"

Khushi nodded her head looking at his eyes. She felt relaxed and more worried at the same time. Not able to decide anything she kept her head on his chest and closed her eyes praying her goddess to take care of her and her relation with Arnav. She wouldn't be able to take any more accusations or heart breaks. How much ever she is trying, the fear is unavoidable in her mind. She may not feel the fear constantly, but the fear is there subconsciously. She prayed and hoped that everything will be fine.

They both sat like that, feeling each other. They drifted into sleep unknowingly. In early hours Khushi's sleep got disturbed with some sound from outside. She woke up and that moment of Khushi made Arnav wake up too. Looking at clock Arnav realised he stayed too long as clock showing 3.30 in early morning.

"I should be going" he said to Khushi

He saw the worry and sadness crossed Khushi's eyes

"Don't worry, I will come again at night. I don't want anyone to see us together like this before marriage. I don't want to give anyone chance to bad mouth about us. You are important to me Khushi. Trust me, I will come to you again" he kissed her forehead

Khushi hugged him tightly, not wanting him to go. But she knew whatever he said is correct, he should go. She nodded her head breaking the hug. Arnav again kissed her forehead and left from there but not before confessing his love again with 'I Love you...'

After that night, it became common for Arnav and Khushi to meet somewhere or other and not to forget their secret meetings at nights.

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As Arnav made sure his and Khushi's wedding attires and Khushi's jewelry to be designed by best designers, Khushi isn't in a need to go for shopping. Arnav asked her to avoid shopping for anything of her need and said he will take her to shopping after marriage for each and everything for her. And he also informed his family and Khushi's about this.

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On the other side, Latha tried her best to show herself as much good as she can. She understood the mentalities of Raizada ladies. She always talked with Dadi, Akshaya and Anjali with much care. She tried best to make friendship with mami ji. As she is brand freak herself, it made her get little closer to Mami. Whenever they went to shopping Latha used to tag herself to Mami talking about the brands. Slowly their relation took steps forwards.

"I still feel surprised that thinking how Khushi was accepted in your family after her childish and silly behaviour. However she behaved with men till now, I really wish and hope she will be a good DIL of Raizada-s. If she behaves or does anything wrong, please forgive her mami ji. She is a child" Latha faked her concern towards her sister.

"What do you mean by which you said?" asked mami, not liking the way Latha talking. Mami feared to be with her, but after hearing Latha's words she is confused

"Nothing Mami ji... I was just wishing for good life for my sisters. After however she lived, I am just worried about her future. Oh... I forgot, Khushi don't have any idea about brand and all. I should go and help her otherwise she will buy cheap quality, I will be back Mami" Latha left from there smirking seeing the expressions changing in Mami's face

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"What the hell are you doing there still? Didn't I say we should do everything before Arnav comes to Lucknow? Then why are you still there and what are you doing there?" Pankaj shouted in his phone, making Abhinav flinch on the other side of the phone.

"What to do? I need to take care of my job too... I don't want to take risk with this job. What if we fail in that mission, I need one job to save myself from hunger, right? That's why I'm here. And anyway, Latha is trying her best to get into Mami's books. And I trust my wife, she is a good actress" Abhinav said

"You fool... Do you really think, if we fail in this mission, Arnav will leave us alive? You are thinking about job, but you should think about your life. If you couldn't get success in this mission, then you for sure, will lose your life. Decide, which is important - your life or job? Don't underestimate Arnav for anything. YOu just saw him as your boss, but I saw him as a destroyer many times. You can never guess up to which extent he can go for his loved ones. So, apply leave and pack your bags and come fast. I can't come there, otherwise I never would have asked for your help. Just use your mind Abhinav. Do what you should. You better prove yourself as worthy" with that Pankaj dropped the call.

Abhinav sat on the chair in his office, and thought about Pankaj's words. A small fear entered in his mind after remembering the word 'destroyer'. He hoped for to be safe and not to be noticed by Arnav before their success. But what he doesn't know is that his phone is being trapped. Sighing in tension, he opened his attendance sheet in computer and applied for leave for 10 days.

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Mami couldn't understand Latha's words. Fear entered in her mind thinking about Latha's words. One side Aran selecting Khushi is keeping her calm but Latha's words aren't leaving her in peace.

'I need to think and act. What did she mean when she said those words? What does mean by khushi behaviour with men? Why did she say all those things? If Khushi is wrong also, which sister tells this to her to be In-laws? If Latha is wrong, then why did she say all those things about Khushi? Aren't they sisters? As Arnav already said that whatever happens we need to talk with him before taking any decision, I need to observe well and think before talk with him. If I do any mistake then he won't leave me. I need to be careful' Mami thought.

Mami's thoughts got disturbed by a light tap on her shoulder. She turned to see Khushi with apologetic look in her eyes

"Sorry Mami ji. I called you so many times, but you aren't... so, I tapped you. I'm sorry..." Khushi said in low voice

"No Khushi it's okay. Tell me what do you want to tell?"

"Everyone finished their shopping, so, Anjali ji asked me to bring you. So, shall we?" Khushi asked

Nodding her head, Mami walked from there with Khushi. Remembering Latha's words, Mami asked "Where is your shopping bags?"

"I didn't shop anything Mami ji. Actually, I never shopped here. My cloths' brand is different. And moreover, Arnav ji asked me to not to.. So..." Khushi said feeling little embarrassed.

"What's your brand?" Mami asked almost immediately when Khushi finished her words

"Um... I... I prefer soch for regular wear and for party I prefer Ritu Kapoor or Sabyasachi or Manish, but till now, I never get a chance to buy their collection." Khushi smiled little.

"Oh... okay. Nice choice. Don't worry, Arnav babua will buy them for you" Mami teased Khushi.

Khushi blushed little nodding her head and both of them left to their homes. Raizada-s dropped Khushi and Latha at their house and left to Sheesh Mahal.

After that night, Latha again tried her best to know about Khushi's day. Latha asked about what Mami ji talked with her. But Khushi said she is suggesting some good beauticians, not knowing what mess she injected in Mami's mind. Khushi always concentrated on her sister in home, not allowing her to talk with her husband or do anything. But what she didn't expect/guess is her sister talking with Mami in all of the Raizada-s.

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After that day, Mami never left any chances of observing/questioning Khushi. Latha keep saying things about Khushi whenever she met Mami. Latha slowly became successful in her mission faking her tears as she is concerned about her little sister's childishness saying how she tried to marry Abhinav despite he is her going to be BIL. She said this as if she said in topic and not intentionally. She said this as if she is just worried about Khushi's childish behavior and not intended to spoil her marriage. Mami sat shockingly looking at Latha who is faking everything very nicely

"What are you saying Latha?"

"Please Mami, Khushi is childish, most of the times she don't know what she is doing or what she is talking with whom. Please forgive her if she does anything wrong thinking as your daughter. I'm just worried about her... Please Mami... Please forgive her" with that Latha went from there 'crying' uncontrollably leaving shocked Mami. Mami went to Arnav's office room and knocked the door.

"Mami? You here? Is everything okay?" asked Arnav sensing something wrong

"Arnav... do you trust me?"

"Of course Mami... what's the matter?"

"Stop this marriage Arnav. Khushi is not a good girl, she don't deserve you... just reject her" Mami said the point

Arnav stood in his place in shock. All the images of Khushi, came in front of his eyes asking him not to leave her. Her tearful eyes, hopeful eyes and pleading eyes asking him to believe her, trust her came in front of his eyes. His trance broke by a tap on his shoulder. He looked at his Mami and saw her serious expression. That means his Mami is not joking

"What are you talking about Mami? Is this any kind of your and Di's joke?" Arnav couldn't believe Mami asking him to leave his Khushi

"Why would I joke about YOUR marriage Arnav? I'm telling all these for your happiness and our family's reputation. Khushi is not a good girl, just reject her"

"Stop it Mami... I'm not going to do anything as you said. I know what Khushi is. If dad selected her then I'm sure, she is a good girl and she is the only girl for me" Arnav hated to hear the word 'reject'. How can he reject his own life? He don't want to answer his Mami with harsh words. So, he thought if he brought his father in this matter, Mami will step back

"I don't know what is wrong with you all. I think that girl trapped you and Aran bhai with her charms. That's why you both are unable to reject her"

"MANORAMA!!!" Aran shouted in his high volume making both Arnav and mami almost jump in their places. "How dare you talk about Khushi like that? What do you know about Khushi? Huh? I didn't expect this from you Manorama"

"Bhai ji, if you want to shout at me then shout. But whatever I'm saying is truth. Khushi is not good girl and she is not worth of Arnav. I know what she is"

"What do you know?" Aran asked

"She has relations with so many men from so many days"

Both Arnav and Aran looked at her surprised

"What?"

"I heard her talking with men on phone. She never hesitate to talk with men directly. I saw her in shopping mall too, she never think before talk with them. And... and... her behavior towards her family also is not good. Then how can I expect her to be good girl"

Both Arnav and Aran looked at each other.

"Will you say same if you see Di talking with other men? And I talk with my PA and receptionist in my office, then will you say same about me too Mami?" Arnav asked not able to believe what his Mami said

"Don't compare Anjali or yourself to that middle class girl" Mami said angrily

"Then you should stop bad mouthing Khushi. I know what she is and I will marry her whether anyone like or not. She is mine and will be mine. We will get marry on the decided date. NO ARGUMENTS OR DISCUSSION ON THIS" Arnav announced

"Arnav! Are you saying no to me? Are you choosing that girl over us?"

"Yes..."

"Chote..." Aran looked at his son surprisingly

"No dad... I know what my Khushi is. I don't want to prove her innocent. I know her, there is no need to prove her innocence to anyone who can blame her just like that" Arnav said looking straight into his father and Mami's eyes.

Arnav's blunt answer made Mami almost heart broken. So, she said what she should "JUST LIKE THAT?? YOU THINK I'M LYING ABOUT THAT GIRL? YOU THINK I DON'T WANT YOU TO BE HAPPY? You doubt me? You are going to regret it Arnav.. you will... I know what she is. I came to know everything about Khushi from her own sister. She only said how Khushi asked Latha's husband to marry her despite him being her BIL... I know how, Khushi have relationships with other men. I came to know everything from Latha, Khushi's own sister. IF Khushi didn't do anything of this sort, then why did Latha says all these? Tell me Arnav? What do you say, ANSWER ME NOW" Mami shouted with frustration, irritation and fear of Arnav getting suffered in life and stay as heartbroken "Please believe me Arnav, Khushi is not correct for you, for our family. She is not good girl" Mami sat on the chair crying. She couldn't believe that her Arnav back answered her because of some random girl.

Understanding the situation, Arnav immediately ran to his Mami and held her in his embrace. "Sh... Mami... relax... whatever you heard from Latha is not correct. She just lied everything to you... relax... Khushi is not the girl what you are thinking. Please Mami... trust me... I know everything about Khushi... Khushi told me everything when we went to see her for the first time... Please trust us"

Mami is not able to hear what Arnav is saying. All she noticed is, Arnav is not ready to hear her words. The girl has changed him a lot... the girl changed her Arnav beta a lot... She came out of Arnav's embrace and wiped her tears. "When you are not ready to leave that girl or when you are not ready to hear my words or when you are hell bent to spoil your own life; there is nothing to talk with you. I wish you happy life Arnav" with that she left from there leaving father and son blank.

Both Aran and Arnav sat on bed and chair remembering Manorama's behaviour. They couldn't believe this happened and someone blamed and accused Khushi for something she never did.

"Chote..."

"No dad... I trust Khushi. She is innocent..."

"I know that Chote. What I'm saying is, you should inform Khushi about what Latha did. She will be careful and will watch Latha. I don't want this to happen with your Mom or Anjali. If they hear this then they will think from Anjali's life's POV. They may think your life also will get spoil like Anjali and they will try their best to stop this marriage. But I don't want this to happen. I want Khushi in this house as your wife at any cost. It's your responsibility to bring her here and make her life safe and respectful. I don't want and don't like if any one say bad words about my family members. Khushi is my child and I love her as much I love you, Anjali, Akash and NK. I don't know what you will do, but I want Latha and her husband to stop this mess and be in their limits. And I want my child - Khushi to enter in this house happily without any hurdles on the decided date. I think I made it clear" with that Aran left to his room in a bad mood.

"I will dad. I will bring my life to this house at any cost. I'm not ready to lose her. She is my life. Till now, I only concentrated on Abhinav thinking he is the person in them to try to stop our marriage. But now, I think it's the time to show Latha who ASR is. Don't worry dad... I will bring happiness to our lives" Arnav said looking at his father's retreating figure.

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"I thought she will try to stop this marriage by changing amma and Buaji mind. And will plan things discussing with her husband. So, I always made her busy with something or else, not allowing her to talk with her husband. But talking with Mami and telling about me all those things, which I never did...??! I'm surprised" Khushi said in trance, thinking about something. Arnav as usual came to Khushi's room at night without anyone noticing him and told her whatever happened in their house between him, his father and his Mami.

"Khushi, I know it hurts you. But now, you need to be more careful about Latha and keep an eye on her" Arnav said embracing her more tightly

Khushi came out of his embrace and looked at his eyes

"Whatever she said, wasn't right Arnav ji. I didn't ask Abhinav to marry me. Please believe me, and please trust me I'm not a bad girl and I'm not trying to trap you for your money. I'm not that type of girl" Khushi was stopped by Arnav's finger on her mouth

"Don't... I know what you are and I believe you, I trust you. And I know whatever Latha said to mami is to stop this marriage. I don't want to inform you about this but at the same time, I don't want to take any risks about this Latha and her husband, And dad also said to inform you about that then you will be more alert with her"

"Thank you for trusting me. I knew one day she will do something to stop my marriage, but this way I never expected"

"Hmm... wait... what did you say? You knew that she will try to stop marriage? But how?" Arnav asked

Khushi looked at arnav thinking whether to tell him about PAL (Pankaj, Abhinav and Latha) meeting or not. She doesn't want Arnav to get worried.

"Answer me Khushi..." Arnav asked

"Woh... um... on the day of shanti havan I came to know about this."

"What?" Arnav asked with narrowed eyes

Khushi told Arnav whatever his security guard Praveen said her about PAL meeting.

"You too know that? Why didn't you inform me about this?" Arnav exclaimed

"I didn't want to stress you more about this. You are already worried about so many things and I didn't want this to add to your worries. I wanted you to enjoy the days as much I'm enjoying. So, I decided to handle my Jiji all by myself. I thought to take your help if I can't handle the situation. But... wait... What do you mean by 'too'? Who else know about this?" Khushi asked worriedly

Arnav smiled sheepishly and looked at Khushi while bending his head

"You know???!!! How? Did Praveen said? I said him to not to!" Khushi asked surprised.

"No... Rajesh team informed me. They didn't say, what have this PAL talked but they informed they three had a talk just before my house" Arnav said

"Then why didn't you tell me?" Khushi asked

"Same reason as yours. I didn't want you to get stressed with all these. I thought only Abhinav will try to stop the marriage, but I too never guessed Latha would do things like this"

Both sat like that for few minutes and the reality hit them. Both looked at each other and hugged tightly.

'He didn't tell me because he doesn't want me to stress out and stay happy' thought Khushi

'She didn't tell me because she doesn't want me to stress out and stay happy' thought Arnav

"I Love you"

"I Love you"

Both said at the same time and smiled. They tightened their hug. Khushi broke the hug, cupped Arnav's face and kissed his forehead "I Love you" she whispered

Arnav closed his eyes feeling the pleasure of her soft lips on his forehead.

After that kiss Arnav took her in his lap and kept her close to his heart. Staying in each other's arms and asking each other to be alert and promising each other to be with each other, both Arnav and Khushi drifted into peaceful sleep. As usual at early hours Arnav left to his home promising to come again and deal with Latha next day.

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"If I heard anything like this again from any of my or your family members, then think that, you or your so called husband will not be left with peace. Don't make me hard with you guys. I still think you both are my family, don't let me stop thinking in that way. It won't do any good to you. You never saw my hard side. Trust me, you can't face. Be yourself, enjoy our marriage and live your life. I strongly suggest you to stay away from Khushi's life and live your life peacefully. Think it as a threat, suggestion, warning or whatever you want. But, I'm serious"

Latha gulped hard looking at the person sitting in front of her. Her sweaty hands are in his palms. His touch on her palms giving her jolts of fears. With the experiences in past days, she can guess him to be a bad person. But seeing him now, this much close and having her palms in his making her more scared of this particular person

"I think you got what I mean. Khushi is not alone, I'm with her. IF you want to hurt her, you have to face me first. You better step back from hurting her or planning to hurt her. Or else get ready to face the worstest. Hope you will take wise decision. What do you say?"

"Arnav ji..." Khushi tried to talk

"I'm talking here Khushi" Arnav said in no nonsense tone. Khushi nodded her head and stepped back. Along with Latha, both buaji and Amma felt the fear in their spine looking at this new man.

"Latha, I think you better answer him" Amma said in very low shivering voice.

Arnav's eyes never left Latha in all these moments. Not able to handle his hard gaze, Latha nodded her head in slow movements.

"Good... And yeah... one more thing, I don't want anyone to talk about this anywhere with anyone. Not even your husband. My men are watching each and every moment of you. And your phone also being trapped. If I found one wrong word or wrong step from you, then I can't help. Keep that in your mind" With that Arnav left Latha's palms and Latha ran to her room with thudding heart.

Arnav looked at Khushi and assured her with soft eyes. He went to her and kissed her temple and said "Don't worry, everything will be fine. I'm with you... I will leave now. Bye" he kissed her forehead and left from there leaving the trio sigh in relief.

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After that day, Latha waited for her husband to act again. Even though she is scared of Arnav's thought, she couldn't stop thinking of spoiling Khushi's happiness. Jealousy is bigger than any other feeling, you know... Latha stopped talking with Mami despite her calls. She kept herself busy working at home all the time. She avoided going out with family or interfere with Khushi's life. She couldn't talk with her husband as she got scared with her phone being trapped. She don't want to take any risk with this certain ASR. So, she is waiting for her husband to come.

...to be continued

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