Part 38:

The next day after tiring and wonderful day of sangeet, everyone sat in living room. Arnav looked at Khushi,who sat between Anjali and Dadi. They both are asking something for which she is answering with much patience and shyness. Arnav shook his head in amusement.

Yesterday night when sangeet was finished Dadi forced Gupta's to stay in Sheesh Mahal as it was very late. Khushi and her family felt relieved when no one asked about about Latha and Abhinav.

Arnav's thoughts went to the day, when he explained things to his family, he directly went to the place where both Abhinav and Latha has been kept. He returned home after being satisfied with the treatment his men are giving to the duo. Both Abhinav and Latha pleaded Arnav to leave them. But Arnav was adamant in his decision. He ordered his men to take care of the duo not letting them to contact with anyone. He also asked them to reduce the interaction with the duo. They were kept in dark room, not letting them to know whether it's daytime or night time.

The duo tried to escape from the dark room but failed miserably. After their trail, Arnav made sure they face the hell on earth. They were given less food, no clothes, no washroom usage without lot of pleading, their room was turned more dark not knowing what is what. Both Abhinav and Latha saw the hell being alive. Abhinav's heart went to his stomach when he heard Latha's screams when she felt something crawling on her. Not able to find what is crawling and what is there inside the room with them, they really felt the worst. They clearly understand what Arnav meant when he said he will make their life hell and got ready for the worst.

Being a coward lady, Latha screamed often whenever she felt even an ant on her. The darkness and the fear took toll on her. She lost her conscious few times with the fear leaving Abhinav scared like anything. He couldn't even search for her in that dark as the room was filled with some unknown objects and his hands and legs were tied up. He felt helpless. He felt angry on his own self for messing with ASR knowing well about him. Now he is sure that his career along with his life is going end soon. He prayed God to show him some or other way. He thought about contacting Pankaj by bribing some Arnav men. But the result is unbearable pain in his ribs. After the treatment he got from Arnav's men he completely understood how loyal these men are to Arnav. He sighed in defeat and lied closing his eyes, feeling the pain.

After that day, no one talked about the duo either in RM or Khushi's house. Khushi is grateful towards arnav for this help. When she thanked Arnav, he bluntly refused to acknowledge the thank you. He strictly said that he won't accept any thanks or sorry because that is not needed as per his thoughts, leaving Khushi to pout.

Suddenly Arnav's thoughts got disturbed by a horrible shout near his ears...

"CHOTE..."

"ARNAV JI..."

"What the!!! Why are you both shouting like that... oh God... my ears..." he said rubbing his ears to lessen the pain

"What to do... from long time we are calling you but you are not at all listening... then without any other option we shouted" said Anjali as a matter of fact.

Arnav looked at them like 'seriously' and raised his eyebrow as asking what the matter is.

"Nothing in particular, we just wanted to know where you are lost when Khushi ji is just before your eyes. Are you planning about your honeymoon or are you planning to get Khushi ji for sometimes, without any disturbances? Come on, tell me..." Anjali said making Khushi gasp and Arnav to give an unbelievable look

"Di, seriously... I don't think you can hear my thoughts. I mean, what I'm going to do with Khushi after marriage or what I'm planning to do with Khushi. If you want, I will tell..." Arnav said with a smirk on his face leaving both Anjali and Khushi open mouthed. He looked at Khushi and wink turning her deep red. Unable to control the love he has for her, he leaned and kissed Khushi's cheek.

"Chote..." Anjali shouted seeing her brother's work.

"What? You only asked me about my lost self! So, I'm trying to show rather than tell. Do you want more?" Arnav smirk broadened

"Chi... chi... shameless... Khushi ji... only you can deal with this shameless boy. I'm out now..." saying that Anjali left from there cursing her brother for his shameless talks.

"You shouldn't have said those to Anjali ji. She got scared" Khushi said looking at Anjali's retreating figure.

Arnav dragged Khushi towards his room, without answering her anything. He pinned her to wall without putting much pressure on her hands.

"How are you?" Arnav asked with much concern

"I have my Arnav ji with me, so, I'm perfect" Khushi said looking into his eyes with love in her eyes and smile on her face.

Arnav smiled and kissed her temple, keeping his lips little time more than needed. Their small time was disturbed by Akshaya's voice, calling everyone telling about Pandit ji's arrival.

"This always happens in this house. I'm telling you, once we get married we will go to my apartment for some years, then will come back. I want my time with you without any disturbances" Arnav said irritatingly

"Haww... Arnav ji... how can you say that? We can't do that" said Khushi

"No arguments on this now. I brought you here for spending time not to argue. come on... give me my much needed hug" with that he pulled her closely and hugged her tightly. He breathed in satisfaction, feeling her close to him. They got disturbed again with Akshaya calling for Arnav

"You go, I will come after you. I don't think they can take the shock seeing both of us coming out from my room together. You just go from there" he showed her steps which will take her to living room from otherside. He left from his room after she left.

When Arnav walking towards the living room, he saw Mami coming out from her room

"Here she comes the queen" said Manorama after seeing Khushi. Arnav looked at her surprisingly.

"Where did you go?" she asked Khushi with rudeness.

"Ji..?" Khushi asked confusingly and worriedly

"Where did you go when we all are here in living room?" Manorama is hell bent on proving Khushi wrong

"I just went to see the pool side" Khushi quickly said

"Really? or you went to talk with your so called friends?" mami mocked

"Stop it Mami... I already said no one is going to say anything to Khushi" Arnav is irritated now.

"I saw her talking with someone, I just want to..." Mami tried

"ENOUGH... what's wrong with you Mami? Why are you blaming Khushi for the deeds she never did? Khushi was with me in my room and I only sent to her to see the poolside as I got a call. And for your information Khushi's mobile is with me. Here..." Arnav showed the mobile taking it out from his pocket.

Everyone, who came there after hearing Manorama's high voice, looked at mami then Arnav and then Khushi, who stood silently bending her head.

"What's going on?" Aran asked

"Same old thing dad..."

Understanding Arnav's meaning, Aran said "Pandit ji is here. I want everyone of us go to living room and hear what he is going to say. I don't want any discussion now. You all are going to hear what I am saying. Am I clear?"

Sensing his serious tone, everyone nodded their heads and left to living room. Aran came to Khushi "Come beta... don't worry, you have your husband and father with you. We will support you all the time. We know what you are and how you are, come"

Khushi looked at the father and son duo and nodded her head with so much respect and gratitude in her eyes.

:::::::::::::::::::

Everyone sat in living room, listening to whatever pandit ji is saying. Only Dadi, Akshaya and Buaji are allowed to talk to ask about rituals. remaining all sat silently seeing Aran's serious face. After explaining things for coming Saturday and giving list of things which will be needed, Pandit ji left from there.

"Now tell me what's the matter with you Manorama?" Aran asked

"I... I'm telling about Khushi that she is..."

"Mami, I already told you about that. I sent Khushi there and her phone is with me. Why are you doing this?" Arnav asked getting more irritated

"But I saw her talking" Manorama said again

"Unbelievable... how can you say that Mami? what's wrong with you?"

"Not with me... all the wrong is with you all. How can you accept this girl as your DIL? I heard her talking with someone..." she was stopped by Akshaya

"But she isn't talking with anyone?! I'm there at poolside when she entered there!!" Akshaya said in confusion, not understanding why her SIL saying all these

"Do you think I'm lying about this girl?" Manorama asked

"She has a name Manorama... Khushi, her name is Khushi and she is DIL of this house. Remember this before saying anything. Listen to me carefully, nothing or nobody, I repeat NO ONE can stop this marriage. She is my daughter, and she will be my DIL. I decided, no arguments" Aran gave his final word, making Manorama ran towards her house crying.

"You should have told her calmly" said Akshaya

"No behan... she talked over the limit. Don't worry, she will be fine. I'm apologising Khushi and all of you for Manorama's behaviour, I'm sorry" said Manohar

"Nahi sir... ma'am is just worried about Arnav ji's life. She thinks I'm not good for Arnav ji. That's why she is talking like this. I can understand her concerns. She loves this family, and her fear is acceptable. Please don't say sorry"

"Leave all that... Only two days left for Mehndi. Anjali did you inform the Mehndi girls and ask them to come on Saturday?" asked Dadi, changing the topic. Everyone thanked her in their hearts for this change.

With that everyone settled in their places to discuss and make arrangements. It's decided that Mehendi will be held in Khushi's house and all the ladies will go there where all the men will stay at home as the day will be Saturday.

All the while everyone is discussing things, Khushi felt something hit on her hand. She looked it to find a tiny paper ball. She held it and looked around to see everyone busy. She gasped in shock when she held certain eyes on her. She looked around and then to him. She shook her head vigorously after seeing him to signal her to come to his room.

Arnav's eyebrows came together seeing her negative response. He again signaled her to come aside for which she again shook her head. He narrowed his eyes as warning her for the last time, but flared his nose seeing her averting her eyes from him. Suddenly he stood up from his place

"Dadi, as me and Khushi are not going to meet after Mehendi, I want to spend some time with Khushi. Do anyone have any problem with that?" he asked directly, leaving everyone shocked and surprised.

"Mujhe nahi aana hai" Khushi said in her low irritated voice

"You don't have any other option" Arnav said

"Laad Governor kahike... I said I don't want to come anywhere"

"What the!!! Khushi I'm warning you..."

"Nahi..."

Before Arnav dump her on his shoulder or drag her to his room, Dadi said "It's okay Khushi betiya... as we already discussed everything, you can go and talk with him. After all he is right, you both won't get any time to talk till the wedding ends. Go, spend some time with him"

Arnav smiled at his Dadi in gratitude, which she nodded with a smile

"But mujhe nahin jaana hai Dadi ji..."

Dadi looked at the sulking child before her with smile, she requested Buaji to send Khushi with Arnav. Seeing the desperate Arnav buaji said

"Ye Titaliya... go with him. Can't you see, he is waiting for you. Go now... we will take care of things here. I will update you later" with that Buaji pushed Khushi little.

Without having any other option, Khushi left from there following Arnav towards poolside

After Khushi entered the room, Arnav closed the door and hugged her from behind not letting her to move an inch. He chuckled little seeing the adorable angry pout on her face.

"You look more cute when you act like a child with this angry pout"

He kissed the corner of her lips making her gasp in shock and push him

"What?" Arnav asked in confusion

"You... ki... me... never mind... leave it... How can you act like that at down there? what will they think?" khushi asked

"Sh... Khushi we are going to get marry. We both love each other and everyone knows that. If I drag you like this, they will understand. After all they too have crossed this stage, didn't they?" Arnav asked naughtily

Khushi opened her mouth in surprise and poked his hand little before smiling shyly

Arnav hugged Khushi again from behind and whispered "Khushi, there are the small moments we should grab to cherish them in future. We can't be this irresponsible after marriage. So, we should enjoy each and every moment in our life. If we can't get that, we should steal them from elders. It will gives us immense happiness when we remember. You know how I feel when I see you full shying and blushing when I hug you like this?"

Khushi again blushed hearing his words

"Don't test my patience Khushi. No one will come and disturb us too. Then it will be difficult for me to control.

Suddenly khushi hugged him tightly "One week, I'm going to miss you..."

Arnav confused with sudden change. But alas he hugged her tight and said "We still can meet tomorrow and day after. Just it's 4 days and Next week this day, you will be mine, completely"

After few seconds Khushi gulping hard and said "I'm worried Arnav ji... someone or other is trying to stop our wedding. I'm worried... First jiji and Abhinav, there is Pankaj and now... now..."

"Shh... no one can stop this marriage. Didn't you hear what dad said? As his PA, you should know how serious he will be after he decides on one thing. Don't be worried, everything will be fine" Arnav assured her.

They both stayed in the same posture, hugging each other and feeling warmth. Arnav broke the hug and led them towards the couch and sat taking Khushi's hands in his. Later he told her about their wedding attires, how he is asking to wedding planners to make little changes in decoration. He also told her to not to worry about Latha and Abhinav. They sat talking like that.

"What is it Khushi?" Arnav asked seeing hesitant Khushi

"Woh... um... I... Can you... I mean Can I have one of your... I mean... your shirt?" she whispered last part

"What? But why?" he is surprised to hear this request

"Woh... we are not going to meet till Wedding day.. so, thought to take..."

Arnav sensed an unknown fear in her body language, an unknown uneasiness in her face

"Khushi... Um... I don't think..." he stopped seeing her closing her eyes. She turned red in embarrassment

"It's okay Arnav ji. I can understand. It's just few days... I will manage... silly of me... I'm just acting like a teenager in Love. It's okay..." she smiled little blinking her eyes.

He is sure, her eyes are not moist, but he couldn't understand the emotion that her eyes held.

"I... I think I should leave now... will meet you on next week. Bye for now..." with that she walked towards the door. But stopped feeling her eyes closing in their own way. She swayed in air and closed her eyes but not before feeling the warmth of her man

"Khushi..." Arnav pated unconscious Khushi's cheeks, not getting response, he lied her on bed and called their family doctor. And also informed their family members after calling them upstairs.

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

"Nothing to worry. This is common in every girl before marriage. She is just facing anxiety about her marriage. She is scared or worried about the marriage thing. Don't worry, I gave her anti-anxiety dose. She will be fine in an hour. Let her rest for some time. Just give her these medicines tomorrow. I will take your leave now" saying this doctor went from there.

Everyone in the room stood in silence looking at the fragile figure in Arnav's bed. Buaji sat beside her and caressed her hair.

"Poor girl... facing too many things in her life at small age. I don't know when she will get happiness. First, her sister and BIL, then Pankaj and now Manorama. She shouldn't face all these, such an Angel she is. God please help this kid" Dadi cried out loud seeing Khushi in this state. Akshaya hugged her and tried to console

After sometime like few hours, Khushi gained conscious looked at Arnav who stood at the window looking outside

"Arnav ji"

The next second he is at her side

"How are you feeling now?"

"I'm fine" Khushi gave her week smile.

Now he can clearly see the fear and worry in her eyes about their marriage. Before hearing doctors words, he couldn't comprehend the emotion in her vulnerable eyes. But now, it's clear..

"Khushi, do you trust me?" Arnav asked looking at her eyes intently

Khushi nodded her head without a word

"Then why can't you leave this fear behind you? Why can't you enjoy your wedding? Why are you giving damn to those people? Why are you getting scared about them? Why can't you just let it go?" he said in frustration

"Because I Love you... and I can't lose you... and I can't live without you" she said in low trembling voice

Arnav looked at her with wide eyes.

"Khushi..."

Composing herself immediately she said "I'm fine Arnav ji... Don't worry... I think it's already late, I should leave. Take care..." saying this she stood on her toes and kissed his cheek and left from there in hurry not giving him any chance to utter a word. When he rushed downstairs, she along with her family is bidding bye to his family. She looked at him with a small smile on her face and nodded her head and left. Before crossing the main door, she turned back and looked at him again while smiling little. He thought he saw her eyes glistening.

He turned to his side feeling a tap on his shoulder to see his father

"Don't worry, she is not week as much as she looks like. She is a strong girl. She will come around" Aran left from there leaving his son in thoughts

"No, dad... she is not. She is just scared child from her heart. She is keeping everything in her heart not wanting to let people around her to feel bad. She needs to leave everything behind and live her life happily. You don't know her dad... she is scared. I wish I can remove her fears. I'm sorry Khushi... for letting you go in this state with those fears. Sorry sweetheart..." Arnav closed his eyes to see her pleading eyes before his. He fisted his palms to stop himself from run after her.

...to be continued

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