Chapter 6: Facing the truth

After completing all the wedding rituals, Khushi is been taken for her bidai. She took the blessing of elders and hugged her Family members- Jiji, Babuji, Buaji and Amma, all the time crying her heart out. This place is very dear to her heart. The only place where she spend 20 years of life. Never she imagined this day arrived so soon and she would leave her home like this. But in other corner she is delight and content to start her new life with her new family.

After wiping her tears, she lifted her eyes to searched her sweetheart. But he is nowhere to be seen. She knew rocky hide himself somewhere as he cannot bear to see her with someone else.

''My mad Janu..'' She weakly smiled reminiscing happy moments of her and Rocky love story.

''He might be very sad..'' She felt a tug within her heart. She really wanted to run inside to fetch him and hugged him wholeheartedly. She cannot face him at present. If she sees him now then it might be very difficult to leave him so she prefer to go without meeting him and thought to meet him later. This pain of separation not going to get easy for both of them.

''Jiji, hamare rocky ka khayal rakhna..'' (Always took good care of Rocky, Jiji) They broke into bone crushing hug. Khushi bite her lips to control her tears. Anjali hold her arms supporting her and she fought back in tears.

''Don't worry about khushi..i will take care of her and never let any shadow of sorrow anywhere near her until i'm alive. She promised everyone in the family but least did she know her promise not going to last for long.

She made her way toward the car. Every step she took away, she turn around to glance at the balcony to get one glimpse of him. She wished she could able to take him but unfortunately she couldn't. While Arnav who is standing in a corner getting highly frustrated and annoyed by her melodrama.

Car drove off with a teary good bye from Gupta family.

Khushi clutched her dupatta feeling nervous and scared. She is sitting in between Arnav and Anjali and stealing glances at her husband but he is looking straight at the road. She is quite sad that Arnav not looking at her but she brushed those thoughts and smile shyly. After sometime, the car halted near Raizada mansion. Arnav rose on his feet to went out. He turned and found his coat button been stuck with khushi's dupatta. He gaze at her and then back at her dupatta. Nervously, She is struggling to take it out. When she is unable to do so, he slowly come near her. Something strange happened to her. Cold breeze touch her skin making her to hitch.

Furiously, he get rid of her damn dupatta without caring to look her attire which is been torn by his ruthlessly.

Her eyes welled up looking the state of her dress. She instantly wipe it off before anyone could noticed it. But fortunately Anjali does.

After instructing Hp to take her luggage out, Anjali walk in to take her inside.

''Khushiji..'' She look up composing herself and saw him going away from her.

''Arre how this happen..Are you alright..'' She nodded her head gloomily.

''Wedding dress to be ripped on her first day is not a good sign..'' One of the lady passed comment on meeting khushi.

Her heart sank hearing that.

''Ap jante hain hum yeh sab baton mein vishvas nahi karte..(I don't believe in all these superstition) Anjali snapped and touched her cheeks.

''Ap udas mat hoyiye khushiji..'' She assured her soothingly.

''I will send Hp tomorrow to repair it..now smile! I can't see my bhabhi like this not at this special event.

''Your new family is desperately waiting for you'' Forgetting everything, she smiled broadly and hugged her.

Anjali went on and fetched his mobile who is stick to his blue-tooth like fevicol.

''What's this chotte..today only you got married. Don't forget it. Give some attention to your beautiful wife. He protested but she didn't give any heed to him and took his hand and take him toward khushi.

''Your real place is here..'' She made him stand beside his bride. Khushi grabbed her lehenga when his finger accidentally brushed past her skin.

''Look how much she is glowing since you are here..''

''Truly made for each other..'' She placed his hand with Khushi's and smile delightfully. Khushi felt goosebumps with his rough hand come in contact with her. She look down nervously.

''Never leave her hand, she is your wife now so you better take care of her..'' She worn and turn to instruct Hp for next rasm.

As soon as he saw Anjali is engrossed in some work, he shrugged her hand of his and moved away

Khushi continue to stare him with heavy heart until they been called by Anjali.

They entered Raizada mansion where everyone were eagerly waiting for bride and groom. Nani undertook her grehpravesh followed by other rituals. They were about to enter the house when Nani stop them.

''Now what..?''

Bhai, we know you are very eager to get inside and spend time with my bhabhi but have some patience..sabar ka phal meetha hota hain'' Akash laughed. Khushi turn pinkish. While everyone started laughing and pulling their legs.

''Chotte, how could you forget Raizada have a tradition that groom carry bride in his arms and walk inside house. Arnav fumed hearing that but he doesn't wanted to create scene here specially in front of his Di. Unwilling, he picked her up in one go. Khushi gasped as soon as his rough hand touch her bare waist. Hesitatingly she placed her trembled hand on his shoulder for support. She look at his face and he straightly looking in front of him.

His heart pained suddenly as he got the flashback of his first marriage.How happy and content he was but everything turn out to be cursed in an instant.

He placed her down and went straight in his study.

~~~

''Promised me, Asr. you will love me only me..I will never able to bear if you get close to anyone'' He promised her placing his hand over hers.

He close his eyes letting the tears to flow down.

''I'm sorry Lavanya..I never wanted to betray you..'' He touch her picture on his laptop screen feeling an unknown pain that is literally killing him.

''Chotte..'' He got back to his senses when a warm touch tab on his shoulder. He couldn't control himself and hugged her through her stomach.

''I love her Di..why she left me..[Paused] Why god is so cruel to snatch everything I adore..Firstly mama papa then Lavanya and now yo--''

''Shh..'' She stop him to utter further and take a seat beside him.

''Don't think like that. I know this marriage is nothing but a compromise to you but think about khushiji..every girl dream to get a perfect life partner. Don't you think she deserve your love? Lavanya was your past and Khushi ji is your present and future..I know its not easy for anyone to forget their first love. I had full faith Khushiji will love you more than anyone do and heal all your wounds..now stop thinking too much and go, she is waiting for you in your room..''

Everything is meaningless to him because he know he can whenever able to love anyone. Love happen only once in the life and that part of his is already gone.

''Khushiji is a very nice girl..always keep her happy in my absence.

''Please Di...'' He hold her hand in his tight grip.

''Nothing will happen to you..'' She didn't stretch this matter as she don't want to make him sad at this moment.

''Did you take your medicines..?'' She nodded and gesture him to go to his room. He turned to walk out.

''You didn't answer my question! Will you keep her happy? He stopped and stare her back for few second and then walk out without saying a word.

''I know you are not happy with this marriage. A day will arrive when you can't imagine a single moment without her then you will remember my words and would realize why I choose khushi for you..''

''Hope you will make everything fine..'' She prayed to Devimaiya.

~~~

Khushi is sitting in a king size bedroom with her lehenga spread around it. Room is glowing with candles and red flowers everywhere. Bed is beautifully decorated with flowers and red strings. She touch it feeling esthetic inhaling the scent.

Suddenly she get conscious when heard the footsteps coming nearer. She get nervous again. Her heartbeat started to run speedily. She tugged the side of the bed-sheet in her tight clasp. Slightly she look from her veil and saw him closing the door.

He walked toward bed and stand in front of her.

''Very well played, miss Gupta!'' She lifted her eyes again and saw something new in his expression which she never come across.

''Natak acha kar leti ho tum..'' (You played so well) She look at him with bewilderment.

''I must say very well done khushi kumari gupta Singh Raizada..'' He clapped his hands. Khushi look at him confused and scared by his behavior.

''Tumhe aye 1 ghanta bhi nahi hua aur ate hi tumne meri di ko behkana shuru kar diya..'' (It took you not more than 1 hours and you already started plotting plans and manipulating my di)

''Ji yeh aap..'' (What are yo--)

Just shut up!!!!!!!!..'' Furiously he grabbed her hand pulling her out from his bed. His grip tightened around her. She hissed and look into his furious red eyes with confused expression.

''You are hurting me..'' She try to struggle.

''Hurt? Do you know the meaning of it..''

''What I have done..''

''You can trap my family showing those innocent face not me. I will never accept you my wife..''

''What're you saying, I'm your wife..''

No!!!!!!!! Only lavanya, MY FIRST WIFE has that right not you samjhi tum!!!!!!! She get motionless and glare him with astonishment.

''Yes you heard it right. I love lavanya. You meant nothing to me..This sindoor and mangalsutra meaningless to me because that right I already given to lavanya, my one and only love.'' Her entire world crumbled. She felt someone ripped her soul out from her body.

Her husband had another girl in his life? She was his second wife? Reality trigger her very badly shattering her all dreams in one instant.

''Apki shaadi ho chuki hain? (are you already married?) You cheated me? He grabbed her toward the wall to shut her up. Few bangles broke down due to his harsh treatment.

''Stop your drama. Don't pretend as if you don't know I'm married..'' She keep staring him with tears drenching her cheeks. The thought of him belonging to someone else causing in-numerous pain to her.

''Why you hide this truth from me and my family. You cheated my family..For you that girl is everything and I'm nothing to you then why you married me..boliye..why you ruined my life?''

''Stop it. Drama create karne mein bahat maza ata hain na tumhe but this time you made a very grave mistake trapping my Di..shame on you! You used a ill women to reach your goal who is nearing her death..''

He dragged her toward the poolside and pushed her letting her to fell down.

''What are you doing..''

''Showing your real place in my house..'' She was about to say in between her sobs when he shouted.

''Don't you dare fool me with this fake tears. It is not going to affect me. She burst into crying and he shut the gliding door and get inside to let her sleep in this cold and dark night alone. Entire night she didn't blink her eyes and continue looking at the floor.

Truth of his marriage shattered her completely. There is so much burden and pressure over her nerves she didn't realize when she get fainted due to over stressed.

~~~

Next day rolled quickly. Like usual day, Arnav went for jogging. He didn't regret for anything he said or does. He return to his room and went to take out his clothes from wardrobe when he noticed something in the corner. He move down and lifted the broken piece of glass. Then he reached the poolside and was shocked to see her sleeping on the hard floor trembling in cold. He felt slightly guilty seeing bruises over her skin.

Involuntarily his hand reached to touch her. But in the next moment she open her eyes and took his hand back. He come back to his asr mood and settle himself. Seeing him near her, she settle behind kneeling her legs against her chest.

What you thought by pretending yourself a bichari girl, you will gain my sympathy. Not at all khushi kumari Gupta..'' She stare him with disbelief.

''Go and change yourself..I don't want anyone to doubt our relationship. And yah never forget for outside world, we are happily married couple and behind the four walls, we are NOTHING TO EACH OTHER. His stepped halted when she grabbed his arms and twisted his back.

''It is so easy for you, isn't you?'' She wipe the dry strain of tears and walk near him. Do you have any idea what a marriage value for a girl..What do you got spoiling my life?..'' Arnav glance at her hand on his collar and then back at her swollen eyes.

''You again started. He shoved her hand off him. Well I have no plan to argue with you currently..'' he groaned and walk out. Khushi wipe the new strain of tears and rose on her feet. She went straight to a person to get her answer.

~~~

''Why you did this to me..'' Khushi climb down the stairs and show her outburst on Anjali. All the members in the family got up from the breakfast table after hearing her loud voice. Anjali look tensed seeing her condition. Her hairs were scattered all over her face and her eyes were red with anger.

''Who could you di..I trusted you more than my jiji and you made me married a person who is already married..'' Nani and Anjali went shocked. They exchange worried glances. The look on her face displaying hurt, anger, betrayal and pain. They understood everything what had actually happened. The things Anjali feared the most came true. She headed toward khushi but she moved backward not in a state to hear any justification.

''Hum yeh ghar chodke ja rahe hain..'' (I'm leaving this house) All rooted in shock.

''Khushiji.. I..''

''I had heard and bare your brother's accusation enough but not anymore. I am not among those girls to stay silent and suffer all the humiliation without any mistake. You all cheated me and my family and make mockery of my feelings. Your brother thought I'm a gold digger and I married him for his property right? Then tell him I'm done with him. Do hell with him and his so called property..I'm least interested on his wealth as I'm liable to earn money with my hard work and honesty.

With that, khushi decided to move away.

''Please don't go..let me explain..'' Anjali begged her. But she did not stop.

''Nani please tell her to stop..Don't do this''

''Khushi bitiya..let me speak first..''

''I respect you a lot Nani but I'm sorry I can't stay here anymore, I need to go..''

''Koi kahi nahi jayega..'' A sharp voice hit her really hard. She did not turn to met him and continue walking. When she didn't stop, he marched forward and held her from back.

''You can't go without your husband's permission..''

Can't you hear me..'' He ordered rudely.

''Hamara haath chodiye..'' (Leave my hand) She replied with the same rudeness.

''You are not allowed to go..'' He turned her to face him.

''And who are you to decide?''

''Your husband..''

''Really? When you wanted you became my husband and other moment I meant nothing?'' Again she turned her back and started to leave. It is height of his patience and sanity.

Furiously he pull her back making her to loose her balance and she fall on him. In order to balance himself he took her under him. She was lying under him and their face were only inches away. Khushi glance into his eyes and their eyes locked intimately. For a second she forget where she was. Arnav fumes and pushed her aside. Anjali hurriedly hold her before she get hurt. He got up and stood iches away.

''Is this a way to treat your wife? Abhi tumhari shaadi ko ek din bhi nahi hua aur tum.. (It didn't happen one day for your marriage and you..)

''Then tell her to keep quiet and stay in your limits..''

''I will not remain silent. Who gave you right to marry me? If you love your first wife so much then why don't you stay with her..You are a bloody cheater..'' Arnav get extremely mad and agitated and shouted at her and she retorted back in the same rage.

''You and your family are the biggest liar I..''

''I cheating you stop acting..my family already told you and your family about my first wife..'' Arnav couldn't control himself this time. He grabbed her arms so tightly that tears threaten to flow non stop. Their heated argument turn very drastic. Other family members were not understanding how to handle the situation. Anjali is feeling guilty now. All the fiasco happening due to her one wish to make them one.

''Shut your mouth khushi otherwise I do something which you would regret your whole life..Lavanya is DEAD so don't you dare drag her name in between. My family never hide anything from you..''

'Again a lie..your family never mentioned about your first marriage..If you don't believe me then ask them..''

''Di yeh khushi kya keh rahi hain..? Tell her to--''

''She is right chotte...'' She then explain him everything what had happened that day. He look at her Di in shocked.

''Hame maaf kardo chotte..I become selfish in your love. Lavanya ke jane ke baad tumhari aise halat hamse dekhi nahi ja rahi thi aur phir hamari yeh bimari..hum kya karte..'' He inch back and shook his head.

Di aap.. I mean khushi don't know about lavanya? She shook her head. He can't believe this. How could his family become so selfish? He ran a frustrated hand through his hairs.

Anjali try to say something but he didn't wait and strom out. Anjali couldn't able to handle so much trauma and fainted on the ground. Shyam held her and hurriedly took her to the room. After sometime doctor came and instruct them to keep her out from all kinds of stress.

Nani looked at khushi who is standing outside her room isolated.

She joined her hand in front of khushi.

''No naniji please don't this..''

''Betiya I'm sorry..''

''How this happen..I mean Lavanyaji..how she..'' Then Nani began narrating her.

''Chotte and lavanya used to like each other since they were studying in college. He wanted to marry lavanya and asked our permission. Initially we refuse for their alliance as we don't like her lifestyle, way of living, the way she used to behave with elders. But Arnav was adamant to marry her. For his happiness we agreed but this relationship didn't last long. While going to honeymoon, their car brake failed and lavanya sacrifice her life to protect him. She pushed him out of the car to safeguard him and the car fell down in the cliff and it catch fire. This accident were so drastic, police didn't got her body. This incident broken him very badly.

From that day he is making himself responsible for her death. After Lavanya's death arnav went through biggest trauma. Upon that the illness of his sister distraught him beyond repair. He close himself in a shell that made us difficult to get him back.

Chotte really need someone who will love her and most importantly understand him. Then one day Anjali find you and from that day she is hell behind to make you and him together. Even He agreed to get married to fulfill his Di last wish.

Khushi felt like someone stabbed knife within her heart. That girl was so lucky to Arnavji loved her so much.

''Bitiya I know what you are feeling. No one will force you to be in this nameless relationship. I will make Anjali bitiya understand about gravity of situation you don't worry about her. Now it is upto you whether you wanted to stay here or go back to your maternal home. I promise no one say a word to you..I will be there in every decision of yours'' Khushi look at lying figure of Anjali and then touch her mangalsutra in her clasp.

To be continued!

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