Akash looked at his wife doing the final bits of packing.Her movements calm and in control as always.They have to catch a late evening flight.Ever since the altercations on phone with his brother payal has been livid but on a detailed discussion with her gynacologist who suggeted it would be better for them to go down to India if they plan to move now itself,before the third trimester. Akash was concerned about travelling given the heavily pregnant state of his wife, but the doctors words have some recessing effect on payal.He can feel the dilema.They don't want to be stuck in a situation in a foreign country where there is no one they can turn for help.Akash knows if he continued working he cannot shift his whole attention to payal with the launch in its way.He knew payal is aware of his involvement in the launch project and she wants him to prove himself to everyone.If they go back he can't accomplish it the way he wanted to.If he stay back with payal,with no one around to turn for help he doubt whether he can move forward with his complete involvement.Any way his work has to take a back seat and he made up his mind on that because there is nothing more important for him than the safety of his wife and his unborn baby at the moment.They discussed with payal's parents who also advised them to fly Down.His mother was ecstatic to see him again and to be able to hold his baby first.He can't help but smile at the memory of his mothers antics.Still payal seems to be on two minds to take a decision,so he delayed the decision.The dilema ended for him the moment his dadi called him the previous evening.She told him indirectly flying down to India is the best decision at the moment.Even though she didn't elaborate much Akash understood that she wanted to avoid a conflict between His brother and sister in law.Knowing his brother very well he can guess that their demand to bring khushi here would have caused some friction between them which is the reason for his dadi's intervention.Even though he didn't reveal dadi's call to payal he knew she caught it and didn't probe further about it much to his relief .Anyway they will have a tough time staying in shanthivan given their troubled equation with his brother.He just hope it would not upset payal anymore on her last trimester as she seems to crave her family and her baby sister's presence with her.He walked up to her and put his arms around her potrued belly from behind.

"That is enough jaan..I will cross check once again later all the packed stuff..okay?You need to get a little rest now."

She turned around in his arms and hugged him sideways.

"I am sorry Akash.I know how much this project meant to you..I so wanted to see you launch your designs here.You gave all your time and hard work for it..it just break me to think you have to leave it all midway because.. "payal choked as she broke down in her husband's arms,tears clogging her throat words failing in her mouth.

Akash blinked his eyes to keep the his unshed tears at bay.He pulled her back from his embrace to have a look at her face.Her beautiful face strained with tears.He brushed her tears away and cupped her face in his hands.

"Sshh...why are you saying sorry.Nothing is more important to me at the moment than you and our baby.We are together in this.You will see me doing something more great on my professional front later and I promise you I would make you proud."Akash reassured her with that kind characteristic smile of his.

Payal smiled at him through her tears.Her husband.The kindhearted man who knows only to love. The day they found out the truth about shyam changed their lives forever.He could not deal with the fact that she hide his ex brother in law's real identity from him.He felt betrayed and rightfully So.She did not made an effort to convince him why they did that and that they were not the culprits but victims as much as his sister Anjali is.She was ready to leave shanthivan holding her little sister's hand.But he saw that.Their unsaid struggle and purity of intention behind keeping Shyam's identity under wraps.But what broke him completely was the way his brother, whom he practically worshipped and looked up to, betrayed him behind his back.The relevations that Arnav black mailed khushi keeping his marriage as a bait for it and he knew Shyam's real identity way before and didn't even consider him worthy to share it with him totally shattered him.The matured young man aged a hundred years that day.He took a firm stand for her and her sister.But he can't do hard and extreme emotions,So she knew he can never hate his brother or family for their wrong deeds.He was just broken,defeated.It broke her more than him so there never has been a question or discussion when he decided to move out of the country.She saw it coming and just knew that they both needed that at that moment.

"I know you would achieve greater success.It is about time.Our baby will bring all prosperity to our lives.I can feel it."

Akash smiled touching her belly to feel their baby.Payal hugged him tight and they stayed in the tight embrace lending and taking strength from each other.

The day just turn out to be worse than the previous evening for Arnav. He planned to go to the cafeteria straightaway to meet khushi after speaking with Nani.However Aman's call in morning pour water on all his plans.The deal with desai's company which AR was working towards achieving got messed up big time due to the inefficiency of the project group and he need to step in to fix it immediately.Aman has to bear the brunt of it, still let him know that his presence is needed at the office first thing in the morning . Arnav Decided to go to AR first and then to meet khushi.He had contacted desai but he refused to communicate with them at the moment.It seems he have to go to Agra where Desai's company's headquarters functions to fix it.He called khushi in between but she doesn't pick up or return any of his calls.Aman scheduled meetings for the next day with Desai's and booked his air tickets for late night as they have to work on some things with AR Delhi branch employees before the meeting with Desai's.Arnav asked Aman to book tickets for Khushi too.He just could not have a separation from her now,When all things between them seems to spiral out of his hands.He highly doubt whether she will accompany him given akash and payal would arrive by today night.NK might be arriving the next day too he grimaced.The birthday celebration is just two days away.Arnav contacted Akash to arrange for his flights and other things related to his work.But Akash didn't respond positively.He sounds resigned as if he already give up on that project.He knew Akash had invested a lot of his hardwork on the New collection launch.It must have shattered him.He knew how it feels,for a peeson who always goes neck deep into his work,such setbacks will have tremendous negative effect.He closed his eyes and sighed.The coming days would not be pleasant for him if not anything else.He need to fix things with khushi before their arrival.The conversation with nani running through his head.Nani told him that he is overwhelming khushi with everything going on in their lives and that he need to take a step back and stop behaving like he owns her.He lost it then and replied rather haughtily that all others persume their relationship to be something like that or even worse and he don't f***ing care.He had had enough of everyone interfering in their marriage and messing things up.He knew what might have triggered khushi to react in a certain way and also knew how to deal with it.Always.His nani also didn't minx words when she said he is again resorting to his anger rather than thinking calmly like he did in the past to judge the situation.

The conversation didn't went down well from there and as if she had enough she just asked him to communicate well with her atleast now and dismissed him.The wariness he saw on her face disturbed him and he instantly felt guilty for talking to her like that. He waited there for a while to ask her forgiveness but She didn't give in and shut the door on his face.Well,She is his nani after All!

He looked at the watch it shows just 11.30.He cancelled all the remaining meetings for the day and was about to move out when Aman came inside and told him he is needed for some other engagements.Aman as usual took all his wrath unaffected and got succeeded in making him attend the emergency matters.On his way he caled the staff in charge of his farmhouse to make a lavish lunch with all her favorite dishes and desserts.He reached the cafeteria around twelve which is situated fairly two or three streets away from laxminagar. The small town is a developing area with schools,college,shopping centres and a few more promising complexes on the way of establishing.He have to give it to his father In law for his envisage of selecting this locality.The successful running of the cafeteria confirm this fact.The noon hour is a leisure period there as they don't provide noon meals yet.He went inside the pleasantly designed building with wooden doors and furniture for serving with an antique lucknowi touch in its walls decorations.The atmosphere is soothing at any hour of the day.He noticed that a newly hired girl is there in the reception.The girl seem to recognise him for she stood up and greeted him.He greeted back with a nod and moved forward in the direction of kitchen.Whe he didn't find any one else there apart from one assisting staff he turned around to look here and there when the girl in the reception stood up pointing to the direction of the room at the other end of the kitchen and supplied .

"Khushi didi is in the store room."

Nodding non commitedly he went inside the store room.Khushi was standing near the wooden shelf facing the other side.She was wearing a light pink colour Anarkali suit which doesn't look like hers.It might be her sister's because she didn't come to their room in morning to change.She looked adorable as always.He looked at her for a moment taking her in before storming towards her and turned her around by holding her elbow.Without giving her a moment to react he pulled her in for a fierce hug.The paper plates in her hands flying in the air with the force he pulled her.Caught off guard she closed her eyes for a moment to compose herself and then kept her hands on His sides to push him away.He instantly lifted her slightly off the ground pushing her further into his body.Khushi looked at sideways at a startled Garima who is witnessing the scene with a curious face.She whispered into his ear. "Amma is standing there..put me down."It must have registered in his brain after a moment because he hurriedly put her down and moved back easing her out of his arms still not completely stepping back.He looked at Garima by turning his head and then looked here and there to not display the awkwardness.At that moment shashi entered from the other side of the room carrying some vessels .He looked pointedly at Arnav and then keeping the vessels in the shelf and faced his daughter.

"Beta come let's finish yesterdays accounts"

"Ji babuji..am coming."

Shashi exit the room.Garima looked smilingly at Arnav.

"Babua aap kab aye?sab teek tho Hain na.."

"Sab teek hai aunty..I just drop in to meet khu.."He stooped midway seeing her glare at him and said" to meet you all."

Garima smiled knowingly at him and said "acha I will get something for you to drink come out and have a seat"

"Ji aunty. "

Replied Arnav as Garima moved out.
Khushi sat down and began picking up the paper plates ignoring him.He too crouched down close to her and picked up the plates.She hastily gathered the plates in her hand and stood up.Khushi turned around swiftly to the shelf to keep the plates back,when she felt Arnav's body close to her behind.Without turning around she swiftly moved sideways knowing very well he would trap her there if she faced him.Arnav kept the plates in the shelf and as khushi moved aside him to the door he stepped in on her way not crowding her standing at an arm distance.

"Baby please...we need to talk.Lets go.."

Khushi cut him rudely and said.

"I don't have any thing to talk with you .You please go back to your work instead of wasting your time here."

Before he can reply she hastily moved aside him out of the door.Arnav followed her.Khushi went to the reception area where her father is tallying the accounts.She joined him and they started working on it.Khushi worked effectively with accounts using her phone while teasing her father and at times whining like a Child at his display of affections when he patted her head,or removed the stains of jalebi from her face.

Arnav sighed, his eyes trained on the father-daugter duo more on the daughter,his child wife .He suddenly felt a jolt of jelousy spranging up on his heart.That sunny smile,crazy chatter,infectious energy and pure naivety,He should be the one basking on all of its glory.He mentally shake his head to get rid of that illogical green monster.He felt a tap on his shoulder.Garima asked him to take a seat.She served him freshly prepared soft drink and some refreshments.He looked up at her and hesitated.

'Thank You aunty..hmm aunty can I ask you a favour."

Are why are you saying thank you.you are our damad and why do you need to ask for favour just tell me what do you want.

He said in a low voice.

"Khushi and I had a silly fight yesterday and you know how she is,since yesterday she is not talking to me."Arnav half lied.

Garima guessed that much from what she had seen in the store room.Arnav continued.

"I need to talk to her to fix this aunty so I planned to take her out for lunch today.But if I ask she will deny so..can you.."

He let the sentence incomplete hoping garima would catch his request.

Garima smiled at him and said .
"Her buaji named her correctly she is a true sanka devi right?"

Arnav gave her a lopsided smile in reply.

"Don't worry take her out for lunch and sort the differences.I will tell her."

As arnav had the juice Garima called out to khushi.

"Khushi Arnav babua wants to take you out for lunch today.Waise bhi today I brought lunch only for your bauji.So you go out with him,have lunch and come back."

Khushi looked suspiciously at Arnav then shifting her gaze to Garima she said.

"But Amma you said you prepared my favorite.."

Garima cut her in sternly as Arnav got up from his seat.

"I told you no to go.Come fix your appearance and go."

Khushi understood it is Her husband behind this lunch plan and he is using her mother for it.She flushed with anger and said adamantly.

"I know you brought lunch for me,even if you did not I will share with you what you have brought.I don't want to go anywhere out."

Arnav stiffened beside Garima.

"Khushi!"Garima shouted rather angrily.
"You didn't hear what I said?You are going out for lunch with him.Go to store room and fresh up Now."

Shashi intervened
"If she don't want to go why are you pestering her.Let her be."

Garima flushed and looked at Arnav's hopeful face and blinked to reassure him.Garima looked straight at khushi warning through her eyes to do as she said.

Shashi looked on amused at the exchange and turn to his daughter.

"You want to go out?"

Now they successfully put her on a tight spot.If she say no,her mother otherwise her husband would object and for the latter she knows he is hanging on a thin thread of barely there patience.She can do without an argument between her father and husbsnd now.She stormed her foot under the table and then looked at her father and said with nonchalant air before getting up and moving towards restroom to fresh up.

"Fine.Just a lunch.I will go."

Arnav looked thankfully at Garima and said .
"I will drop her back after lunch."
He avoided looking at Shashi directly and bid bye to them.

"I will take your leave now."

He descend to the first step when Shashi asked him in that casual yet assessing tone.
"So is it a casual lunch outing?"

"Yep.sort of..I was planning to take her out for lunch past couple of days but due to the tight work schedule I could not.."

He replied not completely turning around to face Shashi and promptly moved out.Shashi looked at Garima questioningly who just avoided his eyes and went inside to call khushi.
Arnav moved out and reversed the suv and waited inside.When he saw khushi coming out he came out of the driving seat and went around and open the passenger seat door for her.

Bidding bye to her parents she was about to exit when Garima admonished her coming behind her.

"Khushi how many times I told you to not to leave your hair open when going out ?nowadays you dont take care of your hair at all."

"I like it this way Amma..let it be.."Khushi whined

"Since when?before you always used to the your hair neatly."

Khushi's eyes found Arnav who was looking at her intently. He like her hair open whenever he is around and even though he never told her directly to style her hair like that somewhere he knows he is the reason behind it.Arnav's lips curved to a half smile as khushi promptly averted her eyes.

Garima tied her silky hair using a hair band at the nape of her neck.
Khushi descend the stairs,open the backside seat door without moving to the passenger seat in the front whose door has been held open by Arnav.She sat down nonchalantly and closed the door.Arnav felt the instant jolt of anger but masked it instantly with a poker face for he didn't want his father in law to get an inkling of what is going on between them.He came around ,nodded at Garima before getting into the passenger seat and driving away.

Shashi looked enquiringly at Garima as if waiting for an explanation.Garima got flustered under his knowing gaze and said hurriedly.

"Woh Arnav told me khushi is miffed with him for some silly thing and he wants to sort it out so.."

"And you believed him without asking her?"

"Yes. because I understood seeing their behavior that he was saying the truth."

Garima said defensively.

"Well I just hope your judgement is correct because I read more to it from the way khushi was behaving from morning."

Garima develop second thoughts on hearing her husband's words and just prayed in her mind to make everything alright between her daughter and son in law.

Arnav looked at khushi through the rear view mirror.She sat looking out of the window completely ignoring his presence.He pulled the suv to the side of the road and pressed the brake rather hardly moving the vehicle to an abrupt halt.He sat there looking at her pointedly his jaw tightened.She was startled for a moment,But then composed herself and continue to look outside as if nothing happend refusing to rise up to the bait.Arnav closed his eyes to contain his anger.
He again looked at her to see her still not acknowledging his presence.
Well two can play the game he thought,then spread his arms on either sides in a relaxing pose and then open the passenger seat door in front, then removed his suit coat and kept it at the back of the seat and continued to sit on a chilled out position.

Khushi sighed inwardly.She wanted to get done with this lunch and get back as early as possible.

"Now why the hell you stopped the vehicle here?"She snapped haughtily.

This girl sure knows how to push his wrong button always Arnav grimaced inwardly.

"So finally you saw my presence here am very much grateful for that". He replied sarcastically.

"I don't want to spend any time with you,I know how you tricked my mother for it.I don't want to talk anything.Just drop me back. "
She wanted to sound angry but her words come out in anguish.Arnav stiffened,the anger flowing out of the window seeing her broken state and started.

"Baby.." then stopped seeing her restless form.He wanted to have this conversation with her at a proper time and space .Not like this.

"I know you are angry with me..I am so sorry jaan..I will make it up to you I promise..please don't shut me out like this.."

He pleaded.

But her next words replaced all his tenderness with annoyance.

"I said I don't want to talk to you about anything now.I want to go back.I don't want to be with you."

She said adamantly like the studborn child she is.He turned around fully to face her.

"What the hell is wrong with you?Aisa Kya hogaya ki you dont even want to talk to me?"

He yelled towards the end shaking with the restlessness inflicted upon him by her indifference.

"Aisa kuch bhi nahi Hua...happy now..?just drop me back.."She resorted to nonchalance.

He closed his eyes and ran his fingers through his Hair in exasperation.He remembered Nani's words.Dont give in to anger ,tread carefully.He tried mental pep talk to himself to remain calm.

"Fine.Come to the front seat.I am not your driver."

He said trying hard to keep all the anger out of his words.She remained in the same position for a moment as if he didn't heard her.He started again

"Khushi please come.."

Without leting him complete his sentence she gingerly came out and climbed on to the front seat and closed the door with a bang.As soon as she made herself comfortable He leaned over to her and caught hold of her seat belt.

She glared at him and said.

"What are you doing?Move back.I will do it myself."

"Let me help."He breathed in a hoarse whisper.Khushi felt goosebumps erupting on her skin at his proximity and husky voice.She moved back to the seat almost plastering her body against it trying to create as much as distance possible.He reached over around her back and removed the hair band by moving her little away by keeping his hand on her back.

He looked at her intently and said.

"If aunty asked about it tell her I like it open."

She swallowed the retort when she looked up at his eyes.Tenderness and affection and an insistence which she is too familiar with.She averted her eyes when he hurriedly clicked open his seat belt and moved closer to her.
He cupped her face with both his hands and made her to look up at him.She has to break the spell.She removed his hands forcefully and said trying her best to sound unaffected,looking outside.

"If you want to go start the vehicle otherwise let me take an auto and head back."

When she didn't receive any reply she turn her face to look up at him to find him looking at her in that knowing way which irritated and flustered her at the same time.He pressed closer,his hand on her one cheek caressing it gently.He leaned in aiming her lips.She turned her face to the side refusing him.

He stopped and looked at her and then gently cupped her chin to face him.

"Please..."
He begged his voice husky caress

"No..."

She was thankful that her voice sounded firm.

He looked at her for a moment and then bending his head kissed the side of her cheek with such force that her head fell back on the seat.He lingered his lips over there for a moment and placed an open mouthed kiss there taking her silky skin in his lips.

She pushed him back.He moved back after hurriedly putting her seat belt.He went back to his seat and clipped in his seat belt,his breathing laboured.He closed his eyes to not to give in to the desire coursing through his limbs.Khushi's state was also not different,she let the anger in her heart to take over her mind to not get affected.

His phone rang as a welcoming distraction.He started the suv while connecting the Bluetooth to his ear,stealing glances at khushi.

"Haan di..Am having lunch outside"

"I came to your office but you were on a meeting so I left the message."

"Yes di. Flight time is around 9.30 at night.See you in home.Bye"

Flight??Is he going somewhere?

Khushi tensed beside him but did not show it in her stance.As the suv moved forward past the hotels and restaurants she looked at him and asked.

"Where are we going..You said lunch?"

"Yep.Lunch is arranged in the farmhouse.I want privacy we NEED to talk."

He said sternly.

She continued to look outside fine he wanted to talk...Then let's get it done with.She thought exasperated.

They both maintained silence through the rest of the journey,not trusting themselves to speak calmly.

As soon as they reached farmhouse khushi went into the washroom to fresh up and Arnav dismissed the staff and waited in their room where khushi is using the restroom.

Khushi come out and was about to go out when he took her by her hand gently and made her sit on the bed and sat beside her.

"Baby...we need to talk...first you hear me out calmly once.please."

Khushi turned to him with all her attention focussed on him and said.

"Fine.Tell me am all ears."

Something was off with the way she is reacting arnav noted but let it go as he wanted to have this confrontation with her at the moment.

"I know you are upset with me for not telling you about Nani's birthday party."

He elaborated at her questioning gaze albeit hesitantly .

"NK called me yesterday.."

She felt anger of tremendous momentum raking inside her,She looked away showing utmost disregard to his statement.

Arnav knew he messed it up more than it already was but he can't lie to her.He gently turned her face to him and continued..

"Baby I..it wasn't intentional..Things got really hectic in AR due to the upcoming collection launch and then I got busy designing something for nani and then for..You.I know how you must have felt when...NK called you...Am really sorry..I really am...This won't repeat again..I promise you."

He looked hopefully at her face but there has been no reaction at all since he started speaking.

"Jaan..kuch bolo...please..Don't do this.."

Even though he was pleading his voice has an edge to it.She looked at him straight in his eye and asked

"If nanheji hadn't called you yesterday when would you have told me?"

Her face searching and stoical.

Arnav moved closer taking her hands in his and said desperately.

"Baby...please..I accept my mistake..Please don't punish both of us like this...I can't.. "

His words were interrupted by the ring of his phone,He took out the phone an looked at it before keeping it aside.He again moved closer to her to continue the conversation.

"Baby..one more thing I have to go to Agra for a business meeting tonight.It is unavoidable.It may take one or two days to finish everything there.I had called you in morning to ask you to accompany me...But you didn't pick up..I had booked your tickets too..I can't handle one more separation from you..I had had enough in the past one day.I want you to come with me..

His phone rang again,muttering under his breath he picked it up getting up from the bed to talk.After giving the instructions to Aman about the necessary documents required for meeting he hung up.Khushi looked at his back for a while and then stood up to move out.
He wanted to talk..of course it is that only...She should hear what he have to say.
Khushi trembled with the anger exploding inside her.
Arnav checked his mail to review the documents once when he saw khushi moving out near the door,pocketing his phone he strode towards her and was about to hold her elbow when she tripped on the carpet.She would have fallen face on the door when Arnav came up right behind her and saved her fall by holding her by her waist and pulling her back to his body.She steadied herself in his arms and tried to move out of his arms by prying his arms off her,but he tightened his arms around her pulling her more to him.Her breathing quickened she started struggling to come out of his arms.

"Chodiye hame.."She gritted out

"Chodne keliye nahi pakda tha tumhara haath.. "

He whispered nuzzling her hair pushing his nose into the silkiness of her hair.His arms tightened around her stomach crushing her back to his front.In an instant he tuned her around and pushing her slightly back pinned her to the door gently.His pupils dilated and eyes hooded.The next moment his lips crashed down on hers swallowing her protests.The kiss was so deep and intense that khushi crawled her toes and clutched his shirt tightly in her hand to get rid of the feeling of life sucked out of her body.Her knees trembled,senses blurred.He is diving deep into her mouth that she can feel his wayward hairs touching her face.He pressed his body on hers and gasping for air lifted his mouth breaking the kiss after a while.He rained urgent kisses on every part of her face while his hands moved up her back and pulled the zib of her suit down.He started pecking her lips, firmly pressing his lips tightly to hers.He removed her duppata and throw it aside all the while kissing down neck.He sucked on the croock of her neck his hands lowering the suit down her shoulders desperate to find her skin.His mouth moving through her neck,his head buried in her neck.When she felt the breeze on the skin of her exposed skin and shoulder she came back to her senses.She closed her eyes tightly and then pushed him with all her might.He stumbled back caught unaware.She hurriedly pulled the suit up and moved aside him when he came closer to her.They both were breathing heavily still reeling under the effect of their intimate moments.He caught hold of her hand from behind.
"Baby"

She didn't turn around.He stepped aside to stand in front of her and asked .

"Baby what's wrong??"

Her head snapped up to him eyes flashing with anger.
"What's wrong??Everything is wrong.We live under the same roof and yet you forgot to tell me about the party you were planning for weeks.You wanted to talk about it and YOU talked"She said Pointing her finger in his direction and continued "and the matter is over.You conveniently forget to mention the important things in your"she stressed on the word and said again "YOUR LIFE yet you never forget to have your way with me,as and when you please..what should I make out of all this?You need me only for your physical needs??"

"Shut the f**k up "

Arnav's voice thundered around the four walls. he charged forward about to grab her by her shoulders,but stopped at one step away.His eyes gone cold with hurt and raw anger,his face blanched.Khushi almost stumbled back from the pain and madness displayed on his face.She brought the words uttered moments ago back to her brain and closed her eyes tightly.Realisation dawning up on her mind.
"Hey devi Maya..what I have done?"

He turned around with his back to her abruptly, his knuckles in a tight fist , trying hard to clear his mind off the clouding anger.Khushi stood there unsurely not knowing how to deal with him at the moment.

He turned around to face her his face calm as an ocean,like his name.

"All what you have said about forgetting to tell you about the party stand valid..I accept it..And am sorry for it..But for me I don't have a life separated from you..what I have with you,what I share with you Is MY LIFE.As such am so much into you that I may forget everything else,had what I have with you was less intense this might have never happened.I had wronged you a lot of times khushi,frankly speaking I don't deserve you at all on the face of all the things I had done to you.I don't know how to undone those and to sooth you with words I was and I am never good with words to begin with.But what I value and cherish and nurture in my whole being is the intimacy between us.That is special to me.In those moments I am letting you see my...soul..my inner self which is enlightened with the love for you...I can't be more naked before you than that..I thought..." his voice broke and he struggled to not to give into tears..
"I thought you saw that too."

He turned around with that and left quietly,his aura of a confident, charming personification lost and replaced with a broken man.