08-07-2021

Thank you for waiting. 

I know I am late again, but this time it's intentional. I want to write this part in relax mode. I don't know how you feel about this. but for me, I thought it's important. So, here I'm with a slightly late update. Hope you guys like this too. 

And as usual, no time to proofread. Please let me know the mistakes as in-line comments if you find them. And also if you feel anything is not fitting, let me know I will check and edit. I'm sorry for the inconvenience. 

Part 12:

"Nanhe Ji..., it's okay! I understand your presence is needed there. I know, unless it's not important, your father wouldn't have told you to go. I will take care of things here. You just go, complete your work, and come back. I will handle things till then. Anyways, I have others too with me, Jiju, Jiji, Mami and Aman Bhai," said Khushi.

"Does that mean, you don't need my help anymore, Khushi JI?" asked NK, feeling useless and sad.

"Did I say that? Nanhe Ji, without your help, I can't step ahead. I need your help, Nanhe. What I mean is, you are going for just three days. Till then, I will take care of things here. For sure, I need your help Nanhe Ji. For now, there is not much we can do. Till you come, I need to talk with a few people who are close to Arnav Ji. Then, I need to plan how to, what to, when to do. By then you will be back. It's just a matter of a few days. You don't worry about me. I will be fine." said Khushi.

"I don't know what to say. I don't want to go, but, damn! I don't have any choice," said NK helplessly.

"Don't worry about anything, Nanhe Ji. We will take care of things here. You just go, do your work and come back safe. Please take care of yourself," said Khushi, before bidding good night to NK.

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

Dinner was a silent affair. No one dared to say any word seeing the gloomy look on everyone and the broken and blank expression of Khushi. Thankfully, Dadi stayed in her room and Shyam went out to work. After completing their dinner, Mami took Nani to her room to make her sleep. Nani looked too weak as if she aged 10 years just in a few weeks. Anjali also left for her room, just to live in the memories of her brother. Khushi looked at retreating figures of Nani, Mami and Anjali.

"I can't! I can't say anything to them," muttered Khushi, loud enough for Akash to hear.

"What are you saying, Khushi?" asked Akash.

"I can't say anything to them about my doubts regarding Arnav Ji, Jiju. After so much pain and heartbreaks, they started to accept Arnav Ji's absence. If I talk about my doubts to them, then they will hope for the impossible. If whatever I'm thinking about Arnav Ji, turns out to be wrong, then they will be devastated. They are already in a lot of pain. I don't want them to be in more pain. So, I decided I will let them know when I get clarity in my doubts. I can't put them in more pain," said Khushi while tears rolled down her eyes.

"I understand your feelings, Khushi. We will talk about everything tomorrow. You need to take a rest. You need to be more healthy to tackle the situation. Please try to relax and get some good sleep. Don't worry, everything will be fine and we will find a way towards Bhai, okay?" asked Akash.

"Thank you Jiju. I don't know what I would have done without your help. Thank you so much," said Khushi, holding Akash's hands. "And Jiju..., about telling Jiji?"

"Don't worry, I will take care of her. I know how to talk with her. You don't worry and remember, you will find me with you every time, oaky? Relax and sleep," said Akash, giving her a brotherly hug.

Both missed a pair of eyes which looked at them in disgust, before leaving the place.

"What both Jiju and saali talking about? Why am I left behind from the hug?" asked Payal, trying to lighten the atmosphere. By seeing Khushi and Akash's faces, she understood that they were talking about Arnav Bhai. Oh! How much she missed the brotherly warmth he showered on her. Unknowingly her eyes teared up remembering the brotherly figure. You shouldn't have left us, Bhai. We miss you. Please do smoothing and come back, Bhai. We need you, this house needs you, everyone needs you. Please come back!!! Thought Payal. She went to Khushi and Akash, quickly wiping her tears and hugged them tightly.

Three of them remained in the hug, getting strength from each other. After some time, they bid good night, they left for their rooms.

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

"What are you saying, Akash? Bhai is alive?!!! How is that even possible?! I mean, we saw him, didn't we?!" asked Payal with a thudding heart.

"We are not sure, Payal. But listening to Khushi's questions and doubts, along with us, Aman also felt that there is a chance for Bhai to be alive. We decided to give a chance to those doubts and work on them. We can't take any risk about this matter. We don't want to miss anything if our doubts are right. After all, it's a matter of Bhai!" said Akash, thinking about his conversation with Khushi and Aman.

"I strongly pray to God that your doubts are right, Akash. This house is so empty without Bhai. After his absence only I understood his importance in our lives. I hope the DM helps us in this matter and bring Bhai back," said Payal, folding her hands in prayer.

"I too wish and hope the same, Payal. Same," said Akash, hugging his wife close to his heart. He closed his eyes, sending a prayer to God.

::::::::::

"Sasuma, you need to be strong. Please don't get weak. You are our support, Sasuma. If not for yourself, at least for us and mostly for Khushi. She needs your support and warmth now. Poor girl, she is facing a lot at a very young age. Please Sasuma, she can't be in peace or she can't come out of this situation if we keep staying lost or sad all the time. We all know how much she craves for her family's happiness. We need to be strong and move on at least for Khushi," Mami said, giving medicines to Nani.

"I know and understand whatever you are saying, Manorama. But it's very difficult for me to live without seeing my grandson. And at the same time, it is very horrible for me to live seeing my grandson's widow. I don't know why God left me still. I don't know what more I have to see." said Nani, breaking in Mami's arms.

Both Mami and Nani took solace in each other's embrace.

"Sasuma, we need to do something about this Subhadra Ji. I'm not liking the way she is talking with us. She is insulting Khushi continuously. It's our responsibility to take care of our bahu. We can't sit back and let others say anything they want to our family members. I don't allow that. If you can't say anything to her, then let me do that. Frankly telling Sasuma, I don't want her to stay here," Mami said her point very clearly.

"Hmm..., you are right Manorama. Let's talk with Khushi bitiya. Let her understand Subhadra's place in both Arnav and Anjali's life," said Nani.

"Are you going to ask Khushi to respect that lady, Sasuma?" asked Mami in disbelief.

"Come, let's leave for Khushi's room," Nani left for Khushi's room followed by an unhappy Mami.

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

"Rani Sahiba...," called Shyam, looking at the devastated lone figure. 'I don't know for how many days i need to bear this drama and torture, damn it' muttered Shyam before going to his wife.

"Shyam Ji," Anjali threw herself in his arms and cried her heart out for her loss.

Shyam rolled his eyes and kept a boring face, hugging her.

"Shyam Ji, how can he do this to us! How can Chote leave us and go? How can he, Shyam Ji?" asked Anjali in between her sobs.

"Shh..., Rani Sahiba. I know it's really painful to not see him around. But what can we do, Rani Sahiba? This is our fate, destiny. Other than accepting this, we can't do anything. Shh... you shouldn't cry like this. Sale Sahib never liked your gloomy face, forget about your crying face. Don't make him sad by crying like this. Please don't make it difficult for him. We should be strong. After all, we have the responsibility of Khushi. If we cry like this, then who will take care of her? Poor girl, she is facing so much in her young age. She doesn't deserve this life. I hope she has a better life. I will be glad to help her in any way. But she is not ready to talk with anyone. You should go and talk with her, Rani Sahiba. She is such a young and innocent girl," said Shyam in a trance. But his trance broke with Anjali's words. He chided himself for losing in KHushi's thoughts. I need to be more careful. I can't give any idea/doubt to anyone regarding my love towards Khushi. Aww... Khushi..., I can't take this distance anymore! I need to have you with me. thought Shyam Khushi... moaned in his mind, closing his eyes in deep desire. For his utter irritation, his thoughts got disturbed by Anjali.

"Whatever you are saying is absolutely right, Shyam Ji. But I don't know how to deal with this situation. I don't know whether I can face Khushi Ji or not. And for sure, she is stronger than me. I hope she will not console me in return," said Anjali, shaking her head, tears rolling continuously from her eyes.

That's what is going to happen. You never can be near to Khushi in any matter. She is the only one in this world. She is unique. She is the best, she is the girl who can make any man in this world on fire. With just a look and smile, she can turn any man on. Oh Khushi, thought Shyam.

"But Shyam Ji, you were so against her before their marriage, then how come you are so concerned about Khushi Ji?" asked Anjali with a small smile.

"What are you saying, Rani Sahiba? Of course I'm concerned about her, after all she is family. However or with whatever intentions she married Sala Sahib, we need to take care of her. That's our responsibility, isn't it?" said Shyam. I can't lose this chance. If I succeed in creating doubt in Anjali's mind about Khushi, then it will be easy for me to make this family throw Khushi out. Then I can make Khushi understand how much I care for her and love her. I can be her knight in shining armour. Thought Shyam with a smirk. "She might have got fascinated by seeing all these luxuries, facilities, comforts and respect the Raizada-s gets from society. I mean when she came to train Lavanya, she might have thought about these all. And with genuine love from Arnav's side, she might have thought her attraction and infatuation towards the handsome man like Arnav as Love. We all know how a teenager thinks about all these, don't we? But before she realises her Love is not love but infatuation, everything happened. But that doesn't mean we should stop taking care of her. After all she is part of us," said Shyam. But looking at the confusing expression of Anjali he corrected his words, "I mean she is a part of our family. Isn't she? So it's my responsibility to take care of her," completed Shyam.

"But Shyam Ji, we always felt that love between both! I mean, their looks, their silly fights and the silly reasons they said to meet each other, everything screamed their Love towards each other, no?" said confused Anjali. "We all know they both loved each other! no?" She sounded a little doubtful.

"Of course. It's just... I always felt that, from Khushi's side, maybe, MAYBE, it's infatuation," Shyam selected words carefully.

"What made you think like this, Shyam Ji?" asked Anjali, "I don't think Khushi Ji like that. Me and Nani always wanted her to be Chote's wife. We never thought she was wrong in her intentions," said Anjali, not able to digest Shyam's words. But once doubt enters one's mind then everything seems doubtful, unreal.

"Don't take me wrong, Rani Sahiba. I always felt that something is amiss in their relationship. I mean, from Arnav's side, I don't have any doubts but from Khushi's side, I don't know. But whatever or however she was, now she is our family, we need to take care of her. We can't step back from our responsibility. Arnav left us, that doesn't mean she is not related to us. Enough of Khushi now, let's sleep. It's already late, come. I don't want you to spoil your health by thinking about all these. Come, let's sleep," said Shyam before tucking Anjali in her blanket. His heart swelled in success. He looked at Anjali with a smirk. He knew Anjali would think in a way he wanted her to be. After all she is not Khushi to think straight. She always gets influenced by others' words, thought Shyam.

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

Khushi was sitting on her bed - wearing Arnav's shirt and hugging his picture to her heart. All the incidents, discussions, doubts and arguments happened from the morning, repeated in front of her eyes. By remembering everything her doubts got strong regarding Arnav being alive. I will bring you back, Arnav Ji. I know you are out there. You can never leave like this. I will find you, for sure. Her thoughts got disturbed by a knock on the door followed by Nani's voice.

"Nani?" called Khushi in confusion before running to open the door. "Nani? Mami? You both are here? At this time? Are you okay? What's wrong?" asked Khushi in worry.

"Nothing, I just want to talk with you for a few minutes, can I? Asked Nani.

"Of course you can, Nani. what I mean is, you should have called me, what's the need to take strain to come?" asked Khushi.

"I just wanted to spend some time in my Chote's room," said Nani with moist eyes. She looked around the room and her eyes stopped on Khushi. Her eyes turned teary looking at Khushi in Arnav' shirt. She can understand how much Khushi misses Arnav. After all their fights, silly reasons to see others, desperateness to be with each other, and Love for each other, it will be difficult for one to remain not effected.

Seeing Nani's look on her, Khushi and Mami looked at Khushi and realised what she was wearing.

"Nani, I'm sorry. I was just..., I will change now," Khushi about to move from there to change but stopped by Mami.

"No need. We can understand. You relax and sit. Sasuma wants to talk with you about something," said Mami.

Nodding her head, Khushi sat near Nani's feet.

"Khushi bitiya, I knew after whatever had happened in our house, it's very difficult for us to come to normal. And I think it's impossible to be normal too. But Khushi, I want to tell you a few things before you decide how to go on in and with your life. Khushi, both Arnav and Anjali had a good and happy childhood till Chote was 3 and Anjali was 6 years old. On the day, both their parents were murdered by some unknown person and their chacha ji threw the kids from their house, taking everything. Luckily a maid took them with him and called us to inform us about happenings. Later we brought them with us and Manohar and Mami took care of them as their own. In all these, their Dadi - Subhadra, left them to their fate. She was never there with them when they faced the worst time of their lives. She supported her second son indirectly, not taking Arnav and Anjali back. When people used to say bad things about her responsibility, she left for Ashram and never came back. Not even for once, she called us to know about them." Nani said remembering the horrible days of her life.

"Subhadra was my dearest friend and we were related through our forefathers. She always adored my daughter - Ratna. Subhadra always pestered me to have Ratna as her daughter-in-law. So I trusted her with my daughter. But when the time came, she supported her fraud and criminal son. I know I'm selfish. After all, I'm a mother. I wanted my daughter to live happily ever after. But they killed my daughter. And they created a rumour that my son-in-law was having an extra-marital affair, and because of that they had an argument and they killed each other. But we know, Alok was a gem of a person. He is not at all like his brother. I know how happy my daughter was. But, alas, they killed my daughter and son-in-law and left my grandkids on the streets. Arnav and Anjali don't even know how the world will be without their parents. They didn't even know what to be called dead. It's very difficult for them," said Nani, remembering those days. Her eyes have a distant look.

"Khushi, Chote faced a lot in his life. He was a fighter. Even though Anjali was just 6 years old, she was able to mingle with us. But with Chote, it was so difficult. He was just a small kid. He couldn't understand why he was here and where his parents were. After that everything was so difficult for him. When Akash was born, Manorama was too weak to take care of Arnav, and it affected him a lot. He felt like he lost his mother again. To divert his mind from the pain, he concentrated on drawing and later on his studies, reading books and became so introverted. After that Manorama tried a lot to bring him back to normal, but it was so difficult. He never complained about us regarding anything. But we could notice the change in Arnav who slowly became ASR. He struggled in his life to get success. He was never content in his life. He always lived for us." tears rolled from Nani and Mami's eyes, remembering the broken child.

"But after you came, I saw the happiness in his eyes. He was so content. At Akash and Payal's wedding, we saw a different Chote. He acted like a teenage boy. He made so many silly reasons to meet you. He was so eager to come to your house just to get a glance of yours. He was so jealous of NK as NK was getting close to you. I and Anjali were so happy seeing him like that. Later you came here and all... we were so happy for him. Call us selfish, but we were. But Khushi bitiya, do you know why I'm saying all these to you now?" asked Nani, wiping the tears rolling from Khushi's house.

Khushi shook her head, not able to voice out her answer. Her throat got heavy with the cries.

"Because, now Subhadra has come here and is saying nonsense about you. Believe me when I say this Khushi, we don't like her presence. We never liked her. We informed her about Chote, just because we should. And don't dare to think that we will send you out just because she said. Trust me, that will never happen," said Nani.

"I know Nani. I never had any doubt or fear about that," said Khushi with a small smile on her face. "But whenever she says anything, it's just that, I feel so sad. If she says anything about me, it's okay. But how can she talk about Arnav ji? How can she use bad words about his qualities? How can she say, Nani?" Khushi broke in Nani's arms.

"Shh..., Khushi you shouldn't cry like this. Shh..." Nani consoled Khushi and continued "Can I request you one thing?"

"Of course, Nani, you can ask me anything. In fact you should order me, Nani," said Khushi, holding Nani's hands.

"Can you throw that lady from our house, Khushi? I don't know what you will do. But I want you to do that. If Chote is here, he would have thrown her out long back. I want you to show her what Mrs ASR can do with the people who mess with her and her family. Can you do this for me, Khushi?" asked Nani.

"Sasuma?" said shocked Mami.

"I know whatever I'm saying Manorama. I know I can throw her out. But I want Khushi to fight for her respect which she deserves most, and love towards Chote. I want her to stand for Chote - the ASR. I want her to prove herself as Mrs ASR. I don't want others to point their finger towards her. I want others to think before talking in front of her. I want my granddaughter-in-law to be strong. I want people to get scared to look into her eyes and talk. I want her to be strong and fighter, just like my Chote. I want to see him in her," said Nani.

Manorama cried and hugged her mother-in-law. Khushi looked at the old lady with different emotions.

"Tell me, Khushi. Can you do this for me?"

"I will Nani, for sure. I will prove myself as Mrs ASR. I will make Arnav Ji proud of me. I will make you proud of me. I will fulfill your request Nani. It's my promise to you," said Khushi with determination, after controlling her emotions.

Both Nani and Mami left for their rooms after hugging Khushi and bidding her good Night.

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

Next Morning, Nani's room.

Before Nani or Mami could go down to start their routine, they heard a knock on the door. Mami opened the door to see Khushi.

"Khushi? Come inside. What are you doing here this morning?" asked Mami.

"I just want to talk with you both before I start to deal with others," said Khushi sitting near Nani's legs.

Both Mami and Nani understood who the 'others'. Both nodded their heads in encouraging Khushi to continue.

"Nani, first of all, I want you and Mami to trust me. Whatever may happen in future in this house, I want you both to believe me that my intentions are not at all bad. I will never betray this family. You all are my family. I will give my life for you all. I just want you both to think for a second before coming to any conclusions about my future behaviour. And also I want to assure you both that, from now onwards, I will take care of Di as much as I can, if not the same as Arnav Ji. one more time I'm telling you, I will not betray you. If at any time or situation, you felt that I'm not old Khushi, then please remember, I will always be your Khushi, Arnav Ji's Khushi. If needed, I will prefer to give my life for you all. Please trust me, Nani, Mami," said Khushi looking at the both elder ladies.

"I trust you, Khushi. You don't need to explain anything. I trust you," said Mami, patting Khushi's head for which Khushi responded with a small smile.

"As you said you will always remain as our Khushi bitiya, we will always remain as your close family. Don't worry about us or anything. You just do what you feel good/correct. All I wanted was you to be stronger. Now don't think about anything now, just have your breakfast and start your day. Let's go," said Nani, blessing Khushi.

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

"Nani, Mami and Khushi Ji? Where are you three coming from?" asked Anjali. "I mean together?"

"Nothing like that Di. I'm just coming from my room and met Nani and Mami," said Khushi.

"And Khushi ji, why are you looking so pale? And you are coming down late? Are you okay?" asked Anjali with concern for this young girl.

But before Khushi could say anything, they heard Subhadra's voice.

"Why will she come down? She is Mrs ASR. How can she work as a mere daughter-in-law? As expected, money got on her head. And you all are like fools, coming into her drama," said Dadi.

"How do you know about me this much, Dadi Ji? Of course I'm Mrs ASR, and my husband wanted me to live like a queen, not like a mere servant. So, I'm just following his wish. Do you have any problem?" said Khushi, leaving others in shock.

"Khushi Ji, what are you saying?" asked Anjali, looking at Khushi.

"Then what do you expect me to do, Di? Here she is talking nonsense about me and my husband and no one from this family is saying anything. If not for others, at least for myself and my husband's sake, I need to talk. It's high time I should think about my self respect. I'm tired of being a good daughter-in-law. From the first day, I was being insulted," said Khushi in irritation.

"What are you saying, Khushi Ji? We never said anything to you!" said Anjali.

"You might not, Di. But not supporting me whenever I need you all, it also hurts, deeply. And I had enough of the insults, just leave me alone," Khushi shouted in frustration. She continued while tears were rolling from her eyes. "at least in the days where I'm living my horrible time, I lost my life..., I lost my love. I'm sure on one can understand my pain, in fact I don't want anyone to live with this pain. But please, if you can't understand my pain, then leave me alone... let me live my days remembering my husband. At least let me mourn my husband in peace," Khushi cried her heart out.

Everyone cried along with her. They realised that they started to forget their Chote/bhai/son/grandson. But for Khushi that's not the situation. She can never forget him, till she lives. It's not easy for her. They understand that she is just masking her pain because she doesn't want anyone to feel sad seeing her. They knew her well. Payal supported her crying sister by hugging tight.

"Jiji!" Khushi cried.

"Shh..., I'm here. Relax... we all are here for you. I know we can never fill ARnav Ji's place, but still we are here for you Khushi. Don't cry bacha," Payal tried to console her baby sister which she knew was very difficult.

"Oh! Stop this drama. I'm feeling disgusted seeing you in front of me. Stop acting as if you really mourn my grandson. Don't dare you to act as if you are affected by Chote's death. I know what type of girl you are. Don't you have any shame doing this? You are acting in front of us and behind our back you are maintaining your affair with that NK. And you Payal, don't believe whatever you are seeing. Your sister is betraying you, she is having an affair with your husband also. I saw her in his arms yesterday night," said Dadi. Everyone stood shocked hearing her accusations. And Dadi continued "I don't know what Chote saw in this girl. I never knew he could be a fool selecting garbage for himself. Bringing this girl into our family, he tarnished our family name and respect we have in society. If he was in front of my eyes I would have slapped...," Dadi's words were stopped by a loud roar.

Everyone was terrified looking at the outraged Khushi. Her face became red with the heavy breathing.

"Don't you dare say a word about my Arnav Ji. Who the hell are you to say a word about him? What do you know about him? What do you know about what he did for his family? You were never there for them. Then how do you know? And which family name are you saying? The family, in which a member kills his own brother and sister-in-law? Or in which a member throws his niece and nephew on the roads? Or in which a member supports the fraud and accuses the innocent and creates rumour? Which family name are you talking about, Mrs Subhadra Malik?" shouted Khushi. No one dared to say anything seeing her angry self.

"How dare you?" Dadi said with a slightly trembling voice.

"Not a word from your mouth. If I hear one word about my Arnav Ji, then I will kill you with my own hands. No one from this world has any right to say a word about my Arnav Ji. If I hear anything against him, then no one could be worse than me. You better remember this. If you want to stay here in this house, then you better shut your mouth and stay. Or, you are most welcome to leave the house. And remember, if a small sound comes from you in this house, then I will throw you out. Don't force me to do that. You better stay within your limits. This is my family, and I'm not going to allow anyone to point a finger towards them and forget about saying a word. Then you will see what to mess with ASR's wife. This is the first and last warning to you and everyone to stay within limits," said Khushi in her firebrand self. Everyone stood there not able to move an inch. After all, when Khushi can stun the great Arnav Singh Raizada, it's not difficult to shut out any other person.

"HP ji..., breakfast," called Khushi, bringing others to reality.

Again, no one dared to say a word. Nani and Mami sighed in satisfaction. Anjali, Akash and Payal stayed calm not knowing what to think or how to feel. But the situation with Shyam and Dadi is totally different.

If Shyam thought - Khushi finding the truth about him was difficult; and Arnav asking him about his betrayal was scary; then he is, for sure, in shock seeing this side of Khushi. It's true when they say that, when a calm, quiet and easy going person gets angry the effect would be very strong. And Shyam is fortunate to see that day in his life. Shyam gulped his food hard looking at the reddened face of Khushi.

And for Dadi, it's a completely different situation. She didn't even know how to think or feel. She thought this girl to be a bad girl. But seeing the anger in her, Dadi doesn't know what to think. She ate quietly, not saying anything, not wanting to rile up the angry Khushi more.

After having breakfast, Khushi leaves for the office, taking blessings from Nani and Mami. She bid bye to others with just a look and nod. The ride to the office is quiet. Khushi sat in the car silently, looking outside. After some time, they reached AR and went directly to Arnav's cabin. Every employee was surprised to see Khushi not responding to their wishes. Aman also felt different, seeing serious Khushi. Akash shook his head and blinked his eyes as if saying he will explain later. 

...to be continued

And It's 5100 words! Let me know how you felt about this update. 

Awaiting your comments and opinions. 

.Sri.