23-01-23

Hello, dears...

I hope everyone is doing well. My health is getting better now. So, I write the update and posted it (almost 5000 words!). I hope this update will compensate your wait. I'm really sorry for making you all wait. My heartfelt thanks for your support, love, and patience.  God bless you all. 

Please spare me typos and grammatical mistakes. Not proofread it yet. Let me know if you find any loopholes or non-related things. 

Part 25:

"What happened, Akash? Why are you looking so tensed?" asked Payal, taking the laptop bag from Akash.

"Nothing, Payal. Just work tension. It's so difficult to manage work in Bhai's absence, you know that right? I don't know how he did so efficiently," said Akash, sitting on the couch, tiredly.

"My Arnav is like that. So efficient, pragmatic, and successful," said Manorama.

"Amma, at least for once, let me feel that I'm your son, not Bhai," joked Akash, understanding his mother's feelings. 'Just a few more days, Amma. Then, you will have your elder son in front of your eyes. Safe and sound.' thought Akash.

"Akash, where is Khushi ji? Did she come home or she went to Bua Ji's house?" asked Anjali coming from her room.

"Why would she come here? I'm sure she might have gone to her maternal home. What's new in there? You all may not understand her, but I can. She is not ready to fulfill her DIL duties here but she wants to take over everything making all of you, work in the home. Such a mannerless girl she is. And you all are supporting her," Dadi once again vents out her hate.

"Dadi, when you do not know about something, please don't talk in between. I'm asking Akash because he knows better," said Anjali, leaving everyone in the room stunned. "So, Akash, where is Khushi?"

"Di, Khushi is in her room. She came along with us. But why Di, do you need anything?" asked Akash.

"I need to talk with her. It's been a long we sat together and had a chat. I will come," with that Anjali left to talk with Khushi.

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

Khushi opened the door after listening to the knock.

"Di? Please come inside. Do you need anything?" asked Khushi looking at nervous Anjali.

"I... I just want to talk with you. It's been a long we talked?"

"Of course Di. But why are you so nervous about this?" asked Khushi.

Anjali looked at Khushi with unknown feelings. She felt fear looking at the straight and unwavering eyes of Khushi. No one can look others in the eyes if they are doing any wrong or feeling guilty. Anjali is so sure that there is no fear or guilty in Khushi's eyes. All she can see is determination and confidence. Unable to control her fear, Anjali held Khushi's palms.

"Are you fine, Khushi?" asked Anjali.

"Of course, I'm fine Di. What will happen to me? As Jiju, Aman Bhai and Nanhe are teaching me a lot of things about business, I'm feeling so confident these days. I'm feeling like now I'm eligible of being called Mrs. ASR. Truly Di, I'm feeling so energetic. I wish, Arnav Ji is here...," said Khushi.

Nodding her head in understanding, Anjali hugged Khushi.

"Khushi, I want to talk about the papers you showed me that day. I mean...,"

"One minute Di...," Khushi stopped Anjali and went to close the door.

"Why are you closing the door?" asked Anjali.

Smiling a little, Khushi asked her to voice out her doubts.

"I mean, if Mr. Roy already registered Chote's Will, then what are these papers, Khushi? Three sets of papers? And the other day, Mr. Roy told us there is a threat to our family. What is happening? What threat was he talking about? I mean full family? Why? How? I mean...,"

"Di... Shh... Shh... relax. I will tell you. But before that, you need to keep your trust in me. You need to remember that, I will do anything to safeguard my family. You should know that I promised Arnav Ji on our wedding day, that I will take care of his family as my own. I will not think before doing anything which gives happiness to this family. I promised Arnav Ji that I will take care of you well if not as much as he did. And you should understand and remember that these promises mean a lot to me, Di. I will rather die than betray Arnav Ji. I will do everything to fulfill these promises. I will not allow anyone to pull me back from doing what should I do and what I feel is right for this family. You need to understand that I am doing everything Arnav Ji wanted to do. And I will do that. You need to trust me and believe me in this. Can you Di?" asked Khushi.

Anjali nodded her head feeling more scared.

"And about the papers you were asking for, one set is Arnav Ji's Will which is registered. One was that I thought I could transfer everything to you which I sighed to safeguard. I don't know I was tricked by Roy, Jiju, and Mama Ji," Khushi shook her head in disagreement.

"Akash and Mama were there when Roy asked you to sign?" asked surprised Anjali.

"Of course, they were there. Do you really think I will sign any papers anyone gives to me, without knowing what was written in them? I can't take any risk, Di. That day I signed only after Mama Ji and Jiju assured me that nothing is wrong with those papers. But I never thought that they will not explain the meaning of signing those papers. I never knew what the meaning of 'taking care of everything by signing those papers', meant," Khushi shook her head sighing deeply.

"And what that third set of papers?" asked Anjali.

"Di, Did you read these peppers?" Khushi asked. Looking at Anjali shaking her head negatively, Khushi continued with a small smile. "Nothing Di, these papers are to fool the person who is a threat to our family"

"Means?"

"I asked a lawyer to prepare these papers just to fool the person who is planning to harm us. Don't worry, I met that lawyer through Rudra."

"To fool the person? Who is that? And you asked a lawyer? Why didn't you ask Mr. Roy to prepare these papers? Why some other lawyer? And Mr. Rudra? Why did you meet him in the first place? What's happening, Khushi?" Anjali asked anxiously.

"Di, relax. I told you, right? I'm just trying to safeguard every one of us. You need to trust me in this Di. Don't worry I will not do any wrong. And about not asking Roy, I want this fake Will to go out Di. If Roy prepares this fake will, it will not go out and nobody will know about this. So I asked another lawyer to prepare so that the person out there will know." said Khushi.

"Who is that person out there? And how could he know if another lawyer prepares the Will?" Anjali asked with a thudding heart.

Khushi looked at Anjali for a few minutes before introducing her to the elephant in the room. "The person will know because, he works in court, Di."

"Works in court?" whispered Anjali. Her heart is ready to explode.

"I'm sorry, Di," said Khushi, nodding her head. Before Anjali asked why she was sorry, HP came there informing them about Nani's ji call for dinner. Understanding the need of processing their discussion, Anjali without saying anything to Khushi left for the dining hall. Khushi followed her silently.

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

"I will come as soon as I can. Please listen to me. You can't behave like a child," said Khushi.

"No means no. I want you here with me. No more excuses," said Arnav stubborn like a child.

"Please..." purred Khushi.

"Argghhh... Khushi! Please, I need you with me. Come soon..." said Arnav. This is all new to him and he is enjoying these feelings, this happiness, and this excitement.

"I will... for sure. It's difficult for me too, to stay away from you. We lost so many days, but not anymore. Please wait for me," whispered Khushi, before cutting the call. But she missed the person who was listening to everything she said on the phone.

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

"I am not going to leave you, Khushi. How dare you talk with Arnav with so much love? You are mine. I need to do something before you slip off my fingers. I need to act fast before Arnav gets better and comes home. I need to take care of him today itself. And I need to make sure this time. Khushi will be dangerous with Arnav behind her. I can't let her or anyone spoils my plans. I'm almost at my win. I can't lose this chance." Shyam paced in his room thinking about the possibilities of his different plans. "I already told Anjali about the Will that Khushi asked the lawyer. But I think Anjali will do nothing about that. Damn, you Anjali. You can never be helpful. It's hopeless to expect from you. I need to do things without Anjali's help," just then Shyam heard Dadi's voice calling HP for something. "This old lady! Why does she shout all the time? My head will get burst one day with this woman. I understand why Arnav became so allergic to this family, always shouting or pestering. But I can't be allergic to them till I get my things. I need to act as sweet as before. Now, only this Dadi seemed to be helpful. Let's see how useful this old lady can be." thought Shyam before leaving for Dadi's room.

"What are you saying, Shyam?" asked Dadi, shocked after hearing what her damad said about the girl she hates to the core.

"You just listen by yourself, Dadi Ji. I can't say anymore," feigning sadness.

"Chi...! This girl doesn't have any shame. No one listened to me when I said about her. Now, see what this girl is bringing to us. Oh God! I can't let this happen. Let's go down and show this to everyone." saying this, Dadi left the room. Shyam smirked following her. His phone is in Dadi's hand.

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

"So... any complaints or taunts, Dadi Ji?" asked Khushi. An arrogant smirk is on.

"Complaints or taunts? No but only the truth. The truth of your shamelessness, the truth of your betrayal, the truth of your reality." said Dadi, gritting her teeth.

"What truth?" asked Khushi. She is not having a good feeling looking at the confidence in Dadi's eyes. She looked at Shyam who was having the same confident glint in his eyes. Immediately she understood that the time had come to act.

And,

She is ready.

"Okay, so... what truth you are talking about Dadi Ji?" asked Khushi sitting comfortably on her chair.

"The truth of your shamelessness, the truth..." Dadi was stopped by Khushi.

"Yes, yes. I know... the truth of my betrayal, the truth of my reality. I'm asking what is that. Can you be more clear please?" asked Khushi with a bored expression.

"Look at her guts, Shyam! I will see how arrogant she can be after her truth comes out," everyone looked at Dadi and Shyam.

By hearing Shyam's name, except for Anjali, everyone understood that this is the plan to throw Khushi out of the house.

"What are you talking about Subhadra?" asked Nani.

Looking at both Dadi and Shyam, Khushi quickly formed a plan and messaged something on her phone. She can't lose this chance to get the upper hand. She doesn't have the time or situation to explain things to Akash or NK. But she is confident about her win. 'Come on, bring it on' she thought.

"HP Ji, can you please bring the sweet I made? We need that here. And also please fill that water jug," said Khushi looking at HP, who nodded in return.

"Ji Khushi Bhabhi," said HP before leaving and taking the water jug.

Everyone looked at Khushi's nonchalant behavior with worry on their faces. Dadi looked at her with anger. Only Shyam was relaxed and Khushi understood.

"So Dadi... let's continue with your truth. I mean my truth."

"Whom were you talking with, a few minutes back?" asked Dadi.

Now, everything is clear for Khushi.

"I was talking with someone from work," said Khushi.

"So, he is your new catch now?" asked Dadi, leaving everyone shocked in the room.

Smiling a little, Khushi shook her head. "Not able to send me out of this house, you came with this now, Dadi Ji?" asked Khushi.

"Shut up! I'm not cheap like you. I have solid proof against you. I heard you talking with someone on your phone, very closely. Chi... shameless..." said, Dadi.

"You heard? When? You weren't there when I'm talking on the phone? I was talking with the doors closed. How did you listen?" asked Khushi. "Are you eavesdropping, Dadi Ji?"

"What? W... Why would I do that?" Dadi asked, stuttering. She doesn't want herself to go down in others' eyes.

"Then? How did you listen to me talking on the phone? You said, you heard me, right?" asked Khushi.

"I didn't listen, but Shyam did. He recorded your talks on his mobile and I listened to that." blurted Dadi, leaving Shyam shocked.

"Shyam Jiju? What are you saying, Dadi? And Shyam Jiju? Did you record my talks? Are you eavesdropping? But why? Why would you do that? Why Shyam Jiju?" Khushi expressed her shock and sadness, much to Mami, Akash, Payal, and NK's surprise.

"Yes, Shyam Ji! Why did you record Khushi's talks? Why would you do that? Why were you eavesdropping on her talks? What were doing in her room? Why?" asked Anjali.

Shyam looked at everyone with a thudding heart. His eyes landed on Khushi seeing her looking at him with blank eyes. He can't let anyone doubt him, that too not when he is about to get everything.

"No, I didn't record any of Khushi Ji's talk, Rani Sahiba. Why would I do that? I don't know why Dadi Ji is telling me like that. You know I care for Khushi, right? She is my, I mean our family. Why would I tell lies about her? Why would I do anything against her?" Shyam asked Anjali, in tension comfortably forgetting about his talks about Khushi with Anjali herself.

"What?" whispered Anjali, remembering how Shyam is against Khushi for the past few days. She is confused listening to him because she remembered how both Shyam and Dadi are talking/discussing Khushi a lot these days. He is spending more time with Dadi than her. 'Didn't he say, he is having doubts about Khushi and her intentions? Then?' thought Anjali.

"Shyam? What are you saying? Didn't you say about Khushi talking on her mobile? Didn't you record and played for me? It was there on your mobile. Give me your mobile, I will play it now." said Dadi, feeling insulted and betrayed by Shyam.

"What are you saying, Dadi ji? Recorded on my mobile? And my mobile?" 'It was with her when she came down. Why is she asking me for my mobile? And where did she keep my mobile? I hope I'm not getting in trouble by giving my phone to her,' thought Shyam and continued "I kept it in my room. When I'm saying I didn't record, why do you need my mobile, and why are you blaming me for the sin I didn't do? I never eavesdrop, Dadi Ji. If you heard her talk, you should say that. Why are you dragging me into this?" asked Shyam.

"I'm dragging you? You are the one who is saying everything about Khushi. You are the one who said me about her having affair with NK and Akash. You are the one who expressed your doubt about her being in a relationship with someone from the office. And you also said about her preparing a fake Will of Arnav, didn't you? Anjali you know about that Will, didn't you?" asked a desperate Dadi.

Anjali looked at both Dadi and Shyam with a thudding heart. She couldn't understand anything. She is looking at them in a new light. She felt she didn't know who those people are. She looked at Khushi, who is looking at them with a hurt expression.

"Yes, I know about those papers," Anjali said in a trance. She is more confused seeing Khushi's shocked eyes.

Khushi looked at Anjali in shock. She didn't want Anjali to talk about those papers, not yet. She didn't want her plans to come out before she catch Shyam, but no not yet. Damn thought Khushi.

"Yes, I know about those papers. Shyam Ji told me about them." Anjali continued seeing visibly relaxed Khushi.

Khushi sighed in relief, hearing Anjali's words.

"What papers are you talking about Anjali?" asked Mami, finally able to get a chance to speak.

"We had discussed them mami, remember? The papers are the final Will of Chote. She asked a lawyer to prepare in a way that states the Chote's everything goes to Khushi. Not even a penny to all of us," said Anjali. Anjali is now determined to know the truth. She is having her own doubts about everything. Why would her husband tell Dadi about these papers, when he said he still needs to confirm? Why is he supporting Khushi in front of all, when he was opposing her in their room? Why is he talking about everything opposite? Why isn't he telling his doubts to everyone? And why didn't Khushi want the truth of the Will to come out yet? And what is the threat? And who is the person threatening them? Who is the person scaring Khushi about their family's lives? And what is Khushi's plan for saving their lives?

"What are you saying, Di? Khushi asked a lawyer to prepare a fake Will! Khushi? What am I hearing?" asked Payal.

"Jiji? Are you doubting me?" Khushi asked feigning innocence.

"We are not doubting, we know the truth! Just accept it, Khushi," said Dadi.

"How can you be so sure about me asking a lawyer, Dadi? Or are you just accusing me of Shyam Jiju's words? Or do you have any proof? How can you believe his words without seeing any proof? Unless you want to me leave this house!" said Khushi.

"Because I don't need any proof about you. I always know how cheap you are. I trust Shyam in this. And more than that, why would he blame you without any reason?" asked Dadi.

For the first time, Khushi wanted to hug and kiss Dadi to raise the question which she desperately wanted someone to. This is the best time to reveal the culprit. Maybe not completely, but at least a bit for sure.

"Maybe because he thought I might be a hindrance in getting Arnav Ji's property?" said Khushi dropping the bomb on everyone.

"What?" said, everyone.

"I have proof," said Khushi leaving for her room.

NK, Akash, Mami, and Payal looked at each other, not understanding Khushi's plan and mind. Sweat formed on their foreheads. Which proof she is talking about? They don't know. They hoped that Khushi is not making a mistake or not doing anything in desperation of punishing Shyam. If the proof is not enough to prove her words, it will cost her a lot. Their thoughts got disturbed by seeing Khushi coming from her room with a few papers in one hand and checking her phone with another hand.

"As I said, I have proof. Di, can you recognize this person?" Khushi asked Anjali showing her mobile.

"Yes, I can. He is Shyam Ji's secretary. He goes to court whenever Shyam ji couldn't," said Anjali.

"Yesterday, this man dashed with Mr. Roy at court. And seeing Roy there, this person got scared and ran from there. While running he didn't notice that he dropped these papers. He straight went to Shyam Jiju and talked about something before leaving from there," said Khushi.

"Which papers are they?" asked Anjali.

"Look by yourself, Di. And please let others also know," said Khushi before giving the papers to Anjali. The papers, which Shyam asked her to get signed by Arnav. The same papers on which she got Arnav's signatures in her foolishness. The same papers which made her stupid, the same papers which will make her plan go as she wants.

Anjali sat on the sofa with a thud. She couldn't believe her eyes. Everyone rushed to her to check what those papers are. Akash, NK, Mami, and Payal got shocked to see the papers. They looked at Khushi who is in so much control. They gulped their throats. Both Akash and NK didn't expect this move from Khushi. She didn't tell them about this. They didn't know that she was trying to go in front of the devil. They are worried about Shyam's next steps.

"What was written in there?" asked Nani with fear.

"According to these papers, Bhai has written everything in Jiju's name!" said Akash. "Not even a penny on any of us!" exclaimed Akash.

Shyam snatched the papers from Akash and read them. He looked at Khushi, who is looking back at him. He underestimated her, he realized lately. He need to act fast, he planned fastly.

"What is happening in this house?" asked Nani.

"Now tell me Dadi Ji? Who is behind Arnav Ji's money? Your dear Damad Ji or Me who is trying to make everything fine?" asked Khushi.

"This is not true. Why would I do that? And how sure are you that I prepared these papers? How dare you blame me with these papers, Khushi? If you can't prove your accusation, then I will see to you!" shouted Shyam.

Not answering anything, she connected her mobile to the TV and opened her WhatsApp, and played a video. The video in which Shyam's assistant was talking with the registrar's office clerk about registering one Will. After talking with him, he turned to leave but seeing Roy there, he got visibly scared and ran from there dashing Mr. Roy himself. He mumbled a sorry and hurriedly left from there, dropping some papers. Mr. Roy read them and had a shocked expression. One of Mr. Roy's assistants asked about the papers and Roy said those are the Will of ASR which states everything is transferred to Shyam.

"How is that, possible sir? ASR gave his Will to you. Then how can this man have another version of his Will?" asked Mr. Roy assistant.

"I need to look into this. I need to alert Aman and ASR's family about this. If necessary, I will inform the police too. But I didn't expect this."

"Is there any chance for Mr. Jha to do this?" asked the assistant.

"If not him, then why would his assistant come here and talk with the clerk? Don't you know he is the assistant who goes to the places when Mr. Shyam couldn't go? But don't say a word about this to anyone. We need to alert ASR's family before doing anything. We need to take their concern." said Mr. Roy before leaving followed by his assistant.

"Shouting will not change the truth, Shyam Ji. And my accusations are not wrong. Now I proved myself. What answers do you give about this?"

Shyam gulped hard looking at everyone.

"H...How did you get that video? I mean who sent you? I didn't ask my assistant about anything. I can prove it." Shyam searched for his phone in his pants pockets.

"Where did you keep my phone? You had my phone with you while coming down? Where is it?" Not finding the phone in his pants pocket, he almost shouted at Dadi.

"What? I had your phone! But you said you kept your phone in your room?" Said Dadi with confusion. She was so angry at Khushi, to remember carrying his mobile and keeping it at the dining table.

Shyam groaned in irritation. He snatched Anjali's phone and called his assistant and asked him about Arnav's Will.

Everyone looked at Shyam for his odd behavior. A few minutes back he was denying Dadi about his mobile and how he is saying Dadi had his mobile? He is behaving weirdly. But one thing is for sure, looking at him and his behavior and listening to his meaningless and unrelated words, a doubt has entered everyone's minds and they, mainly Anjali and Dadi, understood that somewhere Khushi is right. They looked at Shyam hysterically talking with his assistant.

"Tell me damn it!! Did I ask you to go to the registrar's office to register a Will? Come on, tell me." shouted Shyam.

"Sir? But you asked..." the assistant stammered. His voice is confused.

"What? Did I ask you?" Shyam shouted one more time.

"No... no... sir. No, yo....u, you didn't a...ask me anything!" assistant stuttered and said. His voice is confused and scared.

"Then why did you go to the registrar's office?" asked Shyam.

"Sir? I mean... I... um..." suddenly assistant cut the call and switched off the phone.

"What? Hello? Hello? Damn it!" Shyam looked at everyone and said, "I didn't ask him anything. You heard him, right? I will prove this. I will bring him here and prove this. Rani Sahiba, please believe me. I would never do anything like this. Dadi, please believe me." Shyam pleaded but no one listened to him and every face has a confused, doubtful, and hurt expression.

'No, I can't lose Anjali and Dadi's trust now. Not before I get everything in my hands. I can't lose them from my control. I need to find out why that idiot did that. Before that, I need to find out how that stupid got those papers, thought Shyam.

"Rani Sahiba, please believe me. I didn't do anything as Khushi is saying. They are plotting against me. This Khushi is not what we thought. She is cunning. She is plotting against me to get everything Arnav earned. She didn't want me to get anything. That's why she is plotting against me," Shyam said holding Anjali's hands.

"That doesn't make any sense, Jiju! Why would Khushi Ji blame you, when she has every chance to get Arnav's property? Why would she blame YOU, rather than Di, Akash, and all? I am sure, Nannav had made it clear in his Will about what goes to everyone. Then why did Khushi Ji blame only you, not others? I don't understand, Di!?" NK asked innocently.

Anjali looked at NK with a blank expression.

"Rani Sahiba?" Shyam desperately tried to get her attention.

Not willing to listen to his talks, Anjali left from there. Akash signaled Payal to follow Anjali and Mami to Nani.

"Dadi Ji, is there anything else you want to ask or say to me?" asked Khushi, with a blank expression.

Dadi left for her room, fuming. She needs to think about a lot of things. She is as confused as Anjali now, after listening to Shyam bluntly lying and cornering her for everything. She needs to think... about everything. She needs to know the truth again, from the start. She can't make her ownself a fool, blaming Khushi again without knowing who is who. She should have done that before. But she didn't. Now, she needs to let bygones be bygones. She needs to talk with someone. But with whom? She needs to think and find out.

Looking at everyone leaving the room, Shyam groaned and stood from his place to leave the hall, but was stopped by Khushi's voice.

"If you can bribe people to work for you, others also can do it! Maybe they can offer better money than you. Who knows?" said Khushi not looking at him.

Shyam looked at her with shock. He didn't expect this.

"What happened Shaym Ji? Why are you looking so disturbed? Are you thinking about the papers I found with your assistant? Didn't you recognize them? They are the same papers you asked me to take the sign from Arnav Ji! You remember them, don't you?" asked with an innocent face.

Shyam looked at her with a shocked expression.

"What?" asked Khushi.

"How dare you? You said you lost those papers? Then from where they came?" asked Shyam.

"I didn't say that I lost them. I said I will give them once you tell every truth to Arnav Ji. You didn't tell him, so I didn't give you them. You don't have any right to ask about those papers. You should have told him everything to get those papers," said Khushi.

"Where did you hide them?" Shyam gritted his teeth.

"In toilet flush tank!" said Khushi, coolly leaving the criminal lawyer astonished.

"What?" asked Shyam.

"Toilet flush tank. You know what that is, right?"

"You didn't do good, Khushi. I'm not going to leave you." Shyam warned.

"I know," said Khushi.

"I will destroy you, completely. You can't even guess to which extent I can go," said Shyam.

"I know. And I am prepared for the worst. I know you, Shyam Ji. You betrayed me once before and I'm not ready for another time. I know what you did to my life. But remember, you need to face me and cross me before getting to my family or before touching Arnav Ji's wealth. I will make sure that you will never get that. And I know that you understand the meaning of my family. I know you already know about my family. I know about you Shyam Ji. So, yes, I am prepared for the worst," said Khushi calmly.

Shyam left the hall, not wanting to listen to her anymore. He was cursing Khushi's cunning mind and his overconfident mind. He needs to act fast, that too tonight, before this girl does any more stupid acts! before everything he needs to find his phone. He doesn't know where Dadi left it!

...to be continued.

So..., how is it? I hope you liked it. Let me know...

.Sri.