25-07-2024

Knock Knock... 

Hello, my name is Sri. I don't know how many of you know or remember me. Once upon a time - a long long ago I was a very punctual and regular writer here (2013-2021). But now I have become very irregular. I hope against hope to be forgiven by my lovely and supportive readers. Life isn't easy at all. 

I started this damn story in 2020 and still posting it. I know this is unfair, unacceptable, and unforgivable. But I can't help. And I know you guys forgot the story till now, and I understand because being the writer of this story, I forgot what I wrote till now. So, to remind you of the story I'm posting "story till now". I hope it will help you guys to follow the next chapter. 

Thank you all once again for reading my story, still.  

Story till now:

(Not proofread. Please ignore typing and grammatical mistakes.)

The story starts with Arnav's kidnap. After a phone call and confession from Arnav, Khushi doubts Arnav is in danger. So she starts her investigation. In the process, she gets doubts about Shyam being the kidnapper. While getting proof against Shyam, she tells everything to NK about Arnav, her and Shyam. Then later, both - NK and Khushi were forced to reveal everything they knew about Shyam to Mami when she demanded proof.

On the other hand, Akash and Aman get worried about not knowing Arnav's whereabouts. Payal consoles Akash and suggests he talk with Khushi regarding Arnav calling her. But when they both go to Khushi's room they get confused seeing Mami and NK there. When they question them, Khushi runs to Akash and cries her fears out. Mami and NK tell their doubts about Arnav being kidnapped, and both Akash and Payal suspect Shyam. The trio - Khushi, NK and Mami gets shocked by the pair accusing Shyam. When Mami asks Akash about this, he says that Payal told him everything about Shyam at the time of the havan before their marriage. Later one decides to find the truth. Khushi and Payal share their experience with everyone regarding Shyam. Mami points out Shyam's absence during the time of Arnav's message to Khushi and his phone call to the family.

The next day, at the dining table, Mami shares her worries about Arnav not contacting them regularly as earlier and she remembers her times with Arnav. She gets emotional missing him. She reminds everyone about his caring nature towards family even though he didn't talk much. Anjali and Mami share with others how they used to nag him about the gifts. And every time, whenever he goes abroad, how he sends gifts to them. Then, Akash tells his decision to contact the Police Commissioner about Arnav's absence which Shyam opposes strongly. Then Nani and Anjali demand their answers about Shyam's comment. Shyam succeeds in making them understand that they are worrying unnecessarily and asks them to give time to Arnav. At night after everyone sleeps, Shyams leaves the house and asks one of his men, to buy some gifts and send them to RM, telling him it should look like the gifts came from London.

The next day, after breakfast, Nani asks about contacting the Police, and Akash assures them he will do that day. When everyone is about to start their work, security delivers a courier box. Everyone rushes and Shyam confirms that the courier came from London. Everyone is delighted and takes their gifts. Shyams says they should relax about Arnav, as he is fine and sends them the gifts. Arnav might be busy with work. After bidding bye to everyone Shyam leaves the house with a winning smile.

Once Anjali and Nani leave for their rooms, Mami declares that Arnav didn't send the gifts, because whatever perfume she got as a gift, she doesn't like that smell and Arnav knew that very well. Khushi gets angry understanding that Shyam made them fools once again. She rushes to her room leaving everyone behind, worrying about her. After a few minutes, Khushi rushes back downstairs with a broad smile on her face. She takes everyone to her room shows them the gifts' receipts and tells them they can enquire about Arnav in that shop. She becomes adamant and everyone has agreed to enquire about Arnav. Akash asks his known PI to enquire.

The next day, when PI confirms Arnav's presence in an old godown, Akash along with NK gets ready to go there. Khushi says adamantly to go along with them. Without having any option, they decide to take her. When they are about to leave, Akash gets a call from his PI about Arnav's accident and his death. At the same time, Khushi also gets a call from the inspector stating the same news. Exactly at the same time, Anjali, and Nani see the news about Arnav's death on the news channel. Everyone was shattered by the news. Arnav's Dadi arrives at his funeral and starts throwing venom-filled words and rantings towards Khushi. She wanted to throw Khushi out of their house. But Mami and Nani support Khushi all the time. Nani warns Dadi to stay within her limits. But Dadi never listens. One day, Nani requests Khushi to throw Dadi out of their house, as she wants Khushi to act as ASR. After that Khushi changes herself and tries to come out of her grief.

Later, Mr Roy, Arnav's lawyer reads Arnav's Will to Khushi, Mama JI and Akash. Khushi refuses to take anything from Arnav. But Roy along with the duo, tricks her saying it's just a temporary arrangement. Khushi believing them signs the papers and unknowingly becomes the nominee and heir to Arnav's wealth. Later she found out about this. That day after completing her meeting with Roy, Khushi gets doubts about Arnav being alive after listening to security and one of the drivers of AR. To confirm her doubts, she talks with security and travel department heads. And shares her doubts about Arnav with Akash and Aman, who are shocked by their life.

Khushi requests Akash to call his PI, who found Arnav before his accident. After talking with him, and analysing that dreadful day's incidents, she believes Arnav's indeed alive. She along with Akash and Aman decides to find Arnav with the help of Rudra - Assistant Police Commissioner. On the other side, Arnav escapes from a car accident with severe injuries. Someone joins him in one hospital which is outside Delhi. Arnav's ex-employee finds Arnav there and informs Khushi. Khushi runs to the hospital and finds Arnav. As Aman and Akash are out of the city, she takes help from Rudra before the duo comes back to Delhi. All together keeps Arnav in one house and provides treatment.

Later at home, Khushi accidentally hears Shyam's words and understands that he was planning big. So, to save everything and everyone she thinks of a plan with all the four men. In that process, she was successful in planting a seed of doubt in Anjali's mind about Shyam. Anjali also starts thinking in a correct way to find everything in her married life is unnatural, abnormal and like a mirage. So, she thinks to work on that and finds the culprit.

The story continues from here:

Part 28:

Anjali woke up the next day to find her husband had already gone out. Yesterday, when she tried following him after their breakfast, she wasn't successful. So, today she doesn't want to miss any chance she will get. She quickly got ready and left the house, tracking Shyam's mobile before informing HP. The location of Shyam's mobile confused her. It was one of the posh localities of Delhi. He never had high-class clients. He always worked for poor and low-middle-class people. He always said. Once she was so proud and happy knowing her husband was a good heart man to help poor people. Wasn't that the reason he always asked for money from her - to help poor people? Wasn't that the reason she and her brother gave him money without asking a single question? Then what is he doing here? As much as she knows, he doesn't have any close friends in Delhi whom he can visit simply.

She is confused. She asked the cab driver to stop the car aside the road. She wasn't surprised looking at her husband hiding behind the trees and looking at a simple villa. But she was more confused looking at Khushi taking Rudra inside the house. There are so many security people guarding the house. She looked around but couldn't come to any conclusion. What is Khushi doing here at this time of morning? She thought Khushi was sleeping in RM. But, whose house is this? She remembered Shyam's yesterday's conversation with his man. He said, Khushi is meeting a man frequently and he was angry with his man for not helping him to enter this building. She looked at Shyam who was raging like an angry bull. She waited there for some more time and was surprised to see Khushi talking with Rudra holding his hands. She was surprised at the comfort Khushi was having with this policeman. After talking for a while, Khushi went back to the house bidding bye to Rudra. She is not understanding anything. She has so many questions. She thought of going to RM and asking Akash about Khushi. But looking at the time, she asked the cab driver to drive her to AR Designs.

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

"Good Morning ASR,. How are you feeling today?" asked Rudra.

"A lot better, Mr ACP. But still, not feeling good at this situation," said Arnav looking around his room.

"Please call me Rudra. ACP is too formal. And yes, I understand your situation. But this is needed. Until we catch the culprit, you should stay safe. Please, people need you." Said Rudra.

Arnav nodded his head in accepting Rudra's words. Then he turned to Khushi who was standing beside him and said, "Khushi, you said Rudra is your friend, and you are not offering anything to him? Coffee or breakfast?"

Biting her tongue Khushi left from there to bring their coffee.

"It's okay, ASR. That's not needed," said Rudra.

"If you want me to call you Rudra, you better call me Arnav. My family and close friends call me that," said Arnav with a small smile.

Feeling alighted Rudra nodded his head.

"ON a serious note, thank you so much for helping us, Rudra. It means a lot to me. Thank you for safeguarding us. And Khushi told me about her planning. She said you agreed to help her. She didn't want to involve any family member in this and she got ready to take all the risk. Please take care of her. I don't want her to face any problems. I wish I was in a better situation than this to help her. Alas, I have my limitations now," said Arnav with disappointment.

"Please don't say that, Arnav. You don't know what you do to them. You are their strength. Just a thought about you gives them immense power to work. I saw with my own eyes. Aman, Akash and NK, they love you. They are ready to do anything for you. And your wife, Khushi, you know her better than me. Sometimes, I feel scared to talk with her. You know how she bashed me, the first time we met? Just because I said to her to think before accusing Shyam. If one's eyes had the power to burn anything, I would have been in ashes now. My God, she loves you a lot, man. You are lucky." said Rudra,

Arnav felt proud of his wife. His heart swelled with pride and love towards Khushi. He nodded his head. "I know, I'm lucky. But for now, I want her to feel the same. I don't want her to feel burdened with me. I wish for better situations,"

Rudra nodded his head understanding Arnav's mind. It's not easy to sit without moving for a person like ASR. Before they say anything, Khushi entered the room with their coffees. After talking with them for some more minutes, Rudra left from there. Khushi followed him to the door.

"Mrs Raizada, I have a news for you. We caught the police inspector who informed you about ASR's accident and also the News channel people. My team is already talking with them. Let's see what they will say. As we catch them, we will have evidence against Shyam. Also, I will talk with Gopi (Security person - Mohan's friend - who found Arnav in the hospital) and Karthik (Mr Roy's assistant). I want to close this as soon as possible," said Rudra.

"That's wonderful news, Rudra Sir. Thank you so much. Till then I will try to divert Shyam from you. Today I will go to court and will talk with your lawyer friend. I hope he prepared the property papers," said Khushi. Her mind is already planning something. "And I might need your help tonight or tomorrow. Please be available."

"Are you sure about all your planning? I mean, what's the need to take this risk? Anyway, we caught his people. We can interrogate them and arrest Shyam for every crime," said Rudra.

"And do you think, Shyam will accept whatever you say? Or whatever his men say? Do you think? He has a very cunning mind. And we shouldn't forget that he is a criminal lawyer. I don't want to take any risk with this man. If I file a case against him, then he shouldn't get any chance to say a word or a chance to come out from jail. For that, I will do anything. Anyway, thank you so much for your help. I will talk with you again," said Khushi, shaking his hands.

Rudra left for his office after meeting Khushi in the early morning. He was content and glad to meet Arnav. But felt bad seeing him so helpless. After talking with ASR for the first time - two years back -, Rudra understood that one can help anyone if they are strong at their will. He realised that to help people, no need for one to be in the police. Anyone can help anyone. So, he started his unofficial private force to help people and fight bad. But never in his wild nightmares, he thought he would use that same force to help Arnav and his wife. But after knowing about the danger that was looming over them, he couldn't stop himself from using his force. And he decided he would save them, period.

"Kishan, I want you to tighten the security around the building. Today I saw Shyam in front of their home. And also alert Mrs Raizada about this. I'm heading to the office now. I don't want any mistake here. This operation is very important to me. Be careful. I will not excuse any mistakes," said Rudra to his most trusted person, who is leading the security which he kept to safeguard Khushi and Arnav. He also saw Anjali leaving in a cab. Immediately he messaged Akash, NK, Aman and Khushi about Anjali and asked one of his men to follow her.

:::::::::::::::::::::::;

"What Di is doing at the house?" said Akash aloud.

"Was she doubting Khushi and following her?" asked NK to no one in particular.

"More than that, did she see Khushi at that house? And how much does she see? We need to be careful about this," said Aman.

The trio was in a meeting when they 

received Rudra's message about Anjali and couldn't talk about this. Now they are sitting in Akash's cabin. Before they say anything, the receptionist announces Anjali's visit. The trio looked at each other and got ready to face the questions. Anjali entered the cabin after hearing Akash's 'come in'.

"Di? What are you doing here? Do you need anything? Is everything fine?" asked Akash.

"Everything is fine, Akash. I want to know where Khushi is," said Anjali without beating around the bush.

"I'm here only, Di," said Khushi entering inside the cabin.

"Where were you, Khushi?"

"I went to meet the lawyer whom I mentioned to you a few days back. Remember Di? The lawyer whom I asked to prepare a few papers?" said Khushi understanding Anjali saw her at the house. And she also understands Anjali might have seen her talking with Rudra. "And I met with Rudra Sir there. He requested the lawyer to help me with whatever I want," said Khushi.

"And Rudra accepted whatever you wanted to do?" asked Anjali.

"I took care that he didn't come to know what I was going to do," said Khushi with attitude.

"What is happening here? Which papers you are talking Khushi?" asked Akash, not able to understand. "And which lawyer you are talking about? If you need any legal help, then we have a legal department. Then what's the need for you to go to another lawyer?"

"I know what I'm doing. Okay, jeeju? Please don't try to control me as others are doing. Now, I'm free to do anything I want. So please don't do this," said Khushi a little harshly leaving everyone in a different mindset. She turned to Anjali and asked, "Di, you were asking about me, do you need anything? And why are you here?"

"Nothing, Khushi. I want to see you. So, I came here. I will leave now. You please take care of yourself, hmmm?" asked Anjali caressing Khushi's cheek. So, whatever Khushi said about safeguarding everyone is true, she is not ready to tell anyone of us about her planning. I have never seen Khushi talking so rudely to anyone. I wish she was not doing anything foolish, Anjali's thoughts got disturbed by Khushi's words.

"Then I will ask the driver to drop you off," said Khushi before dialling to travel department. "Drop Anjali madam at RM," she passed the order and looked at Anjali with a smile. Taking the cue, Anjali left from there sighing deep. She cannot doubt this girl. This tiny girl is planning something big. She needs to talk with her brothers. She cannot lose anyone more.

After making sure Anjali's car left the office, Khushi turned to Akash and apologised. "Sorry for talking so rudely with you, Jiju. I never want that. Please, I'm sorry."

"Hey, Khushi. It's okay, I understand. But what's all this?" asked Akash.

"I got a message from Rudra sir that he saw Di leaving the house. And his man confirmed her moving towards AR. So, I understood why she is coming here," said Khushi.

"Okay, but which papers are you talking about?" asked Aman.

"Nothing, I just told a few baseless stories to her and as usual she believed. Now I need to go home. I have something to do," Khushi said leaving the room before they asked her anything.

"What?" asked a confused NK, but got nothing in answer from the duo as they also couldn't understand what Khushi said.

"I don't know. I hope Khushi knows what she is thinking, talking and doing. I don't understand how ASR is handling her. Crazy girl! " said Aman.

Sighing deeply, they continued their work.

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

"Uhh... Maji... how can you watch these movies? Oh god! How dramatic these movies are!" exclaimed Payal watching an old Hindi movie with Manorama and Nani.

"Don't talk like that, Payal. These were the movies we enjoyed in our lives. We didn't have any more entertainment those days. Do you know how difficult it is for us to go to the movies? We were never allowed to watch a movie. You guys are lucky that you can go out and even watch sitting in your home. For us, it was like one achievement," said Nani, remembering those days.

"Then what? Going out for a movie? You know, there were days when I prayed to God to get me married so that I could go to a movie with my husband. Hello hi bye bye," said Manorama, making others laugh.

"You are impossible mami Ji," said Khushi coming inside the hall smiling at everyone. She continued after asking HP for water, "Why are you so interested in movies? Being the girl who loved drama, even I felt old movies were dramatic. Then I can't think about other people."

"Don't say that, Khushi. Our movies are so wonderful. Full of values, emotions, relations and all. But now, only dishum dishum, Love and romance... nothing else," said Mami making faces, leaving everyone smile at her.

"With the word dramatic, I remember Khushi, I saw one movie in my childhood. That movie was at its peak of drama. My god! In that movie, there was a village which didn't even have basic facilities like a hospital, a school, not even a medical shop. But one doctor who is so good to be true goes to that village to serve people. One day, a pregnant woman in the village, was in labour and quite danger situation. I think there was a problem with the baby's movement or placement. I don't remember exactly. But I'm sure she was in a critical situation. As there was no hospital or medical shop, her family members went to that so good doctor at night and requested his treatment. Without thinking anything, that doctor goes to their house and examines the lady. With that, he understands the situation. Not having any time or facility to operate, he comes out of the hut where they kept that pregnant lady and asks other persons to light the hut. When people get horrified, he asks them to trust him. Then people lit the hut. Watching the fire eating the hut, that lady gets scared, delivers the baby safely and runs out of the hut with the baby, safely. Then doctors give medicines to the mother and baby and announce they are fine!!!! Wasn't it strange and weird??" asks Anjali laughing aloud remembering the movie.

"Oh my God Di! Is it true?" asks Payal in her astonishment after listening to whatever Anjali said.

"Yes, it was. And we heard so many doctors tried that trick too. I don't know whether that helped or not, but they said it's quite fruitful!" said Dadi, for the first time getting her involved in good family conversations.

"And in one more movie, the hero - who is paralysed- tries to save his son from some danger. In the process, he gets an electricity shock and his paralysis gets cured. He becomes normal and he saves his son!" says Anjali remembering a scene from another movie.

"This is heights of drama..." exclaims Payal, laughing along with Anjali.

"Not only that, but in so many pictures I saw people getting out of their wheelchairs and seeing their loved ones in danger. So, unbelievable movies," said Nani, thinking how foolish those movies were.

But Khushi became thoughtful suddenly after hearing about those movies. She excused herself from them and left to her room. After that,  she got busy making calls few people.

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

Next day morning:

"Hello!"

"Hello, Mr. Jha, it's me Karthink. I have news for you. I just got the information about ASR's Will. I heard my sir talking to his senior assistant. They mentioned so many things which stated in the Will. But the main point which you want to know is - according to ASR's will, Akash will get 10%, Aman 10%, 30% to Khushi, 40% members, and 10% charity. And also he kept Mrs ASR as his nominee."

"And what about Anjali?" asked Shyam.

"Nothing. There is no mention of her name," said Karthik.

"What are you saying? That's impossible! Maybe you heard wrong. Check one more time," shouted Shyam. He is not ready to believe that Arnav didn't give anything to his mother like his sister - Anjali.

"No need to check anything, sir. Because my senior raised the same doubt as you about Anjali ma'am. And my sir confirmed. Also, there is a clause that neither Akash nor Aman or even Mrs ASR will be able to transfer their shares or properties to other parties. They will have full rights to enjoy the wealth, but will not be able to sell or give to anyone. Only they can enjoy along with their spouse and kids." said Karthik.

"What the hell!" shouted Shyam.

"I need to leave, my sir is coming. I will talk with you later, bye," said Karthik not letting Shyam, say anything.

Shyam paced like a wounded lion, remembering Karthik's words. "How dare you not to give anything to me or Anjali, Arnav. I'm doing so much for your wealth and you gave everything to everyone, but not me. And you even gave to Aman and charity. But you didn't think about me. I will not leave you." said Shyam to no one in particular.

Shyam left home in a foul mood, after having breakfast. His day started on a bad note. No one is bothered to ask him about his mood.

:::::::::::

"Weldone, Mr Karthik. Good work. I'm glad that you chose the correct place to work. If he calls you again, tell him the same thing and also say that you will inform him if you know more. I hope you will not make the mistake of betraying me. Remember, I'm Mrs ASR and I will and I can do anything when my family's safety is at stake, got it?"

"Yes, ma'am. I will," said Karthik.

"Good, no you can go," said Khushi.

After Karthik left from there, she turned to the other persons who were looking at her.

"You remember what to do and when to do it, right? The next plan depends on your next move. I don't want anything to get spoiled."

"I do. And don't worry, everything will go according to our plan," said the person.

"It should be according to MY plan. Please be careful." she turned to another person in the room and said, "This is your last chance to prove your loyalty, towards ASR. I hope you will act according to our orders. Don't try to do things on your own."

"No, ma'am. I will prove it to you. I will prove my loyalty towards ASR. I will gain your trust," said the person.

Nodding her head, Khushi permitted them to leave. She is planning her final move. She took her phone out and called the doctor to make an appointment. 

...to be continued

Sri