Arnav reached police station after two hours. He was not interested in going. But since the Inspector called and requested him to meet Sheetal. He decided to go.

After reaching the police station, he was immediately taken to meet Sheetal who was under custody. Arnav was not feeling anything positive regarding the meeting. An impending storm like feeling was constantly nagging him.

Reaching in front of a cell, he saw Sheetal sitting inside in jail clothes. Her swollen face and bruises could easily say the story of how she was treated in jail. Seeing her, Arnav felt anger rising inside him.

He just wanted to strangle her to death. If it was in his hands he would have given her death sentence. Nothing less than that will give justice to the crime that she did to that innocent soul.

He felt disgusted to even look at her face. The question that he was asking to himself was what he was doing there. Why did he come when she had asked to meet him. But a part of his brain wanted to know what she wanted to tell him.

Seeing him, Sheetal smirked. Standing up from the bed placed in the center of the cell she came near the grill that separated them.

Sheetal (smiling): ASR, I am happy that you came.

Arnav (gritting his teeth): Why the hell did you call me. What was that so important thing that you wanted to tell me.

Sheetal (chuckling cynically): Wow so eager to know the reason. I am impressed.

Arnav (impatiently): Stop beating around the bush and come to the point, Sheetal. I don't have time to hear your b******t.

Sheetal: Hmm. OK. Then. I will tell you. The thing for which I called you here is simple. Well at least for you. All you have to do is get bail for me.

Arnav raised his eyebrows hearing her demand. He was surely amused by it. Seems like Sheetal had lost her mental stability staying in jail. He thought.

Arnav (smirking): And what in the world made you think that I will do something like that. Have you lost your mind staying in jail.

Sheetal was angry hearing Arnav mockimg her. But taking control of her emotions she tried to stay calm. She had to be patient to execute her plan.

Sheetal: Well ASR, you have to do it. Because you don't have a choice.

Arnav: Oh really. And why is that.

Sheetal (smiling evilly): Because if you don't do it. Then tomorrow's newspapers will have a very spicy news. THE HIDDEN GIRLFRIEND AND SON OF ASR REVEALED.
The Great Business tycoon Arnav Singh Raizada's hidden girlfriend and son is revealed. The young beautiful sexy hot girlfriend of ASR Miss Sheetal Kapoor and their eight old son Arav Singh Raizada is revealed to the world.
So what do you say ASR do you want it to happen.

Arnav (angry and gritting his teeth): Sheetal you...

Sheetal (smiling): Oh come on ASR. You know what will happen if this news come out, right. First of all, just think about your wife. Your beloved Khushi. What will happen to her. You haven't announced your relation with her till now in the media. The world doesn't know that you are married and have three kids. Can you imagine what will happen if the world come to know that you have a girlfriend and that too your son's mother. Just think what will be Khushi's position in your life. A second woman. Obviously since I am your eldest son's mother, she will obviously termed as the other woman in her own husband's life. Just imagine what will be her condition if it happens.

Arnav: Sheetal, you... You b***h. What the hell do you think of yourself. Do you think you can do whatever you want and I will let you do. You don't know who ASR is.

Sheetal: Oh come on Arnav. I know you very well. After all I am your son's mother.

Arnav felt disgusted hearing that. He looked away.

Sheetal: What happened, Arnav. Why are you looking away. Just imagine Arnav what will happen if this truth comes out. Your whole reputation will be doomed in just one day. Your whole family will suffer. Just imagine what your family will answer to the society when they will question that why you are having a girlfriend that too with a son when you are happily married and with kids. What will they answer. What will Khushi answer when people will ask her why her husband is having a girlfriend. What will happen then ASR.
Hey wait, I remember something now. It's your sister's wedding na next month. What if this news comes out now and it will affect your sister's marriage. Just imagine what if your sister's in laws come to know about it and they break the relation. What will happen to Anjali. You know na this is her last chance. If this time also marriage breaks then God only knows what will happen to her. Think ASR. Think. Your whole family will be ruined. Your reputation, your wife, kids and most importantly your sister. Everyone will suffer if this news comes out.

Arnav: All this will happen if this news will come out right. What if it doesn't come out at all.

Sheetal: So you think you can stop it.

Arnav (smirking): Yes.

Sheetal: Really ASR. You think I am such a fool to plan this game without any backup plan.

Arnav (keeping his hands in the pockets): And what is that amazing backup plan of yours.

Sheetal (smirking): Come on ASR. Do you really think that it would be so easy to stop this plan of mine. I know that now you will call Aman and ask him to bribe all the major and minor newspapers around Delhi to not publish this news. But ASR if you think like that then I can only say you as fool. Because even if you bribe all the major and minor newspapers around Delhi, you couldn't stop this news from coming out. Because I have sent this news to almost all the newspapers all around the world. Even the smallest of the smallest newspapers and channels would publish this news. You know once this news get public then nobody can stop it from spreading all around the world.

Come on ASR you know how the world is. They just need some spicy gossip. Once they get it, it will spread like anything. And you and Khushi being such big shots there is no way it will die soon. The news will tarnish your image within seconds. Well even if you stop the media and press, then also you won't be successful because then my men will put it in the You tube and you know how fast the news spread in You tube and Facebook nowadays. So don't try to be smart ASR. Because there is no way you can escape because the social media is something that could make even the biggest of the big come on their knees.

Arnav (angry): Sheetal you....

Sheetal: Don't shout ASR. Because you don't have a choice. Even if you stop this news for few days, it won't be useful. Because the moment they will get a chance my men will publish this news. You can't do anything ASR. For how long will you stop this news from coming out and how many of them will you bribe for stopping this news from coming out.

Arnav: Shut up Sheetal. Don't bluff. You can't do anything. I won't let you do anything.

Sheetal: Really ASR, you think so. Just open your phone and check the last message.

Arnav: What do you mean.

Sheetal: Come on ASR, do it.

Arnav took out his phone and checked the last message. Seeing it his eyes propped. Just like Sheetal said there was a news which said that Arav is his son and Sheetal is his girlfriend. Also there was a pic of all three of them standing together.

Arnav: What the.

Sheetal: So how is it Arnav. Did you like it. Just imagine Arnav if this same message goes to your sister's in laws. What will be their relation. When they will found out that their to be daughter in law's brother have an illegitimate kid out of wedlock and also a girlfriend even after being married. How will they react. Maybe call off the wedding. Just imagine what will happen to your sister if that happens. She will be ruined. Right ASR. Already everyone knows what happened with her first marriage. Now again marriage breaks then what will happen to Anjali. You know how much she is happy with this marriage. If it breaks then God only knows how she will cope up with it. She loves Samar so much na. What if she commits suicide after that. Oh god.

Arnav (angrily shouted): Sheetal...

Sheetal: Calm down ASR. I was just saying the possibilities. You know all this can happen. Just think ASR what do you want. To keep me in jail or to save your sister's life for whom you are ready to do anything. Think ASR think.

Arnav looked away feeling frustrated. All his life was revolving around him. On one side was his sister who was happily seeing dreams of her new life with an eligible man and on another side was truth, justice and his own life and family. If he choose Anjali then Khushi will hate him forever. Maybe his own kids would hate him and he would loose his family forever. Also that little boy Arav he will be denied justice. He will have to live his life in fear.

But on the other side was his sister. After loosing so much in her life. Her husband, her child, her motherhood, everything, she is finally coming out of everything and going to start a new life. What will happen if this marriage doesn't happen. She will be shattered. Maybe he would loose his sister forever.

He was confused. He couldn't choose. One side his family other side his sister. One is his life other is his lifeline. Both are important. Both are precious. How will he choose one.

He looked at the message and pic on his phone. On looking closely he understood that the pic was taken during the function in Arav's school three years back. But the pic looked as if Arnav and Sheetal alongwith Arav were posing for a pic as a family. Arnav felt suffocated seeing the pic. The pic was too much for him to digest.

He couldn't just imagine a family with Arav and Sheetal. Apart from Khushi he could never imagine a family with anyone else. This pic itself made him disgusted. Then he couldn't even imagine his name connected to Sheetal and Arav as a family. The thing was something he could never accept in his life.

But if this news comes out, everything would be ruined. His family, his sister's life, his family name, reputation, his business, everything. He was feeling helpless. For the first time ASR was feeling helpless. No he can't give up. He have to do something. He can't let his whole family being destroyed.

He immediately got out of the police station and called Aman. Discussing the matter with him, Arnav tried to decide what to do.

***************

Shantivan

Raizada ladies alongwith Khushi and Payal were sitting in the living room. The little ones were playing in front of them and Arav was sleeping in his room. Khushi's phone rang distracting her from the work.

She immediately took the phone and started talking.

Phone Conversation
Khushi: Hello KAG here.
....
Khushi stood up from her seat shocked.
Khushi (screaming): What???
....
Khushi: OK
Phone Conversation ends

The Raizada ladies and Payal were shocked and concerned hearing Khushi screaming on the phone. They looked at each other confused and then at Khushi.

Payal: What happened, Kuku? Why you were screaming?

Anjali (nodding her head): Yeah KAG, what happened? Why are you looking tensed?

Khushi (looking at Anjali and gritting her teeth): So your so called brother the great ASR gave bail to Sheetal Kapoor.

Everyone's eyes widened hearing that.

Everyone (standing up): What???

Khushi: Yeah, your brother gave bail to Sheetal. My men just informed me.

Anjali: No this is not possible. Chote can't do that.

Khushi: Guess what. Your brother actually did it. He must be coming here right now with that b***h.

Nani: No Bitiya I think you have got some misunderstanding Chote can never do that. He would never do something like this.

Khushi: Oh really. Then just wait. You yourself will get your answers in few minutes.

Payal looked at the little ones who were looking confused seeing their mother angry. She called HP and asked him to take kids upstairs. After kids went with HP, Payal turned to Khushi.

Payal: Kuku. If that s***t come here again then I won't leave her.

Khushi: Yes Di. This time Sheetal Kapoor will regret her birth if she comes in front of us.

Saying that Khushi and Payal went away. Raizada ladies sat in the living room worried praying that the news is wrong. Their Arnav hadn't done such a big blunder otherwise it would become more difficult to handle the situation. They knew if Arnav did something like that then they themselves won't be able to forgive him. They could easily understand Khushi would literally kill him if he does it.

But proving all their prayers are futile, few minutes later Arnav entered Shantivan alongwith Sheetal. Raizada ladies were shocked and disappointed with Arnav while they looked angrily at Sheetal.

Khushi and Payal also came down. Seeing them Sheetal smirked while they gritted their teeth. Arnav was not able to look at anybody's face. He knew that he had done a big mistake and there was no forgiveness for that.

Arnav (looking at Khushi): Khushi I.. I...

Khushi strode towards Arnav and pulled him by his collar and slapped him tightly at his cheeks. Arnav closed his eyes feeling defeated. Raizada ladies turned their faces away with moist eyes. Till the moment Arnav entered Shantivan they believed that the news that Khushi gave would be false. But by breaking all their trust, when he brought Sheetal, they felt their heart breaking. They felt ashamed.

They knew that he deserved the slap Khushi gave him. Nothing means nothing can justify the wrong that he did.

Arnav (trying to hold her hands): Khushi I am sorry.

Khushi (pulling her hands away): No Mr Raizada. Not even a single word more. Otherwise I will kill you right here and now. You have crossed all your limits today. None of your reasons are going to justify what you did. So just Shut up.

Sheetal (coming to Khushi): Hai Khushi. So are you happy seeing me back.

Khushi (gritting her teeth): Don't fly so high you bitch. You would have thought that you are saved after getting bail. But you don't know what is going to happen to you.

Sheetal: Oh come on Khushi. Just accept it that you can't do anything. See you sent me to jail. And your own husband brought me back and you couldn't do anything. What's there a bigger failure than this.

Khushi: So you think I can't do anything. Haan. I will show you what I can do. And what did you said he brought you back and I couldn't do anything. Then trust me Miss Sheetal Kapoor. He himself will kick you out. That too after insulting you in front of the whole world. I will make sure of it. This is KAG's promise to you.

Payal (pulling Sheetal by her hand): So you are happy because you got bail right. But you did a mistake and that was coming in front of us after getting bail. You thought you will be saved after getting bail.

Khushi (smirking): Then I must say you are the biggest fool in this world. And you know what is more foolish than that. That you came in front of us after getting bail. You saved yourself by getting bail from that jail. But who will save you from the jail that we are going to make for you here in this house. You know what actually you were safe in that jail. But since you have come out now nobody can save you from us.
Because now you have to save yourself from us. You have done a very big mistake by hurting my son. So you have to anyway get punishment for it. If not in that jail then here in our jail. Here you will get punishment and just trust me this punishment won't be so boring like the other punishment. It will be very exciting.

Sheetal was scared seeing the madness in Khushi and Payal's eyes. She knew they were not going to leave her. She looked at Arnav for support.

Sheetal: ASR why are you standing still. Do something. You know na what will happen if that news comes out. Your whole family and business will be ruined. You have to answer everyone about your illegitimate son and your relation with me.

Hearing that everyone understood that Sheetal had blackmailed Arnav using Arav and his relation. Khushi and Payal were angry at Arnav for falling in her trap while Raizada ladies were shocked and upset knowing that. They knew that Sheetal had made Arnav helpless using family's name and Anjali's future as pawn.

Arnav looked at Sheetal with anger evident in his eyes hearing Sheetal threatening him.

Arnav: Shut up Sheetal. You can't do anything. Anyways I have given bail to you so your minions won't publish the news. If you have to tell them to publish it also, you have to get out of here or you have to call them which you aren't going to do because I am going to house arrest you from this moment.

Sheetal (with widened eyes): You can't do that.

Arnav: Oh I can very well do that. You will be able to contact your men if you stay in jail, right. But now you will stay here and if Khushi wants to give you punishment then she will give. Otherwise I myself will make sure that you get worse punishment. Because from now you are not a guest here but a slave, a prisoner and this house will be your prison.

Sheetal (horrified): What??? You can't do that.

Arnav: We can do it. And we will do it. You have done a crime Sheetal. You might have escaped from jail. But you won't be able to escape your punishment. It's my helplessness that I brought you here but I am not going to help you in any way here. Here anyone can do anything with you. Nobody will be questioned.

Khushi: Since that's decided. Let's start your punishment. Well you were guest here right. So let's start with guest's welcoming itself. So what will you have - tea or coffee.

Payal: Oh come-on Kuku. Tea and coffee and all are for normal. Our Sheetal is not someone normal. She is very much hi-fi. So she should be given something special right. Wait I have something special for her. Let me bring.

Saying that Payal ran to the kitchen. Others looked at each other confused and curious to know what these two sisters were planning for Sheetal. After sometime Payal came back with a glass of juice. All were confused seeing that.

Payal (smiling widely): Here you go. Fruit juice for our beloved Sheetal. Obviously she had to drink fruit juice to keep her beauty and figure. See how much weak she has become.

Khushi: That you did right Di. Come-on Miss Kapoor. Fruit juice for you. Drink it in one sip.

Sheetal was scared seeing the fruit juice. She knew that something was wrong in it. She gulped fearfully.

Sheetal (stammered): No I.. I don't want.

Khushi (frowning): Why? Why don't you want. See my Di has made it for you with so much love you should drink it.

Sheetal: No I don't want.

Payal fake pouted hearing that.
Payal: Why Miss Kapoor. Don't you like my hand made juice. Earlier you used to like it na.

Sheetal (shaking her head): No I don't want.

Khushi: What is this Miss Kapoor. See my Di is getting sad because of you. No you have to drink it. Wait let me feed you.

With that Khushi took the juice and made Sheetal drink it forcefully. After drinking it, Sheetal started crying and coughing badly.

Khushi: What happened Miss Kapoor. Didn't you like it. Is there something missing. What happened Di. Did you forget to put something.

Payal (pretending to think): Wait let me think. I have put fruits, then I put salt, chilly powder, hot water and... and ya I put surf powder. Yeah Kuku I put everything. Then why didn't Miss Kapoor like it.

Khushi: Yeah Di, you put everything. But then what happened. Wait I think you should make one more glass. Now don't forget everything and put everything extra so that Miss Kapoor like it very much.

Payal (nodding her head): Yeah. I will just go and make it.

Sheetal (screaming): No I don't want it. Aah... Washroom. Washroom.

Saying that Sheetal ran to washroom clutching her stomach. Khushi and Payal started laughing loudly. Raizadas were shocked hearing the things that Payal put in the juice. Thinking of it itself they were shocked.

Arnav and Akash (who came back from office) were scared seeing the terrific avatar of their wives. Raizada ladies were also shocked seeing Payal and Khushi's punishment. But all of them were enjoying Sheetal's state.

After going to washroom for some twenty to thirty times Sheetal came out exhausted. Khushi and Payal came there with an evil smile. Payal was having a small box on her hand. Raizadas were sitting on the living room seeing everything.

Khushi (to Sheetal): So how did you like our juice. Anyways leave that. It wasn't so good. This time we have brought something more interesting for you. Don't worry it's nothing new. It's something that you like very much. Wait I will show you.

Khushi opened the wooden box and pulled out the same wooden rod that Sheetal used to beat Arav. Seeing that everyone's eyes become moistened. Sheetal was scared. She knew what was coming next.

Khushi (taking the rod in her hands): Miss Kapoor you used to give everyone nice treatment using this na. Now we will give you nice treatment using this.

Sheetal (crying): No please no.

Khushi: Hey, why are you worried. We will not disappoint you. We will give you nice treatment with this. Right Di.

Payal (smiling): Of course Kuku.

With Payal took a similar rod from box and both started beating Sheetal left and right.

Sheetal started screaming in pain. After sometime Anjali and Mami stood up from their seats and came near them.

Mami: Payal Bitiya, Khushi Bitiya even we wants to gives nish (nice) itreatmAnt (treatment) to Sheetal. Afteralls she ish our gestwa right. Myself Manorama Bond hab done many detective waraks (works) but no akction (action) esekanzwa (sequence). So I also bant (want) to give Sheetal nish itreatmantwa.

Payal looked at Khushi who nodded her head. She gave her rod to Mami and Khushi to Anjali. Then what both Mami and Anjali started beating Sheetal to pulp.

After few rounds of beating

Payal: Kuku, Don't you think Miss Kapoor is not liking the treatment. I mean she is only saying Ah Ah. That's not good.

Khushi: Yeah Di, I think we should try something new.

Payal: Yeah.

Khushi went and opened the box and pulled something out. Seeing it even the Raizadas were horrified. There was a rod with needles attached in Khushi's hand. Sheetal almost fainted seeing that.

Sheetal (crying): No no no Khushi. Please don't do it. Please leave me. Please somebody save me.

But the madness in Khushi's eyes showed Sheetal her impending doom. Khushi didn't showed any feelings. She started hitting Sheetal with it. Sheetal was crying loudly. Khushi and Payal's eyes were blood shot red with anger.

After hitting her for sometime Khushi stopped. She came over Sheetal and pulled her by her hair.

Khushi: This was for hurting my child. Never ever look at my child with your evil eyes otherwise I pull it out. I would have forgiven you if you would have hurt me but you made a big mistake hurting my son. And you have to pay for it. Coming days will be worse for you. You will beg for death still you won't get it. You have done a big mistake getting out of jail and coming in front of me. Now you have to pay for it.

Khushi pushed her away. Sheetal laid on the floor crying in pain.
Khushi: HP, HP.

HP came running to her.
HP: Yes Didi.

Khushi: Get me the keys of store room.

HP nodded his head and ran away to get it. Khushi and Payal pulled Sheetal and took her to the storeroom. As soon as they reached it, Khushi opened it and pushed Sheetal inside.

Khushi: Now stay there. We will meet tomorrow. (To HP) Don't open the door, Give her food and water at night. Nothing else. OK.

HP (nodding his head): OK Didi.

Khushi locked the room and went away after giving the keys to HP. Others also went to their rooms exhausted after the drama.

***************

Khushi was in her room taking care of Arav. Payal entered the room. She stood silent seeing Khushi making Arav sleep. After Arav slept she came near Khushi.

Payal: Kuku, I want to talk to you.

Khushi: Yeah Di, tell me.

Payal: Kuku, I think we should go back. I don't understand why are we staying here. Didn't you see how that Arnav Singh Raizada brought that Sheetal back. I think we should just go back. We did a mistake coming here.

Khushi: I know Di what he did and I am not going to forgive him for that. He has to pay the price. But Di if we go from here now then that means we will let that Sheetal win. No Di we can't do that. We have to give her punishment and that too in front of these people. Then only I will be at peace. For that we have to stay here.

Payal (thinking for sometime): I think you are right Kuku. We can't go now and let that Sheetal win. We should stay here. OK you take rest. I will go.

Khushi: OK Di.

***************

At night

Khushi had come back to room after having dinner and tucking the little ones in. Arav didn't have dinner as he was sleeping. She came back to room and started working in laptop waiting for Arav to get up so that she could feed him.

After sometime Arav woke up.
Arav (sleepily): Mumma...

Khushi: Ha Aru, Mumma is here baby. Come on get up you need to have dinner na.

Arav (sleepily): Hmm.

Arav sat on the bed and extended his hands towards Khushi asking her to pick him up. Khushi shook her head at her son's antics. Picking him up she brought him down.

Arav was comfortably lying on her shoulders feeling sleepy. She made him sit on her lap and started feeding him food. Arav was happy seeing his Mumma pampering him.

He was happily having his food sitting comfortably leaning towards her. After he finished having his food, Khushi fed him his medicines. Making him sit on the chair, she went inside to wash the dishes and keep it as HP had already gone to bed.

Arnav had come down to take water when he saw Khushi feeding Arav. Seeing the duo a soft smile crept on his lips. Both enacted the perfect picture of a mother-son duo. He stood at the base of the stairs admiring them.

After sometime he slowly slipped inside the kitchen without their notice not wanting to disturb their moment. He was taking water from the freezer when Khushi entered inside Kitchen with dishes.

Khushi (frowning): What are you doing here?

Arnav: Um. Nothing. Just came to take water. (Showing the bottle)

Khushi: Hmm OK.

Khushi turned and started washing the dishes. Arnav stood there not knowing how to initiate a conversation.

Arnav (in low voice): Khushi, um, I... I am sorry.

Khushi turned and looked at him.
Khushi: Sorry, did you say anything?

Arnav: I said I am sorry.

Khushi : Can you please enlighten me why I am getting this sorry.

Arnav: Khushi I am really sorry for what happened today. I.. I am sorry for giving bail to Sheetal.

Khushi: Oh really.

Arnav: Khushi please. Try to understand I am sorry. I didn't had a choice. She.. She threatened me that if I don't give bail to her then she would tell about Arav's and my relation to Di's in laws. I don't know if they come to know about it, maybe Di's marriage itself would be at stake. I am sorry Khushi. Please forgive me.

Khushi: So all this was for your Di. So you decided to give bail to her to save your Di's marriage. Right.

Arnav's eyes widened understanding what she was implying.
Arnav: Khushi No. I didn't mean it like that. I..

Khushi (cutting him): No Mr Raizada. You don't have to struggle trying to find reasons to justify your actions. I could very well understand why you did all this. For your Di, right. Well I am sure you can do this and much more for your Di. By the way it's not the first time you are playing with someone's life for your Di, right. You can destroy anybody for your Di. Then my son's safety is nothing in front of it. Why will you bother if that bitch kills my children. After all your precious Di is more important than my kids' life, right.

Arnav: No Khushi it's not like that.

Khushi: What's not like that, Mr Raizada. You gave bail to that witch and brought her here when you very well knew what she had done to my son. Still you did it because your beloved Di's life was at stake. You know what Mr Raizada. Go and keep your Di in a glass container and protect it. Because you can only do that. Pamper your sister and protect her dream world. Even if it costs someone's life. You can't do anything other than that. Just go and lie on her feet. Because even if she does something wrong also you don't see it. You just keeps on forgiving her thousand sins and still protect her. You are not worth of any other relation other than being her brother because you both are alike. Selfish, self centered devils who can destroy anyone's life for their own benefits. Just get lost.

Arnav: Khushi I am sorry. Please listen to me once.

Khushi: Shut up. Just shut up Mr Raizada. You know what I don't want to hear anything from you. I feel suffocated being in the same air as you.

She turned and started keeping dishes.

Arnav: Khushi, listen, you don't know what happened to Di. She.. her life..

Khushi: And I am not interested in knowing also. Because whatever she got is what she deserves. Well I will say that she deserves much more.

Arnav (painfully): Khushi..

Khushi: Leave Mr Raizada. I don't want to see you.

Khushi pushed Arnav and came out of the kitchen. Arnav followed her out. Coming out Khushi saw Arav peacefully sleeping on the chair. Her eyes became wet seeing him.

Khushi (turning to Arnav): Did you see him Mr Raizada. He is so small. Yet that Chudail beat him, hurt him so much and you went and gave bail to her.

Arnav (feeling ashamed of himself): I am sorry.

Khushi: Sorry, really. Will your sorry reverse what she did to him. He still doesn't know that she is in this house. I can't imagine how he will react if he finds out. Just because of you now my son's life is in danger. All these days I was protecting him. I don't know what she will do to him if she gets a chance. I have to lock her up in storeroom to keep her away. And all this is because of you. If you hadn't brought her back then all this wouldn't have been happening. Can you guarantee my son's safety if I let her out. I know she will again try to harm him and all this is because of you.

Arnav: Khushi trust me. Nothing will happen to Arav. I won't let anything happen to Arav. I will protect him.

Khushi: What?  You will protect him. Hahaha. That was a nice joke. If you could protect him, then why didn't you protect him four days back when she hit him. Forget about four days back, why didn't you save him three years back when she was doing all that to my son. He was so small then. Merely five years old baby and then also she used to hit him so much and let him bleed. He was so scared of her. Now you are saying that you will protect him. Then why didn't you protected him then. You used to be very fond of him na. Always used to be with him. Used to spend most of your time with him then why didn't you protected him then.
You are telling me that you will protect him. When you couldn't do anything then what will you do now. You know what you are just good at making promises but you never fulfill any of your promises. So don't even try to make any promise that you can't fulfill.

Arnav: Khushi...

Khushi: You know what you are good at only one relation and that's being a loyal brother to your sister. So just be that. Don't try to make any new relations because it's not upto you.

Arnav looked away feeling suffocated. He couldn't say anything. He was shocked knowing that Sheetal used to hit Arav earlier also. He can't imagine what the little boy would have gone through. He felt something breaking inside him knowing his sufferings.

Arnav had always felt a fatherly love for Arav from the first time he met him. But it was something he didn't want to acknowledge. Because one Arav was his ex girlfriend's son which itself made him feel a repelling towards the concept of him having a fatherly bond with Arav.

Another factor that kept him away from Arav was Khushi. He couldn't see anyone as his child who was not born from her womb.

Surely he liked Arav. No he loved him. The feelings were too strong. An unknown pull was there from the starting itself. His talking, his manners, his habits everything resembled him. But there was also one thing that draw him close to Arav. It may sound absurd but it was the truth. The rare smile that Arav used to give when he was happy reminded him of his wife. His Khushi.

Arnav has mentally kicked himself many times for the thought. I was way too absurd to be true. The boy and his Khushi were poles apart. Like him and Khushi. But still he found Arav's smile similar to Khushi's. He himself felt it to be his madness.

But everytime he saw his smile, all he got reminded of was Khushi. The innocence, the spark, the cuteness in his face reflected Khushi. It was one thing that draw him to Arav. He sometimes felt like Arav was a perfect combination of him and Khushi. But then it was only him who kept that idea. Because for others Arav was a carbon copy of him.

He liked the boy from start itself. Spending time with him only increased the fondness. The similarities in their behavior, likes and dislikes pulled them close. Many a times he had wondered if he and Khushi had a son then he would have been like Arav.

But one thing that he didn't like about him was his stubbornness. Hell he himself was stubborn but still Arav's stubbornness bothered him. That too when he shouted at Khushi who he secretly wished to be his mother he didn't like it. Well that was just a wish. Because the reality was alive in front of him - Sheetal.

Sheetal being Arav's mother annoyed him. He had many a times wished Khushi to be Arav's mother and him his father. But it was just a wish. But as you say right if you wish for something then you should be careful.

Because when his wish came true and he found out that Arav is his son, he was shocked. He expected Arav as his and Khushi's son. Not just his. That too with another woman. The idea frightened him. All his love, care and fondness for Arav vanished. It became difficult for him to even see Arav in front of him.

The knowledge that Arav's the living evidence of his betrayal towards Khushi shattered him. The boy whom he secretly wished to be his son, now the idea itself suffocated him. No he couldn't accept Arav. The decision was already taken even before he was asked.

Arav can't be a part of his life. He couldn't give him his place in his life. He couldn't hurt and betray Khushi by accepting Arav. He has to leave his life. Arnav had decided it. But even before he did anything Arav went missing. All his insecurities regarding Arav came to an end.

But now he came back. That too as Khushi's son. The dream that he saw was becoming true in front of him. Arav as Khushi's son. But the naked truth still didn't allow him to accept Arav. He was torn. He knew the boy was innocent but he can't do anything. He couldn't accept him. It was the truth.

But four days back when he saw Arav in that state all his insecurities, inhibitions towards Arav came to an end. He knew what he had to do. He had to protect the little boy. Whatever may happen. He decided to do his fatherly duties.

He decided to accept him as his and Khushi's son. When Khushi had accepted him as her son then why can't he do that. He decided to be selfish and conveniently forget that Arav is Sheetal's son. No. Arav is his and Khushi's son. Their elder son. Like Khushi always says.

But again today he had to go back on his responsibilities. He knew like Khushi said he was a failure. He failed to be a good father. Even after promising himself, today he again put his son's life at stake for someone else. No. Not someone else. But his sister. Like everytime he had to choose between his sister and his own family. Earlier it was just Khushi now his kids are also included. He felt like a failure.

Looking at Arav's innocent face he felt ashamed of himself. For his selfish reasons he put his son's life at stake. How was he ever going to face him with this truth.

While Arnav was lost in his thoughts Khushi went and tried to pick him. But the awkward position in which he was sleeping didn't allow her to pick him. With her petite figure it was difficult for her to pick him.

When he was awake it was more easy. He would clung to her like kangaroo. But now she was struggling to pick him up. It was then Arnav came out of his musing. Seeing her struggling to pick Arav he shook his head. He came near her.

Arnav: Khushi, move. I will pick him.

Khushi: No need. I don't want your help. I know how to take care of my son.

Arnav shook his head at stubbornness.
Arnav: Khushi, don't be stubborn. You know you can't do it. Wait let me help you.

He slowly moved her aside and picked Arav up. Together both went to Khushi's room with Arav snuggling in his father's arms. Reaching inside Arnav slowly laid Arav on the bed.

After laying him on the bed, Arnav was about to get up when he felt a tuck on his collar. Looking down he saw Arav tightly clutching his t shirt collar. He mentally chuckled and looked at Khushi who was looking at them.

Seeing the scene Khushi looked away embarrassed. She knew the meaning of the teasing smile playing on Arnav's lips. It was her habit to clutch his collar whenever he used to pick her up.

Arnav (looking at Arav): Seems like someone has inherited the habit of clutching collar while being picked up.

Khushi (annoyed with his teasing): Why can't he inherit the habit. When he is like you in all other things then why can't he inherit at least this one habit of mine.

Arnav: Not just this one habit. There was something else also that he has inherited.

Khushi (confused): What???

Arnav: Smile

Khushi: Huh.

Arnav: He has inherited your smile. Have you seen him when he gives that rarest smile of his, it is just like yours. Full of innocence, glow, and cuteness.

Khushi looked at him hearing his words. For a moment she was lost. But she immediately looked away.

Khushi: So what? He is my son. If he won't be like me then who will he be like.

Arnav: Yeah. He is your son. And he will be like you.

Khushi looked at Arnav shocked. She never expected him to accept Arav as her son. Somewhere she was happy.

Arnav looked at Arav and caressed his hairs. He slowly tried to take his hands away from his collar. But Arav didn't leave his collar and mumbled in his sleep, "DADDY".

Hearing that Arnav froze. It was first time Arav was calling him Daddy. Well for that matter any of his children calling him Daddy. He felt overwhelmed. The emotion that he felt hearing his son calling him Daddy was undescribable.

Arnav felt his heart exploding with happiness. Tears filled his eyes. He looked at Khushi who was looking at everything silently.

Arnav: Khushi, did you hear. He called me Daddy. First time my child was calling me Daddy. Khushi I... I...

Khushi could understand his emotions very well. She had felt the same when Arav had called her Mumma for the first time three years back. So she didn't say anything and let him savour the feeling.

After few minutes Arnav again tried to take Arav's hand from his collar but he clutched it strongly making an annoyed face in sleep. Arnav looked at Khushi helplessly.

Khushi: Let it be. If you try to take his hands away, he will wake up. Already he is in pain. If his sleep breaks then the medicine effects will be low. He will have more pain. So there is no point in trying to take his hands away. So let it be. You sleep here. I will take the couch.

Arnav nodded and settled on the left side of Arav. Khushi sat on the right side and kissed his forehead.
Khushi (whispering): Good Night baby. Sleep tight.

Khushi was about to get up when she felt a tuck on her dress. Looking down she saw Arav clutching her dress in the other hand. Arnav chuckled seeing that. He looked away seeing Khushi glaring at him.

She tried to take his hand only for Arav to hold it tight.

Khushi: God, Aru.

Arnav: Khushi let it be. Sleep. There is no point trying to take it away. It will only wake him up.

Khushi glared at him and settled on the right side of the bed not finding any option. Arav slept peacefully not aware of the awkward situation in which he had put his parents. Khushi and Arnav settled on either side of Arav.

Both were feeling very much awkward. It had been three years since they had last shared a bed. Now even though they are only a hand length away there were miles long distance between their hearts.

Khushi kept her hand over Arav's chest and slept. Arnav looked at his son and wife sleeping. After making sure that Khushi had slept, Arnav took her hand in his and slept holding it. After three years finally two souls slept in peace.

Late that night, the door to Khushi's room opened. Four little shadows entered the room. Seeing the new occupant of the room the little ones frowned. But they were too sleepy to think about it.

So without making any noise they climbed on the bed and slept in between the three people already sleeping on the bed.

***************

Next day morning

Payal went to kids' room to wake the little ones up. But seeing both the rooms empty she frowned. She knew where they might be. She mentally chuckled at their kids' varied habit of sneaking into Khushi's room at night.

Shaking her head she was going to Khushi's room when she met a slightly worried Anjali.

Anjali: Payalji, did you see Chote. I am trying to find him since morning.

Payal (frowning): No Miss Raizada I didn't see him.

At that time Akash came there. Anjali repeated her question to him to which he answered negatively. Together all three of three of them started walking. Payal to Khushi's room while Anjali and Akash towards stairs.

Reaching in front of Khushi's room, she opened it seeing it unlocked. Seeing the scene inside she gasped. Anjali and Akash who were just behind her came and looked seeing her reaction. Their eyes propped out seeing the scene.

There on the bed Arnav and Khushi were sleeping holding hands (or rather Arnav holding Khushi's hand) with five kids in between them. Payal, Akash and Anjali stood with propped out eyes and mouths hanging open seeing the scene.

Few minutes later Anjali came out of her reverie. She took out her phone and started clicking pics. Akash and Payal looked at each other with shocked expression. Payal made an annoyed face while Akash pouted.

Seeing nobody coming down Nani and Mami who were waiting for everyone at the house temple came up. Seeing the scene the youngsters were so eagerly looking at, they smiled. They closed the door and pulled an excited Anjali, sulking Payal and pouting Akash away.

Few minutes later, Arnav woke up. Looking around he was pleasantly surprised. His whole little family was sleeping around him. His one hand still held Khushi's while his other hand was clutched by Arshi who was clutching his little finger in her hands. In sleep she had snuggled upto him and was now fully sleeping on him holding his hands.

He slowly made her sleep on bed and got up. Admiring the sleeping figure of his wife and kids for few minutes, he left the room.

***************

Raizadas were having breakfast in the dining table when Khushi and Payal came there alongwith kids. Earlier Khushi and Arnav had told their own siblings and family members regarding the situation in which Arnav slept in Khushi's room. Anjali and Akash initially tried to tease him but then they left it seeing him getting too emotional about the situation.

After having breakfast everyone stood up and went to living room. Khushi and Payal came back after leaving kids in rooms.

Khushi: HP HP.

HP came running hearing her call.
HP: Yes Didi.

Khushi: HP go and bring, chilli powder, salt and a bucket of water.

HP (confused): For what Didi.

Khushi: For doing Sheetal's facial.

Raizadas eyes widened hearing that. They gulped hearing Khushi and Payal's innovative sadistic punishment for Sheetal.

Taking the storeroom key from HP, Khushi and Payal left from there. Opening the door they entered inside. They saw Sheetal sitting in one corner exhausted and shivering.

Khushi (sarcastically): So Miss Kapoor, how was your night out with rats, cockroaches, lizards and...

Payal: And Mosquitoes.

Khushi: So did you enjoy it. Oh God. Look at your face. It's looking very dirty right. Let's do one thing let's do facial for you.
(Turning to HP) HP, the things for facial is ready right.

HP: Yes Didi.

With that HP handed over the things to Khushi. She mixed the chilly powder and salt in water and poured it over Sheetal. Sheetal screamed as her wounds started paining more due to chilly powder and salt.

Like that one week passed. Khushi and Payal tried every method to torchure Sheetal. They barely gave her food once in a day. After one week Sheetal's condition was pathetic than a stray dog.

She was infected with fever and her condition was very much pathetic due to the constant beatings. Finally when Khushi felt that Sheetal won't be able to take more, she asked HP to admit her in some cheap government hospital which HP obeyed.

In this one week nothing much happened except that the always invisible Mamaji had decided to grace the inmates of Shantivan with his presence. All thanks to the impending marriage of their beloved Anjali Bitiya.

Other than that the only thing happened was Arav recovered fast and started being normal and playing with his siblings.

It was morning and everyone was seated on the living room. Anjali and Akash were gesturing Arnav to talk something. Arnav cleared his throat gaining everyone's attention.

Arnav (looking at Khushi): Khushi...

He gulped seeing her glare.

Arnav: ... I mean KAG. I wanted to tell you something. No no. I wanted to ask you something.

Khushi frowned looking at him and then gestured him to continue. Arnav took a deep breath and looked at his family members who gestured him to say.

Arnav: KAG, woh actually I was saying that it is Di's marriage next month.

Khushi: So.

Arnav (in one breath): So I was saying that we all are going to Mumbai tomorrow for the marriage preparation. So if you guys say then I will book your tickets also.

Khushi (raising her eyebrows): And what made you think that we will come with you.

Arnav: Khushi please...

Khushi: Look Mr Raizada we don't have time for all these nonsense of yours. If it's your sister's marriage. Then you guys go and enjoy. Anyways since you are going I think our project will be postponed to some more days. And since you guys are not here, we are going back home. By the way we have some work at home. So we are going tomorrow. Anyways you guys enjoy. All the best.

Raizadas felt sad hearing her refusal. They expected a positive reply from them. Nevertheless they decided to try their luck once again.

Akash: If you are not coming, then maybe you can send the kids.

Payal: And you Mr Idiot Singh Raizada, what made you think that we will send our kids alone with you.

Akash: That is what I am saying. You can come along with kids.

Payal (giving an unbelievable look): Are you really so much dumb. Don't you understand what Kuku said. We are not coming. We have lots of work.

Arnav: OK then we will leave tomorrow afternoon.

Khushi: And we will leave in tomorrow morning flight. Bye. Then

With that Khushi and Payal left from there. Raizadas looked at each other sadly.

So how was it. Long update. There were so many things in this chapter. So many emotions. So many different shades. So I hope you all liked it.

Also please comment. Also I need some help. I wanted an actor for the role of Anjali's fiance Samar. I have got three suggestions. So please tell me who I should choose. I am giving the options here. And if anybody want any other actor then please comment. I want an actor before next chapter. So please comment and help me choose. The suggestions I got are:
1. Shaleen Bhanot
2. Harshad Chopra
3. Viraf Patel.

So please choose one of them