Chapter 42: Silence before storm

Inspector: Mr Arnav Singh Raizada you are under arrest.

Arnav: May I know what i have done..?

Person: ''You have dare to kidnap my sister from hospital..'' came a voice from behind and there Appear his sister, named Anjali.

Khushi: You bad bad uncle..leave my arnavji..(She flare her nose high and stride forward angrily to punch him.

Arnav: Khushi no! He grab her free hand and signal Ananya to take her away. But Khushi do not let him away from her sight for a single second. She began to cry.

He remember doctor's advice and eventually look at her getting devastated.

Arnav: I have to go, Khushi..please calm down.

Khushi: Where? I also come with you.

Arnav: No kiddo you can't..you are not allowed there. Promise you, you will be a good girl and won't trouble your Anu didi during my absence.

Khushi: No..no..no..you are going to that chudail.. (Her grip tightened around him.) She is very bad..i will beat her..you wanted to go to her. You get bore of me. His eyes narrowed. He exchanges glances with ananya whose is holding back her tears.

Arnav: I am not going to her.

Khushi: You are lying.. that chudail will snatch my arnavji.. I hate her..I hate her..she wanted to take you away from me..Arnavji is my friend..only mine. (She hugged him possessively making him hard to control the emotions overflowing with love for this selfless soul. )

At this moment, he is feeling worst. That incident wounded her so badly that she think he is going to leave her for another women. What you have done Arnav Singh Raizada. Why you had been so cruel to her.

Anjali: That man don't deserve your tears, khushi. He only deserve your rejection.

Khushi: you bad didi. dont say anything against him.. else i will broke your nose..

Arnav: khushi stop. She is elder to you. Dont talk to her like that.. its bad manners. I promise i will be back..

Somehow he remove himself after reassuring her and turn to go..

Khushi: Arnav..ji.. ( Her eyes pooled up. Her hand interwined with his)

Khushi: You again leaving me for her? Her words broke his heart into million of pieces. He has no courage to face her again. He is just standing numb fighting with his inner demon.

Anjali: Stay away from him, Khushi. Anjali walk and remove her grip from him and command inspector to take him away.

Khushi: Anju Di..where are they taking my Arnavji.

Anjali: A place where he actually belongs.

Khushi: Means?

Anjali: Stop your interrogation and come here.

She hide behind Arnav, nodding her head in no.

Anjali: This man is a bad person..from now on you will stay with me..

Khushi: I will not go anywhere leaving my Arnavji. You bad police uncle leave my Arnavji.

She bite his hand through her teeth and remove his hand from handcuffing..

Anjali: Khushi behave yourself.

She try to take out her hand from his grip but it do hurt Khushi and she started crying, putting entire house under her head.

Mumma...it..is paining..you hurt me..she weep wriggling to her hard grip. Panic Arnav, came forward to check her.

Arnav: stop it Di. you are hurting her. (He pull Khushi from Anjali and took her hand checking where does she hurt.)

Anjali: Why you are so bothered for her hurt? As far as my general knowledge you are the one who give her a huge amount of pain.

Stop it. Di. This is not the time to talk about all this.

(He held her hand in a way caressing her. Khushi. What happen. Where you get hurt..? He blew her softly. She grinned indicating him she is just acting. He scolded her through his eyes by which she pouted cutely.

Anjali: How dare you Arnav Singh Raizada. She let go of his hand and brought khushi near to her.

Who gave you right to touch her. Every girl is not your private property.

Arnav: She is mother of my child.

Anjali: But she is not your wife. She is just your..

Arnav: ENOUGH!

This is my last warning Don't create scene in front of Khushi.

Anjali: Look who is talking who love humiliating people in public. (He look away clenching his fist. He is trying hard to calm his nerves. While Khushi blink her eyes confused.) Why are you scared. Let her know what kind of pervert you are! What you have done to her.

Arnav: DI!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Anjali: Don't shout in front of me.

Khushi: Haww..Arnavji Anju didi is your sister? (She clap her hands happily but hearing their heated conversation, she get scared and step back fearfully. Ananya try to drag her in but she is curious to hear their talks, she did not give ear to her.

Anjali: Inspector. What are you waiting for. Take this man away. I can't tolarate him near her. And Ananya you. Pack Khushi's bags. She is going to my home. Ananya was about to say something but khushi interrupted in between.

Khushi: No ..n..no..(She ran toward him hugging him from behind. She plead him to be with her. But he ignore meeting her eyes and continue walking away.

Anu Didi...bachao..This didi is so bad..she always scold me, she scold my Arnavji too. I don't want to go to you...I will stay with my Arnavji.. Are you are that chudail Arnavji's wife relative? You wanted to separate me from Arnavji..? By next moment, she did something which no one expected or imagine.

She brought a wooden stick and bang on her head two thee times by which she fell down. Every pair of eyes standing there went utterly shocked. The force is too hard that she slip unconscious and inspector arrested her too.

~~~

Inspector: I am sorry Mr malhotra..I can't help you into this..

Aman: But sir. Please try to understand. She is mentally unstable. She is not in a state to understand what is right or wrong.

Inspector: If is that so then why don't you shift her to mental asylum. Her roaming freely is very dangerous for others. She can harm anyone.

Arnav: Shut up Inspector. Don't you dare! He spat angrily while khushi in opposite side of prison play with her hairs lost in her own world.

Aman: Stop it Arnav. Let me handle this. Inspector please. It's my kind request. Please leave khushi, she is 7 month pregnant and need proper rest. Anjali is fine now. Please let khushi go. My wife wanted to meet her.

Inspector: I am sorry i can't help you. She had attacked your wife very badly and our constable were eye witness of it. For that we have to keep Miss gupta in jail for a night. (He rejected bail application as been shown by the lawyer.

Aman helplessly look at khushi who is all the time laughing and smiling being in a new environment called JAIL. She wave her hand to Aman indicating that she is enjoying here. While he walk off.

Khushi: Wow..it is so exiting..you and me in jail together...now no one will come between us not even your that chudail wife.

Arnav: Shut up Khushi. What is the need to do all this.

Khushi on the other opposite side of cell, said nothing, she show her toothy grin to him.

Arnav: This is not funny. Do you have any idea what you have done? She make a innocent face and then started laughing again. It make him frustrated.

She roam her eyes left and right staring at the new place when she notice few aunties were sitting in her cell staring at her from the time she is here. She get uncomfortable as they look scary. She shift backward as they approaches her.

Lady: Yeh toh vahi dhande wali hain na..(is she is that female prostitute) She asked to other lady.

Lady 2: Ae you..come here.. Scarefully, she move few inches away and look at Arnav.

Khushi: Arnavji hame dar lag raha hain. (Im scared)

Arnav: What happen, Khushi.

Khushi: I want to come to you. Please please please..

Arnav: Shh relax.

Lady 1: Lagta hain iska naya yaar hain.. (Look like her new customer is on other side )

Lady 2: If she join our team then we can earn lot of money selling her body..see how beautiful her body is.

Khushi: Of fo aunty don't disturb me na..i am talking to my Arnavji.

Lady: Chup kar..don't act smart we all know your kand.

Khushi: Kand? Yeh kand kya hota hain? Hum toh Arnavji se baat kar rahe hain (I am talking to my Arnavji)

Arnav have no idea what is going inside her cell. He saw her talking to someone and call her.

Khushi you okay? She nodded and reach at the edge in order to view him closely. She sit down but find it difficult to lay down.

Arnav: Be careful. She nodded obediently but suddenly a pain arise through her making her to grab her stomach. What happen? You okay? Are you hurt?

Khushi: Oh god Arnavji..i am fine..

Arnav: Shut up Kiddo. Di ka sar phodne ki kya jarurat thi.. (What is the need to broke her head) you never listen to me.

Khushi: Why you are scolding me. She is making me anger and how rudely she was talking to you. No one can talk to my Arnavji like that..

Arnav: Khushi you.. (He don't know how to make her understand this place is not safe for her health. From the moment, he knew about the complications in her pregnancy, he get very cautious and worried for her. He need to do something to get her out from here. She not have a single clue how important her life for him. When Aman get failed to do anything, his sources work out and he managed to get her bail sanctioned.

Infact lawyer almost get successful to bring her out from the jail but she demanded his escape too. By getting his denial, she again show her unusual naughtiness. When a police hawaldar open the cell door, she gave him a punch over his mouth. It literally froze Arnav. He really wanted to bang his head somewhere seeing her stunt. This side of Khushi is new to him. Her unexpected assult make the situation out of his hands and inspector cancel her bail and again put her inside.

Khushi: hehehe..look at him..bada aya hame hamare Arnavji se alag karne wala..vo janta nahi..Ap jaha..hum vaha..

Arnav: ENOUGH! NOT A SINGLE WORD... HAVE YOU GONE MAD..

Khushi: You also call me mad? No one love me...no one care for me..all bad..bad..bad..

He sigh calming his nerves.

Arnav: Stop crying. Instead she started crying more loudely.

Arnav: Okay i am sorry..I will not shout at my angel..look if you keep shedding tears, that inspector shift you to another cell, away from me. (She look at him annoyed.) Do you wanted to be away from me. No na..then trust me.

Khushi: Arnavji this place is so scary.I am scared of darkness..please hold me.. She take out her hand out trying to reach him. But unable to hold him.

Arnav: calm down baby..I am right here..relax..take a deep breathe and close your eyes.. She did as he said. Entire night he keep consoling her. As time passing, it feel like lullaby for her. Arnav feel blessed to have her in his life.

He keep staring her every moment making sure she is safe. She is sleeping on a floor in a very uncomfortable position. She try to toss but due to the heaviness, she is unable to do so.

His eyes filled up.

How much more you torture yourself, Khushi. I can't see you like this..please for god sake come back to me.. i really miss you..I promise i will make everything alright..i will give you everything you desire..sindoor..mangalsutra..a perfect family where only you, me and our baby existed..there will be no room of sorrows..just once come back to me..i never let you go..i will make everything alright..

~~~

Next day Anjali came to police station to bring khushi out. But she started screaming, not ready to be away from him. At the same time, Ananya arrive there showing the proof that Khushi is her biological sister claiming that she only have authority to keep Khushi with her, not Anjali. This anger Anjali. She was about to say something but her husband, Aman press her hand signalling her not to say anything in front of Khushi.

Ananya: Inspector. Leave Asr. He has't kidnap khushi. I guess Mrs Anjali Malhotra have some huge misunderstanding. Legally i am khushi's guardian. So According to law, i have full authority to keep khushi with me. She is not being kidnapped by anyone. We are staying in Arnav's house with my complete willingness. No one forcing us. In fact Khushi loved to be around Arnav. You can see by yourself how much she enjoyed being around him.

Inspector get convinced and sooner both get escape from jail. After coming out, Khushi hugged ananya and they proceed toward the raizada mansion. Anjali followed them behind to stop her when her mobile beep. Her legs rooted to the ground by what she heard on opposite end. She casted her tearful glances toward Arnav who is walking away with Khushi and ananya.

''No..this is not true..this is not true..'' Shattered by the reality, she fell down on her knees. A scream escaped out from her mouth making Aman run toward her.

What happen Anjali? She look at him with red eyes.

''You are scaring me. Please tell me what happen..'' She said nothing just keep staring at Arnav disappearing sight with hatred filled eyes. Destiny yet again played a nasty game by separating her from the another person whom she loved and the reason is none other than HIM.

~~~

Arnav: What's wrong? What is going on here? He feel a bit odd seeing so many people gathered in the hall.

What is hell is happening? His assitant came around and pointed toward the left of the hall where a body covering with white sheet is laying.

Assistant: ''Asr your Nani..she is no more!'' His eyes widen in shock.

Arnav: What rubbish. Just few days ago i meet her. She is not my nani..she is not!

Assistant: Asr, she is dead. He went motionless. His entire world shattered in a mere moment.

Chotte..life is too short so we should have live it wholeheartedly..

Don't cry..i promise your nani never leave your hand..

He ran to the body. His hand shivering while uncovering her face. Yes it is Nani who is sleeping peacefully.

He began crying uncontrollably.

NO NANI YOU CAN'T DO THIS TO ME..YOU CAN'T BREAK YOUR PROMISE..YOU CAN'T GO.

He remembered her words

Chotte, your nana never loved me..he betrayed me in every moment of his life. I never took stand against him, he beat me, harass me yet i bear all the pain and torture by him for the sake of my children. If today i am alive only and only because of you. I always taught you to respect and love the one who loved you. If you ever become a monster like him..your nani will die..I will die chotte..

I am sorry Nani..i am really sorry..Please forgive me.. He place his head near her legs asking apology but sadly she is no more to hear that.

All the people in the hall began crying. Hearing some voices, Khushi came down. She directly ran to him who is sitting in the floor gloomily.

Khushi: What happen arnavji..why are you crying..? She touch the wetness on his cheeks.

''Don't cry..You are my hero..don't worry your mumma will bring lots of chocolates for you..''

Arnav: One by one everyone leaving me, Khushi.. One day you also leave me..

Khushi: No arnavji..i never leave my Arnavji..don't cry please! He hugged her tightly into his arms crying harder.

~~~

Next few days passed quickly. Nani sudden demise create a huge impact to him. For few days, he remain aloof. He had skipped meal and less interact with others. But for the sake of Khushi, he try to get into normal. Most of the time, he be with her. He pamper her a lot and do everything she wanted. As been told by doctor, he slowly make her aware a baby is carrying inside her so she need to be careful. At first Khushi did not understand what is that feeling but slowly and steadily he make her realize the feeling of being a mother like her mother loves her. He restrain her from running or playing outside. Khushi do everything as been told by him.

The loss of his Nani torment him every fraction of his life. When Aman told him the actual reason of her death, it tore him completely.

Aman: Arnav, Anjali is very hurt. She is blaiming herself for Nani's death. She think if she did not tell her about your doings then may be..

Arnav: No Aman. If anyone is to be blamed then it is only me. Please take care of di. I wish i can console her but you know well how much she dislikes me. Make her happy.

Why don't you both go for a honeymoon..a new environment will help her to forget all the bitter memories.

Aman: No i can't.. (he get uncomfortable when Arnav bring the topic of their married life.)

Arnav: Why? (His face expression said it all) That mean Di have not accepted you husband? He raised his eyebrow in astonishment. ''I thought you and Di have a love marriage..''

Aman: Yes ofcourse we love each other. But due to some unavail circumstances, she is not reciprocating her feelings openly. I have to go now if she came to know i came to meet you she will..

Arnav: I can understand. (He turn to go.)

Aman! He stop in his track and Arnav came to him.

Arnav: Thank you!

Aman: For what?

Arnav: For loving my Di. For accepting..for everything you did for her..Last few days i was being very rude.. (He don't know how to say sorry to him. He feel ashamed to imagine he had humiliated his brother in law by connected him with Khushi)

Aman: It's okay Asr. Don't thank me. Whatever had happen. i forgive you. But probably Anjali may not forgive you. If today I got my love only because of khushi. She came to alter and gave her blessings to our relationship. (He gasped gulping the painful lump inside remembering that night. After sometime, Aman take his leave.)

How lucky you are to get your lost love. Probably i am not that lucky one? He look at khushi who is sleeping peacefully cuddling to her favorite teddy bear. He lean close to her and remove her hair strands that is blocking his view from her.

''I really really love you, Khushi. There is no one other than you and him..'' He touch her stomach.

''I am sorry beta..i know i hurt your mother not once but many times. Please tell your mumma to forgive my sins. You and she are world to me. I know i never keep my promises but this time i truly wanted to start a new chapter of our relation..''

Suddenly a cold breeze flow and the photo frame of Khushi which is kept in the desk fell down. He get up and gathered the broken pieces of glass. An unknown storm hinting him that something bad going to happen.

He get up and paced in the length of the room restlessly. Everytime he close his eyes, he getting the flashes of that dream where khushi is standing in a cliff and commited suicide. From the time he saw dead body of his nani, a fear always disturb him to think about khushi. She is only he have in his life. But what if she reject my love? No!

To have you, i can go to any extent. You are mine..only mine!

~~~~

Khushi stretches her arms and yawn. She wanted to toss but she felt a strong arm encircled her belly preventing her to get away from him..

Arnavji..uthiye na.. When he disagree, she tickle him and let's go of his clutches. She slip on the floor, wear her slipper before walking down but suddenly an unknown voice vibrate her head. She jerk backward as those voices hit her brain. Her head get heavy making her grab it with her both hands.

YOU ARE MY MISTRESS MISS GUPTA..

I NEVER LOVED YOU..NOT FOR A SECOND..

Khushi began sweating and fumbling..

I NEVER LOVED YOU..

ABORT THIS CHILD..

TODAY IS MY ENGAGEMENT WITH ANANYA..

GET THE HELL OUT OF MY LIFE!

Her breathing get shallow..Everything began crumbling..She carried her hand in air to grab something for support but her body get imbalanced. She look at Arnav from the mirror with narrowed eyes.

AR...n..a..

Everything black out!

To be continued!

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