Chapter 23: Facing the truth

Khushi POV-

2 days passed for Vasundra's death. But nothing changed. Her dead body was under police custody for further investigation but I need no proof. I had seen with my own eyes who had killed her. The thought made me hell angry that I was unable to save my aunty on right time just like I failed to save Khushi inside me getting used by him. Once again that bastard came to my life to torment me and playing the same nasty game to hurt me. He wanted to seek his leftover revenge. He wanted to break me. But he had forgotten. This time he is standing against Meera shergil not a mad lover of his who blindly trust him.

''Bastard..'' I breathe sharply inhaling the fire that reaches every pore of my cell. My entire body is yearning for revenge. My gaze move to Ishita who was all numb and shattered. The pain to become a orphan is worse than anything else in the world. Who knows better than me. I close my eyes in order to calm my ragged nerves.

Neev  who sat next to her, observe every motion of meera who seems lost. He place a soothing hand on her. I flinched and instantly pull off before passing a cold glare to him.

Neev: I knew what you're going through. Meera. Aunty will get the justice..god will punish HIM. (He refer towards Arnav by which he gain a deadly glare)

Meera: I don't believe in your god. So you better mind your own business and keep your sympathy to yours..I don't need this..

Neev: Why you are being so rude to me. I was just saying that Arna--

Meera: Shut up.

Neev: But..

Meera: I said shut up..(I greeted teeth preventing myself not to shout in front of Ishita who was going through rough phase in her life.)

They were sitting for a condolence. As panditji instructed to start the ritual, I get up and guide ishita to put garland on her frame. Just then a voice came from behind and every pair of eyes turn toward the entrance. There my eyes fell on Arjit. He search his eyes in the crowd to view Ishita..

His presence near ishita boiled me beyond endurance. Ishita was not in a state to register her surrounding. She was just laying lifeless on the ground.

Before he approaches toward Ishita, I gave a warning glare and came forward and drag him out from Ishita's sight.

On reaching outside, I roughly push him and call the security to throw him out.

Arjit: Please Meera..let me meet her..

Meera: GET THE HELL OUT OF MY SIGHT BEFORE I DO SOMETHING THAT YOU WOULD REGRET LATER..

Arjit: She needs me. Let me go. (He try to walk past her but i held his hand and pushed him ruthlessly making him to fall on the ground.

Meera: This is where you belongs. Near my feet. (Saying that, i turn to go but his next act shock me.)

He went to his knees asking apology for his ill treatment.

Meera: Stop your bloody drama. I know what you are and what are you planning in your dirty head. But unfortunately she will not get into your hands. You know why? Because she had decided to broke off with you and have no plans to marry you.

Arjit: No she can't do this to me. She loves me.

Meera: Ohh poor baby. Let me tell you she had promise me she will not go against me or neither she will meet you henceforth. Sadly All your plans get flop to get me by using her.

Arjit: No, what you are thinking about me is not true. I am changed now and genuinely loves Ishita.

She rolled her eyes disinterested.

Arjit: After staying away from her, I realizing how important she is in my life. I really loves her. Please trust me Meera.

Meera: Trust you? For what? For offering me one night stand or playing with my friend's feelings by blackmailing me. You all men are bloody cheaters. Lusty animals. Learn only how to use women for pleasure and once you get succeeded throw them out like useless stuffs.

Arjit: You are saying as if you..

Meera: Yes your guess is absolutely right. I had suffered the same in the name of fake love. That time there was no one to show me right path but I won't let the history to repeat on another innocent girl. NOW LOST OUT AND NEVER DARE TO MEET ISHITA EVER AGAIN..DID YOU UNDERSTAND..

Arjit: Your judgement may be wrong. All men are not same. I truly love Ishita, believe me. I am ready to do anything for her..anything.

She paused and fold her hand giving a cunning smile to him. He is hopelessly looking at her expecting her to give him one chance to rectify his mistakes. She think for a while and then speak.

Meera: What can you do for her?

Arjit: Anything.

Meera: Think before you speak.

Arjit: I am ready to die for her. She is my life..I can't live without her. I can do anything for her. (She rolled her eyes as these nameless feelings meant nothing to her.)

Meera: This is what you have to do.

Arjit: What?

Meera: Yes..Mr lover boy. Go and kill yourself. Then only i will believe you.

He went froze!!

Meera: What happened? Come on..go..don't waste my time..If you have a guts then prove it by taking off your life.

Arjit: Thik hain.. (I will do that) He said with a smile and turn to go.

Ishita: No!!!!!!!! (came a voice.)

She came outside and look on shocked by hearing their conversation.

His legs halted hearing the familiar voice and turned to view her one last time. She had tears in her eyes.

Arjit: I love you Ishita. I really do.. Ho sake toh mujhe maaf kar dena.. (If possible then do forgive me)

She couldn't control herself and tiptoes into his embrace. He stay still and close his eyes. ''I love you too..but..'' She said slowly and then look at Meera reluctantly. She is shooting daggers at Ishita.

He break the hug and wipe her tears before confessing it all out how he meet Meera, ask her for one night stand. Then his offer to blackmail her. When Meera rejected, he trapped Ishita.

She went motionless as the bitter realization broke her heart completely. She look at meera and remember how she used to warn her time to time but she was so blinded by him, accused her and never try to find out the truth.

Arjit: I'm sorry Ishita. Its true at first i never loved you, i wanted to have Meera for one night. However i trapped you to.. (His words sulk under his throat when he felt a sharp burning sensation on his cheeks.)

Ishita: Tumse pyaar karna meri zindagi ki sabse badi galti thi..Chale jao yaha se mujhe tumhari shakal bhi nahi dekhni..JUST NOW..

He placed his hand on her head ''Trust me Ishita..I truly loves yo--..'' I came in between and remove his hand from touching her and call the security guard.

Arjit: ''Why you are so heartless..what will you get separating us''.

Meera: Stop your drama. It won't work on me. There is no such things exists in this world like 'Love'. I HATE LOVE.. I HATE LOVE..I HATE LOVE

Little Khushi who was standing in a corner felt really bad for two lovers. She cursed devil villain aunty and about to intervene in between when someone grab her before pressing her mouth. In no time she find herself being forcefully drag by an unknown person. She frown. Till date no one dare to mess with Khushi singh raizada. Who got the guts to mess with Mini Asr? With a big rounded eyes, she turn her head to give a kick to the person but she is lifted in air by opposite person. The person's face is covered with a mask. She made another attempt to punch like she learnt from her macho papa but her strength is nothing comparable to him.

~~~

Arjit tearfully looked at Ishita. She had her back facing him and eyes closed. Tears make it way down her face. Today she had lost everything. After loosing her mother, Arjit was her only support system. But all her illusion get broken after knowing this truth. He is not trustworthy. She should have hate him after knowing his reality, then why she can't hate him. Why she was unable to let him go?

He looked at Ishita one last time and make up his mind to fulfill the deal Meera had put forward. He is ready to die for her because his life is worthless without his love.

~~~

Bhooot... tttttt..bhoot..bataooo bachaooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!

Mini Khushi is terrified seeing the mask person. She is on the verge of crying, don't know how to get rid of ghost uncle. She had heard and read a lot how ghost eat little kids. She don't want to die so soon. The thought of dying making her cry harder.

''Stop crying little girl..'' But her crying session didn't come to an end. She sniffed more loudly. It irritate the person like anything.

Chahat: You bad bad..bad.. papa... babataoowww.. you wanted to kill me..My papa..no shpalle you..

Her innocence melt him. He cutely pull her chubby cheeks. She stop her crying and gave him 'touch-me-not' look. He was taken aback by her nonsense attitude and charge him showing her tiny finger.

Person: Okay let's come straight to the point..I know you are searching your mother.

Chahat: Really (Wiping her cheeks) who is she? What is her name? How does she look? (She shot numerous question curiously.)
''I want to meet my mumma..please please please..'' She started jumping like a kitten. He ask her to come near him. She grew reluctant and move backward scarefully clutching her frock.

Person: ''Don't you want to meet your mum?'' She nodded. ''Then first you have to make friendship with me''.

Chahat: ''But papa says not to talk with any shtanger''

Person: ''Okay as you wish..'' (With that he started going out.)

''Bhootwale uncle..wait...'' She run behind him and made a puppy dog face which she uses to make her papa agree her irrational demands. She held his hand stopping him on the track.

Chahat: ''I'm leadyy to make dosti with you'' He smiles widely. ''But I have one condition..''

Person: ''What is it beta''.

Chahat: ''I want jalebi..''

Person: What?

Chahat: Haan..You know since the time me in this boling sity me missing my phavorite jalebi soooo much..my brain not phork sharpily without my oxygen- jalebi..'' She said in a complaining tone and then butter him in a cute melodious voice rubbing her small tummy. Seeing her cute like antics, person couldn't deny her. Though it is quite difficult to arrange at this moment. But does he have any choice.

She grinned happily tasting sugary coated jalebies after ages ago.

Person: ''So we are friends right?'' She think placing her fingers on her chin.

Chahat: No.

Person: Now what's the problem. I fulfill your wish right?

Chahat: ''It is nt eashie to be my phriend you have to give one examb..'' He sigh wondering how tough it is to handle this tiny kid.

Person: Okay I am ready. What I have to do next.

Chahat: First remove this mask. I phant to shee yolr phace.. (She try to go to his length by standing on chair but he didn't allow her.)

Person: No baby. I can't show my face.

Chahat: But phy..

Person: Some secrets needs to be hidden. (But she do not get convinced and insisted him to show face unless she won't make friendship.) Beta try to understand. If my face get exposed then it would put your Mumma-papa life in danger. Do you want it to..

Chahat: No..No..No..

Person: Then be a good girl and do whatever I say to you. Okay?

Chahat: Who is my mumma?

He was about to answer her when she heard someone footsteps. She turn to bhoot uncle but he already disappear.

''Uncle kaha chale gaye..Mumma ka name bhi nahi bataya..'' (Where uncle gone..he didn't even tell mumma name) Her face fell. She look up for Dm in disappointment asking a way out to solve this puzzle.

~~~

''Make sure that bastard shouldn't survive from this hell..torture him, punish him or do whatever you want but i want to see him getting torture every single second..'' said Meera to the corps.

Ishita: ''What are you doing..This is not right..'' She Protested.

Meera: ''This bloody criminal killed your mother and you still have guts to voice against me..don't you need justice for your mother..?''

Ishita: ''Ofcourse i want but not in a cost of punishing an innocent.''

Meera: ''What?''

Ishita: ''Haan meera..I feel Arnav is innocent.. i have seen honesty in his eyes..''

Meera: ''What crap?'' She gave a dry laugh. ''No-one know him better than me..he is a dog..''

''Proud to know my lady-love understand me so well'' came a husky voice from behind and the presence of him shocked both of them. ''But baby it's is not good to call your future husband by such name''.

Meera: ''Husband my foot..'' She raised her hand to give him a hard slap but all her actions came to an halt when it is grabbed by Asr and he pull her intimately closely making her to collide against his chest.

''Leave me..''

Arnav: ''Not so easily my darling sweetheart..'' Seeing her stunt, he twisted her both hands behind her waist. His proximity enraged her.

Inspector!!!!!!! She call the police and no sooner they surround the criminal.

Arnav: ''Look into my eyes Khushi. You really think I took anyone's life..'' He urge her to look into his eyes but she resisted. ''I know you still have feelings for me..''

Meera: ''Done with your non-sense'' Furiously she pushed him and he fall inside the cage.

As per her command, few of jailer went inside the cell in order to torture him.

Meera: ''Have fun baby..I wish you will get the most cruel death in this jail'' She pass a flying kiss before walking away.

''I won't die until mother and daughter reunite'' He spoke under his breath bearing all the pain with open arms. Blood oozing out.

Ishita try to convince her, heading behind her not to punish him like this until reports to come out. But she give no mercy to this bastard like he never gave her in past. It's his karma. He never respect women, he love to use them and today he is receiving what actually he deserves. Then only he would realize what will happen when a same women come up with vengeance.

She bribe few corps and they give him third degree torture. They started to beat him mercilessly as if it is the last day of his life. All the time his eyes were only fixed upon her. While she is observing him standing outside his cell with a victorious smile.

''You made a deadly mistake touching Meera Shergil..now it's time for that dirty kid to receive punishment of your sins..''

He look on dumb-folded on hearing that.

''Khushi, No!!!!!! You will not hurt her..Listen to me..she is your own daughte--'' He saw her disappearing figure with worry.

~~~

She barged in the house and storm inside in the search of her. On asking about her whereabout, her loyal servant, robin, point toward the direction. She reach on the backyard and saw her watering plants in the garden. Her eyes narrowed. At this moment, she can see Asr in her shoes.

Furiously she headed toward her and pull her hand before grabbing her shoulder. It literally bring tears to her beautiful eyes.

Meera: WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE..

Chahat: Me talking to my phavorite plants..you have any ploblem..

Meera: Don't you dare talk to me like that..

Chahat: I will what you will do.. (Struggling in her grip)

''No person even breathe without my permission..don't forget your real place..you are just my slave..remember that..'' With that she get off her and crush the plants she sow here and pluck all the flowers she adored. 

Chahat: What you have done..This was my favoroite plant..

Grabbing her tiny figure, she pull her up with a force.

Meera: This is not your play garden neither your house where you are allowed to do whatever you want..this is my house..only my rules are followed here..Now come with me..

''Phere you taking me...todo mudhe..'' She cried in her hard clutch but meera give no mercy. She continue dragging her and brought her to the kitchen area. On reaching, she push her angrily making her fall on the hard floor. She cry in pain.

Ishita: Careful Meera..she will be hurt.. (taking baby into her hold)

Meera: You think I care..

Ishita: Her elbow is bleeding..she needs to-

Meera(Turning to Ishita): You stay out from my matters. you may leave. (When she didn't go, Meera lost her cool. ) I SAID LEAVE.

She felt bad for this small kid and hope she may not hurt her.

Once she left, Meera move to little baby who is still crying on floor. 

Meera: Stop your melodrama and get up. Your innocent act work on others, not on me. I SAID GET UP. IT'S MY ORDER.

Chahat: You bhery bad I will complaint to my pa.. (She put speed breaker to her mouth on remembering the promise she had taken from papa.)

Meera: What did you say?

Chahat: Nothing.

Khushi: It is good for you if you keep your mouth shut like this and behave like a good slave.

Chahat: Me not your shlabe..

Meera: ENOUGH!!!!!!!!! (She shifted in fear but remain firm in her position)

''This is your work for today''. In no time a full buckets of dirty utensils has been brought in front of her as per her instructions. ''And yes till 7 A.M. I want entire kitchen slab to be clean. Understood''.

She open her mouth to retort when Meera spoke in the middle.

Meera: If you dare to disobey my orders then no food will be provided to you. So better do what I say.

Saying this she was prepared to go but her legs halted by mini devil loud roar.

Chahat: Me not do any phork..

Using a tiny kick, she throw the bucket leaving it scattered on the ground. Instead of cleaning it she did exactly opposite by making it more dirty. Showing her milky teeth, she did happy dance in khushi shtyle, giving clear indication no one could dictate her.

Meera frown seeing her guts.

Her arrogant behavior create hurricane inside her.

''HOW DARE YOU..'' She was about to pounce at her and going to slap her but her next phrase stop her hand in mid air.

Mini Khushi: CHAHAT SINGH RAIZADA NOT GOING TO AGLE ANY OF YOUR DEMAND..''

Shock radiate her as those words hit her. It took Meera a moment to register the meaning.

Meera: What did you say..repeat again..?

Chahat: NO..NO..NO..ME NOT LEPEAT IT..I WILL COMPLAEIN TO PAPA AND THEN HE WILL PHIRLE YOU..

Meera(Loosing her self control): WHO IS YOUR PAPA? 

ANSWER ME NOW!

Chahat grew anxious when realization drawn upon her. She immediately close her mouth with her both palm looking at DM for help.

By getting no response, Meera jerk her shoulder harshly. Her brutal act pierce little baby skin. But right now Meera is hell agitated. She steadied her breathing while her mind hinting toward the truth. She is connecting all the dots and it worsen her.

Meera: Is your father alive? Tell me the truth otherwise you will see the worst side of me. 

She increases the intensity of her hold making little baby broke down in tears. With each passing moment, her frustration and restlessness increases.

Meera: Why you call yourself Chahat singh raizada..what relation you share with that bas..

Chahat: ENOPH..Not a single baed bhord i will tollalate against my PAPA..he is my liph..my phorld..

Those few words was enough to push her to the edge of insanity. Her body went cold and she froze on the spot like a dead corps.

To be continued!

Sorry for the delay. Next update I will post early. Please give votes and comments.

Stay tuned!

-With love nickysweet❤️