Part 3 

Sometimes, Life gives us many chances not to get into something we don't want. But... we... human... couldn't understand the plan of destiny and fell into it.

Like the same, Arnav got many chances to delay the marriage. But he was in the hurry to get the girl he liked. If he would have said a single word "WAIT", everything had changed.

RM

Lavanya didn't talk to Arnav nor did she behave like a WIFE. She was acting like a stranger to him even though she was staying in the same room. She looked all lost in deep thought.

Arnav didn't disturb her nor did he ask her anything regarding it. In fact, he was happy that he gets time to divert his mind from Khushi.

As it was Lavanya's pehla Rasooi, Ratna called her to the kitchen and guided her to prepare sweet.

Ratna: Beta, Chotte is a diabetic. He won't eat sweets.

La: Ohhh...

Ratna frowned at her reaction. Her husband is a diabetic, she didn't even feel sad for him nor did she show a shocking expression on her face. Ratna left the kitchen with Arvind's coffee.

Lavanya prepared keer. Ratna tasted it. It was sweet... so sweet. She looked at La with a wired expression.

Ratna: Beta, didn't you prepare anything for Chotte?

Lavanya: You said he is diabetic. Then, why should we compel him?

Ratna was not happy with her reply but she didn't show it on her face. Ratna asked Arnav to drop LA in her Mayka for paper.

Ratna: Chotte... drop Lavanya in her mayka before going to the office.

Arnav: I'm not going to the office today.

Ratna: Really?

Arnav: I will come home dropping her off. I need some rest.

Ratna smiled at him teasingly which Arnav didn't give any heed to. Arnav turned to leave, he stopped and looked at Ratna.

Arnav: Mom...

Ratna: Yeah...

Arnav: Don't you know before itself that Gupta's have two daughters?

Ratna: ohhh that one? No Chotte. When we went to Gupta house for the first time, Khushi was not at home. She got stuck in her college day function.

Arnav nodded yes silently.

Ranta: Why chotte?

Arnav: I just asked...

Ratna: Everything happened in a hurry. We were not in touch at all. You got stuck in Colombo. Or else I would have recited everything.

Arnav nodded yes and left RM with Lavanya.

Lavanya was silent the entire way to GH. When they entered GH, Arnav saw Khushi blowing soap bubbles with a neighbourhood girl.

 Her face brightened seeing LA and Arnav. She rushed towards LA and hugged her as if, they are meeting after years. Guptas welcomed Arnav.

Shashi: Come in Arnav.

Arnav: It's ok uncle. I should go.

Shashi: Arrey, this is the first time you are coming to your in-laws. How could we send you off from the entrance itself? Come and have something.

Khushi: Yah, Dad is right. (Arnav's gaze rooted on her) you are also one of us now. Give your precious time for us too... Arnav.

She chuckled.

Arnav looked at her shockingly when she called him by his name.

Garima(hitting her): What is this? Call him Jeejaji.

Khushi: I don't like to call him Jee...jaa...jee...

She said making a wired face. Arnav looked at her cute expression whereas Shashi laughed at her expression.

Shashi: I don't think, Arnav has a problem. What say Arnav?

Arnav nodded yes.

Khushi: Really? Am I allowed to call you by your name?

She asked looking at Arnav and he nodded yes again.

Khushi: Wow... you are so sweet Arnav.

She giggled.

Garima (angrily): Stop it Khushi... call him with respect.

Khushi: Ohhh... You are so sweet... Arnavji... (Looking at Garima) Happy?

Garima: Crazy girl.... (to Arnav) don't take her wrong Damadji. She takes advantage of her beloved ones.

Khushi: Yes... she is right. Now, you are also on my BELOVED ONE's list.

Arnav swallowed the gland which is struggling to come out.

They came inside. Arnav sat on the couch in the living room. Garima served him tea. Arnav saw a wooden chessboard being kept in the hall, fully coins arranged. His gaze got fixed on it for some seconds. Khushi noticed it.

Khushi: Do you play Chess?

Arnav nodded yes.

Khushi (excitedly): Really? Then try to win Khushi Gupta.

She said raising her collar which was an imaginary one.

Arnav(without expression): I have to go.

Khushi: Tell me frankly that you are scared.

Arnav wanted to say, "Yes, I'm scared". He was really scared to spend with Khushi.

Shashi: Arnav, you don't have to be scared. She is not a good player like what she is flaunting.

Khushi dropped her jaw.

Khushi: Ohh really? Then start playing. I will show who I'm.

Arnav was about to deny...

Khushi: Don't worry. I won't ask you to play on BET. Just play...

Now, this is a task. Arnav sat opposite Khushi. He removed a bundle of two thousand currency notes from his coat pocket and kept it beside the chessboard.

Khushi: Will you play on a bet?

Arnav nodded yes.

Khushi (gulping): But I have no money...

She said biting her nail.

Arnav: No need. You can take it if you win. If I win... you will never play chess. That's the BET.

Khushi (sitting straight with her head up): Done.

Shashi: Wow... so interesting. Arnav, please win the game and save us from her torture.

He teased and laughed.

Khushi: Dad, stop blabbering. Don't disturb me.

Shashi: But Khushi, I want you to reconsider. Arnav looks confident. So think about it.

Khushi: I'm also not less Dad...

Shashi: Your wish.

Shashi got a call. He excused himself from them.

Shashi: Ok, you guys carry on.

He went smilingly. Garima was busy in the kitchen and LA was with her, in the pretext of helping her. Khushi was so much engrossed in the game while Arnav was facing a tough time to take his eyes from Khushi's face which was showing multiple expressions.

Khushi got horrified seeing Arnav's skilful "moves" she had lost her hope.

Khushi (murmuring): Hey Devi Maiya, I don't care about not playing chess again but this money.... (she looked at the money and gulped) from where I will get this huge amount? Shashi will never give me... never...

Arnav tried hard not to smile hearing that.

"The biggest happiness in the world is, making our beloved ones happy".

Arnav deliberately made a wrong "move". Using that chance, Khushi arrested the KING and said, "Check" and Arnav accepted the defeat even though there was a chance for him to save himself.

Khushi hoped for extreme happiness. Arnav couldn't stop himself from admiring her. She asked him money, extending her hand, keeping another hand on her hip. Arnav gestured her to take it from the table.

Khushi: I'm the winner. Give it by yourself.

She demanded. Arnav took the bundle and put it on Khushi's palm.

Khushi (happily): Better luck next time Arnavji...

She rushed towards the kitchen.

Arnav (in mind): Not everyone gets a chance for "Next time". (He gulped)

In the kitchen

Khushi (shouting in joy): LA..... I have won your husband...

She showed her the money. LA smiled at her.

Khushi: Won't you say anything?

LA (folding her hands): When are you going to marry him?

Khushi's jaw dropped. She closed La's mouth with her palm.

Khushi: Stop. What if he hears?

LA (removing her hand): But, that was the deal between us, right? It was you who wished to marry the same man, I married. Because you never wanted to get separated from me.

Khushi: Haan Haan I said, we will get married to the same person, so that we will stay together. I said that in extreme sadness when you went to the hostel. But now, you are married. Show some possessiveness to your husband.

LA: So, you lied to me? What you said is not true?

Khushi: My God... Stop it. Or else I will marry Arnavji because he is looking damn handsome.

La: Yeah... that's the point. What did you say seeing his pic?

Khushi (dreamingly): I should have taken birth of elder Gupta daughter. So that I could marry him...

She giggled.

La: That's what I'm saying. Marry him.

Khushi (keeping her hands on her hip): Then don't complain that I took your husband completely. Because I won't be like you. I will be too possessive and I will never let you touch him.

Garima: Stop it both of you. Be serious. Is everything play for you?

Khushi: Mom... don't stop me from loving Arnavji... he is damn hot you know?

She said to irritate Garima.

Garima raised her hand to hit. Khushi ran out of the kitchen giggling. She stopped, seeing Arnav standing at the doorstep, hearing their talks. Her breath got caught in her lungs, seeing his sharp gaze on her.

 Garima was embarrassed seeing Arnav whereas La didn't even react to it.

Arnav (looking at Garima): I should go. I have some important work.

Saying he went outside not waiting for Garima's reply. Khushi kept her hands on her head sighing.

Khushi: La, it seems like he heard everything.

Garima: That's why I said to be quiet. Stupid girls. (Looking at Khushi) Don't you know, he likes LA very much? He didn't like your talks it seems. Don't know what he thinks about you.

Khushi: But, I didn't know he is hearing...

She sighed.

Not taking it seriously LA started stirring the gravy. Khushi rushed outside and hid behind the pillar of the corridor and watched Arnav; whose face was looking stony.

Suddenly, Arnav turned towards the pillar and looked at her. Khushi pulled her head behind the pillar. Arnav drove off GH with mixed feelings.

To be continued...

Today's inkitt update

Lard Governor 

Arnav was sitting on the bed with a rocky expression, thinking about, what Khushi told about marrying him. What's all this? He liked a girl. But he didn't marry her. The girl who he liked moves with him innocently. How could he keep himself in the distance if her attitude towards him is so cute?

To read the above update, use my inkitt link dearies...