Hey lovelies 🙋‍♀️

Hope u all r keeping fine 😊

Thank u so much for all ur votes & comments on the previous update 🙏

I loved reading each one of them ❤️

Now here goes the next update..

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Completing his breakfast Arnav was ready to leave for his office.

Khushi, I m leaving. He said getting up from his chair.

Khushi just nodded her head without looking at him.

His heart pained at her indifference but can he blame her for that??

No... Because the credit goes to his own indifferent behaviour towards her of days & this is just a start for him.

He knows he has much more of payback from her & too much of amendments to do from his side.

But gosh... its really painful.

How would he go through all of it??

How could he behave so ignorant & nonchalant towards her all these days just because of the hurt caused by her one unintentional mistake!!

How could he let his ego & mulishness rule over his love for his wife. His Khushi.

Arnav... Sheetal's voice brought him back from his self contempt.

Arnav along with others looked towards her.

Arnav, just wait for five minutes. I will just get my purse from my room. She said & turned to go towards the stairs.

Sheetal.. Where are you coming with me?? Arnav asked narrowing his eyes.

To office. Just like we used to go together?? She said smiling, shrugging her shoulders, emphasing her words.

Sheetal you are not coming to office with me as I have already transferred your services to Mumbai branch. You are here due to Arav's ill health. Stay here with him for two days, till then he will also be fine & then you are going back to Mumbai. Arnav ordered.

But Arnav, I can't stay away from Arav for this long. How about I stay here till his school gets over & then we both together move to Mumbai?? She tried to negotiate again.

Sheetal, we have already discussed on this yesterday. So I would appreciate if you stick to the decision. Arnav said sternly.

He then looked at Khushi who was pretending to be nonchalant & have her breakfast but she was looking at Sheetal from the corner of her eyes.

Sheetal looked at Anjali, pleading through her eyes to help her.

Anjali blinked at her in assurance.

This exchange was noticed by Khushi & her soldiers who understood that Sheetal has already laid her false case infront of Anjali as they had seen both of them coming down together & has gained sympathy points.

They weren't wrong & Anjali proved it.

Chhote... She started.

Firstly I don't understand why do you want to send Sheetalji to Mumbai when she can stay here & work in AR like she has been doing since she has arrived here?? She asked.

Dii... I have taken this decision after lot of thinking. Mr. Sharma is retiring & I want somebody equally reliable & teustworthy in his place & Sheetal fits the criteria. Also being a single mother she needs to be financially stronger to give Arav good upbringing. I am just helping her in that with this offer & a much better salary. Arnav stated clearly.

Anjali looked at Arav.

Yes.. He deserves a very good upbringing & with this new job Sheetal can give him everything he deserves & desires. She can't let him be away from his good fortune due to her selfishness.

Dii... Nannav is right. NK intervened.

Anjali nodded in affirmation. She would use these two months to make best of memories with Arav.

Arnav relaxed.

Sheetal's eyes widened seeing Anjali's silent exceptance so did Khushi & her gang's.

They had expected her to defend Sheetal & Arav more till Arnav accepts her wish.

ASR, please let mom stay with me. Arav requested in between.

Arav.. Whatever I am doing is for your & your mother's betterment. She is my friend from college days & is in need so I am helping accordingly. Besides you are a kid & shouldn't interfere when elders are discussing something. Ok. Arnav explained him.

Arav affirmed.

Anjali's heart pained seeing Arav's upset face.

Sheetal sniffled only for Anjali to hear gaining her attention.

Seeing Sheetal's moist eyes Anjali's heart pinched feeling a mother's pain & she again changed her mind.

Chhote, I think Sheetalji is right. Let her stay here till Arav's school gets over. Then they both together can leave for Mumbai. Its just the matter of two months & she is right how can a mother-son stay away from each other for two whole months!! She defended Sheetal.

Exactly dii. Its just the matter of two months. What's so big deal!! As it is Arav is very comfortable in our family, specially with you. So there shouldn't be any problem. Mr. Sharma is retiring in a few days so Sheetal can learn everything perfectly under his guidance & then once he retires she can take over properly. That's why I want her to go now. Why are you not understanding this simple thing?? He explained his point.

You are not understanding Chhote because you didn't see Arav's condition yesterday. But I have seen. He was continuously remembering his mother in his unconscious state as well. I was so scared that what would happen if Sheetalji won't reach here soon. But good that Sheetalji explained him on phone & he responded well to the treatment. If such incident repeats then I won't be able to see him in that condition. What if Sheetalji couldn't manage to reach on time. He is a small kid Chhote who can fall ill anytime & need his mother near him. I can give my love & care to him but can't replace his mother Chhote. Anjali said with heavy, painful voice, caressing Arav's hair with teary eyes.

Everybody could feel her pain as they knew that right now it's the mother speaking who has lost her baby.

But Sheetal was relieved inwardly as she was now sure that Arnav would definitely bow down infront of his dii.

Arnav too understood but he doesn't want to fall weak this time.

Dii... I understand your point but I can't change my decision & would appreciate if you let me handle my business matters. Besides it hardly takes three hours to reach here from Mumbai by flight. We can also use our jet in case of such emergencies. He said showing no sign of relent.

Sheetal gritted her teeth at his stubbornness.

But Chhote... Anjali started again to get cut by Khushi who was till now witnessing everything silently.

I think dii is right Arnavji. Khushi said standing up from her chair.

Khushi....

Yes Arnavji. Its just a matter of two months. Let Sheetal stay here & work in AR. After two months she can shift to Mumbai with her son FOREVER. Khushi said looking at Sheetal, stressing on the last word.

No he can't let that happen. Sheetal's presence can cause more stress to Khushi & more damage to their already wretched relationship.

Khushi I.. I don't think its a good idea. I mean... I have already transferred her duties & Mr. Sharma is also there just for a few days so she needs to get trained in those days only. He tried to talk her out.

Arnavji, Sheetal can get the same training here also under the man with same post as of Mr. Sharma over there. Besides I also feel it's not good to seperate mother-son even if it's for two months. Let her stay here only. Would you not accept my such small request Arnavji.

She said pouting, keeping her hand on his heart, moving more near him but her peripheral vision at visibly fuming Sheetal who was in her  own assumptions that her phone to Khushi has widened the gap between the couple who is now standing very close to each other infront of her, without a hint of any problem going on between them.

Khushi's heart felt a bit relieved seeing Sheetal's condition.

Arnav sighed as he thought that Khushi wants to make his repentance tough & chances of amendments more difficult. Only if he knew what plan is cooking in his wife's crazy mind.

Ok... If you say so Khushi. He surrendered holding her hand over his heart.

Thank you Arnavji. She said flashing a smile & swiftly removed her hand from under his.

He exhaled sharply at the loss.

NK, nani & Payal look at each other as they understood that Khushi has a plan in her mind & that's why she stopped Sheetal from going. They would have to wait to know her plans.

Sheetal... If Khushi wants you to stay here till Arav completes his academic year then you would stay. Sheetal, Anjali & Arav's face beamed with happiness.

You can work here in AR but not like before. Arnav said further getting confused glances from all.

What do you mean Arnav?? Sheetal asked.

Means you won't travel with me to office nor I would drop Arav at school like I used to nor you would be behaving as my friend in the office. He said crisply.

Sheetal's eyes rounded in shock.

But Arnav what's the problem in that?? We have been travelling the same way & we can continue so. We are friends & love each other's company. Besides you would get more time to spend with Arav as you always like to. Sheetal replied audaciously, smiling shamelessly.

Khushi & her gang weren't shocked at her audacity as they are very well aware of her shenanigans now.

But Arnav flinched inwardly at her words.

He was facing one more of the repercussions of his impulsive actions that Sheetal thinks that he used to spend time with her & Arav because he loved too. Well Arav is an exception but she isn't definitely. She was just a mean for him to hurt Khushi. But Sheetal thinks the opposite.

He gulped & looked at Khushi who remained unaffected but he knew her better now after her yesterday's heartwrenching outburst.

He cleared his throat composing himself.

Sheetal that was just a friendly gesture from me as we had met after long period & you were new in this city. But now you are very much familiar with the city & its routes. So you can definitely manage your way to the office everyday. Besides like my other employees you do get travel allowance so use that for your to & fro travel to office. You can hire a cab & also drop Arav to school alongwith you. He kept his conditions forward.

But his school is in the opposite direction of our office. It would consume much of my time to drop him then come all the way back & reach office. How would I manage?? She tried her luck giving her reasonings.

Just like Arnavji used to manage all these days out of his friendship towards you Sheetal. Khushi interrupted shutting Sheetal.

Isn't it Arnavji?? Khushi asked him innocently but he knew better that it was a taunt thrown at him in a way nobody else except him would know.

But three other people did & smirked inwardly.

He hunched his shoulders & nodded slowly.

So its decided Sheetal that you would stay here. Work in AR but as an employee & not Arnavji's friend. You are going to take charge of Mumbai branch so now you need to learn the strategies, rules & regulations of the company purely as an employee without using Arnavji's friendship to maintain the decorum of the company & set a good example to the other employees. They should feel that you got this promotion & such high post due to your work & not due to your friendship with Arnavji because if that happens then that would tarnish Arnavji's firm work ethics, strong discipline, keeness in maintaining decorum since the inception of his company. He has never mixed his personal & professional relations. But he gave you some leverage as a friend. Now its time you prove yourself deserving for becoming a permanent employee & head of Mumbai branch. You should respect him as your employer in the office & yourself should behave just as a normal employee of the company unlike the way you have been behaving as his CLOSE FRIEND in the company & thinking of his company as YOUR COMPANY. Khushi said bluntly looking fiercely into Sheetal's shocked eyes.

Am I right Arnavji?? Khushi again asked formally, smiling sweetly.

You are absolutely right Khushi. Arnav replied smiling genuinely at her.

He really was elated the way Khushi was showing his rights on him & his company by taking decisions on his behalf. Atleast she is not distancing herself completely from him the way he did in his impulsiveness though he deserves the same but he is not as strong as her to bear what he made her suffer.

Also Sheetal, being Arav's mother you yourself need to take care of his requirements according to his likes & dislikes. It was fine in the beginning as you were guests in this house that's why my daughter in laws took care of his food & other things even after him throwing tantrums & behaving rudely with them everday. Now you are staying here since more then a month & you are aware of this whole house including the kitchen. So I would appreciate if you would take care of his needs now on. I don't want him to misbehave with my daughter in laws any more or throw tantrums at the dining table everyday. He needs to learn to respect everyone elder to him & speak politely to them. I hope you would work on my advice henceforth. Nani said sternly behaving exactly the way the martriach of the family should.

Sheetal gulped & nodded her head nervously at nani.

Mami too was awestruck seeing her mother in law defending the daughter in laws of this house which she herself never did & it set her on thinking mode.

Chhote.. I have a request Anjali interfered again

Yes dii. Arnav asked.

Khushi looked at Anjali expecting her to oppose her & defend Sheetal.

Chhote, I don't mind what you & Khushiji decided for Sheetalji as I feel you are taking a right decision. But I would want Arav to go to school with me in my car as the temple I visit everyday is on the same route. So I can take him along & Sheetalji can directly reach to office in the cab. Anjali suggested wrapping her arm around Arav's shoulders.

Khushi was absolutely shocked hearing that because she had expected Anjali to say in Sheetal's favour against her & nani's decisions   & would insist Arnavji to take her with himself everyday as both would be going to the same company. But she just got biased for Arav's luxuries. Why did she do that?? What's going on in her mind?? Is there something more to her assumption of her getting attatched to Arav due to her own loss of her baby.

She needs to find out.

Before Arnav could say anything to Anjali Khushi pitched in.

Ok dii. As you wish. Khushi said looking at Anjali & then at Arnav who didn't reply yet.

Chhote please. Anjali pleaded.

Ok dii. Arnav accepted not defying his Khushi's words.

Nani seemed displeased with Khushi's decision as she doesn't want Anjali to get more attatched to Arav as it would be very difficult for her to stay without him once he leaves this house after two months.

Nani met her eyes with Khushi who blinked at her asking her to relax.

Nani nodded for the time being.

Anjali came to Khushi & hugged her tight.

Thank you Khushiji. I knew only you can persuade Chhote to except my request. Thank you so much Khushiji. Anjali said smiling, moving back.

I am sorry for my yesterday's rude behaviour with you Khushiji. I had got scared seeing Arav's condition & that's why I said all those harsh words to you. I didn't mean to hurt you. I am sorry Khushiji. Please forgive me. Anjali said cupping Khushi's cheeks

Khushi didn't say anything. Just nodded her head removing Anjali's hands from her cheeks.

She was hurt, terribly hurt with Anjali's behaviour & she won't be the same forgiving like before even to Anjali. But more then that she was getting suspicious over Anjali's behaviour regarding Arav & Sheetal.

She had thought that Anjali favours both Sheetal & Arav equally. But  certainly right now that's not the case.

There is something more to understand behind Anjali's behaviour & her asking forgiveness from her (Khushi). Also instead of demanding rightfully from her Chhote like always, she requested him for Arav. All these is confusing as well as raising more doubts in her mind.

She needs to be vigilant around Anjali.

Dii what did you say to Khushi yesterday that could hurt her?? Arnav asked Anjali as he wasn't aware of the verbal conflict happened between his wife & sister yesterday.

Wo Chhote... Yesterday I... She hesitated.

Nothing serious Arnavji. Its between me & dii. You don't need to worry. Khushi replied shrugging off the topic.

But Arnav was not willing to let go of it that easily.

Khushi.. Please come to our room. I want to talk to you. He requested politely unlike other times when he used to just order her to follow him.

Khushi nodded her head as she too wants to clear somethings with him.

As soon as they reached the room Arnav bolted the door not wanting any disturbance in their conversation.

Khushi what had happened yesterday & what harsh words did dii say to you?? Arnav asked standing infront of Khushi.

Khushi told him everthing that happened between Arav, Anjali & herself. She also told him how Anjali had blamed her for Arav's health condition.

He was infuriated hearing everything.

Why didn't you tell me this down only when I asked?? He asked controlling his anger.

Because I wasn't ready to get humiliated by you again infront of the family & our guests. Khushi replied calmly.

Why would I humiliate you Khushi when it wasn't your fault?? Arnav asked scrunching his eyebrows in confusion.

Because that's what you have been doing since past days. She said shrugging.

Khushi....

Did I say anything wrong Arnavji. Weren't you doing that only?? She asked tilting her head.

You have been shouting on me for your friend & her son. He used to insult me infront of you but you didn't bother to stop him, correct him. Infact you asked me to do as per his wishes. Your friend also sweetly insulted me many a times infront of you but you were too busy refreshing your old friendship with her to even acknowledge my presence let alone see the insults hurled towards me. I didn't want you also to accuse me & insult me just like your dii did yesterday. Not that I wouldn't have replied back. But I didn't want to give some people chance to take pleasure in our fights. That's why I didn't tell you all these down. But you deserve to to know the happenings in the house so I am telling you all these here. Though she was trying to sound strong but her moist eyes were conveying her hurt.

Arnav felt his heart clawed in a tight, painful grip remembering the times he have behaved like a jerk with his innocent wife.

He cupped her face between his palms tenderly.

Khushi I know I have been very cruel & nasty towards you in my madness of hurting you. I can't even tell you how guilty & regretful I am for all the hurt & pain I inflicted in you. I wish I could turn back the time then I would just wipe of all those painful days & memories from your heart & mind replacing them with my love & only love. But I can't do that except asking forgiveness, making right all the wrongs I did, proving myself worthy of you & get back your love & trust that you still have in your heart for me even after me behaving so cruel, cold & downright heartless with you. He said with utmost sincerity. His eyes glistening with tears threatening to fall.

Khushi's heart pained to see him this way & she hated herself for being so sensitive towards his slightest of pain when he had been completely insensitive towards the mountain of pain he himself had burdened her with.

I have given you chance to amend your mistakes & prove your love for me & I hope you are taking it seriously Arnavji?? She said removing his hands & straightening herself, not falling weak infront of him.

Yes Khushi & I am going to talk to dii about yesterday. She cannot blame you for whatever happened with Arav. He said & turned to go but Khushi stopped him holding his elbow.

You don't need to talk to dii about that as I have replied her back in my own way as now I am not going to hear any baseless accusations from anybody nor I am going to stay quiet like before. She stated strongly, clearly.

& I am proud of you for that Khushi. He said smiling at her in appreciation.

I told you all these as you should know everything & if possible try to analyse the happenings, joining the links of ur decision of leaving Sheetal back in Mumbai & Arav falling ill in a dramatic way & you being forced to get Sheetal back with you. Khushi said trying to make him grab the hints behind her words.

He tried to read between the lines & suddenly he remembeted something.

Khushi... Why did you stop me from sending Sheetal back to Mumbai?? You not only stopped her but also told her to join AR back. Why Khushi?? He asked his confusion.

Khushi sighed.

Why did you want to sent her to Mumbai Arnavji?? Khushi asked back.

For you Khushi as I know how much you dislike her presence in this house & around me?? He replied.

Exactly Arnavji. I don't want you to move her out of this house because I don't like her. I want you to THROW her out of this house when you yourself would think her worthy & deserving of that only. I don't want you to taunt me someday in obligation that you pushed your friend out of this house because of me or for me whereas you didn't felt like letting her go. She said straightforwardly without mincing her words.

Khushi... What are you saying?? Throw Sheetal out of the house?? Why?? What do you mean to say?? Is there anything related to Sheetal that I don't know or I should know?? He asked not undetstanding the hidden meaning behind her words.

That's for me to know & you to find out. Khushi stated unclearly but managed to raise doubts in his minds just like she intended.

Arnav furrowed his brows. Utterly confused at her reply.

Try to analyse what I said till now & you might get a way out. She replied shrugging her shoulders.

He kept on looking at her trying to read her face but she didn't give up anything.

You are getting late for office Arnavji, I think you should leave now. Khushi said bringing him out of his stupor.

He nodded his head.

Grabbing his jacket & laptop bag he started to move towards the door but stopped abruptly turning back towards her.

Bye Khushi. He said softly.

Bye. She replied plainly.

He wanted to kiss her forhead before leaving just like he usually used to do. But he was hesitant for the first time as he had stopped doing that as well when he was angry on her in past days.

Now if he would do it then he would be proving himself a convenient jerk.

Khushi was looking in his eyes & understood what he was thinking.

They have shared every bit of proximity a couple could. But this forehead kiss has always held the topmost & very special place for her.

All other intimate gestures are mostly woven with passion & desire. Not that she doesn't like them. She equally enjoys as her husband.

But everytime a forehead kiss from him manages to convey his pure love coated with respect, affection & adoration for her. She always felt like he is paying reverence to her love & respect for him.

She knows why he is hesitating as she has asked him to hold on to his desires for her but this forehead kiss doesn't count in those carnal desires.

Its a very heart warming gesture for her & she knows its the same for him as well.

She wants to see what he does because his one thoughtful decision here might bring him one step ahead towards her as it would mean after their closeness of all these months he understands her thoughts & preferences in proximity matters atleast a bit if not more or it might take him one more step back from her as it would prove that he has failed completely to understand her sentiments regarding such gestures & its only the copulation between them that matters to him in the name of proximity.

Unknown to her Arnav was thinking on the same lines.

He has always observed her reactions during their physical closeness at every different occasions.

Whenever he would kiss her on her cheeks or lips, her face would turn scarlet out of shyness.

When he would get more closer then she would just start hyperventilating & would hid herself in him, not able to meet his eyes due to shyness.

When they would be completely engrossed in their lovemaking she would get covered with hue of shyness from head to toe even after their many such encounters after marriage but still would participate & enjoy till her heart consented & he had no qualms in that as he loved her that way.

But when it came to him kissing on her forehead there would be not a tinch of shyness or hesitation in her eyes or expressions. But her eyes would turn soft, tender, warm with love & respect for him & she would just hug him with all her heart & that would fill his heart with warmth as well. That's why he would prefer to kiss on her forehead only always before going to office as he wanted to live through the day with the image of her soft eyes & that warm feeling in his heart till he returns back home to her.

But they have never exchanged their thoughts regarding the same.

He can do that now as well.

She has refrained him from physical proximity but forehead kiss would not be counted in that as it would be devoid of any kind of sexual desire.

Just pure, unadulterated love for her.

So without any second thoughts he bent towards her & kissed her forehead.

Softly. Warmly. Tenderly. Lovingly.

Khushi closed her eyes in admiration at the first real win of THEIR love &  tears gathered at the corner of her closed eyes.

Arnav understood the depth of her emotions because he was sharing the same right now as tears had formed at the corner of his eyes as well.

He slowly wiped the tear away from her eyes with his thumb making her open her eyes.

A lump of guilt formed in his throat as he saw the same softness & tenderness in her eyes for him even after him putting her through sea of miseries.

He gulped hard & moved out of the room without turning back lest he pulls her in a bone crushing hug which she won't appreciate in the current scenario.

Thank you Arnavji for keeping my Arnavji alive in you & I can see the glimpses of him returning back to me. She said at his wake, smiling on her own.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

So.. how is it??

Let me know through your votes & comments as always...

From next update onwards Khushi & her gang would be in full on action mode with Arnav analyzing on Khushi's words & investigating in his own ASRish ways.. So stay tuned dearies 👍

I have already informed in my previous updates that I keep on dropping msgs regarding the update dates.. I have left a msg two days back for this update as well... My followers must have got it.. But those who aren't following me they were unaware & many kept on asking me on the previous update to update soon or when am I gonna update the next part...

So I would again suggest either you follow me to get the schedule or keep on checking my msg board for the same... I actually feel very bad for not being able to reply to those comments who ask about next update & they keep on waiting fir the update...

I apologize to them & hope u would think on my advice ☺️

A/N

I would like to request all my readers to please pray for our martyrs of pulwama terrorist attack, that justice is served to them & their families in a way that terrorists & terrorism gets completely wiped out from the face of this Earth & we never get to witness again such heartwrenching scenes of our martyrs dead bodies & heart breaking cries of their families..

May God rest all the martyrs' souls in peace & give strength to their families to bear the loss 🙏