Hey dearies..

Here's the next update.. But before that, thank u so much for being so considerate, understanding & patient towards me. Thank u so much to all those who inquired about my health.. I'm much better now.. I had caught up with muscle spasm around my ribs, due to sitting for hours continuously, for drafting.. Yesterday, I rested the whole day so I couldn't update. But I'm better now & ready with the update...

Hope you would enjoy...

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"It's a hairline fracture in her right foot ankle." The doctor announced to Aakash & the other Raizadas, who were waiting impatiently, outside the OPD of the hospital, where they had immediately shifted Manorama, who had slipped from the stairs in the house.

All the ladies gasped.

"We have plastered her foot, which will be required to keep for at least 6 weeks." The doctor supplied further.

"Hope it's nothing serious doctor??" A worried Akash asked to the orthopaedic doctor.

"No, Mr. Raizada. Nothing to worry much. She will be fine in 6 to 8 weeks." Doctor said patting Akash's shoulder lightly.

"When can we take her home doctor??" Payal asked.

"We will have to keep her under observation for tonight, to monitor her vitals. Then you can take her home, tomorrow morning." Doctor answered.

Whole family took a sigh of relief.

"We are shifting her to the VIP room. She will gain conscious in half an hour." The doctor informed & then excused himself from the family.

Manorama was then shifted to the VIP room. She was not completely conscious yet, as she was still under the effects of sedatives.

Everybody, except Arnav, who had gone to his office, were present in the VIP room, waiting for Manorama to gain conscious completely.

Arnav was informed about the incident by Khushi over the phone & he was on his way to the hospital.

Sheetal was asked to stay back at home with Aarav by nani.

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As Manorama opened her eyes, she found all the family members surrounding her bed.

She tried to get up & grimaced immediately, feeling the acute pain, due to the sudden leg movement.

Akash & Payal reached her in no time & helped her to sit up, arranging pillows at her back.

She saw her plastered foot & remembered about the incident, which landed her here.

"How are you feeling now maa??" Aakash asked sitting near his mother.

Manorama nodded her head lightly at Aakash.

Payal offered her a glass of water. She drank & handed it back to Payal.

"Is it paining much Manorama??" Nani asked moving near her bed, caressing her daughter in law's head affectionately.

Manorama's eyes got moist seeing her sasuma's loving gesture.

"Not much sasuma." She replied smiling. Nani smiled back.

"Mami.. You scared all of us." Anjali said, standing near nani.

"Sorry Anjali bitiya." Mami apologized.

Anjali shook her head smiling.

"But how did you fall mamiji??" Khushi asked this time.

"I don't know. I bhas coming down the ishtairs (stairs) piraperly. But suddenly my leg salipped on bhan (one) oph the istairs & I tumbled down raisht (rest) oph the ishtairs." Manorama replied, looking at her plastered foot.

"Bhat did the doctors say Aakas bitwa??“ Manorama asked & Akash filled her with the details.

Manorama sighed.

"So I bhill hab to ishstay in the hospital today." She said sadly.

"It's just one night maaji. Tomorrow morning you will be discharged." Payal consoled.

The doctor with a nurse, entered the room.

He checked on Manorama & noted down the details in his notepad & hung it near Manorama's bed. After giving necessary instructions to the nurse, he left the room with Akash following behind.

The nurse gave Manorama her meds & asked the family to get something light food for Manorama to eat. They can also get it from the canteen, she suggested.

But the ladies preferred to get it from home.

Nurse then left the room, after informing them that they shouldn't crowd the patient, as she needs rest.

Everybody left the room, letting Manorama rest.

Akash came to them after meeting the doctor. He informed that there's no need for everybody to stay back because as per the hospital rules only two people can stay with the patient.

Akash was likely to stay. Anjali offered her help but Payal denied stating that she wants to stay with her mother in law. Anjali agreed.

Everybody sans Akash & Payal, then left for home.

Khushi assured to get food for Manorama, Payal & Akash, from home.

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Manorama was asleep under the effects of medicine. Payal & Akash were sitting  on the couch, placed at the corner of the VIP room.

Akash was glancing at his mother's sleeping figure again & again.

"She will be fine Akash." Payal assured him, keeping her hand on his.

Akash nodded smiling lightly, keeping his other hand on hers.

Both sat in silence for sometime, holding hands.

Akash cleared his throat slowly, not disturbing his resting mother.

"Thanks Payal, for staying back with me, for maa." He said looking at her, entwining their fingers.

"That's my duty, my responsibility Akash, as ur wife & as sasuma's daughter in law." She replied looking at her sleeping mother in law.

"Yes.. which you always fulfilled, since the day you married me. But I failed to even acknowledge your efforts, let alone appreciate, failing myself spectacularly as a husband." He said chuckling, mocking himself.

Payal suspired hard before speaking.

"Yes.. You failed Akash. You are a good son, a good brother, a good grandson. But you failed to be an equally good husband. You crushed all my dreams & expectations of a happy married life with your negligence towards me & our relationship." Payal said without mincing her words.

Akash gulped, nodding his head in acceptance.

"I never dreamt of a fairy tale wedding & a dreamy marital life Akash. I just wanted a simple, happy & contented life with my husband & in laws. I gave my best to make it work, but you couldn't live up to your promises which you made while pursuing me for marriage, which I was not sure would work, due to the differences between our status & style of living. But still, I trusted on you, on your assurances & attached my life with yours, accepting you & your family, wholeheartedly. But you couldn't even stand by me, your wife, then my family is out of the question." Payal said. Her pain & disappointment of months very much palpable in her voice.

Akash was just listening to everything, which he never cared to do all these months. He was full of regrets.

"I know you love me Akash. But you couldn't give me my due respect, neither your mother could & love without respect, is bound to die it's painful death, when it crosses its limit." Payal said looking at Akash, who raised his head immediately to her. His eyes horrified, hearing to Payal's words.

"Payal.. Please don't say so." Akash pleaded, holding her hand tight.

Payal chuckled dryly.

"Don't worry Akash. To your good luck, I haven't reached my brim of endurance yet." She replied shaking her head.

Akash breathed, relieved.

"But a marriage doesn't work by luck Akash. It requires consistent investment of love, respect, time, thoughtfulness, forgiveness, affection & a rock solid commitment to & for your partner. Then only you can live a healthy & happy married life." Payal said looking at his guilty eyes with her pained ones.

Akash nodded his head in understanding.

"Thank you Payal. Thank you so much for not giving up on me, on our marriage, even after I gave you countless reasons to do so." He then stood up & crouched down near Payal's legs, not leaving their hand hold.

"Akash.. What are you.." Payal started but he interrupted her.

"No Payal.. Please let me do this. Let me accept my mistakes & ask for your forgiveness." He said with moist eyes.

"Payal.. I know. I didn't fulfill any of my promises, I made to you before. I had assured you to always support you, stand by you after our marriage. I had promised to never let any kind of differences or my mother's dislike towards you, come in between us & hamper our love. I had promised to love you, respect you & get you, your due respect as a Raizada daughter in law. But I not only failed in getting you your respect as a bahu, but I took you for granted as a wife as well. I thought, now when you are my wife, you will manage with my mother & the house with time. I don't need to enter in family politics & get myself crushed between my mother & my wife. I chose to stay on the safer side. But I forgot, you were my responsibly & so was your respect. I got you in my house, away from your family, for the love I have for you. So it was my duty to look out for your interests, respect & happiness in my house, in which I failed completely." He shook his head with disgust for himself.

Payal was listening to him intently. It's not that her husband talks everyday, with this wisdom.

"I'm sorry for everything you had to endure due to my negligence & callous behaviour towards you Payal. It's high time, I change my ways & correct my mistakes. I assure you, to give you your same loving, caring & respecting Akash, you had fallen in love with & had married. I will replace all the painful memories with new loving ones." He said kissing her hands.

"I'm glad Akash, you accepted your mistakes & are ready to rectify them. I would always be there for you at every step of life, to guide you, to hold you, to support you. But if you repeat the same mistakes then I won't be able to bear it again Akash." She raised her doubts.

"No Payal. I have learnt my mistakes the hard way. So I won't dare to repeat the same ever again. I love you very much Payal & can't even imagine my life without you. I promise you & this time it's a pakkawala promise" He said pinching his neck making Payal giggle. "that I would live up to all my promises & your expectations & would never let you down ever again." He said with utmost sincerity, that touched Payal's heart.

She made him sit back on the couch beside her.

"I'm again believing you & your words Akash. Hope you won't make me regret again." She asked.

"No. Never. Never again Payal." He assured her, pulling her in his arms.

Payal smiled in ecstacy, getting her husband back.

"I love you Akash." She said snuggling closer.

"I love you too Payal." He replied back, dropping kisses in her hair.

Their romantic moment was interrupted by a knock on the door.

They broke apart unwillingly & sat properly.

The door opened & Arnav entered, removing his glairs.

Akash & Payal stood up from the couch.

"Bhai." Akash moved towards Arnav.

"How's mami now Akash??" Arnav asked looking at his sleeping mami.

Akash repeated whatever the doctor had said.

"Good that it's nothing serious." Arnav said going near his mami's bed.

"Yes bhai." Akash followed him.

Arnav inspected the plaster for his satisfaction. His heart pained to see his mami in this condition. Even though it wasn't serious but still, to see his always walking, talking & laughing mami in this condition, was hard for him. She had always been a mother figure for him & his dii, as she has never differentiated between her own son Akash & them. She has always showered her motherly love equally on them. She has a caustic tongue just like him, but has a heart of gold. But again, only for those, whom she likes.

Manorama's eyes fluttered open. She smiled seeing her Arnav bitwa, in front of her eyes.

Payal & Akash, helped her to sit up.

"Bhen did you come??“ She asked Arnav.

"Just a few minutes back mami." He replied, sitting near his mami, on the bed.

"Is it paining mami??“ He asked concerned, gesturing towards her plastered foot.

"No bitwa. The pain has laissened then bephore due to the maidicines & injaiction." She replied.

"Good. You just take rest & don't worry at all. You will be fine soon." Arnav assured.

Mami nodded, smiling.

A knock sounded on the door & Khushi entered with the tiffin carrier in her hands & handed it to Payal.

Arnav's eyes twinkled seeing his wife.

Khushi moved towards Manorama & asked about her health.

They got engrossed in light talks when Arnav stood up & informed that he will meet mami's doctor & come back. He asked Khushi not to go till he returns, as they will travel back home together in his car.

Khushi nodded in acceptance.

Arnav moved out & went towards the doctor's cabin. On the way he informed Mohan, who had driven Khushi to the hospital, to go back home, as he will get Khushi back with him, in his car.

After meeting mami's doctor, Arnav was about to go towards mami's room, when he collided with their family doctor Mr. Bansal, who was there for his weekly visit.

After exchanging pleasantries, Arnav told him the reason behind his arrival in this hospital.

The doctor assured him that his mami is in safe hands, as the orthopedician, who treated her, is one of the best in the city.

Arnav nodded curtly.

"So, how is Mrs. Raizada now ASR?? Hope she is recovering well??" The Doctor asked suddenly.

"I would suggest you to get her thoroughly investigated. Dropping of BP to the lowest at this young age, is not a good sign health wise Mr. Raizada." Arnav was completely clueless & utter confused with the doctor's words.

"I wanted to suggest a thorough check-up that very day, but she wasn't in a very good condition to cooperate with the medical investigation. But I insist, you get it done now, if she is in a better state, to avoid such mishaps from happening again." The Dr. suggested.

Now Arnav was restless hearing something so worrisome from the Doctor. But still he was clueless about whom he was talking & what condition he was referring.

"I'm sorry doctor, but I didn't get you. I mean, who are you talking about here & what condition are you referring to?? Can you please be clear??" Arnav asked moving closer to the doctor. His forehead covered with the worry lines.

Now the doctor was confused with Arnav's questions. So he suggested, it would be better if they sit in his cabin & talk. They moved towards Dr. Bansal's cabin.

"Now will you please tell me clearly, whom you are talking about doctor??" Arnav asked impatiently, sitting on the chair, opposite to the doctor's.

"I'm talking about your wife Mr. Raizada." The doctor cleared, hitching Arnav's breath.

"My…. My wife??" Arnav asked incredulously. His heart was beating fearfully in his chest.

"Yes Mr. Raizada. Your wife. I hope she is doing better now. I had instructed everything clearly to her sister that day. Hope she & you all followed my instructions & took care of Mrs. Raizada." Doctor asked Arnav who was sitting stiff on the chair, listening to the doctor keenly.

" ASR, I'm your family doctor since years & we also share good family relations. I know your nature & temper issues very well. So, more than a doctor, I would like to advise you as a family, that you need to be soft & gentle with your wife. She seemed too depressed to me in her unconscious state as well, that day. I don't know what was the exact reason, but I would deduce it to be a couple's rift, which has affected her very badly, emotionally & physically both." The doctor supplied more information bravely.

"Unconscious…" Arnav whispered lowly. His own BP, on the verge of dropping.

"Are… Are you really talking about my… my wife doctor??" Arnav asked, not able to believe his ears. His voice scared, shaking.

Doctor nodded. "Yes ASR, I'm talking about your wife only."

Arnav gulped painfully.

What is he hearing?? What had happened to his Khushi?? When?? How?? Why?? & nobody cared to even inform him. Not even Khushi herself. He fisted his palms on his lap, controlling his emotions.

He needs to know everything from the doctor himself, right now.

Composing himself, he sat straight on his chair. Squaring his shoulders. Masking his emotions.

"Doctor, I want you to tell me everything, without missing a single detail." Arnav ordered the doctor crisply.

The doctor frowned as to why ASR wants to know everything from him. Didn't his wife tell him about her fainting episode & ill health?? The doctor looked sharply at Arnav's face & understood that he has rightly assimilated. ASR doesn't know anything. So should he tell him everything, if his wife hasn't yet then?? The doctor thought. Yes, of course. He should. After all it's the question of somebody's life & that somebody is THE ASR's wife. So he better fills him with the details. Being a husband, he deserves to know it & being a doctor, it's his duty to inform him about his wife's health.

"Doctor… Will you start already??" Arnav snapped, seeing the doctor all silent, when he is going all impatient & restless here.

The doctor jerked on his seat, coming out of his musings.

"I'm waiting doctor." Arnav gritted hard.

Without more delay, the doctor narrated everything from getting the phone call from Payal, till he left RM after checking Khushi. He also told him about his doubts on probability of Khushi's sudden ill health.

Arnav heard everything with superficial calmness but he was breaking from within, after knowing more of his Khushi's sufferings, which were again his own givings as usual & he doesn't need to get any reports to prove that.

"ASR, don't worry. Your wife will be fine. You are there for her. Just give her your lots of love & care & she would be fine as before." The doctor said seeing Arnav gone all silent & rigid. He can fairly understand his condition as being their family doctor he has seen Khushi - how bubbly & chirpy kind of a girl she was. Always happy & smiling. Also she is the main reason behind this completely changed ASR, who is a better human being then before. He himself was anxious seeing Khushi in that condition that day, so he can very well understand Arnav's condition, who was kept in the dark, regarding all the happenings with his wife's health, regardless of any reasons.

"ASR.. Are you ok??" The doctor asked concerned.

Arnav nodded, swallowing hard.

"Thanks doctor." Arnav said without meeting the doctor's eyes & left his cabin.

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Arnav returned to mami's room.

The moment his eyes landed on his wife, who was speaking to her jiji, he wanted to go & crush her in his arms & apologize again & again for all his misdoings, till she forgives him.

Khushi felt his presence & turned towards the door.

She saw him standing there, looking at her with painful eyes.

She frowned. She gestured him through her eyes, whether he was okay.

He blinked his eyes at her, assuringly.

Though not satisfied, but she let it be for now.

Manorama had already finished her dinner. Khushi & Arnav sat with her, till Payal & Akash finish with their dinner.

After spending some time, they both left from there, informing Akash to call them, if anything needed.

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Arnav was about to open the front passenger side door for Khushi to sit. But to his surprise, he saw Khushi opening the back seat door & was about to sit, when Arnav stopped her, holding her elbow.

Khushi looked at him questioningly.

"Khushi.. What are you doing?? Why are you going to sit on the back seat?? We don't have a driver. I myself am going to drive the car. Come & sit in the front seat with me." He said closing the back door & opening the front door for her.

"I was going to sit where I'm sitting since days, even when you are driving the car & not the driver Arnavji." He narrowed his eyes in confusion. "Because just like my chair beside yours on the dining table was given to your friend, my place beside you in the car was also given to your friend Sheetal & her son." She answered calmly, but he could feel the pain, she was trying to cover under the pretext of her calmness.

He clutched the door handle hard. He felt a hand clawing at his heart in a strong grip. He is just getting reminded of his wrongdoings towards his wife & he is feeling this excruciating pain, then how his Khushi herself must have felt that time & many more such times.

He bit the insides of his cheeks, to stop himself from screaming, to let out the pain he was feeling for his Khushi.

Taking a deep breath, he held Khushi's hand gently. "Every place beside me, wherever it is, it was, it is & it will always be yours, till my last breath Khushi." He said looking into her eyes, meaning each & every word, with all his heart.

"That night before going to the party, I had asked you to change your backless blouse, but you hadn't paid any heed to my words & on top of that, you were wearing a red saree. You know very well, how that colour on you, affects on me. Still you went for the kill. All the men in the party were ogling at you shamelessly. I had a hard time to control my hands from disfiguring their faces & if that was not enough, you danced with NK. Seeing his hands on your bare waist, I couldn't control my anger then & walked out of the party & waited in the car." He revealed the reason of his anger that night.

"Arnavji.. Nanheji & I were…" Khushi tried to speak but he interrupted. "I know Khushi. It was just a friendly dance. But you know me, how possessive I'm for you in such matters. I was very angry at you. So when Sheetal came & sat in the front seat beside me with Arav, I didn't stop her. I thought to hurt you, just the way I was hurt in the party. But I didn't knew, my this petty revenge game would take such a nasty turn. Then the DNA fiasco happened & everything just went on from bad to worst. Of course, the credit goes to me." He shook his head, unbelievably disgusted with himself.

"Khushi.. you belong to me & only me. The same way, I & everything of mine belongs to you & only you Khushi. No one can deny that. Not even me" He said looking at her intently. "& if next time I behave such impulsively & insensitively, then just punch my face & disfigure it." He said making her chuckle.

He kissed her hand & helped her to sit in the car.

A proud smile formed on her face when she sat in the car. Proud of herself, for getting one more victory according to her determination, of getting her each & every place along with her respect back, from the same people, who snatched them or were the reason behind them getting snatched from her.

Arnav sat behind the wheels & started the engine towards their home.

After their small emotional talk in the parking, Arnav was all silent in the car. He seemed to be concentrating on the road, but Khushi knew that something was bothering him. She can feel it. She had seen in his eyes, the moment he had entered mami's room, after meeting her doctor.

"Arnavji.." She called him.

Arnav swallowed before glancing at her & then back on the road.

"Is mamiji okay?? Did her doctor tell you something worrisome about her health??" Khushi inquired carefully.

"No Khushi. Mami is fine. As per the doctor told all of us, her foot will get completely cured within 8 weeks." He replied concentrating on the road.

"Then what's the matter Arnavji?? Why do you seem so worried??" She asked leaning a bit towards him.

He cleared the boulder stuck in his throat before speaking.

"No Khushi. It's.. It's nothing. Just some office tension. Nothing much. Don't worry." He replied with a forced smile, which was noticed by Khushi.

She decided to ask him after reaching home.

Once they reached home, in their room, Arnav pulls Khushi in his arms tight, close to his heart, assuring himself, that she is still there with him. Where in real, she should have left him way back due to his atrocious behaviour.

Khushi was startled by his sudden wave of affection. She tried to pull away, but he tightened his hold. "Stay. Please stay there for a while Khushi." He beseeched hoarsely, wrapping his one hand around her waist & the other around her shoulders.

Khushi could feel restlessness, grief & plead in his voice, which pinched her heart as always.

She wrapped her arms around him, providing him, much needed support & strength.

She felt her shoulder getting wet, where he had hid his face. Now she couldn't stay quiet & still.

She forcefully detached herself from him & cupped his face. She gasped seeing tears in his eyes.

He looked away & tried to wipe his tears.

But she stopped him & wiped them herself & that broke Arnav's dam of control.

He hugged her back tightly, as humanly possible. She couldn't utter a single word as thought.

"I'm sorry Khushi. I'm so so sorry, for all that I have been putting you through, since the day we met. I had my reasons back then. But this time, I have been an absolutely insensitive jerk & an arrogant bastard, to put you through so much of hurt & pain deliberately, just to soothe my worthless ego." He confessed clutching her dress tightly in his fists, at her back.

Khushi was shocked due to the sudden onslaught of emotions, Arnav was pouring abruptly. She needs to know the reason right now.

Pulling herself back a bit in his arms, she raised his face to hers.

"What happened Arnavji?? Why are you so emotional & regretful all of a sudden??“ She asked gently, looking into his teary eyes.

He just kept on looking at her face, as if trying to absorb each & every feature of hers.

She slowly led him towards the bed & seated him on it. She turned to get water for him. But he held her hand, stopping her.

"Please don't go Khushi. Just stay with me." He requested.

"I'm just going to get water for you Arnavji." She replied politely.

He shook his head. "No. I don't want anything other then you Khushi. Just stay with me. Please." He requested again, wrapping his arms around her waist, burying his face in her flat tummy.

The terrible feeling of losing her due to his own stupidity & callousness, was choking the life out of him. All he wanted was to stay with his Khushi, ensuring she is safe & healthy, otherwise he won't be able to survive. No wonder, he had suddenly gone restless & out of breath that day in Mumbai because his Khushi had fallen weak & unconscious here.

Khushi caressed his head lovingly. Her heart was dropping into the pit of her stomach seeing him like this. She has never seen him this weak & scared. Not even when they fought the day, when he came back from Mumbai. Something major has happened to bring out this agonizing pain in him.

She slowly unwrapped his arms from around her waist & sat near him, close to him, holding his hands.

"Arnavji.. What is the matter that is distressing you so much?? Please tell me or I will die out of…" But she couldn't complete as Arnav covered her mouth with his palm.

"No.." He said sternly, shaking his head. "Don't ever say that Khushi." He removed his palm. "You are my life. The reason for my survival. My life depends on you." Khushi was looking at him unblinkingly. "Khushi hai, to Arnav hai. Khushi nahin, to Arnav bhi nahin." He kissed her forehead. "I love you Khushi, more then my life." He enveloped her in his arms. "Never do that to me Khushi. Never ever." He urged dreadfully.

"Arnavji." She whispered in his arms. "What are you talking about?? What did I do??" She asked raising her face to look at his painful visage.

"I met our family doctor today in the hospital Khushi, when I went to meet mami's doctor." He started.

"Hmmm…then" She mumbled.

"He told me about." He gulped. "about your bp dropping down & you falling unconscious that day, when I had gone to Mumbai." He disclosed the reason behind his distress.

Khushi went stiff in his arms. So he got to know & that's the reason behind his distress & regret. He got scared of losing her.

She moved back from his arms & looked in his eyes which held many questions.

"Arnavji.. I.." But Arnav again cupped her mouth with his palm.

"No Khushi.. You don't need to tell me the reason behind your ill health that day as I already know & how can't I, when me & my thoughtlessness are the sole reason for all your sufferings." He removed his hand from her mouth & cupped her face in his palms. "I know, no amount of apology would be enough to forgive my sins Khushi. But please don't punish me by hiding such big thing from me. It's killing me from inside since the time, the doctor told me everything. I'm not able to breath Khushi." Tears rolled down his eyes wetting Khushi's heart. He placed his head in her lap. "I know Khushi. I have hurt you beyond limits & I'm regretting beyond limits for that. Believe me." He gripped her thighs. "I promise to make everything alright Khushi. Very soon."

Yes Khushi. I will make everything alright & Sheetal will get all her due punishments for trying to hurt my Khushi. Once I get the reports from my detective, I will share everything with you & then I will show that Sheetal, a living hell on this earth itself. That's your Arnavji's promise. Arnav thought determinedly.

"I believe you Arnavji & I promise, I won't hide anything related to my health from you ever." She promised, caressing his hairs.

His vulnerability was breaking her from within. He thinks that she collapsed that day because of his atrocities towards her, which is partially true. But the main reason is Sheetal & her despicable talks to her over the phone that day, which he isn't aware of yet. Now it's high time he knows everything about Sheetal, how she has been playing with his wife's & family's feelings. Mostly how dangerous she is to his own life. Once Nanheji's friend provides them with Sheetal's partner's name, she will tell her Arnavji everything. She promised to herself determinedly but couldn't stop her tears from rolling down her cheeks & falling on Arnav's cheek on her lap.

He raised his head from her lap & cupped her face.

"No Khushi. I have made you shed enough tears for a lifetime." He kissed her cheeks one by one, sucking her tears. "Now all you will get, is only happiness & smiles from me Khushi." She smiled her original smile after ages, which reached her eyes & straight to his heart, making him smile as well.

He leaned towards her lips. But she stopped him by placing her fingers in between. It's enough of progress for now. She needs some more time to give him more of her.

"It's quite late Arnavji. We should sleep now. We have to go to the hospital in the morning, to get back mamiji, jiji & jijaji." She replied standing up from the bed & moved towards the closet, to take their night wears.

Arnav acknowledged her sentiments & suppressed his desires.

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In the middle of the night, Manorama woke up to use the washroom. She saw Payal sleeping on the extra bed opposite hers & Akash sleeping on the couch at the corner of the big VIP room. She didn't feel like waking either of them as both of them must have slept very late in her worry. She stretched her hand to ring the call bell, to call the nurse for help. But before she could touch the bell, Payal was beside her.

"What happened maaji?? Do you want anything??" Payal asked concerned, holding Manorama's stretched hand.

Manorama was initially startled with Payal's sudden voice. "Yes.. I waant to go to the waashroom." She replied.

"Maaji.. Doctor has refrained you from putting even a bit of pressure on your plastered feet, till the plaster gets removed. So you can't go to the washroom. But.. " Before Payal could complete her sentence, Manorama snapped.

"Bhat do you mean by that?? How bhill I stay without using waashroom for that long or you waant me to wet the bed like kids??“ She asked glaring at Payal.

Payal stifled her guffaws hearing to her mother in law's funny talks in the middle of the night.

"Maaji, you didn't let me complete my words. What I meant was, you will have to use the bedpan for some time now." Payal clarified.

Manorama scrunched her nose but there was nothing she could do.

"Ok then caal the nuras to helap me." She ordered Payal.

"Why should I call any nurse when I'm there to look after you?? That's why I stayed with you here as well maaji." Payal said & bent to retrieve the bedpan from under the bed.

Manorama's eyes widened. "You bhill do it??" She asked incredulously.

Payal nodded. "Yes maaji."

Before Manorama could inquire anything further more, Payal helped her to set the bedpan for her.

Then moving away from the bed she closed the curtains around the bed, to give her mother in law privacy.

After a few minutes, she asked. "Are you done maaji??“

"Yes." Manorama replied.

Payal slid the curtains back open & slowly shifted the bedpan from under her mother in law & helped her to set her clothes properly. She then took the bedpan in the washroom, cleaned it properly & kept it back on its place. She went back in the bathroom to wash her hands properly.

All the while Manorama was noticing Payal's face. She saw that her bahu didn't cringe away or didn't covered her nose in disgust while holding the bedpan. If instead of Payal there would have been some Miss. India or Miss. Universe as her bahu, just like she had wanted, then she would have never even stayed with her (Manorama) back in the hospital, let alone help her for washroom.

Payal came back after washing her hands. She then sanitized them with the sanitizer provided by the hospital.

"Come on now, lie down maaji. I will put the quilt on you." Payal suggested.

Manorama lied down slowly. Payal adjusted the pillows under her head & fractured leg, then covered her with a quilt.

"How did you wake up phor me Payal?? Weren't you in a deep saleep?? Manorama asked.

"I wasn't in that deep slumber, that I won't understand that my mother in law needs help." Payal replied increasing the AC temperature, as the room was too cold already.

Manorama was stunned with her reply. This is the same girl whom she refused to acknowledge as her bahu, but she never failed to fulfill her duties as bahu. She was alert for her mother in law, even in her sleep.

"Do call me out, if you need anything maaji. I would be kind of awake only." Payal said smiling.

"Okay." Manorama replied & for the first time she reciprocated to her bahu with a genuine smile.

Payal then went back to her bed & lied down.

But sleep was far away from Manorama's eyes, as she was thinking about her behaviour towards her bahu till now.

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Next morning, Arnav was shooting orders to Aman on phone for some important works to be done, as he was going to be late at the office today.

Khushi entered with his coffee & kept on the laptop table.

Arnav cut his call & immediately picked his coffee mug. It was after many days, that his Khushi herself has got coffee for him. He smiled & took the first sip looking at his wife who was combing her hair, standing in front of the dressing table.

"Ahh.. it's heavenly." He mumbled taking the first sip, satisfiedly.

"Did you say something Arnavji??" Khushi asked scrunching her eyebrows.

"No. Nothing." He replied shrugging his shoulders & kept relishing his coffee.

Khushi turned back to her work.

Arnav was admiring his wife through the mirror, sipping his coffee. She was humming a song while combing her beautiful long hair. He was hearing her sing after long. She was coming back to her normal self slowly. Soon he will get his wife, his Khushi back, in her original glory.

He was so lost in admiring his wife that he didn't even realize that his mug was already empty but he was still trying to sip from the empty mug.

Khushi who was noticing her husband's antics through the mirror, came near him & took the empty mug from his hand.

He frowned.

"The mug is empty Arnavji." Khushi said inverting the empty mug in front of him.

Arnav smiled sheepishly, rubbing the back of his neck.

Khushi shook her head chuckling & was about to go when Arnav stopped her.

"Khushi.. Will you please take out a suit for me to wear from the closet?? Till then I would take my bath." He asked politely.

"Are you sure Arnavji??" Khushi asked placing the empty mug back on the table.

Arnav narrowed his eyes in confusion.

"I mean, my choice of suit might not be suitable for your office." She mocked him, folding her hands at her front.

Arnav now understood, under what context she was saying so. It's time to clear her misunderstanding which he didn't think was important then, as per one of his many assumptions.

He moved closer to her.

"Khushi.. I agree, I didn't wear your choice of suit that day. But I didn't wear Sheetal's suggested suit as well." He said holding her forearms.

Khushi's forehead creased.

"That day, I had completely forgotten about the conference I was about to attend. So I was ready to wear the suit you chose for me as usual. But when Sheetal reminded me about the conference, I too felt that the navy blue suit would be too loud for that. I was about to explain the same to you, but before that, Sheetal picked a grey suit from our wardrobe for me & you immediately moved out of the room silently. I couldn't run behind you as I was wearing my bathrobe. But as soon as you left, I told Sheetal to leave the room immediately as I would help myself & she left. How could I accept her choice over yours Khushi?? So I kept her choice of grey suit back in the closet & took out another light colour suit & got ready for office. But I guess you were too hurt that day to notice it & I failed to notice your hurt that day, like many other times till now." Arnav replied ruefully, looking at a now shocked Khushi, with the clearance of her misunderstanding she was harbouring in her heart till now.

" Arnavji.. I.. " She was unable to form words.

He embraced her in his arms, caressing her back gently, as he knows, the soft hearted & genuine his Khushi is, how guilty she must be feeling now. But it's not her fault. It was just a misunderstanding.

"Khushi.. You don't need to feel guilty on this. It was just a misunderstanding, which I would have cleared way before if I had known the intensity of the hurt it caused you." He tried to ease her guilt.

& after their distance of days, for the first time Khushi hugged her husband tight, willingly.

Her eyes were moist, but her lips were smiling, feeling lighter after days of heaviness on her heart. Her Arnavji had considered her feelings if not choice at that time.

Moving back, Khushi kisses Arnav's cheeks, making him smile in ecstasy.

"I will select a suit for you." She said happily & moved towards the closet.

She kept on shifting all his suits back & forth, looking for her choice. When her eyes landed on the grey suit, Sheetal had chosen that day, she glared at it, as if it's a living creature & pushed it back roughly.

Arnav chuckled at his wife's craziness. Guess he would have to throw away that suit. He mused chuckling.

Khushi took out the same navy blue suit, she had chosen that day & handed it to him.

"Perfect choice." He appreciated taking it in his hand.

She smiled widely at him.

He kissed her forehead affectionately. "I love you Khushi." He said cupping her cheek. "Keep smiling like this always & I will make sure, this smile never leaves your face henceforth." He promised her heartily & moved towards the bathroom, for his shower.

"I love you too Arnavji." She whispered, at his wake.

But like always his heart heard it.

"Soon you will confess it to me directly like before Khushi. My love will compel you to do so." He made another promise to himself, looking in the mirror, above the wash-basin.

To be continued……

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So.. An update with mostly Arshi, without irritating Sheetal & her annoying son..

How did u find it??

Let me know through ur votes & comments as always.

2-3 more updates full of Arshi, some more revelations, torchuring Sheetal more by KKK soldiers, family moments.. all these before the real villain strikes 😎

Next update is of LAFB, due on Monday.. But it might get delayed a day or two due to obvious reasons.. Hope u all would co operate as always..

Love
Kavita ❤️