Karte hain hum aaj qabool kya kijay...

Nani knocked on Anjali's room before entering only to see her lost in thoughts.

"What's the matter bitiya?" She asked kindly.

Anjali shook her head feeling worried as well as scared for her Chote as he has left quite angrily in the morning and now it was evening. Still there was no sign of him. His cell was on voice mail and she didn't know where to look for him.

"Tell me Anjali bitiya. What is it? Maybe I could help?" Nani urged her.

"Nani, its-its Chote. He was really upset when I told him that Khushi's babuji refused to give her hand to him. He just -- left angrily. But I know better. He was really hurt inside."

Nani sighed.

"We had done our part bitiya. We went to their home asking for their daughters hand. They have to right to decide what's best for their girls. I can't blame them." She said softly.

Anjali blinked back the tears.

"But Nani, after years I have seen Chote asking something for himself.Particularly.After years I am seeing him really desperate to achieve it.He genuinely wants to make her the part of his life. I don't know what it would do to him if he didn't get her."

"Let's hope for the best bitiya. We have tried once. If needed we would go there again because the matter is of our Chote's happiness. If not at two, they might agree after several attempts?"

"I don't think so Nani." She shook her head."Haven't you seen the protectiveness that radiated from Shashi Uncle when he talked about NOT giving Khushi's hand to anyone until she turns Payal ji's age? It would be next to impossible to change his mind."

"Then I think we should wait for the right time bitiya. It's not that either Chote or Khushi are going anywhere. We would tell Shashi ji that whenever he thought of any prospective groom for his younger daughter he should think about our Chote first."

"Still Nani, years passing by couldn't reduce the age difference between Chote and Khushi ji can it? It was Shashi Uncle's one of the reasons to refuse."

"I am sure it can't but still it can change the perception of Khushi's father. Let's just hope for the best like I said."

"I just hope it's not too late by then. Didn't you see how Chote was all those years back? He despised the idea of marriage and after 14 years he actually asked to get married himself. I don't want him to go back to the way he was Nani. He is turning back to life, to light. If he-"

Nani cut her sternly.

"Bitiya, No. We will try our best for him. Won't we?" Nani gave her a kind, reassuring smile to which Anjali gave her a nod before placing her head on Nani's lap whilst Devyani ran her fingers in her hairs with a thoughtful look on her face.

"He loves her Nani." Anjali muttered, her tone lined with tears.

"Can you believe it? My Chote is in love!"

Devyani leaned to kiss her head with a smile.

"Miracles do happen bitiya. They still do."

"You know Nani when an year back he told me-" Anjali clicked her tongue stopping in mid. Straightening up she looked at her Nani sheepishly who had a known look on her face.

"So this was what kept Chote sad. Made him aloof to everyone more than he already was. Because Khushi's family left to Lucknow right bitiya?"

Anjali just nodded keeping the certain details to herself.

"I wonder why did they move out of Delhi all of a sudden?" Devyani muttered to herself.

Anjali kept mum pretending she didn't hear anything.

If she told Nani how Chote behaved with Khushi ji regarding Shyam's matter and not to mention after that about Gupta House eviction then Nani will surely join Shashi Uncle's team and would never support Arnav because there are certain values in which Devyani Singh Raizada would never compromise not even for her dearest grandson who was the apple of her eyes after her daughter's untimely death.

"So tell me Mr.Arnav Singh Raizada when should we elope?" Khushi asked tilting her head imitating the same look which he always worn whenever he blackmailed her.

"You are learning!"

"What?"

"Mind games honey. But you know what? You can't just beat the one who has mastered the art of turning the tables for a long time now. You need to work really hard to get there."

"What do you mean?" She felt alarm bells ringing in her head.

He chuckled darkly before starting the car.

"If that's what you want then fine by me." He said shrugging.

"Let's get married." He added and her eyes widened in horror.

Should I jump out of the car?

Khushi thought looking out of the window and just then she felt the window of her side of the door rolling up.

Gulping her head shot to him.

How did he get to know what she was thinking?

She saw his lips forming into a devilish smirk whilst he drove looking ahead.

Think!

Think!

Think Khushi!

She heard him chuckle besides her.

Fuming she was barely able to prevent the groan of frustration from erupting out.

Laad Governor!

Why she always finds herself in impossible situations with only him?

Why devi maiyya?

She looked up making a face complaining to her best friend.

He took a sharp turn causing her to hit her head on his shoulder even with the seatbelts on.

"Oww! Hey devi maiyya!" She exclaimed rubbing her head glaring at him who was driving as if nothing happened.

What was he made of?

Stone?

Marbles?

Because she was surely feeling like she hit with one as her head spinned to and fro before her senses became over-alert as he stopped the car outside a..

Court?

Her eyes widened when he took out his cell and walked out of the car. Standing with his back to the car he was talking on the phone.

This is your chance Khushi!

Bhaag! (Run!)

She turned to the door knob and twisted it only to find it locked.

She saw him rolling the key around his finger.

Argh!

Seeing the main lock she was about to lean to it when he turned and looked straight at her. Gulping she put on a strong stance straightening up in her seat as he came around the car with a satisfied look on his face.

"What are you doing in there? Come out Khushi. Our marriage documents are ready." He said stuffing his hands in his pockets opening the side of her door and stood there calmly as if he has all the time in the world.

Khushi twisted and untwisted her fingers.

"What happened? Don't have the strength to go by your choice honey?" He leaned to her ear.

"Even you backed off now know that I won't." He blew at her ear maing her shut her eyes tightly and her heart drop to the pit of her stomach.

Gathering her courage she raised her eyes and glared at him making him amused. She placed her palm on his chest to keep him at bay.

"You may succeed in marrying me Laad Governor but keep it in mind I would never accept you or this relation ever because it would mean nothing to me!"

Khushi saw with satisfaction that the victorious smirk was gone replaced by serious look as now it was his turn to glare at her.

"We would see about that. Won't we honey?!" He said bringing his face dangerously close to hers.

She turned her head to the other side feeling irritated.

What's with this stupid "honey" rant of this Laad Governor?

"Fine. If you aren't willing to come then I will just go and call the lawyer here and we could sign the papers in the car itself." He said and turning around left towards the court.

Khushi huffed.

Looking at his retreating back, her gaze fell on the door which he has forgotten to close or lock.

A secretive smile broke out on her lips as she jumped out of the car looking behind as he ascended the staircase to the court entrance.

Hopping inside the very first auto that passed by her she squealed in excitement.

"Marry that Laad Governor? Over my dead body huh!" She danced in a jig even sitting in the auto causing the poor driver's eyes to dart to her through rear view mirror making her somber up but the smile just won't leave her lips.

She hasn't felt this alive in ages. By ages she meant by the last year ever since she left Delhi.

She has almost forgotten the feeling of winning challenges from that Rakshas!

A rush of satisfaction washed over her as she took out her phone and typed a message.

Never will I marry you Laad Governor. Sent

Well as a matter of fact you will. Period. Reply was quick and certain as if he was waiting for her message only.

What made you think that I would ever think of spending my life with you? She typed.

Because I am still firm on my words Khushi Kumari Gupta. Either two marriages will happen or none will. He replied.

And it fell like cold bucket of water over her happiness.

Standing at the top of the stairs Arnav saw her almost jumping in an auto and leaving with happiness shining on her face and couldn't help but smile at her innocence.

Bilkul bachchi hai ye ladki! (She is such a child!)

What would you expect from a 19 year old?

She thinks that its easy to get rid of Arnav Singh Raizada clutches without him even knowing?

Well honey, it isn't until or unless he wants it to happen.

When she has agreed to marry him in the court then obviously he was stunned to silence and a fear has rose in him.

On one side if he went along with his threat then she would lose her family, their love and her respect in her family's eyes and not only that she would have never forgiven him ever for that.

And on the other, if he didn't go along with it then she would know his threat are always empty that he was just bluffing. Meaning she would've never listened to him ever again nor would have she believed anything he'd say.

In both the situations, he would've fucked up big time.

He didn't want her to hate him more than she already did.

When he would lose his temper he can do anything , anything.Well about that time he can't be trusted with because he would only increase his points in that hate department in her heart for his irrational, hasty actions.

So in those few moments when she was looking victoriously his sharp brain has chose a middle ground in which he didn't have to do much. All he had to do was make her believe that he would act on his words and marry her and on the same side he would give her the opportunity to run making it look like that he just- forgot to close the door or tag her along to the court.

Yeah right!

"Foolish girl, If I wanted to marry you this way I wouldn't have left you in the car." He muttered and just then his cell pinged and a message popped up on his screen which he was already expecting.

Sending his reply he waited.

What made you think that I would ever think of spending my life with you? The message came.

Time to burst her bubble of happiness.

Because I am still firm on my words Khushi Kumari Gupta. Either two marriages will happen or none will.

Anjali got a call from reception that ASR was back in his suite. She has particularly asked the receptionist to inform her of his arrival as soon as he steps foot in the hotel.

Barging in his room she turned him around angrily.

"Where have you been and why were your cell on voice mail Chote? I have been trying to reach you for hours. Do you know how worried I have been?"

Seeing her eyes tearing up Arnav engulfed her in a hug which absolved all of Anjali's anger and frustration.

"Relax Di. I am fine. Was just busy with- stuffs."

"Which stuffs?" She asked pulling back.

"Work Di." He wouldn't meet her eyes.

"Don't lie. Akash told me you didn't go to office today. Where were you the whole day then?"

"With- With Khushi." He mumbled dropping himself on the couch loosening the tie.

She looked at him surprised.

"Really? Tell me you didn't do anything stupid in anger?" She asked worriedly sitting besides him.

He looked at her exasperated.

"Why do you always think that I would only do something bad- with her?"

"Because your history isn't good with her. Wasn't it you who forced her to say yes to engagement?"She wiggled her eyebrows.

"Now thanks to her babuji that is already scrapped. My hard work just went down to drain." Taking off  the tie he threw it on the opposite couch in anger.

Anjali sighed.

"Chote, Me and Nani were thinking that why don't you wait a few years until Khushi's father is ready to marry her off? Maybe by then- he might have changed his perceptions about you as well? In that span you can make a cordial relationship between yourself and her family, her father?"

"Di I have to marry Khushi not her family that I go on making bonds with each one of her family members!" He gritted. He was always uncomfortable about being social or.. soft or cordial.

What the!

He was already going through hell while trying to convince Khushi and he wasn't even close to getting her like him. Imagine trying to win hearts of all the Gupta clan. Most of all the father of Khushi Kumari Gupta who seemed as stubborn as Khushi herself was.

Arnav shuddered visibly.

No way was he going to go through all that when he can have Khushi without even had to make bond with her family. Especially her father because other Gupta ladies won't be much of a problem.

"You know you can just go to Khushi and confess your love. Be open about your feelings and that might melt her who knows?" Anjali suggested softly.

Arnav groaned.

"I am not making that mistake."

"Why not?"

"Because I know what will be her reaction knowing that. She would first just slap me, push me away and then will ask where was your love when you got me evicted from my own home? Or where was your love when you didn't believe me when I begged you to listen to me about Shyam? That did you still love me when you made that plan to make me pay for apparently trying to ruin your Di's marriage?"

He exhaled.

"It will open a whole lot of pandora box for which I am not ready yet. As a result her wounds will open up and it would distance her from me more and more with each passing day because I know" He stopped inhaling a breath."I know that my reasons are .. are absurd. How can I make her understand when I can't even do it myself?"

"Chote, see you do have answers. Why don't you-"

"I don't Di. How will I explain that to her that I fell in love with her the moment I saw her the first time but still I was too proud to admit that? That I didn't want to be weak. That I hated being NOT in control so as a result I just hurt her over and over.. again." His voice turned shallower with every word making Anjali place her hand on his shoulder.

"When are you planning to tell her?"

"After marriage. Not before it. Because after that no matter how much arguments or fights or hurt we go through solving our past mess, she would have no choice but to be with me even if she felt like pulling my hairs out or ripping me apart or slapping me for being an asshole to her without any fault of hers.But still I would have the faith that she would stay, that she won't give up as she will be wholly, rightfully mine. Because at the end she will have no choice but to come back to me no matter how nasty things get between us."

Anjali blinked back the tears looking at him amazed as he finished.

"What?" He asked raising his eyebrow feeling like a burden has been off his shoulders after sharing it with someone, most importantly his Di.

"Did you see what just happen?"

"What Di?"

"You are voicing out your feelings. That- that has never happened before. I mean you do share some of your feelings with me but not all. Never had I seen the words flowing out of your mouth so easily as if you are so sure about it."

"Is that a bad thing?" He frowned.

"No. No Chote. Of course not." She engulfed him in a hug."It's just wonderful. Now I am sure just like you made me understand today, someday you'll make her understand too no matter how absurd or vague your reasons are."

"You think so?" He pulled back and asked unsure.

"I know so." She reassured him with a smile.

"So what did you talk to Khushi ji?"

"Oh nothing much." He shifted uncomfortably in his seat making Anjali shake her head.

"I want to know all of that nothing much."

Anjali gasped as he finished.

"Chote are you crazy? What if-"

"But it didn't Di. I let her go. I let her escape okay? Don't over react."

"I told you try to keep your anger and ego in check while being with her but you won't listen." She said pissed off.

"How about I do it after marrying her because before that I don't think I can."

"Would you really not let Akash and Payal's alliance too if Khushi's father didn't agree?"

He kept mum.

"Chote you can't be serious!" Anjali said exasperated. Just a minute ago she felt immense sisterly love for him and now she feel like beating him up for being a.. jerk.

"I am serious Di. Akash and Payal's alliance is the only sensitive matter for Khushi. If I have to make her father agree, I have to use it to- to-"

Anjali raised her eyebrow angrily at him.

"To force her right so that she makes her babuji agree?" Anjali threw her hands up in frustration.

"Di- you got to have a believe in me. I know I would screw things up if I did that but I promise I'll fix it up too. Do you hear me?"

"What if its too late when you start your fixing things up theory?"

He opened his mouth to argue when Anjali cut him.

"Chote, okay here listen to me. How about me, Nani and Mami ji go there at least one more time to convince her? I would try to relieve their worries as much as I could. Maybe this time around he might agree?"

"What if he didn't?"

"Chote-"

Now Arnav cut her.

"Okay. Fine. You try one more time but if it didn't go by your way then I'll go through mine. That's it. Deal." He stood up.

"Chote, I am your sister not your client that you are making deals with me!" She shouted from behind exasperated.

"Call it whatever you want Di." He said carelessly without turning before disappearing into the bathroom leaving Anjali huffing.

She really have to do something urgent before her Chote mess things up with Khushi ji more than he already has had!

A week later

After Payal and Akash it was Arnav and Khushi's turn to exchange the rings. Arnav slipped the ring in her left hand right on the finger which is directly connected to her heart as his Di has told him hoping she would understand why he did what he did a week ago but all he got was a cold stare and her detached stance as she slipped the ring in his finger in exchange followed by loud cheers and clapping from the guests along with the flashes of cameras.

She retreated her hand quickly before passing a fake smile to the guests twisting her engagement ring in her finger.

His heart clenched as even though she accepted the guests wishes warmly along with him but not once did she spare him even a glance making his heart sink.

Did he go too far this time?

Will there be any forgiveness for the fiasco he made in her own home a week ago?

Will she ever look at him with a smile again?

Will she ever accept this relation which he enforced on her?

Then her own words she said that day came back to him dashing his hopes.

She will never!

And it shattered him.

Shaking hands with another of the guests he passed a weary smile before turning his face to hers.

"I will make it up to you Khushi." The words he has repeated through messages, emails, through sorry cards he said it out loud all over again hoping it may bring them both a step forward?

"I will make sure that you never could!" She said briskly looking straight into his eyes causing his heart to drop into the pit of his stomach.

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TEASER:

"Where is your ring?" He exclaimed.

She smirked enjoying the worry on his face.

"I didn't know such symbols of togetherness meant to you this much Mr.Raizada? Weren't you dead against marriage, rituals or beliefs related to it?" She taunted.

"Where is your ring?" He clenched his jaws repeating his question.

"You didn't expect me to wear it all the time now did you?"

"Khushi!" He gritted.

"What?" She shrugged and turned to her table only for him to whirl her around angrily.

"That was our engagement ring!"

"Sorry? Come again?" She appeared like she was really enjoying this.

________________________