Part 15B
Here is the most awaited part of 'PHIR LE AYA DIL' if you know what I mean? ;)
(Unedited)
"SHE IS NOT THERE. Not anywhere in the office either. She left her bag along with her cellphone in my office."
Payal shoot up from her seat and so did Akash.
Before they could react, Arnav's phone rang.
"WHAT?" He snapped taking the call and all of his anger melted right there.
Her behavior since morning made sense now and it neither made him angry nor sad but only made him feel more protective for her. For the way she has innocence imbibed in her in abundance.
"Huh?" He murmured as the person on the other side repeated his question.
"What should we do, Sir?"
"Ask her wait in your lounge and offer her beverages or something to eat. I will be there in a few minutes. Hmm!" He cut the call and ran his hands over his face.
"Stupid girl!" He muttered standing up before walking out of the cabin determined telling Akash and Payal on his way out not to worry. He has got this.
"Get this clear. You can't ruin my Di's life. I won't let you! My jijaji can't do this cheap things. I have full faith on him.He can never betray my Di for a girl like you and if he has done some mistake then i am sure you must be responsible for provoking him!
"Kya chahiye tumhe? Paise na? Fine! Mil jayen gay tumhe...(What do you want? Money? Fine! You will get it!)" He took out his cheque book and signed a blank cheque and threw it on her shocked and hurt face.
"Fill as much amount as you want in it aur mairi zindagi se nikal jao hamesha k liye. Iss mai uss sab time ki raqam bhi likh lena jab maine tumhe chua tha aur han kal raat ka bhi hisab pura kar lena.. Add crores, billions as much as you want in it aur diwali wali raat ko waise maine kuch kiya toh nahi par phir bhi I touched you here at least, (Fill as much amount as you want and get lost from my life. Add the amount in it even for those time when i touched you.Add crores, billions as much as you want and though I didn't do anything on Diwali night but I touched you here at least,)"
He trailed his finger on her cheek as she closed her eyes biting back a sob.
"-- uss ki qeemat bhi le lena. Aur dafa ho jao mairi zindagi se!(Take money for that too and get out of my life!)"
With that said he left in his car leaving behind a pile of broken heart.
.
.
He took out a card from his wallet silently and scribbling the amount on it extended it to her.
"Here. My whole earnings."
Khushi twisted and untwisted her fingers looking around the big empty lounge where the bank manager has asked her to wait after she has come here writing the whole amount of his fortune in that blank cheque signed by him which he has thrown on her face an year ago without a second thought.
Her plan was simple. Yet not that much. She wouldn't have done it either if he wouldn't have brought her to this point. He didn't leave her any other choice but to use his own manipulative ways to throw him out of her life the same way he used mean ways to get her in his.
She would rob him off his money and power of which he was so proud and arrogant of. Was what she thought when she decided this.
But now, as she showed the cheque here in this bank demanding the money they had looked at her dumbfounded before the bank manager was called who looked at the check, went to his office and when he came back he asked her to wait in here as this was a very huge amount to be arranged in cash in such a short span of time.
She saw the door knob twisting and she stood up as it burst open and all of her confidence and determination puffed into air because out of all the people in this bank, in this whole world it had to him. He entered. HE. She gulped.
What was he doing here? How did he get to know? Or did he?
He did. His next words proved her that.
"I never thought that you'd turn out this stupid Ms. Gupta. What did you think? That I won't get to know about it? That the bank would withdraw that huge sum from my account without me having any idea? Huh?" He shoved his hands in his pockets while she huffed as he wasn't angry but smirking all the way at her as if mocking her to be this foolish and that rubbed her in a wrong way. Highly frustrated she looked around.
"DON'T SMIRK." She took the decoration piece from the side table and threw it at him angrily. It only made him more amused. He chuckled saving himself in time as it fell on the floor and broke into pieces.
"DON'T LAUGH EITHER." She bellowed taking the vase now and threw it at him. He ducked it too but too bad it hit the manager who has just entered through the door. He rubbed his head wincing while arnav pursed his lips hard to stop himself from laughing.
"Are you okay Mr. Raichand? I am sure you are aren't you?" Arnav's tone held something in it that despite being hurt manager found himself bobbing his head in a yes.
"Good." Arnav said curtly.
"So, ASR. What have you decided? Do you know her? How did she get your signature on that cheque? Is she trapping you in some kind of fraud or something?"
Khushi's eyes widened.
Arnav smirked.
This would be fun!
"If yes then tell us and we would call the police right away to arrest her." Raichand was saying.
Khushi swallowed thickly.
Police?
Arnav looked at her smugly and deliberately didn't reply the manager raising the fear inside her.
Her heart thudded in terror.
He won't hand her over to the police would he?
If he told this to her father, then?
He has already twisted lies with truths so much that her father has gone far away from her. How would he use this to his advantage?
This time her father would kick her out without a second thought.
No!
No!
She shook her head vigorously. She didn't realize she was actually shaking her head in actual too and he saw it all. Clenching her hands at her sides she closed her eyes.
She paled and her eyes shot open when she heard him say.
"Yes. She is trapping me in her web. Every other day. Every second and every minute of my life."
She gasped shortly. Her breaths got stuck in her throat.
Manager was about to head to her angrily when Arnav placed a firm on his shoulder that stopped him on his track.
"But there is one problem. Neither could I file an FIR against her nor let her get away with it. Her crime is mine to punish so you don't worry and .. GET.OUT." He said to which a confused manager walked out as per his order while Arnav advanced towards a pale looking khushi.
"Kya hua? Dar lag raha hai k kahin mai tumhe police k hawale na kar dun? (What happened? Afraid that I'd get you arrested?)"
"You can't." She stuttered as her heart galloped in her chest. In fear. "I haven't done a crime. You gave that cheque to me. You said yourself that I could fill as much amount as I want." She gritted composing herself.
"Do you think I am 'stupid' enough like you to let you play with all my years and years of hard work when you are hell bent on a notion of getting back at me?"
"Why? Why not? What happened to what's mine is yours too?
"Don't twist my words to your liking Khushi. And keep our personal and professional life apart. AR isn't to be harmed."
"You are so proud of AR aren't you? I was proud of my relation with my father too but you destroyed it by plotting behind my back. But now.. good that you have found out. I will not be back stabbing like you. I will do everything in front of your eyes. I will destroy AR and eventually YOU. Bohat guroor hai na apko apne paise par, apni company par, apne naam par Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada? Hum apse apka ghamand, apka paisa aur apka ye naam sab kuch cheen lain gay.Hum,
(You revel in so much pride over your money, your company and your name Mr.Arnav Singh Raizada. I will snatch each and everything from you. I-)"
She couldn't complete as he covered his mouth with hers and kissed her passionately before pulling back and shoved his hands in his pockets.
Mr. Raichand sitting in his office averted his eyes as his LCD showed everything that transpired between ASR and that girl. Though audio was not that clear but visual were clear. Now he realized where has he seen her. In the press conference yesterday. She was ASR's fiance. He turned off the camera in the lounge embarrassed not only in his room but also called in the control room too not to turn on the CCTV cameras in the lounge until his next orders.
"My God. Do you have even the slightest idea what your feisty attitude do to me?" Arnav's eyes glinted with mischief.
With her misty eyes spitting fire at him she clenched her jaws and curled her hands into fists breathing hard looking at him accusingly. Rubbing the back of her hand on her lips she shook with tremors due to anger boiling within her.
He raised his eyebrow.
"Kya hua?(What?) Want one more kiss?"
She punched his stomach suddenly causing him to bend wincing. He has unleashed that crazy Khushi Kumari Gupta again. She forgot all about her promise to concede as well.
"Whoa!" He laughed placing a hand on the stomach before straightening up.
She moved closer to him placing her hand on his shoulders gritting her teeth. He raised his eyebrow. He was expecting it what she was about to do next. He had been there before. So when she raised her knee to kick him in his stomach he cupped it hindering her move and looked at her victoriously. But she was on the roll. She raised her other leg unexpectedly and,
"What the fuck!" He cried out loud as she jabbed her knee on his stomach hard before gripping his lapels and pulling him closer.
"Don't you dare touch me. Didn't I make myself clear the last time you did?" She referred to the day after the penthouse fiasco when she felt sick and he came upon her father's call and whatever happened after that. Later after Tanya's fiasco. Great, now she forgot in that span he has touched her, pulled her closer many a times already. Did she lose common sense in her anger as well?
He smirked.
"There is another problem with that honey." He placed his hands over hers. "Arnav Singh Raizada don't like taking orders. Besides I won't mind getting beaten by you for touching you. I would happily gamble for a few bruises if I got to kiss you." He swallowed cupping her nape.
"What are you made of?" She shrieked shoving him.
"I don't know. You tell me? What's wrong with me?" He reduced the distance between them and caught her closer.
"I could kiss you the whole day and never get tired of it. Why?" He said huskily nudging his nose with hers.
"Go to hell you pervert." She pushed him before walking away. He whirled her around to hold her in his arms.
"Do not call me that. What I feel for you isn't that cheap that you call it names. I haven't given anyone the permission to make fun of my feelings and that includes you too." He dug his fingers in her upper arms as hurt took the form of rage.
"Feelings are for humans not for the monsters like you." She winced out loud as his eyes turned red with anger and misty hue whilst he only tightened his hold on her.
"Don't you know what monsters are really capable of?"
"Oh I know it very well." She tried to wriggle. He held her captive. "I have solely bore the brunt of catching the eye of this monster." She was fighting heads on not only verbally but physically as well making him more and more desperate to get to her. To make her surrender. He could lay the whole world under his feet by just a single glare but this woman for whom he has lost his sanity as well as heart and mind don't give a damn to him.
How dare she?
He should remind her about her promise to do as he says otherwise he would lose it if she continued to resist him.
"What would you have done if you had got the money?" He pressed her to him causing her to take a sharp intake of breath.
"I would have dumped it all in a drain." She shrieked in vengeance.
"Oh I am sure you would have. But honey, you forgot one thing with whom you are dealing with here. Kya laga tha tumhe k aik bank se maire sab paise nikalwa kar mujhe sadak par le ao gi? Khushi Kumari Gupta itna aasan nahi hai. Jo whole fortune maine tumhe btayi wo sirf uss business ki hai Jo yahan India mai hai. Iss k ilawa AR has 30 more branches all over the world. Aur tumhe bilkul b andaza nahi hai k sirf aik branch ka kitna profit hota hai,
(What did you think that by retrieving money from one bank you'd make me fall hard on the ground? It's not that easy Khushi Kumari Gupta. The whole fortune which I told you was only of the business I have here in India. Apart from that, AR has 30 more branches all over the world. And you have no freaking idea what is the profit of just a single branch,)"
Khushi couldn't help but gape at him. He was right. She was a fool to think she could win over him or make him bankrupt. But he wasn't done yet.
"Agar 'AR India' ka pura business b band kar dun na tab bhi, tab bhi agle kayi saal tak ghar bethe bina kuch kiye bhi inhi aisho araam ki zindagi na sirf khud ko balke apne pure parivar ko bhi de sakta hun. Aur hairat ho gi tumhe ye sab maine sirf 12 saal mai haasil kiya hai. Aise hi nahi mujhe har saal young achiever and best businessman of the year k awards milte hai. Aur agar tumhari Khushi maira India ka business band karwane mai hai toh okay. Theek hai. Ho jaye ga!
(If I shut down the whole business of AR India even then I and my whole family could spend several years in the same luxury we are spending in present without even doing any work. And you'll be surprised I achieved all of that in 12 years. I don't receive young achiever and best businessman of the year awards every year for nothing. I have worked my ass off to reach here. And if your happiness is in ruining my business in India then okay. Fine. It will be done!)"
She gasped as he pushed her away and punched numbers on his cell.
He called the manager. "I am sending an account number. Transfer the amount in the cheque in that account."
Khushi couldn't speak neither could she move. No. No. She doesn't want his money. Not even a single penny but for her to refuse she has to speak. For that she has to swallow the ball of pain stuck in her throat.
"The amount will be transferred to your bank account. Congratulations you will be a billionaire yourself now." He patted her cheek while her jaws opened and closed like a fish. But his single touch jolted her senses awake.
"I don't need your money!" She cried out pointing a finger at him trembling with the onslaught of emotions.
"Your actions prove otherwise, Khushi Kumari Gupta," He gritted.
"I WAS A FOOL." She exclaimed.
"Late but great realization, honey." He said sarcastically. Firstly that stunt she pulled on him by mixing sugar in his coffee and now this, to ruin him. Unbridled rage overpowered his senses and he yanked her closer and held her in his vice like grip. The squeal left as a painful cry from her mouth as he pressed her closer.
"I have told you before and I am telling it to you again. Don't take my feelings for granted or else I'd make you regret it." He
"I am already regretting having been met you at the first place." She snapped wincing in his seize.
"Mairi zindagi ki sabse bari galti hain aap. Sabse badi. Kaash hum dobara ussi din ussi jagah ponch sakte toh aap se kabhi na milte. Kaash ye hamare haath mai hota!
(You are the biggest mistake of my life. The biggest. I wish I could turn back time and if only I could then I'd have never met you given the choice. I wish it was in my hands!)
This was the second time she said something like this. Second dammit!
He left her with a jerk only to pull her back with her hands twisted at her back so painfully that she cried.
"TAKE. YOUR. WORDS. BACK." He shouted on her face. Yesterday his family saved her. Now no one would be able to come in between them. This time even they won't be able to save her. He would show her what he was capable of if she said something like this again!
"I WON'T." With her eyes closed in sheer pain she replied with same firmness.
"You will. YOU WILL. UNTIL THEN YOU WON'T BE ABLE TO GO BACK HOME." He growled.
Her eyes widened when he started dragging her out the next moment and shoved her in the passenger seat before locking the door with the remote key. She twisted the door knob desperately to get out while he came around the car to the driving seat and hopped in and grabbed her wrist when she opened her side of the door to get out.
Leaning in he banged the door shut with his jaws set tight before turning on the child lock system.
He stopped the car in AR parking lot and through back door took her to his penthouse and whirled her around to face him.
"Either you would take your words back or you'd be going back to Gomti sadan tomorrow morning only. And mind you, I'd tell your father that you forced me to claim you tonight even though nothing would happen. Then the little bit chance you've had with your father forgiving you would be lost forever. Also, good for me. Because of you, we couldn't go to the court on time. Now I'd get the lawyer and our marriage documents here. You'd sign it and we would go to RM right away. Tonight."
Her eyes turned wide in pure horror as his smug expressions said to her,
How will you escape me now, honey?
"Nani?" Anjali called from behind while Devyani was about to sit in the car.
Composing herself Devyani turned to her.
"Where are you going?" Anjali asked confused.
"To meet a friend of mine. Why?" Devyani said curtly.
"Can I come with you?"
"NO." Devyani shrieked. Anjali frowned.
"I mean bitiya, you'd be bored in between two oldies. Besides there is plenty of work at home. Someone has to stay here to look after it until Akash, Manohar and Chote come back from office to take if from there, no?"
Anjali nodded thoughtfully.
"Theek hai. Hum chalat hai. Aik do ghante mai aawat hain. (Okay. I am leaving. I'd be back in an hour or two.)" She sat in and the driver pulled the car out of the palace.
Anjali tried to ward off the uneasiness settling in her chest as she came back inside.
Manorama was instructing some workers who were decorating the grandeur living room for the sangeet function tonight when Anjali came to her with worry lines marring her forehead.
"What's wrong?" Manorama asked concerned.
"I don't know. I just have this feeling that something wrong is about to happen." Anjali rubbed her forehead.
Manorama shook her head.
"Bitiya, look at me." She probed. Anjali looked at her. Manorama cupped the side of her cheek.
"You are worried for Arnav bitwa and Khushi's future. Nothing else is wrong. Whatever happened here yesterday, even listening to it from your mouth has made me hell worried then Khushi who has endured it, you, Nani and Akash who has witnessed it all would definitely be on the edge." She stopped for a moment before saying,
"There is still time. If you think what Sasuma said about," Mami couldn't complete as Anjali gasped dumbfounded as it struck her.
"Agar Chote Khushi k saath rehat rahe toh pagal ho jayen gay. Wo dono aik dosre k liye theek naahi hain bitiya.(If Chote stayed with Khushi then he would go insane. They both aren't right for each other)"
"Agar wo Khushi k saath rahe toh uss bachi ka saans lena mushkil kar dein gay.(If he stayed with Khushi then he would make breathing difficult for the poor girl)"
"Hum toh ab uss waqt ko kos rahe hain jab humne Chote ka saath dene ka socha. Humein Shashi ji ki saamne sab kuch sach bol dena chahiye tha. Khud hi bta dena chahiye tha k unki beti nahi hamara beta galat hai.(I am now regretting the time when I decided to be on his side. I should have myself spoken the whole truth in front of Shashi ji that not his daughter but my son is at fault)" She choked at the end.
Anjali placed her hand over her mouth as her eyes widened on the verge of popping out. Then she strolled out as fast as her limp could allow ignoring Manorama's concerned calls from behind.
"Gomti Sadan chalein, jaldi. (To Gomti Sadan, fast.)" Anjali ordered sitting in the car while the driver took the seat in front hurriedly and the car zoomed off.
"Please Nani. Don't." Anjali muttered folding her hands on her lap praying with her eyes closed.
"You didn't mean that did you?" She choked hurt.
"If you can hurt me then why can't I? I know how to pay you back too my dear fiancé." He ran the tip of his finger alongside her cheek.
She felt needles pricking her throat.
"Tonight is my Jiji's sangeet. I can't miss any of my sister's wedding functions."
"You're forgetting an important detail here. It's our sangeet ceremony as well. Agree to what I am saying and you won't miss anything. Neither ours nor your Jiji's sangeet." He crossed his arms over his chest.
"What do you want me to do?" She cried out.
"Take your words back." He demanded. "Say that meeting me was the most beautiful thing ever happened to you."
"You want me to lie?"
"No. You will be allowed to go home only when you'd say it with all of your heart. Not a second before that." He said and dashed inside the room.
She stormed to the front sliding doors which banged shut before she could even reach it and turned around sharply to find him standing with his hand pressed to the electronic lock on the wall before heading inside the room banging it shut too but not before saying.
"Knock on this door only when you'd be ready to do as I said."
Inside Arnav paced worried sick as he knew about her migraines and outside Khushi was anxiously measuring the length of his living room.
Neither he could back away now nor could he let her be in stress. So he chose the middle ground. He came out and saw her pacing. She stopped seeing him and sniffled turning her head to the other side.
"I don't know about you but I am hungry." He swallowed once before saying.
"Toh mai kya karun? (What should I do then?)" She spat glaring at him.
"Bohat kuch kar sakti ho tum (You can do so much) Become my meal for an instant." His eyes darkened whilst she felt hot understand the meaning behind his words.
"But I am not sure I would be able to stop if I had you for lunch so I think I'll have to take the alternative and eat the pasta for now." He smirked devilishly.
"Go to hell." She hissed.
He chuckled before heading to the kitchen. Khushi held the couch for support but didn't sit down or move from her even an inch.
He came back after a few minutes and saw her standing the same way he left her.
"Would you like to eat something of your choice?" He asked ignoring her resilience.
"Zeher. La dein gay mujhe? (Poison. Will you get it for me?)" She yelled.
He laughed darkly shaking his head.
"What about sugar free jalebis? Those surely would be like 'poison' to you won't they be?" He teased her some more.
"GET LOST!"
"Okay fine. How about I get you paani puri from your favorite food stall in your street? You like it don't you?"
"I DON'T NEED ANYTHING YOU RAKSHAS!" She lost her cool with big fat tears in her eyes.
His heart fluttered.
She is such a baby!
He took long strides to her and took her shivering form in his arms hugged her tightly taking her by surprise.
"Let me go home. P--Please?" She knew she don't have any other choice but to plead. So she did resting her head on his chest, unconsciously rubbing her cheek against his shirt. His stomach lurched in anguish.
"Have lunch with me. Take your words back. Lawyer would be here soon with our marriage documents. Sign them. Then I will drop you back myself." He stumbled back as she shoved him off.
"Why are you doing this to me?" She never get tired of asking this and she would continue to do so until she won't get the clear answer."You say that you have 'feelings' for me and then you torture me like this. WHY?" She demanded looking torn like never before.
"I- oh I forgot I left the vegetables on full heat on the stove. I will just go and check it." He quickly dropped a kiss on her cheek and scurried off leaving behind his frustrated fiancé. Khushi dug her nails in the couch and holding it with both hands slipped to the floor behind it and leaned her head on it. Silent tears rolled down her cheeks whilst she closed her eyes.
Her eyes shot open as she heard her cell ringing in her bag she knew had dropped somewhere here only while he was dragging her inside. She looked around frantically and found it lying near the doors. She stood up clumsily and reached it in milliseconds before unzipping her bag and taking her cellphone out.
Her heart squeezed in her chest as she felt relieved seeing her Jiji calling.
She pressed the answer button and held it to her ears with shaky hands but before she could speak a word phone was snatched from her hand, she was whirled around and pinned against the glass doors with his hand over her mouth preventing her from screaming as well. Her eyes turned wide as saucers as he talked to her Jiji.
"Yeah Payal. I forgot earlier I sent her to the bank for some office work.Now? Now we are at the mall. I needed some things so she offered to choose them for me. Oh she is in the restroom right now. Don't worry she won't be late for sangeet. Yup she is fine."
All the while he was talking to Payal his gaze was fixed on her as she made futile attempts to get out of his hold or at least remove his hand from her mouth but he was standing pressed up to her that even slight movement for her were impossible.
She closed her eyes as when he cut the call he smashed her phone against the wall which fell on the ground reduced to pieces. Her heart thudded in fear when she felt his angry breaths on her face but she didn't dare open her eyes.
"OPEN. YOUR. EYES." He growled and she shuddered shooting her eyes open."I want to look into your eyes while telling you what you will get the next time you tried to act smart with me!" He removed his hand from her mouth but didn't move back. Stayed pressed to her from head to toe.
"I was just going to talk to my Jiji." She rasped out with her red rimmed eyes.
"You were going to ask for her help weren't you?" He smashed his hand on the glass door behind. If it had been the ordinary mirror it would have broke into several pieces.
"You didn't let me." She croaked.
"The hell I won't." He bellowed. Her nerves froze.
"You-" Her torture would have continued if his cell hasn't beeped not once but many a times in his pocket. Pulling back he grabbed her waist and held her against his chest. She exhaled in and out knowing better to instigate him in his monstrous avatar so she stood silently while he checked his cell.
"DAMMIT." He yelled frustrated before looking at her. "Why everyone is hell bent on ruining my well built plans?" He glared at her taking out god know of whose anger on her only. She gulped as blood rushed to his eyes and the glint in his eyes terrified her.
"Everyone has to know no matter what," He cupped her nape and brushed his lips to hers. "I will make you mine one way or the other for sure!"
She stiffened as he nuzzled his nose against her cheeks, nose, going down to her neck. He would've continued if he hadn't tasted salt against her neck. He looked up in her eyes and saw her tears rolling down her cheeks and trailing down to her neck.
"Fuck!" He touched his head to hers taking deep breaths to calm himself. After a minute he did manage to compose himself and pulled back. Taking her hand he took her to the couches and gave her a light push to a single one. Kneeling before her he took both of her hands in his. Khushi was too shaken to protest.
"Just for once, will you do something without me having to force you?"
She took a sharp intake of breath, swallowed but the heaviness in her chest won't settle at all.
"Will you?" He pressed her hands. She grimaced.
Not having any other choice she nodded briskly blinking back the tears.
"Go inside that room," He pointed to one of the rooms. "--and get yourself ready to sign our marriage certificate while I go get an important thing done. Your dress is in the cupboard. It's green and red combo. Both of our favorite colors."
She snatched back her hands.
He gripped them back more tightly. The rough hold made her flinch audibly to the point that she couldn't hold herself for more than a minute and dropped her head on their joined hands on her lap and sobbed silently.
Arnav's nostrils flared while his eyes prickled. His Adam's apple bobbed.
"You see," He cleared his throat to ward off the lump."You won't have to be dressed twice. You can wear our wedding dress for our sangeet tonight. That way you won't be late for the ceremony as well."
Slipping his hands out he cupped the sides of her head and tilted her face up to face him.
"Okay?" He asked warning her through his eyes not to say no.
"O-Okay." She choked out. Her voice hoarse and heavy with tears.
In reply he leaned forward and kissed the corner of her lips.
"Good." He whispered against her skin. "I will be back before you know it." He said and then he was gone.
Despite knowing he would lock the door on his way out she still ran to the sliding doors and with all of her efforts tried to pull it open but to no avail.
At last when she realized there was no escape she slipped inch by inch against the same door and fell on the floor, her legs folded with her eyes now dry and heart frozen and so were her emotions.
Ten were from his Di and five messages were from his men whom he has already instructed on his way out what to do. Thankfully, everything was again under his control.
He stormed inside the palace and found Nani, Mami, and his Di sitting in the living room. He looked around at the hordes of workers at every corner doing one thing or the other.
"EVERYONE. OUT." He said out loud. That's when Devyani who was sitting with her head in her hands, looked up. Anjali and Manorama felt their hands getting clammy.
Arnav stood stiffened with his jaws flexed.
If it weren't for his Di's quick thinking and his men around the Gomti Sadan area who did their work efficiently and made sure the driver who took Nani there, turned the car back to the route of Sheesh Mahal as per his orders.
Before Devyani could understand what was happening she was back to the palace and Anjali was already waiting at the gates to do the rest. To divert Nani's attention until Chote get back here. In which she succeeded with flying colors.
Arnav waited till every worker exited now 'almost' fully decorated palace before he walked to stand behind the couch across which Nani was sitting. Looking into her eyes, he asked earnestly.
"You promised me you'd be on my side?" He pointed to himself before his hands gripped the couch from behind in a vice like grip.
"That was before I saw how you behave around her. You treat her like a--like she is not human but your," She swallowed feeling ashamed herself because it was her support which made him this arrogant to go on and treat Khushi the way he wants to.
"Well Nani, I am not human at all. This, your 'future' daughter-in-law says so herself so what did you expect?" He scoffed.
"Now I know what have you become. So don't expect me to side with you anymore." Devyani said firmly.
"Don't side with me Nani. Just stay quiet until I take nuptial rounds with Khushi. Uss k baad Shashi Gupta ko sachayi batayen ya puri dunya ko, mujhe koi farak nahi pade ga. (After that it won't matter you'd tell the truth to Shashi Gupta or the whole world)" Arnav said briskly.
"Hum aisi nobat aane naahi dein gay Chote. Hum mauqa milte hi Shashi ji ko sab sach bata dein gay phir wo khud hi apni bitiya ko bachcha lein gay. (I won't let it go that far Chote. The moment I got a chance I'd spill the beans before Shashi ji then he would himself save his daughter)"
Arnav hit his hand against the vase on the side table causing the trio to jerk on their places alarmed. Breathing fire he flared his nostrils before asking.
"Mara hua dekhna chahti hain kya mujhe aap Nani? (Do you want to see my dead face Nani?)"
Devyani gasped and so did Anjali and Manorama.
"Aap chahti hai k mai bhi Maa ki tarah aatmatya kar lun?(Do you want me to suicide like my mother?)"
Anjali stood up shaking her head vigorously as she saw the madness oozing out of his every being. She looked pleadingly at her Nani who herself has gone rigid.
"Han? Boliye?(Tell me? Do you?) If yes then go ahead tell Shashi Gupta everything. GO." He bellowed maniacally punching his clenched hands on the couch harder. Pin drop silence followed his outburst.
After that he didn't stay a minute more and marched out leaving behind his defeated grandmother whose shoulders sagged and eyes filled up with hurt as well as remorse.
Blood is thicker than water!
She understood the real, actual meaning behind those words in that moment when she decided to keep a seal on her mouth even if she has to crush someone else's life along with it to give her grandson what he wants so desperately that he was even ready to give his life. There. All of her logic, empathy took a backseat and the selfishness took root yet again.
Not knowing an earth shattering 'storm' was already awaiting to turn her Chote's life upside down. From which no one will be able to save him. Not Anjali. Not her. Not even he, himself.
Khushi threw flower petals on her Jiji and Akash Ji as the couple took the rounds around the fire amidst the priest chanting mantras. Her heart was thudding furiously in her rib cage. More so the nightmare of her life was standing across her on the other side of the altar with his gaze fixed on her ever since her cousins escorted her down. While throwing the petals on Payal and Akash, he continued to torture her with his intense gaze as if he wanted to eat her up, alive.
She shuddered pressing the back of her palm on her flushed cheeks. She wasn't nervous because she was feeling shy of him but it was the fear of what would follow in an hour.
Khushi herself was dressed as a bride. The auspicious time for her and Arnav's nuptial rounds was an hour after Akash and Payal. This way she could enjoy her Jiji's wedding as well at least forgetting that her own life was going to be turned upside down. Oh- scratch that- it has already been turned upside down days ago. Her vision blurred.
She would never forget those torturous hours caged in his penthouse nor would she forget or forgive whatever happened after that. Her eyes conveyed him the message. Understanding which he exhaled with no remorse in his stance.
Her eyes fell on her father standing besides Arnav with a stern look on his face. At that moment she found no difference between these two men who has held an important place in her life one way or the other which they themselves has destroyed by not trusting her. By giving her the punishment for the crimes she has never committed.
When she has come downstairs amidst the flashes of the cameras by photographers hired by not only her family but his as well, she felt nothing but emptiness when for a moment she stopped before her Babu ji as he placed a hand on her hand finally giving her his blessing reluctantly. But as soon as he turned Khushi felt her legs turning into jelly.
She would have fell down on the floor if her cousins hadn't held her from either sides. She breathed to compose herself. She was exhausted trying to explain herself and she has stopped pleading him from the day of her sangeet.
Then Amma, Buaji and Payal Jiji already standing besides Akash jiju approached her before hugging her taking turns. While hugging Payal, Khushi whispered 'devi maiyya' in her ear with great desperation as the reality hit her hard. Today he would take her away. To his home. Will keep her in his full control. In his access. All the time. Like he promised.
A chill has run down her spine and she would've panicked if not for Nani ji coming to stand before her. Pulling back from her Jiji she observed Devyani. Unlike her grandson, she was looking at her with empathy, full of guilty wrinkled misty eyes asked forgiveness from her. Khushi averted her eyes taking a huge gulp of air.
Guilt wasn't going to get her anywhere. If only she would have broke her silence to expose her so-called Chote.
Anjali approached then coming off the stage leaving Arnav's side who was sitting with Akash on the stage on separate couches. Space for their brides empty besides them which was soon going to be filled.
Dumbfounded Arnav gawked at Khushi as Anjali along with Garima escorted her to the stage while an anxious looking Payal took the seat back with Akash as Khushi's shuddering form kept playing in her mind. The couple exchanged a worried glance. Payal and Akash were sailing on the same boat now.
Ever since Akash witnessed Arnav behavior with Khushi in Sheesh Mahal and after how Bhai threatened Dadi, Akash was sure he has been on the wrong side. He shouldn't have supported his brother. But there was little he could do now that he knew, his whole family did, to what extent Arnav could go to make Khushi his. They didn't want to take any chances with his life because he was now-a-days in a lunatic mood to go to any length to get what he wants. Last few days, even Khushi has put her foot down and has drastically changed her behavior with Arnav which has put both Akash and Payal in more dilemma.
Soon, Anjali was standing in front of him with Khushi by her side. He blinked his eyes in trance. She was a vision in his designed bridal attire.
Arnav's face kept turned to her gorgeous face even after many minutes of her sitting besides her. He couldn't believe she could still surprise him with her beauty coupled with innocence and sadness radiating from her.
"Aaj raat mujhe rokna mat Khushi. Na mai khud ko rok paon ga na mai tumhe khud ko rokne dun ga. (Don't stop me this night Khushi. Neither would I stop myself nor would let you do so)" He whispered under his breath. But she heard it well and her head shot to him with her eyes widening.
"Goodness!" Left his mouth involuntarily as he saw her closely.
In his manipulative ways and her in order to escape them, he has made her almost forget the promise she made to him and herself too. And now, only a few hours were left for him to win and her to lose everything badly. It all struck her hard.
"I will defeat you in your own game. If I didn't then I--I will kill myself."
"Let's see whether you will succeed in fulfilling your promise or I will."
"I wouldn't be Khushi Kumari Gupta if I didn't keep that promise!"
As she looked at his desires filled eyes she knew what she has to do to escape it. Escape him. There was no other way. He didn't leave her with any other choice.
Schooling her expressions she turned her head back to the guests. All Arnav could do was sigh in disappointment. Soon, it was time for the Jaimala. Both the couples exchanged the garlands in amidst hooting and whistles from the guests followed by a chorus of claps.
It was when they gathered around the altar for Akash and Payal's final rituals did she take the liberty to leave his side and go to stand in between her Amma and Bua ji gracefully holding her lehenga while walking. She could feel his anger even without looking at him but she cared less. All she wanted was to enjoy a few moments of her Jiji's wedding for which she has sacrificed so much. Even herself. Whole of her. And it would not have been possible if he stood besides her breathing down her neck and giving her heated stares every now and then. After Jiji's wedding, she would still have one hour to execute her ultimate plan.
As Akash and Payal took the last round Khushi's face and stance turned into determination which didn't go unnoticed by Arnav. His heart alerted him of danger approaching him, her.
"Shaadi sampan hui. Ab aap dono pati patni hai. Bado k pair choo kar ashirwaad lijiye." Priest declared them husband and wife followed by cheers of congratulations. In midst, Akash and Payal took elder's blessing. At the very last Akash and Payal reached Arnav.
"Don't." Arnav said sternly when Akash and Payal on the cheering of the guests were about to touch his feet too. He patted their shoulders.
"Be happy forever." Arnav felt foreign while blessing them. Akash swallowed while Payal frowned.
Feeling restless Arnav looked for Khushi and his eyes turned wide as saucers as he saw her missing from the place she was standing a minute ago. His eyes frantically searched for her around the hall. That's when his eyes looked up and he saw her almost running towards her room holding her lehenga.
He clenched his hands into fists. His jaws flexed.
"Di," He came up to Anjali. "Where did Khushi go?" He gritted his teeth.
"Oh, relax Chote. She needed to use the bathroom."
"Then you should have accompanied her." He said exasperated.
"Stay here, Chote. There are guests around and in an hour you're going to marry her anyway. So relax. Let her be for sometime. It is already too much for her." Anjali grabbed his elbow to which Arnav snatched back his hand as his palms started sweating. He needed to make sure everything was all right with her. Her silence since the day of sangeet was bothering him. He could sense it. Something was amiss. She couldn't surrender that easily nor could she accept defeat or if she has had then,
"I will defeat you in your own game. If I didn't then I--I will kill myself."
His heart skipped a beat and upon reaching upstairs he ran as fast as his feet could allow and stopped only when he was outside her room. Thankfully door wasn't locked he barged in and froze. Literally.
It was only Anjali who noticed second bride and groom disappearing from under their nose while guests attention was on the newly wedded couple Akash and Payal as they gathered around them. She prayed closing her eyes for the things to go smoothly that neither Arnav nor Khushi mess it up now that only fifty five minutes were left for ARNAV and KHUSHI wedding.
Hearing the bang of the door she stood up from the bed and turned abruptly. In bewilderment the bottle dropped from her already trembling hands and the pills on her outstretched palm flew up in air.
Breaths whooshed out of her.
Arnav himself was too shocked seeing what she was about to do that he staggered back gobsmacked causing the door to shut behind him noisily.
Khushi didn't know what came over her and from where she got the strength that she gathered the pills from the carpet and looking into his eyes popped all of them in her mouth. She has turned to grab the glass from the side table when he approached her with all of his features hardening.
Painfully cupping her jaws he opened her mouth causing her to shriek resulting in a two pills to get stuck in her throat. He bent her forward quickly and thumped her back harder with his fist resulting in her spilling all of the tablets on the floor. By now her eyes were red due to coughing as well as pain with which he cupped her jaws to forcibly make her puke the pills. At the end of which she ended up in helpless sobbing fits.
Shaken by what would have happened had he not followed her or reacted on time, he grabbed her from her elbows and crashed her to a bone crushing hug with his eyes filling up from the corners and heart thudding violently with pain in his chest.
"N-Never," He cleared his throat to ward of the lump. "Never, ever try that again. DON'T." He squeezed her in his arms while Khushi broke down now seeing her defeat clearly in front of her.
He doesn't let her live peacefully neither he let her die. For sure, she was a lost cause. She understood it now wholly that there was no escape from him and as all the fight left her she slumped against him with her hands falling lifelessly on her either sides. Her pouring eyes stopped shedding any more tears as she felt her knees buckle but he didn't let her fall he supported all of her weight on him.
When she started breathing normally only then he released her. She looked into his eyes with all of surrender.
"Aap jeet gaye. Hum haar gaye. Khush hain na aap ab? Hum poch kyun rahe hain. Aap yakeenan khush honge. Aur kuch hi minto mai toh, (You won. I lost. Are you happy now? Oh why am I even asking. Of course you must be happy. And in a few minutes,)" Her voice turned shallow as a lump hindered her to speak further.
He didn't retort. He could understand she was not in her senses now that she could see she couldn't ward him off at all. He was going to enter, strike that, he has entered in her life inevitably. Right now, all he has to do was bring her somewhat close to normal before their wedding rituals start. He didn't want to give her more reasons to rebel.
So, he just took the tissue box from the dressing table after making her sit on the bed. Crouching down before her he wiped the tear stains and sweat from her face and neck. Thanks to water-proof makeover the mascara of kajal hasn't flowed down her eyes or else,
He adjusted the curled strands of her hairs falling on either sides of her face. All this while she sat disinterested as if she doesn't care anymore whether anyone get to know about her real condition and thoughts about this marriage or not.
Once done, he grabbed both of her hands in his and entwined their fingers in between the spaces. Her eyes raised to his.
"Aaj raat sab theek kar dun ga. Aur kal subah tak tumhe tumhare Babu ji bhi wapis mil jayen gay. Theek hai? (I will make everything all right tonight. And till the morning you'll get back your father as well. Okay?)" He caressed the back of her hands with his thumbs.
"Humein ab kuch nahi chahiye. Na aap se na Babu ji se. Unka bharosa bhi nahi. Na hi unka aashirwaad. (I don't want anything anymore. Neither from you nor from my father. I don't even want his trust back. Neither do I want his blessings)" She choked at the end.
He swallowed thickly.
"Jaanta hun tumhe iss haal tak maine ponchaya. Ye sab maine kiya.(I know I brought you to this point. I did all of this) " He cleared his throat."Ilzam tumpe lagaya. Jhoot ko sach k saath iss tarah milaya k tumhare Babu ji jaise samajhdaar insaan bhi usse maane beghair na reh sake. (I accused you. I mixed lies with the truth in such a way that even a sensible man like your father couldn't help but fall into my trap)"
As he accepted everything in front of her old wounds bled inside of her. Emptiness turned into restlessness which eventually took the form of fire in her eyes as hurt and pain combined within her making her double over with anguish. She tried to snatch back her hands but he held on tightly.
His eyes took a calculative look then.
"Tum hi socho Khushi jab mai tumse tumhara sabse pyaara rishta cheen sakta hun toh aur kya kya kar sakta hun tumhe apna banane k liye. Toh ye sab bewakoofi wali harkatein band karo kyun k tum ab tak jaan chuki ho gi k mai haarta kabhi nahi hun Khushi. Na mai haaron ga. (Just think about it Khushi if I could destroy your most precious relation with your father then what else could I do to make you mine. So it will be better for you if you stop trying stupid ways because by now you should have known I never lose. Neither would I ever accept defeat)"
"Pachtayen gay aap. (You will regret it)" She snapped. "Hum apko aap k iss faisle par pachtane par majboor kar dein gay. (I will make you regret this decision of yours)"
"Oh come on Khushi," He smirked smugly this time. "Tumhara ye sab karne se aik aur sach badal nahi jaye ga. Ab toh tumhare Babu ji sab kuch jaan bhi lein tab bhi kuch nahi kar payen gay. Aur ye tum achi tarah se jaanti ho. (By doing all of this you can't change another important truth. Now even if your father got to know he won't be able to do anything. And this, you know very well)"
A shadow passed across Khushi's face. Her eyes spitted fire at him.
"Now I get it. Pichle dino ki tumhari khamoshi k peeche tumhara ye stupid plan tha k tum sleeping pills kha k mujhse jaan chuda lo gi? Itna aasan nahi hai, (You silence the previous days was because you're making this stupid plan to eat sleeping pills to get rid of me? It's not that easy,)" He leaned and whispered something in her ear in a barely audible voice but it struck her insides and drummed in her head causing her insides to churn. Made her clench her hands in his hold.
She abruptly stood up breathing harshly.
"Jaiye yahan se. Humein thodi der k liye akela chod dein. Please. (Go from here. Leave me alone for a bit. Please)" She turned to him and pleaded with her hands folded. He gulped. Tears were brimming in her eyes.
"NO." He gritted. "Ye galti mai dobara nahi karne wala. Tumhara dimagh pehle hi theek kaam nahi kar raha aur iss halat mai tumhe akela chodne ka matlab hai tumhe khuli choot dena ta k tum phir se khud ko khatam karne ka koi tareeka dhoond lo,
(I won't repeat the mistake of leaving you alone. Your mind already isn't in sane state anyways and in this condition leaving you alone means giving you the freedom to think other ways to get yourself killed)"
"Hum kuch nahi karein gay khud ko. Dekhiye humein bas thoda waqt akele guzarna hai. Devi maiyya k liye humein akela chod dijijye. Sirf kuch minto k liye? (I won't do anything. Look I just want to spend some time alone. For god's sake leave me alone. For a few minutes?)" She cried out coming closer to him and leaning her head touched her head to his chin while sobbing silently.
His Adam's apple bobbed.
"Waise bhi uss k baad humein aap k saath hi jaana hai. Rehna hai. (Ater that I am already have to go with you. Stay with you)" She choked clutching the front of his blazer. He was dressed in a grey tuxedo. Despite his Di's insistence to wear sherwani he didn't, saying if Khushi asked him to wear it then he will which Khushi didn't bother at all.
He wasn't looking that bad with his five o' clock shadow which he specially grew to look good while standing besides her but still she didn't spare him an appreciative glance even once while he was going gaga over her.
What the hell was he thinking? He shook his head. Doesn't he know what she was going through now a days and still he,
Wrapping his arms around her he looked down as she raised her misty eyes to look at him helplessly, unarmed.
"Aap jeet chuke hain Arnav ji. Aaj toh bas aap ki jeet ka jashn hai jo sab apni aankhon se dekhen gay. Uss jeet k badle hi humein wo de dijiye jo hum keh rahein hain. (You have won Arnav ji. Today everyone would see the celebrations of your victory with their own eyes. For that sake, for your winning sake give me what I am asking for once)"
He turned his head and wiped the corner of his eye nodding emotionally at her. But before he could turn to leave the door burst open with force and something or someone fell face first on the ground causing them both to look at the person dumbstruck.
It was Khushi who got out of the shock first as she ran shouting at the top of her lungs.
"BABU JI!!"
Her bellow reverberated in the whole Gomti Sadan causing both the families along with guests to make a run for upstairs. To Khushi's room.
The sight which greeted Garima, Madhumati and Payal terrified them to the core as they saw Khushi patting her father's cheeks with his head on her lap while crying profusely. Raizadas stood dumbfounded while Arnav couldn't breath because he knew what it meant. Shashi Gupta was standing outside and he doesn't know for how long. Did he has to guess? No because his condition scream itself that he knows. HE KNOWS. EVERYTHING.
He trembled. His whole body shook. Sweat beads formed on his forehead. No. No. Not right now. Dammit. In his dilemma he even forgot to do the needful in the situation but Akash wasn't that out of his senses. He reacted fast. He with the help of other men carried Shashi up and made him lie down on the bed before calling for a doctor. Khushi, Payal, Garima and Madhumati were continuously crying while Anjali, Devyani and Manorama were trying everything to console them but they were oblivious to who was saying what as Shashi lay unconscious.
Doctor came but when he asked everyone to move out for him to let him check the patient Khushi and Payal held on to him terrified shaking their heads that they won't leave his side. Garima and Madhumati tried and even Anjali and Devyani but they didn't budge. Khushi had her cheek resting against his head while Payal had her head resting on his chest while sitting on either sides of him.
Anjali nudged Akash and asked him through his eyes to which Akash walked to his stupefied brother.
"Bhai aap Khushi ji ko sambhaliye aur mai Payal ko yahan se le k jata hun. (You handle Khushi ji while I will take Payal with me)" Akash whispered to Arnav shaking him a little jolting him back to present.
"Huh?" Arnav said absentminded.
"Bhai, take Khushi away. Doctor needs to check Uncle but she is holding on," He didn't have to complete because Arnav has already dashed to the bed and despite Khushi's loud cries and struggles he separated her from her father but she wriggled so forcefully punching his chest fighting him to go back to her father that he had no other choice but to carry her up and walk out with her sobbing clenching her hands on his blazer flailing her legs and swatting her arms on his chest shouting at him to let go of her.
Akash didn't had to do much coercing because when he said to Payal that she need to let go or else she could loose her father, she let go quickly and came out with him holding her to his side.
Walking in to the nearby empty room he walked to the bed and laid her down. She has stopped struggling after her several failed attempts. Now as he lowered her to the bed she looked up at the ceiling with tears leaking from the corner of her eyes. And she says she doesn't need anything from her father anymore. He swallowed.
Seeing her disheveled state he did the first thing to make her comfortable. He unpinned her veil and one by one took off the heavy jewelry. First he removed the maang tikka, then her earrings, necklace, bangles and all other ornaments except for their engagement ring.
"Don't worry. He will be fine." He caressed her cheek with his thumb.
"You think so?" She shoot up to sit slapping his hand.
"I know so." He said arrogantly.
"Of course. You think you are god. So you'd know." She scoffed.
He clenched his jaws.
"If something were to happen to him I'd destroy you Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada. I promise you!" She spat out the words.
"And if nothing happened, then? Would you stop hating me?" He asked hopefully. While his heart clawed in his chest.
"Not even in your dreams!" She growled pushing him off and stood up wearing her sandals and made a run for the door just to be yanked back in his arms.
"YOU ARE MINE." He don't know why he was telling her that. "That you and I know very well."
"Keep telling yourself that. You did all this. You must have called Babu ji there to make him interpret everything wrong. He must have heard about my suicide attempt. That's why he is in this condition. All of this happened because of you because you pushed me to that point."
He sighed in relief. Yeah, it could be that. He was worrying unnecessarily. His grip slackened and his nerves cooled down a bit. Nothing was wrong. He told himself. Everything would still go as per his plan.
"Okay. Whatever. What if I did. So what? I lied to your father. I did everything because you are my madness. My obstinacy. And to fulfill it I know how to play my cards."
He looked at the clock. Now it was only ten minutes left for their wedding's auspicious time.
"Aur ab toh mairi banane wali ho tum sab k samne. Ab kon bachaye ga tumhe mujhse? Kyun k tumhara sabse bara gharoor. Sabse bari taaqat tumhare babuji to maine tumse cheen liye hain. (You are going to be mine in front of everyone, anyways. Now who will save you from me? I have snatched your biggest strength already, your father.)"
He turned and for the second time in half an hour froze on his steps seeing Shashi Gupta standing with his hands folded on his back with his eyes spitting fire at him in the middle of the door.
"Cheena na tumne humein. Humne choda nahi tha apni bitiya ko! (You snatched me from her. But still I didn't leave her)" Shashi said determined freezing Arnav on his place while as Khushi saw her father with the truth and respect and love for her back in his eyes she let out a strangled cry.
"Babuji," She whimpered.
Behind him both the families were standing anxiously especially Anjali and Devyani. Guests has been sent downstairs to wait for the next wedding to start.
Garima, Madhumati and Payal were staring at him with shock. They heard his last words and they realized he has played games with all of them. Doctor has said Shashi fainted due to shock and gave him a strong medicine to bring him back to consciousness and he did in a few minutes. The first thing he did was ask for Khushi before he marched out despite their calls when he was told she was with Arnav.
Shashi walked inside and stood face to face with Arnav. Suprisingly Arnav's confident persona remained intact even when he got rewarded with a tight slap. Anjali placed her palm on her mouth. Devyani closed her eyes in pain. But Arnav, he stared back into Shashi's Guptas eyes challengingly ignoring the sting on his cheek. Now as the cat was out of the bag there was no use denying it.
"Acha hua humein waqt pe pata chal gaya aur ab jo karna hai kar lo Arnav Singh Raizada par hum apni bitiya ko tumre saath nahi biyahein gay. (Its good I got to know everything on time and now do whatever you want Arnav Singh Raizada I'd not let you marry my daughter)"
Raizadas gasped while Garima and Madhumati had the same expressions of anger on their faces like Shashi. Khushi fell on the bed and sat with her hands fisting the bedsheets from either sides. She swallowed. She knew what would follow. What would Arnav say next.
Arnav smirked evilly making Shashi Gupta frown. Anjali felt a chill running down her spine while Devyani gripped her hand tightly.
"You underestimate me Uncle. Mujhe ab aap ki madad chahiye bhi nahi. Mai aur Khushi teen din pehle court marriage kar chuke hain. Biwi hai ab wo mairi. Ab toh na aap mujhe us ko saath le jaane se rok sakte hain na wo khud. (I don't need your help anymore either. I and Khushi got married in court three days ago. She is my wife now. Neither you nor she could stop me from taking her with me)" He shoved his hand in his pockets leisurely.
Conspicuous silence followed after many startled gasps on his revelation.
"Hum nahi mante. Kya saboot hai tumre pass? (I don't believe you. What proof do you have?)" Shashi Gupta growled gripping his collars. Arnav freed himself from him and dusted his collars.
"Apni bitiya se poch lijiye. (Ask your daughter)" He tilted his head to Khushi looking ever so smugly at Khushi. "Agar phir bhi yakeen na aye toh shaadi k papers bhi hain uss k pass. (If you still won't be satisfied then have a look at our marriage certificate which is right now in your daughter's possession)"
Shashi looked questionably at Khushi who frowned looking in between her father and him.
"Konse papers? (Which papers?)" Khushi dropped the bomb on his head. His eyes shot to her in alarm.
"Khushi this is not funny. Show them the papers. Tell them we are already legally married." He gritted.
"Babu ji, hum nahi jaante ye kin papers ki baat kar rahe hain. (I don't know which papers is he groveling about)" Khushi stood up and came to her father. "Aap ko yakeen hai na hum pe? Hum kyun jhoot bolein gay itni badi baat ko le k? Agar humein inse aise shaadi kar li hoti toh aaj in sab rasmo mai kyun padte? Aaj phir se ye dhong kyun karte? (You believe me don't you? Why would I lie about something like this? If I had to marry him that way then why would I have grind myself in these rituals? Why would I have done this drama to get married to him again?)"
"KHUSHI!" He whirled her around to face him. "DON'T. LIE. STOP IT." He shook her. Shashi pushed him away and pulled Khushi behind him.
"Humse baat karo. Yahan pe ab sab jaan hi gaye honge k sacha kon hai aur jhoota kon. Tumri kisi bhi baat pe ab bharosa kar k apni bitiya ki zindagi barbaad naahi karein gay hum. Behter hoga chale jao yahan se. (Talk to ME. Here, now, everyone knows who is a liar and who is not. I won't ruin my daughter's life anymore believing anything you say. It will be good for you if you will just leave from here!)"
"SHE IS MY WIFE." He tried to reach her but Shashi blocked his way. Khushi hid herself behind her father clutching the back of his shirt trembling from head to toe. Soon, Garima and Madhumati came to stand on either sides of Shashi sending glares his way.
Devyani looked at Anjali as they saw Arnav losing and his plans crumbling before his very eyes. But he still wasn't ready to accept it.
"Saboot chahiye na aapko. Saboot apki beti k pass hi hai. Ussi k kamde mai ho ga. (You need proofs right? She has all the proofs. It must be in her room)" He marched out and dashed in Khushi's room. Turning it upside down he searched for their marriage documents in cupboard, drawers, under the bedsheet, mattress, pillows. Result, zilch.
Everyone has followed him here. Anjali burst into sobs and so did Devyani when they saw him coming out with nothing. He smashed the lamp against the floor in frustration before shooting his head up and looked into Khushi's who was standing with a spot on face besides her father. Akash flexed his jaws while Payal held Khushi's arm in support.
He took long strides to Khushi in moments and before anyone could stop him he was cupping her cheeks firmly.
"Mrs. Raizada, tell them. Tell them you are 'Mrs. Raizada'. Tell them Khushi. KHUSHI." He bellowed on her face. "You always fight for truth don't you? How can you lie about such a big thing now? Khushi, Khushi." He pressed his palms on her cheeks desperately. "Khushi please? I am sorry. Just, just tell them the truth honey. PLEASE." He shouted. But she stood with blank expressions as if she was dumb. Nothing he said reached her.
"ENOUGH." Shashi shoved him off Khushi. He staggered back and when he raised his head this time red rimmed eyes gave his family a fright and made Khushi grab Payal's hand firmly. He didn't look in his senses anymore. His next words proved everyone that.
"If you didn't say that we are married then I will tell your sister everything of what happened that day in penthouse two weeks ago. After that I will see to it how would you make her life happy. Tell me Payal would still stay with Akash if you got to know that your sister kissed me because she begged me to make everything all right after my Mami messed up and your father broke your alliance with Akash."
Akash closed his eyes while Payal stood stock still as she got to know the whole truth. More elaborated. Payal looked at Khushi for answer. Khushi avoided her gaze.
"Humne apni Jiji k liye kiya jo bhi kiya aur hamari Jiji ko wo mil gaya jo wo chahti thi. Ab aap humein jhoot bolne par ya kuch karne par bhi majboor nahi kar sakte. Hamari Jiji Akash ji k saath hi rahein gi kyun unn ki shaadi hui hai hamari nahi. Haina Jiji? (I did everything for my sister and got my Jiji what she wanted. Now you can't force me to lie or do anything else. My sister will stay with Akash ji because they got married, we didn't. Right Jiji?)" Khushi turned expectantly to Payal who was standing still in her place at the revelation.
"Bolo na jiji? Hamara maan rakho gi na? Raho gi na Akash ji k saath? Un k Bhai k kiye ki saza Akash ji ko nahi do gi na? (Speak up Jiji. You will do this for me won't you? You will stay with Jiju won't you? You won't punish him for his brother's mistakes would you?)" Khushi asked with her eyes brimming.
Payal swallowed and with ache building up in her chest and feeling burdened for everything her sister endured because of her, she nodded with sobs stuck in her throat.
Arnav's eyes widened in disbelief.
"I will ask Akash to leave your sister, then." Arnav bellowed.
All eyes turned to Akash.
"Today two brides will enter Sheesh Mahal or none." Arnav said maniacally causing all of his family members to look at Akash with their breaths stuck up in their throats.
Payal didn't bother turning but Khushi did and looked pleadingly at Akash.
"Right Akash?" Arnav all but ordered him.
"Of course if you want you all can leave right away." Shashi spoke after keeping silence for several moments. Khushi's eyes widened. She shook her head vigorously.
Devyani and Anjali stepped forward and so did Manorama seeing the situation getting out of hands. Akash and Payal were married now already. They don't know whether Arnav was actually saying the truth or not but they have to save the relation which was made in front of everyone. Which don't need proofs to be accepted.
Arnav looked at Khushi challengingly.
"Akash?" Manorama placed her hand on his elbow. Akash jerked forward as if he was in stupor till now. "Don't make hasty decisions. Okay?"
"Akash, will you say 'no' to me? Your one yes could bring the whole truth out. Khushi is my wife. Don't you believe me?" Arnav came to stand before him.
Akash took off his glasses.
"I don't know whether Khushi ji is your wife or not but Payal is my wife. Everyone knows and saw it and I won't be a coward to step back now to leave her alone after taking vows to cherish her for a lifetime."
Arnav staggered back stock still. Khushi sighed in relief closing her eyes not noticing Payal going rigid at her place.
"WHY DON'T YOU ALL UNDERSTAND? KHUSHI AND I ARE MARRIED DAMMIT. SHE IS MINE. MINE." He grew berserk and dashed to the direction of Khushi when whole Gupta family stepped in his way including Payal.
Seeing his defeat and as its realization seeped into his mind he felt his eyes prickle. Swallowing he shed all of his arrogance and pleaded before Shashi.
"Please Uncle believe me. Believe me. For once listen to me. I know I did wrong. Very wrong. But this time I am not lying. You want proofs I'd get the lawyer and a copy of the marriage documents tomorrow first thing in the morning. Right now, just let me take her with me. Or just for your convenience, I will take the nuptial rounds with all the customs if that takes to make you believe she is my wife."
"Devyani Ji." Shashi turned to the elderly lady. Devyani raised her lowered head with tears in her eyes rubbing her hands. "Take your grandsons out of my house. Neither of my daughter will be send off to your home. Never."
"But Babu ji. Jiji and Akash jiju," Khushi started but stopped when Shashi raised his palm up and she closed her mouth in restlessness.
"No one would leave until I don't get to take Khushi with me!" Arnav announced.
"Chup kjijye ab aap Chote. Humein baat karne dijiye.(Shut up now Chote. Let me talk)" Devyani said sternly. Arnav turned with his fist to his mouth. His eyes full of unshed tears and his heart aching badly.
"Hum ye baat apko btana chahat rahe k iss sab mai Chote ki galti hai Khushi bitiya ki naahi par humein ehsas bohat der se hua. (I wanted to tell this to you that not your daughter my Chote is at fault but I realized it too late.)"
Shashi's eyes widened and so did Garima and Madhumati's. Payal whirled around to face Devyani.
"You knew it?" Before Shashi could say it Payal chipped in angrily before her eyes darted to Akash who averted his eyes in nervousness. "Who else knew about it? Dadi ji ab chup rehne ka koi faida nahi hai. Btaiye?"
"Sab janat rahe bitiya. Sab. (All of us knew bitiya. Everyone did!)" Devyani choked blinking back the tears.
"Sab? (Everyone?)" Payal shrieked. "Sab matlab aap samet Anjali ji, Manorama Auntie, Manohar Uncle aur Akash bhi? (Everyone means.. means Anjali ji, Manorama Auntie, Manohar Uncle and Akash too?)" She wasn't asking but stating.
Devyani closed her eyes nodding.
"Haye re Nandkishore!" Madhumati grabbed her head in shock. Khushi gripped her lehenga in anguish. Finally everyone knows of all the treacherous Raizadas ways.
"ALL OF YOU GET OUT OF MY HOUSE. NOW!" Shashi bellowed. Khushi stepped forward horrified. She don't want her Jiji life to be destroyed again because of her but Payal beat her into it.
"I will go with them Babu ji." Payal turned to her father with determination.
"Bitiya?" Shashi asked in disbelief.
"Our Khushi sacrificed so much for me and I .. I won't let her sacrifices go wasted. Not at all. She wanted me married to Akash. She will. She did so much for me. She tortured herself day and night for me. I won't be able to look myself in the mirror if I didn't go with Raizadas right now. Besides, I too took vows to be with Akash forever." Payal sobbed out before letting her head fall on her chest hugged him. He cried along with her while Khushi felt the strength returning in her to keep standing.
"Enough of all the drama! I told you if Khushi won't go with us, you won't too!" Arnav turned back to face everyone. He looked like a wounded lion ready to pounce on anyone who would not let him take his prey. The deer.
"She will go with us!" Devyani said sternly. "And we are leaving without Khushi." She announced.
Arnav's hand trembled and eyes prickled. Anjali rushed to him and held him to give him support when he was about to fall on the ground. She managed to steady him somehow.
"Khushi, go to my room." It was Shashi's order which jolted Arnav from head to toe. Khushi nodded swallowing as her eyes held his for a moment before she turned to leave. Arnav dashed to reach her. It took all of Shashi, Manohar and Akash's strength to hold him back as he struggled with all of his force to wriggle out and run behind her. His face turned red and nerves stood out on his temple and neck.
Anjali sobbed looking pleadingly at Nani. Khushi turned her back to him with her hand to her mouth and misty eyes shut tightly.
"KHUSHI. KHUSHI. NO." Arnav kept chanting her name extending his hand forward while the men held him back. There Shashi saw who was obsessed with whom and who wanted to marry whom so desperately. He shuddered to even think of the consequences if he has had married his daughter to this mad man.
Khushi has walked out of the room several moments ago and after a minute he managed to free himself. He opted to the door only for his way to be blocked by his Nani this time.
"Nani. Please?" He choked blinking back the tears. "How could you do this to me? How could you? You know what she means to me. You know everything then why? WHY?" He started shouting maniacally then. He turned around in circles while saying,
"Whether you all believe me or not, the truth won't change. Khushi is my wife." He pointed to himself.
"I WILL FILE A CASE AGAINST YOU. I WILL TAKE MY WIFE WITH ME. THAT'S MY RIGHT."
His menacing voices sent chills down everyone's spine especially Khushi's who heard it clearly even sitting in other room except Shashi stayed calm neither scared nor intimidated by him. He has fought with his daughter for this deceitful man now he will fight for her with him.
That way Khushi Kumari Gupta made Arnav Singh raizada get the taste of his own medicine.
It was the same like that day in the penthouse just that there Khushi was the one trying and failing miserably to explain herself while here it was him shouting, yelling, going berserk to prove himself right which he was.. at least this time he was but there was no proof. No one to prove him right. Nothing to support his words. Nothing at all. Not even his shrewd mind helped him while he stood there breathing hard with his eyes red and nostrils flaring and then his raging wounded eyes met hers. She was peeking in the room hiding behind the wall outside the door. Putting a stone on her heart she stared back fiercely.
Then he has remained silent and didn't defend her. Now, she was silent and wasn't defending him.
Then he knew he was doing wrong and now, even though she was just paying him back but she was doing wrong too she knew. By pretending oblivious to what he was saying.
Two weeks ago on this very day Arnav Singh Raizada has shattered her beyond repair and exactly two weeks later she did the same without even doing anything but by just keeping mum.
By silence!
He may have won many battles before this but today she won the war and got even with him by all means!
"I may marry you. Yes. You may get rights on me after that. Yeah. But know one thing Arnav Singh Raizada, there will come a day when I will crush all of your dreams right in front of your eyes. You made one promise didn't you? Here is mine. I will defeat you in your own game. If I didn't then I--I will kill myself."
She fulfilled her promise. She paid him back with interest.
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PRECAP:
"She made it even and now it's my turn." Blood rushed to his eyes.
"I bared open my heart to her and that's how she has repaid me? Does she has even slightest idea how hard it was for me to open up to that extent? But I still did and she threw it on my face. How fucking dare she?"
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Special mention: @suryakavi0912 , @rizarshi and @Mamree for correct guess about what has Khushi searched in her room. Hats off guys <3
Here we reached the INTERVAL of PLAD :)
Thank you so much guys for so much love. I didn't know the last update target will be completed so fast but you all did it. LOVE YOU ALL <3
I hope you all liked the update?
Just two questions,
1. What do you want to say about the sudden turn and twists of events and what would be its consequences?
2. Which song would suit Arnav and Khushi's present situation?
Any questions or queries? Feel free to ask.
Waiting eagerly for your feedback.
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Stay blessed.
Cheers!
Upcoming Update: DILLAGI (Exact date will be posted soon)
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