“Are you sure?” Ratna asked, Khushi smiled giving her answer as positive.

“My parents have been dead long ago in a car accident when I was 8 and then I have been adopted by my Masi, unwillingly. They didn't want to but if they didn't do that, then the property that would be transferred on my name would go away too. So unwilling they took me under their wings. With my parents, Buaji's husband too died. Unfortunately only I lived.” She looked down and wiped a lone tear that escaped, accidentally.

“As I was never wanted, so I had been treated similarly. I never got the love after my parents died. I was just a living corpse there. To my luck, I was send to school for my basic schooling. I did my best and later I got scholarship. I did my graduation with that. I was just a maid back at home. Everyday, I used to cook three course meals for them and then the leftovers were given to me. I didn't even get any money from them for my basic needs. So I had to work. I did a small job in the nearby library. After my graduation, I got job in your company. I was so happy that day. It was just like a ray of hope in my life. Thank you sir.” She said looking at Arnav to which he smiled and nodded. He too went back to the day he gave her job and now understood her urge to have the job.

“Everything was going good, but then I got an alliance. I didn't want to marry but I didn't had a choice. I could not even deny. So I married but he wanted me to leave my job. Bua-ji threatened me and I had to comply. So I gave my resignation and Sir accepted it thankfully. " Arnav clenched his jaw and fisted his hands.

“The marriage was a low affair, with no relatives invited. It was just my family and some of neighbours. After I had been married, he took us home. It was so big. I got scared when he dragged me to his room. After-” she paused and clenched her dupatta.

“After that he asked me to re-remove my… my clothes. I was shocked and didn't want it. I didn't want to do on first night. I begged him but be slapped me. He tore my clothes and threw me on bed. He was forcing himself on me and I kept refusing. Luckily his cell rang and he had to go.” She stopped remembering the past and the dreadful night.

“Later I thought to run. After fixing my dress, I ran but I guess luck wasn't on my side. I got caught. The guards trapped me in a dark room. I was so frightened. I didn't knew what to do. It was all dark. I kept banging the door asking them to open but they didn't. Then after around 2-3 hours, he came. He stepped inside and-” a cry left her mouth.

“Hushh!!!” Ratna hugged her and rubbed her back. Every eye was moist listening her story. But what they didn't knew that worst was yet to come.

“That night he had beaten me, lashed me, and chained me and did everything. He punished me because I tried to escape. After that I never tried to run. I had those horrific dreams where he would almost kill me. He would vent out all his anger on me. It was as if I were a toy for him. He never treated me as a human.”

“After 2 torturous weeks of our marriage, he said that he had a party on the weekend. He gave me the worst dress to wear. It showed most of my skin and I was so uncomfortable. We went there. It was a hotel room. It was same night when the fashion show was held.” Everyone's eyes went wide in shock.

“Later 2 guys came. He ordered me for drinks and I made. When I was making drinks, one guy came and hugged me from back. I wriggled in his arms and turned to see one of his friend. I got away from his hold but the three of them came and said that they were here for this. I was shocked and said Shyamji, my husband to ask their friends to stop this. He laughed and said that my foster parents had sold me to him and he could do as he pleases with me. I didn't know how to react listening the news." All held their breaths listening the last part. How can someone fall so cheap to sell a person, their own daughter.

"They started towards me and I kept backing away till I was blocked by wall. I kept praying to Devi Mayia to show her miracle. I knew this is my end and I won't ever be able to face myself if something bad happens. Suddenly a distant voice rang in my ears stating "God helps those who helps themselves." This line kept ringing in my ears. I knew then and there, that it was a help from God. Otherwise weak and timid girl like me wouldn't have dared to lift a finger on them. But I knocked them. Not one but three of them." She spoke, her voice held slight hint of surprise. As if she realised something, that it was her who had beaten those perverts.

Slowly a smile escaped from her lips. Looking ahead, she said.

"I ran after beating them and ended up in a hallway. I was catching my breath when suddenly a girl and a boy came out of nowhere. The girl dragged me with her. Panick again filled  within me. I thought I has been caught again. They were discussing something about a girl didn't arrive and they needed a replacement."

"She asked me if I would be the one. I thought for a while and agreed readily. I needed a place to hide myself and sometime to think. She led me to green room and made me ready. Her name was Ana-Ananya. No... I can't remember."

"Later I walked on the ramp. I knew I am screwing up big time but I didn't had a choice. When I looked ahead to avoid the constant mummers, the three of them stood right at the other end. They were smirking at me. As if telling me that they had got me." Her said, voice filled with fear.

"I stepped back and suddenly I slipped and felt that I was going to fall but-"

"My son saved you." Ratna completed smiling at her to which she nodded.

Looking at Arnav, Ratna patted his cheek and kissed both of their foreheads.

"Thank god, your are fine now. They won't ever touch you, beta. You are safe here." Ratna held her hand and assured her.

"Thank you Aunty. Thank you sir. I owe my life to you all." Khushi said in tears.

"No dear. Don't thank us. Its your courage that paid you. You are very brave my daughter. God bless you." Ratna said.

"Bhab- I mean Khushi ji. Now you will join back to AR?" Aman asked. He stopped in middle  when he was going to call her bhabhi getting a murderous glare from Arnav.

"Ji! No. I mean how-"

"What how? You used to work before and you will work again as his PA." Aman said pointing towards Arnav.

Khushi looked at Arnav, waiting for his answer. He kept looking directly into her eyes. He could see hope, fear, curiousity in her eyes.

Nodding at her, he stood and left.

"What the!" Aman retort seeing him going away.

"Thank you sir." She said meekly.

"Not a problem Khushi-ji."

"Khushi. Please call me Khushi." She smiled at Aman.

Anjali who saw the sweet conversation between them boiled in anger. Her husband talking sweetly to a women of five days. Heck! He even knew her before. She kept glaring, them being completely oblivious to it.

"Aman, I need to have a word with you." She said and walked away.

"These duo will make me crazy one day, for sure." Muttering he stood and left trailing behind his wife.

"Dear, you go and rest. I will call you for dinner." Nani said to Khushi getting up.

"Nhi Nani ji. I am fine now and its already been days that I am staying here and just resting."

"Not a problem beta. You are just my daughter just like Anjali." Ratna gave her a smile.

"Thank you Aunty."Ratna nodded at her.

"Now come inside. Its getting dark here."

Moving inside, they went to kitchen. Soon they got indulged into making dinner. They talked about everything and nothing in particular. Now, Ratna became friends with her and Khushi saw a mother figure in her.

Plating the dish on the platters, she kept them aside and poured the dal into a bowl.

"Phew! Done with this. Now let's make tortillas for all."

"Let me do please."

"Sure!"

Making enough of them, she covered the case and kept them aside with other dishes. Cleaning her hands at the sink, she saw Ratna making some dessert.

"What are you making Aunty-ji?"

"Jalebi's, do you like them?"

"Um.. never tasted them before." Khushi glanced at floor feeling embarrassed.

"Doesn't matter. Taste some made by me. I am sure you will fall in love with them because I have that magic in my hands. I bet!" She lifted her imaginary collars making her laugh heartly.

"Keep laughing that way dear. I pray you get everything you deserve." Ratna patted her cheek and kissed her forehead.

Arnav came inside to drink water and heard their little chatter. He smiled away seeing Khushi laughing and getting outside of her well built shell.

"Yes! Even I love her jalebi's. Maa keep some separate for me. Otherwise Aman will have my share." He comments.

"Obviously, I had too. Otherwise you would go all silent with me like last time for 4 hours and 7 minutes." She teased.

"Maa!!" He whined and gesture her through his eye towards Khushi. Indirectly telling her that they had audience.

"So what! She is my daughter and has a right to know about you." Ratna went and wrapped an arm around Khushi.

"Huh! Always changing sides. Hate you!" Stomping his feet he left the kitchen. He heard the ladies laughing at him behind his back.

"Hate you too!" She replied.

"Such a kid!"

"Let's set the table." She said picking up the bowl.

After arranging everything, they saw Nani and Aman coming downstairs. By the look of his face, one could say that he had been into a heated conversion and is frustrated like hell!

"Is everything alright Aman beta!"

"I think so" he mutters.

"Huh?"

"Nothing ma! Your daughter had gone insane."

"Tell me something new." Arnav said shrugged and took his seat.

"Shut up chotte!" Ratna slapped his shoulder.

"What happened now! What did she say?" She asked worried.

"Nothing ma! I will see to it. Can you please make a plate for both of us. We will be having dinner in room and staying here the night, I guess!" He says.

"Yes. Not a problem, beta. Its your house too."

Picking the filled plates, he left for his room leaving behind a smirking Arnav.

"What are you smiling at!" Ratna asked and asked Khushi to have a seat.

"Nothing!" He replied coldly.

"Uff! Chotte. Still angry!" She pouted.

"Why wouldn't I be. I ain't an angry bird like your daughter!" He states.

"True!" Nani mutters making them all chuckle.

"If she would have heard you, Nani, I guess we all had been murdered till now."

"She is sweet!" Khushi says, keeping her point. Arnav coughed and choked on his food. Nani passes him water and Ratna pats his back.

"Sorry!" He mutters, his voice hoarse.

"She isn't even the 'S' of sweet. Stay for a complete day with her, I am sure before the noon, you would run away." He comments resuming his food.

Khushi looked confused at all and looked at Ratna who shook her head in denial asking her to have food and ignore them.

Precap:

"Arnav, what happened?"

"Leave me alone please."

"Ohh Devdas! You have your Paro, then why these ugly expressions?"

"Shut up!"

"Acha. I will but tell me the reason behind you becoming Devdas!"

"Will you shut up!"

"Not till you tell me the reason!"

"Fine. I will only leave!" He stood to go but Aman caught him.

"Stop it yaar. Why are you being so irritating!" He huffs.

"Seriously you don't know the reason behind my mood."

"She is leaving, that's why!" He guessed

"Genius!" Arnav rolled his eyes at his guess.

"I am!" He raised his collars.

"Aman why don't you ask her to stop. If I ask ma, she will ask many questions. Only you can do this!"

"Me!!!!!" He shrieked loudly.

"Idiot. Can't you yell slowly." Arnav says, rubbing his ears.

"And yes. You!" He points towards him.

"A big NO from me."

"But why?"

________________

So glad with the response that couldn't hold back from posting this.

P.s.- This will be the last chapter from me this month. Because I have my exams starting next week which would end in june. So will not be posting anything till then.

Thank you for all the lovely comments and votes. Hope you liked the chapter.