Part 35 Reason for the rejection

*I'm sorry...I'm not fine with that...* Shashi said which made all the others shocked.

Khushi's eyes automatically tear up. She didn't expect Shashi would make such a tragic decision. She thought to tease Arnav and it was different. But now how could she go against her father's wish? She was dissatisfied.

Arnav's condition could not be described in words. He was looking at Khushi's teary eyes unbelievably. Arvind and Ratna were also fed up. They underestimated Shashi Gupta it seems. And Garima was angry with Shashi. Would anyone leave such an amazing alliance? How could he do that without discussing it with her and Khushi?

*Could we know why you are not fine with this? * Arvind asked, making himself up.

*I think it's not needed... because I don't want to hurt you people...*

That was another blow to Raizadas.

*That's ok... tell us... we won't feel bad* Ratna asked. She wanted to know the reason.

*Ours and your lifestyle are different... Roaming with girls and going on dates may be a simple thing for you. But, according to us, those are the deciding factors of one's character...* Shashi said looking straight.

Arvind looked at Arnav miserably who was gulping down hard. Ratna bowed down.

Khushi was shocked to the core. What does that mean? Did Shashi inquire about Arnav and his character?

*Thank you for everything. We are leaving...* Shashi said joining his hands.

Arvind and Ratna also sent them off joining their hands. Arnav stood, looking at their retreating figure... correction, Khushi's retreating figure. He felt like someone is squeezing his heart. He fisted his finger, tightening his jaws helplessly.

Arvind touched his shoulder. In no time, Arnav hugged him and cried on his shoulder. Ratna couldn't hold her tears, seeing them so vulnerable. She didn't know what to do... how to handle the issue. Shashi Gupta would have investigated Arnav. Maybe, he would have done that, seeing him so sweet with Khushi.

There is nothing to do with this. Don't know how Arnav will forget Khushi but he has no choice. Ratna thought.

But, Arvind broke the hug.

*Chotte, you don't have to be worried. I saw Khushi's eyes teary. I'm sure she likes you. So, we do not need to care about Shashi Gupta. Get her... we will see what Shashi Gupta will do...* He said wrathfully.

Ratna was horrified, hearing that. Has he gone mad? Being his father, how could he give such an idea to Arnav? She was disappointed with Arvind.

*No, Dad... she is not repugnant to her Babuji...* Arnav said in a feeble tone.

*Then what will you do? Will you forget her? Could you? * Arvind asked furiously.

*Never... I will leave my breath instead...*

*Then? *

*Let me think...* Arnav went to his room.

Arvind looked at Ratna.

*What are you advising, Arvind? Is this how you teach your son...?*

*Ratna, please... you have no idea how hurt Chotte is. I'm not going to care about right or wrong in this matter... my Chotte's happiness means a lot to me... please don't try to stop me Ratna...* he left the place leaving a thunderstruck Ratna.

In their twenty-five years of married life, this is the first time, Arvind spoke to her this way. That's not enough for Ratna to understand the depth of the issue...?

..........

Garima was silent on the way to GH. When they entered, Garima stopped Shashi, clutching his hand.

*What have you done, Shashiji? Why did you say NO to Raizada's alliance? Do you think we can get a good alliance than Raizadas for Khushi? * she asked disappointed.

*Wealth-wise, we won't get a good alliance than Raizadas... but life is not ONLY about wealth, Garimaji...*

*Apart from wealth, how generous Ratnaji and Arvindji are...*

Cutting her,

*And, Arnav?*

Garima looked at him confusingly.

*He has a very big demand for his college girls. He casually goes on outings with girls...*

Garima looked at Khushi shockingly.

*Is it true, Khushi?* Garima asked.

*It was his past... he has changed completely...* Khushi said firmly.

*What changed him completely? * Shashi threw a question.

Khushi got stuck.

*After the accident, he changed fully... maybe, he would have thought of the uncertainty of life...* she said looking at the floor.

*Are you sure?* Garima asked.

*I didn't see him going for an outing after the accident. He even stopped talking to girls...*

*Did you hear what she said?* Garima asked.

*Garimaji, don't get into something which is not in our reach... we should not desire anything which doesn't suit us* Shashi left the place.

Khushi went to her room and lay down on the bed gloomily. This is unexpected. Even Arnav would not have expected this. He was so confident that her parents will accept him. Don't know what would he do... She doesn't know what is going to happen in college.

........

Arnav couldn't get sleep. he hadn't faced such a heartbreaking situation in his life. He never had reacted toward a girl before Like this. He had fallen for her not because she was beautiful but for the good qualities of her heart. Arvind warned him many times about his DON'T CARE behavior. He said one day that behavior will strongly affect his future. But Arnav didn't take it seriously. He didn't even give heed to his words and forget about taking them seriously. And now, he was tasting the bitter fruit. His past behavior is hitting him brutally. What is he going to do? should he remove the idea of marrying Khushi from his mind? Could he? No...Never... she has to marry him... she has to be his wife... not anyone else... Arvind is right. Why should he care about Shashi Gupta if Khushi loves him? But, does Khushi love him? Arnav was irritated.

The next day

Arnav came to the college a little before. He wanted to see Khushi's reaction. He wanted to see whether she looks cool or rigid. Aman saw him sitting under the tree.

*What a surprise, Buddy... you are here so earlier? * Aman asked.

Arnav nodded yes not taking his eyes off the main gate.

*What happened, yaar? You look tensed... *

*Shashi Gupta denied giving Khushi's hand when Mom proposed to the marriage*

*Whaaaat!*

Arnav gulped down.

*Did Khushi say anything regarding it?*

*Her eyes became teary...*

*Then why are you tensed? Ask her directly...*

*I can't do it in college. Students may get to know the issue. It will lead her into trouble*

They saw her coming. Aman stood in front of Arnav hiding him from the students. He didn't want anyone to notice Arnav's different LOOK on Khushi. Khushi was going to the class, bowing down. She didn't look at Arnav which rose Arnav's anger to no limit.

She jerked when Arnav called her.

*Khushiiii...*

She looked at him turning her face slowly. Arnav came to her.

*Why don't you look at me damn it? *

*Why should I look at you?* she back questioned him.

*Why your eyes got to tear up last evening, hearing your Babuji's denial?*

Without answering him,

*I told you, you can't marry me... didn't I?*

*You did... but I didn't accept it...*

*It doesn't matter...*

*It does... I will marry you and that's final. Understood?*

*You have gone mad...*

Khushi left the place murmuring.

Arnav smiled at Aman.

*What's this ASR?* Aman asked confusingly.

*She should not forget anything... from here on, she would be thinking of my words...* he smirked.

Aman nodded yes smilingly.

To be continued...

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People and their condition

Lunch break

Aman, Akash, and NK stood from the benches to go out. They saw Arnav still sitting.

*ASR, are not you coming to the canteen? * Aman asked.

*No... I'm not coming...*

*But why? *

*I will eat in the classroom* Arnav said.