Part 34(long update)

Second hearing.    

Arnav was asked to take place in the witness box. The doctor who checked her was also invited. She came to the opposite witness box to Arnav.

Judge: Dr. Ananya, tell us about Mrs. Raizada's health condition.

Dr: My Lord, after examining her, it seems that she is not eating properly. (Hearing this, Arnav glared at Khushi. Khushi gulped and bowed down.) And that's not good in this "condition".

Judge: Which condition?

Dr: That she is "pregnant".

Khushi lifted her head jerking and saw Arnav who staring at her unbelievably. Is she pregnant?

They were looking at each other. They remembered Khushi's stance "I want to see you facial expression when you get to know about my pregnancy". Their facial expression changed painfully thinking about their miserable condition. Because they didn't expect that they would face the wonderful moment of their life in this way.

Khushi thought of her own childish act that what she did that day, after their argument about baby.

Flashback

Khushi damaged their "precautionary tool" with ball pins.

Khushi(self-talk): I shouldn't talk about baby? Let's see, what will you do now? I just want to see your face when you are going to stand speechless. She said couldn't control her laugh.

Flash back end.

Now Khushi's facial expression was also not different from Arnav. But to her surprise, his expression changed into a delighted one.

His face reflected happiness. After all, he is going to be a father. Their thought got distracted by the person who was shouting devilishly.

"Noooo we don't want this child. Your honor, please permit us to ABORT this child". Arnav's nerves got tightened in rage.

It was none other than Shyam. Shyam's shock was not estimated. He heard when Khushi spoke to Garima that day when she visited GH. "Don't think about baby at least for five years" Then how the hell is this possible?

Judge: If you want to say anything then you are allowed to say it from the witness box.

The doctor left the place giving space to Shyam.

Shyam: My Lord, I'm Khushi's brother. Please permit us to abort this child.

Judge: But why? She asked coolly.

Shyam: I have decided to get my sister married to my friend. This child will be an obstacle for her marriage.

Khushi's eyes went wide unbelievably. Still, he wants her to get married to Akash? She looked at Arnav who was glaring at Shyam wrathfully as if he will kill Shyam if he gets a chance.

Judge: How can you decide what she wants? This case became sensitive now because it includes an unborn. I want to know the will of the parents of "unborn". (looking at Arnav) Mr. Raizada, What do you say?

Arnav: I want my child with my wife, forever.

Khushi was called to the witness chamber.

Judge: Do you want to abort the child and remarry someone?

Khushi: Noooo. I can't even think of aborting my child. It's mine.

Judge: what about your divorce? It seems like, your brother is against your wish. Do you think you will be safe with him?

Khushi: I ... I don't want a divorce. I want to be with my husband.

She said giving disappointment to Shyam while making Arnav smile.

Judge: It's because you are pregnant?

Khushi: No. I never wanted divorce (pause) even though if my husband kidnapped me.

Judge: Then why did you apply for divorce?

Roy: Excuse me, your honor. Mrs.Raizada didn't apply for the divorce. In fact, it's not her signature at all.

Judge: You mean, has someone else signed divorce papers without her consent?

Roy: Yes your honor. I request you to see this. (he handed over the papers) A Graphologist analyzed that the signature in the divorce application is not Mrs.Raizada's. It's forged signature your honor. Here is the certificate for it.

Judge: Is it true Mrs. Raizada? Didn't you sign the divorce papers?

Khushi(nodded no): I didn't sign the papers. In fact, I got to know about it only after my husband said that to me.

Judge: Then who did that?

Khushi (looking at Shyam): Maybe my brother.Shyam was called to the witness box.

Judge: Mr. Shyam Gupta... is it you?

Shyam(hesitatingly): Yes your honor. I don't want to put my sister's life at risk. How can I trust a kidnapper? That's why I want this divorce.

Judge: But divorce is something that cannot be decided by a third person. It's a matter of couple's choice. Your sister clearly stated that she is not willing to get a divorce. What's your response to that?

Shyam: She is innocent your honor. She knows nothing.

Judge: What do you think about court? Did you think that your embedded arguments will be accepted here? Your sister is a teacher. She teaches what is right and what is wrong for her students. And you are saying she knows nothing? Leaving everything behind, she is a major. That's what the court considers. She declared that she don't want a divorce. Mr.Raizada has proved that his wife's signature is a fake. Now he can file "signature forgery" case against you. You can't say that your sister is innocent who couldn't even sign. So that you signed the divorce papers on behalf of her.

Arnav: I want my wife back your honor. I'm not going to file any case against him. After all, he is my wife's brother. He said looking at Shyam sternly.

Shyam: But what about the kidnap?

That's when they heard "it's me, who kidnapped her". Everyone's head turned towards the person. Shyam was thunder stuck seeing Pranav who was standing with Aman at the entrance. Akash couldn't believe its Pranav. Pranav himself came to the witness box.

Pranav: I'm Pranav. Akash's friend. Yes, it's me, your honor. I kidnapped her for my sister who loves Akash.

Judge: Why did you kidnap her? Isn't it selfish?

Pranav: Yes I'm. Who are not selfish your honor? Akash wants to marry Khushi even after knowing that she did not like him. Shyam wanted establish his business. So he decided to achieve it through their marriage. He didn't care about his sister's wish and happiness. Then what's wrong if I'm selfish? (pause) yes I was selfish. I know Khushi's family would get hurt. But I have no other choice. So I kidnapped her.

But what surprised me was Arnav's outburst. Because I know him very well, He will not poke the nose on unnecessary matters since our college days. More to my surprise, Arnav proposed Khushi's hand for marriage. That's what made me suspect. I started to investigate. That's when I got to know that Arnav saved Khushi from Aman once. I asked Aman about it and he agreed. Recently Khushi thanked Aman for kidnapping her which amazed us. It's not necessary to say if she thank for the kidnapping then she must be happy with her husband. So she is rather ready to accept the kidnap. I was so satisfied seeing her happy with Arnav because I was guilt about Khushi's broken marriage. (paused and gulped) I didn't expect Akash's mother would create such a scene in front of the crowd.

Judge: But it's obvious. Anyone in her place would have done the same.

Pranav: I was disappointed at her behavior because she is the one who insisted me to kidnap 

Khushi. (He paused and looked at Akash. This statement slogged Akash brutally) Yes, your honor. Akash mother wanted it. She didn't like Khushi because she wanted my sister as her Daughter-in-law. So she tried to convince Akash but she failed. Finally, she asked me to stop the marriage doing something. Without any option left, I have kidnapped Khushi. I never wanted to hide it. I even asked Arnav to say it to Khushi. But he didn't want to make his in-laws and Shyam guiltier. I couldn't come to the court for the first hearing. So I asked Aman to divert the court by saying he is the one who gave the anklet to Arnav.

Judge: So it's not Aman?

Pranav: No your honor. It's me who gave it to Arnav. I met Arnav to say the truth and also give Khushi's anklet. At first, Arnav refused to get it from me because he didn't want Khushi to know the bitter truth. And I got to know from Arnav that they loved each other from the beginning without confessing it to each other. I started everything. So the responsibility to finish it is mine. I'm ready to face the consequences, your honor.

Shyam and Akash felt themselves as dead bodies. They couldn't even imagine Radhika being behind Khushi's kidnapping. Akash head hung in shame. He couldn't believe that his mother could go to this extent. He knew Pranav's sister love him and Radhika wanted her as Bahu. But he didn't take it seriously. He can never forgive her for what she did. Being a reason for the kidnapping how could Radhika humiliate Khushi in front of the crowd as if she knew nothing? How could she stoop so low? Is it just because she wanted a wealthy girl as her bahu? Judge: I recommend the corps to take the kidnapping case from here on and I dismiss the divorce case. The details of the judgment will be followed.

An adorable smile dominated Khushi's face over the tears. Arnav rushed to Khushi and hugged her with happy tears. She hugged him back with same passion smilingly. He kissed her cheek without breaking the hug.

Khushi saw Shyam and Akash were looking at them with rumors. She went to Shyam. In no time she took his hand and kept it on her head.

Khushi: Stop getting promises from me Bhai. Enough of everything. I love Arnav so much more than my life. Let me live my life with him. I hid my love for Arnav and agreed to marry Akash because you wanted it because I didn't want to hurt you. But now, Arnav is everything to me. I can't live without him.

Shyam: Is it true that you loved Arnav from the beginning?

Khushi(nodded yes): If you asked me once, this confusion would not have happened.

Shyam stood there speechless. He didn't expect that Khushi loved Arnav from the beginning. He felt displeased for everything. Khushi is right if he had asked her once then everything would have changed. He took a step ahead towards Arnav and bent down to touch his feet. Arnav got horrified by his action. He jumped backward didn't let him to touch his feet. He looked at Khushi whose gaze was rooted at her brother firmly.

Arnav (frowning): What the hell are you doing Shyam?

Shyam: I lost the challenge.

Arnav: Challenge?

Shyam: She challenged me, if you prove that you are innocent, I should touch your feet.

Arnav was thunderstruck. This Khushi is unbelievable.

Arnav: She must have asked you because of her love for me. Don't think about her wrong.

Shyam: Yes I failed to think of her rightly. I'm really sorry Arnav.

Shyam( touching Khushi's head): I will never ask you to do promises. I'm really sorry.

He said controlling his tears. He went from there with extreme repentance followed by Akash. He stopped and looked at Akash.

Shyam: I would like to break all the ties with you.

Akash (with repentance): Shyam please don't do that.

Shyam: No Akash, It will be better if I don't see your mother after this. If I see her, it may make me do something horrible which I don't want. Please try to understand. If you really respect me then marry Pranav's sister. It will be good for everyone.

Garima hugged Khushi happily and kissed her forehead.

Garima: You should be careful during maternity. Should I be with you?

Khushi nodded no smilingly.

Arnav: I will take care of her Aunty.

Garima(teasingly): I expected this. She smiled.

Shashi: Don't hesitate to ask us anything if you want. Ok?

Khushi: Yes dad.

Shyam started his bike and his gaze rooted at the place where Aman was standing smilingly. He got down from the bike and reached Aman.

Shyam: I'm sorry and also thanks.

Aman: I'm also sorry and also thanks.

They smiled at each other and shook hands.

Arnav and Khushi smiled seeing them. That's when she saw Pranav showing thumbs up to 

Arnav. Arnav nodded his head smilingly.

Khushi: He is a good person that's why he came to the court.

Arnav: Not only that he knew Shyam's wish to marry you to Akash which he couldn't let it happen. I went to Kolkata to meet him that day when Shyam heard our talks.

Khushi: That's why you didn't come to meet me? (he nodded yes) but You could have spoken to him by phone.

Arnav: Yes. But I want him to know about the seriousness of the issue. So I went to meet him personally. That's why he came to the court leaving everything.

Khushi: Did you know, I was afraid because you did not come?

Arnav: I know.

Khushi: You know me. but you got angry on me seeing my signature in divorce papers. She pouted.

Arnav: I knew you would not have signed the papers. I thought Shyam might have forced you to get it. But I understood that you don't know about it when I saw the shock on your face.

Khushi: So smart.... Shall we go?

Arnav: Wait, I asked NK to bring the car.

Khushi: But why?

Arnav(tucking her hair): Because you are pregnant. It's not safe to take you on the bike. What if...

Khushi(cutting him): How will I fall when you are with me? I know you won't let me fall.

She repeated "his" dialogue which he uttered once.

A Glorious smile made Arnav's face more handsome. He started his bike. Khushi sat on the bike hugging him keeping her chin on his shoulder.

Khushi: Will your car give this comfort to me?

Arnav smiled through the rear view mirror and geared his bike up.

To be continued...........