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Chapter 22
(i made this banner.. 
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Next Day..
Khushi talked to her Amma about working at Raizada Mansion to look after Anjali and very conveniently got Garima’s approval.. Although Garima was not sure to allow Khushi to work their, where her Daughter’s Heart was once broken due to Anjali’s cousin.. But then it was not Anjali’s fault either, also Khushi was herself comfortable it seemed, so Garima agreed..
Buaji was still here, in Lucknow, and now Shashi was back too.. Khushi was happy thinking that her father was recovering, least she knew he had so less time in hands..
***
Raizada Mansion..
Khushi entered the place at 8 am as decided, and to open the door came ASR.. Khushi took a step inside and seeing ASR standing at the door, she had nothing to speak..
ASR-Di is UP.. The nurse is there too..
Saying that, he disappeared and Khushi too dispersed to Anjali’s Room.. Anjali was getting a foot massage as her foot were swollen and Khushi entered to see a delighted Anjali..
Anjali-Khushiji! Come..
Khushi came and sat besides..
The afternoon went by and they just chatted a bit before Anjali went to sleep as she was feeling tired.. ASR was in office by now, but dint forget to meet Anjali before leaving..
*
Raizada Mansion..
Down..
It was afternoon when ASR was back for lunch as Anjali insisted, and Anjali-ASR-Khushi were sitting at the dining table.. Khushi was requested by Anjali to join them for lunch.. But she denied saying..
Khushi-Later Anjaliji, am not hungry yet.. And anyway I have brought my Lunch na, so I will eat when I am hungry..
Khushi said turning her head down now..
Anjali-What do u mean u brought ur tiffen? Can’t u eat with us..?
Khushi-No Anjaliji, nothing like that.. Actually my Amma runs a Dabba Service, so she packed my tiffen too in the morning.. So, ya..
Anjali had nothing to say, she nodded her head and started to eat.. Khushi was sitting quietly and ASR too was quilt until now..
Anjali-Khushiji, pass me that pickle na..
Khushi passed and spoke..
Khushi-U must be having these craving na?
She seemed so excited to ask that when Anjali chuckled and replied..
Anjali-Its not like that Khushiji.. I will tell u.. Yesterday night, I wanted to eat Jalebis, and I made chote go all around the city.. He did come back with what I wanted, but when he was back, it was too late and my cravings had eloped!
Khushi and ASR both remembered yesterday night when ASR was there at Khushi’s and both looked at each other remembering all events of yesterday night in a flash, and looked away..
Anjali-U see Khushiji, mood keeps on changing..
Hearing that, ASR interrupted..
ASR-Ya, I know!
Khushi looked at Arnav and then Anjali and giggled.. She could see Arnav a bit annoyed.. Arnav saw Khushi giggling at him and barked..
ASR-Miss. Gupta, what’s there to laugh? If u don’t remember, u too are here to take care of my Di, so don’t think am the only one to bare her mood swings.. U better keep ur energies up.. Eat something..
Khushi’s smile vanished and she looked at ASR who resumed his lunch.. Anjali saw ASR and Khushi, and smiled.. She heard her chote ordering Khushi to eat, and Khushi staring Arnav after that.. Anjali looked aside and smiled in sigh..
Anjali-Eat something Khushiji..
Khushi nodded and ASR got up as he was already done with his lunch.. Khushi looked at Arnav getting up and spoke by compulsion..
Khushi-Arey, eat properly..
ASR stopped and turned behind to look at Khushi and Khushi realised what she just asked and to whom.. Anjali looked at Khushi and so did Arnav..
Anjali-Khushiji, chote eats fast.. Its okay..
Khushi looked at Arnav embarrased, and looked away gulping.. ASR stared her for 2 seconds, and looking at Khushi he spoke..
ASR-I am going back to office Di.. Will see u later tonight..
ASR left and Khushi saw him leaving.. She too had her lunch and Anjali was done too.. Giving Anjali her medicines, Khushi helped Anjali walk a bit and the day went by..
*
Evening..
It was 6.00 pm already, and Khushi was helping Anjali find something in her room..
Khushi-Its not here Anjaliji..
Anjali-Oh! Then I guess it can only be in chote’s room.. HPji already looked in the Hall and in the garden.. I guess when I went in chote’s room yesterday, I left it their..
Khushi-Oh! Erm.. Its okay Anjaliji.. If u say, I will go and find it.. Should I?
Anjali-Erm.. Okay.. It’s a white one, and am not done with that one yet.. Plz get me that.. I shall also teach u too, u will also learn something..
Anjali spoke and Khushi left for Arnav’s Room, looking for Anjali’s hand made baby sweater..
*
Arnav’s Room..
Khushi entered Arnav’s room, and as soon as she did, her legs went jelly remembering her and Arnav’s pool side scene.. Her heart went Dhak Dhak and she clutched her heart closing her eyes tight and gulped.. She breathes unevenly and hitched..
Khushi (self thought)-This dhak dhak and acidity will kill me one day.. Find the sweater and get back fast Khushi..
She opened her eyes and took a deep breathe avoiding the pool side view..
As Anjali had told, Khushi found the half done white baby sweater on Arnav’s working table besides that Master bed, and took it to leave for Anjali’s room again.. She got that and was just leaving, when her dupatta got stuck in nail poking out from Arnav’s study table, and she moved back to free her dupatta..
***
Anjali’s Room..
Khushi was still in Arnav’s room, and her phone which was besides Anjali’s Bed on the side table, started to ring.. Anjali took it and saw the caller.. It was a call from ‘Home’.. She smiled wide and thought of picking up but then, thinking it might be important one for Khushiji, she left for Arnav’s Room taking Khushi’s phone with her which was still ringing..
***
Arnav’s Room..
Khushi managed to get her dupatta out of the nail poking out from that table, and turned to move out, when the small beads of her dupatta end again got stuck somewhere behind, and Khushi was irritated.. She turned and saw her dupatta end stuck in that working table’s drawer’s handle, Khushi pulled her dupatta in frustration..
Pulling her dupatta, her dupatta was free, but the bead at the end of her dupatta were dispersed getting dispatched from her dupatta.. Not only that, but also the drawer was pulled out with the force by which she pulled her dupatta which was stuck in the drawer’s handle.. Making a face, Khushi went a step ahead to close the drawer, when she saw something shiny in the drawer.. It was something familiar, she thought.. Khushi was about to pick it up, when Anjali entered and Khushi turned behind closing drawer..
Anjali-Khushiji, ur phone..
The phone call was cut by now, and Anjali looked at the phone and then at Khushi.. Leaving that drawer behind, Khushi went to Anjali and gave her the sweater and took her phone from Anjali’s hands..
Khushi-Its okay Anjaliji. I guess it would have been my Amma calling.. *Anjali nodded* I will talk to her in a while.. Come, we shall go down..
Anjali-Ya.. Okay.. And ya, u found this? (showing the baby sweater..) Where was it?
Khushi pointed at the working table besides Arnav’s bed and they moved out leaving the table and its drawer in dark..
***
Rosy (Anjali’s full time nurse) was checking Anjali’s heartbeat and temperature.. Khushi called her Amma excusing herself.. Her Amma picked up the landline in two or three rings..
Khushi (on phone)-Hello, Amma..
Garima (on call)-Khushi.. Are u okay? Anjali bitiya is okay?
Khushi (on call)-Ya Amma.. She is good and I too have nothing screwed up till now..
Khushi giggled softly and Garima smiled..
Khushi continued..
Khushi-But Amma.. U called? What happened?
Garima (on call)-I just asked to call u when are u coming back?
Khushi-Ha? PAUSE.. That toh I dint ask Arnavji..
Garima was confused.. She replied Khushi looking at Buaji standing besides her..
Garima-What do u mean by u don’t know when ur coming back Khushi? Its already quarter to 8.. I want u back safe.. Don’t make it too late.. Its quite late already..
Khushi-Oh fo Amma.. Don’t start again.. I know how to take care of myself.. Nothing bad will happen.. And it is not even 8 yet.. I will come back soon.. Plz don’t worry.. Trust me..
Garima-We trust u bitiya, but not the world.. The world is too bad, u don’t know..
Buaji took the cordless phone from Garima and spoke (on call) to Khushi..
Buaji-Look Khushi, come back soon before the clock clicks 8.. We don’t want to hear anything else..
Buaji cut the call and Khushi turned behind to see Anjali standing..
Anjali-Is ur Babuji okay?
Khushi smiled weak and nodded in affirmative..
***
Raizada Mansion..
Late Night..
Arnav was just back from office, and went to see his Di after keeping his Laptop Bag on the Sofa.. Seeing Anjali on the Dining Table with the nurse besides, Arnav spoke with his eye-brows crooked..
Arnav-Di, u ate?
Anjali was just getting up having her dinner when she heard Arnav and turned to see him..
Anjali-Hey! I dint know u would be late, I was starving and erm.. Ya! I just ate chote..
Arnav-That’s Okay Di.. *looking around* Di, erm.. Khushi kaha hai? (Where is Khushi?)
He asked looking uninterested..
Anjali-She left..
Arnav-WHAT?
Arnav almost yelled and Anjali took a step behind when Rosy (the nurse) held her..
Anjali-Ya chote.. What’s there to get shocked?
ASR- I was working late thinking she will be there with u and she.. How dare she?
Anjali-What do u mean chote? It was getting late! How could she stay here so long? Anyway Rosy (nurse) was here only, so..
ASR-Damm.. I am paying her for this Di, its her job to stay here with u, Rosy is here but..
He going hyper on Gupta Girl and it was nothing new..
Anjali-But what chote?
ASR-But she should not have left without taking my permit..
Anjali-Chote..! Stop it.. It was getting dark and her Amma called.. I only told her leave..
Anjali said getting annoyed now.. ASR chew his teeth and flared his nose, fisting his palms too he replied..
ASR-Di.. U don’t know anything.. Rosy, take Di up and make sure she has her medicines before going to sleep, that too with a warm glass of milk.. U know the rest already..
Saying that ASR left for his room..
***
Next Day..
Morning..
Arnav’s Room..
Arnav was ready to leave for his office, but he was waiting for Khushi to come and blast on her and to make the point clear, that from today onwards, she should NOT to leave his Di before he comes back to RM.. He was angry from yesterday night itself, and wanted to call her and shout at her calling her on her mobile, but then he could not, he dint have her number..
*
Arnav was ready to move down.. But before that, he moved to his Working Table to get some Office related files, when he saw a small piece of cloth hanging on the side of his Table.. He dint know what it was.. He removed it, and the moment he was about to throw it away, he realised it was Khushi’s dupatta! There were also some beads of her dupatta on the floor, he bend and took them..
That meant she came in His Room? Why?
He was no less angry, that this added to his irritation.. He dint know why he was suddenly getting irritated so much from a last couple of days.. He remembered that yesterday when Khushi was still to come to Raizada Mansion, he was getting restless.. And once she was there, he just dint feel like moving away from her, but he turned his back on her and moved as fast as he could..
Moving those thoughts aside, he opened the drawer of that Working table, and put inside that small piece of torn dupatta and those beads of the same, inside the drawer.. He dint remember that the same drawer had something else too, which belonged to Khushi only.. Yes, that little sparkling piece of jewellery, was Khushi’s payal (anklet)..
***
Raizada Mansion..
Drawing Room..
Arnav came down ready in his three piece professional suit, and hair all gelled up.. The scene he saw down made him root on his tracks to stare those two sitting on the drawing room sofa besides each other..
Khushi was already here, and was besides Anjali, who was smiling talking about something.. Arnav forgot that he was supposed to get angry on Khushi, and went down towards the Hall when a blow of wind forced Khushi to make her feel His presence and she looked up to stop smiling anymore..
Anjali too looked at Khushi who suddenly stopped speaking anything and saw Arnav standing a few feet away..
Anjali-Chote! See, she came on time..
Khushi stood up looking at Arnav and went near him and looked down fiddling with her dupatta.. She was trying to speak something, when ASR suddenly roared..
ASR-How dare u Khushi Kumari Gupta?
Khushi’s mind already went blank hearing that harsh tone and she knew why he was angry..
Khushi-Am sorry Sir, actually yesterday.. My - - My Amma - - .. I had to go..
Khushi looked down as ASR took a step ahead poking his view on her scared little form..
ASR-How dare u I asked? Could u not have waited for a little more time for me to be back?? U are paid to stay with Di till I am not back..
Anjali-Arnav be calm, its okay.. I - -
Anjali tried to defend Khushi, when ASR interrupted looking at Anjali..
Anjali-Di aise logo se aise baat nahi karte.. PAUSE.. *looks at a shivering Khushi*.. Overtime ke double paise offer karo, shokh se rukenge..
ASR mocked in anger, and Anjali was shocked! Khushi looked in his eyes hearing that, feeling a needle hurting her heart and clutched her dupatta.. She stared him not moving back and strongly replied for self respect..
Khushi-Arnavji - -
Arnav-Sir!
He asked her to call him Sir..
Khushi looked away feeling more angry and spoke..
Khushi-SIR! Shayad aap yeh baat bhool rahe hai, ke har cheez paiso se nahi kharidi jaa sakti. (If ur forgetting, everything cant be purchased by money..)
ASR-Yeah Right.. Har cheez par tum.. (Everything but u..)
He spoke in anger and Khushi’s eyes popped out in disbelief.. Next was heard from Anjali..
Anjali-Bas Arnav! (Enough!) Apne office ki bhasha yaha matt use karo, plz.. (Don’t use ur office’s language here..)
ASR looked at Khushi who was looking away and held her wrist and shamelessly pulled her from the drawing room towards the main door of Raizada Mansion..
Khushi-Ah! Chhodiye hame.. (Leave me..)
Khushi’s body jumped and Anjali too got hyper not knowing what was Arnav up to.. Before Anjali could speak anything, Arnav and Khushi were outside the Entrance Door of the Shantivan which was now closed..
*
ASR pulled Khushi out and pinned her below him on the wall, to see her eyes closed and her lungs heaving against his chest.. She dint know what he was doing, and in a haste held Arnav’s coat tightly which made ASR realise about his present action..
Looking at her trembling lips, he closed his eyes and turned his face the other way and left her before he completely lost it..
ASR-Do not go back before I come back..
Khushi felt herself getting some space and opened her eyes and adjusted her neckline and dupatta.. She was looking down, and saw ASR from her corner of her eyes when he said the last line.. He looked at her and she looked away curling her toes in fear..
ASR-If u are getting late, I will myself drop u home.. PAUSE.. Don’t worry about the Dark, be with Di..
He left saying that and Khushi left to go inside.. Anjali was relieved to see Khushi just okay and that day went by too..
Anjali had yesterday noticed something between Arnav and Khushi at the dinner table, and had thought to indirectly ask Khushi if she found Arnav good enough, but then after today morning’s act, she thought to give this idea a rest..
Anjali’s health was not at it’s best, and Khushi suggested Anjali to tell Arnav everything..
Khushi-Di, he has a right to know..
Anjali-I will tell, soon..
Anjali said looking in Khushi’s eyes and smiled weak..
*
It was quarter to 8.00 pm, and Arnav was back.. He went and changed into his casuals first, and then went to meet Anjali.. Arnav saw Anjali no where in the Hall and went to her room.. Not finding her there as well, he heard some noises from the garden side and went there..
*
Raizada Mansion Garden..
Anjali-What? U had made those Jalebis?
Khushi smiled proudly and said yes.. Anjali was laughing..
Anjali-Oh God! He (Arnav) never told me he got them from u! Am so sorry I dint taste them that day..
Khushi-That’s okay.. I can surely make them again, its my favourite pass time!
Khushi laughed and Anjali too.. Just then Arnav came there..
Khushi and Anjali stopped giggling and Khushi was conscious.. Arnav spoke looking at Khushi and then his Di..
Arnav-Di, u had dinner?
Anjali-Abhi kaha chote? Its not even 8 yet!
Arnav-Where is Rosy (nurse)?
Arnav looked around..
Khushi-She is up, in Di’s Room..
Khushi immediately replied..
Arnav nodded and looked at Khushi..
Arnav-Erm.. Come, I will drop u home..
He was so calm while speaking that..
Anjali looked at these two as Arnav and Khushi shared a momentary eye-lock.. Khushi did feel nice, but on second thoughts, she pacified her mind that Arnav was just doing a formality.. She looked away and Arnav looked at Anjali..
Arnav-Di, I will drop her and be back.. I will have dinner with u after am back.. U come inside before it gets cool here..
Anjali thought of something and thinned her lips suppressing her smile.. She saw Khushi readily agreeing to be dropped by her Chote and looked at Arnav who was giving way for Khushi to go ahead, and Anjali stopped them both..
Anjali-Chote.. Wait.. PAUSE.. Mohan (driver) will drop Khushiji back.. Kyu Khushiji?
Arnav-NO.. PAUSE.. Erm.. I mean, I will be back in a while Di..
He looked behind and Anjali smiled in her heart..
Arnav (yells)-ROSY.. ROSY.. Come Down..
Rosy came down and Arnav said looking at the nurse..
Rosy-Be with Di.. I know its ur Off tonight.. I will be back in some time.. U can leave then.. Di, get in..
ASR spoke and left for Khushi to follow him..
*
Khushi was comfortable with him again, forgetting his harsh tones which she was used to now.. They came outside the Raizada Mansion and Arnav opened the front side passenger’s door for Khushi.. She looked up at him feeling good again and sat inside not finding his glance over her.. He went to the other side and sat inside that white SUV of his and started the Car..
*
The ride was silent and Khushi was busy enjoying the view outside.. She was feeling just so casual sitting besides him, and he stole her glances.. She was quite, and he understood why.. They reached her place.. She looked at him..
Khushi-Thank u..
She opened the door to go out, and put her one foot down, when she her eyes popped out and her Dhak-Dhak started again.. She felt a tug on her dupatta and turned getting down.. What was Arnav doing?
Khushi looked at him bending a bit towards her seat with her dupatta in his hands and left immediately when he saw her puzzled face..
Arnav-Erm.. I was saying.. PAUSE.. Erm..
Khushi-Ya?
Arnav-Ur number? Mobile number?
Khushi adjusted her falling dupatta and Arnav looked away taking his Mobile out.. Khushi looked at him with an anxious face and gave her number before he left..
She blushed looking down, and slapped her head for behaving like that.. Least she knew ASR noticed that from the rear view mirror of his Car..
Khushi went in and Garima and Buaji were just arranging the plates for dinner.. Khushi went besides her Babuji who was resting and keeping her head on his heart, she closed her eyes feeling her Babuji caressing his only daughter’s head with love..
***
Arnav reached home, and Rosy left.. Having dinner with Anjali, he helped her go to her room and sleep.. He noticed Anjali was tired, and asked her to rest..
Going back to his Room, Arnav too lay on his Bed switching the lights off and trying to sleep..
**************************************
1 Month LATER..
Even if it was a Sunday and ASR had an Off that day, Khushi would still be there in RM.. Arnav would usually come back for lunch unless he had some unavoidable work at office..
After getting a good scolding from Arnav THAT day, Khushi never left without his permit.. Khushi waited for him and Arnav went to drop Khushi back everyday, no matter what.. Once Arnav also went inside Gupta House to see Shashi.. Shashi was no better, and Khushi still was blind to know anything..
Arnav sincerely asked Garima and Buaji to ask him for any kind of help (for Shashi) if needed.. Khushi felt proud somewhere in her heart for this..
Garima and Buaji also liked how Arnav had convinced them that he will drop Khushi if its late, and they don’t need to worry.. Garima and Buaji understood, that Arnav was far better than NK.. They did trust Arnav Singh Raizada.. Least they knew ASR, but only Arnav..
*
Anjali had tried to convince Arnav to get married as it was high time, but Arnav was adamant not to listen to her.. Khushi had been regular to come here and look after Anjali, and also steal glances of Arnav in between..
Khushi knew she had fell for an atheist, and she was settled with that for time being.. But knowing his attitude towards her, she also knew that she has to suppress her feelings as The ASR in him wont let Arnav understand her so soon..
*
Arnav too had developed a soft corner for Khushi, but choose to remain harsh on the outer side, just like a coconut.. He dint knew why he was getting soft for anyone but this Gupta.. He never liked her and her middle class thinking, then how could he allow himself to see her in any other way? No, he cant.. But he knew the fact that he was too getting attracted to her.. He also stopped yelling on her with or without reasons.. But more to that, he started to avoid sharing the same space with her as much as possible..
Anyway, a month had already passed, and just one more for Anjali’s Delivery.. After that no Hospital Rounds, no doctors at Home, and no more facing that Important Person of his Life Everyday which he liked..
***
Anjali was not okay since a last few days, and had been admitted in the Hospital.. She was kept there for 3 consecutive days.. Khushi was there besides Anjali for most of the time during the Day..
ASR was down, signing Anjali’s discharge papers.. He was restless since his Di was hospitalised.. Had Khushi not been there these days, he wondered what he would have possibly done alone.. Thinking that, he went to Anjali’s Room, and was just to push open the Door, when he felt a tap on his shoulder from behind.. His heart knew those light fingers..
Khushi-Sir!
Arnav knew it! It was Khushi.. He turned to see her and she looked down..
Khushi-Erm.. My Amma has come to see Anjaliji.. She is inside.. *looks at Arnav* Am just saying..
Khushi said that softly, fiddling with her dupatta ends.. She was always somewhat nervous when He was around, never the less equally comfortable to..
Arnav looked away and nodded.. They dint have much talks to exchange.. Arnav saw Khushi closing her eyes and taking a deep breathe, her face too looked tired..
ASR-Miss Gupta, I am ur Boss, right?
Khushi opened her eyes and looked at him, she dint know from where this came all of a sudden?
Khushi-Sir?
Arnav-Go home and rest.. Follow my Orders, Go..
Khushi smiled and Arnav turned to move on the corner of the corridor excusing himself to drink water.. He turned back to see Khushi smiling, and he too automatically smiled.. Khushi left for home forgetting to inform her Amma she was leaving..
*
Anjali’s Room in Hospital..
It was a while that Garima had come there to see Anjali.. She got her some fruits and asked her about her health.. They did chat for a while from here and there, and seeing the best opportunity today, Anjali grabbed it and asked..
Anjali-Aunty, I wanted to ask Khushi’s hand for my Arnav.. I like her in everyway, so if u don’t have any problem, then..
Garima was surprised!
Garima-Anjali bitiya? U - - U know what u are speaking right? U know na that - - Erm..
Garima was really happy, but she hesitated..
Garima-Anjali bitiya, first thing is, that we are not as wealthy as u are, u know that.. And second of all.. *looks down*.. Khushi ka - - uska rishta ek baar tut chukka hai, maloom hai na? (Khushi’s engagement has broken once, u know that, right?)
Anjali pressed Garima’s hands and assured her..
Anjali-I know Aunty.. PAUSE.. U wont believe, but I had choose ur Daughter for my Chote even before NK Bhai arrived.. Just that I - - *Sigh*.. I was late in asking and - -
Garima-And whatever happened, happened!
Anjali-I know.. PAUSE.. But I want this.. If u all and Khushiji don’t have any problems, then plz give her hands in my Arnav’s.. Plz..
Garima was over whelmed.. She knew if also she asked for Buaji and her husband’s opinion, they wont deny.. Rahi baat Khushi ki, then Garima will pacify Khushi for this marriage at any cost as it will just make her daughter’s future bright and secure.. Garima instantly replied..
Garima-I am really happy.. It’s a YES from us.. PAUSE.. My daughter knows everything.. Cooking, sewing and - - BUT..
Garima’s smile dropped.. And Anjali exactly knew the reason behind..
Anjali-No need to say anything.. I know Khushiji’s immune system is weak.. So what? I told u na Garima Aunty, my chote will accept her..
Garima-But, at least ask Arnav babua once?
Anjali-I already talked to him.. He is okay..
Anjali lied and the person standing at the Door of that room was stunned at his Sister’s guts!
Anjali-Can u plz fix a date ASAP?
Garima cried in happiness and Anjali smiled back in tears too..
ASR knew his Di wont leave him without getting a YES from him now.. Okay! He too knew how to get himself out of this situation..
Shocking Anjali by his next sentence, Arnav made his presence feel..
Arnav-Its okay Aunty.. U heard what Di said..
Garima and Anjali looked at Arnav and Anjali’s heart literally jumped out to her mouth.. She was just seeing her brother coming towards them and all she could do was pray that ASR does not turn her hard work down.. But to her little surprise, she heard..
Arnav-Khushi already left Aunty.. I guess she forgot to tell u.. Come with us, Mohan will drop u home then..
Garima thought something and agreed.. Anjali was discharged and these three, Anjali-Arnav-Garima were left for Shantivan..
***
Gupta House..
Khushi was home, and making her Babuji drink some bitter green colour soup.. Shashi was making faces and Khushi was forcing this bitter water in Shashi’s mouth..
Bauji giggled and spoke..
Buaji-Shashi, remember when u were small, and u fell ill, I too made u drink such bitter juice of Neem leaves and u used to make faces? *giggles*.. Now don’t behave like a baby and drink it..
Shashi was on bed and drinking spoon by spoon that bitter water from Khushi’s hands making faces..
Shahsi-U were my Jiji back then and now too, but my daughter has become my Amma I guess.. She has also added other herbs with this making it worth a vomit!
Khushi made Shashi drink the remaining 5 spoons of this green water sincerely and Shashi drank the same, quietly knowing his daughter cares for him..
***
Raizada Mansion..
Signing the discharge papers, Anjali was brought back home and Garima helped Arnav in setting Anjali.. Another nurse named Stella was appointed for Anjali who was still to arrive..
After a while, Garima asked Arnav and Anjali who were in Anjali’s Room..
Garima-Erm.. I was thinking to ask u in advance about Dowry.. I mean - -
Before Anjali could speak, ASR cut his Di and spoke bluntly..
ASR-Excuse me?
ASR flared his nose and joined his hands..
ASR-Plz, we want nothing.. End of Discussion..
Garima was speechless.. And so was Anjali!
ASR-Di, rest.. Aunty, come..
ASR looked away and led Garima out.. Anjali knew Arnav was not at all happy but still behaving so normal, surely he was planning something.. She just hoped he agreed to marry Khushi and wont let his Di down, not this time at least..
*
Arnav led Garima to the Parking and asked Mohan to drop Garima at Gupta House..
Garima sat behind in some of ASR’s Cars and turned to face him joining her hands..
Garima-I don’t know how to thank u.. She maybe my sister’s daughter, but she is as good as my own.. PAUSE.. Knowing her past and weaknesses, u are accepting my daughter.. I don’t know what to say.. U must be having a Big Heart..
ASR-That’s Okay.. PAUSE.. Just one request..
Garima-Anything babua..
ASR-Don’t talk to Khushi anything about this.. Let everything go as it is.. I will talk to her myself..
Garima just nodded and left.. Arnav knew what he had to do for keeping his Di contended and himself too.. In planning something for tomorrow, Arnav forgot that he will end up hurting Khushi once again which he dint care of being ASR..
***
Same Day.. Gupta House..
Garima, Shashi and Buaji were the only one’s present in the inside Room, and Khushi was preparing for dinner in the kitchen..
Garima talked about Arnav and Khushi’s Marriage Proposal put forward by Anjali and Buaji smiled wide..
Buaji-U did very correct by accepting it Garima.. I have also seen Arnav babua caring for our Khushi, when he came to drop her back from Shantivan.. I guess she was meant be married with Arnav..
Garima (to Shashi)-Ji, aap khush toh hai na? (U are happy na?)
Shashi just smiled and said..
Shashi-What else would make me more happy? PAUSE.. Remember I told u something.. Itihaas gawah hai.. Jab bhi kisi ladki ki shadi tuti hai, tab uske liye koi Rajkumar zaroor aaya hai.. (History speaks, k whenever a girl’s marriage has broke apart, a Prince Charming always comes for her..) And Arnav is Khushi’s Price..
Garima-Ya! But don’t tell anything to Khushi.. Arnav babua wants to ask her himself..
Shashi closed his eyes and Buaji also nodded.. Oblivious to all these talks, Khushi was busy in giving her dal a tadka (fry..)
***
Night.. RM..
On the other side, Arnav was back to ASR mode, and now on his Di too.. He never wanted to marry any girl.. And today, without his consent, his Di took Such a Great Decision of His Life..!
Not that he was against his Di, but he was surely against marriage.. Anjali knew this, still? *Sigh*
Did marriage meant everything in this world? Why can’t a person live alone? Why is his Di so much into his marriage? He had his Di, he had his world.. He dint need anything else.. Can’t Anjali di understand that much?
Anyway.. There was no pint talking to Anjali.. Arnav made her eat her Dinner and Tablets (Medicines) and made Anjali sleep.. Neither was Anjali talking too much, nor did he let her.. ASR left and Anjali looked at Shyam’s photo which was below his pillow and closed her eyes hugging it..
***
Next Day..
As usual, Khushi reached RM taking this New day normally.. She was wearing a Blue Chudidaar today, looking equally beautiful like any other day.. She met Anjali who was smiling more today, unlike any other normal day.. Khushi sat besides Anjali and took the baby sweater from Anjali’s hand..
Khushi-Why are u smiling so much Di? Anything special? Anything I should know?
Oh! Khushi was not yet told by her family about her and Arnav’s Marriage being fixed! No wonder Khushi was behaving so casually..
Anjali-Nothing.. Just a normal day..
Khushi started to sew the baby sweater Anjali had been sewing from past few weeks now.. Happily she looked at Anjali who was sitting on the bed, and spoke after a while..
Khushi-Anjaliji! See, I did it.. Its complete now.. Is not this beautiful?
Anjali cupped Khushi’s face and smiled tilting her head.. She spoke emotionally..
Anjali-That’s right.. U are here Khushiji.. Only u can take anything in ur hands and complete it so easily! Am sure u will - -
Just then, there was a knock on the door and Anjali turned to see who there was..
HP-Anjali ji, Khushiji ko Arnav bhaiya ne apne kamre mei bulaya hai.. (Anjali ji, Arnavji has called Khushiji in his room..)
Anjali nodded and Khushi went in Arnav’s room not before passing her that sweater which was now complete.. Anjali saw Khushi leaving and put the sweater near her baby bump.. She had sweet feelings in her eyes seeing her bump and spoke..
Anjali (to her baby)-See, ur To-Be-Mami has completed this for u.. Like it na?
Anjali smiled caressing her tummy and put a pillow behind her back to rest for a while..
***
Arnav’s Room..
Today Arnav was waiting for Khushi, not Miss. Gupta.. He was calm, and composed to keep forward what he had thought.. All he had to do, was let it all out, once Khushi is here..
*
Khushi came there and looked everywhere, and saw Arnav standing near the Pool, facing his back at her.. She crossed his Room to Enter the Pool Side..
Looking down and clutching her dupatta, she spoke..
Khushi-Why did u call me here, Sir?
She stressed on Sir, indirectly reminding him she was his mere worker and nothing else..
Arnav also knew what he needed to do.. He also had marked his limits when Khushi Kumari Gupta was around, and especially when they both were at His Room’s Poolside..
Arnav turned around and walked a step towards her with that ASR look on his face.. She looked at him with eyes popping out as usual and looked away..
He took another step ahead and Khushi trembled to move back and hit her legs on the stool.. Getting no space to move back, she saw his questioning eyes and looked down with a racing heart.. Arnav crossed his hands on his chest and tilted his head a bit asking..
Arnav-Khushi Kumari Gupta.. Tell me one thing first..
Looking everywhere else but at him, she breathed heavy and her chest heaved.. He was so close to her, did he even know what he was doing to her? She looked up at him slowly and gulped.. Her knees already going weak..
Arnav- Tum hamesha piche kyu jaati ho? (Why do u always keep moving back?)
Looking at him and trying to go a bit more back, she shivered and replied instantly..
Khushi-Kyuki aap hamesha aage aate hai.. (Because u always come forward..)
Arnav realised he had again came too close to this Gupta girl and looked away before moving a step back.. This was not what he had called her here for.. Khushi shifted her self a bit away from him although he was not coming towards her now.. She was adjusting her dupatta when his next words played magic inside her heart..
Arnav-Khushi u have to marry me.. And am not asking u, but telling u..
Her face was found smiling and her heart did a happy dance.. She never expected in her wildest dreams had expected this! Her lips curved more and more up in a happy smile, but his next words made her drop her every expectation which she dreamt in last 5 seconds..
Arnav-Contract Marriage.. Day after tomorrow..
He turned around and looked at her in eye with blank expression..
Arnav-Be ready wearing what so ever u want.. We will sigh the papers in Court at 9.00 am the day after.. The contract shall be for 6 months.. Further details will be sent to u.. I want no arguments..
Her world crashed.. The start of his proposal by which her heart grew in happiness, the latter half of the same proposal made her heart break.. She stared at him thinking if this was an opportunity she should go with, or reject this unethical proposal to the same person who had started to make a home in her heart unknowingly?
Ya, Khushi loved Arnav.. She wanted to be with him, marry him.. But this way?
She closed her eyes and he turned to see her and hear a positive reply from her.. And he heard next which she spoke with a heavy heart..
Khushi-Nahi Sir, I wont marry u..
xx
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