arshi SS : Hamesha ~ A heartbeat away, Chapter 22

Chapter 22

In her dream Khushi Kumari Gupta was busy eating from a plate full of crispy bright orange jiebis and a high heap of steaming hot crunchy samosas. Her brows furrowed. Vaguely she registered herself dreaming.

Her last meal in Gupta house before her marriage, and even in her own dream she could not eat in peace! Buaji was shouting at her from far away. "Uff bauji humein shanti se khane do na", she grumbled and decided to sprint off with the plate to find some solitude.

Within her dream world she turned, raised her leg to run, but when it fell upon the ground beneath, the surface was astonishingly strong and firm. Somehow, warm and comforting. Could the earth have such characteristics?

She blinked open her eyes, a little disorientated. Was she in a dream within a dream?

Arnavji was right beside her, on the bed!

Buaji was still shouting outside. What in the world was happening? It was extremely hard to unravel what was happening when it was effortless to get lost in those drugging dark eyes next to her.

"tum hamesha aise soti ho?", unfazed, he questioned her casually.

(Do you always sleep this way?)

Her leg was draped across his torso. Not wasting time on blushing, Khushi retracted her leg with speed that would have ashamed even a national level sprinter. After she had successfully moved her leg off him, having nothing else to do except stare, at close quarters, into his eyes, she could not stop the heated reddening that made an appearance on her nose.

His right eyebrow was still arched high in an amused curiosity. Light as feather he flicked her nose. "Tomorrow night is going to be.. ", he paused. "Interesting". He noted with a satisfied air still eyeing her leg.

He raised himself at an angle and touched her payal, that shone resting near her ankle.

"sankadevi.. ", buaji was clearly outside the door.

With surprising agility, again, Khushi sprang up and pushed Arnavji under her blanket. Not a moment passed before buaji was upon them.

"nand kisore payali aai gayi?"

(Payal came back?)

"h..ha buaji. You go sleep. What are you doing awake at night? Kal kitna kaam hai buaji.. Do you even remember kal suhaag raat hai"..

(y..yes buaji.. tomorrow there is so much work to be done)

Hey devi maiyya what was she saying.. Khushi smacked herself on her forehead in despair. She could hear a smothered chuckle next to her. He was on her bed sharing her blanket.. Her head was reeling.

"hainn?".. Buaji's laughter boomed in the still night. Having given up controlling the events of this night Khushi could only chew her lips and listen.

"don't worry titilya hum bhi pehle bahut darat rahe ee sab baatan soch kar, par tumhre phuphaji bhi na..". Buaji was trying to sway gently, highly impossible given her heavy mass. Her hand fondled her long plait.

(Initially I was also very scared about all this, but your uncle..)

"ha..ha buaji.. Aap jake so jayiye ab.. Please..", Khushi hastened to somehow get buaji from talking further. She was mortified enough, already.

(go sleep now)

"Parmeswari it is your last night in our house. Hum sochat hainn eeha apni Payaliya aur sankadevi ke sath hi so jai rahe. Shift a little".

(I am thinking of sleeping here with you both)

Khushi went sliding towards the warm presence in her blanket, buaji had tried to sit on the edge, which basically meant she took up practically half of the bed. The bed gave a loud creak and it was buaji's turn to show her agility. "Aisan toh ee bistar humare jaisan majboot hainn, but it will be better not to take a risk".

(As such this bed is as strong as me)

Plastering a hearty kiss on the nervous girl's forehead she blessed her. "nand kisore tomorrow is your wedding..". Buaji tucked her niece in for the night. Finally, she ambled out much to someone's relief.

Khushi was alone with Arnavji. In the dark, having Arnvaji close, in her room, on her bed, felt..exciting.. That know-it-all voice in her head whispered to khushi.

When ASR pushed off the blanket he was a little exasperated with himself. He frowned.

He had accompanied Akash and Payal to Gupta house. The couple had been happy to be given a few minutes alone when ASR slipped into Khushi's room. And here he was, but what was Arnav Singh Raizada doing hiding from buaji? Covered by a blanket.

He made a movement to object to having been pushed into a rajai. One look at the girl next to him shut off all thoughts.

He was in khushi's room, on her bed. Having her close in such an intimate surrounding, was a new feeling. One he longed to get used to. She would be with him from tomorrow. The thought made him extremely happy. A sense of fierce pride washed over him. She was his.

With a gossamer touch he brushed the lock of hair that fell over her eye. She blinked, but did not move away, trusting and comfortable. He shifted closer, his hand on her waist. Damn the stupid blanket! He couldn't even see his hand as it held her..

She flowed towards him. She was soft. And exquisite. Everything about her confounded and delighted him. He longed to know every single thought that flit through her gorgeous head.

"What are you thinking?"

She answered without hesitation, her voice, the slightest of breathless, "kal se hum sath honge".

(From tomorrow we will be together)

"hamesha", he confirmed and finally succumbing to the inevitable, kissed her. Long and deep. She sighed and wriggled closer into his arms. A fresh sense of longing, a compelling desire stirred within. There was newness and a pristine sense of promise.

(Forever)

His hands moved freely, she reveled in the touch, arching towards him. Slowly loosing herself in the wonder of his touch, she moved her hands to touch too. Unfamiliar firm strong muscles that her fingers were coming to know.

"Arnavji".. came her querulous sigh.

He pulled away, even though she seemed unwilling to let go. "khushi.. main", came his a deep throated whisper. There were so many things he wanted to tell her, but words would not be enough to capture the emotion that ran in his veins.

(Khushi.. I)

Her breath was haywire, but an profound certainty was visible on her face. "hum samajhte hai", and at that moment there was no truer words. She knew his heart and all the love it held for her.

(I understand)

A hushed knock on the window startled them. Payal must be outside wanting to be let in.

He was on his way out, when he turned. Khushi sat in the middle of the colorful riot of the blanket, her hair disarray, a sad smile on her face, watching him go.

He couldn't possibly leave her looking this sad..

A devilish smirk played on his still wet lips. "Khushi sleep well. And don't forget kal humari shaag raat hai".

(it's our wedding night tomorrow)

Her eyes went wide and mouth opened equally wide.

"bye". Satisfied that sadness was replaced by all sorts of other thoughts, he made his smooth exit.

****

Khushi still had her 'haw' face on, when Payal slipped in through the door.

Their last night as young girls in Gupta house. All the myriad colors woven in their dreams were read to splash into their lives the very next day. They were getting married.

They held hand tight as they lay on their backs staring at the ceiling, unseeing. Their thoughts busy with what was to come.

"ow jeeji", Khushi had been smacked on the head with a sorry looking pillow. Rubbing her eyes, with the back of her mehendi covered hand, she sat up and gasped flabbergast. Had her room been hit by a hurricane at night?

Everything was scattered everywhere and from what she could gather buaji was claiming this was meant to be packing.

"Will you wake up please Khushi? Humein packing khatam karna hai. Then mandir jana hai and be at shantivan by noon". Payal had picked up a stack of plain chiffon sarees and was eyeing them critically, deciding if she wanted a rainbow of similar sarees in her new wardrobe.

(we have to finish packing. then leave for the mandir)

So, she missed the mischievous smile that lit her sister's face. Khushi had grabbed a fuller newer pillow and aimed it with precision at Payal.

Panting and giggling, within no time both girls had indulged in a pillow fight, much to buaji's dismay.

Garima was taking care of the preparations outside while buaji had appointed herself to get the girls ready on time. If her neighbors so much as stepped into this room they would have realised how incompetent Madhumatiji was in getting her nieces ready. Still, she did not have the heart to break their fun.

Breathless, her sides aching with the giggling, Khushi suddenly recollected how she had taught even lavayaji the joy of a good pillow fight. Of course, it would have been way more fun if, like in the movies, the pillows burst open and feathers floated all over. That never happened in Khushi's room. buaji's stupid sturdy pillows! Khushi glared at the them.

After buaji had shouted again and got the girls moving, Khushi rushed to find the trinket box that had the most precious of her belongings. She peeped into it.

A leaf he had pulled out from her hair, a sequin from the saree he had gifted her, his ma's letter; all lay safe within. She quickly placed it next to her devi maiyya. Even if she forgot all her other things, these two were the ones she needed with her.

****

He was looking at the roses surrounded by verdant bushes. It would have been considered to be early in the morning by most, but already there a great deal of excitement and noise. He didn't care. He was looking at the roses.

"Chote.. Chote"

A lady with a warm smile and weary eyes made her way across the damp lawn. Her silk saree was half in gold and half in saphire blue. She held the pleats a little above her ankle, afraid of getting the edges spoiled. Her hand had gold bangles almost all the way up to her elbows.

"ma"!

He called out to her in excitement. "dekho the plant you were watering everyday has finally sprouted a bud. A red rose ma".

With a serene smile she viewed the rose which was taking its first few breaths. A few dew drops glistened on its velvety outer petals.

"ab Chalo Chote. It is your wedding today".

Her hand was extended out towards him, beckoning. He wanted to catch it, but couldn't seem to get to it.

"Ma..", he panicked.

She, however, smiled reassuringly, stepped forward and caught his hand in her hers. "I'm here chote. With you".

ASR flung off the covers. Wide awake with a clear head, he settled against the dark ebony rosewood headboard of his low rise bed. He reached for his blackberry and with a strange eagerness dialed her number ..

"Haaloo", came her trilling voice from across.

"Hi", he sounded husky to his own ears. A mixture of slumber and love caused his voice to take this heady tone.

"Arnavji"

"Arnav", he patiently corrected. His grin became more pronounced imagining her state of discomfiture at the other end.

"Kya kar ri ho Khushi?"

(What are you doing?)

Was this feeling called missing someone? A solemn thought entered his mind. He missed ma and it always made him choke with a sense of unbearable sorrow that he had endured for ages. It had become part of him. Could missing someone actually make you feel joy as well? He had no idea how Khushi managed to make his insides light and hopeful. Even ma had reached him in his dream today, not melted away unreachable like always.

"Arnavji are you even listening.. I asked.. Do you like pillow fighting?"

"What the? Kya kaha tum?"

(What did you say?)

"uff laad governor 5 baar hum yehi sawaal puch chuke hai.. I will come and explain abhi hum rakhte hai". He was about to disconnect when her querulous whisper reached him. 

"Arnavji I miss you". And she cut the call.

(5 times I have asked the same question. now am keeping the phone)

Now, he was definitely smiling, widely. He decided, that though missing her made him happy, he would still prefer her to be right next to him. And she would be, starting today. His heart seemed to indulge a funny sort of leap.

He put on his most serious look and tried to ignore the silly uncontrollable nonsense taking place in his heart.

It was time for his regular jog, and he would give Aman a call and talk about the consignment of pillows.. Huh? .. Did he just say pillows in his head? Dammit.. Why was she thinking of pillow fights?

No, nothing was regular today.

The austere Shantivan halls had been decked with flowers. His solitary jog was blocked by workers setting up points where fire crackers would take place in the night. Even OP had transformed from plain colored kurtas into a bright shocking red kurta.

Regular? He might as well forget that words exists.. Though his face had no hint of mirth, his heart continued its own sprint and jiggle.. Khushi.. It seemed to utter with each beat..

****

Anjali lay in a half drowsy state, her head resting on her grandmother's lap. She was relieved that sleep had seemed to dull the hollow sensation inside her. Nani's hand continued patting her in that soothing motion. She debated on waking up fully, or resisting the demands of reality for a few more welcome minutes.

Nani sat humming a gentle tune. A half forgotten lullabye that Anjali's ma would also sing. Most probably, ma had learnt it from her mother, the very lady humming the song now.

Not too long after, the door burst open and in walked Manorama Raizada. It was hardly dawn and mamiji was still in her printed flowery satin nightgown. She had meant to tip toe in it seemed, but seeing Anjali's eye open she plopped down comfortably at the edge of the bed.

"Anjali bitiya.. Baal mein hawt oilj lagane ke khatir hum ee tel lai rahe.. You bhil bej lubhing it.."

(I brought this hot oil for you hair. You will love it)

"Nani do you remember how ma would put oil on my hair and tie it into two plaits when I was sick?", Anjali turned to look at her grandmother who nodded gently at her.

"Such a normal thing to do..", her voice trailed off wistful.

"no noj Anjali bitiya.. Sirf tel naahi.. Aaj ishaampooing bhi karike pari.. Ebhening ma too tooj shaadi hai eeha.. Makupiya toh thik tarah se karike pari".

(not only oil.. today you need to shampoo too. There are two two weddings in the evening, the makeup has to be good)

Anjali sat up to humour her mami, letting her apply the oil on her hair, while Nani went to take a look at the commotion outside. Om Prakashji's shrill superior shouting, interspersed with bouts of equally shrill laughter, was evident even through the heavy doors .

The pressure from mami's finger's actually felt heavenly on Anjali's head. Mami chattered away happily on which fire crackers she thought were her favourite, Anjali let herself feel nothing except the heat of the oil against her scalp.

The door opened and OP walked in with a tray. ASR followed close.

"di breakfast", his voice was tentative.

"Om Parkaas eet eej time phar my gilas aaph orange juice pileej.. No issugar.. Only ice", Manorma rushed after him shouting her instructions in the most imperious of tones.

(it is time for my glass of orange juice)

"chote ye toh..", Anjali looked at the tray of food.

(this is)

"ha di. Mathura aaloo puri. I asked nani to make it for us. Here have some", he placed a heapful of food onto a plate for his di.

She accepted the plate and took a bite savouring the taste of the familiar security of nani's cooking. She saw ASR eating a small helping of the food too. His measured small bites, plate was left tidy as he wiped every crumb off it in is usual perfection.

"Chote its your big day today. One I waited for far too long. I always wanted to be there for you. Aaj ma hoti toh.."

(If ma was here today)

"Di aaj mere dream mein ma came. She was fine di. Aur aap.. aap mere liye sab kuch ho. We have each other. Sab thik hai di." ASR had put his plate aside. Earnestness in his demeanor was evident. He meant every word.

(you are everything to me. It's all okay)

Di heard his words and felt a weight lift off her shoulders. Her listless eyes gained back some of that twinkle. "chote if I mean all that to you, tum mere liye kya kar sakte ho?"

(what can you do for me)

"anything di.. Tell me", came his wholehearted reply.

With a straight face she responded."You know there is one thing that will make me happy my dear chote bhaiya. Wear the sherwani I brought you.. Please".

He shrugged, thought his eyes crinkled at the ends, giving away his delighted mood. "Fine".

"excellent. do you know I matched it to Khushi bhabhi's lehenga, but it has something to your taste as well. Black and red".

"Now don't go all poetic and say I will look like the smouldering coal or something like that di. You chose it. I'll wear it", his lips were pursued, but stretched at the end, controlling a smile.

Anjali clapped her hands in delight. Her papad ka tukda was getting married.

She had spent hours dreaming of this day. Boring Shyamji with the details, the never ending plans. Shyamji.. She breathed in deeply.

****

Arnav Singh Raizada was wearing a dapper grey cotton shirt. His waistcoat was of a darker grey hand woven khadi cloth. The clean cut could leave no one in doubt that the best fashion house had its hand in this master piece. With this casual elegance, a day old stubble on his face, hair glistening with the remains of his morning shower, he concentrated on his plants.

There were sunflowers in bloom in the pots. All they needed was a sprinkle of water. Meticulously he watered the plants.

He could hear mamaji shouting instructions at some worker outside. He was torn in amusement at how excited everyone was, but his thoughts lingered over di. He was worried for her. The anguish had not left her eyes. It bothered him a lot.

He moved to the rows of roses. Yes his garden finally had roses in bloom.. The fragrance wafted towards him soothing his spirits.

Now, it seemed mami was in a fit about something. He wondered if he should go look. Nah, he would leave it to others to deal with her.

When his phone range he guessed it would be Aman. Luckily someone managed to stay sane in all this. It would do ASR good to discuss some actual work. However, when Aman actually started speaking, ASR had to groan.

"What the! Aman are you out of your mind? You were coming here and Mohan was driving out and you both managed to bang into each other! Yes.. Yes I know its only a scratch on both the cars .. and you both were distracted, but who told you to run errands for the wedding? Shouldn't atleast one of us be working in the office?.. Okay fine, get on with whatever nani and di have instructed you to do."

He disconnected the call. Apparently, Aman preferred selecting which sweets would be served tonight, than looking over stock statements today. Okay, so even Aman was not untouched by this wedding madness, ASR thought wryly.

A moment later some more madness made its appearance. Akash and NK walked up arguing in loud tones.

"bhai tell NK bhai to give me back my shoes", Akash complained. He was barefoot and clearly sulking. NK was gloating, a pair of sneakers dangling in his hand.

"Nannav main aise nai kar sakta. You see I know everything.. joote churana ek kasam hai". NK stretched himself on the garden chair.

(stealing shoes is a promise)

"Rasam", ASR corrected him smoothly. His eyes caught Akash.

(ceremony)

The unfortunate groom tried to reason with his cousin. "The rasam is for the girl's side. They have to try to steal our shoes, not our own brother. NK bhai..", he was exasperated.

"na na Akash. Itna fun rasam kasam whatever main unke liye chor dun? Tum ghayal ho.. crazy.. Tum mujhe paise do nahi toh main tumhare shoes ko..". He looked around deciding what the most effective threat would be. He spotted the glass of juice that OP had left for ASR.

(no no Akash. leave all this fun for them? you are hurt.. crazy.. give me money otherwise to your shoes I will..)

"nai toh main tumahre shoes mein ye juice daal dunga". Nk declared as he picked the glass of orange juice that OP had left for ASR.

(I'll pour this juice onto yours shoes)

ASR wasn't paying attention anymore, he was laughing. His cousins stared in amazement at the sight, but ASR was staring at a girl blowing her nose admitting to have poured mango jooce into his shoes.

A normal day? hell no! Arnav Singh Raizada was getting married to Khushi Kumari Gupta.

****

arshi SS: Hamesha ~ a heartbeat away, chapter 15

"It is an ancient need to be told stories. But the story needs a great storyteller." - Alan Rickman , the man who played professor Snape.

This chapter is dedicated to Indi52. Thank you for writing about Iss Pyaar Ko Kya Naam Doon. You keep ASR and Khushi alive, there is something new each time, just as lovely every time.





Chapter 15

"wo.. wo Shyamji the.. unhone di ko dhoka diya..humein dhoka diya.. Shyamji bahut bure insaan hai Arnavji.."

(it was Shyamji.. he bretrayed di.. he betrayed me.. he is a very bad man Arnavji)

Silver strands of moonlight streamed on the dark rippling water in the shallow rectangular pool. Tiny fairy lights blinked to the rhythm of two heartbeats. A sweet fragrance of roses suffused into the chilly night.

In a haze Khushi Kumari Gupta's voice reached Arnav Singh Raizada's ears.

His hold on her slender shoulder had been gentle a second ago. As she spoke, tears glistening on her stricken face, his grasp progressively tightened, till she was wincing under his vice like grip.

"Enough".. His voice rose razor sharp. She was sobbing hysterically, her words still did not seem to penetrate to his brain. His mind refused to process the words. So they fell onto his ears and wilted away, never reaching a state of coherency.

He shook her roughly. She let him.

Somewhere far off in a corner inside him he found himself wonder how slender she really was. That part of him almost longed for her to object, then have her break into her sunny guile free smile and say it was all a joke.

Jeejaji.. No.. Shyam.. Was cheating on di.. And had wanted to marry..

ASR could not bear to complete the thought.. It would take an intolerable form..Khushi was his..

No she wasn't.. a voice roared out in agony inside him.. She had secrets.. Things he knew nothing about..

Khushi made a movement, to take his hand probably. He didn't wait to find out.

"Get out.." His face was ashen.

"hum nai get out..", for this once she braved his wrath and determinedly took her hand in hers.

"Arnavji hum aapko batana chate the.. I should have told you everything.. I did come.. Devi maiyya ki kasam.. But I saw di and I couldn't.. humse unka dil toda nai gaya". She pleaded, urgently stroking his hand.

(I wanted to tell you everything.. I swear on devi maiyya.. but I could not break her heart)

He focused on gulping in air. And tried to allow her words to reach him.

"Arnavji aap sun reh hai na? I know how you must be feeling. par.. hum di ke khatir chup the.. plea.."

(you are listening right? but.. I was silent for di's sake..)

He wrenched his hand free, with a wild force that caused her to lose balance. She stared at him.

"Leave. main tumhare bare main sahi sochta tha. tum jaisi larki..." Something stopped him. He swallowed hard, and with what felt like super human effort spoke again. This time is voice was deadly calm. Through gritted teeth he said, "tumhari kisi baat ka koi koi matlab nahi. Go.."

(I was right about you.. a girl like you..)
(Your words hold no meaning to me.)

Then he lashed out with fully force, in blazing fury, "I said go..now.."



****


She stumbled out of the poolside. Her world had just shattered into a million scattered fragments, just like the mug that lay on the floor. Would Arnavji ever forgive her?

Blind with tears obscuring her vision, she rushed out of Shantivan.. but where would she go? Her feet slowed down, a terror had taken over her. What if Arnavji never ever wanted to see her again? A wretched choking cry escaped her and her body shivered.

What would Anavji do now? What if in anger he did something dreadful? She wanted to be near di. Would Arnavji tell her the truth about Shyamji? devi maiya raksha karna... fervently Khushi prayed.

She rubbed off tears from her soaked face, still whimpering, when she reached outside the temple.

The temple compound that in the mornings would be full of comfortable sounds, crowded with people, aroma of desi ghee sweets, camphor, flowers, was now deserted. The trees swayed, their shadows dancing in an eerie wild abandon. Heavy brass bells clanged.

Khushi was scared. Was devi maiyya also unhappy with her? She crumpled on the bottom most courtyard step, buried her head in her knees and cried.

****

"Hello hi bye bye.. phatee saree ko silber kanganj aur Misuj Manorama Raijada ki bahuriya ke empty handwa.. bahutehi nainsafi hai gabbar"

(Phatee saree gets silver bangles and Mrs Manorama Raizada's daughter-in-law will remain empty handed.. this is highly unfair)

Anjali had found mami and nani together and told them how she had given khushi bhabhi the bangles carefully treasured all these years for chote's bride.

Nani had smiled fondly at the lingering memory of her daughter as she had shown them the bangles. How beautiful they were!

Mami, however, had gone off in her tangent direction. And soon not only her thoughts, but her entire heavy body, also moved off in a tangent direction.

Deviyani Raizada shook her head at the foibles of her daughter-in-law. Atleast one thing she consented to, life in Shantivan had never been dull after her son had married Manorama.

"nani chaliye.. Who knows what mami is upto? Payal bhabhi might need our saving", Anjali tugged at her arm.

"Payal bitiya ko bachane ke khatir Akash bitwa hai na", nani giggled, well aware how her grandson was smitten by the terribly well-mannered sweet girl.

(Akash is there to save Payal)

Both followed in the direction of the whirlwind resembling mami.

Manorma Raizada corned an embarrassed looking Akash and a scared Payal. Usually Manorma was one of those people who spent time in building up an atmosphere. What was the point of doing a deed without hyping in up, had always been her sound reasoning.

Today she went for a different tactic. Straight to the point. With extreme difficulty, panting and puffing, she pulled out the first heavy gold bangle from her hand. She grimaced as she put in all her energy reserves in pulling out the second bangle.

The shopkeeper needed to be called and shouted at for sure. His sizing was all wrong. He had said that she, Manorma, needed a large size. Of course she did not! She only ate organic low fat food. Anyone who glanced upon her could tell how silim and tirim she was, only the shop keeper needed to get his eyes checked and the sizes of bangles fixed.

She had been thinking all this, when completely out of breath, she realized Payal was also trying to pull at the bangle.

"maaji allow me to help". Before she got a chance to warn her daughter-in-law to keep her hands away, the bangle slipped over the last stretch of bulging flesh, right into Payal's open palm.

"hoonh.. khoon bhari taang.." was all she said as she slid the too large heavy bangles onto Payal's wrist.

"hello hi bye bye..".. And she gone, leaving behind a confused future-daughter-in-law staring at the bangles that were sure to fall off her slender wrist.

"Akashji..", Payal was about to ask if he had understood what any of this was about, when she noticed Anjali ji and dadiji show up.

Anjali was laughing gaily. Her mami could be highly entertaining at times.

That is how ASR saw his di, as he walked out of the poolside, to find her.

He halted mid step. What was he going to tell her? The truth... but what was the truth?.. He had barely registered anything that khushi had said.. He knew close to nothing.. Except that Shyam did not deserve to spend another second in his di's presence.

di was still giggling and talking. He had to tell her, but what would he say?

Had Khushi been stuck in a similar dilemma? What to say when your words would surely wound and maul?

He spun around, picked up the SUV keys from the hall counter and walked out.

****

He had first heard of Shyam Manohar Jha when nani had mentioned him during evening tea. She had said, they had met a decent learned man in the temple that morning.


He remembered wondering at that time why was it important enough for nani to mention the man.


The next time Shyam was mentioned in Shantivan was during breakfast. Mamiji had asked di if the lawyer saab was going to come for the Shivratri puja. Di had blushed and said she did not know what his plans were.


ASR had known what he would need to do next. Immediately after leaving the breakfast table he had called Aman with precise instructions on what he needed to find out.


The news had not been good, but neither had it been too bad. Shyam had no family, a budding lawyer, he was trying to establish his practice in the Delhi civil court. What irked ASR were the cases Aman had dug up where the lawyer had skirted too near the edge of the law. Not broken the law, Aman had stressed, but when one took too much care to stay within the bounds of law, it was highly suspicious.

ASR had been worried, and had decided to talk to nani about it. But nani had talked about the growing apparent change in di. Her smile, that came more often. Her limp, that seems less pronounced. The vitality that seemed to exude from her after her meetings with Shyam.

Everyone liked him, that much ASR knew the minute he saw his family around Shyam. And di adored him. Over the course of the evening, his first visit to shantivan, Shyam had managed to make everyone laugh and reminisce over Lucknow. He had even insisted on making them a round of tea. And in all the hours whenever Anjali moved Shyam was always close to help her.


ASR had thought that is all that mattered.

He had obviously been grossly wrong. Right under his nose Shyam Manohar Jha had lived for three years. Managed to betray di.. and.. Khushi.

He had been driving blindly, not knowing where he went. Not caring. Swerving the steering wheel to the right the car narrowly avoided a ditch.

He slammed the breaks and came out. The confined space, and memories closing in on him, had made him claustrophic.

Marriage... he laughed.. Ma seemed to have believed in marriage.. She died because of it..

Still laughing uncontrollably.. He remembered his di dressed up as a bride the first time.. And then the second time she was a bride.. His di believed in marriage..

His body shuddered.. Khushi.. Who had so fiercely spoken in defense of the sanctity of a bond of marriage... he remembered her clearly.. Crying that day.. He had guessed it was because of her fianc.. The word made ASR breathe fire.. It had been shyam all along..

ASR had for the first time considered the possibility of marriage. Today. And today came the reminder.. It was all a farce..

khushi's dream was about to shatter too. Marriage ..

He let out a strangled cry into the dark night. And slumped against the car, his fingers running through his hair, down his face, in desperate frustration. No sound left him, but still the muted cry continued to echo into the darkness.

How was he supposed to protect his di? He had failed her.

Whatever was about to happen would only bring her tears. She did not want anything else in her life. Her world revolved around that swine. And no one had suspected the man's true colors. Not nani. And not her chote.

His eyes were red, nerves straining. He was not going to give in.

Life had always been his adversary. Today when he had let his guard down it had sneaked up upon him and laid this terrible blow. Now Arnav Singh Raizada was ready.

Abruptly, with full force, he banged against the door frame. The car seemed to shake at the impact. In his fight with this nameless ruthless enemy he had hurt the innocent messenger.

Where was Khushi?

****

It felt difficult to draw breath. If he stopped talking to her.. She .. She would .. A gaping hollow had settled in her chest.. If he didn't believe her she would not be able to breathe.. devi maiyya agar Arnavji humara vishwas nai karenge.. humari.. humari saasein hi ruk jayengi..


(if Arnavji does not believe in me.. my .. my very breath will stop)

A far off rumbling of thunder had started. A moment later, sure enough a drop of rain fell on her already drenched cheek.

Khushi looked at the black clouds overhead. They had hidden her amma babuji. Also Arnavji's amma. Khushi looked at the letter that was still clutched in her hand. Crumpled, a few water droplets already causing the ink to run. Arnavji's ma's letter.

With her dupatta Khushi tried to shield the paper. She stood up and looked towards her devi maiyya. Devi maiya was far off, inside the temple, but she was smiling benevolently. Khushi drew in a deep breath. She could not break down. She would go find Arnavji, jump through the Shantivan window if needed, but reach his room, and make him listen. She would..

All her thoughts came to a full stop as the skies suddenly seemed to open up and torrential rain poured down. With desperation Khushi ran up the stairs to the shelter of the temple. Then she peered out at the rain.

That night when she was cold and miserable in the parking lot, hating the laad governor, he had come out of nowhere and saved her from the approaching car.

When she had been all alone, stranded in the middle of the road praying for a miracle, even though he had been angry with her minutes ago, he had still come.

devi maiya aaj wo nahi aayenge.. despondent she thought. In tandem a white SUV screeched to a halt at the corner. She saw the flash light illuminate a narrow path.

With only one thought, she floated down the steps. He had opened the car door and stepped out.

She flew to him, flinging her arms around him.



****


He watched her lissome figure dash down the steps. Still in her lehenga, she looked like she was stepping right out of a living painting.

She hugged him with so much force that it almost caused him to lose balance. She was shorter than him. With her arms tightly wrapped around him she had to stand tip toe. Khushi felt soft.

He wanted to lose himself in her wet entangled hair. Would they be dense enough to hide him from the harsh reality?

"Arnavji humein maaf kar dijiye.. I ..", her voice was muffled. She wept inconsolably.

(Please forgive me)

"Khushi..", his voice broke, an unbearable pain taking over again.

She was still snuggled against him, her body shuddering in rhythm to her crying heart.

He could bear it no longer. He whisked her into his arms. The unexpectedness of the action muted her sobs temporarily. For an infinite moment, oblivious to the deluge, they looked at each other. Then slowly, in a gesture of homecoming, she raised her hand and clutched onto his shirt, right next to where his heart beat against his chest.

He strode to the SUV and gently placed her on the passenger seat. Her wet hair was splattered across her forehead. She looked fragile. If Shyam had succeeded in his ploy what would have happened to this girl? It enraged him to think how much danger Khushi had been in. And ASR had been unaware.

With a bang he shut the door and walked over to get in himself.

He revved up the engine. His hollow iris followed the slow periodic movement of the wiper across the windshield. The blade kept moving, valiantly trying to keep the rain away. The rain came from all directions, in heavy gusts. The wiper had to work incessantly, untiringly. It had an important function, make the way safe, and if it failed, the people inside would suffer.

ASR had failed. He had failed his di.

A light touch pulled him out of the inferno he had swiftly descended into. She looked at him anxiously.

None of this was her fault. He had already lost control once tonight and she had been alone, heartbroken , in the rain.

He willed himself to hold onto a shred of sanity. For the sake of the girl sitting next to him, shivering.

"I called your home and let Garima aunty know we are together." His voice sounded dead to his ears, but atleast he had managed to keep the torment hidden.

Taking him by surprise, she burst into tears. Alarmed, he slammed the breaks, and cupped her face.

"humein laga aap humse kabhi baat nai karenge.. hum.. hum aapke bina.."

(I thought you would never ever talk to me again.. without you..I..)

He kissed her then. Her lips eagerly sought him too, moving with an intense palpable need.

Their tongues slid against each other in a mad frenzy. Their breath intermingling. His hand held her in a fierce grip. He needed her.

He needed to assure himself she was for real. She was here with him. That this harsh world could have within it something as precious as this girl. That she was not a figment of fantasy that would waft away like the mirage of happiness. No, she was his... His Khushi...

He broke free of the kiss. Her eyes were still closed. He knew she was trying to catch her breath.

"We are getting married", was all he said.

arshi SS: Hamesha ~ a heartbeat away, chapter 14

There can never be another Arnav Singh Raizada and Khushi Kumari Gupta. May their love story live forever..





Chapter 14

The Shantivan hall had a sprawling uncluttered feel to it, filled with echoes of laughter and chatter since morning. The lofty tasteful teak furniture had been moved against the walls to make space for the freshly starched sheet that covered the mattresses. The walls had been covered with bright yellow and orange marigold garlands, Anjali having insisted that the decoration be traditional. Arnav Singh Raizada and Akash Singh Raizada were getting married to two sisters, Khushi Kumari Gupta and Payal Kumari Gupta. And today was the mehendi ceremony.

There were a lot of talkative middle aged ladies, all invited to take part in the celebrations. Payal had forgotten their names and was quite overwhelmed with all the people Akash's mother had introduced her to. An hour back Khushi had also disappeared after getting a scolding from buaji for having removed her mehendi too early. A gentle smile spread on Payal's face in happiness for her dear little sister. Her mehendi was dark..

With a sudden burst of nervousness Payal peered anxiously at her palm. Would her mehendi be as dark? Buaji and dadiji had selected the design for her. A bride in her doli.. Because of the intricacies it had taken longer to complete Payal's mehendi. Now her hands were growing tired since she had to keep them alert, afraid of spoiling her lehenga. She loved the peach color of the material of her lehenga, and it had heavy zardosi patch work on the too thick border. Even Akash's mother.. umm maji.. had seemed to like it.

Payal was getting used to this strange new feeling. Thinking of someone new as her mother-in-law. Amma said mother-in-laws were like mothers. Girls actually spent more years with their husband's mothers than their own. She suddenly desperately wanted to be back in Lakshminagar, sitting close to her babuji in her comfortable cotton kurtis. She liked keeping quiet and watching Khushi entertain everyone. That was home.. this ..was just a new place.. How could she belong here?

In sudden unfamiliar panic her gaze swept over the brightly decorated hall and she found herself looking at a man gazing upon her with a gentle smile on his face.. Akash.. The reason she was here.. As their eyes met he broke into a broader smile.. Then raised his hand, gesturing to show him her mehendi..

Payal demurely looked down, then quickly turned her palm upwards. Then just as quickly hid them again, in case someone noticed. Though her palm was hidden her smile was on her face for the world to see. She knew that everything would be okay. She was coming to spend her life with Akash. Her smile only grew wider as happiness lit up her heart.


****


"Akash main Khushiji ko le aaya. chalo mehendi mein break in karte hai", NK had crept upon Akash and spoke in a theatrical whisper, making him jump.

(I brought Khushiji. lets break into the mehendi)

Akash blushed a little seeing Khushiji smile. "umm wo khushiji I thought I would see Payal's mehendi. She is looking bored alone there and I.."

Khushi linked her hand in Akash's and gave an exaggerated sigh, "uff jeejaji jab pyar kiya toh darna kya. I have a plan".

(why fear when you are in love)

NK steered them towards ASR's room. Even though he knew his nannav would probably only find fault with the plans and act irritated, NK had this undying unshakable theory that the great ASR must like this excitement too.

He remembered the summer holidays spent together only too well. He was quite in awe of Akash's elder cousin, who would become serious and play the best chess game possible and the very next moment come up with a plan to blow up rahim chacha's garden wheel barrow, just to add some fun to a dull evening.

Actually more than brightening up nanav's day it was just fun to get him angry.. NK gave a mock evil laugh in his head.. Indian weddings were such fun!

"But plan kya hai khushiji?", Akash was questioning Khushi as they entered ASR's room.

(what's the plan?)

Khushi was nervous. Their last meeting a few minutes ago was still fresh in her mind. Her pulse was getting all ready to start the sprint they were used to in this man's presence. Spend her whole life with him?.. She gulped.. Why was she thinking of all this..

"ha khushiji aap kareeb batayiye", said NK as he sat down on ASR's recliner which hardly had place for two. ASR gave him a stern look and went back to his laptop.

"nanheji kareeb nai tarkeeb", Khushi corrected amicably. She was happy he had sat down next to Arnavji. Gave her an excuse to look at Arnavji. She liked to look at him while he concentrated on his laptop. pata nai kyu devi maiyya.. She wondered.

(nanheji not close.. idea..)

Suddenly she was curious to complete their conversation from earlier. A shiver ran down her spine in anticipation. Would he think of looking at her other hand? He had not looked even remotely angry when she teased him about being a khadoos laad governor rakshas..

Khushi giggled, extremely pleased with her idea. Then hurriedly tried to cover it up as a cough. He looked up then. Straight at her. A veiled indulgent gentle look on his face.

"tarkeeb.. That's it.. That's what I mean", NK did some funky hand movements. "Khushiji you have the best ideas. aapke idea se hi toh aapki aur nannav ki shadi ho ri. kamaal hai".

(idea.. because of your idea only you and nannav are getting married.. brilliant)

This time Khushi did start coughing for real. Akash worriedly patted her on the back. ASR turned his face a little to the side, a stray flicker of smile making its way to his face. pagal.. His mind seemed to utter.. His heart wanted to add a whole lot of other words for her.

"ha Khushi lets listen to this brilliant idea of yours", he teased, leaning back.

His undivided attention only flustered Khushi more. hooh.. samajhte kya hai khud ko.. hum nai darte unse..


(hooh.. what does he think of himself.. I am not sacred of him)

"jeejaji naheji aapne Hum Aapke hain kaun nai dekhi? All you need to do is this..", she spoke brightly, her eyes sparkling, dreaming of how her plan would work perfectly. And another pair of eyes followed her each movement, how she flicked her hair, nodded her head, blinked with those long alluring eyelashes, hands gracefully flowing in sync with the excitement her words carried.

(haven't you seen hum aapke hain kaun?)


ASR just watched her. How could anyone be this uncynical, believing in things, sincere and fun? How could anyone be this beautiful? She made him catch his breath.

Soon the others were heading out and Khushi was about to follow when he called out to her. "Khushi..", each nerve inside him felt a jolt when he said her name. She paused at the doorstep, but remained standing looking away from him.

"so tum kya keh rahi thi. main khadoos hon.. aur?", He had stretched out his hand and blocked her way. She turned to go from the other direction. He placed another hand on the wall.

"pura karo..", he had her encased between his outstretched arms. Could smell her intoxicating fragrance. Her swan like pale neck where a pulse was visible caught his attention.

"lllaad governor..", she had managed to say, when his single finger landed on that beating pulse. Leisurely it trailed along her collar bone.

"aur?".. He spoke in a velvety whisper following his brown finger against her pale gleaming skin.

(and?)

"rakshas", her voice was barely a whisper. The word ended in a gust of exhaled tremulous breath.

"Looks like you have spent some time thinking about me and you don't like me.. hmm?" , now the back of his fingers brushed along the unblemished soft skin from her dainty chin, along her jaw, caressing her cheek and rested against the spot her eye crinkled.

dhak dhak dhak.. Khushi felt her stomach knot. Her cheeks were on fire.

"Let me tell you what I think of you.. " he nudged her face so that she was looking at him.

"I think you are pagal", his hands had now left the wall and were slowly drawing her into his warm arms.

"I think you are..", he had pulled her closer, his hands resting possessively on the small of her back.

"chote..", Anjali's voice drifted towards them.

He moved away from Khushi, slightly dazed. She had not moved. What did he actually want to say to her?

Anjali entered the room, her hands covered with mehendi. She could not use them to lift her saree above her ankle so walked a little more slowly, afraid of tripping. Khushi and ASR both reached her at the same time, wanting to help her. They each placed a hand on her shoulders.

She beamed at them, "chote khushiji.. aap dono yaha.. Sorry to disturb.."

(you both here..)

Khushi turned a deep shade of scarlet and wringing her hands tried to explain,"wo anjaliji.. I .. We were just going down with nanheji and jeejaji..I will go check what they are doing.. Hum abhi aate hai"

She rushed out of the room, even before Anjali could stop her. "Khushiji humein aapse baat karn.."

(i need to talk..)

Anjali laughed at her shy bhabhi. She was extremely happy for her brother. "chote.." she looked at him with affection and felt her eyes brim with tears of happiness.

"di now don't start crying. I get it.. you are happy", he feigned and olled his eyes, as they made their way towards his bed. She sat down on the edge, he on the rug, looking up at her.

"chote weddings are beautiful aren't they?", her voice was clear and loving.

The darkness seeped into him. Weddings.. shehnai.. a bride.. a scream..

"no di. Weddings are ..", he could not complete the sentence, choking on the words. Anjali could see the darkness enter his eyes. The pain that had never left her chote had started to be pushed away in these past few weeks. Anjali had seen that, but the memories of a wedding still suffocated him.

Urgently she tried to explain. "chote we can't control what has to happen, what we can control is our actions".

She could remember her ma that day. All dressed up. Anjali had thought she looked pretty, but her ma looked even prettier than the bride. Anjali felt sad too, but she would be strong for her chote. He had remained strong for her, that day.

His entire life he had tried to bear everything alone. But now Khushiji was here, to be part of his life, just like Shyamji had come into hers.

"one wedding day had brought us loss, make this wedding special chote. Tell her how much you want her in your life. ek pal mein zindagi badal sakti hai, kuch bura ho sakta hai, par tum ho na chote. Tum kuch bura nai hone doge. Don't let anything bad happen in this weddings. Sirf achcha hoga humare sath, tumhare sath. You had stopped living after that day, today start living again. "

(In a second life can change, something bad can happen, but you are there. You will not let anything bad happen. Only good will happen to us, to you)

ASR was fourteen again for a moment. He wanted to believe all that his di was saying. Was it really possible? Could happiness be given a chance? Happiness.. Khushi.. Could she be part of his life forever? Hamesha.. Could it be this simple?

He knew his di was right.. He could not think of a single moment apart from Khushi now. He needed her to breathe.. His heart needed her to beat.. She had slowly entered inside him and filled the hollow vacuum with her laughter, crazy plans and all that talking.

He placed his head on in his di's lap and hugged her.

She was about to ruffle his hair when he raised his head swiftly and caught her hand.

"di aapki mehendi.. Don't dare touch me with that..", then as tears streamed down his dis eyes seeing her chote look relaxed and carefree and happy, the brother and sister's foreheads touched.

With their eyes closed, they lived the moment. They had managed to find a way out of the corridors of sheesh mahal after all. They had won the fight against the ever looming untiring enemy that threatened to suck every chance of happiness. They had won. They were going to be okay.


****


"Khushiji aapko Arnav bhaiya khoj rahe hai", Om Prakash had finally found Khushiji, delivered the message and rushed to do all the work mamiji had asked him to do.

Khushi stood in the silent poolside, holding a strand of fairy lights. He had untangled her from these right here. But she had not been able to untangle herself from him.

Again she opened her palm and looked at his name.. Arnav.. Every time she managed to fall he would catch her.. Every time she ran to him he stood waiting.. Her jhumka, churi, payal, dupatta all seemed to want to be with him.. Her amma, buaji loved him.. And she? What did she feel for him..

Listen to your heartbeats.. Her amma had advised her.. dhakdhak dhakdhak.. Khushi knew from very long they had been telling her something.. Was she ready to listen finally?


A hand placed itself on her shoulder. She stilled.

Arnavji..

She whirled around when she heard the voice of the owner of the hand. A venomous honey dripping voice. "Khushiji..", Shyam said her name.

Full of disgust at his touch she moved away. Shaking with fury she yelled at him, "how dare you Shyamji? Did I not tell humse door rahiye?"

(stay away from me)

"Achcha Khushiji sirf humse ye doori.. Saale saab ke toh aap bahut kareeb aa rahi hai.", his eyes were popping out and he had the look of a deranged man. He moved forward attempting to grab her hand.

(why this distnace only from me. With saale sab you are only getting closer)

With all her might Khushi slapped him hard across the face. "Shyamji never ever compare yourself to Arnavji. aapko sharam aani chahiye, devi maiyya se dariye Shyamji".

She was shaking in anger and Shyam stood stunned. A wild angry look on him as he cradled his cheek against his palm. An imprint of slim fingers was clearly visible.


****

"haye nandkisore.. ee ka karat ho babua?" Madhumatiji asked aghast seeing Akash and NK with a video camera and a blinding flash light.

(what are you doing?)

"buaji we thought we should take a video of the function.. Important mehendi ceremony hai.. kyu hai na future mom-in-law?", NK swept the flash light right into Manorma's eyes.

Garima and nani exchanged smiles.. Youth.. When would boys learn they were not allowed in the mehendi function..

"nand kisore.. bahute barhiya idea hai.. You can take my close up", madhumatiji swung her plait to the front and flashed a brilliant smile.

(great idea. You can take my close up)

"no no nk babua.. uha nahin eeha.. humka recordingj mein you takingj.. humaar saree ke fall ka cloj up isshot bhill makingj bhideo bhery colorphool".

(not there here.. record me.. take a close of my saree fall. it will make the video colorfull)

"oh saree kyu falling?", NK asked alarmed.

(why is the saree falling?)

"arre babua tum uko choro I am ready.. Akash bitwa take my video with this beautiful looking nand kisore..", buaji had linked her huge heavy arm around NK and he was having troubling breathing.

(leave her)

Akash had not heard a word that was said, he had been smiling at Payal, who was blushing, but smiling right back. After all these hours of watching her from far he was finally close to her. How beautiful she looked today. His future wife.. Payal..

"umm Akash?", nani's clear voice broke the staring contest of the couple. Their faces had turned red hearing the ladies erupt into peals of laughter.

****

"Khushiji achcha hua aap mil gayi.. Arre Shyamji aap bhi yaha hai?", Anjali made her way towards them, a little taken aback to see Shyamji turn and walk away without any answer. Was everything okay, she wondered.. Khushiji looked very shaken.

(good that I found here.. Oh Shyamji you are also here?)

"aap thik toh hai khushiji? What happened?", she took the girls hand in hers.

(hope you are okay?)

"aap bahut achchi hai Anjaliji", Khushi hugged her tightly. She had to calm herself.

(you are very nice)

"Aap bhi Khushiji. But are you sure you are fine?", Anjali stroked her hair in a soothing motion, worried. Had chote said something to Khushiji?

(you too)

Khushi broke apart and nddded her head, a small smile on her face. "kuch nai Anjaliji. Tell me why were you looking for me?"

"come with me", Anjali held her arm and took her along to her room. On the coffee table was a silver box. She opened it and took out a pair of bangles and made Khushi wear them. Her eyes were moist.

Khushi looked at the beautiful bangles then at Anjaliji.

"ye humari ma ke the. She wanted chote's wife to wear them. You know Khushiji I was jealous. Why would a new girl come into our house and get to wear these bangles? I wanted to wear them, you see. But now I am no longer jealous. You have come into my chotes life and brought back his smiles. Aaj se when I see these bangles on you, their khanak will only bring me peace, just like my ma's memory".

(These were my mother's)

Khushi didn't know what to say. She could feel the tears in her eyes and tried to blink them away.

"Anjaliji..", she said and stopped, trying to find words for her feelings.

"nahi.. not Anjaliji..my bhabhi.. You have to call me di now.. Aap ab meri bhabhi hai". Anjali cupped her face with both hands and kissed her forehead.

(you are my sister-in-law now)

"toh di ab aap mujhe aap nahi tum bulaiye. You call Arnvaji also tum. humein achcha lagega". Khushi never really liked that Anjaliji.. Umm di.. Who was elder to her addressed her as aap.. felt too formal..

(address me informally now)

Anjali placed her hand on Khushi's head. "humesha khush rehna tum dono. I know chote is difficult to handle, but you already know what to say to him. You understand him. Welcome to our family bhabhi".

(always be happy)

She looked older somehow, a strain showing on her face, betraying all the sadness she had to bear in her short life. She reached into the box and pulled a small folded paper, clutched it against her heart. Then placed it with care into Khushi's hand. "Our ma also welcomed you bhabhi".

Then abruptly she got up and left, afraid she might break down, as the memories of her ma intermingled with her infinite happiness for chote today.

Khushi held the colored paper in both her hands. Not moving she just sat with it. Arnavji's ma.. She had left a letter for her bahu?.. Was Khushi her bahu?..

Tears flowed from her eyes as she opened the letter to read.. "humare chote ki bahu ke naame. humare chote ki naakh pe bahut sara gussa rehta hai aur dil mein bahut sara pyaar. Gussa bardasht karna aur pyaar soot samet lautana".

(To my chote's bride. Our chote has anger on his nose, but lots of love in his heart. bear the anger and return the love with interest)

Khushi was overwhelmed. His ma had told her all Khushi needed to know to understand her Arnavji. And a voice inside her told her she already knew this. His anger.. His loving heart.. She wanted to be a part of both..

She lost track of time as she sat their alone. Crying. She clearly remembered the night he had stared at the stars asking her if his ma could see him.

Talking to the letter in her hand she spoke softly, "ma he is very nice. aap chinta mat kijiye.. He will be fine.. Hum.. Hum khushi hai..". With a strong conviction that seemed to erupt from each pore in her she spoke again, "hum aapki hone wali bahu hai. I will be with Arnavji.. Hamesha"

(don't worry..me.. I am Khushi..)
(your daughter-in-law)


She was slowly making her way out of di's room when she noticed a photo frame. A smiling couple, the wife with adoration in her eyes. Khushi was stunned.

di.. Arnavji's di.. the center of his universe.. Arnavji himself were such nice people..

She had been wrong about this. She could only protect di by telling Arnavji everything. Hey devi maiyya.. Humse galati ho gayi.. Please please let Arnavji fix it..

Blindly she rushed to find him, not caring if he would be angry with her. She had to tell him. He needed to know. He would know how to solve it, she trusted him. He would fix it. Please devi maiyya..

Her hands went up in prayer. She was sobbing uncontrollably when she dashed into him near the poolside.

Her head rested on his shoulder. She had found him. She would tell him everything and it would all be okay. He would make it okay.


ASR took a moment to realize what had happened. He looked at the coffee mug that lay shattered on the ground.. Then he understood and felt the breath leave him. Khushi was crying.

"Khushi?", he asked urgently. He was beyond worry. Why was she crying as if her world had been ripped apart.

"khushi? kya hua tumhe?", he was having difficulty breathing. shit.. A sense of dj vu stole over him. Once before also she had come crying to him.

"shh.. main hun Khushi.. tell me.. shh", his voice was tender, piercing into the heart, his grip reassuring. He held on to the panic inside him. He needed to be strong for her. His hand was clenched in such a tight fist that all blood supply was cut from it. A vein throbbed in his neck.. Dammit what was wrong?

"darling what happened?". A sense of forboding was engulfing over him.

He had been right. Happiness could never last for long.. it was always snatched away.. but he would fight it. He would not let any harm come to Khushi. Her smile would remain..

"shh.. Khushi?", with his thumb he brushed away a tear drop that rested on her cheek. Khushi had stopped whimpering, but was looking at him utterly woebegone.

Her expression tore into his heart, yet he held himself in check. Putting a firm pressure on her arm he shook her gently.

"Arnavji..", she spoke in a small voice. Scared of how much her words were going to break his heart.

"ha Khushi..", he held his breath, expecting the worst, no way prepared for the blow that was to come.

"wo.. wo Shyamji the.. unhone di ko dhoka diya..humein dhoka diya.. Shyamji bahut bure insaan hai Arnavji.."

(it was Shyamji.. he bretrayed di.. he betrayed me.. he is a very bad man Arnavji)