Monday 23 November 2015

253. Laad Governor and Afghan Jalebi (Part 20-21)








Link to my new short story: Taking Care of You


“I thought I was dreaming when I first saw you," he said.

 “How did you know it was me?” she asked. “I could have been anybody. A thief even.”

He smiled wearily. “I don’t know many thieves who would look at me with anxious eyes and then cry because I was sick,” he mumbled.

Is it possible for love to bloom, sight unseen? Juhi and Abhay are strangers who know each other better than they know themselves. One night changes the equation and the even tenor of their lives and puts all their doubts and fears to rest.


http://pothi.com/pothi/book/ebook-smita-ramachandran-taking-care-you



Link to my first e-novel; A Home for Meenakshi

http://pothi.com/pothi/book/ebook-smita-ramachandran-home-meenakshi

"I love the way you love, Meenu," he whispered, his eyes on hers. "Such loyalty, such passion..."

Meenakshi Sharma, an orphan, lives in Varanasi with her uncle, a chronic bachelor who wants her to become a professional musician. She unwillingly relocates to Delhi to study under a renowned musician for eight months. Staying for rent in the outhouse of the Agrawals, she meets Aditya Agrawal, an attractive young man brooding over the memories of his horrendous past. Pulled between her uncle's expectations of her and Aditya's love for her, Meenakshi struggles with her feelings. How can she disappoint her uncle who had devoted his entire life to her upbringing? How can she pretend to be blind to Aditya's feelings for her? A romance that moves between the alleys of the holy city of Varanasi and the modern city of Delhi.

A blog for my VMs:

http://smitarsvms.blogspot.in/



Dedicated to Supriya Sahasrabuddhe (Sups/ aniyathi). She wanted Mami and Payal to plot to bring A-K together. So here goes,





Part 20







Khushi entered her room, shut and locked the room and burst into tears. Sitting on the floor with her back against the door, she sobbed and wailed, her head buried in her hands.






ASR stood in the kitchen, his fists and jaw clenched. Her tear. That single, lone tear. It had corroded his—his...He looked down at where his heart was supposed to be...his heart. It had corroded his heart like acid.


The vision of some other man hugging Khushi rushed into his mind. His heartbeat picked up, his BP shot up. He stared ahead, his fists and jaw clenched, the muscles of his neck corded, his whole body tense and ready to attack, prepared to mow down that imaginary man. He saw Khushi walking with, leaning against another man as he had led Lavanya out. No, no, his mind chanted.


Now he understood what Khushi had seen and how much it had hurt her. His eyes moistened, his throat closed up.


He heard voices of his family and the Guptas in the courtyard. They were back from their walk.


He blinked away the tears and went to sit in the living room.






Mami ran to him. “Arnav bitwa, did you talk to Khussi?”


“Yes, mami,” he replied.


“And?” she asked.


“Maybe she needs time to think,” Arnav suggested, not willing to let Khushi abandon him to his fate.


“Think? Aur Titliya?” buaji asked, laughing.


Sasi frowned. Khushi liked Arnav, had turned away a good proposal out of love for him, wanted to marry a boy like him, had described him as her ideal husband. He had guessed they had unresolved issues, but...Why on earth did she need time? What was wrong?


Mami turned worried eyes to nani. “If she thinks too much, she may refuse him, saasumma,” she whispered.


Anjali took her Chotey to her room and asked him, “Kya hua?”


“She refused,” he admitted.


Anjali paled. “Why?”


“Lisa and Lavanya,” he admitted.


Anjali smiled wryly. “You told me once that your girlfriends need not concern me or our familly, that they have nothing to do with us. Ab kya khayal he, Chotey? Do they matter? Do they affect us and your life?”


He swallowed hard and turned away to stand facing the shut door.


“It is not really possible to compartmentalise life, Chotey. Work in one big box, girlfriends in another small box, your family in another box,” Anjali said softly.


He looked down. What could he tell her? That he hadn’t lived for thirty years and that he was just beginning to live? That he had felt nothing except anger and pain for thirty years and was starting to feel more only now?




“It has been years since our parents died, Chotey,  but we haven’t managed to leave them behind. We still feel the pain, the helplessness, the loss as acutely as we did when it happened. You may want to leave your girlfriends in your past and move on, but is running away from your past really possible?” she asked.


He looked at her, his eyes sharp.


“Waise, what if your regret marrying Khushiji, want to return to a bachelor life?” Anjali asked softly, fearing an angry outburst.


“Never,” Arnav said. His voice was low but his conviction was cent percent. “Lavanya, Lisa, they don’t matter to me. Never did. But Khushi matters. A lot.”


“How will you convince her that you will be a good husband to her?” Anjali asked, happy that he had finally determined what and who mattered to him.


“I don’t know, di,” he admitted  slowly, sighing. “I can never find the words I need—or the time.”


“Let’s give up and return to Delhi,” Anjali suggested, wanting to know his reaction.


“What the,” he exclaimed, horrified. “No way.”


“Khushiji doesn’t want you, is not willing to listen to you, can’t digest your past littered with girlfriends. I think we should give up on this lost cause and get back to Delhi. What about your work, Chotey?” Anjali asked, wanting to know the depth of his commitment.


“No,” he replied. “I will return to Delhi with Khushi. Not before.”


“What if she never gives you a chance? How long are you planning to stay here?” Anjali asked, a smile lurking in her eyes.


“As long as it takes. Di, you take the rest of them and return to Delhi. I will stay in touch with Aman. I can work from here,” Arnav said.


“Let’s hang on for a couple of days. After that, dekhte hein,” Anjali said, hugging him tightly before leaving.





                                              ***




Khushi emerged from her room a few minutes after the families returned from their walk, her face pale, her eyes bruised and pink after her bout of crying.




The Raizadas and her family must be waiting for her response to the proposal, she thought. But she didn’t want to speak to them. She painted a smile on her face and went into the kitchen, quickly making many delectable dishes for lunch.


Buaji and amma tried to talk to her, but she brushed them aside pleading having to make lunch.


Arnav looked at the strain on her face as they sat down to eat and felt his heart sink. How could he make her feel better? How and when could he tell her he was dead serious about marriage? That he had no desire to chase other girls. How could he show her what she meant to him?


After lunch, babuji called Khushi to his room.


She walked in reluctantly, knowing that he wanted to talk about Laad Governor.


“Khussi, shut the door,” babuji instructed softly.


She obeyed him and sat down on a stool by his feet.


“Did Arnav ask you to marry him?” babuji asked bluntly.


“Yes, babuji,” she replied, her voice low, subdued.


“Did you agree?” he asked.


“No, babuji,” Khushi replied, her chest aching.


Sasi’s eyes sharpened. “Why not? Don’t you like him, bitiya?”


“No, babuji,” she whispered, crying rivers inside.


“Why not, bitiya?” he asked. “He is everything you asked for.”


Khushi said nothing, just looked away. How could she sully her father’s ears with what the Laad Governor was?


“The height, the features, the clothes, the fragrance, the voice, the looks. He has everything you asked for. In fact,” Sasi looked at her with amusement in his eyes, “it was like you were describing him as your dream dulha.”


Khushi looked down at the fringe of her dupatta.


“You were very vocal while dismissing Abhishek. Why are you silent while refusing Arnav?” Sasi asked.


Khushi said nothing.


“Give me a reason, bitiya. The Raizadas will want to know kya kami he Arnav mein.”


‘Kami nahi, zyada he,’ Khushi thought. ‘Too many girls kaating chakkar around him as though he were a piece of gud (jaggery) and they flies.’


“Khussi,” Sasi called her from her thoughts. “Bitiya, if you want to refuse him, I will never force you to marry him. But I need a reason to give the Raizadas. We can’t fob them off with something silly, bitiya. They are Payaliya’s family. We have to see them forever.”


Khushi nodded.


“Tum hi socho. After you refuse him, the Raizadas will definitely look for another girl and get him married off. We have to attend his wedding,” Sasi said, watching Khushi’s nails bite into her palms with interest. “We will marry you off to another man and he and his bride will attend your wedding.”


Khushi could cry. In fact, she was on the verge of tears.


“That is why I said, if we are refusing them, we need a solid reason. Rishte are meant forever,” Sasi said softly.


Khushi nodded.


“So tell me, why are you refusing him when he fits your idea of a dream dulha?” Sasi asked.


Khushi gulped and tried. “I don’t want to leave Lucknow,” she muttered.


“What if the next proposal is from Delhi? And the next from Bangalore? And the next from the US?” Sasi asked.


“I don’t like Delhi,” Khushi muttered.


Sasi refused to respond to this. He asked, “Do you dislike his family?”


Her wide eyes flew to his. “No, they are very nice, babuji,” she  said.


“And your jiji is there. You can live with her in the same house all your life. You won’t have to limit yourself to seeing her once a year or maybe once in three years if you are based elsewhere.”


Khushi looked down at her jooti. But the price she would have to pay for this convenience was too terrible, she thought.


Sasi coughed.


“Kya hua, babuji?” she asked anxiously, jumping up to pat his back.


“Kuch nahi bitiya,” he said slowly. “Pata nahi kyon, my head and the back of my neck hurt a bit today.”


“I will heat some oil and massage your head and neck for you, babuji,” she told him.


Sasi nodded.


Khushi ran to the kitchen and returned with warm oil. She rubbed it on her father’s head and nape and pressed the muscles with her fingers.


“I am blessed to have two wonderful daughters,” Sasi said softly, his eyes shut.


Khushi smiled slightly as she continued to massage him.


“Khussi, when we adopted you,” he began.


Khushi looked at him.


“Many relations said that we were making a mistake. Lekin, listen to me carefully, Khussi, that was the best decision I took in my entire life,” he said slowly.


Tears filled her eyes.


Sasi said softly, “I am not worried about Payaliya. The Raizadas will look after her. But if something happens to me, who will look after you?”


Khushi swallowed her tears and said, “Your shop will look after me. Your sweets will look after me. And nothing will happen to you. I have made a deal with Devi Maiyya.”


Sasi smiled. “If you don’t want to marry Arnav, don’t. But don’t refuse him outright. Think about it. Take a few days to decide. I don’t want you to regret your decision later. Can you do that for me?”


“Yes, babuji,” Khushi said.


“I will call Maniramji, the broker and ask him to bring more proposals for you. I want to send you to your sasuraal as soon as possible,” Sasi said.


“You are in a hurry to throw me out, babuji?” Khushi asked, pouting.


“How can a father die in peace when his daughter is unmarried?” he asked, a smile on his face. “Enough, Khussi. Your arms must be aching now. Go, take rest. Let me sleep a while.”


“Yes, babuji,” Khushi said. She left him and returned to the kitchen.


Buaji and Garima caught her in the kitchen.


“What have you decided, Khussi?” Garima asked.


“Let me think about it,” Khushi said as her father wanted her to.


“Isme sochne wali kaa baat he, Nandkisore?” buaji asked. “Handsome ladka he, from Payaliya’s family, so sanskaari, hard working, doesn’t smile too much. He fits all your demands. Now what is wrong, Sanka Devi?”


Khushi bit her cheek to avoid telling them exactly how sanskaari he was!


Garima nodded. “You will never get so good a boy again, Khussi.”


If this was the best she could get, then she was doomed, Khushi thought.


“So polite, so mature, so responsible at such a young age, Nandkisore,” buaji continued with her paean.


Khushi nodded. Only his girlfriends knew how polite and sanskaari he was. If she wasn’t so averse to having her family know what kind of character-dheela man he was, she would have dhoond dhoondke invited all those chote kapdewali girls to Gomti Sadan and introduced them to her family. Then what would buaji have said?


“You can be with Payaliya all your life, Khussi. You will never be alone, even after our death,” Garima tried to sway her decision.


“I will think about it,” Khushi conceded.


“Poor Sasi babua. He will be so happy if you agree, Khussi,” buaji said.


Khushi said, “I will get the clothes from the line, buaji. It looks like rain.” She ran away and up the steps to the terrace.


Nani caught her on the steps.


“Khussi bitiya, where are you going?” she asked.


“Ji, to the terrace to collect dry clothes. Did you want something, naniji?” Khushi asked.


“I want to talk to you. I will come up with you,” nani said and walked up with her.


Nani watched Khushi as she gathered the clothes one by one and folded them in a neat pile.


“Khussi bitiya, Chotey asked you to marry him, didn’t he?”


“Ji.”


“Chotey said you are thinking about his proposal, considering it.”


‘Had he said that to his family?’ Khushi thought. She had refused to marry him. Bluntly. Unequivocally. Why had he told his family that she was thinking about it? The liar, the immoral, girlfriend-hugging liar! Poor naniji. She had no idea what kind of a lecher her grandson was. Out of pity for the elderly lady, Khushi decided to agree with her.


“Ji,” she replied.


“Khussi bitiya, please say yes,” nani requested. “Itne saal ho gaye, bitiyaa, but I have never seen Chotey show any interest in any girl.”


‘Naniji,’ Khushi asked in her mind. ‘Why should he show interest in one girl when he has a legion of girlfriends?’


“He will look after you well, bitiya,” nani promised. “He is a good boy except for his anger.”


‘And his girlfriends and his sharp tongue and his paranoia about me,’ Khushi added silently.


“He works hard, Khussi bitiya and forgets to take care of his health,” Nani said. “I hope you will stop him from killing himself with work and make sure he eats healthy.”


Khushi smiled and nodded, thinking, ‘Why should I do that, naniji? The girlfriend he has dinner with on a particular day should see that he eats healthy. And who knows if he is working at the office? He might be gallivanting around town with the flavour of the moment while you think he is killing himself with work.’


Nani hugged Khushi. “All our hopes rest with you, Khussi bitiya,” she said.


Khushi looked skyward. Poor nani! She had no idea she was asking Khushi to destroy her life and peace by marrying the Romeo of Delhi.


She and nani descended the steps. As nani moved away, mami caught hold of her. ‘Here we go again,’ Khushi thought.


“Khussi, I bant to talk to you,” mami said.


“Yes, mamiji?” Khushi asked.


“Bhat have you decided about hamre Arnav bitwaa?” mami asked.


“Nothing, mamiji,” Khushi said.


“Bhy not?” mami asked. “Yes keh dio, Khussi. You won’t get another boy like him anytime now.”


“You are right, mamiji,” Khushi said. “I will never get a groom like him. Lekin ek doubt he, mamiji.”


“Kaa doubtwaa he?” mami asked. “Pooch lio. I bill answer.”


“Who were the girls we saw with him in Delhi?” Khushi asked innocently.


“Girlswaa?” mami asked, her painted eyes wide in shock at such a frontal attack.


“Ji, girlswaa,” Khushi confirmed.


“Must be his office wali workers,” mami tried to squirm out of the situation.


“Acha?” Khushi asked doubtfully. “But will they wear chote kapde and then cling to him and hug him in public?”


Mami gulped. “Hum abhi aavat he, Hello Hi Bye Bye,” she muttered before running away.


“Khushiji,” came Anjali’s call.


‘Oh no, the next one’ she thought. Khushi wanted to hit her own head against the nearest wall.


“Chotey said that you don’t want to marry him,” Anjali tackled the issue directly.


“Ji,” Khushi replied equally bluntly.


“Is it because of Lisa and Lavanya, Khushiji?” Anjali asked.


“Ji,” Khushi replied after a moment’s shock.


Anjali lowered her eyes. She said softly, “I don’t blame you. Lekin if you would listen to Chotey, then maybe you wouldn’t be so averse to marrying him.”


Khushi said nothing. ‘How can talking about his girlfriends make them vanish?’ she thought.


“He is my brother, my blood. But that doesn’t make me blind to his faults, Khushiji. I can’t fault you for not wanting to marry a man who looks like an unprincipled rogue.”


Khushi looked down at the clothes in her hand.


“But he is not what he appears to be. He is not perfect, Khushiji. Nor is he a womaniser. He is a very lonely boy trapped in a man’s body, a boy who hasn’t slept in peace for years.”


Khushi said nothing, just stared at Anjaliji’s face.


“Please take the time to understand him, Khushiji. That’s all I want you to do. Will you do it for me?” Anjali asked.


Khushi was spared having to reply to this plea when buaji called her.



                                                  ***



NK hailed Khushi when she was making rotis for dinner.


“Yes, Nanheji?” she asked in resignation.


“Khushiji, don’t marry Nannav if you don’t want to,” he advised.


“Ji?” Khushi asked, astonished.


“Come with me to Sydney. I will find you a hundred boys,” NK promised.


Khushi looked away. Here she was struggling with one man and Nanheji wanted to fill her life with hundreds?


“But,” NK paused.


“Ji?” she asked.


“But I can’t guarantee that they will all smell of sandalwood or musk.”


Khushi looked away. How did he know?


“They may not be able to dance to Badtameez Dil, Khushiji,” NK said thoughtfully. “But no problem. I will make them dance to Rude Boy.”


“Ji nahi, shukriya,” Khushi muttered. “But how did you know of my—my demands?” she asked him directly.


“Buaji and your amma told us while were having breakfast, Khushiji,” NK revealed.


Khushi wanted to burn the world. He knew! That lady-killer knew! How would she face him?


“Khushiji, can I have Preetho’s number?” NK asked bashfully, his cheeks pink.


Khushi heard nothing as she saw herself hitting Arnav Singh Raizada on his head with a huge hammer.






                                            ***




Khushi avoided Arnav, only to find him sitting with her babuji in the courtyard in the dark after dinner.


“Yes, bitiya?” Sasi asked, gasping for breath.


“Shall I serve your glass of badam milk here, babuji?” she asked. He hadn’t eaten anything at dinner.


“No, bitiya. I don’t want anything. Serve Arnav bitwaa here,” Sasi instructed.


Khushi nodded, turned and walked away.


“Khushi,” came the soft call.


She stopped as if shot. Was he calling her? Why? To request her to marry him in the presence of her father?


“Babuji,” he called urgently.


Khushi turned around to find her father slumped in his chair, unconscious.




                                              ***




Khushi stood outside the Casualty, watching over her father admitted there with eyes wet with tears.


The doctor joined them.


The Guptas and Raizadas crowded around him.


“He is better,” the doctor said. “His BP had shot up.”


Buaji and Garima wept soundlessly. Nani, mami and Anjali held them close. Payal was near Akash, their hands clasped. Khushi, NK and Arnav stood like islands.


“How?” Khushi asked, forlon, desolate. “How can his BP shoot up? Babuji always takes such good care of his health.”


The doctor said, “Stress could have triggered it. He is under medication now. Let him sleep. When he wakes up, we will run more tests.”


Khushi paled.


“Why don’t you go home and get some sleep?” the doctor asked them. “Leave one person here.”


“Ji,” nani replied.


The doctor left.


“I will stay,” Khushi volunteered.


“Naa, Khussi. Go home. Garima and I will stay, Nandkisore,” buaji said.


Garima nodded.




“Akash and I will stay, buaji,” Arnav said softly but authoritatively, taking charge. “They may ask us to get medicines for babuji. You can’t go out at night. It is not safe.”


“Yes,” nani agreed. “Madhumatiji, Garimaji, Payaliya, Khussi bitiya, please, let’s go home.”


“NK, drive them home,” Arnav ordered.


“Yes, Nannav.”


“Yes, chaliye buaji, amma,” Anjali insisted.


“But,” Khushi protested.


“You can’t sit here all night, Khushiji,” Anjali said softly. “Let the boys wait. We can return in the morning.”


“I can’t leave babuji alone. I will wait here,” Khushi said.


“Khushi, go home,” Arnav said.


She shook her head.


“If babuji finds out that you were sitting here all night when he wakes up tomorrow morning, his stress levels will go up,” Arnav said simply. “Do you want that?”


“No,” Khushi had to say.


“Give me your phone number. I will call you every hour to report,” Arnav said.


Khushi quickly gave him her number.


“”Every hour,” she reminded him.


“Every hour,” he promised.





He called every hour on the dot.


Khushi answered every time on the second ring.


“How is he?” would be her first question.


“Sleeping,” was his answer.


Once he said, “Khushi, sleep. Or you will fall sick.”


“I can’t,” she said.


“Nothing will happen to him just because you slept, Khushi,” he comforted her.


“I have to watch over him. He is all I have,” Khushi admitted.


“Khushi, he is fine. They may discharge him tomorrow,” Arnav tried to soothe her.


“You don’t understand,” she wept. “When the whole world stood against me, only he stood for me.”


Arnav frowned. “What?” he asked.


“When my parents died, I had no one,” she confessed, tears running down her cheeks.





“What the,” he breathed. “Your amma, babuji, buaji—Khushi?”


“I was eight when my parents died in an accident,” she said hoarsely.


He sat staring at the dull wall of the hospital corridor, unable to believe what he was hearing.


“Amma is actually my mother’s sister. Babuji decided to adopt me. His family told him not to, that I would be additional expense to him. He fought with them and brought me to their house, Gomti Sadan. Jiji is my cousin,” she said in a tear-soaked voice.


He was speechless.


“But they love me a lot,” she added.


He nodded. He had seen it in Payal’s eyes, in buaji’s teasing, in amma’s concern, in babuji’s voice.


“Babuji means everything to me, everything,” Khushi whispered. “if something happens to him...”


“Nothing will happen, Khushi,” Arnav promised.


“How do you know?” she asked.


“I know. Trust me,” Arnav said.


“What if you are wrong?” she asked.


“You can punish me as you deem fit,” he said rashly.


She thought for a moment. “I will cut off your hair,” she threatened.


“Fine,” he agreed.


“Make you bald.”


“Done.” He sacrificed his mane. “Now go to sleep. I will call you at eight.”


“No, at six,” she asked. “I have to start breakfast and pack food to bring to the hospital.”


“Don’t. We will return home when you get here.”


“Do you want me to bring anything for you?” she asked.


“No. Go to sleep.”


“Alright.”


“How are amma and buaji?”


“Must be crying. Jiji fell asleep crying.”


After a long silence, he said, “Good night.”



“Shubh ratri.”







Khushi made to lie down by Payal but thought better of it. Maybe she should see if buaji and amma had slept before sleeping, she thought.


She walked to buaji’s room on silent feet.


Amma was sitting up. Buaji was lying down, a red cloth tied around her forehead.


“He was so worried, jiji,” Garima said in a choked voice.


Buaji sighed. “What can we do, Garima? Only Nandkisore can make Khussi agree to this marriage. We can’t force her to accept Arnav bitwaa.”


“Payaliya’s babuji knew something was wrong when he felt dizzy last month. He went to Sharma doctor in the next lane. Doctor saheb said he had to do many tests, that something was wrong with his heart,” Garima said. “I told him to go for a full check up, but he said he would do it after Khushi’s shaadi. He thought it would be something serious and if he was sick, then he wouldn’t be able to arrange Khushi’s wedding.”


“The expense of a marriage, gold, gifts, Nandkisore. And dowry, if they ask for it. Sasi babua must have worried about it, wanted to do his duty before falling sick or being admitted.”


“Yes, jiji. But when she turned down Abhishek, he became worried if she would ever like anyone. Phir Arnav babua aaye. He thought Khussi would agree. Lekin,” Garima wiped a tear from her cheek.


“How can he not worry, Garima? He fought with all our relations for Khussi. Tomorrow if something happens to him, no one will take the effort to get her married or see that she is well-settled. Hai Re Nandkisore! What will happen to Sasi babua? What will happen to Titliya?”





Khushi turned and walked away, her eyes filled with tears, her heart aching. She couldn’t burden babuji, buaji and amma with her whims and fancies. Her future happiness was nothing compared to her babuji’s health and her family’s peace of mind.


She walked up the steps slowly to stand before nani’s room. 

She lifted a hand to knock on the door and paused.


‘Do you know what you are doing, Khussi?’ she asked herself.


‘Yes.’


‘You are setting yourself up for pain and disillusionment.’


‘Disillusionment happens to people with illusions. I have no illusions about Laad Governor.’


‘How will you manage if he runs after his girlfriends after your marriage?’


‘I have to. I can’t let babuji worry.’


‘Think before you choose. You are making your own life hell.’


‘There is no choice. There is only one way out.’


She knocked on the door, hoping that naniji wasn’t asleep.


“Come in,” nani called.


Khushi entered the room.


“Khussi bitiya?” nani asked anxiously. “Kaa hua? Did Chotey call from the hospital. How is Sasiji?”


“He is fine, naniji. I came to tell you something else,” Khushi said softly.


Nani tugged her arm and made her sit by her on the bed.


“Kaa he, bitiya?” nani asked, her eyes kind.


“Woh—I am ready to marry Arnavji,” she said in a rush. If she stopped, paused, she wouldn’t be able to say it.


Nani stared at her in shock for a moment. Then she hugged Khushi. “I am so happy, Khussi bitiya, so happy. Tum chinta mat karo. Chotey will be a son to your babuji.”


“I was thinking, naniji, maybe we can have the wedding soon,” Khushi said. Why delay the inevitable?


“Haan, haan, kyon nahi?” nani asked.


“I will let you sleep now, naniji,” Khushi said.


“Dream sweet dreams of your future, bitiya. Chotey will never let go of your hand,” nani promised her.


Khushi nodded and left the room.






A few minutes later her phone rang.


“Hello?” she asked.


“Khushi, nani said that,” Arnav was unsure he had heard correctly.


“I am ready to marry you,” Khushi said softly.


A long moment later, he asked, “Why?”


“Does it matter, Arnavji?” she asked. “You want to marry me. I am willing.”


“Khushi, yesterday you said,” he began.


“Forget yesterday. I was being foolish,” she replied. “Do you want dowry?”


“No, of course not!” he exclaimed.


“Fine. There are a few things I want you to do, Arnavji.”


“Yes?” he asked.


“I want the wedding as soon as  possible, as soon as babuji returns home.”


“Sure.” Laddoos phooted in his heart.


“I want a quiet, small wedding. No sagai, mehendi, sangeet nonsense. Babuji won’t be able to take it. Just the wedding. And that too at home. Is that alright with you?” she asked.


“That’s fine.” He wouldn’t have to clamber on a horse, thank God!


Khushi explained lightly, “Babuji is worried about my shaadi. I don’t want to aggravate his illness.”


He wanted to marry her that moment, that very second, make her kind heart his. But he had to ask, “Khushi, you are sure, aren’t you?”


“Very sure,” she whispered, her mind full of her babuji’s kind face. “There is no other way out.”





Gals, just wanted to tell you something. Please don't use abusive language in the comments. You can disagree or agree with the storyline, like it or dislike it, criticise it or praise it, read it or condemn it to the dustbin. I don't mind. But kindly avoid using foul language. This is a place for friends, for fun, a place to escape to when real life gets difficult. Let's keep it clean.

Rash's interpretation:

Part 20

Lonely is not a feeling you get when you are alone... Lonely is a feeling you get when no one cares, or the person you care doesn’t care about you.... When Khushi rejected his proposal Arnav Singh Raizada never felt lonelier than he was at that very second… But his never say die attitude was his savior…

When someone comes into your life, crosses it as guardian angels and changes everything, raises your standards, makes you laugh, makes you feel at home... even though you are not biologically linked, you feel like you never want to let them go... connections can't be explained off words alone... It's a soul thing... a feel... It is the energy that exists when they feel seen, heard and valued... when they can give and receive without judgement... when they derive sustenance and strength from it... This is the connection Khushi and Shashi have... This is the connection Khushi has with her family…

Khushi has a heart to heart conversation with Arnav that gave him a glimpse of her vulnerability... her love for her family, her Babuji… Vulnerability attracts honesty which Arnav gave in the form of assurances of not letting anything untoward happen to her Babuji… and honesty attracts soul connections...  The most basic and powerful way to connect to another is to listen... Arnav did so and listened to Khushi giving her his full attention. His acceptance of her pain in silence is more powerful towards healing and connecting than the words that he could ever utter...

Over hearing the state of her father who is her guide, her mentor, Khushi realized… her life and the path she treads is hers and hers alone... Others may walk it with her, but no one can walk it for her... Decisions are the hardest moves to make, especially when it is a choice between what you want and what is right... The choices before her was to marry Arnav and not add stress to her Babuji or to reject Arnav and feel that she had done the right thing by her but seeing her Babuji falter in his health… Her values were clear to her and thus making decision became easier even after knowing her decision has certain repercussion that has to be borne by her… for she cannot change once she has opted for a certain path…

But her only way to deal with it is to be strong... because one lives in the hope…that the things will get better... It maybe stormy now but it never rains forever... are the thoughts to seek solace from…

Loved the long update Smita... Appreciate you writing it amidst cooking a banquet for 40!


Part 21




“Chotey, you know the rasms in our family,” Anjali said, a big smile on her face.


“Ujj the muscles you made in the akhada, Arnav bitwaa. Udha lio,” mami exhorted him.


Akash and Payal beamed at him.


NK said laughing, “One, two, three, shuru ho jao, Nannav. Let me see if you have the bum.”


ASR raised one brow.


"Dum, NK bhai," Akash said with a sigh.


Arnav bent to lift Khushi in his arms. She jumped in shock.


“Put your arm around my shoulder, Khushi,” he whispered in her ear.




She obeyed reluctantly, only to be swept up. She found herself horizontal in his strong arms, her head against his heart, her body sheltered by his.


It felt...odd.





She looked at his face, her eyes wide, perturbed.


He carried her into the house amidst the cheering of his family and walked up the steps, his feet sure, his hold secure.




“Don’t worry. I won’t let you fall,” he whispered as she looked down from a height with fear. Loudly he said, “Good night.”


“Not so phast, bitwaa,” mami laughed as nani, Payal and Anjali followed them.


Akash and NK, out of pity for Arnav, stayed in the living room.


The ladies caught Arnav and Khushi at the entrance to his room.


“Set her down on the bed, Chotey,” nani instructed him.





Arnav obligingly strode in and lowered Khushi carefully on sit on his bed.


“Ab jao, dulhe raaja, hamre natkhat broom,” mami said. “Let’s decorate the room.”


Arnav nodded and left, only to be followed out by Anjali.


“Chotey?”


He turned around to face her.


“It happened so fast, sab kuch. Chotey, why did Khushiji change her mind? I tried asking her, but she just smiled. Tumhe pata he?” Anjali asked softly.


“For her babuji,” he replied simply.


“Kya?” Anjali asked in disbelief.


“I think babuji was worried about her shaadi. He fell sick and Khushi associated his illness with her refusal to accept me. She married me out of guilt,” he explained.


“Chotey, yeh sab kya he?” Anjali asked, flabbergasted.


“There is one more thing you need to know, di. Khushi is adopted. Her parents died when she was young and babuji adopted her against the wishes of his family. Her mother was amma’s sister. Payal is her cousin,” he said casually.


Anjali’s mouth remained open.


“Khushi didn’t want to vex the family that sheltered her, didn’t want to trouble them. She wanted babuji to recover. That’s why she decided to marry me,” he said.


"Tumhe ye sab pata tha?” Anjali asked. “Before you married her?”


“Of course. Why should she suddenly decide to marry a man she couldn’t stand the sight of?” he asked directly.


“Chotey, how will you manage? Matlab, Khushiji hates you and,” Anjali shook her head in bewilderment.


“She doesn't hate me. She doesn't know me. I wanted a chance to win her, some time, some space. I got it. I am going to use it. And Khushi will help me,” he said confidently.


“What?” Anjali asked. “She will help you? Khushiji?”


“Yes. Di, Khushi takes marriage seriously. Family means everything to her. She values everything I used to despise. She will stick to the promises she made today before God whatever happens. She will give her hundred percent to make this marriage happen. I will just have to give my two hundred,” he explained. “And I am ready.”





“Chotey, this is a big risk,” Anjali warned him.


“There was nothing else I could do, di. I could have tried to explain to her what I was and why I was so, but I didn’t know how to. I am so bad with words that--di, I could have explained till I was blue in the face, but she needn’t have believed me. Now I don’t have to look for the words. I just have to show her how much she means to me. I have the time, I have the right. I don’t have to fear that some Abhishek is going to walk in and steal her away from me.”


“Chotey, come in. Khussi bitiya is waiting for you,” nani invited as she, Payal and mami left the room.


Arnav made to move towards his room.


Mami quickly leaned sideways and whispered, “Arnav bitwaa, sambhalke. You gots a gap and slipped into khussi's liphe. Be berry careful Khussi doesn’t throw you outs. Khussi knowjj about the girlswaa. Agar woh angriyaa gayi with you, it bill be like walking on burning angaare, woh bhi without chappal. And Payaliya won’t serve parathe to you in the morning. Samjhe, Arnav bitwaa?”


“Yes, mami.”


“All the besht, Arnav bitwaa.”


She moved away, leaving Arnav to walk into his bedroom.






The room was dark, lit only by candles. The bed was decorated with strings of fragrant flowers and Khushi sat in the centre of the bed, ghoonghat over her head.


He stood for a moment taking in the beauty, the sacredness of the scene before his eyes. His room had changed, his bed had changed, his life had changed. He and Khushi were about to embark on a journey together, a course fraught with dangers.


He walked to the bed on soft feet, parted the strings of flowers with his hands and sat down by her.


She lowered her covered head.


“Khushi,” he called, his low voice melding with the soft, night sounds of his garden and the hiss of the candle flames.


She lifted her head slightly. Her right hand clasped her left on her knees.


“Shall I lift the ghoonghat?” he asked.


She nodded. They couldn’t sit like this all night anyway.


He lifted the veil and sat staring at her, his breath caught somewhere in the vicinity of his heart.


Her eyes fell; her lips trembled.


Feeling his eyes on her face, she struggled to breathe, fought to sit there before him. She badly wanted to get up and run away.




“You are so beautiful,” he whispered. “Like you were made for me.”


Her heart stopped.


How many girls had heard the same words from his practised tongue?


Her whole body trembled in a paroxysm of grief and fear. What would she do if he ran after girls after their marriage? She would be stuck in a terrible marriage with no space to manoeuvre. And she couldn’t even say that she hadn’t known he was a libertine. She had seen with her own eyes what he was, had known him to be promiscuous. She couldn’t complain to her parents, couldn’t go crying to them. Her goose was well and truly cooked—and served.


Tears filled her eyes and in spite of all her attempts to hold them in, they poured down her cheeks like the Ganga and the Yamuna combined.


“Khushi,” came his shocked cry.


Her body shook with sobs.


The next thing she knew was that his arms were around her, pulling her gently towards him. He cradled her body against his, tucked her head in the crook of his neck and cupped the back of her head.


“Cry, Khushi,” he said softly. “It has been a terrible week. Babuji’s illness and hospitalisation, the decision to marry, babuji returning home, our shaadi at home....I watched you smiling to make everyone feel better, Khushi. You never cried.”


Her body heaved under the force of her sobs.


“Cry. I will hold you,” said the Arnav Singh Raizada who had never comforted anyone in his life, let alone a girl.


Khushi took the invitation at face value and cried against his shoulder till there were no tears left in her. He held her quietly, rubbing her back, smoothing her hair, tucking her closer in his hold.


When she was done, he fished out a hanky and handed it over to her. She dried her face with trembling hands.


“I am sorry,” she whispered hoarsely.


“For what?” he asked.


Her eyes filled again.


“Chodo,” he told her. “Khushi, there is something I have been wanting to give you for some time.” He tried to distract her.


It worked.


“Kya?” she asked.


“It is a surprise. Get up and change your clothes. This stuff,” he pointed to her jewellery, “must be uncomfortable?” he asked.


She nodded vigorously.


“Let’s get you out of them,” he decided.


He watched Khushi remove her ghoonghat, her earrings, her maang tikka, her bangles and her waist band. As she struggled with the fastening of her necklace, he helped her out. Once all her jewellery was off, he said, “Khushi, change into something comfortable. It has been a long day. I will get your surprise for you.”


She nodded.


Khushi opened her suitcase, took out her white suit and moved to the bathroom with it.


When she returned minus the heavy red and green lehenga and in the simple white suit, he was standing by the window, looking out at the garden. He had switched on a bulb and the room was bathed in mellow, golden light. He had blown dead the candles to her relief.


“Khushi, sit down,” he pointed to the bed.


Khushi crawled on to the bed.


He joined her.


He looked at her ankles. Only one had an anklet.


Seeing him look at her ankles, she said, “They were my amma’s, my real amma’s. I lost one.” She sighed. “I didn’t want to remove this.”


“Close your eyes, Khushi,” he murmured.


“Kyon?” she asked.


“How can I surprise you if your eyes are open?” he asked reasonably.


“Alright,” she conceded. She shut her eyes.


She felt movement near her feet.


She said, “Waise, I am scared of the dark.”


“Acha?” he asked.


“Yes. And of speeding vehicles.”


“It is good you are not a racing driver,” he remarked, feeling a smile dancing on his lips.


Khushi frowned at his ill-timed levity.


“I am scared of lightning too,” she confessed.





“Aur kuch?” he asked, his lips quirking.


She frowned. “I can’t remember anything else right now.”


“Koi baat nahi. You have lots of time to think about it,” he murmured, trying to hide a smile. “Open your eyes.”


She opened her eyes and looked at him. He was looking at her ankles. She looked down and her eyes widened.


He had fastened her missing anklet while she had been blabbering.


Her mouth fell open.


“I found it in your room after you left,” he confessed. “It was on the bed.”


“You kept it?” she asked, her voice a mere breath.


He shrugged. “I thought of throwing it away. But then I thought if I ever were to become a pauper, I could pawn this and become a billionaire again,” he tried to joke, his face still serious.


She gasped.


He shrugged again, his eyes dancing.


“I—I was looking for it.” Her lips trembled as a precursor to the next bout of weeping.


He looked at her beautiful face and her creamy, silky cheeks. Without volition he leaned forward and pressed his warm lips to her cheek, gifting her with his first kiss ever.







She stared at him in shock, her hand cupping the spot.


He too stared at her, his mind lost in the wonderful sensation of feeling her warm and soft skin against his hard lips. No wonder people kissed, he thought.


He looked at her, desperately wanting to kiss her again...and again...and again.


But she looked shell shocked. It was time to give her a break.


“Shall we get some sleep?” he asked.



She nodded absently, her mind and body still stuck on that kiss.

Part 21

All roads that lead to success have to pass through hard work boulevard at some point...

For Arnav marrying a reluctant Khushi is not a punishment... It’s an unexpected reward and now his strength and his pleasure, thereby giving him the much needed window to redeem himself of his deeds, of his past and the assumed deeds too. He is taking a risk... He knows that if he doesn't take a chance, he doesn't stand one and not everyone gets another chance like he got.... So he has set himself a goal of winning over his wife... Chance is always powerful... If an angler lets his hook always be cast, in the pool least expected, there will be a fish.... Since Khushi is now bound by matrimony to him, he has all the chances to rectify his image in her eyes and show her how much he values her in his life... without the fear of someone else poaching on his territory…

Khushi had the three C's of life thrust on her at the same time... She had to make her Choices, take Chances and  make Changes in her life... The theme Nafrat paas aane na de and Mohabbat door jaane na de once again plays its part… Khushi though despises what Arnav stands for is attracted towards him… The truth of being an adopted child came from her…  For Guptas’ she is their daughter and that’s it… She is a Gupta to the hilt so they don’t have any other thought on it… Khushi’s vulnerabilities are her love for her family and her love towards Arnav though not yet acknowledged fully… Her love for her Babuji makes her tell Arnav about her not being a Gupta by birth… Though she despises Arnav and fights against the attraction she feels towards him, she acknowledges this fact of being adopted only to him…

Anjali who is apprehensive now knowing the fact Khushi is not really willing to accept Arnav as her life partner is clueless as to what made Khushi change her decision so quickly… Arnav’s input on it stuns her as he is privy to the facts which she had never even dreamed off. The knowledge that both Arnav and Khushi have entered the matrimonial bond with their eyes open and both are going to make it work, giving this their best shot and Arnav more so, was a soothing balm to her frazzled nerves..…

Now that they are married, Khushi is apprehensive about her future… Will she be able to take a hold on her life? Will Arnav go back to his philandering ways…? These thoughts made her shed copious tears… Arnav not being privy to her thought, thought that it was due to the circumstances and the stress of the past week… He has taken the first tentative steps towards his redemption in her eyes by giving his support to Khushi with a shoulder to cry on… He continues it like a gentleman to make her comfortable… He restores her payal, the link with her biological mother… He places a kiss on her cheeks to show that she is very desirable in his eyes but without taking it further gives her the space she needs yet shows that anything else it would be with her consent and participation… He gives her thoughts to ponder over… The assumptions versus the facts… His behavior before with that of present… Awakening her mind to the sensual pleasures…

Path chalked out by Arnav is that of nurturing Khushi’s vulnerability… Her love for her Babuji, her family and her unacknowledged love towards him… Knowing his past as seen by her… thinking him to be a Cassanova… still she has opted to marry him… She has been honest and transparent of her likes and dislikes… Her vulnerability is the most accurate measurement of her courage… This vulnerability is the only bridge to build connection… What has made Arnav Singh Raizada come down from the high horse he was riding? He has realized with his brilliant acumen, though vulnerability sounds like truth and feels like courage… Truth and courage aren’t always comfortable, but they are not weakness… With his talk he makes her comfortable… His senses acknowledge, being vulnerable makes her beautiful all the more… and he acknowledges it with his kiss… But he knows he needs to change, be adaptable… He needs to accommodate her likings and dislikes and cannot browbeat her into acquiescence… So his path is to shower her with love and cherish her… Tender Loving Care to woo Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada…

Arnav Singh Raizada realization that he has found a diamond… a beautiful diamond that is worth more than a mountain of stones… is trusting his intuition… for brain can play tricks, heart can be blind but gut is always right…

Lovely update Smita… Brilliant move by ASR…


231 comments:

  1. Khushi is in for surprise .. He will love her like there is no tomorrow... Awesome story

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    1. Yes, ASR will become Arnav in her pyaar.

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  2. What a long update! I'm not going to send you ladoos instead I am going to give you samosas made in my brand new air fryer. Muuuaaahhh!!!

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  3. That was not the way I imagined Khushi to agree to this marriage. This update surely is a bouncer.

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  4. Thanks a lot for the daily updates.....:)

    I am loving it !!!............waiting to see how their marriage life will go.........

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  5. Would love to take a look at your brain, Smitaji! This story has more twists than a (gasp) a jelebi.
    So, they are getting married and that too without clearing all the MU's. What I wouldn't give to be a fly on the wall of RM to witness the fireworks.

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    1. Bilkul Diwali aane wali he. Fasten ur seatbelts.

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  6. Very different from your usual rajashri pictures ki shadi. Very interesting

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  7. Very different from your usual rajashri pictures ki shadi. Very interesting

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  8. Can't believe you make khushi agree ...... Love the emotions of Arnav, khusi and Anjali

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    1. Shaadi is only the beginning, my dear. aage aage dekhiye hota he kya.

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  9. O sad for khushi..but I'm sure arnav will prove her wrong about him:) update next part today can't wait to read more;)

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    1. Sowwie, aaj ka quota khatam. LOL!

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    2. Oh no pls aj ka quota khatam nhe pls give short update atleast plj ;)

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  10. Awesome update!! Poor Khushi she is compromising, hopefully she will know true Arnav before it is too late!!

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    1. They have time & space now to know each other.

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  11. rumala and kc di you both have shown too much of your reaction don't you think
    when did i said that smita di will follow my suggestions neither i gave her any suggestion it was just my heartache
    you were talking about purity and light entering my mind well thank you for YOUR SUGGESTIONS you both are very much mature na that's you both were telling me so much pravachan
    i know its just a story for you which has to end with a happy note and i know where my fault lies i started looking forward for smita di's writing to find solace and i used to thought that smita di and others here love khushi and she is not just a mere character of a serial but i was wrong it is just a facade
    the people are coming just for time pass
    don't worry i won't bother you all anymore with my love notes because i don't want to read writing of someone who has never felt any emotion of her characters in the story
    i am never gonna visit your blog anymore and that's my promise
    you are very mature and modern girls but you wouldn't have accepted your husband if he would have told you about his physical relations with his girlfriends but khushi is not just a word for me she is my love ,sister,mother,daughter,mentor she is in my bloods and i will not tolerate any injustice towards her

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    1. Good bye, Priyanka. Hope you find a world that suits your picture of it.

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    2. Oh dear! I thought you would get at least my name straight if not the jist! It's rulama not rumala... Priyanka I know your surname is Gupta which means the protector be it in any language in India... But Khushi is also a Gupta dear...

      Coming to personal matter about our husbands collectively how can you categorize so? I can be a male too... Hope you know Smita is a wife's name???... How do you know the writer is a female?? So just don't catergorize so easily...

      You might be thinking Khushi as a member of your family... there may be a member in your family by that name... still it does not change the fact this is a fiction... We can learn something from it but not live in it...

      Coming to emotions... I have shed tears every time Khushi undergoes turmoil but I dont dwell on it... It shows Smitar is a good storyteller...

      Visiting the blog is your prerogative but the language you use is ours...

      Samajh samajh ke samajh ko samjho.
      Samajh samajh ke samajh ko samajhna hi samajh hai.
      Jo samajh ko samajh kar bhi na samajhe
      Voh......... Voh......... Voh........ ;)

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  12. Awesome update.
    An emotional one.
    Waiting to read more....

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  13. I am as uncertain as Khushi was initially.... But at least as captive audience she will be able to see the truth of Arnav's character. But will the shaadi be a joyous occasion or not? Will Arnav figure out why she said yes? Will that affect his decision?

    I am also uncertain about her stance in his past girlfriends. Does she realize they were in the past? Will she? Will it matter? The standards should be the same for the man and woman... That is all. But her point was valid... What if Arnav had seen HER like that. Would he think differently of her....

    Questions and yet more questions..,. I leave the story in your capable hands... I have no clue where this will go.

    You delivered what you promised. The story made huge strides... I am just not sure what the destination is.

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    1. Uncertainty adds spice, doesn't it?

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    2. Yes... Also bitten nails and ragged cuticles... LOL! You keep changing the world on us S Ji... Kitni mehnat karwane wale ho aap hamare ladke se?

      Par as the poet says

      Ibtida i ishq hai rota hai kiya?
      Aage aage dekhiye hota hai kiya!

      Love the story.., and trying to develop patience.

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    3. Please don't start on the nails and cuticles, I have none to speak of!

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  14. "But they may not be able to dance to Badtameez dil, but I will make them dance to Rude Boy". - NK you are a breath of fresh air. What an intense update! Feel sorry for Khushi and Arnav. I think I can call him Arnav now and not ASR.

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    1. Yes, ASR go, went, gone. Arnav coming in.

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  15. The update was worth waiting for and more. Thank you. Let's see how Arnav is going to convince Khushi he is serious about her and that she is the only one for him.
    Poor Khushi likes him but doesn't like what she has seen of him. She is agreeing with many doubts only for her father's sake.

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  16. Awesome Smita
    What a twist of fate
    When Arnav will come to know about the reason for her acceptance, will he be sad or will he look at it in a positive way and try win her trust
    Eagerly waiting to read more as how you'll take this amazing story forward

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    1. A is a very practical man...when he is not angry. LOL!

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  17. Awesome update and emotional too...it's Good if khushi and arnav gets married first and then khushi comes to know about arnav's love and faithfulness towards her after marriage...ohh it's gonna get interesting now with they both getting married..i just loved ur portraying everyone telling khushi to say yes for marriage in there own way..it was interesting. ..loved khushi and her father's bonding and I also loved how khushi has already tamed asr and turned him to arnav...it's gonna be really interesting now...thanks for a beautiful update smitaji. ..Good luck

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    1. K has no idea of the power she holds over A. Let's how that realisation strikes her.

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  18. Now Khushi thinks that her lofe with Arnav will be hell. But surely she'll be chocked when Arnav flooded her with love?
    waiting for the next update.

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  19. So khushi is marrying arnav but not out of love..
    I'm sure..very soon she will fall in love with our hottie asr...
    I hope they are getting married in next update...
    N my my asr ke dil me laddoo phoot rahe hai..
    Cnt soon sweetie

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    1. His dil is full of phooting laddoos right now..LL!

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  20. At last caught up with all the updates and first and foremost let me say how refreshing it is to read a narrative that evokes strong reactions from adoration to arguments. That is the power of your writing Smita and glad you are penning down this story.

    As for Part 20, why or why? As my heart cries out this question, I know why Khushi feels this pressure.

    I adore Amma and Buaji. They could have simply forced her hand or done an emotional blackmail. They too are sensitive to the girl they have raised and don't want her to feel pressured. She eavesdropping on their conversation is unfortunate, but how true their fears and worries are even in today's society? We have brought up female children with all the benefits and still worry about their plight after we are gone. Every parent today lives this nightmare in our society. You have captured this dilemma so beautifully in this chapter.

    I absolutely believe, Khushi taking this decision when under emotional stress, is a wrong move. But I can easily say it as a reader. However, I probably would be doing the same thing if my loved ones can get relief from my action. Nevertheless, in real life, not all self-sacrifice turns out to bear fruit. Statistics in my country says 93% of those types of marriages fail. I know your Arnav will mend his ways, and turn a pakka gentleman but the, what did you call it - ah, the Romes of designated city, in reality mostly don't change. So my heart cries Smita for the heartache this dear girl is going to face till she starts trusting her future husband. Her future husband too has an uphill battle to win her trust before her love. What is love at the end of the day without trust!

    I did not mean to write so much, (sorry) but this chapter just became very personal since I am working with the girl who made a similar choice and paying the price.

    Can't wait to see where you are going to take this story!

    Well done and thank you so very much!

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    1. I too feel for Khushi and Arnav, the credit goes to the story teller. Smitaji just lures us into her stories and makes us feel all the roller coaster of emotions the characters feel.

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    2. It is fortunate for K that she has picked a guy like A. In real life this gamble could definitely be a step to hell.

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  21. Khushi is cornered , she has no options except to accept the proposal . It is very difficult for a girl to take hasty decision when it comes to marriage , Shashi's illness has forced khushi to accept marriage with ASR . Shashi's intentions of marrying khushi at the earliest is noble , but all the hasty marriage is not successful . It is upto ASR to earn khushi's trust and love

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  22. It came as an anticlimax ,that she agreed because of her dads health ,but I hope he can show her that she will be first in his life ,,

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  23. Smita, I love you for writing this story seriously!!! I have never read anything better! Love these mature characters...each of them...Arnav, Khushi, Anjali, Sasi!!! Each of them are playing their part to the fullest!!!
    Loved the twist of Khushi accepting marriage. Can't wait for them to move forward now...Khushi has to see ASR turned into her Arnav now and that ought to be the most exciting part yet!!! Thank you for this story! Love you!!! :)

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  24. Smitaji, I just remembered the line from my drabble where ASR says " We have enough time to get to know one another after the wedding." Ha ha, how cool is this!!!

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    1. Very cool. Thand lag rahi he. LOL! Perfect.

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    2. Drabble ka link bhejo, pls.

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    3. There is no link Smitaji. It's always been part of the comments section of your wonderful stories. This one was part of my comments in Part 16. Just my way of saying thank you for all the hours of joy your stories have brought me. If I've made anyone smile then I'm happy.

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    4. You always make me smile, KC. Thank you. Ek baar aur jaake part 16 ki comment padthi hoon. I was so hoping you has wriitten a story.

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    5. For the enjoyment of readers and the writer, KC ki creation is being posted again. Enjoy.

      Kaaycee19 November 2015 at 02:35
      Mamiji : Arnav bitwaaaaa!!!
      ASR : what the ??
      Mamiji : hellwaa hajj broken outs.
      ASR : What the h*** is going on?
      Mamiji : koi ladka ijj coming to see hamre khushi bityaa for marrijwaa!!!
      ASR : (utterly stumped and stupefied) mouth open
      Mamiji : clojj mouthwaa before the machar goejj in.
      ASR : what, when,how???
      Mamiji : Bhat nahi, who. Some boywaa from Varanasi.
      ASR : DIIIIII ! Get ready! We're leaving for Lucknow asap.
      Anjali : trying to get her bearings - but chotey why?
      ASR: (on the phone) mamiji, please explain to DI. Aman get the chopper ready. We're leaving for Lucknow NOW! There's a boy coming to see khushi. Make sure, what?? Who''s khushi? Payal's sister of course, get with the program DAMMIT!! Find out who he is and make sure he is out of Lucknow. As a precaution block all roads to Gomti Sadan! Yes, you heard me. Get the MLA , Councillor h*** even the CM if needed. ( turning to the family) Nani, come prepared for a wedding. DI, get the gifts for khushi. Payal tell Akash, we'll pick him up on the way.
      Anjali : bu but but!!!
      ASR : what the! Since when do you stammer?
      Anjali : But, chotey! You don't even know khushi ji!!
      ASR : we have plenty of time to get to know one another after the wedding. Aren't you the one always saying that marriage is all about learning and growing?
      Anjali : but chotey! Do you want to marry khushi ji ?
      ASR : I only know she can't belong to anyone else!!
      Mamiji: Anjali bityaa! Chup chap jaldi ready karo before hamre sage durvasaa .....
      (Phone rings)
      ASR : yes Aman, we're on our way.
      Aman : Good luck sir! See you soon with bhabhiji.( and another one bites the dust)

      ReplyDelete

      Delete
    6. A compliment from you is something I'll always treasure. Sometimes, I think I should write stories but being an English and Math teacher doesn't leave me with much time for anything else. Also , I have my parents and elderly in-laws with me. Reading your stories is my " me time". Thank you once again.

      Delete
  25. Awesome chapter......everybody trying to tell her how good Arnav is but Khushi has seen his girl friends but she doesn't know that they mean nothing to him.......Arnav too did not dared to speak his mind to her......he did not know what to say..........how to present his past and how it has effected him..........but khushi's love for her babuji is making her agree for this marriage..........her babuji will not be happy if he comes to know that she has agreed for marriage out of pressure..............Very beautifully written............

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank u, my dear. Khushi always had a very big heart.

      Delete
  26. Thanks for the update dear. We all pestered you for an update and you have delivred an absolute beauty. I am a big fan of your writingloved allyour stories.but this is the bestest.
    Kushi agreeing to the wedding was unexpected butresembles the serial story. In both cases the situation was similar. But I love this.now begins the beautiful journey of kushi relalising arnav, s love and he showing it to her. I amexcited dear.and I will not pester you for an update. You must be having a life outside this arshi world.inspite of that you are giving daily updates thank you so much dear.take your own time, take rest and update at your own pace.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks a lot for understanding that there is a life beyond this Arshi world... Really appreciate your understanding...

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    2. Yes, Rajini. Most people don't understand. Thank u. Your comment means a lot.

      Delete
    3. I'm guilty of being one of the most horrible slave drivers, constantly pestering for updates. I do apologize for that but my anxiety ( for want of a better word) gets the better of me. So a big thank you from me to you.

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    4. Smitaji, I wish you all the best in your life; sorry, sorry a hundred sorry,
      we're so excited about reading to you because your stories are the perfect world pacify our hard and tired day.

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    5. kc di you have shown too much of your reaction do you think??? ;)


      But please don't think too much... You'll create a problem that wasn't even there in the first place...:P

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    6. Never KC, Lili. It is a great compliment when you ask me to update. Don't stop, pleejjj. Sometimes I get v.busy, that's all. For eg, today. have guests for dinner. An entire regiment of guests whom I love to bits lekin it is just me and the kitchen. I wish I could find one hour to write. pata nahi hoga ki nahi.

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    7. Good luck.Bonne Appétit; LOVE YOU.

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  27. It's just wonderful, dear Smita! This part is so emotional! Like all characters, but Khushi is really great. Strong, straight, sensitive...I hope that despite the beginning of their story Arnav and Khushi will find their way!
    Thank you very much for this story!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hum Tum hamesha. They have to reach that point.

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    2. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    3. Hi Olga... What is ther full name written above in Russian?

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  28. wow superb update loved it can't wait for next part thank you.......ameena671

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  29. Ok.. after second reading ( or was it 3rd, 4th maybe 5th... I will never tell), what occurred to me... rather what had slipped my mind in the maelstrom of the emotions that Khushi generated... was... Khushi IS in love with Arnav. After all we all heard/read her description of her 'Dream Dulha'. She is laboring under the misunderstanding ( still a question mark... but hope springs eternal) that L and L might be his current girlfriends. She really doesn't know him or that the image she has created might not be true...

    Plus I have begun to know you a little bit... you have something up your sleeve to fix this... So I wait...(im)patiently...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. LOL. Yes, K loves A, whether she realises it or not. The fun starts now.

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    2. You are here... Does it mean? Could it possibly mean... you are writing? Update soon? Is it heading our way?

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  30. now the real saga of laad governor and Afghan jalebi is going to start....
    khushi accepted the proposal just for her babuji...Our arnie is so happy...but he will soon realize her unhappiness...awe but i think this all misunderstanding abt Arnavs character, lifestyle, gf will clear at once after marriage......not so fast but step by step......smitha chechi and arnv will handle that. but thats the difficult phase in this story line...with so much emotional dramas...and all...
    pink NK..*wink* so preetho ha....cho chweet....but ur khushiji didnt heard ur question well nanheji. and each member trying to make her understand and khushis plight...awesome...lava inside her mind but polite and sweet outside for out of her respect 2wards raizada members....

    ReplyDelete
  31. Khushi has agreed to marry arnav only because of her babuji.
    Arnav will not have to prove that he is the best partner for khushi.
    Continue soon

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. K always put others before herself. yahan bhi. Let's see what happens.

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  32. Life is not always cupcakes and rose or in Khushi case Jalebis!! Sassi understands her dilemma and he is afraid Khushi may refuse Aranv only to say yes for the sake of getting married to someone else and be very unhappy

    I'm glad no one blackmailed her into marrying him from Arnav's side

    .. Dil hi Dil mein, she is in love but the realization has not yet dawned. She is agreeing to a marriage of convenience.. I am hoping they give each other time and space to get to know each other mutually .

    I'm wondering and hoping that Anamika is going to be her fairy godmother..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dekhte hein. lambi kahani he. Pata nahi kaise, all my OSes are bigger than short stories. LOL!

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  33. Smita very wonderful update. .
    I hope arnav will earn back kushiz trust..

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. He has to work on that. Let's see how he manages it.

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  34. Loved this update Smitar!! Story's moving fast, Arnav is redeeming himself - Khushi will realize later, and Khushi's hand is being forced....And we all know how much loving she's in for...eventually. Loved the Heyer touches - every now and then I see a glimpse, and cherish it. Waiting for the next part :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Sabiha, Heyer is my all time favorite author... Has been for ever... What am I missing here/... Can you please elaborate? I love this story anyways but I would love it even more if I recognized the thread that you have... I would appreciate your response. Regards

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    2. Sabi, shuru ho ja. Will enjoy your take on the story.

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    3. Hello Scrap booker. A Heyer fan no less!! Delighted to make your acquaintance. Every now and then I catch a glimpse of Heyer in Smitar's works. But then that could be because her heroines are often charming, frank, disarming without any airs which is very Heyer. And Smitar pulls that characterisation off in her own inimitable way Smitarizing Heyer in a way that pulls me in every single time!! It's just such a delight! The heroes of course never stand a chance.

      That's not so evident in this story, which is darker, except in places. One that cones to mind is when Khushi refuses the engineer ka rishta because he's not...he lacks...he doesn't measure up. The absolutely delightful one was when realization dawned on Sasi that she had described Arnav!! (Ohh Smitar that was brilliant!!) It was not the situation, but her writing of it that brought H to mind. Love these little gems that she scatters.

      Smitar, missed you in the IPK forum, which has come back to life.

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    4. Ahhh... ok... That makes sense... These Old Shades... The ingenue... I think is the word for her heroines... My list of faves that I reread all the time...
      These Old Shades
      The Devil's Cub
      The Grand Sophy
      The Inconvenient Marriage... OH MY GOD! You are a genius.
      Friday's Child

      Lovely to have met you here... Thank you for taking the time... What are your favorites amongst her work... Unbelievable piece of luck!

      Regards,

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    5. The humor... The understated... muted... dry... easy to miss if you were not paying attention... Humor... My favorite kind... That is the common thread... As I said... you are a genius!

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    6. Ingenue, indeed! The very word!! Thank you. My faves: The Masqueraders, The Corinthian, Faro's Daughter, Devil's Cub, Bath Tangle, Cotillion

      And humour it is, exactly as you describe it. The genius is of course Smitar!! And now that we've met, I'd be thrilled to share notes on her stories.

      Cheers,

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    7. It will be my pleasure... Raising my hand on Bath Tangle and The Corinthian... as well... Actually I love all her works and reread them all the time and I do the same here...

      Nice to make your acquaintance Sabiha! Call me Sam.

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    8. Her detective novels are awesome too. Behold Here's Poison rocks. Waise don't forget Venetia, Sylvester (he was ASR, yaar), April Lady, Black Sheep (I lub it) & her collection of short stories, Pistols for Two, Powder & Patch.

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    9. I never read her detective novels... Don't know why... Sylvester, or the Wicked Uncle... another one of my faves. I trying to recollect the rest... Well reread time!

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    10. Oh my God! I just caught your comments on Heyer. Am so glad to have met up with other Heyer fans! Agree with you both about the heroines and my favourite ever since I started my fledgling French lessons is "Powder and Patch". Loved the humour.
      I've not read the novels that Smitaji has posted. That's next on my 'to do list'.
      But my all time favourite book / novel is Austen's "Pride and Prejudice".
      I must have read it over 40 times and I've seen all the TV and movie versions.

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    11. Well hello fellow Heyerian... Birds of a feather... no surprise there... I really like Pride and Prejudice as well... but maybe because GH started me on the gentle romance path... She remains my all time favorite and These Old Shades the first GH that I ever read... my all time favorite book. The Devil was just so... AWESOME... so irreverent and sarcastic... Yeah... still love that one.

      Delete
    12. Now in addition to haunting Smitaji's blog, I HAVE to fish out all my Heyer books to reread them. Loved 'the Corinthian' . So much to read and so little time. DM raksha karna.

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    13. And isn't that the best place to be... My idea of a nightmare is... having nothing to read! Laughing!

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    14. Smitar, Venetia!! How could I forget Venetia!! And yes Pistols for Two is what I'm reading these days just before turning in. The murder mysteries - haven't tried, been meaning to, and will do now.

      BTW another fantastic update (21) today. I've always wanted to remember Khushi in the red-and-green nafrat ki shaadi wala outfit. To me she's never looked as beautiful as she did that night rising radiant from that sea of rose petals. And that look on ASR's face for that one moment before she lifted her eyes to his...That's the one frame I've always wanted captured. You did it perfectly today!! Thank you.:)

      Delete
  35. Lovely updates...
    Read few chapters in one go...
    Feeling bad for Khushi...

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Don't feel bad for her. All of us have choices in our lives. She has chosen. Now let's see what she does with her choice.

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  36. Honestly, I was surprised by Khushi's decision. I can understand her love for her father but I'm upset that she is deciding it by pressure. I want ASR to give her time and let her decide with a calm mind. This might give a chance for him to show her that he is Arnav and not ASR for her. May their wedding be a happy happy decision and not a one decided by pressure and gratitude.
    You are a great writer Smitar and I know you would always surprise us. I hope the next update is another shocker!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Next updates are all going to be shockers for Khushi. LOL! Her greatest asset is her kind heart and that's what A needs most.

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    2. Thanks for the reply Smitaji. I usually don't read the comments from your fans before I post mine. Afterward I read and enjoy everyone's comments. I know I am also one of those who ask for updates from you. So sorry!! Maaf kar Dona di!
      Enjoy your time with your guests!

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    3. Maangna tumhara haq he. Dena my khushi. To maang lo haq se.

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  37. So sad for Kushi poor child thinks her whole world will be destroyed marrying ASR after seeing him with his exes and wanting to not burden her ailing father has decide to marry ASR so sad loved how ASR sent her and the family home and calling her every hour loved the update amazing as always .

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. A has always had an overgrown sense of responsibility. And K and her family need that kind of a man.

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  38. Feel bad for Khushi, always sacrificing her happiness for her babuji and her family.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Her choice. Let's see how she lives with it.

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    2. Please smita give me the iss pyaar ko jhasan episode link in YouTube. Will you

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    3. The best in her life this time I think!!!

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    4. Khadija, I don't know about youtube but you can watch it on hotstar.

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    5. In my country hotstar not available so please help to watch the show ,kaaycee

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    6. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAnql-BhZoE&feature=youtu.be

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  39. just watched first episode in hotstar......haye......maar daala

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I second that! Bilkul kho gayi!!!

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    2. oh my god....arnav and his voice.....Khushi.... that sleepy husky...uffff....

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  40. Now I can't hold back anymore. Smitaji, since you are busy with your guests today, will you be updating tomorrow? Please, pretty please!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tomorrow darl. Pukka. I want to write now, but I am too tired. There are 15+ guests ate home for dinner.

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    2. 15+ guests for a banquet. I genuflect before thee.

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    3. LOL! Kal savere 2 guests arriving to stay over. Sunday ko 10 people for a function. Yaar, my head and my back are protesting.

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  41. Itz superb duprr update and I am 101 person for comment.......... Wow

    ReplyDelete
  42. When will u update.. Waiting eagerly pls comment whether u will update today or not pls:)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes Smita....we are waiting!

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    2. Tomorrow. Too tired today.

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    3. I will complete my quota of Arshi by watching the new episode again and again then :)

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  43. oops.. hope Arnav realizes the reason behind Khushi's acceptance..

    ReplyDelete
  44. Smi, am here after a full day of watching the Jashn on an endless loop! :P Finally a "Pagal" from my own personal Arnavji brought me out of my demonic drive. Socha, chalo comment post kiya jaaye.
    So, here goes...

    The feminist in me completely concurs with Khushi on her stand against double standards. I appreciate her forthrightness in asking Arnav if he would still have wanted her, knowing her history of past relationships.
    And Arnav's reaction is exactly as expected. His male possessiveness simply can't digest the role-reversal scenario. This is what they both have to learn, I guess. That when respect, commitment and trust take centre stage in a relationship, love becomes potent enough to look beyond judgement.

    Moving on...what touched me most in this update - the cosy father-daughter bond and their earnest love for each other. Here we have Shashi, a virtuous man who had adopted a scared, helpless little girl. A man who had gone against his family, when adopting her. He has passed on same values to both his daughters, without any discrimination. He has never imposed any decision on this adopted daughter of his, nor would he ever do.
    Then we have Khushi who is well aware that without her father's love and nurture, she would simply have drifted away and got lost. The very possibility of losing Shashi, the one constant in her life, drives her to take the radical decision of marrying Arnav. Plus she feels the guilt that her refusal had brought onto her father's indisposition, and then there is her conviction of repaying her adoptive parent for giving her a new life, in whichever way she can.

    Both Arnav and Khushi have come a long way, haven't they? To her he is disreputable and yet she ends up trusting him implicitly with the well-being of her father and for a person who is withdrawn, Arnav has already made her babuji, his babuji. The amusing part is, they themselves are oblivious to the baby steps they have taken towards togetherness.
    What I am eagerly awaiting now, is Aranv's reaction when he discovers the real reason behind Khushi's acquiescence.

    Aww and our Kidney ka hero has a thing for Preetho!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ah! A fellow 'pagal'. I too watched it too many times to count. I think Hari Prakash is a closet billionaire 'cos of the no. of cosmetic alterations to his face. Every time I see him he has a different face. Perhaps ASR is a generous employer.
      There must be something in the water in Lucknow b'cos the Raizada men can't seem to resist the gals there.

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    2. I was hoping to see the HP whose ear laxmi nibbled on or the one who fainted when nani did the Oo la la dance.

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  45. Khadija, YouTube link to episode 1:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAnql-BhZoE&feature=youtu.be

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Video is deleted before i can watch it,

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    2. Try this out...
      https://www.google.co.in/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=4&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0ahUKEwiWw4r39KnJAhVhYKYKHZ4eCIwQFggtMAM&url=http://www.clipscart.com/iss-pyaar-ko-kya-naam-doon-24-november-2015-single-link-video&usg=AFQjCNFxROx5lB6PoLrwnvZOtlXuIs90Tg&bvm=bv.108194040,d.dGY

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  46. Quick question - does the new show feature the same RM, because it looks different.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. RM is different... So is Arshi room and furnitures... Looks like Khushi has brought colours in his life including the clothes... They have a white sofa set now... Looks good!

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    2. So in the end of the day in Russia we have 1st episode with russian subs!!!! I'm so happy to see their reunion, contionuation of their story...It's wonderful, as dreams come true!!!!Yuuupieee!!!

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  47. No it is not the same rm. ASR has vhanged also Rm

    ReplyDelete
  48. Amazing story....
    Loving it...
    Thank u for giving us regular updates...
    I love all your stories...

    ReplyDelete
  49. And don't think you are safe S ji... just because Sabiha and I got into a discussion about GH. Update pls!!!

    ReplyDelete
  50. Smita,

    I will cook for 40 people, what the heck invite more if you want. Can you please write the update? :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I will help you with everything - laying the table, clearing up etc. leaving Smitaji to write in peace.

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    2. And I will help by proofreading while you two are cooking and cleaning!!!

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    3. My sweetie pies! I'm back at the desky. Going to write. Will post (hopefully) by noon.

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    4. I was serious about the proof reading... Laughing

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    5. Smita... when these girls are at work do let me know... I'll hop over and record it... ;)

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    6. Seriously, we NEED the sapnon ki duniya that you provide 'cos asli duniya is really too much at times. Take now for instance, the city is reeling under the onslaught of the North East monsoon and cyclones. Though schools are closed teachers have to work.

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    7. Rash, done! It will be an awesome watch.

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  51. Finally caught up with this story. Awesome. Love it

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  52. Love the twists and turns of the story. Hats of to your brains and imagination Smitaji.

    Hope Khushi makes ASR dance to her tunes and makes him woo and manofy her after the marriage.

    Looking forward to next part.

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  53. Smitaji, In all your comments you say " the best is yet to come". When is it coming? (With folded hands, puppy dog eyes ) pleeeeeaaaassssseeee!! I've reread the entire OS (till part 20 - I won't say how many times) and I'm on tenterhooks.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. She says the best is yet to be because .... because.....
      of the last of the story for which the first was made.... ;)

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    2. The last of the story for which the first was made - wow! Seriously, that's so poetic. You come up with the most amazing phrases to convey a point. Are you a writer as well?

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    3. KC are you serious? If I write let alone others... I myself will not proof read it! Even if I try to do it I am sure Hypnos the Greek God of sleep will bring along Somnos his Roman counterpart to visit me and give a gift of challenging Kumbakarna of the yore... ;)

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    4. BTW... I am not Vadra... ;)

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    5. Completely went above head. Me blinking

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    6. Which one? Are you serious uttered by Vadra?

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    7. Your turn of phrase is fascinating and the underlying literary flavour prompted my question. Literature major perhaps?

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    8. Nope... Didn't study literature much as a part of curriculum... ;)

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  54. When are you going to update??? I am missing my Arshi quota :"(

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  55. Simply beautiful,
    So his hHaridwar return bheja is still on its place...
    Hmmmm one kiss ne kiya kamaal....
    I loved mamiji and her tarikes to make understand her Arnav babua.

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  56. Awesome update Smita. Arnav will need to have a mountain of patience but now that he has all the time he can woo her to his hearts content

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  57. Ow very nice sweet update but it was too short after waiting for so long:( but its OK getting something is better than nothing:) ..now arnav is going to prove himself by the help of khushi:) why arnav is not clearing khushi's doubt about his gfs hmm:( hope khushi soon realize that what she meant in his life...oh and the last scene was so cute:) looking forward next part update soon pls;)

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  58. that was awesome. I would have pestered you for an update but felt bad. looks like Arnav has realized the problem before him but will woo her slowly.
    thank you.

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  59. This Arnav is a dream!!! I just loved how Arnav put two and two together and understood Khushi's reason for this marriage. I am equally ecstatic about his plan to woo Khushi!! I can picture Barun saying your lines in his husky and sexy voice!! Smita, this story is one of your best!!!
    Loved his innocent first kiss....hope he can steal more of those in the future. Is he going to take Khushi on some honeymoon?? *me getting greedy* :P

    ReplyDelete
  60. Lovely lovely lovely update. .yeh arnav to bahut samajhdar ho gaya.he knows everything. .khushi doesent knows still that she has got best loving husband..dekhte Hain how arnav make her show his trueness ...it's veryyyyyy interesting. .thanks for update smitaji ...gud luck

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  61. Sweeeeet! There is time for intensity of emotion and there is time for tenderness... And it is always the writer's prerogative to choose... Sometimes the choice settles like a solitaire in a ring... This was the solitaire in the ring...

    You have given Arnav the brains that normally atleast show writers refuse to give their characters... He understands why Khushi married him... without everything being spelled out for him... When in IPK Arnav forcefully married Khushi after the terrace scene... As horrified as I was by the turn of events... a euphemism for the fall from great height that was the beautiful moments leading to the terrace scene... there was this sense of relief... at least they are married and they can take their time resolving the misunderstanding... I have the same feeling here. Obviously this is with wisdom of the reader... I know Arnav is good... he is not a lecher or a libertine ( maybe?)... Now they can take their time and no Abhishek can steal her away.. Yep he will need patience... But he is a big boy... and there are big rewards at the end!!!

    Lovely update S ji... Just lovely!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You are right. Best characterization of Arnav. That terrace scene - the less said about it the better.

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    2. Hello Sam, Kaaycee,

      Sam, so agreed about the choice betn tenderness and intensity! This Arnav has the brains and is not afraid to set aside his ego and put Khushi's needs first.

      Kaaycee, that Terrace Scene!! I still shudder - a step away from breaking out in cold sweat...

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  62. Oh. It was such a short update. Chodo.somehing is better than nothing. Thanks smita.

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  63. The whole day I was checking if u updated the story.. I am so glad u did today! Don't know y I was looking forward to it like I wait for ipk ek Jashn episodes.

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  64. Arnav bitwa doing romancewa.... Hayeeeeee..... Mazaaaaaa aa gayaaaaa....

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  65. Very smart arnav babua...n now doing romancewa..
    Why do I have a feeling that this time u are going to lead in romance and love..not bad at all
    Cholo sr nahi toh kya hua pappi to dia..agle time isse zyada dena..

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  66. Smitar sweetly by the length of the update "am not complaining" am guessing you are tired and in need of some overdue rest , which by all means you should take , because your world of fictions will surely be eagerly awaiting your return. I speak for myself when I say I would rather a well rested writer than a tired soul trying to appease and please all your followers. Also the update was very nicely written to show an understanding Arnav .

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  67. Beautiful update. Loved how Arnav is so caring and thoughtful.

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  68. So he knew why she had married him. That Haridwar trained dimag is working after all. Had me worried there for a little while.
    I really like the way you have characterized Arnav here ; just as you clearly demarcated ASR. The contrast is striking - the journey from ASR to Arnav is complete. Only needs some polishing of the rough edges. He knows that being articulate is not his strong suit and that he has a better chance with his actions. He may not have spent enough time with her but knows her well enough to realize that she would give this marriage her all and his acceptance that he would be giving his 200% is the best part of this update. Kudos to you Smitaji, for showing us an Arnav who knows his weaknesses and is not ashamed to show them. This was the single biggest flaw in the show - the CV's felt that Arnav showing any sign of weakness/ sensitivity/ apology etc. was a slur on his manhood and the net result was that Arnav came across as an insensitive chauvinist. (Probably why I'm such a fan of your redemption track stories)
    Khushi is already beginning to trust him - enough to cry on his shoulders. Now that they are married , I'm at peace. Agree with Arnav 100% - no Abhishek can take her away.

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  69. I should have said this first - thank you so much for giving us this update in spite of being so busy. Love the way you've matched the pics. to the story esp. " The Kiss" uuuffff!!!

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  70. Awe that was so good yaar!!! He is going to win her and I am sure she is not immune system to his charms :-)

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  71. Loved the update loved ASR understanding why she married him loved how he understood her silence and so cute when he told her to cry and held her when she did loved the siblings conversation amazing update thanks for and amazing ff.

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  72. why i always missed out on update ..i never knew you updated chapter 21...they got married and i got to read it today

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  73. Beautiful update... the journey of ASR turning into arnav begins... thanks for giving almost daily updates...

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  74. I loved the convo between Anjali and Arnav... Aww he'll give it his 200% whereas khushis living in the fear that what if he leaves her
    Loved every bit of it the surprise was so cute and aww first kiss!

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  75. What is an Afghan jalebi? I never knew Afghanistan was known for jalebis.
    Liked the update. Nice touch returning the anklet. Would help make her feel secure in the new home

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  76. What is an Afghan jalebi? I never knew Afghanistan was known for jalebis.
    Liked the update. Nice touch returning the anklet. Would help make her feel secure in the new home

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  77. He needs to become her friend first and get to know her quirks and try to fulfill her every wish to settle in his home ,and let her see the Arnav in him .i loved the imagery you bring out with him carrying her ,into the house ,I like their conversation .and he knows,what's expected of him ,

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  78. Part 20 and 21 are marvellous Smita...loved it to bits...cant wait to see this relationship develop...love it.........you fulfilled my wishes of giving them time and space...love you....

    Read in your comments that you have guests coming over...dont stress over anything...including these updates....as much as I would love you to update everyday...as a friend...want you to take care of yourself...enjoy your time with them....do take them out if cooking is becoming difficult...or order in...:)...

    Our love is unconditional...just like Khushi's ...:)

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    1. I know, Meemou. But this love is two-sided. I don't like to stay away from you gals. I miss all of you when I don't post. I check for the comments at least ten to fifteen times a day.

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    2. (((((((((((((()))))))))))))))

      Thats a hug for you...:)

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  79. Loving this story of yours and can't wait to see how Arnav finds his way into Khushi's heart !

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  80. Beautiful update Smita.
    I would like to extend a BIG THANKYOU on the eve of thanksgiving to you for keeping us fans entertained, happy, eager and curious about Arnav and Khushi's love in different angles. All of your creations have been so different from one another and I am amazed at how you can imagine like this. God bless you!
    I am cooking for a big gathering for thanksgiving feast but I will find time to read your update tomorrow!

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  81. beautiful! I can read it and reread it again and again, wow Smita! you're the best. eager for the next.

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