91. Loving Khushi Part 4 Onwards

Loving Khushi Part 4 Day 10 Section 1

Arnav walked the length & breadth of his room all night, thinking furiously. In between, he paused by the bed and gazed at Khushi’s moon-like luminous face, looking relaxed in sleep.

He had to fight two battles at the same time. One, he had to keep Khushi with him even when the eleven…he looked at the clock…no, ten days ended. Two, he had to expose Shyam’s true face before his Di.

Khushi’s words ran through his mind. She and Mami looking for him, butting heads with Shyam, looking at the airport security video clips… her views about Shyam… His ego, his greed for money, his persuasive tongue, his willingness to stoop to any level to get what he wanted, even murder and kidnapping, his lack of love for Di, his belief that Arnav would do anything for his Di’s happiness…. As her words rang in his head, the germ of an idea took birth in his brain.

Greed for money…ego…his snake-like tongue…his lack of love for Di…his belief that Arnav would do anything for his Di… Yes, his idea could be used, but it would be a gamble. A very big gamble. The risk was phenomenal but…

He looked at Khushi’s face. She would be with him. She would stand by him, whatever happened. Her words rushed into his mind. Her views about how much his family loved him, how they would support him… He nodded. He would have to take them in to his confidence. His usual working-alone mode wouldn’t help him here. He would need help from his family.

Khushi woke up in the morning, her eyes automatically looking for him on the bed. His side of the bed had not been slept in. Khushi sat up, anxious, to see Arnavji sitting on his recliner looking at her. They stared at each other.

“You have a plan, don’t you?” she asked. His composed face and his bright, intent eyes were a giveaway.

Arnav nodded. “I have one day, at the most, two, to put it in place.”

Khushi looked at him, silent.

“I need your help.” Arnav Singh Raizada was not ashamed to say it. Not to Khushi who had seen him at his lowest, imprisoned by the kidnappers.

Khushi nodded.

“I need to talk to the family. And get in touch with Mr. Roy, my lawyer.”

Khushi nodded.

“I want you with me when I talk to the family.” Arnav stated.

“My presence will do more harm than good.” Khushi warned.

Arnav smiled slowly. “I will risk it.” he said. He got up, walked up to her, and hugged her.

A moment later, Khushi tried to free herself from his hold.

Arnav pulled her tighter into his arms.

Anjali refused breakfast.

Her whole family, with the exception of Khushi, tried to cajole her into eating atleast a few morsels.

Anjali refused, bleating that she wanted her Shyamji with her. Nani and Mami had tears in their eyes, and Payal, NK, & Akash looked anxious and lost at Anjali’s firm decision to starve even if it harmed her unborn child.

Arnav motioned his family to leave Anjali alone. Unwillingly they left the room and went down to the hall. Arnav asked the nurse he had summoned that very morning to keep a close watch on Di, went to lock the gate at the mouth of the steps from the yard to the terrace, and walked in to his room on quick feet.

“Khushi, here’s the key to the gate at the foot of the steps from the terrace to the yard.” he said, handing it over to her for safekeeping. “Today, Shyam won’t be able to get in even if Di calls him.”

Khushi took a deep breath of relief.

“I am going to talk to the rest of them. Come with me?” he asked.

Khushi laid down the comb, and silently accompanied him down.

HP was setting the table for breakfast. Arnav called him aside.

“HP, I want you to do something.” His voice was soft. Khushi looked at Arnav.

“Ji, Arnav Bhaiyya?”

“In Di’s room, I noticed that the glass of the windows and the door leading to the garden are not very clean.” Arnav said.

HP’s eyes almost popped out of his head. Arnav Bhaiyya was going to kill him now. He stood still, anticipating his speedy execution with trepidation.

“I think you should clean them now. Di is awake now. She will be disturbed by the noise if you do the cleaning once she falls asleep.” Arnav said.

HP swallowed, staring at his master. What had happened to Arnav Bhaiyya? He was not angry? He hastened to agree, “Haan, Arnav Bhaiyya, I will do it now. Right now.”

“And, HP,  ask a maid to change the curtains in Di’s room. NOW.” Arnav said.

“Yes, Arnav Bhaiyya. Right now.” HP ran to get the maid and the cleaning supplies to clean perfectly clean windows.

“I hired a nurse this morning.” Arnav whispered to Khushi. “Now Di will have company all 24 hours.”

Khushi looked at Arnav. 

“HP & the maid will be in the garden, right outside Di’s room till we return. Di won’t be able to call Shyam, & even if he graces us with his presence, he won’t be able to get in without being seen.”

Khushi nodded.

“Now, let’s tackle the family.” Arnav said as he caught hold of her hand and led the way to the hall.

After breakfast, Arnav got his entire family in to Nani’s room.

In his quiet way, he explained all about Shyam, everything that Buaji and Amma had told him, all that Khushi had said, his experiences during the kidnapping, capping it with the details of Shyam’s visit the previous day.

“Anjali Bitiyaa! How sad she will be when she realises…” Nani could not control her tears.

“But if we don’t do anything, Shyam might kill her and the baby.” Arnav said softly.

There was perfect silence in the room. A pin dropping to the ground would have sounded like a bomb blast.

Arnav began to draw a picture of his plan, taking their help and ideas to flesh it out.

Soon he had an army of people willing to help him put his plan in place if it meant freeing Anjali from the evil clutches of Shyam.

Soon Arnav led the entourage to Anjali’s room. Khushi waited outside the room. As the others went in, Arnav reminded them, “Remember what I said, we need to get Di’s phone. When Di is distracted, take her phone. And Payal, call the nurse out & take her phone from her.”

All nodded.

The nurse stood up as the family walked in. 

Anjali was watching HP clean the window energetically, her eyes furious. The maid had finished changing the curtains, and was ready to leave. Arnav looked at his Di’s angry face and sighed inwardly. This was just the beginning.

He motioned for HP & the maid to leave them alone. They left.

Payal asked the nurse softly to come out to the corridor, taking all her belongings with her. The nurse accompanied her out.

“Can you leave your phone downstairs when you are sitting in Di’s room, Monaji? Just for 2 days?” Payal asked nicely. “We don’t want Di to be disturbed by the ringtone. I know you can keep it on silent mode, but we would like you to keep a close watch on Di. If you are distracted by calls…” Payal smiled kindly at her.

The poor nurse nodded her agreement and handed over her phone.

“We have arranged for you to stay in the room next to Nani’s. I will leave your phone there. Please come down with me. I will show you the room.” Payal offered.

The nurse took her bag and walked down with Payal.

“How are you, Di?” Arnav asked, his eyes looking for her phone. It was on the bedside table to her left. Arnav quickly sat on her bed on her right side. Anjali had to turn her head to look at him. “I asked HP & the maid to clean this room. It is not good for the baby if the air the mother breathes is polluted…”

Mami quickly slipped to Anjali’s left and clambered on to the bed, effectively covering Anjali’s view of her phone, thereby aiding her Saasumma in conducting the grand phone theft. 

Arnav cupped Di’s face. “Di, please have something to eat.”

“No, Chotey.” Anjali was adamant.

Nani took Anjali’s phone and passed it to Akash. 

“Di, if you won’t eat, atleast have  a glass of milk.” Arnav pleaded.

Anjali was about to refuse, when Arnav added. “For me?”

Akash slipped the phone in to NK’s hands.

Anjali faltered. Her love for her husband was great, but not so great that it could wipe away memories of a shared childhood and the deep love she had for her papad ka tukda.

She looked at the strain on his face, and then nodded, slowly. “You took your medicine, Chotey?” she asked softly. 

Somewhere inside Shyam Manohar Jha’s deluded wife, Chotey’s Di still resided.

Arnav nodded, hugging his sister close, pressing her head against his shoulder so that she could not see NK slip out and pass the phone to Khushi.

Standing on the lawn of Sheesh Mahal after their uncle had thrown them out, he had vowed to protect Di, to make sure that she was safe and happy all her life. And he would do it, inspite of her efforts to endanger her own life. He wouldn’t let any slimy Shyam harm her.

Khushi left the place immediately, rushing to her room and cutting Anjaliji’s phone dead. NK ran down to get a glass of milk for Di.

“So we have cut all means of contact between Shyam & Di.” Arnav told his family, Khushi sitting by him.

NK said, “The gate is locked. He can’t call her. He can’t walk in through the front door. No contact possible, Nannav, mere bhai!”

“Bhat if he traijj (tries) to come in laike (like) a thieph (thief) at night?” Mami asked.

“I will sleep with Anjali Bitiyaa at night, Chotey.” Nani declared. “The nurse can rest in her own room at night.”

All nodded. With Nani sharing Anjali’s bed, Shyam would not be able to converse with her even if he managed to crawl in to the house.

“I don’t want to increase security outside. “ Arnav muttered. “If Shyam sees more guards than usual, he might get an inkling…”

“Don’t worry, Bhai. We are here with her.” Akash said, putting an arm around Arnav.

“Payaliyaa and I will sit with her throughout the day, Arnav Bitwaa. Let me see who comes to meet her, Hello Hi Bye Bye!” Mami said.

“I will work, sitting in the garden outside Di’s room.” Akash said.

“I will give him company.” NK said.

Arnav nodded.

“I am going to the office.” Arnav told all of them. “Mr. Roy will be meeting me there. I need to set things in motion.”

All nodded, their faces grave.

Arnav put on his coat & picked up his bag, preparing to leave Nani’s room. He looked at Khushi.

She got up and walked along with him to the main door.

He put the bag down and pulled her into a hard hug.

Khushi stood still in his arms, caught unawares by his hug. Slowly her arms went around his shoulders. Otherwise she would fall down when he let her go, her limbs being too weak to hold her up.

A long moment later, he whispered in her ear, “Thank you, Khushi. But for you…”

Khushi smiled wryly. “But for me, you wouldn’t have had to deal with such a mushkil situation.”

Arnav smiled, burying his face in the lush waves of her silky, fragrant hair. “If you are the mushkil in my life, you are also the solution. The only solution.”



Rashmi's Interpretation: Part 4: day 10: Section 1


Smita,
Here is the interpretation to Section 1 of Part 4.

This update is about preparations. Prepare for something difficult, dangerous or undesirable.

The expression, BATTEN DOWN THE HATCHES, says it all.
What exactly does batten down the hatches mean?
It is a nautical texpression that means to seal the hatches against the storm.
In sailing ships there were openings in the deck of a ship - Ships' hatches, that were normally either open or covered with a wooden grating to allow for ventilation of the lower decks. When bad weather was imminent, the hatches were covered with tarpaulin and the covering was edged with wooden strips, known as battens, to prevent it from blowing off. Not surprisingly, sailors called this 'battening down'.and hence the expression batten down the hatches.
It is now used to mean to prepare yourself for a difficult period by protecting yourself in every possible way.
As Arnav paced the room, deep in thought of the best way to protect his family, from the evil intent of Shyam Manohar Jha, he paused by the bed and gazed at the relaxed face of Khushi deep in sleep. Her fair skin had taken a pearly glow and it was a sight that soothed his frayed nerves. He was having his hands full, fighting the dual battles simultaneously. One was about keeping Khushi by his side forever, the other was about safeguarding Di by exposing Shyam's intentions in front of Di. The two women whom he needed in his life were becoming distant from him. He needed to buck up and buck the odds. The need of the time was to formulate the plan and execute it flawlessly, for if it went awry, he had much to loose. Khushi's words kept reverberating in his mind. She and Mami looking for him, placing themselves in danger, taking Shyam and his goons headlong, looking at the security footage, her views about Shyam, Shyam's ego, his greed for money, his glib tongue, his willingness to stoop to any level to get what he wanted, even to the extent of murder and kidnapping, his lack of love for Di, his belief that Arnav would do anything for his Di's happiness.  As her words rang in his head, the seed Khushi had sown unwittingly, sprouted into an idea. He realized that Shyam's greed was his need and it was the key. His mammoth ego, his smooth double pronged tongue, his greed for money, his lack of love for Di, his belief that Di's Chotey would do anything for his Di were the very things that could be exploited to trap the legal brain, Shyam Manohar Jha.  His idea could be used, but it would be a gamble. A very big risk that he needed to take though if failed its repercussions may be severe. But it was a risk worth taking for what was at stake, if it could help them get rid of Shyam Manohar Jha. For that he needed to fortify. He needed to set things up, he needed to arm himself with a defense that was impenetrable by Shyam.
Looking at Khushi's face he knew that she was not a fair weather person. She would stand by him not just during the happy times but even in times of trouble. She was his strength now. How could he have ever doubted it? Her strength was always there but unseen, like a song waiting for you to sing. Her knowledge, courage, power, wisdom, love everything guised under her chirpy nature. She had carried it within her and had hovered around him and his family, like a guardian dove. As he watched her, her words rushed to his mind. Her views on his family and how they had their heart in the right places, how much he could depend on their support was coming vividly to his mind. Her words had impressed him, reiterated to him that all was not lost. His Di now mesmerized by her husband could be brought into their fold. When he was in dilemma and despair about his Di, Khushi had shown the path. Di might become agitated at being shown the true face of Shyam but she had enough strength on her own, their family's as well his, to overcome it. Di needed to be shown who Shyam really was and what he was upto. Knowing this he had to reach out to his family for their help and mobilize their support. So far he had been a one-man army who used to fight all the battles by himself, protecting Di as well as his family. But now the time has come to take them into confidence and operate jointly. He needed them by his side and he would seek their support. To overcome this difficult patch in Di's life, he had to chalk out his plan with care and put it in place, as soon as possible.
When Khushi woke up in the morning, her eyes strayed towards his side of the bed, seeking his presence. It looked neat and unslept. An anxious Khushi sat up in a flash, only to see him sitting on the recliner with his eyes planted on her. They stared at each other and in that moment, seeing his calm face and eyes shining brightly, she realized that he had prepared his plan of action and asked him so. Arnav nodded and told her that he had a day and at the most two, to set all things up to his satisfaction and let the ball roll. Khushi though listening to him intently was silent. Arnav sought her help. He was not ashamed to seek it from Khushi, who had seen him when in dumps, desolate at the time of his kidnap. Khushi nodded and he continued to say, he needed to talk to the family and get in touch with Mr. Roy, his lawyer. Khushi nodded once again. Arnav stated that he wanted her by his side when he spoke to the family but Khushi warned him that he was making his task cumbersome. Her presence would hinder him in his endeavour. Arnav with a smile that lit up his face told her that he was ready to risk. He knew now whatever happens he cannot and will never ask Khushi to stay away. Be it Di or the family, Khushi would not be sidelined and made a scapegoat for someone's misconception. Getting up he walked up to her and held her in a tight hug. As she wiggled to get away, he pulled her tighter into his arms. This was one place he loved securing the hatches. He wanted Khushi to be an integral part of his life and was very much a part of this plan too.
At breakfast, it was the replay of previous night. Rest of the family barring Khushi, cajoling Anjali to have a few morsels and she adamantly refusing was the jist of it. She continued with her strong, wanting the return of Shyam-fuelled hysterics. Her unreasonable behavior, throwing tantrums like a petulant kid bordering insolence had Mami and Nani in tears. Payal, NK and Akash were an anxious lot at Anjali's unwavering decision to starve even if it was at the expense of her unborn child. Arnav knew he had to strengthen his family against this onslaught of tears and emotional blackmail by his Di.
Arnav asked the family to let him deal with his Di alone. Unwillingly they moved out and gathered in the hall. Arnav asked the newly appointed nurse to keep a close eye on Di and went to lock the wicket gate at the steps from the yard to the terrace, effectively cutting off any trespassers, in particular, Shyam Manohar Jha. This was a first step towards fortifying. He handed the key to Khushi for safekeeping telling her what he had done and it would make Shyam unable to reach Di, even if she calls. Khushi heaved a sigh of relief. When he asked her whether she could be with him as he talked to the family, without uttering a word, putting down her comb she walked along with him. HP was setting the table for breakfast. At Arnav's beck, HP came to him. In a soft voice, Arnav told him that he had noticed that the glass of the windows and the door leading to the garden in Di's room were not very clean. Hearing this HP thought, Arnav Bhaiyya would go through the roof and tear a strip off him. He stood still, bracing himself against the storm, knowing fully well that he would be hauled over the coals. Arnav told him that he should clean them now, as Di was awake. She would otherwise be disturbed by the noise if it was done when she sleeps. HP was stumped to see the calm demeanour of his master! That too instructions came in a soft voice! HP nodded in a  hurry and quickly went to Anjali's room to do his bidding. While he was moving away, Arnav asked him to get the maid to change the drapes in Di's room now itself. HP scooted to inform the maid and collect the cleaning stuff to clean the windows that were squeaky clean. Arnav whispered to Khushi that he had a nurse appointed exclusively for Di who would monitor her 24 hours. As Khushi looked on he let on to her that HP and the maid will be in the garden right outside Di's room, till they return. Di won't be able to call Shyam and even if he graces them with his presence, he won't be able to get in without being seen. As Khushi nodded he set about to do the next thing that needed to be done that was tackling the family. Once he had his Di's hands tied up against contacting Shyam, grasping Khushi's hand in his, he led the way to the hall where the rest had gathered.
Once the breakfast was done, Arnav had all assembled in Nani's room. He enlightened them all about Shyam adding Buaji's, Amma's, Khushi's and his experiences with him and topped it with Shyam's last visit to RM, the previous day. When he finished, Nani's heart wept for her granddaughter. Thinking of the heart ache and the heart break that was in the offing for her only granddaughter, her tears fell over her weathered cheeks like a fretful stream over boulders. When she voiced out how sad Anjali Bitiyaa would be, Arnav told her in the voice he always reserved for his Nani, where words dropped upon the ear as soft as rose leaves on a wall, that if left as it is without taking any action, Shyam might kill her as well as her baby. This thought left them silent and troubled, like the seas that were vexed by the warring winds. Arnav put forth his plan before them and honed it with their input. Soon he had, all of them involved in his plans and a retrieval squad set up for mission Rescue Anjali Singh Raizada. Arnav lead his team to Anjali's room to begin their mission, with Khushi waiting outside. He reminded them that the first phase was depriving contact medium and to succeed, Di's phone and the nurse's phone needed to be removed from Di's reach. While the rest would engage themselves in distracting Di and then removing her cell phone, Payal was asked to call the nurse out and take her phone from her. Noting well, what was assigned to them, they entered. As they entered, the nurse stood up, while Anjali, unaware of them, was engrossed in watching HP clean the window while her eyes were spitting fire. The maid was about to leave after changing the drapes. One look at his Di's face made Arnav sigh inwardly, that it was just the beginning! She was already worked up and set to blow her top. Taking their cue from Arnav, HP and the maid left the room. Payal drew the nurse aside and asked her softly to bring her luggage along and follow her to the room prepared for her. While they were on their way, Payal requested Mona, the nurse, that if she would have no objection, could she keep her phone downstairs, for just 2 days. They don't want Di to be disturbed by the ringtone. She knows that the phone could be kept on silent mode, but they would like her to keep a close watch on Di. If she was distracted by calls, it would create a problem. Payal's request in a kind and soft voice went down well with the nurse and she immediately complied. Soon Payal led her to her room. One source of contact that had the possibility of being utilized was fastened tight.
Arnav, as soon as he entered asked his Di how she was, while his eyes were searching for the object of their objective. Noting that it was on the night stand on her left side, he took a seat on her right side. It made Anjali turn herself to look at him. He had placed him in such a way that she would not even have the peripheral vision of the cell phone. He informed her that it was he who had asked HP and the maid to clean the room, as the air that the mother breathes if polluted, is harmful to the baby too. Mami quickly slipped in and clambered on to the bed hindering Anjali's view of her phone even a bit if it was there, abetting her Saasumma in her foray, as Nani made a phone thieving incursion. Arnav cupping Di's face asked her to eat something but she was adamant. Nani taking the phone passed it on to Akash. When Arnav pleaded his Di to have atleast a glass of milk if not a morsel, Anjali who was about to refuse was beaten by her Chotey's, won't you do it at least for my sake? While Arnav had her engaged, Akash slipped it into NK's hands. Anjali was put in a fix. She felt she was torn into two between her love for her husband and her Chotey. But to everyone's amazement, her love towards her brother overpowered her love for her husband. Her love for her husband was great, but not so great that it could wipe away the memories of a shared childhood and the deep love she had for her papad ka tukda. Looking properly at his face, she found lines of stress etched on it, nodding that she would drink the milk, asked him softly, whether he had his medicines. When it came to the crux of the matter, it was Chotey's Di who prevailed over Shyam Manohar Jha's hoodwinked wife. Arnav nodded at her and hugged her pressing her head against his shoulder as NK slipped out silently and passed the phone to Khushi. With this done, they had effectively cut off Di from communicating with Shyam. Arnav had secured the hatch around Anjali.
Fourteen years back, one murky day, standing on the lawns of Sheesh Mahal after being booted out of their home by their uncle, Arnav Singh Raizaada, then Arnav Mallik, had vowed to protect his Di. He had vowed to make sure that she was safe and happy all her life. And he would do it, despite her actions to endanger her own life. He would not let that creep Shyam either take advantage of her or harm her. He was now prepared to combat Shyam. Arnav had come a long way from the vulnerable fourteen year old to the present confident young man who had seen the world. Then he was helpless and a green-horn to the ways of the world to protect her as he too was exposed to it. But now he was equipped to protect her through her difficult phase of life.
"Our past is the forge upon which we are hardened and tempered, to prepare us for the present. We are like a fine blade that must be hammered into shape before it can be ready to make its finest cuts"
                                        ~Larry Atchley Jr.
Getting the cell phone, Khushi, rushed to her room and switched it off, while NK rushed off to get a glass of milk for Di. Later, Arnav, with Khushi sitting by his side told his family that with the cell phone out of her range, all contact between the two, Shyam and Di have been cut off. NK listed out to Arnav, the gate was locked, no cell phone to contact, Shyam can't walk in through the front door, so all possible sources of contact have been cut off. But the sharp brained Mami threw in a query, what if he tries to sneak in late at night like a thief? Nani declared that she would sleep with Anjali Bitiyaa and the nurse could sleep in the room allotted to her. All thought, with Nani sharing the bed with Anjali, Shyam would not be able to converse with her even if he sneaks in. Arnav muttered that he did not want to beef up the security lest Shyam gets the inkling as to the rest being in the know. He wanted Shyam to feel secure, that no one was privy to his clandestine meetings with his Rani Sahiba and he was having an upper hand. Akash giving a side hug assured his Bhai not to worry as they were all there for Di. Mami announced that she and Payaliyaa would hover around Anjali Bitiyaa all through the day and would see who would dare to cut through their shield to meet her. Akash volunteered to work from home sitting in the garden right outside Di's room. NK too volunteered to joined him in their vigil. Arnav agreed. Arnav was successful in mobilizing his family into taking turns for continuous vigilance without Anjali being aware of it. With at least one member of the family hovering around her he had successfully buttoned up the possibility of Shyam having an access to Anjali.
Arnav told them that he was needed in the office as he had a meeting scheduled with Mr. Roy and he needed to set things in motion. All nodded but their faces were grave. They were reminded of the kidnapping that had occurred and the danger that Arnav faced due to the greed of one man to deprive him of his wealth, the result of his toil. Both Arnav and his family had realized that they needed to safeguard themselves, for any one of them could held in ransome for his wealth. So he had sought the legal brains of Mr. Roy to secure the hatches, in this forte that Shyam Manohar Jha excelled in.
As Arnav got ready to leave, he looked at Khushi. Silently she got up and walked with him to the main door. Placing his bag down, he hugged her tight. Khushi caught unaware stood still for a moment and then slowly her arms looped around his shoulders to support herself as her legs were giving away. After a long moment, he whispered his gratitude and said if not for her... Khushi with a sardonic smile told him that, if not for her, he would not have had to deal with such a difficult situation. Arnav with a smile that said it was a welcome difficulty if it meant she was staying in his life buried his face in the lush waves of her silky hair that played with his breath. Taking in her fragrance said that if she was the difficulty in his life, she was also the solution. He knew that she was the one and the only one who could prepare him for all the troubles he would have to face. She was the one who had shown him the path he needed to take. She was the one who had given him the strength to face it. She was the one who showed where his strength and Shyam's weakness lay. She was the one who made him come out of his desolation and take the action. She was the one who made him realize that there was yet some hope in the situation. She was the one who led him to believe that his Di's life could be still salvaged with some tough decisions. For she taught him that he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea, driven with the wind and tossed, that means, he who forges ahead with the feeling of oneness, sincerity of intention, and a steadiness of mind, that constitute the requirements when under duress and affliction, can only succeed or else they would be like a wave driven with the wind and tossed about. It was Khushi who planted the idea of the necessity to batten down the hatches and Arnav executed it faultlessly so far using his shatir dimaag.
That is why this is titled BATTEN DOWN THE HATCHES.
"I believe luck is preparation meeting opportunity. If you hadn't been prepared when the opportunity came along, you wouldn't have been lucky"
                                           ~ Oprah Winfrey
That's it from me. Hope you enjoy it.




 Part 4: Day 10: Section 2

Kabhi Kabhi Mere Dil Main (Big B & Sadhana Sargam)

Arnav called from the office at noon.

“Khushi, Mr. Roy came to see me. The papers will be ready by late evening. I will talk to Di tonight, fix everything up… We can get rid of Shyam by tomorrow evening.”

Khushi clutched her heart that had started to pound. If something went wrong! They were playing with the feelings of Di. If she reacted badly to Shyam’s true face, then her condition might be worse than it was now…

“Don’t be scared, Khushi.” Arnav comforted her, her silence speaking volumes. “Di is strong inside, where it counts. She has seen worse, faced worse, and come through it all, her head held high. She will deal with this too.”

“Yes.” Khushi murmured.

“Where are the others?” Arnav asked.

“Jiju & Nanheji are in the garden, sitting almost by Di’s window. Mami is chatting with Anjaliji. Jiji is sitting with them. Nani is having a nap now so that she can be alert at night. The nurse is in Anjaliji’s room.” Khushi reported. She added, “Anjaliji is asking everyone if they have seen her phone.”

“I will handle it once I get home. Just ask the others to keep her confused as we planned till I do, Khushi.” Arnav requested.

“Ji.” Khushi replied. "They are helping her look for it."

“Khushi, I have arranged for the doctor to visit Di two more times today. Shyam will be watching the house. I want him to think that Di is fading fast, that her condition is critical.”

“Ji.” Khushi said.

“She will examine Di 4 times tomorrow, before evening.” Arnav told her.

“That’s good.” Khushi said.

“I will be late getting home today, Khushi. I will come only after getting the papers. I want this done at the earliest.”

“Yes. Shyam is unpredictable. It is not safe to kep him waiting.” Khushi murmured.

Arnav agreed. “I will get her to drink something when I reach home.” Arnav added.

Khushi nodded. “I have sent Hari Prakashji to the office with your lunch.”

“Yes. He has reached the office.” Arnav could see HP handing over a bag to Aman. 

There was a moment of silence. 

“Khushi…” he said.

“Ji?”

“Khushi, I love you.” Arnav said.

Khushi stood motionless, the phone held tight in her hand. Tears pooled in her eyes.

“Why do you always cry when I tell you that I love you, Khushi?” Arnav tried to make her smile.

“Because you make me cry, always.” Khushi whispered before cutting the phone.

Arnav walked into his Di’s room, a bowl of soup on a tray in his hands, to see her looking for her phone under the bed. Seeing Arnav, knowing why he was there, Mami left the room in haste, making some flimsy excuse.

“Kya hua, Di? You should be resting!” he said, setting the tray on the bedside table.

“Chotey!” she pouted. “I can’t find my phone.”

“Your phone? Di, I will help you search for it. But first have some soup.” He led Anjali to recline on the bed, her back against a mountain of pillows.

“No, Chotey. I don’t want any soup.” Anjali pouted.

“Just a few spoons, Di. Please, for me.” Arnav held a full spoon near her lips.

“No, Chotey.” Her eyes filled with ready tears. “Not without my Shyamji.”

“Di…” Arnav protested mildly.

“Chotey, how can you believe such things about your Jiju? How can they lie, in such a ghatiya manner?” Tears flowed down Anjali’s cheeks. “Woh hamare pati he! The father of our rajkumari. You won’t be able to find a more loving or good man even if you set out to search for one!” Anjali was convinced of her husband’s claim to sainthood.

Arnav swallowed his opinion of Shyam with a great deal of effort. Just a few more hours more…

“And by lying, they have taken away the respect that is due to my husband. You hit him, Chotey! How could you raise your hand to your Jijaji?” Anjali wept.

“Di…” Arnav said slowly, as though reconsidering his stand. “I … I am sorry, Di. I.. I was angry. You know how I get when I become angry. I…shouldn’t have… I should have thought before.. I am sorry, Di. I don’t know if Sh…Ji-Ja-Ji was behind the kidnapping. I didn’t see him.” he confessed.

“There! What did I tell you, Chotey?” Anjali could not contain her glee.

“But…” Arnav sighed. “…I was kidnapped. That is the truth.”

Anjali nodded solemnly, and cupped his face with gentle fingers. Arnav set aside the soup and hugged her. After a long moment, he gently helped her to lie against the pillows.

“Di, can I ask you something?” Arnav asked, as though he were confused.

“Haan, Chotey?”

“Di, when we conducted your marriage, I built a posh office for Jijaji in Delhi.”

Anjali nodded.

“Jijaji is always away, always working…”

“Haan, Chotey.” Anjali pouted.

“Then where is the money that he makes, Di?” Arnav asked softly.

Anjali stared at him, open-mouthed.

“Is he saving it, Di? Or using it for you?” Arnav asked, pasting a concerned look on his face.

Anjali tried to think of any occasion when her Shyamji had saved money or spent his own money on her. She couldn’t come up with anything.

“Di, I have been depositing money in your joint account every month for the past 3 years. You have been receiving rent from the houses I gave you at the time of your marriage. All your fixed deposits and investments have been done by me, before your marriage. All your diamonds and ornaments have been given by me. Where is the money that Jijaji is making?”

Anjali stared at him.

“Di, Jijaji takes money from your joint account, doesn’t he?”

Anjali had to nod.

“If he is short of cash, he asks you for money, doesn’t he? From your personal account?”

“Yes…” Anjali could not lie to such a sympathetic Chotey.

“Di, he lives with us. He uses the car that I gave him on your marriage. The fuel and the service are billed to me, not him. Di, he has no living expenses. He is an orphan. He has no relations to support. Then where is the money that he is making?”

Anjali stammered, “Woh, Chotey, he does  a lot of charity work… he works for free…”

“Di…” Arnav pretended as though he were reluctant to say the next lines. “Di… it is because he is a ghar jamai without any income that people don’t respect him.”

Anjlai frowned.

“Di, he is going to have  a rajkumari. He should behave more responsibly. He can’t raise a family without an income.”

The sister of the financial genius felt the first strike against her husband, the epitome of every virtue.

“Yes…” she had to agree.

“It is not nice that he is dependant on me for his daily expenses, especially when he has  a job and, now, a family to support.”

Anjali nodded slowly.

“Di, even though many accusations were made against Jijaji that day, I have no proof against him. And Jijaji managed to counter many of the statements made by the others.”

Anjali looked at him hopefully.

“Everyone believes that Jijaji is out to get my money, Di. That he married you for money.”

“Chotey!” Anjali protested, but the protest was weak. Her husband’s extravagances at the expense of her brother were known to her. Designer watches, unexplained & frequent trips away from Delhi... frequent requests for money from her...

“Di, you are endangering your health and your baby’s health because he is not with you. I can’t bear this anymore, Di…” Arnav caught hold of her hand and kissed it. “Kill me, Di. That is better than seeing you starve for Jijaji.” His plea was heart-felt.

Anjali hugged Arnav, copious tears drenching his jacket.

“Di, I don’t mind calling Jijaji and asking him to come to RM. I am ready to apologise for hitting him in anger.”

“Chotey?” Anjali’s eyes shone bright in hope.

“But things can’t go on as before, Di.”

Anjali looked at him.

“I want you to be happy, Di. If Jijaji makes you happy, I don’t mind calling him over. But this time things should be different. I want him to pay his way, Di. I want him to realise his duty towards you and your child. I want everyone to respect him.”

“Chotey…” Anjali protested faintly.

“Di, there was  a time when we had nothing except the clothes on our back. Do you remember how we stood on the grounds of Sheesh Mahal when our Chacha threw us out?”

Anjali nodded slowly, swallowing hard. “Chotey…” She tried to take his mind away from the tragedies of their past. She couldn’t bear to see him burn in the fire of his memories.

“We had nothing, Di. Nothing. No parents. No house. No money. Not even our school books or toys. Just the clothes we were wearing. We have come far now, Di. We have everything now. Rather, we made everything we have now, Di, by working hard, by working every moment of every day, by cutting costs, by saving, by investing wisely, by standing together… Di, If Mamaji, Akash, & I worked, you, Nani, & Mami saved the money we made. That is how we got to where we did. It was a joint effort, involving our whole family, including Mami who gave me her jewellery to sell to start the firm.”

Anjali nodded.

“We know the value of money, Di. Jijaji doesn’t. If he continues to live here comfortably, if I keep on paying him every month, he is never going to make or save money. When your daughter grows up and realises the true state of affairs, Jijaji will fall in her eyes too.” Arnav was very persuasive.

Anjali had to nod.

“I have even heard employees at the bank referring to Shyam Manohar Jha as the husband I employed for you, Di.” Arnav said.

Anjali gasped. “How dare they?”

“Exactly. What if your rajkumari hears such demeaning comments about Jijaji? He will lose all respect in her eyes. We need to change this, Di. Now. We need to make Jijaji aware of his responsibilities. For his own good. For the sake of your rajkumari.”

Anjali nodded, wiping away her tears.

 Arnav hugged Anjali. “Di, as long as I am alive, you will never want for anything. I will always take care of you. But Jijaji shouldn’t take my love for you to mean that he has nothing to contribute to your and your rajkumari’s wellbeing.”

Anjali agreed. 

“Di, as long as you have money in the bank, as long as I pay you a monthly allowance, as long as you own property and diamonds, he is never going to change, Di. You will never be able to live here happily.”

Anjali nodded. “You are right, Chotey.”

“We need to do a few things to change the situation here, Di. To get Jijaji the respect that is due to him.”

Anjali nodded.

“I will call him tomorrow, Di, and ask him to come over.”

“Really, Chotey?” Anjali could not contain her happiness.

“Really, Di.” Arnav sighed inwardly. “Have some soup, Di. I will ask Payal to bring your dinner here.” He spooned cold soup into Di’s mouth.

“What about Khushiji? The rest…?”

“My word is law in my house, Di. I will manage everything for you. You don’t have to worry about anything.” He made sure that the bowl was empty.

“Remember what you told me, Di? To make everything as it was? To bring Shyamji back? To make your life as happy as it was earlier?” Arnav asked her.

Anjali nodded, smiling.

Arnav hugged her. “I promise, Di. I will protect you, as I vowed to do every year when you tied the rakhi on my wrist.”

Anjali hugged him back, happy beyond measure.

“Do you trust me, Di?” he asked.

Anjali nodded, unable to control the love welling in her heart for her brother.

“We need to go over a few documents, together...” Arnav said.

Anjali nodded happily. Then her face fell. “Chotey, my phone! I want to call Shyamji and tell him the good news… Chotey, give me your phone?”

“I will look for your phone, Di. And you can have mine if you want to call Jijaji. But I would suggest, don’t call Jijaji. Let it be a surprise to him when I call him tomorrow.” Arnav suggested.

Anjali was all smiles, now that she had got her way.

“It is only right that I call him, apologise, and invite him back here. After all, I was the one who sent him away.” Arnav tried to look penitent.

Anjali smiled and nodded.

Arnav went to get the documents and ask Payal to serve dinner to Di in her room. It was better that she stayed put there.

Arnav walked into his room. Khushi was sitting on the floor, feeding leaves to Laxmi.

She looked up as he entered the room. He nodded, weary. “She signed everything.” He sat down on the bed. Khushi got up from the floor and sat by him.

“Because she trusts you.” Khushi reminded him. “She knows you will never abandon her to her fate, never leave her defenceless or poor…”

“And because she loves or thinks she loves that…that…rascal.” Arnav sighed.

“He is her husband. She thinks that she is entitled to love him whole-heartedly, without holding anything back.” Khushi said softly. “It is just her misfortune that she picked a man who is not deserving of such a wife or her love.”

Arnav caught hold of her hand.

“Khushi, I…I am sorry. You did nothing. None of this was your fault, and yet…”

Khushi looked at his drawn face.

“It wasn’t your fault. Or mine. Or Anjali’s. It was all Shyam’s fault. All we were guilty of was believing him, trusting him, letting him into our lives when he was not worthy of our trust or affection.”

Arnav nodded. He lifted their joined hands to his lips and dropped a kiss on her hand. Khushi pulled her hand away, flustered.

She jumped up. “It is time to go to bed.” Khushi said. “I am feeling sleepy.” She led Laxmi out of the room, locking the bedroom door after her.

Arnav changed into his night clothes and got into bed.

Khushi was turned away from him, lying at the far end of her side, as far away as possible from him. 

If she could move away from him, he could always move closer to her. Arnav shifted till he was flush against her, his front to her back.

Khushi jumped. “Kya kar rahe he aap?”

Arnav calmed her with his hands on her shoulders and settled her once more into position. “The more you try to run away from me, the more I will try to bring you back.”

 

Khushi panted, his nearness capable of causing a heart failure, his hard warmth against her softness robbing her of words and her sense…

“Because I can’t do without you, Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada.” he whispered in her ear as his fingers trailed down her arm, leaving a line of fire down her sensitive skin.

Khushi scrunched her face and shut her eyes in the effort to ignore his touch.

He kissed her nape with warm, hard lips. Khushi trembled and tried to move away. But there was no space on her side of the bed. She was at the very edge. The only place left was the ground. One more inch and she would be lying on the floor.

She brought her arms to cover her chest, holding clenched fists under her chin, in a vain effort to dissuade his marauding fingers.

He touched her waist and gently ran his fingers down over her hips and the long lines of her slim legs as far as he could touch. His face was buried in her hair.

“You smell so sweet!” he complimented her in his husky voice.

Khushi gulped, the pulse at her throat hammering away.

He raised his head slightly to kiss, bite, and soothe the creamy skin of her throat, leaving behind his mark.

Khushi jerked, and an involuntary  moan left her. The jerk caused her to roll off the bed and fall down on the floor in a sprawl.

 

Arnav looked down at her from the bed with twinkling eyes, and asked softly, “Kya hua, Khushi? Dar gayi?”

Rashmi's interpretation: Part 4: Day 10: Section 2

Smita,
Here is the interpretation to Section 2 of Part 4.
This update is about predetermining things, prescribe and command certain things, intend or choose someone or something for a particular purpose or end, in a word DESTINE.
Arnav Singh Raizada called Khushi from his office at noon and informed her that the documents that he had asked Mr. Roy to prepare would be ready by late evening and he would talk to Di that night and fix things as per the plans. Then, by the next evening they could make it possible, to see the end of Shyam in their lives. Khushi was all nerves and felt her heart beat speeding up with anxiety! They were playing with Di's feelings.She wondered what if Di was shattered more than she already was, after getting to know the true face of Shyam. Arnav sensing her worried thoughts behind her silence, tried to soothe her, asking her not to be scared of the repercussions. Though she looks fragile, Di was strong inside where it counted. She had been under worse conditions than this, faced them bravely and had come through it all with flying colours. Here too, she will be able to come out with her head held high. He would determine that his Di would turn out so. Khushi agreed with his statement. He then asked the whereabouts of the rest. Khushi reported that Jiju and Nanheji were in the garden, sitting almost by Anjaliji's window. Mami was chatting with Anjaliji with Jiji tagging along. Nani was napping to be alert at night. The nurse was in Anjaliji's room and Anjaliji had been asking everyone if they had seen her phone. Seeing that things were going on as predetermined so far, Arnav requested her to ask others to keep Di befuddled as planned until he comes back. She told him they are helping her to look for her phone. Arnav informing her of the plan he had decided said, that he had arranged for two more visits by Di's doctor that day. Shyam who will be watching the house and the activities, will fall into thinking that Di's health has worsened and the next day doctor was scheduled to visit four times before evening. This act was designed to make Shyam think that Di's health has turned critical. Khushi concurred with his arrangements. He informed her that it would be late when he comes home and it will be with the papers as he wanted it to be done as soon as possible. Khushi's statement that Shyam is unpredictable, as unpredictable as the English weather and is not safe to keep him in wait, had Arnav agree and say that he will devote time to Di and her food intake when he reaches home and see that she takes it. Khushi informed him of sending his lunch through HP to his office and Arnav could see HP handing over a bag to Aman and told her so. After a moment of silence, when Arnav said, I love you, Khushi stood stock still. The phone was held in a death grip and her crying eyes glistened like morning frost. Once again sensing that Khushi was in tears, Arnav tried to lighten the mood asking, Why do you always cry when I tell you that I love you, Khushi?  Her quick answer, because you make me cry, always was followed by a pinging sound that alerted him to the call being cut. Arnav has earmarked all his conversations to be a reminder to Khushi that he needs her in his life and he values her. Her place is beside him and it was almost like foreordained to be so. Against her determination to give up on their so called marriage, he was determined not let it be so.
Arnav stepped in to his Di's room with a bowl of soup, only to see her on all fours looking under the bed in search of her phone.  Once Mami saw Arnav enter, knowing his intention as predetermined, paved the way for them to be alone, with a flimsy excuse. Setting the tray on the night stand, Arnav asked what had happened, why was she on her knees when she should be resting? She sulked that she could not find her cell phone. Making her recline on her bed with her back on the pillows stacked against the headboard, he told her that he will help her in her search for it but first to have some soup. She declined to take it. When Arnav held the spoon near her lips saying just a fews spoons for his sake, her eyes readily teared up but was determined and said, no, that she would not take it without her Shyamji. At his protest, she asked him choking with tears, how could he believe such things about his Jiju? How could they lie, in such a bad manner? He is her husband, the father of their rajkumari! He won't be able to find a more loving or good man even if he set out to search for one! Tears as big as an ostrich's eggs began their descent and she cried fitfully like a babbling brook. Anjali was convinced that her Pati Parameshwar was an incarnation of Parameshwar himself. Her emotional outburst was intended to make her Chotey see the reason of her wanting Shyam in her life. This was what Shyam was banking on and he had it marked out as the way to chip Arnav's determination to keep him out of his sister's life and thereby his family and wealth.  Her adoration of her husband, her thinking that sun rises and sets on him, made Arnav's flesh crawl and groan inwardly. His thought that his sister was so gullible as to think so highly of her husband while in reality he was a man with a roving eye, brought in a lump in his throat. Though he wanted to spit out the reality to her, quelling the anger that welled up in him like lava, swallowed his opinion of Shyam with a great deal of effort. He told himself that it was just a matter of few more hours for the doom of Shyam in his hands, with Di's eyes opened wide. It was an appointment with tryst that he was determined to keep.
In between her sobs, her words were coherent enough for him to hear his Di telling him that by lying, they have taken away the respect that is due to my husband. You hit him, Chotey! How could you raise your hand to your Jijaji? Arnav, taking his time, addressed her. It was intended to be seen as though he was having second thoughts on all the happenings. As though being hit by a fresh realization, he slowly apologized saying, that he was sorry, for his anger had fogged his mind. Does she not know how he gets blind with rage? He shouldn't have done it. He should have thought about it before. He was really sorry. He really doesn't know if Sh... Ji-Ja-Ji was behind the kidnapping. He had not seen him. Arnav's words were like music to her ears and his confession had Anjali in seventh heaven and said,this was what had she been claiming all along. His words had the predetermined effect with which it was uttered. Arnav with a sigh reiterated the fact, that he was kidnapped and that was the truth as well as reality. Anjali, with a solemn nod, cupped his face with gentle fingers in reassurance. Setting aside the soup, Arnav hugged her and after a long hug, he gently helped her to lie against the pillows.
Arnav in a soft voice as though seeking her help to clear his confusion asked her, could he ask her something? When she asked him to continue, he asked her, at the time of her marriage, he had got an elegant office for Jijaji in Delhi. Jijaji is always away, always on work. Anjali pouted and agreed that indicated he was away quite a lot and that was not to her liking. Arnav threw in a dart at her bubble of happiness asking, then where is the money that he makes? Anjali stared at him agape. She had never thought of it! With a concerned, serious look on his face, he asked her, was it going to his savings or using it for her? Anjali drew a blank when she thought of, when her Shyamji had saved money or spent his own money on her. Arnav continued with his probe that was making her probe her mind saying, he had been depositing money in her bank account, the joint account every month for the past three years. She had been receiving the rent from the houses he had given at the time of her marriage. All her fixed deposits and investments have been done by him, before her marriage. All her diamonds and ornaments have been given by him. Where is the money that Jijaji is making? His query made Anjali stare blankly at him. As intended, Arnav's queries sowed a seed of enquiry in his Di's mind and contuinuing in the same vein asked her, Jijaji withdraws from their joint account does he not? At Anjali's nod, he stated if he is short on cash, he takes from her too. Does he not? That is from her personal account. Anjali agreed to what he said. She could not lie to this sweet and sympathetic Chotey. He further added that when he lives with them, uses the car that he had given on their marriage, the fuel and the service are billed to him, Jiju has no living expenses. Being an orphan he has no relations to support. Then where is the money that Jiju is making? His penetrating questions had Anjali stammer and defend her husband saying that he does a lot of pro bono work. Arnav with pretended reluctance haltingly said that it was because he is a ghar jamai without any income people don't respect him. His words made Anjali frown. Arnav told her that as Jiju was going to be a father, he needs to be more responsible. He can't raise a family without an income.These words were designed to let her know that if she wanted a future with her husband Shyam should shoulder the weight of his family. Arnav had marked this out not to be so. It was meant to show to Anjali that her devoted Pati Parameshwar was nothing but a scoundrel who would balk at taking responsibility and was a freeloader on whom, she had placed her trust and her unconditional love without even batting an eyelid!
With Chotey's words having a ring of truth in it, the first seed of doubt sprouted in the mind of Anjali, who had thought that her husband was an epitome of virtue, Divinity personified,. She had to agree, at her Chotey's logical thinking. He told her, that it was not really a good sign for Jiju to be dependant on him for his daily expenses when has a job and now a family to support. Anjali agreed with a slow nod. He told her that even though many accusations were made against Jijaji that day, he has no proof against him. And Jijaji managed to counter many of the statements made by the others. Anjali's eyes had hope lurking in. His statement that all believe that Jijaji has married her for his money, elicited a Chotey! as a reprimand but it was without any resolve. Her mind dwelt on her husband's extravagances that she had been feeding with money, that were the product of her brother's sweat. Designer watches, unexplained frequent trips away from Delhi, frequent requests for money from her, not one or two but countless number of times. Knowing that he should strike while the iron is hot, Arnav clasping her hand gently in his and kissing it said, that she was endangering her health as well as her baby's health because Shyam is not with her. He is not able to bear this anymore. In a voice choked with tears, hurt and desolation resonating, he told her it would be better if she killed him rather than him see her starve for Jijiaji.  His plea though said with a predetermined purpose was heart-felt too. Anjali hugged him with her ceaseless tears making a wet blotch on his designer jacket. He further told her, that he doesn't mind calling Jijaji and asking him to come to RM. He was ready to apologise for hitting him in anger. His words had a profound effect. Anjali's eyes shone bright with hope. When Arnav added a rider, that things had to change and it would not be as it was earlier, Anjali waited to hear what he had to say. He told her that he wants her to be happy and if Jijaji was her happiness, then so be it. He would not mind recalling him but he needs to pay his way through. He needs to realize that his duty and life lay with her and her child and he wanted everyone to respect him as it ought to be. This was intended to show to Anjali that her Chotey will fulfill her wishes but at his own terms. He would look into their requests but reserve the right to decide.
Not heeding Anjali's token of a protest, he continued to lay out his condition to bring back Shyam to RM. Does she remember the time when they had nothing except the clothes they were wearing? How they stood on the grounds of Sheesh Mahal when their Chacha threw them out? Anjali nodded at him. She tried to distract him by calling, Chotey, knowing fully well her Chotey even now smarted at its memory, it made him burn as furiously as a bale of straw set afire and he used to plunge into gloom at the very thought of injustice meted out to them. He continued to say that they had nothing. They had neither parents nor a roof, not even money, their school books or toys, just the clothes they had on them. They have come so far now that they have everything, made everything they possess now by sheer hard work, working every single moment, by cutting costs, saving, wise investments, standing united. It had been a united effort. While Mamaji, Akash and he worked, she, Nani and Mami saved the money they made. That is how they had reached the present position. It was a joint effort, of their whole family, including Mami who gave him her jewellery to sell for the initial capital to start the firm. His words were acknowledged by Anjali with a nod. The purpose was to remind Anjali that everybit of what they had was the fruit of their toil and it was not given to them on a silver platter as everyone assumes now.
He informed her that they know the value of money, but Jijaji doesn't. If Jijaji continues to live here comfortably, with the money he receives as allowance every month, he would never make or save money. When your daughter grows up and realises the true state of affairs, Jijaji will fall in her esteem too. Arnav put forth a very persuasive and determined argument and one, that would touch a chord. But it was also the dire truth. Anjali was left with no other choice but to agree with his line of thought as it was the bitter truth. Continuing, Arnav told her that he has even heard employees at the bank, snigger and refer to Shyam Manohar Jha as the husband  that he had employed for her, making Anjali gasp and say how dare they sneer at her beloved husband! Arnav agreed with her and told her, that was exactly his reaction. But what worries him is, what would the little one, her rajkumari, feel if she heard such despising comments about her father? Would she not be hurt as well as won't he fall down in her eyes? So they needed to change the whole set-up now itself. Jijaji needs to be made aware of his responsibilities for his own good as well as for her rajkumari. Shaken by his words, a tearful and trembling Anjali nodded at him. Her misery made Arnav give her a bear hug soothing her, and comforting her he said, as long as he was alive, she would not lack for anything. He will always take care of her. But Jijaji shouldn't take his love for her as an indication that he has nothing to contribute to her's and her rajkumari's lifestyle. Anjali agreed to it. His words of sense and wisdom made her realize that her brother, whatever he may be to others, was devoted to her and her well being. It was then Arnav let the mammoth drop of wisdom trickle down for her to assimilate. As long as she has a fat bank balance, as long as he pays her monthly allowance, as long as she owns property and diamonds, Shyam would never change or even lift a finger for her. Then she would never be able to live here happily. Anjali agreed with this thought of her Chotey too and voiced it so.
To change all these they too needed to make a few changes to get Jijaji the respect that was due to him. He would call him the next day and ask him to come over. His words were like manna to Anjali who was waiting for the day she would be united with her Shyamji. She asked for his confirmation whether she heard it right and Arnav, sighing inwardly, assured her of it as he fed her the soup that had gone cold and said he would ask Payal to get her dinner! He put to rest Anjali's worry, about how Khushi and the rest would take it, assuring her with words that his words becomes the decree in his house and he would manage everything for her and she doesn't have to exert herself over anything. While assuring her, he made sure that she had her soup completely. He asked her does she remember what she had asked of him? To make everything as it was? To bring Shyamji back? To make her life as happy as it was earlier? Anjali was happy that her Chotey was about to fulfill all her wishes. The faith she had in her brother was not misplaced and he was keeping it for her. Arnav had earmarked her wishes to be his sword as well as his shield and he was going to utilize it fully. His shatir dimaag had found a way of fulfilling it. That was what she had asked and that was what he was going to prescribe. Giving her a warm hug, he promised that he would protect her, and fulfill the vow he makes every year when she ties the rakhi on his wrist. A beaming Anjali, who was as happy as a sunflower would be to see the sun beams kissing it, hugged back Arnav. His query, whether she trusts him had Anjali bob her head unable to voice out with the love for her brother, rushing through her heart like a river in flood. He told her that they needed to go over a few documents, together. As Anjali nodded happily, suddenly her face collapsed as if it were a pricked balloon. She said that she wanted her phone to call her Shyamji and give him the good news and asked for his phone. Arnav cleverly evaded her from contacting Shyam by suggesting that he would look for her phone and she could use his if she wanted to call Jijaji. But his suggestion was, not to call and to make it a surprise when Jijaji gets a call from him the next day. He had put it in such a way that finally, the call to place a call was left to her call. Anjali was one happy camper who had got things done her way. She was as happy as a flea in a doghouse. Arnav trying to look his utmost contrite self told her, that he would call Jijaji, apologize and invite him to return back as he was the one who had sent him away. Anjali smiling like a beauty waking from a happy dream nodded. Arnav went to get the documents and ask Payal to serve dinner to Di in her room. He decided it was better she stayed in the confines of her room secluded and till the time, bask in her bubble of happiness.
As Arnav walked into his room Khushi was squatting on the floor, feeding leaves to Laxmi. Looking up as he entered he gave a weary nod and said, she signed everything. So saying he flopped down on the bed. Khushi too sat by him and reminded him that Anjaliji has the utmost trust in him and she is aware that her Chotey will never abandon her and make her a destitute. Arnav sighed and told Khushi that Di felt that she could trust him just because he told her that he would get Shyam back and she loves or thinks she loves that swine. Khushi, in a voice as soft as the summer music of the brook, told him that he is her husband after all. She thinks that she is entitled to love him whole-heartedly, without holding anything back. It was just her fate that she picked a man who is not deserving of such a wife or her love.  Her words made Arnav hold her hand and say in a voice, as hollow as the hollow sea, that he was sorry. Eventhough she was innocent and with no fault on her part, she had to bear the brunt. Khushi looking at his drawn face, consoled him saying that it was not his fault or hers or Anjaliji's. It was Shyam's. All of them were just guilty of believing him, placing their trust in him, letting him into their lives when he was not even worthy of their trust or affection. Her correct take on the event had him nodding and lift their joined hands to his lips and kiss her hand conveying to her that he adores her. Arnav who had always been attracted to her, even before he realized it and also that he loved her and she had become the very breath he needed to survive was determined to woo her to stay in his life. Their meeting at Sheesh Mahal was predestined, though Fate had not favoured their meeting in a pleasant way. This, Arnav was sure of and he was ready to do anything to keep her with him and this time with her willingness. Flustered by his expression of love, Khushi pulled away her hands and jumped up saying that it was late and she was sleepy. Leading Laxmi out of the room she locked the door.    
As Arnav came to bed after changing into night clothes, Khushi was sleeping with her back towards him, at the far end of the bed, putting as much distance as she could. Taking his cue from the well known expression, if Mohammed will not go to the mountain, the mountain must come to Mohammed, he moved closer to her till he was cuddling her, spooning, making Khushi nearly jump out of her skin and ask, what he was doing? Arnav, calming her with his hands on her shoulders and pulling her back into the position, said that the more she tried to move away from him, the more he would bring her back. His words, his nearness, his hard warmth against her softness robbed her of words and her sense, and made her heave heavily. He whispered softly in her ear that, he can't do without her, Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada, as his fingers trailed down her arm, leaving a line of fire down her sensitive skin like the blooming of the rosebuds. Khushi scrunched her face like a squeezed orange and shut her eyes in an effort to ignore his touch. His kiss on her nape with warm, hard lips had Khushi tremble and try to move away. Once more Fate was not on her side.To her luck, she was on the very edge of the bed and next to it was the floor. One wee bit of movement she would be on the floor. She brought her arms to cover her chest, holding clenched fists under her chin, in an effort to dissuade his marauding fingers that was an exercise in absolute vain. With his face buried in the luxurious soft silken tresses, his hands moved on their own touching her waist and running along her hips and the long lines of her slender legs as far as his reach. He was as happy as the cat that got its cream. His compliment that she smelt extremely sweet!, and his husky voice made her pulse flutter like a dove. Raising his head slightly, placing his lips on the creamy skin of her throat, leaving behind hickeys and soothing them, made Khushi moan and jerk. A quiet smile played around his lips, like the eddies and dimples of the tide play round the bows of ships. The jerk ended with Khushi landing down on the floor in an ungainly sprawl. Arnav with piercing eyes like sunbeams and naughty laughter dancing in it asked softly, what happened Khushi? Got scared is it? This was  the tactic chosen by Arnav with a purpose of unsettling her and make her loosen up the battens that she had placed around her heart to make herself impervious to his moves. Along with this purpose of his, it also brought him immense pleasure. He had only nine more days to woo her and he was determined to change her mind. He had marked out her determination to leave him as doomed. He is seen effectively using his two pronged attack, words and actions, to make her understand that their union is predestined, predetermined, preordained by Fate and it is not just the Earthy Union she has to see, she has to look into the Union of Souls, that has already taken place. 
That is why this update is titled DESTINE.
"There are winds of destiny that blow when we least expect them. Sometimes they gust with the fury of a hurricane, sometimes they barely fan one's cheek. But the winds cannot be denied, bringing as they often do a future that is impossible to ignore"
                                            ~ Nicholas Sparks,                                                                       Message in a Bottle
That's it from me. Hope you enjoy it.