92. Loving Khushi Part 4: Day 10: Section 3

Loving Khushi: Part 4: Day 10: Section 3

Khushi glared at him.

Arnav got out of bed and extended his arm to help her up.

Khushi looked at his hand, and then at his twinkling eyes. She gave his hand the royal ignore and got up under her own steam, rubbing her hip bone.

Arnav lowered his hand, the smile still on his lips.

“Scared? Of you?” Khushi flipped her head, sending the strand of hair on her cheek flying in the air.

Arnav smiled looking at her disgruntled face and her rapid breathing.

“So you are not scared of me?” Arnav confirmed.

“No.”

“Then come to bed.” he invited, his husky voice doing unmentionable things to her insides.

Khushi knew a dangerous thing when she saw one. She moved away from the bed on rapid feet, her nose in the air. She quickly occupied the recliner.

“I will sleep here.” she declared.

“You won’t.” Arnav replied, determination evident in his tone.

Khushi turned away from him, making herself comfortable on the recliner.

Arnav strode to her and scooped her up in his arms.

“Chodiye hamein!” Khushi demanded as she squirmed and tried to free herself, beating her legs in the air as though she were swimming.

Arnav did not bother to reply as he lowered her gently on to the bed on his side, laying her head on his pillow.

Khushi tried to get up. Arnav sat down on the bed by her and put his hands on either side of her, blocking her attempts.

Khushi looked warily at him as her head fell back against the pillow.

Arnav looked down at her beautiful face.

He bent his head and dropped a gentle kiss on her forehead. “Khushi, I love you.” he whispered against her skin.

Khushi looked at him, silent. Her lips trembled slightly.

“Khushi…” he encouraged her to respond, to say what he knew to be true.

Khushi remained stubbornly silent.

“You can remain silent, Khushi, but your eyes speak to me. Always.” he claimed.

Horrified eyes looked in to his serious eyes. Khushi quickly turned her head away to avoid looking at him.

“You can hide your eyes from me, Khushi, but you can’t hide your breathlessness.” Arnav murmured.

Khushi stared at him, flustered. She tried to hold her breath. Failing at that, she tried to breathe slowly, drawing deep breaths in to her lungs.

“You can control your breathing, Khushi…” he said, laughter hidden in the words. “But what about your dhadkan? Why is your heart racing?”

Khushi clutched her heart, feeling furious with herself. What could she do with this heart of hers? It was too susceptible to this Shaitan.

She turned away to hide her eyes, her breathing, and her heart from him.

Arnav smiled, and crawled in to the bed, curling himself around her. He put his arm around her, and clasped her hand in his, gently making space for his fingers in between hers. Khushi lay still, scared to move.

Suddenly, it began to rain. Fat rain drops fell on a dry earth, wetting it in seconds, sending a seductive musk to waft on the wind. Leaves danced in the wind, branches bent to the fury of the rain and the wind…

Arnav lay curled around his wife, his hand in hers.

Darkness fell around them like a cloak, and the rain sung a lullaby to the pair. This was all he wanted to be happy in life, Arnav thought. Her hand in his, moments of togetherness in their own choti si duniya… that was all he longed for. As soon as Shyam was kicked out and Di’s life was settled, he could hope for some khushi in his.

Lightning streaked across the dark sky, soon followed by thunder. Khushi, who always clung to her Jiji during lightning & thunder, pulled her hand out of Arnavji’s, turned and threw herself in to his arms, hiding her face in the crook of his neck.

Arnav smiled tenderly as he gathered her into his arms.

He spent most of the night savouring her warmth in his arms and dropping kisses on her hair.

Part 5: Day 9: Section 1

The doctor visited Anjali four times during the day and found her greatly improved. Arnav paid the nurse three times her fees and sent her on her way. He did not need any outsiders to listen in on to his family airing its dirty linen in the privacy of their house. 

Khushi went to the temple, prayed for Anjaliji & Arnavji and the success of their plan, and returned home to cook lunch.

Nani, Payal, & Mami spent the day with Anjali. She asked, “Nani, where is the nurse?”

Nani replied after a glance at Mami & Payal, “Chotey sent her away, Anjali Bitiyaa. You are so much better now. You don't need her.”

Anjali frowned. “Nani, I haven’t found my phone yet.”

Nani tried to smile at her. “You must have misplaced it, Anjali Bitiyaa. Don’t worry about it.”

“Nani, I have never misplaced or lost anything in this house till now. Till the nurse came here to look after me.” Anjali frowned. “Do you think the nurse has something to do with my phone being lost?”

Nani, Mami, & Payal looked at each other. The poor girl had come to look after Anjali, and was now being blamed for something she had absolutely no knowledge of.

“Who knows, Anjali Bitiyaa?” Nani asked. “Only God knows the truth. No one can hide their sins from her.”

Arnav called Shyam in the evening, as soon as the doctor left the fourth time. He answered on the second ring as though he had been anticipating this call.

“Saale sahab, what made you think of me now?” the hateful voice asked.

Arnav swallowed the bile, and said, “Di…Di is very sick. She wants to see you…”

Shyam smiled. So his briliant plan had worked. Rani Sahiba had played her part well by starving religiously for him.

“She hasn’t eaten anything in 2 days.” Arnav said.

Saale sahab and his Di. The distant money bag and his own tool for reaching the distant money bag and pulling it close…. Shyam smiled, scenting victory.

“I want you to…” Arnav’s tone showed his reluctance. “…come over and be with her.”

Shyam smirked. Three years of putting up with Arnav's limping Di were going to pay him rich dividends. He looked around at the spartan lines of the room he had rented in a lower class locality in Delhi. He was born for better things, to live in the lap of luxury without lifting a finger, spouting romantic nonsense in the ears of his Rani Sahiba and fooling large sums out of her…

“Your wish is my command, Saale sahab.” Shyam drawled, feeling vastly superior to Arnav who had let himself be manipulated by his Di into inviting Shyam back home. What did Arnav know of his prowess, his brains, his sharp wit, his legal mind that could see loop holes and avenues where  ordinary mortals could not?

“What time shall we expect you?” Arnav asked.

“Six, Saale sahab. I can’t tell you how happy I am that you have seen the error of your ways and the dangers of separating your Di from her husband.” Shyam tried to prick him.

“We will wait for you.” Arnav said, not bothering to be pricked by the prick. He cut the call, and turned to Khushi.

“He said he will be here at six. Expect him at seven. He willl enjoy making us wait.”

Khushi nodded.

“I will let Di know.” Arnav said as he turned to leave the room. “Khushi, come down to Nani’s room. We need to go over the plan.”

“Ji.”

Something in her voice made him turn around. Her face was pale, scared of the outcome of the evening’s drama.

 He strode to her and cupped her face.

“Khushi, don’t worry. Whatever happens, Shyam is not going to return to this house. I promise.” he murmured, his eyes on hers.

Khushi nodded.

“Whether she accepts the truth about her husband or not, Di is not going to live with him anymore. I will get him out of her life.” Arnav’s voice was soft, but carried the weight of his firm conviction.

Khushi nodded.

“You are Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada who is not scared of even Arnav Singh Raizada. Are you scared of a worm like Shyam Manohar Jha?” he asked.

Khushi’s face hardened. “No.”

“That’s my Khushi!” he said. “The Khushi who stood in her wet clothes in the cold rain and returned the coat of the arrogant ASR, the Khushi who took the measurements of the male models, the Khushi who dared to challenge the arrogant Laad Governor…” Every word was an endearment.

Khushi had to smile.

Arnav smiled, and swooped down to kiss her rosy cheek.

Gift VM: Meri Saanson Ko

Rashmi's interpretation: 


Smita,
Here is the interpretation to Section 3 of Part 4.
This update is about an attack or incursion to obtain something; a raid, go to the place into which one is forbidden. In a word, FORAY.
Hearing Arnav's query, what happened Khushi? Got scared, is it? she glared at him. When Arnav extended his arm to help her get up, Khushi gazed at his hand and then at his eyes that were twinkling with mirth and naughty thoughts. Deciding to give it a royal ignore, she got up under her own steam, giving her hip bone a good rub. Arnav withdrew his hand but she saw the smile was lingering on his lips like an unwanted guest. Khushi flipped her head sending her bangs that were stroking her cheeks flying off in a wave and asked Scared? That too of him? Her peeved up face, her uneven breathing like a deer that was driven hard to bay and her flippant words made Arnav smile. He was enjoying the incursion he was making into her fortress of denial. Arnav tried to confirm whether she stood by what she said of not being afraid of him. When she affirmed, he asked her to prove it by coming to bed. His husky voice that was making her heart flip, was coursing through her like running rivers on their course alone, making her want to moan while her mind wanted to be left alone. He was on a systematic pillage spree. Khushi knew that the dare was a lure, just like spider inviting the fly to its parlour. Once that thought came to her, she moved away from the bed in a quick movement and reposed on the chaise longue declaring that is where she would spend the night. Arnav in a tone as resolute as an iron told her that she won't. Khushi without heeding his words, turned away from him settling comfortably over there. Arnav in a move, as swiftly as birds that skim the air, strode to her and scooped her up in one sweep. Her demand to leave her alone and all the squirming and flailing legs helplessly in the air came to a naught. Before she knew, Arnav had gently deposited her on his side of the bed with her head resting on his pillow. As she tried to get up, Arnav sat by her blocking her move by placing his hands on either side. Khushi with wary eyes looked at him as her head fell back against the pillow. Looking at her face, beauteous as the silver moon and taking the utmost pleasure from it, he kissed her forehead whispering against her skin, Khushi, I love you. His words that conveyed his thoughts, his voice that conveyed his feelings, hit her, marauding her senses in a trice, surged through her like neap tides making her pulse quiver and feel the tremble. Calling out her name, he tried to entice her to respond to his words, what he knew was true, but she remained stubbornly mute. She knew this assault was ransacking her and with great determination she had to keep a grip on her oscillating mind. While she remained so, Arnav told her she can remain silent as much as she wants to but her eyes, those lovely lamps, windows of her soul do speak to him. His claim had her horrified and she watched his serious eyes. Unnerved by the feeling, that he was penetrating deep into her soul, her eyes quickly skittered away from his and half veiled it with her long lashes. Arnav murmured throatily that she could hide her eyes from him, but she cannot hide her breathing. Her breathlessness was a giveaway. He was stripping her off all her shields and revealing her true self. A bewildered Khushi stared at him, trying to hold her breath. Not being very successful, she tried to breathe slowly, drawing deep breaths in to her lungs. Confounding her, with words laced with laughter, he said that she could control her breathing, but what about her heartbeats? Why was it racing? Why was her heart fluttering like a fan when he was near? Khushi, in a wink, clutched her heart with her soft and delicate hand, furious with herself. What could she do even when her heart was favouring him? He was all set to plunder and his raid was weakening her defense. She turned away on her sides, to hide her eyes, her breathing, and her heart from him. Arnav with a smile, like the sun in his glory on the bud, crawled in to the bed and curled himself around her. Winding his arms around her, clasped her hands in his and gently splayed her hands entwining his long fingers with her dainty ones, like vines. A hitched up Khushi, lay still.
Suddenly the dark clouds, like hooded monks, chanted with drops of rains. Speeding its pace, quelled the parched earth of its thirst, sending out the refreshing scent of the Mother Earth to waft on the wind. Leaves were twisting and twirling while the branches were swinging to the lashings of the rain and the wind. The sky was making an attempt to meet the earth.
While the nature was quenching the thirst of the earth, Arnav lay on his bed curled around his wife, his hand in hers. Darkness encompassed them like a cloak with the pitter patter of the raindrops singing them a lullaby and rocking them. For Arnav, it was the pleasantest thing and a blissful situation. Arnav's thoughts lingered on thinking that this was all he wanted, to be happy in life, with her hand in his, moments of togetherness in their own small and secluded world. This was what he needed. As soon as Shyam was kicked out and Di's life was settled, he could hope for some khushi in his. As a streak of lightning blazed across the dark sky, followed by a clap of earth shattering thunder, Khushi, who always clung to her Jiji at such times, pulled her hand out of Arnavji's, turned and threw herself in to his arms, hiding her face in the crook of his neck, trembling like a flame blown by the wind. With a beaming smile, he tenderly gathered her into the warmth of his arms. His night was spent mostly savouring the sweet warmth of the lovely bundle in his arms, cuddling her close to his heart and dropping kisses on her hair, while she trembled like dew on the leaves. The thunderstorm had succeeded to send the fly into spider's parlour. This was one foray that had yielded results beyond his expectation so soon. Together they made their foray into their own world, their choti si duniya.
That is why this update is titled, FORAY.
"Determination, effort, and practice are rewarded with  success"
                                          ~ Mary Lydon Simonsen,                                                        The Perfect Bride for Mr. Darcy
That's it from me. Hope you enjoy it.

Smita,
Here is the interpretation to Section 1 of Part 5.
This update is about support, strengthening, propping up. The word is BOLSTER.
As decided, the doctors visited four times the next day and drastic improvement in Anjali's health was found. Everyone was happy with the progress. Arnav relieved the services of the nurse and paid her triple the decided amount. He cleared the house of all the outsiders as he did not want to air their dirty laundry in public. Khushi had been to her Devi Maiyya's temple and prayed for Anjaliji, Arnavji and the fruition of their plan and returned home to cook lunch. Nani, Payal and Mami spent the day with Anjali. When she asked Nani the whereabouts of the nurse, as she could not see her around, Nani giving Mami and Payal a telling glance told her, that Chotey had relieved off nurse's services as Bitiyaa was much better now and there was no need for her presence. Anjali with a frown said that she had not found her cell phone yet. Nani, trying to smile at her asked her not to worry, as she must have misplaced it. Anjali was insistent on that matter saying that she had never misplaced or lost anything in the house till then, until the nurse came over to look after her. Frowning at the thought, Anjali asked does she think the nurse was in any way connected with the missing phone? The rest could only glance at each other. The girl had come over just to help them out and now was being doubted for her integrity, for something that she had no clue about. Nani, not wanting to blame the girl without any reason told Anjali ambiguously, who knows. Only Devi Maiyya would be able to sift the truth from falsehood and no one will be able to hide their sins from her all knowing eyes. Nani was talking about the bubble that was surrounding Anjali. She was shoring up both her grandson Arnav, in his quest to expose the crook as well as her granddaughter Anjali, seeking solace. Anjali was living in a dream world where every lie looked like a truth and everything her husband did looked like a loving gesture. In her insecurity that had been dwelling in her due to her past and her physical challenges, she had cocooned herself against her one folly, the folly of falling into the charms exuded by Shyam Manohar Jha. Now, it was left to her brother, Arnav Singh Raizada, to open her eyes by reinforcing his argument that Shyam had taken them for a ride and he was not Parameshwar as envisioned by her but a crook with an evil bent of mind abetted by his legal brains. Arnav, while exposing Shyam was cushioning his Di with the support of his family from the effects of his deeds that would affect her very being right now. In this, his family was aiding them both. That was what that would strengthen them. This was one tempering that Anjali had to go through for her folly of letting Shyam inveigle into the family.
When Arnav called Shyam in the evening after the doctor had visited for the fourth time that day, it was answered at the second ring as though he had been expecting the call like a fiery steed that anticipates the course, and pants to hear the sprightly signal to start him for the goal. It reinforced Shyam's belief that things were in place as planned, even though he had not received any calls from his treasury house a.k.a. Anjali Jha. Saale Sahab, what had made him to be thought of now, came the odious voice over the phone. His hollow words and lip devotion boosted Arnav all the more in his endeavour to expose the evil Shyam in front of his Di. Arnav, all turkey-red, managed to gulp down his choler sufficiently to utter some syllables and said, Di'Di is very sick. She wants to see him. His words made Shyam smug, give out an exultant smile, and think that his brilliant plan had been extremely effective and his Rani Sahiba had played her part perfectly by starving herself for him. He was buoyed by those words. When Arnav stated that she had not had a morsel in two days, Shyam's mind went to the fabled pot of gold at the end of the rainbow. Saale Sahab and his Di were the bridge to procure his pot of gold. Shyam beamed scenting victory in the vicinity. Arnav using a tone that showed his reluctance, he asked Shyam haltingly, to come over and be with his Di. A triumphant Shyam with an evil smirk and with self satisfaction thought that the three years of his life invested in Arnav's limping Di were going to pay him rich dividends. This was what had sustained him. Looking around at his spartan living conditions, in a rented room at a lower income group locality in Delhi, he deliberated that he was born for better things, to live in the lap of luxury without having to lift a finger, spouting romantic nonsense in the ears of his Rani Sahiba and fooling large sums out of her. The request from Arnav, helped him in upholding his belief that his place was in Raizada Mansion and nowhere else. It buttressed his self image that he was destined for greatness and wealth without even breaking a sweat. Shyam having a self-satisfied smirk of a man who knew he was in power, and enjoying it drawled out, that his Saale Sahab's wish was his command. A wry smile twisted on his lips with the knowledge that Arnav let himself be manipulated by his Di into inviting Shyam back home. He gloated to himself as to what did Arnav know of his prowess, his brains, his sharp wit, his legal mind that could see loop holes and avenues and at times he could create them too where ordinary mortals could not? He was brought out from his reverie of back patting by Arnav's query, what time could they expect him? Shyam answered at six and he was overwhelmed that his Saale Sahib had seen the light on his erring ways and the ramification of separating his Di from her husband. His intention was to rub salt into the injury but Arnav, not bothering about any of his snide remarks said that they would wait for him and cut the call. The call to Shyam helped Arnav to reinforce the necessity of his actions as well as quick result.
Turning to Khushi who was by his side, Arnav said that, Shyam says he would be here at six but he could be expected at seven. He would deliberately make them wait trying to show his power. As Khushi nodded he said, that he would let Di know and as he turned to leave he asked her to come down to Nani's room to go over the plan once more. Her meek, yes, that was said without much zest made him turn around only to see her face had paled as a candle by the sun and flickered with fear of the outcome of the evening's drama when unfolded. With a long stride he reached her, cupping her face tenderly within his palms, he told her not to worry. He promised that, whatever be the outcome, Shyam will not be allowed to live in this house making Khushi nod. In a soft voice that had a ring of steel in it he said, whether Di accepts the truth about her husband or not, Di would not be living with him anymore. He would get him out of her life. As Khushi just nodded without an oral reply he knew she was still apprehensive and was in need of his support. When he needed her, she was his cushion, as well as his buttress. She had been the one to show him the path leading to light when he was enveloped in darkness and misery. She had buoyed him into action when he was unable to decide what to do. In order to boost her confidence that they could pull it, he told her that she was Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada, who was not scared of even Arnav Singh Raizada. When that being the case, was she scared of a creep like Shyam Manohar Jha? Khushi immediately steeled herself and retorted, no, in a tone  that was as cold as icy winds. Arnav seeing herself bracing up against Shyam who had tried to tag her as a siren, boosting her confidence said, that was his Khushi. The Khushi who braved the lashing rains and stood in wet clothes refusing the coat and returned it to ASR,  the Khushi who cleverly got the work done of getting the measurements of male models, the Khushi who dared to challenge the arrogant Laad Governor at every step. Every word he uttered was an accolade to her power of resilience, her ability to overcome hardship, her daring nature to face things and not shy away and also his love for her, admiring her tenacity, her zest and her doggedness. Every word was an endearment. His way of boosting her confidence when it was down with apprehension made it impossible for Khushi to do anything but smile. Her smile, as wide as the ocean, made him smile, like sunlight in a rippling sea. Feeling light hearted he swooped down to kiss her bright cheek, as soft and pure as a wild rose in its bloom.
This update it is the strengthening of beliefs, be it Arnav, Khushi, Shyam, Anjali, Nani or the rest. As iron sharpens iron, one person sharpens the other.
That is why it is titled BOLSTER.
"There is little difference in people,
  But a little difference makes a big difference.
  The little difference is attitude.
  The big difference is whether it is positive or negative"

That's it from me. Hope you enjoy it.

Part 5: Day 9: Section 2

Shyam knocked on the door.

Arnav, standing near the door, looked up at his Mami who was waiting at the top of the stairs, and nodded. 

Mami said, “All the besht, Arnav Bitwaa!” silently, her mouth moving without making any sound.

Arnav nodded and proceeded towards the door.

Mami went to Khushi’s room to warn her and then to Anjali’s room to get her.

Arnav opened the door to see Shyam’s smug mug.

His hands itched to teach the money-grubbing freeloader a painful lesson. He clenched his fists to control himself and stood back to let the conceited toad in.

Shyam sauntered in, looking around smugly. The house seemed empty. He frowned and his feet faltered. Had Arnav invited him to an empty house to beat him black and blue? He turned around to make a dash for the door to find Arnav standing like a mountain in his path.

“Sit down. The others will be down in a moment.” Arnav said softly, reading the thought in the coward’s mind and hating himself for not having seen through the crook earlier, for having called him Jiju and believed in him…

Shyam gulped and moved towards the living room. He sat down in a cushy chair. Arnav stood looking at him, his eyes showering contempt on the lazy trickster, the swindler who made a living fooling his credulous and gullible wife.

Shyam looked towards the stairs and stood up. Anjali was coming down, helped by Payal and Mami. Nani was behind them. Khushi, NK, Akash, & Mamaji were missing.

“Rani Sahiba!” the cheat carolled.

Tears dripped down Anjali’s cheeks. Their ploy had worked. Starving herself as suggested by Shyamji had made Chotey agree to invite her husband back. Now she and Shyamji could live here, awaiting the birth of their daughter. And Chotey had promised to talk to Shyamji about paying for the needs of his small family without depending on Chotey for everything. 

As she saw Shyamji stride up to her, her heart overflowed with love for him. When they were all under one roof, soon Chotey would realise that the accusations made against her husband were false. Khushiji, Payalji, & NK Bhai would understand that they had been mistaken, and everything would become alright. Life would go back to being the dream it once had been. And she would have the perfect life with her perfect husband, the perfect brother, the perfect Nani & Mami…

She hugged her husband, and wept all over him. Nani, Mami, & Arnav had to clench their jaws to stop themselves from pulling her out of his arms. Shyam finally managed to calm her and led her to the chair next to his. 

“Namaste, Naniji, Mamiji.” the snake greeted them.

They nodded, trying their best to smile at him. Arnav had told them not to put Shyam on his guard, but to lull him into a false sense of security.

“It is good that you returned, Damadji.” Nani made herself say.

Mami, not to be outdone by her Sasumma, added, “Anjali Bitiyaa was crying because she could not see you, Hello Hi Bye Bye!”

“I told Chotey that this could not go on.” Nani said.

“Bhat if the baby ijj hurt because Anjali Bitiyya ijj crying?” Mami asked. “How can we let that happen?”

Shyam smiled. So he had Mami & Nani to thank for Arnav’s decision to let him back in to RM.

Nani and Mami sat down on a sofa. Payal sat behind them, to the back of the room. Arnav sat on another sofa, leaving the space beside him for Khushi. She slipped in to it, having come down unnoticed during the Shyam-Anjali tearfest.

Shyam looked his fill at Khushi. She looked like a newly bloomed rose in her pink anarkali. Now he could see her everyday. That was another advantage to staying with Rani Sahiba.

Arnav caught his covetous eyes on Khushi, and almost jumped out of his seat to tear Shyam limb from limb.

Khushi gently touched Arnav’s arm to remind him of their plan, of the fact that she was with him and not with that scoundrel.

Arnav relaxed. Khushi then sat back, breathing deeply, praying to Devi Maiyya to make everything alright.

Arnav looked at the sick sight of his Di clinging to her husband’s arm while he was making sheep’s eyes at Khushi.

It was time to begin.

“After I threw you out, Di was very upset. She took to her bed.” Arnav said.

Shyam looked anxiously at Anjali. “Rani Sahiba, you should not have endangered the life of our Choti Rajkumari. Hamara kya he? Whether I remain here or elsewhere, you should have taken care of our Rajkumari, Rani Sahiba.”

Anjali stared at him, not knowing what to say. She had only wept, not refused food till Shyamji had asked her to starve.

“It is heartening to note your concern for my Di, Ji-Ja-Ji.” Arnav said. “It must have been your concern for her and your unborn child that made you steal in to this house at noon, across the terrace, down to my garden, and then to the door of your wife’s room a couple of days after I threw you out.”

Shyam & Anjali stared at him, slack-jawed. How had he found out?

Nani & Mami pretended to be surprised.

“Damadji came here at noon? To see Anjali Bitiyaa? Then her condition should have improved, Chotey, not deteriorated.” Nani remarked, as though to Arnav.

“True, Nani. But it was his need that her condition deteriorate. That is why he asked her to stop taking food.” Arnav explained.

“Till noon, Anjali Bitiyaa was having her food on time. But after that she rephused to take even water!” Mami exclaimed.

“How could Di take water? Or food, Mami?” Arnav asked. “Jijaji had asked her to starve, even if it killed their child.”

Nani & Mami gasped. 

Shyam & Anjali started sweating. Things were not going to plan.

 Khushi sat still, as though she were elsewhere. Payal imitated her.

“He had asked her to starve and demand that he be brought back. He knew that I wouldn’t be able to see my Di suffer so, and would call him back.”

“Oh!” Nani gasped.

“Bhat if something had happened to his Choti Rajkumari?”Mami asked, all concern.

“Jijaji was willing to take the risk.” Arnav said simply.

Nani & Mami gasped, as if astounded by Shyam’s callousness.

Shyam & Anjali squirmed.

“And Di was willing to go along with him.” Arnav said.

All eyes turned towards Anjali, who wished she could get up and run from the accusing eyes trained on her.

“She tried to kill the child while at the hospital. I stopped her in the nick of time. Then she tried to kill the baby by not eating. All out of her love for her husband.”

Mami put her hand to her face and rolled her eyes in astonishment. “Such love between a husband and wife?”

“Yes, Mami. A unique, pure love that has defeated even the cold businessman, Arnav Singh Raizada in to letting Jijaji stay with his wife.”

Anjali & Shyam breathed easy. Even though Arnav had found out their plan, it had still worked. And Chotey could be trusted to forgive every trespass of his Di.

“So Anjali Bitiyaa, after Romeo-Juliet, Heer-Ranjha, Sohni-Mahiwal, and Sahiban-Mirza, Anjali-Shyam Manohar Jha ka hi number aawat he!” Mami smiled.

Nani smiled at Anjali and Shyam. “It is good that you managed to change Chotey’s mind with such a display of love.”

Shyam & Anjali smiled at them.

Nani looked at Chotey, and said, “It is good that you are letting them stay together. They should not be made to live apart.”

Arnav nodded.

Anjali said, “Thank you, Chotey, for making your Di happy. Just as you promised.” She was all smiles as though Chotey had not, a few moment ago, accused her of being a heartless woman who could kill her child.

“Yes, Saale sahab, it is good that you have taken your sister’s feelings in to consideration, especially as she is such a delicate condition.” Shyam had the gall to say.

But Arnav was beyond being irked. He had Khushi by him, his Nani & Mami matching him word for word, his brothers waiting in the wings… And the belief that his deluded Di would see sense when it was presented before her.

“Yes, my Di’s feelings are very important to me.” Arnav said mildly.

Anjali sagged in her chair out of relief.

“It must be time for you to rest, Rani Sahiba.” Shyam said. “Let me take you to our room.” He stood up and bent over Anjali. His plan had worked perfectly, except for being caught sneaking in to the house, but that was alright. As long as he had Anjali under his control, Arnav was helpless. And Nani & Mami were on his side. He had nothing more to worry about. He was safely in.

“It seems you have misunderstood me, Jijaji.” Arnav said softly.

All faces, except that of Khushi, turned to him in surprise.

“I said that I will allow you to live together, not that I would allow you to live here with us.” Arnav said softly, his words falling like lead in the silence of the room.

Anjali & Shyam gasped. Nani & Mami looked at Arnav, a mild curiosity on their faces.

“Jijaji, I am sure you can take your wife to your own house and look after her in the manner she is accustomed to.” Arnav’s face was expressionless.

Anjali looked uncertainly at Arnav and then at her husband. Her Shyamji’s face was growing red, a sure sign of temper.

“Chotey…” Nani protested mildly.

Arnav explained. “Nani, Di can’t stay without Jijaji. Jijaji can’t stay without Di.” Nani nodded. “If they stay, the problem is that here they will have to stay with me and my wife, Khushi, who accused Jijaji of kidnapping me and trying to kill me for my money.”

Nani & Mami nodded.

“Of trying to marry her under false pretences. And they will have to stay with Akash & Payal & NK. Payal and NK had seconded Khushi’s claims.” Arnav added.

Nani & Mami nodded. Anjali & Shyam looked at Arnav like mice looking at a snake.

“It will not make for a harmonious home life, Nani. We will have to face fights and arguments on a daily basis. It will not be good for Di’s choti rajkumari.”

Nani & Mami nodded their agreement. Shyam gulped. His house of cards seemed to be in danger of toppling.

“Sach kahat ho, Chotey.” Nani said. Mami seconded her opinion.

“I can’t leave this house and move away, Nani, because I built it. It is my home. Neighbours will gossip if Khushi and I leave. But Jijaji can always take Di to his home, as he should have done after their marriage.” Arnav was the soul of reason.

“Chotey!” Anjali tried to protest.

But Nani & Mami drowned her whine with their agreement.

“Tum bilkul truth kahat ho, Arnav Bitwaa! Mrs. Sinha and her friends have been asking me for three years why Anjali Bitiyaa has not left her maiykka and gone to live with her husband.”

“Yes, Chotey. Let the love birds live in their own nest, without us disturbing them.” Nani smiled.

In the face of such support for sending them away, Anjali & Shyam could say nothing. Apparently they would have to move out, Shyam thought furiously. Arnav was trying to keep him away from Khushiji. That was the whole plan. Shyam ran his fingers through his hair, his nose twitching. And he was fooling the two witches in to agreeing with him in the belief that they were helping him & Anjali. But what Arnav did not realise was that his obsession with Khushiji was secondary to his need for Arnav’s money and his entire property. If they moved out, Anjali would be totally under his control, to be manipulated at will. They could stay in one of the many houses Arnav had given Anjali on her wedding, and get Arnav to foot the bill for their expenses. Or he could make the excuse that the houses had been let out and get Arnav to buy them a new house near RM. Shyam almost rubbed his hands in glee. He could make her ask Arnav for more money and property, which he, the fond brother would agree. Later, once the furore had died down, he could get Anjali to plead with Arnav for their return to RM, citing his frequent absences and her loneliness…

“Chotey…” Anjali tried again.

Shyam butted in. It was better to give in now than to resist, what with the old ladies supporting Arnav.

“You are right, Saale Sahab. We will be better off in our own house.” Shyam smiled fondly at Anjali.

Anjali swallowed her words, remembering Chotey’s views on making Shyamji more responsible.

“We will move into our house in Ashok Vihar.” Shyam declared. He frowned. “But that has been let out. The house in Roseville Estate will do… but that too is let out….”

Anjali nodded.

“You don’t have to worry about those two houses, Jijaji. Or any other house I have given Di.”

Shyam and the others looked at Arnav, curious.

Yes, yes, this was the point when Arnav would offer to buy a new house for his Di, Shyam rejoiced. He would make sure that it was close to RM so that he could see Khushi often.

Arnav smiled his slow smile, looking directly into Shyam Manohar Jha’s expectant and greedy face. It was time for the bomb.


Rashmi's interpretation: Part 5: Day 9: Section 2

Smita,
Here is the interpretation to Section 2 of Part 5.
This update is about quality of audacity, CHUTZPAH. 

What exactly is Chutzpah?  
It is an ancient word pronounced as hootspa (mind you I have not written with phonetic terms but how it sounds to ordinary mind) An Yiddish word, derived from the Hebrew word, hutspa, meaning insolence and audacity. The modern English usage of the word has taken on a broader meaning. The word is also now interpreted as meaning the amount of courage, mettle or ardor that an individual has. However in more traditional usage, chutzpah is invariably negative.
So the usage of Chutzpah is the quality of audacity for good or for bad.
As Shyam knocked on the door, Arnav who was waiting by the closed door, looked up at his Mami who was waiting at the top of the stairs and nodded as if to say, let the games begin. Mami silently mouthed her heartfelt wishes, All the best, Arnav Bitwa. Arnav nodding at her, with a determination to put an end to the farce phase called Shyam Manohar Jha in their life went to open the door. Mami, who was in her mettle, happy to be a part of saving the family from the clutches of Shyam, first warned Khushi and then went to Anjali's room to get her. Arnav opened the door to see a smug Shyam, resplendent with his brazenness and a churlish snigger, reminding him of a simpering idiot. His hands were feeling a passionate itch to teach the avaricious moocher a painful lesson. Clenching his fists to control himself, displaying great fortitude, stood back, let the apple-polishing selfish cad in. Shyam, too presumptuous of a hearty welcome, leisurely ambled in looking around with a complacent smirk. The house seemed empty and his smile vanished like vapour before the sun and was replaced by a frown while his feet faltered. He wondered, had Arnav invited him to an empty house to beat the living daylights of him? He turned around to take a flight, only to find a barricade by the name Arnav Singh Raizada in his path, who stood fearless and firm. In a low voice that was laced with steel, Arnav told Shyam to sit as the others would be down in a minute. Seeing the lout and reading the coward's mind, Arnav felt disgusted with himself for not having seen through the crook earlier, for having given him the respect and position of his Jijaji and for having called him Jiju with love and reverence that one accords to one's brother-in-law, for having believed him to be as wondrous as he had projected himself to be.
Seeing Arnav so, Shyam was an unnerved man and complied by sitting on a cushy chair. Arnav stood looking at him, his eyes spewing contempt on the con-man who was nothing but a crook, swindler and a hustler who had dared to fool his gullible, naive wife who would swallow whole, all the rubbish he dished out and made a living off her like a parasite. As Shyam saw Anjali coming down the stairs, helped by Payal and Mami he stood up. Nani was trailing behind them while Khushi, NK, Akash and Mamaji were missing. Seeing that all eyes were focused on him, Shyam with impudence exclaiming, Rani Sahiba! with all the right emotions, in right proportions in full throttle, beamed like the splendor of an eastern sky, as though he was delighted to see her after a long time yet was pained to see her looking wan  pining for him in his absence. With tears streaming down her face, cheeky Anjali realized that her Shyamji's clever plan of starving herself to make Chotey agree to invite her husband back, had worked beautifully without any one's knowledge of it as a ploy. She was one relaxed lady who in pertness thought now she could stay happily with her beloved Shyamji awaiting the birth of their daughter. Her Chotey had promised, to talk to Shyamji of taking the responsibility of his wife and daughter, and maintaining them without depending on Chotey and his money. As she saw her Shyamji stride up to her, her heart brimmed over with love for him. Her thoughts, seeing her Shyamji day in and out when under one roof, her Chotey would realise that the accusations made against her husband were never true. Khushiji, Payalji and NK Bhai would understand that they had mistaken, and everything would become alright. Her life that had been as sweet as perfume and pure as prayer, had been arrested, the way the finger of watchmaker arrests the ticking of the clock, would now go back to being the dream it once had been. Her selfishness had made her shameless with audacity. She thought that her picture perfect world would once again fall back in place with the perfect life, with her perfect husband, the perfect brother, the perfect Nani and Mami. She hugged her Shyamji and wept as though she was a river herself, making him as wet as the slush of a swamp. Her behavior had Nani, Mami and Arnav hopping mad and clench their jaws not to go off at the deep end. They felt like pulling her out off his arms and knock some sense into her bird brain. Missing her amore-propre, a sense of self-esteem and self-respect, she had the gall to think that her world would set itself right and if not her brother would do it for her irrespective of the loss he has to bear.
Shyam managing to calm her led her to the chair next to his. Words, sweet as honey came out from his lips, as he greeted Naniji and Mamiji, which was acknowledged with a forced smile. Arnav had instructed them not to let Shyam latch on to what was about to happen, but lull him into a false sense of security. Nani with determination, forcing herself to be a good host told him that it was good that Damadji had returned and Mami with a put on zeal, added with her typical Hinglish that Anjali Bitiyaa had been crying to see him. Nani further told him that she had put her foot down and told Chotey that things could not go on as they were. Mami added that with the amount of tears that Anjali Bitiyaa was shedding, it was bound to hurt the baby and they could not let it happen. Shyam smiled with presumption that he had Mami and Nani to thank for Arnav's decision to call him back. With Nani and Mami seated on a sofa, Payal sitting behind them, at the back of the room, Arnav sat on another sofa, leaving the space beside him for Khushi. She quietly slipped in to it, while all eyes were focussed on the Shyam-Anjali teary reunion. Shyam, seeing her look like a newly bloomed rose in clouds of pink, boldly took in his fill of Khushi in pink anarkali. He thought of the added advantage to staying with Rani Sahiba. He could see Khushi everyday.
Arnav, seeing his ravenous eyes on Khushi, was filled with fury, running all through his blood and bones like an electric flood, was all set to rip him to shreds. It was just the gentle touch of Khushi on his arm, who with spirit and spunk was facing Shyam and his lecherous look, reminded him of their plan, of the fact she was with him and not that scoundrel held him back. With Arnav relaxed, Khushi sat back, sending a prayer to Devi Maiyya to set things straight. Though getting mad at the sight of his Di clinging limply on to the leech, while the lecher's sight was latched on Khushi, he decided that it was time to get the ball rolling. Arnav began saying that after he was thrown out, Di was upset and took to her bed. Shyam threw Anjali an anxious look and said, that Rani Sahiba should not have exposed the life of their Choti Rajkumari to risk. What would happen where he was? Whether he remained there or elsewhere, she should have taken care of their Rajkumari. Having been censured, Anjali was at a loss for words to reply, for she had only wept, not refused food till Shyamji had asked her to starve. She was just left staring at him. Arnav as though intervening to keep peace between them said with firmness, that it was touching to note his concern for his Di, Ji-Ja-Ji. It must have been his concern for her and his unborn child that made him steal in to the house at noon, across the terrace, down through his garden, and then to the door of his wife's room, a couple of days after he was thrown out. His words left Anjali and Shyam slack-jawed. They wondered how was it he knew about their rendezvous? Mami and Nani played surprise, with Nani addressing Arnav, Damadji came here at noon? To see Anjali Bitiyaa? Then her condition should have improved, Chotey, not deteriorated. Arnav explained, that what she says was true, but his need was that her condition to deteriorate. That is why he asked her to stop taking food. Hearing out the mystery behind the deterioration of Anjali's health, Mami nodded and eagerly joined the fray in stressing that was the reason then. Till noon Anjali Bitiyaa was having her food on time but it was after that she refused even a drop of water!
Arnav querried, how could Di take water or food when her husband had asked her to starve without a care as to whether it affected their unborn child or not? had Mami and Nani hitch a breath, taken aback by such sheer effrontery. Shyam and Anjali broke out in cold sweat at being caught out. Their well laid plan was going awry. Khushi and Payal sat still and silent like statuesque figures, behaved as though an invisible curtain had fallen between them and the ongoing, unfolding drama. As Nani gasped, Mami in all concern asked, what if something had happened to his Choti Rajkumari? Arnav's simple reply, that Jijaji was willing to risk the child, had both the ladies gasp stunned, at the cold-blood attitude of Shyam. It had both Anjali and Shyam squirm in their seats and Arnav continued with, his Di was a willing participant. As all eyes turned towards Anjali, she wished she could scoot away from the eyes that were accusing her. Arnav continuing his explanation said, that she had tried to kill the child while at the hospital and he had stopped her in the nick of time. Then she tried to kill the baby by not eating, all out of her love for her husband. Mami put her hand over her mouth and rolling her eyes as though in astonishment exclaimed, such love between the couple? Arnav affirmed it and said, a love so unique and pure that has defeated even the hard headed businessman, Arnav Singh Raizada in to letting Jijaji stay with his wife. The couple silently heaved their breath in relief at the thought that, even though Arnav came to know of their plan, they achieved their result and his Di's transgression was bound to be forgiven. Mami with a smile quipped that after Romeo-Juliet, Heer-Ranjha, Sohni-Mahiwal, and Sahiban-Mirza, Anjali-Shyam Manohar Jha will take the place.
Nani smiling at Anjali and Shyam, said that it was good that they had managed to change Chotey's mind with such a display of love. It made the couple smile back shamelessly. Nani looking at Chotey, said that it was good that he was letting them stay together as they should not be made to live apart. Arnav acknowledged it with a nod. Anjali chirped, Thank you, Chotey, for making his Di happy by keeping his promise. Her face had lit up like a thousand suns, forgetting Chotey had accused her of being a heartless woman who could kill her child. Her words of gratitude was followed by Shyam's vociferous praise like a noisy wave, that was good that he has taken his sister's feelings in to consideration, given her fragile state. His audaucity to spout out such words was beyond Arnav getting riled for he had a bigger goal to achieve. With Khushi by his side, his Nani and Mami matching him word for word, his brothers waiting in the wings, and the belief that his deluded Di would see sense when it was presented before her, he would not waste getting brownie points with that four year itch. It showed his caliber. In a toned down voice, Arnav accepted that his Di's feelings were of very importance to him. His words, giving Anjali a curious satisfaction, as when a coin, tested, rings true gold, made her sag in her chair with relief and let a hushed breath out.
Seeing her so, Shyam like an all concerned husband said that it must be time for her rest and offered to take her to their room. He stood up and bent over Anjali. In his arrogance he thought that as presumed, his plan had worked perfectly, with a small hitch of being caught out while sneaking in to the house, but that was of no consequence as long as he had Anjali under his thumb, Arnav was gullible to his plots. With Nani and Mami on his side he was quite invincible. He had nothing more to worry about. He was safely inside RM and the distance to his pot of gold was closing in. While he was giving himself a pat on the back, Arnav's words broke him into awareness. Arnav had told softly that he had been misunderstood. All except Khushi turned to him in surprise. He told Shyam, that he would allow them to live together but not allow to live at RM with them. His words dropped in, a deep silence, like the fearful calm, that slumber's in the portentous pause. The only sound that broke that silence was the gasps from Anjali and Shyam. Nani and Mami were filled with curiosity. Arnav's words, that Jijaji, could take his wife to his own house and look after her in the manner she is accustomed to, were rendered with gallantry grit but without an inflection in his voice. It was a rap on the knuckles. Anjali looked uncertainly at Arnav and then at her husband. One look at her Shyamji's face that was growing red she knew he would soon throw a wobbly. Arnav's statement elicited a mild protest from Nani. Arnav explained to his Nani, that Di can't stay without Jijaji, Jijaji can't stay without Di, making Nani nod. If they stay, the problem is that, here they will have to stay with him and his wife, Khushi, who accused Jijaji of kidnapping him and trying to kill him for his money, trying to marry her under false pretences. Along with that, they will have to stay with Akash, Payal and NK. Payal and NK had backed up Khushi. Anjali's face changed with each turn of their talk, like a wheat-field under a summer breeze. Both Nani and Mami nodded in agreement while Anjali and Shyam were mesmerized by his words and looked at Arnav like mice looking at a snake. Arnav further justified to his Nani stating, it would disrupt the harmonious home life, Nani. Then, it would be facing fights and arguments on a daily basis. It will not be a conducive environment for Di's choti rajkumari. Nani and Mami nodded their agreement while Shyam gulped knowing that the wind had backed around Arnav gathering the clouds, and all he could do was be dismally mute as at a funeral. Nani and Mami agreed whole heartedly. Arnav placing his argument before them the very reason of him asking Shyam to do so, was that he cannot leave this house and move away, as he had built it. It is his home and it would become a point to gossip among their neighbours if Khushi and he left. But Jijaji has every right to take Di to his home, as it should have been after their marriage. Anjali's protest was overshadowed by Nani and Mami's earnest vociferous approval. Mami told him that he was right and their acquaintences had been asking her for three years as to why Anjali had not moved from her maiykka and set up her own house? And Nani with a benevolent smile said, it was time that the love birds move to their own nest without the disturbance from the rest. For their arrogant audacity, Shyam and Anjali were being paid back with great fervor. Facing such unequivocal support for making them move out, Anjali and Shyam were left with no choice but to move out. Shyam thought furiously that it was Arnav's way of trying to keep him away from Khushiji. That seemed to be the whole plan.
Shyam running his fingers through his hair, his nose twitching, he nodded to himself that Arnav was fooling the two hags in to agreeing, in the belief that they were helping him and Anjali. But what Arnav did not realise was, that his obsession with Khushiji was secondary to his need for Arnav's money and his entire property. If they moved out, Anjali would be totally at his mercy, to be manipulated at will. In his impudence, he thought that they had the option to stay in one of the many houses Arnav had given Anjali on her wedding, and get Arnav to foot the bill for their expenses. Or he could make the excuse that the houses had been let out and get Arnav to buy them a new house near RM. Shyam almost rubbed his hands in glee at his own temerity. He could make her ask Arnav for more money and property that her fond brother would oblige with. Later, once the furore had died down, he could get Anjali to plead with Arnav for their return to RM, citing his frequent absences and her loneliness and successfully inveigle their way back into the fold. As Anjali tried to talk to Arnav to change his mind, Shyam butted in thinking that it was a good strategy to give in now with one step backward for two steps forward later. Concurring with Arnav he said, that he was right and they would be better off in their own house, with Shyam giving his benevolent smile to Anjali. Anjali bit back her words remembering Chotey's views on responsible parenting and her trust in him. Shyam grandly declared that they could move into their house in Ashok Vihar but with a frown stated that it was let out. The house in Roseville Estate would be fine then, but that too has been given on a lease. His thoughts, received a nod from Anjali. But Arnav intervened saying firmly, that he does not have to worry about those two houses, or any other house he had given Di. This statement had Shyam and the rest curious. Shyam, quivering like an eager race horse to start, rejoiced with the brazen thought that this was the turning point where Arnav would offer to buy a new house for his Di. Moreover, he saucily thought that he would make sure that it was close to RM so that he could see Khushi often unobtrusively, unaware of the what lay ahead.
Arnav smiled, his grim smile, like the lion that has found a way of exit, looking directly into Shyam Manohar Jha's audaciously expectant and greedy face. He knew that it was time to drop the bomb, the time to see the true face of Shyam Manohar Jha in its full glory by his Di, the time to show the true mettle of Arnav Singh Raizada.  The clock was ticking, tick, tock, tick tock...
Arnav, Khushi, Shyam, Anjali, Mami, Nani all possess remarkable chutzpah. But the quality of audacity that amounts to certain chutzpah decides whether it is admirable or not.
That is why this update is titled CHUTZPAH.

"There's a fine line between audacity and idiocy"
                                          ~ Jim Butcher, Turn Coat
That's it from me. Hope you enjoy it.

Part 5: Day 9: Section 3

“I want you to shift in to a house you have taken for rent.” Arnav said, his voice low, but his determination to have his way loud and clear.

Shyam Manohar Jha saw all his dreams of owning a new house in Delhi being blown to smithereens. Shell-shocked, he stared at Arnav. Anjali parted her lips to chide Chotey, but one look at the mottled face of her husband stopped her.

Before Shyam could ask what and why and how, Nani stepped in.

“A rented house? Chotey, why should Anjali Bitiyaa and Damadji live in to a rented house when you have given her 4 houses in Delhi?” she asked, a look of enquiry on her face.

Mami nodded. “Haan, Arnav Bitwaa, bhy rented haujj phor sister of Arnav Singh Raijjada?”

Arnav smiled gently. “Because she is now the wife of Shyam Manohar Jha,  a lawyer with a busy practice, who works day and night to meet the needs of his clients.”

Nani & Mami frowned at him, as though asking for more explanations.

“I gave Di 4 houses at the time of her marriage. All the houses have been given on lease, as Jijaji just reminded us.” Arnav explained.

Nani & Mami nodded. 

“It is not ethical to ask the tenants to leave before the term stipulated by the lease agreement is over. So it is better that Jijaji & Di find a house for rent.”

“A house for rent!” Shyam finally found his long-lost voice. “You want me to stay in a rented house?” Fury emanated in waves from his irritated and disappointed self. 

Arnav frowned lightly. “You have been staying in rented houses all your life, haven’t you… Jijaji?” he asked. “As far as I know, you have never owned any house, not in Lucknow, not in Delhi. You have always been a tenant, a PG at times…” Arnav smiled.

Shyam swallowed and threw a look at Khushi’s impassive face.

“Nani, Mami, Jijaji has a very good job. And he works very hard.” Arnav explained. Nani & Mami smiled and nodded. “I am sure he makes a very good sum every month. So getting a good house for rent should not be a problem.”

The ladies nodded.

Anjali looked at Shyam’s face. His nose was twitching like mad.

“You…you want your Di to stay in a rented house? Your Di?” Shyam tried again. “Especially when she is pregnant?”

Arnav smiled.

“She will still be in Delhi. And I am sure you will select a house befitting her. After all, your choti si rajkumari will be born in it.”

Shyam swallowed, unable to believe that the tables had turned so fast, that everything he had counted on was failing him.

“Nani, Mami…” Arnav confessed. “I am, in a way, responsible for this sorry state of affairs.”

Nani & Mami looked at him, paying close attention to his words.

Shyam took heart from Arnav’s words. He cocked his ears to find out if there was any benefit he could draw from Arnav’s feeling of guilt.

“How, Arnav Bitwaa?” Mami asked.

“Normally, a wife stays with her husband after marriage. I encouraged Di to stay with us even after marriage. That was wrong of me.”

Nani & Mami nodded. "Chotey!" Anjali tried to protest, but Arnav paid no heed to it.

“My excessive love for Di, my need for her forced her into an unnatural situation of being pulled between being a sister/ mother to me and  a good wife to Jijaji. I am responsible for the cracks that appeared in their marriage.”

Anjali tried to protest again, but Nani & Mami did not let her get a word in between. 

"Tum theek kahat ho, Chotey! But the blame should be laid at our feet too. We wanted her to stay with us. That was a wrong decision to take.” Nani said.

“We should have let the birds phly off together after shaadi.” Mami said. “Your decision is right, Arnav Bitwaa. Let them go and live their own life now.” Mami wiped a tear from her painted eyes. “Damadji, you go and get a good house for rent. A house like Shantivan.”

Shyam swallowed. He could feel the rug being pulled from under his feet.

“It is interesting that you should say so, Mami.” Arnav told his aunt. He turned to Shyam. “Don’t think that we are not willing to help you, Jijaji.”

Shyam drew a breath of relief.

“I have arranged for a realtor to show you 5 fully-furnished houses in Delhi in…” Arnav looked at the clock. “… an hour.”

Shyam gasped. Anjali stared at Arnav as if he had grown one more head.

“When we have decided on a new course, why waste time?” Arnav smiled. “I want you to move out today.” Arnav turned to smile at his Di. “Di, you will be able to stay with Jijaji from today. No more calling him on the sly and starving for him. And Jijaji will not have to hide behind my pots and doors like a thief to see you.”

Anjali smiled wanly at Arnav, and looked at her husband’s flabbergasted face. 

“Chotey…” she began.

Arnav smiled at her. “You wanted me to bring Jijaji back. I did.” Arnav said.

Anjali nodded.

“You want to live  a happy life with your husband. Di, I am making arrangements for that.” Arnav reassured her.

Anjali nodded. Chotey would make everything alright. And Shyamji had to become a responsible husband and father, and shine like a hero in the eyes of their choti rajkumari.

Arnav fired the next salvo.

“Nani, Mami, there is no end to my stupidity. I not only made Di stay here, in our house, after marriage, but also continued meeting her expenses. I should not have done it.”

Nani nodded. “Damadji must have felt insulted, but being a gentleman, must not have said so.” She turned a penitent face to Shyam. “Hamein maaf kar deejiye, Damadji.” 

Shyam swallowed. What the hell was happening here?

“Di has been living here with her husband, drawing rent from the houses I gave her. I have also been depositing a huge sum every month in Jijaji & Di’s joint account.”

“Oh!” Mami said.

“I have been paying the petrol and service bills of the car I gave Jijaji after his marriage to Di. I have also been paying the rent of his office in the city, the office that I rented for him and refurbished to suit his status as an upcoming lawyer.” Arnav confessed.

“You should not have done all this, Chotey! How insulted Damadji must have felt!” Nani exclaimed.

Anjali swallowed. She had never seen, in Shyamji, an iota of self-respect or chagrin at having Chotey pay his bills.

Shyam began sweating profusely.

“Other than the obscenely large amount I have been paying monthly into Di & Jijaji’s account, I have also being paying Di’s credit card bills. And their living expenses.” Arnav looked down, apparently disturbed at his lack of judgement.

“Chotey, you shouldn’t have!” Nani remonstrated with him.

“I know, Nani. I know it now.” He turned to Anjali. “I am sorry, Di. Sorry for not letting you stay with your husband in a house of your own, sorry for not letting your husband be the head of your house, sorry for stopping Jijaji from taking responsibility of his family....”

“Chotey…” Anjali exclaimed, confused. She had never complained about Chotey paying for her clothes and poojas and living expenses and purchases and travel and…

“All the problems you had to face, all the tears you had to shed were because you were not living in your own house with your husband.” Arnav convinced her. “So, Di, I am letting you free.”

Anjali gulped.

“You will always be my Di. But first and foremost, you will be your Shyam Manohar Jha’s wife.” Arnav reassured her.

Nani and Mami smiled approvingly at the brother and sister.

Nani looked at Shyam. “You must be very happy now, Damadji?”

Shyam was lost for words to express his ‘happiness’. He glared at the two old hags and the Machiavellian Arnav Singh Raizada.

So in one fell swoop, Arnav had managed to get rid of his Di (who had been hanging around his neck all his life) and his Jijaji (who was interested in Khushiji), Shyam thought. He needed time to think, to plan and plot revenge. It was better to acquiesce now. 

Anjali hugged his arm, and said, an uncertain smile on her lips, “Aren’t you happy, Shyamji?”

He turned his head to look at the cross he had been bearing for the past 3 years on an irregular basis. Now she would be hanging around his neck bleating Shyamji, Shyamji 24x7! What a fate! But there was nothing more to be done right now. Except…

Shyam said, his breathing heightened, “I will go with the realtor you have kindly arranged for us, Saale Sahab. Let Rani Sahiba remain here. In her condition, it is not right that she traipses around Delhi…” He would escape. He could leave the house and make some excuse not to return, not to select a house today. Later, in solitude, he could use his crooked brain in peace and come up with some brilliant plans to stop Arnav, even if it meant killing him.

Arnav smiled. “When I said that the realtor will show you 5 houses, I meant he will be coming here with photos. That way, Di can help you choose a house. I won’t let you get up from that chair, Jijaji.”

Shyam stared at Arnav, looking as desperate as a rat being cornered by a cat.

Anjali smiled. Chotey was so kind! So thoughtful of his Di’s happiness. She looked at Nani & Mami. “You will come to visit us in our new house, won’t you Nani, Mami?”

“Of course, Anjali Bitiyaa! Yeh bhi koi poochne ki baat he? We bill be there!”

Nani nodded. “We will help you set up house.”

“We will have to do a lot of shopping!” Anjali squealed in excitement. “Curtains, upholstery, good furniture if I don’t like what is in the house…!”

Nani & Mami smiled indulgently at her.

Shyam jumped up. “I have another appointment, Saale sahab.” He gasped. “I need to…”

“Shyamji! Another appointment? Today? Then how will we select a house?” Anjali frowned her displeasure.

Arnav smiled. “You don’t need to do anything, Jijaji. You have 3 brothers-in-law to meet every need of yours.”

Anjali smiled at Shyamji, excited at the prospect of going to her own home.

NK & Akash entered the room. Their eyes were cold and their faces set in hard lines. 

“Why don’t you sit down, Jijaji?” Akash pushed Shyam back into his chair. Then NK & he dragged chairs to sit on the left of Shyam, thereby blocking his exit.

NK pulled out 5 brochures from his pocket and handed them to Anjali.

“Di, the realtor brought these. He is waiting for you to decide on one of them.” Anjali took them from him, almost jumping up & down in her excitement.

Nani & Mami got up and moved to seats close to Anjali to peek into the papers. 

Shyam looked at the Raizadas, feeling hunted, like a prey that had been running frantically for miles to save its life from the lion intent to kill it. NK & Akash on his left. Nani & Mami on Anjali’s right. His exit was effectively blocked. Shyam could feel his head spinning. He looked at Arnav, the devil who had trapped him. Arnav looked back at him, his eyes amused.

Nani and Mami had no more need to act now. Their faces revealed all the contempt they felt for the upstart, the swindler.

Shyam could feel the sweat pouring down his face, neck, & back. Anjali was sitting on his right, poring over the details of the houses, exclaiming over the size of the rooms, the location, the sunlight that would enter the dining hall, the gardens… Shyam pulled at his collar feeling choked.

Cool down…calm down…he told himself. All was not lost. There was a hefty sum in their joint account. He could rent the house Anjali wanted and move in to it. He could get Anjali to ask Arnav for money for the new things she wanted to buy for the house. And pay her credit card bills. Soon, it would be the beginning of the next month. On the first, with clockwork precision, Arnav would deposit money in to the joint account. He would get the rent of 4 houses…

His crooked brain worked overtime. Moving out was not a bad idea. He could turn it to his advantage. It would give him more freedom. To travel, to manipulate Anjali, to escape Anjali… He could always send her to RM to stay when he was away…

Anjali picked one house.

“Chotey, I like this house.” Anjali extended her arm with the brochure towards Arnav.

Arnav smiled. “Show it to Jijaji, Di. It is his preference that matters. After all, he will be paying the rent.”

Shyam bit back his ire and spared a glance at the brochure. It was  a huge house. The rent would be equally large.

Anjali prattled on about the additions she wanted, the alterations she wanted to make… Shyam clutched the arms of his chair.

“You like it, don’t you, Shyamji?” Anjali asked.

Shyam nodded.

“Perfect.” Arnav said. 

HP came in to the room, lugging 3 big cases.

“Arnav Bhaiyya, I have packed Anjali Di’s sarees and cosmetics as you asked me to.” he said.

“Good, HP. You haven’t left anything behind, have you?” Arnav asked.

“Nahin, Bhaiyya. Di’s sarees and other clothes, Damadji’s clothes, Di’s glass bangles, her shoes, the big box of clips and slides, her purse…” HP counted.

Shyam stared at the sight. “Saale sahab, you let a servant pack Rani Sahiba’s jewels and the important documents in her locker?” he jumped up and shouted furiously.

Anjali stared at her husband. What was wrong with Shyamji?

HP looked at Arnav Bhaiyya, all lost and scared. Would he be accused of stealing now?

Nani spoke before Arnav could, her voice cold as ice. “Hari Prakass is not a servant. He is a member of our family. All his brothers have been serving us for years, and we have no doubts regarding HIS or THEIR honesty.” She made it clear whose honesty she doubted.

“Aur naahin to kaa?” Mami added her mite.

“HP, you can go. Thank you.” Arnav smiled at him. HP reeled in shock at the unexpected smile and gratitude form Arnav Bhaiyya, and rushed to the kitchen before Arnav Bhaiyya changed his mind. 

Arnav turned to Shyam. “Your concern does you credit, Jijaji, but it is misplaced.” Arnav smiled. “There is nothing of any value in Di’s room to be stolen.”

Shyam glared at Arnav, who was sitting, his legs crossed.

“What? The diamonds…the deeds to the 4 houses… the bank records…the credit cards…” Shyam huffed and puffed.

Arnav smiled sympathetically at him. “Di gave me her diamonds for safekeeping.”

Anjali nodded, smiling at Shyamji. How careful he was about her possessions!

“What?” Shyam squealed.

“She transferred the whole amount in her joint account to mine. Transferred the ownership of her 4 houses to me. Her credit cards are in her purse. She can use them, but I will not be paying those bills. Finally, after 3 years of marriage, you can have that privilege, Jijaji!” Arnav said softly, his face pleasant as he smiled encouragingly at his Di.

Shyam, shocked speechless, turned his head to look at his wife.

Anjali smiled at him. “Chotey is right, Shyamji. You don’t have to worry about the diamonds or the cards.” 

Chotey had explained to her that it was a temporary measure, to be reversed once Shyamji began looking after his small family. Chotey had mentioned a period of three months, after which he would transfer everything back to her name. Now Shyamji would take care of her as her Chotey had been doing for the past many years.

Shyam tried to swallow. But his mouth was dry and his throat muscles protested.

“You can keep the car. But I won’t be paying for petrol or repairs.” Arnav said.

Anjali looked at Shyamji. Why was he so silent, standing in the midst of her family while all the others were seated?

“I won’t be making Di a monthly allowance. And I won’t be paying the rent of your office anymore. You can take care of all that.” Arnav smiled.

Khushi swallowed and looked at Payal. They knew Shyam’s real face. It was very ugly.

Their fears were justified. They were treated to a spectacular display of the real Shyam Manohar Jha.

“Yeh kaisi khurafath he!” Shyam bellowed.

Anjali jumped. Shyamji had never raised his voice or shouted in the 3 years she had known him. Mami placed her hand on Anjali’s arm to comfort her for the upcoming session of truth. NK & Akash stood up.

“Three years of putting up with your lame sister, and this is what I get?” Shyam shouted. “Arrey, even labourers working for a daily wage get a better deal!”

Anjali stared at this man, this stranger standing in front of her, shouting. Putting up with her? Lame? But..but Shyamji had told her that he loved her, that her bad leg did not matter to him…

“How dare you insult me like this, you…you cheat?” Shyam shouted at Arnav. “You took Khushiji away from me…”

Anjali stared at her sainted husband, seeing him for the cheap, unfaithful, money-hungry swindler he was…

“You knew that I loved her, that I was ready to leave Rani Sahiba for her… And you ran away with her and got married to her?” Shyam listed his grievances, beyond caring who was listening and what damage it could do to his career as Anjali Singh Raizada’s husband.

Anjali trembled in her chair. Mami held on firmly to her.

“And now you are taking the money from me? How dare you? How dare you even dream that I will let you do it?” Shyam shouted.

Arnav said softly, still seated, “I earned the money. I worked for it.”

“I earned it too!” Shyam shouted. “Do you think it was easy to run into your sister at the temple, to make her believe I loved her, live with her and her bad leg, put up with her tears and her whining…?”

Anjali stood up, shaking like a leaf. Mami and Nani supported her. Payal moved closer to her.

“And now this brat! I have to carry her burden too! How dare you cheat me of the money I deserve?” Shyam shouted as he tried to catch Arnav by the collar of his shirt and drag him up from his chair.

NK & Akash caught hold of Shyam’s arms before he could touch Arnav. Arnav stood up slowly, facing Shyam.

“Shyamji…” came the soft cry from behind him. Shyam turned around.

Anjali stood there, tears in her big eyes. “So Khushiji was right…Payalji…NK Bhai…they all spoke the truth that day…I…I alone was blind…”

Slight light entered the dark hole of his brain. Shyam tried to backtrack. “Rani Sahiba…”

“Don’t Rani sahiba me ever again, you cheat…you scoundrel…itna bada dhoka…itna bada jhoot…” Anjali whispered.

Shyam tried to take hold of her by her shoulders.

She moved back, and raising her hand, let one fly. Shyam was left clutching his left cheek. His Rani Sahiba packed a mean punch.

“Get out. Get lost. I never want to see you again.” Arnav Singh Raizada’s sister ordered. Her brothers rushed to see that her wishes were fulfilled.

Anjali clung to Chotey, weeping.

Part 5: Day 9: Section 4 

Tere Mere Beech Main Kya He (Shudh Desi Romance)

Smita,
Here is the interpretation to Section 3 of Part 5.
This update is about the fall of Jhas and is titled The House of Cards as it was a speculative scheme depending on unstable factors that the planners could not control.
Arnav, in a voice that was low but firm that brooked no argument, made his opinion known loud and clear, that he wanted Shyam to shift in to a house he had taken for rent. It was a blow on the face of Shyam Manohar Jha. It was an indication that there were breakers ahead. A shell-shocked Shyam stared at Arnav, at having been landed a blow that he had not even dreamt off. His dream of owning a new house in Delhi was being blown to smithereens. His dream was like a cambric tea, a drink for children, made of hot water, milk, sugar, and usually a small amount of tea. Seeing her husband's face streaked in the hues of red, Anjali who was about to admonish her Chotey, stopped short. She knew she was on dangerous ground and it would be like walking on eggshell. Before Shyam could open his mouth, Nani intervened displaying a surprise on her face, asked Arnav, a rented house? why should Anjali Bitiyaa and Damadji live in a rented house when he had given her 4 houses in Delhi? Mami too asked him in a perplexed tone, why should the sister of Arnav Singh Raizada rent a house? With a smile, that was gentle that was meant to soften the blow, told them it was because, she was now the wife of Shyam Manohar Jha, a thriving lawyer, who works incessantly to meet the needs of his clients. He made known to them the gaping chasm that exists between the two, as his Di and as Mrs. Jha.  Nani and Mami frowned at him, as though seeking for more explanations.
Bowing to their silent request, he clarified that he had given his Di four houses at the time of her marriage. All the houses were now leased out as Jijaji just reminded them. As per the terms and conditions placed at the time of lease agreement, the tenants cannot be asked to vacate before the stipulated term. So it was better that Jijaji and Di find a house for rent. He made known to Shyam that his attempts were as futile as gathering clouds. Shyam, furious like a wounded bull, finding his lost voice finally ejaculated hoarsely, a house for rent! He was needed to stay in a leased house? Arnav with a light frown that showed him as though deep in thought with his lips curled, asked Shyam, had he not always stayed in a rented house all his life save the three years with them. As far as he knew, he had never owned a house either in Lucknow or in Delhi. He had been always a tenant and at times a PG. Shyam, with his eyes widened and rounded like an owl's eyes, looked at Khushi who sat with an impassive face. Shyam could not refute Arnav's statement. It was like being in a glass house and throwing stones. There were two, Khushi and Payal who would refute his argument if he does not concur with Arnav as he was a PG in their house. Arnav continued his explanation saying, that Jijaji with his hard work would be having a roaring practice and procuring a good house on lease should not be a problem at all. Here too Arnav had cornered him. He could neither refute nor agree. He was traipsing around a gossamer web. The ladies nodded sagely.
Anjali, looking at Shyam noticed that his nose had flared in disgust while he asked, whether Arnav wanted his Di to stay in a rented house? That too when she is carrying? Shyam himself showed the difference between milk and water. Arnav with a smile told him, that she would be in Delhi and he was sure that Shyam's choice would be befitting her as well as his little princess who would be born there. Shyam was unable to believe that the tables had turned so fast, and everything he had counted on fell short just like a piecrust that was crispy but brittle.
Arnav confessed to Nani and Mami that in an indirect way, he was responsible for this sorry state of affairs. They carefully listened out to him. Shyam breathed a sigh of relief from Arnav's words. It was like an old paper that would crumble at one blow. He too listened to what Arnav had to say sharpening his mind to latch on to any loopholes in Arnav's guilt confession that could benefit him. With Mami asking how was it that he was responsible, he said that normally, a wife stays with her husband after marriage. He encouraged his Di to stay with them even after marriage. That was the mistake he had committed. As Mami and Nani nodded, Anjali protested. Her protest was like a strait that went unnoticed as it was crossed by a bridge. Arnav pretending not to hear it, as though engrossed in his remorse continued saying, that his love for his Di to a fault and his attachment to her in a blind manner, had put her in a fix between being a good sister as well as mother to him and a good wife to Jijaji. He was responsible for the cracks that appeared in their marriage. When Anjali tried to voice her protest, it was like dishwater that could only gurgle and she was once again beaten to it by Nani who concurred with her Chotey. She told that the blame lay with them too. They too wanted her with them all the time and that was one wrong decision. Mami, wiping a tear that was making its way out, lest it spread her kohl added that, they should have given freedom for the love birds to make their own cosy nest after marriage and at least now they could rectify it. It was a  plight that they could now at least rectify. She asked Shyam to get a good house for rent, a house as good as Shantivan.
Shyam could see his House Of Cards falling down and the Domino Effect taking its root. Arnav appreciated Mami's effort saying she literally took the words off his mouth. And turning to Shyam he asked not to think that they were going to wash their hands off. Shyam once again felt a wave of relief wash over him. He was told by Arnav that he had arranged for a realtor to show him five fully furnished houses in Delhi in an hour's time, making Shyam gasp and Anjali stare at her brother as though he was making some bizarre suggestion.  Arnav giving them an encouraging smile told that when once it was decided what was the need to delay and he wanted them to move out that day itself. Turning towards his Di, who like a reed was too weak to rely on and one who was easily swayed and overcome, he told her that she would be able to stay with Jijaji from that day itself. There would be no need either to call him on the sly or starve for him. And Jijaji would not have to hide behind his pots and doors like a thief to see her. An ashen faced Anjali gave a weak smile and took in the stumped look that her husband was sporting. As she began to address her Chotey, he smiled and told her that she wanted him to bring back Jijaji and he has done it. Anjali nodded in agreement. Arnav's reassurance that she wanted to lead a happy life with her husband, and he is making arrangements for that, had her acknowledge with a nod. She thought her Chotey would make things alright and Shyamji would be made to toe the line towards his responsibilities. Her Shyamji who has been in her eyes shining like a knight with his amour, dazzling her with its brilliance, would also shine like a hero in the eyes of their choti rajkumari. It was her sand castle.
Arnav fired the next salvo. Admitting to his stupidity, he told the ladies that he not only made his Di stay in his house but also was shouldering her expenses, which was not proper. Nani nodded agreeing with him and said that Damadji must have been insulted but being a gentleman he was must have held back from uttering a single word. Looking contrite, she asked Shyam for forgiveness for this grave insult meted out to him. This apology from the matriarch of the family was a cause of alarm. 
All the happenings made Shyam wonder what was going on? He felt as though he was caught in a twister. Arnav further confessed that Di had been living here with her husband, drawing rent from the houses he gave her. He had also been depositing a huge sum every month in Jijaji & Di's joint account, paying the petrol and service bills of the car he gave Jijaji after his marriage to Di, paying the rent of his office in the city, the office that he had rented for him and refurbished to suit his status as an upcoming lawyer. Hearing all that Arnav had done for his Di and Jijaji, Nani admonished saying he should not have done such things. They were blatant insult to Damadji. He had just succeeded in adding insults to an already injured Damadji's pride by having to stay with them as Ghar Jamaai. Anjali gulped hearing those words. She had never seen even a bit of self respect let alone chagrin at having made Chotey foot bills. Shyam was drenched in a cold sweat. His hopes of Nani and Mami being on his side, was like clinging to a rope of sand while on a steep cliff. Further, Arnav owned up, in addition to depositing monthly allowance into Di's and Jijaji's joint account, to paying Di's credit bills and living expenses. He was downcast for having committed such a blunder and his lack of judgement made him feel ashamed and look down. He was feeling remorse for being party to their predicament, a marriage that had its base on matchwood. Nani remonstrated that he should not have done it. Arnav told her that on hind sight he has realized his folly and turning to Anjali apologized for having put a spanner in her works, by not letting her stay with her husband in a house of her own, for not letting her husband be the head of her house, for stopping Jijaji from taking responsibility of his family. Anjali was one confused soul. Still living inside her bubble, she wondered when she had ever complained so to her Chotey for paying for her clothes and poojas and living expenses and purchases and travel... Arnav tried to convince Anjali by saying that he was sad that she had to face a lot of problems because of him, all the tears she had to shed as she had to live under his roof and not her own with her husband. He told her she was free to do as she pleases and was not bound by responsibilities towards him. He reassured her that she would always be his Di, but first and foremost she would be Shyam Manohar Jha's wife. Nani and Mami were all smiles at the pact of brother-sister duo.
Shyam was so baffled that he was dumbstruck. He glared at the two crones and the crafty Arnav Singh Raizada who had cornered him with finesse. Shyam thought that with a single stroke Arnav had got rid of his Di, a limping baggage and his Jijaji, who had his eyes on Khushiji! It was an emergency and endangerment. He needed time to plot his plan of action ahead. Now revenge with vengeance was the only option. Knowing that it was as futile as to oppose an earthquake with argument, he thought it was better to acquiesce now and gain time.  Anjali who was happy, hugged his arms and asked him whether he was not happy? He turned to look at the yoke he had to bear for the past three years on his neck, luckily on an irregular basis. Now she would be behind him weighing him down with her weight 24 hours. She was like the Vetal to his Vikram. What a play of fate! When all he wanted was Khushiji to be with him 24x7, he was stuck with Anjali day in and day out! He knew right now he could not do anything except.. As soon as the thought came, his eyes gleamed like a flintstone and breathed out, hard and still, as a statue might whisper and he said that he would go to the realtor he has arranged. Let Rani Sahiba remain here. Her condition is not condusive to traipse around Delhi... He thought that it was a brilliant strategy to escape by pulling a cobweb over their eyes. He could leave the house and make some excuse not to return, not to select a house that day. Later, in solitude, he could use his crooked brain in peace and come up with some brilliant plans to stop Arnav, even if it meant dispatching him to his parents.  It was like china, luring yet fragile, that needed to be handled with utmost care. Arnav with a smile informed him that, when he said that the realtor would be showing him the five houses fit for their use, he meant that he would come over with pictures so that Di can help him to choose the house of her choice. If he were him, he would not dare to get up from that chair. Shyam stared at Arnav forlornly, as forlorn as the night-owl's sob of fear. It was a case of rat being cornered by a cat. Anjali unaware of the by play smiled capaciously, a smile, like the exaggerated reflection of a concave mirror. She thought that her Chotey was extremely thoughtful of his Di's happiness and looking at Nani and Mami she asked, you would be visiting us in our new house won't you? Both nodded in agreement. While Mami asked was it something to be asked of? Of course, they would visit, Nani told her, that they would help her to set up the house. Anjali clapping her hands with glee told that it would be fun shopping for curtains, upholstery, good furniture if she doesn't like what is in the house. Nani and Mami gave her an indulgent smile.Anjali could not see her card house was in danger of falling apart.
Suddenly, Shyam jumped up saying that he has another appointment and he needed to.. saying so his voice trailed off. Anjali showing her displeasure frowned and queried, another appointment? Today? Then how were they supposed to select the house? Arnav with a smile told him that there was no necessity to do anything as he has three brothers-in-law who would meet all his needs. Anjali smiled at Shyamji, excited at the prospect of going to her own home. At that point, NK and Akash entered the room. Their eyes were cold and piercing, like chill, and their faces set in hard lines. Akash shoving Shyam back into the chair asked, why doesn't he take his seat? Shyam sat down quaking like a jelly as once again he was being outwitted. He could now see storm clouds brewing around. Things were not as simple as he had thought of. He needed all his wits to get out of this situation.Then NK and Akash grabbed two chairs and sat on the left of Shyam blocking his exit. NK took out five brochures from his pocket and handed them to Anjali saying, these were the brochures brought by the realtor and he was waiting outside for her to decide on one of them. Not knowing that she was on thin ice, it made Anjali jump about in excitement. Nani and Mami took seats by Anjali to peek into the brochures.
Shyam looked at the Raizadas, feeling hunted like the boar encircled by hunters and hounds, with NK and Akash on his left, Nani and Mami on Anjali's right, his exit effectively blocked, could feel his head spinning. He looked at Arnav, the master-mind who had trapped him. While Arnav looked back at him with amused eyes, Nani and Mami let go of their pretence and their faces revealed all the contempt they felt for the charlatan, the chiseler. Shyam could feel himself sweating profusely. Now Shyam could see the rocks ahead in the murky waters that had surrounded him. Anjali, oblivious to all that was going on around her was engrossed in poring over the details of the houses, exclaiming over the size of the rooms, the location, the sunlight that would enter the dining hall, the gardens. Her eyes and mind were on the mnute details showed in the brochures. Shyam pulled at his collar feeling suffocated. He tried to calm himself with pep talk. He told himself that all was not lost. The amount left in the joint account was quite substantial. He could always rent the house Anjali wanted and move in and later through Anjali he could siphon money off Arnav for all the new things that she wanted to buy for the house. Very soon, it would be the beginning of the next month. On the first, with clockwork precision, Arnav would deposit money in to the joint account. He would get the rent of 4 houses... Anyway it was a win-win situation and the risk of moving out was worth it. With Anjali under his clutches and Arnav feeding him with money it would give him more freedom, to travel, to manipulate her, to escape her. He could always make her stay at RM when he was away and that way he would have access here as well as his freedom. He could have his cake as well eat it too! His serpentine mind was cooking various ways to fleece Arnav off his money and assets. He thought it was a crisis from which he could milk out a lot.
When Anjali picked a house and showed it to Arnav, he smiled and asked her to show it to Jijaji. As he was the one who would be paying the rent, his preference mattered. An irked Shyam bit back his ire, as he knew he could not afford the luxury of displaying it, if he wanted to get his way. With a disinterested look he glanced at what Anjali had chosen and found it to be a huge house that would eat quite a chunk of money. Anjali went on babbling about the changes, additions and alterations she needed. Meanwhile it had Shyam grit his teeth and clutch his chair. Anjali asked him whether he liked it for confirmation. As Shyam nodded his assent, Arnav said perfect and HP came out lugging three big cases. HP informed Arnav that he has packed Anjali Di's sarees and cosmetics as he was asked to, earning himself an appreciation from Arnav for his good work and was asked whether he has packed everything. HP listed out all the things and said, that's it, all were packed. Shyam stared at Arnav, snatching furiously at breath, like a tiger snatching at meat, and asked him, he let a servant pack Rani Sahiba's things like jewels and the important documents in her locker? Jumping up, like a strand of hair that was cut short, swayed in the sudden grip of anger he shouted at the top of his voice, making Anjali stare at her husband and wonder what was wrong with him? HP, looking scared like a rabbit that had heard the howl of a wild wolf, wondered whether he would be accused of stealing now. His eyes were on Arnav Bhaiyya for his pronouncement. Before Arnav could utter, Nani spoke out saying, Hari Prakash is not a servant. He is a member of their family. All his brothers have been serving them for years, and they have no doubts regarding HIS or THEIR honesty. She unequivocally made it clear where the doubt lay and whose honesty was at stake. Mami quipped, isn't that so? Arnav with a gentle smile, thanked HP and asked him to go, making HP reel with shock at the wonderous smile and a word of gratitude from Arnav Bhaiyya, an unexpected gesture, that lightened as well as gladdened his heavy heart. He rushed to the kitchen before Arnav Bhaiyya could change his mind.
Arnav turning to Shyam, who was feeling the pinch of their action, said that his concern does him credit, but very much misplaced as there was nothing valuable in Di's room to be stolen. Shyam glared at Arnav, who was sitting his legs crossed showing Shyam that whatever he tries to do, amounted to being a speck of dust on his shoulder that he deemed fit to be brushed aside. Shyam just could not believe what Arnav said. The diamonds, the deeds to the 4 houses, the bank records, the credit cards, all these things were being considered by Saale Sahib as nothing of any value? Just baubles? Shyam huffed and puffed. Shyam was enlightened by Arnav that his Di had given him her diamonds for safekeeping. Anjali beamed at Shyamji thinking how much her cared for her and was taking utmost care of her possessions! Shyam squealed in what? unable to believe what he heard. He felt that he was on quick sand, slipping away from the terra firma. He was also given to understand by a smiling Arnav, who was enjoying playing a smiling silent assassin, that Di had transferred the whole amount in her joint account to his, transferred the ownership of her 4 houses to him. Though her credit cards are in her purse and can use them, he will not be footing those bills and he could very well have that privilege, Jijaji! Arnav said this in a soft voice, his face pleasant as he smiled encouragingly at his Di. Shyam was speechless, turned his head to look at his wife for confirmation. She affirmed by bobbing her head eagerly and saying that, what Chotey said was true and Shyamji need not worry about the diamonds or the cards. For the first time Shyam felt the hazard of marrying Anjali who had Arnav as a brother. Anjali was smiling because her Chotey had explained to her that it was a temporary measure, to be reversed once Shyamji began looking after his small family. Chotey had mentioned a period of three months, after which he would transfer everything back to her name. Now Shyamji would take care of her as her Chotey had been doing for the past many years. She need not worry herself over these things.
Shyam throat was parched and his muscles protested to even swallow a bit. He felt like a serpent struggling in a vulture's grasp. His life had become like gruel, weak and runny, kind of slop, the prisoners were made to eat! Arnav told him that he was welcome to keep his car but he would have to foot all its expenses. Anjali wondered what why was Shyamji silent and standing amidst them while the rest were seated? Arnav without a care of how Shyam would react informed him that he will not be making Di's monthly allowance or take care of the rent of his office and he can take care of them. Now Shyam knew that the fragility of the glass was such that it could not only break but also let the shrads of glass pierce the skin of the one who breaks it while flying all around and he all along had thought Anjali as the glass he could break and thereby Arnav Singh Raizada!
Khushi and Payal looked at each other for they knew the monstrous face of Shyam. It was really quite ugly, his real face. Their fears became reality. Within seconds they were treated to the spectacular display of the real face of Shyam Manohar Jha. Shyam the menace.  Shyam bellowed, like a wounded bull, what sort of mischief is this! Anjali jumped seeing this new facet of Shyam that she had never even dreamt about. She had known only the one, the gentle, loving man who always spouted sweet nothings. This man in front of her had little semblance to her husband, Pati Parameshwar. He had never raised his voice in the three years of their marriage. He was an epitome of patience and a soft-spoken person. This man was like a parchment, stiff, flat, thin, decoloured and aflame, lit by burning anger. But now it was as if a door had been opened into a furnace, his eyes were ablaze. Mami placed her hand over Anjali's arm to comfort her, when the truth, a bitter pill spills out. NK and Akash stood up too.
Shyam began his tirade of abuse against Arnav. He said, is that what he was getting in return for putting up with his lame sister for three years? Arrey, even labourers working for a daily wage get a better deal! His words penetrated the haze Anjali had been living in. It penetrated like a gimlet. It bore a hole through the shield she had covered herself with. She stared at this man who was a stranger standing in front of her, shouting. His words, putting up with her, lame, had her shake her head and wonder as to who was this stranger? But her Shyamji had told her that he loved her, that her bad leg did not matter to him.She felt the pinch of his words that went to her heart like shards of glass. Shyam denouncing Arnav, asked him how dare he insult him like that? He was a cheat. He took Khushiji away from him. Anjali stared at the man she had beatified with sainthood. The halo around his head vanished into thin air like a bursted bubble, as she heard his words. Now she could see him for what he really was a knave trickster who was cheap, unfaithful, double-timer, money mad and phony along with being a slickster. Her marriage had been threadbare and she was unable to see it. Continuing his diatribe, Shyam accused Arnav that he knew that he loved Khushiji, she was his life, he was insanely in love with her so much that he was ready to leave Rani Sahiba for her. Knowing it, he had eloped and married her? Shyam listed out his grouse without a care as to who has been listenening to him and its repercussion on his life. He was jeopardizing his life with his Rani Sahiba who was the only support he had. He was like a drowning man, mindlessly flailing his limbs trying to survive but succeeding only to get a watery graveyard quickly. He was digging his own grave in the besotted eyes of Anjali Singh Raizada and getting the curtains down to that phase of life. Hearing his denunciation, Anjali trembled in her chair thinking of the peril she was in. and Mami held on to her firmly. Continuing his ranting, Shyam shouted at Arnav, how dare he take the money that was his due? How dare he dream that he would let him do so? How dare he think that he would have an easy walkover? Arnav, still seated, without even moving a muscle said, that he had earned the money and worked for it.
Shouting out his invective, Shyam said he earned it too and asked Arnav, does he think it was easy to run into his sister at the temple, to make her believe he loved her, live with her and her bad leg, put up with her tears and her whining...? Anjali stood up on shaky legs her whole body shaking like a leaf. She was like a weeping willow, her face downcast. Mami and Nani supported her while Payal moved closer to her. Shyam, continued his harangue much to Anjali's discomfiture. He shouted, now he was saddled with the brat! Carry her burden too! How dare he be cheated of the much deserving money? Shyam tried to catch Arnav by his collar and drag him out of the chair. Shyam's action was that of a demented man forgetting that he was not the threat to them but they were the threat to his very existence amidst luxury.
NK and Akash restrained Shyam by his arms before he could touch Arnav. Arnav stood up slowly, facing Shyam. At the soft cry, Shyamji, coming from behind, Shyam turned around to see Anjali standing there with tears pooled in her eyes, like honey dew, gathered upon the almost withered lily. Keeping an ice on her sore heart, she told him that Khushiji was right, Payalji, NK Bhai all had spoken the truth and she alone was blind as any noon day owl, with the belief that he was true to her! Slight light seem to pierce through a small crevice into his brains. Suddenly a redder light shone as if the very gates of hell were swung ajar. He realized what he was talking, where he was talking and in front of whom. He was letting himself open to be imperiled. All the anger suddenly dissipated and he tried to backtrack calling out, Rani Sahiba..., only to hear Anjali whisper back, Don't Rani Sahiba me ever again, you rogue, you schemer. Such a betrayal! So much of lies! Shyam tried to take hold of her by her shoulders. Moving back, and raising her hand, she let her hand administer brisk slap to his cheek, the resounding thud reverberating through the Raizada Mansion. Shyam was left clutching his left cheek, for his fragile looking Rani Sahiba had packed a mean punch. Her stentorian announcement, get out, get lost, she never wants to see him again, had her brothers rush to fulfill her wishes while she clung to her Chotey weeping her heart out for being such a short-sighted moron!
Her feelings are depicted perfectly in this bit of poem.
"As the drained fountain, filled with autumn leaves,
 The field swept naked of its garnered sheaves;
 So wastes at noon the promise of our dawn,
 The springs all choking, and the harvest gone"
                                             ~ Oliver Wendell Holmes
The dreams of both the Jhas, Shyam Manohar Jha and his wife, Anjali Shyam Manohar Jha, had toppled like a House Of Cards and the Domino Effect of it was the end of Shyam Manohar Jha's days as a freeloader at RM and the re-emergence of Anjali Singh Raizada, who kept the trust of her brother and his belief in the strength of their love for each other intact. With Arnav Singh Raizada pulling the rug out from under Shyams' feet, he proved that he was a force not to be toyed with. But there exists a parallel force that he has to contend with and that is Khushi Kumari Gupta, Singh Raizada for the time being. Now, he needs to concentrate on this aspect or else his marriage too will be like a House Of Cards. Lets see what will be the Domino Effect of this, on his marriage.
"A fine glass vase goes from treasure to trash, the moment it  is broken. Fortunately, something else happens to you and  me. Pick up your pieces. Then, help me gather mine"
                                              ~ Vera Nazarian,                                                        The Perpetual Calendar of Inspiration

That's it from me. Hope you enjoy it.