93. Loving Khushi: Part 5: Day 9: Section 4

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Part 5: Day 9: Section 4

Anjali clung to Chotey, weeping. Khushi put her arms around the broken woman as she sobbed wildly, her heart broken, her dreams shattered by cruel reality once more.

Mami, Nani, & Payal rushed to Anjali’s side to comfort her.

Anjali whispered, “I…am…sorry…Khushiji…I am…so…so…sorry…”

“Sshh…” Khushi replied. “It is not important.”

NK and Akash dragged Shyam by his arms towards the door of the house. A wide-eyed HP opened the door for them to aid his expulsion. The well-built crook struggled against the hold of the two men, almost throwing them off.

“How dare you touch me?” he shouted at the boys. “Who are you to throw me out of my house?” He shook Akash away. Akash fell back, but recovered fast and took hold of the schemer.

“I should have killed you when I had the chance…” Shyam bit out, his eyes spitting fury at the weeping woman sitting in the midst of her concerned family.

All gasped and looked at Shyam in shock.

“But you have the luck of the very devil… the very devil!” Shyam laughed bitterly. “Even a car accident couldn’t kill you. Even after I cut the brake cable. Fire didn’t burn you even after I added ether to your perfume…There is more poison in you than there is in the scorpion I brought to kill you…” he hissed, his anger and acute disappointment making him reveal the extent of his iniquities. 

Every eye was on him, every one was slack-jawed at the villainy of the snake they had harboured in their collective bosom.

Anjali stared at the father of her baby with deep disgust and horror. Nani clutched her heart. Payal hugged her to give her courage, staring at the wicked man.

“And Arnav Singh Raizada!” Shyam spit on the floor. “The spawn of the devil! You escaped my men who had kidnapped you! One against eight! But you still escaped them… the kerosene meant to burn you got turned into water… Even Yamaraj does not want you!”

Shyam pulled against the arms restraining him. Anjali put her hand to her mouth, trying to stifle the cry from her heart at the thought of her Chotey’s life being endangered by the callous criminal she had married.

Mami was the first one to respond to this damning confession. She got up from her seat by Anjali, removed her sandals, and threw them at Shyam’s face, one after the other. They hit the mark, infuriating the ego maniac with a criminal bent of mind.

She shouted, “You! You ghatiya…murderer! You… you…rascal…staying here for 3 years, cheating Anjali bitiyaa and phooling all of us… and trying to kill hamre Arnav Bitwaa and Anjali Bitiyaa for money!” 

Unable to control her fury, Mami borrowed her Saasumma’s sandals and sent them flying at the cheat. Like heat-seeking missiles, they too found their mark.

Arnav stood up. He walked slowly to Shyam. NK & Akash lowered their arms.

“HP, call and ask the police to get here. Fast.” Arnav instructed HP, handing over his phone to the man.

Shyam jerked in shock, a slow realisation of where he was and what he was doing to his own health and well-being seeping into his muddled brain.

“You tried to kill Di…” Arnav whispered. He punched Shyam on the nose. Shyam rocked back, stunned, feeling the full force of Saale sahab’s akhada-trained muscles on the bridge of his nose. Blood flowed from his nose in a vivid red stream. Shyam clutched his nose in pain.

Arnav was not done yet. He strode forward. “Her baby… you tried to starve it to death, you monster…” Arnav let his fists speak for him.

“So it was you in the dark, hitting me when the others held me bound for you to show your cowardice.” Arnav kicked him where it hurt the most.

Shyam jumped around, clutching his privates, yelping like a hurt dog.

“You shouldn’t father another child, cheat any other woman…” Arnav said as he kicked him again and again.

Shyam fell to the ground and curled up like a worm to avoid being hurt any more.

Police walked into this drama, and left dragging a handcuffed Shyam who couldn’t put one foot ahead of the other after Arnav’s fond ministrations.

Arnav turned to look at his sister, who was crying in to Khushi’s shoulder. Suddenly, as he watched, she clutched her stomach.

“Chotey…” she whispered.

All looked at her in fear.

She clutched her tummy with both arms, bending over to bear the pain.

Arnav & Akash rushed to Anjali’s side. NK ran for the car keys. They rushed her to the hospital, but it was too late.

Anjali lost her baby. It was her day of losses.

“It is better that she stays here for a couple of days. She has lost a lot of blood.” the doctor told Arnav. “We can sedate her. She will get some much-needed rest and we can keep an eye on her.”

Arnav and the ladies nodded.

Buaji & Amma who had rushed to the hospital on hearing about Anjali, looked at her sleeping form with tears in their eyes.

At dawn, leaving NK, Akash, Buaji, & Mami at the hospital, the rest returned home.

Khushi dropped the dupatta on the recliner, ready to get in to bed. She frowned and looked around. Arnavji was nowhere to be seen.

She walked to the door leading to the poolside on silent feet. He was standing by the pool, looking in to the murky water, lost in thought.

As she watched, Arnav raised his head and looked at the sky. The stars were gone. A new day was dawning.

Khushi turned to go.

“Khushi…” Arnav called.

She turned around.

He was looking at her.

“Do you think my Mama is happy with me, Khushi?” Pain filled his voice.

Khushi looked at him silently.

“I was supposed to look after Di, take care of her… I failed, Khushi. I let her marry a trickster. A criminal…” 

“Anjaliji is older than you.” Khushi whispered. “Had you refused her permission to marry Shyam, would she have heeded your words?”

Arnav stared at her, his eyes wide, his brain focusing on her question. The answer gave him great relief.

“No. She would not have listened.” he could say, honestly.

“She is stubborn, like you. It was her choice to marry Shyam. Unfortunately, it was a bad choice.” Khushi said softly. “You are not to blame for her marriage or for her miscarriage.” Khushi absolved him of all guilt.

Arnav stared at her, silent, his heart slowly filling with hope.

“And yes, I think your Mama will be very happy with you. Because you are looking after your Di, taking care of her… Controlling your Di’s life is beyond you. It is beyond any human being. And I am sure your Mama knows that.”

Arnav looked at her, his eyes glinting with tears.

“You may be Arnav Singh Raizada, but only Devi Maiyya can decide what is going to happen to you, or your Di, or your family. She drew your past, is drawing your present, and will draw your future. So don’t take the blame for what was not your doing.” Khushi’s voice was low, but her conviction came through clear and loud.

Arnav drew in a shaky breath, trying to swallow his tears.

“She took a lot from you… your parents, your childhood, your happiness, your peace… But she was not miserly in filling your lap with blessings. She gave you your Naniji, Mamiji, and Mamaji. Your Di. Brothers who will protect you from all harm. A sister-in-law with a kind heart. Hari Prakashji. Your business. Your wealth. Your position… Everyone and everything that helped you today to unmask Shyam and throw him out of your Di's life.”

Arnav could feel the tears fill his eyes, but he continued to look at her.

“If she knows how to take away, she knows how to give too. Anjaliji will become better. The poor baby…” Khushi swallowed. She continued, “A few years from now, this will be like a half-forgotten dream. Anjaliji will learn to live again…”

Arnav stood looking at her. She walked up to him, and cupped his face.

“We need to sleep. You have to go to the hospital…” Khushi turned to look at the clock “… in 4 hours.”

Arnav nodded and bent to lift her up in his arms. He carried his precious bundle to bed.

Arnav dimmed the light.

He put his arms around Khushi and pulled her close in to his hold. Khushi did not resist. He buried his face in her neck, taking comfort from her jasmine scent, her warmth, her love, her giving heart, her strength, her constancy, an dher fortitude in times of peril... 

If Khushi felt his hot, salty tears wetting her skin, she said nothing. She just held him closer. 

They slept together, fitfully, the nightmarish events of the evening and night refusing to leave them to rest in peace.



Smita,
Here is the interpretation to Section 4 of Part 5.
This update is about the beginning and the end, the basic meaning of something, the crucial part. Hence it is titled, ALPHA and OMEGA.
As Anjali clung to her Chotey, the heavy rainclouds in her mind let loose their turbulent nature and great drops fell from her eyes, like rain on the window pane, crying her heart out in the protection of his arms. Khushi put her arms around the woman who was all sunshine once now gone limp like a rag doll, as she sobbed as if the entire world and all of its beauty, had come to an end, with her heart broken, her dreams which she had thought were on the threshold of fulfillment were shattered by cruel reality once more. Nani, Mami and Payal rushed to Anjali's side to comfort her. Anjali amidst the bitter sobs whispered, I... am... sorry... Khushiji... I am... so... so... sorry... Khushi with a heart bigger than her size, shushed her saying that it was not important!
As NK and Akash dragged Shyam by his arms towards the door, a wide-eyed HP stunned by the turn of events, coming to know that the gentle, smiling Jijaji was a con man, opened the door for them to aid his expulsion. The crook with sinewy physique, struggled against the hold of the two men, almost throwing them off. He screamed, how dare they touch him, who were they to throw him out of his house? The force with which he shook, made Akash fall back but recovering quickly, took hold of the schemer. With eyes that were hollows of madness, hair like moldy hay, Shyam said, he should have killed her when he had a chance. He had reached the end of his tether.He spat out his fury at the weeping woman safely ensconced in the folds of her concerned family. All gasped and looked at him in shock. He began to laugh with that sibilant laugh which resembles the hiss of a serpent and said that she was one lucky Devil! A Devil incarnate! To be able to escape each time he had tried to send her packing innovatively! She had survived the car accident even when he had cut the brake cable. With his tongue like a scarlet snake he added that fire had not touched her even after adding ether to her perfume she used during the havan. She had more poison in her than than the poisonous scorpion he had brought to kill her. Every time he had reached the point of fulfillment she had thwarted it. Spouting out his venom, in his anger and acute disappointment, disillusioned by his failures, he revealed the extent of his heinousness that was more venomous than the blue spider.
His revelation had every one slack-jawed, stung at the viciousness of the snake that they had harboured amidst them. Anjali, filled with deep disgust and horror stared at the father of her Rajkumari.  It was the dawn of the realization of the extent of viciousness he possessed towards her while all the time she had adored him as her Pati Parameshwar, her soulmate, for whose well being she was keeping vraths and for whom she was deceiving her family. Payal staring at the vile man hugged Nani giving her the courage to face him. Shyam, his eyes like hot, blue fire, crackling and licking up firewood, spat on the floor, displaying his malice and repugnance at the very name he spewed out, Arnav Singh Raizada, The spawn of the Devil! Escaped his men who had kidnapped him! One against eight! But still he managed to out wit and out beat them.. The kerosene meant to burn him had turned into water. Even Yamraj was repelling him! Shyam showed what his real goal was. It was to annihilate Arnav Singh Raizada. Shyam, like a wild animal, suddenly aware that it is caged, pulled against the arms restraining and raged. Anjali, put her hand to her mouth, trying to stifle the cry from her heart at the thought of her Chotey's life being endangered by the callous criminal she had married. The payoff for her marriage was Chotey's life and his hard earned wealth! She felt her world had turned as bitter as a tear.
Mami was the first one to react to this incriminating confession. Feeling the red hot fury that was bubbling inside her, she got up from her seat by Anjali, launched her sandal missile spree targeting Shyam's face, one after the other. They were bang on target, infuriating the braggart with a nefarious connections and deeds. This kicked off as a launching pad for her pent up fury as it vented itself into a fiery harangue.His deeds, made her shout and call him a heinous being, a murderer, a ruffian. Staying with them for three years, back stabbing Anjali Bitiyaa and take all for ride, trying to kill their Arnav Bitwaa and Anjali Bitiyaa for money! Unable to control her fury, dipping into her wellspring of innovative and successful thoughts and ideas, she borrowed her Saasumma's sandals and sent them flying at the cheat. Her shoulder fired missiles, just like the heat-seeking missiles find the target emitting the infra red radiation, hit the bull's eye which was a ball of red hot fury. Mami in her rage, crossed the baseline to give Shyam a memorable momento.
As Arnav walked slowly towards Shyam, NK and Akash lowered their arms. Arnav instructed HP to call and ask for the police to come over quickly and to make it fast while he held out his cell phone to him. Shyam jerked in shock as a slow realization, of where he was and what he had done began seeping into his brain that has become a hostage to his rage within. Much to his chagrin, he realized that by venting out his fury, he had incriminated himself. He was heading unto the crack of doom. Arnav in a gruff voice, like the creaking of the gallows-chain, whispered, he tried to kill Di... and sent out his fist, in a jab that connected with his nose sending a stunned Shyam reel on his heels. Shyam could feel the full force, of Arnav's fist that was like shoulder of mutton, on the bridge of his nose. Like a free flowing river, blood flowed red, making him clutch his nose and howl in pain. It was curtains for him at RM.  Arnav was not done yet. He strode forward menacingly while uttering, her baby... you tried to starve it to death, you monster and let his iron fists speak for him. Stating, so it was you in the dark, hitting me when the others held me bound for you, showing your cowardice, Arnav kicked him where it hurt the most. Shyam jumped around, clutching his privates, squawking in pain. Saying that he should never father another child or cheat another woman, as a final twitch he kicked him again and again. Shyam fell like a wounded stag and curled up to avoid being hurt any more. Arnav's invectives and vituperations bit and flayed like steel whips. While he wriggled all curled up in pain, as a final coda to this phase of Shyam at RM, in walked the police into this drama, and left dragging a handcuffed Shyam who couldn't put one foot ahead of the other after Arnav's fond ministrations to his scoundrel of a Jijaji. That was the swansong of Shyam Manohar Jha in the lives of the Raizadas.
Arnav, turned to look at his sister, who was crying bitterly leaning on to Khushi's shoulder. As he watched, she clutched her stomach whispering, Chotey, bringing in all the fear filled gaze towards her. Clutching her tummy with both arms, she doubled up in pain. While Arnav and Akash rushed to her side, NK grabbed the car keys. Rushing her to the hospital proved to be a futile exercise. The damage had already been done. Anjali lost her baby. The destination of the Rajkumari was not RM and it was the hand that destiny dealt for Anjali. The day that began with a dreamy smile ended with momentous loss for her. It was her day of multitude of losses. That was how Fate terminated all ties between Anjali and Shyam. The doctor adviced Arnav that it was better that Anjali was at hospital under observation. As she had lost a lot of blood she needed to rest to recuperate. Under sedation she would be getting the much needed rest undisturbed with medical supervision. It was the inception of a new beginning in the life of Anjali as Anjali Singh Raizada, the apple of the eye in the Raizada household. Arnav and the rest agreed that it was a good decision for the moment. Amma and Buaji, who had rushed to the hospital on hearing about Anjali, were in tears looking at her limp form. At dawn, leaving NK, Akash, Buaji and Mami at the hospital, the rest returned home.
When Khushi entered their room, she dropped her dupatta on the chaise, ready to get in to bed. She frowned as she could not find Arnavji anywhere around. Padding silently to the poolside, she found Arnav looking into the murky waters of the pool, lost in thought. A stray light falling on the water was reflecting its light on his face. As she watched she saw Arnav raise his face to the sky and saw with the stars gone, the faint light of the dawn beginning to drape the sky. As she turned her back, she heard him call out in a voice, like the thin faint sound when the wind wearily sighs in the grass, making her turn around. She saw that he was looking at her. He asked her thickly, voice oozing with pain, does she think his Mama is happy with him? Khushi watched him silently as he continued that he was supposed to look after Di and take care of her. He had failed miserably. He had let her marry a blackguard, a felon.. Overcome by remorse and feeling distraught he stopped. It was crucial that he understood where he stood in his own estimation. He was one muddled up soul, unable to come to any conclusion on this. So he sought the help of Khushi to clear his own thoughts for him. Khushi understanding that this needed winding up, given the necessary closure along with the emergence of a fresh start gave him the facts as they were. Khushi whispered that Anjaliji was older than him. She asked Arnav, had he refused would she have abided by his decision? Arnav stared at her, his eyes wide, his brain focusing on her query and the answer he got, brought in the much needed relief. Now he could honestly say that she would not have listened to anything that would have been said against her judgement and said so to Khushi. Her query channeled his thoughts in the direction of seeking answers and not berating himself. Like the opening of the buds at the advent of spring, it brought in the realization that he had done whatever could be done under the given circumstances. Khushi had tapped in at the chief source, the fountain head from which his stream of thoughts would be flowing out. She showed him that they were on ground zero and the only way they had, was to ascend. Khushi in her soft voice as softly as music that floats through a dream, giving him the much needed solace told him, that like him, Anjaliji too is stubborn and it was her choice to marry Shyam. But to everyone's dismay it was a bad choice. Unknowingly she had chosen a rotten apple. He was not to be blamed for her bad marriage or for her miscarriage. Khushi's words absolved him of all guilt. Arnav, silently stared at her taking in what she said, and slowly a ray of hope sprouted in his heart. She continued to tell her thoughts on the matter saying, his Mama will be very happy with him, because he is looking after his Di, taking care of her. Controlling his Di's life is beyond his capacity. It is beyond any human being. And she was sure his Mama knows that.
As Arnav looked at her, his eyes shimmering with tears, she told him in a silvery voice that was low, light and pleasant filled with conviction coming through loud and clear that he may be Arnav Singh Raizada, but only Devi Maiyya can decide what is going to happen to him, or his Di, or his family. She planned his past, his present, and his future too. So do not take the blame for what was not his doing. Khushi in her own way showed the origin of deeds and it was in the hands of her Devi Maiyya, the source of all actions, what would be the next step that anyone needed to take. Always there would be a fork ahead. Whether to take the right path or the other was only left to the individual. This choice showed whether one went towards the dawn or the dusk.  Khushi's words made Arnav draw in a shaky breath, trying to swallow his tears. She forged ahead saying that She, Devi Maiyya, took a lot from him, his parents, his childhood, his happiness, his peace. But she was not miserly in filling his lap with blessings. With her Benevolence she gave him his Naniji, Mamiji, Mamaji, Di, brothers who would close in on him at times of need, a sister-in-law with a kind heart, Hari Prakashji, his business, his wealth, his position... Everyone and everything that helped him today to unmask Shyam and throw him out of his Di's life was bestowed by Devi Maiyya herself. She was the reason of genesis, the origin, the mode of formation of everything in his life. Arnav could feel the tears pool in his eyes, but he continued to look at her. Khushi persisted saying, if She knows how to take away, She knows how to give too. Anjaliji will recover. The poor baby... Khushi's heart went out to the unborn child that never saw the daylight. Swallowing her tears she pushed on to allay his fears that the mellowing hand of time, will deal this as a distant memory and Anjaliji will learn to live again. That was the fountain of hope she sprung in him on his Di's life.
As Arnav stood looking at her, she walked up to him, and cupped his face with her palms, told him that they needed to sleep, as he would have to go to the hospital in about four hours. Arnav, nodding and heeding her words, picked her up in his arms and carried his precious warm bundle to bed. Arnav turning the light into a faint glow pulled Khushi into the confines of his arms. Khushi acquiesced, letting him bury his face in her neck, taking the comfort from her jasmine scent, her warmth, her love, her beneficience, her strength, her allegiance, her dependability, her courage, her tenacity and her fortitude in times of peril... He knew that she was his fountain of hope and vitality, so sought solace in her arms. When Khushi felt hot tears that had streamed down his face and onto to her skin and dress, she did not let him know that she was aware of it. She let all his grief, pain, remorse, regret, agony, heartache, woes and worries wash away along with those tears holding him close. They slept together, fitfully, the nightmarish events of the evening and the night refusing to leave them to rest in peace.
This update has shown that it was curtains, the omega, to Shyam Manohar Jha and Anjali as a couple and the day one of Anjali as Anjali Singh Raizada. It also showed that Khushi was always the source of inspiration and hope for Arnav and for Arnav, it is the touch with his origin and the realization that for his Di, her life is at a nascent stage and not the last gasp. The last trumpet had been blown was only to the phase of Shyam Manohar Jha in their life. But it was also a trumpet call heralding the commencement of a new dawn. It was also crucial as the crux of happiness of Khushi is lies in the happiness of people around her. If Arnav has to find his khushi in Khushi he had to address his Di's happiness and well being. Only then Arnav Singh Raizada had any chance to woo Khushi successfully and make her stay as Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada. Now with that addressed wooing his wife is at the alpha stage.
That is why this is titled ALPHA and OMEGA.
"Yesterday was the last day on the calendar of the past.          Tomorrow will be the first day on the calendar of the future.  Today is both the first and the last day of the present. Use it  well"
                                         ~ Israelmore Ayivor
That's it from me. Hope you enjoy it.

Part 6: Day 8

Arnav got up in the morning, all alert. His arms were empty, Khushi was not in bed. He looked at the time on his phone. 8.30am. She must be in the bathroom. He looked at the closed door of the bathroom.

He phoned Akash and spoke to Mami, Buaji, Akash, & NK at the hospital. There was nothing to report. Di was still asleep.

He strode towards the bathroom and pushed open the door. There was no one inside.

He ran down the steps to the living room. Khushi was not anywhere around. He rushed to the kitchen. HP was making tea.

“Where is Khushi?” Arnav asked.

HP jumped and dropped the strainer. “Who..woh…Khushi Bhabi…I didn’t see her today morning…” HP stammered.

Arnav turned to leave, ready to look for Khushi in every nook and corner of the house, when he came face to face with his Nani.

She smiled. “Khussi Bitiyaa ko dhoondat ho, Chotey?”

Arnav flushed. “Yes, Nani. Did you see her?”

“She went to the temple. The one near the banyan tree.” Nani pulled the pallu more firmly over her head. “Anjali Bitiyaa is still asleep, Chotey. I talked to Akass Bitwaa.”

“I called him.” Arnav nodded.

“Anjali Bitiyaa will be fine. It will take time, but she will be fine.” Nani comforted him. She cupped his face gently and asked him fondly, “How can she not be fine when she has brothers like you, Akass Bitwaa, and NK Bitwaa and sisters like Khussi Bitiyaa and Payal Bitiyaa?”

Arnav smiled slightly and nodded.

“Tum sahi kiye rahe, acha kiye rahe…” Nani nodded. “You got the Shaitan out of our house and Anjali Bitiyaa’s life. How he fooled all of us!”

Arnav nodded. “Nani, I will…I will just go and get Khushi from the temple.” He felt an unusual urgency to see her, make sure that she was alright. Shyam was in prison, but still…

Nani smiled gently at him.

“Then we can go to the hospital. I will come and pick you…” Arnav offered.

“You don’t worry about your Nani. You worry about your wife. See to it that she has her breakfast. And have yours too. I will take Payal Bitiyaa and go with Mohan to the hospital.” Nani said.

Arnav nodded, grateful to his Nani for sparing him.

Arnav ran up the steps to Devi Maiyya’s temple, his eager eyes looking for Khushi. The pigeons, the chudiwale, the devotees, the purohits… he saw none of them. His eyes searched for his Khushi. She was not in the crowd praying to Devi Maiyya. He looked around anxiously. Had she already left?

He walked around to make sure that he had not missed her. And then he saw her. 

In a corner of  a dark hall, she was sitting with a purohit. The priest was chanting, sitting on one side of the holy fire. Khushi was in white, looking like a burning candle in the dim light. Her hair was in one plait, her face looked paler than usual. Her hands were folded in prayer, her eyes were shut in piety.

Why was she conducting a pooja? How come she was alone? Why hadn’t she taken Nani or Payal with her? Arnav looked at her silently, the very air around her still, filled with her pain.

And then he saw the small photo with a garland aound it.

His breath hitched. Barsi. Her parents’ barsi. His eyes moved from the photo of a smiling couple to her wan one. His heart ached for her, for the 8-year old child whose life had been shattered by her parents’ accident, leaving her still scared of the dark, needing the security of stars hanging from the bed frame, peeking many times at night to see if he was still in the same room with her, sleeping on the recliner… The photo in the frame faded as moisture pooled in his eyes. The picture merged with the one of his parents that he used to bring down to the hall every barsi, to be placed on a stool and garlanded.

He slowly walked towards her on silent feet.

“Beta, are you sure that your husband won’t join you?” the kindly priest asked, his eyes having taken note of her mangalsutra and the sindoor in her maang. It was very rare for a person to come to him, all alone, and ask him to do the barsi for his or her parents. Normally the entire family would turn up. And here was a lone figure in white, fighting tears…

Khushi felt her heart weep. Her husband! Arnavji’s face swam in front of her eyes. How could she tell the purohit that her husband was not an ordinary husband but a contract one, that the mangalsutra and sindoor had a life span of only 8 more days, that she had always been alone and would always be alone till the end of her life… Images of her forced marriage flashed through her mind…the dark night…Arnavji dragging her up the steps of the temple…the sindoor and the mangalsutra… the hatred and contempt on Arnavji’s face as he had looked at her…

The muscles of her throat protested as she tried to swallow.

A gust of wind blew back the strands of hair hanging down her cheek. Her heart picked up its beat…dhak dhak…dhak dhak… What was the use of longing for a man who was better off without you? Khushi shut her eyes for a moment, lifted her lashes, and opened her mouth to tell the priest that nobody was coming.

But her parted lips didn’t form any words.

Arnavji, dressed in his white T-shirt and black trousers slid in to place beside her. Khushi stared at him, speechless, her heart pounding, her eyes wide…

“I am her husband. Shall we…?” Arnav asked the priest.

The purohit beamed and continued the pooja.

Khushi sat looking at Arnavji, unable to believe that he was here. Maybe she had conjured him up, maybe her longing for him was making her imagine that he was sitting by her side, looking at the flame.

Arnav turned his head to look at her shell-shocked face. He swallowed. She expected so little from him. He caught hold of her hand and pressed it gently.

Khushi looked down at her fingers trapped in his, held in his warm clasp, and then turned to look at the purohit.

Once the rituals were done, Khushi took her parents’ photo and the prasad that the purohit had given them and walked out of the hall. She looked at Arnavji, walking silently by her.

“How…?” she finally asked.

“Nani said you had gone to the temple. I came to get you…” Arnav confessed.

Khushi wanted to ask him why he had taken the effort, but was scared of the answer. It would make their cheap, tarnished contract marriage appear more lustrous and precious than a diamond to her… It would weaken her determination to leave at the end of 8 days… It was better she did not hear it…

Arnav waited to see if she would ask him why he had come to get her. Her silence spoke volumes.

Arnav drove to Laxmi Nagar, and parked his car in front of Buaji’s house.

Khushi looked at him, an eyebrow raised in question.

“I thought you might want to meet your Amma and Babuji today.” Arnav said softly. Khushi swallowed and looked away. “And you must be hungry after fasting…”

Khushi looked at him. “Did you have breakfast?”

“Err…no..I wanted to get you…” Arnav confessed.

Khushi fumed. “Aap ko shakar ki bimari he! How could you be so careless as to miss breakfast? Agar chakar aa jaati to? If your sugar levels had fallen and you had felt dizzy…?”

Arnav smiled. “I am afraid I need you to take care of me, Khushi…”

Khushi looked away immediately. She fumbled with her seat belt and the door and beat a hasty retreat towards the house. Arnav followed.

Amma hugged Khushi, tears in her eyes, both of them remembering the departed couple on their death anniversary. She looked at Arnav, and wiping her wet eyes, said, “Arnav Bitwaa! What a coincidence! Khussi’s Babuji was asking me to call you.”

Arnav frowned.

“He said that he wants to meet you, speak to you…” Amma explained.

“I will see him now.” Arnav said.

 He accompanied Khushi to her Babuji’s room. After Khushi had taken her father’s blessings and hugged him thoroughly, she went to the kitchen to help her Amma prepare food for Arnavji and herself.

Arnav looked at the frail man in the wheelchair.

“You wanted to see me? Is there anything I can do for you?” Arnav asked.

Khushi’s father said, “You…caught…Shyam…?” His words were slurred, but Arnav could understand them.

“Ji.”

“He … tried… to… cheat us…PG in Jiji’s house…sagai…Khussi…” Babuji struggled.

“I know. Bujai & Amma told me. Khushi explained everything.” Arnav said.

“I…found…out…” Babuji gasped.

Arnav stared at him.

“I saw him…and…Anjali…Bitiyaa…in the…temple.” Babuji whispered.

Arnav’s eyes widened. His sharp brain grasped what Babuji was trying to tell him. “You found out that he was already married.” Arnav stated.

Babuji nodded.

“You must have asked him…” Arnav surmised.

“I…did…He… hit… me…made… me…” Babuji looked down at his form in the wheelchair.

Arnav gasped.

“He …threw… away… the medicine…” Babuji said, looking at Arnav’s face with helpless eyes.

Arnav caught hold of Babuji’s arm, seeing his Jijaji fully in the pure, strong light of the whole truth for the first time.

“That is why you had a fit when Di came here with Payal’s proposal.” Arnav thought aloud. “You realised that she was my sister…”

Babuji nodded. “What…could…I do…? My Khussi…”

Arnav nodded. “Babuji…” he said. “You don’t have to worry about Shyam anymore. He is safe behind bars. I promise that Khushi & Payal will never have to deal with him again. He will never trouble you again.”

Babuji drew a breath of relief.

“Khushi, Payal, Amma, Buaji…do they know?” Arnav asked.

“No…” Babuji said. “When…I …woke up…I couldn’t…speak…”

 Arnav nodded, understanding and sympathising with the degree of helplessness Babuji must have experienced, watching the scoundrel get engaged to Khushi while being married to Di...

“Would you like to file a case against him?” Arnav asked.

Babuji nodded eagerly, his eyes lighting up.

“I will send a police officer and my lawyer to you. Today. They will do the needful.” Arnav said.

Babuji said, “Thank…you…”

Arnav bent his head in shame. “I and my family have caused you and your family a lot of trouble. I will never be able to…”

Babuji placed his hand on Arnav’s arm to console him. “You…are…our Damadji … and Payaliyaa’s…Jetji…Whatever…happens…we…suffer…together…”

Arnav and Khushi returned to RM to freshen up before leaving for the hospital.

Arnav watched Khushi place her parents’ photo in her cloth bag.

“Khushi…?”

She looked at him.

“Why do you want to hide the photo in the bag? Why not hang it on the wall of our room? You can see them all the time.” Arnav suggested.

Khushi swallowed. She had no wall of her own to hang her parents’ photo. In eight days, her parents would leave with her to the cupboard in Buaji’s house. And then… only Devi Maiyya knew… Thank God there was a sky for them to shine at night, Khushi thought.

“Give it to me. I will hang it.” Arnav offered, holding out his hand.

Khushi shook her head in the negative.

“Khushi…” Arnav insisted.

“I will have to take it down…” Khushi whispered “…in eight days…”

Arnav swallowed the big ball of pain in his throat.

He strode to her and gathered her in his arms. “Do you really think I will let you go, Khushi?” he asked softly.

“You won’t have a choice.” Khushi said. “After 8 days, I will not be your wife. And you won’t be my husband. Our contract will be over.” She moved out of his arms, his numb arms letting her leave.

“Will you let our marriage die, Khushi?” Arnav whispered, pain in his eyes.

Khushi smiled sadly. “I won’t have to let it die. It will die on its own at the end of six months. You made sure of it when you made me sign the contract.”

Arnav stared at her, pain racking his body and soul, the pain reflected in her eyes.

“Is our marriage legal?” Khushi asked.

“Yes.” Arnav replied.

“Acha he.” Khushi murmured. “Woh kya he, we didn’t marry according to our vidhi… No purohit…no family…no witnesses…no saat phere…” Khushi swallowed hard, all the dreams she had cherished right from childhood about getting married lying shattered on the ground, trampled upon… “At least it is legal. People won’t laugh at me calling our marriage a live-in, like they mocked Lavanyaji…”

Arnav swallowed. Hard.

“Atleast the sindoor and managlsutra are really mine, till the 15^th.” Khushi consoled herself in a low voice.

Arnav’s heart wept bitter tears.

Meeya & Supriya, a big thank you! Meeya, for your brilliant ideas and fertile imagination, and Supriya for your timely help even when busy. And most importantly, thanks to both of you for being my friends!!!!

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Smita,
Here is the interpretation to Section 1 of Part 6.
This update is about something bitter, grievous, extremely unpleasant which is summed by the word WORMWOOD.
What exactly is wormwood?
There are no worms or wood involved in wormwood. This is a word of German origin. Wormwood is the term used for any of several aromatic plants of the genus Artemisia, especially A. absinthium, a native to Europe, yielding a bitter extract used in making absinthe used in flavoring certain wines.
The word is also used to denote something that embitters, such as a painful experience.
After the fitful sleep, when Arnav got up it was morning and at once he was all alert. He realized his arms that had held Khushi all through his sleep was empty and she was not in bed. Getting to know that the time was half past eight from his cell phone, he thought she must be using the washroom as he looked at the closed door. He called Akash and spoke to Mami, Buaji, Akash and NK at the hospital. Everything seemed to be fine at that front and Di was still sleeping peacefully under sedation. Reaching with long strides when he pushed the door of his ensuite bathroom, it opened to reveal an empty room. It made him aware that it was the dawn of the day eight and he had just eight more days to get Khushi to change her mind. Not seeing her anywhere in the room he went rigid. Feeling a sudden sense of fear run through his nerves like the chill of an icy wind, he rushed down the steps to the living room and Khushi was not there too. He peeped into the kitchen only to find HP immersed in making tea. When Arnav asked, where Khushi was? HP was so startled that he literally jumped out of his skin and dropping the strainer stuttered that, Who... she... Khushi Bhabhi... he had not seen her that morning. When Arnav turned to leave, all set to go through every nook and cranny of the house to trace her out, he came face to face with his Nani. With a bright smile on her face she asked him, was he in search of Khushi Bitiyaa? Arnav reddened and said, yes, he was and did she see her? Nani adjusting her pallu on her head told him, that she had gone to the temple, the one near the big Banyan tree. Anjali Bitiyaa was still sleeping soundly and she had spoken to Akass Bitwaa. Arnav nodded and told her, that he had called him too. Nani cupping his face gently with her weathered hands comforted him saying, Anjali Bitiyaa would soon be in fine fettle. How can she not be, up and running, with brothers like him, Akass Bitwaa, and NK Bitwaa and sisters like Khussi Bitiyaa and Payal Bitiyaa? A bleak smile curled up on Arnav's lips as he nodded. Nani giving him her approval for his deeds told that he did the right thing by getting the Satan out of their house and Anjali Bitiyaa's life. He had them fooled so easily for such a long time! Arnav gave her just a nod, feeling the urgency to see Khushi. Eventhough Shyam was behind bars he needed to make sure that that she was fine with his eyes. Nani gave him her gentle knowing smile. He told her that later they could go to the hospital and volunteered to pick her. Nani refusing his offer told him, not to bother about her. He better see to his wife. She asked him to make sure that, she had her breakfast along with his and, she would take Payal Bitiyaa with her, availing the services of driver Mohan. It earned a grateful smile from Arnav for her understanding.
As Arnav took the steps two at a time to Devi Maiyya's temple his eager eyes went over the whole place with a fine tooth comb. There were pigeons, the bangle-seller, the devotees, the purohits.. but his mind registered none. His eyes were seeking one familiar figure, but she was missing among the praying crowd! It annoyed him that he could not find her. Feeling the stirrings of panic, he frantically searched around. He wondered had she already left. Just to make sure that he had not overlooked anywhere he walked around. That was when he saw the lonely figure sitting in the dark corner of the hall beside a purohit who was chanting in front of a havan kund. Khushi's willowy figure resplendent in pristine white, looked like a golden taper emitting its glow, reflecting the golden glow of the fire in front of her. Her hair was woven into a plait, face pale and drawn with hands folded in prayer and her eyes were closed in reverence. It made him grim to see Khushi all alone.
As he watched her, Arnav's mind was filled with many questions. Why was she conducting a pooja? How come she was alone? Why hadn't she taken Nani or Payal with her? Arnav looked at her silently, the very air around her was still, filled with her pain. In his quest for answers, his eyes found a small photo with a garland placed around it. He realized that with bitterness, he knew nothing about Khushi and it was her parents Barsi, the death anniversary and she all alone was performing the needful! His gaze leapt from the photo of a smiling couple to her blanched face. He felt his heart constrict for the eight year old child whose life had been blown to smithereens by her parents' death in the accident, leaving her still scared of darkness, needing the security of the stars hanging on her bed frame. He realized the need of her to have him in the same room at night and the feeling of security it brought with it as the reason for her snatching a look every now and then, of him sleeping on the chaise. He realized that his harsh demeanour and embittered behaviour had exacerbated her position and added to her personal demons that she had never shown to the outside world, camouflaging it successfully with her laughing countenance. He was disillusioned with his own behavior. The photo in the frame faded, as tears pooled in his eyes and the picture melded with the one of his parents, that he used to bring down to the hall every barsi, to be placed on the small podium and garlanded. He realized that she needed his support and security as much as he needed her. It was a grim reminder to him that he had been self-centered without even giving a thought to her need and her feelings. He walked to her in soft silent steps.
As he approached he heard the priest, having noted the mangalsutra and the sindoor on her, with compassionate eyes ask her, was she sure that her husband would not be joining her? For the priest, it was a rarity to see a lone person coming over to perform the barsi for their parents' as they would be usually accompanied by family members. Here was a girl, married by all appearance, clad in white, fighting back her tears that threatened to stream down her cheeks. Khushi grieved inside, felt her heart shorn into shreds at the thought of her husband! Arnavji's face appeared into her mind. How could she tell the purohit that her husband was not an ordinary husband but a contract one who would be holding that place in her life for just eight more days only, that the mangalsutra and the sindoor would adorn her only that many days more in her lifetime and like now, she would forever be alone till the time she would be joining her parents. That was the bitter truth but one she could not share. Images of her forced marriage flitted through her mind's eye. The dark night, Arnavji dragging her up the steps of the temple, dabbing the sindoor and tying the mangalsutra with hatred and contempt on his face as he looked at her. At times of anger his strident stance was the grim reality she had to face that kept popping up on her. Every time she forgot about it, it would pop up like jack in the box and she became the target, the most favoured punching bag, not just him but of each and everyone around her with an exception of her Babuji. All her good intentions were always misjudged and she was accused of being an opportunist and bad blood. She was left feeling a deep pit in the stomach. A gentle breeze swayed the curls that were resting on her cheek. Her heart picked up its beat. She could hear her pulses, flutter like a dove, sounding dhak dhak... dhak dhak... Quelling the longing giving herself a sharp chiding that, it was a waste of time longing for a man who was better off without her in his life. Khushi shut her eyes for a moment with her lashes like fans upon her cheek and her lips tremulous like brook water. Picking herself up from the desolation she was falling into, composing herself, with dim dried eyes that looked like an exhausted well she opened her mouth to tell that nobody would come. But the words stuck in her throat.
Arnav dressed in his white shirt and black trousers slid in beside her. As she stared speechless, her heart thumped and her eyes widened to hear Arnav ask the priest, shall we begin, stating that he was her husband. Purohit was one happy man and continued the havan. Khushi sat dumbfounded and was only able to stare at him, unable to believe what she was seeing. Her thoughts were that she might be hallucinating with the longing that had welled inside her. Arnav, feeling her gaze on him turned to see her addled up and her expression touched a tender chord in his heart. He was torn to see that she who gave so much to him unconditionally, expected very little in return. It was a bleak reminder to him of all the caustic words that he had used to accuse her to be, were in fact never true and were rebounding on his face. In the entire fiasco, she was the one who had shone out as the innocent but she was the one who was victimized the most. All she had sought through out her life was to be loved and all she got was disbelief and disenchantment. As she knew the entire household was concentrating on Anjali and her welfare, she did not want to divert their attention from it. And she had come over to pay her respects to her departed parents without even letting anyone know about it. It was her selfless nature that had made her do the barsi rituals quietly. It was a harsh reminder to him that he was not able to instill any feeling of being loved, wanted and security in her.Taking her dainty hand in his he pressed it gently conveying to her that he was with her and by her side. Khushi looked at her fingers that were held in a warm clasp, then turned to look at the purohit.
After completing the rituals, Khushi took her parents' photo and the prasad from the purohit and walked out of the hall with Arnav silently walking by her side. Giving him a side look she asked, how did he come to know? Arnav confessed, that Nani said she had gone to the temple and he had come to pick her up. She bit back the question she wanted to ask, why he had taken the effort, eventhough it was at the tip of her tongue. The fear, that the answer would make their shoddy and sullied contract marriage appear more lustrous and precious than a diamond to her and weaken her resolve to leave at the end of the eight days, made her keep silent. She thought it was better that she was not aware of his thoughts, as it was bound to eat into her resolve. Those words were the very ones that her heart was pounding to hear, but she would be unable to withstand his denial and placing the blame on her shoulders once more. She was disillusioned of him ever placing his trust in her. Hence her silence was a defence, against his probable attack that would occur in a fit of anger and to protect her heart from being shredded once more, whereas, Arnav waited to see if she would ask him why he had come to get her. He was treated to her silence that spoke volumes of how she thought of herself in her own eyes. A person not deserving anything good in her life and she had stoically accepted that as the fact the Fate had ordained for her.
As they reached Laxmi Nagar and he parked the car in front of Buaji's house, Khushi looked at him silently raising her eyebrow in a query. Arnav in a soft tone replied, that he thought that she might want to meet her Amma and Babuji and she must be hungry after the fast. It made Khushi teary and she looked away. Braving it up she asked, whether he had his breakfast? As Arnav sheepishly confessed, he had not as he wanted to pick her up, was treated to a fretting and fuming Khushi, who bristled that he has diabetes and how could he be careless as to miss his breakfast! What if his sugar level had fallen and had a fit of dizziness? Seeing her seething visage, Arnav was a happy man to know that she still cared for him and his health, even after all the injustice meted out to her, by him and his family. His resolve to make her stay with him, though earlier had received a dent by her silence, was now reinforced by her answer. With an added strength he told her smiling, that he needed her to take care of him. It made her look away release the seat belt and flee like a spirit into the house, with Arnav following behind. One fact that stood out was, come what may, her inherent nature of selfless caring, always stood intact and she would do the needful. It was a point that showed the dismal picture of the state he and the rest were in when compared to Khushi.
Amma who met them at the door hugged Khushi, tears streaming down their faces both remembering the departed souls on their Death Anniversary. The day was a bitter reminder of the tragedy that both Khushi and Garima had undergone. Khushi had lost her parents and Garima her sister and brother-in-law. They had overcome quite a tough time together as a family. Amma wiping her wet eyes told Arnav what a coincidence it was! Khushi's Babuji was asking her to call him. At Arnav's frown, Amma explained, that he wanted to speak to him. Telling her that he would meet him then itself, he accompanied Khushi to her Babuji's room. After Khushi took his blessings and held her Babuji in a tight hug, she went to the kitchen to assist her Amma prepare breakfast for Arnavji and herself.
Arnav meeting the eyes of the frail man in the wheel chair asked, whether there was anything that he could do for him? Khushi's father slurring and stumbling on words asked him, You... caught... Shyam... ? Arnav, who could understand affirmed it to be so. Babuji struggling to get coherent words told him, that he... tried... to... cheat us...PG in Jiji's house... sagai... Khussi... When Arnav said, he knew as Buaji, Amma and Khushi had explained everything, Babuji persisted and gasped out, I... found...out..., making Arnav stare at him. When Babuji whispered in a choked voice, I saw him... and... Anjali... Bitiyaa... in the... temple, Arnav's eyes widened. His sharp brain picked up what Babuji was trying to tell and he voiced it out for confirmation. You found out that he was already married. His statement received a nod from Babuji. This made Arnav speculate, that he must have asked him, and the reply he received, I... did... He... hit... me... made... me... with Babuji looking down at his form in the wheelchair, had him gasp at the implication. When Babuji with helpless eyes, continued with his disconnected words, He... threw... away... the medicine..., Arnav was introduced for the first time to the extent of viciousness that was in Shyam Manohar Jha, and it did nothing but aggravate his anger towards the scumbag.
The strong light thrown at the truth that was Shyam made him stagger at the realization and say, that was why you had a fit when you saw Di, when she had come with Payal's proposal. You realised that she was my sister.. Babuji's words What... could... I do...? My Khussi.., had Arnav nod and say that he need not worry about Shyam anymore as he was locked up in police custody. He promised that he would see that Khushi and Payal never have to deal with him ever again. He would see to it that he would never be troubled by Shyam again. His words of assurance made Babuji draw a sigh of relief. When Arnav asked whether Khushi, Payal, Amma and Buaji know about it? Babuji said, No... When... I... woke up... I couldn't... speak... That was the grim reality of that time. Hearing the story behind Babuji being confined to wheel chair and his paralysis, Arnav understood his helplessness at seeing his family come under the hypnotic talk of Shyam, watch with trepidation and unable to voice out his opposition to the engagement of Khushi with a base person as Shyam, even while that recreant was married to Anjali.
When Arnav asked him whether he would prefer to file a case against Shyam, Babuji's eager nod with his eyes glowing, made Arnav offer to send a police officer and his lawyer to him that day itself, who could take care of things. As Babuji expressed his appreciation and gratitude, Arnav bent his head in shame. He apologized saying, that he and his family had caused him and his family a lot of suffering and he would never be able to.. and was unable to complete it, overcome by the realization of the severity of the deeds of his family towards this family with simple values but large hearted enough to embrace others as their own. Babuji placing his weathered, shaky hand on Arnav's arm consoled him saying, You... are... our Damadji... and Payaliyaa's... Jetji... Whatever... happens... we... suffer... together...
When Arnav and Khushi returned to RM to freshen up before visiting Anjali, Arnav watched Khushi place her parents' picture in her cloth bag. As he called out to her, she looked at him enquiringly. He asked her, why does she want to hide her parents' picture in the bag? Why not hang it on the wall of their room? Then she could see them all the time. His query opened her Pandora's box of emotions that she had tried to quell and not dwell on. She thought dismally, where was her wall to hang her parents' photo? Anyway, in eight days time she would be vacating the place and her parents too would leave with her to dwell inside the cupboard at Buaji's house. And then only her Devi Maiyya knew whether she would have a roof on her head when all the mayhem over her contract marriage would break out. At least her parents had a space in the sky to shine at night. Seeing her silence, Arnav, holding out his hand, offered to hang it for her, but Khushi shook her head in negative. At Arnav's insistence, Khushi whispered, that it was a pointless exercise as in eight days time she would have to take it down anyway. Her embittered words made Arnav feel the heat of his deeds and the searing pain in his heart that would not subside. Reaching her in long strides and gathering her in his arms, he asked her softly, does she really think that he would let her go?  Her words, that he won't have a choice as after eight days she would not be bound to him as their contract would become void, was like a knife-cut across the sinews and she moved out of his numbed arms. His whispered woe-struck words, will you let our marriage die Khushi? made her shrivel like a paper thrust into a flame but emit a bleak smile and say, that she won't have to as it will die under its own steam at the end of six-months, as he had ensured when she was made to sign the contract. Though it was meant to penalize her, the penalty fell like a thunderbolt from heaven that would lash at all in its path. It was a grim reminder for Arnav Singh Raizada, who had thought he had control over everything was now disillusioned with nothing under his control. His sister's marriage was over. His marriage was on the verge of breaking up and he had no foothold in it due to his self goal with the contract he had drafted for the wedding.  His whole soul wavered and shook like a wind-swept leaf. Arnav stared at her, pain racking his body and soul, the pain reflected in her eyes as all she saw was a bleak and uncertain life ahead.  Khushi finally asked him, was their marriage legal? And as Arnav replied, it was, she murmured, that it was good. As they had not married as per the rituals including any witnesses, at least it was legal. Then atleast, people with tongues like polar needles will not make a laughing stock out of her calling their marriage a live-in, like they mocked Lavanyaji. That was the harsh reality she had to face and she had resigned herself to it. For Khushi, her dream of getting married with all the rituals of a traditional marriage, that she had nurtured since her childhood, lay shattered on the ground and trampled by his anger. She was disillusioned with life and its goodness towards her. It was her City of Gandharvas. A man as bold as a hawk, who had married her defying her wishes, now with her words turned white as a chalk. Khushi consoling herself in a low voice sighed, that the sindoor and mangalsutra were hers to say at least till the 15^th. Though embittered, she had accepted what the Fate had dealt stoically. Seeing her face passionless, like those sculptor graved for niches in a temple, Arnav's heart wept with bitter tears. It was a bitter, grevious and an extremely unpleasant experience that was set to haunt both of them all through their life unless the direction of the wind changed.
That is why this update is called WORMWOOD.

"Experience is not what happens to a man; it is what a man  does with what happens to him"
                                          ~ Aldous Huxley,                                          Texts & Pretexts: An Anthology With Commentaries

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

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