95. Loving Khushi (Part 7 Section 4-)

Loving Khushi: Part 7: Day 7: Section 4

It was noon before Arnav woke up. He blinked his eyes against the sunlight stealing in to his room, murmured “Khushi…”, and realised that his cheek was pressed against something warm, soft… his Khushi.

He lifted his face from her bosom to look at her. She was sleeping the sleep of the weary, her eyes firmly shut, her breath even, her face relaxed. 

Arnav melted. If only he could wake up every day in her arms! His caramel eyes softened, and his hand came up to brush an errant strand of hair from her cheek and behind her ear.

Khushi moved her limbs restlessly, frowning slightly. She rolled over him and swung her slender leg over his hip. Finding a comfortable position, she continued to sleep.

Khushi and her taekwondo poses, he thought, an amused, tender smile on his lips, relishing the feel of her against him.

There was a knock on the door.

“Arnav Bitwaa! Khushi Bitiyaa! It ijj 12o’clock, Hello Hi Bye Bye! Uttne ka iraada naahi he kaa? You have missed breakfast. Ab lunch bhi miss karoge kaa?” Mami asked.

“We are coming, Mami.” Arnav said, a smile in his voice.

Khushi jumped up, shaken out of her sleep by Mami’s sweet voice.

And looked in to the face of her smiling husband.

“Khushi…” he murmured.

Khushi stared at him, disoriented, for a moment, and then leaped out of the bed and made a run for the bathroom.

Arnav smiled at her, gazing at her back as it vanished in to the bathroom.

Anjali came down for lunch, and the whole family shared the meal, sitting around the table, laughing at NK’s jokes and Mami’s comments.

Khushi was seated by Arnav, and he watched her smile at the rest of his family. She made sure that her eyes did not meet his. The revelations of the night had weakened her resolution to leave and she couldn’t have that happen.

“Di, Mr. Roy will be here at 2pm. We need to meet him.” Arnav said. “I have transferred everything that belonged to you back to your name.”

Anjali nodded, smiling. She had forgotten about that. It was the least of her worries.

“I have cancelled the joint account, Di.” he said.

Anjali nodded.

Arnav hesitated. All the others looked at him and at Anjali, knowing that more pain was in store for her.

“Di, Mr. Roy will inform you about your legal status. Whatever you want to do, we can…”

“I want a divorce, Chotey.” Anjali’s voice was low, but firm. “At the earliest. But without giving Shyam Manohar Jha a paisa more.”

Arnav nodded. The rest of the family heaved a sigh of relief.

“I have set a private detective to look into Shyam’s past, Di. I am sure we will get enough and more ammunition to strengthen our case. And…” Arnav hesitated, looking at Khushi.

She looked at him, her eyes filled with enquiry.

“Di, Khushi, Payal…, when Shyam asked Buaji for Khushi’s hand in marriage, Babuji was suspicious of him.” Arnav said softly.

Every eye around the table was fixed on him.

Under the table, Arnav grasped Khushi’s hand gently.

“Babuji followed him one day to the temple. He saw you with Shyam. He was filling your maang and you were trying to touch his feet. Babuji realised that Shyam was married.”

There were loud gasps from the listeners.

“Sasiji found out!” Nani exclaimed.

“Then bhy didn’t he tell ujj? Or kick him out of their housewaa?” Mami was loud in her surprise.

“How could he tell us, Manorama?” Nani asked. “He had a stroke and became paralysed. Laagat he, finding out about Shyam caused him to have  a stroke!”

“No, Nani. Finding out the truth about Shyam did not cause Babuji’s stroke. Shyam caused it by attacking Babuji and throwing away his medicines…”

All sat silent around the table, shocked beyond words at the cruelty Shyam was capable of. Khushi’s eyes filled, and tears trailed down her alabaster cheeks silently. Arnav tightened his hold on her hand. Payal sobbed, her hand covering her mouth. Akash placed his hand on her leg and squeezed gently.

“He knew that Shyam was married. He did not know who Di was. He realised that Di was my sister when she went with all of us to Buaji’s house with Akash’s proposal for Payal. That is why Babuji had a fit when he saw Di.” Arnav explained.

All looked at Arnav with shocked and moist eyes. The damage one scoundrel had done! Would the trial and tribulations of the Raizadas never end? Nani asked Devi Maiyya silently.

“I am sorry, Khushiji, Payalji...” Anjali finally managed to say. “Sorry for marrying such a sorry excuse for a man. Sorry for believing in him. Sorry for not believing in you…” Her voice was low and tired.

Khushi wiped away her tears with a shaking hand. Payal tried very hard to stop crying.

“It is not your fault, Anjaliji. You are as much a victim of that ghatiya man as we all are.” Khushi managed to say.

“We didn’t know what he was. You too had no idea. He managed to fool all of us.” Payal excused Anjali. “We treated him like an older brother…and he…”

The door bell rang. HP came in shortly to announce Mr. Roy.

All got up from the table, their hearts heavy. 

Arnav bent his head and dropped a kiss on Khushi’s cheek, uncaring of who was watching. Akash almost swallowed his teeth at the sight of his undemonstrative, khadoos brother kissing Khushiji.

“I need to see Babuji…” Khushi whispered.

“Take Payal and go home. Let Mohan drive you. Send him back once you reach Buaji’s house. I will come and get you when the meeting with Mr. Roy is over.” Arnav spoke in to Khushi’s ear.

She nodded.

“Inform your Amma & Buaji about this. They don’t know yet.” Arnav told her.

“This is what Babuji wanted to tell you the last time we were there.” Khushi realised.

“Yes. He too has filed a case against Shyam.” Arnav said. He threw his arm around Khushi’s shoulders and hugged her. “Call me when you get home, Khushi.” he added, whispering against Khushi’s hair.

Khushi nodded.

Arnav’s meeting with Mr. Roy ran late. Very late.

Akash said, “Bhai, shall I get Payal & Khushiji from Buaji’s house? It is getting very late.”

Arnav looked at the clock and nodded.

Akash’s phone rang. Arnav had switched off his phone after receiving Khushi’s call that she had reached Laxmi Nagar safely. He hated to be disturbed by the phone when he was in a discussion.

“Haan, Payal?” Akash spoke in to the phone. “I will come now to get both of you...”

Arnav looked at him, all his attention on the call.

“Oh…” Akash sounded disappointed, but resigned. “You want to stay there tonight…?” 

Arnav paled.

Payal spoke for a few seconds. And then Akash said, “I understand. It is OK, Payal. Stay there tonight.”

Arnav switched on his phone. There were 3 calls from Khushi. He called her, excusing himself to Mr. Roy.

“Arnavji…”

“Khushi…”

“I would like to stay here tonight. Woh kya he, Amma and Buaji are very upset. They have been crying over Babuji from noon, blaming themselves for having trusted his care to Shyam when they needed to go out to meet the doctor or get provisions…”

What could Arnav say?

“I…I will come to get you in the morning…” Arnav said, feeling his heart sink.

“We can come by rickshaw…” Khushi offered. “You need not…”

“I will come to get you in the morning, Khushi.” Arnav stated, his tone making it clear that he would brook no argument.

Arnav paced the length & breadth of his room after a late dinner. The room felt empty without Khushi. He rubbed the back of his neck, and looked at the laptop waiting for him on its table at the foot of his recliner. He had  a lot of work to finish, but…

Laxmi wandered down the corridor to his room, and peeked inside.

Arnav looked at her. “Come in.” he invited.

Laxmi took a step inside and looked around. Khushi, who could be depended on for treats and intelligent conversation, was nowhere to be seen. 

She stepped back slowly on her four legs, turned, and left the room.

Arnav stared at her retreating figure, helpless, alone...

He looked at the clock. Twelve. Only 6 more days. Just 6 more days to win Khushi over, to convince her to give him a second chance, to keep her with him till the end of time…

Arnav rubbed his chest, feeling an unusual tightness there.

He walked to and fro, devising many ways and means to keep Khushi with him. He looked at the bed, all neat and tidy. He was tired, but he did not want to sleep without Khushi. He continued to walk around the room, his brain working furiously.

He walked to the window, and looked out at the pool and his sleeping plants. A gentle, cool breeze played with the curtains and blew it against his face. Arnav shut his eyes, feeling the soft touch.

Images rushed in to his mind. Sharing a bed with Khushi on New Year’s Eve, Khushi dancing on Desi Girl, Khushi in his arms, as supple as  a reed as they danced to Teri Meri… the song had never appealed to him before he had danced to it with her, saving her from sure defeat and public humiliation... 

The mehendi function… He had returned her earring, taking immense pleasure from her nervousness at his nearness…  The mehendi lady had written ‘A’ in her mehendi by mistake, and he had caught her out… 

The kiss he had stolen by the pool… A smile teased his lips.

 She had met his challenge and kissed him the next day…

She had taken the sari of his choice, and had smiled at him, turning back to look at him. The terror he had experienced when he had thought her to be in the ambulance! NK had escaped being torn in to pieces by the skin of his teeth!

Her child-like joy in the chudi he had bought for her…

Arnav smiled, clutching the curtain. Going to Buaji’s house with Payal’s joda just to see Khushi…helping her serve food…

His smile widened. And the blush on her face and the bashfulness in her eyes as they had struggled to meet his when the Guptas had arrived for the wedding! 

The haq with which he had demanded to talk to her, her hesitant “Kiss bare mein?” and his authoritative, “Bas baat karni he!”, the way in which he had crowded her against the mirror and played  a trick on her with her bindi…

Arnav swallowed hard.

What if Shyam had not written that message on the mirror? What if Khushi had not gone to the terace? What if Arnav had got a chance to talk to Khushi? What would he have done?, he asked himself.

Arnav looked at the pool. He would have completed what he had left hanging on Diwali night. He would have kissed her tenderly, then hard, then slowly, then demandingly, then…

And he would have told her that he loved her, that she mattered to him, told her farak kyon padta he, asked her to marry him… She would have agreed. Both families would have been delighted. And on the 15^th of August, both Payal & Akash and he & Khushi would have been celebrating 6 months of wedded bliss. But when had happiness come easily to a Raizada?

Arnav sighed, letting his lashes fall.

Khushi looked at her Jiji.

“It feels strange, doesn’t it, Khushi? To be sleeping in this bed, together, after so many months?” Payal smiled shyly.

Khushi tried to smile. Soon she would be sleeping here permanently, alone. Provided Buaji did not kick her out when the contract marriage ended.

“Tumein pata he, Khushi, I was so worried for you. I wondered how you would sleep alone, without me, after I got married. Anyway, you did not have to spend even a night alone. Arnavji saw to that…” Payal giggled.

Khushi turned her head away. Payal thought that Khushi was feeling shy.

“Khushi, tumhein yaad he, we spoke often about marrying brothers so that we could be together all our lives. Did you ever think it would happen like this?” Payal asked, her face tinged red.

“No, Jiji, I never thought it would happen like this.” Khushi sighed.

“It is all because of Arnavji.” Payal admitted, grateful to him from the bottom of her heart. “Who else will permit his brother to marry from a poor family like ours?”

“Yes, Jiji, it is all because of Arnavji.” Khushi agreed, but Payal had no idea what Khushi was blaming Arnavji for.

Payal finally fell asleep. Khushi got up and walked to the window of her room. She looked up at the moon and the stars shining against the backdrop of the dark sky. Her eyes filled with tears.

Just six more days. After that, Khushi Kumari Gupta would be walking out of RM.



Smita, 
Here is the interpretation to Section 4 of Part 7.

This update is about a state of disturbance, confusion or uncertainity. It is TURMOIL.
Arnav opened his eyes after a good sleep that had evaded him for a long time, to see sunlight streaming into his room in its full radiance, with no shadows cast in his garden announcing that it was noon. In his restlessness,as he murmured, Khushi, he sensed his cheek was pillowed by something soft, warm, his Khushi. He lifted his face from her bosom to look at her.She was sleeping like a log, dead to the world. In her sleep her face had relaxed and there was a cherubic innocence radiating from her and it was like aphrodisiac to him. Arnav melted at the sight that greeted him as soon as he opened his eyes. With disquiet he wished, if only he was blessed with being able to welcome each new day in his life in her arms how blissful it would be! His caramel eyes softened to a dreamboat expression and his hands smoothed the wayward tress that was blocking him from appreciating the smooth fair skin and tucked them behind her ears.  Khushi moved restlessly in her sleep, rolling over, swung her slender legs over his hip. Once she found a comfortable position she slipped into her sleep. An amused, tender smile played on Arnav's lips as his thoughts dwelt on her taekwondo poses while he relished the feel of her against him. A knock at the door woke him up from his reverie. It was Mamiji knocking at his door, hollering out, Arnav Bitwaa! Khushi Bitiyaa! it was nearing noon and lunchtime. Were they of no intention to get up? Already having missed their breakfast, were they both intent on missing their lunch too? An amused Arnav called out, that they would be coming. Khushi who was awakened by the din, Mami's words shook her out of her sleep and she looked into the smiling face of her husband. As he murmured, Khushi, she stared at him for a moment disoriented and jumped out of the bed, like a jack in the box, in a flurry, grabbing her clothes ran into the ensuite bathroom. Arnav gazed at the back of Khushi, who breezed into the bathroom, with a smile dancing on his lips.
Anjali joined the rest for lunch and the whole family shared the meal. It was a happy time with all laughing at NK's jokes and at the rapid flow of comments from Mami. It was noticed by Arnav, that Khushi though seated by Arnav was all smiles at the rest, while she was hell bent on evading his eyes. Being in dithers, Khushi had ensured that her glance never met his, as the revelations of the night were eating into her resolve to leave and she could not let that happen. Arnav addressing his Di told her that Mr. Roy would come over at 2 p.m. They needed to meet him. All her assets had been transferred back to her. Anjali nodded as she smiled. She had completely forgotten all about it in her distress and that was the last thing on her mind. As Arnav informed her of closure of the joint account, Anjali silently acknowledged with a nod without much ado. Arnav hesitated to continue, and all others looked at him and Anjali knowing that more pain was in store for her. When he said very tentatively, that Mr.Roy would be discussing with her about her legal status and whatever she deems fit could be made possible, Anjali in a low, yet clear and firm voice without any mix-up of emotions told her Chotey, that she wanted a divorce at the earliest, without letting Shyam Manohar Jha rip her off even a single paisa. The family collectively heaved a sigh of relief. Arnav informed her that he has availed the services of a private detective to dig into Shyam's past, open up a can of worms for him. He was confident that they could muster enough ammunition to strengthen their case and would harry, hassle and hound him if necessary. Arnav paused looking at Khushi. Khushi looked at him with a query filled eyes. Arnav in a soft voice, haltingly informed, his Di, Khushi and Payal that, when Shyam had asked Buaji for Khushi's hand in marriage, Babuji had been suspicious of him. With all eyes fixed on him, grasping Khushi's hand under the table, giving her the support to withstand the impact of what he would come out with, he continued to say, that Babuji had followed him one day to the temple and had seen both, Shyam and Di. He saw Shyam filling her maang and she had tried to seek his blessings touching his feet. That was when Babuji realized that Shyam was a married man. His words evoked loud gasps around the table. Nani exclaimed that Shashiji had knowledge of Shyam's duplicity! Mami voiced out her confusion aloud in her Hinglish, then why did he not tell them or throw him out of their house? Nani countering her daughter-in-law defended Shashi saying, how he could tell them when he had a stroke and was unable to communicate. She went further to say, that it looked as though finding out about Shyam had caused him his ailment, the stroke! Arnav corrected his Nani that, finding out the truth about Shyam had not caused the stroke. It was Shyam who had caused it by attacking him and throwing away his medicines... His words, shocked the rest just like a bird landing on a live wire would be. The silence that pervaded had a ghost like quality. They could not comprehend that such evil could exist in a man, that too in one who had lived amidst them. The distress was evident for all to see. Khushi's eyes pooled with tears and it trailed down her smooth cheeks silently. Arnav tightened his hold on her hand. Payal sobbed covering her mouth with her hand and Akash placed his hand on her leg and gave it a gentle squeeze.
Arnav narrated that Babuji knew Shyam was a married man, but what he did not know was, who was Di. Babuji realized she was his sister when she had been to Gupta House with Akash's proposal to Payal. That was the reason for Babuji getting agitated when he saw Di. All were shocked to hear it. They wondered at the capacity to damage by one rotten apple! Nani asked her Devi Maiyya, would the trials and tribulations of the Raizadas never end? Anjali, distraught at not believing Khushi and Payal, but placing her faith in her scoundrel of a husband who was silver-tongued and crooked as a dog's hind leg, apologized to Khushi and Payal. Though she was utterly tired of trying to grasp in the extent of the ever growing vicious nature of Shyam, who had been gentleness personified with them before, with disquietude, in a low voice she managed to say that, she was sorry for marrying such an excuse for a man, sorry for believing in him, sorry for not believing in them. While Khushi tried to brush her tears with a shaking hand, Payal tried very hard to stop crying but it met with very little success. Amidst her tears, Khushi managed to say in a wobbly voice, that it was not her fault. She too was as much a victim of that diabolic man as they were. Payal added to it saying, that they had not known who he was. She too was unaware of his true identity. They had never thought him to be lower than a snake's belly. He had managed to take them for a ride while they had treated him like a sibling.
As the door bell rang, HP who attended the door, came in to inform the arrival of Mr. Roy. All dispersed from the table with a heavy heart. Arnav, uncaring of being seen by the family, kissed Khushi's cheek. Akash did a double take at the sight of his undemonstrative, stringent brother kissing Khushiji, but seeing is believing, in this case! When Khushi whispered that she wanted to see her Babuji, Arnav, realizing the ferment going on inside her whispered back, to take Payal and go home. He asked her to avail the services of Mohan to drop them and he would come to pick them up later when the meeting with Mr.Roy got over. As she nodded, he asked her to inform her Amma and Buaji, as they were unaware of it. It was then Khushi realized what his talk with Babuji was about and asked him so. He affirmed her thoughts and informed her, that Babuji too had filed a case against Shyam. Hugging her close he whispered against her hair to call him once she reached home, making her bob her head in agreement. When the meeting with Roy prolonged, Akash offered to fetch Payal and Khushi as it was getting quite late. As Arnav concurred with him, Akash's phone rang. Arnav had switched off his phone after receiving Khushi's call that she had reached Laxmi Nagar safely, for he hated to be disturbed by the phone while discussing things that were pretty tumultuous, yet a relief to the family. He needed to focus himself sharply on to the work at hand for they were dealing with the trickster Shyam Manohar Jha with a legal bent of mind. The call was from Payal and Akash told her that he would come to pick them both. As Akash spoke, Arnav found his attention drift on to the call. He found the tone of Akash's voice change from enthusiasm to a resigned disappointment and ask, so she wanted to stay overnight there, is it? made him anxious. His words had Arnav turn pale. After listening to Payal for a few seconds, Akash told her that he understood and it was fine for her to stay there that night.
Feeling uncertain, gripped by a sense of restlessness,as Arnav switched on his phone, he found three missing calls from Khushi logged in. Excusing himself to Mr. Roy he called her. Khushi, who picked his call told him, that she would prefer to stay at Gupta House that night as her Amma and Buaji had been very upset after listening to Shyam being the cause for her Babuji's woes. Both had been filled lather of indignation at not being able to see through things, had been crying since noon, blaming themselves for trusting Shyam and leaving Babuji in his care whenever they needed to go out to meet the doctor or get provisions. Arnav could only be a silent listener as he could say nothing on that. Stewing in his own juice for having added the clause of six months contract in their marriage, feeling down in the dumps with time against him, all he could say was that he would pick her up in the morning. When Khushi offered to come by rickshaw and stated that he need not take the trouble, she was cut short by his curt statement that he would come over to pick. His tone made it clear that it was not open for discussion. He was troubled that the time was ticking away while things were not set right yet.
Arnav, after dinner was on pins and needles. Pacing the room, he felt that without Khushi his room was empty. He felt stressed out at not being able to have her near and looked at his laptop that was beckoning him to work but it held no lure. Laxmi, who was wandering along the corridor, poked her snout in. At Arnav's invitation, she took a step in and looked around. Not finding Khushi who would be ready with treat for her, along with intelligent conversation, she gingerly stepped back on her four legs, turned, and left the room making Arnav stare at her retreating figure, feeling helpless, unwanted and alone. It added its bit to his already turbulent mind.
As he looked at the clock he found that it had struck twelve. So he was left with just six more days, six more days to win Khushi over, to convince her to give him a second chance, to keep her with him till the end of time.  He was racing against time, and this was one time bound life-time project that he needed to clinch to survive.  These thoughts made him restive. Arnav rubbed his chest feeling it constrict, an unusual tightness appearing over there. Pacing furiously, he flung himself into devising ways and means to keep Khushi with him. He looked at his neatly made bed, though tired, he did not feel like sleeping without Khushi. He continued pacing, with his mind engrossed. As he stood by the French door opening to the poolside and he watched the sleeping plants, a gentle cool breeze played with the curtains and blew it against his face. Arnav shut his eyes, feeling the soft touch, reminding him of Khushi's feather like touch that always rejuvenated him just like a fresh, cool breeze. His mind responded to his thoughts by interlacing the flickering images of various incidents. He remembered the wonderful moments of sharing a bed with Khushi on New Year's Eve, Khushi dancing to Desi Girl, Khushi in his arms as supple as the neck of a swan as they danced to Teri Meri. The song had never appealed to him before he had danced to it with her, saving her from sure defeat and public humiliation. The joyous moments of the mehendi function, returning her earring, taking immense pleasure from her nervousness at his nearness, catching her out with the 'A' written in her mehendi by the mehendi lady by mistake. The blissful memory of, the kiss he had stolen by the pool, Khushi meeting his challenge and kissing him the next day right in front of all, made a smile tease his lips. The recollection of Khushi taking the sari of his choice, and her brilliant smile directed at him, turning back to look at him, made his heart swell with love. The terror he had experienced at the thought of her being taken away in the ambulance was still capable of making his blood run cold! NK had escaped being torn in to pieces by the skin of his teeth.
Recalling her effervescent happiness in the bangles he had bought for her made Arnav smile. Clutching the curtain, he smiled at those memories that made him feel he had sprouted wings to soar sky high. Jogging the memory, surprising his family by going to Buaji's house with Payal's joda just to see Khushi, helping her serve food, his smile widened. Just the thought of the time, when the Guptas had arrived for the wedding, the blush on her face and the bashfulness in her eyes, that were sparkling like pearls, casting a heavenly light with happiness as they had wandered around to meet his eyes, made his own eyes twinkle with happiness! Reminiscing the wonderful memories where he had shown his cheekiness, making her flustered, the right with which he had demanded to talk to her, her hesitant query about what, and his authoritative answer, just need to talk, the way in which he had crowded her against the mirror and played a trick on her with her bindi... all brought in a pleasant smile on his face.
This also brought in the parallel thoughts, the bitter ones that had led to the debacle, making Arnav swallow hard. Though his happy thoughts were strong, the disorder in his life caused by the error in his judgement had much more bearing on his future. He could not let that overpower the happiness he could ever get. He wondered what if Shyam had not written that message on the mirror? What if Khushi had not gone to the terrace? What if he had got a chance to talk to Khushi? What would he have done? He asked himself what would have been the possible outcome. Arnav looked at the pool. It was reflecting the stars that were his hope, his thoughts, his reflection. He would have completed what he had left hanging on Diwali night. He would have kissed her tenderly, then hard, then slowly, then demandingly, then he would have known what bliss really was and he too had the right to it. Knowing that she reciprocated his feelings, she too felt the same as him when they were near each other as well as when away from each other, he would have declared his love to her, told her why it makes a difference and would have asked her to marry him. She would have gladly consented and both the families would have been on cloud nine and on the 15^th of August, both Payal and Akash and also Khushi and he would have been celebrating six months of wedded bliss. But he was a Raizada! Happiness was something as elusive as the sheet lightning playing around the June clouds! It never came easily for them. He fervently hoped his efforts to win her back would not be like pouring water into a sieve.  This thought stirred him and made him sigh and his lashes spiked wet glistened on his closed eyes.
When Khushi looked at her, Payal with a shy smile asked her, doesn't it feel strange to sleep in their old bed together, after so many months? Khushi tried to put on a smile that was reluctant to display on her face. The calmness she displayed belied the turbulence filled inside her and she knew within a few more days, she would be sleeping permanently over here alone, that was if Buaji doesn't shunt her out when her contract marriage becomes the common knowledge. Not knowing what was going on in Khushi's mind, oblivious to her distress, Payal said that she had been worried for her. She had wondered how Khushi would be able to sleep alone after her marriage, given the fact, they had not been separated since the day they had become one family. That matter never arose, as she did not have to spend even one single night alone. Arnavji saw to that. When Payal giggled, Khushi turned her face away in distress while Payal thought it was to hide her flaming cheeks!
Payal asked her, blushing herself, does she remember the time, when they had spoken about marrying brothers so that they could live together all their lives? Did she ever think it would turn out to be like now?  Khushi truthfully told her that she never dreamt it to be so and sighed inwardly for her life that was rife with strife. Payal with a grateful heart admitted, it was all thanks to Arnavji that she could marry Akash. Otherwise, who would have let his brother marry a girl from a poor family like theirs? Khushi concurred that it was all due to Arnavji, but her sister had no idea what Khushi meant, she had no idea that Khushi was in fact blaming him for all the pandemonium in her life and turning her world topsy-turvy! As Payal fell into a deep slumber, Khushi got up from the bed, walked towards the window of her room. She saw the moon glowing and the stars twinkling against the backdrop of the sky. Her eyes glistened with a sheen of tears. It was a mirror reflection of the sky. Her fair face was like the moon seen in the darkness of her room and her eyes were like stars in the midnight waters glistening. For Khushi knew that her days at RM were numbered. After six days, she would be walking out of RM, as Khushi Kumari Gupta. Her love was difficult to be trusted, her future was unknown, her life was in turmoil. With a sinking heart, she wondered what the future held for her and sought the answers from the two stars that were shining brightly, looking at their little daughter who was braving through the world all alone.
"Let go. Why do you cling to pain? There is nothing you can  do about the wrongs of yesterday. It is not yours to judge.  Why hold on to the very thing which keeps you from hope  and love?"
                                     ~ Leo Buscaglia
That is why it is titled TURMOIL.
That's it from me. Hope you enjoy it.

Part 8: Day 6

Khushi had her bath and went to her bedroom to dry her hair. Amma was with Babuji, helping him do his exercises, and Payal & Buaji were in the kitchen, seeing to breakfast.

Arnav, dressed in black formals despite the early hour, strode in to the house through the open front door. Payal & Buaji gaped at him.

“Payal, Buaji…Where is Khushi?” he asked, urgency obvious in his tone.

Payal, unable to find words, pointed to the bedroom.

"Hai Re Nandkisore! What has Titliyaa done now?" Buaji exclaimed.

Khushi heard the door being pushed open, but continued to rub her hair dry with a towel. It must be Jiji…

“Khushi…”

Khushi jerked in shock. She turned a startled face to see her husband standing behind her. She stood up slowly, the wet towel falling to the bed.

“Khushi…” Arnav made his way to her on quick feet and hugged her so tight that her ribs were in danger of cracking.

“Arnavji….so early…Kya hua?” Khushi managed to whisper.

But Arnav was in no mood to answer her question, however pertinent it might be. He rained kisses all over her face, pressing his hard lips against her soft, surprised cheeks and perplexed forehead. He moved on to her nose, her nosepin, her chin, her ears, and then to her neck, breathing in her jasmine fragrance, crushing her wet hair in his fingers…

Khushi managed to free herself with great difficulty. “Kya hua, Arnavji?” she managed to gasp, her heart beating rapidly at his touch and nearness.

“I missed you, Khushi. All night.” Arnav said.

Khushi stared at him, her heart in her mouth. She had missed him too. Desperately. Feeling it was one thing. Admitting it was another.

She took a deep breath and asked, “Did you have breakfast?”

Arnav stared at her for a moment, and said, “No.”

“Shall we have it here before we leave?” Her tone was even, as though the past few minutes hadn’t happened, as though she hadn’t heard him speak of his feelings…

Arnav nodded. This was not the time or place for an argument. Not if the argument had to lead to something definite, something positive for them.

“Arnav Bitwaa, breakfast is ready. O Titliyaa, call your Amma & Babuji and bring them to the table, Nandkisore!” Buaji hollered.

Arnav took Payal & Khushi home. As Akash helped Payal alight, and stood talking to her, Arnav turned to Khushi.

“Khushi, Akash & I need to go to the office. There is a lot of work pending…” he told her softly. The past few days had been hell on the personal & professional front.

Khushi nodded. She made to leave the car, but Arnav caught hold of her arm.

“Khushi, we need to talk.” He had to persuade her to marry him at the earliest.

Khushi looked at him for a moment before her lashes fell, hiding her thoughts. She nodded.

It was late by the time Arnav and Akash came home, both of them exhausted. Arnav entered the house as Akash parked the car, his laptop and a packet in his hands.

“HP, a lemon tea and a pill for headache. Bring them to my room.” Arnav instructed as soon as HP opened the door.

“Ji, Arnav Bhaiyya.” HP said.

“Where is Khushi?” Arnav asked.

“Bhabhi is in the kitchen.” HP said.

“Tell her that I want to see her.” Arnav said as he walked up the steps.

Arnav sat on the recliner, dressed in casual clothes, his fingers pressing his temple. His head was pounding and the muscles of his neck and shoulders were punishing him for working too hard for too long without enough sleep.

He looked up. Khushi was standing near the door, a tray in her hand. She took one look at him and came in to place the tray on the low table.

Silently, she handed over the pill and a glass of water. Arnav parted his lips, not taking the pill from her. Khushi placed the pill between his lips and made him drink the water as though he were a child.

Arnav shut his eyes for a moment, his head hurting as though someone were banging on drums inside it. He needed to rest, but he had no time to spare. This was the sixth day. Soon it would be night. The night would pass in sleep and the next day would dawn. Then he would have only 5 days left to persude her.

“Khushi…” he called.

“Shall I massage your forehead for you?” she asked.

“Later.” Arnav said. He had something more urgent to do. He gave her the packet covered in bright pink wrapping. She looked at him for a moment.

“What is this?” she asked.

“A snake.” Arnav countered. “All wrapped up, just for you.”

“I wouldn’t put it past you…” she muttered as she took the gift from him, holding it gingerly.

“Open it. I promise it won’t bite.” he said.

She pulled off the wrapping and opened the stylish silver/ black box to find  a sari inside. Red. It was…just out of this world. Khushi discarded the box and pulled out the sari. The soft material felt wonderful against her fingers, the thin, transparent red cloth embellished with a miniscule gold border and lots and lots of red roses.

Arnav looked eagerly at Khushi’s face. She gulped. Finally, she said, “It is beautiful. Shukriya.”

Arnav smiled, delighted that his gift had found favour with her.

“Will you wear it, Khushi?” he asked, hoping desperately that she would agree.

Khushi smiled uneasily. “It is such a grand saree. How can I wear it at home?”

His face fell.

“I will wear it another day.” Khushi rushed to appease him.

Arnav nodded. He had to be content with that. He said, “Khushi, will you massage my forehead?”

Khushi nodded. She moved to stand behind him on the recliner. She tugged at his head and made him lie back against it. Slowly, her fingers began pressing the tight muscles and the knotted nerves of his face and neck, giving him great relief. The pill too began to kick in, and Arnav felt much better.

“Khushi…” he murmured.

Khushi looked at him warily. She was standing over him, and her view of his face was thankfully upside down. But even then, he was dangerous to her heart.

“Ji…” she asked softly.

“Did you miss me last night?” he asked.

Her hand slipped away from his temple, the unexpected question startling her. She blinked and quickly brought back her hand to position.

“Miss you? Why should I? I was gone for just one night. And that too to my Amma, Babuji, & Buaji’s house.” Khushi was noncommital in the extreme.

“I missed you, Khushi.” Arnav confessed.

Khushi felt a fire burn in her heart. It was so difficult to lie, to hide her feelings, to keep an expressionless face when he asked her questions that ripped her soul in to half, to pretend not to see the longing on his face… But she had to be strong. For both of them.

She forced herself to smile.

“Arnav Singh Raizada missed Khushi Kumari Gupta? Oh, I see, you missed having someone to scold. Let me tell you that you have to get used to doing without me. After five days, I am not going to stay here to listen to you shouting and bellowing!”

There was perfect silence. Arnav looked at her face for a moment. He then sat up, and tugged gently at her hand to sit by him on the recliner.

He asked her, “What is your plan, Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada? What are you going to do after five days?” His heart quailed at the very prospect, but he did not let any fear show on his face.

Khushi smiled. “I will go back to Buaji’s house. And live there happily forever and forever…”

“You will be happy, Khushi?” Arnav asked softly. He knew that she was lying. The smile on her face… It was the same smile she had worn in the car on Diwali night…His heart sank low, as low as it could sink.

“How can I not be happy?” Khushi asked reasonably.

 “The whole contract marriage episode will be over. All connections between us wil be cut. You will be Arnav Singh Raizada, a bachelor. Just as you were when I met you. And I will be Khushi Kumari Gupta, a spinster. Just as I was before I met you. We will be able to wipe away the misery of the past one and  a half years from our lives. We can start fresh. And this time we can make sure that we don’t meet at all.”

Arnav looked at her, his eyes intent.

Khushi drew in a deep breath. Fooling Arnav Singh Raizada took a lot of effort. And oxygen.

“You have no idea, Mr. ASR, how scared I was of you! I used to have nightmares about you and jump up sweating. Sheesh Mahal…the office…working in your house…” Khushi shook her head. “We should never have met. We are two different people. We should never, never have met.”

“Khushi…” Arnav tried to protest. He couldn’t even think about the time when she was not in his life.

“Even if I had to fall in to your arms at Sheesh Mahal and return your chabi at the dargah, I should have kept my mouth shut when you insulted me. I should never, never have taken on a fight with the Arnav Singh Raizada…” Khushi said thoughtfully.

“Khushi, your courage…” Arnav protested.

Khushi smiled pityingly at him. “Folly, not courage. I had no business taking up the challenges that you threw out. If you wanted to have  a live-in with Lavanyaji and she was stupid enough to agree, I should have let you do it. Your personal life was none of my business. I was too stupid to see it. If you didn’t want to attend the pooja on Janmastami, then that was your decision, your choice, your loss. It was none of my business. If Lavanyaji wanted to leave you, I should have let her do it, instead of writing a love letter to you and selling my bangle to buy you plants…” Khushi stopped as if shot.

“You wrote me that love letter, Khushi?” Arnav asked slowly.

Khushi took in  a deep breath. She was caught anyway. Why hide the truth?

She asked, “Did you really think Lavanyaji would write you a letter in Hindi?”

“No…o” Arnav had to admit.

“Or that she would write inane nonsense like jumping from a mountain if you didn’t love her?” Khushi asked, a smile on her face.

“No…o..” Arnav had to admit.

“All that philmi rubbish was written by me. All that bakwaas could be written only by me, the great Khushi Kumari Gupta who had no idea what was happening around her, who had no idea what real life was all about, who thought that she could arrange everything to every body’s satisfaction…”

“You sold your bangle, Khushi?” Arnav asked, his voice a mere whisper.

“Well…” Khushi shrugged. “The manager at the nursery was not my Chacha or my Mama to give me plants for free. So I had to pay for them.”

“You sold your gold bangle for me?” Arnav asked again.

“For Lavanyaji. Not for you.” Khushi clarified. “And yes, I sold my gold bangle. Because no body would buy the glass ones.”

Arnav couldn’t believe what he was hearing. “You…you…Khushi…you have such a big heart, Khushi…you…”

“Ji, I have a big heart.” Khushi sighed. “Too big for my own good. And an empty head. As you have often taken the pains to point out.”

“Khushi..I…I didn’t mean it…Khushi…” Arnav tried to apologise.

But Khushi was not in the mood to let him go.

“I am sorry, Arnavji. I have been very foolish.” she confessed, looking straight in to his eyes.

“Foolish?” Arnav asked.

“Yes. Woh kya he, I grew up seeing so many Hindi phillums that… that I believed my life was one big Hindi phillum. Where I could do whatever seemed right to me, and everything would become all right at the end before the phillum ended.”

Arnav looked at her. She was dead serious.

“I should not have come to your office to work. And while working at your house, I should have just done my job and kept out of your way. And your life. I should not have let Naniji & Anjaliji form a bond of friendship with me. I should have been business-like.” She sighed. “On Diwali night, I should not have let you… It was the wrong thing to do, the worst thing to do…knowing that Lavanyaji was your girlfriend…”

Arnav swallowed. “Khushi, I was there too. It was my fault, Khushi. I was the one who…”

“That is what our relationship amounts to, Arnavji. A series of follies, faults…Sometimes yours, sometimes mine, sometimes both of ours. Right from our meeting at Sheesh Mahal to our marriage due to a misunderstanding… It is a chain of mistakes, a long line of bad decisions…” Khushi said.

“No, Khushi. Don’t call it that.”Arnav protested. “All these follies led to our meeting, our knowing each other, our l…”

“Arnavji…” Khushi cut in, not wanting him to bring in the word ‘love’ in to the conversation. “Aap sochiye. And tell me the truth. Just imagine this situation. Your Naniji wants you to get married. You are not averse to the idea. She brings the proposal of one Khushi Kumari Gupta, the adopted daughter of a halwai from Lucknow. Would you have considered the proposal?”

Arnav stared at her, his mouth open.

“Be truthful, Arnavji. An ordinary girl from Lucknow, from a middle-class family…Would you have even let your Nani finish listing my details before you shouted the roof down?”

She looked at him, waiting for his response.

Finally, he said, “No. I would not have accepted it.”

“Why not?” Her voice was soft. Her heart sank without a trace in the depths of gloom. She knew that she was winning…and that in her victory lay the defeat of Arnav Singh Raizada and his contract wife.

“Because…because we…we wouldn’t suit…” Arnav whispered.

“You are, as usual, perfectly right, Arnavji. We wouldn’t suit. We don’t suit.” Khushi tried to conclude their conversation by leaving the recliner, but Arnav pulled her back.

 “But I would be wrong in taking that decision, Khushi…” Arnav admitted.

Khushi heaved an exasperated sigh. Why did the great ASR have to be humble just when she wanted him to be his usual arrogant self?

“Because I would be taking that decision without seeing you, meeting you, knowing you…” Arnav said.

“The seeing, meeting, knowing etc are not important, Arnavji. They would just cloud your dimag in to doing something that you would regret later on.” Khushi warned him.

“Khushi… Di says that in matters of love and marriage, one should give in to one’s heart. Dil se faisla lena chahiye, dimag se nahi…” Arnav quoted his Di.

Khushi swallowed. “Anjaliji took the decision to marry Shyam with her dil. Had she used her dimag…”

Arnav had no answer to give.

Both of them sat on the recliner, side by side, silent, both lost in the hell of their own thoughts.

Finally, Khushi said, “When you told me that I had to marry you for 6 months, I didn’t know why you specified 6 months. I wondered what had made you do so. But I am glad now. Had we got married without a contract, we would be stuck in a real marriage for life. Acha he! Atleast we can put an end to this mistake in a few days.”

She got up to leave.

Hearing Khushi call their marriage a mistake and being thankful that it was ending was the last straw on the camel’s back.

He caught hold of her arm. Khushi stood still, her heart fluttering like the wings of  a captive bird. She had almost escaped.

Arnav stood up, and pulled her closer to him. Khushi turned her head to look at his determined face.

“A mistake, Khushi?” he asked softly. “Is this a mistake?”

He hauled her close to him, his arm like a tight band around her back, her chest plastered against the hard plane of his. Their hearts galloped together like wild horses.

“How can you call our love a folly, Khushi?” His breath feathered across her cheek before his lips pressed against their soft plumpness.

“A mistake?” His lips travelled down her cheek, and his hand cupped the back of her head. He angled her head and touched her lips with his, rubbing against them.

Khushi gasped. He took advantage of her parted lips and kissed her thoroughly till all her senses were scrambled and she couldn’t find two thoughts in her head.

Their lips parted reluctantly. His eyes burned in to hers, and as if in a dream, their lips met again…and again…and again…

Somewhere in between, her arms came around him. One hand clutched the back of his head, her fingers luxuriating in the feel of his dark, thick, unruly hair. The other traced the muscles of his shoulder and arm. His fingers trailed down the length of her back, their soft caresses making her jump in unexpected pleasure.

Finally, Khushi lay weak in his arms. He caught hold of her arm, setting her slightly away from him.

“Our marriage is a mistake, Khushi? A mistake you want to correct at the earliest?” he asked softly.

Khushi woke up from her dream and looked at his lips that were reminding her about the hard facts of their current situation. His sinful lips, slightly red after kissing her…

 “If it was foolish, then why did you risk your life to save mine? Why do you feel short of breath when I come close to you? Why did you let me kiss you now, Khushi? Why did you kiss me back? Why did you let me touch you on Diwali night even though you called Lavanya your friend?” Arnav asked softly, but with the intention to make her admit that her love for him was greater than every other consideration.

Khushi paled and tried to pull her arm free from his hold.

“Why did you try to stop me from going to London? Why did you let me touch you that night in the hut?” he asked, his eyes cruel, determined to get an answer.

Khushi snatched her arm out of his hold.

“Why does your heart beat faster than you breathe, Khushi, when I approach you? Why does your heart beat in tandem with mine when I come close to you, Khushi? You asked me these questions on Holi. Do you remember, Khushi?” Arnav was fed up of having Khushi block all his advances, deny their love. It was time to decide their future.

Khushi lost it. She shoved him away.“Because I am foolish. Stupid. Because there is nothing in my head, just air. Because I don’t know how to look after myself. Because I am dangerous to myself and others as I do one foolishness after the other in the belief that I am doing something great to help others.”

“No, Khushi…you are not foolish. You were right…” Arnav tried to make her understand that it was alright to feel love for him. He tried to move closer to her.

“No!” Khushi shouted, taking a step back. “I was wrong. You were right. All along. I just didn’t have the common sense to realise it.”

“Khushi…” He was shocked at Khushi’s loss of self-control, at the amount of pain she had hidden under her stoic countenance.

“Do you know what love is? It is stupidity. A weakness. It destroys homes and shatters peace.” Khushi was bitter. “It makes you cry and want to die.” Tears filled her eyes and dripped down her cheeks.

“Khushi…” Arnav’s voice was compassionate.

“It starts as dhak dhak and acidity, and then burns your life worse than acid. That is what love is. It is a disease that kills your common sense and your morals, makes you believe in a dream world that does not exist. It is a knife that cuts deep, again and again till there is nothing left to kill…”

“Khushi…” Arnav protested.

“It is one second of joy and a lifetime of pain. It is like a word written on water. Now you see it, now you don’t. It vanishes in to thin air whenever  it suits the lover. It is a word people use to manipulate others, use them.” Khushi’s words dripped anguish and cynicism, her cheeks glistening with tears.

“Khushi..”

“It made me listen to every cutting word that you spoke to me, made me weep buckets of tears, made a joke out of my family in front of our relations, and now will hurt them beyond repair when our marriage ends. Enough. It is enough.” Khushi wiped her face dry with her fingers. “I have put up with too much in the name of love. Anjaliji’s love, Shyam’s love, Jiji’s love, Jiju’s love, your love, my love…love, love…I am sick of that word…” Khushi sat down on the recliner, feeling like a deflated balloon after her outburst.

Arnav looked at her, helpless. He had turned in to her, and she was becoming him.

“If I had tilled a plot of land with the diligence with which I tried to solve all your problems, I would have reaped a good harvest by now.” Khushi muttered. “What a waste of one and a half years!”

Arnav looked at her, helpless, silent.

“I don’t want your roses, your night dress, and your saris. I don’t want your love, your sister’s apology, a place in your family, Lavanyaji’s friendship... I just want to be left alone.” Khushi said, her voice low but firm.

Arnav swallowed through a choked throat.

Khushi said, “I have to live. For my family. For them, I have to learn to live. Now, at this age, I have to learn to live.” She looked at him, her eyes cold. “Trusting my dil has made a khichdi of my life.” she admitted. “Now I would rather trust the little dimag that Devi Maiyya has given me than my dil.”

Khushi and Arnav looked at each other, both silent, both hurting.

Finally, Khushi said, "If you 'love' me, as you claim to do, let me go."

Smita,
Here is the interpretation to Part 8.
This update is about revealing. Reveal or disclose one's thoughts and feelings, UNBOSOM.
While Khushi came to her bedroom to dry her hair after her bath, Amma was with Babuji, helping him exercise, Payal and Buaji were in the kitchen, cooking breakfast. Arnav dressed to work, came over to Gupta House, despite the early hour. As he strode in, Payal and Buaji who were left agape to see him so early, were unable to answer his query where Khushi was. Payal just pointed her finger towards the bed room while Buaji exclaimed with her hand over her head, Hai Re Nandkisore! What has Titliyaa done now? Though Khushi heard the door open, thinking it to be Payal, she continued to dry her hair with a towel. As she heard being called, Khushi, she jerked around and was startled to see her husband standing behind her. As she slowly stood up, the towel slipped on to the bed. Calling out her name Arnav strode towards her and took her in a rib-cracking bear hug. Khushi trying to get her breath back managed to whisper, Arnavji.., so early.., what happened? A storm shower of kisses covered her face, closing her eyes while she trembled. Arnav was not listening to her words.  He had missed her so much that he showed her with his action. He engrossed himself in raining kisses all over her face, pressing his lips hard against her soft, surprised cheeks and perplexed forehead. He moved on to her nose, her nosepin, her chin, her ears, and then to her neck, breathing in her jasmine fragrance, weaving his fingers through her wet hair. Khushi managing to loosen his grip asked him, what happened? His nearness, his touch was causing her heart to beat rapidly against her rib cage. His answer, that he missed her all night made her stare at him and her heart fill her throat. He had laid bare his thoughts, heart and mind to her. She had missed him too, that too desperately and felt glad that he did too. But feeling and admitting were two different things. Taking a deep breath she asked, did he have his breakfast? Her casual words of enquiry, as though he had just wished her a good morning, made him stare at her for a moment before answering, no. Then she queried, shall we have it before taking leave, in a tone without any inflection as though the past few minutes had not occurred. It was as though she had not heard him speak of his feelings at all. Arnav understanding that she was going to ignore anything connected to his feelings and that it was not the time or place for an argument, let it go for the time being. When they argued over it, they needed the privacy, as well as time to get some positive outcome. And as Arnav nodded, as if on cue, Buaji hollered out asking them to come for breakfast and also asked Titliyaa to bring in her parents.
Arnav took both Khushi and Payal home and as Akash held the door for Payal and started to converse with her, Arnav turned to Khushi and told her softly, that both Akash and he needed to be in the office as there was a lot of pending work that needed to be taken care off. For them, the past few days had been like too tight a spot through which they had somehow squeezed through both personally as well as professionally. As Khushi nodded and turned to get out, Arnav catching her by her arm and turning her towards him, stated that they needed to talk. He knew he had to do his utmost to persuade her to marry him at the earliest. Khushi watched him silently, before hooding her eyes with her lashes lest he read her thoughts.
By the time Arnav and Akash reached home they were exhausted. Arnav who entered the house as Akash parked the car, had his laptop bag and a packet in his hands. As HP opened the door, he was asked to fetch a cup of lemon tea along with a pill for headache. While HP was on his way to do his bidding, Arnav asked him where Khushi was. When he came to know that she was in the kitchen, as he made his way up to his room, he asked HP to pass on the message that, he wanted to see her. Changing into his house wear, Arnav sat on the chaise longue, nursing his temple. With all the stress he had to bear and unknotting all the tangles at work along with lack of sleep, he had felt the top of his spine was like a rope tied into a knot that just kept getting tighter and tighter as the day passed and moving around his head until his whole head, neck and shoulders were one big sore knot. He discovered he needed to resolve his personal matter as soon as possible as it was eating into him. Sensing her presence he looked up to find Khushi standing near the door, with a tray in her hand. As she caught a glimpse of his pain filled face, she placed the tray on the low table. Silently, taking the pill and the glass of water in her hand, she wanted him to take it and feel the relief. But Arnav had other thoughts. He just parted his lips and did not take the pill from her. Khushi, seeing no other go, placed the pill between his lips and made him drink the water as though he were a child.
Arnav shut his eyes for a moment, his head ached like a herd of elephants tromping around his skull. He knew that the need of the hour was rest but he had no time to pander to it. This was the sixth day and soon it would be night that would pass in sleep and the dawn would leave only five more to persuade her. As he uttered, Khushi.., she asked him, whether he wanted his forehead to be massaged. Knowing that he had to take care of more urgent things immediately, he told her, later, and gave her a bright pink wrapped packet, making her eye him warily for a moment and then ask, what was that. A snake, all wrapped up, just for her, was his irritated retort. Muttering, it was not beyond his capability, she took the gift. While she was holding it gingerly and pondering what to do, Arnav urged her to open it and swore that it was not something that would bite her. Pulling off the wrapping and opening an elegant silver and black box she found a bright red saree that was an absolute stunner. Mesmerized by it, she took it out of the box and saw that it was of soft tulle with self coloured roses embroidered, peppered with golden beads and edged by a fine line of gold thread work. The soft material felt heavenly against her fingers. As Arnav looked eagerly at her, she was overwhelmed and not wanting to betray her feelings, she reluctantly thanked him saying that it was a beautiful piece. Arnav was all smiles for having his present accepted by her. Keeping his fingers crossed, when he asked her, will she wear it? Khushi with an uneasy smile told him, that it was a grand saree, how could she wear it at home? He felt let down and when that showed on his face Khushi tried to appease him with a quick, she would wear it another day. All he could do was nod and be content that she had not rejected his gift.
At his request, she got herself in position behind his chaise longue from where she could massage his forehead and made him lie back against it. Slowly, her fingers began to soothe the knotted muscles and the taunt nerves along his face and neck, bringing him relief. The pill too started to take its effect, and Arnav felt much better. When he murmured, Khushi, she looked at him cautiously, thanking her stars that she was treated to an upside down view of his face, for even then, he could make her heart skip a beat. At her soft acknowledgement, Ji, he asked her, whether she missed him last night. His unexpected question startled her, making her hand slip away from his temple. Recovering quickly, she blinked and continued to massage. Taking care not to have any voice inflection, she asked why she should miss him as she was away for just one night and that too she had been to her Amma, Babuji and Buaji's house. But Arnav confessed that he missed her very much. Khushi felt as though she was wearing a crown of flowering thorn. Her heart felt scorched feeling difficult to lie, to hide her feelings, to keep an expressionless face when posed with questions that ripped her soul apart, to pretend not to see the longing on his face. But the need of the moment was to be strong. Thinking that she needed to be strong for both of them, she forced a smile. With a quizzical and slightly acerbic tone, she queried, Arnav Singh Raizada missed Khushi Kumari Gupta? Oh yes! she retorted, that he would have missed his punching bag. But the fact was, he needed to get used to being without her as after five days, she would not be around to listen to his shouts and bellows! Her words evoked perfect silence and after giving her a wary look, he sat up tugging gently at her hand making her sit beside him. With a quaking heart but a brave front, he asked her, what her plans were and what was she going to do after five days?  Her answer with a smile that, she would go back to Buaji's house and live there happily forever and ever... made him ask softly, whether she would be happy? He knew she had put on that smile for his benefit, for, it was the same smile she had sported on her face while they were in his car on Diwali night. Realising by this display of smile that she was not going to give in, his heart sank pit bottom. Taking a reasonable tone, she asked him, how can she not be happy? She proclaimed that she would get relieved from the contract and thereby the bond of this farce of a marriage. All connections between them would be severed and he would be Arnav Singh Raizada, and go back to his bachelor ways, just like he was before he met her and she would be Khushi Kumari Gupta, a single girl, same as before. She spelt out that they would be able to wipe away the misery of the past one and a half years from their lives. They would be given a chance to start afresh and this time they could ensure that their paths do not cross, the star crossed path. Arnav focused his gaze sharply on her, making her draw a deep breath and think, fooling Arnav Singh Raizada took a lot of effort and the need for oxygen to have a clear head was too great to keep her brain honed on the matter at hand and not give away more than necessary.
Khushi, addressing him as Mr. ASR, shared that he has no idea how scared she was of him, she had been scared out of her wits and used to have nightmares and break out in a cold sweat. Khushi recalling their times at Sheesh Mahal, the office, working in his house, let on that they should never have met. They were two different people who were world apart. Arnav was unable to think of a time when she had not graced his life and thoughts, protested with an admonishing, Khushi... Unheedful of his intervention, she continued to ponder aloud that, even if she had to fall in to his arms at Sheesh Mahal and return his key at the dargah, she should have kept her cool when he insulted. She should have never, never on her life have taken on a fight with the Arnav Singh Raizada... When Arnav protested that her courage..., his words were cut short with a wry, self- depreciating smile that it was not courage but a folly, for she had no business taking up the challenges that he threw on her way. She concededthat if he wanted to have a live-in relation with Lavanyaji and Lavanyaji was stupid enough to agree, she should have left them to it. His personal life was none of her business. She admitted that she was too naive and too much of an imbecile to see it. If he did not want to attend the pooja on Janmastami, then that was his decision, his choice, his loss. It had nothing to do with her. If Lavanyaji wanted to leave him she should have minded her own business and stood aside, instead of writing a love letter to him and selling her bangle to buy him plants...
Realising what had spilt out of her mouth she stopped short. Arnav who was quick to pick it asked her slowly but clearly, was she the one who had written that love letter? Inhaling deeply she braved herself to admit, that it was her handiwork as she was anyway caught, then where was the necessity to hide the truth? She answered by countering him with, did he really think Lavanyaji would write him a letter in Hindi? Arnav who had never given it a thought, had to admit, no. Khushi with a dry smile continued, or that Lavanyaji would write such inane nonsense like jumping from a mountain if he did not love her? Once again Arnav had to admit, a no. In a tone belittling herself she acknowledged that, all that filmi fundas amounting to rubbish was written by her, such absurd thoughts could come to only her mind and could only be written by her, the one and only Khushi Kumari Gupta, who was not only crazy but had no idea what was happening around her, who had no idea what real life was all about, who had thought that she could bring about changes to arrange everything to every body's satisfaction. The jist was, she conceded, that she was a simpleton, a nave, gullible nincompoop. When in a voice barely above whisper, he asked her, whether she sold her bangle? her nonchalant answer while owning up to her deed was, that the manager at the nursery was not her uncle to give her plants for free. So she had to pay for them. When he persisted by asking, that she sold her gold bangle for him, she corrected him saying, that it was for Lavanyaji and not him and she had sold her gold bangle as there were no buyers for her glass ones!
Arnav could not believe his ears. He admitted to her that she possesses a big and accommodative heart. He was curtly cut off by her disclosing, yes, she does possess one like he described, that was too big for her own good. And also, she informed that she does possess an empty head, just as he had taken pains to point out more often than not. Arnav tried to apologise saying, that he never meant it, but Khushi, was not in the mood to let him go. She apologized looking straight in to his eyes, for being so foolish. When he was puzzled as to why she used the word foolish, she explained that when she was growing up, Hindi films were her staple diet that... that she had believed her life was one big film, where idealistically she could do whatever seemed right, and everything would become all right at the end. Arnav looked at her, thinking was she for real. He saw that she was dead serious. Heaving a deep sigh she declared, that she should not have come to his office to work. And while working at his house, she should have just done her job and kept out of his way, his life. She should have kept her counsel to herself too. She should not have let Naniji and Anjaliji form a bond of friendship with her. She should have been business-like and kept a distance. She owned that on Diwali night, she should not have let him come near her. It was utterly wrong and worst thing to do, knowing very well that Lavanyaji was his girlfriend...
Arnav feeling a lump in his throat thinking of the direction this conversation was heading to, swallowed and told her, that he was there too. It was his fault, he was the one who instigated it. Khushi jumped in to say, that was the sum total of their relationship, folly! However much one resorts to permutations and combinations, she divulged that they could only come up with the conclusion that it was nothing but a series of follies, some committed by him, some by her and some both together. Right from their accidental meeting at Sheesh Mahal, to their marriage due to misconceptions, misunderstandings, it has been nothing but a chain links of mistakes, a long line of bad decisions. Arnav's protest asking Khushi not to call it so, and all these follies led to their meeting, coming to know each other..., were not heeded. All it succeeded was in Khushi butting in, not wanting him to use the word 'love' in to the conversation. Keeping her cool, she asked him to pause for a minute and think of a particular scenario, where his Naniji wants him to get married, where he is not averse to the idea and she brings the proposal of one Khushi Kumari Gupta, the adopted daughter of a halwai from Lucknow. Would he have considered the proposal? She wanted his truthful answer. An agape Arnav stared at her. She insisted on him to be true to himself while answering, would an ordinary girl from Lucknow, from a middle-class family have appealed to him? Would he have even let his Nani finish listing her details before he jumped down her throat and go off the deep end for having suggested it? She patiently waited for his response. Finally he answered saying, he would not have accepted it exposing the crux of the matter.
In a soft voice, she asked, why not? while her heart sank without a trace in the depths of gloom, his hope was gone like a glow on the cloud at the close of day. She knew that she was winning... and that in her victory lay the defeat of Arnav Singh Raizada and his contract wife. Arnav could only come out with a stammered whisper, because.. because they would not suit. That smoked out the real reasons behind all the spats and accusations. Khushi concluded her talk saying that as usual he had hit the bull's eye and they do not suit at all. So saying as she moved from the longuer, Arnav pulled her back indicating that the conversation was not over. Arnav responded by saying that he would be wrong in taking that decision. Khushi let out a deep sigh thinking why was Arnav Singh Raizada being difficult? When she had wanted him to be Arnav he had been ASR and now when she wanted him to be ASR he is mellowing out like Arnav! What contrariness! What is the need to be humble when she wanted him to be his usual arrogant self? As Arnav tried to explain his statement by saying if he had rejected without even seeing her, meeting her, knowing her.. he was cut short by Khushi. She, warning him, brought out the fact that, seeing, meeting, knowing, all those things are unimportant, as they would just clutter his mind and cloud his judgement, inducing him to doing something that would be out of character and make him regret later on.
When Arnav tried to justify his remarks quoting his Di, that in matters of love and marriage, one should give in to one's heart. Dil se faisla lena chahiye, dimag se nahi... Khushi countered it sounding out, that Anjaliji took the decision to marry Shyam listening to what her heart had to say. Had she used her intelligence and mind the result would have been totally different. Following her own advice she had withered on the vine. Arnav had nothing to say as his argument fell flat. Khushi had effectively shut it out. She had shown he was going up a blind alley. Both of them sat side by side in silence, mired in their own thoughts, thoughts buzzing like a swarm of bees, thoughts filled with despair. Finally, Khushi opened up her thoughts and said that when he insisted on her to marry him for six months, she had wondered why that specific clause was inserted. But now she was glad for his insistence or else they would have been stuck in a rut for their life time with it being a real marriage. It would have been in the same dull round, like blind horses in a mill when they both would have been happy to be away from one another. Every thing happens for good. Atleast now they have a chance to correct the mistake and end this farce of a marriage. Getting her thoughts off her chest, she got up to leave.
For Arnav, hearing Khushi shake off their marriage as a mistake and being grateful for having the six months clause as a way out, was like the last straw that broke the camel's back. Gathered in his arms, while she stood still, her heart fluttering like the wings of a captive bird thinking that it was a near missed escape, she turned her head to look at his never say die attitude written face. He dug in his heels refusing to accept her statement. He asked her softly, was it a mistake, whether she considers what they have as a mistake? hauling her close, with his arms wound around her, her chest pressed against his well toned muscles. The excitement of their nearness had their hearts gallop together like wild horses. He asked her how could she call their love a folly? His breath feathered across her cheek before his lips pressed against their soft plumpness. He queried, a mistake? While his lips travelled down her cheek, his hand cupped the back of her head. Angling her head he touched her lips with his, rubbing against them, making Khushi gasp. He uncloaked the passion that was burning within them. Taking advantage of her parted lips he kissed her thoroughly till all her senses were scrambled and she could not find two coherent thoughts in her head. Their lips parted reluctantly. His eyes burned in to hers, and as if in a dream, their lips met again... and again... and again... Somewhere in between, her arms came around him. One hand clutched the back of his head, her fingers luxuriating in the feel of his dark, thick, unruly hair and curling into them. The other traced the muscles of his shoulder and arm. His fingers trailed down the length of her back, their soft caresses making her jump in unexpected pleasure. Her response was a tell all and it leaked out her feelings.
Finally as Khushi lay weak in his arms, he caught hold of her arm, setting her slightly away from him, he asked her softly, does she still think that their marriage as a mistake? A mistake that ought to be corrected at the earliest? His query, burst the dream bubble she was in and made her look at his lips that had spewed hard facts of their current state as well as given the delights of being together, the remnants of which could be seen in its slight reddening. Arnav strengthening his argument, pushed on to ask her raking up her acts of selfless deeds, if it was foolish, then why did she take risk to save his life. Why was it her breath comes out in rapid rate as he nears her? Why did she let him kiss her now? Why did she kiss him back? Why did she let him touch her on Diwali night even though she called Lavanya her friend? He was intent on making her admit that her love for him was greater than every other consideration. Khushi paled and tried to pull her arm free from his hold. Persisting with his line of questioning, steeling himself even after seeing her squirm, he asked her, why was it that she tried to stop him from boarding plane to London? Why did she let him touch her that night in the hut? He was determined to get an answer out of her. As Khushi successfully removed her hand from his hold, tired of her blocking his every move, tired of her reticence to answer his queries, he egged her further to communicate with him and relate her feelings to him. He once again plied her with, why does her heart beat faster than her breath when he approaches her? Why does her heart beat in sync with his, making the music of their own when he comes close to her? She had asked him these questions on Holi. Does she remember?
His queries and reminding her of her naivety was the last straw. She took her gloves off and shoving him away from her, unveiling her thoughts, she stated categorically that it was because she was foolish, stupid, she was away with the fairies, her head holds nothing but foolish thoughts, she does not know how to look after herself. She was one dangerous person who was not only danger to herself but also to others with her hare brained ideas under the false belief that she was of service to others. Arnav tried to move closer to her and make her understand that it was alright to feel love for him saying, that she was not foolish, she was right... As those words came out of Arnav's mouth, Khushi cut them blazing a fiery No! in a tone, that she had never used before. Stepping back she said, she was wrong and he had been right all along. She just lacked the commonsense to realize it to be so. Arnav was shell-shocked to see a Khushi who had come apart at the seams. He was stunned to see the amount of panic, grief, turmoil that had been hidden under her stoic countenance. In a voice, filled with disillusion, that unmasked her bitterness, she asked him, does he know what love really is? She debunked it as nothing but sheer stupidity, a weakness that has the capacity to destroy homes, people and their peace. It makes you cry and want to die. As she spoke, tears pooled in her eyes and streamed down her cheeks, just like the honeydew gathered upon withered lily. Arnav's compassionate, Khushi, went unheeded. His repeated attempts were as futile as to oppose an earthquake with argument. She squealed, it starts as dhak dhak and acidity, and then burns your life, it was worse than acid. That is what love is. She declared it as a disease that kills your common sense and your morals, makes you believe in a dream world that does not exist. It is a knife that cuts deep, again and again till there is nothing left to kill... It was worthless like the conjurer's gold. It gives one second of joy and a lifetime of pain. It is like a word written on water. Now you see it, now you do not. It vanishes into thin air whenever it suits the lover. It is a word people use to manipulate others and use them. Khushi's words dripped with anguish and cynicism, her cheeks glistened with tears. Arnav's plea to soothe her, console her was not heard by her. She was beside herself. She continued to say that it had made her listen to every cutting word that he spoke to her, made her weep and shed tears in buckets, made a mockery out of her family in front of their relations, and now will hurt them beyond repair when their marriage ends. That's it. She avowed that it was more than enough. There was a limit to this insanity. Wiping her face dry with her fingers, Khushi said that in the name of love she had put up with too much. She had withstood too many things. Anjaliji's love, Shyam's love, Jiji's love, Jiju's love, his love, her love, love, love.. now the word love disinters nothing but pain and she was sick of the word.. Khushi sat down on the chaise longue, feeling like a deflated balloon after her outburst, while Arnav looked on helplessly as a silent spectator. Her outburst unearthed the fact that the impact of his presence in her life was, she had turned herself into him, cold, callous, thinking only taking cold facts and the impact of her presence in his life was, he had turned out to be like her, filled with warm thoughts, understanding and the need for love.
She muttered to herself that if she had tilled a plot of land, with such diligence with which she had tried to solve all his problems, it would have given her a good harvest!  What a waste of one and a half years of her life! Once again Arnav was rendered to the position of a helpless, silent spectator. Khushi in a voice that was low, yet firm, unequivocally announced that she had no use to his roses, his night dress, or his sarees. She had never hankered for them. She also does not want his love, his sister's apology, a place in his family or Lavanyaji's friendship. All she wants is just to be left alone. Arnav tried to swallow through a choked throat. Khushi said her priority was her family. It was for them she has to live. It was for their sake she has to learn to live. Now at this point of time, in her age she has to learn, how to live. She needed to take care of a few things and change her earlier attitude. She had learnt all these in a bitter way. The rosy tint with which she used to eye the world with had been shed just like a moulting of a bird when it looses its feathers before a new one grows in place. With her eyes gone as cold as a glacier, she admitted that trusting her heart had made her life into a hotch-potch pie. Now she would rather trust the little intelligence that Devi Maiyya has bestowed on her than her heart.
Khushi and Arnav looked at each other, both silent, both hurting. Finally, Khushi broke the silence saying that, if he loves her as he claims to do, to let her go.
In this update, Arnav tried his level best to get Khushi unbosom and reveal her innermost thoughts and feelings. He had thought she would accept her unconditional love towards him and his love for her as the basis for them to have a life together. What he had not bargained was the pain, panic, grief and turmoil that were hidden by her happy nature. He had not even thought she could be harboring such emotions in her as her natural tendency was not to dwell on such thoughts. But repeated blows had taken its toll on her. Just like a stone cutter hammering away at his rock, perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet at the hundred-and-first blow it will split in two, and we know it was not the last blow that did it, but all that had gone before. That is why Arnav's repeated queries made her go ballistic. As he thought, she unbosomed herself but not the way he wanted. She had turned about-face, that too a radical one, on love. She who had held his entire family in high esteem showed she could turn her back on them as all she had received from them were punches most of the time in one form or the other. She had reached her limit and within the next few days she had decided to severe her ties with all of them. She needs time to heal, time to recover, time to decide. That is why she asks him to set her free in the name of love.

"If you love something, let it go. If it returns, it's yours; if it  doesn't, it wasn't.
 If you love someone, set them free. If they come back they're  yours; if they don't they never were"
                                             ~ Richard Bach,                                                              Jonathan Livingstone Seagull.
That is why this is titled UNBOSOM.
That's it from me. Hope you enjoy it.

Part 9: Day 5: Section 1

Khushi slept, exhausted by her outburst, the relief of having voiced her till-then hidden feelings making her seek her bed without having dinner.

Arnav paced the room, stealing glances at an oblivious Khushi, thinking furiously about every word she had uttered, regretting every word he had spoken to her in anger, ruing every action of his that had hurt her…

Only 5 more days…just 5 more days…

How could he let her go? How could he live without her? Without seeing her, without touching her, without hearing her laughter and her Aaj Mausam He Suhaana series… How could he live without her? How would she live without him?

Khushi woke up feeling tired. Her eyes looked at the ceiling with disinterest. Another day to be lived through. She sat up, and her heart picked up its beat. Arnavji was sitting at the foot of the bed, looking at her.

“Khushi…” he started.

She quickly left the bed. “Ek minute…” she muttered. She needed time to compose herself after the display of her pain last night. She escaped to the bathroom.

With the door locked behind her, Khushi talked to herself. “He will try to persuade you, make you change your mind. Don’t fall for it. Don’t give in. You have to go in 5 days. Be strong. He Devi Maiyya, give me the strength to hold back my tears, to hold on to my resolve…”

She walked out of the bathroom, wiping her wet face with a towel. He was still waiting.

“Khushi, sit down. We need to talk.” he began, patting the bed by him.

Khushi pretended not to see it, and sat down on the recliner.

“Khushi, I …I am sorry I hurt you…so much…” he said.

She looked at him. His eyes were slightly red, and it looked as though he had not slept at all. His face was drawn and he looked very serious.

Khushi nodded.

“Khushi, in…in 5 days… our marriage will come to an end…” he stuttered.

“Ji.” Khushi was calm.

“If you leave RM and go to Laxmi Nagar…” Arnav paused.

Khushi looked at him.

“Both families will want to know why.”

Khushi nodded.

“There will be tears, recriminations…”

Khushi looked down at her lap, at her fingers that were tightly clasped together. That was the part she dreaded the most. The disappointment of both families, the tears, the humiliation her family would have to face once the neighbours found out that she was back to stay… If only she could leave Delhi…If only she got a positive response to the many job applications she had sent…

“Khushi…”

She dragged her mind from the pit of sorrow that was waiting for them, and looked at his wan face.

He said, “Khushi, I have done many stupid things to hurt you…I have been a fool…”

Khushi did not think that statement required any response. Nor was it one she could contradict.

“But the worst was the contract marriage.” he confessed in a low voice.

She looked at him.

“Your helplessness, your tears when I forced your hand… your confusion at my demand… your tears as I married you…”

Khushi looked away.

“The tears that both families shed that night… the insults you had to bear…”

Khushi blinked rapidly to keep the tears at bay.

Arnav got up from the bed and came to kneel down in front of her.

“And all of it was for nothing. I was punishing the innocent while the criminal went scot-free…” He put his arms around her waist and hugged her.

“It is over, Arnavji. Chodiye ye sab!” Khushi had no desire to rehash the past. Living through it had been bad enough.

“It is not over, Khushi. It is not over till our families know the truth.” Arnav said.

Khushi looked at him, wondering what he was up to now.

“Khushi, I want to tell them the truth about our marriage. Today.” he said, his face pale but determined.

Khushi stared at him in horror.

“They should know that you were not to blame. That the slap that Amma had given you on our wedding day should have fallen on my face…” Arnav demanded.

“Pagal he aap?” Khushi screeched. “What is cooking in that brain of yours? Why…? How…? What…?” Khushi gasped, unable to rein in her thoughts and form intelligible sentences. She drew in a deep breath to calm herself. “Why should you tell anyone anything? Why should we tell them about the contract marriage? Let us part after 5 days. When they ask us, we can just tell them that we don’t want to continue with our marriage, that we don’t want to live together…”

“Khushi…” he cupped her face. “They won't believe us. The whole world knows that I love you.”

She stared at him, still angry.

“And the whole family knows that you love me.” he stated.

Khushi gasped. How did he know? She had never said the words…

“They will never believe us if we try to give them excuses like incompatibility and not wanting to stay together…” Arnav said.

Khushi stared at him.

“Most importantly, I am fed up of lies and half-truths, Khushi. It is time to acquaint our families with the whole truth. The bitter truth. My family should know their bahu and your family should know their damad.”

“You are making a bad situation worse. “ Khushi said, her hand on her forehead. “My family…your brothers…you will fall in their eyes!”

“I know. But this confession is long overdue.” Arnav said.

“Arnavji, don’t do this.” Khushi said.

“Khushi, let me do it. For you.” Arnav insisted.

“It is not necessary…” Khushi protested.

“It is necessary, Khushi. Your family should know that the child they adopted would never knowingly put them to shame. That she has never strayed from the values they taught her. They will be able to accept you back in to the family with an open heart… And my family should know the true worth of Payal and you.”

Khushi sighed. “Arnavji…”

“Let me do it. If not for you, then for myself. So that I can live with myself, Khushi.” He buried his head against her stomach. “Please, Khushi…”

Khushi knew that it was  terrible idea, but she could refuse him nothing. She nodded her agreement.

Arnav looked at Khushi’s pale face. She was folding her clothes, arranging them in neat piles on their bed.

It was a gamble. The risk was huge. But it had to be done. It had to be done if something had to be salvaged from their marriage. Arnav drew in a deep breath.

“I have asked Nani to invite Amma, Babuji, & Buaji for lunch.” Arnav said.

Khushi paled.

Arnav rushed to her and hugged her tight. “Don’t worry, Khushi. It will be alright. I will make everything alright, Khushi.” Arnav promised.

She nodded slowly.

The Raizadas and the Guptas relaxed in the living room after a sumptuous lunch.

Arnav sat by Khushi, looking at all the happy faces. He could feel the tension in Khushi’s frail body, could see how her fingers were clutching the ends of her dupatta…

He put his arm around her.

“He said I have to take protein supplements to build up my muscles, to becoma haiwaan (devil) and bhaktimaan!” NK was talking about the personal trainer he had gone for at the gym.

“Hai Re Nandkisore! Do you become haiwaan if you go to the gym? Bitwaa, why go to gym? Go to an akhada instead!” Buaji’s big eyes were round with horror!

“Balwaan, NK Bhai!” Akash hissed. “And shaktimaan!”

NK frowned. “Who is that? Is he someone like He Man?”

“And I told Mrs. Sinha, if you lets your girl bear (wear) choti choti clotheswaa and phly (fly) around on a scooter at 12o’clock midnight, she bill (will) phly abay (away) with some naalayak one day and you won’t even know! Hello Hi Bye Bye!” Mami said.

Nani and the others nodded, smiling.

There was a lull in the conversation.

Arnav said, “Amma, Babuji, Buaji, Nani, Mami, Di, we need to tell you something…”

All eyes turned to look at them, curious.

Khushi trembled. Arnav pulled her closer to his warmth.

All the members of the family looked at Khushi’s pale face and Arnav’s protective stance.

Nani could not hold back her joy. “Chotey! Khussi Bitiyaa! You are giving us such khush khabri…”

Arnav & Khushi looked at each other, perplexed. What was so good about their imminent separation and pending divorce?

The whole family laughed and smiled, so happy for the pair. One by one all of them rushed to hug them and offer their congratulations.

Arnav tried to ask them what was going on, but the ladies were in no mood to let him speak.

“You naughty boy, Nannav!” NK teased. 

“Bhai, Khushiji, congratulations!” Akash hugged him.

Nani hugged them and cried over them. “How happy your mother would have been today, Chotey!”

His mother would have been happy about Khushi leaving him? Arnav looked at her, astonished.

Buaji took some money out of her bag and proceeded to ward off the evil eye. Payal and Amma hugged Khushi. Babuji looked on with happy tears in his eyes. Anjali hugged and kissed Arnav & Khushi, weeping all over them.

“Di…” Arnav tried to speak, to ask what was going on, but Mami cut in.

“Payaliyaa and Akass Bitwaa and Arnav Bitwaa and Khussi Bitiyaa got married on the same day, Saasumma! Now Arnav Bitwaa and Khussi Bitiyaa are goings to have a baby…” she started.

Arnav and Khushi looked at their family with eyes as wide as saucers and then looked at each other, horrified.

“Bhen will Akass Bitwaa and Payaliyaa make me a grandmother?” she lamented the slowness of her son.

“It will happen, Manorama, It will happen. Give them time…” Nani smiled.

“Enough!” Arnav put an end to the absurd situation. “Khushi is not…not carrying... We…we are not having a b…baby!”

There was perfect silence in the room. There was disappointment on every face in the room. Khushi clutched her fingers together. Worse was yet to come.

Finally Nani said, “It is alright, Khussi Bitiyaa, don’t worry. You have  a lot of time left. You have been married for just 6 months. Chinta mat karo!”

“Haan, haan, Titliyaa. Nandkisore knows when to give you children, You don’t worry about such things.”Buaji said.

All the ladies nodded, smiling.

“You wanted to tell us something, Chotey?” Anjali asked.

Arnav drew a deep breath and tightened his hold on Khushi.

“Yes. I want to tell you something. Please listen to the whole story before crying and shouting at me.” Arnav said.

All the people in the room looked at each other, scared of what Arnav was going to reveal. Mami caught hold of Nani’s hand in fear.

“Shyam used to harass Khushi whenever he got her alone.” Arnav began.

The entire room gasped.

“I didn’t know anything about Shyam having been a paying guest in Buaji’s house or having been engaged to Khushi…” he explained.

All nodded.

“On Payal & Akash’s wedding day, I went in search of Khushi. I wanted to tell her that I loved her, that I wanted to marry her…” Arnav said.

Khushi looked at Arnav’s face, trepidation on hers. What was he doing? Telling everyone that he loved the wife who would not be his wife in 5 days?

All smiled at Arnav, knowing that he was crazy about Khushi. Akash & NK looked at him with admiration in their eyes.

“But Shyam had managed to find Khushi before I did.”

All looked at him, their hearts in their mouths.

“He caught hold of Khushi. She tried to escape, but he was too strong for her.”

“The rascal!” NK was moved into exclaiming.

Akash clenched his fists.

“From where I was standing, it looked like Shyam and Khushi were hugging.”

“Hai Re Nandkisore!” Buaji exclaimed. “Hugging? Our Titliyaa hates the sight of him!”

Anjali could not speak a word. She stared at Arnav, her mouth open.

All waited for Arnav to continue, their hearts racing. Tragedies had a habit of attacking the Raizadas and the Guptas like tsunami waves, one after the other, unrelenting, destroying everything they had built up…

“I caught hold of Shyam by the collar. He said that he and Khushi were in love, that they wanted to have  a life together, that my Di was the only hurdle in their path…” Arnav looked at the pale faces around him.

“Chotey!” Anjali exclaimed.

“I went to tell Di the truth. I thought that I could reveal the real face of Shyam to her, and throw him out of our lives. But… but when I was talking to Di, she fainted. And she got the test results from the lab. She was pregnant.” Arnav sighed.

“Shyam appeared to be delighted. Di was over the moon. Then it became my responsibility to see that Di remained in her bubble of happiness for 6 months more so that she could deliver the baby safely. I had to keep Shyam here for 6 more months. I had to keep him away from Khushi for 6 more months.”

“Chotey!” poor Nani wept.

“Don’t cry, Nani. There is more to come!” Arnav said, sighing.

“It was time for Payal & Akash’s wedding. I stood looking at the arrangements being made as the auspicious moment arrived. I needed to keep Khushi away from Shyam. The only leverage I had on her was her love for Payal.”

He looked at his family. They were all pale. They knew him well, knew how ruthless he could be… Their fear was open on their faces. The Guptas looked confused.

“The first time I met Khushi was on Payal’s wedding day in Lucknow. Khushi had come to Sheesh Mahal to meet Payal’s groom, hoping to dissuade him from hiking the dowry demand a few hours before the marriage. She didn’t know that I had purchased Sheesh Mahal, that I was conducting a fashion show there. Someone pushed her on to the stage, thinking that she was a model, and she fell in to my arms. I thought that she had come there to sabotage my event, and I kept her locked up till the event was over so that I could investigate which of my competitors had sent her. The net result was that Payal’s wedding got cancelled.”

Nani buried her face in her hands. Mami whispered, “Saasummaa!” Anjali looked at Arnav, horrified.

The Guptas looked resigned. The tale was not new to them.

“Khushi had always felt guilty that she had caused Payal’s wedding to be cancelled. I knew that. Desperate to stop Shyam from going off with Khushi, I decided to blackmail her.”

All looked at him, the whites of their eyes visible.

“I told her that if Payal’s wedding to Akash had to go ahead, she would have to marry me.”

All gasped.

“She knew that Akash would not disregard my words, regardless of his commitment to Payal. She knew that Payal’s wedding would be cancelled or postponed, that she would be left at the mandap again. So Khushi had to agree.” Arnav said.

The listeners looked at each other, horrified.

“I never told Khushi about my suspicions regarding her & Shyam, never asked her for an explanation… That was foolish. I believed Shyam’s version.”

“Chotey…” Anjali could only look at her brother in shock.

Arnav continued, “I arranged for a mangalsutra to be left in the temple you frequent, Di. As soon as Payal & Akash’s wedding was over, I dragged Khushi out of the house and took her to the temple. It was dark. There was no one there, not even the purohit. I pulled her up the steps, tied the mangalsutra around her neck and put sindoor in her maang. And brought her back home. The rest you know.”

“Chotey!” Anjali gasped.

“What have you done, Arnav Bitwaa!” Mami exclaimed.

Nani couldn’t find words to rebuke her grandson.

“Hai Re Nandkisore!” Buaji exclaimed. “Titliyaa, you married Arnav Bitwaa without telling us because of all this? For Payaliyaa?” She got up and went to hug Khushi.

“And I hit you!” Amma cried. “Khussi, I am sorry. Hamein maaf kar dena, bitiyaa!” Tears flowed down her cheeks. Amma threw her arms around Khushi, hugging her.

“Amma, you have the right to kill me. It is alright.” Khushi said softly.

Payal wept all over Khushi. “You never said…not even a word…Pagli, why didn’t you tell me? Who gave you the right to sacrifice your life for me?”

NK & Akash were lost for words.

“Chotey!” Nani finally said in a tremulous voice. “Without saat phere, without a pandit, without witnesses… you married Khussi Bitiyaa?”

“How can you call it a marrijj, Saasumma? It is not a marrijj!” Mami cried.

“Chotey….” Anjali whispered. “You have been living with Khushiji in one room…for 6 months… Chotey, what have you done?”

“It is OK, Di.” Arnav pretended to be casual about it, his heart thudding fit to deafen him. “It is legal. I made Khushi sign a contract.”

Nani, Mami, & Anjali looked at him in horror. Buaji & Amma looked pale with worry. Babuji’s eyes were wide with shock. Akash & NK looked at the ladies first and then at Arnav & Khushi.

“Oh, I forgot to tell you something. The contract is for 6 months. It will end on 14^th night. Khushi will be leaving on the 15^th.” Arnav said simply.

The listeners were too shocked to even gasp.

“Six-month marriage, Nandkisore?” Buaji couldn’t believe her ears.

“Ee sab kaa ho raha he, Jiji?” Garima asked, scared for Khushi & Payal.

“A marriage that is not a marriage. And that too for six months?” Nani asked.

“Bhat kind of marrijj ijj this, Saasumaa? No pandit, no phere, no mehmaan. Only managalsutra and sindoor. And that too only phor six months? Six months ke baad bhat (what) will they do? Take off the mangalsutra and the sindoor, tho marrijj khatam?” Mami asked, perplexed.

Arnav felt immense gratitude to his Mami for emphasising the fact.

“It is not a marriage, Chotey. It is an insult. You have insulted Khushiji…” Anjali said, her voice low but firm. His Di was acting to form.

“And fooled all of us.” Nani completed her statement, her eyes spitting fire at Arnav. Arnav relaxed. Now that his Nani had found her tongue, he could rest easy. She would do his job for him.

“You forced Khussi Bitiyaa to live with you in your room as your wife when she is not your wife. When your marriage is not complete according to our vidhi!” Nani declared.

Arnav nodded. Khushi looked uneasily at the family members.

“Saasumma, Anjali Bitiyaa, they have been living together for 6 months. If she gives good news after the 15^th…” Mami warned them. “They won’t be married, and she will be a bin byahi maa!”

Khushi opened her mouth to refute the allegation, but Buaji’s loud cry silenced her.

Buaji hit her head with her hand, “Hai Re Nandkisore! Kaa hoga iss ladki kaa?”

Garima started weeping. Payal, Akash, & NK stared at Arnav & Khushi.

“Madhumatiji, Garimaji, Sasiji, please don’t upset yourself.” The doyen of the Raizada family spoke with authority. “My grandson has made a grave mistake. I apologise for him and assure you that no harm will come to Khussi Bitiyaa. Her reputation will not be tarnished as long as I am alive.” That is the way to go, Nani, Arnav thought, wanting to cheer her on.

Anjali added, “Arnav has committed a serious crime, Buaji, Amma, Babuji. He has played with Khushiji’s reputation and her good name. I am ashamed to look at your face.” Arnav waited eagerly for her to get to the point.

“Do something, Saasummaa, phast. Or we won’t be able to show our phases (faces) to Mrs. Sinha and Mrs. Mathur and Mrs…” Mami started. Yes, yes, Arnav egged on his Mami silently.

Anjali stated, “You have to make up for the damage you have caused to Khushiji’s reputation, Chotey.” Her face was cold and stern.

Arnav nodded, lowering his eyes as though penitent. How he wanted to hug his Di!

“You will marry Khussi Bitiyaa, according to our vidhi, here in our presence, without further delay.” Nani declared. Finally! thought Arnav. He nodded.

“No!” Khushi exclaimed. “Naniji, we never…we..that is, we never…”

“Aap chup rahiye. Both of you have already done your manmaani. Now it is our turn to solve the mess you have created.” Nani said sternly. Seeing Khushi’s distress, she relented. “Khussi Bitiyaa, you must trust me to see to your welfare. My grandson has treated you abominably. I will not let him destroy your life.”

“Think, Khussi, think.” Mami exhorted her. “If someone comes to marry you and his family finds out about this contract marrijj! Will he marry you? He will also say, let ujj hab a contract marrijj. Ek baar kar chuki ho. You can do it with me too. Why should I marry you, Hello Hi Bye Bye?”

Arnav clenched his jaw and tried to breathe deep to control his anger.

“Chotey, you will marry Khushiji today, here.” Anjali declared.

Arnav nodded obediently.

Nani turned to the Guptas and asked courteously, “Is that convenient to you?” Amma, Babuji, & Buaji nodded.

Khushi shook her head in the negative, but no one was looking at her except Arnav. He hid a smile.

Nani turned to Akash & NK. “Akass Bitwaa, go to the temple and get the purohit.”

Akash nodded.

“NK Bhai & Payalji, come with me. We need to decorate the house and set up the mandap.” Anjali invited.

Nani said, “The whole world thinks that Chotey & Khussi Bitiyaa are married. So we don’t need to invite them. Let’s limit this to the two families.”

The Guptas could only nod. Amma & Buaji pushed Babuji’s wheelchair closer to Nani to discuss the remaining arrangements.

Khushi grabbed Arnav’s arm and pulled him away in to the nearest room, which was Nani’s bedroom.

“What is happening here, Arnavji?” Khushi asked, furious. “I asked you to end our contract marriage. And now you are going to marry me in the presence of our families? Yeh..yeh sab kya ho raha he? I asked you to let me go.”

“I will. I will, Khushi. Let the wedding be over. It will satisfy both families. It will settle the point about the validity of our relationship. Once we are married, you can leave on the 15^th. If you still want to.”

Khushi stared at him. Arnav knew that the only way to get her to agree to the wedding was to bring his need in to it, make it sound as though it was for him.

“Let me make it up to you, Khushi, for the contract marriage. So that I don’t have to feel guilty. So that I can sleep at night, even after you are gone. So that I can look myself in the mirror.”

Khushi looked at him for a long moment, and finally nodded.

Payal & Anjali came looking for Khushi.

“Khushiji, we need to buy you a dress for the wedding!” Anjali said. “I will arrange for someone to bring jodas home for you to select…”

“No, Anjaliji..I..” Khushi tried to protest.

“Di, Khushi has a new red sari. She can wear that.” Arnav suggested.

Anjali & Payal looked at Khushi enquiringly.

Khushi nodded weakly.

Anjali & Payal left the room.

Khushi turned her gimlet eyes on Arnav. “Did you plan all this? Did you give me the saree to..?”

“No, never.” Arnav said. “It was a gift. Pure & simple. But I want to marry you. Desperately.”

Khushi frowned at him.

“Even though I will leave you on the 15^th?” she asked.

Arnav caught hold of her hands.

“Even though you may leave me on the 15^th.” Arnav affirmed.



Smita,
Here is the interpretation to Part 9, Section 1A
This update is about an outstandingly skillful and opportune act, a very clever move, in a word, MASTERSTROKE
The relief received from venting her spleen, made Khushi seek her bed and sleep soundly from exhaustion after her spurt of outburst, foregoing her dinner. Arnav paced his room thinking of all the things that Khushi had hurled at him that were nothing but true. He regretted every word that he had uttered in anger and like the pyroclastic flow coming out of the volcano, all that he had spewed out in a fit of anger at various times seem to have clung to her mind and hardened inside her! His words had hurt her and his actions had scorched so much so, that she seemed to have turned herself into him as a shield against further hurt. He could not allow her to become a cold person like ASR, for he knew how tough, how cold and how lonely, it is to be there. He was able to survive with his cold mask. But Khushi with her basic happy and do good nature will not be able to last however much she would try! He was the one responsible for it and he needed to take care of it. He needed to make an effort to set things right. That was the only viable option available right now. While he was pondering over these facts, he kept stealing glances at an oblivious Khushi who was sleeping soundly. He remembered she would be leaving him in just five more days, so he has just five more days to convince her otherwise. He wondered, how could he let her go? How could he live without her? How could he exist without seeing her, without touching her, without hearing her laughter and her ditty, Aaj Mausam He Suhaana and its various impromptu versions? How could he live without her? How would she live without him? In order to keep her with him, though the task was uphill was not insurmountable. The going would be tough but he needed that victory. For without her, he was just a mere brittle shell that can only rattle not a counch that could resonate. So he needed a coup.
Khushi woke up to heavy eyelids and general feeling of tiredness. With an effort she opened her eyes and focused them on the ceiling that held no interest to her. She was listless and knew it was another day to be lived through. She was counting the days remaining to get away from there. As she sat up, her heart picked up its beat and sure enough Arnavji was sitting at the foot of her bed looking at her! When he called out, Khushi, quickly getting out of the bed, muttering, Just a minute, she fled into the bathroom. She needed time to compose herself before facing Arnavji, after the brilliant display of fireworks last night. She was embarrassed to have let him witness her pain, her feelings last night. With the door locked, she pep talked herself that he would be trying to persuade her, make her change her mind, but not to sucuumb to it. She has to go in five days. So to be strong to withstand, was the necessity. That would be a feat by itself. To be so she needed her friend, Devi Maiyya's help, for she knew, she alone was unable to withstand his charm as her heart was also on his side. Hence she asked Devi Maiyya, to give her enough strength to hold back her tears, to hold on to her resolve.
When she walked out of the bathroom, wiping her wet face with a towel, he was still waiting. He asked her to sit beside him patting the bed stating they needed to talk. Khushi ignored his gesture and sat down on the chaise longue. He opened up the conversation by apologizing for all the hurt he had caused. As she looked at him she observed, that his eyes were slightly red and looking tired as though he had kept a sleepless vigilance. His face was drawn and had a look of seriousness. As Khushi nodded, he stuttered while saying that in... in five days... their marriage will come to an end... that made her give him a calm, yes. Arnav continued with, if she leaves RM and goes to Laxmi Nagar... and paused. Khushii just kept on looking, waiting for him to continue. He said that both families will want to know why and there would be tears, recriminations... Khushi agreed but hooded her eyes by looking at her hands that were clasped tightly together. That was what she was dreading the most. She just could not face the disappointment of the families, the tears, the humiliation her family would have to face once the neighbours found out that she was back for good... It would be an effort for her to keep on a stoic face and wondered, if only she could leave Delhi, if only she got a positive response to the many job applications she had sent... Arnav succeeded in maneuvering her thoughts to things that she dreaded the most. That was an action that was the base for his further talk. He wanted to exploit this thought of hers and it to be the basis of her response to him.
When Arnav called out to her, forcing herself to look up, she dragged her mind from the pit of sorrow that was waiting for them, and saw that his face too had lost its color. He told her, that he had done numerous foolish things to hurt her and he had been a deluded fool. Khushi remained tacit knowing fully well it required neither her assent nor would she dissent his statement. He confessed in a low voice, that the biggest blunder was the contract marriage, an overt act. As she continued to look at him, he told her that, her helplessness, her tears when he forced her hand, her confusion at his demand, her tears as he married her... were all etched in him. They were something he would be never able to erase. They had been popping up in his mind time and again and he had been suppressing them. His words, made Khushi look away. The tears that both families shed that night, the insults she had to bear were too much, infact, was uncalled for. His words made tears pool in her limpid eyes and she had to stuggle to keep them at bay. Arnav got up from the bed and knelt down in front of her. Hugging her by her waist, he told her, that all of it was for nothing. He was punishing an innocent while the criminal went scot-free... Khushi filled with no desire to rehash those incidents that left only bad taste in the mouth told him, that it was over and let go all of it. Past is just past and that was where it had to be. For her living it once was bad enough by itself and recalling it was not something she fancied. Arnav stressed that it was not over until their families knew the truth.
Khushi looked at him, wondering what he was up to now. With his face pale, but determination etched on it he said, he wanted to tell them the truth about their marriage. It was a bold stroke that he wanted to make and it made her stare at him in horror. He stressed that they should be made aware that she was not to be blamed. The slap that Amma had given her on their wedding day should have stung him on his face. Khushi shrieked, was he mad? What was it that was cooking in his brain this time? Why?.. How?.. What? were her disconnected words in reaction to his statement. Calming herself with a huge breath drawn in, she queried, why should he tell anyone anything? Why should they tell the rest about the contract marriage? The easiest and the best way would be to part quietly after five days. When they are asked, the rest could just be informed that they do not want to continue with their marriage, that they do not want to live together... Arnav cupping her face told her that no one would believe it. The whole world knows that he loves her. Though Khushi just stared at him, still boiling with anger, he stated the whole family knows that she loves him too, making her hitch her breath and wonder as to how he knew it when she had never said so. He told her that they will never believe, even if they try to give any excuse including incompatibility and not wanting to stay together. All Khushi could do was stare mutely at him. He told her that over and above he was fed up of lies and half-truths. It was time to let their families into the truth. Though bitter, they had the right to know the truth of their bahu by his family and their damaad by her family. Khushi reeling from the knowledge of what he wanted to do, with her hand on her forehead said, that by disclosing, he was worsening the situation as well as their position. He was leading himself to a pit fall in the eyes of her family, his family and his brothers!  When Arnav said, that the confession was long overdue, Khushi was not for it and asked him once again to refrain from doing so. But he insisted that it needed to be done, for her. It was a measure that they needed to take. As Khushi persisted against it he clearly stated that it was absolutely necessary for her family to know that the child they had adopted had never done anything to tarnish their name. She had never forgotten the values instilled in her and she would never ever put them to shame. They should also know that though not of the same blood as them, she was not an ingrate. Then, they would be able to accept her back in their fold open-heartedly without ever having an iota of doubt lurking in their mind. And also his family should know the true worth of Payal and her and the move was worth every bit of pain and the strain it get him. When Khushi still objected, he pleaded to let him do it. He needed to do it, if not for her, for him at least, to clear his conscience a bit by correcting at least this folly of his as a step towards right direction. Though Khushi knew it was not a feasible idea, as she did not have the heart to deny him anything, she agreed.
Later while Khushi was folding her clothes and arranging it in a neat pile on their bed, Arnav observed that she was looking pale with worry. He knew that what he was about to do was a gamble, an endeavour that carried huge risk with it. But he knew that it had to be done if he had to salvage his marriage. Arnav drew in a deep breath thinking of what he was about to place on the table. He told Khushi that he had asked Nani to invite Amma, Babuji and Buaji for lunch. Seeing Khushi loose her facial pallor, Arnav rushed to her and hugged her tight. He promised that it was his handiwork and he would set things right. She need not worry over it. Khushi nodded slowly but was not able to really believe that he would be able to keep his promise. They would have to face the music however unpleasant it was.
While the Raizadas and the Guptas relaxed in the living room after a sumptuous meal, Arnav sitting by Khushi, looked at all the happy faces. He could feel the tension emanating from Khushi's frail body just like a drawn bow. He could see her fingers squeezing the ends of her dupatta. Giving her the support and confidence, he put his arm around her. NK, enthusiastically recounting what his personal trainer had told him said, that he needed the protein supplements to build up his muscles to become a haiwaan and bhaktimaan! NK as usual had goofed up with Hindi words. Buaji who was listening to his talk was horrified to hear it. Rotating her round eyes, she told him, if he wanted to become haiwaan what was the need to go to gym paying so much? He could go to akhada instead, where it would cost him tuppence. Akash hissed at NK saying, it was balwaan and shaktimaan! NK being obtuse asked who was that? Was he someone like He Man! While NK was conversing on one side, Mami was telling Nani in her quaint Hinglish that she had told Mrs. Sinha that if she lets her girl wear short miniscule dresses and scoot around in a scooter at midnight, she would elope with some goldbrick and she would not even be aware of it. Her narration had all in smiles.
When there was a lull in the conversation, Arnav announced that they both needed to tell the rest something... All attention focused on them and were curious as to know what he was about to tell. Khushi, thinking of what was to befall, trembled and Arnav pulled her closer, in to his warmth. All took in Khushi's pale face and Arnav's protective stance. The act did not go unnoticed. Nani was the first one to react. The mind of the matriarch had deduced what was to be uttered and could not hold back her joy! She announced that her Chotey and Khushi Bitiya were indeed gladdening her heart with such good news, perplexing both Arnav and Khushi as to what was so good about the news that they were about to break! They wondered, could the impending separation and the resulting divorce be categorized as celebration time? The whole family seemed to have cottoned on to Nani's thoughts except the two of them! The living room was filled with laughter and huge smiles. The entire family seemed to celebrate and heap them with congratulatory hugs! Arnav's attempts to know what was happening and what made them so happy went unheeded. There were so many people talking at once that he could not get a word in edgewise. NK nudged him saying, You naughty boy, Nannav! Akash congratulating his Bhai and Khushiji, hugged him. Nani hugging them, shed tears of happiness saying how happy his mother would have been! Arnav was stunned beyond belief! Will his mother be happy with Khushi leaving him? Buaji taking out money out of her bag circled it around their head to ward off any evil eye that would dare to cast upon them. Babuji had happy tears in his eyes. Anjali hugged and kissed Arnav and Khushi, weeping all over them. As Arnav tried to ask his Di what brought forth all this happiness and hugs, he was cut in by Mami, who started to tell Nani in her Hinglish, that Payaliyaa and Akass Bitwaa, Arnav Bitwaa and Khussi Bitiyaa got married on the same day! Now Arnav Bitwaa and Khussi Bitiyaa are going to have a baby! That was quite an accomplishment considering the news they wanted to break!


Part 9 Section 1B
The news was a bolt from the blue. They had never thought that their gesture could be construed so. Looking at the revelry, they looked at each other horrified. Mami's lament at the snail's pace adopted by her son with her, when will Akass Bitwaa and Payaliyaa make her a grandmother? was received with a smile by Nani who consoled her by saying, give them time and it would happen in due course! It spurred Arnav into action to bring a curtain to this absurd scenario. It made him shout out above the din, that it was enough. He stammered to say, that Khushi was not carrying and they were not expecting too! His words were greeted with perfect silence and disappointment was etched on every face present. It made Khushi a bundle of nerves to think of their reaction at what was yet to befall on them. Seeing her nervously twitch her fingers, Nani consoled her saying, it was alright and she does have time on her side and they have been married for just six months. There was nothing to be worried about. Buaji confirming what Nani said told them, that Nandkisore knows when to endow them with children and she does not need to break her head over it. All the ladies smiled at her nodding their head.
Then Anjali asked her Chotey, what was it that he wanted to tell them? Arnav drawing a deep breath, tightening his hold on Khushi, with an effort knowing fully well he was laying out his cards in open and the risk he was taking, asked them to listen to what he had to say completely before giving in to tears and vent their feelings at him. All faces looked at each other fretting as to what was about to befall on them. Mami caught hold of Nani's hand in fear. When Arnav stated that Shyam used to harass Khushi constantly, at every opportunity he could get her alone, a loud gasp was heard. When he said, he had not known anything about Shyam being a paying guest in Buaji's house or having been engaged to Khushi, all nodded. Continuing he said that, on Payal and Akash's wedding day, he went in search of Khushi wanting to acknowledge his love for her and tell her that he wanted to marry her. His words filled Khushi with trepidation wondering, what he was going to tell everyone. What was he trying to do by revealing that he loved his wife who would cease to be one in five days time? What will be the repercussion of this stunt of his, a risk that need not be taken? Will he be able to pull it off unscathed? She doubted it. All smiled at Arnav, knowing how crazy he was about Khushi. Akash and NK had nothing but admiration in their eyes. He told them it was Shyam who reached her first making all fret, as to what had happened. He told them that Shyam had caught hold of Khushi and her attempts to escape were in vain, for he was too strong for her. This revelation had NK grit his teeth and exclaim, Rascal! And Akash clench his fists as though he would squeeze the living daylights out of Shyam if in front. Arnav pushed on saying, that from his position it looked as though both Khushi and Shyam were in a tight hug. Hearing it, there was a pin drop silence that was broken by Buaji's exclamation, Hai Re Nandkisore! Hugging? Their Titliyaa hates the sight of him! She could never stand him! Anjali was too dumbfounded to remark! She just stood looking at her Chotey agape.
With their hearts beating like the jungle drums, they waited with bated breath to know what happened next. For, tragedies had a way of attacking Raizadas' and Guptas' at the most inopportune moments. Like tsunami waves, they were unrelenting and tended to destroy everything they had built up and the tremors of the quakes that triggered them, could be felt later too. These aftershocks by themselves would be quite strong... Arnav continued to say, that he caught hold of Shyam by his collar and when questioned he had laughed aloud and said, that Khushi and he were in love and were hankering for a life together and his Di was the stumbling block in their path. So saying, Arnav looked around the faces that had lost their colour and only Anjal's worried exclamation, Chotey! that was a query as to what he had done next, was to be heard. He sighed and said, that he went to tell Di the truth. He thought that he could reveal the real face of Shyam to her, and throw him out of their lives. But... but when he was talking to Di, she had fainted. And she got the test results from the lab confirming her pregnancy. While Shyam appeared to be delighted, Di was over the moon. So it became his responsibility to see that, Di remained in her bubble of happiness for six months more, so that she could have a safe delivery. He needed to keep Shyam with them for six more months and had to keep him away from Khushi for that duration.
Nani's heart wept for her grandson and the tears rolled down her weathered cheeks. Arnav heaving a sigh told her, not to cry as that was not the end. There was more to come. He told them that when it was time for the wedding and was looking at the arrangements, needing to keep Khushi away from Shyam, he had realized that the only leverage he had on her was her love for Payal. His words, he saw had made the face of the members of his family become pallid. Knowing him and his ways, they knew that he would have dealt ruthlessly and their fear was open on their faces for all to see. While the Raizadas' were fearful of the outcome of his thoughts, Guptas' were one confused lot.
Arnav narrated how he met Khushi. The first time he had met her was at Sheesh Mahal on Payal's wedding day in Lucknow. Khushi had come to Sheesh Mahal to meet Payal's groom, hoping to dissuade him from hiking the dowry demand that he had made a few hours before the marriage. She had not known that he had purchased Sheesh Mahal, and was conducting a fashion show there. Someone pushed her on to the stage, thinking that she was a model, and she fell in to his arms. He had thought that she had come there to sabotage his event, and had kept her locked up till the event was over so that he could investigate which of his competitors had sent her. It resulted in Payal's wedding getting cancelled. Hearing it, Nani buried her face in her hands in anguish! It was also a gesture of how she felt, shameful! Mami was stunned and all she could do was gasp, Saasummaa! Anjali looked at her Chotey, horrified, with a hand over her open mouth and eyes widened at what he would have done next! For Guptas' it was an old tale that they had resigned themselves into. Arnav continued his narration saying that Khushi had always felt guilty that she had caused Payal's wedding to be cancelled and knowing how she felt, desperate to block Shyam's moves, he decided to blackmail Khushi. He saw all looking at him with the whites of their eyes visible. He continued, that he threatened her saying if she wanted Payal and Akash's wedding to take place, she would have to marry him. His words had all stunned into silence. He continued to tell them that since she knew that Akash would not disregard his words, regardless of his commitment to Payal and also if Payal's wedding would be cancelled or postponed, she would be left at the mandap again, Khushi being cornered, had to agree. At that time he had thought it to be a master stroke to outsmart both Shyam and Khushi. The listeners were horrified to hear it. He told them he had never told Khushi about his suspicions regarding her and Shyam and had never even deemed fit to ask her for an explanation. That was downright foolishness for he had believed Shyam's version. Anjali was shocked so much that she could just exclaim, Chotey!... Pushing himself to tell them about all he had done, his deeds of shame, he said that he had arranged for a mangalsutra to be left in the temple his Di frequented. As soon as Payal and Akash's wedding was over, he had dragged Khushi out of the house and took her to the temple. It was dark. With no one present and not even the purohit he had pulled her up the steps, tied the mangalsutra around her neck and put sindoor in her maang. Then he had brought her back home. The rest they know very well. It was a compact narration of facts where the blame would squarely be placed on his shoulders and Khushi would be absolved. His narration shook Anjali like nothing could. She knew her brother was prone to do things in a fit of anger but she never thought that he would ever go to this extent for her. As she gasped Chotey! Mami exclaimed, What had he done! Nani was so stunned that words failed her. She could not even find words to express her anger, her disappointment, her sense of failure! She felt as though she had received a punch that sent her reeling! Buaji exclaimed, Hai Re Nandkisore! Her Titliyaa, had married Arnav Bitwaa without telling them because of all this? For Payaliyaa? So saying, she enveloped Khushi in a big bear hug full of compunction for calling her an outsider, of not being of the same blood as them, when her little Titliyaa had sacrificed her life, her ideals, good will of her family just to keep their name intact, just for the happiness of her foster sister, just to keep them from plunging into gloom, just to enable them to hold their head high! Her little one had taken on her shoulders the weight beyond her years shielding all of them. Garima, remembering her behavior with her little girl, with tears streaming down her cheeks asked for her forgiveness and hugged her sobbing out bitterly. Khushi seeing her mother in tears, told her in a soft consoling voice, that she was her Amma, with every right even to take away her life. So it was alright. Payal hugged her sobbing uncontrollably, and admonished her that she never even uttered a word about it, crazy girl, why could she not tell her? Who gave her the right to sacrifice her life for her sister? NK and Akash were too dumbfounded by the revelations.
Finally, Nani called out to her Chotey in a quivering voice and asked was his marriage done without saat phere, without a pandit, without witnesses... In a blink of the eye Mami added, how could he call it a marriage? It was not a marriage at all! Anjali whispered that he had been living with Khushiji in a room for the past six months... What has he done? She felt stung by his deed in the name of love towards her. Arnav, though his heart was pounding like the thundering hooves of a thousand wild stallions, assured her calmly, that it was all legal as he had made Khushi sign a legally valid contract. Saying so, he put his head on the block knowing very well he was on safe hands. He thought, that should do the trick and as expected his words made them jump out of their skin. Nani, Mami and Anjali looked at him in horror. Buaji and Amma looked pale with worry. Babuji's eyes were wide with shock. Akash and NK looked at the ladies first and then at Arnav and Khushi, unable to believe what they were hearing! Arnav, as though adding fuel to the fire, to their shock casually supplemented it with, he forgot to mention that it was a contract for six months and it would be ending on 14^th night and on 15^th Khushi would be leaving RM. His simply rendered statement, was a bolt from the blue, a consummate act as a shock and the listeners were caught unawares, too shocked to even gasp. Buaji in her shocked stupor repeated, Six-month marriage, Nandkisore! and Garima scared for Khushi and Payal asked her sister-in-law, what was happening over there Jiji? Nani repeated, a marriage that was not at all a marriage! and that too for a period of six-months? A perplexed Mami asked her mother-in-law, what kind of marriage was that? No pandit, no rituals, no guests, only mangalsutra and sindoor. And that too for just six months! After six months what will they do? By removing mangalsutra, sindoor the marriage is over in a second, just like a whiff of smoke?
For Arnav things were now taking turn for better. He was grateful for his Mami and her sharp brains for emphasizing facts just as he wanted it to be. Anjali in a low yet firm voice that did not allow him to refute stated that it was not a marriage but an insult! An insult to Khushiji! Arnav's heart gladdened to see her behave true to form. Knowing her penchance for tradition and rituals, he had expected her to admonish him and she did it. That was what was expected of her and she conformed with his belief. She could trigger a landslide that would be of advantage to him. He could bank on her to do it unknowingly, for she was predictable! Nani who was seething with anger, frustration at his blatant play with the life and future of a girl completed Anjali's thoughts saying, he has us taken for a ride too! Seeing the anger ooze out of his Nani's eyes that was sure to scorch him, knowing how her mind worked, that was sure to bring in a solution, the one that he was hankering for, he knew it was action time. He thought now that Nani became voluble, he could afford to relax and she would do it for him and with her at the helm of affairs, in their home everything runs like clockwork! Nani stated with her eyes looking like two flaming orbs of fires, he forced Khussi Bitiyaa to live with him in his room as his wife when she is not his wife, even when his marriage was not complete according to the traditions and rituals! As Arnav nodded in agreement, Khushi looked uneasily at the family members. Mami warned Nani and Anjali that they have been living together for six months. What if she really carries his child and come to know after 15^th? They would not be married and she would be an unmarried mother! Though Khushi opened her mouth to refute the allegation she was silenced by Buaji hitting her head with her hands wailing loudly, what will happen to this girl! Garima started sobbing. Payal, Akash and NK stared at Arnav and Khushi.
Getting her act together, doyenne of the Raizada family, came out with reassurance to the Guptas'. Addressing them individually, Madhumatiji, Garimaji, Shashiji, she asked them not to be upset. Her grandson had committed a grave error and she apologised on his behalf and she assured that she will not let any harm befall on Khushi Bitiyaa. She would see to it that her reputation remained intact as long as she was alive. Arnav felt like grinning from ear to ear and rooted silently for his Nani. His narration had worked like a charm. Feeling responsible for her brother's behavior, Anjali addressing Buaji, Amma and Babuji, added that Arnav had committed a serious crime. He had played with Khushiji's reputation and her good name making her ashamed to look at their face. Arnav waited eagerly for her to get to the point. Mami asked her mother-in-law to intervene quickly and take matters into her own hands or else they will not be able to show their faces in their social circle. Arnav, full of the joys of spring inside, rejoiced at her words and silently egged on his Mami. Anjali with a cold and stern face as though she meant business told her Chotey, that he had to make up for the damage he had caused to Khushiji's reputation. Arnav lowered his head in an act of penitence nodded while his eyes gleamed with happiness. He wanted to hug his Di for triggering things off. Nani deciding to fast track the marriage declared that he would marry Khushi Bitiyaa with full wedding rituals there in their presence without further delay. With this Arnav was as pleased as punch and without so much of a squeak agreed. When Khushi protested No! Naniji they never... they.. that is, they never... and paused, unable to complete, Nani sternly adviced her to keep quiet. Both of them had behaved irresponsibly and had their way. Now it was the turn of the rest to clear the mess they both had created. Seeing Khushi's distress, relenting a bit she told her, that she needs to trust her Nani to look after her welfare. Her grandson had behaved irresponsibly and treated her abominably. She will not let him destroy her life. Mami called upon Khushi to think. In her inimitable way, with scintillating thoughts she asked her, to think of a scenario where if someone came to marry her and his family found out about this contract marriage, will he marry her? He will just say let us have a contract wedding, as it is you have done it once and you can do it again. You can do it for me too. Why should he go in for a permanent bond when he could get her temporarily? Mami's words, made Arnav clench his jaw and he tried to control his temper with great difficulty. Anjali, being a dab hand at handling her Chotey laid down the rule that he had to marry Khushiji that day itself. Arnav nodded obediently as though giving in to her demand, though he was happy and satisfied and felt like grinning like a Cheshire cat!
Nani seeking consent from the Guptas' asked courteously, was that convenient to them?  Amma, Babuji and Buaji nodded. Though Khushi shook her head in the negative, no one was looking at her except Arnav, who hid a smile. Nani asked Akash to fetch the purohit and he went out to comply. Anjali sought NK and Payal's help to decorate the house and set up the mandap. Nani said that the whole world thinks that Chotey and Khussi Bitiyaa as married. So there was no need to invite the outsiders and to limit the function to just two families was the best. The Guptas' concurred. Amma and Buaji pushed Babuji's wheelchair closer to Nani to discuss the remaining arrangements. Arnav had triumphed in his quest to get Khushi marry him with adroit maneuvering.
Seeing all were engrossed in various activities and arrangements, Khushi grabbing Arnav by his arm, pulled him into the nearest room and it happened to be Nani's. She was furious and asked him what was it that was happening? She told him that all she had asked from him was to terminate their contract wedding and now he was going to marry her in the presence of their families. What is happening here? She had specifically asked him to let her go without any fuss or fanfare. He soothed her saying that he would, definitely he would. Once the wedding took place it would not allow the question of validity of their relationship to crop up. Then she could leave him on 15^th if she still wanted to. Khushi stared at him not believing what he told. Arnav knew that if he had to get married to her, he had to make her agree. The one trump card he held was her love for him and using it he could convince her of his need for the marriage and make it sound it was essential for him. She was bound to melt and relent, to go the extra mile. He told her that he wanted to marry her as a part of his penitence, for putting her through the contract marriage. It was to make him feel less guilty. It was to help him sleep well at night. It was to enable to look at himself in the mirror. Khushi gave him a long hard stare and finally nodded.
Soon Payal and Anjali came looking for Khushi. Anjali told her that they needed to buy her a dress for the wedding! She would arrange for someone to bring jodas home for her to select... Khushi tried to refuse her offer and while she was doing so, Arnav butted in suggesting, that Khushi has a new red saree and she can wear it. As Anjali and Payal looked at Khushi enquiringly, she could just nod weakly. Once the joda was decided Anjali and Payal left the room.The ever vigilant Khushi with her sharp penetrating, hawk eyes observed Arnav and asked him, was it his plan and was the saree a part of it. Arnav quickly denied it. It was not planned and the saree was a simple gift purely meant to be taken in the spirit it was given with. But the fact was, he wants to marry her and that too desperately wants her name attached with his. His words made Khushi frown and ask, even though she would leave him on the 15^th? Arnav catching her hands affirmed to her, even though she may leave him on the 15^th.
In this update we see, Arnav expertly maneuvering every one and getting things done in his way without even any one of them being aware what was cooking in his brain. He does nothing by halves. He has made all to do his bidding in the name of setting things right. By looking penitent and owning up things he earned their wrath but he also showed he was ready to accept their verdict. He knew that there was only one way for the outcome of the verdict to go and it would be his way. He has made all to look at things from his point of view, even Khushi. He has got her to agree for the marriage with the elders intervening as well as he himself owning up, it as his necessity. He has made it look like fait accompli while it was he who had steered it so. He has satisfied each and every promise he made to her. Let me tell you why I feel so. They are getting married with the blessings of elders and with all the rituals. That also makes the contract marriage void. All Khushi had asked him was to relieve her from the contract marriage and he would be doing so too. She had never asked him to relieve her from being bound to him. So with his Harvard brain in action, the real marriage becomes legally correct as he had kept his promise to her. It also once again gives him leverage over her though this time he might not opt to exercise it. If she wants to go away from him she could go for a period of time but they would be bound together fr their lifetime. There would not be any chance for anybody else to poach over his dominion. That is why he confidently tells her that even though she may leave on the 15^th, he wanted her to marry him!
It was an aristia, (a scene where the hero in battle has his finest moments) a performance par excellence, a masterly action and a masterly achievement that was skillful and effective in action. It was indeed a MASTERSTROKE.
"Happiness is like a sunbeam, which the least shadow  intercepts, while adversity is often as the rain of spring"
                                           ~ Chinese Proverb
That's it from me. Hope you enjoy it.