104. SS: Saving Khushi Part 3

Part 3

Shyam walked up and down his room, feeling sweat run down his neck as he thought about all that had happened that day. 

He had never intended to kidnap Khushi. Never. The chloroform had been meant to subdue her, to get the file from her. But the circumstances…How could he leave an unconscious Khushi in the car park of Arnav’s office without anyone noticing them?

He had been forced to drive away with Khushi. It had been a necessary step to save his hide. A necessary but dangerous step. An impulsive reaction to seeing Khushi approach Arnav’s office with the dangerous file.

Like  a rat with its back against the wall, he had reacted wildly. He had not planned it, he had not prepared for it…

He had been lucky that day, what with the office premises being crowded with vehicles and visitors to the other offices in Arnav’s building. He had been fortunate that the car park had many entrances and exits, and the traffic had been heavy at that particular moment. The lax security had helped him.

He breathed deep. He had to be very careful now! A nervous Shyam ran his fingers through his hair as his nose twitched in agitation.

But he had burned the papers. He sighed in relief. He was safe from discovery. But Khushi… What could he do with her now? What were his options?

He halted and caught hold of the back of his chair.

Persuade her to abandon Arnav and go away with him? But would she listen to him? It was doubtful…

And leaving Delhi with Khushi meant giving up the pot of gold and his personal ATM in RM, Anjali. He would be financially ruined, unable to afford all the good things in life, all the luxuries he had become accustomed to…

What if he released Khushi? She would blab. She would tell the whole world that he had tried to kidnap her, that his eyes were on Arnav’s wealth… He would lose his money & Khushi…

Rani Sahiba…He couldn’t risk a rebellion from the goose that laid the golden egg. Nor could he take her shrewd eyes on the debits from their joint account…

Could he keep both Rani Sahiba & Khushi with him?

Persuasion would not work with Khushi. It would have to be force. He could force Khushi to accept him as his husband. He could physically force her…

He needed time. To think and plan. To devise a foolproof plan that would let him keep both Anjali & Khushi, one for his purse and the other for his heart… Shyam smiled.

He was intelligent, more intelligent that all the idiots in RM. And he had the ability to turn unfavourable situations in his favour. All he needed was some time to think and plan… 

The nitwits in RM would start missing Khushi soon. They would start making enquiries. Shyam smiled. They could enquire all they wanted, but he was safe. There was nothing to link him with Khushi’s disappearance.

He quickly called Rocky to make sure that Khushi was still unconscious.

“Shyamji….” came his wife’s whining voice. “Aap please neeche aa jayiye. All are so worried…”

Shyam clutched his hair. If only he could be rid of this whining hag without losing out on the money!

Arnav returned home at night, after making another visit to Buaji’s house and reiterating his promise that he would find Khushi.

The whole family was awake, all gathered in the living room. Payal looked exhausted after weeping for hours.

Shyam sat in a chair behind Nani, his arms crossed, his face carrying false concern.

“Arnav Bitwaa!” Mami exclaimed. “Kono khabar mili kaa?” 

All the ladies and men, with the exception of Shyam, moved towards Arnav.

Arnav stole a look at Shyam as he said softly, “The Police Commissioner thinks that Khushi has been kidnapped.”

Shyam’s face paled.

Arnav sighed in hidden relief. He turned to look at the tearful faces looking at him, aghast.

“He said that we can expect a ransom note soon.” Arnav said, gauging Shyam’s reaction. “He feels that she has been kidnapped because she is Arnav Singh Raizada’s wife.”

Shyam jumped up. Words left him without his volition. “You went to the Police Commissioner, Saale Sahab? Why did you have to involve him in this…?” He noticed the astonishment on the faces of both families, and strove to gain control of himself. “I mean, what if the kidnappers kill Khushiji because you approached the police for help?” He tried to look the very soul of reason.

“What else can Chotey do, Shyamji?” asked Anjali, confused. “He can’t go from house to house looking for Khushiji. He has to take the help of the police!”

“Aur naahi to kaa? It ijj their job to find missing persons!” Mami added her mite.

Nani nodded. NK & Akash sided with Arnav.

“I haven’t received any call from the kidnappers, Jijaji.” Arnav explained calmly. “No one has asked me not to approach the police for help to find my missing wife. So far.”

All nodded. Shyam was isolated in his protest.

Arnav sat on his recliner, his face buried in his hands. 

Where was Khushi? Was she safe? Was she scared? Hungry?

Khushi…Khushi… don’t be scared. I will reach you soon… his heart murmured.

His hands were tied. He had to wait for the Police Commissioner and the private detective he had hired to give him her location and information on what had happened that day…

Laxmi walked in to his room and sat down at his feet.

"She will be back. I will bring her back." Arnav promised the goat.

His phone rang. Arnav grabbed it. It was the detective.

“Arnav Singh Raizada here.” he croaked.

The soft voice of the private investigator said, “Sir, I found a cloth and  a bottle with chloroform in Shyam Manohar Jha’s car parked in your drive.”

Arnav shut his eyes, feeling every nerve, every sinew stretch in alertness, ready to squeeze the life out of Shyam Manohar Jha, the worm. Khushi had intended to meet him, and Shyam had used force on her to carry her off. Why did Shyam have to use chloroform on Khushi to make her accompany him if they were lovers as he had insinuated?

 

Shyam had lied on Payal & Akash’s wedding night. He had lied through his teeth. And an overwrought Arnav had fallen for his tricks. Arnav clenched his jaw hard. He would make Shyam pay. For hurting Khushi, for cheating his Di, for lying about Khushi and making him shed tears of blood...

“Khushi... Khushi…” he whispered. “Hold on. I am coming.”

Laxmi turned her head, her beady eyes trained on him.

Shyam strutted across his room, jubilant. Arnav had solved his problem for him! Now he had many options, all profitable.

All he had to do was make a ransom call! He could make crores out of Arnav, and then carry Khushi off.

 Or he could take the ransom off Arnav and force him to sign a document willing Shyam his property after his death. He could kill Arnav, and then carry Khushi off.

It was a win-win situation.

Shyam laughed, his madness reflected in his wild guffaws.

Now Arnav was trapped. He and he alone held all the cards. Now he could make Arnav jump through the hoops, dance like a puppet… Shyam patted himself on his back, feeling on top of the world. He deserved a good night’s sleep so that his brilliant brain could come up with a plan that would get him all of Arnav’s money and his girl!

A few minutes after midnight, Arnav received another call. The call he had tempted and prompted Shyam to arrange.

“Arnav Singh Raizada here.” he said.

“We have your wife with us. If you want to see her alive, bring 5 crores in a box today evening.” Rocky said.

“What..how..?”

“We will call you later with the details of where you have to bring the money.”

“But..how do I know that Khushi is with you?” Arnav asked.

Rocky laughed. “Check your phone. I will send you her photo soon.”

Arnav swallowed.

“If you want to see her alive, don’t bring the police. Come alone. And don’t try your dirty tricks on us. Your wife will pay for your smartness.” he threatened Arnav.

“But…” Arnav started.

Rocky cut the call.

Arnav checked his phone. There was a photo of Khushi. She was unconscious, gagged, her hands were tied behind her back, her feet were tied together. She lay crumpled in a heap in one corner of some dingy room. His heart stopped.

“Khushi….” His pain-filled whisper made Laxmi turn her head to look at him.

Soon, the Police Commissioner contacted Arnav with what they believed was Khushi’s location. They had Shyam’s phone records and had also managed to trace Rocky’s call.

Arnav called Akash & NK to his room. He sat them down and told them everything, right from seeing Shyam hug Khushi on the terrace to the information that the Police Commissioner had given him.

“I want to keep this low key.” Arnav told them. “The newspapers should not get wind of this. I am going to get Khushi. After I bring her back, we can tackle Shyam with the help of the police.”

Akash & NK could not believe their ears.

“Nannav! Jijaji… he is such a scoundrel?”

“Bhai! I..I can’t believe… Jijaji….Khushiji…kidnapping…”

“Stay here. Take care of Di and the others. Keep a close watch on Shyam.” Arnav instructed them.

“I will come with you, Bhai. I won’t let you go alone. They will have guns…it will be dangerous…” Akash caught hold of Arnav’s arm, his tone urgent.

“I will come with you, Nannav. It is not safe to go alone.” NK said, his face serious for once.

Arnav shook his head. “Stay here. Shyam thinks that I have no idea that he is behind this. He thinks that he is playing me for a fool. Let him think that. When the others wake up and ask after me, tell them that I got a ransom call, and that I have gone to arrange the cash.”

They nodded.

“Watch Shyam. I wil call you once I have something to tell you.” Arnav said.

They nodded.

“Akash, go to Laxmi Nagar in the morning. Tell them not to come to RM. I don’t want them talking to Nani, Mami, or Di, and letting it slip that Happy Singh drove Khushi to Laxmi Nagar before taking her to my office. I don’t want to alarm Shyam. Let him feel safe and complacent. It will be easier to trap him.”

“I will take care of that, Bhai.”

Arnav nodded.

Arnav drove his rental car to the outskirts of Delhi to the location he had been given.

It was early in the morning, dawn breaking, suffusing the dark sky with mild, diffused rays of light.

He left the car at a distance from the warehouse in which Khushi was being kept, and walked on silent feet towards the building. It was set apart from the rest of the town, isolated in a big patch of land.

He looked at the building. It was big, untidy, not well-maintained. It looked unoccupied. He walked around, inspecting the doors and dirty windows, some having panels hanging by one hinge. The bathroom was a shack built behind the huge building.

He slowly peered in through one window.

Broken chairs and tables. Cartons and other packaging material strewn about.

 He moved to the next window.

Two men were dozing, their heads resting on their arms on the table, two guns, three empty bottle of alcohol, and 5 used glasses littering the tabletop.

Arnav moved to the next window. Three men were lolling in their chairs, resting. One woman was sitting away from them. He could see only a part of her body.

Arnav leaned forward and looked in to the building, trying to locate how many people were guarding Khushi.

A total of six guards, one woman & 5 men.

He tried the next window.

Khushi was lying as he had seen in the photo, all trussed up, her mouth covered with a bind. She was alive! She was safe! His heart thudded with joy, relief sending his limbs trembling.

He slowly moved closer to see her more clearly. As he watched, she stirred. 

Khushi opened her eyes. Her head was hurting as though someone had hit her with a boulder. Where was she? Where was Arnavji? This was not their bedroom. Or RM…

She looked around, confused. The light was dim, and her head and her body hurt. She tried to move her arms, but they were tied behind her back. Her legs were shackled. A cloth was wrapped around her mouth…

Shyamji! The scoundrel! He had caught her before she could enter Arnavji’s office. He had hurt her arm and pushed her in to the car… She looked around. He must have brought her here.

She looked at the 5 men & one woman guarding her. All were asleep.

She squirmed. If she could free herself… She tried to move her arms, but… her legs were tied too tight. The band around her mouth hurt. She twisted and turned on the ground, fighting against the bonds holding her.

The woman guard woke up. She saw Khushi moving. She got up and walked to Khushi.

“So the sleeping beauty has woken up, eh?” she smiled maliciously, looking down at the helpless girl.

Khushi tried to speak, but...

“Want to use the bathroom?”, the woman asked.

Khushi bobbed her head.

The woman picked up her gun and trained it on Khushi.

Arnav gulped.

“Keep your chalaki with you, or I will shoot you through your leg. Got me?” she asked.

Khushi nodded, her eyes wide.

“You are far from Delhi. And there is no one here to rescue you. If you give me the slip and try to escape from here, I will shoot you down like a dog.”

Khushi nodded.

“Or you will die of hunger and thirst in the jungles nearby. You will never reach the city alive. Got me?”

Khushi nodded again, tired, hungry, weak.

The woman untied Khushi’s arms & legs. Khushi writhed in pain at the feel of blood flowing through the numb parts. She sagged against the wall.

Arnav winced.

The woman dragged Khushi up, and led her to the door of the building. She opened it and pushed Khushi out.

Held up by the strong woman, Khushi made her way to the bathroom. The woman pushed open the bathroom door, nudged Khushi inside, and locked it from outside.

“Knock when you are done.” she said.

 The woman waited a while. Then she lifted her arms in the air, stretched, and flexed her muscles.

As she dropped her arms, relaxed, Arnav caught her from behind in a wrestler’s tackle. He trapped her neck in his strong arms and twisted it, leaving her unconscious on the ground.

Khushi tapped on the door.

Arnav unlocked it.

They stood staring at each other for a moment, both of them unable to believe their eyes.

Khushi threw herself in to his arms that had opened to receive her. He hugged her tight for a long moment before he put her away from him.

He removed the gag.

 

"Arnavji...you came...." Khushi whispered through a dry throat. 

He nodded, cupping her face. Then he said, “Khushi, let’s go. There is no time to waste.”



Smita,

Here is the interpretation for Part 3.
This update is about an intrigue, the act of devising plots or schemes, and a crafty plot to achieve your ends, in a word, MACHINATION.
Shyam was like a cat on hot bricks. He was pacing his room and was breaking out in cold sweat as he thought how the day had proceeded. His intention was to trick Khushi and relieve her of the file and had never been to kidnap Khushi. The chloroform was meant to disorient her, just enough to get his hands on the file without any resistance from her. But how was he to know that she would be out like a light with just a whiff of few seconds! What he had thought to be a simple maneuver turned all his plans upside down and had to think quickly on his feet. Once she became unconscious how could he leave her in the car park amidst heat and expose her to the danger of being run over by other cars. He could not put her on the side walk without attracting attention towards him and all knew him at Arnav's office and if seen it would definitely intrigue the bystander. He had been forced to drive away with Khushi and it had been necessary to save his skin. A necessary but a dangerous step and as a result of an impulsive reaction to seeing Khushi approach Arnav's office with the dangerous file, he had got his knickers in a twist!! Like a rat with its back against the wall he had reacted wildly! Nothing seemed to be under control or as per the plan. He had neither planned it nor was prepared for it! But he had been lucky to be able to escape without being noticed. It was a day when the office premises were crowded and with the traffic heavy at that particular moment in Arnav's building he was able to camouflage the kidnapping of Khushi. The lax security as well as car park having many exits had helped him dodge any prying eyes. Taking a deep breath he thought now onwards he needed to be careful and he needed a proper game plan. Shyam mussed his hair with his fingers as his nose twitched nervously.
He thought now that the papers were part of cooling cinders he was safe. He was safe from discovery, but what about Khushi? What was he to do with her now? What were his options? He stopped pacing and caught hold of the back of his chair. He thought would Khushi abandon Arnav and go away with him? Would she listen to him? That was highly improbable. Leaving Delhi with Khushi meant living without the pot of gold and his personal ATM in RM, Anjali. That would be like he himself shooting his two feet. A sure way for financial ruin and to live without the luxuries and the good life, that was unpalatable... He wondered what if he released Khushi. She would definitely not keep her mouth shut. She was one blabber mouth. She would prattle around that he had tried to kidnap her, that he has his eyes on Arnav's wealth. Then he would not only lose his money and Khushi but also Rani Sahiba. He could neither afford to get into the wrong books of his wife as she was his goose that laid the golden eggs nor could he awaken the sleeping tigress in her to keep an eye on the debits of their joint account! He wondered was there not a way to keep Rani Sahiba and Khushi with him? Khushi could not be persuaded. So force was the only option. He would have to physically force Khushi to accept him as her husband. For that he needed time, to think and plan carefully, a foolproof plan that would let him keep both Anjali and Khushi. One for his purse and other for his heart. One to adore him and the other for him to adore! With a smile that he patted his own back, wah! Shyam, wah! What an idea! After all he possessed a legal brain and was intelligent, more intelligent that all the idiots in RM. He was the one who had the ability to maneuver unfavourable situations in his favour. All he needed was some time to think and plan to have cake and eat it too... those nincompoops in RM would start missing Khushi soon and making enquiries would be set in motion. Shyam smiling like a cat that got its fill of cream smiled thinking that they could enquire all they wanted, but he was safe. There was nothing to link him with Khushi's disappearance nor could anyone be privy to his secret plans as there was no proof. He called Rocky to ensure that Khushi was unconscious. As he cut the call, came floating in the air, the whine, Shyamji. Asking him to come downstairs she said all had assembled there and were very worried for Khushiji. Shyam was cheesed off. She was driving him up the wall with her whining and he wondered if ever he could get rid of this whining hag without losing out on the money! If he succeeded then he would be on cloud nine without taking the flak for the situation!
When Arnav returned home that night, after making a detour to Laxmi Nagar reassuring the Guptas' that he would find Khushi soon, the whole family was wide awake, gathered in the living room. Payal looked exhausted after weeping for hours together wondering what her sister would be going through. Shyam sat in a chair behind Nani with his arms crossed, his eyes observing each and everyone, but his face displayed a false concern, a ruse he resorted to that easily hoodwinked the family. Seeing Arnav, Mami exclaimed, Arnav Bitwaa, did you get any news? All the members of the family sans Shyam flocked around Arnav. Arnav observing Shyam from the corner of his eyes, in a soft voice said, that the Police Commissioner thinks Khushi has been kidnapped. As he saw Shyam's face ashen, Arnav was a relieved man and heaved a sigh of relief. His ploy to catch Shyam unaware by mentioning the Police Commissioner confirmed that Shyam was behind the kidnap. Arnav now focused his attention towards the tearful faces looking at him with a feeling of doom written on them. Continuing to gauge Shyam's reaction, Arnav said that, the Commissioner was of thought that a ransom note could be expected soon and she must have been kidnapped as she was Arnav Singh Raizada's wife. Arnav's strategy to feed Shyam with information and egg him to react was succeeding beyond belief.
Hearing this note of caution given by the Police Commissioner, Shyam who was quaking in his boots, jumped up and questioned his Saale Sahib, why did he have to bring in the Commissioner. The words came out of him with unconscious volition taking the family by surprise. He strove to gain control of the situation by explaining his artifice and outright fakery of concern under the guise of Khushi's safety, what if the kidnappers kill Khushiji just because he had approached the police for help. Shyam tried to look like a very concerned member of the family but one with utmost common sense and concern for the safety of Khushi. Anjali who was confused with the conflicting statements asked Shyam what else could Chotey do otherwise. When he would not be able to do house to house search, seeking police help as reasonable approach.  Mami too added her bit saying, that is the job of the police force to find the missing people. Nani nodded. NK and Akash sided with Arnav. Arnav calmly explained to Shyam, that he had neither received any call from the kidnappers nor had been asked not to seek the help of the police to trace his missing wife, and added, so far. All nodded and Shyam's was the lone voice against the step taken. Arnav had dropped the first of his hints of what he needed Shyam to adopt on his own volition. To make Shyam commit mistakes unknowingly was a part of his secret plan.
Arnav sat on the recliner with his face buried in his hands. He wondered where was Khushi. Was she safe? Was she scared? Was she hungry? His heart called out to Khushi and asked her not to be scared and he would reach her as quickly as humanly possible. He would leave no stone unturned to trace out and reach her. He felt helpless at being tied up with unknown facts while not knowing how she was. He had to wait patiently for The Commissioner and the sleuth he had hired privately to give him her location and information on what had happened that day. While he was wallowing in the misery, Laxmi who was missing Khushi, walked in and sat down at his feet. He promised her that he would bring her back. As he was saying so, his phone rang and it was from the sleuth he had hired. As he barked out Arnav Singh Raizada, the low voice of the PI (Private Investigator) informed that a cloth and a bottle with chloroform was found in the car belonging to Shyam Manohar Jha parked in his drive. Arnav shut his eyes feeling every nerve, every sinew stretch in alertness, ready to squeeze the life out of Shyam Manohar Jha, the worm. He was baying for Shyam's blood and would have gladly had Shyam's head in a platter if it had not any repercussion on the captive Khushi. He now realized that Khushi's intention was to meet him, and Shyam had used force on her to carry her off. Why did Shyam have to use chloroform on Khushi to make her accompany him if they were lovers as he had time and again insinuated? The sharp Harvard trained mind of Arnav set to work. Shyam had lied to him on his relationship with Khushi on Payal and Akash's wedding night. He had taken advantage of the situation and an overwrought Arnav had fallen for his tricks. Arnav clenched his jaw hard realizing Shyam had a twisted him around with his act of subterfuge so far and swore that he would make Shyam pay for hurting Khushi, for cheating his Di, for lying about Khushi and making him shed tears of blood. Filled with pain, with the knowledge of putting an innocent on the guillotine he whispered, Khushi... and with a cry from his heart he swore, that he would reach her soon and asked her not to lose her courage. Hearing his cry of pain, Laxmi turned her head and her beady eyes giving him the much needed assurance that he could find her Khushiji.
Shyam, who was proud of his ability to twist situations to his advantage, strutted across his room jubilant thinking Arnav had solved his problem. He thought Arnav with his logical reasoning had unwittingly shown him the way ahead, the path to tread.  He was shown many options and all were profitable. Arnav's thoughts intrigued him. All that was necessary now was to make a ransom call and then he could rip crores off Arnav and take away Khushi too! Or he could take the ransom off Arnav and dupe him to sign a document making Shyam the beneficiary of his property on his death. He could then finish Arnav, and carry Khushi off. It was a win-win situation all the way. He was like a dog with two tails. Feeling as happy as a flea in a doghouse, he laughed and his madness reflected in his wild guffaws. He thought now Arnav was trapped. He and he alone held all the aces. He would make Arnav jump through the hoops, dance like a puppet to his tune. No one else would be privy to the skullduggery behind his actions. Thrilled to bits at that very thought Shyam patted himself on his back. With the thought that he deserved a good night's sleep so that his brilliant brain could come up with a plan that would help him swindle Arnav's of his money and his girl, he retired for the night!
A few minutes after midnight, Arnav received another call. It was the call he had tempted and prompted Shyam to arrange. The gloating peacock had fallen into the trap. As he announced, Arnav Singh Raizada here, he heard a voice saying that, they had his wife with them as captive and if he wishes to see her alive, he needed to bring five crores in a box that day in the evening. It was Rocky, Shyam's right hand man who was doing Shyam's bidding. As Arnav stuttered, what, how, he was told, that the details would be given later as to where he had to bring the money. Arnav countered how was he to know that the call was genuine and Khushi was with him? Rocky gave a boisterous laugh and asked him to check his cell as he would receive a picture soon. Arnav swallowed hard wondering in what state Khushi would be. He was further instructed that if he wanted to see her alive, he better not involve the police and he needed to go alone. And if he tried any dirty tricks his wife would pay for his smartness. Threatening Arnav so, Rocky cut the call without giving him a chance to talk anymore. When Arnav checked his phone, there was a photo of Khushi who lay crumpled in a heap in one corner of some dingy room, unconscious, gagged, with her hands were tied behind, and her feet were tied together. Seeing her state his heart missed its beat. His pain filled whisper, Khushi... made Laxmi turn her head to look at him. Soon, the Police Commissioner contacted Arnav with what they believed was Khushi's location traced from the call made by Rocky. They also had Shyam's phone records to substantiate their claim. The trickster was tricked to take a false step. Shyam had fallen prey to Arnav's well-planned scheme.
Next, Arnav called Akash and NK to his room. He made them sit down and told everything, right from seeing Shyam hug Khushi on the terrace to the information that the Police Commissioner had given him. He told them that he wanted this episode to be kept under wraps as he did not want the media to get wind of it. He was going to fetch Khushi. After she was rescued they could tackle Shyam with the help of the police. Akash and NK could not believe their ears. They just could not comprehend that their Jeejaji was a scoundrel and had an eye on Khushiji. He had even resorted to kidnapping her and extort a ransom was too much for them to digest. They just could not believe that they had a fox in sheepskin amidst them and their Di was not only married to him but was also besotted with him. She worshipped him and he was strutting around like a peacock trying to attract other women! But both knew that if Bhai/Nannav said so, then it would be nothing but the truth and they need not question it as he would not make such allegations against Di's husband without proof. Arnav asked them to stay there at RM and take care of Di and the rest and also keep a close watch on Shyam and his activities. Akash catching hold of Arnav's arm told him that he will not let him go alone. He would accompany him as they will have guns and he would be in danger. NK who was always goofing was for once serious when he told he too would join them and it was not really safe to go alone. But Arnav shook his head and asked them to stay there.  He told them the strategy was to keep Shyam is under the impression that he has no idea of what was going on and he could easily be taken for a ride. It would be of advantage to let him feel that he had the upper hand. He instructed that when others wake up and ask after him, to tell them that he had got a ransom call, and has gone to arrange the cash. They agreed to do as per his bidding. He asked both to keep a close eye on Shyam and once he has something substantial to tell he would call them. They nodded. Finally Arnav asked Akash to go to Gupta House in the morning and ask them not to come to RM as he doesn't want anyone to know that Happy Singh had driven Khushi to Laxmi Nagar before dropping her at his office. He didn't want it to be slipped out in conversation lest Shyam be alarmed. He wanted Shyam to be complacent and laid back. Stringing Shyam along would enable them to easily trap him. Akash assured him that would be done first thing in the morning.
When Arnav drove his rental car to the outskirts of Delhi to the location that had been zeroed in on, dawn was breaking and the dark sky was lightening with the diffused light, the twilight between night and sunrise. Leaving the car in a secluded spot a bit away from the warehouse where Khushi was being held captive, he stealthily walked towards the building. It was located in an isolated patch of land away from the town. The building though huge was in a dilapidated condition. It looked unoccupied and walking on soft foot he started to inspect the exits, the door and dirty windows, some with missing panels and some panels hanging by just one hinge. A decrepit shack placed a bit away looked like a washroom. He peeked through one window of the main building and found broken chairs and tables with cartons and other packaging material strewn about in the room. As he peeked through another, he found two men dozing, their heads resting on their arms on the table, where two guns, three empty bottle of alcohol, and 5 used glasses littered. When Arnav moved to the next window, three men were slumped in their chairs with their heads lolling, while a lone woman was sitting away from them and only a part of her body was visible. Leaning forward a bit and straining his neck he tried to assess how many were guarding Khushi. He found six, five men and a woman on guard. As he tried the next window, he saw Khushi laying the same way as she had been in the picture that was sent to him. She was trussed up tightly, gagged with a bind but was alive and safe! His heart thumped with joy, while his limbs trembled with relief. As he watched moving closer to see her clearly, she stirred.
When Khushi opened her eyes, her head was hurting as though someone had slammed it with a boulder. She was disoriented and wondered where was she? Where was Arnavji? This was neither their room nor RM... As she looked around confused in the dim light, all she was conscious was that her head and her body hurt. She tried to move her arms, but they were tied behind her back. Her legs were bound together and her mouth gagged! Then she remembered Shyamji! The blackguard! He had caught her before she could enter Arnavji's office. He had hurt her arm and pushed her in to the car... She looked around. And realized that must have brought her here. As her eyes became accustomed to the light she swathe five men and the woman guarding her asleep. As she squirmed to wriggle out of the bind she realized that her limbs were tied tight and the gag was cutting into her mouth. She twisted and turned on the ground to loosen them. Her attempts woke the female guard who looking at the helpless girl, came near her and bit out maliciously, so the sleeping beauty has finally come out of her stupor. As Khushi tried to speak her gag choked her words and the woman asked does she need to answer the call of nature? As Khushi bobbed her head in answer, the woman picked up her gun and aimed it at Khushi. Arnav who was watching had his heart in his mouth. The woman warned Khushi not to try to be smart and attempt an escape as she would not hesitate to shoot. As a wide-eyed Khushi nodded, she emphasized her point saying that they were far away from Delhi and no one would be able to rescue her. If she tries to high tail it out of there she would shoot her mercilessly like a dog or she would die of thirst and hunger in the adjoining jungles and she would never reach the city alive. Did she follow what was being said, Khushi was asked. The tactic was to scare the daylight out of Khushi. Khushi nodded all through her warning. She was tired, weak and hungry. The woman untied the ropes that bound her legs and wrists and seeing Khushi sag against the wall writhing in pain at the feel of blood flowing through the numb parts, Arnav who was watching silently, winced. The woman dragged Khushi up, and led her to the door of the building. She opened it and pushed Khushi out. Held up by the strong woman, Khushi made her way to the rest room. The door was pushed open and Khushi was nudged inside and locked in. She was told to knock when ready to come out. Though Khushi agreed to comply the female guard was not the one to believe her and kept a vigil.
The woman waited a while and then she stretched her arms flexing her muscles. As she dropped her arms and relaxed, Arnav decided that now was the right time, caught her from behind in a wrestler's tackle. As she tried to grapple he trapped her neck in his strong arms and twisted it, leaving her unconscious on the ground. It was a silent move with just a gasp that be heard. When Khushi tapped the door, Arnav unlocked it and both stood staring at each other for a moment, unable to believe their eyes. Khushi threw herself in to his open arms and he hugged her tight for a long moment before he held her a bit away from him to remove the gag. Her stuttering raspy whisper through a dry throat Arnavji, you came had him cup her face and tell her that they needed to move fast and there was no time to waste. The plan was to get away before the rest of the kidnapping gang woke up and the sunlight filtered through.
In this update we saw how Shyam was unable to keep up to his original plan and had to change the strategy and play by the ear. Nothing seemed to be as per his chalked out plan.
We saw Arnav cleverly able to check every move of Shyam's and under the guise of ignorance he cleverly manipulated Shyam to commit the mistakes that he had not done till now. He made him call Rocky and instruct to make a ransom call while through Shyam's call they traced the number and when Rocky called Arnav through that number they were able to locate the place where Khushi was held captive. Arnav seeking the help of the Police Commissioner was strategic and gained access to Shyam's call sheet. He even enlisted his brothers' help to tackle the issue. Keeping Shyam under scrutiny, under the cover of darkness he was able to reach out to Khushi and try to make a getaway. It was indeed a crafty and an involved plot to achieve his end by Arnav Singh Raizada, hoodwinking the con man Shyam Manohar Jha.
That is why this is titled MACHINATION.
"It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him"
                             ~ J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit
That's it from me. Hope you enjoy it.


 Part 4

Dil Kaa Jo Haal (Besharam)

There was the sound of movement inside the building as one of the guards woke up and found Khushi and his female accomplice missing.

Arnav looked in to Khushi’s startled face with alarmed eyes, caught hold of her arm, and they began running as fast as they could.

Khushi stumbled, but Arnav kept a firm hold of her arm and helped her keep pace with him.

They could hear the sound of running feet, signs of the kidnappers chasing after them. Khushi huffed and puffed as they reached Arnav’s rental car, gasping for breath after her ordeal the previous day.

Arnav opened the door, and helped Khushi inside. He took a look behind them. There was no one there. The men were yet to reach them. He started the vehicle and drove away as fast as he could.

“Khushi, hold on…” he warned as the vehicle raced over an uneven road, lurching through potholes and over stones.

A while later, the rental car started coughing and making its distress felt. Arnav frowned. He would have to abandon the vehicle. But if he left it on the road, the kidnappers would find it and realise that Khushi hadn’t taken the chance and run away, but that she had been rescued. He quickly steered the car off the road, and drove it down a steep incline. He parked it behind the cover of thick shrubs, and opened his door to alight.

“Khushi, take the black bag near your seat.” he instructed.

She obeyed him silently. Taking hold of her hand, he climbed up and hid behind the thick bushes by the road and peered at the vast expanse of the road.

A few minutes later, they saw a black open jeep speeding down it. The kidnappers were standing in various poses, scanning the locality for any sign of Khushi. The vehicle passed them, the men failing to notice the pair hidden behind the thicket.

Arnav fished his phone out, & called the Police Commissioner, informing him that Khushi was safe with him. He passed on the information about the current location of the kidnappers.

Arnav felt Khushi trembling. He turned to look at her. She was staring after the vehicle.

“Khushi, nothing will happen to you. I promise.” he whispered, putting his arm around her.

Khushi fell against him, leaning her head against his shoulder, tired, exhausted.

Arnav called Akash.

“Khushi is safe. I got her. The police are after the kidnappers. We will get home after they are arrested.” Arnav told him.

Akash took a deep breath of relief. 

“Don’t let anyone know. If Shyam asks after me, tell him that I called you a couple of times throughout the day to keep you in the loop. Tell him that I am busy making the 5 crores. And keep an eye on Shyam.” Arnav said as he cut the call.

Khushi lifted surprised eyes to Arnav. How did he know about Shyamji’s involvement in the kidnapping?

“Khushi, it is early morning. We need to move away from the road, find a place to rest for  a few hours…” he said. “We can talk later.”

Khushi nodded slightly.

He took the bag from her, helped her up, and slowly led her further in to the woods.

Arnav looked at the shack before them. Clothes were hanging on a line, hens moved about in a cage, clucking. There was a dim light in the tiny dwelling.

Arnav & Khushi looked at each other. There was a family here. Hiding in the shack was out of the question.

Arnav led Khushi around the cottage to see a cow-shed built at a slight distance away from the house. They moved to it on fast but silent feet.

Two cows looked at them with disinterested eyes before turning their attention to the pile of hay before them.

Arnav looked around. They couldn’t hide in the shed. He looked up and felt relief flood his veins. The shed had a hayloft.

The barn had a ceiling of thick wood. Over it was a tin roof. Between the wooden plank and slanted tin roof was a loft, a small space to store bales of hay.

“Khushi…” Arnav called softly, drawing her attention to the ceiling.

He put the bag down, helped Khushi place her foot on a foothold, clasped Khushi by her slim waist, and pushed her up. Khushi crawled in to the dark space on her knees, pushed bales of hay to the periphery with her arms, and made a small space for them in the centre.

Arnav threw the bag in after her, and then clambered up.

The cows mooed lazily, the chill air adding to their languor.

Arnav hunched over and crawled to Khushi. There was no space in the attic to sit upright. Arnav too pushed the bales to the four sides, careful not to knock them down. There was just enough space for one person to lie down in the centre and escape detection, two, if they squeezed close.

He unzipped the bag, and took out some food and  a bottle of water. He uncorked the bottle and handed it over to Khushi. She sipped, feeling the cool drops wet her throat and quench her thirst. They washed the grime off their hands. He took out the sandwiches, handed her two, and ate one. 

“Your medicine!” Khushi reminded him, anxious.

To her relief, Arnav fished out a strip from his pocket, and took a pill.

Sitting hunched over, Arnav wet his hand and ran it over Khushi’s face, wiping away the dust and grime. His fingers lingered over her creamy, silky soft skin, lovingly caressing her features.

Khushi trembled, her lashes falling weakly over her eyes.

Arnav set aside the bottle and the bag. Then he looked at the space available to them.

He removed his footwear. Khushi followed suit. Then he twisted his body around Khushi’s and lay down flat on the floor.

Khushi looked at the little space beside him. How could she…? Even if she tried, she wouldn’t fit…

Arnav held out his arms. Khushi swallowed nervously.

Then she slowly lowered herself to lie on him.

Arnav accommodatingly spread his legs so that she could rest her lower body in the gap. He put his arms around her and caught her close.

They lay in silence, each absorbing the feel of the other, the warmth, the scent, the softness and the hardness, both of them relieved beyond words that they were alive and together.

Then Arnav said, softly, “Shyam kidnapped you, didn’t he?”

Khushi nodded.

Arnav caught hold of her arms, one after the other, and gently kissed the bruises on her wrists. Khushi shuddered at the sensations that his simple touch evoked in her.

“He gave me a file. He wanted me to get your signature on it.” Khushi confessed.

Arnav frowned.

“He said that if I got your signature, he would confess all his wrong-doings to you.” Khushi lifted her head to look at Arnav’s face. It was too close to comfort. She swallowed to clear her throat.

“I was not sure I could believe him. So I thought I would give it to you and ask you what it was all about. I was scared…” Khushi paused.

“So that is the file you had in your hand…” Arnav mused.

“But he caught me when I reached your car park. Pushed me in to his car….” She lifted her arm and showed him the bruises left by Shyam’s heavy hold, tears trembling on her lashes.

Arnav bit back his fury, and gently kissed her arm, taking away the pain.

“I don’t know what happened after that, Arnavji…” Khushi frowned.

“He used chloroform on you, made you unconscious…” Arnav filled in the details.

“I woke up in that building, with the guards…”

“The police will get them.” Arnav consoled her.

“Arnavji, how did you know that I …?” Khushi left the question hanging.

“I got home in the evening, & everyone told me that you had gone to meet me at my office at noon. As you hadn’t turned up there, I thought you may have gone to Buaji’s. I called her. She told me that you had made a lightning visit by Happy Singh’s rickshaw. I met him, & made sure that you had come to the office. I asked the guards & Aman. He mentioned having seen you go away in a white car. The make & model were similar to that of Shyam’s car. I should know. After all, I gave it to him.”

Khushi nodded.

“I hired a private investigator to check his car at night. He found the chloroform & the cloth. I contacted the Police Commissioner for help. I had to get you back, but without anyone knowing about it. Otherwise the papers would be full of this.”

Khushi nodded. “Poor Di…” she whispered.

Arnav concurred.

“I told Shyam that the police believed it to be a case of simple kidnapping for a ransom. That made him contact his man guarding you and ask him to make a ransom call. The kidnapper called me, asking for 5 crores.”

Khushi gasped.

“The police got the proof they needed that Shyam is behind the kidnapping and got your location.” Arnav explained.

“Arnavji, I made two copies of the papers that Shyamji gave me.” she confessed.

Arnav’s eyes widened.

“I hid them in my bedroom in Buaji’s house. One under my clothes in the wardrobe, and the other in my drawer.” Khushi said.

“Khushi, that’s brilliant!” he exclaimed.

Khushi flushed.

“We can go home after the police arrest the kidnappers and finish questioning them. Once all the proof is in the hands of the police, we can return and send Shyam to jail.” Arnav said. "If we return before they are caught, Shyam will be warned. He will realise that his game is over, and will try to escape. Or destroy proof. It will delay the investigation. I don't want that."

His phone vibrated. Khushi slid to one side so that he could reach the phone.

She watched him listen quietly to the speaker. Finally, he said, “We will stay away. Let me know when it is over. Thank you.”

She raised her eyebrows.

“They got the woman guard. The police are still looking for the 5 men in the jeep. So the Commissioner wants us to stay away, safe somewhere, away from Shyam.”

Khushi swallowed, scared.

“Khushi, the kidnappers did not see me. They think that you have escaped alone. That is exactly what the kidnappers are going to inform Shyam. He will think that you have escaped, & I have gone to get the ransom ready. Only Akash & NK know that we are together & safe.”

Khushi nodded.

“We have to remain hidden for a few hours. Maybe by tomorrow evening, the whole case will be solved, & we can go home.” Arnav comforted her.

Khushi nodded.

“Let’s get some sleep, Khushi.” Arnav suggested, pulling Khushi back on him.

Khushi curled her fingers around his shoulders and clung on. She shut her eyes.

A few moments later, Khushi felt his warm fingers slowly trail up her back, under her hair, to her neck. She shivered against him.

He dropped a few kisses on her hair.

His hand moved slowly down from her neck to her waist and down her leg.

Khushi threw herself off him, sliding down to lie on her side by him. Her breath came in fast, choppy waves.

“Kya hua, Khushi?” His tone was wicked, his voice seductive.

There was no space to turn away. Khushi looked away.

“Why are you breathing so fast?” he asked softly.

Khushi tried very hard to swallow, her throat dry like an arid desert.

Arnav turned on his side, giving her more space. Khushi moved to lie on her back, relieved not to have to face him.

“OK now?” he asked, a teasing smile on his face.

Khushi looked away. They were lying pressed against each other. Her left side was flush against his front.

He put his arm around her, pulling her closer. His left leg went up and over hers, tangling with her limbs.

"Arnavji!" Khushi protested weakly.

"Khushi?" Arnavji responded innocently.

Khushi tried to turn away, but his hold was too secure. She was totally enfolded, caught up against him, trapped by his arms & legs. 

“Now where will you run, Khushi?” the devil whispered.

Khushi looked at him, her eyes wide, her susceptibility to him making her helpless.

Slowly, his fingers travelled across her palm and found a space for themselves between her fingers.

Khushi trembled convulsively, the pulse in her throat revealing her agitation & arousal.

Slowly, he lowered his head and rained kisses on her face, his lips tasting the softness of her skin, the sweet nectar of her lips, the delectable lobes of her ears, the pulse at the base of her throat...

Khushi clutched at him, her fingers opening & closing in a frenzy of hitherto unknown passion.

Arnav lifted his head to look at her with eyes awash with sensuality. He took in her heightened breathing, the glazed gaze, the trembling, pouting lips, the needy twining of her legs against his…

He drew in a deep breath.

“Time to go to sleep.” he whispered in her ear, blowing against the sensitive skin.

A tremor shook Khushi’s body.




Smita,

Here is the interpretation for Part 4.

This update is about the forward or onward movement toward a destination, a progress from a particular phase. Hence it is titled MAKE HEAD WAY.

No sooner Arnav told Khushi that they had to move fast and had no time to waste, there was the sound of movement inside the building as one of the guards woke up and found Khushi and his female accomplice missing. Arnav looked in to Khushi's startled face with alarmed eyes, realizing that she was getting panicky, caught hold of her arm, and they took flight. In their hurry, Khushi stumbled and Arnav kept a firm hold of her arm helping her to keep pace with him. They could hear the sound of running feet searching for Khushi and the female guard and then look around for them. But Arnav did not slow down his pace and when they reached the car meant for getaway, Khushi still not recovered from the previous day experience was gasping for breath. She was a ball of exhaustion with side stitches from running. Arnav seated Khushi inside and then looked behind to check. Seeing that their flight was still not discovered and no one was to be seen he quickly got in and drove away swiftly like a wind. He warned Khushi to hold on, as he had to race the vehicle over an uneven terrain at a breakneck speed, unmindful of the potholes and the stones. When they had covered some distance, the rental car started to splutter and before it came to a stand still, Arnav realizing the necessity to hide it prior to abandoning, steered it behind a dense thicket of scrubs and brambles. He knew he had to hide the vehicle lest the kidnappers realize that Khushi did not escape by herself but was rescued. Opening his door he instructed Khushi, to collect the duffel bag near her seat before alighting. As she obeyed him silently, he grabbed her arm and using the cover of the dense thicket he watched the vast expanse of the road. This was the progress he was able to make and with the car he was able to put sufficient distance between them and the kidnappers for the time being. He ensured that they were nowhere in the vicinity of the area that the hoodlums would comb for Khushi on foot  escaping them. But their march ahead was getting tougher and he needed to use his wits.

A little while later, he saw a black open jeep hurtling down the road with the kidnappers standing and covering all the directions. Their piercing eyes in search of Khushi failed to notice the pair hidden behind the thicket as they passed-by. Arnav, fishing out his phone from his pocket called the Police Commissioner, informing that he had rescued Khushi and the current location of the kidnappers. As he felt Khushi trembling, he turned to look at her and found her staring at the tail lights of the vehicle that had passed. Gathering her in his arms and pulling her into his warmth, he whispered a promise that he would not let anything happen to her. Khushi pushed herself close against him and leaned her head against his shoulder, weary and exhausted. Arnav next called Akash and told him, that Khushi has been rescued and was safe with him making Akash heave a sigh of relief. He further told him that, the police were chasing the kidnappers and they both would only get back once the whole gang was arrested and also not to let anyone back home know about it. If Shyam asks his whereabouts they were asked to tell, that he had called Akash a couple of times and was engaged in arranging the required ransom amount. Asking Akash to keep vigilance on Shyam and his activities he cut the call. Arnav had chalked out what needed to be done and was ensuring that Akash and NK were executing it from their end. His advancement towards trapping Shyam with irrefutable proof that would hold good in the eyes of law was fast gaining momentum. Khushi raised her eyes to Arnav and he noted the element of surprise written all over it. He could read what was going on in her head as to how did he know Shyam was behind the kidnapping? Arnav told her that since the daylight had broken, if they do not move away from the road, they were bound to become sitting ducks to the ruffians. Knowing that they had a headway with the goons he said that, they needed to move away from the road and find a hideaway to rest for a few hours at least and talk could be resumed later too. Seeing Khushi tilt her head in acknowledgement, taking the duffel bag from her, he helped her up and led her deeper into the woods.

Arnav, needing a place to hide and rest, observed carefully the shack that was lying before them. The clothesline was full of clothes billowing around and hens and chicks were pecking and clucking around the yard. A dim light flowed out of the shanty. Arnav and Khushi looked at each other, realizing that a family lived there. So hiding in the shack had to be ruled out. As they circled the shanty, they found a cow-shed at a distance from it and they moved stealthily towards it. Two pairs of disinterested bovine eyes looked at them before hooding their eyes and turn their attention to their delectable hay feed that was spread before them. As Arnav looked around he noted that there was no place to hide in the shed and on careful examination he found that there was a hayloft. The barn had a sheet roof and under it a thick wooden ceiling. Between the rafters and beams of the wooden truss lay a small space where bales of hay were stacked.  Arnav called out to Khushi and holding her by her waist helped her to climb on a foothold and pushed her up. Khushi crawled into the dark space on her knees and pushed the neatly tied bales of hay to the edges, clawing out a small space for them in the centre. Throwing the duffel bag at her he heaved himself up. The cows mooing, the smell of the fresh hay and the chill air blowing added to their weariness. Arnav hunched over and crawled towards Khushi. The low roof ensured that they were unable to sit upright. Arnav too carefully pushing the hay aside made some more space and in the end they had just enough for one to lie down hidden in the centre and two could manage if squeezed close. At last Arnav and Khushi were able to find a hide out, a temporary haven, at least for them to rest without being on the lookout for the ruffians for some time. That was a vast improvement from having to rest under the tree.

From the bag he took out some food and a bottle of water. He gave the bottle to Khushi, who gulped it down her parched throat, the cool water rejuvenating her. Later scrubbing the grime off their hands, Arnav handed her two sandwiches while he took one. Khushi's anxious reminder of his medicine had him grin and produce a strip of it from his pocket and took one from it. Sitting hunched over, with wet hands, he gently wiped off the dust and grime from her face. His fingers lingering lovingly on her creamy, silky, soft skin caressed her features making Khushi shut her lids and feel the warmth and love and sent frissons of pleasure along her spine. Once done, he packed and set the bag aside and removing his footwear twisted himself around Khushi, lay down flat on the available space. Khushi followed him and removed her sandals and she looked at the narrow strip beside him. She wondered how to fit in as it was too narrow. Arnav stretched his hand and held out to her. Khushi with butterflies in her stomach but braving out lowered herself to lie on him. Arnav spread his legs to enable her to rest her lower body in the gap and as she settled between his legs he put his arms around her gathering her close into his warmth. Khushi complying to lie down together in a tight squeeze was a progression in their relation since their wedding fiasco and Arnav knows it. His mind had been the fertile field for Shyam to sow seeds of doubt but those have now been cleared by Arnav himself, by clearly analyzing the facts and the pictures before him and not just giving credence to words of any one person.

They lay in silence, each absorbing the feel of the other, the warmth, the scent, the softness and the hardness, both of them relieved beyond words that they were alive and together. After a few moments, as Arnav whispered softly, it was Shyam who had kidnapped her wasn't it? Khushi nodded. Arnav has realized that he needed to open up to Khushi to gain any ground in their relation that had slipped with Shyam's Machiavellian tactics. He needed to let her know that he was aware, who is behind their woes and miseries. Arnav taking her hand, kissed the bruises that where glaringly visible on her wrists, one after the other. Khushi shuddering at the sensations and also savouring it, his simple touch aroused in her, closed her eyes. Collecting her thoughts, she told Arnav that Shyamji had given her a file and wanted her to get his signature on it. It made him frown and she looked at his face that was too close-by to have sensible and coherent thoughts and admonishing herself to concentrate on what needed to be told, she swallowed before continuing, that Shyamji had told if she did his bidding, he would come clean and confess all his wrong-doings to Arnav. She had been unsure whether to believe Shyamji or not, as in the past he had never stood by his word. So, she had thought of giving it to him and ask what was written in it that Shyamji was desperate to get signed by him. She had been scared as to what it contained and paused. Her revelation led Arnav to muse that was the file that she had held in her hand, the file that had propped up distinctly in every narration as noticed by each and every person she had met before the kidnap. Khushi told him in a wobbly voice that when she reached his car park Shyam had caught her in a tight grip nearly cutting off the blood flow and had pushed her into his car. As she showed Arnav the bruises left by Shyam's death like grip, her lashes glistened with moisture. Arnav bit back his fury and gently kissed away the pain and Khushi told him with a puzzled frown that she just cannot remember what happened after that. Arnav informed her that Shyam had used chloroform to make her unconscious. She told him that all she remembers was waking up in that building with the guards snoozing...  and trailed off. Arnav consoled her saying that the police would catch hold of each and every one of them. With her narration he realized, what sort of terror she had been under all the time. While he was accusing Khushi and subjecting her to scathing remarks, Shyam had been pressurizing her too to commit wrong things. Her frail shoulders were carrying a heavy burden and she had been unable to voice it out anywhere. This was a progress in their relation, of understanding things as they are.

Then Khushi asked him how did he know that she... leaving the question hanging. He told her that when he got home in the evening, everyone told him that she had gone to meet him at his office at noon. As she had not turned up there, he had thought she may have gone to Buaji's. He had called there and was told of her lightning visit using Happy Singh's rickshaw. He had met Happy Singh and making sure that she had entered the office premises he had enquired with the guards and Aman. Aman mentioned having seen her going away in a white car and he could give the make and model. The description was similar to that of Shyam's car, the one he had gifted. His narration earned a nod from Khushi. He continued to say that he had hired a private investigator to check Shyam's car at night and had found the bottle of chloroform and a rag cloth that had been dipped in it. He had already contacted the Police Commissioner for help and had to get her back real quick and it was imperative. It had to be done secretly, swiftly and quietly without anyone knowing about it, or else if the media got a whiff of it, the kidnappers would be on their guard and it would have been impossible too. Khushi's heart went out to the plight of Anjali. She adored and worshiped Shyam like a God and he was nothing but a cheap trickster and she expressed so! Arnav concurred with her thoughts. This acknowledgement by Arnav that he needed to take steps to ensure both his Khushi and his Di were free from the strangle-hold of Shyam itself was a progress. Earlier he had been ready to compromise, and accommodate Shyam in his house thinking only about his sister's happiness though it amounted to nothing but a Fool's Paradise.

Arnav explained how they had induced Shyam to take wrong steps and blow his cover. He had told Shyam that the police believed it to be a case of simple kidnapping for a ransom and that made him contact his man guarding her and ask him to make a ransom call. The kidnapper had called asking for 5 crores. It made Khushi gasp. With Shyam thinking their hint to be an absolute beauty of a brain-wave for fast track moolah, fell into the trap and the police got the proof they needed that Shyam was behind the kidnapping and zeroed in on her location. Khushi then revealed that she had got two copies done of the papers that Shyamji had given, making Arnav's eyes widen with surprise. When she told him that she has hidden it in her bedroom at her Buaji's house, one under her clothes in her shelf and the other in the drawer with her personal belongings he expressed his appreciation at her brilliant quick thinking and presence of mind under duress. Khushi turned beet red and her ears warmed up, for it was the first time Arnav was openly acknowledging her brilliant move. Earlier any plan of hers was greeted with skepticism and was asked to do things using her brains and not her heart. This was indeed a welcome development in their relationship where Khushi was looked and acknowledged as on par with him.  Arnav told her that they could go home once the police arrest the entire outfit and complete the interrogation. Once the police gathered invincible proof in their hands, they could return and put Shyam behind bars for he could as well rot over there. But if they return earlier, Shyam would be forewarned and the sly fox that he is, would slink away or erase all the evidence. It would only lead to delay one that he was not inclined to.

Just as he finished saying so, his phone vibrated and Khushi slid towards one side enabling him to reach out to his phone. Her eyes were on him as he listened quietly to the speaker and finally spoke in a soft tone that they will stay away and to let him know when the coast was clear. Thanking the caller, he cut the call. She cocked her eyebrows with the query, what? written all over her face. Arnav murmured, that it was the call from the Commissioner and they had caught the female guard but the police are still on the lookout for the five ruffians and he wants them to stay away in a safe house somewhere, beyond the reach of Shyam. Hearing his words, Khushi was scared and it showed on her face. Arnav assured her that the kidnappers were not privy to Arnav rescuing her. Since they were not even aware of it they would be under the impression that she had given them a slip and that was what the information that Shyam would be getting. Shyam would then be induced to thinking that she was still on the loose and he, Arnav, was busy gathering resources to pay the ransom. This was their trump card, to hood wink Shyam to be still complacent and think as to what could a lone girl do in a lonely wooded area and she would not have traveled far away too. Shyam's thoughts would help them to carry through their plan unhindered. Shyam would be under surveillance while the rest of his gang would be combed through. Any contact by them with Shyam would give away their location too. He comforted her that only Akash and NK were aware that she has been rescued and both were together and safe. And they would have to remain hidden for a few hours and maybe by the next evening the entire thing could be sorted out and they could go home. Khushi agreed. Arnav suggested that they get some shut-eye when there was a chance and pulled her on top of him. Khushi concurred and curled her fingers around his shoulders and clung on while she closed her eyes trying to get some sleep.

A few moments later, Khushi felt his warm fingers slowly trail up her back, under her hair, towards her neck making her shiver against him. He kept on dropping a few kisses on her hair every now and then. His hand that was on her head gradually followed a trail of its own, a delicate touch slowly dipping down from her neck to her waist and down her leg. His tender administration made her breath come out in uneven waves and engulf her with tidal waves of sensual pleasures. Unable to bear this onslaught by her Laad Governor, she slipped sideways as his hands were not keeping still. Arnav as though unaware of the reason asked her, what happened, Khushi? a double entendre, for his tone was wicked, his voice seductive! For Khushi there was no place to move away and interpreting his actions, all she could do was, turn her face. He asked her softly, why was it that her breath was coming out in quick succession. Khushi tried hard to keep still and swallow, for her throat had suddenly turned parch dry. Arnav turned on his side giving her more space and Khushi adjusted herself to lie on her back thanking her stars at least she did not have to face him! With a mischievous smile playing on his lips, he asked her whether she felt better now lying flat on her back. Khushi did not answer but looked away once again for her entire being was on high alert as they were lying pressed against each other with her left side touching his front. He pulled her closer with his arm and his left leg slid over her tangling with her limbs. For Arnav it was a way of implementing his thoughts that had been running through his head and had been fighting against it for quite long since he first saw Khushi and for Khushi it was a launch into an unknown world of sensations and pleasures with known Arnav.

Her weak protest, Arnavji, got an innocent query, Khushi? from him. As Khushi tried to turn away, she was unable to loosen, for the hold was too secure and he had totally gathered her close to him in a delectable hug trapping her with his arms and legs. The imp in him whispered, as to where would she go now? Khushi trained her eyes on his face and as her eyes met his, it turned saucer wide for she was not able to control her senses. His fingers slowly continued their journey across her palm and found their resting place between her fingers. It sealed his intentions towards her that he was not going to let her go and would be with her, beside her, holding her close to his heart.  Khushi trembled convulsively, the throbbing pulse in her throat revealing her agitation and her arousal. Slowly, Arnav lowered his head and showered her with kisses on her face, his lips tasting the softness of her skin and the sweet nectar of her lips, the delectable lobes of her ears, the pulse at the base of her throat... Khushi, who was knocked off her feet by this overture, clung to him, her fingers opening and clenching in a frenzied unconscious volition, while her senses were engulfed by sensuous passion. As Arnav lifted his head to look at her, with eyes awash with sensuality, he noted her heightened breathing, the glazed gaze, the quivering, pouting lips, the twining of her legs against his clinging on to him just like an ivy vine... Satisfied with what he saw, with the knowledge that he has ensured advancement in their relationship, he drew in a deep breath. While whispering in her ear, that it was time to go to sleep, his warm breath against her skin set her up in a wild tizzy. It sent lightning frissons of thrill and pleasure down her spine making toes curl up.

This update showed progress in the relation between Arnav and Khushi, resolving the misunderstanding caused by Shyam. It also showed the progress in trapping Shyam Manohar Jha.
That is why it is titled MAKE HEAD WAY.

"I am a slow walker, but I never walk back"
                            ~ Abraham Lincoln

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