105. Saving Khushi Part 5

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Part 5

Arnav woke up, disoriented. A moment later, he looked down at his chest, and his universe settled in place.

Khushi was wrapped around him, her head on his chest, her face upturned, her arms around him, the fingers of her left hand clutching the neck of his waistcoat, her legs coiled tight around him as though afraid that he would vanish in a puff of smoke while she shut her eyes…

A smile danced on his lips. It didn’t matter that they were so far away from home, that they were stuck in a cow-shed, resting among bales of hay, on the run from kidnappers… As long she was in his arms, nothing else mattered. He could fight the world and win if she was with him. Arnav gently smoothed the silky strand of hair that had fallen across her cheek.

Khushi felt warm, wrapped in love, relaxed. The smooth glide of gentle fingers across her cheek added to the feeling of being cherished. She opened her eyes slowly, her lashes fluttering, to see Arnav looking at her with so much love in his eyes that…

She quickly looked away. The cow-shed… the hay… Shyamji… the kidnappers… the kisses… Khushi jumped up from the bed she had made of Arnav’s body, and let go of his jacket reluctantly. She sat up, looking down at him, at his lips for a moment, and then away...

“We need to find a place to hide. Somewhere where we are safe. With a roof over our heads…” Arnav said softly.

Khushi nodded. They couldn’t sit here, hidden over 2 cows all day and night till the police caught Shyam’s accomplices.

They freshened up using the remaining water in the bottle, & feasted on the leftover sandwiches.

Arnav peeped over the bales of straw to make sure that no one was around to watch their escape.

He slid down, not realising that his expensive leather wallet had fallen in to the pit of cow dung, sinking to an ignominious death.

He helped Khushi down, and holding her by the arm, slowly moved away from the cow-shed in to the jungle.

He watched the road for long till a truck heaped with hay came along. Holding Khushi by the arm, he put out his hand and asked for a lift. The truck stopped, and the driver let them get on behind among the stacks of hay.

Both of them lay flat on the hay, looking at the bright sky, the sun blessing them with warm rays and light. The wind caressed their skin and ruffled their hair.

As the truck hurtled away, Arnav looked at Khushi.

“Tum theek ho?” he asked, his voice low with concern.

“Ji.” Khushi smiled.

Arnav smiled in response.

“I am going to make a haystack in Shantivan to remember these days.” he joked lightly.

Khushi smiled.

His smile fell away slowly. It had been so many days since he had seen the smile on her face. Holi… Yes, she had smiled on Holi. The effect of bhang had made him forget his nafrat. Mohabbat had ruled his head, and hatred had vanished like fog in the presence of sunlight…

They lay silent, looking at the sky. Too many changes were happening in their lives, their future depended on too many unpredictable factors…

Soon, they reached a town. Arnav sat up and looked around. It looked familiar… His eyes widened as he passed the dhaba that he & Khushi had spent a night in on their way to Nainital!

Khushi gasped. “Arnavji! The dhaba!” she smiled, happy at the prospect of meeting old friends.

He smiled at her pleasure and tapped on the wooden board behind the driver’s seat, and asked to be let down.

The driver stopped obligingly.

Arnav helped Khushi down, and then went to the driver to offer his thanks. 

“Shukriya, Bhaiyya!” Khushi folded her hands in gratitude.

Arnav put his hand in to the pocket of his trousers to pull out his wallet, but the driver refused his offer of money with a smile and drove away with a wave.

Arnav paled.

Khushi looked at him in anxiety. “Kya hua, Arnavji? Are you feeling faint?”

“I lost my purse…” Arnav said.

Khushi gasped.

He looked for it frantically, patting both pockets. “I had it while we were in the cow-shed…” he muttered.

“Maybe it fell off when we got down from the hayloft.” Khushi said. “What will we do now?” A frown of worry marred her smooth forehead.

Arnav pursed his lips. “We need to pay for the accommodation and food.”

“And clothes…” Khushi whispered. “Both of us look…” They couldn’t walk in to the dhaba looking like a pair of refugees.

Arnav nodded, worried. All his money, his cards…the cows must be feasting on them… At least his wallet hadn’t fallen where the kidnappers could find it… Once he returned home, he would have to inform the banks…

“Arnavji, I have 200 rupees with me.” Khushi broke in to his introspection. “But to take it out, you will have to take me somewhere where there is no one to see us. I..I kept it… under my clothes. And you will have to turn away…” Khushi blushed.

Arnav bit back a smile. He had his phone with him. He could call Aman & ensure he had funds… but this was so much more fun.

Khushi looked down to escape his smile. And then saw the bangles Mami had forced on her.

“Arnavji, is there some place we can sell these bangles?” Khushi asked, her eyes on the jewellery.

Arnav stared at her. She was so inventive, so practical at times... and so goofy at others. She boggled his mind.

“Motilalji brought jewellery to RM yesterday, and Mami selected these for me. If we sell them, we can buy clothes and stay at the dhaba.” Khushi explained.

Arnav nodded and looked around. It was better to sell the bangles than contact Aman. The less the number of people who knew their location, the better.

Two shops selling clothes, a kirana store, two restaurants, a temple, a police station, a bank, a newsagents, a jewellers…

Khushi selected a purple suit and fresh underclothes and went to try them on. Arnav quickly picked 2 shirts, one in dark blue and the other in brown. He selected other accessories and looked around. A red sari caught his eyes. He added that and asked the salesgirl to pick the necessary blouse and underskirt. He added a pink suit to Khushi’s pile. By then, Khushi appeared in her purple suit and they picked night & casual clothes.

Arnav’s phone vibrated.

Khushi watched his face relax as he listened. “Thank you. We will stay put here. I will meet you tomorrow.” he said.

He turned to Khushi. “The kidnappers have been arrested. They will now be interrogated, and proof against Shyam collected.”

Khushi heaved a sigh of relief. She felt weak at the release of tension.

Arnav called Akash.

“The kidnappers have been caught. The police wants us to lie low for a few more hours. We will most likely be back tomorrow.” Arnav said. “What is Shyam up to?”

“Bhai, he asked me where you were. I told him about the ransom call for 5 crores, & that you had gone out to get the money.” Akash said.

“Good.” 

“But he seems very disturbed. NK said that he is walking up and down his room, running his fingers through his hair. NK is watching him from the terrace through a pair of binoculars.”

Arnav smiled. “The kidnappers must have informed him that Khushi is missing, that she has run off. And now that the kidnappers have been arrested, they won’t be answering his calls. He has no idea what's happening. How can he not be worried?”

"Bhai, you are both safe?" Akash's voice breathed concern.

"Very safe. Now it is time for Shyam to commit more follies. If he leaves the house, make sure that you don't follow him. Tell NK this. Din it in to his head that he is not to follow Shyam. The police will do it. They expect him to go to the house in which Khushi was kept, to find out what's going on."

"I will take care, Bhai." Akash promised him.

Holding the bags of new clothes, Khushi & Arnav walked in to the dhaba.

The plump hostess almost had a heart attack when she saw them. She hugged Khushi thoroughly, and shouted for her husband.

“Come here, Bittu’s father! See who has come to visit us.”

The fond husband left the kitchen and peeped out. His eyes widened. “Oh, it is a good day that brings our old lovebirds to us again!” He hugged Arnav. “Bittu’s mother, arrange the honeymoon suite for them!”

The couple led Arnav and a blushing Khushi to the honeymoon suite.

“It has been one year since we saw you!” the lady said. “Is your problem with your parents’ solved? Have they accepted your marriage?” she asked Khushi, holding her by the arm.

“Ji. Everything is fine now.” Khushi smiled.

The hostess leaned forward to whisper in Khushi’s ear, “Does your husband look after you well? Is he kind? Responsible? Or does he get angry for small things like he did last year?”

Khushi bit back her laughter, and answered at a pitch that would ensure that Arnavji heard her answer.

“Marriage has changed him a lot, Auntyji. He is very kind. He never gets angry, not even when I tease him. He is very loving, very sweet, like jalebi.” Khushi managed to say without cracking up.

Arnav had to fight to keep his smile hidden. The minx!

But more was in store for Khushi. The hostess asked, “Puttar, it has been one year since your marriage. Is there any khush khabri?”

Khushi flushed. Arnav smiled in devilish enjoyment. How would she get out of that one?

She lowered her head, and shook it in the negative.

“Tussi worry na karo.” the kind lady consoled her. “We were married for 3 years before our Bittu was born. Now we have four sons. Rab ne chaha tho your lap too will be filled with children in a few years.”

Khushi shook her head obediently. Arnav chuckled silently at Khushi's discomfiture.

The sardarji showed them to their room, and left, asking them to call him if they wanted anything.

The lady whispered in Khushi’s ear, “You stay in the room and use the time wisely. I will send your food here.”

Khushi blushed, and Arnav turned away to hide the smile blooming on his lips.

Khushi said, “Auntyji, he can’t take food with a lot of chilly or spices. Can I come to the kitchen and make something for him?”

“You are such a good wife!” the lady pinched her chin. She turned to Arnav. “You are so lucky to get such a loving wife.”

“Ji.” Arnav smiled.

“Hai Rabba! You are so handsome when you smile! Aisse hi smile kiya kar, puttar. You wife will sit all day in front of you, looking at your face. Aaise aisse life guzar jaayegi and you won’t even know.” the lady chuckled as she went away.

Arnav and Khushi burst out laughing.



Smita,
Here is the interpretation for Part 5.
This update is about being essential part of a thing, following from the essential nature of a thing, belonging naturally, essentially that can be depicted by the word, INTRINSIC
When Arnav woke up he was disoriented. It took him a moment to get his bearings and as he looked down at his chest seeing the mass of silky tresses splayed across his chest, and the pleasant cozy feeling that the warm bundle draping on him emanated, his Universe settled in place. For Khushi was wrapped around him, her head on his chest, her face upturned, her arms around him, the fingers of her left hand clutching the waistcoat just below his neck, her legs coiled tight around him as though afraid that he would vanish in a puff of smoke while she shut her eyes. He could sense the rhythmic beat of her heart that brought in a smile on his lips with contentment glowing on his face. He thought that it did not matter that they were so far away from home, it did not matter that were stuck in a cow-shed, lay sprawled out amidst bales of hay, it did not matter that they were on the run from kidnappers, for as long she was in his arms, nothing else mattered. He felt at home as she was with him. He felt that he could fight the world and win hands down if she was by his side. Seeing her all warm and cozy and her innocent beauty that was aglow even in her sleep, her face devoid of all the trauma that she had to undergo but, relaxed showing just the implicit trust in him, Arnav gently smoothed the silky strand of hair that had fallen across her cheek thanking his stars for having brought her into his otherwise barren life. She was like a whiff of fresh air in his life. That was a fact and a deep-seated thought he was never able to shrug off even when he had tried his hardest. Just like a magnet he had been attracted to her and it had shaken his very being. Khushi, his wife, had meshed into the very fabric of his life was the intrinsic truth and an essential reality.
Khushi felt warm, all wrapped under the cloak of love that had made her relax. The feathery glide of the fingers that was soft and light brought in warmth within her and a feeling of being cherished. She opened her eyes slowly her long lashes that were curved like the petals of lotus opened up with a flutter to see the love filled gaze of her Arnavji resting on her. It made her heart flutter like the wings of the doves reverberating loud in her ears. She quickly skittered her eyes unable to hold his gaze. She remembered the cow-shed, the hay, Shyamji, the kidnappers and then the kisses making her cheeks burn. A flushed up Khushi jumped up from the bed she had made of Arnav's body, and her fingers with great reluctance released their hold on his jacket. She sat up, looking down at him, her gaze homing on his lips for a moment before she veered it away. For Khushi, being with her Arnavji was not only an unquestionable act but also one of belonging naturally. She was much more relaxed with him than anyone else. And for her too, it was an absolute essential factor.  His place in her life was distinctively marked now and was quintessential without any doubt.
Arnav who was observing her quietly, understanding her dilemma told her softly, that they were in dire need to find a safe house with a proper roof over their heads. Khushi nodded knowing that they could not sit there hidden over two cows all day and night till the police nabbed Shyam and his band of hooligans. The intrinsic reality was that the abductors were on the lookout and they needed to keep themselves safe, away from the shyster and his band of followers. They freshened up using the remaining water and had their fill with the leftover sandwiches. Arnav peeped through the bales to ensure that they were unobserved and once he confirmed that the coast was clear, he got ready to make their escape. As he slid down the loft to the hard ground, his leather wallet too slipped out of his pocket on to the cow dung pit and vanished into the bottom that would come out only as a part of compost! The slight plop was not heard amidst the sound of the munching of the hay and the cud coming from the cows (Oops! The raksha daaga was in it!! It too has merged with the cow dung! That's alright. It was given by Shyam and it too got purified with cow's urine and dung!!!? Lucky Arnav! His Di was not there! Or else a shanti havan would have been arranged for both her brother and her hubby dear!) Arnav helped Khushi to slide down not realizing that his branded leather wallet had met its ignominious end. Grasping her hand tightly he led her away from the cow-shed in to the jungle. The peculiar trait in Arnav and also in Khushi was when the two were together the rest of the world got shut out and the two dwelt in their own world until they were shaken out of it. This inherent trait was the one that showed that they were into each other. However much they had denied they were made for each other was an unchallengeable fact. That was, is, will be the reason, why they could sense each other and their feelings. It was just a part of them and natural too.
Reaching the road, they hid behind a thicket and watched the road for quite a long time till an open truck heaped with bales of hay came along. With Khushi's hand clasped in one hand he hitched for a ride. The truck stopped. The kind driver obliged and asked them to hop on behind amidst the stacks of hay. Both of them sprawled on the hay looking at the bright clear sky with the sun blessing them with its warmth and light while the wind washed over them, caressing their skin and ruffling their hair with its gentle hand. The nature gave its blessings to the couple. As the rattling old truck hurtled away, Arnav looked at Khushi and in a voice full of concern asked, was she fine? Giving him a brilliant smile that showed her happiness, with her face vying with the sun that was shining above their heads she said, yes. Her response brought out a smile on his face. When Arnav cut a light joke, that he was going to get a hay stack done at Shantivan in remembrance of the day, it brought out a genuine smile on her face. Seeing her smile, Arnav's smile fell away realizing that too many days had passed since he had seen her smile. He recalled that it was Holi when he had last witnessed it. The effect of bhang had made him forget his nafrat. Then mohabbat had ruled his head, and hatred had vanished like mist in the presence of sunlight. They lay silent, looking at the sky. Too many changes were happening in their lives; their future depended on too many unpredictable factors. But one thing both were sure was that they did not want anyone to stop their soaring heart. It felt like they were given a new life and they wanted a life together. Both felt that their heart was elsewhere and they were elsewhere and the path that they were treading was new, escaping from the darkness of yesterday. They felt they were slowly opening their eyes only to see that the life had turned into the spring time and flowers abloom everywhere and that thought had made them look forward to a wonderful life. Time and again they gazed at each other observing every minute nuances. The fundamental fact was that their built-in radar was focused on the other and their actions and reactions, underlying the fact that they wanted their life in sync with the other.
Soon they heard the bustling sounds of a town and as Arnav sat up and looked around he felt that it looked familiar. His eyes widened as they passed a dhaba, for it was the same dhaba that he and Khushi had spent a night in on their way to Nainital! Khushi, who too had sat up by then, shouted out over the din of the rattling truck, Arnavji! The dhaba! Her face was wreathed with smile, happy at the prospect of meeting old friends. His heart soared seeing her pleasure and knocking on the wooden slats behind the driver's seat he asked to be let down. The driver obliged with a smile. After helping Khushi alight, Arnav strode towards the driver to offer his thanks. Khushi who had followed him expressed her gratitude with folded hands and saying, Shukriya, Bhaiyya! As Arnav put his hand in to the pocket of his trousers to pull out his wallet, the driver refused his offer of money with a smile and drove away with a wave. But Arnav lost his pallor. Khushi looked at him in anxiety and asked him what happened and was he feeling giddy? Arnav words that he was not able to find his wallet, made Khushi gasp. He frantically looked in his pockets, patting both the pockets muttering, that he had it while they were in the cow-shed, and tried to recall if he had felt it later. Khushi completed his thought that maybe it had fallen when they were getting down from the hay-loft and she wondered aloud, what were they to do now? It made her scrunch up her eyebrows, the frown lines marring her smooth forehead. Arnav pursed his lips irritated and said that they needed to pay for their boarding and lodging. Khushi whispered, that they both needed a change of clothes too and they could not walk into the dhaba looking like a pair of castaways. Arnav nodded, worried that all his money, all his cards were gone and thought that the cows must have had one heck of a feast. The brighter side of it was at least his wallet had not fallen where the kidnappers could get their grubby hands on. Once he returned home, he would have to inform the banks. Arnav by now has realized that, despite all that he had accused her, of being a gold digger, of being after money and of being a home wrecker, her innate character was nothing like the things that he had accused her of. Her joy lay in small and simple things and people were of real and utmost importance and it was an inborn trait in her. For him, after putting her through the grueling time, it was a time to make up for all the wounds he had inflicted. He was of singular mind, ready to give in to her wishes for he knew that he was the cause for her smile to vanish. When Shyam had been persecuting her, she had not broken down but had fought back. But the minute she had realized how low he had held her in his opinion she had become like a rag doll, limp and lifeless. Bringing her back to her old self, the one with the spunk and verve that kept challenging him at every step and gave him joy was what he wanted to see and he was single-mindedly devoted to restore that Khushi.
Khushi, who was thinking what to do, broke into his introspection calling out, Arnavji, and told him that she has two hundred rupees with her but she has kept it hidden and to take it out he would have to take her somewhere, where there were no prying eyes. She blushed to the roots of her hair and stuttered while saying, that she has stashed it under her clothes and he would have to turn away. Arnav bit back a smile and he had his phone with him. He could call Aman and ensure sufficient funds but this was more fun. Anyway his phone was there as a stand-by. While Khushi tried to focus her eyes on the ground to escape his smile, it fell on the bangles that Mami had forced her to wear. With sparkling eyes she asked him, whether there was any place where they could sell those bangles. Arnav stared at her and thought his Khushi was a bundle of contrariness. She who could be very inventive and practical, could also be so dopey at times too. She really boggled his mind, though her idiosyncratic behavior was never in tandem to his practical self, would always throw in a pleasant wobbly unexpectedly. That was her uniqueness and with her around it was difficult to predict what would happen next. That was what distinguished her from the rest. She explained that Motilalji had brought jewels to RM the previous day and Mami had selected these for her. If they sell them, they could buy clothes and stay at the dhaba without any problem. Arnav nodded realizing that it was a blessing in disguise as it was better to sell the bangles than contact Aman. It would be better to have less number of people knowing the location of their safe house. As he looked around, he saw two clothes shops, a grocery store, two restaurants, a temple, a police station, a bank, a newsagent, and a jeweler all small local shops intrinsic to the small towns. Once again Khushi running true to form had come up with a solution that was unchallengeable in its relevance.
Khushi chose a few items that included a purple suit and a fresh set of underclothes and went on to try them. Arnav quickly picking two shirts, one in dark blue and the other in brown, selected other accessories and looked around. Adding a red sari to the pile of clothes that they wanted to buy he asked the salesgirl to pick out the matching blouse and underskirt and then added a pink suit to Khushi's pile. By then, Khushi appeared in her purple suit and they proceeded to pick night and casual wear. Soon Arnav's phone vibrated and as Khushi watched with trepidation, his face relaxed and before cutting the call she heard him thank the caller and say that, they would stay where they were and would meet the next day. Turning towards Khushi he informed her that the kidnappers had been apprehended and have been taken for interrogation to collect evidence against Shyam. Khushi heaved a sigh of relief and felt as though her limbs were about to give away. The connate characteristic of Khushi was to hide her feelings. So was also the case of Arnav. Both were good at it too, for life had made them learn it the hard way. When Arnav got the call that all the abductors were arrested except Shyam they heaved a sigh of relief. For they knew, if things were not done quickly Shyam would smell something fishy and it would trigger another set of events. They now would have to stay away as it was elemental for the safety of their loved ones.
Arnav called Akash and informed him that the abductors have been apprehended. But the police wanted them to keep a low profile for a few more hours and they were most likely to be back at RM the next day. When he enquired what Shyam was up to, Akash told him that he was asked by Shyam where Arnav was as he was not to be seen around. Shyam was told as per his instructions that as he had received the ransom call for five crores and had gone out to arrange it. It earned Arnav's approval. Akash continued to narrate what was going on at RM. He told that Shyam seems to be disturbed and as per NK he was seen constantly pacing the floor in Di's room while his hand was unconsciously running through his hair mussing it up. Judging by the rate he was pacing it would not be any wonder if the carpet was found worn out and thread-bare. NK was keeping an eye on him from the terrace using a pair of binoculars. Arnav smiled knowing that like him Shyam who had immaculately groomed hair at all times. This gesture of his was not in character was a sure sign of being in a turbulent mood. It looked as though Shyam was at his wits end and was bound to commit mistakes as he has been thrown off-balance by the knowledge that a chit of a girl had outwitted six seasoned abductors and was still at large! His implicit faith in himself and his prowess must have been shaken! He told Akash that the abductors must have told their boss that Khushi was missing, that she had runaway. And now with all the rest behind bars, his calls must have gone unanswered and having no idea as to what was happening he must be one worried man! And how can he not be so? After all his life and living was at stake. A concerned Akash asked his Bhai, whether he was safe? He reassured Akash that they were very safe and now it was time for Shyam to add to his basket of follies. If he leaves the house, he asked Akash to make sure that he does not follow Shyam and ensure that NK too does not do so. He asked Akash to drill it into NK not to follow Shyam at any cost as the police would be doing it anyway and if they do so it would result in hindering the police and nothing else. The police were expecting Shyam to make an appearance at the house they had held Khushi captive, to find out what was going on. Akash assured him that he would comply and make sure NK too followed the instruction. Studying Shyam and his characteristics, Arnav knew that Shyam would try to analyze what went wrong and would go in person to check things out. It was a peculiar trait of Shyam for he really was a small time crook who got lucky so far!
Geared with bags of new clothes, Arnav and Khushi walked in to the dhaba. The robust hostess was stumped to see them. She was so happy that she rushed to Khushi and enveloped her in a big bear hug with a vociferous call to her husband, Come here, Bittu's father! See who has come to visit us. As the fond husband left the kitchen and peeped out, his eyes widened with pleasure and said, oh, it is a good day that brings our old lovebirds to us again! Enveloping Arnav in a hug, the large hearted man loudly called out to his wife, Bittu's mother, arrange the honeymoon suite for them! The genuine warmth in the welcome of the Punjabi couple was seen by both Arnav and Khushi. They were happy to see them. The loud welcome they got was natural and came from their heart. The couple led Arnav and a blushing Khushi to the honeymoon suite. The effervescent lady, holding Khushi by her arm asked it had been a year since they had seen them and has their problem with her parents' been sorted out? Have they accepted their marriage? Khushi with a smile on her face told her that everything was fine now. The hostess leaned forward to whisper in Khushi's ear, whether her husband treats her well now? Has he changed and was he kind towards her? Was he responsible? Or does he get angry for small things like he did last year? The Sardarni was particular to know whether Khushi was really happy. Khushi bit back her laughter, and answered raising her voice a bit that ensured Arnavji heard her reply. Keeping a poker face she told Auntyji that, marriage had brought in an immense change in him. He is very kind now, never got angry, not even when she teases him. He is very loving, very sweet just like jalebi.  Arnav listening to her singing his praises, had to fight to keep his smile hidden. He knew that his Minx would not let go of such a golden opportunity to pull his leg! Arnav was relieved to see the naughty side of Khushi emerge out after the unsavoury silence he had seen. He was happy to see that her basic trait, the capacity to bounce back quickly had not vanished.
But more was in store for Khushi. The hostess asked, Puttar, it has been one year since their marriage. Is there any good news? Her sweet query had Khushi flush and Arnav rub his hands with glee at her predicament. He wondered how would she get out of that and was all agog to hear what she had to say! Khushi lowered her head as though it was of great disappointment shook her head in the negative. The lady consoled her not to worry over that matter saying, that they had been married for three years before their Bittu made his appearance in their life and now they were blessed with four sons. God willing her lap too would be filled with children and laughter in a few years. As Khushi silently nodded acknowledging the ladies kind heart and words, Arnav was filled with glee and had a silent chuckle seeing her discomfiture. The Sardarji showed them to their room, and left, asking them to call him if they wanted anything. The lady whispered in Khushi's ear asking her to stay in the room and use the time wisely. She would have their food served there itself. As Khushi blushed, Arnav turned away to hide the smile blooming on his lips. Khushi told the lady that her husband was not able to take food with a lot of chilly or spices. So could she avail the use of their kitchen and prepare dishes for him? The inbred nature of Khushi, that is to see to the comfort of her Arnavji, the genuine love for him, could not be suppressed and her request showed it. Sardarni was highly pleased to hear it and pinching Khushi's cheeks told that she was an extremely good wife and turning to Arnav she told him, that he was extremely lucky to have such a loving wife. Arnav, who of late, had realized how really lucky he was agreed with her with a content smile playing on his lips. Arnav knew, what one needs, what one wants and what one gets need not be the same, but, he was one of the lucky few who had all the three. This knowledge was central to his happiness. Seeing the smiles  of his caramel eyes sparkle like the sea when first lighted up by the rays of the sun Sardarni placed a hand on her ample bosom and invoking God told that he was such a handsome fellow when he smiles! She asked him to smile all the time like that and his wife would sit all day in front of him drinking in the lovely sight and soon the life would be spent without even them being aware of it passing by! So saying, she blessed the couple and went away. Her words had both Arnav and Khushi in stitches. The lady came out with the intrinsic beauty of life that a smile can be like a drop of water in a desert and it is wonderful to watch it. But it is still more wonderful to be the cause of the smile. According to her, the art of being wise is, knowing what to overlook. That was the intrinsic truth.
That is why this update is titled INTRINSIC.
"We are happy when for everything within us there is a corresponding something outside us"
                           ~ William Butler Yeats
That's it from me. Hope you enjoy it.



 Part 6

Cheene Re

Part 6 Section 1

They showered and changed in to casual clothes.

Then Khushi went to the kitchen of the dhaba & made the dishes that Arnav liked, chatting & laughing with their hostess and the cooks.

Meanwhile, keeping an eye on her, Arnav called Akash, NK, & Di, keeping tabs on Shyam’s movements and feeding Di with information about his whereabouts. He then went in search of Khushi, and helped her carry the dishes to their room.

 They had their leisurely meal, sitting in the chairs & sofa around a small table.

“You cook very well.” Arnav said in appreciation, licking his fingers daintily.

 Khushi choked on a morsel, & Arnav patted her head and held a glass of water to drink.

“Tum theek ho, Khushi?” he asked.

Khushi nodded, her eyes watering, laughter bubbling in her heart.

After the meal, they cleared everything away, and Arnav called for a boy to carry off the used dishes.

He shut the door behind him, and turned around to see Khushi sitting on the sofa.

 

He walked to her and sat down. He looked at her innocent face as she sat curled in her plush chair, replete, her head back against the headrest.

“Khushi…” his voice sounded rusty. “Remember the last time we stayed here…”

Khushi looked at him, something in his voice making her wary.

“I made you sleep in the dark, in the cold, without even a blanket… You had fever the next morning…” he began.

Khushi said, “You did the same after we got married. Making me sleep all night by the pool. It was so cold…” she complained.

“I am so sorry, Khushi.” he whispered.

 Khushi laughed. “If you have to apologise for everything you have done and said, it will take days.”

Arnav looked at her helplessly. Finally, he said, “Let me take days to apologise to you.”

Khushi smiled. “Life is too short for you to regret everything you have done to me.”

Arnav did not share her amusement. He looked at her with eyes that were very serious, regretful, ashamed...

They sat, silent, the stillness of the room and its privacy making them think of everything that had befallen them over the past months.

Finally, Khushi said, “The first time we met… I was wrong to walk in to your fashion show. I admit it. But why did you have to shout at me, tear my dori? And look at me as though you wanted to tear me to pieces? I was so scared.” Khushi complained.

“It is not everyday that lightning strikes a man, especially a lightning he never believed existed.”

Khushi frowned at him, not understanding his words. She continued, “And at the dargah! The nonsense you said to me! If only Di had been there to hear you! She would have scrubbed your mouth clean!”

Arnav nodded in agreement.

“I never thought I would see you again.” Arnav said softly.

“I just wanted to return the mannat ki chabi to you.” Khushi protested. “I would have run after anyone who had dropped their chabi. How dare you say that I was chasing you because you were a rich man?”

“I didn’t know you then, Khushi. I was wrong.”

“If you didn’t know me, then how dare you judge me? Why did you assume that I was after your money?” she asked, genuinely curious. “Why do you have such a bad opinion of women?” she asked. Then she corrected herself. “No, not all women. You like Naniji, Mamiji, Di, Lavanyaji, & Lisaji. It was only me and my Jiji you couldn’t stand. The nonsense you said about her that night at Sheesh Mahal!”

Arnav swallowed with difficulty. “Khushi… I… Khushi, my father had an affair with someone who had come to help my mother in housework. It... it broke up our family…”

Khushi stared at him for a moment, feeling her heart bleed.

“So the reason you hated Jiji and me was because we are middle-class, poor?” Khushi asked. “You thought that we too would try to attract you like the other woman did your father?”

“Khushi…” Arnav didn’t know what to say, but he had to say something.

“And then I came to your office and house to work.” she smiled wryly. “No wonder you were so cruel, so cutting…”

“Khushi…”

“Torturing me at the office…” she began, but her innate sense of fairness made her add, “I asked for it. I should never, never have signed the contract. I should have kept within my aukat and run away from your world as fast as I could. I should not have argued with you. I should not even have talked to you.”

“Khushi, the fault was all mine. Always. Never yours…”

But Khushi was beyond hearing him.

“If Anjaliji had not blackmailed me, I would never have come to your house to teach Lavanyaji! Teach Lavanyaji!” Khushi laughed mirthlessly. “What could I teach her, a nobody from Lucknow?”

Arnav paled. “Blackmail?”

“Remember the 1 lakh I owed you for leaving the job at your office before 15 days were over?”

“I never asked you for the money, Khushi…”

“Anjaliji did. She said that if I wasn’t willing to teach Lavanyaji how to be a good Raizada bahu, then I would have to pay that amount.”

Arnav stared at her, horrified.

“I couldn’t raise the amount in 24 hours. So I had to come to your house to work.” Khushi was very calm.

Arnav swallowed.

“I was so stupid. Your relationship with Lavanyaji was your business. Why did I have to poke my nose in to it?” Khushi asked herself.

“Khushi…”

“If she was stupid enough to agree to a live-in with you, if she was happy being just your girlfriend, how was it my business to convince her of the mahatwa of marriage? And that too to a man who had never hidden his contempt for the institution of marriage or love? I was an idiot, a fool. Please forgive me. I meddled too much in your life, believing that my way and only my way was right.” Khushi meant every word.

“Khushi, I was wrong. You were not wrong…”

“Whatever happened on Diwali night was wrong too. Especially as Lavanyaji was your girlfriend. I was too inexperienced to understand, realise… But you realised it, didn’t you? You saw me as the maid who broke up your parents’ marriage, didn’t you?” she asked, not angry at all.

“No, Khushi…I…” Arnav tried to find words to explain the confusion of that moment.

She frowned as if objectively pondering a curious phenomenon. “You didn’t want me, but didn’t want anyone else to have me, did you? You wanted to marry Lavanyaji and live happily, but I was not supposed to get engaged. What did you expect me to do all my life? Hang around waiting for a man who had only contempt for me?”

“Khushi…” Doing irrational things was easy. Finding explanations for them was not just difficult, but downright impossible.

“The day you aired the Sheesh Mahal clip, goons surrounded me in the street and pulled the dupatta off me. They hit Babuji who came to help me…”

“Khushi…” his voice was a mere thread, shock taking away the volume.

“You never thought about the consequences of your action, did you? You aired the clip because you wanted to punish me for shouting at you. You did not spare a thought for me or my family, our reputation, our izzat!” Khushi shook her head in resignation.

Arnav paled.

“You are so concerned about the izzat of your family, your Di’s happiness and security, your family’s safety and position in society… How come you didn’t realise that all of us desire izzat, our family’s happiness and security…?” she asked, curious to know the answer.

He had no reply to give. He looked at her, helpless.

“Anyway, your actions sowed the seeds of your own destruction.” she said coolly. “Shyamji saved me from the goondas that day, and used this incident to wheedle his way in to Buaji’s house as a paying guest. Once he had a foothold there, he suggested to Buaji that he would be a good groom for me.” Khushi smiled at him in pity. “You made your own enemy. You fed and nurtured the snake who was gathering venom to bite you, destroy your sister’s life…”

Arnav looked at her with moist eyes, knowing that every word spoken by her was the truth, the bitter truth. He was responsible for the current state of affairs.

“Why did you marry me? Who told you that I was having an illicit relationship with Shyamji?” Khushi asked, mild curiosity on her face.

Arnav heaved a great sigh. “I followed you to the terrace. I wanted to talk to you in private. I saw…I saw…”

“Shyamji hugging me?” Khushi’s eyes widened.

Arnav nodded. “And heard him say that he loved you. That Rani Sahiba was the hurdle in your path.”

Khushi sighed.

“I heard you ask him why he didn’t abandon Di then.”

Khushi hit her head with her hand.

“You must have understood it to mean that I wanted him to leave Anjaliji for me!” she exhaled. “I was trying to tell him that I knew that he would never leave the money, the position in society that Anjaliji gave him. I was trying to make him understand the magnitude of what he was staking, risking with such lecherous, cheap behaviour.”

Arnav swallowed.

“Not that it did any good. He was beyond reason.” Khushi sighed.

“I caught hold of him and asked him about his relationship with you.” Arnav said.

Khushi’s eyes widened.

“He lied. He said that you loved each other. That he was willing to leave Di for you. And then I found out that Di was pregnant…”

Khushi & Arnav looked at each other, both hurt to their souls thinking of the pain Shyam had caused them, how he had strangled the budding relationship they had managed to forge inspite of Arnav’s past and the hostile circumstances.

“That is why you blackmailed me, forced me in to marriage… a contract marriage…” Khushi mused.

“Yes.” He drew in a deep breath. “I am so, so sorry, Khushi.”

“I am not angry with you about our contract marriage. If I were in your place, if it were my Jiji’s life and marriage that were under threat… I don’t know what I would have done, but I too would have done something spectacularly foolish.” Khushi was nothing if not truthful, her inconvenient sense of fairness & conscience raising their heads to make her acknowledge the truth.

They sat in silence, both regretting the past, both lamenting the lost opportunities…

Then Arnav said, “Forgive me, Khushi.”

Khushi smiled. “Who am I to forgive you? In your rush to write your own destiny, you did one folly after the other, you made one bad judgement after the other. In your arrogance that you knew all, you did not even stop to think you may be mistaken, that you might be making a mistake… Now, and after we return to RM, you will have to face the consequences of all your foolish decisions. You will have to persuade a pregnant Anjaliji that her husband is a thief and a kidnapper, an ingrate, a freeloader, a veritable scoundrel. That alone is punishment enough for you.”

“I will take the punishment, Khushi. I deserve it. But forgive me for hurting you.” His serious, bruised eyes looked at her intently.

Khushi looked at him silently. Then she said, “When you saw Shyamji hugging me, you must have thought of your past.”

Arnav nodded slightly.

“The other woman who destroyed your parents’ marriage.” Khushi mused.

Arnav sighed.

“My Mama found out about the affair on Di’s wedding day. My parents argued. I…I heard them…” Arnav began.

Khushi drew in a deep breath. “Di’s wedding? With Shyamji? But…”

“No. Another marriage. Another groom. She was 18. I was 14. Mama argued with Papa, and she went down to his study. Then…then…we heard a gunshot…”

Khushi stared at him with wide, shocked eyes, unable to comprehend the horror of his past.

“Mama sh…shot herself…” he whispered, his pain a living entity in the room with them.

Khushi jumped up from her seat and rushed to him. She dropped to his feet between his legs, and threw her arms around his waist, hugging him.

Arnav pulled her close to his heart. He continued, “Papa shot himself after a couple of hours. Maybe out of guilt…”

Khushi felt her heart stop at his simple statement.

“Di’s wedding was cancelled. Chachaji threw us out. Papa had signed away all his property to him, including Sheesh Mahal.”

Khushi stared at him, horrified.

“Yes, Sheesh Mahal was the venue of all these terrible, nightmarish events.” Arnav looked down at her.

“That is why you were so upset when we met.” Khushi said slowly, many events making sense now. “That is why you were so angry when I talked of your sister’s wedding being cancelled…”

Arnav nodded. He helped her up to sit by him. He lifted her hand to his lips. He pressed his hard lips on her soft skin repeatedly, murmuring, “Khushi, forgive me. I am so sorry, Khushi…”

A bluntly honest Khushi said softly, “I am not completely blameless, Arnavji. I should have told you about Shyamji being our paying guest and my fiance when I found him out. On the day of the Satyanarayan pooja…”

“That is why you cried….” Arnav gasped.

“Yes. Instead of crying, I should have told you the truth. You may not have believed me, you may have shouted at me, questioned my aukat, said that I was trying to cast my covetous eyes at your saint of a Jiju… but I should have still told you.”

They sat side by side, the evening sun filtering in through the drapes.

Finally, Khushi asked, “Arnavji…?”

He looked at her, enquiringly.

“That day… on Jiji’s wedding day…when we came to your house…. What did you want to speak to me about?” Her voice was low.

Arnav looked at her, his eyes naked.

“I wanted to tell you farak kyon padta hai… why everything about you mattered to me…why I wanted you with me always…why I couldn’t bear the thought of you getting engaged to another man… why I didn’t like you talking to NK, why everything you did, thought, said mattered to me…why I couldn’t get you out of my head, why I thought about you every minute of every day… why being without you was like being cut in to two…why every tear in your eyes made me bleed inside…”

Khushi wiped away a tear.

“I wanted to tell you that I loved you. That I wanted to marry you.” Arnav said softly. 

Khushi stared at him.

He caught hold of her hand. “Khushi, had I met you on the terrace, told you this…what would your reply have been?”

In a tremulous voice, Khushi answered, “I would have asked you to talk to your family and send them to my parents and Buaji with your proposal…”

“If I had talked to them, if they had approached your family…?” Arnav asked.

“They would have called me aside and told me about your proposal. They would have asked me if I wanted to marry you…” Khushi whispered.

“What would your reply have been, Khushi?” Arnav asked. He could hear his heart beating loudly.

“I would have said, ‘Yes’.” Khushi admitted softly.

“Khushi…” Arnav could not stop himself from gasping her name.

“You were cruel… most of the time. But you were kind too… and always with me whenever I needed help…at the hospital…when the goondas attacked me… during the dance on Jiji's sangeet... I tried to stay away from you, but… I tried not to like you, but… I tried desperately not to think of you, let my heart beat faster when I thought about you, but… Devi Maiyya had different plans…”

“Khushi…” he dropped kisses on her hand.

“Even when you humiliated me, hurt me with your sharp tongue, pushed me away… I could see pain in your eyes. Looking in to your eyes, Arnavji, was like looking in to my heart… That is why I couldn’t stay angry with you. That is why I knew that you liked me…even when you insulted me on Diwali night… I would have said ‘Yes’.”

Arnav’s heart wept tears of blood.

“Khushi, had we got married then, with the full approval of our family, without any misunderstandings between us, we would have been married for 5 months now… happily married….” He gulped a lump of pain. “…maybe with a baby on the way…”

Khushi’s eyes filled at the thought of everything they had missed.

Arnav went down on his knees in front of her, putting his arms around her waist.

“Khushi, forget everything. Shyam, the misunderstandings, our families, the forced marriage, the contract, the kidnapping, my past… Please… Imagine that we are on the terrace of RM.” He begged in his husky voice.

Khushi nodded, looking in to his eager face.

“Will you marry me, Khushi Kumari Gupta?” he asked.

“Yes.” She was direct in her answer.

Arnav swallowed hard. He spoke past the big lump in his throat.

“I love you, Khushi.” he confessed. How he had longed to tell her this!

“Hum bhi aapse bahut prem karte he, Arnavji!” Khushi whispered.

“Will you marry me?” he asked, his heart in his mouth.

“Ji.”

“Tomorrow? Here, at the temple, if I can fix it?” he asked hopefully.

“Ji.”

He exhaled in relief.

“Khushi, come with me. Let us go to the temple and meet the Purohit.”

Khushi stood up to accompany him.

Smita,

Here is the interpretation for Section 1 of Part 6.

This update is about real facts of something that which is true or in accordance with fact or reality. It is about THE TRUTH.
After the warmth hearted lady left and their belly laughter subsided, Arnav and Khushi showered and changed into casuals. Then Khushi went to the kitchen of the dhaba and prepared the dishes that Arnav liked. While she was quickly preparing the dishes, she chatted nineteen to the dozen and her exuberance and simple ways that had already made a place in the heart of their hostess had the cooks eat out of her hand. Soon she had all in gales of laughter and her genial personality brought in a cheerful atmosphere. This was the true form of Khushi. Meanwhile, Arnav called Akash, NK keeping tabs on Shyam's movements and Di, and also called his Di giving information about his whereabouts to her. He then went in search of Khushi and helped her carry their food trays to their room. In their room they had a leisurely repast relaxed in the chairs and sofa around a small coffee table. After the final morsel, Arnav licking his fingers daintily complimented her cooking skills saying that she cooked very well. Hearing the words of appreciation from a man who always fell short of words to express, Khushi choked on a morsel making Arnav pat her head, offer her a drink of water and ask was she fine? Khushi with her eyes watering and laughter engulfing her heart silently nodded. After the meal clearing their dishes off the table Arnav asked a helper boy to carry off the used dishes. The truth of their love was, they were able to be at ease once Arnav's mind had cleared off all its doubts. It is the plain truth that he was able to listen to her words and his heart only when his mind got cleared of the cobwebs and the mist that Shyam had blown over it.
Shutting the door behind him, he turned around to see Khushi relaxing on the sofa. He walked up to her and sitting on a sofa he looked up to observe her only to find her innocent eyes gazing at him as she sat curled in the comfort of her plush chair, replete, her head back against the headrest. He called out to her, Khushi... his voice sounding jaded to himself and asked her whether she remembered the previous time they stayed there. Khushi looked at him with unease, the sound of his voice making her nervous. He began saying that he had made her sleep in the dark and cold without even a blanket and it had resulted in finding her down with fever the next morning. Khushi complained that he had repeated the same after their marriage, making her sleep by the pool and it had been so cold... But she was at a loss to understand why he was raking it up as it was nothing out of ordinary in his context. Arnav was filled with remorse and asked for her forgiveness. Khushi found it funny that he, Arnav Singh Raizada was apologizing to her and with a laugh asked him, if he was inclined to apologize what all would he apologize for? The list was too long and it would take days together for him to do so. Arnav knew that he had too long a list of errors and he realized that it was not easy to do so. But, he was Arnav Singh Raizada who would not hesitate to do what he deems fit and must show it in actions which prove the veracity, honesty and sincerity of the words and right now he knew for starters, apologizing was the right way. Looking at her helplessly as to convince her that he really means it he finally said that it would not matter to him if it did take him days together to apologize to her as she deserved it from him and she had been the target of his unjust ire. Khushi told him with a smile that life was too short for him to repent for all that he had done for her for she was amused that he, ramrod stiff Arnav Singh Raizada who sizzled with anger at every turn, feeling the need to apologize. But Arnav was not amused. When he looked at her, his eyes that used to be spitting fire, now looking like deep sea that had gathered storm held remorse, regret and a sense of shame that was hurting him immensely for causing her the distress. They sat in a still silent each engrossed in thoughts of all that had happened to them in the past few months. It was honest truth that Arnav was repenting in loads for his actions that had hurt Khushi time and again.
Finally unable to bear the silence any longer, she said, that she admits to being wrong to walk in to his fashion show the very first time they met. But it had been a mistake and why did he have to shout at her, tear her dori, demeaning her dignity?  Why did he have to look at her as though all he wanted was to tear her to pieces? She had been so very scared. Khushi's complaint was answered with, it was not every day that lightning strikes a man, especially a lightning he never believed existed. Khushi frowned not understanding what he meant. Still she continued to ask why did he spout out such nonsense at dargah? If Di had heard it, she would have rinsed his mouth with holy water! Her criticism was justified and he agreed that it was so. He told her he never thought that he would ever meet her again! Khushi protested saying that all she wanted to was return the mannat ki chabi that he had dropped. She would have done it to anyone who had dropped it. When it was so, how dare he accuse her of trying to lure a rich man? He told her that he was simply unaware of her nature then and he was so very wrong to assume her to be so. The truth of the matter was trust. He was more inclined not to trust people after his scarred childhood.
But Khushi was irritated and she asked him that if he did not know then on what was the basis for his supposition? How did he come to judge her so? Why was it he assumed that she was after his money? Khushi was genuinely curious as to what had made him to suppose so. She asked him why was it he has such a bad opinion on women in general and then she corrected herself recalling that he never felt so about all women for he liked Naniji, Mamiji, Di, Lavanyaji and  Lisaji. It was only she and her Jiji he could not stand. The nonsense he had spouted about her Jiji that night at Sheesh Mahal confirmed it. Arnav with great difficulty quelling the bile that was rising up, told her the reason for him to think so with great distaste. He said that the inside track was, his father had an affair with a woman who had come as a house-help and it ended with shattering their family. His reason for resentment touched her heart so much that she felt really sad for him and his lost childhood. Staring at him for a moment dumbfounded at his revelation, she asked him the reason for resenting her Jiji and herself was because they came from middle-class and were quite poor? He had thought that the past always repeats itself and as it was true then, it must be true now. Hence his thoughts that it was their ploy to attract him like the other woman who had trapped his father sounded plausible? The nitty-gritty of it was life always expresses the results of our dominant thoughts and we get ruled by it.
Arnav was at a loss to explain and all he could was drawl out her name in pain. With a self-depreciating smile she thought out aloud, and then she had come to his office and house to work. No wonder he was so cruel, so cutting. That was quite understandable now. As she started to say, tormenting her at the office, her innate sense of fairness made her add, that she herself had invited it for she should never have signed the contract. She should have kept within her status and run away from his world as fast as she could. She should not have argued with him or even have talked to him. It was her belief of being infallible and the never say die attitude that had led to all her problems. When Arnav tried to tell her that the fault was his all the time and it had never been hers, Khushi was beyond hearing him. Her innate nature of defending the person she loves rose to the fore and she continued to say that if Anjaliji had not blackmailed her, she would never have come to his house to teach Lavanyaji!  Khushi laughed mirthlessly saying, of all the things she teaching Lavanyaji! and continued with, what could she a nobody from Lucknow teach her? Arnav hearing the word blackmail was flabbergasted and gasped, blackmail? When she asked him does he remember the one lakh she owed for quitting the job before the stipulated period of 15 days, he told her that he had never asked her to pay that. Khushi enlightened him that it was Anjaliji who had asked her to pay up the money if she was unwilling to train Lavanyaji to be a good bahu, one good enough to be a Raizada bahu. Arnav was horrified to know this. The kernel of truth was, if not him one of the family members had always held Khushi at gun point at one time or the other! She told him calmly, as she could not raise the stated amount in twenty four hours, she had to enter his house to work. Arnav was stunned beyond words to even grunt. As though murmuring to herself she said that she was utterly butterly soft in the head to poke her nose into his relationship with Lavanyaji when it was his personal affair? Khushi was lamenting at her stupidity.
Arnav's admonition, Khushi..., for berating herself fell into deaf ears. She continued, if Lavanyaji could think so low of herself, enough to agree to a live-in arrangement with him, if she was happy being just his girlfriend without any legal rights, who was she to think otherwise as best for Lavanyaji? How was it her business to convince Lavanyaji of the significance of marriage? And that too to a man who had never hidden his contempt for the institution of marriage and scorned at love? She was an imbecile, a simpleton, a dunce and asked him to forgive her for all her play some meddling in his life with the firm belief that her way was the only way and that was the right way. Khushi meant each and every word she uttered and it was heartfelt. Arnav was quick to correct her and said that it was he who was at wrong and not she. Continuing as though she was uninterrupted Khushi in a cool and calm voice stated that, whatever happened on Diwali night was wrong too. The night they realized they were very attracted to each other, the night that saw the kiss missed. It was wrong especially as Lavanyaji was his girlfriend. She was too much of a greenhorn to understand, realize what was really happening and what its implications and repercussions would be. But he had realized it, didn't he? He had seen her as the maid who broke up his parents' marriage, did he not? Though he had been economical with the truth, Khushi now realized the plain fact how he had seen her throughout.
Her query was posed so laconically that Arnav was not able to clearly state what he had felt. He had expected accusations from her but not such a stoic acceptance. All he could say amidst recalling the confusion of that moment was a stuttering no, Khushi... I... Pondering over his behavior she was very curious about a particular pattern of his. With a frown she questioned him stating that he did not want her but he was not ready to let any other man have her too. Was it not so? He had wanted to marry Lavanyaji and live happily but she was not supposed to marry anyone else. What did he really expect her to do all her life? Wait for a man who had only contempt to give her? Her queries showed, how desperate he was to believe ridiculous ideas for patently emotional reasons. Arnav was once again left with the chant Khushi..., for, doing irrational things and laying out irrational laws was quite easy but substantiating it was not an easy task and at times quite impossible. Behaviour is a mirror where everyone sees their own image. When held out by Khushi, Arnav did not like what he saw of himself and could only grimace. That was the substance of his existence at that point of time.
She told him that the day he aired the Sheesh Mahal clip, goons surrounded her in the street and pulled her dupatta off trying to strip her off her honor. They had hit Babuji who come to defend her. Hearing this for the first time, Arnav's uttered a low whisper, Khushi... a mere thread that came from the pit bottom for he now realized the enormity of his action taken in anger and as a retaliation towards his past. She told him that he had never thought about the consequences of his action, did he? He had aired the footage because he wanted to punish her for shouting at him. He had thought when somebody disagrees with him, it as a personal attack against him. He did not spare a thought for her or her family, their reputation, their standing, their prestige and their life! Khushi shook her head in resignation as though nothing else could be expected of him. Listening to the impact of his actions he was stumped but what worried him was her sense of resignation. Her bitter pill of truth made him pale. She told him that, when he was and is very concerned of the prestige and reputation of his family, his Di's happiness and security, his family's safety and position in society, how was it  he did not realize that the rest too desire respect, their family's happiness and security...?. Her query was posed with a deep curious note to know the answer. For this too he had no reply to give. He looked at her, helplessly.
She was cool when she said that, his actions were the ones that sowed the seeds of his own destruction. Shyamji had come to her rescue and saved her from the goondas that day, and used this incident to wheedle his way in to Buaji's house as a paying guest. Once he had secured a foothold there, he suggested to Buaji that he would make a good groom for her. Khushi's smile held  pity while she said he made his own enemy, feeding and nurturing the snake who was gathering venom to bite him, destroy his sister's life...  As Arnav listened quietly to her, his eyes had moistened, for he knew that every word she spoke was the truth, the bitter truth as facts do not cease to exist just because they are being ignored. He acknowledged that he would be more at wrong if he does not admit that he was wrong and was responsible for the current state of affairs. She asked him with curiosity written all over her face, why did he marry her? Who told him that she was in an illicit relationship with Shyamji? Arnav heaving a deep breath said that he had followed her to the terrace as he wanted to talk to her in private and he saw, he could not continue further. Khushi realizing what was stopping him supplemented by asking, Shyamji hugging her? Arnav nodded and said that he heard him say that he loved her and Rani Sahiba was a hurdle in their path. Khushi sighed feeling once again the despair at Shyam's actions. He told her that he heard her ask Shyam why he was still sticking to Di then. Khushi was frustrated to hear that Arnav had misunderstood her words and felt like banging her head. Hitting her head with her hand and heaving out a deep breath that she had held, she informed him, that he must have misconstrued her words as to wanting Shyam to leave Anjaliji for her! She told him all she was trying to tell him was that he would never leave Anjaliji as she was his purse and he was very fond of her money as well as the position that she gave him among the upper echelons of the society. She told Arnav all she was trying to do was to make Shyamji aware of how much he was risking and putting at stake with such lecherous, lewd behavior that amounted to nothing but sleaziness and that was not becoming of a person with a standing in society as Anjaliji's husband. Arnav was taken aback by her explanation and it really made him question his judgement and realize that there was a world of difference between truth and facts, and facts can obscure truth! Him taking facts as the naked truth was a blunder of mammoth proportions!  Khushi thinking of the lost cause and wasted time once again heaving a sigh pushed ahead to say, that her attempts to help Anjaliji and her marriage did not bear any fruit. It was like trying to straighten a dog's tail, for Shyam was beyond repair and beyond reasoning too.
Arnav told her that he caught hold of him and had questioned about his relationship with her making Khushi's eyes widen with surprise. He told her that Shyam had lied and said that both where in love with each other and he was willing to leave Di for her. Such was the confidence of Shyam that it lent verisimilitude to his already half-truth, enough to make Arnav not see things objectively. As he went to tell Di the true colours of Shyam, he had found out that she was carrying and had to back out... his voice petered out. Khushi and Arnav just gazed at each other, both hurting thinking of the pain Shyam had caused them; how he had strangled the budding relationship they had managed to forge inspite of Arnav's past and the hostile circumstances. Khushi now realizing the reasons for all his actions that were very confusing as well as petrifying then mused, so that was the reason behind his blackmailing her, forcing her in to marriage, a contract marriage. Arnav drew a deep breath and mustering his strength told her that was the reason and he was extremely sorry for having done so to her. She told him that she was not angry with him about their contract marriage. If their places were exchanged if it were her Jiji's life and marriage that were under threat, she really cannot think what she could have done then. Most probably her solution too would be as spectacularly foolish as this Khushi was nothing if not truthful, her inconvenient sense of fairness and conscience raising their heads to make her acknowledge the truth.
Both sat in silence, both regretting the past, both lamenting the lost opportunities, both wasting so much of time in hatred. Just plain talk between the two could have cleared everything but they had to resort otherwise. Arnav's ego and the feeling that he was never wrong in his assessment came into play! Then when Arnav asked Khushi to forgive him, she smiled and asked who was she to forgive him? In his rush to write his own destiny, he had committed one folly after the other, he fell into the trap of making one bad decision after the other. In his arrogance that he knew all, he did not even pause to think that he could have mistaken, that he might be making a mistake. Now, and after their return to RM, he will have to face the consequences of all his foolish decisions. He will have the uphill task of persuading a pregnant Anjaliji that her husband is a thief and a kidnapper, an ingrate, a freeloader, a veritable scoundrel. While his Di was praying for his good health and well being his Jijaji was prancing about playing the field. That by itself alone would be punishment enough for him. Arnav with all seriousness told her that he was ready to shoulder all the punishment for he deserved it. But he needed her forgiveness much more for hurting her and that was what was eating him up. He was looking at her intently seeking one slight action from her doing so. It virtually told her for him she was much more important now than anyone else. He needed her support and strength in his fight. With her by his side he could even withstand the emotional blackmail that his Di usually resorts to get her way. That his solar system consisted of Khushi as his local star, the Sun and the rest were distant planets, told her the whole story, a drastic change from what it had been just a few days back.
Khushi watching him silently, said when he saw Shyamji hugging her, he must have relived his past and he nodded. Her query, was he not reminded of the other woman who destroyed his parent's marriage, made him sigh and say that his Mama found out about the affair on Di's wedding day. He had heard his parents arguing over it. Khushi's breath hitched hearing it. She asked Di's wedding with Shyamji? But... and tapered off feeling muddled, for the facts and time did not fit properly. Arnav corrected her that it was another marriage when she was eighteen and he was fourteen. His Mama had fought with Papa, and she had entered his study. Then they had heard a gunshot... and that was how he had last seen his mother alive. Khushi was shocked and was unable to comprehend the horror that young Arnav had witnessed and the trauma of knowing that his mother had left them to fend for themselves. His painful admission, that his mother had succumbed to her miseries and taken her life out made Khushi jump out of her seat and rush to him. Kneeling down before him between his legs, she threw her arms around his waist and hugged him. Arnav pulled her close to his heart. He pushed on to say that his Papa shot himself after a couple of hours, maybe out of guilt, made Khushi's heart bleed for him. He said simply, that Di's wedding was cancelled. His Chachaji threw them out of their house for his father had signed away all his properties to him, including Sheesh Mahal. Khushi was horrified to hear it. Arnav looking down at her told her, that the very venue where he met her, Sheesh Mahal, was the venue of all those terrible, nightmarish events. She deduced now the reason for his boorish behavior then and she had touched a raw nerve. It made sense and she told him that was the reason for being so upset when they met, was it not? That was why he was lit up like dried sticks when she talked of his sister's wedding being cancelled... The validity of her reasoning made Arnav nod as he helped her to sit by his side and lifted her hand to his lips and pressed his hard lips on her soft dainty hands with repeated murmurs seeking her forgiveness. A bluntly honest Khushi told him that she was not completely blameless. Her error lay in not telling about Shyamji being their paying guest and her fianc when she found out on the day of the Satyanarayan Pooja. That was when Arnav realized why she had cried on his shoulders and gasped out saying so. Khushi nodding her head told him that instead of crying, she should have told him the truth. He may not have believed her, he may have shouted at her, questioned her aukat, said that she was trying to cast covetous eyes at his saint of a Jiju... but the fact was she should have still told him and she had not done so.
They sat side by side while the evening sun was lighting up the sky with its colourful hues and filtering through the drapes. Khushi breaking their thoughts called out to him and when he enquired, she asked in a low voice, that day on her Jiji's wedding day, when they came to his house, what was it that he wanted to speak to her about? Arnav without shuttering the feelings he felt told her that he wanted to tell her farak kyon padta hai, why it made a difference, why everything about her mattered to him, why he wanted her with him always, why he could not bear the thought of her getting engaged to another man, why he did not like her talking to NK, why everything she did, thought, said mattered to him, why he could not get her out of his head, why he thought about her every minute of every day, why being without her was like being cut in to two, why every drop of tear in her eyes made him bleed inside. His words made Khushi wipe away a tear. He continued saying softly that, he wanted to declare his love to her and wanted to ask her to marry him mesmerizing Khushi with his words. That was the actual case and Shyam with his cunningness had derailed it.
Catching her hand he asked, had he met her on the terrace and told her all these things what her reply would have been. In a tremulous voice, Khushi answered, that she would have asked him to talk to his family and send them to her parents and Buaji with his proposal. He further asked her if he had talked to them, if they had approached her family what then. She replied in whispers, that they would have called her aside and told her about his proposal. They would have asked her if she wanted to marry him. With his heart beating like the jungle drums loudly in his ears, he asked her what would her reply have been and waited for her answer with bated breath. When she admitted softly, that it would have been nothing but yes, he gasped out Khushi... It was a gasp of truth that said that I am selfish, impatient and insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. When you have handled me at my worst, then you sure have right on me at my best. It was an acknowledgement that she was kind enough to take on such an onerous task all through her life. Khushi explained that that though most of the times he was cruel, he was kind too and always was with her whenever she needed help. He was helping her and by her side, at the hospital, when the goondas attacked her, during the dance on Jiji's sangeet. She had tried to stay away from him, but... She had tried not to like him, but... She had tried desperately not to think of him, she had tried not to let her heart beat faster when she thought about him, but had been unsuccessful, for Devi Maiyya had different plans. Feeling the depth of her love, an overwhelmed Arnav kissed her hand. She told him that even when he had humiliated her, hurt her with his sharp tongue pushed her away; she could see pain in his eyes. Looking in to his eyes was like looking in to her own heart, it was a mirror reflection of all that she was feeling. That was why she could not stay angry with him. That was why she knew that he liked her, even when he insulted her on Diwali night and she had only one option and that was, yes. The naked truth is, unless you let go, unless you forgive yourself, unless you forgive the situation, unless you realize that the situation is over, you cannot move forward and that Khushi has realized.  Arnav was moved beyond words. For now he knew that her love was like a sun. It could be eclipsed for a time, but it was not going to go away. This realization made his heart weep tears of blood and that Khushi was his for better or worse was an honest truth.
Arnav swallowing hard told her that had they got married then, with the full approval of their family, without any misunderstanding between them, they would have been married for five whole months now, happily married, with maybe with a little one on the way. Khushi's eyes filled up at the thought of everything they had missed and the unnecessary heartache that both had to deal with. Arnav going down on his knees in front of her, putting his arms around her waist with his husky voice begged her to forget everything for a minute like Shyam, the misunderstanding, their families, the forced marriage, the contract, the kidnapping, his past, and imagine themselves to be on the terrace of RM. Khushi nodded, looking in to his eager face. He simply asked her will you marry me, Khushi Kumari Gupta? His simple query getting a direct answer, yes, made Arnav swallow hard and speak past the big lump in his throat. He confessed what he had been meaning to tell her since long, that he loves her. Khushi too gave words to her heart felt thoughts whispering, Arnavji, Hum bhi aapse bahut prem karte he! With his heart in his mouth he asked her will she marry him and her answer, yes, made him ask with hope shining in his eyes, will she marry him the next day at the temple if he could fix it? Her, yes, made him relax and ask her to go with him to meet the Purohit at the temple to arrange the wedding and Khushi stood up to accompany him. It was an honest attempt to bring in a closure to the thought that had been nagging in her that she had not been married with the traditional rituals. It was his genuine way of showing his love towards her that every matter that may upset her is of concern to him too. Their life was bound together irrespective of the storm they face.
The unvarnished truth was Shyam played his cards close to his heart until it became known to Arnav what he really was and he used Khushi and Arnav along with the rest as his pawns. But it was not for long. Once Arnav realized the extent of his folly, the folly of believing in Shyam words he tried to make amends and found out the whole truth and that included the unconditional love of Khushi towards him too.
That is why this update is titled as THE TRUTH.
"I think that we are like stars. Something happens to burst us open; but when we burst open and think we are dying; we're actually turning into a supernova. And then when we look at ourselves again, we see that we're suddenly more beautiful than we ever were before!"
                                               ~ C. JoyBell C.
That's it from me. Hope you enjoy it.

Part 6 Section 2

 

“Bitwaa, I am sorry. I can’t marry you tomorrow morning. Woh kya he, tomorrow I have to go 15km away after I finish my duties here to conduct a pooja at a home.” the purohit said apologetically.

Arnav & Khushi paled.

The pujari smiled. “If you are ready to marry tonight, I can marry you.”

Arnav & Khushi looked at each other in surprise.

“Yes, yes. We are ready.” Arnav said.

“Are you over 18?” the priest asked Khushi.

“Yes, I am 21.” she said.

“Are you a spinster?” he asked.

“Ji.”

The priest asked Arnav, “Are you married to someone else?”

“Ofcourse not.”

The purohit smiled. “Then it is OK. Bitwaa, do you have any family members here?”

“No.”

“We need witnesses for the marriage.” the pujari explained. “Wait till the arti is over. The temple will be crowded then. I will announce your wedding. We will get devotees and the temple staff to sign the register as witnesses.”

Arnav & Khushi agreed happily.

“Arrange snacks for the witnesses, & give it to them after the ceremony is over.” the purohit suggested.

“Ji.”

“Wait for one hour. Then you can both get married.”

Arnav & Khushi thanked the purohit. They went to a nearby shop and gave an order for a big basket of jalebi.

They then returned to the dhaba, and changed clothes.

Arnav wore his new brown shirt and black pants. Khushi dressed in the beautiful red sari that Arnavji had bought for her. She plaited her hair neatly to lie down her spine, and came out to join Arnav.

Arnav stared at her, struck by her beauty. The bright red sari with a golden border, the red embellished by golden leaves, the short choli that hugged her figure, her creamy waist that peeped from the fall of her sari across her bosom, her bright, dancing eyes… she looked like a princess. His own, personal princess.

They walked to the temple holding hands, the camera they had borrowed from their host held safely in Arnav’s hand.

Shyam walked the length & breadth of his room, fretting. Where was Rocky? Why wasn’t he answering his call? Where was Khushi?

Anjali walked in to the room.

“Shyamji! What is wrong? You seem very worried! Are you upset about Khushiji as we all are?” Anjali asked, her eyes moist at the thought of her missing sister-in-law.

“Yes…yes…” Shyam managed to say with composure. “Arnav…where is he?”

“Chotey has gone to arrange the 5 crores the kidnappers asked as ransom. He called me some time back. He is expecting the kidnappers to call today.” Anjali confided.

Shyam started sweating profusely. How could he ask Rocky to call Arnav when Rocky himself was missing? How could he take 5 crores from Arnav without showing him Khushi? He panicked.

“Shyamji, the bank manager called. He said that there is very little money in our joint account. So little that we will be fined for not maintaining a minimum balance. He wants you to deposit money immediately.” Anjali said.

Shyam gasped. Kidnapping was expensive business. The kidnappers had to be hired. Their food, drinks…the chloroform…the jeep needed petrol to run…

“Shyamji…” Anjali frowned. “A few days back, we had 2 lakhs in the account, didn’t we?”

“I will see to it, Rani Sahiba. You needn’t worry about such matters, especially not at this time. You focus on Naniji & Mamiji. Payalji must be so unhappy about Khushiji…” he tried to divert her attention.

He succeeded. Anjali went back down to cry and pray along with the other family members.

Shyam panted. He had to do something urgently. Lallan, Rocky’s boss would demand payment soon. He had to raise the amount immediately.

There was nothing in his bank account; the joint account was as good as empty. There was only one way out. He had to use the duplicate key for Arnav’s locker that he had made, and take some cash from him.

He opened his drawer & took out the duplicate key. Slowly, stealthily, like a thief, he made his way to Arnav’s room. He looked around. The women were all sitting at Devi Maiyya’s feet, praying. Akash was in his room, busy with office matters. NK, the fool, was nowhere to be seen. He slipped in.

He shut the doors gently. He moved to the locker and pushed the key in. It was a perfect fit. He smiled in appreciation of his own intelligence. It was like taking candy from a kid. Gleefully, he turned the key.

Nothing happened.

The lock failed to open. Shyam looked at the recalcitrant lock with shocked eyes. He tried again and again, frantic, looking towards the door frequently so as to avoid being caught. He pushed the key in more firmly, & tried to turn it. But the lock proved more stubborn than Shyam Manohar Jha.

There was no use hanging around here, Shyam decided. It was time to leave Arnav’s room. He tried to pull the key out.

The key refused to budge.

He stared at it in horror!

After pulling & pushing at it for long, sweat running down his face in rivulets, Shyam decided to give up. Furious at his defeat and scared of his inability to raise the necessary cash, he looked around to see if Arnav had left anything expensive around that he could steal & sell.

But there was nothing. The room was as spartan as always.

How dare the Raizadas not give him money? After all, that was the only reason why he was putting up with their Anjali! He looked around the room, his eyes rolling, red, like a mad bull.

Just Arnav’s books… Shyam knocked them down. Just his wardrobe of clothes…he pushed it open. In a mad frenzy fuelled by his hatred of Arnav and his need for money, Shyam threw down some of Khushi’s suits and Arnav’s shirts. Many files were kept in a lower compartment. He pulled them out and ripped the papers out. He took the last file, opened it, pulled the papers out, and raised them to rip them apart.

He paused. Khushi Kumari Gupta? What was her name doing on this document? Shyam lowered his arm to read it.


Smita,
Here is the interpretation for Section 2 of Part 6.
This update is about the direction one takes, STEP.
At the temple, the Purohit was all apologetic and said that he was sorry that he could not get them married the next morning as he is scheduled to go  to a place 15 kms away once the morning duties gets over at the temple to conduct a pooja at a home. Arnav and Khushi had not expected any hindrance to their marriage and the Purohit saying so was a stepback for them. They had thought of forging ahead in their relation without anyone in the family being privy to what really had happened five months back. They had thought that it would be a closed chapter. Seeing them look crestfallen, Purohit smiled and offered an alternative saying, that if they were ready he could get them married that night itself. His words took them unawares but it was a most welcome alternative put before them. For Arnav who was of the type, who wanted to get things done yesterday itself of the idea that was thought of today, it was a sweet manna and he readily agreed. The Purohit looking at the prospective bride asked her the rhetoric questions, was she over eighteen? When she said that she was twenty-one and an adult he asked whether she was unmarried? Khushi bobbed her head in agreement. The priest carefully worded his next question addressed to Arnav whether he was married to someone else? Pat came the reply, of course not. (I wonder what happened to her mangalsutra? The one she wears was a short chained one and the way she wears her dupatta it was bound to be seen! Was the purohit an old man with not so sharp eyes? Was that why he asked Arnav whether he was married to someone else???) The Purohit with a smile asked them whether they have any family members with them there. When he was told, no, he explained that they needed witnesses for the marriage and asked them to wait till the night pooja time when a good crowd assembles. Then he would announce their wedding and would ask the devotees and the temple staff to sign the register as witnesses. That was highly appreciated by the love birds. He asked them to arrange for snacks for the witnesses and to give it after the ceremony and they agreed to do so. Thanking the Purohit, Arnav and Khushi went to a nearby shop and ordered a big basket of jalebi. With all the steps and measures for their wedding taken care of, they returned to the dhaba and changed into their wedding finery!
Arnav changed into his new brown shirt and black trousers and Khushi dressed in the beautiful red saree that Arnav had sneaked into her purchases. She braided her hair into a thick neat plait that reached her waist and joined Arnav. Arnav stared at the pretty alluring enchantress in a bright red sari, bordered with gold. Golden leaves were splashed all over the red saree and the short choli with an equally short sleeve highlighted the fairness of her skin. The saree was hugging to her willowy figure letting her creamy dream-waist peep every now and then when she walked. The bright sari, vied with her cheeks and her twinkling eyes made his chest swell in pride and happiness that his princess, very own princess was coming towards him with her love aglow just for him. They walked to the temple stepping together holding hands while the camera they had borrowed from their host was held safely in Arnav's hand. Arnav had fore thought about the necessity to have the photographs taken to get their marriage registered. It was a foresight, a step, that a businessman with sharp acumen would make as a contingency plan taking into consideration every aspect that needs to be considered.
Meanwhile Shyam who was pacing his room like a harassed sentry was fretting and wondering where Rocky was? Why was he not answering his call? Where was Khushi? While his head was swirling with multiple questions just like a spiral-staircase, winding him up, his Rani Sahiba walked in asking her Pati Parameshwar, what was wrong? He seemed to be extremely agitated! Was he upset about Khushiji missing just like the rest? Anjali's lashes glistened at the thought of missing her sweet sister-in-law. Shyam who was caught unawares, managed to compose himself and express that it was so and muttered Arnav... and asked her more confidently where Arnav was? She confided in him, that her Chotey had gone to arrange the five crores demanded by the kidnappers and he had called sometime back. He was also expecting the kidnappers to call that day. Hearing her words, his heart missed a beat.
Shyam, who had been just worried till now became a bit panicky and started sweating profusely. He wondered how he could ask Rocky to call Arnav when Rocky himself was missing. How could he take 5 crores from Arnav without showing him Khushi? This was a step back in his plans. Anjali told him that she had received a call from the bank manager and was told that there was very little money in their joint account. The amount was less than the minimum amount that needed to be retained and if not corrected quickly they would be fined for not maintaining a minimum balance. The Manager wants him to deposit money immediately. He was struck dumb to hear it.  This was again an unexpected step down at the landing stage. His mind went to the expenses, for kidnapping was an expensive business. The kidnappers needed to be paid, their food, drinks, chloroform, fuel expenses for the jeep to run were to be met. All these would not come for tuppence! Anjali with a frown expressed her doubt saying, that a few days back they had 2 lakhs in their account. Did they not? Shyam side stepped the query smoothly saying that he would take care of it and his Rani Sahiba need not worry about such matters, especially at this particular time. She needs to focus her attention on Naniji and Mamiji. Payalji must be so very unhappy about Khushiji and he successfully diverted her attention. Anjali went back to the rest of the family to cry and pray along with the other family members.
Shyam panted. He had to do something urgently. Lallan, Rocky's boss would soon demand the payment. He had to raise the amount immediately. His bank account amounted to nothing at present and by the looks of it, joint account too was of the same state, as good as empty. Now there was only one way out and that was the back stairs, to use of the duplicate key to Arnav's locker that was in his possession and filch a portion of the cash from it. That would anyway go unnoticed. He opened his drawer and took out the duplicate key. Slowly, stealthily, just like a common burglar, he padded his way to Arnav's room. He looked around and found the women huddled up at Devi Maiyya's feet, with their eyes tightly shut, praying. Akash was in his room, busy with his office work and the fool, NK, was nowhere to be seen. He slipped in. Daiyya ho! He could get in without anyone seeing him enter. Shutting the door gently in precaution, he moved to the locker and pushed the key in. It was a perfect fit. He swaggered in appreciation of his own intelligence. He thought that it was a step-up in the right direction for him. His forethought had paid off. It was just as easy as taking off candy from a kid and like a dog with two tails, he gleefully turned the key. But, nothing happened. The lock failed to open. Shyam's eyes threw daggers at the recalcitrant lock. He tried again and again, frantic, looking towards the door frequently so as to avoid being caught. He pushed the key in more firmly and tried to turn it. But the lock proved more stubborn than Shyam Manohar Jha. Thinking that there was no use hanging around, Shyam decided that it was high time he left Arnav's room lest he got caught and tried to remove the key. But it refused to budge. He stared at it in horror. After the gruelling pushing and pulling with sweating like a pig from all the exertions, Shyam decided to give up. Once again he was hit by a blow that made him back down.
Furious at being outwitted and scared of his inability to raise the necessary cash he thought of having a stab at the valuables that Arnav may have left around! But that room held nothing! It was spartan as always only with the bare necessities! Once again he came up with nothing! He was furious and thought there were no valuables in Arnav's room and there were no funds in his account! How dare the Raizadas' not give him the necessary cash! It was like a red flag to a bull. After all, money and life style were the only reason why he was putting up with their Anjali! All the steps he took seemed to come out in a naught. He looked around the room, his eyes rolling, red, like a mad bull. He saw just Arnav's books. Foaming at the mouth with a swipe of his hand he knocked them down! Being driven up the wall he ripped open the doors of the wardrobe that held clothes. In a mad frenzy fuelled by his hatred of Arnav and his need for money, Shyam threw down some of Khushi's suits and Arnav's shirts. Many files were kept in a lower compartment. He ripped them off the folder, shredded them to pieces and flung them around. As he took the last file while pulling the papers out, raising them to shred into pieces, his eyes caught the name Khushi Kumari Gupta! He paused midway and wondered what was her name doing on that document? Shyam lowered his arm to read it and at last he seemed to have landed on something that held value.
This update is about Arnav and Khushi taking their marriage and their life step forward.
Shyam was being made to take steps backward. The noose seems to be tightening around him but it looks as though he has got a breather.
That is why this is titled STEP

"It is better to take many small steps in the right direction than to make a great leap forward only to stumble backward"       
                                           ~ Old Chinese Proverb  
That's it from me. Hope you enjoy it.

Part 7

Arnav & Khushi walked in to the temple, and waited inside to be summoned by the priest. A boy from the sweetshop brought them a big basket of jalebi, and a couple of temple staff ran around making the final arrangements for the wedding.

Khushi looked at Arnavji’s content face.

Softly, she spoke, “It is so strange, Arnavji…”

He looked at her.

“You hated me with a passion. I hated you with a vengeance. We hurt each other, we tried to go away from each other. Shyamji tried to destroy us, our bond…” Khushi thought aloud.

Arnav listened, very attentive.

“Inspite of all the hatred and hurt, inspite of Shyamji’s lies and our misunderstandings, we are here… ready to marry each other because we can’t live without each other…” Wonder lit her eyes, making them glow with an inner light.

Arnav swallowed. He whispered in his husky voice, “Our love is stronger than our hatred ever was, more potent than Shyam’s lies, capable of vanquishing my wrong notions and prejudice, more powerful than our tears and pain…”

Khushi pressed his fingers with hers, and moved closer to him to sit pressed against him.

“Khushi, I will never give you cause to cry again…” he promised sincerely, his eyes serious, earnest.

“What the! Is this Arnav Singh Raizada speaking or the spirit of Salman Khan that has possessed his body?” Khushi teased him to make him smile.

Arnav smiled and parted his lips to make a comeback, but was stopped by his phone.

Arnav’s phone vibrated.

“Yes, NK?”

“Nannav, Shyam went in to your room, and tried to open your locker with a key he had with him.”

Arnav frowned.

“The key got stuck. He pushed your books down, wrecked the room, & tore many of your files.”

“What the!”

“Nannav, he took one file with him. I don’t know what it was, but he seemed thrilled to lay his eyes on it!” NK cautioned him.

The contract marriage! Arnav shut his eyes. So Shyam had found out about the contract marriage!

“Nannav, I have recorded everything he did…” NK reassured him.

“Thanks, NK. Don’t worry about the file. And don’t follow Shyam out of the house. Not under any condition.” Arnav was definite on the point, urgent in his instruction.

“I promise. I won’t, Nannav. Akash told me not to.” NK comforted Arnav.

Arnav phoned Aman.

“Aman, I am getting married to Khushi now, in a temple, with full vidhi & rasam. How do I get our marriage registered? What are the documents I need? The proof? Can you contact Mr. Roy, our lawyer, & find out? Message me the answer now.”

“Yes, Sir. Just give me five minutes.” Aman got busy.

He texted, “Photo of saath phere, sindoor, managalsutra ceremony etc, wedding invitation if any, witnesses, preferably 4, age proof, address proof, identity proof….” the list went on. “We need to give all of this to Mr. Roy after the wedding. He will complete the formalities to register the wedding.”

Arnav read the message with attention.

“Kya hua, Arnavji?” Khushi asked, anxious.

“Nothing.” Arnav smiled. “Tomorrow, when we return, we need to register our wedding. I need all the paperwork done immediately. That is all.”

Khushi’s anxious eyes studied every inch of his face and eyes.

“I want to make sure that you are mine and only mine, Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada!” Arnav teased to make her smile.

Khushi smiled. “Hum to aap hi ke hain, with or without real or contract marriage, with or without rasams…”

“Khushi…remove the mangalsutra. I have to tie it around your neck again.” he said softly, loving the smile on her face, treasuring the trust she had in him...

Khushi removed the mangalsutra and handed it over to him, taking care not to drop the thin chain of black and gold beads and diamonds.

The priest called them. “It is time for aarti.” he said.

Arnav & Khushi stood up with alacrity. They joined the crowd, standing close, their hands folded. The aarti started with the ringing of the bells, the chanting of the crowd, the worship of Devi Maiyya with lamps… Arnav looked at Devi Maiyya’s smiling visage and then looked at Khushi’s peaceful countenance as she prayed with her eyes shut.

“Bitwaa, are you ready?” the priest asked.

Arnav said, “Ji. But we need photos as proof of our marriage.” He held the camera out.

“Why not?” the priest smiled. He asked a temple staff to man the camera, and handed Arnav & Khushi two garlands made of rajnigandha and red roses.

Khushi placed the fragrant garland around Arnav’s neck and Arnav did the same to Khushi. She smiled at him, her eyes twinkling, her face incandescent with joy.

Arnav felt like the luckiest man on earth to get a partner like her to share his life with. His life had been drab, colourless before she had fallen in to his arms like a gift from heaven… He looked at Devi Maiyya with gratitude in his heart.

Many devotees who had attended the aarti stayed back to witness the wedding.

The purohit motioned Arnav & Khushi to sit in front of the havan. He began to chant mantras, thereby commencing the ceremony.

Arnav looked at Khushi. Her head was covered with the pallu of the red sari he had bought for her. The red sari with the gold border, the light from the fire of the havan falling on her face, the happiness on her face… they made her more beautiful than he had ever seen her.

When it was time for kanyadaan, the Purohit looked around for someone who would willingly do the ritual of handing over Khushi in to the safekeeping of Arnav.

But Khushi said, smiling, “Panditji, I will give myself to him.” She placed her hand in her Arnavji’s warm, large, loving hand as his tender eyes showered love on her.

The rituals followed one after the other, the saat phere, the managalsutra, the sindoor…. The temple employee clicked photo after photo of all the rituals.

Finally, the marriage was done. Arnav & Khushi filled in all the details and signed the temple register and Arnav made the boy with the camera take a pic and a photocopy of the page.

The crowd that had gathered to participate in the wedding approached the newly-wedded pair to offer them their good wishes. The temple staff distributed the jalebi among the young and old.

Finally, the crowd dispersed, and Arnav & Khushi thanked the Purohit from the bottom of their hearts. They stood with their hands folded in front of Devi Maiyya, and slowly walked to the dhaba, hand in hand.

Shyam stashed the document related to the contract marriage in his office bag. Anjali would not poke her nose in to his bag, he was sure. That was the only safe place in the whole house where he could hide something from Anjali!

He smiled. He held the trump card now. He would beggar Arnav, and make sure that his family hated the sight of him. He would lose everything he held dear… Shyam smirked.

His phone rang.

It was Lallan, demanding his money.

“Kahe ka paisa?” Shyam growled. “Your idiots let the girl run away. And now they are missing too. First, find them. Then we can talk of money.”

“A word is a word. I want my money now. Or do you want me to come to your office or house, asking for my due?” Lallan threatened Shyam.

Shyam looked around like a cornered rat. The words of the bank manager asking him to credit cash in his joint account resounded in his ears.

“No, no. I will meet you. Let’s meet at the place they kept Khushi. That way, maybe we can find out what happened to them.” Shyam suggested, wiping the sweat from his forehead.

Lallan agreed.

As Shyam walked out of his room, he saw a perplexed Akash standing in the corridor.

“Kya hua, Akash?” Shyam asked.

“Bhai just called. The money is almost ready, but the kidnappers haven’t called yet.” Akash frowned.

Shyam panted. How could the kidnappers call when the kidnappers and the kidnapped were missing?

“They were supposed to call today, but… Anyway, Bhai said he will be returning only tomorrow. He does not want to travel alone at night with so much cash.” Akash explained.

Shyam heaved a sigh of relief. He had time till tomorrow to fix things.

A few minutes later, Shyam left the house, citing an urgent meeting with a client as an excuse. Driving towards the kidnappers’ hideout to meet Lallan, his mind filled with worry over money and the missing Khushi, Rocky, and the others, he failed to notice the two cars following him adroitly.



Smita,

Here is the interpretation for Part 7.
This update is about entering or moving headlong through something. It is also to throw oneself earnestly or wholeheartedly into an activity or situation, in a word PLUNGE.
When Arnav and Khushi walked in to the temple, and waited inside to be summoned by the priest, a boy from the sweet shop brought them a big basket of jalebi, and a couple of temple staff ran around immersed in making the final arrangements for the wedding. Khushi gazing at the content face of Arnav said softly, that it was so strange, Arnavji, making him look at her. She told him that he had hated her vehemently with an unsurpassed passion and she had hated the very shadow of his. They had hurled accusations and hurt one another innumerable times, they had tried to move away from each other, Shyamji had tried to destroy them, had tried to rip open the very fabric of their being, yet they were together and their bond was much stronger. She voiced out aloud her thoughts. Arnav was all ears to what she had to say. With genuine wonder making her eyes luminescent with an inner light, she said, inspite of all the hatred and hurt, inspite of Shyamji's lies and their misunderstanding, they were there, ready to marry and be bound to each other because they are unable to live without each other... They were like two magnets when like poles were brought near would repel but jump around only to be attracted by the opposite pole. Though they had submerged themselves in misery propelled by Shyam's actions and deeds, their love had survived and made them take the plunge.
Arnav seeing her happiness at being bound to him whispered in his husky voice, that their love was stronger than their hatred ever was and was more potent than Shyam's lies. It has the capacity to vanquish his wrong notions and prejudice and it was more powerful than their tears and pain. They were two of a kind, for the each of them the other was their centre of focus and that was why they could emerge out of the abyss they had fallen into. Khushi pressed his fingers with hers and moved closer to his warmth sitting pressed against him. Moved by her words and gestures, Arnav who after realizing the extent of goodness in her heart and deeds, had thought how blessed he was to be still loved by her even after the way he had treated her, made a heart-felt promise, that he would never give her a cause to shed tears again. It was uttered with utmost sincerity, in all seriousness and earnestness. Seeing that he was getting melancholic, rehashing the past in his mind, Khushi set out to change his mood by teasing using his very own epithet, what the! Was this Arnav Singh Raizada speaking or the spirit of Salman Khan that has possessed his body? Arnav smiled at her attempt to cheer him up and was about to come out with a repartee when he felt his phone vibrate. Picking up the call he spoke, yes, NK, only to hear NK say, that Shyam had entered his room and had tried to open his locker with a key he had with him. That brought out a frown in him wondering how Shyam had a spare key to his locker. When NK told that the key had got stuck and he had swiped Arnav's books down, wrecked his room and tore many of his files Arnav was riled and out came the exclamation what the! But what NK said next, that Shyam took one particular file and he does not know what it held but from the look on Shyam's face it looked like he had struck a gold mine had Arnav shut his eyes realizing that Shyam had come across his contract marriage papers. He felt like sop bread in the sauce. It was a come down from the euphoria, but it was brief, for he knew he could swim through the tide with Khushi beside him and having turned their contract marriage into a real one. NK reassured him that he had each and every move of Shyam recorded. Thanking NK, Arnav asked him not to worry about the file and once again instructed him not to follow Shyam outside the house at any cost. Arnav was very specific and definite on that matter and the urgency underlying his words was conveyed to NK who promised him that he won't and Akash had told him too. Though what NK told Arnav was a dampener to his mood, a regress of a sort, it was something within his reach to rectify and he had the capacity to nullify Shyam's attempts to throw a spanner in the works.
As soon as NK's call got over, Arnav called Aman and informed him that he was getting married to Khushi in a temple with the complete set of marriage ritual and rasam. He wanted to know how to get the marriage registered and the set of documents that were needed and what all included as the essential proof. He asked Aman could he contact Mr. Roy, their lawyer and find out. He asked him to message once he found out and it was of top priority. Aman agreed and said within five minutes he would get back with the details.  Finding out the details, Aman texted, photo of saathphere, sindoor, managalsutra ceremony etc, wedding invitation if any, witnesses, preferably four, age proof, address proof, identity proof and the list went on. All these were needed to be handed over to Mr. Roy after the wedding and he would complete the formalities to register the wedding. Arnav read the message with care. It was a power-dive on the part of Arnav who was well versed in taking quick decisions to Shyam's attempts to make him nose-dive to fall flat on his face.
Seeing him suddenly engrossed in his cellphone, conversing and reading the text, and listening to bits and pieces of his conversation, Khushi darted anxious glances and asked what the matter was. Arnav, seeing her anxiety, he set about to put her mind at rest telling that it was nothing. When they return the next day, they need to register their wedding. As he needed all the paper work done immediately he had commenced to take care of the nitty-gritty details of how to go about. But Khushi knew that there was more to it than what he said. Her anxious look and her eyes carefully studying his face brought out in him a teasing smile and prompt that he wanted to make sure that she was his and only his, Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada! A relieved Khushi smiled and said that she was his and his only, with or without real or contract marriage, with or without rasams, for she was doused in his love. Khushi, who had craved for someone of her own to love and be loved unconditionally that was an ample reward. Arnav gliding his eyes over her face, adoring the smile, loving and treasuring the trust she reposed on him, softly asked Khushi to remove her mangalsutra. He needed it to tie it around her neck again. Khushi complied and gave it to him taking care not to drop the thin single strand chain of black and gold beads and diamonds. For him marriage to Khushi was a refreshing plunge to be swooped by her love and he was determined to give it all.
Soon the priest called them saying that it was time for aarti. Arnav and Khushi stood up with alacrity, their readiness was in sharp contrast to their earlier one where he had dragged her in anger and had made sure there were no witnesses except, Devi Maiyya and Agni, the primary witness as per the Hindu scriptures. He had then hurtled her towards pain, tears, abuses while he himself was a reluctant partner. But now both were readily rushing forwards to make their bond official so that no finger would ever point towards them or their relationship.  They joined the crowd and stood with their hands folded. As the aarti started, the bells chimed, the crowd chanted in worship of Devi Maiyya lit with lamps. Arnav looked at Devi Maiyya's smiling visage and then looked at Khushi's peaceful countenance as she prayed with her eyes shut. He felt that he was seeing the same countenance as that of Devi Maiyya, for it could only be Khushi, the beloved daughter of Devi Maiyya, who could bear the stabs of pains he inflicted with fortitude, then forgive him easily and go in for the marriage, thinking him as essential in her life as the air to breathe. He felt truly blessed to have got such an understanding life partner. The priest asked Arnav, was he all set to get married. Arnav replied that he was ready to commit himself and they needed photos of their wedding as proof and held out the camera. The priest with a smile agreed and asked a member of the temple staff to take pictures of all the rituals. He then handed Arnav and Khushi two garlands of rajnigandha and red roses. As they exchanged the garlands her eyes twinkled and her face incandescent with the joy that had found its abode in her heart after a long time and Arnav seeing the mirror image of his feelings reflected in her, soaked it up, felt like the luckiest man on earth to get a partner who truly was his ardhangini in every sense. His life had been drab and gray, set in a monotonous rut amidst the day to day humdrum, before she had fallen in to his arms like a gift from heaven... He looked at Devi Maiyya with utmost gratitude in his heart. He was engulfed in a rare bout of gratitude towards the Divine Power.
Many devotees who had attended the night Pooja, had stayed back to attend the wedding. As Arnav and Khushi sat in front of the havan that housed the primary witness, Agni, the Sacred Fire, Purohit started to chant the mantras, officially commencing the wedding rituals. (The wedding rituals include Kanyadaan, Panigrahana and the Saptapadi only. The rest come under the pre-wedding rituals and post-wedding rituals. The three mentioned above, if done without the other rituals, is still considered as lawful wedding under the traditional laws. But under the Civil laws human witnesses too is necessary. The previous contract marriage was done without the three even though the primary witness, Agni was there. Hence it would be invalid. But it is still valid in the eyes of the law as a contract was drawn, signed and sealed. Whether it was done on a stamp paper or not is one of curiosity!)
Arnav looked at his bride who had her head covered with her pallu as the red ghoonghat. The red sari with the gold border, draped over her head with the golden glow of the fire emitted from the havan falling on her face, the happiness in her radiating from the face made a dazzling picture. Drinking in her beauty and immersed in admiring her he thought it made her more beautiful than he had ever seen her, making his heart swell with love and pride. When it was time for Kanyadaan, a time where the father gifts his daughter to the groom, the Purohit looked around for someone who would oblige to do the ritual of handing over Khushi in to the safekeeping of Arnav. But Khushi was of different thought. She told him that she would give herself to him. Thinking about her parents who had departed and residing in the sky as stars for her, she placed her hand in her Arnavji's warm, large, loving hand as his tender eyes showered love on her. The rituals followed one after the other, the saatphere, the managalsutra, the sindoor... The temple employee clicked photo after photo of all the rituals. Finally they were united in the bond of marriage with all the rituals done as per the tradition. Arnav and Khushi filled in all the details and signed the temple register and Arnav made the boy with the camera take a picture and a photocopy of the page. The crowd that had gathered to participate in the wedding approached the newly-wedded pair to offer them their good wishes and the temple staff distributed the jalebi among the young and the old gathered there. After the crowd dispersed, Arnav and Khushi thanked the Purohit from the bottom of their heart. They stood with their hands folded in front of Devi Maiyya, sought her blessings and slowly walked to the dhaba, hand in hand. Their wedding was simple, filled with well wishers, though strangers, they swung themselves into the spirit of the ceremony.
Shyam stashed away the document relating to the contract marriage in his office bag. That was the only place he knew, where Anjali would not touch anything kept inside, of that he was sure of. It was the only place in the whole house where she would not poke her nose into as it did not hold anytime, anything of interest to her. He smiled at the thought that the tide was turning in his favour for he held all the aces. He would make sure that Arnav be brought out to streets and that his family that looked up to him would hate the very sight of him. With his trump card he would plunge the knife in and watch him squirm. With a swelled up heart and a bloated ego he thought, when he throws in the dice, Arnav would lose everything that he held dear and he could enjoy all the fruits of Arnav's sweat including Khushi! Shyam smirked, feeling over the moon and with stars in his eyes that Khushi was now his without any doubt he was walking on air when his phone rang.
Shyam was hurtled down to earth by the call. His descent was not really pleasant for the call was from Lallan, demanding the payment. Shyam, irritated beyond reason growled what should he pay for? His men had let the girl runaway and now they are absconding too! He told the honcho to first find them and only then they could talk of money. Lallan was not a hire man for nothing. When pleasant he was too. But when pushed he was not the one to take things lying down. He warned Shyam that a word is a word. A word of mouth is a word to be honored. He wanted his money or did he want him to present himself at his office or house, asking for his due? Lallan's threat made Shyam quiver. He looked around like a cornered rat for he had no place to scoot to. The words of the bank manager asking him to credit cash in his joint account resounded in his ears. He told Lallan that he would meet at the hideout where Khushi was held and that way maybe they could find what really has happened over there. It was his way to find a way to duck out of the situation. Shyam who had broken into a cold sweat wiped it from his forehead with lines of worries etched on it. Lallan agreed.
As Shyam walked out of his room, he was met by a perplexed Akash standing in the corridor looking all lost.  Nearing him, putting his arms across, he asked Akash, what happened? He told Shyam with a worried frown, that Bhai had just called and the money was almost ready but the kidnappers had not called yet! It had Shyam quaking in his boots. For Shyam felt, everything was descending on his head simultaneously and he was plunging into the bottom of the well. He became restless like a like a cat on hot bricks and thought, how could the kidnappers call when the kidnappers and the kidnapped were missing? Akash as though oblivious to Shyam's trilemma, told him that the kidnappers were supposed to call that day, but... and left things unsaid and continued explaining that Bhai would be returning only the next day as he does not want to travel alone at night carrying so much cash. This made Shyam heave a sigh of relief inwardly and he thought he had time on his side until the next day to fix things up. He felt it was like a tumble being stopped midway.
A few minutes later, Shyam left the house, citing an urgent meeting with a client as an excuse. He drove towards the kidnappers' hideout to meet Lallan with his mind immersed in worry over money and the missing Khushi, Rocky, and the others. He was at his wits end thinking also of how to distract Lallan from the topic of payment. What his sharp brain and keen eyesight failed to note, was the two cars shadowing him at a distance and he was crash-diving into the centre of being caught guilty with Lallan at the toe. When caught, he would neither be able to give an explanation as to how he landed at the hideout, the place where Khushi was held captive nor would he be able to substantiate, how he knew Lallan. If he said, he did not know Lallan, he would be disproved by Lallan himself. If he said, he knew Lallan, he would be incriminating himself. It was a classic Catch-22 situation, caught between the devil and the deep sea. Heading to the hide-out, he has nose-dived into the thick of things.
In this update we see Arnav and Khushi take the plunge gladly and Shyam Manohar Jha, throwing caution to the wind, has jumped in at the deep end.
That is why it is titled PLUNGE.

"Anyone can steer the ship, but it takes a leader to chart the course"
                                            ~John C. Maxwell
That's it from me. Hope you enjoy it.

 Part 8

Laakh Jatan Kar Haari (Advaita)