Chapter 4

Khushi sat staring at the phone. She had just recieved a call from naniji asking her to come to Raizada Mansion ASAP.

'Why? What happened? Adit and Adya are okay, right?' Khushi had enquired in single breath.

'Well it's about them only' replied naniji.

'What about them? Are they fine? please tell me' Khushi felt her heart rate increasing at an alarming rate.

'Yes bitiya, they are fine. I just want to discuss something urgent about them with you. Don't get worried, they are okay' naniji assured.

'I'l be there in an hour' informed Khushi.

Devyani Riazada sighed as she disconnected the call. It's been two months since Khushi had left the kids in nanny's care. She was reluctant to let her go but she knew of her grandson's biased behaviour towards Khushi. She can not blame him either. Once bitten twice shy. But that does not mean Khushi had to bear the brunt of it. Self respecting girl that she was, made an excuse of her upcoming Chartered Accountant exams for leaving the twins. Said she can not study here and failing in exams was not an option for the likes of her. Devyani knew the girl, she would have let go of the post of President of America in order to take care of her Shyam bhai's kids, but was dead scared of Arnav's attitude. So, she saved her self respect and left.  

In these two months, the babies have become impossibly cranky. Khushi had taken very good care of the kids just after the accident. Nanny could provide them with care, but a mother's love was something only someone who is emotionally attached to the kids could give. Devyani was not keeping well even before the incident and after it she was in no shape to look after the babies. Their pediatrician has expressed his concern on their rapid weight-loss, which triggered the argument about calling Khushi to take care of them, between her and her grandson. Arnav as expected was against the idea. So, Devyani asked him to volunteer to take care of kids after his office for a few days, and see if he can bond with them. Though Arnav found this suggestion outrageous, it was still better than calling that so called sister of his jiju home.

It was easier said than done, Arnav realized that in his very first bonding session. He was in no way suitable to take care of two bawling 8 month olds who refuse to co-operate. They did not recognize his touch, and did not warm up to his scent. But he was not the one to give up, so he kept trying, without much positive result though. In the end for the sake of his di's precious babies he surrendered. If that Gupta girl is what the kids need, they will get her. So he expressed his willingness to his nani to call Khushi home and tell her to take care of the kids. Devyani just smiled. Arnav did hold the fort longer than what she thought he would. But then running a business empire is no where as difficult as taking care of not one, but two babies who have just lost their parents. She had hoped for this very result when she asked Arnav to try and bond with the kids.

So here was Khushi, sitting in Raizada living room in front of a smiling naniji and a grim Arnav Singh Raizada. She had met the twins as soon as she came and could not help but tear up a little. It has been two months since she last saw the angels. They have lost so much weight. Aren't babies supposed to be chubby? Was this how  High and Mighty Singh Raizada takes care of his niece and nephew. Her niece and nephew. She could not say that to his face as she herself was in no condition to provide for the kids, and wasn't that her biggest crime in Arnav Singh Raizada's eyes? Being poor, without any connections. Trying to be a part of his di's family without any refrences or background check. She was sure he had got her background checked to make sure she was harmless to his di. She was very sure of that, and she was not wrong. Arnav did have a file lying in his office locker labeled Khushi Jha.

Naniji had put forward her proposal in front of Khushi. She wanted her to stay in Raizada mansion and take care of kids for a year or two till they start their playschool. After that she can pursue her studies as she wants. Khushi looked at Arnav and he did not look away. That was the maximum acknowldgement she could expect of his willingness towards the proposal being discussed. Khushi tried to negotiate the 'staying' part by offering to help during daytime. While naniji was pondering over it, Arnav butted in:

'Stay full time, you'll be adequately compensated' he said.

'I don't need money to look after my brother's kids' she retorted.

'And I dont need favours, from anyone. So all settled? Lets get about our work, we dont have whole day to discuss this' he said getting up.

'I refuse' Khushi was getting angry with his high handed attitude.

'Oh YOU refuse!... so that is how much you are willing to do for the man who supported you financially and was practically your only family all your life. Now that your life is on track, you dont care about his kids. My di was so generous to you, and this is how you pay back?' Arnav Singh Raizada was nothing if not blunt. 

It was like someone has poured gallons of iced water over Khushi's anger. She closed her eyes and could see smiling Anjali Bhabhi in front of her eyes. Needless to say, by that evening Khushi Jha shifted to the guestroom adjacent to the nursery with all her belongings.

Arnav had serious trust issues and Khushi was just one of his victims.  She has not given him anything to doubt about in their last three years of acquaintance, but he was still always on his guard in front of her. People like her, they win your hearts and then use you for your money. No one, absolutely no one was allowed to do that to his family till he is breathing. He'll make sure of that. And now when this girl will live here in Raizada Mansion, one wrong move from her side and he'll make sure that she is history. He HATED gold diggers. He loathed them. One was enough for him, to last his life time. He does not want another. He knows what sort of devastation they bring into your life.

Arnav Singh Raizada knew gold diggers. Afterall he was the son of one such low life. Yes, Arvind Mallik, his father, was a gold digger of worst kind.