Chapter 1

ARSHI OS -

GUARDING YOUR LOVE

"What??? Is..it ...is it r..really... true?? (Tears formed in her eyes)...I ..i just cant believe it."

She put the receiver down with shaky hands and took a deep breath. She tried to move but her legs refused to oblige. They just wobbled making her tumble down on the floor.

She couldn't believe her luck.

"Is this a dream? I had almost given upon all my hopes and now when I had least expected, my biggest dream came true."

YES, its true.

This is not a dream but the most beautiful moment of her life.

A moment that she knew she is going to cherish all her life. She too is one among those lucky people who are bestowed with such priceless happiness which means the world to every woman.

The person she is madly in love with, gave her the most prized possession. A lifetime of bliss, a moment unforgettable, a joy indescribable!

"I thought that such happiness was never meant for us but now, devi maiyya had granted our wish and I can't wait to confess it to you, I am coming to you. You have loved me so much, all along in happiness as well as pain. Your patience, love and care and reassurances were my only saviour. And NOW, its time for me to pay back all that I owe you."

As she finished speaking, she hastily got off of the floor and speedily made her way towards the terrace.

~

Every cell of her body was bursting in full fervor with the excitement for the news that she was about to share with her husband. Today, was the day she felt like a complete woman, a perfect wife despite her deficiency. She couldn't wait a second more to share her joy with him. Paying no heed to the commotion going all over the house, she hastily made her way straight upstairs where one of the servants saw her husband heading to.

With over-enthusiasm bursting at the seams through her veins, she opened the terrace door anticipating sheer bliss but what actually met her eye was nothing short of a nightmare! The shock was powerful enough to shatter her roots and make her paralyzed both emotionally and physically right then and there.

"Khushijiii I love you so much, you are my life. I can't imagine a single day without you. Please give me one chance to prove my love for you. I don't have any feelings for Raani-saahiba, heck, I don't even love her. Our marriage is totally meaningless for me. I don't want her the only person that I love is you, trust me"

Shyam Manohar jha was laying his heart out infront of Khushi holding her tight in his strong arms.

~

She couldn't take it. The burden was too to bear. She had wanted to confess infront of her husband that she was pregnant, that after a long wait of 3 years they were finally granted with the wish to become parents. Anjali Shyam Jha had wanted to cherish this day all her life, but now all she could wish for was to erase every trace of this day from her memory.

She don't want to remember what happened at the terrace.

She don't want to remember her husband's betrayal.

She don't want to imagine him confessing his love to Khushi.

She don't want to remember them embracing each other.

She was happy if not content, with her life. It was Akash's wedding tomorrow with the love of his life, Payal. She had enjoyed each and every ritual to her heart's fullest and wished to continue doing the same, the only interruption she got was the unexpected phone call from her doctor.

Her Gynaceologist, who had been treating her for an year now, had conducted some tests and she had called to inform her about the positive results. Her happiness had increased manifold when she was told that after struggling for so long, she was finally going to conceive

But now, all she could see was darkness engulfing her soul. The man, whom she worshiped like God was nothing less than a devil in disguise. He had crushed her heart, crumpled her love, crippled her existence.

How was she supposed to overcome such defects?

"Shyamji, tell me, what I saw isn't true. Tell me everything was a lie or a m..misunderstanding perhaps. You are my everything, you cant do this to me, isn't it Shyamji? You love me, not khushiji right?? You had always vowed to stay by my side, to love me forever and beyond. you cant betray me, not with khushijiii..."

Wait a second,

Khushijiii?

And then something hit her.

"Khushi's engagement and her fiance. His name was also Shyam, but then suddenly she had broken her engagement without giving a proper justification for it. Could that mean???

Yeah, this is it. Khushiji isn't a home-wrecker, I have tested her loyalty so many times. Her immense trust in devi-maiiya couldn't let her break someone else's home. NO, she could not have an affair with a married man and that too my husband. Maybe Shyamji is the one who is betraying us both. There is more to the story of khsuhiji's broken engagement. but Can I trust her even now? Especially when I saw her in my husband's arms? Shyamji was also a saint for me till this very moment so how can I be so sure of khushiji. He had acted so well in front of me, his true colours always lay hidden so how can I guarantee that khushiji is innocent too?

No, I wont be blindly trusting anyone. I need to find out the truth. That's it, I will confront khushiji and She will have to answer me about whats going on between my husband and her."

After half an hour,

"Are di, Where were you? You missed lots of fun, come and join us" Khushi chirped happily, though her heart was drifting apart after her encounter with Shyam.

Anjali managed a smile with utmost difficulty. It was a big day for Akash and she won't let anyone spoil it. She decided to conceal the good as well as the bad news as for now. However, she wasnt patient enough to wait for her answers. She immedietly sought her chance and asked khushi to accompany her to the poolside.

Khushi: what happened di? You look tensed? Is everything alright?

Anjali: Khushiji, I need answers to some of my questions and I expect honest response from you, please don't shatter the trust that I had placed in you.

Khushi: di, why are you speaking like that?Please tell me what is it, I will answer all your questions and promise, it going to be only the truth.

Anjali: Khushiji woh...I...I wanted to ask...

But before she could complete her sentence, Hari prakash came looking for her.

"Anjali bitiya, you are here and naniji had been asking for you downstairs. Please come with me, she want to talk something about tomorrow's function and Khushi bitiya, your buaji was searching for you everywhere" Hp left leaving an exasperated and panic stricken Khushi behind.

Khushi: What? Buaji?? mar gae di. She has asked me to collect the bangles for jiji and I forgot, oh no! di, lets hurry, will talk later okay?

Anjali: but khushiji?

Too late since khushi had already made an escape.

"I wont let you escape the next time..." Anjali thought determined.

~

Anjali entered the hall and stopped short looking at the sight infront of her. Near the stairs stood her darling husband, the biggest cheat, the two timing leacher, the bloody scoundrel, Mr Shyam Manohar Jha, laughing his heart out with mamaji and some other guests. She stared at him with disgust.

"Had I not witnessed it with my own eyes, I wouldn't have believed it EVER, such strong was my trust on you but what did you gave me in return? Hurt, pain, betrayal?? I won't forgive you for this Shyamji. Let me find out the complete truth and I will make sure to turn your life into a living hell"

No matter how hard she tried, tears involuntarily began making their way out from her eyes. Not willing to risk anyone watching her cry, She stood aside and scanned the entire hall when she found her Chote staring at Khushi unblinkingly, with an emotion held in his eyes that she could have fathom expected of him.

But her husband's betrayal dint let her ponder over it more, her thoughts drifting back to their earlier days when she used to feel so blessed to be so much in love. So desperately she had wanted her brother to believe in such emotions too. She had prayed to her devi-maiyya all day and night to have her brother experience the same bliss that she was enjoying.

But now, all she could do was chide herself for believing in something that dint even existed. She was such a fool!

"Chote you were so right. You never believed in love, and truly there is nothing called love in this world. Only fools believe in it. I advised you so many times to change your prospective towards life but you never gave in , now I could see how baseless were my presumptions. Shyamji never loved me and I, being such an idiot trusted him blindly with everything I had while he must have used me only for money. what else, a crippled, overly-devoted, deficient lady can provide him? He never really cared for me and I...I loved him so damn much..."

As the unpleasant memories came crashing back in her mind, her damn of tenacity broke and she cried bitterly, hiding herself behind the curtains. She had resolved not to give in to her emotions as yet, but now she couldn't hold on anymore. She realized at this moment that she needed nothing more than her brother's strong and supporting presence by her side. After making sure that she was presentable, she came out of her hiding and walked towards her Chote who seemed to be moving elsewhere.

In the meanwhile, khushi hurriedly got down the stairs earning for herself a nice lecture for buaji first for disappearing without informing anyone and secondly for rushing down so un-graciously. Khushi, like a good was that she was, was obediently listening to her scoldings when she felt someone's intense gaze piercing her back. Turning around, she met her observer while heart had started with its usual Dhak Dhak making her already realize who that someone was.

And indeed, a pair of beautiful chocolaty eyes were tracing her beautiful form, admiring her every movement with such tenderness that instead of meeting his stare head-on, khushi' s heart urged her to lower her lids in shyness. Such beautiful effect of spending blissful times during the pre-wedding rituals made Arnav's heart flutter with happiness and his lips extemporaneously curved into a beautiful smile.

She forgot the whole world around them looking at his dazzling smile. His one stare was enough to melt her like a puddle in that very place and to add more to her miseries whenever he smiled, she got hooked on to him just like a butterfly does with her favorite honey-bud. She was so lost in the intensity of those eyes that she had no idea when buaji finished with her daily dose of do's and don't's, never realized when the distance between them reduced to zero.

He was walking towards her taking small steps one at a time, holding her gaze captive with his and finally when he stood directly infront of her, he got his reward as she stood absolutely dumbfounded to find him so close. Her eyes turned the shape of saucers making it irresistible for him to control his desire. She opened her mouth to respond when Arnav, conscious of his slipping control, held her hand and dragged her with him.

Anjali, who was walking towards her Chote watched him dragging khushi out of the house. Knowing the equations her brother shared with Khushi, she knew this must be a part of one among their many arguments and desultory fights. But then, their arguments can wait. She had to talk with Khushi and more importantly, she needed her brother at this moment. Silently, she followed after them.

~

"Arnavji, Stop it, where are you taking me? Everyone must be looking for us inside, lets get in..."

Khushi was babbling all the way asking him to let her go but it seemed like Arnav was in no mood to pay any heed to any of her requests. He kept on walking and stopped only when he reached his destination. Leaving her hand, he turned back and smiled softly pointing with his eyes for Khushi to look behind him.

Khushi's curiosity got better of her confused mind and she did as was told wondering what was wrong with her Laad-governer today? Why was he acting so unlike his usual self?

Arnav held his breath waiting for her reaction and he wasn't left disappointed. Khushi's gasp would have been audible to the people inside the mansion if the music wasn't so loud but luckily it was, and their secret activity remained, umm Secret.

As for Khushi, What she saw in front of her stunned her to the core. The gazebo set in the middle of the garden was decorated artistically with blooming roses of all possible shads. She especially loved the black rose, positioned at the centre next to the chandelier. The fairy lights added more to its glory as it shone majestically, while the scented candles, completed the picture, giving a romantic feel to the entire setting. Right from where she stood a pathway was drawn with white and rose flowers leading straight to the centre of the gazebo where a table was set for two.

Disbelieving, she looked back at Arnav and was even more flabbergasted to find him on his knees.

"KHUSHI, from the day we met we fought with each other, it was more like I gave you hurt and pain with my arrogance, rude and supercilious behaviour and you instead of backing off with fear, challenged me.

At first, I hated it and I hated you more. You challenged my working style, my beliefs, my attitude towards life, my behaviour, my principles. You were the only one who stood up against me. When no one else would have dared to open their mouth, you retorted back in full spirits.

At ARD you readily accepted every challenge and emerged victorious in it. It may seem that I have never acknowledge but your presence of mind amazes me Khushi. You had a solution to every difficult task I gave you. And even when you knew you were not going to rewarded for any of your hard work, you still put your heart in it. This surely let you conquer my heart too.

(He stood up from his kneeling position and held her hand, looking straight in her eyes, speaking with utmost sincerity, gathering courage from her warmth)

Do you know Khushi, After my parent's died, I forgot something called heart even exist in one's body. I had faced so many betrayals that feelings held no more importance in my life. I realized that only money can bring you the safety and content which everyone craves for.

Without money, nobody bothers about you, not even for courtesy's sake. They don't give a damn to the so-called relations. The day when we got to know about our parent's fatal car accident that very same day, our Uncle and his wife threw me and di out of the house stating that we are nothing more than a nuisance in their life now.

For 3 days, we wandered on streets, searching for a shelter among dad's friends and associates. Maybe my uncle had already informed everyone that we no longer possess any claim over Dad's industries and hence they would simply make some excuses to get rid of us. We dint remembered Nani's phone number and that was why we couldnt call her. But the tragedy was, she wasn't even told about the sudden demise of her daughter and son-in-law.

It was only after my dad's dead body was found and the newspapers publicized it that Mamaji and nani came to know and they finally took us away with them.

Those 3 days turned my heart cold Khushi,

From Arnav I got transformed into ASR, a ruthless, heartless, arrogant person who has no place for emotions in his life...

I realized that emotions only makes us weak while money brings power and fame...

Since that day, I vowed to be one amongst the rich businessman who refused to take us in when we desperately needed a shelter...

I worked day and night and achieved what I had wanted to Khushi...

Till some months ago, everything was perfect but then you entered my life, like a whirlwind you turned my world upside down...you created havoc in my senses and I could feel the long buried feelings resurfacing, all because of you.

I dint wanted anyone to break through the barriers of my heart so I was extra cruel with you Khushi.

All those harsh things I did was just to stop you before you could affect me in any way.

I was afraid to suffer betrayal because of money or my fame, once again...

I dint had the courage in me to see someone dearest to me taking advantage of my vulnerability.

Yes khushi, the great Arnav Singh Raizada is also afraid that all his happiness will be snatched from him...

You know di used to say,

Someday, a girl would enter my life, claiming her rights over my heart. I would love her so much that if she will go away, I would even stop breathing. That I wont be able to manage even a minute separation with her.

At that time, I used to laugh at it disregarding her words as nothing but nonsense and unrealistic.

Love and emotions had no place in my life

But now I could see that everything she said is indeed true...

Love is the most beautiful feeling which completes our existence...

Life is too short to hold grudges for the past and to obstruct the happiness that's ready to embrace us

I have realized that no money or fame can make your heart swell with pride if you don't have your loved ones to share your joys...

I have always believed in loneliness but now I want to open up myself...

I am tired of acting all matured and responsible now I want someone to take care of me...

To pamper me, to guide me, to love me, to caress me, to hold me, to take decisions for me...

The world envies me...but I hate my life, Khushi and I wish to change it!

I have fought enough with my heart and now I want to surrender...

I wish to submit myself in front of a crazy woman who dared to steal my heart...

And that woman is you Khushi Kumari Gupta...

I lost my heart to you...

But today I wish to surrender everything which is mine...

Take my heart, my soul, my body, my breath, my every dream...

Just give me your infinite love in return, will you do that Khushi?

Will you love me forever and ever...???

I can't bear your denial coz..."

And he went across the table and brought the plate covered with lid infront of her.

Lifting the lid, he let her peep a look at the content inside that made her gasp louder than before, her eyes though were sparkling with unshed tears, her heart filled to its brim with love for the man infront of her.

The plate was filled with partially-cooked- partially-burnt jalebis somehow made in a shape to resemble

"I LOVE YOU KHUSHI"

It wasn't rocket science for her to realize who had made them for her, but the realization turned even more enchanting when he further added,

"I love you not only for what you are, but for what I am when I am with you.

I love you not only for what you have made of yourself, but for what you are making of me.

I love you for the part of me that you bring out.

if I am given a chance to change one thing in this world, I will change the order of alphabets and place U and I together. I love you so much Khushi..."

As he finished speaking he expected her to come running into his open arms, accepting his love and reciprocating it back. He was hell sure, she loved him too, he had seen it clearly in her eyes, so there was no way in hell that she would deny him. But even after waiting for a good few minutes, when she dint answered, wonderered whats wrong.

She was staring at him weirdly making him highly impatient. After observing him for a while, she advanced closer and kept her hand on his forehead, checking it once, she shook her head and reverting some more steps, she circled around him all the while staring at him with that same undecipherable weird expression.

With her fingers bent below her chin, her forehead wrinkled in deep thoughts and her eyebrows raised in wonder, she observed him silently.

Arnav who had no idea what the hell was she trying to do, was thoroughly confused and frustrated. Here, he was dying in anticipation and she was doing completely opposite to what was expected from her. He was hanging on to the last thread of patience but the horn just blew off when she dint budged even after his direct addresses.

"Khushi..."

"What are you doing Khushi?"

"Damn it, Khushi, are you even listening to me?"

"ENOUGH, Stop it damn it, what wrong with you?"

"NOWWW, that's what I was wondering all the time.you looked exactly like him then how come you both are so different from each other " Khushi spoke gaining control over her tears and maintaining the smile as radiant as ever.

"Who him?? What rubbish are you talking about?" spoke an highly annoyed Arnav. All his lovey-doveyness vanished and the grumpy behaviour came back in full form.

"uffo, Cant you understand? I am talking about my Laad governer. sorry Arnavji, I can't love you because I am already in love with my laad governer. Maybe you cant manage a day without me but even I can't live without his WHAT THE's, his ruthlessness, his arrogant behaviour, his -know-it-all attitude, his huge ego, his mindblowing screams and blood-curling yells, his over-the-top anger and last but not the least his terrifying glares.

You know I love everything about him. Though he looks like a hard nut from the exterior but actually, he is the most sweetest person of this world. So loving, caring and adorable! I know others don't think so highly off him, especially his business rivals and sub-ordinates but I have understood him completely.

He may not be expressive of his feelings, nor does he share his pain with anyone, but he cares for those who matters to him, he makes sure that his family is always safeguarded and happy...but he is such a stubborn kid sometimes, gets easily irritated with my silly antics.

And let me tell you a secret, I love irritating him and cant imagine my life If I won't get to tease him with my pranks

You want me to love you, to care for you , to pamper you, to caress you, to guide you...but I cant Arnavji... Because its my dream to do these things with my Laad Governer.

So you see, I have such an important mission to accomplish, Now you only say, how can I think of loving anyone beside him??"

She spoke all these in one breath making Arnav go completely breathless.

"huh?"

If she was observing him before, now was his turn to keep on gawking at her like a fool. He was too numb to react, too shocked to manage a proper retort. She dint want him to change, she loved him the way he was...t..that means she had already accepted him...what the?

"Khushi? YOU?"

Before he could continue, she jumped straight into his arms, held him tight and screamed in his ear, almost deafening him with the sudden impact,

"I LOVE YOU MY LAAD-GOVERNER"

Gradually as reality sunk in, Arnav smiled his rarest of smiles and held her tighter, almost crushing her under his weight before lifting her off the ground and twirling her high in the air, both of theirs laughter reverberated in the night sky as they basked in the glory of their new-found love.

From behind the tree trunk, Anjali wiped her tears and smiled after what seemed like ages. She dint knew if Khushi is equally responsible for her affair with Shyam, nor does she knew whether she would stay loyal to her Chote or not. But Anjali Singh Raizada, the elder sister of Arnav Singh Raizada knew one thing for sure and that is her brother loves Khushi with all his heart and she have to protect his love.

He had been her strength, her support all throughout their life and now was the time to pay back...

Her brother has suffered the most after their parent's death, she atleast had her faith in her Devi maiiya intact but all his beliefs were the shattered the night they were thrown out.

She used to be surrounded by the unconditional care of their family members always, but he remained as lonely as ever.

And now for the first time, he had opened up in front of someone, he had expressed his desire to love and to be loved...

He wanted someone to take the burden off his shoulders and pamper him like a small kid...

How can she deny this wish of her Chote???

Moreover, who the hell was she to stop him from living his life to the fullest with his love by his side?

She would never impose her sorrows and burdens on him when he was on the brink of emerging out from his self-imposed exile.

"Chote, just look at our fate, when I believed in love and relationships, you considered it all crap and meaningless and now when I had accepted that you were indeed correct in your beliefs all along, you acknowledged my words.

You found the girl without whom your heart stops beating.

So what if the girl is none other than the one whom my husband is supposedly to be madly in love with, I will make sure that no one ever comes in the path between your happiness...

I WILL GUARD YOUR LOVE Chote, because I know if, instead of me, you would have been at my place and seen khushiji and Shyamji embracing each other then I am sure, you would have crushed your heart, killed your soul, buried your true emotions for the sake of my happiness.

You would have put heaven and hell together to make sure that I remain unaware and happy. But luckily, it was me who got this chance and I won't let it go. I will shield your love from every stumbling block."

***

Simmi <3