Chapter 18

[MEMBERSONLY]

PART - 17

Payal looked ahead of her to see Nani standing at the entrance of the kitchen. When HP had informed her that Payal has send to ask whether she needs anything or not, that had ringed bells in her head that Payal is upto something. When she came down she heard Payal accusing her dearest chote as Casanova, she was about to intervene but before she could Khusi had slapped her but that didn't stop Payal, she called Khusi a bitch and she lost her temper. Nani came forward and stood between Khusi and Payal, as if protecting Khusi.

Nani (angrily): "Is this what you have learnt to speak? Had you not been my Akash bitwa's wife I would have asked you to get out of this house. This house belongs to well mannered, respectful peoples. People using slangs are not welcome in this house. Apologise to Khusi Bitya NOW."

Payal (nervously): "Dadiji, it is not me but Khusi. Look she slapped me, her elder sister."

Nani: "You were her elder sister at Gupta's place. Here she is your jethani by relation. So she is elder to you in relation. She has every right to dictate you."

Payal: "I didn't do anything Dadiji..."

Nani: "I am old but my ears are sharp till now. I heard what nonsense you were saying about my Chote and his wife. Remember I will not tolerate a bad word against my family members, so say sorry to Khusi bitya."

Payal not having any option muttered: "I am sorry."

Khusi preferred to remain silent while Nani said: "Go into your room and don't show me your face for the rest of the day. Your lunch will be delivered in your room."

Payal felt highly insulted and left the kitchen. Just outside the kichen she saw Mami and Anjali standing and by their facial expression she knew that they have heard the conversation between her and Nani. After she left Nani affectionately ran her hand on Khusi's hair and said: "Bitiya forget whatever she said."

Khusi nodded her head and Anjali came into the kitchen saying: "Haan Khusiji, don't take things to heart. These things are not worth."

Mami too chipped in: "You are a raizada now and raizadas don't become sad. They always enjoy their life. So you please finish cooking as I am hungry. And by the way what are you cooking... (Looked at the kitchen slab and exclaimed) ...oh matar paneer... eiee to hamara favourite hai. Jaldi banao. I have to say bye bye to hunger and hello hi to food."

Everyone laughed at her statement and left the kitchen to let Khusi complete her work with HP's help. Anjali had wanted to stay and help Khusi but she insisted on her going and taking rest as it is essential for her and the baby.

Payal came into her room feeling very insulted; all of this because of that idiot Khusi. Why had Amma at all had to bring that brat home? Had she not been a part of her life she would have been happier and her life more easier. Getting married into Raizada house she had thought that Khusi will be out of life at her in-laws place. But now not only had she got herself tangled to her at her in-laws place but also taken her rights away. For her today Dadiji shouted at her and made her apologize to that bitch. Yesterday Maaji scolded her. This is not done. She has to do something to make everyone realise her importance. She is not going to sit idle and take the lashes of the family. She came out of her monologue when the shrill ringing of her phone disturbing the silence of the room. Buaji has called.

Payal: "Hello"

Buaji: "Payalia, How are you my dear?"

Payal: "How do you expect me to be with Khusi around."

Buaji: "What has happened dear? Did that girl do something?"

Payal narrated whatever happened in the kitchen.

Buaji: "How dare the chit of that girl slap you? I will not leave her. And those raizadas why do they adore her so much?"

Payal: "Don't know Buaji. I am frustrated with her. Everyone is treating her as a princess and me as a maid."

Buaji: "Hmm... seems like she had played her cards quite well. You too have to do something."

Payal: "What should I do buaji?"

Buaji: "Try to get into everyone's good book. And you have said Shyam is not well, do something good for him and Anjali will automatically like you. If Anjali likes you then the whole family will follow soon."

Payal: "I think you are right buaji."

Buaji: "And yes try to keep Akash Babua in your control. It is very important."

Payal: "How Buaji? I am not getting time to talk to him. Today he came home for some minutes; he came into the kitchen to talk to me but that Khusi didn't let him talk to me."

Buaji: "Hai re nandkishore!! What to do with that Khusi. Don't know what charms she has got that she is trapping every men. You make sure that Akash Babua stays away from her. Tie him by your beauty and charms. Spend more time with him... Are you understanding what I am saying or not?"

Payal: "Yes Buaji."

Buaji: "Today you cook all his favourite dishes and when he comes back from from work serve him by your own hands. Stomach is the route to a man's heart."

Payal: "But buaji, Dadiji has asked me not to come out of my room. How will I be able to cook?"

Buaji: "What!! They have locked you inside the room?"

Payal: "Not exactly but sort of... You know that Khusi slapped me but Dadiji shouted at me because I called her chote a Casanova. Who doesn't know that he is a Casanova, he was ready for a live-in relationship with Lavanya and god knows how many more girl friends he had before?"

Buaji: "Hmm... but that should not be your concern now. First of all you have to make sure that Akash Babua doesn't come to know about what has happened. Try to get his full attention to yourself and behave well with the family before him."

Payal: "I will try..."

Buaji: "Not try but you have to do it... And listen I am giving you a home remedy for burn, you give that to Anjali for Shyam, she will be glad."

Payal: "Okay Buaji."

After taking to Buaji for some more time on getting tips about how to win the trust of family and controlling Akash, she hanged up the call. She then decided to get ready before Akash arrives so that she can show her charms on him.

At night when Arnav and Akash returned back from office after having a tiring day, they saw Khusi sitting on the dining table with her face on her palm probably waiting for them. Seeing them, she stood up and said: "You two are back... Freshen up and come, till then I will serve the dinner."

Akash: "Bhabi; can we have dinner and then freshen up. I am very hungry."

Arnav: "Me too... It was a tiring day."

Khusi: "Okay then, at least wash your hands."

Both brothers nodded and went to wash their hands. Khusi served both Arnav and Akash and then made a plate for herself. Seeing her sitting to eat Arnav said: "What the hell Khusi!! You didn't had your dinner?"

Khusi: "Wo... actually I was waiting for you."

Arnav: "You shouldn't have done that. From now onwards don't wait for me."

Akash: "Yes Bhabi; Bhai doesn't have any fix time to come. You better have your dinner early."

Khusi just nodded her head and both Akash and Arnav could say that she hardly listened to what they have said. After completing dinner, they went to their rooms while Khusi cleared the table.

At Payal-Akash's room

When Akash reached their room, Payal was fast asleep on the bed. He was disappointed to see this. Today while returning from office when he saw Khusi waiting for Arnav without having her dinner, he had liked it and felt a pang of jealousy. Though he had supported Arnav by saying that she shouldn't have waited for him, but he somewhere had wanted Payal too to wait for him at the dining table, but had consoled himself thinking that she would be waiting for him in their room, but here she was sleeping even without waiting for him. This had not only disappointed but also hurt him. He couldn't understand what has happened to the Payal whom he loved. Before marriage she was so caring and loving but now everything seems to be changed. Not even a week has passed from their marriage and Payal seemed to have changed so much. He can even feel his family's cold behaviour towards her. Has she done something which has irked his family or is it because of Khusi. But Khusi can never do something to hurt anyone. Today morning when he went into the kitchen, Payal was shouting at Khusi and Khusi said that Payal had forgotten her designation, what does that mean. He is not blind to not notice that something is not well between the two sisters. He needs to find that out soon. For now he is too tired after a long day at work, he needs a good shower. Keeping other thoughts aside, he went into the bathroom.

At Arnav-Khusi's room

When Khusi reached their room, Arnav had already changed and sitting on the recliner working on his laptop.

Khusi: "Arnavji, you came so late from office, worked so long. Now stop working and go to sleep. You need to rest."

Arnav: "Hmm... will go to bed in a minute."

Khusi nodded at him and taking her night dress went to bathroom. When she came out, Arnav was already on the bed resting his back along the headrest waiting for her, but seemed to be tensed. Khusi joined him on bed and Arnav pulled her towards him hugging her sideways.

Khusi: "What happened Arnavji? You seem tensed."

Arnav: "Nothing Khusi. Just some office work... You should know this, we got a big contract. If we complete it successfully, AR construction will be the no.1 construction company of India."

Khusi: "I know you will be able to do it successfully."

Arnav: "Really? How do you know that?"

Khusi: "Because I have faith in your ability. And God helps them those who help themselves. Devimaiyaa is with you. You will surely succeed."

Arnav: "I too hope so... Khusi... NK told me what happened in the kitchen today..."

Khusi: "What happened in the kitchen?"

Arnav: "Payal fighting with you and you slapping her."

Khusi: "Oh... that... I didn't had the intention to slap her, but she badmouthed about you and I couldn't take it. So... I slapped her."

Arnav: "Hmm... you be careful around her. I don't trust the Guptas."

Khusi: "You don't have to worry Arnavji, I will take care of her. I never said her anything when they said anything bad about me but I will never tolerate if anyone says anything bad about you."

Arnav: "Really?"

Khusi: "Yes... Now it's late Arnavji, we should sleep."

Arnav: "What the!!! Sleep? You want us to sleep now?"

Khusi: "Of course, what do you want to do at night if not sleep?"

Arnav: "There are a lot of things to do at night."

Khusi confused: "Like what??"

Arnav: "Like... I will show you."

Saying that he pulled Khusi to the bed covering themselves with the comforter and switched off the lights.

P.S. Though my exams are hovering on my head, still I have taken time out to update this part. Please do comment. That will mean a lot.