Chapter 40

When Khusi returned to their hotel suite, her mood was back to normal as Arnav had used all tactics to shift her attention from the Guptas. Made her talk to everyone at RM, especially muskaan and actively participated in buying gifts for everyone.

At night, when Khusi was fast asleep cuddled up to her husband, Arnav laid wide awake looking at her angelic face. He couldn't think of anything good that he had ever done as a result of which he was blessed with such a noble wife. Who not only cares about him but for his whole family and even for his dead parents. She indirectly had helped his Di come out of her emotional fragile cocoon to emerge as a strong mother who is ready to fight with the whole world for her daughter. He smiled at the memory of his Di and his niece Muskaan. She by her innocence and selfless love has achieved something which he was not able to do for last 2 years. She had made his Dadi laugh and now if she is on her way to recovery then all credit has to go to Khusi. And now, she has made him see the truth, the truth which was lying before him but he had always ignored it... his papa has always been innocent and all he did was hate him for half of his life, the thing which he is regretting like nothing else. In return he has given her nothing... first of all he has snatched away her foster family from her, doesn't matter if she was not treated very well in that family because she loves them... he could see the sadness in her eyes when someone talks about the Guptas. She is a well educated girl but had to behave like an illiterate and bear all the taunts... Enough of her sad life... he will make sure that she gets everything that she deserves. With that thought he drifted off to sleep.

In the morning, Khusi was going through a magazine when Arnav came and sitting beside her said: "Khusi, I want to talk to you about something and I hope to get honest replies."

Khusi: "I have always been honest with you Arnavji... What do you want to talk about?"

Arnav holding her palm in his: "Khusi... you love everyone... no matter what harm they do to you..."

Khusi sitting straight: "What are you trying to say Arnavji..?"

Arnav: "Khusi, I know from the time we have met, I have been troubling you, insulting you but still had the heart to forgive me and love me..."

Khusi: "Arnavji, I think we had this discussion before that we are never going to bring the past between us... and if you think that whatever happened shouldn't have happened then let me tell you it is only because of our past that we are now together. So instead of being sad thinking about them, we should be glad of them as it brought us together."

Arnav: "You always see the positive side of everything Khusi. Might be you are right... but I have done something for which your ties with the Guptas broke... had I not married you in that way, they would not have behaved in that way with you..."

Khusi cutting him: "That day, you married me in THAT MANNER because you wanted me to be safe... you wanted me to be protected... and talking about Guptas, it does feel bad but it's okay. Someday they will understand and somewhere they are also right... It doesn't feel good if the daughter of your family elopes..."

Arnav: "It is all my fault and they are blaming you."

Khusi: "It is okay Arnavji... I am used to take blames from them... but to be honest I really did feel bad... Buaji was like that from before; she would blame me for every wrong that happened in the house... (shaking her head sadly) ...Amma did love me but she too was bound, I was her sister's daughter and after my parents death she took me under her wings and loved me like her own child... but it was her in-laws place where I was staying and there she had a step-daughter to look after... had she given more attention to me than to Jiji, then people would have taunted her and probably her in-laws wouldn't have allowed me to stay there... I have no complains for her... she tried to support me in everything but her hands were tied... And Babuji... (smiling sadly) ... he really loved me. In spite of having an own daughter of his, he loved me as equal to Jiji... it was only his support that I was able to complete my education... on our marriage day everyone was angry on me... I didn't complain because it was my fault... but the next day, when I went for pag-phera, the way they behaved made my heart bleed... (wiping the tears) ...Payal accused me in the worst way and they stayed silent... I was wishing that atleast Amma will ask her to stop but she stood there as a mute spectator..."

Arnav hugged her sideways and was about to say something but Khusi continued: "On our pag-phera day, I had decided to tell them the reason behind our marriage but..."

Arnav: "We will tell them the truth Khusi... they need to know the truth."

Khusi: "They don't want to listen to me... they will again blame me and..."

Arnav: "They will listen to you Khusi because they will have to. Don't worry, very soon we will talk to them and make them see sense and once they know the truth, they will never hate you again."

Khusi: "Sach..!!"

Arnav nodded and kissing her forehead: "You get ready, we will go out... well on second thought why to go out when we can have much fun in the room itself..." he winked at her and carried her off to the bed.

In Raizada Mansion

Akash came home with some files in his hand and as usual was hugged tightly by Muskaan who was waiting for her Akash Mama to return. Akash too hugged her back and kissing her forehead came to join his family who were sitting in the living room. He sat on the sofa near Anjali with Muskaan on his lap and attentively listened to everything that Muskaan was narrating. The family smiled at the uncle-niece bond and Anjali said: "Muskaan beta, your Akash Mama just came home, let him breathe atleast before you drown him with your stories."

Akash: "Di, I love to hear whatever Muskaan says..."

Muskaan: "Akash Mama, aapko pata hai, aaj maine eek drawing banai hai."

Akash: "Really..?? Go and get it. I want to see what my Muskaan has drawn."

Muskaan ran upstairs to get the painting and Akash turning to Anjali said: "Di, here are the papers of Muskaan's adoptions. Now legally Muskaan is your daughter." Saying he handed over a file to Anjali.

Smiles played on the face of everyone and a crying Anjali opened the file but looking at the papers frowned. "What is this Akash? There is a mistake here; it has to be Muskaan Jha not Muskaan Raizada."

Akash: "Bhai had asked to adopt Muskaan with the surname Raizada rather than Jha... I don't know why but Bhai wanted certain more clauses to be added and it was one."

Anjali: "But..."

NK: "Forget it Di... Nannav never does without any reason, he must have had some reason behind this and for you your Chote's happiness matters the most and if he wants Muskaan to be a Raizada then what's wrong in that. We should be happy that finally our Muskaan is legally ours."

Mami: "NK bitwa is right... Muskaan was always ours and now she is legally ours... no one can separate her from us now."

Akash: "yes Di... (Handing her another file) ... Di, the case had been filled against the ex-employer of Muskaan... Muskaan and you need to present in the juvenile court for hearing... I have kept it all confidential; Bhai didn't want Media to know about this... it won't be good for Muskaan."

Anjali: "Hmm... I understand. When is the hearing?"

Akash: "Tomorrow... I wanted it to happen after Khusi Bhabi is here but this case is in fast track court. Tomorrow you and Muskaan need to go there for preliminary verification... then the second date will be given and hopefully Khusi Bhabi will be there at that time."

Payal who was standing there silently till now said: "Why is Khusi's presence so important in this case?"

Akash: "Because Muskaan is very close to Bhabi. So if both Di and Bhabi will be present with her, then it will be better for her."

Anjali: "Tomorrow you will come with us. Right?"

Akash: "Of course Di... ye bhi koi puchne ki baat hai? I can't leave my Muskaan there alone."

Nani: "Hum bhi saath challenge."

Mami: "Me too."

Akash: "Ma, Dadi, that is court... you all don't need to go. Only, Di and I will go with Muskaan."

Nani: "Okay... When are Chote and Khusi Bitiya coming back?"

Akash: "They were supposed to leave Paris yesterday but some important clients of AR are in Paris now. So, a meeting has been fixed there for tomorrow. Bhai and Bhabi will be leaving Paris the next day."

The next two days were busy and emotional ones for all the Raizadas. In Delhi, emotion was running high as Muskaan had been to the court and had seen her previous employer there and was back into her shell. She was so scared that she was not able to talk properly for some hours. So, all were busy trying to make Muskaan happy. Shyam's health was improving but still he was not able to walk properly and as Anjali was so involved with Muskaan, he was left to the nurse alone.

In Paris, Arnav had not informed Khusi about Muskaan's case because he knew once she comes to know about it, she in no case will agree to stay in Paris and get adamant on returning back home. But, for the first time in his life he has wanted to be selfish. He wants to have Khusi all for himself even if it is for 2 days only. There is no doubt that he is worried for Muskaan and knows Khusi's presence there will be good for her but he doesn't want to share Khusi with anyone now. Like a child hides his favourite toy from everyone, he wants to hide Khusi from everyone. He can't even admit to himself how much grateful he is to Khusi. His love for her has increased thousand fold in a month of their marriage and when he thinks he can't love her more than it, Khusi does something which increases his love and respect for her even more. He can do nothing for her as much she has done for him but atleast he can try and make her happy. It is true that he never wanted to talk to the Guptas but if she will be happy after talking with them, then he will do it and he had already made plans for it. NK at the moment is looking after the renovation work at Nirmala's place and the ladies there are taking training under qualified professionals and very soon will be taking stitching orders from AR. He will be surprising her with it and he can bet she will be delighted. And he has one more surprise for her but that she needs to work hard... The next two days Arnav did spent entirely with Khusi only going to the AR office for a couple hours for the meeting.

Arnav and Khusi reached Delhi airport and the first thing that Khusi wanted to do was meet Dadi even before going to RM and Arnav was more than glad to oblige to it. They met Dadi at the mental asylum, who was recovering well and even the doctor was hopeful that she will begin to recognise other persons soon as the probability of getting her memory back was positive. From there they left for RM and in the way back, Arnav briefed Khusi about Muskaan's case in the court. At first Khusi was upset because he kept it hidden from her but later she too realised that it was okay because she too had loved her time alone with her husband.

When Arnav and Khusi reached RM there were taken into a bear hug by Anjali and rest followed. Muskaan too was happy because her Khusi Mami has returned back and then sitting by her side she went on complaining how much she missed her and taking promise from her that she would never leave her and go, which made Arnav groan mentally. Finally Muskaan let go of her Khusi Mami when Anjali put her hand down saying that Khusi needs to freshen up and rest.

After a well deserved nap Khusi along with her whole family sat in the living room and gave the gifts that they had got for them. It was quite noticeable that every other gift that Khusi took out of the bag was for Muskaan. Finally Khusi took out a small packet and opened it. It contained a beautiful gold chain with a pendent attached to it.

Khusi: "Muskaan Beta, this is especially for you."

Anjali: "Khusiji, there is something written on the pendent?"

Khusi passed the chain to Anjali and she read out the alphabets. "MR..??"

Akash: "MR for Muskaan Raizada. Isn't it bhabi?"

Khusi: "NO... this pendent is a reminder of huge responsibility for our Muskaan... (she took the chain from Anjali and putting it around Muskaan's neck said) ... MR stands for Mallick and Raizada."

When Khusi said the word Mallick, everyone's facial expression changed and they looked at Arnav knowing very well that he will get angry now shout at the top of his voice on Khusi but nothing of that sort happened... He stayed silent and also there was no symbol of irritation on his face which made the raizadas confused and shocked too.

Khusi after hooking the necklace said to Muskaan: "Beta... you should know that you are not only the eldest child of the Raizadas but also of the Mallicks... as the eldest you have a big responsibility on your shoulder and you should always stay strong to handle it. You will be able to do it. Won't you?"

Muskaan was too young to understand what Khusi meant but she nodded as she knew that whatever her Khusi Mami says is right. Nani was too confused when after many years the word "Mallick" was pronounced in this house and her Chote stayed silent as if that was just another word. But she never knows when the fuse of her Chote would blow out, so not wanting the happiness to be disturbed she said: "It is getting late, we should cook the dinner."

Khusi got up to go to the kitchen and Nani said: "Khusi Bitiya you rest for today from tomorrow you will cook."

Khusi: "No Naniji... I need to cook today... so many days without Jalebi... can't stay away from it now. Will make jalebis and eat a lot."

Muskaan: "I too will eat Jalebi."

Khusi: "Sure dear."

NK: "Khusi Bhabi, for me too."

Mamaji: "Bitiya, make for everyone... along with you we have missed your jalebis too."

Mami: "Sugarfree ones for me..."

Khusi nodded and left for kitchen. Arnav got a call on his mobile and left for his room and Anjali followed him. Muskaan along with Akash and NK began opening her all other gifts and enjoyed playing the games that her Arnav Mama and Khusi Mami had brought for her.

In Arnav's room

Arnav completed his call ant turned back to see his Di standing giving a strange look to him.

Arnav: "Di... what happened? Why are you looking at me like that?"

Anjali: "Nothing... I am just trying to see my real Chote in you..."

Arnav: "What..!!"

Anjali: "What has happened Chote? Why are you hiring a private investigator?"

Arnav: "Di... wooh..."

Anjali: "Don't you dare to lie to me Chote... I need to listen to the truth."

Arnav: "Di... I am hiring a private investigator because I need to find out what exactly had happened 14 years back... I need to know the truth about the death of Papa and Mama."

Anjali: "Chote... you..."

Arnav: "Yes Di... I am my Papa's son... I need to do my duties towards him... I need to clear his name... I have wasted so much time hating him... need to rectify my mistake..."

Anjali who was now crying: "What are you saying Chote...? Why to dig the past...?"

Arnav: "We need to dig the past to prove that my Papa was innocent... someone else is the culprit not my Papa."

Nani, Mama and Mami too had followed Arnav and Anjali knowing very well that Anjali will be talking to him as to how he was so calm when Khusi took the name Mallick and even announced pride that Muskaan is also the eldest child of Mallicks. Now they were standing outside the door listening to the siblings but didn't want to come in because they didn't want to disturb them and also it was not out of their notice to how Arnav was mentioning his father as "My Papa".

Anjali: "How did you know that...? Did someone tell you anything?"

Arnav: "No Di... no one told me anything... but someone made me see sense... see truth... now I believe my Papa was innocent... he loved us a lot... he loved you... he loved me... he loved mama... how could he deceive us?? He was innocent Di... he was."

Anjali: "I have always thought the same Chote... but I don't know what is right and what is wrong now... now I don't even want to think about it anymore..." saying he sat down on the recliner.

Arnav kneeling down beside her: "Di... had Papa had any affair with that lady, then after Mama's death he could have easily married that lady and stayed with her but he chose to die than living without Mama..."

Mamaji who was now angry remembering the death of his sister was not able to control himself and coming in said: "He chose to die because he was guilty... he knew that he was wrong... and seeing Ratna die, he knew he had to answer us and he was a coward... so he preferred to kill himself."

Arnav: "MY PAPA WAS NOT A COWARD... he was not... he could never be... (turning to anjali) ...Di, you tell me, have you ever felt that papa didn't love us... didn't love mama...? did he ever lie to us?"

Anjali slowly shook her head. "Di... he loved us... I am sure there was a misunderstanding between Mama and Papa... Mama killed herself because she thought she was betrayed by her husband and Papa killed himself because he couldn't bear that Mama killed herself because of him."

Mamaji: "You think your papa was innocent... if he was then why didn't he clarify himself instead of killing himself and making his two children orphan."

Arnav: "He killed himself because he couldn't live without Mama... he did really loved Mama..."

Mamaji: "Okay, I agree your Papa was innocent... he didn't have any affair with anyone... but who was that lady with whom Ratna saw him... why was she at SheeshMahal at the first place?"

Arnav: "That is what I need to find out... And I will find out soon."

Mamaji: "The day you find out that at that day only take your Papa's name in this house... till then don't utter his name here. For me he will stay as my sister's murderer." Saying he stormed out of the room and Mami followed him.

Nani not knowing whom to support and whom not, cried silently.

Arnav: "Nani... you are elder to all of us... do you also think that my Papa was bad? Have you ever felt he was not loyal to Mama? Do you too doubt him?"

Nani wiping her tears: "I don't... know... my Ratna had always been so happy with him... she was very happy because she had got such a nice husband... Damadji was a good person... he was a good son... good father but that night..."

Arnav: "It was all a misunderstanding Nani... that day it was Di's marriage... Papa Mama killed themselves... Di's marriage broke... after that Chachaji threw us out of home... it was all planned Nani... all planned to destroy the Mallick family."

Nani: "Probably you are right Chote... I hope you remain right."

Arnav: "I am right Nani...you will see very soon I will clear my Papa's name. After that everyone will talk about him with respect."

Nani wiping her tears: "I hope so... I hope so..." murming to herself she left the room.

Arnav: "Di... you believe me... don't you?"

Anjali: "I... I do believe you... My heart always said Papa is innocent... but..."

Arnav: "But what Di... I have wasted half of my life hating my papa... now I don't want to hear anything bad about him... I have failed him... whole life he showered me with love but in return all I gave him was hate... I had known him from my birth but instead of showing trust on him I trusted that unknown lady... I am really bad son Di... really bad..." he broke down on his Di's lap.

Anjali wiped her own tears and caressing his head said: "I trust you Chote... I know you will soon find out the truth... I am equally at fault... he loved me a lot but even I didn't trust him... I was his elder child atleast I should have shown faith on him but I too didn't do it... but now we won't hate him anymore... my heart says he is innocent and you will clear his name soon..."

Arnav: "Di... the day I clear his name I will change my name from Arnav Singh Raizada to Arnav Arvind Mallick."

Anjali nodded with a smile and said: "But Chote... if it was all a misunderstanding... then who was that lady?"

Arnav: "That we will find out... Di, Khusi said it was all a trap to destroy Mallick family... but I promise, everything will be clear soon."

Anjali: "So, it was Khusiji who made you see what is right and wrong?"

Arnav: "Yes Di... he is crazy and childish but at the same time is too mature... the truth was lying before me but I was so blind not to notice it... but she saw it and made me see it too... (Smiling) ...her ways are weird but she is right."

Both the siblings looked toward the door when they heard a loud gasp. Khusi was standing there with hands on hips and mouth open into a big O shape.

Khusi: "HAaaWw... Arnavji... you called me crazy and weird...!! How could you...? ...and Di... you too are supporting him... you two... how could you...??" she said with a pout.

Anjali laughed at her and walking up to her, hugged her tightly. "Thank you Khusiji... you are really an angel who has walked from heaven into our lives."

Khusi: "Di... No need of buttering me... I know you too think I am crazy and weird."

Anjali laughing at her: "Chote is right... you are crazy but I love this crazy sister-in-law of mine... (taking her hand in hers) ... thank you Khusiji... had it not been for you neither Chote nor Me would have ever thought about our Papa with so much love again... (getting emotional) ...we both have known him since our birth but didn't understood him as much you did... even though you haven't seen him ever... I am sure he will be so happy from above seeing you as his bahu."

Khusi wiping Anjali's tears: "Di... we know Papaji is innocent and I trust Arnavji that he will clear his name soon... and you should not be crying... I always want to see you smiling Di."

Anjali smiling: "Thank you Khusiji... Thanks again."

Khusi: "Only saying thank you will not do... you need to promise me something."

Anjali: "Anything Khusiji..."

Khusi getting serious: "Di... I know you love Shyamji a lot... but Di, if ever in future you feel that he is cheating on you, he has betrayed you... then please don't take the step that Mama took... you will always think about Muskaan and (keeping her hand on Anjali's stomach) ...this baby... you will stay strong for them... Promise me Di."

Anjali looking bewildered at her: "Why do you think that Shyamji will cheat on me?"

Khusi: "First you promise me Di."

Anjali: "I promise. I will never do what Mama did and will always think about my children before doing anything wrong... But why do you think that Shyamji will betray me?"

Khusi: "That is because you never know those males... (looking at Arnav) ...on your face they say that they love you but at your back... they go on doing what you can't imagine..."

Anjali: "Khusiji... why are looking at Chote like that? Did he do anything? (turning to Arnav) ...Chote... Did you do anything that did upset Khusiji?"

Arnav: "No Di... she is crazy lady with weird ideas... don't listen to her."

Khusi: "Dekha Di... how he is taunting me... (glaring at Arnav) ... How dare you call me weird... let me inform you Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada, you are weirdest person I have ever known."

Anjali murmured to herself: "Looks like another war is going to start here." And then said out loud: "Chote... don't fight with Khusiji. Okay." Saying she left the room leaving Arnav and Khusi alone. Arnav took that opportunity to lock the door and pulled Khusi to him.

Khusi: "Arnavji... kya.. kar rahen... hai aap?"

Arnav: "Wahi jo mujhe karna chahiye... What were you saying to Di... I do things behind your back..."

Khusi: "I was not talking about you... I just wanted to let Di know that..."

Arnav: "... that Shyam is doing things at her back... right?"

Khusi: "Haan..."

Arnav: "I know... your ideas are weird but they always work you know."

Khusi pouting: "My ideas are not weird..."

Arnav: "They are not but you are... and I love my weird wife..." Saying he captured her lips for a sweet kiss.