Chapter 42

The next day in office Akash came into Arnav's cabin and was visibly angry. When Arnav had returned back from Paris Akash had stayed quiet and had talked to him and Khusi when essential or else he was better mute. Though Arnav had noticed his silence and cold behaviour towards him but had shrugged it off thinking probably he is tired of work pressure but today his face shows he is not tired but angry... seriously angry. Even without greeting his brother Akash took a seat before Arnav and asked: "What is going on Bhai?"

Arnav confused with his question: "What..??"

Akash: "I mean is there anything that you are hiding from me?"

Arnav: "What are you talking about? And why would I hide something from you?"

Akash pushing the file that he was holding towards Arnav: "Then what is this??"

Arnav picked up the file and glanced through the papers and sighing looked at Akash. "Who gave this to you?"

Akash: "When you were at Paris, a private detective came to give this file to you... as you were not there your secretary sent him to me and I got this file... what is this Bhai... you were investigating about Jijaji... and jijaji... I mean hee... How could he...?"

Arnav: "Don't call that man Jijaji... thinking about him makes my blood boil... had it not been for Di, I would have killed him with my bare hands... Now that you have come to know about him, you should know everything. But I would expect you to keep everything secret till Di's baby is born... I don't want to risk Di and her baby's life."

Akash: "It means you knew everything about him before... you knew from beforehand then why didn't you tell anyone of us...? You could have told me..."

Arnav: "I found out on the day of your marriage... I didn't tell anyone because I didn't want anyone to worry... and now that you know his truth you also need to know this... he was the same man who was Khusi's fiance and stayed as a paying guest at Buaji's house."

Akash: "WHAATTT...!!"

Arnav: "Yes... and.." He narrated all that he knew about him and also the circumstances under which he had to marry Khusi.

Akash: "That bas***d... I just wish to kill him right now... it is good that he is bed ridden... I wish he stays in bed life long."

Arnav: "You know... that hot oil and water pan didn't fall on him by accident... it was NK's doing."

Akash: "NK Bhai... he did that... (suddenly realising something) ...Bhai, you didn't inform anyone of us... then how did NK Bhai came to know about it?"

Arnav: "On your wedding day NK had left his camera in On Mode at the terrace... and it recorded everything... I didn't inform him but he found out from his camera."

Akash: "Oh... But now what Bhai? He had planned to kidnap Bhabi... now he is sick but what if he tries to harm Bhabi once he recovers... he is a fraud... he only wants money... (Panicking) ...what if he tries to harm Muskaan?"

Arnav: "That is what I am worried about... but we will think of something... I know once he recovers the first thing that he will do is go out of Delhi, probably to Kanpur... right now we need to take care of Di... I don't want history repeating itself..."

Akash: "Don't worry Bhai... Di is much stronger than Bua and since she has started going to the destitute home she has been very strong... didn't you notice in the last month we had no pooja at home... she is totally engaged with Muskaan and the ladies there... I hope she won't take any extreme step."

Arnav: "I hope so... How is the work at Nirmala Aunty's place going on? Khusi was saying that she wants to visit her... I have told her that we will be going after some days."

Akash: "The repairing work will take a month or so... then we can take Bhabi there... I bet she will be elated."

Arnav smiling: "She will be."

Akash: "Bhai... Jijaji... kahe ka jijaji, Shyam was PG at Buaji's home then why didn't Payal and the Guptas tell us about him?"

Arnav: "The same reason why Khusi didn't... Payal's marriage had broken once before so it is obvious that they wouldn't have wanted this alliance to break too."

Akash: "Hmm... I agree... Bhai... I don't know if I should be saying this or not... Bhai, the guptas are angry on Bhabi because of the way she married you and we know there is no fault of hers... I think you should talk to the guptas because I have felt Bhabi gets upset whenever they ignore her..."

Arnav: "I know Akash and I have already decided what to do..."

One afternoon after lunch Khusi was in her room doing some odd work when Arnav came in. "Khusi, get ready we are going out."

Khusi: "Going out?? Where?"

Arnav: "Is it necessary to answer all the questions... get ready soon."

Khusi: "Laad governor kahinke..." She took a dress and went to get ready.

Arnav stopped his car before Buaji's house and Khusi was shocked seeing the place they were.

Khusi: "Arnavji... we... here... why...?"

Arnav: "You wanted to talk to the Guptas... that is why we are here. We will talk to them and clear everything."

Khusi: "But... Buaji won't allow me to get into her home... they will not listen to me..."

Arnav: "They will." He got down from the car and went towards the passenger seat to open the door for Khusi.

Khusi: "Arnavji... but..."

Arnav extending his hand towards her: "Sshh... you just come with me."

Khusi entered Gupta house holding Arnav's hand but was very nervous. Arnav squeezed her hand showing her that he is with her. Sashi and Garima were in the living room and Buaji was nowhere to be seen. Garima saw Khusi and in anger came towards her. "WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?? DIDN'T WE TELL YOU NOT TO COME TO OUR HOUSE AGAIN..."

Arnav: "Sorry to interrupt you Mrs. Gupta but you have no right to stop Khusi from coming into this house... because she is the owner of this house...(seeing the shocked expression on Garima's face) ...yes you heard right... from now onwards Khusi is the owner of this house."

Garima: "What..?? How...??"

Arnav: "I bought this house in Khusi's name... and if that answers your question, you need to listen to what we have got to tell you."

Khusi who was nervous when Arnav had got her here was now confused to when Arnav bought this house and what he has got to tell them.

Garima: "Oh... you want us to leave this house. Don't worry; we will leave this house soon. Please give us a day..."

Arnav: "I didn't ask you to leave this house... I just want you to listen to what I and Khusi have to say to you."

Garima: "What have you got to talk to us about?"

Arnav: "I know you are not Khusi's real mother but it is you who has nurtured and raised Khusi and she loves you all a lot... you all are angry on her because of the way we got married and she is upset because of that... And I don't like to see my wife upset... you have the right to know the reason behind our marriage, I guess after that you won't stay upset with Khusi..."

Garima: "What reason?"

Arnav: "On the day of Akash and Payal's marriage... I blackmailed Khusi to marry me or else I won't let Akash's marriage with Payal happen."

Khusi: "Arnavji... please leave it..."

Garima in anger and tears: "WHAT..!! YOU FORCED HER... WHY?"

Arnav: "Because that I came to know about Shyam... he was planning to kidnap Khusi from her room... I had to marry her in that way to keep her safe and also to protect my Di..."

Garima in shock: "You know about Shyam?"

Arnav: "Yes... I know... but I request you to keep it a secret till Di's baby is born."

Garima wiped her tears and walking to Khusi slapped her: "I know I am not your mother... but I have raised you... I have full right to know what is happening in your life... how could you hide this from me... you were blackmailed into this marriage and didn't tell me anything... (holding Khusi by her arms) ...why did you hide this from us... you could have told me... we said so many things to you still you didn't tell us the truth... why??"

Khusi: "I am sorry..."

Arnav: "She would have told you only if you would have given her chance to speak... the day after our marriage she came here to explain you all everything... but you all were so busy taunting and accusing her that you didn't let her say anything."

Garima hugging Khusi: "I am sorry Bitiya... so sorry... hume maaf kar do... you went through all those and instead of standing by your side all I did was scold you and even stood silent and listened to the accusations thrown on you... I am sorry."

Khusi: "It is okay Amma... anyone at your place would have done the same... but I really felt bad that day when you said that you are not my amma... I was hurt... and that day when Jiji was saying things to me, you didn't ask her to stop... it did hurt me... I cried a lot..."

Garima wiping Khusi's tears: "I am sorry my child... really sorry... I am your mother... of all people I should have understood you but I failed..."

Khusi: "It's okay amma... I understand..."

Garima: "Why you two are standing... please sit... this is the first time you are here after your marriage, last time you were here... I will get something for you two..."

Arnav: "No, Thanks Aunty... we will be leaving soon. I just wanted to tell you the truth so that you all don't go on blaming Khusi time and again."

Garima: "Please don't make us feel guiltier..."

Khusi: "Forget the past Amma... where is buaji?"

Garima: "She is out for some work... will be back by evening..."

Khusi went to her Babuji and hugged him and happy tears flowed from both their eyes. Sashi though was not able to speak but his expressions were enough to tell Khusi that he is happy for her.

Arnav gave a file to Garima and said: "Aunty, it was somewhere my fault that the alliance of Payal had broken... and you too lost your shop... I got them back... it is again yours now."

Garima was left numb with happiness: "Babua... ye..."

Arnav: "Yes Aunty that shop is now again Uncle's."

Khusi: "Arnavji... when did you... I mean how...?"

Arnav: "We need to go Khusi... we have to visit Da... someone. Chalo."

Khusi nodded and taking blessings of her Amma and Babuji left Gupta house.

Inside the car, Khusi hugged Arnav and kissing his cheeks said: "I am so happy Arnavji... Amma and Babuji forgave me... I can't tell you how happy I am."

Arnav: "I can see how how happy you are..."

Khusi: "But Arnavji, why did you buy Buaji's house in my name?"

Arnav: "I had no intention of buying it Khusi... last time you went there they had asked you to get out of it let alone listen to you... so I thought if that house becomes yours then they will have to listen to whatever you have to say... and after that they can stay in that house without paying rent... so..."

Khusi: "Oh... and what about Babuji's sweet shop?"

Arnav: "That I brought as a gift to them... they have done so much for my wife, atleast I could do that much for them."

Khusi: "Thank you Arnavji... you are the best."

Arnav: "Only thank you...? I thought I will get something else too..."

Khusi: "What do you want?"

Arnav smiling naughtily: "You know what I want..."

Khusi blushing: "Okay... you will get it at home."

Arnav: "Great... lets's go home now."

Khusi: "We have to meet Dadiji..." all of a sudden her face fell.

Arnav: "Kya hua..?"

Khusi: "Arnavji, tomorrow is holi."

Arnav: "I know... that is your favourite festival."

Khusi: "I was hoping that Dadiji will be with us... but..."

Arnav: "I understand Khusi... don't worry. If not for holi, Dadi will surely be with us for Diwali. Don't you see how much she is improving? She will be with us at home very soon."

Khusi smiled at him and they went to meet Dadi.

Next day it was holi celebration at RM. But it was decided that they will be celebrating it only with family and no guests, reason being Muskaan is still scared of male persons and if they are strangers then she panics and not wanting their darling daughter to be in trouble they were celebrating holi in their garden. Other reason being Shyam though was recovering but the colours were dangerous for his wounds and doctor has strictly warned about his wounds not coming in contact with colours.

In the morning, Anjali was in her room getting ready for holi and looking after Shyam when Arnav came in.

Arnav: "Good Morning Di, Good Morning Jijaji... How are you?"

Shyam: "Good Morning Saale Saahaab. Happy Holi."

Arnav seeing Anjali giving medicine to Shyam: "Di, why are you doing these? Where is that nurse?"

Anjali: "I am only giving medicines Chote... the nurse is really taking good care of him. She is in her room getting ready."

Akash came in with a plate of colours and with a bright smile said: "happy holi everyone."

Anjali: "Akash... why did you bring colours here? Don't you know doctor has said that colours are harmful for Shyamji's wounds..."

Akash: "Come on Di, I am not putting colours on Jijaji's wounds will just do tika on his forehead... that won't harm. (Looking at Arnav) What say Bhai?"

Arnav: "I guess you are right..."

Akash was about to walk forward when NK barged into the room and by mistake pushed him from back which made the whole plate of colour fall on Shyam and as his legs were bare the colours got into the wounds, which made him scream loud because of the burning that he felt.

Anajli: "OH NO... hey bhagwaan... ye kya ho gaya?"

Akash and NK smiled at each other which didn't go unnoticed by Arnav and he too hid his smile knowing very well that it was well planned by his brothers.

Akash: "I am so.. so sorry Jijaji... Di, I didn't do it purposefully, NK Bhai pushed me from back and..."

NK: "I am also so sorry... didn't see Akash was holding colours... I am sorry Jijaji..."

Arnav: "Why don't you walk looking ahead NK? What will happen to Jijaji now?"

NK: "Nothing will happen. I will call the nurse, she will clean the wounds. Relax." He left the room to call the nurse.

Arnav holding Anjali by shoulder: "Di, relax... the nurse will clean the wounds. Jijaji will be fine... Aap chalo yahan se... Muskaan will be waiting for you... you know she never eats breakfast without you."

Akash: "Haan Di, you go I will be here with Jijaji till the nurse comes."

Arnav and Anjali came downstairs to see the Gupta family sitting with the Raizadas. Seeing Arnav, Khusi walked to him and hugging his arm said: "Arnavji, I am so happy... Amma, Babuji and Buaji will be celebrating holi with us..."

Anjali who was pleasantly surprised said: "That means they forgave you?"

Khusi: "Yes Di... I am so happy..."

Anjali caressing her face: "I know... I wish you always stay happy as this... Waise, where is Muskaan?"

Khusi: "She is in the garden with Mamaji... she is too excited to play holi... but that naughty girl didn't have her breakfast, when I asked her to eat she told that she will eat with her Maa and Akash Mama... where is Akashji? You go and make sure Muskaan eats something."

Anjali smiling: "Okay..." and left from there.

Khusi: "Arnavji, aap ko pata hai... Amma and Babuji are leaving for Lucknow tomorrow."

Arnav: "Why..?"

Khusi: "There is some naturopathy clinic in the outskirts of Lucknow, Amma has contacted there for Babuji's treatment. And also now that their shop is back to them, they want to start it again."

Arnav: "That's good... let them know if they want any other help I will help them."

Khusi smiling: "You will..."

Arnav: "Yes, I will do anything that makes you happy... but I want to tell you something... it is really good that you are again in good terms with the guptas but I will never be able to forget what they did to you..."

Khusi: "Aranvji... that was past..."

Arnav: "I know but I am not so forgiving like you... I tried to clear the misunderstanding between you and them only to make you happy and also I didn't want anyone to blame you... but I want you to not to mingle much with them and also I can't forget what that Buaji said about you and Muskaan."

Khusi: "Arnavji..."

Arnav: "Khusi, I don't want you get hurt again... so please don't get too close to them... I can't see you hurt and sad."

Khusi smiled: "I know... now let's go and have breakfast and then play holi... It is our first holi after marriage."

Inside the kitchen, Payal was preparing thandai, when Buaji came in.

Buaji: "Payalia, come with me. There is something very important that I have to tell you."

Payal who was irritated because Amma and Babuji had forgiven Khusi and also got gifts for her said in an irritated tone: "What is it Buaji? Don't you see I am working... please stop disturbing me."

Buaji: "Forget those work, if you don't listen to me then the whole life you will spend working as a servant where as Khusi will become your boss."

Payal: "I have already become a servant her Buaji..."

Buaji: "That is why I am saying listen to me. Come with me..."

She took Payal to her room and locking the door said: "Payalia, you saw how your amma and babuji forgave Khusi and do you know the reason behind it?

Payal: "What reason?"

Buaji: "Yesterday, that Khusi and Arnav Babua came to laxminagar."

Payal: "What..!! Why?"

Buaji: "Aranv Babua had bought our house in Khusi's name and..."

Payal was shocked beyond limit listening to it: "Why..? Why did he buy our house? Is he planning to throw you all out of the house and that is why Amma and Babuji are returning back to Lucknow? But... what about our shop...?"

Buaji: "Will you first listen to me fully... Yesterday Arnav babua came home..." she narrated the entire thing.

Payal: "What he knows about Shyamji...? Then why is he so quiet... I thought he would be angry on Khusi..."

Buaji: "I don't know what has happened between them but right now it is not the time to think about Khusi or Arnav... You need to concentrate on yours and Akash Babua's relationship."

Payal: "If Arnavji knows... he must have informed Akashji too... what if..?"

Buaji: "I don't think he has informed anyone. Or else Akash Babua must have confronted you about Shyam... but he didn't spoke to you about him shows that he doesn't know anything about Shyam."

Payal: "He is speaking to me about nothing Buaji because he is not talking to me only..."

Buaji: "WHATT..!! BUT WHY..?"

Payal: "That day I did as you told me and tried to instigate him against his family but it back fired... he scolded me and after that when you said bad about Muskaan, he is not talking to me from then after..."

Buaji: "Didn't you tell him, what exactly I had asked you?"

Payal: "I did Buaji..."

Buaji: "What did he say after that?"

Payal: "He stayed quiet for a moment, seemed like he was thinking about it but never spoke anything..."

Buaji: "Oh... that means it has hit at the right spot... now tell me, did you and Akash Babua come close... you know what I mean..."

Payal: "No buaji... he has been staying aloof from me..."

Buaji: "I had thought so... now listen what you have to do... (taking out a small packet from her bag) ... you are old enough to know what you have to do."

Payal: "What is this Buaji?"

Buaji: "Bhaanng..."

It was evening when Akash woke up rubbing his eyes, his head feeling heavy and some different feeling within his body. He was shocked finding himself on the bed and that too without clothes. He tried to remember what had happened but everything was hazy. He came out of his thoughts with the sound of the bathroom knob opening. Payal came out of the bathroom after having a fresh shower and looking at Akash blushed.

Akash trying to sit properly asked: "Payal... what had happened here? I mean... know what I mean."

Payal still blushing: "Akashji... you... I... I mean.. we..."

Akash: "Answer straight Payal. Did anything happen between us?"

Payal blushingly nodded her head.

Akash: "WHAT..!!"

Payal: "What is there to be shocked in it? It is common between a husband and wife and we have been married for over a month. There is nothing to feel bad about it."

Akash: "It is common between normal couples not between us..."

Payal: "Why are you saying like this? Did I do anything wrong? I have been trying to be a good wife and a good bahu..."

Akash: "You are trying but you have not become one yet... and whatever happened might be because of the bhang drink that your buaji made me drink... so please don't keep high expectations from me..." saying he gathered his clothes fallen down the bed and went inside the bathroom leaving a sad Payal behind.

Some days later, Arnav and Akash returned from office and Muskaan who as usual was waiting for her Aakash mama to return ran to hug him but collided with Arnav who was walking in with a foul mood and because of the collision with her lost his temper and shouted: "WHAT THE HELL... DON'T YOU SEE WHILE WALKING?"

Muskaan who has never been shouted upon in this house trembled in fear and tears rolled down her eyes. Akash who was just behind Arnav came forward and picking up Muskaan said to Arnav: "Bhai, control yourself... don't shout at her."

Arnav tried to control himself but he was so angry that without saying a word left for his room. The whole family who by now had gathered in the hall listening to Arnav's shout were shocked to see Arnav shouting at Muskaan and especially Arnav angry after so long.

HAPPY REPUBLIC DAY TO ALL INDIANS