Chapter 55

[MEMBERSONLY]

PART-36

Everything seemed to be going good in RM. Anjali was happy with Muskaan and excited about her unborn baby... Dadi's physiotherapy was going on good and everyone was hopeful that she will begin to walk soon... Payal though was angry on Khushi but still was behaving properly with her as she didn't want any more disturbances between her and Akash... Arnav and Khushi too were happy in their choti si duniya... Khushi had strictly said no to going to office regularly and was working on the project from home, and visiting the office whenever required... Arnav had wanted to inform Anjali about Shyam but again the absence of Shyam from RM for some more days made him stop and he was waiting for the time when he will be back so that they can expose his truth to Anjali... In short everything was calm in RM but probably it was the calmness before storm.

Today Nani had kept a puja at the nearby temple for the well being of both Anjali and Payal's unborn baby and for that everyone left to the temple except Khushi and Dadi and Arnav had already left for office as he had some meeting to attend, whereas NK had gone somewhere which no one knew... but they knew that he will be returning by night. Khushi had certain work relating to the project to complete and Dadi stayed home as the temple had stairs and not wanting to trouble her and others she preferred to stay with Khushi. After everyone left, Khushi took Dadi to her room and said: "Do you want to sleep Dadiji..?"

Dadi: "No Bitiya... I am fine... I will read a book... will you pass me the book from the rack..?"

Khushi took the book and giving it to her said: "Dadiji, I will be in the study... call me if you need anything... no need to call out loud... just give me a miss call on my cell and I will be here in no time. Okay..."

Dadi nodded and Khushi hugging and kissing her left to continue her work.

Khushi got so involved in her work that she didn't notice someone coming inside the study and locking the door. She got startled when she felt someone's hand moving on her hair. She looked back and panicked to see the person. "Aaa...ppp..."

"Yes... me... whom did you expect... your Arnavji...?" said Shyam in an wicked voice.

Khushi: "What are you doing here...?"

Shyam: "I am here to talk to you... (Holding her arms tightly) ...what did you think Khushiji...? you thought you will live happily with Arnav and I will let you... do you know how I feel when I see you with that Arnav..."

Khushi still trying to remove his hands from her arm said: "HE IS MY HUSBAND... and you are nothing but a cheat..."

Shyam: "Yes I am a cheat... so what..? But I love you Khushiji... only you... no one else... why is that difficult for you to understand...?"

Khushi: "BUT I DON'T... I LOVE MY HUSBAND... I LOVE MY ARNAVJI... DO YOU GET THAT..."

Shyam: "NO I DONT..." he shouted even louder. "...so what if you don't love me... but today I will make you mine... and you will be mine only... no one will stop me..."

Khushi was now scared pushed him and tried to run away from there but Shyam was fast. He caught hold up her and tried to kiss her neck... but luckily for Khushi she got hold of a pointed rounder with which she was working and stabbed it hard on his chest making him wither in pain and she took that opportunity to at least open the door... though she was able to unlock the door, she couldn't run away from there as Shyam reached her and held her tight... she screamed but not able to do anything again used the same rounder to prick him anywhere she could and used the small moment of his distraction to run out of the room.

Downstairs, Dadi hearing the scream of Khushi pushed her automated wheel chair and reached the hall only to see a visible scared Khushi running down and Shyam running behind her and she could understand what exactly would have happened. Khushi ran to Dadi and hid behind her trying to find protection.

Shyam seeing this laughed out loud and said: "Khushiji... you think this crippled old lady will be able to save you...?" saying he walked towards her and pulled Khushi holding her hair and she screamed in pain calling out for the persons who could save her... her Devi-maiyaa and her Arnavji...

But Dadi wasn't only for namesake the Dadi of The ASR... she took a brass flower vase that was kept there and aimed it at Shyam which hit him right on his forehead and knocked him off for at least a few minute. Khushi ran out of his hold and cried hugging Dadi but instead of consoling her Dadi took her cell and called on Arnav's mobile and not getting answer from him rang Akash's number hoping that someone would receive her call. But to their bad luck Shyam recovered even before anyone could receive their call and again began to pull Khushi towards him but she was holding Dadi tightly hoping that she will be saved.

Khushi was no match for Shyam's strength and he successfully pulled her and dragged her towards a room where he can put his wrong desires into action... but devi-maiyaa is not Khushi's best friend for namesake... and Arnav and Khushi's heartbeats wasn't connected only for feeling each other's presence... they could feel it even when the other was in pain. Arnav while driving to office had felt that it is home... with his Khushi where he should be... his Khushi needs him... she is calling him... and not able to control the urge to be with Khushi he had drove back home... When he reached home what he saw made his blood boil... the leech... creep... Shyam was pulling Khushi by her hairs and Dadi was trying to pull Khushi away from him... The monster in him rose and he screamed "LEAVE HER."

Shyam looked behind to see Arnav standing breathing fire and his grip on Khushi loosened... Dadi felt relaxed... and Khushi pushing Shyam with all her might ran straight into the arms which would protect her from everything... who would keep her safe. Hugging him tight she wailed and only thing that came out of her mouth was: "Devi-maiyaa ka lakh lakh sukar hai... aap aa gaye..." Arnav held her close but he kept looking at Shyam and he trembled knowing that there is no way he would be safe. Dadi meanwhile reached Arnav and Khushi pushing her wheel chair and Arnav pulling Khushi out of hug kissed her forehead and said: "Sssh... don't cry... you are safe." And leaving her near Dadi marched towards Shyam who knew that his death is near as ASR won't leave him.

Arnav caught hold of Shyam's collar and throwing him on the floor beat him black and blue. The image of him pulling Khushi was making him so enraged that he could have probably killed him had it not been for the others returning home. The rest of the Raizadas came home to be welcomed by a scene where Arnav was mercilessly beating Shyam and Khushi was crying hugging Dadi, who was trying to control her own tears and anger.

Anjali not able to understand what has happened here and why is her Chote thrashing her Husband screamed: "CHOTEE... STOP... WHAT ASRE YOU DOING...?" But it has no effect on Arnav who continued to kick Shyam and Akash and Mamaji had to forcibly pull him away.

Shyam stood up with lot of difficulty as probably he had got some fractures and blood oozing out of his nose and to gain sympathy said: "Raa..ni... saahe..baa... look... what... your... chote has done..."

Listening to him Arnav anger rose again and he coming forward punched Shyam again and Akashi had to hold him tight to control him. Now Anjali was angry seeing Arnav beating up her husband. "WHAT IS THIS CHOTE..? WHY ARE YOU BEATING SHYAMJI...?"

Now Dadi spoke: "Chote did right... any husband at his place would have done this..." looking at Mamaji "Bitwa, call police and handover this man to them... I want him to rot in jail."

Anjali: "What are you saying Dadi..? What did Shyamji do..?"

Dadi: "He misbehaved with Khushi Bitiya..."

Anjali felt silent for a moment listening to Dadi but then said: "Noo... Dadii... Shyamji... can't do like this... there must have been some misunderstanding... I know there must be some misunderstanding..." looking at Khushi who was still sitting hugging Dadi "...Shyamji didn't do anything... isn't it Khushiji... there was some misunderstanding..." Khushi hugged Dadi even tightly and continued crying while Dadi patted her head to calm her and seeing Khushi not answering Anjali walked to her and forcibly making her stand said: "I AM ASKING YOU SOMETHING...? IT WAS ALL A MISUNDERSTANDING... ISN'T IT... TELL ME..."

Khushi looked at Anjali and not able to say anything ran to her husband and hugging him sobbed and his arms went around her to hold her... to protect her from everyone. After a moment which felt like eternity Arnav said: "Dadi is saying the truth Di... (looking at Shyam) ...and this Shyam is not what he looks like. ...there is a lot more that you need to know about him. And today I will tell you everything... every truth that I have kept hidden from you about this man. (turning to Akash) ...Akash, call NK and ask him to bring her here instead of taking her to the guest house and call Aman and ask him to bring the recording... Mamaji, call the police."

Shyam panicked listening to Arnav and said: "What truth are you talking about Saale sahib... what did I do...? I did nothing... and what you saw was not what it was looking like..."

Arnav: "SHUT UP... I KNOW WHAT SORT OF A PERSON YOU ARE... SO KEEP QUIET."

Akash who was dialling NK's number saw Muskaan standing their petrified and said to her: "Beta, go upstairs and stay in there. We will talk later. Okay."

Muskaan looked at Khushi who was still crying in Arnav's arm and said: "Khushi... Mami... what... happened to... her... she... is... crying..."

Akash: "Your Khushi Mami is fine... everyone is with her... you go..." Muskaan nodded and went away from there.

Anjali was still in shock listening to her Chote. She knows her Chote would never lie to her and he said that Shyamji was misbehaving with Khushiji... but how can this be... her Shyamji can never look at any other woman except her... then how can he... and Chote said there is a lot more that she is to know... Shyamji is not what he looks like... what does that mean...? Not able to take the stress she swayed and was about to fall down but Mami held her at the right time. Nani too walked to her and both of them made her sit on the nearby sofa. Arnav wanted to go and talk to his Di but the crying Khushi in his arm stopped him and made him want to kill the person responsible for her tears. He made Khushi sit on a chair and sat beside her hugging her. Akash came to him and said: "Bhai, I have called NK Bhai and he is coming here with her and Aman is bringing the tape..."

Shyam: "Who is coming...? And what tape are you two talking about."

Akash: "You will know soon... we have tolerated enough of you... now you will go to jail forever."

Payal who was standing silently looked at Akash. She understood that Akash knows everything about Shyam and was worried what would be its effect on their relationship.

Anjali came out of her revere and asked Arnav: "Chote, What did you mean when you said that Shyamji is not what he looks...? Tell me please... I want to know the truth..."

"I will tell you Di..." they heard NK's voice and everyone turned back to see him. He walked to Anjali and kneeling beside her said: "Di, you know I have always loved you like my real sister and I have always wanted the best for you... and you know I can never lie to you... your Chote, your Akash... they love you a lot and always want you to be safe... so I want you to be brave enough to listen to what I have to say."

Anjali: "NK Bhai... what..."

Akash too kneeled down beside her and holding his hands said: "Di... remember whatever the situation may be... we all will be there for you... your brothers will be there with you in every step of your life... please trust us Di... I know what we will say now will come as a nasty shock to you but you need to bear it Di..."

Arnav still holding Khushi close extended his one arm to hold his Di's hand and said: "Di, both of us have faced a lot in our life but we have faced it together and have come out strong... I want you to face this too with the same strength... I know you will..."

Anjali: "What are you all saying...? I don't want to listen to anything except the truth... Chote, tell me what did you mean by Shyamji is not what he looks..?"

Arnav: "Di... this man... Shyam Manohar Jha... is a fraud... he is nothing but a cheat... he is cheating on you Di..."

Shyam now shocked and panicked: "What are you saying Saale sahaab..? How can I cheat Rani-saheeba...?" He was about to walk towards Anjali but Arnav got up from the chair and punched his stomach making his fall backwards. "Stay away from my Di..."He hissed at him.

Arnav: "Di... you remember Khushi was engaged to a man before..." Anjali looked at Khushi who was still crying silently controlling her sobs and nodded. "...then you must be knowing that, that man's name was Shyam..." Anjali nodded again "...it was this man Di... this Shyam Manohar Jha... he stayed at Madhumati Gupta's house as a paying guest and portraying himself as an orphan and a bachelor... he wanted to marry Khushi even when he was married to you..."

Shyam: "It is a lie... I didn't want to get engaged to Khushiji... she forced me... and even today... she forced herself..." He was punched again by Arnav before he could complete the sentence and Khushi's cries which had subsided a little rose again listening to the accusation and Arnav leaving him coming to Khushi hugged her and said: "I know Khuhsi what sort of a man he is... you don't need to cry because of him..."

Akash: "Di... Bhai is right... That day Bhai married Bhabi in a hurry so that he could save her... Shyam was planning to kidnap Bhabi that night... We didn't tell you because it was not good for your health... but now we can't keep it hidden anymore. Di, Shyam was not only planning to marry Bhabi but also was planning to kill you... remember the scorpion that you had found on his back... he had brought that to kill you... but unfortunately for him it climbed his back..."

NK: "Yes Di... and that day on Akash's marriage... he had planned to kill you by cutting the brakes of your car..."

Anjali: "STOP... STOP... I SAID STOP IT... THIS CAN'T BE... MY SHYAMJI CAN'T DO THIS... HE CAN'T..."

Shyam smiled evilly looking at Arnav seeing Anjali still believing him and said: "Yes Rani-saheeba... I didn't do anything as such... I don't know why they are blaming me..."

This time NK slapped him hard making him fall on the ground and said: "We are blaming you...? Is it..? You are right and you mean to say we all are wrong... isn't it...? Then if you are truthful then you must not be knowing Soumya right...?"

Shyam getting up and though panicked with the name putting up an innocent face asked: "Who Soumya..? I don't know any Soumya..."

NK: "Okay then..." He dialled a number and asking the person on the other side of the phone to come in disconnected the call.

Anjali: "Who is Soumya..? Who is she..?"

Akash giving a disgusted look to Shyam: "He is the other wife of Shyam... though legally she can't be a wife because Shyam was already married to you... be he had got married to her two years before in a temple..." Anjali was looking pale as if seen a ghost and Shyam's face had lost all its color. "...He keeps travelling to Kanpur to meet her... and it is the reason for his constant travelling."

A young woman in her mid 20's came in and was shocked to see Shyam's condition. Not caring about anyone she rushed to him and wiping the blood from his face with her dupatta said: "What has happened to you...? How did this happen...?" Shyam was left out of words and knew his end is near. He girl looked around and walking to NK said: "What have you done to my husband..? You said my husband is cheating on me and you will prove that... but here... what have you done to my husband..? Call the doctor... he needs to be treated..."

Anjali turned a stone listening to the woman addressing her Shyamji as her husband... she now was not able to feel anything... she felt like a dead soul.

NK said to the woman: "Soumyaji, I didn't lie to you... the person you are addressing as your husband is the son-in-law of this house... (pointing to Anjali) ...you see that lady... she is my sister... first wife of Shyam Manohar Jha... she is carrying his child in her womb... this man Shyam is not only cheating on you or my Di... but also has a lot many affairs too..."

Soumya: "NOO... I DON'T BELIEVE THIS... THIS CAN'T BE.." she walked to Shyam and holding his collar said: "Shyam... tell me... he is lying isn't it... you are only my husband... not anyone else's... tell me..." Shyam stood silent as he had nothing to say and right now only thing going on his mind was how to flee this place.

Arnav: "He has nothing to say... because everything that we are telling is true... and we have proofs too... Akash, ask Aman to come in..."

Akash dialled and Aman came in with a recording and played it. In that Shyam was telling Mona how he married Anjali only for money but continued having affairs with some other ladies too and then how he met Soumya and falling for her beauty married her and then about Khushi and all his evil deeds... everyone fell silent and only thing that could be heard was the cries of Soumya. Shyam was looking for a chance to run from there and it was presented to him. Muskaan who was upstairs came down because she was worried for her Khushi Mami and it had been alone for long... so she just came down to call someone. Shyam saw Nani and Dadi were trying to pacify Soumya and Mami was holding onto Anjali... Arnav was holding Khushi close and saying something to stop her sobs... rest others were standing around Anjali. He took the opportunity and grabbed Muskaan by her neck... he knew no one would do anything if Muskaan's life is in risk and he will use that to flee away from there but only if he knew that it was his worst mistake.

Everyone turned to the direction of Shyam hearing to Muskaan's scream and the feet under their feet slipped. Shyam was holding Muskaan tight with a knife that he had picked from the dining table pointed at her neck.

Akash: "SHYAM... LEAVE HER... OR ELSE..."

Laughing like a mad Shyam said: "Or else... or else... what you will do... you can do nothing... if you try to do anything then I will kill your darling Muskaan..."

Arnav leaving Khushi walked forward and said: "Leave her Shyam... you don't know what you are bringing on yourself... a single scratch on Muskaan and I will kill you..."

Shyam: "STOP THERE... if you take a step forward... I will slit her throat... if you want her safe then do what I want you to do..."

Arnav: "What do you want...?"

Shyam: "I want to go from here along with your property and Khushiji..." he said giving lustful look to Khushi.

Arnav felt like killing him then and there only and before he could say anything Anjali who was sitting like a stone stood up and with a determined voice said: "Leave Muskaan... and I promise to give you all that you deserve."

Shyam laughed out loud and said: "WOW... you will give me everything... that is great... so now go up to my room and get the papers that I have kept in the cupboard... and then Arnav will sign it and all his property will be mine... Go soon and get it... I don't have much time..."

Anjali nodded and was about to walk but Akash stopped her and said: "Di, you stay here... I will get the papers..." saying her went and Shyam looking at Khushi said: "Khuhsiji... now you will be mine... no one will stop you..."

Khushi cried loud listening to it and Arnav coming to her took her in his arms. Seeing it Shyam said: "Arnav Singh Raizada... move away from..." he couldn't utter the next word because someone punched him from back. As a result of the punch he dropped Muskaan who ran straight to her mother's arm, who held her tight to herself. Shyam looked at the source of the punch and saw Akash... he looked nowhere like the same Akash whom he had known... he looked as another ASR in angry mode. Akash picked up Shyam and went on thrashing him... Akash could tolerate anything but not a single harm to Muskaan... and he trying to harm her had given rise to the devil in him... Shyam would have been dead by his hands had it not been for the police who arrived there.

The police had already been informed by Mamaji about the happenings and they took Shyam into their custody. Mamaji went with them for some paperwork and Anjali who was crying hugging Muskaan left her with Akash and walked to Arnav and seeing her Khushi moved out of the hug and before either Khushi or Arnav could say anything Anjali slapped Khushi.

Everyone was shocked and Arnav was about to say something but the words of Anjali stopped him. "What do you think of yourself Khuhsiji..? What did you think of when you kept the truth hidden from me..? You were in trouble... my chote was in pain... you all knew the truth about that man but still kept it hidden from me... why..?" Looking at Arnav "What did you think Chote..? You thought your Di is too weak... you thought I will do the same what Mama did..? Why did you keep the truth hidden...? Had you told me before... today... (looking at Khushi) ...that man wouldn't have dare to hurt Khuhsiji... he wouldn't have dare to misbehave with her... can you imagine what would have happened if you wouldn't have reached on time...?"

Arnav: "I am sorry Di... from now on I won't hide anything from you... I promise... I know my Di is strong... forgive me Di..." Anjali hugged him and both the siblings cried. But Anjali had seen the more worst part of the world... her constant visit to the destitute home had made her strong... she had seen women who have been tortured in the worst way and they have no one with them... but though she has been betrayed by her husband she has her whole family with her, who will never betray her... she is thankful to god for giving her such a nice family, who loves her unconditionally. She walked to Soumya and said: "I don't know what to say Soumyaji... both of us have been at receiving end by the same man... I understand your pain... but I really don't know what I can do for you..."

Soumya wiped her tears and holding Anjali's hand said: "I am sorry Anjaliji... I became another woman in your married life... doesn't matter even if I had no idea about what sort of man that person was... but still it was because of me..."

Anjali: "No Soumyaji... it wasn't because of you... had it not been you it would have been someone else... so don't blame yourself... you were never at fault."

Soumya: "You are very nice Anjaliji... I will leave now... I need to gather the broken pieces of my life... Bye."

Anjali: "Where will you go..?"

Soumya: "Don't know... but I won't be going back to Kanpur... there that house will remind me of that nasty man which I don't want to remember... I will go somewhere and try to stand on my own feet."

Nani: "Soumya Bitiya, I understand your situation... but where will you go alone... stay with us... you too are like our Anjali bitiya to us..."

Soumya: "I can't stay here... if I stay here both me and Anjaliji will be reminded of that man and will never be able to move ahead... so I need to leave."

Khushi wiping her own tears said: "Soumyaji, I know I have no right to say anything in your matter... and I understand that you don't want to stay here... and I won't force you to stay here... I would suggest to go to a place where you will feel homely... I know that place... it is nice there... you will like it."

Arnav: "Which place are you talking about Khushi..?"

Khushi: "Nirmala Aunty's home."

Nani: "Haan... Khushi bitiya is right. Soumya Bitiya, go there... there you will know that it is not only you who is in pain... there are lot more people who are suffering more than us... it will give you strength."

Anjali: "Yes, Soumyaji you should stay there. You will get strength to live." Soumya nodded. "NK Bhai, drop Soumyaji at Nirmala Aunty's place." NK nodded and left with Soumya. After they left Anjali told everyone that she wants to stay alone for some time and went to her room taking Muskaan with her.

Arnav was about to stop her but Dadi stopped him from saying anything and after Anjali left said: "Chote, let Anjali Bitiya stay alone with Muskaan Bitiya for sometime... don't worry she will be fine... you stay with Khushi Bitiya... she had gone through a lot today." Arnav nodded and Akash said: "Dadiji, I will take you to your room."

Nani: "All of you go and rest... Manorama, take Payal Bitiya to her room... she needs to rest... we will talk later." Everyone dispersed to their room and Arnav holding Khushi's hand walked to their room.

Inside the room Khushi cried hugging Arnav and he kissing her head: "Stop crying Khushi... he could do nothing... now he is out our lives..."

Khushi: "Arnavji... he... touched me... here..." she said in between her sobs pointing to her arms and face. "He tried to..."

Arnav picked her up and took her to bed and kissed every part of her face and body, washing off that viles's fear from Khushi's mind and making her forget everything. Couple hours later lying on the bed in each other's arm Khushi said: "Arnavji, I am glad that Shyam is out of our lives..."

Arnav kissed her head and said: "Yes... and I am happy that Di didn't break down... she is much stronger than I had thought her to be."

Khushi: "Yes... Arnavji... you should meet Di... she needs you..."

Arnav: "I will but not now... for now let her be with Muskaan... she will get strength from her and her unborn child... they will give her strength to stay strong and live happily."

Khushi: "I think you are right."

Later in the day when Arnav went to meet Anjali she was no more the same crying, emotional Di that he had known. Within a few hours she had transformed herself... she agreed to Arnav that at first she was shattered when she came to know the truth about her husband... and as she had truly loved him, she felt that she should end her life... but then when she saw him trying to harm Muskaan, the mother in her rose to protect her child... and she had decided then and there that she will live for her child... her Muskaan... and her unborn child... and of course for her chote.

In the next couple of days, the happiness returned back to RM as Anjali didn't stay gloomy and Muskaan who too recovered from the shock of being attacked... thanks to her Akash Mama and Khushi Mami... and everything seemed to be going on well again... but probably some other storm was waiting.

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