Chapter 40

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Part 37 [Maha Update]

The ringtone of Khushi's mobile was echoing in the entire room. Even Khushi can hear when she was rushing on the staircase just to reach the device as soon as possible so that she can grab the call which was from Arnav. Hurriedly, Khushi locked the door behind her and jumped on the bed before answering the call. Her guess was right. It was indeed Arnav.

Khushi: "Hi.."

Arnav: "Hello sweetheart.. How are you..?" Khushi grinned happily.

Khushi: "I'm fine just missing the person on the opposite end.." He smiled..

Arnav: "And I miss you too.. It's a pure torture for not seeing you.. Well, once I'm back I will ask your hand from your brother.. I can't stay away from you anymore. I wanted to marry you then I will take you along with me for every business trip of mine.." Khushi laughed seeing the desperation of Arnav Singh Raizada.

Khushi: "Aman is there na.. He will surely be a good company.."

Arnav: "He used to be a very good company but once falling in love with you, I only want you not Aman or anyone else.." She was proud to have a lover who loves her at this extend and wanted her in every single second.

Khushi: "So what you doing..? And when you coming back..?"

Arnav: "Nothing much.. Just after having bath. And regarding trip, I'm not really sure maybe after 2 or 3 days.. It's depend on the work here.."

Khushi: "Arnav you knew, your family are back from Shimla today along with mine. I guess they met at Airport. Besides, Mahi was looking for you. Not only Mahi but everyone.. Aunty and Anjali Di also.." He raised his one brow in suspicious. She add.. "Who know they found a girl for you..!" She didn't mean anything except trying to humor.

Arnav: "Shadi toh main tumse hi karuga.. (I will marry only you..)"

Khushi: "You sound like a love sick puppy.." He chuckled on her reply..

However, there was sudden knock on Khushi's door making her stay silent. It was the servants who passed her the message that her brother wanted to meet her in the study room. Immediately, Khushi bid bye to Arnav and walked towards the study.

**********

After few days..

Khushi and her entire family been invited by the Raizada to their resident for family occasion. While, they reached at the main gate, Khushi noticed some preparation was going on. The deco were decorating the entrances and the cater carrying foods and sweets inside the mansion. Her brother, Nanu and Zain were looking calm as they knew what were happening. Its only she who had no idea regarding the sudden preparation.. No one told the reason of the celebration not even Mahi. Since, she return from Shimla Khushi hardly meets Mahi as she was always in hurry. Maybe because of this.. Khushi wonder after scanning the mansion been decorated..

They walked in once been invited by Ronit Singh Raizada and Tanuja who were smiling till ears. Khushi wanted to ask Tanuja but knowing this wasn't the correct timing. She dropped the idea. She thought of seeking information from Mahi or Anjali. They will surely tell her.

Nearly one hour passed but Khushi found nothing.. She tried to chase Mahi then Anjali but none of them were free to reply her. Khushi sighs and walked upstairs to get something for Tanuja. While walking she heard few male voices discussing among themselves. She had no intention of listening to their talk but few names been caught by her ears..

Khalash (Khushi's Nanu): "So Arnav arriving today..?" Ronit nodded in agreement.. However, Khushi's hurt jump in excitement. She didn't know about this. Since morning she was waiting for his call but he didn't. Now she knew, he might be boarding the flight and wanted to surprise her with his sudden uninformed arrival.. Khushi smirked realizing that the table turn in her favour..

Sanjay: "So what time Jaisawal Uncle Family will arrive?"

Ronit: "Anytime.. Right now they already started from the airport.."

Khalash: "Krystal is a nice girl.. I have met her twice in business party with her father." Krystal..? Khushi started to recall where did she hear this name..? It's not the first time she heard the name Krystal and she still remember just she couldn't identify when and who she is..?

Sanjay: "Arnav and Krystal will make a good pair.."

Khushi's heart ache after hearing her brother's word. A good pair..? Krystal? Arnav..? Slowly and steadily, her mind started to join the dots.. Somewhere the old memory started to knock her memory storage. Krystal was the same girl which Tanuja and Anjali once brought the proposal for Arnav but he denied and today she was arriving.. But why..? Were they..? NO.. This can't be.. It seems like Khushi's heart been stabbed numerous time making her hiss in pain.

Ronit: "Just like Khushi and Zain.. Did you talk with Khushi..?" Khushi's teary eyes popped out in disbelief.. She can't believe all these were happening behind her..? Why she didn't realize..? That's the reason her brother told her the other day to take Zain for sight visit and that romantic dinner.. Why she been so stupid for not understanding the small gesture Zain was showing her and the way her Brother always want Zain to be around her.. When did they plan all this..? It didn't seem like they just started few days back.. It might happened when she was not around..

Sanjay: "I will talk with Khushi in few hours.. Today will be the right day.. Zain will be a perfect husband for Khushi.. I had seen the way they get along with each other.. Khushi seem comfortable and likes him.. Zain is the only one I trust who can take a good care of my sister. I want her to marry a man who able to love her entirely even more than me.." Tears rolled on Khushi's eyes.. No Bhaiyya, it's not Zain.. It's Arnav and it will be always Arnav.. I love him.. Somehow she wished her brother able to hear her inner turmoil but sigh he didn't.. He seems happy and looking excited so does her Grandfather.. They are indeed confident with their selection even without knowing her likes..? Zain was not more than a best friend for her. She had never think of falling in love with Zain as she found him as her friend only not more than that..

Suddenly, Khushi's shoulder been touched by a soft palm. Hurriedly, Khushi wiped her sorrow and turn behind plastering a smile on her face.

Mahi: "What are you doing here..?" Mahi pulled her together with her before they start heading downstairs..

Khushi: "I was - I was .." She don't know what she should say..? Everything seem not in order..

Mahi: "You need a glass of water.." Mahi took her in the kitchen and passed her the plain water. Anjali and Tanuja were also present in the kitchen guiding the servants. Both of them were looking beautiful in their expensive sarees. And that smile..? They were contended.

Anjali (Seating beside Khushi): "You know Khushiji.. We have lost hope when Chotte keep denying for getting married.." Khushi felt a big lump in her throat. She can see where all these were heading..

Tanuja (Cupping Khushi's cheek): "But we still remember what you suggested us once.. We tried to work on it.."

Khushi: "What I suggested..?" She asked controlling the crack on her voice..

Mahi: "Haw..? How can you forget..? Remember you, Di and mom started to plan once after Bhai's denial..? You said bring Krystal here so that Bhai and Krystal can know each other well first before they been tied into a marriage..?" Khushi's eyes widen. She hit the hammer on her own feet. She invited all this and now she was crying.. She didn't know one day she might fell in love with the man she hated..? If she knew she would never suggest something that would wrench her heart.

Tanuja: "We met Krystal and her family at Shimla.. Believe it or not she is such a nice girl and so does her family. We thought of starting from fresh maybe this time we will succeed in convincing Arnav.."

Anjali: "You know Khushiji.. Krystal was the same girl which Mamma chosen for Chotte.. When they were kid Mamma always wished to see Chotte getting married to Krystal. She desires Krystal as her daughter in law and promised Jaisawal uncle that her chotte will marry Krystal only.." Anjali had tears in her eyes after narrating her mother's wish.. She was happy at the same time that she able to fulfill her mother's wish by bringing Krystal in this house as the Bride of Arnav Singh Raizada. However, Khushi had tears of pain. She knew how much Arnav loves his mother.. And it was his mother's wish to make Krystal as the daughter in law not Khushi.. That fact prick Khushi's heart.. Unwanted..! That's what she felt now..

Mahi: "So we have find the best solution for the future problems.. And that solution is you Khushi.. Looking at the way you defended Bhai on the other day, seem a very strong friendship bound created between you two.. We think you are the only one able to talk with Bhai.. Try to make him say a yes.. So we can start with the preparation.." They were throwing everything on her shoulder.. How can she make the man she loves agree for marrying another girl when she clearly know the answer would be NO. And what if he came to know about his mother's wish..? Will he say yes and forget the girl name Khushi..? Khushi started to struggle with her subconscious.

Khushi: "I don't think so I can do this.." She tried to hold the weakness in her voice..

Tanuja: "Just give one try maybe you'll succeed.. If it didn't work we will think something else.. But now we are depending on you.. We have faith that Chotte will agree.. I don't know why my inner goddess said he will agree.." Khushi was trapped by the ladies.. She really doesn't know what she should do..? And Arnav's mother wishes..? That was eating her alive.. Upon that her brother planning to tie her with Zain.. She has no option. Do she? Her head nodded a YES only to make the ladies smile broadly.

***********

It was already afternoon since the Jaisawal family arrived at Raizada Mansion. Khushi was standing aloof at the corner as she doesn't feel that she belong here anymore. Everyone were happy.. Ronit was smiling. Tanuja was hugging Krystal and Anjali was happily showing Krystal the pictures of Arnav's early age. Everything seem perfect.. Only she felt she was a stranger among them. Today for the first time she felt she didn't knew this family. She used to claim them as her own but today, she feel been neglected.. Khushi's eyes moist.. If possible she wanted to cry her heart out and run from the event which taking place before her. Her heart wrenching in pain..

The footstep that been heard by everyone made the entire family turn towards the main door. There came the son of the house. He walked inside with the servants following him from behind carrying his luggage.

Anjali: "Chotte.." One by one the ladies went to hug him. He just passed a small smile with his eyes scanning through the surround. Immediately, Khushi turn her face and wiped her tears before it been noticed.

Tanuja: "Come Chotte lets meet everyone here.." Tanuja introduce the Jaisawal family to Arnav which he already acknowledges and then she moves the introduction session towards the Malhotra. Arnav had a formal hand shake with Khushi's family and Zain. He was about to say something but suddenly his phone rang disturbing the introduction session.

Arnav: "Excuse me.." He walked towards the direction where Khushi was standing with the mobile on his ear. Arnav winked at her, slowly curving his lips into a kiss. No one had notice what had happened as they could only see the back of ASR.

The moment Khushi saw him coming at her way she escaped from his view. Arnav was about to stop her but due to the important call he received he wasn't able too. He thought of getting back on her later once he wrapped up the call.

**********

Jaisawal family left the premise after enjoying their lunch with others. They discussed the plan for the evening. Today would be one of the Memorial Day for both the family. Khushi was no way around while Arnav was in his room and didn't come downstairs after having a brief intro. He already told his mother that he has video conference to attend and couldn't be with them. They understood and didn't interrupt him after that.

Nearly 4 hours passed for Arnav's arrival but yet he wasn't able to meet Khushi. He called on her mobile, text her and leaves a voicemail too but till now no reply. He even told HP to find Khushi for him but yet idle. It was height for him to wait anymore. He need her in his arms desperately and holds her. He wanted to kiss her like there were no tomorrow. He wanted to whisper how much he loves her and missed her so much during her absent. Arnav opened the room door and walked downstairs only to find something weird going on. He checked the day and date which is Saturday. What were they celebrating..? He was about to ask to one of the worker but when his eye caught Khushi walking by he started to follow her and dragged her near the storeroom where no was available. The corridor was vacant. He pinned her behind the wall..

Arnav: "Hi.." He said in husky tone..

Khushi: "I have a lot of work to do.. We talk later.." She wasn't meeting his eyes and pushed him slowly so that she can free herself. Just by then she run away from there..

Arnav: "WHAT..?!" He cursed...

All the while, Arnav was just looking for the opportunity to talk with Khushi. He tried to block her way but as usual she escaped. That behaviour of her really pissed him off. He was dying to talk with her. Dying to take her in his arms. Dying to express his love but here she being a drama queen.. He just can't tolerate this anymore.. He wait for the right moment to come and that's when he saw Khushi going upstairs.. He run behind her.. Before she could enter in Anjali's room? Arnav gripped her wrist and dragged her towards his room. He locked the door behind closing the other way for her to run.

Arnav: "Now where you will run..?" He winked erasing the distance..

Khushi: "Arnav - I.." He brushed his chest on her with his palm touched her right cheek..

Arnav: "Sshh - hh.." That's when his lips went down to claim hers.. He smooch them slowly with passion revolves in his touch.. Khushi clutched her anarkali material tightly letting him rule alone. Later, he pulled back to inhale some oxygen.. "You look beautiful today.." She was in dark purple Anarkali with only big earring adores her ears and few bangles on her wrist. She didn't respond on his compliments. "Can you tell me what is going on downstairs..?"

Khushi: "Kissi ki sagayi.. (Someone's engagement)"

Arnav: "Kis ki..? (Whose?)"

Khushi: "Aap ki.. (Yours..)"

Arnav: "Kiske saath..? (With whom?)"

Khushi: "Krystal.."

Arnav: "It's not funny.." He smiled taking her words lightly.. Just by seeing her he don't feel like leaving her. He wanted her to stay in his arms for hours.. Arnav moved closer and brushed his lips on her.. Taking the lips in a light attempt.. But the next word of Khushi froze his moves.

Khushi: "Say yes to Krystal.." Arnav take two steps backward with his face showing what the hell look..!

Arnav: "Why you are behaving like this..? Who is Krystal? Where she come from..? And who's Engagement you are talking about..?" He asked in stern voice.. Before Khushi could open her mouth something popped in his mind.. He had denied his family before and again they touched the same topic? He won't spare them..! Arnav was about to open the door but Khushi stopped him.. She took him at the middle of the room and continued..

Khushi: "Krystal is such a adorable and nice Arnav.." His brow frowned..

Arnav: "She has nothing to do with me..!!" He tried to maintain his voice.

Khushi: "She will have from now onwards.. You look perfect with her.. You both will make a good pair.. Trust me Arnav.. I can see the sparks.."

Arnav (Angrily): "What the hell are you talking Khushi..?? Do you have any idea what you were saying to me..? If you think I will look perfect with her then I don't want to look perfect.. I don't see any sparks.. I only saw disaster.."

Khushi: "Arnav I..." Been interrupt in between..

Arnav: "I say NO means NO..!!" He shouts at her making her jerk in sudden. She didn't find any hopes in convincing him. Why she need to stand in the middle of everyone faith..? Why can't they just leave her alone instead of forcing her to do this..? Why her brother wanted her to marry Zain..? Why she not able to fight for her love..? She don't want to admit that deep down in her heart she was sacred.. Scared what if Arnav choose Krystal as she was selected by his mother. The lady he loves from the bottom of his heart.. He will never let his mother down.. He always find a reason to fulfill his mother wish and this would be one of them..

Khushi: "There is something you should know.. And I believe you won't say NO after this.."

Arnav: "Can you please stop all this Khushi..?? Just STOP Damn It..!!" He yelled and turn to leave.. But seem again Khushi's next word hold the effort to stop him.

Khushi: "It was your mother who wanted you to marry Krystal.. She selected her for you and promised Jaisawal Uncle that only Krystal will marry Arnav.. Not Khus - " The sound of the door been opened and the footstep fading away only to make Khushi turn find him nowhere near.. She seat on the bed with her mouth whispering.. "Not Khushi.." She knew somehow this would happen.. His mother wishes was way too important to him..

Slowly, her tears started to make their ways.. She was scarifying her loves for everyone happiness.. She don't know how they will react if she told them that she loves Arnav.. With one confession of her, their happiness will be snatched. She don't want them to neglect her just because she came in between Arnav's mother dreams..

Quickly, Khushi wiped her tears and marched downstairs.. She can't seat here for long. When, Anjali saw her immediately she stopped her as she knew Khushi was in Arnav's room and they might discuss about Krystal..

Anjali: "What Chotte said..?" She was waiting desperately to hear a positive reply. Whereas, Khushi inhale before putting a stone on her heart and let the word whisper in Anjali's ear..

Khushi: "Yes - He said Yes.." Anjali's mouth open in perfect O' shape.. Somehow she can't believe.. How Khushi manage to convince him just in few minutes which they wasn't able to do since years..?! She hugged Khushi and keeps thanking her for making the work easier. She rushed downstairs and told everyone that Arnav finally agree for a marriage with Krystal.. And today evening will be the engagement. But least she knew Khushi lied to her.. Arnav had never said anything..

************

Evening..

Arnav's SUV keep moving on the road.. He had been driving from few hours carrying a big burden on his shoulder.. Each word that Khushi told him echoed in his ears.. This time Destiny played a nasty game with him. He been made to choose between the two lady he loves.. His mother and Khushi.. To be honest.. He can't choose either one.. He need both and he don't care if people call him selfish..

He brakes the car at the middle of the lonely road. His face hidden in between his hands trying to find a way out.. But nothing seem helping..! His eyes were closed.. Arnav saw his mother smiling and running behind him. Even he was running so that she couldn't catch him.. Later, Khushi walked in and hugged him tight whispering the words that he would never fed up to hear for the entire of his life.. She was looking beautiful in the red dress that he gift her once.. Her smile makes his knees goes weak. Her laugh echoed in his ears making him smile as the sound was so soothing. He tried to touch her but she keep moving backwards.. The moment his hand hold her she disappeared in the air.. He looks here and there with fear in his heart.. He shouts her name..

Arnav: "Khushiii.." His eyes opened drastically only to find he was hallucinating. Something deep inside him was telling him to go to her.. "I'm sorry maa.. I'm really sorry.. I can't.. I just can't.. I can't lose her.. I need her just the way I need an oxygen to breath.." He knew his mother will understand as love can't be force.. His mother always wanted to see him happy and that happiness lies in Khushi. He will apologize to Krystal and her family before clearing his stand..

The car flown away to Raizada Mansion.. Arnav couldn't able to wait to tell everyone what he felt for Khushi.. She might think he chosen his mother's desire upon her as he left her without saying a word. His mother was his past but Khushi was his future and he would never let his future been ruin..

He parked his car at the entrance with his eyes moving here and there.. Many well known people were walking inside and some standing outside. The waiters were on duty so does the securities. He felt something uneasy within him.. Arnav walked inside only to stop by Akash who was standing at the doorstep seem waiting for him..

Akash: "Where you been Bhai..? All of us were waiting for you..!" Arnav wasn't in mood to explain anything. He just need to know one thing..

Arnav: "Where is Khushi, Akash..?"

Akash: "Ohh.. She is inside.. Let's go.. It's the most happiest day for everyone.." He took Arnav inside only to make his step glued on the ground.. The scene in front of him made him die thousand birth.. Blood stop circulating.. Oxygen didn't reach his lungs.. His eyes moist when he saw Khushi sliding a ring in Zain's finger and follow by him.. There were big round of applause but that didn't help him to break the ice. She was smiling when she been hugged by her family.. And he..?

Arnav's body stop functioning.. He didn't realize when he been dragged at the centre of the living room and Krystal was made to stand beside him. His eye didn't move from looking at Khushi. However, she didn't even glance him, not even once. And she was aware about his present. The ring went in Krystal's finger and later Arnav.. Right from the beginning and till now his eyes were only on Khushi but she does as he wasn't around her.. Everyone were looking at him when the ring exchanged but only Khushi was looking at the other side ignoring the event.. The engagement was successful and that's when Arnav realize what just happened. His eyes move on the platinum ring then later Khushi who was now smiling with her fianc.. For the first time ever Arnav wasn't able to breathe properly.. His heart keep sinking seeing the woman he loves the most engaged to someone else and that too in front of his eye.. The vows the love the promise meant nothing..

To be continued..

[/NOCOPY]