Chapter 20

Smita,😊

Here is the interpretation for Part 9.

This update is about the appearance of first light, just like in the sky and it is titled, DAWN.

The next morning as the sun sent it golden benevolent beams into the bedroom through the parting of the curtains lighting up the dark room, it was greeted to the sight of discarded clothing on the floor. It fell on the face of Arnav as he lay tangled with his wife under the covers; waking him up with its warmth and making him blink open his eyes. A smile dawned slowly relaxing his face as he uttered Khushi... as he looked at the girl lying entwined around him. After a night of blissful loving and tender ministrations, Khushi had been exhausted and had collapsed on his chest in the wee hours. Her arms were holding him in a warm hug. Her rosy cheek was pressed against his heart, and her rich, silky tresses had fanned across his chest. Her long limbs were entwined around his, keeping them together locked in place. Even in sleep, she was unwilling to let go of him... Arnav swallowed, awakened by feeling the pangs of love. He wondered what had he really done to be so lucky? What had he really done to deserve such an angel in his life? What had he done to make her forgive him so easily when his heap of errors had piled into hills of mistakes and then into a mountain of blunders. She was so very generous, so very giving, so very loving. Thinking about how much she cared, how willingly she gave and how blissfully, lovingly she had reciprocated last night, he ran his fingers over her head, fingering her silky strands. She was like a dayshine in his blighted life.

Khushi opened her one eye reluctantly. She was unwilling to let go of her sleep and in her drowsy state, she noted that it was not RM and wondered what was she lying on that made her feel warm, comfortable and wanting to snuggle more into? She lifted her head to check and her eyes met the serious ones of Arnavji. Her mind suddenly grasped the reality, as flashes of their wedding, and their suhag raat ran through her mind. She flushed becomingly just like the first blush of the day, and averted her eyes from him, making Arnav's eyes glue on to her. As he murmured, Khushi..., his loving voice that had gone deep and huskier than usual, raised goose bumps across her fine skin. Khushi looked at him with great difficulty to hear him say, I love you, his eyes reflecting his heartfelt avowal. Khushi was compelled to nod, for it was not at all an issue anymore and there was not even a wisp of doubt on this matter and to her it was as clear as crack of dawn and she too whispered back her love to him saying, hum bhi. In a soft voice filled with all his feelings, making it huskier than usual he murmured, that he had never voiced so to anyone ever in his entire life, but only to her, he wants to keep on saying it, shout it to the skies, announce it to the world, for it had become a part of his being and was just as natural as breathing to be alive. His voice was a mere whisper, but Khushi grasped even the subtle nuances in it. It tingled her, making her smile as she understood what he meant, for the very answering call was resonating in her. It was the very foundation on which their life stood, the dawn of a new era in their lives. Arnav confessed that he was alone all along and it had been such a long time that he never knew that what he was missing and he was waiting for her. His pain and awareness made her shyness vanish and cupping his face in her hands, trying to erase out all the lines of pain that were etched on it, she promised him that she would never leave him alone and he would never have the feeling that he had no one with him in the real sense and proceeded to cover his face with a shower of kisses, his forehead, his cheeks, his nose, his ears, his eyes, his chin, bringing each and every part under her soft ministration. Her kisses were like potent airs that was making him sail into the eternal dawn where he never had to fear of nearing the dusk. As she paused for a breather, the naughty Raizada whispered, that she had left out the most crucial part, his lips, correcting her oversight with gusto and inviting her like a spider invites the fly to its parlor.

Arnav, calling Aman arranged for a car to take them back after he got the appointment at noon confirmed with Mr. Roy, their lawyer. He called the Police Commissioner, the private investigator, NK and Akash and had all the plans fine tuned before the oncoming grand finale of the kidnapping drama. Their wedding pictures were delivered on time, while Arnav and Khushi were having their late breakfast. Khushi brought it to the table with a big bright smile making him pull her on to his lap. Khushi snuggled close as she took out the snapshots reliving every moment of the ceremony. Seeing her enchanted look, he in all earnestness asked Khushi, whether she was happy? Her smiling face confirmed her words, she was very much happy, and her demeanor made him gather her still closer and kiss the tip of her nose. Arnav was all apologetic for his behavior during their previous wedding. He lamented for being so delusional and hurting her that night, dragging her up the temple steps and forcing her to marry him. Khushi being Khushi, true to her nature of forgiving, frowned and asked, when? and said that she was not able to recall! Arnav with widened eyes, gulped and said that, their marriage, the first one, where he had resorted to blackmail and threatened her into agreeing to it. His apology was a green flash on Khushi that he was filled with immense remorse which was not palatable to her. She wanted the sunburst with clear skies and she set about to achieve it.

Khushi put down the photos and cupping his face with loving hands told him that to let go of the past. His protest, that it was a misdeed on his part was brushed aside. She asked him, why it was that, he was hell bent on hugging unpleasant memories close to his heart. She begged him to let go of them, come out of those unpleasant thoughts, for they belong to the past and that was where they had to remain, in the past. Even that would not assuage the remorse feeling that Arnav was feeling. Seeing that Arnav was lingering in it, wallowing in self-inflicted misery, Khushi tried to reason out with him as to why he needed to get out of it and that too without wasting time. She told him that, Yes, he had committed a big mistake but both of them were filled with lots of unhappy memories, lots of tragedies in their past. If they spent all their lives lamenting over them, they will be wasting the time they have together, to live together, to make a life for themselves. Was it really prudent to spoil their present by hanging on to their past? Was it not the time to let the ray of sunshine in and make their life as brilliant and dazzling as the aurora for them? Her pearls of wisdom that was nothing but art of living, was the only way that would enable them to build a solid and rosy future, made him nod his head. She continued to say that she was not asking him to forget the bad memories. That can never happen and it was impossible. But they could learn from the past, live in the present and build a future together. It was a talk that was the first brightening for Arnav. More than Khushi and her forgiveness he had to deal with his own conscience that was not giving him any respite. But Khushi's pep talk was a start, an onset to the sun spark in his mind. Khushi kissed him on his temple, her tender lips lingering lovingly and soothing the furrowed expanse. Arnav warned her that it was going to be very unpleasant and quite terrible once they get back and Shyam would not take things lying down and would latch on to each and everything that he could get his hands on for his survival. But Khushi sighed and told him, those were the things that they needed to face and it needed to be done to throw Shyamji out of Di's as well as their life and she was ready to face it. Her face shone with utmost trust in him and his ability to set things right and Arnav could see it. She simply told him that, as long as they were together, she was not afraid. She was aware that he would set things right and she would help him do so. Overcome by her whopping trust in him, faith in his ability and the unconditional quality of her love, he quickly pressed a lingering kiss on her inviting lips. He knew he had secured a priceless gem named Khushi and was really proud that she had accepted him as he was, with warts and all, for she was his cock light.

Once they reached Delhi, driver took them to Mr. Roy's office where Aman was waiting for them and as soon as the necessary deed was done, they were taken to the office of the Police Commissioner. Arnav later met the private detective and called Akash and NK to give finishing touches to their already formulated plan. Then, they went to Laxmi Nagar, after being greeted with tears and glad cries, collected the two copies of the papers that Shyam had given Khushi. Arnav went through it and detailed Khushi what it was. As she heard what it stood for and its implications, she paled and whispered in a state of shock, as it dawned to her that had she got his signature on it, Shyamji would have killed him. Arnav agreeing with her hugged her close as she wept all over him. As her tears subsided, comforting her, he told that it was time to commence the much needed lesson to Shyam and for it to be done they needed to go home. Khushi, after giving him one tight squeeze, dried her face and nodded. Taking Amma, Babuji and Buaji with them, they proceeded to RM.

While Shyam sitting in the living room watched the ladies immersed in prayer seeking divine blessings to keep Khushi safe and crying for Khushi who had to undergo the bitter ordeal, Akash and NK were sitting on the sofa flanking him on either side. NK was fiddling with his camcorder and Akash was working on his laptop. Their senses were alert and had kept an eye on Shyam as they did not want to miss any nuance from the scoundrel, not even a flicker of an eyelid. Nani who was very attached to Khushi, lamented where was Khussi Bitiyaa? She asked Akash, whether Chotey had called and have the police found out where she has been held? As Shyam looked on anxiously, Akash sighed and told his Dadi that, there was no clue and Bhai was expected to be back with the ransom amount. Hearing it, Anjali asked her Nani, what was happening in their house. So much pain, so much anguish, their Khushiji had to suffer so much. She was overwrought with misery and feeling helpless at the turmoil that her Chotey had to face time and again, wept bitterly seeking reassurance from Nani, who had been their pillar of strength at times of strife. Mami was eloquent when she expressed that it as jinxed! Some evil eye has been cast on their house. Nani too nodded silently as Payal wept. Mami tried to console her daughter-in-law, asking her not to cry as their Arnav Bitwa, their bright light was out there. He will turn the world upside down and try to find where her sister was and he will leave no stone unturned. She was not a vegetable to be whisked away. She being a human was not an easy task to hide, not as easily as lady's finger from the vegetable market and asked her to keep her faith on Arnav Bitwa. He will surely succeed. Shyam looked away in contempt. The same people who were all praises for Arnav and Khushi would soon be putting them on the anvil. The contract papers, when revealed out would teach all these biddies and battle-axes a lesson that that they would not forget in a hurry. Arnav Singh Raizada, their blue-eyed boy, their dead-cert, would soon be revealed as a trickster! That was gleam that was lighting his day and as time went by he was certain that it would grow brightly.

While Shyam's thoughts were wandering along those lines and weaving pipe dreams, the door bell rang and as HP opened the door, all eyes looked at the door in expectation as to who could it be. They heard HP's exclamation, Arnav Bhaiyya! and before they could rush towards the door, Arnav entered the house with Khushi and the Guptas' in tow. Two men in casual dress followed the family leaving Shyam gobsmacked, speechless and shocked out of his skull. His missing kidnap victim had turned up at her house, safe and sound with her husband who had gone to raise the ransom money! Anjali limping towards them exclaimed, Chotey! Khushiji! Nani and Mami rushed ahead and hugged the couple repeatedly. Payal followed them and hugged her sister tightly weeping away all her tension and happy at Khushi returning safely. Mami, with her eyes filled with tears of happiness asked Khushi, where she was and what had happened to her? Nani holding Khushi in a tight hug, relieved that she had come home safe asked her, was she alright? Anjali, relieved to see her and hugging her with all her might, told her that Khushi had no idea how worried the rest were. It was like a crack of dawn with the anxiety begone. Arnav with a small smile hovering on his lips stood watching his family shower love on his wife. NK and Akash smiled at her, but resolutely made no move to be away from Shyam. They flanked him on either side with a wide grin to see Khushiji back. When Nani saw the Guptas' she wept and told them that by God's grace Khussi Bitiyaa was safe with them now. Buaji too concurred saying softly that, it was all due to the Benevolence of her Nandkisore and may his deeds last long. With Khushi back in their fold it was like matinal to the members of the household sans one.

Arnav led his wife, the two men, and his family to the living room and once seated introduced the men as Mr.Singhal and Mr.Sharma, his colleagues. He knew what he needed to do would take a long time. NK opened the topic that was uppermost on everyone's mind and asked Khushi, what happened to her and it was an opening that they had decided as per their plans. He told her that the last they know about her was, she going to meet Nannav at his office and setting in motion the trapping of Shyam. Khushi smiled at him and said, that she did go to meet Arnavji but was kidnapped from his car park. A loud gasp was the only response she got for her statement. As Shyam stood up quietly to slink away, NK caught hold of his arm and asked, where was he going? Akash took it up as though he was one confused soul saying, does he not want to know what happened to Khushiji when she has just come home? Their query had all eyes rest on Shyam. Breaking out in cold sweat, sweating profusely like a horse that had just finished its race, he dropped back on to his seat. Nani looked at Khushi and with tear filled eyes asked her, why? Why was she kidnapped? Khushi held out a copy of the document and said, it was due to this, startling Shyam. He wondered, what was that she was holding in her hand. He had destroyed the file with his own hands! So what was in that paper? As Khushi handed over the paper to Anjali, Shyam tried to peep in to make out what it was about, what was it about to unfold, but just could not fathom. As she read through the first page, it perplexed her and a deep furrow appeared on Anjali's forehead.

Seeing her frown and read without even glancing sideways, Mami who was curious asked her, what was it? Anjali, who was flabbergasted after reading, told her stutteringly that, if anything happens to Chotey, their Chotey, then Shyamji will become the owner of AR Designs, this house, the bank balance, and everything that is in Chotey's name. Her eyes that held shocked expression moved on to Shyam. Shyam, who felt as though he was on hot seat, was like a cornered rat. He felt subjected to piercing stares that were making him very uncomfortable. He wondered, how was he to get out of this maze? Her words made Mami exclaim in disbelief! Nani, was confused to hear it and asked her what kind of joke was that Anjali Bitiyaa? Why should Chotey make a will like that? He is young, and by the kindness and grace of Devi Maiyya, healthy. And even if he does make a will, why should he trouble Damadji with his business? Damadji was not a businessman, only a lawyer. Why should Damadji take on Chotey's responsibility when Akass Bitwaa and Manohar were there to manage everything? Anjali, once again examined the papers thoroughly and exclaimed to Nani and Mami that it was not signed. She looked at her Chotey and asked, why did he draft such a document? And why should Khushiji be kidnapped for this? Taking a deep breath, Arnav told her that it was not he, but Jijaji who had drafted it. This had all the ladies stumped and Nani giving voice to their collective disbelief asked what, while Anjali looked confused and upset. Mami who was about to pass a comment on that remark, abstained from doing so, for her sharp eyes had noted the blanched face of Damadji covered with beads of perspiration and the hawk like stance of Arnav Bitwaa with determination in his eyes. It dawned to her that there was more to it that what met the eye.

Arnav stated that knowing that Khushi's knowledge of English was poor, Jijaji had given her the document and asked her to get his signature on it. Jijaji's plan was, once it was signed, it was to finish him off. Mami drew in a breath of shock, while Nani stared and moved her head from Arnav to Shyam with her lips trembling. Anjali looked wounded, and stared at her brother and her husband. Her dream bubble was bursting and her cocoon was no longer safe. Reality was intruding in to her dream world with heavy feet and it burst into her dream like a thunder bolt. She felt as though somebody had thrown a bucket of cold water to come out of the stupor that she was dwelling in, with her life coming apart like a slow ripping seam. It was like she was in twilight for she needed to head towards dawn leaving the dusk behind. Knowing very well what his Di and the other members of his family were undergoing, Arnav stated in a soft voice, that Jijaji had not taken into account, Khushi's attachment to him. As she had received it, she had brought it to him to be shown. Jijaji realizing that if he saw that document, he would realize that Shyam was a crook, that too a very greedy swindler, had followed Khushi to his office, using chloroform had made her unconscious and stowed her away in his car. Arnav's soft statement fell on the listening ears echoing like a big bell bong in a silent hall.

That was the point of origination for the sun to set, beginning of the dusk and ride into oblivion for Shyam Manohar Jha and the break of dawn and the sunrise for the rest. For Anjali is now in the twilight zone but surely the filial bond and the family bond would ensure that she would face the dawn and not the dusk.

That is why this update is titled DAWN.

"However long the night,

The dawn will break.

For the darkest hour is that before the dawn"

That's it from me. Hope you enjoy it.

rulama2013-09-26 13:26:28