Chapter 19

[MEMBERSONLY]

Chapter 19: Unexpected Turn Of Events

Akash, Payal and Khushi sat in a cafe the next morning as Akash tried to convince Khushi how much he loved Payal.

"Khushi I'll take care of her for the rest of my life." Akash vowed.

"Khushi, if you support me, Amma-Babuji will be convinced easily." Payal pleaded.

First let ME get convinced. Khushi thought annoyed.

After about half an hour of arguments when Khushi showed no signs of relent, Payal decided to use the most potent weapon. She burst into tears making Akash extremely uncomfortable and threatened to end her life as she couldn't imagine a life without Akash.

It definitely worked as Khushi's eyes welled up instantly. "Jiji, please don't. Alright as you say. I'll support you. I'll convince Amma-Babuji if I have to." Khushi promised but she knew this was a big mistake. She had a feeling that something very bad was waiting for her behind all this.

But Payal had shared her parents with Khushi and never complained about it. How could Khushi forget that? How could she not stand by her side and make sure that she got the love of her life? She owed much more than that to Payal, who had loved her unconditionally all her life, more than even a real sister would.

"Thank you Khushi, I knew you would understand." Payal smiled through tears.

Khushi rolled her eyes and stood up. "I have to go now Jiji, Rohan will be getting impatient. Today's the first time he didn't pick me up for work and I know he's going to fuss a lot over it."

"But Khushi, Bhai is coming so that we can discuss how to proceed about it." Akash said, making Khushi's jaw drop.

"What?" Khushi was shocked. "He is coming here? He is Okay with you guys?" She asked in disbelief.

"Yes, I am." The man himself answered, making three heads snap in his direction. Arnav had arrived a while ago but chose to come forward only now. He had heard though how Khushi immediately gave in when Payal threatened with her life. His eyes had narrowed at the incident. Khushi seemed to care for Payal a lot. That was a vital piece of information and he saved it at the back of his mind.

Khushi glared at him for a while and then turned away to reluctantly sit back on her chair.

"Bhai, Khushi has agreed to help Payal with their family." Akash spoke up.

"That's good, we'll speak to our family and when both the families agree we can fix a meeting for the elders to discuss further."Arnav replied.

"Right then, Khushi we'll talk to Amma-Babuji today." Payal said happily.

Khushi nodded, "Can I leave now?" Khushi said and got up. "I have to go. Rohan will be waiting."

Arnav's blood boiled hearing Khushi's concern for another man. He got up too. "I'll leave too." and followed her.

As she stood looking for a taxi, he walked up to her. "I'm coming to your studio too, we can go together. I'll get my car." He stated.

She turned away from him not replying. Arnav got his car to where Khushi was standing and reached just in time to see her get into a taxi and leave.

"Damn!" He growled banging his fist hard on the side window. When was this cat and mouse game ending? I just can't wait anymore for her to be back in my life. He thought bitterly. She has to come back to me. I'll leave her no choice. With that he followed the taxi and over took it in a few minutes reaching the studio much before Khushi.

He waited impatiently at the entrance as she paid the taxi and turned. "Why did you leave when I told you to wait?" He asked trying very hard not to yell.

"I don't need to answer you for anything." She coldly replied and walked away inside.

He followed her until they were upstairs in her cabin.

"I guess you are here for some discussion Mr. Raizada? I'll call Rohan." She moved towards the desk phone.

"Later." He said making her stop. "Right now I need to talk about Akash and your sister and we don't need Rohan for that."

"Make it fast. I'm here to work not discuss personal matters." She continued dryly.

His heart twisted in pain at her indifference. "Khushi we have to work together for them."

"No." Khushi's voice was loud and clear. "There is no 'WE'. I help my sister and you help your brother with the respective families. End of story. Let there be no confusion in your mind about that Mr. Raizada."

"Why do you sound so against your sister marrying my brother?" He asked irritated.

"I thought that was quite obvious." Khushi said glaring at him. "Of course I am concerned about my sister's safety."

He gave her a confused look.

She narrowed her eyes. "Oh really? You don't know what I'm talking about? I don't like the idea of my sister staying under the same roof as YOU... the man who..." she closed her eyes and turned away from him. Arnav visibly flinched as what she was trying to say sunk in.

"Khushi... please..." his voice was twisted in pain. "I'm so, so sorry. I'm sorry for what I did. I realise how much I hurt you. It kills me to think what I made you go through." Khushi's eyes opened wide but she didn't face him. He raised his hand as if to reach out to her but closed it over empty air not daring to touch her. "I know you said that no amount of apologies will be enough but I will be sorry for the rest of my life. I will never ask you to forgive me. I know I don't deserve it. But I want to say this to you all my life I'm sorry Khushi. I really am."

Khushi closed her eyes as tears flowed down her cheeks. She swallowed hard so that her voice didn't break, "Please proceed to Rohan's cabin Mr. Raizada. We'll be having our meeting there. I'll join you guys in few minutes."

Arnav lowered his head as his shoulders slumped and he walked out of her cabin.

~~~~~~

In the evening Payal told her parents about Akash and Khushi grudgingly backed her. There parents were initially very shocked considering what Khushi had gone through after resigning from AR Group. But since they didn't know the exact story and Khushi herself had agreed to the fact that Akash was nice guy made them soften and they eventually agreed.

The story was quite different when it came to the Raizada household though. Nani, Mama and Anjali had instantly agreed and were eager to meet Payal but Manorama Raizada was a different story, all her life she had dreamed to get a daughter-in-law of her choice, one who would dance to her tunes. She didn't like the idea of Akash marrying a girl who didn't match their status and she didn't approve of. So she did what she did best. She threw a large tantrum and wailed loudly to everyone's annoyance and flatly refused for the marriage.

No matter how much everyone tried to make her understand she wouldn't give in. She knew very well that her son would never marry against her wishes. Which was true. Akash's heart had sunk the moment his mother had started with her protests. Arnav had watched it all silently. He had almost moved forward to convince his Mami. If there was anyone who could convince her, it was him. But as he saw his Mami yell uncontrollably he stood their observing the entire situation and then quietly walked away to his own room.

Akash followed him after a while. "Bhai please do something. Ma will never give her consent. Only you can convince her."

"Hmmm..."Arnav said thoughtfully turning away from him. "Give her some time Akash. And me too. I need to work this out. I will definitely talk to her but I want her to digest the idea that you like someone first. I will talk to her in a few days.

Akash didn't argue but as days passed, he began to worry as Arnav showed no signs of talking to Mami. But he didn't bring up the matter again. He knew his brother was stressed due to India Fashion Week, which was only a couple of days away.

~~~~~~

Rohan was sitting in his room resting. He had just returned after dropping Khushi home after a very tiring day at work and wanted nothing but some peace of mind, when his father Ram Chaudhry entered his room.

"Hey dad." Rohan greeted lazily.

"How's the preparation for IFW going on son." Mr. Chaudhry asked.

"Great. New experience, I and my team are learning a lot." Rohan replied brightly.

"That's good." Mr. Chaudhry replied. "Son I'm here today to talk about something else though."

"What is it?" Rohan asked curiously.

Mr. Chaudhry took in a deep breath and continued, "Your mother left us when you were just 12 and I have taken care of you as she wanted me to. Now it was her dear wish that you get married to a nice girl and settle down in life by the time you are 25."

"Dad I..." Rohan began but his father raised a palm to stop him.

"Let me complete." He said. "I don't want to force my decisions on you. So if you do like someone just let me know. I have full faith in you and will support you." He paused for a moment looking at Rohan. "So is there anyone?"

Rohan looked extremely uncomfortable. "Dad do I have to answer that immediately?"

"Not at all." His father said. "Take your time. But if you fail to answer me in the next one month, I have a few girls in my mind that would be suitable for you. Of course the final decision will be yours."

"Thanks dad, one month will be plenty." Rohan replied.

Long after his father left Rohan sat thinking. There was only one person he could think of with whom he could spend the rest of his life with...

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Hope you all liked it...

Sorry for the long delay but as you all know I am very busy these days...

Thank you for all your patience...

Chapter 20: Games Of Time

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shraddska2012-08-18 16:56:43