Chapter 104

After dinner, elders move down to living room to talk about wedding. Prachi and Vijay took their leave. Payal and Aashima went down to Anjali's room as Arush needed a change of diaper, Aashima wanted to do it as she wanted to learn how to handle babies. Anjali and Lavanya cornered Khushi asking her about what Arnav's surprise was last night for her birthday. Khushi told them about it excluding their intimate moments.

"Come on Khushi, details mean details", said Lavanya giving a teasing look to Khushi.

"I just gave you details", said Khushi avoiding eye contact with Lavanya. She looks around for Arnav and found him going towards terrace door along with Akash and Aman. Rahul was speaking on phone, standing some distance away.

"Oh come on, do you really want me to believe that you both just danced, cuddled and ate the cake", said Lavanya raising her eyebrows at Khushi.

"Ok fine, we kissed too", said Khushi and saw both Anjali and Lavanya giving her same wanting-to-know-more expression.

"Twice ... that's it", said Khushi further and move ahead to go down but Lavanya stopped her.

"Whats new in that? Me and Aman kiss each other all the time whenever we get the chance", said Lavanya casually.

"Lavanya ji please", said Khushi a bit shocked at getting to know Aman's and Lavanya's romantic life.

"You and Chottey were alone, with no one around to disturb and still you both just kissed", said Anjali in teasing tone, "You both still haven't move forward from the kissing part? I didn't knew that Chottey is that slow", pretending to be shocked.

"Anjali ji!", Khushi exclaimed ... horrified at her question ... oh the thought of Arnav's sister asking her this was in itself embarrassing. "You too?"

"What?", said Anjali looking at giggling Lavanya.

"I am not saying anything else ... you two have become so besharam", said Khushi as she move ahead.

"Don't worry baby, you will be becoming besharam too very soon", said Lavanya after Khushi who shakes her head and went out of terrace. Anjali and Lavanya clapped their hand, giggling at Khushi's expressions.

At the same time -------------------------------------

"Here I will help", said Payal as she held the packet, falling off Akash's arm, who had just picked them from dining table. Naniji had given some gifts to Gupta family and instructed Akash to put them in their car. Akash didn't said anything and move aside to give Payal space, who picked the other remaining packets from dining room and follow Akash towards the front door.

In past few days, especially since Akash's visit to their house in Mumbai, Payal had realized that she actually missed talking to him and listening to his friendly banter. Since her marriage fiasco 2 years ago, she had been keeping a safe distance from opposite gender. She also stopped contacting her 2 male friends from her college, with whom she used to talk before and haven't made any new friends ... not even in school, where she teaches and have only cordial relations with male staff.

She cannot trust a guy after the one who, she thought loved her, hurted her badly. That's why it was not easy for her when Akash extended the hand of friendship, she thought he is same like all men who just time pass with girls, but after spending some time with him she got to know that he is nothing like those men. He was kind and humble, caring and somewhat funny. He brought a smile on her face and she enjoyed talking to him and during that she would forgets about her pain.

So some where she was feeling bad seeing his aloofness towards her and she wanted to finish this and wanted to be friends with him again ... properly this time.

"Akash", Payal called him a bit hesitatingly when she saw he didn't gave her any notice while placing the packets inside the car and now, was going towards the front door.

"I am want to apologize for my behavior, I have not been honest with you", said Payal as she came near Akash who was looking at her with surprised and curious expression ... the absence of 'ji' part didn't go un-notice by him either.

When she hadn't call or messaged him after his a verbal speech about what he felt about her behavior, at her house in Mumbai, he thought that maybe she doesn't want to be friends with him and he too moved back and didn't call or message her in return. He was surprise to see her talking to him as he wasn't expecting it.

"I ... I have been hurt in past, in the name of relationship ... love and friendship. What I thought was love, was in actual all hoax. My marriage broke and after that I kept my distance from guys", said Payal in sad voice.

Akash was shocked to know this, he didn't knew what to say, "I ... I am sorry ... but believe me I didn't had any bad intention behind my friendship".

"I know that ... its just ... its hard for me to open up like this. I have been closed up since my marriage broke some 2 years ago. And when you offer me friendship ... I was afraid to get hurt again ... I thought of you to be same as those men who just pass time with girls but now I know you're not like them ... you're not a bad person. I just want you know the reason behind my hot and cold behavior. Its not about you ... but about my own fears. I ... I don't want to lose your friendship ... because after ages I felt good to share about my life with someone.", said Payal and then extended her hand towards Akash, "Can ... can we be friends?".

Akash felt happy at her gesture and smiled, "You sure? You won't turn hot and cold on me again?", his voice mischievous.

Payal smiles, "Yes sure ... and I can't guarantee about my hot and cold behavior but this time you will the know the reason behind it". She felt good that Akash isn't probing more on this matter and understood her reluctance quickly.

"Ok then ... we can be friends", said Akash as he shakes her hand.

And for the first time, Payal felt some different kind of sensation with his touch and pulls her hand back quickly, not understanding it. But nevertheless smiles at Akash looking at his confuse expression.

"Ahh .. so ... how is your school going?", asked Akash and then quickly said further, "I meant your job ... not that you still go to school".

Payal smiles at his sheepish look, "Its going fine ... what about your work?", asked Payal as they both move inside.

"Same boring and too much work sometimes ... I wish that bhai's wedding happen soon so we send him to his honeymoon and get some days free of work ... no bhai ... no work ...", said Akash in whining tone which made Payal laugh and she felt good as they talked some more.

After some time ...

"What are you saying beta? You don't have to do this", said Garima after listening to Arnav ... that he had done a booking in a Hotel, near Buaji's house, for their guests and family relatives' stay.

"Haan babua, Garima is right, we will handle all this ... it doesn't seem right that you do all this for us", said Buaji.

"Aunty, Buaji please don't think that I am demeaning your house ... but you know as well it doesn't have much space for your relatives to stay there comfortably", said Arnav.

"But babua, its not right that our son-in-law is doing all this ... what will people say that we can't even do this much", said Buaji.

"Buaji please don't talk to me about what people will say or think", said Arnav in serious tone, "You can never satisfy them ... it's their job to talk and point fingers at others ... they will be your well-wisher till you can give them something in return and when you don't have anything to give ... they will leave you in middle and never return for help".

Mamaji put his hand on Arnav's shoulder, who was sitting beside him on sofa. He understood in what context Arnav was saying all this ... they have suffer due to such people who left the teenage Arnav and Anjali to fight on their own and to fend themselves alone.

Arnav close his eyes for a second, to control his anger and then look at worried faces of Buaji and Garima. Shashi was quite all this while because he knew that it is futile to argue with Arnav as Khushi had told him how Arnav is ... when he decides something ... no one can change his mind.

"Aunty like I told you before, I am not doing these things as a favor to you, but as a responsibility that I feel towards Khushi's family. When Khushi can take care of my Nani as her own even before coming to this house as a bahu ...take care of Arush like a mother and help my Di in many things then why can't I do the same for her family?", said Arnav.

Nani and Mamaji felt proud listening to Arnav. Garima and Buaji look at each other astonished. Khushi who had come down, listened to the conversation going on, looks at Arnav with admiration and his respect got increased in Payal and Aashima' eyes.

"So it's a request, don't stop me for doing things for you because from now on you people are my family too", said Arnav as his eyes went to Khushi who blinked at him, understanding his gesture. And then he looks at Anjali who give him a smile telling him that he is doing a right thing.

Shashi presses Garima's hand and gesture with eyes to agree on what Arnav was saying.

"Ok beta as you say, we will not stop you", said Garima after few seconds.

"Thank you", said Arnav looking at Shashi ... who nodded his head. Arnav pointed towards Aman, "He is Aman, I am sure Khushi must have told you about him". Garima and Shashi looks at Aman and nodded.

"He will be in contact with you, you can call him anything ... anything at all even if it's a small thing", said Arnav and then look at Aman, "Aman give Uncle your number ok". Aman nodded his head as he move towards Shashi, who took his number and save it in his old cell phone.

"I think we should leave now, it's getting late and we have so much to do", said Garima as she stood up and came near Nani.

Nani patted her shoulder and they all stood up to leave. "Akash beta, go drop them", said Nani and Akash looked at Arnav. Earlier Arnav had send another car, as he was busy in some work, to Gupta House as all people couldn't adjust in a single car.

"No Chottey will not go", said Nani as she too look at Arnav.

"Why not?", asked Arnav instantly.

"Because from now on, you will not meet Khushi bitya before your wedding", said Nani sternly.

"What the", said Arnav and look at hi Di, who was trying not to giggle, "Di, now don't tell me it's some other ritual to follow"

Anjali bobbed her head up and down, "Yes it is, although normally bride and groom are not allow to meet a month before their wedding ... but we knew that you wouldn't agree on it so we are telling now when there are only 10 days left".

"Unbelievable", said Arnav annoyingly and then look at Khushi who was quite, "You will not say anything on this?". Khushi look around at her parents and Buaji, she knew that they also want this as that is the tradition which had been followed since long. She give a helpless look to Arnav.

"No, I am not agreeing on this", said Arnav in anger.

"Chottey don't be childish ... you promised to follow every tradition right ... so keep your words now", said Nani sternly ... she was after all a Raizada and Arnav Singh Raizada's Nani, she knew how to play her cards well.

"Thats not fair Nani, I don't know if its really a tradition or you're making it up", said Arnav irritatingly.

"Na Na babua, its really a tradition", said Buaji quickly.

"Arrgh ... fine do whatever you want", said Arnav angrily looking at his Nani and dashed upstairs in anger.

"Ma ji, if Arnav bitwa is not ready, we should not stop him from meeting Khushi bitya", said Garima worriedly.

"Arey bitya, don't mind him ... he is like that ... he thinks that if he shows anger, we will agree on his terms ... but this time I am not going to listen to his tantrums", said Nani as she held Garima's hand and then look at Khushi.

"Bitya I know Chottey might blackmail you into meeting him ... but you have to take care of it ok", said Nani in commanding tone and Khushi nodded her head while Payal and Aashima giggled at her. Khushi gives them angry looks and move towards Rajat to take Arush.

Khushi wanted to go behind him and talk to him but she couldn't do it as the ultimatum was given by Nani.

Anjali went to Khushi as she saw how Khushi was glancing towards upstairs corridor, "Don't worry, I will talk to him ... his anger is for tonight only, tomorrow he will be back to his usual self".

"I know but ... I wish I could talk to him before leaving because I won't be seeing him till the wedding", said Khushi sadly.

Anjali's heart melted looking at her sad and dejected face ... she took Arush from her, "Ok go ... you have 5 minutes". Khushi look at Anjali in surprised, "Ji?".

"I say ... go and meet him", said Anjali as she pushes Khushi a little.

"But Naniji ...", said Khushi and look towards Nani who was conversing with Buaji as they all were walking slowly towards the front door.

"I will handle it ... now go ... don't waste time", said Anjali as she give Khushi another push, "You have only 5 minutes".

"Thank you Anjali ji, you are great", said Khushi giving Anjali a wide smile and then run towards the stairs.

Khushi saw Arnav standing near the window ... she went inside the room. Arnav turns towards the door feeling her presence ... he got surprise seeing her there. Before he could say anything, Khushi run up to him and hug him tight. Arnav stumble a little due to the force and he wraps his arms around her soft body ... pressing her into him.

"Khushi I don't care what everybody says ... nothing is going to stop me from meeting you", said Arnav in serious tone.

Khushi breaks the hug and cups his face, "Arnavji I know you don't like this ... even I don't know how I am going to live without meeting you ... but we both promised to follow very tradition ... right?".

"Khushi thats rubbish ... what will happen if I meet you before wedding ... dammit we are going to get married and we can't even meet ... what type of rule is that?", said Arnav irritatingly.

"Its to save both bride and groom from evil eyes", said Khushi and put her finger over Arnav's lips as he opens his mouth to retort again, "I know you don't believe in these stuff ... but our elders do ... and I do not want them to feel dejected and unhappy because of us".

Arnav pushes her hand and turn away, "Then what are you doing here ... weren't you leaving for home".

"Arey ... aisey kaisey hum apney Arnavji ko gussey se ubalta chotr jatey (Arey ... how can i leave my Arnavji boiling with anger just like that)", said Khushi as she hugs Arnav from behind.

Arnav liked how she addressed him as apney Arnavji'. He turns and pull her close, "Tumhara Arnavji?", said Arnav raising his eyebrow.

"Haan bilkul, mere Arnavji ... lakin", said Khushi and pause for a second, "Abhi adhey hain ... par dus din baad porey mere hojayein ge ... jaisey mein pori ap ki ho jaon gi" (Yes absolutely ... my Arnavji ... but (pause) right now half ... but after 10 days he will be fully mine ... just like i will be fully yours).

Arnav's eyes got intense listening to her sentence, "Mine", he said as he leans close to her face.

"Only yours", said Khushi as she presses her lips to his. They kissed passionately ... holding each other close.

After a minute they break apart ... Khushi look up at him shyly, "I will go now ... and we can't meet but that doesn't mean we can't talk either ok ...".

"Khushi ... I am really hating all this", said Arnav rubbing her arms.

"Just 10 more days", said Khushi as she pecks his cheek and then went towards the door ... she look at his handsome face one last time and went out.

Arnav sighed, "Just 10 more days Khushi", his expression determine, "Then I will see how they are going to keep you away from me".

Next Day - Tuesday - Afternoon ...

"So what do you think?", asked Khushi widening her arms gesturing towards living room.

"I thought you said you will go for casual warm look, then whats with all these colors?", said Aman shocked, looking at the colorful interior of Pent House living room.

"Well I wanted this place to be completely different from what it was before", said Khushi as he turns back to Aman, who still has stunned expression on his face as he looked around the place.

"Its way out of ASR's style", said Aman shaking his head.

"Oh please, don't talk about his style, that modern and boring stuff. His room at home is all black and grey and even his office is all white and black", said Khushi in annoyed tone.

"Not all white and black, we do have red, brown and yeah green too", said Aman in defensive tone.

Khushi gave him an angry glare, which he found very similar to ASR's. Khushi put her hands on hip, "Don't you get tired of all the same boring look? Being so sophisticated is not good sometimes ... at least this place is looking more like a home than some office rest place".

Well Aman won't disagree with that, the place does looks more homely. But he knows, ASR doesn't like colorful things ... especially vibrant ones.

"But Khushi, we were doing this for ASR, right ... to surprise him. Weren't things should be according to his taste", said Aman as he give a look over to weird artistic paintings on the wall. ASR is definitely not gonna spare him after looking at this place, thought Aman as he gulped.

"Yes we were, but if I had just gone with only changing the wall paint and furniture then this place somehow or other would have reminded him of past. And I didn't want that at any cost, that's why I decided to completely change the look", said Khushi and move ahead, "Its not that bad that you are making these faces Aman".

"Well I am thinking from his point of view, sorry if I am worried that it will be me who would be at receiving end of his anger", said Aman giving worried look to Khushi.

"God Aman, why are you so scared of Arnavji?", said Khushi throwing her hands in air, "He is not only your boss, but he is your friend too".

"I know that, I just don't want him to get upset", said Aman as he sits on the sofa.

Khushi sit beside him, "He is not going to be upset, believe me. I want Arnavji to feel that he isn't in just a pent house, but rather in a place, where he can relax, loosen up you know", said Khushi and look around, "Just like you have told me that this place held many good and bad memories, now I want to make new memories for him ...only happy ones, to be cherished forever".

"I know this place is not according to his taste, but more of my style. That's what I want him to feel, my presence here, in everything. And I know, he knows that how much I like colors and stupid weird things", said Khushi with a wide smile.

"Yup no doubt in that", said Aman quickly and got a smack on his arm.

"Shut up", said Khushi as she stood up and pull his arm, "Come, I want to show you other rooms". Aman stood up making a tired face and follow Khushi.

Arnav signed the papers and keep them in the file. He leaned back and closes his eyes to relax a bit. He stood up after few seconds to stretch his legs. He went to the floor to ceiling window, which overlooks the office hall below. He looked down at his employees busy in work. His eyes fell on one person who just enters the hall.

"Raj? ... whats he doing here?", thought Arnav, "That means Khushi is here too".

He turned and went to his table, he picked his cell and dials Khushi's number ... thinking, if she is here then why didn't she inform him or came to meet him.

Khushi and Aman just came out of the master bedroom when she heard her cell ringing. She went to living room where she had put her purse on the center table. She takes out her cell and smiles seeing Arnav's name flashing.

"Hello Arnavji", said Khushi in her chirping voice and saw Aman stopping in his tracks listening Arnav's name.

"Khushi, where are you now?", asked Arnav.

Khushi got surprised at his direct question without greeting her.

"I ... I am outside Arnavji, I had some work ... why?", said Khushi and look at Aman ... who was giving her worried looks.

"Outside where Khushi?", said Arnav, his tone was getting stern.

"Arey I told you na, I had some work. Its finish so I will go back home now", said Khushi trying to sound calm and casual ... but next moment her heart thudded listening his next sentence.

"I know you are in AR Khushi", said Arnav sternly, "And now the question is why don't you want to tell me this".

"What? How did you know that I am in AR?", asked Khushi shocked. Aman shakes his head ... thinking to whom she is asking this.

"I just saw Raj, down in the hall", replied Arnav.

Of course Raj, thought Khushi hitting her head, but what was Raj doing in the hall, didn't she tell him to wait for her near the lift.

"I ... um ...wo ... Arnavji I had some work with Aman", said Khushi the first thing came in her mind and saw Aman smacking his forehead.

"Aman? What work you have with Aman which I don't know?", asked Arnav surprised.

"Wo ... um .. I can't tell you that", said Khushi.

"Ok fine ... I will call Aman then", said Arnav

"No ... no ... don't call Aman, I ... I will come and tell you ok", said Khushi and cut the call.

"Do you think he knows about the Pent House?", asked Khushi worriedly looking at Aman.

"I don't think so he knows it yet, otherwise he would have called me till now", said Aman getting worried himself, "I think we should leave now before ASR ask someone to look for us".

"You're right", said Khushi nodding her head and picked up her purse and follow Aman going out of the Pent House.

After 5 minutes Khushi knocked on Arnav's cabin and went inside. Arnav, who was standing near his table, turns hearing the sound of door getting opened. He saw Khushi, wearing a long skirt with blue prints on it and a simple white half sleeve top, coming towards him.

(Khushi's dress)

"Arnavji, you cannot do this", said Khushi little angrily.

"Do what?", asked Arnav raising his eyebrow.

"Threaten me like that, that if I don't tell you ... you will ask Aman and I know Aman can never hide anything from you or say No to you. But I am not gona let you spoil my surprise. (Khushi pointed a finger at him) So you are not going to ask or trouble Aman about it, understand", said Khushi hurriedly that her breath got a little heavy.

Arnav looked at her angry expression and slightly heaving chest, which in itself was tempting to him. He moves ahead and pulls her close by snaking his arm around her waist. Khushi's mouth opened in an O with his sudden gesture and before she could say something Arnav gives a sound smooch on her lips, "I Love it when you try to get all bossy on me".

"Haww Arnavji", said Khushi as she tried to push him but his grip was strong, "Arnavji let me go, you know we are not supposed to meet before our wedding".

"Acha, then what are you doing in my office", asked Arnav in teasing tone.

"You made me come here, that's not fair Arnavji", said Khushi as she smacks a fist on his chest.

"Then don't hide things from me", said Arnav.

"Why? You hide things from me, then why can't I do the same", said Khushi little irritatingly as she pushes him with more force and Arnav loosen his grip.

"What did I hide from you?", asked Arnav raising his eyebrow.

"First, you are hiding my own (point to herself) wedding clothes from me and then you are not letting me inside your room, which will be mine as well in few days and all other previous times when you acted all mysterious ... not telling me what you had plan or where we were going and then ...", Khushi was saying when Arnav cut in.

"Khushi it was not hiding things from you, I just wanted to surprise you and still do... because I love the joy that comes on your face every time and in returns it makes me happy", said Arnav in tender voice making Khushi's heart melt.

"Arnavji I want to surprise you too ... I want to make you happy and astonish, like you make me every time", said Khushi with a pout.

Arnav chuckles, "That's because, Arnav Singh Raizada do things in his very own style, which others cannot even come close to it", as he tweaks her nose.

"Aha ha ha, don't be so self-praising Arnavji, this time my surprise will surely make you stun", said Khushi in challenging tone.

"Oh is that so?", said Arnav amusingly.

"Yes, I bet this time you will be shocked like never before", said Khushi with her chin up and challenging eyes.

Something stir inside Arnav listening to her words, he would love to be shocked by her and it made him excited, thinking what she had planned for him. And then he remembers something else which made his eyes glint and he smirks.

Khushi got alerted seeing his smirk, now what he is thinking?, thought Khushi getting curious and cautious.

"Khushi ... If I were you, then I wouldn't bet, when I haven't fulfilled the payment of the last one", said Arnav as he steps forward making Khushi step backward.

"What you mean?", asked Khushi as she took another step backward feeling anxious with his intense gaze and smirk intact on his handsome face. She couldn't move further as her back touched the table.

"Remember the last time you challenge me to cook and I won it", said Arnav moving forward, placing his hands on table, on either side of Khushi.

He was right, as Khushi remembers how he cooked that delicious pasta.

"We haven't gone to the final part of the challenge, in which you have to do whatever I will ask you to do", said Arnav in husky tone as he leans in close to her face.

Khushi leans back and look up in his eyes, "Yes I know, tell me what you want me to do".

"Are you sure you will do whatever I will ask? You won't back out after hearing my ...um .. demand", said Arnav ... his voice low and husky.

"Yes, Khushi Gupta never back out from her words", said Khushi trying to be confident.

"Ok then ... I want you to ...", Arnav look at her eyes as he leans in ... Khushi clutches the table from one hand and other was holding her purse. She closes her eyes feeling his warm breath over her lips.

Arnav smirk seeing the red color rising on her cheeks and her slightly heaving chest, he moves to her ear and whispers his demand.

Khushi's eyes shot open and she pushees him, "Nahi ... hum yeh nahi ker sakhtey (No ... I cannot do this)".

"Relax, there is no pressure", said Arnav smirking as he looks at her nervous expression.

"Nahi, ap kuch aur kahiye kerne ko, yeh hum se nahi hoga (No, you tell me something else to do, I won't be able to do this)", said Khushi worriedly.

"Kion nahi hoga, pehley bhi ker chuki ho na (Why you can't, you have done it before as well)", said Arnav.

"Haan lakin us time toh ... (Yes, but that time ...)", Khushi was saying when stopped remembering how and when that had happened.

"Toh kia Khushi ... (That what Khushi)", said Arnav amusingly. Khushi looked down on floor as she fidgets with her fingers.

Arnav move ahead, "There is one other thing ...", said Arnav and lean near her ear and whisper again.

Khushi eyes got wider listening to his demand, she pushed him again, "Haww besharam", said Khushi and run towards the door.

"Only with you", said Arnav loudly. Khushi opens and door and went out giving him a backward glance.

Arnav chuckles at her reaction and sit on his chair, his mood was elevated as he thinks about the thing that he had asked from her. His mind was diverted away from the main question, what surprise Khushi was planning for him, about which Aman knows.

On the other side Aman was praying that Arnav do not call him and ask anything about it.

@ Night - After dinner ...

Khushi was pacing the floor in her room, thinking what she should do about Arnav's demand. Just a minute ago, she had received a message from him that he wants his demand to be fulfilled before their wedding rituals starts.

She was shocked when Arnav stated his demand, only she knew how she had made it to home. Her mind was flashing all the past moments of that particular day in club. Her mind got diverted due to Arush when she came home. But now receiving Arnav's text, her mind got stuck on that again.

She had done that before, but that time she wanted to tease him just like he was teasing her with his touches making her shy and squirm. Now he had demanded the same thing, but not to tease him but for his entertainment. Last time she haven't done it completely ... just some bits which Lavanya told her, but now she have to do everything on her own and she cannot take help from anyone.

Wait ... help, thought Khushi and her eyes fell on her laptop. She went to her table, picks it up and sits on bed, keeping laptop on her lap and open the browser. She searches for the thing she had been asked to do, to get some ideas. Her eyes widened seeing women's sexy images and information written along with it. She blushes and averted her eyes. She opens few other sites as her heart started to thud faster seeing different kind of kinky ideas.

Payal enters their room and saw Khushi engrossed in her laptop, her face too close to screen.

"Khushi ... what are you doing?", asked Payal.

"Jiji", Khushi exclaimed and immediately lower the lid of her laptop. Payal gave her a questioning look.

"Nothing, I was just searching something", said Khushi averting her eyes.

"Searching what?", asked Payal getting curious seeing her anxious expressions.

"Nothing important, just looking at some dresses", said Khushi the first thing which came in her mind.

"Hmmm, then why you seems so nervous to me, like you don't want me to see what you are searching haan", said Payal as she come closer to her.

"Jiji, I told you na, I was just looking at some dresses", said Khushi trying to assure her sister.

Payal look at Khushi, who was not meeting her eyes, what could be the reason. What is there in searching dresses which is making Khushi that nervous and then something click in mind and she sit beside Khushi.

"Are you searching for some nighties or lingerie's Khushi?", said Payal in low teasing tone.

"JiJii !! ...", Khushi exclaimed, her face flush with embarrassment with thought of wearing lingerie for her Arnavji.

Payal sits beside her, "What Jiji? Khushi its ok, you're getting married so I can understand", said Payal in teasing tone, "Planning something naughty for the wedding night?", asshe nudges her shoulder with Khushi's.

"Jiji please ...", said Khushi getting irritated with the teasing, "Not you too. Anjali ji and Lavanya ji always teases me regarding Arnavji, and now you too ... go away ... I am not gona talk to you", said Khushi as she stood up from bed and move out of room.

"Arey pagli, I was just teasing you ...", said Payal as she hurried behind Khushi to manoofy her baby sister.

Next Day - Wednesday - Afternoon ...

Naniji stood up from chair after finishing her lunch and move towards her room. She stopped seeing Khushi walking in with Arush in her arms. Khushi smiles as she came near Nani and greeted her, "Namaste Naniji".

"Arey Khushi Bitya, Namaste, sub kheriyat?", said Nani ji.

"Of course Naniji, everything is fine. I know I cannot meet Arnavji before the wedding, but does it also means that I can't come here and meet you and Mamiji too", said Khushi making her voice and expression sad.

"Arey nahi Bitya ...", Nani ji shakes her head, "You can come and go any time you want."

"Very truuz Sasuma", said Mamiji as she too saw Khushi, "Now this housewa will be yours too, then you will always be here ... no need for excuses to meet our Arnav bitwa", as she nudges Khushi with her shoulder

"Arey nahi Mamiji, I am not here with any excuse to meet Arnavji, wo Arush was getting cranky at home, so I thought I will bring him here for some time", said Khushi hurriedly.

"Its all right bitya, you don't need to explain", said Nani.

"Arey comz on Khushi, I am was toh only joking with you, don't mindz me", said Mamiji as she side hug Khushi and then whispers near her ear, "And if you want, I can arrange yours meetingz with Arnav bitwa, chupke se".

Khushi looks at Mamiji with wide eyes ... just then Rohan and Rajat came there and Khushi looks at them ... glad for their presence to avoid any talks with Mamiji regarding her secret meeting with Arnav

"Namaste Uncle", said Khushi greeting Rajat.

"Namaste Beta", said Rajat as he moves near and put his hand on Khushi head, "Stay happy always".

"Naauuu", Arush exclaimed seeing Rajat, "Bayle (bahir-outside) jana".

Rajat felt happy seeing Arush addressing him and demanding something, which he does only with people whom he gets attach to.

Rajat raises his hands to take him and Arush went to him instantly. Khushi smile seeing this, feeling good that Arush is now very much mingled with his Nanu.

"You naughty, we just came from outside, and now you again want to go out", said Khushi as she smack his bump softly. Arush gives his toothy grin to Khushi and then gesture towards door.

"Nauu bayle chalo, Arush toh bayle jana (Nanu go outside, Arush wants to go out)", said Arush in his baby language.

"Acha acha ... chaltey hein beta (ok ok , we will go son)", said Rajat and move towards the front door.

"Hi", said Rohan looking at Khushi, "We just finished lunch, did you have yours?".

"Yes, thank you. I had my lunch.", said Khushi giving him a smile and then turns to Naniji, "Naniji, please remember to take your medicine after 15 minutes ok", said Khushi reminding Nani about her medicines which has been prescribe to her to take after lunch and dinner.

"Haan haan biyta, I remember", said Nani with affection, feeling proud that Khushi remembers the timings of her medicines.

"And Mamiji, your serial will be starting any time now", said Khushi cheekily.

"Oh I forgotz, thanks for reminding", said Mamiji as she went ahead towards stair, "Don't wantz to miss the fightz between the bahu and that vamp".

Nani shakes her head seeing her bahu so much into those daily saas bahu soaps.

"Naniji, you go to your room and rest, I have to take some of Arush's stuff then I will come", said Khushi and Nani nodded with a smile as she went to her room.

Khushi look at Rohan and smile. She was feeling kind of awkward now; she doesn't have much to talk with Rohan beside arguing about his sister and Arnavji.

"So how is the preparations going?", asked Rohan ... wanting to start a conversation with her.

"Going fine I guess, I don't know much ... because everyone is keeping it a surprise from me, I don't even know what I am going to wear on my own wedding functions", said Khushi annoyingly.

"What? You haven't shopped for your dresses yet?", asked Rohan shocked, as the wedding is just few days away, and he knows that girls shops for wedding things months before the actual day.

"Arnavji made everything for me, he wanted to surprise me so according to him, I will be seeing my dresses on the occasion itself", said Khushi with a pout and Rohan smile seeing her cute expression.

He finds Khushi very caring and friendly person, not to forget she is beautiful too. He wished to be her friend. But he knows that its not possible, giving his and Arnav's history.

"Um ... I will go now", said Khushi moving backwards and her leg touch with the side table, making her stumble.

"Hey careful", said Rohan as he caught her wrist to steady her, Khushi quickly pulsl her hand back.

"I am sorry, I was just ...", Rohan apologized thinking that she doesn't like him touching her.

"No its ok", said Khushi quickly, "Actually every time I stumbled or about to fall Arnavji was always there to save me and when I stumble now my heart wanted Arnavji to be here to secure me in his arms and ...", Khushi stopped as she look at Rohan's amused expressions.

"Never mind, I am just crazy", said Khushi and was about to move when she stopped hearing Rohan.

"He is very lucky that you love him so much", said Rohan.

Khushi smiles at him, "But I think it's the opposite, I am very lucky that he loves me very much".

Rohan chuckles, "I guess that adds as another argument between us that is never going to end, right?".

"Yup right", said Khushi, "See you later", as she waves a hand at him and went towards stairs.

Rohan looks at her for few seconds and then move towards the front door, to spend some time with his nephew.

Khushi climbs the stair looking down, checking if someone is there or not. She had another reason of coming here and she didn't like lying about it. She moves towards the guest room where Arnav was staying for time being. She came across his room; she checked and found it locked. She kicked the door, "Stupid Laad Governer, God knows what he is hiding in there", murmurs Khushi irritatingly and then went inside guest room. She opens the cupboard and skim through his clothes

"Hey devi Maiya, please forgive me ... I am not stealing his clothes ... just borrowing it for some days, I will give him back neat and clean and pressed ... ok", said Khushi looking up at ceiling.

She takes out Arnav's charcoal suit and white shirt, then she looks here and there for tie. She opens the drawer and then gasped seeing his underwears, Khushi quickly shut the drawer and try not to wander into naughty thoughts, "Stupid Khushi", she chided herself and opens the next drawer and found some socks and ties. She quickly takes out the black with silver strips tie and close the cupboard.

She carefully folded the suit, making it in small size and then put in Arush's baby back, which she brought along ... devoid of Arush's ususal things.

Khushi went out of room, one more time asking forgiveness from devi maiya. She went to Nani's room and started talking to her about various things and had a good laugh hearing Arnav's childhood stories from her.

After some time Rohan came with a whining Arush in his arms. Khushi took him in her arms.

"Maaamaaa...", Arush made a crying voice as he hide his face in crook of her neck.

"I think he is hungry", said Rohan.

"Yeah I know I will give him milk in car while going home so that he goes to sleep too", said Khushi as she rock him a bit, "Ok Naniji I should leave now".

Nani nodded smilingly as she patted her and Arush's head lovingly.

"Come ... I will drop you", said Rohan as they move towards the front door.

"No its ok ... I will ask Mohanji ... I don't want to waste your time in this", said Khushi ... she had sent Rajesh back, the driver Arnav appointed for the Guptas, in-case her mother and Buaji needed to go outside.

"My time won't get waste", said Rohan and give a serious look to Khushi, "You can tell Arnav about it, so that you don't have to worry about him scolding you for going with me".

Khushi give him an angry glare, "Its not like that, I have told you before".

"Ok .. ok sorry ... come now ... Arush is tired too", said Rohan and Khushi went to his car.

Khushi takes out the milk bottle from side pocket of Arush's bag and laid him in her arms. Rohan drive out of Shantivan and soon saw the black car following them.

"Its Raj, right?", said Rohan gesturing towards rear view mirror.

"Hmmm", said Khushi as she gives Arush his milk bottle, who started to drink it hungrily. Khushi lovingly caresses his hair and started to sing the song in low tone, which she always sings for Arush.

Rohan looks at her in surprise, it's another new thing he got to know about Khushi.

"Its not a lullaby", said Rohan as he listens to the song.

"Shhshhh", said Khushi putting a finger on her lips and then started to caresses Arush's hair. Arush was making sound matching with the tune of the song.

After few minutes Arush was almost asleep. Khushi took out the milk bottle from his mouth carefully and put it on the dashboard.

Rohan could clearly see the love Khushi has for Arush, he smiles seeing them, finally coming to terms that Arush is indeed in good hands now.

Rohan stopped the car as they reached Buaji's home. Khushi opens the door to get out and Rohan quickly went to her side. Khushi put the milk bottle in bag's pocket and hung it on her shoulder. Rohan was about to take Arush from her arms when Khushi shakes her head, "He will wake up", she whispers. Khushi turns her body to side and carefully move out of car. She adjusted Arush in his arms as he stirs a bit.

"Thank you", said Khushi in low tone to Rohan and move towards her house. She was about to climb the 3 stairs when Rohan called her name. She turns towards him and saw him coming near with a small shopping bag in his hand.

"I know its late but uh ... happy Birthday", said Rohan as he extends the gift, "Sorry I didn't wished you properly on your birthday".

"Its ok Rohan ji, but you shouldn't have to bother about gifting me", said Khushi as she felt reluctant taking gift from him.

"But I wanted to", said Rohan, "I know we didn't start on good terms ... it's my way of apologizing for my rude behavior".

Khushi look at Arush in her arms and then look at Rohan ... who understand her difficultly and place the shopping bag on the top stairs. "Thank you", said Khushi with a small smile.

Rohan looks at her and hesitated for a bit, "Khushi ... can we be friends?".

Khushi looked at him surprised at his question. She didn't know what to say, she still don't know him very well. He is not a bad guy, that she knows but he is not in good terms with Arnav. And she knows Arnav might not like her being friends with him.

Rohan kind of felt bad when Khushi didn't reply for few seconds, "Its ok ... never mind ... I know its not possible", as he move back a step.

"Rohan ji ... I ...", Khushi doesn't know how to deny him that he won't feel bad.

"Its fine ... I understand. Arnav won't like it and I don't want to be the cause of another fight between you two", said Rohan as he opens the car door, "Take care", he sit in the car and drove away. Khushi went to front door of her house and rings the bell, thinking about what Rohan has asked her.

In Evening --------------------------------------

"Why didn't you tell me about it dad?", asked Rohan angrily, "How can you decide on selling the company?".

"It's not my decision, the board decided it", said Rajat sternly, "if it was in my hands I wouldn't let the company go ... which was the hard work of my daughter ... my Tania".

Rajat sit down on the bed, "But what's the use of this company when Tania is not here", his voice sad and painful.

Arnav was going to Nani's room to give her the medicines, when he heard Rohan's loud angry voice and stopped near the guest room, which was opposite to Nani's room. He was not the one to eavesdrop on someone's talk but he couldn't help but listen, getting curious that why Rohan and Rajat are arguing.

"Yes that company is the hard of work of Tania, how can you let it go that easily?", said Rohan.

"Do you think I want it? That I am not doing anything? Don't you dare argue me on this ... you never wanted to be a part of that company, you were happily busy in your hotel business. So why are you worried about it now", said Rajat in anger.

"I know I haven't been a part of it but I know what this company means to Tania ... it was her baby, her everything ... and I will not let it get ruin like this.", said Rohan irritatingly as he runs hand through his hair.

"You think that I haven't tried to save it? I tried ... but the board is not listening ... I even talk to my contacts to lend some loan but I don't have any guarantee or mortgage to give", said Rajat dejectedly, "And honestly I am tired now ... I cannot fight anymore ... I don't have the strength left".

"But I will ... I will not let this company go ... I ... I will sell my hotel and ...", Rohan was saying when Rajat stood up in anger, "Don't you dare do that ... what will you do after that haan ... you will sell your hotel and save the company then what? You need projects, contract and money to run the company, you never took part in company's matters before ... will you be able to handle all this? ... when you don't have much knowledge".

"So you want to just sit and watch this company get sold away", said Rohan in anger, "No ... I will never let it happen", saying that Rohan turns and went to door, which was half open.

He stopped seeing Arnav standing there ... he did not want to get into another argument ... so he went from there giving an angry look to Arnav.

Arnav move ahead and stand in the door, "Uncle ... Are you alright?", asked Arnav seeing Rajat's tired and weak face.

"Arey Arnav ... yes beta I am fine ... what will happen to me", said Rajat as he smile which was a weak one.

"I am sorry uncle ... but I heard what you were talking with Rohan ... I can help if you want ... I ..", Arnav was saying when Rajat cut him.

"No beta, please ... you don't have to ... there is nothing left to help now", said Rajat as he put hand on Arnav's shoulder, "I don't want you to think on it ok ... just concentrate on your coming wedding ... it's a happy phase of your life ... just enjoy ...ok", he patted his shoulder and then went out of room.

Arnav went to Nani's room and place her medicines on the bedside table. He turned to go and saw his Nani coming in.

"Nani, your medicine are there", said Arnav pointed towards the side table.

"Thank you Chottey", said Nani coming near to him, "What happened? You're looking worried", she cups his face with one hand.

Arnav smile at her, "Nothing Nani, everything is fine".

Nani give him a stern look as if saying not lie to me.

"Nani ... don't worry, everything is fine", said Arnav as he takes her hand in his.

"Ok if you say so ... now go and fresh up ... I will ask Hari Prakash to send coffee in your room", said Nani. Arnav nods his head and went out of the room.

He went towards the stairs, taking his cell phone out. He dials his ARID's Head number. "Hello ... yeah listen, I want you to dig up everything on Xottica'. It's a Fasion House based in Boston ... send me all details as soon as possible", ordered Arnav and cut the call.

Next day -- Thursday -- Morning --------------

"Where did it go?", murmurs Arnav as he searched for his charcoal suit in the cupboard, when he couldn't find he took the dark chocolate one and went to washroom to get ready.

"Di ... Di ...", Arnav called his sister as he climbs down the stairs.

"Yes Chottey", said Anjali coming from dining room

"Have you seen my charcoal grey suit? Its not in my cupboard", said Arnav in complaining tone.

Anjali shakes her head, "Chottey ... how would I know? I don't look after your thing anymore like before, you should take care of them yourself".

"I do take care of them, it was there in the cupboard yesterday and now its not", said Arnav in irritating tone ... he so hates it when he cannot find his things in their places.

"Oho Chottey, you got dozen other suites and how you differentiate their colors any way ... they all look same to me", said Anjali as she move towards the dining area, "May be it was send to laundry".

"Hari Prakash ... Hari Prakash!!", called Arnav loudly.

"Ji Bhaiyaa", said Hari Prakash hurriedly coming out of kitchen.

"Did you gave any of my suit in laundry today or yesterday?", asked Arnav.

Hari Prakash thought for few seconds, "No Bhaiya ... no suits ... just 2-3 shirts and your one trouser".

"Then where the hell did my suit go?", said Arnav aloud in annoyance.

"Uff Chotey leave it ... you must have kept it somewhere else and forgot ... come have breakfast now", said Anjali pulling his arm.

He sit down with Anjali ... other also came one by one and they all started their breakfast. Arnav just finished his breakfast and was about to stood up when he heard Khushi's name.

"Yes Nani, but for that we have to know Khushi's choice too na ... after all its she who will be wearing the jewellery", said Anjali.

"Haan Bitya you're right ... lets call her here then", said Nani and then her eyes fell on Arnav and she smiles looking at Anjali, "Call her in the afternoon ok bitya".

Anjali too look at Arnav and gives him a teasing smile, "No Chottey, you cannot meet her".

Arnav stood up and give his Nani and sister a serious look, "And you really think that you can stop me from meeting her?".

"Chottey...", Nani look at him sternly.

"Dammit ... all this traditions and rituals ... I swear if Khushi wasn't persistent on it then I would never have agreed on this stupid thing in the first place", said Arnav in annoyance as he picked his bag and went towards the front door.

"Chalo acha ha, Khushi bitya ki waja se mang gaye Chottey (Its good that Chottey agreed because of Khushi bitya)", said Nani.

"Waisey Nani, socha nahi that k chottey is sub k liyee maan jayein gey (Well Nani, I never thought that chottey would agree on these things)", said Anjali with a big smile.

"Haan sasuma ... pehle toh hum ma se kisi ki himat hi na huwat rahi Arnav bitwa se kuchu manwaney ki ( Yes sasuma ... before no one had the courage among us to make Arnav agree on something)", said Mami.

"Arey Mano pehley Khushi bitya nahi thi na (Arey Mano ... before Khushi Bitya was not here)", said Mama ji affectionately and Nani nods her head, "Sahi kaha bitwa ...bus abh Devi Maiya sub kheriyat rakhey (You said right bitwa ... now Devi Maiya just keep everything well)".

"Don't worry Dadi, we all are here to take care of things ... nothing will go wrong this time", said Akash and Rahul too assured Nani of the same.

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Bubbles762015-12-26 14:56:50