Chapter 127

Later in Afternoon - Around 3pm

Arnav enters his house, frowning at the silence around. He stopped in the middle of living room, no one was in sight. He called for Hari Prakash, moving towards the kitchen. He stood outside the door, just attached to the kitchen side wall, which leads to the servant quarters. There are 2 rooms and one washroom used by the Prakash brothers. There was another door on the opposite side of the small corridor which leads outside in the lawn.

"Aya bhaiya", came Jai Prakash voice as he emerges from his room and went out to come infront of Arnav, "Hari Prakash is not here".

"Where is everybody?", asked Arnav.

"All went out. Anjali Didi said they will be back in evening", said Jai Prakash hurriedly.

Arnav got irritated thinking that Khushi has also gone with them. He fish out his cell phone and just begun to tap her number when Jai Prakash speak up, "Khushi Didi is in her room".

Arnav look up at him in surprise and then got irritated seeing the smile on his face, even his servants knows he can't be without her.

"Did I ask you?", said Arnav in stern tone, wiping the smile from Jai Prakash's face. Arnav turned and went to the stairs, feeling relax that Khushi is at home.

He enters his room and stopped seeing the sight of his beautiful wife laying on the recliner; draped in elegant pink & beige saree.

Her eyes were closed and face relaxed. Its looks like she is napping.
Arnav move closer putting the 2 files, he brought from office, on the coffee table and sit on the small space beside her. He moves the lock of her hair from her forehead, his finger brushing over the side of her face and moving on to her lips.

Khushi's eyes fluttered opens, feeling feather light touch on her face. She smiles seeing Arnav, "You came", she said sitting up.

"Yeah just a minute ago", said Arnav as he held her hand. Khushi yawned and covers her mouth.

"Sleepy?", asked Arnav.

"Nah, just tired", said Khushi as she put her legs down, "I was waiting for you and didn't know when I slept".

"You didn't go out with others?", asked Arnav.

Khushi shakes her head, "Shalini Masi wanted me to come with them but Anjali Di knew you wouldn't like it so ...", Khushi left the sentence in complete.

"So you stayed here for me?", asked Arnav tugging her close.

"Nahi", said Khushi pushing his chest, "I was tired that's why I didn't go. You know I wake up early today for the pooja and we slept very late yesterday", her cheeks were adorning the pinkish hue mentioning yesterday night.

At first Arnav was feeling happy teasing her but then he was concerned, "Are you ok? Do you feel pain somewhere?".

Khushi blushed, averted her eyes, "I am fine". She stood up but Arnav grab her hand, making her sit again. "Tell me the truth Khushi", his voice was serious.

"Arey baba I am fine", said Khushi as she squeezes his hand, "But I am hungry. I didn't eat lunch because I wanted to eat it with you (She stood up again). Now go change and come down, I will heat up the food", saying that Khushi went out of the room.

Arnav stood up and unbutton his waist coat. He put it on the recliner and pick up the files. He open the cupboard, thinking to put the files there, but paused seeing Arush's clothes and other stuff filling the half of cupboard. Other half stored bed sheets, pillow and cushion cases.

He closes the cupboard, remembering that he had shifted his office files and papers into the study room downstairs to give space for Arush's things in the cupboard.

He went down and move towards the study room, he could hear the sounds of utensils coming from the kitchen and smiles thinking about Khushi. He went to his table in the study room. He opened the locked drawer and put the files in. He was about to close it when Rohan storm into the room.

"So at last you have done it", said Rohan angrily in a loud tone.

Arnav look up at him casually and said, "I don't know what you're talking about", while closing the drawer and lock it.

"YOU DAMN WELL KNOW WHAT I AM TALKING ABOUT", shouted Rohan as he punched the table.

"Lower you voice", hissed Arnav as he came around the table, standing in front of Rohan now.

"Hell I will", said Rohan a bit louder, "YOU TOOK AWAY OUR COMPANY, HER COMPANY. MY TANIA'S COMPANY".

"ENOUGH!!!", Arnav shouted this time, "Don't forget, you're standing in MY HOUSE".

Rohan and Arnav both look at each other in anger. Rohan breaths were quick, his chest rose and fell as he tried to calm himself.

Rohan was out with other family members when he got a call from his assistant, telling him the name of the company who had bought the major shares of his father's company. He gave the excuse of work and came straight here to confront Arnav.

"You said you don't care about us or Tania, then why have you taken over our company. The company Tania work hard for.", said Rohan as he point a finger at Arnav, "You want to take revenge that's why you have bought the majority of shares, right? You want to show yourself powerful right?".

Arnav push away his finger, "Yes, I don't care about you or Tania. You are no one to me and Tania is dead to me. Oh wait, she is already dead. Really glad that she is out of my life forever", he sneered.

"ARNAV", Rohan shout his name angrily as he fisted his collar. Arnav quickly push his hand and had just raises his own to punch him when Khushi shouted their names.

"Arnavji ... Rohanji", she enter the room and came near them. Arnav and Rohan move back two steps from each other.

Khushi had just put the food in microwave oven and was about push the timer when she had heard loud voice coming from here. She instantly forgets the food and came here to see what the matter is. She was shocked seeing Rohan clutching Arnav's collar and further more when Arnav raises his hand.

"What is wrong with both of you?", said Khushi as she stand between them, "Why can't you two just talk like normal people? Why always this anger and hatred?".

"Khushi look ...", Arnav wanted to ask her to stay away from this but Khushi cut him, "No, not this time", she give an angry look to Arnav and then to Rohan.

"I am tired of you both arguing, shouting and trying to have upper hand on each other. I don't know what happened this time but please sort the matter like civilized people".

"He started it", said Arnav in his defense.

"I don't care who started it", said Khushi her voice stern and she pointed a finger to both of them, "Sort this now and for once. You two are connected through Arush and I don't want both of you to store this hatred inside anymore, because it will affect Arush in future and I will not have any kind of bad impact on his life. I will not talk to both of you until you sort this out".

Then she turned and move towards the door. Arnav move after her, "Khushi ...".

Khushi turn and raise her hand to tell Arnav to stop, which he did. "I mean it Arnavji. (then she look at Rohan) Rohanji, I am very serious. I will not talk to both of you until you solve this.", she give a look to Arnav and he knew that she was damn serious about it. Although he knew he can make her talk but it won't be with all her heart. And he cannot upset her. Khushi went out of the room, closing the door behind her.

Arnav turn and look at Rohan, who had an amusing expression on his face.

"What?", asked Arnav irritated.

"She is something, isn't she", said Rohan as he sit on the chair.

Arnav give him a scrutinizing glare, coming to the table and lean on it with his hips on the edge, "Yes she is".

Rohan tilt his head and rubs his backside of neck, "Why did you do it?", he asked looking up at him.

"I don't give explanations of my actions to anyone except for my Di. But this time it is for Khushi so I am telling it only once.", said Arnav giving him a stern look.

Rohan leaned back on chair, ready to listen as he gestures with his hand for Arnav to continue.

"I didn't do it for revenge. Whatever Tania did, I never thought about revenge. I was angry, I was hurt. But I never thought once of taking revenge. I heard Rajat uncle talking about the company being sold out and I asked him. He confirmed the news and denied my help. But I wanted to help anyway. Only because this company had given me the platform to start my career, only because Rajat uncle helped me a lot in learning all the things needed to establish a business and I wanted to do something for him in return.", said Arnav in his business tone.

"Why didn't you tell me about it or to dad?", asked Rohan

"Rajat Uncle had already denied my help and would you have accepted my help if I had ask you?", said Arnav giving him a knowing look, "I doubt it. You would have thought that I am up to something else, just like you did now".

Arnav was right, thought Rohan; he would have questioned his intention.

Arnav waited for Rohan to say something but when he didn't for few seconds, he straightens up. "We can further discuss about your company some other time", said Arnav and move towards the door.

"Don't you miss her at all?", asked Rohan making Arnav stopped in middle of the room, "Have you never thought of Tania ever?", Rohan stand up from chair.

Arnav's back got tensed and he fisted his hands. He turn back to face Rohan, "All I remember is the betrayal of my trust, the manipulation Tania did to marry me.", his stance rigged and expression angry. "You know I haven't told any of my friends about my family past, what happened to my mother and what my uncle did to us. Tania was the first one I trusted enough to let my guards down. I didn't even told Aman then, who knows every in and out of AR. Tania knew how much I hated cheating and breaking one's trust. But what she did, she played with my emotions. She manipulated the situation where I had to marry her and later I got to know for the reason I married her was all farce", Arnav let out a bitter chuckle.

Rohan remember then, Khushi telling him how much he had to face and struggle during his teenage. She did mention of getting Arnav played by his own relatives.

"She wasn't pregnant before our marriage. She manipulated me again, playing the emotional card, where I had to show my love to her just to prove that I was loyal to her", said Arnav in anger pointing a finger to his own chest as he take a step forward. "Do you know the amount of guilt I carried? That I ruined her life making her pregnant, even when I didn't remember about it. I couldn't love her but I cared for her, that's why I did the right thing by marrying her. I tried to make the most of the situation but she wanted more and more every day."

"Why couldn't you love her? She loved you more than her life. She went ahead with pregnancy despite knowing that she might not survive the tumor", asked Rohan his face showing sadness and pain of losing his sister.

"Because love wasn't in my plans that time. Tania knew how much establishing my business meant to me. I was focus solely on that. I wasn't ready for any relationship or commitment. Besides how come you force someone to love you. Can you?", said Arnav

Rohan shakes his head, "No. Khushi said the same; you can't force someone to love you", a thoughtful expression on his face, "She told me to put myself in your shoes and think if my best friend did all the things which Tania did and will I be able to forgive her. I don't think I would have forgiven something like that".

"Good to hear that.", said Arnav as he turned again to go. He had taken two steps when Rohan speak up, "I am sorry Arnav".

Arnav stopped again and turn to face him, surprised at his apology.

"I am sorry for what Tania did to you. I am sorry for how I treated you thinking that you used my sister. I was just so angry at you for not loving her, for not caring about her. You didn't even come to meet her in hospital when she was dying. But now I can understand your situation. I just wished you could have come to meet her, maybe she could have ...", Rohan stopped don't know what else to say.

"No one believed me when I told what Tania had done, except Aman. Everyone had their sympathy with her only. I was the culprit despite being the victim. So how come you expect me to come there forgetting every accusation and pain", said Arnav in mock tone.

Rohan nodded his head, "I understand. I am sorry. I hope someday you can forgive me and Tania". He come near Arnav and extends his hand forward, "And I hope we can be friend again someday".

Arnav look down at his hand and then up at his face. He held his hand giving a slight shake, "I hope so too". Arnav move backward, "Now everything is sorted, I have to get back to my wife", saying that he went out of the room.

Rohan look around the empty room and sighed. He felt like a weight had lifted from his chest. He had been thinking about this whole matter since his conversation with Khushi in the kitchen. Although the anger is still there but it's more diverted to situation which lead Tania to take the step of manipulating Arnav for marriage. Why didn't she come to him? He would have talked to Arnav, but then again, he couldn't have forced Arnav to love Tania.

He rubs his hand over his face thinking, if its still hard for him to forget everything, how much harder it must be for Arnav to forget all that?

-------------------------------------

Khushi was standing near the pool, her gaze fixed on the water. Her mind filled with different thoughts about Arnav, Rohan and Tania. She knows it's very hard for Arnav to forgive betrayal. Don't know for how long this will go on. She wanted everything settle out in his life, even his past. She wanted him to be free of every shackle holding him to the past. She wants him to enjoy every aspects of life ... one being of with friends. He had told her of his friends in Harvard, which were long lost due to what happen between him and Tania. She figures that if he makes peace with Rohan, may be he will make peace with others too and they will be friends again. She knows what role friends play in one's life. They are the integral part of your life. She can't do without her friends, NK, Naina, Aashima, Divya, Poonam and recently made Aman, Lavanya, Prachi and Vijay. She wants Arnav to have those integral parts in his life too.

Her thought process broke, hearing Arnav calling her name. She turns and saw Arnav standing at the sliding door.

"We sort out the matter", said Arnav as he come close to her, "He apologized. I accepted".

"For now?", asked Khushi in serious tone.

"I don't know. But I hope that we won't have to argue in the future", said Arnav unsure himself.

Khushi sighed and step aside, "Ok, I will bring the food".

"Khushi", Arnav caught her arms, "You know it's not easy for me. I can't (he pauses) forget easily. I take time. Hell I didn't even fully forgotten my uncle's betrayal, mine and Di's struggles on the roads, our hunger and helplessness", his voice raw with emotion as he hold her arms tightly.

Khushi cups his face, "I understand Arnavji. You are trying, thats enough for me. Promise me you won't give up trying. You will try harder", her thumbs caressing his cheeks.

Arnav closes his eyes, feeling her touch, "I promise".

Khushi smiles and pull his hands away from her arms, "Go and fresh up, I will bring the food here". She come inside the room and has taken 2 steps towards the door when Arnav grabs her hand, stopping her from moving further. He comes behind her, his front touching her back. "Khushi", he softly whispers her name into her hair.

"I don't need food", said Arnav in his deep husky voice.

"Arnavji .. but ..", She wanted to say but couldn't as she felt him nuzzling her neck and his hands moves down to her bare waist. Khushi's breath quicken as Arnav's hand roam on her stomach, under her saree pallu, "You know what I need", whispered Arnav.

Her heart thudded as his fingers move over her navel. Khushi quickly turn and hid her face into his chest. Arnav cups her cheeks and make her look up at him. Her breath hitches looking at the burning desire in his intense eyes.

Arnav lowered his mouth to Khushi, lips touching together in a soft kiss. He slid his tongue on the lower lip, making Khushi part her lips. A jolt of sensation moves through out Arnav's body as he strokes his tongue against hers. No matter how many times he has kissed her, but every time he does, he feels the same sensation inside him.

Khushi made a moaning sound at the back of throat, opening herself to his kiss. Her hands move around his neck as she kissed him back with equal passion. Arnav break the kiss for a second or two to get some oxygen and then kiss her again and again tasting every inch of her sweet mouth, the curves of her lips.

"Arnavji", Khushi said his name breathing heavily, her eyes close, "I am going to faint".

Arnav chuckles softly, "Don't worry, I got you" and then he kisses her softly. His hands make a quick work of removing her pallu pin and pulling away her saree.

"Beautiful", said Arnav as his hands went back to her face, he kissed her eyes, nose and give a peck on her lips, "Mine. You're mine".

Khushi look into his darkened eyes, "Always yours" as she pulls his face down kissing him with unabashed passion. Arnav groaned as Khushi stroke her tongue against his.

(Rest of this part is on Blog - the link is given in my profile. If it doesn't work on your end, clean cache of your browser or try another one)

Evening - Around 6pm --------

After having late lunch with Khushi, Arnav went to his study. He has some calls to make to his lawyer and Aman. Khushi put the leftover food in fridge, wash the dishes, arrange the utensils and other things in the kitchen. She put the water on stove to boil to make coffee for Arnav when she heard the voices. Anjali and others were back home.

Khushi went to the living room as they all settle down. Arush immediately rush to her mother. Khushi kneel down on floor, catching him in her arms.

"Mama tekho horsh (Mama see horse)", said Arush showing Khushi a plastic horse, a size of her hand.

"Wow ... who gave this to my Arush?", asked Khushi in baby tone.

"thuv", said Arush pointing towards Dhruv.

"Did you say thank you to Dhruv Bhai?", asked Khushi and turn Arush to face Dhruv, "Come on, say Thank you".

"Thankoo", said Arush making everyone smile.

"Good baby. Now go, give pari(means kiss) to Dhruv bhai", said Khushi pushing him a little but Arush turn his face and hid into Khushi feeling shy.

"Arush ... come on baby, give pari to Dhruv Bhai", said Khushi but Arush didn't move.

"He is still shy Bhabhi, leave it", said Dhruv with a smile.

Khushi smile at him and then pick Arush in her arms, "What did you eat haan? Are you hungry?", Khushi asked Arush and look for Anjali who was coming from kitchen, a try in her hands with glasses of water.

"Chippi khaye (Eat Chips)", said Arush.

"He ate few French fries only", said Anjali stopping near Khushi.

Khushi nodded her head, "I will give him milk after changing him, it's past his nap time too, I will make him sleep too or else he will get cranky in night".

Anjali nodded and then give Khushi a nudge with elbow, "Just remember from changing, why have you changed into your night clothes haan? What happened to your saree?", Anjali wiggle her eyebrows teasingly at Khushi.

Khushi averted her eyes, as her cheeks started to adorn pink color. Only her night suit was hung in the washroom, so she quickly changes into it to escape quickly from the room, before Arnav could start to get naughty with her.

"Wo um Di ... just like that", said Khushi.

"Really? Or you guys were doing aheemm", Anjali coughed at the end.

"I will change after making Arush sleep", said Khushi quickly and move towards the stairs in hurried steps. Anjali grinned seeing Khushi climbing the steps and move to others giving them water.

After changing and making Arush sleep, Khushi changed into a simple blue saree. She didn't want others to ask the same question which Anjali did, seeing her in night clothes. She picks up the baby monitor tab and shut off the light, with only one table lamp lit in the room. She came down and saw Nani and Rajat Uncle arguing in the dining area. She move close to Anjali and asked what the matter is.

"Rajat Uncle was telling Mamaji that he had made an appointment with a realtor to show him some houses to move in and Naniji overheard it. And now she is scolding him about thinking to live in another house when he can live here", said Anjali.

"Well she is right", said Khushi.

"No! I have said it. You will be staying here with us", said Naniji sternly, "You don't need to move into another house when we have plenty of space here. Arush is here too so it's useless for you to move between houses just to meet him. Plus other people are here to take care of you in case you fell ill, so no need to live alone".

"But Ma ji I don't want to be a hindrance in your household. I think ...", Rajat was saying when Naniji cut him, "If you consider me like your mother then you will accept my decision".

"I don't want Arnav to feel bad", said Rajat.

Khushi quickly move near them, "Uncle ji, Arnavji doesn't feel bad about your stay here. In fact he himself wanted you to stay here so that we can look after you and keep a look on your health".

"Khushi bitya is right", said Naniji as she stood up, "When Rohan bitwa go back someone needs to be here to look after you and we all are here. Its no use living alone. God Forbid if something happens then what we will do?".

"Rohanji is going back?", asked Khushi.

"Haan bitya, he is going after your reception", said Rajat is dejected tone, "I asked him to stay here for few more days but he said he have some important work to take care of".

"That boy is also becoming like Chottey, work and work all the time", said Nani in serious tone, "Now Chottey is married I hope he gives more time to family".

"Arey Maji Khushi bitya is here to take care of that", said Rajat with a smile.

"Yes right", said Naniji giving a smile to Khushi, "I think we should make Rohan married too, so that he settles down in one place".

"Maji I wish that could happen. Whenever I talk to him about marriage, he always run away", said Rajat sadly.

"Arey uncle don't worry", said Anjali coming near, "We are here. We will make it happen. Right Khushi?".

"True Anjali Di, Uncle don't worry we will find a very good girl for your son", said Khushi with a smile.

"Naniji you should rest for some time till dinner", said Anjali as she takes Naniji hand.

"Yes I was going to my room when I heard what he was planning", said Naniji giving a warning look to Rajat, who quickly avert her eyes and stood up, "I think I should rest too", saying that he move to his room.

Mamaji, Anjali and Khushi smile seeing Rajat escape to his room. Naniji too went to her room. "Where is Arnavji?", asked Khushi looking at Anjali and Mamaji.

"He is in study room with Akash", said Mamaji as he stood up.

"Oh I was making coffee for him and I forgot", said Khushi.

"Arey don't worry, I had asked Jai Prakash to give coffee to Chottey", said Anjali.

"Oh thanks Anjali Di", said Khushi.

Just then Mamiji and Shalini Masi called them both and they move to living area where Mamiji and Shalini Masi were conversing. They were planning another outing for tomorrow and wanted to discuss.

Later @ Night ------------------

Arnav went to Anjali's room and knocked. He opens the door hearing come in'.

Arnav enter the room and saw Anjali sitting on bed, getting ready for sleep.

"Di, I just need few minutes", said Arnav coming near her.

"Arey Chottey, you can have more than few minutes. Come on", said Anjali patting the bed beside her.

"Where is Jiju?", asked Arnav looking around for Rahul as he sit down on bed beside Anjali.

"He got a call from hospital. He will be spending the night there", said Anjali.

Arnav nodded his head and then extend the file to Anjali, "I want you to look at it and tell me what you think".

Anjali takes the file and open it. As she read the contents a smile comes on her lips, "Chottey its very good. I was thinking to talk to you about this; I was waiting to get free from your reception."

"So you are ok with this?", asked Arnav.

"Why wouldn't I be? Now Khushi is here, so she should be the sole guardian of Arush", said Anjali and then extend her hand to Arnav, "Pen?".

Arnav shakes his head, "I haven't thought you will be ready to sign. I thought you would want to think or may be discuss about it if you need to be partnered in".

Anjali shakes her head, "Chottey, I already have everything I need. So I don't see the wait in it", said Anjali and then opens bedside table drawer. Arnav smile thinking he was right about his Di.

Anjali took out the pen and signs the papers. She hands over the file to Arnav, "Go, give her the good news".

"Goodnight Di", said Arnav and went out.

He enters his room and shut the door. He turns and saw Khushi lying on the bed, her eyes drooping. Arush was asleep in his crib attached to Khushi's side of bed.

"Arnavji ...", said Khushi sleepily as she probed up on elbows.

Arnav move to his side of bed, "Hey, sleepy head". Khushi pouted at him and scoot closer. Arnav put the file in the bedside table drawer and lay down on bed. Khushi quickly move into his arms and mumbles. It has to wait as Khushi is already half asleep.

"What?", asked Arnav but again got only murmurs in return.

"Pagal", said Arnav as he gathers his wife's soft frame in his arms and closes his eyes.

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