Chapter 145

Manorma was standing with her very good friend Shweta and Mrs. Khan. They were talking about various things. Manorma and Shweta have firework sticks in their hands and were enjoying the Diwali Celebrations, where as Mrs. Khan doesn't like all this stuff, according to her its old fashion. Mrs. Khan's phone ringed and she took it out from her clutch and smiled seeing the name, she picked the call, "You are here? ... "Ahan .. ok come by the gazebo, you will see me some distance from it, Mrs. Khan cut the call and smile at Manorma, "My son is here.

"Good, he got time to relax, or else he is so busy with his job, said Shweta.

"Business Shweta, business. He is partner in his software firm, said Mrs. Khan proudly, "Just like Arnav he is workaholic ... but now I want him to settle down, thats why I insisted him to come here so that he can see Payal and meet her parents, she passed a wicked smile to Manorma and move away from there.

Smile faded from Manorma's face as she twisted her mouth seeing Mrs. Khan leaving, "Why can't she leave that girl alone? I have told her that Guptas are not like her family, modern and broad minded. She will ruin Payal's life if she got her marry to her son.

"Arey Manorma relax, why are you boiling your blood now. Marriage is not happen yet. Who knows the Guptas will deny for the proposal, said Shweta.

"But how long can they deny the proposal? I know Mrs. Khan, she is a good manipulator, she can twist the situation according to her likes, I have seen her doing that and I would never want Payal to get married in that house. Mrs. Khan knows well that Payal is very humble and can never disobey elders and she can easily rule on her, said Manorma angrily.

"Then make her your bahu, simple, said Shweta and Manorma was shocked at the statement.

"Why are you so shocked? You told me yourself how good mannered and kind hearted is Payal. She is cultured, simple and not over the top modern and she has a respectable job. You know her nature and her family too. She has all the qualities which you want for your Akash's wife, no?, said Shweta and Manorma got thinking that she is right. She wanted a strong, cultured and not too much modern wife for her Akash bitwa. Can Payal be that one?.

Nani was smiling seeing Arnav, Khushi and Arush. The little baby was almost asleep in Khushi's lap. Arnav carefully picked him up and went inside. Khushi come to her and informed that she and Arnav are going to their room to make Arush sleep, the baby is tired with all the playing he did in the evening. Nani nodded with a smile.

"Every bahu should be like Khushi bitya, said Nitu as she watched Khushi going inside the house, "She take cares of everyone around her. You are very lucky having Khushi as your Bahu Devyani.

"There is no doubt about it, said Nani with a proud smile, "I have never worried for Anjali and Akash like I did for my Chottey. His arrogant nature and temper has always worried me. The way he viewed life and run away from love and relationships ..., Nani shakes her head, "I was losing hope, but then Khushi came and everything changed. Me and Anjali are very happy seeing how Arnav has changed. Its all because of Khushi bitya, her immense love and care has changed my Chottey. Though he doesn't express much in front of others but I know and can see how happy he is, said Nani with a smile.

"Yes, I too notice some changes in Arnav bitwa., Nitu agreed.

"Now I am carefree from his end. Khushi bitya handles him perfectly. And now Anjali bitya is also expecting. I am so happy, said Nani.

"Now only Akash is left. Have you started looking for girls for him?, asked Nitu.

"I will start now. I want someone just like Khushi bitya. Simple, sweet and caring. When I find someone like her I will immediately get Akash marry to her, said Nani.

"Arey Deviyani, what's the need to find the girl when she is in front of you, said Nitu and Devyani look at her friend in confusion, "What do you mean?.

"See there, said Nitu pointing in a direction and Nani saw Anjali, Lavanya, Rahul and Payal standing together. They were all smiling something at what Rahul was saying and Payal had a tray in her hand. She was handing the juice glasses to Rahul, Anjali and Lavanya.

"She is a guest here but still she is doing what a host does, said Nitu, "Sach kahun, ager mera pota, Akash ki umer ka hota toh mein Payal ka hath mang leti usk liye, dair na kerti (To be honest, if my grandson was of Akash's age, I would have asked Payal's hand for him, I won't delay at all).

Nani was looking at Payal now. She saw Anjali saying something to her in scolding away and she called a waiter and took the tray from Payal and give it to the waiter.

"Arey haan, iska toh khayal hi nahi aya mujey (Oh Yes, I haven't thought about it), said Nani and watch Payal going to her mother as she had called Payal. Then she saw Mrs. Khan and her son talking to Garima and Buaji ... it seems like she was introducing her son to them

"Devyani dair na karo, kahin aisa na ho k itni achi bahu hath se nikal jaye(Devyani don't delay it or else a good bahu will be skipped from your hands), said Nitu.

"Hum aisa hone nahi dein gey(I won't let that happen), said Nani standing up, "Chalo, she gesture her friend to come.

Nani search for Manorma and soon saw her coming in her direction. They both stopped coming in front of each other and share the same thing that they want Payal for Akash. Both were happy that they were thinking the same. Without wasting time Manorma searched her husband and shared the same new with him. He was surprised but happy too. He likes Payal too. Manorma told him to bring Shashi ji to Nani's room and she went to call Garima and Buaji. Luckily for her Mrs. Khan got busy with her kitty party friends and Manorma took Garima and Buaji to Nani's room.

Shashi, Garima and Buaji were shocked when Nani asked Payal's hand for Akash. They looked at each other and then at Nani, Manorma and Manohar.

"Arey soch ka rahey ho? Humara Akash bitwa lakhun mein ik hai. Payal bitya bhut khush rahey gi (Arey what are guys thinking? My Akash bitwa is one in a million, Payal will live very happily), said Manorma.

"Haan aur hum ko kuch nahi chahiye, bus apni Payal bitya humein de dain(Yes and we don't need anything, just give us your Payal), said Nani smilingly.

Buaji and Garima smiled, they liked this proposal but Shashi was thinking about something else and said, "Maa ji, we just married our one daughter a month ago ... and we haven't thought about getting married Payal so soon. Garima give him a look but he didn't look at her "And we have to ask Payal about it too. We cannot decide anything without her consent.

"What he means is that we have to make her understand about this and ..., Garima was saying when Shashi cut her in, "No Garima, we won't pressurize her like we did before. She has been hurt because of our hasty decision and now I want her to decide about her life.

"Shashi ji?, Manohar was surprise at his stern tone, "Is there a problem?.

"No no bhai sahib, koi masla nahi hai (No no Bhaisahib, there is no problem), said Buaji quickly.

"But there is something you all should know, said Shashi and ignoring Buaji's and Garima's warning looks he told them about Payal's first marriage, their insistence about getting her married and how her fianc misbehaved with her and Payal broke off the marriage and how society gossiped about it.

Nani was feeling bad about Payal while Manorma and Manohar just look at each other, not knowing what to say.

"Maa ji, I don't want to hide anything. It's the matter of my daughter's life. If you still wish to go ahead with this proposal let me know ... I will talk to Payal about it. But the decision will be hers, said Shashi and stood up, "We will take our leave now. We have to go back to Mumbai tomorrow evening.

Saying that he gestures Garima and his sister and went out leaving Nani, Manorma and Manohar with mixed feelings.

Later @ Night Around Midnight --------------

"Hari Prakash ji its enough for today please go and rest", said Khushi watching HP washing the dishes in Kitchen.

"Khushi bhabhi I will just wash these and then go", said HP.

"No, please leave it now", said Khushi a bit sternly, all the servants have been working constant since morning, "It can be done tomorrow morning. Please go and rest".

"But Naniji ...", HP was about to say when Khushi cut in, "She won't say anything, I have already inform her what tasks are left. We will do it tomorrow. Please go now".

Hari Prakash nodded and washed his hand and bidding goodnight to Khushi he went out. Khushi take out a water bottle from fridge and went out of kitchen.

She sighed happily seeing the flower decorations in the living. Today had been a wonderful day. Nearly everyone praised the decorations and arrangements and she was happy that the guests have enjoyed the Diwali.

She hurried up the stairs, now she has to give time to her husband. He had been grumpy about it all day.

Khushi entered their room and saw Arnav sleeping on the recliner with a file on his chest. She felt bad that she had kept him waiting for her. She went to him and called his name slowly but it seems that he was in deep sleep.

She looks at her husband's figure clad in white designer kurta pajama. He was looking very handsome in that attire. She insisted him on wearing this, though Arnav usually gets annoyed with traditional attire but still he wore it today, only for her. And she knew it well. That's why to please him she had worn red and pink saree, one from his own designed collection. And the way Arnav had given her intense looks throughout the evening confirmed her that it was worth it. She sighed and went to the dressing table and started taking off her jewellery and bangles, careful not to make much sound to disturb Arnav and Arush's sleep. She looked at her attired and run a hand over her saree, remembering their moment when they had come up to make Arush sleep.

Just as she covered Arush with his blanket, Arnav had pull her to him. "Now I got you all to myself, he said huskily wrapping his hands around her.

"Arnavji, we have guests here, said Khushi trying to push him away.

"I don't care. All I know is that I got my wife after all day and I won't be letting her go any time soon, said Arnav in a loving way that Khushi' heart melted. She laid her head on his chest and hugged him tight. They just stood there in each other arms for few minutes, savoring the moment, enjoying the silence.

Arnav move his hands to her bare waist and move her pallu to side, running his finger over her skin making it heat up. Khushi closed her eyes and fisted Arnav's kurta. The goose bumps erupted on her skin.

Arnav whispered, "Khushi ... i love it when you wear sarees, I get quick access to touch you.

"Arnavji please, not now, said Khushi breaking the hug as Arnav removed her pin from shoulder making the pallu fall.

"I can't wait more, said Arnav as he lean down and capture her lips. Khushi moaned and clutched Arnav's shoulders. The kiss was fast and deep. Arnav had waited since morning to kiss his wife properly and he was doing it now. His hand went to her on breast and he cupped it, knead it. Khushi's hand move around his neck and she fisted his hair at the nape. The desire was rising up in her body and she wanted it to be quenched soon with Arnav's love. They both forget where they are, that they have guests downstairs and anyone could come looking for them.

Arnav lay Khushi on bed and kissed all over her face neck and the swells of her breasts. He was opening the hooks of her blouse when they heard the cell phone ring. They came out of their haze and looked at each other, their breaths a little heavy.

"Arnavji, pick it up or else Arush will wake up, said Khushi as she push Arnav and sit on bed. Arnav punched the bed in anger, not liking something disturbing their moment. Khushi presses his hand, giving him a pleading look. Arnav take out both their cell phone from his Kurta pocket and handed Khushi hers. It was Payal calling her. The ringing stopped and then started again. Khushi picked it up, "Jiji?.

"Khushi where are you? We are leaving now. Amma and Baba wanted to meet you. You know we will be going back to Mumbai tomorrow evening.

"Jiji, I am coming, said Khushi as she climb down from bed, "I was in room, making Arush sleep.

"Ok come soon, we are waiting downstairs in the driveway, said Payal and cut the call.

Khushi quickly adjusted her pallu and hair. She look at Arnav who was sitting on bed in anger. She went to him and sits on his lap. Arnav look up, wrapping his arms around her.

"I am sorry Arnavji, I know how much you wanted to ..., Khushi look down in shyness, "I want it too, she whispered making Arnav smile.

"Amma and Baba are leaving, I will come back after meeting them ok, please don't be upset, said Khushi and look up in his eyes.

Arnav sighed and touch his forehead with hers, "Its ok, you go, I will wait here ok.

Khushi nodded, "You take some rest ok, I will be back soon. Arnav pecks her lips and Khushi stood up and went out of the room.

That soon, turned into 2 hours as one after one she had to meet someone and bid them good bye, then she had to instruct the Prakash brothers about winding up all things.

Her eyes fell on Arnav laying on recliner and she felt bad again. She wanted to wake him up as his neck or back will pain him later, but also didn't want to disturb his sleep. She went to washroom and changed into her night clothes and lay on bed.

She tried to sleep but couldn't. She tossed and turned for many minutes but couldn't sleep. She huffed in irritation as she sits on the bed and now look angrily at her husband's sleeping form. Why didn't he sleep on bed? That way she could cuddle him and sleep. From past many days it has become a habit for her to cuddle her husband and sleep. She debated for few minutes in her mind and then went to Arnav. She shakes his shoulder to wake him up.

"Whaa...", said Arnav in sleepy tone, as he blinked his eyes.

"Arnavji come on, lets go to bed, your neck will pain if you keep on sleeping here", said Khushi as she made him stand up.

Arnav didn't say anything because he was feeling some stiffness in his neck already. They both lay down on bed and as Arnav was really sleepy, he went back to sleep in few minutes and Khushi happily hug her husband and soon sleep too, thinking that she will apologize to him tomorrow morning for disturbing his sleep and making him wait for her.

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Akash wasn't sleeping either. He was tensed about what had happened between him and Payal. He couldn't build up the courage to speak to her after their moment. He had messaged her an hour ago, apologizing, not wanting her to think that he did it intentionally or wanted to do something like that. He respects her a lot and doesn't want her to get reserved with him again. He really likes their friendship and doesn't want to lose that at any cost.

He was contemplating whether to call her or to message her again. His heart skipped a beat when his cell vibrated. He opened the lock and saw a message from Payal.

"Don't apologize, I am not upset. Let's just forget what happened and move on".

He relaxed knowing she wasn't upset but also didn't like how she said to move on. He cannot forget that moment. It was like a reel playing in his mind over and over again.

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And Payal was going through the same feeling, as she put her cell beside her pillow. She had written to him to forget about it but could she forget about it? She can't. That scene was playing in her mind too and there was a strange churning in her stomach whenever she remembers it. What is this feeling? What's happening to her? She kept on thinking about those, trying to find the answers.

"What was the need to tell them about Payal's first marriage?", asked Garima being upset with her husband, "We could have tell them later".

"Later? When? When her marriage gets fixed with Akash or when the mahurat is upon us? Do you want the history to repeat?", said Shashi in stern tone, "You and I both have seen how distraught Payal was after her marriage broke and I promised to myself that she will decide when she wants to marry and to whom".

"Tabh toh hogayi shaadi! itna acha rishta aya hai ager yeh bhi hath se nikal gaya toh baithey rahein gey hum intezar mein( Then the marriage will happen! We got a very good proposal, if that to slipped from our hands then we will keep on waiting for another)", said Garima in upset tone and went to washroom.

Shashi sit on the bed, thinking how he can make his wife understand his point of view. He cannot blame her to be hasty, after all she is a mother and she wants to see Payal settle.

Next Morning ---------------------

Arnav's sleep broke as he felt a caress on his face and then he heard his beautiful wife's voice, "Arnavji wake up". Arnav open his eyes and saw Khushi on his side probed up her elbow, "Good Morning", she said with a smile.

"Good morning", replied Arnav stretching his arms and fully turning to her, "What time is it?".

"Around 8.00 am", said Khushi. "I have to go down to see about breakfast but as you ordered me yesterday I didn't leave before waking you up. Now you have seen me, I will go now and you also go for your jogging".

She turn to climb down but Arnav drag her back and pull her over him, "Arey Arnavji".

"I also ordered something else yesterday", said Arnav tilting his head a little.

"Wo ... wo ...", she did remember but she felt shy about it. Though she had initiated their intimacy few times during their honeymoon, but she can never get over her shyness around her husband. The intensity in his eyes always makes her blush and her heart beat faster.

And Arnav loves it, her pink cheeks, her lowered eyes and a little heavy breathing, it very mesmerizing for him. "Khushiii ... I am waiting.

Khushi bit her lower lip and move up a little, bring her face aligned to him and then press her lips to his. Khushi sucks on his lower lip and then move to upper one. Arnav willingly parted his lips, giving her access and Khushi glides her tongue in, tangling it with his. Arnav wanted her to lead the kiss. But as soon as their tongues touched together, his control went out and in a flash he turn them over, bringing Khushi beneath him and kissed her thoroughly.

After few seconds they broke up and Arnav smiled at her, "Nowwh that's' a good morning kiss, said Arnav with heavy breaths.

"Now you got it na, now leave me. I have so much do to today, said Khush as she pushed him but Arnav didn't budge.

"I am not leaving you before giving you punishment, said Arnav as he put his hand under Khushi's kurta, running fingers over her stomach.

"Arey what punishment?, said Khushi as she squirmed a little with his touch on her stomach.

"You said you will come soon yesterday night, after saying good bye to your parents. I have waited and waited and you didn't come ... so a punishment is a must, said Arnav as his fingers now caressing the lower side of her breast.

"Arnavji .. wo ... I was coming but then Anjali Di was leaving and Nani wanted me to bid other guests good bye then I have to ..., Khushi was saying but Arnav cut in.

"I don't care about others, I told you many times, I should come first, Arnav said in serious tone.

"Arey Arnavji, I cannot say to Nani and Anjali Di that I have to come here because my husband wants to love me, said Khushi in annoyed tone.

"Why not? If I can say that I need my wife, you can also say I need my husband, said Arnav.

"I cannot say like that!, said Khushi giving a slight slap to his chest, "you are a besharam that's why you can say all that

"And now I want do to loads of besharmii with you, said Arnav as he cupped her breast and kneed it, "I like it you don't wear anything under your shirt while sleeping, he murmurs huskily into her ears and the kissed her neck.

Khushi's back arched as Arnav pinched her nipple, "Ahh Arnavv ..., she moaned loud as he licked and nipped her nape and upper chest.

"Shhshh ... Arush will wake up, said Arnav as his hand move to another breast and with another hand he hold her both hands above her head, to stop her from pushing him.

"That's why I am saying please leave me ... we can do that later ... ahhh, Khushi screamed a little as Arnav pinched her nipple a little hard and captured her lips to drown her sound.

"You are not going anywhere, said Arnav as he stand up and in a quick move picked Khushi in her arms. He took her to washroom, in between her protests to let her go but he didn't listen. He have to punish his wife for making him wait yesterday ... oh and what a sweet punishment was it ... for both of them.

Around lunch time - @ AR office --------------

"It's great Aman", said Arnav as he read through the profit report of their Italy Fashion show.

"Yeah I know, remember we thought that our profit margin will cross 25 crores this year after our Paris Fashion show?", said Aman

"Yeah, but I it will be more than that right?", said Arnav with a smile.

"Yes, I think it will be close to 28", said Aman with a smile, "We have got so many endorsement deals and request from various brands who wants to collaborate with us in many projects. The coming year will be so much busy for us".

"But we are not going to say yes to all of them", said Arnav as he lean back in his chair.

"That I know. We have to arrange a meeting to discuss on which projects to take first", said Aman.

"Ok, arrange the meeting for tomorrow 11am", said Arnav as he picks up the receiver and call Annie.

"Annie get the list of all the projects that we have currently, with their progress and also give me a list of projects which are requested to AR and the endorsements deals."

"Ok Sir, I will be prepare the lists", said Annie and Arnav put back the receiver.

"um ASR, have you thought about hiring director for the London branch?", asked Aman a little hesitatingly.

"Of course, we have to hire someone who will manage all. I have asked Shelly to ask a recruiting agency to give us a list of potential candidates. We will go through their work and will do background checks. Shelly will conduct the initial interviews, she will narrow down the candidates and then we will take the final interviews.", said Arnav while typing the email.

"Um I was thinking that we should hire someone we know personally as a director for the London branch. We shouldn't be handing over it to someone new, we can't trust him or her with it", said Aman.

"You have someone in your mind?", asked Arnav a little suspiciously. He was getting an idea what Aman will be saying next.

"I was thinking may be me .. or may be Akash can take that position", said Aman looking at Arnav whose eyes were fixed on him. Aman quickly added, "Just for the initial 2-3 years, during that time we can hire someone and train him then he can take over".

"Hmm ... So you want to take that position?, said Arnav, thinking something.

"Me or Akash, you can ask him if he wants to take it", said Aman tapping his fingers on the table, for some reasons he could not meet his eyes with Arnav.

"Akash won't take it, he has other many responsibilities here, beside I know he doesn't want to work abroad ... so only person remains is you and I want to ask why?", said Arnav as he lean forward giving questioning look to Aman, "When we were thinking about opening AR branch in London I suggested you to take over it but you didn't want to work abroad either. You said you like it more here, then all of a sudden what changed?".

"Nothing changed, its just that I want to work something different. You always told me to do something which tests your intelligence and limits, it will help you grow fast. So I want to take up on this challenge", said Aman determined.

"What about Lavanya?", asked Arnav.

"Lavanya?", Aman heart thudded thinking about her.

"Does she know what are you planning? Its not a matter of few days or months Aman, it could take years. Weren't you both planning to marry next month?", said Arnav.

"Um we haven't talk about marriage yet. Its not an issue, I will talk to he"r, said Aman as he stood up, "Let me know what you decide.

"Aman you know you were my first choice for this, but why I am feeling that there is something you are not telling me?", said Arnav as he too stood up.

"There is nothing ASR", said Aman quickly.

"So you don't consider me friend just like I consider you or you don't trust me enough?", asked Arnav feeling bad that Aman is not sharing his worry with him.

"ASR you know how much I trust you. You saved my life once, you are more than a friend to me'", said Aman.

"And you are more than a friend to me too", Arnav quickly replied.

"I know", said Aman with a smile, "I will leave now; you should have lunch now. I will see you later", Aman went out Arnav's cabin.

Arnav stood there looking at the door, thinking about what made Aman decide to take on the director position all of a sudden. He went back to his chair and thought for sometime. Then he dialed Annie and asked her to send him Lavanya's personnel file. Then he dialed Anjali's number.

"Hi Chottey, I guess you dialed wrong, its not Khushi's number", said Anjali in teasing tone.

"Not funny Di, where are you at this moment?", asked Arnav.

"I am at my home, why? What happened?", asked Anjali.

"Nothing wrong happened, so relaxed. I just wanted to talk to you about something. I will be at your apartment in an hour", said Arnav.

"Ok, I will make lunch then", said Anjali happily.

"Don't! I am bringing it with me, your favorite Italian steak", said Arnav with a smile.

"Arey wah, how come you're showering so much love on me today", asked Anjali.

"Di, come on you're saying as if I never did this before", said Arnav.

"Well ...", Anjali wanted to say that he haven't done it since long but she didn't want him to feel bad, "hurry up then, I am waiting for my steak", said Anjali instead and Arnav cut the call shaking his head. Both his wife and sister are very fond of food.

A ping sound came indicating he had a new email, he checked and found an email from Annie. He opened it and looked for the information he needed.

Then he dialed a number and after three rings it was picked up from another end.

"Hello Mr. Kashyap, Arnav Singh Raizada here", said Arnav, his tone reflect authority and seriousness.

If Aman thinks he can hide what's making him worried, then he thinks wrong.

Around 5.30pm -- Buaji's House ------------

The Guptas were surprised to see Nani, Maami and Mamaji at their home. They welcome them inside and were highly surprised again when Naniji said that they don't have any problem with Payal's past and they wish to continue with the proposal. Garima and Buaji were very happy knowing that. But Shashi was still reluctant to agree about it.

"Have you asked Akash? What he thinks about this proposal?", asked Shashi the most important question, "Have you told him about Payal's past?".

Nani looked at her son and Bahu, and shakes her head, "We haven't talk to him yet".

"Then I think you should talk to him first. He should know everything too and if he is ready for this proposal. Who knows if he likes someone else, then it won't be good to proceed ahead", said Shashi in serious tone.

"He doesn't like someone", said Mamiji quickly, "I would have known if he does, I am his mother after all. My Akash bitwa doesn't hide anything from me".

Shashi remember the looks Akash was giving to Payal on many occasions, but who knows if he does like someone, then it won't be right with both the children to go ahead with the proposal talks.

"Behen ji, today's kids don't share these types of things with their parent easily. Khushi have never told us that she liked Arnav bitwa. When I asked her then she revealed it to me that she loves him. So I think you should talk to Akash bitwa first or its better that you should talk with your whole family. I want everything to be open in front of everyone so that no one can point at us later on that we have hidden something.", said Shashi.

Nani, Manorma and Manohar looked at each other, all three worried thinking what if Akash does like someone else ... then what will they do? They do not want to lose such a good girl.

"I apologize if you don't like what I said", said Shashi folding his hands in front of Raizadas.

"Arey no Bhaisahab", Manohar immediately caught Shashi's hand and lowered them, "You are right. We should talk to our children first, we should know what they think about it. We will talk to Akash soon and you please talk to Payal", he looked at his mother who nodded.

"We will take our leave", said Nani standing up, "We will talk to Akash and let you know".

"Maaji please sit and have some tea, I will just make it in 5 mins", said Buaji.

"Madhumati ji now we will have tea only when this proposals gets fix", said Manorma, "Not only tea, we will eat sweets too, kion sasuma"?.

"Sahi kaha Manorma, abh toh seedha methayi hi khayien ge(You said right Manorman, now we will eat sweets directly)", said Nani.

"Devi Mayia kripa karey bus", said Buaji.

The Raizadas were about to step out when at the same time Payal come with shopping bags in her hands, she had gone to market to buy few things.

"Arey ap log? Namaste", said Payal folding her hands and she quickly went ahead and touch feet of Manohar, Manorma and Nani. They were very pleased with her gesture. Nani hugs her and cup her cheek looking lovingly at her, "Jeeti raho bitya".

"Please come inside", said Payal but Nani shakes her head, "Not now, but we will soon come again and won't leave empty hand then".

Payal was confused at this but didn't said anything and bid goodbye to them as Raizadas left.

But next minute her confusion turned into shock when her Amma excitedly told her about the proposal they bought for her.

Akash and her? Marriage? She was so shock that the bags fell from her hands and she couldn't utter a single thing for many seconds.

"Bitya?", Garima got worried seeing her shocked state.

"What did you reply to them Amma?", asked Payal in a weak tone.

"We told them everything bitya. They don't have any problem with your past and they want to continue with this proposal", said Garima with a smile.

"Haan Bitya, they want you as their bahu, they really likes you", said Buaji.

"But I told them that the decision will be yours.", said Shashi.

"Baba I .. I don't know ...", Payal didn't know what to say, she never have thought about this. She was still nervous about what haven't between him and Akash and now this.

"Take your time bitya. No one will force you about this", said Shashi giving a warning look to his wife and sister, "You go and pack your stuff. Khushi Bitya and Arnav bitwa will be here in an hou"r.

Payal picked her shopping bags and went to her room. Garima wanted to go after her but Shashi told her and Buaji to give her time to think and decide and don't force their thinking on her.

Arnav had arrange plane tickets for the Guptas, though Shashi tried to deny but Arnav insisted that he doesn't want them to get tired from a long journey by train. They were coming on short notice to celebrate Diwali with his family and he wants to do something for them in return. Shashi could not deny him then. They came here by plane and now going back via flight too. Arnav had called Shashi to let him know that he and Khushi will be coming to pick them up and will drop them to airport.

Back @ RH ---------------------

Akash was highly surprised to see his parents and Dadi at his room door, "Dadi? Ma?",

Manorma pushed him aside and went inside and sit on the sofa place at the corner. Devyani sit on the bed while Manohar sit down with his wife.

"Ma, Dad? Everything ok?", asked Akash curious to know what brings them here.

"You sit down", Manorma pointed a finger at him and Akash sit on bed beside his Dadi, confuse why his mother sound angry.

"Look beta we want to talk to you something important.", said Manohar.

"Do you like someone?", asked Manorma directly, "Do you like some girl or are you involve with one?".

"Manorma ...", Manohar squeezes her hand.

Akash was shocked with the question, he couldn't even imagine his mother asking this, "No Ma, its nothing like that, but his thought went to Payal and their moment of yesterday. He gulped, could he tell his parents that he likes her ... but does he like her in that context?, his heart asked.

"So then you will agree to marry the girl we choose for you?, asked Manorma again.

Akash was shocked again, marry? Him? What is this coming from?, he thought.

"Marry? Me?, he was so surprised with these question.

"Yes, if you do not like someone or involved then we have selected a girl for you, said Manohar, "And we will like to proceed ahead with the proposal if you don't have any objection.

"But I haven't thought of getting married yet, said Akash looking at his parents, here he was thinking to go to airport with Arnav and Khushi so that he could get a chance to talk to Payal and here his parents are thinking of his marriage.

"Why not bitwa? You are of marriage age and now Arnav has gotten married, and we all want you to settle down as well, said Devyani.

"But Dadi its so soon for me, I haven't thought about it, said Akash getting worried that why all of sudden they are thinking about his marriage.

"You can think about it now, no?, asked Manohar and seeing his son worried face, "Look, if you like someone then tell us, we have no objection meeting that girl and her family.

"Dad, there is no one, said Akash as he stood up, "but I don't want to get married now.

"Ok fine, not now. But you can marry some time later right? We can do the engagement first, right Sasuma?, said Manorma.

"Yes true, if Akash agree then we will talk to the Shashiji and Garima to talk to Payal and if she agrees too then we will do the engagement, said Devyani.

"Yes, yes and as it is Shashiji also didn't seem to be wanting to marry her other daughter so soon, said Manohrar, "We can wait right?".

"Yes ... yes", both Devyani and Manorma agreed.

All three got talking forgetting about Akash who was frozen at his place, realizing that the girl they have chosen is Payal, the very one he was thinking about. Its like it's the day of him getting shock after shock.

"Payal? As in Khushi's sister Payal? You want me to marry her?, said Akash wanting to confirm it.

"Of course we are talking about her, said Devyani, "Such a nice girl, we think you two will be good together.

"And we don't have any problem with her past, poor girl, said Manohar.

"Past? You know about her broken marriage?, asked Akash bring surprised.

"You know about it too?, asked Devyani.

"Yes, Payal told me about it, said Akash.

Devyani look to Manohar and Manorma, according to Shashi, payal doesn't like to talk about it with anyone and here she had told Akash herself.

"Shashi told us about that and he wanted us to tell you too, so that if someone has any problem with it we won't further talk about proposal, said Devyani.

"I don't have any problem with it, said Akash and Manorma jump in surprise.

"Shabash beta, now we can tell the Guptas that we will proceed with this proposal, said Manorma and patted Akash's shoulder.

Manohar and Devyani also stood up, "We cannot wait anymore to share the good news, saying that Devyani and Manorma went out of the room.

"Payal is a very good girl, you will be happy with her. Thanks for agreeing son, we all wanted this relationship to happen, said Manohar patting Akash's back and leave from the room.

Akash stood there watching them leave with opened mouth, when did he agreed? He just said he doesn't have any problem with Payal's past, he didn't said yes to the proposal, did he?

"Oh man ..., Akash rubs his face as he sit down on bed thinking that his parents and Dadi misunderstood his words. Should he go and tell them? But tell them what that's he doesn't want to get marry to Payal?

Marry to Payal, the thought itself of exhilarating. He likes her? Yes he does.

But does he love her?, his heart thudded faster thinking about the scenario of him and Payal in a marraige

May be it won't be bad, getting married to her, he thought with smile as he stood up and look around his room, picturing Payal here as his wife. Yes he would like that, he thought.

But what about Payal? Oh no, her parents must have talk to her too, what if she denies? what if she thinks that its because of their moment that i am agreeing for this proposal?, thought Akash with worry. He have to talk to her, he thought as he picked up his cell and quickly send a message to Payal.

TO BE CONTINUED ...

Hey, guys hope you all are well. Sorry for delay in posting this part.

In Lahore there was cricket match b/w Pakistan and international players so, many roads have been blocked around the stadium and my office happen to be in that area. so i have to face so much difficulty in going to office and coming back home, so had been too tired to sit and write something.

Few readers have complained that why do i post updates so late?

Guys i have mentioned this twice already that i do office job now with my saturday as a working day so i get only sunday off. in which i have to do my personal work as well and write as well. I can't write in week days as i come home around 8.00pm from office and i am too tired to do anything except eat dinner and then sleep.

So please understand i can't update quick. It will take time.

As for this story only 3 chaps are left. I won't be extending it any more. I believe that its time to end it.

I hope you like the up coming chapters, i will try my best not to disappoint you guys 😳

Take care all,

Love Bubbles.

P.S: Next chapter will be after 2 weeks, sorry i cannot post before that.