Part 7

Disclaimer: The characters, events, and political party references mentioned in this story are entirely fictional. Any resemblance to actual people, living or dead, or real events should be deemed purely coincidental.

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Summary of Season 1: Shashi Gupta, known as angutha-chaap (illiterate) chief minister, faces political rivalry from his party member, Arvind Raizada, who is ex-chief minister and is corrupt and cunning. To tarnish Shashi's reputation, Arvind uses his son, Arnav, to trap Shashi's only child, Khushi, in a scandalous relationship, forcing Shashi to resign. Arnav later discovers his father's deceit, which was intended at seizing power for himself and also learns that Ratna is not his biological mother. Concurrently, this incident turns Khushi into a politically ambitious role, leading her to marry Swayam Mehra from a powerful business family. Swayam's mother, Reema Mehra, also known as Rani Mehra, is the one who controls the political moves in Delhi using her wealth. As Khushi begins to accept her marriage, Arvind arranges a fatal accident, resulting in Swayam's death and Shashi's paralysis. And then riding on a wave of sympathy, Khushi becomes the new Chief Minister. However, to eliminate future opposition, Rani Mehra cleverly arranges Khushi's marriage to Arnav- albeit with terms and conditions from Khushi. Meanwhile, Aman, Shashi's personal assistant and former best friend of Arnav and brother-figure to Khushi, feels betrayed when Khushi declines to assist him. Ultimately, it is revealed that Rani Mehra is Arnav's biological mother. Arnav and Khushi, now parents to twins, realize they have lost themselves in their pursuit of power and decide to abandon everything for a normal life. However, the question remains: will they be able to escape the throne's influence? Season 2 explores this theme, where friendships turn into rivalries, relationships are tested, and new challenges await Arnav and Khushi.

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It was a quiet and small neighborhood in Kasauli. Most houses belonged to middle-class families, men worked as government servants or owned shops or small businesses -mostly farm houses and the wives typically stayed at home or at most worked as caretakers for those holidays homes for the elite while their children attended local schools. The area was known for its safety and security, giving a cocooned environment from the harsher world outside.

And that was why, when Arnav and Khushi moved to this neighborhood two years ago, they were welcomed normally. Some of them had heard about the couple's connection to politics but none bothered much.

It was evening time in that town. Arnav, who now worked as a business consultant for local businesses, had come home much earlier than usual. Khushi, now a stay-at-home mother, was working in the kitchen. While their kids – Veer and Vanshika who were now 3-year-old, were being looked after by their governess.

And this was the only indulgence they had allowed themselves.

The reason being the kids who were never given time by their parents since birth, couldn't entirely accept them even when they moved to kasauli. Their behavioral issues, aggression, tantrums became too hard for khushi to handle alone and thus they had to hire a governess.

Albeit, both khushi and arnav felt sad watching their kids still be distant from them.

Arnav came into the kitchen, and saw her watch their kids play outside, with a sad expression, "Hey, what happened?"

She met his gaze in defeat, "Until when will this go on, Arnav? We already missed so much of their lives- their first laugh, their first steps, their first talking, and now even when they are here, it's as if we are not a part of their world."

He didn't have an exact answer, he himself struggling to come to terms with being a family-man, let alone a good husband. And that's what he offered, "Khushi, if I could turn back time, I would. In fact, I would turn it back to the time right when I started this vicious game, I would stop myself from making every single mistake following every blind direction I took. But we can't do that...we can only look forward and make up for the past, right?" he asked, and she nodded. He held her hand, to assure her, "Don't worry. We will get through this. We are in this together."

Khushi sighed and turned to prepare dinner. Another thing that was challenging for her. She had always had hordes of servants at her service since childhood, never having done any work in the kitchen. But now she had to not only cook for herself but her husband and kids too.

On the other hand, Arnav too was feeling the brunt of working under someone, taking orders from someone. His entire life, he had been the prince, an heir to Raizada estate and even later, chairman at Mehra industries... this life was challenging that he had never seen coming.

And thus, with each passing day, they both found themselves questioning whether their decision was right, whether giving up their positions, power, and the privileges that came with them was worth it. They were learning daily that it's easy to make a choice, but difficult to follow through... rasta chun-na aasan hai par uss par chalna, usse nibhana mushkil.

.

.

It was amidst that when one day a big news appeared on their TV screens, "Delhi ki rajneeti se ek sansanikhez khabar. Currently ruling 'National Bharat party' ke 30 MLAs have taken away their support from the current chief minister Mr. Arvind Raizada. Kaha jaa raha hai ki ye log ab opposition party ke leader Babu Dayal ji aur unki 'Lokseva party' se haath milayenge. (A breaking news coming from Delhi's political circle. Currently ruling 'National Bharat party's 30 MLAs have gone rogue and taken their support back from CM Mr. Arvind Raizada. It is said that they will be supporting opposition party 'Lokseva' party's leader Babu Dayal)"

Khushi took the remote from Arnav and changed the channel.

She knew after she resigned, Arvind seized this chance to make himself the CM. But he lacked organizational skills, not to forget the countless rivals he had made within his own party...

"Are you upset because your party will lose the power now?" Arnav asked her, trying to gauge her reaction to the news.

She smiled in sarcasm, "My Party? It was never mine. But yes, I am worried if Dayal becomes the new CM. He is the worst thing that could happen to our state."

"I know. I remember the intervening 10 years before Shashi uncle when Dayal was the CM. Apparently he brought the state to ruins!"

"More than that. Land mafia, drug dealers, human trafficking you name it, he has everyone and everything in his back pocket. I know no politician is clean, but this guy has a closet full of skeletons!"

"It's not our headache though." He said trying to end the topic. For some reason he still felt disturbed whenever she spoke of politics, with that much vigor.

"Yeah. But I wonder how Rani ma handle will this." Khushi said and arnav got up from his place in annoyance. That lady's name still made him angry.

But Khushi couldn't understand the reason behind his reaction...how could she? He had never revealed to her that Rani Mehra was his biological mother. It felt like a dirty secret that he was an illegitimate son. Khushi would never understand his feelings.

In retrospect, he perhaps should have told her this.

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The turning of the tide made its presence felt when a surprise guest arrived at their doorstep the next day.

It was a Saturday, so Arnav was home, and the governess was on her holiday. Arnav and Khushi were trying to spend time with their kids, though it wasn't easy, as the kids barely gave them the time of day.

And on top of that, when Rani Mehra appeared at their doorstep that morning, they were both taken aback.

"Rani Maa?" Khushi exclaimed, surprised to see her.

"What are you doing here, Mrs. Mehra?" Arnav asked sharply, his tone was colder than usual.

Khushi immediately sensed the discomfort in the air. Rani Ma's face paled at Arnav's harsh greeting, but Khushi, though caught off guard, still felt the need to understand why she had come all the way here. "Arnav, please. At least let her come inside."

Arnav shot her a disappointed look but said nothing. He walked inside, taking both the kids with him, clearly not happy about the visit.

Rani followed Khushi inside, her eyes scanning the modest home that Arnav and Khushi had made. It wasn't the luxurious mansion she was accustomed to, but there was something undeniably warm about the place.

"Maa..." Khushi began, trying to explain Arnav's behavior.

"It's okay, beta. I don't mind what he says." Rani replied with a gentle smile.

Rani knew that Khushi didn't know even after Swayam's death and her marriage to Arnav, she was still Rani's daughter-in-law. She knew Arnav hadn't told her this, and Rani was waiting for the right moment to reveal the truth. In the game she played, timing was everything. Every truth had its time to be unveiled.

Khushi smiled back, though her heart was uneasy. Tentatively, she asked, "How are you?"

"We should be asking you that, Khushi." Rani said. "It's been 2 years you both left home and didn't turn back. Your babu ji is recovering, but he misses you a lot."

Khushi's heart softened. "And Swara?" she asked.

"She seems to have finally taken over the business." Rani replied.

Khushi nodded, but her curiosity got the better of her. "Why are you here, Rani Maa?"

At that moment, Arnav entered the room, overhearing the last part of the conversation.

"I am here to ask you something from you, Khushi."

"But you won't get anything here." he said, almost dismissively.

Rani's expression remained calm. "I've understood my mistakes, Arnav. And I regret them. But right now, our party needs Khushi, our business needs you. So, I have come here to take you both back home."

Arnav glared at her, but Khushi's face remained impassive.

"We heard about the insurgence by the MLAs..." Khushi said.

"Yes. But we've managed to dissolve the assembly- the current term was about to get over anyway. Soon, there will be re-elections. However, the rogue MLAs have made it clear that they'll stay only if... if Khushi is made the face of CM again." Rani ma divulged the main reason she was here.

Arnav's face hardened. This was just what he was afraid of... Khushi wouldn't say yes, would she?

Khushi didn't say 'No' straight away either, as she hesitated, "But Maa-"

"Before you say anything else, there's something else you need to know, Khushi. Look at this."

And with that, Rani Mehra handed Khushi a clip. It showed Aman meeting Babu Dayal at a quiet restaurant, the two deep in conversation. They were discussing their plans to completely dismantle the 'National Bharat Party,' as well as tarnish the reputations of the Guptas, Raizadas, and Mehras. Then, in a chilling revelation, Aman revealed that Khushi's marriage to Arnav was nothing more than a contract.

"How- how could he do this to me? He called me his sister!" Khushi's voice trembled with disbelief and hurt.

Arnav too was shocked and angry. Aman's betrayal stung but more than that, he was worried about Khushi's reaction.

"'So-called sister,' Khushi. Not real. Besides, didn't I teach you? There are no real relationships in politics. Only power plays. There will be soon an announcement that Aman will be the leader of 'Lokseva party'. Now only you can stop this destruction, Khushi..." Rani ma pleaded...

Arnav was watching Khushi keenly. 'Please, please say No, Khushi.' he begged in his mind. They had left that life behind so it would not matter to them much if the basis of their marriage came in front of media. They were legally married, were parents of 2 kids and were living together as one unit... that was enough.

Perhaps not for Khushi...

"I need some time to think, Rani Ma. Can you give me time till tomorrow?" Khushi asked. And it hurt Arnav that she didn't think to mention she will discuss with him.

.

.

It was the middle of the night. Arnav's sleep was broken when he heard some noise coming from the kids' bedroom.

He got up from his bed and rubbing his eyes, he walked towards kids' bedroom. But to his horror, Rani Mehra had picked a sleeping Vanshika in her arms and as soon as she saw Arnav, she smiled viciously and cooed to Vanshika, "Vanshika, Dadi ke saath Delhi chalogi na? (Will you come to Delhi with me, dear?)"

Arnav froze.

"If your mom and dad want to live with you, they will have to agree to come back to Delhi. Until then... say bye to them." Rani finished, her words chilling.

And Arnav woke up, sweating profusely. He quickly looked at the baby monitor, confirming the kids were still sleeping in their room. And Rani Mehra had stayed in a hotel.

It was a bad dream. A nightmare.

But what if it turned true? What if the family he was carefully trying to keep together, the life he was trying to make, would get scattered?

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A/N - Do let me know if you ever want me to slow down. Again, no one is good or bad here, mainly Khushi who's grey and was always inspired by ancient queen Cleopatra...