The Contract of Hearts (Last Part Updated Pg.97) - Page 3

The Contract of Hearts: A FF (Continued)

Part XXVI: A NEW SUNRISE

At last the day on which Sparkles 2011 was scheduled to happen dawned. ASR, KKG and Maan had sweated their hearts and souls out to make this event a grand success.

ASR, addressing the audience on the occasion, said, "This joint fashion initiative by AR and KC leverages a three-pronged approach to develop this industry by cultivating design talent, stimulating demand locally and internationally, and positioning Singapore as a fashion centre on the international stage.

Singapore is truly positioned as a gateway to the rest of Asia and Sparkles 2011 will provide a hub to showcase the best designers and labels from across Asia.

We have several things lined up for this event like a fashion trade show that will draw retail buyers from the U.S. and across the globe, featuring rocking debut collections from Abbey & Alice, Powerdressing, Leonard Ben, Rolly & Raoul, and Samanta, a ticketed event where consumers can view and shop cutting-edge brands, many of which are not available commercially in Singapore, and a fashion design competition which will throw the spotlight on the creations of aspiring local and regional fashion designers.

The event will also conclude with a red-carpet party attended by members of the fashion elite. So, that gentlemen and ladies is Sparkles 2011 for you!"

Maan also expressed his pleasure at being a part of this event, "I've very close ties with Singapore. KC has several construction ventures and international projects with some of the most famous fashion houses in Singapore. Hence it gives me great pleasure in sponsoring this event in conjunction with AR. I take this opportunity to appreciate the good work put in by Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada and Ms. Khushi Kumari Gupta without whom this would not have been possible.

Sparkles 2011 has been designed to address some of the pivotal needs of the fashion industry and will comprise business-to-business and business-to-consumer components, as well as talent development programs to identify promising local and regional talent. Both AR and KC envision Asia's potential as a viable market for the fashion industry and growing pool of talent. It's our aim to make Sparkles a premier fashion event for the region in the years to come. It will be a continuous and ongoing project."

Khushi was coordinating the whole event from the background. Her face shone with a sense of achievement. If not for him, she would still be lost in the crowd with no identity of her own. She would have never known that a vast and intriguing world existed beyond the four walls of her house. Today she could call herself, "I'm Ms Khushi Kumari Gupta, and I'm something in my own right!"

The event was a hit and the journalists were breaking the nibs of their pens writing rave reviews about it. How soon the time passed! Voila! The time for the evening red-carpet party arrived! It was a Bollywood themed red carpet party. Everybody was dressed in the attire of their favorite stars.

The hall was decorated with framed stills from Bollywood classics representing the theme. When the guests started arriving, they were asked to wear the arm band of a movie star. The event manager requested ASR, KKG, MSK and Geet to also wear the armbands just for the fun of it. He promised that there would be a fun event later on in the evening where this armband would come into play. Soundtracks from movies appropriate to the theme were playing in the background.

Champagne glasses, gold garlands, glitter, ribbon were in plenty. Ornamented glass vases with plastic gems and glitter coated tree branches added a new sheen and luster to the ambience of the entire hall. Metallic confetti were scattered on the tablecloths and sections of old film reel flying about to give a feel of Bollywood and its extravaganza.

BK had succeeded in securing the invite to this high profile party, courtesy Mrs. Geet Singh Khuranna, who had her own agenda in helping BK. He had wormed in to Khushi's side and was seriously hindering her activities in receiving the guests by obstructing her path. ASR was watching all this with anger and jealousy which assumed Himalayan proportions from a corner of the hall.

The DJ was in full form and most of the guests had started grooving in to some fantastic Bollywood numbers and remix songs. Bhaavesh Kumar requested Khushi to do him the honour of having a dance with her. Khushi was about to refuse him, but Geet indicated her with a sly glance to accept to be his partner. Quite coincidentally and ironically, the track which played just then was "But Pappu can't dance saala!"

The memorable number was rendered even more memorable for KKG who had BK from Chickmunji for company.

Just one second into the dance, Khushi came to the conclusion that BK didn't know even the basics of dancing like not stepping on your partner's foot in your enthusiasm. Throughout this unforgettable song, Khushi had even more reason to appreciate its lyrics. Her experience of dancing with BK had provided her the once in a lifetime opportunity of learning what horrible dancing was because it was clear to anyone that she would not risk a second time. Khushi had both her feet stamped upon by Bhaavesh Kumar from Chickmunji, pahaadi ke peeche, neele aasmaan ke neeche, for at least eight times to be more precise.

The event manager took over the proceedings. The fun event he promised was about to begin. He said, "Ladies and gentlemen, we gave all of you armbands when you entered this hall. Bollywood boasts of several ever-green reel and real-life couples. You have to pair up with the person who has the arm band corresponding to yours. For example: Jaya Bachchan and Amitabh Bachchan."

MSK was searching for his partner when Geet confronted him, "Oh! You want to avoid me for the dance?"

MSK warily justifying himself, "Not like that darling! It's just a game. I have no intention of flirting with another beautiful lady."

Geet questioned, "Whose armband do you have?"

Maan replied, "The angry young man, Amitabh Bachchan."

Geet sympathized with Maan saying, "Bad luck! You're stuck up even for the dance with me, just as you are for this life and seven lives together! I've Jaya Bachchan."

Khushi was searching for her partner, "I've Aishwarya Rai. Who's my partner? Anybody?"

She heard a husky and bass voice saying from behind her back, "It's me! I've Abhishek."

Khushi recognized whose voice it was. She had Arnav Singh Raizada as her partner for the next dance. Khushi was dressed in a light-pink velvet and satin dancing gown. He pulled her into the dance even without waiting for her response or acceptance when the soft, melodious, and romantic music of the song "Khuda Jane" started playing.

"Sajde mein yun hi jhukta hoon, tum pe hi aa ke rukta hoon, kya yeh sab ko hota hai?

Hum ko kya lena hai sab se, tum se hi sab baatein ab se, ban gaye ho tum meri dua!

Khuda jaane ke main fida hoon, khuda jaane main mitt gaya,
Khuda jaane yeh kyun hua hai, ke ban gaye ho tum mere khuda!

Tu kahe to tere hi kadam ke main nishanon pe, chalun rukun ishaare pe,

Tu kahe to khwabon ka bana ke main bahana sa, mila karun sirhaane pe,

O tum se dil ki baatien seekhi, tum se hi yeh raahien seekhi, tum pe marr ke main toh jee gaaya!

Khuda jaane ke main fida hoon, khuda jaane main mitt gaya,
Khuda jaane yeh kyun hua hai, ke ban gaye ho tum mere khuda!

Dil kahe ke aaj toh chupa lo tum panahon mein, ke darr hai tum ko kho doonga,
Dil kahe sambhal zara khushi ko na nazar laga, ke darr hai main toh ro doonga,

O karti hoon sau vaade tum se, baandhe dil ke dhaage tum se, yeh tumhe na jaane kya hua!

Khuda jaane ke main fida hoon, Khuda jaane main mitt gaya,
Khuda jaane yeh kyun hua hai, ke ban gaye ho tum mere khuda!"

Arnav placed his right hand on her tiny and curvaceous waist, and placed her hand on his arm. Her eyes held a strange gleam of happiness and fulfillment. The magnetic charm of her charismatic eyes pulled him even more towards her. He held her so close to him with a vice-like grip as though he was afraid she would vanish like Cinderella if he loosened it any farther.

They began dancing gliding in harmony with their steps to suit the soft music of the song. There was barely the width of a needle between their bodies. Her loose hair was brushing against his face which he pushed aside to have a full view of her magnificent face and lustrous eyes. Khushi's tongue became parched and her breath came in hot gasps. She was held by the hypnotic trance of his deep, brown eyes which held her stupefied. It was almost as though she was under a spell.

He could hear her heart beating rapidly beneath her bosom which heaved up and down. She could see the passion and intensity to literally devour her appearance in his eyes. She closed her eyes feeling a little bit shy. He touched the soft, milky-white exotic skin of hers rousing a thousand raging emotions within her. The physical attraction and chemistry between them was extremely palpable.

She turned away from him unable to bear the intensity of his gaze only to be pulled towards him by his strong arms. His lips grazed across her neck and raised her by her waist from the ground in both his arms. How light like a feather she felt! He gently brought her down and twirled her round and round before bringing her to a stop arching her backwards. His one hand held her in support while his other hand caressed her soft silky hair.

In the heat of the moment, he just planted a kiss on her red luscious lips which were like an open invitation to him. Khushi broke free from his grasp gasping for breath at this unexpected action of his. She blushed a deep crimson red with pleasurable embarrassment and dashed from the hall leaving Arnav all confused. He shouted, "Ruk jao Khushi! Maine jaan bhujkar nahi kiya. Woh bas hogaya!" He was searching for her throughout the place but she was nowhere to be found. He began cursing himself for his lapse of control. "What would she think about him?" he thought.

Khushi did not know what happened to her after that memorable dance. Geet came near her and said, "Your long wait has ended. ASR will surely propose to you, just as we thought, before you leave from Singapore. I'm so happy for both of you."

"Yes Didi, I'm so happy today. At first, I felt bad for drawing ASR with these formulae, but I don't feel so anymore------" Khushi replied, when she heard a voice behind her saying, "Khushi, you did it! I really can't believe that you----------". Both Khushi and Geet turned around, their hearts in their mouth.

(To be continued with Arhi confession of love)

The Contract of Hearts: A FF (Continued)

Part XXIX: RAIZADA DETECTIVE AGENCY

The ladies of the house were in secret conference to resolve the puzzle of the baby's father on which their life and happiness depended.

Mami was attacked by a strange doubt, "Anjali bitiya, mard kitne umar tak pitha ban sakath hai?"

Anjali replied, "I read an article in the newspaper about a man who became the world's oldest father at the age of 94."

"Then, us hisaab seh tumhare Mama toh young, fit and fine, perfect father candidate hai!" Mami lamented her woes.

Khushi tells, "If only Sameer was here, he would have given us good advice and counsel!"

Payal says, "But he can't be here forever. He left for Canada while you two were in Singapore. And this is not an issue we can discuss on phone. We've to deal with our problems ourselves."

Khushi replied, "Haan! You're right Jiji!"

Mami pondering about the probable father says, "Arnarv bitwa hosakath hai! Pehle bhi woh Ms. Kashyap ke saath live-in---------aur woh toh in society rules aur regulations ko nahin maanath------aur uske kam ke sisile main ek se badiya ek modelva ke sath kaam."

Khushi retorts saying, "Akaashji is also in the same field. It means he is the father?"

Payal defends her future husband saying, "Not at all possible! He was too shy even to confess his love for me. I was the first one to confess."

Khushi thinks to herself in an undertone, "Same here. Donon bhai ek hi keth ki muli hai. If I had not confessed don't know for how long ASR would have dilly-dallied blurting out those three words.

Payal says, "If we are suspecting Mamaji, Arnavji and Akaashji, going by the same logic, Shyamji could also be the father of the baby."

Only after she had blurted out these words, Payal realized that her big mouth had made a mistake looking at Anjali's disturbed face. She and Buaji were also privy to Shyam's real character along with ASR and Khushi. They had agreed to keep quiet for Anjali's sake because she would be heart-broken if she came to know the truth.

Khushi managed the situation by telling that they should not keep blaming one another because for all they knew the baby might not be any of theirs. She thought aloud, "We've sent the blood samples to the lab for testing, and it will take another two days for the report to come."

Mami said, "Yeh suspense toh bahut hi difficult horaha hai. Tab tak kya karath hum?"

Khushi suggested, "She's a small baby. Usually children are most comfortable with their parents. So the person with whom the baby is happy and comfortable is its father."

There started the close investigation and inspection by the Raizada ladies on all the men of the house. The next morning, Mamaji was reading the newspaper. Suddenly the paper he was reading tore in the middle. The baby was standing on the other side. She was getting irritated at the fact that nobody seemed to be paying her attention. Mamaji took the baby in his arms and said, "Bitiya aap bore horahe ho ka? Hum aapke saath khelenge, khudhenge, nachenge, gayenge. Rona math!"

Mami was extremely pissed with Mamiji, "Jab woh newspaper phade toh aap khush, agar main ek minutwa ke liye interrupt bhi karron toh aap ghussa!"

Mama tried defending himself, "Nahin Manorama aisi baath nahin hai. Hum toh bachchi ko chup kara rahe teh."

Mami left the place angry at her husband saying, "Hello hi nahin, bye bye!"

Arnav was with his plants according to his usual schedule. Suddenly someone started splashing muddy water on him. It was the baby. He took her in his arms and started cuddling her. That day both ASR and the baby watered the plants together. Witnessing this scene of love and affection, Khushi's heart sank.

Akaash was getting ready for the office. He was searching for his tie but could not find it anywhere. He knew he had kept it on the table before going for the shower. When he looked around, he saw that the baby was hiding under the stool of his dressing table along with his tie. He caught hold of the baby and tickled her lovingly while taking the tie from her hand. Payal was greatly astonished to see both her Akaash and the baby getting along very chummily.

Shyam was leaving for his office when he saw that the baby was about to lose balance. He caught hold of her. After witnessing all these scenes of love and affection between the men of that house and the baby, the Raizada ladies and Gupta sisters came to the conclusion that they would find nothing in this way.

That was when Mami had a corking idea. She was watching tele mall shopping program on TV. Usually she ordered all possible cosmetics advertised in this program. But today was different. The anchor was blah blahing, "Kai bar aapko aapki apnon par shak hai aur aap shak clear karrna chahthe ho. Aise logon ke liye yeh tele mall present kartha hai, spy pen. Isko laga dala toh aapki shak jingalala! Miliye Parvatiji seh jinon ne apne husband ke woh ke baren mein aise hi pata lagaya."

Parvatiji spoke, "Mere husband humesha kaam ke bahane seh bahar rehthe the. Mere puchne par bhi teek seh jawab nahin dethethe. Main ne kya kiya------tele mall seh yeh spy pen order kiya. Isme camera bhi hain aur mike. Aap sun aur dekh bhi sakthe hain aapke aapnon ki kartoot."

Mami phoned, "Tele mall, mujhe char spy penwa abhi ke abhi order karna hai. Delivery mujhe sham thak milne chahiye."

Mami explained her plan to the others. They would plant the pens in the rooms of all the men and monitor their movements. Khushi silently told herself she would not do it because she knew that her Arnav was not to blame.

There was just one evening and night to pass before the DNA report would come. The spy pens had yielded no results. Anjali asked Khushi to give Arnav his evening tea. ASR was talking to someone when Khushi entered the room. He hastily cut the phone and scolded her, "Can't you knock before you enter? And are you spying on me?"

Khushi replied, "Nothing like that! I just came to give you your tea." She was extremely perplexed by his behavior but did not argue.

Khushi was on the terrace of Raizada house. She was in deep thought. Tomorrow this entire suspense about the baby would end. She was confident about her Arnav but for some reason her heart was palpitating rapidly. Her eyes unconsciously fell on ASR who was talking with someone at some distance away from the house. The man gave him a file. She thought, "Must be somebody from the office!"

The next day, everyone was sitting around the dining table with the report in front of them. The report had not yet been opened because they thought such things are better done in everyone's presence than alone. The DNA report found that ASR was the baby's father. Khushi shouted, "That's not possible! It's a lie. ASR is not the baby's father. The report is wrong. My heart tells me."

ASR drily replied, "It's the truth. Moreover you know that I had a live-in relationship with La. Even before her I had several girl friends, and you know that also."

Khushi said, "I don't know why you are lying and taking the blame for something in which you have no hand. But please don't tell anything about the baby when Babuji and Ma come tomorrow to talk about Akaashji's and Payal Jiji's marriage. "

The next day, Shashi and Garima were talking to Naniji about what Guruji had said about Akaash's and Payal's marriage. He had suggested a muhurat after twenty days for their marriage. Just then both of them hear a baby crying. They casually ask who it is.

Nani and Anjali Di looked at each other's face in askance when ASR replied, "That's my daughter crying. Somebody left her on our doorstep and the DNA report confirmed that I'm her father." Both Nani and Anjali Di were extremely stumped on how to react to this problem. What would they say to Shashi and Garima?

Finally after some time Shashi spoke up, "Mataji Arnav aur Khushi ki shadi nai hosakthi. Mai woh magni abhi isi waqth todhtha hoon. Mai aise insaan jo shadi seh pehle baap bana, uske havale meri beti nahi dehsaktha. Payal aur Akaash ki shadi hogi ya nahin uska faisla aapke haathon mein chodtha hoon. Mai ek beti ka ghar basane keliye doosri ka babard nahin karsaktha."

Khushi pleaded with her dear Babuji, "I believe Arnav. That report is false. And moreover, even if the baby is his, I'm ready to accept it. This baby is much before he met me. I was not even in his life at that time. Why can't we let bygones be bygones?"

Babuji scolded her, "Pagal math bano bitiya. Tum kal hi Lucknow hamari saath jaarahi ho!"

Khushi started crying, "Naniji, Di, rokkiye Babuji ko! Main Arnav seh door nahin rehsakthi! Arnav bathavo na, main kahi nahin ja rahi hoon!"

Shashi and Garima took Khushi with them dragging her from that place. ASR stood unmoved without reacting to whatever was happening. Anjali Di promised to Khushi in her heart, "Main sachchayi ka patha lagavungi. Main janthi hoon mere Chotey bekassor hai. Main tum donon ko milavungi aur yeh ek behen ka vada hai us rakhi par jo woh apni bhai ke khushi keliye barson seh bandhthi ayi hai!"

(To be continued with Shyam's exposure before the rest of the family and Arhi Jungal Main Mangal)

The Contract of Hearts: A FF (Continued)

Part XXXI: THE ATTACK

Nani had asked Khushi and Arnav to do Puja at the Devi Maiyya Mandir at Daabholi which was a five hours drive from the Raizada house. It was a mountainous stretch of road surrounded by dense forests. They had left very early in the morning so as to reach by about 9'o clock, finish their puja and return by about 3 or 4'o clock.

A lot of preparations were pending because it was a double joy for the Raizada household. It had been decided by the elders of the family that both Arnav and Khushi's marriage and Akaash and Payal's marriage would take place on the same day, same muhurat, and same mandap on the date suggested by Guruji.

Garimaji was thinking something to herself, "Ithne saal hogaye hain. Shayad Bade Saab ka ghussa thanda hogaya ho. Khushi akkir unki hi pothi hai. Humne toh bas usko paal poskar bada kiya hai. Main ek letter lik dehthi hoon. Didi agar aaj jinda hothi toh jaroor chahegi ke Khushi ki Dadaji shadi mein aaye!"

She posted the letter anxiously. When she told Shashi, he shook his head and said, "Jo insaan apni beti ko bedhakal kardiya, aur Khushi ko akela chodh diya ithne saalon thak, woh kya ayenge Khushi ke shadi mein. Phir bhi aap keejiye aapki tassali ke liye."

Khushi and Arnav reached the Devi Maiyya Mandir on time. Both of them do puja and aarti together seeking Devi Maiyya's blessings for their relationship. It was an ancient belief of the people of that place to tie a dagah for the protection of their loved ones and for their long life to a 200 year old Banyan tree. Khushi asked Arnav to wait for her in the car, "I'll come in a minute after tying this dagah. Naniji told me to do so. So much has happened the past few days you know."

Arnav agreed, "Okay, I'll be waiting for you in the car. Come soon." He accidentally bumped into a Sadhvi whose face was half-covered by the saffron colored veil she wore. He asked her, "Are you all right? I didn't notice you! Sorry!" and turning back to Khushi and gestured her to come soon.

The Sadhvi muttered to herself, "The same face, means he is my----"

She picked up a conversation with Khushi talking about the place and this mandir, and casually asked whether she had come along with the person who bumped into her. Khushi replied, "Yes! He's my fiance, and we are getting married in 18 days from now. I would be very happy if you could make it to our marriage and give us your aashirwaad. Okay, I have to go now. Arnav will be waiting for me!"

After Khushi left, the Sadhvi promised to herself, "How can I not come after you have invited me so lovingly?"

Back in the car, Arnav asked Khushi, "Who's she? And what were you talking to her?"

Khushi said, "Just like that! I've invited her to our marriage."

Arnav chuckled, "There you go inviting people even before the invitation cards have been printed!"

Khushi got annoyed, "My wish! I'll invite whomsoever I please. After all it's my one and only marriage!"

Arnav jokingly, "It's my marriage too, Madam!"

Their car was traveling in perhaps the densest stretch of the forest in the whole route, tall mountains towering ominously at a little distance.

Khushi was feeling a little bit scared. She caught hold of Arnav's hand and said, "This road is scary!"

Anav reassured her, "Don't be afraid! I'm just beside you. I know this road is little dangerous as it gets dark. That's why we are returning early. We'll reach home in a couple of hours."

Their car screeched to a sudden halt. Khushi jumped at the sudden brake and asked Arnav, "What happened?"

Arnav said, "Don't know! I'll just see! O shit! We have a flat tyre."

Khushi even more scared, "What?"

Arnav trying to calm her down, "There's nothing to worry. We have a spare tyre. I'll change it in a couple of minutes."

Saying that, he took off his tie, shirt and vest and gave them to Khushi, and got into the act of changing the tyre. His strong, well toned muscles and biceps were attracting Khushi who was stealing glances at them. She had decided that she would get down so that she would have unobstructed view. But Arnav was going to tease her if he knew the actual reason. She thought why not offer him some water. She got down the car and was planning to take out the bottle from her bag.

Arnav suddenly observed a shadow fall on the clear, shining surface of the car and stepped aside pulling Khushi along with him. They had successfully evaded the weapon thrown at them. ASR and Khushi ran for their life, closely followed by a group of ruffians wielding dangerous weapons in their hands.

Both of them hid in the bushes. Khushi whispered to Arnav, "You often keep telling I'm ASR, I'm ASR. Now's the opportunity to show it. Why can't you fight them like a hero instead of us hiding here like this?"

ASR replied, "Don't be silly! I'm ASR, the garment tycoon not a Karate champion or Sumo wrestler. And here I'm one and they are many."

"These bushes are tickling my nostrils. I feel like sneezing!" said Khushi.

"You really will be our death! I said stop that sneeze!" ASR ordered catching hold of her nose.

Khushi broke free saying, "Looks like you will kill me before our marriage itself. For how long will you keep holding my nose and for how long will I stay alive without breath------" Sneeze! Sneeze! Sneeze!

"Sorry, Arnav! I sneezed! What should we do next?" asked Khushi innocently.

Arnav shouted, "Run!"

Both of them again resumed the marathon they had discontinued a short while back, the ruffians again behind them.

In the meanwhile, everyone at home was worrying that Arnav and Khushi did not return. Anjali was trying Arnav's cell but to no avail. Suddenly she received a call, "Rani Sahiba, It's me! Yes! Arnav and Khushi reached home fit and fine from Daabholi I conclude. Ha! Ha! Ha!"

Anjali's heart sank, "How did you know that both of them-----wait did you do something? I'll kill you if anything happens to------"

Shyam advised her, "First bother about them and not about trivialities like did I do it. You guys chucked me out of Raizada house, didn't you? Now all of you will pay for it!"

Anjali asked Akaash to call the police. Both of them immediately left in search of Arnav and Khushi to Daabholi. The police inspector was informing Anjali the progress they had made in tracing Arnav and Khushi, "Madam lagtha hai unpar isi spot par attack hua hai. Jungle main humari search party gayi hai unhe dhoodhne."

Akaash who was concerned about Anjali asked her to go home saying, "Di, aap ghar jayiye! Main rukktha hoon Inspector Saab ke paas!"

Anjali was very adamant in not returning till she knew about Arnav and Khushi and said, "Jab thak Chotey aur Khushi ki koi achchi kabar nahin miljathi main nirjala vrath rakhoongi. Main yehin paas mein jo Devi Maiyya Mandir hai wahan ruk jaungi!"

She went to the Mandir and requested the Pandit, "Panditji Maha Mrithyunjay Jaap aur Havan shuru keejiye aur thab thak karthey rahiyega jab thak hamare Chotey aur Khushi sahi salamat nahin aajathe!"

In the meanwhile, Arnav and Khushi reached the peak of a mountain. The huge precipice loomed beneath them. The ruffians started closing in while both of them started walking backwards, step by step, looking behind them from second to second. Splosh!

The Contract of Hearts: A FF (Continued)

Part XXXII: JUNGAL MEIN MANGAL

Arnav and Khushi had jumped into the stream which was flowing below the precipice and reached its other bank, out of the reach of the attackers.

One of the attackers called Shyam, "Both of them escaped. What should we do now?"

Shyam getting very angry, "Ghosh! I sent a bunch of buffoons! Should I tell even this! Search them and do the work I gave you. And tell me the location you're in. I'll reach there shortly."

It was growing dark, and Arnav was shaking Khushi, "Khushi! Khushi! Get up! Looks like she's swallowed some water."

He listened to her heart beat. He felt relieved. "Nothing to worry. Only need to get that water out", he thought. He started rubbing her palms and massaging her feet. Khushi did not wake up. "What next?" Arnav recollecting what is the first aid administered

"Ah! Thump her chest!" and concluded that even that was of no use. Khushi lay in her deep beauty sleep. Arnav then tried forcing the water pressing her abdomen. No response.

"Now the only thing to do is mouth to mouth resuscitation!" thought Arnav and was about to place his lips of hers when Khushi suddenly woke, "Trying to take a peck when I'm not conscious! How bad is that!"

The ASR in him woke up, "I had to know I was dealing with a single unique piece in the world who doesn't even know the ABCs of what to do when a person who was drowning had swallowed water!"

Khushi looked a bit sheepish, "I'm sorry! I thought something else!"

Both of them started walking aimlessly not aware of which direction they should take to get out of that forest. "I tell you we'll come out of this forest if we go to the right" said Khushi

"No I'm ASR and I decide the way. We go left!" quipped Arnav.

"Right" "Left" "Right" "Left" "Right" both of them argued endlessly.

"We'll do one thing. It's impossible to find the way in this darkness. Let's set up a camp here. We'll decide in the morning whether we go left or right!" Arnav suggested.

"Okay. Fine with me! Even I'm feeling sleepy! Wish I could get some dry clothes somewhere. I'm literally soaked to the skin", said Khushi.

"What else do you expect me to arrange in this wilderness?" Arnav asked.

"A nice bed to sleep on, cushion pillows, bed sheets, and that's it!" Khushi replied.

"How considerate of you! But for your kind information you'll get none of the above. Make yourself comfortable in this beautiful soft bed of grass and hay. I can't conjure more than this here!" Arnav irritated.

"How mean! Do I look like some joker?" Khushi crying.

"There start the tears! Stop them. We do have enough of problems and you have the knack of complicating them!" Arnav trying to hush her tears.

A short while after that exchange, Arnav was sitting in one corner hitting two stones together, while Khushi was sulking at the other corner. Khushi's interest was aroused by Arnav's action. She asked him, "What are you doing?"

"Can't you see? Trying to produce a spark" Arnav replied.

"I can see that but why go into all that trouble. In my bag I always keep a matchbox and camphor to do Devi Maiyya's puja", said Khushi.

"But it must have got wet when we fell into the water !" Arnav objected.

"No. I usually keep all my puja things in a waterproof cover so that they don't get wet", replied Khushi.

"For the first time in life something concrete has emerged out of the Ali Baba's sack of yours", Arnav remarked.

"It's my bag not Ali Baba's sack" Khushi peeved at that comment made by Arnav on her chamkeeli bag designed by herself.

"What else does it hold?" Arnav curious to know its contents.

"My water bottle, ghee to light the diya, pedas, laddoos, jalebis, cashews, kismiss, badam, pistachios, my comb, mirror, face powder, and such items" Khushi said.

"I can see that you roam around with family rations for an entire month!" Arnav laughing his heart out at KKG quirks in behavior.

"We are pretty well off for the night. Thanks to your bag! Give me the matchbox and camphor. I'll light a fire. You eat all those sweet meats and pass me those nuts and dry fruits which will be our dinner for tonight" Arnav suggested.

Both of them fell asleep, KKG holding Arnav's hands very tightly and resting her head on his firm and strong arms. Both of them were dreaming the aftermath of their marriage, i.e. their first night.

Arnav's dream:

He had been waiting for a long time to enter into her bridal chamber. All the rituals and customs had drained his entire energy. She was seated on the bed. But he gasped at what he saw. She was wearing every kind of jewellery that could be named, covering her entire body from head to toe. Even her saree and the veil covering her seemed too long for his preference. On this day he would have preferred some lingerie in the style that his previous girlfriend La the Blah wore. "Tough work ahead", he thought. With one hand he started flicking the jewels, and with the other hand he was engaged in disrobing her saree. He kept flicking and pulling, flicking and pulling. Finally, the saree was about to fall--------

Khushi's dream:

At last this day had come. They were finally going to become one. ASR entered her room and spoke in a serious manner, "My entire schedule has been upset by this marriage and its preparations. Let's do some work. If both of us sit together, we'll be able to complete it faster. The foreign delegates are waiting for us. Start working! I'll bring the files!" He kept piling the files before Khushi until they towered like a mountain. Only her face was visible now. He went in and brought some more files and Khushi was buried under the mausoleum of files. Then came the last straw, "Khushi, I'll ask our staff also to come in. The work will get completed faster."---------

Khushi muttering, "Nahin! Laad Governor! Nahin!" and both of them woke up. It was morning.

The Contract of Hearts: A FF (Continued)

Part XXXIII: ARHI MARRIAGE

"What was that?" Arnav surprised at Khushi's blabbering.

"One of your 'Sahasranaam' of course!" Khushi replied.

"What are the others if I may ask?" Arnav asked.

"Raakshas, Teen Naam Wala Raakshas, Khadoos, Akdu, ---------I could go on and on!" said Khushi.

"Young lady I'm your future husband. If I get 'sanskaari' Hindu tradition right, you ought to respect me and worship me as your 'pati parameshwar' and not go about calling me names!" Arnav remarked.

"That's one thing I actually find problematic in our culture. But anyways, you're not my husband yet!" Khushi quipped.

In the meanwhile, Anjali was waiting at the Devi Maiyya Mandir to hear some good news about her Chotey and Khushi. Akaash who was with the inspector had not yet turned up. Payal called, "Di, did the police find them?"

Anjali crying, replied, "No! I feel bad that it is because of me both of them are in trouble."

Payal consoled, "Don't blame yourself, Di. You didn't know that Shyam was such a despicable creep! I truly believe that God protects those who are good and innocent. Please let me know if anything is found about Khushi and Arnavji. All of us have been praying since yesterday for their safe return. God will surely listen to our prayers."

Anjali requested Payal, "Take care of everyone at home. If I return, it will be with Arnav and Khushi."

Back in the forest, ASR and KKG were arguing which direction they should go to come out of the jungle. Suddenly, they heard a voice saying, "Found you at last!" It was Shyam who continued, "What did you think! If you light a campfire for all to see, I will not be able to trace you? Finish them off!" He said instructing his men.

Arnav and Khushi started running again. While running they came to the opening of a big cave. They ran in followed by Shyam and his men. At one place, some smoke was coming out of a crater. Khushi was curious, "What's all this smoke coming out of nowhere? Did anybody light a fire beneath?"

Arnav replied, "Must be some sort of volcanic activity. Such things exist at some places. Let's go from here soon before those ruffians start tailing us again."

When Shyam and his men reached the same place, the crater threw up live embers and some sort of boiling liquid. All of them were thrown back. Shyam went ahead in search of Arhi while one of the men pulled back the others saying, "We came this far for the money he paid us. If we further go down this cave we might lose our path. They say that one who goes into these caves never comes back alive. It's almost like a never-ending mage as we go deeper and deeper. And you saw that crater. They say it often erupts leaving destruction all around. We'll wait at the entrance. If those two come out we'll finish them off. If Shyam Sir comes, we'll tell him about this and block the entrance of this cave. If he doesn't come, then it means he too got lost in the caves and will never come back."

Arhi were hiding behind a ledge where they were screened by a small waterfall. There was a secret passage behind the waterfall, even deeper into the caves. They waited for some time to see if the men had gone, but to their dismay, the men were stationed at the entrance itself. Arnav said, "We have to find some other way. If we go the way we came, those men will kill us."

"Okay then" agreed Khushi.

Both of them spent the next several hours roaming within the caves, going even deeper and deeper, when at last Khushi said, "I can't go anymore! We'll go the way we came. Be a man and fight those men like ASR."

Arnav said, "I ought to tell you one thing. I was trying to do the same but could not find the way we came."

Khushi asked anxiously, "It means both of us are lost in this 'Bhool Bhulaiyya' with no means to get out and no means to sustain ourselves?"

Arnav said, "Yes! I regret to say the same."

Khushi started crying. Arnav did not stop her because he knew their condition was grave and critical. Both their cells were not receiving any signals. They had no means of informing anybody where they were. Khushi had worked herself up greatly.

What did she expect? And what did she get? Seventeen or sixteen days down the line, they would have been a married couple if they had not got themselves in this situation. Perhaps both of them would die unknown in these gloomy caves.

Both of them were utterly drained out of energy. They came to a ledge where they found a big statue of Devi Maiyya. Khushi was wondering, "What's Devi Maiyya's statue doing here in this wilderness?" Arnav remarked, "Must be a very old statue worshipped by the cave men in those days. But unlike us the cave men must have known the way out of these caves also!"

"How sad isn't it? We might not even live to see the day of our marriage", Khushi sadly brooded.

"We'll be together until our last breath and not even Devi Maiyya can change it. If we have to die, we'll face death together as man and wife! Give me your ghee, camphor, sindhur and other puja things. We'll marry here itself with Devi Maiyya as a witness. We'll be together both in life and in death, in this world and the next. And this is a promise made by Arnav Singh Raizada!"

Arnav lit the sacred fire with the help of camphor and ghee. Both of them went around the sacred fire seven times, taking the seven vows of marriage, in the presence of the five elements and the divine mother herself.

Saptpadi or seven rounds of the sacred nuptial fire is the most important part of a Hindu wedding. For the first four rounds, the bridegroom walks in front while the bride follows him. For the next three rounds, the bride walks in front of the bridegroom signifying that she will always shield him from every harm and danger. They make and take seven promises which form the very essence of a true and complete marriage.

1.

Arnav: My beloved, our love became firm by your walking one round with me. You will offer me food and be helpful in every way. I will cherish you and provide for the welfare and happiness of you and our children.

Khushi: This is my humble submission to you, that when you give me the responsibility of the home, food and taking care of the household activities, I promise you that I shall discharge all responsibilities for the welfare of all the family members and children.

2.

Arnav: My beloved, now you have walked the second round with me, filled my heart with strength and courage, and together we shall protect the household and children.

Khushi: My Beloved, in your grief, I shall fill your heart with courage and strength. In your happiness, I shall rejoice, and I promise you that I will please you always with sweet words and take care of the family and children. In return you shall love me alone as your wife.

3.

Arnav: My beloved, now you have walked three rounds with me. By virtue of this, our wealth and prosperity is going to grow. You shall be the only woman whom I shall love and respect as my wife. Together, we will educate our children and may they live long.

Khushi: My beloved, I will love you with single-minded devotion as my husband. I will treat all other men as secondary. My devotion to you shall be of a chaste wife and you shall be my joy. This is my commitment to you.

4.

Arnav: My beloved, it is a great blessing that you have walked four steps with me. You have brought auspiciousness and sacredness into my life. May we be blessed with obedient and noble children, may they live long.

Khushi: My beloved, I will decorate you from your head to foot with different flowers, garlands and ornaments and fragrance. I will please you in every way I can.

5.

Arnav: My beloved, now you have walked five rounds with me. I know wife is the best friend and well-wisher. You have enriched my life. May god bless you. May our loved ones live long and share in our prosperity.

Khushi: My beloved, I share both in your joys and sorrows. Your love will make me trust and honor you. I will carry out your wishes.

6.

Arnav: My Gruha-Lakshmi, you have filled my heart with happiness by walking six steps with me. May you be filled with joy and peace all the time.

Khushi: My Pati-Parameshwar in all acts of righteousness, in every form of enjoyment and divine acts, I promise you that I shall participate and I shall be with you always.

7.
Arnav: My beloved, as you have walked the seven rounds with me, our love and friendship became eternal. We experienced spiritual union in God. Now you have become completely mine therefore I offer my life to you. Our marriage shall be forever and ever.

Khushi: My beloved, as God and Holy Scriptures, I have become your spouse. Whatever promises we have, we have spoken in pure mind. We will be truthful to each other in all things. We will love and honor each other forever and ever.

"Mangalam Bhagavan Vishnum
Mangalam Garudadhwajah
Mangalam Pundareekaksham
Mangalayatano Harih

Sarva Mangala Mangalye
Shive Sarvartha Sadhike
Sharanye Tryambake Gauri
Narayani Namostute" both of them singing the sacred chants recited at the time of marriage in unison. There was neither a Pandit nor the pomp and show accompanying a Hindu marriage, but theirs was a marriage in the truest sense. Both of them experienced whatever they were doing with their whole heart and soul.

After this, Arnav filled Khushi's maang with sindhur, and both became man and wife. They had become ONE once for all. Mortal hands could not part what God saw fit to unite. Thus Arhi conquered even death with the love they bore for one another.

What had started as an accidental meeting and misunderstanding at the Lucknow fashion show had blossomed into a true and sincere relationship of soul mates. A deep silence prevailed, but nature itself rejoiced and sang the glory of two people who were made for each other coming together. Greatly tired and exhausted with the day's events, both of them fell asleep.

After this momentous night, Arnav and Khushi were woken up by the sound of someone blowing a conch. They found a person standing before the Devi Maiyya statue, performing puja. When they asked him how he came there, he informed them that he was a tribal of that region and came every fortnight to do Devi Maiyya's puja.

Arhi were overjoyed that their deliverance from the caves had come. The man informed Arhi, "This is a very sacred place. Only the pure at heart can come here and go back alive. The rest are swallowed by the sands of time. This is the spot where Maa Parvati performed penance to secure Lord Shiva as her husband."

Arnav asked, "We are so far off from the mouth of the cave, aren't we? Do we go that way?"

The man said, "There is another way nearby. You must not have been able to see it last night as it must have become dark by that time. Now it is daylight and I myself will take you out."

At last, Arnav and Khushi were out of the caves. His cell was showing some signals. He called up Anjali and told her where they were. They say he who digs graves for others falls into it himself. The same happened with Shyam also. The police arrested the men at the entrance of the cave while Shyam got lost in the caves never to come back.

(To be continued with the past makes its presence felt.)

The Contract of Hearts: A FF (Continued)

Part IX: RIPPLES OF THOUGHT

What was happening after he pressed his foot on the accelerator of his car was still hazy in Arnav's mind. The most vivid thing he remembered was her voice bursting with excitement saying "Sameer, tum?" Why did it trouble him so much?

He ought to be home by this time. Di would tease him all the more for coming late. "It took you hours to return a single duppatta?" she would say. But he could not bear the thought of going home.

"How lonely I am?" thought Arnav regretfully. He had nobody in this wide world with whom he could share his pain and anguish. He could not go to her from whom he was actually running away. He usually shared everything with his Di but even that option was ruled out. It would mean revealing everything including the contract and his Jeeju's real nature.

Arnav could not afford to tell what he had strived so hard to conceal. If he could be near his plants, that would be the best antidote to all his pain and confusion. But home meant, Di! She would surely detect that something was wrong with him. He had crushed everyone who came in his path, rejected the friendly advances of outsiders and looked at everyone with suspicion and distrust.

Arnav had not looked beyond his blood relations for any sort of companionship. The result, today he was high up on the pinnacle of success with nobody to keep him company. He had not one true friend to call his own! Arnav cursed himself. Yes! He, ASR, was to blame for everything he was missing out in life.

How far he had come, and where he was, he had no idea. He stopped his car near a deep and dark pool of water. The birds were quenching their thirst in its cool waters. How carefree their life was! They didn't have to think beyond experiencing and living in the present moment. How much he would have paid to have his life like that! "'Things like happiness and peace of mind are not purchased! They are priceless' she would say" being reminded of her words once again this evening.

Arnav sat beside the pool. He started throwing pebbles stirring its peaceful waters to ripples. It seemed to soothe his disturbed state of mind where he did not understand what he wanted in life. When he was thus engrossed, he received a call on his cell.

"ASR, is that you?" the voice at the other end enquired.

"Yes, who is it?-----Lavanya, you?" ASR shocked to receive a call from the girl whom he thought had left his life once forever. He was a little hesitant on what to say because he had led her on and on when he should have been honest with her about what he expected from their relationship.

"I'm marrying in a month from now. Please don't blame yourself for whatever happened. Nobody can force love! It just happens. Sorry that I behaved badly with Nani and Di. But I had to as I wanted them to chuck me out on their own." So it was just a play act on La's part. She didn't really mean to hurt anyone in his family. If anybody was to blame, it was himself. Gosh! How bad and gross he had been!

"Heard from Sim and Pam that you and Khushi are-----Very happy for you and Khushi!" La spoke "At last, I have found the true love of my life. He is an old childhood friend of mine. We have planned for a church marriage. I'll wait for you and Khushi as you two are my only-----"

La continued, "Khushi's birthday is coming this Sunday, right? I'll call her to wish her many many happy returns of the day. And ASR, please don't do to Khushi what you did to me. Honesty is the thread which holds together any relationship."

"Lavanya I---" The call was disconnected. Yes! If not for La, he would not have remembered her birthday in all this confusion. Yes! He would make it so memorable that she would never forget it throughout her life!

Nani and Di were fussing over his absence since a long time when he returned home. Di scolding him, "Kahan theh aap? Chotey, tayyar hoh jayiye. Aapka partner, Khushi aur Payal aathe hi honge."

He went upstairs to his room and had a cold shower to soothe himself. He dressed up in his cream colored casuals for the dinner. He was most eager and yet most afraid to meet her. What would she think about his actions? He went to explain yesterday night and ended up creating a new confusion today. He was lost in his thoughts while climbing down the stairs when his jaws dropped at the sight of what he saw.

(Coming up next ASR ki jhallan and Khushi ki birthday ke mauke par ASR ko jana padega business trip par)

The Contract of Hearts: A FF (Continued)

(Sorry for disappointing you guys with a small update the previous time, so I have updated the next part today itself)

Part XVII: CAUGHT BETWEEN TWO WORLDS

ASR was in the garden watering his plants according to his usual schedule sharp at 7.00 in the morning! He had returned somewhere around 3.30 A.M. in the morning, but sleep seemed to completely elude him. He kept turning in his bed restlessly before he decided to get up. What was that strange force which kept pushing them towards each other though they tried hard to escape it?

What an ill-assorted couple they were! They didn't have a single thing in common. Neither their tastes, personalities, attitude towards life, class, fears, joys, nor sorrows coincided, then how the hell did they feel that sense of belonging!

Arnav knew by this time that his jealousy of Sameer was unfounded and baseless. Her heart was overflowing with love for him. He could see it in her eyes. He didn't want to encourage her in this. He did not want to break her heart. He had to discourage her from thinking about him.

His alter-ego stood before him jeering at his double standards:

"So you want her to forget you. But have you forgotten her? You have realized that she loves you and want to prevent her from heart-break, but what about that heart within your bosom which jumps at a mere mention of her name?

And why the hell are you running away from love? Afraid that the past will repeat itself? She is your present, your life breath, your soul mate. Make her your own before it's too late.

Destiny has brought the two of you together. Can't you see that the walls you have built around you have collapsed? She is the soothing balm to all your wounds of the past. Why can't you let go the past?

Make this fake contract between the two of you real. Make------Can you give her pain by refusing her love-------------to see her in pain gives you ten times more pain. Accept that you----------confess "

"Get lost!" Arnav shouted his head aching with a shooting pain which he found unbearable.

Anjali who had just now learned about his arrival and came to meet him bringing his coffee along with her. She questioned him, "Everything all right, Chotey?"

"Yes, Di" said Arnav wearing on his old mask which even his dear sister Anji found very difficult to discover and penetrate. He was becoming secretive even with his dear sister with whom he used to share everything previously.

"So you made it to Khushi's birthday?" Anji asked "That was very sweet of you! I always knew that you needed somebody like Khushi in your life to drive some sense into your thick woolen-head and make you listen to the language of your heart." Arnav smiled a hollow laugh. "If only I could tell Di that I----" but stopped himself.

Arnav could not reveal the true state of affairs between him and Khushi with Anji for fear that she would discover Shyam's true nature. She would be heart- broken.

Khushi was in ardent love with him with all the intensity and passion of one's first love. Why she chose to love him was still beyond his understanding! But all this would give her nothing but tears and pain.

"Am I cursed like some prince of yore to bring misery into the lives of those who mean the most to me? Di and Khushi -------wherever I turn I seem to find no solution to this riddle" he thought.

"Here's your coffee" said Anji passing on the coffee to him.

"Thank you! Di, I'm signing a contract with Mr. Malhotra today. So I need to prepare for that meeting" Arnav hinting that he wanted to be alone.

"All right! I'll see you later" Anji replied. For some reason she felt that everything was not right with Chotey, but what?

Just when he was going up to his room, his eyes fell across some old family albums which his butler, Jayprakash was dusting. He explained to him, "Yeh albums bahut purane hogaye hain, Saab, aur in main dhul mitti jamgaya hai. Thoh isiliye main ine saaf kar raha thah. Aap dekhna chahenge,Saab?"

Arnav stood as though rooted to the ground but could not resist the thought to have a look at those memoirs of his past. He took those albums and was pensively looking at them. As he was turning the photos, his vision was transfixed when he came to a wedding photo.

The bride was smiling shyly, the very image of hope and anticipation of what her new life held in store for her, and the groom was------

"Jayprakash, yeh albums yahan kya kar rahen hai? Ine andar rakh dijiye" shouted Nani who suddenly came into the room. She was very shocked to see them in the hands of her dear grandson. She thought miserably, "Would the past never leave them? Just when she thought that everything was becoming normal, this-----"

"Saab, aap dehdijiye. Main ine andhar rakh doonga" said Jayprakash asking me to return the albums in my hand.

"Now I know why my eyes fell on those albums! I'm not meant for love! I've understood this! But will she agree? I'll stay away from her! " thought ASR forming this arduous resolution in his mind.

Two hours later, ASR was at his office along with his legal advisors signing the contract with Sameer. Khushi was also present. Just when they were done with it, this happened!

"Yawn!"----------- "Yawn!"

Sameer laughingly remarked, "What ? Both of you did not sleep last night?"

Arnav groaned, "How many more times will our destiny keep telling us that we are like mirror reflections of each other? Just when I wanted to give up, this--------Arnav, imagine your condition next week in Singapore with just the two of you together! "

(Coming up next Arhi and Maneet to meet each other at Singapore for Sparkles 2011)

The Contract of Hearts: A FF

Part XIX: I'M THERE FOR YOU

Both of them were shown into their respective suites overlooking the splendid and scenic Sentosa Palawan beach with just a single door separating their respective suites. Strollers were ambling across in the evening lights in this perfect getaway for the weekend. The suspension bridge linking beach-goers to the southernmost point of Continental Asia was another major attraction of this beach brimming with life and effervescence, and interesting shops and eateries lined up beside it.

Khushi was taking in the beauty and ambience of the place from her suite with bated breath. "If there's heaven on earth it must be this! This entire place looks picture perfect. The waves dancing with glee, the spray of foam, the couples walking hand in hand in this romantic twilight hour; is there another locale more beautiful and picturesque than this!"

The same stretch of land which aroused wonder and awe in Khushi's mind, inspired feelings totally contrary in Arnav's mind. The difference in the way both of them perceived life was very evident. ASR spoke with a tinge of irritation lacing his words, "How these people are lazing around watching one wave after the other! The salt water of the foam is the perfect enemy of all their nice dresses. And romancing like this shamelessly, out in the open before one and all------"

Suddenly ASR's attention was caught by the sweet sounds of KKG who was having a shower and singing as though she was applying for the Best Bathroom Singer 2011 from the other side of the suite. His hand unconsciously went to that side of the wall from where the sounds emanated. It was almost as though he could feel the drops of water dripping from her sides.

Arnav could not resist imagining how sexy and luscious she would look in this avatar which he perhaps would never have the chance of witnessing! He quickly bit his lip and scolded his mind for giving way to his heart and for its lapse of control.

Khushi, who was in the shower, suddenly stood stand still. Her heart woke up with a thud. It was almost as though his hand had passed across her whole body caressing it in the most affectionate and tender manner full of love and intimacy. Khushi smiled to herself. She had no control over her heart anymore. Even her thoughts, God forbid, were becoming naughtier!

The intercom phone in her room started ringing. "Khushi Kumari Gupta here. Who's speaking?"

"It's me, Arnav. I wanted to remind you to be ready by 8.30 A.M tomorrow morning for our meeting with Mr. Maan Singh Khurrana, the sponsor for our event Sparkles 2011. Good night!"

Khushi had just had a hot shower and ordered her dinner to be served in her suite itself to the room service. There was a knock on the door. "Must be my dinner", thought Khushi and said aloud, "Yes, come in!"

The waitress who was serving her seemed to be very jittery and disturbed. When Khushi enquired the reason for her fear, she said, "Several years earlier, a girl was found dead in this portion of the suite. It was locked for several years after that. Only recently it was renovated and you are the first one sleeping in it after that. You are truly courageous, Mam. I would not have come to this room for room service if I could have avoided it. But a job is a job! Have a nice sleep! Good night!"

Khushi could not eat even a single morsel of food after she heard this story. She kept her dinner aside and went to bed shivering in fear. She tossed about in her bed restlessly. Suddenly that night, Arnav heard a blood curdling shriek from Khushi's room.

Arnav's blood froze and his face paled a blanche white when he heard it. "Khushi! Khushi! Tum theek ho? Main aaraha hoon. Gabrana math!" Arnav shouted. It didn't take him more than a second to enter her suite breaking the door which separated him and her after the above-mentioned shriek.

To his great surprise and astonishment, he found her muttering Hanuman Chalisa under her breath. "Why did you shout?" he asked her. "Bhoot ------wahan------", she said pointing to the shadow of the night lamp. "Woh sirf ek parchayi hai!" Arnav replied incredulously, "Aur tum sabse bada bhoot hokar bhoothon se darthi ho?"

Even the hotel staff had entered the room by now. Arnav explained the situation and promised to pay for the damages to the door which he had broken down. The manager reassured him, "There have been too many stories floating around about this suite. Mam must have heard some of them and got scared. Actually this is not the suite in which the incident occurred. It is the suite next to this one. We'll get the door repaired tomorrow morning when both of you go out to avoid any inconvenience to you."

Arnav consoled her, "Hush! Go to sleep now. I'm just in the other suite. You can call me whenever you feel like it."

Khushi asked him tearfully, "Tum yahan mere paas ruk jao na! Mujhe bahut dar lag raha hai!"

Seeing her condition, Arnav acquiesced, "All right! I'm not going to my suite. I'll be here on the sofa. Go to sleep."

Khushi felt relaxed that she had her Arnav watching over her in her fears and troubles, and fell into a tranquil sleep just like a child. Arnav's settled down on the sofa watching her beautiful, childlike innocent face. He bid goodbye to his sleep for the rest of the night so that she sleep soundly.

(To be continued with Arhi and Maneet to meet at Singapore)

The Contract of Hearts: A FF (Continued)

Part XXVIII: HEYY BABY!

Time plays its own strange games. It was this very concept which inspired Einstein to come up with his theory of relativity. Bernard Shaw, the famous English playwright, described the theory in a jocular manner saying, "If a man is sitting with a beautiful girl beside a boiling cauldron of water on a winter night, even an hour seems like a second. If he is sitting with the same girl on his lap on the cauldron, even a second will seem like an hour!"(Not too sure about this quote or the person who said it. I'm writing from my memory.)

To Arnav and Khushi who were drenched in the sweet nectar of their love, their stay on the romantic beaches of Singapore seemed too short for their preference. Arnav promised Khushi, "We'll extend our stay here for a few days. I'll cancel all my appointments and meetings because once we return; we may not get so much time to spend with each other!"

Khushi was basking in the boundless love and attention Arnav was showering on her. Arnav told her that after their return he would broach the topic of their marriage with Nani, "You know as of now, both our families are thinking only about Akaash's and Payal's marriage. I had asked for a year's time at the time of that engagement of ours. Now I'll tell Nani that we can have both the marriages on the same day, and in the same mandap. I cannot wait any longer for my beautiful bride!" Khushi smiled shyly in acknowledgement.

But all their plans went awry with a phone call. That morning, Payal called Khushi, "Tum jaldhi aajao, Khushi! Yahan ek aaphath ki pudiya hamari zindagi mein aayi hai!" Khushi could not understand a single word of what Payal was saying, and asked, "What? I cannot understand a single word of what you're saying. Jiji what-----"

This time the phone was taken over by 'Hello Hi Bye Bye' Mami who repeated the same thing, "Hello Hi Bye Bye, ek bahut badi problame huigava hai! Tum aajao toh sari Mahabharat samjavat hai!" Khushi was extremely perplexed because Mami had always been least bothered about her. Something really big must have happened if she too wanted her to come back.

Arhi booked their return tickets and hurriedly returned to India. They reached Raizada house at lunch time. Everyone seemed to be anxiously awaiting their arrival. Payal was also there and Khushi wanted to immediately ask her what was the matter but Nani intervened asking Arhi to first have their lunch.

Khushi was half-way through her lunch when she found somebody pawing her feet and tugging at her duppatta beneath the table. She glanced at Arnav extremely surprised, "Oh! This 'laad governor'-----he does not even know how to behave before the elders of the family! He's become too naughty of late!" She gave him a small tap on his hand as a punishment and went back to completing her meal.

Arnav thought to himself, "Has she gone mad? Why did she hit me?" but kept quiet so as to not make it a big issue before the entire family. Suddenly, when Khushi was eating, "Again! You too na Arnav!" and tapped him on his hand even harder. Now Arnav could not control himself any longer and vented his anger and irritation saying, "You've been hitting me away since some time! What's this nonsense?"

Khushi was extremely peeved with Arnav and said, "Ek toh chori aur upar seh seena jori! Hamari duppatta chod-------Arre baba------ what are you doing under the table?------------and who are you?" Under the table, Khushi espied a fair, chubby, blue-eyed, curly-haired toddler, barely a year old with a very naughty smile on her face. She took the baby in her arms and asked, "Who's this cute little sweetie-pie?"

Payal replied, "This is the 'aaphath ki pudiya' about whom I was talking about!"

Khushi seemed extremely surprised, "You must be joking Jiji! Aaphath and this baby----you're mistaken! And by the bye, whose baby is she?"

Mami intervened, "Isi ghar ki par kiski woh hai mistri!"

It was then she understood why they had been urgently summoned from Singapore. Payal explained, "Babuji aur Maa, Guruji seh hamari aur Akaashji ke shaadi ke baren mein baath karne gaye hain. Theen dinon mein Delhi aarahen hai. Aur yeh bachchi----unhe patha chalega toh?"

Mami was having her favorite nightmare, "Toh mera bitwa baal brahmachari? No! Nahinnn!"

Khushi was consoling saying, "Somebody has played a prank on us!"

Anjali Di also agreed with Khushi, "Yes! Khushi is right! Why are we spoiling our mood over pranks played on us by someone?"

Mami threw the wet towel on this pleasing thought saying, "Kisiko ko hubby hai ka? I meen to sai woh leisure time wali work----haan -------hobby?"

Khushi agreed, her heart sinking at the thought, "This is also true! Why should somebody do all this?"

Khushi suddenly started running a 100 meters dash while the rest were too stunned to react to what was happening. She had quickly reached the kitchen and collected all the ingredients necessary for a Jalebi Day Out.

All the ladies of the house had gathered in the kitchen to decide what the next round of action would be. Jalebi making had started on a large scale, and even the Raizada ladies had joined in because Khushi had taught them the jalebi bug to beat stress after her engagement with Arnav. All of them were trying to roast their doubts and confusions in this sweet task.

Khushi was about to place a jalebi in her mouth when she heard a shrill, ear-piercing shriek. There was the little toddler tugging away at her, asking for the jalebi in her hand. Much as it hurt Khushi to give away the first jalebi to the baby, she gave it to her to stop her from wailing. After all, Khushi was too soft-hearted to keep a small baby hungry.

When Khushi was about to place the second jalebi in her mouth, the naughty baby wanted that also. Khushi decided that her usual tactics to beat stress were to no avail and beat a hasty retreat from the kitchen to the hall.

All the ladies were in deep thought when Khushi suggested, "DNA test?"

Mami agreed, "Haan! Par usme samay laagath hai thab thak ka karath hum----hainds mein hainds daalkar sitting?

"Nahin! Thab thak close observation! Ham ghar ke sare mard par nazar rakhenge! James Bond 007 calling!" told Khushi.

Mami replied, "Watson speeking!"

Payal corrected, "Sherlock Holmes aur Dr. Watson! James Bond aur Watson nahin."

"Jo koi bhi ho! Waat iz in a naim! Work mattering!" said Mami

(To be continued with Shyam's exposure before everyone and Arhi Jungal Mein Mangal)

The Contract of Hearts: A FF (Continued)

Part XXX: SHYAM KICKED OUT

Buaji was trying to convince Shashi not to take Khushi to Lucknow alongwith him. She said, "Kuch toh gadbab hai, Nandkishore. Arnav Singh Raizada jaisen dikhath hai vaisen hai nahin. Bahar seh kadak, andar seh naram, ek dum nariyal jaisen!"

Shashi stopped her, "Bus Jiji! Hume joh sunna thah hum kal sunchucke aur dekhchuke. Payal bitiya jaakar khushi ko bulao. Hume jaldhi Lucknow keliye nikalna hai. Jiji, hum Payal ko apke paas chodkar jaarahen hai. Main aur Garimaji kuch dinon mein shadi ke liye wapas aayenge. Khushi nahin aayegi. Main nahin chahtha ki meri bitiya us dokhebaas insaan seh dubara milen."

Buaji lamented, "Galath kar rahe ho uske saath, babua!"

Payal was trying to convince Khushi to come, "Khushi please go with Babuji and Ma for now. Let things cool down a bit! I'll talk to Babuji and convince him for your relationship with Arnav."

Khushi throwing a tantrum, "If you can't? If I and Arnav separate forever? I'm not budging an inch from here!"

After waiting for some time, Shashi himself came to convince Khushi, "Abhi aapko humara faisla sahi nahin lagega kyonki pyar karthi hain aap us insaan seh. Kuch samay baad jab aap sochengi aap samjengi ki main sahi hoon!"

Khushi retorted, "I was right then and I'm right even now! It's not some decision which can be revised or reversed, but about my love and my life. Time and place will not make the slightest difference in how I feel for him or what he feels for me."

Shashi replied, "Toh tume usi pyar ki kasam detha hoon! Hamare saath Lucknow chalo! Agar tumare pyar mein taakat hai, aur tumara premi sachcha, toh ek din sab ko sachchayi patha chalegi. Tab thak tumhe hamari baath mannini hogi!"

Khushi knew she couldn't argue with Babuji after those words because it was about her belief and faith in him. She walked out without questioning. She turned back to look at Buaji's house one last time before going and sitting in the taxi that was waiting for her. Even though seated, her mind was elsewhere. She would wait for him till the last minute, till the last second. Her heart told her he would come.

Arnav was watching her leaving from the Shiv Mandir near her Buaji's house. He put out his hands as though to stop her but immediately put them in his pocket. His eyes were becoming wet beneath his black sun glasses. Just when the car was about to start, Anjali Di came in front of their car. "What's Di doing here?" thought Arnav.

Anjali requested Shashi saying, "Uncle, please give me five minutes before sending Khushi to Lucknow. There are several things you need to know. This is the actual DNA report. The one all of you saw was fake."

Shashi questioned, "Who changed the report? And if the report was fake, why did Arnav agree to it?"

Anjali continued, "To save me from pain. My husband is the real father. Arnav wanted to hide this truth from me so he took the blame on himself. I went to the hospital today morning with the fake report. The doctor who gave the report told me that this was not the report he gave. A thorough enquiry was made and one of the hospital staff confessed that he had changed the report on Chotey's orders. I searched Chotey's room and found this file which contains the original report. I had earlier asked the police to find the baby's mother. I met her just now. She told me that she met Shyam in connection with a court case. She fell in love with him. She did not know that he was married at that time. He deserted her when he learned that she was pregnant. She came to know only a few days back that Shyam was at Raizada house. She told me that if she had not been suffering from a terminal illness she would have never left her baby with someone like Shyam. But now she had no option. She also told me how Chotey met her two days back and paid for her treatment and promised to care of the baby as his own child."

Shashi apologized, "Please forgive me, Beti that I suspected such a gem of a person like your brother. Khushi, I should have trusted your words and judgment when you said ASR is innocent."

Anjali smiled, "Please don't, Uncle. You didn't know the full truth. You were misled, and any father would react just like this. And Khushi, why are you looking around? For Arnav? Well, he's there in the Shiv Mandir. He didn't tell me, but I know he's there. After all I'm his sister you see!"

Khushi ran towards the Mandir without bothering about anyone or anything, bumping into two or three unsuspecting souls who didn't see the Khushi disaster coming their way, toppled them headlong and did not even wait to apologize. She reached him panting and out of breath. She started hitting him on the chest saying, "Koi aisa kartha kya apne pyar ke sath? Sach mein tum seh badkar koi Rakshas ho hi nahin saktha!" and embraced him in one tight hug, living the happiness of a hundred years with him, in that single minute.

Anjali was happy for her brother, happy for Khushi, but yet her feet faltered. All those years of marriage now seemed a cruel joke. She had given her heart and soul to her marriage. She always felt grateful that her husband had accepted her with her physical handicap. But now only she knew what she had got in the bargain. A man who always had a hidden agenda, a motive in everything he did, everything he spoke. She had placed him on a high pedestal and worshipped him as her god. Here he was not even fit to be called a good human being. She was angry at herself for blindly believing in that perverted lustful creep for that was what he was. Both Khushi and Arnav supported Anjali when she was about to fall, thinking about whatever had happened.

Anjali asked Arnav, "Chotey, please take me home. There's one important work still pending!"

They reached home and Shyam, as usual was in his full flow mode of manipulation, "Rani Sahiba, where were you? I was very worried for you. I know you must be upset with whatever has happened. All of us wanted Arnav and Khushi to get married. But what can we do before the decrees of fate. We've to put behind the whole thing as another chapter."

Anjali was getting terribly angry, "Chapter my foot! That's how I see you had all those affairs. You must have kept closing chapter after chapter. One gone, the next comes. And that's how even this baby came. For your kind information my brother is not like you. Khushi is not a chapter for him. She's his love. And do you even know what true love means? By the way why am I asking you all this? I spit on you. Get out of this house before you ruin more lives with your lies and evil manipulation. I ought to have called the police, but I'm letting you go for the sake of that love which I once bore for you."

Shyam fell at Anjali's feet saying, "Forgive me, Rani Sahiba!"

Anjali replied, "Your Rani Sahiba is dead! The one who lives is Anjali Singh Raizada. Some mistakes cannot be forgiven. And mind you, I don't want to see even your shadow fall on that poor, innocent baby. From today, she is my daughter, Anjali Singh Raizada's daughter!"

ASR kicked Shyam out of the house giving him the kind of treatment he deserved, and which his hands had long been itching to give but could not due to his sister's feelings. He warned Shyam, "Don't show your face here again or I'll break your bones!"

It took a lot of time for everyone at Raizada house to digest this unpleasant truth. Nani ordered Arnav, "Bahut kuch galath hua par bahut kuch sahi bhi hua. Chotey, hum chahthey hain ki kal aap aur Khushi, Daabholi mein jo Devi Maiyya Mandir hain, vahan jaakar puja karen. Humne Mata seh aap donon keliye mannath manga thah!"

The next morning, Arnav and Khushi left for Daabholi, everyone at home waving them a goodbye and pleasant trip together.

PROMO:

Dense forest and tall mountains around, an empty car on the middle of the road.

The police inspector talking to Anjali: Madam lagtha hai unpar isi spot par attack hua hai. Jungle main humari search party gayi hai unhe dhoodhne.

Akaash to Anjali: Di, aap ghar jayiye! Main rukktha hoon Inspector Saab ke paas!

Anjali to Akaash: Jab thak Chotey aur Khushi ki koi achchi kabar nahin miljathi main nirjala vrath rakhoongi. Main yehin paas mein jo Devi Maiyya Mandir hai wahan ruk jaungi!

Anjali to a Pandit in the Temple: Panditji Maha Mrithyunjay Jaap aur Havan shuru keejiye aur thab thak karthey rahiyega jab thak hamare Chotey aur Khushi sahi salamat nahin aajathe!