FF: We are together#1- (Chap 1-22) - Page 31

Buaji clasped her hand to her mouth dropping the shopping bag from her hand in shock. Payal looked stunned but had a fair idea that this was going to happen. The volcano was yet to erupt now.

Normally, Khushi would have tears raining down her eyes on such harsh words, but today she had come prepared, she knew this wasn't the harsh-est thing she expected.

Khushi passed a desperate look to Payal telling her to come to her aid. Payal rushed to where Khushi stood. Garima looked at her gesture in even more shock.

Ga: (her anger exceeding all limits now) So you knew that too! Why didn't you tell me!

Payal looked down in embarrassment. Khushi was something. She always got both of them in trouble all together.

Kh: It's not Jiji's fault. I told her not too.

Ga: Just like you to do that.

Kh: Amma, but I was going to tell you everything, when everything was confirmed to me.

Ga: What, what do you mean?

Kh: (quietly) Amma, I want to marry Arnav.

Buaji who was already in a astonished state, totally lost her self to the sofa, nearby, she collapsed into it heavily, causing the poor piece of furniture to groan badly. Garima wasn't in a better state. The living daylights out of her had been knocked out; she kept her hand on the side table to steady herself, as she was on the verge of collapsing too.

Ga: You WHAT? Marry him? Have you lost your head Khushi?

Kh: Amma, we love each other.

This time it was Buaji who won the race of 'reaction I give' first.

Bua: Garima! I told you to keep her away from that man!

Khushi fired an annoying glance at Buaji. Her innteruptance and expert advise was the last thing she needed right now.

Khushi repeated more earnestly this time.

Kh: Amma? Please? Can I marry him?

Garima looked at her completely shocked. How can she manage to be so confident when she knows I am not going agree? She thought about Aakash. Aakash Raizada. Payal was getting married to him, and why shouldn't she , he loved her immensely and was the ideal husband any girl would crave for. But Arnav? No ways. He was one of those kinds, that even if blind folded, Garima woudn't give Khushi's hand into his. Nature was a secondary reason, past acted as the primary one.

Ga: Do you even know anything about marriage? It is a life long promise. How are you going to manage your entire life with someone like HIM?

Khushi just stared at Garima for a minute. Why all the stress on HIM? He was normal like everyone was.

Kh: Amma, he's not like you know him. He's really nice.

Ga: And you think I am going to belive you?

That is what I expect atleast, Khushi answered her question mentally.

Ga: Besides, if I know best he already has this..what do they call..girl friend, whats her name..ermm..

Kh: (silently) Lavanya Kashyap.

Ga; Right. Lavanya Kashyap. How then can you expect him to love you, when he already has someone in his life?

Kh: (pleadingly) Amma, he dumped Lavanya.

Ga: What if he does the same to you? Dump you too?

Garima's word stung right in Khushi's heart. She knew that sentence made sense. Besides, Arnav wasn't very convincing on that point when she had asked him earlier. Hurriedly, she brushed that thought out of her mind. NO. I must not let Amma know that I am doubtful of that point too. I have to convince her, to let me marry him.

Kh: (stammering) He won't. He loves me.

Ga: What if he doesn't and is fooling around?

'You ask too many questions', Arnav had told her once. See who I inherited this habit from, my mother. She wanted to tell him now. The expression on her face dropped for a split second, she's not my real mother. But she quickly regained her composure. This wasn't the time to sort blood relations.

Kh: No! That cant be. I have seen the love in his eyes.

Ga: Khushi! (angrily) This isn't one of your K-shows mother-daughter conversations for God sake!

Khushi silenced. Thinking hard for a defensive answer. Amma had accused her K-shows. BAD. She had accused Arnav. BAD. But wasn't all this very natural? It had to happen. She knew it would be hard to convince her parents but this hard, she hadn't imagined. She had told Arnav confidently that Jiji would handle it, but Jiji was being of no use.

As if, Payal had been enlightened with Khushi thinking, she stepped into the now heated conversation, thinking the time needed her too.

Pa: Amma. What's so wrong about it? She wants' to marry him. Let her. After all you are letting me marry Aakash too. Than why not Arnav, he's not any outsider, you know him.

That is the problem I know him. And I know so much about him, it's hard to imagine I never opened my mouth and let out those dark secrets that destroyed his life years ago.

Ga: So what? Do you not know how opposed Aakash and Arnav are?

Pa: So Amma? Aren't me and Khushi opposed too? But we still are both equally good aren't we?

Khushi felt like she wanted to hug Payal right at the moment. She was way too convincing. Thank God for her law education she had some GREAT debating skills, and this was the best time they could have worked out for anybody but HER.

Kh: Yes Amma. Why do you have a problem with Arnav? Just because he's rude doesn't mean he's not nice. He might look like he's got a heart of steal, but if seen close it's pure gold.

Ga: Talk logic Khushi. These creamy words aren't going to get you any where.

Khushi sighed. She wants' logic. Fine. That's exactly what I am going to give her then.

Kh: Amma, what benefit is he going to get by fooling me? *pause* I am no business tycoons daughter, nor do I in any case benefit his business, nor am I worthy of being associated with him *sighing* we don't even in anyway connect with his classy status. Then tell me, why else would he want to marry me other than the reason that he genuinely loves me?

This time Garima was quiet. Her daughter was getting to the very point she had missed. Arnav Singh Raizada was no normal man. He loving her daughter was incredulous and totally unimaginable. She knew well, he did everything that benefited him but Khushi- how could she benefit him anyway? She had heard him declaring in an interview, that he was highly opposed to marriage, yet he wanted to marry Khushi. What could be a better reason than loving her?

Ga: (quietly) But still, why you? The world hasn't a shortage of eligible girls for a tycoon like him.

Kh: (sulking) You should rather say why not you? *pause* Did you ever give a second thought while marrying Bauji? Weren't you from a rich family too?

Garima looked into Khushi's eyes. She could see the same desperation in her eyes which she had many years ago while convincing her parents to marry Shashi. He had been poor, and she rich. But he had the perfect nature and everything a women wanted in her soul mate.

Ga: (silently) Go. Do whatever you want to. But whatever happens, you shall face the consequences on your own accord. Don't come back to me then.

That were the exact words her mother had told Garima years ago. She felt sad saying them to Khushi, but she knew she had to be responsible for her actions now. Garima was happy with Shashi never had any problems and never regretted marrying him against her parents will. She wished the same for Khushi, only that she knew better. Problems were waiting at her step.

Buaji shook Garima violently to get her out of her trance.

Bua: Haire Nandkishore! Garima! The vegetables are burning!

Garima came out of her trance, unsure of where she was. For a few seconds she look around to find herself in the kitchen, a furious Buaji at her side, pointing hastily towards the pan on the stove. Upon noticing the vegetables burning she hurriedly started mixing them in order to avoid them from sticking to the inner layer of the pan she was cooking in.

Bua: Haire Nandkisore! Garima where are you lost?

Ga: I don't know, Jiji. I have just been thinking about Khushi.

Bua: Khusee?

Ga: Yes. I still fell uncomfortable thinking about her getting married to Arnav betwa.

Bua: Nandkishore! Garima we talked about her getting married to Arnav. I personally don't like the idea of her getting married to that man, but we are helpless. She's not going to listen to us.

Ga: (in a mute tone) I know. That is what worries me more. She doesn't know how bitterly her past links them together, even before they knew each other.

Buaji tried to console the now frantic Garima hardly gaining any success.

________________________________

Nani sat on the couch resting her tired legs.

Nani: Anjali betya please pass me the baggages. I just can't wait to show you the stuff I brought from Lucknow.

Anj: Ahan..Nani..hold it.. not so fast, you had better take rest first than we will look at everything peacefully.

Nani: Peacefully? Betya the marriage is due in two days!

Anjali kept a hand on Nani's shoulder and sat next to her.

Anj: Relax Nani. Everything is going to be fine. I am going to handle everything.

Nani: Where is Chotte?

Anj: (making a face) Office.

Nani: Chotein bhi na. Kabhi nahin Sudhrein gey.

From the stairs descended Manorama Mami obviously noticing Nani present.

Mami: Hello Hi Bye Bye! Sasoma app ayath gaye?

Nani: Jee.

Mami: (eyeing the baggage) Hello Hi Bye Bye! Yeah to app pori ki pori shopwa uthawat laye.

Nani: (flatly) Shaadi ki liya layath hain.

Anjali sensing that a way was being paved for another one of Nani and Mami's famous heated quarrels stepped in between.

Anj: Nani. Please go to your room and have some rest. Just look at your self you look terribly worn out.

Nani hesitated but took Anjali's advice and went to her room.

Mami: (in a non-audible voice) Hello Hi Bye Bye! Ahein gayein Mogambua.

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Khushi sat in the car silent. Her last dialogue had made a great impact on Arnav. They had rode in silence. Arnav pulled inside the little crammed street of Chandi Chowk and just halted the car at the door step. Khushi got out and waved at him forcing a smile on her face. Arnav smiled back reluctantly as if lost deep in thought and went off.

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Payal smiled to herself still in her room, the flashback ending. Khushi and her love story was the craziest one ever, yet it was no wonder quite extraordinary. Her mind was pre occupied by weird strange thoughts. She looked around her room, and now could sense a familiarity with it, but two day's later everything would change.

Two day's later this room wouldn't be her, no Khushi, no Amma, no Bauji, no Buaji, she would be in a house with a completely new set of people. New room, new house, new people.

Aakash and Arnav had decided on not having a bachelor party, as Nani was deeply against it and secondly Arnav didn't have enough friends to invite. Aakash felt ridiculed to have a party full of his friends with no company for Arnav. The engagement had taken place the very next when Khushi had broken out the news of getting married to Arnav ji. All that remained of the rituals was the main day. The wedding day.

She wondered if the same things were going through Khushi's mind. The marriage was a high profile one from their in laws side, however as they were fairly low on their budget they had tried to keep it as simple as possible from their side.

*Ding Dong*

She got up from her bed and went out of the room towards the door, only to find Amma had only opened it. It was Khushi.

Ga: (taunting) So early? You could have taken you time.

Kh: (embarrassed) Amma, It was actually a very important meeting. Arnav couldn't help but take me.

Ga: Important than your marriage?

Khushi looked down. Urgh! How many times is this going to happen. Leave it to Arnav for having me humiliated all the time. Initially at his hands, and now all the time at Amma's.

Kh: No Amma, actually,

Ga: Khushi leave it. I don't want to listen to anything. Go change into your casuals, and get to work; there is a lot of work at home.

'You are going to work? Brides don't work'. Arnav's dialogue came into Khushi's mind. Come here, and see everything. Brides don't work. She snorted.

Seeing Garima, in a not so happy mood, she quickly went into the room, and Payal followed her inside. Khushi heaved herself hard on her bed throwing her entire weight on it. Payal looked at her in amusement. Silly Khushi. Payal sat on her bed next to where she was lying.

Pa: So how was your outing?

Kh: Arey Jeeji, it was hardly an outing. It was business meeting.

Pa: Oh, must be important, no wonder he called you so urgently.

Kh: Too important and ( she started blabbering about what had happened during their visit to the Oberoi's.

Pa: (smirking) Seem to be a very interesting couple.

Khushi giggled.

Payal: I want to tell you something.

Before Khushi could reply the door bell rang once again.

Kh: (grumbling) Who is it now?

She got up from her bed and sped off towards the door opening it before Buaji made her way towards it. Outside stood three young men, in normal attire, that she had never seen before.

Kh: Yes?

One of the men: Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada sent us.

Oh gosh! Why does he have to take everything I say so seriously? Like did he think I meant what I say.

Khushi shot them a perplexed look. Garima shouted from inside her room.

Ga: Who is it Khushi?

Kh: Amma, I don't know.

Garima upon hearing that came out walking. Just as she had reached the scene, Khushi's cell phone that was luckily in her hand at the moment, began to ring violently. Khushi picked it up without looking at the name appearing on the screen.

Kh: (in a confused tone) Hello?

Ar: (sensing the servants presence) Arnav here. So I see the servants are here.

Kh: Why did you sent them? Seriously Arnav what I said in the car, I didn't mean it.

Ar: But I took it as you meant it. They are here, to help you. I don't want you wilting doing work.

Garima looked at Khushi, all her ears on her conversation. Upon hearing Arnav being addressed by her, a scorn appeared on her face.

Ga: Khushi? Who are they?

Khushi kept the phone down her ear without switching it off. Payal sensing commotion rushed to where now Garima and Khushi stood at the door with, three men waiting on their footstep.

Kh: (hesitantly) Amma..erm..Arnav sent them..

Ga: Why?

Kh: To help us with the marriage preparations.

Garima shot her a furious look. This was unbearable for her now. What did that beast think of himself? She had been trying hard to convince her heart to accept him and Khushi together and now this act of his made the task even more harder.

Ga: What! What the hell does he think of himself?

Khushi was momentarily taken aback. She was surprised with Garima's hoarse reaction.

Kh: Amma?

Ga: What Amma! Don't look at me like that! That beast he keeps throwing money on out face and making us feel inferior.

Kh: (desperately) But Amma, he's just trying to help.

Ga: Help? Help us, by breaking our self-esteem?

A tear trickled down Khushi's face why was Amma acting so hostile towards Arnav?

Kh: He's just trying to lessen down our burden.

Ga: (angrily) By making us feel degraded?

Khushi couldn't stand it anymore. Amma was accusing Arnav's good intention's at random.

Kh: (near to a yell) Amma! He's not making us DEGRADED! Why do you have a problem with Arnav and not Aakash?

Payal shot her a surprised, thunderstruck look. Khushi had NEVER compared the two brothers' together. Garima grew furious at Khushi's comment.

Ga: The brothers are total opposites! One's a Ram and other a Raavan!

Khushi nearly fell to the ground. Her Amma had just called Arnav Raavan. Raavan? Raavan? How could she? Payal could see the fight would get harsher than ever. She tried to calm down Garima.

Pa: Amma..please calm down.

Ga: (shoving her off) Payal you stay out of this! This Khushi she's crossing her limits. She's turning as manner less and ruthless as he is. She doesn't understand Arnav Singh Raizada is trouble and nothing else.

Kh: He's perfect for me Amma!

Ga: I said STOP yelling Khushi! *pause* Apna khoon aakhir apna hein hot hain.

A river of tears rolled down her cheek making her skin moist. She couldn't stand it anymore. Slowly she turned away and crying rushed off to her room he phone still in her hand the call still CONNECTED.

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P.S: A pretty long update. And a negligible amount of ArHi it has. Sorry, but the story has got to move forward. I couldn't help but reduce some romance from this part. It needed the seriousness, to understand the situation and family problem one faces while getting married to someone against the good will of your parents.

Anyways, Do leave back your comments, and don't forget to hit the like button to appreciate.

Love,

Batool😳