PART SIX
Khushi was in a state of confusion. Her married life had already fallen apart and she was really worried by the new news of having Lavanya as her Devrani. Not that her life is perfect. But she did not want a new problem added to the list of problems she already had which includes an angry husband who was behaving quite politely because of the guilt of the deed he did to her and also because she was bearing his child, a family to whom she had to pretend she was happy when in reality she was not and finally her only happiness, her baby. And she did not know what additional problem Lavanya will bring.
She waited tensely as the afternoon of their arrival neared. She was fidgeting with her sari and was very nervous at coming face to face with the one person whom she had wronged out of her helplessness.
Akash had gone to Lucknow to bring Payal back home as she had gone to their parents' house as Akash had agreed to accompany Anjali on her trip. So Arnav had gone to pick up Dhruv and Lavanya. When the door opened Khushi felt even more tensed but eventually calmed down when Lavanya came screaming,"Chamkili" and hugged her tightly.
Lavanya hugged her only friend tightly and Khushi had tears in her eyes as she was finally united with her friend and also by the fact that her fears had come down to nothing. Lavanya released Khushi and held her hand and took her to a handsome guy whom Khushi guessed would be Dhruv. But unable to cope with Lavanya's speed in introducing her husband she tripped. Lavanya held her but in turn had to face Arnav's wrath. Arnav bitingly said,"Lavanya be careful. She is pregnant." And saying so he released Khushi from Lavanya's grip and held her arms and took her to the couch and asked her to sit. Lavanya said," O oh ASR. Do not boss around. She is pregnant only for three months and I would not let anything happen to my Chamkili."
With that she pulled her husband's hand and brought him to Khushi.
Lavanya said," Chamkili this is Dhruv. My husband. My prince charming. We met in London and fell in love with each other and only after that I knew he was ASR's brother. Then finally we got married last month. But I really missed you for it was you who taught me the importance of marriage and also true love. And I am glad I found my true love in him. And so we will be always together for life now na. Since we have married two brothers. Well you are my jethani but I know you will always be the sweet person I know."
Dhruv then said," Bhabhi I am really happy that I finally met you. Lavanya has been saying a lot about you. You know she accepted to me how you were ill-treated by her initially and then how you even changed her and helped her in getting Dadi's permission. When I compliment her on her cooking she will say it is because of Chamkili. When I appreciate her love for Indian traditions and respect for elders she will say only again that it is because of Chamkili. Well I really wanted to thank you Bhabhi and also it is really nice meeting you."
Khushi smiled sweetly and said," I did not do anything Dhruvji. I just brought out the love and the hidden nature of her out. It was not a big deal for Lavanyaji is a really sweet woman by nature itself."
They both looked at each other and smiled. Arnav noticed that even though she smiled, her smile did not reach her eyes. And he felt his conscience prick at having brought her to this position today. He thought of all the good old days when she was really innocent, nave and chirpy, when her smile used to radiate, when the aura around her made everyone else to smile and laugh at her antics. When everything Khushi had done was bring happiness to the people around her he had killed that spirited Khushi by his words, actions and he promised himself to bring that Khushi back.
Khushi excused herself saying she was tired and Lavanya helped her to her room. He followed them after five minutes. He heard Khushi sobbing to Lavanya and saying, "I am really sorry Lavanyaji. I did not mean to snatch your life and I would never dream of stealing men from others life." Lavanya consoled her and finally said soothingly," Chamkili I was never angry at you for deep inside It was just attraction not love between me and ASR. And when I came back Di said me everything and also it is because you married ASR that I found my prince charming in Dhruv. We both love each other and he was the one to teach me the meaning of love unlike ASR who knew only faayda and nuksaan. Our relationship was not based on love but his gain in escaping Nani from her proposals. But with Dhruv I am really happy for he loves me for what I am. So do not feel bad. I am really happy the way things turned out for us. But are you happy Chamkili? We both know ASR really well. If you were happy then why did you go away Chamkili? Why have you come back now. Answer me Chamkili?"
Khushi looked up Lavanya and was shocked at this mature person whom she never knew. She looked in her eyes and answered, "I do not know Lavanyaji. I love him but he does not. He had a troubled past and I can understand that but all I want is someone to understand me, care me and yes we both know he does not believe in all these. And as far me leaving him, Sorry Lavanyaji it is between me and my husband and I am not going to share it with anyone and it will remain only between us. But he is regretting it now and I cannot see him in guilt for long. I am just confused by his emotions and will be glad if he can talk to me freely. But for now I am really happy that I am carrying a piece of him inside me and not think about the future."
Arnav, hearing all this quietly went to his garden. He knew he had blundered her hugely and cannot expect anything from her. But he was glad that she still loved him and he knew how to correct the mistake he had done. And bring back the old Khushi.
Precap; Arnav and the entire family in Shimla
Anupamaa
Cricket
10