OS Khushi's First Karva Chauth
By: Satina
"He's not coming Khushi," Payal said softly, her voice full of concern and disappointment.
"Please Khushi," Lavanya pleaded, "Eat something!" She pushed a plate filled with food closer to Khushi.
Khushi looked up at her two sister-in-laws; she would do anything for them, but not this.
"I can't'I won't eat without him here," whispered Khushi, her voice soft, but firm. They nodded understandingly, and Khushi heard the door close as they quietly left.
With tear-filled eyes Khushi gazed out at the moonlit pool through the glass doors that connected it to their room. The muted sounds of laughter and conversation drifted down towards her from the terrace above. She could imagine the scene up there: Jiji and Akash jiju smiling at each other, Nanheji joking with Lavanyaji, Mamiji and Mamaji speaking with Naniji. Khushi smiled as she thought about her family. Anjali Di would be there too with her husband'
Khushi's smile immediately vanished at the thought of the snake. Once she had been a happy, innocent girl; but Shyam's endless lies had changed everything. Shocked and confused, Arnav had confronted Shyam after discovering that Shyam had been Khushi's fianc. Her heart began to beat faster as Khushi remembered how Shyam had convinced Arnav of his lies:
Arnav had grabbed Khushi's wrists, ignoring her questions, and avoiding her eyes. Shyam was waiting for them ahead, glaring at Arnav's hand on Khushi, an evil sneer on his face.
"Saale saab, listen to me once! This girl has been plotting to ruin your sister's life for months. She loves only me, but when I told her I was happily married, she started going after you just so that she could remain near me!!"
Arnav let go of her wrist, stunned at his brother-in-law's words.
"All the moments she has spent with you, everything has been her plan just to be with me. She has no feelings for you," Shyam said and began laughing, "Did you really think she cared for you?"
Arnav's anger rose with each passing word, his pain and hurt evident in his eyes. Khushi had tried to explain, but Arnav hadn't listened. All he remembered was how heartbroken she had been when her engagement had broken, never telling him her truth all these months.
But he'd surprised her the next day by asking her to marry him. She knew he was only thinking of protecting his sister's marriage and keeping the family together. Yet, she had said yes. This was the only way for her to prove her innocence and more importantly, she loved him and couldn't live without him, even if he hated her.
After their marriage, he'd ignored her for weeks, only acknowledging her when someone was around. But Khushi hadn't given up. She'd sensed his feelings of pain and hurt underneath his mask of anger.
Khushi shivered as she remembered the past. She had always dreamt about a loving huband and a happy marriage, but reality was much different. Today was her first Karva Chauth, and her husband wasn't even here.
Hungry and thirsty, Khushi was determined to only break her fast when he was with her. Absentmindedly, she touched his laptop and noticed a bright pink envelope stuffed underneath. Inside a letter read:
To Mr. & Mrs. Arnav Singh Raizada:
We would be honored if you would both attend our "Spanish Romance" Event.
Your presence is requested, as Mr. Raizada will be presented with an award and is the evening's honorary guest.
Enclosed is a formal invitation. We look forward to seeing you soon!
Sincerely,
INTERNATIONAL FASHION ASSOCIATION (IFA)
Khushi lifted the invitation and realized that the date was today's. So this is where he has gone, why didn't he tell me, thought Khushi frowning slightly. Suddenly, Khushi jumped with excitement, she had a brilliant idea on how to save her marriage. She opened her closet and knew just what to wear, it would perfectly match the theme of the party! She slipped into the red silk dress Lavanya had given her, hesitantly. She pulled on her matching stilettos, and smiled as she wore the silver earrings from the photo shoot. As she quietly left Raizada Mansion, she couldn't help but think, tonight would change everything.
To be continued... Next part: Party, dance, & more...
Anupamaa
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