Hi guys, here's part two, a few things to clear out first.
1. My laptop's ancient and barely working, and I'm facing troubles accepting buddy requests and doing PMs, so unfortunately I won't be able to do that for the time being. Sorry! :(
2. I'm ignoring Shyam for now because my main focus is on how Arnav will win Khushi back with his family's help.
3. This part unfortunately has no Arhi, but it was important to establish the Raizada family's place in this story. I promise next part is full of Arshi and nothing else! :)
Enjoy!
Part 2
It was well after dinner, and the entire Raizada family, save Khushi was gathered in Anjali's room (Shyam was away on a 'business trip'). Arnav had to literally dragged everyone from their rooms after Khushi had fallen asleep from the emotionally exhausting day.
Locking the door securely, Arnav turned around to face his bewildered family. "I know ki raat bahut ho chuki, I'm sorry. Par mera aap sab se baat karna bahut zaroori hai." He took a deep breath and continued, "Aap sab jaanna chahte the na ki Khushi aur maine itni jaldbazi mein shaadi kyun ki. Who meri galti thi. It was all my fault. I felt insecure because everybody was linking Khushi to NK and other men. I didn't want to loose her. So I blackmailed her into marrying me in a hurry."
Arnav registered the look of hurt and disbelief on Payal's face. His heart clenched, punishing him for lying to his own family. Or at least, only telling them half the truth. But he knew he had to play within the boundaries of the circumstances for the good of his family and his Di. "I know I was wrong. I realized almost as soon as I saw how unhappy Khushi was with the accelerated pace of our wedding. But you guys know how I am. Gussa aata hai to kuch soch nahi pata hoon…" he gave a wry smile.
Mami was the first to break the silence engulfing the family. "Hello hi bye bye Arnav bitwa, par ee baat aap hume ab kyun admits kar rahe ho? Phati sari…hamra matlab Khushi bitiya to aapki biwi ban gayi hai na?"
"Haan mami, par aapne dekha nahi aaj who ghumsum si thi?" Arnav explained. "Maine use bataya ki maine jaldi shaadi ke liye force kyun kiya to who bahut naraz ho gayi. She thinks…use lagta hai ki main uspe bharosa nahi karta…she thinks I don't trust her…" Arnav voice broke in the last few words. Immediately, Payal, Aakash and Anjali rushed forward to console him.
"Arnavji main aapke is phaisle se khush to nahi hoon, lekin main jaanti hoon ki Khushi ko aapse behtar jeevan saathi nahi mil saktha tha. Par ab aap kya karenge?" Payal asked.
"I don't know Payal. I need to make her realize that I trust her as much as I love her. But she's not even willing to talk to me anymore. I have decided that I'm going to convince her of my love even if it takes my entire life to do it. But I can't do that on my own. I need everybody's help." Arnav looked around, relieved to see his ever-supporting family nodding in unison at him. "Aap sab jaante hain ki Khushi kaisi hai. She'll try her best to avoid me. But I need to spend as much time as possible with her. So I need you guys to create circumstances which will leave her with no choice but to come to me. I'll be working from home for a few days. I need you guys to keep reminding her that I love her, just as I will. That's all I can ask of you now" Arnav concluded, his head hung in shame, remorse and guilt.
Anjali put a reassuring hand on her little brother's shoulder. "Chhotte, I'm still angry with you for what you've done to us and Khushiji, but all I know is that after a long time, my chotte has asked me for something. And I'm not going to deny him that." She smiled at her little brother.
"Aap bilkul theek keh rahe ho Anjali bitiya. Hum sab ko chotte ka saath dena chahiye. Par ab raat bahut ho chuki hai, hum sab sone jaate hain. Kal se is ghar me bahut bada kaam shuru hone ja raha hai, hum sab ko taakat chahiye ki nahi?" Nani smiled and patted her grandson's cheek, as he turned his head and kissed her hand to thank her.
One by one the Raizadas left for their abodes, and Arnav strode towards his room, a man with a purpose. Opening the door, he found Khushi as he had left her, sleeping calmly on the bed. He knelt beside her and traced the dried tears on her cheeks. "I love you Mrs. Raizada…" he whispered before climbing into bed and tucking her soft body into his hard one and falling asleep with his face buried in her long silky tresses.
Precap: How will Khushi react to Arnav's proximity when she wakes up???
As usual, constructive critisism is always welcome :D
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