|Arhi FF|~ Consequences UPD.PG.89

INDEX:

Chapter 1 (Pg. 1)

Chapter 2 (Pg. 1)

Chapter 3 (Pg. 1)

Chapter 4 (Pg. 1)

Chapter 5 (Pg. 1)

Chapter 6 (Pg. 1)

Chapter 7 (Pg. 2)

Chapter 8 (Pg. 5)

Chapter 9 (Pg. 7)

Chapter 10 (Pg.10)

Chapter 11 (Pg. 16)

Chapter 12 (Pg. 20)

Chapter 13 (Pg. 23)

Chapter 14 (Pg. 27)

Chapter 15 (Pg. 32)

Chapter 16 (Pg. 38)

Chapter 17 (Pg. 45)

Chapter 18 (Pg. 51)

Chapter 19 (Pg. 57)

Chapter 20 (Pg. 64)

Chapter 21 (Pg.73)

Chapter 22 (Pg. 81)

Chapter 23 (Pg. 89)
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Chapter 1: Nostalgia

The phone in the Raizada mansion rang without pause. Arnav Singh Raizada slowly rose from the recliner in his room with impatience.

"HARI PRAKASH!" He yelled.

No reply. Letting out an exasperated sigh he descended the stairs to the main room.

---

Nani was busy with Lakshmi when she heard the phone. Hari Prakash had gone to the market, so Nani hurried to the main room.

"Hello?" Nani spoke into the reciever.

"Na-Naniji?" A frail voice on the opposite side whispered.

---

Arnav Singh Raizada was not a man accustomed to the element of surprise. However, the words his Nani spoke into the telephone shocked him.

Arnav was half way down the stairs when he saw Nani approach the phone. With an annoyed grunt he had turned around and began his climb up the stairs.That's when he heard Nani slowly say a name that awoke in him an unsettled past. She said the only name that had any kind of control on the uncontrollable ASR.

"Khushi betiyan? Is it really you?" Nani had said.

Khushi. Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada. Arnav was frozen. His left foot was caught midway in action. Slowly, he put his foot down and turned to face his Nani, listening.

---

Nani could not control the emotions that went through her mind when she first heard the voice. Khushi, her beloved granddaughter in law.

"It's me." Khushi replied.

"How are you? Where are you, betiyan? It's been so long! Do you not miss me? Do you not miss your Jiji? It's been a year, darling, where have you been?" Nani couldn't stop herself.

"Me teek hoon, Nani. I'm fine. How are you, Nani?"

"I'm fine now. I'm glad you called, child. You have yet to answer my question, where are you?"

"Nani, actually, I'm..." Khushi hesitated. Was this what she wanted to do? It didn't matter, she told herself, it was the right thing to do and so she'll do it.

"Tell me..." Nani urged.

"I reached Delhi today, Nani. I'm coming back... today."

"Aaj?!" Nani was delighted. "When?"

Suddenly Nani was brought back to reality. "Khushi... Why?"

Chapter 2: Why?

Why?

Khushi sighed. "It's important, Nani. It's very important. I'm going to need the family there. The entire family."

Nani knew what she meant by "entire". It meant Arnav. "Of course dear. You'll be here for dinner?"

"Ji han, Nani."

"Okay, dear, we'll talk then. I need to prepare to receive you properly. Do hurry."

"Of course, Nani."

---

Khushi, his Khushi, was on the phone with Nani. Nani had passed through an array of emotions throughout the conversation and Arnav was able to figure out something was happening today. Then Nani talked about her coming for dinner.

"Khushi was in Delhi? Why was she here? Why didn't I know about it? And she's coming here today? Where was she now? She has no place to stay! She's back!" Arnav's internal monologue sped up with each question.

"CHOTE! ANJALI! MANORAMA! AKASH!" Nani's voice sounded from the main room.

Arnav descended the stairs quickly. It was about Khushi - he knew it. From all corners of the room, the family members emerged. Manorama with Mama-ji, Akash with Payal, and Anjali with her baby and Shyam trailing behind.

Arnav still didn't like the sight of his brother in law, Shyam. He took a deep breath in and reminded him of Shyam's condition.

"I have some important news." Nani started. Once she had everyone's attention, she continued. "Believe it or not, Khushi betiyan just called me."

Gasps and murmurs were exchanged and Nani kept her gaze on Arnav. Payal shed tears of joy as Akash held her. Arnav's eyes had flashed at the mention of her name, but his face remained emotionless.

"She will be reaching here in time for dinner. I don't know know why she's coming, but she has told me it is important. She has requested everyone to be present when she comes." Nani threw a stern look at Arnav. "Everyone."

"Aur han-" Nani reminded. "She is still the daughter in law of this house. Preparations to welcome her should be done without flaw." Nani paused with uncertainty as she said the next sentence and kept her eyes on Arnav. "Anjali, you, please... Please arrange the guest room for her."

---

Anjali Jha was more surprised than pleased at the news Nani had just delivered. She had watched Chote as Nani shared information about her recent phone call. He left with Nani's last comment to Anjali. Anjali sighed. Maybe there's still a chance.

Anjali - the entire family, actually - was now aware of why Arnav had married Khushi. She was aware of the deceit her husband had pulled her entire family into. She was shattered at first. When Chote and Khushi told her the truth about her husband, Anjali had fallen into an emotional pit. It took some time, but Anjali realized that as devoted as she was, she was not a bad judge of character. There had to be something, something, that triggered her husband.

It took more time, but the family learned of Shyam's mental condition. He was a schizophrenic. Anjali took to nursing him with open arms and blamed everything he had done on his condition. Chote was the most difficult to convince, but he too had started on the path of forgiveness.

And now Khushi...

---

Khushi Kumari Gupta had never imagined what it would be like to make that phone call. She smiled in relief. That wasn't so bad. However, dinner tonight - no, going there tonight - would be difficult. She clutched the Mangalsutra that still hung to her neck. "I have to do this." She reminded herself.

Khushi stared at the city from the window of the hotel she stayed at. She no longer had a place to call home in Delhi. Buaji, Bauji, and her Amma had moved back to Lucknow. She felt alone now in this city that, a year ago, meant so much for her.

In another room, a voice awoke Khushi from her thoughts. Shiv. With a smile, she realized she wasn't alone.

And why? "It's the right thing to do," the voice reminded her.

Chapter 3: Shiv

Arnav was back at a place he returned from months ago. Khushi. As if losing her wasn't enough, she was now coming back. Did she want to taunt him? Haunt his dreams again? Exhausted he sat down onto his recliner. That's when another thought struck him.

Maybe she was back for him. Maybe this was his chance to get her back. He had failed once and maybe this was his second chance. Maybe she was here to challenge him. That's what they did best - challenge each other.

Arnav Singh Raizada was well educated on how to win over clients. He was ready to take on this challenge. Khushi Kumari Gupta was something else, he warned himself. Oh wait, he thought. Kushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada. He smirked with the knowledge that he already had the upper hand in this challenge.

---

At 6 o'clock, a knock at Khushi's door announced that a car was waiting to bring her to dinner.

"How typical of Mr.Raizada," she thought, "treating everyone like a client."

With Shiv, Khushi climbed into the car. Her heartbeat increased with each mile the car traveled. She wanted Arnav to be there today, but she didn't know how to face him. Where would she find the courage? She looked at Shiv, who was watching Khushi with his eyes. She would find courage in him, he reassured with his eyes.

---

Payal Singh Raizada was overcome with emotions as she waited for her sister's arrival. One year felt like an eternity. Her beloved sister was returning. As soon as she heard the gates of the Raizada mansion open to let the car in, Payal and the entire family hurried to the door. Payal paused in surprise for a second as she saw Arnav slowly descend the stairs, and then she proceeded to run out the door.

---

Arnav heard the commotion downstairs that confirmed Khushi had arrived. He would be brave, he had decided, and be there to greet her. After all, she was coming back.

He stayed in the back with Akash as Payal ran out the front door and everybody else waited in the doorway.

---

The car had barely stopped when Khushi's door was thrown open and her Jiji, overcome with emotion, pulled her out the car and embraced her.

Tears sprung into Khushi's eyes as she whispered, "Jiji..."

Her Jiji kissed her cheeks and pulled her toward the door. Khushi turned to the car and saw Hari Prakash unloading her luggage.

As she was pulled away, she motioned Hari Prakash to the backseat and was able to say "Get Shiv!" before her Jiji pulled her away.

Khushi froze at the doorway of the Raizada mansion as memories flooded her. The last few memories were the freshest and she shut her eyes to stop the tears. She opened her eyes to take in Nani-ji, Anjali-ji with a thali,Mami-ji, Mama-ji, Shyam (she did a small cringe), Akash, and... Arnav-ji. She dropped her gaze as Anjali and Nani embraced her and welcomed her into the house.

She could feel Arnav's eyes on her, but she looked at everyone but him.

"Khushi dear, you finally came." Nani said as she embraced her.

"Khushi-ji, you've been missed. A lot." Anjali added stroking her cheek.

A voice outside interrupted the reunion. "Khushi-ji," Hari Prakash was at the door with Shiv. "Here you go." Khushi looked at Shiv and took him into her arms. He cooed as he recognized Khushi.

The Raizada family stood silently watching. Even Arnav, who a second ago couldn't keep his eyes off Khushi, now looked back at the baby in Khushi's arms and back at her.

"Who is this, Khushi?" Nani asked concerned.

Khushi took a deep breathe. The time had come and everyone was here. She looked at Shiv and smiled. Shiv, her five month old son, played with her earrings.

"Nani, I told you about something important..." Khushi started.

The family waited for her answer. Arnav was impatient, but he too waited.

"Nani, this is Shiv. He's... He's five months old." Khushi continued.

"Yes but who is he, betiyan?" Nani asked her.

"He's... He's Shiv Singh Raizada. He's my five month old son."

Chapter 4: Understanding

Arnav was shocked for a second time this day. Both times because of Kushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada.

Shiv. The minute Khushi had taken him into her arms from Hari Prakash, Arnav thought he had lost the challenge. There was no way he told himself. Not while she was still married. It's Khushi, he thought then. She always surprised him. He thought the child's father was the "important news" Khushi had to share with Nani. With the entire family.

Shiv Singh Raizada. Arnav's knees felt weak. He understood everything. "He's my five month old son," Khushi had said. It echoed in Arnav's ears as his eyes froze on the tiny human being clutching to his mother's shoulder. His family said nothing. He said nothing. The child's father wasn't the important news Khushi had to share, it was the child. There was no need to present the child's father. Everybody knew who it was.

"Matlaab, this is... this is..." Anjali stuttered in realization.

"Meaning this is Arnav Singh Raizada's son also." Khushi said softly and finally looked at Arnav.

Arnav looked up suddenly at Khushi as if it had just struck him. He knew it. Yet, hearing it said out loud shook him to the core. He didn't know what to say. He didn't know whether to be angry or happy. He didn't know if he should ask questions or let Khushi tell everyone everything. He didn't know whether to hold his son in his arms or walk away from it all. So he stood there, staring at Khushi, who had looked down.

"But... but you never told us! You never told anyone!" Nani-ji accused Khushi with tears as she reached for Shiv. Shiv cooed and went with Nani without hesitation.

Arnav looked at him. The baby was chubby and happy with a head full of curls and eyes just like Khushi. He looked at Khushi as she stood there with tears streaming down her face.Tears entered his own eyes and he blinked them away. The rest of the family stood smiling through tears as they all went up to hold Shiv.

"Why don't we all go inside now?" Akash asked. "And once we sit, Khushi-ji can..." Akash shot a look at Arnav. "Khushi-ji can explain."

Arnav silently thanked Akash and walked to Khushi. The family froze with tension.

"Come." Arnav said taking hold off her elbow. It wasn't a command, tt wasn't a request. It was a plea. Slowly but steadily, the pieces were falling together in Arnav's head. Why she left Delhi, why she accepted the money, why she never asked for a divorce...

"Look at him! Bilkul like our Chote. He has his mother's eyes though!" Anjali praised her nephew as she held Shiv.

"Khushi betiyan, you have a lot to tell us." Nani reminded her.

---

When Arnav stood silently as she explained who Shiv was, Khushi knew that he understood. When he held her elbow in his Laad Governor way and asked her to come, she knew he wanted to know. He wanted to understand.

She didn't know how to begin, or where to begin. Anjali held Shiv and he seemed at ease. Everyone in the family had by now reached for Shiv and held him. Everyone except Arnav. Arnav stood watching Khushi. She took a seat as Nani, Anjali-ji, and everybody else settled around her. Arnav remained standing eager to know everything.

"I didn't know." Khushi started and whispered. "If I knew, I would've never left."

Chapter 5: Reactions

Arnav froze. She didn't know? About what? Oh, he realized what she meant. She didn't know she was pregnant.

---

Tears continued to stream down Khushi's face. The family took in what she had said and waited patiently for Khushi to continue.

"When I left I just wanted to go back to Lucknow. I changed my mind then because... Because I just wanted to be alone and went to Bombay. I've been there for the past year."

Arnav took in what she was saying. He had always thought she went to Lucknow, not with her parents, but somewhere there. Bombay was unexpected.

"I had money from the lunch service I had started saved up, so I rented a room at a decent hotel and started looking for a job. I got a job at a sweet shop and I was set on settling in Bombay."

That doesn't explain why she took the money. She had a job? Arnav's mind was filled with thoughts.

"One day, I collapsed on the stairs that led to my room. I had shifted to a women's hostel. My room mate found me and took me to a hospital. It turned out I was already 2 months pregnant and unaware of it. I didn't have to think twice about it. I was keeping and having the baby."

When Khushi said she didn't have to think twice, Arnav felt a surge of emotions. He felt a sort of unspoken gratitude towards her and continued to listen. It was making sense now.

"I quit my job." Khushi gave Arnav a meaningful look. That explained the money to Arnav.

Nani had taken Shiv from Anjali and was gently patting him down. Khushi wanted to take Shiv from Nani, but she reminded herself that she had been selfish for the past 5 months and now it was Nani's turn to care for Shiv.

"Look..." Khushi's voice broke and she inhaled a deep breath. Don't stop now, Khushi. Not now. Spit it out and let them know.

"Look I know what I did was selfish. Extremely insensitive and pathetic even. And I'm not here to ask you to take me back or forget everything that's happened. I'm here because it's the right thing to do. I'm here because Shiv is a Raizada and all of you deserve to know about him." She paused and softly added. "His father needs to know about him."

---

Arnav Singh Raizada took to the emotion that was he was known for using best. Anger. No, anger was an understatement. He took to outright and pure fury.

"And you're here after an entire year claiming to do the 'right thing'?" He exploded. As soon as the words left his mouth he wished he had stopped himself.

Shiv broke into tears and clutched to Nani's saree in desperation. Arnav looked at his son. Great, he thought, I didn't even hold the kid and managed to make him cry while standing across the room.

---

Arnav had exploded and Khushi had in a way expected it. However, Shiv breaking into tears was not what she expected. Her maternal instincts kicked in as she shot Arnav a look of disgust and went to gather Shiv into her arms. She was about to turn around and unleash her fury on Arnav when he stormed away. He went up the stairs and into his room. Khushi watched him go.

Does he even want to hold Shiv? It's his son too for god's sake! How dare he make the little thing cry and then storm away from here. I'm here to tell him about Shiv for his sake! And he doesn't even take a minute to realize that I didn't have to come here or tell him about our baby or even let Shiv know he has a father and Arnav Singh Raizada walks away? Khushi felt the tears forming in her eyes and closed them to diminish any tears. She rocked Shiv till he fell asleep. Anjali had followed her brother and Akash along with the rest of the family sat there speechless.

Khushi had never expected this to be easy. And Arnav's reaction was as extreme as she had thought it to be. Even then, somewhere in the back of her mind she had hoped for a second that Arnav would take the time to understand why she did what she had done. Typical Arnav Singh Raizada. Judge without looking at both sides of the story.

"Khushi, does Shiv need to eat food before he sleeps?" Nani asked with concern in her tone.

"Nahee, Nani, he'll wake up in an hour. I feed him then and he sleeps for a couple of hours." Khushi explained realizing that they didn't know anything about Shiv.

"Achaa. Well you can go to your room Khushi. I think we all need time to take in everything that's been revealed." Nani said standing up.

"Ji Nani." Khushi stood up with Shiv and left without a word to the room Payal led her to. As soon as she got to the room, she closed the door without letting Payal in. She needed some time alone.

There was a knock at her door.

"Khushi betiyan, give Arnav some time. You know him just as well as we all do. He's bad with matters of the heart, betiyan. Just give him time." Nani comforted Khushi from the other side of the door and walked away.

Khushi felt better at Nani's words. She'll give time. She already knew he'll take time. She just didn't know how much.

**Friends, please let me know if you like this FF. -Ann:) **

Awww very sweet plz do continue

love sanaya and Barun! they simply rockk..