Arhi SS: The devil is back COMPLETED parts 1-9 - Page 4

They walked in the room Arnav infront of Khushi, intending no unwanted eyes to fall on his wife. However, the long dining table was unusually quiet, lacking Mami's impatient demands for food and the chatter. Arnav indicated for Khushi to sit three seats from Shyaam, who was was sitting on Nani's right side, she was seated head of the table. Next to the snake sat Anjali, her arm looped threw, his which was resting on the table, her head perched on his shoulder. Across them sat Dadi a smirk on her face, her head placed high, whilst NK threw disgusted looks at the devil and its equal. Arnav sat beside Khushi, so he was between her and Shyaam, placing himself next to Anjali.

Arnav laced his fingers with Khushi under the table, he pressed his thumb softly into the base of her index finger, she looked up at him, his eyes questioned if she was okay, she nodded squeezing his hand. His shoulders relaxed.

The first person to break the silence was Payal, who was directly across Khushi, "Khushi," all finally looked up, grateful for the opportunity, heads turned towards Payal, "Babu-ji is not well", Khushi's eyes grew, knowing her sister very well, Payal shook her head, a little smile on her lips and said, "don't worry, the doctor said he should be fine in a few days, me and Akash are going tomorrow to stay for a few days." Khushi nodded, eyes back on her plate.

The food was served and the only sound was the clattering of cutlery. After a few minutes Anjali cleared her throat looked at her brother and said, "so Chote, did you finish off your work at the office." Arnav took his time to chew, cleared his throat and replied, without looking up "yes." He continued eating, acting like nothing was wrong, however warning bells were ringing for Khushi, she could tell he was on the edge of losing control of patience. It was, after all, the question of her safety, and so his contentment.

"Are you okay, Chote?" Anjali said slowly. Something in Arnav snapped and he let his fork drop noisily to his plate. He swiftly turned around, facing Anjali, eyes flashing "what makes you think I'm okay, DI?" He exclaimed. "He's in this house," thrusting a finger behind Anjali, staring at the scum. "After everything he's done, Di, you're just going to blindly listen to him, he betrayed you-"

"You don't know Chote, it was all misunderstanding," she said desperately, reaching for Shyaam's hand on her other side.

"Misunderstanding?" he repeated incredulously. "How the hell is it a misunderstanding?"

The rest of the diners looked at him, shocked. Arnav Singh Raizada had done the unthinkable, today his anger was directed as his beloved sister.

"Chote please, let's just forget about it." Anjali said almost in tears.

Arnav was about to open his mouth, when Khushi held his arm to stop him, "no good will come of it," Khushi whispered. His eyes darted to her wrist, if he said more in front of Shyaam that could only provoke him to hurt Khushi more. He closed his eyes, drew in a deep breath and cleared his throat. "One thing I want to make very clear," he spoke coldly, now looking directly at the snake. "You are not to go anywhere near my wife. Understand?"

Shyaam nodded at Arnav and looked down. The rest of the meal was in utter silence, slowly one by one got up from the table, scurrying away from the awkward table. Khushi, Payal and Arnav were now the only ones present, Khushi and Payal helping to clean up, Arnav still seated lost in thought. He suddenly felt a hand on his shoulder, knowing whose it was, he placed his over hers, "it'll be okay," he heard her whisper. He nodded, smiled and told her" I'll see you upstairs".

********************************************************************************

"Khushi, wash that spoon for me, please," Payal said, wiping the counter. Khushi turned on the tap, the movement paining her hand. "Do you think he's changed?" She heard Payal wonder, "I mean Shyaam-ji did betray Di, but the way he was asking for forgiveness from everyone, when you and Arnav-ji went upstairs...he seemed really sincere." She turned to her sister, "how do you feel, with him being back in the house, Khushi? He hasn't done anything, has he?" Khushi looked down, Shyaam hadn't changed, not one bit, but her sister didn't know how he had behaved with her and she didn't want Payal to be worried whilst she was looking after Babu-ji.

Khushi looked up, mechanically rose the ends of her lips and shook her head. In the end everyone would know what Shyaam wanted, what he was capable of, how he couldn't be redeemed. But at what cost?