Arhi SS : Khamoshiyan [ Completed ] - Page 41

If Anjali Singh Raizada said she was happy with her life at the moment, it would not be untrue. She was slowly moving out of the trauma that her life had gone through in the past month. People may say it's too soon to forget anything, but if your heart has lost faith in someone, then that person really does not matter anymore. She had once loved Shyam with all her heart, but now she didn't even hate him. And it was all for the good, as love and hate were two sides of the same coin. One required passion, dedication and complete involvement for both of the above. Anjali, was however beyond all this. When one or more of the foundations of a marriage; love, respect, honesty and trust are lost and indifference towards the person sets in, it is easier for the heart to empty any feelings for him and move ahead. Anjali had done just that and truly moved on. Working for the orphanage gave her immense happiness. For the first time in life, people were respecting her work. The children there, loved her for who she was. And with a new life growing inside her, she had a sense of fulfillment.

The only thing that bothered her now, was her Chotte's happiness. Even though she may sound a little selfish, she really hoped that Khushi would forgive him eventually. Due to Shyam's treachery being a high-profile case, it had been moved to the fast track court and they all would soon have to go in for a hearing. Arnav though had made sure that the families would have to visit only once, yet she was a little apprehensive of how Khushi would handle all of this. She knew Shyam would try to blame her for everything and Khushi, who had just begun to get normal, would possibly retract into a shell, yet again. She prayed, not like earlier days though... but just prayed to keep her whole family strong through these tough times.

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After last night, Arnav was in a brighter mood. His heart soared with joy at the mere thought of him being able to make Khushi smile. He knew, he had a long way to go, yet he could not but feel happy looking back, and seeing how far they had come. She had completely shut him off, after he had brutally told her his side of the truth. She had become a stone wall. Yet today, here she was throwing herself into his arms, instilling life into his almost dying heart. How could he not rejoice in this small victory?

Arnav knew one thing about Khushi for sure, that she found happiness in the smallest of things in life. Simple celebrations, delicious food, family time, small outings and anything that brought a smile to others would make her happy. She lived to spread happiness to others, just like her name 'Khushi'. He smiled at that thought. Actually looking back, he had barely known her. Other than her constant chatter, which he had ignored earlier, she never spoke about herself. It was always about what others wanted, what others liked. He felt self-directed anger rise within him. Khushi always put others before her and he had taken advantage of that situation by forcefully marrying her. How much he had wronged her!

So eventually, he had set out to find all the information about his Khushi. And for a change, did not employ Aman for that job. Why go somewhere far, when Khushi's sister Payal was in the house itself. While Khushi was at work the next day, Arnav approached Payal and requested her to meet him privately. Payal had a notion, that something was definitely amiss between Khushi and her Jethji. She had questioned Akash about it and he had agreed, saying "Payal, I guess this is the reason Bhai has stopped coming to work. I am sure they had a tiff over Shyam, and Bhai seems to have upset Khushiji. I can't believe she has changed him to such an extent, that he is willing to give up work to sit at home." They had laughed over it then, but Payal knew from Khushi's behavior, that the matter was much more serious. She had tried to question Anjali too, but had not been able to extract much from her. So eventually, when Arnavji had come to ask her for some help, she was more than glad to finally know what was happening at home.

"Payal, I want to know everything about Khushi." If Payal had been expecting something else, she did not let it show on her face. She smiled warmly at the man sitting in front of her. She could see the love shining in his eyes for her baby sister. "Arnavji, should I start from when she came into our lives?" Arnav smiled, and nodded for Payal to go ahead. Payal fondly narrated about how her parents had brought Khushi home. Khushi was the life of their house, or actually the whole muhalla in Lucknow. She was a prankster, troubling everyone around with her nonstop chatter. Her innocent gestures would always bring happiness to everyone around. Payal spoke about all her likes and dislikes, her favourite colour, her favourite food, the movie that she watched innumerable times, her favourite actor, her dream holiday... everything. Arnav listened to Payal with rapt attention. This was a goldmine of ideas, of Khushi's wishes that he could fulfill, forever. It gave him a sense of contentment to actually know more about the woman he loved crazily.

He would have to prioritize things and make his next move. 'The ASR trait' would never leave Arnav, as his strategic mind started working in overdrive. He had lots of opportunities coming up. For one, Khushi's birthday was in a week. He smiled inwardly at that thought. He never celebrated birthdays, did not even wish anyone. On his own birthday, he would work like a maniac to prevent his family from going crazy over him. Khushi's birthday however, would be special. He knew how much she loved celebrations, parties, decorations and all the fun. She would get all the happiness she deserved. His heart was consumed with his immense love for her. How he wished to show her what she meant to him. Every time he looked at her sleeping form, he wanted to get into bed and just hold her close, listen to her even heartbeat. Just revel in the fact that she was his, and would remain in his life forever. Was it too much to ask for? Why had life to be always so harsh on him? His past was something he could never change, but he could surely try to change his future. And one thing was for sure, there was no future without Khushi in it. She was the one woman who owned his mind, body and soul. It was just a matter, of her realizing the power she had over him. But for now, he had to set into motion, his next plan.

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Khushi could not stop admiring her wrists at the breakfast table, her wrists that were adorned by her mother's beautiful bangles. The smile just would not leave her face. She had been touched by Arnav's gesture, and how-much-ever she tried to deny the fact, she had felt the old stirring in her heart. The 'dhak dhak' that had somehow vanished with time was back last night, as he held her in the warmth of his comforting arms. She could not deny the fact that he was trying, trying really hard to make things up to her. The biggest problem, however, remained her trust on him. She still could not believe that he would ever put her before his Di, or his family. At the next given opportunity or misunderstanding, he would snap at her and again say those hurtful things. She could not trust him again, and of that, she was sure... or so she thought.

At the dinner table that day, Payal asked Khushi about the bangles. She somehow behaved in a very weird way, asking about Arnav and her, just a few things about her married life. For a second, Khushi had been extremely shocked, wondering whether Payal had come to know the truth. Then she realized that her sister was just teasing her about her husband. Her heart again twisted in pain, thinking of how all these people were going to react at the end of six months. She cleared up the kitchen and walked listlessly to their bedroom. As she entered, she saw Arnavji working on his laptop. He looked at her and smiled brightly. His rare smiles always had this torturous effect on her. She gave him a small smile in return, grabbed her night clothes and ran into the bathroom. Her heart raced at a crazy speed and to try and calm herself, she took double the time to come out of the washroom. She slipped into the bed, sent a silent prayer to Devi Maiyya, and was about to lie down when she heard Arnav's husky voice. "How was your day Khushi?" She jumped up in bed and looked in his direction. After a really long time, he had asked her something normal. "It was good, Arnavji" she replied hesitantly. He smirked at her again. What was up with this man, she wondered. Was he now planning to kill her with his smirks?

She saw him slowly walk to the other side of bed and get himself comfortable on it. "Khushi, if you are not too tired, I just wanted to know about your business. I have heard you have acquired new clients. So, how are things going? Do you need any help with the accounts? Are they paying you in advance? And what about the legal documents for the venture?" Khushi's mind buzzed with the numerous questions he had thrown her way. Khushi was sure that he had either completely lost it or he was trying to drive her insane. After all that they were going through, he wanted to talk about her dabba business? She answered each query patiently. And without her realizing it, they had gotten into an easy conversation, about her work. She did not realize when she dozed off.

Khushi woke up to the shrill noise of the alarm clock and was shocked to see Arnav's face beside her. Though he had maintained his distance, he held her hand in his firm hold. Just like how he had, a few days back in Gupta house. His handsome, innocent face looked almost baby-like. This was absolutely her rajkumar... yet the rakshas would awake soon. She pulled at her hand slowly and quickly freshened up to get to her daily routine. Arnav had given her some brilliant ideas and she would make sure to implement them from today. She got extremely busy with work. The conversation of the night, the fact that Arnav's changed behavior was changing her decisions rapidly, just slipped her notice. By the time work was done, she was exhausted. She knew Payal would have made sure the dinner was ready by the time she got home. As she made her way through the gates, she heard loud chatter and laughter echoing through the grand hall of Shantivan.

She was shocked to see her whole family present, and chatting away merrily with the Raizadas. She thought about what day it was, wondering if she had missed any occasion. As she walked in, she heard buaji speak, "Arrey, yeh lo! Sanka Devi bhi aa gayi." Everyone looked at her and urged her to come and sit with them. Despite so many people around, her eyes sought Arnav's. He was seated just beside her amma. He smiled at her warmly and asked HP to get the snacks ready. What was going on with these two families?

As everyone made their way to the small garden area near the main pool, Khushi saw a couple of tables on display. And then she saw -- Golgappas!! Before anyone could take a step forward, she rushed and picked up a plate. She stood in front of the man who was making the golgappas, ready to relish them. As the sweet and sour taste filled her senses, she moaned in pure pleasure. She did not hear her buaji's sarcastic remarks, she did not care for Anjali and Payal's teasing laughter, and she completely missed the huge smile that adorned Arnav Singh Raizada's face. After gobbling around two plates of golgappas, she noticed her surroundings. Everyone had picked up plates and were enjoying the different variety of chaats. She flitted around merrily, digging into various plates to taste the items. After having her fill, she asked Akash excitedly, still munching on a sukhi puri "Jeejaji, how come we are having chaat party today? Whose brilliant idea was this? I just want to hug that person." Akash replied calmly, "Khushiji, that shouldn't be too tough for you, because this was Bhai's idea." The half piece of puri that she held, fell to the floor silently.

She looked into the eyes of the man that she had loved. That she had hated. That she was indifferent to. Yet at the moment, she felt numb. She was scared to believe what she saw in those caramel orbs. She was terrified of the fact, that she saw pure, unadulterated love' for her. Her thoughts were interrupted by her mother who said, "Khushi bitiya, you were so engrossed in eating yourself, that you haven't even asked Arnav bitwa, if he has had some chaat. He has been standing in a corner for so long. Go give him something to eat. Go!" Khushi looked around hassled; she did not know how to react to this whole situation. The whole family was now observing her. She nervously walked to the table and picked up a plate to get some papdi chaat. Making sure that it wasn't too spicy for him, she walked slowly towards him.

She stood in front of him, her heart racing at the speed of light, and looked directly into his mesmerizing eyes. She felt his fingers brush across her hand while taking the plate from her. She stood rooted at the spot, while he took a spoonful of the chaat and smiled at her, "This is delicious. Do you want some?" She refused with a shake of her head, and asked softly so that no one could overhear them, "Why are you doing this Arnavji? I know you planned all this for me, because I love chaat. When there is barely a month left for our contract marriage to get over, why are you trying to impress my family? They will hate me for breaking this marriage if you keep doing this." She saw his smile falter and then totally vanish. She saw his eyes clouding with pain. She knew she had hurt him, but she herself was hurting inside.

She saw him close the distance between them, yet for the first time she did not move back. She knew, she had to stay firm on her decision. His hands came around and held her waist to pull her closer, scalding her skin with his touch. He spoke gruffly, "Khushi, this marriage is not over yet. You may have given up on us' but I haven't. And never will. Yes, I did this for you. To see that beautiful carefree smile on your face, that was there a few minutes back. To see the unadulterated joy, that light up your eyes when you eat. I admit this was all for you, but mainly I had my selfish reasons too. Your smile is like a balm to my wounds; your tinkling laughter soothes my aching heart. I may seem to be the ruthless ASR from outside, but I am a broken man from within, Khushi. I did all of this for a family, that has now become my own. I am an orphan, and suddenly finding a mother has made me a little greedy to revel in her love. I did all of this to make maa run her hand over my head, to see babuji try to raise his hand to bless me and to let buaji pull my cheeks. You and I are no more separate for me, so I did this for us." Saying this, he pulled away from her, and walked a couple of steps towards the exit. She stood stunned, speechless and overwhelmed with so many emotions. She saw him turn around to face her. "Khushi, there are jalebis for dessert' just for you. Have them. They are from Lucknow." he said in a voice, choked with emotion and walked away through the doors, leaving behind a Khushi, who tried to hide her tears.

Part 8