Arhi FF PMIJ Thread 2 THd 3 link page 1 - Page 59

Sorry wont be able to post this today.. will do it tomorrow for sure

Originally posted by: harhem

Sorry wont be able to post this today.. will do it tomorrow for sure

Thanks

PART 11

Daadi( smiling) : Yes.. why are you so much surprised Anjali? If you can visit your sister cant I visit my grandson?

Arnav and Khushi was very happy seeing Daadi at the door step. Arnav welcomed her and took her inside. Anjali was looking at Khushi who was more excited to receive daadi. Anjali sighed and followed them..

Arnav: Thats a early morning surprise Daadi.. You could have told me, I would have come to pick you.. Arnav said with much concern though he wouldn't have made a visit inside RM.

Daadi: You think I came walking? Ofcourse I have my other Grandson's too who think about my health.. Akash dropped me here.. But since he had some urgent meeting, he didnt come in.. Dadi cleared his confusion.

Arnav: Dadi.. We missed you very much..

Saying that he and Khushi helped Daadi to walk to the Couch and made her sit there.. ANjali sat opposite to her..

Daadi: So Anjali.. How are you beta? Daadi started with her intention of understanding her moves.

Anjali: I am fine Daadi.. Infact much better since the time I have come here.. khushi is taking the best care of mine..!

Daadi: Yeah.. Why wont she.. ?? She does care for everyone.. But ANjali.. You still have so many of them in Raizada House to care for you.. There you would get more attention than here..

Khushi: So what Daadi.. She is my sister and no one can replace a Sister's love and affection.. Hai naa Di?? Khushi spoke in support of her di as she would be doing always..

Khushi did take things very lightly but Daadi couldnt.. She just wanted to know what was so wrong between Anjali and her husband Shyam that she had to come here and stay with Arnav and Khushi..?? Till the time Daadi talked to Anjali, Arnav took this opportunity to tease his wife who was standing at the Couch and seeing them.. He walked to her and naughtily caught her hand.. Their hand lock wasn't seen by anyone as the couch before them, did manage to hide it.. She widened her eyes while seeing ahead only and he too never looked at her.. She struggled for him to leave but he did not..

Arnav :Hopefully my nights would be better from today.. He murmured near her ears making her gasp with the sudden fanning of his breath over her.

Khushi :How is that?? She couldn't exactly understand the hidden meaning inside his words.

Arnav: If Daadi continues to spend sometime with your Di, I could use you for something else.. Which we didnt since 2 days..!! He spoke with utmost desperation and looked at her Shy and blushing face which was all red at the moment realizing what he pointed out

Khushi: Besharam. ..!! Leave me..!! And stop dreaming.. Nothing is changing.. Infact now I would need more time to concentrate on both Di and Daadi.. Which means you wouldnt get even a single moment with me.. She spoke with sly smile..

Saying that she tried to get her hand free but he pulled her close to him in anger..

Arnav: I dont care how many people needs your attention here.. But for sure, I dont like you ignoring me for anyone else..

Khushi: Arnav ..She called out silently and tried to check if Daadi or Di was watching them as he had pulled her quite close.. Arnav leave me.. They will see us like this..

Arnav smirked back all happy seeing her so much distressed..

Arnav: First promise me you would be spending time with me.. He said in finality.

Khushi: No..!! His grip tightened and she screamed an "OUCH" which was enough to draw Anjali and Daadi's attention.. He instantly left her and she moved aside..

Daadi: Khushi.. What happened?

Khushi: Nothing Daadi.. Arnav.. he stamped my foot accidently..Uhh!! I am fine.. I will make some breakfast for everyone..

Saying that she left not before shooting angry glares at Arnav who was happily noticing her while she walked to Kitchen as his teases had really worked out well to make Khushi red and cute with the anger on her face.

Dadi's visit had made a change over Arnav's concerns. His worries surrounding Anjali taking care of her at this stage without any assistance from elders settled down a bit. No matter what he argues with Khushi she wouldn't be in a mentality to understand his concern as her over powering responsibility coupled with love and affection over her di would blind her. He had raised all these issues in his mind but didn't have the courage to discuss with Khushi.. He thought of making it possible when they could be spending time between them tonight to make her understand that he needs to find out what is really bothering Anjali.

*******

Khushi had to leave Anjali at home after the insistence of Daadi not to take her to office as it would tire her and the baby more. She had assured Khushi that she would take care of Anjali and would surely make herself comfortable with the presence of maids assisting them. ANjali slouched on the couch after her lunch. It was evident from her tiredness that nearing the delivery date was making her really tiring which had made herself difficult to have the meal on a full course. Daadi found her head resting over the couch.

Daadi : Anjali .. you ok? Are you feeling tired? Do you want me to take to the doctor ? Daadi asked with concern..

ANjali lifted her head facing Daadi : Im fine Daadi. Offlate Im not able to get hold of my baby who is trying to take a relay race inside my stomach.. I feel like falling down with the speed.. Especially when he doesn't allow me to have my lunch.

Daadi laughed at the slight joke from Anjali's mouth. Its rare she gets so jovial.

Daadi : So is it confirmed that it is he? You have ruled the choice of She?

Anjali : No Daadi, I was just joking.. He or she wouldn't make any difference.. after all MY child is what matters the most.

Daadi did notice the stress on the word MY. What could that be making Anjali to utter such a statement? She wanted to know more out of her confusions.

Daadi : Anjali.. Im straight to the point? Are you sure you came her only to stay with your sister. The sudden love developed after your mother left for pilgrimage? I didn't see this when your sister was staying at your Mayka for 2 weeks.

Anjali knew why Daadi was weaving such questions.. She wants to get her to the point of what had brought her here.

Anjali : Daadi.. My love for my sister never lessened it has always been on the higher side.. Even if I deliver this baby tomorrow no one can replace her position in my life. I may not be good in expressing my love for her in many ways.. but she is always my first child no matter who comes between us. Anjali retorted

Daadi : I didn't say anything to anger you Anjali.. I know how much you value your relations. What place they have in your life.. I have seen you never compromise for anything when it matters to your loved ones. I was just trying to get out some answers for the sudden visit that's all.

Anjali : I would reply you daadi. Atleast I wont hide things as you did before.

Daadi was surprised was a lesser tone. She was shocked. Anjali accusing her of hiding something. Daadi gave up her questions and started to meditate on it. Anjali saw her daadi's eyebrows scrunching about the reasons for Anjali's suspicions.

Anjali : Let settle this daadi.. You think Im here for a motive.. but would you care to explain me the motive behind marrying Khushi to Arnav.. Sorry for the harsh tone but I felt it the right way..

Daadi's shock deepened as she started the questions from her end. Now what had to be called as answers.. She was bewildered.

**********

Sinha Industries

Khushi was shouting at her manager at the top of her voice for the irresponsible behavior of his subordinates on the important tender which was supposed to be tugged by Sinha Industries with ease. She had taken much care in charting out the quote which she had clearly explained to her manager and especially to Shalini. The mistake she committed which resulted as a grave fault was not checking the final quote before submission as she had left early with Arnav when he was back from London. She didn't care to bother about the accuracy of her subordinates in their work but had failed to notice Shalini's hand involved in it. She could only rule out that reason for blaming Shalini because it was not Shalini alone a big bunch of educated intellects in her team headed by herself was to be blamed. Now the clear question would be how she would manage Arnav to get informed about this as she knew he would spat out for her lack of attention towards her professional life.

Khushi : Were you just trying to assure yourself you all could get the tender with just your super brain on how to work your numbers and not submitting the real quote which I had approved?

Her team had no answers as they kept quiet until their boss had let out her fury.Just as in cue Arnav barged in without giving much importance to the meeting held by the CEO of Sinha Industries.

Arnav: What the hell is happening Khushi ? Did you lose such an easy tender? Arnav blasted with his anger pasting with concern of how she could do such a mistake. As always it was always his anger which dominated him but he was still under control not to slip things out of the way.. His worry of Khushi losing a tender made him lose all his wits.

KHushi : Relax Arnav .. We are just discussing about that.. We had to take the blame for ourselves as oversight.. My mistake of not checking it before submitting.

Arnav: Dammit you talk about it after you lose it ? Don't you have the common sense to verify documents before submitting ? Is this the way you are managing your office? I guess you are proving me wrong now a days with your carelessness. Arnav's word hit her like a bullet.

But something Khushi's eyes which scanned the whole room stopping at one point. SHalini's face.. A look of mockery a sheer victorious grin on her face for making Arnav show his harsh face at her infront of her team. Khushi gulped down her irritation looking at the vile face of Shalini. Arnav went on to push her into the edge.

Arnav: Khushi.. listen to me when I talk to you'

Khushi : Enough Arnav.. Don't just blame me unnecessarily. I have made a mistake I agree but you don't need to point out that infront of my team. I am very well aware of what I should do and how to solve the problems.. Please don't make a scene out of this Arnav.. I hope you had a meeting with your clients now. She shot back faster without the realizing the impending consequences..

Arnav was stumped by her outburst.. what made her shout back at him then.. He got riled up with her behavior.

Arnav : That does imply the meaning. I have to shut my mouth without interfering in your office matters and get out from here.. Right ?

Khushi snapped out of her anger mode and realized what she had done.. She had insulted Arnav infront of the whole team not able to control her anger towards Shalini. She knew this was leading to a more worse effect as Shalini wanted. Arnav had looked around her team for once as he was not really planning to make things worse for his wife. He has no right to talk about her office matters officially.. She just looked at Arnav who glared at her for the one last time and left the cabin door banging. Khushi couldn't even stop him and closed her eyes in frustration while Shalini was trying to hide the happy smile curved in her lips.

Khushi : You all can leave.. We will discuss later. KHushi commanded stressing her eyes on Shalini with suppressed wrath.

After the team left her room Khushi fisted her palms banging on the table releasing her anger. She hid herself under her palms thinking how she would get out of this mess.

********

It was night time and as usual the family always kept the Diya lighted before the Devi Maiyaa Idol in the Mandir inside the house.. It was always the Bahus of this house who used to make sure this is done.. Manorama saw the Diya was going to blow off and she rushed to close the windows of the Mandir to stop the breeze from coming in.. She could manage to keep the Diya lit and she started now screaming for her Bahu Payal.

Payal and Lavanya were in the Kitchen when they heard Manorama calling and both rushed to the Mandir to check what was wrong..

Manorama: What is this Payal? Didnt I ask you to put extra Oil in the Diya's? And who kept the Windows open? Manorma let out her anger.

Payal: Sorry Maa.. I will do it now..

Shalini who was also in the Living room rushed to the Mandir to know what made Manorama Aunty Scream like this.. Payal picked the Oil can and stepped towards the Idol only to feel some dizziness in her head and drop the Can on the floor making the Oil spread everywhere.. Lavanya rushed to rescue her while Manorama was more angry now..

Manorama : Payal.. what is this ? You were never like this before.. Just look at Shalini.. She is working so hard at office and coming back doing house hold chores too. You are at home and you feel so tired.

Payal : Ma.. I was feeling tired from today morning.. I couldn't stand for a second.

Manorama : Enough of your excuses Payal. It is such an important tradition.

Lavanya : Aunty cant you see her tired state? Is your tradition more important that your daughter in law's health..( She stared at Shalini and continued.. ) And I think Guests should limit themselves as guests.

Shalini frowned at Lavanya's statement while Manorama was infuriated..

Manorama: Is this how your mother taught you both? One missing to keep the traditions intact and the other pointing at Guests to be in limits?? Lavanya was about to reply back to her but Payal pressed her hand to control her and she was quiet. Shalini took advantage of this situiation..

Shalini: Aunty.. Thats okay.. It happens sometimes.. Dont worry from tomorrow I will make it a point to light the diya's every night even if Im tired. Her sarcastic tone increasing the irritation in Lavanya.

Manorama : Thanks Shalini.. Sometimes I think I am expecting a lot from wrong people here..

Saying that she left the Mandir followed by a Smirking Shalini and Payal wiped her own tears seeing the difference in her mother in law's behaviour.. Lavanya could clearly see how this Shalini is influencing her family within some days of her entry. She consoled Payal and took her to the room.

*****

Next Day

Lavanya walked to the next drawer to check her Car keys and the Photo of hers and Nk's together stuck her eyes.. She touched the photo with her finger and then picked it in her hands. Her thoughts on how he would be staying there in London alone pricked her. She hugged that picture and tears rolled down her cheeks continuously..

Lavnaya: I miss you NK.. You didnt call me once after reaching there.. Are you still so much angry on me? Lavanya's tears were interrupted by a phone call. Thinking it would be NK's she excitedly looked at the screen where she saw it was her jeejaji's call.

***

Akash wanted to cheer up his wife's mood...Whatever happened last night between Payal and his mother, he saw that and though Payal didnt tell him anything about it, he still could feel she was going through a lot already to handle some more domestic pressures from his family.. So he had an idea.. He thought of buying her some Saree and gifting it tonight , asking her to wear it and take her out for Dinner.. That would surely bring some change in her mood, he thought.. He was not that good in shopping things but yes he was currently on call with Lavanya who was guiding him on what he needs to check before buying a perfect Saree for Payal. Afterall Lavanya was her sister.. She knew Payal's choice very well..

Akash: Okay .. Now tell me what material. Silk or some designer netted ones? Akash asked her through the mobile entering the shop..

Lavanya: Silk is so old fashion Jeejaji.. Check some nice designer sarees for her.. And yes.. Green colour.. Her favourite..!! Lavanya giggled thinking how Payal would fight with her for any green dress they bought right from childhood.

Akash :I too knew her favourite colour Saaliji.. But thanks for reminding me that.. He said taking a green coloured saree in hand.

Lavanya: Make sure it doesn't have much work on it.. I mean no heavy sarees please..

Akash: Yeah.. I have got one here..He said by checking that Saree when suddenly his eyes fell on Shyam who was at the other corner checking some Shirts in the Men's section..

Akash was stunned to see his brother in the store that too alone as Shyam would never go for shopping without Anjali bhabhi.

Lavanya: Jeejaji.. Are you done??

Akash: Uhh!! Yeah.. 2 minutes..

His eyes glued on Shyam and surely widened in shock when he saw Shalini there, picking a shirt and checking on Shyam. Shalini said something to Shyam in his ears which made him smile and they shared a hug all of a sudden which surprised Akash dumbfounded seeing Shalini so close to Shyam? He could never believe his eyes that they were so close in public!

Lavanya: Jee..ja.. ji.. Are you imagining Payal in that Saree now itself?? She gigled again and Akash came out of his stance.

Akash: La.. I have taken one Saree.. Let me call you back okay??

Akash turned his face towards Shyam to see what was happening between his brother and Shalini which is clearly a big shock to him. Shyam finished his selection which was shown by Shalini and they went near the counter to pay the bill. AKash didn't fail to notice how Shyam had put his arms around her shoulder and happily chatting with her until they got out of the shop. More than a shock it was confusion for Akash. He knew how Shalini is with his family. Right from childhood she was more like a sister to all of them except Arnav who was not in their house. When all of them heard about Arnav's enagement with Shalini they all were happy that they are going to get their childhood friend as their bhabhi. After Arnav informed that he had no interest in this marriage all of them were trying to blame Arnav who was pointed out to be irresponsible son of the house like his father. They even questioned his morals for insulting Shalini and her family. No one had questioned him or Shalini's family about the real reason for the break up. He knew his bhai must have done this with proper reason that deemed to be right and just for him. Now a new seed of doubt got planted on Akash's mind thinking about this nature of Shalini. Was Shyam the real reason for their break up as Shyam was there in their London office during that time?

*********

Khushi was walking nervously across the hall while Daadi came out of the room. It was midnight and Khushi hadn't seen Arnav after he had left the office. His mobile was clearly switched off as expected and his subordinates have no idea of his whereabouts. Khushi got tensed and sat down at the couch finally trying to release the pressure in her.

Daadi walked up to her and placed hand on her shoulders. She knew something was wrong between the two as she was used to Khushi's tension earlier too.

Daadi : So what was the reason for the fight today? Daadi asked her with a small smile caressing her hair with her free hand..

Khushi looked up to Daadi and hugged her tightly shedding tears.

Khushi : Im at fault today Daadi. I shouted at him infront of my subordinates.. Most importantly infront of that idiot Shalini.. She was the main reason for my madness.

Daadi smiled at the innocence Khushi bore. She loved Arnav so much that she couldn't let him near Shalini any time.

Daadi : Fine don't worry. He will be back soon. You know this is not the first time he is coming late. Many at times when you both fight he leaves the house in anger sometimes comes the next morning only. Now you go and sleep. I will open the door for him. Daadi tried to console her.

Anjali who was hearing their conversation came behind daadi. When she saw Khushi in tears she couldn't tolerate and cupped Khushi's cheeks.

ANjali : Why are you crying Khushi ? You both fought with each other? Did Arnav hurt you? Anjali's concern increased with a frown.

Daadi : Anjali.. its between husband and wife.. don't interfere. They will be alright tomorrow. This is not the first time they are fighting.. Don't get over concerned. Daadi stressed her words to make sure Anjali don't twist this incident into her head.

Khushi : Di.. Im fine.. we both are like this.. Actually Im at fault today. Im waiting to apologise to him. His anger would just end if I apologize with a pout. Khushi convinced Anjali.

Right then they heard the bell ringing. Daadi opened the door to find Arnav entering the house with a blank expression on his face. He didn't bother to acknowledge the ladies present in the hall. He moved towards the stairs when he was stopped by Daadi.

Daadi : Chotte.. Did you have food?

Arnav : Yea Daadi.. You take rest. Good Night. Arnav replied and continued to move towards the room.

Daadi touched Khushi's cheeks and told her to proceed to her room.

Daadi : Go and talk to him.. everything would be alright.. Daadi said with a assuring smile.

Anjali saw her sister nodding happily and she was wondering how Khushi's face lit up as soon as she saw him entering the house. She was just worried for his absence. Khushi hugged both of them saying a Good Night and left for her room.

*****

Khushi entered her room to find Arnav lying on his bed in his nightsuit. He had turned the other side as if not ready to meet her for any discussion. Khushi felt a pang in her heart thinking about the blunder she had created in the afternoon. She laid on her side with hesitation and her tears started flowing. She didn't have the courage to wake him up and discuss. He was hurt and she had deliberately hurt her. If she had been something in her office then it would be because of Arnav.. He had made so sure that Khushi should be perfect in all her decisions. Though he shows his anger and dominance he didn't have any other flaws. Infact his only insistence on Khushi taking up the company had motivated her more than her family.

She laid down turning her back towards him and started to cry bitterly. Unable to hold back her sadness she let out in one go.

Khushi : I am sorry Arnav. I didn't mean to hurt you. It was just out of irritation I had shouted at you. I am really mad.. I saw that witch Shalini who was trying to mock me with her expression when you shouted at me. I felt insulted and spat back.. Im sorry Arnav.. I deserved punishment. Please don't hate me. Talk to me please. I would not be able to survive if you don't talk to me.. Never hate me please..

Khushi sobbed hardly though she knew Arnav wouldn't be listening she poured out all her emotions to herself. She closed her mouth with her palms to control her tears when she felt his arm circling her waist pulling her back hitting his chest. She widened her eyes. He moved himself near her ears resting his head on hers.

Arnav: Enough.. Now sleep.. He murmured on her ears making her smile through tears..

TO be continued..