Smitar's: Loving Khushi #3 Part 9(1A,1B) Pg 106 22/8 - Page 78

Originally posted by: rulama

Continued from the previous post.

Part 9 Section 1B

The news was a bolt from the blue. They had never thought that their gesture could be construed so. Looking at the revelry, they looked at each other horrified. Mami's lament at the snail's pace adopted by her son with her, when will Akass Bitwaa and Payaliyaa make her a grandmother? was received with a smile by Nani who consoled her by saying, give them time and it would happen in due course! It spurred Arnav into action to bring a curtain to this absurd scenario. It made him shout out above the din, that it was enough. He stammered to say, that Khushi was not carrying and they were not expecting too! His words were greeted with perfect silence and disappointment was etched on every face present. It made Khushi a bundle of nerves to think of their reaction at what was yet to befall on them. Seeing her nervously twitch her fingers, Nani consoled her saying, it was alright and she does have time on her side and they have been married for just six months. There was nothing to be worried about. Buaji confirming what Nani said told them, that Nandkisore knows when to endow them with children and she does not need to break her head over it. All the ladies smiled at her nodding their head.

Then Anjali asked her Chotey, what was it that he wanted to tell them? Arnav drawing a deep breath, tightening his hold on Khushi, with an effort knowing fully well he was laying out his cards in open and the risk he was taking, asked them to listen to what he had to say completely before giving in to tears and vent their feelings at him. All faces looked at each other fretting as to what was about to befall on them. Mami caught hold of Nani's hand in fear. When Arnav stated that Shyam used to harass Khushi constantly, at every opportunity he could get her alone, a loud gasp was heard. When he said, he had not known anything about Shyam being a paying guest in Buaji's house or having been engaged to Khushi, all nodded. Continuing he said that, on Payal and Akash's wedding day, he went in search of Khushi wanting to acknowledge his love for her and tell her that he wanted to marry her. His words filled Khushi with trepidation wondering, what he was going to tell everyone. What was he trying to do by revealing that he loved his wife who would cease to be one in five days time? What will be the repercussion of this stunt of his, a risk that need not be taken? Will he be able to pull it off unscathed? She doubted it. All smiled at Arnav, knowing how crazy he was about Khushi. Akash and NK had nothing but admiration in their eyes. He told them it was Shyam who reached her first making all fret, as to what had happened. He told them that Shyam had caught hold of Khushi and her attempts to escape were in vain, for he was too strong for her. This revelation had NK grit his teeth and exclaim, Rascal! And Akash clench his fists as though he would squeeze the living daylights out of Shyam if in front. Arnav pushed on saying, that from his position it looked as though both Khushi and Shyam were in a tight hug. Hearing it, there was a pin drop silence that was broken by Buaji's exclamation, Hai Re Nandkisore! Hugging? Their Titliyaa hates the sight of him! She could never stand him! Anjali was too dumbfounded to remark! She just stood looking at her Chotey agape.

With their hearts beating like the jungle drums, they waited with bated breath to know what happened next. For, tragedies had a way of attacking Raizadas' and Guptas' at the most inopportune moments. Like tsunami waves, they were unrelenting and tended to destroy everything they had built up and the tremors of the quakes that triggered them, could be felt later too. These aftershocks by themselves would be quite strong... Arnav continued to say, that he caught hold of Shyam by his collar and when questioned he had laughed aloud and said, that Khushi and he were in love and were hankering for a life together and his Di was the stumbling block in their path. So saying, Arnav looked around the faces that had lost their colour and only Anjal's worried exclamation, Chotey! that was a query as to what he had done next, was to be heard. He sighed and said, that he went to tell Di the truth. He thought that he could reveal the real face of Shyam to her, and throw him out of their lives. But... but when he was talking to Di, she had fainted. And she got the test results from the lab confirming her pregnancy. While Shyam appeared to be delighted, Di was over the moon. So it became his responsibility to see that, Di remained in her bubble of happiness for six months more, so that she could have a safe delivery. He needed to keep Shyam with them for six more months and had to keep him away from Khushi for that duration.

Nani's heart wept for her grandson and the tears rolled down her weathered cheeks. Arnav heaving a sigh told her, not to cry as that was not the end. There was more to come. He told them that when it was time for the wedding and was looking at the arrangements, needing to keep Khushi away from Shyam, he had realized that the only leverage he had on her was her love for Payal. His words, he saw had made the face of the members of his family become pallid. Knowing him and his ways, they knew that he would have dealt ruthlessly and their fear was open on their faces for all to see. While the Raizadas' were fearful of the outcome of his thoughts, Guptas' were one confused lot.

Arnav narrated how he met Khushi. The first time he had met her was at Sheesh Mahal on Payal's wedding day in Lucknow. Khushi had come to Sheesh Mahal to meet Payal's groom, hoping to dissuade him from hiking the dowry demand that he had made a few hours before the marriage. She had not known that he had purchased Sheesh Mahal, and was conducting a fashion show there. Someone pushed her on to the stage, thinking that she was a model, and she fell in to his arms. He had thought that she had come there to sabotage his event, and had kept her locked up till the event was over so that he could investigate which of his competitors had sent her. It resulted in Payal's wedding getting cancelled. Hearing it, Nani buried her face in her hands in anguish! It was also a gesture of how she felt, shameful! Mami was stunned and all she could do was gasp, Saasummaa! Anjali looked at her Chotey, horrified, with a hand over her open mouth and eyes widened at what he would have done next! For Guptas' it was an old tale that they had resigned themselves into. Arnav continued his narration saying that Khushi had always felt guilty that she had caused Payal's wedding to be cancelled and knowing how she felt, desperate to block Shyam's moves, he decided to blackmail Khushi. He saw all looking at him with the whites of their eyes visible. He continued, that he threatened her saying if she wanted Payal and Akash's wedding to take place, she would have to marry him. His words had all stunned into silence. He continued to tell them that since she knew that Akash would not disregard his words, regardless of his commitment to Payal and also if Payal's wedding would be cancelled or postponed, she would be left at the mandap again, Khushi being cornered, had to agree. At that time he had thought it to be a master stroke to outsmart both Shyam and Khushi. The listeners were horrified to hear it. He told them he had never told Khushi about his suspicions regarding her and Shyam and had never even deemed fit to ask her for an explanation. That was downright foolishness for he had believed Shyam's version. Anjali was shocked so much that she could just exclaim, Chotey!... Pushing himself to tell them about all he had done, his deeds of shame, he said that he had arranged for a mangalsutra to be left in the temple his Di frequented. As soon as Payal and Akash's wedding was over, he had dragged Khushi out of the house and took her to the temple. It was dark. With no one present and not even the purohit he had pulled her up the steps, tied the mangalsutra around her neck and put sindoor in her maang. Then he had brought her back home. The rest they know very well. It was a compact narration of facts where the blame would squarely be placed on his shoulders and Khushi would be absolved. His narration shook Anjali like nothing could. She knew her brother was prone to do things in a fit of anger but she never thought that he would ever go to this extent for her. As she gasped Chotey! Mami exclaimed, What had he done! Nani was so stunned that words failed her. She could not even find words to express her anger, her disappointment, her sense of failure! She felt as though she had received a punch that sent her reeling! Buaji exclaimed, Hai Re Nandkisore! Her Titliyaa, had married Arnav Bitwaa without telling them because of all this? For Payaliyaa? So saying, she enveloped Khushi in a big bear hug full of compunction for calling her an outsider, of not being of the same blood as them, when her little Titliyaa had sacrificed her life, her ideals, good will of her family just to keep their name intact, just for the happiness of her foster sister, just to keep them from plunging into gloom, just to enable them to hold their head high! Her little one had taken on her shoulders the weight beyond her years shielding all of them. Garima, remembering her behavior with her little girl, with tears streaming down her cheeks asked for her forgiveness and hugged her sobbing out bitterly. Khushi seeing her mother in tears, told her in a soft consoling voice, that she was her Amma, with every right even to take away her life. So it was alright. Payal hugged her sobbing uncontrollably, and admonished her that she never even uttered a word about it, crazy girl, why could she not tell her? Who gave her the right to sacrifice her life for her sister? NK and Akash were too dumbfounded by the revelations.

Finally, Nani called out to her Chotey in a quivering voice and asked was his marriage done without saat phere, without a pandit, without witnesses... In a blink of the eye Mami added, how could he call it a marriage? It was not a marriage at all! Anjali whispered that he had been living with Khushiji in a room for the past six months... What has he done? She felt stung by his deed in the name of love towards her. Arnav, though his heart was pounding like the thundering hooves of a thousand wild stallions, assured her calmly, that it was all legal as he had made Khushi sign a legally valid contract. Saying so, he put his head on the block knowing very well he was on safe hands. He thought, that should do the trick and as expected his words made them jump out of their skin. Nani, Mami and Anjali looked at him in horror. Buaji and Amma looked pale with worry. Babuji's eyes were wide with shock. Akash and NK looked at the ladies first and then at Arnav and Khushi, unable to believe what they were hearing! Arnav, as though adding fuel to the fire, to their shock casually supplemented it with, he forgot to mention that it was a contract for six months and it would be ending on 14^th night and on 15^th Khushi would be leaving RM. His simply rendered statement, was a bolt from the blue, a consummate act as a shock and the listeners were caught unawares, too shocked to even gasp. Buaji in her shocked stupor repeated, Six-month marriage, Nandkisore! and Garima scared for Khushi and Payal asked her sister-in-law, what was happening over there Jiji? Nani repeated, a marriage that was not at all a marriage! and that too for a period of six-months? A perplexed Mami asked her mother-in-law, what kind of marriage was that? No pandit, no rituals, no guests, only mangalsutra and sindoor. And that too for just six months! After six months what will they do? By removing mangalsutra, sindoor the marriage is over in a second, just like a whiff of smoke?

For Arnav things were now taking turn for better. He was grateful for his Mami and her sharp brains for emphasizing facts just as he wanted it to be. Anjali in a low yet firm voice that did not allow him to refute stated that it was not a marriage but an insult! An insult to Khushiji! Arnav's heart gladdened to see her behave true to form. Knowing her penchance for tradition and rituals, he had expected her to admonish him and she did it. That was what was expected of her and she conformed with his belief. She could trigger a landslide that would be of advantage to him. He could bank on her to do it unknowingly, for she was predictable! Nani who was seething with anger, frustration at his blatant play with the life and future of a girl completed Anjali's thoughts saying, he has us taken for a ride too! Seeing the anger ooze out of his Nani's eyes that was sure to scorch him, knowing how her mind worked, that was sure to bring in a solution, the one that he was hankering for, he knew it was action time. He thought now that Nani became voluble, he could afford to relax and she would do it for him and with her at the helm of affairs, in their home everything runs like clockwork! Nani stated with her eyes looking like two flaming orbs of fires, he forced Khussi Bitiyaa to live with him in his room as his wife when she is not his wife, even when his marriage was not complete according to the traditions and rituals! As Arnav nodded in agreement, Khushi looked uneasily at the family members. Mami warned Nani and Anjali that they have been living together for six months. What if she really carries his child and come to know after 15^th? They would not be married and she would be an unmarried mother! Though Khushi opened her mouth to refute the allegation she was silenced by Buaji hitting her head with her hands wailing loudly, what will happen to this girl! Garima started sobbing. Payal, Akash and NK stared at Arnav and Khushi.

Getting her act together, doyenne of the Raizada family, came out with reassurance to the Guptas'. Addressing them individually, Madhumatiji, Garimaji, Shashiji, she asked them not to be upset. Her grandson had committed a grave error and she apologised on his behalf and she assured that she will not let any harm befall on Khushi Bitiyaa. She would see to it that her reputation remained intact as long as she was alive. Arnav felt like grinning from ear to ear and rooted silently for his Nani. His narration had worked like a charm. Feeling responsible for her brother's behavior, Anjali addressing Buaji, Amma and Babuji, added that Arnav had committed a serious crime. He had played with Khushiji's reputation and her good name making her ashamed to look at their face. Arnav waited eagerly for her to get to the point. Mami asked her mother-in-law to intervene quickly and take matters into her own hands or else they will not be able to show their faces in their social circle. Arnav, full of the joys of spring inside, rejoiced at her words and silently egged on his Mami. Anjali with a cold and stern face as though she meant business told her Chotey, that he had to make up for the damage he had caused to Khushiji's reputation. Arnav lowered his head in an act of penitence nodded while his eyes gleamed with happiness. He wanted to hug his Di for triggering things off. Nani deciding to fast track the marriage declared that he would marry Khushi Bitiyaa with full wedding rituals there in their presence without further delay. With this Arnav was as pleased as punch and without so much of a squeak agreed. When Khushi protested No! Naniji they never... they.. that is, they never... and paused, unable to complete, Nani sternly adviced her to keep quiet. Both of them had behaved irresponsibly and had their way. Now it was the turn of the rest to clear the mess they both had created. Seeing Khushi's distress, relenting a bit she told her, that she needs to trust her Nani to look after her welfare. Her grandson had behaved irresponsibly and treated her abominably. She will not let him destroy her life. Mami called upon Khushi to think. In her inimitable way, with scintillating thoughts she asked her, to think of a scenario where if someone came to marry her and his family found out about this contract marriage, will he marry her? He will just say let us have a contract wedding, as it is you have done it once and you can do it again. You can do it for me too. Why should he go in for a permanent bond when he could get her temporarily? Mami's words, made Arnav clench his jaw and he tried to control his temper with great difficulty. Anjali, being a dab hand at handling her Chotey laid down the rule that he had to marry Khushiji that day itself. Arnav nodded obediently as though giving in to her demand, though he was happy and satisfied and felt like grinning like a Cheshire cat!

Nani seeking consent from the Guptas' asked courteously, was that convenient to them? Amma, Babuji and Buaji nodded. Though Khushi shook her head in the negative, no one was looking at her except Arnav, who hid a smile. Nani asked Akash to fetch the purohit and he went out to comply. Anjali sought NK and Payal's help to decorate the house and set up the mandap. Nani said that the whole world thinks that Chotey and Khussi Bitiyaa as married. So there was no need to invite the outsiders and to limit the function to just two families was the best. The Guptas' concurred. Amma and Buaji pushed Babuji's wheelchair closer to Nani to discuss the remaining arrangements. Arnav had triumphed in his quest to get Khushi marry him with adroit maneuvering.

Seeing all were engrossed in various activities and arrangements, Khushi grabbing Arnav by his arm, pulled him into the nearest room and it happened to be Nani's. She was furious and asked him what was it that was happening? She told him that all she had asked from him was to terminate their contract wedding and now he was going to marry her in the presence of their families. What is happening here? She had specifically asked him to let her go without any fuss or fanfare. He soothed her saying that he would, definitely he would. Once the wedding took place it would not allow the question of validity of their relationship to crop up. Then she could leave him on 15^th if she still wanted to. Khushi stared at him not believing what he told. Arnav knew that if he had to get married to her, he had to make her agree. The one trump card he held was her love for him and using it he could convince her of his need for the marriage and make it sound it was essential for him. She was bound to melt and relent, to go the extra mile. He told her that he wanted to marry her as a part of his penitence, for putting her through the contract marriage. It was to make him feel less guilty. It was to help him sleep well at night. It was to enable to look at himself in the mirror. Khushi gave him a long hard stare and finally nodded.

Soon Payal and Anjali came looking for Khushi. Anjali told her that they needed to buy her a dress for the wedding! She would arrange for someone to bring jodas home for her to select... Khushi tried to refuse her offer and while she was doing so, Arnav butted in suggesting, that Khushi has a new red saree and she can wear it. As Anjali and Payal looked at Khushi enquiringly, she could just nod weakly. Once the joda was decided Anjali and Payal left the room.The ever vigilant Khushi with her sharp penetrating, hawk eyes observed Arnav and asked him, was it his plan and was the saree a part of it. Arnav quickly denied it. It was not planned and the saree was a simple gift purely meant to be taken in the spirit it was given with. But the fact was, he wants to marry her and that too desperately wants her name attached with his. His words made Khushi frown and ask, even though she would leave him on the 15^th? Arnav catching her hands affirmed to her, even though she may leave him on the 15^th.

In this update we see, Arnav expertly maneuvering every one and getting things done in his way without even any one of them being aware what was cooking in his brain. He does nothing by halves. He has made all to do his bidding in the name of setting things right. By looking penitent and owning up things he earned their wrath but he also showed he was ready to accept their verdict. He knew that there was only one way for the outcome of the verdict to go and it would be his way. He has made all to look at things from his point of view, even Khushi. He has got her to agree for the marriage with the elders intervening as well as he himself owning up, it as his necessity. He has made it look like fait accompli while it was he who had steered it so. He has satisfied each and every promise he made to her. Let me tell you why I feel so. They are getting married with the blessings of elders and with all the rituals. That also makes the contract marriage void. All Khushi had asked him was to relieve her from the contract marriage and he would be doing so too. She had never asked him to relieve her from being bound to him. So with his Harvard brain in action, the real marriage becomes legally correct as he had kept his promise to her. It also once again gives him leverage over her though this time he might not opt to exercise it. If she wants to go away from him she could go for a period of time but they would be bound together fr their lifetime. There would not be any chance for anybody else to poach over his dominion. That is why he confidently tells her that even though she may leave on the 15^th, he wanted her to marry him!

It was an aristia, (a scene where the hero in battle has his finest moments) a performance par excellence, a masterly action and a masterly achievement that was skillful and effective in action. It was indeed a MASTERSTROKE.

"Happiness is like a sunbeam, which the least shadow intercepts, while adversity is often as the rain of spring"

~ Chinese Proverb

That's it from me. Hope you enjoy it.