Arhi FF PMIJ Thread 4- Thd 5 link page 1 -8/4 - Page 37

PART 22

Khushi (Moving back): Explain? What else will you explain me Arnav ? I have seen that Picture of yours and Shalini on her bed. How sick I felt that time to see you with her in such a compromising position.

Arnav's anger hit to a level of control when he got a hint from his wife who made her aware of all this. So SHalini told her? Who else could he expect to do this? She was the only one who was behind his marriage life these days.

Arnav: I swear to kill that Shalini if she comes before me again.

Khushi : Kill? For what? For showing your wife your real face?

Arnav; Khushi you cannot decide everything alone. You have to know What the truth is from my end too. Just don't judge things because of that one picture.

Khushi's anger piled up for blaming her instead of feeling guilty over his mistake.

Khushi: That one picture killed my heart Arnav and you asking me not to decide our fate based on that??

Arnav could feel what Khushi was going through and he didn't want to hurt her more. Though his anger was escalating in his senses, he chose to remain quiet just for her. He immediately held her hand and in a pleading way he looked in her eyes.

Arnav: Khushi I wanted to tell you everything.But..

Khsuhi :(Tears dropping from her eyes): When ? After getting 2 kids from me?

Arnav: I feared Khushi. I feared you would leave me and go. I didn't want that to happen. Because I love you and .( he started trembling and shivering with his weak exhausted state)

Khushi: A love which is based on such a deceit?

Arnav cupped her cheeks while she shoved his hands off her.

Khushi: Arnav please don't touch me. Because I no more can smell my Arnav in you. I can sense her; I can feel her touch everywhere on you and that irks me..!! She shrugged her shoulders moving backwards showing her irritation. Her tone was shaking too and he could see how much devastated she was because of his one hidden truth.

Arnav: Khsuhi please baby. Don't do this to me. That Shalini's chapter is over from my life long back. She was never worth it. She never knew what true love is. And only you are the one who made me realize it Khushi. Please understand that I love you only.

Khushi: (Angrily): Is it? Then why did you make Love to her Arnav?

Arnav: (Holding her firmly not letting her go away): I was drunk. We both were drunk. And though I wished to back off, I couldn't.. She wanted it and never did I think she will never be part of my life in future. For me, she meant to be my life partner back then Khushi. And why would I even think after that one act, she will no more be in my life?

Khushi kept looking at him as she wanted to hear his side of truth too. He took her near the bed and sat beside her to explain what exactly was his past which he had truly failed to do till this day and finally it has proved to be fatal for his married life.

Arnav : You knew how I was brought up by daadi after my parents demise. I finished my studies in London and simultaneously got into my father's business. Entire focus was on the life which I had dreaded to enjoy. Daadi had always been a support for me more than my parents I would believe. Friendship and acquaintances were scarce as all believed I was a somber arrogant man. No one tried to look through the roughness that I too was yearning for some relationship who would understand me. At that point Sagar uncle came to London for his business and being my family's best friend he got in touch with daadi slowly getting close to us. I wasn't much interested in these ties until I saw Shravan and Shalini. Shravan was of my age who was out and out freaky an exact contrast to my character. That made me little restraint from him. Shalini though depicted the same character in me started to gain my attention with the immense love for books and gardening like I had. Someone who could match my likes at that time. Two years we had started knowing each other and we dated for some time. She had all qualities that Daadi had expected in my would be wife. Religious and traditional as she pretended which slowly attracted Daadi. As expected Sagar uncle turned up to our house with Shalini's proposal. Daadi couldn't get happier as she finally wished me to get settled in life abandoning this loneliness. I spoke to her and found she also was interested in me which made me accept it outwardly.
With the consent of other family members here Daadi arranged for my engagement. Though Shyam was elder to me they had agreed in unison to conduct my engagement first and marriage along with Shyam's. Shyam used to stay with me on and off whenever he had work in London. Our relations weren't so good as I knew his loose character and his deceiving nature. Apparently he was present for my engagement which was conducted in such grandeur without my other family members. All were happy. I was happy to have got someone of my likes as my partner and my Daadi's wish getting fulfilled. A sense of contentment and fulfillment.

He sighed in frustration when he started the next sentence. Khushi inclined her neck towards his face which had moved away from her leaving her hand slowly. She didn't even expect he had so much of expectation from his marriage before.

"It was her birthday party and we celebrated it with our friends and I was back to drop her home. I didnt even know when I got over drunk and she asked me to stay back at her house. I denied but she forced me to stay.. I had no idea we would land up in such a scene. I backed off when I realized it will extend but she continued explaining me that we weren't wrong. For her all that was fine before marriage. I should have thought about her actions contradicting her beliefs which were more traditional and conventional. Love was blind.. I would say I was a fool to have not looked through that sense. And the senses we knocked off making me give her the right of my love.

Khushi couldnt control her tears while he said this. He was so casual in explaining how he had given her the right.. She felt awkward thinking about him having given his love to Shalini before her. She gulped her sadness and stared at him noticing his every expression. She could sense the shame pain and guilt on his face.

Arnav; The next morning I realized I had crossed every limits which was not good and proposed her to marry me as soon as possible. Not that I was so traditional and this is not knew for a couple but I was more concerned for her guilt she might feel for losing herself to me. She agreed. But who knew she was just playing around with me and my feelings all the time. Almost 3 more days passed and I thought of surprising her with the news that I have talked to Daadi to propone our wedding. I found from her friend that she had been to the farm house of her brother Shravan . I thought of meeting her there.

I rushed to the farmhouse and opened the door to find a girl running out almost banging on me. I asked her who she was. The reply I got was only tears somehow I sensed that she was being forced physically. Knowing Shravan's behavior this was expected from him. I went in and knocked Shravan on his face who was fully drunk. He was trying to fight but his body wasn't allowing him to even defend himself from my wrath. The next moment I heard the door lock getting open.. You know what I saw? I saw my fianc coming out the room with my own Cousin Brother hugging.

Khushi was shocked to hear this. She continued watching him.

I was shocked in fact dead at that moment. Nevertheless they didn't expect me to be there which was revealing in their shocked faces. It was not a big secret to understand what had happened between them. All my hopes of having a family just got shattered into infinite pieces. I never wished for a life but when it was offered to me I couldn't deny as I too wished to have some relations and love around. It was too late that I understood that she could go to the extent of sharing her physical life with her fianc's brother. That shook me off. I got enraged the anger hit my brain. I wished to kill her there itself for cheating me and my Daadi. I would have been happily single but she came into my life and and ditched me. I wanted answers. I left Shravan and moved towards her and slapped hard as I could. Shyam tried to stop me but he couldn't control me there. The reasons why I hate that man who could go to any extent for his enjoyment. I knocked his face hard for intruding into my life. A life which was not at all interfering him or his family... Then I strangled her neck and asked for explanations. I wanted answers.. Why did she choose me to cheat? Why? She was not even bothered to answer anything. Her fake morals and values allowed her to go to this extent that she thought all this relationships were Okay until she formally ties with me. I slapped her again. Because she was not worth my Love, she was never worth being my Wife!! Everything ended there Khushi. Every damn relation, the trust, belief and above all my compassion and love for anyone. I was hating myself for such a life. My friends and well wishers had tried to console me but the trust she broke and how would I expect her to be true to me after the marriage?

He closed his eyes letting down his anger cool down. He never ever thought of remembering those ill fated moments of his life again after Khushi had come to his life. But today it was needed He had to open up. He turned around to see Khushi who had stood up frozen on her spot trying to digest all those he had uttered to her. He swiftly moved towards he and clutched her shoulders with his eyes red in anger.

Arnav : What do you say now Khushi ? Tell me what I did was right or wrong? If you were in my situation would you do the same or not? Tell me do you still believe I should have married her and given her a life? Do you think that one act of making love to her should have been a biggest guilt in my life even though it meant nothing to her? And above all do you think I made a crime for hiding this from you? Should I have placed our happiness at stake for a Disgusting girl who is not even worth our time in our life? She meant nothing to me from that incident.

She shrugged off his hands in anger and pushed him on his chest.

Khushi; Waah Arnav. Waah. It was you you and me? What about my sister then? After seeing the true face of Shyam , you still let my sister Anjali marry him? How could you make her life miserable? You could have warned us about Shyam's intentions. But you never did.

Arnav : I did Khushi. I always did. I was the one against this marriage but your mother wasnt. She knew the truth. But she thought he will change after marriage. Your mother knew it.. And it was her choice Khushi.. Only hers.. She begged to my Daadi to let this marriage happen as she knew Anjali will never get a good family like this because of her Physical problems. Anjali di's marriage had broken before which had led her to a depression. She was scared that your sister would commit suicide when this proposal gets terminated after their engagement.

Arnav growled at her startling her senses.

Khushi couldn't believe this harsh reality. How can her mother act so immature?

Arnav: I and Daadi promised her that we would change Shyam all way possible. If I had taken out my decision to marry you and change Shyam was only because of Anjali di. I don't have a sibling I agree but I too knew what it means to have a responsibility of a sister's life. I believed her to be my own sister which made me responsible to clear all the mess in her life. I dont wish to take the credit of this but I was the one who forced Manohar Uncle to take a decision of involving Shyam in business in India which could divert his mind from girls and his other unwanted pastimes. I made it like he made a loss in London there by stopping him from hanging around girl friends. I had stooped low by paying his ex Girl friends money so that they don't interfere in his life. The moment he got blocked of his contacts and money he had to pretend like he was caring di. I had full faith that he would change slowly.And it happen Khushi. After your Di came in his life, and now the baby, he is changing for good. I could sense that. I could see the major transition in him especially with his care and love towards his family.

Khushi had no reply. No doubt she had seen some change in Shyam these days but she didn't wish to think anything more about it which would hurt her later if it turns out the opposite.

Khushi: But you did take a chance in her life Arnav.. You were pretty over confident on yourself in changing your brother. I wish one time you had told about Shyam and your past..

Arnav(interrupting ) :I always felt to tell you this before marriage but I didn't know how you would react. At that point I wanted to somehow save you both together. I couldn't sor to any other resort other than this. This is the reason I decided not to get close to you after marriage until everything is sorted. I hesitated to come close to you because I was guilty Khushi. I had many reservations while I was about to reveal this to you but every single minute I was afraid of losing you your love which is worse than losing my life. THings changed. We started getting friendly with each other and I didn't want to lose you. This time I was sure that I won't be betrayed. I started feeling the difference in my life as compared to my past. Your smile liveliness and love changed me. I am terribly sorry..!!

He bowed his head down before her and a tear drop rolled his cheeks. She wanted to forget what happened but her inner conscience didn't allow her to forgive Arnav so easily.

Khsuhi: Your truth will not ease my pain so easily Arnav. I am not convinced with this. But being your wife, I cannot leave you alone in such a situation too. I will stay here with you but I won't be much more than a Stranger for you. So never think of anything more than that.

She left the room with a heavy heart hiding her cries inside her. She was confused on what decision she has to take. On one hand she feels for her husband on the other she couldn't accept what all he had told her just like that. May be only time would be the best healer she thought.

*****

Akash and Payal were enjoying the nature and fresh air sitting at the restaurant in Shimla. It was a much needed break for the two of them. She still remembered Manorama's angry glares when they were starting from the house. Akash had made clear that nothing was important for them other than their life and happiness. As per what doctor had prescribed them to have some good time which would ease their stress and relax. Payal was still perturbed with the fact that she hadn't got a proper approval from Manorama. She rested her head on his shoulder watching a mother in law walking together with her daughter through the lane.

"Akash.. Will mumma mistake us? Am I giving her the love and respect of a mother in law? Please tell me am I doing everything right? Or the reason for not getting pregnant makes her distant from me?"

Akash wrapped her towards him to provide more warmth.

"Why do you assume yourself Payal? The more you feel low about yourself you are inviting stress. Just let it go.. Everything would be alright in course of time."

"Just look at them Akash. How sweet they are? She is helping her mother in law to walk through the lane. How kind and considerate she looks after that daughter in law?"

Akash sighed and took her chin up to face him

"What if she is her mother and not mother in law? A mother obviously loves her daughter which is not new. Every mother loves and is over possessive about their children. I can't force my mother to love the same like she loves me. Just look at Garima aunty, doesn't she shower your love more than you wanted? Take it in that spirit.. There are many who don't get a good chance to get love from their mothers. Take my bhai for instance.. It's better that we satisfy ourselves with all those relations and love we get from them.. Don't just expect and get disappointed. I think I love you more than anyone else. Isn't that enough?"

She snuggled towards him more that this assurance is her motivation for life. The worries that she had been going through just vanishes off with his one word.

She turned towards the direction where he was watching. A little baby was playing in the hands of a mother and father. How contended and happy their faces looked? They were totally focused on the baby oblivious of their surroundings. How the little one catch their attention without making them deviate to anything. She could see him smiling at the little expressions that the baby changed.

"Kya hua Akash? Now whats your thoughts upto?"

He smiled placing her hands on his heart.

" I was thinking about our baby playing in our hands. Imagine how exciting it would be?"

"Hmm.. Yea.. That's an untold bliss I feel"

He understood that it was time to cheer her up than making her emotional.

" Like I said biwi, the mothers are so possessive about their children more than anyone. I am sure when our baby comes you would surely won't mind me even for a second.. Forget getting close to me like this"

She raised herself gaping at him for teasing her. It was quite easy to change her mood and he had to use his naughty tricks for that.

"What are you looking at ? You complain about my mother for being possessive.. I was imagining how possessive you would be with your son that your daughter in law have to bear your tantrums" ..

That was the limit. Payal stood up to give hit him and chased him out of the restaurant for teasing her so much. It was the time for them to enjoy. The impending happiness has to dawn in their life after months of worry and tension.

********

Arnav settled down on his couch after his breakfast. He was working from home since he fell ill. Though the presence of his wife was appeasing him her ignorance had really made him dampen his spirits. Even the emergent relief that he had confessed all truth to his wife didn't make him better. He could see the coldness in their relationship which in his life hadn't expected. Far better than the worse she was at least in front of him that made him regain his life. She took care of his food and medicine more mechanically. A mono syllable answer is all that he could get from her now days. He had expected to have a great life after returning back from London but life has turned upside down again making him lose his sanity. She took her stride in concentrating on her duties and left for office.

He had come to know about how she had sacked Shalini the next day when she knew about the truth. The pain was seething inside her too which was evident for him. No matter what he tries to explain on his behalf he himself sometimes placed a heaviness of guilt in him for not revealing his disgusting past. The more he had to bear with the repercussions could have been avoided before but sooner or later she would come back to her as his dear wife was his confidence.

Lavanya parked her car in the porche and entered inside the hall. She was surprised to find Arnav sitting on the couch with this head leaning on the couch and his eyes focusing the ceiling. She could sense some silence in him since his illness. There was an assurance that presence of Khushi would cleanse this but it proved to be the same even then. She couldn't surpass the doubts of sensing some trouble between the couple but right now she couldn't be indulging in it as she knew the two individuals are far more matured and outspoken than her and NK. Arnav being the more understanding would always make things right for her sister come what may.

"Good Morning Jeeju... Seems like you got the strength back to sit back and dream? Magic wand by Mrs.ASR isn't it?" She rested herself beside him near the couch making him come out of his thought process.

"Good Morning Lavanya.. I am sorry You had to come here with these papers. I could have averted this trouble for you if I had driven once to the office". He said as she handedover his files.

"Oh Come on Jeeju.. You call it a trouble? You seem to treat me as a stranger now"

"No Lavanya.. I didn't mean that.. He started to cough. Lavanya took the glass of water for him to drink and caressed her back to settle down.

"Enough ... I am doing this for my brother cum brother in law. Samjhe aap?" She proclaimed with the right of a sister and went inside the kitchen to make coffee for both of them as she knew KHushi was in her office.

He smiled at the unknown sibling relationship which he got with Lavanya. He too wished he had some sister who could have guided him as a friend and helped in taking some decisions which was much needed. But with Lavanya's word he reminded of something else. As a responsible brother he had promised her life to be clear of any obstacles with NK which he had totally forgotten for a while. He felt ashamed of himself for thinking about his own life rather than giving it a thought on her prespective. A sudden idea hit his brain.

"Lavanya did you ask Shiya to book my tickets to London?" He asked her casually while going through the pages in the file.

"London? Are you kidding me Jeeju?" She snorted as she kept the mugs on the table beside them.

"Not at all. You know I travel every month. And this time the meeting is proponed which I cant avoid at any circumstances." He said as a matter of fact sipping his coffee.

"Jeeju.. you just recovered from illness and it would be bad for your health if you travel again. And on the top of it I cant bear the wrath of your wife for this plan without her consent"

Arnav spilled the hot coffee as he heard the chuckle. His inner self laughed at the sarcasm as she would be the happiest person now if he had left her alone for some days though the pang of separation is something they both have to go through. But now more important was to tackle Lavanya here.

"What other options I have Lavanya?"

"May be we can request the client to talk to our Managers and lets have some video conference or something .."

"No way.. Someone from our office has to attend the meeting. It won't be professional if we don't meet them in any case. I believe in courtesy Lavanya.. Small or large the client may be we had committed for the meeting and its our duty to keep up our word." He pushed his arms more into his defense drinking his coffee as the confusion slowly sinked in Lavanya's face.

"If in any case I have an option would be sending you to handle this. Now you have the power after me in office. And I am sure you have the talent to convince the client more than anyone. Only if you agree" He said keeping the mug on the table watching her reactions.

She felt like thunder striking on her. LONDON? How can he ask her to go to London representing him that too the same place where her name sake Husband lives? She was finding awkward with the thought of it. She had to come out to counter argue this.

"No jeeju... that's unfair.. I cant represent you.. I have no experience in this. Moreover I wouldn't be in a position to convince them as you are capable." She said in a go making him smirk with her desperateness.

"So I have to travel then. May be I should forget about this health for some days and concentrate on work. Whatever comes let me handle after returning back." He sighed as if he was poignantly accepting his fate.

"No Jeeju .. I wont allow you to travel. Please understand"

"Then what am I supposed to do? I gave you one option and you seem to be not interested so this is the only way. I don't find any reason to let this deal go off from AR's hands"

She fiddled her hands in nervousness as she was put up in such a situation. When she had some difficulty it was Arnav who employed her and respected her now when there was a need for him she couldn't straight away deny him too. She has the responsibility to help him at any cost even at the cost of losing her ego. Arnav smiled inwardly looking at the deep thinking expression of his sister in law as if she was trying to think about confronting her husband now itself. He was about to take his phone to call his secretary while she stopped him by pulling his wrist.

"I shall go there Jeeju.. Please don't strain yourself. I shall meet the client and make sure we bag this deal." She faked a smile which made him proud of his own abilities to persuade people .

"Wow thanks Lavanya.. I owe this to you.. You are really lending me a big help in this."

"No formailites Jeeju.. Its my duty.." She said assuring him with a smile.

"That's great then.. I shall arrange for your tickets, visa and stay there. I shall inform the managers to set up a meeting. You take down the information which would be necessary for the meeting .I shall ask Kishore uncles and Nandini Auntys permission too. You don't have to worry about that. And yea.. if you are scared that you are travelling to an unknown place I shall ask NK to make sure you don't feel lonely" He said in excitement that he pretended as it it was a slip of the tongue. He looked at her in a pleading expression.

" I am sorry.. I didn't mean..."

He bend down in shame thinking of this situation where the two opposite poles had to meet again. She was apprehensive of this trip as it would lead to more tornados in her life. But she took herself in a positive approach and looked at him with determination.

"Ofcourse boss.. he is your brother so that's fine"

Arnav raised his eyebrow reading the hidden sarcasm in the line yet not letting her full acceptance to this.

"Yea and unfortunately you would be staying with him too. Apparently we both stay in the same apartment in London as I have sold out my house there" He gave back with the same intensity expecting her to bark at him but all he saw was a calm and composed look.

"No problem. I am privileged to stay in my boss's apartment in that case" She let out a sly smile making him chuckle. Are they playing in knowingly?

"Then I shall call him and make arrangement for your stay right from picking you up from the airport. Hope you don't mind it Ms.Employee?"

"Jeeju.. are you planning something at the back of your mind. I can see the shrewdness shaping its edges especially to unite your brother and your sister inlaw?" She asked him with a quizzical expression.

"ah. If you take it that way then good .. afterall great problems can be averted with just some discussions and delibertations. If you feel the discussions can be held without any interference then its a great achievement. Think about it Saali" He pressed her head lovingly as a brother and left the room. She leaned herself at the couch thinking about the idea as it would be her last chance to get back her married life.

To be continued.

Thanks for PM. Finally we know what happened between Arnav and Shalini. Shalini character sucks. I feel sorry for Arnav and he was just scared to reveal the past. Kushi needs sometime to digest the facts and accept the reality. I am sure Kushi will understand the situation because she is the one who knows how Arnav kept the condition of a year before taking their relationship to next level. That shows his honesty. Once Kushi thinks with cool mind set she will know what her future course of action should be . Arnav may need to woo her wife to forgive him for hiding the matter. I like Lavanya's confidence to handle the issues between her and NK. Payal and Akash asusual cozy couple with out issues. So Kushi sacked Shalini what will she be upto now to break A&K marriage?. I am already waiting for next update :).