ArHi OSes: When I Knew | Ugly Chaise | PG 53 | NEW UPDATE (21/8)

The fact that Shashi Gupta had a soft spot for his younger daughter was no secret. While she was not his biological child, for all intents and purposes, Khushi was his daughter and more. He loved Payal, he truly did- but Khushi related to him in a way no one else did. She shared his love for mithai and her naughty streak always left him amused, even if he ended up serving as the go between when his furious sister-in-law was grasping little Khushi's ear.

That was why he was especially attuned to changes in his beloved daughter. When she came home from work, complaining of the Rakshas that was her boss, Shashi said nothing. He merely listened to her rant on about how terrible he was, silently taking in the extra frustration Khushi seemed to reserve especially for that Laad Governor.

Life went on as usual for the Guptas, but Shashi continued to watch Khushi's relationship with her boss carefully. His watchful eyes over his titaliya unfortunately robbed him of the ability to talk and move. The vile creature his sister-in-law so devotedly tended to stole his ability to physically protect Khushi- but he could not remove Shashi's protective gaze.

The first time Shashi realized it was that day, that horrible day he realized he could not be Khushi's physical shield from harm any longer. He lay there in the bed, paralysed against the stuff white sheets and the unwelcoming environment, desperate to prevent that character from ruining her life any further. After visiting hours were over, and only Garima remained, Shashi sat in the dark room, pondering over his next action as his wife slept fitfully by his side.

He felt a rustling by the door, a tall, imposing figure blocking the sliver of light. For a split second, fear shot through his veins as he considered the fact that the man might be back to finish the deed.

He was shocked when the cold, steely face of Arnav Singh Raizada appeared by his side. The famed business man touched his feet gently before pulling a chair up to his side. Shashi was unable to acknowledge him, but he hoped his eyes would communicate his words.

"Khushi does not know of this yet, and I would like to keep it from her as long as possible. I have paid the doctor's fees."

Shashi silently asked him about repayment. Arnav's eyes hardened in understanding.

"Repayment will be discussed later. Khushi does not have to work extra. You need her." Without another word, he swept out of the room.

That was the first time he realized.

*********

Shashi watched tears fill Khushi's eyes as she stood there, her long hair streaming down her back, the vibrant red sindoor streaked messily in her part. His heart broke as he realized he was helpless, completely incapable of gathering his precious happiness in his hands and wiping away her tears, of telling her that he loved her and knew it wasn't her fault.

He looked up to meet the villain's eyes, only to accidentally be made privy to a clearly private exchange. The imposing man standing behind his daughter, the man who had so carelessly knotted the mangal sutra around her neck, exchanged a haughty glance with the villain.

Shashi's heart turned to ice when he realized that the villain had tainted the man who had loved his daughter deeper than anyone possibly could. His hatred for the villain was nearly overwhelmed by his disgust for his new son-in-law, furious that he could believe his titaliya capable of such a heinous crime.

He knew his disgust was misplaced, knowing that Arnav was just as much of a victim of that creature's words as everyone else, but he could not help the resentment that bubbled up.

His stomach dropped further upon seeing the icy glares Arnav reserved for his daughter, completely devoid of the affection he had showered on her prior to the wedding. He had faith in Khushi's abilities to overcome difficulties, but knowing that she would lack the one man's support she would need the most made it all the more difficult for Shashi to stomach.

He was snatched out of his reverie when the resounding slap of his wife and sister-in-law reached his ears, sending Khushi flying into his son-in-law's arms as a bright red mark began to form on her cheek. He desperately wished he could step in front of her and shield her from the undeserving hate tossed her way, the careless words of her only family scarring her deeply.

As her tear-filled hazel eyes turned pleadingly up to her husband, Shashi winced in preparation for her oncoming rejection. He was shocked when he saw Arnav's gaze flit across her face, his pained eyes longingly resting on his new wife's face. Within seconds, his guards were back up, the steel, unpitying wall slamming down on his dark eyes. But it was enough for Shashi to know.

He never had stopped. Despite his son-in-law's misplaced anger towards his Khushi, Shashi knew that when the time came, his hands would be there, ready to catch his daughter when she stumbled, just as he had all those months ago.