ArHi FF: Yeh Saali Zindagi #2 Link to next thread on pg 1 - Page 8

khushi came to know about the truth behind manyata and Anjali..
want to see how she handle the case..

That's a big leap in their relationship-trust:)

Congrts on new thread
awesome update
so khushi know all the truth abt anjali n manyata
but i want lilttle romance between arshi plz
loved it

1.Okay I know many of you want to see romantic moments between Arnav and Khushi and I promise I will give you many of them but not in the way you want. I mean they have just got married and they are literally strangers and are getting to know each other, how can I show them kissing or further than that?

2.And Manyata won't get back to Anjali. She will be Arnav's daughter for the rest of the story. When Anjali gave her away, she didn't do it for the time being. She knows what is at stake.

3.And many times when I end a chapter, it doesn't mean the next chapter will start from that point neither it is necessary that I will provide both lead's point of view in every update. You need to wait for it.

ArHi FF: Yeh Saali Zindagi

Chapter 12

Four days later, Khushi walked inside the auditorium full of reporters and social workers. She kept looking straight, not flicking her gaze to side for even a second as the paparazzi went crazy, clicking pictures of her repeatedly and shouting questions at her.

And they had every reason to go this crazy for a glimpse of her, Khushi mused warily. For it was her first appearance in the public after her marriage and everyone was curious to see how she was faring in this marriage which had nothing to do with love and everything to do with politics and power.

Not that she felt the same way about her marriage now. Arnav Singh Raizada was proving to be the perfect husband for her though she never wished for one. He seems to care about others, has helped her a lot and had been very patient with her. Their mutual love for the angel in their life- Manyata, was a plus factor.

And maybe that's why she didn't feel awkward, parading in front of everyone wearing a bright red banarasi sari with wide, blossoming yellow border that ran along with the nine yard length of it. She truly loved the big mango designs carved in shocking blue which blended well with yellow of the border in the background.

Pinning few strands of her long, silky black hairs at the back of her head, she chose to leave the rest open. The crimson red vermillion filling her hair parting wasn't something to be ignored along with the black beads of mangalsutra adorning her neck.

Add maroon and white bangles fondly called as Suhag Chooda that filled her wrists to it and Khushi looked like a newly married woman.

She truly looked every bit of Mrs Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada. No wonder reporters and people who had known her since a long time were staring at her as if they were seeing some ghost.

Khushi Gupta, the plain girl who wore dull colored saris and kept her hairs tied in a tight bun was lost.

Everyone was dying out of curiosity. Had they got everything wrong? Is the marriage of Arnav Raizada and Khushi Gupta happened only for love? Are they in love? Were they dating but since when?

As one of the reporter dared to break through the solid barrier of her bodyguards moving along with her, Khushi stopped suddenly and turned. Keeping her icy black gaze fixed on the reporter who was about to ask a question, she asked quietly "Do you want me to leave?"

Snapping her mouth shut, the reporter flushed in embarrassment and stepped back. Not sparing her another glance, Khushi resumed her walk and smiled briefly the moment she saw Aman waiting for her.

Nodding at Ashima, the chairperson of Women Welfare Association standing on the other side, Khushi graciously occupied the chair in center which Aman has pulled out for her. The moment she knew that Aman was sitting on her right while Ashima sat on the left, Khushi leaned forward and whispered in the micro speaker "The press conference begins now."

And hell broke loose.

"Mrs Raizada, the Court has decided to proceed with Niya Sharma's case against Vikrant Chaudhary. What are your opinions about it?"

Lifting her calm gaze and staring directly at the reporter, Khushi answered "My opinions here don't matter I think. What matters the most is a girl who has been abused and then kidnapped by a man should get her freedom and justice."

"But Vikrant Chaudhary has denied any possibility that he has kidnapped Niya Sharma, is it not true?" Another reporter pointed out.

"Since I cannot find Niya at her home and anywhere else for that matter, I don't think a mere denial from Vikrant Chaudhary is going to prove anything. We have enough evidences to prove our claim." Tilting her head to right, Khushi replied arrogantly.

"Is it happening because Vikrant Chaudhary happens to be the leader of the opposition party? Is it just a mere political game to destroy his reputation because State elections are supposed to happen in few months? The animosity between Chaudhary and the Raizada's cannot be neglected as well." Another reporter shot up from his chair.

Throwing her head back, Khushi laughed bitterly "I would love to see you asking the same question from the girl who has been raped and kidnapped by Vikrant Chaudhary. A girl's innocence, pride is everything for her. When a prominent political leader happens to be the destroyer of it, it doesn't lessen the pain and humiliation that she had gone through. I thought reporters are intelligent and sensitive enough to understand this or is it limited to the extent someone's feelings can spice the news?"

A silence fell around the auditorium with the annoying click of cameras and tape recorders filling it. Everyone looked in daze as Khushi stared in defiance, her chin up in the air in pride.

Few throats were cleared when a shrilly voice rang up "So Anuj Raizada and Arnav Singh Raizada have nothing to do with this case?"

"I think the persons involved in this case are present here. Ashima ji from Women Welfare Association has pledged her support to this case meanwhile Aman Mathur has agreed to represent Niya in the court. My party is providing every available help to Niya's family. We are determined to help the girl in seeking justice when Vikrant Chaudhary finally frees her."

"So how is your married life going, Mrs Khushi Raizada? Is it a love match?" A reporter asked, sneering nastily at Khushi.

Locking her jaw together, Khushi flashed her eyes in anger grabbing Aman's hand as he tried to stand.

Giving everyone around her a sickly sweet smile, Khushi mocked "I didn't know my private life was up for display or interrogation for that matter."

Shyam burst out laughing, clapping his hands together before wiping tears from his eyes "Damn, she is amazing Arnav. Your wife has got a sharp tongue."

Lifting his gaze from TV where the press conference was still being aired, Arnav smirked "You are right. She has clean bowled the reporters."

"And to think I considered you as the most ruthless, intelligent person I ever met." Shyam teased, still laughing.

"Khushi has perfectly played her part in my plan. I am astonished that I'd not even needed to tell her anything and she understood what she need to do. She still believes that it's her who had thought that linking me in this case won't be good." Arnav replied haughtily, taking out a cigarette and lighting it up.

"You are too clever for your pretty dull life, Arnav Raizada." Shyam replied sarcastically, snatching cigarette from Arnav and throwing it in bin after crushing it upside down. Arnav rolled his eyes.

"I can't wait to see the downfall of Vikrant Chaudhary." Arnav muttered, a wicked gleam in his eyes.

"Me neither." Shyam agreed, a strange expression on his face.

______________________________________________________

"Mumma, you look beautiful today." Manyata chirped, settled in Khushi's lap looking perfectly at home. Khushi smiled, stroking her hairs lovingly.

The moment the doorbell rang, Manyata jumped down and ran to open the door, knowing very well that her Daddy is home.

But when she opened the door, she got another surprise "Shyam Uncle!!!"

"Hey Princess" Shyam beamed, scooping Manyata up in his arms and twirling her around, making her shriek in delight. Arnav entered in behind him, shaking his head.

"Where were you Uncle? I missed you." Manyata complained the moment Shyam stopped and grinned down at her.

"Sorry baby I was busy. But now I am here and we will have fun together like always." Shyam said enthusiastically and was about to speak further when Khushi appeared, looking hesitant, her eyes flying between Arnav and Shyam curiously.

Shyam stopped short, his eyes scrutinizing Khushi before his face broke in a pleased smile. With a chuckle, he stepped forward and then looked back at Arnav as if waiting for something.

When Arnav nodded, Shyam beamed and then turned back to Khushi "Hi, I am Shyam Jha, your husband's best friend."

"And my favorite Uncle too." Manyata added, still clinging to his neck.

"That too. Khushi I just can't tell you how happy I am to meet you. You sure look like a fragile woman but from what Arnav has told me and what I saw in today's press conference, I know you are special and I already admire you." Shyam said, looking fascinated.

"Thank you though I don't know what Arnav has told you about me. So you are the writer Shyam Jha?" Khushi asked curiously, already warming up to Shyam. She liked how he looked totally at ease with her though he was meeting her today for the first time.

"I see you have read my books already." Shyam looked pleased. He scowled when he heard a snort from behind and looked back at Arnav staring at him in disbelief.

Shyam turned back "Please ignore that. Some people just can't bear anyone snatching attention from them."

"Yeah right." Arnav grumbled.

"Princess, I think we both should go before your daddy starts biting my head off. Oh by the way Khushi, I am organizing a party for my new book's launch tomorrow night and you are invited." Shyam said authoritatively.

Biting her lower lip, Khushi blurted out "But I haven't been to parties like this before and I don't think I have a proper dress for that."

"I think you shouldn't worry when you have such a thoughtful husband, Khushi. You won't believe me, but only today Arnav dragged me to a mall and asked for my help in selecting a dress for you. You are going to love it." Shyam bragged on as Khushi's gaze flew to Arnav, watching him cringe.

And Khushi didn't know why but she smiled, her heart melting at busted look on her husband's face.

Arnav clearly didn't want her to know about it, she thought, feeling her face growing hot. Her breath skipped for a moment at this realization. They stared at each other till someone cleared his throat loudly while Manyata giggled.

"Okay I will leave the couple alone. Come on princess, you and I need to talk." Shyam announced, moving upstairs.

The moment Shyam found himself alone with Manyata, he looked down and ordered the small girl "Okay tell me everything that has happened between your Mumma and Daddy till now."

Happily obliging to his command, Manyata chattered on as Shyam listened to her in raptured attention.

Perching Manyata in his lap, Shyam asked thoughtfully "Umm Manyata does your Mumma sleep with you and your Daddy?"

"No she sleeps in a different room. But why are you asking this, Uncle?" Manyata replied innocently, noting how her Shyam Uncle looked displeased.

Taking few moments, Shyam gathered his thoughts and spoke carefully "You love your Mumma, Manyata?"

"Of course I do."

"You don't want her to leave you again?"

"I don't want her to go anywhere Uncle. Is she going away?" Manyata exclaimed, looking panicked.

"Of course not. But if your Daddy does not love her, she will."

"But Daddy loves her. He cares for her just like me." Manyata protested.

"But it isn't enough, Princess. We will have to make your Daddy fall in love with your Mumma. Only then, she will stay with you." Shyam warned.

Biting her lip in anxiety, Manyata whispered "Then what should we do, Uncle?"

"First, convince your Mumma to sleep with you and your Daddy." Shyam smiled knowing very well that it would be a great leap in Arnav and Khushi's relationship.

"But if they refused, then what I am going to do?"

"They won't refuse you, Princess. But if they refused you, start crying right there." Shyam winked, his eyes held a wicked gleam.

Manyata's face lip up at once as she started smiling, looking excited. Then she announced "I can do it, Uncle."

"Good. When you manage to do that, I will tell you what you need to do next." Shyam grinned giving Manyata a high-five before hugging her tight, anticipating Arnav's bewildered face the moment Manyata will pull the act in reality. His best friend was in for a very hard time.

If only he wouldn't have been so blind to see Khushi is the right girl for her.

Their morals and their beliefs were similar. The way they fought for their family, for justice was similar. In just 2 weeks of their married life, they were already working like a team on professional front. It was just their personal life that needed some manipulation.

And as their friend, Shyam Jha was proud to be that manipulator with the help of his little angel. Manyata looked so much like Anjali.

Anjali, he sighed in longing.

The moment Shyam and Manyata disappeared down the corridor, Arnav turned towards Khushi and started walking.

Clenching her fist nervously, Khushi looked on as Arnav stopped right in front of her, titling his head to left.

Then his eyes grew warm, soft and his lips stretched into a smile. A smile which pronounced his happiness, admiration, satisfaction and approval at her.

"You did great at the conference." He murmured watching how Khushi ducked her head, her fingers twisting together, speaking of her nervousness.

"Really?"

"Really." Arnav's smile widened. Taking a step forward, he pressed a rectangular box in her hands along with a small velvet square box on top.

Stealing a glance downwards, Khushi looked up again raising her eyebrows.

And just right there, something happened which Khushi would never forget.

Because at her questioning glance, Arnav lowered his gaze as color rose to his neck and face, his fingers fiddling with the cuffs of his shirt.

Khushi blinked as if trying to understand him.

Arnav Singh Raizada was blushing. Only a bit but the expression struck right through Khushi's heart. It was something in the way he held himself at the moment, the way he avoided her eyes that told Khushi that she is the only woman whom he ever thought and tried to impress. To please.

"Woh, Shyam said that his book's launch party is tomorrow. I thought that I should get something for you. So I bought a dress and a small pendant for you. Shyam said that you would like it." Arnav rambled, turning Khushi's smile into a grin.

Clearing her throat, Khushi rearranged her expressions and said sternly "Okay."

She was about to open the velvet box first when Arnav held her wrist, stopping her "You can check it later."

It was a request, Khushi realized. Dropping her hand to her side, she nodded "Okay."

Looking relieved, Arnav turned away, stopped and then turned back to Khushi again. His emotions were shuttered as well as his face as he stood there, staring at her.

Khushi's gaze dropped, watching Arnav raising his hand reluctantly. Still nothing prepared her for what happened next.

His fingers found their way to her face, curling around a lone strand stuck to her face. Slowly brushing it away, Arnav traced her face lightly.

As if acquainting his touch to her skin.

As if he was doing something he wished for a long time. As if sharing something intimate.

It was the second time Arnav has touched her. But it felt like it was a start to something special, which Khushi didn't know and realize exactly but felt it nonetheless.

"You really are a good person, Khushi." Arnav murmured, his eyes running all over her face. Tapping his fingers to her cheek twice, he stepped back and walked away.

Leaving Khushi standing there, shivering and wondering why her heart was galloping. Wondering why her mouth felt dry. Wondering why she felt the urge to call him back.

Why she felt like a stupid teenager at his touch? She didn't know answer to any of it but she felt good.

So how was it? Do tell me.

Aditi

Amzing update but I m confuse is arnav is using khushi anyhow

LOvely !!! perfect Update for the perfect Saturday night!

that was awesome honey
ahhh i loved it
so shyam & manyata will play cupid now
that is so lovely
i don't know what else to say
😃 😆

Wonderful...and loved this Shyam jha...and there will be no better manipulater then mannyata whom both Arnav and khushi love..

That was Mrs. ASR in the press conference and ASR thawing a bit into Arnav at home!