NEW FF: Payback ~ Season 2 ~ Part 3 (23/09) - Page 38

Part 2

Shantivan

Aarav came running inside the room hiding some photo behind him. He watched his Chachu getting dressed up for Office. But he also seemed to be scolding someone over his bluetooth. Whenever he saw Arnav in such a bad mood, he always took his steps back in fear. The same happened today. But the moment Arnav saw him from the mirror, he lowered his tone and finished the call. Whatever mood he was , he always changed it and made it better for Aarav whenever he was around.

Arnav: Champ. Come in.

Aarav didnt move. He waited at the door with his hands hiding the photo still. Arnav came to him and kneeled down.

Aarav: Chachu, why do you scold everybody? I asked Badi Nani, she said you have lot of anger inside you. So you keep shouting at everyone.

Arnav held the boy's waist and drew him close

Arnav: Nani is right. I have so much anger in me which no one can measure. But that all is for others not for my Champ. Give me Hi5.

He purposely tried to divert Aarav's attention. Aarav gave him and Hi5 and hugged his chachu tight.

Aarav: Chachu. Was daddy like you? Did he also scold everybody ?

THe question was simple. But the mere thought and rememberence of his Bhai Aditya always made Arnav fell weak before Aarav. He pulled back from the hug and stroked his thumb over Aarav's cheek.

Arnav: No. He never scolded anyone. He always smiled just like you do. You are like your Dad Aarav. Just his replica.

Aarav smiled. Arnav could feel he was hiding something behind and he gently moved his hands forward. The photograph just surprised him.

Arnav: Where did you find this?

Aarav: In the Store room.

Arnav scanned the photograph properly. It was Aditya in the picture holding hand of a girl who had her back faced to the camera. She was slim having dark black long hair wearing a Blue Salwar Suit.

Aarav: Chachu. WHose with Dad? Is it Mom?

Arnav crumpled the photo in his hand because Aarav was too innocent to know who the lady was in the photo with his father.

Arnav: She is No One Aarav. She is No one.

Aarav being naive didnt question back anything. Nor did he ask why his Chachu crumpled the photo. He allowed Arnav to hug him and then after few minutes ran outside the room asking Arnav to come down soon for having his share of Pancakes. Arnav composed himself . He didnt know what this photo was doing in the Store room .All he had in mind was that today, he will be meeting her and from now her payback will start for the entire lifetime.

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Madhumati , Khushi's buaji was a Trustee of a famous Temple in Lucknow. Her husband had left enough money for her after death which she utilized for the welfare of the poor people and their development. She had just finished the morning Puja with Garima and was distributing the sweets, when her eyes scanned the house . Garima knew whom she was looking for.

Garima: Jiji, dont look for her. She wont come.

Buaji: Wont come ? You mean she still doesnt believe in God?

Garima: Yes Jiji, she had lost all hopes 3 years back and even after such a long time, I couldnt change her mind.

Buaji: When will she start living like before? I dont like seeing her so much angry and stubborn all the time.

Garima: You think I like it Jiji? Initially I thought getting her married will sort her behaviour but she doesnt wish to get married too. Just last week she broke another alliance that had come for her. And this time she even insulted that family before me saying their son was a womanizer. I know she will not lie but Jiji she sees every man in the same angle now. She has lost faith in Love and marriages. I am so much worried for her.

Buaji: I can understand Garima. Giving her time is all that we can do at the moment. But good at least she agreed to come here in India and attend the Puja that I have organised at the temple today evening. I want her to make the offering to Devi Maiyaa from her hands.

Garima: But Jiji, she will not agree. You ask her to do so, I am afraid she will deny me .

Buaji: Fine. I will ask her.

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Temple

It had been an hour that Khushi, Garima and Buaji had came here to the temple. The Puja was yet to be started. Khushi was not feeling good today. She had stopped praying, she had stopped worshipping to God and asking him to grant their wishes. The faith she had in Devi Maiyaa was broken down the same day she was hit with the reality of the man she loved. She never stepped inside the temple from past 3 years and kept herself isolated from such traditions and rituals. Even today she wouldnt have come here if Buaji wouldnt have given her a promise and forced to be a part of it. But what irritated her the most now was that they were waiting for some chief guest to arrive for the Puja to get started.

Khushi: Buaji, this is not some inaugration for which you have invited a chief guest. Finish the Puja and start serving food, clothing to these people here. You have already wasted enough of my time.

Buaji: Bitiya have some patience. He is on way and will be reaching soon. We cannot start this Puja without him.

Garima: Khushi baby, its just a matter of few more minutes.

Her mother and Buaji failed to convince her. She was suffocating here in this holy place. Some uneasiness had captured her heart as this new phase of her life will not be as good as her family expected it to be. Without uttering a word, she walked away to leave this place even after hearing her mother's pleads to make her stop. She thought of making some quick official calls after which she can get back in the temple and complete the formalities. She had no plans to be a part of the Puja. All this isnt worth it because these prayers never reach God's ears. Its only for our own satisfaction that people believe in worshipping, she thought.

Buaji asked Garima not to bother. SO what if she doesnt attend the Puja, she will make Khushi make the offering at any cost today.

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A White Audi car parked and the Chief Guest who was none other than Arnav Singh Raizada got down. He was welcomed by the Trust management and then was escorted till Madhumati and Garima.

Madhumati: Welcome Arnav Bitwa. Garima, he is Arnav, our Chief Guest of this Puja.

Garima shook hands with him while he just passed an arrogant smirk. It was so difficult for him to act normal before these people. He knew they were related to Khushi Gupta but before implementing any of his plan, he just wanted to see that girl once who had ruined the peace of their family. WHen he didnt find any such girl around, he thought of continuing with the function though the thorns of hatred were still bubbling in his heart.

The Puja was started and some media sources were sharing their astonishment seeing ASR attending and being a part of such a holy tradition which never took place in the past few years. Khushi , who was quite aloof from the temple, heard the bells ringing. She kept continuing her official calls until the bells sounds were stopped. It was an indication that the Puja was over. She stepped inside the temple again and came to Garima.

Garima: Good you came . Buaji wants you to make the Offering first to Devi Maiyaa after which she will start distributing food and clothes to the poor people here.

Khushi: Offerings? Didnt you tell her I have stopped all this ?

Buaji: Yes she told me. But Khushi this is not about yourself. Its for the people here. Look, I have already decided you will be the one to start with the Offerings. I am not ordering you Khushi, I know you dont like it. But its really my wish. We never forced you for attending the Puja, at least do this much for us.

Khushi: Fine. And this is the last time I am even allowing you both to make me do such things. Next time I am not going to come here, forget accepting your demands.

SHe snatched the Puja thali from her mother and climbed the stairs of the temple. An unsual feeling growing inside her body. Old memories blocking her thoughts. She used to pray once and do all such duties for the happiness of her family but today she had lost hopes in everything. God had snatched many things from her than gifting and blessing her.

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The flame of the lighted Diya (lamp) was burning his palm but he kept looking at the Devi Maiyaa idol, not bothered of this pain. The Priest was very concerned for him who were noticing this from past few seconds.

Priest: Beta, you will burn your hand. Why are you doing this?

Arnav: Preparing myself for a Sin I am going to commit Panditji. Its necessary to remind my body that no pain is ever going to stop me until I finish this Payback.

The Priest was baffled. Arnav Singh Raizada's words were above his head. Suddenly the flame blew off freeing Arnav out of this pain. Gust of wind was blowing high in the vicinity of this temple which was the reason for the flame to blow off. He didnt knew what this sign meant in his life, in his motive. Suddenly two hands passed a Puja thali from beside him towards the Panditji for offering their prayers to the Devi Maiyaa. His eyes involuntarily turned to see her. She had covered her head with the Dupatta, her eyes closed and palms joined to worship. Arnav felt a kind of pull towards her which till now he never had for anyone. The Priest offered the contents of the Puja Thali to the Idol and then came back to her.

Panditji: Bitiya, whose name should I make this offering from ?

Khushi: My name Panditji.. Khushi Gupta.

The name itself got thousands of nerves excited in Arnav Singh Raizada. He tightened his fist, holding himself from doing anything unnecessary at this moment. It was such an irony that they both were standing before God, he asking for strength to destroy her whereas she was wishing for happiness and prosperity. Now it was in the hands of Devi Maiyya to fulfil the prayers of just of them, and only time would decide whose..!!