Flash back...
Arvind Singh Raizada and his wife Mridula led a happy life with their daughter Anjali.
But destiny played a cruel game with them.Mridula died due to cancer and in order to look after Anjali, Arvind married Anushka.Though Anushka loved Anjali,Anjali hated Anushka as she couldn't digest Anushka being in Mridula's place.
Once Anjali threw the lunch box Anushka arranged for her to go to school.
Anj:I don't need the food you cooked.Dadi will cook food for me.
Anushka was very upset about Anjali's behaviour.
She cupped her face in her hands sadly:Anjali beta...why do you hate me so much?I really love you.
Anjali pushed her rudely.
Anj:Don't try to be my mother.You are not my mother.You are a witch who took ovy mother's position.
Anushka was shattered.
Anushka gave birth to a baby boy;Arnav.Both Arvind and Anushka became busy with Arnav.When Arnav became Devayani's pet also,Anjali became jealous of Arnav.The jealousy turned into hatred.Arnav always went after Anjali calling her:Di...
But Anjali always ignored him.
Arn:Di...can I come with you to watch cartoon?
Anj:No.
Arn:Please di.
Anj:I told you no.
Arnav became upset.
Anjali was watching cartoon alone.Hearing the sunds Arnav got tempted and without her permission he got inside the room.Anjali got so angry and
pushed the little Arnav down.He got hurt.
Arvind.Anushka and Devayani became upset seeing Arnav crying out of pain when stitches were put on his forehead.Anjali got scared whether she will be exposed by Arnav.But Arnav who loved his sister never did that.
Anjali went to Arnav.
Arn:Di...
Anj:You thought just because you saved me from a punishment I will love you?Never.I will never love you.
Arnav cried.His tears didn't move her at all.
Shashi Gupta,Garima and their daughter Khushi were their neighbours and family friends.Khushi had noticed Arnav;the shy lonely silent boy.Later they became classmates in high school.
Arnav was always isolated by the teachers and the classmtes as he was weak at studies.
That really made him upset.
Once the teacher asked him to solve a problem in Maths on the board.He did blunders and he got scolded by the teacher.All the classmates laughed at him.But Khushi looked at him with pity.
Arnav went upto Anjali for help.
Arn:Di...can you please teach me Maths?I can't understand anything.
Anjali taunted him instead of helping him:You fool...you have no brain.That's why you can't excel in maths.So no use of teaching you.
Arn:But di...please teach me the basics.I just want pass mark.
Anj:You duffer...can't you understand what I am saying?Just get out.
She pushed him out and slammed the door.
Anushka saw Arnav crying alone.
She sat near him:Chotte...
He hugged her and cried:Maa...why does di hate me so much.I love her very much.But why can'tshe see that?
She felt upset for him.
Anu:Di loves you chotte.But she can't express it.Don't worry.One day she will shower all her love on you.
Arnav was teased by all the students.
Khushi felt sad.
She went to Arnav's room in the Raizada Mansion.Arnav couldn't believe it as they were not friends.
Arn:Why are you here?
K:Why?I can't come here?
Arn:Not that.I mean we are not friends.
K:How can we be friends if you close your mouth forever?It's because of your shy silent nature that you are not able to have friends.You need to mingle with others.
Arn:But no one likes me talking to them.Everyone hates me because I am a poor student.
K:You are having inferiority complex.That's why you feel so.Anyways exams are coming up.Did you start studying?
Arn:No.
K:Why?
Arn:I can't handle studies.Nothing is entering my head.Because I am brainless.
K:What rubbish!Who said you are brainless?
Arnav didn't say Anjali's name.
K:No one is brainless.Devi maiyya has given brain to everyone.You are intelligent.But you need to work more.You need proper guidance.I will teach you.
Arnav was surprised:Really?
K:Yes.But you have to be my friend.
He couldn't believe it:Are you sure that you want me to be your friend?
K:Ya...why not?
Arn:First time someone approached me for friendship.
She smiled extending her hand:Friends?
With a smile he held her hand.
Khushi started teaching Arnav.They had combined study.Anushka was happy seeing it.
Anushka told Arvind who was watching it along with her:I am so happy to see chotte smiling.Khushi is his first friend.
Arvind smiled:This smile will remain forever.Khushi is that nice.
They smiled.
Anjali got irritated seeing that.
Exams got over.The result day came.
Arnav was nervous.
Arn:Will I pass?I am scared.If I don't pass Khushi's hrd workwill be a waste and she will be upset.I can't see her upset because of me.
Anushka:Don't worry Chotte.This time you will pass as you have put your heart and soul into it.
Devayani:All the best chotte.
Anjali said in his mind:However you try Arnav...a fool like you will never pass.
Financial markets and global economy
Ishaani
10