ArHi FF: Yeh Saali Zindagi
Chapter 29-B
Drumming his fingers on the steering wheel absent mindedly, Arnav risked a glance at Khushi, who was sitting quietly in the passenger seat, looking out of the window and sighed. Judging by the blank look on her face and stiff posture of her body, she was tensed.
As he expected her to be, after remembering what day it is today.
Not wanting to leave her alone, he had dragged her along with him as he went to drop Manyata to her school, expecting her to forget about it but today, even her daughter's chirpy tone and innocent words couldn't seem to do the trick.
Letting out an irritated huff silently, he masked his expressions once again and whispered softly "Khushi?"
He looked ahead, noting from the corner of his eyes as she sighed and turned her head to look at him blankly "Yes?"
Biting the inside of his mouth to stop himself from snapping out at her, he smiled pleasantly and threw her an apprehensive look "In past, you aspired to be an interior designer right?"
Khushi froze. Arnav knew that he was broaching the forbidden territory but he was forced to do so. Mentally praying to the almighty for his trick to work, he stared ahead, flinching as she snapped out a single word "So?"
Raising his left brow to convey that he'd not liked the way she spoke to him, he surged ahead "So I was thinking that maybe you should decorate Manyata's new room?"
Khushi blinked "What??"
Arnav smiled "Yeah her new room. When she was a baby, I used to make her sleep with me in case she woke up crying and I didn't get to know about it. But I think she should have her own room. She should sleep in her own bed. It'll be good for her. So I want to move her things to a new room, close to ours. Maybe you can decorate it. She would like it."
Khushi frowned "But what's the need for it? I like her sleeping with us."
Shaking his head, Arnav said "But I don't. I think she is getting too much dependent on me and you. If she had any nightmares, she can come in our room but if that's not the case, she should sleep in her room. The same thing happened with me and with you too when we were kids, I guess. So what do you think?"
Looking down at her hands, she replied in a small voice "I don't know, Arnav. It's been only few days since she accused us of not loving her. If we gave her a separate room, she might think all those things again."
Maneuvering the car to the left, Arnav murmured gently "No, she won't. In fact, it's her idea. Apparently, her friends tell her whenever they re-decorate their room, making her feel left out. She wants something she can call her own. You know what I mean right? This morning, she pleaded so much for it. I can't say no to her."
Khushi smiled, looking at him fondly "Of course you won't."
"So what do you think?" Arnav repeated again, feeling relieved at managing to make her forget what was waiting for her ahead.
Khushi smirked "I think you are a devoting father, Arnav. And yes, I will decorate her room. Mine was decorated by some old man and I hated it. But Manyata is going to love it."
Quirking a brow, he quizzed "How so?"
Giving him an evil grin, Khushi whispered dramatically "Because girls love pink just like boys love blue."
Staring at each other, they grinned, feeling the weight of their responsibilities and work lighten suddenly. Feigning surprise, Arnav exclaimed "WHAT!!! Then why the hell was my room drenched in pink when I got it?"
Khushi sputtered "WHAT!!!! You got to be kidding me!!!"
Giving her a mock hurt look, Arnav replied in high pitched voice "I kid you not, my dear wife. When I was only four and got my own room, everything in there was pink, including the cover on my books."
Her eyes widened in horror "But why?"
He shrugged "It matched with the dcor of the house which was pretty awful must I say. In a week, the designer was fired but the damage was done on my innocent mind."
Looking at her, he pouted in mock pity for himself. And that did it. Khushi dissolved in fits of laughter, busy in imaging the situation and plight of her husband as a kid.
Her shoulders shook violently as the car was filled with her high pitched yet alluring laugh. Arnav grinned, watching as she pressed her hands against her stomach and leaned forward, still laughing.
Tears streamed down her face. Yet, she looked so beautiful, so full of life that Arnav just stared, drinking her in, knowing very well that this was something he couldn't ever forget.
As she looked up, wiping tears from her face, still laughing, Arnav smiled, feeling very pleased.
Gasping for breath, she exclaimed "That was hilarious."
"I know." Arnav agreed, his eyes glazed over her.
Struggling for composure, Khushi sat up straight and looked out, realizing suddenly that the car was parked safely to the side with Delhi Supreme Court in front of her. Instantly, she grew serious.
Turning her head, she looked at him and said "I have to go."
Arnav nodded "I know. Give this file to Aman. It contains evidences against Vikrant. Don't worry we are going to win."
Taking the file from him, she stared at it, replying automatically "I hope so."
Not saying anything further, he waited for her to step out, knowing that not much time is left in the hearing. As much as he wanted to just step out and accompany Khushi inside the court, he knew he couldn't. The political complications of Arnav Raizada attending a hearing of Vikrant Chaudhray's case were too much for him to handle.
So, he was surprised to see her drop the file back and turn to him. She smiled gratefully "Thank you for distracting me from worrying about it."
"Anytime." He acknowledged with a smile.
Leaning forward, she cupped his face in her palms making him freeze in shock. Running her fingers clockwise around his prickly, five o clock stubble, she murmured "But you could have just saved all the trouble you know."
"How?" Arnav breathed out the question huskily, his gaze dropping to her lips. Fascinated, he watched as she flicked her tongue out, making them glisten.
"By saying you wanted Manyata out of our room, so that you can have your way with me." Khushi whispered coyly, peering up at him through her lashes.
Arnav inhaled sharply, feeling his breath catch in his throat. His eyes widened in shock.
Chuckling softly, Khushi scooted closer to him, looking up at him shyly. Shutting her eyes, she pressed her lips against his tentatively. Leaning into him, she clamped her hands around his shoulders firmly, pressing closer to him.
Arnav jerked in shock, realizing that it was happening for real. His wife was really kissing him. She initiated the kiss.
Groaning in defeat, he closed the distance between them, capturing her lips in a sensuous kiss.
Clamping his hands around her waist, he plucked her out of the seat, dropping her in his lap. Gripping the back of her neck, he tilted her face up, kissing her fiercely and possessively. He sighed in approval as she kissed him with equal fervor, gripping his hairs tightly in her hands, pushing herself closer to him.
Snapping her eyes open, Khushi stared at him, sliding her hands down his chest and then pushed him away much to his dismay, making him growl in protest. He scowled at her.
Pressing a quick kiss to his tightly pressed lips, she jumped out of the car quickly, knowing that it won't be fair to poke the hungry bear. Resting her hands on the hood of the car, she peered inside and said shyly "Thanks for giving me a lift."
Arnav grunted, still looking displeased. Offering him a wave and a saucy wink, she said "We will resume our conversation when we get back home."
He nodded reluctantly, knowing what she was talking about. Pleased, he watched her strengthen and quickly wipe happy expressions from her face before walking inside the building, being closely followed by her bodyguards.
Shaking his head with a rueful smile playing on his lips, he started the car again and was about to reverse it when his phone rang, making him stop once again.
Looking down, he took a look at the name of the caller and frowned. Pressing it against his ear, he said hesitantly "Akash?"
Climbing the last step, Khushi sighed, looking ahead. As much as she wished to not walk further and face the media today, she knew she has to go inside.
For Nia, who deserves justice.
And for Aman, who was waiting for her impatiently.
But her feet suddenly felt so heavy and stuck to the ground. After talking to Arnav, she was feeling happy. She didn't want this feeling to disappear.
As much as she loved helping others, she wanted nothing more than few moments of happiness and peace.
Suddenly, she felt tired of her professional life.
"Remember, you signed up for this willingly." Khushi murmured faintly, reminding herself, holding the file possessively in her arms. Looking up, she caught the eyes of the bodyguard in front of her and nodded. Nodding back in return, he pushed the door open for her.
Pulling in a breath, she entered inside and was instantly engulfed and swarmed with media. People pushed through the wall of her bodyguards to get closer to her, clicking pictures of her madly, shouting questions at her loudly.
"Mrs Raizada what's your connection with this case? Do you despise Vikrant Chaudhary like your husband?"
"Mrs Raizada, did you file this case so that Vikrant Chaudhary couldn't take part in the upcoming elections? Do you want Anjali Raizada to win the elections?"
"Mrs Raizada, are you planning on contesting the elections yourself?"
"Mrs Raizada does this case mean nothing more than a smart move by the Raizadas for political reasons?"
Closing her eyes, Khushi sighed, her heart pricking with the venom in the questions being fired at her. She expected nothing less from the reporters.
She knew that her appearance at the hearing will only raise questions at the credibility of her work. Despite knowing that she personally appeared at every hearing of the cases she took during last decade, people will taunt and tease her.
Feeling the fiery burn of anger flare inside her heart, Khushi composed herself and smiled, not answering any question. She knew better than to lash out at them.
Holding her chin up in pride, she stalked forward, not listening to the questions and accusations, knowing very well that no one would dare to break past her bodyguards lest she slapped stalking charges on them.
"Finally, you are here." Khushi looked up, watching as Aman walked toward her, looking relieved. She smiled, nodding in assurance.
"Had to come for you. Arnav sent this file for you." She replied, handing him the file discreetly, not wanting anyone to see it.
Raising his brows, Aman opened the file and looked inside, grinning at last. Sliding it inside his coat quickly, he smiled "Your husband has handed me victory in this file. Just wait and watch now. This case is ours to win. Now, let's go."
Pleased, she smiled back, taking his hand and walking inside the courtroom with other people.
"How is he doing now?"
Divya Raizada looked up, wiping tears from her eyes, watching her son quickly walk to stand beside her. Giving him a watery smile, she moved to hug him when he backed away, raising his hands as if to ward her away from him.
Hiding the hurt at his refusal, she answered quickly "He isn't good. The doctor said that they will keep him in observation for next 4-5 hours before saying anything."
Sliding his hands in his trousers pockets, he said nonchalantly "What triggered his heart attack actually?"
"Yesterday, he went to talk to Anjali. After that, he was holed up in his cabin and stayed there till the morning. When I went to see him, he didn't say anything at first and then he dropped to the ground, clutching his chest. I didn't know what to do. I called ambulance and then Akash. I don't know what upset him so much. I am so worried about him, Arnav." Divya sobbed, leaning against the wall in support.
Arnav snorted, looking unaffected by his mother's dilemma and replied dryly "Well if I were you, I wouldn't be so worried about him."
Divya froze, staring at him in horror "What do you mean?"
Taking a step closer, he looked down at her "I was there yesterday, alright. Your husband slapped Anjali and threatened her to withdraw her name from his party. Even if he is in the hospital right now, it's my sister I am worried about. The only reason I am here is Akash told me how you forbade Anjali from coming here. How can you do this? How can you be so selfish just like your husband?"
Taken aback, Divya looked down, replying in a small voice "I'd not want her to upset him further."
Arnav cringed, replying furiously "Is this all you care about right now? Don't you feel a little bit sorry for your daughter? You know how she is. Even after everything, she never wished for him to be in this condition."
Sniffing, Divya met his eyes, whispering softly "I know. That's why I don't want her here. After seeing him in this condition, she would feel guilty and maybe this will weaken her resolve to make your father pay for everything he did. I don't want that. I want her to do everything she had planned. I want her to feel peace after watching your father and Vikrant suffer for everything they did."
Arnav felt his jaw slack open in shock, watching his mother's eyes light with unfathomable emotions. Throughout his life, he always saw his mother support his father in everything, be it about their family or politics. For his mother, Anuj Raizada was everything. He hated her for it.
But, not right now. He never expected his mother to take Anjali's side, lest think of her husband negatively.
Watching his reaction, Divya smiled sadly "I know what you think of me. I always tried to be a good wife to him. I thought that if he realized how much we all love him, he might change but he didn't. If I would have interfered in his decisions relating to you all, it would have just made everything worse. But I love you three a lot, Arnav. You, Anjali and Akash are my life."
Arnav scowled "We all would have appreciated to know about it a little early, Mom."
His mother sighed in defeat "You don't realize my position, Arnav. As a wife, I am entitled to care about your father. I love him. But I love my children as well. As a mother, I have done everything I could to protect you all no matter how much conflicted I felt whenever I saw my husband and my children fighting with each other."
Processing her words, Arnav opened his mouth to retort back when his eyes caught on Akash, walking behind his mother and looking at him desperately. His brother knew what they were talking about and was pleading with him to not argue back. This wasn't the right situation.
Pressing a hand on Divya's shoulder, Akash quizzed softly "Everything okay, Maa?"
Arnav saw her turn and hug his brother, her eyes going soft with love. He watched her smile in gratitude and nod in his chest. He looked away, feeling as if he was prying on a very private moment.
Clearing his throat, he murmured "Well, since Akash is here, I don't think my presence here is necessary. I am going to check on Anjali now."
And he walked away, willing himself to not look back at all.
"Your honor, the night Nia Sharma was raped and kidnapped, my client Vikrant Chaudhary was in Mumbai, attending a rally. Thousands of people saw him there and can testify about the same in the court. Alleging that he was in Delhi is nonsense. He didn't even know her. So, I request you, my lord, to allow my client the benefit of doubt and declare him innocent." Vikrant smiled hearing his lawyer's argument, standing in front of the judge in the convict box.
Aman stood up, raising his voice "I object my lord, the defendant's lawyer is trying to confuse us. In the first hearing, he didn't even mention anything about this said rally. Now all of a sudden, Vikrant Chaudhary wasn't even in Delhi that night. I would like to request the court to not overlook this point."
Writing something down, the Judge waved his hand and declared "We will do that, Mr Aman. Now please sit down."
Looking frustrated, Aman sat, managing to not interrupt as the Sahil Avasthi continued his argument, making everyone listen his words in fascination and complete attention. Closing his eyes, he tried to clear his mind.
He knew that the whole case was depended on his argument and the evidences he had now, thanks to Arnav. He couldn't afford to lose his control when everyone believed in him.
Especially when Khushi believed that he could win this case.
Wrenching his eyes open, he looked back to the public seating and saw Khushi there, looking back at him. She smiled, nodding as if to convey silently that she still trusts him completely.
Aman sighed in relief. Just as he saw Sahil Avasthi deliver the last line of his argument and move around to get to his seat, he stood up, buttoning his coat, looking determined.
"Your honor, allow me to ask some questions from Mr Vikrant Chaudhary." He said firmly, looking up at the judge.
"Permission granted."
Picking up something from the table, Aman moved toward Vikrant, looking up at him with a smile. Leaning against the wooden box in which he stood, Aman asked casually "Mr Vikrant, how well do you Miss Nia Sharma?"
Puffing his chest out, Vikrant looked down at him haughtily and answered "Aside from the seminar of her college where I was invited as the Chief Guest, I didn't know her at all."
Frowning, Aman peered up at him "Are you sure?"
"Yes, I am sure." Vikrant snapped, glaring down at him. For few moments, they stared at each other. While Vikrant looked down at him as if he was mentally planning the best way to torture and kill him, Aman smiled in pity, giving him a look that conveyed that he has just gotten himself into a big trouble. Vikrant blinked.
Flipping the picture he was hiding in his hand, Aman raised it in front of his face and asked "So can you tell what exactly is this picture conveying?"
Vikrant looked down, colors fading from his face at once. It was a picture of him pulling Nia's hand forcibly that night, even as she tried to struggle, in front of his house. The date and time at which it was taken was stamped on the right side of it.
Everyone present in the courtroom gasped in shock.
Not waiting for an answer, Aman walked to the Judge, handing him the picture to inspect as well. Turning around, he started his argument "It is a picture of Vikrant Chaudhary and Nia Sharma from the night she was raped. It clearly shows that even if Nia wasn't willing to be with him, Vikrant Chaudhary forced his presence on her. After abducting her, he took her to his house and raped her. It not only contradicts his claim of not knowing Nia Sharma at all, it also proves that he was in Delhi that night."
Vikrant's lawyer stood up at once "Your honor, this picture is a fake one. This is not possible at all."
Looking calmly at the Judge, Aman continued as if he wasn't interrupted at all "Your honor, I request you to send this picture for verification so that its credibility can be proved. This picture can be the turning point of this case."
Bringing the hammer down on the gravel, the Judge looked at everyone and announced "Heeding to Mr Mathur's requests, the picture will be sent to the lab for verification before taking any decision regarding this case. The next hearing of this case will be held after three days. Till then, the court is adjourned."
Aman smiled, turning around to look at Khushi triumphantly.
Okay, I know I took time but only because even after a week, I wasn't sure whether most of the readers have read the update or not. I request you all to please check the update pms as soon as I send them. I want to end this story as soon as I can. As I update only after making sure that most readers have read the previous update, everything now depend on you all.
I am willing to update on Sunday again if you all reply quickly. Waiting for your opinions,
Aditi
Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Meiin
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