Khushi had been discharged from the hospital and despite her protests, Devyani Raizada had forced her to come over to stay at Shantivan. And even if Arnav Singh Raizada had sniggered as she entered the mansion, she had no option but to listen to the elderly woman. From childhood, she had been taught to obey, and that is exactly what she did. Ratna was genuinely nice to her and had taken her to the guest room so she could get some rest. An hour later, the whole Raizada family was seated in the living room, while Khushi, still under the effects of the painkillers, was fast asleep in the room upstairs.
"But Mom, what was the hurry?" an exasperated Arvind told Devyani. "The DNA test could have been done after the funeral too. Do you know what the media would say if they got to know about it?" Devyani shook her head as she spoke to her son and consoled a weeping-Ratna with gentle pats on her back, "Arvind, I don't think you have the right to question your mother. But anyway, the reason why I got the test done was very simple. I needed the reports by this evening. Dr. Mishra has been our doctor for quite many years, and he is trust-worthy. He said that he would keep the report anonymous, and would bring the results home, by late evening." Arvind clicked his tongue, "But Mom, all of this could be done later too..." "No Arvind, it couldn't" Devyani said in a strict tone. "I know that none of us can trust Khushi Gupta right now, without a single ounce of doubt popping in our heads. But if she had the guts to proclaim in the police station that she was Arjun's wife, then she wouldn't have hesitated to come over for the funeral tomorrow. That would have created a bigger mess, given that the media would be around to cover our child's funeral" Devyani choked a bit at the fact that Arjun was now no more, and Ratna broke into louder sobs over the death of her younger son. Taking a deep breath, Devyani continued, "The media has already seen Khushi outside the police station. If they see her at the funeral tomorrow, there will be more speculations as to how is she connected to the Raizada family. As it is, the papers would have the headlines in bold, saying, Arjun Raizada involved in drug dealing. But if the journalists got a whiff about Khushi being Arjun's wife, and that they were married in secrecy, they would pounce on her, and eat her alive. And I don't want Khushi to say anything damaging to the papers. If she is here, under our roof, we can convince her that her truth is accepted and supported, and thus we can make our lives easier by not inviting additional problems. Moreover, I need to know if the girl is speaking the truth. If she is true, then we will have our Arjun's child- his last keepsake. If not, then we will see that she pays for her lies and for maligning the reputation of the Raizada family."
Arnav, who was listening to his grandmother all this time, stood up and walked to the open window, closing his eyes and recalling the desperation he had seen in her eyes when she was having suicidal thoughts. "Khushi isn't lying about being married to Arjun, nor being pregnant with his kid. I could see it in her eyes" He heard his mother say out loud, but did not turn around to look at the reaction of his father and his grandmother, for he knew they would be shocked at this statement. "Have you lost your mind, Ratna? You think we must believe this random girl who shows up at the police station and says that she was Arjun's wife?" Arvind said and shook his head, "Have you forgotten about what happened between Lavanya and Arnav?"
Arnav winced visibly as a dull pain overpowered him at the mention of Lavanya's name. It had been more than five years and still the mere mention of her name hurt him like a wound which refused to heal. He looked up at the sky and watched the dark clouds cover up the moon as he remembered Lavanya- his first love. At least that was what he had thought, until he caught her sleeping with Manoj- his manager, on the night he was going to propose marriage to her. How devastated he had been! When he threatened her with a gun pointing at her lover's head, she had said that she was blackmailed to sleep with Manoj and that Manoj would leak out her pictures that were taken in a compromised situation. It was later Manoj revealed to the entire Raizada family that all of what she said was utter horseshit and that Lavanya was marrying Arnav only for his money, and had no intention to keep up the marriage; she would divorce him soon after, claim alimony and would walk away with Manoj, whom she claimed to truly love. Soon, needless to say, Arnav threw Lavanya and Manoj out of his house and out of his life, and since then, he hadn't spoken of her. At present, he shook his head at the foolish decision he had made of falling in love. Love, in his opinion, was painful, pointless and overrated. He no longer remembered Lavanya's face either. All he remembered was how he had caught her lying naked on top of another man, thus shattering his heart into pieces. Arnav, as of now, had no heart, figuratively. "Why bandage the severely-wounded heart when you can rip it out of your chest and throw it away?" And so, he had become a heartless man, least affected by any pain or suffering. He was an insensitive jerk.
With the realization in those exact words, his thoughts then floated to the sight of a helpless-wailing Khushi standing in front of the idol of her Devi-Maiyya in her house, and screaming out all of her frustration. Surely, the agony and pain that he saw in her eyes could not be wrong. He felt as if the ground slipped beneath his feet when he heard that his brother had brutally raped the poor girl. He knew his brother was a reckless idiot, but he did not imagine him to be an animalistic criminal. It was shocking indeed! Her voice was laced with defeat, and she was cursing the child within her for being conceived, as a result of the brutal act. Arnav knew at that very moment that she was not lying, but he couldn't come to trust her; he couldn't sympathise with her. And even if he wished to believe her, he simply couldn't. Because he had no heart, and could not feel anything. He forced himself to believe that she was staging it all; putting up an act to gain sympathy from the family. Because, according to him, no one did or said anything without a hidden agenda; a wicked motive. The world worked in a cruel way, and it was always better if one thought with his head, rather than the gut feelings and his heart. The brain was situated on the top-most compartment of the body, giving it a higher priority. Only if people used it more often! Simplicity, innocence, selflessness and goodness did not last anymore; it was outdated for sure, and the young woman was not an exception. That was when he realised that she was trying to play really smart moves, and was dealing with them by using the art of deception, for sure. Khushi surely had a motive- to loot money from the Raizada family. Arnav, without realizing, increased his grip on the wooden pane of the window.
"But Arvind" Ratna spoke again, "We cannot compare Khushi to Lavanya. Moreover, Khushi needs to be given the benefit of doubt, to say the least. We know how irresponsible Arjun was, and Khushi carrying his baby shouldn't come as an unbelievable or a rude shock. Did you not see how broken she was, at the police station?" At this, Arnav turned around, "All of it is a lie, a drama. Mom, don't you realize? The girl is fooling everyone. Fine, I agree with your point that there is a possibility of her being pregnant with Arjun's child. But does that mean anything? For all we know, she could be using the baby as a means to get into the Raizada family and sponge off of us! I have known such women for too long. Such people only know to make use of others and get their work done. Once their work is done, they throw them away like a soiled tissue paper." He looked at his grandmother, "And Daadi, you said that you could convince Khushi and make our life easier. How? Are you going to stop her from attending the funeral? Or are you going to lock her up in the room so that she doesn't come downstairs? And let's say that she is speaking the truth and is carrying Arjun's kid. What then? Is this family going to look after her and the child, for lifetime? Or are you going to throw her out of the house after she delivers the baby? Tomorrow, let's say, another ten women show up, saying that they are pregnant with Arjun's child, are you going to look after all of them? Coz, we never know how many females Arjun has knocked up!"
"Arnav, that's enough!" Ratna stood up, wiping her tear-stained cheek. "First of all, that is not the way to talk to your grandmother, Apologise, right now!" Arnav mumbled a sorry, and Ratna continued talking, "Second of all, the man whom you are talking about is your dead brother. At least show some respect!" she said and fell back into the sofa while bursting into fresh tears. "Arnav did not say anything wrong!" Arvind stepped forward, supporting his elder son, "Why are you yelling at him, Ratna? Arnav is just being practical here. As he said, what if few more women showed up saying that they were carrying Arjun's child?" Devyani nodded as she now began to see some sense in the point that Arnav was trying to prove. "Alright, Arnav and Arvind. Until the funeral is over, let her stay here. Then, we shall think about what is to be done next." Ratna shook her head, "But Ma..." Devyani raised her hand, "That's enough for now. Until the results of the DNA test come out, I don't want us to speak of this again. For now, we need to mourn for the loss of the son of this house."
Arvind shook his head at his Mother's words, "What loss? Why do we mourn? He brought it upon himself!" Arnav looked at his father in disbelief, "Dad, he is your son, and my brother. He is our own, even if he lived like a savage. I know he brought his death upon himself but..." "But what, Arnav?" Arvind said, much to everyone's surprise, "Don't you dare defend him in front of me. In fact, I wish I never had a son like him. It would have been better if he died before being born! He had brought nothing but misery and shame to us." Ratna sobbed bitterly at her husband's words, and Devyani simply closed her eyes and let the tears fall off her eyes. Arnav looked at the floor before anyone could see his eyes glistening at the harsh words of his father. Oddly, he did feel empty and sad at his brother's death. Even if they had never shared a healthy relationship, he could not help but feel sad that he died at such a young age. He had his whole life ahead, and he could have had a change of heart. But, maybe, his deeds were beyond redemption and second chances weren't in his fate. Arnav wished to have reconciled with his brother, one last time. He felt sad that he couldn't even hug his brother and sort out all of their differences before they were separated by death. All of his money was of no use; he could not rewind time to undo all those things. Only if money could buy time and happiness...
The pin drop silence was broken by the doorbell, and one of the maids opened the door to let Dr. Mishra come in. Dr. Prakash Mishra was a middle-aged doctor and was quite close to the Raizada family. He stepped inside and greeted everyone, expressing his condolences over the loss of the Raizada son. After a few moments, he turned serious and spoke about what he had come over for. "Devyani ji, I have the results of the DNA test. She is positively pregnant with Arjun's child." Devyani smiled slightly, for the first time in several hours and Ratna just looked up heavenward and thanked the Lord for giving their Arjun back in another form, of an innocent soul. Arvind frowned, thinking of what was the next thing to be done about the young woman, and Arnav remained calm and composed like always. Devyani then looked at the doctor and thanked him, after which Arnav offered to drop him till the doorstep. "What now?" Arvind asked after the doctor left, and Devyani closed her eyes and placed her fingers at her temple. "First, we finish off all that is to be done for tomorrow's funeral ceremony. We can discuss about the young woman later on."
The next day came too soon, and with that, came thousands of relatives and well-wishers to express their condolences. Meanwhile, Arnav who was passing by the guest room, overhead his grandmother having a talk with Khushi. "Dear, you know how ruthless and nosy people can be. I do understand that as a wife, you'd wish to fulfil your duties and bid one last farewell to your husband. But I do hope you understand why I'm asking you not to come downstairs." Khushi nodded. It wasn't like she was interested in attending the funeral, either. She hated the man. If anything, she seemed relieved that the rapist was dead. Her heart went out to the family who had lost such a young man, but she just could not feel sorry for the loss of his life. The moment she thought of him, she remembered all of her helpless screams, trying to push him away from forcing himself over her. If anything was in her hand, she would have wished to feed his body to the vultures. "Don't worry, Daadi. I will not come down until everyone is gone. You needn't worry at all" she told her in a soft voice. Devyani nodded in relief. At least, one of her worry was eased out. Arnav, who was standing beside a pillar, just shook his head at the scene in front of his eyes and walked away. Grandmothers and manipulations went hand in hand!
In an hour's time, Khushi began to hear chants and prayers from downstairs while the ceremony began. She heard a few cries and wails from the women gathered down there, and she clasped her ears with her palms. She began to feel suffocated, and wondered how anyone could feel sorry for such a man! With each prayer for his soul to rest in peace, she felt more bitterness engulf her. Why did he have to die so easily? How could Devi Maiyya let him have a death with no suffering? He had married her by force and then raped her repeatedly. How could Devi Maiyya do such injustice to her? It was said that Karma would eventually come around and get the person. But what Arjun paid for, was a price too small for spoiling her life, and the life of her baby within her. She sat at the corner of the room and hugged herself. What was done couldn't be undone, and she needed to realise and accept it immediately. At least, the animal was now dead; there was no one to torture her anymore! Now, all she wanted was just one thing- to taste true freedom; freedom from Arjun and his torture. She promised herself that she would go far away from all of them, where she would take up a job. Her final exams of her final semester were a month and a half away, and she hoped that once she completed her exams, she could get some aid from the college by means of a job. Once she was able to stand on her own feet, she knew she could look after herself and her baby. Lying down on the plush carpet on the floor, her hands splayed over her flat belly. "I will look after both of us. I will not fall apart. I promise." She spoke in silence to her baby within. Slowly, exhaustion washed over her and she drifted into sleep.
Later, early in the evening, while Devyani, Arvind and Ratna were busy with the relatives and well-wishers, Arnav walked upstairs towards his room. "Arnav," Ratna called out to him, "There will be prayers conducted now, for Arjun's soul" She choked as she spoke, "Please stay back" Arnav shook his head, "I told you earlier, and I am telling you again. I don't believe in this God and his holiness stuff. You people carry on. I'll be in my room. Please don't disturb me; I'd like to stay alone for some time." Before Ratna could say another word, Arnav walked up the stairs, two steps at a time, and was soon out of sight.
Arnav passed by the guest room, which was in partial darkness, and paused in front of the room when he saw the door ajar. Stepping inside, he saw that the bed was vacant; it almost looked like it hadn't been slept in. Walking a few more steps ahead, he saw Khushi huddled in the farthest corner of the room. She was hugging herself, and was lying on the floor in a foetal position. For a minute, he felt some unknown fear grip his chest; the similar kind of fear he felt when he saw her holding the knife in her hand to slit her wrist. "Khushi... Khushi..." he whispered her name and rushed to her, hoping she hadn't fallen unconscious on the floor; or even worse, tried to commit suicide. The minute he rushed to her side, she woke up with a start on hearing her name. When she looked up, she saw Arnav Singh Raizada hovering over her. Horrendous memories of Arjun trying to come forcefully close to her crossed her eyes and in a flash, she gathered all of her strength and pushed him away. Arnav, who had been leaning over, lost his balance and fell on the floor. "What the! How dare you, you mad woman!" he roared and Khushi stood up, adjusting her dupatta, still shivering in fear. "Wh... What were you trying to do?" she cried out in broken sobs. Arnav gritted his teeth and stood up, "I was checking if you were alive or dead. Or else, another funeral had to be carried out here" Khushi glared at him through her puffy eyes, "Nothing positive can ever come out of your mouth, right?" Arnav huffed, "Absolutely right. It actually depends on who I am talking to. Cheap people deserve cheap talk." He turned his heel to walk away, when she asked him, "Has everyone gone?" He was surprised when she did not retort. Without giving another glance at her, he said, "I don't know." He took two steps ahead and she spoke again, "I asked you because I wanted to go back home. Once everyone leaves, I too will leave from here. I have already stayed long enough. And Amma used to say that, to get to some place, it is important to get out of one place. And one needs to get out in time; or else, it gives rise to complications and misunderstandings" He did not say a word, but stood in the same place as she continued, "I don't want to let myself or my child be a burden on anyone. I will see that I take up a job and provide my baby with everything to the best of my ability." Pausing for a moment, she said, "My Amma used to say that no matter how sour relationships turn out to be, one must never be ungrateful. Thank you and your entire family for being there for me during this difficult time. I always wish that..." "Are you done?" Arnav asked her, with a clenched fist and a harsh voice. "Sorry, yes. Thank you." She mumbled and he stormed out of the room.
Reaching his own bedroom, he banged the door closed. He was irritated for several reasons; none of which he could name. And no matter how hard he tried, his mind was still stuck at the way she looked up at him in fear when he woke her up from her sleep. Her fearful, hazel eyes met his pale ones, and for the first time, he felt as if she had stirred something deep within him; as if she had managed to evoke something within him that he never knew existed. He hated how he felt, on the whole. He picked up a vase, an antique one, and threw it across the room. It shattered into a million bits and he stormed out into the pool side, which was exclusively attached to his room. Throwing his hands over his face, he let out a frustrated sigh and fell back on the recliner. Opening his blood-shot eyes in a minute, he looked up at the open sky, not knowing why exactly he was so angry with everything around him, including himself. "Khushi Gupta, you think you can butter anyone with your sweet talk? But I don't trust you; I don't trust you one bit. I don't know what exactly you have in mind, but I'll make sure to get to the bottom of this."
A few hours later, after all the relatives had left, Khushi went downstairs. The Raizada family was seated at the dining table, having their food. "Khushi dear, why did you come downstairs?" Ratna said as she rushed towards her, "I would have asked the maid to send some food for you!" Khushi smiled slightly and shook her head politely, "It's alright. Thank you. I came downstairs, so I could take your leave. I wish to go home now." Ratna looked up at Devyani in worry. If Khushi, the woman bearing their dead son's child, walked away, it would be very difficult to bring her back. What excuse would they have to make her stay? Arvind and Arnav continued eating, least bothered about the tension brewing between Ratna and Devyani. Before Devyani could open her mouth, Khushi said, "Daadi, I came over last evening, only because you requested me. Please do not make me stay back again; I will not be able to do it. Please" she said as she folded her hands in plea. Devyani had no option. "Alright dearest, go home for now. Our driver will drop you home. But do stay in touch, and keep visiting. Consider this house to be your own." Arnav rolled his eyes at that. Khushi nodded with a smile, and after seeking the elderly woman's blessings, she walked out of the Raizada house. As Daadi had promised her, the driver did drop her home. But only when she reached the Gupta House, did she receive one of the greatest shocks of her life. Who knew she would be forced to return to Shantivan so soon!
Advocate Anjali Awasthi
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