"Arnav sent me divorce papers, Jiji. Again."
Payal had anticipated the same when her younger brother-in-law had serious discussions with a lawyer who had come over to Sheesh Mahal. This was not the first time Arnav had slammed a divorce notice to her. The first one was immediately after she left but her busy schedule with her shooting going on meant that she never attended to his notice. But he had done it again, showing his desperateness to be separated from her legally.
"He was really angry, Khushi. I had seen him this angry only on the day you had left. I know you don't like to talk about what happened that day but for the love of god, tell me why would a person who left her husband on the altar of their remarriage, not sign the divorce papers sent by him? What are you doing to yourself and him?" she questioned, knowing well that she would be a fool to expect an answer from her sister when she did not want to answer.
"You know my answer, Jiji. I will reveal it, only when the right time comes," answered Khushi, trying to relieve herself of the choking pain she experienced as she relived that bitter day.
"And when will that right time comes, Khushi? You both deserve a better life, either with each other, or alone or with someone else. Arnav and you don't deserve to be hanging in between of nowhere," explained Payal, remembering all those nights Arnav spent sleepless and working overnights to keep himself away from the pain and the nights which her mother spoke about when Khushi cried herself to sleep.
"If we truly deserve something better than what we have, then the time will surely come, Jiji. Let's not talk about this and waste our time. How are things going on there?" asked Khushi, trying to divert the topic.
Payal sighed but gave in to her sister's demands. "Nothing's going well, Khushi. Since Arunima Maa fell ill, everything is going down hill. The businesses are dwindling, the house is breaking apart. Akash is so stressed nowadays about the business. I don't know what to do," she answered.
Her answer only heightened Khushi's guilt. Was she right in doing what she did, two years back?
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"Aap? Aap Yahan Kya Kar Rahi Hai? I knew you were shameless, Ma'am. But even I couldn't anticipate that despite so much of insult you could step in this house again," spat Arnav, as his eyes took in the view of Khushi Gupta in front of him, in his own house.
"Shut up, Mr.Raizada! Just because I am silent does not mean that you can speak anything and everything you want. I am here because of your own actions. Your divorce notice brought me here," she lashed out, bringing everyone out of their respective rooms.
"Khushi? Tu Yahan Kaise?" wondered Payal aloud, while Akash who had the misfortune of witnessing their battle of words enlightened her about the situation.
"I hardly think that there is any need to debate about it. It is a mutual consent divorce. Just sign it and we will be done," replied Arnav in a matter-of-fact tone.
"Yes, we would be done if it was the first time you had slammed the notice. The court noticed that you had slammed the notice twice and I did not reply. You know what notice I received? The Court sent me a notice to stay with you for 6 months like a couple," she answered, her voice laced with sarcasm and frustration. Arnav's words had managed to ignite her anger to an extent that it could overpower her pain.
"WHAT? No way in hell do I let it happen! Akash Bhai, call up our family lawyer. I am sure there is a way out," panicked Arnav. Six months together meant that the strings which he had severed with a great effort would be tied together once again.
Reluctantly and hesitantly, Akash pulled his phone out to carry out Arnav's instructions before Khushi's voice stopped him.
"Rehne Dijiye, Jijaji. Nyayalaya Ki Iss Fatwa Ki Palna Karne Ke Siwa Hamare Paas Aur Koi Rasta Nahi Hai. I already contacted my personal lawyer and she told me that there is no loophole, no existing law which can overrule this. We WILL have to follow this, thanks to your brother," she said, wondering how she will be able to make it through those six months. They had lived together for a few weeks in the past and so much had happened, now if they lived together or six months, only the destiny knew what could happen.
Arnav banged his fist against the wall in anger, not even trying to hide his evident frustration with the recent happenings. Ignoring everyone's eyes on him, he moved over to Khushi and dragged her along with him to his room. He was surprised to see no resistance from her side but instead of wondering why a feisty woman like her would let him drag him, he let his anger overpower him completely.
He pushed her to the wall as he closed the door. His muscular arms rose to cage her in between them as he leaned towards her.
"Bohot Aasan Hoga Na Tumhe Yeh, Yeh Fatwa Accept Karna. Tumhe Yeh Sab Acting Hi Hoga Na, Actress Sahibha. Ek Role, Meri Patni Banke Rehne Ka Role. After all, Aap Sirf Onscreen Emotions Ki Value Janti Hai, Offscreen Tho Uss Word Ka Meaning Bhi Nahi Janti Ho. Tho Karo Acting, Apne Pati Ke Saath."
He leaned closer to her, as she shut her eyes in anticipation and remembrance of those sweet moments of passion they had spent in the same position, the only difference being that back then the passion arose due to love and now it arose due to hatred. His minty breath fanned her as she wondered if even he could feel the memories flooding him.
"Welcome to Hell, Ms.Gupta."
And he had proven her wrong. Yet Again.
Edited by ..AgniJyotsna.. - 7 years ago
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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