'I Am Here Because I Love You!'

"Khushi, I am standing here just because of you today!.. where except... anguish.. deceit... and hatred.. nothing else exists!" wounded Arnav says with a very different twinkle in his eyes. Everyone is stunned at his words.. eyes well up.. Shyam's face brightens with a winning evil smile. Khushi and Arnav keep looking into each others eyes as Khushi awaits his words.. Khushi keeps looking at Arnav with welled up eyes..Emotionally exhausted Khushi then gets dizzy and loses her balance...and is about to fall down,.. Remember, Arnav will never let Khushi fall if he is around! Arnav rushes forward and catches Khushi in his strong arms.. Khushi holds onto him on his shoulder as she gazes into his eyes with innocent eyes... filled with tears to the brim.. questions that she wants to ask but rather not... Arnav's eyes calm down as he gazes in her eyes. Arnav's face depicts the solace his heart experiences as he holds her in his arms. Every eye around them has many questions and worries oozing as the Gupta and the Raizada family members watch them. Just then says Arnav in a soft, emotional voice as he keeps looking her into the eye, "Khushi, by making me stand here today, you have provided me with the answers to all my questions.." their eyes keep communicating.

Shyam does not like what he sees. He immediately pulls out his cell phone and calls someone... As Arnav holds Khushi in his arms, a drop of his blood oozing from the wound on his face falls on Khushi's forehead.. as if destiny has meant to have them together... Khushi reaches her forehead and touches the drop, she looks at her fingers stained with Arnav's blood and looks at Arnav with vulnerable eyes...






A flicker of hope shines in Nani ji's eyes. Arnav brings Khushi to her feet and stands her in front of him. Khushi pulls her hand down from his shoulder. Arnav looks her into the eye and says softly, "I am sorry, Khushi! I arrived slightly late. But.. I had to come!" Khushi's eyes well up as her heart fills with joy, relief and a smile spreads across her lips.. Arnav looks at Anjali who smiles through her tears happily and nods vigorously in approval. Arnav's face becomes more relaxed as his gaze returns to Khushi and he says in a soft voice, "Khushi, I want to marry you!" Both their eyes keep talking to each other.. the moment they both have waited for this long.. as everyone around them heave a sigh of relief and smile happily with moist eyes, except Shyam; Arnav continues, "I want to spend every moment of life with you!" Khushi's eyes fill up with tears as her heart gets heavy with emotions, she takes a step forward and hugs Arnav tightly.. her arms wrapped around his neck.. Arnav's hands slide up to embrace Khushi.. as they derive solace from each other in the embrace, a subtle smile of relief and happiness spreads across Arnav's face. Khushi's tears trickle down and finally a sweet smile appears on her face as well.. Khushi keeps her embrace tight and says, "I knew that you would come! I knew that you would not leave me alone!" Then she slowly releases Arnav from her embrace and pulls slightly away. Arnav's voice gets heavy with emotions as he says, "I had told you that I could not live without you!" his eyes mellow down as he looks Khushi in the eye. Khushi's eyes well up further as she smiles through her tears.. his words touch her heart and soul.. Then Khushi reaches for the wound on his forehead.. she moves his hair gently away from the wound..

Anjali watches Arnav and Khushi with welled eyes as happiness and relief fill her eyes. Shyam, not so happy with this display of Arnav and Khushi's love, makes another attempt. He whispers into Anjali's ear, "Has Saale Sahaab thought over it carefully?" Anjali looks at Arnav with wide eyes as Shyam continues to whisper, "Rani Sahiba, don't misunderstand my words. I really wish that this wedding happens, from the bottom of my heart. You make them understand, will they be able to live together now that they know the truth?" Anjali's eyes fill with pride as she watches Khushi gently caress Arnav's face, she says in a confident voice, "No, Shyam ji! This bond between My Chhotey and Khushi ji is not weak at all! Their relationship is above all!" Anjali smiles happily as her heart fills with affection. Shyam is disappointed with Anjali.

"Chhotey, I am with you!" Nani ji says as she watches Khushi caress his face, "This is the biggest decision of your life! But.. don't do anything afterwards that may hurt Khushi!" Khushi's eyes immediately seek Arnav's face and his eyes.. Arnav quickly gazes at Garima, then his gaze returns to Nani as he says, "Nani, you all wanted me to forget my past and move ahead, right?" Nani nods in positive, Arnav says, "That's what I am doing!" Nani, Garima and Anjali smile. Arnav then reaches for Khushi's hand, holds her hand into his and starts walking. Just then, a hand comes and holds Khushi's hand in place, forcing them to stop and turn around to see who it is. Arnav and Khushi as well as Garima, are stunned to see that it's Dadi. Every eye fills with apprehension as they watch Dadi. Dadi stands there with a stern face and harsh gaze. Arnav's face turns sharp but no anger. Dadi harshly says to Arnav, "Now you know that her aunt is responsible for your parents death.." Arnav cuts her off in a soft voice, 'Dadi, I cannot change what has happened already." Dadi says in a bitter tone, "No one can change the truth!" then she yells at him, "Arnav, how can you still have the wedding?" Arnav looks at Dadi and answers in a soft but confident voice, "Dadi, the biggest truth is that I love Khushi!" happy smile flickers on Nani, Anjali and Buaji's face..

Arnav says, "I have been always hurt due to the thorns." Then he looks at Khushi and says, "..but, I cannot punish flowers for them. Ma had explained it to me then but I have understood it today!" Arnav's eyes become clear, child like; Anjali's eyes well up and show some relief. Arnav then reaches for Dadi's hand holding on to Khushi's hand that is in his grip. He takes her hand off and removes it with determination. Dadi is shocked. Shyam is very disappointed. Arnav looks at Dadi and says, "I think that you must also forget everything and move on!" Dadi clenches her teeth and says, "Arnav, but, whatever this Garima did'" Arnav cuts her off and says with calm eyes, "Dadi, it is not her fault. Our lives were ruined by your son, my Papa, not her!" Nani ji and Garima's eyes show relief. Anjali seems to accept it as Arnav continues, "He was a married man but he cheated on two women. He shot himself when he could not face his own mistake. Dadi, your way of thinking is wrong and if you cannot think otherwise, then probably you should go away from here." Dadi is stunned to hear Arnav's words.

Everyone looks at them with 'what will happen?' question in their eyes but no one really protests. Dadi gives one cunning harsh look to Khushi first then to Arnav, then she turns quickly and rushes. "Dadi ji!" Khushi rushes after her and stops her holding her on her shoulder. Bang comes up her 'Stop' hand as she comes to a halt and shades off Khushi's hand. Arnav watches them as Khushi pleads to her, "You are the eldest of the family. Without your blessings, we.." Dadi yells in a bitter tone, "Blessings?... and to you? Just because of you I have been separated from my grand son and rest of the family!" Khushi looks down at the accusation, Arnav's jaw firms up slightly' Nani shakes her head in disagreement, Anjali is slightly shocked. Dadi now has found a new belief and reason to harbor for rest of her life! Dadi then looks at Arnav and warns him, "Remember, you will definitely regret your decision in the recent future!" Arnav looks at her with pointed gaze as his eyes shine. Khushi moves to say something to Dadi when Arnav says in a determined voice, "Khushi, let her go!" Dadi gives Arnav a dismissive look and leaves. All eyes follow her exit but no one tries to stop her. Shyam is extremely disappointed, his thinking wheels start churning.

Arnav steps forward, holds Khushi's hand and starts moving forward when NK claps to attract attention, "Listen, everybody!" Then he comes closer to Arnav shoulder and says, "Nannav, mere Bhai'. You made a late entry but it was with a bang! "Boom!" Just like a loud fire cracker!" A slight happy smile fills Arnav's eyes with NK's delightful words. Nk continues, "Pandit ji is waiting! Let me call him. Then go ahead and get married!" As Nk rushes away to call Pandit ji, "Pandit ji!". Happy smile spreads on Arnav and Khushi's faces. All faces smile as Arnav looks at Khushi and start leading her to the altar.

Payal and Aakash hold the plates of Jaimala' Khushi and Aakash grab them and face each other. All eyes happy and moist, all faces smiles as they watch Arnav and Khushi get married, except Shyam who boils inside, frustrated. Arnav puts his Jaimala.. garland around Khushi's neck. His face brightens with a broad smile as he looks around. Khushi is about to put her Jaimala over his head when Aakash and NK lift Arnav up so that Khushi won't be able to reach him. Everyone laughs as Khushi scolds Aakash with fake anger, "Jijaji!" As soon as they bring Arnav to his feet, Khushi rushes to put the Jaimala around his neck. Everyone claps and smiles as Khushi and Arnav look at each other and smile.

Then Arnav and Khushi sit down at the havan kund. Nani gestures to Anjali in permission. Anjali happily rushes to the havan kund and does the honors of tying the knot between Arnav and Khushi. She affectionately caresses Khushi's face first and then Arnav's. Arnav looks at his bride with admiring eyes.. she bashfully looks away. Padit ji instructs then to put their hands together in prayer as next ritual begins. Arnav's face content, Khushi's face peaceful as she closes her eyes in prayer. Arnav's eyes stay glued to Khushi's face as Khushi prays at the havan kund. Arnav ties the mangalsutra around Khushi's neck following the rituals this time and with a smile on both their faces. He then reaches for the sindoor, grabs a pinch and puts it in Khushi's parting of hair thus completing the wedding ritual and making her his wife. Both their faces tender. Their eyes mellow but peaceful as they finally are on the verge of completing the rituals properly and become husband and wife. Pandit ji then instructs them to stand up for the nuptial rounds.. the phere! Eevryone showers flowers on them with happy smiles as Khushi and Arnav complete the seven phere.. the nuptial rounds going around the fire in the havan kund, with Khushi leading the last round per the ritual. Khuhsi and Arnav's faces glow with happiness and a feeling of completeness as they go around the fire. Arnav and Khushi remember their conversation from the night of Janmashtami when Khushi had pointed out to Arnav that they cannot have their suhaag raat as they had never completed their marriage as they had not completed seven phere. Now all those rituals being completed appropriately, making their marriage valid forever.

Garima's eyes fill with happy tears, Anjali and Nani all smiles, Buaji gets emotional as they watch Khushi and Arnav complete the seven phere. The holy fire from the havan kund potentially wards of all evil and purifies their much tested love as it stands witness to their love and the vows they take in promise of spending the rest of their lives together! Anjali puts her hands together and prays to the God as soon as they complete the phere. Buaji thanks God, "DeviM! Nand Kisore.. your blessing made it alright! Miliions of thanks to you!" Shashi also closes his eyes in prayers and thanks. Khushi and Arnav stand facing each other in front of the fire when Khushi says, "I.. you.." Arnav completes her sentence in a soft whisper, "I know! I also love you very much!" They get lost in each others eyes. Arnav then reaches for Khushi's face, hold it gently and brings it closer to plant an affectionate kiss on her forehead. Khushi cannot hold back anymore as her heart fills with emotions and relief, she hugs Arnav and closes her eyes resting her head on his chest. Arnav wraps his arms around her as he tighens the embrace and their hearts beat in unison. He holds her gingerly, delicately as a happy smile of contentment spreads across his face. Everyone looks at the happy couple in each others embrace and smile with happiness and relief. Nani, the happiest person around. Shyam's evil mind though gets busy. Arnav and Khushi stay in each others embrace for a while.

Arnav and Khushi then get down from the altar and seek the blessings of elders together. Nani ji first, Mami next. Anjali hugs Arnav affectionately to wish. They all watch together as Arnav and Khushi bend down to seek Shashi and Garima's blessings. "Long Live," Garima blesses them softly., then puts her hands together and says to Arnav with moist eyes, " Please, forgive me, dear! Because of me'" Arnav looks at her with calm eyes and interrupts her in a soft voice, "No, auntie! I have no complaints against anyone! I am beginning a new life leaving my past behind. It will be nice if our past does not cast its shadow on our happiness anymore!" Garima's eyes well up in thankfulness, Khushi moves ahead and hugs Garima as she understands her mind set. Every eye watching them wells up as Garima gently kisses Khushi affectionately on her temple.. Arnav and Khushi then move ahead to seek Bauji's blessings. "Long Live!" Buaji says, "Always support each other just like this!" Everyone smiles however, Shyam fumes.

Arnav reaches for Khushi's hand, she brings gives her hand and he takes it, holds it in his hand tightening his grip around it. Their eyes speak to each other as the newly weds look into each others eyes.

At RM:

It's late at night. The Raizada family now ready to welcome the newly wed Arnav and Khushi to Shantivan. Nani does the Tilak on both their forehead as she holds the thali of Aarti in her hands. Nani then performs the arti of both of them together to welcome them in the house as a pair. All faces smile.. Arnav's face brightens with smile first then mellows down. NK notices that, he waves his hand and says, "Hello! Excuse me! This ritual of 'ghar pardes'' home..foreign country.. Okay?" This brings a smile on Arnav's face as NK continues, "So, get serious. Don't smile. Without that no entry!" Arnav's beautiful smirk emerges as he looks at Khushi. Aakash corrects NK with a smile, "NK Bhai, it's 'grih pravesh'.. entry in the house.." NK says, 'Yes! That's it!" Payal moves forward, hands Nani a gift that Nani in turn gives to Khushi. Khushi accepts it with a sweet smile. Payal now holds another gift box in front of Manorama, "Ma ji! Welcome Khushi today! Think that you are welcoming both of us." Manorama looks apprehensively at Khushi first then at Payal as Payal continues, "If you don't do this then it would mean that you are refusing not just one but both your daughters-in-law!" Manorama's spirit can never be dampened, she says, "I wish!" Then garbs the gifty box from Payal's hand and gives it to Khushi, "Welcome home, Phati Saree! But yes, this saree is not torn.. " Nani and Arnav. As well as Anjali do not like what she says but they keep quiet. "Mami ji.." Khushi starts saying when mami interrupts, "No explaining, please! Nothing is more important to me than Arnav's happiness, understand?" Khushi and Arnav look at each other with mellow eyes.

Anjali rescues the moment, "Khushi ji!" Anjali says with a smile as she instructs, "Payal ji, take this away!" Payal takes the gift boxes from Khushi. Khushi then gently pushes the holy jar filled with rice using her right foot to mark the entry of Godess Laxmi, the Godess of wealth in the house. Anjali then instructs Khushi, "Put your right foot forward, please!. Do you remember when you came in this house for the first time ever to sell the sarees, I had asked you to do the same thing?" Khushi and Anjali smile at each other. "I welcome you again in this house! Come!" Nani says.

Khushi lifts her lehenga slightly as she steps into the large plate filled with red kumkum water' then she steps out and leaves her footprints behind as she enters the house. After they take few steps in, Aakash stops them, "Just a second! Bhai, have you forgotten the custom of this house?" Arnav looks at him with meaningful eyes' Khushi looks at him with puzzles eyes. Anjali rushes to say, "Aakash, let it be! I don't think that Khushi ji can tolerate it!" Aakash retorts, "Arey, no, Di! How can it be?" "What custom?" Khushi asks. Arnav looks at her with a subtle smile in his eyes when NK says, "Khushi ji, whatever the custom is. You have to complete it with. 'nishani'..aim.." Aakash corrects him again, "NK Bhai, Nibhani padegi. Means will have to follow..'" Nk stands corrected, 'Yes, nibhani.. nibhani.." Khushi looks at them with puzzled eyes as Aakash says, "But he is right, you will have to fulfill!" Nani nods with agreement. Payal says with a fake anger, "Hey, why are you bothering my sister?" NK says, "No!" Khushi finally turns to Arnav and says, "Arnav ji, what custom?" Arnav moves swiftly with a smile on his face and sweeps Khushi in his arms, lifting her up. As Khushi wraps her hands around his neck, she screams, "Arnav ji. You are hurt,. And what is this. You are.." Arnav holds her in his arms and looks her into the eye, says in a soft voice, "I am that wounded that I can't lift my wife in my arms!" Khushi smiles at him with an adorable gaze in her eyes. Arnav then brings Khushi inside the house in his arms with his long strides. His face glows as he walks in, all the family members smile happily. Khushi's eyes don't leave his face.



I just loved how Arnav's face glows as everyone jokes around.. smiles.. happiness.. contentment.. fills the atmosphere of a house happiness.. Khushi's eyes stay glued on Arnav's face.. last time when he had lifted her to complete this ritual, the hatred in his eyes and the vulnerability and anguish in her eyes... broke my heart! This new memory now wiped off those sad moments and really brought a smile of happiness, tears of joy and many dreams for Aranv and Khushi in my eyes..