A new story: yet Untitled. Renamed 'Second Chances' (Part 10

This is my first attempt on writing a story. I never had an inspiration to write so far. But the thought that the story line of this show could have been taken differently to lend credence and justice to each character made me write this piece. I have still not determined a name nor the size of it . if it is going to be a 2 shot or a SS or a FF. Suggestions are welcome.

It is just something I could come up with and am not sure if it will be worth your time. You are free to read it and ignore it if you do not like it. Just here for anyone who wishes to read.

The plot starts where Arnav regrets meeting Khushi and voices his thoughts. Let's see how the show could have taken an alternate streak.

So here it goes...

Khushi stilled on hearing his words. Each word pierced her and made her think that she was unwanted. All the initial days after her marriage flashed before her eyes when she was shunned by everyone whom she held dear. She was reminded of each and every moment of torment she went through. She could not bear it anymore. His words no longer reached her coherently.

Arnav was in a daze. He could not get the picture of his Di trying to take her life out of his mind. His anger mounted and he let off his steam in the only way he knew, spouting those harsh words on Khushi his mind not comprehending the damage he was doing to his own life. "Meine tumse mila hi kyun? Khushi"..."Pehle sab kuch acha tha"... He went on and on and He finally looked at her face and was confused at the steely calm he noticed on her face. Not able to stand the tension and confusion anymore, he went off on his stress buster activity, to race around in his car not knowing the storm that was brewing in his life.

These words kept ringing in her ears much later than he left. She decided that she was done with the crying silent determination taking up the space in her heart that was usually filled with love. She will no longer be a doormat taking in everything people threw at her. She was determined to pay back for each and every one of the abuses that everyone had thrown at her so carelessly since her wedding.

"If you can call it a wedding" she thought wryly.

Arnav spent hours driving through the empty roads thinking about what his life had come to. His thoughts sped past the events of his life since he met Khushi and it came to a standstill when it reached the look he had seen on her face as left RM. He kept pondering over what was different that he saw today. His time in the hands of the kidnappers had taught him a lot about what he had always taken for granted. The love his family bestowed on him unconditionally and the love that only person in this whole world had showered on him even when he was monster. He could not believe that she had risked her life to save the man who had singlehandedly almost destroyed her. Her face with the dark orbs and long lashes, the soft pink lips that had smile on it even through her pain, the blush on her face when he went near her. But something on her face today troubled him a lot though he couldn't put his finger on it exactly. "Her eyes" it hit him then in the gut that he felt winded. The eyes that he had so far taken as a window to her soul that reflected each and every feeling she felt, the glitter that was ever present was gone to be replaced by shuttered orbs that was blank as the night sky. It chilled him to the core. Not knowing what she felt made him feel stranded. "Would she leave him?" the child in him wondered. He had to get back. He could not let her go. He raced back to save the only joy in his life after his di, his Khushi.

Meanwhile, Khushi was wondering what to do with her life. What she thought moved her to tears again. "Not again Khushi" she reprimanded herself. All she could see was burnt debris of her life scattered all over. "Humne aaj tak kisi kai bura nahi socha aur jaan bujke kisi ko chot bhi nahin pahunchaye, phir bhi humare saat ye sab hua hai, ab hume apna khayaal khud rakhna hoga". She thought about it for a while silently moving towards the only place she could get guidance. She sat by the pool gazing at the stars looking for the much required acceptance that she knew only her parents could give her.

"Khushi" came his strangled call as he skidded to a halt in his room. Arnav looked around frantically thinking she had left him. He clutched his hair and then he felt her. He could never fail to sense her. "But you couldn't realize her goodness and her kind heart" the devil in his heart reminded him snidely.

She looked serene gazing at her amma and babuji. He wanted to talk to her , to tell her that he had been a jerk and shouted at her for no reason. He started to move towards her slowly trying to think what to tell her, how to apologize.

She felt the air around her change warning her of his presence. He stepped out of the door towards her when a low voice snapped him out of his reverie "Can you please leave me alone?". It was not the words but the underlying coldness that hit him hard. He gazed up to look into the unfamiliar shuttered eyes. He tried to talk but for once the great ASR could not get the words he wanted to tell. "humein akela chod dijiye" came the request again.

He hung his head and walked back into his room dejectedly waiting for her to accept his presence. He knew that all his deeds so far were not fit for pardon but he would be damned if he did not even try to repent. He has to undo each and every mistake of his even if it took him a lifetime. And all he needed was a chance. He would wrest the chance had it been his business. But his time with Khushi had taught him that life was not business and he would wait for his angel to give him that chance.

Khushi could see the pain in his caramel orbs when she had asked him to leave. But she could not give in at this point, else she would be forced to believe again and she'll be broken again once and for all by people who neither cared for her nor thought of her as their own. One look into the eyes of the formidable ASR and she knew that the ASR was gone and in his place stood her Arnav..."her?" where did that come from. She knew in her mind that he wanted a chance to correct things. But did she want to give him that?

- - - will continue - - -.

I know that it is too short and am not sure if this piece is fit enough for this forum with its awesome writers. But just wanted to give it a try. You are welcome to pass on your suggestions and comments. I would take it as a point to improve my writing.

Do let me know.

Index:

Part 1 : pg 1

Part 2 : Pg 2

Part 3 : Pg 3

Part 4 : Pg 3

Part 5 : Pg 3

Part 6 : Pg 4

Part 7 : Pg 5

Part 8 : Pg 5

Part 9 : Pg 7

Part 10 : Pg 9

Here goes part 2...

Arnav sat on the recliner watching khushi immersed in her thoughts oblivious to everything around her. He started thinking about the changes in his life since she had entered his life. Exhausted with the frantic rush all over the city and the emotional turmoil in his mind, he drifted off into a listless sleep still not taking his eyes off Khushi.

Khushi could feel his eyes on her. As usual, his presence brought her love for him to the forefront and she sat there not able to decide on her future. She knew she could not take out her anger on him, her heart would not let her do it. But for once in her life, she had to use her mind than her heart. Thus began the tussle between her heart and mind, her ind reminding her of his cruelty and lack of trust while her heart pointing out the helpless boy in him to her that the others had failed to recognize. She too dozed off sitting near the pool waiting for a new morning.

She came near him her eyes trailing over his facial features. She raised her hands to run it over his unruly hair and cupped his face. He felt a warmth he has never felt for years, of being loved. And as suddenly as it had appeared, the warmth was gone. Arnav woke up with a start and looked around trying to get his bearings. He slowly realized where he was and tried to remember the dream he had which wasn't much different from the countless one he had had when he was incarcerated by those goons. His eyes immediately went to the poolside and noticed that she wasn't there.

He glanced at the clock and frowned noticing that it was still early, wondering where Khushi could have gone so early in the morning. He was ready in a flash and went about his mission "Find Khushi". He began thinking if he had ever searched for someone so many times in his life before the storm names Khushi Kumari Gupta... Singh Raizada his mind added had come into his life. A gentle smile rose to his lips as it did everytime he thought about this crazy girl who was know his wife as well as his life.

His feet took him towards his di's room where he saw a watchful nani looking after his di who was fast asleep with tear streaks still visible on her cheeks. His heart clenched knowing the pain she was undergoing. He ran his hand through his hair sighing in frustration at the fact the two most important people were in pain and he was not sure what to do. Again the blank face of Khushi from the previous night flashed before his eyes and he knew what he had to do. His di was for now in the safe hands of his nani but Khushi being Khushi would not have shared her pain with anyone of which he was sure. He yearned to be the person whom she could turn to at times like these. "But are you fit for it?", his mind stoked the fire the guilt in him. "I will earn it" he told himself before turning on his heels.

Devyani Raizada might have grown old but still she could read her grandson's face. She had watched the thoughts flit across his face, his concern for his di, his confusion and his determination. She followed him as he left the room. "Chotte, app theek hai?" came his nani's voice from behind. He turned to face the matriarch who had taken him and his di under her wings when they had been thrown on the streets. He could see the worry on her face. "Sab theek hai nani" he said and was about to head back when a thought struck him and he added "aapne Khushi ko dekha?". "Haan, oh bhol rahi thi ki use kuch kaam hai and subah subah nikhal gayi. Usne ye bhi kaha tha ki shaam ko deri se hi aayegi" came the reply. He whipped his head to turn back looking at her surprise etched on his features. "Kya aapko patha nahin hai chotte" she ventured? "woh..woh.. mein so raha tha nani. Isi liye usne mujhse nahin kahi hogi" he stammered looking down at the floor. He raised his eyes to look at the kind eyes of his nani while she put a hand on his shoulders saying " sab kuch theek ho jaayega chotte.". He nodded and left to his room wondering what could be the work that Khushi had set out to do and if she was avoiding him on purpose. He took refuge in the fact that she would be coming back even if it is late.He sighed sinking back into thoughts about her.

"Arnav Bhaiyya, aapko nani bhula rahi hain"came HP's timid voice bringing him out of his reverie. He blinked a couple of times trying to figure out how long he had been lost in his Khushi. He came down to see Nani, Di, Mami, Aakash and Payal in the dining table waiting for him to join them. He noticed that NK had distanced himself pretty much from the family other than Khushi ever since they had not believed him in the Shyam fiasco.

Once had joined the table, he turned towards his nani and softly asked "Khushi ne jaane se pehle kuch khaayi thi kya?". Nani looked at her grandson fondly and replied with a soft "Nahin" rather wistfully. None of the others missed the small interaction at the table. He noticed that Di's hands had stilled the moment he had uttered Khushi's name. He sighed knowing he had to set a lot of things right. His di was not bad but rather gullible to be duped into believing easily.

Manorama was a lot of things but she was never a fool and definitely not evil. Yes she was bit harsh at times but that was something she could not help. She knew her love for anjali had made her go straight to Arnav to complain about phatti sadi but she had not missed a lot of things that made sense. Her short time on the investigation with Khushi had let her know that the girl who laughed effortlessly and did crazy things was not bad at heart. She still kept pondering over the fact as to why Khushi had demanded that Shyam divorce Anjali. She had spent the last few nights going over the accusations and counter accusations that went over that fateful day and had come to the conclusion that she needs to find the missing piece to find out if what Khushi said was true. She remembered how Khushi was troubled when she couldn't find Arnav. She knew both Khushi and Arnav loved each other an she was determined to bring out the truth for their sake. No my phamilys' sake, she added in her mind.

"Arnav Bitwaaa, thum tho phatti saadi ki bahuth hi chintha karat ho aaj kal? Kaa hua?" came Mami's query. She continued without expecting a reply as usual "Aur ye Phatti Sadi, Pagla gayi thi jab thum ghum ho gaye. Par tumre aane ke baad kahin dikh nahi rahi. Kya baath hai? Phir se kono jagda hui gava ka?. Arnav's head perked up on hearing the words " pagla gayi thi" and he looked at her questioningly.

"Manorama.. app bhi naa" Nani chided but still continued with a small smile realizing what her Daughter in law trying to do " oh tho hai.". But before she continued, she glanced up to see NK going towards his room but had frozen on his tracks on hearing them talk about Khushi. "Nanhe Beta, aap bhi aa jaayiee aur naashtha kar lijiye" Nani added her heart full of love for the boy who stood as a rock by Khushi when she struggled all alone to save her chotte. Behind the naughty and carefree boy was a caring soul and a shrewd man who had helped Khushi Bitiya.

NK slowly moved towards the table his eyes slowly resting on each of the faces in the table. He hadn't forgotten how not one of them except Nannav had believed him and Khushi. He bristled in anger and his eyes roved once again over the faces scrutinizing everyone.

Naniji, who couldn't believe that the daamadji that hey all revered was a slime and lowlife had stood there neither believing them nor doubting them. He knew her old mind might have tried to put the thoughts together. But still she had not uttered a word when that sleazeball had heaped abuses on Khushiji. She had been a mute spectator to the character assassination of Khushiji. But still he remembered that she had atleast tried to understand what they had tried to tell and she has for ever been kind to Khushiji which is why he had chosen to stop and show the common courtesy of responding to her.

Maasiji- She never missed a chance to taunt Khushiji and payal bhabhi. He wondered if she was good or bad. Before he could make up his mind, he thought about how she had helped Khushiji with the investigation before he had come. But still when she had heard Khushiji and Shyam talk about divorce she had gone about turning everyone against Khushiji. Did she not realize that Khushiji loved Nannav from the time she spent with her. And she had discredited Khushiji the most other than Shyam and Di.

Aakash - Do I even have to consider this person, NK thought. He doesn't even have the guts to talk his mind other than shouting at his wife now and then. He had not spoken a single word other than question Payal bhabhi about Shyam. If he was so much a brother, did he not even care that Nannav was missing for about 15 days without any communication? He would deal with this spineless creature when time comes NK mused before moving on to the next face.

Payal Bhabhi - Her sisterly instincts that come to the fore when shyam had maligned Khushi. She was the only other support that he and Khushiji had that day. But still he remembered the days when she had disowned Khushiji in a second without even a thought after the hasty wedding. She had abandoned Khushiji when she needed her family the most but had redeemed herself a bit when she stood up the other day to defend her sister. But she still needs to redeem herself completely.

Nannav, such a complex character he had never seen in his life. But he should have been blind if he did not notice the love that this idiot had for his Khushi. He had seen it in his eyes, his jealousy at NK even before his wedding whenever he tried to get close to Khushiji, his concern for Khushi. But he had never let her get near him. And then came how he married her all of a sudden. He had sensed the coldness in between Nannav and Khushi after the wedding but did not get time to ponder over it much. He also reminded himself how Nannav had believed Khushi on the day even without any proof. "About time too.." he had muttered at that time thinking about the time it had taken for him to trust Khushiji. But he had then made another mistake. NK had chanced to pass by when Arnav had spoken those hateful words last night and could not believe that Nannav had spoken those words. His anger rising again, he looked into those honey coloured eyes and saw the pain etched in there and the helplessness. He felt his anger ebbing away and pity taking its root in his heart for this man who had endured a lot. NK made up his mind to make him see sense whatever be the cost.

NK moved on to Di finally. One who was always smiling and kind. She considered her husband to be the God living in human form. He couldn't bring himself to fathom how someone could have so much belief on any person. And did she not know Khushiji. How could she not see the things that Khushiji had done for this family. She conveniently chose to overlook everything that they told her about her husband. If she was not ready to believe them, then there was no use in them caring for her as well. But still he could not let go of the sweet di who had always been good to everyone. She too was in pain. He could not hate his di but he could not forgive her that easily as well.

"Humein hook nahin hai" he finally spoke looking at them all staring at him strangely. He turned when mami asked "Iske liye itna time sochat rahe the ka NK babua". He bit back " Nahin. Main ye soch raha tha ki mujhe aap jaise logon ke saath khana nahin chahiye.". He was about to return when after a thought he added " app logon ko kya patha hai khushiji ko kya kya jelna pada nannav ko bachane ke liye". Saying that he strode back to his room.

- - - to be continued - - -

wrote this part in a hurry without thinking about anything straight. Hope this takes the story in the right direction. Have not even proof read it. Still do read it and let me know your comments.

Here goes part 3... There is going to be recounting of a lot of events from the show in the next 2 chapters. Do bear with it. We will need it to build upon the story and chart the future course of events.

Arnav knew he had to speak to NK who seem to know a lot more than all in the house put togerther. But NK had not been in the house from the start. "Yeh Kya bhol raha hai?" Arnav asked piqued knowing that he needs to understand what had happened at his house during his absence. Mami never one to lose an opportunity jumped in.

"ye Phatti Sadi hi hai, jo pehle find out karat rahi ki tumhara kidnap hui gava. Din raat tumahre baare main puchkar sabko pareshan karthi rahi. Raat mein bhi buer sapne dekhkhar sabk jagaathi rahi" she started.

Nani knew where this was going. She knew that all was not well between her chotte and his wife. She was sure he would have let out all his anger on his wife last night and she was determined to mak him see sense. So she added "Manorama, oh chinta karthi rahi chotte ke baare mein"

"Patha hai saasuma. Isiliye tho hum bhi useh help kiye the...Oh airport waala tape dekhne mein..." Mami answered tartly.

Arnav started on hearing airport tapes. He remembered Khushi mentioning it that day but did not pay much attention to it. Now that he realized what they were talking about, he started to wonder how did they get their hands on the airport security tapes" "Airport wala tape? Aap kya bhol rahe hain mami" he asked.

Mami started with the tale of how Khushi had gone to the airport for the tapes, how she had been denied access to it, how she had taken the card. How both of them had stolen into the basement in the midst of the night, how they were almost caught and how they too the tape from the office and realized that Arnav had indeed been kidnapped". She finished it and looked up at astonished faces all around the table.

"Ma... agar aap pakade jaathe tho" Akash started. But Arnav stopped him in the middle. He could not believe the level to which Khushi had gone to save him."Mami..Iski kya zaroorat thi... Agar...agar. Khushi... aap donon ...aap,...ko kuch...kuch... ho jaatha tho?" he could only sputter. After all he had done to make her life hell, she had resorted to sneak into a secure facility to find him. He could feel the guilt raising its head again. To say Nani was shocked would have been an understatement. So much had happened under her nose and she had no idea. She looked at her grandson sitting as though he had been slapped.

Devyani Raizada was a shrewd woman. "Par appko kaise patha chala Manorama, ki khushi bitiye chotte ko dhundath rahi?". Mami smiled and stated proudly " Hum Manorama Baand hai saasuma. Humse kuch chiapaya nahi jaatha. Humne us phatti saadi ko us Prithvi detective agency jaathe hue follow kiye phir usse sab kuch bulvaaye."

"Tho.. Oh Prithvi Khadi Bhandar nahin tha?" Aakash joined in. "Nahin.. Yeh Anjali Bitiya tensed ho gayi na. Isiliye aap sabse chipaane kaathir oh phati saadi jhooth bholath rahi".

Both Nani and Arnav where overwhelmed at the amount of effort the stupid girl had put in to hide the ugly truth from the family and decided to fight it herself.

Mami toosaw this and she decided to press on.. "Phir hum us diabetes ke medicine va ko lekar inbestigation karne lage. Tab ek din, phatti sadi us kidnapper ko dekhe rahi aur useh us tatoo se identify kar di. Usne useh follow karke tho khud hi pakdi gayi. Paagal ladki."

Arnav's blood ran cold. He very well remembered the day he found her at the godown. He had never thought about how she had come to be there. Now that he knew about it he saw the danger she had put herself through in his pursuit. It was a small consolation to him that he had saved her that day by turning himself in. Nani looked at his white face and understood how he must be feeling for she was feeling no different. Is it possible for someone to love chotte more than this? she thought. She then remembered the day Khushi turned up dis-sheveled and put two and two together.

"Tho.. Us din jab khushi bitiya gande kapade pehenke aayi rahi. Wahan se aayi rahi ka? Par usne apne aapko chudaya kaise?"Nani stammered.

"oh...oh.." Mami looked at Arnav uncertainly trying to see if he was ok with her sharing it. He nodded at her to choked to say anything. And so she continued "Oh Arnav bitwaa use bachat rahe phir khud pakade gaye" she finished lamely. But she was not done. "Phir bhi hum log try karat rahe. Humne next day us godown chalat rahe wahan clue find karne kaathir."

"Kya?" Anjali asked speaking for the first time. She knew in her heart that her husband was good and khushiji would not lie. But what could she do when both came into conflict. Her happy world was in the danger of disntegrating and she had not known what to believe. But what she was hearing was adding more to the conflict raging in her mind. Khushiji had gone to such lengths to find her brother and she had been sitting happy in her world. She felt ashamed at herself.

Arnav did not respond to her as his own mind was swarming with thoughts about his wife.

Payal knew her sister would have left no stone unturned to save the ones she loved and she knew that Khushi loved Arnav more than anything else in the world. But hearing Khushi could have gotten hurt or worse killed left her winded. "Aur kya hua maaji?" she asked.

"Do not interruption pleej khhon bhari taang" mami rebuked before she summed up the rest about how they found about the tatoo and how they were almost killed near a construction site, the warning call, the near escape in the gift shop and then their pursuit again to the kidnapper's house.

"What the...?" came Arnav's hoarse voice. "Maamiji...Yeh sab hone ke baad aapne use wahan jaane kaise dia. Aur aap wahan kyun gaye the" he asked. He had started sweating by now and he knew even half the night mare was not yet over. "Oh tumhari phati saadi... kisiki sunthi hai kya... Akele jaane waali thi jan hum rephuse karat rahe.. phir humein bhi wahan jaana pada" she added and then told them about the escape from the house and their subsequent search to the place arnav was held till he was taken away.

Nani looked at her daughter in law with new respect. In spite of insulting Khushi all the time, Manorama had not deserted her at time of need and had saved her.

Arnav got up and went down on his knees near Mami's chair. He took her hands in his and murmured " Thanks Mamiji. Aapne mere jaan ko bacha liya" and got up. "Lekin..." started Manorama looking confused and he added " Mere matlab Khushi ko bachaane ki liye".

The food was untouched and Arnav was in no mood to eat. She was about to go up when Anjali interrupted " Lekin usne hi kaha ki oh tumhe barbbad karna chahthi hai Arnav aur usne hi shymaji ko divorce papers par sign karne ki liye majboor kiya hai" she added. She could not let go of the fact that Shyam was beyond doubt. And she kept looking for loopholes in khushi's story to protect her world.

Hearing this snapped something in Arnav. " Bus... bahut ho gaya di...Agar Khushi ne kuch kaha ya kiya ho tho uski zarror koi wajah hogi. Isiliye hum iske bare mein baath nahin karenge tho accha hoga." he bit out. "Jab aap sab log khushi ke baare mein ulti seedhi baathein batha rahe the, Hum chup kade rahe, iska matlab ye nahin hai ki, hum hamesha chup rahenge. Iske aage koi bhi khushi ko blame nahin karenge." he added.

NK who had been hearing the whole conversation smiled to himself. "One of the ends has been tied. Time to concentrate on the rest." he thought to himself and turned to listen to the conversation.

"Khushi hi thi jiske kaaran mein aaj aapse baat kar raha hoon or ye karthe karthe uske jaan ...jaan..." he started but could not go on as tears started to flow. He recounted how she had replaced water with oil and how she had almost lost her life falling off the cliff. NK stood in shock hearing this that Khushi almost lost her life.

Nani, Mami and Payal gasped. Anjali stood still. Her chotte had indirectly asked her shut up. Akash sat numb not knowing if he fit into this family. Each one have been doing their part trying to save the family while he had been working on mundane things oblivious of the storm raging through Shantivan. He sat ashamed. Khushiji.. no.. His bhabhi had taken the reins to control the storm when he should have been the one to do it. She had single-handedly taken them through it similar to how his bhai had done all these years. She was indeed the wife of Arnav Singh Raizada he mused.

Arnav had heard and told enough. He retreated to his room thinking about everything that has been thrown at him in the past hour. He swept past NK not even seeing him. But NK put out a hand to stop him and added "Khushiji, tumse bahut pyaar karthi hai Nannav. She will forgive you." He nodded unable to reply and retreated into his safe haven. He wanted to rest but the revelations has brought out another end. Khushi had one her part. Now he had duty to prove that whatever Khushi said was true. The talk with NK has to done now and there was no time to waste. He glanced at the clock wondering where Khushi was now and if she had food.

Khushi had gotten up early in the morning and realized she had dozed off by the pool. She looked around and found Arnav lying on the recliner fast asleep facing her. 'Had he slept looking at her?". She shook her head and muttered "Confusing laad governor kahin ke" and decided to visit her best friend to thank her for saving her Arnavji. She thought about the past few days and her thoughts rested on one event "Mujhe yakin hai ki Khushi jo bhi keh rahi hai. woh sab sach hai". He believed her. Even when she had no proof, he had readily believed her. She smiled her radiant smile as she recounted it but then her smile faded as she remembered him regretting meeting her. She had to settle her thoughts and she decided to visit the temple to seek guidance.

She encountered Naniji as she moved sliently out of the room. She told her that she had some work and went to the temple. It was still early and there weren't a lot of devotees around . Khushi settled herself in a corner in the temple and started recollecting her thoughts ever since her marriage. First to strike her where her Amma, Buaji and Jiji who had downright disowned her. Even after knowing her for years, they had thrown her away like a rag doll. Would they have done the same thing if Jiji had done something like this? No... She had no family. They were different she assured herself pained at the thought of her bauji. He was the only one who would have stood by her pillar of support even through this. He was the only one she would count as family and she would have to go thru her amma and buaji if she had to meet him. And so she had none now.

"ye lijiye.. bachon ke liye mithai". A kind voice interrupted her thoughts. She raised her head to witness an old man giving a basket of jalebis to a woman with a kind face. The woman thanked the man and turned to leave. She glanced at the frail and young girl with a sad face looking at her. She went to have a closer look. Her heart went out to the girl seeing the pain and helplessness on her face. She glanced at the sindoor and the mangalsutra and realized she was married. The face seemed familiar and she tried to remember. She made up her mind to cheer up this girl and went and sat near her with the basket.

Khushi being Khushi glanced at the basket and her mouth started watering. Looking at her gazing at the jalebis, the old woman, Shanthi offered her one. Khushi took it and took a tentative bite. The sweetness stole over her mind and senses. Shanthi had run an orphanage for 10 years and she was attuned to the pain of the people. She knew this girl needed help and she was ready to give it. She introduced herself to the girl and told her about her orphanage. "Khushi Kumari Gupta" khushi started and after a short pause added "Singh Raizada". That started ringing the bells in Shanthi's head. Now she realized that she had seen the girl in the event where the girl and her husband had put on a heer-ranjha act. She had been overwhelmed by the love that emanated from both of them during the act. She after all knew the value of love having lost her husband at an young age.

"Kya Hua Khushi?. Tum itne khoye khoye kyun lag rahi ho?" Shanthi started the conversation. "Hum...Hum..." was what Khushi could manage and she dissolved into sobs. Shanthi knew that she could not get anything out of the girl now and decided on a different tactic. "Mujhe ye jalebiyan orphanage tak le jana hoga. Kya tum meri madad kar sakthi ho?" she asked politely. Khushi looked up at the lady and nodded thankful at her for not prodding the issue. Both of them got up silently and left the mandir. Shanthi glanced at Devi maiyya's smiling visage and promised she would help the girl come what may.

Shanthi and Khushi reached the premises of "Prakruti" where Shanthi had been running the orphanage for the past 10 years. Khushi looked into the sizeable garden where close to 20 kids in varying ages were playing around. She watched a young girl of around 8 years playing around and was reminded of how she had stood at the threshold of her maasi's house orphaned at the same age with nowhere to go to. Her mind went out to the girl. Shanthi noticed Khushi's reaction on seeing the kids. Khushi's eyes then moved to the other kids and their enthusiasm was so infectious that it started waking up the Khushi she had so forcefully subdued. The children looked up to see Shanthi and Khushi and rushed forward to hug Shanthi calling her "Amma". She spoke a word or too to each kid and even kissed some on their foreheads. She then introduced Khushi to them as "Khushi di". Khushi started distributing the jalebi's among the children with a smile on her lips which did not go unnoticed by Shanthi. The children then pulled Khushi to play with them to which she gladly obeyed forgetting her worries for the time being.

- - - to be continued - - -

Do let me know your comments or I wont even know how to improve the story and write it better. And let me know your suggestions on what you would like to see. Will try to incorporate them as well. I hope it is not too much to ask.