Arshi FF: Zindagi Ke Mausam: Part 25b UPDATED! - p.86 - Page 39

I completely agree, he is being quite unreasonable but don't worry, he's a good guy. He will try to make amends, soon enough.

Hi Asha,

Yes, I agree, Khushi needs someone by her side and Payal I believe is wonderful for that. It is a difficult place Khushi's in because she doesn't want to complicate things for anyone.

Yes, Rey is extra protective.

Well, let's see what NK's reaction will be 😃

Hi ! I'm glad your enjoying and yes, I too am interested in seeing how NK would react.

Yes, he shouldn't react like a jerk but I'm glad you're giving him a chance, by trying to understanding him.

I felt like in the show the sisters equation wasn't explored, and not given enough attention as it should've, I think it was important to try to do that

Thank you so so much !

Hi Lovey !

I'm glad you enjoyed the sisters bonding, I loved writing about it. Ooo the feeling of dread, is it a forewarning for something Jess? 😉 What happens in Rey's mind is a mystery, but we will see it all pan out. I like the way your mind is thinking, Arnav has been doing everything because of Lavanya but once he finds out, what will he do????

LOL you guys are killing me, I feel like I need to up the reaction of NK's because it was definitely going to be I feel as not extraordinary as you guys expected.

Thank you for commenting !!

Hi Archu,

Lavanya-Arnav's relationship, friendship is different, of course but not less than Khushi-NK's, It's just the friendships were forged due to different circumstances, thats all. But yes NK-Khushi's bond is definitely unique. I too hope Lavanya's insecurities melt away, otherwise who knows what'll happen...

Thank you, I know it's less, but I'm trying...I promise, there will be K-A moments, soon.

Thank you for the lovely compliment. Let's see what the differing reactions are. 😉

Hi. Thanks for reading.

This is my first time attempting a story, so I am trying to write and give character as much space as I think neccesary. I will say that yes, this is more of Khushi's story right now rather than a Khushi-Arnav story. It'll lead up to it, I will try, to do it in a more reasonable time frame.

The Morning Of the Reception

Khushi: Jiji, jaldi karein, humein wapas aakhe tayaar bhi hona hai.

Jiji, hurry up, we have to come back and get ready too.

Payal: Tu ne pehle kyun nahin bataya ke unho ne humein breakfast ke liye bulaya hai? Pagli kaheen ki.

Why didn't you tell me before that he invited us for breakfast? You crazy girl

Khushi: Bhool gayi Jiji. Sorry! Okay, I'm waiting in the car he sent for us. Aa jaayein.

I forgot Jiji. Sorry! Okay, I'm waiting in the car he sent for us. Come on.

--

Payal exited the car with Khushi and took in the sight of the resplendent and lavish three storied mansion in front of her. Payal felt herself exhale slowly. Akash was well off, they too were rich but this, this was quite mind boggling. Khushi's voice beckoned her, bringing her out of her out of her thoughts.

Khushi: Jiji, kya ho gaya? Chalein na.

Jiji, what happened? Let's go.

The doors opened to an even more beautiful interior, there was an old world charm about the furnishings, marble, and atmosphere. Payal felt she had walked in to a palace of the Mughal era.

Khushi: Mehta Uncle, Dadu kahan hai?

Mehta Uncle, Where's Dadu?

Mehta: Beta, he should be coming down in just a minute.

RS: Khushi, meri raajkumari! Agayi aap.

Khushi, my princess ! You've come.

Khushi went towards him and hugged him, perhaps with less caution than she did before. She was happy, her sister was with her, and it was hard not to share it with those around her. RS felt his eyes became moist with the happiness his granddaughter was radiating. It had taken a while but she slowly had accepted him in to her life and while the journey was not yet complete, every little gesture, action, was a milestone achieved for him.

Khushi: Dadu, yeh, meri Jiji hai, Payal. Jiji, this is is Dadu.

Payal put her hands together, greeting him "Namaste."

RS: Ah, aap Payal hain. Khushi can't help but always talk about you my dear. Come, come, let's all sit and have breakfast.

Payal felt a feeling of inadequacy fill her being slowly. This was all Khushi's. She was the heiress to this, and Akash, he was not only part of his family business but had his share in ventures he had help start as well. Payal knew she was educated, she was even working a good job, at a hotel, part of the management but she did not come from riches like these. For the first time, she felt like she was worlds apart from the two people she loved so much.

Khushi: Jiji ! Aap kya soch rahi hain? Chaliye na.

Jiji! What are you thinking about? Let's go.

Payal: Chalo.

Let's.

RS: Beta, aap kya karthi hain?

Beta, what do you do?

Payal: I'm part of the management team at a hotel back in Lucknow right now.

RS: Oh that's wonderful. Khushi tells me you will be moving to Delhi after marriage, will you be working after marriage too?

Payal: Ji, well...I haven't thought about it yet. Akashji, mere..my fianc said it would be up to me.

Khushi: Akash Bhai is wonderful Dadu you know, but he's even luckier because he's engaged to my Jiji.

Payal: Khushi!

RS: Khushi, aap zara mere liye chai banah dengi? No one seems to make it as good as you do.

Khushi, will you make tea for me? No one seems to make it as good as you do.

Khushi: Okay Dadu, I'll be back in five minutes.

There was a sudden awkwardness that seemed to take hold of Khushi's place on the table.

RS: Payal, I'd like to talk to you.I think you might've understood, this is why I asked Khushi to make me tea.

Payal: Ji Mr. Sahay?

RS: I...I don't have the words my dear, I would not like to thank you because that be quite belittling of me. You did what sisters do. You have been an amazing sister, a wonderful friend and even better support system for Khushi. When Khushi speaks of you, her eyes light up, just the mention of you is enough to make her happy. She's such a wonderful young woman, you know and while I haven't had the privilege of experiencing of seeing her grow up, I know that she is the way she is because of you and your...her parents. You probably don't remember, but many years ago, I had to come to your home, I kept insisting that I would take Khushi, being able to raise her better because I thought...even after the accident that my money would be enough to raise Khushi. You came out of your room and you said something to me that day "Khushi ke Dadu, Khushi ko toys nahin chahiye, Khushi ko Mama and Baba chahiye hain. Mein apne Amma aur Babuji share kar loongi, promise. Khushi meri sister bi hai, aap bhi Khushi ko share kar sakte hain, hain na?"

"Khushi's Grandpa. Khushi doesn't need toys. Khushi needs Mama and Baba. I will share my Amma and Babuji with her, I promise. Khushi is my sister too, you can share her with me, right?"

Payal: I... I remember.

RS: Khushi was never mine to share with you. She was yours. You shared your Khushi with me, thank you, I will forever be grateful to you Payal beta.

Payal: Mein...I..

RS: Of all the riches in the world that I possess, the greatest is the relationship I have with Khushi, it is all you need to really live life, love.

Payal internally scolded herself for the feelings that were overcoming her earlier. The anguish in Raghuvindra Sahay's words were more than for her to understand that even with all the riches he had nothing because he had lost love. She was blessed with love from her parents, her sister, her fianc and the new family she'd be joining. This was more than she'd ever need.

Khushi: Mein aagayi, kya hua? Aap dono itne chup kyun hai?

I'm back, what happened? Why are you both so quiet?

Payal: Now everyone can't talk as much as you right Titli? We were waiting on you.

--

KAS: I'll finally be seeing you at the party tonight right Khushi? It's been a while princess!

KKG: Ji KAS! You'll see me then!

Payal: What are you smiling about? Reyaansh ka message hai kya?

"..." Is it Reyaansh that messaged you?"

Khushi: No Jiji woh...dekhein Akash Bhai is calling...

---

The media awaited the entrance of the newlywed couple and when they arrived they did not disappoint. The media began clicking pictures and asking questions.NK looked impeccable in his grey suit and Lavanya a majestic beauty in the lehenga saree designed by Khushi. The outfit was made to enhance her ideal model figure. They both walked hand in hand in to the hall of The Leela Palace. They were greeted with claps and cheers from family, friends and acquaintances. Before they began mingling with the guests, they both made way to their close family and friends: The Jha family, the Raizadas, and their one and only Singhania.

Anjali: You are looking out of this world Lavu!

Sheetal: Seriously! You look so hot! You're outfit is so so so beautiful! Who designed it? I have to get their number!

Devani: Humare dono bache kitne ache lagh rahe hain, haina Madhu?

Both of our children are looking so good together, right Madhu?

Madhu: Haye Re Nandkisore, ghar jakhe nazar utarenge!

Haye Re Nandkisore, when we get home I will have to take the evil eye off them.

Aarav: Hello hello honeymooners. How are you both doing? Ah Lavanya, now I know what they mean by the glow of a newly wedded woman.

Aarav winked at Lavanya who blushed at the insinuation behind the comment.

Lavanya: Isn't this beautiful? Khushi designed it! She's so talented!

Sheetal: Oh my God, really?! I have to have her come over then. I didn't know she designed. Bhai isn't she doing an internship at your place?

Arnav: Mhm.

Devani: You children enjoy, we're going to go meet the Mehras, chalo Madhu.

NK: Bhai, where's Khushi and Payal Di?

Akash: They texted me that they were almost here. Ah! I just got their text. They're here. I'll go get them from the entrance, I don't want the media to overwhelm them.

"We are here live outside of the grand, the impeccable, The Leela Palace and here is where the Jha's are hosting their youngest son's reception party. The guests that have arrived so far are the top of the top. The Jha's definitely have wonderful relations with the highest in Delhi society. Rumor has it, the infamous Kunwar Aarav of Lucknow is also at the party. It's is known to very few that the Kunwar and Nand Kishore Jha share a wonderful camaraderie from their time in the states together. Perhaps we shall be lucky and get to see the Kunwar and get a few bytes from him.Here we see another guest arriving, who is it we all ask? And what is this? Akash Jha, has made a reappearance at the entrance. If our sources have it right, we shall finally be introduced the future Mrs.Jha."

Akash opened the door and gave his hand to Payal who stepped out of the car, adjusting her beautiful cream colored chiffon saree with an off the shoulder teal colored blouse.

"Sir! Sir! Is this this your fiance?! Ma'm what designer are you wearing?! Sir please a few words for tomorrow's paper!"

"We shall be letting the media in for a limited time later on in the party, while pictures will be welcome, please refrain from asking any questions that'll have you escorted out."

Akash wrapped his arm around Payal and led her inside to the party which was in full swing.

Akash: You are looking absolutely beautiful Payal. I almost froze in front of the media; my eyes didn't want to move from you. Tomorrows papers would have "Akash Jha : A love struck puppy" as the headlines.

Payal hit Akash playfully on the chest, while he grabbed the hand and kissed her palm.

Akash: Khushi kahan hai?

Payal: She's coming through the back entrance -- she doesn't like the media; it gives her anxiety. Reyaansh is with her. She told me everything, don't worry. I'm not mad. He's a nice guy. And you see Khushi as a little sister so I understand you're not jumping for joy. But don't worry, she's happy. And thank you for taking care of her.

Akash: You don't have to say thank you but if you're insistent...I'd like to take my thank you in another manner.

Akash bent and kissed Payal on the lips which she responded to by tip toeing and kissing him back lovingly.

Akash: I think I should collect thanks more often sweetheart.

Payal: Chup! Ab chalo andar.

--

After everyone met Payal and gushed over how beautiful she looked, everyone seemed to have the same question "Where's Khushi?"

As if she had heard the question and finally decided to answer, Khushi walked in to the hall in a beautiful sky blue beaded cropped top with a matching colored tulle skirt. Her hair was pin straight falling down to her waist. She kept the makeup minimal, a hint of blush, mascara which thickened her lashes and a soft shade of pink on her lips. She looked like she'd walked out of Disney's Cinderella.

(Imagine her in this: http://groupdress.com/uploads/product/1/H/1H421/stunning-allover-beaded-crop-top-sky-blue-a-line-tulle-prom-dress-1.jpg)

If Arnav lied to himself, he'd tell himself that she wasn't beautiful. That she wasn't mesmerizing and that she wasn't getting appreciative glances from males around her. That she didn't glide through the hall with grace and poise, that the smile she wore didn't have the power to dazzle. But Arnav Singh Raizada did not lie to himself and so he realized in that moment -- that he was inexplicably and indomitably attracted to Khushi Kumari Gupta.

He watched as she interacted with the adults avoiding making her way towards where they were standing. If he hadn't been privy to the conversation from a few days ago he wouldn't have realized that it was because she was avoiding NK. She met with everyone who stood there, finally moving to NK.

Khushi: Hi.

Lavanya: Khushi! You look stunning! And thank you, again for this. Everyone is raving about my clothes and it's all thanks to you. What took you so long? Where were you?

Khushi: I was getting NK's wedding gift. It took a little longer than planned. I needed some help so...are you still mad at me?

Khushi's voice dropped down to a whisper as she directed the question to NK. The silence was growing and Khushi felt her eyes well up with tears as the seconds passed without a response.

NK: Tujhse kabhi bhi mein dehr thak naraaz reh sakta hoon Khush? I'm sorry. And thank you for helping out with the reception. I've been a jerk when you've been doing this for us.

" Can I ever be mad at for you long Khush?"

Khushi blinked back her tears and gave him a hug.

Khushi: I'm sorry too. And I can't show your gift in front of everyone so later okay?

NK: Chalo, now stop making me emotional. Kills my macho man image, right Lavu?

Khushi: TUM aur Macho? Haaan Haan and I'm the Queen of England.

Aarav: Well well well, you are looking no less than royalty right now Khushi so your statement isn't too far off.

Khushi turned with a grin to Aarav. She gave him a quick hug which had everyone raise their eyebrows. Wasn't this the Khushi who was flustered by Aarav's presence?

Arnav's fingers curled up in a fist before grabbing a glass of whiskey from a waiter passing by.

Khushi: KAS! Aap kaise hain?

KAS: Wonderful you know. How are you princess? I saw Rehana last week, she told me to say hello to you.

Khushi: I'm doing well, thank you. Oh yes, she told me about your meeting.

Khushi rolled her eyes as she finished her statement after which she broke out in to laughter.

KAS: Don't do that Khushi, that woman likes to exaggerate, you have to take everything she says with a grain of salt.

Khushi: I know, I know. What? Why is everyone staring at me?

NK: When --- how? You both are friends?

Khushi: Haw! Kyun? Humari dosti nahin ho sakti?

Khushi smiled when her eyes caught Arnav's, she suddenly remembered their last encounter and looked away before her cheeks tinged pink. Arnav felt a rush of pleasure as he saw her reaction towards him, simmering down the annoyance he felt at her comfort with Aarav.

Sheetal: Hi Khushi! How are you? So like Lav told me you designed her outfit and did you design your own too?!

Khushi: Yes, I did.

Sheetal: It is way way beautiful! You have to come over one day, like you totally absolutely have to and help me with designing something special for my birthday!

Khushi: Sure Sheetal, whenever you'd like.

Sheetal: I'll be...ooh I see Ria! I'll be back.

Ria: Sheetal! Did you see the latest entry in the party? He's so hot, do you know who he is?!

Sheetal: Who Ria?

Ria: Look, look he's right there, the one in the navy blue suit.

Pam: Hey Ria, what are you guys up to?

Ria: Checking out that guy there, he's so hot. Who is he?! Do you know?

Pam: Who are you...oh! Oh. Let's go ask Lavanya. He has to be either her or NK's guest right?

Sim: Pam, where did you go?

Pam: I went to go get Ria. We're trying to figure out...

Sim: Who is HE?!

Ria: My next boyfriend, that's who, let me go work my magic girls.

Sheetal: Isn't he so hot?

Lavanya: What are you guys talking about?

Sim&Pam: Who is HE? Is he NK's friend?

Lavanya: Who are you...

The commotion of the girls caught the attention of the men around them.

Aarav: Well hello beautiful ladies, what are you all so interested in?

NK: Seriously, what's going on here?

Sheetal: He did...he's just so...dreamy. Like I could totally...

Anjali nudged her little cousin sister to shush her mouth as Arnav's irritation was increasing. He gritted his teeth at his young sister's appraisal of some man who was walking toward them.

Arnav rolled his eyes as he saw Ria, an ex-girlfriend and a current model of AR walk up to him.

"Are you looking for someone handsome? I'm Ria Malhotra." Ria asked in a sickingly sweet voice while batting her eyelashes at him.

He seemed to look at her with a disinterest, his eyes searching for someone.

"Actually, yes, do you know where the newly wedded couple is?"

Ria: Of course, let me take you.

She wrapped his arm around his forearm and took him towards their group. She winked at the Pam, Sim and Sheetal signaling her so called victory.

Sheetal: Ugh, why does she always get the hot guys?

Payal and Akash who had walked away with Khushi a little earlier to meet some of their Bua's friends were walking towards the group again when they spotted Reyaansh.

Payal giggled as she saw Reyaansh's pleading eyes to get him out of the entanglement. Akash smirked, amused as how Reyaansh would get out of the mess if Khushi were to see him in this.

Ria: NK, Lavanya, he...

NK: Hello. I'm Nand Kishore Jha and this is my wife Lavanya Jha.

Ria: I thought you knew them?

NK: Is he not your guest...Ria?

It was then when Khushi walked towards the group. Khushi's eyes went to the hand that was wrapped around Reyaansh's arm and looked up at him raising her eyebrows. He quickly extracted his arm from Ria's and walked towards Khushi.

Reyaansh: Thank you Ria. Where were you? His question directed at Khushi.

Ria huffed and puffed as Reyaansh went and stood next to some girl she hadn't seen before. How was he not interested in her, Ria freaking Malhotra?

Khushi looked up and a smile graced her face as Reyaansh came and stood next to her.

Khushi: You seemed to be doing okay without me, kyun Jiji?

Khushi bit her bottom lip suppressing her giggle.

Reyaansh: Congratulations on the wedding NK, Lavanya.

Lavanya: Thank you.

NK: Thanks.

Reyaansh bent down and whispered in to Khushi's ear "They're waiting for you to introduce me, considering I just rebuffed that girl Ria and came and stood next to you, I think they know I'm your guest. Now they're going to be suspicious because I'm probably too close to you for anyone's comfort here."

Khushi felt her cheeks warm at his comment and the stares from everyone.

Arnav took a gulp from his glass, feeling the burn as it traveled down his throat.

Khushi: This is NK, Lavanya, Sheetal, Jiji and Bhai...you know. Aarav Ji, Pam, Sim, and...

Reyaansh: Arnav Singh Raizada. Who doesn't know him? Hello everyone, I'm Rey Moretti.

Khushi: Reyaansh Moretti, you mean.

Reyaansh: Yes, Reyaansh, as Khushi prefers it.

Khushi: And Reyaansh is...