ArShi SS: A Nameless Love (Thread Two Link on Page 1) - Page 95

Awesome update. And happy new year to you too. Waiting for your next update.

Now we know what mami's game plan is. She thinks she can get her hooks into the property by setting up Lavanya with Akash.

This is amazing!

Originally posted by: -JollyJabeen-JB

This is amazing!

Sorry haha. Was re-reading and it just kinda came out? 😳

Manorama is ridiculous..

Their business is in loss and she thinks Arnav is responsible for that..

Now she is after Akash because he is the heir of Malik empire and wants him to marry her daughter Lavanya..

continue soon

Happy New Year to Kiran and all the readers of A Nameless Love.

Cheers.......

Wonderful update....I am glad everything settled between brothers and Khushi. Oh ho so hello hi bye bye wants Malik’s property.

After all the fiasco that happened after kushi and Aakash reached RM.. Arnav kushi and Aakash can heave a sigh of relief. Arnav managed to convince Nani though not fully but partially that kushi is the right girl for him .Nani is yet to give green signal for their alliance till then kushi is under Nani’s scrutiny .But I am sure when she mingles with kushi she’ll accept her.

Aakash asked Arnav to forgive him for the misunderstanding he created between Arnav and kushi which Arnav did and Arnav’s relation was back to normal as before with Aakash .Kushi was ready to stay back in Delhi spend some time with Arnav so that Nani gets to know her better in spite of the fact that shashi wanted her back in Lucknow along with Aakash.

The other surprising developments in the story was Birendra telling Shashi about himself and convincing him about Arnav’s love for kushi. Which came as a surprise to Arnav.

The secret of Manorama’s sugary talks towards Aakash was exposed. She’s all set to make Aakash her son in law courtesy the wealth he’ll inherit after Birendra’s death .She’s waiting for her daughter to come .

Waiting to read the next chapter.

Chapter 26

Khushi watched with a nervous face as Arnav dialled her father’s name. She had a bad feeling about this. What if he doesn’t agree to let her stay? What if he asks her to come back instantly?

“Namaste, Uncle” Arnav greeted her father.

“Ji, Uncle. No, uncle. No. Yes. No, that’s not the reason, uncle. Yes” Arnav continued in monosyllables while Khushi tried to catch the drift of the conversation through Arnav’s expressions.

She frowned when he slid open the glass doors and walked out of the room and into the poolside. She watched as his face became insipid, expressions contrite. The light in his eyes dimmed as he spoke slowly, briefly looking at her through the glass doors that separated them.

Khushi felt her own heart stumbling at the change in his face and demeanour. What was her Babuji saying?

She waited a few more minutes while Arnav turned away and continued talking, his back facing her. When he was finally done, he put the phone away and walked back into the room.

She waited as he reached her, eyes still dull.

“No?” She asked in a dispirited, low voice.

Arnav nodded.

“Yes?” She asked, standing up.

“He said I am to bring you back within a week” Arnav said.

“Really? That’s good, no? It means I can stay” Khushi said, face brightening.

Arnav finally smiled. A little!

“Yes. It’s great” He answered and Khushi was mildly surprised when he pulled her in for a hug.

She hugged him back, nonetheless.

When Arnav pulled back, his smile had grown.

“There are so many things that I want to show you. But the first place I want to take you is my office. So, we’ll go there tomorrow” Arnav said, lacing his fingers into hers.

“Office? Why?” Khushi asked.

“Because that’s where I spend most of my day. And there is something there that you have to come with me and see” He answered.

Khushi nodded her head.

“I’ll come”

“Great” Arnav said.

“We should be going downstairs now. I am hungry” Khushi said.

“Yeah. Let’s go” He said.

Khushi couldn’t put an end to her smile when Arnav reached for her hand again and interlocked his fingers with hers.

Together, the two of them walked downstairs and found Devyani Singh Raizada already there.

“Hello Nani! You finished your puja early today?” Arnav asked her as he guided Khushi towards the table and pulled a chair for her, next to his.

“Yes! I started early” She replied as she watched Arnav and Khushi.

“What kind of puja, Nani ji?” Khushi asked politely, curiously as she took the chair and settled.

Devyani Raizada looked at Khushi upon being addressed directly.

“I do puja everyday before eating” she replied in a plain voice.

“Before every meal” Arnav added.

Khushi nodded with a thin smile.

“That’s nice, Nani ji. My Amma used to do that too” She said.

“Used to? She doesn’t anymore?” Nani ji asked.

“She passed away a few years ago. But when she was there, I used to sit with her for the puja. Though, only in the evenings! I was too lazy for the mornings” Khushi’s smile waned a bit, wistfulness filling her eyes.

She felt Arnav’s hand reach her hand under the table and press it in silent support.

Nani ji remained quiet and nodded just once.

The silence at the table was filled by people trickling in.

Akash joined them and greeted Nani ji. She only nodded.

The table became loud when Manorama walked in followed by Manohar Singh Raizada.

“I hope Hari Prakash has prepared the paneer just the way I showed him on YouTube” Manorama exclaimed when she pulled her chair and settled.

“You should have made it yourself! I am sure you can cook it better than him” Manohar said.

“I can but that doesn’t mean I will slave in the kitchen all day. Especially now that we have extra people to cook for” Manorama said, looking at Khushi.

Arnav shook his head while Akash simply pretended not to hear. But, it was Devyani who spoke.

“Is that a way to speak before the guests, Manorama?” Nani ji’s voice was strict enough for Manorama to blink. Then, she looked at Akash.

“I didn’t mean it like that, Akash bitwa! I don’t want to experiment with guests, you know?” Manorama said, voice sweetening.

Akash nodded his head.

Soon after, food was laid on the table and everyone began eating. The conversation picked speed when Akash mentioned that he was leaving immediately after the dinner.

“I would still ask you to extend your stay, Akash bitwa. Your Mamaji would like to show you his office. In fact, he even has a business model in mind which he wants to explore in Lucknow” Manorama said.

“I wish I could stay, Mami ji. But, Baba needs me there” Akash replied.

The momentary silence was broken by Devyani Singh Raizada.

“Let us know when the time comes. I would definitely want to be there for his last rites”

The words fell upon the crowd like a hammer, its impact heavy.

It was only Manorama who found it amusing and failed to suppress her snicker.

Arnav was staring into his plate and Khushi’s face was surprised.

Akash stopped eating, fists clenching at his sides. But, it was a quick, pleading look from Arnav that stopped the words on his tongue.

Dinner became a sombre affair after that, passing in silence. Khushi maintained quiet too but spent most of the time observing Devyani Singh Raizada.

The old lady, if noticed, did not speak about it.

Akash finished his food earlier than others and stood up.

“I’ll be taking a cab, Bhai” He announced.

Arnav stood up too, leaving his food unfinished.

“You are not and that’s final. I will go and get ready. In the meanwhile, HP will bring your bag from your room” Arnav said.

He looked at Khushi who nodded her head. She will be fine in his absence.

Akash nodded slightly and the brothers walked away towards their rooms.

Only Khushi, Nani, Mama and Mami remained at the table.

“I suppose you’re staying then?” Mami said to her.

“Ji” Khushi replied.

“For how long?” The question followed.

Khushi contemplated her answer.

“She will stay for as long as she wants to, Manorama” Devyani Singh Raizada interjected once more.

Gratitude shone in Khushi’s eyes as she looked briefly at the austere face.

“Ji, Sasu Ma! I was only asking because..”

“Doesn’t matter why you were asking. It’s none of your business. This is between Chote and her. Let them be” Devyani said and stood up to leave, having finished her food.

Khushi stood up at the same time.

“Let me walk you to your room, Nani ji” she asked eagerly, voice soft.

“You don’t have to!” Devyani Raizada replied and signalled her son to help her.

Manohar Raizada stood up instantly and held Devyani’s hand, leading her towards her room.

Khushi remained there, watching them leave.

“Don’t think that I don’t know why you’re staying here. But my mother-in-law is a tough nut to crack! So, whatever your plans are, you’re getting nowhere with her” Manorama Raizada smirked.

However, her face shifted instantly when she saw Akash walking downstairs with his small bag. Leaving Khushi aside, she walked towards Akash.

“Why are you carrying this on your own, Akash bitwa? HP could have helped you” She said in a honeyed voice.

“It’s just a small bag, Mami” Akash replied, his voice impassive.

“Do visit again, Akash bitwa! I will give you a call when Lavanya arrives from Sydney. She would love to meet you. You two can be good friends” Manorama continued nonetheless.

Khushi joined where Akash stood and hugged him.

“Thank you for everything, Akash” She said, ignoring the face Manorama was making beside her.

Akash’s face pulled into a small smile.

“Anytime, best friend” He replied, ruffling her hair after she pulled back.

As Khushi smiled, Arnav joined them too, holding keys in his hands.

“Ready?” He asked Akash.

Akash looked towards the direction of Devyani’s room.

“It’s alright! I’ll let her know you were getting late” Arnav said, voice heavy.

He knew Akash wanted to see her before leaving but the comment at the dinner table was still weighing on his mind. It was on his mind too! But, he was good at masking.

“Okay. I am ready” Akash said and picked up his bag.

“Namaste, Mami” He joined his hands towards Manorama who was still standing there.

“Have a safe travel, Akash bitwa” she said and then walked away.

“I’ll see you in a week” Khushi said, walking with Arnav and Akash.

They reached the porch.

“Call me every day!” Khushi said while Arnav went to the garage to get his SUV.

“I will” Akash said.

“You talked to Uncle?” He asked after a second.

“Arnav did” She replied.

“How did it go?”

“He didn’t tell me much. But Babuji agreed” She said.

“That’s good enough” He said and turned away from her.

“And don’t worry about Nani ji! You’ll win her over sooner or later” Akash said, turning back, flashing his smile.

It made Khushi smile and exhale.

“I hope so” She said as Arnav pulled into the porch and honked once.

“You will” Akash said, and gave her another quick side hug.

“I’ll miss you, best friend” she said softly before letting go.

“Of course you will” Akash said, winking and then he got into the car, throwing his bag on the backseat.

“Bye” He waved at her.

Khushi waved too until the car was gone. When she walked back into the Mahal, she felt light.

~~***~~

Doctor Shailendra Kumar closed his eyes and attempted to block the thoughts swirling in his mind. He had had an early dinner with Birendra Singh Malik and thereafter had retired to his room on the pretext of work.

“Stay with me tonight” Birendra Singh Malik had asked when he was leaving.

“I have work” He had answered.

“You can work here” Malik had said.

“I will probably work till late. You need your rest”

He had lied. There was no work except to sit and stare at the walls in his room.

Ever since he had read Malik’s post-surgery reports, he couldn’t stop thinking about it. Medicines, experimental drugs, surgery, he had tried it all. But, they still hadn’t beaten the cancer. It remained there, slowly killing the man he loves. Dr. Kumar didn’t know what to do anymore. How to stop himself from breaking, giving up! For everyone’s sake, he carried the tough exterior, the optimism. But he knew all of this will be short-lived. And the thought petrified him to the core.

So much of their life had been lost in dealing with the repercussions of their bad choices and those of others. The only stable period in their life had been after Arnav had left. But, it had also been marred by Malik’s guilty conscious. There was never a moment of true happiness, true freedom. A life of secrecy and stolen moments! It had seemed enough. But as the end loomed near, Dr. Kumar found himself wishing for more. He wished for a second chance to live his life so he could do things differently. But, that was just wishful thinking. Their time has run out and he didn’t know how to get accustomed to the fact.

As if his thoughts had been received by the man he was thinking of, there was a soft tap on his door followed by the voice.

“Are you almost done with the work?” Birendra Singh Malik’s tired face peeked through the doors before he walked in with slow steps, aided by his walking stick.

Doctor Kumar cleared the files that were scattered before him on the bed and looked at Birendra as he made his way to him.

“Why did you walk all the way up? Don’t you hear anything I tell you? You are not strong enough. Just four days back you were on an operation table with your chest cut open!” Doctor Kumar said in a hard voice while Malik ignored his words and settled on the bed, resting his back against the pillows.

“Look at your face! It’s so pale” Doctor Kumar continued while Malik steadied his breaths, eyes closed.

“Are you listening, Birendra?” Doctor Kumar said, turning to face his friend, his partner.

Malik slowly opened his eyes and looked at Doctor Kumar.

“I don’t want to sleep alone anymore” He said, voice slow.

Doctor Kumar blinked.

“I know you lie to me all the time about how much time I have left and I don’t question you on that. That’s because I don’t care about the time anymore. I don’t care if it’s a year, a month or a week. I am done living the last days of life all alone. You are here in this Mahal and yet you feel so far away. We have never shared a room in all these years because we had to keep a front, hide from the world that what we are to each other. But, I don’t want to hide anymore. Everyone who matters to me knows now. So, let me be here, Kumar. I want you beside me in case I pass away one night in my sleep” Malik said, voice heavy and eyes imploring.

“That’s not how it works! You’re not going to pass away one night out of the blue” Kumar replied, but his voice was thick and his eyes were glassy with emotion.

“I don’t care! I am staying here and you cannot kick me out because I am sick” Birendra Kumar Malik said and switched off the light on his side of the bed.

Doctor Kumar watched and shook his head.

“You’re still a stubborn, spoiled Nawab” He said, but his expression was happy now.

“That’s what you liked about me” Malik murmured from his side of the bed.

“I still do” Kumar answered and switched off the light, sliding closer to the man and hugging him.

He finally felt light, content and drifted into a peaceful sleep.

~~**~~

Next morning, the house awakened with the sound of the conch.

By the time Khushi made her way down the stairs and into the puja-room, Devyani Singh Raizada was concluding her prayers.

Last night, Arnav had arrived after dropping Akash and come straight to her room. They had spent a few good hours talking until Khushi had pushed him out of her room, saying she had to wake up early in the morning.

“For what?” Arnav had asked.

“For nothing” She had replied and bade him good night.

He had walked away with a mopey face.

Now as Khushi quickly reached to Devyani’s side, she chided herself for sleeping through the first alarm.

“Good morning, Nani ji” She greeted the woman brightly.

Nani ji turned to her and looked at her from head to toe.

Freshly bathed, Khushi had decided to wear a loose, yellow colour chudidar salwar and kurta.

She had arranged the dupatta on her head before walking into the mandir.

“Good morning” Devyani Singh Raizada replied, after finishing her scrutiny of her. Lack of a frown on Nani ji’s face was taken by Khushi as a positive sign.

“I wanted to join you for the puja but I missed the first alarm” She said to Nani.

“It’s alright! Lean forward” Devyani Singh Raizada said in response, voice smooth but clear.

Khushi abandoned her musings and leaned forward, a hand on her head.

Devyani Singh Raizada dipped her finger into the crimson roli paste and put a teeka (round dot) on her forehead, in the middle of her eyebrows.

Khushi couldn’t help the faint smile on her lips as a deep sense of calm wrapped itself around her. It had been years since someone had put a teeka on her forehead. Her mother used to, on occasional days when she would wake up for the morning prayers. After Garima had passed away, this was one responsibility her father had not taken upon him. Neither had Khushi!

It was instinct for Khushi to bow down and touch Devyani’s feet. Khushi could have sworn there was a slight surprise in Devyani’s face as she placed her hand on Khushi’s head.

“May god give you a long life” The blessing slipped past Devyani’s lips.

When Khushi arose and looked at Devyani with slight wetness in her eyes, the woman ignored it.

“Take the prashaad” She said instead.

Khushi placed her right palm atop her left palm and took it.

“Thank you, Nani ji” She said before eating it with reverence.

Devyani Raizada nodded and moved past her, holding the prashaad-plate in her hand.

But then she turned back.

“Is Chote up?”

“I don’t think so, Nani ji” She replied.

Devyani shook her head.

“He purposely wakes up late so that he wouldn’t have to come down here” Devyani Raizada said.

“And others?” Khushi asked, walking with Devyani towards the hall.

“They wake up even later than Chote does” Devyani said, handing the plate to HP.

Khushi followed the woman around, making Devyani stop.

“Is there something you want?”She asked Khushi.

“No” Khushi replied, instantly embarrassed.

“I sit and read scriptures for an hour. The breakfast will be served around eight. Until then you can go for a walk in the garden or do whatever you like” Devyani said to her, dismissal evident in her tone.

But, Khushi continued following after the lady.

Devyani Raizada noticed and opened her mouth to speak but Khushi beat her to it.

“I would love to sit with you and read, Nani ji. I like reading too. In fact, in the Mahal I used to read so many books. There is a huge library there” Khushi rambled on, voice eager and imploring.

Devyani Raizada considered it for a second.

Khushi was sure she was going to get denied.

“Okay. You can join me” Devyani said, making Khushi smile brightly.

The two of them walked into Devyani’s room and Khushi watched as Devyani retrieved the book from the shelf where it was placed, wrapped in a clean, red cloth.

“Why is this not in the Mandir, Nani ji” Khushi asked, as Devyani took seat in her rocking chair and signalled Khushi to take the chair next to it.

“Because sometimes I read it at night, before sleeping” was all Devyani said and opened the book.

She removed the red thread that evidently served as a bookmark.

“You want to listen or read?” She asked Khushi.

“You should begin reading, Nani ji. I can take over once you are done” Khushi said.

Devyani looked at Khushi’s excited eyes and shook her head slightly.

Then she began reading.

~~**~~

When Arnav made it downstairs for breakfast, he expected Khushi to be at the table. Been ready, he had visited her room and found it empty. He had assumed Khushi might already be here.

She was not!

He looked around and asked HP.

“Have you seen Khushi?”

“Ji, Arnav Bhaiya! She is with Nani ji” HP replied and sped off to the kitchen.

“Interesting” Arnav remarked and decided not to interrupt. If Khushi was with his Nani so early in the morning, it would definitely be intentional on her part. He didn’t want to get in the way of that.

However, he did want to see her. Last night, she had shooed him out of her room.

He hadn’t even been able to tell her to be ready for going to the office. He hoped she remembered.

“Good morning, Mamaji” He said to his Mama who was reading a newspaper at the breakfast table.

“Good morning, Arnav” Manohar Singh Raizada replied without looking away from what he was reading.

Typical!

Arnav then looked around and saw his Mami flitting her way towards them.

“Good morning, Mami” He wished her too.

“It will be a good morning only if I get my food on time” She said in return, calling HP to serve the food already.

Typical, again!

Arnav waited patiently at the table, looking into his phone and reading some work emails.

“This is new!” He heard his Mami remark and looked up to see Devyani walking into the hall with Khushi in tow.

Khushi was smiling and describing something. What was more important that Devyani seemed to be listening with interest!

“And that’s how I ended up creating this new type of jalebi” Khushi finished, chuckling.

“I hope your parents didn’t get sick eating it” Devyani said, while Khushi pulled the chair for her.

“Nahi, Nani ji! In fact, they had a good time selling it at the shop. Babuji sold it calling it ‘Khushi ki Jalebi” Khushi said, eyes glinting.

Arnav while amused, did not fail to notice the slight shake of his Nani’s head.

He knew it was an amused shake too.

“I will make it if you want me to” Khushi continued.

“You don’t have to! I think it would be best leaving it to my imagination” Devyani replied.

Khushi nodded and then finally looked at Arnav.

“Good morning” He said to her, voice husky.

“Good morning, Chote” Devyani replied, making Arnav clear his throat.

“Good morning, Nani” He replied.

“How was your morning?” He asked.

“Are you asking me?” Devyani said, aware that Arnav’s eyes were running to Khushi.

“Of course, Nani” He tore his gaze from Khushi’s radiant face.

“It was as usual” came the answer.

Arnav nodded.

A few minutes passed and everyone was eating in silence when Arnav cleared his throat again.

“Get ready in an hour, Khushi. We’ll leave then” He said to Khushi, aware that now everyone’s eyes were on him.

“Leave for where?” Mami ji wanted to ask but it was Devyani who asked first.

“Office, Nani! I want to show Khushi around” Arnav replied, looking at Khushi whose face was flushed with all the attention.

“Yeah yeah! Why not? After all, she might own half of it. In case you decide to marry her, you know” Manorama Raizada exclaimed.

“Manorama” It was Manohar Singh Raizada who interjected this time, his voice reproachful.

Khushi had begun coughing at the mention of marriage and Arnav’s face had become stoic.

But, it was Devyani Singh Raizada who looked most livid.

“Marriage is no child’s play, Manorama! It has the potential to rip apart people’s lives. So, take notice of what you speak from the next time” Devyani said in a harsh voice.

Arnav didn’t meet Khushi’s eye who was now gulping down water.

Manorama merely shrugged her shoulders and resumed eating.

Once Khushi was done, she rose up.

“I’ll go get ready” She said to Arnav.

Arnav nodded.

Once Khushi was gone, Arnav turned to his Nani.

“No Chote, we are not talking about it now” Devyani answered before Arnav could even speak anything.

“Then when?” Arnav said after a heartbeat.

“Once you give me my promise, then” Devyani replied.

Arnav didn’t reply and went back to finishing his breakfast.

__________________________

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/topic/5073665?pn=138#152374234

very nice chapter.........Khushi's attempt to bond with Nani was cute........... This chapter showed a different side to Nani, I think she isn't against Birendra only cause of bitterness of loosing Sujata.... it's also cause he lacked the spine to tell no, and then not standing up for the vows he took during marriage rituals.... and the inhumane way he dealt with Sujata during her sickness......

Since Sujata is no-more we cant know what Nani feels about her own daughter's decisions.... but after reading this chapter, I feel, she must be angry with her too.....