Arshi: Before It Is Too Late(Part- 37 Last Part pg 50) 19/7/2014 - Page 16

**

Arnav comes late at night and finds Khushi is waiting for him at family room.
Both sit to have dinner.
Arnav tries to start a conversation, but Khushi only answers in yes, no or hmm.
He gets irked but doesn't say anything.
He waits for her at room but falls asleep due to tiredness.
Khushi comes back and sighs to see him sleeping and takes out a diary from her side of cupboard and goes to the poolside.
The night passes.

Next evening Arnav wants to take Khushi out and he knows if he asks her the answer will be No. So he takes Di's help and arranges a date for her.

Khushi doesn't know where they are going; she only has come out with him for Di.
She is wearing the red sari he has gifted on her birthday and Arnav is continuously stealing glances of her.
He stops the car in front of ASR Designs office.
Khushi is taken aback to see that he has brought her here.
Arnav notices her confused face and says, I thought you never have seen your husband's office so... he smiles, allow me to give you a tour of your empire.
Your empire' these words makes her look at him, who is smiling at her startled expresion.
Arnav comes out of the car and opens her side of the door and gives his left hand for her to take to help hero ut.
She is shocked but takes his hand anyway and comes out.
Arnav doesn't leave her hand and both enter the office, her hand firmly held in his.
Khushi is impressed to see the office, will be less to say.
It is huge and well decorated. It is late, so all employees are gone except night guards. But Khushi knows many people work here. She gets thrilled to think how it must feels to work here but also gets sad to imagining about the poor employees who work under the Lad Governor and face his wrath every day. She sees Akash jiju and Mamaji's cabins too and marvels the interiors.
Now Arnav takes her to his cabin in first floor. The cabin is round in shape and half of it is glass made perfect to keep an watch on others downstairs.
She smiles as she thinks in her mind, Watch tower.
Arnav now takes Khushi to show their indoor studio and she gets completely surprised to see the studio has been changed into a perfect date setting.
A round table covered with off white rap and a small vase on top, with red roses. There is a trolley has been kept beside the table with food. But Khushi is touched to see the decoration. The floor is covered with rose petals and red heart shape balloons. Beautiful theme light flooding the room and on a white sheet covered wall, the projector is showing their still photos together one by one from marriage to godh bharai function.
Arnav pulls a chair for her and makes her comfortable as he sits on the other side. he has already switched on the player which is playing beautiful romantic music.
Khushi is speechless seeing his effort and Arnav on the other hand smiles to see his beautiful wife is finally impressed for his attempt.
They both keep silent but their eyes speak endless.
They have a little drink and starter and when a beautiful song about to play Arnav asks Khushi for a dance.
Khushi thinks that this must be her dream and she will wake up soon and dazedly she gives her hand in his.
The moment the lights in the room gets off only the scented candles are lit but just in a second or two, the ceiling of the room changes into starry sky with the full moon in center.
Khushi's loses her voice in surprise. Sensing her condition Arnav smiles and winks at her.
Then they come in the middle where the moon has created a spot light and dances with this most romantic and promising song for a couple...
Jab koi baat bigad jaye, jab koi mushkil pad jaye
Tum denaa saath meraa, o, humnavaaz
Jab koi baat bigad jaynave, jab koi mushkil pad jaye
Naa koi hai, naa koi thaa, zindagi mein tumhaare sivaa
Tum denaa saath meraa, o, humnavaaz " (2)
Khushi and Arnav is lost in the song, in the music, in the romantic ambiance and in their eyes. Arnav brings Khushi closer. Khushi is too lost to react. Arnav tightens his grip on her hand
Ho chandani jab tak raat, detaa hai har koi saath,
Tum magar andheron mein, naa chhodna mera haath
Ho chandani jab tak raat, detaa hai har koi saath,
Tum magar andheron mein, naa chhodna mera haath
Arnav keeps both his hand on her waist and he makes her keep her both hand around his neck. They are so close that their body is touching each other, feeling others breathe.
Jab koi baat bigad jaye, jab koi mushkil pad jaye
Tum denaa saath meraa, o, humnavaaz
Khushi feels this is not right and takes her hands back and tries to move to the table but Arnav holds her back and gestures not to go and twirls her to him and Khushi falls on his chest but does not look up. If she does she won't be able to hold herself. Arnav pulls her face slowly up holding her chin and smiles. A smile, which makes him irresistible. It takes her breath away. Arnav lip sings next two lines and Khushi just only stares him as if the world has ceased to exist around her.
Naa koi hai, naa koi thaa, zindagi mein tumhaare sivaa
Tum denaa saath meraa, o, humnavaaz
A lone tear escapes from her eyes and he wipes it smiling and nodding in negative. His gaze never leaving her. He drinks her beauty through his eyes. She looks divine. He is so close that he can smell her and it feels heavenly.

Vafaadari ki vo rasamein nihayenge hum to kasame,

Ek bhi saans zindagi ki, jab tak ho apane bas mein
Vafaadari ki vo rasamein nihayenge hum to kasame,
Ek bhi saans zindagi ki, jab tak ho apane bas mein
She is shivering (may be for his touch or may be to suppress a sob) and her lips quivers. He wants to calm her to console her but how... he places his lips on hers. It is too sudden to rebel. Khushi feels her world is closing in that lock and the last straw of her self control flies through the window... she responses to the touch with same fervor as his.

Jab koi baat bigad jaye, jab koi mushkil pad jaye
Tum denaa saath meraa, o, humnavaaz
Naa koi hai, naa koi thaa, zindagi mein tumhaare sivaa

Tum denaa saath meraa, o, humnavaaz
Arnav scoops her in his arms and takes her in the corner where a grand sofa cum bed has been kept for shooting purpose but today it fits with the decor and them. He makes her seat beside him and looks at her mesmerized by her beauty, her purity.

Dil ko mere hua yakin, hum pahale bhi mile kahin
Silsila ye sadiyon ka, koi aaj ki baat nahin
Khushi looks at the man whom she has seen that day in traffic, then office he has saved her from falling then she recalls the day when he has let her fall... A tremor runs down her body and Arnav who is been holding her hand feels it and tightens his grip. She comes back from her flashback and her gaze falls on the brown questioning concerned eyes and she recalls the days when he has cared for her and a loving smile appears through her tears and she cups his face with her free hand.

Dil ko mere hua yakin, hum pahale bhi mile kahin
Silsila ye sadiyon ka, koi aaj ki baat nahin
He keeps his hand on hers and as he holds her face with the other hand. Both smile to each other. Arnav too thinks of the day when he first has seen her and then every time they have met how she always has created a thrill in him but he has ignored it forcefully. He thinks of the good days when he has played violin with her singing, how she has looked in her bridal costume, those funny fights during holi, in room, how she has took care of him always... Everything comes back to him like he is watching a film.

jab koi mushkil pad jaye
Tum denaa saath meraa, o, humnavaaz

Jab koi baat bigad jaye, jab koi mushkil pad jaye
Tum denaa saath meraa, o, humnavaaz

Arnavs hands now trails down her hand till her waist making her shiver. She takes her hand back and looks away but Arnav makes her look at him and claims her lips again. She hugs him tight and slowly runs her hand up and down while responding to him with same passion.

Naa koi hai, naa koi thaa, zindagi mein tumhaare sivaa
Tum denaa saath meraa, o, humnavaaz
They break apart to get air. But Arnav wants more than just kiss. He wants to make Khushi his, forever. He puts his hand around her body and slowly lies her down. Khushi has no power left in her to stop him.
Their eyes locked, desire so powerful in them that they look dazed. He slowly moves his hand on her ears and she closes her eyes sighing deep. Arnav takes one earring off. He twirls her head so he can take the other one too. This time he gives a small touch of his lips on her ear lobes sending a tingling sensation in her body. He takes her bracelet off and kisses her wrist lingeringly as she breathes heavily squirming under him.
Arnav looks into her eyes to find any hesitation but they are dark same as his and looking back straight into his orbs with anticipation, taking the cue he trails his lips from her hand till her neck and then on her lips to claim them again but this time with a mission to take her with him to a new world of Ecstasy...
to their forever...
Tum denaa saath meraa, o, humnavaaz

**

Arnav and Khushi are lying side by side. One is lost in thoughts and other is smiling reminiscing the moments they have passed just a while ago.
He leans over her to share his joy but frowns to see her face... it is blank.
He asks, Khushi tum thik ho?
Khsuhi, ha.
Arnav's frown deepens. The voice is cold. There is no sign of excitement, joy or pleasure.
He thinks, doesn't she like it? Has he hurried things? Is she hurt? He is confused and worried.
Arnav asks softly, Khushi kya hua? (Khushi what happened to you?) Mujhe batao. (Tell me.) Mujhe keu lag raha hai (why do I have the feeling) something is wrong with you. Did I hurt you? Look at me...
Khushi looks at him and his heart skips a bit... not because her mesmerizing eyes, because of her stare, it is as cold as her voice.
But before he can say something his phone rings as always. But this time it is Mami.
It is not usual so he picks it up anyway.
Hello... whaat? Par abhi... yes I am coming right now... Khushi hears his version and guesses what it could be.
They both get ready and leave the office.
Arnav speeds his car almost 100/h, breaking all signals and traffic rules known in the rule book and reaches hospital with Khushi in 10mins.
Khushi runs to the reception while Arnav parks the car.
In next 2 mins they are standing in front of the labor room. Anjali is inside. Shyam is pacing up and down in tension. Nani and mami both are praying to God. Payel is consoling them.
Khushi goes to them and Arnav goes to Shyam.
Arnav asks with fear evident in his voice, Shyam what did doctor say. It is too early.
Shyam is also scared and answers in a breath, they didn't say anything. None of them has come out. Almost half an hour has passed. God knows what is going inside?
Arnav feels helpless. He wants to see his Di but also he knows he cannot see her in pain and these f***king doctors, why aren't they giving any update... he asks Shyam irked, why didn't you go in?
Shyam says in tensed voice, they didn't let me.
Arnav fists his hands to control his overworking erves
After 5 or 10 minutes the doctor comes out with his junior and Arnav almost about to catch his collar when Khushi stops him. He barks without giving a chance to Shyam, why are you not giving any news? How is my Di? You told me last time the mother and baby are both doing fine... is this you call fine? How did she get the labor pain so early?
The doctor is startled. Never in his life; has somebody spoken to him like this. He is a renowned gynecologist.
Poor thing you never have met ASR before!!!
Now the doctor speaks in little anger, It is not in anyone's hand. Anyways it is going to be a premature delivery so some risk factors are there but weee...
He couldn't speak more as Arnav's hands are already in his collar and he says greeting his teeth, if something happens to my Di or her baby, then you have to say bye to your practice and I wonder if you will stay in one piece... you don't know me, you don't know Arnav Singh Raizada!
He knows it very well now and says with trembling voice, while other tries to remove his collar from Arnav's grip, aaa I will try my best Mr. Raizada.
He leaves his collar and says in his very ASR way, I don't know what your best is but that should be enough to save my Di and her baby or else I know what my best is and there is no limit.
The message is clear and loud. Both doctor and his junior leaves or better to say runs from there and prays to their God to save Anjali and baby to save them.
Arnav is pacing up and down in the corridor unable to sit in one place.
Shyam sees the doctor in a little distance signing him to come to him. He knows he is trying to avoid Arnav so he looks at Khushi and motions his eyes to stay with him.
Khushi goes and stands beside Arnav. He looks at her and she sees his bloodshot eyes. She knows it well that he is angry but equally scared. She keeps her hand on his houlder but Arnav holds her in a fierce hug as he asks for assurance from her, Khushi Di ko kuch nehi ho ga na? (Nothing will happened to Di na)
Khushi rubs his back to sooth him and assures in a heavy voice, keeping her tears in check.
Then she drags him to the couch of the waiting room and makes him sit forcefully. She sit beside him holding his hand to keep him calm and Arnav holds it tight to absorb some strength from her.
After sometime Shyam comes with a pale face and informs that Anjali is weak for a normal delivery so they will do a c-section and have asked them to arrange blood for her.
Arnav springs up and that time Khushi tightens her grip on his hand otherwise she knows that the doctor's life is in danger.
Arnav first calls Akash who is on the way from his business meeting outstation and gets to know that it will take him another half an hour to come.
Arnav and Shyam go to inquire in blood bank of the hospital where they inform that they have already sent the the last unit to OT and there is no more of that group.
Arnav and Shyam start calling the blood banks to arrange blood.

Here in waiting room Mami suddenly remembers of Khushi, who has given blood before.
Mami, hello hai bye bye... aehi liye kahat hai boys undarz your armz and roamingwa whole ecity. ? (hhbb, for this people says you have things under your nose but you look for it everywhere)
Nani, Momorama ka kahat ho (what are you saying Monorama?)
Mami, aur nahi to ka. ee Happy I meanz Khushi hai na... iski khunka gurup aur Anjali bitiya ka esame hai na to ehi khun de degi, keu? Payel looks at Khushi and then at Mami and when Khushi looks at Payel. (What else can I say? Happy I mean this Khushi is here. Her blood group and Anjali's is same, so she will donate. )
Khushi is about to say something when she hears loud NO from the entrance of the waiting room.
Shocked everyone looks at the souce of the voice, though anyone doesn't have any doubt that whom that voice belongs to.
It is Arnav who clearly stated his disagreement of Khushi's blood donation for his Di, whom he loves above all.
Mami and Nani are both taken aback, Khushi is mum and Payel is relaxed.
Arnav says, Akash has almost reached and Aman is also arranging more bloods. Don't worry.
Now Nani opens her mouth, Chotte phirbhi unlogon ke liye hume intejaar karna pari. Jab Khushi bitiya ehi hai to o dei de khun. (Chotte still we have to wait for them. When Khushi is here then she can give)
Arnav gets a little irritated to see Khushi is not uttering a word and only says, it is not good for her, and leaves the place.
Khushi also moves from there to save her the questions.
Nani and Mami both exchange a startled look before turning to Payel, who tells them the reason.
But they are not in a condition to show their concern to Khushi so they just shake their head and starts praying again.
Akash and Aman both come in time.
Before they take Anjali to OT, they let family to meet her. All go in except Arnav. He watches her behind the glass door.
She looks in so much pain, yet she is trying to smile to show them her courage.
Khushi hugs her tight and says something in her ear which makes her faint smile bright and Khushi cups her face. (she said that your baby is unable to wait to see his best mother so he is being naughty and very soon he/she will be in your arm)
They take her in OT.
Arnav stands in a place away from others and tries to control his emotions.
Khushi looks at him from her place and walks to him.
She keeps her hand on his shoulder. Seeing her Arnav melts and cries silently. Khushi stands there on his side to give him support and strength.
After about an hour and half wait the doctor comes and gives them the news of birth of a baby boy and Anjali's stable condition.
Their happiness knows no bound. Arnav hugs Khushi tight and then Shyam.
Shyam gets impatient to meet his family when the doctor say that Anjali will be shifted to her room after half an hour and they can meet the baby in the kids word.
All of them rush to see the baby. Because of the premature birth, the baby has been kept in newborn special care unit in special environment. They only let Shyam go inside the ward and rest stand outside and peep in through the glass window.
The pediatrician informs that the baby is premature so needs to stay in special care for minimum a week and if the baby's health stays stable then the child will be discharged afterwards. But anyway they are happy to know the baby is safe.
Now they go to meet Anjali.

The baby is doing fine so on the 7th day doctors hand over the baby to its mother to go home.
Anjali and baby get a grand welcome in Raizada Mansion. With the arrival of new member a grand celebration has already been announce by Arnav and Shyam.
Everyone is eager to hold the baby in their arms because in these 7 days only Anjali has had the opportunity, once Shyam.
All of them are shouting for the first turn except Khushi and Arnav. One is busy ordering for the party arrangements and other one is just smiling in a distance.
Anjali smiles at all and says, dekhiye hume pata hai aap sab ko bohot echha hogi isse apne godh me lene ke liye par hume maaf kijiyega keuke ye pahla mauka hum Khushi ko dena chahte hai. (I know you all are getting impatient to take him in your arms but I want to give this first chance to Khushi. )
Khushi is overwhelmed as her eyes get filled. Arnav turns to witness the intense exchange of the most important ladies of his life.
Anjali again says smiling, agar aaj humare jindegi me ye khushi hai to wo humare Khushi ke wajah se. nehi to shayed hum kabhi sabko nehi mana pate. Now she looks at Khushi and says, aao Khush apne bhanje ko lo. (If today he is in our life then it is because of my Khushi. without her maybe I wouldn't have been able to convince others, now she looks at Khushi and says, come Khushi take your nephew in your arms. )
Khushi coming out of her daze walks hurriedly to pick the baby in her arms.
Everyone notices the love and affection in her face while she picks the bundle of joy carefully in her arms.
The sunshine reflects its first ray on her, a toothless smile which makes her grin.
Now Khushi asks beaming, Di hum humare rajkumar ko kya bulayenge? (What would we call our prince?)
Now Shyam says, you decide.
Khushi is taken aback, Hum? (Me?)
Anjali now adds, ha Khushi. keuke hum dono ko pata hai ke tum ne iska kitna intezaar kiya hai. Mere saath tumnebhi un palo ko jiya hai mere saath rahke. Tumne mere aur iska saath kabhi nehi chora... in saath dino me bhi tum humesha mere saath rahi take main kamjor na paru... to batao ye hauq keu na tumhara ho? Bolo tum iise kya naam dena chahti ho? (Yes Khushi we both know that how much you have waited for him. I carried him but you also lived the pregnancy throughout with me. you have never left me or him alone... for these seven days also you were with me to give me strength and courage... so tell me why shouldn't I give this right to you? So tell me what name do you want to give him?)
Khushi never has thought that Di will give her such respect and opportunity. She looks at everyone and all nods in positive. Arnav is too happy to express anything, only his eyes glow in joy.
Khushi now looks at the baby boy and says whispering, sach me humne apka bohot intezaar kiya hai aur aaj jab aap mere godi me ho hume bishwas nehi ho raha hai ke ye din sach me aa gaya... for a moment her eyes dims but again she lights up and says, achha bataiye kya hum apko Ayushman bulaye? (Truly I was desperately waiting for this moment and when you are in my arms, I can't believe this is really happening... for a moment her eyes dims but again she lights up and says, so tell me shall I call you Ayushman? )
The baby boy smiles in his sleep and others reaction clearly states that they cannot think of anything better.

Ayushman... blessed with long life...

**

The grand party is about to begin...
Khsuhi has worn a lahenga sari gifted by Anjali. She is about to wear her jewelries when she sees Arnav's emerging figure through the mirror. She tries to turn at him but Arnav stops her and signs her through the mirror to stay still.
He bends and picks up a earring and makes her wear it and at the same time says whispering in her ears, Khushi tumne wakehi hamare gharme aur Di ke jindegi me khushiya bhar di. (Khushi you really filled happiness in our home and in Di's life)
Then he picks up the other earring and asks, par tum khush ho na? (But are you happy?)And looks in the mirror to see her expression, and waits for her answer and when she doesn't say anything,
he bends sown and picks up the necklace and while tying it around her neck he says, pata hai Khushi en gahnoki khusbsurti tumse hai, (Do you know Khushi this jewelries are beautiful when they are on you) and looks at her to see if she is blushing on the compliment but again finds her staring at him with an undecipherable expression as if trying to comprehend the reason behind this conversation.
Now he picks up the bangles and while sliding them in her wrists he continues, Khushi us raat jo bhi hua uske baad hum baat nehi kar paye... he looks up on her face, main nehi janta ke tumhare dilo dimag pe kya chal raha hai par mere liye wo lamha khas tha, hai aur rahega. Main tumhe apna patni man chuka hu aur humare rishtey me wo sab jayej hai (Khushi whatever happened on that night after that we didn't get a chance to talk...I don't know what you have in your mind but for me that moment was special and will be forever. I have accepted you as my wife and in our relationship all what happened was licit..)... now he takes his hands off her and fixes his gaze on her eyes which are running all over his face, as trying to know why is he saying all this..
Arnav puts the mang tika on her partition and his inner ASR says, You are the best deal I have signed in my life and you are going stay with me forever and you know ASR gets what he wants... (He gives his trademark lopsided smile)with this he finishes her dressing and looks at her through the mirror and does a thumbs up to appreciate her beauty.
Khushi suddenly gets impatient and says, hume jana chahiye, niche sab aa gaye honge (we should go, everyone has arrived downstairs)... with this she runs away leaving Arnav startled.

Party is in its peak and everyone seems enjoying only Arnav is trying to catch hold of Khushi who is slipping from his hand every time making him angrier.
After introducing Ayushman to everyone Anjali leaves the party with him as he is too small to stay here any longer.
The celebration goes on.
Anjali who has not been able to stay for Ayush in the party for long, now comes when all the guest have already left after the party is over. She requests the family to continue the party in themselves so they can all enjoy a quality family time together. All agrees happily and to have more fun everyone agrees for an antakshatri game.
Baithe baithe kya kare hum karna hai kuch kam suru kare antakshari leke prabhu ka naam... And Akash is the first 'bakra'.
Akash sings with full emotion and antics looking at Payel, mere samnewali khirki me ek chand ka tukra rahta hai, afsos yeh hai ki wo mujhse kuch ukahda ukhda rahta hai...
All laughs. Khushi gives Payel a poke with her elbow and Payel rolls her eyes at Akash.
Mami says, hello hai bye bye, Akash bitwa you are becomingz very naughtywa. (Akash you are becoming very naughty)
Akaash whistles looking away and again all laughs.
Now it is Shyams turn with ai, Ek Din Aap Yoon Humko Mil Jayenge, Phool Hi Phool Raahon Mein Khil Jayenge, Maine Socha Na Tha... Shyam sings this looking at blushing Anjali...
This time Khushi comments, wah Shaym jiju kya baat hai... (Wow, impressive)
Mami includes, romncwa in the hawa... (romance in the air)
Another roar of laugh on blushing Anjali and Shyam.
Now Payeli sings,elloji sanam hum aa gaye aaj phir dill leke, ab itna bhi gussa karo nehi jani, ye khoya khoya, mausam ye pawan diwani...
Akash comments, main kaha gussa hu? (I am not angry) Payel bends her lips and makes a face.
Anjali sings, Na jane mere dil ko kya, ho gaya abhi to yehi tha, abhi kho gaya...
Akash and Khushi sing the following lines to pull her leg, ho gaya hai tujhko to pyaar sajana, lakh karle tu inkaar sajana...
Anjali blushes profusely and Arnav gets amused to see how Khushi's mood has changed and enjoys her antics. Arnav is a spectator here as he has no interest in game but he loves to watch his family happy and enjoying together.
Now it is Khushi's turn and she starts thinking of a song with 'a' and Arnav who has been a little irked by her behavior before cannot resist to poke her a little as he says, so our nightingale cannot think of a song...looking at her he says, so Khushi ready to lose..
Khushi glares at him and that time Anjali speaks as her savior, humari khushi bohot accha gati hai to wo aa se gaye ya kuch aur se hume to uske gana sunne se matlab hai (Our Khushi sings very well so she sings with aa or anything, we just want to listen to her)... she looks at Khushi and says, Khushi koi ek accha sa gana sunao na take ye sham humesha humare yadon mei gungunata rahe. (Khushi sing something which reminds us of this evening all our life. Which echos in our memory forever.)
Khushi smiles at her as she says, DI aap ke liye aur aapke yadon ke liye bas (Di just for you and for your memory)... and sings,
Hmm mm mm mm... aha ha ha hey hey hey... Hmm mm hmm mm... Aanewala pal janewala hai -2 ... (she looks at all the faces in the room and Arnav at last and then her gaze stays at him for little time before she turns her face seeing him smiling at her...)
Ho sake toh isame jindagee bita do
Pal jo yeh janewala hai ho ho...(2)
(Everyone gets comfortable in their seats and enjoys the beautiful melody as Khushi sings...)
Ek bar yu milee masum see kalee -2
Ho khilte huye kahan pushpash me chalee
Dekha toh yahee hai dhundha toh nahee hai
(...Khushi's eyes become moist and gloomy while singing, No one notices that except Arnav. He gets a strange feeling about her and tries to have a close look on her face.)
Pal jo yeh janewala hai ho ho...
Aanewala pal janewala hai...
(Khushi feels the continuous stare of Arnav on her and moves to the poolside french window and sings looking up on the starry sky...)
Ek bar wakt se lamha gira kahee -2
Wahan dastan milee lamha kahee nahee
(Arnav walks to Khushi and stands beside her. She is unmindful, standing there leaning her head on a pillar near her.)
Thoda sa hasake, thoda sa rulake
(Arnav now notices her eyes are glistened and with the last word she closes them as tears roll down flooding her cheeks. Arnav stands still... He feels fear of loosing for the second time in her life for some unknown reason. Fear of losing her)
Pal yeh bhee janewala hai ho ho...
Aanewala pal janewala hai...
Khushi opens her eyes and sees Arnav before. Her singing comes to a sudden halt and she stands rooted to her place when her gaze falls on Arnav's questioning eyes, which are scanning her face. She feels that he is reading her mind.
She comes back from her trance when she hears others are complimenting on her singing and she moves from there leaving Arnav deep in thought.

**

The family time is over long back and Arnav is waiting for Khushi in his room but she is nowhere to be seen.
The clock strikes 2 a.m but still no sign of Khushi.
Arnav comes out of their room and peeps in downstairs but she is not there... nobody is there.
He looks around the house but no finds no trace of her.
While he is been crossing Nanni's room he hears Ayush's wail and then a soothing and pampering voice pacifying him. It is Khushi.
Arnav sees though the crack of the door, Nani is sleeping and Khushi is babysitting to let her sleep and Anjali too.
He sees how carefully she puts the feeding bottle in his mouth and how peacefully he is drinking the milk and going back to sleep.
Looking at them Arnav feels that how secure the baby is in her arms and then he hears Khushi is singing a lori for Ayush with so much affection.
A smile forms in his lips and he turns to go back but stops in his track when he hears her whispering something to Ayush. Though it is a whisper still in the silence of night, it is audible enough for Arnav's now perked up ears.
Khushi, Ayush aap hume bohot yaad ayenge... (Ayus I will miss you)
He stands flabbergasted thinking what does she mean... is she thinking of leaving Raizada Mansion and him... after all.
His chain of thoughts breaks when he hears Nani's voice...
Nani, Bitiya aap jao hum Ayush khayal rakkhenge. (You go I will take care of Ayush)
Khushi, nehi Nani aap soyiye na, DI ke saath apko bhi aaram ki jarurat hai. (No Nani you sleep. You also need rest along with Di)
Nani, hum aram kar liye hai aur aapko abhi sone ki jarurat hai. Pura din jashan ki tayiaari ki ho aur aab puri raat jago gi to bimaar par jayiye ga. Jayiye so jayiye. Ayush bhi ehi hai aur aap bhi to aap ko pura mauka milega us ka khayal karne khatir... (I have taken enough rest and now it is your time to sleep. You were buay whole day in part preparations and now if stay awake whole night, you will fall sick. Ayush and you both are here so you will get enough chance to care for him...)
Arnav sees how her face falls after the last sentence of Nani...
Khushi now sighs as she puts Ayush in his cot.
Arnav leaves from there fuming...
Khushi goes to her room only to confront an outrageous Arnav...
The moment she opens the door Arnav grabs her hand and drags her to the poolside.
Khushi is hurt and shocked at the same time.
Arnav roars, How dare you Khushi Gupta Singh Raizada? How dare you think of leaving?
Khushi gets rooted to her spot... how does he know?
Arnav again flames up, Tell me how dare you think of leaving me and this house?
Khushi's arms are paining in his clutches but still she just stares.
Arnav doesn't cool down after her silence, Tumahare liye iss ristey ka koi matlab nehi?
iss Shadi ka koi matlab nehi?
aur us raat jo hua uska bhi koi matlab nehi?...
(For you this marriage, this relationship and that night do not hold any importance.)
Khushi with a jerk successfully frees herself before she yells, Nehi, kuch matlab nehi, yeh shadi ek sauda hai, ye rista ek majboori hai aur uss raat jo hua wo mere faisle ko badal nehi sakta... (No nothing, no importance at all. This is a contract marriage, this relation is forced and that night cannot change my decision.)
Arnav looks at her in disbelief as he asks, accha... to tumhara faisla kya hai... iss gharko chor dena, mujhe chor dena... kya ye itna assan hai Khushi? (Really... so what is your decision... leave this house, leave me... is it so simple Khushi?)
Khushi smiles sadly and says, Ye gharko chorna aur iss pariwar ke pyaar ko chorna bohot mushkil hai humare liye lekin (her smile changes into an angry glare) apko chorna bohot asaan...(Arnav looks petrified) hai, bas apke diye gaye jakhmo ko bhula na mushkil hai. Aaise bhi humara contract khatam ho chukka hai to aap ko mujhe kuch kahne ka haq nehi hai. (To leave this house and leave this family's love is very tough for me but leaving you is too simple. Only thing is, the wounds that you have given is hard to forget. Anyways the contract is over and you have no right to say anything)
Arnav now grips her arms again and says furiously, to tum sab kuch chorke chali jaogi, and leaves her saying, thik hai jao lekin use pahle hum gharwalo ko sacchai batayenge, batayenge ki ye shaadi ek dhoka hai, batayenge ki sab kuch aab khatam ho chuka hai aur phir tum ja sakti ho apne ghar aur ha woha bhi main jaunga sab kuch clear karne keuke ye mera farz hai, take kisi ke mann me koi sawal na rah jaye. (So you will leave everything and go, he leaves her and says, okay you can go but before that we will tell our family the truth, will tell them this marriage has no meaning and now it is over. Then you can go to your home but yes I will go there as it my duty too to clear everything so they don't have any question in their mind. )
She is looking at him disgustingly as she thins, how come this man can be so cruel and Arnav looks at her in anger hoping, the threat to work but her answer makes him not just shocked but scared to the core.
She says, thik hai bata denge, unhe bhi sach jannee ka haq hai... she scans his face and says, kal hum dono unhe sari sachhai bata denge aur phir hum ye ghar chorke chale jayenge. (okay we will tell them tomorrow the whole truth and I will leave Raizada hose after that.)
Arnav is speechless to say the least.
Khushi knows today she has shut ASR up successfully and with a triumphant relief goes to sleep the last night in Raizada house, beside her husband.
But Arnav storms in the room and drags her out of bed and says on her startled face, not so easily Khushi Gupta Singh Raizada, not so easily... he smirks and says, It is still one month left for our contract period to be over you see... Khushi only looks at him in shock when he says smirking, you have forgotten that our contract was for 9 months and if Ayush is born a month advance then I can't help it, but you have to bear me for another month, understand.
though she is shocked at the sudden change in him but still manages to say, okay another month, and goes to bed under the blanket.
Arnav now smiles his trademark before thinking I will get you back... a month is more than enough.'
He too goes to sleep making plans ahead.

A few days later, Arnav, Anjali and Shyam plan for a family picnic.
Because of Anjali's Pregnancy the whole family never has gone out together for long time now hence they plan this family outing.
Guptas also join them on the picnic day.
In a luxurious bus all of them about to start for the picnic spot early in the morning.
Everyone boards the bus.
Arnav leaves the window seat beside him for Khuhsi, but much to his annoyance Khushi sits beside Buaji.
He is the mastermind of this outing plan and one of the main reasons behind this is Khushi. He has wanted to spend some quality time with her, as she is always making it difficult for him to spend time with her after their fight.
Arnav now walks straight to Buaji and says very concernedly, Buaji aap iss seat me baithingi! (Buaji you are going to sit in this seat!!)
Buaji asks, Hai re NandKishor, keu ka hua? (What is wrong?)
Arnav now says with the best charming smile plastered on his face, Buaji itne samne boohot jyada jerking hogi... aap ek kaam kariye mere seat me baith jayiye, wo middle me hai, uha aap aram se baith payengi aur window side bhi khali hai... (Buaji if you sit in front you will feel more jerking. You go and sit in my place in middle by the window.)
Who can resist his charm and Buaji, she is already very impressed but Khushi only glares at Arnav, how convincingly he is fooling Buaji.
When Buaji is about to get up Khushi stops her and says, Buaji aap chali jayingi to hum kya akele baithenge? (Buaji if you go there then I will be alone here)
Buaji touches her forehead and says, Hai re Nand Kishore, ee ka bol rahi ho sankadevi? Arnav bitwa hai na, wo baithenge. (What are you saying? Arnav bitwa will sit here)
Arnav has been waiting for her to say this and now he smiles lopsided as he says to Khushi, Yes Khushi I will accompany you, and winks.
Buaji sits in Arnav's seat happily and much to Khushi's irritation Arnav sits beside her.
Akash, Shyam and Anjali who have been watching this whole drama now exchange looks and Shyam says patting Arnav, smart move ha!
Arnav winks to them.
They all start enjoying the journey outskirt of the main city.
All of them play games, sing their heart out... even Khushi forgets all her uneasiness and starts enjoying much to Arnav's delight.

They all reach the spot after a 4 hours journey. They are tired but excited for the day ahead.
The picnic spot is a plateau and almost 1200 meters up from the ground.
They come down and walk into the beautiful valley. Many trees and flower plants have made the place mesmerizing and in morning light they all feel the place is one of the beautiful creations of God. More than happy they are.
Anjali sits with Ayush with all the elders, except Mami and Buaji. Shyam, Arnav, Akash, Payel, Mami, Buaji, Khushi and Arnav start paying cricket. Khushi is the most excited among all. She already has fought over her turn for bating, but their game comes to a halt when others call them to join in for snacks and tea.
Khushi is still arguing with Arnav and others are thoroughly enjoying the fight.
Khushi- Arnavji apko bat nehi karna aata hai to keu koshish kar rahe the? (Arnav ji if don't know how to bat then why were you trying?)
Arnav- what the...? I don't know how to bat and you know...
Khushi- ha humari ball kamse kam boundary tak jati to hai par aapki to 2 feet jake hi ruk jati hai.. (Yes ... at least my balls were going till the boundary line and yours just 2 feet.)
Arnav- what the...? agar Akash tumhe easy ball dal raha aur mujhe tough to meri kya galti hai? (If Akash was giving you easy balls and me toughs then was it my fult?)
Khushi- apki hi galti hai, issi liye scorehi nehi hua humare team ka... (Yes your fault that is why our team didn't score much)
Arnav- what the...?
Khushi- ha ab what the, what the bolke faida kya hai jab chiriya chug gayi khet... (You cannot undo what is done saying what the, what the...)
Arnav again opens his mouth to say something but realizing that he is going to repeat himself shuts his mouth and others laugh out loud.
Anjali- chalo pahli bar Chotey ko kissine chup kara diya... (So for the first time someone has shut his mouth.)
Mami- hello hai bye bye, egzactly..
Buaji- hai re Nandkis****, titlliya aisan aapne pati se larat ho. (Titliya is it the way to talk to your husband?)
Arnav winks at Khushi as she looks away bending her lips.
In between Ayush wails for his feed and all of them get busy in pampering and consoling him till Anjali prepares his food.
Arnav now gives his expert comment, Khushi you are not holding him properly... that is why he is crying...
Khushi gets irked, apko bohot aata hai na ye lijiye (You know very well na then you hold him),saying this she passes Ayush to him and in the next minute everyone hears Arnav's gasp, Oh! S**t...
And just then Khushi realizes that little Ayush has taken her revenge and says mocking, Yes s**t, sahi kaha apne (you are right)... thank you Ayush beta...
Everyone laughs on Arnav's disgusted face. He passes him in Anjali's arms and walks fast to the bus to get a change muttering his usual.
The roar of laugh continues till lunch and after that all crashes on the grass tired, chatting, chirping, and napping.
Suddenly Payel asks for ice-cream to Akash and hearing this all ladies crave for the delight.
Akash, Arnav and Shyam leave for the nearby shop seeing no other way.
Ladies are too happy to get their favorites.
Arnav is amused to see how Khushi is licking the ice-cream like a little girl. Arnav always finds her cute but today he finds a little hope to get their relation back on track.

It is almost evening and they start to go back after passing a great time together, promising to have same outings often.
In bus they all enjoys Khushi's singing, Zindagi Ek Safar Hai Suhana, yahan kal kya ho kisne jana...
All of them are sharing their great time and memories together when they hear the driver screaming to sit tight.
All of them look in front and to their horror see a sumo driver swerving away from his incoming lane towards the bus, unknowing the fact that the road is not wide enough and there is a great trench beside.
The driver tries his best to control his SUV so as to avoid a collision, but the driver of the SUV looks to be drunk.
Inside the bus all of them are terrified. Anjali clutches Ayush hard to her heart. Others are no better- Payel hides her face in Akash's chest, who is equally scared Shyam hugs both Anjali and Ayush tight. Arnav is trying to gauge the distance between the two vehicles and the trench, while Khushi looks all over to see fear in everyone's eyes.
By this time the sumo driver feels the strong headlights of the bus. Unable to control his speed, his vehicle skids out of the road into the great hole.
Everyone inside the bus are stunned to see the fall and before anyone can react the bus driver shouts out, "Bachooo!!". To save the drunkard he has lost control of the bus and the rear tires are skidding. The bus is almost perpendicular to the road and by the time it comes to a halt both of its front tires are hanging in air.
Khushi who is been sitting beside the door with Arnav, gets lose from her seat because of the jerk and slides to the door which gets open by her body weight and ends up clinching the door knob. She looks down shivering and only sees darkness in the twilight. She knows there is a trench about 500 meters deep. She closes her eyes in fear.
Arnav sees in disbelief as Khushi clings on outside the bus. He leaps off his seat to save her but realizes that as he moves forward the bus bends more towards the trench. Both the driver and Khushi are on the side of the bus which is hanging. Their weight is being offset by the weight of others at the rear of the bus. Driver cries out that if anyone tries to move forward the bus will lose balance. But Arnav cannot leave Khushi hanging to die.
He again tries but this time the front of the vehicle slides even further.
Garima and Nani are crying loud. They are helpless. Shyam is trying to keep the others from moving forward. Akash is holding back the desperate Arnav. Anjali cries hard thinking of both Ayush and Khushi. Payel is too shocked to react.

After a lot of tug of war also they haven't been able to do much and Khushi is still hanging.
Arnav looks at her how she has closed her eyes, to keep her calm, yet shivering in fear. how long she will be able to hold herself, her strength... Arnav breathes heavily. Never in his life has he felt so helpless.
Now Khushi opens her eyes... first she looks down into the darkness, she might fall in, then looks up to see a desperate Arnav. She senses that her weight is taking the bus down slowly. Now she sees Anjali through the window, who is crying hard clutching her baby Ayush, a new life. Then she looks at everyone she could see through the window. All of them are aware of their near future and hers. She closes her eyes again.
Arnav's eyes go cold when he sees Khushi's eyes reopen. He could see a firm stare and determination. it does not take much of a guess from him to know what she is thinking. "NO KHUSHIII!" he screams but by the time the act is done. In a moment she vanishes into the abyss.
The scream makes others realize what just happened.
They realize in horror...
They realize and shiver...
They realize the sacrifice...

Tell me that it was Arnav's dream of losing Khushi.

What a set of updates you have given.

All his efforts to woo her in vain???

Hope there was a ledge along the cliff for her to hang on to.

Loved the update.

Fantastic updates. I was on the edge the whole time.

The chapters were beautiful. The song choices were perfect.

Tell me its all a dream or that Khushi is hanging somewhere close.

Please let Khushi be alright.

Amazing chapters. Loved all of them.

Thanks for the PM :)