Happy Holi friends.. Hope you enjoyed the day..
Since this FF has too started to unwind the story I dont wish to drag it anymore and given my break starting soon, I would be ending this along with FYF.. So hope you enjoy these end updates..
Part 25
She kept her purse on the Couch and scanned the house once. Looked like the maids had left. But what about Arnav? Where was he? She checked in the Kitchen first and saw him cutting veggies for making soup for himself. Probably he was hungry. She came inside and he heard her Anklets tinkling sound yet didnt turn behind to see her. He continued cutting. She held his hand stopping him from doing this work.
Khsuhi: Hum kar lenge.
Arnav: No Thanks. You get changed and take some rest.
Khushi: Rest? I have taken enough rest Arnav. It's high time you relax after all those exhaustion you had to face because of that Shalini and Shravan.
The names from her mouth were enough for him to get angry but he calmed himself because he didnt wanted to take his frustration out on the wrong person. But she instantly realised his mood and hugged him tight trying to find solace in his arms after such a long time. If he hadnt come to sort this matter today, She would have faced the worst and especially Shalini and Shravan would never understand their mistake. The hug seemed to be gentle in the beginning and then a needed one from her side but he never completed it and stood cold. She knew why he was not wrapping his arms around her.
She pulled back half from the hug and looked at his face.
Khushi: Abhi bhi naaraz ho? Arnav if you hadnt helped me out I would have..
She was even scared to tell what would have happened and he didnt allow her to say either. He placed a finger on her lips shutting her up
Arnav: Kuch kehne ki zaroorat nahi hai Khushi. Its all over now. You are completely out of that mess and no one will ever bother you again.
Khushi: Your words are my assuarance Arnav. I need nothing else than these.. But I still owe a Thank You to you.
Arnav noded smiling at her and then turning back he continued cutting the veggies. She could feel though he had accepted her thank you and was also talking to her normally, he was still not behaving the same way like before and that made her more sad. She again hugged him from behind taking that knife off him and keeping it aside. He closed his eyes not wishing to extend any kind of physical gestures on her because he still had remembered the fact that she had not forgot the mistake he commited earlier before his marriage.
Khushi kissed his back softly once and then pressed her nose on it inhaling his scent.
Khushi: Today Amma was telling me about her past Arnav. How she handled Paapa even knowing he was on a wrong path. I never knew Paapa was like this. How could he just ignore Amma?
Arnav never knew much about her family but he had an idea about all this. . He could feel a change in her voice and that made him turn back and see if she was on the verge of crying. She tried wiping her tears before he could see them but he caught her hands and then wiped her tears softly feeling bad for her.
Arnav: Khushi iss mein roni ki kya baat hai? Your father changed after you and your Di came in his life. Everyone changes Khushi however wrong he or she is at the beginning.. Life teaches everyone the true values one or the other day. But Yes, I too salute such women who still care for their partners and handle the family so well . If someone else was in her place she would have thrown him out of her life and led a new life but she thought about you both and she surviving in the much conservative society did her best to change him and she succeeded.
Khushi: Paapa was wrong to such an extent but Maa still supported him and you, you just committed a mistake and asked forgivness from me not once but many a times. You told me how much you feared to share that matter with me because you didnt wanted to lose me. And what did I do? I ignored all your love and concern for me and tried staying away from you. I am sorry Arnav. Please forgive me.!! Please..
She continued weeping in the warmth of his palms on her face and he pulled her for a possessive hug to make her feel better. He caressed her back wrapping his arms securedly on her waist and she snuggled in his chest.
Arnav : Its ok.. but I cant still forgive myself for letting your sister's life in astray. You were right I did support your mother and Daadi in that gamble of making Shyam right after marriage. I am sorry.
Khushi: Sh.. Sh.. Lets forget the past Arnav and live the present. Neither it was your deliberate mistake nor your foolishness it was what it destined to be. Now I hope Anjali di will live a happy life with Jeejaji. I am sure the past will be forgotten soon in their life with Anu's arrival. Likewise I need you in my life forever ...I cannot even think a day without you now. I love you so much.
He smiled and cupped her face looking in her eyes..
Arnav: I love you more than you do. Don't challenge me.. I will win it by miles.
He chuckled at her making the situation lighten.Khushi noded a Yes and then once again hugged him tight. The distance between them was finally closing down again. Their life was once again in a settling mode and hopefully it would soon be on track like before.
***********
One week later at Raizada Mansion
Shyam and Akash got ready to leave for office while Manohar and Kishore got their time occupied with the granddaughter of the family. As an unexpected visitor Sagar Kashayap entered the hall with his howling calling out for Shyam. The family got startled with the rage Sagar was entering the house which was really unexpected from him.
Manohar : Sagar.. whats the matter ? Why are you shouting like this ?
Sagar : Ask you son Mano.. He has really shattered my family.
Shyam sighed in irritation understanding Sagar's rage. He remained cool as the time was up that the families get to know what faade had Sagar's children displayed at this family and laying seeds for destroying the family.
Mano : Sagar.. don't just beat around.. Make it clear..
Manohar bit out at him not liking his son being questioned unnecessarily though he knew there was something going behind all these.
Sagar : Why should I clear it? Let the culprit behind this clear it out.. Why is he keeping mum?
Mano was about to snap back while Shyam stepped in with a roaring voice.
Shyam: Whom do you call a culprit? I don't think what I did was a mistake. Infact it was a big salvation for all the mistakes that had happened.
Akash and others gaped at Shyam raising his voice against Sagar for the first time. It was unusal of him to talk against Sagar as he had respected the Kashyap family the most.
Sagar: Then give me the goddamn reason why you complained against my Son and put him behind bars?
The family was shocked at the revelation. They hadn't been informed about Shravan being arrested that too how come Shyam was behind this? Shyam was Shravan's best friend and they shuddered to even think that he could do such an act.
Manohar : What is all this Shyam ? I don't understand what you both are talking about?
Manorama gave the baby to Payal and moved towards Shyam questioning him.
Manorama : Now whats your new drama ?
Shyam : Enough.. will you all let me speak for a while.. First of all I am not the exact reason for Shravan being arrested.. Its his own deeds that took him behind bars.
Sagar : Stop accusing my son Shyam.. You will pay for this.
Shyam : Don't be blind towards your sons' deeds. Do you know how far he was spoiling his life. All you did was just throw the money and gave him ample freedom which he utilized to take advantage of others. This time he had crossed all limits and needless to say your daughter should be convicted than him.
Sagar : Don't drag my innocent daughter into this.. How dare you talk bad about her?
Shyam gritted his teeth when Sagar proclaimed Shalini is innocent..
Shayam : She is a poisonous snake.. I pity you uncle for having given birth to two vile creatures.
Manohar: Enough Shyam.. You are crossing limits.. What are you trying to say ?
Akash watched his brother's expression changing from rage to remorse. It felt like the whole family was putting him to question but he was utterly feeling guilty somewhere.
Shyam composed himself and started to reveal the truth on how Shalini and Shravan had cheated many people in London, how Shravan had been into smuggling business, how he had misused many girls from his own organization with the help of Shalini,how Shalini was behind Arnav for revenge which made her trying to split Arnav and Khushi and finally how Shalini played a cheap trick to get Khushi behind bars in the cheque fraud case.
Sagar slumped his shoulders hearing the accusations.
Sagar: You are mistaken Shyam. My Son and daughter can never do something like this.I trust my kids.
Sagar was finding it very hard to digest what his children did with Khushi and Arnav to destroy their personal and professional life. The Raizada families were still speechless knowing this reality from one of their Son. Raizadas felt disgusted on how they had trusted Shravan and Shalini who were hell bent on ruining their son's life.
Shyam: Arnav caught them with proofs Uncle and not just that but only because they are your kids, he left them without a punishment. Now did you understand why Shravan and Shalini went to London in such a haste? They had been warned by Arnav. Only he and Khushi can be that generous. Because if they would have done something like this with me or my wife, I would have handed them to Police because I no longer trust them. Once even I have been a part of their play but since the time I married to Anjali things changed, and I left their group. In fact I was more like a shameless jerk who had been in relationship with your daughter which I feel disgusted of myself.
That came as a thunder on the heads of the Raizadas especially Manohar and Manorama who couldn't believe their ears. Shyam was in relationship with Shalini? That too his cousin brother's fianee? A wave of disgust spread through the face of Akash who had presumed it before hand which he felt helpless of getting to hear about this after the damage had been done. Shyam continued his confession as he had no other way to get salvation for all the mistakes he had committed which should come in limelight.
Shyam: And that's the main reason Arnav broke up with Shalini. He was devasted when he came to know about me and Shalini. As much he tried to conceal the truth from all of you bearing all the insults for breaking up the engagement that witch had come back to his life to revenge him, to get him back to separate him from his happily married life with Khushi. And do you know what uncle; he did all this because of you. He respects you like his father and didn't want you to bear the burnt of your daughter. Arnav waited patiently tolerating her to an extent but what she did with Khushi knocked him off which was the reason for the ultimatum to leave this country.
Sagar who had heard all this slumped on the couch not able to digest how vicious his daughter was.
Shyam : In the midst of all these I was being the worst ever human being supporting them in all steps. Her motive in coming back to India was to torture Arnav the most which I understood slowly. I even had my eyes on the property of Sinhas which I planned to conquer with Shalini with my side. It was too late that I began understanding my own sins and slowly moved away from her.
Manorama who was listening came forward with a hard slap on his face for all the sins he commited. She was aware of his loose behavior but never had expected him to stoop low cheating his wife. Shyam caught his jaw with his hand and started pleading to Manorama.
Shyam : Ma.. I deserve more than this ma.. I was being a indecent arrogant jerk who failed to understand a wife's worth, a family's tradition and values. I feel disgusted of myself for having such crass behavior which Anjali never deserved in her life. But now you have to believe me Ma, ever since I have understood the precious value of Anjali and Anu in my life I repent for all my previous mistakes and would like to live life happily with them. I may not deserve but I want prove her that I can be a good husband to her like what she wished. Please believe me Ma.
Manohar: Shyam, I am really sick of calling you my son. Never in my dreams had I thought you would be so cheap. Now its good that you atleast think of repenting but you shouldn't be sorry to us instead fall on your wife's feet.. She has the only right to forgive you.
Anu who was in Payal's hands started crying pointing her hands. All of them noticed the woman who had suffered the most standing beside the kitchen door witnessing the big drama happening. Payal felt miserable to see her cousin in this state and joined her soon with Anu in her arms. Her look of worry, sadness clouding over her face was beginning to bother Shyam who came to her. But the next moment her look of determination that she can handle things better than all can imagine made her take Anu in her arms and move towards the steps to their room. Shyam knew the degree of hurt what she might have gone through but her face hadn't reflected the disgust she had on him before. Without much hesitation he followed her to their room.
As soon as she tried to put Anu inside the crib Shyam caught her wrists with a pleading face. Anjali was perturbed at his action but the next second all she could see was Shyam falling on her feet in an act of forgiveness. It wasn't meant to be a spontaneous reaction but soon she jerked and moved back in shock. She knew he was truly repenting and she had decided to give him a chance but never would she want an apology this way.
Anjali : Shyam ji.. please.. get up... Don't embarrass me.. you are not supposed to fall on my feet especially with Anu in my arms..
Shyam :I want forgiveness from you as well as Anu.. I am not bothered whether you are younger in age than me but you are more big at heart than me.. Please forgive me.
Anjali sighed and made him get up straight.
Anjali :Its not easy to earn forgivness so easily Shyamji.. You have crossed limits with your mistakes. And Now that you are repenting is a good sign for yourself. As a matter of concern to my daughter's life I wouldn't like to picture you in a bad light as it would affect her life too. I consider you to be given a chance in life to redeem yourself which you have started to but don't expect me to change to your old loving wife within a blink. I may or may not have a change in my attitude towards you but I wont stop you giving that right of husband in my life . Apart from the external feelings in a married life there is some emotions that we are bound too. I cant change it so easily. It all depends how you win my confidence henceforth.
Shyam heaved a sigh of relief as he was expecting a ray of hope in his life. He couldn't be but grateful to her for having considering him back in her life as her husband though there were certain limitations when it comes to the matter of their mutual relationship.
Shyam : Thank you ANjali.. I am forever debted to you to have given that right which I think I didn't deserve. I will prove that you were never wrong in giving me a chance for life. I am sorry again for all the misdeeds I have done to you and your family.
Anu started squirming in her arms to go to her father. Anjali saw his face once again his gratitude with the remorse was clearly evident which was enough for her get the confidence back. She placed Anu on his arms to make her way towards the kitchen without even uttering a word. Shyam felt elated seeing a change in Anjali's attitude and kissed his daughter's forehead who was the reason for all the magical events in his life.
********
They sat down by the beach side as the waves hit the shore giving a serene ambience to the place. Not much could be said about this dine out as this was more or less a date after their recent bitter events in their life. Lavanya looked at the sea and closed her eyes imbibing the calmness letting into her nerves. NK watched her as she took a deep breath. His eyes for the first time after several days started admiring the cuteness of his wife, the dimples that added to her charm as she smiled at the small droplets that hit her face from the waves. Hadnt he missed this since a long time? Wasnt his ego that had blocked her innocent smile from her face since a long time? He pondered over the incorrigible attitude he had shown to her since a long time. Its time to redeem, set priorities in their life rather than showing the egos he thought. He turned towards the direction where she faced and smiled.
NK : Its been so long time like this. Feels good.
Lavanya's curbed her smile turning towards his face.
Lavanya : Yea.. Long time.. Exactly more than six months.
NK (smirking) : Good that you are making note of time.
Lavanya : I never forgot to make note of anything be it the time or the anything else related to our life. It was you who started ignoring me purposely.
NK : Lavanya please.. Let's get into the matter rather than throwing stones at each other.
Lavanya : Throwing stones ?Come on NK.. You speak as if its all my fault? Ok I agree to some extent I was blind with my career dreams but never once had I divulged from my responsibilities as a wife. It might be your impression that you weren't getting much attention.
NK : You think you were so lenient enough with your time spent with me? You wanted me to spare time according to your convineince not once you thought how I disliked that profession of yours La.
Lavanya : Excuse Me.. NK.. Don't you remember how I had passion for modeling when we were dating? Havent I expressed how I wanted to pursue a career and even suggested if we could extend our marriage. But you were admant that you would support your family in this proposal especially when my sisters were getting married to your brothers. And needless to say I agreed going by your wishes making sure my modeling was subject to only decent dresses.
NK : Then why did you leave the job ultimately after we got separated?
Lavanya: Since I realized I was wrong.. I repented for the grave mistake of working under an a**hole who was imposing his stupid clauses. It was Arnav Jiju who helped me out of the mess and gave me confidence when I lost the trust in our relationship. Did you give an ear to what I had to tell you? I was trying to mend things in our way. Did you even bother to acknowledge my apology? All you wanted was to remove me from your sight. What was it NK ? Is this for what we loved each other? Promising mutually not to separate till the end? I felt we had lost each and every bit of trust that existed in this relationship. Why did you behave that way ? I am not accusing you entirely for this but it could have been sorted out had we got a little time to discuss our drawbacks.
NK was totally shattered hearing her part of the feelings. She was right. He hadn't given a chance to set things right instead took haste decisions on his own way thereby ruining their relationships.
Lavanya turned towards the sea with the tears rolling down. She couldn't bite back her tears which was threatening to fall from her eyes for a long time.
Lavanya : NK.. I was fed up with my life. This isolated life where you lose your loved one turning his back towards you throwing you out of the life and closing the door. I too have emotions like any other girl. Just because I show my determination doesn't mean I wasn't broken inside. I couldn't share this with my sisters who were already having their own problems. To my parents I couldn't hamper their happiness who believed I was living happily with you.Even your mother had tried to dig out the reason for you avoiding me but I still held on to myself not giving up on our love and my trust in you. There was no way to get out of this except approaching you but still you were deaf to my actions. I wouldn't have even thought second time to end my life if not Arnav jiju had given me a hope and a motivation that he will set things straight between us.
An emotional outburst was nothing which NK expected from her. He knew she wasn't a vulnerable heart but these facts had made him open his eyes and see through the mistake he was commiting. She saw him sobbing hardly with her palms closing her eyes that made him feel guilty. He didn't wait a second as he moved to sit beside her taking the palms from her face hugging her tightly caressing her hair.
NK : Sorry.. Sorry. I am really sorry.. I shouldn't have left you alone like that.. I am sorry..
Lavanya couldn't believe herself. He was apologizing to her sincerely that too when she felt his tears on her shoulders.
NK : Sorry La.. I was having an impression at first that my ignorance would make you leave your job and come to me. Then that itself increased my ego that you weren't listening to me and giving importance to other trivial things in life. I wanted to show you that I could also live my life without your presence but trust me there wasn't a day I spent without thinking about us and our relationship. I am sorry.
Lavanya was convinced she knew he was like an adamant kid who would do only what he thinks at the moment. If his anger had overpowered he wont give little thought about what he deciding. And the situations at home weren't much feasible for them to have a discussion or an after thought to this. She thanked Arnav mentally for proving that this privacy would make things better. She smiled at her man in her arms who was like a small kid craving for attention and happiness.
Lavanya : NK.. its getting late..
NK broke the hug and realized that they were in the restaurant. The calmness of the beach had made them forget their union in a public place. He smiled at her taking her close to his chest to continue their date.. After all this dinner out had really turned their life upside down. He hadn't thought about this when he requested her out which was some what a small progress in their relationship but this was really worth it.
*********
Days later
Payal was really taking a lot of care this time because she really wanted this month to get conceived. She had already been adviced by the doctor that the medicines she is getting for fertility might work out in the first cycle and with days passing by there were many indications towards it. She had been waiting for the past one hour for Akash to go to the Lab and get the tests done. She could feel some rare changes in her health as in getting nausea and vomiting in the early morning hours. She dint want to anticipate and get dejected if at all the tests turned negative.
Akash apologized for his delay and took her to the Lab. After giving the tests she looked terrified praying to Devimayya for not letting her down this time. Akash held her hands closely giving her assurance that everything will be fine. She closed her eyes and sat for another half an hour when the nurse came up with the reports.
Nurse : Mrs.Payal.. Here are your reports.
Payal was shivering while taking the report in hands. She looked at the envelope for a longer time not wishing to open it as there was so much curiosity held in her. Will her hopes be trashed or will she be pregnant. She was feeling jittery over the result which Akash noticed. He took out the envelope to open it.
Payal : Akash. . It will be positive na..
Akash (Holding her close) :Don't worry.. we should not give up now. Just embrace whatever it comes..
He kissed her forehead tightly and she closed her eyes in fear. Akash opened the envelope with a gut feeling though he had nervousness within himself. After reading the result he saw at his wife still closing her eyes and praying. He hugged her tight from the sides and kissed her hard on her cheeks making her gasp.
Akash : You are going to be a mommy soon.. Congratulations..
Payal couldn't believe her ears as she stared at him for seconds digesting what he had conveyed her. She was getting the fruits of her prayers and beliefs now. The moment couldn't be more emotional than this and her tears rolled down her cheeks making her sob hugging on his chest. Akash could feel her happiness that made her so emotional. He couldn't wait to go home and give this happy news to everyone.
The family were on the high today as their bahu had given them a good news. Manorma couldn't stop grinning widely as she proudly called up her friends informed how she is going to be another grandmother soon. She expressed her happiness by making sweet and distributing to everyone after feeding payal. Anjali's happiness knew no bounds as she hugged her little sister and instructed her not to get out of the bed till she delivers. All she wished was the news from Khushi now. She hoped things were better between Arnav and Khushi too.
Payal was smiling through her tears as she saw the family turning the house upside down celebrating this occasion. She often watched the happiness glow on Akash's face as he spoke to everyone. All this was possible by her good news. She could bring a smile to all their faces. She was soon visited by her parents who were overwhelmed with this news.
After the pampering session of her parents, Manorama came to her room.She kissed her forehead and then happily made her sit on the Chair aside.
Manorama: Sit here and have this Custard I made for you. This will be the first time I will be cooking something for my Bahu.
Payal : But ma.. how did you know I like to have custard now?
Manorama(smiling) : I saw you searching for custard powder in the morning frantically. I heard you talking to HP asking to buy one packet. I didn't know my grandchild inside you was craving for custard. So as soon as you told me the good news I made it for you.
Payal : But ma.. you already made some sweet..
Manorama : That is for you for giving me this good news. And custard is for my grandchild.. now don't deny this or else I will soon show my colours as your sasuma.
She chuckled and started making the Custard for Payal while she admired her Saasuma like never before for the immense love she was showering on her.
To be continued..
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