Arshi: Unknowingly (removed) Reposting info in Page ! - Page 34

Part- 42

Abhi jumped on the sofa as Khushi ran with a spatula in hand after him shouting, "I will kill you Abhi. How dare you mess with my guitar?"

Abhi jumped down and found a hiding place behind Arnav and Suhashi and shouted back, mischief in voice, "Di, I was just trying to play. I didn't know its strings are so delicate."

"God Abhi, the strings were meant to play not to pull like your chest expander" Khushi fumed trying hard to serve a blow on Abhi's head, but he dodged and instead pushed Arnav in her way, making her stagger back and Arnav to steady her on her feet again.

Khushi said a quick thank you to Arnav and ran after her prey again, who just happened to vanish behind the door of her room again.

Suhashi only chuckled and then it turned into a hearty laugh seeing Arnav's expression.

Eyes round as saucers, slack jawed, staring after the way they had vanished and to the room, from where loud noises were coming like some world war had started.

Arnav turned feeling a hand on his shoulder and saw Suhashi ushering him to sit to have his coffee, which lay forgotten in this whole mess.

He whispered, "What was that?"

"Sibling fight", answered Suhashi nonchalantly sipping her tea. There was a smile in her voice.

Arnav couldn't help but ask, "Are you sure someone wouldn't be hospitalized after they are finished?"

Suhashi laughed again shaking her head. Slowly a smile spread on Arnav's face too.

"You look good when you smile" Suhashi commented.

Arnav looked at her and then blurt out the thought nagging him for long, "How could you accept me in your family?"

Suhashi's eyes snapped up to him. After giving him a prolonged look she sighed. She would tell him the truth.

"I knew about Khushi and you for a long time. Arnav looked at her astonished, she smiled and continued, She didn't tell me in direct words but I knew. Mother instinct you see. She cocked a brow and Arnav saw a glimpse of Khushi, And when she came to Johannesburg she told me everything, from the beginning. Arnav hid her eyes but felt Suhashi's hand on his which lay on the dining table. I won't lie, it's not that I never thought of saving her from this whole maelstrom but as I searched her eyes I found the same love as mine for her father. Arnav looked up to see her smiling lovingly at the photo of Khushal then how can I break her heart? I know how it feel to lose your love, Arnav gulped, then how could I make her go through the same hell, His fist tightened, digging his nails on her palm. Suhashi noticed the hardness under her palm and started rubbing his hand soothingly, to make him relax and he did. I decided if I found the same love in your eyes as hers I won't come in your way and when I saw the fear of losing her in your eyes this afternoon; I knew I made a correct decision to accept your love above all." She finished but the smile stayed in her lips, then she added "And How can I ignore Surbhi's wish who once said that My Khushi is your shield and she wanted to let it be like that, then how could I strip you off of your shield,"

Arnav looked shocked and then relieved. A smile bloomed on his lips.

Suhashi patted his head and carried the empty cups to the sink, the sound of the sibling fight' still coming from the room, Arnav grinned.

**

"Khushi", Arnav called.

Khushi tore her eyes from the stars she was watching and looked at him.

"You didn't sleep." She frowned.

"You too are awake." Arnav stated while taking a sit beside her in the balcony.

Khushi smiled in answer and kept her head on his shoulder.

After a moment of shared comfortable silence she heard him asking, "Khushi how could you forgive my father and fulfill his last wish, knowing he had killed your father and ruined your family? How can you accept me in your life knowing that I am the son of your father's murderer?" He choked at the last part.

Khushi rose from her place and walked up to the railings. She held it tight as she said in a steely voice, "I didn't forgive your father Arnav, and it wasn't possible for me. I took my revenge alright. Do you want to know how?" Khushi turned to him her face hard.

Arnav sighed in relief and nodded his head in negative. He would have astonished if she would have agreed with him and told him that she had forgiven his father and she didn't need to explain herself for that ... Arnav swallowed.

Khushi face soften, "and for your next question It was not about accepting you in my life, it's about accepting love without fear of losing it, to set my spirit free and I did just that. I chose to live without care of the world. I wanted to feel how it feels when I trust someone to care for me and you won my heart and my love in the process." She smiled at him.

Anrav closed her eyes, thanking his mother for saving these people to save him from his darkness.

Khushi turned to watch her father.

**

"Save us Khush..."

"Blue where are you? Come out before your boyfriend kills us."

"No Di, don't come out. I am kind of enjoying the show."

"You brat shut up."

"But...

"Shut up!"

"But...

"Shut up!"

Khushi tried to block the sounds with a pillow in her ear, but the voices are too loud to block. She sat up rubbing her eyes and tried to focus on the table clock which showed 9 O'clock in the morning. She yawned hard.

After their small talk last night she had sat with Arnav for long just sharing their silence, warmth and comfort. Hence she had slept quite late with a plan of not waking up till lunch but what was going outside?

She slowly and lazily made her way towards the door.

As soon she opened the door of her room a cushion hit her square on her face taking the last remnant of her sleep.

She watched with little irritation, little annoyance and more amusement, Arnav lifting a frantic La by her waist and dumping her on the sofa like a sack of potato while keeping a ready- to- run- if- get- a- chance NK at place fisting his jacket collar with other hand.

She saw Abhi watching the whole show with a coffee mug in his hand at a corner and an amused smirk adorning his face.

She found Suhashi at kitchen cooking a late Sunday breakfast turning a deaf ear to this fiasco.

**

Khushi shook her head and stepped in the whole drama to save her friends, who were right now getting black and blue on face, no not by physical blow but with the verbal emotional blow of ASR.

In everything he was speaking or asking one thing was constant, how can they hide from him that they knew about Khushi when he was going mad locating her on the face of earth?

Khushi grimaced.

She knew this emotional speech of ASR, just a trick to make her friends feel terrible, because if ASR wanted to know what they knew, they would have spilled everything like a parrot before him long back. ASR could do that.

She also knew that he didn't want to use his power on their friends that was why he took the pain to find her by himself, but right now looking at La's almost crying face and NK's bent head she felt nothing but pity for them and she hurried in her rescue work.

She saw Abhi winking at her.

**

Arnav felt a hand on his right shoulder and another hand snaking his waist from behind and then he felt a soft, cozy and comfortable weight on his back.

The sense of calm settling in his heart at once, as soon he felt her hugging him from behind.

No anger, no pain, no worry could be greater than the peace of this moment. She was with him that was all he needed; nothing had importance in comparison of this one fact.

She was all he needed.

As NK and La watched amazed, that how the Angry Raizada who could put a volcano into shame a few minutes back changed into an epitome of calmness.

Abhi watched pleasantly surprised, that how his Arnu Bhai changed in matter of few moments, as if his Di had switched off his angry tirade button just by a mere touch.

Suhashi watched with a sense of relief that how her daughter had managed to become the centre of Arnav's world. She found her eyes moist with happy tears.

She looked at her husband's photo and whispered, "Thank you Khushal for sending so much love in your Pari's life in the form of Arnav. He will keep her happy always. I am sure. I am free from all my worries now. Now you don't forget our deal." She smiled through her tears.

**

"We should go back to Delhi" Arnav stated.

Khushi, Suhashi and Abhi looked at him with astonished eyes.

NK and La's mouth left open the morsels forgotten in their hands which hung on the air half way to their mouth, looking at their serious faces.

"It's time we face Deveyani Singh Raizada and tell her to give up her control over our lives." Arnav said firmly.

"But... Suhashi couldn't hide her fear; she doesn't accept her defeat well."

"This time she has Arnav Singh Raizada as her opponent and I guess she is little too old now to fight ASR" he smirked and Suhashi sighed.

**

Last Part:

Akash whipped his phone out of his jacket pocket and picked up at once seeing the caller id, "Yes Bhai"

"Did you call Di?"

"Yes"

"I am about to reach... gather everyone as I instructed."

"Yes Bhai. But...

"You will know everything once I reach. Make sure none stays in the main hall without family."

"Okay Bhai."

And Alash heard the beep indicating the call had ended. He frowned hard at the phone as if it had all his answers of his Bhai's weird behavior, but he never disobeyed him for any doubt rising in him and not now when an explanation was waiting for him from the horse's mouth. He went about finishing the task at hand.

**

Mamaji let his eyes wonder on every face around him.

Anjali happy and ever so chirpily talking to her Mami, Nani and Shyam.

He looked at his wife, listening to Anjali but continuously steeling glances of his mother, her mother-in-law, who looked deep in thought. Yes she everything now, he had told her all.

He looked at his son, who was fidgeting with his phone and bobbing his legs vigorously. Mamji smiled, his son was tensed and he couldn't hide it from his father.

But this was just start, the sky was yet to fall on this family, he thought, a shuddering breath left him in a rush.

**

The intercom rang declaring the arrival of their fate on the door.

**

Akash opened the door himself and stood speechless finding Khushi standing beside Arnav and giving a half smile to him.

But that was just matter of time because as soon his shock wore off he enveloped Khushi in a bear hug and she reciprocated the hug slowly but surely.

Akash dragged Khushi leaving Arnav behind, to present her before family.

**

Arnav didn't follow them rather he ushered Suhashi and Abhi, who were standing behind them and whom Akash had missed in his excitement seeing Khushi.

Suhashi looked apprehensive in stepping inside Raizada Mansion. Her eyes darted in every corner visible from her place, scared from the evil inside.

Arnav looked at Abhi for help and he nodded. Abhi Slowly took her Ma's right quivering soft hand in his large strong male hand and threaded his fingers with hers.

Suhashi visibly relaxed, feeling the strength of her son's. It just felt that she was holding Khushal's hand, capable of giving her the power and strength she needed to pass whatever may come in her way. She closed her eyes in contentment. When she opened her eyes she found her son smiling at her.

A whisper escaped from her mouth, "Khushal" astonished how her son resembled his father. She felt proud; she had the most beautiful children she could wish for.

The complain that how Khushal could leave her alone in the world after so many promises of love staying together forever and dying together when time would come', leaving her at that
moment.

He had left the most precious gifts of all, with her, his parts as their children, her reason of living. Now she knew he hadn't left her all alone. She was too drowned in grief to realize it before.

She squeezed Abhi's hand, letting him know that she was alright and always will be with her children around.

Arnav wiped his eyes to get rid of the lone tear that escaped without his permission, this was what he wanted to give to his mother too but time betrayed them. He turned on his heels and let Suhashi and Abhi follow him.

**

Khushi stood in Anjali's embrace, who was frantic to see her. Shyam was smiling to her and was looking at his wife lovingly.

Mamaji and Mami stood watching the scene before them; their faces didn't betray their emotion running under their skins.

It was only Devyani Singh Raizada who stood shocked and numb. Her eyes fixed with a pair of hazel eyes.

**

Arnav walked in closely followed by Abhi and Suhashi.

It was Mamaji who first noticed them and stared at the lady behind. His voice from past rang in his own ear, "Stay away from my sister."

He closed his eyes in shame and when he opened them he found Suhashi watching him intently, he looked at her apologetically but she looked away.

Well what he expected? A forgiveness? so quick? Huh! He admonished himself.

By this time Mamiji's attention had shifted to them and an astonished whisper escaped from her mouth instantly, "Suhashi, is it you?" Making Devyani Singh Raizada's head turned to their direction instantly.

The time stood still, as the two women stared at each other.

One astound and other as calm as the start of a raging storm.

This is the end
Hold your breath and count to ten
Feel the earth move and then
Hear my heart burst again

A slow smile crept up on Suhashi's lips, making Devyani's breathing labored. A talk from past falling in their ears together,

How dare you try to destroy my daughter's life?

What did I do Maji? Your son-in-law killed my husband and you are telling me I am trying to destroy Surbhi's life?

Your husband is already dead. You cannot bring him back whatever you do, then what is the need to go to Surbhi and tell her the truth and ruin her married life? What are you going to gain by that anyway?

Yes I cannot get my husband back but I can save my friend from that monster. Telling her truth will make her aware that what kind of devil she is living with and I am sure once she knows the truth she won't stay a day longer with that excuse of a human.

You will not do any such thing. You have lost your husband and you want to snatch hers too. She has two children for God's sake and she needs her husband for herself and for the children. People make mistakes, that don't mean that you will do same mistake.

Mistake! You call it Mistake Devyani ji. Avinash Malik has killed my husband like dogs on the road just to hide the frauds he has been doing in Raizada Textiles, from Uncleji Your husband, and you are saying this Mistake? A Mistake!! Devyaniji killing human is no mistake it is sin and the sinner should be punished. Avinash Malik should be hang till death.

Enough. I have heard enough. You will stay away from Surbhi. You don't know what would be the consequences if I so much find you even a mile near Sheesh Mahal again, forget meeting her.

...

Devyani Singh Raizada you are no better than that heartless monster... just to cover up your one error of judgment you are supporting the evil. Yes I may not be able to fight you and the evil but know one thing if you don't let go of your ego and do what is the right thing to do, then you are too not going to escape from the consequences of your wrongdoings.

Devyani saw with horror in her eyes as Khushi freed herself from Anjali and stepped forward to take the other hand of her Ma. She looked at her son who stood in his place looking stern.

Arnav stayed a little far from her but in between his Khushi and among other family members.

Mamiji's hand supporting Mamaji. Akash, Anjali and Shyam only looked clueless but aware of something wrong very wrong.

For this is the end
I've drowned and dreamt this moment
So overdue I owe them
Swept away, I'm stolen

**

Arnav led all of them to the seating area and asked all of them to take a seat. All did.

Arnav looked at Mamaji and said what he felt, "Thank You", it was heartfelt and Mamji nodded.

"Di"

Anjali looked at him confused. Arnav closed his eyes to summon strength and he felt it, her hand on his pressing gently...

Let the sky fall
When it crumbles
We will stand tall
Face it all together

He nodded assured and started again with new found strength, his eyes darting on all the faces present in the hall, staying longer on Nani's pale face.

"You might want to know why Khushi left?"

Devyani become paler.

"She and I had a small tiff over some issue and you know how I am, insecure, so in a spur of moment I said her to go from my life and she did."

The people who knew the truth, their eyes grew wide but Khushi smiled she knew what he was doing.

Arnav continued "But then I realized my mistake when she really left and I went mad searching her in every place." He sighed.

Anjali wiped her eyes, Trust her Chotey to do the most foolish thing! She chuckled. Shyam eyes never left his beloved.

"But I ignored my family in my search, and I am sorry."

Anjali and Akash reached for their brother at the same time crushing him in themselves.

He didn't need to apologize because he had never been held as guilty.

Khushi moved away a little to give the siblings their place when Abhi side hugged her. She also had her brother to stand for her in every step. She closed her eyes and a lone tear slipped from her eyes only to be wiped away by her brother.

Suhashi, Mama and Mamiji stared at their children in awe. They are the best things ever happened in their life no doubt.

And Devyani saw what she failed to achieve, trust and love of her children. She sat alone on a couch watching everyone.

**

Khushi cleared her throat to get attention and as she found all the eyes on her, ignoring that of Devyani's, she apologized "I am sorry too, forgive me for my insensitive and impulsive act."

She was too rewarded with bear hugs when Suhashi and Mamaji looked at her with pride; she was Arnav's better half in true sense.

Devyani looked away.

**

Finally Anjali noticed Suhashi and Abhi and as realization dawned upon her she found herself crying and laughing at the same time.

She touched Suhashi's feet only to be enveloped in motherly affection and warmth. She felt her warm soft lips on her forehead and cried her heart out for the loss of her mother, the grief well hidden under her cheery exterior.

Devyani saw her failure as Nani and claimed mother of her grand children.

**

Akash too touched Suhashi's feet though he didn't recognize her well but he had heard about them and most importantly she was her Rockstar's mother. A respect itself had taken birth in his heart for the woman who looked a good soul inside out.

Shaym followed suit earning a hug and kiss on his forehead.

Mami slowly came before her and they hugged each other, saying nothing they delivered their emotions just by that one embrace.

Devyani saw the loss of connection she had with her own family members.

**

After the excitement of emotional reunion subsided and Abhi was thoroughly kissed and hugged by Anjali, Akash, Shyam and even Mama and Mamiji, Arnav cleverly let Abhi, Akash, Shyam and Anjali chat and stirred the other members towards study.

Devyani followed them with heavy footsteps.

**

As all took their seats in the couches and chairs in the study Arnav finally looked directly in the eyes of Devyani and trembled in various emotions.

Before his feet gave away he found himself a chair. When he felt Khushi's hand squeeze his shoulder he knew he was strong again.

Let the sky fall
When it crumbles
We will stand tall
Face it all together
At skyfall

Arnav looked at Suhashi and Mamaji. Finding them nodding in approval he started,

"Mrs. Devyani Singh Raizada...

That skyfall

Devyani's eyes snapped to his direction and she glared at him, who remain unaffected and continued with his speech,

"You very well know that I know everything, he choked but didn't lose his voice, and you know none of the people with whom you played for your false royalty and pride, deserved the fate you bestowed them with. So it is time I give them justice."

Devyani didn't say a word, too much proud to accept her downfall. She continued to glare.

"By relation you are my Nani and elder of this family and I have learnt to respect you from the beginning so I can't do what I should be doing in this situation with anyone else, with you. But it is impossible for me to stay under the same roof as you."

For the first time a flash of fear passed through Devyani's eyes.

Mamaji and Mamiji waited little moved with Arnav's declaration.

"I will be staying in Mumbai for next six months till Khushi finishes her study. I will take care of AR and Raizada Text. Offices in there and then... he paused to have a look around, a slow smirk spreading on his lips as he concluded staring straight in Devyani Raizada's eyes, Khushi will decide where she wants to start her life with me, in Mumbai or here in Delhi."

And like that Arnav left Devyani Raizada at her self- claimed enemy's mercy.

Skyfall is where we start
A thousand miles and poles apart
Where worlds collide and days are dark
You may have my number, you can take my name
But you'll never have my heart

Devyanni threw daggers through her eyes to Khushi but at the same time couldn't help the feeling of dread settling in her heart.

She couldn't deny she loved Arnav too much to stay alive without him, but what if Khushi snatched him away from her completely to take her revenge, NO!

**

Mamaji and Mami sighed, what else they could expect. If possible then they would have accompanied Arnav, but they had their duty towards the eldest of the family, who looked like ghost, in the verge of falling apart , still holding herself together for her arrogance, too proud to be weak before anyone.

But they would make Akash accompany Arnav, because he needed good people and vibes around to be the man they dreamt him to be.

Anjali would be fine in her home, with her husband.

**

Suhashi closed her eyes and let the tears fall, whispering the same words of warning, once she had said to the back of Devyani Singh Raizada "Yes I may not be able to fight you and the evil but know one thing if you don't let go of your ego and do what is the right thing to do, then you are too not going to escape from the consequences of your wrongdoings."

**

When Devyani didn't move or uttered a word of protest they all stood up and dragged their feet out of the study.

It was Suhashi who left first and then Mama and Mamiji after giving a prolonged look to Devyani, who sat like a statue.

Khushi helped Arnav on his feet and supported him holding him by his arm and waist. They stood a few moments watching Devyani but finally Arnav started walking, taking Khushi along.

**

As soon they crossed the threshold of study, the door of study slammed shut startling them.

And then they heard it. The sound of Devyani Singh Raizada breaking apart.

Her loud cry,

Her whimper,

Her downfall.

Arnav fell on his knees, crying in agony taking Khushi down with him. Khushi hugged him with all her might shading tears along with him.

Mamiji cried on Mamaji shoulder.

Suhashi's heart bled seeing her children's agonized face but she knew it's now or never, they needed to vent out so she just patted Khushi's head and walked away, hiding her tears.

Let the sky fall (let the sky fall)
When it crumbles (when it crumbles)
We will stand tall (we will stand tall)
Face it all together

Let the sky fall (let the sky fall)
When it crumbles (when it crumbles)
We will stand tall (we will stand tall)
Face it all together
At skyfall

**

That evening saw Arnav and Khushi leaving Raizada mansion with Suhashi and Abhi. Akash following them with his luggage. He was said that Arnav needed his help in business in Mumbai and he was all for it.

Mamaji, Mamiji and Anjali bidding them teary good bye. Shyam was the only person smiling.

Akash, Anjali and Shyam still oblivious of the real reason and would be always, they didn't need to fight the evil of Raizada name, they were happy and free of any demon and they deserved to be like that.

Though Anjali frowned at Devyani's absence but Arnav took care of the situation saying that they had bid their bye to her in her room and she was tired and resting.

**

As the cars left leaving behind the ghostly and empty Raizada Mansion, Devyani stared after the vanishing cars from her window...

She then looked at her daughter's smiling face on her wall. Finally truth hitting her square and hard "it was all for nothing."

And she lost her self-control once again falling on the ground, she was left alone.

**

Arnav sat looking out of the window, his face pained.

Thinking about his childhood, his mother, his failure as a son and of all the betrayal.

Khushi saw him trapped in the centre of a cyclone and held his hand tight in her hold.

He turned to her, their eyes met...

Then their lips...

Taking each other's pain away...

Promising to love each other forever and beyond...

Where you go I go
What you see I see
I know I'd never be me
Without the security
Of your loving arms
Keeping me from harm
Put your hand in my hand
And we'll stand

Let the sky fall (let the sky fall)
When it crumbles (when it crumbles)
We will stand tall (we will stand tall)
Face it all together

Let the sky fall (let the sky fall)
When it crumbles (when it crumbles)
We will stand tall (we will stand tall)
Face it all together
At skyfall

**

So friends here we are... finally Unknowingly comes to an end...

Well an epilogue will be added, can't give you a teary good bye.

Happy reading and Thank all of you for staying together throughout the journey and for your words of encouragement.

A special thanks to Tainar for helping me with the start and Coolbakes, my dear Sissy for the lovely banner and words of encouragement...

Thank you and Love you all.