Arhi TS : Bas Ek Kahani [ Completed ]

Arhi TS : Bas ek Kahani

How much ever I disliked the movie "Ek Villain", its songs just
seemed to mesmerize me. This three-shot is inspired by three of its songs.
I don't do sad endings... so this one is a happily ever after too.
Hope you enjoy the story!

Part 1 - Awari

Khushi bit into the flesh of her wrist, to stop herself from crying out loud. The pain was excruciating and her whole body was quivering with fear. Fear of the man she was married to. Her husband of two years, had just stormed away leaving a broken Khushi by the bed. The fresh coarse marks on her back hurt badly. However, the marks he had left on her heart were the bigger cause of her torment.

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Khushi Kumari Gupta was an orphan. Her parents died when she was eight years old. The happy world around her had collapsed within seconds and she had been left all alone. Shunned by her close relatives, she was taken in by a distant old aunt, Madhumati. Life had been tough for the duo, with her aunt not being financially stable either. They had to struggle their way through life, to savor each moment of happiness.

She had then completed her schooling and college in Lucknow, under the love and care of Madhumati. Gradually, things had changed for the better, with her aunt getting a stable job. Khushi had topped in her school and gotten a scholarship for college, reducing the monetary burden of education. The trauma of losing her parents had faded by now, transforming the quiet and docile Khushi into a chirpy, fluttering butterfly. She had been aptly nicknamed by her aunt... titaliya.

While Khushi was in the last year of college, Madhumati had fallen terminally ill. The doctors had given up on her health, leaving Khushi alone and shattered. She had nursed her ailing aunt with utmost love and care. Things seemed much better, as Khushi started working part-time, along with studying at university. However, the happiness was short-lived when the duo came to know that her aunt now, only had a few months left.

Madhumati's last wish was to see Khushi happily married. She had requested Khushi to continue her studies after marriage. For all that her aunt had done for her, the least Khushi could do was fulfill her last wish. She had agreed to marry, only if the boy had no issues about her studying further. That is how he had come into the picture. A friend of Madhumati, knew his family very well. They were quite well known in the Lucknow business circuit. He was their only son, and they were looking for a suitable bride for him.

Khushi had met him for the first time, on their little terrace. She had requested him for permission to complete her studies after the wedding and he had been the most charming man to agree to her every demand. She had heard about his temper issues, but was surprised with the kind of respect he showed towards his family and her. The nineteen-year-old Khushi had been thrilled to finally find her Prince Charming. After years of sorrow and struggle, things had seemed to be changing for the better.

The wedding had taken place on a small scale, considering Madhumati's health. Khushi had managed to do all the preparations herself, without bothering her aunt. She had managed to arrange the money required for all the rasams, so that her in-laws would not have any reason to complain. She did not want her aunt to suffer anymore and had quietly assented to their every demand without a word.

Finally, Khushi had transformed into a woman from a fluttering butterfly. The first few months of her marriage were complete bliss. Her husband took utmost care of her every need. He would lose his temper on a few occasions, but she had learned to tackle such situations. She graduated from her college and had two job offers in hand. However, her husband had refused to allow her to work and had demanded that she take over the responsibility of their home from his mother.

Her mother-in-law was not an easy woman to please. Khushi would often have to bear her taunts about her class and upbringing. Khushi kept mum through all of this and managed to take care of her aunt too. But tragedy struck once again, when her aunt finally passed away. She was yet again, broken and desolate.

Things took a complete u-turn, from thereon. Her husband got her aunt's property signed in his name. Her in-laws took away all her jewellery and money. Khushi did not understand what exactly was happening with her. The family sold off their Lucknow property and decided to move to Delhi. Her husband had found a job in the big city and they were extremely thrilled with their son's success.

The first few weeks in the Delhi had overwhelmed Khushi. Things were once again looking positive for her, as she took charge of the house. However, happiness seemed to keep running away from her. Her name had no relevance to her life. Her husband met with an accident, while returning home from work. He broke his leg, leaving the entire family broken.

And then, began the blame game. Her in-laws did not leave an opportunity to blame her for their current condition. Taunted her about being unlucky for their son. Her husband joined them in mocking her. He stopped going to work and took to drinking. He started hurling abuses at her along with his mother. She wondered what kind of a man he was? At the first glance of trouble, he had given up fighting. Where was the man she had gotten married to?

As months passed by, their financial condition deteriorated and it had become difficult to meet two ends. Khushi had finally requested once again, to be allowed to work. Considering the current situation they were in, the family had agreed and she had quickly gotten a position as a receptionist, in a big company. She managed to handle both, her job and her house responsibilities.

In just a year of marriage... her life had come to this. Her innocence, her cheerfulness, and her vibrancy... her life itself had been sucked out of her soul. Thankfully, things at the office were pleasant and she had started enjoying her days at work. She had made friends who would help her at any given opportunity. Her boss was a strict man, yet was brilliant at work and she was learning the tricks of the trade from him.

But once again, life had to play its cruel move on her. Her husband started doubting her. He started taunting her about having an affair with someone at work. His parents added fuel to the fire, despite the fact that their house was now entirely running on her salary. They had completely lost semblance of what was right and what was wrong. They were shredding to bits, the last piece of her soul, not realizing what trauma Khushi was going through.

The abuses started getting physical. He started hitting her with anything that he could lay his hand upon. In his drunken stupor, he would physically force himself upon her. Day-by-day, the light in Khushi's life was dimming and she was soon on the way to giving up this fight. What was she fighting for? Why was she even going through all this? She had no one who would mourn her loss, so she might as well end this torture, she had thought.

And one fine day, all hell broke lose when he had hit her repeatedly with his belt. He had abused her, called her a wh**e, who warmed the beds of her office colleagues to rise up the career ladder. His male ego had not been able to deal with her success. A tormented and broken Khushi had enough of his insults. How much could a human tolerate... physically... emotionally... mentally?? That was the day a decision was made, a decision that would change the direction of where Khushi's life was headed.

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Khushi slowly stood up from the corner she was huddled in. Her knees trembled due to the fear and trauma, of what had just taken place. Her bruised, battered body could not take this torment any longer. She looked at the reflection of her pale face in the mirror and could not recognize herself. Where had the charming girl with spunk vanished? Even though her life had not been a bed of roses, she had always been content. But today, something snapped inside her.

She wiped away her tears and made a call to her closest friend from work. A friend, whom she had confided in, a friend who had helped her heal each time, she had been abused. For the last one-year, they had formed a strong bond, which she could completely rely on. And with that assurance from a confidante, she packed her bags and walked out of her home... leaving her scars, her so-called family and home... far behind her.

As the months passed by, Khushi worked hard to earn her living. She shared her friend's room and they divided the rent in half amongst themselves. With the help of her friend and their company's panel of lawyers, she had filed for divorce. She did not want alimony in return. All she wanted was to be left alone. When her husband and his family had tried to create problems for her, her friend had threatened to take them to court, and sue them for marital abuse. Only then, had they shut their mouths and relented without any hindrance.

To Khushi's surprise, the divorce proceedings had been put into fast-track mode and in a couple of months, she had been granted her freedom. She had finally broken all the shackles of pain and terror. She was free and happy. She was no more Mrs. Shyam Manohar Jha, who had lost her own identity in trying to save this sham of a marriage. She was once again, Khushi Kumari Gupta, who had vanished in this tornado of a life.

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Song inspiration: Awari

[YOUTUBE]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVCidacNrhk[/YOUTUBE]

Teri baahon mein jo sukoon tha milaa
Maine dhoondha bahut par, phir na mila
Duniya, choona, chahein mujhko yoon
Jaise unki saari ki saari main
Duniya dekhe roop mera,
koyi na jaane bechari main
Haaye tooti saari ki saari main
Tere ishq mein huyi awari main

Koyi shaam bulaaye, koyi daam lagaye
Main bhi oopar se has-ti par andar se haaye
Kyun dard chupaaye baithi hai
Kyun tu mujhse kehti hai
Main toh khud hi bikhra huya
Haaye andar andar se toota main
Tere ishq mein khud hi se rootha main

Main jee bhar ke rolun, teri baahon mein solun
Aa phir se mujhe mil, main tujh-se yeh bolun
Tu anmol thi, pal pal bolti thi
Aisi chup tu laga ke gayi, saari khushiyan khaa ke gayi
Haye andar andar se toota main
Tere ishq mein khud hi se rootha main

Part 2 - Banjaara

Arnav watched her smiling face, making him smile instinctively. He looked at her from the window of his huge glass cabin on the first floor, chatting and laughing with her colleagues. Seeing her happy face lifted a huge burden off his heart. How had she become his sole focus? How had she become such a vital part of his life that her happiness reflected on his own? His heart healed along with hers, binding them together in a very definitive way.

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Arnav Singh Raizada was known to be a ruthless businessman. He was one of India's most eligible bachelors, a tycoon feared by the media and a competitor, who did not let his business rivals forget his enmity. He had built a huge fashion empire from scratch. AR Designs had become the topmost fashion house in India, in a mere five years. A complete workaholic, he did not have time for any sort of attachments. His girlfriends who generally did not last for more than a few months, knew that this handsome man would never love them. However, they didn't know the truth... the truth that he couldn't love them.

The word Love', seized to exist for him at the age of twelve. He had grown up seeing his mother being mistreated by his father. The fights and abuse were a regular affair at home. His mother had always tried to keep him away from this domestic mess, and he too had demanded attention for himself, rather than focus on his mother's worries. What was a small child to do, in such circumstances?

His older sister, his Anjali Di and his mother were his entire life. His dad never had time for their family. The two women would pamper him and take care of his every tiny demand. He was their "chote", their lovely little boy, who would grow up to become a handsome young man. But fate had different plans for the Malik family. Arnav Malik... that was his name before that fateful night, when a twelve-year-old boy had watched his mother being murdered.

Arnav's mother had come to know about her husband's affair that night. She had suffered at the hands of the man she loved. She had endured his anger, his taunts and his abuse, only because she had loved him selflessly. But being cheated upon had been the last straw. She could not deal with this situation and for the first time ever, had yelled at him and hit him with her frail hands.

Arnav had silently watched this entire fight, taking place in front of his innocent eyes. His sister had gone off to her tuition classes and he had hidden under a table, sobbing quietly. His father had been hitting his mother, in his drunken state. And to Arnav's horror, he broke the liquor bottle on the table and thrust it in to his mother's stomach. Everything that followed happened so speedily, that the little boy could do nothing about it.

He had run towards his father, hitting him with his tiny fists. His father had kicked him away and stormed out of the house, leaving behind his bleeding mother. By the time Arnav had got some help, it was too late. His mother had succumbed to the physical and emotional injuries. A heartbroken child had cried and wailed for his mother to return back... but life had already played its cruel joke on him.

He hated his father and wanted vengeance from the man. Unfortunately, even that opportunity had been snatched from him by destiny. His father, in his drunken state, had met with an accident and then succumbed to his injuries. In one dreadful night, Arnav and Anjali Malik had become orphans. For his broken, shattered sister, Arnav had grown up in a few weeks. The series of unfortunate events had continued further on, though.

Their uncle had cheated and taken away every single rupee from the children, leaving them standing on the road. At that moment, Arnav had realized that there was no such thing as love' in the world. This society was selfish and cruel. Relationships were meant to be used and broken. Reality was harsh and life was a struggle... Arnav had realized this fact, at a very early age.

The only respite was that Arnav and Anjali had been taken in by their beloved mama-mami and nani. It wasn't long before the children gave up their surname and became Raizadas. They lived in a small, comfortable home, where their mama-mami did not leave any opportunity to shower their love on the duo, healing the scars caused by their parents.

Anjali healed quickly, being the older one and always detached from their parents. Arnav however, remained tormented. The sight of his mother's dead body, would give him nightmares every single night. He immersed himself in studies, aspiring to earn so much money, that he could ruin his greedy uncle. He wanted to take revenge from every evil person on this planet... who reminded him of his father.

As years passed by, Arnav became extremely reclusive and bitter to the world around him. In spite of innumerous efforts from his nani, he remained cold to the outside world. He would do anything for his beloved family, but did not care a damn about anyone else's emotions. His mama funded his business idea and with a lot of hard work and sleepless nights, Arnav Singh Raizada had built a fashion empire, that made a lot of people envious and become a force to be reckoned with.

He had let his uncle live in peace though, only because of his promise to nani. His sister was now happily married to a good man called Sameer. Looking at the happy faces of his family members, gave him temporary respite. However, he lay on his bed in the nights... alone... lost... scared to close his eyes... because the nightmares would begin any moment. While the rest of the world had moved on, Arnav remained that scared twelve-year-old child, hidden under the table.

Immersed in work day and night, Arnav had never stopped to notice any of his employees. He worked ruthlessly and work was always his priority. Even when he worked alongside the most beautiful ladies in the fashion world, he would have a few romantic encounters and nothing more. Emotions, feelings, relationships meant nothing to him... until she had walked into AR Designs on one spectacular day.

While he had sat across her, asking her questions regarding her work experience and other such mundane stuff, the language her eyes spoke had stunned him. A certain shyness mixed with fear, her eyes flit every second to a different corner in his room. She was scared to look him in the eye... was it because she thought he could read what lay within? He had hired her immediately, considering how desperate she seemed to get this job.

As weeks passed by, he read her eyes every time, they clashed with his. Khushi Shyam Jha, was a receptionist who worked for AR Designs, and he would barely get an opportunity to speak with her. It was only at times, when he had to instruct her to not forward any calls, or she had to convey important messages to him. However, the most unnerving fact was that her eyes reminded him... of his mother.

The same fear, a similar devotion, the same restlessness... it was all there in those hazel orbs. Was he thinking too much about her?? He had spent weeks trying to ignore her, to forget her beautiful face and those bewitching eyes. However, his restraint shattered around him, when he had seen that dark angry bruise over her eyebrow. It was the only thing that scarred her angelic face. That exact moment, he had known what lay behind those eyes.

He had immediately gotten to work and asked his friend, Lavanya, who worked for him, to befriend Khushi. If she had been surprised, she did not show it. Without a word, she had done as he asked and had won a friend in Khushi. As time passed by, he got the required information from La, about the domestic conflicts in Khushi's life. Her already sad face seemed to be getting more and more tormented, with each passing day. This had increased Arnav's agitation and uneasiness equally.

He did not realize what was happening to him, until much later. All he knew, was that this woman was suffering, and if nothing was done immediately... she would be gone... like his mother... He could not sit and let history repeat itself, in front of his eyes. He planned things and made Lavanya execute them. He made Lavanya prepare Khushi, for the inevitable... strengthen her beliefs in herself, become strong enough to move out of a destructive relationship.

Eventually, it happened. Khushi was out of the clutches of that monster and Arnav's business instincts kicked in. The law team at AR had been intimated about this development and the divorce proceedings were put into fast-track mode due to the Raizada pressure. He had made Lavanya take care of Khushi, help her heal and give her the required confidence to deal with this entire situation. Arnav made sure that Shyam and his family, would suffer their worst and finally managed to kick them out of the city, back to where they came from... All these things, without letting her know a thing about his involvement... why did he want to be her silent savior?

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She had been laughing freely these days and it made his heart soar with joy. Arnav looked away, trying to control his haywire heart. For a man, who was known to be unemotional, he had definitely gone beyond what a normal human being felt. The last few months had been emotionally draining, to see her suffer the after-math of a broken relationship. However, he knew it was a phase that would eventually lead to her freedom... from the tangles of a disastrous bond.

Every time he helped her, in each tiny way, he found peace. When she healed a little, along with her, so did he. As if the small child, was finally able to save his mother. He was finding the satisfaction of punishing the sinner by destroying Shyam. How intricate, yet beautiful life was. What went around definitely came around. Unknowingly, he was getting bound to this beautiful, intelligent woman, who was now his personal assistant.

Working closely with her was becoming difficult every minute. He was affected by her every move... even the small gesture of her tucking the tiny strands of hair, behind her ears. Did she even realize what was running in his shatir dimaag, as the media called it? He doubted, she ever realized his intentions. She had been more than happy with the promotion from a receptionist to his assistant. She respected him, but barely seemed to be affected by his presence. Had her trust in love and relationships, broken along with her marriage? It seemed like it was time to find out...

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Song inspiration: Banjaara

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0NFxcNheoLc[/YOUTUBE]

Jise zindagi dhoondh rahi hai, Kya ye woh makaam mera hai
Yahaan chain se bas ruk jaaun, Kyun dil ye mujhe kehta hai
Jazbaat naye se mile hain, Jaane kya asar ye huaa hai
Ik aas mili phir mujhko, Jo qubool kisi ne kiya hai

Kisi shaayar ki ghazal, Jo de rooh ko sukoon ke pal
Koi mujhko yun mila hai, Jaise banjaare ko ghar
Naye mausam ki sehar, Yaa sard mein dopahar
Koi mujhko yun mila hai, Jaise banjare ko ghar

Jaise koi kinaara, Deta ho sahaara
Mujhe wo mila kisi mod par
Koi raat ka taara, Karta ho ujaala
Waise hi roshan kare woh shehar

Dard mere woh bhula hi gayaa, Kuch aisa asar huaa
Jeena mujhe phir se woh sikha raha
Jaise baarish kar de tar, Yaa marham dard par
Koi mujhko yun mila hai, Jaise banjare ko ghar
Naye mausam ki sehar, Yaa sard mein dopahar
Koi mujhko yun mila hai, Jaise banjaare ko ghar

Muskaata yeh chehra, Deta hai jo pehraa
Jaane chhupata kya dil ka samandar
Auron ko toh hardam saaya deta hai
Woh dhoop mein hai khada khud magar
Chot lagi hai usey,
Phir kyun mehsoos mujhe ho raha hai
Dil tu bata de kya hai iraada tera

Main parinda besabar, Tha uda jo darbadar
Koi mujhko yun mila hai, Jaise banjarey ko ghar
Naye mausam ki sehar, Yaa sard mein dopahar
Koi mujhko yun mila hai, Jaise banjarey ko ghar

Part 3 - Humdard

Khushi grinned while Lavanya blabbered about how Arnav Singh Raizada was acting like a lover-boy. If a few years ago, someone had told the employees of AR Designs, that their arrogant boss would follow his secretary around, instead of the other way round... they would have laughed at the absurdity of the idea. However, the current situation was nothing short of a miracle. Arnav had organized a lunch get-together in the conference room, for all the senior team members.

Khushi blushed at how Arnav had gotten miffed with her, thwarting all of his lunch and dinner invitations. The duo of boss and assistant had gotten into an easy camaraderie in the last six months. It had been almost a year after her divorce, and her entire past seemed like a horrible nightmare. With the love and friendship showered on her by her colleagues, she had managed to stand strong, make career her priority and become independent.

Arnav Singh Raizada had played a major role in her liberation. Did he really think she wouldn't know? A few months ago, when Lavanya had enough of lying, she had revealed how Arnav had been the one to help her in escaping Shyam's clutches. His name and pressure on the authorities had gotten her an easy divorce and finally, forced the Jha family to leave the city. Not only that, he had been one of the reasons, why Lavanya had befriended her in the first place. That the two girls had hit it off instantly, was a different matter all together.

She had been shocked to know the truth and even more astonished about why a busy man like ASR would waste his time, solving his employee's domestic feuds. As days passed by, things became much clearer. It was not about his interest in her; about the way he would stare at her intently, which she had brushed off as mere infatuation. His support so far had been to help himself more than her. And this, she had come to know about, only when she had met Anjali Di.

The two women had met at one of AR Design's parties and it was surprising to see how easily they had bonded together. Anjali had gathered information from Lavanya about Khushi... who seemed to be the reason for the drastic good changes in Arnav lately. And when, she had met the woman in person, she had instantly known why. As the professional meetings turned to casual chatter, Khushi had come to know the history of Arnav's parents.

That was the first time, she had understood the impact of her happiness in his life. Di had told her about how Arnav felt relieved to have saved her, while years ago, that same child had crouched helplessly to see his mother being murdered. Khushi realized that life was cruel to all... the rich and the poor. At this juncture, Arnav Singh Raizada and Khushi Kumari Gupta were equals... not boss-employee, no status difference and no discrimination of sex.

After this realization, Khushi had befriended Arnav. Both of them worked like a team and talked like the best of friends. Anjali Di had finally found some hope for her brother and had promised Nani to get a beautiful daughter-in-law for the Raizadas soon. Khushi had finally moved out of Lavanya's house and rented an apartment of her own. She wanted to experience the freedom, the independence that she had always missed. She enjoyed the thrill of taking her own decisions and loved decorating her own house.

"Khushi, you come here and sit beside me," Arnav spoke softly, making heads turn in the conference room. Khushi glared at him, surprised at his audacity to embarrass her in front of her entire team. "Yeah Khushi, go sit there. ASR wants to discuss something about the Oberois meeting, which is to happen today evening. He has already given me the download," Lavanya tried her best to douse the fire that Arnav seemed to have spiked. Arnav gave her a meaningful nod to thank her.

It had been like this, for a whole month now, with Arnav trying to get close to Khushi. He had tried to gauge her emotional state first... to know if she had moved on completely from her broken relationship and only when she seemed to be ready, had he made a move to ask her out. She had at first, been hesitant, not really deeming herself worthy of his attention. Especially, when there were gorgeous women walking all over AR Designs, she wondered what he had seen in her.

But as the days passed by, she realized his efforts to woo her were sincere and earnest. He was a gentleman, taking care of her every need. Khushi wasn't used to such affection from any man. The only man she had gotten close to had splintered her heart, which she believed could never be mended again. However, with Arnav, something seemed to be right... as if their stories had been meant to lead them to each other, this way.

She had never experienced having a crush, or the feeling of happiness bubbling within. However, these days, when Arnav came a little close to her, she could not help feel flustered, with huge butterflies fluttering in her stomach. She was stunned at the havoc, these unfamiliar emotions were having on her fragile heart. How was she to deal with these sudden changes in her life?

As lunch came to an end, everyone quickly dispersed to get back to their workstations. Arnav kept Khushi busy, dragging her into an important briefing, not allowing her to move from her seat till everyone was out of sight. Khushi could feel the nervousness creeping up. She stood up, and before she could walk towards the exit, Arnav had cornered her against the wall.

His warm breath was fanning her face, making her cheeks flush with embarrassment. "Arnavji, what are you doing?" she managed to ask softly. He raised his hand to brush his fingers lightly against her soft cheeks and she closed her eyes at the mere touch. Her heart fluttering like a humming bird, she held one hand against her heaving chest. What was he doing to her? What were these emotions that he was evoking in her and why had she been unfamiliar to them so far?

In spite of being married for two whole years, Shyam had never been so sensitive, so tender towards her. He had always demanded, not once thinking of what she wanted... what she felt... what she expected out of her lover? And here he was... "Arnav..." she said his name throatily, as all coherent thought ceased to exist. She felt his moist lips on her cheeks, brushing against her flaming skin.

It was a moment of realization... of what love really was. She had always let her sane mind, her circumstances and compromises lead her in relationships. This was the first time that she was letting her heart beat to its own melody. She was letting herself feel... each pulse of her beating heart, as well as his. At this moment, she did not care where this relationship was headed. All that mattered was that she had never been so happy in her life. She wanted to live ... breathe, be loved and love.

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"Khushi, come back to bed right now," Arnav drawled huskily, noticing the clock striking four in the morning. He saw her walk from the pool area into their room. The shimmering water was reflected on her glorious body. She looked enchanting in his white shirt as she walked carefully, through the clothes that lay scattered on the floor. She neared the bed and Arnav held out his hand into which she placed her slender fingers. The simple touch made him hungry for more, yet again.

Two blissful years of marriage had turned the mighty Arnav Singh Raizada into a homely husband. The fact that Khushi worked with him at AR, was the only reason he did not rush home every evening. He had loved each moment he had spent with Khushi, cherishing it like a treasure. A man parched for love, had finally found his oasis in Khushi. She had love to give in abundance, and he was surprised at the intensity of her feelings.

He still recollected their courtship period, where he had done everything possible to make her feel loved. When they had shared their pasts, the traumatic childhood to the years they spent growing up... he had been surprised to see the spirit of this woman. Their suffering had been different, yet the pain remained the same. In spite of the harshness of life, Khushi hadn't turned bitter towards anyone, unlike him. He had much to learn from her... and spending each new day with her, made him fall hopelessly in love with her, time and again.

He had officially introduced her to his crazy family. While Anjali Di had known everything, mama-mami, nani had been extremely thrilled to see a traditional girl as his girlfriend. They were used to those skimpily dressed models, whom the media generally paired him with. Khushi had earlier been hesitant about meeting them, wondering if they would be able to ignore her past. Her insecurities took a while to be cleared and he had finally forced her to meet his family.

However, she needn't have worried at all, because once the women in his family met her, they couldn't stop raving about her. In just a few interactions, she had become a daughter of the Raizada family, just like his Di had predicted. For these two years after marriage, his nani had been admonishing him, and ganging up with her beloved Khushi. Even though he pretended to be angry with nani for this bias, his heart always swelled with pride knowing that this beautiful woman... was his.

He had proposed marriage to her, in a not so romantic way. He just couldn't be cheesy with words, how much ever he tried. But his actions spoke volumes and he knew Khushi prized those rare moments, when he would say I love you' to her. To his relief, she had agreed to marry him, although to his surprise, she wanted to keep it extremely simple and private. He always dreaded those never-ending rituals, greeting the long list of guests and the suffocating traditional clothes. She had made everything simple for him, and he just wanted to know if she was happy that way.

He had asked her casually, if she really wanted a simple wedding, over a grand circus to which she had solemnly replied, "Arnav, I no more believe in these rituals that bind two people in matrimony. The grandest of weddings, turns irrelevant if the bride and groom are not compatible or in love. We love each other and that is all that matters to me... to live my life with you. I am only going through these rituals to get a complete acceptance in this society and in front of our family. I will agree to any kind of ceremony you want us to have... do you want a luxurious wedding?"

Her thoughts and her question had stumped him, then. He agreed to her completely, not believing in these customs himself. No marriage was perfect because of the matching of kundalis, or a shubh mahurat. Two people, had to make their marriage work... love, trust, faith, compromise, sharing and giving, all these things made marriage a success. He was ready to spend his entire life loving Khushi, and that is exactly what he did every moment he spent with her.

Immediately after marriage, Khushi had joined the design arm in his office as an intern. Her interests and inclination had always been on the creative side and he had managed to persuade her to take the risk. However, she wanted to be accepted for her talent and not because she was his wife. Hence, beginning as an intern was a better option. He was not one to crib either way, as long as he got to see her at work the entire day.

In the initial days after their wedding, breaking the physical barrier around Khushi had been a little difficult. The fading scars on her body had made his blood boil with fury. He wanted to rush to wherever that Jha was and shoot him in the head. How could he have tortured such an innocent soul? Khushi was worth treasuring and he would lay everything on line for her happiness.

He did not rush her into anything, and as her trust in him strengthened, the walls surrounding her began collapsing with his unconditional love. After their glorious union, where their souls merged into one, there was no turning back. Life shone upon them, as the laughter in their home never seemed to fade. Anjali Di had delivered a baby girl and her childish babbles now echoed across the halls of Shantivan. Khushi had healed his scarred heart and he had mended her soul, piece-by-piece, meshing them into one whole.

"Arnav, I feel like eating jalebis," Khushi's tinkling voice, broke through his musings. He looked at her radiant face, with all the love and tenderness he felt at the moment. He had tried to give her everything that she had always craved for. He had given her immeasurable love, endless happiness and an affectionate family whom she cherished with her life. And in return, she was giving him the exhilarating joy of fatherhood.

Arnav ran a loving hand over her six month swollen stomach. Loving the feel of his child kicking within. He scooped her up in his arms and carried her to the kitchen. Placing her gently on top of the kitchen platform, he pulled out the huge box of jalebis, that was always stocked in their refrigerator these days, owing to his wife's cravings. The sugary delicacy made his Khushi moan in pleasure... making him secretly wish; he was the reason for this ecstasy. He kissed the corner of her mouth, licking away some of the sugar syrup, filling his heart with so much sweetness that it spilled all over their beautiful love story.

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Song inspiration: Humdard

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Bf_86-a0Hc[/YOUTUBE]

Pal, do pal, ki hi kyun hai zindagi
Iss, pyar, ko hai sadiyaan kaafi nahi
Toh khuda se maang lun
Mohalat main ik nayi
Rehna hai bas yahaan
Ab door tujhse jaana nahi
Jo tu mera humdard hai
Jo tu mera humdard hai
Suhaana har dard hai
Jo tu mera humdard hai

Teri muskurahatein hain taaqat meri
Mujhko inhi se ummeed mili
Chaahe kare koi sitam ye jahaan
Inme hi hai sadaa hifaazat meri
Zindagani badi khoobsurat hui
Jannat ab aur kya hogi kahin
Jo tu mera Humdard hai
Jo tu mera Humdard hai
Suhaana har dard hai
Jo tu mera Humdard hai

Teri dhadkano se hai zindagi meri
Khwahishein teri ab duaaein meri
Kitna anokha bandhan hai ye
Teri meri jaan jo ek hui
Lotunga yahaan tere paas main haan
Waada hai mera mar bhi jaaun kahin
Jo tu mera humdard hai
Jo tu mera humdard hai
Suhaana har dard hai
Jo tu mera humdard hai

Oh God this was so painful. It broke my heart. She is so young. I am so very glad that now she is free from the clutches of the devil. This made me realize the importance of education once again. Specially for girls. It wasn't easy for Khushi to take the step. She has no one to call her own in this world. I am glad that at least she found a friend who helped her in her time of need. The chapter was very well written. Thanks for the PM. Waiting for more soon 😳

will wait for u to complete it mints

shyam manohar jha, I hate u to the core

Khushi is so brave, she did almost everything I keep her family together and husband happy but poo Khushi she didn't got anything but blames and curses, physical and metal torture. Her family should be grateful that they are living a life because of Khushi or else they would be begging on street in the grand city Dehli.

She should left her. She should be a savior for herself.

I like the concept of the story very much, a woman suffering from domestic abuse. Please give her a happy ending, she deserves it after a lot of tortures and sufferings.

Can't wait to read next part

When i was reading, i has guessed that khushi's husband is none other than creepy shyam...

Will love to read more of it.

Update soon n pm me... Or i'll just stalk 😉