Those who want pms , buddy my new id simmi_arshi (remember its simmi underscore arshi )
Note
With varied perceptions regarding shalini and her behaviour, i am happy to share few thoughts of srahs that adds a new light to the entire scenario. Do check them out, all my curious readers. Its in the above post😆
Novel - Hearts knit together
It was not that he had jumped at the first opportunity. No, ofcourse not! He had initially tried to resist her effects on him, had raised his own bars of imperviousness, pushed himself harder whenever he thought he was falling weak. He penitently remembered the moon-night and the kitchen-burning incident. He knew he was falling for her very bad and yet he hadn't let himself loosen up on the hook. In the former episode, he ignored her so that she felt unwanted and in return, ignore him too. While in the later he scolded her harshly for no apparent mistake of hers, especially when she was tending to his burns, thereby letting her disregard him from her goodbooks.
From the standard of a normal human, he had experimented quite a lot upon himself, assessing the variation of his feelings yet the results obtained were as unsullied as before. He was too tired of convincing himself that Khushi was just a passing infatutation and he would come around with time just like in the past. Deep down he would always knew this convincing wont help. A perfect testimony contradicting his passing-infatuation' theory were incidents of her being held captive by that good-for nothing, scumbag Shyam. But now he was very sure upon himself and his new found love. Also he was cent percent sure that in compared to maya, with Khushi things were different. He truly loves Khushi and now no one can stop him from making her his. Not her social status, not his troubled past, not his god-damned promises, not even her and definitely not his mother's insecurities.
Releasing a contented sigh, he glanced back at her one last time and hopped back to his room, feeling like on the top of the world but completely missing out on the tear-drenched yet bravely-attempting-a-smile faces of his younger brothers who stood with their heads plastered to the wall, their eyes closed in despair. Akash and Nk, they were right outside khushi's room all the while, eavesdropping their conversation and regretting it within moments.
If they had even a slight idea that within seconds their perfect world would come tumbling down the aisle, they won't have dared to poke their noses into Arnav-khushi's private conversation. They were waiting with bated breaths for their bhai to defend himself in khushi's court and in so doing, confess his feelings. And confess he did but in a way they had least imagined.
They dint wanted to know how their mamma was completely tangled in the webs of her past life. They never wanted to know about their mamaji who has inflicted such terrible pain to their grandparents and left such deep scars on their mother. They longed to remain oblivious as to how their mom has tricked bhai into obeying her commands. They dint wanted to know how their bhai has sacrificed his everything to live upto their mother's almost non-existent trust. They wish they could reverse back time and stop their bhai from going away with a broken heart and a wrenched soul. They wish they could make their mother understand that her children would never deceive her.
They wished for so many things but it was too late now. There was no point in crying over spilt milk yet the pain encurbing from deep within their heart seemed immeasurable. Unstoppable! It was hard to believe their mamma had absolutely no faith in them. Yes, she had fought demons of her past and her fragile heart always wished to prevent the potential heartbreak but that dint gave her any right to doubt them so bad! Bhai, who had never gone against any of her wish, she dint trusted him so how in hell was she supposed to trust THEM. They had always disobeyed her orders, played stupid pranks, and did dher saari masti. Infact they would do everything under the sun that was "prohibited" in their mother's eyes.
If someone as perfect as Arnav Singh Raizada couldn't appease her, what would come of them? Nonetheless, she was highly insecure and their God-like brother had paid a hefty price for it. They shuddered imagining themselves in his place. The pain and sufferings he had gone through, it was inpalpable. But to say so, they were least worried for themselves. Akash had payal and his mamma had approved her that too gladly. Nk was happy with his flirtatious life and he was in no dire need of love, atleast for the time being. Although a distant memory of one dusky complexioned woman did bothered him, but he dusted it off his sleeve. Lavanya would have to wait until the mess in his bhai's life was sorted.
So the reason for the comic-princes of the house to cry out so bad was that, they could feel the silence before an impending storm. They were utterly sorry and helpless against this cruel game of fate. Last time, their bhai had somehow managed to gather himself back but this time, they feared what would happen because history was surely repeating itself infact in a more severe way. Their bhai was in love with Khushi who too, very unfortunately belonged to middle class.
They wanted to scream out in joy for their brother had got back his happiness. The way he whistled and skipped, it brought watery smiles on their faces. He was finally enjoying life, living the way he was supposed to, breathing freely and smiling ever so often but then the question was, till when? Certainly their elder brother was in the impression that their mother would come out of her baseless insecurities and accept his choice this time and but they werent so sure.
Agreed, things were different with Khushi. Mamma already knew her very well and she shouldn't be categorizing her analogous to Sunita aunty. They too hoped that she would relent to their bhai's happiness but what if their fears comes out to be true? What would bhai do then? Would he get his share of happiness or fate would snatch it again?
They desperately wanted themselves to be proven wrong but what was in store for him, only time could tell.
~
Arnav was beyond frustrated. He was fed up of his monotonous routine and unendurable work schedule. Why did the Singhanias had to plan their meeting in the last week only? Why where they so emphasizing on meeting him when dad could have been a much better and readily-accessible replacement? Why couldn't any of them understand his reluctance to comply? He dint wanted to go anywhere after he had opened up his heart's contents to Khushi. Atleast not the very next day! He was all set on his tenterhooks for her reaction dammit, was hoping to see how she had perceived his words, wanted to see whether she had caught the underlying meaning behind his last spoken lines. He wanted to be there for her, to wipe out all her uncertainities and assure her of his honest devotion, of his love..!
But everything went down the drain when dad announced the sudden meeting in Mumbai and Singhania's averseness to deal with anyone but him. He was forced to go and the worst of all, the anticipated two days of dealings had stretched to an entire week. Everyday he would wake up to realize that the burden of his responsibilities was nowhere close to extinct and he would then curse his bad-luck, mounting his frustration levels to greater hieghts.
But finally today, Mr Singhania seemed satisfied enough to leave for his preplanned family vacation, letting him leave as well, back to Delhi, back to where his Khushi was. Now speeding along the highway he couldn't anticipate the progression of his life, all thanks to the ambiguity developed by his unexpected departure. In context of Khushi, he dint even knew what awaited him at home.
It had been a bloody week and he dint got to speak with her even once! He had tried to speak with her on phone but either she avoided him or kept to monosyllabic responses. Her vague behaviour had hinted him enough that all was not fully well between them because she was definitely harbouring some doubts in her innocent heart and he vowed to clear it for her, for them!
But to his utter annoyance, he reached home to found it devoid of the presence of any family member. Mom-dad were gone for a meeting with the event planner and the rest of them were at friend's b'day party. Racking his hands in his messy hairs, he once glanced at his room but soon gave up his thoughts of freshing up and dashed out the house, too desperate to meet her.
~
Akash, Nk, Payal and Khushi entered the lounge to find out the party was going on in full swing with loud music blazing their ear-drums and cochety smell of alcohol lingering in the packed surrounding. Nk and akki hooted and instantly got themselves busy in setting the stage on fire with their charismatic moves & grooves, payal went over to greet her friends while Khushi being Khushi, stood in a corner smiling and passing occasional hi's to some or the other aquaintances.
She knew soon the three of them would come to her, complaining of her lack of enthusiasm and then drag her away with them to do god-only-knows what. This was the usual trend of their outing and she was well accustomed to it. Over the course of time, she had even come to enjoy such extravaganza, such loudness and exxagerations though given a choice, she would still prefer her quite middle class life. With a soft sigh, she lost herself in recollecting old memories - Days with her baba, lavanya and madhumati aunty.
Suddenly, warm hands grasped her from her waist and even before she had time to process anything she was pushed behind the curtains and dragged to an empty noiseless corridor. She tried to squirm away in vain since the hold on her was too possessive to slacken off, she tried to scream out loud but it was too late because the husky whisper of "Khushi..!!" had already jeopardized her senses.
She slowly turned around in her abductor's arms only to find herself tightly pressed against his rippling chest muscles, the feel of which gave her goosebumps all over. Raising her shy hesitant eyes, she gripped the lapels of his shirt in a tight fist and willed herself to forget all the inhibitions for a moment that was too precious to let go. Her abducter, sensing her dazedness, dint slacken off his hold, tightening instead.
Tucking her soft curls in its places, Arnav let his thirsty eyes rove over her beautiful face, over her stunning saree clad attire, feeling finally at ease after what seemed like an eon of misery. Khushi was already lost in the enigmatic depths of chocolate pools with every inch of her rejoicing in his passionate onslaught, his pleasant and addictive warmth, his tender yet protective hold, his adoring but intense gaze.
"Arnav.."
"Khushi.."
The moment may have lasted forever if not for the sudden intrusion of 'unwanted' people.
"Ahhm ahhm"
~
Akash and nk allowed themselves to process the 'unimaginable' view which their eyes was screening infront of them. Their bhai, the heartrob of millions, the mighty cruel Raizada was openly romancing with Khushi in Sheetal's b'day party!! They were enjoying on their own, dancing merrily on a jazz song when all of a sudden, nk's glance fell on a couple shadowed behind a pillar in an empty corridor, locked intimately. He nudged akki who smirked taking a closure glance and it was then they got the jhatka of their lives to find the couple none other than bhai and Khushi.
A minute's disorientation and the two naughty dumbheads were smirking, a devilish glint in their eyes unmistaken. They were itching inside to disrupt the private moment and tease the hell out of both of them especially their bhai who had gate-crashed a b'day party just to be with khushi. Oh! It was once in a lifetime opportunity and they were no fools to miss it. With fluttering hearts and evil plans, they were about to go for the kill but too late because someone else had beaten them in the chase and already interrupted Arnav and Khushi.
~
"uh .. Hey, sheetal"
"Hey ASR! What you doing here?" Her eyes were still zeroed on the two clearly uncomfortable people, her mind refusing to acknowledge them as a couple though the scene she witnessed not so long ago screamed loud and clear.
"Well, I thought it's YOUR b'day party!" the few seconds of confusion was enough for the mighty ASR to make a striking comeback. (Not to forget, who, a second before was blushing till the roots of his hairs!)
Nothing could have made Sheetal happier for she shrieked so loud, the entire crowd was alerted "Oh my gosh!! You remember?"
Wasting no time, she leapt into his arms, hugging the life out of him. "Wow ASR, I dint knew I was so special. I knew one day you would get over you past to embrace what life is offering you. I am so happy today. This is the best b'day gift, YOU came here especially for ME, awww thank you, thank you, thank you." She kissed his cheeks once, twice and finally allowed him to push her away, just a tiniest bit.
From the corner of his eyes Arnav saw the haalat of the actual special reason' of him being in this otherwise boring party. She was literally puffing smokes from her ears, the ugly greenhead monster eating away her thinking ability. With clenched teeth and clenched jaw, Khushi barely managed to digest the scene of Sheetal kissing Arnav.
Arnav shut his eyes and pushed Sheetal further away, trying to show Khushi that he had no part in what all nonsense she was trying to potray. Khushi gave him a pointed don't-try-to-act-so-innocent-when-you-are-clearly-not look and marched away.
~
"Nk, akash, mujhe ghar jaana hai" Khushi ordered coming to them. She was trying not to let annoyance drip from her voice but only if that helped. Akash and nk had seen it all and even if they hadn't, anybody who had seen her face would have understood that she was currently burning in green-hot jealousy.
Akki and nk, in the meanwhile, turned their horror-stuck faces to her. They should have known, Sheetal Khanna was crazy for bhai. Him, Maya and Sheetal had studied together and though bhai chose maya, Sheetal never gave up on him. Sometimes they doubt if it was their Mom the most happiest or was it sheetal when bhai and maya's relation broke.
Before either of them could get a word out of their chocked throats, Payal came upto them, "Akash, actually Uncle aunty ka abhi abhi call aaya tha (Uncle Aunty called just now), they want you and me to meet the planner. Hamaare inputs dene ke liye. So chale?"
"Yeah akash payal, you guys leave. I will drop Khushi home" Nk volunteered keeping khushi's exasperated state in mind.
"Done then, chalo Khushi. See you in a while" payal hugged Khushi once and left, completely oblivious of entire commotion.
~
Nk and Khushi reached the parking lot to realize they had no means of travel. They all came in one car, in which akki and payal left just now.
"Ab kya kare?" (Now what should we do?) Nk looked around. Should I call bhai? naah! Unhe thodi na pata ke mujhe pata hai ke woh yaha hai (he dint know that I know that he is here)
Even though he dint voiced out, God listened to his prayers.
"Nk, I will drop both of you home, come" boomed Arnav's voice from behind. He was still reeling the disastrous moments spent with Sheetal, the way she was clinging to his arms, uff! It annoyed the hell out of him. He wanted to go after Khushi, to clear her misconceptions but seemed like today was not his day. Sheetal wasn't letting him go and when he finally managed to escape her grasp, Khushi had left the party. He came running to the parking lot and heaved a sigh of relief only after he spotted her with Nk.
chal beta Arnav, lag jaa kaam pe..!
"Bhai? Aap yaha" Nk faked astonishment while Khushi turned away, crossing her arms across her chest.
"Yeah, I reached home a few hours back and dint find you guys home so came here. Where's akash and payal by the way?" Arnav's eyes fickered to Khushi.
"I am so happy you are back bhai." Nk hugged him affectionately. And I hope I am not the only one who is happy! He thought in his mind "They just left , Dad called them, chaliye bhai. Aapko aur bhi important kaam honge naa?" Nk's mischevious eyes settled on Khushi cueing Arnav about a very important kaam.
With the two men walking ahead Khushi had no choice but to follow them. The drive back home was going on smoothly with Arnav stealing glances and Khushi keeping her eyes firm on the window, far-flung from her hypnotizing kidnapper who, not to forget, was a cheater too when the car came to a sudden screeching halt.
Cursing under his breathe, Arnav got out of the car and found the back tyre totally punctured. Damn!
"Back tire puncture hai. Nk, Tum dono ghar jaao, its hardly any distance from here. I will stay and get the car repaired. "
Nk knew his bhai was just trying to be formal. wo use sach bata nahi sakte the naa! Hiding his smile, he got into his bhai-vrata mode, "Nahi bhai, aap kyu taklif karenge? (No bhai, why would you bother) I will get the car repaired. Aap Khushi ko ghar lekar jaaye (you take Khushi home)"
Khushi who till now was a silent observant, whispered for nk's ears alone, "Why are you sending me with him? Tum chalo naa mee saath (you come with me)"
Nk bit his tongue, uff yeh Khushi bhi naa. Man me to laddoo phoot rahe honge..He scratched his head, looking here and there and then came with a perfect excuse,
"oho khushi. look at the time, itni raat ko, aisi sunsaan sadak par mera tumhaare saath jaana thik nahi hai. What if a ghost appears to kidnap you, mai toh tumhe bachaane ke badle dum dabaake bhaag jaaunga. Isliye keh raha hu, bhai ke saath chali jaao he will save you from all kind of troubles (Oho Khushi, Its not safe for you to go with me in such a scary looking street. What if a ghost appears to kidnap you, instead of helping you out, I would run away saving my own life. That is why, I suggest you go with bhai. He will save you from all kind of troubles)
"haan, inse bada bhoot aur kaun hai (yeah, who is more scarier than him!)" muttering under her breathe, she followed after him.
Chapter 19 - Click here
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with loads of love,
Kumkum Bhagya
Tu Dhadkan Main Dil
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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