Ashi FF#4 THE SEED OF PASSION, Chapters 24 to 33 - Page 61

Subadhra Malik is a cruel woman.. but Shyam appears more like a clown villain..

Finally Arnav n Akash will meet

Maaafi for being Late Professor ji.

OKAY so I am finally caught up! Jeez, Wiwy, you and Indi and Rhea have my heart all a flutter. Brilliant writing, exciting story, love, passion, mystery succinctly written and a constant cliff hanger wanting more. Thanks so much for bringing this gift back to me. I haven't read anything in so long that you all have brought back the urge to read and write into my heart again. Thanks so much and please, please, please update soon!!!!

Dear friends⭐️

I am overwhelmed to receive so many likes and lovely, thoughtful comments from you on the last chapter of The Seed of Passion. I thank each and everyone of you and apologise for not posting the new chapter on time. I am extremely sorry. I had got entangled in the web spinned by asli duniya!Thanks to Devi Maiyya I finally broke free...and managed to write a short but sweet update(I hope so!😛)

In the last update rather unexpectedly Aakash was on the verge of meeting his long lost bhai, Arnav! Did the brotherss meet? Read on...

Chapter 32

The Meeting!

Payal saw Arnav trudging behind Khushi and then turned to look at Aakash! His face was agog with excitement, yet there was an anxious look in his eyes!

Payal smiled inwardly. Aakash ji looked so happy to see his brother at a distance, what would he do when his brother hugged him!

But then it suddenly occurred to her how Arnav hated to talk about his maternal side of the family. Khushi had told her about his hatred many times!

What if Arnav reacts badly? Poor Aakashji would be absolutely heart broken! He had gone through so much today! His hotel room had been ransacked, he had probably escaped by a whisker, he was in no state to take the rude arrogant behavior of his brother on top of all that Payal grimaced! She must do something immediately to save him from the famous ASR anger!

Payal pushed Aakash behind her and rushed forward to meet Arnav and explain the whole situation to him before he met Aakash.

Khushi saw Payal rushing towards them and inquired, "Jiji! What is the matter? Why did you want me to come here secretly? Who is that man with you? " she said pointing towards Aakash.

"He is..he is..." Payal stammered looking at Arnav anxiously.

Arnav squinted his eyes."Is he is the guy you are getting married to? That is Pankaj's brother, isn't he?"

Arnav could not imagine Khushi's shy sister with any boyfriend in a park so he assumed that she was with her fianc.

Meanwhile Payal was thinking, it's not a bad idea to introduce Aakashji as Nirajji The truth could be told later once Arnav was ready to accept it.

She stammerd her lie, "I..er..yes...that man is Pankaj's brother Niraj!" But she had forgotten about her younger sister's loud mouth!

"Hey Devi Maiyya!" Khushi exclaimed her eyes nearly popping out with surprise.

"What are you saying Jiji? That man isn't..."

"Shut up, Khushi, Payal literally jumped on Khushi, clamping her mouth and pulling her behind a big tree before she could spill the beans!

But she could not save him from Arnav's wrath because Arnav was no admirer of Pankaj! (Lol!) In fact while Payal was telling Aakash's story to Khushi many inadvertent thoughts were flitting across Arnav's mind!

Pankaj's brother! No doubt Pankaj, that b****** had sent his brother to get in touch with Khushi!

Arnav glanced behind him. Payal had pulled Khushi away from him and was explaining something to her animatedly! Perhaps Pankaj's brother had asked Payal to meet Khushi secretly and convince her to marry Pankaj!

Arnav's eyes blazed with fury and he took long threatening steps towards the bespectacled young man who was gawking at him from afar! How dare he!

In no time he was abreast the man who was gazing at him wide eyed...

Arnav yanked him by his collar and said threateningly,

"Listen you clown, stop staring at me like an idiot and get it into your head that Khushi is mine! You are trying to use Payal to get to Khushi aren't you? Tell that fathead brother Pankaj of yours that I will never let Khushi go! Is that clear dammit?! Tell him to backoff from my girl or I will..." Arnav thrust his fist into Aakash's face, his nostrils flaring, his eyes red with anger.

Aakash was too shaken to react. He blinked his eyes rapidly from under his glasses. As a kid he had always looked up to his bhai who had always been very protective towards him. And today, after so many years he was having to bear the brunt of his famous gussa thanks to some wretch named Pankaj!

"Who is this Pankaj ? " Aakash muttered to himself.

But Arnavs sharp ears did not miss anything. "What the! You have forgotten your own brother who sent you to here to meet Khushi" he barked.

"Pankaj did not send me bhai..." Aakash muttered in awe.

"Really?" Arnav cocked one eyebrow incredulously, "Then who did?" He tightened his hold on his collar

"Your Nani..." Aakash's voice came out as a mere whisper.

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The private investigator met Aman in the shadow of the dilapidated building and handed over a piece of paper to him.

"This is the address of the house Shyam Manohar Jha frequents in Lucknow," he whispered, "It is at the end of the lane," he said pointing to the narrow street on their right.

"Are you sure?" Aman gulped.

"Positive Sir. A young woman by the name of Sheela lives there along with an old lady, probably her mother."

Aman's eyes flew open in surprise! Sheela! Could this Sheela be the erstwhile receptionist of ASR who had been spying on ASR on behalf of Ajit Mallik! She had disappeared suddenly! Why was Shyam shielding her!

Aman patted the detective's shoulders and stepped out of the shadows. He adjusted his collar and taking a gulp of fresh air started walking down the lane toward's Sheela's house!

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"What do you mean Nani sent you!?" Arnav roared.

Khushi and Payal broke their conversation at the sound of his voice and stared at the two men in shock.

"Arnav let him go!" Khushi found her voice and screamed at him.

But Arnav ignored her plea and in fact he tightened his hold on Aakash's collar and repeated again,

"Who the hell is Nani..." he stopped in mid sentence, abruptly...

"You don't remember your Nani, bhai..." Aakash's voice was soft and misty.

Arnav dropped his hold on Aakash's collar and staggered back. His eyes clouded with surprise and shock, he tried to push away the thought that was growing at the back of his mind...it couldn't be...

His eyes clouded, his breath shallow, "Who are you dammit?"

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Aman was about 20 yards from the house when he saw a familiar figure cross the street opposite and make a dash for Sheela's house! Aman's heart raced! It was Shyam! He was certain! He hoped Shyam had not noticed him. This was a grand piece of luck. He would be able to catch Shyam red-handed!

The window facing the street was wide open. An old lady was lying on the bed facing the window. Aman quickly plastered himself against the unpainted grimy wall of the house and peeped inside. Compared to the run-down exterior the interior of the house was modern and well furnished. No doubt Shyam had not spared any penny of his Saale sahab's money to keep his mistress happy! Shyam's Mistress! Well he was not sure...but that was likely. Otherwise why would Shyam land up in Lucknow in this woman's house on the pretext of an official tour!

He could see Shyam's back. He had flopped down on the pulsh black leather sofa. He looked distraught. He held his head between his hands. Sheela was sitting besides him, hugging him sideways, consoling him. Aman wondered why he was upset.

Aman grimaced. Anger ran through his veins as the smiling innocent face of Anjali ji came to his mind.

Suddenly the sound of shattering glass startled Aman. He almost jumped out of his skin. He stared aghast as he saw blood splurting out of Shyam's fist and the woman staring listlessly at the broken shards of her table top.

Sheela's mother trembled in her bed and cried silently as Shyam fumed, "Stupid woman! Imagine she threatened Subhadra Mallik! She is getting out of control and is treading dangerous waters! She has to be taught a lesson!"

A shiver ran down Aman's spine. Someone had threatened Subhadra Mallik! Was Shyam referring to Anjali ji! Was he going to harm her!

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"This is Aakash, Chottey...our Aakash, you remember him don't you?" Anjali's voice floated across.

Arnav swivelled around. Khushi and Payal were guiding his limping sister towards them.

"Di?!" he lipped incredulously.

"I had to come Chhotey..." she said simply, looking from Aakash to him and back.

As realization dawned on Arnav, his eyes filled with pain.

"Yes I can see that, Di," he said in a strange quiet voice "You have come here for Nani who has no doubt sent him as her emissary ..." he said jerking his thumb at Aakash without looking at him.

He laughed a short sarcastic laugh, "So he was the person you were supposed to meet in the RM garden! And I almost went mad with worry when I heard you scream in the garden...I thought you were in danger...!"

"Chhotey...don't misunderstand me please..." Anjali pleaded desperately, a tear sprung out of her eye and rolled down her cheek.

"Where was Nani and this newly found brother of yours when we were alone and frightened after Maa left us ..." he demanded furiously.

He continued in a strained manner, "I wouldn't have hated Nani so much if she hadn't pretended to care for us and then left us alone..."

Aakash stepped forward. "Bhai..." he started in a strangled voice.

Arnav stopped him with a lift of his palm.

"Keep out of this..." his voice was thunderous, "This is between me and my Di..."

" Its not Di's fault Arnav," Payal quipped, " I phoned Di to come here..."

Arnav turned towards Payal and smirked sarcastically "Unbelievable! So you are all part of this conspiracy against me! "

"I spoiled your plan didn't I by landing here unwittingly...you did not think I will find out about this, did you?" his eyes were bloodshot as he trained them on Aakash, Payal and Di, one by one till his eyes locked with Khushi.

"You too Khushi..." he accused her.

Khushi shook her head vigorously in negation. The hurt look in his eyes was unbearable...

"Well you guys carry on with your plans but since I came here uninvited I will take my leave...I have better things to do with my life" he announced in a controlled voice.

And the next moment he was making his way out of the park, walking into the red sun as it set over the horizon.

Anjali's feet gave away as she saw her brother distancing himself from her with every long stride he took.

She would have crumpled to the ground if an alert Aakash hadn't caught her.

"Chottey..." she sobbed.

"Di everything will be fine...bhai will understand sooner or later..." Aakash consoled her, hugging her tightly.

"Aakash...Sorry, I did not want your first meeting with us to be like this...its all my fault..." she cried softly.

Anjali di don't blame yourself...Arnav is in shock...you know how much he cares for you..." Khushi said gently.

Tears streamed down Anjali's face, as she looked up at the chirping birds returning to their nests in the twilight.

She turned to Khushi and said beseechingly,

"Khushi...bring him back...please!"

"How can he do that? Anjali di the state he is in, he will never listen to me..." Khushi murmured.

"Yes he will," Aakash said looking at Khushi thoughtfully, "I am certain!"

"How can you say that!?" Payal inquired curiously, you have just met them.

Aakash smiled to himself remembering what his bhai had said...Khushi is mine, I will never let her go...

Payal hugged Khushi. "Please Khushi I made a mess of everything please set it right..." she said guiltily.

Khushi nodded and stumbled out of the park. Her heart went out to Arnav...he must be in so much pain...

"Tell Mohan to drive you in the car in which I came here..."Anjali called after her.

Khushi ran out of the park with the huge red ball of setting sun lighting her path...

Mohan was standing in the middle of the road, staring in the distance, a worried look on his face.

"What happened Mohan ji... where is the SUV?" Khushi inquired breathlessly.

"ASR took the keys from me and drove away...he can drive only with one hand as the other is fractured. I am worried...he looked very upset Khushi didi!"

"I know," Khushi sighed. "In which direction did he head Mohanji?"

"I am sorry I don't know Khushi didi but definitely not towards Raizada Mansion," Mohan looked crestfallen.

"Not RM?! Well that is a great help Mohan ji," Khushi assured him.

"Where are you Arnav?" she whispered her eyes raised heavenwards. The lingering red sky seemed to indicate something...Khushi shivered..

"Come, let us go Mohanji, I think I might know where he is!"

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Khushi ran inside Ratna aunty's rose garden, her eyes searching for him desperately.

And there he was on the bench, as she had suspected, his head held in his hands...no doubt trying to find solace among the roses his maa had so lovingly planted.

Khushi let out the breath she was holding and sent a text message to Anjali di...

I have found him, don't worry'

But her own heart was in turmoil as she walked towards him silently and sat down on the bench close to him.

"Arnav.." she whispered.

He lifted his head immediately. His eyes were moist.

"What are you doing here dammit!?" he rasped "Just leave me alone, samjhi tum!"

"I can't..." she said in a strangled voice.

"What do you care Khushi?"

"Hummey farak padta hai, Arnav (I care Arnav)!"

"Then why did you betray me Khushi?" his voice broke and he looked away quickly.

"I did not betray you Arnav, believe me, and neither did Anjali di or anyone else...Aakash has come to deliver Nani's message, she wants to meet you and Anjali di, she has something important to tell you and Aakash told Jiji that it has something to do with Dadi..." Khushi said in one breath.

Arnav turned to her incredulously, "Really?"

"Yes Arnav and once you meet Nani you can always ask her why she left in the manner she did and why she did not keep in touch with you and Anjali di for all these years..." Khushi said, thanking Devi Maiyya secretly for allowing her to make some headway with Arnav! At least he was talking to her!

Arnav closed his eyes in pain... "Yes I need to know why did Nani do that..." he muttered his eyes shut tightly.

He had always been a loner. And even today he preferred to suffer alone Khushi thought ...her heart warming up to him. His anger had always been his defence mechanism she knew but his rude behavior could be so frustrating at times. But sitting on the bench among the roses he did not look a bit like the Laad Governor he was!

On an impulse Kushi leaned towards him and kissed him on his cheek.

Arnav opened his eyes and Khushi lost herself in his chocolate pools. He raised her fingers to his lips and kissed them one by one.

Lost in the moment Khushi sat still but her heart raced at a mad pace. Yet for the sake of Anjali di she asked him, "You will meet Aakash and Nani won't you?"

"Yes," he murmured and then suddenly with a wild look in his eyes which penetrated her very being he said, "You will never run away from me Khushi..." It was more of a statement than a question.

Khushi shook her head slowly.

A slight breeze blew. He tucked an errant strand of hair behind her ear and leaning forward pecked her on her lips softly. Khushi gasped as a sweet sensation ran down her spine.

"Promise me..." he mumbled against her pink lips...

"I promise..."she said with tears in her eyes.

And then she was in his arms, his hungry mouth upon hers, drinking her sweet nectar and gaining succour from it.

"Don't leave me," he whispered in a frenzy, lifting his lips and smothering her with kisses all over her face, trailing urgent kisses down her neck and shoulders.

Khushi pushed him away slightly and cupped his distraught face.

Her hands trembled but her voice was steady... "I won't leave you, I won't!"

And then she pulled his head down on her breasts so that he could hear her heartbeat ...chanting his name...

And somehow the crazy beat ...calmed him down.

He sat in Maa's rose garden for ages, finding deep tranquility in her embrace and her promise.

She nursed his fears and knew in that moment that she would never be able to leave him alone and unprotected... She rubbed her cheeks against the head resting on her heart...her heart in bloom... like the red roses...

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Happy New Year! 🥳

With warm wishes for 2015 to all 🤗

wiwy

P.S. Thanks for your likes and comments in advance. See you next year!😉😃

lovely update.. loved how Arnav threatened Aakash.. hope Aman gets out of this safely..

Wonderful. Happy new year to you too

Awesome update dear, thank god arnav agreed to meet nani. Hope he will come to know daadi's evilness and the truth behind all this mess.