Arshi FF : Merger Thrd # 2 Link to Thread #3 on Page 1 - Page 59

23...

Arnav work got great success

Aman and arnav have a deal...

and now aman want to start separate...

coz personal involvement with anjali... gentlemen

but they way this break to arnav ... just not right

aman said it what anjali fears of him... and where he stand
no matter what...

Awesome Aman 👍🏼 👍🏼

My god so many things happening !! Is that Shyam who came with 40lakh chip , poor khushi ... I wish Mr. Arnav will soon understand that he is in love and understand Anjali's situation

I am super confused... Am I missing something?

Is she being tied to shyam? But then how come all of the sudden? Why did she lash out on Arnav?

A/n: Hey All, I know the previous chapter left with lot of questions. The story ahead will reveal the answers slowly. I received some amazing comments from all of you. Feels really special to know that you all have perceived the right spirit of this story. Thankyou...thankyou one and all... 😊

I have made new friends in the process of writing this story. Thankyou so much for joining us all in the journey of this pair of Arnav and Khushi.

Do leave your COMMENTS after reading this chapter. Have tried to make up for the short and abrupt update last time. Hope you all like it.

CHAPTER 24

WHAT TRANSPIRED OVER THE WEEKEND WITH KHUSHI

It was more than two weeks since she last spoke to Arnavji. He was no where. He never came online. Never sent any emails. No phone calls to any body.

But then, he was everywhere, in the small talk of the people during lunch break; Lavanyaji's constant whining that the office was not the same without ASR.

But the things that reminded her the most were the phone handset beside her desktop, directly in her line of sight and the envelope in her top desk drawer, which had his clumsy handwriting. Every time her phone rang, a part of her wished that it was him. And she was disappointed each time.

Sometimes, she mused Does he think about me as much as I do? Does he feel... anything at all?' Wrong wrong...all wrong thoughts Ms. Khushi Kumari Gupta. Don't you tread on that road dear. It will only hurt you more. Her mind reminded her.

She needed a break to clear her mind. May be going back home would help. If only Amma gave up talking about that alliance. She booked the tickets for the ensuing weekend.

***

SATURDAY MORNING OF THAT WEEKEND

As she entered her home, Payal leaped on her with happiness. Oh...she had missed her Jiji so much.

"Jiji, I have to go to the tuition class. I will be back in 4 hours. Then I am skipping my studies this weekend. No..no... You and Amma are not going to say anything... Its been so long since I have spent time with you. But have to leave now, or else I will miss the bus." Payal hugged her quickly again and rushed out of the gate, screaming and waving a goodbye.

Khushi waved back to her. Since the incident where she went missing, Chutki had made a big turnaround. She lived up to her promise. She studied hard. Had rose up to be the top 5 students of her class. She helped Amma in household work. And was extremely disciplined and focused about her activities.

She felt guilty for judging her kid-sister to have failed her. May be she herself was learning too. May be people falter. Some redeem themselves, like Arnavji and Chutki. And some don't, like her father. But as a person, you should know who is with you. Arent these the ones who are bankable. Why waste tears on those to whom you don't exist.

"Arey O Khoosi. Where are you lost, standing at the entrance? Go, unpack and freshen up. I am making some chai."

Khushi sighed. Guess, she had a lot of growing up to do, herself. She picked up her bag and made way to her cupboard to unpack.

As she opened her cupboard, she stilled at what caught her sight. She picked it up slowly, hands going chill at the touch of the paper.

"Amma ..." She called out for her mother. But her voice was barely a whisper. Her thudding heart consuming all her other energies. "Amma..." This time she managed to carry her voice to her mother.

Garima smiled , whirling the tea-vessel with a spoon. Looks like she had seen it.

"Amma... What is this doing here?" Khushi came dashing to the kitchen.

"Oh...this...? Finally! Finally we get to talk about it. Don't know what he has seen in you, but this boy has been patiently waiting for you all these months."

"What?!!" Khushi gasped in utter shock. "He is the..the?"

"Haan baba. This is the boy whose rishta came for you within days of you shifting to that big city. They visited us couple of months ago too."

"What? Here she was thinking that she had gotten rid of that man as soon as she had shifted to the Regional Branch. But looks like he had been hounding behind her back all this while. "He came here too?"

"Aur nahi to ka. Byah ka mamla hain. We needed to talk face to face." She filtered the tea and poured it into two steel glasses. Holding them one in each hand, she settled herself against a wall in the small hall.

"Amma... do you know what kind of a person he is?"

"Yes, I know. Bahut hi suseel ladka hain. His father told me that he first asked for the anumati' of his parents. And then they came here, asking for my consent."

"Amma... You have no idea. He is..he is..."

"Very very good. He told me that he liked you instantly when he saw you in the office. How much you were dedicated and diligent towards work. He thought it would be inappropriate to ask you directly. So, he first asked his parents and they came to our doorstep with the Rishta."

"I am so lucky. Finally my days of misery are coming to an end." Garima cooed

Khushi shook her head. Looks like he had completely brainwashed her. She tried another angle to convince her mother.

"Amma... look at it this way. Once I get married, I am not even sure if they will allow me to work. And even if I do, they may not be ok if I want to support you and Chutki."

"Arey, do you think I am a fool to accept a rishta, without thinking through all this. Ofcourse, I have discussed all these matters with them. I have told them point blank. This marriage will happen only if they give me Rs. 40 Lakhs. And that too before the wedding."

"AMMA!!! WHAT ARE YOU SAYING??!! HOW COULD YOU..."

"Arey you don't know this Mard-zaat, Khoosi. You need to make hay while sun shines. They will have fun with a woman till their interest lasts and then will abandon her once they are bored. So, there is no way anyone can fool me again in this lifetime."

"Look, this is the way I have made the "hissab"." Garima took hold of one of Chutki's pen and books.

Then she wrote down -

"Rs. 20 Lakhs for me and Rs. 20 Lakhs for Chutki. Total 40 Lakhs. This is the amount I have asked them to pay. Baraabar bola na?! Or is the amount less?"

"Once I am gone, you take my share completely. When your husband leaves you, you will have this Rs. 20 Lakhs to support you."

"Moreover, you are capable of working. So, unlike me, you can earn for yourself. Keep this as a back up."

Garima smiled looking at the numbers on the paper. She had indeed made a very intelligent and well thought through plan. This was the only way to secure not only the future of her daughters, but also herself. Since the time her husband had left her, only one thought had gnawed her. Financial Security - For herself and her children. Life had given an opportunity to fix the problem and that too in a big way. She would be a fool to not sieze it. Khoosi or others may not appreciate her efforts. But over time her daughter will come to appreciate her pragmatism.

She was so fixated on resolving one problem, that she failed to take in the wholistic picture. While trying to fix her finances, she failed to see if the man met a much more primary need of a woman. Physical Security and Self Esteem.

Khushi stood mutely at the kitchen entrance. Aghast at the words coming out of her mother's mouth. Her mother had meticulously thought through as to how she would wed her children away.

No...no... she will put an end to this right now. She will convince her mother that life need not be led this way. And she will definitely not marry that vile man. She tried to un-brainwash her mother's mind.

"And why do you think they will agree to pay such a huge amount?"

"Oh...that boy is so suseel, Khoosi. He patiently heard all my calculation. And at the end of the discussion, he had no choice but to accept the amount. In fact, he called again... about three weeks ago... He even offered to double the price."

Three weeks ago? Was he still persevering this? How was she going to tell Amma that he is the most vile man she has seen till now.

For the next three hours the mother-daughter argued, fought, screamed and yelled, at each other. Trying to get their point through. Finally, Garima hit her head vigourously cursing her fate. "First my useless husband abandoned me. And now, his daughter has decided not to seize the best deal we could ever get in our lives.

And why wouldn't you do that? After all it is his ganda-khoon that is flowing in you.

You are just like your "baap". Downright selfish.

You think I am a fool Khoosi. I know exactly why you are refusing this deal. Have all the fancy time you want with your Arnavji in that big city. But once he drops you like a trash, don't come running back to this house. If you refuse this alliance, understand one thing clearly chori, you and I will have no relationship going forward. And after that, your sister and I have will have no option but to kill ourselves as we have no one to support us."

Garima got herself a pillow, threw it on the mat on the floor and slept facing the wall.

Khushi looked at her mother's lying form. She went inside the bedroom and slid down the wall. Folding her knees close to her chest, she bent her head down feeling a sheer sense of hopelessness.

"Devi Maiyya What am I to do now? Amma is just not willing to understand how bad that man is. Devi maiyya... Help me... Devi Maiyya ... Help Me..." She called out to her only hope.

Yes... only Devi Maiyya could tell her how to get out of this mess. She slowly picked up her purse and walked out of the house quietly.

Payal came home shortly afterwards. "Jiji... I am back..."she came sprinting inside the house.

"Jiji? Jiji...? Amma where is Jiji." She shook Garima by the shoulder.

"Wahin kahin hogi. Go away. She shirked the hands of the young girl away. "You two sisters are sitting on my head like Shani." She cursed them and went back to her sleep.

Jiji's suitcase was beside the cupboard. She must have gone out for something. Payal knew about her Amma's mood swings and didn't give it much thought. She decided to wait for her Jiji. She would return soon.

***

The panditji at the mandir saw that girl sitting by the pillar. He went near her and asked - "Bitiya, is there any problem. You have been sitting like this since afternoon." Khushi looked at the person addressing her. Her eyes were red and puffy.

"No...panditji... I am ok."

"Bitiya, every problem seems big when you are close to it. But when you see it from afar, it becomes very small. Put all your worries on Devi Maiyya.

Go home bitiya. It is getting dark. Trust Devi Maiyya to fix all your problems."

Khushi bowed before her diety seeking help desparately. She hoped she could reason with her mother. And slowly made way to her house.

Just as she was about to knock on the door, she heard her mother's angry voice from the other side.

"Kahaan rehgayi yeh Khoosi. Let her come, I will take her to task. Anyway I called Shyam Babua and told him that Khoosi is here. He is coming with his family tomorrow afternoon. By this time tomorrow, they will both be engaged."

"Chutki, go look for her on the street... Pata nahin kahaan margayi... Or has she run away just like her father?"

Khushi stilled on the other side of the door. Shyam knew she was here? Her mother was completely mesmerized by him. She was in no mood to listen to her. She traced her steps back and walked away from the house.

What was she going to do now? If she went home, her mother will put her on house arrest. She needed time to think. She needed a place to go. She went back to the temple. It was closed and dark inside. The panditji's words came back to her

Bitiya, every problem seems big when you are close to it. But when you see it from afar, it becomes very small. Put all your worries on Devi Maiyya, bitiya.'

Weren't his words similar to what Arnavji had once told her... Arnavji... Where are you?... I need you... Please come back... She held on to the temple gate. Blinking tears of fear away. Trying to think straight, when dread was trying to consume her senses.

Some slurred voices from around the corner alerted her. The street was dark and lonely. It wasn't safe.

Arnavji always asks himself... "What is the right thing to do right now?" She asked herself the same question.

Cant go home. Cant stay in the temple... Where shall I go?... Back to PG? That was one place she could go... She would call Amma once she reached there.

She walked to the bus stand. Sometimes with a brave face, sometimes her tears betraying her. Arnavji, am I doing the right thing...? Arnavji... where are you? Her heart sought the one person who had made a permanent place in her heart. Wiping her tears, she bought a bus ticket back to the PG.

With baited breath she waited for the bus to start. Hoping neither Chutki nor her mother would come searching for her.

As the bus made way out of the town, she slowly started to relax. Atleast, she had bought time for a few hours if not more. If she was physically not available, then there was nothing much either her mother or Shyam could do.

As she watched the roads and lights passing by, her thoughts went back to what her mother said earlier in the day:

Engagement with Shyam"

Hissab'

Rs. 40 Lakhs before wedding'

WHEN' your husband leaves you. Her thoughts stopped at those words. Her mother did not use the word "If". She said "When". It was as if she was sure whoever married her, would eventually leave her.

She closed her mouth and wept silently, facing the window.

"Arnavji..."her heart called out. "Would you leave me too?"

"Khushi, maine tumhe nahi choda tha." "Naahi ab chodke jaa raha hoon. Kyunki... kyunki... BAAT TUMHARI HAIN."

"Arnavji... Arnavji..." Pulling her knees closer to her chest, she buried her face inside and wept her heart out. Her body shook silently due to her sobs, while the person beside her, the people in the bus and the world outside slept peacefully.

***

The Bus reached her destination at odd hours. She was standing at the gate of her PG at 3.00 in the morning. The security guard was fast asleep. She called out to him, but to no avail. She climbed up the gate and jumped onto the other side. The guard shifted a bit on his seat, but did not wake up. She tiptoed to the main door. But it was closed. Relieved that she was atleast within the closed quarters of her PG, she settled herself in the alley at the side of the building. Around 6 AM the housekeeping maid opened the main door and went about her cleaning work. And Khushi quietly made way to her room, without anyone noticing her. It was a Sunday morning and everyone woke up later in the day.

She lay down on her bed. Sarita was not in the room. May be she had gone visiting her family too.

She had to call Amma and Chutki. Amongst these fights, she atleast owed Chutki some respite. That girl should not go through what she herself went through when her father disappeared. She would call them from an STD booth, after day break.

She closed her eyes. Atleast sleep would keep these problems away for a short time.

An hour later, she sprang up and sat on the bed. Her restless mind was eager to seek the solution and fix this problem. She had been going over her conversatioin with her mother over and over again. And something had just caught her attention.

Her mother had told her, that Shyam approached with the alliance within days of her being transferred to the Regional Branch. Which means, this entire plan had been cooking for 10 months now?

Khushi slowly and surely started to see the entire situation clearly.

It was not a simple case of getting her mother to agree with her. The real issue was Shyam. He was obsessed with her. Or else, who would wait for 10 months and put all his efforts to get a girl.

Shyam knew exactly where she was. And he had gone behind her back and hit her weak points - Money and Family. By doubling the proposal amount, he had shown he could go to any lengths to get her.

If she refused to marry, what would be HIS reaction? What would HE do?

Just accept and withdraw? No... he might fight back... HE WILL FIGHT BACK. HE WOULD NOT GIVE UP EASILY.

May be he would offer more money? Or threaten her? Hurt her? Hurt Chutki? Oh God! She couldn't let anything happen to Chutki...

As the day progressed, her mind started to play-over all the possibilities as to how Shyam could hurt them. Three women. With no support whatsoever. And everyone knew the best way to hurt a woman. Everytime she thought about the consequences, she shuddered.

She double checked if she had latched her room's door. But what about Chutki and her mother.

She had to find a way out of this mess.

In all this, she totally forgot to call her mother and inform that she was in the PG.

She did not realise when she had fallen asleep, 'coz when she opened her eyes, it was dark. How could that be? Had she slept through the entire evening?

Oh My... she had forgotten to inform her mother. And...Shyam..? He must have visited them. He must have gotten very angry when he didn't see her. Did he do something in a fit of rage...? She had to call them...and know how they were...

She stood up in a rush. Suddenly, she felt dizzy... with nothing to hold as a support, she took two steps ahead. Everything around her was spinning. As she collapsed, she hit the corner of Sarita's metal bed. The sharp corner slit the skin of her temples. Her flaying arms hit the lamp on the side table. The lamp toppled to the floor, smashing the bulb. Pieces of glass was all over. And as Khushi fell on the glass pieces on the floor, her hand directly fell on the broken glass stuck on the bulb's thread.

The cuts weren't deep, but they were all over her body. She lay there bleeding, drip by drip...

And this is how Arnav had found her 18 hours later.

***

CONTINUED IN NEXT POST

PRESENT DAY MID-NIGHT 2.30 AM. ARNAV IS IN DELHI.

"Ok Kaka. Take care of Khushi and yourself. I will try and be back as soon as possible. Tell her I have some urgent work in Delhi and that's why I had to travel back." Arnav cut the call, resigning himself from the situation. There was only so much he could do, sitting at a distance.

He had back to back meetings all day, and didn't find time to call Khushi back. And finally when he did, he was able to speak only to Kaka. "She is sleeping" Kaka had lied to him. He knew she was avoiding him. But was it because she was mad at him or was she trying to avoid answering some tough questions. He concluded that it was both.

He needed some lone time with her to sort the things. And that's just not what the circumstances were letting him have. He felt like as if nooses were tied to his arms and legs and he was being pulled in four different directions. He crushed his hair and dragged his palms down to his face in helplessness.

From, in-between his fingers, his eyes fell on the array of documents lying in front of him. The new client had sent the contract, which had to be reviewed and returned in the next couple of days. And they were no where near completion.

He walked up to the walls of his glass cabin and looked down at the work area. No one was in office. His mind was occupied with a plethora of things. The foremost being Khushi. For the first time in his life he was not giving his 100% to his work. It was actually the other way round. It was irritating him. This entire Delhi trip was irritating him. He wished somehow all these problems took care of themselves so that he could catch the next flight back home.

He sighed deeply and inserted his hands in his pockets. Wait a minute. What did I just think? He jerked his head up to look at his reflection in the glass wall. Back home? But isn't Delhi... my home?!!!

He closed his eyes. His inner self was shouting out and loud that he go back to Khushi. He knew that's what he wanted. But he had these stupid rules he had made up for himself. "Do what is right, not what you want" blah blah blah... He cursed himself. What use is a rule when you don't get to live and do things you like. To hell with them... He cursed those rules.

He had to fix this... And fix this soon. If not for anything else, for his own sanity. Dragging back to his desk, he ordered himself to not sleep till this contract was reviewed and sent back to the lawyers for finishing up.

He spent the next 4 hours reviewing the document and giving his feed back. He recorded all his comments and sent his driver to the lawyers. That was the only way to save time. He was in no mood to type' them. Every minute was counting. And he want to head back home... I mean... go visit Khushi , he corrected himself, ... as soon as possible.

***

He drove himself towards home. Delhi Home. It was high time he had a talk with Di.

His thoughts went back to his conversation with Aman. Aman confessed he loved Di. But did Di love him?

His mind ran over some incidents of the past few months.

Aman travelling with Anjali un-annouced. Aman dancing with Anjali. Aman proactively finding a doctor to fix her limp. Aman's reaction when he saw Di's tears at the airport.

Di asking Arnav a weird question after Sarita's engagement broke up - "Would you accept a man of my choice Chotey?"

How could he not see all this? He was a fool to have not seen all this. Aman, you are right. I was indeed a jerk.

Oh Di... you should have told me... I would have still been a jerk, but it would have been only between the two of us. Bekaar mein Aman got beaten up. Tossing his head back, he smiled... Di-Aman... Di and Aman. Just perfect... perfect for each other. His car's speed slowly matched his growing happiness.

TING TONG!!! He rang the door bell. Maami opened the door. "Aao bitwa. Good timing, chai is ready."

He stepped inside. Di was no where to be seen. He went into his room and changed quickly. Aman had vacated two days ago, just after their fight.

He went to the kitchen. Di was making breakfast.

"Good na Di?" He munched on a tomato piece. "Aman found a house for himself. Now I have the whole room for myself." He propped up on the kitchen counter.

Anjali's nose flared in anger. She did not acknowledge his presence. She bit her teeth, controlling herself from reacting and went on to peel some onions.

"Bohot kaamchor ho gaya hain Aman. He hasn't come to office in two days. I have to take him to task. Saaley ko seedha karna padega." He chomped on some more tomatoes.

She gave him a stern look. And butchered the onions on the chopping board.

Arnav controlled his laugh and continued.

"Achcha Di. I have to share something with you. There is a proposal for you. Nice guy. One of our supplier's son. Good wealthy family. The guy is also well educated...and moreover..."

"BAS... Ab bas kijiye Chotey!!!" She banged the knife on the chopping board. "Stop all this. I am not going to marry. EVER. SAMJHE AAP?!"

She dashed out of the kitchen. Arnav followed her like a gosling.

"Arey... Di... Why are you getting upset...?"

"Aur jisko aap "seedha" karna chaahatein hain," She turned back and pointed her forefinger towards Arnav. "He is your friend. A friend who probably is more dedicated to your company than you have been. You keep running away to that Regional Branch for no apparent reason. And it is your friend who has been back-filling for you all the while. Don't you have even an ounce of gratitude?"

She paced towards her room.

"Arey... chodo na Di... why are we talking about Aman... tell me, would you like to meet the guy? Trust me Di, this alliance will not fail..."

"Chup kariye chotey. Ek dum chup." Anjali yelled. "I will not marry this guy. I will not marry another one... I WONT MARRY ANYONE."

"Why Di? Why not?" Arnav slightly raised his voice.

"Kyun ke... kyun ke..." Tears whelmed in her eyes and she slumped on the bed. She covered her face with her palms.

Arnav sat by her side and held her by the shoulder. "Kyun ke... none of them will be Aman, isn't it Di?" He stated the fact softly.

Anjali stilled and slowly looked at her younger brother.

"Why didn't you tell me Di? Am I so hopeless that you can't share your feelings with me?"

"Nahi...Chotey, Nahi... Don't say like that..." she hugged her younger brother... "I just thought nobody will understand... You would mistake him and his intentions..."

"I did Di."

Anjali looked at him confused.

"I did mistake him. Why do you think he left our house all of a sudden? I punched him when he told me he loved you."

"Uhhh!!!" Four people sucked their breath at the same time. Naani, Maama and Maami had been eaves dropping their conversation at the door.

"Yeh Aapne theek nahi kiya Chotey." Naani walked into the room closely followed by Maama and Maami.

"Arnao bitwaa. As it is these two have taken forever to get together. Now, you don't taang-adaao-fy between them." Maami reprimanded him.

"Manno... you knew about them?"

"Aur nahi to ka. These things can't be hidden from a mother's eyes." Maami kissed Anjali on the forehead.

Anjali felt shy.

"Chotey. Go right now and get Daamadji back. And apologise to him." Naani took Arnav to task.

"Damaadji... Who's that?"

Naani twisted his ear and said "Aman... your friend. He is this house's Damaadji now."

"Owww Naani. It hurts... And..."

They were all interrupted with the ring of the door bell.

"And... If I am right, that should be your Damadji." Arnav winked and went ahead to open the door.

Aman's concerned face turned grim when he saw Arnav.

"Hey Aman, What's up?"

"Not now ASR. I don't want to talk to you."

"Then?"

"You were the one who messaged that Anjali is sick. So, I am going to meet her now. And I am warning you to keep your jack-a*s self away from us."

He pushed Arnav aside and headed towards Anjali's bedroom. He was instantly worried to see Anjali sitting in the middle and the three elders hovering around her.

"What's wrong...?" He asked the elders politely.

"She is sick." Came Arnav's reply from behind.

"ASR, I told you stay away from me. I am so mad at you right now, I can't even stand your face."

"Oh... then I guess, I wasted my effort..."

"Huh?!" Aman looked at him confused.

"Aman, my friend. Look at your Anju. She "was" sick. Aman-sick. But now, she is alright."

"Aman-Sick?" Aman didn't understand a word that Arnav had said.

"Yeah... Don't you get it. You are home-sick, when you miss home. And you are Aman-sick, when you misss..." He looked at Anjali

"Chotey... chup kariye... Naani...dekhiye na..." Anjali complained like a 4 year old.

Aman stood dumbfounded. What was really happening here?

"Saaley... what are you gaping at? Di accepted. And everyone in the family are thrilled with this relationship..."

"Haan Aman beta. We couldn't have found anyone better than you for our Anjali bitiya." Maami caressed Aman's head.

Aman looked at Anjali. Her full blown smile confirming everything.

"But how?"

"Chotey brought it out in the open. And Maami had figured it out much earlier..." Anjali said it softly.

Aman looked at his friend. Who stood leaning against a wall, with one leg crossed and wriggling his eyebrows proudly on his accomplishment.

Shortly, they all settled down after breakfast. The elders cooing around Anjali, teasing and recollecting their own love stories. Aman and Arnav moved to the balcony. They both looked at Anjali who was back to her original self.

"I am sorry. I was a jerk back then." Arnav apologized.

"I guess, I would have reacted worse, had you gone around with my sister behind my back. I was equally at fault ASR. I should have told you at the outset."

"Lets say we were both wrong and justified at the same time.. hmm?" Arnav called truce.

Aman nodded in assent.

He looked at his friend, who only had eyes for his sister. He smiled. "I am glad, its you."

"Huh!?"

"I am glad that its you for Di."

"Oh no ASR. I am glad its Anju for me. I can believe she will have me." His smile showed relief and contentment.

"Don't mind me asking...but how... how did this happen?"

"It's a question I have asked myself several times, ASR. And all I can think of is the first time she opened the door for me. It was that serene smile which welcomed me with open arms. No one has ever done that for me before.

I wish I could make you understand the happiness I feel everytime Anjali opens the door for me. To know that someone has missed you and has been waiting just for you. And to see the relief and happiness when they look at you after a long time... I wish I could make you understand this... this emotion ASR. Trust me, it is out of this world. Have you seen that kind of a smile?"

Yes... Yes he had seen that smile. When he used to walk in to that house and Khushi would be sitting there in the living room. And as he unlocked the door, he would see her grim face transform with a huge smile.

"Everytime I travelled, I would finish up the work as quickly as possible and take the first flight back home. I couldn't stand one moment away from Anju. And then, she would be here, waiting for me, no matter what time of the day. You know, what I am saying...?"

Yeah he knew... Wasn't he pretty much feeling the same thing right at this moment?

"And it amazes me how much she understands me. You know... she always has the right thing to say and fix my worries. How shall I put it? She...she..." Aman searched for the right words.

"Get's You??" Arnav filled in for him.

"Yes..." that's the word. "She get's me, ASR. You have no idea how gratifying it is, when someone understands you, despite not knowing a whole lot about you."

Arnav smiled. He wondered if Aman was reading his mind.

"The more time we spent apart, the more I realized I loved her. And I don't want to live a moment more without her beside me." Aman sighed looking at the love of his life.

And Arnav looked at his friend surprised. LOVE...?

***

CONTINUED IN NEXT POST

TWO DAYS LATER - SUNDAY MORNING

Arnav rang the door bell and fiddled on his feet eagerly waiting for her to open the door.

With Aman back on board, they finished the contract and sent it back to the client the previous night. He had told everyone in Delhi that he had to make a quick trip to the Regional Branch as he had not visited in a long time. Aman warned him that they had to fly to the US on Wednesday to sign the contract and meet up the biggies of the client. Assuring him he would be back soon, he literally ran from home to airport.

Tch...why weren't they opening the door...? He rang the bell incessantly again.

"Kaka... hum dekhte hain." He heard her voice on the other side of the door.

Instantly, one side of his lip curved into a smile.

As she opened, he heard him say huskily.

"Hi" He couldn't be more happy to see her...in one piece.

"Aap?" Her eyes bulged like ping-pong balls in surprise.

He cocked an eyebrow

"Aap yahan kya kar rahein hain. You didn't even call..."

"Again, Hi!" He took steps forward and Khushi stepped backwards.

"If you had told me earlier..then...?"

Arnav stilled looking at a couple of suitcases and travel bags kept on the floor near the door.

"Where are you going?" He asked her frustrated. Trust her to come up with these fantastic ideas, in his absence.

"Woh...hum..."

"Arey Saheb?"

Kaka came rushing to the door. He then looked at Khushi helplessly.

"Why...what's wrong...what's going on...?" Arnav enquired.

"Woh Saheb... I had taken a mannat that if Khushi bitiya recovered, then we will visit the Devi Maiyya temple. She has found another PG and will be shifting this evening. So, I thought we could go today, before she gets busy again..." Kaka tried to explain.

"But I guess, we can go some other time too..." Kaka hinted Khushi that they wouldn't be able to travel today.

"Why? Why some other time? We can go today, if she is up for it... Are you feeling ok? How is your weakness?"

"Hum theek hain." Khushi looked everywhere other than him.

He had come here only for her, and there was no way he was going to let go of a single opportunity to be with her.

"Ok, then lets go. I will join you guys too. I am packed anyway..." He kept his laptop bag. Nope, he wasn't going to work today. And stepped out of the house, waiting for the other two.

Both looked at him surprised. Kaka recovered first. "I will get my bag." He went inside.

Khushi pulled him by the arm outside the house and pushed him on to the wall beside the door. Watching out if Kaka was coming this way, she hissed. "Yeh aap kya kar rahein hain?"

When no reply came forth, she looked at him "Mainey poocha..." And she stopped.

Arnav was looking at her intently and slowly moved his gaze to her hands on his chest. Khushi loosened her grip on his shirt, realizing she had crossed the line. But Arnav quickly held her palm and pressed it back again.

"Bolo... what were you asking?" He diverted her mind back.

Khushi, held his shirt again, and leaned in further. "I said what are you doing? Why are you coming with us?"

"Because you are going. And I came here to be with you." He told her honestly.

"Kuch bhi.. Jhooth mat boliye. You must have come here for some other reason."

"Nahi. I am not lying." He increased his pressure on her palm.

Khushi tried to focus on the topic. She didn't want him to come. She was scared of losing her composure if he were to be around. She tried again to dissuade him.

"Dekhiye, we are going by bus. Non-AC. There will be lot of dhakka-mukka. We don't have the aukad to roam around in expensive cars." She highlighted.

"No problem, I will go in the same bus, beside you."

"Hmph...See there will be lot of crowd in the temple. You may not like it."

"That's my problem."

"We are carrying roti-sabji from home. You may not like the sabji."

"I will eat anything..."

"Tch... Kyun nahi samajh rahein hain aap..." She tried to withdraw her hand.

But Arnav held on. "We need to talk..."

Khushi stilled. What was she going to tell him? About Shyam's plans... About her mother's hissab? Or about her own feelings for him...?

Her hold on his shirt increased, as Arnav hovered his eyes all over her face. She had become so frail, he noticed. The spirit in her eyes was missing. But somewhere, he was happy. Happy to be just with her. It made the day seem brighter.

"Bitiya, take this tiffin-dabba. I put in some more snacks as per Saheb's preference."

They both heard Kaka call out from inside. Khushi jumped away from him and forced her hand out of his hold. All Arnav knew was that he hated it... He hated it when she was away from him... Even this distance of two feet... That thought in her mind that they should keep distance... He hated them all. Hence, Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada reacted the only way he knew. Anger. But this time, luckily for everyone involved, he was angry with himself.

***

An hour later, Arnav found himself standing in the Main Bus Stop of the city. They had travelled the road in an auto. And Kaka sat in between them. Hmph...Distance...

Khushi and Kaka had gone to get the tickets. She had told him curtly that she would be buying the tickets and he had to chip in his share. Kaka had pulled her away. If he knew both of them well, Khushi would be getting an earful as of now, for talking inappropriately with Saheb.

He looked around the buses. Not bad... Volvo AC Buses. So, she was lying ... huh?!! Soon Kaka and Khushi returned.

"Yeh lijiye... Your onward and return ticket. And this is the chillar."

"Kaka, these are your tickets." She handed over each of their tickets individually.

"The bus will start in 20 minutes. Let's go."

And so, they started to walk along the walkway. And Arnav passed one Volvo bus after another... Then another ... and then another. And finally, they reached this huge tin-can, with wheels underneath. The Foot-board was bent. The front was covered with a huge screen of garlands. The whole bus was painted in garish green orange and red colours. And as he stepped in, a strong stench hit him. Khushi, who was boarding just ahead of him turned back.

"Soch lijiye Arnavji. Three hours of this. And then three more hours in the evening. You can still back out."

Arnav smirked. She had done her best to drive him away. He gave her a lopsided smile. Turned her back to look ahead of her. Placed his hand momentarily on her waist and pushed her slightly indicating she should move ahead.

Khushi sucked her breath as soon as she felt his hands on her waist. But he had removed them almost immediately. She craned her head back to look at him. He was standing very close, right behind her. Why does he do this? Every time she had decided to be mentally detached from him he would do some thing endearing like this.

He could have shown that he was taking advantage of her, by holding onto her waist for a longer time. But no, he had to be a gentleman. He only returned her tease with a tease.

He could have remained aloof when she was hospitalized. When he had disappeared again. But no, he had given strict instruction to Kaka to leave a voice message every 2 hours. He had called to check on her every once in a while. He had ordered food, nuts and energy drinks online and had them delivered home. He had checked about her progress with her doctor.

With these small gestures, he made it downright impossible to stay away from him. But she had to maintain the distance. For her own good. She was already hurting and he wasn't making it easy.

"Arrey...who is that holding the queue. Idhar hi ghar basana hai kya? Move ahead...move ahead." The conductor shouted from behind.

Khushi came to her senses and went ahead to sit on a vacant seat. Arnav leaped on the seat beside her.

No way was he going to let Kaka get in between them this time. And when Kaka tagged along right behind him, he suggested he take the window seat on the other side of the aisle, a little bit ahead of them. Good thinking Arnav. You can now have the lone time you need to get her to talk to you. He had to know what had happened last weekend.

Soon the bus was packed, equally by humans and their baggage. Right from live hens tied up in a bunch, to vegetable vendors, to vessel vendors, it was completely stuffed with passengers and their loud voices.

Ridden with guilt, Khushi looked at Arnav. He was politely making space for the pot belly of a cook standing beside him. The fat man's chamcha-s had kept milk cans on their seats for safety, while they decided to stand through out the journey.

She thought may be Arnavji could exchange seats wih Kaka. But with passengers accumulating, Kaka was hidden behind all of them.

"Arnavji, do you want to shift to this seat?" She asked hoping to give him some respite.

"No.. I am alright" Came his curt reply.

Feeling bad, she turned to look outside the window.

The bus started with a screech and made way outside the bus stop. As it picked up speed, Khushi's hair escaped on to her face. And the tickets in their hands fluttered due to the breeze.

"Dijiye... let me keep the tickets safely in the purse." She took the tickets from his hand and put both of their tickets in her purse. Then adjusted her dupatta. Zipped her purse to close it. The early morning breeze was swaying more hair on to her face. She deftly tucked them back behind her ears. But in all this, the crease on her forehead remained static.

Arnav watched her go about doing these inconsequential things. But all of a sudden, something shifted within him. Looking at her at such close quarters, doing some mundane things, just being herself...with their legs and arms aligned closely with no formality whatsoever, her light jasmine scent making the early morning breeze all the more pleasant, he realized something. They both had a certain ease with each other. An ease which he never shared even with the rest of his family members.

Rest' of the family members...? Does it mean? ... Does... it ... mean...she... is ...family... too?

When Aman had spoken about love and things like that, he was confused. He thought he didn't understand all that. That he never understood the word LOVE!!

Then why does it suddenly feel that it all makes sense now. As if he had known it all along...

Arnav slowly lifted his hand and tucked her hair behind her ears. Khushi swiftly turned her head to look at him, surprised at his sudden gesture. Arnav's hand lingered on her cheeks while they both studied each other searching for answers.

In all this Arnav wondered, if he was actually seeking answers for Khushi's problems or the answers for his own confusion. But he sincerely hoped that this journey would unveil the answers to atleast one of them.

A/n : So, how was it. Eagerly waiting for your COMMENTS. Do hit the LIKE BUTTON. Your comments mean a lot to me.

Thanks again 🤗

Love

-Suri

Wow. nice update! i am in two minds about Garima😡 certainly don't agree with her ways trying to secure Khushi's and her future.which self respecting lady goes about it this way! yet, i can understand her to need to "secure" financially based on her personal experience.

glad Khushi realized foolishness of her mother's thinking and ran away.

Am glad Arnav accepted Aman & his Di relationship. beautifully depicted Arnav's insights that he gains from his conversation with Aman.

thanks for the update.

Bus journey is turning out quite interesting..hope they open up.. Excellent chapter