Arshi FF : Merger Thrd # 2 Link to Thread #3 on Page 1 - Page 83

Originally posted by: rulama

It was really good... No confusion... Good that Arnav overpowered ASR and made him see what exactly he needed and needs to do... With her history she was never going to be the first to tell him how she felt... Hence his present stance is absolutely necessary...

Loved the update... Just a request... Update next as soon as you can... Will you?

A/N: A Note on the previous few chapters:

Khushi's reluctance about revealing Shyam's issue:

Here I first request you to get into the shoes of people like Khushi and Arnav. Even before they could perceive the world around them, they have been pushed into taking care of their families. They have constantly prioritized their families, before themselves.

Trust me when I say this, Asking for Help' is a trait in itself. And not all of us possess it. Depending on the situation, it can be a good or a bad trait. If you are a person who is conversant with asking for help/assistance from your parents, siblings, friends and they in turn have obliged you, then asking for help' will come naturally to you as an adult as well.

But if you have been in a position, where you don't have anyone to approach in the first place, and even if you find someone, there is no guarantee that they will help you, then this trait will die as you grow. You will train yourself to meet all your requirements on your own.

Coming to Khushi, she has never asked anything for herself from anyone. So, asking help for herself, for her own' safety does not come naturally to her.

You might tell me that I am making a random statement, with no concrete base. But people who rarely ask help for themselves will kind of agree with me. It is a mindset to not ask help for their own good. But they will do it if it is for the benefit of their family member.

Secondly, revealing about Shyam means revealing about the Rs. 40 Lakhs issue. Which in turn means Arnav will question her about her mother's intentions. Which will entail in revealing about her father.

In a love-relationship, there is a constant endeavor to ensure that your partner does not start to despise you or see you in a bad light because of your family or back ground. Both Arnav and Khushi suffer from the same insecurity.

Khushi is still not sure how deep is the Shyam issue. Except for some bad advances towards her and his over all reputation in her earlier branch, she doesn't really know anything about Shyam. Unlike us, she' has no idea that he has bad intentions. From her perspective as of now, her mother is hell bent on this marriage rather than Shyam pursuing her. Only when she comes to know about the physical altercation between Arnav and Shyam, she will know the real seriousness of the issue.

Lot of you are hoping for a confession very soon. Believe me, I tried and tried and tried. But the natural course of the story that I have in my mind, is not letting me give a confession right away. It would be too clichd and I felt it would prematurely end the basic nature of characters. It is right around the corner. Please bear with me on this...please, please.

I know a lot of you are frustrated that they should confess already. But in these kind of love stories, where the characters have never asked anything for themselves, it would take a huge leap from their end to make the move. So, I request you to be little bit more patient for them to do it.

In the initial chapters I have presented a lot of business related scenarios. I had a certain thing in my mind, as they have some bearing during the climax of the story. You all loved the business aspect of the story. I am really hoping you will love the culmination of it too.

And coming to one major mis-giving of this story - my time lines in updating - I am really..really really sorry. AD is becoming so unpredictable. I am using every free minute in putting my thoughts into writing. I really wish and pray I have more time to write, because I love this pair of Arnav Khushi a lot. Not because its my story or anything, but because as I am writing, I am growing with them as well.

This chapter will most likely answer some questions. I hope I will not be disappointing you.

Please do let me know how you felt.

Here you go with a short pre-cap and the next chapter!

PRE-CAP:

Arnav and Khushi have realized that they have feelings for each other, but circumstances and their own insecurities are not letting them confess. In the meanwhile, Shyam has approached Khushi's mother with a marriage proposal, with a deal to pay money for the marriage. Khushi is visibly disturbed. At the end of the last chapter, Arnav and Khushi were in a motel near a Devi Maiyaa mandir, which is where Arnav finally acknowledges his feeling for Khushi and the importance she holds in his life.

CHAPTER 26

ONE WEEK LATER

Khushi looked at the man sitting beside her in the aircraft. He had suddenly aged by several years since the last time she had seen him 5 days ago.

Arnav had resumed to hold her hand as soon as they were seated and had closed his eyes, leaning his head back on the seat. Infact, he had held her hand since the time he had picked her up at her mother's home 3 hours ago. Khushi kept looking at him since the time they were seated in the aircraft. She thought she had imagined a thin film of tears in between his closed eyelids. It was confirmed when a drop slipped out and settled at the corner of his eye.

"Arnavji!" she placed her free hand on his arm.

"Kya hua, Arnavji?"

"Kyun? Why should I tell you?" He opened his blood shot eyes and looked at her sharply.

"Uuh!!" Khushi sucked her breath, looking at his distraught face.

"Arnavji, tell me what happened" she increased the pressure on his hand to convey how worried she was.

"Did you tell me last week, when I asked you the same question? Did you think I deserved to know why you quit your job and disappeared again 2 days ago? All this inspite of me requesting you repeatedly to wait for me till I return. So, tell me why should I tell you anything at all?" He snapped at her.

He didn't realize how hurting his words were. A tsunami was raging in his heart, mind and soul. And the only thing keeping him afloat was the hand he was desperately holding on to.

"Arnavji, I didn't discuss my problem with anyone." Khushi tried to explain.

"Hmphh" he scoffed. "So I am just anyone'. You are telling me that I am no different than any other man next to you. Good... good to know." He derided.

"Arnavji, Please don't think that way. Please ... Please. I didn't mean it that way."

But she knew Arnavji was too mad at her to say anything. She looked at their inter locked hands and her mind took her to a similar but a more pleasant situation in that motel a week ago.

A WEEK AGO IN THE MOTEL

"Thankyou Khushi" Khushi felt immense affection oozing out of this small gesture.

She knew he was about to elaborate on his "Thankyou", but the stupid alarm from his mobile had broken the trance of the moment. He had let go of her hand and ushered her to get ready to leave the motel. A bus would be leaving in an hour. And their bus journey back was probably the best she had ever had. Arnavji had narrated the weirdest of the stories during his pre-Harvard days. Khushi couldn't remember when she had laughed this hard.

As they reached closer to Arnavji's house, he had repeatedly asked her to take care of herself in his absence. And that he had lot of things to talk to her. Right from the real reason for joining Mallik Fashions. Khushi's heart thudded with excitement. Was he hinting at... will he be saying...? No, no, no Khushi, don't raise false hopes. She kept underplaying her excitement.

As soon as they reached home they quickly got ready and went to office.

Arnav had conversations with the managers and more specifically Lavanya. As the day came to end, Khushi wanted to wish him good luck for signing the contract. Thinking he was alone in his cabin, she opened the door slightly. But the sight in front of her shook the earth beneath. Lavanyaji was standing way too close, almost leaning on him, stroking her fingers on his face and adjusting his tie.

Visibly shaken, she ran back to her desk. No Khushi. Don't jump to conclusions. It could be anything. He did tell you to wait till the weekend. So, let's wait.

But he did say he would tell me why he joined Mallik Fashions in the first place. May be, he and Lavanyaji... may be they are... together. Her heart began to sink.

Arnav didn't get a chance to bid her goodbye before leaving. He presumed that their talk earlier in the morning was sufficient.

And then Khushi over heard Lavanyaji speaking to her Papa over phone.

"Eee!!!!! Papa!!!! You don't know what just happened.

ASR and I had a personal talk just now. He said he is completely impressed with me and he has a proposal in mind. And he will talk to you this Friday night, in the Management Dinner Party. He said it will be good for the future of all of us, especially mine!!"

... <<Mallik speaking>>

You know what Papa, I think he is going to ask my hand in marriage. What a classy man he is Papa. He is going to ask you before me!!

I think he already misses me Papa. I think he is proposing all of a sudden as he is leaving our company in a month's time.

Papa, promise you wont mess it up. I really really like him Papa.

...

If all goes well, then let's have the engagement on the same day itself!

...

Ok, I will see you on Friday. Keeping my fingers crossed till then. She gushed and cut the call.

Her heart broke as Khushi heard Lavanyaji speak. Arnavji had proposed to Lavanyaji? And he didn't mention a word during their entire trip? And he was leaving the company in one month? And didn't he find one moment to mention it anytime in the past? Does it mean she is just a good acquaintance to him and nothing more? Someone on whom he had showered his generosity? Who had no right to know some basic things about him?

Khushi cupped her mouth, lest the people around her came to know how disturbed she was. She ran to the washroom, unable to control her tears. She could not stay in this company. As far as she was concerned, this is Arnavji's company. She couldn't face him one more time without feeling shattered. She splashed water on her face several times over. Wiped her face with the dupatta. Walked up to her desk, shot out an email to her immediate manager that she was quitting with immediate effect. Picked up her bag and walked out of the office.

Tune jo na kaha main who suntan raha

Khamakha bewaja khwab bun ta raha

She went to Arnavji's home, told Kaka that she had quit her job and returning to her mother and sister and walked out of that house as well, turning deaf ears to Kaka's questions.

Jaane kis ki hamein lag gayi hain nazar

Iss sheher mein na apna thikaana raha

As she reached her house, her mother came up with a fantastic idea of her wedding with Shyam. In TWO DAYS!!

Fed up, she decided to leave her mother to her fantasies and disappear with Chutki. After a prolonged and draining argument with her mother, she opened her door to walk out of the house. And stilled, surprised to see the very man, the love of her life, standing right in front of her eyes.

He had asked her only one question "Do you trust me enough to come with me without asking questions?"

She had nodded a yes, amidst watery eyes. It was no great guess that he had heard her fight with her mother behind the flimsy door of her house. But how much had he heard, she did not know.

He had held her hand then, and never let it go, not once during their drive from her house to the airport, or while booking the ticket to Delhi at the counter. He hesitated at the security check, but held her again once she was out of the women's security box.

And now they were seated inside the aircraft flying towards Delhi.

He continued to hold her hand firmly. Had done so for the past one hour of their flight time. Something told her to not question him. At least not today.

***

"Would you like to have anything M'am? Some juice?" Khushi came to the present with the question of the stewardess.

"Do you have orange juice?"

"Here you go M'am." The stewardess handed over the glass with a smile. "And how about Sir? Would you like to keep some juice for him, since he is sleeping?"

"No, no. He is diabetic. I guess, just some water." She said unsure of what Arnavji would prefer.

As the stewardess passed by, Arnav opened his eyes and looked at Khushi. So, she knew? She knew that he was diabetic? Since how long?

Their eyes locked, neither having the energy to speak.

Kya hua Arnavji.' Khushi's eyes asked him tenderly.

Arnav's eyes misted again. Khushi knew instantly that it was something big. Very big.

Arnav was at loss of words at the moment. How was he to tell her what he had heard just a few hours ago? How was he to tell her, how one man's greed had destroyed a complete family. He reminisced his meeting at the Mallik Fashions earlier that day.

CONTINUED IN NEXT POST

EARLIER THAT DAY

"So, how are things Mr. Mallik?" Arnav started with small talk.

He had finally signed the contract in the USA. So, the success was real for him. His heart was pounding with pride and excitement equally. Pride for achieving the almost unachievable and excitement to make sure the contract was executed properly.

But in all this, his inner-self' had made a leap. He had learnt the true meaning of gratitude'. He was grateful that life had bestowed on him something so precious, His Khushi, who had become his constant companion nowadays. Not physically, not yet. But in spirit.

He constantly felt her around him. Guiding him, alerting him. But today she was holding his hand while he was about to pay his tribute to his parents. No matter what the history said, his parents had given him a wonderful childhood as long as they were alive. And this was his way of showing his gratitude towards them.

He was about to make a proposal for the Merger of Mallik Fashions with AR India. Holding his Khushi's hand, he tried to softly break the news of the proposal to the Management of Mallik Fashions, without creating too much chaos or expctations.

"Things couldnt have been better ASR." Mr. Mallik answered his earlier question. He was visibly drunk and relaxed. His sentences were slurring intermittently. "The IPO is a big success. Our share prices are soaring. Our company has never seen this kind of rapid progress. Thanks to your extraordinary business acumen and vision. We have had bumper profits quarter after quarter."

Shyam squirmed at the generous praise of his sworn enemy. He gulped his drink swiftly, but the liquid only increased the jealously soaring inside him. He walked away from the dinner table towards the bar counter.

The nerve of this b**tard. First Khushi and now Lavanya. Shyam cursed ASR, gulping one drink after another. Lavanya had called couple of days ago claiming that ASR was going to make a proposal tonight. A marriage proposal. So her dear Papa should handle it well. How dare he? How dare he try to snatch away his golden egg laying goose - Mallik Fashions? And that Mallik was in seventh heavens that he would get a son-in-law like ASR. Then what the hell was the bromancing that was going on between them all these years. Shyam felt used and dumped. Every one will pay. They had to pay. Lavanya, Khushiji, that oldman Mallik and most of all ASR. They wouldn't know what hit them.

Several drinks later, he scoffed internally. The ASR hurray-ing was still continuing behind him, at the dinner table. Steal as much credit as you wish ASR. But you have no clue how I am stealing your Myna (the bird) right under your nose. I haven't forgotten that punch all those months ago. You will pay for that insult. And Khushiji, she did nothing even though she was right behind that door that day. She just let you bash me up. She will pay for that insult too. I will not leave her so easily. Her silly mother thinks I will give her money for her useless daughter. It's got to be the joke of the decade... Ha Ha! But little does she know that all those numbers are just that... Numbers. What do I lose in quoting them? It can be 40 Lakhs or 80 Lakhs or a crore. Which idiot is going to pay it? Her daughter is going to be used and thrown.

And now, I will hit you too Mallik. You have no idea how I have spread my web in the entire company. Without me, this entire company will collapse. And once you are on the road, I wonder if ASR will even look at you, let alone your stupid daughter.

But you ASR, how am I going to triumph on you? How? Frustrated, he drank some more.

BACK AT THE DINING TABLE

"No Mr. Mallik." Arnav responded to the excessive praise he was getting. "I think the entire team should take the credit. It is their hard work which has paid off. Not to mention your able and selfless leadership. I applaud you for keeping the company's growth ahead of your personal gain."

"Well ASR, that is a praise I cannot accept." Mallik contradicted him. Voice completely slurred. "I am no saint. Infact I am a big Kameena' myself. I didn't leave my brother, then what is this company?"

"What are you saying Mallik Saheb?" The Marketing Head asked the drunken Mallik.

Arnav sat their paralysed hearing how his Uncle gloated as to how he got his brother eliminated. Mallik had gotten his tee-totaller elder brother drunk, sent a prostitute clad in his bhabhi's saree and had only wanted to click pictures in compromising postures. But his brother had handed him a gold mine when he had crossed the line with the lady. And then the younger brother had used the eve of Anjali's wedding as the right moment to strike his elder brother, to milk him for money.

"But my Lady luck was so generous on me." Mallik continued in his drunken state. "Instead of my Bhaiyya looking at the photos, my Bhabhi did. My poor Bhabhi shot herself unable to bear the infidelity of a husband who was the world to her. And my poor Bhaiya shot himself unable to bear the loss of the love of his life. My Bhaiyya Bhabhi, the Heer Ranjha of our times ended their life with the poison I had seeded in their minds. And that day I landed on this enormous wealth - this company."

"And, frankly, what do I do for this company? Practically nothing!! All I have to do is to give an emotional speech about my brother to the company's loyal employees, on his death anniversary. That reminds me, it is sometime soon, isn't it?"

"Ji Mallik Saheb, it is in two weeks" said the Marketing Head. He despised himself for associating with such a lowly man who used the name of his dead brother for his benefit.

"See, you are one of my brother's loyalists. And for fools like you, that is just enough to keep going. I cant believe how much goodwill my brother has built in his short life. I am milking it even today..." He laughed heartily.

Arnav's mind and heart were exploding. Blood drained and he felt dizzy. Feeling claustrophobic, he loosened his tie and made way to the bar which was slightly away from the seating area. He sat on a bar stool feeling weak in the knees. Mamma Papa... Mamma Papa! tears filled his eyes. Within minutes his shirt was soaked in his sweat.

I will kill him. I will kill that b**tard. The ASR side rose in his fully tyranny. Arnav, Arnav don't go into that dark again. Don't head towards it. The small boy within him made a faint attempt to retain sanity. Shut up. Shut up you coward. ASR roared. People like him should not be spared. I will kill him right now.

ARNAVJI!! Arnav stilled as he heard the faint but firm voice of His Khushi. Holding his hand firmly she said "Arnavji, listen to me. Come back Arnavji. Don't walk towards the dark. Hold yourself together right now. It is not the right time to react. Please for me, hold yourself right now, and come back to me. Come to me, Arnavji. Walk towards me." His Khushi tugged on his hand.

"Khushi..." Arnav whispered aloud. He needed her, right at this moment. He needed her to save him from the darkness that was pulling him. He needed her to breath.

"Wah!! Kya baat hain. I thought you have left her for greener pastures. But looks like even you are two-timing cheat."

Arnav heard another slurred voice. He turned to see Shyam standing at the end of the bar counter wobbling a bit. "Not now Shyam. Stay away."

"Wow ow ow... Am I scared or am I scared? Enough with your pretences ASR. On one hand you are continuing to romance my dear Khushiji and on the other you are proposing Lavanya for marriage. You can have all the women you want in your life ASR, but trust me when I say this. The next time you see them, you will have only despise and contempt. Because by then, they will be used and thrown. Mark my words, none of the women you are pursuing will be worth your while."

"Don't you dare take Khushi's name Shyam. Or else..."

"Or else what... what ASR? You think you can harm me? You can't even touch me. You won't even know what hit you. Just wait, only two more days. And you will get a reply for that punch you gave me all those months ago. I don't forget my insults so easily ASR. You will pay for it one day and so will Khushiji." Warning Arnav with his forefinger, Shyam dashed out of the party as quickly as his drunken legs could take him.

Arnav was hardly in a state of mind to understand what Shyam was saying. All he knew was that Shyam was going to target Khushi. Khushi... His Khushi... Was she safe...? He walked swiftly out of the party, calling Kaka on the way. He had to make sure she came back to his home safe and sound.

As Kaka answered the phone, Arnav thrust him with a series of instructions

"Kaka, go to Khushi's PG right now and get her home. I am booking a flight for her to Delhi. Make sure you personally escort her to the airport."

"But Saheb"

"Not buts or anything Kaka. Go to her PG right now. RIGHT NOW."

"But Saheb she is not there. She has left the city. Almost immediately after you travelled earlier this week. She has quit her job too Saheb."

"WHAT??!! And you are telling this to me NOW? What the hell is this? Where is Khushi right now?"

"She went home Saheb, to her mother."

Arnav cut the call.

6 HOURS LATER - OUTSIDE KHUSHI'S HOUSE

Just as he was about to knock, he heard loud voices on the other side of the flimsy door.

"Khabardaar Khoosi. If you keep a step outside, then I am as good ad dead to you."

"Theek hain Amma. So be it. Chutki and I don't have a father. Now we will think we don't have a mother too."

"No, Chutki is not going with you. She will stay with me."

"No Amma. I am through with you. Since so many days I have been trying to tell you that Shyamji is not a good person. He has made illmannered advances not only against me but other girls in the office. He is not a respectable man. And moreover, I am not interested in marriage. And marrying Shyamji is out of question. So, you receive him tomorrow and you marry him and take your Rs. 40 Lakhs. I am not interested."

"Haan, haan. You will be interested only if you get free from that Arnavji of yours."

"AMMA! I am warning you for the last time. Not an other word against Arnavji. You have no idea how good he is."

"Fantastic, now you are openly taking his side? What kind of a shameless girl have I raised?"

"Amma, I can trust Arnavji with my eyes closed. Because I know that he will not do anything to break the trust I have placed on him. I will walk away with him at any time of the day."

"Chal Chutki. If our own Amma does not care about our wishes, then we are better off with out her." She opened the front door and stilled.

"Arnavji, aap?" She said softly, unable to believe he was actually in front of her.

"Agar bharosa karti ho, toh bina koi sawaal poochey, chalogi merey saath?"

She nodded a yes. Eyes brimming with water. Arnav took the suitcase from her. And holding her in the other hand, he walked towards his taxi, with Khushi closely behind him.

"Par Chutki and Amma?"

"I will take care of it. Just come with me."

***

CONTINUED IN NEXT POST

BACK TO THE PRESENT, IN THE AIRCRAFT

"Arnavji" Khushi clasped his hand more securely. "Please tell me. What happened?"

Arnav brought her hand and placed it on his heart. Desperately holding on to his only lifeline. "I will tell you. I will tell you in some time." He leaned back and closed his eyes again. Khushi looked on silently. She knew he would open up when he was ready. But for now, she would stand by him, silently.

***

As the flight landed, the hand holding continued. Arnav just did not let go of her hand. And Khushi just couldn't help being herself. She wanted to carry her own luggage, she wanted to open her own car door, if this was not irritating Arnav already, she wanted to pay the taxi too. Arnav was quick enough. He paid the taxi and pulled her into his office building. Asking the security guard to fetch their luggage and leave it in his cabin.

"Arnavji, why did you give it to the security guard? I will carry my suitcase." Arnav kept pulling her.

"Becharey security guard-ji. Unko kyun takleef de rahein hain?"

Arnav glared at her as he pressed the lift button.

"Arnavji, where are we going?" She read the board of the company "AR Private Limited" just as Arnav pulled her into the lift.

"Arnavji, is this your company?" She smiled. "The lift itself is so beautiful, I am sure the office must be far better. After all, its yours." She smiled ear to ear. Arnavji definitely needed some cheering up. Hopefully that would improve his mood.

"CHUP!" Arnav yelled. He held her by the arm and cornered her in the lift. "Ek dum chup." He silenced her placing his forefinger on her lips. A massive spark ignited within both of them. Arnav leaned on to her, desparately wanting to seek solace in her arms, in her kiss, in her embrace. A haven which he had been imagining ever moment of the day of-late.

"Chup." He whispered softly. His finger still lingered on her lips.

The lift rang announcing the arrival of his floor. Arnav held her hand again and pulled her to the small conference room attached to his cabin. It was almost dawn and no one was there in the office.

Pulling her inside the room, he shut the door and turned towards her.

"So?"

"Ji?"

"Khushi, don't test my patience. Tell me about the problem that's bothering you."

"Ji? Woh? That's not important. First you should tell me, what is bothering you?"

"Shut up Khushi Kumari Gupta. Shyam ke saat tumhari shaadi hone waali hain. Aur tumne mujhe batana zaroori nahi samjha?" Hurt was evident in his voice and eyes.

"That is my headache. How does it bother you?" She answered feigning irritation. Why should she bother him with Shyam's problem? Espcecially now, when he is with Lavanyaji.

"Dekho, don't make me show my ASR side to you. I am asking you nicely."

"Arnavji, why are you bothered with the problems of a person like me? What will Lavanyaji think, if she comes to know you are here, with me, instead of spending time with her?"

"Lavanya? Why does every body keep mentioning her name?"

"Arey, I forgot. First of all Congratulations!! Kal Aap ki Sagai thi na?"

"Kya? Aisa tum ko kisne bataya?"

"Woh uss din, when you travelled to the US, I over heard Lavanya ji speak to her father." Khushi traced her steps back slowly.

"What did you hear?" Arnav matched her steps, walking forward.

"Ki Aap, unko bohot pasand karte hain... Aur..." She looked here and there. Tears were pricking her eyes.

"Aur... ?"

"Aur, unse shaadi... Arey dekhiye na, something has entered my eyes" she blinked her eye lashes several times to stop the tears, but they escaped never the less.

"Ussey shaadi...?"

"Haan, aur unko isi hafte sagai karni thi na? She was very happy. I am so happy for her. For both of you Arnavji. Aapne apney liye jeevan saathi chun liya." She smiled, but her eyes were narrating a different story altogether. She hit the wall and Arnavji was right in front of her. Bending her head down, she wiped her tears with her dupatta.

"Maaf kijiye, I don't know what's with my eyes today."

"So, she said something and you believed her?" Arnav took a step closer to her. Placing a finger under her chin, he lifted her face up. She was desperately trying to stop her tears.

"Hmm." She nodded slightly.

"Accha?" He moved some stray hair away from her face and tucked them behind her ears.

Khushi froze at his gentle caress.

"Paagal ho tum!!" He smiled ever so gently. Cupping her face, he wiped her tears with his thumb.

His belief that Khushi loved him too, was getting stronger as time passed. First her grand proclamation in front of her mother. And now her agony of losing him. Silly girl!!

"Lavanya can never be my jeevan sathi." He softly blew into her left eye. "In character, she stands no chance when compared to my jeevan sathi." He blew into her other eye. "And when I talk to my jeevan-sathi, you will be the first to know. It's a promise." He looked her in the eye with conviction. A small mischievous smile adorning his lips.

"Kyun?" Khushi asked him in broken voice.

Arnav knew her Kyun' was a question for his promise. But he side stepped the question and decided to alleviate her insecurity due to Lavanya.

"Because she is my sister."

"Huh?!!" Khushi looked at him confused.

"Lavanya, she is my sister. Mr. Mallik is my Chacha." He clarified. It was time she knew about him. Right now, he did not have it in him to disclose the full truth. But he wanted to make a start somewhere. And this was it.

Khushi relaxed visibly. But then again, how come Lavanyaji made such kind of advances towards him? Before she spoke up, Arnav interrupted her thoughts.

"Ab aankhen theek hain? See, your tears have stopped too." He gave her a lop sided smile.

Making some space between them, he held her hand and guided her to the conference table. Sitting on a chair himself, he pulled a chair closer to him and made her sit on it.

"Khushi. Now tell me about Shyam." He held both her hands. "He is a small fish Khushi. If dealt with properly, he can be eliminated permanently."

Khushi grasped his hand back. Taking a long breath, she began to tell him whatever she knew. About her fears about Chutki's safety and everything.

Arnav filled her with information about punching him during their first conference meeting and his drunken proclamation the previous night. And this entire thing was a way to get to him through her. He called his security agency asking them to provide security to Khushi's mother and sister. And to make sure that they donot make phone calls to anyone.

"Saaley ko nahi chodoonga mein. I will teach him a lesson which he will not forget." Arnav rose from his chair and paced around the room, his anger rising by the minute.

"Arnavji, please be careful. Lets not make him a bigger demon than he is. Think about your family. He may hurt them too, if he gets more angry."

"He has already crossed the line by targeting my family, Khushi. And no one who targets Arnav Singh Raizada's family gets away easily." Arnav looked out of the conference room's window, resolving to put his original plan back into action. They would pay, both Mallik and Shyam. And he would try to make their lives a living hell.

Khushi looked at him stunned. She had not heard beyond the word family'. Arnavji saw her as family'? Her heart swelled in happiness. She had finally found a home!!

AN HOUR LATER - AT ARNAV'S DELHI HOUSE

"SASUMAAA!!!! SASUMAAA!!" Manorama shrieked. "Jaldi aayiye Sasumaa!!! Arnao bitwa ne shaadi karli."

"Maamiji!! Aisi koyi baat nahi hain." Arnav rolled his eyes. Khushi saw a rainbow appear and disappear with the same speed into the house.

"That was my Maami. Chalo, andar chaltey hain." He held her hand and entered the house. And Naani saw that.

"Wahi ruk jaayiye Chotey. Kaa hain ye sab? Aapko ghar pariwaar ke baarein mein kauno khayal nahi aaya? Hum iss shaadi ko nahi manenge."

"Naani. Stop this drama. Khushi abhi meri patni nahin hain."

Khushi scrunched her eyebrows. Why was Arnavji unnecessarily complicating the issue? A simple "We are not married and she works under me" would have been just sufficient.

"Chalo," he held her hand again and took her to his room. "You can use that bed." He pointed to Ex-Aakash and Ex-Aman bed. "And the bathroom is down the hallway. But I would like to freshen up first." He mentioned as a matter of fact.

Naani and Maami were aghast. Chotey had not only brought a girl, he was planning to live with her in the same room and they were not even married!! What had the world come to?

"Arey Sasumaa. Say Hello Hi to the new generation and Bye Bye to all customs." Maami cried.

"Chotey, do you even know what you are doing? How can you ask a girl to live in the same room as you? And you are saying you are not even married."

"Naani, Maami. I don't understand why are you upset? She is going to live with us now. And presently Aakash's bed is empty. So, just like Aman, I showed her her room and bed. What is the big deal?"

"Kya hua Naani." Anjali stood behind Naani and Maami, yawing. As soon as she saw Khushi, she squealed in happiness. "Khushiji!!!" She brushed Naani and Maami aside and ran to Khushi and hugged her.

Khushi smiled seeing Anjali.

"Di, can you please tell Naani and Maami. Khushi and I are not married. She is going to live here with us..."

"On work Anjaliji." Khushi filled in. Whatever was with Arnavji today? Why was he making ambiguous statements?

"Anjaliji, I am here on work. And Sir told me that I would be staying here, instead of a hotel, because...because..."

"Of course Khushiji. You have to stay with us. Why would you stay in a hotel when you have your own house to stay?"

"Exactly my point Di! And what's wrong if she takes Aakash's bed, next to mine. That's the only one empty now. Aman slept here until a few days ago. So, why not Khushi?"

Anjali finally understood the chaos. Chotey can be weird sometimes. "Chotey, you go and freshen up. Let me sort this out."

By the time he was out, he heard Anjali saying - "So it is settled. Maamaji and Chotey in Chotey's room. Khushiji and me in my room. And Naani and Maami in Maami's room. Ok Naani?"

What the! All along he was blaming living in different cities as the reason for their distance. But now, inspite of living in the same house, she was so far away from him. And right now his mind and body were consumed with an array of things - Mallik, Shyam, New Contract. And here his family was having an assembly session about sleeping arrangements.

He entered his room to find Khushi completely pushed over by the other ladies. Wanting some lone time with her, he said

"Chalo Khushi. Get ready. Lets leave for office. Unless you want to rest."

"Ji Sir. I will get ready and come with you."

Arnav left the ladies to haggle.

"Naniji, Mamiji. Maaf kijiyega. Because of me there was some confusion."

A small apology was enough to melt the two elderly ladies.

"Arey kauno baat nahi bitiya. We are used to this erratic behavior of Chotey. Kabhi bhi kuch bhi kar letein hain. And doesn't even bother to keep us updated." Naani vented her annoyance. "If he had told earlier that you are here on work and you are Anjali bitiya's friend too, then all this confusion could be avoided. Isnt it?"

"Ji, hum mantey hain ke Sir se galati ho gayi. He didn't lay out the details correctly. Hum donon ko maaf kar dijiye."

"Ab in sab baat ko chodo bitiya. You must be tired too. Freshen up and lets have tea together."

After a quick tea, Arnav left for office with Khushi feigning lot of work. Anjali was miffed that she didn't get to make some breakfast for her friend.

He stopped at a restaurant mid-way.

"Arnavji, why are we here?"

"Restaurant hain. It's not a rocket science. Figure it out." He stepped out of the car.

"You said you had some urgent work and we had to go to office. If Anjaliji comes to know then she will be very upset."

"It's not necessary to tell everyone everything."

He held her hand took her inside the restaurant. He chose a corner table. He slid inside the sofa seat without letting go of her hand. Khushi had no option but to sit beside him. She did not realize that her dupatta settled on his lap as she sat down.

When the steward came for the order, Khushi tried to slip her hand out of his hold. But Arnav held on, albeit under the table. And placed the order.

He knew Khushi was feeling awkward. But right now he needed a pillar to calm his heart and mind. He started to fidget with the tiny pompoms hanging from the end of her dupatta, with his other hand.

They sat there in silence till the food came. Arnav reluctantly let go of her hand so she could eat. He himself nibbled a little bit on food. Khushi did not miss any of this.

As they settled back in the car, driving towards the office, Khushi took in his form. And she couldn't take his silence any more.

"Arnavji" she proded him carefully. "Can you atleast tell me what's bothering you. May be not completely. But atleast give me a hint... I am really getting worried."

Arnav did not respond, but continued to concentrate on the road ahead. Khushi decided not to prod him any more.

She almost missed it when he spoke. "Its about my Mamma and Papa..." He paused for a while. "Yesterday I came to know what and who caused their death..." Arnav's eyes misted again. Balancing his elbow on the car window, he fisted his palm and hit on his lips softly, to gain control on himself. But no matter how much he tried the pain inside just kept raging more and more. His lips pursed and quivered in pain. He choked and bit on his fingers. Couple of tears escaped. He turned towards the window and wiped them away.

Khushi held his arm throughout the rest of the drive to the office. Momentarily left it, when they got down the car. And resumed to hold it once they were out. Arnav mutely received her silent support. The entire night he was tipping towards the darkness. But now, his spirit slowly but surely made way towards light, towards his lifeline.

INSIDE HIS OFFICE -

Arnav took Khushi to his private conference room again.

"Khushi. There is something I need to tell you. He made her sit on a chair. Mr. Mallik is my Chacha. He said grimly. And his conspiracy to steal my father's property resulted in my parents' death. And later entailed in lot of hardships for Di and me." He narrated crisply, avoiding the gory details.

"Khushi, I have made up my mind as to how both Mallik and Shyam need to be dealt with. I don't want you think that I am dumping my decision on you. I promise, going forward in our lives, I will not take any major decisions without your opinion."

Khushi did not miss the mention of a lifetime promise. But she stuck to the main issue at the moment.

"Arnavji, who are we to punish them? God will do the justice. Let us safeguard ourselves and go ahead in our lives. Let's forgive and forget about them."

"I am no Gandhi like you Khushi. And you are missing some important issues here. Shyam is a danger waiting to strike. And Mallik is nothing but pure evil. You can forgive a person who made a mistake succumbing to his greed. That's what I did 5 months ago. I forgave Mallik and decided to move on in my life. But, I did not know then that Mallik conspired in usurping my father's wealth. Even though he didn't plan for it, he is taking advantage of the fact that my parents died as a result of his devious plans. He spoiled my father's reputation. He mocks at them even today. Di and I have suffered all our lives because of it. He has no sense of remorse. If he had shown even an ounce of guilt, I would have let him go. But left to him, he will do it all over again. "

"Khushi, God is nowhere else. He is in you and me. It is our conscience. Our inner voice. Tell me, what does your conscience want you to do? Hide from Shyam or beat him before he strikes?"

Khushi had fantasized many times to badger Shyam black and blue.

"Khushi, a person is human when he succumbs to his greed, but feels guilty about it too. His conscience will remind him every moment of his wrong doing. The moment a person's conscience dies, he is nothing but evil. Left to himself, he will stop at nothing. We have to stop them."

Khushi kept silent, pondering over what Arnav had just said.

When he did not hear her response, Arnav asked her gently "Khushi, are you with me in this? Kya tum mere saat ho?" He extended his hand asking her approval.

Khushi stepped towards him and slid her hand into his palm. "I am with you Arnavji. But will you promise me that we will not pursue them at the cost of our present and future. We should continue our journey towards love and life, and not hatred and despise."

Arnav clasped her hand firmly. Yes, this was the right spirit in which he had to arrest his past and secure their future. "I promise." He gave her his word.

NEXT CHAPTER: Love vs Marriage

A/n: Even a million sorry's cannot make up for my delay. But AD is becoming very unpredictable. So, sorry again and again for the late update.

I hope you are all still there with this story. Do leave a COMMNENT or hit the LIKE BUTTON.

Thank you... thank you a lot for being patient with me.

Love

-Suri