It was a beautiful morning indeed. For the first time in years his sister wasn't disturbed by all those nightmares. In fact he had checked on her a couple of times and saw her deep in sleep. For some reason he couldn't help peep in to his study. Her lean figure had fit perfectly on the divan in fact she had even place to move. He couldn't help but let out a giggle when she was sleeping like she was ready to attack anyone who would pounce on her. But soon he turned grim and glared at her sleeping form. She had the audacity to not respect her parents. He could get her to love and respect her in a minute but that wasn't something what he wanted. He wanted her to realize what they have done for her. She was one stubborn lady just like him. He paused again thinking about his sudden comparison. Not wanting to be caught glaring he slid the door of the study and had settled in bed. He wasn't fully up but was going through the things he had to take control this morning when the study room door slid open and he smelled the same jasmine aroma. The clinking of bangles caused his eyes to tear open. Their eyes met the first thing in the morning. The khol that lined her eyes had smudged beneath her eyes and her silky hair so frizzy and unruly. She looked so divine even after a long sleep. She wasn't staring at the roof either. He was in his vest that fitted his chiseled chest and his abdomen so toned. Her eyes roamed over his arms and for a second she thought he would give a run for her Salman Khan whom she fancied every day. Both their eyes scanned over one another. Their spell was broken as Anjali had come knocking. Embarrassed getting caught she ran like a little mouse rummaging through her bag for a saree and he dismissed her sister they would be down soon.
Today was her first day at her in laws and not that she had to be in a saree but that was something she wanted to today. Getting ready as fast as she could in the room she stayed in she made her way downstairs looking out for her sister in law who was waiting for her near the puja room. Anjali asked her to start the puja and not wait for Arnav.
"He doesn't believe in all this Khushi" she said dejected and urged her to carry on.
She did not expect anything great in the person whom she got married to and went about finishing the morning rituals and chores. Khushi felt everything lifeless around her. They were going about things mechanically. There was nothing that felt like a family. She already felt caged. What she felt with three of them back in Lucknow looked like a distant dream. They were having their breakfast and it was a very silent affair. Who works while eating she wondered. She felt sick for being dragged in to something like this.
"Chotte drop her at her parents for today and you can pick her up when you return home" Anjali spoke all of a sudden thinking what would be her brother's reaction. She definitely did not want to see his outburst the first thing in the morning.
He had the last piece of his toast and spoke wiping his hands in the napkin
"Ask her to take one of the cars. I really don't have the time. And anyways it's not really her parents she is going to meet. So none of my business" and looked at her smirking.
She could read his thoughts through that smirk. He was indeed playing with her words and seeking his revenge for being unruly. She wasn't wrong and now he wasn't any right either. She wasn't going to let him take the lead and rule over her like he does over everyone else. She stuffed the remaining paratha and was waiting for a couple of minutes with him before he could leave for work. Luckily Anjali cleared the coast giving them their privacy. He was almost nearing the door.
"Stop" she yelled from the dining table and walked fast to him
"That was so rude of you. If you expect me to respect late Mr & Mrs. Gupta, you better do the same. The one whom you referred to sometime back are my parents" she spat and her face was blazing red in anger.
Frustrated he grabbed her by her arms and pinned her to the door and moved dangerously close. Their bodies were touching one another. Her hot breath fanned his face. His eyes were flaming already. She lowered her eyes scared. Khushi couldn't meet his fiery ones which were too intense to look at for more than a few seconds.
"No one dares to order ASR. I mean no one" he barked pulling her closer to him and left her body carelessly once he was done.
Her back jerked towards the door and her head hit hard. She winced in pain. He turned back for a split second and saw her eyes screaming in pain. But she managed to keep her poker face intact. Arnav was getting bogged down in concern but why was he getting affected. He knew he was rude with her but she did not leave him with a choice. Not paying any more attention he walked out of the house and started driving himself leaving the driver behind. Khushi saw him looking at her with concern. He was one stubborn man she knew but never thought she would be manhandled. She kept rubbing her head behind and moved to her room and slumped in the bed without her knowledge.
Anjali was surprised to see a doctor waiting at the hall. She was worried after the information the doctor passed on. Without waiting a second more she ushered the doctor to her brother's room and saw the study room light turned on. Not knowing why khushi had settled there she urged the doctor to come in. He checked for her vitals and confirmed she had indeed fainted. Anjali felt terrible and sorry for Khushi. Doctor advised ample rest and of course a CT scan in another couple of days just for some confirmation. She shook her head and asked Hari Prakash to help him out while she stayed with Khushi. She kept stroking her hair fondly and as Khuhi turned to her side she saw a little bump behind her head. Her anger knew no bounds. She helped her to drink some water in her unconscious state and walked out of the room to get her brother return right away. Meanwhile, Khushi woke up and saw the prescription at the side table. She sat up to read the piece of paper when her head felt heavy. She rubbed the place a little more and drank some water feeling thirsty. Anjali came in and apologized on behalf of her brother. Khushi in return thanked her for calling the doctor.
"It was chotte who had called for the doctor" she said shaking her head.
"Was he here when I fainted" Khushi asked stunned.
Anjali shook her head saying no. This was a little too much for Khushi to take in. She once again felt her head spin but she managed to close her eyes saying she wanted some rest. Arnav felt his bile rise in his mouth when his sister called and informed about Khushi. He knew she hit her head and that was why he had arranged for the doctor but never knew it would be this bad. He was ashamed to face her. His intention was never to hurt her physically. Every time she was near him she kindled new feelings within him. He was only trying to keep those emotions at check. They had a lot of issues but he wasn't going to sit back when he knew she was unwell because of him. The little bit of humanity left in him did not allow him and he had other reasons as well. She was after all a Raizada and his wife. She wasn't prepared to accept that tag nor he was ready to share but she as his family deserved respect. Even if it meant doing something out of his way he would. He managed to take the nearest U turn and raced home as fast as he could to see her.
--- To be continued ---
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