My Fair Khushi COMPLETE! - Page 74

Originally posted by: asrkkgsrlover

Awesome story read all chapters in one day :D upate sooonnn

Originally posted by: Kalpana_KaCy

Wow! Really? So cool!

CHAPTER 24. ARROGANT FOOLS & SHATTERED HEARTS

Khushi sighed once again as Shyam continued to speak. She had tuned him out ages ago but his speech continued to grate her nerves. Aakash gave her a suffering look and Khushi realised that Aakash was feeling the same. They entered Shantivan following Arnav and Shyam who were still engrossed in their discussion. Or we should say Arnav was basking in the praise that Shyam kept on heaping upon him since they left the party.

"Oh no! You have to admit, no one could have pulled it off the way you did!", Shyam continued to praise Arnav while Arnav looked smug.

"When is your husband going to shut up?", Aakash groused to Anjali who was following them.

Anjali glared at her husband, "This is going on for too much! And he is not even crediting us!"

Arnav sat on the sofa and Shyam sat beside him. Khushi took a seat opposite them on another sofa with Anjali beside her. Aakash took the chair that was nearby.

"Maybe others could have pulled off!", Arnav shrugged, "But definitely not in six months!"

"Agreed!", Shyam spoke up and turned to Anjali, "Isn't your brother fantastic?"

Anjali gave a fake smile but glared at Shyam once he turned away.

"Wow! I still can't believe it!", Shyam turned to look at Khushi, "A waitress! And you turned her into Princess!"

"Ok! Enough!", Anjali screeched, "You have to give others credit too! Chote wasn't the only one who put in the effort!"

Arnav nodded, "She is right! I have to give credit where it is due!"

Khushi looked up excitedly. He didn't forget her!

Arnav continued, "If it hadn't been for Di's impeccable tastes in clothes, for all her perfect dialect and right walk, Khushi wouldn't have been able to convince others that she was a Princess at all! Hats off Di to your fashion sense!" Anjali smiled and Arnav continued, "And Aakash also contributed a lot!"

Khushi waited with bated breath. Now he would say about me! Now he would talk about me! But Arnav remained mum as Shyam started to talk about the party. She looked down in disappointment.

After few seconds of waxing poetic about the party, Shyam asked Arnav a question, "Were you ever nervous?" Arnav didn't say anything so Shyam coaxed, "Come on! Once atleast you must have been nervous!"

Arnav thought for a while and then shrugged, "I don't think so! I had full confidence in my training. I was fully sure that I would win the bet!"

Khushi sighed. What were you expecting Khushi? That Arnav would praise you! Stupid girl! Khushi shook her head. You know how arrogant he is! Despite knowing this, you fell for him. So now why do you expect him to change? But still... Khushi couldn't resist from wishing that Arnav would praise her once. But the praise didn't come. The talks went on between Shyam and Arnav about the party and even Aakash and Anjali joined in, but not once Arnav praised Khushi. Aakash and Anjali did but Arnav never said a single word about her performance. As far as he was concerned, she succeeded because of Arnav's hard work. Khushi huffed in annoyance.

After a while, one by one they left for their rooms to change and relax. It was 11 at night and all unanimously decided that it was time to hit the bed. As Khushi walked to her room, all she could think about was Arnav's eyes following her the whole night. She sighed dreamily as she entered the room and before she knew it she was waltzing around with an imaginary person. Of course, Khushi imagined the person to be Arnav. As she neared the mirror, her eyes fell on her image and then she remembered. Arnav's mother's necklace and ring! They sparkled through the mirror and she realised they were costlier than the earrings that Anjali gave her. Plus they seemed to be family heirlooms too. I have to return them to Arnav right away. Can't take the risk of loosing it! Better give it back to Arnav! She pulled out the ring and removed the necklace. Holding them in her hands, she wandered off in search of Arnav. As she walked, she remembered her decision to confess to Arnav. Hmmm... Maybe while I return these things, I could also confess my feelings. Yes! That's perfect. With a spring in her step, Khushi walked towards Arnav's room.

Just as she was about to enter Arnav's room, she noticed something. In a nearby terrace, someone was standing. Khushi frowned. Who is standing there? She walked towards the terrace and pushed away the curtains that covered the doorway. She blinked when she noticed it was Arnav. He was leaning on the ledge facing away from her. She smiled. So you are hiding here! She was about to go in when a voice came, "There you are!"

Khushi hid behind the doors just as Aakash entered the terrace from another side with a smile on his face, "I have been searching for you everywhere!"

Arnav didn't reply and simply stared at the view outside. Khushi decided to go back to her room as Arnav was not alone anymore. She turned around and walked few steps. But then she remembered that she had to give him the Jewelry back. I can talk about these things to him later too. But I have to handover the jewelry right away. I can't keep it with me. Khushi nodded. Yes! She will go back and handover the jewelry.

Khushi turned and walked towards the terrace again. She pushed the curtains away just as Aakash, who also had his back to her and was standing beside Arnav, spoke up, "So when are you going to confess your feelings to Khushi?"

Khushi froze. Her eyes widened. She stood still unable to believe what she was hearing. It was one thing to hear that Arnav loved her and another thing to know that he was going to confess too. This was a huge thing! Her eyes turned as wide as saucers and not a single word came out of her mouth. Khushi was too shocked to move or speak and hence, unfortunately she heard everything that Arnav and Aakash spoke about.

"What do you mean?", Arnav grumbled. Even Khushi could sense the eye roll Aakash must have sent to Arnav for that reply.

"Don't play stupid. You and I know exactly what I am talking about!", Aakash spat and then with all his eagerness he asked, "So what's the plan?"

"Plan? What plan?", Arnav shrugged, "There is no plan. I will go and tell Khushi what I feel for her! And ask her to marry me! Matter ends!"

"Blech! That's it? How boring!", Aakash commented and Khushi agreed with him. So boring Arnav! But then that is also so like you Arnav! Khushi smiled shyly.

"You know what! You should approach this carefully! Create a romantic setting. Have a dance or two! And then gently let her know! Got it?", Aakash spoke up. Khushi grinned as she imagined a room all decorated with balloons and right in the middle Arnav and her dancing before he would go on his knee and propose her. Haaye! How romantic!

"Ah rubbish!", Arnav growled. Boom went the balloons in Khushi's dreams! Khushi could only pout as all the balloons in her daydreaming burst right away! Chodo Khushi! She shook her head as if dislodging her disappointment away and focused on what Arnav was saying.

"Why do I need to do all this?", Arnav sounded confused. Khushi shook her head. How nave you are Arnav!

Aakash shook his head too, "Dude! Don't you know? It is more likely of her saying yes if you do all this!"

"What do you mean more likely? I know Khushi will say yes!", Arnav shrugged.

Khushi's heart stopped for a second and then started beating really fast. How did he know what I feel? Hey Devi Maiyya!

"What do you mean? How do you know she will say yes?", Aakash sounded excited.

Arnav once again shrugged, "Why would she say no! What is wrong with me? I am rich, good looking, have my own business empire! Why should a girl reject me?"

Khushi and Aakash simultaneously slapped their foreheads but Arnav did not notice it. He continued to talk, "And by the way, you are forgetting one thing!"

"Kya?", Aakash looked bewildered.

Arnav's smirk could be clearly seen from where Khushi stood, "Khushi used to be a waitress and middle class girl. If a girl like her gets a guy like me, only a fool would say no to this relationship!"

There was silence for few seconds. Khushi felt as if she had been slapped. She stumbled back and didn't even notice that Arnav had left the terrace from the other door or Aakash had sat on the chair nearby shaking his head at the stupidity of his brother.

Khushi took few more steps back before she turned around and ran away. She didn't know where she was heading and she didn't even notice that she had reached her room in the Mansion. Before she knew it, she was sitting on the bed with tears streaking down her cheeks. Arnav's words rang through her brain constantly. Khushi used to be a waitress and middle class girl. If a girl like her gets a guy like me, only a fool would say no to this relationship! Why am I crying? I knew about Arnav's attitude towards beforehand. Then why am I reacting like this? But the answer was right there in front of her face. Arnav didn't respect her. Arnav thought she was one of those shallow girls who would accept him because of his status. This means he had yet to understand her. If he didn't understand her, then how would he respect her and her thoughts, her decisions? Khushi was stupefied at the realisation. It finally struck her why she was affected this badly by Arnav's words. Because Arnav had insulted her and attacked her dignity. Tears continued to flow down her cheeks as she contemplated her realisations.

Just then Prem's words from their last meet floated through her mind.

"Just... Make a promise to me Khushi!"

"Kya?"

"If or rather when Arnav confesses his love and you will, of course, confess too, both of you will embark on a relationship! Khushi, I have noticed the way Arnav treats you! In his mind, you are still a waitress! For me or his family, your status does not matter! But for him, it does! Don't let that come inbetween your happiness, Khushi!"

"Matlab?", "I don't understand you!"

"Khushi! I have seen Indian Films! They show how people fall in love and they end up happily ever after! But that is not true in real life! Love is not the only thing needed to sustain a relationship! Respect is equally important too! Don't let Arnav treat you like a trash just because you love him! Your dignity and respect is important too! Get that? Promise me! Promise me that you will make sure any relationship you have in your life, you will not be disrespected!"

"Prem! What are you saying? I don't..."

"Look Khushi! I know you! I know that you accepted the way people treated you when you were waitress! They treated you based on your status and you allowed it to happen! You accepted it! But Khushi, when it comes to relationships, you cannot accept it! Khushi! A healthy relationship survives only if there is respect and love in it. Arnav loves you, but does he respect you?"

"Promise me that you won't let Arnav or anybody infact, trample all over you, your identity or your self-respect! Promise me Khushi, that you will never sacrifice your self-respect at the altar of love! Promise me! You are a lovely girl Khushi, and you don't deserve to be repressed just for the sake of someone's ego! Promise me!"

Khushi blinked as she remembered those last moments with Prem. Now I understood what you were trying to say Prem. Now I understood. Hey Devi Maiyya! But now what am I to do? Arnav loves me but he doesn't respect me. And I don't know if he ever will. I don't know what to do. Say yes to him and wait for Arnav to start respecting me or say no to him and walk away from my chance of having love in my life. I don't understand! Confused and overwhelmed, Khushi didn't realise when she got up and started walking out of her room. Lost in her thoughts, she didn't even realise she had stepped out of the mansion or that she was still dressed in her evening gown or that tears kept on trickling down her cheeks. All she knew was that she was confused and didn't know what to do next.

Khushi didn't know for how long she walked with tear tracks on her cheeks till she recognised someone familiar. Paayal! Her eyes lit up as she saw her friend and she forgot her turmoil momentarily. For last few months, she had lost touch with her friend and was eager to know how her life was. Paayal was dressed in waitress's uniform and was entering a big party hall from the side door. Khushi didn't notice any of this though. She simply noticed her friend go in and lifting her gown she ran to the door. But before she could open the door, a hand grabbed her hand gently. She turned to see one of the security guys stopping her.

He spoke up, "Madam! Aap idhar? Yeh darwaaza aapke liye nahi! Yeh toh naukron ke liye! Aap jaise logon ke liye main door hai! Direct aapko hall le jaayega! Wahin party chal rahi hai! (Madam! You here? This door is not for you! This is for servants! For people like you, there is main door! That door will take you directly to the hall! The party is going on there!)"

Khushi stumbled back in shock. She looked down and that is when she noticed the gown. She gasped as she realised that she was not a middle class woman anymore. Arnav had turned her into one of those snobs whom Paayal and Khushi used to mock while they worked. She was not a part of the lower class anymore. But then she wasn't a part of higher class, either. Was she? She only learnt to behave like this for the bet. But she wasn't part of those rich people. Then what was she? She walked off to the main road and continued to wander around as she pondered her situation. She was neither a hi-fi rich person but she couldn't go back to her old friends now that the bet was over. She had changed in the last few months totally and couldn't fit into to her old life even if she wanted to. All I wanted to fulfil my dreams, Devi Maiyya! But where have you brought me now? I can't go back to my old life but I can't even join the life that I lead for last few months. Nahi Khushi! You forgot one thing. Now you can atleast fulfil your dreams. You know English so now you can atleast get the job of your dreams! She finally noticed her tears and wiped them off. Haan Khushi! You still have your dreams with you and that is what is important! Focus on your dreams Khushi! Nothing else!

As Khushi walked, she noticed a TV store and was shocked to see her face on the TV. Her eyes widened. She walked closer and realised that it was a news piece made by a local news channel on the party she had been to in the evening. I am on TV! Hey Devi Maiyya! Her eyes widened more once she read the words written below her picture. "Rajkumari Khushali also attended the party. She hails from a small gharana from Rajasthan and...", the news continued but Khushi simply ran away from there.

After few minutes of running, Khushi stumbled and fell to her knees. She broke down sobbing. Hey Devi Maiyya! My face is everywhere! Everyone will see me! Everyone will know me and recognise me! Everyone will think I am a Princess! If this is telecasted on local television this then what will happen of my dreams? No one will give me a job as Event Manager in Dilli because the moment they will see my certificates they will know I lied at the party and then I will be thrown in the jail before I can even say I am sorry'. Hey Devi Maiyya! She sobbed as all her dreams of becoming an Event Manager one day went poof right in front of her. What has happened? What did I want and what have I got!

As Khushi sobbed on the road, a radio crooned from somewhere.

Woh Meri Neend Mera Chain Mujhe Lauta Do

Khushi hugged herself tightly.

Woh Meri Neend Mera Chain Mujhe Lauta Do

Woh Mera Pyaar Mera Dard Mujhe Lauta Do

Neend Jitni Bhi Maine Khoyi Hai

Chain Jitna Bhi Maine Khoya Hai

Woh Meri Neend Mera Chain Mujhe Lauta Do

Woh Mera Pyaar Mera Dard Mujhe Lauta Do

I want all my dreams back, Arnav! I want my old life back! I want the time when I could atleast hope that my dreams would come true one day! Now even those hopes are no more! Khushi continued to sob. She stood up and started to walk unsure what to do or where to go. I can't go back to Arnav, I simply can't! But where else can I go? Tears streamed down her face.

Ek Maasoom Dil Hai Aur Sitam Hain Kitne

She wiped her tears but they continued to flow.

Ek Maasoom Dil Hai Aur Sitam Hain Kitne

Iss Mohabbat Ke Siva Aur Bhi Gham Hai Kitne

Iss Mohabbat Ke Siva Aur Bhi Gham Hai Kitne

Finished! Everything finished! Why Devi Maiyya? Why me?

Mere Ishq Ka Imtihaan Yun Na Lo

Tumhein Hai Kasam Meri Jaan Yun Na Lo

She closed her eyes as she remembered her days as waitress when she would mock the rich people and then spout off all details of her dreams to Paayal.

Khwaab Jitne Bhi Maine Dekhe Hain

Yaad Jitna Kiya Hai Maine Tujhe

Woh Mere Khwaab Meri Yaad Mujhe Lauta Do

Woh Meri Neend Mera Chain Mujhe Lauta Do

Woh Mera Pyaar Mera Dard Mujhe Lauta Do

Arnav! I regret meeting you! I so regret it! Khushi thought. If you hadn't come in my life, it wouldn't have become this big of a mess! And I definitely wouldn't have suffered the pain of falling in love!

Yeh Meri Bhool Thi Jo Maine Tujhe Pyaar Kiya

Yeh Meri Bhool Thi Jo Maine Tujhe Pyaar Kiya

Na Milne Waale Mohabbat Ka Intezaar Kiya

Na Milne Waale Mohabbat Ka Intezaar Kiya

Her mind went back to the moments she shared with Arnav; the dances, the trainings, the time when he saved her from fire, the way he took care of her.

Yeh Kya Rang Laayi Hai Meri Wafa

Mili Hai Mujhe Kis Liye Yeh Saza

She closed her eyes trying to banish all those memories.

Teri Chaahat Ki Pyaas Thi Mujhko

Tujhko Paane Ki Thi Ummeed Mujhe

Woh Meri Pyaas Woh Ummeed Mujhe Lauta Do

Khushi stumbled a little and looked around in confusion. Where was she? Khushi continued to look around. She was lost, she realised. She shrugged and looked down sadly. Who cares? My dreams have been destroyed. The man I love has no respect for me. Now I don't care what happens to me! Because I have no will to live anymore!

Woh Meri Neend Mera Chain Mujhe Lauta Do

Neend Jitni Bhi Maine Khoyi Hai

Chain Jitna Bhi Maine Khoya Hai

Woh Meri Neend Mera Chain Mujhe Lauta Do

Woh Mera Pyaar Mera Dard Mujhe Lauta Do

Woh Mere Khwaab Meri Yaad Mujhe Lauta Do

Woh Meri Pyaas Woh Ummeed Mujhe Lauta Do

As Khushi continued to walk listlessly with tears streaming down her cheeks, a car came to stop beside her. The window of the back seat rolled down and she looked towards it. The moment she saw who was in, she broke down sobbing again. The person in the backseat said something to her and she nodded. The door opened and she slid in. The car drove off.

Right about the same time, Arnav entered Khushi's room with eagerness. If others asked him, he would deny till his dying breath but the truth was he was excited to let Khushi know about his feelings. He had already day dreamed of his marriage with her, his married life with her, even his future with her. She looked so beautiful with the khaandaani ring in her finger and the necklace on her neck. I wish those jewelleries will be hers forever or till we have our kids and she gives it off to our bahus. Arnav smiled gently at those thoughts but as he entered Khushi's room the smile died away. Where is Khushi? Arnav frowned as he looked around. His eyes widened as he noticed the ring and necklace lying on the bed but Khushi was nowhere to be seen. He looked around in the bathroom and in the nearby rooms, but he didn't find here.

An hour later, Arnav burst into the study where Aakash sat, "Khushi is missing! I searched the whole house!"

"WHAT?", they heard a voice from behind and turned to see Anjali standing there looking shocked. Arnav looked at her and then at Aakash with pale face and scared expression, "Khushi is missing! I searched her everywhere. And her mobile is also in her room! I don't know where she is!"

Arnav sat down on the chair nearby as Aakash and Anjali shared worry filled glances.

Haila! With whom did Khushi go? Can you guess?

And what will Arnav do next? How will he find Khushi?

For that you have to wait for the next update!

SONG DETAILS

The song in this chapter is from Hum Hain Raahi Pyaar Ke (1992) and is sung by Sadhna Sargam.

Oh yes! Forgot to tell you in last update, but the song from last update is sung by Kumar Sanu and is from the movie Naaraaz (1994).

Thank you, take care and have fun,

Kalpana