Chapter One
(Font style Italics depict flashback)
Delhi
12th January 2010, 10:00 am
AR Fashion House has been the top in his game since forever. Arvind Singh Raizada had made sure the legacy of his fore-fathers carry on with par excellence. Now that the reins of AR lie on the strong shoulders of Arnav and Akash, Arvind was more than happy to take a seat back. He along with his wife Aastha settled in their ancestral palace The Sheesh Mahal' to spend the remaining years of his life. Arvind and Aastha engaged themselves in the NGO- The little Wonders of the World. They were in love with those children. They had found their little island of paradise around them in each other's arms.
Arnav Singh Raizada headed to the elevators cursing profanities under his breathe about the lousy traffic and the mess Kavya had created. Acknowledging the pleasantries thrown at his way by his employees he headed to his cabin. Arnav pulled up the binds and ordered a cup of coffee through his intercom. A few minutes later Aman knocks at his door.
"Come in" replied Arnav in his tired voice.
Aman brings him a random file while they discuss over some meetings to be scheduled when his intercom rings. His receptionist Dhara informs Arnav about his meeting with Major Dheeraj Randhawa. Arnav stiffens upon hearing this and disconnects the intercom. Aman sensing the tension in the air takes his leave.
Arnav is brought down to the memory which turned his life upside down.
Delhi
15th January 2006, 2:30 pm
The phone springs to life at this odd hour on Saturday afternoon at the Shantivan. Devyani Raizada picks up the call and gives out a dramatic shriek. Everyone gathers around her terrified at what had suddenly happened. The ABN channel flashed the headlines in all caps "Western Air Command Adampur Base under terrorist attack. Heavy casualties reported. 12 soldiers reported dead." The women in the house broke into hysteric cries as they read the name of Lt. General Amar Singh Raizada in the list of martyred soldiers.
Randhawa Mansion, 2:40 pm
A women is seen wailing hysterically clutching the corners of the maroon sofa. Her father is unable to digest the fall of events and looks rather shaken.
"He can't die! He can't just leave me like this! Bhaiyya this is all false! Amar can't die!" Siddhi Randhawa had turned fanatic and tried to convince herself more than her brother Dheeraj.
Not able to see his broken sister he gathered her in his arms as he tried to calm her down.
"We are supposed to be married next week Bhaiyya! How can he die? Please ask him to stop playing these sick games with me! Please... plea...aa...se..." her screams had turned into sobs of incoherent words and before anyone could register Siddhi had fainted in her brother's arms.
Amar Singh Raizada's last rites were performed in all his glory and honourable manner as expected of the Indian Armed Forces. The air in the Shantivan had turned gloomy while bright colours of the walls betrayed the scenario at present. Siddhi Randhawa and Amar Singh Raizada had been College sweethearts. After being together for four years they decided to get hitched. Everything seemed surreal as both the families had agreed without any objection. With that done everything went at a lightining speed from Engagement to Sangeet. Amar was supposed to get a month leave after his marriage. But every good thing has to come to an end. So did this.
Udaipur
15th January 2006, 3:00 pm
Hours of making love had tired them to bits but the exhaustion still couldn't satiate their desire for each other. Coiled in their web of love and under the sheets they lay bare before each other sharing tickling pecks and whispering sweet nothings to each other. Looking deep into her eyes Arnav observed how her hazel coloured eyes always spoke more than her lips ever could. He long slender fingers traced his scar just below his left eyebrow ever so lightly with a slight amused look on her face. She had always loved that scar although it showed the imperfections in him. She had been insanely in love with him to even love his scars and blemishes. This was always a piece of amusement for Arnav. But he could never be more confident that this was the woman, before whom he could lay bare all his secrets and vulnerabilities yet would always find her on his side falling in love with him all over again. A sudden desire took over him and he captured her perfect bow shaped lips in his and ravaged her again.
As they came they could see stars above their heads. Catching up their breath and reminiscing the moments of the most primate display of love they lay beside each other in their cocoon of love. When suddenly Arnav got over her holding her face in his arms and pecking her one last time asked her "Marry me Khushi"
Khushi had never been so ecstatic in her life. She had accomplished all she wanted to. Being a Neurologist at the age of 28 years she had studied every nerve of the human body possible. But still could never figure out the myriad of emotions tickling her and bursting in her brains as if she had been high on LSD, whenever she was with Arnav. His one simple touch could evoke the deep carnal desires in her. His one stroke on her skin would leave her whole body embezzling in his fiery touch. His voice could undo every principles of her. His tears could rips her heart into pieces and his one look filled with love would make her fall into a deep abyss where no one existed but she and him.
"Yes I will Mr. Raizada!" Khushi replied coming out of the initial seconds of shock. Her eyes dancing in the mirth of happiness. Arnav could never be happier. As her approval registered in him, he dived in to take her succulent lips into his oh so hungry mouth of his. Their moment was then disturbed by his disturbing phone call. Arnav got up irritated at this interruption and picked up his cell phone. His life came shattering down within two minutes of bliss. As he kept the phone down he turned towards Khushi. His face ashen as the demise of his brother resonated in his ears.
Promising Khushi he would return soon he left for Delhi. Khushi tried a numerous failed attempts to let her accompany him but he denied. He didn't want her to take any stress and assured her that he would be fine. She knew him too well and could easily see through his lies but gave up when she understood he is too determined not to take her along. Bidding a tearing goodbye Arnav left Khushi and headed for Delhi. Her hug had helped his resolute to not breakdown and hold on.
Delhi
15th January 2006, 5:00 pm
After an hour of flight journey Arnav finally entered Shantivan. He carried out the last rites of his brother without shedding a single tear. He kept reminding himself to be strong. He was the eldest brother now. He has to remain strong for others lest how much ever it hurt him.
Siddhi had fainted and was rushed to the hospital. The doctor had sent the reports by 6:30 pm which had brought a rather disturbing news altogether. Siddhi was pregnant with Amar's child for about a month. Arnav noticed it was unusually calm that evening as if warning him of the impending storm in his life.
Randhawa family and the Raizada's had gathered in the living space trying to get a hold of the situation. Arnav walked out into the porch as he started succumbing to his grief. His resolute broke when Khushi called him. He cried like a baby and didn't hide his inhibitions in front her for he knew this lady knew him more than he ever could. After wailing out all that lay in him he finally felt at peace. Khushi's words worked like magic on him. When he was finally done he stood up to go inside. Arvind had come out to look for Arnav. Arvind Singh Raizada never looked so broken in his life. He looked as if he had aged 10 times. With a breaking voice Arvind held Arnav's hand and asked him a promise to keep. Arnav clueless of the arriving storm agreed to which he regrets till date.
"You have to marry Siddhi. She bears the child of your brother Amar. The blood of Raizada." Arvind declared to Arnav totally unaware of the predicament he has put Arnav into.
Real Estate
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