Chapter 23
Arnav and Khushi were looking at each other without blinking. The tension in the atmosphere was so thick that it could be cut by a knife. Everyone was just looking at both of them not knowing what to do or what to say.
After few minutes of staring, Khushi broke the eye lock and closed her eyes. Arnav was just looking at her trying to understand her. Few minutes later, she opened her eyes. But the bloodshot red eyes with piercing gaze filled with anger and hatred, made even the great ASR scared. He staggered two steps back under the burning gaze.
The Raizadas also felt frightened seeing her. From the corner of his eyes, Akash could see Payal throwing daggers at them through her eyes. In few minutes the whole atmosphere changed. Arnav regretted questioning Khushi.
Khushi (with low dangerous tone): You are right, Mr Raizada. I hate you people. I hate even breathing the same air as yours. But you know what I am not like you people. I can't destroy my brother's happiness for my selfishness. Maybe you, your sister and your family might be capable of ruining your own brother's happiness for your selfishness. But I can't do that.
Hearing Khushi's answer, Arnav and Anjali bowed their heads feeling ashamed of their deeds. Akash glanced at Payal and hung his head feeling sad and guilty.
Khushi (continuing): You know what is the difference between you people and us. Even if we try we can't fall as low as you people. You people don't have any feelings for anybody, neither to your own parents, siblings, wives, kids, nor to anybody else. All you guys care about is your ownself. You were right, Mr Raizada. I hate you. I hate your sister. You guys can stoop to any level for your selfishness. You can put your brother's happiness at stake for your selfishness. Your sister can ruin her own brothers' life for her selfishness. But we can't do that. We can't hurt our brother for our selfishness.
For us, our brother's happiness is above everything. Even above our own pain. And unfortunately, our brother's happiness lies in that cunning and selfish sister of yours. Our brother loves your sister so much. And that little baby girl, Riya, she consider your sister as her mother. And we can't hurt them.
Our brother had suffered a lot in his life because of the deceit of his first wife. And Riya, she has not even seen her mother properly. She has lost her mother even before she could understand the meaning of the word mother. But now my brother and Riya both see their world in your sister. And I can't hurt them. Even though I hate you and your sister. I have to tolerate your sister for the sake of my brother.
I can't hurt my brother for my selfishness. I can't snatch Riya's mother from her for my selfishness. For me Riya is like my own kids, I have brought her up like my own baby. I can't let her get hurt because of me. For that if I have to tolerate your sister, then I'm going to do that.
But don't expect that I am going to forgive you or your sister because of that. Never. That will never happen. It's just a compromise for the sake of my brother and my niece. As long as they are happy, I don't have any problem with your sister and this marriage.
But if they get hurt even a little bit because of your sister or you people, then I won't be quiet. Then you guys will see the worse of me. And at that time nobody will be able to save your sister from me, Mr Raizada. Not even you.
And one more thing, as you people would have seen, our family loves us a lot. If they find out what happened between us, then the outcome may not be good. We know our brother very well. If he finds out about our past, then he won't even think about his own happiness and would do anything for us. But we don't want that. We don't want our brother to sacrifice his happiness for us. We can't be so selfish like you people. So we want you guys to keep our past a secret till this marriage happens. OK.
Raizadas (silently): OK.
None of the Raizadas couldn't lift their heads and look straight at the girls. They were so ashamed of themselves that they couldn't even utter a single word to defend themselves. Arnav was feeling guilty for misunderstanding Khushi once again thinking that she is doing something to harm his sister when she was doing all these just to see her brother happy.
Nobody didn't said a single word for the next few minutes. Finally Payal decided to break the silence and asked everyone to get ready so that they could go for shopping. Nodding silently, all the Raizadas went to get ready.
Twenty minutes later, everyone settled in two cars and went to the shopping mall. As Payal said, since it was early morning, the traffic was less. Soon they reached the mall. Reaching there, they saw Samar waiting for them with kids.
Parking the cars, everyone went inside to shop for the necessary things. Nani and Mami went to shop for jeweleries whereas Mama went to get some books as he didn't had anything to buy from there. Samar took Anjali alongwith him to buy her jeweleries and other accessories.
Arnav and Akash also wanted to shop with Khushi and Payal. But both of them royally ignored them and took kids for shopping. Khushi took Arav, Arsh and Arush to get them new shoes, watches and other things which they wanted while Payal alongwith the little baby girls Riya, Arshi and Akira went to shop for jeweleries, shoes, and other accessories.
Arnav and Akash trying to tag alongwith Khushi and Payal went behind them. Entering inside the kids shop both the men were clueless. It was first time they were shopping for kids. Hell it was the first time they were shopping for someone else so they were totally confused. They didn't know what to buy and which to buy.
Arnav was trying to help Khushi select things for the boys but for his bad luck, all three of his sons had decided to give their father a tough time. Whatever he used to show them, either they would straight away reject them or would start asking so many questions that Arnav felt difficult to answer.
Khushi on the other hand was still mad at Arnav due to the morning incident. She neither talked to him nor tried to help him when the kids were troubling him. Arnav was cursing himself all this time for opening his mouth in the morning.
While Arnav was struggling with the tantrums of his sons, Akash's condition was no better. All the four girls including Payal was treating him like a servant. First of all Akash was completely clueless about the things the little girls used. He didn't know what they wanted or what they were searching for.
Whenever he tried to help them in finding something, they would straight away reject the thing he selected and then Payal would start yelling at him for his uselessness. So he silently followed them carrying whatever they shopped.
But the problem was even though they say that they didn't like anything from a particular shop, when they will come out of that shop, they will have atleast two bags of things from that shops. So at the end of two complete hours of shopping, Akash had so many shopping bags in his arms that he was sure that if he weigh himself and the shopping bags, the shopping bags would weigh more than his own weight.
But luckily for him after two hours, Khushi came to them after finishing buying things for the boys. She asked Akash to take the little girls to the restaurant at the ground floor of the mall where Arnav was waiting alongwith Arav, Arsh and Arush and buy them food and wait for them there. As soon as Khushi said that Akash ran away from there taking the kids.
Then Khushi and Payal went to finish the shopping for the little girls and also buy necessary things for themselves. Akash as soon as entering the restaurant with the little girls, saw Arnav sitting in a corner table with the boys.
He soon reached the table and slumped down on a chair exhausted. On look at his brother, Akash could say that even his brother was exhausted. Both the brothers silently sat there uttering not even a single word. It was the first time, they were going shopping with their wives and kids and they had already started praying it to be the last.
Soon they ordered food and drinks and started feeding the kids. This time Arnav offered to feed the girls to which Akash readily agreed. Arshi after being persuaded by Arnav with chocolates silently had her food. Akira was little reluctant at first but then she also had her food without any tantrums. Akash on seeing that was amazed.
He turned and looked at the little boys sitting in front of him. His brother's sons. Well it was his first interaction with them. Akash gave a small smile to them but the reactions given by the three brothers were different. Arav glared at him and silently started eating his food on his own like Riya. On the other hand, Arsh just frowned at him and started ignoring him by looking away. But Arush's reaction pleased Akash. He happily smiled at Akash and opened his mouth silently allowing him to feed. But in his happiness of getting Arush's approval Akash failed to notice the mischievous smile playing on his lips and the secret wink that he shared with Arsh.
Arush allowed Akash to feed him two to three morsels. Then he stopped him.
Arush: Stop. I no want this food. It no tasty. I want Flench flish.
Akash: What? You want French fries for breakfast.
Arush: Yes.
Akash: OK. What do you want alongwith French fries. Shall I order some sandwich.
Arush: No. Ayu only want Flench flish.
Akash: Hmm. OK.
He ordered French fries for Arush and turned to Arsh. But he once again looked away. Soon Arush's French fries came.
Akash: OK Arush Your French fries are here. Come, I will feed you.
Arush: No Ayu eat own. You no feed Ayu.
Akash: Are you sure.
Arush: Yeah. Give me jam.
Akash: Why do you need jam.
Arush (frowning): To eat.
Akash: You will eat French fries with jam.
Arush: Yes.
Akash: Hm. OK.
He passed jam to Arush and once again turned to Arsh.
Akash: Arsh, What will you eat? Shall I order French fries for you also. Or do you need anything else.
Arsh: Ashu need no food. Ashu no hungly.
Akash: But...
But Arsh once again looked away from him. But before Akash could convince Arsh, Arush gained his attention.
Arush: Ayu no like this food. It no tasty. Ayu no need jam.
Akash: OK.
He took away the jam. Looking ahead, Akash saw Arush trying to eat his food messily. All the French fries were there on the table. It looked like instead of feeding himself Arush was feeding the food to his clothes. He was completely covered with French fries and jam.
Seeing the situation, Akash once tried to convince Arush to let him feed him. But Arush was after all a junior ASR, he didn't paid any heed to Akash pleading and continued to make mess trying to eat himself. Akash also tried to feed something to Arsh. But he like his brother continued to be stubborn and didn't eat anything.
Akash turned to Arav who was sitting with them but Arav instead of helping him royally ignored Akash. In this, one hour passed. Khushi and Payal came back after finishing shopping. Nani and Mami also reached behind them.
Seeing Khushi and Payal, Arsh and Arush immediately ran to them. Seeing them, both of them were worried.
Arsh (who immediately went to his Mumma): Mumma, Ashu hungly.
Khushi (confused and worried): Hungry? What are you saying Ashu? Didn't you eat anything?
Arsh (making a sad face): No Mumma. (Pointing at Akash) He no feed Ashu.
Arush: Mumma, Ayu dless dilty (dress dirty).
Payal: Ayu, how did your dress became dirty.
Arush: Ma, Ayu hungly. Ayu eat food own. Ayu dless dilty.
Payal: What? You eat your food your own. Why?
Arush: Yes Ma. Ayu eat own. (Pointing at Akash) He no feed Ayu.
Payal (angrily): What the hell? (Turning to Akash) You idiot. Why didn't you feed food to Ayu.
Akash (scared and horrified): I... I tried to feed him. But he said he will eat himself.
Payal: Oh.. so he said and you agreed. Are you so stupid. How will a two year old baby eat food on his own. Don't you have common sense. How can you allow him to eat food on his own. And also you didn't get any food for Ashu. Now look, how hungry my baby is? It is all because of you. You idiot.
Akash: But Payal, I asked to Arsh if he need anything. He said he is not hungry.
Payal: Why did you have to ask him. Can't you get anything on your own. Didn't Kuku asked you to buy and feed to kids.
Akash: I.. I am sorry.
Payal: Forget it. There is no use saying all this to you. You are just an idiot and will remain that. Only good at running behind your mother and siblings. Can't do anything on his own. Fool.
Saying that Payal took Arush to clean his dress. Khushi immediately ordered food for Arsh and started feeding him. Akash was very sad. He silently went and sat with his brother who patted his shoulder sympathetically after mouthing an 'It's OK'.
Nani and Mami also sat with them and ordered some refreshments. Soon Payal came back with Arush after cleaning him and herself started feeding him, occasionally glaring at Akash. By that time, Samar and Anjali also came back after their shopping.
After having breakfast and some refreshments, everyone was ready to leave. But how can our junior ASRs let everything go smoothly. So this time, Arshi took it upon herself to trouble her father.
When they all started leaving, Arshi refused to go as Arnav hadn't brought her the chocolates that he promised to buy for her for letting him feed her.
Arshi: No Ashi no go. Nannav no get Ashi Choci. Ashi no go. Nannav get Ashi Choci. Ashi go.
Everyone tried to convince her but how can our junior ASR give in so easily.
Arnav: Baby Doll, you come now. I will get you Chocolates later.
Arshi: No Nannav get Ashi Choci now. Ashi go. Or Ashi no go.
Khushi: Ari baby, Mumma's princess, listen to Mumma. You come Mumma will give you lots of chocolates.
Arshi (thinking for a while): No Mumma. Nannav plomish (promise) Nannav get Ashi Choci. Nannav get Ashi Choci now. Mumma give Ashi Choci home. Lots of Choci home.
Hearing that everyone's eyes widened. God, she seriously has some brain.
Mami (to Nani): Sasumaa, she ish 100% Arnav Bitwa's dacter (daughter). No doubt.
Khushi: Princess, please listen to Mumma. You come. I will give you Chocolates.
Arshi: No Mumma. Nannav plomish. Nannav buy Ashi Choci. You no buy Ashi Choci. Nannav get Ashi Choci. (Turning to Arnav) You buy Ashi Choci. You plomish (promised). You no buy Ashi Choci. You bad.
Arnav looked at Khushi helplessly while she glared at him. All others were looking at Arnav's condition not knowing what to do. One side they felt pity for him otherside they were amused seeing the little girl threatening the great ASR. Finally Samar decided to intervene and help Arnav out of the glaring section from Khushi and Arshi.
Samar: Kuku, leave it na. You know how Arshi is.
Khushi: But Bhai, we are getting late and here she is not ready to come. (Glaring at Arnav) All because of him. What was the necessary to promise her to buy chocolates. Now she won't come till she gets it.
All this time, Arshi was looking at Arnav expectantly. Seeing her puppy dog face Arnav wanted to buy all that she wanted. But alas if only Khushi agreed.
Samar: Leave it na, Kuku. It's just chocolates. You do one thing. You, Payal, Akash and Arnav go and buy chocolates for kids and come with them. I will go ahead with Anjali, Nani, Mama and Mami. While you guys get there, we will go through some wedding collections as well. What say.
Khushi: OK Bhai. As you say.
So as decided, Samar went with Anjali, Nani, Mama and Mami in his car. Meanwhile Arnav took Arshi and other kids to buy them chocolates. After buying everything they came back. Now the question was who will go with who.
There were two cars and most of the cars were filled with their shopping bags. It was impossible for Khushi and Payal alongwith all the kids to fit in one car. Seeing the situation a plan formed in Arnav and Akash's mind.
Arnav: Khushi, I have an idea. Why don't you, Arshi, Akira and Riya come in my car. Akash can drive your car. Payal, Arav, Arsh and Arush can go with them.
Hearing the idea Khushi, Payal and Arav frowned. There was no way in hell they are going with them.
Khushi (sternly): No need we will manage.
Arnav opened his mouth to argue but seeing their faces he was sure they will not agree.
Arnav (sighing): OK. Then Akash and the little girls can come with us. You and Payal go with the boys. (Seeing Khushi about to argue, cutting her) No, don't argue. You yourself can see that all of you won't fit in that car, so please agree.
Khushi and Payal were lost thinking about what to do. But Arav frowned. The protective big brother in no way was ready to leave his little sisters with them. For some reasons he didn't believe his father and uncle. He was afraid that they would hurt his sisters like they hurt his Mumma and Badimaa.
Arav (immediately shouted): No.
Arnav and Akash jerked hearing his shout. Khushi and Payal were concerned. They knew how much protective he was of his little siblings.
Arav (sternly): No Ashi and Akki won't come with you. (Turning to Khushi) Mumma, you take Ashu, Ayu, Ashi and Akki with you and Badimaa. I will come with them alongwith Riya.
Khushi and Payal looked at each other with a smile. They were always proud of Arav. He was always sensible and also the protective big brother of his little siblings. They knew that there is no harm in leaving the kids with Arnav and Akash. Arav can take care of himself and if situation arises he will also take care of Riya also.
It's not like they think that Arnav and Akash would harm the kids. But still the hurt and pain they (Arnav and Akash) caused them (Khushi and Payal) didn't allowed them to completely trust them with their kids. What if they hurt their kids just like they hurt them. What if they shouted at them. No they won't let that happen.
Khushi and Payal caressed Arav affectionately. Giving a small peck on his forehead and cheek they left. Arav smiled feeling their love. Like every child he also loves when he get special attention and love of his parents.
All these were seen by Arnav and Akash. They could understand why Arav behaved like that. They could clearly see the anger and distrust in his eyes for them. They felt sad and ashamed of themselves.
Soon Khushi and Payal left with the little ones. As soon as they left, Arav turned to Arnav and Akash with a stern expression. Riya was smiling and a bit shy.
Arav (sternly): Can we go.
Arnav and Akash looked at him and slowly nodded. Akash picked up Riya and buckled her at the back seat meanwhile Arav got in himself. Arav was sitting right behind Arnav and was looking outside through the windows.
Arnav and Akash also got in and Arnav started driving. Arnav could see Arav through his rear view mirror. He wanted to talk to him and know him and get close to him like they were before three years. But Arav never gave any heed to him. They had come closer during the Sheetal fiasco and while he was in hospital.
But even then there was an unknown wall between them. And once he came back from hospital, he again distanced himself from Arnav. Arnav could clearly see and feel the hidden anger, pain and disappointment which Arav has for him and he had no idea how to make it upto him.
He never wanted to let his child down but he knew he had done it in more than one way. His other children were too small to understand what is going around them so they didn't have any problem with him nor they acknowledged their relation. They just played pranks with him like others but he knew Arav was matured, way matured than his age. He had seen and could also understand everything happening around him. And Arnav didn't know what to do or how to approach his son so that he could make everything fine between them.
Arnav knew that alongwith with Khushi, he also had to earn Arav's forgiveness and manaofy him. And unlike his mother, Arav had a temper which he had inherited from him and that was going to make things difficult for him.
While Arnav was lost in thinking about the complexities of his relation with his son, Akash was trying to strike a conversation with both the kids. Riya was initially shy to talk. Even though she knew them and had met them in more than one occasion, she never had a chance to interact with her these two (new) Mamus (mother's brothers) especially Arnav Mamu (her Mumma's Chote).
She was initially shy to talk but soon overcame her shyness and started chattering. Hearing her innocent talks, both her Mamus smiled. They could only think of another child woman who used to talk like this - Khushi. While Riya was busy telling her Mamus her innocent stories, Arav was silent though out.
He used to smile and talk when Riya asked him anything, other than that he was silent. Akash was observing both the kids. He was happily talking with Riya but when he used to look at Arav, he saw him silent.
Akash never knew what to do with his this elder nephew. Well Arav royally ignored Akash everytime. They never had a close relationship. But he could see and understand the anger the little one has for him. Akash and Arav had never interacted anything beyond some formal greetings and talks. They were never close unlike his both brothers (Arnav and NK) who were very close to the boy.
The boy was always a mystery to him. Akash was a person who was very good with kids. He was very close to his little cousin sister Bubbly. But when it came to Arav he was completely clueless. Arav was way matured so mingled with Arnav quickly who was like a role model for him. While the childish part in him found a companion in his younger cousin brother NK. But with Akash he remained always distant.
Akash couldn't relate to Arav at all. The stark similarity of Arav with Arnav was undeniable. Many a times he had also joined the ladies of his family when they compared both. But once the truth was out, it had stuck like someone had poured ice cold water on his sleeping form.
Something which was supposed to be said as a joke had turned the worst reality. It had shaken the foundation of his family and destroyed relations. The family fell apart. He didn't know who to blame. Well his own mistakes were not less that he could blame anyone.
Sighing Akash started concentrating on Riya's blabbering. There was no use trying to talk to Arav. The boy in no way was going to budge.
Soon they reached their destination, KAG Fashion house. Getting out of the car, Arnav and Akash stood rooted in their places seeing the classy, beautiful and majestic building in front of them. It was a 20 storey highly elegant and stylish building made up of glass. The lower 6 floors were shopping area. Ground floor also contains security and surveillance area. Basement is for car parking. From 7 to 19 floor belong to the office area. 20th floor contains Khushi's private pent house.
Seeing the building Arnav and Akash were dumbstruck. Seeing them standing with shocked faces, Payal came and tapped on their shoulders bringing them back to world. Payal looked at them with raised eyebrows. Shaking their head, both of them walked inside with her.
Khushi had already gone inside alongwith the kids. Entering inside, they met with Samar and Anjali who were selecting sarees for Anjali. Soon Khushi reached there and ushered everyone to follow her so that they could decide what they were going to wear and select the dress for the party.
Mamiji as usual decided to wear a saree. She selected a heavy work blood red colour saree for the party. Nani decided to wear a peach colour saree as she doesn't like wearing bright colours. Mamaji decided to wear a red sherwani with black pyjama. Anjali wanted to wear a saree but after being persuaded by Samar and Riya, decided to wear a red Anarkali suit.
Khushi and Payal both were wearing red gowns. Arnav, Akash, Samar and the little boys were wearing black suits. Arshi, Akira and Riya copying their mothers and aunts decided to wear red gowns.
Mami and Nani went to select sarees for themselves. Khushi and Payal decided to first select dress for Arav, Arsh and Arush and then go to select dresses for themselves and the little girls. Anjali and Samar also accompanied them to select suit for Samar. Arnav and Akash also decided to select dresses for themselves and accompanied the group.
They all entered the suit section and started looking around. At that time Khushi got a phone call and she went to a corner to talk. Finishing the call, she turned around only to come face to face with a very handsome young man in his late twenties.
Seeing the person a smile broke out on her face.
The man: Hi Kuku
Khushi: Hey Karan, what a pleasant surprise.
Smiling she gave him a friendly side hug and started chatting with him. On the other hand, Arnav who was following Khushi's every move, was confused and angry seeing the man. How dare he hug his Khushi.
Soon he saw Khushi dragging the man towards them.
Khushi: Bhai, see who is here.
Samar (turning towards them): Oh Karan, what a pleasant surprise. You here?
Karan: Hello Bhai. Actually I am also invited for your party this weekend. So thought to shop a dress for the occasion. Since I have to attend the party of the fashion queen herself, so I thought why not buy some dress from her exclusive collection itself.
Samar (laughing): Well that's right.
Khushi (pouting): Karan, stop it. You are embarrassing me.
(She slightly hit him on the shoulder with fake anger)
Karan (laughing): Oh no no. I am telling the truth. The world knows that you are the Princess of the Fashion world.
Payal: So true.
Khushi (pouting): You also, Di.
Karan: See everyone agrees
Khushi: Karan!!!!
Karan (lifting his hands): OK OK. Leave it. Now come and help me and the kiddos choose a dress. Right boys.
Arav, Arsh and Arush smilingly nodded. Karan lifted Arsh and Arush in his arms and went ahead with Khushi and Arav tagging along. Arshi and Akira also went with them.
Arnav who was seeing all these was very much angry. Akash and Anjali were worried seeing him. Payal and Samar were looking at Karan and Khushi with a soft smile.
Payal: They are looking so good together na, Bhai. Like a perfect happy family.
Samar: Hmm.
Akash (unable to hide his curiosity): Who is he?
Samar (looking at Anjali and Akash who were looking at him with curious eyes): He is Karan Malhotra. Kuku's childhood friend. He is an amazing guy, well educated, well settled, from a good family. He always liked Kuku. But Kuku was always aloof from all these. We all thought that after Kuku comes back from Harwards. We will fix their marriage.
But then the circumstances were different and Khushi had to leave Mumbai. Then she fell in love with that b*****d of a husband of hers. But that b*****d ditched her and left her with four kids. If only Kuku never met that guy, she would have been happy with Karan.
But Karan, he still loves her. He doesn't care if she is married or has kids. In fact he loves her kids as his own. And the kiddos also loves him so much. Only if Kuku agrees. They could be a happy family.
After saying that Samar and Payal went away with Riya.
Arnav was boiling in anger. He just wanted to go and beat that Karan blue and black for even looking at his Khushi. Akash could understand his brother's feelings. He gently kept a hand on his shoulder trying to control him.
Akash: Bhai, calm down. Please. Don't make a scene. Samar Jiju is here. If he finds out something there will be big problem.
Anjali: Chote, please relax. Akash is right.
Arnav: How can I relax, Di. Didn't you hear what Jiju said. They want Khushi to marry that guy. How can they think like that, Di. Khushi is mine. She is my wife. How can they think of getting her married to some other guy. And my kids. Did you hear what Jiju said. My kids loves that guy. How could they, Di. They don't even like me but they love that guy. How much they seem to be attached to him. Till few weeks back I didn't even knew about the existence of my kids and that guy, he was in their life and is attached to them. No Di, I can't relax. I can't loose them, Di. They are my wife and kids. They belong to me. How could I keep quiet seeing someone coming and snatching them from me. No Di. I won't allow it. They are mine. All five of them belong to me. I want them. I want them back in my life. I won't allow anybody to come in between us and snatch them from me.
Anjali and Akash exchanged a worried glance seeing his state. Anjali came near him and placed her hand on his shoulder comfortingly.
Anjali: Chote, please relax. I know what you are going through. But please control yourself. If you loose your temper like this then we will be in deep trouble. I know you are sad and angry seeing Khushi with someone else. But please get a grip on your feelings. If you act irrationally and do something. Then everything will be ruined. Chote, now you are getting a chance to be with Khushi and your kids. Just use this opportunity, be with them, spend time with them, try to get forgiveness from Khushi and mend your relation. I know it's going to be difficult but please try. Chote, maybe this will be the only opportunity you will get to fix everything. Don't ruin it with your anger.
Chote, you yourself know that your anger had never given any good outcome instead it has only caused destructions. Don't let it happen this time also. We all have so much at stake. Our one mistake, we will loose our everything. Chote, those three brother-sisters and those six kids are our life. We can't loose them at any cost.
Chote, more than they need us, we need them to survive, to live. Last three years, you have lived without them, Chote. You know the pain. Don't let that pain to come into your life again Chote. Don't let your anger ruin the only chance we have got in our life. Please control your anger. Chote, now they are only away from you but they are still yours. But don't do anything that you will loose them forever. Don't let this opportunity go. Try and fix everything. Win them back Chote. This time with your love and care not with anger. Be patient and don't let your anger get the better of you. Trust me Chote, everything will be fine.
Arnav (hugging her): Di..
Anjali: Relax Chote...
Samar (cutting her): Anjali...
Hearing Samar's voice from behind them, their eyes widened. Did he hear anything? was the only thought in their minds. Gulping all three of them looked back. Seeing Samar smiling, they relaxed.
Samar: Hey, did I interrupt something. You guys seem to be in some serious discussion.
Akash (immediately): No, no Jiju we were just talking. You know about the fashion house. (Looking around) It's pretty big and classy. Also the designs and the styles were also awesome. You know we also has a fashion house, so just discussing about the things that we could use to improve our fashion house. All those things. Nothing important. You say, do you need anything.
Samar (smiling): No no. I just came to call Anjali. Was wondering if she could help me select a suit.
Akash: Yeah, sure. (Teasing tone) Di, why are you standing. Go and help Jiju. Go. Go.
Glaring at Akash for his teasing, Anjali went with Samar shyly. Seeing them going, both Arnav and Akash sighed.
Akash: Great escape. For a moment, I felt Jiju heard everything. Thank God. Everything is fine.
Arnav: Yeah.
Akash: Come on, we will also go and find something for ourselves. Seeing the situation I don't think we are going to get any help from our own wives. Come let's help ourselves and get something.
Arnav: Yeah, come.
After seeing few designs, Arnav liked a suit. It was elegant and stylish just like he wanted. He was about to ask the salesman to pack it, when Khushi came there alongwith Karan.
Arnav clenched his fist and gritted his teeth seeing them together, but still kept quiet. Khushi came near him and took the suit that he selected for himself and started looking at it keeping it on Karan. Arnav frowned seeing that. He was angry, damn angry.
He was about to say that he liked the suit and had selected it for himself. But before that Khushi asked the salesman to pack it for Karan.
Khushi: Karan, this suit will look good on you. (Turning to salesman) Rakesh, pack this for him.
Arnav (frowning): But...
Khushi (cutting him turned to Karan): Karan, you go to the counter and collect the dress. I will be there shortly.
Karan nodded and left. Arnav angrily glared at his back. Khushi turned to him.
Khushi (sweetly with a fake smile): Were you saying something, Mr Raizada?
Arnav: Khushi, what did you do? I selected that dress for myself and you gave it to him.
Khushi (making a sad face): Oh!! Is it? I didn't know. But don't you think it will suit him more. I mean it's one of the best collection here. Elegant, classy and stylish. I think it will look more amazing on him and would suit his personality perfectly. The young, handsome, stylish, dashing and hot businessman. Also a person with golden heart. You know Mr. Raizada, I believe that people should wear dresses which suit their personality. Black will obviously look good on you but the style will be amazing on him. But since the theme of the party is black, he has to wear something black right. Otherwise I would have suggested some other amazing dresses with stylish work on them. Anyways leave all that, see here are so many dresses and various styles and designs. You can help yourself with one. I am sure you will get one according to your personality. Dark, brooding, intimidating, evil, dangerous and obviously something really black. Maybe you can go for some midnight black suits. Just like you. A dangerous dark black.
Khushi gave a smile to him and walked away. But Arnav stood still with her words echoing in his ears. Did she just insulted him. Did she just called him dangerous and dark. Did she just said that he is not stylish, handsome and classy. Arnav felt like someone had pierced a dagger into his heart.
He stood numb for a few minutes. For the first time, he understood the effect of the hurtful words someone throws at you. His mind went back to the n number of times, he had insulted Khushi in a similar way. Calling her middle class, gold digger, unstylish. The n number of times he had mocked her for her way of living, her dressing style, her traditions, her values, her beliefs.
His mind went to a similar scenario when he had purposely gifted Lavanya one of the necklace that she had liked. Not only that he had went on to insult her saying how she couldn't afford it due to her middle class status. He had also taunted her when Lavanya had made her wear a wedding lehenga and he had insulted her by pointing it's price. He had mocked her that she wouldn't be able to afford it and had insulted her by offering to buy that for her as a tip, as a charity.
Today he felt suffocated thinking all the insults he hurled at her, back then. He felt disgusted of himself thinking about his irrational behavior. Just because of his ego and jealousy, he had hurt her feelings and had broken her time and again for his satisfaction.
Today when he thinks all that he felt silly. Who was he mocking. Who was he insulting. All those things for which he used to insult her was nothing. Neither she was middle class, nor she was poor and neither she had a bad dressing sense and style.
Now looking at everything, he could only see the irony of the situation. That day he was mocking her for her status. But today looking at her, he felt himself nothing. He was so much below her in everything. She had everything now and even then.
She was a fashion queen. Stylish, classy, elegant, everything. A perfect girl. A girl with beauty, brains and money. All those things for which he mocked her. She could buy those things for which he mocked her and things a hundred times more costly that that. All those mattered nothing to her. He might be the biggest fashion tycoon in India. Maybe in Asia.
But she, she is the biggest fashion tycoon in the world. She herself is a thousand times more richer than him. Also her family background. Her father. He has the biggest business empire in the whole wide world. She is his only daughter. In every way he is very much below her.
But she never showed anything like that to him ever. When he used to flaunt his money and power at every given occasion in front of her. She had only showed her simplicity, selflessness and down to earth nature everytime.
Today he felt disgusted of himself for never understanding her and always taunting her. He didn't know whether he will ever get forgiveness for his behavior from her. Earlier during their married life, she had been kind enough to forgive him for everything, but then he had to act as a jerk and hurt her more and more with his actions and words. He had hurt her so much that he doubted that even if she forgives him whether he will be able to forgive himself ever.
Life had been never fair to him. He had lost a lot of things in his life. He had lost his parents at an age when he needed them the most. Their support and guidance. He had lost his happiness, his childhood, his carefree nature, everything.
He was a mere fourteen year old teenager when he lost his parents. Before he could understand what was happening around him, his whole life had changed and he was under the responsibility of a big family making him to grow overnight from a carefree teenager to a man who was loaded with responsibilities.
His life had been a rollercoaster ride from then. The only goal in his life from then was providing a happy and comfortable life for his family. In that he became emotionless and stone hearted. Nobody other than his family mattered to him. In all that he never realized that in his quest to give happiness to his family and specially his sister, how many lives he had ruined, how irrationally he had always behaved, how much he hurt everyone else with his words and actions.
And the person who had to suffer the most burnt of it was her, his Khushi. Everytime he pushed her away fearing that she would break his wall, he had hurt her beyond limits to break her. Everytime he thought about his family, she had to suffer. Everytime he did things for his sister, she was in pain. It had happened so many times that he lost count of the times he hurt her.
He was always afraid to think about his deeds and actions and try to find the rationale and logic behind his actions, because every time he thought about it the only thing that he felt was he didn't deserved her. But he was selfish. He was selfish to let go of her. He was selfish to free her from himself. He was selfish to let her live a life without his brooding presence in it.
No he won't let go of her. She was his. She is his. And she will always be his. No Karan. Nor any other man. Given how much ever perfect he might be. He won't allow them to snatch her from him. He won't allow anybody to take her away from him. He refuses to allow her to live a life without him. He might be selfish to think that. But he was selfish enough to still not let her go even after all the hurt and pain he inflicted on her.
He will win her back. He had lived three painful years without her. He can't do that anymore. He will bring her back in his life. As his Di said, he will get her and his kids back in his life. He had got a last chance to get her back, right. He will utilize it to the maximum. He will do anything to get what belongs to him. His wife and kids. They will be his once again. And this time forever. Arnav Singh Raizada vowed.
Precap: Party
So that's it. It was a lengthy chapter. So many things. First Khushi's outburst, then a shopping expedition with parents and kids, then the entry of a new character (Karan), and finally Arnav's outburst and feelings.
So what do you think will happen now? Will Arnav be able to get Khushi's forgiveness and woo her back? Will Khushi forgive him? Will she give him another chance? What do you think about Karan? Will Khushi accept him? And what about Akash-Payal? Will they get back together? And Samar-Anjali? Will Samar find out the truth? Will they get married? Will Anjali get her happily ever after?
So many questions. So guys, buckle up. A lot of things is coming up. The story is going to go into a rollercoaster ride. Love, anger, jealousy, pain, hurt, revenge, redemption. Lot of things are coming up. Arnav-Khushi's story kick started from a marriage, now yet again another marriage is going to kick start their story. So let's see what happens. What will be the end of this love story.
So guys that's all for this chapter. I am really really sorry for disappearing like that. I was very busy with my college work. My exams are going on. Two more weeks, then I will try to give few regular updates. Till then please bear with me.
Please please please vote and comment.
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