Story of the Decade | Chapter 13 by Bhavisweet03 | Pg 51 - Page 25

I am so sorry due to sudden exams I wouldn't be able to write 14th feb update

Originally posted by: beingaditij

I am so sorry due to sudden exams I wouldn't be able to write 14th feb update

Cheers...

Originally posted by: abivicky86

It was an awesome update very well written too.

First of all a biiiiggg thankyou for the looong comment. I liked it very much

And I am very happy that you liked it so much.😃

Each and every writer of this story is beautifully maintaining the flow of the story.

Hehe...yes of course😳

Kushi is just trying to come to terms with her life in a new place with new people. After interacting with Neema kushi is at ease knowing that she is safe and doesn’t have to worry any more that she is alone with Arnav there is a woman too who is just like a mother figure.

Yes....slowly her life is getting adjusted😔...but it's not permanent. Though Neema is a good addition. A mother to both....maybe she will be more help in coming chapters 👍🏼

It is said a leopard doesn’t change its spots same is the case with Shyamwa who will always be a scumbag he is not happy being married to Anji he wants kushi also.

🤬Such a creep...always obstacle😕

After coming to RM he has sensed kushi is in the same vicinity after tasting the chutney.

Yes...😔

But looks like luck for the time being is on kushi’s side as Payal saw to that Shyam is kept in the dark about kushi but I feel she has an inkling she can’t keep fooling him for long so perhaps she has asked for Arnav’s help and asked him to come after seeing his investigative approach regarding kushi.

Yes dear....got the point very well. 😃 Anyways when Arnav is with Khushi she doesn't need even luck😆...Hope Payal and Arnav got the real face of that creep and do something to save Khushi and Anjali

There in Nanital Arnav was partially successful in getting kushi to talk about herself and he has come to know that she is running from her abusive husband whose name is shyam but before she could reveal his full name she passed out in Arnav’s arms .

Yes...typical na😈

This piece of information has set his brain ticking and he has put Aman on the case. Hopefully he will be able to gather information about Shyam from Payal and connect the dots and find out about his relation with Kushi.

Good suggestions.👍🏼 Who knows when it will happen. Hope it happens soon😉

The story is now poised at an interesting stage will wait for next chapter.

Me too friend....me too...

Let's see what happens

My replies in bold👆

Thanks anf love❤❤❤

I was looking for new chapter and then realised its not Sunday🤣

Chapter 7

Khushi opened her eyes and took a quick scan of her surroundings. She was in a warm, soft bed and covered with a comforter. Apart from the ticking clock, there was no noise. Absolute calm surrounded the room and the house. It was so much different from the place she once called home.

Located in one of the densest parts of Delhi, the house where she lived with her husband was set deep into alleys. All kinds of noise and commotion from the streets would trickle into the house, permeating through the thin walls. Most of the times, Khushi couldn’t even hear her thoughts in that house. It was only Shyam’s loud voice that filled her head and the house. Sounds of glass breaking, utensils thrown around, and then the sound of that belt! That leather belt biting into her skin while she kept her sobs muffled, begging and pleading Shyam to stop.

“If I stop, you wouldn’t learn, would you? I have told you not to talk to these neighbourhood women, yet I found you chatting. What were you telling them? Spewing venom about me? Huh?” Shyam would say, before throwing away the belt and grabbing her by the arms.

“No, I did not tell them anything. I swear” She would plead, unable to stop the tears that would flow while her whole body ached.

“You better not! I am your husband. Your job is to keep me happy. Is it not?” He would ask her, nails digging into her skin while he stared at her face.

“Yes”

“Then, make me happy”

Those were the moments Khushi would feel the real pain, humiliation and shame as Shyam’s grubby hands would reach for her, clawing and tearing her clothes. Those were the moments when she wished she was dead, freed from this nightmare she was forced to call life.

Just the memories made Khushi hyperventilate, clutching the white sheets in her fingers. The calmness of her surrounding began to vanish and sounds from those streets began to fill her head. So much so that she didn’t hear the footsteps into the room.

“Breathe, Khushi” The soothing, feminine voice reached her ears but her eyes were glassy, her vision blurring.

“You’re in Nainital, Khushi. You’re far away from Delhi. I am Niharika. Focus on my voice, Khushi. Focus and breathe. Deep breath in, deep breath out” Khushi held on to the voice and focussed on her breathing, slowly recalling that she was indeed not in Delhi. She was in Nainital, a place full of beauty and kind people.

“Niharika Ji?” Khushi managed to speak when her vision cleared and her breathing steadied.

“It’s me, Khushi. You’re with me. You’re safe” Niharika slid closer to Khushi, tentatively placing a hand upon Khushi’s arm, who flinched in response. Niharika drew her hand back but maintained eye contact with Khushi.

“How are you feeling? Do you want water?” She asked.

“Water, yes” Khushi said. Niharika lifted the jug from the side-table and poured some water in a glass, quietly handing it to Khushi.

Khushi slowly drank the water and felt relieved, as the cool water travelled down her choked throat.

“I am sorry, Khushi” She looked up when Niharika spoke.

“We shouldn’t have pushed you so much. Forcing the things out of you was not a good idea. That’s why you’re getting these panic attacks. I am very sorry” Niharika spoke, her voice soft.

“No, Niharika ji. It’s not your fault. Please don’t say sorry. You have been very good to me” Khushi immediately spoke, placing a hand upon Niharika’s hands.

“Both Arnavji and you have provided me shelter. I will never be able to repay your debt” Khushi continued, overwhelmed by her feelings.

“Not at all, Khushi. There’s no debt. All of us here only have each other. We try to be one family, support each other. That’s all I can give you and that’s all I want in return” Niharika replied, so that Khushi wouldn’t feel she was being pitied upon.

Khushi nodded her head before saying, “He never allowed me to talk to anyone. About any of this! If he ever caught me talking to anyone, he would...lose all control. I think that’s why I got this...this panic attack as you call it. I talked about him to you..and Arnavji. If he ever finds out..he will..”

“He can’t do anything anymore, Khushi. We would make sure of that” Niharika said, her voice full of promise and determination, allowing Khushi to draw some courage from it as well.

“It’s quite late, Khushi. I didn’t wake you up for dinner because you were sleeping so peacefully. Should i ask someone to bring your dinner here? For today?” Niharika asked when another silent moment passed.

“Oh! How long did I sleep for? Did you and Arnavji eat already?” Khushi asked, looking at the clock.

“You slept for four hours. I guess you were pretty tired from the walk. You have a thin frame. I hope you gain some weight soon” Niharika’s said, frowning and fussing over Khushi’s underweight body.

“And yes, I ate. Arnav left before dinner” Niharika continued.

“Left?” There was an element of surprise in Khushi’s voice.

“Yes, he has work. But, he said he would be back on Sunday” Niharika replied.

“Does he come here often?” Khushi couldn’t help but ask.

“Not as much as I would like him to” Niharika replied with a smile.

“I’ll bring your dinner, Khushi. You need to rest more” Niharika said before walking out of the room.

After Niharika left, Khushi couldn’t help but think back upon Arnav’s words from the evening.

"Daro mat Khushi! Yaqeen mano mera...main bachaunga tumhein us shakhs se. Boldo sab kuch!"

(Do not be afraid, Khushi. I will save you from that person, trust me. Just tell me everything”

No one had ever said such words to her; no one had ever cared enough to stand up for her. Except this man! And there had been such ferociousness in his voice, such steel in his eyes that Khushi had believed him.

In his presence, she had felt safe. In his arms...Khushi recalled how gently he had embraced when she was losing her conscious, as if he was afraid he might end up hurting her.

She was really lucky to have met him.

But, now that he was gone for a few days, she wondered what she would do here. Was she supposed to simply stay here? And for how long?

The future seemed uncertain, yet Khushi had a small hope that it wouldn’t be so bad. She will figure it out, with Niharika’s help.

~~**~~

Although Arnav was in his bed, he couldn’t sleep. And for the first time, his sleeplessness didn’t have anything to do with the painful memories of his past.

It was Khushi who was on his mind. Her tear-stained face refused to leave him. Those eyes that looked so fearful and haunted, holding an eternity of pain in them.

Married at such an early age? He couldn’t believe it, still. It pricked him in the heart, knowing those four years must have involved unspeakable forms of suffering for her.

His blood pumped angrily through the veins, every time he thought of it.

How could anyone do that to her?

What kind of parents did she have? Did she at least have a better life before she was married?

Arnav had so many questions and their answers were still far away.

He had talked to Aman and the background check would take at least another day, even after using his influence to speed up the process.

Arnav knew he wouldn’t be at peace until he knew everything. And what surprised him more was the fact he cared about this more than he should. Why?

His eyes drifted to the painting sitting in the corner of his room; still mounted on the canvas.

The silhouette looking at the stars above, her hair as black as the night around her! There was a certain poignancy in that painting, an unexplained facet to it. Did she look up at the stars to draw comfort from them or did she look at them because she wanted to belong with them? It was a very disturbing thought, Arnav realized.

Maybe one day, he would ask her.

~~**~~

The morning in Shantivan was a flurry of activities today. Anjali was still not feeling too well and already had three episodes of morning sickness. She hadn’t left the room and Shyam was asking HP to prepare something sweet for her.

“You’re so caring, Jeeja ji” It was Akash who commented, while Shyam waited at the table where Payal was also having her breakfast.

“She is my wife, Akash. I have to care for her. After all, a marriage is made up of love and caring” Shyam said, mentally patting himself on the back for his perfect charade.

Of course, no one had noticed that he had deliberately placed some strong-smelling pickles in the room which had induced the morning sickness.

“It’s like there’s something off in the room that’s upsetting me” Anjali had said, after she had thrown up the second time.

“Is there? I can’t smell it, Rani Sahiba” He had lied through his teeth and removed it from the room while Anjali was in the washroom, throwing up for a third time.

He loved being in control of the situation, playing the women in his life. It gave him a sense of power and thrill.

“Good morning, Jeeja ji” It was Arnav who broke Shyam’s thoughts and Shyam nodded, offering another sweet smile to him.

“Morning, Saale Sahab. It’s so nice to see you again. Where did you disappear yesterday?” Shyam probed.

“I had to go out of station, Jeeja ji. Something urgent came up” Arnav replied, not wanting to divulge too much information to the man.

Although he respected Shyam for being a good husband to Anjali, he had never really liked his prying nature. But, he kept quiet because he knew Anjali was happy with him.

Across the table, Arnav met Payal’s gaze which were full of inquisitiveness. He hadn’t told her that he had found Khushi and taken her to Nainital. He had wanted to, but Khushi had been too terrified on the plane and hadn’t wanted Payal to know. But, Payal was worried, he could tell.

Maybe he could call Niharika and ask her if Khushi was now ready to speak to Payal. If Payal knew that Khushi was in a safe place, she wouldn’t worry as much. He made a mental note of doing that later. For now, he needed to focus on Anjali.

“How is Di doing? Is it supposed to be so bad? The morning sickness?” He asked.

“It’s quite normal, Saale Sahab” Shyam jumped in first, making Payal frown.

“No, it’s not normal. It’s different for different women and if Di keeps feeling the same way, she might get dehydrated. We should call a doctor. Maybe he can prescribe some medicines to control the nausea” She replied.

“Yes, I think we should do that” Akash agreed too.

“Don’t worry, Akash. I know a very good Obstetrician. I will take Rani Sahiba to her as soon as she is feeling better” Shyam replied.

“That won’t be necessary, Jeeja Ji. I also know a doctor. She will come and check Di at home” Arnav said.

“But Saale Sahab..”

“It’s not up for discussion, Jeeja Ji. We can’t wait around until Di feels better” Arnav said, and stood up from his chair.

Gathering his coat from the back of his chair, Arnav began to head towards his office when he heard Payal call him.

He slowed down and Payal reached up to him.

“I couldn’t find Khushi anywhere on the grounds, Arnav. She is really gone. Left behind this note in the kitchen”, Payal said, showing her phone’s screen to Arnav where she had taken a picture of Khushi’s note.

"Please don't reveal my name or identity to your family and please destroy this note".

“She left this note? Where and when?” Arnav asked, surprised.

“In the kitchen! Right before she ran, I think. I burned the note but clicked a picture of it. I haven’t been able to sleep, Arnav. I am so worried about her. Why did she ask me not to reveal her name to anyone? You already know her name, Akash knows, I know too. That only leaves Di and Jeeja Ji. I think she got scared of the new people in the house”

“Could be” Arnav replied, forwarding the photo from Payal’s phone to his phone.

“I know you wouldn’t like to do this, but could you please try to find out where did she go? If she is safe or not?” Payal asked, and Arnav had to avoid looking at Payal lest she could read him. Payal always knew how to read him. And he wouldn’t be able to keep this a secret from Payal for too long.

Thus, he needed to get his hands on that background check real soon so he could know what to tell Payal. By now, Arnav was positive that Khushi wasn’t a con artist. The pain and sorrow that he had seen in her eyes, it was hard to fake. Yet, he needed to know the real details so he could help her better.

“Sure! I’ll see what I can find out, Payal” Arnav replied before walking out of the house.

~~**~~

The day turned out to be very pleasant for Khushi. She woke up to a beautiful day and asked Niharika if she could help around the house. There were all sorts of people in the house, men and women, but women outnumbered the men. Guess, the world had more suffering for women than for men, Khushi thought.

Niharika had told her that the house was an institute as well and offered a variety of training programmes, imparting employable skills to the people.

“You can decide what you like and choose one of the programmes. We have handicrafts, sewing, beautician, Yoga training, cooking, weaving and a lot more. I’ll give you a brochure for detailed information. However, until you figure out what you’re interested in, you can assist me with teaching the local kids” Niharika had said and Khushi had readily agreed, joining her in the tutoring session. It had been so nice to see her interacting with the children, answering their queries. At one point, she had a found a book for herself and began reading.

There was a time when she was fond of reading and studying. But, she had to give up her college education in the middle and move to Delhi, after which she had completely forgotten about her passion for learning. So, Khushi spent the day reading the book and when evening fell, she joined Niharika for another walk. During the walk, she was acutely aware of Arnav’s absence and couldn’t help but think back about yesterday.

She missed his comforting presence, she realized. She hoped to see him again. Soon.

~~**~~

“She has a step-mother?” Arnav read the file brought by Aman, while the latter nodded.

“Yes. She still lives in Lucknow, though. After Khushi’s father died, the family faced financial problems and Khushi was forced to discontinue her education. A few months later, she was married off to some man named Shyam Sharma. It was an imperfect match, I hear. The man was quite older than her and according to my sources; he offered to settle the debts of the family in return of the marriage”

“So, it was a transaction?” Arnav could feel his blood boiling.

“You could say so” Aman noticed it too and cleared his throat.

“Why is there so little information about the man?” Arnav asked, flipping the pages.

“There wasn’t much to find about him. All we know is that he had helped Khushi’s father in some legal hassles in the past. That’s how he knew the family” Aman said, pointing to the highlighted paragraph.

“He is a lawyer?” Arnav asked, the news not settling well with him.

“Apparently, but we can’t be too sure. I’ll need more time to confirm the details. Since you wanted me to hurry, I could only get this much”

“Then find out more, Aman. I want to know every single detail about this man” Arnav said, leaning on the table and giving a hard stare to Aman.

“Sure” Aman said and walked out of the room.

Arnav began to pace in the cabin once Aman was gone.

Shyam Sharma! Lawyer!

Why didn’t he like the look of this?

Feeling more restless than ever, Arnav couldn’t help but reach for his phone.

He dialed Niharika’s number. It rang for a long time and Arnav assumed Niharika was busy. He was about to disconnect and dial again when the phone was receive.

“Hello” It was Khushi on the other end and Arnav was surprised how he instantly felt relieved to hear her voice. The fact that he recognized her voice with a simple hello also struck him.

“Hello” He spoke.

“Niharika ji is upstairs, Arnav ji” Khushi said on the other end.

“Okay” Arnav replied and remained quiet for a second.

“How are you?” He asked after the pause.

“Much better” She replied.

“How are you?” Arnav hadn’t expected that she would ask him but she did.

“I am fine, Khushi” He answered.

“Today, we went for the walk without you” Khushi said and Arnav felt a small smile on his lips.

“You did? Was it good?” He asked her.

“Yes, it was” Khushi answered him, hesitant for a second.

“So , you were happy that I wasn’t around to disturb you?” Arnav asked.

“No, no. I didn’t mean that” Khushi immediately corrected herself.

“We missed you. It was nice when you were here” She told Arnav, feeling somewhat embarrassed to be admitting that.

Arnav remained quiet upon hearing that.

She missed him?

“I too would have liked to be there. I enjoy these walks” He admitted to her. Walking around these quiet, picturesque landscapes helped soothe his mind.

“We will go again when you come back” Khushi said to him.

“Promise?” Arnav asked, unable to stop himself.

“Promise” Khushi took a few seconds to answer.

“Alright then, I’ll see you soon, Khushi. Take care. And please let Neema know that I called” Arnav said, before disconnecting.

“Take care, Arnavji. Bye” Khushi replied and waited for Arnav to hang up the phone.

Once he did, she put the phone down and smiled to herself.

She looked forward to having another walk with him.

____________________________

Res. First place on this story after a long time

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Edited : First of all, a big sorry for being so late at unreserving this comment.

Coming to the story, Arnav's impulsive questioning in the last chapter was bound to have some effects and I'm glad that you decided to show that here. I hope Neema informs Arnav and he understands that forcing Khushi to share her story is not a good option. She needs to feel comfortable with them first before she can lower her guards.

The beginning of the chapter gave us a glimpse of what Khushi has faced for four years of her marriage. It's terrible and one is left to wonder why she didn't gather the courage to run away earlier. Or maybe she kept trying but never succeeded till that day. Whatever it maybe, I'm glad she escaped that hell hole.

I think she should stay in Nainital with Niharika and others. With the different courses running there, she can learn some skills as well as further her education if she wants. Also, living with others who have also been treated unfairly will help her heal along with them. I think, such people can be a very good influence on each other as their stories inspire them all to move forward and face the world.

So Shyam has married Khushi using an alias. Or is that his real name and Shyam Jha is the alias? And he has been careful to hide his trail so Aman's report doesn't have enough information or even a photo of his. Will time reveal more to Aman and consequently Arnav?

And Shyam is playing around with Anjali too, even if it isn't as bad as his treatment with Khushi. Still, Arnav needs to know the truth and save his sister before it's too late. Payal being concerned was sweet and I'm a little surprised that Arnav didn't tell her the truth. Maybe he will do so after discussing with Khushi.

The last part was a little Valentine's gift for us from you 😆. For the heavy update, you made up by giving us Arshi's phone conversation 😆. Khushi is missing Arnav... and Arnav has her painting hung on his wall... Wow! ⭐️ Looking forward to see their relationship progress slowly 😳

It was a good continuation Kiran, especially since you wrote this on such a short notice. I especially liked how you have taken dialogs from previous chapters which give this story more of a continuous flow and don't let the readers feel that each chapter is being written by different authors ❤️.

Love,

Stuti

Res for second place for the first time!😊

Updated.........

That was a beautiful chapter Kiran.

Khushi is having nightmares about her married life with Shyam. He was brutal with her. Was it just lust? Or did Khushi do something inadvertently to Shyam which made him get her at any cost? Was money the only reason for his marriage with Anjali? He was a much older man. Does that mean Anjali and Shyam married a long time and are having a kid now?

He is disgusting. Making his pregnant wife get more sick so that he can show the world how good a husband he is. His days at Arnav's house are numbered. It won't take long for Arnav or Payal to figure out that it is Shyam, from whom Khushi was running away.

Khushi should start something and become financially independent as soon as possible and make Payal, Arnav and Neema proud. She is still young. Meanwhile the romance can blossom in the beautiful locales of Nainital. That will keep her away from the dreaded man before his identity is revealed.

Cheers.....

Originally posted by: Unique.Sheep

I was looking for new chapter and then realised its not Sunday🤣

But it's Sunday now and the chapter is up! 😃

I hope Shyam’s truth come out soon and Arnav could save his sister and khushi from that snake but I think it won’t be that easy bcoz Shyam is a creep and he will definitely do some cheap tricks to save himself.

This story is progressing so well and I am surprised how seamless it feels despite different writers writing each part! Wonderful job dear writers 🤗