Chapter 37
When Payal had got out of the limo she was stunned looking at the amount of people that were around. She was glad Akash was around and her sister because where they were at this moment astonished her. Being the daughter -in-law of Shantivan was already a big responsibility but she never imagined being the wife of Akash Singh Raizada would involve all this. As she got out she looked at Akash who looked back at her, hand in hand and with a squeeze of his hand on hers reassuring her everything will be fine. He put his arm out and she took it gracefully while the media who were behind barriers were clicking away. Akash was thankful that Arnav had thought about everything. Security was tight, the barriers were holding and Karan had just come to talk to the brothers about things. Akash and Payal headed inside as the cameras carried on moving in their direction making Payal more nervous.
When Khushi came out she was just as astonished as her sister. The entrance was designed in an arch with the AR logo going around it. She could see banners with models faces wearing AR designs. The entrance was a walk away from the limo as a red carpet had been laid out in front with two rows of barriers either side of the carpet holding the public and the media behind. She felt like she was heading into some award show the way everything was laid out and her being the star of the show. She wasn't far of the mark there. When all the cameras started flashing she heard the commotion and the media shouting in her direction. She wondered what was going on. Karan and Arnav were talking but abruptly stopped when they heard the commotion. Karan who already knew the score just hoped his boss wouldn't do anything rash which to his surprise he didn't. Arnav had already known the past would catch up with him and Khushi but he couldn't let that bother him at the moment. He turned back to Khushi once he had finished speaking to Karan and held out his arm. Khushi gladly took it as her nervousness for this situation became evident on her face. She liked the fact Arnav was around. She felt a lot more secure. They also moved towards the entrance Arnav trying hard to ignore the media. They both could hear a lot of questions being tossed at them but the both carried on walking.
Once inside Akash and Payal met them and all four were taken to their seats where Arnav had made sure no media personal were anywhere near them. Payal and Khushi sat next to each other while Arnav and Akash sat either side. Payal and Khushi had both been stunned be the stage design. A ramp in the middle of the large hall, chairs on either side going along in rows, AR banners towards the side and also on two walls on the stage. Colour changing floor lights on the stage going all the way along the ramp with the main lights being white everywhere. While all the Raizada's plus, stars, clients and other business people were seating toward the stage the media were placed around the back seats. Payal and Khushi had been busy gaping at the celebrities that were around mostly all ex-models who were now part of the Bollywood industry. Khushi was slightly disappointed. No Salman Khan around of course but she couldn't show this. She knew how having his poster in their bedroom already irritated Arnav.
Once the show started they all settled down to enjoy it although the clothing flabbergasted Payal and Khushi. They had only seen clothing like this in films not in real life so they both had moments where either mouth would open wide in a perfectly shaped 'o' or their eyes would just be wide open. Arnav and Akash had to sometimes hold the bubbling laughter erupting in their stomachs or tell their wives to stop staring so hard as their eyes might pop out.
As soon as the show had finished it was traditional for Arnav to go on stage. He had asked Akash to look after the girls while he went up. As soon as he got on stage he said a few words and was about to leave when the media commotion stated again this time loud enough for everyone to hear. Questions like did you cheat on Lavanya Kashyap with your current wife? Did your wife know about Lavanya? If so did she snatch you away? Khushi also heard these. She was holding Payal's hand really tight. Arnav quickly looked towards Khushi who looked like she was on the verge of crying. Arnav became mad. Arnav was back in ASR mode.
Arnav in a dangerous tone: ENOUGH! My personal life has nothing to do with this show. We are all here to see AR's new collaboration not to discuss my personal life or my family life.
He said what he had to and left. The show pretty much wrapped up after that with the media wanting to find out more but having nothing all they could do was leave. Arnav had gone back to Khushi and held her hand. She looked up at him. He nodded a no, which she understood. The four of them got up to leave. Security were told to meet them inside. The four of them headed back to the limo where the media were already outside trying to get more pictures of the brides especially Khushi and statements but security had been quick to get them back to the limo safely and on the way to the after party.
Once in the limo Khushi really was about to cry when Arnav saw her and as tears were falling he got out his handkerchief and stating wiping her face looking deep into her eyes.
Arnav: Khushi. I'm sorry you had to go through that.
Khushi just looked at him and knew he was sorry.
Arnav: We can go back to the hotel if you don't want to go to the party.
Khushi: It's ok Arnavji. We can go. I'll be ok.
Arnav had organised the after party at the renaissance hotel and convention centre. He had the whole lawn out back with a marquee set up outside and a dj playing soft music. He also had one of the banqueting suites booked for food where the best food was being served. When they got there a lot of his guests were already there. They came out of the limo. Arnav was still worried for Khushi as the events earlier had really rattled her. Payal also didn't like what had happened.
Once inside Arnav and Akash started moving towards their clients and business associates introducing their wives to everyone. Arnav then walked over to the shah's and introduced Khushi. Akash followed suit and introduced Payal. Payal and Khushi were then left with Mrs Meena Shah while Mr Ravi Shah took the boys and introduced them to other people. The shah's were both in their fifties. Theirs was a love marriage and they are parents of three children and one grandchild. While the men got talking business the women got engrossed into a conversation.
Meena: So where are you girls from?
Payal: Lucknow.
Meena: Oh. How did you meet the raizada's then?
Payal: Actually Khushi had a job at AR.
Meena smiling and teasingly: Really. Is that when you fell in love with your husband Khushi?
Khushi didn't know what to answer.
Payal teasingly: Not really. They couldn't stand each other.
Khushi: Jiji.
Payal and meena were laughing now. Khushi was blushing.
The models from the show were also there plus some others who only came to see if the rumours of Arnav Singh Raizada being married were true. A lot of people had arrived there for only this one reason. Rich girls who had a huge crush on him and mothers who wanted him as their son-in-law all left disappointed that he was indeed married and so was his cousin. Most of the girls were just fuming and wondering what he saw in Khushi that wasn't in them. A few conversations were going on in several places just belittling her. One such conversation was happening very close to where Khushi, Payal and meena Shah were.
First girl: Maybe he just pities her that's why they are married.
Second girl: Well it can't be love. I mean look at her she has no class.
Third girl: Maybe he was forced by family.
Second girl: No way this is Arnav Singh Raizada we are talking about. He would never be forced.
First girl: Well one thing is for sure she doesn't deserve him. He's too sophisticated for her. Anyway look at the other one she is just as bad. Just as bad as the other. No class so probably not even rich.
Second girl: You know the Raizada men will probably just ditch them soon and then it would be our turn.
The girls just burst out laughing while looking at Khushi and Payal who had been trying hard not to listen to their conversation but unfortunately heard the whole thing.
Another conversation was happening near the men along similar lines. Arnav was trying hard not to lose his temper but he certainly was on the verge. He looked at Akash.
Arnav: Akash lets go from here.
Akash and Arnav moved to their wives and Ravi Shah followed them to stop them. As they approached Khushi and Payal Ravi Shah had reached there.
Ravi: Arnav listen this kind of thing happens everywhere. The best thing to do is ignore it.
Arnav was still trying hard to control his temper.
Akash: Bhai just doesn't like people commenting about his family.
Ravi: I know I use to be like that but life changes a person. Listen Arnav people are going to talk however much we want to shut them up but we can't do that to everyone. So the best thing to do is to show them you don't care what they think. You know when Meena and I got married we had to put up with a lot. Me being from a rich family and her being from a middle class family. My family at first didn't approve but I loved her and nothing was going to change my mind. When we finally did get married and I use to bring her to these events we both had a lot of problems but we faced them together. Things will get better you'll see.
Meena: Arnav my husband is right and by my guess both Khushi and Payal are from a middle class family.
Akash: Yes they are. Both sisters.
Meena: Really? Never would have thought that. Anyhow I'm saying I did have a lot of problems when I first entered this society so my advice to you girls is that hold your head up. You have done nothing wrong so why should you feel ashamed. Both your husbands are here supporting you and unlike me you have me. I never had anyone to help so if you are feeling awkward don't. Most of these girls wouldn't know what the word respect meant even if it hit them in their face. Plus they are all snobbish.
Khushi and Payal couldn't help but smile at Meena. Akash was grateful for Mr and Mrs shah being here while Arnav was mulling over what the shah's had said. Mr Shah then whispered to Mrs shah before heading towards the dj. The dj picked up his mic to talk
DJ: Ladies and gentlemen I have just been told that the guest of honour Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada and Mr. Akash Singh Raizada recently got married and I would like to request that they come on the dance floor with their wives.
Arnav, Akash, Payal and Khushi were equally shocked at this. Mr Shah came back and gestured they all go to the dance floor.
Ravi: Arnav this is the way to show them you don't care about what they think. Your personal life is your own not for them to dictate.
Arnav understood. He went towards Khushi and held out his hand. Khushi took it but was very nervous to dance in front of so many people. Akash did the same and followed.
Background score: Tera hone laga hoon from film ajab prem ki gazab kahani.
Both Arnav and Akash lead Khushi and Payal onto the dance floor and start dancing to the romantic tune. All four unaware of the eyes giving them scornful looks as all they can see is each other. Both couples gazing in to each other's eyes and forgetting about the world around them.
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Kabhi Neem Neem Kabhi Shahad Shahad
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