FF Their six month marriage - #2 thread 3 link pg 1 - Page 74

Chapter 51

For the next few hours Khushi and Payal had chosen various designs even though at first they were both apprehensive but Akash had come back half an hour later after he had left to convince the both of them, as well as he had, had a design already ready for quite some time but had never had the chance to get it done. As Neeta was around he took this opportunity to get this particular design done for his wife. Before showing the design to Neeta he showed it to Payal who loved it very much and gave it Neeta to get it done. While he was down there he had seen Khushi come out of the dressing room in her anarkali again looking very apprehensive about having expensive clothes. It took Akash a while to convince both Payal and Khushi that sometimes like the party they had been too they would have to attend more like them as well plus the main reason was that both he and bhai had wanted to do this for some time. The opportunity just rose today.

It was not until Arnav and Akash had finished work when the girls got to go home. They only had one or two sarees with them which made Arnav scrawl at Khushi and Akash a little upset at Payal. It was then when Neeta came up to them.

Neeta: ASR I am leaving. I will have the rest of these sarees ready soon.

Arnav and Akash turned to look at her.

Arnav: How many are you designing?

Neeta: For the time being around five each for both of them but I have more designs which I have at home. I have asked both Payal maam and Khushi maam if I can meet them at your home so we can discuss if they would want more.

Arnav: That's good.

Neeta: Actually both maam's want me to also come and show Anjali maam and Akash your mum some designs as well.

Both Arnav and Akash looked at their wives knowing full well that the first people they would think off was their family.

Neeta left after that and so did all four of them for home.

Over the next month a lot of things had happened.

Arnav had sent more information to the P.I firm about his brother-in-law especially what he already knew about Shyam but he was firm about one thing and that was when Shyam was living in Laxmi Nagar his wife's family were to be left alone at any cost.

NK was keeping his eye on Shyam around the house while Shyam had been followed by the P.I firm.

Arnav had found out from Mr Singh himself that Shyam was indeed in Lucknow around that time when he was and had reached Delhi almost a few days after that. Finding information from people around Laxmi Nagar was a bit difficult but he managed to find out that Shyam was indeed staying at GH as a PG which he got the testimony of a few people. His mobile phone and his office phone were both tapped plus they were trying to get his phone bills discreetly as they knew he was a lawyer and any mistake from their side would be costly.

Arnav also needed to find out a bit more from Khushi. He already knew Shyam was the paying guest she was engaged to and he also knew what had happened after their marriage but there were some things he wanted to know about what happened in between.

One evening he had come back into his room to find Khushi near the cupboard sorting out clothes. He walked into the room turned, locked the door, went to table, placed his laptop on it, walked up behind her and placed his hands on her hips. Khushi had already felt his presence in the room when he had walked in. How could she not? She knew when he was near, still felt him even though he was far away and also knew he used to think about her just as much as she thought about him.

Her breath hitched when she felt his hands on her hips, closing her eyes as her heartbeat became erratic, his touch sending shivers through her body knowing full well that he was the only one who made her feel this way. His hands moved from her hips round to her waist hugging her behind, pulling her back into his chest as he moved his face closer to her, taking a deep breath and inhaling her scent of lavender his mind not working at that moment as he moved closer and closer.

Arnav speaking huskily: Khushi

Khushi: Hmmm!

Arnav: Khushi

Khushi: Hmmm!

Arnav couldn't help but bite her earlobe making her gasp at the intrusion. She quickly turned in his arms and hugged him, her head on his chest as she tried to calm her racing heart down. Arnav looked down at her smiling before hugging her too him. Both standing there a long while just hugging not thinking of anything or anyone just feeling the peace they felt in that one moment.

Arnav suddenly serious: Khushi we need to talk

Khushi looked up at him and saw the seriousness in his face. He moved his hand towards her face and caressed her cheek with his knuckles looking into her hazel eyes the innocence shining bright in them. He felt as though he could just carry on staring into her eyes forever, his love, his life, his everything, his Khushi that she was.

Khushi: Arnav you wanted to talk.

Arnav was brought back to reality when she spoke. He backed up a little, held out his hand and looked at her. She looked at him and then his hand and placed her hand in his as he led her to the bed. He then held her shoulders and made her sit down. He sat next to her.

Arnav: Khushi I know you don't like to remember but I need to know what else did Shyam''.Shyam do especially after your engagement broke up.

Khushi could see him trying hard to keep calm. She placed her hand on his shoulder instantly calming his growing temper.

Khushi: What can I tell you that you already don't know?

Arnav looked at her trying to gage what she was thinking.

Arnav: Khushi I need to know.

Khushi then recalled what had happened, each incident of how Shyam had tried to make her believe that his and di's marriage was not a happy one. Arnav felt his temper rising with each word she said but she placed her other hand in his hand to keep him calm while her hand on his shoulder tightened. Arnav knew he needed to hear this but hated himself that he couldn't stop any of this from happening. He closed his eyes in hurt, the hurt he felt for his sister, in pain, the pain he feels for Khushi, in betrayal, the betrayal that Shyam has given the whole family and in anger, the anger he feels towards himself. They both sat there for a while, not realising the time. Khushi placed her head on his shoulder. Arnav felt her, opened his eyes, and turned his head to look at her before tilting his head over hers. Neither of them saying anything to one another.

After a while Khushi went downstairs to help with dinner while Arnav went back to his laptop.

Couple of days later Arnav got the shock of his life. Mr Singh called up Arnav.

Arnav: Hello!

Mr Singh: Mr Raizada this is Mr Singh speaking.

Arnav: Yes Mr Singh. What have you found out?

Mr Singh: Mr Raizada I have already confirmed that Shyam was indeed in Lucknow, plus I have the proof also I have had some statements from people around Laxmi Nagar saying that Shyam was indeed the person living at your in-laws place after showing them the photo you had given me but I called about a few other things.

Arnav: What is it Mr Singh?

Mr Singh: Mr Raizada do you that on Diwali night the whole of Laxmi Nagar had seen a sign outside your in laws house containing Shyam and'.

Arnav in an angry tone: Yes I already know that.

Mr Singh: Well we just found out who had done that sign plus they were paid by Shyam to do it.

Arnav: WHAT?

Arnav sat there in utter shock as his mind tried to fathom what he was just told. He couldn't believe it. Was the whole affair an elaborate plan done by Shyam to get Khushi? he thought.

Mr Singh: Yes. This person told us after a lot of persuasion from our part.

Arnav: How'd you find out?

Mr Singh: We had been through his whole phone bill and manage to track down many people on his call list. There are some we still can't track down but we are getting there. There's more. There was someone he had spoken to something to do with a dangerous chemical of the name ether. Apparently Shyam was asking whether it really did do what it said. Something to do with if it gets near fire it would burn anything.

Arnav stood up from his chair wondering what Shyam would want with something like ether.

Mr Singh: Mr Raizada we also found that Shyam had bought a scorpion.

Arnav closed his eyes as memories of after the sangeet night came back to him. The scorpion in his di's room. Arnav suddenly opened his eyes aur ab hum dono ke beech mein sirf ek rukavat hai rani sahiba (and between us two there is only one obstacle rani sahiba) the words repeated again and again. NO IT CAN'T BE TRUE Arnav thought. Can it? Arnav started questioning everything now. Had his brother in law really resorted to killing his sister? Then he remembered the accident on the wedding day. Did I get the police report about the car? he couldn't remember.

Arnav: Mr Singh anything else.

Mr Singh: No Mr Raizada.

Arnav put the phone down and phoned the police to get the report on his car. The inspector at first couldn't find the report but once they had Arnav asked for a copy to be sent to him straight away. He put the phone down in a rage as things started to make sense. He moved away from the desk trying hard to calm down but he couldn't. He walked out of his cabin down the spiral stairs and stormed out of the building. All his employees saw him go out which was nothing new for them but Khushi who normally saw him for lunch everyday was surprised he had left before then. He would always inform her when he was leaving. What's wrong? She thought. She found her phone in her bag and rang him.

Arnav, who had got to his car, sat in and put his seat belt on when his phone rang, he was so mad that he just didn't answer. The phone carried on ringing. Khushi didn't give up she just rang again, again and again. She was getting very worried now wondering what had happened and why Arnav wasn't picking up. Arnav had got to Shyam's office. He was in a rage and he was out for murder. He got out and was about to go towards the office when his phone rang again. This time he took out his phone and was about to throw it when he saw who the caller was. KHUSHI. The name flashing in front of him, her thoughts invading him, a sudden urge to hear her voice made him answer the phone.

Khushi in an angry tone: Arnav. What do think of yourself? Here I am worried sick for you and you disappear without so much as a word to me.

His name from her lips, her voice even though angry but he could hear the concern coming over the phone making him close his eyes as her face came in front of his eyes.

As Khushi didn't hear Arnav answer made her worry more but she calmed down.

Khushi: Arnav are you ok?

Arnav clenched his fists trying hard to calm down.

Khushi: Arnav please answer.

Arnav could hear her plead in her voice. He needed to see her; he knew he needed her as he would do something he may later regret. He looked towards Shyam's office but hearing Khushi call his name again bought him back to his senses and he left.

Khushi: Arnav.

Arnav: Khushi. I'm coming back. I'll see you in a minute.

He headed back to his office again.

Once at the office he went to the canteen.

Arnav: Khushi I need to see you in the office now.

Saying that he left. Khushi just looked at him and had opened her mouth in a perfect 'o'. Laad governor, still ordering me about, Khushi come here, Khushi bring me this she muttered under her breath as she placed her cloth down, took her apron off, walked around the counter and towards his cabin.

His employees all heard there boss and his female employees mostly wondered how in god's name Khushi put's up with him.

Khushi went up to the cabin where Arnav was pacing back and forth. She looked at him pacing wondering what was wrong and why he had left. He turned to see her. He walked towards her in quick strides making her move back a bit. Arnav moved around her and closed the cabin door. He looked back at her gazing at her before he moved back and turned around trying hard to still calm down. Khushi saw pure rage and hurt in his eyes. She moved slowly towards her and placed her hand on his shoulder. He moved her hand and moved away. She still came up behind and did the same but before he could move she walked in front of him. He tried to move away again but Khushi moved where ever he went but this time with a small smile on her face and holding his hand sometimes but he would let go. So she did what he didn't expect and hugged him. She hugged him tight towards her caressing his hair. At first he was resisting but slowly he bought his arms around her and hugged her back as the tears started pricking his eyes.

Arnav through clenched teeth: He tried to kill her.

Arnav spoke as the tears started flowing. Khushi's eyes opened wide. She wanted to ask but the words couldn't come out.

Arnav: He tried to kill Di.

Realisation hit her as the words had come out. She hugged him tighter and he her.

He let go after a while as his office phone was ringing. He answered to find aman telling him his next meeting was set. Arnav told him to cancel it and cancel the rest of his appointments and to tell Akash he was going home early. He put the phone down grabbed his bag looked at Khushi who knew what he wanted. She followed him out went and got her bag and they went home.

Once home Arnav ignored everyone as they all saw him come home early and went straight to his room. Khushi just followed him up. He put his bag down, took his jacket off, threw it on his bed, did the same with his tie and waist coat, got a towel from the cupboard and went to the washroom shutting the door behind him. Khushi just watched him before she moved in the room and picked up all his clothes.

Anjali then came in the room.

Anjali: Khushiji why is Chote home so early and why is he in a bad mood?

Khushi turned to look at Anjali and didn't know what to say. She knew she couldn't tell the truth but what can she say. Before she could answer Arnav came out. As he had heard Anjali from the washroom he answered.

Arnav: Di. No reason. I just wanted to work from home today.

Anjali: Chote you hardly do that. What's so special today?

Arnav: Di. Nothing special. Just thought I would spend some time with you di.

Anjali just smiled at his response but then looked at Khushi and smirked as another idea popped in her head.

Arnav: Really Chote with me or Khushiji?

Khushi just looked at Anjali, eyes wide open in shock as her face started turning a shade of pink. Arnav looked from his di to Khushi and back again.

Arnav: Di. Please.

Anjali just giggled as she saw Khushi and her brother's reaction.

Anjali: Ok. Ok. I believe you. Khushiji you were saying something about one of Chote's designer coming home to show us designs the other day. Do you have the number?

Arnav: It's ok di. I can call her and have her here within the hour.

Before Anjali could protest Arnav got his phone out and called up Neeta.

Arnav: She will be here in an hour.

Both Anjali and Khushi then left the Arnav alone with his thoughts. He was glad that they would have something to occupy them with while he got on with work.

NK who was also home went to see Arnav once the girls came back down. Once in Arnav's room Arnav saw him. NK was about to speak but Arnav cut him off.

Arnav: NK close the door if you're here to talk about Shyam.

NK closed the door as that was who he wanted to talk about.

NK: Nannav why do you want me to follow jijaji?

Arnav closed his eyes as he heard this question. He knew it was coming as he still hadn't answered this question to NK before asking him to do this. Before he could answer his phone rang. It was Mr Singh again.

Arnav: yes Mr Singh.

Mr Singh: sir my men have just found out that Shyam has had a duplicate key made of a something door or locker. Does this mean anything to you?

Arnav knew exactly what this meant.

Arnav: yes I do. Is that it for now?

Mr Singh: yes Mr Raizada.

Saying that Arnav put the phone down and looked at NK.

Arnav: NK now is not the time for answers. I have just found out that Shyam has made a duplicate key to my locker. I want to know what he does once he has gets into my locker. You got that NK.

NK: But nannav'

Arnav: NK not now.

NK saw Arnav's temper flare up and just left.

The evening wasn't well at all. As Khushi knew what was going through Arnav's mind she had to be extra careful in keeping Arnav away from Shyam only because she didn't want any kind of commotion not in RM and especially not in front of Di.

Shyam had been getting impatient of late. He wanted to get into Arnav's locker soon now that he had a separate key made. He got the opportunity a few days later when everyone was out of the house. As he had been followed by the P.I firm Arnav had gotten a call and was informed that Shyam was back in RM prompting Arnav to call NK who had to make up an excuse and head home quickly.

When he got there Shyam had already got the file out of Arnav's locker and was heading back to his office and NK had not been there to see it.

When Arnav got to know about this he was pissed that NK had missed such an opportunity to know what Shyam would do. So he headed back home only telling Khushi that he would be back to work in a while as he had something to do not allowing her to get involved in this.

He got home and found that his will was missing. He banged his fist against the cupboard while NK just looked on. He turned to look at NK once he had locked his locker and stormed out without saying anything.

He had left RM and had not noticed Shyam coming back but due to the fact NK had followed him out saw Shyam's car and ran back inside to hide wondering what was Shyam doing back here.

This time NK saw what Shyam did.

Shyam came back and went to Arnav's room and replaced the file and then left.

Once he had left NK got onto the phone and called Arnav to tell him what had happened. Arnav was surprised to hear this. What was Shyam planning? the question now buzzing in his mind.

Once he got home he went to his room opened his locker to find his will there but he knew something was wrong but didn't know what. So he quickly put it in his bag, locked his locker and made sure no one saw as he needed his lawyer to take a look at it.

It's a copy Arnav. Arnav had been told by Mr Roy when he had been to his lawyer's office the very next day on the urgent business of getting to the bottom of this whole matter. So Shyam had done this. But why? Arnav sat in his office on his chair contemplating what his brother-in-law was planning. He didn't have to wait long for his answer.

Shyam had had a copy of the will done and was very satisfied that soon he will not only have Arnav's money but also Khushi as well. Thinking this he was very pleased with himself.

All he now needed was the rest of his plan to be put into action.

The next evening Shyam had got home on the intent of carrying out the first part of the plan. He went to room and placed his bag on the table and took out a file, sat down on his bed and looked over the file.

Anjali had seen Shyam go to their room and had followed him. She saw him on the bed and was observing a closely. She walked up to and took the file out of his hand making him look up at her.

Shyam: Rani sahiba. Please give me that file back.

Shyam stood up and tried to grab the file from Anjali but to no avail.

Shyam: Anjali.

Anjali knew Shyam was angry. He only called her Anjali when he was angry making Anjali feel a little sad. Shyam saw how sad she was and calmed down. He touched her face and made her look at him.

Shyam: I'm sorry rani sahiba. It's just that the file was a surprise for and you just ruined it.

Anjali: A surprise?

Shyam: Yes I have finally been able to acquire the land where I wanted our house to be built and in your name.

Anjali looked at him with tears in her eyes as she felt her husband loved her a lot and she was thanking her lucky stars that she had such a loving husband. She gave him the file and he took it. He made her sit down and sat next to her once he got a pen.

Shyam: I just need you to sign these papers so as I can get everything sorted out legally.

Anjali took the pen and papers gladly and just signed wherever Shyam had asked her to not seeing the look Shyam had on his face with a glint in his eyes and an evil smile but what he had not noticed was that the whole incident had been witnessed by NK.

Once Arnav had got home NK had managed to go to his room. Finding him alone NK narrated the whole story of what he saw. Arnav was getting more confused as to what his brother-in-law had planned. What he did know was that he needed that file in his hand plus he needed his will back.

Arnav: NK I need you search Di and Shyam's room tomorrow.

NK: What? Nannav I can't do that.

Arnav: You have to. I need to know if he has my file in his room.

NK: But how am I supposed to search Di's room without anyone noticing.

Arnav: You will think of something I'm sure like you always do. Just do as I say for now.

NK didn't know what to do but had to think of something.

After NK had left the room Arnav was on the phone to Mr Singh who had given Arnav his mobile number as well.

Mr Singh: Hello

Arnav: Mr Singh I would like for your men to search in Shyam's office.

Mr Singh: But Mr Raizada'.

Arnav: I will pay you triple. I just need his office searched.

Mr Singh: Mr Raizada it is not about the money. It's just that Shyam only is out of the office when he is at home or when he is in court but at the moment he seems to be in his office more.

Arnav heard this and had to think then he remembered how his sister had quite recently mentioned the festival of teej. An idea struck his mind.

Arnav: Mr Singh he will at home on the 22^nd of this month (July). I will make sure of that.

Mr Singh: Ok Mr Raizada. What exactly are we looking for?

Arnav: There will be two files. One is my will and the other will have my sister Anjali Manohar Jha's signature on it but unfortunately I have no idea what the file has in it.

Mr Singh: it will be done.

With that Arnav clicked his phone off and went to carry out his plan to keep Shyam away from his office on that day.

Arnav came downstairs to dinner and found NK. He approached him and told him his plan discreetly. NK had opened his eyes wide and then looked at Arnav.

At the dinner table.

NK: Di what is beej day?

Anjali giggling: Oh NK bhai teej not beej.

NK holding his ear: Sorry Di.

Anjali: It is the day when married women and unmarried girls fast and do a pooja in front of parvati maata to ask for eternal marital bliss.

(NOTE: actually I am not sure why teej is celebrated. I only got this info from the net. I hope I am right. If not please can someone correct me.)

NK: Really Di? All girls do this?

Anjali: Yes NK bhai all girls do this and when you get married she will do this for you.

NK just blushed as everyone started teasing him about this.

NK: Di this fast do you eat anything all day?

Anjali: No we don't eat or drink all day.

NK: Then when do you eat?

Anjali: After we have done the pooja at the temple we eat from our husband's hand first. He breaks our fast.

NK teasingly: Oh so Jijaji will also come with you to the temple?

Shyam: No. I mean I can't I have some work.

Anjali: But you weren't there last year until very late and I would like it if you were here all day. Please.

Arnav, Payal and Khushi didn't know where to look knowing full well what the reason was. As for Shyam he looked slightly guilty.

Shyam: But rani sahiba'

Anjali: No but's. If you don't stay I will believe you don't love me.

Shyam just looked at Anjali pouting and gave in.

Shyam: Ok rani sahiba. What I need to do can wait.

Arnav was relieved that his plan had worked. Now the P.I firm can search his office Arnav thought.

NK: So that means Payal bhabhi and Khushiji will also do this fast and Akash bhai and Nannav will break their fast.

Arnav: NO.

Everyone turned to look at Arnav when he said that Khushi especially had a shocked look on her face.

Anjali: Chote you can't say no. It is Khushiji's first fast after getting married to you.

Arnav in a bit of a mood: No Di. She is not doing this fast.

Nani: Chote you can't insist on this. She is doing this fast. It is tradition.

Arnav saw he wasn't going to be heard here so he got up, left his dinner and went back to his room. Khushi couldn't believe what she had just heard. Why is he stopping me? she thought. She lost her own appetite once Arnav had left. Anjali noticed this and as she was sitting next to her whispered near her so no one else could hear.

Anjali: Khushiji take some food with you and go and eat with Chote upstairs.

Khushi heard this got up, went to the kitchen, got a tray, came back, filled up two plates with food and went upstairs to her room.

She walked in to see Arnav pacing in the room. She went up to the table and put the tray on it. Arnav had seen her and went and sat on the recliner just not facing her. Khushi went and sat next to him.

Khushi: Arnav why can't I fast?

Arnav turned and glared at her.

Arnav in an angry tone: Don't you remember what happened last year when you did that fast?

Khushi started recalling last year's teej. She remembered tha she didn't want to fast but her buaji had pushed her into it. Then she remembered being at the temple and how she had fainted and how Arnav had made her drink water. She blushed as she realised Arnav was the one who broke her first ever fast she had done but still this time she wanted to do this fast. She loved Arnav and she loved her life with him. She wanted her married life to be happy and have god's blessing.

Khushi: But Arnav I want to do this fast.

Arnav: KHUSHI NO.

Khushi: YES I am doing this fast Arnav and you can't stop me.

Arnav: Oh I can't stop you haan.

Arnav said with a smirk and glint in his eye. Khushi was getting nervous.

Khushi: No'you'can't...

Arnav: Really.

Arnav moved closer to Khushi but an idea struck Khushi.

Khushi: No you can't stop me and if you do I will tell Di that you don't want our marriage to be a happy one.

Hearing this Arnav backed up looking shocked but got up and moved to the washroom in a mood. Khushi had a smile on her face he will come around soon she thought.

Arnav came out and Khushi pulled out her phone and played a song.

roothhe roothhe piya manaaun kaise
roothhe roothhe piya manaaun kaise

(how do I pacify my upset lover)
aaj na jaane baat hui kya kyun roothhe mujh se jab tak wo bolen na mujh se main samjhoon kaise
(Today I don't know what has happened why you are upset with me how do I make him understand when he is not talking to me)

roothhe roothhe piya piyaa aa aa
roothhe roothhe piya manaaun kaise
roothhe roothhe piya

Khushi slowly approached him as Arnav heard the song play in the background. He looked at her and walked passed her but stopped when she had grabbed his wrist. He looked down to his hand and then to her, Khushi looking at him with a mischievous smile on her face and a sparkle in her eye. He turned and grabbed her hand and made her leave his wrist and sat on the recliner.

wo baithhe hain kuchh aise shaadi mein dulhan jaise kya ban ke dulha main jaaun aur un ki maang

sajaaun lambi dulhan thingna dulha lambi dulhan thingna dulha jodi saje kaise

roothhe roothhe ho roothhe roothhe haan haan roothhe roothhe piya manaaon kaise
roothhe roothhe piya

(He is sitting as though he is a bride, should I become a groom and put some sindoor in his forehead. A tall bride and short groom how is this couple together?)

Arnav looked up at her when he heard what was said but Khushi couldn't help but giggle making Arnav even angrier. He looked at her then turned to look away. Khushi saw this and shut up but went up to him and hugged him from behind placing her head on his shoulder. Arnav was about to get up but Khushi pulled him back. He moved her hands away, got up and moved outside where he had left his newspaper out there. He got the paper, sat on the wicker chair and started reading.

kya mujh se haseen hain kitaaben piya pyaar se jinko thhaamen main nain milaanaa chaahoon
par nain milaa na paaoon sautan chashma beech mein aaye
sautan chashma beech mein aaye nain milen kaise roothhe roothhe

(Is the book more beautiful than me which he holds dearly? When I try to look in his eyes I can't because he is wearing glasses and they are coming in the way. Mistress Glasses are in the way how I can meet his eyes.)

Khushi was holding a picture of Arnav by now where he was wearing his sunglasses as Arnav was looking at her over the paper but he went back to it as she saw him. She then moved outside to him and again hugged him from behind but before he could move she kissed his forehead making him look at her. He still put the paper aside moved her hands away, moved back inside and went and lay down on the recliner closing his eyes.

ho roothhe roothhe han haan roothhe roothhe piya manaaun kaise aaj na jaane baat hui kya

kyun roothhe mujh se jab tak wo bolen na mujh se main samjhoon kaise roothhe roothhe piya
piyaa aa aa roothhe roothhe piya manaaun kaise

Arnav: Well now you really have become Mrs. Arnav Singh Raizada because only my wife can be brave enough to do that.

Arnav said that and kissed her one hand then the other before pulling her hand towards him making Khushi turn before he kissed her passionately and pretty soon Khushi relaxed in his arms as he deepened the kiss for only for the moon and stars to witness the love of these two star crossed lovers.