This part had put me into so much confusions. I hope I can justify myself somewhat now.. Hope u all like it too..
PART 36
"Enough.. Stop here.."
Sashi's voice shreiked through the hall shocking everyone.. Arnav was facing an inner turmoil of not able to reveal Abhay's past.. He couldn't see what Swetha could get into after revealing her fiance's relationships infront of the whole crowd. Though he knew in his inner conscience that Khushi would never believe in her own brother's words he didn't want to accept those charges as it would be an insult to his own family who had raised him with such morals and values. His reputation at stake would cause a black mark for his family too. He had to think about every other aftermath which would occur if he utters a word to or against this charge. That's when his father in law's loud voice hit his ears startling him from his reverie.
Sashi : Nandkishore.. Another word from you then you are out of this house..
He turned towards Khushi who stared at him with blank expressions not able to convey her thoughts, not able to come out of the shock she has been witnessing.. Sashi thought it should end up there itself. He turned towards Devayani folding his hands bending down his head..
Sashi : Devayaniji.. I apologise on behalf of my son for trying to spoil your granddaughter's life. I feel ashamed of him called my son for such heinous act... I would request you to please give me some time.. I would surely visit your house tomorrow further we could speak there. I didn't expect this sort of drama to happen at my daughter's marriage. Please forgive me and I hope you understand my situation better.
That did shock the whole crowd.. Sashi wasn't really giving a chance for Arnav to reply to NK' accusation.. What does that mean ? Did he really believed in Arnav or not ? It was so confusing for the onlookers especially when there was nothing discussed about the marriage happening or not.. Saying he didnt look at Arnav even he moved to take Khushi inside the house by holding her hand. Khushi didnt resist..She just looked at her father's face in distress not uttering a word she moved behind him but she did leave a glance on her Arnavji and that look did catch the attention of her Arnavji who was cautiously watching them.
He closed his eyes just breathed in sharply.. Breathing in all those which had happened within some moments turning his life upside down.. He didnt know why Sashi had turned back not responding properly. He saw Swetha trying to come near him to convey something while Nani held his hand and quietly dragged him out.. He saw the face of NK at dismissal. All his family members joined him. He turned back the house one more time a glance of his Khushi who had appeared before the window a little while back. The happiness and the thrill flashing on her face when she had spotted him. Now there was no trace of her. Would he be lucky enough to see that face again ?
****
Without much delay all of them reached Raizada Mansion. The Laughter pervading house turned out to be a complete silent dome. All of them in one corner thinking about such incident happening in Arnav's life who had been living as one of the finest instance of an ideal son.
What had he done so wrong in his previous birth that he had to face so much pain in this life .. Nani was terribly down with remorse. She was not able to keep up the word she had given to her daughter that she would keep her chotte happy... No.. The moment he gets happiness the next moment it is snatched from him like giving him the toy and snatching it in the next second raising his dreams and hopes. Nani closed her eyes gulping her fear of losing her grandson's life. She was the reason for his marriage to happen. He hadnt demanded.. He was ready to accept whatever they decided.. Her decision was all right with regards to Khushi .. They were so in match that it resulted in most of them envying the couple.. If she goes by the superstition and its justifications it could be the eyes of evil which had disrupted the harmony of the happy family. But what could she call it other than fate? She didnt expect Lavanya having such an affair which was known only to Arnav. The horrible fate had linked his married life to her meaningless knot of an affair bringing in more problems..
Mamiji was controlling herself for a while.. The silence inside the house killed her.. She was infuriated at the revelations about her daughter. Not that she didn't get angry on Arnav being accused but the most pricking part was her own daughter cheating them all these days. She looked up to find Lavanya thinking deeply sitting beside Anjali.. No one had questioned her.. Akash wished to keep quiet since he was more dejected by his bhai's life than questioning his sister. The spur of the moment when he saw his sister revealing about her love life he wanted to slap her for hiding it from him.. He took a step back when the truth hit that his bhai was aware of this.He was better known than him about Lavanya and Arnav had the right to question her than himself who is her own brother.
With the final look at mamaji and Akash who were not ready to care about her daughter's life she stood up angrily marched towards Lavanya.. Dragging her from the couch Mamiji began to slap her to and forth her cheeks and started hiting her badly.. Mami : How dare you ? You were in an affair ? You were cheating us ? Am I sending you to college for falling into someone's trap ?
The silence suddenly ruined by Mamiji with her shouts.The whole family and Arnav's colleagues were shocked to see Mamiji's terrified side. Anjali tried to stop her but in vain. She didnt listen. Arnav who came in hearing the noise was aghast seeing his mami's actions on his sister. Anger clouded him with which he stopped mami and took back Lavanya who hugged him tight in fear and crying..
Arnav : Mami.. whats all this ? How rude of you to beat her mercilessly? She did a mistake I agree but she didn't do any sin?
Mamiji : Enough Arnav bitwa.. You always take her side..please think about us parents too.. we too have responsibility towards our child in fact more than you. We have the right to question her.
True it was he didn't have much responsibility towards his little sister than what mamiji had. If he had to be blamed for La's mistakes he is ready to accept for giving liberty to his sister. He believed that girls ought to have freedom to choose their own but within their limits. He did know how Lavanya had been brought up by his family especially when he interfered in circumstances which he felt went overboard with lots of restrictions for a small girl.
Arnav : I agree I do lack that over powering responsibility on her but as regards to a human I feel its incongruous to slap any one girl even if she is not my sister. As a mother you could have taught her to be more realistic towards life rather than reacting upon after falling into a trouble and moving on.
Out of all Arnav could do now was to object the gross mentality of Mamiji on her daughter's issue when he himself was plunged into the blame of suspicion on his character.. They have gone through this before as well. It was a clear warning of what had happened in the past.. but he was sure Lavanya could never be compared with Aditi di as she was stern in her approach and rational in her thought. Though she fell in a trap she knew the ways to come out and move on which was the clear glimpse of holding back this secret till his marriage just for the sake of him and Khushi.
Lavanya : Ma' I am sorry.. Please forgive me ma.. I have done a blunder in my life. But I have come out of it Ma.. I don't want to be a part of the blame of this family. Please everyone forgive me..
She turned towards Arnav apologetically holding arms before him for being such a part of stumbling bloc in his happy life. Arnav understanding the clear apology could do nothing than hug his sister for her perseverance of not letting his life into ruin since the time she was redeemed by Khushi's intervention..
Mamiji : I am sorry bitwa.. I know you are in such a horrible state but I was more concerned about how you all didn't react to her issue when it was out in the public.. You very well know how girls are being treated when the news of having affair or past spread out.
There was no denial on her part. Payal was stunned to hear her mother in law so talking sensibly towards Arnav. She saw the mother in Manorama fighting back for her son's reputation. The first time she felt proud of Manorma speaking out for her son.
Arnav : I agree Mamiji.. Now just don't worry about her.. I promise you that I would make sure my sister would get the best in her life I mean the best partner who would not give much importance to what had happened in her past but love her more to make her happy.
Mamiji : But bitwa what about your life? What is this happening around?
Straight hit on the point.. now this shook everyone's reverie the main issue of concern.. His life , marriage, trust, relationship.. whats the decision? Why is it hanging around?
Mamaji came forward clutching Arnav's arms making his face turing towards him.
Mamaji : whatever this whole world tell about you, blame you , take my word we all believe in you.. We know you and don't ever think that this family would give up anytime.. We all are there to support you.. You are the light of this family.. We wont let this light to diminish any time.
The confident remarks on him from the elder most person of his family after Nani whom he considered equal to his father brought tears in his eyes. What else you need if you have a family who is as understanding as them?
Akash : Bhai.. I think we should be going to talk to Sashi uncle about this. I mean we need to know the real reason for everything halted at this point..We need to clarify everything.
Shyam : I agree with Akash Saalesahab.. There is no point in sitting back and thinking of what would be happening rather than getting into action.
All these while Nani was down with depression but there was one person who was silent and thoughtful - Anjali.. She didn't make a word. She bend down her head her the flashes of her past with her chotte striking her mind.. She prayed to her mother and father to give them the strength to handle if at all Chote's marriage gets terminated. She didn't wish to happen as she could perceive that glint in his eyes after he got acquainted with Khushi. If anyone who could make his life happier than he would try it would always be Khushi.
Just like a storm Abhay entered the area with the whole family surrounding him. He just stared at Arnav who was looking weary losing all the freshness of a to be bridegroom which he had witnessed in the morning. He had been followed by Akshay who had informed everything which was heard about the events at Gupta House a while back. Looking at Abhay Arnav could guage the irritation clouded on his face..
Abhay : What the hell was happening there ?
Arnav : Abhi.. just don't lose your cool. Its not like what you think..Its'.
Abhay moved near him clutching his arms tightly.
Abhay : Idiot.. why the hell did you keep silence when he questioned you ? You should have told them it was me who were having affairs before. It was because of me those confusions on Sim had happened at the mall.. Why did you keep your mouth shut?
Arnav: Because I saw Swetha's eyes anticipating the reply from me at that point. A friend who was looking out for answers who was terribly worried abt her friend's marriage. Tell me do you want me to shatter her marraige and dreams with that truth ?
Abhay : What do you think? I would start my life with a lie? Swetha knows about my past and all the relationships long back.. even before my engagement.. Im not a fool to start this relationship with a lie... I had confessed everything to her.. and she had accepted me wholeheartedly after knowing the fact that I was trying to work out this relationship...
Arnav was stunned to know Swetha knew everything abt Abhay's past.. The tugs between two friends were watched by the whole family. They knew the truth about Arnav that he wont get into such relationships but Abhay's confession was a shocker.. The friendship they shared had gone past all the blood relationships..
Abhay : Thinking about Swetha and my life didnt you spoil Khushi's dreams?
Arnav : NO! She will NEVER doubt me.. I have trust in my love than anyone or any thing in this world..We both know each other the ultimate truth is We both TRUST each other.
Abhay : Then why did she listen to her father and didn't protest or speak for you infront of the public..
Arnav : I respect her even more for that reaction.
Abhay : What do you mean? Turning away from you without lending a support didn't seem to be appropriate with regards to the love shared between both of you.
Arnav: Abhi.. you are not getting the point..
The whole family were watching with complete silence but Shyam couldn't stop himself from questioning as it is a issue concerned with his Saalesahab..
Shyam : Wait.. what do you mean by that Abhay ? You mean to say you were in those relationships ? So the charges they held against Saalesahab were because of you?
Abhay : Yes Jeeju..I had many relationships before and it was Arnav who was behind me in changing my mind to get into marriage leaving behind this life. I never in my life thought that my deeds would hurt his life.
Shyam : There comes the solution. You should solve it Abhay.. that's how it should work rather than procrastinating..
Abhay : I know Jeeju.. Im going to meet them now and tell everything before them. But I need to know what does Arnav justify for Khushi not fighting back for her love?
Arnav : That's because she respects elders decision as I do.. She could have very well denied the entire charge against me nullify the whole situation as an insult by her brother on me. But there was someone else who had involved in it her parents.How would she defy her parents at this stage? Even if she had to come out of the house ignoring her parents she wouldn't..Even I wouldn't do that. For both of us our family stands first.. Our marriage was fixed by the elders and its stands out the point that the decision what they take would be considered more than our wishes. What her father requested was just time.. He didn't totally dismiss the marriage. I believe in what she believes too.Marriage is not about two individuals but two families joining to become one. I still have hope in my love.. We are not so weak enough to let this go off our hands as you all think about.
Abhay : but where is the time dammit? Day after tomorrow is your wedding!
Arnav: I don't mind giving much time to them to come to a conclusion rather than starting this relationship with uncertainties and confusions. Its not about the factor of only Khushi trusting me the others in her family should have that cleared before we get married. And I know the reason why Khushi is hurt. Better not to talk abt that here.
Shyam : So whats the point ?
Nani : Daamadji. Chote is right.. no relation in this world should start in such confusions. Let give it some time. Right now wait till tomorrow to clear out the problems.If Sashiji didn't turn up as he promised, I shall be taking my decision to him. Now please leave him alone and all of you get back to your work.
Abhay wasn't even a bit convinced with this turn of events. He was not the one who would wait and watch patiently till the show is over. He was the reason for this ruckus and its his duty to clear it out.. He made up his mind and left the house dragging Akshay along who were followed by Tanish and Khushal..
****
After her father got her inside Khushi had got inside her room falling on her bed thinking about the sudden change of events. Her tears were streaming down the cheeks making its way involuntarily thinking about her marriage..The unexpected twist during her marriage which she had prayed shouldn't happen in any girl's life. She moved her hands to wipe out those tears that's when she noticed the dried mehndi on her hand which she had totally forgotten to remove. Her eyes moved through the designs that had adorned her hand but the most beautiful of it being the name A written across her palms inside the patterns.. Her Arnavji.. how beautiful was the feeling when she had got written that alphabet over her palms. She slowly caressed with her free hand over the alphabet thinking of him. The day's events had started with the function but what attracted to her the most was Arnav visiting her to check the mehndi. She smiled remembering those naughty talks. How she had wished this marriage should happen.. The perfect family, the perfect bride and groom and the perfect marriage.. All had got into a distress within seconds..
Her friends Swetha, Shreya and Kavya got into her room which made her get up and hide her tears. All three shared a hug with her consoling her for what she is going through..
Swetha: Khushi.. Are you okay?
Khushi : hmm. Yea..
Swetha : I am sorry Khushi. I don't know but I never believe Arnavji to have relationships too. I know about Abhayji.. He had confessed to me before but about Arnavji I don't know what to tell you.
Khushi : No worries. I know him.. Even more than himself. He was not at mistake.
Swetha : Then why did you keep quiet there ? You could have protested there.
Khushi : Swetha.. I was following his silence Swetha.. I know him I trust him but if he kept silence instead of objecting he might have reasons for that.And I particularly feel it was because of you. May be he was not aware that he knew about the truth that you were aware about all this.
Swetha : But Khushi this has resulted in your life as a mess. We have to clear this out. Let me call Abhayji.
Khushi : Wait Swetha.. do you mean to announce the whole world that your fiance were in so much relationships ? Wouldn't your family object to this? They are not so free minded as you are.. Its hard to digest for parents to get you married to such a man.
Swetha : I don't care Khushi. I cant live a happy life making your life in misery.. If you are not getting married Im not too.. Don't forget that!
Khushi : Stop that crap Swetha.. what has your life got to do with mine? This was a created Misunderstanding at the wrong time. The main issue was it came out in public instead of sorting in private.
Swetha : So what if uncle decides to stop this marriage? Would you agree?
Khushi : I don't know Swetha. But I wont be giving up my love so easily.. I had loved him through my thick and thin. I know him by every bits.. That doesn't mean I would go against my family.. Its ultimately a decision by both the families.. Still it leaves me with some guilt and shock which is making me really mad.
Swetha : What is that Khushi ?
Khushi : I don't know if I would be able to over come this?
Nandkishore entered the room when all the girls turned behind to spot him. His face was sharing the same affection he had for his sister but the sight of him irked her the most. She closed her eyes in irritation turning her back not to meet him anymore.
NK : Chotti.. I want to talk to you for a minute.
Khushi (gritting her teeth-): Shreya Ask him to get out from here.
NK : Choti.. listen to me.. Let me explain. I couldn't let my sister's life getting spoiled that's why I wanted to let this truth out immediately..
Khushi turned back furious moving towards him pushing him by the chest..
Khushi : Its all about your sister's life? What about Lavanya's life? How could you cheat her ? She too is a sister of someone like your sister? Did you have any concern about her? You were all for your friend's revenge cheating a girl ?
NK: Choti.. that was my mistake but you shouldn't get punished for mine.. I want to make your life secure.
Khushi: You thinking of security for my life? Stop it NK.. Do you have any idea of what that girl had gone through after you left her? You blame her for being greedy but didn't she get more affected than your friend who was not even acknowledged for his one side love by her actions. You gave her hope, dreams and what not. She loved you to the core. Inspite of the fact that she was attracted to your money did she ever deny the love she had in you? If you hadn't ran away and had asked apology to her that day itself when you saw her at our house during my marriage fixing I would have made attempts to convince everyone.. You didn't do that.. You kept mum.. Infact ran away fearing to confront the reality and you even know how she had been under trauma when I explained to you what had happened to Arnavji's sister? She got involved into a drug racket because of you.. Your drug dealer friend tried to molest her! She was forced to get involved in this. She was in the verge of losing her life until she confessed to us about these. Ask these girls how difficult it was to handle such a situation. At that time I wished you were here to solve her problem. But never in my dreams could I imagine that cheater could be my own brother! Here I was fighting against that unknown person while it was you who was behind all these. I pity to say this NK but I feel utterly disgusted to be your sister for ruining the grace of a girl. You are talking about Arnavji cheating me with such affairs.. How on earth could you justify that you deserve to ask him such a question? He never cheated me like you did to Lavanya.. I would never accept such petty allegations which you and your friend hurl at him.. I know him and I love him more than you can even think of! The trust I had in you as a sister and more like a friend is totally lost..
NK was totally shattered by his sister's words.. He was over ridden with guilt which made him tight lipped.
Khushi: Didn't you see this as coming up when you had to come for my marriage? What was your plan ? Hiding till the last day? But what would you have done on the marriage day? I should have atleast understood when you were hesitating to attend any of the functions.. I believed you were having some trouble in your job and praying for your well being. You really destroyed everything in a moment NK.. Now please get out of my sight. You would never hear me talking to you from this moment till the end of my life. I swear this.. I won't even hesitate to bear the burnt of your sins as a punishment from Lavanya or Arnavji. I deserve it for being your sister. But you have to suffer seeing me avoiding you like how u decided to play in Lavanya's life avoiding her being a solution for this..
Khushi turned towards the door leaving the room in silence. NK could understand the situation.. He had messed it. A total turnover of events all because of him. His sister had abandoned their relationship because of his own mistake. He couldn't do anything but hear her words echoing in his ears again and again..
Swetha : NK.. what your friend had seen was not the truth.. Arnavji was saving his friend Abhayji's and my marriage by keeping quiet. He is not the one whom you should have pointed the finger on.. You could have done all this in private to clear the misunderstandings but you had blown it out of proportion shaking several hearts. Still I or Khushi cant forgive you for what you had done to Lavanya.. Sorry.. I think Khushi is always right in her decisions.
That was a final blow to NK. All lost due to his stupidity.. what more can he do to make things right? He closed his eyes with his palms crying aloud.. Garima and Buaji came near him not able to see his break down consoling him. He had unintentionally and intentionally ruined lives of two girls. The entire conversation of Khushi from the start was overheard and watched by her father who was deeply thinking moving towards his room. Closing his eyes gulping in his emotions he fell into his thoughts on how to approach this problem.
*******
Raizada Mansion..
It was night time.. All the relatives had finished their dinner. It was supposed to be haldi in the evening but everyone were still in dilemma to return back.. Some of them had taken enough time to talk behind the back about the family's history. Nani couldn't bear to hear those again fell into prayers infront of Devimayya to give enough strength for everyone. Akash and Payal had been unsuccessful in making Nani come out of the temple but she did on the request of Anjali who had come in to call her.
Nani : Where is chote Anjali ?
No one had noticed where he was after Abhay had left. Akash and Shyam searched the entire house to spot him. But Anjali knew where he would be..
Anjali : Nani.. you go and have the dinner.. I will bring him here.
******
The full moon lit the entire balcony, cool breeze hitting him soothing him from his pain. Arnav was lying down on the balcony looking up at the stars thinking of the most beautiful face which had lit his life. The first call he made, the mails, the photos he sent, the phone calls exchange, their gifts, their concerns, their fight and finally their meet their awkwardness, the bike ride, the sangeet, mehndi and those blissful moments of six long months seemed like he had lived with for eternity. His hands were still itching to make a call to her as if an addiction. Something restricting him though.. Must be the guilt of leaving her in lurch he thought.. still something not adding up. Did he do a mistake? Will this marriage happen was his thought.. He closed his eyes to memorize her face in him and muttered.. "I love you Khushi.."
As if she had heard it from him Khushi who had been closing her eyes gazing at the stars from her window thinking about their sweet memories smiled..She too muttered beneath "I love you Arnavji".
All of a sudden he felt someone had ran fingers through his hair, his subconscious mind hoping it would be his Khushi.. but when he opened his eyes he saw his sister smiling at him running hand through his hair.. He sat up leaning on her shoulders hugging themselves as they had been sharing the grief between them after their parents demise..
Anjali : Thinking of Khushi? Arent you?
Arnav : You know me better than myself..dont you?
Anjali chuckled : and I would be there for your happiness like you are there for my happiness chote.
Arnav : That's what we promised ourselves Di' We would surely abide it..
Anjali : I hope you are not feeling dejected..
Arnav : I have hopes Di.. I know Mumma Papa wont let us down..
Anjali hugged him tightly letting out her tears which she had held till the time. Arnav caressed her as he knew his sister wont easily turn emotional.. its only because it was his life she is worried.. He broke his hug and cupped his cheeks.
Arnav: Now I want my cry baby Di to stop crying and give her cute smile..
I shouldn't see this tears any more from your eyes..
Anjali (nodding): Yes sure... I would maintain that only for my Chote and his Khushi... my bhabhi..
To be continued..
Note:
Would like to recommend one of the inspiring OS written on acid attacks.. Its really gives an insight on the victims who had been tormented by the acid attack.. Wonderful attempt by the writer..
"Udaan Series I m beautiful by Naach Basanti"
http://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=3677831
Edited by harhem - 12 years ago
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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