Smitar's: Saving Khushi#1 Part 7 Pg 122 Link to # 2 on Pg 1 - Page 65

Smita,😊

Here is the interpretation for Section 1 of Part 6.

This update is about real facts of something that which is true or in accordance with fact or reality. It is about THE TRUTH.

After the warmth hearted lady left and their belly laughter subsided, Arnav and Khushi showered and changed into casuals. Then Khushi went to the kitchen of the dhaba and prepared the dishes that Arnav liked. While she was quickly preparing the dishes, she chatted nineteen to the dozen and her exuberance and simple ways that had already made a place in the heart of their hostess had the cooks eat out of her hand. Soon she had all in gales of laughter and her genial personality brought in a cheerful atmosphere. This was the true form of Khushi. Meanwhile, Arnav called Akash, NK keeping tabs on Shyam's movements and Di, and also called his Di giving information about his whereabouts to her. He then went in search of Khushi and helped her carry their food trays to their room. In their room they had a leisurely repast relaxed in the chairs and sofa around a small coffee table. After the final morsel, Arnav licking his fingers daintily complimented her cooking skills saying that she cooked very well. Hearing the words of appreciation from a man who always fell short of words to express, Khushi choked on a morsel making Arnav pat her head, offer her a drink of water and ask was she fine? Khushi with her eyes watering and laughter engulfing her heart silently nodded. After the meal clearing their dishes off the table Arnav asked a helper boy to carry off the used dishes. The truth of their love was, they were able to be at ease once Arnav's mind had cleared off all its doubts. It is the plain truth that he was able to listen to her words and his heart only when his mind got cleared of the cobwebs and the mist that Shyam had blown over it.

Shutting the door behind him, he turned around to see Khushi relaxing on the sofa. He walked up to her and sitting on a sofa he looked up to observe her only to find her innocent eyes gazing at him as she sat curled in the comfort of her plush chair, replete, her head back against the headrest. He called out to her, Khushi... his voice sounding jaded to himself and asked her whether she remembered the previous time they stayed there. Khushi looked at him with unease, the sound of his voice making her nervous. He began saying that he had made her sleep in the dark and cold without even a blanket and it had resulted in finding her down with fever the next morning. Khushi complained that he had repeated the same after their marriage, making her sleep by the pool and it had been so cold... But she was at a loss to understand why he was raking it up as it was nothing out of ordinary in his context. Arnav was filled with remorse and asked for her forgiveness. Khushi found it funny that he, Arnav Singh Raizada was apologizing to her and with a laugh asked him, if he was inclined to apologize what all would he apologize for? The list was too long and it would take days together for him to do so. Arnav knew that he had too long a list of errors and he realized that it was not easy to do so. But, he was Arnav Singh Raizada who would not hesitate to do what he deems fit and must show it in actions which prove the veracity, honesty and sincerity of the words and right now he knew for starters, apologizing was the right way. Looking at her helplessly as to convince her that he really means it he finally said that it would not matter to him if it did take him days together to apologize to her as she deserved it from him and she had been the target of his unjust ire. Khushi told him with a smile that life was too short for him to repent for all that he had done for her for she was amused that he, ramrod stiff Arnav Singh Raizada who sizzled with anger at every turn, feeling the need to apologize. But Arnav was not amused. When he looked at her, his eyes that used to be spitting fire, now looking like deep sea that had gathered storm held remorse, regret and a sense of shame that was hurting him immensely for causing her the distress. They sat in a still silent each engrossed in thoughts of all that had happened to them in the past few months. It was honest truth that Arnav was repenting in loads for his actions that had hurt Khushi time and again.

Finally unable to bear the silence any longer, she said, that she admits to being wrong to walk in to his fashion show the very first time they met. But it had been a mistake and why did he have to shout at her, tear her dori, demeaning her dignity?  Why did he have to look at her as though all he wanted was to tear her to pieces? She had been so very scared. Khushi's complaint was answered with, it was not every day that lightning strikes a man, especially a lightning he never believed existed. Khushi frowned not understanding what he meant. Still she continued to ask why did he spout out such nonsense at dargah? If Di had heard it, she would have rinsed his mouth with holy water! Her criticism was justified and he agreed that it was so. He told her he never thought that he would ever meet her again! Khushi protested saying that all she wanted to was return the mannat ki chabi that he had dropped. She would have done it to anyone who had dropped it. When it was so, how dare he accuse her of trying to lure a rich man? He told her that he was simply unaware of her nature then and he was so very wrong to assume her to be so. The truth of the matter was trust. He was more inclined not to trust people after his scarred childhood.

But Khushi was irritated and she asked him that if he did not know then on what was the basis for his supposition? How did he come to judge her so? Why was it he assumed that she was after his money? Khushi was genuinely curious as to what had made him to suppose so. She asked him why was it he has such a bad opinion on women in general and then she corrected herself recalling that he never felt so about all women for he liked Naniji, Mamiji, Di, Lavanyaji and  Lisaji. It was only she and her Jiji he could not stand. The nonsense he had spouted about her Jiji that night at Sheesh Mahal confirmed it. Arnav with great difficulty quelling the bile that was rising up, told her the reason for him to think so with great distaste. He said that the inside track was, his father had an affair with a woman who had come as a house-help and it ended with shattering their family. His reason for resentment touched her heart so much that she felt really sad for him and his lost childhood. Staring at him for a moment dumbfounded at his revelation, she asked him the reason for resenting her Jiji and herself was because they came from middle-class and were quite poor? He had thought that the past always repeats itself and as it was true then, it must be true now. Hence his thoughts that it was their ploy to attract him like the other woman who had trapped his father sounded plausible? The nitty-gritty of it was life always expresses the results of our dominant thoughts and we get ruled by it.

Arnav was at a loss to explain and all he could was drawl out her name in pain. With a self-depreciating smile she thought out aloud, and then she had come to his office and house to work. No wonder he was so cruel, so cutting. That was quite understandable now. As she started to say, tormenting her at the office, her innate sense of fairness made her add, that she herself had invited it for she should never have signed the contract. She should have kept within her status and run away from his world as fast as she could. She should not have argued with him or even have talked to him. It was her belief of being infallible and the never say die attitude that had led to all her problems. When Arnav tried to tell her that the fault was his all the time and it had never been hers, Khushi was beyond hearing him. Her innate nature of defending the person she loves rose to the fore and she continued to say that if Anjaliji had not blackmailed her, she would never have come to his house to teach Lavanyaji!  Khushi laughed mirthlessly saying, of all the things she teaching Lavanyaji! and continued with, what could she a nobody from Lucknow teach her? Arnav hearing the word blackmail was flabbergasted and gasped, blackmail? When she asked him does he remember the one lakh she owed for quitting the job before the stipulated period of 15 days, he told her that he had never asked her to pay that. Khushi enlightened him that it was Anjaliji who had asked her to pay up the money if she was unwilling to train Lavanyaji to be a good bahu, one good enough to be a Raizada bahu. Arnav was horrified to know this. The kernel of truth was, if not him one of the family members had always held Khushi at gun point at one time or the other! She told him calmly, as she could not raise the stated amount in twenty four hours, she had to enter his house to work. Arnav was stunned beyond words to even grunt. As though murmuring to herself she said that she was utterly butterly soft in the head to poke her nose into his relationship with Lavanyaji when it was his personal affair? Khushi was lamenting at her stupidity.

Arnav's admonition, Khushi..., for berating herself fell into deaf ears. She continued, if Lavanyaji could think so low of herself, enough to agree to a live-in arrangement with him, if she was happy being just his girlfriend without any legal rights, who was she to think otherwise as best for Lavanyaji? How was it her business to convince Lavanyaji of the significance of marriage? And that too to a man who had never hidden his contempt for the institution of marriage and scorned at love? She was an imbecile, a simpleton, a dunce and asked him to forgive her for all her play some meddling in his life with the firm belief that her way was the only way and that was the right way. Khushi meant each and every word she uttered and it was heartfelt. Arnav was quick to correct her and said that it was he who was at wrong and not she. Continuing as though she was uninterrupted Khushi in a cool and calm voice stated that, whatever happened on Diwali night was wrong too. The night they realized they were very attracted to each other, the night that saw the kiss missed. It was wrong especially as Lavanyaji was his girlfriend. She was too much of a greenhorn to understand, realize what was really happening and what its implications and repercussions would be. But he had realized it, didn't he? He had seen her as the maid who broke up his parents' marriage, did he not? Though he had been economical with the truth, Khushi now realized the plain fact how he had seen her throughout.

Her query was posed so laconically that Arnav was not able to clearly state what he had felt. He had expected accusations from her but not such a stoic acceptance. All he could say amidst recalling the confusion of that moment was a stuttering no, Khushi... I... Pondering over his behavior she was very curious about a particular pattern of his. With a frown she questioned him stating that he did not want her but he was not ready to let any other man have her too. Was it not so? He had wanted to marry Lavanyaji and live happily but she was not supposed to marry anyone else. What did he really expect her to do all her life? Wait for a man who had only contempt to give her? Her queries showed, how desperate he was to believe ridiculous ideas for patently emotional reasons. Arnav was once again left with the chant Khushi..., for, doing irrational things and laying out irrational laws was quite easy but substantiating it was not an easy task and at times quite impossible. Behaviour is a mirror where everyone sees their own image. When held out by Khushi, Arnav did not like what he saw of himself and could only grimace. That was the substance of his existence at that point of time.

She told him that the day he aired the Sheesh Mahal clip, goons surrounded her in the street and pulled her dupatta off trying to strip her off her honor. They had hit Babuji who come to defend her. Hearing this for the first time, Arnav's uttered a low whisper, Khushi... a mere thread that came from the pit bottom for he now realized the enormity of his action taken in anger and as a retaliation towards his past. She told him that he had never thought about the consequences of his action, did he? He had aired the footage because he wanted to punish her for shouting at him. He had thought when somebody disagrees with him, it as a personal attack against him. He did not spare a thought for her or her family, their reputation, their standing, their prestige and their life! Khushi shook her head in resignation as though nothing else could be expected of him. Listening to the impact of his actions he was stumped but what worried him was her sense of resignation. Her bitter pill of truth made him pale. She told him that, when he was and is very concerned of the prestige and reputation of his family, his Di's happiness and security, his family's safety and position in society, how was it  he did not realize that the rest too desire respect, their family's happiness and security...?. Her query was posed with a deep curious note to know the answer. For this too he had no reply to give. He looked at her, helplessly.

She was cool when she said that, his actions were the ones that sowed the seeds of his own destruction. Shyamji had come to her rescue and saved her from the goondas that day, and used this incident to wheedle his way in to Buaji's house as a paying guest. Once he had secured a foothold there, he suggested to Buaji that he would make a good groom for her. Khushi's smile held  pity while she said he made his own enemy, feeding and nurturing the snake who was gathering venom to bite him, destroy his sister's life...  As Arnav listened quietly to her, his eyes had moistened, for he knew that every word she spoke was the truth, the bitter truth as facts do not cease to exist just because they are being ignored. He acknowledged that he would be more at wrong if he does not admit that he was wrong and was responsible for the current state of affairs. She asked him with curiosity written all over her face, why did he marry her? Who told him that she was in an illicit relationship with Shyamji? Arnav heaving a deep breath said that he had followed her to the terrace as he wanted to talk to her in private and he saw, he could not continue further. Khushi realizing what was stopping him supplemented by asking, Shyamji hugging her? Arnav nodded and said that he heard him say that he loved her and Rani Sahiba was a hurdle in their path. Khushi sighed feeling once again the despair at Shyam's actions. He told her that he heard her ask Shyam why he was still sticking to Di then. Khushi was frustrated to hear that Arnav had misunderstood her words and felt like banging her head. Hitting her head with her hand and heaving out a deep breath that she had held, she informed him, that he must have misconstrued her words as to wanting Shyam to leave Anjaliji for her! She told him all she was trying to tell him was that he would never leave Anjaliji as she was his purse and he was very fond of her money as well as the position that she gave him among the upper echelons of the society. She told Arnav all she was trying to do was to make Shyamji aware of how much he was risking and putting at stake with such lecherous, lewd behavior that amounted to nothing but sleaziness and that was not becoming of a person with a standing in society as Anjaliji's husband. Arnav was taken aback by her explanation and it really made him question his judgement and realize that there was a world of difference between truth and facts, and facts can obscure truth! Him taking facts as the naked truth was a blunder of mammoth proportions!  Khushi thinking of the lost cause and wasted time once again heaving a sigh pushed ahead to say, that her attempts to help Anjaliji and her marriage did not bear any fruit. It was like trying to straighten a dog's tail, for Shyam was beyond repair and beyond reasoning too.

Arnav told her that he caught hold of him and had questioned about his relationship with her making Khushi's eyes widen with surprise. He told her that Shyam had lied and said that both where in love with each other and he was willing to leave Di for her. Such was the confidence of Shyam that it lent verisimilitude to his already half-truth, enough to make Arnav not see things objectively. As he went to tell Di the true colours of Shyam, he had found out that she was carrying and had to back out... his voice petered out. Khushi and Arnav just gazed at each other, both hurting thinking of the pain Shyam had caused them; how he had strangled the budding relationship they had managed to forge inspite of Arnav's past and the hostile circumstances. Khushi now realizing the reasons for all his actions that were very confusing as well as petrifying then mused, so that was the reason behind his blackmailing her, forcing her in to marriage, a contract marriage. Arnav drew a deep breath and mustering his strength told her that was the reason and he was extremely sorry for having done so to her. She told him that she was not angry with him about their contract marriage. If their places were exchanged if it were her Jiji's life and marriage that were under threat, she really cannot think what she could have done then. Most probably her solution too would be as spectacularly foolish as this Khushi was nothing if not truthful, her inconvenient sense of fairness and conscience raising their heads to make her acknowledge the truth.

Both sat in silence, both regretting the past, both lamenting the lost opportunities, both wasting so much of time in hatred. Just plain talk between the two could have cleared everything but they had to resort otherwise. Arnav's ego and the feeling that he was never wrong in his assessment came into play! Then when Arnav asked Khushi to forgive him, she smiled and asked who was she to forgive him? In his rush to write his own destiny, he had committed one folly after the other, he fell into the trap of making one bad decision after the other. In his arrogance that he knew all, he did not even pause to think that he could have mistaken, that he might be making a mistake. Now, and after their return to RM, he will have to face the consequences of all his foolish decisions. He will have the uphill task of persuading a pregnant Anjaliji that her husband is a thief and a kidnapper, an ingrate, a freeloader, a veritable scoundrel. While his Di was praying for his good health and well being his Jijaji was prancing about playing the field. That by itself alone would be punishment enough for him. Arnav with all seriousness told her that he was ready to shoulder all the punishment for he deserved it. But he needed her forgiveness much more for hurting her and that was what was eating him up. He was looking at her intently seeking one slight action from her doing so. It virtually told her for him she was much more important now than anyone else. He needed her support and strength in his fight. With her by his side he could even withstand the emotional blackmail that his Di usually resorts to get her way. That his solar system consisted of Khushi as his local star, the Sun and the rest were distant planets, told her the whole story, a drastic change from what it had been just a few days back.

Khushi watching him silently, said when he saw Shyamji hugging her, he must have relived his past and he nodded. Her query, was he not reminded of the other woman who destroyed his parent's marriage, made him sigh and say that his Mama found out about the affair on Di's wedding day. He had heard his parents arguing over it. Khushi's breath hitched hearing it. She asked Di's wedding with Shyamji? But... and tapered off feeling muddled, for the facts and time did not fit properly. Arnav corrected her that it was another marriage when she was eighteen and he was fourteen. His Mama had fought with Papa, and she had entered his study. Then they had heard a gunshot... and that was how he had last seen his mother alive. Khushi was shocked and was unable to comprehend the horror that young Arnav had witnessed and the trauma of knowing that his mother had left them to fend for themselves. His painful admission, that his mother had succumbed to her miseries and taken her life out made Khushi jump out of her seat and rush to him. Kneeling down before him between his legs, she threw her arms around his waist and hugged him. Arnav pulled her close to his heart. He pushed on to say that his Papa shot himself after a couple of hours, maybe out of guilt, made Khushi's heart bleed for him. He said simply, that Di's wedding was cancelled. His Chachaji threw them out of their house for his father had signed away all his properties to him, including Sheesh Mahal. Khushi was horrified to hear it. Arnav looking down at her told her, that the very venue where he met her, Sheesh Mahal, was the venue of all those terrible, nightmarish events. She deduced now the reason for his boorish behavior then and she had touched a raw nerve. It made sense and she told him that was the reason for being so upset when they met, was it not? That was why he was lit up like dried sticks when she talked of his sister's wedding being cancelled... The validity of her reasoning made Arnav nod as he helped her to sit by his side and lifted her hand to his lips and pressed his hard lips on her soft dainty hands with repeated murmurs seeking her forgiveness. A bluntly honest Khushi told him that she was not completely blameless. Her error lay in not telling about Shyamji being their paying guest and her fianc when she found out on the day of the Satyanarayan Pooja. That was when Arnav realized why she had cried on his shoulders and gasped out saying so. Khushi nodding her head told him that instead of crying, she should have told him the truth. He may not have believed her, he may have shouted at her, questioned her aukat, said that she was trying to cast covetous eyes at his saint of a Jiju... but the fact was she should have still told him and she had not done so.

They sat side by side while the evening sun was lighting up the sky with its colourful hues and filtering through the drapes. Khushi breaking their thoughts called out to him and when he enquired, she asked in a low voice, that day on her Jiji's wedding day, when they came to his house, what was it that he wanted to speak to her about? Arnav without shuttering the feelings he felt told her that he wanted to tell her farak kyon padta hai, why it made a difference, why everything about her mattered to him, why he wanted her with him always, why he could not bear the thought of her getting engaged to another man, why he did not like her talking to NK, why everything she did, thought, said mattered to him, why he could not get her out of his head, why he thought about her every minute of every day, why being without her was like being cut in to two, why every drop of tear in her eyes made him bleed inside. His words made Khushi wipe away a tear. He continued saying softly that, he wanted to declare his love to her and wanted to ask her to marry him mesmerizing Khushi with his words. That was the actual case and Shyam with his cunningness had derailed it.

Catching her hand he asked, had he met her on the terrace and told her all these things what her reply would have been. In a tremulous voice, Khushi answered, that she would have asked him to talk to his family and send them to her parents and Buaji with his proposal. He further asked her if he had talked to them, if they had approached her family what then. She replied in whispers, that they would have called her aside and told her about his proposal. They would have asked her if she wanted to marry him. With his heart beating like the jungle drums loudly in his ears, he asked her what would her reply have been and waited for her answer with bated breath. When she admitted softly, that it would have been nothing but yes, he gasped out Khushi... It was a gasp of truth that said that I am selfish, impatient and insecure. I make mistakes, I am out of control and at times hard to handle. When you have handled me at my worst, then you sure have right on me at my best. It was an acknowledgement that she was kind enough to take on such an onerous task all through her life. Khushi explained that that though most of the times he was cruel, he was kind too and always was with her whenever she needed help. He was helping her and by her side, at the hospital, when the goondas attacked her, during the dance on Jiji's sangeet. She had tried to stay away from him, but... She had tried not to like him, but... She had tried desperately not to think of him, she had tried not to let her heart beat faster when she thought about him, but had been unsuccessful, for Devi Maiyya had different plans. Feeling the depth of her love, an overwhelmed Arnav kissed her hand. She told him that even when he had humiliated her, hurt her with his sharp tongue pushed her away; she could see pain in his eyes. Looking in to his eyes was like looking in to her own heart, it was a mirror reflection of all that she was feeling. That was why she could not stay angry with him. That was why she knew that he liked her, even when he insulted her on Diwali night and she had only one option and that was, yes. The naked truth is, unless you let go, unless you forgive yourself, unless you forgive the situation, unless you realize that the situation is over, you cannot move forward and that Khushi has realized.  Arnav was moved beyond words. For now he knew that her love was like a sun. It could be eclipsed for a time, but it was not going to go away. This realization made his heart weep tears of blood and that Khushi was his for better or worse was an honest truth.

Arnav swallowing hard told her that had they got married then, with the full approval of their family, without any misunderstanding between them, they would have been married for five whole months now, happily married, with maybe with a little one on the way. Khushi's eyes filled up at the thought of everything they had missed and the unnecessary heartache that both had to deal with. Arnav going down on his knees in front of her, putting his arms around her waist with his husky voice begged her to forget everything for a minute like Shyam, the misunderstanding, their families, the forced marriage, the contract, the kidnapping, his past, and imagine themselves to be on the terrace of RM. Khushi nodded, looking in to his eager face. He simply asked her will you marry me, Khushi Kumari Gupta? His simple query getting a direct answer, yes, made Arnav swallow hard and speak past the big lump in his throat. He confessed what he had been meaning to tell her since long, that he loves her. Khushi too gave words to her heart felt thoughts whispering, Arnavji, Hum bhi aapse bahut prem karte he! With his heart in his mouth he asked her will she marry him and her answer, yes, made him ask with hope shining in his eyes, will she marry him the next day at the temple if he could fix it? Her, yes, made him relax and ask her to go with him to meet the Purohit at the temple to arrange the wedding and Khushi stood up to accompany him. It was an honest attempt to bring in a closure to the thought that had been nagging in her that she had not been married with the traditional rituals. It was his genuine way of showing his love towards her that every matter that may upset her is of concern to him too. Their life was bound together irrespective of the storm they face.

The unvarnished truth was Shyam played his cards close to his heart until it became known to Arnav what he really was and he used Khushi and Arnav along with the rest as his pawns. But it was not for long. Once Arnav realized the extent of his folly, the folly of believing in Shyam words he tried to make amends and found out the whole truth and that included the unconditional love of Khushi towards him too.

That is why this update is titled as THE TRUTH.

"I think that we are like stars. Something happens to burst us open; but when we burst open and think we are dying; we're actually turning into a supernova. And then when we look at ourselves again, we see that we're suddenly more beautiful than we ever were before!"

                                               ~ C. JoyBell C.

That's it from me. Hope you enjoy it.

Smita,😊

Here is the interpretation for Section 2 of Part 6.

This update is about the direction one takes, STEP.

At the temple, the Purohit was all apologetic and said that he was sorry that he could not get them married the next morning as he is scheduled to go  to a place 15 kms away once the morning duties gets over at the temple to conduct a pooja at a home. Arnav and Khushi had not expected any hindrance to their marriage and the Purohit saying so was a stepback for them. They had thought of forging ahead in their relation without anyone in the family being privy to what really had happened five months back. They had thought that it would be a closed chapter. Seeing them look crestfallen, Purohit smiled and offered an alternative saying, that if they were ready he could get them married that night itself. His words took them unawares but it was a most welcome alternative put before them. For Arnav who was of the type, who wanted to get things done yesterday itself of the idea that was thought of today, it was a sweet manna and he readily agreed. The Purohit looking at the prospective bride asked her the rhetoric questions, was she over eighteen? When she said that she was twenty-one and an adult he asked whether she was unmarried? Khushi bobbed her head in agreement. The priest carefully worded his next question addressed to Arnav whether he was married to someone else? Pat came the reply, of course not. (I wonder what happened to her mangalsutra? The one she wears was a short chained one and the way she wears her dupatta it was bound to be seen! Was the purohit an old man with not so sharp eyes? Was that why he asked Arnav whether he was married to someone else???) The Purohit with a smile asked them whether they have any family members with them there. When he was told, no, he explained that they needed witnesses for the marriage and asked them to wait till the night pooja time when a good crowd assembles. Then he would announce their wedding and would ask the devotees and the temple staff to sign the register as witnesses. That was highly appreciated by the love birds. He asked them to arrange for snacks for the witnesses and to give it after the ceremony and they agreed to do so. Thanking the Purohit, Arnav and Khushi went to a nearby shop and ordered a big basket of jalebi. With all the steps and measures for their wedding taken care of, they returned to the dhaba and changed into their wedding finery!

Arnav changed into his new brown shirt and black trousers and Khushi dressed in the beautiful red saree that Arnav had sneaked into her purchases. She braided her hair into a thick neat plait that reached her waist and joined Arnav. Arnav stared at the pretty alluring enchantress in a bright red sari, bordered with gold. Golden leaves were splashed all over the red saree and the short choli with an equally short sleeve highlighted the fairness of her skin. The saree was hugging to her willowy figure letting her creamy dream-waist peep every now and then when she walked. The bright sari, vied with her cheeks and her twinkling eyes made his chest swell in pride and happiness that his princess, very own princess was coming towards him with her love aglow just for him. They walked to the temple stepping together holding hands while the camera they had borrowed from their host was held safely in Arnav's hand. Arnav had fore thought about the necessity to have the photographs taken to get their marriage registered. It was a foresight, a step, that a businessman with sharp acumen would make as a contingency plan taking into consideration every aspect that needs to be considered.

Meanwhile Shyam who was pacing his room like a harassed sentry was fretting and wondering where Rocky was? Why was he not answering his call? Where was Khushi? While his head was swirling with multiple questions just like a spiral-staircase, winding him up, his Rani Sahiba walked in asking her Pati Parameshwar, what was wrong? He seemed to be extremely agitated! Was he upset about Khushiji missing just like the rest? Anjali's lashes glistened at the thought of missing her sweet sister-in-law. Shyam who was caught unawares, managed to compose himself and express that it was so and muttered Arnav... and asked her more confidently where Arnav was? She confided in him, that her Chotey had gone to arrange the five crores demanded by the kidnappers and he had called sometime back. He was also expecting the kidnappers to call that day. Hearing her words, his heart missed a beat.

Shyam, who had been just worried till now became a bit panicky and started sweating profusely. He wondered how he could ask Rocky to call Arnav when Rocky himself was missing. How could he take 5 crores from Arnav without showing him Khushi? This was a step back in his plans. Anjali told him that she had received a call from the bank manager and was told that there was very little money in their joint account. The amount was less than the minimum amount that needed to be retained and if not corrected quickly they would be fined for not maintaining a minimum balance. The Manager wants him to deposit money immediately. He was struck dumb to hear it.  This was again an unexpected step down at the landing stage. His mind went to the expenses, for kidnapping was an expensive business. The kidnappers needed to be paid, their food, drinks, chloroform, fuel expenses for the jeep to run were to be met. All these would not come for tuppence! Anjali with a frown expressed her doubt saying, that a few days back they had 2 lakhs in their account. Did they not? Shyam side stepped the query smoothly saying that he would take care of it and his Rani Sahiba need not worry about such matters, especially at this particular time. She needs to focus her attention on Naniji and Mamiji. Payalji must be so very unhappy about Khushiji and he successfully diverted her attention. Anjali went back to the rest of the family to cry and pray along with the other family members.

Shyam panted. He had to do something urgently. Lallan, Rocky's boss would soon demand the payment. He had to raise the amount immediately. His bank account amounted to nothing at present and by the looks of it, joint account too was of the same state, as good as empty. Now there was only one way out and that was the back stairs, to use of the duplicate key to Arnav's locker that was in his possession and filch a portion of the cash from it. That would anyway go unnoticed. He opened his drawer and took out the duplicate key. Slowly, stealthily, just like a common burglar, he padded his way to Arnav's room. He looked around and found the women huddled up at Devi Maiyya's feet, with their eyes tightly shut, praying. Akash was in his room, busy with his office work and the fool, NK, was nowhere to be seen. He slipped in. Daiyya ho! He could get in without anyone seeing him enter. Shutting the door gently in precaution, he moved to the locker and pushed the key in. It was a perfect fit. He swaggered in appreciation of his own intelligence. He thought that it was a step-up in the right direction for him. His forethought had paid off. It was just as easy as taking off candy from a kid and like a dog with two tails, he gleefully turned the key. But, nothing happened. The lock failed to open. Shyam's eyes threw daggers at the recalcitrant lock. He tried again and again, frantic, looking towards the door frequently so as to avoid being caught. He pushed the key in more firmly and tried to turn it. But the lock proved more stubborn than Shyam Manohar Jha. Thinking that there was no use hanging around, Shyam decided that it was high time he left Arnav's room lest he got caught and tried to remove the key. But it refused to budge. He stared at it in horror. After the gruelling pushing and pulling with sweating like a pig from all the exertions, Shyam decided to give up. Once again he was hit by a blow that made him back down.

Furious at being outwitted and scared of his inability to raise the necessary cash he thought of having a stab at the valuables that Arnav may have left around! But that room held nothing! It was spartan as always only with the bare necessities! Once again he came up with nothing! He was furious and thought there were no valuables in Arnav's room and there were no funds in his account! How dare the Raizadas' not give him the necessary cash! It was like a red flag to a bull. After all, money and life style were the only reason why he was putting up with their Anjali! All the steps he took seemed to come out in a naught. He looked around the room, his eyes rolling, red, like a mad bull. He saw just Arnav's books. Foaming at the mouth with a swipe of his hand he knocked them down! Being driven up the wall he ripped open the doors of the wardrobe that held clothes. In a mad frenzy fuelled by his hatred of Arnav and his need for money, Shyam threw down some of Khushi's suits and Arnav's shirts. Many files were kept in a lower compartment. He ripped them off the folder, shredded them to pieces and flung them around. As he took the last file while pulling the papers out, raising them to shred into pieces, his eyes caught the name Khushi Kumari Gupta! He paused midway and wondered what was her name doing on that document? Shyam lowered his arm to read it and at last he seemed to have landed on something that held value.

This update is about Arnav and Khushi taking their marriage and their life step forward.

Shyam was being made to take steps backward. The noose seems to be tightening around him but it looks as though he has got a breather.

That is why this is titled STEP

"It is better to take many small steps in the right direction than to make a great leap forward only to stumble backward"       

                                           ~ Old Chinese Proverb  

That's it from me. Hope you enjoy it.