Smitar's: Saving Khushi#2 Part 14 Pg 111 (9/10)

Smita,😊

Here is the interpretation for Part 8

This update is about very strong feelings of admiration or determination, feeling of strong eagerness, feelings of love and its intensity, summed up by the word, ARDOUR.

Arnav and Khushi, on their way back to dhaba, stopped at a small studio and arranged for the wedding pictures to be developed and delivered next morning by 10 a.m. Once it was done, they strolled along hand in hand showered over by the cool silver beams of the smiling full moon. They had left the garlands in the temple, not wanting to attract undue attention at the dhaba. Unlocking the room, Arnav stood aside to let Khushi enter. The hostess, who was glad to see them was heard bellowing out with a deep chuckle, O Puttar!  and telling Khushi that their dinner was ready and she had prepared sabzi without any chilly just the way her suave husband likes it. They both gave her a brilliant smile while Khushi with cheeks tinted in the hues of red rose, took the tray from her. Sardarni seeing that Khushi was resplendent in a red saree and looking beautiful, with a spirit of geniality, teased her saying, that she looked beautiful! She had been to the temple decked up and looking so beautiful with her husband! Her remarks made the newly-weds flush and were thankful for the dim light that hid their reaction. The lady instructed Khushi to keep the dishes outside their door after finishing their dinner as she would collect it later and asked her not to come out as some hard drinking, good for nothing college boys have come to the dhaba and are on the lookout for fun. Bittu's father was engaged in handling them. She did not want their lecherous eyes fall on Khushi. She had neither forgotten the intensity of the fight Khushi's husband, Arnav had fought to protect her nor the power of his anger. Giving them a precautionary warning, she went to her kitchen muttering all the way, O God! She just cannot really understand as to what was being taught in colleges now! What was the need to go to college to learn either to drink like a fish or drink under the table! The deeds of Sardarni showed her enthusiasm towards Khushi and her devotion to the lovely girl who had made a place in her heart with her simple exuberant behaviour.

Arnav shut the door after the kind hostess and looked at Khushi standing behind with the tray in her hand. Taking the tray from her, setting it on the coffee table, the only table there, he drawled in, shall we have dinner?  His husky voice oozing with love, made her heart skip a beat and what else could her meager heart do other than jiggity-jog when he spoke, enticing with his mesmerizing deep voice, that too in the confines of the dimly lit room, moreover on their first night? She stared at him mesmerized and lost in the depth of his eyes. Seeing her entranced, Arnav called out her name with laughter lurking in his voice. His voice brought Khushi out of her reverie and when he uttered, dinner, Khushi moved quickly and laid the table trying to hide her blush at being caught out day dreaming while her eyes were fixed on him. Her mind had wandered and Arnav, who had realized what she had been thinking, expressed his thoughts with, for now, in a suggestive voice, loaded with passion.

Khushi dropped the glass in her hand and it fell on the carpeted floor with a soft thud making Arnav who was enjoying unnerving her utter, be careful. His light tone having a hint of laughter in it, made her press her lips tight and clench her jaws thinking how dare he think of teasing her! Trying to give him a royal ignore, as though his words flew by her, she concentrated on the food. As she filled his plate, she held it out for him to take while he refused to stretch out his hand and take it from her with an adamant look on his face and a naughty glint in his eyes. His stance, his fierce eagerness,  made her frown and as Arnav suggested of sharing a plate, Khushi looked at him with piercing eyes full of suspicion. Arnav, hiding his smile moved and sat very close to her and demanded that he be fed from her hand. His tone was seductive all set to melt the bones and for Khushi it was a melt-down of her self-restraint. Khushi swallowed hard and she looked at him with wary eyes. She saw that he was waiting, waiting impatiently but still waiting. She broke off a piece of roti, dipped it in the sabzi, and held it to his lips. He parted the enticing lips and wrapped them around her fingers as he took the morsel from her. He had Khushi gasp and pull back her hand as though she had touched a live wire. His casual, what happened, after swallowing the food, made Khushi gulp and whisper, nothing. But Arnav was one happy man and with breathless eagerness and unbound  enthusiasm he made a note of her engrossed eyes, shallow breathing, thundering pulse at the base of the throat, her tremulous lips and this growing avidity was bringing out a deep yearning in him too. He persisted with, was she sure, trying to break her control with glee. Khushi nodded while she lowered her eyes and kept it glued to the food on the plate. To her chagrin, she saw a large masculine hand with long sinewy fingers enter her line of vision and foray into the plate. It broke a piece of roti and holding the sabzi within the piece brought it to her mouth. He held the bite at her lips and looked at her dazed eyes waiting for her lips to part. With great surprise as the morsel touched her lips it parted involuntarily and he placed the food in her mouth and on his way out lightly caressed her plump lower lip with the pad of his finger. The unexpected touch made her choke with surprise and Arnav, the epitome of concerned husband on earth, rubbed her back strumming through  her doris' and his fervor led him to silently counting the number of strings he needed to deal with that night. Khushi tried to wriggle out of his reach, to get out of the havoc that his hand was causing on her back and as she inched away, he moved closer on the sofa.

Saying that, now it was her turn, he made a nervous Khushi oblige him by bringing the next morsel to his waiting lips with fingers gone shaky! This time, he with utmost relish took his own sweet time and licked her finger sending sharp sensation all along and making her toes curl. The keenness and the  intensity of his passion were felt by Khushi and she almost dropped the plate. She pushed the plate on to his lap and shot up like a spring and made her way away from him muttering she was not hungry and he could have his fill. Arnav hid his smile as he shoved the plate away, and joined her while she washed her hands. Khushi once again rushed away quickly to stack the dishes on the tray and left it outside the room. The zeal with which he pursued her made her think that doing anything was better than the nerve wracking teasing of his. Once done, she shut the door only to hear a soft, lock it Khushi, from Arnav standing a few feet behind to make feel the heat of his words.

Khushi's breath caught in her chest filled with nervousness. As she slid the bolt home with her trembling fingers and turned around she saw Arnavji standing at an arm's distance from her with his eyes on her flushed face. Khushi felt her cheeks and ears turn hot and her hands covered them as Arnav covered the few steps between them. As his fingers ran gently with a feathery touch caressing her skin, loving the feel of the creamy, soft silken smooth skin, her muscles at the throat were overwrought by the frenzied sensations the touch induced and made them throb in rhythm to the pulse beat. His query, whether she remembered the previous time, when he had carried her in telling everyone that they were on their honeymoon, had Khushi nodding. The darkness and Arnavji's low voice were ganging up on her and the tell tale signs of the dual assault on her was the fluttery feeling emerging in her stomach. It was alarming yet ravishing vehemence. She thought, his voice sinfully seductive, had to be censored if she had to retain any semblance of sanity! He told her, that he was angry then, because, he felt manipulated by her into staying that night over there with her immense acting skills. Khushi had to agree, for that was what she had to resort to, when all her reasoning had not worked and she had sought the help of the two Samaritans at the dhaba, Sardar uncle and his wife. But it was for his well being itself. What if he gone alone to Nainital with no phone connection on the hartal day, after the fainting spell that morning? Who would have taken care of him if he had fallen sick on the way? As Khushi opened her mouth to speak in defense of herself, his whisper silenced her. He whispered that, he was angry because his anger was his only mode of defense against her, as it was keeping his heart at bay and saving her from him from being made his that night. Understanding his feeling, Khushi's eyes widened like a pair of saucers. He told her, trapped in a honeymoon suite, far away from the world that they knew, in an entirely different world that believed that them to be married and on their honeymoon and the worst temptation of all was seeing her in a bridal lehenga, looking irresistible, like a dream come true, alluring him, not letting him push her away, looking at him with worried eyes as he said he would leave alone, unable to hide how much she cared for him. All these had him on fire and anger was the only way he felt that he could bank the fire as it was impossible for him to douse it completely. His words, once again led her to the awareness of the depth of his feelings towards her and a sense of  admiration  for  respecting her values even though he did not believe in them at that time, made Khushi sag against the door.

Arnav's suggestive statement with a smile that, now they were married and on actual honeymoon had her nervous and him enjoy her discomfiture. Khushi was speechless to hear his statement as it brought in warmth and lit a small fire within her. Taking hold of her hand and raising it to his lips, showing her how much he loved her and every bit of her and how much he values having her in his life, he told her suggestively, that he was one who always kept his promises and he had promised her a honeymoon when they were there last time. Pressing his hard lips to the soft skin of her palm, he asked her, why was she quivering like an Aspen leaf? Though she felt the intensity of his feelings  Khushi whispered, nothing, as she slid her hand away from his light hold and glided to the open window to look at the dark sky resplendent with the full moon. A gentle breeze ruffled the strands of silky hair falling across her cheek, as she stood there panting, her heart thundering. Khushi clutched her hands to her tummy, trying to quell the panic that was taking humongous proportion in her. She felt the need to be with her Arnavji prompting her to throw herself into his arms but the fear of the unknown and the wild sensations overwhelming her as he came close to her stopped her. Her feelings made her a bundle of uncertainty. Not wanting to give in to either her passion or to the fear of entering the unknown zone, she was betwixt and between. She felt him stand behind her and as he touched her hands resting against her thighs, and gently, taking his own sweet time, trailed his fingers over the sensitive skin of her hands, over her bangles, up her arms, moving towards her shoulders at a leisurely pace she felt she was melting into a mass of jelly. His leisurely seduction that was assaulting her, his hands moving in a slow rhythm as if he had all night, was causing her to shudder and of course, he did have all night to prolong his sweet torture on her. He was slowly and deliberately stoking the fire within her with eager fervor.

Arnav's eyes caressed, her shut eyes and heaving chest, her parted lips and her fists clenched with acute pleasure, noting every detail about her, taking intense delight in looking at her freely as he had always wanted to.  Now that she was his, just as he was hers, they had every right over each other, and no one on earth could stop them tonight, or any other night, or day, for they possessed the very license to be with each other. His loving fingers trailed over her shoulders, gently touching her nape and ears leaving a blazing fire in its wake. Khushi's head fell back on her neck to rest against his shoulder a rest that was sure to make her jump off the deep end.  Arnav taking in a deep breath to calm his thundering heart that was pulsating at a rapid tempo, gently lowered his head to kiss her arched neck making her tremble violently in his hold. His warm breath caressing her throat, as he called out her name filled with his longing and love, made her turn around and press herself against him. Looping her arms around, nuzzling her face into his neck, as she inhaled his very own aroma deep into her lungs she was enveloped in a longing unknown hitherto. His hands touched her bare waist, the sari giving him a free rein and ample opportunities to indulge in his longing. As Khushi whimpered, Arnavji, his spine tingling query, Hhmmm...? made her tighten her hold around his shoulders, put all her weight on him and lay gasping in his arms. Her heart beat against his, in tandem, joining them rhythmically and pounding in their ears. Gaining confidence from this, curiosity, eagerness and longing to touch overpowering her, she moved slightly away and ran a curious hand over his chest. She realized that his heart was racing, racing just like hers and as she placed her ear against his heart, the dhak dhak was deafening. She now knew that she was not alone. Her acidity and the speeding of the heart were not just confined to her. Whatever was happening to her was happening to him too. It cheered her up instantly. Knowing it was not all one-sided, just as his closeness to her was making her senses heady like a free fall, her closeness was affecting him too. It brought in a determination along with a zeal that she never felt before.

To confirm her supposition, Khushi kept her right hand on his heart and moved forward to press her soft, plump lips to his pulsating Adam's apple. His heart beat picked up its pace and started to hurtle down. Khushi looked at his clenched jaw and flared nostrils with great curiosity. Loving the intensity and the fierceness of the feeling he was feeling that she could now feel, she slowly, touched his jaw with her lips and felt him tremble. She looked in to his eyes with wonder in hers. His whispered, Khushi..,  came out in ragged breaths. His eyes taking in her beauty, heightened by the mellow light of the moon, the delight in her eyes at his helpless response to her touch... While she stood waiting, trapped by the need in his eyes, a similar need burning within her, he paid homage to her beauty enhanced by the unsurpassed glow that he felt came from her. And added to it was the ethereal aura that came from the moonbeams showered on her by the smiling golden moon, made him say that she was beautiful. Seeing the admiration in his eyes, it made her whisper, she was beautiful only in his eyes, for when he looks at her, it makes her feel beautiful, precious, cherished as if she was the only girl on earth. Moved by her words, Arnav bent to kiss her forehead, her nose, her cheeks, her chin, slowly moving towards her lips. His hands cupped her face, holding her in place for the pleasures to come.

His kisses in the cow-shed had prepared her for what was to come, the fireworks that would light up within her as soon as his lips met hers, the tingle that would spread through her body as he moved his lips softly against hers, the fire that would burn her as he plundered the depths of her mouth, tasting her as though she were nectar and he a bee... They were both panting as he lifted his lips off hers and his eyes bore into hers kindling a fire within. His need and hers were akin for it pricked their skin like thousand needles, leaving them in awe. Their passion was like roses, more they cut, luscious was its growth. His tremulous whisper that conveyed his need, that he wanted to touch her hair and run his finger through the silken strands, made her trembling fingers comply quickly releasing her dark, silky fall of hair and let it fall around her shoulders, down to her waist in a mass of smooth wave dancing lightly to the gentle breeze along with the stream of silvery beams of the moon. Arnav, gathering the silky locks in his hands, sliding the strands in his fingers, loving the rich feel of her tresses against his callused skin, dropped a kiss on her head, breathing in her very own intoxicating jasmine fragrance. His fingers blazed a blitzkrieg onslaught on her senses as they trailed to her ears and removed her simple earrings. She shuddered at his scorching touch while Arnav's eyes focused on her parted lips. His hands moved down her arms, and gently removed the bangles, one by one, making her tremble with longing, craving for his closeness, her body feeling bereft when not pressed against his warmth. She clutched the lapels of his shirt, spreading her fingers on the bare skin of his chest exposed by the single button that was out of its hole. Arnav understanding her silent plea, complied, and moved his fingers to the buttons of his shirt. Deftly, he unbuttoned them, letting the two flaps hang loose, exposing his masculine chest. 

Khushi drew in her breath sharply, almost melting in excitement. She swayed on her feet, buffeted by the waves of a passion she had little previous knowledge of. The raw need in her eyes had him in awe at the intensity and eagerness of her feelings. Arnav catching her by her shoulders gently turned her to face away from him. He brushed aside her hair over her shoulder, and with deliberate slowness untied the dori at her neck, making her quiver with anticipation. His slow assault on her senses made her moan. Breathing heavily, Arnav sent his fingers to travel over the unhindered expanse of her back, branding her with his touch. They latched on to the second dori at her waist that was restricting his view of the unblemished fair, soft, satiny skin. As Khushi swayed on unsteady limbs anticipating his next move he gave a gentle tug at the dori and the tie opened up. Khushi swung around and took refuge in his ready arms, shyness taking over her, while their hearts throbbed in unison, making both of them breathe in heavily, moved by a passion that neither could control. Khushi lay crushed against his bare chest, her hands wrapped around his waist under the shirt. Her fingers clutched at his back, kneading the muscles helplessly, caught in the blazing fire of love. Wanting to feel more of his skin, without any barriers, Khushi pushed the shirt away from his shoulders, letting it fall to the ground. Arnav swallowed. He scooped her in his arms, and moved towards the bed. As Khushi looked in to his ardent, passionate eyes, she saw the unbridled desire that was waiting to be unleashed, and curled her arms tighter around him. Arnav laid his wife on their bed, letting her head rest on the pillow. What he saw made him hitch his breath. For his wife bathed in the cool glow of the golden full moon, her eyes vying with the diamond of her nose ring were twinkling in anticipation welcoming him with a warm smile made him heady with her intoxication. In the face of her willing ardour, his resolve to be restrained melted like salt in the rain. With a warm glow rising from within, he lowered his lips to taste the fine skin of her neck and that was the beginning of their blissful journey together into their own land, their own choti si duniya.

That is why this is titled ARDOUR.

"The time is always right to do what is right"

                        ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

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

Smita,😊

Here is the interpretation for Part 9.

This update is about the appearance of first light, just like in the sky and it is titled, DAWN.

The next morning as the sun sent it golden benevolent beams into the bedroom through the parting of the curtains lighting up the dark room, it was greeted to the sight of discarded clothing on the floor. It fell on the face of Arnav as he lay tangled with his wife under the covers; waking him up with its warmth and making him blink open his eyes. A smile dawned slowly relaxing his face as he uttered Khushi... as he looked at the girl lying entwined around him. After a night of blissful loving and tender ministrations, Khushi had been exhausted and had collapsed on his chest in the wee hours. Her arms were holding him in a warm hug. Her rosy cheek was pressed against his heart, and her rich, silky tresses had fanned across his chest. Her long limbs were entwined around his, keeping them together locked in place. Even in sleep, she was unwilling to let go of him... Arnav swallowed, awakened by feeling the pangs of love. He wondered what had he really done to be so lucky? What had he really done to deserve such an angel in his life? What had he done to make her forgive him so easily when his heap of errors had piled into hills of mistakes and then into a mountain of blunders. She was so very generous, so very giving, so very loving. Thinking about how much she cared, how willingly she gave and how blissfully, lovingly she had reciprocated last night, he ran his fingers over her head, fingering her silky strands. She was like a dayshine in his blighted life.

Khushi opened her one eye reluctantly. She was unwilling to let go of her sleep and in her drowsy state, she noted that it was not RM and wondered what was she lying on that made her feel warm, comfortable and wanting to snuggle more into? She lifted her head to check and her eyes met the serious ones of Arnavji. Her mind suddenly grasped the reality, as flashes of their wedding, and their suhag raat ran through her mind. She flushed becomingly just like the first blush of the day, and averted her eyes from him, making Arnav's eyes glue on to her. As he murmured, Khushi..., his loving voice that had gone deep and huskier than usual, raised goose bumps across her fine skin. Khushi looked at him with great difficulty to hear him say, I love you, his eyes reflecting his heartfelt avowal. Khushi was compelled to nod, for it was not at all an issue anymore and there was not even a wisp of doubt on this matter and to her it was as clear as crack of dawn and she too whispered back her love to him saying, hum bhi. In a soft voice filled with all his feelings, making it huskier than usual he murmured, that he had never voiced so to anyone ever in his entire life, but only to her, he wants to keep on saying it, shout it to the skies, announce it to the world, for it had become a part of his being and was just as natural as breathing to be alive. His voice was a mere whisper, but Khushi grasped even the subtle nuances in it. It tingled her, making her smile as she understood what he meant, for the very answering call was resonating in her. It was the very foundation on which their life stood, the dawn of a new era in their lives. Arnav confessed that he was alone all along and it had been such a long time that he never knew that what he was missing and he was waiting for her. His pain and awareness made her shyness vanish and cupping his face in her hands, trying to erase out all the lines of pain that were etched on it, she promised him that she would never leave him alone and he would never have the feeling that he had no one with him in the real sense and proceeded to cover his face with a shower of kisses, his forehead, his cheeks, his nose, his ears, his eyes, his chin, bringing each and every part under her soft ministration. Her kisses were like potent airs that was making him sail into the eternal dawn where he never had to fear of nearing the dusk. As she paused for a breather, the naughty Raizada whispered, that she had left out the most crucial part, his lips, correcting her oversight with gusto and inviting her like a spider invites the fly to its parlor.

Arnav, calling Aman arranged for a car to take them back after he got the appointment at noon confirmed with Mr. Roy, their lawyer. He called the Police Commissioner, the private investigator, NK and Akash and had all the plans fine tuned before the oncoming grand finale of the kidnapping drama. Their wedding pictures were delivered on time, while Arnav and Khushi were having their late breakfast. Khushi brought it to the table with a big bright smile making him pull her on to his lap. Khushi snuggled close as she took out the snapshots reliving every moment of the ceremony. Seeing her enchanted look, he in all earnestness asked Khushi, whether she was happy? Her smiling face confirmed her words, she was very much happy, and her demeanor made him gather her still closer and kiss the tip of her nose. Arnav was all apologetic for his behavior during their previous wedding. He lamented for being so delusional and hurting her that night, dragging her up the temple steps and forcing her to marry him. Khushi being Khushi, true to her nature of forgiving, frowned and asked, when? and said that she was not able to recall! Arnav with widened eyes, gulped and said that, their marriage, the first one, where he had resorted to blackmail and threatened her into agreeing to it. His apology was a green flash on Khushi that he was filled with immense remorse which was not palatable to her. She wanted the sunburst with clear skies and she set about to achieve it.

Khushi put down the photos and cupping his face with loving hands told him that to let go of the past. His protest, that it was a misdeed on his part was brushed aside. She asked him, why it was that, he was hell bent on hugging unpleasant memories close to his heart. She begged him to let go of them, come out of those unpleasant thoughts, for they belong to the past and that was where they had to remain, in the past. Even that would not assuage the remorse feeling that Arnav was feeling. Seeing that Arnav was lingering in it, wallowing in self-inflicted misery, Khushi tried to reason out with him as to why he needed to get out of it and that too without wasting time. She told him that, Yes, he had committed a big mistake but both of them were filled with lots of unhappy memories, lots of tragedies in their past. If they spent all their lives lamenting over them, they will be wasting the time they have together, to live together, to make a life for themselves. Was it really prudent to spoil their present by hanging on to their past? Was it not the time to let the ray of sunshine in and make their life as brilliant and dazzling as the aurora for them? Her pearls of wisdom that was nothing but art of living, was the only way that would enable them to build a solid and rosy future, made him nod his head. She continued to say that she was not asking him to forget the bad memories. That can never happen and it was impossible. But they could learn from the past, live in the present and build a future together. It was a talk that was the first brightening for Arnav. More than Khushi and her forgiveness he had to deal with his own conscience that was not giving him any respite. But Khushi's pep talk was a start, an onset to the sun spark in his mind. Khushi kissed him on his temple, her tender lips lingering lovingly and soothing the furrowed expanse. Arnav warned her that it was going to be very unpleasant and quite terrible once they get back and Shyam would not take things lying down and would latch on to each and everything that he could get his hands on for his survival. But Khushi sighed and told him, those were the things that they needed to face and it needed to be done to throw Shyamji out of Di's as well as their life and she was ready to face it. Her face shone with utmost trust in him and his ability to set things right and Arnav could see it. She simply told him that, as long as they were together, she was not afraid. She was aware that he would set things right and she would help him do so. Overcome by her whopping trust in him, faith in his ability and the unconditional quality of her love, he quickly pressed a lingering kiss on her inviting lips. He knew he had secured a priceless gem named Khushi and was really proud that she had accepted him as he was, with warts and all, for she was his cock light.

Once they reached Delhi, driver took them to Mr. Roy's office where Aman was waiting for them and as soon as the necessary deed was done, they were taken to the office of the Police Commissioner. Arnav later met the private detective and called Akash and NK to give finishing touches to their already formulated plan. Then, they went to Laxmi Nagar, after being greeted with tears and glad cries, collected the two copies of the papers that Shyam had given Khushi. Arnav went through it and detailed Khushi what it was. As she heard what it stood for and its implications, she paled and whispered in a state of shock, as it dawned to her that had she got his signature on it, Shyamji would have killed him. Arnav agreeing with her hugged her close as she wept all over him. As her tears subsided, comforting her, he told that it was time to commence the much needed lesson to Shyam and for it to be done they needed to go home. Khushi, after giving him one tight squeeze, dried her face and nodded. Taking Amma, Babuji and Buaji with them, they proceeded to RM.

While Shyam sitting in the living room watched the ladies immersed in prayer seeking divine blessings to keep Khushi safe and crying for Khushi who had to undergo the bitter ordeal, Akash and NK were sitting on the sofa flanking him on either side. NK was fiddling with his camcorder and Akash was working on his laptop. Their senses were alert and had kept an eye on Shyam as they did not want to miss any nuance from the scoundrel, not even a flicker of an eyelid. Nani who was very attached to Khushi, lamented where was Khussi Bitiyaa? She asked Akash, whether Chotey had called and have the police found out where she has been held? As Shyam looked on anxiously, Akash sighed and told his Dadi that, there was no clue and Bhai was expected to be back with the ransom amount. Hearing it, Anjali asked her Nani, what was happening in their house. So much pain, so much anguish, their Khushiji had to suffer so much. She was overwrought with misery and feeling helpless at the turmoil that her Chotey had to face time and again, wept bitterly seeking reassurance from Nani, who had been their pillar of strength at times of strife. Mami was eloquent when she expressed that it as jinxed! Some evil eye has been cast on their house. Nani too nodded silently as Payal wept. Mami tried to console her daughter-in-law, asking her not to cry as their Arnav Bitwa, their bright light was out there. He will turn the world upside down and try to find where her sister was and he will leave no stone unturned. She was not a vegetable to be whisked away. She being a human was not an easy task to hide, not as easily as lady's finger from the vegetable market and asked her to keep her faith on Arnav Bitwa. He will surely succeed. Shyam looked away in contempt. The same people who were all praises for Arnav and Khushi would soon be putting them on the anvil. The contract papers, when revealed out would teach all these biddies and battle-axes a lesson that that they would not forget in a hurry. Arnav Singh Raizada, their blue-eyed boy, their dead-cert, would soon be revealed as a trickster! That was gleam that was lighting his day and as time went by he was certain that it would grow brightly.

While Shyam's thoughts were wandering along those lines and weaving pipe dreams, the door bell rang and as HP opened the door, all eyes looked at the door in expectation as to who could it be. They heard HP's exclamation, Arnav Bhaiyya! and before they could rush towards the door, Arnav entered the house with Khushi and the Guptas' in tow. Two men in casual dress followed the family leaving Shyam gobsmacked, speechless and shocked out of his skull. His missing kidnap victim had turned up at her house, safe and sound with her husband who had gone to raise the ransom money! Anjali limping towards them exclaimed, Chotey! Khushiji! Nani and Mami rushed ahead and hugged the couple repeatedly. Payal followed them and hugged her sister tightly weeping away all her tension and happy at Khushi returning safely. Mami, with her eyes filled with tears of happiness asked Khushi, where she was and what had happened to her? Nani holding Khushi in a tight hug, relieved that she had come home safe asked her, was she alright? Anjali, relieved to see her and hugging her with all her might, told her that Khushi had no idea how worried the rest were. It was like a crack of dawn with the anxiety begone. Arnav with a small smile hovering on his lips stood watching his family shower love on his wife. NK and Akash smiled at her, but resolutely made no move to be away from Shyam. They flanked him on either side with a wide grin to see Khushiji back. When Nani saw the Guptas' she wept and told them that by God's grace Khussi Bitiyaa was safe with them now. Buaji too concurred saying softly that, it was all due to the Benevolence of her Nandkisore and may his deeds last long. With Khushi back in their fold it was like matinal to the members of the household sans one.

Arnav led his wife, the two men, and his family to the living room and once seated introduced the men as Mr.Singhal and Mr.Sharma, his colleagues. He knew what he needed to do would take a long time. NK opened the topic that was uppermost on everyone's mind and asked Khushi, what happened to her and it was an opening that they had decided as per their plans. He told her that the last they know about her was, she going to meet Nannav at his office and setting in motion the trapping of Shyam. Khushi smiled at him and said, that she did go to meet Arnavji but was kidnapped from his car park. A loud gasp was the only response she got for her statement. As Shyam stood up quietly to slink away, NK caught hold of his arm and asked, where was he going? Akash took it up as though he was one confused soul saying, does he not want to know what happened to Khushiji when she has just come home? Their query had all eyes rest on Shyam. Breaking out in cold sweat, sweating profusely like a horse that had just finished its race, he dropped back on to his seat. Nani looked at Khushi and with tear filled eyes asked her, why? Why was she kidnapped? Khushi held out a copy of the document and said, it was due to this, startling Shyam. He wondered, what was that she was holding in her hand. He had destroyed the file with his own hands! So what was in that paper? As Khushi handed over the paper to Anjali, Shyam tried to peep in to make out what it was about, what was it about to unfold, but just could not fathom. As she read through the first page, it perplexed her and a deep furrow appeared on Anjali's forehead.

Seeing her frown and read without even glancing sideways, Mami who was curious asked her, what was it? Anjali, who was flabbergasted after reading, told her stutteringly that, if anything happens to Chotey, their Chotey, then Shyamji will become the owner of AR Designs, this house, the bank balance, and everything that is in Chotey's name. Her eyes that held shocked expression moved on to Shyam. Shyam, who felt as though he was on hot seat, was like a cornered rat. He felt subjected to piercing stares that were making him very uncomfortable. He wondered, how was he to get out of this maze? Her words made Mami exclaim in disbelief! Nani, was confused to hear it and asked her what kind of joke was that Anjali Bitiyaa? Why should Chotey make a will like that? He is young, and by the kindness and grace of Devi Maiyya, healthy. And even if he does make a will, why should he trouble Damadji with his business? Damadji was not a businessman, only a lawyer. Why should Damadji take on Chotey's responsibility when Akass Bitwaa and Manohar were there to manage everything? Anjali, once again examined the papers thoroughly and exclaimed to Nani and Mami that it was not signed. She looked at her Chotey and asked, why did he draft such a document? And why should Khushiji be kidnapped for this? Taking a deep breath, Arnav told her that it was not he, but Jijaji who had drafted it. This had all the ladies stumped and Nani giving voice to their collective disbelief asked what, while Anjali looked confused and upset. Mami who was about to pass a comment on that remark, abstained from doing so, for her sharp eyes had noted the  blanched face of Damadji covered with beads of perspiration and the hawk like stance of Arnav Bitwaa with determination in his eyes. It dawned to her that there was more to it that what met the eye.

Arnav stated that knowing that Khushi's knowledge of English was poor, Jijaji had given her the document and asked her to get his signature on it. Jijaji's plan was, once it was signed, it was to finish him off. Mami drew in a breath of shock, while Nani stared and moved her head from Arnav to Shyam with her lips trembling. Anjali looked wounded, and stared at her brother and her husband. Her dream bubble was bursting and her cocoon was no longer safe. Reality was intruding in to her dream world with heavy feet and it burst into her dream like a thunder bolt.  She felt as though somebody had thrown a bucket of cold water to come out of the stupor that she was dwelling in, with her life coming apart like a slow ripping seam. It was like she was in twilight for she needed to head towards dawn leaving the dusk behind. Knowing very well what his Di and the other members of his family were undergoing, Arnav stated in a soft voice, that Jijaji had not taken into account, Khushi's attachment to him. As she had received it, she had brought it to him to be shown. Jijaji realizing that if he saw that document, he would realize that Shyam was a crook, that too a very greedy swindler, had followed Khushi to his office, using chloroform had made her unconscious and stowed her away in his car. Arnav's soft statement fell on the listening ears echoing like a big bell bong in a silent hall.

That was the point of origination for the sun to set, beginning of the dusk and ride into oblivion for Shyam Manohar Jha and the break of dawn and the sunrise for the rest. For Anjali is now in the twilight zone but surely the filial bond and the family bond would ensure that she would face the dawn and not the dusk.

That is why this update is titled DAWN.

"However long the night,

 The dawn will break.

 For the darkest hour is that before the dawn"

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