Smitar's: Saving Khushi#3 Last Part Part 17(1)(2) Pg 1, 28 (15/10) - Page 16

Smita,😊

Here is the interpretation for Section 2 of Part 17.

This update is about acceptance of something as true, in a word, CREDENCE.

As Arnav sat beside Khushi for the pooja, he looked sideways at her. Her eyes were on the havan, her hands folded in prayer piously. Though her body was by him, her mind and her thoughts were far away, wedged in some unpleasant place in the past. Arnav swallowed the bitter spit of pain. It was something he needed to accept as the bitter fruit of his actions that his wife would have to undergo all through their life and he would have to undergo looking at her pain. There was no escape from it. For he had realized that there was no way to stop the wave, but they needed only to learn how to surf it out. This understanding was his first step to acceptance that only then would there be any scope for recovery. As he watched, her lashes hooded over her eyes, hiding her pain filled eyes from the world in general, him in particular, she sat erect praying. After the pooja, Khushi, being the eldest bahu, was given the plate of prasad to distribute it among the guests. She offered a laddoo each to Nani, Mami, Akash Jiju, Jiji, Di... Then when she came to Arnavji, taking a laddoo she held it out to him. She expected him to hold out his hand for it, but he parted his lips instead. Khushi gulped, and slowly placed the tidbit in his mouth, feeling a hundred eyes watching them. Arnav leaned forward and kissed her on her cheek in gratitude, for gracing in his life despite his cruel ways, making Khushi gape at him and the crowd gathered, stare at them.Mami, who had placed the laddoo in her mouth choked as it went down the wrong passage, it took the concerted efforts of her son and daughter-in-law to bring her back to normal. This gesture of Arnav's gave credence to what the family was stating that Khushi was their Chotey's wife and she was not a street waif who had trapped Arnav. She was in fact the sole custodian of his heart. Arnav, who earlier was against display of any emotions related to love was now openly showing his affections towards his wife, that effectively shut any yentas still lingering in the guest crowd.

When Anjali in a sweet voice requested her whether she could check on the diyas and refill them with the oil if needed, Khushi smiled politely and went on to comply. Her eyes combed finely through the lamps lit in the hall, stairs and then went to the poolside. There a diya was giving out its flickering light just before it got doused. Khushi quickly bent down and poured oil in to its cup, watching the flame revive. She stood up, capped the oil bottle, and turned around, to see Arnavji standing by her. Her shocked whisper, Arnavji, seeing his contrite face, elicited an apology in a soft voice. As he said he was sorry, she looked at him silently. Having decided to speak his mind, in a sincere voice that had gone huskier and deeper with emotion came out his heartfelt apology. He slowly and succinctly reflected his honest thoughts that, he was sorry for subjecting her to such insults. He was sorry for hurting her, this as well as last Diwali. He was sorry for not being brave enough to face his love for her in the previous year and for putting her under the grill. He had not played fair and was sorry for messing up her life and also playing with Lavanya's feelings the previous year. And to set the records straight, his thoughts had been one big incomprehensible mess and really did not know what he was thinking. His mind had been hopelessly muddled, not really understanding himself, he had run away from his feelings as the concept of love was alien to his mind, something he had looked down upon and had never thought or dreamt that he too would fall in love. While being in the cusp of love unknowingly, he was in such a hurry to run away from his feelings for her that he ended up committing one mistake after the other and finally all it had amounted to was, heartache for both and humiliation to her. His acknowledgement to his erroneous thinking and admission of being a drowning swimmer flailing hands to keep afloat and really not aware that by doing so he was getting sucked into the whirlpool stronger did gain credence to his actions.

Hearing his words, Khushi looked away. Though she could empathize with him, his words did not assuage her wounded heart. Still she listened silently. Arnav pressing on with his unreserved abject apology with the belief, however bitter the truth was it would not vanish and it needed to be dealt told that, his list of errors and blunders were long. He had insulted her, hurt her physically, lacerated her with his tongue, but Diwali night was the worst. That was the zenith. It marked the apogee of his worst behavior, for it was worse than the night he had coerced her into marriage, because when they got married, at least he was with her. They were together in the misery. On Diwali night, he..., he paused unable to continue. But Khushi did not react. Her head remained firmly turned away. Arnav cupped her face and made her look at him and said that it was no consolation, but he had to let her know that when he hurt her, his heart was torn to strips. Every tear she had shed had corroded his heart like acid. After his emotionless cruel deed, he had been unable to sleep at nights, seeing her look at him with wounded eyes through the glass window, for they were etched in his memory. Her look of betrayal and the hurt had kept on piercing him and had put him on pins and needles. He had thought that it was easier to pretend that he did not care than admit that it was killing him and had carried on. Khushi lowered her eyes hearing it, knowing fully well she needed to hide the raw pain that evoked in her, with the revisit to the wound of the past. She knew if he saw it in full bloom in her eyes he was doomed, would never be able to get out of his remorse all their life. She realized though the bad memories had a habit to rerun, it was something she had to trust herself not to succumb to, for the sake of her love and her life, her Arnavji.

Arnav continued to say that the full realization of the pickle he had gotten in to, came to him when people started congratulating him for an engagement he had never wanted to or planned to get in to, when Lavanya was hugging him, while the one he wanted, she was turning to leave him and go out of his life. Khushi lowered her lashes to shut him out. With a sigh, he asked her to look at him, adding a beseeching, Khushi please. Compelled by his tone, Khushi obliged and lifted her lashes. He told her that he would never forget the last look she gave him, the look that said, now that you have gotten what you wanted, are you not happy now? Her silent query found its target and the answer he received from within him that very moment, made him stagger. He had realized that to escape from the heat of the pan he had plunged himself into the fire. He knew that he had made a mistake of mammoth proportions, driven by his panic. But it was too late to backtrack. His deed of panic had resounding repercussions. He had pushed her, his Khushi, away from him and whatever he did would bring misery to one or the other. They stood silent among the burning diyas. The sound of fireworks filled the air. His confession and apology only made her strong and made her to resolve, not to live in the past for she had already lived there, and be it with pain or with happiness. She knew just because past taps on the shoulder, it did not mean one has to look back. She needed to let go of the burdens of the past as one cannot change it. But she could go confidently in the direction of the future for that was where their dreams now lay, without forgetting what the past taught her. This acceptance of faith and trust in her love, in her Arnavji, in their life together helped her to gather her thoughts and brace herself to look at their future together.

With this firm resolve she asked him, not to give her anymore red saris admitting that she hates the very sight of them. They remind her of nothing but humiliation and the loss she felt. Arnav promised her that he won't, with a lump in his throat. She told him that the one she wore last Diwali was now a heap of ashes and she would burn this one too. Her threat to mingle it with cinders brought out an agreeable response, accepting her decision; he invited her to not only to burn this piece but also any red saris that Di, Mami and Payal possessed too. Any piece of red cloth she could lay her hands on too could go to the bonfire. If she prefers, she could put a burning stake to reduce the whole house into a bag of ashes. He gave her carte blanche to do as she pleases and he would support her to the hilt if it gave her any solace. His words uttered with confidence, asked her to repose her faith in him declaring that he was with her come what may. His words brought in a ghost of a smile on her lips. She was adamant when she said that she will not make any more diya for Diwali. It was a challenge for him to refute her defiance. When in a low voice rife with disappointment, he asked, won't she come stealthily to remove anymore clay soil from his garden; he received an answer with certainty ringing in it, that she would not. Arnav sighed in response and agreed. Her denial to light the diya around the pool though disappointed Arnav, one look at her militant eye made him give in to her demand. She continued with her list of what she wanted to do henceforth. She told him that, every Diwali, she will go to Buaji's house. He can be at RM listening to witches bitching about her, while she will be bursting crackers and eating jalebi with her children army. Arnav was not ready for this for it ran counter to his thoughts and made no bones about it. He told her that he wanted an amendment to this decision of hers, as he too wanted to celebrate Diwali with her; He requested to take him with her. Khushi who was glad to hear his words that gave her the much needed assurance, pretending to ponder on the issue said, that she would give it due consideration and let him know at a later date.

Arnav calling her out fished out a small jewel box from his pocket and handed it to her saying, that it was her Diwali gift from him. A delighted Khushi opened it wondering what it held. The box housed a beautiful diamond necklace that lay on its velvet bed. The stones were with perfect balance of cut, colour and clarity, sparkling fire in the dim light. The stray ray of light falling on it was making it twinkle as though beckoning her with a wink to slip it on to her neck. This was Arnav's way of giving credit to Khushi. It was his acceptance that he was like a rough diamond before her advent into his life and now he is able to sparkle with love with her polishing his soul with her brand of unconditional love. Taking a good look at the diamond set, Khushi had realized that the goal is to walk a path on which our souls will shine and sparkle as brightly as diamonds. On this path there will be many labyrinth turns just like the angles and facets of the diamond. But if we travel the path with honorable hearts, and if we are aware of the reflective nature of our lives, with our actions reflecting in our reality, we will accomplish our mission of reaching the light. Khushi touched by his gesture, whispering, thanks, kissed him on his lean cheek, caressing his stubble with her soft lips. Arnav, to his credit knowing what really gladdened her heart, whispered that, he knows that she prefers jalebis to diamonds and there was a box of them waiting for her on their bed, a special package from her favorite, Chagganlal Mittaiwala. Khushi's joy knew no bounds and she almost jumped up and down in joy shouting out, Arnavji! Thank you, thank you! Arnav's looked at her smiling luscious lips and asked where was his gift? as he lowered his head to steal a kiss. But Khushi took a step back. Asking him to wait for a minute, she vanished in to their bedroom and returned with a white cover which she handed over to him saying, that it was her gift.

Arnav's forehead scrunched up as he flipped it open and drew out a single sheet of paper, wondering what it held. The inscription on the top of the sheet announced that it as a lab report. Arnav gasped, Khushi! admonishing her for not telling him that she had not been feeling well! Why had she not told him about it? Seeing his panic, Khushi pouted and asked him, to read fully before pouncing on her. Her voice that carried conviction, made Arnav's eyes scan through the report that read, Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada had been tested for pregnancy, and the result was... POSITIVE +. Arnav stared at the paper and then at Khushi's face. It compelled him to reread the report carefully wondering if he had misread it. His unbelievably slow reading and comprehension of what was written had an impatient Khushi on tenterhooks. Unable to withstand his snail's pace, on a teasing note she blurted, that he was so slow! If it were Salman Khanji in his place, he would have lifted his wife in his arms and twirled her around! But Arnav was beyond all teasing, he was not going to rise to the bait. He was stumped to know that their family was all set to grow. From two, they were to become three and as confirmation, he asked whether they were really going to have a baby? Her laughing banter that, she thinks it to be a baby and for all she knew, it could be a jalebi too, did not elicit a fitting repartee. He stared at the report once more before folding it carefully and putting it in his pocket. He then knelt at her feet, and touched her tummy reverentially. He called out to Khushi softly and uttered, our baby, in a soft whisper, as if scared of disturbing the kid. Khushi smiled and affirmed it to be so. With his fingers softly splayed on her stomach as though protecting it from the outside world, he promised his unborn child that, he would take care of it and make sure nothing bad would ever touch it. He would strive his utmost to be a better father than his own ever was to him. While he promised, his voice choked and kissed her tummy repeatedly. With this, he admitted to his wife and his unborn child that he had a lousy childhood that he would never wish upon his child. He wished it would experience nothing but love, peace, security and all the things that were necessary to grow into a healthy child. When the child grew up and thought of fairness and integrity, he wanted it to think of him and his life. This showed how much he wanted to gain credence in the eyes of his child, one that he had lacked for his father in his life.

As he buried his face against the soft skin of her stomach, she could feel his tears against her skin, and held him close for a long moment. Then he asked how did she know that she was carrying? She frowned at the strange way that she found out and said, that it was the most amazing thing, could he ever imagine she, Khushi, refusing jalebi! Arnav's face lit with a smile at her admission and at the thought of such an incomprehensible act and nodded, that he could not. He was amused at her dependence on that sweet meat and her confidence of never disliking jalebis. She told him with a serious note in her voice that, Buaji had prepared jalebi for her, and the minute she opened the bin, she almost threw up at the smell. So she knew there was something very wrong with her basically. Her words made Arnav stare at her in wonder for he knew not a time when Khushi would turn her face from jalebi, more so when her Buaji had prepared them for her Titliyaa! She smiled as she told him that she had been to their family doctor who had directed her to a gynecologist. It was then she had realized that the problem lay not with the jalebi, but with the Li'l Arnav Singh Raizada growing inside her. Arnav, who now felt the information seep in clearly, what the report really meant, was gloriously happy. He stood up and hugged her tight breathing out, Khushi... As Khushi burrowed in to his arms, feeling safe and content, he told her that, this was the best Diwali of his life. Khushi smiled contently as he told her that this was the best Diwali gift she could ever give him. His lips that ever so gently touched hers, soon changed to raining kisses on her face and lips, punctuating the words with addictive kisses, some sweet as honey, some hot as chilly, but sizzling all the way through. She felt happiness stirring inside her grow wings, let loose, and fly. Khushi whispered with a serious face asking Arnav to promise her and he without knowing what she wanted from him did so with utmost love. She asked him to promise her that, whatever happened in the future, whether good or bad, they would always be together. He vowed to fulfill that. For them, this was the beginning of their family, where life begins and love never ends. As he scooped her up in his arms and carried her to bed, she pouted asking him to promise that even if they were blessed with an army of children, he would always love her the most. He knew anyone could have caught his eye but it took someone special to catch his heart and the most worthwhile person to cherish and adore in his life was the person who loved him when he was not really very lovable. That for him was Khushi was without any doubt. Arnav, smiling against her lips, loving this dependence of her on him, vowed to her that he would fulfill her wishes and she would always be his first and best Sanka Devi, for she was the best thing that ever happened to him. With her query he knew that he had gained credence in her eyes much beyond his expectations and he was thrilled by it.

In this update we see Arnav lending credence to their marriage in the eyes of the world showing that it was he who was blessed to have been accepted by Khushi as her life-partner. We see Arnav's apology gaining credence in the eyes of Khushi and Khushi too giving credence to his apology opens up to state her thoughts, likes and dislikes. Arnav's words to his unborn child shows how much he wanted a father who had some credibility that he could look upon in his life.

That is why it is titled CREDENCE.

"The path of sound credence is through the thick forest of skepticism"

~ George Jean Nathan

SAVING KHUSHI is about saving Khushi from Shyam. It is also the saving of the Khush or Happiness of Raizadas' and Guptas' in general and Arnav, Anjali and Khushi in particular. By putting many bad memories to rest they have made a new life for themselves. It was a beautiful narration that began with the Diwali, where the lights went out plunging into darkness and ended with another Diwali, with the lights glowing bright. Lovely story indeed! Wonderful work Smita.👏👏👏

"We delight in the beauty of the butterfly. But rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty"

~ Mary Angelou

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

ADDENDUM:

It has been a lovely journey and my heartfelt thanks to all the readers for their immense encouragement. Thank you dears.

Rashmi.

Originally posted by: smitar

<font color="#FF0000"><font face="Geneva, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="5">Sorry, darl! Am down with fever. Real fever, not ArHi-induced one..ha..ha..😃

Will post in 2 hours.

Smita</font></font>

Take gud care of urself dear...
Was stalking 😆

Wow, what a beautiful ending and closure for the past!!! Loved every bit of it! 👏

Khushi very aptly described about her pain by asking him not to buy her red saris. Arnav now is a changed man...a more mature man than he was a year ago. Their relation is one of the deepest there could be. Loved the ending beyond words...that really was the best Diwali present ever!

I can't wait for Marrying Khushi to begin...the title itself is drool-worthy!!! 😳

P.S.: which episode is the last picture from??? Their clothes seem like the ones they wore on the farmhouse night but I don't remember this hug from that episode plus the background is that of their poolside. Me confused!!! 😕

Wow Khushi is pregnant amazing you ended it 😕 . Nice update

nice...

i din know it would end!! it was too good! i love the i hate red saris part!! awesome work girls!!😳

oh no 😭 😭 😭 ...i didnt expect the ending to be sooo soon 😭...would luv if it continues for 3 more parts...plzzz 😊...gr8 update as always nd luved d way khushi conveyed the news..obviously its d best diwali for arnav...but atleast giv more update to let us know if it ws junior ASR or junior_ KKGSR 😃 😉...njoyed the journey of dis story completely 👍🏼

P.S. Last straw of my thinking is dat you wil start a new story next week 😃..luv u loadZzz for giving such amazing stories 🤗...eagerly waiting 😊 as always 😆

That was a wonderful update
feeling that it's ending:)