arshi-( Ippknd)- Hot Stuff * complete*

Hi , all I'm newish to this forum - parts of my life are woven into stories that i write - I think there is enough sadness in this world so i like happy stories with happy endings or at least hopeful ones.

I was introduced to Arnav and Khushi by a very special lady who always looked on the bright side of life come what may . This is dedicated to her and people like her . Her saying is live in the moment and enjoy take a risk because the inevitable is the inevitable -it is what we do with our time here and the memories that we leave behind that make us live on beyond our time.

OS- Hot Stuff

Hot Stuff threw open its doors welcoming the clients for first time. The new restaurant had bookings for the first six weeks all tables were fully booked.The cliental were from the who's who list. This was the sister restaurant of the exceptionally successful restaurant in Mumbai.

Hot Stuff was renound for its food ,service and entertainment. Mumbai branch had run to full capacity for the last six year. Now the owners had decided to open a branch in Delhi hopefully repeating the winning formula.

"Are you sure about this Khushi ?" asked NK

"Yes I am , I opened the last restaurant now i will open this one "

"Thats not what i meant and you know that "

"NK please , stop- I have to do this for Arron's sake . I have no choice "

EARLIER IN THE WEEK

Khushi had sent a personal email to ASR at AR designs requesting a meeting . She has placed her personal email at the bottom. Khushi knew that the mail would be read by staff first before it got to ASR. She had put enough information in the email to make sure that it got to Arnav .

Arnav was stunned when he saw the email from Khushi. 8 years of nothing. She had disappeared out of his life eight years ago , 6 months after marriage . No one heard from her or had seen her , now 8 years on an email requesting a response. Arnav sent an email advising Khushi that it was him . Khushi responde could she have a meeting with him.They had actually met earlier in the week at the Oberoi .

Initially silence, both eyed each other up then Khushi began ,"Let me speak and say my part is that ok "

Arnav indicated with a hand gesture to continue.

Arnav I need your help and support , unquestioningly and fully and without recriminations . I am launching a new business at the end of the week "

"Money , I might have guessed "

"Shut up Arnav , I am very well of and financially independent. For once just listen and stop being judgmental . It has taken a lot of courage and effort for me to have this conversation with you so please give me a chance . When i left it was after the Sham fiasco. You believed I had an affair with him .I never had an affair with Sham , there was only one man in my life at that time and that was you .

I have some upcoming engagements which i can't avoid . I need you to look after our son Arron for possibly the next 8 - 12 weeks "

All Arnav heard was "our son ".

Thereafter the conversation exploded, it was a long time later when Arnav was calmer that he realised that he had a son 7 years old, Arron whom he had never met . Now that Khushi was busy she was asking him to look after Arron for 8-12 weeks.Khushi explained that she would be around Dehli for the next 2 weeks then she would be gone."

"Arnav I'll bring Arron round to meet you at Shantivan you can introduce him as your son or just mine or a friends or you can meet him at my hotel suite . Where ever you are the most comfortable?"

Arnav felt as though a knife had been twisted into his heart for third time in his life , his mother 's death , when he saw Khushi and Sham on the roof top and now this. He felt his heart beating in his chest about to explode . Arnav felt as though he couldn't breath. He had to get out of here. Controlling his temper and feelings through gritted teeth "Shantivan"

Arnav returned to Shantivan and called everyone together . He broke the news to them Khushi was back and his son would be coming to stay for upto 12 weeks initially then ...There was stunned shocked silence the group was not sure how to react , happiness that Khushi was back or the fact that they had an addition to therte family a 7 year old child.

Preparations got underway at Shantivan Arnav had a room made up for Arron ,a room that would be any boys dream. A hoop for shooting baskets A ps3 player computer games , a selection of games.

Two days later there was a knock at the door , Khushi and Arron stood at the door. All three looked at each other anxiously , each with fear and dread a million questions going through each's head . They all stared at each other . Arnav drinking in the two people infront of him they in flash of second had become his world. He knew he loved Khushi as much now as he did before. There was no change and somehow his heart found space to love the little boy in front of him.

Arron bent down to touch his fathers feet , " Sir , I am Arron" and held out his hand for a handshake .

Arnav blinked away the tears and said " I am Arnav Singh Raizada, Do you know who I am ?"

"Yes Sir , you own this house , i am to stay here for a little while while mum goes away for some important work" Arron's lip trembled and tears filled his eyes and he looked up at his mother.

Both Arnav's and Khushi's heart thought it would break their son was full of trepidation at being left without his mother here ,to all intents and purposes a strangers house .

"Khushi bent down straight away to his level brushed away his tears. " Arron remember whatever happens i love you and you know why i have to go away . I would never leave you if i didn't have to. "Khushi hugged him. It was obvious to any outsider looking on exactly how much Khushi loved her son.

"Come in and meet your Daadi and your cousins "

Khushi's head jerked up to meet Arnav's eyes at that instant Arnav had said Daadi . That meant Arnav was introducing Arron as his son.

Khushi looked Arnav in his eyes and mouthed the words silently above Arrons head " Thankyou ".

Initially Arron sat very close to his mother , if he could get any closer he would be inside his mum again .

Only when Mayur and Mala arrived did the tension in the room disappear .

The children approached each other shyly and then as only children can behaved as though they had known each other for their whole life.

"Lets show you your room come on Arron bhaiya ".

The kids raced out of the room,leaving the adults staring at each other. Khushi starting to chew her nails.

"Some habits are very hard to get rid of "

Khushi delved into her bag and pulled a group of invites.

"These are invites to the opening of Hot stuff, in two weeks. Please come !"

" How come you have seats to the opening of Hot Stuff , they are like gold dust "

"Hot Stuff is 50% Mine "

Everybody looked on in stunned amazement .

Payal walked into the room and smiled at Khushi , came over and hugged her "lets make tea for everyone Khushi " She grabbed Khushi hand and pulled her into the kitchen.

The ease with which Payal pulled Khushi out of the room , no tears , no dramatics Akash and Arnav , infact everyone knew that Payal and Khushi had been in contact for sometime there was no awkwardness between them.

When Payal came back Arnav asked accusingly "How long ?"

" Since Arron was about 1 1/2 years old , you never once asked me , where she was , if you had I would have told you "

"Arnav's eyes shuttered straight away trying to control his anger, "You KNEW about Arron "

"I knew about the way my sister was treated , the accusations she had hurled at her , when you should have trusted her , you didn't when that pig tried to.. tried to.. hurt her , where were you ? Trust is to have no proof no matter what the evidence looks like ! When I said give her a chance , let her explain , you shut her out . She coped with everything alone , she helped rebulid her life with fro ..."

"PAYAL, thats water under the bridge and i have drawn a line in the sand. Yes they were dark times for me but i came through that was then this is now"

Adults sat around the tension was thick in the air till the kids returned "Payal Mami ! "

Arron ran up to her and threw his arms around her . It was obvious to everyone that there was a long standing bond between the two.

"I have made your favorite for lunch , Kuch khate , khuch Meeta , chote chote gole gole se "

"CHAAAT , Payal Mami you are the best !"

" have you met your cousins "

"Aha, they are fun!"

Over the next two weeks Arron got to know the family and Khushi spent less and less time with them , slowly giving space to Arnav to get to know his son. She shouldn't have worried.Arnav loved Arron and no matter what the future held for her Arron would be safe and well looked after and loved.

PRESENT

Khushi launched the cabaret show her whole family watched on she danced and gyrated her hips. At the end Arron jumped up and gave her standing ovation and said "Dad , stand up is she awesome .Isin't she just the most beautiful mum in the world "

"I can't argue with that statement"

"NK Chachu "

"Hey little man ; cool "

" They did their special handshake "

The family looked on Arnav looked at NK accusingly " you knew "

"From the beginning - what are you going to do about it ?"

Fury shone through his eyes. " Stop looking at me like that it doesn't scare me anymore i have been their for her when you all rejected her , accused her trust is about having faith without evidence ."

They were like two males head butting for the right to be leader of the pack and currently Arnav knew that he was losing. Nk was right.

Khushi came over to meet NK hugged him and kissed him on the cheek with a sense of familiarity which made Arnav's inside knot .

"Another successful launch Partner "

"Yup Partner "

"Partner ?"

"Yup me , mum and chachu are equal partners in Hot Stuff restaurants - that means we get equal parts of it."

They all sat down to finish their meal . People interrupted to congratulate them on the food ,service and the dance .

Khushi stood up looking at her watch , its time. Her son looked at her fear clouded his eyes, sadness filled NK 's eyes. Guys don't worry , I'll be back my next show is already booked and i'll talk to you both and skype you everyday . You will be so busy you won't have time for me."

She looked at Arnav, " I am leaving my heart with you, my life , my reason for living , look after it well, I am coming back to collect it " with that she stood on tiptoe and kissed Arnav with tears filling her eyes . "I have to go ."

With that she was gone .

What only NK and Arron knew was that Khushi was really sick she had been diagnosed with breast cancer and needed a mastectomy , chemotherapy and radiotherapy. The lot . these were the cards that had been dealt , this is the game she would play.

Khushi had her surgery and all her treatment she always spoke to Nk and Arron . Everyday swearing them to secrecy. Some days were good some days she felt like crap and cried like there was no tomorrow. NK flew forward and back between the two of them Khushi and Arron . He was their rock . Their support system.

Arnav and Arrons relationship went from strength to strength. Sometimes he heard Arron crying at night for his mum.

How could she leave him. He was not going to give Arron up that easily.

One lunch time they sat down for lunch when the doorbell rang, NK arrived "Arron where are you I have a surprise for you "

"NK Chachu "

"Look what I brought you "

Arron was of the table and in his mothers arms " i need to sit down you have grown taller "

They all looked at Khushi -stunned.

"Arron looked at his mum "your looking good and your hairs grown back "

Khushi had on large sunglasses which hid most of her face . She was sporting a page boy hair cut. It was evident that she had lost weight.

"Your hair " was all speechless Arnav could say

"Don't you like it ?"

"No" came the terse relpy from Arnav

To which Arron, NK and Payal all commented together

"mum its beautiful , your always beautiful " Arron glared at Arnav.

"Khushi it suits you "

"Bhai you look far better with short hair "

"Thanks guys , some of you are brilliant for a girls ego "

Khushi said can i see your room Arron . Arron and Khushi went off hand in hand to his room .

Khushi took her son to his room and and listened to him chat on incessantly. Payal came in Khushi I've made you something to eat, i noticed that you didn't eat at lunch it not spicy and its soup you can swallow it easily. Then why don't you lie and sleep. Rest a while you look exhausted .

"My hair, does it really look that bad "she said fingering it

"Khushi you are beautiful on the inside and out , your hair will grow back in time don't' worry -hey i seen you sporting some really bad hairdo"

Then there was laughter.

Arnav felt guilty for overhearing the conversation and for the comments he made. He turned and left.

Khushi was exhausted and lay down cuddling Arron and fell asleep .

Arnav came in later to chat to Khushi regarding Arron and his heart contracted at the sight . Khushi sleeping helpless exhausted and Arron holding her hand. "shhh mum's sleeping"

He remembered a time when she held his hand in her sleep. "Why don't you let your mum sleep and well go and shoot some baskets outside. Arnav looke down at Khushi her eyes looked gaunt and hollow . She looked pale with dark circles under her eyes . She had lost a lot of weight . What the hell had happened to her. She had left glowing and she looked like a ghost of her original self. What the hell was actually going on . He was going to get to the bottom of it.

Arnav backed out and found NK and Payal talking. Payal looked everyone square in the face especially Arnav . I said Khushi can stay. Infact I said Khushi could stay as long as necessary. She doesn't have a home in Dehli and I dont want her to go back to Mumbai yet until she's back to her old self and I don't want her to buy a house here in Dehli ."

"Agreed on all counts , I don't want her to go back period . You know Payal I have always loved her "

"Finally, Its taken you long enough" NK replied

"Whats wrong with Khushi ? ,she looks like death warmed up "

"She 's had a tough couple of months that's why she left Arron with us.

Look her bags are in the car she has a booking at the Oberoi shall i cancel it.

Payal and Arnav said together "YES "

"NK looked at Payal , she will kill us if we tell , but in for a penny in for a pound "

NK brought her cases in and left it in Khushis room . It was dinner time by the time khushi awoke she saw her bags , she had a shower and changed into simple baggy top , shapeless on top of a pair of leggings and joined everyone at the dinner table .

Without thinking she sat down next to Arron and started to feed him. and stroke his hair.Everyone looked on . It was self evident that Khushi adored Arron .

Arron can i miss your story tonight, i need to pop over to Hot Stuff and see how its getting on".

"No "

"Your not going anywhere as long as you are in Dehli your staying here at Shantivan , you can share Arrons room and tonight you are not going to hot Stuff that can wait till tomorrow "

"OK "

Arnav was shocked at how easily Khushi agreed. There was something that was not right . This whole thing felt wrong she looked wrong she looked tiered and exhausted and ill. That was it she looked ill.

NK and Payal were not talking Arron was going to be the weak link.

"Shall we water the plants Arron"

"OK dad ."

Gently gently Arnav started delving asking Arron questions as to the whereabouts of his mother.

"Arnav Singh Raizada shame on you just ask me and I'll tell you , trying to weedle it out of my son is wrong on every plane "

Arron i want to talk to your father then you why don't you go play with your cousins.

"Mum your not going anywhere are you ?"

"not tonight "

Khushi had a cup of coffee for Arnav and a tea for herself .

"Sit down Arnav i need to tell you a story part you already know and the rest i will fill in . I don't want sympathy ,i dont want your pity . I am a born survivor and a fighter , but its time for honesty between us ."

Arnav had never known such a bold Khushi before . But that's what probably what has made her so successful over the last seven years .

I left here penniless scared and pregnant and didn't know what to do . I loved you then more than life . But you didn't trust me it was about having blind faith Arnav . You didnt trust me . NK found me in that state he supported me financially and emotionally until after Arron was borne . He helped me with Arron and slowly i found what i was good at . He raised the finance for Hot Stuff in Mumbai I think he sold some shares to you if i an right . Arnav remembered about 6 years ago NK came to him wanting to sell Arnav his shares to raise money . Arav had bought the shares . Hot Stuff went from strength to strength ,the money that Nk had invested was returned doublefold in the frst year by the second year we were laughing . Things carried on smoothly till earlier this year . I was diagnosed with breast cancer .
"WHAT?"

"Arnav just listen to my story and my thought process this is not about you me or NK this is about Arron. What s in his best interest.

NK was going to adopt Arron incase things didn't go well for me.

I needed to go and get treatment abroad because that was the best place for me . Hot Stuff has made us enough money to easly afford the treatment but i didnt want to take Arron , he didn't need to see me like that . NK bless him was flying between him and me looking after both of us .

"I have had pretty radical treatment done "

"Did they get it all will you be alright ?"

"That's why I am sitting here talking to you its about Arrons future , he loves you and you love him . I love him more than life itself and he loves me . I am not sure if i will be here a year from now "

"Stop Khushi , ple .. ple please don't talk like that "

Arnav felt as though his heart had been through the mill. He still loved Khushi and he couldn't bear to lose her or Arron again .

"Arnav you have to think about Arron not me, your name is on the birth certificate as the father i dont want to go back to Mumbai i need to know that whatever happens to me you will always be here for him. Financially he is secure that i have sorted that out . But will you be there for him if i dont make it.

"Khushi you dont need to worry about anything Arron financially or otherwise I will always be here for him "

"I am still in love with you i don't want you or him to go anywhere . In time i would like us to be a family ,share Arron's room for now but in time i hope you will move back into mine . Please forgive me for all the past things ."

Arnav i dont have time to hold grudges i need to live . Arnav came up to her and held her close. He couldn't work out whether he had won or lost . He knew that she was here now and he had bettter not waste any time .

Epilogue

A year on they were celebrating Khushi had past her first hurdle. Her first year review -the all clear had been given. Khushi had moved back into their room Arron was ecstatic he had cousins and a father ..

They would take it a day at at a time making each day precious., come what may.