A new short story part 12 page 11 updated 10/12/17 - Page 4

Chapter 3

Yash was standing in the corridor next to the kitchen and he heard Aarti's and Vidhi's conversation he smiled to himself and thought we will see just how long you can resist my charms no girl has never been able to why should you be any different.

Yash walked away a plan forming in his brain, he would be nice, and respectful to her that surely will work. Aarti appeared to be the type of girl who would like being around a respectful man.

Vidhi and Aarti worked well together cooking the evening meal of course Vidhi made it her business to get information about Aarti's life and tell her a little bit

made it her business to get information about Aarti's life and tell her a little bit about the Scindhias for instance their preference in food, snacks, drinks.

Aarti "Vidhi madam am I supposed to write this down for future reference I mean to say I am the maid and at any point in time during my employment here I could be asked to prepare something for a member of the family I am correct in assuming so?

Vidhi was shocked at first then she replied "No Aarti if you need help you can ask me or Ramdularie

"Okay I was just curious I really need this job and I don't want to mess this up

"Why is this job so important to you did you not say you are an orphan on your own?

"Yes I am on my own that is why I need this job I have no one for support except Shoba ma that is the lady who brought me up I the orphanage. Ma is a very kind woman she allowed me to live with her until today never asking anything in return but I want to give her back so many things for her and the kids there. Shoba ma is a mother figure for me and she treated me as her own daughter because of her I never felt unwanted or unloved.

Vidhi asked "You never wondered about your birth parents?
"Yes when I was younger I would dream about what they would look like and how their voice would sound, I dreamed about a huge family with grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles. When people came to the orphanage to adopt a child I would pray that they would choose me. First the babies got chosen then the younger kids but never me as I became older I started questioning Shoba ma why was I not chosen am I to dark and ugly? Don't the adults think that I can be a good daughter? tears formed in her eyes at the memory of her lonely childhood.

Vidhi realized that Aarti was lost in her memories and touched her gently on her shoulders "Aarti everything happens in this life for a reason you not being adopted and having to stay with your Shoba ma maybe was a blessing in disguise I mean you got the love of a mother and she got a daughter both of you made your own family together with the kids there in the orphanage. Aarti this family may not be related to you but we treat all with love and respect our house workers even the gardeners have been with us for years Radha ma speaks to them with respect as if they are a part of our family You will soon feel like you belong here

Aarti smiled at the kind friendly woman standing in front of her who was offering friendship. There was strong smell of something burning

"Vidhi madam the food is almost burnt!

Vidhi moved to the stove the garlic and onions she had in one pot was burnt, and the other pot all the liquid had burnt out and the vegetables started to stick to the pot.

"Oh my word we almost had a disaster said Vidhi slightly flustered

The smell brought Radha and another well dressed woman into the kitchen "Bahu what happened?

"Ma I just got carried away while speaking to Aarti

"Bhabhi is this the girl you told me about she is tall well built and beauriful more like you than Gaytri bhabhi said the woman looking closely at Aarti

A confused Aarti looked at the new comer a lady in her late forties dressed in a beautiful light coloured saree with simple matching jewelry she looked like if she smiled her beautiful face would crack.

"Maya this is Aarti our new maid for now since she is collage educated she can help me run the household you know pay the bills, salaries keep the house hold records etc.

"Even You bahabi, me and Vidhi bahu are collage educated so what is your point?

"Aarti has her master's in business management and would like to work in an office someday this will be a good practice for her we on the other hand are very happy with our life Vidhi bahu loves being a mom and wife as do I you on the other hand loves your religious works and friends Aarti is of the now generation she wants to work although this is just a small responsibility it is a start

The smell of the burnt food reached Yash's room who came to the kitchen to investigate and heard the conversation so Miss Thing is educated well I can find something for her to do she can manage my small event management/catering staff here I am sure Akash and Prateek won't mind having her around he smiled to himself.

Dinner time was a nosy affair Aarti was introduced to MR SP Scindhia, Prateek the youngest and Vidhi's and Pankaj small kids Versant 8yrs and Vedicka 6yrs. Everything was spoken at the dining table ranging from office business, household business, weather, politics, music and books.

Aarti stood quietly observing this lively family she noticed a few things Pankaj and Prateek were around her height 5 feet 7 inches and resembled one of the lady in the picture she saw while Yash and Akash were over 6 feet like their father and had a very strong resemblance to him and Mya bua.

Vidhi had told her Maya is SP younger and only sister she is a widow from her early twenties her brother brought her back home because he could not bear to see her forced to live like an outcast in her late husband's home. Both brother and sister shared a close relationship but SP did not trust the idea of getting her re married because he feared that she will not be treated right in another family's home. Vidhi added that it was Maya's bua not so secret wish for a husband and family of her own.

After dinner Vidhi took the kids to their room while the adults went to the family room to chat and watch tv together even then there was an argument between the men as to what to watch while Maya bua and Radha Ma decided to go to the lounge and watch their soap operas.

Aarti with the help of Ramdularie and Gopie cleared the dinner, cleaned the kitchen Vidhi returned and told her that the left over extra food was for the staff.

That Aarti will have her dinner with Vidhi the staff took their too the servants quarters and the ladies sat in the kitchen ate and chatted.

"Vidhi madam why don't you sit in the dining room I will serve you and then I will have my dinner or I can have my dinner with the staff

"NO you sit with me I want the company plus I like talking with you we will both serve ourselves and then was up together. I always wanted a younger sister here to share things and talk and I like you Aarti we both could use a friend.

Yash of course found and opportunity to visit the kitchen he lingered at the fridge watching Aarti from behind the open door then took his time to drink his juice before washing the glass.

Aarti noticed him but pretended to ignore him; during dinner when she served him his plate he made sure to accidently touch her hands and repeatedly asked her to serve him water, juice, sweet dish.

After he left Aarti asked " Vidhi madam Yash ji does he flirt with all the ladies like this if so I am very sorry for his future wife I am the maid and he don't seem to care about that. It does not look good a man of his status to flirt with the maid

"Aarti I understand what you are saying but Yash is a man a young single man and he seems to be attracted to you and in this family we don't care about status it is love, respect, trust and support that matters. G3 ma she and the grand parents would have cared about class and social status what society thinks but bauji, Radha ma and us we don't care about all that fake societal norms. I told nah that bauji had two wives living with him at the same time this is a common practice both in their family and their ancestral village where it is important for a male heir to be born or sons to both carry forward the family name and business.

When bauji expanded his business to Bhopal and throughout India he moved the family here and he slowly moved away from the traditional thinking that is why Maya bua was brought back home to her family. We still practice all the religious traditions and from our clothes you can see that western clothes for the bahus is not something easily welcomed.

"That may be so and I can respect that but the son of this family with the maid no can't digest that the parents would accept that

"If there is love between the couple and they both want to be together. Ma and bauji won't deny especially if the girl is kind and good

"love Yash ji appears to me that he is out for a good time and I will punch him hard and kick him where the sun dose not shine if he crosses the line with me than I will resign my job and leave with my head held high

Once again nosy Yash was in the corridor eavesdropping on their conversation and happily smiling to himself. He could not understand why he felt this pull towards Aarti yes she was hot but there is something different about her from all the other hot girls he met and had an affair with they were either goal diggers after his father's wealth and family's status in society or just out to have a great time.

Yes his parents received marriage proposals from wealthy families but they all appeared to be stuck up brats, to him some of them looked like they have a mean streak in them like his Maya bua not kind and caring like Vidhi bahabi or his ma.

With that he left to his room to formulate a plan.

Aarti and Vidhi left to their respective rooms along the way Aarti met Yash who had his empty water jug in his hand. "Aarti could you fill this for me and bring it to my room thank you he just handed it to her and turn around and went back in the direction he came from.

A stunned Aarti took the jug and stared at the retreading back of Yash "I wonder what he is up to know. Then she made her way to the kitchen filed the jug with cold water added some ice cubes and left for Yash's room.

After knocking the door she entered after Yash told her too he was standing near the bed with the tv remote in his hand he pointed for her to leave the jug on his bedside table. Of course he moved the same time towards her as she was moving from the table and bumped into her knocking her off balance into the bed

"Sorry sorry are you okay Yash said reaching to pull her up

Aarti give him an angry look pushed away his hand stood up and said "Look here you Casanova I am not a floosy or your own personal plaything try anything with me and I will beat you up I grew up in an orphanage and I know how to defend myself with that she shoved him out of her way and walked out with her head held high.

Yash looked at the fire in her and he felt a strange pull he wanted to pull her into his arms and kiss her until all that fire burnt away and she melted in his arms.

"Damn my lady got spunk he laughed to himself "Let the games begin

The following morning Yash had a plan "Ramdularie he shouted

The poor man came running because when Yash call you to his room meant something was wrong with your work

"Ramdularie call Miss Aarti here I want her to iron my clothes now

"But sir your clothes are ironed and hanging in the cupboard

"No they are not, not the ones I want to wear today and he pointed to a shirt. tie, jacket and pants crumpled on the bed

Ramdularie looked at him suspiciously for he was sure that those clothes were ironed and hanging in the cupboard he himself placed them there.

"Yash sir let me iron them for you

"No call Aarti

"Sir are you certain she can iron these clothes

"Well we will soon find out

Ramdularie was afraid that the new maid would mess up and have to face Yash sir's anger so he tried again

"Yash sir let me do this it won't take long taking the clothes with him

"No call Aarti and tell her to do this bring the ironing board and iron here in my room

"But sir what if she burn your clothes

"Ramdularie just bring the things here and tell her I want her here ironing my clothes. She is the maid is she not?

Ramdularie left suspicious about Yash sir's strange behaviour he told Aarti about Yash's demand and took the ironing board and iron set it up for her and left

Yash came out of the washroom only with a towel on and pretended he did not see her went in front of his mirror and begun combing his hair, rubbing cream/ lotions, applying deodorant after shave lotion, cologne all the while sneaking peeks at Aarti who appeared to be focused on her task

"Damn she did not notice me or she is good at ignoring so he can towards her and took the pants she had completed stood right there and placed them on then removing the towel still no reaction from her. So he sat down on the end on the bed in front of her and placed on his socks and shoes still no reaction.

Then he saw his shirt held out in front of him he took it and placed it on it was nice and toasty then came his tie he looked Aarti straight into the eyes with putting it on and she never flinched finally she give him his jacket

"Anything else sir

"How about a kiss

"How about I burn you with this hot iron

"You are a lioness I like that

"My claws and teeth are very sharpened so be careful saying so she removed the irons plug and went to call Ramdularie to remove the board and iron.

Radha ma called her to serve breakfast while Maya bua demanded to know where she was

"I was ironing Yash sir's clothes

"Really you were or were you gawking at him girl remember you are the maid here don't weave dreams here said Maya

"Madam I know my place but do your nephew know his?

Radha intervened because this looked like it was going to be a heated argument with Aarti walking out of this house and their lives and this was something they did not want

"Bua why are you troubling Aarti it is too early in the morning said Yash entering the dining room. Then turning to Aarti said "Please serve me my breakfast

"Yash beta remember she is just the maid not your wife said Maya

"Yeah I know but I will soon have a wife so I am practicing bossing around my lady

"Beta you don't need to boss around either Aripta or Ishita either one of those girls you choose for your wife will happily serve you.

"Bua who told you I want either one of those plastic painted dolls for my wife I want a real caring kind loving woman

By then the rest of the family entered and Vidhi with Ramdularie and Gopie started serving breakfast Aarti brought Yash's for him Vidhi told her what he liked and helped her fix a plate for him.

Maya was angry when she saw Yash smiling at Aarti and Aarti giving him a look of triumph; she looked around the table the family seemed not to be paying attention to them and were having their meal discussing about their plans for the day.

During the day Maya kept a close watch on Aarti she was convinced she was a thief or a goal digger wanting to get her hooks into one of the boys.

Aarti noticed Maya and asked Vidhi if Bua enjoyed spying Vidhi laughed and said yes.

Radha give Aarti the assignment of once again buying the groceries and vegetables also medicines and toiletries for the family.

Akash accompanied her on her outing Prateek also met them he needed stuff for a catering job that evening.

During the outing aarti found out that despite the fact that both men were collage educated they preferred to work outside of Scindhia Enterprise hence the small Event management and Catering business were theirs.

Their business was set up outside in the front Yard of the SM and they did small events now trying to expand. Akash offered Aarti a job with them

"Akash sir won't your family mind after all I am the maid in your home

"No you are educated you told ma and I we will need copies and to see your original certificates but they won't have a problem and you can continue living with us.

Prateek chimed in "Yes Aarti that will be a less headache for us if you work with us doing all that accounts and management things I can concentrate on my cooking and Akash bhayia can do his people skills thing

"People skills thing what is that?

"I work with the hired help to do the decorating, making sure the bar, and waiters do their best that kind of things

"Our plan is to open a restaurant and have a large hall for parties and weddings where we can set up our office said Prateek

Aarti said "You belong to one of the wealthiest family in India why don't you just work with your bauji and brothers?

"No way they are much to controlling and office work eight to ten hours a day not our style plus you have to dress the part no noose for us. In our business we set our hours and casual chic is it if we feel to "said Prateek

Aarti really liked these two they were so calm and collected like Radha ma.

"So what do you say are you in with us?

Aarti just watched these two carefree young men and smiled they really were not all that serious about their business. It appeared to Aarti that they just wanted something to do that would keep their father away and stop him from nagging them about joining the family business.

When they arrived back it was afternoon "Ma Aarti agreed to work with Akash and I shouted Prateek Aarti did not notice that SP, Pankaj and Yash were there and said "I did no such thing

"But you did not say no said Akash coming behind her "So your silence said Yes

"What kind of a crazy assumption is that said Aarti

Then she heard SP voice and noticed the older brothers "Yes that is a good idea Aarti you can do the office work and manage their business for these two slackers maybe then they will start showing a profit in that hobby of theirs

Bauji it is not a hobby but serious business a dream both Akash bhayia and I share

"Sure when you start making a profit and expand then I will accept it a serious business

Prateek went next to Yash and sat "Bhayia you believe in us don't you and aarti has the necessary qualifications to work with us.
Maya said "She may be qualified but have no experience you trust her?

SP "I don't think she can do worse that these two imps and beside I have members of our staff available to guide them as always. So It is decided aarti will work with you two monkeys but make sure and give her a good salary and you can continue living here. Vidha and Radha has grown fon of you in these few hours that you have been here

Aarti looked at all the members of this family and thoughts they are crazy no one opens their home family and business to a complete stranger like this

Chapter 4

The rest of the day passed quickly with Aarti helping Vidhi, Radha ma and Maya also came and helped with the evening tea, snacks and dinner.

Again after dinner Yash was again found with his water jug asking Aarti to fill and bring to his room.

Aarti entered his room but was careful not to go any where close to Yash but he found a job for her "Aarti could you remove the small pillows and cushions from the bed leaving only the large ones and turn down the covers.

"Would you like me to tuck you in may be sing a lullaby or tell you a bed time story replied Aarti with a straight face.

"Sure if it comes with a good night kiss

"Maybe a good night punch

"Feisty I like

"Yash sir this is a game you enjoy torment the female help?

"Only you my sweet Aarti'

"Why

"Maybe I like you

"I don't flirt around and especially not with my boss's son

"So okay I respect that but you can speak to me and I will exercise my rights as your boss's son and ask you to do things within reason like tomorrow morning I expect you to iron my clothes and every morning thereafter

"What if I am no longer the maid and work for your brothers?

"Please their business is a joke their clients are few and far in between so I think it will be safe to say you will have two jobs here one the maid full time and part time with my younger brothers

"Don't you have faith in them?

"Yes I do that is why I convinced bauji and Pankaj bhayia to go along with their plan and give them the necessary funding. My brothers are talented Prateek is a good chef not trained but he can cook tasty dishes from recipes and create his own dishes. While Akash is good at creating the most marvelous designs for the events; they both communicate well with the clients but when it comes to handling the business they are lazy that is where you will come in both Pankaj and I help them when we have the time to spare but they need someone full time to work with them.

Aarti understood that the brothers were close and had a deep bond Yash was not that bad just a Casanova he clearly had an eye for women judging by the articles she found on line and what Vidhi said.

Aarti did not take Yash's fliting seriously after she saw the pictures of beauties he was linked with and the girls from rich families who wanted him as their husbands, some of these beauties were bold facedly already claiming him as theirs. Aarti knew she was plain and simple she wore no makeup and her hair was either in one pony tail or two plaits, her clothes were old and faded and her jewelry were cheap plastic types.

By the end of the week they had a routine every morning she would iron Yash's clothes while he would parade in his towel grooming himself then dress in front of her, every night she would get his water jug place it in his room they would talk/argue he would flirt she will threaten him with bodily harm. Meal time Aarti would serve him and will stand close to him because he always wanted her to refill his glass.

Aarti begun working with Akash and Prateek at first she was at a loss, confused their records were poorly done but with both Radha ma and Vidhi's help they were able to make some sense of things and started proper files.

After one month working with the Scindias Aarti felt that she belonged there she was a part of their family The Event and catering business made a small profit Aarti placed and advertisement in the newspapers and she encouraged the boys to take the small jobs that the poorer people offered weddings, birthdays etc she convinced them that this was the way to go instead of waiting for their father's wealthy friends to throw them a crumb.

Both she and Yash continued their cat and mouse game, his new thing was inviting Akash, Prateek to dinner twice per week and told them to bring a protesting Aarti along after dinner they would either go to a movie or dancing in a club. Aarti felt so out of place her clothes were old and she had no fancy footwear or jewelry but the boys made her feel special as their friend a member of their family. Yash was very protective and he made her feel new emotions that she deemed dangerous and she kept reminding herself that she is just the hired help.

One day during evening tea the topic of Yash's marriage came up brought up by none other than Maya bua

"Yes bua I am ready for marriage and to start my own family
This surprised the entire family and they all expressed their shock "What said his father

"Are you sure beta? said Radha ma

"Yes ma and I have someone in mind

"Who beta Aripta or Ishita? asked an excited Maya bua "Do tell us I will contact the family

"Bua I told you already I am not interested in those made up fake beauties who clearly are status hungry along with their parents. I am going to marry Aarti

"What!! shouted Aarti and Bua together

"Have you lost your mind this maid look at her she is not sophisticated you expect her to fit in here with our family's lifestyle?

"Bua Aarti has been living with us for the last six weeks she has fitted in well with this family, ma and bauji loves her like their own Akash, Prateeak and Vidhi considers her as their sister even Pankaj bhayia likes her. But most importantly I like her and I want her as my wife and mother of our children

Aarti was looking at Yash as if he had suddenly grown two horns at the top of his head. "Yash sir you have gone mad there is clearly too much sugar in your system that you are not thinking clearly

Yash came and stood behind Aarti giving her a back hug and a kiss on her neck.

Aarti elbowed him in his stomach and pushed him away ready with her hand to slap him hard across the face but Yash caught her hand pulled her close to him and said "NO hitting your hubby and bent to kiss her on the lips but she turned her head so the kiss went on her cheeks instead but she moved quickly and her mouth and teeth found his cheeks and he yelled and move away

"Bad wifey only love bites are allowed

"You are a crazy man how can you behave this way in front of your family? Have you no shame

"My dear Aarti look at my parents they are busy speaking to Shoba ma and arranging our marriage. Look at my brothers and bahabi they are online probably looking at clothing or doing some online shopping for our wedding only bua is offended

Aarti turned around what Yash said was true only bua looked like she could kill Aarti with her bare hands the rest of the family were conveniently ignoring them.

Radha ma said "Aarti beta Shoba ma give her consent here speak to her Shoba ma was on facetime "Beta congrats Yash ji is a good man I could not be happier you finally found your family Beta god bless both you and Yashji.

"But Ma what will people say they would think I am a gold digger or I accused Yash of making me pregnant and he has no choice but to marry me. Ma I am not fair and pretty society will laugh at Yash ji

Yash came behind her "I don't care about all that and who told you that you are not pretty or beautiful or that I care about fair well made up ladies he continued

"Shoba ma tell this vixen that she is beautiful and that she is more than capable of being my wife my life partner.

Aarti looked at all of them she half expected them to say that this is a joke but they went on talking about the wedding and contacting their pundit inviting him for dinner so they could discuss the wedding and all the rituals Shoba ma was also invited.

Aarti went to her room took two pain killers and went to lie down this was too much for her Vidhi knocked and entered she had a cup of strong ginger tea for Aarti also a glass of saffron milk "This is for you my baby you will need it if we used to drink alchol I would of place some in here Vidhi laughed at Aarti's shocked expression.

"Why Vidhi madam why me and you all agree with Yash sir

"Firstly stop this madam and sir name thing I told you already to call me just Vidhi or Vidhi bhabhi or didi

"I am an orphan and I work for you all how can I marry Yash sir?

"Do you like him?

"Yes he has grown on me

"Do you think one day you can love him and accept him as your husband and let him be the father of your children because he clearly wants you in his life

"What will society think?

"Aarti I had told you once before that ma and bauji don't care about society thinks none of us do except Maya bua

"Maya bua really don't like me she looked at me with pure hate like she will find a way to stop this wedding

"Well she can try but Yash is one determine man who always gets his way and bauji likes you a lot he is all for this wedding. So bua will have to be very careful and don't make any plans Aarti here drink this and take some rest everything will work out

Aarti fell asleep when she work up Yash was sitting on the bed looking at her.

"Why are you sitting here?

"I am just looking at the beauty I choose to be my wife

"You are mad I hope you are aware of this?

"Yes I am madly in love with you

"What you said outside that you like me now you love me Aarti tried to get off the bed but Yash stopped her instead she ended up sitting up in bed

"Well I did not want to declare my love for you in front of the family although I think they already know and approve

Aarti felt uncomfortable Yash ji had changed his position and now was sitting next to her on the bed and he barefacedly placed his arms around her, she tried to put some distance between them but his hold got stronger "Where do you think you are move to my love?

Aarti give him the death scare "Don't think you can intimidate me with those beautiful large eyes of yours

"You are a crazy man you need help replied Aarti

"Yes I am and my cure is marriage to you

"Aarti let me be honest with you the first time I saw you was not here in this house I saw you at the orphanage a few years back. I had dropped ma off there for some charity work and you were outside talking and playing with the younger kids. You looked so happy first I thought you were a worker there because I know they only keep kids until 18 yrs. Then I saw you again latter that evening at your collage you were on your way I assume to a class and by the looks of it was late I was dear with bauji he is on the board of trustees there.

After that I made it my business to drop ma at the orphanage every time she went there just to get a glimpse of you and most times I was not disappointed. I heard the kids call you Aarti di so I knew your first name. Lucky me I even spotted you on a few occasions shopping at the mall with I guess she was your employer an elderly rich lady and her grandkids. Then to my surprise you came here to work as our maid I was so freaking happy. But my happiness grew when latter that evening I overheard my parents speak about you and realize they were setting us up as a couple.

"What! Why! Would they do that You really are insane to think they would fix the marriage of their handsome, sexy, successful businessman son with a dark ugly poor girl like me who is an orphan with the only home I have ever called my own an orphanage.

"Aarti calm down and speak to my parents they will answer you and for your kind information you are not ugly so you are a couple of shades darker than me that is because my family is light skinned you are not dark skinned as some people. What exactly is your definition of beautiful/pretty skin colour, the amount of expertly applied make up plastered on their faces or the straight perfect teeth that the dentist helped them achieve. Let me see you have nice straight white teeth my guess they are natural no bad breath so you take good care of them and your tongue is nice and pink considering the amount of times you stuck it out at me during these last few weeks.

Aarti felt so embarrassed her cheeks were red and she wanted to cover her face with the pillow which she reached for but Yash guessed what she was up to and took the pillow from her. While they were fighting and arguing for the pillow that they did not hear the knock on the door or was aware that it had opened Maya bua was standing at the door way shocked she shouted "What nonsense is this You claim to be a good decent girl yet you are in bed with a man who is not your husband!! Yash get off her how dare you behave like that in your father's house I know you are no saint but you have never brought your W***** home either.

Yash was angry "Bua don't you dare call my Aarti a W**** she is my future wife and your bahu. And what are you doing here sneaking into our room!

The shouting brought all the family members running to Aarti's room.

Aarti wanted to die she wished that the bed will somehow suck her into its inner layers. Yash was now standing and angrily confronting his bua.

SP "what is happening here Maya what are you doing here!

"Bahyia this maid lured Yash into her bed she wanted to make sure that she becomes the Scindhia bahu by becoming pregnant all that big talk she give outside was just to fool you into accepting a W**** like her!

"Bua I am warning you don't call my wife a W**** or else I will cut you out of my life and get bauji to send you far away from our family

"Really bhayia won't do that I am his only sister and he loves me! responded Maya

SP "Maya shut up yes I love you but you have to realize that the boys are grown men now and you have to respect their privacy and stop lurking around watching their every move

"Bhayia Yash was in bed with this girl in our house!

"We were not making love just merely having an argument and pillow fight but you opened the door came in and started accusing my Aarti without knowing the facts! Yash shouted back

"Yash lower you voice I know you are angry but Maya is your elder and your bua don't forget that> She may be very nosy but she is still family

"Bauji Bua is a nosy troublemaker she just want to cause trouble for my a

Aarti so I will marry one of her plastic dolls. As if that will ever happen I love Aarti and I am going to marry her or else I will remain un married for life.

Pankaj said "Yash calm down no one will take Aarti away from you, yes we all know how nosy bua is and have accepted her intrusion into our life because as bauji said she is family our bua.

Radha said "Where is Aarti?

Prateek answered "Bhabhi went into the washroom

Vidhi "I will get her

In the washroom Aarti was crying and shaking she had never felt so embarrassed in all her life she just wanted to die. When Shoba ma hears of this she will be so disappointed and hurt. Ma was right not to trust this family they are all crazy.

Vidhi knocked and tried to open the door but it was locked "Aarti open the door come it is okay no one is angry with you

"No go away I want to be alone said a crying Aarti

Yash came "Aarti open this door or I will break it open

"No go away I don't want to talk to you

Radha sent Akash for the keys and Vidhi opened the door "Aarti where are you?

Aarti was standing in the shower cubicle crying Yash moved passed Vidhi and entered he held Aarti close to him comforting her but she was pushing him away Radha ma came "Aarti betie come out no one is angry with you come sweetheart it is time we tell you the truth

"Truth what truth are you speaking about? asked Yash

"Aarti come into the bedroom allow me to explain, then you can make your decision answered Radha

Aarti was shaking like a leaf so Yash lifted her into his arms and carried her out she still was protesting wriggling her arms and feet but his hold was strong and he took her to the bed and sat her down

SP asked all to leave except Yash so they could speak to Aarti Vidhi went to make some strong tea for them.

"Aarti betie SP started "Your coming to work here in our home was arranged by Radha

Aarti and Yash were both shocked with this statement "You see Radha and I knew your parents your father was my best friend from school and collage he belonged to a wealthy family like me but your mother she was very poor on scholarship they met in 10 grade and we all went to the same collage; while in college they fell in love but knew that his parents would be against their relationship plus her family wanted her to leave her education and marry because they thought she was a burden to them and they would not benefit from her education. So your parents eloped and moved to Delhi where they both got jobs sacrificed went back to college they had a difficult life there I kept in touch with them and Radha also befriended them we helped them as much as we could but we to had our own family problems. When your father got a well paying job and had extra cash he invested his money in my business you see I wanted to branch out from under my father and grandfather also expand the business. This continued for years both he and your mother wanted kids but believed in establishing themselves first so that their children would have a good comfortable life so you were born late to the. Your father was my silent business partner when the accident happened they were on their way to visit your dadaji and dadiji you see by then your father had reached out to his parents because he wanted them and you to know each other by that was not meant to happen they died before meeting and your grandfather placed you in the orphanage he give Shoba money to keep you there and told that you were not to be adopted. When we found out we tried to bring you here to live with us but your dadaji intervened and all we could do was give Shaoba money in the form of charity for the orphanage, and pay for your education in the form of scholarships. Aarti you are brilliant like your ma and would of received scholarships anyhow without our help.

Radha continued "Beta as you grew up I saw you develop into a beautiful girl then young lady and I thanked god that we did not bring you here with us as our daughter because I would have to find a young man for you and marry you to him away from us. This way I could marry you to my Yash and you will live with us forever. Aarti I loved you from the minute I first saw you as a cute baby. But as Yash's father said we had our own share of family problems but despite that we wanted you with us. Now don't blame Shoba ji she has no clue about this all she knows is that we are finical supporters of her orphanage and I help with fund raisers and charity works throughout Bhopal.

Aarti just stared at them her brains working overtime "You knew my parents and grandparents?

"Yes beta

"Do you have pictures of my parents? Who are my grandparents I would like to meet them ask them why they hate both my mother and I so much

"Aarti not a good idea they live in a village yes they are wealthy but their beliefs are old fashioned a girl child or woman has no say there even the elder ladies will disrespect you. We should know because our families are very much like that they shun modern thinking women.

"I just want to know why they stopped me from being adopted; they did not want me okay but why deprive me of a happy life

Yash asked "we you not happy with Shaoba ma?

"Yes I was but I also had dreams of parents and siblings of my own with uncles, aunties and cousins. There was so many of us that I could not have enough time with ma as I wanted and the kids kept getting adopted so I had no long term siblings. The only constant I had was my education and my art. Yes ma tried to answer all my questions and I learnt a lot from her she comforted me when I was sick and I know she loves and worry for me. But something was missing I don't know exactly what it is but it is there. I don't expect you all to understand because you have a family and a strong bond with them

"Aarti I will be your family together with our children, my parents and siblings have already accepted you as an important part of our family. With us your dream will come true. Okay bua you will have to get used too, her interfering inquisitive ways but ma and G3 ma have some nice brothers and sisters even bauji has some nice relatives. They are all old fashioned and annoying but you just have to be respectful and quiet around them and everything will be find.

"Yash don't speak like that about your elders

"Ma is it not the truth they still think women are second class citizens and they are prejudice calling it tradition

"Okay you are correct but Aarti's dadaji and dadi ji are the same answered his father.

Vidhi entered with the tea and told that both the pundit and Shoba ma had arrived Radha and SP left asking Yash and Aarti to freshen up and join them soon.

Aarti was hesitant and Yash threatened her with carrying her into the shower and personally giving her a bath. Aarti still stood stubborn so Yash took her up placed her in the washroom and started to undress her but Aarti realized what was happening and she give him a strong push out of the washroom "go away and don't think you will cross your limits we are not married yet and even after that when I say no I mean no

Yash just smiled and said "hurry up I will be back in 15 mins

Aarti took a quick shower and she wore one of her better salwar suits she left her hair opened after all it was only towel dried. Yash met her as promised and they both entered the lounge where the date of their wedding was set it was in four days all the functions and rituals will start the following day.

Yash was elated while Aarti was uncertain and felt overwhelm, that did not go un noticed by him and her held her close to comfort her "Don't worry everything will be fine we don't need a huge wedding our family Shoba ma and the kids from the home are enough right. He looked at the family and they all agreed

During dinner the arrangements were made apparently Radha ma had already purchase clothes and accessories for Shaoba ma and all the kids in the home for their Aarti didi wedding and pre wedding rituals. The wedding and all the functions would be held in SM and in their large backyard.

Akash said "This is where having your own event management and catering company comes in we will have this place transformed into a romantic setting in no time

After dinner the parents contacted all their relatives most said that they would be there by the following evening. Others the actual wedding day, arrangement were made at the nearby hotel for some of the guests.

Vidhi and Radha ma showed Aarti a selection of clothes and jewelry they had brought for her for the engagement and functions. Aarti realized that she too has selected some of them online but she thought it was just for fun.

That night Aarti had a restless sleep she dreamt of Maya chasing her out of SM insulting her with nasty names; there were strange people in her dreams they too were calling her names and throwing things at her. Aarti woke up sweating and she felt that she was not alone in the room she turned around and there was Yash sitting on a chair and watching her his hand stretched out to touch her "You what are you doing here?

"I sensed that you needed me and I came good thing too you were having a bad dream tossing and turning

Aarti felt embarrassed she was wearing an old faded t-shirt and shorts her legs were exposed due to her tossing in bed.

Yash made a joke "Baby after we are married will you wear sexy nighties for me or maybe nothing in bed my preference, or one of my t-shirts

"Yash now is not the time for jokes I want to sleep so please leave

"I will leave after you have fallen asleep. Okay I won't make jokes. Let us talk tell me what were you dreaming about?

"it was nothing important

"Really it seemed to me you were having a nightmare. It will help if you talk about it

"Okay it was about Maya bua and all the relatives you all told me about I dreamt that they hatted and they were throwing me out of your life.

"Baby it was only a dream no one will throw you out especially bua we will leave this house first and I will buy you our very own home.

"How can you leave your family won't you be sad?

"It is not like we won't see them ever again and we won't move far away just far enough from Maya bua's nosey eyes.

"Yash ji don't make fun of her she is our elder

"Yes she is our elder but she is to nosey and I don't like her interfering in our lives you know how she drops comments for Vidhi bhabhi and for you too I heard her.

"Maybe she is just lonely

"Lonely my foot she has us and all her friends from temple and her old college mate that she has kept in touch with, also all the nosey neighbors that she visits and they constantly drop by I am sure you noticed all the aunties with their single young daughters

Aarti started to yawn "Is that my signal to leave

"Yes

"No I will hug you until you fall asleep

"No
"What if you get another bad dream

"I will be okay

"I am not leaving and he got into the bed next to her

"Yash go this is not right

"Shut up we are almost married and I am just comforting you nothing else you will just have to wait until our wedding night to have your way with your hot, handsome, sexy husband

"Unbelievable you have such an inflated ego

"Hey you yourself said I am handsome and sexy so don't blame me

Aarti pulled the covers over her head "Goodnight Yash ji

The following morning Aarti got up feeling refreshed looked around and realized that she was alone in bed so she stood up and went into the washroom no sign of Yash good so she did not have to face any embarrassing moments for now.

Vidhi was in the kitchen instructing the help about breakfast when Aarti entered to help Gopie but then they heard Yash shouting for Aarti to come to his room. What could he possibly want now, I had hoped he would have given me a break today thought Aarti.

VIdhi give her a wicked smile and whispered "Your hero wants his morning kiss

"No it is nothing like that maybe he needs to find his clothes or me to iron them again our usual morning routine an embarrass Aarti said and quickly left.

Yash was in his towel his wet hair dripping water down his wet body he stood outside his bedroom door smiling at Aarti Morning honey missed you, have you forgotten I need my clothes

"You enjoy this game don't you. Come inside you are making a mess at least you could have dry yourself first. she answered going past him

"My woman is angry with me

"You do realize that after we are married I will be expected to be with ma for morning pooja and help with the breakfast so I won't have time to iron your clothes so it is back to choosing the clothes in your cupboard that the staff had ironed

"Yes that is why I am having my fun now. Honey you know that both ma and bhabhi will understand if you don't help with breakfast and spend time with me