AJHS - 17

Part 17

Shyam POV

Finally, after weeks of planning, I felt a sense of satisfaction inside my soul. I, Shyam Manohar Mallik, son of the deceased Arwind Mallik and the former owner of Sheesh Mahal. My plans were set in motion. Tonight on the engagement of Akaash Singh Raizada, I would hurt ASR in the worst possible manner. I would make him pay by causing pain to the love of his life. Khushi Kumari Gupta. 

If the accident and the amnesia failed to do their job then the impending doom of Khushi Gupta will destroy the man who snatched my father's pride. And this is just the beginning Arnav Raizada. Now you will understand what it feels like to watch your loved ones suffer. The excruciating pain will push you on a roller coaster of emotions. And trust me the ride is not a pleasant one. 

Drinking the last sip of my wine I sat on the leather chair in my warehouse. My eyes swept toward the wall clock which showed that I still had a few hours to wait. Soon this afternoon will end. And from this evening onwards ASR would feel a small degree of fear. A fear that will continue to escalate with time.

Cheers Dad. Tonight on the occasion of your birthday, I will give you the first instalment of your gift. 

Khushi POV

I had been in love with Arnav Singh Raizada for a while. It all started when I was a mere employee, working for the Raizadas. My job was to train Lavanya Kashyap, the would-be wife of ASR. But all of that training took place in Shantivan. The home of Arnav Raizada. Naturally, I could never avoid the man. He was always around. 

It all began when suddenly Arnav started peeking through the thick curtains around ASR. And I observed the softer side of Arnav Singh Raizada. His beautiful laugh. The comfort of his arms. The way he saved me from certain mishaps. Like the time when Arnavji saved me from those goons in Nainital. Or when he chose to protect me from a wax burn rather than his girlfriend who fell from a stool hurting her elbow. My saviour kept filtering in through the drapes of his cold exterior. 

I shook my head, feeling tears sprout in my eyes. I did fall in love. The proof of my folly was the Diwali incident. I kept wondering why I did what I did. How could I fall for him of all the people? Our story was surrounded by bitterness and malice and anger and spite. My broken heart - the aftermath of Diwali. After being hurt repeatedly I decided to bury those feelings for the rest of my life. And then the unthinkable happened...

Khushi hurry up. Our cab is here. Let us go. We are running late for Payalia's engagement.

I blinked in assurance through the mirror as Buaji left my room. I quickly draped the white dupatta across my neck. I stared at my reflection with keen eyes. I could see a girl dressed in a beautiful white lehenga and blue blouse. A gift from the Raizadas. Although I knew who chose this particular outfit for me. 

A few minutes later, Buaji, Jeeji, Amma Babuji and I were seated in the cab which was heading to the Raizada Mansion. My parents had returned from Lucknow last night. Jeeji's engagement was an important event that no one wanted to miss. As we moved along with the traffic my mind drifted back to the thoughts of Arnav Singh Raizada.

When I was trying to heal my broken heart, the unthinkable happened. He bounced back into my life as if nothing major had happened between us. It took me a while to understand that Arnav was not playing games with me. The man had been through a lot of physical and emotional trauma. His accident changed him. Retrograde amnesia changed him. I finally saw the man who loved playing peek a boo with me. A vulnerable and kind-hearted Arnavji. The same man who now loves me to death. 

I gasped as our cab came to a stop. Shantivan was decorated like a new bride. The shimmering lights. The heavy floral arrangements. And a thick path filled with red roses for our warm welcome. I followed my family inside the Raizada house.

And now after crossing so many hurdles Mr Arnav Singh Raizada wants me to say the one thing that I have been avoiding for so long. He wants my confession. He is hellbent on getting one by tonight. My train of thought was interrupted by Anjaliji and Naniji who welcomed me with great enthusiasm and a knowing look. I stuttered a quick greeting with a red face, recalling how they had seen Arnavji and me together in the hospital when he was shot. They knew that we were a couple. Highly embarrassed I excused myself on the pretext of using the washroom.

But I never made it to the washroom because out of the blue a hand snaked around my waist pulling me inside one of the guest rooms down the hall. And suddenly I found my back against a wall with two arms shackling my personal space. I sighed out loud showing my displeasure. But the man had no intentions to move. A pair of molten brown eyes locked me in place.

Raasta chodiye.

(Get out of my way).

Pehle I Love You bolo.

(First, give me your confession).

Koi zabardasti hai.

(You cannot force me).

Haan hai.

(Yes I can).

Rolling my eyes at him I pushed him away and tried to leave the room. The keyword is being tried because as soon as I skirted around his presence the man dashed to the door blocking it with his frame. I gulped watching his stance. He appeared quite dashing in the Kurta, gifted by my father. He paired it with dark blue denim. And the stubbled look did not make it easy for me to deny him anything.

I placed my hands on my hips lifting my eyebrows at his juvenile behaviour. Who would have thought that one day a cruel beast like ASR would act like a stubborn 2-year-old to get what he wants? But it was a wrong move on my part as his eyes followed my hands. I flustered a little as he eyed my midriff in fascination. Crossing my hands below my chest I tried to hide my bare stomach. However, his eyes never left my petite waist. Annoyed by the act I voiced out my irritation.

My eyes are up here Mr Raizada.

I know. I was simply admiring the...view.

I trembled hearing the huskiness in his voice. With his hands behind him, he moved, smooth and quick like an animal. Making me feel like a prey who stood at the wrong place at the wrong time. Scarlet patches blazed furiously on my cheeks. Like a dear caught in headlights, I retreated. Arnavji gauged my expression for a second before he prowled in my direction. Like a synchronized dance we kept moving further and further inside the room. Forward. Backward. 

 Arnav POV

After months of running behind the woman of my dreams, I now desired only one thing. A confession from Khushi. Three simple words. But my stubborn girlfriend was in no mood to declare her feelings. I cornered her in the guest room and tried to lean in her personal space. However, she continued to overpower me with her strong headedness. 

I had no choice but to block Khushi Gupta when she tried to leave. Her anger fueled a strange excitement inside me. And the hands beside her midriff were only making me see the obvious. Her exotic self. Like a moth to a flame, I covered the distance between us. However, our sensuous dance came to a sudden halt when the lights went off for a while.

ARNAVJI!!!

I rushed towards hers blindly. It did not take long for her to descend on me, like a vulture on an abandoned carcass. Her small fragile hands held down my torso while her forehead touched my collarbone.

Shhhhhhh. Relax. We have a backup. Just wait for a minute.

I covered her face with frenetic kisses while she worriedly ran her hands over my face and shoulders. I could sense a shift in her shivering frame. My words, my touch, reassured her to an extent I presume. When the lights did not turn on immediately I knew there was a technical issue that might take longer to be solved. I caressed her hair trying my best to calm my woman.

Humein andhere se bahut darr lagta hai. Bahut suffocation hoti hai.

(I am afraid of darkness. The feeling suffocates me).

Shhhh. Kuch mat socho. Bas ye socho ki tum mere sath ho. Kisi achi jagah. Jahan sirf hum dono hai. Aur dher sara suqoon. Warna chaaho to mentally rehearse

kar skti ho.

(Don't think. Just focus on this moment that you are sharing with me. Just us. And a calm atmosphere. Or else you could rehearse in mind).

Kya?

(What?)

Wohi I Love You.

(I Love You).

Arnavjiiii! Aap tote ki tarah ek hi ratni kyun lagaye huye hain?

(Arnavjiiii! Why are you repeating the same thing again and again like a talking parrot?)

What the!! Did you just call me a parrot?

The lights came back brightening up the room. We looked pretty hilarious wrapped up in an embrace bantering like enemies who just needed another reason to punch the other one's face. Getting out of my embrace she walked out of the bedroom but not before giving me a fake smile. As if she was stating the obvious.

How dare she? I will show her that I am not a parrot but ASR. The calculative and controlling businessman. Following her out with a smirk of my own I joined the rest of our family. Thankfully no one noticed our absence. Everyone was too busy teasing Akaash and Payal. Except for the little Raizada who stood behind me with a knowing smile.

What? Why are you smiling?

Dil e naadan tujhe hua kya hai. Aakhir iss marz ki dawa kya hai.

(A poetry on new love and lovebirds).

Di, Jeeju and Nani laughed out loud at Dhruv Singh Raizada's Shayri. While Akaash and Payal blushed. Since it was their day no one understood the fact that this jab was for me and not Akaash. But I had to chuckle when Khushi coughed up the juice that she was enjoying so wholeheartedly. She must have heard him too.

Time moved rather quickly. As per our family priest, 7.30 was an auspicious time to get engaged. The rings were exchanged and everyone congratulated the couple. I too gave my best wishes to both of them. Payal simply nodded. I knew she still hated my guts. Though Khushi had forgiven me her family was still wary of me. Only Shashi Uncle greeted me with genuine enthusiasm. And I know he is not aware of the sins that I have committed in the past. Casting my gaze away from the Guptas I turned to see Jeeju addressing the audience. He asked everyone to join Payal and Akaash for their first dance as an engaged couple. 

Shyam POV

Disguised as a waiter I stood in one corner of the Raizada hall watching everyone dance. I felt really happy watching Arnav Singh Raizada dance with her woman. Khushi Kumari Gupta. She is certainly beautiful. Sadly, I have to keep hurting her. Unfortunately, she holds Arnav Raizada's heart. My nemesis. 

With a smile, I glanced upwards. The huge chandelier that hung on the ceiling was very loose at the moment because a few minutes ago I made sure that this thing would fall. I only had to push down the power lever for the lights to go off. My men made sure that the rope around the chandelier burned rapidly. Any minute now the huge decoration would fall on the beautiful Khushi Gupta since she alone stood at the centre arguing with Arnav Singh Raizada. Her timing is perfect. As the music went off, everyone left one by one to start the dinner.

I pulled out the picture of ASR and Khushi which had a huge X on them. Passing the couple an evil smile I ripped the photograph into two and left the mansion. But before I drove away my ears were greeted by a huge thud noise. Screams could be heard from the mansion. But the most piercing and bone-chilling of all were of my enemy. Arnav Singh Raizada.

KHUSHIIIIIII.....

Happy birthday Papa.

This would be my first gift to him. Implanting fear inside the cold-blooded ASR.

Dhruv POV

According to Pops, our instincts can never be wrong. Hence I am always on alert. So imagine my surprise when a weird-looking burnt piece of something fell in my glass of juice. At first, I ignored it. Music began and couples danced along with my newly engaged Chachu and Chachi. I placed the juice on the nearby table and kept watching everyone dance happily. But that thing in my juice kept flashing in my mind like a neon sign.

A few minutes passed and unable to control my curiosity I picked up the abandoned glass of juice. Using a spoon I pulled out that black thing. What is this? When I examined the piece I could smell orange juice and a burnt material? On close inspection, I found what I have been holding all along. A rope. A broken burnt piece of rope.

My mind suddenly flashed back to the moment when as soon as the lights came back a man had rushed out of the busy hall holding a ladder. Mamiji had questioned him but he had explained rather quickly. I could only make out the words chandelier, heavy power consumption, voltage, and fuse. 

Realization dawned upon me. My eyes flew up to see the huge chandelier on the ceiling, about to fall any second. And directly below the chandelier stood Khushi Maam arguing with Nannav Chachu silently through gestures, who was a few feet away from her.

Wanting to control the disaster ASAP, I screeched in their direction making them twirl around to face me. Reaching Chachu I clutched his hands and explained to him about the impending disaster. I saw different emotions appear on his face in a matter of seconds. Confusion. Shock. Fear. Anger. Worry. For a minute he locked eyes with Khushi Maam. But before any of us could control the situation, the chandelier shook for the final time and descended towards the woman who had become the world of my Uncle.

Everyone shouted out loud. It was a cacophony of noises. Frightened by the turn of events the guests retreated to the other side of the hall, for their safety. Chachu released a terrifying scream as he dashed ahead to grab Khushi Maam. Within seconds Nannav Chachu pulled her to a safe distance and she narrowly escaped the gigantic chandler. The loud noise of bulbs and glasses echoed around the hall. From huge chunks to micro pieces, the broken light decoration was littered all over the huge living room of RM.

KHUSHI TUM THEEK HO?!? KHUSHI??! 

(KHUSHI ARE YOU ALRIGHT?!? KHUSHI?)

Chachu shouted at my teacher,  who did not utter a single word. The desperation on my Uncle's face made me sad. A few seconds later Ms Gupta fainted in his arms. I wanted to help them. As I rushed towards them, my shoe made a weird noise. I saw the rest of our family crowding Chachu. Assured by their presence I pulled my foot aside to see a ripped photograph. In my peripheral vision, I noticed Chachu carrying Khushi Maam up the stairs. Out of curiosity, I picked up the two pieces. 

My eyes touched my forehead as I clutched the photograph of Nannav Chachu and my teacher holding hands. But the most mind-boggling thing of all was the red cross over both their faces. A cold shiver ran down my spine. Shellshocked I now grasped the significance of this picture. This was not an unexpected accident. This was planned. Organized. And most importantly, the attacker desires to be acknowledged. This snap is clear evidence of the same. I need to have a word with Chachu.

Arnav POV

I did not feel fear very often. But yes the unknown has always frightened me. My past. The nightmares of my accident. The feeling of emptiness. However, this time I did not feel scared. Rather I was petrified. Not for me. For her. She is too precious. She is my heart. Meri dhadkan. Meri Khushi.

(My heartbeat. My Khushi).

I paced back and forth outside my room as the doctor treated Khushi Kumari Gupta. Our families also stood nearby. Everyone was shaken up by the chandelier incident. However, my heartbeat escalated to alarming rates with every passing minute. Everyone was having a gala time a while ago. Khushi was dancing in my arms with a frown on her face as I kept badgering her about the three words. And then the mishap occurred leaving all of us breathless.

Why? Why am I such an idiot? What is so damn important in those words? I should have given her more time. God, I feel so helpless. Please wake up Khushi. Please wake up. I promise I won't annoy you anymore. The self-loathing distressed me.

I should have been more alert. Buaji I am such a bad sister. I was so wrapped up in my bubble of happiness with Akaash that I forgot about my sister.

Payals words disrupted my thoughts. She felt guilty for not paying attention to her baby sister. But she was wrong. I was responsible for this mishap. Only me. However, before anyone could console her Buaji took the blame for the accident. 

No. This is my fault. This is my brother's fault. We are the elders. We are supposed to keep a check on everyone. Khushi is our responsibility. 

As everyone tried to calm Payal and her Buaji, the doctor came out of my room. Racing towards her I enquired everything about my girl. However, she simply shushed me. According to the doctor, the shock of the incident made her body pass out. A reaction to an action. All of us sighed in relief. I was about to enter my room to see Khushi when Payal said declared that she would like to take her sister home.

NO.

What?

Everyone stared in my direction as if I has grown another head. Damn it. Now is not the time to make announcements. I won't reveal a thing without Khushi's consent. Now, what to do. Think logically. Are you not the ASR? Taking a deep breath I crossed my hands across my chest and glanced toward a confused Payal.

Listen Payal, I think it would not be a good idea to take your sister home, right now. Let her rest here. In fact, why don't you and Khushi stay here for the night? 

At first, the Guptas protested. They were against the idea of letting the two girls stay in the Raizada house. But then Di and Nani came to my rescue. And after a lot of promises and reassurance, the family agreed to my proposal. Ahhh. Proposal. I wish this were in a different context altogether.

A few hours later I found myself sitting on the gazebo in my backyard. The sky appeared to be dark tonight. There were no stars around. The gloominess of the night seemed to affect my mood. Yesterday I was making plans about how to make Khushi Kumari Gupta confess her love for me. However, the disastrous event at Akaash's engagement party shook me to the core. My mind kept flashing the scenes of a stunt and horrified Khushi as I saved her. My heartbeat resembled a hummingbird's wings. Whatever occurred during the party did not make sense. 

But the most vital question is how the hell did such a strong and sturdy decoration fall from the ceiling? The huge chandelier had been in Shantivan for years. Then how come the thing lost its grip?

I rubbed my face, perplexed by the incident when a familiar voice startled me.

Nannav Chachu?

Dhruv Singh Raizada sat next to me on the lower step of the gazebo while staring into my eyes with a look of fear. Something did not feel right. I have known for a while that nothing scares this kid. He was playing with his fingers. A clear cut sign of nervousness. His body language screamed trouble.

What is it D?

I think whatever happened with Khushi Maam....was planned.

As soon as those words left his mouth I felt a huge amount of rage consume me. My jaw clenched, while I fisted my palm to the point that I drew blood out of my skin. Someone was trying to hurt the girl I love. Someone was deliberating trying to snatch my happiness. Standing upright I cocked my head in his direction. He slowly pulled out something from the back pocket of his jeans. A photo. It was me holding Khushi's hand in the restaurant of Agra where we enjoyed our last date. Our faces were crossed with a red marker.

Start talking Dhruv.

Khushi POV

Jeeji was fast asleep beside me but I was lying on the other side of the bed, wide awake, in Arnavjis room. He had asked Jeeji to stay back with me at Shantivan till tomorrow morning. He had convinced my family using his logical thinking without giving them an idea of our closeness.

This morning I was worried about Arnavji's challenge. I had planned to ignore him at Jeeji's engagement party. My mind was far away from giving him any sort of confession. We never really got the chance to argue much about saying those 3 special words. The chandelier almost fell on me. Almost. However, nothing happened to me, because my saviour was next to me in a jiffy. He had pushed me out of the way.

Arnav Singh Raizada has changed. He is not that cold-hearted beast who loved to destroy my self-confidence. Arnavji saved me tonight. And he did not even mention anything about our challenge after that. The man also ensured that I would sleep in his room till I feel somewhat better.

Woh humse bahut pyaar karte hain. He suffered so much. First his accident. Then being diagnosed with Retrograde Amnesia. And if that was not enough he took a bullet and almost died. Ab bahut hogaya. Ab Arnavji aur nahi sahenge. Hum aaj aur abhi unse apni dil ki baat kahenge Devi Maiyya.

( He loves me a lot. Now I won't keep my love waiting for long. Today itself I will confess my feelings to Arnavji).

Determined to bear my heart to the most compassionate human being, I sauntered outside the room to look for my Arnavji.

While walking down the stairs I recalled our cute nokjhok at the party. He had cornered me in one of the guest rooms. We were arguing like stupid 2-year-olds. The moment flashed before my eyes.

Raasta chodiye.

Pehle I Love You bolo.

Koi zabardasti hai.

Haan hai.

Chuckling at my childishness I kept wandering in the house, in hopes of meeting the love of my life. Devi Maiyya kaash Arnavji jaage huye hon aur humein yahan mil jaaye, please. Fortunately, my prayers were answered in a few minutes as I saw him pacing, through the glassed doors beside the hall. However, I could feel that something was majorly wrong. The frown around his brows made me wonder about the cause of Arnavji's worries. His expressions reminded me of our time in Nanital, when he had bashed those goons to protect me.

I walked in through the open doors, at the same time as his footfalls came to a halt. He probably sensed me like usual. Surprise laced his features. My unexpected presence baffled him. But before I could even move a step Arnavji stood towering over me with a look of love and anger.

What the hell Khushi Kumari Gupta? What are you doing here at this time? You are supposed to be resting in my room. Did I not make it clear enough...

Not allowing him to complete I snaked my arms around him pulling him in a warm embrace. For a while, he stood still shocked by my act. However, I kept caressing his back lovingly. A minute later he surrendered and folded me in his arms. His hold was tight as if the mere idea of letting go would make him lose me.

Aap theek ho?

(Are you alright?)

Nahi. Baat tumhari hai. Main theek kaise hosakta hoon Khushi.

(No. This is about you. You cannot expect me to be ok Khushi).

Loosening his grip he cupped my face and rubbed his thumb over my reddened cheek. His touch made me shiver. I could still see the worry reflect in his orbs. Wanting to please him I said the words to him. And my timing was perfect because the dazzling smile that followed my words made me sigh in relief. 

I love you Arnavji. I won't leave your side. Ever.

I was expecting a playful smirk or an instant response. But what I did not expect was a passionate kiss. Surrounded by his touch I felt like floating in the air. His kiss spoke volumes. Tons of emotions greeted me. Love. Happiness. Worry. Fear. Determination. His lips kept moving along mine. Only when I felt the need for oxygen, did Arnavji let go of me? Breathless we held each other. 

I love you to the point of madness Khushi. And I am not gonna wait for something else to happen. I want to get married to you.

Chuckling at his fierce and determined looks I nodded with the same enthusiasm. Life is too short for regrets and what. Now that I know that Arnav Singh Raizada is mine, there is no point in delaying the event. Rubbing the frown between his eyebrows I gave him my answer.

Jeeji aur Jeeju ke sath double wedding krlete hain Arnavji. Idea kaisa laga?

(Let us have a double wedding with our siblings, Arnavji. How is the idea?)

He ran high on emotions. I could see the surprise register on his face. My previous trust issues had made him too vulnerable. I am sure he must have expected an outright rejection from me. But after today's event, I don't think I cannot take any more risks. If we are meant to be then there is no point in delaying our forever. Suddenly a full-fledged smile replaced Arnavji's expression. Leaning his forehead against mine he announced something in a hoarse voice.

Perfect idea hai Khushi Kumari Gupta soon to be Raizada.

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Precap: double wedding preparations, investigation about chandelier mishap.