AJHS -18

Part 18

Arnav POV

Three days. It has been three days since that unfortunate incident occurred. For the rest of the Raizadas, this was simply a mistake on the part of the electrician. However, Akaash, Dhruv and I were aware that all of it was a planned, well-organized move done to throw me off guard. This was an open challenge. When D showed me the ripped snap of Khushi and me, I knew that the culprit wanted recognition for his job.

While the rest of the family was busy with the wedding preparation I was doing everything in my power to figure out what happened on the night of Akaash's engagement. While Akaash and D were taking care of the investigation process. I handed over the video recording of the event to the police. I don't have any enemies. Neither my business rivals are that desperate to face an untimely death. So the question remains unanswered. Who is responsible for this mishap? Who is trying to attack my woman?

As my device went off I rubbed a hand over my face. The chaos in my mind was too much to deal with. I stared at the caller id in relief. My girl was calling me. Khushi had no idea about what happened that night. It is wrong of me to keep her in the dark, but I do not wish to stress her further. My girl was still recovering from the shock. Trying to compose myself I stood up from the recliner and answered the call in a normal tone. 

Khushi...

Arnavji woh Vimla Maasi is here. And she is...

I could easily detect the hesitancy in her tone. Something was bothering her. What the hell is that Vimla Maasi doing at her house? Her nosy neighbours love to poke their heads where their attention is not needed. Rolling my eyes at the thought I tried my best to calm down, for the little angel of mine.

Relax sweetheart. Take a deep breath. Inhale. Exhale. Good. Now talk.

Arnavji Vimla Maasi is here, at my place. She said that her grandson, Mahesh, will return from Dubai tomorrow.

So?

Listening to her I moved toward the mirror in my room. I wore my watch on my left wrist and then began to comb my hair. I was supposed to attend a meeting with Aman soon. As I stared at my reflection one last time, Khushi's next words froze my feet. My mood turned dark. The joy of her hearing her nightingale voice vanished only to be replaced by an immense hatred from Vimla Maasi's grandson.

Arnavji Vimla Maasi gave Maheshji's proposal to Amma and Babuji. Hum dono ke rishte ke liye.

With each phrase that Khushi uttered, my anger rose to unimaginable levels. Damn it. Khushi ko sab chocolate smajhte hain kya? Everybody wants her. First that Siddharth Shukla. And now this idiot Mahesh. Ughhh. Now, this is getting out of hand. I am not gonna wait for another day. Maturity gai bhaad mein. Meeting tel lene. I will ask Di, Nani and Mami to visit Gupta's house this afternoon. There is no point in waiting for the right time.

Ab bahut hogaya Khushi Gupta. Main shaam ko aarha hoon with the Raizadas at your house. It's time to fix our wedding.

(This is too much Khushi Gupta. I will be coming with my family to the Gupta house this evening).

Rukiye...rukiye...

(Stop...stop...).

Nevertheless, I hung up on her. Throwing my comb somewhere behind me with too much force I dashed outside my bedroom door. Taking the stairs, I screamed out loud for Di and Nani. The result was instant. All my family members crept out of their room with worried looks on their faces. Their questioning glances made me smirk. But there was no time for a detailed explanation.

Di, Jeeju, Mami, Mama, Nani, Akaash, and Dhruv stood around me with raised eyebrows. I pushed my hands inside my pocket and declared my intentions to everyone present. Suffice to say different reactions greeted my sight. Shock. Surprise. Amusement. Joy. And a familiar smirk.

My brother was in shock. Mama and Mami were surprised. While Di, Jeeju and Nani displayed amusement along with joy. And Dhruv Singh Raizada lifted an eyebrow, cloning my smirk, making me chuckle.

Hello hi bye-bye? Phati saree and Arnav bitwa? When did this happen?

Bhai and marriage?!?

My Chotte will soon have little chotte's running around in the house?

I rolled my eyes at Nani's words. For grandparents, the ultimate aim of marriage is popping kids. They keep an eye on you like a hawk. Waiting for the slightest of the hints. Two phrases. Good news. Passing her a grin I simply nodded my head in a general direction answering the questions that were being fired at me. However, I did not allow myself to be distracted by the Spanish inquisition. Right now the need of the hour was being at Laxmi Nagar. Cocking my head to one side I demanded the Raizada clan to land at Khushi's place.

Before that weirdo auntie puts a claim oh Khushi I want to make things official. Aaj hi shagun wala ritual done krte hain.

(I want to be done with the first ritual today itself).

Par Chotte itni jaldi kaise...

(But so soon Chotte...)

Di I don't want any arguments. Ye deal aaj hi hojani chahiye.

(This deal should be discussed today itself).

Bhai shaadi is not a deal aap...

(Bro marriage is not a deal you...)

Flipping him the bird I took the steps two at a time dialling my manager Aman. All the preparations for tonight can be arranged by that fella. He is like a genie in my lamp. I cancelled my meetings for the day and gave him the necessary instructions. After explaining in detail what was needed I asked HP to send Dhruv and Akaash to my room.

Just because I am getting married I cannot shift my priorities. We are still blind about the attacker who almost hurt Khushi a few days ago. I did not wish to bother the rest of the family so this was supposed to be a secret meeting. Dhruv and Akaash were tight-lipped about the incident. They were simply following my orders.

With my hands across my chest, I sat on the lounge chaise on the poolside. My mind kept flashing back to the incident. Someone was trying to hurt the love of my life. Purposely. It was time to brainstorm. First, s/he knew everything about the event. Second, the person left my photo with Khushi on the floor of Shantivan, with a red cross over it. Third, he knows the girl owns my heart. As I was busy analyzing the details of the event Akaash and Dhruv flanked my sides.

Bhai CCTV footage mein kuch waiters chandelier ke aas paas dekhai diye the. They were all in a disguise. Seems like an accident ke pehle ki footage tamper krdi gai h.

(Brother the CCTV footage showed some waiters loitering around the chandelier. And the footage of the accident has been tampered with).

Fisting my palm I raised it in mid-air and then slammed it on the glass table next to the chaise. It created a loud piercing noise startling my nephew and brother. Yet again my enemy was roaming around without a care. Next, he could be at Khushi's place. Damn him. I won't let him hurt my girl. He won't get away with this, the next time he tries to pull such a stunt.

Nannav Chachu....you are bleeding.

Akaash called HP to get some ice for my bruised and bleeding knuckles. I glanced at the little man who stood beside me with a worried expression on his face. With a smirk, I rubbed the fingers of my other hand over his hair. My intention was not to scare the kid. However, Akaash knew my temper well, because he shook his head as he held the ice towel over my hand.

Akaash assign a bodyguard for Khushi. I won't take any more chances over my girl's safety.

Khushi POV

At 4 in the evening, I took a final look at the snacks and drinks that would be served to my would-be in-laws. Amma and Babuji were confused for the last few hours. After Arnavji hung up on me I told my family that the Raizadas would be visiting today. When they asked me the reason for the sudden visit I simply shrugged my shoulders acting all clueless. 

I so wanted to stop Arnavji over the phone, but I could make out the fear behind his anger. He often uses it to hide his real feelings. And Vimla Maasi loves to create a ruckus. By giving her grandson's proposal to Babuji and Amma she designed yet another obstacle in my and Arnavji's life. Henceforth I did not have the heart to postpone my man's idea of marriage.

Very soon the Raizadas were standing on the threshold of my home. And Mr Arnav Singh Raizada was dressed up in black. Clad in an Armani suit he oozed hotness with the light stubble on his face. His eyes were dancing with unusual excitement. When he glanced in my direction, I flushed looking everywhere but him. Buaji welcomed them inside while Payal gave me a perplexed look. The rituals for Jeeji's marriage would start in the next two days. So the sudden visit baffled the family.

As the Raizada clan settled in our small living room my family glanced in their direction with a confused smiles plastered on their faces. Understanding their feelings Naniji began the conversation making me gulp. My eyes met Arnavjis who simply nodded his head in assurance. Blinking in response, I moved my eyes back toward the matriarch of the Raizada family.

Madhumatiji you must be wondering why we all are here again when Payal's marriage rituals are about to begin?

Yes, Devyaniji. We were not expecting you here today. Is everything alright?

Before anyone could say something Di asked Payal to switch seats with me, making me sit beside Nani. The move bewildered Buaji. She was expecting me to handle the kitchen duties as Jeeji would be sitting with her would-be in-laws. The action made her open her mouth but Nani intervened.

I wish to have Khushi bitiya as my elder bahu. Chotte and she like each other. So we thought...

Ye aap kya keh rhi hain? Khushi aur Arnavji?!? Aap mazaak krhi hain na?

What are you saying? Khushi and Arnavji?!? You are kidding right?)

I palmed my head while glaring in Arnavjis direction. He gulped in response. Buaji'a laughter echoed in our house. Was he expecting something different? Till now Buaji has only witnessed this man harassing me, insulting me, and this very man is here in my house with a proposal. For me. Of course, Buaji would take it as a joke. A very poor joke. Ughhh. As if his errors were not enough the man startled everyone by speaking with Buaji.

Umm Buaji I made many mistakes in the past. But the truth is that I love Khushi.

Par tum dono ka to 36 ka aakda h. Aur abhi to tum sab bhul gaye ho. Ladai jhagda yaad aagaya phir kya? Chod doge kya bitiya ko?

(But you both don't get along. And you have forgotten everything. What if you remember all of it? Will you leave my daughter?)

Everybody cringed at her words. But Buaji never likes beating around the bush. Her blunt and honest approach can be terrifying at times. Amma and Babuji nodded in agreement making Arnavji stare at the floor in guilt. He knew he had done terrible things but amnesia made it difficult for him to relate. There was a curtain blocking his memories. Surprising us yet again he stood up from the sofa walking across, only to kneel in front of Babuji. Taking his palm in his own Arnavji spoke in a hoarse tone.

I promise Babuji main Khushi ko bahut khush rakhunga. Yaadasht waapas aane ke baad bhi. Waada.

(Babuji I promise to keep your Khushi happy. Even if I do remember my past. I swear).

The Raizadas and the Guptas sans Babuji held their breaths in anticipation. Only my father's answer would decide our fate now. Gulping I stared at the two most important figures of my life. My dad. And the love of my life. Devi Maiyya please saath dena. Finally, Babuji nodded his head with misty eyes making everyone cheer out loud for both the siblings. Gupta sisters. Raizada brothers. A double marriage was on the cards.

Soon after Babuji's agreement, the elders got busy discussing the various rituals and customs associated with a big fat Indian wedding. Taking her chance Jeeji moved to the kitchen and was followed by a smiling Jeeju. They were engaged and no one bothered to keep an eye on the two. Rolling my eyes I shook my head. However, the loud doorbell distracted me and I answered the door with a smile. My eyes bulged out at the sight. Vimla Maasi stood in front of me with a big thaal of gifts in her hand. Uh oh.

Khushi bitiya I am sure your parents have agreed to our proposal. See I even brought the shagun. Let me in...

Before I could say a word to her about Arnavji, the man appeared beside me wrapping his arm around my waist as if it was a regular occurrence. Vimla Maasi's eyes widened in disbelief. To make things more obvious he smooched my cheek loudly.

Khushi Di wants to discuss our wedding arrangements in detail. So why don't you come inside and sit with your would-be in-law's sweetheart?

Scarlet patches appeared on my cheeks. The PDA made me self conscious. However, Arnavji felt a little too confident after Babujis approval. I could feel the happiness radiate out of him. Vimla Maasi stood very still, gaping at our proximity. Subtly I tried to remove his hand from my waist. But the man was not in the mood to let go.

Vimla Maasi ye Arnavji, Jeeji ke Jethji. Humari shaadi inse tay hogai hai. Hum andar jaa rhe hain. Namaste.

(Vimla Maasi this is Arnavji, my Jeeji's brother in law. Our marriage has been fixed. I should be going inside. Namaste).

Leaving an astonished Vimla Maasi and a smug-looking Arnav Singh Raizada I walked back inside my home where the elders were sitting and enjoying the snacks. I was about to sit next to Buaji when she asked me to get some more pakoras from the kitchen. Smiling at everyone I moved towards the kitchen. Fuming with the anger I placed the extra pakoras on another plate and almost threw it inside the microwave. Arnavji is turning into a Romeo Singh Raizada. He never leaves a chance to flirt with me. As I stared at the timer a reflection greeted my vision. However, I did not acknowledge his presence. The ding of the microwave distracted me. But before I could do anything two bronze hands pulled the hot plate out. Stalker Singh Raizada. With a sigh, I turned around to give him a little something to hear. But he beat me to it.

Agar main Vimla Auntie ko sach nahi batata to woh uss idiot Mahesh ke naam par, shagun ki thali tumhare parents ko pakda deti.

(If I had not said the truth to Vimla Auntie she would have passed down that shagun thaal to your parents).

To aap muh se bta dete unko. Idhar udhar haath lgane ki kya zarurat thi. Unka chehra dekha tha?

(You could have used your mouth for that. Who asked you to get so touchy-feely huh? You should have seen her face).

Saying my bit I skirted around him to leave the kitchen when suddenly a hand thrust forward to hold my elbow. The unexpected touch made me shiver. I raised my brow just like him. He smirked a little at the familiar gesture. Chuckling a little the man rubbed his nose with mine. His actions caused my heart to beat like a machine gun.

Log ishare zyada jaldi samajhte hain Ms Gupta. Just look at your red nose right now? Touch makes things obvious. Nahi smjhi? Koi nai shaadi ke baad main samjha doonga.

(People understand gestures rather quickly. Just look at your red nose right now? Touch makes things obvious. You do not get it? No problem I will explain the details after our wedding).

Hawwwww!!! Did he just suggest what I think he did? Winking in my direction he left while I stood in the empty kitchen like a fool. My face looked like a huge tomato.  How can he say such things? Shaadi pakki hone pe ye haal hai. Khushi Kumari Gupta tu to gai kaam se. Raksha krna Devi Maiyya. Shaking my head I walked outside to join the rest of the family. Marriage with this Raizada would certainly be an adventure.

Arnav POV

We returned from Khushi's place in the evening. Everyone kept talking about the upcoming rituals throughout dinner. I could not tolerate the noise anymore and chose to retire to my room. After a quick shower, I did my nightly meditation and slowly succumbed to sleep. However, my peace and happiness did not last too long.

Fear slammed my insides. As if a liquid had gone down the wrong pipe. It was too dark around. I tried to breathe but the fog around me made it difficult. I looked below. My feet were stuck. No matter how hard I tried to move them, nothing changed.

Aapne humari Payal apne paas kyun rakhi?

(Why did you keep my Payal with you?)

Koi matlab nai hai.

(It means nothing).

Khushi standing with a look of helplessness clad in a red saree, voiced out her thoughts. She could not hide the vulnerability in her tone. I was stuck in a horrible nightmare. No matter how hard I tried to scream for her no sound came out of my mouth. But somehow I could sense more. 

A running engine. My feet pushed the brakes vigorously. My hands gripping the steering wheels. Another sound registered in my ears. A truck approaching my way. The beaming headlights blurred my vision. A gasp. A loud horn and bang. My shoulder took the brunt of the collision. The piercing pain is evidence of the same. My sight returned.  My car spun like a hot wheels toy, due to the unexpected action. And then everything faded into darkness.

My eyes fluttered open in fear. My heart thundered inside my chest. I moved my hand towards my heart only to feel that I was drenched in sweat. I could feel a dull pain in my shoulder. Damn it I slept in the wrong position again. I sat up in my bed and glanced at the wall clock. 3 am. 

My mind was lost. I could still remember the nightmare. But this one felt like a memory. A dark moment in my life. A moment where I disappointed Khushi in the worst possible way and then the almighty punished me for the same. Only one woman can solve this puzzle for me. My soon to wife.

Khushi...

Precap: Amidst the wedding rituals Arnav tries to know more about the Diwali night from Khushi.

Shyam Malik plans his second move. NK and Lavanya receive the wedding invite.