AJHS - 21

Part - 21

Arnav POV

Inkar ki wajah bta do Khushi. Abhi bhi der nai hui hai. 

(Give me a valid reason for your denial Khushi. It is not too late).

This is my wish. Baat khatam.

(Conversation over).

Phir to hogaya faisla. Payal aur Akaash ki aage ki rasamein khatam Khushi. 

(Then the decision has been made. Payal and Akaash won't have any more wedding rituals Khushi).

For the first time, I could read many things on her tired face. Anger. Pain. Hurt. Disappointment. But something made me read her eyes. They appear to be haunted by something. In fact, since my arrival, she has been darting her gaze around as if Khushi has been made to stay away from me. And being caught together would end our lives. Can this be true? Is she being threatened?

She shook her head and turned to leave as my answer left her baffled. But I did not allow her to go away. Striding to her I clutched her wrist in my hands. She did not move around for some time. Annoyed by her I twisted her form around to face me. Her expressions were speaking volumes to me. This doe-eyed woman is hiding something from me. And I will figure out what is it that has forced Khushi to take such a drastic step.

Her jasmine fragrance tickled my nostrils. Unable to stop myself I slowly leaned toward those rosy lips. Her breath hitched as I neared her. Khushi wanted to be kissed by me. Her trembling lips made me aware of the same. With a smirk, I almost touched her nose. I shut my eyes giving in to the pleasure.

Before I could touch those pink petals my phone beeped twice. The noise was loud enough for Khushi to come back to her senses. She pushed me away and stood feet away from me. I clenched my fist irritated by the interruption. We would have kissed each other if this stupid device had not made an offending sound. Ughh.

 Breaking my gaze from my fiance I checked the emails from my manager Aman. The man who tried to hurt Khushi on Payals engagement was in police custody. I sighed in relief. But the new mail in my inbox made me clench my jaw. It was a report sent by Khushi's bodyguard. My fiance had answered a phone call before entering her house in Laxmi Nagar after the engagement party had ended.

I need to be somewhere right now. You have a few hours to breathe Khushi Gupta. Because after my return things will become tough for you.

Without hearing her response I sat behind the wheel and drove away to my office. I needed some answers. It is high time I figure out who is making my life so difficult. It is time to revert to my ASR ways. Let's see who has the guts to complicate my life.

Khushi POV

With a whoosh sound, his car disappeared from the parking lot. And when I was sure that my fiance would not return I held the nearby pillar for support. My weakened knees touched the floor with a thud. I wept like a baby unable to understand my fate. Why? Why did all this happen to me Devi Maiyya? Arnavji and I were so happy till last night. And now look at us. We are like two birds stuck in different cages trying to find a way to the outside world.

In between my sobs, I recalled how drastically one phone call changed my mood yesterday after I returned from the engagement party held in Shantivan.

Flashback -

Making sure that all my family members were inside I paid the cab driver when suddenly my phone went off. Collecting my change from the cabbie I answered the unknown caller in an unsure voice. I could feel that something was seriously wrong.

Hello...

Hi Ms Gupta. This is purely a friendly call. I thought you should be introduced to the man who caused the accident of your fiance last Diwali...right?

My heart thundered like a machinegun inside my chest. His words troubled me. Oh no. Devi Maiyya?!? Am I speaking to a criminal right now??! With shallow breaths, I tried to compose myself. I need to cover up this fear. With false confidence, I answered the creepy voice.

You are the man who did that hideous crime? Are you not ashamed of yourself?

Ms Gupta be thankful for your lucky stars that I did not finish my job. I even tried to shoot him in his office. I planned to kill that cold-hearted beast but God granted him mercy again and again...

Oh my goodness! He tried to shoot him in the AR office too? I recalled that day when Arnavji was shot brutally in front of me. However, he was hospitalised immediately and somehow my fiance was granted another chance to live. It was only after that dreadful event that I had proposed a trial relationship with Arnavji. Blinking twice I tried to concentrate on his talks.

What do you want Mr.?

It is Shyam Mallik. Arnav's paternal cousin. ASR took over my father's land, the Sheesh Mahal. He is responsible for my father's demise. And this means Arnav will continue to suffer. So if you don't want your beloved to die then do as I say. 

My eyes widened with each word of his. Tears rolled down my eye pocket when he told me to cancel our wedding. I wanted to shout. I wished to scream out loud. I wanted to be held in Arnavji's arms. The one place where I could find my solace. But no one was around. It was only me standing alone in the streets of Laxmi Nagar. Abandoned. Alone. 

Please don't make me do this. I don't wish to hurt him.

So you wish to make me a murderer Khushiji?

NO. No-no-no. Please. Don't hurt him. I...I...I will...cancel...the wedding.

Good girl. And remember do not reveal a single word about this conversation to anyone. Or else...

No. No. I will keep mum. I promise.

The call ended and I kept staring at the dark sky. The night was starless without any signs of light. Hopeless. Messed up. Like me. There was no moon tonight. It was the Amawasiya. 

Flashback ends...

Wiping away my tears I flagged the nearest auto and left the school. On my way home I tried to think of the different ways in which I could convince Arnavji to allow my Jeeji's wedding. So what if I cannot get my happiness? My sister deserves all the goodness in life. 

Arnav POV

Folding my hands across my chest I leaned back on the cafe seat as Raj Malhotra revealed the details of that particular call to me. I clenched my teeth as he explained the one-sided conversation between my fiance and another fellow who somehow coaxed Khushi to cancel our wedding.

Give me more details Raj?

Sir, she was scared. Teary-eyed. Disturbed. I wished to intervene but then she disappeared inside her house. And a few minutes ago my substitute informed me that she broke down after you drove away from her place of work.

DAMN IT!!!

My voice was loud enough to disturb the rest of the guests. But I did not bother much. At the moment only Khushi my fiance is my utmost priority. Someone is threatening her to a point that she is hell-bent on not marrying me.

Kab tak? Kab tak Khushi meri wajah se taqleef sahegi? I have become the bane of her existence. This was supposed to be the happiest time of our lives. 

No. No more. Jo Khushi se mujhe juda karna chahega main usko iss duniaa se khatam krdunga. Arnav aur Khushi Hamesha saath rahenge.

(Whoever tries to separate Khushi and me will have to die. Arnav and Khushi will remain together Forever).

Knowing what I needed to do, I placed a few bucks on the table, stood up and walked out of the cafe while Raj tailed me. It is time to show that good for nothing man what happens when you mess with the love life of Arnav Singh Raizada.

Raj track down the details of that caller.

Sitting behind the wheel I left Raj to do his tasks. Now I know the reason behind Khushi's reluctance for this marriage. It is time to make her realise that no matter what Khushi needs to communicate with me. Even in desperate times. If Khushi had told me about these threats then I would have easily solved the issue. She needs to know that we are in this together. My fiance needs to understand that we are a team, she is not allowed to take unilateral decisions anymore.

Driving like a maniac I reached Laxmi Nagar in less than twenty minutes. Luckily Khushi was pulling away the dried bedsheets hanging around the porch. Smirking at her innocent form I parked my vehicle and strode towards my woman.

Startled by my presence she immediately passed me a cold look. This facade is useless Khushi Kumari Gupta. You are caught in the game. Without breaking the eye contact I began to pull the rest of the bedsheets.

What are you doing Arnavji? Just stop it. Arnavji?

Gathering the rest of the bedsheets I pulled the basket from her and placed all the sheets in one place. Kissing her blazing cheek I walked behind her and entered the house of my in-laws. I could see Babuji, Amma, Buaji and Payal sitting on the sofa having their supper. Acknowledging my presence the Guptas stood up and passed me an awkward greeting.

I am asking something Arnavji? Leave this basket, will you? And who invited you here? This is my...

Mera Sasural. I know. I am simply helping you with the chores dear.

(My in-law's place).

Buaji coughed a little hiding a giggle that escaped her lips. The rest of the family stood bewildered by the turn of events. None of them expected me to be so calm and composed after Khushi cancelled our wedding. The scene was amusing for everyone. I turned sideways to see my doe-eyed girl staring at me with a gaping mouth.

Shaadi cancel hogai hai. Kahan ka sasural ab?

(I have cancelled the wedding. You don't have any in-laws. Get it?)

Maine nai ki. Right Buaji?

(I have not cancelled).

Haan Haan bitwa. Cancel dono taraf se na hi hua hai. To shaadi abhi bhi pakki hai.

(Yes yes kiddo. Cancellation has to be from both sides. So the wedding is still on).

It seemed everybody was supporting me. Khushi was left alone with her lashings. Her confidence weakened watching her family members siding with me. Even Amma offered to make me Chai. While Khushi Kumari Gupta fumed in anger. With her nose held high, the woman snatched the basket from my hands and marched into her room. I faced the audience behind me. However, it seems that the Guptas want me and Khushi to patch up as soon as possible. Everyone passed me a grin. Buaji practically pushed me towards Khushi's room. Chuckling at her enthusiasm I sauntered to the one place where my beloved loves to hide.

Khushi POV

Pretending to be furious I came back from my living room. This anger and hatred is not meant for me. This is not me. That serpent Shyam is such a cruel person. It is because of him that I have to put on this facade. But then I can go to any lengths to save Arnavji. Despite being Arnavji's relative the man is hell-bent on destroying him. I won't allow him to do so. I will do everything to protect the man I love.

And then in the blink of an eye, Arnav Singh Raizada entered my room. He arrested me with his gaze immediately. I tried to open my mouth and come up with some hateful words but the man began to reduce the distance between us. Glancing towards my phone he took the last step and successfully cornered me to the wall.

What are you trying to...?

Remember I told you something outside your school? Your few hours are over Khushi. 

Listen Mr Raizada you...

After that chandelier mishap, I had no choice but to assign a bodyguard to ensure your safety Khushi. A man has been reporting to me about you since that unfortunate event. 

A gasp escaped my lips. His words made me realise something. My activities were being monitored? Hey, Devi Maiyya Arnavji knows about the blackmailer. Woh jaante hain ki humne iss shaadi se inkaar kyun kia. I lifted my eyes to meet his. And all I could see was love and compassion.

(He knows everything).

Aap jaante hain...?

(You know...?)

Sab kuch jaanta hoon.

(I know everything).

His warm hands cupped my face. His forehead touched mine. The gesture was enough to make me cry. He knows. He understands. Unable to control my emotions I broke down. And in between my sobs, I tried to apologize for everything.

He...he...threatened to...kill you...I had to...I had to agree...I am...sorry...I did not.. think...I cannot lose you...not again...I...

My words were muffled as Arnavji wrapped me in his embrace. I tightened my hold around him. His warmth provided me with a certain level of strength. He caressed my back lovingly as if he understood all the pain that I had to bear because of that good-for-nothing serpent. Clutching him I continued to mumble my helplessness to him.

Shhh. Relax. Main hoon na. Main sab theek krdunga. I PROMISE Khushi. Bas ab mujhse kuch mat chupana. It is time to face the demons who are adamant on separating us.

(I am here. I will make it alright. Do not hide anything from me anymore).

His words reassured me to some extent. Nonetheless, I continued to weep in his arms. When even after a few minutes my tears did not halt Arnavji loosened his hold and pulled my face back to wipe my eyes. He then shared a mischievous smile with me. The gesture confused me a little. I sniffed trying to understand the gesture.

Kua hua Arnavji?

(What is wrong Arnavji?)

Ek green lehenge mein mere saamne aa khadi hui tum. Aur kismat kuch zyada hi meherbaan hogai mujhpe kyunki tum meri baahon mein gir gayin. 

(Clad in a green lehenga you stood before me and destiny showered me with a blessing in disguise or should I say a blessing in my arms?)

Kya? 

(What?)

Yup. Green lehenga tha. Pehli baar aise hi mile the right?

(It was a green outfit. Remember when we met each other for the first time?)

Aapko yaad aagaya woh pal?

(You remember that moment?)

Uhuh. Tumhari woh darri hui nazarein aur kaapte hont. I am sure us waqt main flat hogaya hunga tumpe.

(Your scared eyes and trembling lips. I am sure I felt like butter on hot pancakes at that moment).

My face turned into a beetroot. The description was slightly sensuous making me realise that Arnavji must have felt something for me even then. But he managed to hide his real feelings as usual. How foolish I was to assume that he can only feel anger towards me. This man loves to hide behind facades.

Tab to bahut gussa the aap.

(You seemed angry then).

Hmmm, zaroor tumne mujh jaise rakshas par apna jaadu chalaya hoga. Aur un sab new feelings se bhaagne ke liye maine gusse ka istemaal kia hoga.

(You must have possessed me with your seductive looks. And I must have used my anger to hide the erupting emotions within me).

I chuckled hearing his words. He thinks I am a seductress who managed to wrap him around my pinkie. Arnavji seriously needs help. But it did not take me long to grasp that he was saying all this to distract my mind. Shaking my head I cupped his cheek feeling my previous emotions return. He needs to know why I did what I did.

Aapko kuch na ho isliye darr kar shaadi cancel krdi. Uss Shyam Mallik ne humein aapka naam lekar dhamkaya tha.

(The fear of losing you made me cancel our marriage. That Shyam Mallik threatened me).

What did you say? Shyam Mallik?

Ji.

(Yes).

And I told him every single detail about the phone call that we shared. Throughout my explanation, the man held my hand in his own. When I faltered Arnavji rubbed my palms to calm me. Words like Sheesh Mahal and Mallik's confused him a little. He has not completely recovered from Retrograde Amnesia. He needs time to analyze these details.

Khushi I know how we are supposed to deal with him. Mujhe kuch nahi hoga aur tum bhi safe rahogi. You wanna hear my plan?

(Nothing would happen to me and you will remain safe too).

Shyam POV

I was satisfied with the success of my plan. ASR was finally facing defeat. The love of his life is no longer interested in marrying him. Imagining his heart break I began to twirl around my warehouse.

Soon. Very soon the absence of Khushi Gupta will make him a breathing dead body. This pain of separation will make him hollow from within. He will feel excruciating pain. Just like my father. And only after witnessing his doom...I will breathe peacefully.

I was about to call Khushi Gupta again to execute my next plan when out of the blue I received a call from her. Hmmm. Interesting. Seems like she is desperate for the safety of Arnav Singh Raizada. Well, it would be nice to hear her begging me for ASRs life.

Yes Ms Gupta. How can I help you?

I want to meet you Shyamji. 

The determination behind her meek voice made me grin. Finally, I was waiting for this day to come. This girl has made things so much easier for me. Khushi Gupta would do anything for ASR. Just about anything. And this desperation for a visit proves that my assumption is right. But something did not feel right about her sudden request.

May I know the reason why you are so eager to visit me Khushiji?

I want to ensure that you will keep your word.

My word?

Yes your word. That you are not supposed to harm Arnavji as long as I keep my distance.

Smirking at her explaination I let go of my doubts. Nonetheless, my curiosity won. This woman has guts. She dares to challenge me. It would be great to meet her. Khushi Gupta needs to know the power and position of Shyam Mallik. If I could reduce ASR from a ruthless businessman to a vulnerable emotional fool then my capabilities are worth much more.

Fine Ms Gupta. I will let you know how and where you can meet me.

I cut her call and sighed feeling strange happiness spread inside me. I am so close to my goal. ASR will be destroyed soon. He will become a nameless ghost. All that name and fame will disappear with time. People will remember only Mallik. Shyam Mallik. Giving out a maniacal laugh I sat on my chair anticipating my meeting with Khushi Kumari Gupta.

Arnav POV

Sitting inside the restaurant I hugged Khushi to my body and passed Aman Mathur a stern look. He was supposed to find a solution to our problem. But the man was trying to tease the hell out of me. This is the first time that I am being so protective toward a girl. My past affairs were filled with distant casualness. According to him I never held any woman in my arms like I did Khushi.

Stop staring and tell me more about how to deal with this psycho Shyam.

He rolled his eyes at my comment but then pulled his chair closer to the two of us. Khushi to leaned over the table sharing a conspirative look with me. Great just great. Why does this feel like a confidential FBI discussion? Knowing that Khushi desired for me to lean as well I repeated her actions.

In a hushed whisper, my manager explained in detail how we would tackle the snake Shyam Mallik. It was a risky plan. But to gather sufficient evidence and see him behind the bars once and for all, Khushi and I were ready to go ahead. Initially, my fiance frowned listening to the whole ordeal. She did not appreciate this idea which was surrounded by so many dangers. However, I assured her that this has to be done. And being ASR I would have the necessary back up if any thing goes wrong in the process.

Soon Aman left us at the restaurant. Kissing my girl's forehead I gathered her in my arms. Shyam Mallik will be out of our lives in no time. He needs to understand that nothing and no one can separate Khushi from Arnav. These two names have been engraved together by Khushi's Devi Maiyya herself.

I dont want to loose you Arnavji.

You wont Khushi.

Hum dono humesha saath rahenge.

(We will be together always and forever).

Humesha?

(Forever?)

Haan. Mere dil ke do tukde koi nai krsakta.

(Yes. No one can tear my heart in two pieces).

Hearing my statement Khushi gripped my shoulders firmly. I could feel all her doubts disappearing in thin air. Finally my girl was back in my arms. Shyam Mallik it is time for you to pay for your sins. Caressing her back I whispered sweet nothings in Khushi's ear. Now I felt prepared to deal with the psycho Shyam.