Chapter 7

On their way to Shantivan, Arnav calls Aman and instructs him to go ahead with the arrangement including the announcements. Aman assures him that samples will be delivered to his home for approval.

Arnav sees Khushi sneaking glances at him. He smiles faintly and then stop his car on the side of the road.

Khushi gets startled out of her thoughts.

She looks at Arnav in panic and says: I did not say anything. Honest... Don't leave me on the road. How will I go home? And what will you say when Buaji...

Arnav gets exasperated. Honestly, there is only one Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada...

He says: Khushi, I just asked you to marry me. You think I'm gonna leave you on the side of the road? I stopped the car here, because we have to go in there.

Khushi looks out the window and sees that Arnav has driven them to the most exclusive designer jewellery showroom in Delhi.

Khushi : Oh, but why?

Arnav sighs and then steals one of Khushi's sarcastic one liners when she washed her clothes by his poolside: To play cricket... Khushi, it's a jewellery showroom. So obviously we came here to buy jewellery, right?

Khushi's eyes go round again. She tugs at Arnav's sleeve: Arnavji, this looks like a very expensive place. Our Chandni Chawk has same jewellery with cheaper prices...

Arnav looks at Khushi incredulously: Khushi, you are going to be Mrs. Arnav Singh Raizada. You are not going to wear any cheap stuff. So be a good girl and let's go in...

Khushi follows Arnav but makes faces and keeps muttering: Mrs. Arnav Singh Raizada does not wear anything cheap... I know these people very well. They buy stuff from Chandni Chawk and put a fancy name on it and ask five times the price.  But of course, Laad Governor will fall for fancy names and spend a buck load of money... You can fool everyone, but you can't fool Khushi Kumari Gupta...

Arnav busy checking Aman's emails, absent-mindedly blurts out: Singh Raizada...

Khushi looks at him in surprise: Huh?

Arnav corrects himself: Oh I mean, soon to be Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada...

Khushi blushes: Arnavji, I can be just Khushi Singh Raizada.

Arnav smiles at her sweet face: I chose Khushi Kumari Gupta as my wife. You will still be her after we get married. I never want you to be someone else. The only thing that will be new, is my life linked with yours. That's why I thought, you could be Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada. The woman I chose and the woman I married...

Khushi could not believe this ultra-romantic man is her Arnavji.

She tearfully nods: Arnavji... I will be your Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada...

Arnav puts his arms around Khushi and proudly walks into the showroom.

As they enter the showroom, the jeweller himself comes out to greet the famous ASR. They were taken to a private showroom for exclusive displays.

An array of Diamond engagement rings were brought out for Khushi to choose.

Khushi tried to check the price tag discreetly but none of them had any. She leans to Arnav and whispers in his ears: Arnavji, they did not put any price on them.

Arnav smiled and whispered back: Don't worry. Just pick the one you like.

Khushi was looking at the rings when suddenly her eyes fell on one particular ring. It was not one of the flashier one. But it was a delicate platinum ring, with a heart-shaped 5 carat rare diamond on the centre and it was framed on both sides by a delicate platinum branch wrapping itself around the finger, decorated with red flowers made with Rubies and green leaves made with emeralds...

Arnav looked at where Khushi was looking and he felt as if the ring was made for them. He took out the ring and placed it on Khushi's ring finger. It was a perfect fit as if it was custom-made for Khushi's finger.

The jeweller says happily: Looks like this is it. This diamond is one of the rarest diamond in the world with the perfect 4Cs.

Arnav looked at Khushi: Do you like the ring Khushi?

Khushi raised her teary eyes: Yes, Arnavji. It reminds me of you.

Arnav (surprised): How?

Khushi said: Everyone thinks you have a cold heart like this diamond. But I know you have a heart which is very rare like this diamond from which you shower your love and care on your plants and grow beautiful flowers.

Arnav's eyes get filled with water. He says: Actually this ring reminded me of you.

Now it's Khushi's turn to be surprised: How?

Arnav: Because you have a heart that is as perfect and pure as this diamond from which love and happiness flow like these flowery branches.

Khushi smiles: Looks like this ring is both of us. I love it.

Arnav held his hand up and kissed just above the ring: I love it too.

Khushi blushed.

Arnav turned to the jeweller: We will take the ring. Is the other thing ready too?

The jeweller nodded happily and leaves into the back room.

Khushi asks surprised: Arnavji, what else are we taking?

Arnav just smiles.

The jeweller comes back with a red velvet box and opens them in front of Khushi.

Khushi's eyes widen with joy.

Arnav looks at the Mangalsutra (wedding necklace) he specifically got made. It was the same design as Khushi's original Mangalsutra. But this one is made with white gold and diamond and this one will be given to her with love not with hate...

Khushi turns to Arnav and smiles: Thank you Arnavji. I love it. (She touches the Mangalsutra reverently) This looks so familiar. As if I was born to wear this Mangalsutra.

Arnav looks at her with love: It was always meant for you Khushi. No one will ever wear this Mangalsutra but you...

Khushi looks at Arnav with love in her eyes.

The jeweller packs the Mangalsutra as well.

Arnav tells the jewellers to send the bill to Aman to be paid.

The jeweller nods his head.

They leave the shop and go to Shantivan.

Shantivan:

Arnav and Khushi come home and see everyone was sitting on the dining table having lunch.

Garima asks Khushi: Khushi, why were you so late?

Khushi shyly walks to Garima and shows her ring.

Everyone gasp at the delicate beauty and uniqueness of the ring.

Anjali smiles through happy tears to think of her Chotey so happy.

Khushi also show them the Mangalsutra which everyone admires as well. Then she gives it to Naniji and asks her to keep it safe for her until the wedding. Naniji agrees.

Arnav announced: Aman has informed the media so they should be shortly in front of the main door. I have arranged for security. Tonight, we will have a press conference introducing Khushi to the media followed by a party. A designer from my office and a jeweller will be here any moment with outfits and jewellery for everyone from which you can select tonight's outfit.

Arnav's phone rings. It's Aman informing about Media exposure. He decides to take it in his room leaving Khushi happily chattering a mile a minute with Anjali and Payal.

Once he gets to his room, Arnav goes back to his ASR mode.

Arnav: Aman, I want the tightest security possible. No one should be allowed in without an invitation.

Aman assures ASR that not even a stray bird can get in Shantivan.

Arnav hangs up the phone and goes to the stairs. He sees Khushi happily showing off her ring to OP, HP, JP, Laxmi... whoever she can grab hold of.

He smiles at the love of his life. He knows that he can give up everything for her.

Then his smile vanishes. But he can't give her up for anything.