Chapter 23

Arnav’s Room, Shaantivan:

Khushi and Arnav were in each other’s embrace when someone knocked on the door.

It was HP: Khushi didi, Naniji is calling you to go finish the ceremony.

Khushi squirmed in Arnav’s arms: Arnavji, let me go. Naniji is calling me.

Arnav tightens his hold: What if I don’t?

Khushi smiles cheekily: Well, then you won’t get your surprise.

Arnav loses his hold surprised: Surprise? What surprise?

Khushi pushes out of his loosened hold and smiles mischievously: Find out if you can…

And then she runs out giggling.

Arnav smiles at her giggle and shakes his head thinking what his crazy girl is up to now?

Front lawn, Shaantivan:

The ladies pour rose water over Payal and Khushi washing out their Haldi. Then the brides go to their room to take shower.

After shower, Khushi goes to NK’s room.

NK’s Room, Shaantivan:

Khushi knocks on the door: Nanheji. Can I speak to you for a minute?

NK asks: Sure Khushiji. What is it?

Khushi blushes and says: Nanheji, I need your help.

Arnav’s Room, Shaantivan:

Arnav was on the phone with Angad: What the hell, Angad? Why aren’t you here? I don’t care if your entire army is here, I want you to be present here personally. Leave everything and come right now.

He hears a knock on the door: Angad, I think someone is on the door. Get here right now.

Arnav hangs up the phone and opens the door.

NK was beaming there.

Arnav wrinkles his brow in displeasure: What is it NK?

NK smiles: Nannav, you have to come with me.

Arnav sneers: No, I don’t have to come with you.

NK gets flustered: No, I mean yes. (restores his confidence) You gotta come with me. We need to decorate your room for you know what (winks)…

Arnav gets even angrier: No, I don’t know why you need to decorate my room.

NK gets irritated: Off ho… For your wedding night. Now get out so we can work here.

Arnav smoothes his brow: Oh that’s it? Fine. Do it. I will not disturb you.

He starts to move towards the recliner but NK grabs his arms: No no, Nannav. You can’t see the decoration before the night. Or… or… You won’t get to spend the night with your bride. It’s mad luck.

Arnav sneers: You mean bad luck. What rubbish?

NK pushes him out of the room: No no, it’s true. Why don’t you go do whatever in living room? We will call you when it’s ready.

Arnav irritatingly storms down the stairs muttering about stupid rituals and customs.

NK runs to the poolside and flashes thumbs up signal to Khushi who was standing in the window of her room. Khushi flashes him a thumbs up signal back and runs out the room.

Living Room, Shaantivan:

Arnav checks his watch. It’s almost 4 o’clock and as its February, the sun has already gone down. The guests will start arriving shortly and he is not even dressed for the wedding yet.

He gets up: I don’t care if the room is ready or not, I’m going up.

He goes to his room and sees it’s dark.

He raises his hand to switch on the light and suddenly sees something sparkling in the poolside.

He walks up to the poolside and sees that every surface is covered with red rose petals and cascading from every shingles are white lights in the shape of white roses creating a warm glow.

Then he sees her.

Khushi was standing in the middle of the red rose petals and white rose lights wearing a white net anarkali with blood red sequined roses embroidered on the bust and the hem.

It had an asymmetrical hem - floor length in the back and knee length in the front, deep neck in the front and deeper neck in the back with long elbow length transparent sleeves.

She was glowing in the warm light under the full moon night and the twinkling stars like some celestial being.

Arnav starts walking towards her mesmerized.

Khushi says: Arnavji, when I met you for the first time, I did not know that I was meeting my destiny that day. But I’m glad that I did not know. Because I’d have run screaming from there.

Arnav and Khushi both smile remembering their first meeting.

Khushi continues with painful eyes: I don’t know why, in spite of all the love I feel when I’m with you, I see this heart-wrenching pain in your eyes sometimes and why you can’t share it with me.

Arnav opens his mouth to speak. Khushi puts her index finger on his mouth to stop him from speaking: But whatever the reason is for your silence, I want you to know that I will be by your side all the way.

She looks in his eyes with determination and full of conviction which only true love and trust can give: Today, I’m glad that fate has chosen me for you and you for me. Today we will become one in front of man and God. I don’t know what the future will bring and I don’t want to know. Because I want to live every moment with you and for you right here, right now. And I know, no matter what future brings for us, if I have you by my side, I can face anything.

Arnav picks up her tiny hands and kisses her on the palm. He whispers with tearful eyes: Thank you.

Khushi wipes his tears and holds his hand to pull him towards the poolside table. There was a heart shaped cake on it with “Happy Valentine’s Day, Arnavji” was written.

Khushi stands on her tip-toes to give him a kiss on the cheek and whispers: Happy Valentine’s Day, my love.

Arnav hugs her tight and whispers in her ears: Happy Valentine’s Day, my life.

They cut the cake together. Khushi picks up a piece and hold it to Arnav: You can eat it Arnavji. I made it for you with sugerfree.

Arnav smiles and eats the delicious white chocolate cake.

Then he feeds Khushi the cake and says: I’m sorry Khushi. I did not get you anything.

Khushi smiles: You did, Arnavji.

Arnav (surprised): I did? What?

Khushi smiles: You are giving me yourself today, Arnavji. That’s all I ever wanted. That’s all I ever need.

Arnav drags her in his arms and looks up in the sky at the twinkling stars.

He thinks: You are right Khushi. I won’t lose my moments with you by thinking about losing you. I will live these moments to the fullest. If death comes to you in the next moment, I will be so wrapped up around you, that it will have to get through me to come to you.

The candlewick at the temple uses up its last drop of wax.

Hindi Words Hints:

Anarkali - An Indian outfit. A long top with a band under the bust or on the waist and then flowing skirt falling from the band to anywhere between knee to floor length. It comes with a long scarf and a tight pant. Google Anarkali to see examples. 

Chapter 22

Arnav’s room, Shaantivan:

Arnav woke up on the day of his wedding after a restless night.

Today is the seventh day. Today is the happiest day and the saddest day of his life.

Today he will finally marry the love of his life and today, at the stroke of midnight, as per Lachhi’s promise, Khushi will leave him forever.

Tormented at the thought, he got out of the bed and walked up to the poolside. He could already hear the hustle bustle of people downstairs, all excited about the wedding.

But his heart is dreading it’s heartbeat as every passing second is bringing the end of the day closer.

Suddenly he hears a lot of giggles and chatter coming out of Khushi’s room. He walks across the poolside and sees Anjali and Payal are teasing Khushi, making her giggle and in return, Khushi is teasing Payal making her blush.

He looked at the happy scene and promised Khushi silently: As long as I’m alive, nothing will take you away from me. I promise you Khushi.

Anjali looks up to see Arnav is standing in front of the window. She hides her smile and walks over there to tease Arnav: Chotey? Aren’t you up too early today? What is the matter? Getting too impatient to marry?

Arnav smiles sadly at Anjali: Di, I need to talk to you. Can you come out?

Arnav’s smile seems a bit different to Anjali. So she stops teasing him and comes to the poolside.

Anjali walks up to him: What is the matter, Chotey?

Arnav turns to Anjali: Di, I need your help.

Anjali asks worriedly: What happened? What can I help you with?

Arnav (seriously): I want you to make sure that today either you or me will be with Khushi all day. She is never to be left alone.

Anjali gets even more worried: What is the matter? Why are you making this request?

Arnav pleads: I can’t tell you the reason now. But please Di, do it for me.

Anjali agrees: Okay Chotey. I will do it.

Arnav (relieved): Thanks Di.

Anjali gives a tight smile and leaves the poolside.

Living Room, Shaantivan:

Anjali comes to the living room and asks Naniji: Nani, I have a request for you.

Naniji looks up from the Haldi preparation: What is it Anjali bitiya?

Anjali asks: Nani, since Khushi and Payalji are both here, why not do their Mehendi together with Chotey and Aakash?

Naniji worried: But bitiya, how is that possible?

Anjali assures: It is possible Nani. We will put a curtain between them so that they can’t see each other and then we will have fun together.

Naniji thinks about it for a moment and then says: Okay. If that’s what you want, I suppose we can do it.

Anjali smiles: Thanks Nani.

She then picks up her phone and texts Arnav the new plan.

Arnav texts back Thank you.

Arnav’s Room, Shaantivan

Arnav sends out Thanks to Anjali and then calls Angad: Angad, I want you to get all your men and personally cover my wedding in plain clothes from now until tonight. Make sure whoever you bring to my home, you can personally vouch for them. If needed, hire people from your army and navy seal background. Don’t worry about the pay. I will cover for all of their salaries. But I want ultimate protection in my home today around my family, in particularly around my bride.

Angad replies: ASR, we are not preparing for a battle. Why do we need army or navy seal trained people?

ASR bites out: Just do as I say, Angad.

Angad sighs: As you wish, ASR.

Arnav hangs up his phone and thinks to himself: How do I tell you Angad, this is the battle for my life and I can’t afford to lose it.

Guestroom, Shaantivan

Khushi got dressed up in palest matt gold saree with thin red border and Payal wore a pink saree with lavender border.

Anjali arrived with Naniji, Mamiji, Garima and Buaji to take both the brides to the living room where the ceremony will take place.

As Khushi comes down the stairs, she notices a red and gold embroidered chiffon saree is separating the living room in two sides.

Khushi asks Anjali: Di, why do you have that saree in the middle of the room?

Suddenly NK pops up from behind the curtain: Khushiji, that’s because Naniji has allowed us all to have haldi together.

Khushi (wide eyed): What?

Payal blushes as she spots Aakash behind the saree.

Anjali tells Khushi: Actually Khushiji, I will be doing Haldi for both of you and so will Naniji. So we can’t run around all day. That’s why, we thought it will be easy for us if the Haldi ceremony happens together, then we can go back and forth and get both of your haldi done.

Khushi smiles at Anjali: No problem Di. Whatever is easy for you to do. I’m glad you are doing Jiji and my Haldi too.  

Anjali smiles at Khushi and then spies Arnav behind the saree. She sees the gratitude in his eyes and gives him a reassuring smile.

The ladies take both the brides to their side of the curtain and the ceremony starts.

Khushi notices Arnav looking at her through the curtain. She blushes and gives him a sign to look away.

Arnav slowly smirks but does not move his eyes.

Khushi’s eyes widen at his attitude. She mouths: Laad Governor…

Arnav’s smile widens but his gaze remains on Khushi throughout the ceremony.

The ceremony starts with Garima applying haldi on Payal and Buaji applying haldi on Khushi first.

Then they switch the brides.

After them, Anjali applies haldi on Payal and Khushi

On the other side, Naniji applies haldi on Arnav and Mamiji applies haldi on Aakash first. Then they switch the groom.

But as Naniji is about to apply just a dot of haldi, Arnav asks: Nani, why is everyone applying so much haldi on Khushi, Aakash and Payal and you are only putting a dot on me?

Naniji gets surprised: Well, Chotey. You always used to get upset even when we applied a small red dot on your head from temple. So we thought you will be angry.

Arnav assures: Don’t worry about that. Do what you are doing for everyone else.

Naniji nods with tearful eyes and applies generous amount of haldi on Arnav. Seeing that Mamiji also applies equal amount of haldi on Arnav when they switch places.

Then Naniji and Mamiji come to Khushi’s side and Anjali, Garima and Buaji move to the other side.

Naniji puts haldi on Khushi and Mamiji on Payal first and then they switch brides.

On the other hand, Buaji puts haldi on Arnav and Garima on Aakash, then the switch grooms.

Anjali is the last one to put haldi on Arnav and then Aakash.

The ceremony ends and everyone starts congratulating and hug each other.

Payal was about to get up when Khushi stops her. She says: Jiji, won’t you put haldi on me?

Payal smiles and puts haldi on Khushi and Khushi puts haldi on Payal.

Khushi and Payal hug each other.

Arnav and Aakash see the sisters bonding from other side.

Aakash whispers: Bhai, do you think we should put haldi on each other too? Like them?

Arnav turns to Aakash and gives him are-you-freaking-kidding-me look.

Aakash gulps and closes his mouth.

Arnav gets up and points to the partition: NK, take off this saree.

NK teases him: No no, Nannav… You are not allowed to see Khushiji today. So that partition is not going anywhere until tonight.

Aakash also nods: Yep, that’s what maa told me too.

Arnav raises his brow at them, grabs the saree in the middle and rips it apart.

Everyone jumps at the ripping sound and sees Arnav standing with the partition ripped.

Khushi’s mouth hung wide open with eyes big like saucers.

Aakash and NK standing on his both sides open mouthed, quickly nod their head negatively and point their index finger towards Arnav.

Naniji raises her brow: Chotey, didn’t you know that the groom can’t meet the bride on Haldi ceremony? We arranged the ceremony together but maintained the rituals with the partition. Why did you tear up the partition?

Arnav answers: I know that the groom can’t see the bride on Haldi ceremony. But the ceremony is over. So…

Then he does not wait for any longer for anyone to come up with any excuses or complaints. He strides over to Khushi, grabs her hand and drags her upstairs in spite of her protests.

Aakash and NK’s mouth were hanging open.

Aakash tries to mimic Arnav by taking a step towards Payal but one glare from Mamiji stops him in his tracks.

He mutters to NK: Bhai always gets to do whatever he wants. I never get to do anything.

NK mutters back: Nannav gets to do what he wants because he does not listen to anybody.

Aakash mumbles: Yeah, but why does no one say anything? Someone should tell him he can’t do whatever he wants.

NK mumbles: Yeah? And who will do that telling? You?

Aakash shuts his mouth.

Arnav’s Room, Shaantivan

Arnav drags Khushi into the room and closes the door.

Khushi whirls back angrily: Arnavji, why did you drag me here? You know how much I will get teased for this? Di will not let this go by and Jiji? She will definitely giggle and nod to whatever Di says. Then there is Buaji and Mamiji with their special commentary…

Arnav interrupts in a calm voice: I don’t care.

Khushi shakes her hand with sending her bangles jingling: Of course, you don’t care. No one dares to tease you. But me? Everyone teases me. Even Laxmiji teases me.

Arnav smiles: That’s because you are so easy to tease.

Khushi turns away in huff and starts muttering under her breath.

Arnav turns her around: Khushi, won’t you ask why I brought you here?

Khushi (still sulking): Why?

Arnav smiles: Everyone applied haldi on you. But I did not. So I brought you here to apply haldi on you.

Khushi smiles back: Really? But where is your haldi?

Arnav’s eyes get a mischievous twinkle: Here.

He grabs Khushi close and wraps his entire body around her petite one thus transferring the generously applied Haldi from his body to hers.

Then he rubs his cheeks on her opposite cheeks so that even the Haldi from his cheek gets transferred onto her own.

Then he pulls back slightly and smiles at Khushi: Now I have put haldi on you.

Khushi blushes but challenges back: But I did not put haldi on you.

Arnav raises his brow.

Khushi leans towards his face and slowly rub her nose with his, covering the only portion of his face that did not have any Haldi… until now.

Then she pulls back and smiles at him.

The winter wind sighs on the poolside seeing the lovers cocooned in each other.

Hindi Words Hints: 

Haldi - Turmeric, 
Haldi Ceremony - Indian traditional ceremony where a mix of turmeric and milk cream are applied on the bride and groom to make them glow for the wedding.

Chapter 21

The same night, Shaantivan:

Arnav comes home to see everyone is busy arranging for havan. His eyes immediately start searching for Khushi.

Anjali notices that. She walks up to him and teases: What is the matter, Chotey? Are you looking for something? Or maybe someone?

Arnav gets flustered: Di, Khushi… I mean…

Anjali interrupts with twinkles in her eyes: Oh… Khushi… She is upstairs getting ready for havan.

Arnav walks towards the stairs and goes to Khushi’s room. He walks in without knocking to see, Buaji, Garima, Payal are all there except Khushi.

They look at him in surprise. Arnav gets flustered: Errmmm… I’m sorry. I thought Khushi…

He hears Anjali’s giggle behind him. He turns to see NK and Anjali were giggling together.

Anjali chirps: Chotey? Could not you find Khushi?

Garima, Payal and Buaji control their laughter.

NK also puts his two cents in: Looks like Nannav is getting impatient to see Khushiji.

Arnav gets angry. He booms: Where is Khushi?

Anjali realizes that this volcano will erupt soon. So she soundlessly points towards Naniji’s room.

Arnav scowls as his chance of seeing Khushi immediately seems unlikely. He stomps to his room.

Arnav’s room, Shaantivan:

After Arnav takes shower, he comes out to see a cream Kurta with silver subtle embroidery were on his bed.

He scowls thinking this must be Anjali’s attempt to get him to wear those idiotic clothes.

He picks it up to put it back in his wardrobe when he notices a paper fall out. He picks up the paper and reads it.

It reads,

Arnavji,

You have given me so much. But I never bought you anything. Today when I was returning home, I bought this for you. It’s not expensive, but I bought it with my own money. If you wear it for just a few minutes, it will make me very happy.

Yours

Khushi

Arnav was touched. In his line of work, he always got a lot of gifts from people who can afford to shed a million or two without blinking an eye. But he never got a gift from someone who spent her entire savings to buy him a gift out of love without asking anything in return.

He realized what Khushi used to tell him before. Simple things in life bring more joy than all money combined together. There is no gift more precious than what is given unconditionally without asking anything in return.

Khushi won his long-forgotten heart all over again…

He decided, tonight is the perfect night to give Khushi the present he got her.

He opens his wardrobe and takes out a box.

Living Room, Shaantivan:

Khushi was helping Naniji set up the havan and was looking upstairs every 2 minutes to check if Arnavji liked her gift.

Naniji notices that. She hides her smiles: Khushi bitiya? Chotey will come. You relax.

Anjali also teases her: What’s the matter Khushi? Can’t stay away from Chotey?

Khushi blushes, but jumps when she hears Anjali’s loud gasp followed by everyone’s exclamation.

Khushi gets worried: What is it Di?

Anjali looks at the stairs as if she saw a ghost and points her finger.

Khushi turns and sees Arnav coming down the stairs, wearing her gift, looking incredibly handsome.

Anjali slowly comes up behind Khushi, squeezes her shoulder and whispers in her ears: Thank you Khushi.

Khushi’s eyes were still glued on Arnav and fills with tears of happiness.

Arnav’s sees the appreciative look on everyone’s face. But the only eyes he wanted on him were a pair of wide mystical eyes, drowning in tears like deep, bottomless lake…

He starts walking up to Khushi but NK comes in front of him: Nannav, mere bhai… Wow… you are looking good man…

Arnav’s jaw clenches in anger at NK’s untimely entry.

But oblivious to Arnav’s rising temper, NK goes straight to Khushi and squeals: Khushiji…

Khushi comes out of her mesmerized state and smiles at NK: Yes, Nanheji.

NK takes out a box: I got something for you. I wanted to give it tomorrow. But I know you will be busy. So I’m giving it to you today.

Khushi gets surprised. She takes the box from NK: Thank you Nanheji.

NK squirms in excitement: Come on, come on… Open the gift.

Khushi smiles and opens the gift. It was a bunch of colourful glass bangles.

She squeals in happiness: You bought me bangles? I love them.

Arnav’s jaw clenches some more.

NK blushes: I have noticed you always wear bangles and they make tinkling sound. So I thought you might like them. I did not know what your favourite colour is. So I bought all colours.

Khushi smiles: I do. I love bangles and I like all colours.

She looks up to Arnav to share her happiness and sees him stalking off to his room again.

Khushi gets worried: Now what happened to Laad Governor.

She once again thanks NK and follows Arnav.

Arnav's Room, Shaantivan:

She goes into his room to see Arnav pacing on the poolside in anger.

Khushi walks up to him with a big smile: Arnavji, I’m so glad that you wore my gift today.

Arnav whirls in anger: So you finally had time to notice me. I thought you will have hard time getting away from gushing on NK’s gift.

Khushi gets angry. So she retorts: Well, I only got one wedding present so far and that was from Nanheji. Of course, I will gush on them.

Arnav sneers: Oh yeah? Fine. Why don’t you wear them then?

Khushi retorts: I will.

She takes out bangles from the box and starts wearing them. But the bangles were a couple of size too small.

Arnav sneers: Not only he does not know your favourite colour, he does not even know your bangle size.

Khushi’s eyes fill with tears at the taunting: It’s the thought that matters. He at least thought to bring me gift.

She pushes the bangles hard, but one of them breaks and gets stuck on the nerve of her wrist and she starts bleeding: Ouch…

Arnav hears Khushi’s pain. He runs to Khushi to grab her hand.

He shouts out in anger: When you knew they were not your size, why were you forcing them in? What if you got seriously hurt? What if something happened to you?

Khushi shouts back: So what? You go and make fun of me. Nanheji got me a gift with so much love and you made a mockery of the sweet thoughtful gesture. You are just… just Laad Governor…

Khushi’s eyes fill with tears and one by one they roll down her cheek like pearl drops on porcelain…

Arnav gets sad. He takes Khushi’s resisting hand in his own, brings the wrist to his mouth and uses his teeth to take out the glass piece.

Khushi closes her eyes and whimpers in pain.

Arnav slowly blows on the wound and gets fast aid kit from his bathroom to dress the wound.

Khushi looks at him with tear filled eyes. She sees this man, tending her wound with so much tenderness and then she thinks about the man, who blew like a volcano few moments earlier.

She remembers the story she heard as a child called “The Beauty & the Beast.” An eternal love story of a beautiful girl trapped in a castle by a beast who was actually a cursed prince. The girl brings back the prince with her love. But does the Beast ever completely go away. Does the life a person have been living for so long, ever gets wiped clean?

Sometimes she feels she is marrying both the beast and the prince charming at the same time. The prince is there. She has felt him so many times - more often now than before. But the beast is not completely gone either. And may be, he will never be completely gone. Can she tolerate the beast’s anger to find the prince underneath?

The only answer she got from her heart was, if she finds true love under the beast’s shell, then everything is worth it. Without love, nothing is worth fighting for.

Khushi asks softly to Arnav who was tenderly bandaging her wound: Arnavji, why did you get so angry?

Arnav looks at Khushi in pain: Because I’m selfish.

Khushi gets surprised at the answer: Selfish?

Arnav looks at Khushi tenderly: Yes. When NK gave you his gift and you smiled at him, I wanted to bring that smile to your face. I wanted to be the one you looked up to with admiration. I could not even share your smile Khushi.

Arnav gets up impatiently and runs his fingers through his hair: You won’t believe it. But I’m scared. I feel that if you realize that there are other men out there who can make you as happy as me, if not more… Men without any troubled past, men who are not as damaged or angry or tyrant as I am, you will realize what a bad bargain you made accepting me as your husband. And you will leave me.

Khushi’s eyes fill with tears at his vulnerability.

She walks up to him and turns him to her: Arnavji, you think I made a bad bargain by accepting your proposal? I won a jackpot. I won a man who loves me with all my craziness, I won a man who protects me from all harm, I won a man who honours me and respects me and most of all, I won a man who loves me with every part of his being. I could not have asked for a better man, Arnavji.

I never wanted a man without a past. Because that means that man has not lived his life. I wanted a man who might have a painful past. But he survived. The scars on your heart and soul make you who you are. Wear them like medals of honour. You survived the greatest battle of all time… you survived life and achieved your dreams. Not many people can claim that. I will be proud to call you my husband.

Arnav pulls Khushi in his arms and hugs her tight. Khushi hugs him back but notices something sparkling in the corner of her eyes. She pulls back and notices a decorated wooden box on Arnav’s bed. She asks: Arnavji, what do you have there?

Arnav pulls her down on the pool chair.

He says with a cute pout: I got you a gift too. But NK stole my thunder.

Khushi smiles happily: Really?

Arnav smiles at her happiness and he brings out the box.

Khushi opens the box eagerly and her eyes fill out with wonder and more tears until her vision are blurry.

In the beautifully decorated box were bright red wedding bangles and bracketing those bangles were her mother’s bangles that she sold to buy Arnav his exotic plants.

She looks up to Arnav in surprise and love: How? Where? When?

Arnav smiles in tenderness and says: I know you sold your mother’s bangles to make me happy and to get, who you thought was my love, back in my life. So I bought them back to welcome my true love back in my life.

Khushi smiles in happiness: This is the best gift I ever had.

Arnav takes her wrists and gently puts all the bangles on her wrist. They blend with his mother’s bangles as if they always meant to be together.

Khushi and Arnav look up in the sky and see the sparkly stars twinkling.

Khushi puts her head on Arnav’s shoulder and whispers: Arnavji, look… Our parents are so happy to see us together that they are smiling at us.

Arnav puts his arms around Khushi and takes her palm to plant a kiss on her wrist.

Suddenly, they hear Anjali calling out for them to come downstairs and they walk down to the living room for havan.

Living Room, Shaantivan:

The havan ends without any mishap. Khushi and Garima start helping Naniji and Buaji to clean up the area. But they suddenly hear mamiji’s shout.

Everyone come running to see Mamiji shouting at Payal.

Aakash asks: What happened Maa? Why are you scolding Payal?

Mamiji still angry screams: Hello Hi Bye Bye… Aakash bitwa, this Khoon bhari taang has cheated us. They never told us that her wedding was fixed before. But it broke. Why did they hide it from us? Tells tells?

Anjali gets sad: Mamiji, my wedding broke too. If you don’t blame me, why are you blaming Payalji?

Mamiji tells Anjali: Anjali bitiya, you have never hidden any truth about your wedding. But they did. Tell me, why did her first wedding break? Was it because she had some short-coming or such? And if there was no such thing, why did not they tell us?

Buaji speaks out: What are you saying? We told everything to Aakash bitwa. Ask him.

Mamiji shouts out: Stop lying about my son. If he knew everything he would have told me.

Aakash interrupts her rant: Maa, I knew Payal’s first wedding broke.

Mamiji shocked to know that Aakash knew it: Really? Then you must know why it broke. Tell us pleej why her first wedding broke?

Aakash become silent as Payal never told him why her first wedding broke.

Mamiji gloats: See? If they had nothing to hide, then they would have told us.

Suddenly Arnav’s voice booms: I will tell you Mamiji, why Payal’s first wedding broke.

Everyone looks at Arnav shocked, wondering how did he know all this?

Arnav comes to Mamiji and tells Khushi and his first meeting, him locking Khushi in a room all night, Payal’s wedding not occurring because the dowry paper were with Khushi, then him releasing video tape and Khushi and her family arriving in Lucknow.

He finishes his story and says: I am responsible for causing this family distress. But when I realized that I was wrong, I said sorry to Payal and she forgave me. If you have to blame someone, Mamiji… Blame me. But Payal is not the guilty person here, nor her family. They did not reveal the truth because they did not want me to look bad in front of my own family.

He looks at Khushi and sees Khushi looking at him with pride for protecting her family at the cost of his own.

Naniji gets upset: Chotey, I can’t believe you caused so much trouble for them.

Buaji says: Naniji, please forget everything. May be NandKishore wanted us to come to Delhi, so we did. Everything worked out in the end and that’s all what matters.

NK was silent but he speaks out: I wanted you to come to Delhi? When did I say that? I did not even met you until a few days ago.

Everyone laughs at the joke and the atmosphere gets lightened.

Naniji tells everyone to go to bed as next day is the wedding. So they have to be up for haldi ceremony.

Guest room, Shaantivan:

Khushi and Payal are lying in bed.

Payal whispers: Khushi, when I first met Arnavji, I thought he was the worst man I ever met. But today, he protected me in front of everyone. I’m happy to say that I was wrong. He is the best man for you. You are very lucky to have such a loving husband.

Khushi whispers back: I know jiji, I know…

She closes her eyes and dreams of Arnavji…

In Devi Maiyya’s temple, a flower falls from the deity’s feet into a burning candle and bursts into flames.

Chapter 20

ASR screams Khushi’s name and runs to her.

Khushi closes her eyes tight with fright…

He grabs her at the last moment and pulls her away from the fast moving truck.

They fall on the road with Khushi on top of ASR. ASR’s elbow slams on a rock on the road and it starts bleeding.

Khushi opens her tightly shut lids hearing Arnav’s hiss of pain and sees his elbow bleeding.

Khushi, concerned for Arnav, immediately grabs his elbow to check his wound: Arnavji, you are bleeding… (She pulls Arnav up) Come with me. We need to wash the wound.

Arnav protests: I’m fine Khushi. But please believe me Khushi, I am not lying when I said I love you.

Khushi ignores his explanation: Arnavji, now is not the time to talk about this. First let me take care of your wound.

She drags Arnav back to the office, holding his hand carefully. Arnav follows her.

As they enter the office again, the office staff is surprised to see ASR following his fiancé like a good boy without shouting or exploding.

Arnav continues: Khushi, we will talk about this. I have to explain to you why I did not answer your question right away.

Khushi (serene): Arnavji, shush.

Arnav shuts up to the surprise of the his staff. One of the girl asks another to pinch her to see if she is dreaming. Someone claims ASR had been abducted by aliens and was replaced by a better clone.

ASR ignores his staff but decides to talk about it after Khushi finishes whatever she is bent to do.

Khushi drags Arnav to his washroom at his office and carefully cleans the wound with warm water. Then she softly dabs the wound with a soft towel.

Khushi asks: Where is your fast-aid box?

Arnav points out a cupboard under the sink. Khushi takes out the fast aid box and carefully bandages the wound.

Then Arnav notices Khushi’s palms are scratched and red from the fall when she tried to break the impact using her palms.

He grabs her hand: You are also bruised.

Khushi pulls her hands: It’s simple scratches. I’m fine, Arnavji.

Arnav does not leave her hands. He cleans her wounds with same tenderness as Khushi has done for him and then puts antiseptic cream on it.

After he was done taking care of her wounds to his satisfaction, he lets her hands go.

Arnav takes a deep breath and looks at Khushi: Khushi, I know when you asked the question whether I had a hidden agenda when I proposed to you, I looked guilty but that was because…

Khushi puts her index finger on his mouth stopping him: Sssshhh… Arnavji, you don’t have to say anything. I understand.

Arnav slowly removes her finger from his mouth: You do?

Khushi calmly: Yes. I may have some doubts about your intentions when that lady said that you had hidden agenda to marry me because Buaji said the same thing to me when we came to live in Shantivan. But I have no doubts now. Seeing death at such a close range has made me realize that I can’t live without you. When the truck was coming at me, I was not as scared as I was when you started running towards me. Even when I was upset and angry with you, I was scared for your life, not mine… That’s how much I love you.

And if you are hiding something from me, it must be really important for you to do so. My heart says that what you feel for me is true love and I have always listened to my heart. I will let you tell me the truth when you are comfortable. But for now, it’s enough for me to know that I’m going to get married to you tomorrow and going to spend the rest of my life with the man I love, however long it may be. That’s enough for me for now.

Arnav grabs Khushi and pulls her in his embrace in a tight hug. His tears starts to fall and for the first time in his life, he feels may be there is a God after all…

Khushi pulls back from Arnav’s embrace and wipes her tears. She looks at Arnav in mock anger: But I’m still angry at you.

Arnav gets worried: Why Khushi?

Khushi asks him with a stern voice: Did you have breakfast or your medicine this morning?

Arnav looks at her sheepishly like a recalcitrant school boy who has been caught: Ummm… No.

Khushi pulls his hand towards his office and continues her chatter: How many times I will have to tell you to have your food on time, Arnavji? If you don’t take food, how will you have medicine? If you don’t have medicine, you will be sick and then what will happen?

Arnav smiles at his Khushi: Then I guess you’ll have to take care of me.

Khushi makes him sit on the couch and plops her hand on her hips: No, I won’t. Because I won’t let you fall sick. I made special breakfast today and you left without eating it. So I brought it for you.

Arnav’s heart melts seeing her love and care for him: You made special breakfast for me? What did you make?

Khushi’s eyes sparkle: It’s a surprise.

She grabs the hot pot still lying on the floor where she dropped it and brings it to the table in front of the couch. She opens the hot pot and the smell of Mathura Aloo comes out.

Arnav closes his eyes at the nostalgic smell: This reminds me of my childhood when Di and I used to go to Naniji’s house on summer vacation. She used to make some potato that smelled like this.

Khushi smiles: I know. Because Naniji taught me how to make it.

Arnav’s eyes sparkle with happiness: Then serve it quickly. I’m hungry.

Khushi serves the food in a hurry and watches over Arnav with a smile while he eats her cooking with relish.

After some time, Arnav pulls back and declares: I’m full. The food was so tasty, I think I ate more than I usually do.

Khushi smiles happily: Good. Now here’s your medicine. Take it now.

Arnav takes the medicine with a smile: Yes ma’m.

Khushi re-packs all lunch boxes and gets up. Arnav grabs her hands: Where are you going?

Khushi looks back at him surprised: Home. Where else would I go?

Arnav makes a cute puppy face: Don’t go.

Khushi smiles indulgently: Naniji has arranged for havan today for Jiji, jiju and our happy married life. I will have to go. But you come home soon.

Arnav thinks of the meeting he needs to have with Angad regarding the fingerprints results and possible action to find Shyam and feels sad not being able to go home with Khushi.

Seeing Arnav’s upset face, Khushi tells him softly: But I can sit here for a minute.

She slowly sits down beside Arnav and puts her head on his shoulder and leans on him. Arnav’s arms go around her to pull her closer to him.

Arnav’s heart sighs in love and he thinks: No matter what destiny have in store for us, nothing can take away these moments away.

Later, Arnav sends Mohan to drop Khushi home and picks up phone to call Angad: Angad, I want the result fast. I need to leave soon.

Shaantivan:

Khushi arrives Shaantivan with a spring on her steps. Naniji was busy preparing for the havan when she sees Khushi. She teases her: Looks like someone was really happy with your cooking.

Anjali and Payal giggle while Khushi turns red. Suddenly Nani sees the bruises on Khushi’s palm. She grabs her hands worriedly: Khushi bitiya, what is this? How did you get hurt?

Suddenly everyone was crowding around her.

Mamiji sniggers: Did you take breakfast for Arnav bitwa or went to play cricket?

Naniji scowls at Mamiji: Manorama, let her speak.

Khushi tries to calm them down: Naniji, there was a little accident.

Anjali gasps in worry: Accident?

Khushi hurriedly reassures her: Don’t worry Di. It was not that bad. You know how I am. I was about to fall and Arnavji tried to save me so he got hurt too on his elbow. (Quickly sends a prayer to Devi Maiyaa for delivering this watered down version of the actual event) But don’t worry. I put bandage on his wound and he took care of mine.

Naniji’s eyes soften with love: That’s how it should be, my dear. You are going to be life partners. You should take care of each other. But this makes me think that this havan could not have happened on a better day.

Buaji and Garima also nod their head in agreement.

All the ladies get busy with preparation.

Around afternoon, Naniji calls Payal and Khushi at the living room.

She gives both of them gifts to wear that night. Payal got a mustard yellow saree and for Khushi she got a sky blue and silver lehenga with fishtail skirt and corset style top with short transparent sleeves.

ASR’s Office:

Angad knocks on the door and comes in.

ASR looks up from his laptop and looks at Angad: So? What’s the verdict?

Angad nods his head: The fingerprints match. We can file a case on her. However, we could not find a trace where exactly she has hidden Shyam. He is not hiding at her home.

ASR gets frustrated: There must be a trace. Credit cards, phone bills, something.

Angad tells him: Her credit cards show no records of any suspicious transaction. Her phone bills show several calls made to various unknown numbers but no single no. in particular. My assumption is that he is using multiple anonymous sim cards to make calls or he is hiding somewhere close by. We are keeping a watch near the vicinity of her office and home. But so far we have not found anything.

ASR slams his palm on his desk and winces in pain: Dammit…

Angad continues: But we found something you might find interesting.

ASR growls: What?

Angad: I had found out in my investigation that Shyam has not taken a single case since last Diwali. So my second thought was where he was getting money for his expensive cost of living? I started investigating and found out that all his expenses were being paid by your sister. So I started investigating your sister’s spending and found out that her credit card shows enormous amount spent on expensive clothes, two engagement rings of the same look from the same jewellery store, expensive watches etc. Also, the same credit card has been used to withdraw cash which was untraceable.

But that was all when he was living at Shaantivan. After he was evicted, there were still regular cash withdrawals from the same credit card account, but no more physical transactions. As far as I know, your sister has not left the city for any reason since her husband left. But some cash withdrawals were done outside of Delhi.

I checked with your head accountant and he informed me that as per your instruction, they don’t check or verify any expenses on your family’s credit cards or bank accounts. They just pay the credit cards and deposit a fixed amount every month on their bank account as well as deposit extra cash should the balance go down under a certain level. That’s why these transactions were not caught before. This makes me think, may be Shyam stole your sister’s credit card before leaving Shaantivan.

Arnav gets up from his seat frustrated: I did not realize that Shyam was taking advantage of my generosity for so long. I arranged that system so that my family can have anything they wish to have. But it seems I was wrong. From now on, my accountant will check all expenses.

He turns to Angad: Thanks Angad, for the information. Please tell me accountant to cancel that credit card immediately and dispute the charges. Also, keep investigating Shyam’s whereabouts. He will only remain hidden until he has money. But once he runs out of it, he has to come out of hiding and then we will make our moves.

Angad nods his head and gets up from his seat to leave: Thanks ASR and congratulations on your wedding. I’m looking forward to meet your new wife. She must be really something.

Arnav nods his head and gives a small smile: Thanks and yes, she is. She is amazing.

Angad leaves his office.

ASR looks out of his glass window and clenches his fist: Shyam, I have closed all the holes on the ground you were hiding in. Now you will have to come out and the moment you come out, I will be ready to tear you apart.

A falling star goes spiralling through the sky and burns itself out at the horizon.