HWGA Chapter 15: Identification and Permission

The reason I've updated this week is because I've just realised I'm probably not going to update any of my stories until mid/late January because of my exams and coursework. Also the last chapter was a bit short so I thought I'd update this week. I'm sorry but I'm not going to be back until mid/late January. As always the purple bits are meant to be Hindi. Until I see you guys again, enjoy :)

Chapter 15: Identification and Permission

Arnav saw Karan standing outside the haveli and approached his way. He tried to walk past Karan but he blocked his way. He tried again but again he was blocked. Arnav gave him an irritable look but Karan stared back at him calmly. The man looked some what familiar to Arnav.

“Who are you?” demanded Arnav.

Karan decided to play with him a little. “I should be asking you that sir.”

“I’m Arnav Singh Raizada. Now answer my question.”

“Karan Singh Malik.”

“Let me pass Karan.”

“I’m afraid I’m going to need some identification and permission from Mr Gupta to let you in.”

“What nonsense! Mr Gupta knows me. I’m his son-in-law’s brother.”

“Sorry sir, I need identification and confirmation before I let you in.” Arnav sighed and handed Karan his drivers licence. “Meena!” A little girl came running from inside the house. “Take this to uncle and ask him whether or not I should let this man in.”

“Ok Karan Bhai.”

While they waited for Meena to come back Arnav decided to have a staring match with Karan but Karan refused to participate. Arnav hadn’t blinked or looked away whereas Karan was blinking freely and looking around. Finally Meena came back and whispered something in Karan’s ear. Karan widened his eyes in surprise and scrunched his forehead.

“Thanks Meena.”

“No problem Bhai.” She then ran off.

Karan turned to Arnav. “It seems that sir is coming down to speak to you personally.”

Sure enough a few minutes later Sashi Gupta had come to the front door. He hugged Karan.

“Thank you for doing this Beta.”

“It’s no problem at all. In fact I’m thinking of hiring some proper guards for the haveli.”

“You don’t have to do that beta.”

“Of course I do.”

Sashi then turned to Arnav. “I only have one thing to say to you. Stay away from this house and stay away from Khushi.” He didn’t wait for Arnav’s response, he just turned and walked inside the house.

“You heard the man, leave.”

“Yeah and I also heard the conversation between you and him. If you’re not a guard who are you?”

“I’m sort of like a guard.”

“You look familiar.”

“Do I?”

Then it a light went on inside Arnav’s head. “You’re NK’s Karan.”

“I’m no one’s Karan. But I do know NK.”

Then another thing clicked into place. “What are you doing here?”

“Have a guess.”

“You and Khushi live together in England.”

“Ding ding ding, you’re almost right. We used to live together but the house was getting too small as our kids were growing up so I moved a street away.”

All Arnav heard was “live together” and “our kids” and he saw red. Before Karan could react, Arnav punched him square in the jaw. Karan landed on the floor and before he could get up, Arnav punched him again and again. After the 5^th punch, Karan had managed to flip them over and was beating the shit out of Arnav. Arnav rolled out from underneath Karan and staggered to his feet. Karan also got to his feet and they were about to start fighting again when someone grabbed a hold of Arnav. Before Karan could comprehend anything, he was held in a headlock and forced into a kneeling position.

The adrenaline had finally died out and the fog had cleared. Karan saw that Akash was holding Arnav and trying to calm him down. The grip loosened on Karan’s head and he was finally able to get up. He turned to find his captor was Amba. He looked around his surroundings to find Payal, Khushi, Garima and Buaji staring at them.

Karan closed his eyes and sighed. “Shit!”

“Dad what the fuck is going on?!” demanded Amba. “Why were you hitting Mr Raizada?”

Karan turned to Amba and whispered in her ear. “How much did everyone see?”

“I think Akash uncle and Payal aunty saw everything because they were already here when I arrived. I took an earlier taxi than mum, grandma and Buaji because I thought I was going to be late. You have no idea how long these poojas last.” Amba whispered back.

“Believe me I do. How long have Khushi, Masiji and Buaji been here?”

“They literary just got here.”

“Good.”

Khushi had had enough of the suspense and ran to Karan to make sure he was ok. This built up the rage inside Arnav once again; thankfully Akash was still holding him.

“Karan what happened?” Khushi asked.

Arnav couldn’t take how much care was in her voice when she asked him that and this made Karan smile. “I’m ok. I thought Payal’s Jeetji was a thief or something so I beat him up. I acted irrationally.” He turned to Arnav. “I’m sorry man, honest mistake.”

Arnav glared at him. “It’s fine. I was just passing by and then you attacked me so I had to defend my self.”

Khushi turned to Karan and scolded him. “That was incredibly stupid of you.”

“Well you can never be too careful.”

She then turned to Payal. “Well introduce me to everyone.”

Payal didn’t really want to but she had no choice. “Umm Akash, Arnavji, this is my sister Khushi. Khushi this is your Jijaji Akash and my Jeetji Arnavji. Well we have to be going-”

“Hold on!” yelled Khushi and put her hands together. “Namaste. I’m sorry I don’t remember you guys but it’s because of my accident. I’m sure Jiji’s already told you.”

“No problem Khushiji. Take your time and recover. I’ll bring our kids over so you can re-meet them.” Said Akash.

But Arnav saw an opportunity and took it. “Why should you bring the kids when she can come to the kids Akash?” Everyone turned to glare at him but he continued talking to Khushi. “Our niece, Neha, is getting married. Why don’t you come over for all the rituals and celebrate with us? In fact the sangeet is in 4 days time.”

 

Khushi’s eyes lit up. “A wedding? I love weddings! Jiji why didn’t you tell me?”

“There was so much to talk about yesterday and so little time.” Mumbled Payal.

“Of course I’ll come, but only if I can bring the whole family.”

“Bring anyone you want.” Said Arnav.

“Eeep thank you!” Khushi was going to go and hug Arnav but something held her back. She didn’t know what it was and put it down to the fact that so many people were around. She reddened at the thought of what she was going to do and turned and ran into the house.

Arnav stared at the running wistfully. He was about to leave and get into his car when both Karan and Akash cornered him.

“What the hell is wrong with you?” asked Akash.

“Excuse me?”

“After everything Payal said, you’re still willing to risk it.”

“Nothing bad happened and I didn’t do anything to remind her of the past.”

Karan turned towards Akash. “Akash I beg you, let me finish this guy.”

Akash looked like he was actually going to say yes but the voice of reason won in the end. “Sorry Karan but violence is never the answer. No matter how much you might want to use it to solve things.”

“Fine, you deal with him.” He turned to find Amba staring at him with an eyebrow raised. “Aren’t you going to be late for your meeting?”

“Considering that you beat up my client, I don’t even know if I have a meeting anymore.”

“I know Arnav Singh Raizada. Trust me, you still have a client.”

“How exactly do you know him?”

“You’re getting late.”

“And why did you beat him up? Don’t give me some bullshit excuse about him being a thief; you just said you know him.”

Karan thought for a moment. “Let’s just say he and your mother used to date.”

“What?!”

“Yeah.”

“So why do you hate him?”

“It’s complicated.”

“Is he a rapist?”

“No.”

“A murderer?”

“No.”

“Any criminal records?”

“Not that I know of.”

“Then he can’t be that much of a bad person. And since you don’t want to tell me the full story, I’m going to assume that he is a good person until proven otherwise.” With that Amba stormed off to get ready.

“Amba!” Karan called after her and ran to keep up. They stopped outside Amba’s room and before she could slam the door in Karan’s face he managed to slip in. “Why won’t you try to understand?”

“I’m sick and tired of being understanding.”

“Amba you’re acting like a child.”

“I don’t care and you can’t make me understand anything because you’re keeping major secrets away from me.” She walked away and began to take her business cloths out of the wardrobe.

“Do you think I want to keep things from you?”

She turned and snapped, “Then why won’t you just tell me?!”

“Because I promised your mum dammit!” he roared.

Amba’s face softened. “You must really love mum.”

He sighed. “Yes I do and I love you too. I have spent a good 23 years hiding things from a lot of people simply because your mother asked. And I want to tell you everything honey, I do, but I want your mother to be there too. It’s her story to tell, not mine. Plus I pinky promised that I wouldn’t tell a soul.”

Amba smiled at the last comment. “Fine. No more resistance from my side.”

“That’s a first.”

Amba hit him lightly. “Now go, I’m getting late for my meeting.”

“Promise me you’ll be careful around Arnav Singh Raizada.”

“I promise. Now go.”

Meanwhile Akash had managed to take Arnav back to the car without hurting himself and now he was on his way to the office. But Arnav wanted revenge on Karan. So he decided to make a few calls.

“Arman.” Aman had long ago moved to a new job and after him had come many many new assistants but Arman was the best he had so far.

“Yes sir.”

“I want you to find out what Karan Singh Malik does.”

“Sir?”

“I want you to find out what he does and convince his employer to fire him.”

“Mr Raizada-”

“I don’t want to hear it. I want it done. Oh and prepare the conference room.”

“It’s already done sir.”

“Good.”

He cut the call just as he pulled up outside AR. He went straight to his office and viewed the schedule for the day. He was immersed in work when Amba arrived, exactly 5 minutes before the meeting. He had Arman lead her to the conference room and help her set up. He then entered 5 minutes later.

“Mr Raizada.” She said as she extended her hand.

“Ms Amba Singh Malik I presume.” He said as he shook her hand.

Amba looked confused for a moment before she remembered that she had to pretend to be a Malik. “Yes, you finally got my name right. Before we begin I want to apologise for my father’s behaviour this morning. It was totally uncalled for and he isn’t normally like this.”

Arnav nodded. “I understand. If you don’t mind me asking Miss Malik, is Khushi your mother?”

Amba looked Arnav right in the eyes and lied. “No she isn’t, she’s my aunt.”

Arnav let out a sigh of relief and relaxed. “Shall we begin?”

“Lets.”

AAD Chapter 3: Deals Made, Deals Broken

People this story is 16+ so kids please don't read it. I have decided to update because I don’t know when I’m going to get another time in this holiday because I have a lot of exam prep and coursework to get through. As promised this chapter is longer and hopefully it doesn’t sound like it’s dragging. As always the italics are thought and the bold bits are memories. Enjoy :)

Chapter 3: Deals Made, Deals Broken

Gupta Haveli

Shashi Gupta was a man with very few regrets in life. He didn’t regret it when his parents told him to stay at home and work so his siblings could get a good education and good jobs. He didn’t regret it when he had to remarry a woman a month after his wife had died so his daughter could have a mother. He certainly didn’t regret taking in Khushi when her parents died. What he did regret was not being good at maths.

Shashi sighed and began with the numbers again. They wouldn’t have been in debt in the first place had he been a better business man who could handle the numbers properly. But alas he was just an uneducated halwai who couldn’t even put his daughters through college no matter how much he wanted to. The wedding had taken a lot out of them and money was incredibly short.

Not that he told his daughters about that. Khushi would die of guilt and Payal would go into depression. He hated to see any of his daughters upset. He continued to stare at the papers and only one solution came to mind. He’d have to sell his beloved ancestral home. It was that or sell all his wife’s, sister’s and daughters jewellery. And he couldn’t bear to do that. His daughters were in the prime of their youth and would be getting married off any day. How could they do that with no jewellery? Even if he did manage to sell both his wife’s and sister’s jewellery, it still wouldn’t cover everything.

He made a decision. He would sell his house to someone who would let them stay if they paid rent. It was a fairly reasonable thing to ask for. Plus the house was huge. He wouldn’t mind other tenants in it too as long as the landlord didn’t kick them out. He didn’t really want to sell his home but times were tough and he knew what he had to do.

Raizada Mansion

After Arnav had finished reading Khushi’s file, he had made a few phone calls and headed home. As soon as he walked through the door he headed towards his sister’s room. He barged in without knocking.

“It’s rude to come into people’s rooms without knocking, Chote. Besides, you don’t know what I was doing.” Said his sister.

“Jijaji is out of town so I can safely deduce you were doing nothing in your room.”

“Well…” she said suggestively.

He rolled his eyes. “Di, I’m going out of town for a few days.”

“What? We just got back.”

“I know but some important business has come up in Lucknow and I’m needed.”

“Chote, if it’s about our uncle, leave him alone. He doesn’t deserve our attention.”

Arnav clenched his fists. “He deserves to die a slow and painful death and so does Dadi.”

“Chote!”

He ignored her outburst. “Rest assured that I’m not going after that scum. I promise. I just need to close this business deal. I’ll be back as soon as possible.”

“Ok, just be careful.”

“Di, I’m not a child. I don’t need to be careful.”

Anjili brushed his comment aside and got up from the bed to pull his cheeks and mess his hair up. She then walked away leaving a shocked Arnav behind. He was dragged out of his stupor by the ringing of his phone.

“Sir?”

“What do you want Aman? You’re meant to be taking the day off.”

“I know sir but-”

“Next time I’m not going to give you any holidays. No matter how much you beg for them.”

“Sir, some interesting developments have occurred.”

Arnav smirked. “Have they?”

“Yes sir. I think you need to come to Lucknow as soon as possible.”

He already knew Aman had sorted everything out. “When’s my flight?”

“In 2 hours sir.”

“Private jet?”

“Of course.”

“Sheesh Mahal?”

“Yes sir.”

“Aman, you’ve just earned another raise from me.”

There was a shocked silence. “Thank you sir.”

“No problem Aman.”

He hung up and began packing.

Gupta Haveli

Shashi Gupta ran into the Haveli with a box of sweets in his hand. He began feeding sweets to everyone in the Haveli. Everyone looked at him like he was crazy.

“Has Shashi babuwa gone crazy?” asked Buaji whilst holding her head.

“No no Jiji. I haven’t gone crazy, yet.” Replied Shashi.

“Then why are you stuffing sweets down everyone’s throats?” asked Garima.

“Who cares, its sweets!” shrieked Khushi as she began stuffing more sweets in to her mouth. Garima smacked Khushi around the head to make her stop eating but it just made her choke on the sweets.

“I have found the solution to all our problems.”

“You’ve found another groom for Payaliya?” asked Buaji.

Everyone took a sharp intake of breath and held it. They all turned to look at Payal who was munching on her sweets. Khushi and Garima were about to engulf her into a hug when Payal spoke, “Well have you Babuji?”

“Umm no. But I have managed to find a buyer who wants this Haveli for triple its price!”

There was another shocked silence. “Babuji, you’re selling our home?” asked Payal.

“I have to Payal.”

“But why?” asked Khushi.

Shashi sighed. “I didn’t want to tell you guys this but we are in a lot of debt.”

Khushi and Payal gasped and looked at Garima and Buaji, who looked away in guilt.

“You all knew and you didn’t tell us!” demanded Payal.

“What would’ve you done?” asked Shashi.

“We could’ve gotten jobs.” Said Khushi.

“No!” yelled Garima.

“What your mother means is that we were hoping that we’d get you and Payal married by now and so our burden would be lessened. But it seems like it’s harder to find good grooms now a days.”

Payals face fell and she left from there with Khushi chasing after her.

Shashi sighed and looked at Garima and Buaji. “Everything is going to be fine now. I promise.”

But little did he know this was only the beginning of all his problems.

Khushi had finally caught up to Payal who was furiously wiping tears from her face. Khushi grabbed her shoulder gently and led her to their room. Once inside, Khushi made Payal sit down on the bed, then she got up to lock the door. She came back to the bed and Payal clung on to her and sobbed her heart out. Initially, Khushi winced because Payal was pressing on her bruises but she ignored the pain and concentrated on comforting her sister.

“This is all my fault.” Hiccupped Payal.

“How is this your fault?”

“Abishek and I could’ve been married by now if I didn’t argue about the dowry so much. Then I wouldn’t be so much of a burden to Babuji. You even went to try to convince him. He’s selling the family house Khushi. How could he do that?”

A cold shiver went through Khushi as she remembered what had happened when she had gone to talk to Abishek.

He bit her lips and pushed his tongue into her mouth. Her taste was addictive; he couldn’t get enough of her. He brought himself closer to her to make sure there wasn’t any gap between them. His hands began to caress her soft milky thighs travelling higher to her hips, waists and her breasts.

Khushi felt like throwing up again and made a mental note to take yet another shower. She rubbed her sister’s back in comfort. She felt like it was all her fault that they’d had to go through this.

If only I hadn’t gotten onto that God forsaken ramp. If only I had found Abishekji and talked to him. Then maybe Jiji would be married and we wouldn’t have this problem. But no. You have the worst luck in history, Khushi Kumari Gupta. You had to get on that ramp and you had to fall into that rakshas’s arms. And he just had to punish you! And what did you do? You just lay there and when he was done, you ran away! You didn’t even think about your family. Well who thinks about family after something as traumatic as that? Besides if it wasn’t for that Laad Govner, then the situation would be different. That’s right Khushi, don’t blame yourself. It wasn’t your fault. It was his.

Khushi’s eyes began to fill with tears. “It’s going to be ok Jiji. Devi Maya knows what she’s doing and so does Babuji. We’re going to be fine.”

Both sisters held each other and cried over their bad fortune.

Lucknow

As soon as Arnav Singh Raizada landed in Lucknow, he requested for his luggage to be sent to the Sheesh Mahal. He then received the papers he wanted and set out for his destination.

Aman truly is brilliant

When he reached his destination, he was approached by a man and a woman in their mid 40s to early 50s. The man welcomed him warmly into his house and began giving him a tour. They then got down to business.

Sheesh Mahal

He had just got back from the elderly man’s house and was relaxing in his room when his phone rang. He sighed when he saw the number.

“Yes Di?”

“How come you didn’t call me as soon as you landed to tell me you were safe?”

“Because we crash landed. Then the car I was taking to the Sheesh exploded. Then I got mugged. And now I’m dead. So you see Di, I’m not safe at all. In fact, I’m dead.”

Anjili sighed. “A simple ‘I’m fine Di’ would’ve sufficed. Why did you have to go all sarcastic on me?”

“Di, you’re smothering me. No wonder Jijaji is always out of town.” He joked.

“You! I just…I can’t…Fine! I’m never going to ask how you are ever again. Happy?”

“Very.” He grinned.

Anjili slammed the phone down causing Arnav to chuckle. He was about to get himself a drink when his phone rang again.

“I’m sorry Di-”

“Umm sir, it’s me.” Said Aman.

“What do you want Aman?!” snapped Arnav out of embarrassment.

“Sir I just wanted to inform you that Lavanya is on her way to Lucknow.”

“But I didn’t send for her. Why weren’t you on this?!”

“You gave me the day off sir.”

Arnav sighed. “Why is she coming over?”

“To fulfil your contract sir. It’s been a week and you haven’t had any girls. So as per your contact, she has to fly out to wherever you are to meet your needs.”

Arnav had totally forgotten about the contact, what with his fashion show and punishing his uncle. And Khushi, whispered a small part of his brain but he ignored it.

“Tell her it’s not needed. I was planning to terminate our contract soon. Tell her that it doesn’t mean that this will impact our professional relationship. Tell her she can still keep her job.”

“Sir, she’s already on her way.”

“Well do something about it! What do I pay you for Aman?!”

With that he hung up the phone, poured himself a drink and settled into his armchair. There was a sharp knock on the door. He groaned.

Can’t a guy ever get some alone time? Well you know what they say Arnav, there’s no rest for the wicked.

And he certainly was wicked when he wanted to be. He got up and prepared to shout at whoever was behind that door. When he opened it, he faltered. It was Lavanya. She was wearing a pair of red 6 inch stilettos and a beige trench coat.

He gulped and said hoarsely, “What are you doing here Lavanya?”

“Can I come in?” she said seductively.

He stepped aside and she strutted into his room.  He closed the door and locked it.

“Isn’t it a little warm to be wearing a coat?” He asked as he settled into his armchair.

“That’s precisely what I was thinking.”

With that she took her coat off. All she was wearing underneath was a barely there red lace lingerie. She walked over to Arnav and straddled him, making sure to grind his already hardening erection. She began kissing his neck.

“I don’t think we should be doing this Lavanya.” He said in a strained voice.

Continuing on with her activities she asked, “Why not?”

“Because I was thinking about cancelling our contact.”

“Which one?”

“This one.”

“Well that’s too bad.” She stopped kissing him and looked him in the eyes. “Ok, so you’ve cancelled the contract. Break up sex?”

He didn’t reply. Instead he grabbed her and threw her on the bed. He then proceeded to rip off the poor excuse for underwear of her body and stripped himself.

Gupta Haveli

The family was running around getting the house ready, although Khushi couldn’t understand why. She wanted to sabotage any attempts to sell the house but she knew they must be really desperate to sell it so she kept quiet and did what she was asked to do. Her father was downstairs with the person who wanted to buy the Haveli and all she wanted to do was kick him out of the house. Her family must have known she was planning to do that so they had lured her to her room and locked her in. She was trying every way to break out of her room but it seemed very fruitful until she had a brilliant idea.

Khushi Kumari Gupta, you’re a genius.

Shashi Gupta led the man into his living room.

“My wife’s coming in with the tea.”

“That’s alright, I just need your signature on these papers then I’ll be on my way.”

Shashi signed the papers and shook the man’s hands. Just as the man was about to walk away Shashi stopped him.

“Wait.” The man turned and sat down again. “I have one request.”

“I’m listening.”

“Can my family and I stay in this house?” The man frowned and Shashi hastily added, “We’ll be paying rent and my family doesn’t mind other tenants living here either.”

“Mr Gupta, we should’ve discussed this before you signed the contract.”

Shashi cursed himself for not thinking about this before. He got distracted by the great offer the man had proposed. “Please Mr Raizada there must be something you can do.”

Arnav smirked.

Meanwhile, Khushi had blackmailed her sister into letting her out of the room by telling her that she needed to go to the bathroom and that she was starving. As soon as she was let out, she ran. Payal was going to chase after her when her mother stopped her.

“Let her go Payal. The deal is done, there is nothing she can do about it now.”

She stopped outside the living room and started eavesdropping in on her father and the man’s conversation.

“There is something else I want in exchange of letting your family continue to live here.”

“But we don’t have any-”

“I don’t need material possessions. As you can tell I have enough money to buy whatever I want.”

Khushi held her breath. She couldn’t understand what the man could possible want from them. And another thing kept bugging her, where had she heard that voice before.

“Then what do you want?” asked Shashi.

“I want your daughter.”

Shashi was shocked but he recovered quickly. He couldn’t believe that such a good proposal came to his daughter. Especially after her first marriage broke. He was about to say yes when Khushi fell into the room. When Khushi saw who her father had sold the house to, she froze.

Note: I don’t know why I was trying to keep Arnav’s and Shashi identity a secret throughout this chapter. I wasn’t trying to put in a twist and I knew you guys would figure it out. My brain is a strange place. And now I’m rambling because I’m tired. I apologise for making you guys waste your time reading this.

AAD Chapter 2: Awake At Night

The next chapter of Devils and Angels. I must warn you, this isn't my best piece of writing it's more of a filler chapter :S Here's a look at Arnav's apartment. The bold bits are dreams and italics are thoughts. People this story is 16+ so kids please don't read it. Enjoy :)

Chapter 2: Awake At Night

Sheesh Mahal

There was a knocking sound coming from somewhere and Arnav swore that if it didn’t stop he’d kill someone. Just as he was about to bite someone’s head off, someone flung open the curtains in his room. Arnav felt as if fire was burning his eye balls and an elephant parade decided to march through his head. In short, Arnav clutched his head and groaned in agony.

He was about to unleash his inner demon on whom ever had the audacity to wake him up when a voice interrupted him. “Serves you right for drinking the entire mini bar dry.”

He recognised the voice immediately and calmed down considerably. All he could do was grunt in response and burrow himself deeper under the covers. The figure went towards him and ripped the covers off.

“Oh no you don’t Mr Raizada.”

“Di please!” he begged.

“Nope. You have a very important meeting this morning and then we leave for Delhi.”

Arnav sat up straight in his bed when she mentioned the meeting. He’d been preparing for 12 years for this moment. 12 years to get back at the bastard of an uncle who had kicked them out when they had needed him the most. 12 years to take back what was rightfully there’s. Just because he was hung over didn’t mean he was going to throw 12 years of preparation away.

“Thanks for waking me up Di.”

He rushed out of bed, took a long shower and got ready in 10 minutes. He put on his shades to cover his red eyes and then he called Aman to make sure he was in position, when he got his confirmation; he moved out of his room and headed for the terrace where his uncle was.

The deal had gone as smoothly as he had planned, his uncle’s partner had double crossed him. His uncle was now let penniless and homeless and he now owned the Sheesh Mahal fully. It was a good day.

It would be a better day if I could get that damn girl off my mind.

Gupta Haveli

Khushi was also having the same problem. She couldn’t keep her mind off the man who looked like an angel and acted like a devil to her. Every time she moved, some part of her body would start hurting and she would again be reminded of him. She had single handedly managed to clear up all the wedding decoration and she had started cleaning the whole house. What she really wanted to do was make some jelabies but that would raise too many questions.

When the house seemed pretty much spotless she had gone to the kitchen to make the jelabies but had realised that it was pooja time. When she had gone down to pooja to help set everything up, everyone was surprised. They’d normally have to drag Khushi out of bed and drag her downstairs. So seeing Khushi come to pooja by herself was something of a phenomena.

“Hey Sanka Devi! You’re here.” Said Buaji in surprise.

“Of course I am Buaji, where else would I be?”

“Why are you up so early? Were you hoping to eat a few sweets before pooja?”

“No Buaji, I felt guilty about yesterday so I thought I’d clean everything up.”

Her mother looked at her with concern. “Is everything ok Khushi?”

“Of course it is Amma. Why’d you ask?”

Garima noticed the dark circles under her eyes. “Did you sleep last night?”

“I didn’t feel like it. I wasn’t tried. I had so much energy so I started cleaning.”

“Hey Devi Maya! You’ve been cleaning since last night?”

“Yeah so?”

“After pooja you’re going straight to bed.”

“Amma.” Whined Khushi.

“She’s right Khushi.” Said Sashi. “You need sleep beta.”

“I’m fine Babuji, I promise.”

“Khushi stop acting like a child and listen to us.” Said her father firmly.

“Fine.”

After the pooja had finished, Khushi had taken her prashad and gone up to her and her sister’s room. As soon as she lay down on the bed she felt sleep claim her. She tried to fight it off but she realised just how tired she was. Her mind and body were screaming for her to give in so she did.

Khushi was having a wonderful time at her sister’s wedding. She had managed to convince Abishekji to lower the dowry. Heck he even said he didn’t care about dowry, he only wanted her sister. The Gupta’s had been over joyed when they had heard about this and Khushi had been treated like a hero.

She had clapped and thrown flowers when her sister had taken the pheras. She was currently dancing with all the kids when she felt a vice like grip on her arms. She turned around to find Arnav something or other (honestly it was too much of a long name for her to remember) staring at her with cold eyes.

“Come with me now!”

Khushi glanced around fearfully but for some reason no one seemed to see them. No one had so much as raised an eyebrow at her being dragged away by a strange man. She wasn’t sure how but he had taken her to her room and pushed her in. He then locked the door and pushed her against it. Khushi lowered her eyes as he pressed his body to hers.

“You ruined my show.”

“I’m sorry.” She said in a quiet voice.

“I worked very hard on that, so now you must be punished.” He purred.

She looked up and the look in his eyes sparked some sort of foreign feeling inside of her. Before she could respond, he had claimed her lips. She let out a satisfied sigh as if she had been waiting for him to do this to her for all of eternity. His lips moved against hers in passion and soon she was responding equally fervently. His lips moved down to her neck and on to her collar bone. She clutched his shoulders tightly as he held on to her waist. He nipped at the bone and licked the area. He continued to do this and the room began shaking. She wanted to tell him to stop but he just wouldn’t.

Khushi opened her eyes to find her sister staring at her in concern. She looked around and there was on sign of that Arnav guy.

“What happened Jiji?”

“I was about to ask you the same thing. What were you dreaming about?”

“Why?”

“Because you were thrashing and moaning in your sleep. And whispering things I couldn’t quiet catch.”

Khushi turned red. She couldn’t believe she had a dream about that man.

It wasn’t a dream Khushi, it was a nightmare. Dreams are meant to be filled with pleasant things and what he was going wasn’t nice at all. You’re right it was beyond nice. Shut up brain, no wonder everyone calls you Sanka Devi.

Khushi looked back at her sister to find her staring at her weirdly. “I don’t remember what the dream was about but thanks for waking me up Jiji.” She lied quickly.

“Maybe I should’ve let you sleep longer. You look like you need it.”

Khushi yawned. “I think you’re right Jiji.”

Payal moved out of the room and Khushi lay on the bed once again, trying very hard not to think about that wretched man.

Raizada Mansion

Through out the day the girl in pink and green had occupied his mind. All through his meeting, all through breakfast and all through the drive to Delhi. It was 2 am and Arnav’s thoughts were still filled with that bright eyed beauty. The way her lips felt against his, the way her body pressed perfectly on his, the way her skin felt. He couldn’t take it anymore, he wanted her badly.

He called up Aman. “Aman!”

A groggy voice came from the speakers. “Yes sir.”

“I want you to find everything you can about that girl.”

“What girl?”

“The one in the green and pink lehenga.”

“What?”

“The one that ruined my show dammit!”

“Oh ok.” There was a pause. “You want me to do it now?”

“Yes of course I do!”

Aman sighed. “I’ll get on it sir.”

“Good. As soon as you find something tell me. Otherwise you’re fired.”

“If you fired me the amount of times you said you would, I’d be jobless by now.” He mumbled.

“What was that?!”

“Nothing. I said I’ll work all night and see if I can find anything.”

They cut the call. Arnav could finally sleep peacefully knowing that Aman was on the job. However the pink and green beauty still managed to haunt his dreams with her luscious lips and doe like eyes. Aman, on the other hand, got no sleep what so ever as he had the extraneous task of finding this mysterious girl that his boss had taken a liking to and if he didn’t get any information by morning, he knew what his punishment would be.

By morning, Aman knew everything about Khushi from her birth date to the colour of her favourite dress. He was so tired he felt like he was going to collapse. But like a faithful employee, he got fresh, got dressed and left for work. When he arrived, he saw that ASR was already in his cabin. He knocked and waited for an answer.

“Come in.”

“Sir.”

“Ah Aman. I trust you have everything I need.”

“Of course sir.” Aman handed him a big file labelled Khushi Kumari Gupta.

“So her name is Khushi.”

“Yes sir.”

“What else is in this?”

“Everything and anything you could possibly want to know. If it’s not in there, it’s not about her.”

“Good work. Oh and Aman.”

“Yes sir?”

“Take the day off.”

“What?”

“You heard me. You’re no use to me in your tired state. I want you fresh and ready to work tomorrow morning, 6 am sharp. Is that understood?”

“Yes sir. Thank you sir.”

Arnav knew that Aman was one of a kind. He always got the job done better than ASR sometimes. He made a mental note to give him a raise before he walked out of the office carrying a heavy file. He drove to his private apartment and went straight to the kitchen. He had missed breakfast in his haste to get to the office and get the information of the girl in green and pink, whose name is Khushi apparently.

As expected there was barely any food in the kitchen, just some small snacks. Even though he came here often, it was mostly to “entertain” his guests. Oh why put the matter lightly, he used this apartment to have sex with as many girls as he wanted. He walked to the mini bar and poured himself a drink and headed to the living room. He had told the decorator that he wanted the apartment to be modern and that he liked the colour red. And the decorator had defiantly gone to town with that information.

Once in the living room; he took off his jacket, unbuttoned his waistcoat, loosened his tie, kicked his shoes off and relaxed. He took a sip of his drink before he dove into her file. By noon he knew her better than she knew herself, or so he thought. He had found out many interesting things about her and he was prepared to use that to his advantage.

“Since you’ve been plaguing my dreams, I’m going to plague your life, Miss Khushi Kumari Gupta.” 

I told you this wasn't my best piece, I promise the next chapter will be better and longer. I know the dream scene was disappointing too, it was my first time writing something like this. I promise to read up of these matters so I can write better scenes.

AAD Arnav's Apartment

Disclaimer: I don't own these picture I got them off the internet.

I thought I'd give you give a look at what Arnav's apartment looks like in Angels and Devils as some of the story if not most will take place here. Enjoy :)

Kitchen

Mini Bar

Living Room

Bedroom

Bathroom

HWGA Chapter 14: Payal's Voice

Before you read this chapter please read my one shot Things That Keep Me Away From You. Seriously go and read it now because some bits in this chapter won't make sense without it. I know this is a short chapter but if you read the one shot it will look longer. Can you see how I'm subtly asking you to read my one shot? Anyway, purple bits are Hindi, bold bits are past memories and italics are thoughts

Chapter 14: Payal’s Voice

Everyone, in the immediate vicinity, was shocked to say the least. But Anjili was the first to recover.

“What are you saying Chote?”

“I know I promised not to go after her. And I know that a couple of years ago you gave me permission but I didn’t want it. Well I want it now.”

Anjili’s eyes welled up with guilt. “Of course you can go after her Chote but isn’t it a bit late now.”

“I don’t think so Di.”

“I think so.” Voiced Payal.

Everyone turned to stare at Payal.

“Why Payalji?” asked Anjili.

“You think you can ignore my sister for 22 years and she’ll come running back to you? You think my sister will pine after you for all these years? She has some self respect Arnavji and she moved on ages ago. I told you, remember?”

Arnav thought hard and finally remembered what Payal had said to him.

“She has a family now, even a daughter. I’m sorry Arnavji but she moved on.”

“If she’s truly moved on, what’s the harm in me seeing her?”

“She doesn’t want to see you.”

“And how do you know?”

“Because…” Payal was stuck. She didn’t want him to know that she had just come from seeing her sister.

Unfortunately for Payal, Arnav decided to finish her sentence for her. “Because your father isn’t really ill, is he Payal? You only made that up because Khushi was coming to India and you didn’t want anyone to know. And currently she’s living in the Gupta Haveli.” Payal’s mouth fell open. She couldn’t fathom how he knew all of that. “Oh don’t look so shocked Payal. I’m the greatest business tycoon in India for a reason. And nothing gets past Arnav Singh Raizada. And you!” He turned to look at NK. “You think I don’t know why you go to the UK every year.”

“I go because-”

“You go because of Khushi. You may go to your friend Karan’s house for a while but I know you spend the majority of your time over there with Khushi.”

NK knew the situation was bad but at least Arnav thought that Karan and Khushi didn’t have any connection to each other. Maybe there was a way to save this somehow.

“You’re absolutely right Nanav. I do only go there for Khushiji.”

Arnav gave a triumphant smile. “Does Daine know? You know NK, after the speech you gave to me all those years ago about how I make you sick, you’re the one that actually makes me sick. You’re married yet you still lust after your Bhabi.”

“How dare you?! I love Diane and I’d never cheat on her. And for your information Diane does know about Khushiji. In fact she’s met her a couple of times too. Khushiji is nothing more than a friend Nanav. And one more thing, she isn’t my Bhabi because she isn’t your wife.”

“How dare-”

“Oh shut up! You never acted like her husband. Hell you never acted like you loved her. I’m not surprised she divorced you.” With that NK stormed off to his room leaving Arnav to fume.

“Jai Prakash!” Called Anjili and a young man came running to a halt in front of her. “Please, take all the children to the garden.”

“Which one?”

“The one furthest from this room.”

He nodded and began to gather up all the children. They were all moderately glad to leave. Half of them wanted to know what was going to happen next and the other half didn’t want to stay for more screaming matches. But Priti being Priti wanted to stay for the rest of the show so when Jai Prakash came to take her away she wouldn’t budge.

Anjili saw this. “Priti go!” She said in a tone that suggested that she wasn’t messing about.

Priti rolled her eyes at her mother and exited the room followed by Jai Prakash. Arnav had, thankful, calmed down considerably and turned to Payal.

“I’m going to go see her tomorrow and you can’t stop me.”

Payal’s eyes filled with fear but before she could muster some words out someone else spoke. “No you won’t Bhai.”

Arnav, Payal and Anjili turned to see Akash and Viren at the door. Viren went to stand next to Anjili.

“What’s going on?" He whispered in her ear.

“I’ll explain later.” She whispered back.

“Akash. So you knew about this too?” asked Arnav.

“Of course I did. My wife doesn’t keep anything from me.”

“But you kept this from me.”

“Yes. Firstly because Payal made me promise not to tell another living soul and secondly for Khushiji’s well being.”

“Khushi’s well being?”

Akash ignored Arnav and turned to Payal. “So he doesn’t know what happened to her?”

“No but he seems to know quite a lot.”

“We might as well tell him then.”

Arnav was well and truly irritated by now. “Tell me what?!” He yelled.

Akash turned to Arnav and calmly said “Khushiji was in an accident and now she can’t remember any of the past 24 years.”

“What?”

“She can only remember the morning of Payal’s first wedding.”

“She doesn’t remember my fashion show.” He said quietly.

“What?” asked Akash.

“Nothing. Akash, seeing me might help her memories come back.”

“No! You won’t go see her or talk to her. If you do her memories might never come back and I won’t let you do that to my sister after all you’ve done to her.” Said Payal.

“Payal-”

“I don’t care what you have to say. You’re not meeting her.”

“If you don’t care what I have to say, why should I care about what you have to say.”

Payal stormed right up to him, looked him right in the eyes and poked him on the chest. “Listen here Mr Raizada and listen carefully. I am Khushi’s elder sister. I wasn’t able to protect her before but I’ll be damned if I let you ruin her again. So if you have any intention of going to meet her before she gets her memories back, whether it’s today, tomorrow or next week, then I have news for you. I will stop you in any way possible because she deserves happiness and I know for a fact you’re not the man to give it to her. So you can try but you’ll have to go through me first.” With that Payal stormed away followed by Akash, leaving a gaping Viren, Arnav and Anjili behind.

As soon as Payal and Akash were in their room, Akash said “That was very hot.”

“Shut up!” growled Payal. Akash smirked and raised his hands in surrender. “I want you naked and on the bed when I come back.”

“Where are you going?” he asked but Payal gave him the look. He shut up and began to strip.

Payal went to NK’s room and knocked.

“Who ever it is, just go away!” shouted the voice from inside.

“NK it’s me, Payal.”

The door opened. “What do you want Bhabi?”

“Have you informed Karan?”

“Yes I have. He said he’d handle everything.”

“I know what you’re thinking but I swear to Devi Maya that I didn’t tell Arnavji anything.”

“I want to believe you Bhabi but then how does he know everything?”

“The same way he knew the reason you kept on going to the UK. You really thought he wouldn’t have found out? It was probably you who actually sparked his investigation.”

“You know what, it doesn’t matter who did it. What matters is how we’re going to keep Khushiji safe.”

“You said Karan will handle everything.”

“He’s only one man, he’ll need our help too.”

“Of course we will but it doesn’t help that Amba doesn’t know anything.”

NK sighed. “It’s best that Karan and Khushiji tell Amba when her memory comes back.”

“I’m going to get up at 4 am to monitor Arnavji movements, if he goes some where I will follow.”

“Bhabi take Akash with you.”

“Ok, goodnight NK.”

“Night Bhabi.”

Gupta Haveli

It was 11pm and Amba had just finish her presentation and checked over it. She wanted everything to go smoothly tomorrow. She had just gotten into bed when there was a knock at the door. Amba groaned and contemplated whether or not she should answer that. But the knocks grew more urgent so she dragged herself out of bed and flung open the door.

“Amba I need you to do something for me.”

“Dad!” whined Amba.

“Amba please.” He begged.

She sighed and rubbed her eyes. “Fine, what do you want?”

“I want you to take your mother to the Mandir tomorrow.”

“What?”

“Don’t worry it’s before 8. Just get up at 5, leave and come back at 7. That’ll give you enough time to get dressed and go for your meeting.”

“Oh joy!” she said sarcastically.

“Amba please.”

“Can I ask why?”

“All the women are going.”

“So?”

“So I don’t want Khushi to question why you’re not going so you’re going.” Amba groaned and slammed the door in his face. “So are you going?” Yelled Karan from outside the door.”

“Yes!” yelled Amba from inside the room.

“Thank you!”

Amba burrowed under the cover and tried to get some sleep.

The things I do for family, honestly.

Amba closed her eyes but she could hear someone was banging on the door. She opened her eyes to find light spilling into her bedroom. She grabbed her phone and checked the time. It read 05:00 am.

“Shit!” She rushed out of bed and opened the door.

“Good morning Amba.”

“Good morning mu- I mean Khushi aunty.”

“Karan told me that you want to come to the Mandir with me, amma and buaji.”

“Yes I did.”

“Ok, well get ready because we’re leaving soon.” She handed Amba a bundle of cloths. “I noticed that you were my size so I decided to give you some of my cloths.”

“Thank you but that’s not necessary. I have my own cloths.”

“Do you have any salwars?”

“Umm no.”

“Then what are you planning to wear at the Mandir?”

“T-shirt and jeans.”

“You’ll still need something to cover your head.”

Amba sighed and took the cloths, making a mental note to go shopping for desi cloths since she was in India. “Thank you.”

“No problem. You have 30 minutes. Meet us in the courtyard after you’re ready.”

“Ok.”

Amba showered and got ready in 20 minutes, she then proceeded to the courtyard. She saw Khushi, Garima, Buaji and Karan.

She passed Karan and said “I hope you’re happy.”

“I am, thanks. And Amba, you look good in desi wear.”

“Shut up.”

Karan called them a cab to take them to the Mandir and waved them off. He then waited for the storm to come and sure enough a white car pulled up outside the Haveli and Arnav Singh Raizada got out. Karan took a deep breath.

This is going to be a long and hard morning.

ArHi OS: Things That Keep Me From You

Sequel to my OS: I Will Love You Till The End Of Time and related to my story Here We Go Again.

Disclaimer: I don't own IPKKND or any of the characters in the show. However I do own this story concept.

Things That Keep Me From You

It had been 3 months since Khushi had left yet he hadn’t had any time to pursue her. He had, of course, ignored her wish for him to not find her and hired the best detectives he could find to find out her whereabouts. Sure enough a week later they had traced her to Mumbai. They had been some of the best detectives in the country but she had hardly left a trace. It was hard to find her. But he was confident that she’d come back but as the days went on, his faith in her wavered. He couldn’t even go looking for her if he wanted to as Anjili’s due date was coming up.

Just as the third month of her absence was coming to a close, his sister Anjili, went into labour. How could he go looking for Khushi when his beloved sister needed him? He had stayed like a good brother and he didn’t regret that for a minute. Of course he wasn’t allowed in the room when she was actually giving birth nor did he want to be. Him, Akash and NK had stayed out in the corridor, cringing every time their Di screamed. They didn’t understand why anyone would want to have children if they had to go through so much pain. But when they stepped into the room and saw the face of the little angel in Anjili’s arms, they totally understood.

Soon his life became dedicated to Anjili and Neha, especially as Anjili was going through post natal depression. To make matters worse she’d throw more tantrums than the baby about seeing Shyam. Arnav always felt the urge to break everything when Anjili talked about needing him. The only thing that would calm him down was to look at or hold Neha. Of course there were other people to take care of Anjili and Neha. He could’ve easily gone to look for Khushi again but he knew he was the only one who could handle Anjili in this state; anyone else might actually give into her demands.

On top of that his long lost Dadi had suddenly turned up. It wouldn’t have been so bad if she didn’t have the audacity to question him. Him! After he begged her to listen, begged her to stay, begged her to answer them. And after all this time she comes back and she thinks she’s getting answers? Over his dead body.

Dadi also seemed to side with Anjili on anything concerning Shyam. But he was too preoccupied trying to raise his niece and running a company at the same time to look too deep into the matters. If only he had.

It had been 3 month since Neha had been born and Anjili didn’t seem to be getting any better. She barely took care of Neha. She’d always sit in her room depressed about Shyam or sit at the mandir praying that Arnav would let him back into the house. During the day Payal would take care of Neha with the help of Nani and Dadi but when he came home, she’d be all his.

Just when he was ready to find Khushi again, everything changed. It had been a normal day. He had gotten ready for work, walked into to the nursery to kiss Neha before having his breakfast. He was at the table with his family when the door rang. He remembered that Payal’s mum was coming to visit her. When Om Prakash had opened the door, all hell broke loose. He couldn’t quite comprehend what was happening, all he could remember was Dadi walking up to Garima and slapping her across the face. To say they were taken aback would be an understatement. Arnav was the first to recover.

“Dadi, what the hell are you doing?! That’s Payal’s mother.” Shouted Arnav.

“Yes Subadrah, why did you just slap Garima?” piped in Nani.

“Because she is responsible of my son, your daughter and Arnav’s parents death.” Replied Dadi coldly.

There was a stunned silence and the only noise came from the sobs of Garima and the cries of Neha. Payal, who had came into the room holding Neha when Garima was slapped gave Neha to Akash and rushed to her mother’s side.

Payal grabbed her mother and shook her. “Amma, tell them it’s all lies. Amma tell them. Why are you so quiet? Amma?” Payal said desperately but Garima remained silent.

Dadi then proceeded to narrate everything. Like how she had seduced Arnav’s father. How when Arnav’s mother found out she couldn’t bare it so she committed suicide. How Arnav’s father couldn’t bare the guilt so he killed himself too. How Garima had gotten off easy and had a nice family life while her two grandchildren became orphans.

At this point Garima finally found her voice and grabbed a stunned Arnav. “Arnav, beta, you have to listen to me. It wasn’t like that. I didn’t know he was married. He told me he loved me and that he’d marry me. I didn’t know he had a wife and two kids. Believe me please. When I found out I felt so guilty. And that guilt haunts me to this day. Please believe me.” She begged.

But at this point Arnav was beyond reason. The mother of the woman he loved was the cause of all the sadness in his life. Because of her, he had to grow up quickly. Because of her, his sister’s marriage was broken. Because of her, he had lost his home. Because of her, his family was torn apart. Because of her, he had lost his parents. He saw red.

“Get out.” He said in an eerily calm voice.

Garima froze. “Beta-”

“I said, get out!” He turned towards Payal. “You too.”

Payal was confused. “Arnavji?”

“You heard me. I don’t want any of your filthy family in my house. You’re all gold diggers and home wreckers. First your sister and now your mum. How do you expect me to trust you Payal?”

“Arnavji, how can you say something like that about Khushi and my mother?”

“Because it’s true! She seduced my dad and your sister seduced Shyam. I think this kind of thing runs in your family. It’s disgusting! But what else can I expect from a low class family with desperate women. Get out of my house now!”

“Arnavji, that’s not true and you know it. How can you say these things about Khushi, especially when you know all that she’s been through? I thought you loved her.”

“If I really loved her Payal, why haven’t I gone to look for her and brought her back?”

This silenced Payal instantly. It was true. He hadn’t attempted to bring her back but she had thought it was because of Anjili and Neha. Arnav used the silence in the room to his advantage. He grabbed Garima with one hand and Payal with another and headed for the door. He hadn’t got far when he felt a hand on his shoulder. He turned to find Akash standing before him.

“Let go of my wife and my mother in law, bhai.” He said calmly.

Arnav was shocked for a moment before he snapped out of it. “Akash, didn’t you hear what she did?”

“Of course I did. I think everyone in Dehli did by the way your Dadi shouted everything out but I believe Garimaji. And if anyone should get out, it should be you.”

Arnav looked at Akash incredulously. “What?!”

“You heard me. This is my father’s house bhai, and you have no right to kick my wife and mother in law out. If anyone has any right to kick someone out of this house, it’s me.”

“How dare you-” began Subadrah but Akash cut her off.

“Please, Dadiji, I respect you a lot but you’re in my house, bad mouthing my family. I have every right to throw you out.”

“Akash calm down. Arnavji doesn’t think straight when he’s mad. Please, no one has to leave.” Payal tried to reason.

“I think someone does Payal. You and I have stood quiet for too long so people think they can push us around. Bhai is obviously not going to leave, so pack your bags Payal, we’re leaving.

Nani tried to reason with him. “Akash, this isn’t necessary.”

“It is Dadi. I won’t have anything bad said about my wife or her family and with bhai’s new found hatred, there’s no place for me in this house anymore.”

With that he grabbed Payal and Garima and headed for their room. Arnav was so angry he left for work. Needless to say a lot of employees got fired that day. When he came home, it was quiet.

He was about to go to his room when NK got in his way.

“Not now NK, I’m not in the mood.” He snapped and tried to dodge him.

But NK blocked his way again. “Well then get in the mood Nanav, because you need to answer my questions.”

For the umpteenth time today, Arnav was shocked. “What?!”

“You heard me. Where are Akash bhai and Payalji?”

“I don’t know and I don’t care.”

“How can you say something like that? You actually believed the lies your Dadi sprouted?”

“Shut up NK. It’s the truth. Garima was a cheap woman and so are her daughters!”

“Even Khushiji?”

Arnav only paused for a second before replying. “Even Khushi.”

NK looked at Arnav for a while before he shook his head. “I can’t believe you Nanav. You know, I used to look up to you but now… You’re just a coward.”

“How dare you?!”

“It’s true and you know it. You don’t want to believe the truth because it’s too hard to accept so you believe in all these petty lies so you can justify your actions. You make me sick!”

NK turned and headed for his room leaving a shocked and fuming Arnav behind.

2 weeks went passed and the house seemed lonely without Mamiji, Mamaji, NK, Akash and Payal. Anjili wouldn’t stop moping about Shyam. Dadi was always praying or nagging him and Nani had seemed to go into depression. Life just wasn’t the same anymore. It was like a strange gloominess had gripped the family and refused to let go.

Arnav had come home one day to find the house uncharacteristically quiet except for the shrill cries of Neha. He could feel in his bones that something was wrong. He ran up the stairs following the sound of her cries. He skidded to a halt outside his sister’s door and what he saw made him visibly shudder. Anjili was sitting in the far corner of her room staring out into space and she was clutching Neha to her chest. Arnav walked slowly towards her. He tried to gently remove Neha from her arms but Anjili held on tighter and broke out of her reverie.

“Chote?” she whispered in a confused tone.

“It’s me Di.” He said softly. “Why don’t you give Neha to me?”

“No!” she screamed.

“Di, she’s crying. Let me calm her down, please.” He pleaded.

Anjili tentatively gave Neha to Arnav. He managed to sooth her quickly and was rocking her to sleep when Anjili spoke.

“Why doesn’t he love me Chote?”

She had said it so quietly that Arnav wasn’t sure she had spoken at all.

“What?”

“Why doesn’t he love me? What am I lacking in that Khushiji has?”

Arnav was so confused and tired at this point. “What are you talking about?”

“Chote, I need to tell you something. Promise, you won’t hate me.” She begged.

“I could never hate you Di.” He said honestly.

“I didn’t believe you when you said Shyamji kidnapped you. So I stayed in contact with him. He told me that Khushiji had seduced him and he hadn’t wanted any part of it. He didn’t want the family to break up so he kept quiet. I believed him because why would he lie to me? He’s been a faithful husband for 3 years and a faithful Damad. I thought Khushiji had brainwashed you into kicking him out because he wouldn’t reciprocate her feelings. We met regularly and whatever he asked for I gave him. But today he came and told me he only wanted me for my money and that he really loves Khushiji. He told me how could he be in love with someone who was disabled and that he didn’t really care about me or Neha.” By now Anjili was in tears.

Arnav had stayed quiet throughout Anjili’s confession. “What did he ask from you?”

“Just money. And I gave him as much as he wanted. Chote promise me you’ll never leave me for Khushiji. Promise me that you won’t ever go looking for her. I can’t bear the thought of everyone I love leaving me for her.”

After her hysterical outbreak she fainted. It was only then that Arnav noticed how injured his sister was. She had a small bump forming on top of her forehead, her lower lip was split, her waist had bruises on it and her brace had come off somewhere. He immediately called an ambulance and then proceeded to call the rest of his family members.

He was waiting outside Anjili’s room in the hospital when his family rushed through the doors and peppered him with questions. He had answered all of them calmly and assured them that both Anjili and Neha were going to be fine. After the family had settled down, he walked towards Akash and Payal.

“Akash, Payal, I am so sorry. I acted out of turn and I know in my heart that what Garima aunty said was true but I didn’t want to believe it. I will go and apologize to her at the earliest. Please forgive me.” He said earnestly.

“Bhai-”

“I know sorry just won’t do it but-”

Before he could finish Akash pulled him into a hug. “I forgive you bhai. After all, family is everything. Especially now.”

Arnav turned to Payal. “I forgave you when you said those words because I know you never mean anything you say when you’re angry Arnavji.”

He pulled Payal into a hug. “Thank you so much. I’m going to go and apologise to Garima aunty as soon as I can. Now will you guys please come back home?”

“Bhai, we hardly moved away. Our house is literary 2 streets away from the Raizada Mansion. But of course we’ll come home.”

He turned to NK and looked expectedly. “I’m sorry Nanav but I’m not ready to forgive you yet.”

“I understand but at least say you’ll move back?”

“Ok.”

The doctor had come and told everyone that Neha was perfectly fine; she was just a bit shaken. Anjili, however, needed to be kept in for observation for two days. Nani and Dadi wanted to stay but Anjili insisted that Arnav stay the night. After Anjili had fallen asleep, Arnav sped to the Gupta House and apologised profoundly to Garima. She had of course forgiven him and he had forgiven her.

When he finally got back to the hospital, Anjili was hugging her knees and staring out into space. He hated the feeling of deja vu.

Arnav paled as he approached her. “Di?” he asked as he slightly shook her.

She launched herself at him, holding him in a bone crushing hug. He held her tight as she quietly cried on his shoulder. After a while she finally pulled back.

“I thought you left me.”

“No, Di. I could never do that.” He assured her.

“You didn’t promise me Chote.”

“Promise you what?”

“That you’ll never go looking for Khushiji, that you’ll forget her.”

“Di-”

“Please Arnav. I beg you.”

“Fine.”

“Thank you so much.” She smiled and finally went to sleep.

Arnav couldn’t believe what he had just promised. He reasoned that his sister was in shock and after she was better he would reason with her. He needn’t worry, he’s Di would eventually see sense.

Unfortunately for Arnav, Anjili didn’t change her mind. No matter how many times he begged or tried to convince her, she was convinced that Khushi wanted everyone she loved to leave her. So Arnav hired a psychiatrist for her. Thankfully she was making progress. She was starting to get over Shyam and her parenting had certainly improved but the subject of Khushi was still touchy.

A month and a half passed when Arnav bumped into his old college friend Sheetal. She seemed to have a child with her. A 6 year old boy who had an uncanny resemblance to him. He had invited them to the mansion as they were new to Delhi. Everyone had of course fawned over Aarav. They had also commented how he looked like a miniature Arnav.

Arnav still had quite strong paternal instincts from Neha so he decided to take Aarav under his wing. Soon they were inseparable. Aarav would help Arnav with his garden and Arnav would take Aarav to AR to show him how he ran his business. Arnav taught Aarav a lot of things and the Raizada family seemed to love him too. Not just him, soon Sheetal became like family.

A few weeks into their arrival, Sheetal announced that she and Aarav were going to move into their new apartment. This caused an uproar in the house. The Raizada’s were very reluctant to let them leave. So after much persuasion, Sheetal decided to stay. They were all quite happy. Anjili was getting better, the whole family was under one roof and Sheetal and Aarav completed the family. But once again life had other plans for Arnav.

Aarav needed to join a school in Delhi and Arnav thought he’d accompany Sheetal and Aarav. Sheetal was filling in all of Aarav’s detail but when it came to father’s name, she hesitated. Arnav had asked her about Aarav’s father but she avoided the question. He didn’t ask again but his family did. He noticed that she always got uncomfortable whenever it came to this topic. Sheetal tried to shield the father’s name whilst filling in the form but Arnav still caught a glimpse of what she had written.

“Why did you write my name in the place where you should’ve written Aarav’s father’s name?” He had asked her once they were alone.

“I didn’t-”

“Don’t lie to me Sheetal.” He said in a dangerous tone. “I saw with my own eyes what you wrote.”

“Well then maybe you should get your eyes checked!” she snapped at him and tried to leave but he pinned her to the wall.

“Explain!” he barked.

Sheetal broke down in tears. “I’m sorry Arnav. I never wanted to tell you.”

“Tell me what?” But he already knew the answer.

“That Aarav is your son.”

“What crap!”

“It’s true. We were really drunk one night and one thing led to another. Then soon you left for India and I was pregnant. I didn’t know where to find you. I didn’t know if you wanted a child so I kept this all to myself.”

Arnav didn’t know how to react. He let go of Sheetal and she ran away. What she said did make sense. He wasn’t exactly a virgin. He loved sleeping around before Khushi came into his life but he’d always use protection. Aarav did look like him. He didn’t know whether to be happy that he had a son or sad that he lost 6 years of getting to know him. But he didn’t want to get his hopes up. He made a few calls.

“Hey Shekar!”

“ASR! Bro, it’s been too long.”

“Tell me something, was Sheetal pregnant when I left for India.”

“Sheetal? That goody two shoes? Yeah I think so. No defiantly she was because I remember it created a scandal. She was always that good girl type and when she got pregnant it was a bit hard to believe. You two dated right?”

“Yeah.”

“We always thought it was yours but she said it wasn’t. She didn’t stay long after that. I don’t know where she went.”

“Thanks mate.”

“ASR we should catch up!”

“Maybe later.”

He hung up and decided to call a detective agency to find out if what Shekar and Sheetal are saying is true. He then called over Aarav to get some hair sample. He sent his and Aarav’s hair sample to a DNA clinic. He then waited.

When the reports came back he had mixed feelings. Happy that Aarav was his son and sad that Aarav was his son. He decided to let the family know, much to the protest of Sheetal.

“Why have you called us all together Chote?” asked Nani.

“Nani, Aarav is my son.”

Shocked faces stared back at him. “What are you talking about Bhai?”

“Aarav’s my son. You all know my reputation with women. Well I accidentally got Sheetal pregnant. I’ve done my research and I found out that Aarav is indeed my son.”

“Chote-” Nani began with a disapproving tone.

“Don’t worry Nani, I’m going to make things right.”

“And how exactly are you going to do that?” asked Dadi sharply.

“Buy marrying Sheetal.” With that he got down on one knee and produced a box from his pocket. When he opened the box a diamond ring stared back at Sheetal. “I know it’s late but I want to raise our son together. Will you marry me?”

The family couldn’t be more surprised if they wanted to. Arnav Singh Raizada was doing the right thing. Not only that but he was doing it in front of his family. He was taking responsibility.

“Yes I will.”

Everyone but NK and Payal were celebrating. They were so excited about the upcoming wedding. They pulled Sheetal away from Arnav and began to discuss wedding ideas. Arnav wasn’t excited at all. He still loved Khushi but he knew what it was like growing up without both his parents and he didn’t want that for Aarav. Arnav decided to take Aarav to the side to clear up a few things.

“Aarav, I know this is a big shock but I’m going to try and be the best dad ever. If you have any questions or anything you want, just come and ask me ok.”

“Mr Raizada-”

“Call me dad.”

But Aarav ignored him. “Look, I think there’s something you should know.”

“You can tell me anything.”

But before he could speak, Sheetal interrupted them. “I think I should speak to Aarav to ease him into this.”

“That’s fine. Take all the time you need. You don’t need to call me dad right away.”

Arnav walked away leaving a nervous Aarav and an angry Sheetal behind.

4 months passed and it was finally the wedding day. Arnav stood in his room in his uncomfortable sherwani, staring out into space when he heard a knock. He opened the door to find his sister outside it. He moved out of the way as she limped into his room.

“I bet you’re thinking of Khushiji.”

“Di-”

“Don’t think about her Chote. You’re doing the right thing. Aarav needs a father and the best way for him to grow up stable and healthy is for you to marry Sheetal. Every child needs their parents, we should know that Chote.”

“I know Di.”

“Besides, if Khushiji really loved you, why hasn’t she contacted you?” Arnav didn’t know what to say. This was true, why hadn’t she contacted him? “It’s nearly time to go Chote. You have 10 minutes to put on your pagri and come downstairs.

Anjili smiled and left the room. He was still thinking about her words when Aarav entered the room. He was so deep in thought that Aarav had to shake him to get him out of his stupor.

“I need to tell you something.” Aarav said in a nervous tone.

Arnav frowned. “Of course buddy. You can tell me anything.”

“I’m not your son.”

“Now Aarav-”

“No you don’t understand. Sheetalji adopted me.”

“But the reports-”

“She paid people off to fake them.”

“What?!”

“She adopted me and taught me how to act and stuff. I didn’t know she wanted to marry you for your money. I tried to tell you because I didn’t think that this was right but she stopped me every time and threatened me. I ran away from her today just so I could tell you. I couldn’t let you go through with this marriage. I’m really sorry for the part I played. I hope you can forgive me.”

Arnav looked into Aarav’s eyes and all he could see was sincerity and honesty.

“Thank you for telling me this. Now go before she realises you’re missing. I’ll take care of this.”

After Aarav had left Arnav trashed his room. He couldn’t believe he had been deceived again. He ripped his sherwani off him and changed into his suit and put his Ray Ban aviators on. He strode out of his room and waltzed downstairs. Needless to say his family was surprised about his appearance.

“Hello hi bye bye. Arnav betwa, where ij your sherwani? Why the suitwa?” asked Mami.

His eyes were cold and everyone could see that. “I have some disturbing news to tell everyone.” He explained what Aarav had just told him. When he had finished all the women were in tears and all the men were outraged. Only Payal and NK seemed slightly happy.

“Will the bad luck in this family never stop?” cried Nani.

“Yes it will Nani. I’m going to pay Sheetal 5 million to go away and I’m going to adopt Aarav.”

“How could you after all of this drama? He’s not yours!” Said Dadi.

“He’s innocent in all of this and he deserves a family.”

Dadi turned her nose to this as the rest of the family agreed it would be the best thing to do. Arnav cancelled the wedding, paid off Sheetal and adopted Aarav. Then he proceeded to ruin Sheetal’s career. No one gets away with fooling Arnav Singh Riazada. That reminded him to find that bastard Shyam. He got Aman on to finding him. Aman came back to him confirming that Shyam was in prison. He could finally relax in knowing that.

A couple of months later, the family was still healing but they were getting through this. Aarav had settled in nicely and was an official Raizada. Everything was going smoothly when Arnav finally remembered Khushi. His sister was still anti-Khushi but he had to know how she was. He decided to ask Payal. Technically he wasn’t going against his sister’s wish. So one day he cornered Payal.

“Hi Payal.”

“Can I help you Arnavji?”

“Yes you can. How is Khushi?”

“I thought you didn’t love her.” Reproached Payal.

“I only said that because I was angry. I really do love and care for her.”

“Arnavji, you’re a bit late.” Payal said earnestly.

Panic welled up in Arnav’s chest. “What do you mean?”

“She has a family now, even a daughter. I’m sorry Arnavji but she moved on.”

Payal walked away leaving a shattered Arnav behind. Her words kept repeating in his head.

Family

Daughter

Moved on

He staggered to his room and collapsed onto the bed and cried his heart out. He couldn’t believe his Khushi was with someone else. Not only that, she’d had a child with another person besides him. He suddenly sat up. He wouldn’t believe it, not until Aman confirmed it. Payal was probably just angry that he hadn’t gone after her sister instantly. He called up Aman.

“Aman!”

“Yes sir.”

“I want you to confirm whether Khushi has a daughter and a family. I don’t want to know where she is unless she doesn’t have a family. Do you understand? I just want to know if she has a family.”

“Yes sir.”

“And I want to know at the earliest. So get to it!”

Arnav had to wait a week before Aman got back to him. During that week he was at his worst. Little things would make him throw the biggest tantrums and he’d fire employees at the drop of a hat. Arnav was fuming in his cabin when he heard a knock on his door.

“What?!” he barked.

“Sir, it’s me.” Said Aman.

“What took you so long Aman?!” he snapped.

Aman didn’t waste any more time. “She has a family, sir. And a daughter. Medical records confirm it.” After saying what he needed to, he left immediately.

Arnav was crushed. He had hoped so much that Payal was lying. And being ASR, he trashed his office. Once that was done, he picked up a shard of glass that had shattered when he threw his desk against the wall. He didn’t want to live anymore. Not without Khushi. How could he live when she was someone else’s? He was about to cut himself when he remembered his family, his Di and his son Aarav. He couldn’t die yet, he had to take care of his family. Especially with the bad luck that they had had this year, he couldn’t top it of with him committing suicide.

“Fine Khushi Kumari Gupta! If you can live without me, I can defiantly live without you. I’ll show you! I don’t love you! I don’t need you! I don’t need anyone!”

He promised himself right then he’d leave her alone and concentrate on his family from now on.