HWGA Chapter 33: So Cliche

Thank you everyone who commented and liked the last chapter. Sorry it's late and short, I was ill and I'd been busy with Christmas. I'll try and update soon. Enjoy :)

Chapter 33: So Cliché

Arnav lead Anjili to his study. Once she was inside, he shut the door behind her and came to stand in front of her. Anjili waited quietly for Arnav to begin.

Arnav rubbed a hand over his face. “Di, you know I love you right?”

“Yes Chote.” She replied quietly.

“And that is why I hate myself.” Anjili’s eyes snapped up and met his. They held eye contact for a second before she lowered her eyes again. “Do you know what I was told when I got off the phone with NK?” Anjili remained silent. “I was told that Amba has been kidnapped by Shyam.” A gasp escaped Anjili and she covered her mouth with her hand. “Now Di, please tell me, I beg you, that Shyam hasn’t been in contact with you at all.”

Anjili shook her head vigorously. “I haven’t talked to him since that night with Neha.”

“Di this is serious!” he shouted. As soon as he had realised what he had done, he tried calmed down. “I don’t want you to lie to me. I won’t be mad that you talked to him but if you have I need to know now.”

“Chote please trust me.” She begged as she met his eyes again. “I haven’t talked to him in over 20 years.”

Arnav searched her eyes to make sure one last time. When he was satisfied that she wasn’t lying, he sighed. “Alright, you may go but don’t tell anyone else about this. We don’t want unnecessary harm to come to Amba by publishing this.”

“What are you going to do Chote?”

“I’m going to clean up your mess!” he snapped. She flinched but he continued, he had to release all the pent up emotions. “If only you hadn’t been blinded by love. If only you believed the evidence that we supplied you with, Di, none of this would’ve happened. Khushi would still be with me, she never would’ve gone away, she never would’ve gotten raped. And now because of your childishness, her daughter’s been kidnapped by the madman who claimed to love you but really only wanted you because of your money. Khushi’s nightmare hasn’t ended even though it’s been over 20 years, your mistake keeps haunting her. And nothing has happened to you. I would never wish you ill, Di, because I love you. But I can’t help but wonder if this is fair. She suffers while you get to live happily ever after-”

“Chote.” Anjili said in a broken voice.

“No Di! You need to hear some hard truths. We’ve always protected you because we thought you to be fragile but it’s time for you to grow up and face reality. Your actions had grave consequences and they continue to produce these consequences.” He wanted to yell at her more but he noticed that she had tears in her eyes. Despite everything, she was still his sister and he loved her. He paused to gather himself. “Just go Di.”

She all but ran out of the room with tears streaking down her face. Though Arnav’s words cut her, she knew he was right. She was a burden, a constant reminder of what Arnav lost and how Khushi suffered.

A revelation hit her. She wiped her tears and stood tall. She walked towards the roof with a purpose.

When Amba finally woke up, she didn’t know where she was. She realised that she was tied to a chair, she struggled against her bonds to see how tightly wrapped they were. They wouldn’t budge but she deduced that she was still too weak to actually struggle properly. She had a slight headache, her mouth was dry and her muscles sore. A door opened somewhere in the room that she was in. She closed her eyes and groaned. She knew exactly who it was and she really couldn’t be bothered with this right now.

“Miss Amba Gupta, we meet again.” Said the bodiless voice.

So cliché. She thought. “Evil villain much?” she croaked out.

“Last time we met, I gave you something. Do you still have it?” He said with glee.

Amba clenched her jaw. Even though she couldn’t see him, she could just picture the smirk on his face and she wanted to smack it off his face with a fish.

She yawned. “Do we really have to do this? This isn’t a stupid movie, ok? So just get on with it.”

He came in front of her and twisted his face into a sneer. “No, we’ll do this my way!”

Amba rolled her eyes at him. “Well if you’re going to do a monologue then do you mind if I go to sleep? I have a headache and I just came back from a really long flight.”

As soon as she finished her sentence, she was punched hard across the face.

“You will listen to me!” he screamed in her face.

She laughed. “Yure weugh lysteeen tooo meugh!!” she mimicked.

She was punched again. This time she could feel that her lower lip was split. She spit out the blood gathering in her mouth.

“You’re as insolent as your mother.” He spat out at her.

“Thank you.” She said as she gave him a bruised smile.

His eyes narrowed. “It wasn’t a compliment.”

She smiled sweetly. “I’m taking it as one.”

“I should’ve killed you the first time around.” He seethed.

“I wish you had because I wouldn’t have to listen to your bullshit right now.” Amba said before she could stop herself. Unfortunately, this earned another punch.

“I should keep you gagged.” He said with distaste as he wiped the blood off his knuckles.

“If you think gagging me is going to help you, then you are delusional.”

“You’re right, I’ll just have to drug you.”

It seemed like he produced chloroform and a cloth out of nowhere. Amba didn’t struggle as he pressed the cloth over her mouth and nose. She just closed her eyes and let the darkness take its hold on her.

AAD Chapter 10: I Will Have You

This chapter is brought to you by Zondra. Enjoy :)

Chapter 10: ‘I will have you’

On the plane

Arnav settled himself in his seat and fastened his seatbelt.  He opened his email before the captain announced take off and read the information Aman had got him.  As he read, a smug look came on his face, and the corners of his mouth curled slightly in a shrewd smile.

Where will you run off to, Khushi Kumari Gupta.  You just got out of the pan and into the fire.  You are coming in to the Lion’s den all by yourself.  Well, it seems that I do not have to take the trouble to bring you to Delhi since you are coming there by your own free will.

Arnav was planning his next move to give Khushi a welcome surprise that neither she nor her family members were expecting.

“How will you run from me, Miss Gupta?” Arnav said out loud. “I am determined to have you, so have you I shall.”

With that, he picked up that day’s business papers to read, his mind never far from his plans of revenge for Khushi.

Delhi, at Buaji’s house, the next day.

“I am telling you, Shashi, this girl is going to ruin the family.  You should never have adopted her.  It is not too late; you and Garima better leave her in a reform home for troublemaking girls.  That way, we’ll all be free of the shame she has brought us.”  Buaji told to Garima and Shashi, pointing her finger at Khushi.

Payal was the one who still had the same faith in Khushi and she rose to Khushi’s defence.  “Buaji, Khushi did nothing wrong.  It is all lies, you have to believe...”

“Do not defend her, Payaliya! You are blind to her faults.  We all know what she did.” Buaji would not hear to any word of Payal’s and she kept on trying to convince Shashi to throw Khushi out of the house.  Shashi, however, was unwilling to do that.  He had been silent since the accusations of Arnav, neither had he defended Khushi, nor did he confront her.  He was confused and did not know what to think.  He was unable to believe that his beloved daughter could be capable of behaving like a cheap person for monetary purposes.  He knew Khushi had no hunger for money. But then, Shashi could not understand what that man would gain by saying lies about Khushi.  Furthermore, Shashi was worried about Arnav’s real intentions behind all this.

Garima, on the other hand, had believed the worst of Khushi and was behaving in full dramatic mode.  She was no longer talking to Khushi.  In fact, she acted as if Khushi was not even present in the house.  At other times, she would sit and cry and curse fate.  As for Khushi, she felt betrayed by her family.  She had always thought Garima and Shashi as her real parents and she loved them more than her biological parents.  And she loved Buaji as much as Payal did.  Khushi was heartbroken over all of this.  Overnight she had become so silent, which was completely against her nature.  It was as if her fire had gone out.  

They had reached Buaji’s house the previous night.  Buaji had a small house in Laxminagar that she and her late husband had taken on rent.  She had been living in that same house since decades, only coming to Lucknow to visit her brother Shashi and his family.  Khushi had not eaten that night; because she didn’t have an appetite.  Also, she preferred to keep herself out of the sight of her parents and Buaji in order not to cause them more pain.  She and Payal decided to go to bed early, since they were exhausted from the train journey.  

“Khushi, are you sleeping?” Payal asked a couple of hours after the lights were turned off.  Khushi did not reply, even though she was wide awake.   Good that she slept.  Oh Devi Maya, bless Khushi with a peaceful sleep and let her forget our problems, even if just for tonight, Payal prayed.  Then she turned on her side and tried to sleep too.

Khushi heard Payal’s breathing even out after some time, indicating that she was asleep.  Then only did Khushi let her tears overflow, the dams burst then.  Khushi had been holding back the tears, mainly so she didn’t worry Payal further.   But now, the tears fell without stopping.  Khushi cried till she got exhausted and fell into a disturbed sleep.  She had a very uneasy night, waking up from nightmares several times, and each time it was more difficult to go back to sleep.  All the nightmares were the same: she was crying and running away from a man.  She could not see his face, but even in the dream she was aware that Arnav pursued her relentlessly.  She kept running as fast as her legs could carry her, and yet he caught up with her each time.  She felt his hot breath on the back of her neck right before he pounced and brought her down.  In some of the nightmares, he held her tight within the cage of his arms, and she struggled and struggled, but he would not let go.  And she could not break his hold on her, no matter how much she tried.  His arms felt like steel bands around her.

Sometimes, she would wake up right as he caught her.  In other nightmares, she would wake up when he smirked at her, after catching her, and telling to her, “You can run, but I will catch you and make you my prisoner forever.”
In one particularly scary nightmare, Arnav had caught her under his body on a bed.  He was kissing her and asking her to surrender to him.  She cried and pleaded with him to let her go, but he promised never to let her go until he was satisfied with exacting revenge from her.  Then she would cry, and the feel of tears and the sound of her own sobbing brought her out of the dream.

The whole night passed like this.  Khushi woke up more tired and worried than she was before going to bed.  The thought of another day like the previous made her weary.  She prayed that her parents would believe her and talk to her again.  But she did not know how she could make them believe her.  

Raizada House

“Chote, how was your trip” Anjali asked Arnav, as she brought him his morning tea.  She was always mothering him.  “It has been too long since I’ve seen my dear brother.  How can you forget your only sister, Chote?” Anjali asked.

“Please Di, do not start with emotional drama early in the morning.  Or else I will stay at my apartment every night this week, then you will not see me at all.” Arnav threatened his elder sister, half-heartedly.

“Ok, baba. I won’t.” said Anjali with a smile.  “Get up now, lazybones and drink your coffee before it gets cold.”

“Thanks di” He took his coffee and gulped it down.  “What the...” Arnav exclaimed on seeing the time on his watch.  He was late.  At this time he is usually in his office, working on securing new deals for his company.  “Di, I got to go.” said Arnav, getting up and moving to his en-suite bathroom. “I am late.”

Anjali replied: “I know, Chote.  That’s why I came to wake you.  Being late is not in your nature.  Are you okay?”

“Haan Di.  I just slept very late last night, due to planning a new deal” Arnav quickly reassured her.

Anjali was relieved that her Chote was fine.  She left him choosing his clothes for the day and made her way out of his room to go and check on her husband before he leaves.

She turned before exiting his room and asked, “Chote, were you serious about staying in your apartment?”

“Maybe, Di.  I might have some new deals coming in.  And you know it is always easier to sleep over there after working late into the night, as compared to coming here and waking up the whole family.  But I will meet you often, Di.  And I know you will come to AR to see me, as you usually do when I stay out of the house.”  Arnav explained to her.

“Okay, Chote.  Have a nice day.  See you later.”  With that, Anjali finally left.

Arnav quickly got ready and left for his office.  On reaching he called Aman and asked him for Khushi’s address in Delhi, along with her mobile phone number.  With Khushi’s address in hand, Arnav moved to the next step of his plan for Khushi.  

He took out a CD from his desk drawer and put it in an envelope, which he handed to Aman.  He told to Aman “Deliver this to Miss Gupta, at her home.  Get a trustworthy person to give it in her own hands.  It’s better if you go yourself.  And when she has the package, the delivery person is to call me in front of her.  Okay, Aman?”  Arnav made sure that Aman had understood what he wanted done.

“Yes, Sir.  It’s all clear.” Aman replied, although he had reservations about Arnav’s plan.  He knew better than to argue with his Boss this time around.

“Good. Now go and get it done.”  Arnav ordered and sat back in his chair as Aman closed the door behind himself, with a smug half smile playing on his lips.  “I will have you, Miss Gupta.  I will get my revenge.  And you will capitulate; you will not show your entire attitude then.  I know how to tame you and I will not rest until I have you meek and willing under me, begging me for release.”  Arnav smiled, and then decided to pay some attention to his company until the call came.

Laxminagar

“Hello, is Miss Khushi Gupta here?” Aman asked Payal, as she opened the door to him.   Aman had decided to deliver the package himself, in order to avoid any mistake.  He knew his Boss would kill him in case of any mistake happening in the Khushi Gupta ‘deal’.

“Aap? What are you doing here?” Payal was angry and worried on seeing this man on their doorstep.  “How did you find us?” Payal was frightened.  She knew if this Aman knew their address, then that awful man ASR would also know it.

“Ma’am, I have a delivery to your sister from my Boss.  Will you please call her-” Aman was interrupted by an angry Payal.

“No! I will not call her.  She will not talk to you.  And she wants no package from your Boss.  What do you people think of yourselves! Get out of here!” Payal tried closing the door after saying this.

Aman had however kept his foot, and prevented her closing it.  “Please believe me, I find no pleasure in disturbing you.  My Boss simply wants this delivered to Miss Khushi. And if I go back without doing it, he will sack me.  And then he will come to meet your sister himself.  Do you want that?”

“What’s happening, Jiji?”  Khushi asked from behind Payal.  She had heard the commotion from the kitchen and came to enquire.

On seeing her, Aman thrust out the package to her and said “Sir sent this for you.  If you will not take it, he will come here himself.”

Khushi was afraid of Arnav coming here, so she accepted the package.  She wanted Aman gone before her parents and Buaji came back from the pension office.  Aman immediately called Arnav, spoke to him to inform of delivery, and then swiftly passed on the phone to Khushi.

Khushi reluctantly took the phone with shaking fingers and pressed it to her ear, saying “Hello..?”

“Hello, Miss Gupta.  You ran away.  I found you.  You see, you cannot get away from me.  I will always run after you and I will catch u.  Until I have my revenge from you for ruining my grand show, I am not going to leave you alone.  You get that?” Arnav said, without pause.

Khushi was shocked.  His voice had such an effect on her! All her hairs were raised, and her heart was hammering away.  The phone was nearly slipping from her grasp; her palms had become moist out of nervousness.  She was unable to answer.

“Khushi, I know you are listening.  If you wish not to talk to me, check the package.  It contains a gift for you.  Watch it.  I hope u get the message.  For your information, I have many such copies of what the disc contains.  So, watch it. I will call you in 10 minutes” With that Arnav hung up and Khushi handed the phone back to Aman, who left right away.

“Khushi, what did he say?” asked a worried Payal.

“Jiji, he said it’s a gift..”

“What? Here, give it to me.” Payal took the envelope and took out a DVD.

Both the sisters looked at the DVD, and then looked at each other without comprehending Arnav’s purpose of sending a DVD.  “Let us check it before Buaji comes” said Payal.  She immediately went and asked their neighbour Mr Happi for his DVD player.

They both sat down and inserted the DVD.  The scene which played brought shock to Payal’s face and mortification and fear on Khushi’s.  It was the video of what had happened between Arnav and Khushi in the bedroom of Sheesh Mahal.  A couple of minutes into the DVD, and Payal took it out.  “That’s enough.  You do not need to live through that again, Khushi.  Do not worry, we will destroy it.  No one will see this ever again.” Payal tried to reassure Khushi.

But Khushi looked at her sadly and shook her head “No, Jiji.  It will make no difference even if we destroy this DVD. He told me he has many copies of it.”  Khushi had nearly given up.  Her face showed no emotion.  She was not even aware of what she should feel.  She was weary of her situation; she had grown tired of life in just two days.  She did not know what she should do.  She was so lost at trying to find a solution. She cursed herself, for her family was suffering because of her.  At that moment she hated herself more than she hated Arnav.  

Both Payal and Khushi were in a state of shock, and they sat there trying to think how to avert the disaster they both felt was coming.

Their musings were interrupted but the ringing of Khushi’s mobile phone.  She quickly answered it, noting it was an unknown number.  “Hello?”

“It’s me again. I told you I would call, didn’t I?  So, did you watch the video? How did you like my gift?  Imagine how it would look to your parents when this comes in the news.  How would...”  Arnav’s voice was smug.  He was certain that his victory was forthcoming.  He was, however, interrupted by Khushi.

“What? News? What do you mean? How dare you?” Khushi fired away at Arnav.  Talking to him, being angry with him had brought back all her fire.

“Lower your tone, Miss Gupta.” cautioned Arnav. “I am merely warning you that this is coming in the news today.  You can however attempt to change my mind if you come to me willingly.  You have till 4 o’clock today.  So, I shall wait for you.  Otherwise, you wait for the news.  I will call you again.  Do not think to change your number, I know your whole family’s mobile phone numbers.  And if you change the number, it will be so easy for me to get the new numbers. Save yourself all the trouble and just come to me.”

“Never” was the only word Khushi could say.

“We’ll see, Khushi.  Never is a long time, as you will realize.  You might change your mind on seeing us being intimate on the national news this evening.  Be aware that this is just one step.  I will not accept defeat.  I will not stop hunting you.  I will not let you go. You will come to me. I can do worse that leaking this video.  You will find out if you do not give in to me.  You better give up fighting, and give in to me.  Make no mistake, I will keep at this till I have you beneath me in my bed and we complete what we started in Sheesh Mahal.  I will have you, Khushi Kumari Gupta.  You can be sure of that.  I promise I will have you.”

HWGA Chapter 32: Little Optimism

Thank you to all the people who liked and commented on the last chapter. As always, the purple bits are Hindi. Enjoy :)

Chapter 32: Little Optimism

As soon as Matt had informed Karan that Amba’s flight had landed, Khushi had began to bombard Amba’s phone with calls. All of which, went straight to voicemail. Karan was still on the line with Matt and Matt was searching for Amba at the airport. After an hour, he gave up and concluded that she must’ve slipped past him somehow as all the other passengers in her flight had already come and gone.

“I’m going to order a police escort to go your house. Hopefully, he’ll catch Amba. I’m sorry I didn’t catch her here.” He told Karan.

“It’s ok Matt, I should’ve told them the truth. It’s my fault if something happens to her not yours.” Karan said gravely.

“Don’t be so melodramatic. Let me call the escort and then I’ll get on the phone with Shyam’s parole officer. If Shyam’s with him, then I’ll ask him to keep him occupied until Amba is safe.”

20 minutes later, Matt called back.

“I’ve sent someone to your house. They should be arriving in 30 minutes.”

“What if it’s too late for that?” Karan asked desperately.

“Karan, have a little optimism please. And you’ll be glad to know that Shyam’s parole officer says that Shyam is with him at the moment and will be for another hour or so, so don’t worry about Shyam.”

Karan relaxed a little when he heard the news. “I’ll tell Khushi. Thank you Matt, let me know when your guys have got her.”

“Will do.”

Karan turned to Khushi to tell her the news and found her yelling into the phone.

“Amba? Are you ok? Are you hurt? Did any strange men come up to you?” she asked in lightening speed.

“Mum mum mum, calm down. I’m fine. What’s this about strange men? I’m old enough to take care of myself.”

“No you’re not! Especially with Shyam roaming around freely.”

Amba froze. “He’s out?”

“Yes. So don’t go home.” She pleaded.

“It’s a little late for that, I’m standing outside our front door.”

“Stay outside, Matt’s sent a police escort to bring you to a safe house.”

Amba heard a car and turned to see it pulling up outside their house. A man got out.

“I think I see him. Hold on mum.”

The man came up to her and flashed her a police badge. “Are you Amba Singh Gupta?”

“Yes.”

“Can I see some id to confirm this?”

Amba dug around her bag until she found her passport. She gave it to him, he checked it and handed it back to her.

“I just had to make sure. I’m PC John Harper, I’ve been assigned to take you to a safe house. If you’d come with me.” He said as he led her to the car.

“Yeah hold on, let me just let my mother know.” Amba raised the phone to her ears. “Mum the policeman is here so I’m going to go. Tell dad I’m safe and Matt thanks.”

“Alright.” She turned towards Karan. “She’s safe. Let Matt know that the policeman picked her up.”

Karan smiled. “That’s a relief.” He called up Matt. “Matt, she’s safe. The man you sent picked her up.”

Matt frowned. “No he hasn’t.”

Karan frowned. “What? But Amba said that a policeman came and picked her up.”

“I sent PC Patrick Douglas to come and pick her up and he hasn’t reported back to me. Hold on, let me call and ask him.”

Matt put Karan on hold and Karan turned towards Khushi. “Call Amba.”

Matt came back on the line. “Yeah, Karan, Patrick says that he hasn’t even reached his destination yet. What’s going on?”

Karan turned to Khushi and Khushi said, “She’s not picking up her phone.”

“Matt, call Shyam’s parole and ask him where he is.”

“I told you-”

“Just call him please.” He begged.

Karan was again put on hold until Matt returned. “Long story short, Shyam’s missing. Don’t worry Karan, I’ll let the force know that Amba’s been kidnapped and that Shyam’s missing.”

“No!” yelled Khushi.

Karan looked at her in shock. “Khushi, our daughter-”

He never got to finish the sentence because Khushi shoved her phone in his face. There was a text that read: Don’t get the police involved or I’ll kill her. S.

“Matt, can you keep this investigation on the down low?” asked Karan.

“Why?”

“We just got a text that told us not to involve the police or they’d kill her.”

“We’re going to need to see that text.”

“We’ll be back as soon as we can.” He cut the call and turned towards Khushi.

“I already booked 3 tickets to London. The plane will leave in 6 hours. Get packing Karan, our daughter’s life is on the line.” Khushi said with authority.

Karan nodded and headed towards his room to start packing. Khushi went to find Logan and NK to tell them the news.

2 hours later, Khushi, Karan and Logan had headed off towards the airport. A while after that Arnav called NK.

“NK, how are you? How are the wedding preparations going?” he asked. He was in a good mood and decided to make small talk before he got down to business.

“Not good considering what has happened.” He replied wearily.

Arnav’s heartbeat sped up and mood went down. “What do you mean?”

“Shyam’s kidnapped Amba so the wedding’s been postponed until they find her. Karan, Logan and Khushiji have gone back to London to find her. It’s all a big mess. Plus he sent them a text that told them not to involve the police so everything’s happening in low key. I’m really worried Nanav.” He told Arnav before realising that Arnav probably called him for something important. “Now what did you call me for.”

“I don’t remember.” Mumbled Arnav before cutting the call hastily and going in search of his sister.

He found her sitting in the garden sipping tea and reading a magazine.

“Chote.” She said as her eyes light up.

“We need to talk. Come with me.” He said harshly.

Anjili’s smile dropped as she saw the look in his eyes. She knew something serious had happened or her brother had finally snapped. Either way, she was prepared for this, she knew she deserved it. She promised herself that she would take his lashings quietly and be thankful that he was still her brother.

“Lead the way.” She said quietly.

AAD Chapter 9: New Plans

Hey guys! I finally found someone to take over my story Angels and Devils. The writer will be Zondra from now on. This is the first chapter she's written, it starts off where my last chapter finished. So go back and brush up your memory if you've forgotten. Enjoy :)

Chapter 9: New Plans

What the hell! thought Arnav. He was fuming at the way Aman had talked to him. No one dared to question ASR and his actions.  No one dared go against his authority and Aman knew that damn well.  What’s wrong with him God damn it?! Arnav thought.

“How dare you Aman?!” he said with deadly calm. Aman immediately recognised Arnav’s tone.  He knew his Boss’s current mood was more dangerous than one of his murderous rages so, he tried to do some damage control.

“Sir...” pleaded a contrite Aman. But Arnav was beyond listening to any word.

“Shut up and listen to me well.” Arnav warned. “This is the first and last time you speak like this to me. And how dare you destroy those recordings? Do you think you can stop me? I have copies of that, you utter fool! Trust me there will not be a next time for such behaviour from you or you will find yourself out of a job for life. And you know well what I am capable of. Are we clear Aman?”

“Yes Sir. I am sorry Sir. I don’t know what...”

“Shut it, Aman. And get on with the work I pay you for. The Gupta family is leaving Lucknow. I want you to find out where they are moving to. And get all the details on their financial state. Do you understand?” Arnav was not in a forgiving mood but he had more pressing matters on his mind; notably getting Khushi.

Aman was well chastised now so he just replied with a meek “Yes Sir”.

“Good.” Arnav said and went on, “You either get the best team on this or you go and follow them yourself.  I don’t care, I just want the intel.  You get that Aman?” And without giving Aman time to reply, he said “And where the hell is Lavanya?  She should have been here an hour ago.”

“Sir, I’ll get you the intel.  And Lavanya said she was picking up some stuff.  She should reach here any minute now.” Aman tried to explain

“Ok” Arnav said and ended the call.  He was so pissed off, with Khushi, Payal, Lavanya and now Aman dared to question him.  He was frustrated and in a fury. Lavanya can’t get here soon enough, he thought.

This made him remember the other night when he tore off Lavanya’s lingerie and took her without any preliminary.  He had remembered protection just in time. All the time it was Khushi’s face in his mind’s eye.  Even after Lavanya had satisfied him, he still wanted Khushi.  And that had put him in a black mood, such that he got mad at Lavanya’s subsequent seduction attempt.  He had left her in the room and went out and got drunk.  When he came back, Lavanya had left for the flat where ASR had put her up.

No women were allowed to sleep over.  Arnav Singh Raizada sure had sex often and with lots of different women, but he never actually slept the night with any of them; nor were they allowed to stay over.  He always approached women in a cold and businesslike manner. Contracts were drawn and limits clearly set and explained. The women were happy with it since Arnav was a legendary lover and generous in all manners except emotionally.  Also, they never dared to crowd ASR or cross him in any way.  They knew their place in his life and were happy with it, until ASR decided that the affair had run its course. The women were then bid goodbye with gifts, but with no heartbreak and no drama. 

Next morning

Arnav woke with a splitting headache. He downed painkillers to get rid of the hangover and proceeded with his daily business. He found, however, that he was not able to concentrate on his meetings the whole day. His mind kept going to that girl, that temptress of a show wrecker! He would teach her, he thought. He would make her regret ever trying to sabotage him. He was more concerned with teaching her a lesson than trying to find out who paid her.  He knew no one could harm him in business. So he concentrated on teaching this girl never to mess with him. No one messed with ASR and got out unscathed.

He was certain he would get her. He was sure that Khushi could be bought. He knew she could be persuaded to sign a contract with him. All she wanted was for him to further sweeten the pot. Arnav was sure she wanted more money than he offered in order to have sex with him. He was rather enjoying blackmailing her and he could foresee her willing capitulation in front of him. How he would enjoy an arrangement with her!  He thought with his trademark smirk.

Arnav always entered such arrangements with women with a cool mind; so his recent fascination with Miss Khushi Kumari Gupta had him in a fix. He had never lusted so strongly or desperately after a woman. The fact that she seemingly rejected him just made him want her more. No one said no to ASR, so what was this Lucknowi girl up to? Arnav thought.  Having Khushi had become a goal for him now. No other woman would satisfy him until he had Khushi in bed with him, tamed and responsive to his demands. He remembered Lavanya and her failed seduction attempts of the previous night.

Lavanya had come to him and tried to seduce him, as she usually did. Unlike all previous times, Arnav had found himself completely uninterested in her and immune to her charms.  Lavanya had been touching him but his mind had been conjuring up images of Khushi. He was seeing her, hearing her voice. He had even caught her scent, damn it.  He was so put off by Lavanya’s attempts, that he sent her packing.  He had to buy her a gift and terminate things with Lavanya, he thought.

Now only Khushi would do. He would not rest till he had her under him, moaning out his name in wild abandon. He wanted her tamed and shown her place. He wanted her meek and responsive to him. She would be a real firebrand in bed, he knew. Arnav smirked and pictured Khushi’s capitulation in his bed.

Arnav took out his phone and called Aman: “Get the jet ready.  I am going back home to Delhi. Did you get the info I asked for?”

“Okay Sir. We’ll be clear for take-off in half an hour. I am emailing you the info now.”  Aman replied, his previous rebellious attitude tamed.

“Good. See you in thirty. Get a gift for Lavanya and have it delivered.” Arnav ordered, satisfied that Aman was toeing the line once again.

“Ok Sir.”

Arnav hung up and got his stuff ready to leave for Delhi, while again thinking of Khushi.

In the train

Khushi was so worried seeing the way her family were behaving. Only Payal was speaking to her normally. Her Amma, Babuji and Buaji were so angry with her that they had completely ignored her all this time. Buaji and Amma were talking about her and cursing her at times.

“Hai re Nandkishore! This girl has brought us to shame with her affair with this businessman.  Our honour is completely destroyed. Everyone in Lucknow has lost respect for us. We are done for. Besharam girl.” Lamented Buaji, looking at Khushi with murderous eyes.

“Haan jiji. I regret so much having brought her into this family. All she has brought us is disgrace. I wish we could have left her behind.” replied her Amma tearfully.

Khushi’s heart broke hearing this. She was unable to stop the tears which filled her eyes and overflowed. 

“Please do not talk about all this here. We are outside, have some care.” Cautioned Babuji.

Payal comforted Khushi and wiped her tears, smiling faintly at her.  Khushi knew Payal believed her, even if the elders were ready to believe the worst about her.  Khushi was so disappointed. She had never expected her family to ever believe a stranger’s words against her own. They had broken her heart by trusting all those lies.

But Khushi was a strong girl. She mentally comforted herself and decided she would explain everything and clear all misunderstanding once they reached Buaji’s house in Delhi. So she concentrated on the scenery outside and chatted with Payal about the big city. Her worries were forgotten for a while. 

She was as yet unaware that Mr Arnav Singh Raizada was not going to give up. The family did not know that their worry would only double once they reach Delhi.



By Zondra Triana Alexakis

HWGA Chapter 31: Flight 431

Thank you guys for patiently waiting and thank you for all the support. I will try to update Scars of the Past tonight, if not then tomorrow morning. The purple bits are Hindi and the italics are thoughts. Enjoy :)

Chapter 31: Flight 431

Recap: Khushi losses her memory. Goes back to India. Goes out with Arnav. Arnav kisses her and she gains her memory. Tells the entire Riazada parivaar about her past. Runs off into the sunset with Logan, leaving behind a suicidal Arnav. Arnav tries to commit suicide, NK convinces him not to. Khushi announces her plans to get married to Logan.

Gupta Haveli

“So when are you getting married?” asked Shashi when they had finished welcoming him.

“Next month.” Said Khushi.

“Next month?” asked a shocked Logan.

“Yeah.” Shrugged Khushi. “When you know it’s right, why wait?”

“Khushi betiya-” started Garima.

“Maa, we’re all really tired so why don’t we talk about this in the morning.” Interrupted Khushi.

Garima seemed hesitant for a while before she gave in. “Ok, I’ll tell the servants to prepare the guest room for Loganji.”

“Oh it’s no problem maa, he can stay with me.” Said Khushi.

To prevent Khushi’s parents from having a heart attack, Logan stepped in. “No Khushi, I’ll stay in the guest room. Thank you Mrs Gupta.”

“Ok Loganji, follow me please.”

“Actually I want to speak to Khushi before I go to bed. I presume she knows her way around the house so it shouldn’t be a problem for her to direct me to my room.”

“Alright.”

Karan, Amba, Buaji and Shashi all went to their rooms whilst Garima went off to inform the servants about Logan’s stay. Logan and Khushi were left alone in the courtyard. When he was sure that they were alone, Logan turned to Khushi.

“Khushi, you know I love you right?” he asked her in all seriousness.

Khushi looked him right in the eyes. “Of course I do and I love you too.”

“Good, then answer my question truthfully; are you marrying me because you love me or are you marrying me to get back at Arnav?”

Khushi looked mortified. “What kind of a question is that?!”

“A necessary one. I need to know Khushi, I don’t want to start our marriage knowing that you’re only with me to hurt him. I need to know that your love for me will eventually make you forget about him.”

“I can never forget about him. How can you ask me that after everything you know?”

“I know. And I also know that it’s been more than 20 years and you still harbour hate for him. This is incredibly unhealthy and completely unlike you.”

“Logan.” Khushi said desperately.

“Khushi, I can’t ask you to forget him or anything about him. All I can do is hope that you’ll eventually let go off the past. And you still haven’t answered me question. Khushi look into my eyes and tell me the only reason you’re marrying me is because you love me.”

Khushi paused for a moment before looking Logan in the eyes. She cupped his cheeks with both hands and brought their faces closer. “I’m marrying you because I love you.” And she sealed her words with a kiss.

AR offices, Delhi

3 weeks later

Amba Gupta strode into Arnav Singh Raizada’s office and handed him a piece of paper. He took it without looking, signed it and gave it back to her.

“That’s all the official paper work done. I’ll see you in Paris in 2 and a half weeks.” She said.

“I’m looking forward to it. The media’s created a frenzy over it, they’re calling it the hottest event of the decade.”

“Let’s not disappoint them then.”

She turned to leave when a cough made her stop and stay.

“Amba, I was wondering if I could speak to you for a few minutes.” He asked.

“Is it about the designs? Or the paperwork? The contract?”

“No this isn’t work related. I was just…umm…I…um…um I-”

Amba sighed. “Is this about my mother?”

“Yes.” He admitted in embarrassment.

Amba crossed her arms and scowled. “This is highly unprofessional of you Mr Raizada.”

“I know, so I won’t keep you long.” There was a pause and then he finally spoke. “How is she?”

“She’s as happy as a bride-to-be can be.”

Arnav smiled. “I’m glad she’s happy. She deserves someone who will treat her like a Goddess.”

“Yes she does.”

“I hear the ceremony’s in a week in Australia.”

“It is. In fact uncle NK arranged it. So that’s why I’m going to need 2 weeks off, after my mother’s wedding, a week later a friend of mine is getting married.”

“Wow, well give my congratulations to your mother. Are you heading off to Australia now?”

“No, I’m going to England for my friend’s engagement party and after that I’m heading to Melbourne so I’ll see you in 2 and a half weeks.”

“Alright, goodbye Miss Gupta.”

“Goodbye Mr Raizada.”

As soon as Amba walked out of the door, Arnav breathed out a shaky sigh. He had been trying for 3 weeks to forget about Khushi and move on but it was getting increasingly harder.

At least I know she’s happy. God knows that Logan will treat her much better than I ever did.

He tried to focus on his work but Khushi’s face kept popping up everywhere. Everywhere he looked he saw her smile, her laugh, her eyes, everything about her. It was like a slap in the face combined with a punch in the gut and a kick in the groin. Eventually he asked his assistant to cancel all his meetings for the day. He locked his office door, closed the shutters and began to sob violently.

British Airways flight 431

Amba had just boarded the plane. She was getting comfortable in her seat when her phone rang.

“Hello?”

“Amba, it’s mum. Are you on the flight?”

“Yes and I have to turn my phone off soon so make it quick.”

“Ok, I just want you to have a safe flight.”

“Alright mum.”

“I love you.”

“I love you too.” With that Amba turned off her phone.

Melbourne, Australia

“Was that Amba?” asked Karan as he entered the room.

“Yes, I was just wishing her a safe flight.” Said Khushi.

“I thought she was coming here much later?”

“She is. She’s going to her friend’s engagement party first.”

“Where is it?”

“It’s in London.”

“What?!” shouted Karan.

“What do you mean what?” asked a confused Khushi.

“She can’t go to London.” Karan said in panic.

“Why not? What’s gotten into you?” asked Khushi with a frown

“Call her back now and tell her to stay away from our house. Call her Khushi!” demanded Karan.

“Karan, you’re scaring me. What’s going on?”

“Khushi I promise to tell you as soon as you call her.”

“I can’t call her, she’s on the flight and she’s probably switched her phone off by now. Karan what’s going on?”

“It’s Shyam. He’s been released from prison and there was a break in at our house. I didn’t tell you because I didn’t want you to worry because Matt and I were handling it. I’ll call Matt and tell him to pick up Amba before she can get a taxi. You call Amba as soon as she lands. Hopefully, Shyam won’t get his hands on our daughter again.”

HWGA Chapter 30: Move On

Thank you to all the people who liked and commented on the last chapter. As always, the purple bits are Hindi. My computers been a bit weird lately, I did make slight changes but I don't know if it saved so I apologise for the small mistakes. Enjoy :)

Chapter 30: Move On

Arnav was dazed. He really didn’t know what was happening. Before he could recover from that punch, he was hauled to his feet.

“Why Nanav, why?” asked NK as he shook him.

Arnav brushed off NK and tried to make a run for the ledge but NK caught him. “Let me go NK!”

“Not until you tell me why you’re doing this.” NK said as he held him tightly.

“I thought the reason was obvious but because you are so stupid, you probably don’t know.”

“Insulting me won’t work.”

“I want to die NK.” Arnav said as he stopped struggling.

“Why?!”

“Because I have nothing to live for.” Arnav broke down crying clinging on to NK and NK just held him.

Gupta Haveli

The ride to the Haveli was a silent one. Amba, Karan and Logan kept on exchanging glances at each other because they could see that Khushi was still fuming from that confrontation at the Sheesh Mahal. Logan held Khushi’s hand and squeezed it to show his support but she was too deep in thought to respond. Amba and Karan gave him a sympathetic look and he gave an understanding look back.

Soon they had arrived at the Haveli. Karan got out to call the servants to come and pick up the luggage and Amba got out to give Logan and Khushi some privacy.

“Khushi?” Logan said softly but she was still deep in her thoughts. He poked her slightly to make her come out of them. “Khushi, we’ve arrived.”

“Oh ok.”

Khushi turned to open the door but Logan stopped her.

“Are you ok?”

Khushi smiled. “I’m fine. I was just thinking about some things.”

“Care to share?”

“I was just thinking if Arnav would still do business with our company now that all this has happened.” She lied smoothly.

Logan sighed. “That’s not what you were thinking about at all and I know it. Just know that if you ever need to talk, I’m here for you.”

Khushi smiled a genuine smile and squeezed his hand. “Thank you.”

“Besides, we might not need him, our stocks have risen dramatically because of our new fairytale line. And if we stop working with him, the scandal will provide a lot of exposure further increasing our stocks. So stop worrying about work and relax.”

“You’re right.”

They exited the car and made their way into the house. When they got to the front door, they were greeted by Shashi, Garima and Buaji.

“I thought you were going to come back tomorrow morning.” Said Garima.

“We were but I got my memory back.”

Shashi, Garima and Buaji all pulled Khushi into a big hug.

“It’s good to have you back betiya.” Said Shashi.

“It’s good to be back Babuji.”

“So you just left and they let you go?” asked Garima.

“Not exactly. I told the whole Raizada family the truth.”

There was a collective gasp but Buaji spoke up. “Good. Now they can stop living in there stupid happy fake world and join the rest of us in reality. I hope they understand the magnitude of their actions. Oh I would give anything to see their faces Nandkishor.”

“Jiji!” scolded Garima. “You can’t say things like that.”

“Why not? They have said worse things to us Garima.”

Before things could escalate, Khushi stepped in. “Guys it’s nearly 3 am, can we please continue this in the morning?”

They all reluctantly nodded in agreement but then they noticed Logan.

“Who’s that Titaliya?” asked Buaji.

Khushi pulled him closer to her. “This is Logan and we are engaged.”

At first no one said anything but then they remembered all the things that he had done for Khushi and gave him a warm welcome into the family.

“So when are you getting married?” asked Shashi when they had finished welcoming him.

“Next month.” Said Khushi.

Sheesh Mahal, Roof

Arnav had finally calmed down. “How did you know?” he asked.

“Know what?”

“That I was going to commit suicide.”

“Khushiji once told me that you don’t think clearly when you’re angry or upset. I thought I’d follow you to make sure you wouldn’t do something stupid and I’m glad I did.”

“I don’t know whether to be happy or sad.”

“Trust me, you are happy. Imagine how Neha would feel if she found out her favourite uncle committed suicide on here wedding day? Imagine how guilty Di would feel, I’m sure she’d commit suicide too. And Aarav? He’d be become an orphan and he’d be devastated. Stop being selfish and start thing of others. Nanav, I get it that Khushiji was your life but you really should’ve gone after her a long time ago, it’s time to move on with your life.”

“I can’t NK.”

“Yes you can and I will help you. That’s what family does.”

HWGA Chapter 29: A Blow to the Face

Thank you to everyone who commented and liked the last chapter. I'm kind of ill and I wasn't going to update today but I tried my best so I apologise if I don't make sense or if it's short. Purple bits are Hindi. Enjoy :)

Chapter 29: A Blow to the Face

For the longest time after Khushi left, no one spoke. There was not a sound made, except for the servants cleaning up somewhere in the house and the crunch of Priti’s popcorn. Everyone was staring at Arnav who was staring into space. He hadn’t moved from that position since Khushi had finished her story. The look of defeat and heartbreak was etched all over his face, he looked like a dead man. Even though they all wanted to comfort Arnav, they knew that no matter what they said, it wouldn’t make anything better.

The silence was deafening and Aarav had had enough of it. He got up from his chair and slowly approached his father.

“Dad?” he asked tentatively. When Arnav didn’t move from his position, Aarav moved closer and put a hand on his shoulder. “Dad?”

Arnav raised his head. The look in his eyes just said it all. There was no life in them, just emptiness and drops of melancholy. He looked at Aarav like he was seeing him for the first time.

“Everyone go to bed.” He said.

“Dad-”

“Now!” he thundered.

The kids quickly scampered off to their rooms leaving the adults to deal with Arnav. Aarav squeezed his father’s shoulder in support before leaving too. Anjili approached him.

“Chote-”

“What Di?” he snapped. “What do you want now?”

Anjili was taken aback but she understood why he was lashing out at her. “Chote, I am genuinely sorry. I had no idea Shyam was capable of that.”

Arnav let out a laugh. “You had no idea? You had no idea! Even after everything we told you about him, you still had no idea what he was capable of?! Even after everything he did to you and Neha, you had no idea?” he began to clap slowly. “Well done Di. Well done. You are the densest person on Earth.”

“Chote-”

“What more can you say Di? You’ve already said you were sorry. Well sometimes sorry isn’t enough. Sorry isn’t going to bring Khushi back. Sorry isn’t going to give me back all the years I spent without her. Sorry isn’t going to undo what Shyam did to her daughter. Sorry isn’t going to get Khushi to love me again.”

“If she really loved you then why did she have a child with another man?” Anjili reasoned.

“She was raped!” screamed Arnav. “Amba is a child of rape!” Anjili stopped dead in her tracks. She didn’t know what to say. “What? You have nothing to say? Have I finally shut you up so you can’t cause any more damage?”

Viren came to his wife’s side. “Arnav, I know you’re angry and you have the right to be but you need to calm down before you do or say something you’ll regret.”

Arnav stared hard at his brother in law. “How can you defend her after everything she’s done? Wait, don’t tell me, it’s because you love her, right? You know I’ve always liked you Jijaji. I’ve always admired the way you took care of my sister. But like your daughters, you’ve spoilt her. It’s not your fault, I spoilt her before you did and so did our family and Shyam.”

Viren was about to speak again when Anjili stopped him. “It’s ok Virenji, Chote has the right to shout at me. I’m really sorry Chote, I didn’t know Khushiji was raped. I know it’s all my fault and that nothing I can do will change that.”

Arnav stared at his sister before smiling sadly. “Do you know what the sad thing is Di? I forgive you and I still love you. Because no matter what you do, did or will do, I will always forgive you and love you and I hate myself for that.”

“Chote-”

Arnav held up his hand to stop her. “No Di. Just please be quiet. I’ve forgiven you haven’t I? Just go to bed ok? It’s all in the past, forgive and forget, let by gones be by gones and etcetera etcetera. I’m going to bed.”

Diane, NK, Viren and Anjili all watched in concern as Arnav walked away. They watched as he climbed the stairs and disappeared from view. Arnav walked and walked, not really looking at where he was going. He didn’t stop when he passed the floor to his room or the next floor or the floor after that. He just climbed the stairs until he reached the roof. When he finally became aware of his surroundings, he pulled his phone out of pocket.

“Arman?”

“Yes sir?” replied a groggy voice.

“Contact my lawyer and ask who all my possessions go to when I die.”

“They go to your son.”

“Contact them now and get back to me.” Then Arnav cut the call.

Arman didn’t want to argue, he knew the faster he got his work done, the quicker he’d get some sleep. After contacting the lawyers, Arman phoned his boss.

“As I said before, everything goes to your son sir.”

“Thank you Arman.”

He cut the call and got up on the ledge of the roof. He really didn’t have anything to live for anymore. His sister was happily married and so were his cousins. He’s son was an adult now and an excellent businessman so he knew his business was in safe hands. He’s family was wealthy and well taken care off, they didn’t need him anymore and he didn’t want to live in a world where Khushi didn’t love him. This was for the best.

Just as he was about to throw himself off the ledge, a strong pair of arms wound around his waist and pulled him on to the roof. Before he could comprehend what was going on, he received a blow to the face.