HWGA Chapter 26: Make Popcorn

Hey Guys, thanks to everyone who liked and commented on the last chapter. Now before you read this part, I recommend you read: I will love you till the end of time and things that keep me away from you, in that order. Trust me, just go back and refresh your memory if you didn't do it already last time I asked you. As always, the purple bits are meant to be Hindi. The bold bits are the past. Oh and you might want to do what the title says and make some popcorn. Enjoy :)

Chapter 26: Make Popcorn

Khushi looked over at the person who had grabbed Arnav’s hand and stared at him for a moment in disbelief before she flung herself at him.

“Oh my God! I have missed you so much.” She said. She then proceeded to kiss him.

Arnav stared with a broken heart as the love of his life passionately kissed another man. It only got worse as the other man was the man who he was collaborating with on the biggest project AR had ever done, Logan Lawson Sr.

Payal looked over at Akash and they both silently agreed that Krish and Nandani should go to bed now. Things were about to get messy and they were too young to understand it. They grabbed the twins and headed for their bedroom.

Mamiji and Mamaji had gone to bed early because of their old age. And thank God, otherwise there would be a constant stream of inappropriate comments added to the confusion.

Anjili, Viren, NK and Diane were all hanging around feeling awkward and not knowing what to do. Anjili knew she had to stay to support her brother and her husband stayed to support her. Whereas NK stayed to support Khushi and Diane stayed to support her husband.

As for the kids; Priti had ordered one of the servants to make popcorn. Max, Jake, Sanjay and Sachin had gone off to get some chairs so they could watch the ‘show’ in comfort. Tara and Aarav were the only people who were uncomfortable with this situation. They tried to leave but the rest of the kids made them stay to watch as the drama enfolded.

Khushi and Logan had finally broken the kiss.

“How are you here?” she asked trying to catch her breath.

“Karan told me. I would’ve come sooner but I needed to make sure that LJ could handle the business before I left. Also I couldn’t find any flights later than this.” He replied.

Arnav turned to stare at Amba accusingly. “You never told me that she was engaged!”

Amba shrugged. “Ok, A: I thought the constant warnings would be enough. B: it’s none of your business. And C: you never asked.” She then looked over at where the kids had sat down and chose to sit down with them. She saw no reason in being extra uncomfortable in this uncomfortable situation. Plus she knew that this was going to take a long time.

Even though Karan hated Arnav, he felt sorry for him. “Arnav, that’s why I’ve been giving you countless amounts of warnings, I didn’t want you or her to get hurt.”

“Karan, you don’t need to give him an explanation. Lets just grab our things and go.” Said Khushi.

“Khushi the man loves you-”

“No he doesn’t!” she yelled. “He only ever wanted to own me. He never really loved me and he said so himself.”

“I never said that.” Protested Arnav.

“Oh really? I have a dvd that says you did.”

“What?”

“One day I was sitting at home minding my own business, when a letter comes addressed to me. I open it and find a dvd.”

Khushi held the dvd in her hand. She couldn’t understand why anyone would send her a dvd. She looked inside the envelope and she finds a note. The note said, ‘Watch the dvd if you really want to know how Arnav feels about you.” She’s sceptical but she puts it in the dvd player tentatively.

The video starts, showing the Raizada house and its occupants. Naturally, Khushi is confused. She watched as the events unfolded.

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

(That sounded like her Arnav. Always telling people to get out.)

Garima froze. “Beta-”

(For some reason, he was addressing her mother.)

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

(And her sister.)

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?”

(Khushi gasped. She couldn’t believe that Arnav had called her family filthy. Or the fact that he had called her and her mother gold diggers and home wreckers.)

“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!”

(Khushi was beyond hurt at this point. She clutched her chest and tears began to fall down her face.)

“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?”

It was true. It was all true. She didn’t want to hear anymore. She turned off the dvd player, curled up into a ball and sobbed her heart out. From that day on, she promised herself that she would never go back to India and definitely never go back to Arnav Singh Raizada.

Arnav was speechless. “Khushi-”

But Khushi held her hand up to stop him from speaking. “What? Are you going to tell me that it wasn’t you? That it was someone else? Are you going to tell me that you didn’t mean it and that you said it because you were angry?” Arnav stared at the floor in shame. “I know you too well Arnav. Unlike you, Logan is very reliable, he never says anything that he doesn’t mean and that’s one of the many reasons why I love him.”

Arnav looked stung when Khushi mentioned that she loved Logan. “Khushi please.” He begged.

Khushi looked hurt. “I loved you so much Arnav. So much that I didn’t want to leave you and when I did leave I wanted to come back straight away.”

“Why didn’t you come back?”

“I got pregnant, I’m sure Amba told you how. I didn’t want to travel in my condition and I didn’t know how you’d react. Plus I received that dvd, I even called Jiji to confirm that you did actually say all of that and it wasn’t edited. I loved you but you didn’t love me. So I moved on. I raised my daughter and I went on dates. I don’t know if Amba told you but whenever someone proposed to me, I’d always say no because even though I wanted to believe I was over you but I wasn’t. Slowly, Logan made me forget about you. Now I don’t feel anything for you. Not love or hate. I had forgiven you for all that you ever did to me.”

“Who sent that dvd?”

“I don’t know and I don’t care. Come on Amba, we’re going.” She bent down to pick up her bags.

Arnav was desperately grasping at straws. He did not want to let go of Khushi. “But you said that you didn’t want to leave. Why did you leave?”

Khushi put her bags down and turned to look at the person who made her leave. “Because Anjili wanted me to.”

Alright guys, my college is going to start again this week so it means that I'm going to be updating this story a lot less, once a week or once every two weeks. AHEA will be updated every day because it's a short story. I really need to concentrate this year because I didn't get the grades I wanted. I'm sorry but this is how it is. I will try and get another chapter of HWGA before my college starts but no promises. 

AHEA Chapter 4: End Of Discussion

Thank you to everyone who commented and liked the last chapter. Enjoy :)

Chapter 4: End of Discussion

“Di if you felt this way why did you allow Arnavji and I to get married?” asked Khushi.

“Because I don’t trust Chote.”

“What?!” yelled Arnav.

“I was afraid that not giving consent to this marriage would make you do something stupid. I could see you becoming more sexually frustrated by the day and I didn’t want to comprise Khushiji’s honour.” The couple blushed. “I know that Khushiji would never allow you to do something like that outside marriage but I know Chote is a smooth talker and can make almost anyone do almost anything.”

“I would never Di.” Said Arnav.

“Really? You might’ve grabbed Khushiji and eloped and I just couldn’t risk that. Besides, one of us deserves to be happy and I know Khushiji makes you happy. Just because I was still getting over it doesn’t mean that you should have to stop everything for me. This is why I need to move out for a while, I promise I’ll be back soon.”

“I have an idea, Khushi and I will move out.” Suggested Arnav.

“No. I really just need to be by my self for a while to figure out everything. I promise to keep in touch and I’ll be back as soon as I get better.”

Arnav sighed and gave in. “If this is what you want.”

“It really is. I promise to be back tonight to discuss what ever Nani wants to discuss. I really have to run now because I’m super late for my appointment.”

Anjili ran up stairs, grabbed her bag and ran out the door. The family was still slightly shocked at the events that had unfolded at breakfast today. They all dispersed and went to do whatever they normally did but nothing would be normal again.

AHEA Chapter 3: Craving Normality

Thank you to all the people that liked and commented on the last chapter. I'm back from my short holiday and I will be updating everyday now. Enjoy :)

Chapter 3: Craving Normality

“Di-”

“Chote please. I don’t want to talk about this anymore especially since I have an appointment soon.” She got up to leave.

“Stop!” commanded Naniji. “You are not going to run away from this.”

Anjili stopped and turned around. “I’m not running away from this Nani, I have a doctor’s appointment.”

“Cancel it. The whole family is going to sit in the living room and sort this out right now.”

Anjili laughed. “You think we can just sort this out in one day?”

“Of course. We’re a close family and we should be able to get through this in one day and go back to how things were.”

Anjili looked at her grandmother in pity. She was obviously having a hard time with all of this. She didn’t seem to understand that things could never go back to how they were and you can’t just sort out something like this in one day.

“Nani, this appointment is with my therapist, I can’t cancel. How about we talk about this tonight?”

“Where are you going to be for lunch?” asked Arnav.

“I’m going apartment hunting.”

“What?!” was the collective response of the family.

“I need to be by my self for a while.”

“I don’t understand you Di. First you say we’re not there for you and now you’re pushing us away?”

“I never said that, in fact I said the opposite of that. And I’m not pushing you away, it’s just that it’s hard for me to stay in this house.”

“Why?”

Anjili looked slightly guilty. “Don’t take this the wrong way, but it’s because of Khushiji.”

“What?” asked Khushi in surprise.

“This is all your fault Patti Saree!” burst out Mamiji.

“No mami. Look Khushiji, every time I see you I’m reminded of my husband and the lengths he went to obtain you. It just hurts seeing your face. I know it’s not your fault but I need to be on my own for a while to get over it.”

HWGA Chapter 25: Uncomfortable Yet Familiar

Hey Guys, thanks to everyone who liked and commented on the last chapter. Now before you read this part, I recommend you read: I will love you till the end of time and things that keep me away from you, in that order. Trust me, just go back and refresh your memory. As always, the purple bits are meant to be Hindi. Enjoy :)

Chapter 25: Uncomfortable Yet Familiar

The day of the wedding had finally arrived and everyone had woken up at 5 am. The actual rituals weren’t until 5pm but there was too much to do, everyone had a role. Arnav and Amba had agreed not to do any work today and just help out with everything.

Everyone and everything was ready and primed to go at 2:30 and that was great because the guests starting arriving at 3. With everyone fussing around and greeting the guests, Arnav thought it was the perfect opportunity to steal Khushi away for a while.

“Khushi.” He said as he approached her. He was happy to see her wearing the red and silver saree that he had given her.

She stopped talking to the guests and looked his way. “Yes Arnavji?”

“I need your help.”

She turned back to the guests. “Excuse me.” She then turned to him. “What do you need help with?”

“Some of the lights are falling off and I don’t really know how to hang them to make them look nice.”

“The lights are falling off! Hai Devi Maya.”

She followed him all the way to his room and out to the poolside. Just like the rest of the house, there were fairy lights strung above them, there were candles all around them and flower petals and diyas in the water. She was reminded of Diwali because there were lights everywhere. She looked around for a while and found nothing to be out of place.

“Arnavji, there’s nothing wrong here.”

She turned around to find him staring at her intensely. She swallowed down the uncomfortable yet familiar feeling. Her heart began racing a 100mph and her palms became sweaty.

“I know Khushi.” He said in a husky voice.

“Then why did you call me up here?"She said irritably.

He moved one step closer to her. Khushi started to feel a bit like a prey that was looking at its predator. She stood her ground and didn’t move. He was surprised so he took another step and another until he was just a step away from her. Khushi was beginning to feel uncomfortable with the closeness of their proximity so she took a step back. Arnav smiled. Finally it was just like old times. They kept doing their little game until Khushi’s back was pressed against the wall and Arnav’s front was pressed up against hers.

“What are you doing Arnavji?” she whispered.

“Something I wished I had done a long time ago. And this time my phone’s off.”

She was confused for a second until he cupped her face and gently brought his lips to hers. They both sighed into it. It was slow and sweet as if they were testing how well their lips fit together. Arnav’s hands went around Khushi’s waist and Khushi’s hands went into Arnav’s hair. They forgot everything in that moment and just basked in each other. Everything was perfect.

And then Khushi remembered.

Arnav was the first person to break the kiss. He looked lovingly at Khushi and she looked back with a blank expression.

“I’m sorry but we have to stop. There’s too many people running around the place now and Neha’s wedding should be starting soon. As soon as we’re alone again, I’ll become a romantic gentleman.”

Khushi was blanked face though all of this. He grabbed her hand and led her out of his room. As soon as they were out of his room, Arnav met a colleague of his and began to talk to him. Khushi let go of his hand and made her way to her room. Once she was in, she locked her door, grabbed a vase and threw it against the wall.

“How dare he?!” she screamed. “How dare he kiss me and act like nothing happened in the past!” 

Khushi grabbed her cloths and jewellery and began to pack her bags. She didn’t want to be near the Raizada’s one bit. She had just finished packing her bags when someone knocked on her door.

“Who is it?” she called.

“Mum it’s me.” Came the reply.

Khushi opened the door to find Amba standing there. She was wearing a lilac off the shoulder choli with an ombre pink and purple lehenga.

Khushi smiled. “Aww you look so beautiful.” She said as she pulled her daughter’s cheek.

Amba blushed. “Thanks mum. Look the rituals are going to start in 10 minutes and I came to get you, so let’s go.”

Khushi’s smile dropped. “I’m not going to attend and neither are you.”

Amba was confused. “Why?”

“Because I got my memory back.”

Amba’s jaw dropped. She couldn’t believe she didn’t notice that her mother was speaking in perfect English until now. “You remember? Do you remember everything?”

“Yes. Every little detail and we are not going to stay here a moment longer. As soon as you and Karan pack your bags, we are going over to my house and grabbing our things and going back to London.”

“Mum-”

“Khushi, Amba, come on.” Karan interrupted. “They’ve already started the rituals.” He had come looking for the mother and daughter duo when he found them outside Khushi’s room.

“We’re not going to attend. I got my memory back. Both of you pack your bags and let’s go, I don’t want to be here longer than necessary.”

“Are you being serious?” asked Karan.

“I’m speaking English, aren’t I?”

Karan pulled Khushi into a hug. “Oh God, how I’ve missed you.”

Khushi pulled out of the hug. “I missed you too. Now let’s get going.”

“Hold on Khushi. I know you hate the Raizada’s but we can’t leave yet.”

Khushi was highly annoyed. “Why not?”

“Because there’s a wedding going on downstairs. If someone sees us leaving, there will be questions. And if someone tries to stop us from leaving, there will be a show down. Let’s not sink to their level. A girl is getting married today, let’s not ruin the happiest day of her life.”

Khushi considered it. “Ok. But I want you guys to pack still. We’ll stay for the wedding and reception but after the bidai we’re leaving. Amba do you have spare shirt and trousers, a saree is really impractical for carrying bags?”

“Yeah I do.” Amba replied.

“Great, give it to me and I’ll change later.”

The trio split up. Khushi went downstairs for the wedding. Amba went to get the spare cloths and pack. And Karan went to pack to. Karan and Amba came downstairs to see the 7 pheras.

Khushi spent the entire wedding reception avoiding people from the Raizada family. Akash and Payal were helping with that since Khushi had told them she got her memory back. However, no one noticed that anything was wrong because everything was so hectic.

Soon it was time for the bidai. While everyone was having an emotional goodbye downstairs, Khushi, Karan and Amba went upstairs to change into more comfortable clothes for travelling. They made sure that all of the guests had left before going downstairs with their things. Anjili was the first to notice them trying to sneak out.

“Where are you guys going? I know the wedding’s over but at least stay for the night and leave tomorrow after having breakfast.” She said trying to convince them to stay.

“No thank you Anjili, we want to go home.” Said Karan politely.

The family had come to see what the fuss was about and saw Khushi, Amba and Karan packed and ready to go.

“You can’t leave now Khushi.” Insisted Arnav.

“I can do whatever the fuck I want.” Snapped Khushi.

There was a collective gasp around the room as people’s eyes popped and mouths dropped open. It wasn’t just because of Khushi swearing but also because of her suddenly talking in English.

Karan tried to save the situation. “We’re all really tired and there’s no place like home so we-”

“Oh shut up Karan.” Said Khushi. “The only reason we’re leaving is because I got my memory back and I can’t stand to be within 100 feet of you people.”

She turned and started walking towards the door with Karan and Amba following behind her. Arnav ran to stop them. He grabbed Khushi’s shoulder.

“Khushi please-”

“Get your hands off me!” she spat.

“Not until you tell me why you’re walking out on me again. I mean, don’t you remember all that you felt when we were spending time together?”

A hand clasped around the hand that was holding Khushi’s shoulder.

“I believe my fiancé asked you to get your hands off her.”

If you guys want to see visuals for the romantic poolside bit or neha's wedding:

• Romantic Poolside
• Neha's Wedding

HWGA Visuals: Romantic Poolside

This is just some visuals for Chapter 25 when Arnav takes Khushi to his poolside.

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

Romantic Poolside

HWGA Visuals: Neha's Wedding

This is just the reception, mandap and what people are wearing in Chapter 25 in Neha's wedding.

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

Neha's Wedding

Neha's Wedding Lehenga

Yuvraj's Wedding Sherwani

Wedding Mandap

Wedding Reception Hall

Wedding Tables

Anjili's Saree

Viren's Sherwani

Priti's Lehenga

Payal's Saree

Akash's Sherwani

Sachin and Sanjay's Suits

Tara's Saree

Krishna's Sherwani

Nandini's Lehenga

NK's Sherwani

Diane's Saree

Jake's Suit

Max's Suit

Arnav's Suit

Aarav's Suit

Khushi's Saree

Karan's Suit

Amba's Lehenga

AHEA Chapter 2: Sibling Fights

As always, I want to thank all the people who liked and commented on the last part. I'm really sorry guys, I know I said I'd update everyday but I had a lot of family over the last 2 days so I wasn't able to touch the computer. Also I probably won't be able to update until Friday but I'll try my best to update. Enjoy :)

Chapter 2: Sibling Fights

“Why were you seeing a psychiatrist?” asked Akash.

Anjili looked down at the table before answering. “I’m not ready to share why with you yet.”

“Of course.” Said Arnav. “Why would you? I mean, you’ve become too independent that you don’t care about your family and their concerns for you.”

“Arnavji!” scolded Khushi.

“Is that what you think?” asked Anjili.

Arnav looked straight into her eyes. “That’s what I know.”

“You know nothing!” yelled Anjili. “You have no idea how hard these few months have been for me. I found out that I was pregnant by my husband, the one person I loved more than anything else in the world. I also found out that he only married me for my money and status. I found out that he is a criminal and that he is in love with the person my brother loved.”

“I do know how you felt!” retorted Arnav. “I was the one who found out first and I felt just as betrayed.”

“No you didn’t because you didn’t love him as much as I did. You didn’t spend ever moment thinking about him and cherishing him. And you certainly weren’t carrying his baby. Plus even if you did feel betrayed, you dealt with it. You coped because you’re ‘the mighty ASR’. I couldn’t cope because you people have kept me wrapped in cotton my whole life. You made me believe that I lived in a strange fairytale world where no evil existed and where everyone wore traditional Indian cloths 24/7. I mean it’s really uncomfortable to sleep in a saree.”

“We did that to protect you.”

“And in doing so, you screwed me over harder. I got knocked out of my fantasy world and into reality and I didn’t know how to cope. I thought there might be a logical explanation and that’s why I asked NK to take me to the police station. But all that did was make sure I was out of my own world and into reality for good.”

“Di-”

“No. I may be disabled but I don’t need constant care. I know you were only doing this because of what happened to mum and dad but you should’ve stopped years ago and let me be a woman and not a princess. I’m tired of spending the entire day in the house, praying and planning prayers. I understand why Shyam found Khushiji much more interesting than me. It’s time I go out into the real world.”

HWGA Chapter 24: A Storm Was Brewing

Thank you to everyone who commented and liked the last chapter. As always the purple bits are meant to be Hindi. I'm going to be honest, this is mostly just a filler chapter but I promise the next one will be filled with a lot of things that will keep you on the edge of your seats. I'll try and update the next one as soon as I can. Until then, enjoy :)

Chapter 24: A Storm Was Brewing

Anjili picked up her phone on the 3^rd ring.

“Hello?”

“Di, I need you to do something for me?” said Arnav.

“What is it Chote?”

“I need you to get 2, maybe 3, guestrooms ready.”

“I can do that but why?”

“Because I’m going to convince Amba and Khushi to stay in the Sheesh Mahal until the wedding is over.”

“And the third room?”

“For Karan. It’s unlikely that he’ll let Amba and Khushi stay in the Sheesh Mahal without supervision.”

“I thought Karan was in London.”

“He’s on his way back.”

“Should I ask why you’re doing this?”

“Because I’m in love.”

Anjili smiled. “That’s good enough for me. I’ll get everything ready.”

“Thank you. Is Payal around?”

“No she went to the Gupta Haveli to check on Khushiji.”

“Ok bye.”

Arnav cut the call and phoned Payal.

“Hello?”

“Payal, it’s me Arnav.”

“Ji Arnavji?”

Arnav thought he’d get straight to the point. “Why didn’t you tell me that Khushi was raped?”

There was a pause. “What are you talking about?” she asked in a strained voice.

Arnav frowned in annoyance. He hated when people played games with him. “Don’t play dumb. Her daughter told me all about it.”

“Daughter?” Squeaked Payal.

“Amba is Khushi’s daughter isn’t she?”

Payal contemplated lying but she knew that Arnav would see through it. “How do you know all of this?”

“Amba told me?”

Payal frowned. “Why would she do that?”

“Because I wanted to know why she called Khushi mum. Parts of Khushi’s memory have returned.”

“Like what?”

“She can only remember parts of being a mother and the fact that Amba is her daughter. So why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because it’s none of your business!” she snapped.

“It is my business damn it!”

“No it’s not! You’re not her husband anymore. You said you didn’t care about my sister and that’s why I didn’t tell you. And then you had the audacity to say you did only after you found out what a fraud Sheetal was. I care about my baby sister and I didn’t want her to get back together with a man who can’t make his mind up.”

“Payal-”

“No.”

She cut the call and went back to what she was doing. Arnav stared at the phone baffled. He couldn’t believe that she had hung up on him. No one hangs up on Arnav Singh Raizada, he hangs up on people. He knew that she would do anything in her power to stop Khushi and Amba from coming to live in the Sheesh Mahal until the wedding is over so he decided to try something. He made another call.

“Hello?”

“Amba, I need you to come and live in the Sheesh Mahal until the wedding is over.”

Amba raised an eyebrow. “And why would I do that?”

“We only have a week or so before we do the press conference and we have so much to do so I thought it would be best if you live in the Sheesh so we can get a lot more done.”

“Sounds reasonable but I’d like to bring my mother along.”

Arnav smiled a victory smile. “I’ll arrange something.”

“I’ll pack some things and we’ll be over soon.”

“Ok I’ll send a car around 7 o’clock. I’ll see you guys tonight.”

Later that night, Amba and Khushi arrived at the Sheesh Mahal with a couple of bag. The Raizada family came out to greet them as Arnav had informed everyone about the arrangement. Payal had given Arnav dirty looks and she continued giving them to him as Amba and Khushi entered the Sheesh.

“I’ll have one of the servants show you your rooms. Once you’ve freshened up, please join us for dinner.” Said Anjili.

“I need to talk to Mr Raizada about something, you go on ahead Khushi auntie.” Said Amba.

The servant led Khushi to her room while Arnav took Amba to his study.

“What did you need to talk to me about?” asked Arnav.

“I hope you are going to be very professional about all of this.” Said Amba seriously. “I am here to work and my mother is here to enjoy herself and occasionally help out. I trust you will not be mixing business with pleasure as you specifically called me over for business.”

Arnav sighed, of course Amba had managed to see though the guise.

“Of course. I only invited your mum because you asked me to.”

“Don’t act like this wasn’t your plan. You know as well as I do that we could easily finish everything up before the week ends, even with a break for the wedding. You orchestrated this so you could spend more time with my mother but that’s not going to happen.”

“Look Amba, I called you here for business and that’s all that’s going to happen.” He insisted even though he wasn’t fooling anyone.

“That’s good to know. Then I’ll meet you in here at 6 am.”

“What?”

“Well since we have so much to do, I thought we should get up early and do it.”

Arnav tried to get out of this situation. “But tomorrow is the Haldi.”

“I’m not the bride and neither are you. We are not required to be present.”

Arnav sighed in frustration and gave in. “Fine. But don’t be late.” He barked.

Amba smirked at the fact that she hit a nerve. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”

Arnav had a servant lead Amba to her room.

The next morning was hell for Arnav. He had been stuck in his study with Amba going over everything for the press conference and he hadn’t had a chance to see Khushi or spend time with her. And it just got worse because Amba ordered their lunch to be sent to the study so he couldn’t see Khushi in the afternoon either. The only good thing that came out of all of this is the fact that they had managed to complete 3 days work in 1 day.

They finally stopped working around 8 o’clock. Arnav’s hopes were once again crushed when he asked a servant where Khushi was. He had informed him that Khushi had gone to bed early because there was a busy day ahead of them tomorrow. As if the day couldn’t get any worse, right? Wrong.

Around 9 o’clock, a guest showed up. And it was none other than Karan Singh Malik. Arnav groaned. He wanted to be nice and civil to Karan because of all that he had done for Khushi but he was not in a good mood. He decided the best course of action would be to just go to bed without greeting the man.

“Dad what are you doing here?” asked Amba as she approached her father. “I thought you were sorting some stuff out in London.”

“I was and it’s mostly all sorted. Matt’s capable of doing the rest so I thought I’d come back.”

“How did you know we were here?”

“I called Buaji as soon as I landed and she told me where you were. So I thought I’d also stay here until after the wedding.”

“Dad you can’t just come uninvited. It’s rude.”

Anjili limped over to them. “It’s ok Amba. The wedding is tomorrow and we have a lot of extra rooms. I’ll have a servant show Karanji where to go.”

“Could you find him a room next to mine and aunt Khushi’s?” asked Amba.

“I’ll see what I can do.” Anjili motioned for a servant to come and collect Karan’s bag and lead him to his room.

Before Karan went he turned to face his daughter. “Amba come with me, I need to talk to you about something.”

Amba followed her father and the servant to his room. Once the servant had gone, Karan closed the door and locked it.

“Amba, the real reason I’m back so early is because-” Karan started.

“Mum remembered something and she didn’t tell you what is was.” Finished Amba.

Karan stared at her. “How did you know?”

“Because she came to AR and slapped me for calling her auntie when in reality she’s my mother.”

“Sounds like the dramatic Khushi we all know and love.” Karan said fondly. “So what else did she remember?”

“She doesn’t remember much, it’s like photos with a little bit of sound. She can remember being a mother and me being her daughter. She doesn’t remember all of it, just snippets.”

“Wait, did you say AR?”

“Umm yeah. And uh Mr Raizada was present during the outburst.”

Karan rubbed his face in frustration. “Damn it! What happened?”

“Well he wanted to know why I was calling her mum. So I told him. Then he wanted to know what she’s been doing and I told him she worked for LL. Then it came to the issue of my real father and I told him that too.”

Karan’s jaw dropped and he stared at Amba. “You told him everything?!”

“No, that would take too long. I only told him the important things. He took it pretty well.”

Karan was surprised. “He did?”

“Yeah he must really love her.” Amba said sadly.

“This is bad.” Karan sighed in exasperation.

“I know.”

“So what have they been doing since I’ve been gone?”

“They’ve been going on dates to all sorts of places in Lucknow.”

Karan’s face fell. “This is very bad.”

“Mum needs to get her memory back before this goes any further. Otherwise a lot of people are going to get hurt.”

He flopped on to the bed“This is just great! I come back, I’m jetlagged and now I have a headache from all of this mess.”

Amba stared at him for a while before deciding to leave. “Get some sleep. Tomorrow is the wedding and everyone is supposed to be up early to help out.”

“How am I supposed to sleep with all that’s going on?”

“I don’t know. Figure something out.”

Finally the day of the wedding had arrived. But little did any know that a storm was brewing, the likes of which had never been seen before. Everyone was already on edge because of this blackmail marriage and the dark secrets of the past. But today was the day that they were going to be pushed over the edge, for the truth is a hard pill to swallow. 

AHEA Chapter 1: Q & A

Thank you guys for commenting and liking the prologue. Here's the next part. Enjoy :)

 

 

Chapter 1: Q & A

 

Everyone but Anjili stopped eating their breakfast and stared in Anjili’s direction. They couldn’t tell whether she was being serious or she was just joking.

 

“Are you being serious Di?” asked Arnav.

 

“Why would I joke about something like that Chote?” she replied.

 

Everyone looked at her in despair and Naniji burst out crying.

 

“When?” growled Arnav.

 

“I don’t know.” Shrugged Anjili. “About a week or two after I went to visit Shyam in prison.”

 

They all gawked at her and her ability to talk about something like this as if it were a conversation about the weather. They had all thought that she was fine. She was acting so independent that they all just left her to it. When ever they asked her if she required something, she would decline their help. They had agreed not to suffocate her or treat her like a child but no one could have predicted what she would do.

 

“Why?” asked Arnav in a broken voice while Payal tried to calm Naniji down.

 

“Because I didn’t want to bring a child into this world who shared his genes.”

 

They all knew who she was talking about.

 

“That baby was part Raizada!” protested Arnav.

 

“It was also part Jha.”

 

“Di-”

 

“Chote, you don’t understand and you never will. I will explain everything to you and the family once you’ve all calmed down and tried looking at things from my perspective.”

 

“But Di, you’ve been going to the doctors regularly.” Said Akash. “If it wasn’t for pregnancy check ups, what were you going there for?”

 

Anjili took a deep breath before she replied. “I was seeing a psychiatrist.”

After Happily Ever After: Prologue

Hi guys, I'm back with the sequel to In Another Life. This story is going to focus purely on Anjili so there will be very little ArHi moments if any at all. This story will be filled with sensitive topics and stuff so if you don't like it, simply don't read it. If you haven't read In Another Life yet, I suggest you go and read it to make sense of this story. This is also going to be a short story in terms of the length of the chapters and I will post everyday. Remember this story is focused on Anjili not ArHi. Enjoy :)

Disclaimer: I don't own IPKKND or it's characters. However I do own this story line.

Prologue

It had been a month since Arnav and Khushi had gotten married and a week since they had come back from their honeymoon. Everything was going well for the Raizada family. Khushi’s catering business was flourishing, AR’s stocks were going through the roof and Anjili had decided to go back to college. Generally everyone in the family was doing well but they all had a feeling that something was off and they couldn’t put their finger on it.

Finally one day, Arnav figured it out. He was coming down the stairs for breakfast when the thought suddenly occurred to him. He sat down next to Khushi before he voiced his thoughts.

“Di, your doctor hasn’t contacted me in a long time. Do you have any idea why?”

Anjili finished chewing before she answered. “That’s because I told them not to.”

Arnav frowned. “Why would you do that?”

“Because it’s none of your business. Besides, if something was seriously wrong, I’d tell you myself.”

“How can you say it’s none of my business? I am your brother.”

“Doctor patient privilege. Plus I’m older than you so it is none of your business.”

Arnav was going to continue arguing if it hadn’t been for Khushi kicking him lightly under the table.

“Leave it, Arnavji.” She whispered to him.

Arnav continued to eat his breakfast as he silently fumed. Naniji decided to step in and defuse the tension.

“But you’re ok na betya?” she asked Anjili.

“Ji Nani.”

“See Chote, she’s fine. And the baby?”

Anjili knew this day was coming, she had known for a few months now. She was just surprised at how long it had taken her family to realise. But then again, everybody was so involved in their own lives that they had forgotten her. Even though she wore jeans, dresses and t-shirts that only accentuated her flat stomach, her family hadn’t noticed that she didn’t have a bump even though she was meant to be 7 months pregnant.

“There is no baby Nani.” She replied coolly.

“What are you talking about Anjili?” Nani said with concern.

“I had an abortion.”

HWGA Chapter 23: I Died A Little Bit

Thank you everybody who liked and commented on the last chapter. The bits in bold are flashback/memories. Check out what the characters look like: here. Enjoy :)

 

Chapter 23: I Died  A Little Bit

 

“I didn’t want to take Nik seriously but once a seed is planted it begins to grow. So the next morning I asked my mother about my real father.”

 

 

 

Karan was busy preparing a portfolio and Nik had left early to go to school with his friends. Amba and Khushi were in the kitchen eating breakfast.

 

“Mum?” Amba began nervously.

 

“Yes?”

 

“Who’s my real father?” she said in one go.

 

Khushi paused for a second before continuing with her breakfast. “Why do you want to know?”

 

“I was just wondering. I mean I never asked before but I just want to know now.”

 

“Do you have single mums in your school?”

 

“Yeah and some of the kids don’t know who their father is either so I never felt like an outcast but I’d still like to know.”

 

Khushi stopped eating and took a deep breath. “When I first came to London I was very sad and I did a lot of silly things. I went clubbing a lot, I drank a lot, and I slept with a lot of random strangers. Never do what I did. It’s not healthy. One of the strangers I slept with was your dad. I can’t really remember what he looked like, I was really drunk.”

 

Khushi looked at Amba who looked impassive. “Is that it?”

 

“Yes, that’s what happened.”

 

“Ok cool.”

 

And they continued on with their breakfast as if nothing happened.

 

 

 

“I didn’t really know what I was expecting but the story did correlate with what I heard Nik’s grandmother say sometimes. However it wasn’t the whole truth. Nik wasn’t lying because when I found out, I died a little bit.”

 

Arnav’s fisted clenched. “Are you trying to tell me that Khushi has slept with a lot of men?” he gritted out.

 

“Probably.” Amba replied nonchalantly. “Hasn’t everyone? I mean, even after I was born mum went out on a lot of dates with a lot of guys. Of course dad’s friend Matt, he’s in the police, did background checks on them to make sure they weren’t psychos. Mum’s boyfriends were all really nice, caring and polite. I never met one that dad and I didn’t like.”

 

“Boyfriends?” Arnav growled.

 

“In case you haven’t noticed, what am I saying of course you’ve noticed, mum is a very attractive woman. She always turns heads. Her relationships always lasted a really long time until they pop the question. Then mum always breaks it off. Mum stays away from marriage like it’s a disease. I never understood why, especially as she gets a dreamy look in her eyes every time someone mentions weddings. It’s probably because her first marriage didn’t go so well.”

 

“Her first marriage?” He felt really guilty that he was the cause of Khushi’s dislike in marriage but also happy that she had never gotten remarried.

 

“Yeah, Dad once told me that mum doesn’t like men because her first marriage was horrible. That’s the main reason that she came to London. Hey you used to know her when she was in India, do you know who her husband was?”

 

“Umm not really.” Arnav lied nervously. “Anyway, continue with your story.”

 

“Well, dad did manage to get a job with LL and when mum finished her education, she worked there too. We were doing fine for a while but then Logan’s mum died. His dad became very distant and he often had to stay in our house because his dad couldn’t look after him.”

 

 

 

“No no no no and no.”

 

Karan was following Khushi around the house.

 

“Oh come on Khushi.”

 

“No.”

 

“Be reasonable.”

 

“I AM being reasonable.”

 

“No you’re not.”

 

“Yes I am.” She said stubbornly. “If anyone is moving out, it’s going to be me and Amba.”

 

“That’s not being reasonable. There’s now 5 people living in a 2 bedroom house and I’m sick and tired of sleeping on the couch.”

 

“Then convert your studio into a bedroom.” She suggested.

 

Karan’s face twisted in horror. “How could you say that?!”

 

Khushi rolled her eyes. “Convert the attic.”

 

“Too much work. Khushi, I need to move out, the kids are growing up and they need their own room. If Nik and I can get a 3 bedroom house, then you can convert my studio and there will be enough room for you, Amba and Logan. And don’t worry, the house I found is just 5 minutes away.”

 

“Karan!”

 

“Khushi! This is going to happen. Besides, we’re doing well; I already managed to pay off the mortgage for this house so I can take out another for the other one.”

 

“Karan it’s a waste of money. Look, just move all your photography stuff into your room and give Nik the studio.”

 

“No.”

 

“Yes.”

 

“No.”

 

 

 

“They argued for ages but dad won. Thanks to his work at LL, he was finally being recognised. He was the hottest photographer around so, affording the house was no problem. I got Nik’s room and we converted dad’s studio into a guest room where Logan Jr stayed.”

 

“Is that why he calls her mum?” asked Arnav.

 

Amba looked confused before she burst out laughing. “No. It’s used as a codeword when someone gets hurt. Mum’s seriously clumsy and she’s always injuring herself and that’s why we use the codeword mum.”

 

“That makes sense. Khushi has always been really clumsy.”

 

“Anyway, dad moving out wasn’t a total waste. Mum, being the genius she is, managed to convince Logan to come out of the dark place that he was in because his son needed him. Unfortunately, the damage was done and LJ never forgave him no matter how hard Logan tried. I mean, he’d be civil with his father but that was it. LJ went back to living with his dad and we were left with an empty guest room. Or so it seemed.”

 

 

 

It was 10 o’clock at night and Khushi hadn’t returned from her date yet. Amba wasn’t too worried. All the door and windows were locked and she was trained in mixed martial arts. She heard the front door open and went to see who it could be. Only a few people had keys to their house.

 

“Mum?” she called.

 

“No it’s me.” Replied Nik.

 

“Oh hi Nik. What are you doing here?”

 

“This was my house before you guys kicked me out you know.”

 

Amba had learned to ignore Nik’s hateful words by now. “Of course but it’s kind of late. Isn’t dad going to worry about you?”

 

“He doesn’t care.” He said as he descended up the stairs.

 

Amba followed him. “What do you mean he doesn’t care, of course he cares. Did you fight with him again?”

 

“Maybe. Hey is your guest room free?”

 

“Yeah, why?”

 

“Do you think Khushi auntie would mind me crashing here for tonight?”

 

“As long as it’s just you.”

 

“For God’s sake, I only brought a girl here once and now I’m labelled for life. No it’s just me, satisfied?”

 

“Yeah, I’ll let mum know.”

 

“Ok.”

 

He slammed the door in her face and Amba took it as a sign to leave. She picked up her phone and saw that there were several messages from her dad. She decided to call him.

 

“Hey dad.”

 

“Am is Nik with you?”

 

“Yes, he’s crashing in our guestroom. Do you want to talk to him?”

 

“Oh thank God. No it’s fine, I was just worried because he wasn’t picking up his phone. I’ll let him cool down for tonight. He’ll probably come home in the morning. Thanks Am.”

 

“No problem dad.”

 

She ended the call and texted her mum to let her know that Nik was staying with them.

 

 

 

“Sometimes it was Nik and sometimes it was LJ so our guestroom was hardly ever empty. Nik was a teenager then and he seemed to always get into fights with his dad and LJ, well he was just being difficult. The years rolled on and I actually started getting along with Nik. Mum got promotions and so did dad. I eventually started summer internships in LL with LJ. Everything seemed to be ok until my 18^th birthday. Nik was back from medical school for a while and he was having a bad day especially since he’d just broken up with his long term girlfriend.”

 

 

 

5 years ago

 

Amba’s 18^th birthday party was in full swing. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves. Well nearly everybody.

 

“Amba have you seen Nik?” asked her father.

 

“I think I saw him go upstairs. I’ll go get him.”

 

“If he doesn’t want to come down leave him.”

 

“Ok.”

 

Amba climbed up the stairs and headed towards the guestroom. As she had predicted, Nik was in the room holding a bottle of beer.

 

“Nik, if you’re not having a good time, you can go home.” She suggested.

 

“And why would I want to do that?” slurred Nik.

 

Amba could tell that Nik was wasted. “How much have you had?”

 

“I don’t know. I’m having fun, chill.”

 

“Nik, why don’t you lie down and sleep it off?”

 

“I don’t want to sleep it off!” Nik lashed out.

 

Amba’s eyes widened in fear and she took a step back. “Ok, you stay here and I’ll call dad.”

 

Nik smirked. “I am so stupid! I forgot to get you a birthday present.”

 

Amba smiled nervously. “It’s ok, you didn’t have to.”

 

“No I have to. Come inside and sit down. I will tell you the truth about your father. That will be my present to you. Trust me, you’re gonna wanna sit down.”

 

“I already know, mum told me.”

 

“Really? What did she say?”

 

“That she partied a lot and she slept with a lot of guys when she got here and any one of them could be my father.”

 

Nik burst out in to hysterical laughter. “It’s all lies!”

 

“Nik-”

 

“She was raped!”

 

Amba froze. “That’s not funny Nik.”

 

“I’m not laughing Am.” He said with a smirk. “It’s true, she used to go partying a lot but when it came to do it, she couldn’t go through with it. Well one day, a guy had enough of her teasing. He drugged her and raped her. Someone found her and called an ambulance and the hospital contacted us. A week later she found out that she was pregnant and when you were born, they tested your DNA with the sperm that they found on her, it matched.”

 

Amba felt light-headed. She couldn’t breath. It was as if she had walked into a nightmare. She was praying that any minute now her alarm clock would wake her up because she was going to be sick.

 

“Nik!” an engaged voice came from the doorway.

 

Amba looked up and saw her parents standing there.

 

“Tell me it’s not true.” She begged them.

 

But the look on their faces just confirmed what Nik had told her. Her whole life was a lie. She was a walking reminder of the most horrible thing that had ever happened to her mother. She wondered how her mother had ever showed her immense love all these years knowing who her father was and what he had done to her. She couldn’t take it anymore, she ran from the room with her mum chasing her. She ran out the front door and she didn’t look back.

 

 

 

Arnav’s face resembled one of pure disgust and horror. “She was raped.” He whispered.

 

“Yes.” She said gravely.

 

“No one told me.” He said to himself.

 

“What?”

 

“Nothing. I never knew that she went through all of that. She’s been suffering alone all this time.”

 

“No she hasn’t. We’ve been supporting her all the way. Apparently, Giya auntie, Akash uncle and NK uncle paid for therapy so it wasn’t so bad. Mum said because she was knocked out and has no memories of it, it was easier for her to get over it. But I didn’t believe her. I knew that I was a constant reminder of that night. I tried going away and living with Giya auntie but mum wouldn’t let me. After that night, I tried to be as invisible as possible so I wouldn’t hassle mum too much.”

 

“Wait, NK and Akash knew?”

 

“Of course Akash uncle knew because of Payal mausi and NK uncle was a family friend who supported mum through everything. Well now you know but you can’t tell mum anything. She has to remember on her own.”

 

“I understand.”

 

“And Mr Raizada, I wouldn’t get too close too her.”

 

“Why?”

 

“Just.”

 

“That’s not a good enough reason.”

 

“You’re both going to get hurt when she gets her memory back.”

 

“Why does everyone keep saying that?” Arnav was getting frustrated.

 

“Because it’s true. Now if we’re done here, I need to make some important calls.”

 

“Yes, go.”

 

Amba left Arnav with his thoughts. Soon there was a knock on his door.

 

“Come in.” Aarav came in and sat down. “It’s good that you’re here, I was actually going to call for you.”

 

“Dad, I have something to tell you.”

 

“Is it about the reports?”

 

“No. Dad…umm…I…um. This is really hard to say.”

 

Arnav sighed and rolled his eyes. “If you’re trying to tell me that you’re gay, I already know and so does the entire family. Now can we get back to business?”

 

Aarav gawked at him. “How… how did you know?”

 

Arnav laughed. “The signs were everywhere, we’ve known for years.”

 

“And you don’t mind?” he asked nervously.

 

“At first I did but then I realised that you were my son and I loved you and I don’t care about your sexuality.”

 

“Thanks Dad, I love you too.” The two men hugged and broke away. There was an awkward pause. “Here are the reports you wanted.”

 

Arnav sighed with relief that things were back to business. “Great. Here are the proposals, go through them and add changes where you see fit.”

 

After Aarav left, Arnav made two calls; one to Anjili and one to Payal.