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.”