HWGA Chapter 11: Nightmares

Purple bits are Hindi. The bold bits from now on will be dreams/nightmares/past.

Chapter 11: Nightmares

Khushi was totally mesmerised by him. This feeling felt foreign yet familiar to her, as if she’d already experienced it somewhere. She didn’t understand what he was saying but his voice completely captured her.

“Well tough, I don’t care what he says, she’s not going to come back until her mother’s ok. My son is perfectly capable of handling this project. He needs this as much as we do so do something to convince him or else you’ll be demoted.”

Logan cancelled the call and felt someone was looking at him. He turned around to find Khushi peaking at him while Karan was trying to find the right key to unlock the door. Logan smiled at her and she looked away, blushing deep red.

“Namaste Khushi.” He said joining his hands together.

Khushi gaped at him while Karan shot him a warning look.

“You know Hindi?” She asked him.

He smirked. “Of course I do. Karan and I have been neighbours for ages and you do come and visit a lot.”

She smiled at him. There was something about him that made her comfortable. “Namaste, umm…”

“Logan.”

“Namaste Logan.”

Before Logan could say any more Karan cut in. “Yes well I’m sure Logan has more important things to do then chat with us. Come on Khushi.” Karan rang the door bell as he had given up hope on the keys.

Khushi face fell a little and seeing this Logan tried to pacify her. “He’s right. I only came to get a few important things. I should really get going.”

Just then Amba opened the door. “Oh dad, you’re back. Mu- I mean Khushi aunty how are you feeling now?”

“I’m ok now, thank you.”

Amba noticed Logan standing on his door step looking at them. “Hey Logan!”

“Hi Amba.”

“Have you re-met Khushi aunty?” Logan could hear the slight anguish behind that innocent question.

“Yes I have.”

“That’s great, you should come over some time soon.”

Both Logan and Khushi smiled at this. “I might later, but now I have to get back to the office.”

“Amba why don’t you take Khushi in and show her around the house. I want to talk to Logan for a bit.”

“Ok dad.” Amba grabbed Khushi’s hand and dragged her away.

Karan closed the door softly and turned to face Logan. “What exactly are you trying to do Logan?” Karan demanded.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“I respect you a lot Logan but what if you had said something-”

“You really think I’d endanger her health like that? If you do then you don’t know nor do you respect me!”

“She’s in a fragile state right now-”

“Yes and she needs to see familiar faces. You can’t keep her coped up at home-”

“She just got home!”

“Look, I just needed to see for myself her condition.”

Karan sighed and let the matter go. He knew he was being too over protective of her but there was too much she didn’t know and that meant a lot could harm her. “I understand.”

“She’s so different. I don’t think I’ve ever seen her blush so much.”

“She was very naïve. She was forced to face some unexpected things to get her to where she is today.”

“I know.”

Karan was surprised. “You know?”

“Yeah she told me everything a couple of months ago.”

“She didn’t tell me that she told you.”

“We were too busy with Nik’s wedding to tell anyone anything.”

“I don’t believe you.” Karan said sceptically.

“Arnav Singh Riazada.”

It was only three words but the way Logan said it convinced Karan that he indeed did know everything. “If you know everything, why are you doing business with him?”

“Because Khushi suggested it was a good opportunity.”

“Khushi said that?” Karan asked in disbelief.

“I was surprised too. When his proposal came, she was the first person I consulted with and she said she was fine to deal with him. I think she was ready to face her past. She was even thinking of going back to India.”

“She was?” Karan couldn’t believe Khushi had kept so much from him after all he had done for her. Did she think he wouldn’t support her anymore?

Logan could see Karan’s inner turmoil. “Come on mate, we’ve all been really busy lately.”

“Too busy to pick up the phone and talk? Too busy to come to my house, which is 10 minutes away, and explain all of this?”

“She was indecisive especially because of Mohini.”

“Mohini?”

“Remember she had you wrapped around her little finger and she didn’t like the fact that Khushi was so close to you. As I recall, you didn’t have any time for us until you heard about Nik’s wedding.”

Karan turned away guiltily. “But Mo and I broke up ages ago.”

“You broke up in the middle of Nik’s wedding preparations, by that time Khushi was in full scary wedding mum mode. She was too absorbed in everything as she wanted every last detail to be perfect and it was perfect. Karan I’m sure when she gets her memory back she’ll tell you everything. I have to go now.” With that Logan went into his house.

Karan stood there for a while before deciding to go in to Khushi’s house. As he walked in he saw Amba showing Khushi the living room.

“Wow Karan, you’re house is so big!” Her voice full of awe.

Karan smiled. “I’m glad you like it. Amba did you show Khushi her room?”

“I chose to leave the best till last.” With that Amba dragged Khushi to her room. She paused when she got there for dramatic effect but when she looked at Khushi, she decided not to delay it any longer. She opened the door and said “Tada!”.

Khushi was speechless. The entire theme for the room was green, her favourite colour. The room was spacey and simple, just the way she liked it. There were a few Salman Khan pictures on the wall. Above the bed hung lots of little stars and she noticed they were all on the ceiling too.

Amba saw her staring at the stars on the ceiling. “They glow in the dark.”

She started moving around the room. She noticed a door in the corner and she opened to find a joint bathroom. Khushi was so over come with emotions that she hugged both Amba and Karan.

“Thank you so much.”

“Silly girl, is that any reason to cry? I just showed you your room. Thank God, I didn’t tell you I got jalebies too otherwise you’d be hysterical.” Karan teased.

Khushi laughed through her tears and whipped them. “There’s jalebies?”

“Of course there’s jalebies! You think you’d come around and I wouldn’t buy jalebies? I’m offended.”

Khushi hit him lightly. “Where’s Nikil?”

“He’s gone to finalise his apartment.”

“He won’t be staying here after marriage?”

“No, I don’t want him to.”

“Why not?”

“Because they’re very loud.” Karan said suggestively.

Khushi was confused. “I’m loud, does it mean you don’t want me here either.”

Karan smirked, wanting to make a joke but thought better of it. “You’ll see what I mean at night.”

“Why? What happens at night?” Khushi asked innocently.

Karan just wanted to wrap her in cotton wool and hide her from the world due to her naivety. “Nothing, let’s have some jalebies!”

Karan looked around to find Amba had gone out of the room. He lead Khushi down to the kitchen and gave her a plate full of jalebies, then he went to look for Amba. He found her in her room working on the laptop. He crossed over and closed it.

“Dad I love you but it you do that again-”

“What’s wrong with you?”

Amba raised an eyebrow. “Is that a rhetorical question?”

“Why are you acting like this?”

“Because I don’t know how else to act.” Amba said quietly.

Karan softened a little. “You can at least try.”

“But it’s easy for you!”

“And if you don’t try it’s not going to be easy for you.”

Before Amba could respond the door bell rang. Amba took it as an opportunity to get out of the conversation and she went to check who it was. When she opened the door, she found Logan standing there. It was almost like a déjà vu of the last time they had seen each other.

“Can I help you?” She asked coldly.

“I want to formally apologise for my behaviour. Can you please call your dad?”

“Dad! It’s LJ!” She shouted and then skipped to her room.

Karan came down and gave Logan a hard look. “Yes?”

“Karan, I’m really sorry about my behaviour last time and I regret my action deeply.”

“Apology accepted.” Karan was about to close the when Logan stopped him. Karan raised his eyebrow.

“Umm, how is she?” Logan asked hesitantly.

“Who?”

“Khushi.”

“She’s fine. Thanks for your concern, now goodbye.” Karan didn’t give him time to protest before he slammed the door on his face. “Sleeps with my daughter and acts like nothings happening!” He murmured all the way to the kitchen.

Khushi saw him looking agitated. “What’s wrong?”

“Nothing.” He looked at the now empty plate of jalebies. “Wow, you’re appetite never decreases, does it Titaliya?”

Khushi smiled proudly. “Oh Karan, I want to call my parents.”

“It’s quite late in India, I think they might be sleeping.”

“Stupid time difference! Can you at least try?” The face she was making compelled him to do it.

The phone rang a couple of time before someone picked up. “Who is it Nand Kishore?”

“It’s Karan, Buaji, Khushi wants to talk to everyone.”

“Really?! Hold on, let me get everyone.”

Karan put his phone on loud speaker and gestured Khushi to come foreward. “Hello?” She said tentatively.

“Oh thank Devi Maya, betiya are you ok?” asked Garima.

Khushi teared up at the sound of her mother’s voice. It felt like forever since she had spoken to her. Little did Khushi know that that was exactly the truth. “Amma, I’m fine now. Karan’s taking such good care of me, you don’t even know. I can’t wait to come back.”

“No!” commanded Sashi.

Khushi was really confused. “Why Babuji?”

“I want you to get better fully and then come back.”

“But Babuji, who will take care of you guys?”

“We have a lot of servants, Titaliya, we will manage.”

“How can we afford servants?”

Karan cut in before anyone else could. “You had a job in LL Indian branch.”

Khushi’s mouth fell open. “But that’s one of the most prestigious companies. How did I get a good position there if I’m not that well educated?”

“You got educated, you just don’t remember.”

There was a dull ache forming in Khushi’s head. “How did we afford it? With Jiji’s wedding and everything, how did we afford it?”

“I helped.”

Khushi gave him a shocked and disapproved look. “Karan-”

“You paid me back every penny once you got a job. You also got servants to help out when you were at work. You gave your parents and Buaji the best medical treatments.”

“I don’t remember any of this.”

“It’s ok, don’t strain yourself.”

“But if I’m successful and my parents are well taken care of, why didn’t I get married.”

“By the time you became that successful, you were too busy with your career and parents to get married.”

The dull ache had turned into a full fledged migraine. “Karan, my head really hurts I want to lay down.”

“I’ll take you to your room.” He was about to leave when he realised that the Gupta’s were still on the phone. “Sorry Buaji, Khushi’s got a headache and she needs to lay down.”

“It’s ok. Tell her we don’t want her home until she’s fully recovered.”

“I will.” He cut the call, picked up Khushi and carried her to her room. She was in too much pain to protest and when she hit the mattress, sleep instantly claimed her.

Amba’s distort expression filled him with some sick pleasure. She looked like she was going to break down any second now.

Good!  She deserves it! But he couldn’t think why.

“You’ve said a lot of horrible things to me in the past but you really got me this time.” She said.

For some reason the images became blurry and his father stood in front of him with a hard expression on his face. The slap he had given him seemed to echo endlessly. His father didn’t believe in violence and never raised his hands to his children. The sting he felt was nothing compared to what his father said next.

“You’re no son of mine.”

Nikil Malik shook himself out of the dream violently. He panted heavily and looked around his surroundings quickly. He breathed a sigh of relief when he saw he hadn’t woken up Natalie. He knew she loved him but it would be too hard to explain some of his nightmares to her. He got up quietly and headed out of the room. Once he closed the door, he slid down to the floor and sobbed quietly.

When he and Natalie came home, they found the house unusually quiet. He was so used to coming to Khushi auntie’s house and finding a lively atmosphere but today it felt like some one had died. His dad had informed him that Khushi had a migraine and that Amba was working but it just didn’t feel the same. He had gone to check up on her but after getting short replies he had left her alone. Him and Nat had their dinner and decided to sleep early as they’d have to start packing to move out.

He got up shakily from the floor and made his way to Amba’s room. He didn’t know what the time was but he hoped she was awake. He knocked lightly and waited. After a while he was sure she was asleep, he was about to leave when she opened the door. He regarded her dishevelled state and raised an eyebrow.

“What?” She asked rudely.

“You don’t look like you were asleep. Logan?” Trying to delay what he really wanted to say.

“Yeah, so?”

“No nothing.” They stood there for a while not really knowing what to say.

Amba chose to break the silence. “Did you want something?”

Nik gathered his wit. “Can I come in?”

Now Amba was confused but she gestured him in. She sat in the middle of the bed and stared at him. He chose to stand. When she saw he wasn’t going to speak any time soon, she sighed. “What do you want Nik?!”

Nik managed to surprise her when he went to his knees and started bawling. Amba looked at him in shock and went over to comfort him. “I’m so so sorry, Amba.” He said in between sobs.

“I didn’t know asking you questions would make you react like this. I promise never to ask you questions again.” She joked, trying to make the situation light.

“No it’s not that. It’s everything I’ve been doing since you’ve been born.”

“Nik-”

“I’m sorry for constantly putting you down, for bullying you, for for everything.”

“Nik shut up.”

“No Am, you need to know that I regret everything I did to you deeply.”

“Nik, I forgave you a week after you had done anything.”

“Why?”

“Because you’re my brother and I know you never actually meant to hurt me. And besides these past few years you’ve been an ideal brother.” She said honestly.

“But that’s no excuse-”

“Nik, if you speak about that again or apologise, I will slap you.” She warned.

“But-” Before he could complete his sentence, he received a slap. “I didn’t finish!”

“But I knew what you were going to say so I chose to hit you. This is how I became a successful business woman.”

“By slapping everyone?” He teased.

“Exactly.” She smiled.

They laughed they’re hearts out but when they realised it was late into the night, they calmed down to a giggle. They were about to hug each other when they heard screaming. They ran out of the room and followed the scream which lead to Khushi’s room. They rushed in and found Karan trying to wake Khushi up. Amba rushed to the bathroom and got some water to sprinkle on her face. With a lot of shaking and sprinkling Khushi finally woke up.

She clung on to Karan like her life depended in it. She was shaking badly. “Karan, thank Devi Maya you’re here. There was a man and he was holding a knife.” She mumbled.

Amba and Nik looked at each other in confusion. “Did she say knife?” Amba asked Nik.

“Get out!” yelled Karan.

“What?!” Nik and Amba said simultaneously.

“Both of you get out!”

Nik and Amba left the room quickly. They’d never seen their father act like this before.

“I’ve only seen her act like this once before.” Said Nik.

“When?” asked Amba curiously.

Before Nik could answer, they saw Natalie coming towards them.

“I heard screaming and I thought it was outside but then it continued and I realised it was coming from somewhere in the house. Is everyone ok?” Nat asked.

“Mum’s having nightmares. Nothing to worry about. Dad’s in there trying to calm her down.” Amba explained. “Dad’s obviously not going to give us an explanation, so I think it’s best just to go back to bed.

They all went their separate ways. Amba realised Nik was going to tell her when her mother had acted like this before but Nat had interrupted them. She was debating whether or not to go and ask Nik but she decided against it, vowing to ask him in the morning.

HWGA Chapter 10: Want

 Purple bits are meant to be Hindi. Italics are thoughts.

Chapter 10: Want

Payal ended the call. She could sense she wasn’t alone so she turned around and gasped. There, stood by the entrance, was Arnav Singh Riazada. Payal was frozen to her place, she didn’t know what to do, she didn’t how much he’d heard.

“A A Arnavji?” She said hesitantly.

Before Arnav could say anything he’s phone rang. Payal sighed with relief, hoping that this would give her a chance to get away. But all her hopes were crushed when Arnav said, “Hold on a minute Payal.” She was forced to stay.

“Arnav Singh Raizada. Who? But he barely knows what he’s doing, doesn’t Lawson have any one else for the job? What happened to the girl that was in charge? I don’t give a damn, it’s either her or I’m cancelling my deal with you. You have 2 weeks to make a decision and get back to me.” With that he cancelled his call and regarded a fidgety Payal. “Payal I need to ask you a question.”

Payal straightened herself out and stood tall. “What is it Arnavji?”

“Where’s NK, I need to ask him about something.”

Payal sighed with relief and smiled. “He hasn’t returned yet.”

“How’s that possible? He boarded before me.”

“He’s flight got held back because of bad weather, he should be here in an hour.”

“When he comes, let me know.”

“Of course Arnavji.”

The two went their separate ways; Payal went to the kitchen and Arnav went to his bedroom. Of course Arnav had heard the entire conversation that happened between Payal and Buaji. He knew something had happened to Khushi and he wanted nothing more than to go downstairs and scare her into telling him everything but his hands were tied in more ways than he wanted. How he wished things had been different. Did he even have the right to ask about her? He sat by the poolside and reminisced about all the times he had had with her. He was about to doze off when he heard a knock on his door. He slowly got up and rubbed the sleep from his eyes. He opened the door to find Payal standing there.

“NK just arrived. He’s in his room.” She informed him. Arnav nodded and headed for NK’s room.

Over the years the Riazada Mansion had to be expanded due to the growing number of people joining their family. But Arnav’s room was the one room that didn’t change through out the renovations. When Arnav entered NK’s room he found him unpacking his suitcase. When NK noticed him he pulled him into a big hug.

“Nanav! What’s up bro? Payal babhi said you wanted to ask me something.”

“Yes I did. NK you travel every year to the UK for your holiday, right?”

NK tensed but kept his smile in place. He didn’t know where Arnav was going with this but he hoped it had nothing to do with Khushi. He turned back and started unpacking again.

“Yeah I do. Why’d you ask?”

“I want to see your holiday photos. Don’t tell me you don’t have them with you because I know you carry them everywhere.”

NK was caught. He didn’t know what Arnav knew about the photos, he’d always been careful not to show the ones with Khushi in them. He wanted to deny him but if he did Arnav would know something was up.

“But Nanav, you saw them a couple of weeks ago when I came back.”

“Yes but I never paid attention to them. Now show them to me please.” But NK knew it wasn’t a request it was an order.

“Nanav I’m offended that you don’t pay any attention to me.”

“Ok, I’m sorry, now will you show them to me?”

“But why do you want to see them?” Hoping against hope that some how, he could stall Arnav.

“Because I need to clear something that’s been bothering me. Why are you asking me so many questions NK?” Arnav asked suspiciously.

NK didn’t say anything. He got out his holiday photos and handed them to Arnav. He watched as Arnav flicked through the photos until he came across the one he wanted and smiled. NK’s heart stopped beating. He wondered if he’d some how managed to mix one of Khushi’s photos in there. But it was impossible, he had checked so many times to make sure Khushi wasn’t in any of them.

“Why are you smiling Nanav?” He asked steadily.

Arnav thrust a photo in NK’s face and NK recognised it immediately. It was of him, Amba, Nikil and Natalie in Nik & Nat’s reception. NK studied the picture carefully for any signs of Khushi, when he didn’t find any he looked at Arnav in confusion. Arnav sighed and pointed at Natalie.

“Who is this?”

NK was beyond confused so he decided to just answer his questions. “It’s Natalie.”

Arnav frowned and looked back at the picture before he pointed to Amba.

“Not her, this one.”

“Oh that’s Amba. Why do you need to know this?”

“Because she’s handling the new project and I wondered where I’d seen her before. I must say it’s a shock to see her in desi cloths.” After a pause Arnav asked, “NK, why do you travel to the UK every year?”

NK wanted to burst out laughing. After all these years, Arnav finally noticed. For the first few years, he had been extremely careful but as the years went on he realised Arnav didn’t really care what he was doing so he went over when ever he felt like it.

And I thought the great ASR was supposed to be intelligent.

“Because Karan is a very good friend of mine.” He said truthfully.

“Why don’t you take your family along? You always seem to go by yourself.”

NK answered easily as if he’d been planning what to say when he was confronted, which he had. “Now look who’s asking all the questions. The kids and Diane don’t like cold climates.”

“Speaking of, where are they?”

“They’re coming a week before the wedding to avoid all the pre wedding drama. To be honest I wanted to do the same thing but business got in the way and when Di found out I was coming she insisted I stay. And when I say “insisted”, well we both know how Di is like now-a-days.”

They both shuddered. Anjili had turned into a crazy monster because of the upcoming wedding. No one wanted to piss her off at the risk of being eaten alive.

“You know, Amba reminds me so much-” But before Arnav could finish his sentence his phone rang and he went off to answer the call in private.

NK let out a huge sigh of relief. He had thought Arnav would grill him about Khushi’s whereabouts but thankfully he hadn’t. He relaxed and started whistling. He was about to continue unpacking when he heard a knock on his door. He answered the door to find Payal standing there.

“May I come in NK?”

“Of course.”

Payal looked around and locked the door. NK looked at her in confusion.

“NK I need to talk to you.”

“Is it that important that you need to lock the door?”

“It’s about Khushi.” She stated simply. That caught NK’s attention as he stopped what he was doing and listened. “I don’t know if you know but she’s been in an accident.” And then Payal proceeded to tell him everything.

“Oh God! We can’t let her come back! Nanav won’t let go of her this time.”

“She’s adamant on coming back.”

“I don’t care! You don’t know what I know Payal-”

“That’s because no one will tell me!” She shouted. “Just because I’m a bahu if this house doesn’t mean I don’t care about my sister!”

“Payal, only me, Karan and your Babuji know the entire truth. If Khushi wanted to tell you she would’ve herself. Just do anything to make sure she doesn’t come back. Stall as much as you can.”

“But we all know the truth-”

“No Payal, you don’t. There is so much more to it. Once Khushi regains her memory you can ask her about it.”

“Fine!”

Payal stormed out of NK’s room. NK dialled a number on his phone.

“Hello.”

“Amba?”

“Uncle NK?”

“Yeah, Amba I just heard about the accident-”

“For God’s sake, why don’t we just put it in the fricking news! The amount of sympathy calls I’ve had these past weeks is ridiculous. You’d think my mother was dead by the way everyone’s been going on about it!”

“How is she?”

There was a pause. “I don’t know.” Amba whispered.

“What do you mean?”

“You should really talk to dad because I don’t know how she is. I’ll pass the phone over to him.”

“Wait wait Amba-” But it was too late.

“Hello?”

“Karan, it’s me NK. How’s Khushi?”

“You knew her before Akash and Payal got married right?”

“Yeah.”

“She’s exactly like that now.”

“Wow!”

“Yeah.”

“How’s Amba?”

“She’s learning Hindi.”

“Why?”

“Because Khushi’s English isn’t that good anymore.”

“Oh. No I meant how is she coping with all of this?”

“She’s fine apparently.”

“She’s taking it hard and bottling her feelings as usual.”

“Apparently she’s found a way of losing the frustration.”

“So you found out about her and Logan.”

“How did you know?” Karan was surprised.

“It’s obvious.”

“Really?” Asked a shocked Karan.

“No, I saw them making out after the wedding.”

“Oh dear God. Did you tell anyone?”

“No because I know they’re not serious, it’s casual.”

“Why does everyone think casual sex is ok!?”

“I think it’s better than letting it build up and then her collapsing and being bedridden for days like that one time. If this is how she’s dealing with it then let her.”

“No. I’m going to find a much healthier way for her to deal with her problems.”

“Karan haven’t you got enough on your plate as it is?”

“NK, she’s my daughter. There will always be room for her on my plate no matter how full it is.”

“This is why I admire you Karan.”

“Thank you. NK, I have to go and pick Khushi up from the hospital. I’ll let you know how she’s doing later.”

“Alright, bye.”

“Bye.”

London, Gupta Residence

Karan put the phone down and looked over at Amba who was busy reading a Hindi book. He picked up his coat and went over to her.

“Amba?”

“Mmm?”

“I’m going to go and pick your mum up.”

“Ok.”

“Honey, change into something that covers your legs, we don’t want your mum to worry about-”

“I understand dad, I’ll go and get changed.” She closed her book and made to move out of the room.

“Oh Amba! Did you tell Logan-”

“Both of them know the situation. And Logan has promised to come by and apologise for his behaviour the other day.”

“Ok, I’ll see you in a bit. Love you.”

“Love you too.”

With that Amba went to change and Karan went to get Khushi.

Delhi, Raizada Mansion

Arnav Singh Raizada was not a person who gave up easily. If he saw an opportunity he took it. For the first time in 23 years he’d heard about news of Khushi and he wasn’t going to let her go this time. If ASR wanted something, he’d have it. He knew Payal wouldn’t tell him about Khushi’s condition so he had hired a private investigator to see if they could find out something from the Gupta’s instead. The bad thing was that he had to wait 24 hours for any kind of information. He was contemplating going over to Lucknow to do some of his own research but with the wedding preparations going on, Di would kill him if he left again for anything. He was thinking of ways to avoid Anjili’s wrath and go to Lucknow when someone waltzed in to his room without knocking.

Arnav smiled. “Yes Neha, what can I do for you.”

“I want the Sheesh Mahal.” She demanded.

Arnav raised an eyebrow. “I’m afraid it’s not for sale.”

“Uff Mamu, I meant I want it for my wedding.”

Arnav’s smile widened. Neha had just given him the perfect opportunity to visit Lucknow. “Of course honey, whatever you want.”

“Thank you thank you thank you! You’re the best!” She hugged him and ran out of the room.

Arnav picked up his phone and made the necessary arrangements for his family to move.

“Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Riazada, I’m coming for you.”

London

Khushi was sitting in Karan’s car, staring out the window and marvelling at London. Everything seemed new and exciting except the weather. She didn’t understand how people could live in such gloomy conditions. But she pacified herself my saying that she was going to go back to India soon where the sun is always shiny.

Well nearly always. At least it’s not as bad as this.

The car suddenly came to a halt. “Khushi, we’re here.” Karan got out and helped Khushi out of the car.

She stared at her house. “Is this your house?”

“Yep.”

“It’s beautiful.” She said sincerely.

“I’m glad you think so because you designed it.”

“What?” She stared at him in disbelief.

“Yep. You did everything. You chose everything that should be in and outside the house. Believe it or not you practically live here.”

“Now you’re exaggerating.” She began to move towards the house.

Karan sighed. “I’m not exaggerating, it’s the truth.” He said under his breath and then followed her.

Khushi was climbing the steps to the door with Karan following behind her when a deep voice caught her attention. She turned around and her heart started fluttering in her chest, her eyes widen and her mouth fell open. She then noticed she was shamelessly staring at the man who was now climbing the steps to the house next to them. She lowered her eyes and blushed. She didn’t know who he was but she wanted to know more about him.

HWGA Chapter 9: Nand Kishore

Purple bits are Hindi. Italics are thoughts. It's 12 am here plus I'm ill so if there's mistakes I apologise. 

Chapter 9: Nand Kishore

She gave Logan (jr) a once over and concluded he was heavily drunk. He was still wearing his suit so it made her believe that he had been drinking since yesterday. She had been expecting him but defiantly not in this condition.

She sighed. “What do you want Logan?”

“Why did you cut off my call yesterday?”

“Because I felt like it. Stop being such a girl about it!” She snapped.

Then she realised her mistake. He was very drunk and she was provoking him. He slammed her against the door and took her lips into a fierce kiss but she didn’t relent. She pushed him with all her might but he was much stronger drunk. She punched, kicked and slapped him but he wouldn’t stop. Then all of a sudden he was ripped from her. She stood dazed from the kiss and watched as Karan threw a strong punch that connected straight with Logan’s jaw and he went sprawling across the floor. He looked at Amba and tried to control his breathing. Amba was shocked, she had never seen her father act like that, he was usually calm and collected and tried to handle a situation without violence. He was the modern day Gandhi.

“You can’t do that in this house any more Logan. And next time you do that to my daughter without her permission, I’ll kill you. I’m letting you off because I know you’re drunk and so were we this morning. Go home and get sober, you’re useless like this.” He then proceeded to drag Logan out of the house and shoved him out the front door.

“Dad?” Amba asked hesitantly.

“Have you completed your assignments?”

“Yes, but-”

“Then help me bring in the cloths I brought for your mum.”

He went out the front door and straight to his car. Amba didn’t continue, she had learnt not to ask too many questions from a young age, especially about her parents’ pasts.

She helped Karan take the cloths to Khushi’s room. They were silently removing all of Khushi’s western cloths and putting in Khushi’s desi cloths when he spoke. “I’m sorry for being so harsh.”

“To me or to Logan?”

“Both. I think I should go apologise to him.” He started for the door when Amba stopped him.

“No dad, what you did was right. But why so violent?”

“It’s just this whole situation and on top of that my work won’t let me take some time off until I finish my contract which won’t be for another 3-4 weeks. And then the hospital called me-”

Amba’s eyes widened with concern. “What?! Is there something wrong with mum?”

“She’s been having nightmares again. And she doesn’t understand why she keeps having them and I can’t even tell her.” Karan sat down on the bed and rubbed his face. He was aging by the minute.

“Dad you’re not going to tell me the significance of the nightmares, are you?”

“I want to tell you everything, honey. I’ve wanted to since the day you could understand how messed up the world is but your mum wouldn’t let me. She’s sacrificed so much so you wouldn’t be burdened by her past so you wouldn’t have to suffer. I want to tell you but I can’t. I’ve sworn to silence by your mother. But I think it would be better if you knew so when your mother gets better, I’m going to convince her to tell you everything so she can stop running away from her past.”

“It’s ok dad, I haven’t known for 22 years another couple of months won’t hurt.”

“Let’s hope your mother gets better in a few days, forget months.” After a pause he continued hesitantly. “Amba, does your mum know about Logan?”

She gave him a confused look. “Why would she know about Logan, she’s lost her memory, remember?”

“No I mean about you and Logan.”

She rolled her eyes before getting up. “There’s nothing to know about me and Logan.” Before she could exit the room, Karan grabbed her hand and made her sit back down on the bed.

“Amba, tell me the truth.” He said looking into her eyes.

She sighed. “No she doesn’t. Dad I promise you it’s all casual. We don’t have any feelings for each other.”

“Oh because that makes everything better!” He said sarcastically. “No dad wants to hear his daughter saying she’s only in a ‘casual relationship’ and there are absolutely ‘no feelings’ involved. Amba what were you thinking?”

“When did you find out?”

“Answer my question.”

“I was stressed with work, so was he. He wanted to drink his stress away, I suggested a better idea.”

“Sex was the better idea?!”

“Would you prefer me and him being alcoholics?”

He rubbed his forehead. “Why do you do this to yourself, Amba? What’s wrong with a normal healthy relationship?”

“Dad I don’t have time to date people, you know how busy I am.”

“Your mother would never have agreed if she knew.”

“She doesn’t need to know. Please dad. We promised to stop after we found out about the wedding.”

He threw his hands in the air and pulled his hair in frustration. “I need a drink.”

“Dad-”

“Don’t. We’ll deal with this after your mum gets better. Do you realise the consequences of this? Are you being careful?”

“Very careful. Extremely careful. I promise.”

He groaned and rubbed his forehead again. “You’re going to turn me into an alcoholic.”

“You could always-”

“Don’t even suggest it!” He warned.

She decided to change the subject. “Dad we still haven’t told mum’s family about her condition.”

Karan groaned and flopped down face first on the bed. Amba winced, she knew how hard this was for him.

“Umm dad,” she poked him but he refused to move. “Dad I could call them for you.”

He sighed and sat up. “No I’ll do it. In fact I’ll do it now.” He whipped out his mobile and dialled a number, put it on speaker and threw it on the bed. After some time an old but loud voice answered.

“Hai re Nand Kishore! Who is it?”

Karan rolled his eyes. “Namaste Buaji, it’s me.”

“Me who?”

“Karan Malik.”

“Arre Karan! How are you? How are Khushi and Amba? How’s Nikil? How is he enjoying married life?” Buaji was overjoyed that Karan had called. She hadn't talked to them in a long time.

“Actually Buaji, there’s something I need to tell you.”

“Hai re Nand Kishore! Is everything alright?”

“Um actually um, Amba!” Exclaimed Karan and pointed at his daughter with a pleading look.

“What about Amba?”

“Yes dad, what about me?” asked Amba with a pointed look.

“Amba would like to talk to you buaji.”

“Oh course, how is my favourite grandchild?”

Amba sighed. “I’m ok buaji.”

“Speak Hindi! You can understand it but can’t speak it. What’s wrong with you?” Buaji continued on her rant. Amba mouthed translate to Karan and Karan began translating everything Amba said.

“It was nice talking to you Buaji but da- I mean Karan has something important to tell you.” With that she left the room before Karan could stop her.

“What do you need to tell me Nand Kishore?”

“Buaji is Mausaji and Masiji home?”

“Yes they are, why?”

“Gather them around the phone and put it on loud speaker please.”

It took Buaji 2 minutes to round everyone up and another 5 minutes for Karan to explain how to put the phone on loud speaker.

“Before I tell you anything, I’d like to say that Khushi is fine. In fact everyone is fine.” But hearing this made the Gupta’s more nervous than reassured. “Khushi was in an accident but now she’s fine.” He said quickly. There was a silence before a rush of questions came through the phone. “Please calm down, it’s nothing to be worried about she’s fine. She just can’t remember anything since Payal’s first wedding.”

“How is that fine!” shrieked Buaji.

“Look, you need to cooperate with me because she thinks she’s here on holiday. As soon as she gets better she wants to go back to India.”

“Karan you have to stop her from coming back at all costs.” Begged Khushi’s father.

“Mausaji, I’ve tried everything but you know how stubborn she is. If she doesn’t regain her memory in 3 weeks, we’ll have to come to India to see if anything can jog her memory.”

“She can’t come back, I won’t let her be harassed again!”

“Mausaji, please try to understand the situation. She won’t have to go near the Riazada’s at all.”

“How is that possible when they were a really big part of her life? Not to mention they’re Payal’s in laws. What if her memory comes back by seeing them?” said Garima.

“If seeing you guys won’t jog her memory we’ll have to go to them.”

“No! Absolutely not! I forbid it!” Shouted Shashi.

“Mausaji-”

“Not after everything they made her go through. Karan you can’t change my mind on this matter.”

Karan sighed. I’ll try reasoning with Mausaji another time. “Are you going to tell Payal?”

“We’ll have to. She has a right to know, it’s her sister.” Said Buaji.

“But-”

“Payal has a right to know!” Buaji stated firmly.

They all knew the consequences of telling Payal. Ever since the Shyam incident, Payal hasn’t kept anything from Akash. And if Akash knows then sure enough, somehow Arnav Singh Riazada will find out. And if Arnav finds out… Well no one wanted to find out the consequences of Arnav finding out, there was too much to lose.

“How is Amba handling the situation?” asked Garima.

“She’s fine apparently.”

“That one is exactly like her mother, always so strong. Karan we trust you to take care of both our girls ok. From now on I want to know how Khushi’s doing everyday.” Said Shashi.

“Yes of course Mausaji.” Then Karan proceeded to tell the Gupta’s the lie he had created to protect Khushi. “She’s going to want to call you, so make sure you stick to this story. I have to go but I’ll call again tomorrow to let you know how Khushi’s doing.” With that Karan cut the call and went downstairs.

He went into the living room and saw Amba busy on her laptop with the tv blaring in the background.

“What are you doing?” He asked.

“Ordering Hindi language kits. Buaji’s right, I should learn how to speak it as well as understand it.”

British Airways, First Class

Arnav Singh Riazada was on a plane half way to Dehli. He was working, as usual, when he finally realised where he had seen Amba before.

“NK.”

Delhi, Riazada Mansion

Payal Raizada was busy getting her children ready for school when her mobile rang. Having 5 children meant that she wouldn’t be picking up her phone for sometime.

“Krish stop teasing Nandani and eat your breakfast for God’s sake!” she yelled trying to pry the twins apart.

“Maa, Chin and Jay and still sleeping.” Said Tara as she came down the stairs. She was fully dressed and ready to go.

“You’d think because they’re in university they’d wake up by themselves but no! Tara, can you please make sure that these two finish their breakfast and get them ready soon.” Payal said and rushed up the stairs.

Tara sighed and started separating her siblings as they got into yet another fight. At the age of 16, she was already the more mature one out of her other 4 siblings.

Payal rushed into her sons’ room, ripped the cover off both of them and flung open the curtains.

“Sachin Singh Riazada! Sanjay Singh Riazada! If you two don’t get up right now, so help me God, I’ll kill both of you!” She screamed.

Hearing their mother shout their full name meant she was well and truly pissed so the twins rushed out of their bed and started getting ready as quickly as they could. Payal left their room massaging her head.

“Hello hi bye bye. Why is you shouting so early in the mornings?!” Asked Mamiji as she came out of her room.

Payal was about to snap at her when Tara came to the rescue.

“Wow Dadi! You’re looking so beautiful today. I guess that beauty sleep must really be helping you.”

“I know.” Mamiji smirked arrogantly.

“You know what Dadi? If you sleep for another hour or two, people won’t be able to tell the difference between you and AR’s top models.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

“Ok but keep the noise down!” She sauntered back into her room and Tara let out a sigh of relief.

By this time Payal has calmed down significantly. “Thank you Tara.”

“No problem maa. Ni and Krish have finished their breakfast and are currently getting ready.”

“I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

“Just promise me you won’t have any more kids.”

“Believe me I won’t.”

It was another 10 minutes before she got all her children together and sent them off with the driver before she checked her phone. She panicked when she saw the 17 missed calls from her parents’ house. She called them back immediately. Someone picked up at the first ring.

“Is Babuji ok? Amma? Buaji?”

“Yes yes Nand Kishore everyone is fine.” Replied Buaji.

“Thank Devi Maya, I was so worried. Why did you miss call me so much if everyone is fine?”

“Because your sister’s not fine”

Payal froze. She barely talked to her sister these days after what happened in the past but that didn’t change the fact that she loved her. “What’s happened to Khushi?!”

“She’s been in an accident.” The Buaji began retelling everything that Karan told her. “Look Payalia, I know Akash is your husband and you have the right to tell him everything but please keep this away from Arnav.”

Payal hadn’t kept anything from Akash since the incident between Shyam and Khushi had been cleared up. She had been completely honest about everything. But for the first time she wanted to hide this matter from her husband, not because Akash couldn’t keep a secret but because Khushi had done everything in her power to ensure Payal’s happiness and now she wanted to return the favour.

“Buaji I’ll make sure Arnavji never finds out, even if it means hiding this from Akash.”

“No Payalia, you have to tell Akash.”

“But Khushi-”

“No! Hiding things has always brought misfortune to our family.”

“Ok Buaji, just keep me up to date on how Khushi’s doing.”

“Ok Payalia, take care.”

Payal ended the call. She could sense she wasn’t alone so she turned around and gasped. There, stood by the entrance, was Arnav Singh Riazada.