HWGA Chapter 13: Tell Me Something I Don't Know

Purple bits are Hindi. Bold bits are memories. Italics are thoughts. I'm really upset that IPKKND has ended but I'm going to continue my stories. I also have exams coming up which means that I won't be updating until late December. Enjoy :)

New characters

Gupta Haveli

Chapter 13: Tell Me Something I Don’t Know

London, Heathrow Airport

Karan rubbed his eyes tiredly as he watched Khushi talk animatedly about India to an equally tired Amba. Neither father nor daughter had slept properly for the last 3 days.  Karan had lied awake at night thinking of ways to keep Khushi away from India and England. He knew what ever he came up with probably wouldn’t work as Amba and Khushi would ask too many questions. He had tried to convince Khushi to take a trip around Europe, America or Australia but she was adamant in going back home. Amba’s sleepless nights were caused by preparing everything for her business venture in India. In short no one had really slept in the past 3 days.

Karan sighed and thought for the millionth time whether going to India was a good idea. When he’d informed Khushi family, the Logans, Nik and Nat, no one had wanted them to go. But when he had explained the situation fully, they couldn’t get him out of the country fast enough. Now the only thing he had to worry about was Arnav Singh Raizada, who was going to work closely with his daughter.

“This is so fucked up.” He said as he thought about the situation.

He went and handed Khushi a magazine to keep her preoccupied and pulled Amba away.

“Yes dad?”

“Amba there are a lot of things you don’t know-”

“Tell me something I don’t know.” She retorted.

Karan smiled a little at the word play. “When we get to India, things will be confusing.”

“Ok…”

“And-”

“Dad if you can’t tell me the whole story, don’t say anything at all. If stuff happens throughout the trip, tell me then, ok?”

“Fine.”

 Lucknow, Sheesh Mahal

Arnav smirked at a very dishevelled Payal who had just come through the front door with her children. The private investigator he hired had told him that Khushi was expected to visit her parents very soon and the arrival of Payal confirmed it.

“Payal, what are you doing here?” He asked in mock surprise.

“I just came to help with the wedding preparations.”

“Really? I thought you’d come a few days before the Mehendi?”

She looked slightly flustered. “There’s so much to do Arnavji, that I had to come straight away.”

“You must really want this wedding to go well.”

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I? After all Neha is my niece.” She said defensively.

“What about the children’s school?”

“Akash called and said they were taking a 4 week holiday.”

“That’s fantastic. I’ll call Om Prakash to help you.”

Arnav went up to his room and smirked again. The conversation with Payal just confirmed that Khushi was coming to Lucknow. Payal had always thought Neha getting married now was a mistake, especially to Yuvraj. Plus she’d never put a wedding before her children’s education.

“Thank you for the confirmation Payal.”

Now all he had to do was get Khushi alone and grill her about the past 23 years.

British Airway, First Class

As soon as they boarded the plane and made sure that Khushi was settled in, Amba had offered her father a drink, which he had taken. He was sleeping like a baby as soon as the plane was in the air. Amba looked at him guiltily but she had to do it. With Khushi’s nightmares and what ever was keeping him up all night, he hadn’t slept properly for the past 3 days. So she simply mixed some sleeping pills into his drink because she knew he would worry the entire flight. She knew he’d wake up as soon as they touched down and he’d be ready to face whatever was troubling him so much.

I better get some sleep too. I need to be prepared for the worst.

With that she closed her eyes and fell asleep.

Lucknow, Sheesh Mahal

Arnav was going through his files for a meeting in a few hours when there was a knock at his door.

“Come in.”

The door opened and in came Payal. “Arnavji, I’m going to stay at my parents’ house for a few days.”

Arnav tried hard to hide his smile. “Why Payal? You came early to help with the wedding. How are you going to do that at your parents’ house?”

“I’m sorry Arnavji but my father’s really ill.”

“Really? Then perhaps we should all go and see him.”

“No!” Payal said too quickly.

Arnav raised an eyebrow. “Payal?”

“I mean, he’s not that ill but he wants to see me. And I can’t refuse him, he is my father. I was just letting you know.”

“Ok Payal if you insist. Are the kids going with you?”

“I’m taking Tara, the rest are staying.”

“Good.” He wanted to rile up Payal for lying to him and not telling him about Khushi.

“Arnavji?”

“I mean, you always get Tara to babysit the others-”

“I don’t get Tara to-”

“Yes you do. And one day she’ll have enough and you never know what she’ll do.” He knew it wasn’t true. Tara wasn’t like that. She didn’t have a selfish bone in her body.

A bit like Khushi, he mused.

Payal was getting angry now. “I assure you Arnavji, that my daughter won’t ever do anything irrational. I didn’t bring her up like that.”

“You never know with kids these days.”

“I don’t know about other kids but my daughter is absolutely selfless!” she replied haughtily.

“Like Khushi.” There was a stunned silence. Arnav watched Payals reaction but apart from the initial shock, her face gave nothing away. He decided to let her off. “When’s Akash coming back?”

“He should be back tomorrow.”

“And will he be staying with you at your parents’ house?”

“I’m not going to stay at the Gupta Haveli for long, so he’ll be staying here.”

“Payal can you come home around 8pm tomorrow. I need to announce something important to the whole family.”

“If it’s for the entire family, shouldn’t we wait for Diane to come?”

“I have a feeling NK and Diane already know what I’m about to say. You might too.”

“Sorry?”

“You should be.” He murmured.

“What?”

“Nothing. Give my best to your father.” He said cheerily.

Payal left the room feeling slightly angry and confused. Once Payal had left, Arnav smiled at his small victory.

Enjoy you alone time with your sister because once I get a hold of her she’s never leaving my side. I don’t care what it takes.

Arnav didn’t know whether or not Khushi had moved on. She could have a family, children with another man but he didn’t care. All he wanted was another chance at winning her heart. He held on to the hope that she hadn’t moved on like he hadn’t. He moved to his personal garden and started tending the plants, reminiscing about Khushi.

Payal was packing her bag to go to her parents’ house when Tara came in.

“Ma, will you tell me why we’re going to Nani and Nana’s house?”

“I will once we get there.”

“Why are you taking me?”

“Because I trust you and because I don’t want you babysitting all the time.”

“I don’t babysit.” She protested.

Arnav’s words had got to her. “Yes you do, now don’t argue. Have you packed your bag?”

“Yes.”

“Good. I’ll be down in a second, ask the driver to be ready.”

When Payal came downstairs, she could hear her other children grilling Tara about her visit to their grandparents’ house.

“Why are you the only one going?” complained Sachin.

“Because she’s the only sane child I gave birth to.” Said Payal. “Besides, you’re all going to behave extremely well and help with the wedding preparations. Aren’t you?” pressed Payal.

A mumble of yes ma’s could be heard amongst the children.

“Why can’t we all go see Nani and Nana?” asked Nandini.

“Because it’s not that serious. If it is, I’ll call you and all of you can come over.”

“Let’s all pray that it is serious.” Joked Sanjay. They all wanted to get away from their crazy Bua and even crazier cousin. But the joke only earned him a smack around the head from his mother. “I meant, let’s all pray that it’s not that serious. It came out as a mistake Ma.”

“I should hope so. Now behave and do everything your Bua and Chachu tells you to.”

They all groaned. Payal hugged and kissed each of her children before exiting the house with Tara.

Once in the car, Tara asked, “Will you tell me now?”

“Not yet. There are ears everywhere.”

The rest of the journey had been silent.

Lucknow, Airport

Karan had woken up, feeling strangely relaxed, to find out they were already in India. He gave a dirty look to Amba who lowered her eyes in guilt.

“Amba-”

Before he could continue she cut in. “You were over worked and too tired and I knew you’d be up the entire journey stressing out, so I put some sleeping pills in your drink. I’m sorry but it had to be done.”

He sighed and said nothing. He might as well go with the flow as the worst case scenario was happening as they spoke. The worst and weirdest was still to come so he might as well start embracing and preparing.

After they had grabbed their luggage, they got in the car that Logan sent for them. Khushi fell asleep after a while but Amba was wide awake. She was getting more and more nervous by the second. She felt suffocated as fear began to grip her.

Filthy, bastard child!

Her eyes had filled with terror and she began hyperventilating. Karan looked over at his daughter and immediately knew what she was thinking of. He held her hand and squeezed it a little to bring her out of the stupor she was in.

“They’re not like your Dadi you know.” He said softly. “They are incredibly nice people.”

“Everyone sounds nice over the phone dad. Even murderers.”

Karan stiffened. “Trust me, they’ll love you.”

“Sure they will.”

“You don’t trust me, do you?”

“I do trust you dad, I don’t trust people.”

Karan was about to retract his hand but Amba was holding it like her life depended on it. These last few weeks had defiantly taken its toll on Amba. Well it had taken its toll on everybody but it had hit Amba the hardest. She had transformed from a strong, independent woman to a vulnerable girl.

When they had reached the Gupta Haveli, Amba still refused to let go of his hand.

“Honey, it’s going to be ok. I’m right here. I’m not leaving you.” Karan said soothingly.

Amba nodded and slowly let go of his hand. Karan turned to the side to wake up Khushi.

“Khushi. You lazy child. We’re here.” Karan said as he shook her gently.

Khushi mumbled something about jalebies and rubbed her eyes. As soon as she saw where she was, she squealed and ran out of the car.

 Lucknow, Gupta Haveli

A little while before Khushi arrived, Payal and Tara did. After the initial hugging and praising, Payal and Tara went to their room.

“Tara you remember Khushi Masi?” Payal asked Tara.

“The one that lives in England?”

“Yes. And you remember Amba jiji?”

“Yes, Masi’s daughter.”

“The thing is, Khushi Masi has lost her memory. She thinks she lives here and works for LL’s Indian branch. She doesn’t remember anything from the past 24 years. Do you remember when I told you about my first wedding disaster?”

“Yes. The one before you came to Delhi?”

“That’s the one. She only remembers the morning of the wedding.”

“Does that mean she doesn’t remember Amba jiji? She doesn’t remember Karan uncle?”

“No she remembers Karan uncle. We used to be childhood friends. But yes she doesn’t remember Amba. So we have to pretend that Amba is Karan’s and that she’s been living here for the past 24 years.”

“Why don’t you just tell her the truth?”

“Because the doctor wants her to try and remember by herself. If we tell her everything she could go into shock and never recall the past.”

“Why am I here?”

“Because I want you to meet your Masi. She’s the one that named you.”

“What about Sanjay and Sachin, they are the oldest. Why aren’t they meeting her first?”

“Because I trust you the most. Plus if we all came and visited it could raise questions.”

“Is it the same reason as why we’re not allowed to talk about her?”

“Yes. Unfortunately, the Raizada’s did treat her a bit badly. I’m sure they regret it now but Khushi asked that we didn’t speak of her too much. It would open up old wounds if they found out she’s here.”

“So we’re hiding her? Does Baba know?”

“Of course he knows. I never keep anything from him.”

“But he’s a Raizada too.”

“Yes but he’s loyalties lie with me and my children, so he’s decided to keep quiet.”

“So the others won’t get to meet her?”

“Of course they will. I just have to sneak them out of the house without anyone finding out.”

Just then they heard a car pull up.

“That must be her. Tara, please remember everything I’ve just told you.”

“Yes Ma.”

Payal walked out the room with Tara following close behind. They walked to the courtyard to find Khushi embracing her parents. Garima and Shashi had tears in their eyes as did Khushi. This was the first time they were seeing her after nearly 23 years. Payal found that she had tears in her eyes too. She ran to her sister and pulled her into a bone crushing hug.

“How’ve you been Khushi?” she managed to chock out.

“I’ve been fine. Karan has been taking such good care of me.”

“And we’ll always be eternally grateful to him.” Said Babuji.

Payal and Tara finally noticed Karan and Amba. They both greeted them.

Karan went and touched both Garima and Shashi’s feet. “It’s nothing Mausaji. Besides, I had to take care of her. She doesn’t know how to do it herself.”

Everyone laughed and Khushi hit Karan lightly on his arm.

“Babuji are you going to let him talk to me like that?” she complained.

“You know it’s true Titlyia.”

“Babuji!” Khushi finally noticed someone standing behind Payal. “Who’s that?”

“I’ll forgive you because you’ve lost your memory.” Payal brought Tara forward. “This is your niece”

Khushi’s mouth fell open. “Hey Devi Maya! You’re so big. And very very beautiful.” Tara blushed at the compliment. “Is she your eldest?”

“No, Tara’s 16. I had twins before her, Sanjay and Sachin, they’re 20.”

Khushi’s face fell. Her sister had 20 year old children and she’d probably never have any. “Wow, I feel old. So you have 3?”

“No I have five. I had another set of twins, Nandini and Krishna, they’re 10.”

Khushi’s eyes filled with pain. “You have 5 and I don’t have any.”

“You practically raised them.” Payal said hurriedly. “If you want, you can take some, I honestly won’t mind. They’re too much trouble any way.”

Khushi smiled a little and turned towards her parents.

“Is my room where it used to be?”

“Yes. Why don’t you go and freshen up? Buaji will be back from the Mandir any time now.”

Khushi grabbed her bag and walked quickly towards her room. Everyone watched her go with sadness. Bad things seemed to always happen to her and she was the most wholesome person they knew.

Karan thought he’d break the tension. “Is there enough room for me and Amba or will we have to get a hotel?”

“Nonsense! You’re staying here. But first I want a good look at my granddaughter.” Said Shashi.

Karan gestured for Amba to go to her grandparents. She walked towards them nervously. As soon as she was close to them, they pulled her into a hug. Amba didn’t realise she was holding her breath and chose to let it out. She felt relieved that they had chosen to accept her.

“You are so beautiful and so grown up!” said Garima with tears in her eyes.

Amba didn’t realise she was crying until her vision blurred. “Thank you.” She whispered.

“You have to tell us everything! And I mean everything.”

Karan could see that Amba was feeling overwhelmed so he intervened. “She will, once we’ve all freshened up. Masiji, can you show us our rooms?”

“Of course.”

Garima took Amba to her room first.

“I know it’s not a great as your room in London but I hope you can be comfortable here.”

The room wasn’t that grand but it was homely. There was a bed, a desk and a wardrobe. It was perfect. Amba noticed that there were blank spots on the walls.

“Did you take some frames down?” she asked Garima.

“Betiya I know you don’t believe in God so we took down all the photos of them.”

Amba was so touched by what they had done. “Thank you but you didn’t have to.”

“I know. But we didn’t want you to feel uncomfortable.” Amba embraced her grandmother and her grandmother stroked her hair. “It’s ok betiya.”

They stayed like that for some time before Amba pulled away and began unpacking. Next Garima took Karan to his room.

“Lunch is in 20 minutes. Don’t be late.” She warned.

“Yes Masiji.”

Over lunch, dinner and throughout the night the whole haveli was buzzing. Memories from everyone were shared. They got acquainted and reacquainted. They laughed, cried and generally had a good time. The Gupta’s got to spend time with their granddaughter and niece. Khushi got to know her niece better and asked about her other nieces and nephews. Khushi and Payal got to bond again and Amba and Tara got to bond too. It was 4 am before any actually went to sleep. They were already cherishing this time as they could feel a storm coming.

Everyone woke up around lunch and started their merry chatter again.

“Ma, I’m going back to the Sheesh Mahal at 8.” Payal announced.

“But Jiji you just got here.” Complained Khushi.

“It’s not going to take long. I’ll be back tomorrow.”

“Can I come and meet your in-laws?”

“No!” Everyone yelled. Khushi looked confused at everyone.

“I mean, my in-laws don’t know that you’ve lost your memory. Once I’ve told them you can visit.” Said Payal, trying to salvage the situation.

“Ok.” Said Khushi cheerfully and went on eating her lunch.

Lucknow, Sheesh Mahal

Payal and Tara had arrived and they saw the rest of their family gathered in the massive living room.

“Mamu, we’re all very tired and look Payal Mami and Tara are here. Just tell us already.” Complained Priti.

“What have you been doing besides lazing around in the sun all day?” asked Neha.

“That’s more than what you’ve been doing and it’s your wedding.” She retorted.

Before it could turn into a fight, Arnav shouted, “Enough!” Everyone fell silent. “I have called you all here to give you some good news.” He paused and everyone looked at him expectedly. “Khushi Kumari Gupta has returned to Lucknow.”