AAD Chapter 10: I Will Have You

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Chapter 10: ‘I will have you’

On the plane

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Raizada House

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Laxminagar

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Jiji, he said it’s a gift..”

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

“Never” was the only word Khushi could say.

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

AHEA Chapter 10: Progress

Chapter 10: Progress

It had been 4 months since Anjili moved out of the Raizada Mansion and she was slowly getting better. The family would often come visit her in her apartment which wasn’t too far away from the mansion and she in turn would visit them at RM. A month after leaving, she had introduced her family to her therapist and they began working out some stuff together as a family. It had helped them through a lot and they had become a lot closer. Now they frequently went with Anjili.

Her therapist knew that she was 90% better. He had even worked through her anger issues and her limp was now gone but there was something that needed to be done before she could fully become a new person. And he knew just what to do. After one of the family sessions, he had asked Khushi to stay behind.

“Mrs Raizada, would you mind helping me with something?” he asked Khushi.

“That depends on what it is.” She replied.

When the therapist explained what needed to be done, she was all game.

It was a bright Sunday morning and Anjili was sleeping in when she heard a knock on her door. She groaned. She didn’t want to wake up now, she had stayed up all night working on her college project. She turned over and pulled the pillow to cover her ears but the knocking didn’t stop.

She got up and stalked to the door getting ready to unleash the famous Raizada wrath. She ripped open the door to find her sister-in-law standing there.

“Babhi?” she said in surprise. “I don’t mean to be rude but why are you waking me up so early?”

“Your phone was off. What if there was a family emergency?”

“There’s a family emergency?!” asked Anjili in alarm.

“No no.” said Khushi trying to calm her down. “I was just saying that you shouldn’t turn your phone off because if there was a family emergency, we wouldn’t be able to reach you.”

“Oh ok. But the question still remains, what are you doing here?”

“It’s a surprise. Get dressed.”

Anjili’s eyes lit up. She loved surprises. “Surprise? What kind of surprise?”

“If I told you, it wouldn’t be a surprise. Now get dressed.”

Anjili quickly got dressed and followed Khushi to the car.

“Where are we going?” she asked.

“It’s a surprise.”

Soon the car pulled up outside her therapist’s clinic. Anjili gave Khushi a look.

“Just trust me ok.” Said Khushi before entering.

Khushi had a brief conversation with the receptionist and they were directed in to a big room with a lot of gym mats on the floor. Anjili’s therapist was there sitting on a bench.

“Ah you’re both here. Good. Now put on these fat suits.” He said and handed them their fat suits.

“Is this a joke?” asked Anjili.

“No, now come on.” Said Khushi pulling her into a changing room.

A few minutes later, both of them came out of the changing room in their fat suits.

“I feel stupid.” Said Anjili.

“You’re about to feel a whole lot better.” Said Khushi.

Anjili’s therapist handed her a long foam bat.

“Go on.” He said. “Take your anger out on Khushi.”

“This is ridiculous. I don’t hate Khushiji.”

“Di, we are just trying to help you.” Said Khushi. “You’ve already had your revenge on Shyam but you haven’t had your revenge on me. So go on hit me. I am the cause of all of this-”

Khushi didn’t get to finish her sentence because Anjili had whacked her with the foam bat. She continued whacking her and Khushi just stood there and took it.

“I hate you! It’s all your fault! I’m miserable now and you are happy. It’s not fair. You’ve taken away everything I hold dear. I hate you. I hate you. I hate you.” She screamed at Khushi.

After a while, Anjili dropped her bat and started crying. Khushi waddled close to her.

“I’m sorry Khushiji. I don’t really hate you.” She hiccupped.

“I know Di.” She said whilst trying to pat Anjili’s back. It was hard to comfort her because they were wearing fat suits. “You just needed to get that pent up frustration and anger out.”

“I know it’s not your fault and I didn’t mean anything I said. Honest-”

“I know, I know. I agreed to do this to help you. How do you feel?”

“Like a huge weight has been lifted off my shoulders.” She said honestly.

“Are you ready to come home or are you going to stay in your apartment still?”

“No, I want to come home. I miss my family.”

Khushi smiled. “It’s good to have you back Di.”

Anjili returned her smile. “It’s good to be back babhi.” 

IAL Chapter 10: Confrontation

As always, thank you everyone who commented and liked the last chapter. Here is the next one, enjoy :)

 

Chapter 10: Confrontation

 

As soon as Arnav came home NK tried to talk to him.

 

“Nanav, Nanav, I really need to talk to you.” NK said as he hurried behind Arnav.

 

“Not now NK!”

 

Arnav ducked in to his room and slammed the door in NK’s face before he could say anything else.

 

Damn it Nanav! Why do you have to be so stubborn?

 

NK decided not to poke the angry dragon and left from there. He anxiously stood by the front door and waited for Khushi and her family to arrive.

 

A voice came from behind him and it startled him. “Oi hoi, NK bhai. Who are you waiting for?” asked Anjili in a teasing tone.

 

“Khushiji.” NK said without thinking.

 

Anjili’s smirk grew. “Really? And why are you waiting for her?”

 

NK hadn’t noticed the teasing tone as his mind was elsewhere. “Because I need to talk to her about something.”

 

Before Anjili could tease him further, Akash came up to them with a frown on his face.

 

“NK bhai-”

 

“Not now Akash. Just drink some herbal tea and get ready. Payalji’s nearly here.”

 

Akash gaped at the blunt response NK gave him. Anjili decided to take Akash away form there.

 

“Let’s go Akash. NK needs to talk to Khushiji about something very important.”

 

NK was getting really impatient and just as he was about to call Khushi, she and her family walked through the front door. The Raizada clan, except for Arnav, came to greet the Gupta family. After greetings were exchanged, NK more or less dragged Khushi to the poolside.

 

“Nanheji, what’s going on?” asked Khushi.

 

“You tell me.” NK said in an accusing tone.

 

Khushi was confused. “I really don’t know what you’re talking about.”

 

NK turned to face Khushi and she could see that he was serious, more serious than she’d ever seen him.

 

“Khushiji, I want you to tell me the whole truth and nothing but the truth. Can you do that for me?” Khushi nodded in response. “Good. I don’t know what’s really going on here and I want to find out. Please keep in mind that I’m not going to judge you no matter what you say. I know that love is blind and everything and I’m sure you have a perfectly good explanation for what I saw.”

 

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

 

NK lead Khushi to his room and pulled out the camcorder. At first, Khushi looked more confused than ever but when he played the tape, she understood everything.

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.