AHEA Chapter 7: Lunch Insecurities

Chapter 7: Lunch Insecurities

It was around lunchtime when Khushi decided to go and surprise her husband with lunch. She left her company and took a car to AR. She was heading up to her office when Aman spotted her.

“Khushi babhi.” He said when he spotted her.

“Namaste Amanji, I’m just here to have lunch with Arnavji.”

“Can I talk to you before you have lunch with ASR?” he asked nervously.

“Sure.”

“Umm it’s probably not my place to say but sir has been acting very strangely lately.”

Khushi frowned. “What do you mean?”

“Well, since he started dating you, he’s been less ASR and more human. And when he married you he was like a boss sent down from heaven. But today he’s back to his old self. He’s yelling at us for no reason and staring into space. He hasn’t done any work since he got here this morning and when I asked him why, he blamed it on me. I just thought I’d warn you before you went in.”

“Thank you Amanji, I’ll have a word with him.” She then saw the panic in Aman’s eyes. “Don’t worry, I won’t tell him you said anything.”

“Thank you Khushi babhi.”

Aman went back to doing his job and Khushi went up to Arnav’s office. She went in without knocking and saw him staring out into space.

“Arnavji?” asked Khushi with concern.

He looked up. “Khushi what are you doing here?”

“I thought I’d surprise you with lunch.”

“Thanks but I’m not hungry. Feel free to keep me company while you eat.”

“Yeah like I’m going to let that happen. You’re going to eat and then take your pills even if I have to force you.”

Arnav smirked. “I like it when you’re forceful.”

Khushi blushed. “Besharam!”

Khushi came to his desk and started to feed him whilst eating herself. They ate in silence. After they finished eating, she gave Arnav he’s pills.

“So what’s wrong?” she asked.

“What do you mean?”

“You’re staring out into space and you’re employees are on edge. Something’s up.”

“They should be on edge.”

“Arnavji.”

“What do you want me to say Khushi?”

“I want you to open up to me. I want you to confide in me because I am your wife.”

There was a long pause before Arnav spoke. “I don’t know who Di is anymore.” He said in a small voice. “And that scares me.”

Khushi went and hugged him. “It’s going to be ok Arnavji.”

“How do you know?”

“Because it’s always darkest before the dawn. She’s seeing a therapist and I’m sure that they are helping her get her life together and as soon as she’s better, she’ll come back and live with us again.”

“What if she doesn’t?”

“Then we’ll respect her decision of independence and hope she doesn’t forget her family. The more we push her, the more she’ll pull away. We need to let her have some space to figure out who she is. We can’t help her do this but we can be there to support her through it.”

Arnav smiled. “I married such a wise woman.”

Khushi grinned. “I know.”

Arnav held her close. “Yeah? What else do you know?”

Khushi brought her face closer to his and then slipped out of his grasp. “I know that lunch is over and that we should be getting back to work.”

As she was leaving, Arnav called: “You own me a kiss.”

“You can collect it tonight.” She said before leaving. 

AAD Chapter 7: Taking Charge

Thank you to everyone who has waited patiently for Angels and Devils to return. Enjoy :)

Chapter 7: Taking Charge

 

With the money in her hand, Payal stepped out of the shop. She didn’t know why but she felt freer than she had in a long time. She caught an auto and was about to head back to the hospital when she remembered that she left her phone at home. She told the driver to take her home instead and to wait outside until she came out. She went in and grabbed her phone to find that Khushi had missed called her 31 times and messaged her 12 times. She called her back and after a few tries Khushi finally picked up.

 

“Hello, Khushi? Sorry I took so long, are you still at the Mandir?” Payal asked.

 

She didn’t get a reply for a long time but she could hear sniffles and concluded that Khushi had been crying.

 

“Jiji I’m still at the Mandir, where are you?”

 

Khushi’s voice sounded hoarse and Payal knew for sure that she had been crying.

 

“I’m coming, stay there and don’t move, ok?”

 

“Ok.”

 

Payal cut the call and grabbed an auto, telling the man to drive as fast as possible to the Mandir.

 

 

 

 

Devi Maya Mandir, Lucknow

 

Payal arrived at the Mandir in record time despite all the traffic. She paid the man slightly extra for getting her there so fast and ran off to find her sister. She had been running all over the place for 10 minutes and she still hadn’t found her. Just when she was going to give up and call her to ask her where she was, Payal found someone at the base of a tree behind the Mandir. She walked a little closer and found out that it was her sister. She was just sitting there with a blank expression on her face staring into space.

 

Payal approached her slowly and slightly shook her. “Khushi?”

 

Khushi looked at Payal as if she was seeing her for the first time. “I’ve decided to go with him Jiji.”

 

Payal was going to ask her who she was talking about but then she remembered. “And why exactly are you going to do that?”

 

“He made me see a little clearer.”

 

“Oh did he now?”

 

“Yes. We can’t afford Babuji’s treatment, we don’t have a home anymore and plus no one wants me here.”

 

“Really? No one? So I’m no one to you am I?”

 

“That’s not what I meant-”

 

“Listen to me Khushi, you are going no where. I have sold all my wedding jewellery-”

 

Khushi gasped, “Jiji!”

 

“Khushi don’t interrupt and let me finish. I sold all my wedding jewellery to pay for Babuji’s treatment and there’s still a little left over for travel expenses. We are going to leave Lucknow and move to Delhi. Buaji has a small place there, it’s not much but it will do. Also I have a few people who own Babuji and me some money, so that should keep us going until I find a job.”

 

“Jiji, do you realise what you’ve done?” asked an incredulous Khushi.

 

“I know exactly what I’ve done. I’ve managed to save my sister from a fate worse than death and I’ve managed to provide for my family. Khushi, I just realised how much of the dark ages that we’re living in. It’s the 21^st century for Devi Maya’s sake, women can work and not have to get married as soon as possible. So what if I’m not a man, I can still take care of my family and I’ve proved that today.”

 

“But jiji-”

 

“No Khushi. You are not going anywhere with that man. I want to take him to court for what he tried to pull but we don’t have enough money for a lawyer plus he’s a big businessman and I’m sure we’d lose. We, as a family, are going to get as far away from that man as possible. He has brought nothing but sorrow into our lives and as soon as Babuji’s better we are going to leave for Delhi. As soon as we’re settled into Delhi, you and I are going to look for jobs. Yes both of us. We’re going to need as much money as possible. Maybe when we have enough money we can start to go to classes again and get proper jobs eventually.”

 

“Amma, Babuji and Buaji will never agree to this.”

 

“If they don’t agree, how on Earth are we going to get money to pay for food, water, electricity and accommodations? We have to stop living in the past. This is the only way we’re going to survive. This is not up for discussion, this is happening. Now come on, let’s get back to the hospital, we need to pay Babuji’s bill.”

 

Khushi said no more about her sister’s decision and followed her to the main road where they proceeded to get an auto to the hospital.

 

 

 

Shekhar Hospital, Lucknow

 

As soon as they entered the hospital, Payal proceeded to go to the reception and pay her father’s hospital fee. They then went to their father’s ward and when they entered Garima and Buaji stood up.

 

“Payal where have you been?” asked Garima. “I’ve been so worried.”

 

“I was just getting some money to pay for Babuji’s bill.” She replied.

 

“How? And why have you brought that whore with you?”

 

“Amma! Khushi is still my sister no matter how blind you choose to be to the truth. She’s family and family always stick together, through thick and thin.” Lectured Payal.

 

“It’s you who’s blind Payalia!” screamed Buaji. “And don’t you dare talk to your mother like that. Apologise right now.”

 

“You’re right Buaji, I shouldn’t have yelled but I won’t apologise for what I said. As of now, I’m appointing myself head of the family until Babuji gets better. Buaji, do you still have that little bungalow in Delhi?”

 

“Yes, why?”

 

“Good. Amma and Buaji, go to the house and pack, we’re moving to Delhi.”

 

“What?! Why?” Both Garima and Buaji said at the same time.“

 

Payal glared at them both. “Have you not been paying attention? That monster has our house now so we need a new place to live.”

 

“He said, he’d continue to let us live in it if we just gave him Khushi.” Said Buaji.

 

“Buaji, I know you are my elder and I’m meant to respect you but if you bring that up again, if you so much as mention it once more, I will slap you.”

 

“How dare you-”

 

“Shut up! Everyone shut up. Does family mean nothing to you people? This is not up for discussion, this is what’s going to happen no matter how much you protest. I’ve sold all my wedding jewellery-”

 

Buaji and Garima gasped. “Payal how could you?”

 

“Stop being so dramatic, it’s not the end of the world.”

 

“It might as well be.” Piped in Buaji.

 

Payal glared at her once more. “We’re too poor to get me or Khushi married. At least this way the jewellery will be of some use. Besides, how do you plan on earning any money once we’ve been married off? Babuji’s not as young as he used to be and he being in the hospital now proves that. Besides, selling sweets doesn’t bring much money in and if Babuji fall ill again, who is going to provide for this family?”

 

There was silence.

 

“That’s what I thought.” Said Payal. “Now, Amma, Buaji, go and pack. I’m going to go collect some debts. Khushi, go and see if you can find anyone who wants to buy the halwai shop. We need to do this as quickly as possible because as soon as Babuji’s better, we need to go.”

 

“What if we don’t find a buyer in time?” asked Khushi.

 

“Then we leave the shop in the hands of someone we trust and once that person has found someone to sell it to, they can send the money to our address in Delhi. Now go.”

 

The ladies of the Gupta parivaar dispersed and each went to complete their own task.

 

Payal was the last to leave as she wanted to spend a little time alone with her father. She came to his bed side and held his hand. Her father was still asleep so it was easier to speak to him.

 

“Don’t worry Babuji, everything is going to be fine. We’ll move to Delhi and start a new life. Khushi and I will get jobs to support you guys. Maybe if we get enough money, we’ll buy you another halwai shop. And I know what you’re going to say, “What about marriage?”. Well, I know Khushi’s always wanted to get married, so if she falls in love, we’ll get her married. As for me, the only man I need in my life is you, so get better quickly. I love you Babuji.”

 

With that, she kissed his hand and made her way out of the ward. Payal had reached the reception when she met someone who she really didn’t want to see. She tried to walk as fast and as discreetly as possible but the man had somehow managed to spot her anyway and was heading her way.

 

“Excuse me Miss Gupta?” he said.

 

She turned to face the man. “What do you want now Aman?”

 

“Well, I tried to pay the hospital bill but it seems you have already done so.”

 

“That’s right.” Payal began to turn away when Aman spoke again.

 

“Sir was just wondering how you got the money.”

 

Payal turned to face Aman with a smirk on her face. “You run and tell your master-”

 

“He’s not my master.”

 

“He might as well be. You run and tell him that he messed with the wrong family. Tell him that I love my family more than anything and I will do whatever it takes to protect them. Tell him that he can keep the house and his money. Tell him my sister will not be coming with him, not now, not ever, not in this lifetime or any other. Most of all, tell him that whatever he plans to do next will be fruitless because we are a strong family and we will stick together no matter what. You got all that Aman? Good, because I don’t ever want to see your face or your master’s face ever again.”

 

With that Payal Gupta walked away with her head held high.

IAL Chapter 7: Handling Things

As always, thank you for all the likes and comments. Enjoy :)

Chapter 7: Handling Things

As Arnav drove of in to the night he thought of every moment he had with Khushi. From the moment he saw her on his catwalk to the moment he had caught her on the roof with Shyam, she had held him captive. He always felt drawn to her in a way he never quite understood. It was as if his life had only begun when she entered it. Like she was the oxygen in his much deprived body.

It started pouring down with rain as Arnav skidded through the streets in dangerous speed. He didn’t care anymore.

Why does this always happen to me? What have I done to deserve this?

He just wanted to keep on driving. Just leave his life behind and start a new one because he knew chaos waited for him back home. He knew he would somehow have to convince his family, especially his sister, that Shyam was a scumbag. He knew he would have to deal with Khushi for trying to seduce a married man. He knew he would have to keep Shyam and Khushi apart so they don’t get to be with each other and Arnav was too tired to do that. Finally the burden of always making everything right, of always supporting someone, of always being in control was taking its toll on him.

He screeched to a halt on a side of a deserted road and got out. The rain kept pelting down and in no time his suit was stuck to his well built form. He slammed the door shut and slid down on to the ground. He was so tried. Ever since his mother committed suicide because of his father’s affairs and his father committed suicide because of his guilt, Arnav hadn’t had a moments rest. Everything was stripped away from them because of his greedy uncle and even their own Dadi abandoned them. He grew up way too fast. Always providing for or supporting other people, never himself.

Maybe that’s why I’m so bitter. I spent so much time making sure everybody else was happy that I forgot my own happiness.

And for the first time since his parents’ death, Arnav Singh Raizada cried. He cried for the loss of his parents. He cried for the loss of his childhood. He cried because he let his sister marry an unfaithful man. He cried because the woman he was in love with was having an affair with his brother-in-law. And most of all, he cried because he didn’t know how to handle any of this.

HWGA Chapter 7: Lies

The purple bits are meant to be Hindi, I explained that in the last chapter.

Chapter 7: Lies

One sentence rang in both their heads and time seemed to stop for a moment.

What are you doing here?

Karan was the first to recover. “Why wouldn’t we be here Khushi?”

Khushi gave him a confused look. “Because you live in England.”

“And?”

“And I thought you were in England.” She said as if she were speaking to a child. “Who’s that?”

Amba’s world came crumbling down all around her and for the first time in her life she didn’t know what to do. All she could do was gap at her mother; the woman who gave birth to her, who raised her, who loved her. She could only stare at her mother with a broken expression on her face. She had been preparing herself in case her mother did change after the accident but she had never contemplated this. She slumped down on a chair and continued to stare at her mother. Karan could see exactly how those two words affected her but Khushi hadn’t noticed and decided to carry on.

“What happened Karan? Where are Amma, Babuji, Buaji and Jiji? Why am I here?”

Karan tore his eyes away from his daughter. “Khushi I’ll explain everything but first you need to tell me what you remember last.”

“The morning of Jiji’s wedding.”

“Which one?” And as soon as the words left his mouth he regretted it. Karan could clearly see the distressed look on Khushi’s face to find out that her sister might have been married multiple times. So he tried to rectify the situation. “I meant which guy is lucky enough to marry your sister? My Hindi isn’t what it used to be.”

Khushi gave him a disappointed look. “You were always a huge flirt. It was Abishek Khana. And just because you live in a foreign-”

“Khushi you can give me a lecture later. What is the exact last thing you remember?”

“I woke up and I was obviously excited beca-”

“Khushi!”

“Ok ok. I was looking for my earrings and that’s the last thing I remember. Why?”

 “I’ll answer your previous questions after I talk to the doctor, ok?”

“Ok.”

Karan dragged Amba, who still had a stunned expression on her face, out of the room. He went straight to the reception desk.

“Excuse me but who is treating Ms Khushi Kumari Gupta? I need to speak to them immediately.”

“If you wait outside her room, I’ll call the doctor and they’ll be with you as soon as they can.” She replied. She then began to type in her computer and then she made a call. After 15 minutes a doctor arrived in front of them.

“Mr Gupta?”

“No it’s Mr Malik, we never were married. But that’s not the point. My friend can’t remember a good part of the last 22-23 years. I was told there might be only minor damage, this is a major problem!”

“Mr Malik I don’t know what other doctors have told you but Ms Gupta has had a really bad brain injury. The fact that she’s alive is a miracle. We still don’t understand the brain properly and we did predict there may be a change but maybe not to this extent. Is there anything else wrong with her that you can tell?”

“No it’s just her memory.”

“The best thing you can do is not put any pressure on her to remember anything. If you do she may suffer from irreversible brain damage or worse she may fall into a irreversible coma.”

“But she had a daughter she can’t remember! What am I supposed to do? Do you have kids Mr…”

“Chopra, Kumar Chopra. And yes I do. And I know this is going to be hard for the kids especially but remember she may get brain damage or slip into a coma. Did she have any kids before the one she can’t remember?”

“No. But how am I supposed to fill in the last 23/24 years?”

“You need to link everything to things she’ll actually remember. And don’t stress her out.”

“Ok, thank you doctor.”

As the doctor walked away, Amba came out of her stupor and turned to her father who was pulling his hair and rubbing his face.

“Umm dad?”

“Am call the Lawsons and tell them everything. I’m going to go in there and lie my ass off to your mother.”

“Dad you are the worst liar on the planet.”

“Yeah well I’ll become the best for your mother. I’ll record everything so we don’t slip up if she questions us later, we really can’t afford slip ups. I also think that now’s an excellent time to inform her family about her situation.”

“I’m glad I’m handling the Lawsons and you are handling mum’s side of the family.”

“No chance. We are doing mum’s side together because they scare me and I’m not afraid to admit that.” After a pause he looked his daughter up and down. “Are you ok?”

“I’m going to make that call, you go in and talk to mum.”

“Am-” He called after her but it was no use she had already ran away. He sighed, took a deep breath in and stepped into Khushi’s room.

St Claire’s Car Park

By the time Amba reached the car park she had tears streaming down her face that she was wiping furiously with one hand as the other was busy looking for her car keys. As soon as she found them she got in her car, locked the doors and spent 5 minutes composing herself before she made the call. She had never felt so powerless in her entire life but she knew she had to be strong for her mother and father because they were all in this together now. She dialled the number and at the first ring someone picked up.

“Logan Lawson Senior.”

“Logan there’s a slight change of plans.”

“Why what’s happened?” Amba could hear the panic in his voice.

“You can’t come down to see her.”

“Why not?”

“I’m going to tell you everything but don’t interrupt me.” And she proceeded to tell him everything she had just found out and he listened patiently. “And that’s why you can’t come down to the hospital.” She finished with a sigh. She could feel her tears threatening to come back but she held on. After a pregnant pause Logan finally spoke.

“Are you ok?”

Amba brushed the question aside with a simple I’m fine and continued. “Do me a favour and tell Logan for me.”

“Amba you know he doesn’t listen to me.”

“He doesn’t listen to you as a father but as a boss he has to listen to you. So just call him up to your office and tell him.”

“Where would I be without you?” Amba could practically see him smiling at her.

“The company would fall!” She replied dramatically and for the first time since she found out about her mother’s condition, she laughed.

Logan got serious again. “I am giving you a paid holiday.”

“What?! You can’t do that! I already took one for Nik’s wedding and two weeks when dad was away.”

“I’m giving you a sick leave then. Don’t question me, I’m your boss. You can take as much time off until your mother recovers.”

“What if she never does?” She whispered.

“Then look on the bright side, you’ll never have to work again.” He joked.

Amba smiled a little. “Bye Logan.”

“Amba you take good care of her and yourself. And remember it’s ok to cry.”

“I wasn’t crying.”

“Don’t lie to me Amba, I know you too well. Give my best to everyone.”

“I will.”

After that conversation Amba just sat in the car staring out into space.

St Claire’s Hospital Neurology Ward

Meanwhile Karan was given the incredibly difficult task of lying to Khushi about the past 24 years.

“Karan! Finally! Help me find a Hindi channel, all this English is hurting my head. You think because we’re in India, there might actually be some Hindi speaking people but you’d be wrong. What is the country coming to?”

“Um Khushi, I’m going to tell you something and I need your full attention.” But Khushi being Khushi wasn’t paying the slightest bit attention to him and was wrestling with the channels again. Karan grabbed the remote out of her hand s and turned off the tv. Before Khushi could protest Karan gave her a look that shut her up. “This is really important Khushi, please listen and don’t interrupt!”

“Alright, go.”

“Khushi don’t freak out but you’re not in India.” Seeing Khushi’s eyes widen and her heart rate go up he quickly add, “You came to see me in England on holiday.” Her face softened and her heartbeat gradually went down.

“Oh thank Devi Maya. But where’s Babuji, Amma, Buaji and Jiji?”

Karan looked around hoping and praying that the answer would come to him. “Umm Payal’s married so she has a family to take care of.”

Khushi seemed happy with that answer. “What about Amma, Babuji and Buaji?”

“They uh they um, they said you work too hard to take care of everyone so you deserved a holiday. By yourself. Without any of them. Umm yeah.”

“Oh ok. But Karan, why am I in hospital?”

“That is a very good question. And the answer to that question is…”

“Is?”

“You were hit by a car.”

“What!?”

“Yeah and you lost a lot of memory.”

“How much memory?”

“22, 23, 24 years.” He mumbled hoping she’d drop the question.

“I didn’t catch that.”

“About 24 years.” He said a little louder.

By this time Khushi was thoroughly aggravated. “Karan I really can’t hear a word you’re saying!”

“About 24 years!” He yelled and immediately regretted it. Khushi’s face fell and her eyes looked empty. She started hyperventilating. He could see her heart moniter and her heart rate and blood pressure was increasing. He suddenly wished he wasn’t the one doing this to her.

“Khushi, it’s ok. Calm down. Please. Oh God what have I done? Khushi please calm down for your health.” Seeing how none of what he was saying was affecting her he decided to give it one last shot. “If you don’t calm down you’ll die!” He yelled and saw Khushi’s eyes widen again but he could see she was trying harder to calm down so he continued. “And what would happen to Amma, Babuji and Buaji if you died? Who will look after them?”

I was another full and long 5 minutes until Khushi calmed right down. “So what have I missed in these last 24 years?”