HWGA Chapter 18: Drama Queen

I'm back! Those who have waited, I thank you for your patients and those who haven't, well they'll never know what happened next. I'm going to admit that I'm not particularly proud of this chapter and I'll understand if you aren't too. As always the purple bits are Hindi. Enjoy :)

 

Chapter 18: Drama Queen

 

“I just came now.” Replied Neha. Amba breathed a sigh of relief but it was short lived. “But from your position I can see you guys are getting comfortable.”

 

Amba tried to correct the misunderstanding. “Neha it’s-”

 

But Raj intervened. “I was just giving Amba a proposition.”

 

Neha raised an eyebrow. “About?”

 

“Sex.”

 

Both Neha and Amba’s mouth fell open.

 

Amba tried again. “Neha, honestly it isn’t-”

 

But again she was interrupted by Raj. “Look Neha, just go back inside and pretend you didn’t see us. There are still a lot of guests that you need to say goodbye to. Amba and I will be out in a minute.”

 

Amba had had enough. “No! Neha it’s not what it looks like. He is just a creepy perv.” She tried to say it as quickly as possible before Raj had a chance to interrupt again.

 

“Do you think I’m stupid?!” yelled Neha at them both.

 

Raj decided to answer her rhetorical question just to rile her up. “Yes I do.” Neha stared at him with a broken expression. “Why else would you be marrying a man that doesn’t love you and certainly won’t be faithful to you?”

 

“Raj-”

 

“Oh come on Neha. You’re behaving as though you’re hearing this for the first time. I told you that I don’t love you and I’m only doing this for the business benefits.”

 

“It’s ok, I have enough love for the both of us.” Neha said desperately.

 

“I think we should stop all of this.” Raj said seriously. “We’re conning both our families. I like your family Neha and I don’t want to deceive them. Besides do you think they’ll be happy to know the real reason we’re getting married?”

 

“Raj, please.” Neha begged.

 

“I’m sorry Neha. You were good in bed and everything but this has gone far enough. We shouldn’t be getting married.” He turned to Amba, “Look Amba-”

 

But Neha lunged at her causing both of them to fall on the ground.

 

“You! You did this!” Neha said with a deranged look in her eyes.

 

Amba pushed Neha off her before she could do some real damage.

 

“Haven’t you been listening? First of all, he said he didn’t want to marry you in the first place so none of this is my fault. Second of all, do you know how much this lehenga cost? I’m going to be sending you the dry cleaning bill.”

 

Neha started crying. “What have I ever done to you?”

 

Amba’s face softened as she began to feel pity for the girl. “Neha, it wasn’t anything I did.” She said softly. “I promise you, this is not my doing.”

 

“My mother told me stories about your aunt.”

 

“What?”

 

“She told me of her home wrecking tendencies and I chose ignore it because she had lost her memory but you’re no better than her.” She spat out.

 

Amba lost all traces of pity. She saw red. No one insulted her mother and got away with it. “Listen you spoilt brat, my mo-aunt is not a home wrecker! What ever you’ve heard from your mother is the deranged ramblings of a woman whose psych is not exactly on the healthy side. There are two sides to every story, so don’t you dare judge my aunt before you know her side. I grew up around ignorant fucks like you who don’t bother to get their facts straight before spewing their thoughts on to the world. And let me tell you something, I’ve whipped the floor with them because I’m not afraid to get dirty unlike you, princess Raizada.”

 

“HEY!”

 

The trio turned around to find Arnav and Khushi standing a few strides away from them. Neha acted quickly. Crocodile tears began falling down her face and before they knew it, he hurled herself at Arnav and began sobbing like a mad woman.

 

“Did you hear her Mamu? She was so mean to me. She seduced my husband just like her aunt seduced my dad. She’s such a home wrecker and she’s trying to wreck my perfect marriage. I can’t take it Mamu. I can’t take the fact that history’s repeating.”

 

Neha’s words brought memories back to Khushi. Images with faces and conversations she didn’t remember having. The memories didn’t come back in full but just a lot of flashes. Flashes of angry and sad people. The anger and sadness they felt was because of her, because of something she did. If only she could remember what. Khushi tried to focus on one of the images. Her head had already started to hurt during the flashes but now it was throbbing. But she was set on finding out what was going on and getting back her memories and she wanted to do it tonight.

 

Amba wasn’t paying attention to Neha telling her uncle lies upon lies, she was focusing on her mother. At first it looked like she had a headache as she was rubbing her head but soon she began to sway. Amba lunged and managed to catch her mother before she hit the floor.

 

Amba screamed at the top of her lungs. “DAD!”  

 

Karan came sprinting from the house, followed by a few Raizada’s and Gupta’s. Arnav gently dislodged himself from Neha and picked Khushi up.

 

“Am, what happened?” asked Karan.

 

“Dad, it’s a really long story.”

 

“Amba tell me!”

 

“I’ll tell you what happened.” Piped in Neha.

 

“Neha shut up. Everyone shut up!” Arnav commanded. “Let’s get Khushi inside and call the doctor. Amba you can then explain to us your side of the story, Neha can explain hers and Raj can explain his. No one is leaving, do you hear me? Good.”

 

Arnav practically ran back to the house with Khushi in his arms and Karan didn’t stop him. He knew that Khushi’s health was of the utmost importance in this case. Arnav took Khushi to the nearest room and called the best doctor he knew. Once the doctor came and reassured everyone that Khushi was fine, Arnav arranged for someone to take the Gupta’s back to their house. Arnav them gathered everyone in the living room.

 

“Ok, this has been a hectic day and we all want to go to sleep, so let’s get on with it. Raj, you go first.”

 

Raj stood up and came to the front.

 

He took a deep breath and said, “I have a confession to make. I don’t really love Neha.”

 

A collection of gasps filled the room.

 

“Shocking!” said Priti in a sarcastic tone.

 

“But why?” asked Anjili.

 

“It’s all because of that whore!” burst out Neha.

 

“No it isn’t.” said Raj. “Look, Neha came to me with a business proposition that I couldn’t refuse; I will marry her and in return, I will get AR’s backing in whatever business venture I might make. I’m not a fool. I know that AR is the biggest company in India, it was too good of a chance to miss, so I agreed. I thought this would be easy but it’s not. I came to really like this family and I just couldn’t go through with it. So I came up with a plan, unfortunately Amba became a part of it. I want to apologise to the Raizada family and to Amba.”

 

“How exactly did I get tangled into this mess?” asked Amba.

 

“Well, my plan was to offer the girl that Neha was most jealous of the chance to sleep with me and to make sure I was caught while doing so. I am really sorry.”

 

“So you weren’t really hitting on me?” said a sceptical Amba.

 

“You are a very beautiful woman but I’m not that type of man. Again I apologise.”

 

Amba could see that in his eyes that Yuvraj was telling the truth. “Apology accepted.”

 

“Well, thank you Raj, I think. Amba lets hear your side of the story.” Said Arnav.

 

“I was attending to some business calls and Raj came and hit on me. Neha tried to beat me up but failed. Then she started to insult me and Khushi aunty. Then you and Khushi aunty came. Neha flung herself at you and started to spew lies. Then Khushi aunty fainted.”

 

“So that’s how she fainted.” Said Karan.

 

“Yeah, it must’ve been from all the excitement of today.” Said Arnav.

 

“Yeah, it must’ve been.” Mumbled a doubtful Karan.

 

“Well the stories match up so far. Neha it’s you turn.”

 

Everyone looked over to where Neha was but she wasn’t there anymore. They looked around the room but she didn’t seem to be anywhere.

 

“Neha. Neha!” called out Arnav.

 

“Chill out Mamu, I saw her walking out of here a few seconds back.” Said Priti.

 

“Where did she go?”

 

Priti just shrug her shoulders. Everyone looked at each other before dispersing out to find the whereabouts of Neha.

 

“Hariprakash, Hariprakash!” shouted Anjili.

 

A man came running towards her. “Ji?”

 

“Have you seen Neha?”

 

“Yes, she was heading upstairs.”

 

“Thank you, you may go.” Hariprakash scuttled off. “It’s ok everyone, I think she’s in her room.” Shouted Anjili.

 

“Di, bring her back, she can’t run away from her problems. Plus we have to sort this out today.” said Arnav.

 

“Yes Chote.”

 

Anjili began to head for the stairs when her husband stopped her.

 

“I’ll go, I know how your legs can’t take long climbs.”

 

“Thank you.”

 

They all headed back to the living room while Viren went to find Neha.

 

“I suppose the wedding’s cancelled then.” Said Mrs Verma.

 

“Yes I suppose so.” Said Arnav.

 

“Shame, we would’ve been great business partners.”

 

“Mum!” warned Raj.

 

“What? It’s true. At least your father didn’t fly in from America, he would’ve been so disappointed.”

 

Viren returned before the conversation could go any further. He had a grave look on his face.

 

“She’s not in her room.” He said.

 

Everyone started worrying and Anjili started crying.

 

“Ok, everyone split up and try and find Neha, look everywhere. She should be in and around the house, she can’t have gone out because it’s past midnight, the gates close and lock at midnight.”

 

Amba turned to her father. “Dad, stay with mum in case she wakes up.”

 

After nearly 30 minutes of searching, everyone received a text from Arnav telling them to come to the roof. From time they had gotten Khushi inside, it had been pouring with rain, so when everyone had come up to the roof they found Neha and Arnav soaking wet.

 

“Neha!” Anjili began to walk as fast as she could towards her daughter.

 

“Don’t come any closer.” Said Neha.

 

Anjili frowned. “What do you mean?”

 

“Di, look at where she is.” Said Arnav.

 

Everyone turned to look and found Neha standing on the edge of the ledge. Anjili, Viren and Priti’s face turned white and Anjili looked like she was going to faint.

 

“Jiji, stop being stupid.” Said Priti.

 

“Shut up Priti!” screamed Neha.

 

“I’ve been trying to convince Neha not to jump.” Said Arnav.

 

“Neha, my baby, why are you doing this?” asked a despaired Anjili.

 

“Because Mamu said I couldn’t get married to Raj.”

 

“Neha, Raj doesn’t love you.” Said Arnav softly.

 

“I don’t care, I’ll have enough love to make this relationship work.”

 

“Neha please.” Begged Arnav.

 

“Mamu, I want him. I want him so much that I will leave everything and everyone for him. He is the only thing I want and if I can’t have him, what’s the point in living? Haven’t you ever been in love before?”

 

“Of course I have, but it’s not worth killing yourself over, trust me.”

 

“If you say that then you’ve never truly been in love.”

 

Anjili walked over to Yuvraj and fell, clutching his feet.

 

“Raj please marry my daughter, I will do anything, just please don’t let her die.” Begged Anjili.

 

Raj bent to pick Anjili up. “How can you even say that? Of course I won’t let her die Anjiliji. I’ll marry Neha.”

 

“Promise me.”

 

“I promise.” He gave Anjili to Viren and began walking towards Neha. “Neha, I promise to marry you and try and make our marriage work. Now will you please come down?”

 

Neha carefully got down from the ledge and hugged Raj. After a while, Raj let go and Anjili strode over to Neha and slapped her hard. So hard in fact that it left a red tinge on Neha’s cheek.

 

“Don’t you dare, don’t you dare do anything like this ever again! Do you understand?” A teary Neha nodded. “Good.”

 

Anjili turned her back on her daughter and walked away. Arnav rubbed his forehead and everyone looked around awkwardly.

 

Arnav cleared his throat. “Ok guys, that’s enough excitement for one day. Raizada’s get to bed, now. I’ll tell the guards to open the gates and arrange a car for the Malik’s and Verma’s.”

 

“Mr Raizada is my aunt awake?” asked Amba.

 

“I don’t know.”

 

“I’m not leaving without her.”

 

“I understand your concern but I assure you, we will take care of her.”

 

“I don’t doubt that for a minute but if she stays so do me and my father.”

 

“Be reasonable-”

 

“I AM being reasonable.” Amba replied coldly.

 

Arnav sighed, he was too tired to argue. “Fine, if Khushi’s not awake, you and your father can stay the night.”

 

Amba smiled sickeningly sweetly. “Thank you very much.”

 

By the time Arnav and Amba reached Khushi’s room, the Raizada’s were all in their rooms and the Verma’s had gone away. They opened the door to find a cheerful Khushi, chatting away with Karan.

 

“Ah Mr Raizada, I trust everything’s ok.” Asked Karan.

 

“Why? What happened?” asked Khushi.

 

“Oh nothing to worry about, just Neha being a drama queen. Are you feeling better Khushi?” asked Arnav.

 

“Yes I am.”

 

“Great, Mr Raizada has already arranged for our passage home.” Said Amba.

 

“Or you could stay the night.” Suggested Arnav.

 

“No thank you, I’m dying to get home.” Replied Khushi.

 

“Amba would you take your mo- I mean aunt to the car, I want to talk to Mr Raizada for a while.” Said Karan.

 

“Dad.” Warned Amba.

 

“We will be very civilised, won’t we Mr Raizada?”

 

“Yes we will.” Replied Arnav.

 

Amba took Khushi and lead her to where the cars were waiting for them. After they had left, Karan went and closed the door.

 

“Ok Arnav, you don’t like me and frankly I hate you more than I hate my parents and that’s saying something. I have to leave for a few days and I know this will give you perfect opportunity to “win” Khushi over. I know that you’ve already applied some of your charms to seduce her and I hate to admit it but it’s working. I’m not going to try and stop you after tonight because tonight I’ll say everything that needs to be said. It’s been 23 years since she last saw you and you her. A lot of things have changed, you have changed and so has she. She is not the sweet desi girl that you think you know, she’s a strong independent woman. You think she hasn’t had relationships after your divorce? She has had plenty. I’m not saying this to hurt you, I’m saying this because it’s the truth. Arnav, this is the first and last time that I’ll beg you, I’m begging you not to go after her after I leave. I’m begging you to leave her alone and to let go of the love you harboured for so long. Because when she gets her memories back, it will hurt both of you.”

 

“Is that a threat?”

 

“No, its advice and you’d be a fool not to listen. She’s not the girl you knew all those years back and once she gets her memories back, she’ll go back to her life in London. I’m trying to save the both you of enormous amount of heart ache. I’m not going to say this again and I’m not going to try and stop you. Whatever you choose to do now will be on your head.”

 

That being said, Karan opened the door and walked out leaving a smirking Arnav behind.

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 13: The Ultimatum

I'm back guys and I will be updating In Another Life everyday except the weekends. Enjoy :)

Chapter 13: The Ultimatum

 

Before NK could react, Arnav grabbed Khushi by the arm and dragged her out onto the terrace. He made sure to lock the door so NK couldn’t follow them.

 

“What is this, Arnavji?” asked Khushi as she struggled to get herself out of his grip.

 

Why does he have to hold me so hard? I always end up with bruises I can’t explain. Not that anyone asks, they always think that it’s just me being clumsy.

 

“This is an ultimatum.” He said.

 

“What’s an ulti-”

 

“God, you really are stupid aren’t you? Fine, then I’ll say it in words you will understand. You marry me tonight after your sister’s wedding or else I break up her wedding.” He spat out.

 

A small frown appeared on Khushi’s face. “Why would you do that?” She asked with quivering lips.

 

“Because you’re so darn eager to marry a rich man,” He brought her very close to his face, “and I’m the richest man around.”

 

Khushi’s mouth fell open. “Arnavji, you misunderstood everything.”

 

“I don’t think I did Khushi. And nothing you say or do will make me change my mind.”

 

“What about something I say or do?”

 

They turn around to find NK standing a few feet away from them. It seems he finally managed to go around and get to them.