YOU BELONG WITH ME! CHAPTER-18

He always dreaded to be ignored. A mere feeling of ‘being ignored’ made him helpless like an orphan baby. He remembered last time when he was ignored by everyone after his 5^th birthday, his parents were separated and he lost everything; happiness, peace and a loving family. Only God knew how he spent last two days. Actually he was scared to be ignored by Khushi. His mind was completely shut and his heart was covered with a dark fear of losing Khushi. With these thoughts he nipped her lower lips and squeezed hard around her tiny waist. She yelped in pain, thereby opened her mouth making an unhindered path for invasion of his, demanding, and desperate tongue. She continued to push him on his bare chest until she gave in his predatory assaults which were turning her knees into jelly and forcing her eyelids to be closed. As he was much stronger than he, he shoved her until her back hit the wall. Eventually she gave in and snaked her arms around his neck. The upturning the face she give him a more comfortable access. He tasted her sweet nectar until both of them went out of air. He loosened his hold but rested his forehead on her. Their irregular breaths were mingling and fanning each other’s face.

Khushi! Khushi! Khushi!

He was chanting her name until she rested her trembling fingers on his lips and looked directly at Arnav’s eyes. Her eyes were teary; lips were quivering and face was adorably red; thoroughly kissed. She was a vision to be cherished and that had a calming effect on him. Her eyes were so expressive that Arnav went spellbound. Slowly removing her finger from the lips, he only managed to croak three words.

“I missed you.”

A caged lone tear escaped from her right eye.

“Why?”

She whispered. Her anxious heart was beating erratically. Arnav portrayed an opposite version of his mood at few minutes back. He asked her tenderly.

“Khushi never ever ignore me. I will die if……”

Before he could complete, she covered his mouth with her hand.

“Never. I promise. I can’t ignore you.”

Arnav’s eyes sparkled with joy and he pulled her into a bone crushing hug. They stood like that until their heart beats took back reasonable paces to converse.

“ Then why didn’t you answer my calls?

He asked within her hairs, rubbing his nose at the junction of her neck and shoulder.

Khushi was shocked and her trance due to hypnotizing ‘the Arnav’ effect broke immediately. She pushed him back and let him staggered a bit until regaining his balance. Then she asked bit angrily.

“You didn’t call me. I…. I was waiting….I thought you are regretting about that night. So I…”

“What the!”

Arnav controlled his rage and once again pinned her on the wall. He hissed,

“ Are you mad? I didn’t call you? Should I show how many times I called you? Last two days I was living in a hell. I ringed more than I ever did to my personal secretary. You were in touch with Ma, Anjali yet you ignored me. You didn’t even ask about me.”

But, Arnavji.

Khushi tried to answer but Arnav stopped her abruptly and cupped her face. Shaking her a bit, he added jeeringly.

“Here I was worrying about you; whether I hurt you that night, are you sore, did you take pills. Now you are lying that I never called you. Are you insane? Are you in a mission? How do you remained so aloof? What had happened between at that night us, I can’t change. But I can’t play with your life, dignity. We need to marry. I will talk to ma and fix a date very soon. I am sorry for what I did and I mean it. Once I ruined your first kiss, then your first time. Next time…

“What the!”

Brushing his hands aside, Khushi repeated Arnav’s signature word like a tigress. Before Arnav could protest turning her back she hid her face within the palms.

What? Khushi! Look at me. Why didn’t you wait for me in the morning? Am I that bad? I never ever leave you. Actually I never did that if I was in sense. Was I rough to you? Khushi, tell me. Your silence is killing me. If you are still sore, we can consult a doctor. Ummmm… If you forget to take pills don’t worry. This baby is mine and….

Swirling around Khushi cut him short by resting her hand on his mouth and nodded in negative.

Chhiii… Arnavji…Chiiii…. Isssshhhhh…You….I…

She couldn’t speak anymore. Suddenly she felt an urgent need to hide under the earth like ‘Sita maiya’. But Arnav wasn’t any mood to douse his queries. Removing her hand, he asked again.

Why are you behaving so strange? I am wise enough to realize that it was your first time and you are completely inexperienced. Believe me, Khushi you may get pregnant.

She couldn’t hear his blabbering and shouted at him.

“Stop it Arnav ji.”

Though she avoided to look at him but added,

“What! What are you telling? We only kissed that night. Okay. I am not that kind of a girl. I never allowed you to do that even if you force. How could you think all these? Though I never did this before but I knew everything. I am adult. Actually I won’t that before our marriage. Samjhe app!”

As she looked up and saw him smirking, immediately she realized the slip of tongue. She averted her eyes and turned into beet red. At first, Arnav felt an urgent need to kiss her. But he just grinned in relief and began to tease his nemesis, Ms. Khushi Gupta.

“So, we didn’t do it? Am I hearing right? And you are willing to do that after our wedding?”

“Hey devi maiya. Arnav ji please.”

Khushi tried to flee but Arnav caged her within his arms.

“So, Khushi Gupta knew everything? Then why didn’t pick up my call and tell me she is fine.”

She was still refusing to look into his eyes. As Arnav was waiting for her answer, suddenly looking at him in amusement she slapped at own forehead and spoke.

Haire Devi maiya! Sorry Arnav ji….. I forgot….I…I was angry with you after you bossing me to keep those bodyguards and blocked your number. That’s why I didn’t receive your calls. How do I have any idea, that you are worrying about me? I forgot to….

“What the! Khushi Gupta! You have committed enough crimes. Now you have to be punished by my style.”

She looked at him and Arnav bent to kiss her properly.

““““““““““`

They went apart when they heard footsteps coming. Khushi tried to leave but Arnav stopped her and slowly brushed his thumb on her swollen lips.

“Am I still on the blocked list after this?”

“Yes….No…. I mean…. I… will change… Ummm…Let me go Arnavji. Someone may see us.”

She struggled and pleaded. Arnav’s thumb slowly moved towards her pink cheek. He murmured huskily,

“Ohh God! Khushi. They are going to celebrate if they see us together at this state; when you are looking thoroughly kissed, drenched with my sweats and smelling like me.”

“Hey Devi maiya. You are shameless, incorrigible…. I… ha…”

Then she pushed him with all of her power and fled like a butterfly. While running, she also managed to hear Arnav’s laughter for the first time.

——————-

“Ma, were you looking for me?”

After coming back from the gym, before anyone could see Khushi directly locked herself within a bathroom. When she came out at a presentable form, she bumped into Omprakash, oldest servant in RM and very fond of Khushi. He informed that Arti was looking for her and asked Khushi to meet at her room.

“Yes beta. Where were you? Please beta, try to stay away from my grumpy son. Though he made amend but I didn’t believe him. He may hurt you. He isn’t in right mood for past two days…”

Arti requested her after hugging her.

No, ma… He never…. I mean I will manage to stay away from him.

Suddenly Khushi felt shy remembering her little encounter with Arnav and averted her eyes. Arti smiled and threaded her fingers within Khushi’s dense hair. She spoke tenderly,

I went to market yesterday and brought something for you. It is perfect for you. The moment I saw it, I found it perfect for you.

Ma, you are spoiling me. I don’t need….

“I have right to spoil you, okay. Now took this packet and go to the closet. Let me see you how will you look in it.”

She pushed Khushi into the walkin closet and slid the door. As Khushi thought Arti will be outside, she didn’t bother to lock it from inside. Room was completely isolated and almost sound-proof. Therefore, Khushi didn’t realize when Omprakash came and informed Arti to inspect in kitchen where both Lavanya and Anjali were creating mess in the name of their love for Arnav and Shyam respectively. Arti was so worried that she forgot about Khushi and followed him.

——————–

Arnav was restless. It’s been half an hour and he couldn’t able to trace Khushi. After she left the gym like current, Arnav took a quick shower to freshen himself. Then he started looking for her. He went to pool side, kitchen, temple, everywhere but she wasn’t anywhere. When he asked Omprakkash, he informed that he sent Khushi in Arti’s room. Reaching in the room, he looked everywhere but there was no trace of her or Arti. He was about to leave, suddenly he heard a sound from closet; as if someone yelped in pain. He reached there with few long strides and opened the door. As he peek inside and tuned transfixed.

———————–

She was admiring the intricate details of the red lehenga which Arti ma gifted. It was heavily embroidered and perfect fit into her shape. It was extremely fashionable yet elegant. There was only one thread in the back which kept the whole blouse attached with the shoulder. She found it impossible to wound the thread and left that open. She forget to wore the dupatta and continued to look herself in the mirror in different angles. Suddenly she head his voice in outside and closed her eyes in anticipation. She stayed like that until she heard his footsteps faded down. After few moments of silence, she bent to pick up her dupatta and hurt her head in a edge of a drawer. As she yelped in pain, the door was opened in next moment.

———————–

Her thudding heart had made her aware his presence from the moment he had quietly come to stand behind her. Still she refused to turn back and stood rooted; breathing in the air that was spreading his anesthetic musky smell. Without any preamble, suddenly but slowly he wrapped his hands around her tiny bare waist. Khushi’s breath hitched in her throat as Arnav’s fingers traced her bare midriff at very next moment. In self-defense, she held both his hands and tried to remove them.

Arnavji, please. Let me go. Someone may see us.

She implored unwillingly. But her plea went vain.

Let them see. You belong to me!

His head descended and his lips touched the junction of her throat and shoulder. She shivered as a deer caught into a trap.

Arnavji, Ma may come any moment. What does she think of us?

She almost chocked in emotions and flipping butterflies within her lower abdomen.

She will be elated seeing us in this condition. It’s her dream and now mine.

Noooo….Hey Devi maiya! Arnavji, Please. Are you gone mad?

She managed to croak under that unexpected assault on her body. But Arnav ignored her and urged huskily,

‘Khushi, …Please….Let me….

He pulled her more to bury her soft petite frame into his hard muscular chest. Initially Khushi resisted but unknowingly bent backward giving him full access of her slender neck. After getting free access, he used his teeth to slide her loose blouse off her shoulder. Before she could protest, her faculty of speech went lost as his desperate lips began to devour her delicate, unmarked nape and shoulder. He started giving open mouthed, moist kisses on her shoulder leaving adorable trails of red hues. Automatically her eyes went closed in that newly found pleasure. She released few sensuous moans whenever Arnav’s thumb touched her naval or teeth marked his territory at her shoulder. She was losing her senses as fast as Arnav turning desperate.

You look irresistible in this red lehenga. I feel like peeling it off and do all the naughty stuff I have ever imagined.

As he whispered sensuously into her ear, her eyes snapped open. Instantly regaining her every senses she turned around sharply and looked at him… alarm clear on her face. While he looked into her eyes and began to laugh uncontrollably. She was so scared that she began to hit him at his chest.

“Oooooo…Hey… It hurts. I…I’m sorry.”

He spoke within his laughter but she continued pummeling. Suddenly she spoke,

“I hate you.”

The moment she declared that Arnav pulled her flashed into his chest, upturning her face by holding back of her head, slammed his lips on her.

Aankhon ke panno pe

Maine likha tha sau dafaa

Lafzon mein jo ishq tha

Hua naa hothon se bayaan

Khud se naraaz hoon

Kyun be-aawaaz hoon

Meri khamoshiyan hain sazaa

Dil hai yeh sochta

Phir bhi nahi pataa

Kis haq se kahun bataa

Ke Main Hoon Hero Tera

Main Hoon Hero Tera

courtesy: Movie ‘Hero’

YOU BELONG WITH ME CHAPTER-16

“O night, spread thy wings over me as the imperishable stars”.

Sleep as if became an illusion to him. Twisting and turning for last few hours, at last Akash got out from his bed. Reaching to the adjacent balcony he sat on arm chair and gazed at the moon.

She is exquisite….. A nymph……… No girl had ever touched his heart like her……..He needs her………… She is an oasis in his barren life.

He thought once and closed his eyes in his automatic arousal. His hormone turned abandon, untamed like hilly rivers whenever her thought came into his mind. Industrialist Avinash Singh Raizada’s adopted son Akash Singh Raizada who had almost no memory of his biological father and before reaching to his adolescence who found his mother as Avinash’s mistress was completely unknown to existence of such emotions so far. As he was so occupied in solving the puzzles in his life, he never gave himself a chance to fall under the spell of a girl. He was second to Arnav Singh Raizada, living under Raizada’s mercy and his mother living a life of an ‘other woman’ only for his sake; for his better future; these feelings haunted him like ghosts and never let him grow as a normal man. In his schooldays he was so bullied for his and his mother’s status, he was forced to avoid his beautiful surroundings and plunged himself into a mission; reaching at the top where no Arnav Singh Raizada’s shadows ever able to reach. Whenever any girl approached to him he only found mockeries on his past. Therefore he always ended his every date abruptly; sometimes mercilessly despite of knowing his effect on girls. He was so focused on achieving his own goals; no girl ever passed though an invisible boundary around him. But Khushi just appeared into his life and shook him to the core. Now other than having her in his life, he had lost his focus. Khushi was the only girl who reached to him despite knowing his past. He silently cursed himself for once thinking of using her as pawn to attack Arnav Singh Raizada. He could manage to handle a play boy like Arnav later but now he couldn’t trust him around an innocent beauty like Khushi. She was too precious for Akash and she needed to be kept at a safe distance from a vulture like Arnav Singh Raizada.

Looking at the moon and her neighboring stars, Aksah promised himself and soliloquized,

Khushi, you are the moon in my life who can remove every the darkness. I need you. One day you will be mine; only mine; forever.

—————————-

Night was young; so the souls. Therefore, party became an instant hit. Everyone was sitting, chatting with their respective drinks in hands. Khushi was the only one who ignored every pestering from Anjali and chose a glass of orange flavored breezer to suppress a stirring sensation evoked by Arnav’s unabashed gaze. She knew well, so far she had been failed miserably.

—————————-

Almost an hour past and a drunken Anjali succeeded to reveal her most happening love story to Lavanya. Meanwhile Anjali was in her best pestering mood and all in sudden began to force Shyam, Lavanya and Arnav to reveal their love-saga.

So, Lavanya, how do you tame my dashing, hot brother?

Bhai, tell me when did you decide to marry her?

Shyam, how mean? You hid their love story from me. If there was no newspaper, we never got to know about Bhai and Lavanya.

Khushi felt uncomfortable with that particular topic of their discussion but couldn’t move out from the place. She sat there avoiding only Arnav’s eyes and she plastered a fake smile at her face. Then she heard Arnav was scolding Anjali,

Choti. Stop asking nonsense. These are none of your business.

Haww!!!! Bhai..This is really bad. You can kiss Lavanya at Hawaii beach and I can’t even ask why. I hate you.

Looking at another drunken beauty, Lavanya she pouted and asked,

Lavanya, you are so beautiful. Have you gone mad? Why are you marrying this grumpy Raizada who hid everything from his own sister?

Lavanya laughed loudly and leaning sensuously on Arnav’s shoulder she declared,

He’s not hiding because there’s no love-story. We are not marrying. It’s a lie.

Alcohol is injurious to health but it is also a mean which can give a competition to lie-detector at any day. Everyone except Khushi was under the influence of alcohol. So, truths began to reveal in their own accords.

Whaaatttt?

Anjali squealed with astonishment.

What are you telling Lavanya? You & Bhai aren’t engaged! Then what you did in Hawaii and after that? That Kiss, then press conference? You know, for that kiss incident everything was changed. Ma was planning for bhai’s marriage with Khushi but she had to break that proposal after that news flash. Till today, I can’t forget that scene, hugging each other Khushi and Ma sobbed all the day. Both of them were so heartbroken. Bhai, you just ruined everyone’s dream. Khushi fell in love with you and you lied to us.

Anjali., Please stop this nonsense.

Khushi protested helplessly. She couldn’t let Anjali to open her secrets in front of Arnav. Her heart began to throb in trepidation. But Anjali was in mission. She asked again and Lavanya answered in between Arnav’s soft threats.

It was a stint initially, a hormonal outburst. I had my eyes on him long before and just found him off guard.

Lavanya giggled and winked.

You have no idea. We went for a vacation with our common friends. On that day he was looking so irresistibly yummy; then we got drunk and at last we did it. After all we were humans. Next day, the news broke like a fire. As we enjoyed at previous night and both were single then, we thought to continue that for a while. Next is history. We became together; friends in need kind off. But now things have changed and I lo……..

Lavanya, stop it.

Arnav placed his palm on her mouth and looking into her sleepy eyes he nodded in negative. He was more than worried about Khushi as her eyes became glassy with unshed tears.

Shyam why didn’t you tell me? Turning to Shyam adamant Anjali demanded an explanation. And he gave that by embracing her.

I…I wasn’t there and came to know after that incident; when they have already declared that they were dating.

Khushi’s eyes fell on to Arnav’s, silently pleaded to end this discussion. But Arnav averted his eyes. Then leaning on Lavanya he uttered something into her ears. She giggled instantly. Though she suppressed her overpowering carnal thoughts within her alcohol influenced mind but couldn’t stop herself from kissing Arnav at his lips in return. Arnav was unprepared for that yet he managed to doze and eventually that kiss appeared as a small peck on his lips. He held her shoulder to make her steady and declared in no nonsense voice that he would help her to reach her room; she needed to sleep. Lavanya didn’t protest and clanging into Arnav neck, she struggled to stand on her feet. Arnav held her waist and without looking at anyone, help her to stand. Then he left the place with her. It was clearly visible that his own stance wasn’t steady and his face was red. Actually, everyone failed to understand that Arnav’s wounded shoulder had begun to pain during his struggle to make Lavanya stand. He hurt himself twice on that day. Khushi remained the silent spectator of that whole event. Drunken Shyam was engrossed in playing with Anjali silky hair while she was giggling in both fun and pleasure by looking at his brother’s struggle and her own fiancé’s naughty assaults respectively. When they left Shyam secured Anjali’s sole attention. She asked again,

Why the hell Bhai is still going with her? Why he told us that he wanted to marry Lavanya?

Ohh… That….. That was a plan to stop Ma from pestering Arnav for marriage. He doesn’t want to marry and Lavanya helped us.

Shyam realized his mistakes before everything was out from his mouth. Pushing him roughly, Anjali stomped out from the place. She didn’t bother to ask Khushi who sat rooted there.

Anjali. Baby, please. Let me explain. Anjali…. It’s all Arnav’s plan. I just…. Shyam followed her.

Suddenly Khushi found herself under a catastrophe. She and everyone had been fooled by Arnav…. He & Lavanya are friends…. He didn’t want to marry Lavanya or anyone…. He made her so helpless all along….Actually it wasn’t his fault. She let herself to get involved in these dramas and got hurt badly. Now he knew the truth about her….He knew she loved him then… She couldn’t hold back her tears and hiding her face within her palms sobbed equivocally. Suddenly her hair blew in the gust of an uncannily familiar wind. She realized at once he already came back and was standing behind her. Immediately wiping her eyes, she stood up and spoke with trembling voice,

I…I need to leave.

Stay. He stated firmly.

I can’t. It’s too late.

I need to talk to you.

There’s no need.

Khushi! Please.

He implored again and again. But ignoring his plea Khushi turned and tried to leave but he blocked her path. She moved aside and found a path to cross him. Again he came in front of her. She was looking everywhere except at him. She moved backward and then tried to run past him. And that raised his hackles; he took her hand vehemently and pulled her to on his broad chest.

What’s wrong? Why are you crying?

Let me go Arnav ji.

She pleaded, looking past over Arnav’s shoulder. She was struggling hard to free herself from Arnav.

Khushi, please stop and talk to me.

Please let me go. I don’t want to talk to you….I…I have to go. I am sleepy.

She began to bawl like a baby but continued to struggle to free herself. He then folded her tightly in his embrace and leaning near to her face, staring into her pleading eyes he asked softly.

Then why are crying? Khushi please tell me. I…

I am not crying….Okay…Something got into eyes…. I…I need to go Arnavji. Someone may see us. Its…

She was irritated but hearing her lies, he smiled at her adorably reddened face. Suddenly he bent and moved his lips near the sensitive spot beneath her left ear. She stopped struggling at once. As his alcoholic breaths fanned her neck, she shivered in trepidation. He whispered into her ears,

Khushi, I am sorry. I am sorry for the times I hurt you.

She had already forgotten to cry as his musky scent had a hypnotizing effect on him. Unknowingly letting herself clung onto him, she took deep breaths and trembled as a deer caught by its predator. After a while she only managed mumbled something.

It’s okay Arnav ji. Let’s forget those incidents. Everything has been changed. Now you and Lavanyaji…

He ignored her incoherent blabbering and murmured as if passing current through her ears to her toe. Her knees melt into jelly and her hand automatically reached for his arms, digging her nails within the hard muscle.

I had no idea about you. Believe me. Ma never told me about you; our marriage proposal. I never came across your single details until I came to India. First time I saw you in that boutique and got to that you were getting married.

Suddenly Khushi sighed and again tried to move out from his embrace but grabbing her neck from the backside, Arnav pasted her delicate form more into his chest. He touched his lips below her ear and grazed there for few seconds. Khushi became extremely tired of her failed attempts to be free from Arnav’s embrace. Ultimately she resigned and rested her chin on his shoulder. Threading his fingers within her silky soft hairs he added,

I used to be jealous of a girl named Khushi whom I have never seen. I assumed she was stealing my Ma’s love for me. Then Ma accused me for playing with your life and I began to hate you. Then all in sudden, she called me on your wedding and asked me to marry you. That shocked me to the core. Till that moment you were a mystery to me and my mother was hell bent to bind me with your life. I had no idea that you were the same girl whom I saw in previous night. I was always against marriage and also ‘Khushi’ and I used those nasty words to take revenge.

As Arnav was busy in confession he failed to realize that Khushi had already slid her hands around his waist and snuggled more into him. As he finished, moving her body a bit away from him he stared at her eyes. First time their eyes met without any hesitant. Then he revealed the truth which he was hiding for past month.

If I knew who Khushi was, I never said ‘no’ on that day.

Once again her eyes welled up. Arnav looked at her eyes with full of remorse for his past wrong deeds. Then he cupped her face he entreated,

I am sorry Khushi. May I get your forgiveness?

She didn’t answer but released those caged tears which found a free road through her redden cheek. Arnav wiped those with his thumbs. Then his right thumb reached at her naturally red plump yet moist lips. As he brushed them with the thumb, Khushi closed her eyes breaking their eye lock. As she waited to forgive him, Arnav couldn’t resist earning that. Keeping the full moon and uncountable stars as the witness, he bent his head and captured her upturned lips with full fervour.

As she was made to be his in every sense, she had to make him fall in love with her.

Tere Naina Has Diye

Bas Gaye Mere dil Mein

Tere Naina

 

Mere Dil mein jo armaan hai

Paaas aake zara dekho Na

 

Dil ke taar mein hai sargam

Chede koi hai abb koi anjana

 

 

Yeh Pyaar Ki Hai Baatein

Kuch Ankani Mulakatein

 

 

O ho aise hi milte hain

Milte ke machalte hai do dil jawaan

Courtesy: Chandni Chawk to Chaina..

NAINA THAG LENGE! PART:3

Khushi found it extremely difficult to open her eyes. But when she did, she was rewarded with the best view she had always wished; hovering on her he covered half her body. Arnav’s eyes were concerned. He was so near her that his breath was cooling her sweaty face, giving her goose bumps all over. His musky smell was accelerating her heart beat at a dangerous speed. She closed her eyes savoring that moment. Then the actual realization hit her hard. She had been cheated by everyone, most importantly by the man whom she thought to devote her life for next 7 births including this one. She heard his concerned query,

“Khushi! Are you fine?”

She slowly opened her eyes which had already acquired the blood red color yet glittering with unshed tears. Without getting any answer, Arnav asked impatiently,

“Khushi? Can you hear me? Are you okay?”

She didn’t understand what was she feeling then. Suddenly pushing him roughly away from her, she tried to sit but failed. Arnav went out to help her but stopped unceremoniously. After gathering the required power, she finally succeeded to sit. Avoiding looking at him, holding her own head within her hands, she uttered angrily,

“I am fine. Stay away from me. Leave me alone.”

But her voice cracked at the end. Arnav who seemed not be shocked by her behavior and ignoring her temper he implored,

“Tell me you are fine. Do you need anything? Water?”

“Please leave me alone.” Khushi’s answer was prompt yet jeering.

Arnav continued his plea to get her attention,

“Khushi listen to me. I..I am an idiot. I… I played with your life and let other do that. Believe me, I was helpless. I didn’t mean what I did or say…I…”

Khushi raised her hand to stop him. Her tears then found the path for free flow. With her broken voice she addressed firmly,

“It’s is not a game where you accidentally break a doll. It’s my God damn life. You monsters ruined my dreams, an orphan’s dream for your own benefits. Didn’t you feel any shame to utter sorry? I wish I could harm you people. But I can’t.You…..”

As her voice rose, without any preamble, he walked to her and grabbing her neck from the back Arnav shut her mouth with his right palm. His eyes were wide and read with rage as if spitting fire. He mumbled at dangerously low voice,

“Don’t you dare to shout. I know I did a horrendous crime but I was also forced. I am also helpless.”

Khushi was struggling to free herself from his hold but hearing this she stopped instantly and looked at him in shock.

“Please Khushi, hear me once. I swear I won’t let anyone to harm you. Please believe me.”

Then he realized Khushi had already stopped struggling, he slowly released her mouth. His right palm was soaked with her tears. Looking at his right palm and her face, to and fro, he began his own ordeal, exposing the plight of a troubled man behind successful Arnav Singh Raizada.

“Khushi, I am babuji’s illegitimate son. My mother was extremely beautiful, innocent and daughter of a poor school teacher in Allahabad. Babuji used to visit there for business purposes. There he met my mother when he was already married but lie to everyone. She fell in love with him and her family found that match so prosperous that they became married very soon. She was happy initially and very soon got pregnant with me. Babuji succeeded to keep his marital staus secret until he suddenly stopped visiting us after 2 years. Raizada family was thriving long for an heir and Arjun was born just then. His birth made babuji so happy that he forgot about us. When one of his friends revealed the truth, my mother couldn’t bear that and committed suicide. I was too small to remember these. To save himself from the scandal, babuji bribed my maternal uncles who withdraw the police case and took me RM. I was raised as their adopted child. I didn’t know my birth details until our wedding day.”

He looked directly at Khushi and found her eyes completely dried and devoid of any emotions. She was staring at him intently. But Arnav couldn’t understand whether she was listening to him or not. Their eyes met and Arnav gathered the power of speech from that connection. Directly looking at her he added,

“They gave me everything. The brought me up as their adopted child but never misbehaved with me, especially Arjun. He adored me like his own brother. I never felt left out. Ma & babuji told me, I was found crying and stranded in Allahabad station. So they adopted me but kept it secret in front of others. I thought I owed them my life for whatever they have done for me. After finishing my study I joined babuji’s garment business and put my life on it. I never bothered to look into my share or anything. Then one day I met Lavanya, my princess. She appeared as a first rain in summer. Already we were mourning over Anjali’s death. But she just brought back the lost happiness in my life. I thought I can’t live without her and showed my interest to marry her. As she was the only child of her rich parents she wanted her parents’ permission. Then I went to meet her parents. But her parents refused our alliance. They wanted a rich aristocrat for her and told me I have nothing to give her. Her father told me I am as poor as a roadside trailer. At first I was surprised and then angry as well. How dared they say anything bad about Ma and Babuji. I am their son. They can’t do this to me. I promised them to show my share in babuji’s property before marrying Lavanya and left their home. After returning home I enquired first and found the truth of my poverty. Babuji made Arjun his nominee not me. He gave every single penny to Arjun. I am the one who made the business what it is now. Yet I have none for myself. My world went up side down. I discussed with Lavanya but she is as helpless as me. She can’t hurt her parents and blamed me for ruining her dreams. In her sobbing she also revealed that parents started looking for her groom and asked me to forget her. She knew I can’t do that and assured her everything will be alright if she gives me few days.

Then I planned to confront babuji, at least I deserve few properties for my 10 years long service and that will be enough to marry her. But your proposal came all in sudden. They asked me to marry you. At first I backed off and fought with them. Then they threatened me to reveal my past in front of Lavanya’s family and I won’t get a single penny from their property. What should I do? Khushi, I love her. I can’t imagine my life without her. They assured me, if I help them, my past will be a secret and I will get 40 % share from the property. And I did all what they wanted. They were true to their promise. Now I have 40% share in my name and I can marry my love, my Lavanya.”

Once again Arnav paused. He had no idea how his words crushed Khushi’s beautiful innocent heart. Their eyes remained glued yet Khushi felt there was no connection or no anchor left to reconnect. The man in front of her, her husband never was her. He loved another woman. As her brain stopped working she asked in desperate yet broken tone,

“Then what should I do Arnavji? What would the reasons of negotiation between us? SON! LOVE! PROPERTY! Or HUMANITY!”

Arnav closed his eyes at once but couldn’t fathom what he felt at that moment. He opened his eyes and saw Khushi was still there, looking intently at him; her eyes were fiery yet cold. Then there was no sign of tears or remorse. She appeared to be an enigma. She has been betrayed by everyone but didn’t broken at all. Instantly she earned his respect that he never had for anyone. He opened his mouth to say.

“Khushi….I…”

“Answer me, Arnavji. I have been played by everyone. I may stand for another one. Tell me my next ordeal.”

Khushi! Arnav called her name but she ignored.

He walked up to her and held her shoulders as if she was made of glass. Though his touch worked like earlier times yet she avoided him. Releasing herself from his hold she turned back and moved ahead to keep a significant distance.

‘Why aren’t you listening me? I want…’ Arnav implored.

‘Don’t waste your time, Arnavji. Just tell me what to do in next. You don’t owe me anything. I am a mere orphan.’

She replied evenly. He stared at her back but realized her pathetic answers were just the result of the sudden shock.

“Khushi, I am not bad as you think about me. Please give me time to explain. I made an arrangement.” Arnav became desperate to reveal his plan.

‘Why are you telling these now? You were involved in the conspiracy. That’s all. Then why are you shedding these crocodile tears. Why don’t you stay happily with Lavanyaji and let me marry Arjun?’

She shot back stopping him abruptly.

‘Shut up Khushi!’

Arnav went livid. Her stand office behavior let him crossed the borderline of his patience. He swung her around, holding her upper arms crushing the soft flesh. She shrugged off his hands and hit his chest. He stumbled back but again he reached to her and grabbed her neck from the back. She tried to push him then but with his free hand he grasped her waist molding her left arm at her back. But she didn’t lose her whim and struggled hard within the cage of his arms. In continuation of their desperate tussle, eventually both of them lost their balance and hit the edge of their marital bed. Both of them fell free on the bed. But alas, both of them were so similar, orphan, betrayed, helpless and adamant to leave the room without a fight. They were so lost in their fight that no one even realized their positions; Khushi was struggling being entirely pinned under Arnav’s broad and heavy built. Outsiders only could hear the constant guttural sounds coming out from the room and assume something else. But there were no stopping for them. More the grapple continued more they became exhausted and invest more energy to that contest. Their dresses got torn in many places; angry scratches appeared at Arnav’s arms, neck, shoulders and open places at back, Khushi’s face turned adorably red yet they remained unstoppable. Arnav being the superior in fight, exasperated breathlessly

“Look at me.”

“Khushi” “This is not funny.”

“Listen to me”

Meanwhile within struggling for air, Khushi’s replies were passive yet firm.

“Go to hell.”

“Arnavji, leave me alone.”

“You monster.”

“Pshycho Laad-governor.”

Eventually when their energy went completely drained, somehow he managed to lift her arms over her head; locking both her wrists in his hands. Their breaths were fanning each other’s face while their bodies were sweaty and uncovered parts were gleaming in light. Her soft swells were being crushed by his hard one. As their heart beats got synchronized, those were drumming on other’s chest. Khushi was still unaware that her night dress had already moved above her thighs, leaving them as a vision to be seduced. Looking into eyes of their respective predators, they gulped hard in unknown feeling and remained motionless. After it seemed to be an ages, drawing a quick breath he rasped,

“You have to listen to me. Do you understand? I can’t let you ruin your life. I have already planned for your future…”

But ignoring him she turned her face exposing porcelain white unmarked crook of her neck in front his sight. Simultaneously again she tried to tug her wrist but his hold was too strong. Next moment without any preamble what he did she never expected and froze at once.

YOU BELONG WITH ME! CHAPTER-15

“O night, spread thy wings over me as the imperishable stars”

KHUSHI kept staring at Arti. Her eyes couldn’t hold the tears and they began to fall in abandon. She turned her gaze to Arnav who was grinning encouragingly; assuring everything will be fine. Her heart was pounding wildly even as her brain registered the dissolution of almost a daylong tension. She gathered Arti in a bear hug and cried..

Okay… stop crying my girl. Everything is fine. Now leave ne or else I am going to die in asphyxiation.

Arti smiled and said but didn’t struggle to get out from Khushi’s hold. She rubbed her back to cease her uncontrolled sob. After few minutes when Khushi’s sob subsided, Anjali was the one who spoke first.

Khushi, Please forgive me. I …I am sorry. I didn’t mean what I said. Never. I wasn’t blaming you. I was supporting the man who just chose to be a brother of an orphan and made her princess.

Anjali!

Both Arti and Arnav shut her off instantly. Reaching to her, Arnav wiped her tears before gathering her in arms.

Never dare to utter this. I mean it. He chided her. You are always my sister and a Raizada. Actually very soon, going to be a Jha. Am I right?

He chuckled and earned a slap on his chest. Cuddling more to him, she started freshly,

I am sorry Bhai. I…I am really sorry Ma. You all made me what I am today. What else I want more? Look what I have done. I hurt Khushi. Khushi Please forgive me. I was out of my mind when Bhai wanted to leave this house. Please …

Arti also reached to her along with Khushi and hugged both of them. Arnav shifted a bit to give them space.

Now girls, stop crying immediately and feed me. I am feeling hungry.

Anjali, It’s okay. I understand. I am also sorry for hurting you brother….

Khushi also tried to calm Anjali and hiccups. But she couldn’t finish and stopped by Arti.

Will you two stop now? I am hungry. Go and get food for me. What kind of daughters you are, keeping your mother hungry?

Ma.

Both Khushi and Anjali protested in unison and grinned automatically. But Arti continued to push them until they reach beyond the and ordered with mock anger,

Go NOW! Arrange dinner..We all are going to dine together.

When the girls left, turning back towards Arnav, Arti smiled and spread her arms. Arnav didn’t waste much time and with few long strides reaching to her, he landed into her arms; most peaceful place in this world to him. Embracing him in her arms Arti exclaimed,

I knew. My son is the best in this world. Knowingly he can’t hurt anyone. I love you most, my baby.

————-

On the way to the Kitchen, once again Anjali stopped Khushi and hugged her. Khushi’s heart melted in that moment itself.

I am sorry. You know na, how much I love my bhai. He’s the best brother actually best human being. I never forget that day, when he came with ma, dadu and dadi in our orphanage. I had fever that day. So I didn’t go to the play ground and was sitting on a bench at the secluded corner of the field. Suddenly bhai came running to me and asked,

Why are you sitting alone?

I have fever. No one wants to sit with me.

Ohh..What’s your name?

Anjlai.

Wow…nice name. I am Arnav, Arnav Singh Raizada. But I am a big boy now. So you have to call me bhai. I can sit with you.

Really?

Baby Anjali exclaimed but her face fall immediately. Thinking for a while she asked again.

But you have family; you have to leave with them. Then I will be alone once again.

12 years old Arnav did gave any answer but held her hand and almost dragged her to main building. Reaching at the office of orphanage where Raizada’s were present and discussing about donations, Arnav declared,

Ma, look. I brought a princess for you, my sister.

And rest is history.

Anjali said wiping the trail of tears and added,

Bhai refused to come without me until they allow me to come here in RM. Everyone tried hard but he was adamant. There were legal issues. His dad was already pestering long time for adopting Akash. Then Ma and his dad came into a solution, both of them adopt me and Akash together. Khushi, bhai is a good, actually best man. I can’t see him in pain. He gave me everything before I even wished. He was the one who let me pursued my dream, my Shyam. Please, don’t judge him for his behavior around his father. 2 years back, I have already seen him leaving this house. I can’t bear another one.

She paused for a while. Her eyes welled up with fresh tears. Khushi understood her plight and put an assuring arm on her shoulder.

I understand Anjali. Please don’t cry.

Her voice also chocked as her heart goes for Anjali. Ignoring Khushi’s words she added,

He used to love his dad instead of what he had done with Ma. But everything was changed after he came back from USA to join office and stay with us. He was let down the man whom he considered his idol. His dad rejected his dream project, Raizada airlines by citing as huge investment for Raizada Industries. Although Raizadas are owner but the whole business is carried by a group of members. In a board meeting bhai needed only one vote of confidence to pass that proposal but he was refused uncannily. In the same meeting, Akash’s project thought small one but got approval. Even Ma and Dadu’s vote couldn’t save his proposal from rejection. Later, it was revealed that Sheetal was behind that and she personally asked other board members not to vote for him as that huge investment may be a big risk for the company. It was Aman who revealed this matter. His dad was blind in love and refused to believe that. Bhai was so heartbroken that he begged ma to let him go USA. He himself built this company in USA keeping Ma and Dadu as guarantors. Shyam was with him all along.

Khushi was aware of Arnav’s problems with his dad but this information was entirely new to her. She thought Arnav wanted to stay in USA because of his future and Lavanya. But she became shocked knowing that his father himself let him down in front of others and that caused him to stay away from Arti Ma and Anjali. Once again her heart went away for Arnav who had suffered a lot. Both of them have pained past which she succeed to overcome and Arnav was dwelling upon. Her thought broke when Anjali once again asked her forgiveness. Khushi gathered her in her arms and assured her that they will be friend forever. She had no hard feeling for anyone.

——————-

She was weeping silently sitting at the edge of her bed. She was darling to her father who never raised his voice at her. Nobody including her step-mother dared to misbehave with her because of her sweet nature. Actually she never allowed anyone to boss upon her. She was used to with royal treatments. Only Arnav didn’t fall for her charm and that quality of him allured her most. She began to follow him like a pest. Her father’s encouragements added extra fuel in her persuasion of Arnav. His business connection with Arnav gave her ample opportunities to be near with him. In that process of knowing and attracting him, she began to fall for him. First time she lost her heart for a man and after a long try eventually he also reciprocated her feelings. Though from the beginning he made it clear he would respect her as his girlfriend but was not interested to make it in the next level as marriage. Her own upbringing made her a girl who lives her life with her own terms. She also wasn’t much serious about the fate of this relationship and agreed with his proposal. She was anxious to get a man who was seemed to be highly resistant to her charms. She had no idea from which moment she started loving him and felt helpless not able to be angry with her man, her Arnav for his behavior. She understood Arnav’s tensions and plights as he never behaved like this in USA.

Lav!

Lavanya startled with Arnav’s loving voice. Ohh God….It had been ages she heard him like this. She couldn’t gather power to face to him. As the silent sob raked her body, Arnav came to her with long strides and gathered her in a tight friendly embrace.

I am sorry Lav. I didn’t mean to….

Poor Lavanya, what could she do more. She was helplessly in love with Arnav. As anger was ebbed away, so hugging him back, she could only able to whisper,

It’s okay. But don’t you dare to do this in next time.

Okay Princess.

Arnav smiled and rubbed her back to sooth her.

——————–

Dinner was early but a happy affair. Everyone was happy after a long eventful day. Arnav was at his best cheerful mood. So no one in that house was unhappy. Arti was still skeptical about Khushi’s emotional status. So she asked senior Guptas to let Khushi stay at RM and they agreed at once. Initially Khushi refused but Arti’s one minute silence with pained face and one secret glance at cheerful Arnav was enough to break her resistance. First time she felt comfortable around him as he was seemed to be busy in chattering with Anjali, Shyam and Lavanya. But she or anyone failed to guess that Arnav’s full attention was only on Khushi. She was an enigma to him. He keenly observed the bonding between Khushi and Arti and once again felt a pang of guilt. He made amend; making her happy and asking forgiveness for all his past deeds.

———————-

After spending an hour or more with tired Arti and then making her sleep, Khushi and Anjali came back at Anjali’s room. Cladding Anjali’s pink Barbie printed T shirt and Pajama, Khushi went to bed immediately. She was tired enough to fall in sleep at once. She was in deep slumber when someone shook her like earth quake. Gaining her consciousness, she realized it was Anjali.

Khushi, come. Shyam arranged a party at roof-top. Come.

What!

She looked in awe to and fro; both at the watch and Anjali. It was 12 am in the morning.

Shut up Khushi. Don’t you dare to wake others.

Rolling her eyes in irritation Anjali almost whispered and added

Ohh…Don’t waste time. Come with me.

But Anjali!

Khushi tried her best to dissuade her

No but just come with me.

Khushi’s protest was weaker than Anjali’s will. She almost dragged Khushi to the party spot.

———————-

Khushi saw what she feared most on the way to roof top. Under the starry sky, he was sitting on a white furry mattress, with a glass in his, looking devilishly handsome. He was wearing a grey track pant and black vest and Khushi found his appearance in her sleepy eyes, irresistibly sexy. Her brain understood instantly two chocolaty brown oceans were on her. Suddenly she felt naked in full clothes. Fisting the pajama from both sides she glued her eyes on the floor. She experienced tons of leering gapes from men and never felt comfortable. Yet these two brown oceans were pulling her to drown forever, as if she was destined to. She couldn’t allow herself to drown, never. In her instinct she stayed rooted at her place refused Anjali’s pull towards the same mattress. Then she heard his husky teasing voice,

“Khushi I won’t charge you to sit or looking at me.”

Though old martini was seeping through his lips and acting like fires within his tired veins yet his eyes savored her untouched beauty. It was beyond his imagination that one can be cute, adorable and sexy together in a simple baby pink colored silky Barbie T shirt and Pajama. Her big doe like eyes were sleepy yet sensual. Her flushed face, lush pink lips, was alluring enough for the lover inside Arnav’s heart. Her waist length jet black hair was flowing in air and appearing like a halo in the moonlit night. He spent several passionate nights with beautiful girls. But this night vision ignited something new within his heart. His thought broke as he felt Lavanya’s hand and eyes on him and he looked at her eyes. She was sitting just beside him and enjoying her drink. Though she wore a red satin house coat over her silk night dress, she was also looking extremely beautiful. But Lavanya failed to evoke the emotion which that nymph in pink did easily. Tearing his eyes from Lavanya, he glanced at her and found her stilled at once. Automatically it amused and satisfied him realizing his success to erupt the sexual tension within her. As old martini played its trick and he heard himself to tease her.

Feel independent,  Be independent...  Live the magic…

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

YOU BELONG WITH ME! Chapter-14(B)

Arnav was packing his bags when he heard another knock. Earlier he returned both his grandparents and Shyam. He knew he was harsh on them but he couldn’t stay here anymore to get humiliated. Let them stay happy with Avinash Raizada and his other family. He avoided that knock and continued what he was doing. Hearing second knock he stopped immediately; began to count in reverse order to calm himself. Then he heard sniffles along with the third knock.

“What the!”

He had reached to the limit of his patience and turned to lash out at the person. Then one look at the person, next moment he froze. He couldn’t recognize his voice seeing his sister at that condition.

“Anjali! Whaatt… why are you…”

Next moment he found her within his arms; brawling like a child.

“Oh. My God! Shhhhhh…no….chhoti…No….Please don’t cry.….”

He rubbed her back to soothe her. When she didn’t show any sign to obey him. Then he uttered those lines which he did always.

“ Now stop crying. I am leaving the house not this world. Tell me what do you want?…”

Bhai, please. This is not funny.

She hit at his chest. Keeping his palm on his chest as if ebbing away a pain, he teased her.

“Owww..This hurts…Tigress at her best. Now stop crying.”

“Bhai please don’t go.”

She sniffled freshly. Arnav cursed and spoke with mock anger.

“What the! Do you want me to leave now or later?”

She nodded like a baby, demanding stubbornly. Then added,

“NOoooo… I want you to stay here, with us, always. Ma….Bhai ma can’t bear this. She fainted after you left the room. Please don’t leave us.”

“What the! Why didn’t you tell me before? Where is she? Why the hell you were wasting time with me? Let’s go.”

Arnav tried to leave but stopped by Anjali. Holding his right arm she added,

“She is fine bhai. Crying but fine. She didn’t even eat anything from the morning, still she is feeling fine. She took fast for you yet you are leaving her. If you leave, she may…”

“Ohhhh…. I will be mad one day. You all are crazy and always in a missing in making me so. Why the hell she always chose this blackmailing path?” Arnav was so frustrated. Every little thing, every person was hell bent to make him crazy. In addition pain in his wounded shoulder has begun to appear.

Anjali looked at him in complete disbelief yet relieved. Her plan was working perfectly. She made a pained face showing how his words were adding her dismay. Looking at her face Arnav spoke in frustrated and defeated voice,

“I am not leaving. This is her old trick but again working. You women are good at all these. She always did these to me. She knew I can’t ignore her health…Let’s go…”

———————–

Sitting at the edge of her bed, placing her head on Arnav’s s left shoulder, caged within Arnav’s arms Arti was weeping. Arnav was trying his best to subside her mother’s biggest weapon and his weakness.

“Ma, you know, you are the biggest drama queen in this world. I lost counting how many times we fought and you won.

“I am sorry beta. I hurt you. I can’t forgive myself if I let you go. Please don’t go. You are the only one that made me breathe. I will die…”

Arnav placed his palm on her lips and spoke angrily,

“That’s enough. I am not leaving RM and this is the end of discussion. This is the last time you are talking about death. Am I clear?”

Arti nodded, grinning ear to ear. Her eyes were teary. Reconciliation between Arnav and Arti didn’t take much time. History is the biggest witness of their bonding, fighting, and then more bonding. As Arnav came galloping into Arti’s room, said sorry and declared his plan to stay in RM; every problem between mother & son duo was vanished like camphor. A few moments later, she spoke hesitantly,

“Arnav, I…I wan… I mean promise me, please don’t keep any ill feeling for my poor Khushi.”

Arnav stared at her, stunned enough registering the special bonding between his mother and Khushi. Yet he maintained his calmness. At that moment he did want do anything to hurt his mother.

“She didn’t do that purposely. I told her to serve Avinash and others. She is very fond of me. I am her mother. So…”

Instantly she was cut short by Anjali who reprimanded Arti in fear of possibility of changes in Arnav’s decision. Arnav hated Khushi and at this vulnerable moment mentioning her name might cause severe damage. But she couldn’t believe her ears when she heard Arnav,

“Okay. Then where is she? Ask her to come. I would like to say sorry to her.”

“She was here and crying.”

Arti tried to locate Khushi inside the room. Then looking at Arnav she ordered,

“You need check your anger. She’s extremely delicate. Your behavior always hurt her.”

“Ma. Please don’t force bhai if he doesn’t want to talk to her. You wanted him stay with us or leave?”

What are you talking Anjali? She’s your friend. You know about her. Where is she?

Arti noticed Anjali’s sudden uneasiness. Feeling something uncanny she shouted angrily at her,

“Did you say something to her? What did you say?”

Arti’s sudden outburst made Anjali scared. She began to stammer.

“ I…I…Sorr…”

“Ma, why are you scolding Chhoti?”

But looking at Anjali, Arnav got suspicious and asked explanation of Khushi’s mysterious absence around Arti. Anjali resumed sobbing and revealed what she told Khushi after Arti fainted. Both mother and son were shocked. Arti was devastated because she knew the truth, Khushi’s troubled childhood and her subsequent suffering from depression. Arnav was perplexed because that information was new to him and related to Khushi’s troubled life. Arti hurriedly tried to get down from the bed but her weak body didn’t let her stand properly. Arnav was fast enough to save her fall. He tried to stop her but she reacted hysterically,

“I need to talk to her Arnav. She is in trouble and needs me. I…”

“Ma you are not well; too weak to walk steadily. Why are you becoming so reckless? She will come back and I will say sorry then. There’s no urgency.”

“Arnav let me meet her. Once again she will go into depression. Please let me talk to her. It’s not her fault. Never.”

Arti began to cry while Anjali did the same asking Arti’s forgiveness and giving uncountable reasoning s about her misbehavior.

“Stop you two.”

Arnav roared and made them mute at once. When they became bit calm, he worriedly asked is mother.

“Now tell me, what has happen to her?”

Within her hiccups, Arti explained him briefly why Anjali’s statement might be devastating for Khushi. While his mother was revealing the tormented truth of Khushi’s life, Arnav continued to look at her blankly, feeling utmost guilty. She suffered a lot yet never complained or gave any hint to anyone. She took all the acquisitions, humiliations yet never revealed her lifelong anguish. If something happened to her now, he couldn’t forgive himself. He is responsible for her every tears. Then, all in sudden he realized, actually he couldn’t even breathe or even live if she harms herself.

——————————-

From Arti’s room to the pool side at the furthest corner of the house, Khushi just ran in daze. She perceived her surroundings after noticing the blue stagnant water. There she tried to scream at first but her anguish had already made her mute. Her eyes turned into desert. She was feeling claustrophobic; helpless. Why devi maiya always made her to ruin everyone’s happiness? Her head was spinning heavily; as if at any moment that might burst. She was slowly drowning into deep depression. But A few heartbeats later, she felt sudden gush of air; his presence. She couldn’t gather any power to face him; too weak to do that. Then she heard his most tender whisper.

“Khushi. Look at me. I…”

She nodded in negative, yet rejecting his plea.

“Please Khushi. Look at me. Please. I need to tell you… I… I am… I….”

He implored, pain was evident in his tone. She trembled but ignored his plea.

“Do you want me to leave or stay?”

This time he raised his voice a bit; his tone was stubborn. Probably that worked at his favor. Slowly she turned toward him. The moment she faced him, Arnav’s heart broke into pieces like glass. She was standing like ruined image of her cheering self.

Oh…What did he do to her?

As she saw him, caged tears rolled down freshly from her expressive eyes. He kept staring at her. Realizing his eyes on her, she hid her face behind the palms. Then abandon, muffled sobs began to rake her body; Arnav’s whole existence as well. She slipped on the ground gradually. That was quite a tormenting view to him. Her tears affected him from the day he first saw her Now it was affecting him as if hitting his heart with nail and let it bled profusely. Humiliation was long forgotten; everyone was long forgiven with the each drop of her tears. Arnav was anxious enough to hold her tight; wipe her tears or console her. His brain reminded him as culprit for her dismay and perturbed him to do so. There was a continuous pang of guilt building within his heart. He made her cry and suffer like this, that thought was enough to wobble his stout existence, male ego, pride. He cursed himself loudly for her current broken state, lost of ‘happiness’ that has strongest association with her name and presence. Getting all wrong about his intension, hiding her face behind the palms, she winced and stopped crying. Arnav mind had already travelled to some other place. She was happy earlier and doing her best to make his mother happy. Instead of thanking her, he purposely destroyed that state of harmony; only to stay away from the memory of his haunting past. Then breaking his guilt filled monologue, suddenly she spoke,

‘Arnav ji. Please don’t go….I….I am sorry…. never meant to… I will stay away from Ma. Please don’t go.’

Arnav couldn’t tolerate that anymore. He reached to her with few long strides. Holding her trembling shoulders, he made her stand and pulled towards his chest. She stared at him with big doe like eyes; asking explanation for his action. He was too heady to give that. At once sliding his right hand to hold her left palm, he turned to the door and dragged her roughly to Arti’s room. She was so stunned that she forgot to protest.

————

Entering into Arti’s room, Arnav roughly pushed her towards Arti. Khushi almost stumbled but eventually landed upon Arti’s welcoming arms. Hugging her tightly, she cried loudly, first time in that eventful evening. Arnav spoke in no nonsense voice,

“Ma, she just promised me to leave you if I stay in RM.”

Khushi’s arms got tighten around Arti after hearing this and her sob became louder. Arti soothe her back but asked firmly.

“Then what is your decision?”

Khushi was so scared that she missed both Arti and Arnav’s tone was different, muddled with suppressed mirth.

“It’s up to you. Whom do you want? Actually whom do you love more?”

Arnav winked at his mother. Again Khushi missed that. She was scared enough to register her surroundings.

“Hmmm. Tough decision but I have already decided.”

Then she pushed Khushi little away from herself and held her chin up.

“I want you to support me and my decision. I am doing this only for my happiness. Actually I made a deal with Arnav to protect our ‘happiness’.”

Khushi’s face fall but she prepared herself for the inevitable outcome and nodded in affirmation.

“Ma. Ma before you reveal your decision, I am reminding you; hope you don’t want to lose me for her.”

Arti looked at both of them to and fro. Then cupping Khushi tears stricken face she declared softly

“Arnav wanted to stay in RM if I love you more than him.”

YOU BELONG WITH ME!! INTERLUDE:KHUSHI GUPTA

“Keep your face always toward the sunshine – and shadows will fall behind you.”

― Walt Whitman

Probably the cutest and most beautiful baby girl was borne as Khushi Gupta on a rainy day when her whole families except her father were present in the hospital. Her encounter specialist father Kushal Gupta was called for a sudden duty. Though Kushal was the one who gave her name Khushi but couldn’t able to see her, hold her tiny body within his arms, kiss her flawless chubby pink cheeks. He was shot dead by a notorious goon. Therefore, Khushi failed to bring happiness in her parents’ life. Her mother Komal couldn’t bear her loss and post pregnancy hormones added extra misery into her brain. She made Khushi sole responsible for her bad luck. Gradually, she developed mental illness; whenever she saw Khushi, she began to scream, curse, tried to hit her. So far, her grandparents were the only best thing happened in Khushi’s tormented life. They adored her, brought her up like a most precious diamond. Very soon they realized that Khushi should be kept away from Komal. They admitted her in a boarding school. She came and stayed with them only in summer or winter vacations. Somehow Guptas managed to stay unharmed until Khushi turned 8.

————-

8 years old Khushi joined her family in summer vacation. She had become wise enough to keep a safe distance from her mother. In one afternoon, keeping her with an old trusted servant, her grandparents were taking nap at their room. Baby Khushi was playing with her dolls, assigning their rooms at her doll house; oblivion of the presence of her mother and absence of her caretaker. Her room was at the first floor. Suddenly she heard an unfavorable sound. Looking up, she found her mother almost few inches away from her. Her eyes were blood shot. If looks can burn, Khushi could have burnt by then. Khushi was so scared and began cry. Maintaining safe distance from her mother she began to move backwards until she hit the glass window. Below that window there was marble ground floor. Komal sprinted towards Khushi to hit her with a knife. Khushi hurriedly moved aside while Komal couldn’t control her pace; hit the glass window and broke it apart. Next moment Khushi saw her mother to lose the balance and fell hard on the floor. After that day she never heard mother’s curses as Komal died due to brain hemorrhage.

———–

Sashi and Garima loved her so much that she never gets a chance to weep upon her loss, agony. As she never saw her father, never seek his love as much as she urged that from her mother. Though out her first 8 years; even till today she just wanted to go back to her mother’s arms and explained how much she missed her.

———————-

Her undying long for mother’s affection was fulfilled by Arti. As if both of them complemented each other; Arti was a mother who still moaning over her unborn girl child while Khushi was forever thirsty for mother’s loves. Therefore, Khushi instantly bonded with Arti and turned Arti’s most loyal child. She considered Arti as her mother even before she began to fall for Arnav.

————–

Arnav was most special yet unfinished chapter in Khushi’s life. Her first look at Arnav’s picture threaded her life with him. Though in her dreams, she found Arnav as her prince charming; but reality refrain her to lose her heart over Arnav. Arnav proved to an unreachable destination where Lavanya has already occupied her place. Arnav loves Lavanya; that realization was initially painful to Khushi but she was strong enough to ebb away that pain. But Arnav’s disgusting words on her wedding day not only challenged her self-respect but also demolished all tiny hopes from her heart. She couldn’t hate Arnav but from that moment she stopped loving Arnav. Khushi was that kind of girl who never liked bullies and Arnav was one of a kind. She too had bitter past but never complained like Arnav. She couldn’t forgive Arnav when he hurt Arti. Khushi was well aware of Arnav’s equation with his father but he shouldn’t behave badly with them when Arti was the one who invited them. Arti ma did that for her in-laws happy who always supported her and drove away their only son. They never showed but Arti could feel their pain of staying away from Avinash. As they reached at their early eighties, Arti considered their happiness over her own grief, humiliation. She herself took the initiative to accept Avinash and Sheetal after Arnav’s accident.

————

Arti was not comfortable to serve lunch. Khushi served lunch for them. All three of them mingled so well, especially Akash that once for a while Khushi forgot their past deeds and began to chat with them. But Arnav took that negatively and thought of Khushi was being friendly with Avinash’s family. He put up a show there and later engaged into a heated argument. As Arti was crying Khushi couldn’t stopped herself to indulge into their family matter. But she was hurt more when Arti asked Arnav to leave. Now onwards, though Arnav had stopped mattering to her but she would try to stop him from leaving RM; at any cost. Arnav is Arti’s life and she couldn’t keep her Ma like lifeless. She would stop visiting as well as seeing Arti to keep Arnav at RM.

————-

Though there was no attraction what she felt for Arnav, Akash earned her respect. There were hell and heaven difference between Akash and Arnav. Instead of facing humiliation from Arnav, Akash acted maturely. He was so well behaved and understanding that Khushi never see in anyone at his age. He even took initiative to console Arti ma. Being Arti’s son Arnav failed completely to be a good human like him. But it’s Arti ma who was her top priority. If only she advised then Khushi would be happy to make friendship with Akash.

But Arnav…..

“NAINA THAG LENGE” PART-2

“There is never a time or place for true love. It happens accidentally, in a heartbeat, in a single flashing, throbbing moment.”
― Sarah Dessen, The Truth About Forever

“Whaaaatttt?”

Khushi couldn’t able to utter more words. Her voice choked in girth of fear. She stared at him without blinking. Despairs began to flow from her doe like big eyes; surprised. Still holding her tightly, Arnav spoke softly sounding ashamed,

“Why don’t you understand Khushi? Why are you being so innocent? We aren’t good at all; none of us. We never saved you. Actually we are the monsters who played with your life. You should flee from here. We are going to ruin your life. Khushi, you are a nicest person I have ever came across; too innocent. I can’t ruin your life for my own benefit. Please run away. I… I will help you. Just leave.”

“Whaat are you saying? I….I can’t understand. I…..”

“Khushi, your marriage with me is a part of bigger planning. You uncle is also involved in this.”

Arnav paused for a moment and stared directly at her blood red teary eyes as if searching for some assurance to proceed. He found nothing except his own faculty of speech.

“Khushi I know you are going to feel betrayed. You will curse me.Believe me…”

“Arnav ji I wanted to know the truth.” She voiced strongly yet stirred little.

“Khushi…Please leave this place. I have money. I will help you. I..”

“Tell me the truth.” Her words cracked in agony.

“Khushi…..I have a plan. I arranged…”

“ I deserve a truth from my lawfully wedded husband. Now.”

Her voice sounded firm like never before. Arnav noticed her beautiful tears streaked face, glowing like a halo found behind deity goddess; as if radiating power to destroy every evil. His heart trembled but received the power to reveal the truth. Then he began to tell the darkest truth in their life,

Raizada is one of the richest families in Lucknow with royal lineages. We came here to get a bride for Arjun. In Lucknow, he was married when he was just 23 years old. He was not mentally restarted then. His beautiful bride, Anjali though had polio but belonged to another royal family. It was a business-marriage. Arjun was a playboy back then and involved in numerous extramarital affairs. Initially he neglected her; used to beat her. Then our astrologer told; only a baby can change his mind and bring him back. After few failed attempts and plans, few months latter, suddenly Anjali bhabi got pregnant. Surprisingly that news changed Arjun immensely. He began to take care of her. Everyone was happy especially bhabi; she was in 7^th heaven. When Bhabi was at 8 months’, one day Arjun’s ex-mistress came and declared that she was also expecting for 3 months. While Arjun and that girl were talking, Bhabi heard them. Arjun didn’t deny that alliance and asked that girl to abort. Bhabi couldn’t bear that and committed suicide by setting fire on herself. As she locked the kitchen door from inside, Arjun couldn’t stop her and became the helpless spectator of that massacre. And he completely lost mental balance when he saw Bhabi’s churned pregnant body. He was admitted in asylum for next four years and saved from getting into jail. I had to take care of the whole business. Meanwhile once again our family astrologer suggested that Arjun would be normal again if he impregnates his virgin wife; from same status and caste. They made him released from asylum and began to find a girl from a reputed family; But nobody from a good family in lucknow wanted to marry him, even for money. Babuji didn’t also want to compromise his status. He wanted a bride for Arjun, that too from a good family.

He paused and gulped; became bi breathless. Making a few feet distance from Khushi, then he sat on his knees on the floor and wiped the drops of sweat at his forehead. Khushi stood rooted like a statue. Like a monologue, once again Arnav began to add,

Here, we found one. But that bride fled at the last moment. We were in a fix. Somehow people got to know the truth from Lucknow. We had to stay here and arrange a bride for Arjun. In Lucknow we spread the news of Arjun’s prolonged illness and stayed here. Each passing day, my parents were becoming adamant to marry off my brother and get an heir from him. Then they met you at temple and knew about your deceased parents. It was beyond their imagination that you father was also from a reputed family in Lucknow and disowned by the family for marrying your mother from poor family. They were planning asking your hand from your uncle. Before they could talk, your marriage was fixed. Then they gathered the news about Shyam’s relation with his maid. Therefore, they bribed the maid and put him behind the bars. Then they met your uncle and asked your hand for Arjun. He denied instantly. After Shyam’s fiasco everyone in the neighborhoods was blaming them for ruining your life. So they didn’t want to go through another blame-game. Your cousin sister is also unmarried. Then your aunt put forward an idea; she told to arrange your marriage with me in front of society. After six months I can give you divorce. In between we will make you accustomed with Arjun; followed by our divorce you would be remarried to Arjun. Your uncle got this house and a ransom amount to shut his mouth. We….

As he heard a sound, Arnav stopped abruptly. Khushi fainted and was lying on the floor like a ragged doll. He rushed toward her, patted her cheeks. She didn’t respond.

You Belong With Me!!!! Interlude- Arnav Singh Raizada

 “Intense, unexpected suffering passes more quickly than suffering that is apparently bearable; the latter goes on for years and, without our noticing, eats away at our souls, until, one day, we are no longer able to free ourselves from the bitterness and it stays with us for the rest of our lives.”

― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

“Mr. Raizada! Congrats. It’s a healthy boy for you. It was a normal delivery and both mother and baby are fine.”

Coming out from the operation theatre, Dr Rao announced the arrival of mighty baby Raizada; grinning almost ear to ear. Like all the Raizada family members he also spent a sleepless night eventful with Arti Singh Raizada who was going through labor pain for last 12 hours. He never saw such stubborn baby, who could show such tantrum even before his birth.

After receiving the news, Avinash Raizada could not hold back his emotions and hugged his family physician and almost asphyxiated him. At last he was going to hold his baby, own baby, the one and only, most awaited Raizada heir. Almost last 5 years they suffered a lot and tried every possible mean but Arti couldn’t able to conceive due to few complications. Then they met Dr. Rao. He was an angel who advised them to try in vitro fertilization and after few failed attempts suddenly enabled to conceive and today they have become a proud parent.

“Thank you. Thanks a lot Dr. Rao. May I see them? Now? I…I can’t wait.”

“Ohh….Of course. They are yours. Both of them are waiting for you only. But I must say, he is going to be a tyrant. It was a hell tough job to convince him to arrive. ”

Then both the doctor and new father began to laugh out loud. Meanwhile, just borne baby Arnav Singh Raizada had already started to throw his signature tantrums at every poor attendant, nurses and his tired yet proud, elated mother. He seemed to be good at screaming as well as prone to mood swing from the time of his birth.

At the same time, only one person was unhappy in hospital. Sheetal, Arti’s cousin who had always harbored a thing for Avinash, in turn never got acknowledged. She thought Arti never able to be a mother. But her luck never was her side. She was furious within, yet bringing a fake smile she immediately reached to Avinash and hugging him wished,

“Congrats! jijaji.”

“ Thanks.” Instantly releasing himself from her hold, Avinash rushed to the cabin where his wife and baby were waiting for him.

———————————–

As usual Raizada threw a lavish multi corer spent party after first time baby Arnav entered into RM. He was the apple of the eyes of everyone at RM, from servant to most senior Raizada. He got everything whenever he wanted; most of times he didn’t even need to ask for his requirements and similar tradition continued till today. Arnav Singh Raizada never knew to how to ask or say sorry. He just needed to set his eye on something and that (even human) belonged to his possession.

————————————

“Avinash, you are spoiling him. He’s becoming arrogant. I want my baby to be sober not a devil.”

Arti was angry and complained her husband but her heart melted instantly looking at the toothless grin of her 3 years old son, a priceless possession. Last half an hour, he was throwing everything, costly toys, breaking them apart; pillows, bottles, clothes, and ordering his nanny to bring those. If he was denied, he began to scream like anything. But her reverie broke with Avinash’s voice

“Arti, he is a Raizada, my son. He can do whatever he wants. No one can stop him.”

Avinash turned into total blind and stupid when matters were related to Arnav. Arti couldn’t hold back her smile and looked back admiringly at the two most important persons in her life. She sighed and silently prayed for their good beings.

———————-

Arnav, behave yourself. Akash is your baby brother. He’s such a good boy. Don’t hit him. Give him that car. You are a big brother. Arti chided her son and also threatened him to inform to feed one glass of milk. 4 and half years old Arnav abhorred milk like anything and was fuming with rage. He used to get the undivided attention from his parents as well as other family members. But after Alok chacha’s death, Sheetal aunty and her son started living with them and everybody fell pray into goody 2 an half years old Akash’s charm. Akash had a tendency to snatch everything which is dear to Arnav. Earlier it never bothered him as Akash was living in a different home. But now he even started to get good toys from Avinash. Little Arnav broke that car instantly and ran away from that place leaving every one bewildered.

————————

“Beta, please stop crying. I will scold Ma and give you lots of things. Please beta. Papa can’t see your tears. I will give you better car.”

“I don’t like Akash…any brother. Sis…Sisters are good. Barun’s sister is looking like a doll, very beautiful and always let him play. Please return Akash and give me a sister. Sisters are good.”

Little Arnav placed his demand within his hiccups. One thing remained unnoticed to him, the playful glances exchanged between them. Arti was few months pregnant then and they knew this time it would be a girl.

“Okay beta. Come to daddy. Hugging Arnav tightly Avinash told, we will give a little sister very soon.”

“Really. Yaaayyyyy.”

Arnav became so happy and hugged him back.

“I don’t need cars anymore. Just give me a sister.”

————————-

In the evening of his 5^th birthday, Arnav was playing with his friends. After his father’s declaration of giving him a sister, made him extremely happy. He even stopped bothering about Akash and started to play with him. All of them were dancing with the catchy tune of a bollywoody song; suddenly they heard his mother’s cry for help. Everyone except little Arnav, rushed towards heavily pregnant Arti who was then rolling down through the steps like a ping pong ball and his father was also running behind her, screaming her name. Arnav was so frightened that he couldn’t even able to move. Later everything became dazed to Arnav after that. He couldn’t see his parents for next two weeks. He cried, stopped taking food and showed tantrum, no one bothered, including servants everyone in that house was weeping. He became bit relieved when both Sheetal aunty and aksh left the house. Then after few weeks he saw his completely shattered mother who stopped laughing at him, scolding him, feeding him, snuggling him. Whenever he went to his mother’s room, she became hysteric and stated screaming,

“ Beta , I am sorry. I am sorry. I can’t give you a sister. I lost her. I…I failed….”

Arnav wanted to wail as well as assured his mother for stopped bothering for his earlier demands. He didn’t need a sister. He just wanted his mother stopped crying and began to cuddle him; his father who never came back after that day, should be in the house and talked to him.

———————–

Little Arnav was playing in the garden alone while he heard his nanny talking with someone over the phone.

“It’s really bad situation here. Arti madam is completely shattered with shock. I can’t even look at little Arnav baba. He has no idea, what his beloved father did. He will be broken like his mother when he will hear that his father chose that witch Sheetal over his mother. Avinash sir even demanded for divorce and started living with that woman and her son Akash. He already told that he won’t come back, ever. Arti mam stopped taking food. She…”

Arnav couldn’t hear anymore. His heart beat increased at a dangerous rate. His father left him for Akash. That truth was too much for demanding baby like Arnav. Avinash was his hero. But from the very next day, he changed himself completely, and made his mother and her happiness the only world to him.He promised himself, that no one can ever hurt his mother, never. With the each passing day, Arnav turned himself into bitterer person than previous. He became a person, who abhorred himself for being the son of Avinash Singh Raizada. Till his adulthood, he always stayed away from his father, almost stopped talking to him. In between Arti healed herself completely and few years later they brought little Anjali into their house but Arnav’s broken heart got repaired. He became ruthless, arrogant, and self centered in front of the outside world.

———————-

2 years back (from present), after he came back from USA receiving a prestigious MBA degree from Harvard business school, Arnav joined his family business. So far Avinsah was running the business and Akash also joined him recently. Being the highest shareholder, at first Arnav avoided his father until one fateful day. Suddenly he was in a need to get his father consent over a personal deal that required vast fortunes from Raizada funds. In the board meeting, Avinash denied Arnav’s appeal and supported Akash’s business proposal. Eventually Arnav couldn’t crack the deal as his father’s and his family’s votes went against him. Aftermath was terrible for everyone. Everyone was burnt with the wrath of Arnav Singh Raizada after that board meeting. He broke every single thing in his cabin and next day he just left not only his office in India as well as his house; began to live in USA, running their foreign projects. After that day without harming their family business, he officially turned himself an enemy of his father.

You Belong With Me! Part 14: PART-A “Falling slowly”

“The heart has its reasons which reason knows not.” ―Blaise Pascal

“Arnie, that show was awfully bad. I don’t like them, yet. What you did, that was really bad. You hurt your mom more than any one.”

Arnav heard Lavanya’s accusation. He remained silent; standing at the balcony of his room; facing the beautiful rose garden of RM, continued to stare blankly. His mind was silent as if aftermath of storm. Why the hell he couldn’t control his anger? He was doing fine from the morning. Because of that chit of a girl, he had to lose his mind. She didn’t need to serve there, smiling, especially at Akash’s stupid jokes. He always like that, put his eyes on Arnav’s objects. His trance broke when he found himself caged within Lavanya’s arms. Placing her chin on Arnav’s spin, snaking her arms around his waist; she inhaled deeply. She missed his familiar hypnotizing smell. It was like ages she was that much close to her Arnav.

“I am scared. I never saw you like this.”

He responded as a prude. Almost jumping out of his feet, he chided her,

“Lav. What are you doing?”

Without loosening her grip, she giggled like a school girl.

“Don’t be silly. We are at home.” Using his uninjured hand, he tried to get rid of her.

This time Lavanya released her and came to his front; her back was facing the garden. Cupping his face, she asked lowly,

“Arnie, why the hell are you behaving like this? You were never like this. Anav whom I knew in US was a different person; fun loving, romantic and wild in bed”.

She winked. Her eyes were beaming with mischievous glint. Arnav looked at her. His eyes were devoid of any emotions. As her arms going around his neck, she had felt him stiffen instantly, looking uncomfortable. She questioned worriedly.

“What’s wrong, Arnie?”

He remained distant; looking over her shoulders. His eyes turned into stones.

“What’s bothering you? I can help you. Tell me.” She pressed herself on his chest.

Lavanya threaded her fingers through his dense hair. She was about to lean in and capture his lips, she heard him utter in distain,

“Lav, I am tired. Leave me alone.” Arnav angled his face to left ducking that kiss.

“Why? Please let me heal you. You will feel good.”

She spoke huskily before buried her face in the crook of his neck. She snuggled into him some more, rubbing his back, fanning his neck with her warm breath, giving him full access to hold her, feel her. Adding her dismay Arnav’s uninjured arm never came around her waist. After a while, making a wild guttural sound, Arnav unceremoniously pushed her back. Lavanya stumbled before making herself steady. Her eyes were wide opened in shock. Arnav never did this to her. Her Arnav was a restless lover. Whenever they were together, he couldn’t even take off his hands from her. Arnav turned back from her and spoke jeeringly,

“Lav, please leave. Leave, before I say or do anything bad. We will talk later. LEAVE!”

His eyes were definitely not set on her whereas; his last word was at the top of his voice and shook every corner of her body. Tears came out in accordance with her disbelief and she bolted out of the room as fast as she can. Her mind was screaming and asking, whether she lost her Arnav.Meanwhile Arnav punched hard on the railing and screamed in pain. Because of that girl and Akash, this time Lavanya became the victim. He saw them in the garden; sharing few words as well exchanging achit of paper. This was beyond his imagination and patience.

—————

Khushi was on her way to Arti’s room when she bumped into Lavanya. Seeing her tear streaked face, and direction of the room she was coming out, her heart instantly filled with hatred. She cursed herself silently for once falling for this man. She hated him like she never did for anyone.

“Lavanyaji are you fine?” Her voice was filled with concern and agony for this girl.

“Yeah!”

Lavanya answered looking everywhere except at her. Then excused herself she ran towards her room. Khushi stayed there for sometimes. She couldn’t believe that Arti ma could deliver such monster. When she reached to Arti’s room, she found her crying placing her head on Anjali’s lap. Shyam elder Raizadas and Guptas were present there as silent spectators.

Ma, please don’t be upset. You know very well, he is like that. He hates them. He never forgets what they did to you. Please.

Anjali spoke in her muffled cry. Khushi reached to them and hugged Anjali. She had begun to cry.

I know beta. But….

Please Ma, eat something. You haven’t taken anything since morning.

Khushi spoke gluing her palm with Arti. She didn’t answer and wept more .She stopped instantly as soon as she heard him.

Ma,. I… I….. Please eat something.

Everyone turned toward the door to look back at the source of familiar voice. Arnav was standing there as if nothing had happened. No one answered while Khushi had enough for the day. She snapped at him,

Wonderful! Mr. Raizada. You are great. At first you made her cry, left her hungry and now you appeared as if nothing had happened.

Arnav was already in his worst mood and Khushi was the main reason behind this. Without looking at her He returned her attack venomously.

“None of your business. You may leave now.” Looking at his mother he repeated, “Ma, will you come and join me in the table. I am hungry.”

“Go to hell Mr. Raizada. If you are hungry, go and grab your food. You have servants to do that for you. No need to bother about Ma. She can manage without you. “

Khushi reaction was prompt. Everyone except Arti who knew Arnav cringed in fear. No one ever dared to talk with Arnav like that. Garima, chided Khushi to stop her indulging into family matter. But she was the real tigress in human attire. And this time she saw Arnav hurting her Ma and Lavanya. She couldn’t forgive him.

“What the!” Arnav was in complete disbelief. How dare she? He roared forgetting the situation,

“Who the hell are you? I don’t count you beyond a mere helper of my Ma. Did you get that in your pie sized brain? Before I do or say something wrong, get out right now. “

Everyone was only looking back and fro during those exchanges between Khushi and Arnav. All of them lost their voices or power to stop the situation getting into worsen. Khushi trembled and her eyes immediately filled with tears. Arnav saw her tears and that made him angrier than before. Then pointing towards her, he shouted,

“GET OUUUUUUUUUUUUT!!!!!!!!!!!”

Khushi tried to leave but pulled back by Arti who was then already on her feet.  Looking at Khushi with her blood red tear filled eyes she nodded slowly in negative. Then turning to Arnav, she strode towards him on her wobble feet and slapped him hard. Everyone gasped and instantly reached by her side. They exclaimed in unison, “Ma! Arti beta! What are you doing?” Only Khushi stood rooted at her place. She was shaken from the core; couldn’t believe her eyes.

“Ma!” Arnav was also dumbstruck that he couldn’t utter more. His Ma never hit him whatever nuisances he did earlier. His face turned beet red with murderous anger and also constricted in pain of humiliation. While he was going through these arrays of emotions, he also stared hard at Khushi over Arti’s shoulder.

“Get out Arnav. Leave us alone like you did two years back. I can’t believe my Arnav stored these much venoms within his heart. You need to leave this place before you commit more sins.”

“Ma! Please don’t do this.” Khushi chocked yet protested Arti’s order. Anjali held Arti’s shoulder and tried to stop him. Anant tried to open his mouth before all of them cut short. Standing in a straight line; between Khushi and Arnav, she raised her right hand in the air and made everyone stop protesting. Looking back at Arnav she spoke again,

“I should have done this long before. I always neglected every wrong habit which you inherited from Avinash. But today you crossed every limit. Like your father, you did the same. Both of you hurt women and played with their self respect. It’s better for you to leave this place. I will die if you turned into your father.”

She fell on the floor and cried her heart out. Holding her tightly Anjali cried. No one dared to move from their place and glued there with teary eyes. After a long pause, Arnav spoke firmly with dangerously low voice,

“As you wish! I am leaving. Hope unlike my father, I won’t torture you anymore. Bye.”

Then he turned and disappeared into hallway within a friction of a second. Hiding her face with the palms, Arti became inconsolable.

“Ma, don’t worry. I will manage him.”

Shyam declared and hurriedly followed Arnav. Elders left immediately as all of them were stunned with sudden outburst between mother and son and impending storm.

———————–

When everyone left, Arti once looked at the door and wept like a person who just lost her most precious possession. Khushi was also fell on her knees yet wept silently. She continued to blame on herself; because of her Arti took this big step which was going hurt Arti more than anyone. After few minutes, Arti’s stressed and fasting body couldn’t take more and she fainted on Anjali’s lap. Khushi reached by Arti’s side instantly. But before she could touch Arti, Anjali pushed Khushi back. Her eyes were full of loath against her. Khushi knew how much Anjali adored her brother. He was a hero to her. Then she heard her angry voice,

“Stay away from us. You are nothing but a curse for everyone. Actually you are like that. What you did to your parents; now you are doing that with us. Like that Sheetal, you made my bhai to leave this house, away from Ma. You are never going to be happy. I won’t forgive you, ever. Now leave us alone.”

Khushi couldn’t take those accusations and ran away as fast as she can.

——————-

Arnav was packing his bags when he heard another knock. Earlier he returned both his grandparents and Shyam. He knew he was harsh on them but he couldn’t stay here anymore to get humiliated. Let them stay happy with Avinash Raizada and his other family. He avoided that knock and continued what he was doing. Hearing second knock he stopped immediately; began to count in reverse order to calm himself. Then he heard sniffles along with the third knock.

“What the!”

That was limit of his patience and he turned to lash out at the person. Then one look at the person, next moment he froze.

YOU BELONG WITH ME! PART-13 “Fault in their stars”

Releasing Arnav’s collar, Khushi tried to get up from the bed. She felt a pull on her dopatta.

“Let me go Arnavji.”

She was feeling ashamed of herself. Silent tears were falling abandon from her big doe shaped eyes. She turned to leave the room but stopped by Arnav. Once again, he failed to comprehend why those small drops of tears on her cheeks were unbearable for him. As he realized his blunder ans she tried leave, he stopped her by grabbing her wrist with his injured hand. And that made him scream in pain. Khushi’s heart beat halted for that moment. All in sudden forgetting her agony, she shrieked; spinning around, reaching to Arnav and holding his injured arm she cried in panic.

“Arnav ji! Oh…Hey devi maiya! What happened? Why did you lift your arm? .…Why? She wept.

“Khushi! it’s okay. I am fine. I just…”

Ignoring his own pain, he pulled her closer until she sat right in front of him. She refused to look at him, continued crying. Arnav cupped her face from one side and tried to console her. But she was extremely agitated.

“No, it’s not fine. You are bed ridden only because of me. That day, I should have died. I deserve to…”

Before she could speak more Arnav put his index finger on her lips. She stopped abruptly and trembled.

“Khushi, please! Promise me, this is the last time I am hearing this.”

He leaned; moved so close that his breath was fanning her face. Khushi was stunned; except crying she lost her power of speech. Arnav cupped her face from one side.

‘I am sorry.’ He whispered in her ear. Then added,

“Please promise me. You will never discuss this and blame yourself. It was an accident. I will…Please don’t cry. I will do whatever you want. Just stop crying. But Khushi was unstoppable. Hiding her face behind her palms, she nodded in negative.

Okay. Ummm…..Will you stop crying if I attend puja?”

Though she was lost in their sudden proximity as well as her own grief but his last words immediately hit the right chord at her brain. And she stopped crying. Looking at him with puppy eyes, she asked like a child;

“Really? Really you want to come? Ma will be very….very happy. Thank you Arnav ji.”

She began to blabber in joy; moving her hands and eyes animatedly. Now it was time for Arnav’s astonishment. He couldn’t believe that he was just emotionally blackmailed by this beautiful emotional fool. He was also amused seeing the fast change of her emotion. But Arnav was Arnav. He couldn’t accept a defeat so easily.

“Okay. I am going to attend the puja. Before that I need to take bath and you will help me. Help me.” He spoke and winked devilishly.

What? You… Are you mad? How! Why? I…” She stammered. Once again his audacity made her shocked. She blushed profusely and red adorned her cheeks contrasting with her snowy white complexion.

“Khushi ! We are getting late for puja. Help me.” He continued to tease her.

“GOSH! Arnav ji . You…You are shameless. I can’t believe” She pushed him back lightly and bolted out from the room. As she heard him laughing loudly, standing at the door, she turned towards him and uttered with fake anger,

“Laad governor! Your kurta is in the closet. Ma brought that.”

————

She was running as fast as she can. Her heart was beating erratically. She was confused with Arnav’s behavior. Hey, Devi maiya. What was he upto? As she absentmindedly tried stepping down through the steps but slipped off. As she predicted a massive painful fall she tightly closed her eyes. Once again two strong arms caught her into his arms before she could fall. Involuntarily Khushi wound her arms around his neck and pressed herself tightly with his chest. After a moment of complete silence except her own breathing, she heard him say,

“Gosh! Girl! You are something. Next time, please send the schedule of your fall. I will there before time.”

She opened her eyes as he murmured. His eyes flickering with suppressed mirth. He held her like that. After realizing her condition, she struggled to make herself free from his hold. But he held her more tightly. She flashed her eyes immediately at him before turning her face a little sideways. Then she spoke angrily; “Put me down. I need to go.”

If I don’t do that.

“I guess I am not going to give you any award for saving me. I guess you are not here for charity. By the way who are you?”

“Oh! What an irony? You are not grateful enough. I am your savior.

“Please. It’s awkward. Please put me down. I…” She hissed; struggled hard to free herself. But failed as Akash was stronger than her. At last her eyes turned into teary. Immediately releasing her, Akash let her stand properly. Then extending his hand he declared,

“ I saved you once before. Myself, Akash Avinash Singh Raizada.” Khushi never saw him by knew well how he helped her when she fainted in the hospital. Placing her dupatta properly on her shoulders and bosoms she spoke,

“Oh… I am so sorry. I…I just couldn’t recognize you. I mean never seen you.”

Akash smiled sweetly and told in a flirting tone, “Oh! That’s my bad luck. I hope next time you will remember the owner of these strong arms.” Khushi felt shy at his blatant remark. Blushing like red rose; she spoke in a low voice,

“Sorry, I…I didn’t….Actually….I need to go. Ma is waiting for me. Bye.” And she almost escaped from the place.

————–

Arti was arranging the flowers on the plate, suddenly Khushi came and hugged her from behind and susurrated,

“I have a surprise for you.”

With questioning eyes, Arti turned back to look at her. Cocking her bow shaped eyebrows; Khushi pointed her fingers towards the steps. And Arti broke into smile immediately. she saw Arnav was descending down the steps. Her eyes were teary. Arnav reached to her and gathered her on his chest with his uninjured arms. Arti broke into cry.

“Women! Unbelievable.”

Arti cried more loudly. Tapping his hand on her back Arnav asked huskily,

“Ma. Aren’t you happy that I came? If you want I can leave.” He kissed at her temple and rewarded with playful slap at his chest.

“Buddhu (idiot)! I am feeling out of the world”. Then looking back at pandit ji she requested,

“My son has come. You may start now. He is weak; can’t stay more. You need to finish as early as possible.”

When all of them sat for puja, Khushi tried to sit behind everyone. Arti noticed that and ordered her with mock anger; to sit her right side. Arnav was sitting at Arti’s left. Lavanya occupied just Arnav’s left side seat. As usual official love birds, Anjali and Shyam sat behind everyone by holding hand with each other. Akash and Sheetal for the first time avoid Avinash and sat almost separately from the group. They chatted with inaudible voices and also minutely noted every single person to make better plans for revenge. But Sheetal didn’t miss that her son was keen to observe a person on whom Arnav was also glancing occasionally. Although Arnav was fuming internally seeing his so called father and is keep. But he didn’t utter a single word. He found observing a 21years old beautiful creature is far more interesting than thinking about unwanted Raizadas.

———–

At lunch time, all were gathered at the dining table. Without taking her sit Arti began to supervise the servants and herself served Arnav as he was in restriction by doctors. Arnav noticed that Khushi didn’t also take her seat and busy in looking after his dad and his family. While serving, she also exchanged few words with Akash and broke into beautiful smile. She tried to sever him sweets forcefully. He stopped her by holding her hand. Arnav became angry instantly. Without thinking, he asked jeeringly,

“What are doing there? Why the hell aren’t you eating? We aren’t going to pay you.”

Everyone was shocked and silent after that outburst. Khushi was angry enough but remained silent and restrained herself from hurting anyone’s emotion. Especially Sheetal & Akash turned into beet red with anger. Without addressing anyone Akash declared immediately,

“We should leave now. We are unwanted. Should we?”

“Yes. You may leave NOW.” Arnav’s order was scathing and immediate.

Arti couldn’t take more and reprimand him.

“ Arnav! You…”

“Ma it’s enough. You wanted me to come and attend the puja. I did. I could have interrupted then. I didn’t and let them stay then. But I can’t tolerate these people anymore. Without torturing me anymore, tell them to leave NOW!.”

Arnav! Both his grandparents cried in shock. Lavanya hold Arnav’s arms in disbelieve. She was aware of Arnav’s hatred towards his father’s other family. So she always stayed aloof from them; never liked them. As Arti began to weep Khushi and Anjali were fast enough to reach by her side and gathered her into their arms. Their eyes were also welled up. Reaching to his side, Shyam put his hand on Arnav shoulder and ordered lowly,

“Arnav. Stop this nonsense. You are hurting Ma! more than others. Go to your room. I am coming later.”

His body was shaking with murderous rage; still he thought Shyam’s suggestion was best at that moment. Giving a nasty glance both at Akash, Avinash and Sheetal for the last time, he left hurriedly. Lavanya galloped behind him. Arti was uncontrollable at that moment. She couldn’t blame anyone. She blamed herself for the situation. Suddenly Akash came in front of her and gathered her into his arms. Wiping her tears, he spoke soothingly,

“Please don’t cry Badi Ma. He is always like that, angry, stubborn. We don’t blame him. I know we aren’t unwanted to you. Do you love me naa? Then why are you blaming yourself? Today we had a good time here. That’s all. I loved the kheer you made for all of us. I want another kheer treat on another day. Is that okay?”

Arti wept loudly. Akash ordered his parents to leave and wait for him near the car. Biding everyone good bye, they left immediately. Avinash was ashamed, uncannily quite all along. It was a long time after he entered his house; everyone was so happy and then it ended with a bitter note. While they were leaving, Akash glanced at Khushi. Her eyes were watery with unfathomable emotion; cheeks were pink in shame and sorrow.

—————-

Aksah was on the way to his car where his parents were waiting. The road was outside RM and in between RM rose-garden. He was feeling like murdering Arnav Singh Raizada. He needed to teach a lesson. Suddenly he heard a sweet voice calling his name from the behind.

“ Akash ji. Please, wait a minute.” She reached in front of him; quite breathless due to running; looking ethereal in her yellow anarkali dress among the different colored roses within complete daylight. Akash heart beat stopped for a moment. Stopping himself from committing any shameful blunder, he spoke huskily,

“Yes! Do you want to give the schedule?” Khushi blushed profusely leaving Akash completely spellbound with thudding heart.

“ I.. I just came… I mean I wanted to say you, ‘Thanks’. Ma stopped crying after you said so.”

Akash stared at her in disbelief. She added,

“She and her happiness meant a lot to me. Thanks.”

Then she turned to leave hurriedly. But stayed rooted a she was asked immediately. Tuning towards Akash she found him holding out a card. He spoke mischievously,

“I still want the schedule. Can I get that?”

Bursting into a genuine smile, she nodded in affirmation. Brushing his hand while taking that card from him; giving a friction of sweetest electric shock, she retracted and ran back to RM. Akash stared at her like a thirsty wolf; waiting for monsoon after spending an awful summer afternoon.