Arshi FF: Second Love and Marriage  2
Chapter 13       

Arnav is in the room looking at Aryan who is sleeping. His temperature reduced but still he is weak. He was arranging clothes in the wardrobe when he remembered the gifts he brought for his family. He din’t gave the gifts to them. He took out all the gifts. He thought to give them now. Aryan just slept so he won’t woke up. He took the gift and left the room securing Aryan with pillows.

He first went to Nani’s room. Nani is watching TV where some preaches are going on. He knocked the door and she looked at him. Surprised she kept the TV on mute. Arnav entered the room.

“ Nani. I brought this for you” said Arnav and forwarded the gift. Nani looked at him once directly and looked away showing her rejection.

Sighing, Arnav placed the gift on the couch and left from there.

The same scene repeated when he went to his Chacha-Chachi’s room.

Finally he came to his parents room. His heart is beating loudly and thos would be his direct conversation with his mother. He looked in the room. Ratna is searching something in the wardrobe. He knocked the door.

“ Haan HP come in. Amma’s medicines were over. Go and bring them.” Said Ratna but when she din’t get any response she turned and looked at Arnav who is standing at the door.

“ Why did you come here ??’asked Ratna to Arnav.

“ I came to give this gifts” said Arnav. it is the direct conversation between the mother and son duo for the first time.

“ We don’t need your gifts. Leave from here” said Ratna.

“ Maa. I..” Arnav is going to says something but Ratna turned away her face. 

Arnav felt a prick in his heart when his mother turned away her face. He silently kept the gifts at door step gulping down the lump. HP came there them/

“ mam saab. You called me” said HP.

“ Yes..Go and bring maa’s tablets. “ said Ratna and then showing gifts “ remove these from here”

Arnav heard it and couldn’t say anything. He just left from there taking his gifts back.

Arnav entered the room with a sad face. He sat on the bed patting Aryan’s back lovingly. Will his parents ever forgive him ?? He had to apologize them. Even before his parents, he have to apologize Shashi uncle and Khushi first. He had not seen Shashi uncle or Garima aunty from the time he came. He heard that Garima aunty went to lucknow as Buaji is not well. May be Shashi uncle too accompanied her.

“ Bhai” Anjali knocked his door. He looked up and smiled to her. She came to him and looked at Aryan.

“ Did Aryan’s fever reduced ??”asked Anjali.

“ Yes.. I just fed him with khichdi HP brought” said Arnav.

“ Maa prepared it Bhai.” Said Anjali.

“ I know “ said Arnav. Anjali looked at him questioningly.

“ I tasted it before feeding him and I understood it is made by mumma. “ said Arnav. Anjali nodded her head understanding then her eyes fell on the gifts.   

“ Bhai. These gifts…” said  Anjali.

“ I brought them for you all.” Said Arnav and extended her gift.

“ Thank you Bhai.. Don’t say me this is my marriage gift” said Anjali.

“ No. This is not..” said Arnav.

“ Hmm OK. Because I want something from you as my marriage gift” said Anjali.

“ Now what ??” asked Arnav with a little bit of worry.

“ Not more. Don’t worry. I just want you to design my wedding dress” said Anjali.

“ What !! Anju what are you saying ??”asked Arnav “ I am not a designer now.”

“ I know bhai but you are a fashion designer. You have dreamed to establish a fashion house. You are great designer bhai. So, it won’t be tough for you to design” said Anjali.

When Arnav din’t say anything Anjali held his chin and pleaded him. He finally have to agree.

“ Thank you Bhai” said Anjali hugging him.

“ Ok. Tomorrow you have to come to AR. You have to meet the stitching department and deal with material, everything” said Anjali.

“ What !!AR” said Arnav. He was feeling uncomfortable. “ But how can I Anju ?”

“ Bhai. Plz.. come What’s problem in that ??”asked Anjali.

“ Ok. I will” said Arnav. His sister is the stubborn girl.

“ Did you gave Nk Bhai and Lav their gifts ??”asked Anjali.

“ Nope. Not yet. I just went to give others” said Arnav.

“ Did they accepted their gifts ??”asked Anjali.

“ Nani and Chachi din’t say anything. I just took placed them in their rooms. But mumma * choking a bit* din’t accepted them” said Arnav sadly.

Anjali placed her hand on his shoulder assuring him.

“ I will give NK, Lav and Aki after they return” said Arnav composing himself. Anjali nodded her head.

“ Hmm.. Anju!! I brought gifts for Guptas too” said Arnav hesitating.

Anjali smiled at him “ Good Bhai !! I will give them”

“ No. I will give them” said Arnav and went near wardrobe brought the gifts. 

“ See. I have brought this for Payal, this one for Khushi, this one for Garima aunty and this one Shashi uncle” said Arnav.

Hearing Shashi’s name, Anjali’s smile flattered. Bhai still doesn’t know about Shashi uncle’s death thought Anjali.

“ Bhai. Actually woo….” Anjali is going to say something when Chachi came in rushed “ Anjali Bitiya. Come fast. The jeweler had come. Ratna Bhabi is calling you”

Before Anjali can say anything, Chachi dragged her from there.

Akash is standing at the balcony of his room. He can have a good view of Gupta’s garden from his room. Garima aunty is examining the plants. She returned back an hour ago.

His room door knocked and he asked the person to come in without looking. It was only when Arnav came and stood beside , he saw him. Arnav smiled to him but he Akash din’t respond.

“ I brought this for you” said Arnav extending his gift. Akash looked other side not taking the gift. Sighing Arnav kept the gift on the table. He turned around to go back when his eyes fell on Garima. Her face devoid of sindoor, hands without bangles and no mangalsutra. His eyes grew wide.

Akash looked at Arnav to see why he is not leaving ?? Seeing the shocked look of Arnav’s face, he followed the gaze. He saw Arnav watching Garima with shock but din’t understand why ??

“ What happened ??”asked Akash frowning.

“ Aki. Why is Garima aunty not wearing mangalsutra and sindoor ?? That means Shashi uncle….” Stopped Arnav not able to say further.

“ Did you really don’t know about Shashi uncle’s death or Are you pretending ??” asked Akash.

“ Shashi uncle’s death!!” gasped Arnav with shock.

“ When did it happen ?? How ??”asked Arnav.

Akash gave a sarcastic smile to him, “ Shashi uncle died on the same day as soon as you left the altar accusing them. He had an heart attack as people started whispering bad about them.  Which father can take if his daughter’s marriage stopped at the altar and the groom accuses his family ?? Which friend can take when his loyalty was questioned ?? Don’t you know the value of Shashi uncle.. For papa, he is not just a friend... He is more than that. He was like a big brother to him. Did they ever behaved like gold diggers ?? Didn’t you know whatever we are now is because of Guptas ?? Did you forgot how Shashi uncle took the bullet to save papa ?? That day if he din’t take the bullet, we would have become fatherless in our childhood only.  Papa was always proud of you but this is what you gave him... His friend’s death.? It’s ok if you won’t love her, but why din’t you said about your love to us. How could you even think that maa and papa won’t listen to your words ?? Don’t you know how much maa papa love us and respect our likes.. And Khushi. What is her fault in it ? Because of your deeds, she was tagged as characterless girl... No one came to marry her. She is not that same khushi anymore. I din’t find my old friend Khushi. Papa lost his best friend and I lost my best friend because of you Bhai.  You were once my role model. I wanted to become like you but now I don’t even like to see your face Bhai. Why Bhai ?? Why did you do this ?? You made everyone cry and see now even you are not happy. You too lost your love, your wife....  I am not cursing you but I am saying if you could have once said about your love, the situations today would have been different”

Akash left from there putting his heart out while Arnav sat on the chair hearing his brother’s words. Shashi uncle died because of his words. Khushi was tagged as characterless. He damaged it to a great extent.  How can he compensate this loss ??

Arshi FF: Second Love and  Marriage 2
Chapter 12          

It was in the middle of night. Arnav got up and checked Aryan’s temperature. His temperature is high and he is shivering in his sleep. Arnav got panicked. Usually Aryan’s fever reduced whenever he is given his regular medicines but now his fever increased. He din’t understand what to do. He doesn’t know any doctors here in India. He immediately rushed to Nk’s room and knocked the door.

A Sleepy Nk opened the door only to find a tensed Arnav.

“ Bhai.. What happened ??”asked NK in sleepy tone.

“ NK. Aryan is having high fever. I gave his regular medicines  but the fever got high and he is shivering. Do you know any doctor ??” said Arnav.

NK’s sleep flew away hearing it.

“ Bhai. I don’t have any doctor’s number. Wait Akash Bhai has doctor’s number” said Nk. They both rushed to Akash’s room and knocked the door.

Akash opened the door with sleepy head. But seeing the panicked form of his brothers, he got tensed.

“ What happened ??’asked  Akash. Nk explained to him about Aryan’s health.

“ yes I have doctor’s number. I will call him” said Akash and rushed for his mobile. In the next few minutes, he called the doctor and asked him to come to Shantivan. Nk meanwhile went to Anjali and Lavanya informed them who were panicked.

They all went to Arnav’s room. Arnav sat beside Aryan patting him. poor baby is shivering due to fever. 

Akash and others felt sorry seeing him in that state. Arnav almost had tears seeing Aryan’s state. They have never seen Arnav in such a distraught state. 

 They waited patiently for the doctor. After fifteen minutes, doctor arrived.. he checked Aryan, injected him and prescribed some medicines. He asked them to give those meds for every two hours until the fever reduces.

“ I will bring the medicines” said Akash and left from there. Arnav started to pace in his room with Aryan in his arms who is crying due to injection.

Akash brought medicines Arnav made Aryan have his medicines and put him on the bed. 

“ You all go and sleep.” Said Arnav to his siblings.

“ It’s ok Bhai. We will stay” said Anjali.

Arnav sat on one side of the bed while Anjali on the other side. Akash sat on the recliner while Nk and Lavanya occupied one sofa each.

They almost hadn’t slept whole night. For every two hours, alarm of everyone’s mobile rangs and they all wakes up. Arnav gives Aryan medicines.

When it was six in the morning, Ratna went to Akash’s room to wake him up but to her surprise he was no there. She then looked in study and Nk’s room. He was not there even NK is missing. She then observed Anjali and Lavanya is also missing. 

She came to Arnav’s room following her conscience. There she saw Arnav and Anjali on either side of the bed sleeping in sitting position. Nk and Lavanya on the sofa in the same position. Akash on the recliner. She went near Akash and shook him calling “ Aki”

Hearing her voice, everyone woke up. 

“ Maa. What are you doing here ??’asked Akash.

“ I should ask you that” said Ratna “ What are you all doing here ??”

“ Mumma. Aryan had high fever last night. Aki Bhai called doctor. “ said Anjali.

They all observed a concerned expression in Ratna’s face and how her eyes darted to sleeping Aryan.

Anjali checked his temperature.

“ The fever has reduced” said Anjali smiling.

“ Anju. You all go to your rooms and sleep” said Arnav.

“ Aki you asked me to wake up early as you have an early meeting” said Ratna.

“ yeah. I forgot about it.” said Akash “ It’s ok. I will ask Khushi to attend the meeting” said Akash. Everyone left from there giving a last glance at sleeping Aryan.

At the dining table, everyone arrived except Arnav. He said he can’t come leaving Aryan alone. So, Anjali served in a plate and asked HP to take the plate to Arnav’s room. 

Manorama came there along with Ratna. She gave a small bowl to HP.

“ Aryan should eat this as he is having fever. “said Manorama “ Give it in the room and say what I said” 

Anjali smiled seeing her mother not giving directly to HP instead make her Chachi gave food for Aryan. She knew her mother must have made Khichdi for Aryan.

After the breakfast, Akash came out to go for office. Ratna too followed him. They both saw Payal talking over the phone. She was wearing a yellow chudidar looking stunningly beautiful with open hair. An yellow rose adorned her head.

“ Yeah. I am coming. I am looking for auto and will come soon” said Payal and disconnected the call.

“ Payal. Why are you going by auto ??”asked Ratna.

“ Credit goes to your son aunty. Because of him Di left for office early and now I have to look for an auto” said Payal.

“ Where is your scooty ??”asked Akash.

“ I gave it to servicing.” Said Payal.

“ Ok fine then. Aki will  drop you to college” said Ratna. 

Payal was horrified by the idea. Going with Akash alone. She can’t that risk. He won’t even leave a chance to flirt with her.  Akash on the other hand mentally thanked his mother.

“ Huhh.. No aunty. It’s ok. I will manage” said Payal.

“ What manage ?? Why are you behaving like  you are an outsider ?? Many times Aki dropped you and Lavanya to college naa.” Asked Ratna.

“ Haan Payal. Come “ said Akash.

Ratna held Payal’s hand and took her near the car and forced her into the car. Akash smirking  sat in the driving seat.

“ What is soo special today ??’asked Akash. 

“ Nothing. Why did you ask that ??”asked Payal.

“ Hmm just like that” said Akash but he still felt dissatisfied.

“ Why are you taking this route ??’asked Payal seeing him changing the route.

“ Let’s take a long route” said Akash.

“ What ?? I will be late to the college “ said Payal.

“ You don’t have first hour class. So, don’t worry” said Akash. he even knew about her time table grunted Payal to herself.

“ Actually I am waiting for the day where I will take you on long drive.. only you and me” said Akash.

Payal gulped hearing it… she  avoided looking at him..

“ Did you thought about my proposal ??”asked Akash.

“ I already said it is a NO” said Payal stressing on NO.

“ I also said to think again” said Akash. Payal just turned her head to other side. Akash’s mobile rang and he lifted the call. It was from one of his clients. So, he can’t deny. The phone call took for twenty minutes to Payal’s relief

Her college came  and he stopped the car cursing the client. she was going to get down when he stopped her.

“ Don’t you know minimum manners to thank me ??”asked Akash.

“ Why should I thank you ??”asked Payal.

“ For dropping you to college “ said Akash.

“ You dropped me because I was left because of you otherwise my Di would dropped me. And one more thing I got into your car on Ratna aunty’s insistence. I am not dying to get into your this damn car” said Payal.

“ Well ok then. I will thank you for getting into my car” said Akash and even Payal could understand what he meant, he kissed her on her cheeks.

Payal’s eyes grew wide and she pushed him hardly getting out of the car. 

“Payal!!” Akash shouted back but she ran away.

In AR:

Akash entered Khushi’s cabin. She smiled looking at him.

“ How did the meeting went  ??”asked Akash.

 

“ It went well Akash. “ said Khushi.

“ Sorry Khushi troubling you. “ said Akash.

“ It’s ok Akash. But Are you ok ??”asked Khushi “ I mean I thought that when you asked me to handle the meeting, you were not well”

“ I am perfectly fine Khushi. Last night, we din’t slept well” said Akash.

“ Why ??” asked Khushi. Akash explained her what happened yesterday night.

“ ohh. How is he now ??”asked Khushi.

“ Aryan is fine now” said Akash. Khushi just nodded her head.

Anjali entered the cabin with some files..

“ Di. These are the files I am working on. I completed them” said Anjali. She is feeling  guilty over her earlier words but they can’t be unprofessional. 

Khushi took them and said” Designers are working over your wedding dresses. They will start if you give the sketch of your wedding lehenga too”

“ Ok. Can I bring the designer here ??”asked Anjali.

Khushi and Akash frowned looking at her, so Anjali said “ I mean the designer can give more ideas how to work on it “

“ Ok” said Khushi and engrossed in the work. Akash left from there while Anjali left thinking..

Arshi FF:  Second  Love  and Marriage  2
Part  11      

Arnav and others came back to RM. Aryan is still crying as he was afraid. Arnav took him to the room directly. Ratna along with Akash present in the hall saw the disturbed faces of her children. By the look at Aryan’s face, she could say he is frightened and Arnav’s distraught face too said something happened.

NK, Anjali and Lavanya sat on the sofa. Manorama and Nani too came there.

“ Did something happen ??”asked Ratna.

“ Haan Badimaa. “ said NK and narrated the incident. 

Everyone of the elders eyes grew wide. They too felt a shiver in their spine.

“ Anju. When will you learn some responsibility ?? You are soon going to be married. you can’t even take care of  child” said Ratna.

“ Mumma. I just went for a wink and Aryan left” said  Anjali.

“ Thank God. Khushi Di came as Aryan’s savior. Otherwise…” Nk stopped not even want to remember what will happen.

“Yeah. Even she got hurt too” said Lavanya.

Ratna was lost in her own thoughts now hearing Khushi and Arnav met..

“ Did you guys thanked Khushi ??”asked Akash.

“ No Bhai. We din’t get time. We were soo shocked with the incident and Payal took away Khushi Di” said Lavanya.

“ Aryan is soo much frightened by this. he is crying in the car too” said NK. The three siblings left to their rooms. 

“ What are you thinking mamma ??”asked Akash to Ratna.

“ Nothing” said Ratna and left from there.

On the other hand, Arnav consoled Aryan after a lot of attempts. Poor soul, was soo much frightened. He made him sleep on the bed and sat there thinking.

He remembered his encounter with Khushi. He expected to see her but not so soon and with this type of incident. Today if Khushi wasn’t there, he would have Aryan. She came as his savior. It is not first time they were saved by Guptas. It happened before too.

Anjali entered her room cursing herself for being negligent.  She remembered her conversation with Akash last night. She was lost in her thoughts about Akash’s earlier words. 

It was after dinner she is in the room when Akash entered.

“ Anju. I am not really liking what you are doing. These days you are talking too much. Because of you now Guptas are not coming to marriage” said Akash.

“ Bhai. I din’t mean what I said. I was in anger” said Anjali.

“ yeah. You are also just like your elder brother. First says nonsense and later regrets” said Akash.

“ He is your brother too” said Anjali “ We can’t  abandon him. And for Guptas, I will ask mumma and papa to talk with Khushi Di, even then they don’t listen it’s not my problem. I already have lot to deal with Bhai. Don’t spoil my mood”

“ Did you forgot if not for Khushi, by now you wouldn’t have been alive ?? if not for Shashi uncle, we too would have been fatherless just like them. Your marriage, your wish. Do whatever you want” said Akash and stormed out of the room.

Anjali remembered the day Khushi saved her life. She was 11 years and Khushi was 14 then. The two families went to devimayya mandir located at the outskirts of Delhi. After the puja, Anjali saw a butterfly. In order to catch it, she forgot the surroundings and ran behind it. It is only when she heard her name, she realized she is on the middle of the road. A car is coming fast in her direction. She heard her parents and Khushi’s parents shouting her name. She was soo shocked to react but in a minute someone pushed away harshly. She fell on the ground but she heard aloud scream of her family members. She got up and looked at Khushi who got hit by the car. everyone rushed her to the hospital. She had a bad head injury and was in coma for whole four months. Later she was recovered better.

Another incident happened the next year, Akash and Lavanya were kidnapped by his father’s chachaji. He demanded his whole property. His father obliged and went along with Shashi uncle and her chachu to release them. Meanwhile, they had already informed police. There some fight happened in which her father’s chachaji pointed gun to her father but in the nick of time Shashi pushed her father taking the bullet. The bullet hit close to his heart. He was in observation for two days. Doctors said it was a miracle he survived.

Exactly today Khushi again saved Aryan. They really owe soo much to Guptas but they ended up being reason for their hurt. 

But in all these what gave her peace is her work became easy. Even devimayya wants the same like her. So, she created an incident where Aryan gets attracted to Khushi when she saves him.

Anjali Singh Raizada is not a fool to hurt her family unnecessarily. She loves her family a lot. Now she knew by her action of  brining back Arnav for her marriage hurted the family.  But she is doing it for the final happiness. Her family might be thinking that Arnav will hurt Guptas again.  But he won’t do it now. Because now his brother knows what Guptas are ?? How wrong he is in judging the people ?? He knew what gem he had lost choosing over a wicked girl. He is regretting for hurting his family especially an innocent girl and she can see it. From the time she came to know about Sheetal’s betrayal, she was planning this. She thought how to bring back Arnav but to her luck the opportunity came in the form of her marriage. So, she emotionally black mailed them to which they had to agree. But her anger made the matter worse by asking Guptas not to come for her marriage rituals. 

From the time Arnav came back, she is thinking how to make Aryan close to Khushi. Because Aryan is going to play key role in uniting Arnav Khushi. Both of them suffered a lot in their lives. She knew Arnav don’t deserve Khushi  but as an younger sister she wanted her elder brother to be happy. Someone who loves him more than anyone and who could it be other than Khushi. She knew no one can love Arnav as Khushi did.

“ Di. Is it paining ??’asked Payal applying ointment to Khushi’s wound. She is crying in between.

“ No” said Khushi smiling.

“ Don’t lie to me” said Payal sniffing “ Ofcourse it pains. If I were you I would have cried by now with pain”

“ Because she is Khushi not Payal” came a voice and they both looked at Akash and Ratna at the door.

Khushi smiled to them and both came near to them.

“ What do you mean by it ??”asked Payal to Akash.

“ Khushi is a strong girl and you are not. See you are dressing her wound and crying as if someone is dressing her wound. Thank god you din’t became doctor otherwise you would have scared out patients to death. ” said Akash.

“ Who said you that ?? I am very strong girl” said Payal.

“ Cockroach” shouted Akash.

“ Aaaahhhhh” Payal jumped beside Khushi hugging her tightly closing her eyes.

She opened her eyes when she heard the trio laughing sound. She looked at them. Akash fooled her.

“ This shows how strong you are “mocked Akash at her.

Payal fumed in anger.” I will see you later”. She wnet from there stomping her feet.

“ Is the wound deep ?? Should we consult doctor ??’asked Ratna to Khushi.

“ Nahi maa. It’s just small one. Payal is making fuss over it“ said Ratna

“ When is Garima coming ??” asked Ratna.

“ Tomorrow maa” said Khushi.

“ Tonight. Don’t cook anything. I will send food” said Ratna.

‘ No need maa. I will manage” said Khushi.

“ With this one hand. “ asked Ratna “ Or Payal will cook ??”

“ Oh God No. Khushi it would be better you agree to what maa said than eating Payal’s food. You don’t want to be hospitalized. Do you ??’said Akash.

“ Shut up Akash. If Payal listens then you are dead” said Ratna then turning to Khushi “ I will send food for you both”

Khushi had to agree finally. While going back, Ratna came back to Khushi, cupping her face asked” Are you Ok khushi ??”

“ I am fine maa” said Khushi and hugged Ratna to which she reciprocated.

It was night. Arnav sat down beside Aryan. He got fever. He gave his regular tablets to him and put him to sleep.

He went towards poolside to talk with Arjun keeping an eye on Aryan who is on the bed. 

Arnav updated him about he problem in Khurana company and measures to solve it. He finally said about today’s incident.

“ What !! Arnav… How is Aryan now ??”asked Arjun.

“ He is fine but soo frightened. He has  slight fever. “ said Arnav.

“ Are you OK ?”asked Arjun.

“ I  am not fine Arjun. Truth to be said I felt my heart stop when I saw Aryan was about to * choking* hit by the car. You know he is the reason I am living. But Khushi saved him in the nick of time.” Said Arnav.

“ Aryan is fine now. Don’t think about the incident anymore and make yourself weak. Did you thank Khushi ??”asked Arjun.

“ No..” said Arnav in a lowered voice.

“ You should have Arnav” said Arjun.

“ I din’t get time” said Arnav ‘ but I will thank her “

“ Ok. Take care of yourself and Aryan” said Arjun and they both disconnected the call.

Arnav stood there thinking about Khushi. Her face is calm. She is looking well matured. Her usual chatter and charm is missing. The spark whenever she sees him is missing.  Her smile to his siblings din’t reach her eyes.  Does he think she will come running to him like earlier after what he did ??