Arshi FF: Second  Love  and Marriage
Chapter  9         

Arnav came to the dining table where Anjali, NK and Lavanya are waiting for him. Nani and Chachi are present there to have breakfast. Arnav took Anjali’s beside seat with Aryan in his lap.

“ Jiji. Come for breakfast” shouted Manorama.

“ Coming” said Ratna from the hall. Soon she too came and sat for the breakfast. Ratna, Manorama and Nani completely ignored him. but the trio had a question in their minds, where is Sheetal ??

Anjali had already asked HP to make Arnav’s favourite food. So, she served him his favourite breakfast. Arnav started having breakfast while feeding Aryan in between. He is often stealing glances at his maa, nani and chachi  hoping they would see him atleast for once but it din’t happen. 

Aryan got cranky as he is sleepy. He started to throw food when Arnav broguth it near him.. So, Arnav got up.

“ I will put him to sleep” said Arnav.

“ But Bhai have your breakfast. HP will look after Aryan until you finish” said Anjali.

“ No Anju. He is sleepy and won’t listen to anyone” said Arnav and took Aryan form there.

“HHBB. Anjali baby. Why did your so called brother came only with his son ?? Where is his wife ??”asked Manorama.

Anjali din’t thought they will ask her about Sheetal, so she said” Hmm. Actually Sheetal died during delivery”

The three ladies were shocked hearing this new piece of information.

“ What ??”asked Manorama.

“ yes. Sheetal died after giving birth to Aryan. From then, Bhai is alone taking care of Aryan” said Anjali.

The trio felt sorry hearing it not for Arnav but for the little boy who got devoid of mother’s love even before he understands importance of mother.

It was in the evening. Akash entered the house shouting” maa. I am home”

He sat on the sofa loosening his tie, keeping his head on the sofa head, closed his eyes. He felt something at his legs and opened his eyes.

To his surprise he found a ball at his legs. Whose ball is this ?? There are no small children in house to play. Ratna came there with his coffee and water glass in a tray.

“ Maa. This ball” asked Akash. Ratna signaled him towards Aryan who is standing for his ball.

When Akash and Ratna both looked at him, he smiled cutely at them. Both of them can’t resist and smiled back to him. they can be angry with Arnav but can’t be harsh with little child. 

Akash extended the ball to Aryan and he took it smiling. Aryan’s eyes fell on water glass Ratna is holding in the tray.

He signaled at water to drink.

“ You want water ??”asked Ratna. Aryan nodded his head cutely. She held glass for him and made him drink water.

After finishing, Aryan said” Thank u”

Ratna and Akash looked at him amazed for his manners. Ratna patted his head softly. Aryan left from there with the ball.

“ We can’t be harsh with child mamma. There is no mistake of him” said Akash.

Ratna nodded his head and said” Poor baby. He got devoid of his mother’s love at such a young age”

Akash looked at her shocked” What ??”

“ Hmm. She died during delivery said Ratna not even willing to say Sheetal’s name. Akash too felt sorry hearing it.

 Anjali who watched the whole scenario felt happy. She knew her family never hold grudges with Aryan. Now Aryan is her medium to make Arnav close to family. One work is successful making Aryan close to family. She have faith that seeing Aryan daily and looking his cute antics, her family’s hearts melts.

Akash is coming out of the room talking over the phone when he heard giggles from Arnav’s room. He peeped in and found Anjali, NK, Lavanya sitting on the bed and Arnav on the recliner. Aryan is standing in the middle of the room with his ball playing.

“ Bhai. Why isn’t he coming to us still ??”asked Lavanya pouting.

“ Lav. Didn’t  I said to give him sometime ??”said Arnav

“ How much time Bhai ?? It is already ten hours you came” said Anjali. 

Arnav smiled at his sister’s complaints. They are dying to be close to Aryan but his stubborn son is not allowing them.

“ You both have squeezed him out when he came.. so he is not ready to come” said NK.

“ Aryan. My champ come here” called NK.

Aryan looked at him and went near him. but when Anjali tried to hold him, he turned his back. 

Anjali opened her mouth wide seeing his straight denial.

Aryan’s eyes fell on Akash and he squealed in happiness. He threw ball at Akash as if to catch him. that is when Arnav noticed Akash standing there. His little brother have grown as young man. There is no boyish look in him now.

Aryan rushed to Akash who held the ball. Arnav came to him. Both the brothers looked at each other. Akash wanted to hug his elder brother who have always been his guide. Mentor but refrained himself.

“ How are you Aki ??”asked Arnav.

“Hmm.. Fine” mumbled Akash enough audible to Arnav not meeting his eyes. He looked at Aryan and passed his ball smiling. Then without waiting for a second, he left from there.

Arnav sighed seeing it. he can’t expect good behavior from them.

It was night. Everyone seated at the dining table. Aryan is sleeping, so Arnav left him in the room securing with pillows. 

“ maa. Where is papa and bade papa ??”asked NK not founding them.

“ They both went to one of their friend’s party. They will be late” said Ratna.

Everyone sat having dinner silently until Akash observed Payal who came there looking at Arnav angrily.

Payal came sometime back. she was in good mood when she came but seeing Arnav changed her mood.

“ Payal” whispered Akash enough audible to everyone.

All looked at Payal who faked a smile to them.  She came to the dining table. Arnav observed her. She too had grown up. Not able to meet her eyes, he looked down at the plate.

“ Lavanya. You friend Deepthi asked me to give this to you” said Payal forwarding a book.

“ Oh.. Thank you” said Lavanya.

“ Payal Bitiya.. Join us for dinner” said Nani.

“ No Naniji. It’s ok. I will leave” said Payal controlling her tongue and anger.

“ are Payal why are you behaving like a new one here ?? Come and have dinner with us” said Nani.

“ Let it be Naniji. What if some people here think that we are looting your money by eating your food ??” came a direct answer from Payal making the Raizadas shock. They all knew about Payal’s sharp tongue but now it is direct.

Arnav closed his eyes and his fingers tightened on the hold of spoon.

To control the situation, Lavanya said” Huh.. Payal. Tomorrow I am going for shopping. I have to bring a lot of stuff as the marriage is nearing.. will you come with me ?? Let’s do shopping together for Di’s marriage “

“ Lav. It is your Di’s marriage not my Di’s that I will go for shopping… Didn’t your Di made it clear that Guptas should not attend any functions ?? So, when we are not even attending, then why do I need to go for marriage shopping ??”asked Payal.

Raizadas felt like they had eaten a bitter medicine mostly Anjali. Arnav was startled hearing it.

“ Payal !! Anju said it in anger..” said Nk trying to persuade her.

“ Nk Bhai. Isn’t it truth that comes out in anger..  there is a saying that the words we say in anger are the words we have in our heart from long but couldn’t voice it.. So, we have decided to fulfil Anjali Di’s wish after all she is groom. She must be happy in her marriage not tacky by seeing us.. So, Guptas won’t be in marriage functions and you can enjoy to your fullest..” said Payal and left from there.

Ratna silently left from there leaving her food. Akash followed his mother giving a deathly glare to Anjali who herself is feeling guilty now.

“ What is this Anju ?? Is it true ??” said Arnav 

“ Bhai. I was in anger and din’t realized what I said. I din’t mean to say those words” said Anjali.

“ You are doing the same mistake as me Anju.” Said Arnav and left from there.

Nani and Manorama were surprised hearing Arnav’s words. Anjali sat there holding her head. She really needs to control her tongue. 

“ Anju. Do you think  Payal mean whatever she said ?? Doesn’t they attend the functions ??”asked NK.

“ I don’t know Nk Bhai. I never thought they will take my words seriously. Let’s talk with Khushi Di. if this is only Payal’s decision, we can change it. but if Khushi Di too has same opinion, then no one can change it. Khushi Di even won’t listen maa and papa’s words.” said Anjali sighing.

 

Arshi FF: Second  Love  and   Marriage
Chapter  8                            

In RM:

Anjali and Lavanya are waiting in the hall for the time to pass. Everyone knew Arnav is coming today but no one were concerned. Nk went to airport to receive him.

Akash came downstairs with his bag.

“ Maa. I am leaving for office” he shouted to Ratna who is in the kitchen.

“ Wait a minute” said Ratna from the kitchen. Akash stood there.

Anjali came there after talking with NK. She looked at Lavanya” Nk Bhai called. Arnav Bhai’s flight landed”

Ratna who came there gave lunch box to Akash.

“ Here take your breakfast. Don’t skip.” Said Ratna.

“ Ok Maa” said Akash taking from her hand. 

“Aki Bhai. Where are you going this early ??  It is still eight”asked Anjali.

“ I have an early meeting” said Akash.

“ What ?? How can you go ?? Can’t you postpone your meeting ??”asked Anjali.

“ And what’s reason ??”asked Akash.

“ Arnav Bhai is coming. he will be here in an hour. Don’t you be there to welcome him ??”asked Anjali.

Akash gritted his teeth hearing it” I don’t find it necessary to welcome unnecessary people”

He left from there leaving a sad as well as angry Anjali there. Ratna too went into kitchen giving a final glare to her.

Anjali not caring to her glances shouted “ HPji. Make the pooja thaal ready”

The flight landed in Delhi. As soon as the announcement is made, Arnav went stiff. He felt nervous suddenly. Finally taking a deep breathe, he got up holding Aryan who was now looking surroundings keenly. He was very much exhausted and sleepy due to long journey.

He came out after checking in. Arjun said he arranged for his stay. He have to look for a cab.

“ Bhai” he heard a voice and turned. Nk was standing there. He din’t knew Nk is coming to receive him. Nk came near him and hugged him.

“ How are you ??”asked NK.

“ I am fine” said Arnav. Nk looked at Aryan” Hey my champ. How are you ??” he pinched his cheeks while Aryan scrunched his eyebrows.

“ Come Bhai. I will take you to your apartment” said NK.

Arnav nodded his head. They both came out. Driver Mohan is waiting for them. He smiled to Arnav to which he reciprocated.

“ How are you Mohan ??”asked Arnav.

Mohan was surprised by his question” I am fine sir.” Arnav never greeted anyone. He had a lot of attitude and shouting over everyone.

They both got into the car and drove off. Arnav and NK were talking while Aryan is busy watching outside.

In his talks Arnav din’t recognized when they reached. It was only when the car stopped he looked out. To his shock, he is in RM.

“ Mohan. What is this ?? I have asked you to take to my apartment. Why did you brought me to Shantivan ??”asked Arnav.

“ Bhai. I asked him to” said  NK.

“What ??”arnav looked at him shocked.

In the next minute, the car door opened by Anjali, Lavanya and almost dragged him out.

“ Bhai” Anjali looked at him with tears.

Arnav too got tears in his eyes. It is two and half years they are seeing each other.

Anjali hugged him to which he reciprocated. Lavanya too hugged him. They had a tearful re-union.

Anjali and Lavanya looked at Aryan who is looking at them confused. Anjali lifted him and kissed his cheeks. Lavanya took him from Anjali and squeezed him out making him scream.

“ Leave him. you are crushing him” said NK.

Arnav took Aryan from them who is now looking irritated by the torture with his buas.

“ Come in Bhai” said Anjali.

“ No Anju. I will go to  my apartment” said Arnav.

“ No way. You can’t” said Anjali

“ Anju. Plz. Everyone will get uncomfortable if I stay here even I too.plzz” said Arnav.

“ NO. you are going to stay here. You have my promise” said Anjali. Arnav looked at her puzzled.

Anjali dragged him to the door. She shouted for HP who brought aarti thaal.

Hearing Anjali shout, Nani and Manorama chachi came there. HP brought thaali. Arnav smiled to him to which he reciprocated surprised.

Anjali did Arnav’s aarti. He looked at Nani and Chachi whose face show that they are not pleased. Even his chachaji who came there looked unpleasant.

Nani, Manorama and her husband looked beside expecting Sheetal but were surprised when they din’t found her. Arnav understood by their looks that they are looking for Sheetal but how can he say what happened ??  His eyes looked for those two persons whom he love and respect a lot, his parents but din’t found them. He knew they won’t forgive him but still he felt disappointed when he din’t saw them.

Arnav entered the house hesitatingly. He looked around. A lot of things changed here. He looked at Nani, Chachi, Chacha. He was going towards them to take blessings but they all turned around and went away from there. Arnav gulped down seeing their straight disapproval.

He turned to his siblings and faked a smile. They to felt bad by their elders gesture.

“ Bhai. Come. I will show your room. You need to take rest” said  Anjali. The trio led him to his room.

He was surprised to his room filled with his and Aryan’s pictures. Seeing him surprised, Anjali said” we asked your friend Arjun to send some pics of Aryan to surprise you Bhai”

Arnav was surprised hearing it but smiled to them.

“Ok. Now take bath and come downstairs. Let’s have breakfast together” said Anjali. The trio left from there.

Arnav sighing placed his luggage on the bed. He first have to make Aryan ready then himself.

Outside the room, Lavanya said” Di. Is it a good idea to bring Arnav Bhai here ??”

“ Lav. What are you saying ??’asked NK.

“ Bhai. You have seen how Nani, maa and papa reacted rudely with Bhai. They din’t even gave him blessings.  Seeing their behavior I have doubt is it a good decision to let Arnav Bhai stay here” said Lavanya.

“ Don’t worry Lavanya. My decision is right” said Anjali with a lot of confidence.

After an hour, the door knocked and Arnav opened the door. Anjali, NK and Lavanya smiled to him.

‘ Come Bhai. Let’s have breakfast” said Anjali. Arnav nodded his head and lifted Aryan from the bed.

“ Hi Aryan. Come to me” Anjali tried to take him but he turned away his face hugging his father more.

“ Bhai. Why isn’t he coming to us ?? We are waiting to play with him “ said Lavanya in a disappointing tone.

“ Lav. We just came back an hour ago. Give him sometime, he will get acquainted to you” said Arnav. Then he introduced the trio to Aryan who seemed though less interested.

Arnav’s mobile rang and it was from Arjun.

“ you people go. I will come” said Arnav.

“ Ok. We will be waiting “ said Anjali.

Arnav talked with Arjun and explained him how Nk and Anjali dragged him into Shantivan.

After completing the call, he was descending the stairs when he looked at his mother. Ratna is standing there giving some instructions to HP.

Arnav stood there with a rush of emotions. He had tears in his eyes looking his mother after two and half years. He wanted to go and hug her tightly as he always do.  Ratna felt someone staring at her. She turned and looked at Arnav who is looking at her. Her eyes grew wider and she too felt a rush of emotions. Her son, who is always apple of her eyes is infront of her after two and half years.

The mother son duo both were just looking at each other. Ratna’s eyes darted to the boy in his arms who is cute. But soon Ratna remembered all the past incidents and turned away her face. Arnav sighed seeing it.

Arshi FF: Second  Love  and  Marriage  2
Chapter 7                      

Newyork:

Arnav and Arjun came to the mall to buy gifts for Raizadas. They purchased all the gifts. Arjun observed how Arnav still remembered the likes of every member of the family. 

“ Come. Let’s go. It’s already late. I need to prepare dinner and pack bags” said Arnav.

“ Forget about dinner. I asked mamma to cook. Let us have last meal together before you are leaving” said Arjun.

“ I am going only for a month” said Arnav.

“ Who knows ?? What if something happens and you might stay there forever ?? What if your family forgives you and asks you to be with them ??”asked Arjun

“ It won’t happen” said Arnav.

“ Ok. You forgot to take gifts for some others too” said Arjun.. Arnav frowned hearing it.

“ Guptas!!” said Arjun.

Arnav looked at him wide eyed” Do you think they will accept my gifts ?”

“ But you have to try. Now if you take gifts only for your family and not to Guptas, then your family will definitely think that you are still with the same impression about them. They think you are still thinking them as gold diggers” said Arjun.

“ No. they are not” said Arnav.

“ Then buy for Guptas too” said Arjun  then asked” What does Khushi like most ??”

“ Bangles. She likes wearing lot of bangles that too red color. Anyone can say her coming hearing her bangles and anklets sound” said Arnav smiling.

“ You remember soo much about her” said Arjun then added” If only you had taken right decision, then you would have been happy”

Arnav din’t say anything and gulped down. Purchasing gifts for Guptas too, both of them returned.

The next day went in a wink and Arnav boarded the flight. Arjun and his mother came to airport to give send off to them.

He was sitting in the flight with Aryan is his lap sleeping. He went into Khushi’s thoughts.

It was his birthday after his marriage fixed with Khushi. His family called him and wished him. He was celebrating it with Sheetal when a message beeped up in his phone. It was a video message. He opened it and Khushi came infront of him in the video.

“ Hi Arnav. How are you ?? Hope you are fine. Ratna maa said that you accepted to our marriage (She lowered her eyes blushing). You accepted whole heartedly naa. Say me. you weren’t forced for this marriage naa. Hey devimayya. See I forgot wishing you. Wish you many more happy returns of the day Arnav. May god give you all the happiness in this world to you. You know Arnav when Akash and others came to know what all I have sacrificed for you, they called me mad. Ofcourse I am mad for you… Akash asked how can I be happy leaving all my favorite things ?? But they don’t know nothing is important to me than you. You are my world and the reason I breathe. All that matters to me is your happiness even if it is not with me I will be happy if you happy. I can do anything to see a smile on your face. I love you Arnav. I love you soo much. From when ?? I don’t know..How much ?? I don’t know.. Meri dil ki akri dhadkan thak mein tumse pyaar karti rahunga (I love you until the last heart beat of my heart ).. Happy Birthday one more time. “

Arnav closed his eyes hearing Khushi’s words.

“ Are we doing correct ??’asked Arnav to Sheetal who also heard the conversation. 

“ Ofcourse we are Arnav. don’t fell for her charms and words. “ said Sheetal and brainwashed him again about Guptas.

It was the night of their engagement, Khushi came to meet Arnav. As the door is opened, she peeped in and saw Arnav Sheetal talking. She went near them. Both looked at her.

“ Arnav. I need to talk with you” said Khushi.

“ What is it ??”asked Arnav.

“ It’s personal” said Khushi looking at  Sheetal.

“ Oh.. I will leave Arnav” said Sheetal and was going when Arnav held her hand.

“ What is this Khushi ?? You are insulting my best friend.  Sheetal and I have no any secrets. Do you even know what she means to me ??’said Arnav angrily.

“ I am sorry Arnav” said Khushi then turning to Sheetal apologized to her.

“ Say what you want ??”asked Arnav.

“ Arnav. Are you happy with this marriage Arnavji ?? Did you really accept with your heart’s will ??”asked Khushi.

“ Khushi!! What made you ask this question ??”asked Sheetal.

“ It is just Arnav doesn’t look happy and seemed irritated in today’s engagement. I felt he is doing all this as he was forced to. Say naa Arnav, don’t you want this marriage” asked Khushi.

“ Uffo Khushi. You think too much. Who will force Arnav for marriage ?? He is just irritated due to these rituals. He wanted to skip the rituals  and marry directly. He is soo eager to make you his. But due to this pre-marital rituals, it is getting delayed naa, so he is irritated” said Sheetal in a convincing way.

Khushi blushed hearing it and looked at arnav who smiled at her. She ran away from there.

“ Sheetal we could have said her truth” said Arnav.

“ oh really. Go and say then. Can’t you see ?? She just came to test you. She observed your gaze on me whole the function. You !! Can’t you keep your gaze away from me for a minute ??” asked Sheetal.

“ I can’t because I love you and my baby soo much” said Arnav.

“ Then if you want your baby and me happy, then do as I say “ said Sheetal.

“ But.. why should we hurt Khushi ??”asked  Arnav.

“ Seems like I have to show you the truth. Arnav, I am saying from the start these Guptas are nothing but gold diggers. Today morning, while I was in the garden, I heard the conversation between Khushi and her father. i recorded. See it by yourself” said Sheetal and showed him a  video.

In the video, Shashi and Khushi are talking

“ Khushi beta. I am finally happy today. You will become rich house bahu” said Shashi.

“ After all I am your daughter papa. Seriously  these Raizadas are big dumb people. Still din’t know that we are using them.” Said Khushi.

“ Let them be like that only. It will favour us” said Shashi.

“ Haan Papa. As you said, we have cleverly trapped them in our web. Arnav always rejected me whenever I propose, so I was afraid may be he won’t agree for marriage” said Khushi.

“ That is why I said to be in good books of  Ratna Bhabi. Her one word is like an order for Arnav. he won’t deny his mother” said Shashi.

“ Haan Papa. You did thought well. As soon as marriage happens, I will make everything mine and threw them all out of the house” said Khushi.

“ I am proud of you beta “ said Shashi.

The video ended. Arnav couldn’t believe his own eyes.

“ I can’t believe this.” said Arnav.

“ What do you mean ?? Do you think I have manipulated their talks and made  story ??”asked Sheetal.

“ No. How can they stoop low ??”said Arnav then anger surged up in him” wait and watch Shashi Gupta. What I am going to do ?? I will bring your true face in front of this society”

If only he had observed the evil smirk of Sheetal, he wouldn’t have committed a mistake. Later on the marriage day, he asked Sheetal for the video so that he can show it in mandap infront of everyone but she had already deleted it.

Arnav came out of his thoughts. Later when he came to know the video was fake, it was already very late..Thank god ! He din’t show the video to all in the mandap. If had shown that fake video to all, may be even his family too would have hated innocent Guptas.

“ Sheetal Kapoor. A manipulative bitch” cursed Arnav in his thoughts.