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 ??

Arshi FF: Second Love and  Marriage 2
Chapter  10                 

Arnav came down for water in the night when he saw his father and chachu coming into the house. both looked very exhausted. Avinash looked up and saw Arnav.. Ratna had already informed him about his arrival.. Both son and father stood looking at each other. Avinash was the first one to come out of the trance and left from there without a word.

In the room, Avinash sat down after freshening up with Shashi’s photo. Ratna came and sat beside him. She placed her hand on his shoulder assuring.

 “ How could he blame Shashi ?? Din’t he know what Shashi means to me ?? He is aware of Shashi’s favours on us.. It was Shashi and Madhu jiji who took me and Manohar with them when our parents died. Our chachaji took away all the property and threw us both out of the house….. I was only 14 then. Though, I had many friends, no one came to help me. Then Shashi took me and Manohar with him. Madhu jiji welcomed us with open hearts. They both lost their parents at young age. Madhu jiji was running a  sweet shop. Their house is a multi storied  portion. The only income is from the shop and the house rents….. For six years I lived and Manohar lived with them, but neither Shashi nor Jiju looked us like outsiders. Madhu jiji even paid our School and College fees…. Even though, me, Shashi and Manohar worked for part times but it is not enough to pay colleges fees. But when I turned 20, madhu jiji said one of her clients said we can file a case against my chachaji for our property…. But we din’t have enough money to file a case as it costs a lot. Shashi encouraged me to file case and I filed  a case against my chachaji. And as I thought my chachaji had a lot of money, he started to influence the lawyers. Efficient lawyers always demand high money but a lawyer came to deal my case….. I was surprised first but Shashi convinced me to agree. After few days, we won the case and we got the right ful property of ours. Then I thought to start a business in Lucknow but Shashi persuaded me that Delhi will be good and have lot of opportunities. We  don’t want to leave them but they both finally convinced us.

That is how we reached Delhi, I started up business here. Then we heard that Madhu jiji met with accident. We both went to Lucknow. Since Madhu jiji  needs bed rest for six months Shashi took charge of sweet shop... He can’t able to manage it alone. ..In our that trip, we came to know Shashi mortgaged his house for our lawyer’s house… when I confronted him, he talked as if it is not a big deal.  We insisted them both and make them shift to Delhi.… When I tried to bring back his house he denied straight away… He took promise from me that I will never pay back money for that house. Later he brought back his house when he started his sweet shop here in Delhi, luckily it got more fame and he started another two shops...  We both wanted to be close as always, so we brought land and build this houses. And after marriages too, our bond always grew.. Madhu jiji never got married taking care of us and she moved back to Lucknow after Shashi’s marriage. Everything was perfect until two and half years ago..”

“ Why did he do this ?? I was always proud of him as  a father. He always made my head held high. I thought he was the most understanding child of all. Did we were bad parents ?? We have always respected his wishes. We joined him in the school he wants, college he wished… When he got seat in Harvard, though we are not willing to send him away from us, but not to upset, we agreed... I always wanted him to take forward my construction business, but he denied and said he wanted to start a fashion house. we agreed to that too as his happiness was our priority…. Even after all these, he still thought that his parents won’t let him marry the girl whom he love. Why ?? Why couldn’t he trust us ??  He could have atleast said to us that creating all that drama. Because of  him, an innocent girl is still bearing the consequences and society’s taunts for her failed marriage.” Said Avinash. Ratna placed her head on his shoulder as a  sob escaped from her.

Arnav who was at the door heard everything his father said. His heart pained seeing the suffering of his mother and father. He silently left from there wiping his own tears.

Next morning:

Arnav came down along with Aryan in his arms. Anjali, Nk are present in the hall.

“ Good morning Bhai and Good morning champ” said NK.

“ Good morning” said Arnav.

“  Goo moning” said Aryan too cutely.

“ Bhai. Are you going somewhere ??’asked Anjali.

“ Haan Anju. I have to visit Khurana office. Arjun asked me to take care of a problem there” said Arnav.

“ Oh.. Okay but Aryan is going with you.” Asked Anjali patting Aryan’s back lovingly. He din’t say anything as he don’t like when someone pinch his cheeks.

“ Yes.. There is a kids room for the staff in Khurana office” said Arnav.

“ Oh.. Okay then. Bye” said Anjali.

Aryan waved at them both much to their happiness.

In the evening, Arnav reached the devimayya temple along with Aryan. Anjali called him and asked to come to the temple. He visited the temple many times. So, he directly came here.

When he entered into the temple, he saw Anjali, Nk and Lavanya waiting for him. 

“ Shall we go ??”asked Arnav.

“ Bhai. We have to take some pooja things. Wait until then” said Lavanya and Nk leaving from there. Only he and Anjali was present. 

Arnav got a call from Arjun. He put Aryan down. There was a lot of hustle bustle in the temple. So, he needed a silent place to talk. 

“ Anju. Look Aryan. I will attend this call” said Arnav.

“ Ok. Bhai” said Anjali. 

“ Aryan. Be with bua” said Arnav and left. Anjali looked at Aryan who is looking at the place curiously. He is excited to see people, lots of colors. 

 

Just then Anjali saw a girl fell down on her knees. So, she went there to help the little girl. She made the girl stand up and consoled her not to cry.

“ Anju. Where is Aryan ??’ asked Arnav who came there after finishing the call.

“ bhai. He is here” showed Anjali the place where Aryan was standing sometime before. But he was not there.

“ Bhai. He was here only now” said Anjali panicking. Even Arnav too got afraid.

Nk and Lavanya came there with pooja things. They were too frightened. 

“ I asked you to take care of him Anju. How can you be soo negligent ??’shouted Arnav angrily.

“ Bhai, let’s search” said Nk. Everyone went in different direction to search.

They searched everywhere but Aryan was not there.

“ A little boy is standing in the middle of the road” they heard one of the people talking. They rushed  to outside of the temple. Then they heard Aryan’s cry. When they looked at the scene infront of them, their hearts stopped for a bit.

There Aryan was standing in the middle of other side of the road. He was crying not knowing how to go. That is when they saw a car coming speedily in Aryan’s direction.

“ Aryan” shouted Arnav and tried to go but vehicles on their side are not allowing. The car came soo close to Aryan. Arnav’s breathe stopped. Anjali and Lavanya closed their eyes not able to see.

That is when something happened which no one expected. A woman in pink saree lifted up Aryan and rushed to other side of the road saving him. In the process, both fell down on the ground but lady held Aryan close so that he won’t get hurt.

“ Bhai. Let’s go” said Nk. Anjali and Lavanya saw Aryan safe in someone’s arms and sighed in relief. 

Khushi, on the other hand came to the temple to drop Payal. She is talking over the phone parking her car when she heard a loud cry of a baby. She looked around and saw a little boy standing in the middle of the road. Then she saw a car approaching fast towards him and ran to save the boy. She lifted up the boy and fell down on other side.

Khushi got up with Aryan. He was soo frightened and hugged her tightly crying.

“ shh..beta. don’t cry. See you are safe” said Khushi patting his back lovingly. She felt a  strange sensation when he hugged her.

She brought him out of the hug and looked at him. His eyes attracted her. His eyes are just like him thought Khushi. Aryan too is looking at her with those innocent eyes. He too felt an attraction to her.

“ Don’t cry. Good boys don’t cry” said Khushi wiping off his tears with her fingers gently. She then kissed him on his both cheeks.

“ Where are your mumma and papa ??”asked Khushi. Aryan again hugged her burying his head in her neck. Khushi again patted his back lovingly.

“ Aryan” she heard a voice calling.

Arnav, Nk, Anjali and Lavanya came to other side of the road. They saw Aryan in the woman’s arms who saved him.

“ Aryan” called out Arnav.

Khushi turned back hearing Aryan. There stood Arnav with his siblings. Arnav and Khushi froze for a minute. They din’t expect this meeting. Both stood there looking at each other with wide eyes. Their eyes reflected surprise, shock and finally pain. Arnav observed her. She is having a more matured look on her face. Her eyes doesn't have previous glow and chirpiness. 

Khushi observed him who is looking same as earlier. His eyes held some pain which he don't know why.

“ Paa” Aryan’s voice brought them both out of the trance. Khushi averted her gaze from him quickly.

Aryan threw out his arms towards Arnav who took him from Khushi. Arnav hugged Aryan tightly and kissed him on his forehead.

Khushi looked at others who looked uncomfortable. She faked a smile to them to which they returned.

 Payal came there. She too have witnessed the scene. She doesn’t have any grudges with little boy, so she doesn’t have any problem in her jiji saving him. She knew her jiji would have done the saved any child in that place and the child happened to be Arnav’s.

“ jiji. You are hurt” said Payal.

Other four members looked at her. Khushi’s elbow is bleeding.

“ It’s just a small one Payal. I am ok” said Khushi

“ Ok. Come let’s go back” said Payal.

Khushi nodded and both the sisters left from there without giving any glance the four standing there.