Part 41

"Khushi...! Are you ok?" Arnav had knelt down and was looking at her holding her shoulder. She forgot to get up. She gaped at him, jaw dropping and eyes popping. He helped her get up and stood before her not taking his eyes off her. A shooting pain brought her back to her senses. She pressed her forehead with her hand. 

"Khushi...." her pain reflecting in his eyes, Arnav brought down her hand and pressed his on her forehead. She got lost with that touch and forgot everything else including the pain. Happiness filled her heart.

He was looking at her, amazed. She looked stunning and he got stunned. He forgot the whole world. Mesmerized, he blurted "Khushi...!" with one hand on her forehead and another on her shoulder. She had held him by his arms. He got his world back with her touch.

"Khushi buwa...look what Tej is doing..!" shouted Meera and both of them came back to their senses. Tej had already started running in the open space and was heading towards the maze. Khushi and Arnav ran after him and Arnav caught him from behind, lifting him on his shoulders he brought him back.
Khushi looked at him in amazement. He looked so homely with the kids around. She looked at him longingly. He came back and put Tej down. The kids had another person to play with. 

But Arnav had never played with the kids and looked nervous. He looked around for an opportunity to escape and got one. Raj was approaching them. He came forward and shook hands with Arnav and then hugged him. The both went away leaving khuhsi flabbergasted. She came back to mammiji with the kids. Mammiji could see everybody from above from level. She smiled at Khushi and said "You can leave the kids here and go. He must be waiting for you."
From above, Khushi's eyes searched for him. He was deep in conversation with Papaji and Raj, holding a glass of wine. She wanted to go but decided otherwise. "He may not like it. They seem to be talking on some important issue." She thought. She did not know what had happened after she left Delhi. Things started coming back to her. "What is he doing here? When did he come? Why is he here? Did papaji invited him? Had he come all the way from Delhi only for this party?" She was lost in thought as if she had entered a maze and was unable to find her way out.
"Khushi puttar... look!" Mummiji brought her back on earth. She looked around and saw papaji was waving at her. She got down from the level and started walking towards the trio. Arnav could not take his eyes off. He kept gazing at her unblinkingly. She came nearer "Khushi puttar, would you like to give company to Arnav? He seems to be hungry. Take him to the food counter of his choice"
She looked at Arnav, he still had not taken his eyes off. "What is he doing? Papaji is around..and he is looking at me like this." She thought blushing.
She started walking with him. "OW,Ow Khushi... this is cheating...you have to take the maze root to reach your destination... called out Raj laughing heartily. She blushed and turned to enter the maze with Arnav to reach their destination.... Arnav like a sleep walker entered with her holding her hand.

Arnav and Khushi entered the maze. They had no idea where they were headed. They just kept walking Khushi looking down and Arnav at Khushi.They somewhere down the road bumped into a dead end and turned back to take another root. She asked him after a while, "Where do you want to go? We have everything; from Italian to Indian, from Thai to Chinese. You may want to visit Italian I suppose... " She looked at him. "Hun? He asked her looking lost" She kept looking at him. He locked his fingers with hers and they resumed walking.
"They have entered the maze of their life together. Hope they find their way out." Papaji thought gravely. He knew they had to go a long way on this winding and bending roads in their life together.
She asked "Did you come here only for the party? When did papaji invite you?"
"No I had some business matter with him and have come here for meeting. He invited me for the party this morning. They had entered the brighter spots in the maze where flash lights emitted to confuse the wanderers. He looked at her facing her and holding her in the bright light. She had a chance to look at him. He was wearing a scarf instead of his regular tie. He was wearing a tweed jacket and a white shirt. He looked so handsome that she could not take her eyes off. He came nearer closing the g and whispered in her ear..."Khushi, what do you want me to do?" She hurriedly pulled herself away, blushing and avoided his gaze. He smiled. She again got lost.The smile on his face made him so friendly; she forgot that he was Arnav Singh Raizada. She clutched his hand in hers and they started walking.
"Should I tell her what happened on Monday at the Board meeting?"He questioned himself. Mr.Balwindar Singh had left it to him to decide whether to tell Khushi about this new development. He wanted to tell her but not at this place. He just wanted to enjoy her company now, having no intentions to hit any counter. But to his amazement Khushi was all set to find out a way out to the food counter. "Foodie!" he thought, looking at Khushi.She was trying hard not to hit a dead end and was almost pulling his hand with excitement.
It started drizzling. They looked at each other, memories coming back on their rain hug, when Arnav saved her in pouring rain. He had regret in his eyes and Khushi smiled. They went under the nearest umbrella waiting for the rain to subside. Khushi started chattering about the food and the arrangements. He said "Can you know thing about anything else than food?" She kept quiet and started looking around. He had to work hard to control himself from pulling her into his arms. They came out of the umbrella when the rain stopped.
They met Raj and Elsa on the way. Both of them were heading to the dance floor. Raj asked, Khushi-Arnav, would you like to join us on the dance floor?Both of them looked at each other and unanimously said "No". Raj and Elsa looked confused. Khushi kept her search for food counter on and Arnav getting dragged behind her.
He suddenly stopped pulling Khushi's hand. She was pulled back unaware and almost bumped on him. He held her and waved his hand towards the dance floor, mesmarized. She looked at them. Elsa and Raj were the centre of attraction and they were dancing so beautifully that all the other enthusiasts were just standing at the edge and watching them."How beautiful! "she blurted looking at them.
"Lets dance Khushi" said Arnav pulling her.
"NO ! I cannot dance on this" she said.
"I know..." he looked at her "Your foundation day  dance..." His voice cracked recollecting her anguish... he pulled her closer holding her hand and came into his embrace. 
"Meera..." he sighed gripping around her waist. 

"I am your Meera and I am your Radha...!" she whispered looking up at him.  He couldn't stop himself from pressing her head on his chest.  "You are my wife... my everything..." only she could hear his heart beating only for her...!! 

 "Come on lets go." He had made up his mind to dance with her.
"No" she said stopping and looking horrified. He dragged her out of the maze and towards the dance floor. Raj and Elsa were dancing on the melodious Waltz music. Arnav pulled Khushi on the floor. "I know you cannot dance on this classy music. Don't try anything different. Keep your feet on mine and I will maneuver you! Do as I say!" he whispered in her ear. She looked at him shocked. But he had already reached the center stage. Elsa and Raj clapped for them giving them the place. Arnav prompted Khushi to put her left hand on his right shoulder and put his right hand on her back and clasped her right hand into his raised left hand. "Khushi, put your foot on my foot" he whispered.She hesitantly obeyed putting her feet on his shoes. He started moving in the rhythm 1-2-3. 2-2-3, 3-2-3, 4-2-3 in circle. Raj kept looking at them. He was maneuvering Khushi so well; soon she started enjoying the dance and moved in a rhythm with him without his help. He had held her so close they  breathed on each other. He was looking at her passionately and she resonated. This was their best moment together.The two couples danced their hearts out on the mild romantic melodious waltz music. "Humm you are not that bad...!" Arnav teased her and she broke away from him angrily.  "Khushi...!" Arnav pulled her back.
"Chodiye humain...!" she nudged him sulkily. "No..!" he locked his fingers with hers.  She looked up in heaven ....
"What? Talking to Devi Mayya?" he asked her curling up his lip.
"No!" She shook her head closing her eyes.  
"I don't talk to her...!" she said looking at him.
"What? Why?" he was shocked and his expressions changed to sadness looking at her grave face.  He understood she might have stopped talking to her Devi Mayya after her marriage under duress in her Devi Mayya's Mandir.  
"Khushi..." he gripped her with moist eyes never to leave her hand again.
"She is in here... with me... always...!" Khushi pressed her other hand on her heart! "Khushi...!" he pulled her in his arms.  His heart heard her Devi Mayya.

 "Come.. Let's have dinner..." he said huskily and led her out of the maze.  Khushi's face lit up with the thought of food!

The party was over and all the family members gathered in the hall. Everyone was very tired. Kids had already gone to bed. Raj, Arnav and papaji were having a cup of hot coffee. Khushi was tired but very happy. She kept chattering with everybody. Arnav kept glancing at her. Papaji had avoided talking about the meeting in the morning. Khushi asked "Papaji, Aranav ji said he had come for the meeting..."

"Oh yes, puttar. We had a good discussion. But we can talk about it tomorrow. Its late now. " Said papaji glancing at Arnav.
"I should leave now" said Arnav avoiding to look at Khushi.
"puttar, you can stay with us" said papaji. Khushi's face brightened up.
"No, thank you um.. uncle! But I should leave." Said, Arnav. 

"ok. I will drop you to your hotel only on the condition that you will be with us tomorrow. I am leaving on Friday!" Raj said looking at Arnav. Arnav looked confused but said OK. Khushi smiled and Arnav left smiling inwardly. .

** **
Back in the hotel room, he threw himself on the bed. The memories of dancing with Khushi kept on rushing. He never wanted to come out of the trance. He had forgotten that he was Raizada and had enjoyed the company of Khushi. He wanted to wipe off the past and look ahead. But the past was haunting on to him. We went into flash back. After the Board meeting with his family members, he was in the office for a long time and then Balwindar Singh had called him up. After talking to him, Arnav had stood there for a while, his spirits lifting up, regaining his confidence. After the conversation with Mr. Balwindar Singh, he knew what to do. He had picked up his laptop and headed for home. He wanted to go straight to his room and started climbing the stairs, but was stopped by a voice from behind. "Saale Saab... "
He turned around with a jerk. Sham was standing at the foot of the stairs. Arnav looked down at him waiting to hear further.

"Saale Saab, can we talk for a while?" He said in disgusting oily voice.
Arnav, took a deep breath, thought for a while and said, "Yes, we can talk. But not now. I need some rest ...We will talk tomorrow" He turned to leave.
"Saale Saab, Its nothing to do with the project...." Sham waited for a while for Arnav's reaction. Arnav stopped and then continued to climb the steps without looking back. 

"I heard that Khushi ji is in Delhi...." Sham said. Arnav froze. He stopped and gathering himself turned back to face sham. 

"So..?" he looked straight into sham's eyes. Sham avoided his gaze. "Did you know about it?" sham asked with surprised look. "I had called up Happy ji garage Wala and he told me that he saw Khushiji. I was shocked and thought of giving this news to you. You were looking out for her, I heard.. She is the one who ruined ...!" He said looking back at Arnav with clear intentions to provoke him.

Arnav was shocked with sham's shamelessness. I felt disgusted. He wanted to put an end to this. "Do not open this topic again in front of me! And mind your business" he said in a stern voice, turned around and left for his room.
"How dare he talk to me about Khushi? What else does he know? Is he a step ahead of me?" He froze with this thought. "I need to find out. I need to sort this out as early as possible. What else he knows about Khushi? Does he know where she is now? Does he know about Balwindar Singh and his relations with Khushi? 

Arnav pacing, restlessly started thinking businesslike. He thought "Being saale saab will not help now. I have to be ASR dealing with him. He surely has some hidden agenda behind all this. I need to find out." He had decided to call for the meeting with Balwindar Singh as soon as possible and till then he needed to pretend that he was happy to assign the venture to Sham.

His mind racing, he drafted a mail to Balwindar Singh to fix up the meeting at his convenient time and place. He desperately wanted to meet him. He checked the booking status of the airlines to Kolkata. It was almost 11.00 in the night.
He was shocked to see the immediate reply of Mr. Balwindar Singh. He had written, "We can have the meeting in Kolkata on Wednesday, if it finds convenient to you and I will arrange for your travel and stay on our account. I Hope everything is alright at your end. Looking forward to meeting you on Wednesday morning. Do let me know!"

Arnav immediately sent reply mail in affirmation and said he will be attending the meeting on Wednesday. Relieved, he went to sleep forgetting everything.
Arnav Landed on Kolkata Airport on overcast Wednesday morning. The onset of monsoon had spread greenery everywhere. The sun peeping through the overcast skies flashing spot lights on the green carpet brightening the patch with golden rays. He was little excited and apprehensive about the meeting. He was received by the driver and was taken to the office of Mr. Balwindar Singh. Balwindar Singh was waiting for Arnav. He welcomed him and took him to the conference room.

"Ok. Mr. Raizada, coming to the point, May I ask you the reason for assigning a new person on this project?" Asked Balwindar Singh, looking straight into the eyes of Raizada. Arnav felt little nervous. He said, "He offered his services in the board meeting and the members agreed to it. He is a lawyer and ....." he hesitated for a while ..."he is my sister's husband..." He said it at once as if eager to release the burden from his shoulders. Balwindar Singh kept gazing at him. Arnav was looking at him for his reaction. "He is the one.....who....Khushi..." Arnav could not say anything more. 

"Ok. We need to discuss on this and I want your frank opinion on this, Mr. Raizada. I know it's your personal matter but since it affects the business relations, I need to be more cautious dealing with this change." Said, Mr. Balwindar Singh gravely. 

"Yes, I agree!" Said ASR. "But then it's hard to convince the board to change the decision. 

"Oh! I can understand but you see, our company wants to deal only with you and not anyone else. I have made that point very clear in my terms of contract. That's why we have prepared the documents with your name and not in your company." Balwindar Singh looked at ASR for his reaction and he got what he wanted. ASR looked happy that sham can be stopped.

"But you should think about it again. Stopping him at this stage will prove to be dangerous. He will be alerted and will try to cause further damage. Have you seen your shareholding pattern Mr. Raizada?" Asked Mr. Balwindar Singh.
Reality came crashing on Arnav. He had to look into that also. This sham can spread his tentacles in his other companies too, as he had the power of attorney from his wife. He looked shocked. 

"Look, Your sister has 30%, you have 40% Aakash, his father and your grand mother have 10% each. Now look at the situation, Mr. Raizada, one person turning his side will make him equal with you and you may lose your position. Do you understand the gravity of the problem?" Said Mr. Balwindar Singh showing ASR's company papers. He was worried about Arnav. ASR was trapped. "You need to think about it." Arnav looked horror struck. 

Mr. Balwindar Singh waited for some time for ASR to gather himself. He said "If you take my advice, just do not do anything harsh now. Keep your cool. Keep him in dark, and keep showing him that you are ok with him and you are preparing papers in his favor. I will make a move and write to you that we are not happy with this arrangement and we would like to interview this new person before taking any decision. I will mention about withdrawing this whole project if our company is not satisfied with this new person." ASR was relieved. He actually smiled at this and said "Thank you Mr. Balwindar Singh. Now I don't have to worry about this problem.." He said gratefully showing his complete faith on Balwindar Singh's ability to turn around the situation.
"um.. I mean... is it ok if I disclose the truth to Aakash and other family members?" For the first time Arnav had left ASR. Arnav wanted to take papaji's help after all. 

"Oh! Let me think. This is not the right time to disclose. Your family members may think you are making up all this to avoid assigning this project to him. But yes, you have to tell the truth to Aakash as he will be the only person who would be of help when the time comes. Arnav, my boy, you need to be very careful about all these things. And I leave it to you, whether you want to tell  this to Khushi." Said papaji.

"Yes, I know. I will take care." He had said resolutely.
"And there is one more point you need to think about. This person may have done more damage behind your back. You need to find out everything about him. Do you understand? Not only in business, he seems to be capable of physically harming people. Have you ever tried to do some background check about him after your sister decided to marry him? Or afterwards, when he tried to trap you and Khushi? " papaji asked piercingly looking at him. He looked ghostly. 

The answer was a clear "No!" "Umm... I tried when I got contradictory statements in the Raw Material theft case involving Khushi... but I didn't pursue it..!" Arnav regreted..

"Oh! Ok. Let me think" said papaji. He thought for a while and said. "If you want I will manage to dig out his past. I can hire a detective agency..."
"Oh, No! The agencies don't work. They fail to give you right information... I experienced that when Khushi..." Arnav stopped. But papaji had a broad smile on his face. "Puttar, the agency you hired was already working for me and I managed to confuse you, give you wrong information and also kept on sending you her photos... Sorry puttar... I had to do this without her knowledge, to see how serious you were in finding her out...." Papaji kept his hand on Arnav's shoulder. Arnav looked flabbergasted. He looked at papaji and smiled.
"And on a different happy note, I would like to invite you to a party at our place in the evening. I am giving it for my son and his family. "Papaji had said smiling at him. 

He had accepted the invitation.

*** ***
Late in the night on Wednesday, Anjali woke up. She looked around. Sham was not in the bed. The door of the bedroom was open and she could hear his voice talking over the phone. She got up and went behind him....

"Find out everything about them...and I want it by tomorrow evening" He was talking to someone threateningly.

"Anjali came and put her hand on his shoulder from behind. He shuddered and turned around. 

"whom were you talking to? And what do you want to know about whom?" She asked looking at him. He avoided her eyes and said. "Its nothing... its about business..."

"At this hour of the night? Do you know what is the time now? What business do you have? Is there anything serious? Are you in trouble?" Anjali asked looking concerned.

He sighed and said "Don't worry rani sahiba.Its nothing. You know, now I may take up new assignment with saale saab's new project. So have to work more to cope up with both the tasks. You see.... But don't you worry about that. Its my duty to help our family members..." He said in fake sincerity. 

"Ok. Now come in and take rest. You have to have a good sleep. Otherwise you won't be able to put in your best.." She said clutching on to his hand and bringing him in.

"Yes, I need to take rest before I go on my mission..."he thought.

Part 40

"Good evening Mr. Bawindar singh. " Arnav greeted him. He remembered Khushi. He had not called her at all and she too had not tried to call him.
"Mr. Raizada, sorry to call you at this time. I need to discuss with you. Is it a good time to talk?" asked Balwindar Singh. 

"Yes, of course MR. Balwindar Singh." Said Arnav, gathering himself together and gearing up for a business discussion. His anxiety subsiding, he felt calm listening to Mr. Balwindar Singh. They had a discussion, on filing the papers and completing the legal formalities for their venture. Arnav's face started resonating smile. He somehow, felt comfortable talking to Mr. Singh. 

Mr. Balwindar Singh was concluding the discussion.
"Mr. Balwindar Singh, there is a small hitch in this matter. The board intends to assign another person to handle this matter." Arnav waited for his reaction keeping his fingers crossed.

"I see.... We have already prepared the documents with your name. But that can be managed. If you really want to entrust this responsibility to someone else, we can make the modification before they get registered. So let me know." Balwindar singh said this in a steady voice. But he was thinking deeply, "What could have happened? Why is he assigning another person? Is there a problem in his company?"

"Thank you Mr. Balwindar Singh. I will inform you about it later..."
"Can I ask you the name? Mr. Arnav ?" Mr. Balwindar Singh interrupted him.

"Mr. Sham Manohar Zaa" said Arnav in a grave tone. "He is a lawyer by profession." 

"What?" for the first time Papaji lost his composure.
There was a silence for a while from both the sides. Balwindar Singh had forgotten to react. Arnav was waiting for his reaction holding his breath. Blawindar Singh threw away his mask of a businessman and called "Arnav...." 

Arnav, now on the verge of collapsing under the pressure, stood there like a statue clutching his phone to his ear.
"He is thrown in a quick sand ...unaware..." thought papaji. Then regaining his composure, he said "We need to meet Mr. Raizada before you act upon the board's decision." Arnav felt relieved. He had at least one person to his side. His heart filled with gratitude. After all Khushi was right. Her papaji can help.

"Yes Mr. Balwindar Singh, we need to meet soon!" said Arnav.
"And now if we have finished with our business, I want to talk to you about a personal matter, with your permission, Mr. Raizada.." Said Mr. Balwindar Singh.

"Yes, of course, uncl.. um.. Mr Singh" Arnav waited eagerly, his spirits lifting up and smile appearing on his face.
"Its ok. Puttar, ..." He said smiling to himself. He had succeeded in breaking the ice. "I wanted to inform you that Khushi, is back to Kolkata with me.." He said and waited for Arnav's reaction. 

"What? Why? I mean Aakash's marriage... " and he stopped suddenly. "Is she ok? I mean.. I am sorry for yesterday's outburst. But..." He could not take in anything.

"Oh! She is perfectly alright and has realized her mistake, Arnav... She has a job to do here .. you see..." He said smiling and his eyes twinkling...
"Oh! Ok. " Said Arnav, little disappointed. He knew why she had left. She had not even called him before going. But, He forgot that throughout the day he was busy and would not have taken her call. 

"Ok. Arnav puttar... When would you like to hold a meeting regarding today's development? Let me know the place... I can arrange the meeting here. Take your time and let me know.." He said with mock seriousness, smiling.
"And..Good night Arnav..." He hung up..
******   ********

Khushi got up early in the morning. She went into the kitchen where the cook was preparing for breakfast. She told him to prepare papaji’s favorite lachha parathas. She got ready and went to mummiji. They both went to Kaali Mandir and Khushi decided to skip her class for today. She came back with mummiji and laid the table for breakfast. Everyone gathered. She knew this was the time to open the topic. 

Papaji and Raj were engrossed talking to each other about some political event. She asked “Raj bhaiya, how do you know so much about Indian Politics? I mean .. you were away for so many years but still you know everything”. 

“Oh! I keep myself abreast with everything related to India. That’s why!” He said smiling.
“What do you do in US? I heard you have a business! I don’t understand much about it, but! just out of curiosity!” She went on looking at Raj and Elsa prompting them to elaborate!

“Oh! I have a IT company” He started describing the nature of his work, glancing sideways at papaji. He was engrossed in eating his favorite parathas. 

“But then, if both of you are working then how do you manage now, staying away?” She asked him innocently. He looked at her, she winked. Papaji stiffened. Mummijji looked nervous. 

“Yeah! That’s a bit of a problem. Though most of the business I can handle remotely, there are certain matters require my presence.” Said Raj looking little tensed. 

“You know, like now I am here, there are lot of tasks pending. I don’t know how am I going to clear up these!” he said looking at Khushi.
“Oh. I can understand. you will have to do a lot of work when you go back.” Thank god she has opened the topic, Thought Raj.

“Papaji, Why don’t you go with them for some days? I can take care of mummiji. “ She said looking at papaji trying to read him mind.
“When are you people leaving?” papaji asked looking directly at Raj. He felt nervous looking at papaji’s gaze. 

“Oh! Come on!” Stop beating around the bush..! I know you need to go. Tell me when.” He said.
“Dad¦” Raj chocked, his heart filled with the sorrowful thought of parting again. His eyes were moist.
Papaji looked at him and the kids. He said, “I can understand, thought my heart is not ready to accept. But its ok. I am happy that we will keep meeting. You can go back to your world.” He said getting up.
Raj got up too and coming forward, facing his father.. he called out! “Dad..” His dad hugged him tightly with tears in his eyes.

“IDEA¦”. Khushi almost screamed. Everyone looked at her. She had got up and in excitement was standing on her chair looking down at everyone.
“Khushi Buwa, what are you doing?” Asked Meera. “Ok! Come here kids and you will see” she said inviting the kids to join her.

“Can we do this? Elsa Bhabhi, tell me have you attended any Indian marriage?”
“No! but I would love to!” Elsa said unable to understand what Khushi was hinting at.

“Ok Great! Jiji’s marriage is coming up! Raj bhaiya, can we do this? I mean!You go ahead per your plans. Let Bhabhi and kids stay back. I know bhabhi too has some work but if she can manage it remotely, then may be they can stay back!for some more time” She looked at Raj with excitement.
“Oh! That will be great! I can work from home. Even in US I used to work from home earlier..” Said Elsa excitedly.

Raj looked flabbergasted. He kept looking at his wife. “Does she really want to stay back? Can she handle this? .. Ah! But then Khushi is there with her.”
Elsa was looking at him for his approval. Kids had already started dancing and screaming with the thought of staying. Raj nodded. 

“Elsa, bahu!” mummiji called out with outstretched hands. Elsa hugged her. Raj had tears in his eyes. At last all the past was forgotten. He came forward to hug his father. But papaji had already reached where khushi and kids were jumping with joy. 

He lifted the kids to bring them down and declared “We will baby sit when Elsa is busy working from home!” He looked at Raj smiling. :”Bete, are you ok with this?” Raj came running and hugged his wife. Everybody laughed their hearts out. 

“Dad, I will try to come back as soon as possible. I will miss you all!!”
“And Khushi¦. Thank you! You deserve a treat from me¦! Tell me what do you want?”
“I want you to come back. !” She said smiling at him.
“But a treat and a party is a must. And I will arrange !!” Said papaji smiling. “She deserves more than a treat and she will get it at the party.” He thought remembering his conversation with Mr. Raizada!.
“MUSIC..” Khushi screamed. They played some Punjabi remix and danced their hearts out in celebration! with papaji joining them happily!. And mummiji smiling brghtly hiding her tears!.!
********   ********

It was the evening of Wednesday, and Papaji had arranged a party for Raj and his family. He had invited all his key persons in his office with their families and all Raj's friends were specially invited. Khushi wondered how could papaji arrange such a beautiful party in just a days time and how could he arrange for the invitations. She asked Papaji in amazement. 

"Puttar, there are event management companies who arrange these things in no time. We have a company who does all this and do it for us always. They know perfectly well our invitee list and they manage every other thing. This time Raj had to give them his list of friends.. though the list is short, that's only the new things. Everything else is same. 

The party was arranged lawns outside the mansion using its huge expanse with colorful umbrellas big enough to encompass a table for two, arranged like a maze and invitees were asked to choose a root which would lead them to various drink and food counters. Invitees may have to take the right path to reach their favorite counter. Lot of dead ends were arranged to make it more interesting as the invitees needed to come back to original entrance to take another root. The contour of the garden was beautifully used to make a level high enough where anyone can overlook on the people moving around in the maze searching for the right counter for their favorite food and drink. The Wooden dance floor was waiting for the couples with a melodious music. Each umbrella resonating and reflecting different shades of blue and green color lights and entire scene from above felt like a cloud walk experience. 

Papaji and Raj waited at the gates to greet and welcome everyone. Papaji had put on his pathaan patterned beige color kurta and a blue patiyala style turban with diamond studded Surpech (Turban ornament). Raj looked a perfect westerner with dark blue suit. He looked handsome in his suit and tie. Everyone was delighted to have come to the party.

Mummiji was wearing a dark blue suit and diamond set. She was on the wheelchair but looked stunningly beautiful with the happiness resonating her smile.

Khushi had worn a baby pink saree with ruby set of zumka, bangles, bindi and necklace. She had turned her hair in a slightly wavy style and let it sprawl on her shoulders and back. She had kept herself simple. 

But Elsa was all set to steal the show. She was in a traditional Bengali saree laden with Bengali ornaments from head to toe. She looked so pretty that it was hard to believe that she was the mother of two kids. Raj kept looking at his wife as if seeing her for the first time. Papaji had to put his hand on Raj's shoulder to wake him from his dream state. Elsa blushed and touched papaji and mummiji's feet. Khushi could see people dying to talk to Elsa and Raj. The couple looked so beautiful. Khushi felt she should tie Kaali Maa's protective thread all six of them.

Meera was looking like an angle with her light blue frilled frock and matching apparels. Tej had imitated his father while dressing up. The kids were glued to their Khushi buwa and she was more than happy to take care of them and look after their needs. She was laughing with them, playing with them and keeping them safe from getting hurt.

"Khushi...!" she heard the husky voice and "Oouch!!!..." in a haste to get out from under the table with Tej playing hide and seek, banged her head against the table top.

Part 39

It was almost 4.00 in the evening and Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada was waiting for the family members to arrive. He felt proud to welcome them. Every time he or his company took a leap towards progress, he had invited his sister and nani to his office.

His mind went back several years when he was a student of Textile Engineering and having completed 19 years, he had started a small venture of buying the readymade garments from the wholesale market from Mumbai and selling it to the small garment shops. He had made a small profit in a month and had bought a chocolate for his sister. In six months, while continuing his studies, he along with his two friends had started buying the cloth and getting the shirts stitched from local Tailors. He could pay for his fees with the share of his profit. Within one year they had started off with their own stitching unit. Mamiji had given the seed money by selling her ornament. He had returned the money in multiples within six months of his graduation. He had been making profit enough to support the family. 

Though Raizada's were well off with a status in the society, he always had felt himself and his sister to be a burden on the family. After the graduation, there was no looking back. He had seen waves of ups and downs and had managed to survive all the turmoil. His friends had withdrawn from the business and to buy their portion he had to pay them through his nose. He had managed to grow exponentially in last few years with his business prudence heading three companies in the garment business. In his journey to success he had never taken anybody's help and he had never depended on the luck factor. He always had achieved success through shrewd business acumen. Though Raizada family members owned some part of his empire he had always been the head. The head of the family and head of his companies.

And now he stood there with a glint of pride waiting to welcome his family members into the office of a 250 crore turnover company with growth plans to take the companies to the next level. 

** *** *
Khushi took the taxi and went to the airport. Papaji arrived in a few minutes time. Both of them boarded the plane. It was late in the evening when they landed on Kolkata Airport. It was dinner time when they reached home. Family members were waiting. Everybody was shocked to see Khushi back. Papaji gave them the good news of Aakash and Payal's upcoming wedding, though the date was not yet fixed. He went to his study for some urgent work. Raj and his family looked little tensed up. Khushi could not understand why? But she sensed something was wrong. After the dinner everybody went to sleep. Khushi watched TV for some time. She never wanted to go to her room. She felt lonely. She knew all the memories of togetherness with him will start rushing, taking away her sleep. She saw raj coming out of his room followed by his wife Elsa. She was surprised.

"Khushi, thank god you came back! We were about to call you. There is a situation, Khushi and I don't know how to get out of it." He said.
She looked at him not knowing what was happening and how she could be of any help.

"Khushi, you can take us out of this. " Said Elsa.
"Hum?" Khushi could not believe their despair. "How can I be of any help to anyone, when I could not help myself, yesterday? " she lost in her thoughts.
"Khushi, we may have to go back. I have a business to run. I stayed here for a long time. I need to go now. There are so many things I cannot handle remotely. I have to go back. Khushi, I cannot tell this to my parents. They are so happy being together. I cannot do it. I want you to tell them that we are going back." Khushi was shocked. She had thought Raj and family had come to stay forever. She kept looking at them. Then she said realizing...
"Oh. I understand. I too had thought you all have come here to stay. But silly me! I should have understood you have your own world there. But how do we tell this to mummiji and papaji? Their whole world will turn upside down. ... We need to think about it. When are you planning to go?"
"This weekend. We have booked the tickets but dared not talking about it to mom and dad" Raj said."Khushi I cannot stand hurting them again. We have already lost ten precious years of our lives staying away from each other. I cannot bear the thought of parting again, but I have to go...Khushi..!" Raj chocked on the verge of breaking down. Elsa held his hand and stroked him. 

Khushi wondered "Yesterday I lost my world by my haste and nature of poking into others problems... and now I will have to do it again. Yesterday I had done it voluntarily, hitting a self goal and now I will have to do it for the sake of my foster family, even if i will have to take the blame." 

"Don't worry bhaiya and Bhabhi, we will find out something", she said assuring them an amicable solution. 

She went to her room her mind now occupied with this new situation. She could not sleep for a long time. 

** ****
Arnav waited there in the evening to welcome his family members. He saw the cars arriving. He came forward his assistant Aman was behind him. Nani got down from the car. He came forward held her hand and greeted her. She blessed him smiling at him. He received mamiji and mamaji with the same affection and respect. Aakash had accompanied them. Aakash went ahead in the office. Aranv brought all of them inside and requested them to assemble in the board room. He was missing something, someone. He looked around and out. His Di was missing. He opened his mouth to ask nani but was stopped by a screeching noise of brakes. Another car had just arrived at the door. He came forward hurriedly to greet his Di. He opened the door of the car for her to get down. He looked inside the car and froze.

He looked inside the car and froze. Sham was getting down smiling broadly at him from the car......
He could not believe his eyes. What was he doing here?
"Where is Di?" he asked keeping his face straight forgetting to greet his jijaji.
"Oh! She stayed at home for some work concerning the upcoming marriage and instead I am here in her place." He smiled and said it in his silky voice. Arnav was shocked. He, not knowing what to say, escorted sham to the board room. He felt little nervous at the presence of sham. He had not expected this. Hi-Tea was served and the meeting started.

As the head of the group companies, Arnav briefed all of them about the previous year's milestones, their achievement in holding the fashion show in Kolkata. This had paved roads into Eastern region. He talked about the appreciation he received from all his associates. He talked about the bonus pattern and also about extrapolated growth of the company. He took a break for some time after a lengthy speech about his company. All the family members appreciated his work. He gave due credit to his mamaji and Aakash for handling the business of other two companies. He acclaimed his mamaji's marketing efforts abroad. Sham was very attentive and had appreciated Arnav's capabilities and prudence. 

After the break, Arnav started talking about the new venture of liaisoning for a bigger group. He gave all the details and said "I will be handling this myself as the client is new, the project is of high value and we have a lot of opportunities to work with the group. Everybody nodded in acceptance...
"um.. Saale Saab, Came a voice..." Arnav stiffened. He looked at Sham.. "I mean, sorry... Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada. What I feel is, you already have so many things on your plate. You already do multitasking and I really admire that. You are an amazing person with tremendous insight into the business. Now again this venture would put more burden on you." He looked at everyone. Arnav unable to understand this preamble gazed at him. 

Everybody looked confused. What was he trying to convey?
"So..?" Asked Arnav, questioningly.
"What I mean to say... is why not take help from someone? ".
"What do you mean? I am only heading this venture but mamaji and Aakash are always there to help in his this." He said looking upset.
"Please, don't take it otherwise, Mr. Arnav singh, what I mean to say is take a help of a person who knows the trade."
"What do you want to suggest Mr....?" Arnav hated to utter his name.
"I suggest, you entrust this venture to me. I am a lawyer, I know how to deal with government officials and I am confident I can handle this successfully. I don't expect anything in return. This is only to relieve you from some burden..." he said with fake sincerity. Arnav was speechless. He had never expected this. He looked around at everybody and was shocked to see them nodding in acceptance. 

"But why? Aakash and his father can handle this with Arnav.." Mamiji opposed. She thought another person in the management of the company will reduce importance of her son and husband. She never wanted an additional share.. she was happy with these three running the show.
"Oh! Keep quiet! You don't understand the tricks of the trade. Arnav, I feel this is a good idea of entrusting this to Sham. He will be of more help to us. We have another member of the family to run the show." Said Mamaji looking at Arnav. 

Arnav forgot to react. "What was going on? Why is everyone supporting this bugger? Can they not understand what danger they are entering into by giving him entry in their company?" But then he realized that no one knows the truth about this person standing before him with a smirk on his face.
Sham held a set of paper in his outstretched hand and said "This is my proxy document executed by my dear wife which gives me powers to vote and this is the power of attorney executed in my favor to manage all her financial matters."

Arnav took the papers looking aghast. Every one else seemed to be very happy with the outcome of the meeting and were ready to leave. Arnav went to see them off saying he had some more work and he would come later.
He stood in the porch like a statue. Situation was sinking in. He had failed in his shrewdness. He had never ever anticipated this. He did not know what to do. He regretted having not told Aakash about Sham's truth when he had asked. Sham proved to be smarter…

This was a big blow. This person called himself his jijaji, was spreading his tentacles. He had invaded upon his family life, his love life and now upon his business. He felt helpless. He felt like a tiger trapped in a cage.
"I must stop this. I should not allow him to invade upon my empire…" But how?

He could not talk about his desperation and fears to anyone. Everybody in his family had a blind faith on Sham. He kept staring unfocused losing sense of time. He badly needed someone. 

His cell rang. He picked up the phone. It was already late. But he was surprised to receive the call from Mr. Balwindar Singh. Somehow a faint smile appeared on his face. Was this His last ray of hope?

Part 38

"Khushi...Let us go" Papaji was standing looking at her. She had tears in her eyes. "No use of these tears Khushi... the damage is done." Papaji said gravely.
"Sorry...!" Khushi blurted faintly. "Its ok puttar.. Everything will be alright. Have patience my child.." he said putting his hand around her shoulder, consoling her. He patted her and waited for her to gather herself and then they moved out of the premises to go to her home.
Papaji received a warm welcome in Khushi's house. They chatted happily. He teased Payal and laughed heartily when she blushed. He had dinner with the family. Khushi tried to take part, but, looked lost frequently. She could not believe she had lost it. All happy thoughts were gone. Papaji kept glancing at her in between.
"Khushi.. I plan to go back tomorrow." He told her.
"um? Ok. " Khushi said looking lost.
"Papaji... can i.. I mean..." She started off. "Its ok puttar, you stay back. After all its your sisters marriage...Let me know. Goodnight puttar" He said smiling at her and left.
Arnav came home smoldering within. He could not believe Khushi could do this. He knew he wasted a lot of time and created more complications, but she had no right to make it public and speak up this in public place. She might have done this innocently but even a small child knows what to speak in public. He was furious. He went straight to his room and threw the files on bed. He paced the room restlessly. He did not know what to do. He kept thinking about the events.
He stopped. "I will not think about it now. I have a lot of other things on my plate. I need to concentrate on this venture first. Then the board meeting is coming up tomorrow". He needed to brief the board members about this new venture. This meeting was the mandatory annual general meeting of this unit of his group companies. The agenda was to confirm the office bearers, to discuss upon the budgets and expansion plans, he had already submitted with the Notice of the meeting.
He opened the file which Mr. Balwindar singh gave him. He wanted to read every clause of the terms before going to the advisor and deciding upon signing it. He studied the document, took down the notes in his laptop. He had to give Mr. Balwindar Singh his set of papers. He sent a mail to aman to keep the papers ready. He would hand over those papers to Mr. Balwindar Singh himself. He also planned to invite him to his office for a small talk about his future growth plans. He was amazed by the capabilities of Mr. Balwindar Singh. He had read the papers and the company profile. He had analyzed how he single handedly managed his companies and how professionally he had entrusted his people. He had empowered his employees and had assumed responsibility for their actions. He saw the attrition rate below 3% in the group companies of nearly ten thousand employees. This was unbelievable. Mr. Balwindar Singh was becoming his role model. He had started trusting him. He felt a little belongingness towards Mr. Balwindar Singh.
He wondered, "What did he look into Khushi? Why is he so protective towards her? What is that she had in her that attracts people? " He kept thinking about it. Sure, she has something in her, "Even I cannot stop thinking about her, now even after the afternoon's episode. " he thought. He could not stop himself smiling.
The clock struck 1.30 in the night when he went to bed. He saw a new message on his mobile.
"I am really sorry for what I have done today. Please forgive me." Khushi had texted. He looked at it. His anger subsiding... he wrote back "Its ok". And went to sleep.
The clock struck 1.30 in the night and Khushi was still wide awake. Everybody had sensed something was wrong with her. Payal tried to coax her but Khushi kept quiet refusing to tell anything. She kept thinking about the afternoon episode. She felt guilty for everything that happened. She realized it was her fault and really regretted at that. She knew it was irreparable. She had no intentions to hurt anyone. But her overexcitement and her nature of taking people for granted had put her in trouble.
She had learnt the lesson. She would never do such mistake again. She would never discuss Sham again, with anyone! She was determined to make good the damage done by her. She would never ask him about any of his personal problem and wait for him to try and get out of the situation.
She got up, sent a message to Arnav ji and got his reply back immediately. She dialed a number.
"Yes .." it was picked up from the other end within a couple of rings...
****   *********

Arnav got up in the morning. He got ready skipping the breakfast. Anajli insisted, but he said he would have it in office. He waited for Aakash to join him. But he was nowhere to be seen. He called out for him. Aakash looked reluctant to go with him. He was to go with payal for shopping. He asked Arnav whether he too wanted to join. Declining his offer, saying that he had a lot of work in the office he raced away. He went to office. Aman had prepared the documents. He cursorily looked into the set and asked him to keep them ready in a file. He dialed the number of Mr. Balwindar singh. He was on his way for the meeting with his office staff in Delhi. Mr. Balwinder singh said, he would call him back.
He kept the phone and called out for someone to get his breakfast. He needed the energy to keep himself abreast. He knew, Aakash would turn up only at the meeting. This was the only meeting in the year attended by all Raizada family members. He had made all the arrangements for them.
Khushi was waiting for papaji’s call since morning. She knew he had a meeting and would not call her in the morning. She only wanted to ask him something very important. She began to dial his number inadvertently but held back her urge. She had learnt the lesson for her life. She decided to wait patiently for his call. She knew he would call when he was free. She had thought of calling Arnav ji, but again decided otherwise. He too must be busy in his work. It was not good to disturb him.
Aakash came home and payal was already ready to go out with him for shopping. Both of them insisted that she accompany them. But she declined the offer. “I want to be with amma and babuji” she said. “After a very long time I am with them.”
Both of them went away. She went into babuji’s room. Amma was feeding him breakfast. She took the bowl from her and said “Let me do it amma” Amma went into the Kitchen to prepare for the lunch. Buwaji had gone out somewhere.
“Babuji, I missed you all so much. I know I have landed you in trouble many times. I know I am responsible for all this mess” She said in a bare whisper with tearful eyes. She felt guilty. Babuji shook his head and touched her hand. She looked at him, he too had tears in his eyes. He shook his head in denial trying to communicate that it was not her fault. “Babuji, some people attract trouble, and I am the queen of those people.” She said smiling and sitting straight like a queen. Babuji had a faint smile on his face. She was coming back to her self. But then..
“Babuji, I need to tell you something which I cannot tell anyone. Yesterday, I made a big mistake in a haste. I do not know how am I going to make good the loss. But I promise, I will. Babuji, I need to learn a lot. I cannot live in the dream world forever. I woke up yesterday. Now I want to face the reality.”
Babuji touched her hand and tried to squeeze it. She understood looking at him that he was trying to convey that he wanted her to be in a dream world always. He was shaking his head. “I know babuji, you never want me to face brutal reality. But I promise you I will not stop dreaming. Dreaming is my lifeblood, babuji. But I promise! I will understand the reality.”
“hi parameshri! what are you doing here? Did you not go with Payaliya?” Asked Buwaji coming in.
Coming back to her senses Khushi said smiling “No, buwaji. I knew you all lived peacefully for so long without me and my tantrums! Now its time to payback. Had I gone with jiji! then who would have troubled you?” She asked hugging buwaji and swiftly taking out her spectacles. She put on those and started mimicking buwaji.. “Hy re NandKosor!. This girl will give me heart attack one day!NandKisor!” She said laughing and pinching her buwaji in the rib. Everybody started laughing heartily! They had the moment of their happiness together. Khushi’s spirits lifted and she ran around her buwaji ragging her.
Arnav Singh Raizada received a call from Mr. Balwindar singh requesting him to arrange to send the papers to him at his guest house. He showed his inability to collect them himself. He was going back to Kolkata in the evening he had added.
*** ***
Mr. Balwindar Singh looked at the file sent by Mr. Raizada in the afternoon. He glanced at the details. He appreciated the neatly compiled information highlighting the achievements of the company. Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada had managed the company and was instrumental in its growth. He looked into the financial details, made some mental notes and dialed the number of his adviser. He asked his office assistant to take the file and asked him send it to the adviser once they reach Kolkata.
He needed to get ready for his departure. He remembered about the call yesterday night. He had received the call at 1.30 in the night.
"Yes puttar, tell me what is it?" papaji had asked from the other end.
"papaji, sorry to disturb you at this hour of the night. But I need to talk to you."
"Yes, go ahead my child." Papaji had Said in a kind voice.
"Papaji, can you arrange another ticket for me? I want to come with you....!" She had said resolutely.
"Yes, I can dear, but let us talk about it tomorrow...and now have some sleep my child" papaji had said in fatherly tone.
"Yes, papaji... good night" she had reciprocated smiling. She had gone to bed immediately.
** ***
Papaji called her in the afternoon. He had finished all his work. She asked him about his lunch. He said he already had his working lunch.He talked about the meeting with his staff and briefed her about it. This was his normal practice to talk about the meetings with her.This worked as a ready reckoner for him. He trusted her memory. He had found out whenever he wanted some information readily, and if he had already talked about it with Khushi, she used to remember it with a flash with all the details. He was amazed by her memory.She had a knack of remembering things.
He then said, he would be leaving at 4.00 for Airport. She waited for him to talk. But, then he seemed to wind up his conversation.She asked him "Papaji, I had requested you yesterday night ... could you arrange?"
"Are you sure about it? Do you really want to come?" He asked her. "Yes" she said with determination. There was a silence for a while and then papaji said "Ok. It is arranged. And you need start packing" She looked at the time. It was 2 in the afternoon. She started packing. Amma came into her room and asked her what she was doing. She said "Amma, I need to go back. I have a job. I cannot stay here for long."
"Hy re sanaka devi... what is this? Why do you have to go back. Everything is settled. And how will we manage payaliya's marriage?" she asked looking angry.
"This is for jiji's marriage, biwaji.. I have to go. I have a job, I cannot stay.. you know, I have to earn money..." She said avoiding everybody's gaze. "What is this? I will tell him, your papaji and request him to allow you to stay. Nothing will happen if you do not work for some days..." She started off.
"No buwaji, I cannot do that and you please don't even think of requesting papaji about it. I know lot of work is pending and cannot take favors from him like this every now and then."
Buwaji was disappointed. Khushi went ahead, "Buwaji, and then I have to come for the wedding again. Will it be ok if I stay now and then do not come for the marriage? I cannot keep on taking leaves like this. I have to go"
Amma came forward and said "I think Khushi is right, she should go now so that she can take leave and attend the marriage. We can manage here." She had tears in her eyes.
Khushi took amma's hand in hers and said "Amma, I have to do this. I want to get babuji's shop back, I want to see Buwaji's chiken kaari shop back and running. I want payal jiji's marriage to be a grand one. And for this I need to work. I need to go back."
She went to babuji who was listening all this, and said "Babuji I need your blessings.." she hugged him. She was ready in half an hour. She was waiting for her Jiji to come home. She had called up papaji to inform him that she would be coming to the airport directly and there was no need to send the vehicle.
Aakash dropped payal at the door step and drove away, he had a meeting to attend. Payal came in. She saw the packed bag and asked "What is this? Who is going?" Khushi came forward and said, "Jiji, I have to go back. I have a job and I cannot take leave. I am leaving in an hour or so. I was only waiting for you."
Payal came forward facing Khushi, looking piercingly into her eyes, "Khushi, tell me the truth. What happened yesterday? Why have you taken this sudden decision to go back? Tell me Khushi, what is wrong?" She stood there waiting for her answer.
Khushi took a deep breath. Then looking straight into her jiji's eyes said in a firm voice "Jiji, nothing is wrong. I have to go back and that is a fact. I had not told you because you all wouldn't have enjoyed so much. You all would have kept thinking that I would be going back soon. I never wanted this to happen."
"Khushi, don't lie to me.Tell me what happened."Jiji was determined to get the truth from Khushi.
Khushi said "Jiji, do you want me to make stories and tell you? How will I say anything when there is nothing at all to say? Please Jiji.. Don't try to dig out something. Nothing has happened. I was little nervous with the thought of going back, yesterday that's it... But anyway, I have to go and I am leaving. And now go and make something for me.. I am dying to eat jilebies..."
"Amma and buwaji hurried to the kitchen to prepare special jilebies for her. Jiji, kept looking at her piercingly. But she had made up her mind. "I will call Aakash ji. He will arrange for a car for you." Said payal.
"No need, jiji. I can handle it myself. I have already booked a taxi. Papaji will meet me at the Airport. I will manage and no need to come to the airport to see me off."
"Khushi, you are coming for the wedding. I will let you know the date. And promise me, everyday you will call me." Jiji said with her eyes wet.
"Yes jiji. I promise." Khushi said holding her jiji's hand. She was surprised at her own toughness. She had not started crying which normally she would do. In fact she smiled at this thought.