Part 36

"Now that Khusi is back... we will have to approach Raizada's for your wedding payaliya..NandKishore~~!!." she howled at payal. Payal went to her room in rage. 

"Khusi, go and have some sleep its not dawn yet". Said buwaji, in a soft voice. She would never ever hurt her khusi, she thought. 

"We will go to Raizadas tomorrow .." she said. Khushi's heart ached. She came to buwaji and said in a small voice. 

"Buwaji, please do not tell anyone in Raizada family that I have come back. Aakashji and Arnavji know it. But please make sure, no one else in their family should know about it...please?" she looked at buwaji pleadingly. 

"That rascal sham is in the house... " buwaji muttered angrily. And putting her hand on Khushi's head, said "aye re meri sanaka devi.. I will not tell anyone and will make sure no one else knows. I will warn everyone." She looked at Khushi and embraced her with tearful eyes. "Poor girl... she has suffered so much.... She deserves a prince !" she thought. 

Khushi went to her room and threw herself on the bed next to payal. "Jiji, sorry...Please look at me.." she said pleadingly. Jiji refused. "Jiji, please, its serious.." said Khushi gravely. Payal turned around and faced Khushi.
"Jiji, please tell me what all you told buwaji, amma and babuji about that day. I know they know the truth about Sham. Babuji knows everything. But..."

"Khushi I told them everything. They are aware of the things went on between you and those two, that day."
"hmm... I don't know what will happen but I will make sure you and Aakash ji get married soon. I promise that. Jiji....." She hugged payal. 

When she got up in the morning, amma and buwaji were already ready to leave. She asked them where they were going. Buwaji told her that they were going to Raizada house to talk about payal and Aakash wedding. And looking at Khushi's face she said, "I know. I will manage everything.. don't worry!"

*** **
Arnav came home and met Aakash in the hallway.
He started off "umm, Aakash... I think looking at the circumstances ... no one in the house should know about khushi's return... umm ... I mean... we should wait for the right opportunity...." He looked at Aakash. He was looking at Arnav gravely. 

Aakash came forward and said "Bhai, I can understand. Looking at the hatred of the family members... I think you are right. We should not disclose..." 

"But then, bhai... my marriage.... I mean payal has finally accepted... I mean... when.."
"I will manage everything, Aakash. Go and start preparing for your wedding...and... um... thanks for understanding.." He hugged Aakash and headed towards his room.

"Bhai... " called Aakash from behind. "I know, you will not like this... but is there anything you want me to do in this? I mean... I know what has happened between you and Khushiji is very painful... but in case if you want to share with me...." 

He stopped seeing Arnav descending the stairs. Arnav came nearer and putting his hand on Aakash's shoulder he said "Thanks buddy... I will.. but may be some other time. Its late now and you need to have some sleep.." He did not know when he would confide his secret to Aakash. "But.. it will only be Aakash if i am to disclose it to anybody in the house" he thought.

Arnav went to his room. He slept peacefully that night after so many sleepless nights. It was almost 10 in the morning when he woke up. He could hear voices from the hall. He called Ram Prakash for coffee and asked about the visitor. "Khushiji...um... Payal ji ke Ghar se" (people from payal's hosue) he said stuttering. He had committed the crime of uttering the forbidden name of Khushi in this house. But he was surprised at e Arnav's soft voice. "Its ok. You can go now" said Arnav, wondering who all had come. He dialed Khushi's number but it was busy.


Buwaji and amma went to Raizada house and were greeted there by Anjali and Naniji. Naniji was happy to see them and talked excitedly. But Anjali looked skeptical and Sham entered the hall. He froze looking at the duo. When buwaji opened  the topic of Payal and Aakash's wedding, he got up with a jerk saying, "But they were to marry only after Khushi hi's return. Has she returned?" Panic appearing on his face.
Buwaji looked at him with disgust and hatred. She said. "Yes, but now its high time we think about their wedding. Payal and Aakash must get married now. We cannot wait longer for her to come back... that's why we are here."

"But this is not possible. She should return first and then only...." He looked relieved and started off to put an end to the discussion. "I feel Madhumati ji is right. We should not wait for long. We should think of the date for the wedding. I will call pandit ji today itself for the auspicious day. I think we should start preparations." Naniji said in a firm voice cutting Sham off and looking at him to keep him quiet. Sham could not speak further and looked at anjali for support. But she was all lost in excitement. She already had started dreaming about the wedding. She got up and said "There is very little time and we should plan everything. Aakash... Aakash... Mamiji, where are you all?"

"Mamiji came out and looking at the two Guptas she wore disgust on her face. "what made you to come here without appointment? Hello hi bye bye~!" She asked them.
"They have come here to decide the date of Aakash and payal's wedding, Manorama". Said naniji, looking at her straight. "So phati sari has returned, is it?" She said questioningly. "That's not the point. Its high time we think about their marriage and we are going ahead with it". Said naniji, decisively.
"If my opinion is not counted, there is no point in sitting here...bye bye~! "Said mamiji in a hurt voice and left. 

"But Manorama ji... " Amma called after her but Naniji stopped her waving her hand and said "So I will let you know about the convenient and auspicious dates and we will decide. Now lets have some sweets to celebrate.." She escorted them to the table. 

Khushi sat on the chair looking at the deserted door when buwaji and amma left for Raizada house. She did not know what to do. Payal looked excited and tensed. She was not sure what was going to happen. Khushi thought of calling Arnav but knew he must have slept over. A faint smile appeared on her face at the memory of yesterday night. She never wanted that drive to get over. That was the best moment of her life with Arnav, though they fought throughout the drive.

"I should call papaji". Its already 10.00 am and he must be ready to leave for his work. She dialed his number. He picked up at the first ring and said "Khushi, puttar, good morning. I am leaving for the meeting. Is it important? Else I will call you once the meeting is over? Is that ok puttar?"
"Yes.. ok papaji... we will talk later." She said and hung up. 

She saw missed call from Arnav. She called him back. "Whom were you talking to? I was trying your number.." he asked. "It was papaji.. What is it? Why did you call?" She asked.
"Who all have come from your house?" He asked. "Buwaji and amma..Why? What is happening there? Is everything ok? Is HE around? What are they talking about and where are you?" She bombarded him with questions..

"Wait.... I am in my room and I don't know what is going on.." He shouted back.
"What are you doing in your room? You should go and see what's going on.." She almost ordered.
"OK...don't fuss ... I am going.... Will call you back..." He said angrily and hung up. He prepared himself and went down. He found no one in the hall. Where are all? He looked around. He saw Sham standing at the window looking out. He did not want to see his face and called out "Di..." 

Anjali came out with happiness spilling over her face. "Chote, do you know? Payal and Aakash's wedding is coming up. Nani has called pandit ji to suggest an auspicious day." She said happily putting her hand on his shoulder. He looked at her in relief. 

"But Raani Sahiba.... We should rethink about this wedding. We have to first find out where Khushi ji is. She is the one who ruined...." 

"Stop it...!" Arnav barked. Anjali came forward cutting him off "suniye... listen.. please don't take her name in this house. Chote gets upset. Now that celebrations will take place, lets not discuss unpleasant topics...please... both of you...!" she said pleadingly. 

A smirk appeared on sham's face, his lip curling up. He had done the damage. He had taken Khushi's name in front of His saale Saab. he thought "This will put an end to wedding and Arnav will never agree to the wedding. I know he hates Khushi and I will play my best to remind him of her deeds and add fuel to the hatred..."

Looking at Sham's face made Arnav more furious. He wanted to take her name, discuss about her, and the good deeds she had done for this family. He wanted to tell Anjali how wrong she was in passing wrong judgment about Khushi. He felt helpless. Aakash had come down and was listening to all this. Arnav looked at him and said "Congratulations!! Aakash... at last...the happiness is in the air..." He hugged him and patted on his back.

Sham kept looking at them speechless. He was confused, "What was going on?" Something fishy... "Why does Saale Saab look happy even after taking Khushi's name? why is he agreeing to this marriage." He must do something to stop all this. He must act fast. He feared failure of his plan. 

Thanks bhai...! " said Aakash Dreamily. Both of them started dialing the number and looked at each other. They smiled at each other and went to opposite direction clutching the phone to their ears.
Khushi waited with bated breath for his call....

Arnav dialed her number but the call could not get through. He decided not to try again, instead.. go and meet her personally. He went to his room to get ready to go to office. He would meet her on his way.
Aakash dialed payal's landline but decided otherwise. He cut the call and thought of meeting her personally. Getting ready he descended the stairs of his room hurriedly. He met his bhai at the front door who was rushing towards his SUV. 

"Bhai.." He called out. "Aakash I was waiting for you. I suggest you go ahead to the office and I will be there soon. I have some urgent work to finish." Said Arnav, avoiding his stare..

"Bhai... I was going to tell you... I mean.... Ok. I will go straight to the office.. Ok. Bhai...!" He sounded disappointed. Arnav looked at Aakash in surprise and then
"Aakash... are you going to meet her?" he asked looking at him piercingly.
"Are you too, bhai?" Aakash asked looking at Arnav in surprise. They stared at each other and then smiling.. "Lets go ..." said unanimously. 

Khushi and Payal waited for the call but no news came for a very long time. They heard the car stopping at their doors. Arnav and Aakash had jumped out of the car. Khushi and payal ran forward to open the door. Khushi allowed payal to do the honors, it was her day afterall. She stayed behind, inside the room, listening hard to what they were talking. 

"Payal ji... congratulations! " said Aakash in a soft passionate voice and took payal's hands in his. They kept looking at each other longingly. She called him inside. Both of them together looked so cute and adorable, Khushi could not resist her tears. She was smiling and crying at the same time. She knew they will be happy forever. She wiped her eyes and turned around. She went to the kitchen to get sweets for both of them. Tears never stopped rolling down her cheks. She arranged sweets in a plate artistically and turned to go out. He was there standing just behind her, looking at her unblinkingly. She almost bumped on him. He held her. "Khushi... you are impossible! Hey, it's a happy news! What is the reason for these tears?" He was looking at her in surprise. 

"You won't understand. This is happiness". She looked up in heaven. He looked at her passionately, gently putting his hand on her shoulder. 

“Thanking your Devi Mayya?” he asked gengly.  She nodded.  He cupped her face wiping off her tears.
" And by the way why did you not call?" Her mood changed. She sulked. He was amazed with her changing mood, he opened his mouth to retor taking a step back.  

 "Khushi... " payal had barged in with excitement and stopped suddenly looking at these two.
"Jiji, congratulations!" Khushi ran forward to hug her jiji. "Congratulations, payal" Arnav came forward and shook hands with her. There was time to celebrate. Khushi offered sweets to everyone. She brought the plate before Arnav and immediately withdrew it. And looking at him said... I have something else for you.
She went inside and opened the refrigerator, took out a bowl and came back with a spoon. She had prepared a Russian Salad with diced potatoes, vegetables bound in mayonnaise, specially for him. "I made it from the recipe book.." He could not take his eyes off her face. She blushed.
A smirk appeared on his face. Now he had the chance to tease her.. 

"Oh! Do you want me to taste this?" he asked with fake disgust on his face. She looked at him angrily "I mean... Is it worth taking the risk? " he really was good at acting . " I mean somebody should taste it before I do." He looked at her with twinkling eyes. 

"Fine! You don't want to taste it.. FINE. " She was really annoyed, taking it as an insult, she tried to pull the bowl back. He held it tightly and staring at her with passion, he opened his mouth inviting her to feed him. 

He ate a spoon full of salad and looked at her in appreciation. Payal and Aakash smiled looking at each other. Khushi looked satisfied and so did Arnav. 

"On a serious note... we need to be preparing for the wedding and we have a very little time. So start planning" Said Arnav and got up. Aakash reluctantly got up to go with Arnav. 

"Arnav ji" Khushi came forward. "You need to plan something else before the wedding..." she looked at him gravely. Reality came crashing...He knew what she was hinting at. He had no answer. He said, "Yes, I know... and I am planning." avoiding her piercing eyes. He had no clue what was he going to do. Time was running out. "I will talk to you later about this..." he said and left with Aakash.

"Raani Saheba, I am so happy. At last good things are happening in this house after that fateful day. But you need to be careful. We should ask panditji about this marriage and about future of Aakash and payal. We need to match the horoscope. I will consult a pandit." He said staring at Anjali, for her reaction.
"But nani has already done that. And Pandit ji told that the horoscopes match perfectly." She looked at his grave face and asked "Why are you worried? Is there anything serious? Are you saying they have faked payal's horoscope? But that's not possible. Nani had got it done from our panditji.." She looked at him with suspicion. "Raani saheba.. it was just a thought. If everything is settled then we really have to start planning for the wedding. " He smiled at her and held her in his arms. 

"Raani saheba... I need to go out for some work. To buy a house with all the amenities for you is my dream !. It will be ideal for two of us. Raani saheba, I want to buy it for you. Have you signed the papers I had given you last week? I need to submit to the Registrar." He asked her in a silky dreamy voice.
"Oh! I am sorry, I forgot... I will give them right now.." She said and went away. Smirk appeared on his face. He had managed to fool her again with his fake passion. He knew he would never think of staying away from Raizada House. This was his gold mine. He could dig out anything from these people.
Mamiji came into the hall. She looked furious. "Hello hi bye bye, no one thinks about me ... I hate that Gupta... I cannot thing of accepting her as my daughter in law". She muttered. 

"Mamiji, I can understand your worry. Even I am little skeptical to accept her in this house. I sympathize with you, mamiji. We really should think before going ahead with the wedding plans." He waited for her reaction.

"Yes, If it was in my control I would have never allow that girl to enter my house" She seemed furious and hurt. No one thought of including her in the wedding plans. 

"Mamiji, we can stop this marriage, if you wish... I am with you.." he jumped on the opportunity to ruin wedding plans. 

She looked at him in surprise. "Hello hi bye bye! Why would you do that? Damadiji, what interest do you have in stopping this marriage?" she asked suspiciously. 

"What interest I would have, mamiji? Its only that I cannot see your like this ... You are going to be the mother in law and no one is caring about it. I understand how you feel, mamiji..." he went on. 

Mamiji looked at him with hope and opened her mouth to speak something to him... but she remembered Arnav's threat. "She would be left nowhere to go, on one to talk to, and she would lose all the dignity if she tries to ruin the marriage plans." She knew Arnav Singh Raizada was capable of driving her out of this house and on one will come to her rescue once he decided upon it. 

"Nahi, Damadji!  Its Aakash;s happiness we should be looking for and if he is happy I am happy too!" she had changed her side and stance. She said "I am happy with this marriage, since Aakash is happy and that's enough reason to let this happen." She marched out of the hall.
Sham had lost this opportunity. 

** ***