Part 113

It was five thirty in the morning and Arnav's phone rang. He got up with a start and looked at the phone. It was from his office landline. "Sir, there is a situation! We got a phone call from our Gurgaon Road warehouse. There is a major fire break out! The situation is out of control, Sir!" the office security personnel had called up.

"What?" he jumped out moving around the bed, removing his jacket and throwing on the bed. Khushi was turning. She opened her eyes. A moment before she was in his arms.

"Khushi! I am going out! Will be back soon!" he said coming to her side and sitting on the bed.
"What?" she sat up holding his arm. "Khushi there is some problem at the office. I have to go!" he repeated putting his arm around her. She looked at his watch. He got up and moving towards bathroom, said "Don't worry! Nothing serious!" She got up and changed into salwar suit and went down in the kitchen to prepare  coffee for Arnav. She took the cup and went out. She saw Aakash coming out of his room and going towards Mamaji's room.

Aakash, Arnav and Mamaji were racing away with a jet speed. It was five thirty in the morning and all the otherwise busy roads were deserted. Arnav and Aakash were trying frantically to call the warehouse personnel in vain. Arnav called back office and asked for the number from which the security received the call. He dialed that number and someone picked up. He herd clamorous noise behind and the person on the phone with distorted voice said "There is a fire break out. Please reach as soon as possible!

Arnav drove faster than ever. They took the final bend on Gudgaon Road to reach their wearhouse, Arnav applied sudden breaks, it was seven in the morning.

"Aakash, who called you?" he asked looking around suspiciously.

*** *** ****
Khushi sat on the sofa in the hall after Arnav left lost in her thoughts. She was thinking about the emergency. She wanted to call Arnav but knew he must be driving. She inadvertently looked for her cell. She had left it in the room. She saw Payal coming out of her room. Payal went to the kitchen and prepared tea for them.

Payal and Khushi were sitting on sofe thinking about emergency sipping tea. It was almost six thirty in the morning.

Anjali walked in worriedly. "What is it Anjali di? Do you want tea?" Khushi asked.
"No! Where is Chote? And why are you sitting here? Asked Anjali.
"Gone out for some office work!" answered Khushi.
"Oh! Then where is he?" she muttered. "Who?" asked Khushi suspiciously.
"Khushi, HE is missing!" Anjali said gravely.
"What?" Khushi got up with a jerk.
"I don't know! But he is not there in the room. The guards have no idea where he is." said Anjali.
"The security guards were at the door but he had vanished. Khushi rushed to the guest room. She entered looking around. The window was open. "He must have jumped out of the window” she concluded.

"Anjali Di, you go and take rest" said Khushi holding her hand. "But where is he?" asked Anjali. Khushi came out in the hall and picking up the hand set tried dialling Arnav's number. No dial tone! The landline was dead. She winced at the worst thought, ran up to her room. She searched for her phone and dialled Arnav's number. It was busy. Aakash's cell too was busy. Mamaji could not be reached. Mamiji answered the call and said, mamaji had left the phone at home.
Khushi again came down trying the numbers. Payal was sitting there dumbstruck.

*** ***** ****
"Aakash, who called you?" Arnav repeated his question. Aakash looked confused. "From the office, bhai!" he said.

"Damn it! I should have known! Aakash, look around! We have almost reached ... there is no commotion, no fire brigade; no fire! No smoke! Look Aakash!" Arnav said in a ghostly voice.

 "Aakash this is a decoy! We must get back home!" said Arnav taking a U turn. It would take them another hour and a half to reach home.

Arnav's phone rang. It was Khushi!
"Khushi, I am coming home!" he said at once. "Arnav ji.. HE is missing!" Khushi did not waste a second to give this news! When she had dialled and the phone had started ringing, she had run back to her room.

"What?" Arnav slammed the accelerator. "Oh! My God!... Khushi, it was a decoy to bring us out of the house! There is no fire, nothing!" he almost screamed.

"What?.. hey devi mayya, Raksha karana! Save us!" Khushi blurted.
"Khushi, listen to me carefully. Shut all the doors. Don't open for anyone till we reach. Call the security guard and ask him to lock the gates. Keep everyone in their rooms, safe! DON'T gather them at one place... We are coming back soon!"

He disconnected. "Aakash, HE is missing!" said Arnav gravely looking at Aakash's face. Aakash looked panic struck. "Who is missing?" asked Mamaji.
"Dad, Jijaji is missing! I will tell you later. First we must reach home at any cost!"

"Aakash call papaji!" Arnav ordered thrusting his phone. Aakash took the phone and dialled. "Hello Papaji, where are you?" asked Arnav hearing the commotion behind. "Arnav Puttar, good morning! I was about to call you. We are at the airport. There is some emergency at our office." Said papaji.
"Papaji... Cross check the news for a decoy!! Arnav said loudly!!

What?" papaji could ask.
" Papaji, we got a phone call from the office that fire broke out In our warehouse. It was a decoy and we are out on Gurgeon road.! " said Arnav frantically.
"What?" Papaji asked. "Yes! Please ... and HE is missing. Gave us a slip again!" Arnav said.
"Ok! Puttar I will call you back!" papaji disconnected.

"Raj, Shondeep! Call our CEO of weaving division! Check for the news" ordered papaji turning to move out of the airport.

Shondeep dialled the number. There were several calls from Papaji, Shondeep and Raj to different people.
"We have to reach Raizada house immediately!" said papaji. "He is missing and Arnav and Aakash are out on Gurgaon road.!" said papaji gravely dialling commissioner's number.

**  *****
Khushi sent Payal to her room. She knocked on Lavanya's door. "Lavanya ji, Please stay inside your room and do not open it at any cost! Arnav ji and Aakash ji are both out for some emergency. There is a security problem. Please lock the door from inside." She said in one breath and turned to leave.
"What? Chamakili? Is there a problem?" She asked looking panic.

"No Lavanya ji, not serious but please stay inside!" she said coming out of the room and closing the door behind. She heard the door being locked.

Khushi dialled papaji's number
"Papaji..." she started off. "Khushi Puttar, don't worry! We are on our way! Arnav had called me!" said papaji and gave his phone to Raj.

"Khushi, don't worry. We will reach there in no time! Wait for us! Nothing will happen!" He himself was not convinced with his own statement that nothing will happen!!

"Raj bhaiyya... Don't worry! I will manage! You please come as early as possible!" said Khushi resolutely. She waited in the hall with bated breath locking all the doors and shutting all the windows.

Mamiji came out "Hello Hi bye bye.. What makes you sit like a statue! Are you waiting for my orders? Go and get tea for me, phati saree! And where is that Khoon Bhari taang?" mamiji screamed. Khushi went into the kitchen. The maid was preparing for the breakfast. Ram Prakash was busy cleaning. Khushi was waiting for the water to boil to make the tea for Mamiji. Nani was in the mandir for pooja.

"Why all the doors are closed?" shouted mamiji from the hall and started opening the windows.
"No! Mamiji! Please... don't open the windows... "Khushi ran out shouting at the top of her voice. By that time, mamiji had gone to the front door and had pulled it open.

"Hello hi bye..by...." She was pushed inside and was brought down on the floor with a thud!!! She screamed!

"Hello hi bye..by...." She was pushed inside and was brought down on the floor with a thud!!! She screamed!

Khushi ran forward and froze! Mami ji was unconscious with a hit on her head by the butt of the gun.

Sham stood there brandishing the gun. Khushi started backing away. Sham looked at unconscious mamiji loathing. He started moving forward in the hallway and into the hall. Nani had already reached the hall hearing the commotion and the thud. "What is going on?" she screamed.

Payal was opening her bedroom door. "Jiji... don't open the door! Stay inside!" Khushi screamed at the top of her voice going behind the sofa. She saw Anjali coming in the hall.

"Di.. please stay inside.. Don’t come out! Stay in your room!" Khushi screamed again. Sham had already reached the sofa trying to catch hold of Khushi pointing a gun. "Don't try to move!" he screamed at Nani!! Khushi had reached the dining area... thinking hard. Anjali had come out seeing her husband with a gun.

"Anjali Di, go to your room!" Khushi screamed panic stuck. Anjali did not move. She took a step forward. "No...." Khushi screamed leaving her place and running towards Anjali. Sham came in her way before she could reach to Anjali.

Khushi didn't know what to do. She stopped looking at Sham and his gun. Sham moved ahead.. Khushi again paced back fast to move away from his clutches. Nani took a step forward. Khushi could see Ram Prakash coming out of the kitchen. "Don't move!" screamed Sham firing a gun shot in the air. "Get inside the kitchen!" he ordered. He looked at Nani,

"Go get yourself locked up in the kitchen Nani, else I will have to kill someone again!" he screamed. Khushi froze. "Again? Has he killed someone now?" she thought. She looked at the main door, the security guard was missing.

Sham laughed like a maniac. "No one will come! The guards are out searching for me in the Mandir!" he laughed, taking a step forward. "And don't you dare taking a step ahead... you limping git!" he shouted at his wife. Anjali froze.

"Why, why are you doing this?" she asked with pain in her eyes.

"Why? Can't you see?" he asked laughing hysterically. "You people have ruined my life tossing up all my plans!. I will not spare any one of you!" he screamed with rage and madness in his eyes.

"What did we do? I loved you so much.. and you did love me!" Anjali had tears in her eyes. She was rooted to the ground  unable to move as he had pointed his gun at her. Khushi was thinking hard... she looked at the clock. It was 8:15 in the morning. "Arnav ji must be on his way. He will reach here soon.. I should be careful... I should stop him from causing any harm...." She thought. She looked around desperately.

"Love you? Did I love you? How can I love a limping, lame, naive, gullible woman?" Sham asked ruthlessly.

 "You were never of my type..! You are the one to be of 'use and throw' type!" He said scornfully. Anjali looked at him heartbroken! The last ray of hope was snatched away.

"Don't show me that expression again! I am fed up of your tears!" Sham yelled at her. He had started moving towards kitchen. He pushed Nani who was standing at the kitchen door. The push was so forceful that Nani lost her balance and hit the kitchen platform with a thud. The maid tried to support her.

"Close the door! Don't you dare doing anything.. I have already locked the back door" he told the maid. He bolted the kitchen door from outside pointing his gun at either Anjali or Khushi throughout who were standing on either side of the table.

"Why?" Anjali asked trembling. Khushi was waiting ... was waiting for these minutes to get over and then Arnav will come!! But she could not bear Anjali's insult and humiliation!

"Why? Because You were my trophy wife!! You were only that for me. I used you to climb the ladder of social status! When I married you, I was already married!" he said laughing hysterically, laughing at her gullibility.

Khushi's blood boiling, she screamed!! "Stop it! Stop hurting her right now!" She could not control herself. She came forward running towards Anjali. Sham caught her in between and holding her by her arm said

"don't you try doing anything... I will kill her!" She pushed him with all her might and came to Anjali standing in between him and her, shielding her.

Sham looked around at all the closed doors! He turned to Anjali and Khushi again brandishing his gun. He looked at Khushi with a maddening menace smacking his lips.

 "I like strong women... strong and wild .. wild like a tigress!" he looked at Khushi from top to bottom licking his lips. "Like Khushi... you are wild... I love to love you! I love to tame you... bring you under my control!! I did! ... " he was looking at her with lustful eyes. She felt a wave of disgust run through her spine. She closed her eyes never wanting to see the filth standing before her.

"You make me crazy Khushi! You seem unreachable making me hungrier!! No one can quench my thirst, but you!!" he said throatily taking a step further... She did not move from her place. "Anjali Di!" she said looking back trying to think hard, keeping an eye on the clock. She wanted him to talk... to talk till people arrive.

"Don't look at her! She is of no use! Look at me, Khushi! She doesn't deserve a handsome person like me. You deserve me, Khushi more than anybody else. I will not let you go like this... if you can't be mine, you cannot be his either!" he hissed taking another step forward. Khushi moved a step backward with Anjali backing away! He came forward and touched her shoulder.

"Come with me! We will have a life far away from this place! I am rich enough to have a peaceful life." he said in a mild, passionate tone. She pushed him away fuming with rage.

"Don't you dare touch me!" she fumed!
"Oh yeah? What will you do? Beat me up? Like you did that day? Ok! Come on beat me! Touch me!" he started laughing and touching her again and again.

She pushed him with all her might sending him off balance a bit and ran past him. He came behind her and held her wrapping his arm and pointing his gun at her temple, trying to pull her towards him. She screamed! Anjali came forward! He fired  in the air again. He bent forward trying to kiss her... she pushed him!! He went out of control and with one jerk he tore the sleeve of her dress... hissing..

 "Khushi.. stop resisting!!.. Anyway I am taking you.. You are my hostage!!You are my ransom!! No one will touch me when you are with me! You are my prize too! I will have you, have all your wealth!" She felt filth on her body and winced. He laughed. She tried to free herself... he held her hand and dragged her. She gave a mighty push on his chest. He held her more tightly and said "I will kill you, if you move!"

She looked at him, her eyes spitting rage. She actually spat on his face... trembling with rage she screamed "Kill me!" He was taken aback. She stood firm ... "come on! Kill me!" she challenged him in a steady voice. She could see movement from the corner of her eyes. She saw a figure behind Sham moving closer!!

"Kill me! You want to kill me? Do it! Kill me right now! But you will not have me! You will never have me... I will kill myself before going with you! You filthy Rascal!" she screamed.

Sham gazed at her and suddenly slapped her square on her face...leaving a mark of his fingers on her cheek, "Shut up!" he screamed. The figure had moved closer.. Wanting to distract him, Khushi laughed hysterically.

 "I enjoyed that kidnapping episode, Sham ji! I have all the photographs with me!" she said contemptuously.. Sham went wild with rage. He moved forward and pressed his thumb on cavity of her  throat chocking her up gripping her neck by his other fingers, pressing the gunpoint on her forehead. She suffocated..She tried to push him away in vain. She was losing it... she was losing her vision, she could not breathe... the surrounding was growing darker and darker..

Suddenly his grip loosened.. he went off balance and fell on her.. Both of them went down to ground with a thud... She freed herself from under him by pushing him with all her might and stood on her feet looking at him loathing. She looked up at Anjali. She was standing there with a metal vase, with which she had hit him with all her might. He had lost his grip on the gun and before Khushi could pick it up, Anjali had bent down and picked it up.

Khushi looked at Sham. He had turned on the floor to face them, clutching the back of his head. He got up smirking...

"Brandishing the gun won't work Raani Saheba! I know you will not shoot me! You will not shoot your husband!!!" he smiled and took a step ahead stretching his hand to take the gun from her. Khushi stood there dumbstruck. She was quivering from head to toe... now that she was freed from the gunpoint. Reality came crashing on her.

"Don't move!" screamed Anjali. Sham gave a loathing laugh and took another step towards Anjali. Khushi heard the gunshot. Sham fell backwards hitting his head on the edge of the table,  Blood oozing out from his arm. He clutched his arm in severe pain. Anjali had shot him in the arm! She came forward. Khushi screamed! Anjali kept her foot with the braces on his stretched out palm, crushing it.

"Khushi open the kitchen door and call the police" She said firmly. "Raani Saheba." Sham called out in pain. She crushed his palm forcefully causing pain in her ankle but remained steady.

"Don't move!" she screamed. "Else I will shoot you in the head!" Her limping foot crushing his palm...!

People from the kitchen came running. Sham was trying to sit up and to pull his palm from under her limping foot. She was standing over him like a solid rock. Khushi dialled police station trembling. Payal came out of her room and ran towards Nani holding her tightly. The maid came running and giving a look of disgust at Sham, threw a fistful of Red Chilli powder at his eyes. He fell back again screaming in pain.

 "This is from me!" she screamed kicking him in the rib with all her might.
Anjali still stood there pressing her foot on his palm. Khushi felt weak and giddiness took over.

"Khushi go to your room!!" Anjali ordered. She heard the police siren!!! Khushi ran back to her room tottering and reeling.

***********  ********

Khushi went to her room. She was shaking uncontrollably. This was worst than her kidnapping episode. She was breathing heavily,  panting, sweating all over. She looked around in fright and found out the lever to close the ceiling again. She drew all the steel gray curtains. She paced in the room crying and screaming. Her legs gave way.. She felt weak.. She collapsed on the floor resting her back on the side of her bed and wrapped her arms around her knees. She buried her head in her arms crying uncontrollably.

The commissioner of Police with the Inspector on duty had personally come on Mr. Balwindar Singh’s request. He judged the scene and coming to Anjali signalled the Hawaldar to take the gun from her hand. The gloved hawaldar took the gun from her and put it in a polythene bag. A  lady constable had helped Mamiji on her feet and had made her sit on the chair nearby. They started investigating the scene. Two police men had handcuffed the blinded and bleeding Sham. “Take him to the hospital first!” ordered the commissioner.

The commissioner looked at his watch. He heard the screeching brakes.. Arnav was the first to enter the house sprinting followed by Aakash. He came in, saw the police, and looked at his Sister. She still stood there like a statue with expressionless face.

“Di…..!” he called her intently. She turned her face and looked at him. He came and hugged her. She stood there still. He could not stop his tears. “Di..!” he said hoarsely chocking...

“Chote… its over I shot him!” she said gravely. Emptiness filled her mind.
“Di…!” he called out in pained voice. He held her tightly.
“Di.. I am sorry!” he said in a hoarse voice.
“He is alive!” said the commissioner! Arnav took a sigh of relief. He hugged his Big Sister!! “Di..!”

“Chote… !” She broke free and looked around. “Khushi….” She blurted.

“Khushi… Where is she?” asked Arnav looking around in panic. He came to his Di and holding her asked raising his voice, “Where is Khushi? Di… tell me where is she?” the delay was killing him. His mind thinking the worst… his brain hoping to get the answer, his heart thumping against his chest, he screamed “Khushi…!” Anjali looked up and said “Room…” He had already reached the flight of stairs.

Aakash came forward and shook hands with the commissioner. “Mr. Balwindar Singh called me!” Said the commissioner. Aakash nodded. “He is on his way !” said the commissioner. “I will wait for him. We will have to complete the formalities!” He said. Aakash nodded again. Mamaji sat down on the sofa shocked. He looked at mami ji she was pressing her head. Payal was holding her. She looked shattered. The troll had blown the entire Raizada House.

They heard screeching car. Raj and Shondeep jumped out of the car and dashed in, shocked with the police van at the porch. Raj looked around and went to Aakash. Papaji came in and the commissioner came forward to shake hands with him.

Shondeep rushed to Anjali. He wrapped his arm around her shoulder “Anjali… are you ok?” he was concerned. He held her and took her to the sofa. Lavanya came out of the room frightened to the core. She came forward, “Lavanya get some drink for her!” Shondeep ordered. Lavanya with Ram Prakash hurriedly went into the kitchen. Anjali looked aghast, completely drained out; Drained out of strength, out of emotions!!. She had no recognition in her eyes. Lavanya brought in juice.
“Anjali.. have this!” he took her hand and placed the glass in her hand. She was lost. She did not know what was going on. He took the glass and took it to her lips.

“Drink this!” he almost ordered. She winced and looked at him. “Drink it, Anjali, you will feel better” he said softly. Tears started welling up in her eyes. She started trembling. Shondeep pressed the glass to her lips and ordered “Drink it, Anjali!!” She took a gulp choking.. He took the glass and rubbed her back holding her hand.
Nani came forward and sat next to her. She took her in her arms. Shondeep pulled himself away from her and got up to join papaji. Lavanya was standing there dumbstruck, shocked, unable to think of anything. She just kept on looking at people.

*** *** ***
“Khushi…. “ he banged on the door pushing it open She had forgotten to bolt it. He came in and looked at her! He froze!! “Khushi……!” he screamed, came running to her going down on his knees. Khushi looked up. Her Arnav was holding her. She lost her control and she fell upon him crying and sobbing uncontrollably. He held her tight helping her to get up. He looked at her condition. Her shattered face, the dark marks on her cheek, her torn sleeve, the gripping marks on her arms…
He asked her in a low voice, “Khushi…what did he do?” She looked at him speechless.
“tell me Khushi, what did he do to you?” He asked again raising his voice.

“He.. He.. “ She could not continue and started sobbing again. He held her at arm’s length… in a firm and steady voice he asked her again “Khushi.. what did he do?” He looked stranger to her. She was shocked… She sensed menace in his eyes.

“He.. held me at gunpoint and …. Tried to kidnap…. Di shot him…” She said trembling uncontrollably. He left her, went to his vault, took out his gun and turned. Khushi gaped at him… her mouth fell open, her throat went dry, her eyes popped out.. she blurted “What?”
“I am going to kill that bastard!” he said resolutely moving towards the door.
“No…” She screamed! She forgot her trauma. She blocked him. “No! You are not doing this!” she said firmly trying to snatch away his gun.
“Khushi… let me go! I am going to kill him!” he said grinding his teeth.
“No.!” she was equally firm, blocking his way. He tried to push her. She did not move. He used his force. She held his hand and snatched his gun, threw it away. His rage mounting , he screamed “Khushi.. let me go!”
“No!” she yelled back. He tried to push her aside with all his strength.. she wrapped her arms around his waist and locked her fingers behind, tightly. He moved with strength, Khushi whirled with him, around him.

“Khushi.. leave me!” he ordered. “No.. Devi mayya, Shakti dena! Give me strength..Give me strength..” she started muttering holding on to him tightly. He tried to remove her hands, unlock her entangled fingers in vain. His rage reached the peak… “Khushi…!” he screamed turning around like a monster.. She got dragged with him.

She did not leave him. “No.. She screamed again “I am not leaving you… You are not going anywhere!” He lost his control; his anger climbing the peak, for forgot she was his wife. He shook her holding her shoulders vigorously, banged her head against the wall. She did not budge, made the grip tighter. Her fingers sweating and a surge of pain blinded her. He had banged on her shoulder with his fist.

“Devi mayya, give me strength.. strength.. “She was muttering closing her eyes and biting her lower lip for strength. “Khushi… “He screamed again and moved with her to pick up the gun, dragging her.. forcing her, beating her…

She did not loosen the grip. “No! You are not going anywhere!” She was screaming in pain.. calling her devi mayya. He started shattering the entire room, throwing the blankets, breaking the vases, moving around in the room like a trapped troll dragging her along.

She felt week for a moment… but she prayed. “Devi mayya! Shakti dena!”
“Arnav ji!” she screamed. “You are not going!” she ordered. He looked at her with spitting rage. His madness went out of boundaries.. He forgot everything… He went on to her like a storm… Holding her violently, digging his teeth on her neck... She closed her eyes and embraced the storm… enduring all the pain. He was shaking her, banging her head, pushing her, screaming and yelling at her. She held on to him like an inseparable part of his own body, he wanted to cut off. She did not give up. Her devi mayya gave her tremendous strength, to stop the disaster. He screamed… yelled, shouted, pleaded.. Forced in vain.

The same room, last night which looked like a heaven was turned into the hell. Looked like a cellar, a sound proof steel vault, where the volcano of rage erupted.

She waited with all her strength for the storm to subside. She endured his pain!!!… She empathized his pain… his anguish… his helplessness, his concern about his sister, she felt his pain.. with every bit of his violence. Every time praying “Shakti dena.. shakti dena!”

The storm subsided.. leaving behind its traces.. disaster… He was motionless… in her arms… with no resistance, no violence, no rage! She was still holding on to him. She opened her eyes, looked at him.

He had closed his eyes. He was sweating all over. He was breathing heavily.. he was panting.. he was breathless. She still had her fingers locked around his waist. She tried to unlock her fingers, but the force with which she had held on for such a long time.. she felt her fingers got entangled permanently. She could not separate  her fingers. A surge of pain caused her groan. He opened his eyes.

“Help me!” she said trying to free her fingers. She felt as though they glued to each other permanently. He brought his shaky hands to his back and freed her sweating fingers. Her hands came down lifelessly. She slid down on the floor in a heap. He stood there looking at her at his feet.
He kept looking down at her. She had lost all her strength, so had he. He slowly came back to his senses and looked around, realizing what he had done. He looked at his wife and collapsed on her miserably.
“Khushi…!” he cried out, holding her. He moved his hands on her body. She was breathing heavily. Both of them had no strength to get up. He lifted her face. He started trembling… quivering.. shaking…”Khushi… what have I done!!!” he said in a trembling voice. Her sindoor was smudged, she still had dark marks on her cheek, she had a swollen lower lip bleeding at the corner, had teeth marks on her shoulders, her arms bore finger nail marks, her fingers were swollen.

He took her hands in his and looking at her condition lost his control. Burying his face on her laps… he cried out “Khushi…I am sorry! .. I am sorry! Khushi…!”

“Shh! Arnav ji!” She held him tightly lifting his face and bringing him closer, she held his head pressed against her heart and whispered!
“Arnav ji Aap kaa gussa hame aap ke pyaar se bhi jyadaa pyaara hai!!”
“Arnav ji, I love your rage as much as I love YOU!”

He looked up! She smiled at him. He embraced her, pulled her on to him, rolling on the floor. He kissed her lower lip gently. All her pain vanished. She felt happy!! She felt only passion love in his arms.

“Arnav ji…” she put her arms around his neck kissing him back rolling on her back and pulling him on her. His mom’s kangan (bangles) tinkled merrily around her wrists. She had proven herself worthy of it. She had swallowed his Rage, his Anger. She was successful in stopping him and saved the family from disaster!! His Rage storm had gone back, never to return!!!!

"Khushi..!" Payal called out knocking on the door. Khushi and Arnav were still in each other’s arms!!
"Khushi.. Arnav ji, are you ok?" she asked.
"Yes Payal.. will come down !" Arnav answered still holding Khushi.
"Arnav ji! We have to go down... Anjali Di..!" she got up with a jerk. She looked at the room. "Oh! Look at the mess!" she started picking up and clearing the things.

"Khushi.. you get ready. I will do this!" he said. Khushi looked at herself in the mirror and looked at Arnav. He looked shattered too! "You need to change too" she said.
She opened her bag to pick up her dress. "Wait !" said Arnav and he chose a dress for her. He helped her to wear it so did she. He wore his normal attire!!

She looked at her shattered face in the mirror and tried to cover it with her dupatta. "No! Khushi.. Leave it like that!" he said. Arnav and Khushi went down.

*** **** ***
In the evening... Everybody had gathered in the hall. Papaji and family were ready to leave. Papaji managed and completed all the formalities with Arnav and Aakash. The commissioner of Police was of great help. There was time to frame the charge sheet. Sham was taken into custody and was to be presented before the magistrate the next day. Papaji was going to make sure that everything would be done with minimum anguish to Anjali. Mummiji had offered Anjali to stay with them for some days for a change and to gather herself well.

"I know the road ahead is bumpy for everyone. This is only a beginning. You will have to endure a lot, go through the turmoil again and again!. The court cases, the trials, the media!! You will have to face the humiliation answering the same set of questions. But I am sure you all will come out of this!! Stay together!!" said papaji gravely.

"There are lots of buried skeletons to be unearthed! Lot of digging in your past will take place!!" he placed his hand on Arnav's shoulder. Arnav looked down.
"Arnav Puttar, I know you can handle this !! Now that your Khushi is with you, I am sure you will have no trouble handling anything at all!" said papaji looking at Khushi fondly.

Khushi hugged Raj and Elsa. Raj gave her an envelope and said "Enjoy your honeymoon!" he winked at Arnav.
"Khushi, promise me! You will visit Kolkata frequently!" Raj held out his hand with tearful eyes. He was worried about his mom and dad. He wanted to come back for good but that was not that easy!!

"Yes Bhaiyya!" Khushi promised him holding his hand. Arnav came forward and kept his hand on hers promising "We will!"

Raj hugged his BIL with gratitude!! He gave her a chocolate and hugging her said "Be a Good girl And listen to him! My lil sisi!!" she broke from him sulkily.

"I am not Meera or Tej!" she said. She looked around remembering Tej. "Where is he?" she asked looking at Meera who was standing there seriously, holding her mother's hand looking at the grave faces of everyone.
"He is in the garden morose with all of you!" she said equally sulkily.
"Why?" asked Khushi bemused.
"Because, you did not take him with you last night after the reception!" she said. Sending waves of laughter, first time after the morning episode. Khushi looked around for Arnav. He already had reached the garden and had lifted him whispering "Sorry buddy!" Tej looked at his Arnav uncle and his sulkiness vanished.
He placed his arms around his uncle and said. "I don't want to go back!! I want to stay with you and Khushi buwa!" Arnav smiled and said "Bbuddy! We will come to Kolkata day after tomorrow! "

"Really? Promise?" he asked excitedly. "Yes! Promise!" said Arnav putting him down and holding his hand. They both walked in.

They were all ready to leave. Khushi went to Shondeep and whispered.. "Thank you Sir!" He raised his eyebrows! "For everything!" she said glancing around!
"You had ordered me to take care of her, so I did!" he said looking at her.
"Oh yeah? Really? On my orders?" she asked grinning and raising her eyebrows. He avoided her gaze.
Papaji came to Anjali and said "Anjali beti, I invite you to stay with us for some days when you come with Arnav and Khushi for her "Pag phere" (Returning home first time after the wedding) day after tomorrow! Raj is coming to fetch his sister!!" she nodded! He went further
"And Ms. Lavanya, you too are invited to give company to Anjali!" He smiled at Khushi. Khushi grinned winking at Papaji.
Khushi came running .. and hugged her papaji. "Thank you papaji! Di is my replacement!" she whispered.
Papaji patted on her head and said loudly "No one can replace you! There is no replacement for you, Khushi Puttar! You are the one unique sample, mad and crazy! No one can ever be a match!!" He kissed her on her forehead.

"Yeah, Exactly! One unique sample piece!!" said Arnav looking at Khushi smirking mischievously.
"What? What did you say?" she turned back thrusting her hands on her hips spreading waves of laugher everywhere. Arnav pulled her into his arms without any inhibitions!!!
"I love you!!" he whispered in her ears in everybody's presence!!!

**** *********** *************** ******************* *************

The End....

Part 112

They landed on Delhi Airport. Babuji, Amma and Buwaji had decided to stay in Lucknow! The cars were waiting for them. "We are going to the Mandir first and then home!" declared papaji. They went to the Mandir to take blessings. Panditji blessed the newlywed couple. Then the cars were moved the company guest house. Elsa helped Khushi change in Shaadi Ka joda and raj forced Arnav to wear the Indian attire.

They all went to Raizada house. The family members were waiting for the welcome. Nani asked Khushi to spill the rice filled in the copper pot with the toe of her right foot. Arnav lifted Khushi to bring her into the house. He kept her down and she was asked to soak her feet into the kumkum(vermilion) mixed water kept in a large shallow plate and then enter the house with her right foot. She did and walked up to the Mandir in the house. Both of them took blessings from Devi Mayya and all the elders.

Khushi did chouka pooja where she prepared kheer for everyone. Everyone presented her gifts. They felt relaxed. All the men were busy talking except Sham. He was made to sit there but no one was talking to him.

"During the reception, there will be a press conference!" Said papaji. Arnav looked little nervous. He glanced at Khushi who was busy talking to Anjali.

"Arnav, puttar, you know what kind of questions will be thrown. We have to take care of her. She is touchy about this.!" Said papaji gravely. He wanted the last formal event to get over without any untoward incidence. Arnav nodded.

"And I am going to make an important announcement in the press conference!" declared papaji. Raj and Shondeep were shocked. "Sir, you? Are you attending the press?" asked Shondeep knowing full well that Papaji was a  media shy person and never came before the media. He always sent his CEO's to make the announcements.

"Yes! " said papaji seriously. Sham got up and went to his room. Two of the bodyguards stood at the door. Everyone exchanged looks. Lavanya was sitting next to Shondeep and was trying to attract his attention.

"Lavanya ji!" Khushi called out! She looked up. Khushi glanced at papaji. He had a stern look on his face. Khushi changed the track. "Lavanya ji wil you help me getting ready for the evening?" she asked with an innocent face. "Yeah Sure!" said Lavanya smiling and getting up. Both of them went inside leaving the men to discuss the plans. Arnav suddenly remembered something. He excused himself and went to his room. He searched for something in his bag. Took out an envelope and came down again. He went into the kitchen. The maid was helping Payal and Khushi. He looked at her and went to the back yard door. She followed.

"um...! Thank you.! " he whispered holding out the envelope.
"No sir! I cannot accept this. You have already given me so much!" Said the maid. Khushi came to them , she took it from Arnav's hand and thrust it in the Maid's hand saying.. "This is not for you, but for your kid!" The maid accepted it smiling at both of them. Arnav went out.

They got ready for the reception and went to Roshan Aaraa Club. This was typically a high profile formal wedding reception. A mild music was played. People greeted the couple. Arnav was very comfortable with this kind of environment but Khushi felt nervous. She kept on looking for some familiar faces. She could see only Anjali and Lavanya moving around talking to people. Elsa stood by her side supporting her. Khushi looked at Elsa and gave her a faint smile. Arnav was busy shaking hands with the guests and talking to them smiling. He kept on introducing her to the unknown faces. She only had to join her hands and shake hands and greet people. Papaji and Raj were at the entrance welcoming people. Nani and Mummiji were sitting at the corner table discussing something. Mamaji and Aakash were busy greeting the guests. Mamiji was constantly in search of a gullible person to start with her boastful monologues.

Khushi saw them... her office gang... ! But they didn’t seem to have seen her or they purposefully ignored her!  She grew restless.  She wanted to run down to them and have a blast.  But she couldn’t.  Her gang ... her office... her friends ignored her completely.  They were laughing and eating at the far end and Khushi had to see them helplessly.  Regi was at the centre of her gang and Aman and Rekha were giggling with his animated talks. 

Khushi could feel the contrast between the wedding atmosphere and the reception! Late in the evening  the specially invited select media persons arrived. Raj and Shondeep did not leave any stone unturned in hospitality. They were taken care of very well. The food and drinks did the magic. They seemed to be contented. Papaji was nowhere to be seen. Some politicians and Ministers had  arrived to bless the couple with their Z-security. Sham at once came in the picture. He took them to the stage to introduce to the couple. Khushi fidgeted at the presence of Sham on the stage. Arnav greeted the politicians. Arnav did not see Ratan Singh Thakur in that group. He looked around. Shondeep had hurriedly climbed the stage looking at Sham. The group descended from the stage and Arnav could see them mixing up with other hi profile industrialists. Sham had again gone back to his front seat.

Khushi was feeling uneasy and tired. Payal asked her whether she wanted something to eat. She glanced at Arnav and said No! Elsa gave her a dark chocolate. "Eat this. You will feel energetic!" she said smiling at Khushi. Khushi smiled back with gratitude. Khushi touched Arnav's palm. Arnav looked at her. There was no one else on the stage. She inserted a piece of chocolate in his hand and said. "Eat it! No one is looking at us!" Arnav looked at her face. He stared at the chocolate traces at the corner of her lips. He could not take his eyes off. He smacked his lips. "What?" she asked him in a whisper blushing. He kept staring at her. Khushi looked around. Elsa had come back. She looked at Khushi and adjusted her lipstick with the tissue, grinning at her.

The crowd was thinning. People had started returning. Raj and Shondeep were taking care of media people. They both saw papaji coming from behind the stage with his confident stride. At once he was surrounded by media. It was a piece of cake to get the interview of a formidable but media shy person. On a very few occasions Mr. Balwindar Singh had come in limelight. He greeted the media among the camera flashes and the mikes. He asked Raj and Shondeep to join him. Raj went and called Arnav and Khushi. Khushi looked nervous and angry. She did not want to face the media. Arnav held her hand and whispered. "Don’t talk anything or react. Just be there with me!" She looked at him.

“I need you, Khushi!” he needed her support....!

Their eyes blinded with the flashes of cameras. Khushi stood a step behind Arnav who held her hand tightly.

 "Mr. Arnav how do you feel marrying your heart throb?" "Top of the world!" replied Arnav smiling.

"We know you were in relationship with one Ms. Kashyap! What happened to that?" asked an arrogant voice. "It did not work!" replied Arnav gripping her hand tightly.

 "Is it true that your wife is an orphan and grew up in a low class family?" came another disdainful voice. "Yes. She is an orphan and so am I" Arnav tried to keep his voice steady. Tears brimming up in Khushi's eyes.

"Gentlemen. I have to make an important announcement. And the wedding of Arnav and Khushi is only an occasion to make it." Papaji came to their rescue. Media focus shifted to Mr. Balwindar Singh.

"Sir, it is true that she is your foster daughter?" asked a contemptuous voice. "Yes, she is!" said papaji.

"What is your relationship with her dead parents?" asked a curious voice. "They were my foster daughter's parents!" said papaji plainly.

"Sir, we heard, your son returned after ten years. What was the reason for his return?" asked a poking voice. "I have returned to my family!" said Raj sternly. The things were taking a different turn.

"Is it that, you walked out of his life 10 years back and now returned due to financial problems?" another scornful voice asked. "He has a business of his own and doing very well!" said papaji placing his hand on Raj's shoulder.

"Is it true that you transferred the ownership of your fashion division to her and this is the reason for this wedding?" "It is true that it's a business politics than a love affair?" asked rude voice. Khushi was taken aback. She shuddered and looked at Arnav and Papaji. "They had decided to get married before the transfer!" said papaji firmly.

"Is it true that a case is pending about the tutelage of Mr. Arnav and Mr. Rattan Singh Thakur is involved in it" asked another discourteous voice. "I think, you should ask this to Mr. Thakur!" said Arnav firmly.

"Is it true that his parents were never married? Does his newlywed wife know about it?" came a supercilious voice from behind. Everyone was taken aback by this direct question. Arnav flinched. He could feel her sweating. He opened his mouth to retort back angrily. But...

"Yes! I know everything about him!" said a steady and calm voice of Khushi. She had moved a step ahead levelling with Arnav, holding his hand tightly. Arnav turned his face and looked at her. She looked at him and smiled back assuring him that she would always be there with him. Papaji smiled.

"I think we need to come back to the point!" said papaji loudly.
"The purpose of this press conference is that I have decided to retire in next couple of years!" declared papaji, sending shock waves everywhere. It was a news to even Raj. Everyone gaped at him.

"What?" Khushi blurted. "Of course I will always be there as mentor but not a decision maker!" papaji made another statement.

"Who will be your successor? Now that your son has returned! Or is this the reason for his return?" asked the sniffy voice louder than others.

"I have been thinking on this for a long time. And not one, but four of them together will run BTR group of Industries.!" Said papaji.

"Who? And How?" asked a female voice.
"My son, Raj, my daughter Khushi, her husband Arnav and my right hand man, who is already shouldering my responsibilities, Mr. Shondeep Banerjee!" Papaji declared to everybody's surprise. All four gaped at Mr. Balwindar Singh!

"And the modalities will be decided by the end of next year!" Declared papaji.

There was a sudden rush of questions from all over the press conference. Everyone wanted to ask the last question.

"I think, that's it!" papaji raised his hand discouraging further questions and turned to leave.
They dispersed. Arnav and Khushi took their places. They both were shocked. Arnav was musing on papaji's sudden decision. He looked lost.

Shondeep saw Anjali moving around with a worried face.
"Are you ok?" he came and asked her. "Um yes! But where is he?" she asked.
"My husband!" she said looking around. Sham had disappeared.

"Shondeep, where were you?' Lavanya came and wrapped her arm around his. He smiled at her and pulling his arm from her grip said "Please excuse me! I need to talk to her!" He looked at Anjali. She had already turned and was going away. Patting on Lavanya's hand he said "Lavanya, I need to talk to her. Its urgent. I will catch up with you later!" He went after Anjali.

"Anjali!" he called her out softly from behind. She stopped dead. He looked around. He saw Raj and Aakash approaching them.

 "Anjali, we need to talk" He guided her to the nearby table and pulling the chair requested her to sit. She looked confused. He waited for Raj to join him.

"Its time, we should talk to you about your husband, Sham!" said Shondeep in a grave tone sitting next to her. Aakash sat on the other side. Raj had taken the opposite chair! Shondeep felt a pain in his heart!!

"How can I break her heart by telling about her husband, whom she loved so much?" he thought looking at her confused face. He looked at Aakash. He nodded and took charge.

"Di, it’s about Jijaji. Di, he is cheating on you" He started off gauging his Di's reactions and feelings. Raj and Shondeep were looking at them intently. Aakash talked for a long time giving the full account of Shams deeds and showing her the mobile clippings. She did not react for any of the statements. She just sat there listening. He waited for her reaction or outburst for a long time. Then touching his di's shoulder

 "Di... please... say something!" he pleaded looking at her blank face. She did not react just stared unfocused. "Di, please.!" Aakash was panic and so were Raj and Shondeep.

"Was this a good time to talk to her?" wondered Shondeep. He felt that he made a mistake in taking a decision to tell her everything. Aakash looked around in panic. "Di... Please!! He shook her vigorously. She remained like a lifeless person, expressionless. Raj hurriedly got up and vanished. He jumped on the stage where Arnav, Khushi and Elsa were talking. "Arnav,.." he whispered in Arnav's ears.

"Ok! I will handle!" said Arnav descending the stage leaving Khushi and Elsa musing. He came to his Di in few strides..

"Di..!" called out holding her. Shondeep could see some recognition in her blank eyes.
"Chote...!" she spoke for the first time. Shondeep and Aakash felt relieved. "Arnav wrapped his arms around his Di, holding her tightly.

"Chote... these people say..."She looked at him hopelessly. He just held her and nodded. "Di, what you heard is true!" he said feeling her pain and anguish. She closed her eyes. A droplet of tear rolled down. Arnav and Aakash were holding her bending on her as if telling her that they both could feel her plight.

"Why did I trust him so much?" she muttered after a while sounding defeated.

"Di, you did not know about him! We all trusted him, Di" Arnav consoled her. She kept gazing unfocused. Arnav and Aakash straitened up. They saw Khushi and Payal approaching them. Anjali looked at them and said,
"Chote please don't tell this to anyone...Not now at least!" Arnav nodded. She forcibly brought a smile on her face looking at Khushi and Payal. Shondeep admired her love for her family!! Khushi came forward "Anjali ji, are you ok?" she asked concerned.

"Yes," said Anjali avoiding her gaze. Arnav turned and placing his hand on Khushi's shoulder said
"She will be ok, Khushi! Let us go!" Aakash with Payal and Arnav with Khushi left. Raj kept gazing somewhere not knowing what to do.

Shondeep kept his hand on her hand and said "Please... collect yourself Anjali. You are a very strong person!" She did not withdraw her hand from his.

*** ****
By the time they came home, it was eleven in the night. The entire city was illuminated on the eve of New Year. Parties were arranged! People were on the road wishing each other.

Papaji and his family with Shondeep had stayed in a Hotel. They were to leave for Kolkata next day evening. Raizadas came home. Anjali was all lost. Nani asked her several times. But she did not answer. Sham tried to talk to her. She refused even to look at him. He understood, understood that she knew!! He had to do something. His Anticipatory bail would not work. He knew the noose was tightening. He knew he would be handcuffed any time from now!!

Anjali went to Arnav and said "Chote .. its your Suhag Raat!" I need to prepare your bed.
"Hello.. hi bye bye! No need Anjali bitiya. I have done it already! And Arnav bete, what have you done to your room? Closed three side walls with wooden panelling and drawn all the curtains...It looks bigger too!" she asked looking at him suspiciously.

"Oh! I renovated the entire block shifting the library and study!" Arnav said looking away. Khushi was looking tired and uncomfortable with her heavy saree and equally heavy jewelry.

Anjali smiled and said "You two go and have some rest." The maid brought in glasses of milk. Sham went to his room burning in rage. He couldn't stand Arnav and Khushi together. He wished he killed them both. Revenge had taken over his lust and desire. He shut his room with a bang. Arnav was still talking to Aakash. Anjali took Khushi to her room. The room indeed looked very big. Partition between library and bedroom was removed. The bed was decorated with rose petals. The curtains on the three side walls were drawn tightly. Only the wall with the entrance door was visible. The room looked like a cellar vault. Anjali looked curious

"This Chote..!  One will never know what goes on in his mind!" she muttered smiling. Khushi felt nervous and frightful.

"Khushi, this is gift from my mom and this is the note!" Anjali handed over the box to her. She kept it on the dressing table.

"Khushi, I will go and send him" she said placing her hand on Khushi's shoulder. She turned and left the room shutting the door behind. Khushi did not know what to do. She had come to the room innumerable times but had never felt so nervous and apprehensive. Her heart thumping frantically, she sat on the bed. But suddenly got up remembering Arnav's outburst and rage when anyone touched his bed without his permission!

 "what should I do?" She left the bed and sat on the swivel stool in front of the mirror. The door opened. Arnav in his black suit was at the door leaning against it.

He too felt nervous opening his bedroom door. He saw her sitting in front of the mirror in her bridal wear laden with jewellery. She had entered his room several times before, but this was different. He did not know what to do. Whether to tell her to change and then enter or to enter first and then tell her to change into comfortable attire!!. Khushi's breath became uneven and heavy sensing Arnav at the door. She kept looking at the carpet. He came in and closed the door behind him. She quivered. He came nearer. She held her breath. He turned his back and went away from her.

Puff! The lights went off leaving the room in pitch black darkness. She shuddered and got up with a jerk. A frightened, muffled scream could not leave her throat. She was scared to the core. Arnav was nowhere around.

She heard a grumbling and grinding sound getting louder and louder. She could not scream. A hand on her shoulder made her weak and stunned her. She froze!

Slowly the room started illuminating with the moon light. She looked up and forgot to breathe. The ceiling was splitting and a huge glass dome appeared!!. The starlit sky was peeping in. The glowed romantically in their room. She kept gazing at the sky mesmerized, hypnotized forgetting the unknown hand on her shoulder!

"Khushi!" he whispered in her ears looking at her from behind. She turned and looked at her husband. She looked into his eyes. He closed the gap and locking his eyes with hers asked her "And what did you call me? Most unromantic person..Huh?" she looked down blushing. Her moonlit face brightened. She looked like a marble statue waiting for her lover!

He made her sit on the swivel stool and went away again. He started pushing the curtains from the three walls. Slowly the walls lit up with aqua lights. The water screens from the three walls flowed down the translucent  pebble stuffed skirting of the wall. She looked around. She felt like she is in the pool with flowing water from all the sides, like she is behind the water fall, like she is the queen in her submerged Paani mahel.

He was looking at her passionately. She forgot his presence. She was looking around and above in the sky. He did not want to break her trance. He stood there waiting for her leaning against one of the water screens. He had panelled  the three walls with wooden planks from outside.  The nozzles and the water jets splashed water between the double glass at the top and the bottom of each pair of the glass walls were stuffed with colour pebbles.

The illumination in the walls gradually changed colours from aqua green to yellow halogen lights.. It  look like a solarium bringing in the sunlight from all sides.

She looked at him. He was gazing at her. His eyes too changed colours!!  The lights were changing to blue. He steadied them to remain blue and went to her. She was looking at him mesmerized. He kept his hands on her shoulder and made him sit on the stool again. He turned her to face the mirror. She kept gazing at his reflection in the mirror.

Her Pallu was long gone from her head,  when she looked up at the starlit sky, her husband had brought into their room!  He gazed at her hairstyle removing pins, golden flowers, beads from her hair. She closed her eyes feeling his fingers in her silky hair. Finally he removed the pin letting the hair sprawl on the back and neck. He nuzzled contentedly brushing his lips under her ear. A surge of passionate wave ran down her spine. She moaned. He removed her maang tika, kissing her sindoor. He turned her to face him. Leaning forward, he removed her Nose ring/ nathani kissing her on her cheeks. He kissed her kajal (Eye liner) kissing her eyelids, gently,  torturing her with a surge of sweet pain, everytime!  He removed her earrings delicately and kissed her ear lobes.

“Arnav ji!” She couldn’t bear it! He knelt down on his knees and putting his hands around her neck, started removing her numerous necklaces without taking his eyes off her face.. He slid down his hands from her shoulders removing her arm bands Baju bhadh. He looked at her palms and removed her rings and hath fulora the ornament attached to the bangles.

He kissed her mehendi! He took out his mom's Kangan from the box and inserted in her hands. He looked up at her. She was looking at the Kangan around her wrists hypnotized. He smiled and she closed her eyes again. He wrapped his arms around her waist removing her waist band. He could not take his hands off and bending forward he kissed around her navel gripping her tightly. She held her breath. He slid his hands down to her feet keeping them on his knees. He ran his fingers on her payal and looked at her. She tried to remove her feet from his hands. He did not remove her payal. He slowly got up and putting his hands on her shoulder helped her to rise. She had done her Solaa Shringar for this moment!! She opened her eyes looking at him passionately. He smiled staring at her lips.

"You did all this? ...., for us?" she asked in a bear whisper.
"Khushi! You are Arnav Singh Raizada's wife!" He replied cupping her face. She smiled closing her eyes again. He lifted her in his arms and carried her to the bed, water screens illuminating all over and a starlit sky peeping in through the glass dome.

"Khushi! Are you tired?" He asked her whispering in her lips bringing his face down. She shook her head garlanding her arms around his neck. The clock chimed twelve and the fireworks lit up the entire sky emitting joyous and colourful lights everywhere in celebration!! .

"Happy new year Khushi!!" He wished huskily.
"Happy new year!" her voice could only be heard by him.
She buried her face on his shoulder. Both of them had nothing to worry about in life. They wanted to live this moment not bothering about what was in store for them the next day!!!

*****************

Wish you all a very Happy and Prosperous New Year....!

May All Your Dreams Come True This Year...!

Enjoy.....

Love

Khushifan

Waiting for your comments...!!