Part 74

Arnav froze in horror. The first thing came to his mind was his Di, ... her safety! Helplessness seeped in..! He was unable to decipher the statement. What does this mean. "Final Blast? Is he trying a blast? Where? " He stared unfocused with his head spinning...! 

Arnav was racking his brain. The first thing he had to do is tighten the security and keep a close eye on sham. Sham must be tailed everywhere... Even to the toilets...! He dialed a few numbers for the same and came down in the hall lost in his own thoughts. He knew whatever Sham was up to was either to hurt him or his Di. The other members of the family didn't matter to Sham. He thought of Khushi. She was the first on Sham's hit list. He winced in apprehension.

"Khushi...!" his heart twisted in pain. 

"What all can he do?" He asked himself thinking about Sham's game plan. "He is using my Di as his pawn.... !" Arnav clenched his fists.  "Anger stops your brain working..!" Khushi's words echoed and his lips curled up in a smile.  "Cool down, Arnav..." he reprimanded himself.   Shrewd ASR was back in action....

** *** ****
People had gathered for the wedding. Raj had already arrived. Elsa was with Guptas and was frequently found missing with her kids. Khushi had a nice time teasing Elsa. But she was not allowed to meet her Raj Bhaiyya.

No one was allowed inside without the invitation card. Arnav was at the gates personally welcoming and greeting everyone and apologizing for the inconvenience caused to them for the extra security measures. He was accompanied by Raj. Arnav introduced Raj to his guests. Mamaji and Mamiji were inside looking after the other arrangements. Mami was constantly talking to Elsa trying to give her information and introducing her to everyone she came across. Kids were playing around. Khushi was never left alone by her shadows. Arnav had made arrangements to mark sham everywhere. Anjali, oblivious of all this seemed to be very happy and was busy with the guests. Aakash and Payal were on cloud nine talking to people and accepting their greetings. The things looked to be going on well. As the time passed, Arnav got increasingly tensed up. He started missing out on greeting people, looked lost during conversations and kept looking around for the tiniest clue.

People had gathered at the Mantap, centre stage where the marriage was taking place. Arnav with Raj was standing next to Aakash and Khushi was with her sister. He looked at her breath taking beauty highlighted with her makeup and dress, and could not take his eyes off! "Yeh Aise Kyun Dekh Rahain Hain, Hamain?" She looked down, embarrassed.  Arnav's lips curled up in a smirk.  He knew his effect on Khushi...!  She left the place and came down from the stage to talk to mummiji. She was followed by Arnav's gaze. He knew, Sham was looking at him.

Sham was called aside by Anjali to help her in introducing the guests. He went away with the guests and Arnav grabbed this opportunity. He left the place glancing at Khushi. She lingered there for a while and left too. She was in his room with tightly drawn curtains and her shadows waiting outside at the closed door.

"Khushi! I know this is dangerous! But I need to tell you, there is something cooking and you need to be very careful.!" Arnav said gravely holding her by her shoulders.

"I know Arnavji! He is after me! But I am prepared this time!" she said placing her hand on the side of her waist. She had tucked a knif... Arnav gaped at his warrior Khushi "Papaji's Kirpan...!" she whispered smiling and he pulled her closer.

"Khushi..! this color suits you!" Arnav said trying to make it lighter,  looking at the sky blue lehenga and the matching amethyst crystal jewellery. Arnav could not control himself, snogging her he closed his eyes in pleasure. They were lost in each other when they heard some hasty movements downstairs. They broke apart. Tiding herself up, she opened the door and came out. Her Shadows followed.

"Khushi ji! Come with me! I want to introduce you to my guests!" came Sham's silky voice. Khushi looked around. He was standing right behind her on the staircase. "He must have seen me coming out of Arnav ji's room!" A scary thought crossed her mind and she froze.

"Don't worry, Khushiji! They are just my guests. Please come!" He came forward to grab her hand but was startled and took back his hand. One of the women had come forward shielding Khushi. She glanced at the Women. They were ready to strike any moment. She looked relieved.

Khushi could sense commotion around. People were gathering near the centre stage where the marriage would take place soon. The bride and the groom were ready for Jaymala and all family members were gathered around.

Khushi looked around for Arnav and saw him coming down from the pool side. She exhaled sighing. He glanced at her and joined his family. Lavanya held his hand and smiled at him. She too was looking stunning. Khushi got a jolt in her heart. Sham took the mike and made an announcement.

"My dear family members and friends, I am honored to have, our special guest today, who is the most renowned personality. He is my friend and business partner too. He graces a chair in the Assembly of Uttar Pradesh! Please welcome Mr. Ratan Singh Thakur!" He clapped hard and Ratan Singh with his men and security personnel came in. It was a small crowed of around twenty nasty looking people, gathering around the stage.

Raizada family looked shattered. Guptas were confused as to why suddenly everybody looked so serious. The gathering of guests clapped for this important guest.

Khushi saw Arnav clenching his fists and Naniji holding his arm trying to stop him from advancing and striking. She looked around for help but was shocked to see Anjali's face. She reached Anjali in one leap and held her from falling down. Anjali looked ghostly. She almost fainted but tightly held by Khushi.

Mr. Ratan Singh Thakur came up and asked panditji, who had stopped, to proceed with the wedding ceremony. He looked at Sham's idiosyncratic face and smiled. He looked around and locked his gaze on Arnav who was held tightly by Naniji. He turned to Anjali moving his dirty gaze from head to toe and took a step forward towards her saying "This must be Anjali, your wife! Sham?" Sham nodded and moved towards Anjali to bring her forward. Khushi, instinctively pulled her back trying to save her from Ratan Singh's gaze. She looked at Sham loathingly. Sham completely ignored her.

"Do you know who this is?" Ratan Singh bellowed arrogantly. "This Anjali and her brother..?" He turned to the crowed and smirked. Taking the mike from Sham he looked at the crowd as if he was about to share a secret.

Khushi looked at Nani for help. She signaled and Khushi understood. She pulled aghast looking Anjali back and her shadows shielded her. Khushi took her away from the sight.

Ratan Singh smirked and turned to Arnav. He opened his mouth again to speak "And this must be Chote, I mean Arnav Singh ..." but abruptly stopped!. Everyone turned and looked back at Arnav.

Before Rattan could continue, they all heard siren and the motorcade came in through the gates. Ratan Singh Froze. Mr. Balwindar Singh with the Union Heavy Industries Minister got down from the car. Arnav striding forward welcomed them and brought them in.

The minister was surprised to meet Ratan Singh there. Ratan singh had nowhere to hide himself. "Hello Ratan! What made you come here?" The minister asked sternly. Ratan joined his hands greeting the Minister and said "Namaste Sir ji! I did not know you were coming. um.. I came here at his invitation!" said Ratan. "I was about to leave, Sir. It was really nice to meet you here Saab ji!" said Ratan in shaky voice

"Don't try anything different during this election time Ratan, you have to shoulder the responsibility of a campaign." said the minister sternly looking at Ratan. Ratan Singh Thakur turned to leave signaling his men, body guards and Sham. Sham looking at the Union Cabinet Minister forgot the manners to see his partner off.

Arnav introduced Mr. Balwindar Singh to the gathering and welcomed the Honorable Minister!

The tension seemed to have eased out. People looked relaxed, When Khushi came in, leaving Anjali in her room with one of her shadows, she saw Papaji and Arnav talking and smiling with the guests. She had to control her urge to run forward and hug her papaji. Realizing, she looked around for kids. They were nowhere to be seen. She got worried and left in search of them glancing at smiling Arnav.

She saw Shondeep at the gates and welcomed him. She brought Shondeep in and took him to Mr. Balwindar Singh smiling broadly at him. He too smiled at her saying "Its good to see you Mr. Gupta! Have I missed it? Am I late?" He asked holding out his hand and Khushi shook his hand looking around. She saw Arnav staring at her. Raj had joined them.

Mr. Balwindar Singh introduced Raj, Arnav and Shondeep as his young brigade to the Minister.

Khushi went away in search of Kids. Sham had hurriedly left the place.
The storm was successfully turned away.

Khushi went in search of the kids but could not find them. As the time passed she grew panic and asked everyone around. She looked for Elsa who was busy shooting the marriage ceremony. She called Khushi and said not to worry. Khushi was far away from her sister's marriage mentally worrying about the kids. She smiled at people absentmindedly and tried to get away from the center stage.

She couldn't find any of the family members to ask about the kids. She pulled buwaji aside and asked about the kids. She went on asking everyone. She could not find Arnav. She thought Tej must be with Arnav ji, but where was Meera? Everyone else seemed to be happy and relaxed but her.

It was time for Papaji and the Minister to leave. Shondeep was to join them next day. Raj, Shondeep and Arnav were having a hearty chat and were enjoying. She approached them, Arnav looked at her in surprise.

"Where are the kids?" she asked in tension. "Don't worry they are safe playing with laxmi" said Arnav "In my room!" he whispered.

Lavanya approached them looking at Arnav and Khushi. "Chamakili! What are you doing here? Everyone is looking for you!" she said eyeing Shondeep. Khushi introduced Shondeep to Lavanya and leaving all of them, she left to join her Jiji.

Khushi gazed at Arnav talking to Lavanya happily. Arnav sensing her gaze looked at her raising his eyebrows. She left the place going back stage. He followed.

"Arnav ji, Anjali ji is in her room..." Arnav looked at her.  "I think you should go...!" said Khushi pretending to be picking up something. Arnav went to his Di's room. Anjali was devastated. He came forward and hugging her said "Di don't worry! Everything is fine. He went away!" She started crying.

"Chote.. I don't know how your Jijaji knows this person. He had never mentioned to me. Today, your Jijaji seemed a stranger to me as if i don't know this Shamji. Why did he invite this Thakur when he knew everything? Why is Thakur back in our lives, Chote?" She asked him in despair.

"Its ok di! Forget about it. Come! Let us go out. Aakash is waiting for you Di!" said Arnav helping her get up.

The maid came in with coffee mugs. Arnav looked at her. "Was she hinting at this blast? Or is there anything else I don't know yet?" thought Arnav. The maid held out the tray and Arnav gave one to his Di who was still wincing.

The maid turned to leave. Arnav got up. "Di, get ready, I will be back!" he said left.

He went in the kitchen behind the maid. "Tell me what else you know!" he demanded. The maid looked at him. She stared at the floor and said "I do not know anything else. I just overheard his conversation and thought of warning you, sir! He is a dangerous man. He has ruined many lives!"

"I know!" He said gravely.

He came back to his Di and holding her hand brought her out. Khushi looked relieved. Anjali was still not herself. She looked lost though she was greeting and talking to people. Arnav stayed close to his Di.

Guests were pouring in. Payal and Aakash exchanged garlands. People around clapped for them and wished them a great future together. Arnav looked at the couple with a glint.

He closed his eyes for a moment and he saw himself and Khushi greeting people on the stage in elaborate wedding arrangements and smiling at each other, holding hands. His heart ached as he heard Raj calling him, he never wanted to open his eyes. He wanted to go back to his room and continue his dream. He wished it was only two of them... He and his Khushi!   He forgot the crowd around, forgot everything, forgot himself.

There was a commotion behind him. His sister Anjali was held by Shondeep supporting her to stand up on her feet. She had fainted under mental pressure. Shondeep had held her caringly and had taken her to a nearby couch. Arnav ran forward. He lifted her and carried her to her room. Shondeep followed with a glass of water. Arnav put her on her bed. Shondeep helped her to sit cushioning her back with pillows and gave her a glass of water. He looked at Arnav, "She looks unwell. You may have to call a doctor!" he said. "No.. No need" said Anjali faintly. "I am alright!" Shondeep looked at her and slowly gazed at her feet. She withdrew and hid her braces under her saree and looked away. He straightened himself up while Arnav was drawing a blanket over his Di's feet. He looked at her kindly smiling and said "I am Shondeep, from Kolkata!"

"Oh! Yes, I almost forgot! Di, he is Shondeep MD of our new company!" he said "And she is my elder sister!" Shondeep smiled at Anjali. "I wish I could meet you in good health!" he said kindly. She smiled. Lavanya came in hurriedly. "ASR, what happened to Di?" she asked worriedly. "She is ok, now!" Said Arnav.
"Ok. I will be with her. You carry on!" she said sitting beside Anjali. Arnav and Shondeep came out of the room and saw Sham coming in. Arnav inadvertently looked for Khushi but did not find her. Sham approached them and asked "What happened to Raani Saheba?" he dashed in and hugged his wife. Anjali slowly removed his hands, turned her back and said "I need some rest!"

"I am calling the doctor!" he said.

Lavanya came out of the room and went to join the family members. Arnav stood there thinking "Why am I complicating the matters? Why can't I just go and tell Di everything about Jijaji? She is going to be heartbroken one day, why not now? There are family members around. They will make her feel better. She will recover from the shock and I will be able to throw him out! Earlier the better!" He came back to his De's room determined to tell her everything

Part 73

Arnav came home engrossed in his thoughts. He was thinking of some excuse, discarding it immediately realizing the loophole in it. He had no clue what he was going to tell his family members about the whole thing.

"Damn it! If all of them had come as my guests! That would have solved all the problems. I wouldn't mind disclosing that Raj is Balwindar Singh's son! Damn it! Khushi..." he muttered realizing how he would explain if Sham had seen Mumiji with Khushi!

With the thought of every alternative, his face brightened but overshadowed immediately. He could not sleep that night. Khushi on the other hand had put the onus of resolving the problems on Arnav and had a nice good night sleep with sweet dreams of Arnav Singh Raizada! "Arnav ji hain naa! Woh sub dekh lainge...!" she smiled in her sleep.

Arnav woke up in the morning with his cell ringing. He picked up the phone. It was Sham. He frowned. "Saale Saab, I wanted to talk to you" said Sham slyly.
"Oh! Ok. In the office" he agreed. "No! I want to talk to you, here! Its urgent!" he said.

Arnav came down and found Sham in the hall. "What is it?" He asked curtly.
"Saale saab, do you know, Khushiji has come, for the wedding!!" he was looking at Arnav piercingly. Arnav looked away and said "So? I don't care who comes for the wedding from their side." He looked at Sham.

"What? Chamakili has already come?" Lavanya screamed happily. "wow!.. I mean... she has come for the wedding? I mean.... Is she coming here? I mean.. why did she come?" she kept on changing her questions looking at both the men, not knowing which one would hurt whom.

Arnav kept his face straight and looked at her. Then looking straight at Sham said "I don't have time to discuss the guests list of Guptas!" he turned around and left for his room again.

Sham was disappointed with Arnav's reaction. He had expected a blast. Lavanya was confused.

Arnav was pacing restlessly, worrying about safety of Khushi. "Damn...!" he clenched his fists.  After a while, he pushed the grim thoughts aside and got ready to leave for the office.

He met sham in the office. "Saale Saab, when is the meeting scheduled?" He asked. Raj wanted the meeting at 11 in the morning.

"Its at 11.00" said ASR.
"I heard you are interested in buying your sister's shares in apparels Division, Saale Saab!" Asked Sham looking puzzled.
"Yes!" he got a monosyllable answer from ASR.
"I also heard, you are ready to pay me, as she wished to transfer them to me!" he confirmed.
"Yes!"
"At 5% premium?" Asked Sham challenging ASR.
ASR paused for a while to recalculate and then said "Yes!"

"I am surprised, saale saab! You want to sell your shares in Del-Ta to raise money to make good the loss and you are buying your sister's shares, paying a hell lot of money! Really surprising!!" Said Sham trapping him.

"Pulling finances and making good the loss is one of the reasons, Jijaji. The real reason is, I do not approve the slow decision making process of BTR group and do not wish to work with them in future!" ASR confided the secret on sham.
Sham smirked. "Slow processes provide opportunity to siphon out money!" he thought.

ASR was leaning back and looking at Sham waiting for his response. Sham did not answer and went off.

He came back after some time and said "Ok saale Saab but at 25% premium!" he bowled a gugli.

ASR was taken aback. That was exorbitantly high price.
"No! not more than 5%" he said firmly. Sham shrugged and went away.

*** *** **

They had gathered in the conference room for the conference call. Shondeep and Balwindar Singh in Kolkata office and Sham and Arnav in Delhi. "Good morning everyone!" Bellowed Raj's confident voice.

"Congratulations, everyone! The first project of this Liaison office is successfully closed. The acquisition order is received by the acquiring company of BTR group. Now Del-Ta will take over. The liaison is complete. We will receive our balance charges next week from BTR group next week And special kudos to Mr. sham for successfully handling this first project." Raj said pleasantly.

"Oh! Yes! Said Balwindar Singh! Congratulations on first success Mr. sham and Mr. Shondeep will take over the acquisition process from here into BTR group."
"Another issue is Mr. Raizada wishes to withdraw from this company and I respect his decision. The question is whom he sells his shares. Are there any takers among us? Or are you planning to sell them to outsiders, Mr. Raizada?" Asked Raj. There was a silence for a while and then ASR spoke.

"If someone among you is buying then I have no objection else there are people ready to buy at a premium!" he looked at Sham. He was deep in thoughts.
"I have a partner interested in this!" said sham leaning forward. ASR raised his eyebrows questioningly. Smirk appeared on sham's face "Go ahead Mr. Sham! Who is this partner?" asked Raj curiously.

Sham took his time to create enough suspense and slowly raising his head smugly, looking at ASR said "He is a politician Mr. Ratan Singh Thakur...."
Nothing happened. He had expected some harsh reaction from ASR but he was again expressionless. Sham got confused at ASR's behavior. ASR was sitting leaning back and folding his arms looking at sham with satisfied expression.
"Who is he? What political connections he has?" Asked Raj. Sham started praising Ratan singh glancing at ASR.

When sham had finished, Raj seemed to be impressed. He asked ASR about his views on selling his shares to Ratan Singh.

"I don't have any objection, so long as I get my money back!" he said coolly. "But the question here is, the promoters have the privilege and preference over the outsiders to buy the other's shares. We have to have consent of all the stake holders before I transfer the shares to an outsider, even to Mr. Sham! Mr. Sham is merely an Employee of the company, not a member..." Arnav said pointing the vital point in their Memorandum of Understanding.

There was a silence for a while and then Mr. Balwindar singh spoke, "In that case, BTR group is interested in buying Mr. Raizada's shares!"

"Ok. In that case, I am ready to sell my share to BTR group!!" ASR said seriously.

The bombshell shattered Shams plans!

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

Arnav came home early after the meeting. Sham had gone away somewhere. The wedding preparations were going on in Raizada house.

"Di!" called Arnav. "yes, Chote!" she looked little tensed up.
"Chote.. I know she is coming, but.." She whispered. She was really upset that Khushi was coming for the pooja.

"Its ok Di. I don't care!" he said looking away. "Hope she doesn't create a scene again!" muttered Anjali and went away. Arnav looked at her helplessly.

** *** **
The doorbell rand and Payal with her family arrived. Aakash with all the other family members welcomed them. Before anyone from her family could speak, Arnav introduced Elsa.

"She is Elsa, Mrs. Raj and is on her research tour to study Indian culture. She is staying with Mr. Balwindar Singh since three months with her kids. She has come here to be a part of the Indian marriage ceremony on my invitation since payal agreed to be the host and enlighten her about our culture." He looked at Payal and she nodded. "And These two are for her help." Arnav gestured at Khushi's shadows! Elsa greeted everyone joining her hands and saying "Namaste!" She shook hands with Aakash congratulating him. Sham came forward. Elsa held out her hand for a shake and sham took it in both his hands, greeting her. She withdrew her hand immediately.

"Hello Ms Elsa, I work with your husband in his new venture in India" Said sham slyly.

"Oh! Ok!" She said smiling.
"Arnav, nice to meet you!" said Elsa smiling broadly at him. He nodded and shook her hand.

"Hello hi bye bye! Why in the house of Phati Saadi, I will tell her everything about shaadi!" Said mamiji aloud and came forward to shake hands with Elsa. She was excited to have a foreigner guest in her Son's Marriage.

"Come, Misshej Elsa, I will take you around! hello hi, bye bye!" Elsa looked at others and went with Mamiji, winking at Khushi.

Khushi had held Tej tightly as he was trying to run towards Arnav. Arnav glanced at her. The Gupta family went in.

"Hey, Tej! Want to come with me?" Asked Arnav holding out his hand to everybody's surprise and Tej ran towards him. Khushi was relieved. Meera was fascinated by the Goat in the house and was happily playing with Laxmi.
Esla was trying to assimilate the information Mamiji was giving in her accented Hinglish. (English in Hindi Style).

Lavanya came out from her room and another round of introduction took place.
"Hi Chamakili!" said Lavanya smiling at her. Khushi smiled back looking at her. Elsa was relieved when she heard Lavanya's fluent American English. They both got engrossed talking to each other. Arnav came in with Tej for pooja. Tej was not ready to leave Arnav.

Anjali and Sham performed Pooja and distributed Prasad. Anjali had not talked to anyone in Gupta family. She looked upset and avoided looking at anyone. Khushi too looked very tensed and kept looking down without uttering a single word.

Sham kept gazing at Khushi which made Arnav burn with fury. Khushi resolutely avoided looking at anyone. She kept playing with Meera and Laxmi.
Everybody had gathered at the table. Anjali and Ram Prakash brought in tea and snacks. Anjali looked around, Khushi and Meera were missing still playing with laxmi in the hall. She came out and waited there looking at Khushi. "Hmm" she coughed. Khushi looked up startled. Laxmi got out of meera's hands and ran out of sight. "Tea is ready!" said Anjali. Khushi silently got up and started walking.

"What happened to your face?" Asked Elsa looking at Sham. Arnav smirked, Anjali reflected pain in her eyes and Khushi looked straight into Sham's eyes. She loathed him and wanted to whack him again. She clenched her fists. Arnav glanced at her.

"Nothing much, he had a minor accident!" said naniji.

"Oh! Ok. I thought he got beaten up!" Khushi said still looking at Sham. Nani looked startled. Even she had thought the same when she had looked at him wounded. Khushi suddenly withdrew herself and came out in the hall. She was breathing heavily with frustration and fury, her eyes were fuming with rage.
"Hi Chamakili!" Khushi heard lavanya. "Namaste Lavanyaji" She said feeling awkward.

"Chamakili! How are you? You look pale and weak!" Lavanya said holding her hand. Khushi's eyes filled with tears. She looked away.

"Chamakili, are you ok?" Lavanys asked in a soft voice.

"Yes, Lavanyaji, I am fine" Said Khushi smiling at her. "Chamakili, I am sorry for whatever I had said that day! I really regret at it!" she said sadly.

"Its ok Lavanyaji!" said Khushi looking away. They saw Arnav approaching and stopped talking.

 "ASR.." Lavanya approached Arnav and Khushi left the place pretending to be calling Tej who was running around. Arnav's gaze followed her. Tej had reached the pool side and was bending over the water dangerously. She ran after him and tried to catch him. He dodged her and ran over the edge of the pool. She screamed in fright and lost her balance.

A strong hand pulled her back and she closed her eyes. "Khushi.."  Arnav was holding her around her waist lifting her off the ground in one hand and he had lifted Tej in the other. He pulled both of them back and released. Khushi gasped for air and choked.

"Khushi.. are you ok?" asked Arnav softly. She nodded and looking around, left with Tej.

The Guptas were ready to leave and Mamiji invited Elsa and Kids to stay in Raizada House.

Elsa turned the offer down politely and agreed to come over whenever possible. Khushi glanced around and came forward and touched Nani's feet. Nani blessed her. But Mamiji looked furious.

"Khushiji, I heard you work in Kolkata!" Sham retaliated.

"Yes. I work in Kolkata!" said Khushi keeping her voice steady. "As a care taker?" he asked staring at her. Arnav clenched his fists in frustration.

"Yes, as a care taker!" Khushi said standing up to him and looking straight into his eyes.

"It is better to work and earn than live on someone's money!" said Buwaji coming forward in support.

"Oh! Ok. I thought you found another person!" He looked at her provokingly.

"Enough!" Arnav screamed. Everybody looked at him startled.

"I will drop you all home!" said Arnav and left the place. The kids looked frightened. They had never seen this side of Arnav. Tej came to Khushi and hugged around her waist. She placed her hand on his head and turned to leave.
No one talked on their return journey. Arnav drove silently. They all got down. Tej refused to look at Arnav. Arnav lifted him from behind and carried him on his shoulder inside the house. He bent over and whispered "Sorry! Buddy!" in his ears and Tej gave him a broad smile putting his arms around Arnav's neck and kissed him on his cheek.

Arnav looked at Khushi. She nodded. He smiled and left their home.

**********
Khushi was burning with rage in the car. "How dare he talked to me like that! I should have brought papaji's kirpaan with me. I would have killed him!" she muttered furiously. Arnav was driving patiently waiting for her anger to subside.

"Khushi! Relax! three down, another eleven days to go! Remember?" asked Arnav. She was still fuming. He placed his hand around and pulled her nearer trying to pacify her. "Khushi, calm down! Take a deep breath! " Said Arnav pulling over. She got down from the car and started striding down the road.

Arnav caught up with her and pulling her hand said "Khushi, Chalo! Wapas Chalatain Hain! Khushi let us go back! Come!" he turned around with her. "Khushi sit in the car!" He ordered. Khushi had gone beyond listening to him. He forcibly pulled her and pushed her inside the car.

"Khushi! Control yourself. This is not done yet. We have to go a long way before we could touch him...... Khushi! Talk to me damn it!" he screamed. She looked at him and started crying. He felt helpless and hopeless. His phone rang. It was Sham. "Saale Saab, where are you? I was waiting for you for dinner!" Said Sham. Arnav looked at Khushi and said "Yes I am coming!" Khushi opened her mouth to say something, Arnav clasped his hand on her mouth to shut her up. He disconnected the phone, switched it off and said, "It was him!" he removed his hand. She was aghast.

"What kind of life we are leading? Can't go out, can't talk to each other, can't be with each other, married but can't live like husband and wife?" she muttered in frustration reflecting  Arnav's thoughts exactly.

"Khushi! This will get over soon! Everything will be ok!" he said optimistically.
"Hope so!" said Khushi gravely. "You know! He has seen mummiji!" declared Khushi.

"Yes!" Said Arnav looking at her.

*** *** ****
Four days before marriage, Papaji called up Arnav "Puttar, I may not be able to come a day before. I will be there only for an hour. I will attend the marriage with Shondeep and leave. We have taken over the spinning mill and I need to make further arrangements. But my wife and Raj will come tomorrow morning and she will be staying with Khushi! I request you to make arrangements for Raj!" Arnav was relieved.

"Yes Papaji, he is my guest!" Said Arnav happily. He knew Khushi will be furious.

"Another request, Arnav puttar, I am not sure but I may bring in another guest with me of a very high profile, if you permit!" Papaji requested.

"Yes, of course Papaji! Your guest is my guest!" Arnav said politely.
"Ok. Puttar, meet you at the wedding."

Arnav smiled and left for the office.

"Saale saab! What is this?" Sham looked furious.
"What?" asked ASR.
"What is this all about? I mean what is the need for doubling the share capital of this Apparel Division?" He asked raising his voice.
"The reason is written in the notice with the financial consultant's note. We need to do this to increase the net worth of the company!" Said ASR coolly.
"What? I don't approve of this!" Sham looked frustrated.

"All the other members worth 53% have consented. We have a majority approving this." ASR said throwing a file on the table. "Look at this. The individual consent letters are here in this file"

"What? I hold 47% the biggest share and I don't agree" Sham lost his control.
"No!" bellowed ASR. "You are not yet the owner of the shares as the transfer has not yet taken place." He threw another letter in front of him.

"This is Anjali Raizada's ... I mean Anjali Zaa's consent letter to increase the share capital. She still wishes to transfer her shares to you, Jijaji, but not now.... ! So, this is her consent..." He said now smirking.

Sham gaped at the letter visibly aghast.

"Now with this increased share capital, Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada, MD of the AR Group, who is buying all the shares, holds 55% of the total share capital and Anjali Raizada holds 23.5% to be exact!" Declared ASR.

Another blast shattered Sham second time in a row!

** ** **
Arnav came home that night looking relieved and light hearted. He actually smiled at the family members and took part on the final touches of the preparations. Everything was perfectly arranged. Pooja and Snageet were flamboyant. The wedding planners had done their best. No untoward incident took place. "So far so good!" Thought Arnav.

He was sitting in a hall talking to the other relatives who had come for the wedding, Sham came in. He looked upset and was busy talking over the phone. He enjoyed looking at his Jijaji! He came back to his room and was working on his laptop. Arnav and Khushi had decided not to meet again when they narrowly escaped from Sham's sight. Sham with Aakash had paid a visit to Guptas that night and had seen Arnav's SUV parked outside. Aakash had come to the rescue of Arnav saying "Ok! Bhai, thank you for bringing in the material in your SUV!" Arnav had left the house immediately.

He resolutely avoided being at home when the Gupta's were expected to be. But often met them on his way in to or out of the Raizada House. The thought of leaving Khushi alone ached his heart. He was thinking about Khushi. It was difficult to stay away from her. Every single free moment brought her memories back to him making him desperate to meet her. His heart was not ready to listen to his brain and that made his heart wrench in sadness. He had never felt so helpless.  He waited for every opportunity to meet her, look at her, communicate with her with his gazing eyes. The more he missed her more desperate he got to meet her.

*** ** ***
There was a knock on the door. The maid entered his room. She kept the Juice tray but before leaving lingered there trying to say something. Arnav looked at her and ignored. But when he saw her still around he came forward and stood before her questioningly.

"Sir, please take care of your family members!" she said and turned to leave.
"Hey, wait! What does that mean?" He asked with clenched fists.

"He is upto something!" she said shaking in fright.

"What? How do you know?" He was confused whether to believe her or not.
"I heard him talking to someone!" she said still looking at the floor.

"What? What did you hear?" He asked taking a step forward.

"He said everything is done. One final blast and they will be brought down to pieces!" she said.

Leaving Arnav speechless, she left the room.

*** *** **

Part 72

They drove in silence. Her rage subsiding she asked, "Are the invitation cards distributed?"

"Yes. Do you want to have a look at the list?" He asked her still sulking about her behavior.

"No!" she said smiling.
"We invited all our relatives and business associates. This is going to be a big social gathering!" he said looking little relaxed.

"I will personally go and invite papaji and mummiji! I have already talked to them. Raj is coming."He said.

"No need! I have already invited them from bride's side." She said looking at him.

He arched his eyebrow. "I am inviting papaji and mummiji from the groom's side" he said defiantly.

"They are my papaji and mummiji!" she retorted. "And since when he became your papaji?" she asked furiously. Arnav smiled, she was back to normal.
"Do you want to go back or fight for some more time?" Asked Arnav smirking! She looked around. They had reached her home.

"Khushi!" He called out. She turned back. He handed over a new cell phone to her "This is only for you and me! Keep it with you always!" he looked at her passionately. She smiled and took the phone. He drove away smiling.
Her new cell rang within five minutes. "Khushi!!"

"What is it Arnavji?" She asked blushing. "Nothing! Just wanted to check!" he said chuckling.

"Hm?" she questioned. "Just wanted to check if you threw it away!" he whispered.

"I am talking to you Arnavji, so I have not thrown it." She said. She had come out talking to him in excitement.

"M'am. Are you going out somewhere?" asked a woman in charge.
Khushi rushed in muttering. "What is it Khushi?" asked Arnav. "Nothing.. my shadows following me wherever I go!" she said angrily.

"Ok. Goodnight Khushi! I will meet you tomorrow morning" He said.
"No! Not morning! We will meet only in the nights. Its difficult in the morning! Someone will catch us!" She said in haste.

"Oh! That's great! Really? You think we should meet in the nights? Khushi..!" He said chuckling and Khushi blushed realizing what he was hinting at, disconnected the phone.

Both of them spent the night tossing and turning in the bed. They were as close but so apart. They had no choice. "How am I going to hide what's going on between us from everyone?" Khushi thought tearfully.

"How am I going to control from distancing myself when she is around?" thought Arnav, with his heart aching for her company.

*** *** ***

Next day morning, Arnav was at the table for breakfast and Sham walked in. He looked more tensed. His nose bandage was still on but the adhesive tapes from his cheek were removed. Arnav smirked looking at his scarred face.
"Saale Saab, I wanted to talk to you about your withdrawal." He said looking at Arnav.

"Ok! We will meet in the office!" Arnav dismissed further discussion.
Sham wanted to open this topic in front of Anjali. But she was nowhere to be seen.

"Raani Saheba! He called out. She came in hurriedly and worriedly. "What is it?" she asked.

"Nothing, get some breakfast for Saale Saab!" he said.

"Oh! I had!" he said getting up. "Saale Saab, I just request you to rethink on the issue. I mean if you need money for the contract, I can arrange. And I think, withdrawing your share will not serve the purpose. I mean who will buy your shares?" he asked expecting to get the vital information on who was going to buy his shares.

"Don't worry Jijaji! There are people waiting at the doors to buy the shares!" He said turned to leave. Lavanya walked in.

"Hi! good morning ASR!" she hugged him. He nodded and left. Lavanya was puzzled at his behavior. She went back to her room ordering Ram Prakash to being the breakfast to her room.

"Raani Saheba! Convince your brother not to sell his shares!" he said pleadingly.

"What can I say? I mean, I have never interfered in his decisions." She said and went away.

Sham dialed the number. "What have you decided. Are you buying the shares?" He asked the person at the other end who said something. "Ok. Then I will make my own arrangements!" he said furiously and disconnected.

Arnav went to the office. Another surprise was waiting for him. He received a notice on behalf of Anjali for the transfer of the shares in the name of Sham. Sham came in and stood in front of Arnav.

"Saale Saab. My wife is transferring her shares to me. And I wish to sell those shares to raise money to buy your contribution in Del-Ta Liaison" He said smirking.

Arnav looked at him with an expressionless face. "Ok. Go ahead!" he said.
"What?" Sham came out wondering. "Has he gone mad? He is on the verge of losing his control over his company!" Sham smiled smugly.

Arnav finished his morning meetings and was heading home for lunch. He dialed Khushi's number. She picked up. He could hear noise behind. "Hello Arnavji we are in Ambiance Mall with Elsa Bhabi" She said in a whisper. He turned his SUV abruptly.

He was in the mall searching for her. "Khushi! Where are you?" He asked her on phone.

"Arnavji I am with the kids in the big screen, with my shadows behind me. Elsa Bhabi and Payal jiji are shopping!" She said expecting him to say something. But he disconnected.

Within 10 minutes, she heard a whisper in her ear! "Khushi!" she turned to look, he was sitting next to her and Tej was sitting on his lap happily.
"You?" She asked looking around in fright. "hmm!" he said placing his hand on her shoulder.

The movie was over. She looked at Arnav. Tej was fast asleep on his laps. Arnav too was sleepy resting his head on her shoulder and the only one who enjoyed the 3D Tintin movie was Meera! She woke them up and said sadly "Arnavji..!".
"Yes, I know! You three go out first. I will leave later!" he said sulkily and she picked up Tej from his arms and walked out.

"Khushi came out with the kids and joined her family. "Mom, you know what? Arnav Uncle had come!" Said Tej jumping with joy. " Payal and Elsa looked at her in surprise and she blushed giving them an opportunity to laugh their hearts out.

Arnav went back to office, skipping lunch at home and ordered salad and coffee for himself in the office.

He was thinking hard on his position once his Di transferred the shares in the name of Sham. He had to do something before to stop the disaster. He drove back home...

"Di, where is jijaji? I wanted to talk to him" Arnav said gauging his sister's mood.

"Oh! As usual he has gone out without bothering to tell me!" Anjali said sulkily.
"Di, I just wanted to ask you, is it necessary to transfer the shares? Are you making a gift deed? Or is he paying you for those shares?" He asked keeping his fingers crossed.

"Oh! Chote, I did not think anything about it. He said its better I transfer the shares and I agreed. What is it Chote? Will it complicate the matters? Do you want me to withdraw the transfer?" She asked innocently.

"Di you do not know, what is going on!" Arnav thought gravely.
"Di, if you can wait till AGM or if you really want to transfer, then may be I will buy your shares and pay him the money!" he said hoping for the positive response.

"Ok. Chote, I will talk to your Jijaji and do that!" She said assumingly. He breathed relief.

*** ***
Late in the evening, Arnav and Khushi were in his SUV she was humming happily and Arnav was happy looking at her.

Arnavji, do you know what all we bought today? She asked happily. He was not at all interested but he didn't want to spoil her happy mood. "What?" he asked.
She gave him a full list of the shopping they did throughout the day. He nodded in between. They drove aimlessly. They had decided not to get down from the SUV for the fear of getting caught.

"Khushi, now please don't get upset at this. But seriously, do you want to talk to Lavanya?" he asked holding her hand and remembering last night's outburst. "Khushi, I am sorry I should have told you about it." He continued.

"Its ok Arnavji. And yes, I want to talk to her. Naniji has invited us all for the pooja tomorrow evening, may be at that time?" She asked.

"What? Are you planning to come with the family members? I mean.. is it not too early to disclose your arrival?" he asked getting worried about the consequences.

"Naniji knows as buwaji told her!" She said looking down. "Why? Don't you want me to come to your house?" she asked looking up straight into his eyes.
"No,. I mean yes, I mean its not like that. Khushi, I am worried about your safety. He will get time to plan." He could not visualize the reactions of his family members. He was worried about Di and Nani. "Mami and mamaji can be managed!" he thought.

"Khushi, do you even know the magnitude of the complications this situation has created?"

"Yes, I know better than you do Mr. Raizada!" she retorted looking at him.
"I know, only four of us here know where I work!" she said
"And you stay with papaji! you are papaji's foster daughter!" he added
"And papaji and Raj bhaiyya are father and son!" she said
"And Elsa is Raj's wife" he added
"And what are we going to tell how Elsa Bhabi is with me in my home?" she asked.
"And mummiji is papaji's wife!" He added
" Oh my god, what if that scoundrel saw me with mummiji that day?" she gasped at the thought.
"We have to find out Arnavji, if he had seen her. If he sees mummiji and papaji together, he will put two and two!" she screamed.

"Damn it! We have to sort everything out and make a smooth, consistent story that is acceptable to everyone. Khushi, its hell of a task!" he exclaimed.
"And what about the kids? We cannot tell them to shut their mouth up when they see us all together and behaving like strangers?" she asked getting lost in her thoughts.

"And. That snake does not know anything yet" She said.
"We must do something, before it goes out of our hands!". Said Arnav. He stopped the car and both were lost in finding out an acceptable solution on this problem.

"Ok. I will request papaji and mummiji not to come for the wedding! That will solve half of our problem" she said with tears in her eyes.
"But I want them to be with me in these happy days. They have been always with me during the worst time helping me to survive in the turmoil. I ... I" She started weeping.

"Khushi! Don't cry! They will be here. We will find out a way. Trust me!" he said in fake optimism holding her hand. She looked at him as a ray of hope.

"Khushi! Don't worry! I will handle it!" he said resolutely.

Part 71

"Khushi! Are you ok? What was that? Why did he call me?" bombarded Arnav with questions.

"I don't know Arnavji, he shut himself for a long time and when I knocked on the door he dialed your number. She too was puzzled at papaji's behavior.
"Arnavji, is something wrong?" She asked.

"No, Khushi everything is fine. . Something has surely upset papaji. Go and see if he is ok. May be we will talk in the evening" Arnav said.

"Hello Arnavji, he is here, wants to talk to you." She said looking at papaji's face. He had come in and looked serious. He held out his hand for the phone. She handed over the phone and lingered there. But papaji gave her a stern look hinting at her to go out. She sulkily went out muttering about his changing mood.

"Arnav Puttar, time for withdrawal. I want you to withdraw your contribution from our new company, Del-Ta liaison reason being difference between you and BTR group. Initiate the process." Ordered papaji.

"Yes, papaji. What happened? What did he say? Raj said he will talk to me in the evening" Arnav was really worried.

"Nothing much! You wouldn't want to know the details. But he tried to put blame on Khushi!" he dismissed the discussion in one sentence.

"What?" Screamed Arnav. "Puttar, control. There is nothing new in his statement." Said papaji. Now the pressing issue is the withdrawal process.
"Yes papaji. I will do that!" said Arnav resolutely.

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

Sham got another blow in the evening. Ratan Singh Thakkur called him up. He was upset about Sham using his men. He ordered him to be dormant and not to use his men in future. He threatened him for his life. He threatened him that he would finish him if he repeated this again in future." He did not give Sham any opportunity to explain. Sham was trapped from both the sides. His future as CEO was at stake and his godfather was upset with him.

*** *** ****
Arnav called Raj in the night to ask what excuse did Sham give to get away. Raj reluctantly said "He wanted to warn her as she was blackmailing him for the failed engagement with her!" Arnav was puzzled at this curt response from Raj but kept quiet. Papaji too had dismissed him with one sentence about Sham's explanation.

**** ***
Next day morning there was an emergency meeting of the members of "Del-Ta liaison" with a one line agenda of deciding the future.

Arnav proposed to withdraw his share from the company and opened the discussion. "Why?" was the uproar from the other members.

He said looking at the bandaged face of Sham "I want to sell of all my shares from this company. I do not wish to continue. I incurred losses in my other company and the board members refused to pool the resources. The contribution here is my personal contribution and I want to pull it back to save my company in AR group" He looked at everyone. Shondeep on the other end of video call looked to be shocked. Sham gaped at Arnav in the conference room. Raj and Mr. Balwindar Singh were on phone taking part in the discussion.
Sham was shocked at Arnav's move. Power was slipping from his grip. Arnav had turned around the table giving sham a checkmate in his own style. Sham was planning to bring this company under the purview of AR group with all his might and financial support of his god father. He had plans to take over the entire AR group soon. He fell flat on the face. If Arnav gets out of it there was no chance to be associated with AR group!

Sham had used the rejection issue to his advantage blowing it up and his plan boomeranged on him.

Arnav came out of the meeting smirking. He knew sham will try to buy his contribution by hook or crook.

*** *** ***

"Papaji?" called Khushi in soft voice. "Yes, puttar, go ahead! What is your demand now?" Asked papaji smiling.

"umm, Diwali is over. Can we go to Delhi for the wedding preparation? It would help Elsa bhabi.." she asked sheepishly.

"Ok. When do you want to go?" asked papaji.
"Now! I mean.. this weekend.!" Declared Khushi and ran inside to give this news to Elsa.

Papaji had permitted Khushi and Elsa to attend the marriage and go to Delhi 15 days before the marriage. Khushi was jumping with Joy when leaving for Delhi. Arnav wanted to come to Kolkata but Papaji had said No. He was sulking but when he heard about Khushi's arrival his heart jumped with joy. He did not go to the airport to receive her but Aakash with Payal went. In the evening he called up Payal and asked where Khushi was. Payal chuckled and handed over the phone to Khushi.

"Hello!" Khushi whispered.

"Khushi come to the garden in an hour. I will be waiting there." He said and hung up without giving her any chance to say no. She smiled and blushed at the thought of meeting Arnav after so long. She whispered in Payal's ear while leaving. As she stepped out of the house two heavily built women approached her. "M'am you cannot leave the house alone. We have orders to follow you" one of them said politely.

"What? Who gave you the orders?" Khushi asked puzzled.
"Mr. Balwindar singh has deployed us for your safety" a woman said.
"What?" Khushi barged in the house and picked up the Phone. "Papaji, what is this? Why those bodyguards? I don't get it. I want to meet Arnavji and these women ..." She said sulkily.

"Puttar, try to understand! I have to take care of you all. Elsa and Children are there.,," he tried to convince her.

"Ok. Then deploy the security for them. Not for me. No one will touch me in Delhi." She said proudly.

Papaji did not budge and insisted that the women should follow her.

"Papaji, please... for some time? Arnav ji will be with me..please papaji, tell them to leave me alone for some time.." She pleaded.

"Khushi they will be there with you till you meet Arnav and then you will be his responsibility. I will talk to him" said papaji.

"OK" she reluctantly agreed.

She reached the garden and looked around. The white SUV was waiting for her. She ran towards the car but stopped by her security in the middle. One of the guard opened the door and checked the car. "What is all this?" Khushi shouted at the guard irritated.

"Arnav got down from his SUV and strode towards Khushi. The guards seemed to be satisfied with their checking and let the couple alone requesting Arnav not to leave Khushi alone. He nodded seriously.

"They were in the car driving away in the night. "Khushi!" Arnav spoke.

"Arnavji, let us not discuss anything about the episode. My blood boils!" She said discouraging him from discussing further.

He looked at her seriously understanding her desperation to forget about the traumatic experience.

"Khushi, we have started tightening the noose for him.." He said trying to lift her spirits.

"Again the same!! Do we not have anything else to talk about? Why can't we talk without bringing him in discussion?" She yelled at him. He applied sudden breaks. Releasing his seat belt he bent holding her shoulder "Khushi.. tell me what happened! Did he try to hurt you again? Tell me Khushi..!" He asked looking piercingly into her eyes.

Her eyes filled with tears of pain. "He hurts me every day, every moment! He is eating me alive! I cannot sleep in the night, I have to go to mummiji for help!" She said resolutely sending back her tears.

"Khushi!" Arnav hugged her tightly.

"Its ok Arnavji! I am alright now!" said Khushi after a while breaking away from him.

"How are the wedding plans working? She asked bringing a smile on her face. He looked relieved.

"I don't know much about it! Others are managing it!" he said.
There was an awkward silence for a while and then she asked. "Did you invite Lavanyaji?"

"I told you, I did! And she has arrived a week back" He said looking at her.
"What? And you didn't even bother to tell me!" she was furious.

"Khushi, remember when did we talk last? Did we have time to discuss this?" he asked retorting back. She suddenly looked like a stranger to him. She refused to look at him. The memories of Lavanya's closeness with Arnav and their compatibility started flooding her mind. She felt insecure and jealous. She flashed angry looks at Arnav. He was puzzled at her sudden change in the mood.

"I want to go home!" she declared. "What? Khushi, you are safe with me! Don't worry!" He tried to assure her but she insisted. He took a U turn with mounting rage. 

Part 70

"Aakash, take snaps!" Arnav threw his cell at Aakash. Aakash caught it in the mid air and left. Arnav sat on the chair for a while and then got ready to go to the office.

He went to the office skipping his breakfast and ordered black coffee. He was thinking hard on his options. He was sure that Khushi would be safe with papaji. But he was worried about Shams next move. A desperate person can go to any lengths to hit the target. The only way to keep him away is to keep him busy with some other work.

Aakash came in after a while when Arnav had finished his morning meeting with his staff. He gave Arnav's cell back with the snaps and they again had a hearty laugh looking at his pathetic condition. Arnav got serious. He felt sorry for his sister. She was in grave danger. He had to complete the kill as early as possible. He was losing patience.

*** *** **
Early morning sham had come home. After facing the initial firing of questions from the family members, he went to his room to take rest. He was burning with humiliation and pain from within. He was furious with his saale saab. He could see smirk on his face. This made him desperate. But few more blows were in store for him.

He took out his laptop and saw his mails. He had received a mail from Raj aka Roger with an attachment. When he read the mail he could feel sweat on his forehead. His palms sweating, he opened the attachment sent by Roger. He froze. There was a clipping of him dragging Khushi with his men on the bus stop. Roger had written

"If the clipping is genuine, I am afraid you may have to resign immediately. If the matter goes to the police, I do not want  my CEO get involved in such criminal activities. Before I insist on your resignation I would appreciate your explanation Else all your powers will be withdrawn. I cannot afford any of my employee to have a criminal record.

Awaiting your explanation by this evening, India time!"

Sham had to find out a valid reason for his actions. He saw the clipping several times. "How could he get that? Who had given him this?" Sham was clueless. With every replay of the clip he winced in fright. "He was talking to Khushi with her back to the camera. His face and his hand on her shoulder was clearly visible. He moving with her gripping her arm and his men closing in and they moved out of the site of camera." It was a small clip of fifty seconds and when he saw it 10th time he sighed a relief. Khushi's face was not visible. The fight and flight of Khushi was not recorded. He could explain. He really could give a valid explanation.

He read the email again. It was addressed only to him. The damage could be controlled. But before that he should find out from where did Roger get the clipping and how much more he knew about Sham. "I can get away with this. I know, I will!" Sham thought smirking.

He shut down his laptop and went down for breakfast. He did not find anyone at the table. He sighed. Ajnali brought him his breakfast still looking very frightened and sad. He pulled her nearer and said "Don't worry Raani Sahiba, its just a minor injury. I will be alright soon."

*** ***

Arnav sent the snaps to Khushi and visualized her seeing those and enjoying. She had paid Sham back by permanently scarring his face. Now it was Arnav's turn to finish him. But he might have to wait for a longer time. People in the office were shocked to see a smile on ASR's face. He seemed to be particularly in a good mood.

"Bhai, Aakash came in looking serious. "Bhai, Khushiji should not come to our wedding. It will be dangerous for her. He will have a chance.  He will go to any lengths to silence her.." Aakash said.

"Aakash, that has been taken care of. We are deploying more security at the time of wedding and will ensure her safety. She will come. We cannot deprive her from her sister's wedding only for a threat from a con man like Sham. She will come!" Said Arnav resolutely. He knew nothing will happen to her.

*** *** **

Sham went to office after lunch with his swollen, heavily bandaged face. The office staff gaped at him wherever he went. He had received a call from his boss from US, Roger, requiring him to have a video conference call. Sham was reluctant and suggested a voice con call. But Roger insisted.

The snaps got circulated among the key persons like Mr. Balwindar Singh and Mr. Roger. Khushi had done that efficiently.

The screen in the conference room flashed Roger's image. Sham got ready for his defense.

*** *** ***
Arnav was in the office pacing restlessly. He knew Sham would come up with some story to ensure a clean chit for himself. He wanted to know what was he up to. The video con call went on for a very long time making Arnav restless and impatient. He was on the verge of breaking open to the conference room door and had stood outside the room, Sham opened the door smiling. He had done it. He had won this round. He was safe at least for now. He grinned at Arnav. "What is it Saale Saab? Do you have to say something to me? Why are you waiting here?" Asked Sham looking at Arnav Piercingly.

"I have a next meeting scheduled in this room with my French Client" Said Arnav hastily. Sham looked at him and said smirking"Oh! Ok. Go ahead! By the way, could you solve the rejection problem? I mean.. what was the level of loss to the Garment Company?"

Arnav clenched his fists in rage and went in banging the door. Sham smirked and left the office unaware that the snare was set for him, the noose would be tightened anytime.

Arnav barged into the conference room and called Raj. "What happened? What excuse did he give?" asked Arnav eagerly. Raj looked very serious. "You would not want to know what he said!" said Raj gravely. "We will talk about it from home." Said Raj hinting that they could be caught. Arnav nodded. "I am leaving for home now!" said Arnav impatiently.

"Wait Mr. Raizada. We need to talk on other matters!" Said Raj and continued his discussion. Arnav could hardly take in anything. When he came out, Aakash was waiting for him after finishing his meeting with the French Client and was happy that the deadline for the delivery was relaxed by another 21 days. They could easily fulfill the contract terms within that time.

"Bhai, what happened? What did he say to get away?" asked Aakash on their way home.

"I don't know, Aakash. But he looked very happy!" Arnav looked worried.
Raj called up his dad immediately after talking to Arnav. "Dad, he said in a grave tone. I really don't want to work with this person. I am going to throw him out. " Raj was furious.

"What did he say?" Papaji came directly to the point.

"You wouldn't believe, dad. I almost fell off my seat with every word he uttered. He told me the facts but manipulated to his advantage accusing Khushi of the sins she had never committed. I want to kill him dad, he .. he blamed MY SISTER!" He was burning with rage. "Dad I want to kick his as..." He could not stop himself.

"Tell me what he said" papaji asked him sternly.

"Dad I don't know how am I going to tell this to BIL! Dad, you tell him." Said Raj nervously.

"Come to the point boy!" Papaji bellowed.

"Dad, I asked him what that footage was all about. He said he just went there to warn her. She was the one who trapped him for engagement knowing full well that he was married. She started blackmailing him for money. And when she was disappointed as her wish was not fulfilled, she tried to trap his BIL that is Arnav and started blackmailing him too. And later on claimed that Arnav married her in the temple. She claimed a share in the property too. When it did not work, she fled for the fear of going behind bars for blackmailing. Now she has again started her dirty games and therefore, he had to come here to warn her toleave the Raizada family alone. But she turned out to be farfetched and attacked me in turn and fled again." Raj could not continue...

Papaji was burning with rage. His sardar warrior blood boiling, he took out his kirpaan(sword) in fury.

"Dad..! Dad..! are you there? Dad...!" Raj called his dad in desperation. He could not know what was going on. "Dad!" he screamed that brought papaji back.
"Yes! Bete, I am here. I will call you later. I need some time alone" He hung up clenching his fists, eyes fuming and blurring his vision, he went to his study and closed the door tightly. It remained closed for a long time.

"Papaji, are you there?" Khushi knocked on the study door. He came back to his senses wiping off his eyes. He did not answer. "Mr. Sham Manohar Zaa, your countdown has begun! Every step I take will be towards your distruction... You will beg for mercy, you will beg for your death!" papaji declared roaring.

"Papaji, who is there with you? Are you busy? I will come later!" Khushi said from outside and turned to leave.

"Khushi, puttar!" Called out papaji opening the door smiling at her. She turned.
"Who is it, papaji? Whom were you talking to?" she asked puzzled. "I was on phone puttar, come in" he came forward and wrapped his arm around her shoulder and took her in gently. Affection storming his heart he pulled her into an embrace.

"Papaji, what happened? Are you ok?" she asked raising her face in his arms. He looked away and suddenly leaving her, turned his back and said in a hoarse voice. "Nothing puttar, I got little emotional.. that's it!" he said turning and smiling at her.

"Wait a minute!" He said dialing Arnav's number and gesturing her to sit in front of him.

"Hello, Arnav puttar, good evening!" he greeted him looking at Khushi. Her face brightened up. He was able to successfully divert her attention.
"Hello papaji!" responded Arnav. "Here, Khushi wants to talk to you!" said papaji thrusting his phone in her hand and left the room.

Part 69

“What? How?” asked Arnav. “How do you know?.. I mean, did he see her? In your office? Was he in your office?” Arnav couldn’t stop asking questions and was thoroughly confused.

“Arnav! Hold your breath! He tried to abduct Khushi this morning!” Papaji said slowly.

“What?” He got up with a jerk banging his head on the upholstery of the ceiling of his car. His cell fell down. He picked it up hurriedly, “Hello! What? What are you saying? Is she ok? Where is she? Can I … I mean I am coming there!” Said Arnav aghast with shock.

“No! don’t even think about it. You are not coming here. And she is alright now. She was traumatized but has recovered! Don’t worry. You can talk to her later. Puttar, ..” Papaji narrated the morning incident to Arnav as much as he could assimilate from Khushi’s incoherent narration of the incident. With every detail, Arnav’s anxiety increased, his pulse raced and his heart thumped against his chest. His mouth fell open and went dry. Slowly his rage took over his anxiety. His fists clenching, he stared furiously.

“I.. I will kill that bastardl!” He muttered. “Puttar, calm down. This is not the time to lose your head. Control yourself.” Papaji said trying to pacify him.

“Puttar, she is at home. You may want to call her before we continue our discussion on further planning. So I will call you later! And don’t do anything in haste and without intimating me! Promise me!” Said papaji seriously.

There was no answer from Arnav for some time..”Puttar, I am waiting for your promise!” Said papaji. “Yes..OK! I… I will not!” Promised Arnav reluctantly.

Arnav, desperately wanted to be with her. He dialed her number. The call didn’t get through. “Damn it!” he muttered furiously. He tried several times. Then as last resort, called the land line. Butler picked up. Khushi was in her room. Butler knocked on her door and gave her the handset. “Hello!”
“Khushi….!” His voice cracked… “Are you ok?” Arnav called desperately.
“I am ok. Arnavji” Said Khushi in a small voice. She flinched remembering the morning incident. “Woh  main... huf...I..I. I was..” She wanted to tell him everything in an instant. She chocked. words failing her and her desperation mounting she started sobbing uncontrollably.

Arnav froze. “Khushi…. Khushi, don’t! Khushi…” words failed him too! He felt her pain in his chest, her trauma, her despair, her distress, her helplessness… All her emotions reflected in his heart. He swallowed hard, his lips quavering, nose flaring, he clasped his mouth in desperation, and then “Khushi..! “ Screamed.

She stopped sobbing, holding her breath, suddenly with his scream. There was a silence for a while. Then controlling his emotions he said softly.. “Khushi.. please.. control yourself. .. Khushi.. Khushi.. stop crying!” he pleaded passionately. Her sobbing subsiding she nodded. “Khushi.. are you listening to me?” she again nodded..”Khushi…are you there? Are you listening?. Her nods did not reach him. “Answer me goddamn it!” he shouted.

“I .. I answered! She stuttered.. “I nodded…!” and then smiling in realization.. she said “Sorry.. I forgot, we are on phone.. and you cannot see me.. I actually nodded in acceptance..! silly me!”

Arnav’s anger suddenly subsided, he chuckled. “You are impossible! Khushi!” he said smiling.
“Khushi I will go get my laptop, then maybe we can chat!” he said walking into the office to get the laptop.

“Laptop?” Khushi blurted. “Arnavji, I broke it … even my mobile..Papaji broke it!…” she started crying again.

“Damn it!” Arnav gritted his teeth. “Its ok “ he suddenly remembered that he was in office. He hurriedly ran out of the office and said “Its Ok Khushi… I will call you on your landline later. Now you have some rest and be safe.. Khushi..I..I…” he could not finish his sentence!

Arnav came back to the office crestfallen. The unanswered questions began spinning his head. He tried to concentrate on his work in vain. The urge to be with Khushi at this point of time made him restless and crazy. He felt helpless. His mood changed.  His temper reached the peak. He created havoc in the office, shouting at the top of the voice for no reason and scolding people left and right. He even shouted at Aakash on phone and called him irresponsible. People in the office froze in fright and tried to keep themselves away from his wrath.

Arnav could not bear the pressure and left the office. He sat in his car but could not drive. Hopelessness creeped in.  He stared unfocused with moist eyes.  He closed his eyes. Two droplets of tears rolled down his cheek without his permission. He got furious at himself. His phone rang.

Papaji was at the other end. Arnav felt better hearing his voice. "Papaji..!" he spoke in despair.

"Puttar, I know what you are going through! Even I was distressed in the morning when I saw Khushi in that condition and snatched away her phone breaking it into pieces. Her phone must have given him the location. Puttar.." He waited for the response from the other side.
Every word of papaji made Arnav whimper in pain. He said "Yes.. papaji" in hoarse voice.

"Puttar, we have a few alternatives I need to discuss with you" said papaji.
"We will go to the police. I want to see him behind the bars!" Said Arnav revengefully.

"I already have lodged the complaint..I am trying to get hold of the footage of the CCD Cameras also.... but... Puttar, think about it! We go to police, put him behind the bars, he applies for bail, comes out, manipulates the situation, Khushi will be dragged into this and there will be greater rift between your family members and Khushi making it difficult for you!" Papaji said showing him the consequences.

"I..I will kill him! I will pay for his hunt! I will hire a hitman!" Arnav said with gritted teeth clenching his fists.

"Hmm, puttar, keep your head and mind in sync. You know that is out of question!" papaji said dismissing his idea.

"Papaji, Khushi broke her laptop!" He suddenly changed the track. Papaji was puzzled. "Is he talking deliriously?" papaji thought. But Arnav wished he could ask Khushi if she has any of her filmy ideas to get out of this and punish Sham.
"Puttar, I know! Let us not discuss about her laptop now." Said papaji calmly.
"You do not know, how badly I need to see her!" thought Arnav.

"Puttar, putting him behind bars is not the right solution at this point of time. That is his final destination. We need to see who is behind all this. If he is dancing to someone else's tunes, we need to find that person. Looking at the way he planned everything, I am sure someone very powerful is behind this or he is playing a duel role. He thinks Khushi is a threat to his plans or maybe he wants her, for...." Papaji could not even utter those words, though he thought about that possibility.

"No! He can't touch her. I will not let that happen. I will kill him!" gritted Arnav.
"Yes, I understand! Arnav bete, I am just blurting out the possibilities." Said Papaji pacifying him.

"Ok Considering the men he used in this plot, I think he used his political contacts to get those men. I will find out" Papaji thought aloud.
"Papaji, Don't send her here for the wedding. I am worried!" he said this unwillingly. "I am sorry, but I will try and convince her not to come! I mean.. I know she will be disappointed. But there is no other go!.. " He started off as if convincing himself for her absence in the wedding.. He felt a knot in his stomach.

"No! Puttar, she will come. I mean, she should. And we are all there to protect her. We will be more prepared... Puttar.. we have to take care of Anjali... She should know...." Papaji said determinedly. Arnav felt better and relieved.
"Papaji, Raj! We will take his help..." A plan flashed in Arnav's mind. Papaji listened to him carefully and then said "Yes! I think this is a better idea. Ok. Let us do it. You take charge of this and I will do the rest per your plan." Papaji said. "after all, he is my son in law!" Papaji felt proud of Arnav.

*** **
Arnav was on video chat with Raj giving him the account of the incidents. He was talking to him for a long time late in the night. He suddenly saw Khushi online... shocked, he got up from his chair. "Khushi?" he blurted.

"umm... Raj! I think we have finished for the day..! I mean.." Arnav said hastely.

"Oh! Yes, I know! Khushi is online!" Raj said laughing "Good night BIL" said Raj and hung up.

"Khushi....!" Her image flashed on his screen and his heart jumped out.
"Arnavji!" Said Khushi happily. The traces of the morning trauma were still visible on her face but her eyes flashed happiness to see him on the screen.
He kept gazing at her image unblinkingly. "Arnavji, papaji bought a new laptop for me. This is great! It has a built in web cam!" she exclaimed excitedly. Arnav chuckled... His heart filled with happiness, he winked at her causing her blush furiously...!

Next day, early morning the door bell rang. Arnav hardly had a sleep in the night. He had talked to Khushi for a long time drawing all the curtains tightly. He had suddenly become extremely paranoid. He got up with a start at the sound of the doorbell.

Sham came in. He looked disastrous. His face swollen, one eye blackened, sutures on his cheek with white adhesive tapes and nose tightly bandaged. He looked completely shattered.

Mami was having her early morning tea at the table. She got up startled. "hello hi bye bye! Kahase naak katavaike aye ho damadji? Ek thoda inbheestigasan kare ki padi!" she blurted. "From where did you cut off your nose to bring disgrace? I have to investigate!" she said. Arnav stared at him smirking. He suddenly turned his back and marched towards Aakash's room, trying to control his laugher. He remembered Khushi's animated description of her encounter with Sham. She had described the entire episode with actions, reactions and replays of the significant actions!

He met Aakash half way through. "Aakash, he has come, totally devastated! Look at him" he said actually grinning silently. "What!" Aakash exclaimed. He came hurriedly towards the table and asked "What happened? Are you ok. Jijaji?" He too had to control and work hard to keep his face straight.

Nani came in and froze. She kept staring at Sham in shock. "What happened damadji?" She asked looking concerned and looked around. She saw Aakash and Arnav's straight faces. Sham was not in a position to speak anything. "Anjali bitiya.. " nani called out. Anjali was in the bathroom.  She shouted "Yes, nani coming" wondering why nani had called her, unaware of things happening at the table.

"What happened Jijaji?" Arnav and Aakash asked unanimously and looked at each other, immediately looking away for the fear of bursting out in laughter.
Sham did not speak anything, neither looked at anyone. "Hello hi bye bye! Is there a nose under your bandage or you have said bye bye to your nose?" she asked loudly. Sham did not answer. "Noj ke saath kaan bhi katavayake aiye ho kya? Male Soorpanakha hoi gaye shayad! Have you cut off your ears also with your nose?" she asked.

"Manorama, quiet!" ordered naniji. She looked at sham's face and thought "he must have got beaten up somewhere....

Anjali came in and screamed looking at her husband's face. She came nearer and holding his arm asked him. "What happened? Oh god! I knew it.. something bad is going to happen. I had a nightmare yesterday night" she started crying.
"Anjali bitiya, calm down. Give him a hot tea and let him rest for some time. We will discuss about it later." Nani said in a steady voice and looked at the two brothers standing there, expressionless, facing Sham.

Anjali sat beside sham still crying and muttering. "What happened?" she asked passionately.

"I had a minor accident. I fell down..." Sham started off.

"Muh ke bal gire hou kya, damad ji? Kise bye bye kar rahe the? Hello hi bye bye! Have you fallen flat on the face?" asked mamiji sarcastically with her usual style. Arnav could not control and choked. Coughing hard he turned around to have a glass of water.

He had an urge of clicking a snap and showing it to Khushi. He searched for his cell. He had left it in his room. He had tea without uttering a word but kept on glancing at Sham's face and enjoying his plight. Anjali was completely devastated and kept on pestering sham to tell what happened and where. Sham avoided most of her questions looking at the other members of the family.
"Anjali bitiya, please take him to the room. Let him have some rest." Said nani and dismissed the gathering.

*** *** ***
Arnav came back to his room still smirking. He wanted to talk to Khushi and Papaji but thought of calling them later as he had to rush to the office. Aakash banged open his room door and marching in asked "Bhai.. what happened to Jijaji? And why were you...?"

"Aakash, he tried to kidnap Khushi, yesterday!" Suddenly his mood changed. He became serious remembering Khushi's plight yesterday.

"What? Why did you not tell me?" Asked Aakash sounding hurt.
"Aakash, I didn't want to tell this to anyone. Your wedding is approaching and I didn't want you to spoil your mood. Do not tell this to anyone but..." He narrated the incident to Aakash.

Aakash did not react. He looked at Arnav and turned his back to leave. Arnav, utterly confused, called "Aakash.. I am sorry! I should have told you yesterday!..But Aakash.."

Aakash did not turn back. He said "Bhai wait here... I just want to see him again with that face. I have not had enough of it!" he said sniggering and turned to face his Bhai. They grinned at each other.....

Part 68

It was last week of September. The rains had subsided. Khushi took Mummiji to the temple. Mummiji went home in the car and Khushi moved towards the bus stop. She stood there waiting for the bus. She was dreaming about the wedding day. She had started shopping for her Jiji, in consultation with Elsa and Mummiji. Elsa was so excited, that she accompanied her even in the smallest of the things. Broad smile appeared on Khushi's face. "I will do everything possible for my Jiji!" she muttered.

"Khushiji!" A hand gripped her shoulder. She froze. She turned in a jerk. Sham was standing there behind her clasping her shoulder tightly, with a hedeous smile on his face.

"Y..yo.. You?" Her voice had left her. She felt her head spinning, mouth dry, her heart stopped.
"Yes! Its me! How could you think, you can escape from me, Khushiji?" he asked smirking. "I never let go once I lay my hands on!" He said with gritted teeth.

She looked around. A set of unknown men had surrounded her. She looked for some help desperately.
"I.. I ! You.. How can.. you!" She blurted trying to take a step backward. He had clasped her tightly. She couldn't move. She tried to look around.

"No use Khushiji! You can't escape now!" Said Sham putting his other hand on her shoulder. She knew she had lost it.

She looked down in defeat! "Don't create a scene. No one will come to your rescue. Shut your mouth and come with me. I have my men all over. I can kill you anytime!" threatened Sham. He pushed her forward and started walking with her still clasping her arm. His men moved like a team around them. She started walking helplessly, praying her Devi Mayya, remembering Kaali Maa ....

She lost her balance and bent forward stubbing her toe. She screamed in pain. His clasp loosened. She straitened herself up turning around in half circle, hurled her laptop bag and whacked him straight in the face with all her might; completing the circle to maintain her balance like a kathak dancer. He lost his balance and fell backward clutching his nose. The bus honked applying breaks just in front of her and she boarded the bus hopping on the foot rest holding on to handle bar for dear life.

She saw men running behind the bus and then giving up. She got inside the bus. And prayed her devi mayya, thanking her....

Sham was furious. He sat in the car and followed the bus. Five men could not hunt a single helpless girl. He closely followed the bus. He knew the bus would stop at some place and he would get in. He had started bleeding. This whack and the hit was so forceful it made a deep cut across his nose, tearing his cheek. He almost broke his nose. Blood started dripping down his face, his mouth bled uncontrollably.  He winced with pain and got still more furious.

Khushi, shaking from head to toe called up papaji. 'Papaji" she was struggling for breath. "Puttar, what is it?" asked concerned papaji.

"Papaji, I am in the bus. Somehow escaped from his clutches. I don't know what to do. He is following..!" she went on incoherently.
"What? Puttar! who was that?" papaji got up from his seat in his office sensing danger.
"Papaji.." Khushi was crying. "Papaji, he caught me!" She sobbed. People in the bus turned and looked at her frightened face.

"Khushi keep the phone on! Which bus have you boarded?" Asked papaji, planning for her rescue. "My usual bus that takes me to my computer class in new market near.. near the circle" she said quivering.
He calculated.. "Ok. Puttar, don't get down from the bus. Keep going till it takes you. I know the route and I will arrange something.. I am on my way. Just stay hidden in the bus. Take someone's help to hide yourself. Keep the phone on!" Papaji talked briskly walking towards the parking lot and signaling the security persons to follow him.

He sat in the car with two security persons and raced away.
Khushi looked behind from the rear window to find his car closing in. She looked desperately around. It was her usual bus with the known faces. " ki hoyechhe? What happened?" an elderly person asked. "Someone is following me!" she said looking frightened. People looked around at each other. Then the elderly person said "don't worry! We are there!"

The bus passed the traffic signal in the nick of time leaving the car stopping at the signal. She looked and prayed clasping her palms together. "Papaji.." she clutched her phone again to her ear. "Puttar I am coming.. don't worry! Get down at the circle if you see a black car parked at the stop" papaji said. She felt better. The car behind was closing in.

Sham was not going to give up. He was determined to stop her at any cost. "If she can't be mine, she has no right to live!" He thought revengefully. She was a danger to his very existence. "I will compel her to be mine by hook or crook. "Let me have you in my possession, Khushiji.. only one chance... and you will be mine forever!" He thought hungrily, licking the blood from his lips lustfully. "I will not leave you like that Khushiji! I will have you! I will shut your mouth for good!" He thought clenching his fists.
He had all his focus on the bus in front. They were closing in. "Any moment I will overtake the bus and stop it only to have her" he wiped his lips with his tongue. His face soaked with blood. He wiped it off furiously. He could see the bus slowing down at the bus stop. He asked the driver to take the car nearer and jumped out of the car. He rushed to the back door of the bus with two of his men and boarded the bus. He elbowed his way pushing the crowd aside like a maniac. He looked around for Khushi. He looked hideous, with the blood stains and cut marks. The bus had started again and moving away on the crowded road, honking. He saw the bus overtaking a halted black car. Khushi was nowhere to be seen in the bus. He made his way up to the front searching for her. When he realized she was not there, he got down from that speeding bus with his men and came running back. His other men were still in search for her.

All this drama happened in just 15 minutes. Papaji had called up his person on the bus route to be at the crowded stop, where the bus stopped for longer time. The elderly person in the bus had helped her to get down safely surrounding her with few more passengers from the bus and had made it to the black car parked just adjacent to the bus stop. Khushi escaped narrowly. The car made an en route deep into the crowded area and only after ensuring that it was not chased took Khushi to her home safely. Papaji was waiting anxiously at the gates. She got down and ran towards papaji crying. He embraced her tightly assuring that she was safe and took her in after thanking the driver.

Mummiji was at the front door. Papaji took her in and gave her a glass of water. He ordered the butler to get a glass of hot milk with lot of sugar. Mummiji and papaji did not say anything but hugged her sitting on either side to convey that she was safe now and there was nothing to worry! Elsa came in with the milk and helped her drink it. She sat on the floor keeping her hands on Khushi's knees embracing her around her waist.

Khushi was sobbing! She was shaking from head to toe. She felt little better after some time and felt the warmth of her foster parents. She was safe.

She stared at Elsa sitting on floor and then looked up grinning, with unfocused eyes. She looked little hysterical. Papaji gazed at her worriedly.

She turned to papaji and said breathing heavily, "Papaji, I whacked him! Yes, I did! My blow must have broken his nose!. YES!" She threw her clenched fist in the air. Satisfaction glowed her face! Both her parents gaped at her. Then papaji smiled and Mummiji hugged her tightly and said "My brave girl!.. I love you, I am proud of you!" She kissed on Khushi's forehead.

The butler had laid the table. Khushi refused to have lunch. She had continued with her one time fasting and had grown weaker. She had not yet come out of the morning trauma. She still winced at the thought of her failed abduction experience.

"Papaji, please don't tell anything about this to Arnavji. He will be worried!" She said pleadingly.
"No, Khushi! I have to tell him. This time, I will not yield to your blackmailing tactics! Understand? When and how to tell is my discretion!" He said firmly.

"Now, have lunch with us!" He ordered. "No! papaji, you know. I will have dinner." She said.
"No more blackmailing, Khushi! You are having lunch with us" He spoke like a dictator.
Khushi had continued her fasting and had successfully stopped the couple from telling this fasting tale to Arnav saying "If you really accept me as your daughter, you will not stop me from fasting; else I will know that I am not!"

Papaji gripped her shoulder and brought her to the table. She had no choice than to have lunch with them. "I will not have dinner!" She thought resolutely.

"Now, if you are OK. Khushi puttar, I would like to continue with my work. You are not going anywhere. You are not going out of this House. Understand?" Papaji said firmly.
"Yes papaji!" she winced again.

*** *** ***
Arnav's cell rang early evening. He was in the office busy with the meeting with an important client. He saw papaji's name and picked up the phone wondering.

"Puttar, I need to talk to you. Is it a good time now?" Asked papaji.
"umm! Papaji, I am in a meeting with the client, can I call you back in half an hour?" Arnav asked politely.

"OK" said papaji. Exactly after half an hour, his phone rang.
"Good evening!" Arnav greeted. "Puttar, if you are in the office, come out of the office and sit in your car and call me back. I don't want to take any chances . Arnav obeyed puzzled to the core. He called papaji back. "What is it?" Arnav asked.

"Puttar, HE knows where Khushi is!" Said papaji in grave tone. He did not know how to tell Arnav about Khushi's morning incident.