Part 87

** ** **
Sham went to Anjali's room asking for the courier. She had forgotten to mention about it.

"Raani saheba! where is the envelop? Why did you not give me?" He was annoyed.

"Oh! its here..." she searched it on the table... she rummaged the drawers..She could not find it. She looked nervous.

Sham was furious "Raani Saheba you have been very negligent of late..Please give me that envelop!"
"I am searching it... please wait.. I will give you..." She started turning everything upside down to find the envelope out.

** **
Arnav came to his room. Picked up his laptop and the file Anjali gave him and marched towards the main door. Aakash joined him and they drove to the office.

Arnav had his morning staff meetings and approved the budgetary provisions for the next six months and came back to his cabin. He sat on his chair and closed his eyes for a while. That helped him recoup his energy. He opened the file lying on the table and gaped at the file.

There was an envelope lying in the file. He looked at it. It was the same courier. His Di had misplaced it. He picked it up and stared at it. He picked his phone to tell his Di about it, Aakash came in.

Arnav put down his phone and looked at Aakash. "Bhai.. Our consignment is approved, we fulfilled the contract... Though we incurred loss but we won the client! The staff will have celebration party!" He said happily waving the letter in his hand.

"Hmm! Yeah! good!" said Arnav looking lost holding the envelop. Aakash looked at it..

"Bhai... this is... how did you get it?" Aakash asked picking it from Arnav's hand and flipping it.

"Di, kept it in my file by mistake..!" said Arnav not knowing what to do with it.
"Bhai... “Whispered Aakash staring at the envelop.

"No! Aakash No! I can't do it..! No! I will inform Di!" said Arnav dismissively.
"Bhai, wait! I mean why not? I will open it neatly and reseal it properly. Its a matter of few minutes.. Bhai this is our chance..My intuition says... " Aakash blurted trying to open the seal. He looked around and saw a glass of water. He pulled the glass.

"Aakash what are you doing?" asked Arnav bewildered.
"Shh! bhai.. keep a watch outside. I will finish this. " Aakash dipped his finger in the water and applied it to the edge of the envelop where it was sealed. He repeated keeping a gap of few seconds in between.

Then slowly he peeled off the seal and opened the envelop. He looked at his bhai triumphantly. Arnav gaped at Aakash.

"Aakash! No!" Arnav had a weak resistance. Aakash pulled out the contents and the photographs spread on the table.

"Both of them froze..." They picked up the photographs..They saw Sham's photos with another woman. They saw him with his hand on her shoulder; they saw him with her in some temple; they saw him holding up a small child with her; they saw him with her in a house with the same child and they saw him with her in bridal wear and garlands....."

"Bhai... " Aakash came back to his senses first. "This is unbelievable!" said Aakash taking the photos from Arnav's hand and flipping them.

There was a one liner note with the photographs...
"Sham ji, this is to remind you, in case you forgot!" Rama
"Bhai.. I am going to scan these.." He turned picking up the photos. He looked excited.

"No! wait!" said Arnav and taking out his cell, he took the snaps of the snaps and so did Aakash.

"Now take them to scan! This is our fall back plan!" Said Arnav shrewdly. Aakash smiled and left.

"How are we going to place it back? He must be furious on not finding his courier... Di must be in trouble" Blurted Arnav when Aakash came back and placed the photos with the note back in the envelope and carefully sealing it switching on the wall mounted fan and holding the envelop to dry in front of it.

"I will do it!" said Aakash confidently. Arnav gaped at his excitement and smiled.
"I will make sure Di sees these photographs!" said Aakash resolutely.
"Aakash, we should find out who this lady is! She will be of great help!" said Arnav.
This would help them win the next round of battle.
Aakash went out with the envelope and within a few minutes Sham walked in.

Arnav looked around in his cabin to see everything was ok and there were no traces of what they had done an hour ago.
"Yes!" said Arnav.
"Saale Saab! I had talked to you about selling your Di's shares. She is thinking about selling her shares and has a taker with premium!" Sham smirked.
Arnav looked at Sham, and then leaning back said "Ok!"
"She wants to do it as early as possible. She won't be able to find time with the baby, you see!" sham stared at Arnav.

"Ok!" Arnav bent forward and pulling his laptop said "Convene the board meeting with this agenda. When do you want to have it?" Sham looked aghast.
"um.. " He fumbled. "As early as possible?" he asked. Arnav looked straight into his eyes and said "Tell me your convenient date, Jijaji!"

"um.. Let me think and I will come back!" said Sham avoiding his gaze. He had not expected this from Arnav. He had thought Arnav would be upset and would try to convince not to sell. Then sham had a chance to squeeze Arnav. But this didn’t happen. Arnav apparently accepted his Di's decision. This was a mystery.  Sham got thoroughly confused. He went back to his cabin dialling the number of his god father.

*** *** **

Arnav came home early that evening and went into the kitchen to order a cup of coffee. The maid nodded. Arnav was working on his upcoming project and his cell rang. It was sham. "Saale saab, where did you vanish? I looked around in the office. Where are you?" he asked.

"I am at home. What is it? Come to the point, Jijaji!" Arnav cut him short.
"Saale saab, I wish you have the meeting next month, mid December?" Sham asked.

Arnav calculated the days and said "Fine! I will send the notice of the meeting to all the board members!" and disconnected the phone. He knew that Sham would dash home anytime. He continued on his project.

Sham came in. He went straight to Anjali's room. Anjali still looked confused and nervous and was searching for the envelope. Sham was annoyed. He curled up his lip in disgust looking at his wife. "Wait a minute!" Anjali said stopping in the middle. Sham looked at her.

"I gave Chote my returns file! May be...!" she thought aloud.
"What?" Sham screamed. "Go get the envelope from him, right now!" Sham yelled.

Anjali looked frightened. She hurried to Arnav's room closely followed by Sham.

"Chote!" she knocked the door. But Sham pushing it open barged in. Arnav startled.
"What is it Di?" He got up worried. "Are you ok?" he asked holding his Di's arm and looking at her scared face
"Where is that envelope?" Asked sham angrily.
"What? Which envelop? Oh! Your courier?" asked Arnav looking at Sham in disgust.

By that time sham was already searching around for the envelop. He saw the tax file on the table and hurriedly moved to pick up.
Arnav looked confused. "What is it jijaji? Why are you so desperate?" He asked smirking.

The file contained no envelops. Sham threw the file in frustration.
"Learn to control your temper, Jijaji" said Arnav raising his voice.
Sham gave him a hollow laugh. Arnav looked away.
"Don't worry, Di we will find out!" said Arnav assuring his Di.
Sham went out disgusted followed by anjali.

"Get me some tea" Sham ordered Anjali. Anjali went to kitchen with teary eyes. She asked the maid to prepare the tea and was busy dishing out some eatable. The maid took the tray and went out. Sham was alone at the table. Anjali was still in the kitchen.

"Sir, Khushi madam is coming next week. I heard them talking and the wedding will be next month!" she whispered. Sham looked satisfied. "My plan won't fail this time! She will be mine!" thought sham smirking, lust spilling over his face!


"Sir, what about my work?" she asked raising her voice a little and squinting at the kitchen door seeing Anjali coming out with Samosas and sweets.

"What?" asked sham irritatingly with his back at the kitchen.
"Sir, you asked me to do odd jobs, I did all that you had asked me to do. But you have not done anything about my pension. Please do something. And per your instructions I have been telling you everything I hear..." She sounded annoyed and frustrated.

"Shh stop it!" sham silenced her. She looked scared. Anjali was standing behind Sham. the maid looked frightened and hurriedly went into the kitchen.
"What was she talking about? What does she tell you?" Asked anjali looking at Sham.

"Its nothing Raani Saheba! it was regarding her pension. The election time stops everything. No government works these days. But how to tell her? she won't understand!" Sham said holding her hand and making her sit on the chair.

"Raani saheba.. don't worry about these matters. You take rest. Go to your room. I will come there finishing my tea!" Said Sham.

"What about telling you everything she hears?" she blurted the question.
"You seem to be weak, Raani Saheba.. please go and take rest!" Sham helped her get up and went with her. She looked all lost. She could not brush away that thought. "I have to ask the maid" she thought. She looked at her husband trying to read his mind. He looked away.

Aakash came into her room Sham was sitting on her bed. she was taking rest. "Di, bhai told me you misplaced some envelop..! Did you find it?" asked Aakash.

"No Aakash, i searched everywhere in this room.." Anjali sounded desperate.
"Di, are you sure, you kept it in this room only and not in Jijaji's room, i mean guest room?" Aakash asked innocently.

"Oh! i did not search in guest room" She got up and began to walk.
"Its ok! Raani Saheba. i will search!" said Sham and dashed out. Aakash smiled.
"Di, go and see if he had found out the envelop!" Aakash said encouraging her to go behind her husband. She went to guest room.

Aakash waited with bated breath to hear the expected outburst!

Part 86

Arnav took a short trip to Luknow and came back with the documents of ownership of Sheesh Mahel! He had won first round.

Sham walked in to Raizada House a couple of days after the Gupta House incident. He saw Buwaji and Amma into the house and looked surprised. He hurriedly came in and asked Anjali who was at the table. "Raani Saheba? Is everything ok?" Anjali got up with a jerk and moved towards him. She held his arm and said, "You freshen up first and I will tell you!"

Arnav stared at him. He avoided Arnav's gaze and left. Arnav waited for him at the table. But he did not come out. Anjali had followed him. Aakash came down from his room.

"Aakash, jijaji has come back! Di is updating him!" He exchanged dark looks.
They both waited for Sham patiently. Sham reluctantly came out when Anjali dragged him for breakfast and was disappointed to see the brothers at the table.

"Hello jijaji!" Aakash greeted him. Arnav flashed  disgust at Sham. Sham looked back startled.

"Hello saale saab!" Sham greeted back. He looked at Arnav and said slyly "I heard about Gupta House. Its good that you brought them here. Here they are safe!" He stared back at Arnav. Arnav clenched his fists. Aakash sensed the tension.

"Bhai, we need to go to the office" He poked Arnav. Arnav got up and instead of going to his room went to his Di's room. Sham looked surprised. "Saale Saab, your sister is here!" he called out from behind. But Arnav did not stop. Anjali asked sham to have his breakfast and went after Arnav.
"What is it Chote?" Asked Anjali concerned.
"Di, I want the file back, which I gave you yesterday for your signatures!" He said holding out his hand.
"Oh! That file! Wait I will get it!" She started rummaging her cupboard.
"Di, its urgent!" Arnav was impatient.

She could not find the file and was panic. "I had kept it here on the table.." she muttered. Arnav waited at the door.

She started searching on the floor and under the bed. He too bent down. His eyes locked on a old antique looking big metal box. It took him to his childhood. He used to hide his possessions in the box.

"Di..!" he called out in hoarse voice.
"Chote, here is your file. I have signed on the papers!" said Anjali looking relieved. Arnav was not in present but had travelled years back.
"Di..!" he asked pointing at the box.. "You got that?"
She bent down and looked at the box. Her eyes filled with her parents memories. She straightened herself up and said "Chote ... I brought in whatever I could gather when nani had come to take us!" Tears rolled down her eyes when she looked at her brother's wet eyes.

"What is it saale saab?" Asked Sham from behind.
"Nothing!" said Arnav pointing at the file. "Oh! ok. Tax returns file!" Said Sham.
Arnav turned and left the room. He was getting ready to go to the office and Ram Prakash entered the room knocking. Arnav just looked at him raising his eyebrow, "Arnav Bhayya! there is someone at the door with a packet. He wants to meet you!"

Arnav rushed down to see who it was. A person was waiting at the door with a packet neatly gift wrapped. Arnav looked at him. He handed over the packet to Arnav and said “Sir, please accept the gift from Mr. Balwindar Singh!" Arnav looked bewildered. He took the packet. By this time the family members had gathered. He stood there with the packet. Aakash poked him and said "Bhai, open it!" Arnav slid his finger to rip it open.

"Bhai! careful!!" Shouted Aakash and the packet fell down from Arnav's hands. He looked at Aakash irritatingly. Aakash burst out in laughter. He came closer to Arnav and whispered "Look at the card.. it’s from her! You might get hurt!" He enjoyed Arnav's irritation. "Oh! Shut up, Aakash!" Arnav barked picking up the packet and ripped it open.


There was a key in a neatly decorated velvet box. He gaped at the key. Aakash peeped in.

"Bhai! what are you waiting for? Lets go out and see!" Aakash almost screamed and without waiting for Arnav dashed out, leaving everyone flabbergasted.

Arnav went behind him and there they saw in the porch, a beautiful Black Mercedes SUV with pink and white satin ribbons and a bow. Aakash had reached the car and was surveying it mesmerized.

"Bhai.. its a beauty!" he screamed. Taking out the card stuck on the bonnet! Arnav was quick enough to snatch it away. He hid the card in his coat pocket. He wanted to read it in private. He knew whose card it was.

Aakash smiled and winked at him. He looked away. He unlocked and opened the door. There was a box of the vehicle documents lying on the seat. Aakash had already occupied the front seat. He took the wheel and they drove away....!

Arnav called papaji to thank him and decided to call Khushi in the night!
When they came back they had to face the fury of the family members. They were bombarded with the questions. Arnav did not know how to explain. He saw questions in everybody's eyes. Sham was staring at Arnav. Arnav knew no one has heard the person bringing in the key. He did not want to tell them that it was a gift. Aakash came to his rescue.

"We had booked it long back. It has arrived today!" He said looking at everyone. Anjali got aarti thaal and did puja. Sham stood there rooted to the floor staring suspiciously. Aakash went to his room, but Arnav stayed there looking at Sham piercingly.

Sham came forward, standing up to Arnav he hissed "Saale Saab... I know... I know what you are up to! Remember its not going to be easy crossing me!"

Arnav looked at him. Sham was losing his control..! Arnav smirked and said,
"Where were you Jijaji? You could have been of great help .... Anyway, I have handled it my way. The police commissioner is looking into it personally." Sham gaped at Arnav. His blood boiling, he turned to leave.

"Jijaji.. What happened to your phone? Di tried calling you, you were unreachable.... and there were calls for you on Di's phone! What is it Jijaji? Are you in trouble?" Arnav asked to the back of Sham. Sham froze.
"And, there was a courier in your name. I received it. Di must have given you!" Arnav knew the effect.

Sham turned around in a jerk and glaring at Arnav said, "Its none of your business!"
"I know Jijaji, but why are you so upset? I know it must be from one of your desperate clients...!" Arnav had the desired effect.

Part 85

"Now i have to feed her with false news.... to save her!" he thought about the maid.
"She is brought in the house to eavesdrop and gather information. I will provide her with crucial information. He will not suspect her loyalties that way and she will be safe till the final strike!" he thought gravely.

.
Sham landed in the evening and went straight to meet his dear wife. She was crying and nani was trying to comfort her. She came forward and hugged Sham, crying her heart out, breaking down completely. For a moment Sham felt triumphant but regaining his serious composure he asked nani,

"How is he? why are you all crying? is it that serious?" keeping his fingers crossed he went up to nani.

"Don't know!” said nani. Aakash is with him in the hospital. No one is allowed inside" Said nani. “Payal bitiya wanted to go but Aakash did not allow her!”. Nani was on the verge of breaking down. Sham turned smirking.

He went straight to the hospital, but was not allowed to see Arnav as his condition was very critical. An attendant doctor came and asked Aakash to come with him, the doctors wanted to talk to him. Sham joined Aakash. They both went into the Doctor's cabin.

"You?" Sham was shocked to see Avinash there.!

"Do you know each other?" Asked Aakash sounding surprised.
"No! i mean... i have seen him!" said Sham repenting for his mistake. Avinash was staring at him. Sham avoided his gaze, thinking hard about the situation.

"Look here, it’s a poisoning case and I don't want to land in medico legal situation. So either File a FIR with the police or give it in writing that is was an accident. His condition is critical, and since I know you personally, I will manage to keep the investigation at bay... but..... you have to take a decision now! Or I may have to call the police for further investigation. The food samples from his stomach are already sent to the lab. Let me know your decision" Said Avinash seriously waiting for the response.

"Call the police!"
"We will give in writing!" said Aakash and Sham simultaneously contradicting each other.

"What?" asked Avinash.
"Doctor, there is nothing to be decided. It's a poisoning case and we should call the police to investigate and nab  the culprit" Said Aakash getting flared up.

Avinash looked at Sham. He hesitated and then said, "I think, in this situation, its better we project this as accident. This will avoid further complications and trouble from the police.." Sham knew he had no convincing argument about this.

Aakash and Avinash gaped at Sham. Sham, regaining himself said "Aakash, I am a lawyer and know the complications, so its better we give it in writing that it was accident!"

Aakash looked at him suspiciously and said "Should I call The Police commissioner to take his advice? I know him personally!"
"No!" said sham at once. "No need! I will handle!"

Aakash looked at Sham and said "As you say Jijaji!" Sham took a sigh of relief.
A nurse came in and called the doctor for an emergency. When Avinash went out Sham asked Aakash angrily "Why did you come here so far? Why not the nearby hospital?"

"Aakash looked confused. He said "Bahi was unconscious and was critical. We took him to the best hospital!" He was glaring at Sham. Sham kept quiet.

He came home cursing his fate. He was so close... so close to complete the kill.

“Why didn’t he die?” But now the doctors said his BIL was out of danger and will be up soon!
Things were not going his way! He had to do something....

** *** ***
Sham again had vanished. Arnav was sent home in a couple of days. He was working late in the night to catch up with the backlog. There was a bang on the door. He opened the door to see Aakash and Payal looking frightened. What is it, Aakash? Asked Arnav leading them inside.

"Bhai, buwaji had called.. Some people vandalized their house. They barged in with the weapons it seems.. She could not speak coherently!" Said Aakash looked tensed up. "We are going there!" he said and turned to leave with payal.

"Aakash, wait! I am coming with you!" said Arnav moving towards his wardrobe to change. Aakash felt relieved! He knew bhai will take care of everything now.

They went to Gupta's house and froze looking at the condition there. The entire house was shattered. Buwaji had bandaged her wounds on her arm. Khushi's amma had gone into traumatic shock. Babuji was on the bed looking helpless. The neighbours had gathered. The damage was beyond repair. The burglars had tried to burn down the house. The kitchen had burnt completely but the fire had not spread to other rooms. Neighbors had managed to mitigate the damage and put out the fire. Payal almost fainted looking at her house. Aakash supported her. Arnav went to babuji. He took his hand and said.

"I will handle this!" Then turning to Aakash he said "Aakash, take all of them to our house and come back. I will handle it here! Take her to the doctor, first!" Aakash and Arnav helped Babuji on the wheel chair and then took all of them to the car. Payal was all lost. She did not know what to do. Aakash supported her and took all of them in the car.

Arnav stood there looking around. He felt like a only surviving soldier on the battle field looking around at the debris. His rage mounting he dialled the police commissioner's number!

  Arnav dialled Commissioner's number and was picked up by his secretary. Commissioner came online after a while.. Arnav was losing his patience. He told about the incident and asked to send the police. The police reached the site within ten minutes and the rounds of interrogations started. The Statements of the family members, the neighbors, Of Arnav and Aakash with payal were taken...!

By the time they came home completing the formalities it was almost afternoon. Arnav was exhausted. He was enraged, with himself, with his helplessness, with his Di's blind faith on her husband. He knew who had done this hideous job. He knew who was behind all this but his hands were tied up, his lips were zipped. Sham was nowhere to be seen. His Di was trying to console the guptas. Buwaji was mutt erring and cursing those hooligans. Payal was upset and fidgeted. He looked at Aakash and went to his room. Aakash followed.

"Aakash, where is he?" Asked Arnav pacing the length.
"Don't know bhai. Di also does not know. He might have gone somewhere!" Aakash said.
"I know! I know who has done it!" Arnav clenched his fists.
"Bhai did you tell your suspicion to the Police? I did not!" said Aakash.
"No! I did not!" said Arnav. "I want them to find out... and i will help them to find out!" He said resolutely.

"hmm!" Aakash exhaled unable to think anything.
"Aakash, let us not tell anything about this to Khushi!" Said Arnav. Aakash gaped at him.
"But bhai, Khushi will come to know!" Said Aakash. Arnav lost in thoughts. After a while he said,

"I will call papaji and tell!" He dialled papaji's number. He talked to him at length and then said
"Papaji, how to tell this to Khushi is your responsibility!"
"Don't worry puttar, i will manage!" assured papaji and hung up.
Arnav and Aakash came down The Gupta family was devastated. Mamiji was making faces and taunting Payal's family and Naniji was furious at her.
"Enough! Manorama, go to your room!" ordered Naniji. Mamiji went to her room muttering.

Buwaji was crying and Amma was still in shock.
"Khushi... !   We have to talk to Khusi!" she said staring unfocused.
"Shhh, Amma, keep quiet!" Said Payal glancing at Anjali. "We are not telling her anything. She will come here immediately!" whispered Payal. Amma and Buwaji gaped at her. They had no clue who had done this.

Arnav waited for Commissioner's call. He had promised Arnav that he will keep him informed.

Anjali's phone rang. She looked at the screen and looked surprised. She was in dilemma whether to take the call or not. Arnav looked at her and came near.

"Chote.. some unknown number!" she muttered. "Answer the call, Di" said Arnav looking at the still ringing phone.
"Hello?" Anjali picked up the phone.
"Where is he?" asked a female voice.
"Who?" asked Anjali. "Which number do you want?" she asked.
"The number is correct. I could not reach Sham Manohar Zaa. Tell him to call on this number immediately!" ordered the female voice. Anjali looked confused and disconnected.

"Who was it Di?" asked Arnav lookin at his Di's confused face.
"Don't know Chote... some lady asking for your jijaji. Must be some court case...!" she concluded.

"On your cell? where is jijaji?" Asked Arnav.
"Don't know Chote.. his phone is unreachable" said Anjali looking worried. She sat on the sofa looking lost in her thoughts. Arnav felt sorry for his sister. She looked weak.

The door bell rang. Ram Prakash received the courier in Sham's name and handed it over to Anjali. She looked at it and flipping it tried to know the sender. The slip was illegible she could not read anything. There was no senders name on the envelope. She looked confused. Arnav took the envelope from her hand looking at it suspiciously. He looked at his Di for approval to ope it., she shook her head. He gave it back to her. She went to her room. He had an urge of going behind her and opening the envelope. "I might have got some clue!" he thought. His decency prevented him. He gave a frustrated glance at Aakash.

"Someone should look after the repairs of Gupta House" He thought and said aloud looking at Buwaji, "you all will stay here till your house gets repaired!" and he left for his room.

His cell rang and it was Khushi. "Arnav ji.." she started off with heavy voice.
"Khushi.. they are here and alright. only the house is damaged... " he kept his voice steady and calm. He heard a faint sob. "Khushi, don't worry!" he said soothingly.

"I know, Arnavji, they are safe in your house! but... " she was smouldering within. "I know who is behind all this! and papaji has forbidden me from coming there!" she hissed.

"Khushi... calm down. He is right!" Arnav tried to pacify her. "I will handle it Khushi!" he assured.

"This is all because of me... He is doing it!" she started blaming herself.
"Shh.. Khushi stop!" he ordered her and later said softly,  "Khushi, this is not the time to think about this. I promise, we will pay back with interest!" he said resolutely.

There was a silence from both the sides and then Khushi spoke, "Arnav ji, i will send money for the repairs!" Arnav said "No...., Khushi!"
"No Arnavji. I will send the money. Give me a couple of days and i will transfer the amount." she said firmly. He felt hurt.

"Khushi, I will talk to you later in the night" and hung up.
Arnav received a call from Papaji in the evening. Arnav gave him the details.
"Puttar, there is another pressing matter! you need to go to Luknow tomorrow to sign on the decree and take the possession of Sheesh Mahel. The other formalities are completed by my lawyer. He will be present there. And about reopening of the murder case, you need to be present in Delhi Court on Friday. " Said papaji,
"Ok.!" Arnav agreed.

"Arnav puttar, is there anything of your parents you have cherished as souvenir? " Asked papaji making Arnav thoroughly confused.

"Puttar, forensic science is developed and we can take help of DNA tests to know...." He did not complete the sentence as he knew how Arnav would feel.

"Do you have anything where in we could take your parent's DNA samples?" He asked.
Arnav could not think of anything. He had no answer. Papaji waited for some time and then said,

"Its ok puttar its been fifteen years... but keep this in mind and see if you can find something..." Papaji hung up leaving Arnav with another problem to tackle with.

Part 84

Sham came home that evening and a surprise was waiting for him. Anjali came rushing to him and holding his hand said, "You know! Chote has decided to accept Khushi ji as his wife!" She looked at Sham's aghast face.

"What happened? are you not happy?" She asked looking worried.

"Hmm? Of course i am happy! but i thought he hated her." He said hiding his disappointment.

Anjali looked lost in her thoughts. but then said "Yeah! but now that he has decided to settle down in his life, i am happy for him!" She brushed away all the doubts Sham tried to seed in her mind.

She wrapped her hand around his arm and said, "You know, there was a phone call on my cell. That lady was saying some nasty things. She told me to ask you about it. She also told me to give you the message that she is coming for you!" With every statement she made, Sham's face shadowed with nervousness.

Regaining his composure, he said smiling at her "Raani Saheba, must be some client.. desperate to know about the case status! Don't worry!" he wrapped his hand around her shoulder and said, "Don't get bugged up with trivial things, Raani Saheba, its not good for your health! let us go and you have some rest." He moved her along with him holding both of her hands and taking away her cell gently. He took her to her room.

Sham took Anjali to her room and comforted her. He came out and went to guest room. He took out Anjali's cell and scanned through the reveived calls list. He could find an unknown number. He dialed back. It turned out to be an STD booth number from Kanpur. He was upset. He was wondering who might have given Anjali's number to the dialer. He knew who had dialed.

"I have to go and settle it once for all! this is going beyond my control!" he thought. He had to plan in detail to move out of this house even for few hours as the things here were turning against him.

He went into the kitchen and signaled the maid to come aside.
"Did you mix it in the juice?" he asked her. she nodded.
"Show me the sachet!" he ordered.
"um.. it got over." She fumbled.
"When?" he asked penetratingly.
"This morning" she said. She had given it to Arnav the other day.

"Why didn't you tell me" he held by her shoulder and asked shaking her.
she got frightened and looked at him "I was about to tell you" she said in a small voice looking down.

"Ok. Listen, you have to keep an eye on everyone. I am going out for a couple of days. Make sure you succeed in this. Take this and mix it in his juice. I want him out of sight when I return.. Understand? And I am taking your child with me. He will enjoy the journey!" he said threateningly. She was scared to the core.

"Why him? he has school..." she said joining her hands pleadingly not to take her child.

He gave a hollow laugh and said, "This is to ensure you do what I say!" He turned and went out. She tried to go behind him but he strode away. He knew she would do exactly as she was told to do.

"Saale saab! Everything will be mine in a couple of days!" He smirked.

*** *** ****
"Hello" Sham's phone rang next day in the morning. It was Anjali sounding very frightened and worried.

"Hello Raani Saheba! Is everything ok?" he asked expectantly.
"Where are you? come home immediately.... i am ... i am... Chote...!" She said sobbing.
"What? Waht happened to Saale Saab? is he ok? Where is he? Hospital?" he asked seriously and bit his tongue..

"What? how do you know?" she asked surprised even in that state of mind.
"No i could feel your panic." He said regaining himself. "Raani saheba! I am leaving immediately.. but tell me what happened?" He asked sounding concerned for his saale saab

"I don't know... he had his breakfast and .. and ... fell down on the floor and .... was unconscious.. and Aakash took him to the hospital.... and " She started crying...

"Don't cry raani saaheba... i am coming... take care of your health..." He said.
He disconnected the phone and grinned hysterically. "Now once you are gone.. Saale Saab... i will be the head handling the family and the business... Why didn't I think about it before?' He thought, inadvertently gripping the kids shoulder. He dragged the kid and boarded the bus to reach Delhi.

** *** ***
Arnav was hospitalized and Aakash sat on his bed. He had asked everyone else including mamaji to go home and take care of Di. "Papa, go home and be with di and nani. They need support now. I will manage here and will inform you!" Mamaji left reluctantly.

Arnav sat up on the bed seeing mamaji going out. Aakash pushed him back on the bed and put on his oxygen mask back. They were in Avinash's hospital. Avinash walked in.

"Tell me what is this all about?" Avinash looked worried. Arnav removed his mask, removed all the tubes attached and said, "Avinash, thank god khushi gave me this idea to get admitted here!" This is a trap. He started telling him the facts.

Sham was in Anjali's room when Arnav entered her room. she was sulking. She said "See Chote, your jijaji is going out for some business!"

"Is it?" Arnav looked surprised.
"But i will return immediately, saale saab!" Said sham smiling.

"Oh! ok. I will take care of Di" Arnav said.

Sham went out. He went to the maids house to pick up the kid from the neighbor. Sham left with the small kid of the maid. She did not know what to do. She was sitting down on the kitchen floor and was crying. Arnav had entered the kitchen to get water for his Di. He looked at her distress and had asked.

She hesitated. she was in dual mind. She never wanted that any of the family members get hurt at the same time worried about her kids's safely also.
"Its my kid... he has taken away...!" she said crying..

"What?" Arnav almost screamed. "Where has he taken and why?" he asked helping her to get up.

She showed him the sachet and said, "He has asked me to mix it in your juice and to make sure i do it, he has taken away my kid..!" she started sobbing. Arnav froze! He came out with the sachet and went to his room to call up a few people. And then the plan was chalked out.

Avinash and Aakash had a big laugh imagining Sham's reaction when he learns that Arnav was poisoned and very critical. Arnav was serious.

"Aakash, i should do something for that kid's safety. She should not suffer again!" he spoke gravely.

"Bhai, why can't we put him behind bars for attempted murder? She can be a witness!" Said Aakash looking at his bhai.

Arnav stared at Aakash and asked "Whom are we doing this for, Aakash?" Aakash gaped at Arnav.

"Di!" said Aakash sheepishly.

"And how are we going to break the news of his arrest to her?" asked Arnav looking frustrated. They heard the sound outside the ICU. Avinash got up setting up the tubes and mask on Arnav's face and said. I will arrange not to allow anyone inside without my permission. Please do not do anything to put me in trouble. You stay here for atleast another 24 hours and then i will shift you to private room!" Arnav nodded.

Aakash went out. His Di had come. She was upset and tensed up. Aakash made her sit on the chair and said. "He will be ok! doctors are attending. Don't worry Di!" and looking around he asked "Where is jijaji?"

"He is on his way. will reach here by evening!" she started weeping. Aakash had an urge to tell her the truth and held himself back.

Part 83

Arnav came back to Delhi next day. His routine started. Papaji had initialized second level of withdrawal strategy giving in the notice of withdrawing all of his 50% shares including bought from Arnav Singh Raizada. This made sham desperate. He had to take a drastic step to retain his position in the company. He contacted rattan Singh Thakur to pitch in and buy the shares. But Rattan Singh was trapped in other issues as the cases went against him and he had to lose his possession on Sheesh Mehal. Another big issue was racked up with his own identity. .

Rattan Singh Thakur, outright denied pitching in. He had left that issue to Sham, his right hand man. Sham was desperate. He had no other option.

Arnav was busy with his business and also with family matters. That day he saw Sham going out and entered his Di's room asking about her health. She looked happy and contented.

"Di, I feel you should take bed rest now. I will tell our doctor to have a regular check up. We need to consult our doctor also since he knows you and all your problems." Said Arnav sitting next to her on her bed.

"No need Chote, he has taken care of everything. The doctor comes home regularly for the check up. He is happy with the progress of the foetus. He says everything is normal." She said dismissing the suggestion.

"Di, please, for my sake? I will feel better if you take a second opinion..!" he pleaded. She looked at her brother lovingly and said stroking his head "Ok Baba. If you feel better I will co operate with your doctor. But don't tell him. He will feel bad!"

"Oh! Sure di. And I will take the appointment immediately!" He got up excitedly.

"One hurdle crossed!" he thought satisfied.
That afternoon, he went to the kitchen. Ram Prakash was out somewhere and the maid was completing the cleaning work. He asked her to get him a cup of black coffee and went to his room.

The maid knocked on the door and came in with the tray. He stared at her as she turned to leave and said "Wait!" she froze.

"Is there anything you know which we do not know about Sham?" He asked directly. She turned looking confused.

'I mean, tell me if you know anything about him!" he ordered her. She looked frightened. She stared at the floor and shook her head. Arnav was disappointed but decided to wait for some more time.

She went up to the door and turned and said "We have to take care of Anjali Madam. She is in danger...!"

"I know that!" spat Arnav angrily. She waited for a second and then said in a bear whisper... "He plans to administer the medicine for her himself!"

"What?" Arnav got up with a jerk.

"He has given me this... to mix it in her juice ... I haven't done that. I mix glucose instead of this white powder" She kept a unlabeled sachet on the table.

He picked it up looking aghast. "Sir, I will not do anything that would harm this family.. you have done so much for us... my son's future is secured....!" She said on the verge of crying.

"don't worry about your child!" he said assuring and then asked her "will you inform me about anything he will be up to?" She nodded and went out.

He breathed a sigh of relief. This new maid whom he had thrown out in rage turned out to be blessing in disguise.

He called up his doctor for the appointment. He should keep sham away at the time of Doctor's visit.

He felt frustrated... "Damn it! So many things to be managed and to be cushioned up! This is damn complex. One person... just one person is making all of us spin our heads to stop him!" he thought.

There was a knock on the door. Ram prakash came telling that some people are waiting for him downstairs. He came down and discussed the plan with them and took them upstairs to his bedroom block. The family members were surprised. He just said "Renovation!"

"What? A few days before we had the house renovated and painted... and now?" asked nani. Arnav just smiled and went back to his room.

*** *** ***
Arnav managed to get his doctor for the check up. The doctors suggested some tests and when they came out of her room said "It might be the psudo pregnancy symptoms!" The doctors sounded serious but somewhere deep down Arnav felt a ray of hope. He crossed his fingers. He had given the unlabeled packet for lab testing.

He made sure that the maid has enough bank balance. His business pressures kept him away from the house most of the time.

The maid was the blessing in disguise but a friend was turning into enemy in the office!

His cell rang early in the morning and he woke up with a jerk. It was papaji and he said it was time to take the plan to the next level.

Arnav felt little nervous but then he remembered what khushi had told him about her conversation with nani. He felt hopeful. He went down to have his coffee at the table. Mami was there having her early morning tea with payal attending to her demands. Aakash had not yet got up. Nani was in her room. Anajli was still in the bedroom tired with her morning sickness. He waited for some time and then entered Nani's room.

"Nani" Arnav called out in a soft voice. Nani turned with a jerk. She was finishing her morning prayer.
"Yes, chote.. get in!" she called him in.
"What is it?" she asked after waiting for a while for Arnav to speak up.
"Khushi...." He fumbled. He did not know how to open the topic.
"What is it about her?" asked nani sternly and then continued..
"Chote, whatever you may think about her, I have accepted her as my grand daughter in law!" she declared.
He felt relieved. "Nani, I want to talk about it" he said looking at her.
She just raised her eyebrows.
"Um.. I mean... I thought about it for long and have decided to give it a social status!" he said in determination.
Nani gaped at him and asked, "What do you want, Chote?" She looked suspicious.
"I will marry her again to give her the status!" he said firmly not losing his control or sounding vulnerable.
Nani had a hard look at him and asked "Are you sure about this? This time, don't do anything impulsively!" she said sternly looking at him.
He felt enraged. He opened his mouth to retort back with bitter words but swallowed them instead and said "Yes!".
He turned to leave. "Chote, wait a minute. When did you decide this?" asked Nani. He did not answer.
"Do you want me to talk to her?" asked nani.
"No! i will manage!" he said and left the room. Nini stood there wondering and then broad smile appeared on her face. She joined hands to pray.

**8 ****
He came to office with his spirits lifted. He had called up papaji to give him the details. Then talked to Khushi asking her "So tell me when will you be ready for the wedding?" with mock seriousness.

Sham had a meeting of Del-Ta liaison board members. He knew what was coming. He had no takers and did not have enough funds to go on his own. He decided to wait and watch. Arnav had refrained from asking him anything about it as he had no interest. He already had sold his share to BTR group.

Sham attended the meeting and when he came out he looked satisfied. He had managed to persuade BRT group from selling their shares showing them the rosy picture of the future projects. He had bought time.

He visited ASR on his way to his cabin and shook hands with him smirking. Arnav raised his eyebrows asking him the reason of his smirk.

"Nothing! Saale Saab! I am just happy that the board members are happy with the progress. You took the decision to sell prematurely. It would have fetched you a great price" He said contemptuously. ASR refrained from reacting and stared at him blankly. Sham went to his cabin humming and after a while came back. ASR looked surprised. "What is it?" he again turned back to his laptop, giving sham time to speak up.

"Saale Saab, I must say.. That was a good move!" Sham said little louder to attract ASR's attention. He looked up raising his eyebrow.

"I mean... you withdrew to salvage your company and contract. That was great thinking. but I feel you lacked in foresight. Had you continued with my company you would have earned more..!" Sham said slyly.

ASR gestured him to sit. Sham satisfied with his statement, sat in front of ASR who had leaned back and had folded his hands on his chest shutting down his laptop.

"Tell me what is it that you want?" asked ASR coming to the point.
"Nothing! I was just wondering, a prudent businessman like you can blunder and land in trouble.." He waited for ASR's reaction. Nothing happened. ASR looked well guarded. Sham was confused.

"I take the decision and do not solicit anyone's advise. so its my decision and i face the consequences!" said ASR firmly.

"So how about this? I advise Raani Saheba to sell off all her shares from AR group and invest in My company?" asked Sham scornfully. ASR showed no expressions.

He looked at Sham and said, "Yeah! go ahead and try that!" Sham stared at him and getting up said "Saale saab we will talk about it later. you seem not to be in good state of mind!" he smirked and left. ASR reflected the similar smirk.

Part 82

"Ok. Now, go and get ready. We need to leave soon to avoid the rush hour traffic. So, you have one hour!" said papaji asking them to leave.

Khushi came back to her room. She still was in a trance and was thinking about Arnav and his past. "He has endured so much! And I, I just went on blaming him to be so heartless and emotionless. Arnav ji, I will make good for what I have said to you in the past. You will forget all your grief and sorrow!... Love? She stopped at this thought. Love? Is this love I feel about him? Does he love me as much as I love him? He has never said he loves me!!... ok. Hmm... I will make him confess his love!" she thought smiling to herself and kissing the Mannat Key. "Arnavji" she blurted.

Arnav came back to his room. He got ready and was in front of the mirror styling his hair. He stared at his own refection and kept his right hand on his heart blurting "Khushi..!"

"I have never ever thought that I would some day open my heart to this stupid, brainless Khushi, someone I hated most. .. hate? Did I hate her? Or was it a love I was resisting? Why did I do to her all that I did. Why could I not understand her that she loves me? .....Love? Does she love me? She has never said so. Ok....um... I will make her confess her love! " He smirked. His ASR brain started planning for his mission "Love confession!"

He hurriedly got ready and came out in the hall. He found no one. He moved towards her room. He opened his mouth to call her and raised his hand to knock on the door. But he was surprised to see that it opened silently with one little push. He peeped in. Khushi had her back to the door and she was humming happily. She was wearing her saree.

He tip toed inside. Came right behind her and placing his hands on her shoulder, whispered in her ear "Khushi...!"

"huhh..! " she shuddered startled. He slowly slid his hand around her waist. She held her breath closing her eyes. He held her tightly close to his heart and buried his face in her hair. His hand around her waist tightened and his other hand moved around her shoulder gripping her. He rested his chin on her shoulder, almost closing his eyes. She exhaled putting her hand on his around her waist. He kissed the black thread around her neck. The plaits in her hand slipped. She held her breath feeling him. He turned her around and wrapping his hands around her back, planted a light kiss on her lips whispering her name. She garlanded her arms around his neck and he lost his control! Stepping over her slipped saree, kissing her furiously ,  he moaned in pleasure. His hands tightened the grip. She lost her breath. The world around them vanished. He felt only Khushi and wanted nothing else. He felt she had submitted herself completely, unconditionally. He kissed her passionately. His hands ran over her body, feeling the contour of her body.. She had closed her eyes with a smile on her face. She wanted him to kiss her, to hold her tightly, never to leave her. She tried to close the non existent gap between them tightening her arms around his neck. He lost all his senses and gripping and wrapping her tightly lifted her off the ground. He started moving, pushing her towards her bed.

"Thud!" he knocked down the chair in front of the dressing table. The charm lifted, the trance broke! Both of them opened their eyes and immediately looking away turned their back on each other. She gathered her saree hurriedly and he, lifting the chair and keeping it on the floor, went out of the room still breathing heavily.

He closed the door behind him and pressed his back on the wall of her room. He closed his eyes holding his breath and a smile appeared on his face. He pressed his lips feeling her lips.

Khushi hurriedly wore the saree with shaky hands and tided herself. She wore a light blue saree and wore simple studded jewellery . She let loose her hair sprawling over her back and took her bag opening the door. She found Arnav standing there waiting for her with closed eyes and smile on his face. She stared at him never wanting to break his trance.

 "What was he doing? And how did I respond? He was so passionate,, if it was not the chair, I would have swayed away by the storm.." She thought blushing not noticing that he had opened his eyes and was looking at her smile. She looked away and turning her back said shakily "Let us go!" He moved and they came into the hall. They avoided looking at each other embarrassed. Her face was glowing red and she fidgeted. He tied his hands behind as if to restrain himself from grabbing her again.

Papaji came into the hall and looking at the couple smiled. "Ok. Ready? Let us go!"

They were out on the road and papaji asked "so, where do you want to go? Which market?" he asked from behind. Arnav was driving the Mercedes and Khushi was sitting next on the front seat. Papaji enjoyed sitting at the back talking to Arnav and Khushi.
*** ***
They were heading back for lunch. Papaji wanted to take them for lunch to some exotic place but both of them refused and said they wanted to have lunch with mummiji. Khushi had her wish list complete and was carrying a pile of gifts. . Arnav on the other hand refused to have anything for him saying he has everything. Papaji and Khushi pestered him to have something and reluctantly, he bought some antique vases. Papaji admired his taste. Then leaving them in the market went somewhere to come back after an hour. Khushi enjoyed moving the in market and Arnav enjoyed looking at Khushi's bright face.

"How does she find out happiness in such small things? She has endured as much as I have but she bounced back everytime....! And I...? Look at me...! I developed hatred and vengeance in my mind!" He swallowed hard holding her hand. She looked at him in surprise and he brought a fake smile on his face. She knew something was wrong and took him to the ice cream parlor. Talking and giggling relentlessly, she tried to bring smile on his face and succeeded. He started enjoying her stupid and meaningless talks, her mimicry, her animated story telling and her touch when she wrapped her arm around his while weeding out their way through that crowded market place.

Papaji joined them later and they continued their shopping. She forced papaji to buy gifts for mummiji, suggesting and imposing her choice on him. Arnav shook his head hopelessly muttering "Unbelievable!" Papaji winked at him and said "This is a lesson for you... this is what happens ... so learn to be patient and to empty your pockets...!" Khushi looked at them sulkily puffing her cheeks.

This was the happy time for them.... The bumpy road ahead was waiting for them.... !!

They reached home and gathered in mummiji's room. Again a round of discussion on their shopping took place. Papaji and Arnav tolerated her talk for a while and then papaji said looking at Arnav "Now, if you two have finished talking about this silly shopping, I want to have lunch. We are dieing with hunger." He called out for butler to bring in the lunch in the room. Khushi kept her shopping bags aside. They had a peaceful lunch with the fulltime nurse bringing in the diet food for mummiji. The door bell rang. Someone was at the door. Papaji hurriedly went out and came back immediately smiling.

"Who was it?" asked Khushi with curiosity. "Nothing.. it was someone from office!" said papaji. He exchanged looks with his wife.

"Arnavji, tell us about Anjaliji...!" Khushi could not wait. Papaji looked at her angrily and she realising her impatience bit her tongue.

They were sitting in mummiji's room. Arnav on the couch, Papaji on his rocking chair and Khushi on mummiji's bed pressing her legs and looking at Arnav eagerly. Arnav spoke..

"I was in hostel pursuing my engineering and had started my small business. Years passed. Di completed her graduation externally. Slowly she was coming out of the depression and started going out with mamiji and naniji, mainly to the temple. I used to visit them during my vacations. Aakash also had joined boarding school.

That day I received Nani's phone saying my Di is frightened and depressed. I was shocked. I told her that I would come immediately. But she said no need and now the things are ok. Di had gone out with nani that day to the temple and while coming some hooligans teased and chased Di taking mama's name and the disgrace she brought to Raizada family. Nani had tried to resist but they pushed her aside causing her fall down on the road. They pulled Di's dupatta and circled her. Crowd gathered. They had knives and sticks in their hands. She was helpless and there was no one to help her. Then a young man jumped from the crowd and fought out everyone of the gang and saved my Di... " He stopped to breath.
"What?" Khushi screamed getting up from the bed. Everyone looked at her startled. She looked aghast.

"Was that HIM?" Asked she, screaming. And without waiting for the answer, went on "That must be him. He did save me from the same situation exactly in the same manner..." she could not finish as she was lost in her thoughts of the traumatic memories coming back...

"What?" Arnav too got up. "Yes" she said!
"After the video clipping of the fashion show was aired, everyone started teasing me and jiji. We had stopped going out. We were locked inside by amma. That day babuji took us out and the similar set of hooligans encircled me pulling my duppatta and he jumped in, fighting all of them and sending them away...." Khushi said lost in thoughts and not knowing the reactions of others.

"Ok. Then what happened?" Asked papaji in a soft voice and Arnav continued.

"Nani thanked him and he escorted them to our house. Then he kept on coming and we were so overwhelmed by his help that we welcomed them wholeheartedly. He became one of the family members. Nani sensed something was surely going on between Di and him. We had no problem at all. Di loved him and he seemed to equally love her.
This went on for more than two years and I had settled in my business after graduation. I had started construction of Shantiban Raizada House in Delhi and was planning to shift to Delhi. He joined us in Delhi too saying he has a lot of work in Delhi as well. He had a roaring legal practice.
When they declared their love towards each other we were happy for Di that after such a turmoil she got such a loving and caring husband. It was grand marriage and he slowly settle in Raizada House, everyone trusting him and he giving his prudent advise in every family matter. I had kept him away from business matter." Arnav stopped to breathe.

"He did the same with us. He said he is orphan and no place to stay in Delhi and settled in our house as paying guest... and did all those nasty things..."

remembering all that she suffered because of him, she had tears in her eyes.  No one spoke for a long time and them Mummiji said in convinced tone...

"This must be his modus operandi ... I am sure he is a womanizer... And if he is, then he must not have stopped with you two but must have tried out with other women also...!" She stopped lost in her thoughts. Everybody else was shocked on this realization. That was a possibility.

"Yes, I believe my wife is right and this is how he tricks girls in distress and then...." Said papaji raking his brain for solution.

"Ok. If this is true then we have to find out who else is his victim. We have to find out. I had not thought about it. I have to do something.. I have to find out...!" papaji thought aloud.

Everyone was lost in their own thoughts and thinking on the solution. After some time, papaji spoke first...

"Ok. Listen everyone, you too my wife! Here is a plan....." Everyone listened with rapt attention.