Part 91

He was in a fix. His shrewd mind wanted this to be what the doctor said. That way it would be easier for him to pull his Di out of sham's clutches as there would be no child. At the same time his heart ached for his Di. There would be double disaster for her; Sham’s truth and the disastrous news that she was not pregnant.

She was so happy with the thought of bearing a child. She would be shattered and would break down. He wanted her to be happy even if it was with that cheat Sham. He was thinking from all the angles and the result was disaster for his Di.

"How can I get married and start my new life when my Di is heartbroken?" the thought stabbed him right through his heart, leaving it bleeding. He closed his eyes in despair. All the doors had closed on him. There was no way out.

"Let me first confirm! I will cross the bridge when i come to it." He thought his brain taking over his heart and drove back home.

He saw Sham at the table. He felt disgusted. His Di looked  happy clutching her husband's arm and talking to him dreamily. He felt a surge for pain in his chest. The stress was getting on to his nerve. He could not stand it anymore and went to the study which was his room now.

The knock on the door startled him. He looked up. It was sham smirking.

"What?" Arnav asked curtly.
"We need to talk!" Sham was arrogant enough to irritate Arnav.
"Go ahead!" Sham came in and occupied a seat in front of Arnav.. Arnav looked at him.

"I know, what are you up to!" alleged sham. Arnav raised his eyebrows.
"What do you mean?" asked Arnav coolly.
"Don't act smart Saale Saab! You know what I mean!" Sham got annoyed.

"No Jijaji! I really don’t know what you mean!" said Arnav innocently.

"Don't try to interfere in my personal life!" barked Sham.
"Your personal life? You mean you have another personal life other than with my Di?" he asked keeping his voice soft.

Sham was taken aback by this straight attack.
"Um.. No!.. but do not interfere in my life!" he said trying to sound firm.

Arnav kept looking at Sham waiting for him to speak up. Sham did not for a long time.

"Go ahead Jijaji! What interference?" asked Arnav prompting him.
Sham gazed at him for a while and then said with gritted teeth.

"Fine, if you want this way, take it then!"
"If you want your sister to be happy, do as I say... else..!" he threatened Arnav.
"Else what Jijaji?" he asked his blood boiling. He had an urge to bash Sham as Khushi did.
"Else..." He smirked... "I will finish her off." said Sham staring at Arnav.
"How dare you! Do you think I will keep quiet? " Arnav barked getting up.

"Sham sat there coolly folding his hands. "Saale Saab, cool down, you know you will not be able to do anything. She has faith... a blind faith, you see, on her husband..I am her God!! She loves me and will do anything for me!" Sham smirked. Arnav felt helpless.

Sham got up in slow motion glaring at Arnav and said, "So, my first condition is, don't try to dig out my past. Else you will be exposed with yours. And second, don't you even think of marrying Khushi. She is mine!" Sham looked hideous with the scars on his face and lust in his eyes. Arnav leapt forward and caught Sham by his collar and pushed him towards the wall.

"Don't you dare take her name" he threatened Sham, his eyes spitting fire. Sham looked little nervous with the pressure on his throat. Arnav's eyes flashed disgust. And then slowly Arnav released his grip, brushed sham's shoulders easing out the crease gently, took a step back staring at Sham coolly. Sham looked shocked with this sudden change in attitude.

"Jijaji, I am already married to her. and you were the witness!" said Arnav smiling.

"Married, my foot! That is not a marriage. I won't let you have her! She is mine! and if you marry her, you know what I will do to your sister... I will kill her!" he threatened.


"Ok. Go ahead and do it!" said Arnav sitting back on his chair relaxed. Sham was perplexed at this reaction. He gaped at Arnav.

"Jijaji, Di loves you and thinks you love her too! But once she is disillusioned, remember, she is my sister, Arnav Singh Raizada's Big sister!" Arnav said in a deep threatening voice and waited staring at Sham.

"Do you understand what I mean? You have seen only loving and weaker side of her, JIJAJI! .... So you are better off keeping her like that, a loving wife....” He paused... “ And now if you have finished with your empty threats... I have some calls to attend !" Said Arnav dismissively.

Sham turned to leave frowning. "Is she really that strong? Naa.....! She is blind and naive! But then ...!" he thought.

"Jijaji," Arnav called out from behind. Sham turned

"Who defaced you like this? Khushi?" he pointed at Sham's deformed face smirking...
Sham was horror struck.

"Please close the door when you go out Jijaji!" said Arnav concentrating on his laptop!

** *** ***

He stared at his laptop but his mind was not able to take in anything. He was thinking about Sham's threats. He remembered how his Di stood by him like a solid rock and bashed the boys when they picked up fight with young Chote!

His heart cried out for his Di.  “Please... Don’t let me down Di.... I need you...~”

"Di, you had said you are the only one to know my softer side. But Di, I am the only one to know your stronger side! Di, please don't prove me wrong!" He thought aloud burying his face in his hands.

His phone rang. It was Khushi. He thought for a while and then picked it up.

"Hello, Arnavji" Khushi blurted excitedly. "You know Shondeep Sir will come to Delhi next week" she said.

"I know!" Arnav said feeling little irritated. "Have you called to give me this news?" he asked.

"No! I mean.. yes.. I mean this is one of the news. But you know what? Papaji is going to invite you to Kolkata this weekend. I heard him telling this to mummiji" she almost screamed.

"Khushi, since when did you pick up the habit of eavesdropping?" Asked Arnav smiling.

"Eavesdropping? They both were so loud the entire house heard it." she was angry.

“And there is another news but now i am not going to tell you!" Khushi said sulkily.

"Khushi, tell me what is it? I am not in a mood!" Arnav said honestly.
"What? What happened Arnavji?" Khushi asked softly.
"Khushi, its regarding Di's pregnancy. Doctor is worried about the complications!" he said avoiding giving any details.
"Oh! Do you want me to come there?" she asked.
"No! Don’t even think about it!" he said seriously.
"And Khushi, don't go out alone anywhere. Please be careful!" Arnav said hoarsely.

"Yes, I know. I will not do anything stupid" said Khushi assuring him.
"Arnavji, what are you doing?" she asked him trying to lift his spirits up. Wait.. I will  login. she said and disconnected the phone.

He waited for her. Her image flashed on his screen and he felt relieved. He smiled at her. Her pleasant appearance relaxed him.

"Arnav ji!" Khushi looked at him unblinkingly. He avoided her gaze. He was trying hard to resist his strong urge to hug her. His heart ached. "Khushi..! be careful,,!" He was really concerned about her safety. He knew she is far more safer with papaji, but looking at Sham's desperation, she was his soft target. He felt helpless.

"Arnavji what happened? You look worried" she said.
"Its nothing serious, Khushi! it’s just Di 's problem bugging me up! There are some complications and I am worried about her safety too. He can do anything."

"Arnavji, he will not do anything to her. She is yet to give in. she has not transferred anything in his name. I know, he will not touch her before that" said Khushi confidently.

"Yes !" he said looking confident.

"I will not let that happen. I will finish him before he does anything" said Arnav resolutely.   Khushi smiled..... Arnav’s heart filled with calmness, he gazed at her lovingly....

"Arnav ji! See, I bought this for Jiji!" She showed him the earrings.
"This, silly girl is back on track!" he thought smiling and looked at her image passionately.
"hmm" he said.
"Arnav ji.. Lavanya ji..?" she didn't how to open the topic.
"She went back!" said Arnav looking at the image, trying to read her mind.
"Oh!" she looked disappointed. She had no communication with Lavanya after Payal’s marriage. She felt guilty and decided to contact her.

"Ok. Arnavji I will call you later. and take care" she looked at Arnav. He pressed his fingers on his lips and said "Khushi!" she blushed logging off.

** ** ***
                                                             
Arnav landed in Kolkata for a day to discuss urgent matters with Papaji. He had brought the belongings of his parents with him. He handed them over to Papaji in his office. Papaji looked serious.

"Puttar, the reason to get this privately done first is to make sure we have a prima facie case against these Thakurs. Once we are sure about it with the test, then the final strike will finish them off." said papaji,

"Yes!" said Arnav and then holding out the image from his cell phone said "Have a look at these!" Papaji looked at sham's photos with another woman and looked up at Arnav.

"Do you know who this lady is?" asked papaji "No!" said Arnav. "But I will find out! It was just like I was caught up with crisis in the office!" said Arnav.

"I know!" said papaji. Arnav was not able to decide whether to tell him about Anjali.. He just kept gaping at papaji nervously.

"Puttar, is everything ok? Do you have anything to tell? I mean, if you feel, you can tell me. I may be of some help.." Arnav felt relieved. He told him everything including sham's threats.

Papaji thought for a while and said. "Arnav Puttar, I think you should take her for the tests as early as possible. If the worst fears come true then we may have to take some external help from psychologists to disclose this with minimum shock and help her to come out. I know she is your sister. But you have to do it." said papaji kindly.

"Puttar, this is a very delicate phase of your lives. You both have to be strong to face it. and Don't you worry about Sham, I will take care of him. Now first find out who that lady is. She will be our trump card!" Arnav nodded. They both came out of Papaji's office and met Shondeep in parking area.

"Hello Shondeep!" greeted Arnav shaking hands with him.
"Hello Arnav, and congratulations!" his smile reflected on Arnav's face.
"Sir, gave me the news the other day." he said looking at his boss. Papaji smiled.

"Arnav, Shondeep will be visiting Delhi next week and you will be his host!" papaji ordered.

"Yes! My pleasure!" said Arnav genuinely. Shondeep smiled.

Part 90

He came back to his room. placed all his precious belongings in his cupboard and opened his laptop!

His phone rang! It was papaji.
"Puttar I got the key of your house and I wish to borrow your house for some days, till your wedding!" he came straight to the point.
Wedding bells ringing in his ears, his heart thudded  with speed!
"Puttar, I got a few auspicious dates for your marriage. We need to discuss!" said papaji and Arnav's heart took a somersault.
"Ok!" he said trying to keep his voice steady.
"But then I have to ask Raj too about it! Ok. may be after a few days we will discuss" Said papaji. Arnav had to hide his disappointment. "Few days? why not now?" his heart screamed.

"Papaji, another thing. I could get my parents belongings. I feel those will help. I will make arrangements to send them to you." said Arnav.
"Oh! That’s great news! But remember! You have to do this very carefully. No one! Do you understand? No one should know about this! Take care Arnav puttar!" he seemed very serious.

"Look! i am going to have the tests done privately first and then with the Government Laboratories when the case stands in the court. I will require your and your sister's samples too!" said papaji.

"Yes, papaji!" assured Arnav.
"Ok. Puttar! Take care..!" papaji disconnected and Arnav.

He sat there closing his eyes resting his head on the back of his arm chair for a long time. "The entire scene of his first marriage with Khushi ran before his eyes and he shuddered feeling Khushi's plight! "Khushi, this time I won't let you down!" he muttered.

His cell rang. It was his doctor who had examined Anjali.

"Yes, Doctor! Any news?" asked Arnav apprehensively.
"Not so positive, I am afraid!" said the doctor seriously.
"She did the ultrasound! The reports are satisfactory, it seems! I did not see the reports!" said Arnav in one breath.

"Can you come to my clinic?" he asked Arnav and they fixed the time.
Arnav took a deep breath. So many things happened in such a short span. It was difficult even for a person like ASR to keep up with the pace. He badly wanted a time out but knew that was not possible.

He called up Aakash about the progress of restoring the data. Aakash was on track and was confident that all the backups were intact and he would restore it soon.

Arnav had nothing to do but wait for the probable dates.

He still had not come out of the hangover of his childhood memories and had gone back to live in Sheesh Mahel again with his Di. A smile appeared on his face for the first time when he dreamt about Sheesh Mahel. He always used to see this mehal as a nightmare and used to get up in a jerk in the night.
This reminded him of Khushi. Like her he had started thinking positive about his dark past. "Pagal....! mad hatter!" he blurted thinking of Khushi. The catharsis about his dark past in front of Papaji and Khushi had cleared his mind. Some happy thoughts had started seeping in slowly in his heart.

** *** ***

Khushi was sitting on the sofa alone and was engrossed in her thoughts. Papaji had told her about the wedding dates but had not disclosed the dates. He wanted to discuss first with mummiji and Raj. She wanted to call Arnav, but knew he would be busy. "Why does he have to be so busy when i want to talk to him?" she thought irritably. She tried to busy herself watching TV but soon got thoroughly bored with the stupid programs. Papaji had forbidden her from going out and had given her strict warning not to go out unless he was there with her. She felt frustrated. She missed Delhi. She was a free bird there. Had it not been that Sham, she would have been here too! With the thought of Sham, her blood started boiling. She tried to push the thoughts away but Anjali and Sham came back occupying her thoughts. She thought of Anjali and what her life would be when she would know the truth. She shuddered with that thought. She couldn't imagine Anjali's heartbroken state. Khushi prayed her Devi Mayya. "Save her! protect her! give her some good moments in her life, hey devi mayya, give her strength!!" she prayed. The phone rang. She opened her eyes startled and picked up the handset. It was Shondeep! She felt happy listening to his pleasent and soft voice. Her eyes brightened when he said that he was going to Delhi for a week for the office work. She hurriedly said "Sir, i will call you back. I need to give some things to some people in Delhi. I will send those through you!" She kept the phone and jumped in the air in excitement.

"Hey devi mayya, you have given me signals!! I know what to do!" she said aloud closing her hands and eyes in prayer.

She ran into mummiji's room but after some time came out with small face. Mummiji had not encouraged her with her stupid idea. She waited for Papaji.
When papaji came back from office she waited for him with his favorite lacchaa parathas. He knew! "Tell me puttar, what is your new demand this time?" he with his style came to the point.

"Nothing... just like that!" she started beating around the bush. "Ok!" he said indifferently and concentrated on television news! She grew restless.

"umm papaji?" she tried to talk to him. He ignored her.
"Papaji!!" she snatched the remote from his hands and switched off the TV. He looked at her folding his arms on his chest.

"umm .Papaji! umm I wanted to ask you something..umm.. how old is Shondeep Sir?" she asked.
"Khushi! No! don't go ranting on that topic. I have told you before!" he dismissed her. But she was not going to give up so easily.

"Papaji... at least let us talk to him.." she said pleadingly.
"Khushi, he knows!" Papaji said "And don't! i am warning you!"
"What? What all he knows?" asked Khushi excitedly.

"Khushi i have told Shondeep about you and Arnav and about his family!" He knew what she was hinting at.
"Did you tell him about HIM?" she asked apprehensively.

"Yes" He said and added "Khushi! No! Not now at least! Now the pieces have started falling in place.. Don’t spoil it Khushi. He is still there out at large moving free. We have to be careful!" he warned her again.

"Khushi..! Look my child.. you have to be very careful in these matters. Don't force anyone in situation! What do you know about shondeep?" asked papaji looking at her defiant face.

"What? That he is a very good person with pure heart, he is handsome, his family is very good! Any girl would be lucky to have him as her husband!!.."she went one.

"Khushi, listen! I agree he is a very good person. But we should see his side also. He joined us five years back. He had a failed marriage in US. He is a very sensitive person and it took him years to come out. So don't even think about it!" Papaji said sternly.

"But papaji... I mean... I am not going to..." Khushi started arguing.
"Don't do anything stupid, Khushi! You have already done that before!" Papaji scolded her. Her brightness did not reduce. Papaji turned to leave.
"Papaji, I promise, I will not do anything stupid but if it’s something good, then? Will you support?" she asked optimistically.
"No!" papaji said entering mummiji's room.

"I know! No means Yes!" Khushi heard what she wanted to.

***************  *********

Arnav took doctor’s appointment and went alone to meet him after a couple of days, when the office mess was cleared up considerably. Sham was in and out and had stopped talking to anyone in the house. Anjali looked worried about his attitude. He frequently got irritated with her too.

Arnav had to shift to study room as the renovation of the poolside block was at the peak. No one knew what was he up to. But he wanted to finish it as early as possible. Aakash tried to ask him many times but he just said "Aakash, you will see once its done!"

"Hello Mr. Raizada!" the doctor greeted him.
"Hello doctor!" Arnav responded taking his seat.
"Could you get the ultrasound reports, Mr. Raizada?" asked the doctor.
"I am sorry Doctor, I could not! And I am not sure how reliable that report is!" said Arnav guiltily and declaring his suspicion about the report, sham had got.

"Ok. But she has to take the test again. I cannot tell you for sure but my experience tells me that there are complications in her pregnancy. I hope it is not a pseudocyesis case." the doctor said seriously.

"What? What does that mean?" Arnav asked confused.

"Its a pseudo pregnancy (false pregnancy). The woman has all the symptoms of pregnancy, including weight gain and other changes in body shape, swelling of the belly gradually. Even she tests positive in normal pregnancy test and sometimes feel the movement of the foetus.

This happens when a woman has a strong desire of bearing a child and has been under stress or anxiety for not having a child. This is a psychosomatic problem changing the hormonal balance in the body. The hormonal imbalance renders all the symptoms.

Only ultrasound after some weeks, reveal the reality. The woman breaks down psychologically. Mr. Raizada.. and I am afraid... She has a history of anxiety related disorders. Her feeling of insecurity, fear and her worrisome nature added to this." said the doctor seriously.

" Was she on sedatives anytime in the recent past?" asked the doctor.
"No!" Arnav dismissed the possibility at once. but then suddenly remembering that the sachet her maid gave him had turned out to be containing tranquilizers, he said "May be! I do not know for sure." He looked at the doctor anxiously.

"See Mr. Raidaza, i am not ruling out any possibility yet. But we need to run the test and then decide further treatment. Now it is your responsibility to convince her for ultrasound again. Earlier the better. If our worst fears turn out to be true then its better we reveal this to her at early stage, else it would affect her mental balance. Do you understand the gravity of the problem, Mr. Raizada?"

Arnav's heart doomed. He felt her pain. He came back worried. The ringing of wedding bells had vanished replacing it with the gong of disaster.

Part 89

"Bhai..I couldn't open the Safe... the combination is changed...Did you change it?" Aakash came in, panic struck.
"Damn it! Why would I change?" Arnav was furious.
"Aman!" screamed Arnav. Aman came rushing in.
"Who changed the combination of the lock?" asked Arnav.
"Lock?" asked aman looking frightened.
"The lock of the Safe where we keep all the confidential documents, Damn it!" Arnav snarled at Aman..
"Oh! Safe lock! I changed it!" said Aman with a sigh of relief.
"What?" both ASR and Aakash yelled.
"Sir I changed it last week and wanted to inform you about it. I found someone had tampered with the lock so I had to replace it and change the combination. Last week you were busy with your court cases sir!" He justified himself. ASR cooled down.

"Ok Aman, thanks for taking care. Now go with Aakash and open the safe. Remember! I want all the documents intact!" said ASR calming down.
"Yes sir!" Aman and Aakash went out.
His cell rang! It was Raj. It was almost a midnight there. "Hey BIL" raj spoke pleasantly.
"Hi!" said Arnav. "What was the problem? My CEO had called me up some time back, said you have a major breakdown! Is there anything I can do? I am into data security, you know that!" Raj was genuinely concerned.

"Yes! we had a bit of a problem! but everything is under control now! Thanks Raj!" said Arnav feeling good that someone was ready to help him come out of crisis. He felt relaxed!

"And I loved your Dad's gift!" Said Arnav.
"Oh! it was my suggestion!!" Raj said claiming his share of credit. Arnav laughed.
"So how is my buddy, Tej?" asked Arnav in a happy mood. The thought of Tej brought smile on his face. They had developed a special bonding.

"Oh! he is sleeping! He wants to go back to India.. Ready to go alone!!" said Raj laughing.
"And, please let me know if you need anything!" said Raj.
"Yes, Raj sure and good night!" Arnav disconnected the phone smiling.

He wondered how the news flew so far! "JiJAJI you are really smart! Now the swards are drawn!!" He thought sitting relaxed waiting for Aakash.

Aakash came in with the bunch of documents. They both scanned through the papers and they found out the data safe plans.
The automation deploying company also had deployed the fail safe plans for data security. All the data gathered by the physical servers in the company office were automatically mirrored in two other remote servers on the different locations with a delay of maximum three days. The details to retrieve the data was given in the document with password protected procedures.  ASR and Aakash took a sigh of relief. So at the most three day's data loss is expected.

“Aakash, when do we backup the data? Daily?” asked ASR.  Aakash thought for a while..

“Yes, Bhai.  Backup from every desktop is done daily... but... wait a minute...!” he got up excited. 

“Bhai... the data doesn’t get deleted from the desktops... ~” ASR smiled.  Aakash nodded in realization...!!
"Bhai, I will take care of this... I will set it right in a couple of days!" said Aakash confidently. ASR nodded.
"Aakash, we have to find out who is his man in our office! And we need to report about this breakdown" They both lost in their thoughts, thinking about a name and again striking him out of doubt!

"Bhai the security head has already reported the incident and taking it further!" said Aakash. ASR nodded.

*** ***  **
Anjali went into the kitchen. The maid was busy helping the cook. "Yes madam, do you want anything?" she asked Anjali politely.
"Umm. can you come to my room?" asked anjali. The maid nodded and went behind her.
"Umm.. What were you talking about with my husband, yesterday?" Anjali came straight to the point. And then trying to cover up said "Its not that important.. but i found you annoyed! What is it? Can i be of some help?" she asked looking at nervousness of the maid.

"No madam, you already have done so much for us! i am really indebted to you, madam" said the maid staring at the floor.
"What were you talking about?" Anjali asked with bated breath.
"Um.. i was asking sir about my family pension work, madam. and...." She hesitated..
"Its ok! You can tell me. I will not tell anyone." Anjali assured her.
"Madam, sir had asked me to tell him whatever happens here when he is out." the maid said and sighed.
Anjali gaped at her. She was confused. "Why would he do that? What does he want to know?" Anjali thought confused. The maid still lingered there. Anjali looked at her.
"Madam, you have done so much for me... Pl... Please be careful" the maid could warn only this much and could not tell that her madam's husband is the real threat.

Anjali nodded and asked her to go, pondering on what the maid just said. "Whom should she be careful from?" She felt nervous, something unwanted, undesirable was coming on to her. She felt a surge of pain in her abdomen. She cried clutching it. The maid came back running.

The maid supported her and requested her to take rest and went to get some juice for Anjali. Anjali closed her eyes, drops of tears rolling down the corner of her eyes. Her intuition was sending some bad signals. She gently kept her hand on her stomach.
"Di!" her younger brother, chote came in. "Di? Are you ok?" asked Arnav sitting on her bed. She tried to get up. Arnav helped her sit upright. "Di, what happened?" he asked.
"Nothing chote... it’s just anxiety..!" she said faintly.
"Di" he rested his head on her laps. She stroked him like a small boy. He felt his mother's touch.
"Di, what all did you get from our house?" asked Arnav dreamily.
"Whatever I could Chote!" she said closing her eyes.
"Chote do you want to see?" she asked sceptically. She knew he never wanted anything related to his past.
"hmm!" he said, still resting his head on her laps.
"Really? Shall I open the Pandora's box?" she asked excitedly.
"Hmm!" he got up and bending down pulled the huge box from below the bed.

Chote straightened himself and walking up to the door to shut it tightly. He came back to the box and bending down saw the combination lock... "Di.." he said excitedly.

"Yes..its 804" said Arnav.. "No its 840! I had set it as your birth year and my birth year (84 and 80) she said smiling.

"No Di! its 804!" said Arnav confidently. She shook her head grinning. Arnav flared his nose and challenging her said "Bet? Ten rupees?" He looked at her. "Ok!" she said equally confidently.

Let me try 840 first your combination. He tried but it didn't work. He looked triumphant! Then he tried 804 and it worked! He grinned like a small boy.
"Ok, baba! You win!" she accepted her defeat and taking out her purse gave him 10 rupees. Arnav kissed the note and kept it in his pocket. He looked at his Di. She had already reached their childhood.

He held her hand and they both opened the box! Arnav and Anjali kept gaping at the contents for a very long time without even touching them. Tears had already started rolling down her cheeks.
Arnav held her hand tightly and said. "Di you sit here and I will take out the contents!" she nodded and sat on her bed.

He closed his eyes and sitting on the floor, dug his hand in the box and took out a battered stuffed toy. He opened his eyes and looked at his Di. She had also closed her eyes not wanting to know what he was taking out from the box. They both grinned looking at its state.

"You know.. You used to use this like a foot ball when papa scolded you not to play with your real football in the house!" she said stroking the toy fondly. He took it from her and kept it aside.

Then he pulled out a miniature jewellery box. It was for Anjali's doll. They both looked at it and she got up from the bed to search for her favourite doll. They pulled out her doll with missing eyes and a hand. but her clothes were beautiful and hand stitched by their mother. Anjali cuddled the doll, keeping a hand on her own belly.

"Di.. you are blinded like this doll!" Arnav thought sadly.

Arnav had dug his hand in the box. They got his old flattened football. He took it out looking at it mesmerized and tried to blow the air in it...! Anjali laughed.

"Chote I think I have your geometry box also. You stuck pictures of your cricket heroes .. Wait I will find out! She rummaged in the box and took it out. He opened... all cricketers in 90s were crammed stuck on the insides of the box. His pen, tools and even the eraser was intact. He ran his fingers on it dreamily.
He pulled out a wooden carved box and both of them spoke "Mama's treasure!" and opened it eagerly.

It was full of their mama's belongings.. her bindis, tikas, her comb, her safety and hair pins, her string and needle. Some laces, buttons, embroidery threads, a small black and white photograph of her husband; their father, some receipts of items purchased .. some coins, her handkerchief..." they took out the things one by one looking at each other sharing the same memories. Arnav looked at each one longingly .. as if longing for the feeling of his mother's touch!
They kept the things back in the box and Arnav kept the box aside with teary eyes.

They pulled out Arnav's tiny one single school shoe! "Di! The other one i threw at that Mahesh who was teasing you!" Arnav shouted in excitement. "And I threw my geometry box at him!" she said grinning.

"Di, look at this! Papa's shaving kit!" Arnav had got scolding from his papa when he had tried to use his papa's razor! Anjali patted him on his head. "You need it now!" she said looking at his stubble.

They pulled out their old clothes. "Why did you take these with you,  di? You could have got something else!" asked Arnav.
"These were all we had, chote! Mamma Papa’s memories..." she turned her face. He smiled!  “Yeah... memories... happy, beautiful memories....!”

He pulled out a small brush house! He raised it and showed it to his Di. This was their tooth brush box where they hung their tooth brushes when they were in Delhi. All the four used brushes were intact. He kept that aside.

They kept on pulling the things one by one recollecting, reliving the memories attached to them. When he pulled out the last one.. The small trophy he had won in tricycle race, he raised it in the air as if accepting it now and raising it to show it to the applauding crowd.

He stood in the middle of all the littered things from the box circling and looking around! Anjali pressing her hand on her mouth looked at the huge heap of things in astonishment. "How could I collect all this in that short period of time?" she wondered.

They stood there for a long time and then coming back to senses started stuffing the box hurriedly. Arnav suddenly remembering something.. picked up his football, his geometry box, his papa's shaving kit and the brush house... said "Di can I keep these with me? please..Di!" She nodded. They stuffed everything else back and pushed the box under the bed. His Di looked little exhausted.
"Di, i will get tea for you here!" he made her lie on the bed and went out. He brought in tea for her and coffee for himself and they had it peacefully.

"After so long, we are sitting like this, Chote!" she said dreamily.
"Di.. Promise me! You will always stay with me!" He said hoarsely.
"I promise!"said she, keeping her hand on his.
"And always stand by me?" he asked "Yes!" she said.
"Di! I want to take you to our house! Sheesh Mahel!" he said closing his eyes and holding her hand.
"Chote! I am sure, you will, one day!" she said dreamily. They both were lost in their own thoughts.
"Ok, Di!" he said after a while picking up the cup from her hand. "Di you take rest and i will dash back to my work" said Arnav and left with the belongings holding them to his chest.

Part 88

Aakash waited with bated breath to hear the expected outburst. Instead he heard banging on the door. He dashed out. Anjali was banging on the door. The door was shut tightly.

Aakash came "What is it Di?" He asked concerned.

"See Aakash, He is not opening the door!" Anjali was in tears. Aakash too started banging and calling him.

Arnav heard the commotion and came out. He too started banging on the door.

After five minutes of chaos Sham finally opened the door with a towel in his hand.

"What is it?" he asked irritably. Aakash peeped in. Anjali came forward and hugged her husband. "Are you ok? Why did you not open the door?" she asked weeping.

"I was in the bathroom! Please stop fussing?" he asked Anjali removing her hands from his shoulders. He wanted to bash her. He gave a disgusted look at Arnav and Aakash.

"Jijaji, we were really worried. We thought some mishap....." Aakash did not complete his statement.

"I am alright, nothing can happen to me!" he said smugly. Aakash tried to enter his room but Sham stood like a wall blocking the way. "What has happened to Aakash?" Arnav thought looking at Aakash's over excitement. The morning incidence had pumped confidence in Aakash.

"Jijaji, what is burning?" he asked smelling, flaring up his nose and sniffing.
"Nothing!" Sham brushed him away and said "Now if you excuse me, i have some calls to attend! Raani Saheba.. please leave me alone!" Sham said trying to close the door again.

"Ok! jijaji!"said Arnav innocently. "I will take Di to the Doctor. She has her ultrasound today!" Arnav said holding his Di's hand.

"What? When?" asked Sham suspiciously.
"Oh! it’s nothing special, just a routine checkup! I will take Di" said Arnav.
"Raani Saheba, why didn't you tell me? I will come with you!" said sham coming out and closing the door behind him.

Arnav and Aakash exchanged looks and left.
Arnav came back to his room and opened his bag. He took out the file
containing sheesh Mahel case papers. It was proved that his father had paid off the mortgage loan. This became his self earned property and had alienated the property in Arnav's name by a will. The probate of the will was upheld and the property reverted back to Arnav. He had tears in his eyes. He wanted to give this good news to his Di, to everyone! He Di was his only secret keeper when he was young. He felt sorry for his Di. He should and must keep this news a secret until the final blow. He had to go a long way!

"Di, I want to pull you out of this mess. Don't know how and when.." sadness shadowed his face.
He had gone to Luknow to take the possession. The lock put by the Thakurs of the mehal was broken in presence of the Court Officials and Arnav was asked to open the door and then to put his lock denoting his possession and ownership on the property. Arnav had put the new lock but did not go inside. He did not want to enter the Mehal without his sister. Arnav had taken the papers from the lawyer, had held the key in his palm and held it tightly closing his fist for a while and then had returned it back to the lawyer saying "Please give this to Mr. Balwindar Singh! I do not wish to keep it with me for now!" his vision had gone hazy with tears in his eyes. He had wandered down the memory lane with all his better sweet experiences of the Mehal.


He opened his laptop and saw Khushi online on skype. He started video chat. waiting for her to accept. Her image flashed on the screen and his heart leapt out. He forgot all his sorrows. but kept his face straight.

"Arnav ji!" Khushi blurted excitedly. Did you drive your new SUV? You liked it? Papaji had bought it when we were in the market that day."

"hmm!" he nodded smiling at her.
"Did you read my card?" she asked.
He slid his hand in his coat pocket and took out the card. There were two messages.. One from papaji, requesting him to accept the gift as his would be "son in law"
And the second one from Khushi "Arnav ji! Hope you like the gift and the car key.... A key for A Key! A gift for a gift and a heart for .....!" she had kept the space blank, drawing two entangled hearts. He looked at Khushi's eager eyes and dabbed his lips on the card. She blushed... and raising her eyebrows said "Complete ... the sentence...!" He stared at her with desire and wrote on the card... and showed it to her..
"A heart for a heart attack!" Khushi looked furious and his face brightened up.

"Khushi listen!" said Arnav pocketing the card again and he told her about the photographs promising to upload them for her.

They chatted for a long time. and Khushi said "Arnav ji, I have deposited the money in buwaji's bank account. They can get the house repaired.

"Ok!" Arnav said sounding hurt. "She has not forgotten! I had called her a gold digger!" he thought. Sadness overshadowed his face. She looked at him pleadingly. He nodded.

** **** ***

He went down for dinner and saw all the family members at the table. Aaksh was looking at him apprehensively. He ignored Aakash.

"Di, did you get the test reports? What did the doctors say?" He asked looking at his Di.

"Everything is perfect saale saab! She is perfectly alright." Arnav looked at him in surprise. "Why was he answering?" He looked at his Di. She looked nervous. Arnav changed the subject.

"Di, can you pass the vegetable bowl, please?" he asked.
"Raani Saheba!" said Sham getting up.
"What is it Jijaji? Finished?" Asked Aakash.

"See na Aakash! He is again leaving now for some urgent work. He didn't even tell me where he is going!" said Anjali sulkily. Sham looked nervous and said slyly "Raani saheba! Its my court case and i have to be present tomorrow!" He said holding her hand.

"Tomorrow? On a holiday?" asked Arnav loudly.

"um.. " sham fumbled. "Preparatory work!" he said and left. Anjali looked confused.

"Is he hiding something from me?" she muttered and went behind him. Aakash and Arnav finished their dinner and left. They knew what to do when sham was away.

Arnav came back to his room. Aakash barged in after a while.
"Bhai.. he escaped this time. I think he burnt those snaps" he said.
"I know Aakash, but I feel Di should see those photographs in his presence. She is in a delicate condition and controlling her will be problem for us..!" Arnav was serious.

"Yes! I want to know what excuse he gives this time!" said Aakash.

Sham boarded the bus to reach Chandighar. The bus was about to leave and his cell rang. It was from his saale saab's office. He got down from the bus immediately forgetting that he had bought the ticket.

"What? Delete everything.. I want that folder clean! and listen to me carefully..." he ordered. He looked enraged. He was shaking from head to toe. "You will pay for this! Saale Saab! You will pay for everything you did to me. I will teach you and your limping sister a lesson! Khushi ji.. I know you will be here soon... I will have you! You will be mine!! and if i can't have you no one will!!" he muttered with gritted teeth and clenched fists.

"I am coming for you Arnav! This time you will not escape my wrath!" He signaled for an Auto.

The sun rose next day with different fates for different people.
ASR received the call from the office. He rushed without even waiting for Aakash. Ajali was down with her morning sickness. She was surprised to see Sham back home last night. Sham went out early morning. Aaksh too rushed to the office in panic state.

Khushi was safe in her papaji's shelter! At least for now!!
ASR barged in the office calling out for Aman.
Aman stood before him with his head down. There was a major breakdown of the entire network and a power failure. All the servers were down and the entire work was stand stilled. The good thing was it was weekly off for most of the office staff.

"What the hell is going on? Where are our maintenance people?" ASR barked.
"Sh... Short circuit..!" Aman stuttered in fright. He had no clue how did this happen.

"What the hell? Do we not have surge trappers? stabilizers?MCBs?" ASR came on to Aman aggressively.

"Call the maintenance head immediately!" he ordered.
Aman ran out. ASR sat on the chair in fury!
Aakash came in. "Bhai..." he started off. Arnav raised his hand to stop him. He was in no mood to talk to anyone. He racked his brains for the causes of this disaster. He waited for the maintenance guy.

The maintenance head came in shivering in fright.
"What the hell!" ASR shouted and got up from his chair.

"Sir, I do not know who bi passed our safety circuits. I am trying to get the CCD camera footages. This lookes like sabotage! I am trying to find out. My men are behind setting everything right and measure the damage" He said it in one breath. ASR seemed to have cooled down a bit.

He went into the server room only to see the system breakdown. The system administrator was trying his best to bring back the servers to life. The power was restored. The maintenance people had done a good job.

"I am afraid; we have lost the data... " the sys admn muttered. He was unable to locate the problem. It seemed the air conditioning system in server room malfunctioned and instead of cooling, heated up blowing the servers.
Arnav came back frustrated. "Bhai... we are finished if the data is gone!" Aakash looked devastated. They believed in less paper office and hence over relied on the digitization and electronic media.

Arnav stared unfocused, thinking hard on the way out. He called Aman.
"Aman get me all the clients files and our financial data, right now!" he ordered. Aman looked aghast. "Sir we have more than thousand clients.. have very little documentation on paper...!" Aman started weakly.

"I know, Damn it! get me all those files and I want at least five persons from out accounts department right now! Give those files to them for scrutiny and to find out if something is missing! I want the written report on all the files by this evening." He ordered.

Aman went out. "Aakash, when did we deploy this system?" Asked ASR. Aakash was looking after the entire office automation work.
"Three and a half years back. but these new servers are installed a year back and still under warranty." Said Aakash confidently.

"I don't care about the warranty, damn it!" ASR barked. "Get me those deployment documents immediately.!" Aakash gaped at him for few moments and rising from his chair in slow motion, looking at his bhai in admiration said... "Bhai.... i know... we had discussed.... I know...!" smile appeared on their faces brightening up their spirits...!

Aakash ran out of the cabin jumping out in excitement. ASR smirked!
"Hello Saale Saab! Where are you?" Arnav heard Sham's voice when he picked up his ringing phone.

"I am in the office, Jijaji! What is it? Is there any problem?" asked ASR innocently.

There was no answer from the other side for a while and then sham spoke "No Saale Saab I needed some data from our office but it seems there is power failure! Anyway i will manage for now!"

"Jijaji... your Del-Ta company's systems are working! This company is not a part of AR group! so if you want the data, you can pull it anytime online. But if you wanted AR data, then i am afraid you are not authenticated for that... you have no permissions!" said ASR coolly, smirking...

There was a silence and then the phone got disconnected. ASR sat back with his arms folded on his chest smiling!!!

"JIJAJI !! Come back soon from wherever you are!" he thought aloud..