FINE WINE part(51-60)

 Part 51 Story

Khushi was thunderstruck. Actually, what was happening here? She was confused as if she was dreaming. Was he the same man, who didn’t want to marry? Was he the same man who was not ready to give a thought to his marriage? Didn’t he avoid her giving her many reasons for his decision? Then, what happened to him now? Why was he writing his own script for this Ad… that too, more romantic than the company authorities’ ideas? Was he ready to accept her as she lost her UTERUS?

 

Maybe, as there were no possibilities for her to get a child, he might have thought to give a chance to their relationship. Khushi concluded.

 

The shoot was completed with Arnav’s ideas. The company authorities were very satisfied with Arnav and Khushi’s performance. They took their leave and headed to the parking lot.

 

Arnav opened the car door for Khushi. She took a seat and waited for Arnav to sit in the driver’s seat. She searched for something here and there. Arnav frowned.

 

“What are you searching for?” he asked.

 

“I’m searching for someone who didn’t want to marry me,”

she said seriously.

 

Arnav was stuck for a while and controlled his smile. He started the car and changed the gear.

“Why should you not change your career as an Ad script writer, Arnavji?” She asked him making a serious face.

 

“I’m not that skilled to write script,” He said looking at the road with a smile.

 

“Oh… really? Then why did you change the script of the Ad today?”

 

“I just suggested…”

 

“JUST suggested?” She lifted her brows with a slight nod.

 

He drove the car smiling.

 

“I can’t believe you didn’t want to marry me…”

 

“But, I married you…”

 

Khushi was stuck.

 

“I hope you would not have forgotten your words about my avoidance…”

 

“What words?”

 

“Didn’t you say, why I didn’t want to get married?”

 

Khushi didn’t know about what he was exactly hinting at.

 

“What you told me was true. My wife would also become important to me if I got married. I would give my wife equal importance and consider her a part of my life. I don’t want to break my wife’s heart going against her wish. I could not do that. Thinking all about these aspects only I didn’t want to get married…”

 

Khushi looked at him without blinking.

 

“As I got married to you now, I would give you the importance and respect you deserve no matter what”

 

Khushi leaned on the seat smilingly, feeling relieved. Though she knew Arnav was a gentleman, she didn’t expect the open talk from him.

 

They reached RM. The kids rushed to her and hugged her.

 

“We miss you,” Shamli said.

 

Arnav rolled his eyes.

 

“Let me change my dress. I will come back in ten minutes…”

They nodded ok. Khushi went to her room and came back changing her dress. She sat with them in the living room. Arnav also came to them and sat, taking his phone.

 

HP brought him coffee.

 

“Khushi Didi, shall we play something?”

 

“Mmm… I’m a little tired today. We will play tomorrow. Now,

I will tell you a story”

 

“Wow… really? Tell us, tell us…”

 

The kids became interested. Of course, Arnav also. His mother used to tell him and his sister stories every night. They would not sleep without hearing a story from her every day. He remembered his mother and sister.

 

“Once upon a time, a farmer lived in a small village… he bought a camel from someone. He brought the camel to his house. There was a hay bag on the camel’s hump. He removed the bag and served the hay to the camel. He found a small bag inside the hay bag. To his surprise, he found a few GEMS in the bag. He wanted to return them back to the man from whom he bought the camel but his friends insisted him not to…”

 

“Then?”

 

“He didn’t listen to anyone and returned it back to the man”

 

“Was he happy?”

 

“Not just happy, he said, I see GOD in you”

 

“wow”

 

“Yeah, and he asked him to take a few gems from the bag”

 

“Really?”

“Yes, but he said, I have already taken… the camel seller was confused because the gems were not missing”

 

“Then?”

 

“He said, I took TWO gems called LOYALTY and SELF-RESPECT”

 

“Ohhh…”

 

“We will face many situations in our life that give us chances to give up our loyalty and self-respect but we should think before making any decision. We should not let the situation dominate us”

 

The kids clapped.

 

“We will keep this in our mind”

 

After having dinner, the kids went to their room and Khushi came to their room followed by Arnav.

 

“The story was awesome” Arnav smiled.

 

“Thanks”

 

“My mother also told us many stories. We love her bed-time stories”

 

“Really?”

“Yeah, nowadays kids are missing such a great pleasure of

listening to stories from their parents and grandparents due to mobile phones…”

 

Khushi nodded yes.

 

“By the way, won’t you tell me stories?”

 

Khushi widened her eyes.

 

“Stories for you?”

 

“Do you know only kids’ stories?”

 

“Recently I heard a story somewhere”

 

“Mmm…?”

 

“Yeah, it’s about problems between couples after the marriage.”

 

“Oh”

 

“A husband and wife fought. The wife left the house getting angry with her husband. After ten days, she came back home and said, I want to take my belongings from here. The husband said nothing. He heard the cupboard opening sound and things removing sound. She walked taking the bag. The husband asked her if she had taken all the things that belonged to her. She just said, Mmm. He asked, if it’s so, why do you leave ME here? Am I not YOUR?”

 

Arnav who was listening to her silently smiled.

 

“The wife looked at him. Their eyes met and tore up. The wife rushed to him and hugged him. She said, you are my only belonging, I don’t want anything other than you. The husband opened her bag and found it EMPTY.”

 

Arnav raised his brows.

 

“She took nothing in her bag. The bag was just an excuse to see him… to give a chance to him to console her…!”

 

“What’s the moral?” Arnav asked.

 

“Try to understand the moral and let me know” She lay on the bed and covered herself.

 

“Do you think the bag was really EMPTY?” Arnav asked.

Khushi removed the quilt from her face and looked at him. He nodded NO.

 

“The bag was full of EXPECTATIONS and LOVE” he smiled.

Khushi nodded with a smile.

 

“Yeah, what would she have done if he had not spoken to her?”

 

“She would have given him a chance again... She might have again gone to the closet and again searched for something I suppose, right?” he said.

“Mmm… might be…”

 

“What would you have done if you had been in her place?”

 

“I would not have left the house in the first place…”

Arnav raised her brows.

 

“Really?”

 

“I would have tortured my husband being with him,” She said controlling her smile.

 

“Answer me seriously… this is not a joke”

 

“Does this seem a joke?”

 

Arnav was silent.

 

“You will get to know how serious I’m when the time comes”

 

“Do you think we fight?” He asked.

 

“I (Stressing) won’t…”

 

“Do you think I will fight with you?”

 

“How can I say that now? We just got married…” She again covered herself.

 

Arnav smiled shaking his head.

 

To be continued…

 

Part 52 Society

 

The next morning

 

Khushi came to the kids' room to wake them up. She smiled as they were already up. She frowned because they were whispering something. She didn't know what they were whispering about. They straightened themselves seeing Khushi. She saw the bags in Shali and Shamli's hands. Those were the same bags Khushi bought and gifted them when they went to Nani's Ashram.

 

"What's cooking here?" Khushi asked.

 

They looked at Aarav who nodded his head from left to right hurriedly.

 

Khushi looked at them suspiciously.

 

"Won't you tell me?"

 

Aarav looked down. Khushi came to him and lifted his chin.

 

"Tell me, what were you guys talking about"

 

"Bhaiya remembered what you promised him" Shamli said.

 

Khushi frowned. She could not remember what she promised him. She tried to get it. Her eyes rooted on the bags in the twins' arms. Her brows went up. Yes... She promised Aarav that he would also get something that he liked so much. She made up herself.

 

"Promise? What promise?" She intentionally asked.

 

Aarav was silent.

 

"Didn't you say you would gift him what he liked?" Shali asked.

 

"Oh... That one?"

 

They nodded yes.

 

"I will give you. Now, you are getting late. Get ready for the school..."

 

They nodded ok sadly. Khushi left thier room smiling inwardly. She decided what to give Aarav. She wanted to do it surprisingly. That was why she acted coolly.

 

Khushi came to their room. Arnav was wiping his wet hair sitting on the rercliner. He stopped doing that seeing Khushi smiling.

 

"What happend?" He asked.

 

Khushi's smile brightened.

 

"I'm going to surprise Aarav this evening"

 

"What surprise?"

 

"Surprise..." She chuckled.

 

Arnav rolled his eyes and said,

 

"Don't spoil them..."

 

"Am I looking like a spoiler?"

 

"I didn't mean it"

 

"Then what did you mean?"

 

"You pamper them a lot, I suppose"

 

"You should feel happy for your wife doing that... Didn't you want your wife to love them?"

 

"Of course, I wanted to... But not to this extent. Don't you think your over-love will spoil them?"

 

"Are you spoilt?"

 

Arnav frowned.

 

"Means?"

 

"I mean, did my over-love spoilt you?" She asked controlling her smile.

 

Arnav looked at her sharply.

 

"If my over-love can spoil anyone, you must be the first one to be spoilt" she teased.

 

"Khushi, they are not like me. They don't know their limit..."

 

"Yes, they are not like you..." She said and went to the washroom, leaving stunning Arnav.

 

Of course, she repeated what he said but in the different tone. If the tone was different, the meaning would also be different. He knew that. What he didn't know was, the meaning her words had.

 

.............

 

Arnav and Khushi went to the office. AR staff respected Khushi unusually. They looked at her respectfully. She didn't know how to react to it.

She felt it awkward. She was not sure whether Arnav would like it if she had been easy with them like before. Arnav saw her suffocating. He headed his cabin smiling inwardly. She went to her cabin and took seat.

 

Khushi saw Aman entering her cabin. She stood up as usual and said,

 

"Good morning, sir"

 

"Good morning, Madam Boss..." Aman slightly bowed down.

 

"Sir, stop making fun"

 

"Fun? You are indeed our Boss now"

 

Khushi was supposed to say something, but stopped as she got a call. It was from Arnav.

 

"Hann, Arnavji..."

 

"Khushi, get Raj&Co's file from Aman and come to my cabin"

 

"Jee..." She disconnected the call.

 

"See, YES BOSS became HAAN ARNAVJI... Because, you became our Boss..." Aman smiled.

 

Khushi smiled, rolling her eyes.

 

"Arnavji asked Raj&co's file"

 

"Here it is"

 

Aman showed the file in his hand and kept it on the table.

 

"Thank you, sir" taking it, she headed to Arnav's cabin.

 

She knocked on his cabin door and waited for Arnav's COME IN. She again knocked as she didn't get any reply. She slowly opened the door and peeped in. She was taken back, seeing Arnav looking at the entrance smiling. She pushed the door wide, frowning.

 

"This is your husband's cabin, Remember?" He raised the question.

 

Khushi stood pressing her lips.

 

"Madam Boss doesn't need my permission to enter my cabin"

 

Khushi smiled. Arnav extended his hand asking for the file. Khushi gave it to him.

 

At the same time, Arnav's phone raised a message tone. Arnav opened the message and read it.

 

"Ohh... Shit... how did I forget it?"

 

"What happened, Arnavji?"

 

"There i

s a parents, teachers' meeting in the kids school today. Term test papers will be issued today. Usually, I call their class teachers after the parents teacher's meeting and enquiry about their progress but we have a client meeting at the same time"

 

Khushi thought for while and asked,

 

"Shall I attend the meeting?"

 

Arnav smiled and nodded.

 

"Oh yes, I will forward your number to their teachers. You can talk to them"

 

"No Arnavji, I would like to go to the school to attend the meeting"

 

Arnav suck for a few seconds.

 

"But, it's not necessary Khushi. We can talk to them on phone"

 

"You are a busy Businessman. So they considered your busy schedule so far. But now, I am here. I have no problem in going to their School"

 

"Are you sure?"

 

"Yup..."

 

"Will you attend all the meetings?"

 

"Yup, sure"

 

"Ok, go ahead... I will inform there teachers about your visit"

 

Khushi nodded ok. She came to her cabin and worked for the client meeting.

 

 

Break

 

Khushi smiled seeing Tara in her cabin.

 

"Hi, Tara..."

 

"Actually, I don't know how to treat you" Tara hesitated.

 

"Why?" Khushi frowned.

 

"You are our Boss now... I don't know if I can call you by your name"

 

Khushi kept her hands on her hip.

 

"Will you stop talking about the Boss stuff?"

 

Tara hugged Khushi lovingly.

 

"You are so sweet" She removed a box and gave it to Khushi.

 

"Wish you happy married life" She said.

 

"I am sorry, I was unable to invite you to my marriage"

 

"That's ok. I understood"

 

"Thank you for understanding me"

 

Tara smiled.

 

"What about today's client meeting? Did you remember it or forgot it in the wedding tension?" Tara teased.

 

"I do remember but I will not be in the office at the time of the meeting"

 

"But why?"

 

"I have another meeting"

 

"What meeting?"

 

"Parents teacher's meeting... I'm going to the kids' school to attend it"

 

"Oh... Motherly duty?"

 

Khushi nodded yes.

 

"You know what? You are so generous to accept someone's kids as yours"

 

Khushi so wanted to say, not more than Arnavji who sacrificed his life for someone's kids.

 

"I hope Arnav sir understands you"

 

"He does..."

 

"Nice to hear..."

 

"Let's go to the canteen" Khushi said.

 

"Will you come with me?"

 

"Why not? Let's go"

 

They came to the canteen and was about to enter but stopped hearing someone gossiping about Arnav and Khushi. No... They were not just gossiping but taunting them. Tara was about to go inside but Khushi clutched her hand and stopped her from entering.

 

"I didn't know Arnav sir is so talented to trap a young girl"

 

"He must be... Otherwise, how could she marry him leaving all the young eligible bachelors in our office and marry a widower who is a father of three kids?"

 

"It's because he has money. That's why she married to an old man. She will leave him after a few years and get married to someone... Mark my words"

 

"How are you so sure of it?"

 

"Why won't I be sure? He is forty now. Soon he will lose his ABILITY of satisfying her. What will she do after that? She will divorce him and marry someone. Or, she will have an affair with someone"

 

"That means, we all will have a chance"

 

They chuckled. Tara was looking at Khushi horrified. She didn't know what Khushi would do. Khushi stepped inside the canteen. The place became silent seeing Khushi. She headed to the persons who taunted them. In no time, she removed her slipper anbd hit both of them hard, gritting her teeth, making everyone stunned.

 

To be continued...

 

 

 

 

 Part 53 Hard to handle

People in the canteen were shocked, not because Khushi hit them with her slipper. It was because she heard their talks. After all, they talked about her and she was their Boss. The guys who spoke rubbish stood bowing down, holding their cheeks.

“Is this why you are coming to the office? Is this why you are getting paid? To discuss whether the husbands satisfy their wives or not? Are you so much confident about yourselves? What will you do if you lose your ABILITY in an accident? Anything can happen to anyone…right? Will you lock your wives in the house before leaving the house?”

They looked at her gulping down.

“Because men like you will try to get a chance to taste other’s wives…”

They again bowed down.

“Anyway… what will you do if you lose your JOB? Will you be sitting at home satisfying your wives all the day?”

They looked at her shockingly.

“You are fired…”

She threw a warning glare on everyone in the canteen and walked out. The guys followed her pleadingly.

“Ma’am, please ma’am… I’m sorry ma’am…”

Khushi stopped and glared at them.

“Go to hell with your sorry… you bloody ba**** how dare you raise your finger on my character? What do you think of me? Do you think I will walk to the bed with you?” she gritted her teeth.

They gulped down.

“You can’t even stand Arnav’s fallen hair…! Know your worth…! Anyway, you will get to know that if you lose your job. This is the punishment for degrading my husband”

Khushi turned around and found Aman standing with an angry expression. He walked to them and slapped them hard.

“Not only in AR… you can’t get a job anywhere else… mark my words…” he pushed them hard.

“Sir…”

“I can even hand you to the police putting some allegation. Don’t make me do that… get out”

Both of them walked out with hung faces. Khushi looked at Aman.

“How do you know about the issue, sir?”

“The CCTV management head told me you hit them with a slipper. I decided to come to the canteen to know the issue but heard your talk and understood the issue”

“Please don’t say anything to Arnavji”

Aman nodded sighing.

“Thank you, sir” She walked to her cabin.

Her mind didn’t get into any work. So what if she married a man with an age difference? Why would society pinch them? What the bloody society was this? When everyone had a lot of problems in their family, why would not they just concentrate on them instead of poking their noses into other’s matter? What if Arnav heard their talks? What would he have felt? Would not it lower his confidence? Would not he regret marrying her? Why didn’t people think of other’s feelings?

Khushi understood one thing. This was just a STARTING. She had to go long. She might face such problems in day-to-day life. She should make herself up to handle them. She should not let such rubbish disturb her family life.

Khushi jerked hearing a phone ring. It was from Arnav. Taking a deep breath, she attended the call.

“Haan, Arnavji…”

“On which planet you are?”

“Haan…?”

“This is lunch time madam… Dadi send us lunch… come to my cabin”

Khushi looked at the watch and sighed.

“Jee… coming…” She disconnected the call and rushed to Arnav’s cabin.

AR staff who saw her running, stood in the attention pose fearfully until she reached Arnav’s cabin. She entered his cabin, pushing the door.

“Good afternoon, madam…” Arnav smiled.

Khushi smiled pleasantly. Was not our loved ones' smile enough to change our grief? Taking the bag, Arnav walked to the couch. Khushi sat on the sofa and removed the box from the bag. Arnav helped her.

“What so busy? You didn’t even notice the lunchtime?” he asked while opening a box.

“Just thinking about how to make my husband fall for me,” she said controlling her smile.

Arnav’s hand stopped for a few seconds. He smirked seeing her controlling her smile.

“Did you get any better idea?” he asked smiling.

“I got many ideas but I don’t know if they are BETTER”

“Oh… ok, tell me, I will tell you if you can try them,” he asked stuffing a rotti in his mouth.

“What about kissing you?” She asked seriously.

Arnav coughed upon hearing that. Khushi tapped his head and extended the glass of water. Arnav looked at her perplexed.

“No doubt… this is the worst idea…! Immediately after hearing it, how shocked he became…!” She murmured in a serious tone.

Arnav felt ashamed. He should not have reacted in that way. How could he? But what would he do if he didn’t expect it from Khushi? Of course, he did a blunder. It didn’t mean he should be silent.

“Be serious…” he said, reading her expression.

To his disappointment, she nodded ok like a good student and said nothing. After that, Khushi didn’t converse with Arnav which disappointed him more because she didn’t give a chance for him to mend his mistake.

After finished eating, Khushi arranged the boxes in the bag. Arnav’s eyes were on her, expecting her to look at him but nope. She didn’t.

Khushi looked at her watch.

“Arnavji, I’m leaving,” she said taking the bag.

“Where?”

“To attend the parent’s teacher meeting…”

“But, it’s at 3 o’clock... it’s just 2 o’clock. You can go relaxing”

“I have some work on the way”

“What work?”

“Surprise…” she smiled.

Arnav rolled his eyes.

“I will go home with kids… will not come back to the office”

Arnav blinked his eyes as he expected that. Khushi left the office.

………

Though Arnav informed the class teachers about Khushi’s arrival, it was a great surprise for the kids because no one attended the parent's parent-teacher meeting for them till then. Shali and Shamli opened their mouth wide open to see Khushi in their school. Khushi entered their class and said,

“I’m Mrs. Raizada...”

“Oh… Shali and Shamli, come here… your MOTHER is here”

Khushi looked at them who looked at each other. Khushi sat before the teacher. The teacher handed her their exam papers. Khushi checked them patiently.

“What should be improved, Ma’am?”

“Both study well but make spelling mistakes a lot. Ask them to concentrate on it”

Khushi nodded ok.

“Sign the register”

Khushi signed and stood up. Shali and Shamli brought their bags. They went to Aarav’s class. He was writing something as he didn’t want to waste time. Seeing Khushi, the teacher nodded her head like, tell me!

Before Khushi answered,

“Mrs. Raizada…” Shamli and Shali said.

Aarav’s hand stopped writing. MRS. RAIZADA? He raised his head slowly. He was taken aback by seeing Khushi with his sisters. He stood up with pleasure and rushed to them happily. He stood next to Khushi looking at his teacher delightedly.

“Any complaints?” Khushi asked looking at Aarav teasingly.

Aarav bit the tip of his tongue, scratching his head.

“He hit a girl yesterday”

Khushi looked at him widening his eyes.

“Why?”

“She sat next to him on his bench”

“So?”

“He didn’t like to sit next to girls”

Khushi rolled his eyes.

“Please advise him, Ma’am”

Khushi nodded ok.

“Anything else?”

“Nothing… he is good in studies. Should keep it up”

“Thank you, Ma’am…”

“Welcome”

“Aarav… you should listen to your MOTHER… ok?”

Aarav looked at Khushi and said nothing.

“Let’s go…” Khushi said.

Aarav nodded ok and left the classroom with Khushi and his sisters. He was tensed that she would question his harsh behaviour toward girls but Khushi didn’t. She was planning to surprise him by giving him something he liked. So, she didn’t want to upset him. 

 

AR

Arnav completed the client meeting with Mr. Laxman.

“By the way, ASR… how is your YOUNG wife?” He asked grinning.

Arnav shrank his eyes and said,

“She may be YOUNG but MATURE enough to handle anything…”

“Wow… in the short period, she gained a place in your good book… is it because she is smart or, is she YOUNG?”

Arnav leaned on his seat.

“So what if the reason is anything? She is a nice girl… that’s all that matters”

“Don’t mistake me, ASR…! At first, they will be like good girls. As time passes, they won’t respect us. They will not give heed to our words. I’m an experienced person. That’s why I’m warning you. Tighten the grip now itself. Or else, you will regret it a lot later like me”

“Thank you for your advice but she is not like your THIRD WIFE”

“I mean…”

“I’m getting late…” Arnav stood up, taking his car key.

“I just said what have to…” Laxman left his cabin.

 

Arnav drove the car thinking about Laxman. What did he know about Khushi? Why would people unnecessarily poke their noses into other’s issues? Why didn’t they have manners? He stopped the car and walked making himself.

When he came inside RM, his anger touched its peak, seeing the kids eating PIZZA. He could not hold himself from recalling Laxman’s words. He walked to them wrathfully. Snatching the pizzas from them, he threw them on the floor.

To be continued…

 

 

 Part 54 Repentance

Arnav threw the pizza on the floor wrathfully and looked at the shivering kids.

“Didn’t I say, you should not eat pizza?” he shouted.

Khushi rushed out of the kitchen and saw the pizzas on the floor.

“Arnavji, Kids like it. That’s why…”

Taking a few hasty steps, Arnav reached Khushi and clutched her upper arms.

“You can’t give them whatever they like… they even like poison if the bottle is attractive. Will you give it to them? “Do you know how harmful preservatives are there in the junk food? It’s a kind of slow poison… it may cause dangerous diseases…” he yelled.

Khushi jerked seeing his fury.

“What are you thinking of me, Khushi? Do you think you no need to give a damn to my words? Do you think I will be quiet letting you do whatever you want? Do you think I will bow under your feeeet?” he shouted again.

Khushi’s eyes tear up. She didn’t know what was there to get angry.

“Arnav…”

Arnav looked behind and found Dadi standing with Nani.

“What’s the matter with you? Why are you shouting like a maniac? Have you lost your mind?”

“Dadi…”

Dadi stopped him by showing her palm.

“These pizzas don’t contain preservatives… because they are homemade. Khushi prepared it at home.” Dadi said.

Arnav looked at Khushi shockingly who was looking at him with teary eyes. He looked at his hand that was clutching her hand tightly. He left her hand.

“She knew not everything can be given to the kids. She knew you didn’t like it. That’s why she prepared it at home. She came home and prepared the dough before going to the school. So that, she can make it after coming from the school.” Nani said.

Arnav looked at Khushi regretting. He saw kids hiding behind Dadi and Nani fearfully. Khushi made up herself and started cleaning the pizzas on the floor. Arnav was staring at her not knowing what to do.

“Hari Prakash…” Arnav shouted.

HP rushed to him.

“Clean them…”

HP was supposed to take them from Khushi, she looked at him sharply. HP stepped back and looked at Arnav miserably. Arnav gulped down hard.

Khushi cleaned the place and looked at the kids. She nodded her head. They rushed to her and hugged her. Taking them, she went to the kitchen. Arnav was about to follow them, but Dadi stopped him.

“Kids are scared. Give them time”

“But, Dadi, it’s because of me”

“Thank God you understand that. Because of you, they are scared. So, don’t make them scarier. Go to your room. Khushi will take care of them”

Arnav headed to his room. He threw his coat on the floor wrathfully. He was furious with himself. He wanted to go to the kitchen not for kids but for Khushi. Her teary eyes pricked his heart. What had he done…! Why did he lose his patience? Why the hell did he do the blunder? He punched his thigh.

 

……….

Putting the wasted pizza in the bin, Khushi smiled at the kids.

“We are sorry…! Because of us, Dad shouted at you”

She lifted them and made them sit on the kitchen slab without saying anything. Wearing the oven glove, she removed the last pizza from the oven. She made it for Arnav and herself.

“Are you upset?”

She nodded NO smiling while cutting the pizza.

“Really?”

“Dad shouted at me, not because he was angry with me. it’s because he is concerned about your health” She parted the pizza equally.

“But, throwing food is not good. My teacher said” Samli said.

“According to your Dad, it’s not food but toxic content. He won’t mind throwing anything that harms you because he loves you a lot” She kept two pieces on their plates.

Shali looked down pouting.

“What?”

“But, he doesn’t love you… that’s why he shouted at you”

“No… he thought I brought pizza from the shop. That’s why he became angry. Didn’t you see how he became speechless when he got to know they are homemade pizzas? He loves me a lot that’s why he got angry because he doesn’t want me to be spoilt” she smiled.

“Are not you upset with Dad?”

“Why should I be? Actually, it was my mistake”

“What do you mean?”

“I should have told him about the pizzas but I kept it secret. That’s why he didn’t know about it. He would not have behaved so if I had told him”

Khushi made them calm down. She didn’t want kids to think wrong about Arnav and she succeeded too.

“Is not Dad bad?”

Khushi nodded no.

“He is the best Dad in the world. That’s why he wants you to be fit and fine. He won’t let anything harm you”

They ate the pizza with satisfaction.

Khushi sighed. She didn’t know what made Arnav lose his patience. She didn’t know how to handle this. 

 

Kids ate pizzas and washed their hands.

“How is that? Good?”

They nodded yes excitedly.

“We will prepare it one day again. Ok?”

They nodded no.

“I will prepare it only after informing Arnavji… ok?”

They nodded ok.

“Let’s go to your room. You have to do your homework.”

They came out of the kitchen and saw Dadi and Nani in the living room all tensed, Khushi smiled at them pleasantly.

“Are you all right Khushi bitiya?” Nani asked.

She nodded yes and went to the kids' room.

“Kiddo, from hereon, both of you should write what you study. Then only you can avoid spelling mistakes. Ok?”

They nodded ok.

Sitting with the kids for the whole evening, she taught them their lessons. Of course, to avoid going to their room, she was doing that.

That was when HP came there and knocked on the door.

“Khushi Bhabi, Dadi is calling you for dinner”

“Jee…”

“Kiddo, let’s go for dinner”

“We are full, Khushi Didi”

“You don’t have to eat anything. Come with me”

They came downstairs. Arnav was already present there. Of course, he was undoubtedly looking at Khushi who was not even looking at him. It was clear, that she was angry with him. Of course, she would be. Who would tolerate being scolded for no reason? But to his surprise, the kids looked cool. There was no fear on their faces.

“Hari Prakashji, bring it”

“Jee…” HP went to the kitchen and brought a jug full of cumin water.

Khushi gave it to the kids.

“What’s this Khushi bitiya?”

“Jeera water for good digestion, Naniji. Pizza is a heavy food. So…” she said not looking at Arnav.

After drinking cumin water, the kids went to their room. Khushi sat opposite Arnav and had dinner. She just ate for a formality as she had no mood to eat. After having a rotti, she went to the kitchen. Leaving the food unfinished, Arnav followed her.

Khushi looked at Arnav who was standing at the kitchen entrance. She started boiling milk as if she didn’t see him. Arnav came to her and stood looking at her.

“I’m…I’m sorry…”

Khushi closed her eyes.

“I don’t know it was homemade pizza.  I didn’t know the toughest recipe could be made at home. That was why my mind didn’t think in that way. I should not have shouted at you without knowing the full scenario. I’m sorry…”

Pouring the milk into two glasses, she walked out without saying anything.

Arnav closed his eyes. He came out and saw her serving the milk to Dadi and Nani.

Arnav headed to their room helplessly.

“Khushi bitiya, go to your room. Hari Prakash will wind up everything”

Khushi nodded with a smile and walked to their room. She entered the room and locked the door.  She went to the cupboard and took her dress. That was when Arnav came out of the washroom. He got stuck to see Khushi in the room.

“Khushi, I know you are upset with me… I’m wrong though…”

Khushi looked at him sharply and Arnav bit his lip.

“You should understand one thing. I too am concerned about the kids. I won’t give them poison just because they were attracted to it…” She gulped down.

“Khushi, I shouted in anger…”

“I too get anger…”

She went to the washroom to change. Arnav stood helplessly, looking at her.

Khushi came to the bed and lay covering herself as usual, leaving Arnav with repentance.

To be continued…

 

 

 Part 55 Killing with kindness

 

The next morning

 

Arnav didn't find Khushi in the room. He sighed running good fingers in his hair. He got off the bed and went to the washroom. Getting fresh, he came to the kids' room. He saw them getting ready for the school.

 

Aarav saw him and smiled.

 

"Good morning, Dad," he said.

 

Arnav was struck to see him casual. He thought the kids would be upset with him for his rude behaviour.

 

"Are not you upset with me for shouting at you?" He asked with repentance.

 

"You got angry with us only because you don't want us to spoil our health. You thought that the pizza was bought from the shop. You would not have shouted at us if you had known them were homemade"

 

Arnav felt proud of his kid for being understanding, but Aarav's next stands made him hithunderstruckuck.

 

"Khushi didi explained to us"

 

"Khushi?"

 

"Yes, we were scared seeing your anger. Khushi didi made us understand. She said how concerned you are about us..."

 

Arnav gulped down hard.

 

"What else did she say?"

 

"She said you are the best dad in the world. That's why you don't want us to eat toxic food"

 

"I'm sorry Aarav...I should not have shouted at you... I threw the food..."

 

"That's ok, Dad... You threw them but Khushi didi gave us fresh pizza from the oven"

 

Arnav smiled painfully. How generous Khushi was! He knew she was upset with him. Yet, she didn't show her anger to the kids. She could have filled the kid's ear with venom, but she didn't. Instead, she made them respect him more. What was he going to do for her?

 

 

Arnav came to his room and got ready for the office. He came downstairs thinking about if Khushi would come to the office that day.

 

He waited for Khushi in the dining. HP brought breakfast to the table.

 

"Where is Khushi?"

 

"She is preparing orange juice for you, Arnav Baba," he said and went to the kitchen.

 

Arnav saw Khushi coming with empty hands.

 

She came and sat opposite him. Of course, without seeing him. HP brought the juice prepared by Khushi. Arnav understood she didn't want him to know she cared for him.

 

Khushi didn't even look at Arnav for once, but his eyes were only on her. Eat the breakfast for formality and leave the dining.

 

When Arnav came to their room to finish his breakfast, Khushi came out of the room, taking her bag. Arnav sighed in relief as she was coming to the office with him. Taking his laptop bag, he followed her.

 

Khushi looked rigid on the way to the office. She was looking outside.

 

"Thanks," said Arnav.

 

Khushi looked at him through the corner of her eyes and again looked outside.

 

"Kids told me how you consoled them. I feel ashamed of myself. I don't even have the maturity you have. I am sorry for being barbaric. I am really sorry. I lost my mind because I thought you didn't mind me..."

 

 

Khushi looked at him sharply and gulped down hard. That made Arnav stuck.

 

"Actually, there was an argument between me and Mr. Laxman. He warned me that young girls would try to get old men under their custody."

 

Khushi looked at him shrinking her eyes.

 

"No... Actually, I didn't agree to it... In fact, I shut his mouth by telling him that my wife is not like his third wife...'

 

Khushi understood what made him lose his temper.

 

"I was so firm that you are not such a girl. I shut his mouth too. When I came home I saw kids having pizza. I didn't expect it could be prepared at home because I heard it's a tough recipe. My mind was not in the condition to think clearly. That's why I lost my mind. I'm not justifying my mistake. I was indeed wrong. That's why I'm sorry... I'm really sorry"

 

They reached the office. Khushi got out of the car and walked. Arnav parked the car and went to his cabin.

 

Aman came to his cabin.

 

"Good morning ASR"

 

"Good morning... Is the crew ready?"

 

"Yup... He kept the file in from my Arnav'

 

Arnav frowned.

 

"Did you change the crew?"

 

Aman nodded yes.

 

"But why?"

 

"Because two men from the old list are not in our office now"

 

"Means?"

 

"They resigned"

 

"Whaaat? Why? To date, no one resigned from AR. That too, two of them... What's the reason?"

 

"Leave it ASR..."

 

Arnav frowned.

 

"What do you mean leave it? Why did they resign?"

 

"They didn't resign but were fired"

 

"What? Who fired them?"

 

"Mrs. Boss"

 

Arnav was stuck.

 

"Khushi...! But why?"

 

"Leave it..."

 

"Aman, I know Khushi would have reason to fire them. But why don't you want me to know the reason?"

 

"It's because Khushi requested me not to tell you the reason"

 

Arnav was altered.

 

"What did they do?"

 

Aman was silent.

 

"Tell me damn it"

 

Aman told him what happened. Arnav was shocked.

 

"Did she hit them with a slipper?"

 

"Not only that... You didn't see her anger... She looked like a fireball...! She could not bear a word that pulls your respect down"

 

Arnav gulped the gland that cocked his throat. When she was fighting to save his reputation, he behaved like a barbarian for no reason. He regretted it like hell.

 

"She respects you so much," Aman said.

 

"She loves me more"

 

"Love is nothing but a sign of respect"

 

"Yeah... Her respect for me turned into love," Arnav said, not giving up.

 

Aman smiled to see him controlling his excitement.

 

"Mr Laxman will come today to sign the final settlement," Aman said.

 

"Mmm. Make sure he didn't approach Khushi"

 

"Why ASR? Anything particular?"

 

"He talks too much"

 

"Yeah he does"

 

 

In the meanwhile,

 

Khushi arranged the files and stood up to submit them to Aman. She headed to his cabin to give the files to him. She stopped moving to see Mr. Laxman entering AR. She remembered what Arnav told her about him. Because of this old man, Arnav shouted at her. She gritted her teeth. Why people didn't just concentrate on their business? She walked as if she didn't see him.

 

"Hi, Mrs. Raizada..." He called.

 

Khushi stopped and grinned at him.

 

"Finally, you gained the title..." He taunted.

 

"Not finally... I gained first place"

 

"However, ASR is a widower"

 

"Did you attend his first marriage?"

 

Laxman got stuck. He didn't know what to answer because he didn't attend Arnav's wedding. Of course, no one would have been because his first marriage never happened.

 

"Tell me, Mr. Laxman, did you attend his wedding?"

 

"I think I was in Singapore at that time"

 

"Did you get his wedding invitation?"

 

Again he got stuck.

 

"You would not have received it... Then, why are you bothered about something that's out of your reach?"

 

Laxman was silent.

 

"I'm Mrs Raizada. I'm a living part of Arnavji. So just mind about me, sir. Poor you should not stress yourself for anything. You are already fifty. Your young wife will be left alone if anything happens to you"

 

"ASR also have a huge age difference from you"

 

"But his wife is ME. I know how to make my husband strong from in and out. Stop bothering about us... Arnavji is an expert in keeping everything under his control... Everything means everything...!" She said and turned to leave, but stopped to see Arnav standing with Aman listening to her.

 

She silently retired to her cabin. Laxman became embarrassed to see Arnav.

 

"When you spoke to me yesterday, I thought you were concerned about me, but now, why do I feel something is wrong with you, Mr. Laxman?"

 

"Nothing is like that ASR..."

 

"Why are you here?"

 

"To finalize the deal"

 

"I'm not interested in dealing with you any more... You can go"

 

"But ASR..."

 

"That's final"

 

Arnav walked to Khushi's cabin. He entered her cabin, pushing the door wide. Khushi raised her head and looked at him.

 

"In the kids' eyes, you made me the best father in the world. And now, you shut Laxman's mouth taking my side. Thank you so much... not just because you lifted me... For coming into my life"

 

Arnav walked out. Khushi gazed at him silently.

 

To be continued...

 

 Part 56 Issue

“In the kid’s eyes, you made me the best father in the world. And, now, you shut Laxman’s mouth, taking my side. Thank you so much… not just because you lifted me… thank you for coming into my life”

Arnav walked out. Khushi gazed at him silently. Arnav stopped at the doorstep and looked at her. Khushi averted her gaze.

Arnav came to his cabin and drowned into a deep thought. He should not waste time in thinking unnecessarily. He had done a lot of damage to Khushi’s mind. he had to repair it even though it was the toughest task.

Khushi was also thinking about what just Arnav said. It was clear that he was repenting. His egoless words were evidence. Yet, there was something that ripped her heart. Until she got cleared about it, she could not forgive him.

Laxman saw Arnav coming out of Khushi’s cabin. He rushed behind him pleading.

“ASR, please listen to me, I just did that for your betterment. Just thought to alert you”

“I don’t need anyone’s help to get the best in my life. Who gave you the right to taunt Mrs ASR?”

“ASR, you don’t know about young girls. They will torture us. Being old men, we should be cautious with them. They will treat us disrespectfully when we become WEAKER”

“Thank you for your concern. I know how to keep myself stronger. You can leave. I don’t want to deal with a weak old man like you” He walked to Aman’s cabin.

At the same time, Khushi came out of her cabin with a file. She stumbled when Laxman called her.

“Mrs. Raizada…”

She banged on her cabin’s door and hissed in pain.

“Ahhh…”

Arnav saw that and rushed to her.

“What happened?”

“I just banged…” she said rubbing her knee.

She shrugged her leg and tried to walk but she again hissed.

“Mrs. Raizada, I’m sorry for talking to you unwantedly. Please ask ASR to continue my deal”

“Mr, Laxman… she is already in pain. You are annoying her” Arnav said.

“I just apologised to her”

“Even though she forgives you, I won’t… is that clear? Leave”

“She is not even ready to forgive me and he thinks he could achieve that” Arnav murmured. That was slightly audible to Khushi. She tried to be rigid.

Arnav looked at Khushi.

“Where are you going?”

“Aman sir needs this file”

“Give it to me. I will give him”

“That’s ok… I can walk”

“Oh really?”

“Mmm…” she walked limping.

In no time, Arnav lifted her in his arms and walked to Aman’s cabin, making her awestruck.

“What are you doing?”

“You want to give the file to Aman, right? I just am helping you to do it”

He pushed Aman’s cabin door by his leg. Aman stood up seeing him lifting Khushi in his arms.

“ASR…”

“She wants to give this file…” Arnav made her sit on the chair before Aman and walked out, leaving both of them awkward.

Arnav saw Laxman still standing there like a statue. Arnav knew he was the one who made him statue. He came to him all the way looking at him and asked,

“Do you lift your wife just like I did?”

“My wife is very stout, unlike your wife…”

“Yes… your wife and my wife are not the same… that’s the reality. We both are taking exams in different subjects. Our question papers are also different. So, don’t try to teach me your subject. First, you try to get a pass mark on it. I know how to pass my exam” he walked to his cabin.

In the meanwhile,

Khushi looked at Aman embarrassingly.

“Laxman would have fainted seeing him lifting you” Aman laughed.

Khushi bit her lip not to smile.

“Are you alright, Khushi?”

She nodded yes.

“This is why ASR hesitated to get married. People in this society would take other’s life as entertainment”

“Why should we entertain them by heeding their words, Sir?”

“Yeah… but not everyone is understanding like you, Khushi. ASR is lucky. He got you as his life partner.”

Aman stopped for a few seconds and said,

“Khushi, Arnav is a strong guy. Please don’t feel it through your heart if he makes any mistake…”

Khushi was silent.

“Are you really hurt?”

“No sir… I just banged on the door. the pain was high at that time but now, I’, alright”

“He is like that… he won’t bear his loved one’s pain”

Khushi nodded.

 

Evening

Arnav winded up his work and came to Khushi’s cabin. She had not logged off the computer yet. She saw him entering her cabin.

“Are you alright?” he asked.

She nodded.

He silently pulled the chair and sat in front of her without uttering a single word, letting her do her work. Khushi glanced at him and got to know he was staring at her only. Saving the file, she logged off the computer.

Taking her bag, she stood up and walked out. Arnav followed her sighing.

 

In the car

“I know you are upset with me”

Khushi looked at him and again looked out.

“I should have understood you too equally concerned about the kids. I’m sorry for not understanding you Khushi”

“Do you understand me now?” Came from Khushi.

Arnav looked at her and then at the road.

“I’m not upset with you because you get angry at me for providing pizza for the kids. I know you did that out of care. I too was wrong at my place. I should have told you about my surprise plan before itself…”

“If you are not upset with me for that reason, then why are you not talking to me? are you upset with me for some other reason?”

Khushi turned her face opposite to him.

Arnav pressed the brake and stopped the car.

“Khushi, I’m sorry I can’t understand why you are upset with me”

“Oh really?” She looked at him gritting her teeth.

Arnav was taken aback, seeing her anger.

“Yeah… I don’t know why you are upset”

“Yeah, you would not understand… if you had understood, you would not have told me that I’m getting your control under my feet…” she said panting hard.

Arnav understood what made her feel distraught. He gulped down hard. He silently started the car again and geared it up. He saw Khushi wiping her cheek. He regretted making her cry. She was not upset for shouting at her… she was not angry with him for throwing the food but for uttering such words without understanding her. He could understand what kind of affect those word made in her mind.

As he got to know the exact issue that damaged her heart, he had to repair the damage in the same way, he supposed.

RM

Khushi didn’t wait for Arnav and got out of the car. Arnav waited in the car. This was a sensitive issue. It must be handled with care. He decided what to do and headed to his room.

Khushi was in the washroom when he came to their room. He waited for her to come out. She came wiping her face. She reacted as if there was no one called Arnav but Arnav was not in the mood to let her do it. He came in front of her, blocking her way. Khushi looked at him plainly.

“Yes, I said that in anger… you know what, now, I think it’s better to be under your feet”

Khushi looked at him perplexed. She didn’t know what he meant.

“Can’t you get me under your control, Khushi?”

Khushi tried to read his eyes.

“Didn’t you have many ideas to make me fall for you? You told me about one…! Why don't you try that?” he tapped her nose and went to the washroom smilingly.

Khushi was looking at him as if he was a ghost.

To be continued…

 

 

 Part 57 Action Speaks Volumes

Khushi stood looking at the closed washroom door. what did he just say? Did he want to be under her FEET? He wanted her to do that by KISSING him? She gulped down hard. She felt like her hands were shivering. Did he say that to coax her or was that a real statement? She became a statue without a movement.

Arnav came out of the washroom and saw her last. He smirked, understanding the reason. He came to her and flicked his fingers. Khushi looked at him jerking.

“Where were you last?”

She looked somewhere else suffocating.

“Do you think what I said is true or just a coaxing word?”

She looked at him perplexed. She was supposed to leave the room, but he held her hand and pulled her towards him.

“Why should you be confused? Just try it and get to know if it’s really true?”

Khushi looked at him shrinking her eyes. Keeping her hands on her hips,

“What are you trying to do Mr. Raizada? Do you…”

Cutting her,

“I’m trying to make my wife understand that, she can keep me under her control… and I showed her a path too…”

Khushi was taken aback. She thought he said that in a flow but now, he uttered them clear-cut. Taking back steps, she left the room. Arnav smilingly followed her.

 

Khushi came to the dining and arranged the table with HP. She served dinner to the kids and took a seat.

“Khushi Didi, pass the water glass, please,” Aarav asked.

Khushi gave him the water glass. All of their concentration went to Arnav when he called,

“Aarav…”

“yes, Dad”

“Who am I to you?”

He looked at others with confusion. Of course, others too, especially Khushi.

“You are my Dad…”

“Who is Khushi to me?”

“She is your wife”

“Then, why are you calling her DIDI? People will think she is my DAUGHTER” he said with a rigid face.

Shali and Shamli giggled, whereas Dadi and Nani controlled their smile. Khushi was looking at him stunningly, like, ‘How did he want him to call her?’

“How should I call her…?” Aarav asked looking at Khushi.

“Call her Mom…”

All of them looked at Khushi who widened her eyes with an unnamed expression.

“Dad’s wife must be Mom, right?’

Aarav nodded yes.

“My teacher also addressed her as our Mom… isn’t it, Shalu?” Shamli asked.

Shali nodded yes.

“That’s great… start calling her Mom” Arnav continued eating.

Khushi looked at the kids who were smiling at her.

“Mom…” Shali called and giggled closing her face with her palms.

Shamli joined her. In no time, Aarav got down from the chair and rushed to Khushi. He hugged her emotionally. Khushi caressed his back.

“I love you, Mom… I wanted to call you Mom even before your marriage but I was scared…” he said making her emotional.

Khushi pulled him from the hug.

“Why did you scare?”

“Because you are so young…”

Khushi chuckled softly.

“When she is ready to marry your father, she knew you would call her Mom. There is nothing to be scared… ok?” Arnav smiled.

Khushi didn't know how to take it. She kissed Aarav’s forehead lovingly.

“I’m so happy,” Aarav said.

“Me too…”

“Yeahhhh…. we got MOM” Aarav shouted in happiness.

“Celebrate it…” Arnav said.

All of them looked at him smilingly.

“Your Mom will prepare Pizzas for you” He said making all of them surprised.

Khushi looked at him plainly.

“I’m serious… this time, prepare it for me too,” he said with a pleading face.

“Dad, will you really eat Pizza?” Shamli asked.

“Of course, if your Mom prepares it…! She will not cook anything harmful… am I right, Khushi?” Arnav asked looking at Khushi.

Khushi looked at Dadi and Nani and smiled awkwardly. Dadi and Nani looked at each other suppressing their smile. They knew Arnav was trying to console Khushi.

“Subhadra, I was thinking about going back to the Ashram but seeing these guys’ antics, I think I will not feel like going back to the Ashram”

“Why should you go, Nani? Kids need you too. You can be here with Dadi. She will be happy if you are here” Arnav said.

“I would like to divert my mind in devotion, Chotte”

“You can do that from home also Naniji. The real spiritual is, doing our duty… making others happy… treating people equally…! Am I right?”

Nani nodded yes.

“Please be with us, Naniji. Arnavji will arrange whatever you want…”

Nani looked at Arnav who raised his brows pressing his lips. She nodded ok.

“Thank God… Devyani, to change your mind, our home needs a responsible Bahu, it seems” Dadi smiled at Khushi.

She smiled at her.

“You know Khushi, I requested, pleaded, fought with her to stay here but she never listened to me,” Dadi said.

Khushi smiled with satisfaction.

“Good night, Mom,” the kids said before leaving the dining.

“They are so happy to call you Mom,” Nani said smilingly.

“After all, they are kids…they too have desires…!” Dadi said.

Khushi looked at Arnav suffocating.

“Khushi bitiya, kids like you so much…”

Cutting her,

“Don’t worry, Nani, Khushi will not disappoint them. She might not have given birth to them but she is a mother no one could get”

Khushi was overwhelmed by Arnav’s words. She went to her room thinking about it. Arnav followed her. He locked the door and turned behind, hearing,

“Thanks…”

Arnav raised his brows.

“Thanks for?”

“For recognising me”

“You deserve it”

“When did you realise it?”

“When you spoke highly of me to the kids… even after I made a blunder”

“Did you do that because you felt it good? Or, did you do that to convince me?”

“I felt it good… So, I wanted to convince you”

She walked to the bed. Arnav stopped her blocking her way, by extending his hand. Khushi looked at him.

“Are you still upset with me?”

She nodded no.

“Are you sure?”

She again nodded yes.

“But, there is no charm in your face… you look rigid… don’t you know our actions speak volumes? How could I believe you are not upset with me, if you look dull?”

“Isn’t my words enough? Do you want me to prove through my actions?”

“Yeah…  your actions and words are different. You say you are not upset but you look upset. Don’t I know how brisk, and fresh you are? You make the place lively…! See your face… you look like you have lost something”

“Oh… will you be satisfied if I smile?”

“Of course, your smile means a lot to me… I got to know that when you avoided looking at me” he said in a soft tone. It felt true.

“I thought something…”

“What?”

“I thought you wanted me to think about keeping you under my control,” She said plainly.

Arnav looked at her stunned.

“I thought you were talking about that kind of ACTION”

Khushi saw him suffocating. He didn’t know if he should say yes or no.

“I mean…”  he gulped down.

Khushi saw an ant running on his shoulder. Taking a step close to him, she knocked the ant away and saw Arnav gazing at her.

“Action speaks volumes… right?” she asked.

Arnav gulped down. In no time, she touched his lips with hers, making him shattered. He thought she was talking about knocking the ant. It was neither a kiss nor a peck…! It was something, that could be a communication language, or, could be the ACTION Arnav needed.

Khushi just touched his lips with hers and pulled herself backwards to detach from him but Arnav pushed himself forward not wanting her to do it. He inserted his fingers in her nape and held her to continue what she started. He captured her lips while his left hand pulled her close to him. Everything had an end. So was their kiss. They broke the kiss and looked at each other. He moved to the bed taking her with him. he made her lay on the bed and took a place next to her.

“Action speaks volumes…” Arnav hugged her tight and caressed his face in the crook of her neck.

Though Arnav said he wanted to be under Khushi’s control, it didn’t seem so.

To be continued…

 

 

 

 Part 58 Sort of Problem

“I’m sorry. I hurt you” Arnav said.

“About what hurt you are talking?” Khushi asked.

“I shouted at you…”

“Oh… I thought you were apologizing for what you just did?” She asked controlling her smile.

Arnav looked at her pressing his lips.

“You said you are not interested in marriage… you don’t want to get married…”

“But I got married…”

“So?”

“As I got married, I think there is nothing to think or hesitate”

“That’s why you didn’t hesitate intimate?”

“Yes… why should I hesitate after deciding to get married? Is not intimacy a part of marriage life?”

She pressed her lips, nodding yes.

“Once again I’m sorry. I should not have lost my temper. I went overbroad…”

“I too was at fault. I should not have maintained the secrecy about something in which you have a different opinion. I should have told you when you asked me about the surprise I planned to surprise Aarav. I would have avoided unnecessary problems if I had told you about it”

“Don’t be so generous. Men like me will take it for granted” he tapped her nose.

“Listen to me Mr. Raizada… I forgave you this time because I’m equally responsible for it. Don’t think it will repeat because I won’t repeat my mistake. If you(stressing) repeat it again, I won’t leave you easily… mind it” she threatened.

“Oh, what will you do?”

“I will ask kids to call me Didi. Then people will think I’m your daughter” she said controlling her laughter.

“It will not happen” Arnav said confidently.

“Why?”

“It’s because I’m not looking like your father. If you have doubts, go and listen to people who watched our new Ad. Listen to what they are talking about our pair”

“What are they talking about?”

“People say, this girl looks so mature with ASR…”

Khushi dropped her jaw.

“They said something too…”

“Whaaat?” She pouted.

“She will look older than ASR after her delivery…” he said reading Khushi’s facial expression. That was changed.

“It will not happen because I can’t have a kid”

“Let them talk anything but you don’t get jealous of me for being young. Ok?”

“Oh, sure… I will try not to get jealous of you” she chuckled.

Arnav caressed her cheek.

“Don’t you feel bad for marrying me?”

She clutched his hand and kept it on her cheek.

“Certainly not… definitely not after this encounter…” she said controlling her smile.

Arnav kissed her forehead.

“I promise, I will never hurt you again”

Khushi looked at him perplexed.

“What? Why are you looking at me like this?” He asked.

“Do you know what you just did? It’s not easy to keep your word…” Khushi said.

“I will keep my word” he blinked his eyes.

Khushi smiled.

“You said I’m forgiven… do you really forgive me?”

“Why doubt?”

“I can’t believe it… that’s why”

“Do you want me to prove?”

Arnav nodded yes.

“How?”

“Prepare Pizza again…”

Khushi nodded chuckling.

Arnav cuddled her smilingly. Khushi buried her face into his chest.

…………

The next morning

Arnav woke up, stretching his hands. He saw Khushi sitting in front of the dressing table. He smiled at her through the mirror. She was wearing a dark blue designer saree.

“Good morning” she smiled.

Arnav sat on the bed and beckoned her to come to him. Khushi turned towards him, raising her brows.

“Come here”

“Why?”

“I said come here”

Khushi stood up and went to him with slow steps. She smiled brightly when he started arranging her saree pleats, bending down.

“Turn…”

She turned. He neatened the folded edge of her saree.

“Now, it’s looking good”

“Now, you also look good” She pinched his cheek, making him smile.

“Why do you drape a saree? Anything special?”

“Should not I drape saree without any special reason?”

“Yeah… you can…”

“Am I not looking good in saree?”

“Looking so good… but are you comfortable?”

“Yeah…”

“Really?”

“Why? Don’t you like saree?”

“Honestly speaking… change this saree”

“Why?”

“It’s tempting me”

She dropped her jaw. She folded her hands and said,

“I draped saree many times before too… but I didn’t see any temptation in your eyes before”

He pulled her towards him with a mild smirk.

“You didn’t see temptation because we didn’t consummate before, but now, we did…! Then, how won’t I be tempted?”

“We are going to the office. What will you do there?”

“Who knows…? I’m very new to this phase. I may lose my control anytime… intended to do anything… my mind may not think where we are… what will you do then?”

“Let’s see…” she left the room with attitude.

Arnav went to the washroom smilingly. He came out, taking a bath. He opened the cupboard to remove his suit. He thought something and a smile appeared on his lips. He took a dark blue suit matching Khushi’s saree. He thought to surprise her.

 

Wearing the suit, he came downstairs. Shali saw him and bit her nail.

“Dad… you are ‘same pinch’ with Mom”

“Means?” he sat on the dining chair as if he didn’t understand her.

“You and Mom are wearing the same colour”

Shamli saw him and said,

“Oh, yes, Mom is also wearing blue”

“Is it?” Arnav asked frowning.

That was when, Khushi came from the kitchen, filling water in the bottle. She got stuck, seeing Arnav looking dashing in the dark blue suit. A fetching smile appeared on her face unknowingly. Arnav smiled at her but did not receive a response. He raised his brows, getting wondering.

“Khushi, we are getting late” he said, which brought her sense back.

She came and sat next to him.

“What is this bottle for?” Arnav asked.

“Hot water to the office”

“Hot water? Are you all right?”

“This is not for me but for you”

“Me?” he lifted his brows.

“Yes, you coughed last night… so, have hot water for two or three days”

Arnav sighed.

“Mom, look at Dad. You both are wearing the same colour” Aarav said.

“She already noticed…” Arnav murmured that was audible to Khushi.

“Why did you choose the same colour? People’s bad eyes will fall on us. Go and change it” Khushi said.

Arnav chuckled.

“Is it? Let’s see, how the bad eyes will affect us”

Khushi rolled her eyes.

“We just sorted our problem… I don’t want another problem to arise between us” She said in a low tone.

“Of course, we just sorted out the problem but didn’t we learn how to solve the problem?” he asked whispering.

Khushi looked at him biting her lip. Arnav raised his brows.

“We are getting late… eat first”

Arnav ate smilingly.

They left RM after sending kids to the school.

 

In car

“Do you really want me to change this suit?” Arnav asked seriously.

“However you didn’t change it… leave it”

“But, you got mesmerised seeing me…”

Khushi got stuck for a second and managed herself.

“Yeah, there are many girls in our office…”

“Means?”

“What if they also get mesmerised seeing you?”

“They won’t…”

“Why?”

“I had dressed up more dashingly before. No one looked at me. More than that, there is a risk”

“What risk?”

“Our office staff witnessed you hitting the guys with your slipper. Do you think anyone gets the courage to eye me after seeing such a scene?”

“It seems I hit two birds in a stone,” she said excitedly.

Arnav chuckled.

“By the say, how do you know about my slipper shot?”

Arnav smiled without answering her.

“Aman sir?”

Arnav nodded and Khushi sighed.

They entered the office. Arnav noticed the expression of the staff. Some of them became excited, and some of them frowned seeing them in the same colour. Arnav saw them lowering their gaze immediately when Khushi looked at them.

Arnav gestured for her like, ‘Didn’t I say?’

Khushi walked to her cabin smilingly.

When Arnav came to his cabin, he received a call from the receptionist. He attended the call.

“Yeah, tell me”

“Sir, a client with an appointment is here to meet you, sir”

“Oh… ok, sent HIM to my cabin” Arnav disconnected the call before the receptionist said, the client was not male but female.

Arnav heard a knock on his cabin door.

“Come in,” he said.

He frowned seeing Natasha entering.

To be continued…

 

 

 

 Part 59 Dealing with Evil

Arnav was struck to see Natasha in his cabin.

“Client?” he frowned.

“Why, ASR? Can’t I be a client?” She asked smirking.  

“Why not? Take your seat”

Natasha sat in front of him.

That was when Arnav got a call from Aman. He attended it.

“Good morning, ASR”

“Good morning”

“ASR, what’s the matter with Natasha?”

Arnav looked at Natasha frowning who was sitting in front of him.

“Why? Any problem?”

“I heard she is fully set to pull you down”

“Means?” Arnav rolled the paperweight to avoid looking at Natasha.

“She is going to start an AD agency”

“Oh… ok, So?”

“She will come to you for your dates”

“Oh…”

“Do you know for what Ad she will approach you?”

“What?”

“Fertility centre…”

Arnav held the paper weight and shrank his eyes.

“She will do that to insult you, hinting that you are aged. You denied acting with her. So, she is fully set to get revenge on you. She is staying with the BIG SHOT of Delhi now. He is a powerful man with political support. That’s why she is doing atrocity”

“Mmm… I will take care of it”

“If she comes to you, don’t lose your patience… she will try to make you angry. She will use that to put you behind bars if you do anything in anger. That’s her plan”

“Mmm”

Aman disconnected the call. Arnav closed his eyes and thought as if he was still on call. He kept the phone on the table and smiled at Natasha.

“Tell me” He leaned on the seat.

“I’m starting an advertising agency”

“You?” he raised his brows.

“Yes, me… how long could I be appearing in ads? Don’t I need a permanent income?”

“Yeah, of course… What can I do for you?”

“You can do many things for me…” She ran her eyes on him.

Arnav looked at her sharply. It seemed Natasha’s bad time started. He supposed.

“Come to the point”

“I want you to appear on my first AD…”

Arnav was supposed to say ‘I will act only with my wife’, but she continued cutting him.

“With your wife… you guys make a good pair. I want both of you in my Ad… payment is not a problem. I’m ready to pay whatever amount you ask for”

Taking the intercom, Arnav dialled a number with a smile. Khushi attended the call.

“Haan, Arnavji…” she said looking at the monitor.

“Darling, may I get your time…?” he asked cheesy.

Natasha shrank her eyes whereas, Khushi leaned on the seat frowning. Her eyes widened remembering something. Didn’t he say he might get MOOD in the office too? She gulped down. Was he really in MOOD?

“Arnavji… what happened?” she asked in a low tone.

“I know you will always be available for me…! Yet, I would like to hear such sweet words from your sweet mouth” he said changing his voice croakily.

Khushi was about to hiccup, but she closed her mouth, widening her eyes.

“Come to my cabin, sweetheart… right now…” he said sweetly.

“Arnavji, I’m doing an important work…”

“I know, Baby… nothing is more important to you than me. So sweet of you… come come…” he disconnected the call smilingly.

Khushi looked at the receiver gulping down. She didn’t know if she should go to his cabin or not. But how could she ignore his invitation? More than a husband, he was a Boss here. How could she avoid him? She decided to talk to him not to have such romantic ideas in the office. She headed to his cabin.

Arnav kept the receiver on the phone.

“It seems you have a good understanding with your wife?” Natasha asked.

“Don’t ask me about it, Natasha. I never expected my life would be so enjoyable if I married a young girl. No hesitation, no fear, no bla bla, only Love… Love and love only…” he said dreamingly.

“It’s nice to hear… but you didn’t think about the risk…”

Cutting her,

“Leave the bloody risk… I don’t want to think about any risk, as of now. I don’t want to spoil my MOOD. I just want to keep my mind fresh. Of course, my wife will make it fresh within two minutes…! She is so sweet you know”

“I think we should talk about the deal…” Natasha changed the topic as she felt highly irritating to hear their romantic moments.

Arnav looked at her sharply. At the same time, Khushi entered pushing the door.

“Arnavji… you said…” she stopped seeing his gesture.

He asked her to look at Natasha. Khushi was thunderstruck for a while and she understood his gesture. Though she was not sure about what he wanted her to do she decided to go with the flow.

Natasha was surprised to see them wearing the same colour outfits. It seemed they had a great coordination…!

Arnav stood up from the seat and came to Khushi.

“Darling, she is our new Client… she is here to get our dates for her new Ad agency” Arnav asked tucking her hair lovingly.

Khushi understood why Arnav spoke to her cheesy on the phone. 

“I want to know your decision, Darling” he smiled.

“Oh, Baby, when did I oppose your decision? If you are fine, I will also be fine. Don’t you know I will do whatever you want?” She winked.

Arnav laughed fetchingly.

“Of course, I know, sweetheart. You too know I will not do anything if you don’t like it. That’s why I’m seeking your permission” He said with a lopsided smile.

“You no need to seek my permission, Baby. I'm always on your service. I will do what you want” Her voice melted like butter.

“It doesn’t mean I can decide on my own. I ought to worship you, Honey” he said huskily.

Khushi blushed upon hearing that. she touched her cheek smilingly and said,

“Don’t talk about it…! I feel shy!” she blinked her eyes, biting her nail.

Natasha was like what the hell was happening here? Did they forget she was there? Was that an office or a bedroom?

Clutching her hand, Arnav pulled Khushi towards him.

“You look so beautiful when you blush. I like to see your blush…”

“Oh, is this why you make me blush often with your frolic? You are an expert in making me blush” She rotated his shirt button blushing.

“You are so smart…! You found out why I made you blush. By the way, stop blushing. It tickles my sense”

“Is it? Then, let’s go home”

“Really? Let’s go…” clutching her hand, he started dragging her out.

Natasha stood up in shock.

“Hello… excuse, me… what’s happening here?” she asked.

Arnav and Khushi looked at Natasha as if they just saw her. Khushi looked at Arnav. She made an embarrassing face and leaned on his chest, closing her face with her palms.

“Oh God… Arnavji, you made me mad…”

She looked at him raising her head,

“See, what you have done to me… I almost forgot there is someone in this cabin” She whined dearly.

“Yup… I too forgot… what to do…? I’m forgetting everything if you come close to me” Arnav pressed his lips.

Arnav looked at Natasha and said,

“We are sorry, Natasha… we are in another MOOD now. Please excuse us…”

He looked at Khushi,

“Let’s go, Khushi…”

Clutching her hand, he walked out with Khushi. Natasha stood in his cabin like trash.

To be continued… 

 

 

 Part 60 Desire

Arnav and Khushi came out of the office. They looked at each other and laughed.

“Let’s go…” Arnav said.

“Where?”

“Until she leaves the office, we should not be here”

“Why, Arnavji?”

“Come… will tell you”

Clutching her hand, he dragged her towards their car. They sat in the back seat.

“Tell me, Arnavji… what’s happening here?”

Arnav nodded no.

“Why?”

“I don’t like to be called Arnavji”

She raised her brows.

“Didn’t you call me something a few minutes ago, Darling?” He smirked.

Khushi burst out laughing.

“Oh… tell me, Baby,” she said laughing.

Arnav saw Natasha coming out of AR, talking on the phone all heated up. He gestured for Khushi to look at her. Khushi frowned seeing her shouting on the phone.

“What’s wrong with her?” She asked frowning.

“We did hurt her ego” Arnav smiled.

“Yes, we did… we irritated her like hell but why did you behave like that?”

“She is here with a plan of putting me behind bars” he said smiling.

“Whaaaat? How dare she…”

“Yeah, she dared because she has someone’s support now. That’s why she thought to revenge me for refusing her”

“Did she come to AR to do that?” Khushi asked shockingly.

Arnav nodded yes.

“But, with what reason did she come here?”

 “To get our dates for an Ad”

“What would she do through that? She could have done nothing if you had accepted her offer…”

“She planned to make me angry with her Ad’s concept.”

“Why would you get angry with her Ad concept?”

“The concept of the Ad was that kind…”

Khushi looked at him and raised her brows.

“Fertility centre Ad”

Khushi was shocked to the core.

“How dare she…!” she gritted her teeth.

Arnav nodded yes, looking at her sharply.

“You should not have left her just like that… If I had known this before, I would have made her more irritated”

“What do you want me to do? She had a powerful background now. She is even ready to spend her time to pull me down. That means she is well prepared to handle the problem. We should not face off with her. It would not be a wise decision. We should hit her indirectly”

“This is why you spoke to me like that on the phone?”

Arnav nodded yes.

“You know what, she would not have gotten more irritated even if I had slapped her. But now, seeing us close, she would have fumed like hell”

“Thank God, I caught your point. Or else, I might have messed it” Khushi said smiling.

“By the way, what did you think when I spoke to you cheesily?” Arnav asked teasingly.

Khushi chuckled.

“I could not understand anything… I was dumbfounded…”

“Didn’t you think I was in a romantic mood?” He questioned her with a smirk.

Khushi bit her lip and nodded yes.

“It’s not my fault. Just this morning, you said you might get the mood in the office too…”

Arnav laughed.

“Oh… that was why you came to my cabin all tensed?”

Khushi made an awkward face and nodded and Arnav again laughed.

They saw Natasha leaving AR in her car.

“Let’s go…”

“How will you handle her Arnavji?”

“We will think”

They got out of the car and came to the office. Arnav stopped at the reception and called the receptionist.

“Yes, Sir…”

“Don’t allow that woman to enter my cabin next time”

“She had your appointment, sir”

“From here on, don’t give an appointment to anyone if they don’t submit their identity card. Anyone can get my appointment only if they submit their identity card. I or Aman will finalize them”

“Yes, sir”

Arnav walked to his cabin. Khushi followed him. When they came to his cabin, Arnav turned towards her. As she didn’t expect, he made her sit on his table by lifting her. Khushi widened her eyes shockingly. She tried to get down, but Arnav held her shoulders, not letting her get down.

“What are you doing?” She asked feeling uncomfortable.

“I’m in a mood now” he whispered.

“Whaaaat? This is office”

“Don’t I know this is office?” he chuckled.

“This is not fair…”

“Who will stop me?”

Khushi looked at him perplexed. Could not she stop him?

“If you are really in a mood, we could have gone home… why did you bring me back?” She asked.

“If we started going home whenever I get the mood, we would have to shut down AR soon” he chuckled.

Khushi dropped her jaw.

“So, I will use my cabin to change my mood what say?”

Before she said anything,

“You kick my sense in this saree…” he added.

“I think I should stop wearing saree…”

“You may stop wearing saree… but, do you think you can stop my senses from getting aroused? I will get mood no matter what your outfit is… because it’s not about the outfit but about the girl…” he drew a line on her cheek.

“Arnavji…”

He nodded his head from left to right.

“Don’t call me Arnavji” he demanded.

Khushi closed her eyes smilingly.

“Call me something else…”

Khushi nodded her head like, come close to me. Arnav leaned towards her. She whispered in his ears,

“Baby…”

Arnav looked at her smilingly. He saw her facial expression changing.

“Hey, what happened?”

She nodded no.

“Khushi… won’t you tell me?” he lifted her chin.

Khushi hugged him tight, resting her cheek on his shoulder.

“What happened, Khushi?”

“I’m sorry…” She chocked.

“Why?” he caressed her back.

“I had made a blunder”

Pulling her from the hug, he panicked to see her eyes teary.

“What did you do?” he read her eyes.

“I removed my uterus…”

Arnav was silent.

“Will you do what I say?” She requested.

“What do you want me to do?”  

“Will you announce we will not have our own child?”

“Relax… why are you thinking unwantedly?”

“Didn’t you see, how Natasha tried to insult you? People like Natasha will not be quiet if they get to know I can’t have a child. They will use my condition in their favour”

“This is why we should not decide in haste” Arnav filled the gap he got.

“No… I didn’t decide in haste. According to me, my decision is right. We should not think about others when it comes to our family. Our priority will be our family, Arnavji. I did the same”

“What kind of problem do you think will occur, Khushi?”

“The kids may feel insecure…”

“Khushi, they are kids… just like a CLAY. Can’t we MOULD them beautifully?”

“What if we can’t? What if our plan flopped?”

“Don’t you trust me?”

“You were the one who didn’t want to get married, Arnavji”

“Khushi, everything has changed now. We are married. We started our married life too. What about that?”

“I want it to be good. It will be good. We will not face any problems because I will not have a kid. We will be like this…”

She got down from the table. Arnav clutched her hand and asked,

“Don’t you want to carry my child? Do you know how great it is to be a mother? A mother creates a child in her womb with her flesh and blood. A father gives life to a child and a mother gives a shape to the baby. We don’t have a chance to relish such a moment. You think it’s a good decision. Khushi I already sacrificed many things for my sister’s kids. This is too much for me…”

Khushi was gazing at him without blinking. She didn’t know Arnav would have such desire in his heart. Her decision to remove her uterus was right? Did she decide to remove her uterus in haste? But, Arnav knew she removed her uterus. Yet, why did he feel bad about it? Instead of accepting the reality, why did he like to relish her pregnancy? She was confused and also distraught.

To be continued…