ARSHI: MY LIPSTICK GIRL

PART - 28

               Ram was in lobby waiting for Kushi. He doesn't know what she wants to talk about.

"Uncle?"

"Kushi, how are you and Arnav?"

"We are fine uncle"

"Sit beta"

"Uncle, why did you lie to Aakash that I was the one who asked the amount? And what about the money I lent you? You paid only 7 or 8 lakhs, remaining amount? And 30 lakhs? Why was money so important to you and dad? Dad gave you whatever you asked for, then why are you like this?"

"I didn't do anything with 30 lakhs, I will return to Aakash. Yesterday, I said him that."

"I was there when you called him"

"So that's why, he asked that?"

"Uncle, I came to know everything a few days back"

"Papa knew everything happened between me and Akash and I am sure he would have said you and in spite of that you asked him amount"

"Kushi but I didn't use that 30 lakhs"

"What about the amount you borrowed at first??"

"No, Akash helped me to get the amount from Mr. Dev who lent me money"

"Why Aakash?"

"Because Mr. Dev lent me only after Akash said. I was none but an ordinary man. Who would give such big amount to me and so Aakash helped me."

"Why not bank?"

"If I could not pay the amount within due time, they would definitely seize me. Kushi I know you have so many questions but "

"Uncle, papa did so much hard work ignoring me and my mom and you are now trying to demolish this"

"I am not, you misunderstood me"

"No, I know uncle. To save yours, you mortgaged papa's company"

"But what's the use. He is dead. Who would lead the company?"

"Uncle, you are speaking of my papa. I am there still"

"You don't know anything. Any way I have to take over the company"

Kushi couldn't digest the fact that her father's own brother is talking so rude of him. Kushi finally said, "I will take over the company from here on"

"Whattt!!! No, you can't"

"I didn't expect such things from you. I will take care of the company with the help of my husband"

"Kushi, let's see. How are you going to take over"

"Uncle, are you really speaking like this? This is my father's only left over memory."

"Yeah it's me and so, you should take over it? I too put my hard work but nothing suits me but Shashi kept on reaching heights. I too did the same but no, I didn't have any luck"

"But he did help you in building your own business and this is how you repay him?"

"No sentiments, he was alive and I did my work and now he is not and so, it's my job"

"Then what about me and amma?"

"You are a Raizada bahu and you can afford your mother too?"

"Uncle, what on earth are you going to do with such money and things? You know because of you, I am going for part time job but you are careless"

"For you, I begged him for money and you are.... I don't want to say anything. Listen carefully, I will... "

"What will you do? Make me poor?"

"Why should I waste my time in making you poor? You sow what you reap. I will be taking over my father's company. Get that"

And Kushi walked away but stopped hearing.

"Your father had written a will stating 50% for me"

"Let it be, uncle. I have 50% right? I will see to that. And one more though I am a Raizada Bahu, I am still Shashi's daughter"

She left. Ram gritted his teeth and wondered how did she knew so much.

***

Kushi was thinking what to do. She stepped into ARD. That's when she noticed a few people coming out of hall. Seems a conference just ended. It was of ARC. She remembered how she fought with Arnav and how he tagged her.

"Am sorry for those words"

Kushi saw Arnav standing in front of her, "No I forgave you'

"So, what happened"

Kushi said everything to Arnav on the way to her cabin. But something was entirely different today. Kushi didn't hesitate to open up and no arguments.

"And I know something like this would happen and that's why I didn't want you to come. He could have built up stories to make you believe him because he wants money"

"I can hel...'

"Arnav ji, let's talk about this later"

***

In the evening, Payal saw Aakash calling her again and again. When she made up her mind to take the call, he cut. After 5 minutes, finally she called him.

Akash was combing his hair getting ready to go to Payal's house as she was not attending his call. He didn't see the call and put it in loud speaker.

"Hello Akash ji?"

"Why didn't you take the call? Payalll, did you say about anything we talked to Arnav bhai", he took the phone and sat on the bed.

Payal's silence gave answer to Akash, "Why did you tell him? Already he is angry on me and to pour oil into fire, you said him. What did you say?"

"Akash ji, am sorry but..."

"What did you say him?"

"I asked him that Kushi forgives you"

"I want her to forgive myself and you know that. Now Kushi would never forgive me. Answer me Payal. Why did you do this"

Payal was not answering. She was crying silently.

"Can you not speak now?"

"Haaaaan yes. I spoke to him because I want to live with you as I love you. You are thinking so much to ask a forgiveness from your best friend and you forgot me who you used to love. Already our marriage was postponed because of Arnav bhai marriage and now too. My brother too has to get married. If you think that Kushi will forgive you for post-ponding our marriage, then listen let's call off the marriage. I am too a girl. Like others, I too have expectations from the one I love. Can't you gain her forgiveness after our marriage?"

"But she loved me"

"You care the one who loved you but not the one who loves you. I am not begrudging Kushi ji but I have to remind you that I am still in your life for every time. What if Kushi ji never forgives you? Will you not marry me the whole time? Forget me, will you not marry the whole life? I may be wrong calling Arnav bhai for help. I may be selfish too. But I don't think I am wrong, just like you behind of Kushi, I am behind you. Now it's not a problem. Let's call it off. I will marry someone else whom my parents' choose. Thank you for everything"

She cut the call before Aakash would say anything. Akash knelt down felt to cry. He lost the only two women he loved the most other than his mother.

"Aakash?"

Akash looked up and saw Kushi standing with Arnav.

To be continued...

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Dated: 02-05-2020

Yours,

Lily