Always and Forever

Chapter 12

The trip back to Raizada's house was a very silent one. Neither of them spoke. He didn't ask for an answer right away. But Khushi knew she does not have the liberty of taking weeks and months to give him an answer. This was not a normal guy-girl proposing. She couldn't believe her fate. She is about to take the biggest decision in her life and only has less than 15 minutes to decide.

She knew what she had to do. Arnav was right. Given the situation and how maniac Shyam is Arnav is her best solution. After all, it is only for 6 months or a maximum of one year, after that she will be free to live her life.

Arnav on the other hand was thinking again. What was he thinking when he asked Khushi to marry him? Deep down he knew once they are married getting separated will be a mission. No matter what excuses they give, even if they acted like they are going to kill each other his family and her family will do everything in their power to patch things up. His Di will definitely send him on an emotional rollercoaster ride.

And, Marriage? He did have other options. Confront Shyam, hiring extra security, and sharing this with the rest of the family, he could have easily arranged a scholarship or something for Khushi and sent her aboard. But no, he chooses the most unconventional way. He knew one thing for sure, Mr. and Mrs. Gupta will soon get Khushi married to someone. Madhu Aunty cannot be trusted. They were lucky they got to know Shyam's true intentions before it is too late. But what guarantee he has that Madhu won't try to pull a stunt like that again?

The thought of Khushi getting married to someone else haunted him. Only he knew the real reason behind this absurd proposal. He didn't have a name for this bond, but he knew somehow his life is connected with Khushi and he won't be able to tolerate it if she married someone else.

The great Arnav Singh Raizada who thought he wrote his own fate for the first time understood someone else is writing his fate for him.

"Khushi, we are here. If anyone asks why were we late tell them I had to stop in the middle to attend a quick phone meeting or something. Do not tell anyone anything"

"Yes, I will marry you" was her reply.

Arnav knew this will be her decision, he knew she has already accepted but hearing that from her gave him the assurance he needed. He felt this girl will end up being the death of him. She was no ordinary girl. She gave it back to him every time. She is no less than him. But one thing for sure is until she is with him his life will never be boring again.

"But on one condition" continued Khushi praying he will not get angry.

"Hmm..." is all he said.

"I want my sister and your brother to know the real reason behind this marriage. Don't get me wrong. It's not that I don't trust you or anything. It's just that I don't trust Shyam. In case he tries to create something up, we need someone on our side to defend us"

"I agree. I was planning on telling this to Payal anyway because she has to know. She is your sister and she has the right to know. But you are correct we need to keep Akash in the loop as well."

"Thank you Arnav Ji."

"But until I say, do not utter a single word about this arrangement. We'll talk to Akash and Payal first thing in the morning. Then we'll draw a proper plan and later we will share the news with the family. I don't want Shyam to know we are getting married. Because he will do everything in his power to get to you before that. And Di trust that manic and we cannot let her spill the beans. So we have to plan very carefully.

She slowly node, yes and both of them walked towards the main door.

"What took you so long Chote? We were worried. Hope you and Khushi Ji did not fight your way back. Where is she, how is she, did you make her cry"

"Stop it Di. There, your Khushi Ji is safe and sound. I actually had to stop in the middle for a phone meeting that's why we got late. You should go and sleep Di. We'll talk tomorrow"

Anjali went towards Khushi and signaled someone to take all her belongings to her room.

"Welcome home Khushi Ji. From today onwards this is your house too. Do not feel like a guest. You are family. Feel free to do whatever you feel like doing" and she hugged Khushi.

"Thank you Anjali Ji. I can't tell you how grateful I am for taking me in and giving me shelter"

"Khushi Ji, I have one request. Since you will be living here and we are family now please call me Di. Actually, to lessen the confusion you can call me Anjali Di otherwise Payal will come running each time you call me"

"On one condition, you have to stop calling me Khushi Ji. Just Khushi only"

I would love to call you Bhabhi (Sister in Law) but I'll take Khushi, for now, thought Anjali and said " Ok Khushi"

"Thank you Anjali Di" Both of them hugged again.

"Chote, we have arranged the room next to yours for Khushi. I am going to sleep now. Can you show her the way?"

"Good night Di, you go and sleep. I'll take care of this one" Said Arnav pointing to Khushi.

"Chote, from now on poolside is not only yours but Khushi's as well. Since she is family now, she has the right. So make sure you do not make it hard for her" saying that Anjali left leaving Arnav and Khushi alone in the living room.

Not only the poolside Di, pretty soon she'll have right over me too, thought Arnav and signaled Khushi to follow him.

Raizada's house has 3 floors. The ground floor consists of the kitchen, dining room, living room, entertainment area, and home temple. One wing consists of three guest rooms separated from the other bedrooms.

The other wing has two rooms. One is for Devi and the other one is for Anjali and Shyam.

The second floor has three rooms. Arnav's bedroom, The study room, and one extra room which is now occupied by Khushi. All three rooms have sliding doors connecting the indoor pool. The second floor was like Arnav's private area until now.

The poolside only has 3 entrances. One via Arnav's room, one from Khushi's, and one from Study.

The third and the last floor has 2 more bedrooms. One is for Akash and Payal. The other one is for Manu and her husband.

Arnav took Khushi to her room and showed her around. "Don't worry, you will be safe here. I have the study room locked all the time and no one dares to enter my room without asking me. As long as you keep your room shut Shyam can't even have a glance"

Arnav's words gave Khushi much-needed assurance. Both bid good night and went inside their respective rooms.