Arshi ff - A tale of love of Arnav and Khushi

23. Guptas 🤯😵‍💫🥴😵

In the dimly lit Gupta household, Payal gathered the family to share her calculated revelation about her feelings for Akash. The room seemed to hold its breath as Payal, with a carefully composed expression, began her narrative.

Payal: (with feigned excitement) Babuji, Bua Ji, there's something important I need to tell you all.

Shashi and Bua Ji exchanged puzzled glances, both intrigued and cautious about what was to come.

Bua Ji: (raising an eyebrow) What's this all about, Payal?

Payal: (blushing theatrically) I... I have developed feelings for Akashji, and I believe I want to marry him.

The room fell into a momentary silence, the weight of Payal's revelation hanging in the air. Shashi, trying to comprehend the situation, spoke up.

Shashi: (bewildered) Akash? The son of the Raizada family? How did this happen?

Payal, maintaining her façade, began to weave a tale of blossoming love and shared glances at the workplace.

Payal: (smiling sweetly) We've been working closely, and I've observed his kindness and generosity. I think we can have a happy life together.

Bua Ji: (rubbing her hands together) A wealthy alliance with the Raizadas. This could elevate our status in society.

Garima, still unaware of Payal's ulterior motives, found herself cautiously considering the potential benefits of such an alliance.

Garima: (supportive) If you truly believe this is the right path, Payal, we will stand by you. We should arrange a meeting with the Raizadas to discuss this further.

As the Guptas unknowingly plotted for their own gains, the atmosphere grew increasingly dramatic. The dim light cast shadows on the faces of family members, each with their own selfish motives. Bua Ji, seizing the opportunity for prosperity, added her own theatrical touch.

Bua Ji: (dramatically) Payal, my dear, this is a golden opportunity. We must secure this alliance for the sake of our family's future.

Shashi, usually reserved, found himself enticed by the promise of a wealthier and more influential future.

Shashi: (nodding) Yes, Bua Ji is right. This could change the fortunes of our family.

As the dramatic scene unfolded in the Gupta household, Payal, while maintaining her outward poise, couldn't help but revel in the thoughts of the future she envisioned for herself. In the midst of the family's plotting, she retreated into her own world of aspirations.

Payal's Inner Thoughts: (smirking) Finally, they are falling right into my hands. The prospect of becoming the daughter-in-law of the wealthy Raizada family is a dream come true. A life of opulence and luxury awaits me.

As the family discussed arranging a meeting with the Raizadas, Payal's mind danced with visions of grandeur. She imagined herself adorned in expensive jewelry, surrounded by opulent furnishings, and directing servants at her command.

Payal's Inner Thoughts: (smiling to herself) Servants catering to my every need, a luxurious lifestyle that others can only dream of. The envy in people's eyes as they see me living a life they could never imagine.

Her dreams painted a picture of an elevated status within the Raizada mansion, where every wish of hers would be fulfilled, and she would hold sway over the household.

Payal's Inner Thoughts: (with a sense of triumph) They believe this is about love, but for me, it's a strategic move. I'll not only be the daughter-in-law but the queen of the Raizada household. They will all bow to my wishes.

Little did the Guptas know that their sweet and lovely Payal's desires were rooted in a thirst for material wealth and social standing.

In a secluded corner of the Gupta household, Garima, Shashi, and Bua Ji gathered to discuss their strategy. With Payal's calculated revelation in mind, they schemed to trap Khushi in their flattering words, seeking her assistance to pave the way for Payal's alliance with Akash.

Garima: (whispering) We must approach Khushi carefully. Make her believe we are genuinely concerned for Payal's future.

Shashi: (nodding) Yes, we can't afford her suspicions. Khushi is perceptive.

Bua Ji: (slyly) Let's paint a picture of Payal's dream future with the Raizadas. Khushi will want the best for her sister.

Garima: (smirking) And we'll subtly hint at how Khushi's influence can make it all happen.

As they plotted, Khushi entered the room, sensing an air of secrecy.

Khushi: (curious) What's going on? Why the hushed tones?

Shashi: (feigning concern) Khushi, my dear, we need your help. It's about Payal.

Khushi: (worried) What happened to Payal?

Bua Ji: (acting pitiful) It's about her future, Khushi. We want her to have a loving family, a secure life.

Garima: (with a sigh) We were thinking of the Raizadas for her. They are well-off and could provide her with a comfortable life.

Khushi: (intrigued) The Raizadas? But why do you need my help?

Shashi: (pretending to be nervous) We thought, with your influence, you could subtly help them consider Payal for Akash.

Bua Ji: (feigning innocence) And maybe, in the process, Akash will develop a liking for Payal.

Garima: (acting scared) We just want what's best for Payal. A loving family, financial security, and a comfortable life.

Khushi, moved by their supposed concern, felt a sense of responsibility.

Khushi: (softly) I... I'll try my best. But why not talk to them directly?

Shashi: (acting hesitant) We're afraid they might not take us seriously. Your support will make a difference.

Bua Ji: (pretending to be pitiful) Khushi, dear, Payal's future is in your hands.

Khushi leaves from their silently while Guptas smirked internally knowing Khushi has swayed.

As the night settled in, Khushi's phone buzzed with Arnav's call. She hesitated for a moment but picked up, knowing that he was someone she could confide in.

Khushi: (softly) Hello?

Arnav: (concerned) Cookie, is everything okay?

Khushi took a deep breath before narrating the entire conversation she had with the Guptas earlier.

Khushi: They want Payal to marry Akash, and they came to me for help, thinking I could influence the Raizadas.

Arnav: (serious) What did you say?

Khushi: (thoughtful) I haven't promised anything. But Aru, it's confusing. They seem genuinely concerned for Payal's future, like any parents would. I feel a softness in my heart.

Arnav: (curious) What's bothering you then?

Khushi: (hesitant) My brain, Aru. It's not settling well. Something feels off. I can't put my finger on it.

Arnav: (supportive) Trust your instincts, Cookie. What does your heart say?

Khushi: (softly) My heart sympathizes with the Guptas, understanding their wish for the best for Payal. But my brain... it tells me there's more to this, something not quite right.

Arnav: (thoughtful & supportive) Listen to both your heart and your brain. If something doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. We'll figure this out together. Trust your instincts, and we'll get to the bottom of it.

Khushi: (grateful) Thank you, Aru. I needed someone to talk to about this.

Arnav: (reassuring) Always, Cookie. We're in this together.