Arshi ff - A tale of love of Arnav and Khushi

25. Unraveling Deception

A few days had passed since Khushi came to Raizada Mansion. She was not very fond of that place. She would rather to prefer to be with Arnav at some other place than RM. However, things not always go as planned.

Mami: Khushi beta, can I have a word with you for a moment?

Khushi: Of course, Mami ji. What is it?

Mami: Well, I was thinking, it's been a while since you visited Raizada Mansion. Why don't you come over tomorrow? I have something important to discuss with you.

Khushi: (curious) Something important? Is everything alright, Mami ji?

Mami: Oh, don't worry, beta. Everything's fine. I just think it's time we had a little chat, that's all. Plus, Arnav's Mama ji is returning from his business trip, and I thought it would be nice for us all to have dinner together.

Khushi: (pleasantly surprised) Mama ji is coming back? That's wonderful news! I'd love to come over and catch up with everyone.

Mami: Excellent! We'll be expecting you then. Come over in the evening, and we'll have a nice family dinner together. I'll prepare something special.

Khushi: Thank you, Mami ji. I'll be there.

As Khushi agreed to visit Raizada Mansion, she couldn't help but wonder about the nature of Mami's important discussion.

As Khushi and Arnav sat in his office, Khushi recounted the invitation from Mami to visit Raizada Mansion.

Khushi: Arnavji, Mami ji invited me to Raizada Mansion tomorrow. She said she has something important to discuss, and Mama ji is returning, so we're all having dinner together.

Arnav: (intrigued) That's interesting. I wonder what Mami wants to talk about. Do you have any idea?

Khushi: (shrugging) Not really. But it sounded urgent. I guess we'll find out tomorrow.

Their conversation was interrupted by a knock on the door, and Aman entered the room.

Aman: Arnav , Khushi , I have some news. Akash forwarded some designs for your review, and see if something needs to be added.

Arnav and Khushi  turned their attention to the designs that Aman handed to them. As they scanned through the sketches, Khushi's eyes widened in shock.

Arnav: (noticing Khushi's reaction) Khushi, is everything okay?

Khushi remained silent for a moment, grappling with her thoughts, before finally gathering the courage to speak up.

Khushi: Arnavji, one of these designs... it's mine.

Arnav's brows furrowed in confusion as he processed Khushi's words, while Aman looked equally astonished by the revelation.

Arnav: (urgently) What do you mean, Khushi? Are you saying that someone is presenting your designs as his own?

Khushi nodded, her expression a mixture of disbelief and dismay. Arnav wasted no time in picking up his phone and dialing Akash's number, his mind racing with questions and concerns about this unexpected turn of events.

Arnav's heart raced as he waited for Akash to pick up the phone. When Akash finally answered, Arnav wasted no time in getting straight to the point.

Arnav: Akash, I need you to come to my cabin immediately. It's urgent.

Akash, sensing the urgency in Arnav's voice, hurried to Arnav's office. As he entered, he found Arnav and Khushi deep in conversation, their expressions grave.

Arnav: Akash, sit down. There's something we need to discuss.

Akash: (concerned) What's going on, bhai?

Arnav wasted no time in addressing the issue at hand, his voice firm and unwavering.

Arnav: One of the designs you forwarded for our review... it's not original. It belongs to Khushi.

Akash's eyes widened in shock as he processed Arnav's words.

Akash: (stunned) What? That's impossible. I selected those designs myself.

Arnav: (firmly) Look at them again, Akash. Khushi recognized her own work, and I trust her judgment.

Akash quickly scanned through the designs, his heart sinking as he realized the truth of Arnav's words.

Akash: (aghast) You're right, bhai. These designs... they were presented by Payal as her own creations.

Arnav's jaw clenched in frustration as he processed this new revelation. It was clear that there was more to this situation than met the eye, and he was determined to get to the bottom of it.

As the realization sank in, Akash's shock turned into bewilderment.

Akash: (in disbelief) But why would Payal do something like this?

Arnav and Aman exchanged a knowing glance before responding in unison.

Arnav & Aman: (in unison) To get your attention.

The weight of their words hung heavy in the air as Akash struggled to comprehend the implications of Payal's actions. Khushi, her expression pained yet resolute, spoke up, connecting the dots with a sinking feeling.

Khushi: (softly) It means she took it from my belongings secretly.

Arnav's jaw tightened as he absorbed Khushi's words, his mind racing with the implications of Payal's deceit.

Aman's attempt to shift the conversation to a different topic was momentarily halted as he brought up another pressing matter.

Aman: Oh Arnav! I forgot to mention, the accounts have been scrutinized again, and we've managed to trace the vague flow of funds. However, the extra amount has consistently been credited to a bank account...

Arnav's irritation flared at the interruption, but Aman's hesitance caught his attention.

Arnav: What is it, Aman?

Aman hesitated for a moment before continuing, his tone cautious.

Aman: The account is registered under Nani's name...

Arnav's brow furrowed in confusion, his mind racing to make sense of the information. Akash, still trying to grasp the situation, looked equally bewildered, while Khushi's intuition led her to connect the dots.

Khushi: (softly) It means someone from the family has been embezzling funds.

Arnav's jaw clenched in frustration as the pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place. He turned to Akash, his voice grave as he recounted the discrepancies he had noticed in the company's accounts.

Arnav: Akash, there's something I need to tell you. I've been noticing inconsistencies in the company's accounts, so I requested a thorough scrutiny. It seems this embezzlement is just the tip of the iceberg.

As the weight of the situation settled over them, Arnav's mind churned with questions and concerns. It was clear that there were dark forces at play within the family, and he was determined to uncover the truth, no matter the cost.