Arshi ff - A tale of love of Arnav and Khushi

32. Tension

After the hearty breakfast, everyone dispersed from dining area. Aman and Akash also left after having an eye contact with Arnav who in turn nodded in acknowledgement.

Now Nani's patience broke as she questioned Arnav's sudden marriage decision, he stood his ground, firm in his love and trust for Khushi.

Nani- Arnav, explain yourself.. How could you marry like this? Is it a child's play? I specifically told you that I will find you a suitable bride.. But, you went and got yourself to her..

  
Arnav- Nani, my bond with Khushi is unbreakable, and no amount of persuasion can change my mind.

Anjali- So you went ahead and married yourself off to this chit of a girl whose indecency is flowing is evident in the parcel we received yesterday.

Arnav- Stop it, Di. Khushi is not as you think of her to be. She is my love, I trust her loyalty and faith in me.

Anjali- then what about the  photos ?

Mami, upon hearing about the photos again, felt a pang of distress as she glanced at Khushi, standing quietly beside Arnav, her eyes brimming with tears. The sight of Khushi's pain tugged at Mami's heartstrings, and she silently vowed to support her through this ordeal.

Arnav- What about those photos? I told you already that those are fabricated, Khushi cannot be the girl in those pictures..

Anjali- Oh Arnav ! Those pictures are not fabricated rather you have been stuck in the web lies this characterless girl has fabricated around you.

Arnav- Di, do not spout any non sense against Khushi. She is my wife and the eldest daughter in law of this family, show her the respect she deserves.

Nani- Anjali is right Arnav. Believe in my eyes, this girl has married you for money only and we dont even know her background.. An orphan.. who knows what her family was..

But before she could say further a loud bellow of voice shooked the walls of Shantivan...

Arnav- Bas Nani Bas.

I heard you till now but I won't let you speak a word against Khushi's Parents. How can you Nani? Don't forget  that if she is an orphan then I am no less, rather your Anjali  is also an orphan and hence if an orphan is to be judged like this then Anjali and me are equally characterless. 

Nani, Anjali- Arnav

Nani- Anjali is not an orphan. and you too. Do not forget this ever.

Arnav- Why Nani? 

Nani- Do not forget that you are a Raizada!

'And, you hear me out loud that Khushi is a Malhotra, Ms. Devyani Devi', said Abhi, Khushi's Brother as he entered the Raizada Mansion.

Khushi- Bhai, she whispered.

Arnav also turns his head and look at Abhi whose eyes were spitting fire.

Abhi- Haan Bacha, your Bhai..

Khushi ran to her brother and hugged him tight. Abhi could feel his shirt getting wet. 

Abhi ran his hands through her long shiny hair on her back and tried to soothe her.

Abhi: Shh, it's okay, baby. Bhai is here now. Everything will be alright.

Khushi: (sniffling) Bhai, I was so worried...

Abhi: (whispering) Don't worry, little sis. I'll always be here to protect you. You know that, right?

Khushi nodded against his chest, feeling comforted by his familiar presence.

Abhi: (softly) Remember when we used to play hide and seek as kids? You were always so good at hiding, but I always found you, didn't I?

Khushi couldn't help but smile through her tears, reminiscing about their childhood antics.

Abhi: (teasingly) And I still remember how you used to sneak extra jalebis from the sweet shop and hide them under your pillow!

Khushi giggled, feeling a sense of warmth and security enveloping her as her brother's playful words lifted her spirits.

Hearing the giggles of Khushi, Arnav felt comforted. But seeing Abhi, he felt ashamed that on the first day of marriage, his sister had to face all tis and over that he himself heard his sister being called an orphan and characterless. His shoulders drooped in guilt as his mind whirled that he failed the promise he gave to Raj Papa and Chhote Papa of keeping their princess ever happy.

Abhi saw Arnav and extended his other hand to him. Arnav on seeing this felt terrible but still moved ahead and Abhi took him in side-hug. 

Arnav whispered a sorry to him to which he nodded and gave him a small smile.

Abhi: (stepping forward, his voice firm) Excuse me, but I believe there's been a misunderstanding here.

Anjali and Nani exchanged bewildered glances as Abhi's confident demeanor caught them off guard.

Anjali: (trying to regain composure) And who might you be?

Abhi: (smirking) I'm Abhimanyu Malhotra, Khushi's brother. And let me make one thing clear - Khushi is not just any girl. She's the princess of the Malhotra family.
Nani: (sarcastically) Oh really? And what does that have to do with us?

Abhi: (unfazed) It means that if anyone dares to question Khushi's place in this family, they'll have to answer to me. And as for your concern about her being a daughter-in-law here, let me assure you, if the Raizada family can't appreciate her, I'll gladly make Arnav the son-in-law of the Malhotras.

Anjali and Nani were taken aback by Abhi's boldness, realizing they were facing a formidable opponent in this feud. They after glaring at the 3 left from there.

The day was far from over, but for now, a fragile peace had settled upon the Raizada household. As Arnav stole a glance at Khushi, a grateful smile touched his lips. Together, they would face whatever came next.