Making Her Mine- An IPKKND story.

Chapter 42 - Scumbag

Shyam was home when Arnav, Akash, and Khushi got back to Shantivan.

"You've not even met Chotay since he got back from the hospital," Di was chiding her husband as they entered.

"I'm sorry, Rani Sahiba," Shyam was saying. "You know how it is. I didn't know Saale Sahab was getting discharged today. Otherwise, I would have canceled everything. But I couldn't inconvenience people by canceling meetings with them. Besides, I'm here now."

Arnav clenched his fists, hating the sight of the vile creature. How had he managed to tolerate Shyam for all these months? He couldn't stand him for a minute longer.

Khushi slipped her hand into his.

"Saale Sahab!" Shyam exclaimed when he caught sight of them. Shyam's glance lingered on Arnav and Khushi's clasped hands, and for the briefest second, a snarl flickered on his face. But the next second, he smiled. The mask back on, he seemed no different than usual—the same exuberant Shyam. No sign of guilt or anxiety.

"Welcome back Saale Sahab! You don't know how happy everyone is to have you home. We were so worried – thank goodness you have recovered. Your Di has spent every single moment praying for you."

Arnav nodded stiffly at Shyam and strode away, up the stairs, Khushi close behind him.

"Just a few days more, Arnav Ji," she said when they were in their room. "I know we will find something soon and get rid of him forever. You have to stay calm until then."

"I can't tolerate him in this house, Khushi. With my sister. And he dares to speak to me as if nothing has happened. He dares open his mouth in front of you—"

There was a knock on their door, and Arnav stopped talking abruptly. It was Di.

"Chotay," she said, a worried look on her face. "Khushi Ji, I—"

"I'll go talk to Jiji," Khushi said hastily, understanding the plea in Di's eyes, and left.

"Chotay, I've noticed..." Di hesitated. "Ever since — I think ever since our wedding anniversary — you've been quite cold to Shyam Ji. I know you were angry at him, but he had good reason to leave that day. His very close friend got into a bad accident, and had no one in the city who could help. And you know how Shyam Ji is. He's always helping people. I know it looks like he puts his work and helping others even before me, but that's just the way he is. And since then, he's been home constantly. I don't have any complaints against him, Chotay."

Arnav listened to his sister with a sense of growing despair.

"Chotay, I know how you are — so stubborn and so protective of me. But I hate to see you behaving like this with your Jijaji. You used to be so close. And he's changed! He doesn't put his clients or friends before me at all now. He's always here. Ever since the pregnancy, he's been so thoughtful. Won't you let it go?"

Arnav looked at the floor. "It's not like that, Di," he lied. "I've been so caught up with things... and all this, it's been a lot. I've lost so much time and neglected so much work," he sighed, flailing for excuses. "How are you? How's the baby? Are you happy?"

"You're not ready to forgive him. Is it because he showed up late to our parents' death anniversary puja? Chotay, he doesn't know what happened. Please forgive him for my sake."

"I'm not angry at him..." Arnav turned away, unable to meet his sister's eyes "...about your anniversary or the puja. Everything will be okay soon, Di. Give me some time." He closed his eyes, thinking of the impending shock and grief he was planning for his sister. There was no other way out.

When he turned back to look at her, her eyes were large and sad. He couldn't even do this little thing to make her happy, she must be thinking. If only she knew.

"I know you're having a difficult time, Chotay," she said finally. "But lately — ever since you got married so suddenly — things have been strange between us, no? I feel like we don't really talk. You never told us — I never understood —" she paused. "Are you thinking of the attack? I can't stop thinking about it. Why did someone attack you? If they wanted money, why would they want to —" she gave a sudden sob.

"It could be anything, Di. We will get to the bottom of it. I'll do everything to protect everyone — you, Khushi, the rest of the family... and myself, too. I promise."

He had to get away from this house, he couldn't see Shyam without exploding. He needed to evade his sister, at least for a while.

"Di... you're right. I've not been the best around Jijaji lately. I'll make it up... to him." He looked everywhere but at her as he said this.

"Really, Chotay? I'm so happy to hear that! All right, I'm going to go —"

"Don't tell him about this conversation," Arnav said quickly. "It will bother him unnecessarily."