Love - An Alluring Darkness (Discontinued)

Part 6

Khushi slept like a baby on that night beside Nani as there was no mosquitoes and chilling cold wind that she was enduring for the past one week at the poolside. She made a wall of pillows in the middle of the bed before hitting the bed , so that she won't attack Nani in sleep while moving around in her thaikonda posses.

The morning came too early for her liking. Nevertheless she woke up afresh with a good night's sleep. Kuldevi ki Puja and Haldi wa planned for morning, Mehendi afternoon and Sangeeth evening are the rituals planned for the day. Wedding is the only event for next day which was planned in the evening.

Guptas arrived early to start the functions and there was no delay in conducting the rituals in the morning. Arnav willingly joined the pooja for everyone's surprise and Khushi was also taken aback. Attending other rituals is a different thing, and visiting temple is a different thing for an atheist like Arnav Singh Raizada.

Haldi was a grumpy affair for Arnav since more guests arrived for the function, when Khushi simply went through the ritual like it didn't matter to her at all.

(Khushi's Haldi dress)

Khushi was brought down the stairs by the ladies of the house, dressed in a beautiful yellow dress, and ornaments made of yellow and white flowers.

Arnav wore a white Kurtha pajama(same he wore in IPK haldi).

But much to Arnav's displeasure and Khushi's relief, elders made them sit in different rooms, and proceeded with the rituals. It was less eventful compared to the Rokha, given that Bride and groom were not allowed to see each other. Still Anjali,Akash, NK and even Payal had their share of fun pulling their siblings leg.

(Khushi's Mehndi attire)

Afternoon Mehndi function also turned out to be in favour of Khushi, since Arnav had some elite clients to take care of on an emergency basis while Shyam was out, burning his head out thinking of plans to separate Arnav and Khushi from getting married for the second time.

It was evening sooner than Khushi expected, the time ticking for her to get trapped in this lifetime sentence.

Arnav was back by the the time Sangeet started, and even though it was in his plan to make Khushi dance with him, the not so dried Mehendi gave her a good excuse not to step into the lime-lite with him.However, even though it was in a short notice, the family had prepared a visual treat for the couple of the evening for the Sangeet. They had a blast entertaining the "sweet" to be weds with a series of dances, and a little music drama by NK and Mami that narrated the story of Arnav and Khushi from their first meeting to the time they fell in love with each other(same dace from IPK Arshi marriage sangeet) .. Arnav and Khushi stole glances at each other during that performance when deep down both of them knew that it was nothing but the truth. But Arnav didn't want to acknowledge it , while Khushi was in her own world adamant to find the reason behind his character flip.But she knew she have a life time to find out, knowing the ASR, he is not going to let her off the hook any tome soon, for whatever reason he demanded this arrangement.

Finally the day came to an end, as the guests left one by one, and the last to leave were the Guptas promising to be back on the very next day for the obvious reasons. It's their second daughter's official wedding. They can't afford to miss it this time.

Khushi was finally walking back to Nani's room after getting away from the clutches of the teasing gang. When she was pulled roughly to once corner by a strong manly hand and before she could shout, the evil face of Shyam appeared infront of her.

Before she could utter a world, SHyam beat her to it -

"Khushiji, It will be better if you don't shout because my burden of a wife is in search of me and is not far from us, so if you make a sound, she will find us in this compromising position, and you don't want her to find us right now, right? Considering she is pregnant with a baby?"

Doesn't matter how much she hate this worm, she can't risk Anjali finding out the true colors of Shyam in this stage o pregnancy. It is too risky for the baby. So she asked through gritted teath - "What is so important Jeejaji, that can't wait till tomorrow, and you have to corner me at this time of the night to discuss??"

Khushi addressing him as Jeejaji was like hot lava to his ears, and his grip tightened on her forearms and he pressed himself more onto her closing down the distance between them.

"Khushiji, you better not test my patience . Ok I don't have much time to argue on that now. But tell me one thing clearly Khushiji, I can see that you are not happy with Arnav or this marriage.. DOn't take me for a fool. I can see right thought your facade, so I wanted to tell you that I will help you out if you want to get out of this mess Khushiji.. Tell me a word and I will help you out of this" Shyam grunted out. He was not sure if Khushi is aware of the lies he poured out to Arnav. But if she doesn't know, then it is worth a shot. He have thought of everything and couldn't find a plan to separate them, since they are already married. But he felt that something is wrong the way Khushi behave around Arnav. It is almost like, how she used to be uncomfortable around him when they were to get married initially. She was not happy and it was evident on her face. The same disturbance is now marring her face, and he wanted to take a chance however small it was.

Khushi was taken aback by his statement. 'How did he know that there is a problem between her and Arnav?' the thought did cross her mind. But it didn't take long for Khushi to decide that, whatever happens between her Arnav, and herself, she is never going to let this evil person to get involved in their problems. She can get help from Jiji or NK or even Anjaliji later but not from Shyam, never from Shyam.

"Mr.JHa, whatever is happening between me and Arnavji is none of your concern. I am married to Arnavji, and what happens in my marriage life not open for discussion with outsiders. So If you will excuse me. " She tried to push past him after throwing the rude words on his face. But Shyam didn't budge.

That's when Anjali's call for her dear husband fell on their ears, and Shyam suddenly released Khushi and mvoed to a safe distance , when Khushi adjusted her dress and schooled her expression for the sake of Anjali who came into their sight turning the corner.

"There you are Shyamji.. Do you know where and all I searched for you, and here you are chit chatting with Khushiji" .. she approached them with her sweet smile, oblivious to the drama happening behind her back.

"Rani Sahiba, I was just coming back checking on Naniji.. It was a hectic day so wanted to check on her before going to bed. ANd why did you walk all the way here? I was coming back to our room. You don't trouble my princess too much, okay? "Shyam gave her an convincing sweet simile with equally sweet words.

"teek hein. Ab chaliye.. Good night Khushiji." She wished her SIL while stearing her husband away while being least suspecting on the duo she found on the corridor.

"How is naniji??" khushi listened to the voice that was distancing and walked back to Nani's room with a sigh. That was close. What if Anjaliji found out about Shyam and his interest on her.

She won't be able to stand it. But then she was too tired to think about anything after the long day. And was out the second she hit the bed.

But on the other hand, another person who was wide awake repeatedly watching the cctv footage and seething and anger at the video playing in his lap top. It was non other than Arnav Singh Raizada. He had installed CCTV camera in the nook and corner of his house to make sure Shyam doesn't cross the limit, in the matter of the safety of his Di, and in the matter of Khushi. He haven't become the Fashion king selling peanuts. He know what to do when it is necessary. All he could see is the moment that Khushi and Shyam shared which was shortly interrupted by Di. He couldn't see the face of Khushi from the angle the camera was fixed. But he can see that they were staying pretty close, and that awoke the green monster that was sleeping within him roaring to life. This was the limit, and Khushi is going to pay for her deeds in less than 24 hours, he decided.