Arshi SS- The Moment Of Truth.

Part 9

"Aap Lucknow mein humare ghar pe hai??"

That A4 size paper did contain only a single line and a bunch of a few word. But those words were enough to convey her worry, her fear, her hesitation, her apprehension after coming to know regarding his staying over with her Family.. Knowing his equation with her maternal family, knowing that burning angst within him against her Mother, knowing the depth of hatred his heart had built in all these years for that woman who did come in between his parents even years ago..

Her heart just prayed for Safety, Not only her family's safety but also his safety. Because that mental illness these people might undergo finding each other under same roof, Khushi was unable to measure.. She hoped he did not do anything that would hurt Amma Babuji, she hoped he would not do anything that would again burn her and her hopes into ashes, she hoped he would not hurt himself in this process of Revenge.. Unless that broken pieces of his heart would be beyond either his or her level to repair..

She got afraid..

Raising his eyes Arnav folded that letter and kept in his pants pocket. A deep sigh was needed to relax his nerve after this, sitting on the bamboo swing which was kept on verandah, he searched for the answer and explanation to reply her. His staying away from her at the same time his decision to stay with her family.. What should he give for justification?? Deep down he knew and he had to admit that Arnav Singh Raizada was never a person whom you can keep with you without his agreement.. But all these days of his stay, not even for once he did admit at least to himself that he had agreed to stay back in Gomti Sadan not because of all the persistence of Guptas but his acceptance to stay.

As if, the search of truth months back on their remarriage was not over, it was never over!! Even after knowing the truth, even after almost separating Khushi from himself, even after failing to save their marriage.. Arnav just could not turn his head away from that Truth that his heart wanted to look for.

He so wished to see Garima Gupta suffer, he so wished to let Garima Gupta burn in pain of being away from her children, he so wished to punish her for the pain she gave to His Mother.. But something was not making sense, something was pulling him from behind.. May be because, this other woman of his father's life is now his wife's mother.. But.. but.. No.. He tried to give himself this reason, but that reason did not work.

********************

Getting freshen up when Khushi came down, her nostrils hit with the aromatic fragrance of freshly fried Jalebi. Her stomach twisted, this fragrance which was once her favorite aroma felt alien that day. Her system plainly refused the smell to inhale forget about tasting it. Covering her nose and mouth she escaped from there to save herself..

Such a strange incident happened.. It gave Khushi a second thought.

Washing herself when she reached down, she was about to sit back with family when HP reached there with an envelope.

"Bhabi, Aap ki chithi."

***********************

"One mistake of mine, and my little daughter has to repay it. Even if I want, I am unable to ask forgiveness from anyone, I have fallen even before my own eyes.. all over again. Years back that pain, that torture, that cry, I don't have the stamina to witness anyting all over again, I don't want Khushi to have a life that Ratna Raizada got because of me.. I don't want Arnav and Khushi burn themselves, their future because of my doing.. What should I do?? Please help me like always Sashiji..Please help me.."

Tears fell from Garima's eyes, keeping her head on Sashi's knees Garima once again kept her heart open before this man expecting him to help her, give her ways to help their children to overpass this tough time, this complexity of life. She had witnessed that longing in her son-in-law's eyes, that softness his eyes hold for his eyes.. each time any topic related to Khushi has raised. Even though Arnav had restricted himself from taking active part of that conversation, but he was present there and acted as a passive listener.

She wished and prayed for this battle to come to an end, she prayed her children to have a healthy family, she prayed her grand child would never blame her for his/her parents drifting apart. She wanted her Khushi to be happy with the man whom she has loved thoroughly, she witnessed to see Arnav beside that woman whom he truly belongs to.

***********************

"Yes, I am here.. Yesterday I was searching for something in your drawer here. Can you guess what I found?? There I found a few pearls.. Those pearls which had witnessed our first meeting. That fear, that helplessness, that tear in your eyes did nothing just made me turn into a monster. For me you were from my rival to ruin my show, to ruin my planning and my work.. I took capture of yours, I tried my best to punish you for trying to ruin something that belong to Arnav Singh Raizada..

It's been two years now.. And I am continuing to do the very same thing again and again..

I don't understand what to do Khushi??

Everything is grey.. even now!! I tried to find ways, but failed.. Help Us this time Khushi.. Help our relationship to flourish again.. I never wish to lose you, but I don't understand how to get you back either.. I want to be a good father, but I have never witnessed my father being good.. I can welcome our child being broken like this, I want to welcome our child away from this bitterness, away from this pain.. I want our child to inherit everything his mother possess..

And last but not least...

Your family is safe here.... I have not hurt them.

Arnav."

Knock sound on door made Khushi turn her head, she smiled at Anjali who was at door.

"Please come in Di."

"Here is your Nimbu Paani.."

"But I did not ask Di."

"I know, but yes, I did see that poker face of yours when Payalji placed sweets especially jalebi on table.. I must say our little one does not like sweet much.."

Khushi could not help but smiled a little. Taking the glass of Nimbu Paani she started sipping it, in the middle she stopped and said.

"Di, Can I have some Karela today??"

Anjali nodded her head rapidly, they shared some talk before Anjali left from there.

********************

Winter in Lucknow made him stick to bed longer than usual, it was past his waking up time. Being lost in his wife's thought, Arnav Singh Raizada slept really late yesterday and now his body and heart hardly let him wake up. Constant ring on phone made him frown, it was a call from Sheesh Mahal. Not wishing to have any official talk right after the first thing in morning, he rejected the call and messaged to call back later.

Nothing was going smoothly in his personal life. And then Arnav Singh Raizada remembered how the saying To keep personal and professional life away from each other, is so difficult in real terms. A person who is not happy in personal life, who is not content with his personal growth how can he deliver his best to his professional commitments??

Taking shower when he came out his phone again rang..

"Ajit, I asked you give me a break and try to manage for a few damn hours.. If you can't manage till some hours, then I don't understand why should I pay you??"

"Sorry to disturb you Sir, But.."

"But.. What?? Now speak up.."

"Can you please reach Sheesh Mahal?? Someone has come to meet you."

"And who the hell this someone is??"

"Sir, She wants to meet you here only."

"She??"

"Yes, A lady is here to meet you."

"Be specific Ajit.. And who is she??"

"Sir she appears to be harmless and requested me not to tell her name.."

"Fine.. I have some other work, I will be there by afternoon.. Now don't call me again for this."

Even before Ajit Rathor could speak, the phone was disconnected. He turned around to face the lady in pale white saree, playing with her fingers appear to be stressed. Ajit felt concerned for the lady but stopped himself and conveyed the message delivered by his master.