Secrets of the Past (Completed)

9. The Confession

Anjali immediately volunteered to stay with Kushi. When she and Shyam reached hospital, doctors were seriously discussing with Sonakshi and Dev.

Masking their fear, Anjali and Shyam enquired the doctor about Kushi's condition.

Doctor - nothing to worry. The patient is out of danger. But this is a police case. You need to file a complaint.

Shyam - yes doctor, we'll see to the procedure. Is there anything serious?

Doctor - nothing serious. She was brought on time. And her presence in that ice box was less than 5 mins. Due to shock and fatigue, she had fainted and due to the heavy blow at the back of her head, mild concussion can be there after she gets up. No other internal injuries. Other than that she is better. Let her stay for a day under observation. If all's well, you can take her home tomorrow evening.

After thanking the doctor and heaving a sigh of relief, Anjali and Shyam informed their family.

Next day evening - 2nd January 2020

Kushi was resting in her room. She was back home half an hour ago, but there was no sign of her husband. Wondering what happened to him, she descended the stairs, when she heard a slight whimper.

What she saw made her numb.

"Arnavji!!!!!!!!!!!"

Taken aback by such sudden shout, the whole family came running to the living room.

Arnav, who was on his way to the kitchen, got startled with the shout.

He stumbled on his way but got steady. He knew from the shout that it was his wife. Bracing himself for an emotional drama, he came slowly towards her.

Kushi got shocked on seeing her husband. His head was bandaged. She ran towards him and hugged him.

Kushi panicked "what happened to you? Why are you covered in bandages? Why didn't anyone tell me?"

She was getting hysterical. She started checking him for any other injuries.

A warm and fuzzy feeling took over Arnav. The family remained silent.

They wanted to know how Arnav will tackle the situation.

"Kushi relax. Calm down, nothing.."

Before he could complete his sentence, she started firing another set of questions.

"calm down?! How can I calm down when you are like this!"

Arnav " Kushi! Look, first calm down. Nothing happened to me. I'm fine now. You are there to take care of me, then how will I not get better? Hmm?"

Kushi hugged him. She understood her feelings. She now knew what it felt like to see your loved ones in danger. She decided that she would confess her love to him as soon as possible.

The family sighed in relief. Finally, Arnav was opening up to someone. Everyone including Shyam and Anjali were happy.

Shyam felt a little uncomfortable, but he could see genuine love in Arnav and Kushi's eyes. He just prayed that the good changes in Arnav remain the same. But there was a fear. What if the past caught up with them?

He needs to do something. If not for Arnav then at least for Kushi's sake whom he had come to admire and respect. The brotherly feeling in him wanted to safe guard Kushi from Arnav's horrendous past, which, if came to light, will definitely destroy everything.

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

3rd January 2020 - CBI department, Delhi branch, evening 6 pm

Lavanya was late. Ranvijay was getting frustrated. Time was less. The higher officials were pressing them for details and they had no breakthrough.

Sonakshi - it's ok Chief. She sent us a copy of the follow ups she has made. Neil, ready?

Neil - yes.

We'll start with the Raizada family.

Arnav Singh Raizada born on 11th May 1987. Spent first 6 years of his life at his then home Sheesh Mahal, Lucknow. Completed his schooling in Delhi public school, he's a rank holder. Completed his higher studies at Harvard business school. Joined his Mama Mahendra Singh Raizada and started handling the business at the age of 23. Married to Kushi Gupta, on 10th November 2019. Had no flings, his personal record is clean. Just a few dates with colleagues. Nothing serious. Has a very good reputation in his business circle.

Anjali Shyam Manohar Jha nee Raizada born on 20th January 1984. Married Shyam Manohar Jha on 7th June 2006. A business woman, who employs women who suffered due to domestic violence and those who are shunned from the society.

Ratna Malik nee Raizada and Aravind Malik - Arnav and Anjali's parents.