98

“Biwi…. This Rattan Singh… He is up to something disastrous…” Papaji said pulling on his sweater…! 

“Humm… And Arnav had given him the entry into his business…” Mummiji was not at all happy with Papaji’s advice to offer shares to Rattan Singh..!

“That was needed, Biwi… to keep an eye on him and that Krishna Kant..” Papaji was serious too.  They had no other option.  Mummiji was not convinced.

“Look… To acquire shares he will go to any length…” Papaji sat beside her. 

“That’s why…!” she said worried about Arnav and Khushi.  

“Biwi… the vesting is for two years… He will own the shares only after two years.. So we have time to…” Papaji was cut off angrily.

“He too will have enough time to hollow the company with insider information…He is not only a shareholder, Balwinder, you people have brought him on board..” Mummiji spat back.  Papaji shook his head.  

“Biwi we are trying and marked him with our person…. !” Papaji disclosed the plan.

“Balwinder… Two years are more than enough for a person like Rattan Singh to take over…” Mummiji now had left her emotions behind and was analyzing the situation businessman-like. 

“Look… he will turn someone to his side for crucial information… use that information to his advantage… That Sham did the same thing…! Imagine… if the data leaks out… it will affect his entire group and ours too…! We have a very complex shareholding pattern… They both are on our board but we have nothing to do with their companies… Not even Khushi..! Once Rattan comes to know about this arrangement he will try to infiltrate into our group also….He will crush Arnav under his heels… Can you not see that?” Mummiji asked holding Papaji’s hand.  He nodded gravely..!

“Why invite trouble, Balwinder? Withdraw the offer and settle it once for all…” Mummiji said impatiently.  

“Its not that simple, Biwi.. He needs to be in front of our eyes… There is always an element of risk… We want to keep him away from his Den, Kanpur.  We want to break the partnership of Rattan and Krishna Kant. “ Papaji said.

“You know, this Rattan is only a puppet… Krishna Kant is real puppeteer…!” Mummiji said gravely. 

“Balwinder, mark my words… These two will try to destroy Arnav completely… Its not only the family feud, but something else…You need to know that..!” Mummiji said raising her finger..  Papaji gave a nod..!

“That’s why, Arnav wanted to bring his grandmother to Delhi… She is the link… of four generations…! But she refused to come….!” Papaji said gravely.  But Mummiji’s eyes flashed with excitement…!

“Does she know about Khushi’s pregnancy?” she asked and Papaji looked up at once.

“I don’t know..!” he said aghast.

“Then know it, Balwinder… and Let her know that Khushi is pregnant…! The possibility of great grandchild will  compel her to rethink.  Get her to Delhi and then you are free to take on to Thakurs…!” She said equally gravely.

“Ok.  Let me check…” Papaji got up to call Arnav.  

*********  ********

The early morning call from papaji disturbed Arnav to the core.  He had not told his Dadi that Khushi was pregnant.  He was skeptical about her reaction.  Khushi’s relation to Nirmala wouldn’t be taken nicely by Dadi.  Khushi always reminded her of Nirmala, her husband’s first and last love.  They couldn’t live together but they had preferred to die together…! Arnav was not sure… He was worried about his family, his Khushi, his baby and now his dadi.  She was better off where she was…! Bringing her here would be another risk for Khush’s safety…! 

He clenched his fists and turned.  He saw Khushi in deep slumber and came in.  Inadvertently he pulled her gently into his arms and embraced her around her waist protectively.  “I want to keep you happy, Khushi… Always smiling..!” he swallowed hard.  Khushi turned in her sleep raising her head and putting her arm on his chest.  He couldn’t even blink.

“Arnav ji…” she blabbered in her sleep. 

“I will eliminate every trouble from your life, before the baby is born, Khushi..!” he stroked her head.  She stirred in her sleep a bit.  

“Baby…?” his insides twisted… “Really?” he was excited, a bit nervous, a bit worried, a bit jealous…! Now Khushi will be busy with the baby….! She will bear the child for nine months, she will go through that excruciating, life snatching pain, she will bring the baby in this world and what will I do? Just proclaim to be a  proud father…! 

“No..!” he pulled her closer.  “I will be with you, Khushi… always…” he closed his eyes feeling her soft tummy…! 

Their sweet moments were disturbed by the loud ringing of the phone.

“Damn..!” Arnav reluctantly picked up the phone…! Khushi blinked open her eyes to know what time it was and sat up on the bed.

“Yeah…!” he as usual picked up the phone rudely.

“Yeah.. tell me…” he said going out to the poolside and Khushi got up slowly and went into the bathroom.

“What…? How? How do you know?” he asked shocked…! The other person on phone spoke for a long time and he only listened silently.

“Ok.  Let us wait and watch… But don’t let them out of sight…” he warned and turned to find Khushi gazing at him suspiciously…!

“Who?” she raised her eyebrows.  Arnav ignored.

“Hey, good morning…” he said brightly.  She narrowed her eyes…

“What’s so good in this morning…?” she asked frowning feeling dizzy.  He smirked. 

“Anyway… I am going for my workout… You want something? Tea?” he asked ignoring her questioning gaze..!

“No..” she curled up her lips..!

“Then Milk?” he asked

“No.. buke.. phew..No milk..” she contorted her face even with the feeling of drinking milk. 

“Ok.  Take rest… You don’t have to get up early… I will get black coffee when I return from my gym…” he brought her inside and tucked her under the blanket.  

“So far, so good…” he sighed and moved out of the house ….! 

97

“We just can’t do that, right now! The security is stepped up..!” The man said and Rattan Singh clenched his fists.  

“I need that file, before anyone lays his hands on it, Understand?” he threatened and the person nodded gravely.  Rattan Singh was worried about Kirshna Kant’s activities.  He was distracted for the time being with his son on the death bed.  But anytime he would come out of coma and Krishna kant would have all the control again… making the Thakurs dance like puppets to his tunes..! Rattan Singh couldn’t afford it.  Not at this point of time, when he was so close to clench his craved prize.. The empire of Arnav Singh Raizada… The AR group of industries…!

 He wouldn’t allow Krishna Kant to interfere…! Arnav Singh Raizada had already tightened the security of both the places.. his residence as well as his industrial establishments…! The plan looked watertight with no loopholes…! Rattan had only one option… Someone insider should turn against this ASR sabotaging …! Rattan tried to think every possibility.  Sham was the only one but now exposed miserably…! Who else can be?  His phone buzzed.

“Whoa…!” He thanked his good luck looking at the flashing screen.  

“Yeah.. Tell me…” he said eagerly.

“Got through? Already? Ok.  Good.  Be careful… Yes… and keep me informed…” He said disconnecting…! A window was open for him, finally.  He smirked with satisfaction.

“Tumhari ulati ginati shuru, Chote..The countdown has begun…!” he said caressing his chin…picking up the glass to celebrate…!

***  ***  ****

“Why did you call Raj?” he was waiting for her and as soon as she entered the bedroom pounced on her.

“Easy…!” she ducked looking at him angrily.

“Why did you call him?” he asked again angrily.

“What day is it today, Arnavji?” she asked sidelining his question. He gritted angrily.   She sat at the dressing table removing her ear rings and bangles getting ready for a goodnight sleep. 

“What?” He came on to her.

“What day?” she asked, looking at him through the mirror.

“Saturday…!” he said hesitantly…!

“What do I do on Saturdays?” she again asked, unaffected by his impatience and anger…!

“How do I know?” he really was not getting it.  

“You know nothing about me, you..you husband..!” she frowned with the thought…! She turned to him picking up her night dress…!

“Every Saturday I call up everyone… Amma, Babuji, Buwaji, Mummiji, Papaji, Elsa Bhabhi, My golu, Meera, Raj Bhayya and Sandip Sir…!” she went on with the list.  He gaped….

“But then, why did papaji panic so much..?” Finally the truth came out.

“Oh I see..! So papaji called you up and told you that I had called up Raj bhayya…and you blew your head off….” She concluded catching him on wrong foot.  

“What did you talk to him?” he asked trying to cover up.

“Do you ask me this every week, for every one?” she was bang on.  He again turned his face embarrassed.  

“You think, I am conspiring against you and Papaji…” she snapped at him …!

“No… I mean… Papaji…” for the first time he fumbled for words.  Khushi turned smirking…and disappeared behind the bathroom door.  She badly needed a shower before going to sleep.  Arnav had nothing to do…but he wouldn’t leave her like that…! He waited for her for a long time…then drifted to sleep…!

Khushi came out to see him snoring faintly with steady breath..! She smiled…!

“You are no less than a kid, Arnavji…” she slid into his duvet….!

Somewhere the clock struck five…!

“Amma…” she woke up with a start..!

“What? What is happening..?” she sat up.  Something pulsating inside her stomach… She kept her hand on her stomach to feel the pulse.

“What was that?” she smiled knowingly.  The baby was making its presence felt.

“Hihi…” she was out of the bed to go to the bathroom with a weird feeling.  The entire room spun and she held the table trying to steady herself…!

She came back to the bed still feeling sick, and sat with a thud.

“Khu… Khushi…!” he woke up with a start sensing the movement… again something pulsated inside her.  Her head spinning she held his hand…!

“What happened? You ok? I will call Anita..” he was panic too.

“No..!” she tightened her grip…!

“What?” he asked bewildered.  She smiled pointing at her tummy…! Arnav grinned.  He tried to place his hand on her tummy.  “No..!” she said turning his hand away, afraid that the baby inside would be frightened…!

“Don’t be so possessive about your tummy, mummy…!” he said resting his head on her laps, pressing his ear on her stomach..!

“Something is throbbing inside..” she said dreamily…! “Our baby..!” He wrapped his arms around her waist burying his face in her laps..! 

96

"Sir...." Called Aman on the intercom...

"Yes.." Arnav said still engrossed in reading the file.

"Mr. Rattan Singh is here..." he said and Arnav closed the file staring down.  He could see a heafty figure in the launge.  Looking at the time, he instructed...!

"Keep him comfortable for another hour..." he disconnected and picked up the intercom...
"Aakash... in my cabin... right now... request Mamaji..." he said and turning to his private room disappeared in no time...!

Rattan Singh gazed around at the plaush, modern office...! "Not less than 5000 Sq. Feet...! Four floors... Good..." he wiped his lips looking at the infrastructure hungrily. 

"One chance... and you are gone... Chote..." he smiled contemptuously.  The offer had surprised him... He was out of the jail, plus got a foot in the company, which he had tried several times to sabotage and take over... He was shockingly surprised.  The reason given was... his grandmother...!

"This much for the old witch... that's nice... I can squeeze in more..." he thought sipping the tea, picking up the fashion magazine... watching the pictures of the models lustfully.  Aman gazed him with curiosity.  Why is he here? Aman didn't know but he wouldn't ask.  ASR would disclose in due course of time...!

"Di... come to the office with Mami and Nani..." he said on phone.  Anjali was puzzled.  She went to Nani.  Nani thought for a while and said... "Ok.  Let us go...!"

"Payal bitiya..." Nani entered the kitchen.  Payal turned. 
"Chote nay bulaya hain... We have to go.." Payal just nodded glancing at Khushi who was at the table reading something...!

"Yeah.. Dadiji.. I will take care..." she assured and Khushi looked up. 

"Woh... They are going to the office..." Payal said coming to Khushi and Khushi nodded grinning... "Finally... this husband of mine is considering the family members worth considering...hehehe...Love you Das uncle..." She nodded happily....

"Haan Naniji... Aap log Jaiye.. hum hain na ghar main!" she said smiling sweetly.  Nani sighed relieved.  Khushi winked at Payal.

"Jiji... Ab agala vaar..." she said wickedly.  Now it was Papaji's turn...!  Khushi looked at the time and picked up the phone...!

"Hello... Raj bhaiyya...." she said brightly and Payal gaped...! Khushi went into her room to talk to her Raj Bhayya....!
"What is she up to...?" Nobody knew....!! Now Papaji was under the radar...!

*******  *******  *****

"Where is he?" A rough voice asked the receptionist.  She looked up smiling..
"He is busy with another meeting, Sir.  Please be seated.  Your appointment is at 5:00 in the evening.." she said sweetly.

"Don't you have a better place to wait?" he asked looking around.  His two bodyguards with machine guns stood in attention. 

"Please be seated sir.." The receptionist said picking up the intercom.  Within a couple of minutes, Aman appeared. 

"Sir... you can wait in my cabin..." he said pointing at the lavish cabin.  Rattan seemed satisfied.  His bodyguards took over.  Aman went out locking his Cabinet. 

ASR's phone buzzed.  "Aman..." he responded. 
"Sir, he is in my cabin.." Arnav thought for a second and said... "Aman I want you to be present with me in this meeting...." Aman agreed, a little surprised.  It was a board meeting and he was only an employee.

"Aman... Nani and Di are coming.  I want them to be brought in directly to the conference room..." Aman understood...!

"Yes Sir...." he said.  He waited at the entrance of the office.  Nobody knew what was he upto.

******  ******  *******

Mami held Anjali's hand as Anjali panicked seeing Rattan Singh sitting infront of her.  She looked at her Chote who was sitting on the chair, laid back. 

Nani on the other side was sitting upright with a straight face ignoring that unwanted person.  Aakash looked little nervous and Aman stood beside ASR watching all of them.  The other board members started filing in and were little surprised to see a stranger in the board meeting.

ASR welcomed everyone introducing each one with their position in the company and finally gesturing at Rattan Singh said... "He is our special guest, soon will be a part of this company..." Everyone looked at Rattan Singh with surprise, suspicion, amazement...! A politician on board? That was new in this company.  ASR began his opening speech with the agenda...! He talked about the growth of the company and the minor problems it faced during the year...!  And then introduced the purpose of the meeting.

"I wish to propose a addition of two persons on board.  One Mr. Rattan Singh Thakur..." he started off introducing Rattan and highlighted his influence on the Uttar Pradesh Politics.  The other members seemed to be excited to have him on board... There was visible restlessness in the Raizada Clan... ASR tried to guage the inclination of the members and introduced the other proposed member on board.

"Mr. Aman... My second person..." he said and Aman's heart jumped out of his skin. 

"Me? On board?" he gaped in disbelief.  Arnav introduced him as an able, smart, prominent executive of the company, deserving to be the part owner.  Nani had a broad smile nodding in acceptance.  The modalities of the share holding was discussed at length.  Mamaji nodded with satisfaction.  Aakash gaped at his bhai with astonishment.
"What is he planning to do?" he just couldn't comprehend.
"The vesting period will be two years and the shares would be transferred after the completion of two years.... Both of them will have the right to sell the shares after the completion of vesting period..." He had shrewdly locked them both.  Aman had no issues what so ever.  However, Rattan Singh hesitated. 
"Two years? Who is going to wait for two years?" Rattan was ready to crush this empire under his heels right at that point of time...

"The resolution to add two more members was passed unanimously...!" Rattan looked around victoriously. 

"The second point on agenda is... the Funds embusselment we faced three years back and this year we have made a headway.  He said to everyone's shock.

"The theft and fund siphonage had percolated from the warehouse into the clients and vendors accounts... Mr. Sham Manohar was involved and soon we will trace back to the mastermind.  Mr. Sham Manohar Zaa was a close associate of Rattan Singh.  So now Mr. Rattan Singh will help us in reaching the mastermind.  We are on the verge of arresting the suspect and soon will recover all the money...!" he said smiling at Rattan's ashen face.

"If he traces that scam ... !" Rattan shudderred. 
"The Accident case of Mr. Prashand during this period, is reopened for the possibilities of murder.  The case will be reinvestigated as a murder case..." ASR dropped another silent bomb.  Rattan  fidgeted.  He was trapped sweetly.  He was made the member and the cases in which he was involved were reopened. 

"Yes.  We all agree that the cases must be reinvestigated and the real culprit be nabbed." Everyone said.  The resolutions were passed after the scripted discussions and a dinner was arranged after the meeting.

"Khushi...?" he suddenly remembered and dialed her number.  Payal picked up.  He frowned.
"Payal, there is a dinner party... I will send the car..." he said and Payal responded.

"Umm.. Arnav ji we just now had our food.  Khushi needs some rest...I mean.. is it ok, if I stay with Khushi and not come there?" she asked politely.

"What happened? Is she ok?" he asked concerned.

"Oh yes.. She is fine.. just felt hungry early so we had our food and now she is taking rest..." Payal said sweetly and Arnav disconnected losing his apetite and interest in the dinner.

"What does he think? He will just call us and we will oblige?" Payal frowned.

"Who was it Jiji?" Khushi asked switching the channel of her TV set. 
"Arnav ji.  He was inviting us for the dinner after the board meeting..." she said sarcastically.

"Oh is it? What is the menu?" Khushi asked smacking her lips.

"Khushi...!" Payal rolled her eyes.  Khushi sniggered.
"Aray... menu toh puchh liya hota..." she said nudging Payal.  Payal looked at her angrily.

"Aray, Jiji... Hamain toh Khane se matalab hain...!" Khushi grinned and payal responded.
"Yeah.. Khana toh hain... but not with them.." she spat angrily.

"Humm... Chalo lets make something..." Khushi got up only to be pulled back by Payal.

"No.. You are not entering the kitchen.  I will prepare something.  You sit here..." Payal went into the kitchen.  Khushi sat humming and shaking her leg. 

They both had a quiet dinner.  "Jiji.. Amma Babuji ki yaad aati hain..." Khushi said . 
"Haan Khushi... Hamain bhi aati hain...! Let us call Amma..." she said excitedly and moved towards the telephone.  And the door flung open.  Payal dropped her receiver, startled. 

"KHUSHI..." he screamed entering the house ready to pounce on her...! Khushi turned off the TV hurriedly. 

"Arnav ji?" she was surprised and then she saw the other family members.  Arnav clenched his fists trying to control his temper.  Nani, sensing the danger tried the damage control desperately.
"Khushi bitiya, how are you now? Payal told me you had a headache..." Nani said holding Khushi's hand.  Khushi grinned.

"Haan... Naniji I am alright now..." she said squenting at Arnav. 

"Did you call Raj?" Arnav barked a question and Khushi shuddered.  Sidelining the question, she hurriedly went inside to help Payal.
"Khushi... Answer me..." he was at the kitchen door.
"What? No!" she said frowning.  He turned and went to his room without a word....! Khushi sighed.  Payal was worried...!

"Khushi... he is upset.." Khushi looked at her and smiled sweetly... Payal grinned...

"He is Like that only...!" they both said at once and the tension released...!

95

"Hello.. Puttar...!" Papaji called her tentatively.  Khushi smirked.

"Hello Papaji... I am little busy now.. I will call you later, ok?" she said shaking her leg sitting laid back on the arm chair near poolside. 

"Umm.. Khushi puttar..." He sounded desperate.  Khushi grinned wickedly. 

"Haan... AAI Naniji..." she said loudly, disconnecting.  Papaji disconnected frustrated.  Khushi was at her best in torturing him. 

"Hello, Das uncle..." Khushi had dialed his number.

"Khooki... If you are taking his side, I am disconnecting...!" Dasgupta roared in rage and Khushi bit her lower lip grinning.

"I am with you Uncle... " She said solemnly.
"You know what? He playing us against each other.  Arnavji and..." Khushi kept the sentense hanging slyly.

"Khooki... I am withdrawing from all his law suits..." he threatened.  For a moment Khushi panicked.  But next moment she grinned.  He had given these threats umpteen number of times.

"Yes uncle, you should, this time!" she said seriously adding oil to the fire..!
"Yeah.. I will, this time.." he said making up his mind.

"You know what? Now a days, Arnav ji is also behaving erratically.  He doesn't even talk to us properly.  Just like papaji..." she said rolling her eyes.  There was a silence for a longer time.  Das was contemplating.... He was not sure about Khushi too...!

"Now what is her game plan? Anyway... I will use her against this... this... Punjabi Rascal..." he frowned and asked sweetly with fake concern.

"What is it Khooki?" Khushi thought for a while and then started off...
"Now.. tell me uncle... Is it right to take such sudden decisions without even consulting family members? I know, this is all Papaji's advice...!" she concluded.  Dasgupta was quiet for a long time.  His punjabi buddy wouldn't go wrong in business matters... but Khushi was right.  Arnob should have talked to the family members before ...! This would change his fate for worse...!"
He must talk to Arnob...before he takes on to Balwindar...!

*******  *****  ******

The dinner was delicious... but presence of Arnav made the atmosphere little tense.  Everyone was apprehensive of other's reaction.  Arnav kept glancing at everyone.  Khushi prefered to look at the plate.

"Mamaji... I mean.. This is to ensure the future...!" Mamaji looked up at Arnav little surprised.  They never discussed business during lunch or dinner.
"Humm..." he nodded.

"I mean... hope you trust me.." he said looking away and
"Yes.. betwa we all trust you... and we know the decision you have taken is for our own good.  It is that we just are worried about the danger and risk you are taking, by bringing him on board..." Mamaji said looking at Naniji.  Naniji refrained from reacting.

"Nani.. trust me! " Arnav said solemnly and she merely nodded feeling assured.  Khushi frowned...!
"Trust me.. Trust me...! Nothing else... We still do not know the reason.. and he shut up everyone.. This is how discusses.. .."Khushi mutterred under her breath.

"What is he planning to do?" she wondered glancing at her jiji...! Payal grinned...

"Like that only..!" she mouthed soundlessly and Khushi grinned back.
"Yeah.. he is like that only..." she blurted thinking.. "Yeah.. he is like that only... secretive, introvert, not expressing his feelings, not discussing his reasoning..." She sighed hopelessly.

" Hello hi bye bye...Who is like that? Hainn? " Mami exclaimed and Khushi winked at Payal...! Arnav glared at Khushi, angrily.  Khushi looked down blushing.  Arnav left his plate unfinished and marched to his room.  Nani looked at Khushi questioningly.

"Woh.. kay hain naa Dadiji..." Payal started off in a hushed voice secretively.

"Yeah... Like that only..." Soon it became a code word for Chote...! Khushi had a great time mimicking, teasing, taunting ASR in his absence...! He heard the laughter from his room.  A line of smile and satisfaction appeared at the corners of his lips... His Khushi was spreading Khushi everywhere...! He was ready to take on any challenge with his Khushi by his side....!

.......  ...........  ........

"Huhh...Huhh... Wa..What are you doing?" She woke up with a start to find ASR at her feet...!
"What? Sliding a pillow under your feet...!" He said looking at the bewildered face.

"Wh.. why?" she pulled up her legs embarrassed...!
"Why? What did Anita say?" he asked.

"How do you know?" she was shocked.  He had not accompanied her to the doctor that day.  Anita had advised her to take a pillow under her feet.  This could comfort her paining legs and help reduce the swelling on the feet.

"I keep a tab on you...!" he said smugly. 
"Yeah.. I know! Since beginning...!" she sulked flaring her nostrils.  He smiled. 

"It is necessary to keep an eye on you..!" he teased her.  She turned her face angrily!
"I had called up Anita in the evening..  Ab so jao." he said pulling her feet and resting them on the pillow.

"And you?" she asked as he got up.
"I have to finish some urgent work.." he said vaguely.  She sat up on the bed. 
"You want some coffee?" she asked.
"No, Khushi.. you take rest.." he said but she had read in his eyes, that he wanted it badly.  She smiled.
"I will get it for you... And..." she turned back.  He raised his eyebrows..!
"And one sip for me too...!" she said grinning smelling coffee and getting fresh...!
"Coffee?" he was surprised.
"Humm!" she confessed and went out of the room.  He smiled keeping aside his laptop wondering about her changing tastes...!

"You know what? You are picking up my habits..." he said taking the cup from her hand.  She turned to the bed smiling.
"Seems so..." she admitted.  He sat beside her giving her his mug.  She gulped that hot black bitter, sugarless coffee.  He turned to his study table and she was lost in her thoughts...

"If it's a boy... then I will have to find out someone like me.." she smiled dreamily keeping her palm on her tummy.
"What if its a girl like him!!??  " She got up with a jerk.
"Nahii...Hey.. devi mayya... raksha karana... A girl like ASR? Hey devi mayya... No..! Please... Lady ASR?  No... Devi mayya..." she blurted scarily.  the thought of a female version of ASR gave her jitters... Short tempered, workaholic, nocturnal, dashing, arrogant, autocratic.. girl? She closed her eyes in fright...! Arnav turned...!
"What?" he asked her.  She looked at him blankly...!
"No.. nothing..." she said aghast...!  The words 'Lady ASR' rang in her head like a gong...!
"Thunn.. Thunn ... Warning bells..." she blurted taking the blanket over her head and disappearing under the blanket...! Arnav smirked curling up his lips, shutting down his laptop.  "Pagal..!!"

"Pagal Khushi...!" he gathered her in his arms and closed his eyes.  She curled up holding him. 
"I want a girl like khushi..." for the first time he craved  to know the outcome ...!

94

“Khushi… Chal yeh Laddu Kha le… Tere liye Achha hain.. Good for you!” Payal said and khushi popped that small laddu into her mouth…!

“Phew… thuthu… Kadava hain…!” Khushi contorted her face.  Payal grinned…! 

“Sweet bhi toh hain… Its bitter sweet…Methi Laddu…!” Payal said sniggering and Khushi swallowed the bitterness…! 

“Good for your health… !” Payal said sitting on the bed.. Khushi took this as invitation and rested her head on Payal’s laps….! Payal smacked her head lightly..!

“Stop lollinng, Khushi… you are not a kid now…!” she said and Khushi puffed her cheeks sulkily…!   Payal patted on her head fondly.  

“Humm…” She sighed….! 

“Why don’t you plan for a family?” Khushi asked and Payal shook her head.

“Not now, Khushi..! Aakashji says… It’s a five year plan…” Payal blushed…!

“Five years?” Khushi sat up surprised.  “Oh Yeah…! Enjoy.. Enjoy… Jiji… Enjoy for five years… You and Aakash Jijaji… Honeymoon every day…!” Khushi said grinning and Payal blushed furiously..! 

“Khushi… Bolo naa! Yesterday What did Arnav ji say? About signing on those forms?” Payal successfully distracted Khushi.

“You Know, Jiji! He was not happy… turned his face and switched off the lights sulking…” Khushi smiled missing her Arnav ji.

“I was so upset… The way he said that you don’t have a share in his business…I mean I felt so bad…!” Payal said and Khushi looked at her intently.

“But it is a fact, isn’t it,Jiji…? he just mentioned the fact! It was I who overstepped… I really don’t have any right to question his business decision…” Khushi said plainly.  Payal shook her head…

“ Yeah, agreed! But that was not the way to mention the fact… He said it so callously…” Payal protested…!

“Humm… May be… you find him insensitive… but this is how he is, Jiji… “ Khushi said smiling…!

“But he should have apologized later for being so blunt… May not be in front of everyone…. But at least in the night, when you two were together…” Payal said.  

“Aakash would never do that.. he would never hurt me like this…” She thought, with her heart filled with love for Aakash.

“No Jiji… He doesn’t do that… If he was really sorry for what he had done, he would say sorry in front of everyone…! But there was nothing to be sorry about…!” Khushi continued…

“It was a fact, Jiji and he brought It to my notice.. He was right..!” Khushi said seriously.

“Like this? Like slapping square on the face?” Payal was angry….! Khushi shook her head…! 

“Jiji… he is not insensitive….! He didn’t even realize that he was hurting me…You know, every time, others feel that he is hurting me, he actually is not…! I know the meaning of his words, spoken and unspoken…! Every time I feel hurt… I just think…’He is like that only! He doesn’t mean what he says and he doesn’t say what he means…’ Then its peace… Jiji.. I am at peace…” Khushi grinned…!

“Once you accept your man, the way he is… there is no chance of being hurt, or disappointed… Its just that you need to remind yourself…! ‘He is like that only’…hehehe…Then… his so called hurtful words bounce away…from striking your heart…” Khushi said and Payal gaped in admiration…!

“Khushi….!” Payal hugged…! “How can you be so different….?” Payal wondered. 

“But that doesn’t mean I will allow him to throw hurtful words at others…! I will confront him, stop him…! ” Khushi said furiously.   

Khushi’s phone buzzed. 

“Oh god..! Mummiji…!” Khushi panicked. 

“I will talk to her..!” Payal said but Khushi had answered the call…!

“Mummiji… Haan… Why? Where is he? Ok…. Hum….” Khushi’s expressions changed…!

“Yes.. Mummiji… No no… I won’t tell him…! Yeah… bye… Will call you tomorrow..” Khushi disconnected and gave a victory roar…! 

“Ab Dekhatain hain…!” she rubbed her palms gleefully…

“Now what are you up to, Khushi?” Payal read Khushi’s face.  Khushi sniggered wickedly…! 

“Nothing Jiji…! It’s just papaji’s another blunder… Das uncle ke saath Panga le liya… He has picked up fight with Das uncle, it seems and they are not in talking terms…!” She said grinning…!

“But why are you happy?” Payal asked bewildered…!

“Why am I happy? Simple, Jiji… I am the only link..! They both will do anything for me now,  to get at each other…!! Hehehawhaw…!” Khushi laughed.

“One bitter laddu will do…!” she said wallowing on the bed.  Payal shook her head hopelessly….!