82

"Khushi..." Arnav had wrapped her in his arms. 

"You should see a Doctor as early as possible..." he said and she looked up. 

"I met Anita and Avinash that day.." she said and his eyes twinckled.  "Which day?" he asked.  She blushed...

"When do you think this happened?" he asked flicking her nose and swinging...!

"Sheee... shut up.." she blushed furiously. 

"I guess that night when we fought..." he said smirking.

"No... Almost every night we fight.  You don't get a sound sleep, otherwise.." she retorted.
 
"Then may the night when we didn't fight and made love.... but wait.... I don't remember any night... when we...." He said and... "Shut up... " she pressed her hand on his mouth...!

"Gandey ho aap..." she said turning her face away.

"Or may be... the night when you were all over me... and... telling me not to quit...and I didn't quit.. and.." he said winking at her.

"Shut up... " she got up with a jerk and he pulled her on the swing again.  "Careful..." he said holding her with concern.

"Yeah.. you be careful... " she said glancing inside.  He smirked...!

"And don't you dare going into the lion's den, all alone, unarmed... understand?" she raised her finger.
"Haath neeche..." he threatened with equal intensity.  She turned and walked away from him.  He pushed the swing relaxing and closing his eyes.  He needed some time alone.... to take in the good news she had given him.  All his worries, his problems had vanished in a jiffy with that news.  He was a happy man with his family, wife, friends.....

"Friends...?" he suddenly took out his mobile dialing a number, he waited the call to be picked up...!

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

"Don't worry, my son... I will keep this cartwheel of revenge rolling...." Krishna kant ranted taking his son't hand into his.  Sham was on life support system with very bleak chances of survival. 

"You can't die, my son.. untill we bring their empire to dust..." Krishna Kant patted on Sham's shoulder.  The monitors beeped loudly and a nurse came in hurriedly.

"Please go out... " she ordered taking over and Krishna Kant came out to be escorted by a police person.  He was taken to the custody again.  His lawyer, Sham's friend was doing his best for the bail of Thakurs and Zaa.  Krishna Kant foundered....! "What did I achieve? Thakurs are not finished yet.. I am still the same Krishna Kant... Servant of Thakurs... This boy... who was nobody.. suddenly became the hero bringing down the empire of Thakurs...! Who is he? Just a businessman...!" Krishna kant paced up and down the police custody. 

"I was so near... so close to the power... absolute power... so close to rule this so called empire...These Thakurs never deserved...!" he banged his fist on the wall...

"Quiet..." Constable on duty snapped and Krishna Kant sat on the floor clutching his head...! He must do something... something to free himself... to save his only son, Sham... to make sure the Thakurs remain in custody....!

"Umm... Can I make a phone call, saab ji?" he asked politely and the constable turned. 

"Phone call...!" Krishna Kant pleaded...  The constable went to the Sub Inspector ...! Krishna Kant prayed hard.

"Only local call..." he was brought into the office and he picked up the age old black telephone dialing the number....

*********  *******
"He is hoodwinking them all.... " Ramani said to his man on duty.  The man looked around.
"His father had come to visit... with a constable..." he gave the vital information.  Ramani gazed at his man and then making up his mind, said... "I will give you back up... two more persons will arrive soon... Keep a watchful eye and keep me updated..." thrusting a brand new cell phone in the man's hand, Ramani left hurriedly.  "Fazalganj Police station? Strange..." he murmured sitting in his car...! His car moved faster. 

"The Inspector is Thakur's friend... " The man in the car provided information stressing on the word Friend..! Ramani nodded.  He needed more backup.. someone who knew this area well, the police department well and was influencial...!

"These people should not be free at any cost..." he said looking up.

"What do you suggest...?" the man asked.

"Plant a coulple of our men there..." he ordered taking out his gun.  The other man dialled the number.  Ramani needed to keep someone in Fazalgunj police lockup ...! Thakur's were given royla treatment... but Krishna Kant was kept in another custody...!  Sham was sinking in the hospital and Krishna kant was running out of time...!

........... .........

"What happened? " asked Shondeep grinning and Khushi made an about turn.

"There is no point entering the hall... these people will eat me alive" she mutterred angrily and turned to kitchen.... Something spicy was cooking and the cook was busy cutting the onion...! She went inside and vasudha stopped her...!

"You want something...?" she asked looking at Khushi's contorted face. 

"You ok?" she asked concerned and before Khushi could nod.. she puked ...! Vasudha forget to help her.  Khushi held the kitchen platform to keep her balance but vasudha grinned broadly...!

"Come.. sit here...have this..." Khushi looked up and saw a glass of milk...

"No...!" she felt sick... "This is horrible feeling...I am sick..." Khushi clutched her head.  Vasudha patted gently on her back.

"I will call maaji..." she said and Khushi got up ...

"No..... I am fine...Just don't tell this to anyone, ok?" she urged and Vasudha grinned. 

"How does it feel...?" she lowered her voice and Khushi stopped. 
"What...?" she asked.  Vasudha gestured at her tummy.  "How does it feel?" she whispered asking curiously.  Khushi felt lost.

"How does it feel?.... Nothing...!" she said feeling little scared.  "Should I feel something?" she asked aghast. 

"No.. I mean .. its too early to feel anything... but the feeling to have a baby inside is...." she said dreamily and before she could complete saying.. "so devine..." Khushi said... "So scary..." and Vasudha burst out in laughter.  Khushi sulked...! she still felt sick.. the otherwise apetizing aroma was making her head spin.... she moved out of kitchen and turned to her room. 

"Khushi Puttar..." papaji called her and she turned reluctantly.

"How what?" she asked irritably. 

"Get ready... We are going to Mandir..." he said thumping lightly on her shoulder.  She sulked more...! The thought of going to the mandir of her favorite Devi Mayya, could not lift her mood. 

"Humm... " she said reluctantly.  She was in no mood to go anywhere... just wanted to lie down on her bed for a while. 

"Khushi..." Arnav called her and she turned with sore feeling...!

"Now what?" she repeated her  question, only to a different person.  He gazed at her face and asked.. "You ok?"

"I am perfectly fine and going to the mandir...!" She knew he would change his route and go away.  But for a change he didn't not.

"Ok then.. let us get ready..." he said to her surprise.  "Are you coming?" she asked and he nodded smiling happily.  She frowned.  She didn't want to go anywhere, not even to mandir and he was all set to go to mandir...! With one possibility of having a baby in the house, the things were changing drastically.  Her Arnav ji was suddently behaving like a father ji... ! Phew... she didn't like it at all. 
"Balwindar..." Das uncle barged in booming...! Papaji looked at him.

"Need to talk to you..." he said gravely and they went into Papaji's study.  Khushi went into her room with Arnav feeling at peace.  She knew papaji will not come out for a long time and Mandir program would be cancelled.  She touched her bed and felt sleepy.  Arnav looked at her through the mirror and she smiled sheepishly. 

"Just for five minutes, ok?" she turned on her side and Arnav came to her. 

"Are you ok, Khushi...?" he asked concerned and she exploded...
"Don't ask again and again..! I am fine...just want to have some time alone..." she said frowning and his face lit up with a smile...

"Amazing... you sounded like me, Khushi..." he said grinning and she turned to face him.
"Humm.." she grinned keeping her head on his laps...!
"Humm.. " he sighed patting on her head giving her time.  He wanted her to be strong... to hear the news that he needed to go again... !

81

Arnav came forward.

"Grandmother, calm down! She is my wife!" he tried to pacify her. She went on ranting between her sobs. Arnav held her tightly. Papaji had pulled Khushi back and was holding her in his arms, protectively to save her from the wrath. 

"She... She?" sobbed grandmother. "Yes, she is HER granddaughter!" Arnav said with a steady voice holding his grandmother around her shoulders. 

“Grandmaa… We know everything…” He whispered patting on her back, holding her supportively.  She looked aghast. Then amazement spread over her face. She took a step forward. Papaji tightened his grip on Khushi, but Arnav came forward and pulled Khushi out of papaji's embrace. 

"Look at her!" he said calmly. Grandmother gazed at Khushi for a long time, Khushi got more and more nervous as the time passed; and then smile appeared on grandmother's face. She touched Khushi's cheek "You .. you look like her! I had seen her photo, taken in some Mela! She was young ... she looked like you!" said grandmother incoherently. Khushi smiled. For a long time Grandmother kept gazing at the couple and then turning to Arnav, 

"Love... love played magic! You two are finally united..." she blurted holding his hand and then turning to Khushi said…

“He… my husband.. loved you… I mean… your…!” she broke into tears.  Khushi cupped her fragile face.  She took a step back. . 

"Grandmother, I know, you did not get what you deserved!" started off Arnav in a sorrowful voice.

"Grandfather couldn't give you the love you deserved! I know … Injustice..." he confessed.
"Injustice?....Injustice…!!” Grandmother shook her head solemnly deep into thoughts.  She had gone back to her youth.  Then looking up at the couple she said, 

“No!.... I didn't deserve it. I got what I deserved. I got your father, a son from him~" she said gravely.
"What?" Arnav was shocked. 

"Yes..." she paused for a while shook her head and then continued her confession….

"Your grandfather did not betray me. Before our marriage, he told everything to me and my family and asked me not to marry him. But we saw his fame and wealth and I was proud of my beauty… I married him.! He gave me what I wanted, what the family wanted… a child! I... I thought I will be able to hold him back with my beauty and love, after marriage....!" she said in a trembling voice. Arnav put his arm around her shoulder "Grandmother...!" he eyes were moist. Khushi came forward and took her hand. She actually smiled at Khushi. 

“He didn’t betray me… He had told me everything… He was hers all along… he laid his life for her.. and… “She sobbed harder.  

“She was all his.. They couldn’t stay together but they chose to die together… never to part again…” Grandmother smiled a relief as if a huge burden was taken off her shoulders.
“Through out my life I cursed myself ….But now… you two… “ She touched Khushi’s cheeks… 

“You look like her… vibrant, bright, smiling…” Grandmother went on.

“I tried everything… all the tricks to turn him in…. but he only had her in his heart.  No one could take that place… Finally I gave up… I compromised with my life, cursed myself for ruining his love…. I was a sinner… I was the one who …” She sobbed hard.

“No.. Grandmother… No.. Shuuu… Stop…” Khushi pulled her in her embrace.  Grandmother broke down.  

“You know what? I had a plan to kill her… But then… they both had plan too .. to end their lives together ….” She chocked.  The funerals on either banks of the River flashed and Khushi’s grip tightened.  She cried in anguish.  Arnav turned his face sending back his tears…! 

"I am Khushi's papaji!" Papaji introduced himself joining his hands. Grandmother nodded happily. 

She looked at Khushi "Come, let me mend your wound!" she said. Khushi hugged grandmother. She patted on Khushi's back. Arnav wiped off his eyes, so did papaji.

They heard Krishna Kant screaming....!

He came on to Arnav and bashed him. Arnav lost his balance initially. But then he retaliated! He did not bother about Krishna Kant's age! Khushi screamed in fright so did grandmother. Papaji came forward and pulling both of them aside, said. "Take her inside, Khushi... Go!" Khushi looked at the scene and took the old lady inside. Arnav was surrounded by other Thakurs. Now it was their turn to pay back. Papaji ran forward but was brought down by a young Thakur. He was pinned down to the ground.

Arnav fought out and pulled himself away from them. The Thakurs were bent on finishing him off. They pinned him down again and punched him. Khushi left grandmother with the other women and requested them to take care of her. She ran back to the hall to see Arnav down and was getting beaten up. She screamed and ran forward. Someone pulled her back and banged her head on the wall. Arnav with all his might got up and looked around.

Someone came running fiercefully and bashed the person pinning Balwindar Singh. He helped papaji get up. Papaji looked at him in surprised. Ramani nodded. Papaji had a smile. "You..?" he whispered. "Yes..!" he said. "I had to!" he went ahead. Papaji looked at him gratefully and said "Thank you!"

Ramani vanished.

Police had arrested the culprits. The unidentified bodies of the cameraman and another person were taken away. Sham was to be taken to the hospital… he had bleak chances for survival… his bleeding body limped lifelessly when they were carrying him on stretcher.  He would be soon declared dead in police encounter...! That’s what everyone hoped…!! 

The House search was going on! Rattan was trapped and was on his way of confession. All his bank accounts, his moveable and immovable properties were seized. A big police operation was over with the help of Arnav Singh Raizada.

The commissioner came forward. "Let us take these two to the hospital!" he said shaking hands with Balwindar Singh. Arnav and Khushi were holding on to each other. Khushi looked at Arnav.

"Khushi, take me home!" said Arnav putting his arm around her shoulder, with bleeding nose and bruises all over his face. Khushi nodded sobbing hard.

"I am airlifting them to Kolkata directly!" declared Papaji. He dialed for helicopter. The media was kept away. Papaji managed everything and within half an hour they were in the helicopter flying towards Kolkata. Khushi and Arnav were resting in each other's arms with first aid being given to them in the flight itself.

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

Everybody had gathered in Papaji's mansion in Kolkata. Raizadas and Guptas didn't stop asking questions to Arnav and Khushi. They both were completely exhausted. She felt weak and dizzy.

Papaji had banned Arnav and Khushi from watching the TV. Papaji wanted no news to be seen or heard. But the scoop had spread over everywhere. Media had nothing else to show...! Thakur's regime was overthrown. He resigned ... was put behind bars. All his corruption got exposed and black money was getting counted relentlessly. Arnav had finished them off. He became a hero overnight. Media never stopped praising him. They showed his bravery, his courage and called him a real hero. 

Family members were eager to know from both Arnav and Khushi. Arnav only said ... "Khushi saved me...!" to everybody's astonishment. Mummiji had a smile on her face. She knew Khushi's worth in Arnav's life. They both meant the world to each other. 

"Ok. There is another news! " Papaji roared. Everyone looked at him. He took his wife's hand and said... "Now that everything is settled. We two are going back to 'our pind' our village...!" he declared holding his wife's hand. She nodded smiling at him. 

"What? How can you do that? That's not possible!" Khushi screamed getting up from her place. She looked at everyone. Everyone was equally shocked at papaji's decision. But papaji looked firm on his decision. "No.. not possible...." Khushi started off.

Dasgupta barged in. "Khooki...!" he called out. She looked at him all lost.
"Khooki..!" Dasgupta pulled her closer and said in his husky voice.."Thank you! Finally she agreed!" Khushi smiled broadly.

"What? What is the news?" asked papaji narrowing his eyes.

"NEWS?" Khushi came back breaking apart from Dasgupta. She fidgeted restlessly biting her nails...

"News!... Arnav ji... " she looked at him in fright.

"What?" he asked her in surprise...
"I... I forgot!! " she started pulling his hand. "What?" he got up. She pulled him out of the hall and took him to her room.

"What?" asked papaji in astonishment. "Khushi's new tantrum...!" Anjali shook her head laughing...! 

"She must be upto something silly again this time...!" blurted papaji.
"Or must have broken something important to Chote..!" predicted Anjali laughing.
"Das, what was that you wanted Khushi's help for?" asked papaji getting flared up. He was upset that they both did something behind his back, without informing anyone.
"Oh! Nothing much... as she helped you reunite with Raj, She helped me!" said Dasgupta happily.

"What?" papaji was confused.
"Yes! She helped me with Karuna.. my daughter!" said Dasgupta..

"You know she was living with that colleague of hers, Mr. Chari for six years in Canada. They were not serious about their marriage.. Khushi helped her to realize and now they are getting married next month...!" said Dasgupta.

"Great!" Papaji thumped on Dasgupta's shoulder. "See? My Khushi can do anything.. She has a magic wand...!" papaji said with a glint.

"Yeah Magic Wand! She can wreck havoc with that!" said Anjali pointing at Khushi's room. They heard arguments and screams from the room. Papaji dashed forward.. 

"Now what? What are they fighting for?" Asked Shondeep helping Anjali get up. They all moved towards Khushi's room.

Khushi and Arnav were screaming at each other at the top of their voices. Arnav had grabbed her shoulders tightly giving her pain. She was trying to defend herself.

"How could you do this? What if something happened? Khushi... have you lost it? You brainless git!!" Arnav was screaming holding her tight. 

She had held his collar in full fighting spirit.

"What? I did everything.. and what about you? Why didn't you tell me where you were going? Why didn't you call me?" she retorted back.

"Why did not you tell me Khushi? Why did you take the risk..?" he was asking her.
"Shh... leave me! You are hurting me.. ! and when did you call? How do you expect me to tell this to you when I didn't even know where you were?" she yelled back at him.

"What? Tell what, Khushi puttar?" intervened papaji separating the bickering couple.
"That she is pregnant!" yelled Arnav. 

"What?" papaji roared. Initial shock appeared on everybody's face and then joy and happiness took over. Khushi blushed and ran into papaji's arms. 

"Oh God! Such a good news... and why were you bickering about?" Asked Anjali in surprise.
"Good Bless the child!" Papaji shook his head hopelessly. Arnav was embarrassed.

"See? How can you go to your pind with this kind of would be mother?" asked Arnav flaring up again.

"And what about you..? you, would be father?" retorted Khushi coming on to Arnav.
Arnav smiled and pulled her in his arms and said.. "I am sure, we are going to be great parents!" Khushi blushed in his arms.

"Bhai, congratulations...!" Aakash hugged his bhai. Arnav nodded looking at blushing Khushi.
Nani joined hands to pray .. so did Mummiji. Shondeep congratulated them both. 

Papaji had tears in his eyes... "hmm.. we have to rethink on our decision...!" he said smiling..
Arnav took Khushi's hand and they both went out of the room.

"What should I call this love? Iss Pyaar ko kya naam doon?" he asked looking up in heaven.
"LOVE!" came a calm voice of Mummiji.
"What?" everyone asked...
"Yes. L.O.V.E. Light Of Vanishing Ego!" she said smiling. 

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

To be continued….
The story does not end here….Its got a long way to go… will post the updates soon… but please please write your comments… and give your feedback….!

******  *****  ******
NOTE: I ended the story on MeD here at this point… despite having many more episodes … so now thought of giving you the uncut version of this story…
Phantesy to Verity Will continue…

80

"Grandmother... who was locked up for several years...!" she screamed shrilly and tried to get up. ....

"What? What did she say?.. locked up?" Khushi turned to Rattan to inquire further. Now she had her back on Arnav and his grandmother. Rattan fumbled. He had no answer. Camera was focused on grandmother to capture her expression. She went on.

"These animals locked me up in the house for several years! This... This.. Krishna Kala is the brain ... he does all this!" she went on accusing every Thakur and Zaa. Krishna Kant got wild with the accusation and came on to her like a maniac. 

"Yes, What do you have to say on this?" Khushi turned to Krishna Kant. He looked furious. No one knew what was going on. Arnav came to Rattan. "I can stop this, if you want to!" he whispered in his ears. Rattan looked at him in surprise. "After all you are my family, Rattan!" he said smirking. Rattan looked aghast. 

"Confess.... If you want to get out of this mess!" said Arnav gravely. Rattan did not answer. Arnav stared sternly at Rattan. "Fine! Let it go on! You want to be exposed like this! Fine with me!" he said. 

"No! I mean.. wait!" Rattan for the first time looked weaker and vulnerable. Arnav smirked.
"Tell what Krishna Kant and Sham did to you!" prompted Arnav. Rattan nodded reluctantly.
"Good! I will talk to her!" said Arnav going towards Khushi who was busy chattering in the mike.

Arnav pulled Khushi. "What are you up to Khushi? Why did you come here?" he hissed.
"This is Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada... a famous business tycoon!" she went on introducing him
"Shut up!" he stopped her pushing the camera aside. The camera man focused on Krishna Kant and Sham.

"Why did you come here? I had asked you to take care of the family!" he was enraged.
"What? I did take care of the family! And I came after you! Why did you risk your life?" she was enraged too. She touched his hand. He pulled her closer.

"What do you want to do?" Arnav asked Khushi. "don't know! I just wanted to meet you!" she said with tears in her eyes. She was losing her composure... and the drama was taking toll on her. When Arnav touched her, she was lost. Now it was up to him to rescue her, to keep her safe. She came and hugged him. He held her tightly for a second and whispered ..."hide yourself somewhere...safe!" she looked at him. "No!" she said.

"Khushi .. go!" he ordered. But before they could do anything...
"This is all fake... She is Khushi... she is my love!" Sham said smirking. Khushi winced and Arnav clenched his fists in rage.

"She has come for me! She cannot live without me! You know, we are made for each other!" Sham forcibly turned the cameraman and spoke looking straight into the camera. This was sheer provocation. He knew Arnav will not tolerate this and will make a mistake of attacking him. He could then shoot him in self defense.

Arnav came forward gritting his teeth. But was blocked by Khushi...
"Let us see what Mr. Sham has to say. Who is this Khushi? We heard you married Rama first and then Anjali...! And now Khushi?" She laughed at Sham.

"Mr. Sham, tell us about your several marriages... in detail!" Khushi went on. Sham looked furious. His provocation had boomeranged on him. He flared up.

"We also heard that you have a wife in Kanpur also... ! How many wives do you have Mr. Sham?" It was a blind shot for Khushi. She just made the statement and that provoked Sham beyond control. He came on to her taking out his gun and pointed at her head.

"Who will save you now? Arnav?... A slight movement and I will kill her!" He came ahead and grabbed her shoulder... He leaned towards her and smelling her hair he said in a husky voice...
""Hmm... After a long time... Khushi... I feel so good to hold you like this!" Arnav couldn't move. His Khushi again was held at gunpoint.

"Drop the gun!" came a rough voice. Everyone turned to look... Cameraman had taken out his gun and was holding Krishna Kant at gunpoint. 

Sham was taken aback. He looked at the camera man for a second and said.. "Ok. Go ahead and shoot him... anyway, he is of no use to me now! He is done for me!" he laughed hysterically. And turning back to Khushi he said..."You are more important to me, Khushi! You are mine!" 

"You are our hostage! and you are my ransom too! I will take everyone out safely!" he declared looking at Rattan. Rattan looked relieved.

Khushi was scared to the core.. Arnav took a step ahead .. Sham put his finger on the trigger..."I will kill her! If she can't be mine.. she can't be yours too!" Arnav stopped dead. Khushi laughed..

"Yes .. go head and kill me!" she said holding the gun from his hand. He looked Shocked. "You have to kill me! .. I prefer death!" she said loudly. 

No one noticed the old lady had got up from the rocking chair and was moving towards Khushi and sham. Four more people had appeared brandishing guns in the hall behind the Thakurs.. Arnav had given a go ahead signal.. police were closing in. 

Sham turned his gun and shot at the cameraman who was holding his father at gun point. The cameraman was brought down. Khushi screamed... she pushed Sham. He fell backwards... Grandmother held him from behind, with her weak hands. Arnav ran forward and snatched the gun from his hand. Police appeared at the door. There was a cross fire and no one knew who was shooting whom. A gun fire from somewhere hit the target... Sham fell down bleeding heavily. Krishna Kant ran forward towards the lifeless body of Sham. 

Sham fell down face up with eyes wide open with fright...! Police barged in. The mysterious men appearing and firing... mysteriously vanished. They had done what they wanted to. Sham was shot dead. 

"Sham.....!" cried Krishna Kant over his body. Khushi ran towards the cameraman... he was dead. She cried out. Arnav ran behind her and pulled her towards him. Rattan singh tried to flee... he took out his gun and shot at Arnav, but someone came and shielded Arnav and Khushi took the shot in the arm. Police encircled the hall. Some more people appeared at the door.
"We are from income tax department... we have a search warrant!" said the officers. The real media barged in. 

Arnav pulled Khushi in his arms, tears rolling down he said "Khushi...!" she started crying... !
"Khushi... you are injured..!" he tried to look at the wound. "Its nothing.. the bullet just brushed..!" she tried to smile at him putting up the brave face..

"KHUSHI .." came a fierce roaring voice. Khushi broke from Arnav. "Splat...." She got a slap square on the face. She fell backwards on Arnav. They both looked up. Papaji had slapped her in rage. He stood there looking at her for a second. She looked at him helplessly and the next moment she was in his tight embrace... 

"Khushi... sorry.... Sorry!" papaji had lost his composure... he was crying holding her tightly...
"Puttar, I am sorry... I slapped you! I am sorry puttar, I couldn't control myself...Why did you do this, puttar? Why didn't you tell me?" he was crying... Arnav put his hand on Papaji's shoulder. Papaji looked at him.

"Arnav puttar, I am sorry! I hit her! I am sorry!" Papaji wrapped his arm around Arnav.
"She needed one!" said Arnav. 

"what?" Khushi broke apart from both of them and asked flaring up.
Arnav smiled. Khushi looked at papaji. He was looking shattered. "Papaji !" she hugged him tightly. 

Someone put a feeble hand on Arnav's shoulder. All the three turned.
Grandmother was standing in front of them. 

"Grandmother, she is Khushi, my wife!" he introduced. They both touched her feet. She lifted Khushi up and looked at her intently... the color of her face changed from kindness to rage...

"You? You!" Grandmother pushed her back. Her kindness gone, her shrill voice returned... "You .. you are the one who ... who snatched away my husband from me!" she screamed. Khushi had lost her balance....

79

Everyone turned to look and froze. They heard firing from security guards and in a fraction of second the Figure vanished. Rattan looked nervous and alerted. He took out his phone to inquire with the security. Someone had intruded but had not escaped the firing.

Khushi went out on the busy street in search of a telephone directory and a camera shop. She bought a big shooting camera and a mike... She looked for the required number stored in her mobile. She came back to her position to see a person trying to hop over the compound wall in vain. 

She tapped on his shoulder..."What are you doing ?" she asked raising her voice a little.
"shh...!" he said looking at her and her big camera and keeping a hand on his gun in his hip pocket.

"trying to get in?" she asked him. He nodded. "Reporter?" he hesitated but nodded keeping his hand on his hips trying to hide his gun. 

"Come with me! She said in a whisper. She had found an alliance. She thrust the camera in his hand. 

She dialed a number. The operator picked up the phone.
He dialed a number .. "Boss I am going in!"

"Connect me to Sir's office! I am calling from CM's office!" she ordered in a stern tone. The call was transferred. 

"Sir, I am calling from CM's office. He is on another line. He has asked you to finish off as early as possible and asked you to send the camera and crew in! Khushi by then had moved towards the barricades talking over the phone ignoring the security, with the cameraman close behind. Someone stopped her. She raised her hand indicating not to disturb her. 

"Yes Sir, she said in phone. I will do the needful sir, I will give your message Sir! Oh.. he is here, talk to him sir..! " she looked at the security guard raising her eyebrows. He forcibly stopped her. She thrust the phone in his hand and said, "Here, talk to the commissioner!"
"Talk to commissioner of...!" she said loudly. she had crossed her fingers. "Hey devi mayya... this should work.. please!" she looked at the security guard pressing the phone to his ear.
"Hello... the guard called out skeptically. " 

"This is police commissioner of Kanpur!" the guard heard the opening statement...He saluted instantly.. . 

She had a smile on her face. She snatched the phone before he could hear anything! "Yes Sir, I will go in and give your message to him...!" she already had disconnected.. but clutching the phone to her ear.

"Yes sir, I will take the cameraman with me!" she said in a dead phone. The security guard escorted her to the gates. 

The guard reported about this. The in charge dialed commissioner's office to get confirmation that Camera and Crew were allowed inside.

"Hold the camera properly... !" she hissed. He fumbled. He had a close look at her walking with her towards the Mansion through the gate officially. He was shocked. This was the same girl they were desperately looking for to kidnap and keep her at safe place and he was walking with her in a death trap. 

But there was no way back. He had to go with her, to know her plan, to protect her, to break into the Mansion....! 

She stopped dead... She saw another person at the door and heard gun fire from the security... She froze and looked aghast at the fake camera man. The man at the door had ducked but got shot in the leg and hid behind the pillar ofr Varandah. The cameraman was shocked. The injured person was his man. He did not know what to do.. to go for the help or to be with this lady!
She fidgeted for a fraction of second and hissed... "This is our chance...!" she almost ran towards the door keeping the mike ready... "start Shooting!" She ordered breaking into a run. It was difficult to keep pace with her. He ran after her breathless with excitement. 

"She was at the door... she barged into the hall talking in mike...!" 

"Just now we heard the gun fire... hope no one is injured!... This is the famous Thakur Mansion.. which has a legacy of hundreds of years... you can see the antique remains in this grand, big, rich hall...! Should we call this a hall? Or a palace within a palace?" she went on to everybody's shock. 

Arnav gaped at her. He grew panic... what the hell is she doing? And who is the man?" he thought. Rattan and other Thakurs were shocked to the core

"How did the media entered?" they were scared to the core... their end was nearing?
Krishna Kant looked aghast. But Sham was the first to come to his senses...
"Khushi?" he called out in suspicion stepping ahead. 

"Here is a person first to speak. He says "Inako Khushi hui! He is happy to see the shoot! Let us ask him who he is!"

"Hello....! What is your name sir? Sham? Ok...! Here is Mr. Sham the famous lawyer... who defends the cases of Thakurs... 

"We heard you are here to defend yet again..!" she went ahead to Sham's father! She gaped at the resemblance! Regaining her senses she went ahead...

"You must be Mr. Sham's father...! Look at the striking resemblance..." she spoke to camera... "Look at the similar ladyfinger nose... the poppy eyes... the beard... the scar...!" No.. No.. Only Sham has the scars.. not his father!" She went ahead. 

Arnav actually chuckled in that distressful situation...! She was wrecking havoc....!
"What do you do Sir?" she asked him... "Please look into the camera and speak..." she suggested...! Sham came ahead to grab her... but the camera man shielded her..! 

"Not like this..! Like This! She turned his face with her hand facing the camera... Sham took a step backward...!

"No Mr. Sham, come ahead! Let the people see your bright face...!" she said and stepping forward .. looked into the camera..

"He is a famous lawyer... Look at his bright eyes... you can see conman's traits.. you can see cunningness.. you can see shrewdness... you can see his reputation in his eyes...!
"What is this scar.. Mr. Sham?" she actually touched his scar with a disgust. Sham gaped at the scene.. she had not given any one any chance... She was talking nonstop loudly and with an accent... Not knowing what she was talking.

She had seen Arnav, her heart jumped with joy. But she couldn't face him. That would be turning back on the enemy. She couldn't afford it. Arnav had clutched the rocking chair. The lady on the rocking chair was staring at the scene. Khushi was perfectly mimicking a scandal hungry swoopy reporter...! 

"What is she doing? What does she want to do?" Arnav couldn't think of anything.
Looking at the camera.. everyone had become suddenly cautious trying to safeguard their own image. Rattan brought a smile on his face forcibly. 

"Face the camera please!! This is a live shoot!" she brought Rattan forward...!
"How do you feel after the Janata Darbar, Sir? When will you hold the next one?" she asked him politely. Arnav gaped at her spark. Rattan was rendered speechless. He could just bring a fake smile on his face. 

"Please look at the camera sir, Like this... your side profile is good!" she was just making fun of everyone, taking advantage of the situation. Arnav had a spark in his eyes... he was looking at his dear wife's drama with his lopsided smile. She was best at it... She had barged in as tornado which was shattering the entire empire of Thakurs!! 

"Oh! Rattan Sir... !" she interrupted his movements.. she held his hand and brought him towards Arnav...

"Sir, this seems to be the eldest of your family! Please introduce her to our viewers, sir! " She asked her assistant to focus on the two.

"Sir, will you please move aside?" she pushed Arnav aside with typical reporter's arrogance. He stepped back. Sham came forward... he was brandishing his gun, when Khushi turned her back on them. She turned suddenly...

"gun?.. Camera.. Focus on the gun first... Mr. Sham Zaa wants to show us his gun! Is this a licensed gun sir? She asked hm. He suddenly put the gun away. She again turned and took out her mirror posing to touch up her makeup. 

"Continue with your introduction, Rattan Sir...!" she said gesturing towards the grandmother.
"Umm... She is our grandmother..!" said Rattan weakly.

"Grandmother... who was locked up for several years...!" she screamed shrilly and tried to get up. Arnav ran forward to stop her...! Khushi winked at her husband. He chuckled... She was keeping an eye on her back from the mirror.

The cameraman.. was moving around frantically following Khushi's instructions... he saw movement at the far end of the Hall... he knew his men had entered the Mansion...!He smiled. He was enjoying being Khushi's assistant...She was a cyclone!! He loved being part of the raid...! The gang war was at the door. He needed to keep the couple safe...! He knew what to do when his men entered....! The overconfident sham and his gang was oblivious to the situation...!

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

Someone came running out of the control room...! Commissioner hurriedly went into the meeting room. The conversation was relayed .. he was shocked. He did not notice Balwindar Singh had entered the meeting room anxiously...

He heard the voices... "Khushi...!" he screamed. Commissioner looked at him...
"This is Khushi, Arnav Singh Raizada's wife! She is in there!" he got panic. 

"I have to go! They both are in danger!" he lost his mind...
"Wait...! We have the entire battalion out there.. any time we can raid!" he said trying to stop papaji.

"I don't know that.. my daughter is in danger and I am going to rescue her!" he said dashing out of Commissioner's office. 

"Oh my! What a couple!" the commissioner was dumbstruck.
He dialed Arnav's number in panic. "Hello... our men are ready to strike. Move yourself to a safe place and hide from firing!" said the commissioner.

"No need! Not now!" came an answer! Arnav had to safeguard his wife first... She was in grave danger.. Sham and his Father were closing in.. Sham had his hand in his pocket... anytime he would start firing...! Arnav knew they were in a fix!!