87

“KHUSHI..” He yelled at the top of his voice and suddenly the canteen turned mute…! Khushi turned on her heels looking back…!

“Careful…!” he lunged forward, yelling…! She stopped and looked down.  She was standing on the table and he lost his temper…!

“What the hell, you think you are doing, up there Khushi?” he screamed and Khushi looked around for some support.  The Canteen was deserted as her gang had disappeared seeing the boss.  Khushi dropped her shoulders and tried to step down…!

“Careful…!” he tried to hold her.  “Its ok. Arnav ji… I won’t fall…!” she raised her hand. and stepped down on the chair first and then on the floor.  Arnav held her hand.  

“Can’t you be careful?” he asked angrily.  She glared at him. 

“Can’t you come little late? Saara Maza Kirkiraa Kar Diya..! Spoilsport…!” she muttered and he grabbed her.  

“Lets go!” he dragged her out of canteen.  

“What were you doing up there?” he asked driving comfortably.  She looked at him blankly and then her face lit up with her bright smile.

“Woh…! Actually Aman sir told me that those hockey sticks showed up when you were not in the office… last week!” she said grinning.

“Hockey sticks?” he asked confused.  

“Woh… I mean those super models…” she giggled.  He shook his head hopelessly.

“What has that got to do with you on the table?” he asked flaring up his nostrils…!

“Woh… I was telling them Raghu Sir’s Cat walk tricks…” she giggled again… “Walking in straight line….hehehe..” 

“And you were showing them the live demonstration… on the canteen table…!” He looked at her in disbelief.

“Yeah… Actually…! Cat walk… ! It became a hog walk later…though…!” she tossed her head back giggling.

“Then it became ASR walk…!” she irked him.

“Shut up…!” he snapped.  She turned her face hiding her snigger…!

“Shut up.. Khushi…!” he gripped her wrist.

“Yeah… ok.  Stop…! But where are we going?” she asked looking around. 

“Dinner..!” he said and she twisted her nose…!

“No… I am not hungry..!” she said.  

“You will be…!” he smirked.  “Ok!” she puffed her cheeks.  He drove towards Paratha gali…! Her nostrils flared up taking in the aroma.

“Haiiii… After so long…!” she inhaled.  His smirk turned into a satisfactory smile..!

“Arnav ji…!” she rested her head on his shoulder clasping his arm, losing herself in nostalgia. 

*********  ********  ********

“What? What’s wrong?” He asked bewildered and Nani looked away.

“Hello hi bye bye… Police arrived to say hi… and searched the house and then bye bye…” Mami said in her tone.

“What? Di…?” he looked at Anjali’s room.  And then dashed to her room.  Khushi followed.

“Di…!” he stepped into the room which was turned upside down.. inside out…!

“Chote…” Anjali tried to smile with trembling lips.  Khushi held her close.

“Po…Police…” she blurted.

“I know…!” he said gravely, looking around.

“Did they find anything?” he asked.  “Did they take anything?” he picked up a few things suspiciously.  

“Chote… They were searching some files and documents…” Anjali gave away.  He looked aghast.

“Files? Which files?” he asked.

“Sham….” Anjali sobbed.  Arnav sighed. 

“Its ok. Di.  I will ask the maid to clean this up…!” he said moving to go out.

“They searched the entire house…!” Anjali said and Khushi clasped her mouth.

“Ok. Di.  I will handle it…” he said dialing the number.  He went out to talk to the Commissioner and came in.

“Come, Di… I need to talk to all of you…!” he said gravely and supporting her, brought her in the hall.

It seemed from the signed letter, that Police had a search warrant and had taken the belongings of Sham Manohar Zaa..! 

“Look… this might happen again… Just co operate with the police and Keep your eyes open.  If you find anything suspicious, please call me or Aakash immediately…! Understood?” he looked at everyone and everyone nodded.

“But why…?” Khushi asked aghast.  

“Sham is not dead yet, Khushi! And his father will turn the world upside down to take his revenge….!” Arnav said gravely and Anjali sucked in her breath….!

“But don’t worry… I will handle it… You all will be well protected…!” he assured glancing at Khushi.  She was deep in thoughts…

“Di… police.. I mean did they say anything… that they found out something….of sort…?” she asked suddenly.  Anjali looked lost.

“I.. I think they were searching for a particular thing… I don’t know what… but they said… they will have to come here again…” Anjali looked at Nani for support and she nodded.

“You thing, he.. I mean Sham ji must have hidden something important, in here?” Khushi asked looking around and Arnav looked up startled.

“Hello hi bye bye… You mean documents… or bomb.. or camera… or… hi hi… now we only have to say bye bye….” Mami clutched her head.  

“If he has done that… We have to be very careful… Today police barged in.. Tomorrow his people….” Nani shuddered with the thought.  Arnav nodded gravely.

“I will seek police protection for you all… Don’t worry…!” he said getting up and Khushi too got up…!

“Please don’t move out of this house without informing…!” everyone nodded.

“And you, Khushi…. Sochana Bhi matt…!” he raised his finger threateningly and Khushi’s anger shot up.

“You think, I would do that? In this condition?” she asked angrily, keeping her hand on her tummy.

“Yes, I do! We all know you well Khushi…!” Arnav shot back and she gaped in disbelief.

“Kya yahi hain aap ka vishwas? “ she asked dramatically pressing her hand on her chest and Arnav gaped, all lost in her eyes…! 

“Khushi bitiya… I know you are a very responsible person… but please don’t go out without protection..!” Nani was a peacemaker for the upcoming war between the pregnant woman and her man….! 

86

“Khushi.. I have to catch up with a lot of things…! I was away from business for so long…” he said sitting by her side on the recliner.  She folded her arms and snapped…

“Who asked you to come home, Arnavji..? I would have managed…!” she got up and went away.  Arnav looked on hopelessly, clueless on her mood swings…!

“I must ask Avinash about this…!” he thought getting up to go….! 

“Not even a single day of rest and peace…!” She muttered walking past him into the kitchen.

“Bewk…Bewk…What is that?” Khushi contorted her face.  The nausea was unbearable… She ran out clutching her tummy…! Ram Prakash looked puzzled but the maid smiled…!

“Hotaa Hain aisa…!” she said 

“Khushi….!” Arnav stopped her on the stairs.  

“What?” she jerked irritably.

“Come with me to the office.  Then we will go for dinner…!” he said trying to pacify her.

“Office? That Office? Where you only humiliated, insulted me? You want me to come there?” she blew her top in rage.  Arnav clenched his fists trying to control his rage.  

“What’s wrong with you, Khushi?” he asked holding her shoulders.

“Wrong? With me?” She again jerked away.  Arnav gaped at her reddened face.  

“What was that? Why she is so angry?” he didn’t know.  Khushi went into the room.  Arnav stood on the stairs for a second and went into the kitchen.

“This is not done, Khushi…!” She pulled out the hair pins letting lose her hair untidily. 

“These people won’t even understand what you want, Khushi…!” she said staring at her reflection in the mirror.  She herself didn’t know what she wanted….! 

“Khushi…!” He stood behind and she flared up again.

“Now what?” She turned angrily.  He kept the glass of milk.

“Have it..!” He said calmly.  She looked at the glass.

“Milk?  No..!” she contorted.

“Yeah.. Milk… Chilled Milk… You like it, with lot of sugar…!” he described and she touched the ice-cold glass.

“Humm…!” She sighed picking up the glass…! He smirked.

“Now, Don’t say, I do not know what you want..!” he raised his finger and she gulped the last drop sheepishly.  

“You go… you will be late…!” she gave permission calming down.  He sat beside her.

“Come on… get ready… We are going together…!” he said and she looked up smiling.

********  *********  ********

“Aakash… We need a major restructuring…!” Arnav said pulling the file.

“Why, Bhai? Is there a problem?” Aakash asked concerned.

“No.. Not yet.  But it’s a preventive measure…!” said Arnav looking out of his cabin.  Khushi was down in her cubical.  Her cubical was kept vacant with her Devi Mayya’s idol on her desk.  She was whiling away time by chatting with her old mates.  Arnav had more pressing matters in hand.

“We need to bring in a big shot on board..!” Said ASR and Aakash looked up surprised.

“You mean politician?” he asked and ASR nodded gravely.

“Why bhai? We always stayed away from these dirty politicians…!” Aakash was thoroughly confused.

“I Know, Aakash… But things are not the same now… I am sure these Thakurs will strike back any time with vengeance.. We need to be prepared…!” He said signing on the papers of routine matters.  Aman was waiting outside with some urgent matters…!

“Aman..” He called out.  Aman came in and glancing at Aakash assumed his seat.

“Sir… “ He said in a hushed voice….!

“Tax Audit…!” he said gravely and Arnav nodded.

“I know…!” he said.  Aman looked relieved.

“I will handle it, Aman..!” ASR Assured.  Aman got up to go..!

“Wait a minute, Aman.  I need to talk to you…!” Aman sat on the chair again.  ASR got up from his seat deep in thoughts.

“Work out a restructuring Plan with Aman, Aakash.  Aman, we need to be extra cautious about our legal matters…. Things may not happen our way…” ASR said gravely.  Aman nodded.

“Fix an appointment with our Company Secretary, Aman and you and Aakash will handle this.” Arnav took out a docket and handed it over to Aman.  The preliminary Plan for the Organization Restructuring…! Aman nodded and went away….! ASR and Aakash were engrossed in the discussion and they heard the giggles from Khushi.

She was with Aman and her old gang….! Rekha was missing.  She was transferred to Bangalore office on her request since her Husband had shifted to Bangalore.   

“Yeh Khushi… Crazy…!” Arnav shook his head hopelessly seeing the gang moving towards canteen.  

“Bhai, I will handle it…. You go with her…!” Aakash offered his help.

“Go where? Canteen?” Arnav’s rage shot up.  Aakash worked hard to hide is laughter.

“I want your opinion on this…!” ASR pulled out another docket.

“I need to pull out of this business for some time now…!” ASR said seriously gazing at his empire…! He needed to do this to safeguard his business empire.  

“What? Why, Bhai?” Aakash was shocked.  Arnav stared at him gravely.  “Will he be able to handle it?” Arnav looked away.  He had never bothered to groom the second line of management.  He had handled everything  himself.  Others were to execute only his decisions.  They were never a part of Decision making process.  But this time, ASR must take chances with his people…. His trusted people…. Aakash and Aman….! 

“Aakash we will discuss it later but I need your opinion before we discuss… understand?” Arnav got up picking up his Laptop….! Aakash sat there dumbfounded.

“And another… From tomorrow, you will use this cabin… I am shifting out…!” ASR gave another shock and Aakash merely nodded not taking in anything.  The things were beyond his comprehension…! 

A lot of things were to be taken care of for ASR…. His worst fears would come true anytime from now…! He brushed the grave thought aside and went in search of his Khushi…! 

85

“Khushi Puttar… Do Char Din rahana hamaray saath…! Stay with us for few more days…” Requested Papaji when she too got ready to go with Arnav.  The other family members had already left for Delhi.  Khushi looked at Arnav,  

“Arnav puttar… “ Papaji pleaded.  Arnav looked away disappointed and then gave his nod.  Khushi jumped up..

“Careful…!” he yelled holding her.  She grinned sheepishly.  

“You are still a kid, Khushi!” Arnav said hopelessly.  “Look who’s talking…  A pot calling the kettle black…” Khushi exclaimed rolling her eyes…!

“What the hell… Khushi..!” Arnav twisted her wrist and she screamed in pain. 

“Khushi… May be we will visit Delhi some  time… Now you go with him…” Mummiji said and Papaji exploded.

“What? Why? She is ready to stay…! Why are you sending her?” He frowned and Mummiji smiled at Arnav.

“Ask him…!” She said pointing at Arnav and He turned his face feeling embarrassed.  Khushi looked at Arnav and turning to Papaji, said..

“Papaji… I will go now….!” Arnav felt better.  Papaji sulked.  

“Khushi buwa…..” Tej ran towards her throwing his school bag…!

“Careful…” yelled Arnav again and Elsa caught Tej from behind.

“Careful, Tej… I told you…” she said softly and he said loudly…

“Yeah.. I know.. she is pregnant…!” Khushi looked down with reddening cheeks…!

“But….” He care nearer narrowing his eyes…!

“Where is the balloon?” everyone looked at him surprised.  Elsa giggled.

“Buddhu…. Its inside her tummy….” Meera said nose up…! 

“You mean… the balloon is inside her tummy and the baby is inside the balloon?” he asked surprised, keeping his hand on his Khushi buwa’s tummy.  

“How do we blow the air inside?” he asked again pulling Khushi’s hand. 

“Buddhu…. The baby will blow the balloon…” Meera said in a ‘I-Know-it-all’ tone.   

“Wrong….! Khushi buwa will blow the balloon, then it will burst and the baby will come out…” Tej knew better….!

“Ok.. Alright, kids… we will see that later… Now take your bags and go inside….” Mummiji said seeing Arnav pick up his bags.  Elsa picked up the car keys.  

“Khushi puttar… take care…” Papaji said placing his hand on her head, blessing her.  She nodded with teary eyes…! Arnav walked out….! 

**********  *********  ********

“Bhai…That MOU is pending… Mehta Construction is again in the arena….” Aakash and Arnav were engrossed in the business talks and Khushi folded her arms on her chest angrily.

“These men will forget that I am with them…. Business, business, business…Damn it..!” she muttered frowning…

“Aakash Jijaji… umm… take the car to the office… you two get down there and I will drive home…” she said sarcastically.  But her sarcasm had no effect on the two.

“Yeah.. sounds good… I will arrange for the driver Khushi, you don’t drive…” Arnav said and Khushi’s anger shot up…!

“No Arnavji… I will manage… Aakash Jijaji.. drop me at the next circle.. I will hire an auto or a cycle rickshaw and go..!” She said sweetly.

“Are you crazy? “ Arnav shot up too…! She turned her face and looked out of window.

“Khushi… I am talking to you…! What’s wrong with you?” Arnav turned back to look at her.

“Nothing is wrong, Arnavji… Its already six in the evening… Driver ji must have gone for the day by now.  So I will manage…” she said keeping a straight face.  Arnav glanced at Aakash who was chuckling mischievously and the car turned towards Raizada House…Shantivan….!

******  ******   ****  ****

“Think about it, Sir ji… I am waiting….” Krishna Kant disconnected the phone and the person on the other side turned his back to the window.

“What else does he have in hand…?” The person in the plush office paced his room…! Krishna Kant had played is trump card…! The person in the highest power of Uttar Pradesh had jitters, thinking about the consequences…! 

“How am I going to cover this up?” He had no clue.  Thakur Rattansingh was out of custody on bail for ill health.  He suffered an heart attack and was hospitalized.  Other Thakurs were still in the custody and were to be presented before the court once the charges were framed….!

The thriller story was relayed for several days over media discussion and re running the turn of events.  Sham was on death bed… on artificial respiratory systems….! No one was allowed to visit.  The medical staff was to administer the medicines under strict security.  A high profile criminal was admitted, afterall.

“Why is he given so much of importance, as if he is some kind of king or something…!” Hospital staff wondered.  The unprecedented security was not for his health, but for his mouth to shut or open whenever required….! His survival and revival was of utmost importance.

“I must meet him…!” The person walked out of his office.  He must know, what Sham knew and where he had hidden the proof.

Krishna Kant was bidding his time.  His son would not die…! The entire Party Future was in his hands.  They all had seen the mayhem after the downfall of the Thakurs…! Krishna Kant with his son must not die….! 

The man dialed the number.  The RMO picked it up….!

“But Sir, that person is in coma…” He tried to make his point.  But the other person was not in a mood to hear excuses.

“He must survive… must talk before he dies….” The other person ordered with a hidden threat.

“What am I going to do with the brain dead person?” The RMO was hopeless.  “The moment the artificial respiratory system is removed, the person would be dead…” he thought gravely.

Krishna Kant had a bitter smile on his face.  “You won’t die my son… These people will do anything for your life….” He wiped his lips with the back of his palm  and entered the office of the RMO…! 

“We are doing everything, we can, Sir…” The RMO said with a shadow of fear seeing Krishna Kant stand before him….! 

“We are going to airlift him to US” Krishna Kant said and the RMO took a sigh of relief.  A huge burden was lifted from his shoulders.  He just nodded looking down.  Krishna Kant moved out of the Hospital….!