88

“Why are we like this? Not even a single day of peace…” Khushi asked Arnav who was again getting ready to go to the office, late in the evening…! He came to her, sat on the bed beside her and wrapping his arm around her shoulder said,

“Because, I am addicted to problems in my life …. And …” he paused and Khushi looked up at him. He flicked her nose and said…

“And you are a magnet for problems…!” Khushi puffed her cheeks sulkily. He planted a light kiss on her cheek and said getting up…!

“I will be late, Khushi… Don’t wait for me. Have your dinner and So Jao…” he moved out and Khushi sat there all lost. 

 

“Is he really that powerful… That Krishna Kant, to shake the foundation of Raizada business empire…?” Khushi shook her head in denial. 

 

“Anyway, Arnav ji is there to take care….” She got up sighing and came down. Nani was sitting alone at the dining table all lost in her thoughts. 

 

“Aao Khushi bitiya…” she called Khushi. Payal came out of the kitchen with Anjali. Khushi fidgeted nervously. Everyone was tensed up and nervous.

“Nani…. I am scared….” Anjali said clutching her head. Khushi looked on…!

“Don’t know, when this revenge rampage will stop…!” Nani blurted sighing. Khushi looked at Payal. She too was all lost. 

 

“This is all because of me…” Khushi’s old, self blaming guilt surfaced again. Something churned in her stomach. She ran towards the bathroom. Nani grew worried.

“This stress and tension is not good for early pregnancy…. She should be kept happy and contented….” Nani thought.

“Hello hi bye bye… yeh toh ghusl khanay main hi rahati hai…! This Khusi … is in the bathroom always….” Mami exclaimed and Anjali turned her face smiling. 

 

“Hello hi…. Ab Bye bye kar leo uss Ghusl Khane ko… Aur Bahar aao…” Mami went up to the bathroom door. Khushi came out clutching her tummy. Mami smiled mischievously..

“Yeh bacchha toh hello hi karanay se pahalay hi itana sata raha hain….!” She winked at Khushi. Khushi blushed. 

 

“Khushi bitiya… have your dinner and take rest….” Nani said seriously and Khushi nodded having no desire to eat anything.

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

A lot was at stake…. His political career, his ministry, everything was at stake…! He gazed out of the window… Turbulent weather had shaken his foundations….! 

 

“This enquiry should be restricted to a departmental inquiry….” He glared at the secretary. The secretary merely nodded hanging his head. 

 

“Sir…” The secretary hesitated. “Umm… The Thakur’s are denied bail…” he said and the Minister turned deep in thoughts. He needed Rattan Singh Thakur to be out of the custody at any cost. This news that the bail was denied gave him creeps. The opposition already had demanded CBI inquiry and Rattan Singh Thakur was in deep trouble and he would take all his accomplices down the drain along…! Damage control must be done. The only hope was the intervention from Delhi High Command.

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

“Chote... This stress and fear is not good for her health...” Nani said gravely and Arnav nodded. “She needs change...” Nani said as Arnav sat beside nani deep in thoughts.

“Nani...I think I should take her out somewhere...” he said but didn't know how will he take out time...! 

 

“Umm... Nani... I mean .. I will have to go to Kanpur...” he said and Nani clutched his wrist.

“No Chote... Please No... You are not going there again...” she said and he shook his head.

“Nani... I have a new responsibility... Dadi...! I have to take care of her, see if she is safe ...” he said and Nani fell silent.

“Humm Go..! Take some rest Chote!” Nani said and Arnav helped her get up. 

 

“Good night, Nani..!” he said leaving her hand in her room and Nani called out...!

“Chote... umm... Anjali bitiya... I mean Shondeep and Anjali...!” Arnav gave a nod.

“Yes, Nani.. I will talk to his parents... !” he turned calculating...! He should act fact and should decide on the wedding date... He should talk to Khushi...! 

 

“She will be all excited...!” he smiled inwardly...! “Pagal Khushi...!” He stepped into the bedroom and gazed fondly at sleeping Khushi....!