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“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..!