The hall of Shantivan was filled with people dressed in fancy couture, bitching and dissing about each other. Even if they were here for the Muh Dikhai of the newest Raizada bahu but most of the guests were only present here to hear the hottest gossip of town. And such gatherings were just the right venue for the information exchange.

Sumitra - Anjali, when is the newly-wedded coming down? We're all desperately waiting to see her.

Anjali - Just a little while, Aunty. I'll get Payalji. Then you can see her for as long you want.

Her cheerful response met with a tight-lipped laughter, the way posh people do unlike the middle class who laugh their heart out at the first chance they get.

Anjali excused herself and walked towards the main door which had a person enter she'd been waiting for eagerly.

"Khushjjiiii!"

The voice of an overly enthusiastic guy had her realize she wasn't the only person approaching her. Khushi greeted both with a smile and joined her hands politely.

Anjali - Khushiji, we consider you a family member but you behave like a guest with us.

Khushi - Like a guest? But..what do you mean?

Even though her anger was fake, Khushi's late arrival spoiled their plan of pairing up Chote with her as Arnav had left for office.

Anjali - I called you in the morning asking you to come. But you're arriving at this time with guests. And that too alone. Why didn't anyone else come?

Khushi - It's nothing like that Anjaliji. Buaji was having headache and Amma needed to take Babuji to the doctor. And I'm sorry I'm late but actually I was caught up into work.

NK's face had a satisfying grin plastered over the face as he watched them share a quick hug. He'd been waiting for Khushi to turn up ever since Di announced her arrival at the breakfast table. And now having her here, he'll finally ask her out on a date at the first opportunity he'll get.

Khushi - How are you Nanheji?

NK - Erm, am fine Khushji. How are you? Everything's well at home?

Khushi responded in positive with a nod of her head before walking in alongside Anjali to meet rest of the family. She felt so overwhelmed at the love and kinship they showered onto her. And yet her eyes and heart craved for someone else.

Anjali - Khushji, who are you looking for?

Khushi jerked at being caught and thinned her lips. She forcefully formed her lips to a curve before replying.

Khushi - Woh, Jiji! Is she getting ready?

Anjali - Ji. Come, I'll take you up to her.

*

Arnav parked inside his garage. Usually he would leave it outside in the driveway but due to the ceremony taking place inside the house, Shantivan was crowded with vehicles today.

He still couldn't comprehend what he was doing here. In the morning when Di informed everyone she invited the Guptas, his mind wanted nothing else but avoid seeing her which is why he went to office. After being ignored and stood by her, the last thing he wanted was see her. Because he knew, one look into her eyes and he'll melt. Falling in love has its price. Even though he hated to admit it but that girl has become his weakness. It's getting hard to keep the mask of ASR in front of her.

But as it is the case since the girl entered his life, he was unable to concentrate on work. And so it happened, he ended up back at home. His heart demanding he go in asap while his mind ordered him to get back into the car and head to office. It was a tough decision.

And the tiniest bit of regret he was having for giving in to his heart faded away at the sight of his lady love clad into the pink Sari he'd chosen for her the other day. His eyes ran over her form taking their own sweet time.

His heartbeat picked up its pace so fast it threatened to jump out of his chest and right onto her. So many people into the hall and yet he couldn't see any of them. His eyes noticed only her.

On the other side Khushi and Anjali were walking down a veiled Payal when suddenly the first felt a familiar sensation spread around her chest. She recognized this ticklish feeling and looked up to confirm her doubt.

Dhak dhak. Dhak dhak. Dhak dhak.

Her feet halted on their own and everyone else seemed to just fade away leaving only two of them into the spacious room.

Why does this happen Arnavji, that whenever we are near, our heartbeats become fast?

I'll tell you why...because our heartbeats become one.

Keeping a hand onto her heart, she recalled his lines from the terrace. Everything he said, it was an attempt to confess. Even though he couldn't voice out his love in exact words he had manage to express it.

because my breath gets stuck into my throat even at the thought of losing you...my heart beats crazily when you are near me...

Lowering her eyes once towards the Sari and then thinning her lips she looked up at him raising her brows. His chocolate brown eyes gave away things his face desperately tried to hide. The mask of indifference fell onto the ground with her silent question.

A blush spread across her cheeks as he stepped ahead into her direction. She had worn this Sari with the hope of wooing him. And she was glad to know the Sari did its work. Or not?

NK - Khushiji? Khushji! Khushiji!?

A jovial voice echoed into her ears and she blinked once, twice and thrice to have the image of Nanheji disappear. Her bad luck it wasn't working.

NK - Khushiji, I wanted to talk to you.

Wrong timing Nanheji.

Khushi - Nanheji...now!? I mean, Jiji's Muh Dikhai is going on na.

She pointed to the stage set up in the middle of the spacious living room. One by one guests were coming to Payal and lifting her veil up for a look before giving her gifts. All the Raizadas were there only, even Shyam who had his eyes darted at Khushi all the time and didn't miss the silent exchange of looks between Saale Sahab and Khushiji.

Unaware of Shyam's piercing look and Arnav's burning gaze, NK took the opportunity of everyone being so engrossed in the ritual.

NK - I know Khushiji. But it's very important. I wanted to ask if we can go out for a coffee tomorrow?

Khushi just nodded hastily not really having listened to him as at the same time a fuming Arnav walked past her. Will there ever be a damage control in this...relationship...or whatever it was between them? Everytime Arnavji would seem to melt this or the other happened should would result in him being back to his ASR avatar.

Glancing once at a jumping NK going back, she peeped vaguely at the crowd before deciding to go behind Arnav. And just as she turned, Anjali's voice stopped her from taking a step up the stairs.

Anjali - Khushji, can you please do something for me?

Even though she wanted to do nothing else but run behind Arnav, her too-kind-for-the-world of a heart didn't let her deny Anjali.

Khushi - Ji Anjaliji?

Anjali - I forgot the set I wanted to give Payalji in my room. I've kept it on the bed. Can you please go and get it?

Nodding with an animated smile, Khushi went upstairs to Anjali's room. Not finding it on the bed as told by Anjali, she threw a look around and spotted it on the side box.

Khushi - There it is.

Not wasting anymore time, she turned to step out of the room but her eyes widened as a person entered closing the door behind.

Khushi - Shyamji!!! Open the door. Now!

*

Arnav took off his coat and threw it harshly on the bed. With his hands formed into a fist and his teeth clenched, he paced the length of his room with images of Khushi and NK together.

How dare she? How can she go on a date with that NK? She prefers him to me? Seriously!? Why did she wear that Sari then? I thought she...was I wrong?

She looked gorgeous in the Sari. She had rejected the Sari NK chose for her and took this one instead. He was sure she had worn it for him. To make up for yesterday night. But why choose NK over him now?

One look at the poolside and all the particular moments he shared with her in this very place flashed in his mind. The Diwali night where he almost kissed her. That time he was in denial but now he so wished he would have kissed just her.

Damn that Aman!

*

Payal smiled shyly as the woman lifted her veil, threw a critical look at her before finally curving her lips.

Sumitra - I must admit you have got a beautiful daughter-in-law Monarama.

Manorama faked a grin in response as all the eyes darted towards her. And especially her mother-in-law's eyes. She considered herself ill-fated for not being able to voice out her unhappiness in front of her Saas, let alone show it in front of guests.

Sumitra - So Manorama, what are you going to gift your newly wedded bahu?

Manorama - Hello Hi Bye Bye, now you all see the set I'm going to give her.

She opened the box of jewellery to keep it into Payal's lap passing her an arrogant look. The gifts and jewelry mattered least to Payal but what mattered to her were the feelings she received the presents with. And she couldn't help but feel devastated knowing how her mother-in-law feels about her in real. Even if she was very well aware of life not being a fairy tale she still hoped that after marriage Manorama may magically change her opinion about her. Alas!

Sumitra - Anjali, aren't you going to gift your new bhabhi anything?

Everyone gawked at the woman with a mocking voice. It was no secret that Sumitra left no chance of taunting the Raizadas, be it for Anjali living at her Maayka or Manorama marrying her son to an ordinary middle class family.

But today she could find absolutely no reason. The Raizadas made sure of it.

Anjali - Of course Sumitra aunty.

Why didn't Khushi Ji come down yet?

Anjali - But I forgot it in my room. So I'll just get it.

Anjali flashed a geeky smile at the woman from their neighbourhood and walked out of the crowded living room towards the stairs.

*

Khushi - Leave my way Shyamji!

She didn't care to lower her voice for someone may hear her. The only thing she cared for at the moment was her Arnavji. She needed to go and talk to him right now.

Shyam - Please give me two minutes Khushji. I just want to tell you something very important.

Neither his highly honeyed voice nor his pleading expression had any effect on her. She for certain knew that he had nothing important to share with her except of his usual attempts of degrading Anjali's image of a perfect loving wife. Like every time it wouldn't work this time either but she had no time and energy to deal with Shyam now. She needed them for someone else, someone dear to her heart.

Khushi - I'm warning you Shyamji. Don't waste my time. Anjaliji is waiting down for me. Let me go.

Shyam - No Khushji. Today you'll have to hear me out. Just once.

Khushi ignored his masked expression of helplessness and stepped past towards the door.

Shyam - Khushji, I don't love Rani Sahiba. You act to be blind despite knowing how she behaves with me. Please understand that-

She gripped the hold of the door but turned once before opening it.

Khushi - I know what a loving and caring person she is. You should be ashamed of yourself for defaming your wife like this.

Shyam - But-

His last attempt was turned down by her as Khushi spoke in indignation making sure he gets her right.

Khushi - And to be honest even if she was the wife you say she is, It doesn't matter to me. Because that's your personal matter and none of my business.

Shyam - Fine. It is none of your business but what about the fact that I like you? That I have feelings for you?

Shyam broke out finally, frustrated that she is not willing to buy his lies anymore. So why not try it with the truth? He can't bear the growing emotional proximity between Arnav and Khushi.

Khushi - You disgust me!

Khushi threw a filthy look of distaste and twisted to opened the door. Shyam's eyes widened in horror at the sight of Anjali standing right there in front of the door.

*