Shyam's House

Shyam was just about to leave for work with the intention of telling ASR about everything when he heard a sharp knock on the door. His heart skipped a beat as he opened it to find two stern-looking police officers standing there.

"Mr. Shyam?" one of the officers asked, his voice firm.

"Yes, that's me," Shyam replied, his brow furrowing in confusion.

"We need to speak with you regarding a complaint filed against you," the officer said, flashing his badge.

"A complaint? What is this about?" Shyam asked, his confusion turning into a knot of anxiety in his stomach.

"It's about Ms. Lavanya. She has accused you of making false promises and causing her emotional distress, leading to her attempting suicide," the officer explained, his tone serious.

Shyam's face went pale. "What? That's not true! I was in Bangalore for the past five days," he stammered, his mind racing as he remembered his recent argument with Lavanya. "I got back just yesterday. She is lying. I didn't make any promises to her."

"That is what she had written in the suicide note, and her parents have filed the case. You have to come with us for an inquiry," the officer said firmly, leaving no room for argument.

"Where is the proof? Do you have a warrant?" Shyam demanded, trying to regain some control over the situation.

"We do have a warrant," the officer said, producing the official papers and holding them up for Shyam to see. "And about the proof, we'll get it. For that, we'll have to inquire you."

Shyam felt a wave of helplessness wash over him. He had no choice but to comply. With a heavy heart, he grabbed his phone and wallet, and followed the officers out the door, his mind swirling with worry and anger.

That Bitch! He cursed her in his mind.

_________________________

Hospital

Lavanya lay in the hospital bed, her wrist bandaged but the cut was superficial. Her parents stood by her side, their faces etched with worry.

"How are you feeling, Lavi?" her mother asked softly, her voice trembling with concern.

Lavanya mustered a weak smile. "I'm okay, Mom. Just a bit tired," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper, playing her part convincingly.

The door swung open, and Manohar stepped in, his face set in a serious expression. "The police have taken Shyam in for questioning. We'll ensure he faces the consequences for what he did to you," he declared firmly. When Ram Kashyap reached out for help, Manohar responded immediately and learned about the situation. He was shocked that Shyam had made false promises to her, leading to this dire situation. Seeing Lavanya's plight, he was determined to assist Ram and Lavanya in their quest for justice. For him, it was a payback.

Lavanya nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. "Thank you, Uncle. I just want this nightmare to end," she said, her voice trembling with a genuine emotion that came with the calculated performance and experience.

The doctor, standing nearby, glanced at Lavanya with a knowing look. He was aware that the cut was harmless, and played along with her, for his own benefits.

Lavanya internally smirked at her plan and act. How dare he threaten her? Now Arnav would think before believing a cheater like Shyam. She planned her drama well. It was a mere act to get back at Shyam, who had threatened to reveal her intentions to ASR. Her act was convincing, but except the doctor, no one knew the truth and no one will. She was determined.

_________________________

AR Fashion House

The office was abuzz with gossip about Lavanya's situation. Sim and Pam were talking in hushed tones.

"Good that Shyam is taken into custody but I cannot believe Lavanya could kill herself for someone like Shyam," Sim whispered, feeling sorry for her friend.

"We shouldn't have let her go in that condition two days ago or at least we should have gone to her house yesterday when she didn't come to the office," Pam replied, shaking her head, regret filling her heart.

Priya, overhearing them, was worried and confused. Seeing her expression, Sim asked, "Don't you still believe what Lavanya said to us two days ago?"

Priya gulped, recalling the events from two days ago.

It was break time, and the office was as usual blurred with gossip. Lavanya entered with a heartbroken face, her eyes red and puffy. Sim frowned, her concern evident. "What happened to you, Lavanya?" she asked softly.

Lavanya shook her head, turning away as if to control her tears. Sim, sensing something was wrong, probed further despite Lavanya's initial refusals. "What's wrong, Lavanya? If you won't tell us, how can we help you?" she insisted, her voice gentle but firm.

Lavanya burst into tears, her sobs echoing in the quiet corner of the cafeteria. Thankfully, they were seated at one of the corner tables, away from the others. Only Sim, Pam, Priya, and Lavanya were present.

"What happened?" Pam asked, her voice filled with worry as she reached out to touch Lavanya's arm.

"Do you guys remember me coming from ASR's cabin with a love bite?" Lavanya asked, trying to control her tears, her voice barely above a whisper.

"Yeah, you even told us to keep it secret until he announces it," Sim reminded her, her brow furrowing in confusion.

"Yeah, I lied," Lavanya cried, covering her face with her hands, her shoulders shaking with sobs.

"What?" Sim and Pam were shocked and confused, while Priya rolled her eyes, her expression skeptical.

"Yes, I lied," Lavanya repeated, her voice trembling, her hands trembling as she wiped her tears.

"Lied about what?" Sim narrowed her gaze, her tone demanding answers.

"That love bite isn't from ASR," Lavanya confessed in a small voice, her eyes filled with shame.

"Then who?" Pam probed, her curiosity piqued.

"It was from Shyam," Lavanya declared, her voice breaking, shocking Sim, Pam, and Priya.

"What?" Priya shouted, her face full of anger and disbelief.

"Yes. He was still in a relationship with you when he approached me. I was attracted too, and then we started our affair. He promised to marry me," Lavanya cried, looking at Priya with tears streaming down her face. "That's why he broke up with you."

She sniffed, caressing her heart, leaving a shocked Priya speechless. "A few days ago, as you guys saw, that love bite was from Shyam, but he didn't want to reveal it to anyone. That's why I covered up with ASR's name, and now he broke up with me."

She cried again, her sobs growing louder. "He said it was just to use me."

She sobbed, heartbroken, while Priya's face turned red with anger. "I don't believe it. Shyam may be a Casanova, but he doesn't make false promises or cheat. He for sure didn't cheat on me," she said firmly, her voice shaking with emotion.

Sim and Pam were just shocked and confused, their minds racing. Lavanya cried, "I know it can be shocking to you, but it's the truth. I'm so sorry," she apologized, her voice filled with regret.

Sim, who was a feminist, soon got angry. "How can he do this to you and Priya? You have to take a stand," she said, her voice filled with determination.

Priya was still in disbelief, looking at the crying Lavanya, whose face had turned red and was now hiccuping.

"But he went to Bangalore, right? He'll only come back after two days now," Pam informed, trying to piece together the timeline.

"I will. I will talk to him again once he gets back," Lavanya said, her voice hoarse from crying.

"Until then, just don't say anything to anyone," Lavanya requested as Sim offered her water. "I only told you because you asked and I wanted to share it with someone."

Sim nodded, her eyes filled with empathy. "It's my battle and I will fight it," Lavanya wiped her face. As she turned towards Priya, she gulped, tears welling up in her eyes, "And I am sorry, Priya. Once again. I shouldn't have done that to you!"

Priya didn't react while Sim felt bad for both the women.

Lavanya went home in the same mood. Priya still couldn't believe Shyam could do this, but Lavanya's suicide attempt started seeding doubts in her head. She didn't know whom to believe: a girl who decided to kill herself heartbroken or the man she had been in a physical relationship with for a few months.

_________________________

Somewhere in the air,

While AR was busy gossiping during breaktime, relieved that ASR hadn't come to the office, a surprised Arnav found himself in a helicopter with a grinning Khushi sitting beside him.

"Seriously, Khushi? You're here? You faked a fever and took a sick leave just to travel in the air?" Arnav exclaimed, his eyes narrowing in disbelief.

Khushi's grin widened.

"And who even told you I was traveling? Huh?" he asked, gritting his teeth.

Khushi glared back at him, her eyebrows furrowing. "Whoever told me, what's your problem if I'm traveling with you? Huh?"

Arnav sighed deeply, trying to gulp down his emotions. "Khushi," he said, his voice softening as he looked at her, frustration mingling with affection in his eyes.

"It's Aman, isn't it? He told you, didn't he?" Arnav guessed, his gaze fixed on Khushi, who quickly looked away. He knew it. Her eyes would never lie.

"This Aman. I will kill him," he muttered under his breath as the helicopter soared through the sky, the rhythmic thrum of the blades filling the silence.

"Don't scold Aman Bhaiyya," Khushi retorted, her voice sharp as she turned back to face him, her eyes flashing with a mix of defiance and concern.

Arnav rolled his eyes at Khushi's sisterly affection for Aman, who had gone behind his back to inform her about his air travel plans. 

Traitor!  he thought, cursing him in his mind.

"Khushi, why did you even come here?" Arnav asked, making a face of exasperation.

"I told you, I just wanted to travel by air and enjoy the view," Khushi replied, her tone light but firm.

Seeing his stern expression, she added, "Arnav, tum mere liye itna nahi kar sakte? Me iss chopper me baith nahi sakti?" She pouted, trying to emotionally blackmail him.

(Arnav, can't you do this much for me? Can't I sit in this chopper?)

Arnav rolled his eyes again, gritting his teeth in frustration. "Don't do dramas, Khushi."

Ignoring his irritation, Khushi turned her attention back to the breathtaking view outside, her eyes sparkling with excitement.

As the helicopter began its descent, Arnav's worry grew. He knew how much Khushi despised the Malliks, and the thought of her being in the same city as them was deeply concerning. His mind raced with thoughts of how to protect her, even as he tried to maintain a calm exterior.

"Why did you accompany me, Khushi?" Arnav asked, his voice tinged with suspicion. He wondered if Aman had only mentioned his travel plans or if he had also revealed the reason behind them. Knowing Aman, he probably had, which explained why Khushi had surprised him in the chopper, almost threatening the pilot to fly with both of them.

"I heard there's a good amusement park here. Thought I'd visit it and enjoy," Khushi replied with a smile, her eyes twinkling mischievously.

Arnav flared his nostrils at her blatant lie. Her eyes always gave away the truth. "Don't lie to me, Khushi. I know you very well, don't try this with me." He shot her a piercing look, making Khushi gulp in worry.

"Out with it, already," Arnav demanded as they settled into the car.

"Fine. Aman Bhaiyya told me how you are going to Lucknow to confront Samaya Aunty. That's why I'm here," Khushi admitted.

Arnav clenched his jaws, his frustration evident as he processed her words.

"I know you hate this place and the Malliks, Arnav. I hate the Malliks too. But that doesn't mean you have to face them alone, including Samaya Aunty. I don't know why you're meeting her or for what purpose. Aman Bhaiyya didn't tell me anything other than your visit to Lucknow and Samaya Aunty's house. But whatever your reasons, I know it's going to hurt you, and that's why I'm here," she explained, cupping his cheeks.

"Knowing you, you won't share your pain with anyone and you won't inflict that pain on me either. I know. But I'm not allowing you to go through this alone. I'm going to be with you while you meet Samaya Aunty, no matter how much I dislike them. More than me, it's you who's going to get hurt, and I know I can't prevent that, but I'll be with you to comfort you. I just can't see you in pain, and more than that, I can't be at peace knowing you're somewhere, hurting, crying, broken, and all alone," she said, tears glistening in her hazel eyes.

Arnav felt a surge of emotion as he hugged her, overwhelmed. Khushi caressed his hair, offering her warmth and love. The way she cared for him, no one else could, and no one else ever would. He swallowed his tears, though he wanted nothing more than to break down and cry in her lap.

He wanted to visit Samaya. He even thought about taking Khushi along. But he knew he couldn't. He had to go through this alone. He hated Lucknow and the Malliks, and she hated all the Malliks too—Arvind, Avinash, and Samaya. He didn't want to subject her to that. He didn't want her to meet someone she despised, someone who caused him distress. The one who hurt him would never please Khushi. Samaya was one of them.

He remembered how Samaya had come to the Gupta House the day after the Guptas took him and his sister in until Devyani and Manohar returned. Khushi and the Guptas thought Samaya was there to console them, if not to take them back, but it turned out to be something else entirely. It angered little Khushi to no end and shattered Arnav and Anjali even more, as if there was anything left to break.

"I am just here to give some of the things that were left behind in Sheesh Mahal," Samaya said, her voice cold and expressionless. She handed them a small bag and Dorechan, who was weak and hungry. They hadn't even fed the poor animal.

That action of hers left Anjali more heartbroken. Arnav though was broken, tried not showing his emotions. Seeing their broken expressions, the anger in Khushi's small heart for Samaya started growing. She was already angry with Avinash and Arvind. Now Samaya was added to her list of those who hurt her friends deeply.

Samaya continued, her tone indifferent, "I thought it was best to return these to you. They don't belong in Sheesh Mahal anymore."

Anjali's eyes filled with tears as she looked at the contents of the bag — old family photos, a few trinkets, and a worn-out teddy bear that she used to cherish. She clutched the bear to her chest, her sobs silent but heart-wrenching.

Arnav gulped down his emotions, looking away.

Khushi's small fists clenched in anger. "How could you be so heartless, Aunty? I thought you felt bad for them? You were fighting for them? But..now? Why are you doing this?"

Khushi glanced at Avinash standing outside their house keeping an eye on them.

"You are bad too, like Arvind uncle and Avinash uncle," Khushi screamed at them.

Shashi, Madhumathi, and Garima looked on. They tried to stand against them too but nothing changed Samaya.

Samaya's eyes flickered with a hint of guilt as she looked at Arnav and Anjali, but she quickly masked it with indifference. "It's not my concern anymore. I've done what I came to do."

With that, she turned and walked away, leaving behind a trail of broken hearts and deepening the hatred in Khushi's heart.

After reading the report Aman had handed him, Arnav knew he had to visit Samaya. But if he told Khushi the truth, she'd insist on coming with him.

If he could, he would have brought Khushi with him to Lucknow. But he couldn't bear to cause her any more pain. That's why he started the journey alone. Yet, Khushi surprised him by showing up, almost threatening the pilot to let her fly with Arnav.

Now that she was here, offering her warmth, he couldn't help but accept it. He was selfish. He depended on Khushi. He couldn't face his past with a brave heart, yet he tried. He had no strength, yet he tried. The thought of confronting Samaya without Khushi's presence terrified him, yet he tried. But Khushi wouldn't let him face this alone. She was willing to face Samaya with him, despite her own feelings, just to support him. But he couldn't bear to take more from her than he already had.

With Khushi beside him, he knew he'd always find the strength. But at the cost of inflicting pain on her?

As they drove to the hotel, Arnav's mind was a whirlwind of emotions. He was going to meet Samaya alone. If Khushi hated someone and got distressed by meeting them, then she wouldn't have to. He wouldn't let her. She managed to threaten the pilot but not him. After meeting Samaya, he'd go straight to Khushi and lie on her lap, seeking comfort.

He remembered the countless times Khushi had stood by him, her unwavering support giving him the courage to face his demons. As they approached the hotel, Arnav felt torn between his need for Khushi and his desire to protect her from more pain. His heart pounded with anxiety, and he clenched his fists, trying to steady his nerves.

As they checked into the hotel, Arnav took a deep breath, steeling himself for what lay ahead. He would face Samaya alone, but he knew that no matter what happened, Khushi would be there for him afterward. And that thought gave him the courage to step forward, even as his heart trembled with anxiety. He knew he had to fight Khushi to meet Samaya alone.

Shyam's House

That evening, Shyam stumbled into his home, utterly drained from the relentless questioning. His mind was a whirlwind of disbelief, anger, and frustration. How could Lavanya stoop so low? The police seemed to be buying into her story, all because of a few misleading WhatsApp messages. But what haunted him the most was her suicide attempt. It was a trump card that cast a shadow over everything.

For the first time, Shyam found himself cursing the Indian legal system. Why did it feel like men were always presumed guilty until proven innocent, while women were given the benefit of the doubt? Why in men's case, it's always 'guilty until proven innocent' and in women's case, 'innocent until proven guilty'? The injustice gnawed at him.

"I need to talk to Arnav," Shyam muttered to himself, his voice tinged with determination and desperation. "He needs to know the truth before Lavanya spreads more lies." The weight of worry and tension was taking its toll, evident in the lines etched on his face. His reputation was already tarnished. Would ASR even believe him now? Shyam wasn't sure, but he knew he had to try. He couldn't let Lavanya's deceit go unchallenged.

Regards,

Poly

13-08-2024

Let me know what you think about the update. 

What do you think Lavanya is playing at?

Will Arnav believe Shyam now?

What do you think about Manohar? 

P.S. I know this chapter has no cute moments between Arshi. But this was needed. And soon the flashbacks will start. 

Do vote, comment, and share. 

Good night!