Na Tum Janoo Na Hum (Neither you nor do I know)

- Sometimes you just leave it to God.

The title and quote belong to an Hindi movie.

This is longest OS I've written till now!! Enjoy reading it 😊😊

Dressed in a red and heavy lehenga, the veil covering her hair and make up adding to her beauty by the talented Lisa from parlour, she was undoubtedly one of the most beautiful brides. But what's the use of satisfying the eyes of others with your beauty if deep inside you, you know that you're not the happiest bride ever?!

"Khushi.. Where are you lost? Thinking about Chote?" Anjali, the sister of her forced groom is having fun in teasing her.

She just forced a smile on her face as she has been doing since she reached the hall, not having strength to reply to her teasings. Because she's tired, she just want to be alone and cry her heart out. Her life, her happiness, her dreams were crushed by her own parents who turned her marriage into a deal of business!!

Not even caring about what she wants or what matters to her, they tied her to the younger son of Raizada family, Arnav Singh Raizada and became relatives with the most richest, successful and respected family of Delhi, The Raizadas. A relationship that would help both to get benefits for each other in business, but wouldn't give any benefit to the ones who were forcefully tied by her parents in an unwanted marriage. A marriage with no future, a marriage with no love, a forced arranged marriage! Will she be able to fulfill her duties towards the man she doesn't love but still is her husband? Will she be able to give her best to this forced marriage? Will she be able to walk along with him in this journey or will end up giving up on it?

"Don't worry.. Your wait is over!" Anjali said and the relatives behind accompanying her to her husband's room, now "Their" room giggled.

Anjali opened the door, only to gasp at the sight, she immediately frowned: Chote what are you doing here?! Didn't I say for you to wait outside till Khushi comes here? You were supposed to come after her..

Khushi looked up to see her husband already in his shirt and track pants who stood up from the bed and walked towards them. While he was walking, her eyes landed on the floor adorned by the rose petals that he shoved away from the bed!! What a great welcome for her!!

"I was sleepy Di.. By the way, this is my room so why should I enter after her?" Arnav replied frowning.

Anjali look at him with unbelievable look, then laughed lightly trying to enlighten the mood and somehow hide the truth of the forced marriage to the relatives, she clenched Arnav's cheek, "You're married now.. stop being childish!"

"Marrying at young age doesn't make me elder Di!" Arnav gritted his teeth irked not even caring that the guests were hearing these conversations. At least, she faked happiness to the guest, while he doesn't mind showing his displeasure towards this marriage.

"Let's leave them alone, they must be tired now.." Anjali said ignoring her brother's words. She smiled to Khushi patting her cheeks, "Good luck!"

Khushi again faked a smile and nodded her head. Anjali and the guests left from there.

Arnav walked back to the bed and jumped on it burying his face on the pillow.

Khushi sighed. Couldn't be at least polite with her? Welcome her in the room, showing her the bathroom and ask her to change the clothes? Both were forced to this marriage, but that doesn't justify this rude behavior of his!

She closed the door of the room and walked towards the bathroom, taking a quick shower she changed to her night suit and walked out of the bathroom wondering where to sleep? On the bed with him or on the recliner near his bed?

"Where will I sleep?" Khushi asked hesitantly.

"Usually people sleep on bed.. Where do you want to sleep?" Arnav stare at her and sarcasm could be felt on his tone.

"I just thought.." he cut her off.

"Married people sleep on the same bed.. It's not sin.. So let's just cut off the same boring and with no logic scenes of serials where husband and wife sleep separately till they fall in love!" he said boringly and turned to other side facing his back to her.

Khushi rolled her eyes and walked to her side and laid on the bed covering herself with the blanket. Although she prepared herself to sleep, but she couldn't stop thinking what her life. She was so happy, enjoying her life with her college friends, studying on college and dreaming about her career life. But everything changed drastically in her life, now she's married, she has more responsibilities on her shoulders towards her husband and his family, plus handling college. Will she be able to manage all this? What time is she going to give for herself? Will she lose herself in handling the forced relationships and pursing her dreams?

Few tears made way to her cheeks and she quickly wiped it off, closing her eyes tightly trying to get some sleep.

Arnav, on the other side was least interested in this marriage. His parents forced him to marry but they will face the consequences of it also. He will not change himself neither do these stupid husband duties at such a young age where he's supposed to have fun and study.

Only two hours passed away, and the problem came in without invitation!

"Arnav why are you pulling the whole blanket to yourself? See I'm feeling cold also and top of that you switched on the AC.." Khushi whined irritated with him.

"The blanket is mine!" he mumbled frowning in his sleep after hearing her complaints.

"But we are married now, so you ought to share things with me!" Khushi replied back angrily.

Arnav glanced at her with a dangerous and fed up of you look before throwing the blanket to her side, "Don't start with marriage lecture on me all the time!"

"I don't like to remind it everytime, but it seems you forget it every second!" Khushi glared at him.

"That's because I was forced to this marriage.. You easily forget things you don't want in your life.." he too glared at her.

"I didn't marry you out of love either!" she faced her back to him covering herself with the blanket again.

So this was the start of the journey of 19 years old Arnav and Khushi who were forced in a relationship. Will they be able to turn this drastic situation in their favor?

****************************************************************************
Arnav walked out of the bathroom and walked to his dresser, brushing his hair and engrossed in his own world when his eyes landed on his wife standing and staring at him with deadpan expression.

"What?" he shrugged not understanding her look, "You slept with the blanket last night, don't complain now!"

"Arnav seriously.. What is this? Look at the mess you've made to just get ready.. Why change clothes repeatedly and throw the clothes carelessly on the bed, on floor and God knows where.. And towel on bed seriously Arnav! Look at your books laid on the table.. Everything is such a mess in this room.. You're not a child anymore for God sake.." Khushi let out her frustration shutting her eyes tightly.

Arnav looked around, then at her with confused expression: Why are you getting irritated? Chill na, HP will clean it later..

"Oh my God.. It's impressive how you manage to forget everytime that we are MARRIED.. The responsibility of taking care of our room falls on me eventually!" Khushi shouted losing cool with him.

"Then clean it.." Arnav shrugged taking his books and kept them on his bag.

"You should help me also.. Don't you know today I've to attend prayers and then cook for the first time here?" Khushi glared at him.

"Well I don't know about these rituals at all neither do I care to know!" Arnav said and walked out of the room leaving a frustrated Khushi behind.

Khushi sat on the bed throwing the pillow to the floor with tears falling from her eyes.

College! Even she wants to go to her college, but at last had so sacrifice few days off college for this marriage!

Wiping her tears away, she cleaned the room hurriedly and went downstairs to attend Raizada family as the daughter in law of house. After the quick prayer, Anjali, Payal (Akash's wife) and Mami took her to the kitchen and instructed her what to cook. After that, they left her in the kitchen with the most loyal employee of Raizada Mansion, HP.
She started taking ingredients with the help of HP and set to work. In middle of it, she forgot some steps and quickly took her phone, opening the WhatsApp chat she had with her mother yesterday night and heard the voice note of her mother explaining her how to make the sweets.
****************************************************************************
At the dinning hall..

"You're married now Arnav.." Raj, his father spoke with a small smile playing on his lips.

"Are you asking me or informing me Dad?" Arnav asked.

"You should stop being childish, irresponsible and a spoilt brat and started getting in to the family business.." Raj gritted his teeth.

"I'm not stopping college just because I got married.. I've no interest in this business of yours!" Arnav said angrily.

"Then how will you take responsibility of your wife? By becoming a tailor?" Raj mocked.

Akash, his elder cousins brother let out a mocking chuckled followed by his Mama who laughed at his face and his dreams of becoming a fashion designer.

"You should have thought that before forcing me to get married only to get expand and increase the popularity of your business with Guptas. How cheap Dad.." Arnav replied back fearlessly.

Now this was nothing new to them, Arnav is the only one who has guts to reply to Raj Singh Raizada.

Raj slammed his fist on the table angrily, and Anjali intervened to calm down the situation.

"Chote don't talk with Dad like this.." Anjali said in scolding tone.

Arnav looked away pissed off.

Khushi came with HP and placed the dishes she prepared on the table.

Everyone started serving for themselves. Khushi sat beside Arnav.

She was about to serve him as the ladies started pestering her to serve her husband. But Arnav showed his palm, "I can serve myself.."

Khushi nodded and served for herself. Nani tasted the sweet she prepared and smiled, "It's very tasty Khushi bitiya.. Very good.. Come here, I need to gift you something for this.."

Khushi nodded and walked towards Nani taking the gold bangles as her gift. After Nani, the elders blessed her and gave her money too.

Arnav stood up taking his bag and walked towards Khushi, "Let's go!"

"Where?" Khushi looked at him confused.

"College.. where else?" he asked rolling his eyes.

Khushi was touched by this, the only one who thought to ask her to go to college was unexpectedly, her husband!!

She looked at the family as if seeking permission. Nani showed her disappointment through her expression, because for her married girls should stay at home taking care of the family and husband. Anjali influenced by the teachings of Nani, shared the same thoughts.

"If you want to go to college, then we're not going to stop you Khushi.. We also believe that education is important.." Raj spoke blinking his eyes giving her permission.

"But it's her first day in the house, Dad.." Anjali complained.

"Di we're having exams in college.. If Khushi miss out her exams, it will affect her negatively.." Arnav said.

"Anyway who am I'm explaining things to? The ones who didn't care think about our age, our dreams before tying us in this unwanted relationship.." he rolled his eyes.

"Arnav behave yourself.." Raj glared at him then looked at Khushi, "Go and get ready bitiya.."

Khushi nodded smiling, at least she will be able to give her exams that she had prepared for with so much dedication and hard work. The credit for this goes to her husband!!
****************************************************************************
Arnav parked the car in college and they got down the car.

Arnav ran towards his friends smiling and high-five with them. She too went towards her class and found her friends who were surprised to see her.

"Khush.." Lavanya rushed to her, "Is everything alright?"

Khushi sighed and nodded her head, "Yeah!"

"Did your in laws let you come to college?" Kiara, another friend of hers asked curiously.

"Yeah.." Khushi nodded.

"Khushi you've become so silent now, I know it's difficult for you but please don't be upset like this.. We can't see you like this.." Lavanya caressed her cheek cheering her.

Khushi tried to smile but failed miserably, she hugged Lavanya tightly shedding tears she had been controlling till now, "I can't Lavanya.. I can't bear this.. this is a horrible experience.. I'm married to someone I don't love.. I'm doing everything alone.. every responsibility is on me and Arnav doesn't even help me.. I miss my home.. I miss my parents.. I miss my room.. I miss my earlier life.. Everything is so strange and different in that house.. their lifestyle.. you know.. their habits.. their rules.. I'm trying to adapt to all this.. but I feel empty.. alone.. No one is there to help me.. no one is there to comfort me.. no one is there to give me love.. they only look at me as the daughter in law of the house.. I'm so scared.. Will I be able to do this Lavanya?"

Lavanya and Kiara looked at each other feeling bad for Khushi. Kiara joined the hug comforting her friend while a lone tear escaped her eyes seeing her friend in a situation like this.

While on the other side, Arnav was walking with his friends to his class room.

"Share us the experience of being married ASR.." Karan laughed patting his back.

Arnav glared at him, "As if you don't know.."

"Must say Arnav.. we're looking for beautiful girlfriends and here you directly hit the jackpot.. such a beautiful girl you got as your wife.. Your life is set yaar.." Sameer said teasingly and high five with Karan.

Unlike girls who understood Khushi's situation, the boys were busy teasing Arnav not even caring to know what he's going through. What is to be forced to marry someone you don't want? What is to hear tantrums from your father everyday? What is having a father who doesn't support and only like to impose his decisions on him?

Staring at his phone, he saw that there's already time to exam to start. So he just left his friends and went to sit in a corner alone for sometime.

That's when his another friend came and sat beside him, "What's up bro?"

"If you came here to tease me like others, then please leave me alone Aman!" Arnav said looking away.

"Hey don't judge me so quickly!" Aman pouted.

Arnav's lips broke into a smile, "Then why are you here?"

"Just thought you need someone to let out your feelings.. and who's the best other than me?" Aman smirked proudly.

"I was just not prepared for all this.. Dad made a joke out of my life, my marriage.." Arnav shook his head upset staring at nothing in particular.

Aman patted his shoulder giving silent support.

"You know what he told me in morning.. After forcing me to this marriage, he still makes fun of my career choice.. I mean like if everyone in family chose business, does that mean I've to follow same line? Can't I have my own dreams?! Why is becoming a fashion designer stupid and useless for him? Why can't he respect and support my decisions? And if he doesn't even agree, then at least I expected him to keep silent and not make fun of me and let me down everytime in front of Akash bhai.. He's always praising Akash bhai and taunting me.. Like I'm useless!"

"And then he tells me to join his business for take care of my wife.. I should drop college for that.." Arnav rolled his eyes.

"And what about Khushi?" Aman asked.

"Oh my wife.." Arnav chuckled sarcastically, "She just started throwing her tantrums.. Can you believe it she woke me up at night when we were sleeping just to fight for blanket? What the hell yaar.. At morning, scolding me for not keeping the room clean.."

"Exactly like my mom!" Aman exclaimed thinking how his mother scolds him to keep the room clean.

"Hmm.. she came to fill the place of my mother then!" Arnav said, "I'm not used to hear scoldings like this.. HP cleans the room once I leave to college, suddenly when she shouted at me I was confused why is she making it a big issue? If Ma was with me, perhaps I would have understood why Khushi reacted like that.."

"Yeah.." Aman nodded.

"What have you planned now?" Aman asked.

"What? I'm not gonna do this husband's role.. I already did what Dad wanted, marry her.. now they shouldn't expect anything else from me.. I'm going to live my life normally after this.." Arnav shrugged.

"Reality is different Arnav.. You can't change the fact that you're married!" Aman patted his shoulder and went from there.

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

Reception party..
"Where is your husband dear?" the ladies asked her and she could only fake a smile to them and lie that Arnav would come soon.

All his family were trying to trace him but no sign of Arnav. She was alone once again handling the guests, trying to be brave enough to bear all their questions, mocking comments and pity looks being thrown at her.

Hours passed by, the guests tiredly left after enjoying the party to the fullest, his family were damn angry with his behavior and she was feeling lonely in between all this. She left to her room and changed her clothes, then sat on the bed crying her heart out. Had she not been forced to marry, then she wouldn't face such a humiliation in her reception party tonight!

And her parents didn't even utter a word against Arnav's behavior because they didn't want to spoil their relationship with Raizadas. All they said for Raizadas was to forgive Arnav since he's still young and immature.

Arnav walked in the room, dropping his basketball on the floor and glanced at her crying, "Why are you crying?"

"Why am I crying? Is that even a question to ask? Did you forget tonight was our reception party? Why didn't you came then? Why did you left me to handle the guests alone?" Khushi shouted and stood up to face him.

"Because this marriage means nothing to me.." Arnav shouted back.

"It means nothing to me too Mr. Raizada but we have to act maturely now.." Khushi glared at him, "You are married, at least have some sense in your mind.. Today morning you left the room in such a mess, and now you skipped our Reception party for what? To play basketball with your friends? Seriously Arnav grow up!"

"Why are you picking up my faults? You too grow up.. Wasn't it you who called your mother last night to teach you how to cook? Wasn't it you who brushed your hair and left your hair on the brush? Wasn't it you who made Kheer with sugar despite the fact that Di had informed you to make it sugar free for me? I still had it and didn't complain at all.." Arnav said angrily.

Khushi looked at him embarrassed. He left to the bathroom sighing hard and closed the door with a bang.

Khushi pouted and went to the dresser, taking his brush she started cleaning it angrily cursing him.

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

During their daily life:

"Arnav switch off the TV.. It's 1 am now and I can't even sleep.. You know I've to wake up early also.." Khushi whined.

"Now I can't even watch TV.." Arnav glared at her.

"Try to understand me.. I have to wake early tomorrow to accompany Nani to temple.." Khushi said.

"When I want to sleep you keep talking with your friends non-stop all night? You want to sleep with lights on and spoil my sleep? But when it's me who's watching TV then madam wants me to understand her situation.." he said sarcastically.

Khushi turned to other side of the bed, facing her back to him and buried her face on pillow trying to sleep.

Arnav switched off the TV and laid on bed to sleep also.

Khushi peeked to see him and smiled.

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

Choosing his clothes, he picked one shirt but give up on wearing that and was about to throw it away on the floor when her stern voice stopped him, "Arnav!"

He sighed and kept it back, finally taking a white shirt and jeans, he walked towards the bathroom.

Khushi smiled shaking her head, she looked around the room satisfied seeing clean and organized.

She went downstairs and prepared breakfast.

At the dinning hall, she reached and found Mami and Nani comparing her and Payal. They were talking how much Payal doesn't give attention to family these days and concentrates more on work with her husband Akash, and how she despite going to college, manages to fulfill her duties towards the family. Although they were speaking bad about Payal, she couldn't help but feel proud of herself at what she had achieved. She was crying so much on her marriage day thinking if she will or not be able to do all this but today she can feel she has done half of it. Now she's more comfortable in this house, she knows how to cook without asking her mother the steps, she knows how to keep the elders happy, she gets along well with everyone and doesn't feel like a stranger anymore.

"Khushi bitiya.." Nani smiled and said aloud so that Mami hears and put an end to their conversation, but it was too late as she had heard it.

Still not wanting them to feel awkward, she acted like she didn't knew anything and started serving them the breakfast.

Payal came downstairs talking with some business partners on the phone and sat on her chair.

Mami and Nani eyed to each other and Khushi couldn't help but chuckle.

"Arnav's birthday is approaching.." Nani said a loud when all members of the family came to the dining hall.

"I won't have time to make you a birthday party.. I'm going abroad for business issues.." Raj said glancing at Arnav.

"He's not baby boy anymore also.. What's the need of parties and all? Just a waste of time and money.." Akash said boringly.

"Correct.." Raj nodded.

"Take money with Akash and buy yourself something.." Raj said.

"Why Akash? Why can't he take money from Di?" Payal immediately frowned.

"He can take money from me too Payal.. I never denied.." Anjali said.

"It doesn't seem so! Always Akash has to give money to Arnav.. I never saw you taking your money to your own brother!" Payal said.

Anjali was about to reply when Raj angrily spoke, "All this money is mine, there's no need to fight over it!"

Payal looked down embarrassed, "I'm sorry uncle.."

Akash glared at Payal, then looked back at Raj, "Sorry bade papa, she doesn't know what she speaks.. I'm Arnav's elder brother and I will give him money whenever he needs it.."

Arnav just rolled his eyes. His family are just behind the head of the family, Raj Singh Raizada because of money. Indeed he's living with money minded people like Khushi's family also, that's why they didn't even mind to force their kids to get married.

Khushi, Nani and Mami looked sadly at Arnav.

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

Today is Arnav's birthday and no one cared to even wish Happy birthday to him in morning. Reason? Busy in their lives, they forgot his birthday also when Nani had already informed them about the same. Only she, Nani and Mami wished him happy birthday. Oh, and last but not the least.. HP, the loyal servant of the house was the first one to wake up a 00:00 am and wish Arnav on his birthday. Khushi got the second rank in this one followed by Nani and Mami. But she promised herself that next year she will be first one to wish him Happy birthday.

After that, they went to college. Arnav went to his classes, but she took a u-turn and walked out of the college, called Lavanya and Kiara to ask if they're done with the shopping of decorations things she needed to decorate their room as a surprise for him.

Then she went hurriedly back home and baked a sugar free cake for him. Lavanya and Kiara also reached in RM.

So she, Mami, Nani, Lavanya, Kiara and HP started with their mission to decorate their room in full speed because Arnav could finish his classes and come back home anytime.

They took two hours but completed everything in time. She thanked her partners in crime happily and took his cake to their room placing it on small decorated table at the poolside.
And waited till he comes back from college.

After one hour, her wait came to an end when he walked in the room.

Arnav gasped surprised looking around his room, filled with balloons on the floor, and on his bed. He looked at Khushi and before he could say anything, she started singing for him.



"Happy birthday to you.. Happy birthday to you.. Happy birthday dear Arnav.. Happy birthday to you!!" she sang smiling and dragging him to the poolside where he got another surprise.

A cake for him!! After such a long he's actually celebrating birthday like this. His mother lost her life when he was seven and since then he never had any birthday party due to his father's less time to give attention to him.

His eyes got moist staring at the birthday cake.

"Cut the cake.." Khushi said handling a knife to him.

Arnav took the knife from her hand and gestured her to cut the cake with him.

Although surprised and caught unprepared for this, Khushi held his hand and cut the cake with him.

Arnav took a piece of cake and feed her, and she took the same piece to feed him.

"Thank you.. I wasn't expecting this.." Arnav said emotional and surprised, and he quickly masked his feelings teasing her, "Your cooking skills have improved.. I love the cake!"

"After all I'm Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada!" Khushi said raising her imaginary collar smirking.

Hearing his name attached to his, made him realize that long back his MOTHER stood like Khushi feeding him cake, and today his WIFE is doing the same. It seemed that empty space in his life was filling with Khushi's presence.

A lone tear escaped from his eyes, he just hugged Khushi tightly as much as he could.

Khushi gasped shocked not expecting this, but realizing that he was sobbing. She caressed the back of his hair whispering sweet nothings to him, "Hey.. Kya hua? Why are you crying? Shh.. stop crying.. My husband is such a cry boy.. you don't look good crying Arnav.. stop crying baba.. What happened?"

"Uski yaad aa rahi hai..(I'm missing her)" he said in between his sobs.

"Your Ma?" Khushi asked softly.

Arnav nodded. Khushi tightened her grip on him.

Their first hug was interrupted by a phone call, Arnav picked up the call breaking the hug.

Khushi looked away lost, never she thought she would be hugging her husband, feel his pain and support him like this. Life is so unpredictable!!

But one thing she got know, Arnav wasn't a spoilt brat. He was just a boy who's not been given attention and time from his family, and that made him detach himself from his family and spend most of the time with his friends, having fun and all that making him gain the title of a spoilt brat.

"Cancel it yaar.. I won't be able to come.." Arnav said for the second time to his friends.

"Err.. well.. I want to spend my birthday with Khushi.." he replied embarrassed to his friend who asked him why he cancelled the plans at last minute.

After earning teasings laughs and talks from his friend, he hang the call and looked at Khushi.

"You could have gone with your friends.." Khushi smiled a little.

"I thought someone needed my help to burst the balloons on OUR room.." he said smirking and ran inside the room.

Khushi ran behind him and both started bursting the balloons on each other faces and throwing it to each other, punching the balloons on air and ran around the room like two kids enjoying the play with balloons. Laughing and enjoying the moment with each other!!

After sometime, Arnav sat on the recliner laughing at their childish play with Khushi who sat on the bed.

He looked around the room, "See what a mess we did out of our room.. I should clean this!"

"Nahin, let it be.. I will clean it, birthday boy shouldn't work at all.." Khushi shook her head.

"Nahin nahin pathi ke duties nibhana to parega na? (No, I've got to fulfill husband duties right?)" Arnav teased her.

Khushi chuckled.

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

"Achoo.. Achoo.." Khushi sneeze loudly with moist and red eyes tired of sneezing all the time.

"Oh woman! Stop spreading your virus here.. I'm going to get sick also.." Arnav groaned. From the past few minutes, he has been trying to sleep but her "Achoo" all the time is not letting him to.

Khushi pouted, "I will sleep on the recliner then.."

"What the.. Wait here.." he got up and went downstairs, then came back with turmeric milk for her.

"Drink this and you will be better in no time.." Arnav said handling to him.

Khushi looked at him with moist eyes, from the time she got married she never got pampers, care and love from the family because somewhere they still look at her as daughter in law, they only look at her as someone who has duties to fulfill, who has to take care of everyone in the family and keep the family together. In between all this, she doesn't get love and care but got habituated to give love and care to the members of the family. Today her husband astonished her with this simple gesture, today she felt someone in this house cares for her.
She took the glass of milk from his hand and kept it at the bedside table. Then hugged him tightly.

"Hey you will be fine.." Arnav caressed her back smiling surprisedly.

****************************************************************************
Payal's room:

"It's beautiful Payal.. Just awesome.." Khushi appreciated the gift Akash gave to Payal as it's their wedding anniversary today. It was diamond necklace.

"Thanks Khushi.." Payal said taking the necklace from Khushi's hand, "I just feel sorry for you, you know.. Arnav doesn't earn money to buy you these expensive gifts.."

"Well it really doesn't matter whether he buys me a gift for me or not, the only thing that made scared to get married to a person whom I don't love was the fact that whether I will be happy with him or not. And the answer I got from God and with patience and time, was Yes. I'm happy with my husband Payal and that's more than enough.. It's rightly said that money doesn't buy happiness, despite having such an expensive gift from your husband, he's not with you to celebrate this happy and memorable day in your both lives.." Khushi smiled politely and left Payal's room.

Payal gritted her teeth angrily, "Just wait and watch how will I show you and your husband place here.."

"Khushi we are getting late for college.." Arnav shouted taking his and her bags and rushed to his car outside.

Khushi smiled finding him cute handling two bags in his hand and running outside.

She followed him after say Good bye to the family.

"Oh woman! You're always late.." he complained once she got in the car.

"Oh man! I'm sorry.." she held her ears smiling to him.

Arnav smiled and started driving to their college.

"I'm so tired of college.. Always exams popping out of no where.. I can't even take a breath!! It's so frustrating.." Khushi complained.

"Just three years left Dentist.. Don't lose hope and never give up.. Problems toh aate rehte hain zindagi main.. (Problems come up every now and then in life)" Arnav said.

"And it's just one year left for you become a Fashion designer.." Khushi said happy for him.

"I heard people saying that you're class topper but you're never studying.. How's that possible?" Khushi asked astonished.

"Because I love what I do Khushi.. and I always attend classes and listen carefully to what teachers say.. And it's not that I don't touch my books, I do it also.." Arnav shrugged.

"Teach me how to be like you please.. because although I study, I always keep worried and feel pressurized to study more.. I think what I study is not enough and what if I fail.." Khushi pouted.

"This is called lack of self confidence.. Have trust in self and always challenge yourself.. Don't look at other students as your competitors, try to beat yourself!" Arnav said smacking her head.

Khushi whined, "You're good at giving lecture!"

They reached college and walked towards the corridors, Arnav now accompanies Khushi to her class room and then he goes to his.

They were chatting normally when few boys passed from them and started staring at Khushi lustfully and commenting something about her.

Arnav wrapped his arms around Khushi waist pulling her near him, and glared at the boys, "You guys better stop staring at my wife, otherwise consequences won't be good!"
The boys gulped and left from there.
Khushi noticed the boys but choose to ignore them, but Arnav did such stunt she looked at him astonished.

They continued walking, Arnav suddenly realized what he did. For the first time he felt protective and possessive about Khushi. He literally acknowledge Khushi as his wife. Aman was right, he couldn't just move on in his life and pretend that he was still a bachelor.. This marriage surely changed him.

"Bye.." Khushi said breaking his thoughts.

"Bye.." he said and went from there.

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

"Arnav.." Khushi came in the room and looked at his hand bleeding.

She rushed to him and worriedly asked, "What happened?"

"I've hurt myself while cutting some plants on garden.." Arnav said hissing.

"Sit here.." she pulled him to sit at the bed and cleaned his wound.

"Next time be careful.." she added while dressing his wound.

Arnav nodded staring lost at her.

Rabba vee.. Rabba vee..

"Are you feeling any pain?" Khushi asked concernedly.

"No.." he nodded sideways, "Thanks!"

"You don't say thanks to me as if I'm stranger.. I'm your wife!" she said frowning.

"Oh such a dramatic woman you're.." Arnav hit his forehead against hers smiling.

His phone rang and Khushi took his phone and handed it to him, gesturing to take from the hand that is not wounded.

"Hi Sheetal.." Arnav picked up the call, "No, I'm not busy.."

"I want to go outside with you today.." Khushi whispered frowning cutely.

Arnav was like you didn't tell me before.

"I'm telling you now.. Cancel this plan or whatever you've with Sheetal.." Khushi whispered back angrily.

"Actually I'm busy Sheetal.. You can ask Aman, he was also present at classes and he can explain you.." Arnav said but Sheetal wasn't agreeing.

Khushi angrily snatched the phone from Arnav's hand, "Didn't you listen what he said? He's busy and he can't study with you.. So be a good woman and stay in your limits otherwise consequences won't be good to you and let me remind you that he has a wife too!"

She cut the call and hand it back to Arnav.

"Ohho someone is jealous!" Arnav teased her.

"I'm not jealous okay.." Khushi looked away.

"I know.." Arnav smirked.

"Leave all that.. I wanted to ask something.." Khushi said hesitantly.

Arnav nodded.

"One of your relatives is getting married, Nani was saying tomorrow we will go shopping for clothes.. But I don't have money, I wanted to ask you.." Khushi said.

"I don't have enough money too in my account.. I will ask Akash bhai to give you.." Arnav said and went to Akash.

Downstairs..

"Bhai I need some money.." Arnav said standing near Akash who returned from office few minutes ago.

"For what?" Akash asked.

Arnav didn't like Akash asking him like this, but he knows since money is not his. He cannot do anything.

"Khushi needs it for shopping.." Arnav replied.

"Oh so I should give money for your wife to go for shopping, is it me or you who is sustaining your wife, Arnav? It looks like I'm her husband now.." Akash let out a mocking chuckle.

"Bhai don't cross your limits.." Arnav clenched his jaws. He hated how Akash said Khushi is his wife!

"If you don't want me to cross my limits, then learn how to earn your money and take care of your wife needs dammit.." Akash shouted angrily.

"Akash why are you shouting at him? He's never going to grow up also.. Always begging you money.." Payal said mockingly.

"Akash why are you shouting?" Anjali came downstairs, she walked towards Arnav, "Chote do you need money now?"

"As always.. Doesn't earn his money and is hell bent on spending others money.." Akash taunted.

Arnav looked at them feeling humiliated, he walked back upstairs where he found Khushi on the corridor. She watched everything and it was evident from her eyes. The tears in her eyes made him feel like helpless, useless and unworthy to be her husband who can't even fulfill her wishes.

Unable to face her, he looked down and walked towards his room.

Khushi followed him and close the door of their room, she sat beside him silently for a while.

"I'm sorry.." he said sadly.

"Don't be Arnav.. Like I was forced to this marriage, you too were.. what can we do now? We're still learning how to adjust ourselves to this new phase of our life.." Khushi said.

"You're not upset with me?" Arnav asked looking at her.

Khushi nodded sideways smiling.

"I've an idea if you don't mind me sharing.." Khushi said.

"Shoot it.." Arnav said.

"Did you ever thought of working in a Fashion industry company as part time job?" Khushi asked.

"I've always wanted to create my own business.." Arnav said, "It's going to be named AR!"

"I know, but working for someone helps you get experience and knowledge about this field.. Working in a fashion industry will open your eyes on how things work inside there, you learn new techniques, you will get in contact with others designers and learn from them too.. This will surely increase your self confidence and knowledge Arnav.. and when the time you start your own company, AR believe me you will shine Arnav.. You're already intelligent plus experience of working in your field will surely make your AR number one in fashion world.." Khushi said encouraging him.

"You're right.. You know what, I will surely do a part time job now.." Arnav nodded smiling.

Khushi side hugged smiling, "That's the spirit!"

"Oh woman!! You surely know how to convince others.. Why don't you start a business of selling vegetables in market?" Arnav chuckled.

"Oh man!! When you're going to be richest man in Delhi soon why should I work in market?" Khushi giggled.

"You're the only one who trust on me here.." Arnav said turning serious.

"A wife should always trust on her husband!" Khushi said dramatically and both burst out laughing.

"I will search for job, but you need money for shopping now.." Arnav said sadly.

"Nahin, it's okay.. I've some dresses and I will wear them at the functions.. It's no problem.." Khushi said.

Arnav nodded but an idea was going on his mind. He quickly excused himself and went outside.

At night..

Arnav came back to their room and jumped on the bed handling to Khushi his credit card, "Now you can go shopping!"

"Where did you got money?" Khushi asked.

"I sold my bike.." Arnav said casually earning a gasp from Khushi.

"Arnav are you mad? Do you know how expensive that bike of yours was?" Khushi looked at him wide eyed.

"I don't even use that bike anymore Khushi.. Now I'm always taking car, so when I don't need it, I thought it's best to sell it!" Arnav whined.

"But still it was your favorite bike Arnav.. Nani told me how much you love to ride bikes and you insisted Raj papa to buy it for you.." Khushi said feeling guilty, because of her, he's doing all this.

"Oh woman! When I become the richest man in Delhi I'm going to buy another bike again and teach you how to ride it okay?" Arnav hit his forehead against her chuckling.

Khushi nodded smiling with tears in her eyes, "Okay.."

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

"How am I looking?" Arnav asked walking out of the bathroom with a three piece black suit.

Khushi couldn't just take her eyes off him, she was staring at him shamelessly checking him out. He was looking so handsome and manly in suit.

"Oh woman! Just tell me is anything wrong in my look?" Arnav asked impatiently.

"You're.. you're looking handsome Arnav.." she said.

Arnav smiled, "Thanks! Now help me with tie.. I don't know how to tie.."

Khushi walked towards him and started tying the tie for him.

"Meri saason mein tu hai samaya
(You occupy every breath of mine)
Mera jeevan to hai tera saaya
(My whole life is under Your shadow)
Teri pooja karoon main to hardam
(I worship you always)" Arnav sang teasingly while Khushi was tying his tie.

"Stop it.." Khushi giggled smacking his shoulder.

"I can't help seeing you tying my tie I got reminded of that movie.." Arnav chuckled.

"Best of luck for your interview.. I'm sure you will do your best.. Be confident and give honest reply.. Don't try to impress anyone, don't give a damn to others who also want this job.. remember what you always tell me, don't worry about your competitors, just beat yourself! Be your own competitor and you will always find a new and better version of yourself.." Khushi said.

Arnav nodded like a good boy.

Khushi looked at him hesitant for a while, then pecked his cheek quickly and left from there running.



Arnav caressed his cheek stunned with her act.

Rabba vee.. Rabba vee..

****************************************************************************
Five years later..

"ASR.. ASR.. I love you.. I'm your biggest fan.. ASR one autograph.. Please.. ASR one selfie please.. You're my life Sir.. ASR.. just one picture.." the crowd shouted in excitement and create a commotion in the Airport, the security guards were trying their best to control the situation but the were finding it difficult to handle all those millions fans of ASR inside the airport and outside waiting for him to make an entry!

The media people were also taking pictures and filming the whole situation.

"ASR.. ASR.. ASR.." they started shouting in unison when Arnav Singh Raizada finally made an entry, he's back in Delhi after his short trip to London.

His bodyguards surrounded him to protect him from the crazy fans of his or anyone who could take advantage of the crowd and harm him.

Arnav waved at his fans and everyone screamed in happiness.

He then walked towards his car heading to his home!!

Sheesh Mahal..

Their mansion, their home, their peaceful and love filled place.

He smiled walking towards his home, the guards opened the gate for him and greeted him looking down.

Arnav nod his head and walked ahead taking hurried steps as he couldn't wait to see his love, his wife, his woman!

As soon as took steps to the living room, he found HP on the way who greeted and welcomed him back with a radiant smile.

"Good morning Bhaiya.. welcome back!!" HP said.

"Morning HP.. Where is she?" Arnav asked looking around trying to spot his wife.

"Didi is upstairs in your room.." HP replied.

Arnav nodded and rushed upstairs impatient now to get her glimpse. No, not her glimpse.. He wants her all for him!!

He opened the door of their room and found her walking out of the bathroom.

She looked up to him smiling, her eyes reflected how much happy she was to have him back home.

He walked towards her and held her by her waist, kissing her cheek making her shiver and blush as usual!



"Why didn't you came to receive me at the airport?" he complained staring at her.

"I was busy.." she replied smirking and soon his eyebrow raised automatically, "Making preparations for your comeback.." she completed.

"What have you made to me?" he smirked.

"I cooked every favorite dish of yours, I cleaned the room early today and decorated it for you.." she signaled him to look at one red balloon with "I love you" written on it and few boxes of gifts on their bed, "And I wore red saree for you!"

Arnav stare at her smiling, he pulled her near him again: I missed you!

"I missed you too.." she said lowering her eyelashes controlling herself to not cry, "You don't know how it is difficult for me to live without you now.."

"It's even more difficult for me to live without my Toothy.." he dropped a kiss on her forehead. Toothy is her nickname given by him, as she's dentist and keeps talking about him about her patients teeth all the time, so he kept her name Toothy!

"What have you done to yourself in one week? You've grown a beard Arnav.. You know I don't like to see you in beard!! It pricks me all the time.." Khushi complained cupping his face examining her husband's face, "Oh God.. Did you sleep or not? Look at the dark circles under your eyes.. Next time I will cancel my works and accompany you to your trips.. You don't know how to take care of yourself.. I'm sure the only thing you did is have food and meds at time that's only because I called you and forced you to do the same!"

"I'm going to shave now.." he sighed hearing the list of complaints.

She took his tracks pants and shirt handling to him.

"ASR rules the world but what they don't know is that there's someone who rules ASR too.." he muttered taking the clothes from her hand and walked towards the bathroom.

Khushi smiled hearing his words, she shouted once he was inside the bathroom, "Don't forget to see your gifts.."

"Hmm.." he replied.

"Sunno (Listen)" she shouted again.

"Hmm.."

"Raj Papa invited us to have dinner at RM tomorrow.." she said hesitantly. The relationship between Arnav and his family definitely changed when he became the ASR. His family who always taunted and believed he could nothing good out of his life, were hell embarrassed at first when Arnav started climbing the ladder of success in his life. Soon Arnav build a new mansion for them, Sheesh Mahal and they shifted. Raizadas now learned to respect Arnav and trying to be start a friendly relationship with him, but Arnav isn't same anymore. He's turned mature, a man of few words, sharp business man and doesn't trust anyone so easily. He's only Arnav with her, he only jokes, smile and laugh with her.

"Hmm.."

"Sunno.."

"Hmm.."

"I love you.." Khushi said blushing.

"Je t'aime aussi.. (I love you too)" he replied.

"Ahn? Yeh Kya bola? (What did you say?)" Khushi asked confused.

"It's French Toothy.. I love you too.." he chuckled.

"Have you gone to London or Paris?" Khushi asked.

"I was working with some French partners in London.." he said.

"Oh.. so your business partners teach you how to say I love you in French? Who's your business partner? Woman or man?" Khushi asked burning in jealously.

"Woman!" he replied.

Khushi fumed now, she walked to leave from there room when she felt pulled by him.

"Leave me.. Go to Je t'aime aussi hell with your business partner.." she punched him chest struggling in his arms.

"I'm kidding with you.." he said tightening grip on her. Khushi looked away.

"No one taught me how to say I love you in French baba.. I know it.." he replied and without giving her chance to speak, he slammed his lips on hers transferring foam from his beard to her cheeks, her nose, her jaws.

"Have.. you gone mad?" her eyes went wide and she managed to speak in between the kiss bewildered with the way he kissed her with shaving foam on his beard.

"Oh woman! You make me mad!" he broke the kiss winking at her.

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

Two years later..

"Where's Aashi Khushi?" Arnav asked when she came to sit beside him at living room of Raizada Mansion.

"She's playing with her Dada.." Khushi said and Arnav nodded.

"Chote has changed so much now! You're such a grown up man.." Nani smiled with tears in her eyes watching the couple together.

Akash cleared his throat, faking a smile: You're doing good Arnav with AR

"I know.." Arnav replied with no-nonsense tone.

Payal looked at Khushi with jealousy, after all Khushi was wife of the ASR, and they were blessed with a cute baby girl. While her relationship with Akash was not working now, fights everytime and Akash didn't want baby anytime soon because he wanted to concentrate on his career.

"Aashi will come to play with Dada again, na?" Raj came downstairs with Aashi in his arms.

Aashi's eyes landed on her father, she quickly open her arms squealing, giggling happily that her father came: Daddy..



"Daddy ki bacchi.." Arnav smiled and stood up nearing them, he took Aashi in his arms and cooed her.

Raj smiled watching his younger son, a father now. A much better father than what he was to him!

Aashi kissed her father's cheek loudly, earning another loud kiss from her father. She giggled happily.

Khushi watched her family with a smile playing on her lips.

"If possible forgive me beta.." Raj caressed Arnav's hair with moist eyes, repenting for the time he lost in giving more importance to his business instead of his family.

"I'm not angry with you Dad.. I will always be thankful to you for bringing Khushi in my life.. she's no less than what Ma is for me.. If you had not forced me, perhaps I wouldn't have found her.." Arnav said.

He walked to Khushi, extending his hand to her. Khushi held his hand and stood up from sofa.

"Chalein? (Shall we go?)" he asked.

Khushi nodded smiling and walked with her husband and daughter outside.

The journey till here wasn't easy, but it was worth it!
This was a forced marriage, but it turned out to be a blessing from God in both life. Try to find happiness even in darkest times of your life, you never know what you thought to be a curse turns out to be a blessing from God!