Dedicated to

SujzWriter

Happy pre birthday sujz baby😍😍😍🎂🎂🎂🎂 Many many happy returns of the day in advance 😛😛 May Allah Almighty bless you with a happy, prosperous and successful life ahead😘😘 May all your wishes come true and no sadness come near you ever🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼 May all your wishes come true little one🌹🌹🌹🌹 Stay blessed and stay happy 💖💖💖💖💖

Now enjoy!!

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

"Get here you pathetic bitch. How long will you take to prepare a meal?" A squeaking voice reverberated around the small dining hall of the house, successfully falling in the ears of the worn-out girl standing in the kitchen.

Pursing her lips, she tried to drank in the tears which had welled up in her eyes hearing the harsh words. Her sparkling hazel orbs were as dim as a zero power bulb. Her extremely beautiful face was twisted with pain. Her long, silky brown hairs were curled in knots. She was looking tired and her whole body was burning with fever but even than her hands, which were shaking slightly due to fatigue and illness, were moving fastly to complete her task lest she had to bear another set of abuses.

"She is good for nothing Mom!" Another voice screamed. "She is a worthless piece of shit. A complete no one. A burden on us. All she do entire day is to sit and eat food for free. A cadger!! See, she can't even cook a simple dish quickly!"

The girl standing in the kitchen increased her pace even more. A painful hiss left her mouth as her delicate hand touched the hot pot. Tears fell down from her eyes unchecked. Instead of washing her finger with cold water, she put in inside her mouth to sooth the burning sensation and continued to dish out the curry. The pain was too much. Her eyes had blurred with tears but she dared not to complain. If the people sitting outside heard her, they would termed her ache as drama and she didn't want that. Her self respect didn't allowed her to do so! She was the daughter of a proud mother. She wasn't taught to show off her bruises and gain sympathy. Anyways, the dole in her heart was way more nasty than the one in her finger.

"Will you come out yourself already or do I have to come inside to drag you out? You useless piece of trash!!" Her step-mother roared from the hall.
"I..i am coming!" She spoke in a tiny voice and immediately picked up the bowl of curry. As her fingers touched the hot material, a painful wince left her mouth but she chose to ignore it and walked out of the kitchen.

As she reached near the table, the mocking glances of her step-mother and step-sisters met her eyes. Without saying a word, she kept the bowl on the table and stood by a side. It was her duty. Until and unless, they would finish their food she had to stand there only, as they could need anything anytime and unfortunately her mother and sisters were too lazy to get up from the chairs themselves. Maybe it was one of the reasons behind their extra fat bodies and clodish figures.

"Finally the princess decided to bear us with her presence!" Her elder sister passed a scalding remark.

"Princess and she?" Her other sister laughed like a maniac. "Yeah right! Princess of trash!!" She sneered and than, all three of them burst into fits of laughter.

Once they calmed down, all three women started eating. The poor girl kept on standing by the side although her head was spinning badly due to fever. Her legs were going weak and she feared she would fell down any moment. She was continuously blinking her eyes to dispel the darkness which was threatening to over take her senses.

"Where are the glass?? Do you think we should drink from the bottle itself?" Her mother's loud shout rang in her ears.

Cursing her fate for doing a mistake of pissing them off, she scurried towards the kitchen to get the glass. As she walked out with the tray in her hands with glass kept on it, she felt her head spinning badly. Darkness fell over her eyes making it difficult to register her surroundings. Her legs stumbled and before she could control herself, the tray slipped from her hand. The glass crashed on the floor and it seemed like, the sound awoke the hidden beast inside her step-mother.

Screaming like a mad woman, she lunged forward and slapped her hardly on her cheek. The poor girl, whose senses were already going on haywire, lost everything that instant. Darkness engulfed her mind completely and she fell down on the floor unconscious, while her step-mother kept on roaring her lungs out, not caring about her lifeless figure slumped down on the floor.

"Blind girl! A complete mad! Can't do any work properly. Caused us so much of loss. Now who will pay for this? You dead mother? Who will compensate for this? Never did us a favor instead always do our reverse. It would have been too good is you had died with your mother only or later with you father. They left a burden over our heads! Stupid girl! Worthless! Unwanted! Nonsensical! Piece of trash!!"

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

ONCE UPON A TIME a girl named Khushi lived with her stepmother; Garim, two stepsisters; Sheetal & Lavanya and her bua-ji; Madhumati. Poor Khushi had to work hard, all day long so the others could rest. It was she who had to wake up each morning when it was still dark and cold to prepare the breakfast and clean the house. Her step mother and step sisters knew nothing else than to make her already difficult life, a hell. They used to torture her, physically and mentally. Her every morning used to start with performing countless duties and listening her family's abuses and at night, she used to cry herself to sleep. Everyday, she would wake up with tear's strained cheeks and wet pillow. Her life was a complete mess and she knew it.

There was only one ray of light in her dark life and that was her bua-ji. She was the only one because of whom Khushi had survived her life up till now. If not for bua-ji, she might have give up on the everyday struggle. Bua-ji was a kind woman. She used to take care of her niece as much as possible. She was old and sick, and couldn't fight against Garima and her daughters, for Khushi. All she could do was to wipe her niece's tears, console her, heal her ugly bruises and wounds.

But there was one thing, Madhumati always used to tell Khushi. That, one day her prince charming would come. He would come as her knight in shining armor and sweep her off her feat. Her rajkumar, who would take care of her, love her to the moon and back, full fill her every wish and would treat her like a true princess. As much fascinating as it sounded, Khushi knew it would never happen. Why would someone love a no one like her?  She was too much indulged in her miseries to dream of a prince.

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

"Khushi..Oh titalya, open your eyes at least!!"

A soft, loving voice fell in her ears and Khushi found her mind traveling towards light from darkness. She could hear a familiar, concerned ringing near her ears. Slowly, she opened her eyes and blinked them couple of times to remove the blurness. As her vision bacame clear, she saw her bua-ji hovering above her with moist eyes and utmost care.

"Bua-ji.." Her voice came out choking, through her throat as she tried to sit up on the bed.

Madhumati rushed to help her sit. She placed two pillows behind her back to keep it straight and slowly caressed her face. "How are you feeling now bitiya?"

Khushi coughed a bit. "What had happened to me bua-ji?"

Madhumati wiped the corner of her eyes and patted her head. "You had passed out bitiya due to high fever. I am so sorry I wasn't there to look after you. I had gone out to buy the vagetables and that Garima--"

"Leave it bua-ji." Khushi cut her off tiredly, placing her head back on the pillow. "You know how they are. Than why waste your energy?"

"Devi Maiya will definitely punish them for their doings. Garima and her daughters don't have any fear, any shame. They deserve the worst of an end for themselves." Madhumati cursed, gritting her teeth.

Khushi didn't respond. She had nothing to say. Whatever it was, the truth was she was really grateful to Garima that she at least didn't throw her and bua-ji out of the house yet. If she had, Khushi didn't even want to imagine what could have happened.

"I really wish for your Rajkumar to come soon, bitiya. I can't see you suffering anymore. It pains me alot. I pray to Devi Maiya to send your man soon to you."

Khushi kept mum and closed her eyes as she felt them getting wet. Her bua-ji really dreamed alot. As much as it was painful to accept, she believed her bua-ji's wish won't come true ever. There wasn't any man out there for her.

Little did she know, her prince charming had already boarded the plane to come for her. That, her bua-ji's prayers have already been answered! Her Rajkumar was coming in a Chopper to sweep her off her feet.

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

Two Days Later...

That morning when Khushi woke up, a big news had come to the town.  The King and Queen of their city Lucknow were going to host a ball! It was time for the Prince to find a bride. He had came back after five long years to his city after completing his studies and was all set to marry.

All of the young ladies in the land were invited to come.  They were wild with joy! They would wear their most beautiful dresses and fix their hair extra nice, hoping for the prince to like them.

At Khushi's house, she now had extra work to do.  She had to make two brand-new gowns for her step-sisters. Since this announcement was made, she had been forced to work like a robot by her sisters.
 
“Faster!” Shouted Sheetal, applying face mask on her face to make it glow like Khushi's. Not that, she would admit it to anyone ever.

“You call that a dress?” screamed Lavanya, as Khushi placed her gown infront of her.

Khushi gulped. "Umm..when would i-?"

She was cut short as Garima matched into the room. "When would you WHAT?"

Khushi looked at her hesitantly. Fear gripping her heart. "Wo..I wanted to ask that..when would I prepare..my dress for the ball?"

“You?” yelled the stepmother.  “Who said that YOU are going to the ball as well?”

Khushi bowed her head down while Sheetal and lavanya cackled. They rolled down on the floor, laughing hardly making fun of Khushi while she stood there silently, trying to push back her tears.

"Piece of trash! Good for nothing. Ugly, unwanted girl." They all pointed out on her.

Khushi cursed herself and her fate for even thinking of going to the ball. What was she thinking actually saying those words? It's not the prince would like her even if had went to the function. Sadness engulfed her and she didn't know what to do or say.

Soon the day came for the stepmother and step-sisters to leave for the big party.  Their fine carriage, which was sent by the palace to every house,  came to the door. The stepmother and step-sisters hopped inside.  And they were off.

Khushi wiped her tears and saw them leaving for the ball, standing by the door. Her fate was as dark as the night sky.

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

Entering inside the small store room, which Garima had given her to stay, Khushi sat on the chair and rested her head back, closing her eyes. Without her consent, tears pooled up behind the close lids and slipped down from the corners. Today she was missing her parents alot. Had they been alive today, would she be sitting here lifelessly and weeping like this? Definitely no! She must had been fluttering around the house, choosing her best dress to wear and dress up like a doll. But fate! A distressful sigh left her mouth, vanishing in the thin air.

"Don't you want to go to the party bitiya?"

Bua-ji's voice forced Khushi to open her eyes. She sat up straight and looked at her aunt with disbelieving eyes.

"Bua-ji I don't--"

"Oh stop Titalya!" Madhumati interrupted her. "I know you want to go there too. Don't try to deny. I am not your real mother but I have brought you up. I know you inside out!" She said with finality.

Khushi sighed. "Well, I think you know I want to go to the ball, too." She looked down at her dirty clothes. "But look at me. I am all dirty and on top of that, I don't have a new dress either. "

Madhumati smiled mysteriously. "Just go and take a shower Khushi. I will handle the rest."

Khushi looked at her confused. " But bua-ji--"

"No arguments Titalya. Just go and do what I have said. "

And with that, bua-ji pushed Khushi inside the washroom and closed the door. Not knowing what else you do, Khushi started cleaning up herself, with a still messed up mind.

***********

"Bua-ji..." Khushi exclaimed in shock, with her eyes widened to the size of a saucer and jaw dropped low. She couldn't remove her eyes from the extremely beautiful dress lying on the bed in front of her.

Madhumati smiled. "This is for you bitiya. Now get ready soon. You don't want to be late now, do you?"

"Bua-ji, this...this is so so pretty and looks.. expensive too. Where did you get this from?" Khushi asked in daze with her eyes still lingering to the exquisite white fancy dress.

"I had been saving some money from my pension Khushi. I wanted to give you this as your birthday present but than decided that you need it more now. You should look the prettiest of all Titalya. Now come on, get ready or you will be late." Madhumati urged.

Khushi's eyes filled up with tears. She lunged forward and hugged her aunt as tightly as possible, expressing her utmost love, respect and affection towards her.  "Thanks alot bua-ji for this. The dress is really pretty. I loved it and I love you too, so much. If not for you than--"

Madhumati stopped her. "You can thanks me later Khushi. Now go and get ready. It's already late. The party would have started in the palace by now." She spoke while wiping her niece's tears.

Khushi nodded and hurriedly got to the washroom to get ready. After putting on the dress, she applied minimal of make-up with whatever items she had and styled up her hairs beautifully. She looked herself in the mirror and couldn't help but admire herself. She was definitely looking pretty and the dress had polished her some more.

When she stepped out after getting ready, Madhumati too looked at her with surprised eyes. "Bitiya..you are looking so pretty. I couldn't recognize you for a minute. You look complete changed, a new Khushi. So beautiful!" She kissed her forehead too.

"Thanks bua-ji" Khushi blushed. "I will go now."

"Yeah right but wait for a minute. I have something to give you." Madhumati went towards the cupboard and rummaged through it for few seconds before taking out a box.

She came bear Khushi and opened the box to reveal a lovely set of silver anklets. "These belongs to your Amma. She had took a promise from me to give these anklets to you on your wedding but I am breaking that promise, handing them over to you tonight because I know, this night is going to change everything for you."

Khushi bit her lip to stop herself from crying. She felt too emotional. These payals were her mother's. She couldn't believe her eyes. Years after her Amma's death, she had seen any of her belongings. She was bound to be sad but happy.

"Wear them Khushi.." Madhumati probed.

Nodding quietly, Khushi picked up the anklets and wore them. She couldn't help but admire her ankles which were illuminating with her mother's last gift for her.

"Now go bitiya. Be careful there. Don't let Garima or her daughters locate you. Although I am sure they wouldn't be expecting you, neither they will recognize you dressed up like this but even than. Also, come back home before them, otherwise you know the three chudails will create a fuss." Madhumati grimaced.

Khushi nodded her head, hugged her aunt for one last time and than rushed out of the house.

Little did she know, her entire life was going to change tonight. Her prince was waiting there in the Sheesh Mahal, with impatient eyes and reckless heart, to find his soul-mate.

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

At the palace!

Over at the ball, a man in his mid-twenties was sulking around, looking highly irritated. He was none other than Arnav Singh Raizada. The prince of the heirloom, only son of King Arvind Singh Raizada and Queen Ratna Singh Raizada. He had come back to his homeland just two days back after completing his studies. He was sent to UK, when he was 15, to persuade his education from there and now after almost 10 years, he had get back to Lucknow and Sheesh Mahal, with the motive of finding his soul-mate, his princess and settle down with her for the rest of his life.

Talking about Arnav's appearance, to day he was handsome would be an understatement. He was beyond that. The kind of creature, whom you just couldn't ignore. Anyone taking a glance at him would be forced to look again. He had tousled dark brown hairs, almost to the shade of black. His eyes were a mesmerizing shade of chocolate brown with flecks of golden
performing ballets throughout. His face was strong and defined, with a five o'clock shadow hovering above which was giving him a intense look. A prominent jaw curved gracefully around. His features were of granite, along the twinning cords of his muscles which shaped his entire body. He had a perfect set of plump lips which looked soft and warm from the distance. One look and the women swooned over him, getting highly aroused.

In one word, Arnav Singh Raizada was a Greek God!

"Chotte."

Arnav looked up from the glass he was holding to find his mother and elder sister Anjali standing in front of him.

"Yes maa?"

Ratna caressed his hairs softly. "Why do you look so uninterested and pissed off?"

Arnav sulked. "Maa, di, are you guys sure that you called all these women here for me to like one them or is this a fashion show?"

Anjali stifled a laughter while Ratna narrowed her eyes. "What is that supposed to mean chotte?"

"Come on Maa, just look at them." Arnav scoffed. "They look anything but girls. They appear more of a pastary with faces caked up with layers of makeup and ridiculous use of fake eye-lashes. I fear that with the speed they ate batting their artificial eye-lashes at me, it will fall of their eyes."

Anjali burst into a laughter while Ratna too couldn't stop herself from grinning. Her son was looking clearly agitated.

"You are so rude chotte. " Anjali laughed, smacking Arnav's should playfully, who in turn just rolled his eyes.

"Ok don't need to get frustrated chotte. Stay calm. You are not forced to like a girl from the party. Things will happen according to your wish only, ok. Enjoy the party, hmm?" Ratna explained softly.

Arnav nodded and his mother & sister moved away to greet some guests. Having nothing else to do, Arnav started roaming his eyes around the hall in search of a certain someone when suddenly, he felt his hesrt beats increasing. Gust of wind blew around him and all he could think of his princess. Involuntarily, his eyes moved towards the gate of the hall and what he saw there, whooshed away his breath.

There stood a girl, dressed in a beautiful white dress, with minimal makeup on and hairs styled perfectly. Even though he was at a distance, Arnav could see fear and nervousness shining in her captivating hazel eyes. Her hands were continuously fiddling with the end of her veil but all prince could see was, she biting her pink lips restlessly.

Arnav felt his feet moving towards her in a trance. His eyes were stuck to her doll face and perfect frame. His heart was beating like a crazy, threatening  to  broke out  of his rib-cage. It was as if someone had hypnotized him. The girl looked so mesmerizing, just like a goddess of beauty. Her fair complexion with a tinge of gold was glowing under the sparkling lights of huge chandeliers.

"Hey.." Arnav greeted softly, reaching near her.

The girl looked at him immediatly and than froze. Her eyes sticking to his handsome face, roaming all over to get more and more of him. Arnav felt his insides dancing with happiness as he realized that the pretty woman was affected by him, just like he was by her.

"Hey pretty lady.." Arnav greeted again, with a small smile playing on his lips.

Now she came back to her senses and stuttered. "He-hello!"

"I am Prince Arnav Singh Raizada! Who is the beautiful lady here?"

The girl blused profusely and Arnav fought the urge to pinch her apple-like cheeks.

"Kh--Khushi Kumari Gupta."

Arnav smirked seeing her nervousness. He inched closer to her and stared right into her eyes. "Kh--Khushi or only Khushi?"

Khushi looked up immediatly hearing his question and than smiled shyly as she saw the mischevious glint in his eyes. "Only Khushi, Prince."

"Ahh no!" Arnav protested. "Call me by my name please. I don't like being addressed as prince."

Khushi smiled again and nodded her head.

"Would you like to dance with me?" Arnav asked, straight away.

Khushi was shocked at his bluntness but nevertheless nodded. Arnav extended his hand and she placed hers in his. A jolt of current ran through their bodies at the first skin to skin touch. Their eyes met and sparks flew up everywhere.

Arnav brought her to the middle of the dance floor. Holding her wrists, he made her wound her petite arms around his neck. He then wrapped his arms around her small waist and flushed her odorous body against his. Khushi gasped st the sudden contact of their bodies.

They couldn't help but gaze into each other's eyes. Chocolate brown orbs captivated the hazel ones. Their eyes were talking, screaming volumes. Their hearts were beating together.

"Have we met before?" Arnav asked out of nowhere.

"Huh?"

“I feel I have seen you before too. I feel as if I know you,” Arnav confessed . “But of course, that is impossible.”

“Many things are possible,” Khushi replied, “If you wish them to be true.”

Arnav felt a leap in his heart. He and Khushi danced without caring about any other thing. When the song was over and the new song started, they danced again.  And then they danced again, and yet again.

Soon the other girls at the ball grew jealous.  “Why is he dancing all the time with her?” they said. “How rude!”

But all the Arnav could see was Khushi.  They laughed and talked, and they danced some more.  In fact, they danced for so long that Khushi did not see the clock.

The loud clock in the hall donged, forcing Khushi to look at it.

"Hey Devi Maiya!' she cried out.  “It is almost midnight!”

“Why does that matter?” Arnav asked, confusingly.

“I must go!” Khushi cried. 

“But we just met!” Arnav held her tensed face in his hands.  “Why leave now? I want you to stay for long. I want to introduce you to my parents and--

Khushi shook her head. She wasn't listening to anything he was saying. He mind was clouded with fear. What if her step-mother and step-sisters had already left the hall? What if they reach home before her? What if they get to know she wasn't at home? What if they learned she was at the ball and danced with prince too.

" I can't stay. I must GO." Khushi untangled herself from Arnav's arms and ran towards the gate.

A perplexed Arnav ran after him, trying to match with her speed. Few people who were standing close to them, watched in surprise as their prince chased a girl.

“Please, stop for a moment!” Arnav called out for her.

But Khushi didn't wait to listen to him. She ran down the steps, vanishing from Arnav's sight.

“Khushi!!!" Arnav shouted her name again but she was nowhere to be seen.

Arnav felt his heart breaking into millions of pieces. With sad eyes, he kept on staring at the placed where she had vanished. Just a little time back, he had found her. His soul-mate, his princess, his Khushi. The one, with whom his heart beat in synchronization. The one, for when he was looking for for quite a while now. The one, he had fallen in love with at first sight. The one, who truly deserved to be his princess. The one, he couldn't afford to loose but even than he had lost her. Just few minutes back, she was there inside the hall,in his arms, dancing with him and now he was standing alone empty handed. He had nothing to hold on. He didn't even ask her whereabouts. How would he find her? He didn't even have any of her keepsake.

Feeling highly disappointed, Arnav turned around to walk back inside when eyes fell on something. Curiously, he took two steps ahead and bend down to pick it up.

It was a shimmery silver anklet.

Arnav kept on looking at it for few seconds before his eyes shone with familiarity. His heart roared in happiness. It was his Khushi's anklet. He had seen her wearing it when they were dancing together. When he couldn't keep his eyes off her and had taken in, every inch of her.

"This is all I have left from her,” he whispered tenderly, looking down at the payal.

"Somewhere, there is the other payal,” he said. “And when I find it, I will find her, too. My happiness,my princess, my soulmate, my Khushi." Arnav vowed to himself.

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

And to keep his promise, Arnav started searching her like a mad man. From hut to hut, from house to house, went the Prince.  One young woman after another came infront of him but his heart never agreed that she was the one. He knew that the lights in the hall that night were dim but Arnav was sure that when his princess would come infront of his eyes, his heart would recognize her.

At last the Prince came to Khushi's house.  

“He is coming!” called out Sheetal as she looked out the window.

“At the door!” screamed Lavanya.

“Quick!” Garima yelled. “Get ready! One of you must make him believe that it was you that night. No matter what!”

Arnav and his knocked the door and Garima flew it open.  “Come in!” she said. “I have two lovely daughters for you to see.”

As soon as Arnav stepped inside the house, his heart beat rose up frantically. Cool breeze started blowing around him. He felt the same like he had felt that night when he had first saw her. She was here! His heart screamed. His soul-mate was in this house only.

Sheetal and Lavanya came infront of him smiling as sweetly as possible but Arnav ignored them royally.

“Are there no other young women in the house?” Arnav asked, not sparing a glance to the two sisters.

“None,” Garima lied.

"How is that possible?" Atnav muttered. "I can feel her presence here."

Just when he was about to order his men to check the whole house, a sweet voice fell in his ears and Arnav closed his eyes in contentment. Finally!

“Maybe there is one more,” said Khushi, stepping into the room with bua-ji by her.

Arnav turned to look at her and their eyes met. Both of them felt their heart beats increasing. Their hearts filled with peace. Smiles played on their lips as they took into each other.

"Hello Prince!" Khushi greeted him, smiling mischeviously.

Grinning widely, Arnav moved towards her and pulled her in his arms, hugging her tightly.

"Where were you Khushi? I had been looking for you since so long! Why did you run away from me that night? I missed you so much.

Khushi pouted cutely. "I am sorry!"

Arnav shook his head and kissed her forehead lovingly, allowed his lips to linger there for a long time, taking her in as much as possible.

"NO WAY!!" Sheetal cried looking at the scene infront of her eyes.

"She can't be the one!" Lavanya pulled her hairs.

Arbav looked at them for a second before signaling his men. Nodding their head, they moved forward and clutched the three evil women, dragging them out.

Madhumati sighed in contentment and wiped her eyes, which were filled with happy tears. She then silently left the lounge, leaving the couple alone. Anyways, she had to thank her Devi Maiya too for granting her wish and sending a prince charming for her Titalya.

Outside, the prince made his princess-to-be sat on the chair and knelt down in front of her on the ground. Holding her foot, he placed it over his laps and retrieved a shiny silver anklet from his pocket.

"Your keepsake, which lead me to you Khushi." He whispered softly before tieing it around her foot and kissed it.

"I knew it!” he cried.  “You are the one!”

Khushi blushed at his public display of affection and bowed her head down but Arnav held her chin and made her look into his eyes.

"Don't Khushi! Don't hide yourself from me anymore. After a lot of efforts, I have finally got you. I don't want to loose you ever now. You are mine! Only mine. Just like I am yours. I don't want to stay away from you even for a second now. I love you so much Khushi. So tell me love, will you marry me? Will you be my princess for ever and beyond?" He asked, starting right into his eyes.

Khushi nodded her head vigorously and pulled him in for a hug. " I will! I will marry you Arnav-ji. I love you too,so so much. I was waiting for you since that night only. I knew you would come. I knew you won't leave me alone."

Arnav tightened his hold around her and dropped a kiss over head.

"At last, i have found you! My princess, my soulmate." he said.

Khushi smiled. "And I have found you. My knight in shining armor. My prince charming."

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

That's it! Hope you guys like it 😊

Don't forget to vote and comment your thoughts about the shot. Will be waiting for you reviews💕💕

This was my first attempt to write something like this. I hope it turned out to be good at least if not better 🙊🙊