Plot by: T-parvaiz

"Sir it will take sometime to fix your car.. I think you should call Aman sir to bring another car.." his driver spoke in low and respectful tone keeping his eyes down.

"No, I'll wait.." the owner of AR, fashion industries and one of the most richest man in Asia replied curtly staring at the crowded markets of Chandni Chowk uncomfortable by the noise and people passing by every now and then. He spend his life in darkness, silence and loneliness and when he started becoming addicted to it, he didn't realize until being in such crowded places with full of fake people started becoming uncomfortable and unbearable for him. It's not that he wishes to stay all alone in life, he too wants someone to love him only, he should be that person's priority and most importantly he should trust that person blindly! But it's not that easy to find a person with these qualities, most people around him only talk, respect and appreciate him for being the 'ASR', girls are after the fame and money of 'ASR'. No one understands 'Arnav', Arnav's pain, Arnav's past, Arnav's heart!

"Okay sir.." his driver replied quickly and stood behind him with an umbrella covering Arnav to protect him from the bright sun of the day.

"Leave this umbrella I don't need it.. just go and see how much time will they take.." Arnav said irritated.

"Okay sir.." the driver nodded fearfully and hurried his steps towards the mechanic.

Arnav sighed impatiently, he glanced twice randomly around, when someone caught his dark brown eyes attention.

A beautiful woman with a fair complexion with hazel eyes, pink chubby cheeks and lips. Her long and silky hair was left open and she was wearing a simple pink outfit that suited her perfectly.

He frowned slightly when he saw her carrying many bags and an elder woman giving her more bags to carry when she was already struggling to hold the bags in her hand. The elder lady didn't care much about the woman, she was busy in chatting with another lady. While the woman who stole his attention was walking behind them with a sad expression on her face.

On the other side, Garima was chatting with her friend Rekha about Khushi, her husband's niece.

"I got a good proposal for Khushi bitiya.. One handsome man with a good job wants to get married to her.. He fell in love with her the day he saw her.. He told me to talk to you about the proposal.. If you accept Garima, then his family will come to meet you soon.." Rekha said smiling.

"Tell that boy to come to our house, once he gets a glimpse of our Payal.. he will forget about Khushi instantly and will ask our Payal's hand for marriage instead.." Garima giggled trying to hide her anger and jealousy after hearing that another good proposal came for Khushi and not her daughter.

"But.." Rekha stare at her confused. Here she was talking about proposal for Khushi and Garima was taking it to Payal.

"I'm telling you Rekha.. Khushi might be beautiful, but not more than our Payal.. she's cooks good, but Payal handmade food is delicious, once you eat our Payal's food you will lick your fingers.. Payal completed her studies in university whereas Khushi just finished her 12th grade! So who's better option for this boy? Our Payal, right? See if you still want Khushi, then no problem.. But if they don't like Khushi later, then your reputation will get spoiled Rekha as you only recommended Khushi.. then the boy's family will be angry with you.. and the rest you know.." Garima spit the venom words with a sweet smile on her face.

Rekha nodded thinking, "You're right.. I will do as you say.. Say to Payal bitiya to be ready as the groom will be hers only!"

Khushi looked away, these things didn't affect her anymore as it used to, denying every good proposal of marriage that came in her way was her aunty, Garima's job. She didn't want happiness to come in Khushi's life, only Payal's her daughter. Ever since she lost her parents in an accident, her uncle Shashi Gupta took over her father's shop and her parents house, they treated her like a servant in her own house!

She was lost in her thoughts, when she felt someone snatching the bags from her hand, startled she looked at the person, only to get shocked seeing the owner of AR, fashion industries in front of her.

"Kahan jaana hai? (Where do you want to go?).. Come I'll take you.." he said in his serious tone and expressionless look.

"ASR app.." she looked at him still shock. She couldn't believe the man who isn't much seen to the world, is standing in front of her, that too in Chandni Chowk! And that's not the only shocking thing, he was also carrying her bags and talking to her! Is she dreaming!? This can't be true!

Rekha and Garima also turned to them and got shocked seeing Arnav.

"Oh my God.. Isn't he Arnav Singh Raizada? He is a famous person.. I see him in TV.. My daughter, Payal is a big fan of yours.." Garima exclaimed with a huge smile on her lips. She pushed Khushi away and came in front of Arnav.

"Bitwa one selfie please!" she raised her phone to take selfie with him but gasp in shock when Arnav shoved her phone away in anger and the phone fell on the road.

"Let's go.. I'll help you carry these bags.. Just tell me where do you want to go!" he approached Khushi.

"My phone!" Garima cried bending to pick her phone.

"That's not needed Sir.." Khushi nodded sideways, "I will manage!"

"Yeah I saw how you perfectly managed.. By walking like Drunk Turtle!" Arnav rolled his eyes.

Khushi widened her eyes, "Drunk Turtle!"

"Look if you don't follow me, then your bags are mine!" Arnav smirked and left from there.

Khushi stood there shocked and numbly not knowing what to do.

"Why are you just standing here? Go behind him.. It's my money that I wasted to buy these things.. I can't lose it at any cost," Garima said annoyed.

Khushi ran behind Arnav then. Garima fumed in anger, "Rich people have so much attitude and arrogance.. Who does he thinks he is to throw my phone like that and even take our belongings?"

"Just quietly accept what they do.. People like him are not Khushi, with whom you can do anything you wish to.. If you mess with them, then they will show your status!" Rekha said.

"I know that.." Garima made a face.

"Let's go.. I guess he will drop Khushi bitiya at home!" Rekha said.

Garima shut her eyes tightly in anger on hearing about this. ASR will drop Khushi at home! This is going to be news in their neighborhood and everyone will be behind Khushi, giving attention to her and she can't tolerate this.

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

"Sir the car is ready.. Shall we leave?" his driver came running to him as soon as he saw Arnav and Khushi coming towards his side.

"Good.." Arnav said. He opened the car's door for Khushi surprising his driver who was seeing his Boss giving attention to a girl for this first time since he started working for Arnav.

Khushi got in the car hesitantly, Arnav kept her bags carefully in the car and sat with her at the backseat.

"Sir.. where are we heading to now?" the driver asked clueless. As before the girl came here, he was sure his Sir wanted to attend a meeting, now he's not that sure!

"Well.. to my office if she doesn't tell us her home address!" Arnav replied.

Khushi gasped, "I live in Lakshmi Nagar.."

"Take us to my home.." Arnav said to his driver.

"But I already said where I live.." Khushi frowned.

"I will drop you later!" Arnav said.

"I want to go home now.." Khushi said worriedly.

"Later!" Arnav stressed the word as he glanced at her.

"Look.. I'm not the kind of girl you're thinking.. please take me to my home," Khushi pleaded in a weak whisper, her eyes filled with tears and fear.

"I'm also not the kind of man you're thinking," Arnav said with his gaze fixed on her.

Khushi looked away, wiping her forehead with her palms, wondering what will happen to her today, if she will reach home safe and sound or not and why is ASR interested in taking her home.

Arnav handed to her bottle of water. Khushi looked at him again and shook her head.

"Drink it.." he insisted.

Khushi frowned and looked away, making him press his lips tightly to suppress a smile threatening to come out anytime, after witnessing her cute angry expressions.

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

Shantivan..

Arnav and Khushi walked in his mansion, and Khushi was awestruck by the sight of grandeur of his mansion, yet something was missing, the mansion was filled with darkness and silence, she could only spot few servants cleaning around as they walked towards the living room.

"HP," Arnav shouted making Khushi flinch as his shout interrupted her thoughts abruptly. She was still trying to figure out what is missing in his mansion.

He glanced at her and realizing that he scared her, said: Sorry.

"It's okay," she whispered surprised that he apologized. Her family never apologized for ill treating her all these years. He apologizing felt like someone was treating her like a human being.

"Bhaiya app ne mujhe bulaya? (Did you call me?)" HP asked standing in front of them panting, as he ran in high speed to reach there before Arnav called his name for the second time and he for surely then would be scolded.

"I don't remember hiring another HP other than you," Arnav replied sarcastically.

Khushi giggled silently, covering her mouth with her palms. But her twinkling eyes helped Arnav realize she was indeed laughing.

He looked back at HP, "Bring juice and snacks for her."

Before Khushi could deny, HP nodded and rushed to the kitchen.

Khushi sighed staring at HP's disappearing figure, "That's not needed.. I'm not hungry really."

"What's your name?" Arnav asked.

Khushi shifted her gaze to him, then looked down tucking her hair behind her ear, "Khushi."

"Khushi.." he repeated huskily to know how her beautiful name sounded from his voice.

"Take a seat Khushi," he said motioning her to sit at the couch.

Khushi nodded as she took her seat, wondering what exactly Arnav wants from her.

Arnav sat on another couch, making Khushi even more comfortable with his presence, till now he didn't misbehave with her and even in the car he maintained some distance between them. He didn't talk much yet with her also.

"Full name?" he asked.

"Khushi Kumari Gupta," she replied.

"You can ask me my name also to make this look like a conversation, not an interview," he smirked.

Khushi giggled, "I know your name."

"Still.. What do you want to know about me?" he asked.

"Hmm.. woh.. I don't know.." she replied awkwardly.

HP came with a tray with juice and snacks for Khushi. He kept it at the table and left from there.

Arnav gestured her to drink juice. Khushi smiled and took the glass of juice.

"Was that your mother at the market?" Arnav asked.

"She's my aunty," Khushi replied.

"Where's your mom? Do your parents allow your aunt to treat you like a servant?" he frowned.

"My Amma and Bauji aren't in this world anymore. They're stars in the sky now," Khushi replied in a low and sad tone.

"Oh.. I'm so sorry Khushi," he said feeling bad for her.

Khushi shook her head with a small smile, "It's okay."

"By the way, your mansion is very beautiful.. You know it looks like I'm in a TV serials sets. They also show us big and beautiful mansion like this one," Khushi said.

"I'll show you around once you're done having your juice and snacks," he said readily.

"Oh no.. It's okay. It's getting late and I need to reach home early," Khushi denied politely, also reminding him that she wants to go back home.

"It will not take that much time," he insisted.

Khushi sighed faking a smile to him as she thought in her mind, "He owns such a big house and is telling me that it won't take much time to conduct this house tour! Are we going to tour this house by plane ahn?"

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"I was very young when my mother committed suicide because my father betrayed her, and later he too ended his life out of guilt. Then my family threw me out of my house in Lucknow and took over that property along with my father's business," he told her as they walked through the corridor heading to his room.

Khushi gasped with moist eyes, "How can people be so cruel? And how did you manage to reach here and achieve this much success?"

"I went to my Nani's place, she only took care of me till I was 17, then I left to London to complete my education and started my AR company there itself. When I came back to stay here with her, she was very sick and after few days, she too left me." Arnav said with slightly moist eyes but immediately looked away to avoid eye contact with Khushi and get time to compose himself.

Khushi looked at him sadly.

"Now I've no one with me.. All alone in this world," he chuckled.

"Don't say that.. You will surely find someone who will love and care for you always. She will be your family," Khushi said.

"And you already found someone who will treat better than you so called family," he said confidently, staring straight into her eyes.

Khushi smiled confusedly, "Found? There's no one special in my life till now."

"My room," he opened the door for her, purposely changing the topic.

Khushi walked in, looking around, "It's nice..(she smiled) but too dark!" she ended pouting.

"Just like my life!" he said and Khushi felt bad for hurting him.

She turned back to apologize immediately, but he switched on the lights and said, "See.. you're the light of my dark room!"

"I saw you switched on the lights," she giggled, shaking her head at him.

"I mostly stay out of my house.. Either in my office, or out of the country, but when I'm home, then I only like to be here in my own room," he said.

Khushi nodded her head, "Same with me.. I only like to stay in my room.. I can cry as much as I want and no one will see me."

Arnav was about to say something, when his phone rang and he picked it up after seeing the caller's name, "Haan Aman.. Yeah.. I'll be there in few minutes.. Ok.. Bye."

As soon as he hang up the call, he looked at Khushi: That's Aman.. my PA.. he works with me in AR since a very long time.. he literally was with me when I started the company.. he's someone I trust blindly and I know he's going to be by my side always.

Khushi nodded her head, she gulped, faking a smile: That's okay.. but do you mind me asking why have you brought me here, showed me around your mansion and shared your personal life story with me?

"So that tomorrow when I come to ask your hand for marriage, you don't refuse me with an excuse that you know nothing about me," he said in serious tone.

Khushi widened her eyes flabbergasted.

"Come I'll drop you home," he turned his back to her and smirked, walking out of the room.

Khushi followed him hurriedly, still trying to compose herself from the shock she just got. Was he serious or just kidding with her?

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Laxmi Nagar..

"Please don't do this.. I'll take the bags myself.. please.. see everyone is staring at us," Khushi pleaded Arnav who carried her bags with the driver to her house, as she followed them, trying to convince Arnav to let her hold it as the neighbors curiously watched the scene and gossiped among themselves.

Madhumati, Garima and Payal stood at the door shocked to the core seeing ASR himself in front of them, carrying those bags.

Arnav handed the bags to Garima and the driver to Payal.

"Bye Khushi," he said when he turned to leave.

"Bye.." she sighed in defeat as Arnav didn't hear her pleads and did what he wanted at last, ".. and thank you so much for dropping me home," Khushi smiled genuinely.

Arnav blinked his eyes and went back to his car, wearing his goggles.

"Welcome Queen.. Welcome." Buaji said sarcastically.

"Oh yes.. Do you want us to serve tea or juice for you?" Garima asked with a sarcastic smile.

"ASR must have taken good care of her, hain na?" Payal smirked.

Few ladies rushed to their house and started curiously asking Khushi about Arnav.

"What your relationship with him? Why did he came here to drop you home? What you guys did together? Did you have fun with him?" they were attacking her with indirect nasty questions.

Khushi felt disgusted as the ladies kept on insisting her to reply.
She left from there running to her room and locked herself, crying bitterly.

"So cheap this girl is.. she's really spoiling the reputation of your family Garima.." one of the ladies spoke.

"I know.. but what to do.. she's an orphan and has no where to go.. we are big hearted people so we're treating her like our own family.. but she's doesn't even take this into consideration.. she didn't think once about us before doing all this.. we raised both girls the same way.. but see how much both are different.. my Payal respect her family and is waiting patiently to get married whereas Khushi is desperately going behind rich men," Garima said.

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Next day..

"Hayree NK.. Look who's coming here.." Buaji shouted with wide eyes, peeking through the window, she saw ASR coming towards their house.

"Who is coming Jiji?" Shashi asked frowning confused, keeping his newspaper aside.

"Arnav Singh Raizada," Buaji replied.

Khushi who was setting the table, stopped abruptly what she was doing and looked up to Buaji. Her heart beat faster when he knocked the door. Was the Dhak Dhak she heard, the sound of her heartbeats or the door being knocked?

Shashi and Garima stood up shocked.

"Payalia go and open the door," Buaji quickly ordered and Payal obeyed her.

Khushi kept looking eagerly at the door.

"ASR.." Payal whispered astonished to see a celebrity in front of her.

Arnav glanced at her once, then peeked inside their house, his eyes curiously searching for Khushi.

"I'm so sorry for keeping you standing at the door.. please come in," Payal smiled politely.

Arnav, whose eyes had already spotted Khushi, walked directly towards her.

Everyone looked curious to know what he had to talk with Khushi.

"App (You).. What are you doing here?" she whispered visibly uncomfortable to be talking with Arnav in front of her curious family members.

"I told you yesterday that I would come here to take you.. Unfortunately you didn't take me seriously," he said, his gaze fixed on her hazel eyes.

Khushi's eyes widened. Was he really serious about the marriage?

Taking opportunity of Khushi's numb state, Arnav held her hand and took her away from Guptas, "Where's your room?"

Khushi looked at him startled, "Huh?"

"Your room Khushi.. Which one is your room here?" he asked confusedly.

Khushi pointed to her room and he took her inside, closing the door behind.

"What are you doing? Please don't close the door.. my family will taunt me later.. everyone will speak bad about my character.." Khushi said with moist eyes.

Arnav turned to her, "Shh.. no one will speak bad about your character.."

"You don't know anything about me," she looked away sadly.

"I know everything about you. Khushi Kumari Gupta. 20 years old. Your parents had an car accident and lost their lives and you survived in that accident. Later your uncle and aunt took you and promised to take care of you like their own daughter, when all they wanted was your father's house and sweet shop. Even though everything is yours here, still they treat you like a servant and torture you everyday," Arnav said confidently.

Khushi widened her eyes in shock and turned back to him, "How do you know about this?"

"Not only this, I know every single detail about you. I had told you about Aman, right? This is the reason why I trust him blindly, he doesn't rest till he completes the tasks I hand over to him," Arnav smirked.

"Is he your PA or a detective?" Khushi taunted.

"Doesn't matter.." he took one step closer to her, "Just answer me.. Do you want to marry me or not?"

Khushi nodded sideways.

"Why?" he frowned.

"Ask Aman!" Khushi replied in a sarcastic tone.

"Khushi I'm serious," Arnav rolled his eyes.

"Why do you even want to marry me? We just met yesterday," Khushi asked baffled.

"If I say that I fell in love with you, then you won't believe in me," he said.

"Of course not.. I'm sure you must have said to every girl," Khushi frowned slightly and looked away.

Arnav turned her to face him smirking, "Yeah.. I did say to them that I love you!"

Khushi sighed in defeat, before composing herself again and looked at him, "I'm sorry.. but I can't marry you. We don't even know each other well.. and we belong to different worlds.. You've everything in your life, I've got nothing to give to you.. Also my family won't accept this relationship.. and in just one day you can't decide to get married to me.. I'm not ready for this."

"Yesterday I told you everything about me and I already know enough about you to take this marriage decision. So don't come up with that we don't know each other well excuse," Arnav said annoyed.

Khushi widened her eyes, but before she could speak up what's on her mind, he continued.

"And we belong to different worlds, like seriously? Do I look like from a different planet to you? Am I an alien to you?" he asked, keeping his tone louder at every question, "I don't want anything but Love from you!"

"And your family.." he chuckled sarcastically, "Are they really your family? Does their opinion should even matter to you Khushi? Open your eyes and don't let them spoil your life more.. Tomorrow they will ask you to marry someone else, and you'll readily accept it.. But here, I'm proposing you because I truly love you dammit and you're rejecting my proposal for your so called family?"

"And yes.. whenever you're ready to get married.. do invite me as your groom!" he said in husky and confident tone, walking away from there and leaving a shocked Khushi behind.

"Over confident," Khushi blinked her eyes, muttering to herself.

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

Arnav walked to leave Gupta house, when Buaji rushed towards him, "Bitwa listen to me.."

Arnav stopped on his track and glanced at her dangerously, "What?"

"Woh.. I heard you want to marry Khushi.. But I've a better option for you.. You'll just spoil your life if you marry a girl like Khushi.. she's just behind your fame.. Take a look at our Payal bitiya.. she's so beautiful and well mannered girl.. You won't get a girl like our Payal anywhere in this world.. trust me.. Talk to her once and you'll fall in love with her instantly.." Buaji tried her best to convince Arnav to choose Payal instead of Khushi.

Payal blushed deeply and hide behind Garima.

Arnav rolled his eyes realizing that they were eavesdropping his and Khushi's conversation behind the door.

"Wow.. See mom we came to see their girl and they're already planning to get her married to ASR! What kind of a joke is this?" the man, Rekha had talked about with Garima for Payal's alliance came up with his family.

Buaji gulped, widening her eyes in shock after seeing the boy who came to see Payal and his family, who just witnessed her convincing Arnav to get married to Payal.

"It's not what you're thinking.." Garima tried to explain desperately.

"Oh really? We just saw and heard everything. Do you think we're fool Garima?" his mother shouted angrily.

"I fell in love with Khushi and wanted to marry her only, but you guys convinced us to see your daughter, Payal and now you're planning to get her married to another man.. This is really disgusting," the man frowned.

Arnav glared angrily at the man who declared his love for Khushi in front of him. He walked furiously towards the man, but Khushi came on his way and stopped him from walking further, by holding his arms.

"Leave me Khushi," Arnav gritted his teeth.

"There's no need to fight with him, because I'm NOT getting married to him," Khushi said sternly, holding him tightly.

"What the.. He dared to say that he loves you dammit," Arnav gritted his teeth, frowning.

"So what? I don't love him," Khushi said, "There are many girls who love you as well, but do you love them all? No, right? But you can't stop them from loving you either."

Arnav calmed himself down once he heard her explanation, but still frowned and a cute annoyed pout formed on his lips.

Khushi's lips broke into a smile staring at his cute angry expressions.

"Let's go from here bitwa.. We have nothing to do here," the boy's mom held his hand and forcefully took him outside along with their family members who were equally disappointed with Guptas.

"Woh.. this is a misunderstanding.. Please wait.." Garima, Shashi, Payal and Buaji rushed to the boy's family to pacify them.

Khushi looked at Arnav, "You should also leave now."

"I'm going and you should think properly before rejecting my proposal. See this man who claimed to love you, but got convinced to marry your sister and he readily accepted it. You want to marry with this type of men?" he asked disgusted.

"No," Khushi nodded sideways, "Give me some time to think at least," she pouted staring at his chocolate brown eyes.

"Think Khushi.. Think. Then call me to start the preparations for the wedding okay?" he patted her cheek gently and left from there.

Khushi caressed her cheek, widening her eyes, "Haww.. He's already convinced that I will say Yes to his marriage proposal."

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Three days later..

Arnav opened the door of his room and his eyes fell on the most beautiful bride ever, sat on the middle of his bed with a long red veil covering her face.

Arnav walked inside the room and closed the door, making Khushi even more nervous.

He sat beside her and lifted her veil, Khushi's heartbeat increased as she clutched her fist.

Arnav silently continued to remove her jewelry and pins on her hair. He held her wrist and took off the bangles, keeping them on the table aside.

"Su.. Su.." Khushi stammered, making efforts to convey what was going on in her mind.

"Susu? You want to go the bathroom?" Arnav asked, hiding the smirk on his face. He understood by the nervousness and uneasiness on her face what was cooking on her brain, but he decided to tease her instead.

Khushi shook her head, then nodded vigorously.

"Yes or no?" Arnav raised his one eyebrow.

"Yes.. Yes.." Khushi nodded and hurriedly got up from the bed and rushed inside the bathroom. Arnav chuckled softly staring at her disappearing figure.

After some ten minutes, he heard Khushi's voice from the bathroom, "Suniye (Listen)"

"Yeah.." he replied.

"Is tonight our Su-Suhag raat?" she asked.

"What do you think?" he asked grinning to himself.

Khushi, who leaning on the bathroom door, hit her forehead realizing her foolishness.

"What will I do now? I'm not ready for this yet.. I don't even know him properly till now.. I mean I know him but we're not so close to each other.. but he's my husband now.. Won't he feel bad if I refuse him? But he should also respect my feelings.." Khushi bit her nails, muttering to herself.

"Khushi," she gasped when she heard his husky loud tone.

"'Haan (Yes)," she gulped.

"I asked what do you think?"

"Woh.. I think we should get to know more about each other.. then we can think about su-suhag raat," she replied pouting and fidgeting her fingers.

"You went to the bathroom to think about this?"

Khushi shut her eyes tightly, from his tone it was clear that he was enjoying teasing her to the core.

"I wanted to change my clothes," she replied.

"But your clothes are in our closet," he said.

Khushi walked out of the bathroom totally embarrassed and rushed to their closet, taking her night suit, she side glanced at him twice, before gathering courage to speak, "And what do YOU think about tonight?"

"Let us know each other well, then every night will be our suhag raat," he winked teasingly.

Khushi rushed to bathroom, her cheeks had turned red just by hearing his shameless talks and his fully in mood to tease her face expressions.

"Shameless, Stubborn and Short tempered, but he's still a good man," Khushi spoke to herself about her husband, smiling at her reflection on the mirror.

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Next day

Arnav descended the stairs and found HP on his way to the dining room, "HP where's Khushi?"

"Khushi bhabhi is at the kitchen cooking for breakfast bhaiya," HP smiled brightly, showing his teeth to Arnav.

"Why are you so happy about it? Go and help her dammit," Arnav narrowed his eyes, keeping his tone stern.

"Bhabhi only asked me to do other works and she'll handle the kitchen alone," HP pouted slightly disappointed for being scolded early in the morning by Arnav.

"Wow she said it and you happily escaped from handling the kitchen today, right?" Arnav asked sarcastically.

"But Bhaiya.."

"Shut up HP," Arnav shouted, "Stop giving me your stupid excuses everytime. You shouldn't have left-"

"Stop it. Why are you shouting at him?" Khushi rushed to them worriedly.

"Bhabhi please explain to Bhaiya that you only asked me to go and do other works and you would handle the kitchen as it's your first day here and you wanted to cook for Bhaiya today," HP pleaded to Khushi to save him from the lion.

Khushi nodded, then looked at Arnav, "I only asked him to leave the kitchen as I wanted to cook for breakfast. It's a ritual, a bride cooks for her husband and his family at her first day in the house."

"He didn't explain this to me before otherwise I wouldn't scold him at all," Arnav said, putting the blame on HP who opened his mouth in disbelief.

"So what? You shouldn't have shouted on him like that," Khushi said. Her moist eyes gave away how much upset she was with him. She left them and went to the dining room.

Arnav and HP followed her worriedly.

Arnav sat beside Khushi on the breakfast table, "Khushi.. Are you crying because of this? This is very normal between me and HP.. I always scold him and he doesn't feel bad about it. Don't cry Khushi please."

"I do feel bad Bhabhi but I'm already used to Bhaiya's scoldings, please don't cry because of me Bhabhi.. This is very normal.. I'm Bhaiya's bank.. He deposits all the anger he has with everyone in me," HP said feeling pity of himself.

Arnav glared at him, "You're overreacting HP now!"

Khushi had her head bowed, tears only falling from her cheeks.

"Do you know why I accepted to marry you Arnav ji? I thought you're different from my family. I thought you will not treat me like my family treated me for all these years. But now I'm feeling scared that you're not what I thought you to be. When you shout at HP for nothing or even silly mistakes, it reminds me that my family used to do the same with me," she said in broken voice, sobbing.

"I'm not like your family members Khushi. I want to give you so much love that you forget about your horrible past. I'm sorry.. I won't shout at HP again," he said, feeling bad for hurting her, on the very first day of their marriage life.

"Are nahin Bhaiya.. How will I survive without your scoldings?" HP cried, "I'm so used to be scolded by you everyday, if you stop scolding me, then I will feel you stopped loving me Bhaiya."

"Kitna overacting karte ho tum HP!" Arnav sighed in disbelief.

"That's why I'm here working for you and dropped the idea of becoming an actor," HP smiled sheepishly.

Khushi giggled and Arnav's heart was relieved to see the beautiful smile back on his wife's face.

He wiped the tears running down her cheeks with his thumb gently, while she held her ear with her hands apologizing for misunderstanding his relationship with HP and comparing it to hers and her family.

Arnav blinked his eyes gesturing that he was not upset about it.

HP smiled happily seeing the couple lost in each other. He left from there silently, making sure not to disturb their moment.

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

It was around 4pm that after cooking for dinner, chatting with HP and other workers and watching few TV serials, Khushi went upstairs to their room to take some rest while waiting for Arnav to come back from office.

She adjusted her pillow to lay comfortable on it, but her phone rang shifting her attention to it. She picked up the call, "Hello?"

"Hello Mrs. Raizada! How's your first day going?" Khushi could feel the sarcasm on Garima's tone, yet she replied curtly, "Go-Good."

"Aren't you ashamed of yourself girl? You destroyed my daughter's life and now you're enjoying fully being a rich man's wife.. Shame on you.. I don't know why Shashi ji accepted to take care of you and treat you equally like Payal.. We gave you everything and today you left us after destroying my daughter's life.. because of you Khushi.. only because of you every good man is rejecting to marry Payal.. society is talking rubbish about my daughter's character.. I will never forgive you Khushi.. I will never forgive you.."

"I didn't do anything," Khushi sobbed.

"Oh please.. Don't fake innocence now. I curse you now Khushi.. You'll never be happy in your life.. Your husband, Arnav Singh Raizada will treat you like a no one.. like a slave.. He will betray you with other women and you won't be able to do anything other than crying at your own fate. Just wait and watch," Garima hang up the call angrily.

Khushi cried shutting her eyes tightly, her whole body was shivering now.

"Arnav ji won't do anything of that sort with me.. Arnav ji is a good man," she kept on chanting to herself until she calmed down.

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

7pm

"HP," Khushi called him to the living room, where she was sitting on the couch, boringly watching TV.

"Ji Bhabhi," HP approached her and stood in front of her.

"At what time does Arnav ji usually comes back from office?" Khushi asked.

"It depends bhabhi.. but he comes back very late.. around 10pm.. sometimes he even sleeps in his office," HP sighed.

"Oh," Khushi nodded her head with a small smile.

"Bhabhi if you want, then I can stay here with you," HP said.

Khushi nodded. HP rushed to bring a chair making Khushi frown, "Why are you sitting there? Sit here HP," she pointed to the couch.

"Nahin Bhabhi. I can't sit on the couch. I'm fine here," said HP smiling.

"Why? Doesn't Arnav ji allow you to sit here? I thought you are like family to him," Khushi asked, her heart beats increased, fearing that Arnav might not be the man she thought him to be.

"It's nothing like that.. Bhaiya does allow to do almost everything I want here.. He treats me like a younger brother.. but I'm just his servant, I don't want to cross my limits and I don't want Bhaiya to think that I'm taking advantage of him because he considers me as his younger brother," HP explained.

"You're so good HP," Khushi smiled, "It's really rare nowadays to find people like you."

"Kya bhabhi.. It's nothing like that," HP smiled shyly.

"Bhabhi what did bhaiya gift you today?" HP asked excitedly.

"Nothing.. but I don't need gifts, he liked my food, that's enough for me," Khushi said.

HP nodded silently as he observed that Khushi became upset and disturbed suddenly.

"HP I need your black coffee right now," HP and Khushi looked behind the see the owner of the voice that echoed around the living room.

"Ji Lavanya ma'am.. I'll bring it right away," HP hurriedly went to the kitchen as Arnav and Lavanya took their seats on the couch.

Arnav sat beside Khushi who was gazing confusedly at Lavanya.

"Are you okay? How was your day?" Arnav asked.

"Yes, I'm okay.. My day was good," Khushi replied.

"Khushi she's Lavanya Kashyap.. head designer of AR.. and Lavanya, she's my wife," Arnav said glancing once at Lavanya, then shifting his gaze back to his beautiful wife.

Khushi smiled politely at Lavanya, "Nice to meet you."

"Same here.. Actually we would have met each other on your marriage.. but ASR didn't invite any of us at office except his favorite Aman for the marriage," Lavanya glared at Arnav.

"You're not that important for me," Arnav smirked.

"Oh really.. I know you can't live without me ASR," Lavanya rolled her eyes, smiling.

"He will betray you with other women and you won't be able to do anything other than crying at your own fate" Khushi was watching them chatting with each other, while Garima's words unwillingly kept running in her mind. Was Garima right? Will Arnav show his true face to her now? Will he treat her worse than her family?

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

Arshi room

Arnav walked out of bathroom and glanced at Khushi laid on bed, lost in her thoughts.

He reached on his side of the bed and laid beside her, staring at her intently: What happened Khushi? I've been observing you since I came back from office.. You look disturbed and lost.

Khushi nodded sideways, "Nothing happened Arnav ji.. I'm fine."

"Just because you say so, doesn't mean I believe you but I won't insist you," Arnav said as he got up from the bed and walked to the dresser, taking two small boxes in his hand, he went back to the bed, "This is for you Khushi," he handed one box to her.

Khushi took it as she sat on the bed, "What is this?"

"Open it," Arnav said playing with his box.

Khushi did as he said, getting surprised to see a pendant with his initial, "A". Arnav opened his box, showing to her that he had the same pendant with her name initial.

Khushi smiled heartily as she whispered, "Thank you."

Arnav took it from her hand and asked through his eyes if he can help her wear it, Khushi lowered her eyes and shyly nodded her head.

Arnav tied the pendant around her neck, caressing her skin gently with the back of his fingers under the pretext of helping her wear the pendant.

"Now you also help me wear mine," Arnav said.

Khushi nodded readily, taking the pendant, she asked him to turn which he obeyed. While she tied the pendant around his neck, she decided to clear her doubt, "Arnav ji can I ask you something?"

"Hmm,"

"Why didn't you invite Lavanya to our marriage?" she asked.

"She's not that close to me. She's just an employee in my office and I brought her home today so that we could finish few works. I could have finished it at office, but then I didn't want to keep you waiting for me," Arnav replied.

"Then why did she say you can't.... that you can't live.. without her?" Khushi gulped.

Arnav looked back at her and Khushi immediately lowered her gaze.

"Khushi look at me," Arnav whispered huskily, his face moved closer to hers.

Khushi slowly moved her gaze towards him, her heart beats increased. She feared he would he scold her for asking these questions. She feared he would shout at her like her family used to when she ever tried to question or raise her voice to them. She feared he would slap her and lock her in this room like her family used to do with her.

"I love you.. trust me when I say that there's no other woman in my life other than you.. I fell in love with you the first day I saw you in Chandni Chowk.. From that day till the last day of my life, I will always be loyal to you," Arnav said cupping her face.

"And why Lavanya said that-"

"No.. Don't say anything. I trust you," Khushi placed her finger on his lips, shaking her head with moist eyes.

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

Do Dil Safar Mein Nikal Pade, Jana Kahan Kyun Fikar Kare.
(Two hearts set out on a journey. Why should they concern themselves with the destination?)
Kahan Thikana Ho Rat Ka, Subah Kahan Pe Basar Kare.
(Where are they going to stop for the night? Where do you open your eyes in the morning?)
Haan! Khoya Khoya Dil Mera Kehta Hai.
(This is what my lost heart says)
Han Tum Se Hi Bas Tum Se Hi, Meri Jan Hai Bas Tum Se Hi.
(With you! Only with you! I have a life only with you!)
Dil Ko Mere Aram Hai, Pareshan Hai Bas Tum Se Hi.
(My heart is both restless and at peace because of you).

Khushi opened her eyes slowly and lazily to check if he woke up to go to office, to her surprise he was already awake, but still laid on the bed staring at her.

"What?" Khushi asked confused, yet blushing at his intense gaze.

Arnav shook his head as if saying nothing and got up from the bed, heading to the bathroom. Khushi sat on the bed and peeked the mirror to see if there's anything on her face.

"My face is looking normal only.. Why was he staring at me like that?" she thought caressing her cheek frowning slightly.

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

"Arnav ji wait," Khushi rushed towards the door while Arnav stopped on his tracks hearing her voice.

"Arnav ji please come home early from now onwards," Khushi said.

"Do you miss me?" Arnav asked teasingly.

Khushi looked up to him with her wide eyes, then looked down at the floor shyly.

Arnav smirked as he pecked her cheek and whispered on her ear, "Your wish is my command Madam. I'll come back home as soon as possible."

Khushi smiled brightly, her cheeks turned red in no time as she watched her husband walking away proudly of his effect on her.

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

"Khushi I'm in a meeting.. I'll call you back later," Arnav whispered on his phone, not wanting to disturb his partners discussions.

"I'm sorry for disturbing you.. I just want to know if you had lunch and meds or not.." he heard her sweetest voice filled with concern.

"I did," he said, a faint smile appeared on his lips. It's been years since he felt this warm sensation in his heart..since he felt he's someone's priority!

"Okay.. Take care of yourself Arnav ji. It's raining today, avoid going out without taking your umbrella. I already gave umbrella and a sweater to Mohan bhaiya (driver) to keep it in your car. Bye bye.. Sorry for disturbing you again," Khushi said everything in one go.

"Okay madam.. I will take care of myself. But you also should take care of yourself.. You're strictly forbidden from playing in the rain otherwise you'll get sick," Arnav said smiling.

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

"Did you enjoy the movie Arnav ji?" Khushi asked, trying to suppress her giggles staring at Arnav driving them back home after spending their Saturday afternoon watching a movie at the theater.

Arnav rolled his eyes making Khushi laugh out loud.

"You were sleeping like a baby," she pulled his cheek.

"That movie was boring that's why I fell asleep," Arnav whined.

"I don't know if it was boring or not.. I was just staring-" Khushi widened her eyes as she realized what she was about to say to Arnav.

Arnav smirked, "I'm glad to know that my wife found staring at me sleeping more interesting than watching a movie."

Khushi blushed deeply, staring at the window side avoiding eye contact with him.

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

Khushi coughed badly, her eyes filled with tears and cheeks turned red like a tomato, making Arnav worried as they were having dinner.

"What happened Khushi?" he asked patting her back gently.

"Wa-ter," Khushi pointed to the glass, as she felt a burning sensation spreading across her lips making her sweat profusely.

Arnav quickly made her drink water, scolding her in between, "I don't know what's this obsession of yours with these hot sauces.. It's not good for your health to keep eating spicy food all the time.. I've warned you so many times but you never listen to me dammit."

"Aahh.. Sto-p scol-ding me.. Give me mo-re wa-ter," Khushi shouted irritated, her mouth was burning and he was more interested in scolding her at the wrong time.

Arnav quickly poured more water on the glass and made her drink, "Don't shout at me.. Face the consequences of your stupidity."

Khushi glared at him, while drinking the water. She stood up from the chair and rushed to the kitchen to have something sweet because water wasn't helping anymore.

Later they went to sleep, although Khushi was better, she was still feeling a bit burning sensation on her tongue spoiling her sleep.

Arnav noticed it and taunted her, "Eat.. eat more hot sauces from now on."

"I always eat my food with hot sauce.. It's just today it turned out more spicy than what-" Khushi didn't got the chance to complete what she was saying, as Arnav slammed his lips on hers, kissing her gently and lovingly, distracting her from the pain.

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

"Khushi see what I bought for you on my way back home," Arnav said, taking his seat beside her on the couch and keeping a plate with jalebis on her lap.

"I don't want it," Khushi said making Arnav shift his gaze from the TV to her in shock.

"What the.." he uttered.

Khushi kept the plate on his lap, making a crying face, "Just take this plate away from here. I don't want to eat anything."

"But why?" Arnav asked.

"Nothing," she took a sharp breath, while slowly massaging her back.

"Period cramps?" Arnav asked.

Khushi widened her eyes in response, "How do you know?"

"I'm your husband," he replied as he left the living room to keep back the jalebis in the kitchen and rushed back to her. He lifted her in his arms, making Khushi cry in pain, "Ahhh.. Do you have any idea how much it hurts? Siting here was more comfortable for me and it was paining less.. Now you increased my pain."

"You're being so cranky.. I'm trying to help you.. You'll thank me later," Arnav said as they reached their bedroom. He made her lay on the bed, Khushi cried even more in pain.

Arnav rushed to get her a heating pad, he sat beside her and applied it to her abdomen and back. He patiently kept applying the heating pad waiting for her pain to subside. Khushi fell asleep while he took care of her.
He dropped a kiss on her forehead and laid beside her, chuckling to himself, "Who would say Khushi will one day refuse to eat her jalebis? Only cramps managed to do the impossible."

Khushi snuggled to him in her sleep, enjoying the warmth of his body. Arnav wrapped his arm around her waist, dropping a kiss on her hair.

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

"Bhabhi I've a great news," HP walked in the kitchen, approaching Khushi smiling excitedly.

"Really.. and what is that so great news?" Khushi asked curiously as she poured black coffee on a cup.

"I went to a date for the first time in my life," HP grinned.

Khushi looked at him surprised, "So you have a girlfriend?"

"No..Bhaiya said to me not to rush things, first I should take her for more dates, get to know more about each other and then decide if we want to go further in this relationship or not," HP said caressing the back of his neck, smiling shyly.

Khushi lifted the tray with few snacks and coffee for Arnav, while smiling to HP: Well then.. I wish you good luck.. Let's hope that she's the special one for you!

"Thank you bhabhi," HP giggled excitedly.

Khushi walked out of the kitchen and headed to Arnav's study. She kept the tray on the table, making Arnav shift his attention from his work to her, "Thank you," he said.

"After you're done with your work. I want to have a serious conversation with you," Khushi said, her face expressionless making Arnav even more curious as to what she wanted to talk about.

"We can talk now.." he said, the curiosity killing him.

Khushi sat on the opposite chair to his, "HP liked a girl and you advised him to talk with her often, take her to dates before deciding if he wants her as his girlfriend or not, right?"

Arnav nodded his head.

"Does that mean you repent marrying me without knowing about me?" Khushi asked.

Arnav's lips broke into a smile, making Khushi frown, "Don't smile.. Answer my question!"

"No.. I don't repent marrying you Khushi because my heart was more than sure that I wanted you as my life partner whereas HP isn't sure about it," Arnav said.

"How do you know HP isn't sure about his feelings?" Khushi raised her brows.

"Because he came to ask me if he should have a relationship with the girl or not.. If he still needs to hear other people's advices to decide whether the girl should or not be his girlfriend, then he's not in love.. he's not sure about his feelings for her.. that's why I said to him to take sometime before he decides. And my case was completely different.. I was and I still am completely sure that you're my soulmate," Arnav said.

"So what's your final decision my lawyer? Am I the culprit? Will I be punished?" Arnav asked teasingly.

"Koi saboot nahin.. toh koi guneghaar nahin (There's no proof.. so there's no one guilty)" Khushi said seriously trying to hide her smile as she stood up to leave.

"Thank you," Arnav smiled cutely.

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

"Arnav ji are you done with your work?" Khushi stare at her husband walking in their room, hiding something behind his back.

"I don't work on Sunday," he replied approaching her.

Khushi frowned confused, "You only said that you were going downstairs to complete your work."

"It was a lie," Arnav said as he showed what he was hiding from her, bringing forward a plate with channa masala and roti for her, "I went to cook dinner for you."

Khushi smiled surprised, "You cooked it?"

Arnav nodded, "With HP's help."

Khushi looked at him overwhelmed, today she didn't feel like just saying Thank you to him.. but show him that she was really touched by his sweet gesture. She pecked his lips lightly, before Arnav could even register what just happened, she snatched the plate from his hand and started eating, shifting her attention back to the movie she was watching.

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

Khushi opened her eyes slowly as usual Arnav was already awake staring at her, "Good morning," she whispered and cuddled to him lazily.

"Good morning," he replied, dropping a kiss on her forehead.

"Are you done checking me out?" Khushi teased him, burying her face on his neck, trying to hide from the sunrays peeking through the curtains.

Arnav chuckled, "You should appreciate me.. after all not every husband checks his wife out every morning like I do."

Khushi raised her head, cupping his face she made him look at her side and filled his face with sloppy kisses.

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

"Are these two different things?" Arnav asked confused staring at Khushi buying vegetables in the market.

HP, who was holding the bags chuckled to himself, at his Bhaiya's confused expression. His bhaiya might be the best when it comes to his business and field, but here Khushi was the expert as she knew what items to buy and what not to, she knew exactly the quantity and quality of the products she wanted and that was making Arnav doubt his own intelligence.

"Yes Arnav ji..this is snake gourd and this is ridge gourd," Khushi pointed to each one while explaining to him.

"Ok-" Arnav left his sentence incomplete as his eyes fell on Garima and Payal coming on their way.

Garima too looked at them, she was shocked for a while but managed to compose herself.

Khushi's eyes followed Arnav's gaze and her mood went off seeing her so called family approaching them.

She held Arnav's arm, frowning: Let's go from here Arnav ji.

Arnav nodded, still glaring at Garima. They walked away from there, heading towards their car as HP followed them with the bags.

"She's enjoying her luxurious life, she has husband to accompany her to the market, a servant to hold her bags and a driver to take her where she wants to go.. And look at you, torturing your own mother.. making your own mother holding your shopping bags while you're busy on your good for nothing phone.. Payal have some shame for God sake.. At least Khushi never let me hold the bags whenever we went to the market, she never let me cook at home, she never let me do the household chores.. You're making your own mother's life a hell," Garima looked at Payal angrily.

"Like seriously Amma.. You made my life a hell the day you decided to convince ASR to get married to me, despite knowing that a man was coming to see me. Now everyone speaks ill of our family and nobody is interested in me.. You spoiled my life Amma," Payal said frustrated.

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

"Tum se hi bas tum se hi, meri jaan hai bas tum se hi.. Dil ko mere aram hai, pareshan hai bas tum se hi," Arnav sang as he watched his wife making coffee for him.

Khushi stare at him, sitting on the kitchen slab admiring her since long, and then surprising her by singing a lovely song.

"Are you singing for me?" she asked to confirm, while handling the cup of coffee to him.

"Yes," he said taking a sip of his coffee, "Aman was playing this music in the car.. I was thinking about you while listening to it. My life is all about you Khushi.. I love you," he said sincerely.

Khushi approached him, cupping his face, she rubbed her nose gently against his cheek with her eyes closed as a lone tear escaped her eyes.

She took a step back, wiping away her lone tear, "Arnav ji I never told you about this openly.. but I was scared at first when I got married to you.. I thought you'll be good to me for few days but then you'll treat me like everyone else did.. I took my time to open up with you because that fear, that trauma.. that past was still haunting me.. I knew you're good man but I was still insecure about our relationship.. but you always proved me wrong.. You're still the same man I met that day at the market.. Shameless, Stubborn and Short tempered man," she pulled his nose at last chuckling.

"You still find me shameless, stubborn and short tempered?" Arnav pouted.

"Yes.. and you're my perfect husband with all your flaws.. I like you like this only," she ruffled his hair lovingly smiling at him, "Now drink your coffee otherwise it will turn cold."

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

"Khushi.. Aman and Lavanya will come with me tonight.. We've some works left to complete, so I called them home," Arnav informed his wife that they'll have guests at home tonight, before he left to his office.

Khushi nodded as she instructed HP to flip the roti on the frying pan, then walked to her husband who was standing at the door frame of the kitchen.

"Are you leaving already?" Khushi asked while adjusting his tie, her eyes expressing how much she will miss him as always.

"Hmm.. Bye," he dropped a soft kiss on her forehead before he turned to walk away.

"Bye.. Take care of yourself.. Bub ju (Love you)!" Khushi shouted watching going away from her.

Arnav stopped on his track and turned back to her, astonished for a while. This is the first time she confessed her love for him. Neither he was prepared to hear this from her and perhaps nor she prepared to say this to him.

Khushi smiled seeing him taken aback by her sudden confession. She never said those magical worlds to him, till today. Today she felt like expressing in words what she feels for him.. Perhaps it wasn't the right moment, neither the right place.. but it was truly from her heart in her special way!

Arnav walked back to Khushi, pulling her into his arms, hugging her tightly as he buried his face on her neck, whispering: I love you too.

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

2 years later..

"Bub-ju.. Bub-ju.. Bub-ju.. Am-ma.. Da-daaa," Arshi's daughter chanted while playing with her father, sat on his chest.

"Bub ju my baby(Love you)" Arnav cupped her chubby cheeks and kissed both of them, smiling fondly at her.

She giggled and rolled to her mother's side of the bed, pulling Khushi's pendant with Arnav's initial, little Aashi had the intention of waking up her mother who was peacefully sleeping while she kept her father awake to play with her late night.

Khushi woke up startled, she sat straight on the bed and looked at Aashi perfectly fine, then at Arnav: What happened?

Aashi and Arnav laughed at her shocked expression. Khushi sighed glaring at both, she took a pillow and hit Arnav's chest, "You both just know how to scare me."

"I didn't do anything," Arnav defended himself smirking, "Aashi wants to say something to you."

Khushi laid back on bed, pulling her daughter to her side, she made Aashi lay on top of her, caressing her daughter's back she asked, "What do you want to say to me baby?"

"Bub ju," Aashi said cutely in her baby language, making Khushi's heart melt instantly, she filled her daughter with kisses in return.

Arnav moved near his girls, wrapping his arm around them protectively. He kissed Khushi's forehead, then Aashi's and wished them good night, "Time to sleep now my girls.. Good night."

"Good night/ Goo nit," both replied, snuggling into his arms.

Arnav and Khushi leaving their bitter and hurtful past behind, together created a beautiful relationship filled with love, trust, loyalty and care for each other, helped each other overcome their own insecurities and now working towards creating a beautiful future ahead with their daughter, Aashi Singh Raizada!

The END!