Arshi's kitchen

There were many chefs working here and there and being instructed by Khushi and Nakuul how the dishes should be prepared.

"Add salt in this.." Khushi said tasting it, then moved to other watching over them.

While Nakuul was more strict with the employees, he wanted everything perfect and in his way only.

While at front side, Pinky was handling the costumers by greeting them and making them feel comfortable. She was watching over the waiters if they were treating and serving guests properly.

Khushi also came and talked with few guests, as she was the owner of Arshi and guests also felt good that she wasn't treating them equally. She smiled to everyone and cared for every costumer as they were family one, she didn't see who is rich or not, she welcomed all of them with whole heart and that's what made them feel more comfortable in her restaurant and they also made up in mind to visit it regularly for the great hospitality and amazing food.

"Do you need any help ma'am?" Neil asked as he stood beside Khushi who was watching the restaurant filled with people and remembered when she asked Arnav that no was there, and he said once she steps in the restaurant would never be empty again.

"Nahin.." Khushi nodded sideways, "You can call me Khushi.."

"Cool.." Neil smiled, "I was also wondering why should I call you ma'am when we are almost same age? It feels like I'm calling an old woman.."

"Did you finish your work?" Khushi asked smiling.

"Khushi you don't know how much it's irritating to stay in front of a laptop in your cabin alone.. I needed some fresh air so came to see how things are working in the restaurant.." Neil said making his expressions.

"You're right.. even I was tired of seeing so many chefs cooking so that's why I came outside.." Khushi giggled.

Both high five smiling.

Pinky came and dragged Khushi along with her to meet the new costumers and Neil pouted.

"I was having cool conversation with Ma'am.. oops Khushi but this Pinky na.. I have to find a Blue bhaiya for her so that she stops interrupting my conversation with Khushi.." Neil said to himself.

Saying so he went back to his cabin which had no much work since it was first day.

At lunch time Arnav came with his business partners to have lunch at the restaurant.

He wanted to see Khushi but seems she was busy in the kitchen and he too got engrossed in talking with his partners.

"Bro should I call your Biwi?" Pinky ji came to him and whispered on his ear.

"Is she busy?" Arnav asked.

"Nahin, she's only chatting with Naks bro in kitchen.." Pinky said.

Arnav nodded his head sideways, "I'll go inside and meet her.."

"Okay ji.." Pinky smiled and went from there continuing her work.

Arnav excused himself and went to the kitchen side, where he found Khushi chatting so freely and laughing with Nakuul.

For a moment he felt jealous that she isn't like this with him anymore, but he reminded himself that it's only because of him that she's changed.

"Khushi.." he called her.

"Arnav ji.." Khushi turned to him surprised to see him here.

"Khushi you should scold your husband because he's a client here and he cannot enter in our kitchen like that.." Nakuul said.

"That's true.. Arnav ji you can't enter here!" Khushi giggled and walked to him pushing him away from the kitchen side.

Though it was a joke, Arnav felt that she was pushing him away from her life and it hurt him like never before.

"Go back to your table.. Have you been attended? What was your order?" Khushi asked.

"I already had my lunch.. only came to see you!" Arnav replied still hurt.

"I'm busy right now Mr. Raizada.." Khushi said pressing her lips and acting busy.

Arnav nodded and left from there leaving Khushi startled, she never thought he would agree this easily to leave her just because she said it.

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

At evening..

Arnav parked his car and peeked to see the restaurant was closed already, he frowned and called one of the guards.

"Is anybody inside there?" Arnav asked.

The guard nodded his head in no, "No Sir, ma'am already left with everyone.."

Arnav nodded his head, he looked away sighing, "Seems like in your new life, you don't have any place for me Khushi.."

He also went to Sheesh Mahal and directly put his feet in direction of his room but a giggle sound made him stop on his tracks.

He turned back to the living room and found his Doll giggling while watching cartoons on TV.

"Mahi.." he walked towards her leaving his bag on the couch on the way.

Sitting beside her, he picked her up and made her sit on his lap, "What is my baby doing here?"

Mahi before replying to him, wrapped her tiny arms around his neck and tightly hugged him. That's what Arnav needed today, a comfort and love filled hug.

He hugged her back and kissed her hair, Mahi smiled: Mahi miss you a lot Mamu..

"Mamu also missed you Baby.." he said sincerely, pulling her into a hug again.

"Who brought you here?" Arnav asked raising his eyebrows.

"Mumma.." Mahi smiled and Anjali came in front of them holding a tray in her hands.

"Chote how are you? How was your day? You must be tired right.. see what I have made for you and Mahi.. kheer.. tumhe bohot pasand hain na? (You like it a lot, right?)" Anjali smiled.

Arnav glared at her and looked away not believing after everything that happened, she still had courage to come here and behave like nothing happened.

"Mamu let's eat kheer.." Mahi squealed clapping her hands happily.

Not wanting Mahi to witness their fight, Arnav took his bowl and started feeding Mahi and Mahi feed him also.

"Did you like it Chote?" Anjali asked.

Arnav looked at her sternly but didn't reply anything and she understood that he didn't want to have any conversation with her. She sighed sadly.

They stayed in silence with Mahi watching cartoons and since both didn't talk with each other, they had no option but to watch cartoons along with Mahi.

A knock on the door made Anjali hurriedly stand up, "Must be Shyam.. he came to pick us up.."

She went to open the door for Shyam, and both walked back to the living room.

"Arnav.. How are you?" Shyam hugged Arnav, who smiled in return.

"Fine.." Arnav replied but the truth was visible to everyone.

They both chat for a while, then Shyam looked at his phone seeing time, "Arnav it's late now and it won't be safe to walk with Anjali and Mahi on roads too late.. so we will get going.."

Arnav nodded understanding their situation, "Don't worry.. driver will drop you guys.."

"Thanks yaar.." Shyam smiled as Arnav accompained them to the door.

Anjali turned to Arnav with moist eyes, she let Shyam and Mahi go to the car.

"Chote.." Anjali said with a sob threatening to escape from her mouth.

"It's Arnav for you.." Arnav replied in serious tone.

"But it will always be Chote for me.." she replied, "Everyone does mistakes Chote, even you did with Khushi.. I did with you.. Will we stay hurt with each other forever? Don't we deserve a second chance?"

"Khushi hasn't forgiven me yet.." Arnav said.

"But you're trying to get her forgiveness.. let me try too.." Anjali said.

Arnav sighed, Raizadas have one thing in common "Stubbornness".

"You can try.." Arnav said.

Anjali smiled and almost squealed in happiness but seeing her Chote's glare. She stood quietly and went from there, then came back and quickly kissed his cheek and left from there running.

"What the.." Arnav touched his cheek with wide eyes.

"Chote.." she came back again smiling and Arnav took a step back before she kiss him again.

"Can I help you to pacify Khushi?" Anjali asked.

"Nahin.." Arnav nodded sideways.

"Then keep TRYING.." Anjali said glaring at him and was about to leave when Arnav cleared his throat.

"How will you help me?" Arnav asked. For Khushi, anything he can do!

"We will meet tomorrow and I will tell you everything okay.." Anjali patted his cheek smiling and went from there shouting, "Bye Chote.."

He closed the door and sat on the couch watching cartoons and having his Di hand made kheer.

After finishing it, he went to kitchen to see if it had anything he could eat but nothing was made. He cursed himself for granting leave to HP today, he thought he would have lunch and dinner with Khushi at Arshi. But she already left at evening time and he didn't got his dinner.

Too tired to order something from outside, he left to his room and jumped on his bed not even caring to change his clothes from office, his eyes turned moist feeling lonely and empty again.

No one was there for him, he's all alone in this empty big mansion who once was filled with a loving and caring family, his beautiful, innocent and comedy piece. Everything was so light and now it's so dark.

Thinking about his life, neither he knows when he fell asleep like that only.

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Next day

Shantivan..

Khushi was making breakfast along with Maya and Pinky.

She was constantly staring at the door side of the kitchen expecting Arnav to come but he didn't.

"Kya matter Bro's wife?" Pinky asked frowning.

"Nothing.." Khushi nodded sideways and concentrated in cooking.

"Are you missing Arnav, Khushi?" Maya asked caressing Khushi's cheek smiling.

"Nahin toh.. Why would I miss him?" Khushi shrugged faking a smile to Maya aunty.

"I know everything Khushi.. even before you both fall in love with each other, I already know about it.." Maya said.

"And I always doubted about your fake shaadi.. See Pinky's eyes aren't weak, I always said that there is kuch na kuck wrong with you both when you came to Chennai.." Pinky said proudly of herself.

"Shut up Pinky.. Now they are married in real only.." Maya said shaking her head.

"But you're hamesha scolding Pinky.. this not fair.." Pinky pouted.

"You always speak at the wrong time.." Maya argued.

Both kept discussing while Khushi got lost in Arnav's thoughts.

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

Arshi..

At lunch time, Khushi was waiting eagerly for his arrival. She twisted her lips annoyingly seeing everyone coming inside but him.

"Hello Khushi, right?" asked a lady dressed in formal outfit.

"Yes.. Hi.." Khushi smiled brightly shaking hands with the lady.

"I just wanted to say that I love your food.. this restaurant service is amazing also.." she said.

"Thank you so much.. Keep visiting us.." Khushi replied proudly of herself. Today she is being recognized by her name and talent and not as Mrs. Raizada.

"Sure.." the lady smiled but glanced behind Khushi and glared at the person she just saw.

"Tum.." she gritted her teeth.

Khushi took a step back scared of the smiling lady turned to angry lady.

"Tum.. What are you doing here?" Nakuul came towards them angrily.

"Oh hello Mister.. This is a restaurant and of course I have come here to have my lunch ok.." she replied.

"There are so many restaurants in Delhi and you only find this one where I'm working.. wah Anika.. wah!" he smiled sarcastically.

"Wah Nakuul wah.. You think too high of yourself, do you think I'm behind you?" she glared at him.

"Of course you're.." he smirked, "You can't forget me, it seems.."

Anika rolled her eyes, "In your dreams.. I've moved on in my life and even forgot that a chef who cooks horribly came into my life.."

Khushi was just staring at both fighting in front of her, not knowing what to do.

"That's why you were appreciating my food with Khushi right? Anyways I don't want to fight with you here so you better leave!" Nakuul glared at her.

Anika frowned and went from there cursing him under her breath.

"I'm sorry Khushi.. I didn't want to create a scene here but this girl manages to bring the worst of me.." Nakuul said in apologizing tone.

"It's okay.. I can understand.." Khushi said thinking about her silly fights with Arnav.

"Do you love her?" Khushi asked.

"Err.. It's better we talk about this once we're outside Arshi.. What about a dinner tonight in my house?" Nakuul asked.

Khushi agreed smiling, "Okay.. It seems to be a long story na.."

"Yes, it is!" Nakuul nodded his head and both walked inside the kitchen again.

Khushi looked back at the door on the way, but no sign of Arnav.

"Did he forgot about me so soon?" Khushi thought while wearing her apron in the kitchen.

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

Gupta house..

"Arnav bitwa is here.." Buaji announced while standing at the door watching Arnav parking his car.

Nani, Mami and Akash shivered and looked at each other with fear in their eyes.

Payal was determined to talk with him today and make him understand that it's not his family but Khushi who is trapping him and he should take his family back home.

Shashi who already knew the truth, sighed in relief that Arnav came to handle the situation with his family.

Arnav took a step inside welcomed by Buaji who was still ogling outside waiting for Khushi to make an entry.

"Where is Sanki?" Buaji asked to Arnav.

"Why are you caring so much about her?" Arnav asked sharply making Buaji gulp and let him walk inside.

She followed him staring at the man whose even foot steps seemed dangerous.

Arnav glanced once at Raizadas who looked down in shame and fear. Then looked at Payal, "I want to talk with you.."

"Na.." Akash was about to deny but one glare from Arnav and he kept quiet.

"I also wanted to talk with you.." Payal replied and stood up.

"Your room.." Arnav said.

Payal nodded but Akash interrupted again, "Her room is at the living room only.." in hope that they could watch their conversation and fool Payal again with their emotional lecture and tears.

"After you're kicked out of here too, then that is going to be her room again.." Arnav gritted his teeth.

Akash gulped and Nani looked away thinking already where to go.

Payal and Arnav walked to her room and Arnav locked the door.

"What are you doing?" Payal asked nervously.

"I'm married to your sister Payal and will never do something with you which could hurt her.. You should doubt on your boyfriend's character for now.." Arnav said.

"You should doubt on your wife's character.." Payal glared at him.

Arnav clutched his fist angrily, he's trying his best to control his anger considering the fact that he's dealing with a woman and she's unaware of his family's truth like he was.

"Don't talk about Khushi.. you don't know what sacrifices has she done for you and your family.." Arnav said.

"But.."

"Payal DON'T.." Arnav almost shouted making Payal take a step back in fear.

"I only came here to tell you the truth of this family.." Arnav said.

"And trust me, I would gain nothing in lying to you.. because I don't have time to waste on people like you also.. I'm just doing this for Khushi, she only means to me and everything related to her becomes my priority also.." Arnav said making Payal gulp.

This intensity in his eyes, the anger and love for Khushi made her feel that whatever he would, he never would lie to her. He was saying truth, he's ASR and he wouldn't leave his house or office just to come to her middle class house and tell her lie.

Arnav started narrating everything that happened on their reception party night from the moment they left to Sheesh Mahal till the day when he kicked out Raizadas of his house.

Payal listened to all this shocked, she composed herself and turned to Arnav, "It maybe true that Akash and his family did this to you and Khushi, but Akash ji truly loves me.."

"WHAT THE.." Arnav groaned and turned his back to Payal controlling his irritation.

"Haan, he loves me only.. and what wrong he did.. tell me.. He never got attention from Nana ji because of you, he was made to work under you when he has capacity to do more.. of course anyone in his place would be frustrated and think to plan this only.. I admit it was a wrong move but it doesn't mean he's a bad person na.. He loves me truly and.."

"Just shut up Payal.." Arnav gritted, "And listen to me carefully.. I'm not Khushi who has patience to pamper you, go behind you and explain many times same thing which your brainless person doesn't want to understand.. I'm ASR and I will explain only one time, if you don't listen to me then you will bear the consequences and I don't give a damn to it, do you get that?"

Payal gulped and frowned, "You can't threaten me like that.."

"You don't know what I can do my dear.." Arnav smirked, "If you weren't Khushi's sister then you would have known it by now.."

"If Akash wanted my property, means he's a person who loves money and the luxury life he was getting through me and he wanted it to be all his, right?" Arnav asked.

"Right.." Payal nodded.

"Then why do you think a person like him, would have fallen in love with a middle class girl?" Arnav asked.

"But.."

"Shh.. I know what you want to say, even I belong to high class society then why am I with Khushi, right?" Arnav smirked.

Payal nodded her head.

"But you missed one point Payal, you're Khushi's sister.. you're just not a simple girl who belongs to middle class society, you're my wife's sister, the one Akash used to hate to the core, the one who had become an obstacle on the path of their plans, the one who at any cost they wanted to separate from me.. You're their enemy's sister.. Understood me now?" Arnav asked.

Payal looked at him with tears in her eyes, as realization dawned upon on her. She shivered realizing that she was just used in Raizadas plans to remove Khushi from their path.

"What you want to do now, it's up to you only Payal.. I've done my part.." Arnav said and left from there.

While leaving, Raizadas looked at him expressionless face trying to guess what would happen inside that room.

Arnav stood at the door and without looking at them, he smirked: Better pack your bags now..

Nani, Akash and Mami gulped as Payal walked outside the room with anger.

Arnav left smirking on the way and got in his car.

Payal walked towards Akash and pulled him by his collar angrily, "You dared to use me?"

She slapped him hard on his cheek, Akash held his cheek and looked at her with shocked expression.

"Hello hi bye bye.. She slapped my baby.." Mami cried.

"Payal bitiya what Arnav said to you? He must have lied.." Nani said innocently.

"Just shut up okay.. He's not a liar and neither Khushi was.. You all are fake people who used to me separate Khushi from him.. And I like a fool got trapped in this Akash's sweet talks.. I went against my sister for you useless person like you.. a coward you're Akash.. coward.. you planned to steal of your brother's hard work instead of working and earning your money and respect from everyone.. and you used me to do this.. shiii.. I can't believe I fell in love with a disgusting man like you.. Khushi made me understand your truth so many times but I didn't pay heed to her words.. now I'm really repenting for not hearing her words.. Go away.. go away from here.. I don't want to see your face anymore in my life.." Payal shouted pushed him with all her force.

"Payal bitiya give them a chance to explain.. What has Arnav bitwa said to you that you're angry like this?" Garima asked. She couldn't let such a good man like Akash escape from their hands, who will marry her daughter then?

Shashi rolled his eyes, "Garima they're not good people.. Why can't you understand that?"

"I will tell you Amma what they did to me and thanks to Arnav ji I opened my eyes today.." Payal cried and narrated everything to her family who were so shocked to know the truth.

Garima angrily walked towards Nani, "Aren't you ashamed to do this to your daughter and grandson?"

"She was not my daughter (Ratna) and Arnav is not my grandson also.. My only grandsons are Akash and NK.." Nani shouted angrily.

"Well today I won't even say anything because I'm too ashamed of myself also.. What you did to Ratna and Arnav is the same thing I did with my Khushi.. She did everything for us and I disowned her for not being my blood daughter.." Garima cried.

"Just go away.." Payal shouted, "What are you waiting for? Pack your bags and leave from here.."

Raizadas looked at each other and then started going to their room and pack their things ready to leave.

Akash was cursing Arnav for coming in his way again, when Shashi stopped him on the way and beat him up angrily.

Akash fell on the floor crying in pain.

"This is for messing up with my daughters, Khushi and Payal.." Shashi said and pointed to the door, "Now leave from here.. I don't want to see you near my daughters again.."

Mami and Nani helped Akash to stand up and Mama held their bags, they left from there too embarrassed and ashamed after everything that happened. Where would they go? This news will spread like fire now that they're not in Sheesh Mahal anymore and people will not leave any opportunity to make fun of them.

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Thank you for the comments and votes in previous update.

Hope you like this one.

The reader who wanted Anika and Adi here. One is already here, the other will come up also 😉.

Who thinks Khushi should forgive Arnav? 😉😉