Anjali's room

Anjali: Did you hear that Chachi ... did you hear what he said?

Chachi: Yeah ... he shouldn't have said that after all ... we were doing this for his own sister

Anjali: What else ... what did he thought Arnav will love a middle-class girl like his sister ... never

Chachi: But ... then why did you make everyone agree to this marriage if you were sure that he will not love her?

Anjali: Who cared about love Chachi ... I wanted a girl who will obey me as his wife so that I can have control over his money and ... that's it! I was sure that Dadi and Papa will make him agree if that was all family wanted (Sighing) ... but he destroyed it all by marrying that girl and top on it Papa too agreed to it. So now I will have to do something to break that marriage

Chachi: Hmm ... but what will we do ... I mean now Damadji too disagreed to talk to her about it?

Anjali: I will talk to Sheetal no matter what and ... don't worry Chachi that dump girl will agree to it. She has dreamt of a life with Arnav so it is easy to manipulate her so that we can break this marriage easily by bringing Sheetal between them

Chachi: Do you think it will work?

Anjali: Of course ... didn't you see how insecure Khushiji is ... so think how it will be if she sees both of them together? (Smirking) yes ... surely she will leave him ... don't you think so? And with the way, Papa scolded him for leaving her alone here ... I think he married her for Papa and ... as far as I know ... he was always annoyed with that girl from childhood ... maybe all he did after coming here was a facade.

Chachi was really confused hearing all this so said unsurely

Chachi: Okay ... we can talk that later after discussing it with your Dadi. I am going now, you take rest.

Anjali just nodded her head going into thinking mode making plans and Chachi walked away in her signature style without noticing the thunderstruck Lavanya and teary-eyed Sheetal who hid in the nick of time so that Chachi wouldn't see them.

Lavanya was disgusted realizing her sister can stoop too low and her own mother was agreeing with her while Sheetal was as if the land under her foot just slipped. She couldn't believe that her ever sweet Bhabhi was using her for having control over Arnav and his money. And most importantly Anjali thought that she will stoop so low that she will agree to break someone's marriage. She felt so broken at that and ran from there to her Bhaiyya.

Arshi's room

Arnav was sitting with his back on headrest and Khushi was almost over him in his lap snuggling to him and was in a peaceful silence which Khushi broke

Khushi: Arnav ...

Arnav: Hmm ...

Khushi: Don't be guilty ... I mean how would you know all these will happen

Arnav: Still ... baby, I should have been careful ... I should have taken you with me

Khushi: Arnav ... let it be ... no gain by crying over spilled milk. (Cupping his face) hey ... look ... I am really okay

He didn't say anything for some time but hugged her tighter and kissed her head.

Khushi: Arnav ... please, baby, forget it ... please ... for me ...

Arnav: Hmm ... and Khush ... Dad is really upset

Khushi: Don't worry ... I will talk to him and he will understand it was not your fault

Arnav: But still ... it almost pushed you to this condition ... which is a nightmare to me

Seeing him sticking to that point, again and again, she got angry and hit his stomach with her elbow and said mockingly

Khushi:  Yes ... the entire fault is yours

Arnav: (Startled) what?

Khushi: That is what you wanted to hear, right?

Arnav: Okay ... okay (Holding his ears) sorry ... no talk over that topic ... now happy?

In reply, she just hugged him and both went back to the previous position.

Their silence was broken as Lavanya barged in and told whatever she heard. When she finished Khushi felt pity for Sheetal while Arnav was boiling with rage. Lavanya and Khushi had to forcefully hold him so that he will not take any drastic step and asked him to don't create any new fight now and they all can face whatever it comes together. He just said okay to convince the ladies and decided to talk with Manav about this.

Sheetal's room

Nani who came to talk to Sheetal heard their conversation and hid seeing her going down with a small smile. After she had gone Nani entered the room and Shyam looked up hearing the voice and said confusedly

Shyam: Nani ... Aap(You)?

Nani: I thought to talk to Sheetal once to make some things clear but

Shyam: (Suddenly realizing something and standing up) no Nani ... please ... you have misunderstood her ... I mean we didn't even know that Sale sahib has someone in his life. And Sheetal is not a girl like that to break someone's heart for her happiness and I swear if I knew Arnav was married I wouldn't have let them drag it to this extent. I know Nani you don't like me ... but please believe me when I say that it was never her wish in the first place ... it was all instilled in her by

Nani: Anjali

Shyam: Huh?

Nani: (Laughing) what did you think that I don't know about my granddaughter? I know her nature ... especially her ego and stubbornness. I also know that she hadn't accepted the fact that Kiya is Arnie's wife even now. (Smirking) surprised?  ... don't be ... and what you said is entirely wrong about she is not like you

Shyam: No Nani ... I swear on my dead parents that

Nani: Will you please listen to me before making your own conclusions?

Shyam looked at her baffled

Nani: First of all you come and sit here

She said taking a seat on the bed and Shyam sat on the sofa. And before she could start he said

Shyam: What I said is true Nani ... don't hate her because she is my sister. Poor girl ... from teenage living a life of an orphan after our parents died for their own good and with a useless brother who was after money and power. I know you will not have a good impression on her thinking she is same as me but ... she doesn't want money and power ... all she wants is the love of a family

Shyam looked up only to find Nani smiling at him with a sigh

Nani: Finished? ... now can I speak? Shyam ... understand this thing first ... neither I am angry on you nor on your sister nor I hadn't come here to scold her ... and I really expect her to be like you

Shyam: What?

He asked as he was taken aback to hear that from someone who once was against Anjali's decision to marry him.

Nani: Yes ... I want her to be like you because you yourself don't know what a good person you are. Oh ... now don't look at me like that (smiling sadly) ... I got to know the truth about you very late Shyam. I hope I could have done something for you ... I and Arnav had even thought to talk about all that to Manav but

The next thing Nani knew was Shyam was crushing her in a hug. He pulled back teary-eyed

Shyam: That is all I want Nani ... you ... not looking at me with disgust. And I have accepted all that willingly ... because it was my punishment to act nonchalant to the girl I love even when my insides were churning. And please don't tell Papa anything. I don't want the little care he has for Anju to fade away

Nani: You know what? ... you are a gem and I regret the day I had said you aren't a good man. But I am angry with you (Seeing his frown)... because even when I got to know the truth I hoped against hopes for Anju to change with you but (Sighing) here you changed and followed her like a puppet. You didn't tell anything when Anjali filled false hopes in your baby sister when you very well know that Arnav never loved her. I know you couldn't have guessed he was with someone else but didn't you get it that he never saw Sheetal like that?

Shyam: That is what I am regretting now Nani ... I was wrong in that very much. And what you said is true ... I had understood that long ago

Nani: Then?

Shyam: Nani ... even though I knew Sheetal was never his choice I was sure about one thing ... that even if he would have married her for the family he would have at least respected their relation. He would have taken up her responsibility because I know he is not a person who runs away from his responsibilities since it was clear from how he fulfills every responsibility as a brother even when Anjali had hurt him for a lifetime now. That was the thing which encouraged me other than that Sheetal will get a family. I know I was being selfish but ... my sister is innocent here

Nani: I had told you Shyam ... and I meant it when I said that you and she are not at fault

They both heard a sound and looked up to see a teary-eyed Sheetal there. She ran to her Bhaiyya, placed the tray on the coffee table and hugged him tight scaring the other two. He slowly caressed her head and asked

Shyam: What happened?

Sheetal: (Sniffing) I am a fool Bhaiyya ... all these days I was considering Bhabhi as my own sister following her every word even when you told me not to do that and she ...

Shyam: What did she do now? Did she tell you something?

Sheetal: No Bhaiyya ... but I heard Chachi and Bhabhi talking. They were saying that she knew all this before ... that Arnavji will never fall in love with a middle-class girl and was only planning the wedding so that she can have control over his money. And ... and now she is planning to use me to break their marriage ... but I can never do that Bhaiyya. I mean I may be a stupid but never heartless that I would break someone's home

Shyam: I know and don't worry I won't allow her to do that. And one more thing Sheetal ... it is not because you are a fool that she used you ... it is because of your innocence and good heart ... don't think otherwise ...

Sheetal: But still ... I am bad Bhaiyya ... I ... I tried to break someone's marriage

Shyam: Hey it's okay ... you didn't know it at that time

Sheetal: But

Nani: What Shyam said is true dear

Sheetal was horrified seeing the person there but Nani smiled at her. Seeing that Sheetal instantly wiped her tears and tried to act normal. Nani called her softly and said she was here to talk with her. Sheetal nervously looked to her brother and seeing him blinking she came and sit beside Nani

Sheetal: (Nervously) Nani Ji ...  should I get you a coffee? I mean ... I got for Bhaiyya and me only

Nani: No ... I will have it later

Sheetal looked at her with her eyes filling with tears

Nani: Oh no ... no dear ... don't think it like that. I said that because I don't want to tire you. And I will be more than happy to drink the coffee made by you. So chill ... and don't worry we had taken a brunch in a café ... Arnie made sure of that

Sheetal: You mean ... you are not angry with me?

Nani: Why would I be angry with you?

Sheetal: I had wishes which should have never crossed my mind. And like I said to Bhaiyya I wished for someone else's husband and it is enough for you to hate me because it is your grandchildren. In fact, everyone will be hating me now ... Dadi ... Chacha ... Chachi ... Manav uncle and especially Khushi Ji ... I tried to snatch her husband. I shouldn't have done that ...I mean how she would have felt when everyone told I am his to be wife. She even fainted with all the stress. And Arnav Ji ... he was saying me, again and again ... that I am no match for him. Obviously ... I am an illiterate middle-class girl and him ... I shouldn't have even dreamed of it. I am a bad omen... and that's why wherever I go only problems happen there. First Amma-Baba left us and now all this is happening. I shouldn't have come here at all ... and I think I should go away then everything will fall into peace

She choked at last and Nani pulled her into a hug and rubbed her back soothing her.

Nani: Shh ... dear ... no ... don't cry ... please. What Shyam said is true ... you didn't know all this earlier so what can you do. You were just obeying elders and it is not a bad thing. And about Kiya ... she won't be angry with you ... in fact, she will be feeling sorry for being the reason for your pain. She is such a pure soul and Sheetal ... Kiya didn't faint due to sudden stress ... it is ... it is not a new thing

Seeing the brother-sister getting confused Nani decided to fill them.

Nani: It is panic attacks ... she is taking treatment for it for almost three years now

Shyam: What? How?

Nani: She has a problem with fear ... fear of being alone. It happened after her father died and she got kidnapped. It was even worse than this and she was almost out of it but ... after Arnie's marriage discussions started it happened again

Nani stopped instantly realizing what she was about to say

Sheetal: Because of me, right?

Nani: No ... never ... it is because she is afraid of being alone. She knows Arnie loves her and will never leave her ... she was never insecure. In fact, if not for her fears she would have left him for completing his family's wish. I remember once she had told me she is even ready to back off if that is what he and his family want because she can never see anyone's family being snatched as she suffered the problems as an orphan and got an earful from Arnie saying she is his family. So don't worry she will never hold any grudge against you. So ... relax and take a chill pill as Kiddu says

Shyam and Sheetal smiled at the cool Nani.

Sheetal: Nani ... don't take me wrong for asking this ... but from when do you know about Khushi Ji?

Nani: From the time she was born

Shyam: What?

Nani: Oh you two don't know the story, right. Kiya is Arnie's childhood sweetheart. Even though she is two years younger to him they practically grew together. You know, right? ... that Anjali used to stay here ... so it was just them ... Arnie's Kiya and Kiya's Arnie. They used to fight like cat and dog but both of them were unannounced besties. They will almost kill each other physically and verbally but will never allow anyone else to even scold the other. The funny thing was even other children too weren't allowed to be their friends as both were possessive freaks. (Laughing) OMG ... I can't even remember those days

Sheetal: They were neighbors?

Nani: Yeah ... but more than that both their parents and that is Gayu-Arpi and Kabir-Manav were best friends

Shyam: So where is Khushi Ji's mother? I mean ... you said about her father

Nani: She had gone even before Kabir

Shyam: What happened Nani? ... tell us if you don't mind

Nani then filled with everything like she had done downstairs.

Nani: And about what Arnie said ... no Sheetal ... there is no such thing as money when it is come to love. It is just that he is comparing you to his wife and it doesn't go well with him when everyone says you are good than her. So he is trying to find her plus points so that he can justify his decision and he can taunt his family's choice especially his sister's choice. It was never about you ... it was about denying Anju and his love for Kiya. I know you will not believe me as that pig-headed grandson of mine has said some nasty things in frustration and Anger ... that's why Kiya calls him Angry bird but believe me it is just that you guys are not meant to be. But don't worry you will soon find your prince charming

Sheetal: Now I don't want to think about that Nani. I think I should go from here and should look for a job. I know I don't have high qualifications but ...

Shyam: You don't have to go away Sheetal

Nani: Shyam is right but if you are looking for a change in the atmosphere you can come with me ... to my home. I know you might not be able to away from your Bhaiyya but I think it is a good option. I will ask my grandsons ... Ravi or Rishi to get you a job, in fact, Rishi is searching for a PA for some time ... and I think you will be perfect for that position. And you don't have to worry about qualification because he is a doctor and he needs someone to deal with his appointments. You can stay with us too ... we are family, right? Shyam ... what do you think?

Shyam: If that is what she wants I will surely agree to it. I mean I don't want to force her into anything anymore

Nani: I know you will be confused Sheetal ... just think about it and let me know ... and I will talk with Rishi before that ... and now I think I badly need a coffee

Sheetal: I will bring it now, Nani

Sheetal ran down to get the coffee and Shyam asked the question which was nagging him for a long time.

Shyam: Nani ... you said you wronged me then ... but how did you get to know?

Nani: By any chance did you come across Oberoi's Legal Adviser?

Shyam: No ... who is it? ... and what that person has to do with it?

Nani: It is Priyanka Singh Oberoi or should I say ... Priyanka Sharma?

Shyam felt as if the roof fell on his head hearing about the person.

Shyam: Priya? ... how? ... when? ... and why did you say, Oberoi?

Nani: From the time you asked her to move on. And I think you had missed something ... along with you, she lost her parents too. Her Baba committed suicide out of shame and Maa too died after some days due to a cardiac arrest. She became an orphan and we took her in ... she became the Priyanka Singh Oberoi ... Prinku for us and Di for Rishi, Ravi, Rudy, and Arnie.

Shyam: Arnav knows Priya was with you and about her parents? (Seeing her nod) ... so that's why he was always hostile towards me. But Nani I never knew about her parents ... otherwise ... I would never

Nani: That is what she says even when we weren't ready to believe that

Shyam: She still trusts me? ... how ... how is she?

Nani: Good ... no better than ever apart from being single all these years.

Shyam: She didn't have married?

Nani: No ... how much ever we all tried ... she is not agreeing for it ... as she is not ready for another heartbreak

Nani said making Shyam guiltier for letting the only woman he loved to go away.

Suddenly Nani's phone rang and she smiled seeing the name.

Nani: Hello Prinku ... (Shyam's head shot up at that) you will live long as I was talking about you only

Priya: Really Dadz? ... with whom?

Nani: Shyam

Priyanka just sighed without saying anything so Nani asked

Nani: When did you reach home?

Priyanka: I am driving Nani ... haven't reached yet

Nani: What? ... you are calling me from car ... shut the call ... we will talk later. Drive carefully okay ... and call your brothers once you reached ... they were complaining that you forgot about them

Priyanka: Haha ... I forgot my brothers ... not happening ... and I will call them Dadz don't worry ... and yeah tell my regards to him

Nani said yes as she doesn't need any sharp brain to know who that 'him' is. She cut the call and saw that Shyam was looking at her curiously

Shyam: Where is she? Is she coming here?

Nani: She is in Paris for some case. And no ... she is not coming here ... do you think Anjali will appreciate that? (Sighing) Arnie wanted her to come ... but her decision is right. It is better than to face some humiliation

Shyam: I understand Nani

Nani: And yeah ... she told to tell her regards

Shyam: She said that!

It was not a statement rather a question and he was now really emotional hearing about the woman who was his everything once upon a time. So he left Nani in her room saying her tiredness as an excuse and went for a long drive to at least have a proper breath.