RM, New Delhi, India

Arnav: WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING HERE?

Hearing the lion's roar the guests got up unknowingly but others cared less because it wasn't anything unusual. Mr. Modi and Mrs. Modi looked at each other in confusion not understanding who he is while their son wondered why he is here but soon understanding damn upon him and he thought nervously... so it was not just the name and surname matched ... the Arnav Dadi mentioned was actually Arnav Singh Raizada ... the ASR. He thought nervously but soon his ability to think lost somewhere as he heard Arnav again in his ever-dangerous voice looking straight at Dadi

Arnav: Dadi ... I asked what the hell is happening here?

Anjali: Arnav ... you please go, freshen up and come ... I will explain everything

Arnav: (Glaring at her) ... are you my Dadi? ... no, right? ... then shut up

Mrs. Modi: (Gasping) ... Maa Ji ... who is this?

Mrs. Modi asked with hopes building high in her seeing the young man all at once.

Dadi: You all please sit ... I will explain everything

Arnav: (Frustrated) ... Dadi I am in no mood for any of this now ... so tell me clearly who are they and what is happening here?

Dadi: (Sighing) ... this is Mr. Dev Modi, Mrs. Meera Modi and their son Dr. Vikrant Modi ... and Dev Beta ... (Pointing at Akash) ... that is Manohar's son .... my elder grandson ... Akash and this is (Pointing at Arnav) ... Manav's son ... my younger grandson ... Arnav ... oh ... and that is Natasha ... Vikrant's sister

Dadi said as she saw Natasha coming back from the guestroom where she had been gone to use the washroom. Arnav showed no interest in knowing who Natasha was and kept waiting for the further explanation while Natasha let out a happy squeal as soon as she saw him and came running to him.

Natasha: Oh my God ... ASR ...

Arnav took a few steps back at first thinking she will get the point but she didn't so he simply moved away from her way causing her to fall flat on her stomach on the nearby couch. And seeing this Lavanya, Nikhil, Kiran, and even Akash and Payal couldn't stop laughing while Anjali looked away tightening her fist. Dadi was looking at her concerned along with Mr. and Mrs. Modi when she heard Arnav again.

Arnav: Dadi ... if your introductions are over tell me what is happening here?

He asked to make sure because now he had a fair idea of what all this was about.

But before Dadi could say anything he heard Mrs. Modi which boiled his blood to no end.

Meera: Maa Ji ... if you don't mind can I ask Arnav's hand for Natasha along with Lavanya's hand for Vikrant? ... (Turning to Arnav) ... what do you say Arnav Beta ... do you like my daughter?

Asked Mrs. Modi as she helped her daughter to stand on her feet making her daughter smile and Anjali smirk while others looked at her horrified imagining what is going to happen. Before he could blast Khushi came to him and held his shoulders and said.

Khushi: Arnav ... no ... please calm down ...

Arnav: (Gritting his teeth) ... you want me to calm down ... like really?

Khushi: Arnav ... please

Meera: Oh my God I can't believe this ... this girl has no shame ... just sometime before Anjali Bitiya showed her, her status and again ... (Shaking her head) ... let me tell you something Maa Ji ... you should fire this girl as soon as possible from her this servant post ... otherwise, she will be a bad influence on your grandson

Arnav: (Gritting his teeth and stressing on each word) ... Dr. Modi ... I haven't slapped a woman till date ... and if you want it to be that way ask your mother to keep her mouth shut

Meera: What behavior is this Arnav ... and you are insulting me for this ... (Looking at Khushi disgustingly) ... serv...

Arnav: Don't ... don't you dare to use that word again for her

Meera: Then ... I can call a servant, a servant only, right?

This time without saying anything Arnav walked straight to Vikrant and slapped him hard. And seeing it Mrs. Modi shouted.

Meera: What the hell ... how dare to slap my son?

Arnav: I think I just showed you that ... and Dr. Modi I am not sorry for that slap ... because I told you before itself to keep her mouth shut which you didn't

Vikrant: I ... (Gulping) ... I am sorry ASR ... I am asking sorry on her behalf

Meera: Why are you saying sorry Beta ... it should be him saying sorry for insulting us like this for some random girl

Arnav: (Shouting at the top of his voice) ... koi random girl nahi hain ... meri biwi hain yeh (She is not any random girl ... she is my wife) ... Dr. Khushi Singh Raizada ... and you should be thankful that I did nothing more after you have dared to call my wife ... Arnav Singh Raizada's wife with names ...

Arnav said arrogantly making the Modi couple gasp as it was clearly new information for them. Royally ignoring their surprise he turned to Vikrant again and asked.

Arnav: So Dr. Modi?

Vikrant: (Gulping) ... we are leaving ASR

He said hurriedly and left the house taking his embarrassed parents and frustrated sister who was still busy in ogling at ASR. As soon as they left Arnav turned to Anjali and shouted

Arnav: How dare you ... how dare you to introduce my wife like that to them?

Anjali: Like what? ... (Shrugging) ... oh as a servant ... then sorry to burst your bubble because I had no interest in introducing her to them ... neither as your wife nor as a servant ... but if they assumed it like that seeing her it is not my fault

Arnav: (Gritting his teeth) ... you didn't correct them either ... so it is your fault only ... your bloody fault ... and ... (Turing to Dadi) ... and you too Dadi ... I had expected that only from Anjali and Chachi but you too

Anjali: I told you Arnav ... we had no interest in introducing her ...

Arnav: You shut up ... I am talking to Dadi here

Anjali: Dadi or me ... you need answers only, right?

Arnav: (Gritting his teeth) ... don't you understand it in a single time ... I said SHUT UP ...

Everybody turned to look at the door as they heard 'what is happening here?' and saw that it was Manav who asked this standing there along with his brother.

Manav: What is happening here, Arnav? ... and what was the Modis doing here?

Arnav: That you should ask your mother and daughter only ...

Anjali: It is nothing Papa ... they came here to ask Lavanya's hand for their son Vikrant but your son broke the proposal just because they called his wife a servant

Arnav: What do you mean by that 'just because' dammit ... you bloody think it is a silly matter

Manav: Anjali ... Arnav ... you two stop it

Dadi: Manav ... no need to scold Anjali ... this time the fault was Arnav's only ... he broke the proposal

Manav: Oh please Maa ... don't use that 'this time' ... because for you it is always Arnav's fault ... and about breaking that proposal if he didn't I would have done that ... if not for anything else at least for insulting my Bahu ... but before all that I need to know what had exactly happened here ... Kiddu

Chachi: Wait, Devar Ji ... why are you asking her ... I will tell you

Manav: No, Bhabhi ... because I want nothing but the whole truth ... the unbiased truth ... which for a reason I believe only she can give me

Manav said confidently as he knows Kiran will never lie to him nor she had any reason to show partiality to belittle them by blaming the other like his family nor she will try to protect his family by hiding something like Khushi. And moreover, he knows that he can't believe Arnav or Lavanya in this matter as they both will only see what they want when they are angry or frustrated which he knows they are. But that hurt Anjali Manohar Jha's ego as she said offended.

Anjali: What do you mean by that Papa? ... that we will lie to you?

Arnav: If you know the answer yourself why bother asking?

Manav: (Glaring at both of them) ... I told you two to shut up, right?

Instead of staying quiet as asked to they both said at the same time.

Anjali: But Papa

Arnav: But Dad

Manav: Chup ... (Shut up) ... not a word anymore until I ask you ... and Kiddu ... tell me Bacha ... what exactly had happened here?

Kiran: I think you should ask what hadn't happened here, BF

Manav: Okay ... then tell me what hadn't happened here

Kiran: The only thing left was Kiya apologizing to that good for nothing Natasha

Manav: (Shocked) ... what? ... tell me everything clearly

Kiran: (Sighing) ... okay ... so we ... as in me, Lavz and Kiya were discussing the party in my room when Dadi called all of us ... she asked Lavz to get ready as someone was coming to see her. Lavz instantly refused and even Kiya supported her ... the two of them got into an argument with your daughter and SIL and in between all this the guest came. So Dadi asked Lavz to go and get ready and Kiya to go and help in the kitchen. Not wanting to be rude in front of guests they both obliged. Then they all started to talk and they said they are going to fix the date for engagement. Kiya heard that and said they should consult Uncle, Akash Bro, Arnie, you or at least Lavz before taking any such big decision. Your daughter asked her to keep quiet and not to poke her nose in the house's matters as she has no right and blah blah blah. As usual, she took it into the heart and instantly tears filled her eyes and in her that vulnerable state before she could realize the tea in her hand fell on that stupid Natasha. She demanded an apology from Kiya calling her a servant but your family didn't say anything ... they kept on watching it like it didn't affect them. I wanted to slap that Natasha ... I really wanted to ... but before that Lavz called Kiya from upstairs and she went there. And your daughter asked her SIL to accompany her as she didn't want any more mess today so she too went there

She finished it with a sigh and looked up at Manav and saw that he was ready to blast anytime So she called him softly

Kiran: Uncle

But Manav instead of replying turned to look at Lavanya and she got the message and instantly started speaking.

Lavanya: Kiya was crying when she reached there ... so I asked her the matter but she brushed it off saying it was nothing ... but Bhabhi explained everything to me even though Kiya tried to stop her ... I was coming down to give them my piece of mind but before that Bro came ... he got into an argument with Mrs. Modi and slapped their son and the rest you can imagine

Manav nodded at her and turned to look at his mother who was looking everywhere but him. So he called her in a low but dangerous voice and she instantly looked up.

Manav: Maa ... (Gritting his teeth) ... I had told you that Lavanya will marry the person she likes ... and that you all will not force her ever for a marriage ... didn't I? ... then why?

Anjali: We didn't force her Papa ... and moreover Vikrant had everything Lavanya wants

Manav: What did I tell you ... (Gritting his teeth) ... only speak when I will ask you to ... so just do that

Dadi: But Manav whatever Anju told is true ... Vikrant Bitwa had everything Lavanya wants ...

Manav: And how do you know what Lavanya wants ... have you asked her ever?

Chachi: What is there to ask Devar Ji ... Vikrant is well educated, good looking and has a good job  ... in fact, he is a doctor like Lavanya ... what more she will want

Manav: Happiness ... that should have been the first item in your list Bhabhi ... which I know Lavanya will never get from him

Chachu: Manav ... I agree that whatever they did wasn't right ... to bring a proposal without informing anyone of us ... but how can you be so sure that Lavanya won't be happy with Vikrant

Lavanya: (Shouting) ... because I love Nik

Manav: There ... heard your daughter ... she loves Nikhil

Everybody in DR looked at him shocked including Payal and Akash as they only know that Lavanya had someone in her life.

Dadi: What ... but Lavanya and Nikhil Bitwa ... how can they?

Manav: How can they what, Maa? ... fall in love? They are two adults ... and they are not related by blood ... so there is no importance for a question like 'How?'

Chachi: No ... Lavanya can't marry him

Manav: And why is that Bhabhi ... just like you had said Nikhil is also well educated, good looking and have a good job ... and moreover Lavanya loves him and will be happy only with him

The only thought that came to Chachu then was his little sister's deadbody so he took a deep breath and said.

Chachu: I agree you have a point Manav ... and I personally like him too and will be very happy if my daughter marries a man like him who give importance to relationships more than the luxury of life ... but what about his parents?

Manav: (Confused) ... what about them?

Chachu: (Sighing) ... Manav I understand what his father did was wrong but what Nikhil did wasn't right too ... I mean he left his parents ...the parents who brought him up to this position just like that

Lavanya: Then what do you suggest, Dad ... he should have stayed back with them and enjoyed the wealth leaving his sisters in the street ... if that was the case I would have cut any relation with him that day itself

Dadi: Lavanya ... it is right from the point of view you are thinking ... but what Manohar said is right too ... how we can marry you off to a person who left his parents just because they did something wrong ...

Chachu: Yes ... instead, he should have stayed with them and tried to make them understand

Dadi: Exactly ... and moreover people will definitely ask for his parents

Nikhil: Dadi ... forgive me if I am being rude ... but if anybody asks about my parents ... tell them the truth ... I won't mind

Chachi: And destroy our reputation in society ... hello hi bye bye

Manav: Maa ... you are neither ready to hide the truth nor to disclose it ... then what do you suggest?

Dadi: (Taking a deep breath) ... Khushi Bitiya ... call them here

Arnav: What ... no way ... Kiya is not going to call them ...

Nikhil: Nor they are coming here ...

This was the chance Anjali Manohar Jha waited for because she never thought Chachu or Dadi will agree for the marriage this soon so she said with a smirk.

Anjali: (Smirking) ... then nor this wedding is going to happen, right Dadi?

But before Dadi can reply Manav said

Manav: Arnav and Nikhil are right Maa ... I don't want them here ... (Side hugging Khushi) ... my daughter had suffered enough ... so I don't want to open the old wounds again and hurt her more

Anjali: She won't mind Papa ... (Smirking) ... after all, she will not like if she becomes the reason for the broken love life of her brother and best friend ... or who knows then even Arnav might leave her for his sister

Arnav: (Gritting his teeth) ... shut the fuck up Anjali ... neither I am going to leave her for anything nor she is going to call them

Khushi: No, Arnav ... it's okay ... I don't want to be the reason for their agony ... I will call Uncle

Arnav: No you will not ...

Anjali: Then like I said before forget about this marriage happening

Nikhil: Then be it ... stop this alliance ... Lavanya I am sorry ... but I can't hurt Kiya just for our togetherness

Lavanya: And I won't allow you too ... (Turning to DR in tears) ... and yeah then forgot about my marriage happening ever too

Khushi: No ... Nikhil ... Lavz ... don't speak like that ... I ... I wouldn't be able to forgive myself if I become the reason for your separation ... and moreover, I had forgiven him long ago ... so don't worry I will call him

Arnav: (Gritting his teeth) ... can't you understand it at once ... you won't, means ... you won't ... (Turning to DR) ... okay so what do you want ... you want Nikhil's parents here for the wedding, right? ... and they will be here ...

Anjali: And who will call them?

Arnav: That is none of your business ... you guys want them here and they will be here

Anjali: But ...

Akash: Arnav has a point Anju ... we need Nikhil's parents here and they will come ... who or when calls don't matter

Manav: Exactly ... so I think that problem solves here?

Dadi: Yes ... and now come ... we can have the evening tea ... Payal Bitiya ... go and get it

Manav: Wait, Payal ... I have to say something and everybody should be present here

Dadi: Now what is it Manav?

Manav: Everybody listen carefully ... I am going to say this once and for all ... if anybody ... and I mean it anybody have a problem with Kiya ... the door is there ... (Side hugging her) ... because I won't tolerate any more insult on my daughter

Anjali: What do you mean by that Papa ... that you will throw out your family from their own house for your Bahu?

Manav: Arnav had told this once that day ... but since you guys might have forgotten it I am saying it again ... (Stressing on each word) ... this is not the ancestral property of Raizadas ... it is my home ... which my son had built for me ... so yes ... I will not hesitate to show anyone of you the door for my daughter

Anjali looked away huffing in anger while others let out a gasp at that. Manav sighed in relief as he got that they understood his word clearly this time and then turned to Kiddu and said with a smile.

Manav: Now we can have some tea ... right, Kiddu?

Kiran: Yes ... and after that, we have to leave for the party too ... we are already late

Manav: Yes ... yes ... come ...

Manav and Kiran left for the dining hall followed by DR and it was only Arnav, Khushi, Lavanya and Nikhil left. As soon as others were away Nikhil said to them.

Nikhil: You know I hate to call that man as my father anymore ... so you don't have to do this guys

Arnav: I have to ... (Side hugging Khushi) ... because just like Kiya said I too will not be able to forgive myself if my anger become the reason for the sadness of my sister ... so don't worry ... we will manage this

Sighing Lavanya and Nikhil left them knowing his stubbornness and that left the husband and wife alone.

Khushi: (Holding his bicep) ... Arnav ... it is nothing ... we know Uncle's love for money from childhood, right? ... (Sighing) ... yes ... still, it hurt me at that time because I never thought that he will hurt me in that quench for money ... but the rest what happened was entirely my mind's problem ... so I don't blame it on him ... at least not anymore

Arnav: (Sighing) ... I know ... but still, it triggered that fear Kiya

Khushi: Leave it Arnav ... it was written in my destiny ... so if not for it anything else would have been the reason ... so leave it ... and moreover like you said that day there was no fault of Auntie in all that ... so we will be doing a huge mistake if we will snatch her right to conduct her son's marriage ... you know, right? ... that how much she loves him ... and thus don't you think she should get that chance ... (Acknowledging his nod and cupping his left cheek) ... so like I said before I will call Uncle ...

Arnav: (Cupping her both cheeks) ... and how do you think that I will allow you to bend your head in front of him ... (Sighing) ... Khushi ... my sister's happiness is important to me and I will do anything for it ... but not at the cost of my wife's self-respect

Khushi: (Shaking her head) ... he is elder to us Arnav ... so it won't belittle or make you weak if you bow down in front of him even if the fault was his ... rather it will make you powerful because only strong persons can forgive

Arnav: Whatever it is Kiya ... I won't allow you to bow down in font him

Khushi: But Arnav ... you said that they will be here

Arnav: I did ... but you won't call him ... I will

Khushi: (Shocked) ... you will?

Arnav: (Gulping) ... yes ... I will ... but you have to promise me something ... that you will keep your distance from him ... at least until I am sure that he does not mean any harm this time

Khushi: (Nodding) ...promise

In reply, Arnav hugged her tight and whispered after kissing her hair.

Arnav: I am afraid ... I ... I don't have the courage to lose you one more time, baby

Khushi: (Kissing his chest) ... you won't ... I promise ... (Breaking the hug) ... anyway ... (Sighing) ... shall I get you some coffee?

Arnav: No you go and have the tea ... I will have a quick shower and get ready so that we can leave

Khushi: Just wait for a minute I had to get my phone ... I too am coming ... what ... no need to get any guttural thoughts ... I meant to get ready

Arnav: (Innocently) ... when did I say something else ... oh ... you meant that ... (Smirking) ... by the way ... (Whispering in her ears) ... idea bura nahin hain Biwi (Idea is not bad Biwi) ... (Leaning back and looking at her face which had the three O expression he loved so much) ... so should I wait?

Khushi: Ewww ... don't you have any shame?

Arnav: what is so shameless in it  ... I asked my wife only ... no one else

Khushi: (Holding his collar) ... and don't you dare to ask someone else

Arnav: Oh ... mujhe itni himmat? (Do I have that much courage) ... Biwi maregi meri (My wife will kill me)

Khushi: (Tapping his nose) ... good, you remember that ... so now my lovely hubby ... go and take a quick shower ... I will take out the clothes before you come

He nodded his head with a smile and then left from there after kissing her forehead while Khushi watched his retreating back fascinated thinking how did she become so lucky to get him.

After sometime, the gang along with Payal and Akash got ready and went to the party. Everybody had a nice time there till late night welcoming Naina's parents and celebrating the happiness of Rahul and Naina and Payash really wished that soon this day will come in their life too ... which they can hope now, all thanks to Khushi. Everybody congratulated Lavanya and Nikhil too which made the universal tease Lavanya to blush in the darkest shades of red.

It was almost midnight when they came back and soon everybody was asleep. After some time making sure that Khushi is asleep Arnav went to the poolside, took out his phone and dialed the number after years. The call was connected in the fourth ring and he asked politely.

Arnav: Can I get Mr. Kunal Kumar Khurana?

Kunal: Speaking ... and you are?

Arnav: Arnav Singh Raizada

Kunal: (Happily) ... Arnie ... son ... is that really you?

Arnav: Don't ... don't call me with that name Mr. Khurana ... you lost that right the day you hurt my Khushi

Kunal: I ... (Gulping) ... I am sorry Arnav... for stooping that low ... but that time my business was sinking and the only way I had was that property which Dad had given for Bhai leaving me nothing ... just because I didn't take up the job he wanted ... and (Gulping) ... please, Arnav ... don't be so formal with me

Arnav: Please don't give me that crap Mr. Khurana ... Because you and I both know that you just had to ask ... be it Papa or Kiya ... and the property would have been yours ... but what did you do? ... sending some bastards to threaten ... that too, the girl you considered as your daughter once ... (Sighing) I didn't expect that from you ... from you of all people. I ... I have always given you the love and respect I give to Dad and Papa ... but you

Kunal: I know what I did wasn't even a mistake ... it was a sin ... sending goons to threaten Kiya for the signature ... but trust me ... I know I have no right to say that after whatever I did ... but still ... trust me ... I just wanted the signature ... I never expected them to behave like that with her and ... most importantly I got to know that only when Nikhil blasted on me and left home ... and I made sure that those idiots will not go out of the jail in this lifetime. But still the fault was mine and I am really sorry for that

Arnav Sighed as he knows whatever Kunal said is true because he loved Khushi and Kiran just like his own daughters till that day and he is sure of it even today that he will not have done that if he knew the goons will behave that way with her. But that does not mean he will forget anything so he took a deep breath and said.

Arnav: It is too late for that Mr. Khurana ... too late ... because your single sorry can't erase that incident from her mind ... it won't bring back that happy go lucky Khushi Kabir Khurana ... it can't erase the days she had lived in depression nor it can erase those terrible nightmares or that constant fear from her ... so there is no use of this sorry now. (Sighing) ... anyway leave all this ... I called you to talk about something else

Kunal: What?

Arnav: Nikhil ... Nikhil loves my sister

Kunal: Sister ... ? ... oh ... Lavanya?

Arnav Yes ... and they want to get married

Kunal: That is such a great news Arnav ... tell him that I am happy for the both of them ...

Arnav: Tell what do you want ... money, property or business ... name it and it will be yours

Kunal: No ... no ... that is not what I meant ... I mean ... I thought he hates me and will be against my presence there

Arnav: (Sighing) ... he is ... he still is ... but my ... (Taking a deep breath) ... my family want you and Auntie here ... and moreover I think Auntie shouldn't suffer anymore by pining for her son for the mistake you did ... so ...

Kunal: I ... err ... we will be there Arnav ... when do you want us there?

Arnav: As soon as possible

Kunal: Okay ... we ... we will be there in the next flight we can get ... and Arnav ... will you tell Kiya that to please don't keep any grudge against Nandini ... because she had no fault in it ... she ... she had no idea

Arnav: Kiya? ... (Shaking his head) ... she doesn't even hold a grudge against you ... then how can you expect something like that for Auntie?

Kunal: (Smiling sadly) ... she ... she is such a gem, isn't she?

Arnav: Yes ... but you realised that too late

Kunal: I ... I am really sorry Arnav ... will you ever forgive me?

Arnav: (Sighing) ... I don't know ... maybe with time I will ... because more than anything I know one thing ... that how much greedy you were ... you weren't faking your love for any one of us all those years ... (Sighing) ... anyway ... right now you should be concentrating on getting Nikhil's forgiveness more than mine and be there for him

Kunal: I will try my best Arnav

Arnav: I hope you won't disappointment me this time, Uncle

Kunal sighed in relief as he heard that and said with a smile.

Kunal: I won't Arnie

Arnav: That only time can say ... (Sighing) ... anyway ... bye ... see you soon

Kunal: See ya

Arnav cut the call and whispered looking at the stars Khushi believe as their parents because in the heart of hearts he knows he can't still hate that person whom once he had loved equal to his father.

Arnav: Mom ... Mamma ... Papa ... I hope he will not break my trust this time

He turned around startled as he heard 'he won't'and saw Khushi standing at the French window with a small smile on her face.

Khushi: I have full belief ... he won't Arnav ... because it cost him his son and wife's cheerfulness last time

Arnav: (Sighing) ... I hope your belief will be true ... but let me tell you ... no promise you one thing now itself ... if he broke my trust once more ... nothing ... nothing and no one can save him from me

Khushi: (Nodding) ... I know ... so what did he say?

Arnav: They are coming

Khushi: (Smiling) ... really ... when?

Arnav: I don't know ... he may inform later

Khushi: (Hugging him) ... I am so happy Arnav .. now there will not be any hindrance to Lavi's and Nikhil's marriage

Arnav: I hope so

He said unsurely as he can't still believe the fact that DR agreed for it this easily.

I don't know whether what I had in mind and what I had written are exactly the same. So please tell me your views so that I can understand that at least.