Guys

Many of you are asking me again and again whether this story has a Khushi or not. So for those who have this doubt ... yes, of course, there is a Khushi, after all, there is Arnav ... so obviously there is Khushi. But who that Khushi is ... Amy or Mishty ... you will get to know that when the two of them will come face to face. So until then tell me your views ... who probably will be Arnav's Khushi. Let us see how many of you can catch it well from the story so far.

Maahi

Bonheur, Toronto, Canada

It was almost 10 at night and Danny was in Daisy's room discussing some office stuff. Seeing a flash he looked up and spotted Arnav turning to leave from the door. He gestured Daisy and she  called out as soon as she saw him

Daisy: Nav ...

And the way Arnav turned around and the look on his face was enough for both of them to understand the matter. He came here for something but seeing them engrossed in work he was leaving without making them aware of his presence. Daisy sighed and looked at Danny who nodded his head and got up to leave and seeing the exchange Arnav said immediately.

Arnav: No Auntie ... you guys continue ... I ... yeah I just collected my phone and was going back and ... and just thought to check up on you ... nothing else ...

Saying this Arnav immediately tried to turn around lest they catch his lie but he was too late as he saw Danny walking out silently after kissing Daisy a goodnight. He sighed and walked inside the room and sat beside Daisy on the bed as she patted the space near to her. Daisy could read the vulnerability in his eyes and could somewhat guess the reason. But still, she asked cupping his cheeks in an affectionate voice.

Daisy: What happened darling?

In reply, Arnav took her in a bear hug hiding his face in her chest and Daisy too hugged him back and caressed his head in silence because she knows he will speak when he is ready. But even after minutes when she heard nothing she patted his back and said soothingly.

Daisy: Nav ... it is okay ... I told you, right? ... that we believe you ... don't worry ... take your time

She felt Arnav still in her arms and immediately said caressing his back to ease out his rigid stance.

Daisy: Okay ... that is not the case ... then what is it ... tell me what is hurting you Kiddo?

Arnav couldn't help but smile even in that emotional situation as she called him as if he is a small baby. He tried to compose himself and broke the hug but seeing the look on Daisy which clearly said 'don't even try lying' his mask slipped and a lone tear escaped his eyes. Daisy wiped the tear with gentle fingers and then cupped his face with both her hands. Seeing his eyes filling with tears she shook her head and kissing his forehead with motherly affection whispered soothingly.

Daisy: You know you can tell me anything, right?

Arnav nodded but without saying anything lied on her lap facing her. Instantly he felt her fingers through his hair calming down his nerves. He felt relaxed after some time but that didn't reduce his pain so whispered in a low voice.

Arnav: I am bad ... very bad, ain't I?

Daisy: No ... of course not ... and why are you even thinking like that ... you can never be bad ... you ...

Before she can continue Arnav cut her off.

Arnav: I am ... that's why ... that's why every time ... every single time I am happy ... something or other snatches that happiness from me ... brutally I might add ...

Daisy: It's ... it's not like that darling ... you are just overstressing ...

Arnav: No Auntie ... it is ... it is the truth ... every time ... every single time I feel contented with life something or the other happens and I am back to square one ... you know Auntie after eighteen years ... eighteen years of melancholy I was finally contented when I got admission in the prestigious Harvard University ... because ... because I could get out of the hell ... my so-called home ... and Dadu ... he was so proud of me ... we ... we decided to leave every sorrow behind and start a new life ... we were planning to shift to America and settle there forever away from that hell ... but ... everything ... every beautiful dream I weaved for the future got shattered ... he ... he left me ... no ... they ... they snatched him from me thereby crushing my dreams of a beautiful life ahead ... and I decided ... decided then and there to never dream again ... to never think about the future ... but this life na ... it is strange ... sometimes it will surprise you when you never ever expect it ... and like that Amy came into my life and when I ... (Smiling) when I fell in love with her I was ecstatic ... and I again ... again started to dream ... for a happy life with her ... (Sighing) but still I was skeptical thinking anytime the happy bubble will burst ... years passed in all this and when I finally ... finally decided that this time fate is with me ... this time I will get my fair share of happiness ... again ... again my stupid family has to come and snatch it for me ... why ... (Angry tears filling his eyes) why they had to do this to me? ... why dammit ... why?

Saying this he punched on the bed and Daisy immediately held his hand.

Daisy: Nav ... no ... don't think like that ...

But he wasn't listening to her as he was in some other world. He got up from her lap and sitting on the bed said in a distant and forlorn voice.

Arnav: I ... I lived eighteen years of my life being an unwanted child ... but still, I was happy as I had my Dadu ... (with a dry chuckle) and they separated him from me ... but a mere eighteen-year-old boy couldn't do anything and they won ... but when again happiness knocked in my door ... when I got a family for the first time ... when I decided to embrace the blissful future they had to intervene and destroy it for me ... (Shaking his head and gritting his teeth) but no ... no ... I won't allow them to succeed this time ... because Arnav Alok Raizada might be weak but Arnav Singh Raizada isn't ... and I will show them what it is to mess with ASR ...

Saying that in a proud and dominating voice he looked at Daisy as if to gauge her reaction to his statement ... to know whether she is disappointed by his statement. And he was relieved when she cupped his shoulder with an encouraging smile and said.

Daisy: See ... that's the spirit ... (Cupping his cheeks) ... everything will be alright Nav ... this time nobody will snatch anything from you ... and you know why? ... because this time we all are with you, okay?

Arnav: (Smiling) ... and I need just that ... my family's support ...

Daisy: Which you will always have ... so now cheer up and (Whispering) join me for some wine ... what say?

Arnav: (Chuckling) ... how much tempting it may sound I can't, beautiful ... because if I touch alcohol for at least a week ... your daughter will bury me alive

Daisy: (Chuckling) ... yeah, that's right ... but it is for your own good Nav ...

Arnav: No ... now you too don't start Auntie ... (Shaking his head) ... your daughter is more than enough

Daisy: Okay ... okay ... I won't ... by the way, speaking of the daughter ... where is she? ... And hey she was telling me that you guys are going out ... then?

Arnav: She wanted to take me out for a drive ... but Uncle needed some help in understanding the forensic report ... (Shrugging) ... so they both are in the study ...

Daisy: What ... you two had to cancel your plans ... you should have told Adam ... he would have understood

Arnav: Which I don't approve ...

Daisy: What ... why? ... you two are a couple and you are ought to spend time together

Arnav: But not in the cost of her responsibilities as an individual

Daisy scrunched her eyebrows not understanding what he meant and he said sighing.

Arnav: Auntie ... you are right ... we two are a couple ... but we are not just that ... we two are different individuals and thus we will have different commitments ... her family may demand her time ... and similarly, my friends may demand my time ... both our professions will also keep us engaged ... and we can't ignore all this just because we are a couple. In simple words just because we are we, we can't ignore our responsibilities of being an 'I' ... err ... (Shaking his head) ... that was a lot of philosophy but you know what I mean

Daisy: I understand Nav ... but still ... I mean last one week you guys were very busy with your professions that you hardly got time to even meet each other ... so much so that you had to wait one whole week to come together and inform us that you two are officially engaged. And yesterday it was too much crowded due to the party ... so how much you will argue I will say today you deserved her time ...

Arnav: (Sighing) ... it is not like that Auntie ... she has always given me my personal space without even asking and I too will give that to her ... always ...that is the promise I made to myself when we started this relationship. Because I believe for a relationship to work out more than love respect and trust are needed. Hey ... now don't look at me like that ... I agree ... I needed her time today ... but uncle needed her help ...

Daisy: She could have helped him tomorrow ...

Arnav: (Smiling amusedly) ... that is not possible because tomorrow is the final verdict of that case ...

Daisy: (Shaking her head) ... leave it ... it is waste to argue with lawyers ... I should have known ...

Arnav: (Chuckling) ... oh, come on Auntie ... it is not even an argument ... and even if you consider it as one whatever I said was true only ...

Daisy: (Twisting her mouth) ... yeah right

Arnav: (Shaking his head) ... and Señora... it is not the end of the time ... after completing her work she will come to me only, right?

Daisy: (Sighing) ... yeah...

Arnav: Okay I think I should leave now (Getting up from the bed) ... and hey ... should I send your grumpy son to give you a company for the wine ... like that also he must be waiting ... (With an apologetic look) ... I mean I think you didn't complete the work

Daisy: (Chuckling) ... waiting and him? ... that too for working ... don't you know him Nav? By this time he would have finished flirting with half of his flings

Arnav: (Chuckling) ... yeah right, I should have guessed ... such a flirt he is ...

Daisy: Yeah ... just like his father ...

Saying this both of them broke into pits of laughter but was disturbed by an 'excuse me' and looked up to find Adam standing at the door.

Adam: You ... you mean I am a flirt and Nav ... you are again teaming up with her against me

Arnav: What to do Uncle ... I told you, right? ... I can't hurt pretty ladies

Adam: Yeah right ... and you called me a flirt ...

Arnav: (Smirking) ... I didn't Uncle ... Auntie did ...

Daisy: Yeah and where did Nav flirt ... he just told the truth, right darling?

Arnav: Yes ... of course ... (Smirking) ... or did you again meant that Auntie isn't beautiful?

Adam: (Raising his hands in surrender) ... spare me, guys ... it was my fault that I even started speaking against your team

Adam started to walk away when Arnav said.

Arnav: Oye old man ... no need to act ... I am going ... (Winking) she is all yours ...

Saying this he walked out of the room but turned around reaching the door only to see them already in each other's arms. He smirked and said after a whistle bringing them out from their dreamland.

Arnav: Hey lovebirds ... at least close the door ... I mean ... how much grown up they are ... your children are around ...

Adam smirked hearing him while Daisy's jaw dropped at his teasing making Arnav chuckle.

Arnav: (Raising his hands in surrender and smiling) ... okay ... okay ... I am going ... good night guys

Adam: Good night Nav

And he was gone.

Daisy: (Shaking her head) ... crazy guy

Adam: (Smiling) ... that he is ... after all he fell in love with my doll ... and you know what? ... they are the craziest couple I know

Daisy: (Snuggling in his arms and in a low voice) ... hmm ...

Adam: Hey ... what happened?

Daisy: (Sighing) ... I am scared, Adam ... I ... I just hope their happiness won't be short-lived ...

Adam: Hey ... relax ... you are thinking too much ... everything will be alright soon ...

Daisy: Amen to that

Outside the room

Arnav was walking towards their room when he saw that the lights of the study room were still on. Deciding to have a quick shower before she comes he entered the room and first put his sim card in the new phone and putting it in charge walked to the closet where Amy had rearranged all his clothes. Then taking his change he went for a shower. Completing it earlier than expected he came out dressed only in his shorts and wiping his head with the towel. Feeling cold due to the shower he switched on the heater and looking around realized that Amy is still not there. Frowning he checked in the balcony but she wasn't there too. Sighing he kept the towel in the washroom and walked into the study room only to see her reading a file and typing something in her tab. Reaching the door he whistled and she immediately looked up. He indicated towards his wrist and realizing what he meant she looked at her tab again and realized it was almost 11 in the night. Sighing she looked apologetically at him

Amy: Sorry baby ... just a few more minutes ...

Sighing Arnav walked inside the room and sat on the chair across her and asked.

Arnav: Hey ... what is this ... I mean Uncle left long back ...

Amy: (Sighing) ... yeah ... (Indicating towards the file) ... this is the case Shan asked my help ... you know that rape case ... I had promised him that I will mail the details before tomorrow afternoon. I thought I will work on this tomorrow as we were going out. But then Dad came and I was totally in the mood (Chuckling) you know ... so thought that I will finish it now itself so that we can go somewhere tomorrow as we both were free apart from this one

Arnav: (Smiling) ... okay ... totally fine by me if I can get you all for myself tomorrow ... finish it fast I will wait for you

Amy nodded her head and again got busy in the files while Arnav sat there playing with the paperweight and admiring his beautiful fiancée. After ten more minutes, he saw her finishing the file and mailing the details to Shan and then to his astonishment taking another file. He shook his head at the twin workaholic of him and said in a formal tone.

Arnav: Ms. Lewis ... you promised me only that file ... and I have heard that Dr. Kal never go back on her words ...  but here you are picking up one more ...(In a flirty tone) not fair ... that too when your handsome fiancé is waiting for you

Saying this with a wink he got up and walked towards her and she stood up closing the file realizing her folly. He reached her and snaked one arm around her waist and she put her hands around his neck and said huskily.

Amy: So sorry my handsome fiancé ... you know how I am ... I just got carried away ... (Whispering in his ears) ... but don't worry ... I will make it up to you ...

She said the last part seductively making Arnav smirk and he picked her in his arms in a swift motion. She held his shoulder for support and he bent down and said in her ears after pressing a fleeting kiss on her earlobe.

Arnav: I am waiting for that baby ... and I hope you won't disappoint me ...

Amy: Never ...

Arnav: Good ...

Saying this he straightened himself and started to walk towards their room with her in his arms. He entered the room and went directly to the bed after kicking the door shut with his legs. He put her on the bed and she pulled him with her which he complied gladly. He came on top of her and whispered.

Arnav: Oh God ... I missed you ... missed you like hell baby

Amy: Me too Nav ... last week was torture without even seeing you when I wake up ...

Arnav: Hmm ... I know ... I too was feeling terrible to sleep without you in my arms ... and not even getting a chance to kiss you senseless ... it was ... it was ...

Amy: Pure hell

Arnav: Yeah

By now they could feel each other's breathe on their lips ... just one single move from any of them and they would be kissing each other. But alas at that exact instant the shrill ring of a phone broke their moment making both of them groan in irritation. He placed his head on her shoulders and a few profanities escaped his mouth cursing the caller. While Amy said gritting her teeth.

Amy: If it is again your stupid PA ... then you are gonna fire him ... actually fire him tomorrow

Arnav: (Shaking his head) ... no ... if it is him this time too ... then I am gonna actually kill him tomorrow

By now the phone had already stopped ringing all thanks to their 'brief' conversation.

Arnav: (Smirking) ... looks like he had learned his lesson already ...

He said smirking as he thought about the earful his PA got the last time he disturbed their moment. But the phone again rang making Arnav curse aloud with anger and frustration and he punched the bed. Seeing him not taking the call Amy said.

Amy: Take the call Nav ... or at least put it on silent ... otherwise, they might call again ...

Arnav: (Rolling of her to the other side of the bed) ... if I touch that damn phone now I am sure I am gonna break it too ... so you yourself do that ...

Shaking her head Amy took the phone from her side table all ready to put it on silent but seeing the caller she disconnected the phone from the charge and extended it to Arnav saying.

Amy: Nav ... it's Shan

Arnav: Whoever it is cut the call ... I am in no mood to talk now ... (Sighing) don't worry I will call him first thing tomorrow morning ...

Amy: It must be already morning there ... and he too knows it is night here and still he called ... so it means this is something important ... here take it before it goes off ... till then I will take a quick shower and come, okay?

Arnav nodded and Amy went for a shower after pecking his cheek. And he took the call and asked in a frustrated voice.

India

It was nine in the morning and the two couples were assembled in Adarv's cabin as he called Shan's office. Keeping the call he said

Adarv: Nishan is working from home this week due to some personal problems ... going to the station only for important issues

Rohan: Oh ... so what do we do now?

Nitya: Either wait for a week or go to his home

Puja: No ... we don't have time to waste ... so home or office you should meet him today itself ...

Adarv: Office was okay ... I mean ... even if he doesn't like me he would have been polite when people are around ... but home ... (Shaking his head) ... no ... I won't go alone

Rohan: Then?

Puja: We all will go

Adarv: Are you sure I mean you ...

Puja: It's alright Adi ... whatever it is we will face it together

Nitya: Okay then ... come let us go

Shan's home

Gitu was in the living room reading a magazine when the doorbell rang. She looked at the clock and frowned as Shan had woken up sometime before and is on bath after breakfast ... all thanks to his night-long studying of the current case. Keeping the magazine down she walked to the door and opened it only to stand perplexed to see the four of them. And seeing them instantly her mind went back to the previous day's event making her angry. But they are the guests so she faked a smile and asked politely.

Gitu: Adi Bhai ... Rohan ... aap log (you people)?

Rohan: Yes ... can we come in?

Gitu: Of course ... please ... please come in ... (Suppressing her anger) ... by the way what brought you here?

Adarv: Gitika ... we ... we are here to meet Nishan ... I called his office and got to know that he is working from home ... hey, what happened to you ... is this the reason he ...

Gitu: Yeah ... it's nothing ... just a brace ... he is making a mountain out of a molehill ... oops ... you all please take your seat ... Shan was bathing ... let me check if he is done ...

Gitu went to the room to call Shan and after five minutes they both came down together. Shan walked to the living room while Gitu went to the kitchen to bring something for them. Hearing footsteps they all saw Shan and Rohan exclaimed.

Rohan: Hi Nishan

Shan: Hi guys ... Gitu said you wanted to talk to me ... what is it?

Adarv: Nishan ... we ... we need Arnav's contact details ... can you ... can you please help us?

Before Shan could say something they heard a 'NO' from Gitu who was coming with juice for them. They all looked at her perplexed.

Shan: Gitu ...

But Gitu couldn't contain her anger this time so she said not caring whether she hurt them by her words completely ignoring the pleading looks of Shan to let him speak.

Gitu: No ... you won't get his contact details ... we ... (Shaking her head) ... I won't let you guys hurt him more ... I still don't know how will I tell him about ... no, leave that ... why do you need his contact details anyway? ... to hurt him more? ... and why did you come here?

Shan: Gitu ... they are guests ...

Gitu: And that's why I didn't say anything till now ... but that doesn't give them right to ask about Nav ... no ... not at all ... and I am telling you ... you have my swear ... you won't tell them anything ... waise bhi (like that also) ... I don't know what he will do if he gets to know that these people tricked him ... tricked him in a marriage with a girl whom he loathes to death.

Adarv: He knows ...

Shan: What ... what do you say?

Rohan: Yes Nishan ... he knows ...

Gitu: (Whispering) ... he ... he knows ... oh God ... how?

Adarv: We will tell you ... but before that, I have to clear something ...

Gitu: What?

Adarv: That we four didn't know this coming ... and when we got to know we didn't know how to react to all this and then ...

Gitu: Oh please ... no need to exaggerate ... it is not a new thing that you people don't know anything happening in your house ... (Sighing) ... leave it and tell us the whole thing ...

Then they four took turns in filling the happenings in RM after Arnav's departure including how they had found out the truth yesterday.

Gitu: So ... my guess was correct ... it was the Raizada princess only ... and what did you say? ... you want to help him ...why ... why now Adi Bhai?

Adarv: (Sighing) ... Gitika ... I ... I know I was never the best brother to Arnav ... but genuinely I wasn't aware of anything happening in RM until I came back after finishing my studies ... Mamma and Mr. Raizada never ... never made me aware of anything ... I ... I never knew he was ... (Gulping) ... he was treated that way ... and this time too ... Juhi was so convincing and Mishty ... she was very much convinced that he loves her ... we ... we all tried to make her and the family understand ... but nobody wasn't ready to listen to anything ... all others were not ready to miss the chance of converting the Raizada-Gupta bonding into a family from friends ... you know they were trying from our time but ...

Gitu: (Sarcastically) ... yeah we know ... their precious Adi loved another girl... so she will be his wife ... after all, they want your happiness ... and about Arnav ... (Sighing) ... who cares what he wants or not ... as usual, he became the scapegoat. But hey ... let me clear your misconception ... he not only just doesn't like her ... but also loathes her ... did you hear that he LOATHES her ... and I really don't know what he will do to her now ... Nav... oh God what might be his condition ... Shan ... call him ... call him now ...

Nodding Shan called him but the call went unanswered so he said.

Shan: Gitu ...he isn't picking up the call ... it is very late now ... he might have slept ...

Gitu: (Sarcastically) ... yeah right ... after hearing this news he will be peacefully sleeping ... (Raising her voice) ... try again Shan and put it on speaker ... I too want to hear him

Shan sighed hearing her ... it is not that he doesn't want to call Arnav but at others' presence, he doesn't know. Gitu would have understood his hint in a normal situation but right now she is in a combined state of anger and sorrow. He again tried the number hoping against hopes that Arnav will not pick it up. But seems like luck isn't on his side as Arnav picked up the call just before it ends and shouted in a frustrated voice.

Arnav: Kya chahiye Shan? ... (What do you want Shan?) ... Aman was not enough that you too started to call at the wrong time ... bolo kyun phone kiya? (Tell me why you called)

Shan and Gitu shared a surprised look hearing him as they understood what he meant by 'wrong time' and others too does not need Einstein's brain to realize the situation he was in.

Arnav: Shaaaan ...

Shan: Yeah ... Nav ... I ... I mean we wanted to ask you something ...

Arnav: You both ... okay ... what's the matter, guys?

Shan: (Gulping) ... Nav ... are you ... are you aware of your marriage with K...

Arnav: (Shouting) ... Shan ... don't take that bitch's name in front of me ... either say Ms. Gupta or don't say it at all ...

Gitu: Nav ... Nav ... calm down and tell us ... are you aware of it?

Arnav: Hmm ... Sanjay ... he called me ...

Gitu: Are you okay Nav?

Arnav: (Gulping) ... I am, now ... but how do you guys ... wait (Gritting his teeth) ... is it the new sensational news in the town?

Shan: No ... nobody apart from Raizadas and Guptas know it ...

Arnav: Then?

Shan: Nav ... vo ... I ... I saw her at the temple with ... with your mother and Dadi ... and

Arnav: And?

Arnav asked without any emotion as he had stopped expecting something from them long back. Gitu and Shan again shared a look as they could understand his pain even in that masked question while others gasped hearing his nonchalant voice.

Shan: But I thought I will make it sure before I ...

Arnav: Wait, Shan ... who else are there?

Shan: Gitu ... (Gulping and sharing a worried glance with Gitu) ... who else?

Arnav: Cut the crap, Shan ... there are more people ... I heard the gasps ... and just now you gulped before asking 'who else' ...

Shan: Nav ... that ...

Arnav: Who is it, Mr. Nishan Verma?

Shan: Adi Bhai, Puja...

But all they could hear were beeps as the call was cut ruthlessly by a furious Arnav Singh Raizada.