Part 12

Part 12

Khushi struggled to get comfortable despite her back resting against a luxurious headboard. She tried as discretely as possible to edge her bum a bit to the left and then the right. She straightened her back slightly and then curled it. But nothing could shift the heavy feeling engulfing her.

"What's wrong Khushi bitiya?" Naniji spoke softly as she moved more to the left, giving Khushi more space. "Do you want a pillow for your back?"

"No Naniji, thank you. I'm just feeling a bit uncomfortable." Khushi replied.

"That happens, Khushi." Anjali spoke

Khushi lifted her eyebrows as she looked at her. "It happens?"

"Yes, Khushi. When you are pregnant, sometimes it does get uncomfortable. Our bodies are gradually changing in a nice way." Anjali smiled at her for the first time since last night. Khushi felt a mixture of relief and guilt. Relief that Anjali has smiled at her and slightly diffuse the tension in the room, but then the guilt swept through her for the perpetual lies she and Arnav were weaving.

"I guess so Di. It just takes some getting used to." Only if you are pregnant. But I'm not. So it would take a lot of getting used to. Khushi made a mental note to watch Di and how she behaved. If they were to continue this scam pregnany, she would have top at least play the pregnant woman well.

Arnav moved and sat at the edge of the bed, next to her with no space separating them. He maneuvered her until she was resting her body to his for support. "Naniji, I'm just making sure Khushi is comfortable." He reassured his grandmother, at the reason for their closeness.

Naniji nodded as she turned her attention to the TV. "Ready everyone?" Naniji grabbed the remote and slided her fingers on to the play button. 

Khushi glanced across the room: all eyes were glued to the screen, with a slight apprehension on their faces. All except one: Shyam. Khushi could see a slight upward twitch in his lips and knew he was smirking and enjoying the show. The creep. To think that she once thought he was an angel and had only good things to say about him. How nave and stupid she was. But not anymore. 

The silence in the room was shattered with the loud over-the-top, colourful adverts playing on the TV screen, initially selling Basmati Rice and then, Shaan spices.

Khushi felt sick, at the mere thought of food.

Soon Khushi, the stupid show would start, signaling the end of the life you once knew.

Who was she kidding? Her life was already over the moment she had brought up the idea of her being pregnant being the reason for her marriage.

She wondered if Shyam had anything to do with the expose. Yes, Arnav had leaked the pictures of their wedding to show the world and his family that they had gotten married. That was important. It was evidence. But surely few photos would not lead to a 30 minute show. There definitely had to be more. But what?! The way Shyam was looking at the screen with the hidden smile, suggested there was more. To make her look bad or Arnavji or them both?! And what did Shyam know?!

She knew that Shyam was not happy with their marriage. That was clearly evident last night. But was he not happy enough to plan revenge on his own brother-in-law? Was he that viscious?! She wouldn't put it pass him ' he lied to his wife and continued to do so. He was surely capable of anything.

"Soon, on TV for the first time, the exclusive report on ASR's sudden marriage. Stay tune"

Khushi closed her eyes momentarily as she said a small prayer to DeviMaiya, asking for guidance. She then took a deep breath, held Arnav's hand firmly and opened her eyes. She stared at the screen as her heart pounded. Why couldn't the show start already and put her out of her misery. The waiting was definitely going to kill her! Khushi sensed Arnav moving closer to her. For moral support?! Well they both needed it.

Devi Maiya, please, get us through this and I will donate 2 kg of jalebis at the mandir. Please. She begged.

"Khushi, it will be ok. Be positive. Believe. Leave me to handle it, ok." Arnav whispered.

Khushi turned and gazed into those warm eyes.

"Please." He mouthed, trying to reassure her and failing miserably.

Yet, all she could do was nod. He could ask her to go to the ends of the earth, and she would willingly comply just for him.

Khushi turned and stared at Shyam. Arnav would handle it. She would give him a chance and then if he slipped, she would take charge, as best she knew how. She would now do anything, anything to wipe that smirk of that creep's face. And if that did not work, she would continue to fight until one day she brought that snake down to his knees.

Shyam Ja, bring it on. Khushi was now ready.

Khushi watched as a fat TV anchor appeared on screen. She immediately recognized him. Her heart stopped momentarily. He was the guy who had apparently exposed her falling into Arnav's arms in Lucknow.

Brilliant! So she now knew the two other issues that he would cover: her fall at the fashion show in Lucknow and Nainital dabba. Would that be enough for 30 minutes exclusive information? Possibly but she was not that confident. She bit her lip in anticipation.

"Ladies and Gentleman, it's your one and only Shilla Shetty."

Shilla Shetty?! What kind of name was that? And who would take him seriously?!

Just concentrate Khushi. Please. Whether they take him seriously, he is the one exposing your life. Her internal dialogue continued.

"And today, have I got news for you. ASR is married!!! Yes ladies, sorry he's taken.

Most have us have woken up today to the AMAZING news of Mr Arnav Singh Raizada, the business tycoon's marriage. Yes ladies and gals, the dashing, handsome hunk is taken. Married. Gone. No longer on the market.
And WE had NO CLUE about the event. NADA. Can you believe that?! Not even I, the one and only was invited to the wedding of the year.

But again, don't fret. Apparently information from a little birdy told me: not many key people were as well. Oh dear!!! What could that mean?!
It was a hush-hush affair. Done at home. Not one marriage but two in the Raizada house. Sneaky sneaky. Both sons getting married on the same day. Smart too. Think of what it would do in saving costs! But what does costs have to do with the mega rich?!

But please, let me not get carried away. We are here to talk about ASR's marriage. I may not have been invited to the marriage but I have certainly got some juicy insight information to the wedding of the year.
Stay tuned and don't touch that remote or dial for the next 30 minutes because what you are about to hear, will rock you out!!! For now, let's enjoy some exclusive pictures of the wedding. And what can I say, they look so cute and dashing!!! Oh my, just fantastic!!!"

"Is this guy for real?!" Arnav asked. "What's with all the hand movements and over-emphasizing."

"Bhai, it's for show."

Khushi too wondered why the anchor spoke that way?! Was it to build the suspense? If that was the case, he was definitely succeeding. She pondered if that is all he would say for 30 minutes and hence, there may not be much substance. She had seen that before in news channels where they only had a bit of news but it got replayed again and again. And if one actually listened, there was hardly anything new that they were reporting. She hoped it would be the same here.

Please Devi Maiya.

Khushi watched as images of their wedding photos plastered the screen. There was one of Arnav and her standing before the registration marriage, with the registrar smiling behind them. Another of them exchanging their vows and their rings. And then their kiss.

"Oh wow, Naanav. Seriously?!" NK asked.

"Quiet and watch the show." Naniji replied saving Arnav and khushi from saying anything.

Khushi felt her cheeks getting hot. He had released the pictures of them kissing?! The twat! Stupid laad governor! She would make him pay. There would be no kisses for a while now. For definite. He can replay those images multiple times. That was the only experience of kissing he was getting for the coming future. And lucky for him, his grandmother had also recorded the show, so he could watch it over and over again, to his heart's content.

"Concentrate Khushi. You can think about getting even later." Arnav whispered.

"How?"

Arnav did not let her finish. He placed a finger on his lips to silence her and then pointed at the screen.

"Fine. Laad governor" she whispered.

"Only yours." He whispered again. "I must say the pictures do look good." He continued.

He was right, she thought. The pictures did look good. The images continued of them in front of the mandap, him glancing at her lovingly, both of them looking at the stars, walking around the arti with the priest chanting, him placing the mangalsutra around her neck and filling her maang. The last picture was that of both of them laughing.

She remembered the cause for the laughter: she had told him that it would be better if they sent Shyam to hell instead. How ironic. It seemed they were destined to get there first!

"Chotey, these are the wedding pictures?" Anjali asked.

"Yes Di." Arnav answered.

"They are beautiful." Anjali's voice waivered. "Truly beautiful. Aren't they Naniji and Mamiji. I've never seen you so happy, Chotey. You both look so good together. So in love." Again she stopped as she recollected herself. "Mama would have been so proud Chotey. I only wished you would have included all of us in your wedding." And then Anjali began to cry.

The TV screen paused. And then Khushi heard sniffles from Naniji and Mamiji.

"It's okay, Anjali. Chotey is big now isn't he. He makes his own decision. Why would he care about the people who raised him, brought him up with love and tenderness? Why would he care about his eldest? He is now the mighty ASR." Naniji joined in the sobbing.

"Please Naniji. It just happened. I'm sorry." Arnav spoke but khushi knew any assurances from him would be futile. What they did was wrong, no matter how he wrapped it up in excuses and said it.

"Amma, we heard he had his reasons. I know you feel hurt, I'm hurt too and I've raised him since he was young. And Manorama and I have raised him not like our son but AS our son. And I know Arnav beta. He would not do anything to hurt this family. He has always done everything with this family in mind. So for him to get married like this, I'm sure he had his reasons." Mamaji spoke.

"What reasons? He said that he got married because they were pregnant? Could he not come to us and tell us. I would have accepted that they made a mistake, got carried away with their love for each other and I would have organised a quick wedding too. But at least we would have been present. All of us in this room. But Chotey did not give us that chance. Did you Chote?"

"No Naniji. I'm truly sorry."

"Arnav beta, is there another reason why you got married quickly?" Mamiji asked.

Khushi watched as Arnav briefly stared at Shyam and then returned his gaze to Mamiji. From the corner of her eye, she saw Shyam moving in his seat before resting his hands on Anjali's belly. The smirk remained and she wondered if his actions was a subtle sign for Arnav to keep quiet. She felt Arnav's body tensing and knew that he too had reached similar conclusions about Shyam's gesture.

"No. Mamiji. There is no other reason. We just got married and it just happened." Arnav said.

"But that's the thing Chotey. Did it just happen?! From the photos, there seemed to be a lot of preparation. You had a registrar there and a priest, Chotey. There had to be some preparation and yet you told us nothing. Do we not mean anything to you?" Naniji continued.

Arnav extended his hand to hold Naniji's but she moved hers away.

"Don't Chotey. I'm hurt. We are all hurt. And we will need time. I'm angry with you Chotey but I still love you, both of you. But your selfishness has left a hole in me." She tapped her chest for emphasis.

They room returned to silence. 

"Obviously, there was a photographer." Akash asked.

Arnav nodded.

"He surely would have signed our usual privacy agreement. Bhai?" Akash continued.

"Aman must have seen to it."

"Well Bhai, if the photos are leaked then it must have come from the photographer. I know you are a stickler for privacy. It does not seem like it came from the registrar and highly unlikely she had a camera. And if she did take it, it would be with a possible phone. The definition of the pictures are too good. It had to come from the photographer. So he's violated our agreement. We can sue and we can press charges against the News channel and get this thing stopped."

"I'll have to check."

"Surely that has to be the case Bhai. Aman is very good. It is highly unlikely he would have made a mistake."

Khushi felt Arnav reposition himself. She had to agree with Akash's reasoning. Yes he made sense. Aman was very good but what Akash did not know is no matter what privacy agreement the photographer signed, it made no use. It was her husband that released the photos. So there would be no way to stop this expose if it was just based on photos.

"Bhai?"

"Yes?"

"Shall I look into it?"

"Into what?"

"In to whether the photographer violated our agreement."

"Leave it with me Akash. I'll sort it out. I'm sure Aman would have done it. If he didn't then I'll have to sack him."

"Sack him?!" Khushi and Akash asked at the same time.

"Too drastic?!" Arnav asked.

"Yes, bhai. He has been brilliant so far. If he has made a mistake, and I don't think he has, but if he has, then maybe a pay cut. You cant get a good staff like him nowadays."

"Your suggestion sounds good, Akash." Arnav had to agree.

Khushi was sure he would have agreed. Sacking a guy for something he had done according to his boss's instructions seemed to drastic. Aman was invaluable. But she also understood that Arnav could not exactly say that he allowed the photos to be leaked. In fact, she knew he scanned the photos and chose the ones to be leaked. He would have to tell another lie. Agree to the pay cut but then give Aman a massive pay raise instead. She was sure of that.

"Are you all finished discussing the legality of this program? Shall we continue?" Naniji didn't wait for any confirmation. She pressed the play button and the show resumed with Mr Shilla Shetty. Seriously, the man needed to change his name, Khushi thought.

"So, we are all familiar with the groom: ASR of AR industries."
Images of Arnav in different avatars: at business meetings, coming out of his helicopter, press releases were blasted on the screen.
"The dashing, intelligent, gorgeous creature. The most eligible bachelor in Dehli by a mile. The one that may have been linked to so many gorgeous models but never making a point to commit or settle down."

Khushi could not help but feel proud. Her husband really did look so hot and super cute. Her thoughts replayed images of him in his towel this morning and she felt herself getting hotter.

Please Khushi. Now is not a good time. Concentrate on the show. Please. And what did the Mr Shetty mean about 'so many gorgeous models'?

She turned and looked at Arnav. "Gorgeous models? So many?" she whispered as she attempted to remove her hand from his. She felt him hold on to her hand with increased strength.

"Exaggeration Khushi. They have to make it sizzling news."

Mr Shetty continued to relay the greatness of ASR and emphasing his playboy status. Several pictures of Arnav with other super attractive females were on screen though Khushi was more interested in Arnav and his closeness to her. She felt her breathing increasing and her heart continued to pound.

She felt Arnav's lips graze her ears slightly causing flutters in her belly.

"Khushi, we are a team. If we fall apart now, we are lost. Please. I will need your strength and support." He whispered. "There has been no one else apart from you for a while now, please. And like you said yesterday, you know I don't just love you, I love you a lot."

Khushi nodded. They definitely had to stick together and they were a team. She had to concentrate and not get easily distracted. Shyam would love it if they started fighting almost immediately. No. She would not give him the pleasure.

"So, who was the girl to tame him? Do we know her? Is she a socialite as well? Any one of these models?!

No. My friends. Her name is Miss Khushi Kumari Gupta, the daughter of a small sweet-shop owner from Lucknow and incidentally her sister is now the other Mrs Raizada:  married to ASR's younger brother, Akash.

So sad girls. Within one night, Delhi has lost two of its prominent eligible bachelors. Sad, sad news. But do not fret. We will tell you everything about the new Mrs ASR. Everything you ask? Everything!!!"

Everything? Like what?!


"But first, see if you recognize the next clip. We showed this few months ago, barely a year, and even then we mentioned that it was important to watch the girl as she may steal ASR's heart. And guess what?! We were right. So always listen to Mr Shilla Shetty, bringing you exclusive news on Sitara News Channel."


And then scenes of the fashion show in Lucknow flashed on the screen. There was even a clip of Khushi walking nervously and with awful coordination down the ramp and then falling into Arnav's arms. The picture then zoomed in, emphasing how close he held her and both of them staring into each other's eyes. There may have been a slight flicker of his eyes to her lips and then it returned to her eyes again. The scene replayed again and again.



"Remember her?! Yes, the one and only. And guess what- she is the new Mrs Raizada. Met in Lucknow and a little birdy told me that there is where possibly their romance began. On the ramp at the AR show. How sweet and romantic. Just like one of those Mills and Boons novel. A dashing tycoon falls in love with a lovely sweet innocent girl of a lesser financial background. And love conquers all adversities and challenges.

Is this the story behind Mr and Mrs ASR?! Or is there more?! Stay tune after a short break and messages from our sponsors."

Khushi sat silent, afraid to look at the room. Her eyes glued to the screen though she was mainly using it as a distracter. The room was silent making it hard for her to judge what others were thinking. She knew that this would definitely come out and had nothing to do with Arnav this time. Though again, she had to give it to her husband and herself. She now knew that she possibly had irritated him and then made him mad at the religious darbar when she challenged him about her convictions that nothing happened without god's hand in it and he retorted about man making their own fate. She could easily now picture him getting angry and then releasing that fateful clips without thinking of the repercussions, except to prove his point. She took a deep breath and sighed.

She felt his breath over her neck and immediately looked at him.

"Sorry." He mouthed.

She barely managed a smile. Maybe they could use this story in their story.

"So you met in Lucknow?" Anjali asked.

"Yes Di."

"You know Khushi before she moved to Delhi?"

"Yes Di."

"And I guess, did you have anything to with her moving to Delhi?"

Arnav remained silent for a while, before answering. "Yes Di."

"And you didn't tell us. Not even me?"

"Yes Di."

"Are there anymore things that we should know before this show returns?"

"I don't know Di."

"So there could be more?"

"Yes Di."

Again the room returned to silence. This was surely not going very well for them. Now it seemed that they did not just lie about their marriage but their supposed relationship.

"Welcome back friends. Too exciting to change the channel right. Not to fret. More juicy stuff coming up including ... a sneak peak. Did Mr and Mrs ASR get married last night or earlier?!

Hmmm!!! Things are certainly getting hot! Because a little birdy told me that they were already married. Last night was for show, possibly for their families. But their actual marriage occurred around November in a small place on the way to Nainital. We haven't received confirmation of the marriage yet but I'm sure we will track it down but we have confirmation from the owners of the Dabba where Mr and Mrs ASR spent their marriage celebration and honeymoon. Actually, I'll let you in on a secret. We just don't have confirmation. We actually have an actual interview with Mr and Mrs Singh, owner of the Dabba, where there will be taking us on a tour of their honeymoon room as well. So juicy!!! So exciting!!! But wait before we get there. Just a few more morsels of delight to share."

So Mr ASR meets future Mrs ASR on the ramp in his show. And then what do you think happened?! Any guesses?!

Well, spare your thoughts. I know. Me?! Of course, me. The great and one and only Mr Shilla Shetty.

Now, a different little bird now. Yes I seem to have so many birdies wanting to share information on this love story, its just amazing.

Where was I?! Oh yes- another little birdie told me that ASR was so smitten by Khushi that he had spent the evening with her that night.

What, you say?! Is this true?! Yes my friends. ASR was so taken by khushi's beauty and possibly she was swept of her feet, judging bu their earlier clip that they spent the whole evening after the show together in one of the rooms in the Mahal.


How is that possible, you ask? Well, I don't know what they did behind close doors but Khushi was spotted leaving the Mansion very late at night and that too in a slightly disheveled. Hmmm... what would be the cause of that? Interesting and hot!

We managed to track one of her old neighbours in Lucknow and they confirmed that Khushi's sister's wedding was happening on that evening. Khushi was not there. When asked why, they were not sure but her neighbour stated she did come home very late and slightly distressed. Incidentally, her sister's wedding broke off on that faithful night as well. Was something already happening between the Gupta girls and Raizada boys?! Well we can only speculate.

And why was she distressed?! Did ASR break her heart or the fact that their relationship had no possibility if she remained in Lucknow whilst he was in Delhi. True. But I guess when cupid strikes, there is always a way.

And guess what?! There was. Khushi moves with her sister to Delhi and incidentally, where would she find work?! You guessed it. AR of course. Afterall, lover boy needs to keep his love item close. Get my drift?! If no- too bad. Yes - good for you.

But apparently ASR was not satisfied. He then moved her closer to his home. On the pretense of work, he employed her at home though I'm sure by now, we know why he does that. Is it to introduce her to his family subtly - to see what their reaction would be to this sweet poor little girl or was it to keep his bed warm when convenient. Hmmm... interesting thought!


Now while I leave you to ponder that, we'll take a small break and do come back for more tidbits before the scoop on Nainital!"


"What rubbish!!!" Arnav abruptly moved Khushi away and stood up. He walked to the corner of the room and started pacing. "Utter rubbish. I'm definitely going to sue." 

"Which part is rubbish Chotey?" Naniji asked. "All of it?! If so, Akash, get AR's solicitor on the phone. What's his name?"

"Mr Chatterjee" Akash said.

"Yes, get Mr Chatterjee on the phone and asked him to start legal proceedings."

"No wait." Arnav interjected. His pacing increased in speed.

"Why, Chotey? You said it was rubbish. So we can sue. Am I right Akash?"

"Yes Naniji."

"But if some of it was true, then suing them would just open a can of worms, no?" Naniji asked but she already knew the answer.


Khushi heard Naniji take a deep breath. "So Chotey, from the clip, Khushi was at the show. Right?"

Arnav nodded.

"Yes Khushi?" Naniji asked.

"Yes."

"And Khushi, did you spend time at the Mansion after the show?"

Khushi didnt need to recall the events of the night. She had it ingrained in her. What Arnav did. How he locked her up in the room for hours and then manhandled her. But she could not bring all of that out surely. She looked around the room but more specifically she glanced at Shyam to read him. Had his smirk increased? Was he enjoying it?

She searched her brains with possibilities of whether Shyam knew about what happened in the Mahal. He knew she hated ASR. She had told him. And he had shared her sentiment about rich people not having any value on normal people's lifes. But did he know specifically what happened that night? she was not sure. Or could it be just a red herring. The media had a way of scooping news out and they found this information and of course, if they spoke to one of her old neighbours, they would support the story. Khushi did come home late that night in a dishevelled state. But her state was not because of passionate romance as what the show was insinuating but her being in the wrong place and the wrong time and wanted desperately to sort her sister's dowry. But she could not say that, could she?!

Surely, that would ruin Arnav in front of his family and that would be what Shyam would want. Was he trying to tarnish Arnav in front of his family before the truth of Shyam was to be revealed. If Arnav was tarnished, no one, not even Naniji would believe when he presented evidence on the cheating Shyam. So at all cost, Khushi would have to protect Arnav's reputation, even if it meant tarnishing hers. She was married after all, and time could repair her reputation, she hoped.

"Khushi, I asked you a question. Did you spend time at the Mansion after the show?"