Part 13

Khushi leaned her body back to the headboard and closed her eyes. She tried to push the sounds of the adverts on the TV out of her mind as she pondered the question asked.

'Did you spend time at the Mansion after the show?'

She knew the answer to that question but what she feared were the barrage of questions after. She could just anticipate the next questions ' what were you doing there so late? Where you with Chotey? Why were you in a dishevelled state? Why were you distressed?

She wondered: should she tell the truth? Could she tell the truth?!

And now her dilemma would begin. She felt the tension in her shoulders and wished she could have a dip in a nice warm bath, like the bath in Arnav's room. But instead, all she felt was the constant tightening in her shoulders and neck, as though there was an invisible noose of lies tightening gradually around her neck.

How much more lies Khushi?!

She truly didn't know. In the past, she often made up stories to humour people or to entertain them. But those were white lies and they hurt no one. Now she was in a different league. Her lies had consequences. Like lying about her pregnancy. She and Arnavji would have to come up with more lies just to cover the first lie. But she was prepared.

She actually had no choice. She knew Arnavji could not tell the truth about Shyam and he had tried to tell the truth about their 'so called' relationship. Sadly, her family and his, rather belief that she was pregnant instead. So the pretence of pregnancy would have to continue until Arnavji and her resolved what to do next.

She already knew that the expose programme had information on Uncle and Auntieji of the Nainital dabba. They would definitely confirmed that both Arnav and her were married and had spent the night in the honeymoon room. That was a fact. She was the one that actually started it all off. She recalled briefly that she was so worried that Arnav would leave without having anything to eat and she was worried about his health, that to stop him, she played the hysterical wife. He was finally placated to stay but of course, knowing Arnavji, he would have the last word. And he did by telling everyone that it was their suhaag raat and then carried her off to the room. That is what everyone saw. But when they were in the room, nothing happened but no one else knew that except Arnav and her.
And what would happen if she said the truth that nothing happened in the honeymoon suite. Would anyone believe her?! She doubted it. All the evidence pointed to them having some form of relationship. It wasn't Mr Shilla Shetty's fault or anyone else's, the evidence spoke that way. She would easily admit that if she were the audience, she would jump to similar conclusions. But Khushi thought, even if most of the Raizada clan in the room, by some miracle, believed her; she and Arnav would need to convince them of their so-called sexual relationship and how she fell pregnant. And that would involve more lies.

"Khushi betiya. Are you ok?" Naniji asked.

"Yes, Naniji." Khushi replied. "Just morning sickness." She lied. "Just give me a few minutes. The nausea usually subsides quickly."  She needed a few more seconds to think of how she would handle the next 20 minutes.

Khushi felt Naniji's resting softly on hers. "Look, Khushi. I'm not asking questions to pry. I know it must be hard, seeing all this on the TV. It's hard for us too. I'm still in shock especially when we normally place utmost importance to our privacy. But, someone, somehow, has leaked information on you two. I've watched the show and I know there is more."

"More?" Arnav asked, his face losing colour.

"Much more." Naniji pressed the pause button. "Yes, Chotey, there is more. So I'm asking both of you for the truth. You both are married and the pictures prove it. And that is something, as a family, we will have to come to terms with. Not because I'm angry with the marriage. Far from it. I don't think you could ever find a better girl, Chotey. Likewise Khushi, the pictures show how happy and overjoyed you are with him. And I know my Chotey, once he commits, he always does so with his heart. So you two are lucky and blessed to have each other."

"But that still does not mean I'm not disappointed with the way the marriage took place. But if that is what you thought was the best way, bearing in mind, Khushi's pregnancy, then maybe it was. I've got to learn to accept it.

Naniji placed her hand on Khushi's. "I know I come from a different generation where sex before marriage hardly took place or if it did, it was hush-hush. But this generation is different. I mean at least you got married. That is much better than live in." Naniji continued, her voice crisp. "And even then Chotey, I was angry with you about the live in concept but your mamiji, anjali and I supported you completely."

Khushi watched as Naniji turned to look at Arnav  "True, Chotey?"

He nodded.

"So all I want is the truth. I'm not judging. Please Khushi." Naniji squeezed Khushi's hand slowly.
Khushi wondered. Could she offer to tell more unnecessary lies, especially when naniji asked so lovingly? No, she thought. She would only tell what was essential. The dabba evidence would serve Arnav and her well. The evidence spoke itself and all she had to do, was just nod in agreement with it. And the rest would be left to everyone's imagination.

But what about the events before? Did she lie about their relationship or did she tell the truth somehow. The truth would paint Arnav in a bad light. In contrast, a lie, would be worse. Payal knew how she felt about Arnav at the start. She could not stand him! Actually she hated him. Akash and Anjali also knew that Arnavji and her hated each other. So, lying was not an option.

She took a deep breath. She laughed internally at the absurdity of her and Arnav's position. The evidence showed that their affair began that fateful night at the Mahal, yet it didn't. Yet, the truth about Shyam was that he had stayed in her buaji's house as a paying guest, lied about his marital status and got engaged to her, and yet, in this case, there was no evidence! There were no photos, no videos of close encounters. Nothing! It happened in close doors and only her family were witness. And there too laid another problem. 

Even if Arnav did ask and believed buaji, Payal and ammaji, their view of the events would not be substantial to convince the rest of the Raizada family. Worse, it would paint them in a bad light. If they knew of the creep's intentions, then why did they not say anything then, especially when Payal was marrying Akash? No, they kept quiet and therefore, could easily be blamed for being manipulative and wanting to trap Akash or Arnav.

So here was the dilemma ' there was no evidence for the truth about Shyam, especially with her engagement with him. But all the evidence did point to her and Arnav's affair. Khushi again wondered if this was a trick by Shyam? And if it was, was he expecting them to lie so that he could expose them further. No. she could not let that happen.

Her mind was made up. She turned to her right, watching as her husband continued to pace ' up and down, right to left. And repeating the cycle again. Gosh, she was feeling nauseas just looking at him. But she could equally understand his nervousness.

"Arnavji, can you stop pacing. I'm already struggling with morning sickness and you moving up and down is not helping either me or our baby." Khushi gently placed her hand on her tummy. "Please. Just come here and sit." She moved slightly towards Naniji to make space for him and watched with a slight sense of relief, when he followed her instructions. She waited until she felt him next to her and then rested her body on his side for support. She stretched her hand and held on to his, before placing their hand on her tummy. She turned to look at him and smiled nervously. Oh, how she loved him and now, it would be her, who would taint him with the truth ' not Shyam. She bit her lip nervously, doubt again slowly seeping in.

"Khushi, just tell them the truth. Believe me. It will be okay." He whispered huskily and then smiled reassuringly, though his smile ending prematurely, not touching his eyes. "We'll get through this together."

"How?" She stared at his chocolatey-brown eyes and felt overflowing love for her husband. Devi Mayaa, please help us, she offered a silent prayer.


Khushi took a deep breath and glanced around the room before resting her eyes on Naniji. "Naniji, I did spend the night at the Mahal. But not as what the programme implied. I was there to try and solve the dowry issue for Jiji's wedding. But I was at the wrong place and at the wrong time. I got on stage and as you can tell, my modelling performance was awful. I trip and Arnavji managed to grab me before I fell to the floor. And then,"

Khushi stopped. Could she truly do this, tell Naniji, how her grandson behaved in such an appalling manner?

"And then Khushi?" Naniji asked.

"And then." Khushi bit her lip again. Surely no one would like to hear that, especially of their beloved grandchild-brother-nephew.

"And then, Naniji, I locked her up in a room whilst I contemplated what to do with her. I thought she was sent by a competitor to deliberately sabotage my show. When I went to question her, she kept denying it and that made me more furious. She begged that I let her go and that she had to return for her sister's wedding. But I did not listen. So I manhandled her and then let her go. That is why she was in a dishevelled state and was distressed." Arnav spoke softly.

"Chotey?!" Naniji grasped.

"You didn't. Surely, you didn't, Chotey." Anjali spoke. "Please Chotey, tell me you are lying."

"Don't worry Anjali. He lying." Mamiji said. "Surely this is all due to Khushi putting him up to it."

"No Mamiji, Di and Naniji. What I'm saying is the truth. I'm the reason why Payal's wedding was cancelled." Khushi felt his hand squeezed hers tightly. "And it gets worse." Arnav continued softly.

"How can it get worse Chotey? You locked an innocent girl in a room and then manhandled her based on an assumption." Mamaji asked, fury evident in his eyes.

Khushi watched as her husband sat quietly on the bed next to her, eyes cast to the floor. She could not see him in this state. Where was her Laad Governor?! Now he in this state reminded her of a weak helpless broken child. Not caring about anyone in the room apart from her husband, she placed her hand on his cheek, drawing his gaze to her. "It's ok, Arnavji. It means nothing. I know you love me very much. This is all in the past."

Arnav kissed her hand softly and then stood. He began to pace again across the room but slowly.

"Chotey, Mamaji asked you a question. How can it get worse?" Anjali asked, her voiced waivered as she tried to control her tears. Her fingers nervously caressing her saree material.

Arnav took two more steps and stopped. He kept his eyes on the floor. "It gets worse because what happened in the Mahal was nothing. I released the pictures of her falling into my arms to the media and told them to play it continuously. I was angry after we had a confrontation at the religious darbar. She said that everything happened because of Devi Maiya and I asserted that man made their own destiny. She wouldn't stop. So in anger, I released the pictures to teach her a lesson."

Arnav started to pace though Khushi watched that now his gaze bored onto Shyam. "Later, I found out that this drew a lot of unwanted attention and she and Payal were forced to come to Delhi, leaving their parents alone at home. And then..."

"There is more?" Anjali shrieked.

"Yes Di. Much more."

"How Chotey? Did I raise you, give you all the love, for me to hear this. Surely there is no more." Naniji added.

"There is definitely more. Much more. Just let me finish" Arnav said, his voice raised.

He ran his hands through his hair. "I'm sorry. This is not easy for me. I'm not proud of what I did but Naniji you wanted the truth." Arnav spoke softly.

"Khushi got a job at AR and I again ill-treated her at work. Let her fall from the first floor. Made her work late. Forced her to wear a short dress because she was uncomfortable but she remained adamant and eventually I relented and she wore a saree for a calender shoot. But it didn't stop there. I also forced her to work as a car park attendant in the rain, after sending the other car park attendance home. Then when she had told Naniji about Lavanya, I sent her to the derelict guesthouse where unknown to anyone, she was locked in for the night. It was only because Payal called at home stating that Khushi had not returned, that made me return to the site and was able to save her only moments before the part of the building collapsed." His voice waivered. "It still continues. I shouted at her numerous times. Threw her belongings on the floor. Grabbed her. Manhandled her. Accusing her of her status and her need for money and then forcing her to return to train Lavanya by throwing more money at her. The list could go on and on."

Arnav slowly let himself drop to the floor, his eyes glistening with tears. "I'm sorry. I'm sorry. So sorry. I've apologised to Payal and I've apologised to Khushi. And for that day and many more after, I have regretted how I behaved. But nothing else happened that night."

Khushi stared at her husband. He told the truth, irrespective of the consequences to himself. She smiled. Her tears flowed down her cheeks readily. Oh boy - She loved him immensely and felt her insides overflowing with joy and love. She slowly raised herself and walked towards him. She joined him on the floor,  interlacing her fingers with his and bringing it to her lips. She kissed each finger of his tenderly. She was beyond caring of what the other's in the room thought of her display of affection. He was her husband and she was so happy. He truly loved her very much. To the extent that he sacrificed himself for the truth.

"Arnavji, how could you? Manhandle khushiji. This is not good. Disgusting. You bring shame to the upbringing you received from Naniji and Rani Sahiba" Shyam spoke.

Khushi turned immediately and stared at the creep. Surely it took a big man to realise his mistakes and apologise. And her husband was just that. Yes, he made mistakes but he also was strong enough to accept it. How could she have doubted him before? He asked her to believe in him and she would. He asked her to tell the truth and yet, she was struggling but he did. And now, she would do damage limitation.

"Shyamji. I think you mistook what Arnavji said. Yes he manhandled me. But in moments of passion, some form of manhandling does happen. Yes, he was angry with me that day and several days after. I too was angry at him. But he apologised later and I think that is due to the wonderful upbringing he has received in this household."

Her eyes met Naniji's. "Naniji, Arnavji did not mistreat me or lie to my family intentionally. How he behaved was wrong. I don't condone it but I understand it. He was just angry and I always stoked the anger with my behaviour. It was true that it was not my place to be at the Mahal. It was also true that I should not have said what I did at the religious darbar. It was also not my place to talk about his relationship with Lavanya.  But like Payal will agree, sometimes I just get carried away."

Khushi glanced across the room and then back at her husband. "I used to think that every time I met Arnavji, I was in the wrong place and at the wrong time. And again, I was wrong. It was a sign from Devi Maiya that we should find each other."

"AnjaliDi, you have raised a lovely man. I'm not saying it because he is my husband but it is the truth. Yes, I was locked in the room but besides, just holding me roughly on my arms, he did not take advantage of me at all. Everytime I was in difficulty, he was always there, somehow. At the guesthouse. When I needed money because babuji's health had deteriorated, he turned up ' angry though ' but he still was there offering me more money to train Lavanya. He even saved my Devi Mayaa at the office from falling to the floor ' not because he believed in her but because he knew you did. When I broke his favourite vase at home, he took the blame. There is so many instances, he had come to my rescue."

She smiled at Arnav and gently caressed his hand. "So I was in the right place and right time. Otherwise, I would never found him and I shudder at that thought. I don't know how and when the feelings changed between us. But if I was honest, I think the attraction was always there from day one. It was us fighting it, ourselves and each other. But the feelings had its own trajectory."

She turned to look at Naniji. "Naniji, is there anything else you would like to know?"

Naniji shook her head, smiling slightly.

"Then maybe we should watch the rest of the show." Khushi felt a new sense of strength within her - especially with her husband, most of the truth and Devi Maiya by her side.

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?"

Part 11

"Naniji, I can explain." Arnav spoke softly.

Immediately Khushi watched as Naniji raised her left hand up to literally stop him, whilst her right hand pressed the paused button on the TV remote.

"It's recorded?!" Arnav asked.

"Yes Chote. It's a recorded program from an hour ago. The media must be having a field day. I trust they must have worked hard through the night to put this program up. It's not everyday that I get to watch "the exclusive expose of ASR's marriage". So I thought I'd make an exemption today and record this expos. Now, I and the rest of the family could be equally enlightened on your marriage, Chotey as we knew nothing."

Khushi felt a lump of guilt in her throat. Why? Oh why? Devi Maiya. Was I not a good child when I was growing up? did I not worship you in the right way? Did I offend you in some way? I've been your strongest supporter and devotee and yet, I'm here.

"Ammaji, what is this all about? We were seriously worried about you and you were here watching TV?" Mamaji intervened. 

Khushi smiled slightly. She was always fond of Mamaji. He was a man of few words but had a heart of gold. She was particularly impressed by the stance he took when Akash had insisted that he wanted to only marry Payal. He did not care about money or show, all he cared was for his family's happiness. 

And then, as though on cue, her eyes started feeling heavy with tears. How could she and Arnavji disappoint so many people?  Not mere strangers but close family members that thought only of their good?! All for the snake Shyam?!!!

Khushi refused to glance at the pathetic creature and instead turned her attention to the flowery pattern on the carpet.

"yes, mothers in law. We were worries about you. And you watching TV? This rubbish?!" Mamiji stressed the point again, pointing at the screen.

Khushi closed her eyes and tried to supress a smile. Even Mamiji had a heart of gold!!!!  Yes she was mean to her and Payal, but spending time in RM prior to the wedding, made Khushi realised that the woman had only love for her children and only wanted the best for them. She watched silently in amazement at the way Mamiji always treated Akash, Arnav, Anjali and NK with no form of discrimination between her niece, nephews and her son. One had to have a huge heart to do that. Kind of like her mother. And Khushi and Arnav had managed to disappoint her too.

"Listen. Manorama. This rubbish may not be so rubbish afterall." Naniji quickly turned her attention to the rest of the room, as though she was taking inventory of who were present.  "Hari Prakash?"

Immediately the little man appeared. "yes Naniji?!"

"Is NK sleeping still? Waking him up and ask him to be here within 5 minutes. Tell him it's important." Naniji commanded as the rest of them watched Hari Prakash scurry off.

"The rest of you can get comfortable. The girls can all sit on my bed. Chotey and Akash get the chairs in the corner and arrange them around the bed, making sure no one's view of the TV is blocked. I dont want anyone of us to miss this amazing expose."

"Naniji, this is not necessary." Arnav tried to placate the situation.

"Actually, I disagree Chotey. It's very necessary. Since the world out there knows about it. I think the world in here should as well." Naniji spoke crisply.

"Just press play Naniji and let's get this over and done with." Arnav surrendered. He had already seen Mr and Mrs Singh on  the screen and surely nothing could be worse than that. He moved his chair closer to Khushi and carefully picked her twitching hand from her lap and placed it in his. He inched closer and whispered in her ear. "We'll be ok, Khushi. Just believe."

"What's the hurry Chotey? Planning on going anywhere?" Naniji asked.

"No." Arnav replied. Just hell, possibly.

"Good. So a few minutes waiting will not kill you. We'll start when NK turns up."

We'll be ok, Khushi. Just believe.

Khushi watched in amazement at her husband. Which freaking planet was he on?! 

1: They were far from ok. She felt she was sinking in a perpetual never-ending hole. She would openly settle for just existing. But OK?! Was like a distant dream. A goal. She should have just stayed in bed. Why did she have to wake up and insist on going to the Pooja?If she was not there, she would not be here now and would have been happily oblivious to the whole supposed truth of the expos.

2. Just believe. The nerve of the man?! Believe in what?!

As they sat, Naniji was about to press play. And soon breaking news about the surprised marriage of the most eligible bachelor and speculations on the reasons why it was so hushed hushed would be on the screen. She watched her husband.

He said just believe.

Did he mean believe in him? Was this his plan? 

The way his eyes darted side to side suggested not. She had watched him yesterday before they had made their grand entrance and like yesterday, when he was thinking, he was quiet but his eyes darted from side to side. He barely met her gaze now, just kept squeezing her hand. Was that to comfort her or himself?! Instinctly she knew he was clueless and unprepared about the expose.

Khushi felt nauseas. They were doomed. He had no clue of this. The stupid man thought he could court the media and not have any repercussions. Wasn't he that wanted to leak the pictures of their marriage and now they were going to pay for his stupidity. She had to give it to him. He was the great ASR and she was sure that in business, when he was prepared, he aced. But now she was beginning to understand, her husband was awful, actually he literally sucked bad time when it came to improvising and making decisions spontaneously. He was also useless when he was angry. Anger, for him, was a literal switch to turn his brains off. And the great ASR was not thinking when they got married or when he decided to leak the pictures and the news of their marriage. He was just reacting and now soon, there will be an opposite, equal and propositional reaction from the family to this fiasco. Mr Subramaniam, her chemistry teacher, would be pleased with her that she could still remember some Newtonian law. But hell, like then, she would need to contemplate the usefulness of that piece of information to her current predisposition. 

Khushi tried to smile. She was already going down, she might as well enjoy the show. Now, she was convinced that she was losing her mind. Stress had that impact on one's mental state and hers was already too fragile!!

Could she believe in herself?!

How bad could the expose be?! She had already seen pictures of Uncleji and Auntieji from the dabba.  Khushi recalled that day and realized she had to take most of the blame. 

Wasn't it her that took Arnavji's petrol out of the car that resulted in the car stopping prematurely and then his mobile phone dying whilst hers was left at home. 

And then the trail across the jungle where she had fallen in to a hole literally and at least then he helped her out of that hole. Now, they were going to be in a perpetual hole for eternity. 

She then had to insist on going to the toilet and was so excited that some girl had stollen her clothes and left her with better ones, marriage outfit infact.

And then of course, it was her idea to go and eat in the Dabba ' what did she tell him? Oh yes -  food with one phone call free. 

Stupid stupid girl. 

There was no such thing as a free anything. Now she would be paying in interests!!! with her life, her honour, her sweat and blood. Next time it would teach her to be easily influenced by free things. 

Buy one, get one free ' my foot!!!! Khushi concentrate! No one cares about that. Think about this situation. 

What was there to think about the situation?! They were doomed. Period. 

It was her idea to come up with the pregnancy issue. Surely she could have thought about something else. But hell no. Once, she was on a roll, she was gone. Pregnancy as an excuse. Then she was feeling pretty pleased with herself for coming up with a better excuse than Arnavji. Now what?! Surely she too was just as useless as her husband in getting them out of this mess.

Believe in her? Surely not.

So who was left to believe in?! The only person that she had always rested her faith and trust in was Devi Maiya. She was praying earlier for Devi Maiya to show her a way to solve the pregnancy dilemma. Was this her guidance? The expos. Possibly. But what if it wasn't?! Was there more to lose besides her honour. She had nothing left, surely.

Think positive Khushi. You always found a way out. Remember the male models in AR and the typing skills in AR?! Surely you can do this now. 

But then was just trying to teach ASR a lesson. Now it was different. But surely same skills would be involved.

Skill sets?! Yes!!! That's it and what would that be?! More lies! More improvisation! She was good at it. 

Khushi looked around the room and watched as everyone was busy studying the patterns of the floor. No one looked up to make eye contact. Except shyam and khushi immediately looked away. 

Snake! Jerk! bas***d! This was all his fault and now he sat there with a smirk on his face.

She couldnt let him win, surely not. She would have to think of something, anything to help Arnavji with his explaination. And she had Devi Maiya on her side. In the past, she questionned but that led her to believe in Shyam, instead of the signs that was leading her to Arnavji. Not anymore. She would deal with whatever was coming their way, if that was what Devi Maiya wanted. She was now ready. 

She pondered the situation as they waited for NK. Where the hell was he?! Surely it had to be more than 5 minutes already. She didnt think she could wait anymore. 

She forced her thoughts back to her conviction in Devi Maiya. Yesterday, she had asked for a sign and immediately, buaji had insinuated that pregnancy was one of the few reasons for a quick marriage. Today she had asked Devi Maiya for help in convincing the family that she was pregnant. And now they waited to watch the expos.

Could they use this situation in their favour? Devi maiya seemed to think so. They did spend the night together and in the same bed, just different times. So that was a possibility of explaining her pregnancy. 

How far back was that?! October?! No. Too early. It must have been some time in November. 

She stared down at her abdomen and placed her's and Arnav's intertwined hands on her tummy ' could she get away with being 3 months pregnant since it was now February? Possibly. Didn't she see stars on TV that hardly showed until they were 4 months plus. She could wear more loose clothing to give an illusion of a bump. Possible. This could work. As long as they did not suggest seeing the baby scan.

Khushi started retching. No amount of lies or improvisation could help her there. Now that surely had to be worse case scenario. Again she retched.

"Khushi bitiya, are you ok?" Naniji spoke breaking the silence and interrupting her mental chatter.

Arnav inched closer and Khushi could feel his breath on her neck. She closed her eyes to concentrate. "Are you ok, Khushi?" he whispered, his voice revealing his concern.

Khushi tried to shake her head but felt more nauseas. 

Surely Devi Maiya wasn't planning for them to fake an ultrasound scan. Oh boy- they were definitely threading in dangerous waters. And she couldn't swim. Literally.

"Have you eaten, Khushi?" Naniji asked. "Anjali, you? Everyone?"

"No Naniji. We rushed up immediately after the Pooja." Anjali said.

"Hari Prakash" Naniji called again. 

And like before, he immediately appeared. Khushi wondered if he was always sitting to attention at the door.

"Hari Prakash, get some parathas up for everyone. Quickly. And two glasses of milk."

Khushi looked pleadingly at Arnav and then looked at Naniji. "No milk, Naniji. Please. I'll feel more sick. And besides, I don't have an appetite." She spoke softly.

"Khushi bitiya. You and Chote need to stop being selfish and stop thinking only about yourselves. You will have your milk and parathas because you need to look after yourself for your benefit and the baby. Understood?"

Khushi forced a smile and nodded. At least Naniji still cared for her, even if it was also motivated by the imaginary child that was supposedly growing in her womb.

"Khushi, come and rest here, by my side. Use the headboard to support you. Chote, you can move your chair to be close to her as well. Maybe get Khushi some water."

Arnav stood up and stretched. Surely, this had to be some kind of tortous plan by his grandmother. How long could they wait for NK?!  And how long was he prepared to wait for the grilling. It was going to come. He was sure of that. His grandmother never recorded anything on TV. The fact that she did record the expos meant it had to be more. He searched his brains for what other possibilities could there be and could not think of anything. To be truthful, he stopped thinking a while ago. The wait was just getting to him. Grateful that he could move around the room, he slowly walked towards the table and poured Khushi a glass of water. This was getting too much for her. She was not pregnant but the stress surely must be the cause of her retching and feeling nauseas. He had to sort this out somehow but how?! He was at his wits end! 

He offered Khushi the glass and smiled reassuringly. He brought his chair closer to Khushi and held her hand lovingly. Nothing he could do would get them out of this mess. The only way was to face it full on. And he was ready, for every eventuality. With her by his side, he could stormed through anything. But how long did he have to wait?! Where the hell was NK?!

Speaking of the devil, he immediately appeared by the doorway, looking rough, still in his pyjamas. "Naniji, you called."

"Yes, NK. Grab a chair. The show is about to begin." Naniji said.

"The show?" NK mouthed to Arnav with a confused look on his face.

"Yes. NK. We are about to watch 'The breaking news of the sudden marriage of ASR - an exclusive expose.'" Arnav replied as he stressed the title with his fingers tracing inverted commas in the air. 

He quickly glanced at Khushi and turned and looked at Naniji. "Please Naniji, just press play!"

Part 11 To hell and back

"Naniji, I can explain." Arnav spoke softly.

Immediately Khushi watched as Naniji raised her left hand up to literally stop him, whilst her right hand pressed the paused button on the TV remote.

"It's recorded?!" Arnav asked.

"Yes Chote. It's a recorded program from an hour ago. The media must be having a field day. I trust they must have worked hard through the night to put this program up. It's not everyday that I get to watch "the exclusive expose of ASR's marriage". So I thought I'd make an exemption today and record this expos. Now, I and the rest of the family could be equally enlightened on your marriage, Chotey as we knew nothing."

Khushi felt a lump of guilt in her throat. Why? Oh why? Devi Maiya. Was I not a good child when I was growing up? did I not worship you in the right way? Did I offend you in some way? I've been your strongest supporter and devotee and yet, I'm here.

"Ammaji, what is this all about? We were seriously worried about you and you were here watching TV?" Mamaji intervened. 

Khushi smiled slightly. She was always fond of Mamaji. He was a man of few words but had a heart of gold. She was particularly impressed by the stance he took when Akash had insisted that he wanted to only marry Payal. He did not care about money or show, all he cared was for his family's happiness. 

And then, as though on cue, her eyes started feeling heavy with tears. How could she and Arnavji disappoint so many people?  Not mere strangers but close family members that thought only of their good?! All for the snake Shyam?!!!

Khushi refused to glance at the pathetic creature and instead turned her attention to the flowery pattern on the carpet.

"yes, mothers in law. We were worries about you. And you watching TV? This rubbish?!" Mamiji stressed the point again, pointing at the screen.

Khushi closed her eyes and tried to supress a smile. Even Mamiji had a heart of gold!!!!  Yes she was mean to her and Payal, but spending time in RM prior to the wedding, made Khushi realised that the woman had only love for her children and only wanted the best for them. She watched silently in amazement at the way Mamiji always treated Akash, Arnav, Anjali and NK with no form of discrimination between her niece, nephews and her son. One had to have a huge heart to do that. Kind of like her mother. And Khushi and Arnav had managed to disappoint her too.

"Listen. Manorama. This rubbish may not be so rubbish afterall." Naniji quickly turned her attention to the rest of the room, as though she was taking inventory of who were present.  "Hari Prakash?"

Immediately the little man appeared. "yes Naniji?!"

"Is NK sleeping still? Waking him up and ask him to be here within 5 minutes. Tell him it's important." Naniji commanded as the rest of them watched Hari Prakash scurry off.

"The rest of you can get comfortable. The girls can all sit on my bed. Chotey and Akash get the chairs in the corner and arrange them around the bed, making sure no one's view of the TV is blocked. I dont want anyone of us to miss this amazing expose."

"Naniji, this is not necessary." Arnav tried to placate the situation.

"Actually, I disagree Chotey. It's very necessary. Since the world out there knows about it. I think the world in here should as well." Naniji spoke crisply.

"Just press play Naniji and let's get this over and done with." Arnav surrendered. He had already seen Mr and Mrs Singh on  the screen and surely nothing could be worse than that. He moved his chair closer to Khushi and carefully picked her twitching hand from her lap and placed it in his. He inched closer and whispered in her ear. "We'll be ok, Khushi. Just believe."

"What's the hurry Chotey? Planning on going anywhere?" Naniji asked.

"No." Arnav replied. Just hell, possibly.

"Good. So a few minutes waiting will not kill you. We'll start when NK turns up."

We'll be ok, Khushi. Just believe.

Khushi watched in amazement at her husband. Which freaking planet was he on?! 

1: They were far from ok. She felt she was sinking in a perpetual never-ending hole. She would openly settle for just existing. But OK?! Was like a distant dream. A goal. She should have just stayed in bed. Why did she have to wake up and insist on going to the Pooja?If she was not there, she would not be here now and would have been happily oblivious to the whole supposed truth of the expos.

2. Just believe. The nerve of the man?! Believe in what?!

As they sat, Naniji was about to press play. And soon breaking news about the surprised marriage of the most eligible bachelor and speculations on the reasons why it was so hushed hushed would be on the screen. She watched her husband.

He said just believe.

Did he mean believe in him? Was this his plan? 

The way his eyes darted side to side suggested not. She had watched him yesterday before they had made their grand entrance and like yesterday, when he was thinking, he was quiet but his eyes darted from side to side. He barely met her gaze now, just kept squeezing her hand. Was that to comfort her or himself?! Instinctly she knew he was clueless and unprepared about the expose.

Khushi felt nauseas. They were doomed. He had no clue of this. The stupid man thought he could court the media and not have any repercussions. Wasn't he that wanted to leak the pictures of their marriage and now they were going to pay for his stupidity. She had to give it to him. He was the great ASR and she was sure that in business, when he was prepared, he aced. But now she was beginning to understand, her husband was awful, actually he literally sucked bad time when it came to improvising and making decisions spontaneously. He was also useless when he was angry. Anger, for him, was a literal switch to turn his brains off. And the great ASR was not thinking when they got married or when he decided to leak the pictures and the news of their marriage. He was just reacting and now soon, there will be an opposite, equal and propositional reaction from the family to this fiasco. Mr Subramaniam, her chemistry teacher, would be pleased with her that she could still remember some Newtonian law. But hell, like then, she would need to contemplate the usefulness of that piece of information to her current predisposition. 

Khushi tried to smile. She was already going down, she might as well enjoy the show. Now, she was convinced that she was losing her mind. Stress had that impact on one's mental state and hers was already too fragile!!

Could she believe in herself?!

How bad could the expose be?! She had already seen pictures of Uncleji and Auntieji from the dabba.  Khushi recalled that day and realized she had to take most of the blame. 

Wasn't it her that took Arnavji's petrol out of the car that resulted in the car stopping prematurely and then his mobile phone dying whilst hers was left at home. 

And then the trail across the jungle where she had fallen in to a hole literally and at least then he helped her out of that hole. Now, they were going to be in a perpetual hole for eternity. 

She then had to insist on going to the toilet and was so excited that some girl had stollen her clothes and left her with better ones, marriage outfit infact.

And then of course, it was her idea to go and eat in the Dabba ' what did she tell him? Oh yes -  food with one phone call free. 

Stupid stupid girl. 

There was no such thing as a free anything. Now she would be paying in interests!!! with her life, her honour, her sweat and blood. Next time it would teach her to be easily influenced by free things. 

Buy one, get one free ' my foot!!!! Khushi concentrate! No one cares about that. Think about this situation. 

What was there to think about the situation?! They were doomed. Period. 

It was her idea to come up with the pregnancy issue. Surely she could have thought about something else. But hell no. Once, she was on a roll, she was gone. Pregnancy as an excuse. Then she was feeling pretty pleased with herself for coming up with a better excuse than Arnavji. Now what?! Surely she too was just as useless as her husband in getting them out of this mess.

Believe in her? Surely not.

So who was left to believe in?! The only person that she had always rested her faith and trust in was Devi Maiya. She was praying earlier for Devi Maiya to show her a way to solve the pregnancy dilemma. Was this her guidance? The expos. Possibly. But what if it wasn't?! Was there more to lose besides her honour. She had nothing left, surely.

Think positive Khushi. You always found a way out. Remember the male models in AR and the typing skills in AR?! Surely you can do this now. 

But then was just trying to teach ASR a lesson. Now it was different. But surely same skills would be involved.

Skill sets?! Yes!!! That's it and what would that be?! More lies! More improvisation! She was good at it. 

Khushi looked around the room and watched as everyone was busy studying the patterns of the floor. No one looked up to make eye contact. Except shyam and khushi immediately looked away. 

Snake! Jerk! bas***d! This was all his fault and now he sat there with a smirk on his face.

She couldnt let him win, surely not. She would have to think of something, anything to help Arnavji with his explaination. And she had Devi Maiya on her side. In the past, she questionned but that led her to believe in Shyam, instead of the signs that was leading her to Arnavji. Not anymore. She would deal with whatever was coming their way, if that was what Devi Maiya wanted. She was now ready. 

She pondered the situation as they waited for NK. Where the hell was he?! Surely it had to be more than 5 minutes already. She didnt think she could wait anymore. 

She forced her thoughts back to her conviction in Devi Maiya. Yesterday, she had asked for a sign and immediately, buaji had insinuated that pregnancy was one of the few reasons for a quick marriage. Today she had asked Devi Maiya for help in convincing the family that she was pregnant. And now they waited to watch the expos.

Could they use this situation in their favour? Devi maiya seemed to think so. They did spend the night together and in the same bed, just different times. So that was a possibility of explaining her pregnancy. 

How far back was that?! October?! No. Too early. It must have been some time in November. 

She stared down at her abdomen and placed her's and Arnav's intertwined hands on her tummy ' could she get away with being 3 months pregnant since it was now February? Possibly. Didn't she see stars on TV that hardly showed until they were 4 months plus. She could wear more loose clothing to give an illusion of a bump. Possible. This could work. As long as they did not suggest seeing the baby scan.

Khushi started retching. No amount of lies or improvisation could help her there. Now that surely had to be worse case scenario. Again she retched.

"Khushi bitiya, are you ok?" Naniji spoke breaking the silence and interrupting her mental chatter.

Arnav inched closer and Khushi could feel his breath on her neck. She closed her eyes to concentrate. "Are you ok, Khushi?" he whispered, his voice revealing his concern.

Khushi tried to shake her head but felt more nauseas. 

Surely Devi Maiya wasn't planning for them to fake an ultrasound scan. Oh boy- they were definitely threading in dangerous waters. And she couldn't swim. Literally.

"Have you eaten, Khushi?" Naniji asked. "Anjali, you? Everyone?"

"No Naniji. We rushed up immediately after the Pooja." Anjali said.

"Hari Prakash" Naniji called again. 

And like before, he immediately appeared. Khushi wondered if he was always sitting to attention at the door.

"Hari Prakash, get some parathas up for everyone. Quickly. And two glasses of milk."

Khushi looked pleadingly at Arnav and then looked at Naniji. "No milk, Naniji. Please. I'll feel more sick. And besides, I don't have an appetite." She spoke softly.

"Khushi bitiya. You and Chote need to stop being selfish and stop thinking only about yourselves. You will have your milk and parathas because you need to look after yourself for your benefit and the baby. Understood?"

Khushi forced a smile and nodded. At least Naniji still cared for her, even if it was also motivated by the imaginary child that was supposedly growing in her womb.

"Khushi, come and rest here, by my side. Use the headboard to support you. Chote, you can move your chair to be close to her as well. Maybe get Khushi some water."

Arnav stood up and stretched. Surely, this had to be some kind of tortous plan by his grandmother. How long could they wait for NK?!  And how long was he prepared to wait for the grilling. It was going to come. He was sure of that. His grandmother never recorded anything on TV. The fact that she did record the expos meant it had to be more. He searched his brains for what other possibilities could there be and could not think of anything. To be truthful, he stopped thinking a while ago. The wait was just getting to him. Grateful that he could move around the room, he slowly walked towards the table and poured Khushi a glass of water. This was getting too much for her. She was not pregnant but the stress surely must be the cause of her retching and feeling nauseas. He had to sort this out somehow but how?! He was at his wits end! 

He offered Khushi the glass and smiled reassuringly. He brought his chair closer to Khushi and held her hand lovingly. Nothing he could do would get them out of this mess. The only way was to face it full on. And he was ready, for every eventuality. With her by his side, he could stormed through anything. But how long did he have to wait?! Where the hell was NK?!

Speaking of the devil, he immediately appeared by the doorway, looking rough, still in his pyjamas. "Naniji, you called."

"Yes, NK. Grab a chair. The show is about to begin." Naniji said.

"The show?" NK mouthed to Arnav with a confused look on his face.

"Yes. NK. We are about to watch 'The breaking news of the sudden marriage of ASR - an exclusive expose.'" Arnav replied as he stressed the title with his fingers tracing inverted commas in the air. 

He quickly glanced at Khushi and turned and looked at Naniji. "Please Naniji, just press play!"