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Translation for Part 121
Khushi(hand on his arm): What happened Arnavji?
Arnav(opens his eyes): Huh?
Khushi(touches his forehead): You stopped abruptly and.. you're sweating so much.. Are you not feeling well?
Arnav: No. Lets go back!
Khushi(holds his hand): Wait!
Arnav: I dont wanna wait,Khushi. I cant.. do this!
Khushi: You will be able to do this,Arnavji! Give it a try. Please..
Arnav: Khushi, please don't create a scene out here! (tugs at her hand)Come with me..
As he tagged her along,he saw a lady of about 30 stepping out of the lift alongwith a middle aged lady who seemed vaguely familiar.
Khushi(surprised): Rachnaaji!?
Arnav(realizes): Su.. mitra Aunty!
Devi Maiyya smiled as She witnessed the scene from Her abode.
It was time to reveal Khushi's birthday surprise!
Rachnaa: Khushiji?
Arnav's gaze shifted to the younger lady as soon as she took Khushi's name.
He stared at her for a few moments.
Arnav(thinks): Is this.. Rachnaa?
His mind popped up several images of the Rachnaa whom he had known.
And soon enough he saw her standing near the ambulance with tears in her eyes.
Back then,he had wanted her to be with him & he knew she'd wished for the same.
But circumstances had separated them.
And today,a different set of circumstances had brought them face to face.
That too when they did not want to see each other.
Arnav swore under his breath at the irony of life.
Rachnaa,meanwhile,felt a lump forming in her throat.
Though she had seen Arnav's photos in the tabloids & read his interviews in fashion magazines,seeing him in front of her brought a whirlwind of all
the memories from their past.
She swallowed the lump & turned towards Khushi in an attempt to stop the reel of memories which were turning in her mind.
Rachnaa: You.. here?
Khushi: Ya.. umm.. I'm sorry! (turns to Arnav)I remember whatever.. you said but.. (turns back to Rachnaa) I still came back.. because..
Here she paused & waited for Arnav to continue.
When he didnt,she was forced to continue herself.
Khushi: Because.. Arnavji.. wanted to.. speak to you.
Rachnaa's mother spoke at this point of time.
Sumitra: It would be better to speak in the suite..
She nodded towards ArShi.
Sumitra: Come this way,beta...
Rachnaa wordlessly led them inside the suite.
Sumitra(gestures): Please have a seat..
ArShi sat on the sofas while Rachnaa gingerly sat on the edge of the bed.
Sumitra returned after closing the door.
Sumitra: Arnav,beta how are you?
Arnav turned to her to find the same warmth in her eyes as he had seen in the past.
Arnav: I'm fine,aunty. What bout you..?
Sumitra(nods): I'm fine as well.
Arnav: I'm.. so sorry! I didnt know bout.. uncle's.. death..
Sumitra: Why are you saying sorry? Whatever happened was in his best interest. He was having a lot of pain. He could niether speak properly nor
could he eat well because of the oxygen mask...(pauses) Bihari ji released him from the sphere of pain. (sighs)I was equally sad when.. I learnt about
your.. maa & papa. They may not be physically present,but you'll always have their blessings,bete! I'm sure they must be very happy to see you in
Lucknow! Especially your maa..
Arnav could not say anything after that.
The room was silent for a few minutes.
Sumitra: Excuse me. I'll just order coffee while you talk..
Arnav: Thats not needed,aunty. Thanks anyways!
He reluctantly turned towards Rachnaa.
As he was mentally forming a sentence,Rachnaa spoke up & surprised him with her words.
Rachnaa: You dont need to say what you're unable to say.
When she turned to look at him she found that familiar frown creasing his forehead.
Rachnaa: Nothing that you say or do not say now will.. make a difference. Whatever had to happen has already happened in the past! Our time.. is
gone & our story.. came to an end a long time ago! (turns to Khushi)Now the time is Khushiji's & she's the 1 who has the most important role in your
life story. So you should apologize to her.
Arnav(frowns deeply): What?
Khushi(confused): Why should.. Arnavji.. apologize to me?
Rachnaa: You will never be able to go to your sasural,all because of Arnav! While we were chatting,I noticed that you were excited to know about
Sheesh mahal! Its obvious because.. (turns to Arnav)Arnav never told you anything about his house. And niether did he ever take you to Sheesh
mahal. Your wish to see & know more about your sasural will never be fulfilled. Thats why I asked Arnav to apologize..
Arnav: For your kind information,Khushi has already been to.. Sheesh mahal.
Rachnaa: But she hasnt seen Sheesh mahal from your point of view? Has she? Till you dont..
Arnav(interrupts): I dont need your advice! I'm capable enough to decide what I need to do & what I dont need to do!
Rachnaa(nods): I know that you dont need my advice. Its your personal matter & I'm sorry to interfere this way! Since you clearly told me that I
should stay away from this,I'd like to tell you something without mincing words: You will never be able to prepare yourself to visit Sheesh mahal on
your own! Your wounds are so deep & you dont have the ability to heal them on your own!
An enraged Arnav was about to respond when she silenced him with her words.
Rachnaa: Noone other than Khushiji can do this! If there's someone who can share your pain & heal your wounds (stresses) its only your wife!
Similarly,if there's someone who can answer Khushiji's questions about her sasural,its only her husband! You want to share your grief or bear its
weight on your heart for the rest of your life? You want to answer Khushiji's questions with silence or by taking her to her sasural?
Khushi: Rachnaaji, you're..
Rachnaa(interrupts): I wont apologize for speaking to your husband in this,Khushiji! Coz I dont want your dreams to.. meet the same fate as my
dreams!
She swallowed a lump at this point of time.
Rachnaa: I would never want him to do with you what he did with his friends!
Arnav could keep not quiet after hearing that.
Arnav(thru gritted teeth): What.. the hell.. do you mean?
Rachnaa: Your friends tried to help you while you were grieving. Instead of appreciating their gesture, you threw them out of your life! I know that
Khushiji must've tried to share your grief but you still want to keep it locked in your heart! Only Baanke Bihari knows the reason behind that! I fail to
understand why you need to keep your grief to yourself when you have sucha supportive life partner? Why dont you express to her whatever you feel
regarding maa & dad's deaths? Why do you want to keep your pain buried in your heart all your life?!
Sumitra(places a hand on her hand): Control yourself,bitiya..
Rachnaa: Let me speak,mummy.. I wanted to speak to him in all these years but I never got a chance to do so. Having got the chance today,I'll speak
whatever's there on my mind!
Arnav: And you think that I'll sit here & listen to that rubbish?
Rachnaa: You're the only one who thinks its rubbish when its clearly not!
Arnav got up to leave when Rachnaa said..
"Swear on Maa's name & tell me that whatever I'm saying is wrong or rubbish!"
Arnav stopped in his tracks & turned to her,his eyes emitting fire.
Arnav: Nobody has to right to refer to my mother as maa excepting me & my wife!
Rachnaa was undeterred with his statement.
Rachnaa: I'm sorry! I forgot that I.. lost all my.. rights 15 years back. Fine! Swear on your mother's name & say that its rubbish!
Khushi: Please stop it,both of you! You're hurting me apart from hurting yourself with your words!
Arnav turned to Khushi to find tears in her eyes.
His expressions softened as he held her hand.
Arnav: I'm sorry Khushi! But she's..
Khushi: Why are you saying sorry to me? You should say it to her! Rachnaaji did not have any rights yet she kept praying for you & your family! She
prayed for the souls of your parents so that they may attain peace! I wonder why all this does not seem important to you,Arnavji?
Arnav: Coz I dont believe in prayers!
Khushi: Okay,understood. But you do realize that you've made a mistake in your past,dont you? And that you shouldnt have done that to Rachnaaji &
your friends?
Rachnaa: Whats the point of saying all this now,Khushiji?
Khushi: Why are you speaking like that,Rachnaaji? While we were chatting, you told me that you've forgiven Arnavji! And that you dont hold anything
against him! Then why..
Rachnaa(interrupts): Yes,I agree that I said all that. But I got angry when I realized that Arnav is as stubborn today as he was in the past!
Arnav: Shut up! (points his index finger)Jus' shut your mouth!
Khushi(hand on his shoulder): Arnavji..
Rachnaa: When someone tries to show the mirror, you try to break that person's hand!(determined) No matter what you say,I wont keep quiet today!
Arnav shrugged off Khushi's hand as he prepared to leave the room.
Khushi: Arnavji,listent to me..!
Rachnaa: For how long do you intend to run,Arnav? Leaving the suite will not solve this problem! You'll have to face your past!
Arnav: I've left my past behind! And I dont need to face it again!
Rachnaa: You're wrong! You might not want to face me,but you'll have to face your past! You'll be reminded of it everytime you come to Lucknow! For
how long can you avoid facing it?
Sumitra: Calm down,bitiya! There's a way of talking to someone..
Rachnaa: Arnav needs to learn that way,mummy! The way he's talking to me in your presence..(shakes her head)
Sumitra(ignores her words): You need to learn that as well. There's no wisdom in dealing with someone's anger by getting enraged yourself! And
Arnav, bete you should also calm down. (turns to Khushi)Khushi bitiya, take Arnav to your room..Khushi nods in response.
Arnav left before she could even utter a word.
Khushi: On behalf of Arnavji,I'd..
Sumitra: Thats not required,bitiya! You should be with Arnav right now..
Khushi nodded before she rushed out of the door.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Sumitra turned to her daughter who seemed less agitated now.
Sumitra(cups her cheek): Rachhu bitiya, you should take rest for a while. You've kept a fast &..
Rachnaa(interrupts): Havent you kept a fast too,mummy? When daddy passed away on Aashaadi ekaadashi, we both had decided to keep a fast for
him on every ekaadashi. Till today we've religiously observed this fast every month. You miss him on every ekaadashi.. his absence hurts you the
most on this day! I'm aware of all these things. Today you forgot your personal grievance to look after the renovation work & then.. you arrived here
to support me. (holds her hand) Ever since I told you about my relationship with Arnav,you've been by my side like a rock. When nobody was there
with me,even then you were there with your daughter! When I went on the wrong path,you took me to the correct path & when I took the right
decisions,you encouraged me to move ahead with confidence. Had you not introduced me to him(Apekshit),I would've deprived myself of all these
joys.. be it the pleasure of being a wife or the good fortune of becoming a mother. I wouldve got nothing had you not helped me to forget Arnav &
move on in life!
Sumitra: I havent done anything extraordinary,bitiya. I was only doing my duties as a mother. You are so wise and intelligent that you wouldve
eventually moved on,even without my help.
Rachnaa: May be.. but then I would've hated Arnav to the core! I wouldve never forgiven him! And I would've never done anything to make sure that
he faces his past! I could do all of these because of the good values that you've instilled in me! (kisses her hand) I will be thankful to you for the rest
of my life for all that you've done for me!
She had barely placed her arms around her mother when her phone buzzed.
Sumitra: This must be Apekshit babu! You speak to him while I change into something comfortable..
Rachnaa nodded before she went to answer the call.
Rachnaa: Hello..
Apekshit: Should I come back?
Rachnaa: Not now.. (pause) Please.. wait for some more time..
Apekshit: Take as much time as you want but please take care of yourself!
Rachnaa was touched to hear that.
Apekshit: The incidents of this day should not have an impact on your health. You'll have to look after yourself in my absence.
Rachnaa(nods): Hmm..
Apekshit: Once we're back, our 'small wonder' will take care of everyone!
Rachnaa(smiles): Really?
Apekshit: Honestly.. I'm looking after Neev but I'm not taking care of him. He's the 1 who's taking care of me.
Rachnaa: Seriously?
Apekshit: Yes! I was disturbed when we left the hotel.. Not only was I concerned about you, I was feeling guilty for leaving you at a time when you
needed me the most! But ever since we came here, Neev has kept me on my toes. I was so busy in feeding him, buying clothes for him, running after
him that I didnt realize when so much time passed!
Rachnaa: He served as a nice distraction for you..
Apekshit: You're right. Now I'm just waiting for all this to get over so that I could come back to you!
Rachnaa could sense the weariness in her husband's voice.
Rachnaa: Is Neev troubling you a lot?
Apekshit: The thought of leaving you alone over there is troubling me much more than Neev!
Rachnaa: The troubles are about to cease.. Just wait for some more time.. Then all of us would get relief from our troubles!
Apekshit: I'm keeping my fingers crossed!
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Khushi banged into her husband soon after she entered their suite.
Arnav steadied her as he caught her weight in his arms.
Khushi(shocked): You..?! Why are you.. standing near the door?
Arnav: Do you seriously feel like that,Khushi?
Khushi(frowns): What?
Arnav: I dont give a damn bout what anyone else thinks or feels! But your thoughts & wishes matter to me! (cups her cheek)Do you really wanna..
know bout.. Sheesh mahal?
Khushi nods slowly.
Arnav: And.. do you.. actually wanna.. see that place?
Khushi nodded yet again.
He sighed to himself as his hand left her cheek.
Arnav: Unbelievable man!
Soon enough his hands clutched her shoulders.
Arnav: You should've told me bout it! I cant believe that you told her & not your husband!
Khushi: Oh.. So you're upset because I didnt ask you.. I asked Rachnaaji instead?
Arnav: Thats not what I mean! I mean.. of course I'm upset bout it! But.. I'm much more upset coz you didnt tell me anythin bout this wish of yours!
We're in Lucknow to fulfill your wishes,remember?
Khushi: I remember everything! But I never asked you about Sheesh mahal coz I know how much that topic bothers you! Merely taking Sheesh mahal's
name makes you sad! And I dont intend to make you sad! Rachnaaji.. no matter what she says,I will never ask you to take me to Sheesh mahal! But..
She paused & took a deep breath.
Khushi: But I have to say that Rachnaaji.. is absolutely right!
Arnav turned his face away from her as he eased his hold on her shoulders.
Khushi clutched his chin in her palm as she forced him to face her.
Khushi: Dont walk away from me, Arnavji! And niether should you walk away from Rachnaaji! She's only concerned about your welfare! And she was
right, you should show some respect towards elders. You shouldnt have spoken to her so rudely in presence of her amma! And you..
Arnav(interrupts): Stop takin her side!
Khushi: I wont,coz she's right! You should be thankful that her husband wasnt around at that time!
Arnav: Oh ya? Are you tryin to scare me talkin bout her husband?
Khushi: Of course not! I'm just saying that no husband will allow anyone to misbehave or talk so rudely with his wife! Why dont you think about it
this way: Had.. someone spoken to me like that, you wouldve grabbed that person by his collar & thrown him out of the hotel! Would you quietly
watch someone misbehaving with your wife?
Arnav: Of course not!
Khushi: If we are unable to tolerate rude,insensitive behaviour from others, we should never behave likewise with anyone! We should keep it in mind
that we would never like it if someone behaved like! Rachnaaji's amma must be.. as old as maa. Since you dont consider her like your mother, I wont
talk about her. But tell me something, had.. maa been alive today, would you..
Arnav(closes his eyes): Maa,maa,maa! (yells)What the hell is wrong with everyone?! Why is everybody mentionin maa? (glares at her)Why are you
mentionin her? Don' you get it? Maa's memories have been hauntin me ever since.. we reached Lucknow! I've..
Khushi(interrupts): You're tryin to ignore her memories! I get it! But have you succeeded in doing so? You've never succeeded in doing so in all these
years! Am I right?
Arnav had no answers for her questions.
Khushi: Were you the only 1 who lost maa that night? Di lost maa as well. But maa & dad's memories never 'haunt' her. Have you ever wondered
why?
Arnav: Dont compare me with di!
Khushi: I'm not comparing you! I'm saying that di has made peace with her past. Whenever she remembers maa & dad she cries & expresses her
grief, her loss.. Whereas,you.. are not able to do so! This is your weakness,whether you accept it or not!
She stopped as she recalled Sumitra's words.
"There's no wisdom in dealing with someone's anger by getting enraged yourself!!"
She took a deep breath before speaking to him in a calmer tone.
Khushi: Isnt diabetes your weakness? Its a physical weakness but you've managed to control it. Similarly you can control this weakness! Only if you
wish to do so! If you dont wish to do so,nobody can help you! If you look through the glass of anger, you'll see in a foe instead of a friend! And you'll
see a knife instead of your wife!
Arnav(shocked): What the..!? Knife!?
Khushi: woh.. I couldnt think of another word which rhymed with wife so.. I decided to use knife!
Arnav shook his head as he let out a huge sigh.
Arnav: You know what? Sometimes I really wonder.. how can such useless thoughts &.. thoughtful advice come out of the same mind?
Khushi(taps his head): Even I wonder how can 1 mind contain intelligence,wisdom & anger? Nobody can tell when.. I would get to see which aspect of
this wonderful mind!
Arnav: The same applies to you,I mean.. to your mind!
Khushi: Lets talk about you for now!
Arnav: uh huh! I'll talk bout us..
Khushi(frowns): Us?
Arnav(nods): You knew nothin bout Paris yet you decided to accompany me coz I wanted to visit Paris. I never wanted to come to Lucknow yet I
accompanied you coz you wanted to come to Lucknow. *when Khushi nods* You want me to take you to Sheesh mahal but you'll never say that coz
you dont wanna hurt me. I dont wanna go to Sheesh mahal but I'll take you there.. since its your wish!
Khushi: Arnavji,you need not take the trouble for the sake of ful..
Arnav(interrupts): I'll have a hard time but I'll bear it all, for you & with you!
Khushi: And what about Rachnaaji? What about the hard time which she's been through? What about her tears & her sadness?
Arnav: Her husband is there to take care of her!
Khushi: Which means you wont say sorry to her?
Arnav: Nope!
Khushi: And what about Armaanji?(answers herself) You'll say sorry to him & Virendraji. And also to Rajeshji. You'll call it a truce with everyone
except Rachnaaji just because she told me what you didnt tell me! Isnt it?
Arnav remains silent.
Khushi: Had she not told me about it.. you wouldnt have taken me to Sheesh mahal! You wouldnt have got a chance to fulfill my wish! And.. we
wouldnt have got a chance to share our feelings on this matter! All this will happen only because of Rachnaaji! Thats why I'm thankful to her! Once
you've cooled down, you'll realize that I was right! And then you'll also be thankful to her! But it'll be too late. Today you're doing this to her.
Tomorrow you might be upset with something which I do & then you'll..
Arnav(interrupts): I can never do that to you & you know that! So don say that ever again!
She stops him when he tries to hug her.
Khushi: You're not upset but I'm pretty upset right now!
Arnav: Not again,Khushi! Just for her..
Khushi(interrupts): No! I'm not taking Rachnaaji's side here! I promise on Devi Maiyya's holy name that I'm miffed with you! The way you behaved
with Rachnaaji.. it has made me sad! I never thought that.. you'd say all that even after I talked to you about her! I thought you'll apologize to her
but.. you've disappointed me, Arnavji! You've hurt that person unintentionally in the past & now.. to hurt her deliberately through your words is just..
(shakes her head) I never expected this!
She walks towards the bedroom without listening to him.
Arnav marches inside the bedroom after her.
Arnav: What d' you want me to do?
Khushi: I want you to do what auntyji has asked of you. Calm down & then think about it. Question yourself.. Was your behaviour with Rachnaaji
rational or not? Come to me once you find the answers!
Arnav: Khushi,please! How will I calm down if you keep me away from yourself? I need you to calm down my nerves!
Khushi: I wanted to cool down your temper. I asked you to calm down, I even kept a hand on your shoulder but you just brushed it aside! (sighs)
Anyways.. (pats the bed)Sit down. I'll give you a head massage..
Arnav: Khushi..
Khushi: Dont make excuses! I know that your head is hurting because of all the stress & pain!
Arnav complied knowing fully well that she was absolutely right.
He sat down on the bed with his legs folded while Khushi sat on her knees behind him.
He felt a nerve relaxing somewhere in his head as soon as Khushi pressed his temple.
A sigh escaped his lips as his head fell back into the warmth of her shoulder.
Khushi massaged his head for a while before focusing on his shoulders.
Even though he was outwardly silent, Khushi could sense that he was inwardly reflecting on the incidents of the afternoon.
She prayed to Devi Maiyya to help him in taking the correct decision while making him realize where he went wrong.
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
*15 minutes later*
Arnav bent his head sideways to kiss the back of her left hand.
Arnav: Thanks a lot!
Khushi(kisses his cheek): You're welcome!
She saw the look of surprise in his eyes as he turned sideways to face her.
Khushi: I'm no longer miffed with you!
Arnav was more than relieved to hear that.
Khushi: But I.. stayed around you even while I was upset.. coz I knew that you needed me! Thats why I didnt leave the room. Otherwise I couldve
gone to Rachnaaji's suite alone. But I know that I should be here, with you right now.. Thats neccesary for both of us!
Arnav(kisses her right hand): Thanks for everythin, Khushi! I'm sorry to disappoint you!
Khushi felt the emotion choking his voice.
Arnav: And I'm sorry for.. not openin up to you! I'm.. really sorry.. for everythin'! I realize that.. you wouldnt have had to.. speak to her had I told
you.. everything earlier itself! I was embarassed when I learnt that.. you asked her about my past. And I was enraged because she told you about it.
I'm.. (gulps)I know that.. I should've controlled my temper. And.. I also know that I should've shared everything with you.. but.. (dejected sigh)I
couldnt do so!
Khushi wrapped her arms around his shoulders as she felt him tearing up.
Arnav: I was scared.. (swallows) coz its my.. weakness. (caresses her arm) I forgot that.. I now have someone.. who can take care of me when I'm
weak! That.. I can afford to.. show my weakness in front of someone!
Khushi: You're right. You couldnt have been weak back then..
Arnav: I couldnt afford to be weak! Di was heavily dependent on me.. She was suffering much more than me. Had I been weak back then.. I wouldnt
have been able to take care of her. And.. I wouldnt have found the.. strength to move forward either!
Khushi: But that wont happen now,Arnavji! Now you can express your weakness in my presence! It wont make me weak! (confidently) I'll give you the
strength to deal with your weakness! And I'll also give you to strength to move forward once you've dealt with it! (requesting tone)Please trust me..
Arnav: I trust you,sweetheart! (kisses her hand)I know that you wont disappoint me! You're very strong yourself! You lost amma,babuji at a much
younger age. Yet.. you dealt with it really well! (pats her hand)And I'm so proud of you for doin that!
Khushi: I'm equally proud of you! You may not have dealt with your past but you did defeat all the obstacles which your present threw your way in
order to scale the mountain of success! Not people reach the summit where you did in sucha short span of time! You're very strong as well! But some
things make weak. You need not worry! I'll be there to impart strength to you whenever you become weak! And you'll be there to support me when I'll
be weak! Thats the beauty of our relationship, Arnavji! When 1 falls,the other lifts him up and vice versa!
Arnav(nods): You're right! But.. you should be ready for some hard work,if you want to impart strength to me!
Khushi: I'm ready to roll out as many paapad as I can for the same!
Arnav(frowns): Paapad?
Khushi: Its a Hindi saying.. Which means that I'm ready to do all that I can!
Arnav(turning around): Gimme a hug!
Khushi pulls her towards himself before wrapping her arms securely around his back.
Arnav buries his face in her hair while seeking solace from her embrace.
He breaks the hug to take her mouth in a deep,passionate kiss.
Khushi sighs against his urging lips as she clutches his collar in her fists.
Once she breaks the kiss,Khushi whispers against his lips.
Khushi: So.. you're feeling.. better now.. arent you?
Arnav: Not.. yet..
He pulls her head closer for a demanding kiss.
Khushi poses the same question soon after they break apart.
Arnav shakes his head while rubbing his nose against hers.
As he is about to latch his mouth onto hers,she pats his lips.
Khushi: I'm.. breathless.. And.. so are.. you..
Arnav nods as he kisses her red nose.
Then he kisses her panting lips followed by her chin.
Khushi moans softly as he kisses his way down to the base of her neck.
Then he places his head on her chest so as to hear the rapid rhythm of her heart.
Once he feels the steady rhytm of her heartbeat,he kisses his way upto her lips.
Arnav: Now?
Khushi kisses him thoroughly after nodding in the affirmative.
When Arnav responds negatively to the same question yet again,she smacks his shoulder.
Khushi: When I offered.. a finger.. to help you.. you just.. grabbed my hand!
She is delighted to find the lopsided grin on his lips.
Arnav: On a.. serious note.. I'll need.. a lot of.. hugs & kisses once.. we're in Sheesh mahal!
Khushi(nods): I know...
Arnav: But whats most.. important is your.. presence.. by my side! I want you.. next to me.. be it in.. Sheesh mahal..or in.. Rachnaa's suite!..
Khushi: So you'll.. say sorry to her?
Arnav: I'll.. give it a try..
Khushi: Just because.. I told you.. to do so..?
Arnav: No, coz I realize that.. I shouldnt have.. misbehaved with her.. And you're right.. had someone misbehaved.. with you in.. a similar manner.. I
wouldve never tolerated that! Besides.. I've decided that I wanna.. make peace with.. my past now! I've fought for.. a long time.. Now I wanna.. deal
with it &.. move on with you!
Khushi(smiles): Thats the spirit! (kisses his forehead) I'm very happy with your decision!
Arnav(smiles): I know..
Khushi: Shall we leave?
Arnav: Lets freshen up first..
Khushi: Alright. But you wont postpone this after that! Understood?
Arnav(tweaks her nose): Understood my copycat!
Khushi: Then lets go..
<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>
Sumitra opened the door soon after she heard the knock.
As she had expected,she found ArShi standing outside.
Sumitra(smiles): Come..
Rachnaa stood up from the couch as ArShi stepped inside.
Her gaze first fell on the expressions on Arnav's face and then on ArShi's entwined hands.
She smiled as she addressed Khushi.
Rachnaa: So,you're finally going to your sasural ha?
Khushi(smiles): Yes & all because of your efforts! Thats why I'm here to thank you!
She left Arnav's hand & walked upto Rachnaa.
Rachnaa: Not just because of my efforts,Khushiji. You and your husband are ready to take this step. And thats the main reason. Anyways,I'm so
happy for you!
Khushi(while hugging her): Thank you so much for everything!
Rachnaa(hugs her back): I hope you remember what I told you..
Khushi: Yes,l do! (breaks the hug)In fact,I was about to ask you if.. there's a temple nearby where I could get Gangaajal..
Rachnaa: Devi Maiyya's temple is located at a short distance away from that house. There are small shops outside it which sell all kinds of pooja
items, including Gangaajal.
Khushi(nods): Alright then I'll buy it from the temple shop. That way I'll get to have Devi Maiyya's darshan as well!
She turned to Arnav who took a step towards her.
When he spoke this time,Rachnaa noticed the change in both,his tone as well as his demeanour.
Arnav: I'm sorry Rachnaa!
Rachnaa felt numb for a few seconds.
Arnav: I know that.. I should've.. said this earlier but.. its better to be late than never! I regret doin what I did back then &.. for whatever I said this
afternoon! I honestly regret behavin like a jerk!
Though he spoke for nearly 5 minutes,Rachnaa hardly heard anything beyond the word 'sorry.'
Rachnaa(thinks): I had woven so many dreams around this day! I'd imagined that Arnav would realize his mistake someday & he would come down to
apologize! My eyes would shed tears the moment he'd say 'sorry'.. I'd give him a tight hug after forgiving him! And then life would be back to its old
ways! (sighs)But today.. when he actually said sorry.. I couldnt feel a thing! I was getting emotional while speaking to Khushiji but now.. it feels like
all my tears have dried up!
She came out of her reverie when she felt her mother's hand on her back.
Rachnaa(turns to her): Yes mummy?
Sumitra: Arnav is waiting for your answer,bitiya..
Rachnaa(nods): Ji.. (turns to Arnav) Its okay,Arnav. I'd forgiven you a long time back. It doesnt matter if you say sorry or not coz.. like I told you, our
story is over. But,still,I'm happy to see that you did realize that you were wrong, even though it took you a long time to do so! And that you have the
guts to admit that you committed a mistake! Even I've committed a mistake. I've interfered in your personal matter. So.. even I'm sorry!
Arnav: Thats okay! I know you didnt have a bad intention. And thanks! Though I dont believe in prayers..(turns to Khushi) I hugely respect those who
think about everyone, who care for everybody's feelings & who pray for others!
Rachnaa smiled as she witnessed the eyelock between ArShi.
Rachnaa: I know..
ArShi turned towards her when she spoke.
Rachnaa: Now its all about you & Khushiji. Nobody can help you like she does. Similarly,nobody can make her familiar with her sasuraal like you can.
Now that you are taking her to Sheesh mahal.. trust me,nothing can be better than this! (smiles)I feel a sense of satisfaction when I see this smile
on Khushiji's face! Your decision to make peace with your past will prove to be correct & wise in future! Dekh lena.. (you'll see that for yourself..)
Arnav(nods): Ya.. I guess. BTW,Khushi just gave me Viren's number. What bout.. Ammu?
Rachnaa: You can take his number & e-mail id from Viren. And Ammu will provide you with the contact details of Rajesh..
Arnav(smiles): So you wont give up until I speak to all 3 of them?
Rachnaa no longer felt that heart-stopping, giddy joy upon seeing the lopsided grin on his face.
Rachnaa: I never said that! I'm just giving a suggestion.. Ultimately its upto you!
Arnav: Yeah, of course..
Khushi was quietly yet keenly observing this exchange.
Khushi(thinks): Who can say that they know each other since they were kids? Or that.. they were in.. love with each other some years ago? I knew
that relationships underwent a change with the passage of time. But.. I never thought that.. they could change so much. These relationships are as
wierd as time itself!
Her heart constricted at a rather disturbing thought.
Khushi: Will.. my relationship with.. Arnavji undergo many changes.. with time? What will.. our relationship be like.. 15 years from now? Better &
stronger than how it is right now or..? (closes her eyes)No Devi Maiyya! Please dont do that to us!
Arnav mustve sensed her discomfort because she felt his hand on her arm.
Khushi(turns to him): Ji?
Arnav: Tum theek ho?
Khushi nods.
Arnav(turns to Rachnaa): We should take your leave now..
Rachnaa(thinks): I should call him soon. Neev must be sleepy & cranky. And he must be tired by now..
Arnav: Goodbye!
Rachnaa: huh?
Arnav: I said.. goodbye!
There was a change in Rachnaa's expressions which did not go unnoticed by Khushi.
Rachnaa: Alvidaa!
Arnav: And.. (turns to Sumitra) I'm sorry aunty! I..
Sumitra(interrupts): Forget about those things,beta! I will not hold anything against you!
When Khushi knudges him, Arnav bends down & together they touch her feet.
Sumitra(smiles): Stay happy forever! Wish you both all the very best in life!
Arnav(acknowledging nod): Thank you so much!
Khushi(smiles): Thank you, auntyji! Pleased to have met you today!
Sumitra(nods): Same here! Come,I'll walk you to the lift..
As she opened the door,she was surprised to find her grandson and son-in-law outside.
Sumitra:You both are back!? So soon!? I thought Neev wanted to hang out till the evening..
Neev(rubs his eyes): I want to sleep,nani!
Sumitra: I know you're exhausted,bachchhe.. Go to sleep. We'll go to the mall together in the evening!
Neev yawns while nodding.
His jaw dropped when he saw Khushi.
Neev(shocked): Aunty,you.. here?
Khushi(cups his cheek): Yes beta. I.. had some work for which I wanted to talk to your mumma. But I'm leaving now.
She bends down to kiss his forehead.
Khushi: You're a very good boy,beta! And I want you to be like that always!
Neev: But I wont remain a boy always!
Khushi: I mean (ruffles his hair) I want you to be as good as you are now forever!
Neev: Alright! Bye!
Khushi(smiles): Bye!
She folded her hands when she saw Apekshit standing near the door.
Khushi: We're leaving.. Namaste!
Apekshit(folds his hands): Ji, namaste!
As Arnav approached him, he extended his hand.
Apekshit: Apekshit Tyaagi..
Arnav(shakes his hand firmly): Arnav Singh Raizada.
No words were exchanged as Arnav walked out of the door & Apekshit walked inside the suite.
Arnav did speak briefly to Sumitra.
While he was busy conversing with her, Khushi's eyes were trained on Rachnaa & Apekshit.
Rachnaa conveyed through her eyes what she could not say in the presence of their son.
The son,however,could not remain silent for long.
Neev(tugs her dupatta): Mumma..
Rachnaa(turns to him): Yes beta?
Neev(extends his arms): Godi..
She took him in her arms & placed his head on her shoulder.
Rachnaa: Let me change your clothes,beta. Or else you'll fall asleep in these dirty clothes!
Apekshit: I'll go & freshen up. Till then.. you can put Neev to sleep.
He briefly held her gaze.
Rachnaa(nods): Yes,I will..
As she turned to the other side, Neev saw Khushi standing outside the door.
Khushi waved towards him before joining Arnav & Sumitra.
Neev: Mumma..
Rachnaa(removing his shoes): What happened,beta?
Neev: Why was Khushi aunty here?
Rachnaa: umm beta.. Khushi aunty is a very nice lady! Didnt she help you in the morning? So.. mumma had called her to say thank you. And to
introduce her to nani.
Neev: What about the uncle who was standing next to her?..
Rachnaa's gaze went to the sofa where Arnav was seated earlier that day.
Neev: Who was he, mumma?
Rachnaa: Beta,that uncle is Khushi aunty's husband.
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The large brass bell clanged loudly when Khushi rang it.
Khushi: Jai Devi Maiyya ki!
She folded her hands & bowed her head in gratitude.
Khushi(thinks): Hey Devi Maiyya! I'd never imagined that.. Arnavji would himself take me to Sheesh mahal someday! Or dat I would meet Rachnaaji
&.. she would turn out to be sucha wonderful person! But all this did happen,only because of Your blessings! And now.. I'm leaving for my sasuraal!
That doesnt mean that I dont consider Shantivan as my sasuraal! Of course I do! But somewhere deep in my heart was this.. desire to visit & know
more about the house which my in-laws & husband used to inhabit in the past. Today Arnavji will not just fulfill my desire but he'll also come face to
face with his past. Please grant him strength & success in this endeavour! And do grant me the strength to take care of him & to take him on the
right path! You know very well,Devi Maiyya, that I dont like it 1 bit when he's sad! And I cant tolerate to see him in tears! But I'll have to keep myself
strong today,for his sake! Please help me to do so! Its my birthday tomorrow. I'll be going to Gomti sadan after a long gap of 2 years tomorrow!
Today was an emotionally taxing day for me. Everything ended nicely but.. still.. I pray for each moment of my birthday to be memorable! As such its
my 2nd birthday with Arnavji but You know that.. we werent able to celebrate it properly last year. He hadnt even wished me properly! This year I
want to happily celebrate my birthday with me! I'm sure that he will arrange for a surprise or two,apart from wishing me! I just want You to ensure
that.. he's in a good mood! I dont know how he'll feel after.. returning from Sheesh mahal.. (sighs)My mind is full of disturbing thoughts,Devi Maiyya!
Atleast keep them out of my mind on my birthday! (opens her eyes)Its time for me to leave. Arnavji is waiting outside &.. I'm yet to purchase the
Gangajal.
She repeatedly touches her folded hands to her forehead & chest while chanting Devi Maiyya's name.
Then she rings the bell once again before leaving.
Devi Maiyya smiled at her dear devotee as she raced down the stairs of the temple.
Then She raised her hand in blessing & said: Tathaastu! (meaning your wishes will be granted/whatever you have wished for will happen.)
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Precap:
Arnav: I saw that you were smiling while looking at.. Rachnaa & her son. Khushi.. I know that.. you long for a baby! I've kept this wish of yours
pending so far. I'm so sorry to keep you waiting! But,I promise,I wont make you wait for longer than a year! And,during the course of this, 1 year.. I
will prepare myself to embrace fatherhood!
Khushi smiled before placing a soft kiss on his lips.
Khushi: I'm beyond happy to hear that! I.. cant put my feelings into words! But yes,I'd like to tell you that.. I wasnt thinking about how lucky
Rachnaaji is coz she has a complete family made up of her husband & son. Nor was I wishing that.. even I had a son like Neev! I was smiling while
looking at Rachnaaji & Apekshitji! The love that they have for each other was visible in their eyes. And that gave me a sense of peace!
Arnav: Really?
Khushi: Ya,of course! I feel so happy whenever someone finds mutual love! I dont want anyone to stay alone in this world! Nor do I want anyone to
suffer from the pain of unrequitted love! Love is sucha special feeling! Every,single person should get a chance to experience it & to be loved back by
the one whom that person love!
She was startled when Arnav pulled her closer by her waist.
Khushi: Areh!? Why did you..
Arnav(interrupts): I was only givin you a chance!(leans closer) To express your love towards your husband (pecks her lips)& to be loved back by your
husband!
Khushi(laughs): You never let such chances slip out of your hands,do you?!
Kindly ignore typos & mistakes. Next update on Sunday,4th October. Since I could provide only 1 update for the month of September, I have decided
to write 3 chapters in the month of October. So you will get the next three updates hopefully on 4th, 11th & 25th October,2015.
Edited by ..Smita.. - 8 years ago
