Chapter Thirty Eight

"There really is no way for you to come back early, is there," Khushi pouted.

"Unfortunately no," Arnav sighed.

It was early in the evening when Arnav had called Khushi and they had been talking for hours.

"I miss you," Khushi sighed.

"I miss you too, babe. I really miss you."

Khushi could tell by the sound of his voice that Arnav must have had another situation, only causing her to laugh.

Arnav frowned. "Khushi it's not funny."

Khushi couldn't help herself. "I'm sorry, I can't help it," she laughed.

"Khushi...."

Khushi calmed herself. "Okay, okay, I'm not going to laugh, I'll stop. But what happened this time?"

"I had to sit down the rest of a meeting because during my presentation, I was thinking of you and I got hard!"

Khushi bit on her lower lip hard to stop herself from laughing.

"Before you make those luscious lips bleed, laugh," Arnav frowned.

Khushi couldn't contain herself any longer and broke into a fit of laughter. The entire time Arnav frowned and stabbed at the keys of his laptop.

"Okay, okay, stop abusing your poor laptop," Khushi said, calming down. "It didn't do anything."

"No it didn't. However the one who did is far away from me."

"Oh? Whatever did I do?"

"Be sexy."

Khushi blushed. "Arnav...."

Arnav groaned and leaned back in the recliner he was sitting on. "Khushi don't do that, it only makes me hard and I can't even have you," he whined.

"But you do in your mind," Khushi nearly whispered.

"I most certainly do. It can't be helped - because you aren't here with me, I constantly think about being with you. But because I can't, I think of you even more, which is why while I was giving a presentation on future plans of the company, my mind was thinking burying my face between your thighs."

Khushi gasped and clenched her legs. "Arnav," she blushed.

"Help me Khushi, I'm dying out here, but these morons are driving me fucking insane!!!"

Khushi bit her lip.

Arnav sighed. "I can't stop thinking about that now. I need you, I need to see you. I want to feel you."

Khushi blushed harder. "Then come home."

"Trust me baby, I want to, I really truly want to."

Khushi smiled sadly. I really want you home too Arnav, she thought. I need you right now, more than ever.

"I love you Khushi."

"I love you too-"

Khushi paused. The door to their room was open and Khushi had seen a figure dash down the hall, dashing past their door.

"Khushi? What's wrong?"

Khushi turned her attention back to the phone. "Nothing, I thought... I thought I saw something."

"Ah, the Raizada Mansion Ghost: Return of the Ghost," he teased.

Khushi scoffed. "Oh yeah? Well how about this: Arnav Singh Raizada: The Return of His Wife's Phone Being Shut Off?!"

And with that, Khushi disconnected the call and turned off her phone. She tossed it back on the bed and got up to the door.

I saw something, and I know my eyes weren't deceiving me, and I'm going to find out just what it is!

Khushi exited the room and went in the direction she saw the shadow go. She got to the end of the hall and paused. There were three different paths and Khushi had absolutely no idea where the shadow had gone.

"Lurking around again, I see."

Khushi straightened and scowled at sound of Divya's voice. She turned to face her, her scowl not going anywhere. "Can I help you?"

"No."

"Great," and Khushi turned away.

"You're being rather brave," Divya noted.

She's right, I am, Khushi thought. "So?"

"Hmm.... Carry on," and she turned away.

Khushi scoffed and faced her. "Like I need your permission."

Divya stopped and laughed, facing back to her. "Of course you do girl-"

"No I don't. You're a nobody in this family."

"Really? Is that so?" Divya walked back and stood before Khushi. "I'd think otherwise."

"Oh?"

"Indeed. I've been here for many years girl, so don't push it. One word to Aryan, or even Arnav, and that's it," she said, snapping her fingers.

"I doubt that."

"Do you now? We'll just have to see, won't we."

Khushi squinted her eyes. "Arnav loves me and will forever be by my side. Papa loves me too, and no offense- or actually, take full offense, he'd be on my side instead of yours."

"That's quite a daring statement you made. But don't worry girl, I'll prove you wrong."

"Doubt it."

Divya broke into a cackle and Khushi scowled.

"Oh you are so foolish girl. I've been playing the cards with Aryan for years. It takes time and patience for this, so don't make a comment on that, because you wouldn't know how to play it."

"I would never need to because the man I love actually loves me back," Khushi smiled very sweetly.

Divya's widened. "Why you little bitch," she sneered.

"Oh, does the truth hurt Divya," she asked innocently.

Divya looked at her for a moment before pulling back. "All men, as I say, can be adjusted. You just have to know how," and she walked away.

Khushi watched as Divya walked away and disappeared at the corner.

Adjusted? How dare she?!

Khushi turned back forward and looked at her three options. After a quick fail of eenie-meenie-minie-moe, she spun with her eyes closed to choose a hall, and Khushi finally went right. This mansion was quite big and even though she had been here for more than a year, Khushi still didn't know this place as well. She came across a few doors and when she looked inside, she saw that they were spare bedrooms, all the furniture covered up in sheets. Khushi came to another fork, unsure of which of the three paths to take. However, for some unknown reason, Khushi felt urged to go forward. The hallway ahead was short and contained a simple door at the end of it. Curious, she went towards it.

When she turned the doorknob, she found it unlocked and opened the door. The room was dark and dust floated in the air. Khushi quickly flicked the light switch on and the bulb came to life, though it was quite dim. She shut the door behind her and looked around. There were old furniture in here, several items covered up in sheets. She pulled one of them off to reveal a wardrobe. Opening it, she found numerous saris inside.

What the?

Khushi looked at them, all of them very beautiful.

But whose are these?

Khushi pulled out a red one and the second she looked at it, familiarity struck her immediately. It was the very sari Shalini was wearing in the old family portrait on the staircase-landing.

These are all of Ma's stuff?

Khushi looked in the drawers and found boxes of jewelry, make up boxes, and more clothes.

But why are they all-?

Before Khushi could finish the question, she knew the answer. Of course they'd be put away. Looking at these only brought pain, especially for Arnav. It made sense to put it away somewhere he'd never see them. However by the looks of things, it was obvious people came in here now and then as it wasn't too dusty in here.

My guess is Papa and Arnav come in here now and then for closure, Khushi smiled sadly.

Khushi looked around a bit more and found several photo albums. Beside them she found a plain cardboard box. Curious, she opened it up and found articles from many years ago.

What the? Why are there so many... oh my gosh... Ma was in an accident?!

All of the headlines of the articles related to something among the lines of Shalini passing away in a car accident. As Khushi read through the article, she discovered that Shalini was alone in the car, besides the driver. It is assumed that the driver made a sharp curve when driving along the hillside near the big temple, and when he tried to straighten the car, it went off the cliff. The dead body of the driver was found, however Shalini's was never recovered.

Khushi had tears streaming down her cheeks. It's no wonder Papa or Arnav can't talk about it. It's absolutely horrible!

Khushi wiped her tears away and quickly put the articles back in the box. She noticed the edge of a portrait peeking out from the sheet covering it, and she pulled it off. It was a portrait of Shalini alone, dressed in her bridal wear.

"Oh my... god, you look so beautiful," Khushi said, and she bit her quivering lip.

She couldn't help herself and released a sob. She went down to her knees and sobbed, running her hand over the golden frame.

"Ammu," she whispered, the pain taking over heart.

Suddenly Khushi froze. A shadow had crept over her, blocking the little light that shone, making everything in front of her dark.

There was someone else in the room.

At first Khushi was scared, but then she thought better.

"Divya," Khushi sneered.

Instantly, Khushi stood up to give the woman a piece of her mind, when she froze, her eyes widening immediately.

"Oh... my... god."

*~*

Khushi went back to her room and shut the door behind her. She quickly walked to the middle of the room and ran her hand through her hair.

This must be done, she thought.

Khushi noticed her phone and turned it back on. She waited for it to start up and the second it did, Arnav called.

"Khushi-"

"Are you coming back Saturday for sure?"

"Khushi-"

"Are you or are you not?"

"Khushi-"

"Answer the damn question!"

Arnav didn't say anything. He was in complete shock.

"Well," Khushi pushed on, tapping her foot.

"...I am but-"

"You better," and she hung up.

Without another thought, Khushi walked out of the room and headed downstairs. She found Divya in the dining room, helping the workers to set up dinner. Aryan came walking in then and took his seat.

Aryan looked at Khushi curiously. "Is everything okay, Khushi?"

Khushi glanced at Divya who simply smirked at her cunningly.

She looked back at Aryan. "Just a little tensed because Arnav is coming back on Saturday and I want to do something for him."

"Oh? What did you have in mind?"

"A party. We'll invite Akash and NK and the rest of the family."

"That sounds like a great idea! After all it is a big success for Chote, not to mention the company."

"Indeed," Khushi said, looking at Divya. "It'll be a day to remember."

Divya cocked her eyebrow at her.

"A day to forever remember, indeed."

Chapter Thirty Seven

Khushi couldn't help but to look at Divya with distaste the next morning. The woman only looked at her cunningly and it only angered Khushi. Lucky for them, Aryan was completely oblivious. When they were all seated at the table for breakfast, Aryan was reading the paper while the two women stared each other down, the display blocked by his newspaper, keeping him in oblivion.

"Khushi, when is Chote coming back," Aryan asked behind his paper.

"Saturday unfortunately," she said with a pout, turning her attention to her father.

Aryan peeked up over his paper. "Seriously? I would've expected him to try to come sooner."

"Unfortunately he can't. Trying to expand the company is being more difficult than anything right now."

"That's understandable... the poor boy," he chuckled lightly before looking at Khushi. "And poor you."

Khushi blushed and looked down.

"Yes, poor Chote," Divya said, causing Khushi to look up at her. "But then again, the way these two bicker, there's one plus side."

While to Aryan it seemed like an innocent tease, Khushi knew the woman was trying to throw a dagger at her.

"Bickering only makes our love grow, don't you agree Papa," Khushi said daringly, turning to face Aryan.

"I absolutely, 100% agree," Aryan chuckled.

Khushi grinned. "I knew you would. After all you and Ma did bicker quite a lot, hmm," she teased playfully.

While it was playful, it was also meant to be a dagger thrown back at Divya.

I'm sure feeling quite brave of myself, Khushi thought. But oh well!

While Aryan sighed at the memories, Divya stared Khushi down, but Khushi totally ignored her.

"Bicker we did indeed," Aryan smiled humbly, thinking back to his younger days.

*~*

It was about 3 in the afternoon and Aryan was walking down the hall, goofing off with his friends. They had just finished class and were going to head to town to grab a bite, when a certain someone came into view, causing him to halt in his tracks, as well as his fellow comrades.

One of his friends hissed. "Isn't that her?"

Aryan gave him a glare and his friend straightened up.

"Yes, it's her," he simply replied, and looked back at the beauty that filled him up with life.

"Are you gonna go talk to her," another friend asked.

Without responding, Aryan made his way to the lovely lady dressed in a green selwar kameez.

She had her back faced towards him, completely unknown of the fact that he was just a matter of feet away from him. She only became aware when Aryan came around and stood in front of her.

Immediately at the sight of him, her face scrunched up. "You!"

Aryan grinned roguishly. "Hi."

The woman fumed and looked away.

"Don't look away; I love that pretty face of yours."

Her eyes snapped right back up to his.

"Ah, now don't do that, those pretty eyes of yours will fall out."

Her jaw dropped and she fumed. "Why you- I- you- ugh," and she stomped off.

Aryan chuckled and then he hollered out to her. "At least tell me your name jaaneman!"

The woman turned back to look at him with fierce eyes as she continued to walk away. Aryan winked and her jaw dropped once more before she shut it and turned back around. The moment she was gone, Aryan was rejoined by his friends.

"Wow boss, she's something else," one of his friends said.

"For sure," the other said.

Aryan grinned, crossing his arms and cocking his head to the side. "She's a firecracker alright... my firecracker, my Jaaneman."

*~*

"Papa?"

Aryan snapped out of his memories and looked at a confused Khushi.

He shook his head. "Nothing, just... reminiscing."

Khushi smiled sadly and held his hand, giving it a light squeeze.

Aryan did the same. "Well, off I go now; lots of work to do and a town to run."

Khushi and Divya nodded with a smile and Aryan stood up, and left. The moment he was out of earshot, Divya spoke.

"You truly must enjoy hurting Aryan like that, don't you," she smirked, crossing her arms.

Khushi looked back at her. "Wrong; I enjoy seeing the small smile that forms on Papa's face that only forms when he thinks of Ma. It's a sign of his love - the love he's only had for one person and will forever have for one person."

With that, Khushi left the room.

*~*

Aryan was seated at his desk, working on some documents to help keep the town park clean, when his eyes landed on a photo of his wife's. His desk at the office was covered with picture frames, many of them of his family, but a majority of them of his late wife.

For a while now, he would keep peeking at the photo, but he would try to focus on his work. However this time he couldn't, so he put his pen down and picked up the picture frame. In this picture, it was a portrait shot of her, back in their younger days. They had just gotten married which meant nothing but taking many pictures to keep the moment permanently memorable, which meant dozens and dozens of photos!

Aryan sighed. I miss you Jaaneman. I miss you a lot.

Aryan put the picture back and looked at the one beside it. It was the one Shalini's sister had taken the day Shalini had her presentation, the same picture Aryan had shown Khushi. With a sigh, Aryan held the picture frame to his heart and leaned back in his chair, shutting his eyes, as he went back down memory lane.

*~*

Aryan and his pals were once again goofing off as they walked across the campus. Aryan was walking backwards as he faced his friends while waking, when he bumped into a beautiful someone, who nearly went crashing down to the floor but was caught and brought into Aryan's arms. The woman's hair was in her face and she quickly moved it out of the way to see which fool wasn't watching where he was going and when she met his eyes, hers turned into wide disks.

"Good morning Jaaneman," Aryan grinned roguishly.

She gaped at him and forced herself free, standing up on her own. Aryan took note of her red selwar kameez and it was doing too many things to him, especially the scowl on her face.

"I see you're wearing makeup," Aryan noted. "Special day?"

She didn't say a word and fixed her dupatta.

"Special day it is."

She simply rolled her eyes and made sure that the papers she was gripping onto tightly were in good condition.

Aryan bent forward, meeting her at eye level, causing his 'Jaaneman' to widen her eyes at him while clutching her papers tightly to her.

"Don't you think its odd," he began, looking from her eyes to her lips, then back at her eyes, "that we keep bumping into each other like this repeatedly?"

"Odd," she questioned irritably. "I'd say you do it on purpose!"

"Hmm, that's quite a smart idea. I'll do just that."

She gaped at him then huffed off, stomping as she did.

Aryan couldn't help but to grin. It was just this that would make his days perfect.

"Jaaneman, I love you," he declared.

The woman froze and Aryan's friends' eyes shot up to him. All of them looked at him with wide eyes, especially her. Aryan simply grinned and his Jaaneman made a face and huffed away.

~

Later that day, Aryan was walking down the hall, having just finished a class. He was on his way to meet up with his friends, when he saw his Jaaneman walking from the opposite direction. However the second she spotted him, she quickly turned back around and went the other way. Aryan couldn't help himself but to grin and he quickly dashed towards her, startling her when he did.

"Sorry, didn't mean to startle you," Aryan grinned sheepishly.

She looked at him with an eyebrow raised.

Aryan tilted his head. "Well it can't be helped; you'd think I'd know your name after the number of times you've bumped into me, yet here I am clueless on the fact. I mean not that I'm entirely complaining since I do call you Jaaneman, and you do respond to it..."

Her eyes widened.

"... but I'd still like to know the name behind my Jaaneman."

"Well you won't," she huffed, and she tried to walk around him, but Aryan stopped her.

"Oh don't be like that Jaaneman, tell me your name."

"No," and she tried to escape once more, but Aryan stopped her. "Move!"

"Not until I know your name."

"I won't tell you my name!"

"Why not?"

"Why should I?"

"Because I deserve to know the name behind my Jaaneman."

"Stop calling me that!"

"I won't Jaaneman."

"That's not my name!"

"Then what is it?"

"It's Shalini-! Oops," and she smacked her hand over her mouth.

Aryan grinned roguishly. "Ah... Shalini."

The name rolled off his tongue, feeling velvet as he said it.

"I... I... ugh," Shalini groaned in frustration before stomping off.

Aryan couldn't help himself but to chuckle and then straightened. "Shalini," he called out.

She froze the instant he said her name.

Aryan crossed his arms and moved closer to her until he was about six inches away from her. "Every time so far, you've always bumped into me and have always walked away from me. But one day, you'll come running towards me, right into my arms."

Shalini's eyes widened and she turned back around and faced him. Aryan simply smiled at her as she continued to gaze at him.

"Never," she finally said.

Aryan looked down with a smile and then back up at her. Shalini gasped, seeing the confidence that had formed in his eyes.

Aryan began to step back. "We'll see," and he turned away, leaving a very confused Shalini behind.

*~*

Aryan couldn't help himself but to chuckle. My stubborn Jaaneman.

He picked up the photo and looked at it for a moment. He glanced at all of the other pictures of her, then back at the one in his hands.

"By some miracle, please come back Shalini, whatever it takes."

Chapter Thirty Six

Khushi pondered on what the meaning of the ripped photograph could be. It bothered her the rest of the day, and when she spoke to Arnav - being distracted and having turned her phone back on - Arnav had picked it up. Khushi had shrugged it off, though not so easily as she had hoped, but eventually got him convinced. Their little fight was tossed aside, and the couple ended the night happily.

Khushi was walking around the house to make sure everything was locked up tight, feeling paranoid due to the night before. She went to Aryan's study last, since that was the 'scene of the crime' the night before. All seemed well and Khushi didn't get the feeling that there was someone there. She eventually went to bed, tossing her fear away and hoped for her husband to arrive soon.

But little did Khushi know that the figure knew every secret of Raizada Mansion, and it was only hiding in one of the many secret rooms, this time in the secret room behind the fireplace in the living room. The secret panel opened quietly and it came out into the open. It lurked through the halls, once again its goals repeating in their head.

For as long as the shadow had lurked in these halls, it never had any problems. It roamed around freely and did as it pleased. Never once had it been caught and it enjoyed the few moments it had in Raizada Mansion.

This night was different.

Khushi was having a bad dream, the images too blurry to see. It made absolutely no sense and she woke up with a start. She quickly reached out to get a drink of water, but the jar was empty. Resting her head back against the headboard, Khushi calmed herself. Once her breathing resumed to normal, Khushi got up and took her empty jar with her, down to the kitchen.

The dream no longer bothered Khushi as she no longer could remember what it was about. So she decided not to push herself and no longer thought about it. Khushi went down to the kitchen and filled up the jug with water, as well as a glass. She gulped it down, sighed, and leaned back against the counter.

Her mind now could only think of Arnav. Khushi really missed him and she wanted him home immediately.

I should do something for him, she thought. Surprise him maybe. But what should I do?

Khushi pushed away from the counter and walked out of the kitchen, forgetting the jug of water. She kept wondering on what she could do for Arnav's arrival, when she saw something from the corner of her eyes. Khushi turned towards that direction but she didn't see anything. She thought she had seen something in the main hallway, but when she got there, no one was there.

What the-?

But before she could finish that thought, Khushi saw a little light coming from the prayer room. Curious, she went there and was surprised when she saw a dia lit.

Who lit this?

Khushi was about to observe it, when she felt a presence. She quickly turned around, but she didn't see anyone. However she felt it nearby, so she followed her instinct and went towards the stairs. No one could be seen, but she saw a shadow move by the top of the left staircase. Khushi quickly went upstairs and went down the hall. She turned at the corner, but she didn't see anything.

"Khushi?"

Khushi yelped and turned around to see Divya.

"What are you doing here?"

Khushi looked left and right. "I-I was going down to get water."

"But why are you here? Your room is that way," she said, pointing in the opposite direction.

"I know, I thought I saw something."

"Huh... is that so?"

From the edge in Divya's voice, Khushi could tell something was on the woman's mind. What it was, was a mystery.

Divya looked Khushi up and down and Khushi saw the distaste on her face, not happy with what she was wearing: gray sweatpants and Arnav's black t-shirt.

"Is this the type of clothes you wear every night," she asked.

"Yes," Khushi simply replied.

"Huh," was all the woman said, but the distaste was still evident on her face.

Khushi looked the woman up and down, noting the light pink sari she was wearing. "Do you wear this stuff every night?"

"As a matter of fact, yes. After all Aryan likes... decency."

And this isn't? I knew it! I told Arnav- wait, Arnav knows his father better than anyone else!

"Huh," was all Khushi said this time.

Khushi observed the woman more carefully. Something about her style was familiar, but she couldn't put her finger quite on it.

"Wait, why are you awake," Khushi asked.

"Couldn't sleep," she smiled too cheerfully.

Okay....

"I hope you're not putting Arnav on his toes anymore. My son needs a sane mind," Divya said.

Khushi couldn't help herself. "Your son," she blurted.

Divya cocked an eyebrow.

Khushi scoffed lightly. "I'm sorry about my outburst, but... what?"

Divya crossed her arms. "He's my son. Is that a problem?"

Khushi crossed her arms and tilted her head. "I was right," she said, though more to herself.

"About...?"

Khushi decided it was time to confront the woman. "You love Papa."

Divya's eyes slightly widened, but she quickly recovered. However, not fast enough for Khushi to not notice.

"You love him. You always have and do."

Divya said nothing and Khushi began to walk around her.

"You love him. You fell in love with him the day Papa bumped into you back when you both were in school. However, Papa loved Ma, who happened to be your best friend."

Divya remained quiet, looking forward, while Khushi continued to slowly circle the woman.

"You got married, but I highly doubt you got over your feelings for Papa. And when your husband passed away, Ma brought you here because she loved you. You're her best friend, so of course she'd look after you."

Divya glanced at Khushi from the corner of her eyes.

Khushi paused. "It all worked out for you though, didn't it? Ma passed away, and now here we all are today, you living in the home of the man you love."

Divya turned to face her. "And when did you figure this out?"

"It took some time. But it really began when you were smack talking about me and Ma in the kitchen the other day."

"So you heard," and though she said that calmly, her eyes gave her away.

"Yes."

For a moment, Divya was quiet and looked down. But when she met her eyes back with Khushi's, the woman had transformed. It was as if a mask had been removed from her face.

"So now you know. So? Is that supposed to do something," Divya smirked.

To say that Khushi was surprised, was a joke. It just didn't seem surprising for the woman to just flip a switch within her.

Divya scoffed and began to circle Khushi slowly. "You're right, girl. I do love Aryan. I have since that day. I always did, I do, and I always will."

Khushi looked up at her.

"I'm not someone who gives up so easily, girl. Aryan was mine the moment we met. I loved him first, not Shalini."

Khushi scrunched her eyebrows.

"Oh? Confused? Well let me clear it. When Shalini first moved here, I became her friend. She was the new neighbor so the other girls and I decided to check her out. She was a city girl and she seemed okay, so the other girls and I became her friend. She wanted to see the town, but that day I had to go to my Kala's so I wasn't there when she went to the plaza with the others."

Khushi's eyes widened. That's when Papa met Ma.

"When I got home later that night, I saw the others with Shalini and she looked irritated. At the time I had no idea which guy in town she was talking about. When classes started and she saw him again, she was irritated once more. However before she could show me his face, Aryan and I had our little bump in."

"Making you first..." Khushi muttered.

"Correct. Shalini hated him. Hated! Aryan, one of the most gorgeous men ever!"

Khushi looked at her with wide eyes.

"Don't look at me like that. Where do you think Arnav gets his looks from?"

He also looks like Ma, she defended in her mind.

"I always wanted to tell Aryan how I felt. But him? He never even acknowledged me! All he ever cared about was Shalini and she wouldn't even give him the time of day! Yet I....

"Later that day, Shalini was telling me how she saw him again. She broke off because she saw him again and tried to hide from his sight, but he caught sight of her and came our way. That was when I learned that she was talking about Aryan.

"The entire time, I was looking at him. But Aryan? Aryan was busy teasing Shalini while she wouldn't even look at him! This happened every time-!"

"Well that's not surprising," Khushi said.

Divya's eyes snapped to hers as she stilled.

Khushi shrugged nonchalantly. "To tell you the truth, Papa said he barely acknowledged you. It took a while before he understood that you were Ma's best friend."

Divya fumed.

Khushi shrugged again. "Just telling you what he said."

Divya stepped forward, moving up to Khushi's face. "Listen girl..."

Khushi looked her right into the eyes, daring not to look away, surprised by her own fierceness.

"... what happened back then, happened. But now? Now he's mine. I've been taking care of him for years. I've lived in this house for a long time, making it my own. I raised Arnav like he was my own. I love Aryan-"

"But he doesn't love you."

Divya looked at her with wide eyes.

"No matter what Divya," she said daringly, "Papa will always - always - love Ma. And there's nothing you can do about it."

Divya cracked a smirk. "Oh please honey, all men are alike, no matter what. It's just a matter of time and patience. I'm Aryan's everything, just without a title to our relationship."

"If there's no love, then you can't give it a title."

"We'll see about that."

Divya stepped back and turned away, leaving to go back to her room. Khushi just stood there, however, her body began to boil with anger.

How dare she?! Just who does she think she is?!

Chapter Thirty Five

As quick as she could, Khushi tidied up the room and left to her bedroom. The second she got in, she shut and locked the door, and leaned up against it.

What the hell was that, she wondered.

Khushi's phone rang off, scaring her and causing her to yelp with a jump. She quickly ran to her phone and picked it up without looking at who was calling her.

"Who is it," she asked immediately.

"Salman Khan."

Khushi scrunched her eyebrows. "What-?"

"Really Khushi? It's me, Arnav. You know, the number one husband in the world."

Khushi gasped and sighed in relief. "Oh thank heavens."

Arnav chuckled. "Khushi are you okay?"

"I-I'm fine," she lied. "Why are you calling at this hour?"

"Yeah, I'm sorry, I know it's late but I didn't hear your voice all day. I planned on calling earlier but I was so busy - honestly I can't wait for this week to end."

Arnav expected a response from Khushi, but she only hummed.

"Khushi, are you sure you're okay?"

"Yeah, yeah, I'm totally fine. Just thinking about you," she played off.

Arnav was quiet for a moment. "Lies," he eventually said.

Khushi's eyes widened. "Is not," she defended.

"Yes it is. You're not playing with your mangalsutra."

Khushi glanced down and saw that she wasn't. "Yes I am," she lied.

"Khushi don't lie to me. Especially about this."

Khushi bit on her fingernail.

"Now tell me what's bothering you," he demanded softly.

Should I tell him?

"Well?"

Khushi sighed. "Promise you won't laugh?"

"Promise, now tell me!"

Khushi slouched her shoulders to the tone of his voice. "I thought there was a ghost," she muttered.

"A what," Arnav asked, not hearing her clearly.

"I thought there was a ghost. In Papa's study."

For a moment, Arnav was quiet. However when Khushi heard him break a snicker, she blew up.

"You said you wouldn't laugh!"

And Arnav could no longer hold it in.

"Arnav!"

"I'm sorry," he laughed, "but a ghost? Really? Khushi that's the most ridiculous-"

But before he could finish, Khushi hung up on him.

"What the? Khushi?" Arnav looked at his phone confusedly.

Khushi pouted and fumed, angry at Arnav.

I'm not being ridiculous! How dare he!

Irritated, Khushi turned her phone off.

Ridiculous huh? How about this?!

Khushi tossed her phone aside and got ready for bed, repeatedly huffing until she fell asleep.

"Ridiculous? I'll show you ridiculous," she muttered, and she fell asleep.

*~*

The Raizada Mansion was quiet. All the workers had gone home and everyone in the household were sound asleep, no one aware of the shadow that lurked in the darkness.

It had some work that needed to be done. All was going well up until Khushi had entered Aryan's study. But the figure had known this place very well by now, as it wasn't the first time they had been in Raizada Mansion. When Khushi came in, it had only hidden in one of the many secret rooms of the mansion. As soon as it heard Khushi leave and was far of a distance, it came out of the hiding spot and took a picture from the album.

The figure lurked in the halls, it's mind repeating it's one goal over and over again.

The figure was now in the main hall. It was intending on going to the prayer room, when it caught sight of the family portraits. Before when the figure would come into Raizada mansion, there was one portrait, showing Aryan Singh Raizada, Shalini Aryan Singh Raizada, and Arnav Singh Raizada. Mrs. Raizada was sitting in a chair, holding baby Raizada in her lap, while Mr. Raizada stood behind his wife, one hand on his wife's shoulder, while she placed hers above his, representing their love.

This new portrait however, contained a group of four. One was Aryan Singh Raizada, looking much more aged than the old portrait. Arnav Singh Raizada was no longer an infant, but a grown man in the portrait, looking mighty handsome. There was a woman sitting in a chair, however it wasn't Shalini Aryan Singh Raizada, but the latest addition to the family: Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada. Her husband had his hand on her shoulder, just as Aryan Singh Raizada had in the old portrait. Like the old portrait, Khushi had her hand over her husband's, just like Shalini had. The fourth person in the portrait wasn't a Raizada but is the best friend of the late Shalini Aryan Singh Raizada, Divya Param Chaterjee.

Whenever the figure would sneak into the Raizada household, it would always look at these two portraits. It's mission would echo louder in its mind, only encouraging them more. And like every other time, the figure ended it's moment with one last look at Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada, and would descend the stairs.

I'm coming.

*~*

When Khushi woke up the next morning, she remembered her conversation with Arnav.

Hmph! What does he think of himself?

Khushi got up and prepared for the day. The thought of the 'ghost' entered her mind and she wondered what it could've been.

The wind? No that can't be it.... Then what?

Before Khushi went downstairs for breakfast, she headed towards Aryan's study. Just as she was about to go in, however, Divya caught sight of her.

"Khushi, could you come and help me in the kitchen? Thank you," she said sweetly.

Khushi pursed her lips and looked at the doors of the study. 

Okay, maybe later then.

Khushi joined Divya in the kitchen and helped her make the parathas. Aryan came down soon enough and Khushi served him breakfast.

"Thank you dear."

Khushi smiled softly and sat down beside him.

Divya sat down in her seat. "Khushi?"

"Yes Dai Ma," she replied.

"Would you care to explain why Chote has been calling nonstop?"

For a moment, Khushi's eyes had widened, but she quickly recovered. 

Aryan looked at Khushi curiously. "What happened, Khushi?"

Khushi frowned while she looked at her parathas. 

"Did you two fight again," Divya asked.

Maybe Aryan couldn't tell, but Khushi could hear the accusation in her voice, that too towards Khushi.

"Perhaps, " Khushi simply said. 

Aryan chuckled. "What now?"

"Your son breaks promises, that's what."

While Aryan chuckled, Divya frowned. 

"Are you always going to keep him on his toes," she slyly accused. "Aryan-"

"Oh its alright," Aryan chuckled. "Fighting only increases the amount of love." He looked at Khushi. "What do you say dear," he winked.

Khushi couldn't help but to laugh.

"But Aryan-"

"If they didn't fight, I'd be worried. I mean Shalu and I-"

Aryan stopped himself. Khushi and Divya both looked at him while he toyed with the bit of paratha between his fingers. Eventually he excused himself and left the room. Khushi felt bad and was about to go after him, when Divya dramatically sighed.

"It seems that these days, you just keep reminding Aryan of Shalini."

Again, Khushi could hear the tinge of accusation in her sentence. As if she was trying to guilt Khushi. But Divya didn't understand that Khushi knew her better now and that she would not play weak against her.

"Maybe, but that's a good thing. After all Ma is the only person he loves."

Khushi could see the curiosity in her eyes, trying to figure out if Khushi's words had more meaning to it than it seemed.

Not waiting for her to figure it out, Khushi got up and went to check on Aryan. She didn't have to go far, however, because Aryan was standing in front of the old family portrait in the main hall. She joined him by his side and looked at the old portrait.

"Ma looks very beautiful," Khushi said softly.

Aryan nodded with a sigh, then moved closer to the portrait. He ran his hand along the frame and sighed once more.

"I don't know what it is, but these days I seem to think of her more," he said. "Every waking moment, all I do is think of her. I think of her so much, I can't get any work done."

Khushi went to his side and placed her hand on his shoulder.

Aryan sighed. "I don't know if it's my age catching up to me, but sometimes I can feel her. As if she were right here!"

"Sometimes when we love someone very much, you feel them when they're not even here," Khushi said softly.

"I know, but it's more than that. Remember how I told you my heart would react whenever she was nearby? My heart acted up just like that when I was going up the stairs. That's the reason why stopped and stood here."

"Our hearts toy with us sometimes," Khushi smiled sadly. "It teases us sometimes."

Aryan looked at her sadly. "It does, doesn't it?"

Khushi nodded, feeling her throat threatening to close.

Aryan looked up at the portrait and placed his hand over where Shalini held his. Khushi bit the inside of her lip to hold back her tears. Holding herself together, Khushi went over to him.

"Why don't we go to the prayer room and pray for her. Perhaps that would help?"

Aryan sighed. "Yes, let's do that."

Khushi linked her arm with his and they went to the prayer room. They prayed for Shalini and Khushi caught sight of her father crying. She felt really bad and prayed for happiness to come into her father's life, unable to see the dear old man in such pain.

*~*

Aryan had decided that he'd get some work done down at Town Hall, so he left. Khushi was going to join Divya in the kitchen, but she decided to make a quick trip to Aryan's study. This time she made it in fine, and she didn't feel that spooky feeling she had felt the night before. Everything was just as it was when she had left it the night before.

Well, almost.

Khushi went to check the photo album to see if the photo was still missing, feeling a bit paranoid, when she saw something underneath Aryan's desk. Pulling his chair back, she saw pieces of paper on the floor. As soon as she picked it up, she realized it wasn't just pieces of paper, but four quarters of a photograph. Putting the pieces together and facing it to her, Khushi saw that it was a photo of Aryan, Arnav, and Divya, Arnav standing in the middle of them.

Khushi gasped. Who did this? Was this here the night before? Did I just miss this or did it...?

Khushi panicked.

Is someone after Arnav? The family? But why?

Khushi shut her eyes and prayed.

Please don't harm my family, please protect us from whatever it is about to happen.

Chapter Thirty Four

Ever since the thought first entered her mind, Khushi could not stop thinking about it.

Could that be the reason why Dai Ma was bashing Ma? Because she loves Papa, she wondered.

"Khushi?"

Khushi snapped out of thought. "Huh?"

Khushi saw Aryan looking at her confusedly.

"Are you okay," he asked. "You seem to be lost in thought."

Khushi shook her head. "No, it's nothing."

"Are you sure?"

Khushi caught Divya looking at her with concern from the corner of her eyes, but she didn't look at her.

"I'm fine," she smiled softly.

"Now Khushi, don't lie to me. I've noticed that you haven't been eating properly these past two days."

Khushi shook her head and was going to explain, but Aryan continued.

"Divya also told me you got sick earlier."

Khushi looked at Divya and then at Aryan. "It's nothing-"

"Khushi," Aryan warned.

Khushi pursed her lips. "I'm sorry," she said in a low voice.

Aryan sighed and reached out, and held her hand. "You're thinking about Chote, aren't you?"

Khushi looked up at Aryan.

Aryan smiled softly. "I understand that it's hard. It would've been one thing if he was in the city, but now he's away in a different country. But don't worry, he'll be home in just a few days. He'll be just fine, however, you won't be if you keep up this childishness."

Khushi nodded and Aryan smiled.

The family resumed to their dinner, but Khushi was still pondering. She looked at Divya, who was focused on her food, as well as on Aryan, asking if he needed anything.

Dai Ma has no relation to the family, whatsoever, besides being Ma's best- supposed best friend, Khushi thought. Yet she's been in this house since...  since... since when?

"Have you taken your medication," Divya asked Aryan.

Aryan paused. "Oh, I completely forgot."

Divya shook her head. "When do you ever remember? If it weren't for me, you would've totally forgotten about them." She called a worker and told them to bring Aryan's medication. "Honestly, where would you be without me?"

The way she said that... and the way she's looking at him.

Aryan sighed. "I'd probably be with Shalini."

Khushi looked at him with sad eyes and reached out to hold his hand. Aryan gave her a soft smile and Khushi lightly squeezed his hand.

"Don't say such things," Divya said.

Khuhi looked at her. Even though she says such stuff and looks at him in that way, Papa only thinks of Ma. Even after all of these years.

"I'm only joking," Aryan tried to laugh off. "Besides, even if you weren't around, I'd still have my Khushi to take care of me," he smiled at her.

Khushi smiled back, though she could feel daggers being thrown at her from Divya, even as slyly as she did it.

Khushi straightened her spine. If that were the case, I would be taking good care of him, better than you.

After dinner, Khushi went to check on Aryan and as she had expected, she found him looking at old photos of Shalini in his study.

"Papa?"

Aryan looked up and saw Khushi standing at the door. "Come in."

Khushi entered and went beside Aryan's side. "You're thinking of Ma again," she stated, rather than questioning.

Aryan scoffed lightly. "I can't help it. These days whenever I think of her, I just have to look at these photos of her. As if looking at them would bring her back...."

Khushi smiled softly and laid her head on his shoulder. "You love her. You'd do anything to bring her back. Even the impossible."

"I would. Though there are moments where it seems like she's still here."

Khushi looked up at him. "What do you mean?"

"I don't know what it is but.... Shalini and I had this... connection, so to say. When we were near each other, our hearts knew immediately."

Khushi's eyebrows shot up. Just like me and Arnav.

"It was a different feeling, nothing like I'd ever experienced in my life. It would only feel that way whenever she was around. But over the years, after she was gone, I felt it. A couple of times, but I felt it."

Khushi tilted her head.

Aryan shook his head and tried to laugh it off. "I think it's just the thought of her that triggers it now, I don't know. In the beginning it gave me hope but now... I'd do anything to have her back."

Khushi pursed her lips to stop her tears from shedding. She placed her head back on her father's shoulder and held his hand.

"She's always here," she said softly. "She's always watching over us, watching over you."

Aryan smiled. "That she is, but still...." Aryan looked down at Khushi. "She would've been so happy to meet you. All she ever thought about was Chote's wife. I remember Chote getting upset over it, not to mention disgusted," he chuckled, "but Shalini was excited. Hence the reason why she bought all the jewelry," he chuckled.

"Would she really have liked me?"

"Like you? She'd have loved you. You're exactly what Shalini wanted in her bahu. ...unfortunately she never got to see for herself."

Khushi smiled sadly.

Aryan looked down at the pictures and so did Khushi. On the page was that very same photo, the one of Shalini and Divya.

"You said that Dai Ma is Ma's best friend?"

Aryan nodded. "The two were close, always together. That's why she was sometimes around when Shalini and I bumped into each other."

"Oh."

"Although one time, I accidentally bumped into her instead."

"You did?"

"Yup, by total accident though. I was rushing to class, bumped into her and nearly knocked her over, but I caught her. I quickly put her on her feet, apologized, and dashed to class."

Khushi blinked and looked down at the picture. Oh boy....

"Truth be told I never noticed her, no offense. I didn't really much after until I realized she was always around Shalini."

Huh.... "Was she around you guys even after you two were together?"

"Now and then, yes. We always saw each other on campus and she'd arrive with Divya and their other friends while I did with mine. Unless I decided to pick her up a block away from her home."

Khushi grinned. "You really did that?"

Aryan winked and Khushi giggled. Khushi looked back down at the photo and saw one of Aryan, Shalini, and Divya, Aryan and Shalini looking very, very happy.

"When was this?"

"Ah, this was the day I proposed to her," he smiled proudly.

Khushi gasped. "Really?"

"Yup. I got down on one knee in front of the entire student body and asked her to marry me."

"Wow, talk about pressure," Khushi teased.

Aryan chuckled. "Well, not exactly. We had been talking about the future for a while and we just knew we were meant for each other, even if we didn't know each other for long."

"And she said yes in front of everyone?"

"She did, and that was one of the best days of our lives."

The clock struck 12 and the two looked up at it.

"Well, it's getting late. You should head to bed," Aryan said.

"I will, I'll just clean the room up-"

"Leave it, you can do it tomorrow."

"No, it's okay Papa. You go ahead, I'll be done soon."

Aryan sighed and placed his hand on Khushi's head. "What did I do to deserve a daughter like you," and he kissed her on the top of her head before leaving.

When Aryan was out of view, Khushi looked down at the album book, at the picture of the three. Even though Divya was smiling, Khushi knew their was a gleam of anger in her eyes, as old as the picture were.

Dai Ma must have fallen for Papa when he caught her for bumping into her. Her fascination for him must have started then, otherwise.... But then again, Papa said he never really noticed her. Chances are she was around when Papa and Ma met for the first time.... I wonder if Ma ever knew about this.

"Almost forgot!"

Khushi looked up and saw Aryan come back in. He picked up his phone off the desk and smiled.

"Papa, if you don't mind me asking, why does Dai ma stay here with us? Doesn't she have a family of her own?"

"Divya was always the closest to Shalini. After Shalini was gone, Divya was the closest to a mother figure, not to mention the closest to Shalini."

"So she was only here to be as a mother figure?"

"To be somewhat of an essence of Shalini, being her best friend and all. I honestly don't think I could've done it on my own."

"But what about her own family?"

"Unfortunately, that never happened for her. There was someone once, but that all fell apart when her husband passed away."

"Passed away?"

"Yeah, only it was in the cruelest of ways - murder."

Khushi gasped. "Oh my!"

Aryan nodded. "The feeling of loosing the one you love... Shalini felt really bad, so she asked her to stay here. Then Shalini... basically she's been here ever since. Why do you ask?"

"Just curious," Khushi played off.

Aryan nodded. "Well that's enough curiosity for one night. Time to go to bed."

Khushi chuckled. "Yes Papa, I'm going."

"Good. I don't want Chote yelling at me, saying I didn't take good care of the woman he loves."

Khushi blushed and Aryan chuckled as he left.

Khushi placed the album down, keeping it open on the same page.

Something just doesn't feel right. If Dai Ma loves Papa then why would she marry someone else? Unless she was forced? Maybe her parents? Something, that's for sure. However if you think aobut it, things worked out for her, gruesome as it is for her late husband. In a way, Ma gave her the ticket for her to live with the one she really loves.... 

Over these years, who knows what Dai Ma's done. I'm pretty darn sure she's tried to put some moves on Papa. But Papa loves Ma way too much to even think of another woman, forget love another.

It all comes back to Ma though. I mean that was her best friend, so surely she'd have known if Dai Ma loved... maybe Dai Ma moved on from Papa and married, but then the old feelings came back when she moved in here? But the photo... this is all too confusing!

"Khushi bhabi," a worker called out.

Khushi left the room to tend to the worker, shutting the door behind her. However, the second she turned at the corner, a figure crept out from the shadows. Carefully opening the doors, they carefully shut the door behind them and stepped into the room. They glanced around when they caught sight of the album book. Going over to it, they saw the four pictures on the page: two of Shalini and Aryan, one of Shalini and Divya, and the other of the three of them together. They flipped through the pages, looking at each of the photos.

Meanwhile, Khushi helped the worker create tomorrow's menu. Remembering that she had forgotten to tidy up Aryan's office, she went back upstairs. Khushi was walking down the hall, close to Aryan's study, when Divya called out to her.

"Khushi?"

Khushi turned around and saw her, the woman dressed up in a scarlet sari, covering her head with her pallu. "Yes?"

"Have you seen your father in-law?"

Oh? "Papa has already gone to bed."

"Oh. Well did he-"

"I left his medication by his bedside table."

"Oh, good. That's all," and she walked away.

'Father in-law'? Really? And what a lovely scarlet sari she's got on - for a widow. It's as if she's still married....

Khushi shook these thoughts out of her head and went to Aryan's study. The second she stepped in, she felt something unsteady. It was as if there was a presence in the room, but the room seemed untouched.

Quit spooking yourself Khushi, you've only been in this room so many times!

Khushi went to the desk to put the album book away. However when she got to it, she gasped. The album book was now on another page: there was a picture of Shalini with a little Arnav, a picture of Aryan with a little Arnav, all three of them together as well as Divya, and the last picture slot was empty.

By looking at the page, Khushi could tell that there was photo, only someone had removed it - just removed it. Khushi picked up the book and looked around the room, expecting to find someone trying to hide behind the furniture.

Only there was no one else there at all.

Chapter Thirty Three

"Khushi, could you come here please?"

"Coming Papa," Khushi hollered back.

Khushi and Divya had been working in the kitchen, preparing lunch. With Arnav away, Khushi was able to give more time to the housework, hoping that this would give her points in Divya's chart. However, with Arnav away, some of the work load poured onto her, as well as Aryan, so every now and then, Khushi would have to ditch the housework for the office work.

Going to Aryan, Khushi did just that, taking a bit more time than she had hoped. And unfortunately when she was coming back into the kitchen, she heard Divya muttering about her all over again, just like she had been since the first day she heard her. It was only getting worse and worse by the day, and Khushi was worried.

Little did Khushi know that this time, she would hear so much more.

"... and gajar ka halwa, yet I'm making it," Khushi heard Divya complain. "What did she say? I'm in the mood for gajar ka halwa and I bet Papa would love it! Too bad Arnav isn't here," she mocked and then twitched her lips. "Wants it all but doesn't do shit, stupid villager."

Khushi pursed her lips, trying not to let her words hurt her.

"I swear, what the hell did her parents teach her? To put her feet up and relax in her in-laws? Then again what would she learn, the bitch's parents don't even like her," she cackled.

Khushi looked down at the floor.

"And Aryan? Oof, Aryan... always getting the opposite impression of people. You bring a daughter in-law in and instead of making her work, you're still making me work! She's not my bahu, she's my daughter - chi! Where are you and where is that low-class villager? Daughter? My foot!"

Divya stirred the halwa angrily. "Get it through your head Aryan, she's not what you think; you always get people wrong. Then again it's normal of you to do so. You're doing it now with this bitch like you did with Shalini."

Khushi's eyes widened at the mentioning of her deceased mother in-law and she looked back up.

"Shalini," she mocked with disgust. "What was so good about her anyways? Yet you fell in love with her," the woman pouted. "It shouldn't have been her!"

Shouldn't have been her, Khushi wondered.

"Khushi bhabi," a worker hollered.

Divya immediately snapped out of her rant and straightened her spine. Khushi backed away from the doorway immediately before Divya turned around and saw her. Khushi looked down the hall and saw one of the workers hollering for her, so she quickly went that way. When she got to the worker, she saw Divya poking her head out of the kitchen, seeming somewhat relived, as if Khushi hadn't heard what she said.

But boy was she wrong!

"Khushi bhabi," the worker began, bringing Khushi's attention back to her, "your phone."

Khushi nodded and took it, seeing that Arnav had called her three times. Calling him back quickly before he went crazy, Khushi left to Arnav's study, feeling the need of privacy.

"Khushi, where were you," Arnav said when he picked up the phone.

"Hello to you too, I'm fine," Khushi frowned.

"Don't give me that, why didn't you pick up your phone?"

"Arnav relax, I didn't have my phone near me. There's no need to shout."

Arnav was about to say something when he sighed. "You're right, I'm sorry."

Khushi sat down in a chair by the fireplace. "Is something wrong," she asked softly.

"Nothing, just stress. And without you here, I have no distraction."

Khushi smiled softly. "It's only been a week. This week will fly by, promise."

"Fly by? As if! I can't focus and I cant stop thinking about you."

Khushi blushed. "Really?"

"Yeah. It was so bad, I got hard during a meeting."

Khushi's jaw dropped to Arnav's audacity. "Arnav!"

"What? It's the truth!"

Khushi shook her head. "Unbelievable."

"It's not my fault! You try staying away from you for a week. Oh wait, you can't!"

Khushi held back her laugh. "Someone's cranky."

"Am not!"

This time she couldn't help herself. "Cranky-pants!"

"Khushi-!"

"Cranky-pants, cranky-pants," she sang.

"Khushi it's not funny, do you have any idea how awkward that was. I had to wait for everyone else to leave before I could adjust myself."

Khushi laughed harder, unable to help herself at all.

"Khushi," and she knew Arnav was frowning.

"I'm sorry, I can't help it!"

Arnav huffed and sat down on the bed.

"Okay, okay, I'm sorry. I won't laugh, promise."

"Yeah right, you'll just laugh after you hang up."

"Then I won't hang up."

"Is that so?"

"Mm hmm. If you'd like."

"If I'd like? Khushi would you do everything I say?"

"Yes."

"Even if I told you to jump off a cliff?"

"Yes."

"Khushi, I'm being serious."

"So am I."

Arnav was quiet for a moment. "Khushi that's absolutely ridiculous!"

"What-"

"No, that's just completely ridiculous! You'd just do it just because I said so? Where the hell is the logic behind this?"

"Arnav-"

"No Khushi, it's absolutely wrong!"

"Arnav, calm down. I wouldn't just do it because you said so. Besides, you'd never say that."

"I think I just might," he said angrily.

Khushi chuckled. "You'd never say that."

"And why wouldn't I?!"

"Because you can't live without me."

Arnav remained quiet and for a moment, Khushi wondered if he was still there. But her heartbeat said otherwise, and she knew that he was a having a moment, and she knew she was absolutely correct.

"I love you," Khushi said softly.

Khushi heard him sigh. "I love you too," he replied.

Khushi leaned back in the chair. "I wish you would come home early."

"Me too baby, but I can't," he sighed.

Khushi hummed, toying with her mangalsutra.

"Stop toying with your mangalsutra," Arnav said.

Khushi paused. "How did you know I was doing that," she asked, glancing around the room, secretly hoping he was actually here.

"Because you always do that when you think about me."

"Do I?"

"Mm hmm; you do it while lost in thought, so you never realize it yourself."

"How can I focus on what I'm doing when my mind is focused on you."

"I know," he replied, and Khushi could hear his smile.

Khushi looked down at her mangalsutra, still unconsciously toying with it.

"You also do it when you're being bold," Arnav teased.

Khushi's cheeks filled with blush while her eyes widened. "I do not!"

Arnav laughed. "Yes you do, baby, yes you do."

"When?! I never do that!"

"Again, you do it unconsciously. Usually you bite your lip while doing that."

"What the- no I don't! You're just trying to make fun of me."

"Trust me baby, I'm not. I'm replaying those moments in my head right now and to be honest, I'm hard as fuck right now."

"Arnav!"

Though secretly, Khushi was a bit turned on.

"I can't help it," Arnav defended. "It can't be helped when you've got such a sexy wife," he teased.

Khushi didn't say anything, feeling her body react instead.

Arnav groaned. "You're biting your lip and still toying with your mangalsutra, aren't you?"

Khushi scrunched her eyebrows and looked down, realizing that Arnav was right - she was still playing with her mangalsutra and she was biting her lip.

She released both. "I hate it when you're correct."

Arnav laughed. "I'm gonna let you go right now; I need to take a long shower."

Khushi pursed her lips. "Only shower?"

Arnav could heat the little taunt in her voice. "Any other ideas?"

"Maybe," Khushi blushed.

Arnav shut his eyes and took a deep breath. "Why didn't you come with me Khushi?"

"I'd like to," she whispered.

Arnav inhaled sharply. "Khushi...."

"Yes," and again she was toying with her mangalsutra.

Both were quiet for a moment, erotic visions playing in their head. Unfortunately, the sound of the hotel line ringing snapped both out of their dirty thoughts. Khushi heard him take the call and asked them to put the person on hold, then pick up his phone.

"Khushi, I have to go."

"Okay," Khushi said sadly.

"I'll be home soon, I promise."

Khushi looked down and nodded, even though Arnav wouldn't see her do so.

"Take care of dad and of Dai Ma, okay? Bye, I love you."

"I love you too," and the two hung up.

Take care of dad and of Dai Ma, okay?

This last bit rung in Khushi's head, bouncing off from one end of her brain to the next.

Papa I can take care of, but Dai Ma....

Khushi stood up and absentmindedly walked back and forth.

What does Dai Ma have against Ma? Papa said they were best friends. But then-?

Khushi remembered the last of what Divya had said:

Shalini! What was so good about her anyways? Yet you fell in love with her! It shouldn't have been her!"

'It shouldn't have been her'? What does she mean by that? I mean it's not like she-

Khushi paused, her eyes widening as her hand paused on her mangalsutra.

"Oh my gosh," she breathed.

Could it be? But that's just... does Dai Ma love Papa?

Chapter Thirty Two

"Arnav," Khushi gasped.

"That's it baby."

"Arnav-"

"Hush, I got you," Arnav soothed.

"Babe, I can't" she panted.

"Yes baby, you can."

Khushi groaned. "I can't lift anymore weights!"

Arnav and Khushi were in the gym room, working out. At first it was just Arnav working out and Khushi had come in to give him his cup of coffee, but she got stuck in daze, admiring her husband's physique. Unfortunately for her, Arnav got her to start working out with him, and now here she was, lifting weights.

"You're lucky I'm gonna be exhausted after this," Khushi frowned.

"Baby, these are like what? Two pound weights?"

"Five but it seems like fifty!"

Arnav chuckled. "Just a few more, come on."

Khushi groaned and did as he said, and the second she completed her set, she put the weights down and collapsed to the floor, laying down.

"My poor arms," Khushi whined.

Arnav chuckled as he joined her by her side. "It wasn't that bad baby."

Khushi made a face and boy if looks could kill, Arnav would've been done for!

"Don't ever make me do that again," Khushi exclaimed.

Arnav grinned. "Baby."

"I'd rather be a baby then be wiped out! I can't even get up cause I don't have the energy in me to do that!"

Arnav smirked lightly as he moved over her, moving in between her legs.

Khushi frowned. "Don't get any ideas Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada."

"Oh? Why not Mrs. Khushi Arnav Singh Raizada?"

"Because you're going to do 50 push-ups."

"Push-ups? Why," he chuckled.

"After the hell you put me through, you're going to go through it as well."

Arnav put his hands on the floor beside Khushi's face, trapping her under him. "Only 50?"

"I did 5 sets of ten so yes, 50 push-ups."

"Fine, 50 it is."

Arnav bent his arms and came closer to her face.

"Kiss me," Arnav murmured on her lips.

"I don't have the energy in me to do it and right now, I don't feel like kissing you after what you made me do," Khushi pouted.

Arnav chuckled and kissed her, then extended his arms. "One."

Khushi scrunched her eyebrows and Arnav bent his arms again, kissed her, then extended his arms.

"Two."

Khushi couldn't help herself but to smile. "A kiss for every push-up?"

Arnav bent his arms and kissed her. "Yes," he murmured on her lips, then went back up. "Three."

"Why?"

Arnav bent down and kissed her, then went back up. "For motivation. Four."

"Interesting.... I just might like this."

Arnav bent down. "Good," and he kissed her then moved back up. "Five."

Arnav continued to do this for next forty five push-ups. At fifty, Khushi was surprised that Arnav was still holding himself up as if he hadn't done any of the push-ups.

"I know you're strong, but I didn't know you were that strong," Khushi said.

"Baby, you're hurting my feelings," Arnav pouted.

Khushi chuckled and entwined her fingers in his damp hair. With her other hand, she wiped the little sweat beads that had formed on his forehead.

"I'm assuming you have some energy in you?"

Arnav cocked his eyebrow. "Yes I do. Why?"

Khushi didn't say anything and wrapped her legs around his waist.

Arnav gasped. "Is my Khushi being brave?"

Khushi nodded. "I want you."

Arnav grinned. "Now?"

Khushi nodded. "Yes."

"Here?"

Khushi's eyes widened. "Here?"

"Why not?"

"B-but what if someone comes looking for us?"

"Dad's been down at town hall since 7 in the morning and Dai Ma is doing groceries. Everyone else is busy doing their work."

"But-"

"Plus it's not like I have to wrap up anymore," he smirked.

Khushi blushed. A while back, she had gone to the doctors and had gotten the pill, just to be more careful. She had a scare that she was pregnant, but she got her gift from mother nature the week after. After that, Khushi just wanted to be careful. She didn't know what Arnav's opinion was on having chuldren. Although she'd like to have a baby now, she was scared to ask Arnav.

"What's wrong," Arnav asked.

Khushi looked up at him and shook her head. "Nothing important, just a thought."

Arnav nodded then kissed her. Khushi tightened her hold on him, tightening her hold of his hair. Arnav shifted and brought one of his hands down to her waist. He brought his hand under her t-shirt and Khushi moaned into his mouth.

"You're lucky I didn't change out of my pajamas today," Khushi said.

"True. Thank you dad and Dai Ma for leaving early and not having my wife go through wardrobe for breakfast."

Khushi pulled on his hair.

"Ow, sorry."

Khushi frowned. "I can't come down in my pajamas to breakfast. What would Papa think?"

"That you're normal."

Khushi tugged on his hair again.

"Ow, okay, sorry!"

Khushi pouted.

"Khushi, you've been in this house for more than a year. Aren't you comfortable yet?"

Khushi frowned. "I have been since the day I arrived here."

"Then why do you feel the need to present yourself."

Khushi pursed her lips.

"I've noticed that lately you've been trying harder, and I don't understand understand why."

Khushi looked down. How could she tell him what she heard Divya say about her?

"Khushi, you are perfect just the way you are. Even if you're in a baggy t-shirt and sweats."

Khushi smiled softly.

"I hope that while I'm away, you'll realize that."

Khushi groaned and looked away. "Do you have to go to Paris?"

"And London, yes. I told you to come with me. It could've been our second honeymoon," he grinned devilishly.

"No, I have to take care of Papa."

"What about me? Don't you have to take care of your husband? The number one husband in the world?"

"Number one? More like a hundred," Khushi teased.

Arnav gripped Khushi's waist. "Take that back."

"No," Khushi smirked.

Arnav tickled her sides, taking Khushi into a frenzy.

"Arnav- Arnav stop," she laughed.

"Take it back."

"No, stop!"

"Take it back Khushi," Arnav grinned.

Khushi tossed her head from side to side, howling with laughter. "No, I won't!"

Arnav continued to tickle her and Khushi continued to laugh.

"Be a good girl Khushi and say that I'm the best husband in the world."

Khushi could only laugh, unable to bring words to her lips.

"Say it."

"I- Arnav- I can't!"

"Say it."

"Stop tickling me, I can't speak!"

Arnav paused but he kept his grip on her waist. "Now say it."

Khushi caught her breath. "You're crazy."

Arnav poked her sides, causing Khushi to jolt.

"Hey," she exclaimed.

"Say it," Arnav said, his finger ready to poke her again.

"You're impossible."

Arnav cocked his eyebrow, ready to poke her, when Khushi stopped him.

"Okay! You're the best husband in the world. Happy?"

"Nope."

"What-"

Before Khushi could say anything else, Arnav sealed her lips with his. When he broke away, Khushi sighed.

"I'm gonna miss that. Two weeks?"

Arnav nodded. "Two weeks."

Unable to help herself, tears formed in Khushi's eyes.

"Oh baby, don't cry."

Khushi sniffled and looked away. "I'm not," she said, her voice cracking.

Arnav brought them up and brought her to his lap, cradling her in his arms. "It's not that long," Arnav said softly, running his fingers through her hair.

"I know," Khushi whispered.

"You won't be alone. You have Dad and Dai Ma with you."

"I know but... I don't know why, but I feel like something is going to happen."

"Like what?"

"I don't know... I can't tell if it'll be good or bad."

Arnav smiled. "Don't let your paranoia get to you babe. Everything will be okay."

Khushi held onto Arnav, hugging him. "I hope so."

Arnav stood up, taking Khushi in his arms. "It's obvious that you won't let this go, so it's up to me to distract you."

"Oh? And how will you do that," Khushi asked, though she had a pretty good idea what it was.

Arnav only winked and took her to their room.

Chapter Thirty One

Arnav groaned and burped.

"Arnav," Khushi scolded.

Arnav shrugged. "Sorry, I had too many luchis," he said innocently.

Khushi shook her head while Aryan chuckled.

"I love dinners like this," Aryan said. "All of us happy and kidding around. Its all thanks to you Khushi - you've brought happiness into our lives again," he winked.

Khushi blushed. "Surely I didn't do anything."

"But you have," Arnav said. "Dinner used to be dead quiet before you came. It was just awkward and weird. Thank you babe," he winked.

Khushi blushed and gaped at him while Arnav chuckled.

"You have no shame," Divya said.

Khushi looked up at her and she was shaking her head with a grin.

"Can't help it," Arnav shrugged.

Arnav caught the look on his father's face and he frowned.

"Oh don't you give me that face dad. I remember the stuff you did."

"What he did," Khushi questioned.

"I've done nothing," Aryan said innocently, taking a drink of his water.

"Counter top," Arnav said, and Aryan sputtered out his water.

Khushi looked at Aryan with wide eyes and went over to him. "Papa are you okay?"

Aryan wiped his mouth. "I thought we'd never mention that again."

Arnav shrugged. "You can't blame me for any of my actions. I just get it from my old man," he said, crossing his arms.

"What are you talking about," Divya asked.

"Busy in the kitchen," Arnav sang.

"Arnav," Aryan scolded.

Divya's eyes widened and she looked at Aryan. Khushi couldn't believe her own ears and looked at Aryan.

"Had I walked in a little later," Arnav continued, 'I probably would have-"

"That's enough Arnav," Aryan said.

Khushi pursed her lips, trying to stop herself from smiling. The way Aryan's face had turned red from embarrassment was just too cute.

"Like father, like son," Khushi said.

"Actually in our case, it's like father & mother-"

Aryan stopped himself and looked at Arnav. Khushi looked at him confusedly and then at Arnav. Arnav was looking down, the amusement on his face gone. Without a word, he got up and left.

"Arnav," Khushi called out.

She went after him but Arnav didn't stop and went upstairs. Khushi stood there, completely puzzled by her husband's actions.

Aryan came behind her and put his hand on her shoulder. "Just give him a moment."

Khushi looked at him confusedly. "Why did he leave like that? Is it because you mentioned Ma?"

Aryan nodded.

"But why? He usually doesn't react this way."

Aryan looked down. "It's Shalini's death anniversary today."

Khushi gasped. "It is? But why didn't anyone say anything?"

"Because we never speak of it."

Khushi scrunched her eyebrows. "I don't understand. And why didn't anyone mention this last year?"

"Arnav doesn't like it when we do something on her death anniversary. Ever since he was young, he hated it when we held a puja. So for his sake, we never do anything, mention it or bring her up during these times."

Khushi looked up the stairs. "He still can't get over it."

"I think he chooses not to be reminded because he wants to get over it. But no matter how many years pass, it doesn't get any easier."

"But I don't understand," she said, looking back at him "Why didn't anyone say anything last year? Or at least mention it to me?"

"Because Arnav knew you'd try to do something," he smiled softly.

Khushi pursed her lips.

"Remember when he kept going to the city for business?"

Khushi nodded and realization struck her. "He left because of that."

Aryan nodded.

Khushi's expression saddened. "Poor Arnav."

"Why don't you go on up to him."

Khushi nodded and did just that. She went on up to their room but when she entered, she didn't see Arnav. She looked around the room and froze when she saw a part of the wall open like a door.

What on earth, Khushi wondered.

She went over to it and  looked at it confusedly. Of all her time here, she had never even noticed something odd about the wall. Khushi peered in and saw a little hallway. With a gulp, Khushi entered and walked down the hall. She entered a vast room and found Arnav sitting in a chair by the fireplace.

"Arnav?"

Arnav snapped out of thought and looked at her and Khushi gaped.

Arnav was crying.

Khushi made her way over to Arnav and he took her hand and pulled her into his lap. He buried his face in her neck and Khushi held him securely.

"Arnav, are you okay," Khushi asked softly.

Arnav didn't reply so Khushi pulled away slightly and held his face in her hands. He looked down and Khushi tilted his head up so he'd meet her eyes.

"Look at me," Khushi said softy.

Arnav did and Khushi's heart clenched. She hated seeing him like this.

"Talk to me," Khushi said softly.

Arnav pulled her in closer and she laid her head on his chest. For a moment they were quiet, the sound of crackling from the fireplace echoing in the room.

"I miss her," Arnav finally said.

Khushi held his hand to her chest, waiting for him to continue.

"When I was young, I thought she would come back," he continued. "I thought since they didn't find her body, she was still out there."

Khushi bit her lip to hold back her gasp. She was surprised by the information, but she didn't want to interrupt Arnav.

"I waited but year after year passed. Eventually I realized how stupid I was being, so I left town and stayed in the city to escape it all."

"But you came back," Khushi said. "You came here in your final year, just like Ma."

Arnav nodded then he sighed. He shut his eyes and nuzzled Khushi’s hair.

Both sat there for a while, embracing the crackles the fireplace made. Khushi understood that Arnav needed this.

Arnav sighed. "Would you do something for me?"

"Anything," Khushi replied.

"Will you visit my mother's grave with me?"

Khushi caressed his face. "Of course."

Arnav kissed her forehead. "Thank you," he whispered against it.

"Anything  for you," Khushi whispered back.

Arnav gazed at her then sealed her lips with his. "I love you so much," he breathed in between kisses.

"I love you too."

*~*

Khushi looked at Arnav. "I'm ready."

Arnav reached out and took her hand.  He placed a kiss in the palm of her hand then led them out. They headed out of the house and got in Arnav's car. He drove off into town, leaving it behind to go to the cemetery. Arnav eventually stopped and the two got out of the car. Arnav took Khushi's hand and he led her up a small hill to Shalini's grave. Khushi caught her breath at the sight of the polished, black marble tombstone. 

"Because we never found her body, my dad decided to put this tombstone in," Arnav clarified. "This way if we missed her a lot, we had a place to go."

Arnav crouched down and sat by the tombstone. Khushi joined him and sat down beside him. Arnav took her hand in his then looked at the tombstone.

"Hey Ammu. I'm sorry this took so long, but I brought your daughter in law," Arnav said.

Khushi smiled softly. Although it may seem weird to some that Arnav was talking to the tombstone, Khushi didn't think of it that way.

"I hope you aren't mad that I took so long," Arnav continued. "You know how difficult it is for me. Plus, to be honest, I've been very distracted lately. Thanks to a certain someone," he said, looking at Khushi.

Khushi blushed, a soft smile playing on her lips.

Arnav continued on with his conversation with his mother and Khushi watched in awe. He was very happy, chatting away and telling his mother everything since the last time he had been here. 

Arnav sighed. "I miss you Ammu. I really wish you were here with us."

"But she is," Khushi said, taking Arnav's hand and placing it over his heart. "Right here."

Arnav smiled and pulled Khushi into his lap.

"Arnav, what are you doing? Not in front of Ma!"

"Please, she'd be happy to see us like this. Ecstatic really." He tucked a strand of her hair behind her ear. "I wish she was here so she could personally meet you, see you."

"She watches over us everyday," Khushi smiled softly 

Arnav looked up at the moonlit sky. "She does, doesn't she."

Khushi nodded. "And she always wants the best for her son."

Arnav looked at Khushi. She smiled softly and he caressed her face. 

"I love you Khushi."

"I love you too Arnav."

Arnav brought his face close to hers to give her a kiss, when Khushi placed her hand over Arnav's lips.

"Arnav, not in front of Ma."

"She doesn't care," and he moved her hand out of the way and sealed her lips with his.

Khushi could feel all of his emotions pouring through thus kiss. The love, the passion, and the intensity was expressed through their kiss. She knew Arnav needed her more than ever, and she would always be there for her.

"I need you now," Arnav said in between kisses.

Khushi understood that he didn't just mean the he needed her, but that be needed her.

And Khushi did as well.

"Take me home," Khushi breathed.

Without another word, Arnav got up on his feet, picking Khushi up. He took her back to the car and drove home.

As Arnav drove away, a figure appeared behind one of the trees.

It won't be long now.

Chapter Thirty

With days passing by, AR Industries became busier and busier. Arnav and Khushi were busier than ever, as they had landed a really good deal. Khushi felt bad that she was spending most of her time on the company instead of housework, but Arnav needed her help more than anyone.

One day, Khushi had managed to make some spare time. She headed on down to the kitchen and found Dai Ma working.

"Dai Ma, do you need help," she asked.

"I'm fine," she smiled sweetly.

"You sure? And do you know where Papa is? I wanted to ask him if he wanted kheer for dessert or something else."

"I think he's in his study."

"Okay," Khushi smiled, and she turned away.

Dai Ma turned back to her work and scoffed. "Do you need help? What the hell does it look like? Do I need help," she mocked. "I still can't believe Aryan brought this random village girl into the house as Chote's wife."

She twitched her lips. "You'd think bringing in a village girl would help around the house but no! Now she thinks of herself as some Maharani," she scoffed. "I told Aryan to let me find a girl for Chote, but no! Chote will fall in love, he said. Well look at the trash he brought in."

"Dai Ma?"

She turned around to see Khushi standing there.

"Could you leave a bowl of flour and a jug of water for me, please? Arnav wants to eat luchis today."

Her eyes widened slightly, though on the inside she was relieved Khushi hadn't heard her. 

"Oh," she said innocently.

"Yeah," Khushi smiled softly. "He just asked me out of the blue."

Dai Ma smiled. "Well if that's what Chote desires to eat, then that's what will be made."

Khushi smiled. "Thanks."

Khushi walked out of the kitchen and stood by the door. She heard Dai Ma sigh and move some items.

"She's lucky Chote asked," Dai Ma said. "If that bitch decided on it, I'd just pretend to forget."

Khushi's eyes widened and she turned away to go to the study.

Oh my gosh, Khushi thought. I can't believe Dai Ma just said that! And the stuff before!

That's right, Khushi had heard what Dai Ma had said.

Why does she hate me? I never did anything to her? Is she mad that I haven't been helping her lately?

"Khushi?"

Khushi snapped out of her thoughts and looked up to see herself standing outside of the study. Aryan looked at her curiously, a photo album in his hands.

"Is something wrong," he asked.

Khushi shook her head. "No," she lied. "I just wanted to ask if you'd like kheer for dessert or something else."

"Kheer is fine sweetheart," he smiled softly.

Khushi nodded and looked at the album in his hands. "What's that," she asked curiously, going over to him.

"Just some pictures of me and Shalini," he sighed sadly.

Khushi looked up at him then looked at the pictures. Aryan handed the album over to her and Khushi took it. She looked at the pictures in front of her, gazing away at the beautiful couple in the photos.

"Ma looks beautiful," Khushi said, putting her hand on top of a photo.

"She was," Aryan smiled softly.

Khushi looked up at Aryan. "If you don't mind me asking, how did you two meet?"

Aryan chuckled. "That is actually an interesting tale. Filmy, but interesting."

"Filmy? How," Khushi wondered, her eyes beaming with amusement.

"We met here, in this town. I was at the open market in the plaza with my friends, messing around, when a beautiful someone bumped into me."

Khushi tilted her head. "Did she really bump into you," she smirked lightly.

Aryan chuckled. "No, I did since I was walking backwards, but of course I told her she was at fault. And boy did she give me a face," he chuckled.

"Oh?"

"When we bumped into each other, I turned around to see who it was and found her gaping at me. Her face scrunched up and she started to yell at me, telling me to watch where I was going."

"What did you say?"

"At first? Nothing. She was the most beautiful person I ever laid my eyes on. Eventually I spoke and told her to watch where she was going since she was walking forward and knew where she was going. And then I flirted with her saying, and I quote, unless you purposely bumped into me."

Khushi gaped. "Oh my gosh! Did you wink? And what did she say?"

"I winked alright," he chuckled. "After she stared at me for saying that, I did it. And when I did that, her jaw dropped and she tried to say something, but I just smirked at her," he grinned.

"Oh my gosh," Khushi chuckled. "Then?"

"Then she made a face and walked away, muttering under her breath."

"Just like that? You didn't say anything else to her?"

Aryan shook his head. "Nope. I just watched her walk away, huffing and looking back to scowl. She was definitely muttering under her breath and no matter how many times I asked her later on what she said then, she played it off. Well, except that one time...."

"When was the next time you saw her?"

"College. First day of our last year."

Khushi’s eyebrows shot up. "Really?"

Aryan nodded. "She had just moved to town with her family and she transferred in."

"To our college? Senior year? But that's what Arnav-"

Khushi’s eyes widened and Aryan smiled sadly. Khushi caught her breath and looked down.

So that's the real reason he came back to town, she thought.

"What happened when you saw her again," Khushi asked softly.

Aryan looked down, smiling softly. He took the photo album from Khushi and flipped back a couple of pages and showed her a picture.

"This picture was taken on our first day," he said. "And back there," he pointed, "is Shalini."

Khushi looked at the picture and saw a young Aryan with three other guys, their arms around each other's necks while they grinned away. In the background, there were people stuck in their own business and right by Aryan's finger was Shalini, dressed in a white selwar kameez, looking to her right with a paper in her hands.

"Just after we took the picture, we turned and she came bumping into me again," Aryan chuckled softly. "Her eyes had widened and she stared me in shock and the first thing she said to me was you?!"

Khushi chuckled.

"I flirted of course, asking her if she was following me and she rolled her eyes at me and walked away."

"You didn't stop her?"

"Nope. She just walked away, huffing and muttering again," he chuckled.

"I'm assuming you saw her around?"

"Definitely." He put the album down and crossed his arms. "The first time I saw her, she just... she was just so beautiful. Yet every time I saw her after that...."

"After that...?"

Aryan chuckled and looked at Khushi. "The first time I saw Shalini, she was dressed up, wearing a red selwar kameez. Her hair was done, she had all these bangles on, and she had makeup on. But when I saw her the second time, and every time after that, she never dressed that way again.

"Shalini wasn't one of those girls who wore makeup. Unless there was something to celebrate or it was a good day, then she would. I hear a lot of people say that makeup makes a woman more beautiful. But when it came to Shalini, it was the complete opposite."

Khushi smiled softly. "You loved her just the way she was."

Aryan nodded. "A woman's natural beauty is what makes her truly beautiful. Not some product that say you aren't beautiful until you put their product on."

Khushi nodded.

Aryan sighed and looked at the album. He flipped through the pages until he came to picture of Shalini.

"She had her sister take this one. She had a presentation that day, so she was really excited. Yet on the way, she bumped into me again."

Khushi chuckled. "Again?"

"Oddly enough," he chuckled. "When we bumped into each other, I said how it was weird we kept bumping into each other. Of course, she was irritated and said that I was stalking her and bumping into her on purpose."

"And what did you say?"

"I said it was a smart idea and that I'd do that," he winked.

Khushi chuckled. "Seriously?"

"Mm hmm. And did she give me a face or what! She huffed away and I called out to her, telling her that I loved her."

Khushi gasped. "You did?"

Aryan nodded. "I did. She turned right back around and gaped at me, completely shocked. I could only grin at her and then she made a face and huffed away."

"Just like that? She didn't say a single word?"

"I'm sure she did in her mind," he chuckled. "The next time I saw her she tried to turn away, but I ran up to her. I apologized for startling her but I had only ran up to her because I didn't know her name to call out to her. It took all those bump-ins to learn her name, though it wasn't easy. She didn't want to tell me, but I got it out of her," he smiled proudly. "When I did, she got mad that I got it out of her and walked away."

"Why do I get the feeling you stopped her," Khushi said suspiciously.

"I didn't exactly. I called out to her, saying that every time so far, she's always bumped into me and has always walked away from me. But one day, she'd coming running towards me and into my arms."

"And one day she did," Khushi smiled.

"Indeed she did. And like a movie, she came running in the rain, straight into my arms," he smiled softly, the memory playing in his head.

Khushi looked down at the picture of Shalini and flipped to the next page, which was filled with her pictures. "What made Ma realize that she loved you?"

"A few more bump-ins, some flirting, and saving her."

"Saving her? What happened?"

"Shalini was going home from the library and I was going out to a party. I took a detour to get some beer, when I saw some goons annoying her."

"And like a scene from a movie, you fought them off," Khushi grinned.

Aryan grinned. "I'm a hero after all."

Khushi chuckled. "I'm assuming she fell in love with you then?"

Aryan nodded. "Though she didn't understand it at the time. Every time she saw me after that, she had this gleam of wonder in her eyes. Although she hadn't figured it out yet, I could tell by that gleam in her eyes that she was in love with me."

"How long did it take for her to confess?"

"I saved her Friday night and she came running into my arms the week after."

"In only seven days?"

"Mm hmm. But that's because I approached her on Monday. I told her that I could see her feelings for me clearly. Her eyes gave everything away. She told me she didn't know what i was talking about. So I told her that next Saturday morning, I'd be waiting for her at the plaza, exactly where we first met. If she realized what she truly felt for me, then she'd come to me that morning. If not, then I'd never bother her again and she would never see me again."

Khushi gasped. "You'd never see her again?"

Aryan shook his head. "It would only keep her in peace."

"But she loved you."

"But she didn't know it yet. And if she didn't, well, I wouldn't bother her with it."

Khushi nodded, understanding his point.

"Its a good thing she came that day. I don't know how I could have ever avoided her for so long. I loved her too much to stay away from her."

"But she did come running to you."

"And we were together ever since. Every day after that, we spent it together. At first it was for a certain amount of time - I hated it."

"Hated it? Why?"

"Spending a few hours with her weren't enough. I wanted to spend every waking second with her. I even told her that and she only laughed. Then I promised her that one day, I'd have her for the entire day. Just me and her, no one else, spending a whole day together with no intrusions."

Khushi smiled softly as she remembered Arnav saying the same to her.

"My wish came true though. But instead of it being just one day, it became the rest of our lives. We were together everyday, starting and ending our days together. Our lives went on like this, happily in love together. ...then one day she was gone."

Khushi pursed her lips and looked down.

"We promised each other we'd be together forever." Aryan picked up the album and gazed away at a picture of Shalini. "Only forever got cut short."

Khushi chewed on her lip. "What happened to Ma," she asked softly. "Arnav never mentioned it, not to mention barely mentions her."

Aryan didn't say anything for a moment, quietly looking at the picture.

"It's okay if you don't want to talk about it. I understand it's difficult."

Aryan sighed. "I would tell you, but it's still hard to talk about it. Even after all these years."

Khushi placed her hand on Aryan's arm. "It's okay papa."

Aryan flipped through the pages of the album, both him and Khushi looking at the pictures. 

"Wait," Khushi said, "is that Dai Ma with Ma?"

"Yeah, this was when Shalini was pregnant."

Khushi looked at the photo. Both women were smiling in the photo, but for some reason, Khushi sensed something off about Dai Ma's smile. 

"How do they know each other," Khushi asked. 

"They were best friends after Shalini moved here. Divya was around some of the moments Shalini and I bumped into each other," he chuckled lightly.

Khushi's scrunched her eyebrows. "Divya?"

"That's her name. I guess you when you call a person by the relation you tend to not know their name," he chuckled lightly.

"Yeah," Khushi said absentmindedly, looking at a picture of Shalini  and Divya together. "How odd is it that even though I've been in this house for more than a year, I don't even know her name? It's like I don't even know her at all."

Aryan's soft chuckle snapped Khushi back to reality. "I guess. It's funny how I barely call her by her name. I just find her and ask for something, that's it."

"Hmm...."

Khushi just looked at the photo, specifically at Divya.

Dai Ma, Khushi thought, why do I get the feeling you're nothing but shady?