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.