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?

Chapter Twenty Nine

Arnav frowned. "It's our anniversary party, yet we can't even celebrate in our own home."

Khushi looked at his reflection in the mirror while she did her makeup. "Maybe, but it's a sweet gesture."

"Gluing my hands to my balls? I don't think so!"

Khushi giggled. "They're so sweet."

Arnav frowned. "I'll pretend I didn't hear that."

Khushi stuck her tongue out and finished up her makeup. "How do I look?"

Arnav sighed and got up from the bed, making his way over to his wife. "Beautiful as ever. But I prefer you without all the junk. You're perfect, just the way you are," he smiled.

Khushi blushed. "Kiss up," she teased.

Arnav cupped her face. "More like honest man."

Khushi smiled softly and kissed him softly on his lips. "I love you."

"I love you, too," and he kissed her.

The two held onto each other, when they heard the sound of someone clearing their throat. Both broke away instantly when they saw Dai Ma's back. While Khushi felt death would be better at the moment, Arnav found the situation too funny, though he suppressed his laughs.

"I'm assuming you're both ready," Dai Ma said, still not facing them.

"Uh, yeah," Arnav said casually. "We'll see you downstairs."

Dai Ma only nodded and left the room. When the door shut, Khushi groaned and sat down on the bed, covering her face.

"Kill me now," she groaned.

Arnav frowned. "It's not that big of a deal."

Khushi looked up at him with wide eyes. "She saw us kissing," she stressed, blushing really hard.

Arnav smirked. "Aww, my shy, timid wife is turning crimson."

"Am not," she defended, though Arnav was correct.

Arnav chuckled. "Are too."

Khushi frowned. "You're lucky it's our anniversary today, mister."

"Hmm, bold Khushi - I like," he winked.

Khushi rolled her eyes and got up. "Shall we?"

Arnav held his arm out for Khushi to link to. The couple walked out of their room and went downstairs. They joined the others, then headed out to the reception. Upon arrival, everyone clapped their hands and cheered, congratulating the couple. Lavanya went up to them and led them to the stage, seating them down. She picked up a mic by the DJ and spoke.

"Good evening everyone and welcome! Tonight, we celebrate the first anniversary of Bhai's and Bhabi's marriage."

Everyone clapped.

"Food is being placed now, so everyone can go line up. In a few, some of our loved ones will share a story. Thank you."

Lavanya turned off the mic and the guests dispersed. She went over to the couple, as well as Akash, Payal, NK, and Seema.

"Aww, you followed the family tradition," Lavanya said to Khushi.

Khushi smiled. "Of course."

"So Nanav, you ready for me to say an embarrassing story to the guests," NK said, wagging his eyebrows mischievously.

Arnav frowned. "Shut up."

Seema hit NK's arm. "Can't you behave for once." she teased.

"NK not messing with Bhai? That would take a miracle," Akash said.

Seema sighed. "Why didn't I fall in love with a man that's as calm as Akash?"

"Hey," NK exclaimed.

"Serves you right," Arnav smirked.

Payal wrapped her arm around her husband's. "Well sorry, but he's taken."

"Why me," Seema mocked.

NK gaped at her and Khushi chuckled.

"It's okay NK," Khushi said. "You have me."

"That's right," NK exclaimed, and he sat down beside Khushi.

"What the," Arnav said.

Khushi linked her arm with NK's and everyone but Arnav chuckled.

NK looked at Arnav. "Jealous you don't have this kind of connection," he said, wagging his eyebrows.

Seema scoffed. "As if." She sat down beside Arnav. "He's got me," she said, linking her arm with Arnav's.

Payal went around and stood behind them. "And me," she said, sticking her tongue out.

"Two beats one," Arnav smirked.

NK gaped at his wife and at Payal, and he squinted at Arnav.

Khushi scoffed. "Two beats one, huh?"

Khushi reached out and took Akash's hand. He went around and stood behind Khushi.

"Two on two," Khushi smirked.

NK made a face to Arnav. "What now Nanav?"

Both sides squinted each other down, not realizing the photographer was standing in front of the stage, taking pictures of them. The two sides continued to stare each other down, refusing to loose. Then they remembered Lavanya and they looked at her. Lavanya felt scared by their stares because they looked at her like she was meat, and they hadn't eaten in days.

Lavanya held her hand up. "Don't look at me, you'll loose regardless cause I'm on both sides."

"You should be on my side cause I'm your brother," Arnav said.

"But I'm you bhabi, making me even more special," Khushi said.

Lavanya chewed on the inside of her lip.

"What's it going to be," NK asked.

"Choose wisely," Seema said.

Lavanya gulped.

"Well," Payal questioned.

"What have you decided," Akash asked.

"Okay, why do I feel like I'm suddenly in a horror movie," Lavanya said.

No one said anything, waiting for her decision.

"You know what, I don't care!"

Lavanya turned around and sat down in between Arnav and Khushi. Everyone gaped at her and the photographer raised his camera.

"Smile," Lavanya grinned.

Everyone looked up at the photographer and he took the picture, everyone but Lavanya looking puzzled in the photo.

*~*

While they all bickered, the guests ate away. Music played in the background and the little kids messed around on the dance floor. Everyone was busy with their own thing. So busy, that no one realized there was an uninvited guest. Even if they were to, they never would have expected this guest to be here at all.

*~*

"What is going on here?"

Khushi looked up. "Shyam!"

Khushi got up and hugged her brother, Arnav joining her by her side.

"How are you Di," Sham asked, letting her go.

"Happy," Khushi smiled.

"Good."

Shyam shook hands with Arnav.

"You're here alone," Khushi asked.

"I didn't say anything to anyone and came on my own."

Khushi's smile slightly dropped. "Oh."

Arnav wrapped his arm around Khushi's waist. "I'm glad you could make it."

"Of course! Anything for my sister," Sham smiled.

The photographer came and took a picture of them.

Lavanya came running over. "Time for the speeches," she sang.

"Oh lord," Arnav groaned.

Khushi chuckled. "This should be interesting."

Lavanya got the mic again and asked everyone to settle down. Everyone sat in their seats and gave their full attention to Lavanya.

"Thank you. We're now going to share some of our favorite moments with Bhai, and I think I'll go first?"

She looked back at the others and they nodded.

"Okay! So I'm Lavanya. Um, of course there's been a lot of precious moments. Growing up, I've always seen Bhai, as we used to live here in this town at the time. Like any brother-sister relationship, there's always been a lot of teasing and kidding around. I remember one time when I was just a teenager-"

"You still are," Arnav said.

"Am not!"

Everyone chuckled.

"Anyways, were was I? Oh yeah, when I was just a teenager, Bhai would be very protective. It was bad I had NK bhai and Akash bhai hovering over me, but he was something else. I remember him dropping me off to school and if any guy looked at me, he would stare them down so badly, it was like he'd have lasers shooting at them."

Everyone chuckled and Khushi held Arnav's hand with a smile.

Lavanya chuckled. "When I think about it now, it's quite funny. But at the time, it was very irritating" she frowned.

"You're welcome," Arnav smirked.

"Actually, a thank you does come in order here because I might not have found the man I truly love," she said, looking at Aman. "So thanks Bhai for being so annoying."

"You're welcome," Arnav smiled with his boy-ish charm.

"And I'm glad you found the love of your life too. Thank you."

Everyone clapped.

"Who's next," Lavanya said.

Akash came forward. "I'll go," and he took the mic.

"Hi. I'm Akash. Um, talking to crowds isn't really my thing, but when it comes down to Bhai, I have to."

Everyone smiled softly.

"Although we're only a year apart, sometimes it would feel like we were years apart. Bhai always had this thing about him that made him seem older, more mature. Growing up, I looked up to him. He was and is my role model."

Arnav smiled softly.

"Ive seen people my age do a ton of crazy stuff, but like an older brother, Bhai always helped me from right and wrong. And I guess, in a way, he's made me who I am today. And because of that, I found the woman that I love oh so very much."

Payal smiled.

"So thanks Bhai. And congrats on finding the woman of your life," he smiled.

Everyone erupted into applause and Payal took the mic.

"Hi, I'm Payal. Um, so I met Bhai only a month or so after Akash and I started dating. I was kinda nervous because I knew how important of a figure he was to Akash. In fact, I was scared to meet Bhai. Knowing how important he was, I was scared I was going to make the wrong impression. But Bhai turned out to be really sweet and very supportive. I remember when we'd go out to events, Bhai would be alone."

Khushi looked at Arnav curiously.

"He never had a woman by his side, even though a lot of women wanted to be with him. I would always wonder why, but now I know," she said, looking back at Khushi. "He was destined to be with someone else."

Khushi smiled and Arnav held her hand.

"Love you guys," Payal smiled, and everyone applauded.

Seema looked at her husband and he gestured her to take the stage. She shook her head at him as she got up to take the mic.

"Guess I'm next then," she said. "Hi everyone, I'm Seema. I met Bhai a long time ago, and I mean a long time ago. I was only in the sixth grade when NK first introduced me to him. I admit, I was pretty nervous. Besides the fact that he was family, I heard how serious of a person he was. But typical NK, he totally exaggerated."

NK frowned and Arnav chuckled.

"Bhai was totally chill and... and he was sweet like... l-like...."

Seema hesitated a bit.

"I'm sorry," she tried to laugh off. "Um, Bhai was totally chill... a-and he was like a brother to me."

Knowing how difficult it was, NK went over to his wife and held her hand. Seema glanced at him and smiled lightly as he squeezed her hand lightly. 

Seema took a deep breath. "As an orphan... it's hard to imagine ever having a family. Even though I had only met at the time and knew him for only a while, he made me feel like family," she smiled lightly, tears pooling in her eyes. "It truly felt like he was actually m-my brother."

Arnav smiled lightly and so did Khushi. 

"I knew NK was wrong. He wasn't as serious as NK had claimed. Bhai was very sweet and loving and I knew that some girl out there would be very lucky to have someone like him in their life," she said, looking back at Khushi. "Congrats you two on your first anniversary."

Everyone clapped and Arnav got up to give Seema a hug.

NK took hold of the mic. "He's only nice to you wifey."

Seema frowned and lightly hit him on his arm while NK chuckled. Arnav and Seema took their seats and NK turned to the crowd.

"Hey everyone, hope you guys are enjoying the party," NK said.

The crowd cheered and NK grinned.

"Good, that means we'll have a blast when the music starts," he grinned.

Everyone chuckled.

"For those of you who don't me, and I mean who doesn't know me," he chuckled, "I'm NK."

Someone whooped and NK pointed out them.

"Oh yeah! Got a fan in the crowd," he grinned. "Anyways, out of us three bros, I'm the youngest. Which obviously means I'm the cutest."

Some girls hollered and whooped.

"Sorry ladies, happily married," he said, pointing at his ring.

Some of them whined and NK grinned while Seema made a face.

"So, as I was saying: I'm the youngest bro. Which means I'm the bratty one."

Everyone chuckled.

"In all honesty, I can be annoying. Especially when it comes to Nanav.

"Ever since Nanav first called himself that, I found myself calling him that and it just stuck with me. As much as it annoys him, he knows that deep down, he loves it."

"Actually, I don't," Arnav said. 

"Ignore him," and everyone chuckled.

"While I may be the most annoying person in Nanav's life," he continued, "I also hold a special place in his heart."

"Lies," Arnav said.

"Don't be in denial," NK smiled.

Everyone chuckled again and Khushi playfully hit Arnav's arm.

"When we were young," NK continued, "I used to live in this town with my family. It was like a party everyday when it came to us Raizada's. We were at each other's place basically everyday! And of all of our places to go, I looked forward to going to Nanav's place because I was crazy for Kaki Ma's cookies."

At the mentioning of his mother, Arnav smiled sadly. Khushi noticed the expression on his face sadden, and she held his hand, giving it a light squeeze. She glanced at Aryan and saw him sigh, straighten his spine, and cross his arms, looking lost in thought.

"When I think about it now, I'm pretty sure it annoyed the crap out of her," he chuckled lightly. "But no matter what, she always had a batch of chocolate chip cookies ready for me."

Aryan sighed, memories flashing in his mind.

NK took a moment before he continued. "Growing up, I always saw the tremendous amount of love she poured on Nanav. The amount of love she had... it was just... something else really. And Nanav was pretty darn spoiled," he chuckled.

Arnav frowned while everyone chuckled lightly.

"There's this one moment that's always stayed stuck in my head. I think I was about five years old when this happened. Or maybe- no, I had just turned five and Nanav was turning seven. Anywho, I was looking for Nanav to ask him if I could play on the Nintendo 64, and I found him with Kaki Ma. They were talking about stuff and one thing I remember from that conversation was Kaki Ma talking about him getting married to a beautiful woman in the future. Of course, at the time I had laughed about it, but when I think about it now, it makes me wonder how she knew," he said, winking at Khushi.

Khushi smiled lightly.

"Nanav was always good at heart and that's really because of Kaki Ma, no offense Kaka," he said, looking at Aryan.

Aryan shook his with a soft smile.

"Kaki Ma always made sure that Nanav was sweet and kind-hearted. But when Kaki Ma passed away..." He took a shuddering breath. "Nanav changed after that. He closed himself off and was always upset."

Khushi was surprised by the information and she glanced at Arnav, who only looked straight at NK.

"He wasn't the same. Akash and I tried to lighten up his mood, but he wouldn't budge. For a while I wondered what to do, when I remembered what Kaki Ma had said to him once: never change and always be the good and kind boy you are. It stuck with me and I felt that it was necessary of me to do something. So I began to annoy him."

Some people chuckled lightly and some had tears pooling.

"I made it my obligation to keep Nanav the way he was. It helped that Akash was around, though they ended up moving away to the city for about two years, but that didn't stop me from my mission. And I think me annoying him and keeping him on his toes is what brought him back to being him. So basically, if there's any reason why I annoy him, it's because I love him," he said, his throat closing up. He faced Arnav. "And if Kaki Ma were here today, she'd be so proud of you."

Arnav got up and he gave NK a hug. The two brothers hugged while everyone had tears pooling in their eyes and their throats were closed up.

Arnav let go of NK and messed with his hair, causing everyone to chuckle. NK frowned and released him, and tried to get Arnav, and the two started to mess around.

"Okay, okay, you got me," NK said, and Arnav stopped and gave him a hug. "I love you bro."

Arnav smiled. "And no one loves you."

"Hey!"

"Okay, okay," Aryan said, coming to break the two, "no fighting you two. It seems like marriage didn't even make you two grow up."

Everyone chuckled.

Lavanya came over and took the mic from NK. "Now then, why don't we bring up the mood and start this party?"

Everyone hollered. Lavanya looked at the DJ and he turned up the music. People got on to the dance floor and the Raizada clan joined. Everyone danced the night away, going crazy as they all got sweaty and makeup dissolved away.

While everyone was too preoccupied, the unknown guest remained hidden. The guest glanced out from their hiding place and watched Arnav and Khushi as they held each other and danced the night away. The guest glanced around the crowd until their eyes landed on someone.

I'm coming for you.