Part30 Decision

Khushi was returning back to RM with a heavy heart. Her parents got to know about Lavanya.... The thing; Arnav never wanted them to know. But fate had planned something. Who knows Vikas would come, searching for Lavanya? That was an unexpected turning point of the story. Lavanya's bad luck she left the world without knowing that her boyfriend wanted her badly.

Khushi thought Lavanya had chosen a wrong guy and he cheated on her. But Vikas seemed a true lover. Or else he won't bring his mother to get Lavanya. But it's too late. There is no use of it which got slipped from his hands long ago.

Khushi thought what Garima asked for. A poor mother... who was in guilt. She was not wrong though. Maybe, Lavanya was not wrong in Vikas's scenario. But she was utterly wrong when it comes to Arnav. She should have told him the truth when she decided to commit suicide. At least, he would have changed his mind towards her.

Khushi (in mind): Now, it's my responsibility to bring Arnavji out of it. But... he makes me confused by his actions. He talks something and does totally opposite to it. What he is up to? What he thinks? Does he really want me not to think of ANYTHING? He wants me to study. It's fine. But doesn't mean I should be aloof from him. Will it affect my studies or what? What he knows about Khushi Gupta... I mean... Khushi Gupta Singh Raizada....? Won't I write my exams well? Yeah... I will... then why the hesitation? Go girl... utilize your mother's wish...

She got cleared.

RM

Khushi saw Ratna thinking very deep, standing in front of the stove. She touched Ratna's shoulder. Ratna jerked by her touch.

Ratna smiled at her.

Ratna: Chotte asked us to have dinner as he is going for a meeting.

Khushi(nodding ok): Are you alright Amma?

Ratna nodded yes.

Khushi: But it seems different.... Won't you tell me what?

Ratna: Are you happy with Chotte, Khushi?

Khushi got stuck. She composed herself and nodded yes.

Ratna: I shouldn't ask you this, but...

Khushi: Amma, you can ask me anything.

Ratna: But, poking my nose into your personal won't be decent.

Khushi: Amma... I'm calling you Amma... that means, I'm your daughter. We can share anything.

Ratna: No beta... I don't think this is the right time.

Khushi: Amma, please...

Ratna: Promise me you won't take me wrong.

Khushi: I promise I will never take you wrong.

Ratna: When will I get my grandchildren?

Khushi widened her eyes. She shivered inwardly.

Khushi: Ohhh...

Ratna: I'm asking this doesn't mean I want grandchildren right away. I know it will take time. For that, you both have to cross a long way... together... hands-on hands... I don't know what's going on in between you two guys. You guys seem close to each other sometimes and sometimes you look like strangers. I think both of you are hesitating to take a step towards one another. And it's obvious. But... you have to... because this is your life. I know I shouldn't ask you this.... (hesitatingly) Will you take the first step Khushi? (Khushi gulped down) Trust me; you will see the extreme change in Chotte. He is not what you are thinking, beta. (pause) I just want to play with my grandchildren before the heart attack hits me again.

Khushi: Amma, please don't say like that...

Ratna: Reality is often disappointing, Beta... but we have to accept it. Will you do what I said....?

Khushi nodded yes.

Khushi: I will do Amma...

Ratna caressed her hair pleasingly. Khushi left the kitchen thinking deep.

Ratna huffed in relief. It will be better if she asks Khushi than Arnav. Her son is a duffer. He won't listen to her words. He does what he feels right. But Khushi is not that kind of girl. She considers.... Ratna believed Khushi will take care of Arnav because she sensed a glimpse of love in Khushi's eyes for Arnav. And she was not wrong though.

Khushi was sitting on the bed. She was thinking about Ratna's request. Both the mothers are the same. They are insisting a particular thing. Is it that promising? They think Arnav will get rid of LA's thought if Khushi forwards her steps towards Arnav. Of course, she also wants the same because she loves Arnav. But how will she take the FIRST step? What Arnav will think about her? What will his reaction be if she takes the first step? Didn't he say, don't think about ANYTHING? What if he takes her wrong? But what if he is not? Didn't he reciprocate her in Mumbai? Without trying anything, is coming to the conclusion good? Why not she tries? After all, this is her life. What is going to happen at the maximum? He will scold... right? No... he won't...

Her eyes fell on the chessboard. She remembered what Ratna told that day. Arnav won't let his beloved ones lose the game. He intentionally loses the game to make them happy. Didn't she say? Of course, Khushi herself experienced it once.

She raised her head seeing Arnav getting in. Khushi smiled at him.

Arnav: How are your parents?

Khushi was silent. Arnav looked at her and sensed something wrong.

Arnav: Did you open up?

Khushi (nodding NO): I didn't but they got to know...

Arnav(shockingly): But how?

Khushi: Vikas came to GH with his mother.

Arnav: Vikas?

Khushi: Lavanya's boyfriend...

Arnav: whaaat! Why?

Khushi: Unaware of Lavanya's death, he came to ask her hand from my father.

Arnav was really awestruck. What he thought about Lavanya's Love is right.

Khushi: Amma and Babuji are broken down Arnavji...

Her eyes tear up.

Arnav: Did you say I know about it?

Khushi: No...

Arnav(sighing): What about Vikas?

Khushi: He is broken down more than my parents. He even shouted at his mother for what she did.

Arnav: Poor guy...

Khushi: But what's the use even if Lavanya is alive?

Arnav: Simple... I would have made her married to him.

Khushi (shockingly): What....?

Arnav: Yeah... They love each other. Then what's the point in holding her in the unwanted relationship?

Khushi (unbelievably: What about the society?

Arnav: We are the society.... Of course, People will talk about us... they will forget us if they find anything interesting on the internet. That's all that will happen. So, we no need to care about them. Ok?

Khushi (meeting his eyes sternly): What about you?

Arnav smiled. He was supposed to go the washroom,

Khushi(clutching his hand): Answer me.

Arnav: What about me... NOW...? The same would have happened...THEN

He went to the washroom, keeping a smile on his lips. Khushi frowned at him. What that means? Would he have married me even if Lavanya is alive? Is it true? Then why not she tries what Ratna asked for? Why not she put the full stop for the "hide and seek"?

Arnav came changing the casual. HP knocked on the door.

HP: Ammaji is calling you as your friend is here.

Khushi(frowned): Friend?

HP: Jee...

Khushi got alarmed. Isn't it Rohit? She looked at Arnav and hurried downstairs. Arnav followed her throwing the towel on the recliner. What she guessed was right. Rohit smiled at her brightly.

Rohit: Hi...

Khushi nodded smilingly.

Rohit: I know you are upset with me as I didn't attend your marriage. I'm sorry yaar...

Khushi: I'm not upset.

She said with a stern expression.

Rohit (composing): Yeah... after all, we are friends.

Ratna served him coffee. Khushi never wanted Rohit to come to RM. She wanted to talk to him regarding. But he was fast. Before she talks about it, he came to meet her. As Khushi expected Arnav's face shrank seeing Rohit and Rohit didn't miss noticed it.

Rohit: Hello ASR...

Arnav: Hi... how are you?

Rohit: Yeah... got energy after meeting Khushi...

He smiled whereas Arnav's facial expression changed outrageously. Khushi got horror-struck. What the hell he is doing....

Khushi: Why did you come?

Rohit: What else, to meet you. (looking at Ratna) you know aunty, we share everything. No one understands Khushi like I do.

Ratna: Really? That's so nice.

Arnav: You guys carry on. I have some work.

Khushi: Rohit, we will meet some other day. Ok?

Ratna: Arrey Khushi, what is this? Is this how you treat your friend?

Khushi: Didn't he say Amma, no one understands me like he does? He won't take me wrong... right Rohit?

Rohit: I thought we will have dinner together.

Khushi: What new habit is this? Just remain like before, Rohit.

She said showing strictness in her tone. Ratna got awestruck as she never had seen Khushi this kind. Rohit also didn't expect the straight hit. He thought Khushi will stay quite in front of her mother-in-law.

Khushi: Arnavji I finished my Record soon as I want to talk to you. Let's go.

Circling his bicep, she dragged him to their room, leaving disappointed Rohit. Ratna felt something wrong. Or else, Khushi won't treat Rohit like this. And adding to it, Arnav was also silent... something fishy. Rohit left RM fuming.

Of course, Arnav was damn happy. The way Khushi handle Rohit made him proud whereas Khushi was suffocating. She didn't want to continue Rohit's friendship. She didn't like Rohit's stance here. What he is trying to prove? With whom? Does he think, he is more special than Arnavji? She knew Arnav was not satisfied with Rohit, then and now. Of course, anyone would feel insecure if his wife has a friend like Rohit who loved his wife before their marriage. Bringing Arnav out of the insecurity is indeed her duty. Getting close to Arnav is the only solution to the problem. She has to make him relief. He should think his wife loves only him. This is the time....

She planned what to do. Taking a deep breath, she thought about how to take a chance. Khushi straightened herself, looking at the chessboard thoughtfully.

To be continued......

Today's update on Inkitt 

BET

Arnav saw Khushi arranging the coins, sitting in front of the chess board. Arnav thought, she will ask him to play. But she started playing individually.

Arnav: Seems, like you feel boring?

Khushi: Not like that. I just...

She said without taking her eyes from the board.

Arnav: Have you completed your Record?

Khushi: Yeah...

Arnav: I can give you company if you want.

Khushi: Only in the game?