Chapter 16

“So what do you do Payal beta?” Shalini asked the young woman sitting in front of her, her keen eyes watching the girl closely as she sat confidently in front of her, sipping on her coffee “Oh, I'm studying bio-chemistry at VIMS...I mean, I was...but since we are no more in Bangalore...I’ve transferred to St Xaviers  in Mumbai..I’ll be heading there in the afternoon in fact” she said with a morose voice

“Oh, Xavier’s’ is a very good university...I'm sure you will enjoy studying there...” she said as Payal shrugged “I don't think anyone actually enjoys studying” she said as her father looked at her sternly “Payal...I don't think you should..” he started saying when Shalini gupta interrupted him

“Oh but she is right...studying is no fun! But Payal..remember this, you should try and enjoy whatever you do...be it studying, a hobby or work...because the day you stop enjoying it, is the day you let go of it...it stops bringing the contentment to your heart and becomes a chore...so I'm sure that if you are passionate about your subject, you will enjoy studying it too” she said as payal nodded at her and smiled...wary of her father's stern eyes

“Payal has always wanted to study Bio-tech...she wants to be a genetic engineer...” Shashi said proudly as Shalini smiled and turned towards Ritwik “And you beta...which grade are you in now?” she asked him as he quickly answered “Grade 8...and I want to a pilot when I grow up…unlike a boring scientist like didi” he said with a grin as Shalini burst out laughing, while payal glared at her brother.

“Shashi...you have wonderful kids...it will be great to have more young ones amongst our midst...They have to meet Khushi, my grand-daughter...I’m sure they will get along very well...and my daughter too...” she said as she asked a passing servant “Rimmy kaha hai? (where is rimmy?)”

“Madamji school gayi hai (Madamji has gone to school)” he said as Shalini nodded “My daughter is a teacher...I forgot that she must have left for school by now...no worries...you should all join us for dinner in the evening...you can meet them then” she said as Shashi smiled.

“Thank you for the invitation maam, but I have promised the kids that I will take them out for Chinese tonight...may we postpone the dinner for some other time?” Shashi asked her with utmost respect which made Shalini smile warmly “Of course Shashi...you all are staying here for a while now...we can always dine together some other day...also I hope everything is up to your liking...if you need anything, please feel free to let us know” she said as the father and kids got up

“Thank you maam...everything is wonderful...the house is perfect” he said 'and so are the people' he said to himself, remembering the woman from earlier. They left for their house after wishing Shalini Gupta a farewell and confirming his meeting with the company staff tomorrow morning.

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“Did you hear about the Gupta's new guy?” Shyam Jha looked up from his phone as Kapil Mishra, his brother-in-law cum VP-operations, asked him while he sipped on a glass of scotch...Shyam rolled his eyes and kept his phone down “Yes I did..and don't you think it’s too early in the day to drink jijaji?” he said giving an irritated look to his brother-in-law

“Oh ho Saale saab...there's never a good time to drink...I drink when I feel like it...and I think it’s time you start drinking during the day too!...seems to me, that this new guy is a God! And is bound to take Gupta Mill's higher...leavings us mere mortals to struggle more” he said chuckling as Shyam took the glass from him and flung it on the adjoining wall

“Shut up dammit! You work for me! I don't want to hear praises for them...first that b***h Khushi...and now, this new problem! And on top of that idiot Arun also had to go and get himself killed!...all my best laid plans are falling apart...I had such dreams of destroying those blasted Gupta's...but now!” Shyam said in a frustrating voice as Kapil got up slowly.

“You know what your problem is? You react too quickly!...don't give in to your irrational anger so quickly saale saab...you need to re-asses your cards now...and don't take this new guy so casually...we need to observe him for a few days first...and as far as Ms Gupta is concerned...don't worry...she's going to meet her doom soon!” he said as Shyam calmed down and nodded, even if his brother-in-law was a dog...he always gave the best advice to him.

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“Can you detail your evening from 5pm to 9pm on the day of the murder?” Detective Prabhakar Naik asked Khushi as she sat on the chair opposite his at the conference table, with Arnav on her other side...they had just settled down after the initial pleasantries and Khushi was mighty surprised to hear his first ever question to her

“Why are you questioning her about whereabouts? What are you trying to imply by asking her that” arnav asked him before Khushi could say anything. “I'm merely doing a routine detailing Mr Raizada...I'll be asking you the same question too” he said noticing the way arnav sat protectively next to her.

Khushi looked between the two men and pressed arnav's hand before assuring him with her eyes “Arnav...its fine..” she said as Arnav sent an irritated look towards him, he knew his questioning was absurd, but they had to co-operate; He settled back as Khushi started speaking

“I was in office till 7pm that day; it was the day when we closed a major deal and nearly the entire senior staff was in this same conference room, Arnav as well” she said looking at arnav “We finished the meeting by 7pm and wrapped up everything” she said as the detective nodded, pushing the voice recorder a little bit closer to where Khushi sat

She eyed it warily before continuing “After that, Arnav and I decided to celebrate the win, by going out for dinner...he made the reservations at 'Bella Italia' restaurant in Colaba before we set out for it around 7:15” she said as the detective looked on with interest.

“We reached the restaurant at around 8 and sat down for dinner thereafter....” she said as he nodded “The dinner continued till 9-9:15....till I got a call from my mother about...about...” she said as Arnav squeezed her hand “After that I don't remember much since I fainted..The next thing I remember is waking up in my bed around mid-night” she said as the painful night passed in front of her eyes

“Ok Ms Gupta...since you and Mr Raizada were together the entire time, you both check out for your alibi's...however we need to further check if everything you said ties up with the actual facts or not...” he said as Arnav once again spoke in anger

“What the hell do you mean? Our Alibi's!? You are treating us as criminals...Khushi and me, we both did not have anything to do with her father's murder...then why are you recording our statements?...the last I knew only suspects had to clear their alibi's...so why us!?” he said as the detective calmly looked at the two people seated before him.

“Because you both are suspects...along with your mother too Ms Gupta” he said looking at Khushi, whose shocked face looked back at him...before any of them could lash out, he held up his hands “I know you both must be wondering why you are considered as suspects...so let me clear a few things” he said as Arnav got up

“I don't want to listen to any of the rubbish you are going to tell us...I don't know from where you got this absurd idea! Us as suspects? Khushi? She is his daughter for God's sake...and me? I hardly knew the guy...” he said agitatedly as Detective Naik nodded in his irritatingly calm manner

“I know...but I can't overlook what Ms Sheetal has told me about you two” he said as this second sentence of his left them stumped again “Sheetal? What the hell did she tell you? And are you going to believe that two-timing Gold-digger!?” Arnav said as he pushed his chair away and started pacing the conference room

Khushi who was shocked to know that Sheetal had told the detective something against them, was more worried for Arnav's behavior...he needed to calm down, otherwise things would get out of hands...she stood up and went to arnav who was looking out of the floor to ceiling window in the room

“Arnav...let’s just listen to what he has to say ok? What’s the harm in it...we both know that we didn't have anything to do with this...so just...” she said as arnav turned around and nodded at her...he looked at the detective sitting across them “So tell us detective...what has Sheetal told you?” he asked as the detective cleared his throat

“From her statement...she has hinted that both of you,  might have been involved in Mr Mehra's murder...” he said and waited for either of them to burst out, but both seemed to be listening to him, albeit with irritation and anger on their faces “According to her, you had threatened your father of killing him during the Raizada annual mela some days ago” he said looking at Khushi, to which Arnav shook his head

“That’s crazy! Why would she do that?” he started saying when Khushi's hand on his arm stopped him...she shook her head before looking at the detective “I did do that...but it was in a different context altogether!...I never said I wanted to kill him...it was a reflexive retort to his filthy actions that day...I was very angry with him for the way he treated my mother...just because I said it in the heat of the moment, does not mean I meant it” she said as the detective nodded

“Hmm...and what about the fact that you had called Sheetal from Arnav's phone and threatened her that day? She said you told her that you are with Arnav now...and you will kill her too if she does not leave him alone” he said with a straight face as Arnav cursed loudly

“What the f**k! I was there when Khushi called her...Sheetal was annoying me the entire day with her incessant calls...all Khsuhi told her was to stop calling me...she is lying!” he said as the detective observed both of them

“Detective...your accusations are based on one person's lies...what proof does she have that I threatened her or that me or Arnav have anything to do with this murder? You can't trust her...she's trying to manipulate the situation!” Khushi said, trying to reign in her anger

“True...that's why I'm investigating...No one is accusing you of anything yet Ms Gupta...but it’s my job to reach to the bottom of this, and I need to take everyone's statements into consideration...and right now, Ms Sheetal is an eye-witness, whatever she says, lie or truth will be considered” he said as Khushi pursed her lips while Arnav ran a frustrating hand through his hair

“Also, Mr Raizada...she told us how much angry you were with Arun Mehra because you came to know that Sheetal was cheating on you with him..and she feels that you may have ordered his hit...since you were so in love with her” he said as Arnav instead of fuming burst out in a mirthless laugh.

“Out of all the things that mad woman had to say...she told you this? Detective Naik, we had broken up a long time before that...and as for love? I never loved her...never would...” he said as the detective smiled “Yes...that I do agree on...only a mad man can fall in love with her..and you Mr Raizada...are very sane...maybe a bit too much...but I still need to consider it” he said before he got up and switched off the recorder

“Ms Gupta...I still need to speak to your mother...she is also under suspect...” he said as Khushi got up to protest “Uh..uh...hold on before you jump the gun” he said as khushi sat back down “Everyone is a suspect in a murder...and we need to consider motives which may be possible from even the most innocent of people...so I'll be soon coming to yours to talk to her...” he said before bidding both arnav and khushi a goodbye leaving both of them pensive and disturbed.

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“Akash yaar! Life is getting too boring!” Amandeep said as his best friend sat cross-legged on the fresh green grass of the university gardens...it was a free period and most of the guys were lazing around..Some trying to sneak in a smoke while some were eyeing girls.

“Chal yaar...lets bug someone..” he said as Akash rolled his eyes while the others in the groups agreed with Amandeep “Haan yaar! Patao some chick na...it’s been too long!” Imran said as Akash hit him on his head with the book in his hands “Oye! Chup kar! Patao some chick na! Your'e talking as if it’s something I do for a living!” he said as everyone chuckled

“C'mon man...if no one can do it, Akash can! Remember our 1^st year slogan...dude you were the dawg!...why did you get so boring and studious all of a sudden!” Amandeep whined as Akash came and swung his arms over his shoulders “Bacchu…bhai happened! I'm training with him now...I can't be the same mad carefree guy...I have responsibilities!” he said with a goofy smile as the rest of them sniggered

“Arre chal chal..don't give us all this shit! Just say you chickened out...tere me ab who baat nahi hai!” another one of the guys spoke up making Akash bristle in irritation “Ok fine! Is that what you guys think? Fine! Chal...give me any task! Anything and I will do it! Maa kasam...aazma ke toh dekho!” he said pulling his collar up as his gang looked at each other before everyone broke into a smile

“Ok Akash paaji!....we dare you...!” Amandeep said as Akash kept his book inside his backpack and looked at him “We dare you to kiss the first girl that walks in from the west gate!” he said as Akash looked at him wideyed “Kya? Are you mad? Marwayega saale!” akash said as the rest of his gang laughed

“Dekha! I had said na...pak pak pakkak!! Chicken!” Imran said with a guffaw as Akash looked at him angrily “Theek hai...I’ll do it! I'll kiss the next chick who walks in from that gate!...Akash Singh Raizada is not a coward...you'll see!” he said as he strode confidently towards the west gate

He gave one last look at his gang who were watching him as he walked and stood near the gate...he took a deep breath as he saw a hefty aunty walking towards the gate from the other side...he closed his eyes at the unfairness of the situation he was put into...kissing that aunty was the last thing he wanted to do...so he braced himself and waited till she walked in

He waited till her footsteps got closer...he could feel a faint rose scent wafting around him...he stood right in front of the gate as the footsteps felt like they were right next to him...and he opened his eyes...but before he could react to the fact that there was no aunty there..he felt a tap on his shoulder...he turned around thinking that she had probably walked right past him while he took the courage to open his eyes

“Can you tell me which way is the admissions office?” he heard a soft lilting voice as he finally turned around and looked at the most beautiful girl he had probably ever seen...at least out of television....she wore a pale pink top with light skinny jeans...her gorgeous hair was swept on one side as she looked at him with a questioning gaze...her coffee brown eyes sparkling

“Excuse me!” she said in annoyance as akash refused to look anywhere else but at her... “Huh? Sorry..did you just walk in from that gate?” he asked her as she looked at him weirdly, nodding her head “yes I did...but your eyes were closed...anyways...it's fine...I’ll look for the office by myself” she said and turned as akash loudly said “Stop!”

She turned around as he stepped towards her making her wary of him “Ok...this is gonna look really silly...and maybe even mad....but I gotta do this!” he said making the girl look at him cautiously before he leaned down and kissed her cheek...her soft, silky, smooth cheek “Owww! What the f**k!” he screamed as his cheek stung where her hand has slapped him hard

“How dare you! You perv! You sicko!...wait till I report you!...someone! Help...this man is sick!” she started to scream as Akash took a second to realize what had happened...he saw the guard posted at the other gate come running towards them while the girl kept screaming...he looked once at his gang who were watching the entire thing with their mouths hanging open...and before the guard could reach them, Akash singh Raizada ran.

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“Hey! Can I come in?” Arnav asked khushi as she looked up from the files scattered on her table...she smiled as she nodded and closed the files...she was glad that arnav came to meet her...earlier in the day, after the meeting with the detective, they had parted on tense terms...Arnav had told her to take the day off, but she had said that she wanted some time to think about all this

When he had offered his company, she had asked him to give her some time on her own...she knew that she had not hurt him and he probably did not take it that way…But something had made her think that maybe she had been too harsh in her actions...but he had been understanding and had left her on her own.

Now as the day came to an end, she was planning on meeting him before leaving for the day when he had himself come to her cabin “I thought I’ll come and see how you’re holding up before I leave” he said as khushi felt her heart beat faster...something that happened a lot now a days…his care and concern left her feeling all warm and fuzzy inside...something she had never felt before

“Thanks arnav...I’m much better now...and I’m sorry for being such a grouch earlier...I don't know why I behaved like that” she said, coming to stand in front of him as he leaned against the pillar near the windows “Hey! It’s cool...don't think too much about it...I know how stressed you were...but don't worry...we'll sort it out ok...I've spoken to one of my family lawyers, we need to understand our rights before speaking about anything” he said as khushi looked at him in awe

She had not even thought of all that... “Gosh arnav...stop being so good...let me still think of you as that arrogant ass from earlier!” she said with a sheepish smiled as arnav grinned...making his whole face change...making him look more irresistibly gorgeous “You should smile more...you look more handsome” she said before she realized what she had said

The easy expression on arnav's face vanished as a more intense look took over “Really? It does?” he asked her as she colored at her obvious slip..She shrugged at him, trying to hide her embarrassment “Yeah...umm...I mean, anyone would look good laughing and smiling...” she said as he leaned forward towards her

“I'm an expert at reading people Khushi...but you...I just can't seem to figure you out” he said with a smirk as she looked away from his strong gaze “Uh…why do you think that? I don't think I’m that complicated” she said as arnav shook his head “I don't know...every time I see you...I feel like I know you from somewhere...but how is that possible? We never met before...then how...” he said as he continued to stare at khushi, who had now gone silent

She looked down as she suddenly felt him step more towards her, the easy friendly atmosphere now getting heated as awareness and something else made its presence felt..She looked up to find him gazing at her “Tell me khushi...have we met before?” 

Chapter 15

“Has mamma eaten yet?” Khushi asked Laxamma who had just finished storing the left over food from the ritualistic funeral they had over at Khushi's house. It had been 4 days since the incident where Arun Mehra had been shot in cold blood. His last rites had take place yesterday evening after the body was returned from post-mortem.

To say that it was a shock to everyone was an understatement. And even though many who knew them felt it was hardest on Garima, they failed to see the fragile looking Khushi who was equally heartbroken and vulnerable after her father's death.

Yes, she hated him. She hated him because he could not be the ideal father and husband, hell he could not even be a decent human being, forget ideal. But for all his faults and follies, he still was and would always be her father. How much ever she willed herself to hate him and not let his death affect her, it did. It just did. And for the first time in her life...she did not know how to deal with it.

She knew she had to be strong for her mother; so she hid behind a mask of indifference. She acted as if the death did not affect her that much. It did not bother her that people thought her to be cold and unfeeling towards her father's death and many even agreed with her stance, at least those who knew her equation with her father.

She sighed as Laxamma shook her head “No...your mother is too stubborn! I had to force feed her a glass of warm milk since she refused to eat anything” she said as khushi nodded and opened the refrigerator. She took out a bottle of cold water and drank the cool liquid to calm down her nerves..she had to check on her mother before she went to sleep...and it always broke her heart to see her sad, forlorn face.

She said a quick good night to Laxamma and was about to walk towards the stairs when her phone rang. She checked the name and picked it up with a smile “Hey!” she greeted as his husky voice came on the other end “How are you doing Khushi? Sorry for calling this late, but i did not get a chance to talk to you or aunty during the chautha* today” he said as khushi nodded slightly

“Hmm...i know, things were pretty hectic. Who knew that so many people would turn out, considering that he wasn't even part of this family anymore. If mamma had not insisted on doing all the rituals...” she started saying when his voice interrupted her “Khushi...you know why she did it...Monica would never do any of these rituals for him” he said while khushi took a deep breath and started walking towards her mother's room

“Yes, I know...and it's fine...i'm just surprised that in all these years, my father had managed to make that many acquaintances...” she said as she walked up switching the lights as she ascended “Yes...thats true...by the way, I had also called to check with you if you'll be ok with meeting up that cop tomorrow? He said he will meet us at the R&S building at 12” arnav said as khushi finally reached the landing

“Yes, that's fine...he had come here today, but I did not get to speak to him...he really wants to talk to us and that too together...he tried to corner mamma as well” she said, her unhappy state becoming annoyed at the way that damn cop was behind them since the day of the murder...but she would do anything she could to help out with the investigation.

“Yeah, I know..he's an annoying prick...don't worry...we'll deal with him tomorrow...you take care of aunty and yourself...I'll see you tomorrow” Arnav said as khushi smiled softly at the concern in his voice “Oh...and khushi, let me know if you need anything ok” he said as khushi smiled into the phone...that was his parting sentence every time he called her since the last 4 days.

She bid a quick good night to him before ending the call and slowly stepping towards her mother's room...the sight that greeted her melted her heart right away...there lay her mother in her grandmother's lap...with the older lady lovingly running her hand thought Garima's thick mane

Khushi slowly slipped into the room and closed the door....Shalini looked up suddenly as khushi walked towards her and slipped into her mother's bed from the other end “I did not want to disturb mamma...” she said as shalini nodded and smiled at her granddaughter

She knew how difficult the past few days had been on both of them...and where Garima's pain and hurt reflected on her face, Khushi's could be seen in the way she forced herself to work harder or her attempts at keeping up a calm exterior...the more unnatural it looked, the more affected she was

“How are you darling?” Shalini asked as she cupped khushi cheek with one hand while she shifted a deeply sleeping Garima's head on the pillow “I'm ok nani...just tired” khushi said as she scooted further upwards on the bed and laid her head on her grandmother's shoulder, her mother lying between the two of them

“I'm just confused...why was he killed? That too like this?” khushi said, her words soft but clear...Shalini sighed as she took khushi's hands in hers “I don't know beta...but Arun was a lot of things...and I won't be surprised if he had gotten involved in something criminal...God only know what kind of company he kept” she said with disgust, hoping that she would feel an ounce of regret for her son-in-law's death...but she didn't.

She looked sideways at khushi's profile and saw that her eyes were closed, her chest rising in rhythmic breathing...she smiled fondly as she slowly took khushi's weight off her shoulders and laid her beside her mother...she then tucked both the women snugly before kissing both of them on their foreheads. She took one last look at them before switching the lights off and closing the door...leaving both of them in deep slumber.

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And that is what Garima woke up to...Khushi clutching her arm in her sleep....she smiled at her daughter's innocent face...the steady beat of her heart that she could feel from Khushi being pressed to her. She slowly pried her arm away from her and readjusted the quilt over Khushi before stepping down from the bed.

She had just gone towards the curtains to pull them together more tightly so that that sun light wouldn't disturb her daughter's sleep when khushi's sleepy voice stopped her “mamma...open the curtains...let the rays come in....God only know how much brightness we need in our life right now” she said as Garima smiled softly and pulled the curtain away, letting the light in

Khushi yawned loudly before stretching on the bed. She turned towards her mother who was looking at her lovingly... “What happened mamma? Did you sleep well? Laxamma said you only drank a glass of milk yesterday?” she asked all at once as Garima chuckled

“I slept very well, thanks to my mother's lap...and my daughter's warmth” she said coming and sitting back on the bed besides a now awake khushi...she clasped her hands with her and held them tight before taking a deep breath “Khushi....you must be thinking how difficult all this is for me...that how miserable I look...but trust me...the only thing that had shocked me to react in such as way was the untimely death of Arun...” she said as khushi got up and sat straight.

“Yes, it pains that he's no more...that I'll probably never get to see him...talk to him. He was my first love Khushi...and those are hard to forget...moreover, he was the father of my child...I think that relationship is more important to me than ever being his wife...” she said as she closed her eyes and leaned against the headboard.

“He wronged me many times Khushi...but my love for him blinded me...and when i came to realize how that love did not matter to me anymore...when i was just accepting the fact that he did not matter to me anymore...he was taken away...and I never got a chance to tell him that...I never got to show him that I don't care anymore” she said as khushi tightened her hold on her mother

“I may sound heartless right now...but my biggest regret is this...that i could not show him that I'm over him...” she said as khushi came forward and hugged her “I know mamma...I know...” she said whispering into her mother's soft hair “It doesn't matter anymore mamma..we only have to look ahead now...there is no point looking back” she said as Garima nodded

“When did my daughter get so intelligent huh?” Garima said, making light of the mood that had turned dense...Khushi pulled out of the hug and cupped her mother's cheek “Since forever!” she said as Garima laughed “Yes...i guess that's true” she said as both mother and daughter hugged..for a person they had lost...and for a new hope they were going to find.

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“Aman...please let me know when he arrives” Khushi told Aman as he nodded his head and picked up the files they were discussing few minutes ago...the cop who was assigned to Arun mehra's murder was supposed to come in today to meet Khushi and Arnav, but unfortunately Arnav was held in a meeting..thus making Khushi the sole person to meet him.

“Yes maam..I think he should be here any minute...” Aman said adjusting his specs...he watched as Khushi pinched the area between her eyebrows and looked at her iPad “Uh..maam? Should i get you something? Masala tea? Something cold?” he asked her as khushi looked up and wryly smiled at him

“How about a shot of pure absinthe ” she asked raising an eyebrow which made Aman smile “I'm fine Mathur...just have a bit of headache...plus all this cop business is driving me nuts! This idiot wanted to interrogate my mother as well..God only knows what Sheetal has given in her statement...they still haven't told us anything!” Khushi said as Aman nodded sympathetically

No one knew exactly what had transpired that night at Sheetal's apartment...the cops had been tight-lipped about it and no one was giving out any information. All they knew was that some man had shot Arun Mehra in cold blood at Sheetal's doorstep...and sheetal had been too traumatized to say anything. The neighbors had heard the shot but the killer had vanished before anyone could look around.

Since then, Sheetal had been in the hospital, too shocked to speak...but then, they had come to know that she had accounted the entire night to the police eventually...a night which was still a mystery to all of them. Khushi knew that everyone related to Arun mehra will be questioned, and so had asked for at least the chautha* to pass before they start their interrogation which would affect a lot of people.

“Uh..maam, he is here...the meeting is set in the 17^th floor conference room” Aman said as Khushi suddenly came out of her thoughts. She quickly got up and straightened her suit. She signed out of her laptop and shut it down before walking out of her cabin with Aman towards the elevator

“Aman, I'll be fine...you go ahead” she said as Aman left her at the elevator with a nod...she waited till the elevator pinged on her floor and the door opened...to a welcome sight of Arnav standing inside in his typical three piece suit, a slight grin on his face

“Arnav? What are you doing here? I though your meeting got delayed and you won't be coming?” Khushi asked with relief as she stepped inside the elevator which was now climbing up steadily, seeing arnav in front of her had given a sense of relief..it had an odd calming effect on her otherwise frazzled nerves.

“How could i let you meet the mean cop alone?” he asked her as she shook her head and smiled...a very genuine thankful smile that lit up her eyes...Arnav was pleased that his presence had made her smile like that...and he had to admit..it felt good “I wound up the meeting and re-scheduled it for another time” he said as khushi came closer to him and looked into his eyes

“Thanks Arnav...i really needed you” she said softly as arnav nodded and held her hand...entwining his fingers through hers as the elevator pinged on the 17^th floor...he held her hand more tightly as the elevator doors opened “I know..” he said as they both walked hand in hand towards the conference room.

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“Sundar!” Garima yelled as she tied her dupatta diagonally across her body to keep it out of the way....she looked around to find Sundar, one of their cleaners rushing towards her with a broomstick “Haan madamji” he said as she picked up a pile of old newspapers lying about on the coffee table in the guesthouse

“Please take these away...and bring today's newspaper and some magazines from the main hall in the house...we can't keep the table bare” she said as she took the broom from his hands and handed over the pile to him.

Sundar left at once after instructing the rest of the staff to finish up the cleaning and other things quickly since the guests would be arriving in a few minutes. Garima looked around the entire one floored bungalow, inspecting it for any kind of dirt or unwanted objects.

She was getting the guesthouse ready for the new family that was coming from Bangalore...the Dinkaran's as her mother had told her....Plus such kind of activity helped her forget the last few days as she busied herself with one task after another.

Just last week, Gupta Mills had hired Shashi Dinkaran as the new MD of their company...to take over after Arun's post...her mother had told her that the rest of his family would also be coming with him and till they found a proper accommodation, they will be staying in their guesthouse..which was located on their grounds.

She did not know much about the man, except for the facts that her mother had told her...he seemed to be a very accomplished and hard working man, who had come up to be in such a lucrative position on his own...her mother seemed to think that it was sheer good luck, that he had agreed to join them.

She picked up a small rag lying on the kitchen floor and looked around to find a place to put it...at the same time she also noticed a huge cow web hanging over the outside cabinet near the kitchen...she looked around frantically and finally found a small stool which she positioned below the cabinets...she then gingerly stood up on the stool with the broom in one hand and the rag in another.

Not finding any other place, she placed the rag over her right shoulder...and tried to attempt to reach the cow web with the broom...she was nearly there when she heard voices from somewhere in the house...assuming it was one of the cleaners..she went about trying to raise her hand and reach the cabinet...the voices got louder as she nearly reached it...but at the same time, the stool started wobbling on its legs and gave in..making her loose her balance and fall.

But she never fell...she did not feel the sleek teak wood floor...instead she felt two strong arms...holding her...”You can open you eyes now...your'e safe” a deep husky voice spoke as she felt his breath near her face....she immediately opened her eyes to look into dark as midnight ones...dark but twinkling eyes...she looked all over his face to find a handsome face look at her with amusement.

There was a clearing of throat behind them, which finally made her realize that she was holding on to his coat lapels with a death grip...she looked back into his eyes as she struggled to get out of his arms...but he obliged right away and placed her delicately on her legs “Are you all right?” he asked her as she nodded silently

She then noticed the other people standing behind him...a young girl of about 19 in a soft cotton summer dress and a lanky boy around 13 in the typical young teen outfit of baggy jeans falling off his skinny hips and loose football t-shirt with sneakers.

“You all must be the Dinkaran's...” Garima said softly as the man nodded his head “Yes...I'm Shashi...and these are my kids, Payal and Ritvik...” he said gesturing towards the kids who gave her awkward looks and said bored 'hi's'...Garima smiled sweetly at them before calling out Sundar again

“Sundar here will help you with your luggage...sorry, I did not hear you coming in...and also i'm terribly embarrassed about the...” she said blushing...but Shashi chuckled as he put his hands around his kids shoulders and smiled at her “Oh..don't worry about it...we have had worse situations...like Ritvik here...ran halfway around our colony in only his briefs as a street dog chased him...and payal here...” he started saying when Ritvik groaned and Payal elbowed him

“Daaad!...please...this,what you are doing is way more embarrassing!” she said as Shashi laughed hard while his kids gave him angry stares...Garima felt her heart flip looking at the love that shone in the man's eyes for his kids...the way he held them, gave her a sense of melancholy...especially for Khushi...who had never really experienced her father's love like this

“Ok..i'm sorry baba! I'll take you both out for Chinese! What say?” he said as Payal gave him a lopsided grin and ritvik just looked away..but not before a smile touched his lips...Garima saw the exchange and thought it was best to leave the family to their own...she wondered where their mother was...but before she could ask anything Shashi spoke

“You didn't tell us your name..” he said as she looked at all three of them... “Garima....my name is Garima” she said as Shashi smiled at her again “Garima...indeed you are” he said as she wondered what he meant by that....when Sundar came rushing towards them “Maaji wants to meet you saheb...please come to the main house whenever you are ready” he said as Shashi nodded

“I should leave you all to get settled in...please let Sundar or me know if you need anything” she said as she smiled warmly at the kids before turning towards their father “Thanks once again for saving me from falling down” she said as Shashi nodded at her while she left the three people behind...one of them watching her till she was out of sight

“Dad!..you do know you were flirting with her na? Plus she works here...so don't make things awkward for her and you” Payal told her father as he shook her head “Oh ho meri amma! I was not flirting with her...I just did not want her to feel uncomfortable after that awkward situation..so I was trying to converse...you know..." he said as Payal shook her head

“If you say so dad!” she said as she and Ritvik went about exploring the house...deciding which room will be theirs...leaving their father in deep thoughts.....of a woman whose name meant Grace...

A/N: Chautha in Hindusim is the 4th day after the death of an individual. The family holds a wake for the deceased's friends and family...it is a ritual followed in almost all hindu homes. The Funeral pyre is lit almost on the same day of death or the next day, but in this case since the body was taken for post-mortem being a murder case, the actual funeral took place only a day before the chautha.

The Dinkaran's!

Here come the new family...many who asked about Akash's love interest...well, guess who plays it? ;)
And Yes! Shashi will be the new love interest for Garima...will try and update the next part as soon as I can..was on a work trip so did not get the time Till then..please bear with me :)
xx

Chapter 14

“Why don't you keep any single malt?” Arun asked sheetal as he rummaged around the liquor cabinet in her living room “Or is it that you keep the better hooch for you rich boyfriends?” he mocked as he saw her come towards him from the corner of his eyes and shut the cabinet with a bang

“I don't think you should drink more! How much did you have anyways?” she said as she made a disgusted face and went back to her phone...Arun looked at her as he once again opened the cabinet and picked out a bottle of Jack Daniel's from it...pouring a generous amount in a crystal glass, he took a deep sip “Who are you trying to call? You've been at it since a while now” he said as she ended the call in frustration and threw it on the couch.

“Arnav...been trying his phone since that day at that stupid event...the day your stupid wife had to open her big ass mouth!” she said with ire as Arun chuckled “Oh yes...how can i forget that day! All of my dreams too got shattered! I'll never get Garima back again” he said sipping on the amber liquid.

“God only knows how many times i've tried to call and meet her since then...especially with that Dragon lady waiting to throw me out of this country...my own country! Bloody bitch! Who does she think she is!” he said with a growl as he downed the rest of the whiskey before banging the glass on a nearby table in anger.

“This is shite! Didn't you scrape enough from Raizada to buy some good stuff? Your house looks like shit! And so do you....Miss pretend rich miss!” he said with a demeaning grin as Sheetal gritted her teeth “How dare you come to my house and insult me!” she said as she pushed him away with her hands

“Yes, I pretend to be rich...yes, I trap rich guys...but you? Who are manipulative bastard who does not even think twice before conning your own daughter and ex-wife for your benefit...your'e such a sick man!” she said as she once again tried to push him when her phone started ringing.

She ran to pick up the phone and was overjoyed when she saw the name flashing on the screen...she pressed talk and was about to say something on the phone when she heard a different voice...a female voice...she listened to what was being said before cutting the call and throwing it on the opposite, shattering it to pieces.

“Woah!!...what did lover boy say huh? Did he tell you to go into exile as well!” Arun laughed as sheetal came towards him and held him by his lapels “That was your Goddamn daughter on my boyfriend's phone...” she said baring her teeth

“How dare she tell me to leave Arnav alone! Who the hell is she? Oh I know...like father...like daughter...she's probably warming his bed right at this...” she started saying when a sudden slap from Arun made her fall down....the shock of the slap registering few minutes before the door bell rang

“Stay there you bitch!” Arun said to her in a menacing voice as he walked to the door...he yanked it open before even checking out who it was from the security camera phone...it might have been good if he had....because the last thing Arun Mehra saw before the gun shot reverberated around Sheetal's home...was a pair of black as coal eyes.

......................................

“When are you going to thank me for it?” Khushi asked happily as she eyed arnav's phone and sipped on her glass of rich red bordeaux...she looked up from the rim of her glass as arnav gave her an amused look “What? She hasn't called since then has she?” she giggled as arnav smiled at her sheepishly while shaking his head

They had come out for a dinner at Khushi's favorite restaurant to celebrate their first win in G&R...they had successfully bid and won a contract for a leading organization that provided clothing lines for many leading brands in Australia...this was their first step towards success..so here they were...enjoying a quite meal and good wine

“Ok fine..thank you!..she's been annoying the hell outta me for quite some time now....I hope I won't get any calls for a few days alteast!” Arnav said as he cut into the beautifully cooked steak...he was actually glad that Khushi had told Sheetal off before they left for the dinner...he had had enough of her calls all week.

“Hmm....she did just cut the call...was probably royally pissed off that I spoke on your phone...hey! We might be in the news tomorrow...Mumbai's latest celebrity couple...I won't put it past Sheetal to leak this little info to the gossip columns of Mumbai's dailies...Khushi Gupta called from ASR's phone...somethings cooking!!” khushi said with a smile as arnav stopped eating midway

“And will that be a bad thing” he asked her not really realizing that he said it aloud...he saw as khushi stopped twirling her spaghetti as she looked up at him “I'm sorry....did you say something? Why are you whispering?” she asked him as he breathed a sigh of relief...for a minute he thought she had heard him “Nothing...more wine?” he asked her as khushi nodded and picked up her glass

She looked at arnav as he concentrated on pouring the wine in her glass...she had started doing this quite a lot now a days...observing him...ever since that day in the penthouse, a week ago...there had been some kind of an unknown energy between them...something she could not explain.

It was as if...as if...Arnav had become an integral part of her life...she could not deny the attraction she felt for him, it was always there...his looks, charm and also his high-handed behavior, though mostly in the past had always attracted her to him...but she knew it would never be fruitful...its always better to stay away from such distractions..especially in a work environment

Besides, Arnav would probably laugh it off if he ever comes to know about her thoughts...how she looked forward to seeing him everyday....not in a pschyo stalker kind of way...but as someone with whom she enjoyed spending time with....it had come as a shock to her when she started dressing extra careful, wondering what he might think of her...even today, she had really thought about her outfit before deciding on the lace white dress with shocking orange heels. (see below)

She blinked as he clicked his fingers in front of her eyes “Khushi? What happened? You just zoned out there...i nearly poured the whole bottle in your glass wondering why you weren't asking me to stop” he said as khushi pulled back her glass a took a huge swig

“Hey! Easy...are you ok? You seem kind of dazed!” he said as he took the glass from her hand, his fingers brushing against her hand...sending shivers down her spine. She quickly composed herself and gave him an extra bright smile “I'm fine...seriously...I was just thinking about stuff...you know, family...work” she said as arnav nodded

“Hmm...Yeah i understand...So, hows this new guy? Shashi Dinkaran? I've heard a lot about him...your Nani must have done some big time head hunting to get him on board...he'll be the new MD right?” he asked as Khushi nodded, her flushed cheeks now returning back to normalcy

“Yes, but he's not joined yet...he's gotta tie up all the loose ends in Bangalore before joining Gupta Mills here, he's only met Nani once in Mumbai for the official interview, but she was mighty impressed!...it did not take her long to take her decision...” she said as arnav looked on keenly...he had heard a lot of good things about the guy and was curious about him

“Nani tells me, he's really good...He single handedly turned Sulaja textiles around from being a small time cottage industry to the multinational it is today....” she said as arnav nodded “Yeah...i heard, but funny how he was keen to join Gupta Mills if he was so attached to the old company...I mean, i'm sure its not just monetary...then...” arnav said as khushi smiled

“I know, I too thought so at the start...but nani told me that the next generation of Sulaja textiles is well groomed to take over, giving Shashi the break that he always wanted...I heard from nani that his wife passed away some years ago and that was very hard on him and his two children...so I guess they just want a fresh break..” she said as she took the last bite of her spaghetti

“Yeah, makes sense...it's never easy to let go of someone you loved so much” arnav said quietly as khushi covered her palm with his and squeezed...arnav felt a sudden calm as her fingers stroked his hand...giving him a kind of peace he craved for...thinking about his parents always got him emotional and he never wanted to display this side in front of anyone..but he found himself opening to her under her soft gaze

“You know Khushi...at least I have some recollections of my parents..before they...uh....but Aakash...he was really young then...he hardly remembered them...” he said as he held onto her hand “Sometimes i don't know which one of us is worse, someone who has memories to live with or someone who never got a chance to make those memories” he said as he took a deep breath, trying not to get too emotional.

Khushi felt her heart go heavy hearing arnav's words...she did not know how it was to feel a loss of close ones...her parents both being alive and well...but she could relate to him with the memories part...she had some beautiful ones with her father

“Arnav...I think both have their own woes...even though my father is with us, I only remember him by the memories i had before everything fell apart” she said as arnav opened his eyes, surprised to see khushi talk about her father

“He used to take me to this small park near our house...it had swings and slides and those monkey bars to climb up on...we used to go there every tuesdays and fridays, and I used to wait when my papa would come and take to there to play...” she said, her eyes taking on a faraway look

“I have this picture of us in that park, where i'm sitting on his shoulders while he's grinning proudly into the camera...I kept it pinned to my study board at my boarding school..remembering that day...waiting for the day when someone would come and tell me that all this was a bad dream....that soon a friday or tuesday will come and papa will come to take me to that park..” she said as a lone tear made its way down her creamy cheek

“Excuse me...I need to use the restroom” she said abruptly as she got up before arnav could say anything and walked briskly towards the ladies room...she ran into the room and opened one of the cubicles before letting it all out.

She cried for all the days she had wasted waiting for her father to come to her...for the days she had foolishly hoped that he would tell her that everything was a lie and that he would be back with her and her mother...she cried for all that lost hope.

After a few minutes as she washed her face and took many deep breaths...she finally felt better...she walked out of the bathroom to go towards their table when she came across a very worried looking arnav pacing in front of glass doors “Arnav? Did you need the gents...its that way..” she started saying when he came towards her and grabbed her hand...he pulled her towards the open terrace and made her stand in front of her

“Arnav...what?” she asked him as he placed a gentle finger on her chin and tilted her face up “You've been crying...” he said as he took in her slightly puffed eyes and smudged kohl...she looked up into his eyes and was caught unawares as his bore into hers....the molten depth calling out to her...making her feel oddly secure.

“Its ok Khushi...you don't have to be strong always...you can show your weakness...let it all out if it will make you feel better...” he said softly as khushi's eyes once again brimmed with hot tears...she could feel them trail over her cheeks...she could taste them on her lips as arnav brushed his thumb over her heated skin, sending goosebumps over her body as he cupped her face with one hand...his thumb now tracing over her lips...removing the remnants of her salty liquid now pooling copiously in her eyes.

Arnav breathed in a shuddering breath as his hands trembled...he tucked a wayward lock of her silky hair behind her ears as his other hand continued to hold onto her face...he saw her eyes question him...implore him about why he was with her...but the pain and hurt he saw there was for her destructive past....something that she had to let go..

She looked ethereal in her lace dress, the moonlight highlighting the pure white color on her pale skin..he looked on as her bottom lip trembled with unmasked pain and his first thought was to swoop down and take them into his, making her forget everything...but instinct and her vulnerable state made him stop his wayward thoughts, instead he shook his head and gathered her in his arms and hugged her.

Khushi had no idea why she felt so safe and at peace as arnav wiped her tears..she could not understand the uncharacteristic beating of her heart as he looked at her lips...and then back into her eyes, the caramel depths now turning darker...she felt herself give in to that feeling of helplessness she always felt when she confronted her past...she looked on as he shook his head and pulled her into a tight hug.

They felt the noise around the restaurant fade away...the cold wind caressing their bodies had suddenly turned warm and inviting...the stars twinkled brighter...but all good things must come to an end...before either of them could enjoy this feeling and question themselves about why they were feeling so, the shrill sound of a cell phone interrupted their embrace

Khushi pulled back quickly as arnav took a few steps away to make some distance between them...he saw her looking at him questioningly as he realized it was her phone that was ringing in his pocket “Oh...uh, you left your phone on the table when you came...so...I brought it with me” he said as he pulled out her phone from his pocket and handed it to her

Khushi smiled shyly before wiping away the remaining tears lingering on her lashes...she said a soft thank you to arnav as she glanced at the person calling “Its my mother...i'll just be a second” she said as arnav turned to leave while khushi picked up the call

“Mamma...what..” she started saying calmly before her voice took a more panicked tone “mamma...why are you crying? What happened?” she asked her as arnav turned back and walked swiftly towards her

“Slow down mamma...please...tell me...whats the matter...i'm coming home right now” she said as she turned around to walk back into the restaurant with Arnav right behind her when something made her stop...her eyes went wide and her breath came out with difficulty as she heard her mother sobbing voice at the other end.

She did not know when the phone slipped from her hand or when she fainted..she did not remember when arnav held her right before she fell...she did not remember arnav frantically picking her phone and trying to call her mother to know what she had told her...the only thing she remembered before she fainted was her mother's broken voice... “Arun has been shot...he's no more...your father is dead khushi”

Khushi's Dress