Chapter Seventy Seven

Arnav and Khushi had only gotten back from Bay Ridge and as soon as Arnav carried her through the threshold of her apartment, Khushi sighed.

"I know we only just got back, but I really wanna be as far away as possible from this place," Khushi huffed.

The corner of Arnav's lips lifted as he walked into their room. He set Khushi down at the foot of the bed and turned her around to unzip her dress.

"I mean seriously, how dare they," Khushi exclaimed.

It was very evident that Khushi was still quite heated from conversation with her parents.

"I mean like... like... what the!"

Arnav couldn't help his chuckle and pulled Khushi's dress over her head, Khushi holding her arms up.

"This isn't funny," she huffed.

"I know, but they way you're flaring up is," he grinned.

Khushi turned around to him. "You should be mad too; they're totally against us getting married so quick."

"I am."

"...but...?"

Arnav placed a kiss on her forehead. "But my fiery angel has got it all under her control," he muttered against her forehead.

Khushi melted in his embrace and wrapped her arms around him, Arnav holding onto her as well.

"This isn't the end of it, is it," Khushi asked.

"Probably not," Arnav sighed before looking down at her. "But whatever comes next, we do it together."

Khushi nodded and Arnav placed another kiss on her forehead.

"Now then, time to get some shut-eye."

Khushi nodded and helped Arnav take off his clothes. After a long flight and the drama earlier, sleep was absolutely necessary.

*~*

Khushi's eyes fluttered open, feeling cuddly and warm. She looked to her right and smiled, gazing away at her sleeping husband. He looked absolutely peaceful and content, and Khushi didn't want to bother him. So slipping out of his hold, Khushi got out of bed and got ready for the day.

As Khushi prepared breakfast, Khushi noticed the clock and saw that it was almost 12.

Poor Arnav, he must be really jet lagged.

It wasn't long later when Khushi was done cooking that Arnav had woken up and joined her. Khushi smiled at him, looking at his half sleep daze and messy hair.

"Good morning husband. Did you decide now was finally the time to join me," she teased.

Arnav gave a lazy smile and went over to her. He hugged her from behind, nuzzling her neck.

"Mm mmm, no - breakfast is ready, go wash up."

"I'm comfy angel."

"And I'm hungry so please, wash up before breakfast gets cold."

"Hmm."

Arnav let go of her and Khushi kissed his cheek. He gave a smile and then left the room to wash up. As he did, Khushi set the breakfast bar and poured some orange juice for the two. It wasn't long till Arnav joined her and they dug in.

"You're not going to work, are you," Khushi asked.

"I don't plan to go to work for the whole week. After all, we did just get married."

"Oh? Is that so? Well that's good for me - turns out my boss just got married too."

"Well, isn't that a good coincidence."

"A very good coinky-dink."

Arnav grinned and Khushi winked at him.

"Someone's in playful mood today," Arnav teased.

Khushi shrugged. "I don't know; maybe its the affect of marriage."

"Hmm, is that so?"

Arnav moved closer and Khushi knew just what to expect. However, just as she was about to kiss him, the doorbell rang.

"What the?"

Arnav looked at Khushi, his eyes filled with humor. "Angel-"

"Don't even," but Arnav continued to grin as Khushi went to the door to check who was there.

"Who is it," she called out.

"Khushi, it's me," she heard Arhat called out.

Both Arnav's and Khushi's face filled with confusion. Khushi glanced back at Arnav, checked to make sure that the t-shirt and sweats she was wearing were decent, and then opened the door, revealing Arhat.

"Good morning," he smiled.

"Good morning Papa," and Khushi hugged him. "Come in."

Khushi led him to the living room, Arhat and Arnav giving each other a hug before sitting down. Arnav and Khushi sat down together, Arhat sitting across from them.

"What brings you here so early Dad," Arnav asked.

"Well, in the heat of how things went yesterday, there was something I forgot to do."

Arhat placed a gift bag in his lap, both Arnav and Khushi only acknowledging it now.

"What is that?"

"A present for Khushi," Arhat smiled.

"Oh Papa, you shouldn't have," Khushi smiled softly.

"Well actually, this was bought a long time ago."

Both Arnav and Khushi looked at him in confusion.

"This isn't just from me, but from Aisha as well."

Arnav's eyes widened. Arhat reached into the bag and removed several boxes of jewelry.

"You see, ever since Arnav was born, Aisha had planned on giving these jewelry to her future daughter in-law. Some of these include jewelry she had worn at our wedding, others we had purchased afterwards. She always looked forward to this day...."

Khushi reached out and lightly squeezed Arhat's hand.

Arhat smiled at her in return. "I am very happy, however, that this day has finally arrived. And I know that wherever she is, Aisha is really happy to have you join our family."

Khushi looked at Arnav and he gave her a soft smile.

"And so, these are for you Khushi," Arhat said, handing her the presents. "May you always be happy and succeed in whatever you do."

"Thank you Papa, thank you very much."

Khushi placed the jewelry aside and hugged Arhat before sitting back down.

"Of course dear. Now, there is something else as well."

Khushi's eyebrows met in the middle.

"You see, now that you're a part of this family, you have the right to know this family's secrets."

"Secrets," Arnav asked. "What secrets?"

Both Arnav and Khushi looked at each other before looking back at Arhat.

"Since you and I haven't had the best relationship Chote, there are some things I never got to tell you. Now that things are better, and Khushi has joined the family, it seems to be the perfect time to do this."

"So what exactly is this secret," Arnav asked.

Arhat looked down at his hands, toying with his ring. "It wasn't so long ago when I told Khushi about my ring."

Khushi glanced at it, watching Arhat toy with it.

"Ever since Aisha first placed it on my finger, I never once took it off. Even when she insisted on getting it cleaned and shine it up a bit, I denied. To this day I've never taken it off, and I never will."

Arhat stared at his ring for a moment, remaining silent, and then cleared his throat. "I know that me marrying Kaushali was one of the biggest reasons that split you and I apart," he said, looking at Arnav.

Arnav nodded his head lightly. "I... the though that you could just replace mom-"

"You know I could never do that-"

"I know that now.... But at the time...."

Arnav looked away and Khushi reached out and held his hand. Arhat nodded in acknowledgement and was silent again for a moment, before he spoke again.

"Well, the truth is... it wasn't really my idea to marry her..."

Both Arnav and Khushi looked at him in confusion.

"...it was hers."

Now Arnav was really confused.

"What do you mean," Khushi asked before Arnav could.

"Khushi, do you remember how I told you of a business rival? The bastard who led to Aisha...."

Khushi didn't need for Arhat to finish the sentence and understood.

"Well Kaushali is his ex-wife."

Both Arnav and Khushi looked at him in shock - and this was only the beginning.

Chapter Seventy Six

Just like that, their little vacation in Rio was over, and it was time to get back to reality. As Nigel drove the newly wedded couple, Khushi gazed out at the city she loved. It amazed her how she had left the city unmarried and slightly upset, and now she was back, married and happy.

However, despite her happiness, Khushi was worried. She could only wonder what the reaction of her brother would be when he would learn about her marriage with Arnav. It was clear from their last encounter that he didn't like Arnav - not that her husband seemed to care.

"Angel..."

Khushi snapped out of her thoughts and looked at Arnav. His thumb was tracing over her fingers and a soft smile played on his lips. Khushi couldn't help her smile and she squeezed his hand back softly, running her thumb over his ring.

"What's going through that pretty head of yours?"

Khushi shook her head. "Nothing like that. Just the same thoughts as before."

Arnav squeezed her hand. "Everything will be alright."

"I hope so."

Khushi glanced back out the window, looking at all of the houses they drove past until they arrived to the Raizada house.

"Ready?"

Khushi nodded, looking back at him. "Ready."

Nigel opened the door for Khushi and she stepped out. Before they had flown back, Arnav had called home and had asked his father to have his sister, Kaushali, Kalavati, as well as Khushi's family, to be over at the house. Khushi was somewhat terrified of this idea, but it was better to tell them all at once than to go through the process repeatedly. 

Especially when there were certain people she just didn't want to see whatsoever.

Arnav rang the doorbell and Khushi gripped his hand. He looked down at her and Khushi looked up at him. Arnav gave her a reassuring smile and placed a kiss on her hand, bringing a small smile to Khushi's lips. She could hear someone approaching the door and she took in a deep breath.

Here we go!

The door opened, revealing Arhat. "Ah! Welcome home!"

Khushi bent down to seek Arhat's blessings, but he stopped her and gave her a hug instead, placing a kiss on her head.

"Welcome to the family," he whispered.

"Thank you Papa."

Arhat turned to his son. "You remember what I told you, yes?"

Arnav frowned, tilting his head. "You know I'll always keep her happy."

Arhat couldn't help his chuckle and he hugged his son, Arnav hugging him back. Seeing the two like this made Khushi absolutely happy! In fact it made her so happy, that she hugged the two, the men not minding at all and enjoying their group hug.

"Come," Arhat said, pulling back. "Everyone's inside and they're all very curious. I don't think I can pull off this charade for much longer," he chuckled.

Arhat led the couple into the living room. As soon as she saw everyone, Khushi couldn't help but to gulp. Anjali was sitting down with her brother, and it was evident that she was still upset with Arnav. Khushi glanced at her brother and saw the way he was glaring at Arnav. It made her wonder if Anjali had told him about their conversation from the other day, or if it was just the hate he had towards her husband.

Sitting on the other sofa were her parents, and it was very clear that they wanted to speak with her, not that she cared nor wanted too. In fact, Khushi didn't even want them here, but it was only because of Arnav that they were.

Across from them, in the armchair, was Kaushali. Curiosity was written all over her face, but as for her daughter, who sat against the arm, was scowling at the couple.

Ugh I really do hate you.

"Well it's about time you two have arrived," Anjali huffed, her eyes on Arnav.

Arnav rolled his eyes. "Get over it Di."

Anjali gaped at him and twitched her lips, turning away.

"Why don't you try speaking to your older sister with some respect," Shyam said.

Oh no he didn't! "How about you keep your nose out of family business," Khushi scowled.

Shyam gaped at her and Arnav smirked, taking Khushi's hand in his and placing a kiss on it. Khushi winked at him and from the corner of her eyes, she saw Kalavati scowl and roll her eyes.

Arhat cleared his throat. "Um, why don't we get to the reason why we're all here."

"Yes, please," Kaushali agreed. "Have you two finally decided on a date? A theme? Do tell, please! I simply can't contain my excitement anymore!"

Khushi could tell her husband was trying hard not to recoil in distaste, so she ran her thumb over his hand to comfort him.

"Well," Anjali pushed on.

Khushi saw curiosity taking over everyone, even her parents. "There's no date."

They all looked at the couple in confusion, except for Kalavati, who had a smirk growing on her face.

Don't roll your eyes, don't roll your eyes!

"What," Kaushali gasped.

"That's right - there's no date, no theme - that is, not as of yet."

Kalavati's smirk dropped and Kaushali was confused.

Anjali looked at them in confusion. "Then...? I mean, I thought the reason why you called us all up was because you guys finally came up with some ideas of your wedding."

"Well the truth is we're no longer in a rush for it."

"Oh? Why is that," Kalavati asked, a faint smirk on her face.

Khushi tried hard to not roll her eyes and she succeeded when she felt Arnav run his thumb over her hand, calming her.

"Because we're not," Arnav simply said.

"Because," Anjali asked. "Chote, marriage isn't a game, you do understand that yes?"

"Okay, seriously Di, enough with the attitude. You don't see Khushi having a problem with what I said, so relax."

"Excuse me?"

"I said what I said, and I stick by it."

"Chote you have no right-"

"Actually I do, and you know I'll always protect you." Arnav turned his eyes on Shyam. "No matter which meathead comes in the way."

Shyam arched his eyebrow at him and Anjali stood up.

"Chote, enough. We can talk about this later."

Arnav kept his eyes on Shyam. "Count on it."

Given Arnav's expression and tone, Shyam knew that Arnav was definitely referring to him. "Oh? Why not just talk about it now," he said, standing up.

Khushi couldn't help but to scoff. "Oh sit back down Bhai."

"Khushi-"

"This is a family matter and you're not family, so please - sit."

"Oh but you are," Kalavati asked, leaning into the couch with a small smirk. "Without a date or anything, I would consider yourself out of this conversation too."

"Actually, no, those things do not stop me from being a part of this conversation."

Khushi looked up at Arnav and he smiled down at her.

"We got married in Rio," Khushi declared.

"What," everyone exclaimed.

Arhat came forward and hugged the two. "That's right, both Chote and Khushi got married in Rio!"

"And you knew," Kaushali asked.

"Of course, why wouldn't I? Especially when he asked for my blessing."

Khushi glanced at Arnav with a smile and he winked back at her.

"And you didn't think to tell me," Anjali exclaimed.

Arnav looked at her. "I couldn't trust that big mouth of yours."

"What," she squealed.

"Who's to know you wouldn't have blurted it out to your boyfriend here?"

"Well I didn't tell him about the proposal when that happened-!"

Anjali bit down on her tongue as Arnav's eyes widened. Khushi's eyes widened and darted between the two.

Oh crap!

"You've been with him since then," Arnav asked, his voice sinisterly low.

Khushi reached over to Arnav, squeezing his hand. 

Arnav looked down at her and searched her eyes. "You knew too, didn't you?"

Khushi nodded. She watched as Arnav's thoughts and emotions played across his face, his free hand clenching into a fist.

"Fucking bastard," Arnav muttered, but everyone had heard him.

"Excuse me," Shyam said, stepping towards him.

Arnav glared at him and Khushi's eyes widened.

"You wanna hate on me? For what?"

Arnav didn't take his eyes off of him.

"If anyone should be calling anyone a bastard, then it should be me calling you that. Who knows what the fuck you've done to my sister-"

Arnav released his hand from Khushi's and in the blink of an eye, his hands were on Shyam, gripping onto his collar.

"Chote," Anjali cried out, running over to them.

"Arnav," Khushi called out, moving to him. "Arnav let him go."

"You think you're worthy of my sister," Arnav hissed. "You're not even worthy of your own sister - not Khushi, nor Payal."

Shyam's eyes widened and he froze. Khushi looked down at the floor, her parents looking at them in shock. All the while, in the back, Kalavati was watching with interest, completely entertained.

"Payal? Who's Payal," Anjali asked.

"Ask your boyfriend," Arnav said, still glaring at Shyam. "Ask him how he lost his sister. Ask him how he's hurt Khushi," and he let go him, his force pushing Shyam back.

"You-"

"Bhai stop," Khushi said, cutting Shyam off. "Whether you like Arnav or not doesn't matter to me - I love him, and that's what does, so deal with it."

"Khushi-"

"Arnav, can we leave please? I just want some peace and sanity."

Arnav nodded and was about to say something, when Garima spoke.

"Khushi, how... I mean getting married so quick-!"

Khushi whipped around to her. "So what? It's my life, my choice, and I married him."

"But-"

"And after all of these years, you don't have a right to say anything to me about my choices. You lost all those rights the moment you held me liable for Payal's death, in fact, all three of you! I had formalities to complete and I did - done."

Khushi reached for Arnav's hand to leave when her father spoke.

"Khushi-"

"Enough! For the love of all things holy, please, just stop! Do not try to intervene with my life and have me in any of your concerns. We are done, this family is done!"

"Khushi how can you say that-?"

"How can I say that? You accused me and claimed me to be Payal's murderer. Both you and mom! No one was by my side and instead accused me of killing her. Yes, I hurt her! Yes, I was the cause of her broken heart that night, but did anyone once think of Akash? For even a moment, did you even think of Akash's liabilities whatsoever? No, not at all! Instead of accusing her real murderer, you accused me!!!"

Everyone was silent. While most were in shock, Arnav looked at Khushi, proud of her bravery.

"You all lost me that night. Not only is Payal dead, but I am dead to you too as well, just as you all are for me."

With that being said, Khushi and Arnav left, everyone looking in their direction in shock.

That is, except for Kalavati, a small smirk appearing on her face.

Interesting... how very, very interesting indeed.