Chapter 6

ACTywm

@ACTywm

Chapter Five

'Looks like someone had a rough night. But then I guess Nannav has that effect'

A cheery NK addressed Khushi from behind. Khushi was so absorbed in her thoughts of everything that had happened, Arnav's behaviour last night, his behaviour this morning that she did not even notice when NK arrived at the table for breakfast. She started at his voice and his comment made her face darken, making her distress even more obvious.

'Relax. Relax Khushi ji mein tho srif apka paincha kheech ra hoon (im only pulling at your hem)...you know pulling your leg khushi ji' said an amused NK, who had mistaken the darkening of Khushi's face for blushing...

'Paincha nahi Nanhe ji...pair' (Not hem Nanhe ji...Leg) said Khushi, but this time the sense of loss in her voice was not lost over NK and he looked more closely at Khushi's face, which seemed to have aged greatly over one night. Realising all was not well he let his smile slide and in a concerned voice asked Khushi...

'What happened Khushi ji?'

'Nothing' Khushi replied instantly before NK had even finished his question, for she had seen his face change expressions and knew her temporary obliviousness of her surroundings due to her train of thoughts had let all her duress show on her face as if it were transparent. But Khushi's hasty reply and her unwillingness to meet his eyes confirmed NK's suspicion that Khushi ji had been hurt again and he was not going to let it go, not after she had been through hell and back the last few weeks, well actually the last few months because of that scum of a man who had been his jija. Khushi ji deserved to be treated with respect, love and admiration...she had risked her life for this house and the inmates of this house had to know and understand and give Khushi ji the respect she deserved he was going to make sure of it. And now Nannav was with them, so there was no way she would not get the love and respect that she was due. So he pressed on even though he knew Khushi wanted to drop it, but that was Khushi ji always caring for everyone else making sure everyone is smiling even if it is at her expense. But enough was enough, if she was not going to fight her battles then he would, but he won't let khushi ji suffer anymore...she had suffered enough.

'Did anyone say anything to you, Khushi ji? No, don't even try to lie, I thought we were passed keeping secrets Khushi ji. Besides how many times do I have to tell you Khushi ji, you shouldn't lie because you don't know how to. So again I ask who said what, tell me and I will give them an earful because it's high time everyone starts giving you the respect you deserve!'

Seeing Khushi turning away from him not wanting to reveal anything he pushed on, 'Ok, fine if you are not comfortable with telling me, then at least tell Nannav I'm sure he will send their ears ringing, for he will not tolerate anyone mistreating you, his wife. Not after yesterday, when he clearly stated to everyone that you were innocent by taking your side. I trust Nannav khushi ji, he loves you, he will make things right, tell him if not me.'

The last statement about Arnav broke Khushi's resolve of not letting anyone know that Arnav did not trust her, not even NK who she was now an open book to when it came to the matter of secrets. But NK's trust in Arnav and in his actions and his love for Khushi, made khushi reel again in front of NK this time before she could stop herself. Leaving a panicked NK, who could not understand what he had said that had hurt Khushi so much. He did not know what to do, he could not see Khushi like this, defeated on the ground, between the table and the mandir. He looked up at the Goddess in the temple ahead and uttered a silent prayer to her to show him a way to help khushi ji.

Moments later the main door opened and to NK's relief Arnav walked in. NK had never been more delighted to see Arnav then at that moment. He knew if there was anyone who would be able to console and soothe Khushi ji it was Arnav. He would make things right. He walked around the table and half walked half sprant to Arnav.

'Nannav, mere bhai...I'm so glad you are here. You came at the right time. You need to come with me Nannav, Khushi ji...' but his voice trailed off as he saw who had walked in behind Arnav.

He stared from his face to Arnav's impassive face. Not being able discern what was going on in Aranv's mind, and realising that Arnav had not noticed who came in after him, he lunged for the intruder's throat.

'You have some nerve walking in here, after yesterday jiju...how dare you come here after everything you have done?!!'

But before he could throw Shyam out, NK got the shock of his life when Arnav instead of helping NK kick Shyam out actually loosened NK's fingers from Shyam's collar.

'Nannav, what are you...'

'NK stop strangling him, do not forget he is our Jija Ji, he is this house's son-in-law...treat him with respect.' hissed Arnav with a contorted face.

Flabbergasted NK, looked from Arnav to Shyam and back. 'Nannav...wha...why...wha'

'Yes NK bhai, now you wouldn't want your Di to see you strangling her beloved husband now would you...' said Shyam nursing his neck, while a disgusting smirk of victory began forming on his face, announcing that he was here to stay and no one could do anything about it as the mighty ASR himself had bought him back.

****