A Wake up Call! - Chapter 13 Posted 06/21/2017 - Page 13

Chapter 12 - Being there for her!

While driving to office next day, Arnav saw huge hoardings with Khushi, a baby and Karan advertising the baby products as a family... Oh my, Khushi looked so gorgeous, Arnav remembered she did the ad few weeks ago... As soon as he went to office, he watched all her new ads on you tube. Needless to say he fell in love with her all over again!

She is mesmerizing as a mother of an infant baby! She looked amazing in every form, after waking up from a sleepless night, in saris, in jeans or dresses and the baby responding to her so well... She is indeed the right choice!

But he hated to see her with Karan... Karan acting as her husband in the ads... Though they looked great together, he was jealous as hell... He could not see his Khushi with anyone else!

And here he had the guts to sit in their own house and spend time with so called ex' and her son in front of his wife ignoring her!

This guilt will take its own course to go away completely... He knew but he was on a right track to rebuild their relationship...

This time whole family is a bit relieved especially Akash and his Di... But they made sure he earns Khushi's apology and love on his own without any help from them... Arnav was tired of ignorance and cold shoulder from the family so seeing them warm up to him was relief for him too...

Everyone saw Arnav started doing things Khushi loves, spending time with her and especially mimicking all her antics and they could see Khushi's heart slowly melting... Maybe soon they will completely get over with!

"Khushiji, I am sure it will be ok with Chote... And advertisement shooting does not take long. I really enjoy your shootings so I will always accompany you... Come on, you should take it up... Anjali insisted Khushi when she got to know about Khushi being offered a new assignment...

"And it is again with Karan who is your great friend so it will be easy... In fact Karan called me to tell the great news and is keen that you accept the new assignment... Payal added.

"Khushi beta, you look so good on screen... I would be happy but it is your choice... Naniji also gave her approval.

"Hello hi, bye bye... now I will have to see your face in between my favorite serials... But I am bery bery happy... I can tell my friends in kitty party that you are my daughter-in-law! Everyone looked at Mami...

"I don't know... Let me think and talk to Arnavji also... First let me attend grand ceremony for the baby product launch tomorrow... The company is very excited with their initial product success and buzz around it... You all are coming, right? Tomorrow evening in South-X mall at 6.00 pm sharp Khushi asked and everyone nodded a big yes... They all wanted to be part of her success!

Arnav walked in to hear their conversation and could easily guess Khushi was offered another ad assignment...

Arnav was beyond jealous and over possessive when he heard Karan insisted and in fact recommended Khushi for the new ad... He knows Karan and all her friends so well but then he had heard the buzz around him and Khushi! In one of the recent event's red carpet when Karan stopped for pictures and press, out of nowhere a press reporter had asked Karan if he and Khushi were dating. Karan laughed it off immediately and had specified she is just a great friend! But Arnav knew how industry deciphers "Just Friends tag...

"Arnavji, I wanted to talk to you... Khushi walked in with his coffee and a snack...

"Yeah Khushi, tell me Arnav sipped his coffee and felt rejuvenated sitting next to Khushi on poolside...

"Arnavji, I have been offered another advertisement assignment. It will take one week only at the max. Can I do it? She asked him politely...

"Khushi, it's your choice. I will always be with you, you know that right? By the way I watched all your ads, I must say you nailed them all... You looked amazing! He openly praised her...

"Thank you so much Arnavji... She hugged him as usual...

"Tomorrow we have the product launch in South-X mall. Company has invited me as the product face and we all are going... Will you be able to come or are you going to be busy? Khushi asked him politely...

Arnav could read her face easily... She wanted him to be part of her world, success though he had denied her always... He did take her few parties but that's about it... Things must change, he thought...

"Oh sure Khushi, I have couple of meetings but I will have them rescheduled and will come there directly... Will it work? He asked her genuinely.

"Will you come? I mean thank you so much Arnavji... She was really happy and excited and hugged him back again.

The product launch was set in the middle of the mall with a stage and press was present... Stage was set for Khushi, Karan and product company CEO, MDs and other team members...

Initial one hour was spend in product introduction, running all ads, distributing free samples etc. Overall it was great enthusiastic atmosphere... Raizada clan managed to reach on time to have the fun and be there for Khushi...

Khushi's eyes were searching for Arnav... Though he had messaged her he was on his way and was stuck in traffic but would reach as soon as possible...

The press started questions and answers session with them...

"Hi Khushi, you look gorgeous in red sari... Press complimented Khushi... By then Arnav just walked in.

"Thank you so much... Khushi replied with a smile... It was one of Arnav's creations...

Then the session went on with so many questions on product and how Khushi and Karan became product face etc.

"So looks like you and Karan are very good friends... One of the reporter asked...

"Yes, we are. In fact he is cousin of my best friends since childhood and so our friendship goes long. We all went to see his shoot and I ended up being part of the shoot... Khushi replied casually without understanding the inner meaning of just friends...

"So you guys are really just friends or something cooking up... You both look great together... Arnav tightened his fist to control his anger...

There was an awkward silence for few seconds and Karan thought to answer looking at frozen Khushi. But Khushi gestured him to wait.

Arnav was about to walk away when he heard Khushi addressing the question.

"For me personally, a friend is just a friend... By the way, for those who don't know me or rather I am new in this field so you might not know me at all... I am already married. I might look great on screen with Karan but that is not real... I look the best, only with my husband because we are a real couple... You really need to see us together... Khushi replied confidently without any hesitation.

Raizadas including Arnav loved her answer... Arnav suddenly felt relaxed... Khushi sure knew how to make him feel special... And he needed to do it for her too, he made a mental note...

Arnav just decided to stay back, listen and let Khushi enjoy her moment... He quickly went and sat next to his Di without grabbing any attention... He asked his personal security team to disperse but be around his family...

"Wow, how cute? Reporters added...

Just then the Company CEO saw Arnav. He was shocked and surprised to see ASR sitting in the crowd and he suddenly got worried. How did ASR get invitation for his event and then no one told him and instead of sitting with them on stage, ASR is sitting in the crowd that too without complaining!

The CEO called his assistant looking at ASR and pointing towards him. Even media got aware that ASR is in the crowd... And obviously there was a big chaos... They could see all Raizadas in the crowd and immediately the security team moved in to keep family safe yet enjoy the event...

"ASR, what brings you to this event? How come you are sitting in the crowd and not on the stage inaugurating or addressing the event? The event manager and CEO felt embarrassed. Before they could get ASR on stage, press already saw ASR in the crowd and started bombarding him with questions...

Khushi saw him then and could not help but smile... Her Laad Governor always garners attention and why not? He is the most handsome and the best, she thought... She had not realized what media circus he usually creates wherever he goes but she was surprised and glad to see him there... Just the thought that he was there for her made her float on clouds...

"When did you come ASR? It's a pleasant surprise for us... Why don't you join us on the stage? The CEO stepped down, welcomed ASR and walked him over to the stage... Arnav went ahead and side hugged Karan and smirked at Khushi... She was all red realizing he heard her answer...

"I did not mean to grab all the attention towards me and that was the sole reason I wanted to enjoy the event sitting with my family... While Khushi and Karan enjoy their event... He spoke casually...

Still media and even baby product company team were clueless what bring such a busy tycoon to their event without any invitation...

"But ASR... The CEO was hesitant to admit they did not invite him but then there was no real reason to invite him also... Neither he was investing nor did he have a kid to use their product and moreover he is a super busy man!

Karan and Khushi looked at each other and bursted out laughing... Arnav was awkward but he also joined them laughing...

Karan took the stage and Arnav went back to Karan's seat next to Khushi and hugged her tight!

"Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce Khushi again... Khushi is face of the product but she has an additional identity also... She is Mrs. Khushi Gupta Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada... Wife of your favorite ASR, The mighty Arnav Singh Raizada... Suddenly a big gasp and an awkward silence... But then family members got up and clapped for Arnav and Khushi and so did the crowd...

The CEO and MDs felt sweaty with the revelation... Did they treat Khushi well throughout the ad campaign and during events? Did they pay her well? They had too many questions in their mind... After all no one would want to be in bad books with ASR and earn his wrath!

"We did not know Khushi is your wife, we are extremely sorry for our lack of knowledge and if she has to face any difficulties during the campaign... The CEO politely whispered in Arnav's ears...

"No worries, she wanted to do this... And by the way I did have my legal team check the ad contract and product validity so you are all good... It's obvious considering my wife is involved Arnav whispered back...

Khushi heard that and was shocked... Arnav smirked looking at her...

"Laad Governor... She muttered under her breath but he heard that... She was somewhere glad to know he cares about her choices and her safety...

"Calm down people... It's just that my darling wife was trying something on her own and I wanted her to enjoy her own success without being over shadowed by mine... And create her own identity... As a vivacious, beautiful and talented young woman that she is... Arnav was so proud of Khushi and it reflected in his reply... He side hugged her and people gasped...

"Indeed what she said is right! She makes the best pair with you ASR... Can you both please pose for couple of clicks? Media requested them and they both gladly obliged.

But before media started hounding them with more questions further, he quickly wrapped up, grabbed Khushi's hand and walked out after bidding goodbye to everyone...

Here comes the Last Chapter... Enjoy and thanks for all the likes and comments!

I really thrive on those...

Soon I will come up with another new story... Please keep supporting Master Chef as well...

Chapter 13 Happily Ever After!

"Arnavji, what is this? Where are we going?" Khushi asked him...

"You will know..." He answered and started driving... He had already informed his Di about his plans...

"Oh, farm house..." Khushi realized the route...

"Yes wifee, now that we need to spend more and more quality time together so we will be at the farm house for 2 days... I will work from the farm house tomorrow..." Arnav replied and suddenly Khushi's face fell when he mentioned they should spend time together... Whose fault was it not to do it before? All his... She decided to give him hard time...

"Your schedule may not work for me Arnavji... I have a test tomorrow and another event to attend on Sunday evening" She replied arrogantly... It was high time he stop bullying her like that and take her for granted as usual...

Arnav was angry at her answer... But he quickly realized, again he was inconsiderate and cannot take her for granted. The immediate resentment surfaced on her beautiful face, indicated grievances of old standing!

"Sorry Khushi, I did not mean it that way... At least can we have dinner tonight at farmhouse and come back early morning? Please?" He requested her politely and she was surprised with sudden change in his behavior...

"It's ok Khushi, let me call and ask Ramu uncle to stop the preparations and we will go some other time when you are free... I will ask you in advance... ok?" Arnav was upset but he would learn to adjust for his love of life...

"It's ok Arnavji, let's go to farm house tonight and come back tomorrow morning... I have a test tomorrow which I don't want to finish off. The test is in the afternoon so I will have time to revise in the morning..." Khushi also replied politely...

"No problem... let's go" He was happy, she at least agreed...

The whole farm house was cleaned and decorated with candle lights that Khushi loves... The dinner arrangements were made on the terrace along with canopy under the sky light with bed and the night looked beautiful with full moon...

"What's special? Are we celebrating something?" Khushi asked him curiously... Everything was just perfect, the decorations and food, all her favorite and plus so romantic...

"Too many things... Your ad success, you going to college and us still being together even after the blunders I do..." Arnav replied apologetically...

"What?" Khushi looked at him not getting his point...

"Yes, we are celebrating our togetherness Khushi... In spite of my horrible mistakes, you are still here with me... Even though I don't deserve you, you are here with me, it's a great reason to celebrate... Don't you think?" He was sarcastic at himself...

"Hum toh sirf aaphi ke hai (I am always yours and only yours)... And I am always there for you, but you are not..." She said angrily...

"What the?" He couldn't help but say...

"It is true... Hum toh sirf aaphi ke hai (I am always yours and only yours)... But you are not... You always find reasons to ignore me and go away from me... Be it your mistrust, misunderstanding, anger, miseries or self-loathing... Everything leads to only one thing... You walking away from me and ignoring me... Then come back as per your wish and expect me to accept you with open arms without any emotions... How long will this go on Arnavji? Do you always want to learn the hard way by hurting me? It's beyond tiring by now, you know" Khushi had decided not to give in easily but it was getting exhausting for her...

"I am yours' too Khushi... I have never loved anyone before you nor will ever love anyone else... It's going to be only you... Always you... I love you like crazy, you know that... It's my anger and trust issues that makes me lose logic or see through things clearly... But I will work on it... And remember, it's you or no one... It's you in my life or else I would die without you... I will not be able to live without you... Thank you for tolerating me Khushi and not leaving me..." Arnav could not help but cry for his ignorance towards her and what he put her through by sitting for hours with that witch Sheetal and her son and making Khushi insecure and lonely... Khushi had to hear that vile woman claiming him to be father of their son...

What the hell was he thinking? Obviously, he wasn't!

"Arnavji..." Even Khushi felt her tears flowing freely... They both made mistakes... She too invited Sheetal to stay with them not knowing her well...

"Arnavji, the funny thing is you seem to have trust issues only with me, you trusted Shyam and Sheetal very easily... And you seem to save the honor for every family member and even friends except me and my jiji... I saw your reaction when you saw Di helping Sheetal but you were ok with Sheetal and her son treating us as servants... Have I ever given you any reason not to trust me or is our honor, respect any less than your family members? What will it take for us to be real family members? Or is it still your prejudice that I have to live with?" Khushi smiled through her pain and tears.

And truth is there is nothing funny in what she said... Arnav's heart shattered with her question... She was so right... He hugged her tight and then kissed her whole face through her tears...

"I have a confession to make... I did not even want to apologize this time... Because I know, somehow you will still have the heart to forgive me... And I may end up doing some or the other blunder knowing you will forgive me... I don't want to go that route anymore... I will make it up to you Khushi!" Arnav pulled her chair and made her sit still holding her hands in his...

"Even I have a confession to make. I did do the DNA test that too from three different laboratories..." Khushi dropped the bomb...

Arnav was clueless... He decided to hear her out...

"When you decided against using your own common sense and rational thinking and were busy ignoring me, I could see Sheetal has plans to use the manipulated DNA report she got against you and our family. It could have even maligned your image further in society... So I just decided to get the DNA tests done from different labs and keep them handy..." She pulled out three closed envelopes from her hand bag and handed him...

"Why didn't you open them?" Arnav was surprised. He is so proud that his small town wife is way smarter than his Harvard brain... And she truly loved him and cared immensely to protect him and his family while he was on an ego trip...

"What is the need? I always trusted you so it was not for me. We would have used it just in case we needed it against Sheetal... I knew you would hire private detective so..." Khushi told him the details asking him to open the results. Obviously they were all negative. Even Sheetal was not Aarav's mom...

The truth was too harsh for him to digest... He never learned his lesson from Shyam fiasco nor did he learn to trust his own wife...

"Not any more Khushi... I promise you again and again, this will not happen ever again... I will never mistrust you and will never give anyone else priority over you my love... Not even Di or Nani or any other family members. They all have important place in my life but you are my better half and my highest priority... I will never make you feel lonely... I am so sorry once again..." Arnav kissed her deep and took her towards dinner table...

Arnav fed her dinner between million apologies... He set some strong rules for himself when it comes to any other women at work or his ex'.

It was a long night with lots of rules and promises for each other and Arnav assured her fragile heart again with full of love and passion for whole night...

"Good morning love..." Arnav was awake and he woke up Khushi...

"Arnav, let me sleep..." Khushi was still deep slumber...

"You have the exam baby... Don't you want to go to college?" Arnav asked her...

"Not really, I rescheduled it online to do it on Tuesday... Now let me sleep..." Khushi hid herself in the blanket realizing she wasn't wearing anything...

"Oh, in that case let's enjoy the lovely morning inside... And you know how I get turn on when you call me Arnav every morning pretending to be in sleep... It's high time you call me Arnav all the time" He picked her wrapped in blanket as it was getting too sunny and took her to their bedroom... And it ended up in another romantic early morning make out session...

"So are we staying back until Sunday?" Arnav asked Khushi...

"Yes, you can directly drop me to the event late Sunday evening... It's at 6 pm for an hour or so..." Khushi replied...

"Baby, one more thing... When will your exams get over? I have plans for us... I have Europe trip coming in about a month so I was thinking we should take 2 weeks' vacation and go around Europe..." Arnav informed her...

"What, Europe trip? Wow, it's so exciting... But I don't even have a passport..." Khushi suddenly realized...

"Who says my wife does not have passport...? Your passport and visa is all done... Just let me know if you want to go before or after my event... After would be better but let's see your schedule..." Arnav was ready to adjust and align dates of travel with his wife's schedule...

"Let's go after then... I can finish all my courses for this trimester in 3 weeks and finish tests online. Then we both can be relaxed..." Khushi agreed...

"Europe it is... It's our honeymoon trip. So I would rather have you completely relaxed and ready for loads of love and fun..." He winked at her and smirked...

"Oh" She realized he was taking her for honeymoon at last and she blushed furiously...

"You look so sexy when you blush like that and turn all red... I feel like eating you up..." With that he pulled her in his arms for another love making session!

"And Khushi, you look adorable, hot and sexy mom with small babies... Let's make some of our own... Oh god, you would be a hell crazy and hot mom..." Arnav teased her more...

"Stop it Arnav, babies not so soon... And look, Laad Governor who hates babies is talking about producing his own..." Khushi was surprised he openly expressed his wish to have a baby...

"Yeah, you are too young... Maybe we can wait. But I do want babies Khushi, with you... Our babies..." He kissed her deep pouring his love for her...

They again got hurdles in their life and again managed to come over it... Khushi is happy he has started expressing his feelings, understand her feelings and consider her equal rights... He is so ready to work towards their marriage and he is the best she could ever get! Well almost the best san his anger!

Phew, and he always thought he was not cut out for marriage... Khushi laughed at her own thoughts...

"Why are you laughing?" Arnav asked her raising his eye brow...

"It's funny to hear all this from a person who did not believe in love, commitments and marriage..." She admitted genuinely.

"I agree. It was all before you came into my life and I fell in love... Love for you, it is Khushi... It sounds weird but I am looking forward to our married life, our own kids, growing old with you... And with you, it will always be unpredictable and fun... Because you are crazy and I am crazy for you..." He laughed...

"I am crazy for you too" Khushi hugged him and pulled him into a kiss...