Bitter Truth

NIGHT – LIVING ROOM

Everyone is discussing about Akash and Payal's Engagement ceremony. Khushi was still lost on the evening encounter with Shyam.

Anjali – I will really enjoy this function. What do you say Khushi? Let's rock (Khushi just smiles)

Khushi – Anjali Ji... you need to take your tablets...let me get them (Anjali hold the wrist which was hurt by Shyam's torture in evening unknowingly to stop Khushi) Ahhhh (Everyone notices the nail mark and the finger mark on her wrist and arms)

Anjali – What happened? (she observes carefully) this looks so bad (Before Khushi blurts out anything Shyam spoke)

Shyam – She was about to fall when she was arranging the photo in our new room, so I had to hold her tight. Is it hurting Khushi Ji? Let me see (He tries coming close. Khushi steps back)

Khushi – No...I am good.... will apply antiseptic tonight....(She rushes back to her room. Arnav feels there is something wrong, but he chooses to keep quite for time being)

ARNAV'S ROOM

Arnav – What do you mean you couldn't find Mahesh uncle's whereabouts. He was constantly trying to reach me after ma and dad died. Ok let me know if you find anything... (disconnects the call and he notices a message on his private number from his mysterious wife)

You said you can help me with job...can you arrange for one as early as possible...I need to leave this house soon.

Arnav (in mind) – What happened to her suddenly? he still replies to know the issue

What happened?

She responds quickly

The husband of the person whom I am looking after tried molesting me.... he touched my waist in a wrong way. He did lot of creepy things I can't message everything. I feel unsafe. If I try telling anyone at home, they might insult me or may be doubt me. He shamelessly agreed in front of everyone that he touched, claiming to be helping me. He can manipulate things. What if he tries something more in future...please help me....

There no response for her message....she feels sad....she thinks...

Khushi - Maybe he also thinks that I am wrong...should tell Arnav ji about leaving the job tomorrow morning...anyways more that 3 months completed to Anjali ji. They should be able to manage.

Arnav connected the dots. He was unable to digest this harsh truth his Jijaji molesting his wife. But he is not able to do anything he fists and punches on the bed in anger. He wanted her to tell this to him face to face so that he knows the entire truth. He thinks something and goes to poolside. He notices her poolside door is not locked even after him warning many times. He thinks something and gets inside her room using that door. She was applying ointment on her bare waist, so she had removed the salwar top. His sudden entry made her shocked. He notices the bruises on arms, shoulder and the scratch on waist. She composes and pulls the dupatta nearby and cover herself.

Khushi – You shouldn't have come like that Arnav Ji. (She turns her back to him)

Arnav – Didn't I tell you to keep this door locked? What if someone else had come in to see your free show? Can't you be careful? Take this as a warning Khushi, if I see you doing this again, I will do something you may not even imagine.

Khushi – I won't leave this door open I promise.... You please leave now Arnav Ji.... (She was almost crying and feeling uncomfortable to stand like that in front of him. He did not even care as he knew seeing his wife like this is not a sin. Still, he controls himself as this was not the time to react. He walks back to his room. He hears her locking the door and smiles that his warning worked. He replies to her message like an innocent boy. He was liking this secret message talks with his wife)

I think you should talk to the owner; he might sort this for you... I will surely arrange a job .... what if something happens in between? Are you planning to leave job immediately?

There was no immediate response. He knew she must be dressing herself, he so wanted to hug her and console her to make her feel better after what she faced but he couldn't do that without revealing his identity. He was not ready for that yet. He gets her reply

I don't know when. I will discuss this with the owner tomorrow.

She sends one more message

I can't talk to my owner about such things. I am just not comfortable over here after this...its suffocating.... what if anyone come to my room in night.... I get so many weird thoughts. A woman without any man beside her is always treated like a slut. Anyone can do anything, anytime.

She sends the message and walks out of room, leaving her phone in room. She went to garden. She felt the need for fresh air. Terrace would not be safe as no one will be around. The garden was safe as the guards were always around. Arnav felt bad reading her message, even he barged into room. So, she might have felt even more unsafe. He was thinking of the way to handle this.

Arnav – What is this Jijaji up to? Can't question him directly.... can't let Khushi be in this state too. Should avoid talking to her till I sort this mess around my wife. She will talk about leaving the job tomorrow and I can't let her do it. (He replies)

Khushi...be safe and be alert. Don't fall weak. If you feel scared or in need of any protection, just give a call to this number. It will be taken care of. Number: 123456789. He is my personal guard. Just tell him know you are Khushi, and need help. No more information is required.

He shares his personal guard Shera's number and have also instructed Shera to keep a watch on Khushi. Khushi did not know any details of Shera, so it was safe to introduce him is what he thought.

NEXT DAY MORNING

Arnav is hurriedly walking to leave to office near the main door. Khushi calls him

Khushi – Arnav Ji.... (He turns)

Arnav – Yeah Khushi....

Khushi – Are you busy? I want to speak something important...

Arnav – Can it wait till I am back? (She makes a sad face and nods. Shyam notices this and comes in between)

Shyam – You can speak to me. I will help you (Arnav notices her fear as Shyam is walking towards them. He speaks to her)

Arnav – Lets do one thing Khushi.... why don't you bring my lunch to office.... we can speak during lunch hour...will that be fine....?? (She happily nods and goes back towards kitchen)

Shyam – But Arnav .... she is just a caretaker...why will she bring lunch?

Arnav – I am her employer Jijaji.... she wants to speak to me and there is no harm if I am giving her the appointment...(Arnav walks off and Shyam fumes)

NOON – ARNAV'S CABIN

Arnav is in a meeting and Khushi is waiting in his cabin as Aman made her wait there. She is looking around his cabin which is neatly set. Everything in place. It even has his big life size picture. She was admiring the photo.... Arnav walks in and notices that....

Arnav – Are you intending to feed the lunch to photo? (Khushi jerks and looks back)

Khushi – Sorry I was just looking around. I did not touch anything...

Arnav – Its ok.... (He smiles)

Khushi – Let me serve (She starts arranging food as Arnav is glancing over some mails. She finishes serving. He comes back after washing hand and joins her on the couch)

Arnav – Tell me.... you had something to discuss... (She is fidgeting with her pallu) Did you have lunch??

Khushi – I will have at home....

Arnav – Why? its late...you can have with me. I won't eat this much...

Khushi – I know you won't like eating with employees.... I am good (She smiles fearfully as she remembers the day when he had said that...Arnav gulps his uneasiness, but he continues to eat as she got it exclusively for him)