Caring Husband

Arnav – Its been one and half year Jijaji...I need to move on... (Shyam fumes that his trick did not work)

MORNING

Arnav is passing by the living area while going to office. Everyone is getting ready to go to Kuldevi Mandir for some rituals and traditions of family to begin marriage preparations.

NK – Khushi Ji.... I think you should be coming...it will be so much fun

Khushi – No NK Ji...its family tradition and I should not be part of this.

Anjali – But it would be nice if you could come. I would have such nice company.

Khushi – Its ok Anjali ji.... I have few tasks in ashram I will finish them by the time you come back.

Nani – We don't want to force you (Khushi smiles)

Shyam – Shall I drop you to the ashram?

Khushi – No...the ashram vehicle is coming this way for some work. I will go in it. (Arnav observes her extra uncomfortable and dull. He thinks)

Arnav - She was so happy after winning the games. What happened to her suddenly? This wife of mine will make me insane one day, so unpredictable.

He chooses to be silent and goes to office. Everyone walks out to start the journey to temple and Shyam whispers to Khushi

Shyam – Don't think you will get some privacy with Saale Saab.... If I find out you guys got close again .... yesterday it was just hot water but this time it would be oil or acid.... depends on my mood.... stay away from him....

He warns and walks out...Khushi is broken. She thinks about Shyam's harassment after the game's previous day.

FLASHBACK

After the games when Khushi went in kitchen to get the sweets properly packed for Payal's family and was about to come out after HP and other servants took the boxes to load in the car. Shyam enters the kitchen.

Shyam – You look very happy around Saale saab don't you....

Khushi – What do you mean?

Shyam – When I tried a move on you...you had issue... (pulls up some pictures on phone)..but when he is holding your waist you don't have any problem and look at the way you are leaning on him...

Khushi – It.....it was an accident...you don't even know what happened...I fell in pool and was drowning, he saved me.

Shyam – Yeah...I don't know and even the public won't know....it will be nice to release these photos to media.... (She looks at him with disgust. He keeps water for boiling) Arnav will do the damage control for sure.... but what about you?.... you know how the people are....

Khushi – How can you do this.... what have I done to you....?

Shyam – Let's not discuss that for now.... even if I consider this as accident. What did you both do today....playing  games with him, like married couple...touching hands....(pulls her right hand and puts in the boiling water and closes her mouth by his other hand to suppress her scream...pulls off the hand from vessel after some time)..just sample...don't think you can go and complain about me to him....I have fixed cameras all over his room so the moment you do something of that sort these pictures will be out in all possible medias.. (leaves her to bear that pain and go out)

PRESENT

Arnav was restless. He wanted to know her stand, he messages from his private number.

No messages. Busy with dream boy? What did you decide about job?

After some time, there was a voice message. He opens it

I can't type, my hand is injured yesterday. Will message you when my hand is healed.

Arnav could not concentrate at work and thinks.

Arnav (in mind) - How come no one told me about it? How did she get injured? Was this the reason for her dullness in morning? Should I go check on her? Let me call her.(He dials her and Khushi picks)

Khushi – Tell me Arnav Ji?

Arnav – Where are you, Khushi?

Khushi – At Ashram...

Arnav – Ok (He did not know what to ask)

Khushi – Did you want me to do anything at home? (He thinks something and respond)

Arnav – Yes, I was trying to reach Mohan, his number is not going through I wanted you to pass the phone. Its ok, I will manage.

Khushi – Anything important Arnav ji?

Arnav – Yes, and personal too. Leave it Khushi, I don't want you to get troubled. Carry on.

Khushi – If I can help I will surely help.

Arnav – I am going to hospital for checkup, they wanted me to bring someone along. No one is at home right... (He made a web hoping for her to get caught)

Khushi – Text me the address, I will reach there.

Arnav – Ok

He was happy for making her agree to come to hospital. He texts the address and go to hospital and wait for her. She comes in a auto and gets down. He observes her using only left hand. She spots him and come. He deliberately extends his hand for handshake.

Arnav – Hi. (She did not know what to do. He intimidates) it's just a handshake Khushi. (She slowly brings her right hand in front which was burnt badly and show him. His blood boils seeing this. He decides to be quite till he gets the information from her)

Khushi – I can't do handshake, Arnav ji (He asks in a calm voice)

Arnav – What happened?

Khushi – I spilled the boiling water.... (After a pause) in ashram. By mistake (He was not convinced) Leave this let's go meet you doctor.

Arnav – My colleague helped me. I was waiting for you since you were on the way. (He lies). But looks like you need me to come with you.

She is hesitating. He grabs her uninjured hand and pulls her along. He guides her inside the hospital. They meet the doctor. Doctor is working on her wound and Khushi is struggling to bear the pain. Doctor goes out bring the guage. Arnav comes, stand close to her and puts his hand on her shoulder.

Arnav – Hurting?? (He was worried for her)

Khushi – Very much (she turns and circles his waist by her other hand. Around him she was comfortable unknowingly. Arnav holds her closer to avoid her looking at the hand which was being treated. Doctor comes and starts treating her hand again, she start wiggling over his tummy. He holds her tight with one hand and makes her hand steady using his other hand...doctor smiles at this couple)

Doctor – How did this happen? When water burnt the hand, the pain would be even more.

Arnav – Yeah, ask her doctor.... she wanted to be a heroine, I suppose (Shows his frustration)

Khushi – You don't blame me Arnav ji.... ahhhhhhhh ...its already hurting (Speaks in hugging position itself not moving head)

Arnav – Ok ok...done...just be steady.... few more minutes....(Pats her head)

Khushi – Hmmm

Doctor – Newly married?

Arnav and Khushi together – 1 and half year

Khushi – He asked me ok.... allow me to talk (She warns him)

Arnav – If you shout like this, I am going leave you now (He blackmails her)

Khushi – Sorry.... (She snuggles more on to him)

Doctor – Looks like Child Marriage... (Doctor just smiles) Ok done... (Arnav slowly release his hold comes back and sit. Arnav wipe her face with his kerchief. Her face was messy due to tears. Doctor writes medicine) No touching water for 3-4 days. Will see you on 4th day and then we will see.

Arnav – Thanks...Doctor (They come out. Khushi did not want to lie him, so she avoids talking about wound. She decides to be in ashram for some days)

Khushi – Ok Arnav Ji... I will take a leave now. Thanks for getting my hand treated.

Arnav – Where are you going?

Khushi – Ashram...anyways I won't be able to help Anjali di with this hand and what else will I do there? I will come once this is healed. I will call Di and ensure she follows the routine.

Arnav – Your hand is hurt; you can't go anywhere...

Khushi – I can rest in Ashram...I am a caretaker and not the other way round Arnav ji. What you did just now is already beyond the employer limit. Please don't force me...

Before he digested the impact of his initial treatment and the approach towards her which was making her react this way. She took the auto and started back to Ashram. With no other choice he goes back to office.