NK came home

AFTERNOON – ANJALI's ROOM

Anjali – This new routine is more tough Khushi. So many restrictions.

Khushi – Can't help Anjali ji. Doctors know the best ,right? and she asked to stop that iron tablet, that you take in night, till she prescribes again.

Anjali – Anyways you are the one giving me tablets, so I don't need to worry. (Khushi smiles)

Khushi – You sleep...If you need anything you can call me

Anjali – Ok (Smiles)

EVENING

Arnav came down for coffee and notice that NK (Nanda Kishore) has arrived and started his chit chat with people. He muttered to himself.

Arnav – One headache was already in house and now this extra headache will blast my head.... (He thought in mind and tried to go back to his room silently without giving attention to NK. But NK was sharp, he runs to Arnav)

NK - Nannav my Bro.......(hugs) how are you?? (Arnav gritted teeth but didn't reply. He hates NK calling him Nannav ..he continue to walk releasing hug..) Nannav I have come after so long and you are behaving so cold

Arnav – NK ...don't call me Nannav... (Gives a warning glare)

NK - Nannav sorry...Arnav.... ok leave it....your name is not very important. This time I came with a motive, I can't wait long for you to get Bhabhi home.... I'm going to get married ...

Arnav - Who the hell told you to wait for me to get her? Go find a girl, get married and leave from the house...I can't handle your tantrums.

NK - Yeah should find a girl. (he whispers) How about Khushi? In such a short span of 2 hours I liked her a lot.

Arnav - What the hell NK ??(Arnav shouted from lung) Can't you see she is married? (Khushi was silently standing in corner. NK runs and stand behind her)

NK – Khushi Ji...save me from Nannav.... (Now Khushi is facing angered Arnav...fuming...)

Arnav – Come here .... it's not good for you to hide for long ...I will anyway beat you up (Khushi starts shivering with fear as she feared this form of Arnav...This was the same rage he had in his eyes when he shouted at her in study room. She closes her eyes not wanting to hear something harsh again...Arnav walks off from there)

NIGHT

Arnav didn't come down to have dinner due to his spoiled mood. It's almost near 2.00 am... He felt thirsty but there was no water in his room to quench his thirst... Arnav didn't feel like calling servants this hour of night... So, he himself walked out. He was walking through corridor and saw Khushi's room was open, he went in scanned the room ..she wasn't in the room... Arnav unknowingly became angry to imagine something in his mind was she spying around the house? Does she know who is he? Is she acting? He instantly became furious and stormed out of her room ...searched everywhere in the house and finally....walked towards balcony and then saw her; Khushi was looking towards sky folding her arms ... dried tears were evident on her cheeks ... Arnav didn't dare to walk further...He felt bad for imagining things... Without making any sound he walked away.

NEXT MORNING

Arnav just finished his jogging and was entering the main door wiping his sweat by towel and he notices Khushi's ghostly face. ...She was walking toward him... She comes and stand in front him fidgeting with her dupatta.

Arnav - What happened? (Khushi looked us. Her eyes were filled by the tears.. and Arnav could see her hesitation) Tell me....is there any problem?

Khushi – I need your permission Arnavji

Arnav (in mind) – Arnavji...really? ...no one ever called me like this, he felt special by her addressing (Seeing him not responding she continuous)

Khushi – I want to go to temple today in noon. I will complete all work related to Anjali ji and will go when she will have her afternoon nap. Will come back soon. Please allow me. (Arnav was confused, she is so submissive?)

Arnav – Ok, you can go.

Khushi – Thanks (She gives a bright smile and walks off)

ARNAV'S ROOM

Arnav wanted to divert his mind from Khushi's topic, so he called Aman

Arnav – How is my schedule today, Aman?

Aman – No major meetings ASR. Kept it light since its first day after you came back.

Arnav – Ok...good

Aman – You don't sound your usual self ASR. Any new problem?

Arnav – The problem is roaming in my house and you were suppose to do something.

Aman – Come to office ASR. You will get what you need.

Arnav – Did you find anything.

Aman – Can't speak anything over the call.

Arnav – Ok fine...(Thinks) have a watch on Khushi. She is going to temple today and I feel something suspicious.

Aman – As you say ASR.

EVENING - OFFICE

He finished the work and was about to go. Aman came in his cabin and handed over the papers.

Aman – Papers are ready ASR. Do you really need this with your (Arnav cuts him)

Arnav – No Aman not a word more. Here on we will have private line to talk about this. I some how am not feeling good vibes, since the time this girl has come.

Aman - Sure ASR. (Arnav walks out. But comes back again and question)

Arnav - Did she do anything suspicious in temple?

Aman – She did 101 rounds of sanctum bare foot. Other than that, nothing else. She went back home.

Arnav - Hmm

SHANTHIVAN - DINING TABLE (DURING DINNER)

Khushi has served Anjali's plate.

Anjali – Khushi please let me eat 1 sweet.

Khushi – Anjali ji, please understand what do I get restricting you? This is very critical period. Let you pass the 3rd month then diet can be little liberal.

Anjali – Ok... (Khushi just smiles.)

NK – Khushi ji can you prepare that onion pakora tomorrow which you prepared for Di in noon today?

Arnav – I thought Hariprakash is the cook here. (Gives a look to Khushi)

Khushi – NK ji I am here to take care of Anjali ji....

NK – This Nannav always has say in everything.

Arnav – I heard it

NK – So what will you do? (Arnav ignores him now and gets up and walk but remembers something and turn)

Arnav – Khushi, the agreement is ready. You can come to study after dinner. We can discuss

Khushi – Ji

STUDY ROOM

Khushi knocks.

Arnav – Come in (She come in) Sit (She sits. He passes the papers. She reads them through)

Khushi – 50 thousand? I told you its more.

Arnav – I think you had given the liberty for me to fix the amount if I am not wrong. Think through and sign. You can take them with you.

Khushi – Ji (She was in no mood to argue. H mind was not at peace, and she was hell tired. She was about to go. Arnav pushes the book she was continuously looking the first time she had come here)

Arnav – You can have it. (Khushi's face which was dull till now had a smile. She picks it like a delicate doll and feels it. Rushes out taking the papers along with book. He thinks) What is she up to? Does she really don't know me? Can a book make her so happy?

Khushi kept the papers and the book in guest room and came to terrace to spend time alone. She was sobbing silently as she was feeling helpless. She went to temple today but couldn't find peace even after offering 101 rounds of sanctum. She looks at her feet slightly swollen. Her inner turmoil was hurting her more that this physical pain.

Khushi (in mind) – I don't even know their names. Even before I asked anything to my parents they were no more. Aunty spoke so nicely, why did she not come to take me? What is happening with me. Why am I not able forget him. Is he also searching me?

After a while Arnav came there to have peaceful time. He cannot show his true emotions anytime in house as he has not told anything about his marriage to anyone. They knew he was married nothing more than that. While taking walk he saw her sitting hugging her knees. He was feeling very complex emotion for her.... his inner feeling to see her broken was unexplainable... with mixed emotions he walked ahead few steps... there was no movement from her...

Arnav – Khushi....(There was no response...he walked rest of distance and placed his hand on her shoulder...Khushi didn't react which made Arnav startled ...he spoke again) why are you sleeping here...? (Still no response)

As he turned her face towards him, he realized with a jolt that she had fainted. Luckily, she had been leaning against the side blocker wall, preventing her from falling. He swiftly scooped her up in his arms and carried her to her room, laying her down gently on the bed.

A shiver ran down his spine as he touched her, a feeling he couldn't shake off. It was wrong, he told himself sternly. She was his sister-in-law, and he needed to maintain a respectable distance. He shouldn't be having these thoughts, not when she was married.

His gaze drifted to her pale face, and concern etched his features. He recalled Aman mentioning the 101 rounds she had taken, and his eyes dropped to her legs. The swelling was noticeable, and he quickly fetched the pain-relieving gel. With a gentle touch, he applied the gel to her foot, wincing as he saw the swelling extend up to her knee.

Hesitating for a moment, he carefully lifted her saree and applied the gel to the affected area. He then grabbed a hot bag and began to massage her leg, trying to alleviate the pain. As he finished, he drew the blanket over her and turned to leave, his heart still racing from their close proximity.

Khushi (murmurs in unconscious state) - just once I want to meet you... just one thing have to tell you....god plea help me find him....

Arnav walked out and slumped into recliner.... He was confused why was Khushi so desperately finding him ...This thought was haunting him badly ... he sat down hiding his face into his palm ....

Arnav (in mind) – Why did I lift her back to room? No, I had no rights to touch her...I lifted her saree? How could you Arnav? how cheap?.... how could you stoop so low?...she is a lady...your sister-in-law....