Khushi seeks Arnav's help

MORNING – ARNAV'S ROOM

Arnav searched frantically for his phone, but it was nowhere to be found. Just as he was about to give up, there was a knock at the door.

Arnav – Yes?

He heard someone enter, but he was too engrossed in his search to notice. That was until he stood up and saw Khushi standing before him, his phone held out in her hand.

Khushi – Maybe you were searching for this?

Arnav's eyes widened in surprise as he took the phone from her. Khushi's expression was stern, and he could sense a hint of accusation in her tone.

Khushi – I never crossed my employee line after you spoke about it near the dining table. I always eat in my room and don't interfere in any non-caretaker work. But you crossed your employer line last night.

Arnav's face flushed with guilt as he realized what she was referring to. He looked at her, his eyes locking onto hers.

Arnav – I'm sorry.

Khushi's expression softened slightly, but she remained silent. She turned to leave, and Arnav couldn't help but feel a pang of curiosity. What was she thinking? Why was she acting this way?

AFTERNOON - GUEST ROOM

Khushi sat in her room, lost in thought. She had been thinking about the mysterious message she received earlier. Who was it from? And how did they know she was looking for them?

Her phone beeped, breaking her train of thought. She opened it to find a message from an unknown number.

"Hello Khushi, I heard you're looking for me. Why?"

Khushi's heart skipped a beat as she read the message. She felt a mix of emotions: excitement, fear, and uncertainty. Was this really who she thought it was?

NIGHT

Khushi stood outside Arnav's room, hesitant to enter. She had been thinking about the message all day, and she knew she needed help. She took a deep breath and knocked on the door. Arnav looked up from his laptop, a hint of surprise on his face.

Arnav – Hope you're not planning to lift me up and put me on the bed today?

Khushi's face flushed with embarrassment as she remembered the previous night's events. She felt uncomfortable and unsure of how to start the conversation.

Khushi – Sorry, I shouldn't have come here. (Arnav's expression turned serious, and he motioned for her to come in)

Arnav – You wouldn't have come here to stand, hear something, and utter a sorry and go. Tell me, why did you come? Do you need any help?

Khushi took a deep breath and began to explain.

Khushi – I know you're very influential. (Arnav raised an eyebrow, intrigued.)

Arnav – You came here to tell me that? (Khushi's eyes locked onto his, and she took another deep breath.)

Khushi – I want to contact a person... I need your help. (Arnav's expression turned serious, and he leaned forward.)

Arnav – Whom? (Khushi hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. She looked at Arnav, searching for reassurance.)

Khushi – One private number...(Arnav's eyes narrowed, and he sat back in his chair.)

Arnav – What? Come again. (Khushi's face set in determination.)

Khushi – I have received a message from a private number, and I want to get details of that person. (Arnav's expression turned thoughtful, and he leaned forward again.)

Arnav – Show me the message. (Khushi hesitated, unsure of how much to reveal. She looked at Arnav, searching for reassurance.)

Khushi – It's personal... please guide me with this... this is very important. I need to contact this person at any cost. I'm pleading to you. (Arnav's expression softened, and he looked at Khushi with a mix of curiosity and concern.)

Arnav – So it's him... (After a pause) hmm... boyfriend?. (Khushi's face flushed with embarrassment, and she quickly corrected him.)

Khushi – Arnavji, I am married... (Arnav's expression turned serious, and he leaned back in his chair.) Please don't ask me questions like this, Arnavji... I assure you that I am not doing anything illegal or criminal. You will help me, right, Arnavji? (Arnav's eyes locked onto hers, and he took a deep breath.)

Arnav – Khushi!!! Calm down... Listen... You can't call back any private number, and no telecom company will reveal the identity as there would be pre-conditions signed between them and the person... but you can reply to the message... try and see... I will also try and see what I can do. Will that be okay? (Khushi's face lit up with hope, and she nodded eagerly.)

Khushi – Please don't discuss this with anyone, Arnavji.

She swiftly exited the room, trying to hold back her tears. Arnav watched her leave, feeling a pang of guilt. He had lied to her about not being able to help, but he couldn't reveal his true identity as the sender of the mysterious message.

Arnav – Why do I feel so bad seeing her plead? Why did I try consoling her? Why do I want to make her feel better? Is this because I know she's my sister-in-law?

GUEST ROOM

Khushi lay in bed, lost in thought. She wondered if Arnav would help her uncover the truth behind the mysterious message. Feeling weak and uncertain, she couldn't shake off the feeling that this journey seemed endless.

Khushi – Why did I feel better talking to him? Why did his words make me feel relaxed? Why do I obey him so much? And why did I want him to keep this a secret?

MORNING

The sound of loud chatter filled the air as Akash arrived to meet Arnav. Everyone was excited, and Khushi couldn't help but be drawn to the commotion.

Nani – Why didn't you tell me you're coming?

Anjali – Yeah, Akash, why?

Akash – I did, Dii, but this NK has hidden the news from all of you.

Everyone turned to NK, who simply flashed his teeth.

NK – Surprise!

Nani – Okay, okay. This NK cannot be made to behave like a normal person. Akash, come have breakfast.

Akash – Yeah, Dadi, I'm so hungry.

Anjali – Where's Khushi?

Khushi – I'm here, Anjali ji. (NK dragged Akash to Khushi, who greeted him with a namaste.)

NK – Khushi ji, this is Akash, my cousin brother.

Khushi – Ji, namaste.

Akash – Ji, namaste. You are....

Nani – Khushi, Anjali's caretaker.

Khushi – Anjali ji, you're late today to take your before-breakfast tablets. Please have them first without wasting more time; otherwise, Arnav ji will scold me.

Arnav appeared at the top of the stairs, his eyes scanning the room. Khushi quickly moved aside, her eyes avoiding his.

Anjali – Hey, chote, where are you going?

Arnav – Office.

NK – Hehehe, Nannav, Akash is here; it's your own office, you can take leave.

Arnav – Just shut up.

Anjali – Chotte, why are you scolding him? He's saying right; be at home today.

Arnav – Come on, Di. I know Akash is here, but I don't have time to sit down and tolerate NK's nonsense jokes around... HP, serve me breakfast.

Nani – Chote, HP went to market. Anjali, you serve breakfast. (Anjali got up to serve breakfast, but Arnav stopped her.)

Arnav – Di, it's okay. You sit there. I'll manage. (NK made a comment, and Khushi, who was bringing Anjali's plate, stopped in her tracks.)

NK – Nannav, it's not your cup of tea... Khushi ji, please serve him. (Khushi glanced at Arnav with fear in her eyes, then continued on her way.)

Khushi – Anjali ji, your plate is ready. (Anjali smiled and took her seat to have breakfast.

Arnav gritted his teeth, clearly annoyed.)

Arnav – Who the hell cooked heavy food for breakfast?

NK – I'm the guest, so everything is made according to my choice. (He boasted, adjusting his collar.) Come, Akash, let's have breakfast.

Everyone joined the table, and Arnav pushed his plate away, getting up from his seat.

Arnav – Well, then, you all have it. I'm not interested. (Anjali signaled NK to keep quiet, noticing Arnav's anger.)

Anjali – Chote, sit. Let me get your breakfast. (Khushi intervened, getting up from her seat.)

Khushi – Anjali ji, you sit. Have your breakfast. I'll get him his breakfast.

Khushi walked to the kitchen and returned with Arnav's grilled sandwiches and juice. Arnav looked at her, noticing her shaking hands. She avoided eye contact, and Arnav said nothing, quietly sitting back down.

Arnav (in mind) – She's still looking pale. (NK interrupted his thoughts.)

NK – Khushi ji, since when have you been married?

Arnav – Don't you know it's bad manners to ask someone personal questions?

NK – Yeah, I know, but Khushi ji and I are friends. So, I can ask her... Khushi ji, you tell.

Khushi – Ji, 1 and a half years.

NK – What?

Arnav – Why are you shouting? Can't you let me have my breakfast peacefully? (NK ignored Arnav's glare and continued.)

NK – Nannav, keep quiet. (To Khushi) You ignore him, Khushi ji. Answer us.

Khushi – I'm 22.

NK – OMG! Why did you marry so early? You're so young... BTW, how old is your husband?

Khushi – He's 24.

Anjali – Where is he? Why are you here without him? Did you fight with him? (Nani intervened, noticing Khushi's discomfort.)

Nani – You both stop interrogating her. Chote must have already gotten the details. (Looks at Arnav) Right, chote?

Arnav – Yes, Nani.

Arnav finished his breakfast, looked at NK, and said, "Try doing something useful. What will you gain by knowing about her personal stuff?"NK made a weird face, trying to irritate Arnav.

Nani – Khushi, why don't you have breakfast?

Khushi – Nani, I'm not hungry. (Khushi rushed out, and Arnav got up, gathering his files.)

Arnav – Di, Nani, I'm going to the office.

Anjali – I don't know what's going on with these two. They both act so weird around each other. She's so scared of him, and he keeps watching her in secret.

NK – Di, we should find out what's the matter?

Akash – You mean, spy on Bhai? It's too dangerous.

NK – Then how will we know what's the matter? (Thinks for some time) I've got an idea; I'll apply it tomorrow when we go to see the girl for me... (blushes)

Akash – You keep your ideas to yourself. Now I need to catch up with Bhai.

Akash rushed out, and Arnav was about to start the car.

Akash – Bhai, I came to meet you.

Arnav – I know.

Akash – Then why are you ignoring me?

Arnav – You want me to talk about your so-called love story in front of Di?

Akash – But I really need your help.

Arnav – Give me some time, Akash. It's just been some days since I'm back. Allow me to breathe.

Akash – Okay, Bhai. Thanks in advance.

Arnav nodded and drove away. Akash smiled, thinking, "When Bhai agrees, there's no need to worry."