Chapter 3

Note: In my story Shyam is not married to Anjili


Arnav and Khushi drove back home. There was stone cold silence in the car. Arnav was relived that Khushi was with him and that she agreed to his conditions, But Khushi she was in absolute doubt. Her heart broke when he said he couldnt marry her. Why couldnt he she thought. Was it because of her or was it something else. The thought kept eating her, She could not understand anything. her heart was wrestless and she was in pain. She wanted this marriage and she wanted to call him husband. They were having a baby together forget about what the world thinks she wanted this for herself she wanted to claim him as hers. And here he was saying things like he could never marry. Another thought passed off her mind, She knew that they were together because of the baby, but was he only tolerating her because of that. Was he going to tell her to leave once the baby was born. Her eyes popped out and she couldnt take it any longer.

Khushi: Arnavji stop the car

They were a little close to the main city, Arnav jammed the brakes on the side of the road. He looked at her all confused

Arnav: What happened (he said to her in a hurry curiosity all over his face)

Khushi: Arnav, (she took a deep breath and continued) Arnavji is it because of me

Arnav: (confused) What is because of you

Khushi: Is there some fault in me that you can not get married to me (she said with her eyes down)

Arnav had no idea what to say to her, fault in her no way she was perfect in every manner, He took sharp breath and said

Arnav: No its not because of you (he turned to her and cupped her face) Your perfect

Khushi: Then why (she said irritated)

Arnav: I told you its complicated didnt I (he said now a bit irritated)

Khushi: (took his hand in hers and said) Just tell me Arnavji, what is it that bothers you so much about marriage

Arnav: (looked at her face, he wanted to tell her but couldnt tell her.) Khushi stop it. Its none of your concern (he spat back in anger) I no we are going to be parents but get one thing straight you have no right on me. (in an angry tone)

Khushi couldn't believe what he was telling her she was angry too and so she said

Khushi: Your right I dont. (she said hurt)

Arnav: (felt bad, he rushed to wipe off the lonesome tear from her eye and said in a softer voice) Khushi please stop crying. Look try to understand

Khushi: (moved his hand in anger and said) I understand well Arnavji i know after i give birth to this baby you will throw me out of your life and keep me away from my child. Thats why you dont want to marry me. I know it. (she said irritated holding her stomach) You will keep me away from my baby

Arnav: (was shocked at what she said)  What the !!

Khushi: Dont What the me, I know it I know you will do this. But mark my words I have as much of right on this baby as you do. (she warned him)

Arnav: (said shocked, he cupped her face and looked at her sad)  Dammit Do you really think I will keep our baby away from you. (he asked her hurt and angry)

Khushi: (had a tear in her eye she was sad she said) Then tell me why dont you want to marry me. How will we raise this child if we are not married. I am more worried about our baby (she took one of his hand, and placed it on her belly to feel the baby) Do you want the world to tell our child that her parents had her with out marriage. The world is cruel you and I both know that. They will taunt our child and tell it that it was a mistake. You and I both know that this child is not a mistake (she cried her heart out)

Arnav: (crinkled his eye brows upset and said) Our child is not a mistake (his hand still on her belly)     Khushi, do you really think I The Great ASR will let anybody talk that way to our child. No never (he said in anger) I will kill them if they ever tell our child such nonsense. Our baby is not a mistake (He said once more, then paused seeing her face, she couldnt stop crying, he wiped her tears with her other hand and said) Khushi I am not marrying you because I have a genuine problem, Its not you its me. (she lifted her eyes towards him and then he said) You are worried about the world but trust me have faith in me that I can protect you and this child. I promise you no one will ever tell you or our baby anything. As long as I am alive I will stand in front of you and our child and protect you from everything. Just have faith in me dammit (he said the last line with a loud scream)

Khushi: (looked at him, he seemed genuine, he spoke from the heart She looked back at him her heart swelled to see him like this, she hugged him tightly and continued to cry, Arnav was a bit stunned with the hug but he hugged her back and she sobbed and sobbed. She was touched by his genuine and so she lifted her head up and said with a soft smile and in a sobbing voice

Khushi: I trust you (she paused and then said) I am sorry, I just got scared that you would seperate me from our child once I give birth. -(she admitted)

Arnav: (wiped her tears) No never, I would never do such a thing.

Khushi nodded

Arnav: Khushi call buaji and your family to RM, I think its time we tell them.

Khushi: Arnavji I am scared what will they say, (she paused and then again said) Arnavji you know I was too get engaged to some one

Arnav looked up at her silently his heart pounding not liking what she said

Khushi: His name is Shyam I didn't tell you Arnavji but today was suppose to be my engagement. Every one at home is waiting for me along with that boy

Arnav: (stiffened) Ask that boy to come with your family.

Khushi nodded Arnav drove to RM, Kushi made the call. Buaji and all had reached and the entire family was gathered in the hall. Arnav and Khushi were at the door step. Khushi took a deep breath and Arnav held her hand, he rang the door bell. Anjili opened the door, They walked in to find both the families sitting down. Dadi and Nani were seated in the middle on the sofa, Lavanaya sat by nani. Anjili took her place besides dadi, Buaji Garima and Shashi sat on the side, along with some guy. Arnav looked at him he figured that was Khushi's fiancé.

Anjili: Chottey Khushiji, whats going on, Buaji said that you have something to tell us


Arnav: Yes di we do. (He held Khushi's hand tightly, they looked at each other) Khushi's pregnant with my child

He said it in one sentence. They heard gasps in the air. Shocked faces. Crying ones. Angry ones. Khushi was getting nervous she never knew what to say and what to do and what was going to happen. Arnav waited for the tension to reduce, but that didn't seem likely. Buaji got up from the chair and went to Khushi, She held her by the shoulders and shook her and started to shout

Buaji: Tell me this is not true, I want to hear it from you

Khushi had tears in her eyes as she looked down scared and said in a soft voice

Khushi: Sorry

Buaji had lost he cool she raised her hand to slap Khushi who was terrified but Arnav interjected he came and stopped her immediately and said in a stone cold voice.

Arnav: Dont you dare touch her

Every one gasped out loud. Lavanaya got up crying and walked towards them

Lavanaya: How could you Khushi, How could you. I thought you were my friend (she said in disgrace)

Khushi: (didn't know what to tell her she felt awful for Lavanaya) Lavanayaji I am sorry it just

Lavanaya: I never want to ever see you again. (she said to Khushi sternly, then she turned to Arnav) ASR Its over between us, I am leaving

Saying that she walked up the stairs to pack her bags. Anjili was going after her. Then Dadi got up from the couch and walked over to Arnav. She said in a strict voice

Dadi: We will not accept this child as a Malik

Khushi's family was in shock. Khushi's eyes widened and then Dadi said

Dadi: This child is a sin. This girl has used you and now she is pregnant she is eyeing the families money. (she accused Khushi)

Khushi was crying like crazy. Arnav's anger started to increase.

Arnav: This child is not a sin. (he shouted back) I dont care if you accept this child as a Malik or not, because like its father it is a Raizada. (he set things straight) You are forgetting that I am a Raizada now.

Dadi: Changing your surname doesn't make it different. You were a Malik and You will be a Malik (she yelled back)

Nani: (got up and came to Dadi and said) Calm down this is not the way to solve the problem. I know they made a mistake.

Arnav: (yelled again) THIS CHILD IS NOT A MISTAKE

Nani: Calm down Chottey, fighting is not the answer. (she went to buaji and said) Madhumatiji I think we elders should decide how to deal with the problem

Buaji nodded but Arnav said

Arnav: There is nothing to decide Nani, Khushi and I have decided what we are going to do. (he paused) We are raising this child together. (he paused once again) Khushi and I will live together and take care of the child.

Nani: (smiled) I think thats a good idea, You both should get married, then I dont see any problem (she turned to buaji and said) Madhumattiji are you ok with that

Buaji was about to answer when Arnav said

Arnav: No Nani, Khushi and I will stay to together but we wont get married

Again tension filled the room. Khushi held on to Arnav tightly scared seeing every ones faces. Shyam who was quite for a while observing everything now made his move

Shyam: Masiji I would like to say something

Everyone looked in his direction. He walked up to Khushi and said

Shyam: Khushiji I am willing to accept this child and get married to you

Garima: Shyamji (she walked up and folded her arms traditionally with a smile) Thank you Shyamji this is the only way I can save my daughter (she looked at Khushi in anger)

Khushi: (took a deep breath and said) I am sorry Amma  I can not marry Shyamji

GArima: (shouted) Khushi are you mad. Shyamji is your only hope. You must marry him.

Khushi: I can't I have to stay with Arnavji (she said) I want my baby to have a father

Buaji: It will Shyamji is ready to accept it

Khushi: No Arnavji is its father, I must stand by Arnavji. This baby is our baby we both have equal right on it.  cannot separate this baby from Arnavji (she said holding his hand again.)

Garima: Khushi you are ruining your life. This man can't keep you happy with out marriage You hear me (she yelled with all furry)

Khsuhi: (stood strong against Arnav and the baby) I am sorry Amma, This baby belongs to Arnavji, I dont know what my future has in store for me. But I must stand by Arnavji. (she was hell bent on it)

Shyam was shocked at first but angry at what Khushi just said. Nani was happy to see Khushi stand by her Chotte, The rest of the family was family was just shocked. Payal consoled Garima. Dadi was boiling with anger from within, and Arnav and Khsuhi just stuck together holding hands, supporting each other.

Dadi: Fine then If this is what you want then so be it. But let  me make myself clear, If this girl (she pointed at Khushi) Does not give birth to a boy and bless us with a son. Then I will personally make sure to throw this girl out of this house (she threatened)

Arnav: (pissed off he said) There is will be no such thing. Both Khushi and I will be happy with what ever we get. This baby is ours be it a boy or girl. It will always be our child and we will love it and support it no matter what.

Dadi: Arnav. You can not have everything your way understand. This is my final word (she said with authority)

Arnav: (left Khushi's hand and walked up to Dadi and said in a fierce voice) It doesn't matter to me what you all think. If you can not accept Khushi and the baby then I think its best that I leave this house with Khush and go, And thats my final word (he said loudly)

Dadi's eyes widened and she didn't know what to say to him. He was a man of his words.Arnav held Khushi's hands and said

Arnav: Khushi and I are leaving this house and going, I dont want to live with people who can't accept my child or Khushi as theres.

Arnav gave his final word. Leaving the whole family shell shocked    


Garima: (goes up to khushi and tells her) Khushi if this is what you want then We are no longer going to accept you as ours. From now on you are dead to us (she said in a stone cold voice)

Khushi cried furiously and Arnav said

Arnav: We dont need you. We will be fine by ourself 

The gupta's left RM. Khushi was miserable but had to stick by her decision. Dadi stomped off to her room. The family all left. Arnav took Khushi up to his room to pack his clothes. They were leaving for good.