Accepting Reality ✔️

Part 25 - Lucknowi Mornings

Khushi woke up to a beautiful Monday morning, greeted by a bouquet of roses and a note from Arnav. She sent him a text to thank him for the flowers, and he replied that he had left for Delhi and would be back on Friday evening. Her eyes wandered around the room and landed on a bathrobe neatly placed on the bed, clearly a thoughtful gesture from Arnav. She marvelled at how considerate and caring he was. As she reflected on the past few days and last night with him, she noticed how he had been behaving so romantically and attentively. She wondered about the flowers and his recent gestures. Had they been his way of making their marriage work? Was he going back to being the Arnav he was before she threatened him into marriage? Was she perhaps getting back the friend she had known before all this? She couldn't help but think about how wonderful she felt with him. Even though she had given him permission, Arnav hadn't been with anyone else since they became involved. She pondered whether the incident with Sahil had actually brought them closer and if they might eventually become like a typical married couple. A warm, hopeful smile spread across her face as she thought about her future with Arnav. Khushi relaxed for the rest of the day while working on finalising the designs for Sheeshmahal.

The next day, as the sun cast a gentle glow over the temple grounds, Khushi sought solace in the serene atmosphere. She had planned to meet her father here and was sitting talking to him within the temple complex. Her guards stood discreetly at a distance, allowing her some personal space.

Shashi: "These people, umm.. Khushi?"

Khushi: "It's nothing to worry about babuji, they are professionals. They just do their work from a distance."

Shashi: "What work do they do for you exactly?"

Khushi (whispering): "They are employed by Arnav, they are my body guards"

Shashi: "Umm... why do you need four of them?"

Khushi: "Well they are each experts in their specific areas. There is nothing to worry about babuji, it's just that with big businesses, big enemies crop up. Arnav insists therefore I have them around me. I don't want to make him mad anyways he is not happy about leaving me here."

Shashi: "He cares for you so much, nice to know!"

Khushi just smiled, just as she began to relax, she noticed an unwelcome presence, Abhishek, who had been eyeing her from across the courtyard. Abhishek approached her with a casual, almost nonchalant stride. His eyes glinted with a mix of old familiarity and something darker. Khushi's guards spotted Abhishek leering at her, and as he reached out to pull her hand, they quickly sprung into action. One of the guards caught him and handcuffed him rapidly. Startled Shashi and Khushi stood up.

Rohan (the head guard): "Ma'am are you okay?"

Abhishek: "Khushi, Khushi, what the hell? Are you crazy?"

Khushi: "I am fine Rohan, you can let him go!"

Abhishek: "I've been meaning to talk to you."

Khushi: "I don't think there's anything we need to discuss. If you take even a step forward these guys will kill you so be careful."

Abhishek: "Okay okay fine, I just want to talk. You know, I had feelings for you since the day we came to see Payal at your house. I even told my mother that I wanted to marry you not that useless sister of yours."

Khushi: "I don't care just leave from here."

Abhishek: "No listen. My mother refused because you were an orphan. We couldn't get dowry for you like we could for Payal. Honestly, I was never really interested in Payal that is why I suggested you come with us on the wedding night. Who would marry an orphan like you anyway? Had you come with me, I would have treated you far better than I did her."