FF - Plot twist

Chapter 23 - Sheesh Mahal

Arnav looked around. Anjali was deeply occupied in playing with her pet; Akash and Payal sat snuggling on the back most seat, discussing about baby names; NK, wearing headset, was doing something on his laptop; Mama was reading a business magazine; Buaji and Mami were trying their best to keep calm, putting up their best brave faces and failing miserably whenever there was turbulence; Nani, and Shashi, supported by Garima, were resting in 2 separate private cabins.

He grimly shifted his gaze to his side. There was Khushi whose face was glued to the window. He held her hand but she swatted him away.

"Look, look!" she squealed with excitement, "Birds!"

"Yeah," sulked Arnav.

The Raizadas and Guptas were on their way to Lucknow on Arnav's gigantic private jet plane. As Anjali wanted, Arnav agreed to take everyone to Sheesh Mahal and the whole family was more than delighted at the idea. Arnav gave in to his family's decision of vacationing in his old home for some days.

The question was, why were the Guptas there?

The answer? Simple. Would Arnav allow anything that kept him and Khushi away? No. So, he persuaded the Guptas to come along.

He had hoped to romance Khushi on air, but after her initial fear of flying had disappeared, she busied herself exploring the earth with childlike enthusiasm from altitude, much to his disappointment. He made passes 10 more times but all went in vain. Khushi appeared to be thoroughly enjoying the flight, so he let her be. Her naive excitement melted his heart. He kissed her head and decided not to disturb her anymore.

They all landed in Lucknow an hour later and soon set off for Sheesh Mahal. The atmosphere was so alive but Arnav was edgy. He was still not mentally prepared to accept this new reality in Lucknow, plus the possibility of Ankush's malice towards them put him on high alert. They were being escorted by a security team of about 20. Security had been increased at Sheesh Mahal too. Overwhelmed, Arnav's hands were trembling.

A warm hand held his shaking ones. He turned to look at Khushi.

She smiled at him and said, "It will be okay."

He gave back an unsure, half smile.

At last, they'd reached the destination. Only Raizadas. Guptas insisted on going to their own place, Gomti Sadan, politely refusing Raizadas' generous offer to stay at Sheesh Mahal.

"I will come to see you later for sure," Khushi promised Arnav. "Sorry, but I have to go and help Amma with our house here. Since Jiji cannot come, I..."

"Khushi, it's alright," said Arnav dismissively.

He watched her go somewhat in relief as he needed no one with him to get used to this new familiarity.

Everyone happily scurried inside but Arnav stayed back.

"Anyone suspicious wandering around, I am to be told. Understood?" he said.

"Yes, sir. We'll guard the whole surroundings round the clock," said the head security man.

"If anything wrong happens..." he left the sentence hanging in a warning tone, making the guards gulp in nervousness.

Arnav took his time in going inside. The last time he had been in Lucknow, when he had won over Ankush, he didn't dare to go inside. The memories were too precious but painful at that moment. He had stayed at a guest house.