103. SS: Saving Khushi Part 1

  

Saving Khushi

 Part 1

Khushi looked at the file that Shyamji had given her.

He had promised to confess everything to Arnavji, tell him the truth about the relationship between him and the Guptas, their engagement, his attempt to marry her when he was already married to Anjaliji, his performance on the terrace on Jiji’s wedding night….make a clean breast of everything that had happened… Only if she got Arnavji’s signature on this file.

What was in this file? Why was Arnavji’s signature on these papers so important to Shyamji?

She turned the pages. It was something to do with Arnavji’s property and business.

She frowned, perplexed.

What did Shyamji have to do with Arnavji’s business? He was a lawyer, with his own practice. And Arnavji had never involved him in his business matters. Only Akash Jiju and Mamaji worked with Arnavji. So what were these papers? And why did Shyamji want Arnavji’s signature on them?

Khushi clutched her hair. He Devi Maiyya! If only she could read English well and understand the meaning of these big words! If only she had paid attention to the plump Mrs. Sharma who had taught them English in the government school in Lucknow instead of sighing over Salmanji's pictures in the phillum magazine in class! If only! Regret flooded her veins.

She let out a frustrated huff.

What was the use of whining over spilt milk? Khushi, socho, socho… find some way out… she exhorted herself.

Nanheji! He knew good English. Only his Hindi was atrocious. If she could ask Nanheji… But how could she show him this document? What if he asked her who had given it to her, why, how? Where would she go for the answers?

Akash Jiju? But he too would ask questions. And if she had to confide in him, she would have to rehash the whole sorry tale of Shyamji living as a PG in Buaji’s house…No! Atleast Jiji was happy now. She had a life. How could she destroy it by informing Jiju of the unsavoury character of their own personal hallowed saint, their Damadji?

Khushi swallowed hard, her dry throat protesting against the action.

She couldn’t go to anybody in this house with these papers.

What if she tricked Arnavji into signing these? She could. She could do it. But…but…without knowing what these papers were…

How could she trust Shyamji when he said that these papers were not important, but just part of routine office work? If they were not important, why couldn’t he approach Arnavji personally and get them signed? Why was he anxious that no one knew about these documents? Why was he waiting so eagerly for her to get this done?

Shyamji was evil. He was unscrupulous. He could sink to any level, cheat anyone… His purpose was always suspect, his motives worthy of scrutiny, his behaviour immoral, his character non-existent…

Should she believe the crook Shyamji and try to clear her name in Arnavji’s eyes? Or should she disbelieve Shyamji and confide in a brutally and unpleasantly honest Arnavji, who hated the very sight of her.

There was no choice. There was only one way out.

Arnavji…she would choose him over Shyamji any day. Any time. She had to show Arnavji the file and inform him about Shyamji’s willingness to confess his misdeeds. Arnavji had to know what was going on. She would have to tell him…

But would he believe her?

Khushi blinked away a tear.

She knew the answer. He wouldn’t. He wouldn’t believe her. But It no longer mattered if he didn’t believe her.

Not anymore.

 His opinion of her was lower than low. He believed that she was having some galat rishta with Shyamji, that she was in collusion with that scoundrel, that she was helping him cheat Anjaliji…

His contempt for her was cutting… his hatred was soul-shattering… his picture of her as a characterless girl was painted deep in his heart…Things couldn’t get worse now. The situation was at the worst already. 

And there were greater considerations at hand right now. Starting with Arnavji’s well-being and security.

She had to let him know. She had to go to his office and show him the file. He could believe her or ignore her. It was his right to choose. But it was her duty to tell him. She had to make sure that Shyamji was not planning something evil, something that could harm Arnavji.

 His opinion of her was not important anymore.

He Devi Maiyya, please help me choose the right path. Please, please make everything alright. Please keep Arnavji safe… she chanted silently, her hand on her heart.

Then Khushi walked down the steps from the bedroom, her fingers closed tightly around the edges of the file.

“Khushiji!” Anjali called as she saw Khushi walk down the steps. “Come here! Dekhiye, Motilalji has brought a wide variety of jewellery for us to choose from!”

Khushi jumped, startled. In her preoccupation, she hadn’t noticed that the family was sitting in the living room.

Khushi, in a hurry to leave, looked with total disinterest at the hundreds of boxes displayed before the Raizada ladies. Her heart thumped madly, chanting only one mantra, Go to Arnavji’s office immediately and give him the file.

“I need to go out urgently, Di. To meet Arnavji. I don’t want anything.” Khushi moved towards the door.

“Khushiji, your Arnavji will wait for you, but Motilalji won't." Anjali laughed. "Please come and sit by me. Aap hi batayiye, does this bangle suit me or this?” Anjali lifted her arms.

“Both are nice, Di.” Khushi said, desperate to leave.

Anjali limped up to Khushi, and led her to sit by her.

“Please choose a few pieces, Khushiji. I wanted to gift you jewellery after you and Chotey got married, but…. Anyway, let me do it now. Aap choose keejiye, please.” Anjali pouted becomingly.

Nani & Mami nodded encouragingly. Payal smiled at Khushi.

“Dekho, Khussi Bitiya!” Nani said. “Payaliyaa has selected this set. Now you choose whatever you like.” she smiled.

“Saasumma, this looks good on me, doesn’t it?” Mami showed everyone the effect of two hefty gold bangles on her already overloaded arms.

Nani frowned & Anjali shook her head. Payal bent her head to hide her smile.

“Manorama, you have already selected enough, more than your body can hold at one time.” Nani chided her daughter-in-law.

“Saasumma!” Mami backtracked. “Lagat he, you hab (have) misunderstood me. Kono baat nahi! Hum to Khussi keliye selekssion (selection) kiye rahe!”

Nani shook her head in resignation. Anjali & Payal smiled.

Khushi looked towards the door in desperation.

“Lo, pehno!” Mami forced the bangles on to Khushi’s arms. They were heavy, made of solid gold.

“Do you like them, Khussi Bitiyaa?” Nani asked fondly.

“If you don’t like them, maybe we can look at diamonds…or platinum…” Anjali started.

Khushi took the escape route she had been offered with alacrity. “I love the bangles, Naniji. Can I keep them?” she asked, smiling.

All smiled at her, happy.

Nani cupped her face , and said, “Hamari Khussi bitiyaa can keep whatever she wants.”

The other ladies nodded, smiling.

Khushi tried to remove the bangles from her arms, but Mami stopped her.

“Tumko Mami ki chaaijj (choice) itni pasand ho, to pehen lo. Don’t take them off, Hello Hi Bye Bye!” Mami said.

“Yes, pehen lo, Khussi Bitiya. They look good on your arms.” Nani added, smiling.

“Yes, Khushiji, they suit you. Mami knows how to choose good things.” Anjali laughed.

“Aur naahi to kaa! Tumhre Mamaji ko kaun choojj (choose) kiye rahe?” Mami laughed.

In the ensuing laughter, Khushi slipped away, her heart thudding frantically, eager to lay her eyes on Arnavji, desperate to unburden her mind...

Shyam watched Khushi leaving the house, the file in her hand. Beads of sweat formed on his forehead. She was going to Arnav’s office. That was what she had told Rani Sahiba now, in the living room. Going to Arnav’s office…to tell him the truth…

She had not availed of the many opportunities she had got to get Arnav’s signature on the papers while he was at home. So she didn’t mean to do it… Shyam ran his fingers through his thick mane, cursing the day he had given her the papers. He had thought that she would be a pushover, would do anything to prove her innocence to Arnav, but… but he had misjudged her...

 If she gave the file to Arnav & told him the truth, her side of the truth, he was doomed…Everything that he had worked for, planned for, plotted for, and schemed for would be lost to him for ever, including the roof over his head and the access to Rani Sahiba’s unlimited funds.

The file would be proof enough against him… Solid, unrefutable proof that he was eyeing Arnav’s wealth. If Arnav showed the papers to Rani Sahiba... Shyam gasped, feeling the blood rushing to his head.

Khushi had to be stopped before she got to Arnav’s office. Shyam ran for his car keys, panting as if all the hounds of hell were after him.

“Shyamji!” came Anjali’s dulcet call, an order hidden behind the apparent sweetness and her cloying smile.

“Damadji, aayiye! Help me choojj a necklace!” Mami invited him.

"Damadji, aap hamare saath thodi der baitiye!" Nani patted the seat beside her, smiling.

Shyam hit his head with his hand, looking around for an avenue of escape in vain, sweat pouring down his temple.

Arnav sat in his office, staring at the screen of his laptop. His eyes alone were on the monitor, his mind was far away, with Khushi.

Khushi. His wife.

He clenched his jaw and looked away.

After her suicide bid and his revelation of the reason behind their marriage, she had become silent. She spoke little, she smiled little, she ate little… She drifted like a worried shadow through his house, spending more time with Laxmi the goat than with anyone else. Mami’s quips got a pale smile in return, Di’s and Nani’s love wet her eyes. Payal’s teasing remarks were met by a slight movement of her lips, and NK’s jokes mostly produced no discernable reaction in her...

Arnav looked down at his clenched fists.

It was as though someone had switched off the light within her. She looked pale, worried, sad…always. As though the weight of the world was on her frail shoulders. She rarely left the house. She had given up the catering business she had started with Shukla… his employees had started complaining about the lunch packets they were getting…

Arnav stood up, and moved towards the glass wall of his office. He looked down.

That day, after Teej, when she had come in to his office to get her Devi Maiyya’s idol… he had watched her walk to her seat right below him… Now someone else was sitting there… Arnav ground his teeth.

He had followed her to the storeroom, furious at her refusal to listen to him and his apology…and had fallen over her. Arnav closed his eyes in pain.

Where had those days gone? The fire in her, the challenge in her eyes, the unwilling attraction in her eyes as he had walked towards her on Diwali night, the way she had jerked when he had touched her foot, the way her eyes used to rest on him whenever he entered the room, the way her eyes searched for him if he was absent… Where was that Khushi? Or had he imagined all those days? And the girl? How could that Khushi, that innocent Khushi, that girl who was not familiar with the touch of a man, be Shyam Manohar Jha’s mistress?

Images of Shyam hugging Khushi on the terrace and shouting his love for her to the skies rushed to his mind. His fingers curled in to his palms, leaving deep marks on the skin.

Smita,

Here is the interpretation for Part 1.

This update is about three persons doubting the facts before them when analyzed with their basic nature. It is titled IN DOUBT.

When Khushi looked at the file that Shyam had handed to her, it reminded her of the promise he had made that he would make a clean breast of everything to Arnavji, telling him the truth about the relationship between him and the Guptas, their engagement, his attempt to marry her when he was already married to Anjaliji, his performance on the terrace on Jiji's wedding night, tagging a rider with it that he would do it, only if she got Arnavji's signature on that file. It was a carefully worded promise that left no doubt he would do so only if she did his bidding. But Khushi was wary of Shyam and his ways.

She wondered what was in that file. Why was Arnavji's signature on these papers so important to Shyamji? Gettingdoubtful, as she went through the file leaves she realized that it had something to do with Arnavji's property and business. As she realized, it perplexed her and the question, what Shyamji had to do with Arnavji's business  clouded her mind, for she knew that he was an independent legal practitioner, whom Arnavji had never involved in his business matters. Only Akash Jiju and  Mamaji  worked with Arnavji. So what were these papers? And why did Shyamji want Arnavji's signature on them? Knowing Shyam and his ways she wasmistrustful to believe all that he spoke, as his claims were never corroborated by hard evidence. She was at her wits end and her thoughts made her clutch her hair and think about her friend the ever smiling Devi Maiyya, ruing if only she could read English well and understand the meaning of those big words! In her apprehension she berated herself thinking if only she had paid attention in the rotund Mrs. Sharma's English classes back in the government school at Lucknow instead of sighing over Salmanji's pictures in the film magazine in class! All she could do now was get frustrated with, if only! Her regret, huffing and puffing would not change things and thought what the use was of whining over spilt milk. Not being the one to give up easily Khushi tapped her head and self-counseled to think, think hard and find some way out. She thought of Nanheji for he knew good English. It was nothing like his atrocious Hindi. She wondered, if she could ask him. But soon she discarded it knowing that she needed to be cautious and thinking how could she show him the document? What if he asked her who had given it to her, why, how? She had no answer to his questions and he would start questioning all the more and then she could not lie to him. That would put her in a quandary. She thought of her AkashJiju. He too would start questioning things and with him it would be the whole kit and caboodle starting with Shyamji living with them at Buaji's house as a paying guest and out will come a lot of things that would put Jiji's happiness at stake though her Jiji was not really involved in it. At least now Jijiwas happy and how could she destroy it by informing Jiju of the unsavoury character of their own personal hallowed saint, their Damadji? She realized that she needed to be careful and could not take it to anyone in the house because all believed in their damadji, and her claims could be seen with skeptical eyes, for Shyam had inveigled in to the very fabric of Raizada family just as he had done with the Guptas' earlier. These thoughts made her feel pretty uptight.

She pondered over tricking Arnavji into signing over those papers. She could manage to get it done, but not knowing what those papers were, turned out to be problematical. How could she trust Shyamji, when he said that these papers were not important, but just routine office papers? If they were so, why could he not go to Arnavji and get them signed? Why was he anxious that no one knew about these papers? Why was he waiting so eagerly for her to get this done? These were her skeptic thoughts for she was not born yesterday to be taken as a gullible fool as she knew Shyamji was not straight forward for all his claims to be otherwise. He was evil, unscrupulous and would not hesitate to sink to any level to cheat anyone. His purpose was always a suspect, his motives worthy of scrutiny, his behavior immoral, and his character non-existent. When she knew this, should she believe knave Shyamji and try to clear her name in Arnavji's eyes? Or should she without giving credence to Shyamji's words of promise confide in a brutal and unpleasant yet honest Arnavji, even though he hated her. She was in a dilemma. She knew she was on a sticky wicket but she really had no choice. Caught between the devil and the deep sea she was in no doubt that the deep sea was a safer bet. Knowing that there was only one way out, that was Arnavji even though he would blast her he was the only option available to her. She had to show him the file and tell him what Shyamji had said about his willingness to confess his misdeeds. Arnavji had to know what was going on and the dubious dealings of his jeejaji. She decided she would have to tell him.

But the question was would he listen to her? Even if he listened would he believe her? That was dubitable but she had to give it a shot. Khushi blinked aside the tears that had pooled in her eyes as she knew that he would not believe her, but it was of no consequence now as his opinion of her had touched the nadir for he strongly believed that she was in a liaison with Shyamji and was in cahoots with that creep and abetting him in cheating Anjaliji. His contempt for her, he had displayed time and again in callous ways, unmindful of the wound he inflicted, his hatred was so strong that it pounded her heart into smithereens just like a mirror when hit by a sledge hammer, his perception of her as a characterless girl was painful that it was like a biting cold wind that went through her flesh and chilled her to the bones making her all numb. She decided that when he already thought so low about her, it could not get any worse as it had already reached the very pit. But if she did not try to let him know what was happening, with Arnavji's well-being and security at stake she would be committing a grave mistake. She was not ready to put it between the hammer and the anvil. She had to let him know, come what may. She had to go to his office and hand over to him the file. He could believe her or ignore her that was his prerogative. But she had to tell him and ensure that Shyamji was not planning something evil, something that could harm Arnavji. His opinion of her was not important anymore. Thinking so, seeking the help of her Divine friend, Devi Maiyya, to keep her Arnavji safe and sound and help her to choose the right path, setting all her doubts and turmoil aside, though wary, Khushi took the file and walked down.

As she made her way down the steps with the file tightly held to her bosom, Anjali chirped, Khushiji! asking her to come and see what the family jeweler Motilalji had brought for them to choose from! Khushi, who was engrossed in her thoughts to reach Arnavji as soon as possible and hand over the file, was startled. In her preoccupation, she had not noticed that the family had assembled in the living room. Khushi, in a hurry to leave, looked at the numerous boxes displayed before the Raizada ladies with total disinterest. Her heart thumped madly, and her mind was riveted to the fact that she needed to go to Arnavji's office immediately and hand over the file to him. As she moved towards the door she told Anjali that she was in a hurry and needed to go out urgently, to meet Arnavji and she did not want anything. But Anjali laughed out saying, her Arnavji would wait for her but not Motilalji and was insistent that she sit by her. She wanted Khushi to help her choose a bangle and showing two pieces she was wearing lifted her arms. Khushi desperate to reach Arnav told her that both suited her. Anjali limping towards Khushi, held her by her hand and made her sit among them. She asked Khushi to kindly choose a few pieces for herself as she wanted to gift them to her after she and her Chotey got married but... she let it trail off and continued to say that she would like to do it now at least and be kind enough to choose it now. Anjali who had mastered the art of emotional blackmail and get things done her way pouted entreatingly  while Nani and Mami  nodded encouragingly. Payal gave a warm smile to her sister. Nani, showing her a set, with a smile told her that Payaliyaa had chosen that particular one and now Khushi Bitiyaa had to choose and asked her to select whatever she liked. But for Khushi, reaching Arnavji and telling him the facts she knows were of utmost importance than the jewels. Still, she had to comply with their request.

Mami, wearing two wide and heavy bangles on her two already overloaded arms, asked her mother-in-law, does not the two pieces look good on her? Her words made Nani  frown, Anjali shake her head as though there is no hope for improvement and Payal bend her head to hide her smile.  Nani, who took exception to this chided Manorama that she had already selected enough and it was more than her body could carry at a time. Mami who knew when to backtrack did so saying, that it looked like her mother-in-law had misunderstood her. That was alright. She was modeling it for Khussi and helping her to choose! Nani shook her head with resignation thinking would her daughter-in-law ever behave dignified, like a mother-in-law! While Anjali and Payal smiled, Khushi was viewing the door in desperation. Mami forcibly put the solid heavy gold bangles on Khushi's arms. Nani queried fondly, does she like it? Anjali added. that if she did not like it they could look at diamonds or platinum pieces. Khushi though quizzical, took the quick route to escape with a brisk and cheerful readiness said that she loved the bangles and could she keep them. All beamed at her thinking that she was extremely happy with the bangles and Nani cupping her face said that her Khussi Bitiyaa could keep whatever she wants and the other ladies nodded smiling. As Khushi tried to remove the bangles, Mami who was on cloud nine at Khushi accepting her choice with alacrity stopped her saying that, as she likes Mami's choice so very much, she could wear them and signing off her statement with her original Hello Hi Bye Bye! Nani too added her feelings asking her to wear them as they looked good on her arms. Anjali quipped with a laugh that they do suit her and Mamiji knows how to choose good ones. Not to be out done verbally, Mami added with laughter, what else does she think! Who chose her Mamaji! Amidst the ensuing laughter, Khushi quietly slipped away with her heart beating frantically, desperate to see Arnavji and unburden her mind.

As Khushi left the house with the file in her hand a pair of serpentine eyes watched her stealthily. Beads of sweat formed on Shyam's forehead as his eyes widened  incredulously, realizing that Khushi was on her way to Arnav's office. That was what she had told his Rani Sahiba.  Khushi was going to approach Arnav in his office and tell him the truth. He realized that she had not availed the opportunities she had, to get Arnav's signature on the papers while he was at home. That meant she did not intend to get it done. He needed to be on the lookout. Shyam ran his fingers through his thick mane, cursing the day he had given her the papers. He had thought that she was a gullible fool and fool enough to do anything to prove her innocence to Arnav, but he had misjudged her. Now it was he who had exposed himself by giving her the file. If she gave the file to Arnav and told him the truth, her side of the truth, that would be the end of Shyam Manohar Jha and his stay at RM. Arnav would go all cautious and questioning and when unanswered all that he had worked for, plotted for, schemed for, the toil of his four years would be down the drain. He would not only lose the roof over his head but also the access to his personal ATM  Rani Sahiba's personal account with unlimited funds, as well as the joint account. It would be as good as the sun setting for him and he would go into oblivion. The file would be proof enough, solid irrefutable proof against him that he was eyeing Arnav's wealth and if Arnav showed it to Rani Sahiba he could as well kiss goodbye to everything. The very thought made him break out in cold sweat. Without a doubt, Khushi had suspected him and his motives. He decided that right now his top priority was to stop Khushi before she entered Arnav's office and ran in to get his car keys panting as though he was being chased by the hunting hounds. But to his chagrin, Shyamji, floated the sweet and melodious call, a honeyed sub peona laced with smile. Mami invited Damadji to help her chose a necklace and Nani, smiling patted the seat besides her asking him to join them. Shyam hit his head with his hand and was like a cat on hot bricks looking for an avenue of escape, sweat dripping down his temple.

Meanwhile Arnav who was in his office was staring at the screen of his laptop. While his eyes was glued to the screen, mind was adrift. It had floated with the thoughts of Khushi, his wife. He had become a bag of mixed emotions. He felt his throat parched and like a rasp at the thought of the change in Khushi. After her suicide bid and his telling her the reason behind their marriage, she had gone silent. His watchful eyes noted that she spoke little, smiled little, ate little and that thought made him clench his fist in frustration at not being able to understand what was going on in her head. She wore a worried look and her eyes were ghost like not really seeing things, as though her mind was occupied elsewhere. She had started to spend more of her time with Laxmi than anyone else. Mami's quips got a pale smile in return, Di's and Nani's  love always saw her eyes moisten, Payal's teasing remarks elicited just a twitch on her lips and NK's jokes drew blank stares. Arnav was at a loss of what was happening with her and that was something he did not relish making him clench his fist. It was as though somebody had switched off the light from within. She looked pale, worried and always sad now. It looked as though she had to bear the burden of the world on her frail shoulders. Her behaviour was too cagey for a person filled with guilt. She had even given up her catering business she had started with Shukla and his employees were unhappy with the lunch packet that they had received that noon. This change in her made him suspicious and knew without belief  that things are not what they seem to be. Something was not right.

As Arnav stood up, and moved towards the glazed wall of the mezzanine and looked down, he remembered the day, after Teej, when she had come in to his office to get her Devi Maiyya, he had watched her walk to her seat right below him and now it was occupied by someone else and the thought made Arnav grind his teeth. He had followed her to the storeroom, furious at her refusal to listen to him and his apology and fallen over her. Arnav closed his eyes in pain wondering where has those days gone and what has gone wrong. Now she was a mere shadow, a pale ghost of what she was back then. The fire in her, the challenge in her eyes, the unwilling attraction in her eyes as he had walked towards her on Diwali night, the way she had jerked when he had touched her foot, the way her eyes used to rest on him whenever he entered the room, the way her eyes searched for him if he was absent had all vanished into thin air just like a spiral of smoke. He painfully wondered where that Khushi was. Or had he imagined all those days? How could that Khushi, that innocent Khushi, that girl who was not familiar with the touch of a man, be Shyam Manohar Jha's mistress? He suspected his own thoughts and beliefs on that matter. It was unbelievable that a girl with such strong bearings and beliefs would stoop so low. That was a matter of suspicion.But as the images of Shyam hugging Khushi on the terrace and shouting his love for her to the skies rushed in to his mind, the green-eyed monster took its grip on him and his fingers curled in to his palms, leaving deep marks on the skin.

In this update all the three are in doubt.
Khushi is in doubt about Shyam's intentions and Arnav's acceptance of her explanations and how she got the file. She is in doubt of Arnav's safety and well being.
Shyam is in doubt whether Khushi had taken him for a ride and will he be able to get out unscathed of the mess he made by giving Khushi the file, for his luxurious future depended on it.
Arnav is in doubt seeing that Khushi had gone into a shell and she opened up only to her Laxmiji, Nani's pet goat. It made him doubt whether his accusations that she was in cahoots with Shyam against his Di and she was Shyam's flame held any substance. After he had accused her, she had lost all her verve, and was a mere shell of her former self. But again the images of Shyam hugging her on the terrace and declaring his love to her put Arnav in doubt on his thoughts so far. But overpowering it was the sense of jealousy and her reactions that once again put him in doubt whether he had read the situation correctly back then?  His mind takes in only facts. Though facts point elsewhere, his heart does not believe it and that has set the churning. Arnav's mind right now is being churned as to what to believe and what not to. His skepticism, careful cautious  thinking, Shyam's dubious nature has made him wary and set his mind in doubt as to whether his line of thought up till now was really on track or not.

"The whole problem with the world is that fools and  fanatics are always so certain of themselves, but wiser  men so full of doubts"
                                    ~ Bertrand Russell

That is why this is titled IN DOUBT. Any doubt???

That's it from me. Hope you enjoy it.





Hot VM: Tera Nasha (Bilz & Kashif)

 Part 2

Khushi ran out of the house, looking around frantically for an empty rickshaw.

The security guard ran after her. “Madam, shall I help you get a rickshaw? Or would you like me to summon Mohan from the office to take you out?”

“No, Biharilalji. I am in a hurry. I need to get a rickshaw!” She waved wildly at a rickshaw coming towards her at breakneck speed.

The rickshaw came to a sudden halt by her, the squeal of the brakes almost deafening her.

Happy Singh poked his familiar head out from the driver’s seat.

“Khushiji! Are you looking for a rickshaw? I am on my way to Laxmi Nagar after a test drive. Are you going there?” he beamed at her.

Khushi jumped in to his rickshaw.

“Happyji, can you please take me to Arnavji’s office? It is urgent!” she pleaded.

“Of course I can! I will take you where you want to go, Khushiji.” Happy Singh started the vehicle, and chattering nineteen to a dozen, drove rapidly towards the centre of the city. He drove as he usually did, recklessly, darting in and out of the traffic with ease.

As he stopped reluctantly at a traffic light, Khushi saw a small shop with a photocopier. An idea flashed through her mind.

The lights changed.

“Happyji, can you stop here for a moment?” she asked.

“Ji.” He parked the rickshaw near the shop.

Khushi ran in to get 2 copies made of the document that Shyamji had given her. Paying for the service, she dashed back to the rickshaw.

“Happyji, I need to go to Buaji’s house now. I will go to the office after I meet Buaji.” Khushi said, panting after her mad dash, nervousness making her sweat profusely.

“To chaliye Laxmi Nagar!” Happy Singh smiled as he started the vehicle and drove like  a bat out of hell towards Laxmi Nagar.

Khushi ran in to Buaji’s house.

“Titliyaa!” Buaji exclaimed. “Yehan kaa kar rahi ho, Nandkisore?” she asked, surprised.

“I need to take something, Buaji.” Khushi explained as she ran towards her room.

She shut the door behind her, and ran to her wardrobe. She rolled one copy of the documents and pushed it under her clothes. Then she ran to open the small drawer of the table with her idol of Devi Maiyya. It held her collection of stars, lamps for Diwali, some old bangles, the wrappers of some gifts she had received, and other junk of a similar nature.

 Only she used the drawer. It was reserved for her. Khushi pushed the second copy under her stars and an old dupatta.

She hugged Devi Maiyya, and then ran out of her bedroom holding the file with the original documents.

Buaji, Amma, & Babuji were in the drawing room, staring at her dishevelled form with wondering eyes.

Khushi looked at the file in her hand and the astonishment on her family members’ faces.

“Woh…Arnavji….I have to give the file to him…. I am in a hurry, Buaji. I wil see you all later...”

All 3 nodded, looking at her and each other.

Khushi ran to Babuji, hugged him thoroughly, and then crushed Amma & Buaji in her slim arms.

“I have to go…” she explained as she ran out of the house and jumped in to Happyji’s auto.

Buaji looked at Garima & Sasi.

“Arnav Bitwaa must have forgotten to take his file to the office, Nandkisore!” Buaji thought aloud.

“He must need it urgently. Otherwise Khussi would never run off like this!” Amma consoled herself.

Buaji & Sasi nodded.

Khushi ran in through the main entrance of the huge office site, heaving a great sigh of relief. She was finally here. Now all she had to do was walk in to the building and ask for Arnavji. Please, Devi Maiyya, let him not be in a meeting. Please let him be free. Khushi took a step towards the office to hear a car roar to a stop right behind her.

She jumped.

The bumper of the car was just inches away from her. She glared in the general direction of the driver, ready to chastise him for endangering her life & limbs.

The door opened and Shyam Manohar Jha stepped out.

Her breath stopped, her heart skipped  a beat. Panic overwhelmed her, lashing over her in waves. She tightened her hold on the file.

Shyam let out a silent sigh of relief. He was saved! The file was still with her. She had just got here, and was yet to go in to the building.

Taking advantage of her shock, he marched up to her and caught hold of her arm.

“Come with me, Khushi.” he ordered softly, his snake-like eyes revealing his fury.

Khushi looked at him with wide, scared eyes. “No…” she whispered.

He looked around. No one was looking at them. He pulled and pushed her towards the passenger seat, holding her arm in a tight vice, leaving her arm heavily bruised. She opened her mouth to scream, to draw public attention, to seek help, but he twisted her arm so hard that her unborn cry came out as a pain-filled gasp. He used every bit of his brute strength and his large size to bundle her in to the seat, covering her body in such a way that his use of force was not visible to casual observers.

Once he pushed her in to the seat, he bent over her, blocking anyone from seeing her. Quickly, a chloroform-drenched hanky was placed over her nose. 

Khushi sagged against the seat, losing the fight.

Shyam took the file from her limp fingers, fastened the seat belt, and took his seat again. He drove off from the scene, believing himself to be unobserved.

Arnav returned home late that evening, weary after a day of worrying over Khushi and attending meeting after meeting when his mind was far away from his office, stuck on one pale girl with hazel eyes who had looked at him as if he had pushed a knife through her heart… 

HP opened the door for him.

He walked in to see the ladies of his family sitting in the living room. Khushi alone was missing.

“Where is Khushi?” he asked.

Four perplexed faces turned to look at him.

“Bhere ijj Khussi? Tum hum se pochat ho, Arnav Bitwaa? Aphter (after)  calling her to the office and keeping her with you all day?” Mami teased him. “Saasumma, the cat has stolen the milk and drunk it, and ijj now pretending it does not knows how the vessel is broken…” she laughed.

Anjali, Payal, & Nani smiled.

Akash & NK came down the stairs.

“What! A cat has stolen our milk!” NK exclaimed. “Maasi, show me where it is. I will teach it a lesson it won’t forget and drive it away.”

All giggled.

Arnav alone frowned. He opened his mouth to speak, but Mami got in before him.

“I wil show you.” She pointed at Arnav. “It ijj 6-feet tall, bears (wears) black, and does not have a mush…” she laughed.

“Nannav stole milk?” NK scratched his head. “What..?”

“Enough!” Arnav put his foot down. “I did not call Khushi to my office.”

There was perfect silence in the room. Payal paled.

“Chotey…” Anjali said. “Khushiji left at noon. She said she was going to the office to see you. She even had a file with her…”

All the ladies nodded.

“She didn’t come to the office, and I didn’t see her.” Arnav stated, feeling his heart beat pick up its pace.

 All looked at him, anxiety written large on their faces.

 

Arnav quickly pulled out his phone and tried her number. It rang, but she did not answer.

“Maybe she went to Laxmi Nagar, Chotey…” Nani suggested, her voice trembling.

Arnav was already trying Buaji’s number.

“Buaji, it is Arnav.”

“Arnav Bitwaa! Itni raat gaye phone kar rahe ho, Nandkisore! Is  your Naniji alright?” Buaji asked, worried.

“Haan…yes, yes. Can I speak to Khushi?” he asked, his instinct telling him that something was very wrong.

The ladies, NK, & Akash looked at him, fear written plain on their faces.

“Khussi?” Buaji frowned. “But she is with you, Nandkisore! She came here today in Happyji’s rickshaw and went away immediately. She told us that she was going to your office to see you. That it was urgent. That she would visit us another time. She had a file with her, Nandkisore!”

Arnav tried to swallow, but couldn’t.

“She didn’t come to the office, Nandkisore?” Buaji asked, anxiety making her voice a thin thread.

“No.” Arnav croaked.

“She is not in your house?” Buaji’s voice trembled.

“No.”

“Titliyaa is not here…She is not with you…” Buaji whispered. “Where can she be? It is so dark, so late… she is alone somewhere…” Her hand holding the receiver trembled.

“I will find her, Buaji. I promise.” Arnav whispered. He cut the call.

Buaji nodded, sinking in to a chair.

Nani, Mami, Payal, Anjali, NK, & Akash stared at each other in horror. Mami clutched Nani’s hand tight.

“I am going out to look for Khushi.” Arnav told his family. He moved towards the door.

NK & Akash tried to accompany him, but he waved them back. “Stay here. Let me know if she gets home.” he said in a strained voice.

As he took his seat in the car, he called Buaji again.

“Is Happy Singh there? In his workshop?” Arnav asked.

Buaji dropped the receiver and ran to the window on shaking legs to peer out.

“Yes.” she reported back to him.

“I will be there in 10 minutes to talk to him.” Arnav said, cutting the call as he drove recklessly towards Laxmi Nagar.

“I dropped her outside your office, Bhaiyya. She said she wanted to meet you.” Happy Singh looked confused.

Arnav looked at him, helpless.

“She had a file in her hand.” Happy Singh added.

Arnav nodded. 

“Where can Khushiji be?” Happy Singh’s eyes filled.

Arnav said softly, “Happyji, don’t tell anyone that you gave a lift to Khushi. You may be in danger.”

Happy Singh looked at him in astonishment.

“She may have been kidnapped…for a ransom.” Arnav whispered.

Happy gulped, and nodded.

Arnav raced back to the office, and got the security guards to summon the men who had been on duty at the gates during the day.

“Khushiji came inside through the gate, Sir. I saw her walking toward the office entrance.” one guard said.

“Then?” Arnav asked urgently. “What happened then? How come she didn’t come in?” His face was cold, his eyes turbulent.

The guards looked at each other, helpless, mute.

Aman rushed in to the office, his tie askew. “Sir, you need me?” He had just got home and changed into casualwear when ASR had phoned him and asked him to rush to the office.

Arnav waved the guards away.

He explained the whole situation to Aman. “She came in to our car park, but did not enter the building. Where could she have gone?” Arnav rubbed the back of his neck.

“Sir, I saw Khushiji…I think. That is, if she was wearing a bright blue suit…” Aman faltered.

Arnav turned eyes bright with hope towards Aman. “She was.” he confirmed. He had seen her that morning.

“That is, I was smoking…outside…in the car park. I saw a lady like Khushiji, dressed in blue, walking towards the office…”

“And?” Arnav’s voice was a mere whisper.

“I turned away and walked to the dustbin at the far corner to discard the butt, Sir. When I turned around, a white car was leaving the spot. I think…I think Khushiji was sitting in the passenger seat. I saw a flash of blue…” Aman said.

Arnav stared at him. He parted his lips, but could not get a word out.

Aman continued to give him the details of the car. “I didn’t notice the number, Sir. But it was white.” He added the make and model of the luxury vehicle.

Arnav felt his heart stop. He had gifted Shyam a white car of the same make & model a week before Payal & Akash’s wedding!

As soon as Aman left the room, Arnav collapsed in his chair, feeling his chest constrict, making breathing impossible.

Had Khushi & Shyam run off together? Shyam had been suggesting that & more on the terrace, and had informed him many times on that fateful night of his desire to live with Khushi after abandoning his Rani Sahiba!

He frowned. But why should they meet in his office car park before running away?

Why should Khushi carry a file to his office if she was planning to abandon him for Shyam?

And why should she inform all her & his relations that she was going to see her husband at his office before running away with her lover? Her supposed lover?

No, no, Khushi wouldn’t do that to him. Never! She wouldn’t hurt Di or shame her family by behaving in such an immoral manner. She would never dishonour the managalsutra and sindoor he had forced on her with Devi Maiyya as their witness...

 Arnav rubbed his chest.

He called home.

“Di, is Jijaji there?” he asked, anxiety making it impossible for him to sit still.

“Haan, Chotey.” Anjali said. “Do you want his help? Shall I call him? Chotey, have you found Khushiji?”

Arnav drew a deep breath of relief. “No, no…I will manage.” he said.

He sat in the dark in his office, thinking.

Khushi…where was she? Aman had seen her getting in to a car that resembled the one he had purchased for Shyam. If she had gone with Shyam, then what was Shyam doing at home, and where was Khushi?

Khushi…Khushi… his heart murmured.

He looked around. It was getting very dark. Khushi was scared of the dark. He clenched his fists. He hoped there were lights where ever she was, that she was not alone or hungry, that she could see the stars…

He picked up his phone. He needed help. Urgently.



Smita,

Here is the interpretation for Part 1.

This update is about sudden uncontrollable fear or anxiety, it is about PANIC.

As Khushi rushed out of the house frantically looking around for an empty rickshaw, the security guard ran after her offering his help. He asked her whether he could get her a rickshaw or call Mohan from the office to take her out. Khushi in her anxiety to reach Arnav, waved wildly at a rickshaw that was speeding towards her as she told the guard, Biharilal, that she was in a hurry and she needed to get a rickshaw. The rickshaw came to a sudden halt by her and the screech of the brakes and tyres were deafeningly grating. Out came the familiar beaming face of Happy Singh from the driver's seat exclaiming, Khushiji! He asked her was she looking for a rickshaw. He had been on a test drive and was on his way back to Laxmi Nagar. Was she going there? Khushi, thanking her lucky stars, got into the rickshaw requesting him, could he take her to Arnavji's office as it is imperative that she reaches there as quickly as possible. Happy Singh was only too happy to oblige and told her, of course, he would, he would take her wherever she wanted to go and started the vehicle chattering ten to the dozen. He sped towards the centre of the city his usual reckless frenzy way, darting in and out, weaving through the traffic with utter ease. As he stopped reluctantly at a traffic light, Khushi noted a small shop with a photocopier. With the flash of an idea along with the change in the signal lights, she asked Happyji could he stop for a moment in front of the shop. Happyji complied and parked near the shop. Khushi jumped out and ran in to get two sets of copies made of the documents that Shyam had given her. Paying for it she hopped into the auto with the copies and asked Happyji to take her to Laxmi Nagar as she needed to go to Buaji's house and from there she would later go to Arnavji's office after meeting Buaji. Khushi was panting out of her breath with all the dashing around and being on pins and needles about Arnavji's safety and well being  she broke in a cold sweat. Happy Singh with a bright smile put the pedal on the metal and the auto like a greased lightning headed off to Laxmi Nagar.

As Khushi ran into Buaji's house, Buaji was surprised and she exclaimed, Titliyaa! and asked her What was she doing? Khushi breezing past her with trepidation, hoping that they would not stop her, explained that she needed something from her room and as soon as she was inside shut the door behind her and rolled one copy of the document and pushed it under her clothes in her wardrobe. And the other into the small drawer that was exclusively hers, that was in the table that housed her Devi Maiyya idol. It was a drawer where all her trinkets like her collection of stars, lamps for Diwali, some old bangles, the wrappers of some gifts she had received, and others were kept. Khushi pushed the second copy under her stars and an old dupatta. Hugging Devi Maiyya and seeking her blessings and strength she ran out of her bedroom in a state of nerves, holding the file with the original documents safely.

Seeing Buaji, Amma and Babuji in the drawing room, staring at her extreme disarray and wondering what was happening, Khushi looked at the file in her hand and the astonishment on her family members' faces. She knew that she needed to get the file to Arnavji in a hurry but she also needed to explain to her family the reason for her breezing in and out. But Arnav's safety took precedence and with a stuttered brief rushed on explanation that she needed to hand over a file to Arnavji, she was in a hurry and would see them later, she hugged her Babuji and crushed her Amma and Buaji in a hug, she rushed out and jumped in to Happyji's waiting auto. Buaji, Garima and Shashi were at a loss as to what happened. They were left floundering. Buaji thought out aloud, that Arnav Bitwaa must have forgotten to take his file to the office! Amma consoled herself saying that he must have needed it urgently otherwise Khussi would never run off like that! Both Buaji and Shashi nodded.  With this thought they calmed themselves. As Khushi ran in through the main entrance of the huge office site, she heaved a sigh of relief knowing that she had finally reached her destination. She thought with apprehension, that now all she had to do was walk in to the building and ask for Arnavji. She beseeched her Devi Maiyya to let Arnavji be free and not in a meeting. She was dreading of Arnav being tied up with work and unable to meet him.

Khushi took a step towards the office to hear a screech of tyres of a car, coming to a stop right behind her, scaring the daylights out of her. The bumper was just inches from her and as she glared at the general direction of the driver all set to give him her piece of mind for reckless driving and endangering the life of a pedestrian, the door opened and out stepped Shyam Manohar Jha with a glint of determination in his eyes and a smile plastered on his lips. Her breath stopped, her heart skipped a beat and made her blood run cold to see the very man that she wanted to avoid. Panic washed over in waves to see the object of the abject fear stand right in front of her and she tightened her hold on the file. Heaving a huge sigh of relief to see the file still in her hand, Shyam deduced that she had just reached and had not yet been able to meet Arnav. Taking advantage of her shock, he walked up to her casually, to her horror; he caught hold of her arm and ordered softly to go with him. Though a smile was on his lips, his serpentine eyes were spitting balls of fire at her. Khushi stood rooted to the ground in fear but managed to whisper a no. Shyam looked around and seeing that no one was watching them, pushed her towards the car and bundled her into the passenger seat with a vice like grip bruising her arm with his brute strength. As she opened her mouth to scream and seek help he twisted her arm so hard, putting in fear in her that she had to quell her shout within her throat and it came out as a low whimper. Shyam, excessively irritated by Khushi's attempts to slacken his hold on her, frightenedof attracting attention covered her from being visible to the casual observers with his huge body such that the use of his brute strength on her and her pain filled face was not visible. Once she was pushed in to the seat, he bent over her, blocked her vision and pressed a handkerchief drenched in chloroform over her nose. Despite her struggle, Khushi was out in a second and sagged against the seat. Shyam took the file from her limp fingers, fastened her seat belt, and scuttled behind the wheel and drove off from the scene, with the belief that he was unobserved.

When a weary Arnav arrived home late in the evening after worrying over Khushi all day long and attending back to back meetings, it was HP who attended the door and the ladies of the family sans Khushi were seated in the living room. He felt uneasy not seeing her. His query, where was Khushi had four perplexed faces turn towards him. Mami rising to the occasion to tease him countered, where is Khussi? He was asking them? After calling her to the office and keeping her with him all day long? Turning towards her mother-in-law, chuckling heartily she told that the cat that stole the milk and drank it was pretending as not to know how the vessel was broken! Anjali, Payal and Nani smiled at her wit. Akash and NK who were coming down the stairs heard the last bit and NK exclaimed, cat stole the milk! He asked his Maasi to show the culprit and he would teach a lesson never to be forgotten before driving it away. It had all in giggles but Arnav frowned. As he was about to utter, to his dismay Mami spoke up saying, that she would show NK and pointing towards Arnav she told, that the cat was six footer with a black coat and without whiskers. NK scratched his head to understand what was going on and asked, Nannav stole the milk and as he was about to ask further, out came the shout, enough, from an excessively irritated Arnav and told them that he had not called Khushi to his office. It silenced all. Payal paled realizing the implication. Anjali told her brother that Khushiji had left at noon and had told them that she was going to his office to see him. She was even carrying a file with her and all the ladies nodded in agreement. Arnav emphatically stated that she had not turned up at his office and he had not seen her. His heart started to beat quicker and he saw anxiety written on all the faces.

He made a quick call to her number, seeing that it was not being picked up even though it was ringing, Nani in a wobbly voice suggested that she may have gone to Laxmi Nagar. Arnav was already trying to get connected to Buaji's number. Hearing Arnav's voice so late at night, Buaji got worried and asked was Nani alright? He told her, that she was fine and with an unholy dread asked her whether he could speak to Khushi, while his instincts were shouting out that something was absolutely wrong with her. Buaji was puzzled and much to his consternation repeated Khussi?  She was with him was she not? She had come earlier in the day in Happyji's auto, went away immediately telling them that she had to reach him, as it was urgent, would visit them another time and she was carrying a file. Arnav's heart sank to the bottom and could not say anything. Buaji, with an anxiety ridden voice making it thin reed like queried, did she not come to his office? When a confounded Arnav managed to croak a no, Buaji with a trembling voice asked, whether she was not in his house. His answer, no, had Buaji tremble and whisper, Titliyaa was also not there, where could she be? It was dark and so late and she was all alone... Arnav reassuring a panic-stricken and distressed Buaji swore that he would find her. As he cut the call Buaji nodded, sinking in to a chair. Nani, Mami, Payal, Akash and NK stared at each other in horror and Mami held on to Nani's hand tightly. Arnav informed his family that he was going to look out for Khushi and as he moved towards the door NK and Akash too moved with him to lend a helping hand in search of Khushiji. But Arnav stopped them asking them to stay back with the family and to let him know if she gets back. The stress he was under could be heard in his strained voice. Saying so, he skedaddled out to his car. As he took his seat in the car, he called Buaji again and asked was Happy Singh in his workshop? Buaji hurried off to the window to find out. As she peeked out she saw Happy Singh tinkering a vehicle and she reported so to Arnav. He told her that he would be there in ten minutes to talk to Happy Singh and cut the call. Soon he stepped on the gas making his car zip towards Laxmi Nagar.

At Laxmi Nagar, a confused Happy Singh told him, that he had dropped Khushiji outside his office as she had said that she wanted to meet him. Arnav was alarmed and felt helpless. Happy Singh too added that she was carrying a file with her. Happy Singh, who was very fond of Khushi, looked at Arnav with tears filled in his eyes, hoping she was fine, wondered, where could she be? Much to his astonishment, Arnav asked him not to tell anyone that he gave a lift to Khushi as he may put himself in danger. At his look of bewilderment, Arnav informed in a hushed voice that may be Khushi was kidnapped for a ransom. Happy Singh appalled by this thought gulped and agreed to keep silent. 

Arnav raced back to the office, and summoned the security guards on duty at the gates during the day. One guard revealed that Khushiji had entered the gates and he had seen her heading towards the office entrance. He questioned them with a cold face but stormy eyes then how it was she did not come in and what happened. The guards were at a loss to explain. At that time, Aman rushed in to the office with his tie askew, a clear sign of hurriedly changing into office wear as soon as he got a call from ASR to hurry back to the office. Arnav, dismissing the guards explained the situation. He told Aman that Khushi had come to their car park but had not entered the building. Where could she have gone? Arnav was worried as to know what happened and rubbed the back of his neck feeling weary, disturbed and worried. Aman told him that he thinks that he saw Khushiji, that is if she was wearing a bright blue suit and faltered for confirmation from his boss. A startled Arnav perked up, sat upright, as he confirmed that she was wearing that particular colour dress that morning. Aman told him that he had gone to car park for a smoke and there in the car park he saw a lady dressed in blue heading towards the office building... Arnav asked him and..., in a voice that was a mere whisper conveying to Aman the gravity of his answer. He had turned walked towards the dustbin to discard the butt. When he turned back a white car was leaving the spot, with the lady in blue, most probably Khushiji, in the passenger seat. All he could see was a flash of blue. Arnav stared at him flabbergasted. He could only move his lips but words would not come out. Aman told him that he had not noticed the number plate but it was a white luxury model of a particular make. Hearing the description of the car, Arnav felt as though somebody had twisted a knife in his heart. To his horror the description fitted the one he had gifted to Shyam a week before Payal and Akash's wedding!

As soon as Aman left the room Arnav felt all his sap drained out and collapsed in to his chair. In an attack of nerves, he wondered had Khushi and Shyam run away together? Shyam had been suggesting that and more on the terrace, and had informed him many times on that fateful night of his desire to live with Khushi after abandoning his Rani Sahiba! But his logical thinking asserted why would they meet in his office car park, that too right under his nose, if they had planned to runaway? Why would Khushi carry a file if she was planning to abandon him for Shyam? Why would she inform all their relations his as well as hers that she was going to meet her husband if she was planning to elope with her lover? Her supposed lover? All these did not make sense and did not add up to her behavior too. Khushi would not do that. Her sense of righteousness would not allow it to happen. She would neither hurt his Di nor shame her family in an immoral manner. She would never dishonor the mangal sutra and the sindoor that she reveres upon, even though it was forced on her by him with Devi Maiyya as the sole witness. He rubbed his chest to ease out the uneasiness he felt.

His anxiety made it impossible for him to sit still. He called his Di and asked whether Jijaji was there to confirm his presence. When she confirmed that he was very much there in the house and followed it with a plethora of questions, did he need Shyamji's help? Should she call him? Did he find Khushiji? Hearing that Shyam was with his Di, he drew in a breath of relief. That meant eloping could be ruled outrightly. His discomfit eased out to an extent. With a sense of relief he told his Di that he would manage and there was no need to involve his Jeejaji.

Sitting alone in the dark in his office he wondered about Khushi... Where was she? Aman had told that he had seen her in a car that was similar to the one he had purchased for Shyam. If she had runaway with Shyam, then what was Shyam doing at home and where was Khushi? His heart went out to her. It was constantly murmuring her name. As he looked around it registered in his mind that it was getting very dark and Khushi was scared of darkness. He clenched his fists feeling helpless for he was certain that in darkness Khushi would be shelled by the attacks of panic and wished wherever she was, there was light and she was not alone or hungry. He hoped she could see stars that at least would make her feel warm and protected of being with her parents and under their eyes. These thoughts made him realize that she could be terrified and feel that she might be all alone and in dark without being able to see the stars and feeling hungry. Feeling apprehensive he picked up his phone as he knew he would not be able to trace her out alone and he needed help that too urgently.


In this update we see Khushi getting agitated and changing her decision to go straight to Arnav. She gets the file copied in two sets and hides the copies in her cupboard and drawer at Gupta House. She is in a state of nerves all along and when Shyam blocks her from reaching Arnav she is terrified.
Shyam is terrified that Khushi has handed over the file to Arnav and breathes out in relief as he finds her just outside the office building. In his nervousness to get the file from her, he makes her unconscious and takes her away in his car. In his agitation he does not realize that there was a witness to his actions, watching from a distance.
For Arnav it was a premonition since morning that something was amiss and he was on a nervous stomach all through the day. When he reaches home and does not find Khushi he fidgets. When he comes to know she was not at Gupta House too he is startled as to where she was after telling all that she was going to meet him at his office. The confirmation from Happy Singh that she had entered his office premises and later corroborated by his guards on duty at that time, makes him a bundle of nerves filled with trepidations. Aman's narration as to witnessing Khushi in the car park brings on panic fear in him for her safety. When Aman describes her to have gone in a particular car resembling that of Shyam the one he had gifted sometime back, it was a nerve-racking ordeal. But his own logical thoughts that substantiated, Khushi could never stoop so low and cause unhappiness to both the families, soothed him. Di assuring that Shyam was at RM beside her too went a long way in soothing his fragged nerves. When he realized that Khushi might be in dark, and her darkness phobia and how it affects her spurred him into seeking help knowing very well that immediate action was imperative.
That is why this update is titled PANIC.

"It is a strange thing, but when you are dreading something, and would give anything to slow down time, it has a disobliging habit of speeding up"
                                 ~ J.K. Rowling,                                                                                      Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

That's it from me. Hope you enjoy it.