Hello My Lovely Readers,
Here is the next part of this FF,
Hopefully you will like it.
If not, forgive me.

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Author Note :

From today onwards, I won't appeal for votes or comments. If you think it's decent enough, then that's your choice.

If it isn't, then I'll just do my job without any complaints, as it's the reader's choice whether they will like the story or not. I'll leave it to you.

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Not Proofread. Please ignore the typos and grammatical mistakes

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GUPTA HOUSE

After the Raizadas departed, Garima and Sheetal stormed into Khushi's room, their voices lashing out like whips.

"Khushi, didn't I forbid you to leave your room?" Garima thundered, her eyes blazing. Khushi rolled her eyes and nodded, bracing for the onslaught she knew would come.

"So why did you step out? Today, because of you, my daughter and I faced such humiliation! Huh! Did we bear your burden just so you could snatch everything from Sheetal?" Garima's shout echoed with venom.

Tears welled in Khushi's eyes, but she refused to stand mute under their barbs.

"Amma! First, I've never snatched anything from Jiji. Second, you didn't feed me-my babuji did. So stop repeating that lie, and finally, if anyone bore my burden, it's him, not you." Her voice trembled with defiance. Garima and Sheetal gaped, stunned. This wasn't the silent Khushi they knew-she'd never dared to challenge them before.

Their shock morphed into fury. Sheetal couldn't hold back. "Haven't you had enough, snatching my father and bua from me? Now you want my in-laws' love too? I won't let that happen, Khushi. Remember that!" she spat, her words dripping with spite."Arey, you already killed your parents in childhood. Now you want to kil-" Sheetal's cruel taunt broke off as a hand spun her around and delivered a stinging slap. Garima clutched her cheek, staring at Shashi in disbelief.

"WHAT THE HELL, SHASHI JI?" she shrieked. Before she could recover, Shashi struck again, the force knocking her to the floor. Sheetal rushed to her mother's side, terror flashing in her eyes.

Shashi trembled with rage. He had overheard their venomous tirade on his way to Khushi's room, their insults to his daughter igniting a fire he'd suppressed since yesterday. They mistook his silence for weakness, but no more."You raised your hand on me? How dare you?" Garima roared, her hatred for Khushi surging tenfold."I'd do it again if you dare abuse my daughter, Garima," Shashi warned, his voice icy. "I've never struck a woman, but you forced my hand. You've tortured her endlessly. She's fragile after the accident, yet you've stressed her since she returned yesterday. What do you want? To kill her? As long as I live, you won't touch a hair on her head."

Garima seethed, her mind racing. You're wrong. I'll never let that girl find peace. Not after this. For now, she bit her tongue, fuming silently, the saying 'old habits die hard' ringing true.Shashi turned to Sheetal, his gaze emotionless. "The same applies to you," he said coldly, fueling her fury. She vowed silently to make Khushi pay for this insult and never know happiness.

His eyes softened as he faced Khushi. Tears streamed down her cheeks, her parents a tender wound they'd stabbed repeatedly. Today's accusation-that she'd killed them-cut deeper, implying she'd do the same to Shashi. Her heart bled."Bitiya!" Shashi called. Khushi staggered to him, collapsing into his arms. He caressed her tenderly. "I loved how you stood up to them today, but it hurt to see you silent when they attacked your parents. Why let them get away? Were you still hoping for their love?" Khushi shook her head, burying it in his chest. "Then?"

"For you, Babuji," she whispered. "You picked me up when no one else would. I'd be dead without you. You gave me shelter, food, education-everything I have is yours. They're tied to you, so how could I misbehave? Tell me."

Shashi's heart ached. "So you saw our love as a favor? Mine and your bua's?" he asked, voice strained."No... no, Babuji! How could you say that?" she protested vehemently.

"Then what should I make of it, Bitiya? If you don't see it as a favor, I want the Khushi I saw today-the one who fights back. Promise me?" She nodded, hugging him tightly. Suddenly, Madhu squeezed them together, her face a mix of tears and joy. Their silent question met her shake of the head, and they lingered in the embrace.

Garima and Sheetal watched, their fury boiling over. Unable to stomach the love, they stormed out, swearing to destroy Khushi's life.

•──────☆──────•

RAIZADA MANSION

AT RM,

Arnav mulled over Aman's report. Rage flared when he learned Garima nearly slapped Khushi, but amusement flickered at his dadi's fierce stance. Subhadra didn't hate without cause-there was more to it. He resolved to speak with her.

He glanced heavenward, closing his eyes with rare satisfaction. Unlike Ratna, Subhadra, and his sister, he never believed in God-until today. He wanted to thank the divine, lingering under the moon, searching for Pari's face in its glow. Eventually, he retired, craving peaceful sleep to hasten the night's end.

•──────☆──────•

SANGEET DAY - MORNING,

RAIZADA MANSION

After breakfast, Arnav approached Subhadra. "Dadi, can I speak with you for a minute?" She nodded, and they retreated to her room, leaving the family puzzled. Aditya and Ratna exchanged confused glances, shrugged, and went about their tasks.

In Dadi's RoomArnav sat beside Subhadra on her bed. "Chote, do you have something to ask or tell me?" she prompted.

Arnav sighed, meeting her gaze. "I'm sorry, Dadi, for what happened at Sheetal's house. Because of my love, you had to accept this, but you faced insult there."

"It's alright, Chote. I gave it back to them," she laughed, brushing off his apology. He stared, baffled. She continued, "I loved her, Chote. She looked ethereal in your design."He stammered, "Bu... but Dadi, that dress switched with her sister, na! Aman told me."

"Really! Oh, come on, Chote, I'm your grandmother. This white hair didn't come from sunbathing, you know. Did you think only Aman noticed your odd behavior that day? I heard you, but I'm hurt you left me out of your plan. You included that monkey but not me?" She pouted.

Arnav hugged her. "Don't worry, Dadi, you're with me now-another soldier in my army. Acha suno na! You asked your bahu to come tonight, na. Help me dance with her, please." Dadi smirked. "Don't worry, bitwa. Consider it done. But punish those people so they'll never forget messing with ASR, okay?"

"Done," he agreed, and they turned to make the sangeet unforgettable for Khushi.

•──────☆──────•

IN THE EVENING - RAIZADA MANSION

The Raizadas awaited the Guptas, who arrived minutes later. Garima and Sheetal's mouths hung open, dazzled by the mansion's grandeur. Greed flared in Garima's eyes, intensifying her desire to join the Raizada elite.

The Raizadas welcomed them warmly, snapping them from their reverie. Sheetal sought Arnav's gaze, but he ignored her, his eyes fixed elsewhere. Unaware, she missed whom he searched for.

Sheetal approached the family for blessings, but Subhadra's cold shoulder made her gnash her teeth. She tried to catch Arnav's eye again, but his focus stayed on the door. Three pairs of eyes-Arnav, Subhadra, and Aman-hunted for one person: Khushi.

Subhadra finally asked Shashi, "Gupta ji, didn't Khushi bitiya come?" Garima and Sheetal's teeth ground at her name, but the earlier insult kept them silent.

"She's coming, Maa ji. She's with her bua in an auto," Shashi replied awkwardly.

"Auto?" Subhadra and the others frowned, while Arnav clenched his fist, itching to lash out. Subhadra gripped his hand, turning to Shashi. "Why auto? We sent a car, right?"

Before Shashi answered, Garima interjected with a forced smile. "Woh Maa ji! Khushi didn't want the car. She felt uneasy in luxury, and Jiji wouldn't leave her, so they took an auto." Subhadra's disgusted glance silenced Garima, while Aditya and Ratna exchanged worried looks. Arnav and Aman seethed, knowing Garima likely barred Khushi from the car. Arnav's anger teetered on explosion when the air shifted, soothing and electric.

His eyes locked on the door-his Pari stood there with Madhu. His heart pounded, anticipation surging. A grin broke across his face, eyes shimmering. Subhadra and Aman cleared their throats, signaling him to rein in his emotions.

"Arey Madhumati ji, Khushi bitiya, what kept you?" Aditya approached, concern etched on his face. "Namaste... namaste! Any trouble on the way?"

"No... no, Uncle. The car broke down mid-road, so we're late. Sorry about that," Khushi assured with a sweet smile.

Ratna ushered them in, offering refreshments. Khushi felt a heated gaze on her back, glancing around nervously. Subhadra noticed. "What happened, bitiya? Need something?"

"Uhh... haan... no... no, Dadiji, nothing. Woh bas..." she faltered, when a husky voice cut through.

"Hello everyone! I'm Arnav Singh Raizada. Thought it's time I joined. Someone was missing me, I guess," he said, locking eyes with Khushi briefly.

The room chuckled, teasing him about Sheetal, oblivious to his true intent. Only one pair-Khushi's-caught his meaning, returning a teasing glance. After the laughter, introductions began.

Khushi's heart skipped, captivated by the most handsome man she'd ever seen-his chocolate brown eyes pulling her in. She snapped out of it as Sheetal rushed past, hugging Arnav.

"Oh ASR! I tried talking to you, but you were busy. I was so scared!" Sheetal faked affection for the crowd.

A pang stabbed Khushi's heart, but she brushed it off, chiding herself for the feeling. She missed that Arnav didn't return the hug, easing out awkwardly to approach her.

"Hello P... Khushi!" Arnav caught himself, avoiding a slip. "Hello Arnav ji," she replied, struggling to call him jijaji-why, she couldn't say.

Arnav melted at "Arnav ji," savoring it until Garima's angry voice jolted him.

"What nonsense, Khushi? He's your brother-in-law soon. Call him jijaji! Why use his name?"Arnav clenched his teeth, his tone icy.

"That's alright, Aunty. Arnav is fine. If I don't mind, you shouldn't either, right?"

"Jeeyat raho babua!" Madhu blessed him, touched by his defense of Khushi.

A shiver ran down Garima's spine at his coldness. She sought Shashi's support, but his glare met her. Arnav turned to Khushi. "It's okay, Khushi. Make yourself comfortable and enjoy. Okay?" The Raizadas and Aman gaped, shocked by his gentleness.

"Chote, you're okay?" Ratna teased.

"You said 'please' to Khushi! What the..."Khushi blushed, while Garima and Sheetal fumed. Arnav shook his head, stepping away to control his emotions-seeing Khushi healthy brought tears to his eyes.

Subhadra's voice halted him. "Wait, bitwa." He turned, and she read his turmoil but pressed on. "She's your soon-to-be sister-in-law. Our tradition demands the groom's first dance with her. You must perform it, okay?" Arnav agreed, surprising his family with his compliance.

Khushi shifted uncomfortably, bound by Subhadra's kindness, unable to refuse. Garima glared, but Khushi ignored her. Sheetal seethed, noting Subhadra's affection for Khushi since the mehndi. She bit her tongue, knowing opposing the elder Raizada could turn Arnav against her. Dance all you want, Khushi. ASR is mine. You'll pay for those dancing feet when you get home, she thought maliciously.

Aditya's voice broke her reverie.

"What the... What kind of new tradition is this? I've never heard of it before, Maa!" Dadi rolled her eyes. "It's not new, Adit. It didn't happen at your wedding because you had no sister-in-law. I'm strict about traditions. One bad omen already struck-let's avoid another. No arguments."Aditya sulked.

"I wish I'd had a beautiful sister-in-law like Khushi to save me from dancing with Ratna." Laughter erupted, and Ratna glared, storming off in a huff.

Arnav teased, "Go after her, Dad, or it's the guest room for you." Khushi giggled, catching Arnav's glance. Aman whispered, "Yaar! Dadi's a real actress, our true dadi!" Both friends smirked, plotting ahead.

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What Sheetal was planning to do with Khushi?

Could she pull off her dirty scheme?

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Take Care, Stay Safe,

Regards,
Dipanwita86
24/9/21