Khushi and Nandini reached Shantian (Raizada mansion) half an hour later. Garima had packed a few sweet and dry fruit boxes to take along with them. Khushi wore her usual style salwar suit in a yellow-green combination, while Nandini opted for a casual short blue kurti with a pair of jeans. Devyani and Anjali were in the pooja room when Khushi greeted them. Anjali beamed at her in greeting. "Khushi ji, you're here? Didn't you take three days off for Diwali?" she inquired curiously.
"I did. But I came to invite you all to our house for Diwali," Khushi replied with an excited smile.
"Oh... That would be wonderful. We can formally meet your whole family this way," Devyani said, exchanging a knowing look with Anjali. Then, she noticed Nandini. "Who is this beautiful young lady?" she asked with a warm smile.
Khushi grinned widely, "Nani ji, Anjali ji, this is my biological younger sister, Nandini," she introduced proudly.
"Namaste," Nandini greeted, joining her hands together.
"What a sweet girl! How many years younger are you than our Khushi ji?" Anjali asked Nandini, cupping her face.
"I'm two years younger than di," Nandini replied with a shy smile.
"What do you do, bitiya?" Devyani asked, affectionately.
"I'm a student at SPACE academy... freshman year."
"SPACE academy? Doesn't that academy specialize in music?" Anjali inquired as she led Khushi and Nandini to the living room.
"Yes... but it also has a good science program," Nandini answered.
Everyone sat in the living room and started chitchatting. Nandini really liked Devyani and Anjali. Soon enough, Manorama, Devyani's daughter-in-law, joined them and added her own version of comic relief to their conversation.
Suddenly, Khushi asked Anjali, "Anjali ji, Arnav ji ghar pe hai kya?" (Is Arnav home?)
"Yeah. He's in his room," Anjali replied.
"AH... would it be okay if..." Khushi hesitated.
"What is it, Khushi ji?" Anjali asked curiously.
"Um... can I go to his room? I want to invite him for Diwali as well," Khushi replied hurriedly, relieved to have found a reasonable explanation.
"Khushi bitiya, you never have to ask permission to go ANYWHERE in this house," Devyani told her firmly. "We trust you completely." Khushi gave them a smile before she got up and went upstairs.
Khushi entered Arnav's room with a determined look on her face, her eyes fixed on him as he worked diligently on his laptop. The atmosphere in the room shifted the moment she closed the door behind her. Arnav looked up, sensing her presence, and his gaze locked onto her.
She walked closer, her eyes never leaving his face. "Arnav ji, what's the meaning of all this?" Khushi questioned, her tone laced with a subtle demand for an explanation.
Arnav continued typing on his laptop, deliberately ignoring her. "Meaning of what, Khushi?" he asked in a bored tone.
She huffed in frustration, her patience wearing thin. "Don't act innocent, Arnav ji. What was the meaning of sending that lehenga yesterday? Do you have any idea how embarrassing it was? Everyone was teasing me. Bhaiya was there with me. And how did you know where we were? And how did you even know that we decided on the color green?" she asked in rapid succession as she paced in front of his coffee table.
Arnav finally looked up, his gaze intense and penetrating. "What's so embarrassing about it, Khushi? It's just a dress." he told her arrogantly. "And as for the color, let's just say I have my ways of finding out things."
"It's not just about the dress!" Khushi exclaimed, "It's about the fact that these days you seem to know every little detail about my life," she retorted, her eyes challenging him.
Arnav leaned back in his chair, a small smirk playing on his lips. "You silly girl! When I consider something mine, I take really great care to know each details of those things. So, why won't I know every details about you?"
Khushi frowned, feeling annoyed. "That means you have someone watching me?" she asked.
Arnav's gaze intensified, a mixture of possessiveness and a hint of something deeper. "Of course, I have someone watching over you. I don't trust you to take care of yourself. You're not aware of your surroundings at all. Do you have any idea how many times your guard had to save you from trouble while remaining behind the scene?"
"I don't need anyone to save me or watching over me!" Khushi argued vehemently. "And what did you mean by yours? No one owns me! I'm not a property!" she added with a huff.
Arnav's eyes darkened, and he stood up abruptly, towering over her. "Watch your words, Khushi."
Her heart raced as he advanced towards her. The air crackled with tension, a magnetic force pulling them closer. Khushi swallowed, her resolve wavering under the intensity of his gaze.
"Don't play games with me, Arnav ji. I want the truth. I want to know the reason why you suddenly sent me that lehenga," Khushi demanded, her eyes locking onto his.
Arnav's hand shot out, gripping her shoulder firmly. "The truth is, Khushi Kumari Gupta, you will wear that lehenga because I want you to. That should be reason enough."
Khushi's eyes widened at the possessive tone in his voice. She felt a shiver run down her spine, a mixture of fear and something else she couldn't quite put into words. "Arnav ji, you can't decide what I wear. I have my own choices."
Arnav's grip tightened, his jaw clenched. "You seem to forget who I am. You're not just anyone, Khushi. You're mine."
His words hung in the air, sinking into the depths of her consciousness. Khushi's heart pounded, torn between defiance and a strange exhilaration. There was a raw intensity in Arnav's eyes that she couldn't ignore.
"Arnav ji, I'm not anyone's property. I have the right to make my own decisions," Khushi asserted, but her voice wavered.
He leaned in, his breath brushing against her ear. "Your decisions are mine, Khushi. And you'll wear what I choose for you because I know what looks best on my girl."
Her breath hitched at the proximity. A whirlwind of conflicting emotions surged within her. "Arnav ji, this isn't right. You can't control me like this."
His fingers delicately traced a sensual path down her arm, kindling a cascade of sensations in their wake. "Control, Khushi? No, it's not about control. It's about ensuring that you have the best. You deserve the best. From now on, my girl will only have the best."
Khushi's resistance faltered as his touch set off a storm of emotions within her. There was an inexplicable attraction pulling her toward him, a magnetic force that defied rationality. Arnav's eyes locked onto hers, conveying a silent promise that lingered in the charged air between them.
"I won't be some puppet in your hands, Arnav ji," she whispered, attempting to assert her independence.
He gently lifted her chin, his gaze unwavering. "You're not a puppet, Khushi. I'm not playing any game here. You became a queen... my queen, and I'm here to give you everything my queen deserves."
Before she could respond, Arnav's lips claimed hers in a possessive kiss. It was a fusion of passion and dominance, a silent declaration of ownership. Khushi's initial resistance melted as she succumbed to the intensity of the moment. electricity hummed through her veins. And then he pulled back far enough to gaze down at her, he found a deep flush spreading across her cheeks.
"I love you, Khushi Kumari Gupta," he whispered, his breath mingling with hers. His eyes bore into hers, a potent mixture of passion and possessiveness. "I know this might seem sudden, and I might not be the ideal choice for you, but I can't deny what you've become to me. You are the light in my darkest days, and the reason my heart beats a little faster. Your laughter is the melody that plays in my soul, and the thought of you being unhappy tears me apart. Even when it's my actions causing your tears, the mere sight of you in pain drives me to the edge. I would do anything to protect you, even if it means dismantling the world around us."
His lips hovered over hers, an electrifying tension in the air. "But, Khushi, if you don't feel the same way, if my love is too much for you, I'll step back. I'll distance myself, even if it shreds me into pieces. Your happiness means everything to me, and if being near me is a source of sadness, I'll find the strength to let you go." A wistful smile played on his lips as he continued, "I might go a little crazy, Khushi, but I promise, if that's what it takes for you to be happy, I'll go far away. There's nothing more important to me than ensuring you find joy and contentment, even if it means sacrificing my own desires."
Khushi's heart raced, caught in the intensity of his declaration. His words hung in the air, a testament to the depth of his feelings. The possessiveness in his tone resonated with an underlying vulnerability, making her realize the sincerity behind his passionate confession. "Arnav ji..." she whispered.
With a tender touch, he cupped her face, his thumb brushing against her cheek. "I want to be the reason behind your smiles, not your tears. But if you can't reciprocate this love, I'll find a way to live with that reality, as long as you're happy."
In that moment, amidst the charged atmosphere, Khushi felt a surge of emotions. The possessiveness in his declaration only intensified the romantic undertones, leaving her breathless. She looked into his eyes, seeing a mix of desire, vulnerability, and an unwavering commitment to her happiness. Without warning, Khushi leaned up and was kissing him again, molding her lips against his.
After a moment, she drew back slightly, meeting his gaze directly. "I love you too. But I'm afraid... for months, you mocked me for being a middle-class girl and various other reasons. That's why, even when I began feeling drawn to you, I tried my best to maintain a distance... and failed every time. I don't want you to leave, Arnav ji," she murmured, sincerity lacing her voice. "I want you to be exclusively mine as well. However, I don't possess the status that would align with someone like you. You're educated, affluent, and come from a prestigious family. While I come from a respectable family, I lack wealth and education. In your glamorous world, there seems to be no room for someone like me. You may love me now... but when everyone continually emphasizes our differences, one day, you might grow to resent me. What happens then?" Khushi expressed with concern.
Arnav tenderly caressed Khushi's cheek with his thumb, his eyes conveying a deep understanding. "Khushi, love transcends the boundaries of status or wealth. I won't allow societal expectations to dictate how I feel about you. Yes, there were times when I let my arrogance overshadow my true feelings, but I've learned, and I've changed." He paused, gently holding her hands. "While it's true that our worlds are different, that doesn't mean they can't coexist. I love you not for your social status or education, but for the person you are – your kindness, strength, and the warmth you bring into my life. The opinions of others don't define our love. It's about us, Khushi, and I'm willing to fight for us. However, I respect your feelings. I understand that these differences make you uncomfortable. So, I propose a solution. You're still young, and I'm only 28. What if we take a few years to date? Let's inform our families about our relationship to show our commitment. During this time, you can resume your education and pursue the career you desire. When you reach a point where you feel comfortable in your own skin, we can proceed to marriage."
Arnav's sincerity touched Khushi's heart, and a flicker of hope shone in her eyes. "But Arnav ji, the reality is that we can't escape the judgments and criticisms of the world. What if one day you regret being with someone like me? What if you find someone more suitable, someone who fits seamlessly into your world?"
Arnav's gaze held hers firmly. "Khushi, I won't let anyone or anything come between us. I've made mistakes, and I've hurt you, but I'm not letting you go. I've realized that true love goes beyond societal norms. I don't want someone 'more suitable'; I want you, just as you are. Our love is unique, and I won't let anyone tarnish it."
Khushi's eyes softened, and a warm smile graced her lips. "Okay." she whispered.
Overwhelmed with joy, Arnav drew Khushi even closer, reuniting their lips in a passionate kiss. His fingertips traced gentle patterns along her back, relishing the way she shivered in response.
Khushi, equally enthralled, wrapped her arms around his neck and waist, intensifying their connection. Her fingers delicately grazed his back, occasionally slipping beneath the soft fabric of his t-shirt to feel the warmth of his bare skin.
Bolstered by the escalating desire, Arnav's hands ventured to her curves, cupping the softness of her ass. A moan escaped Khushi's lips, muffled by the kiss, as she attempted to pull back. Yet, Arnav's firm grasp restrained any retreat. In a sudden move, he lifted her off her feet, hands securely gripping her, and settled them both onto the bed. Khushi found herself on his lap, knees beside each hip. Undeterred, Arnav removed her dupatta without breaking their proximity. He leaned back, admiring the dazed look in her eyes, then began showering her face, neck, and shoulders with tender kisses.
When he tugged at her neckline, Khushi snapped out of her reverie. Instantly, she placed her hand on his, giving him a wide-eyed gaze. Arnav, recognizing the need to slow down, nodded in understanding and whispered, "Sorry," before sealing the moment with another gentle kiss on her lips.
It was at that moment that Khushi became aware of where she was seated. She gasped audibly and hastily moved away from Arnav's lap, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Khushi experienced a blend of shyness and a newfound awareness of the intimate connection that bound them. "Arnav ji, another thing. I won't be controlled," she whispered, her voice tinged with a hint of defiance.
He turned her towards him and brushed a strand of hair away from her face, his expression softening. "Khushi, I don't want to control you. I want to protect you. Is that so wrong?"
Her heart wavered between resistance and a growing realization. "It's not wrong, Arnav ji, but I need my freedom too."
Arnav nodded, his eyes reflecting a vulnerability she hadn't seen before. "You'll always have your freedom, Khushi. I just want to be a part of your world, to make it better."
"Okay." she replied in a small voice.
"By the way... was the lehenga the only reason for your visit?" Arnav suddenly inquired, his expression curious.
Khushi's eyes widened in shock. She had completely forgotten. "No... I actually came here to invite you for Diwali. Will you come?" she asked.
"Yes... but on one condition – we share our relationship with our families. Since it might be hard to get everyone together again on such an occasion." he pointed out.
"NOW? But... everyone will tease me!" Khushi gave him a terrified look.
Arnav chuckled. "Khushi, if our families know about us, it would be beneficial. Otherwise, they might try setting us up with other people. Let's not complicate things unnecessarily," he reasoned.
"Okay," she responded before leaning down to grab her dupatta from the floor.
Arnav smiled, noticing the redness on her cheeks. "You didn't tell me if you liked that lehenga or not," he pointed out.
"It was really beautiful. Thank you," she told him with a smile.
"I'm glad you liked it," he said, feeling extremely pleased.
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...-...
...-...
As the day unfolded, the enticing aroma of both sweets and savory dishes enveloped the entire house. Unable to resist the tempting smells wafting from the kitchen, Rishav and Rajveer decided to join the women in their culinary endeavors. Rajveer casually leaned against the kitchen counter, attentively observing the organized chaos orchestrated by the ladies.
Inquisitive about contributing, Rishav ventured into the kitchen and asked, "Can I help with anything?"
Garima smiled warmly, handing him a plate of sweets, "Here, beta. You can arrange these sweets on the serving platter."
Eyes lighting up with delight, Rishav took the plate, remarking, "I hope I don't end up eating them all before tomorrow."
Garima chuckled, "Just make sure to save some for the guests, babuwa," she advised, her tone affectionate.
Turning to Rajveer, Rishav playfully wiggled his eyebrow. Rajveer responded with a smirk, swiftly grabbing a piece of sweet and savoring it in one enthusiastic bite. Rishav joined in, and with shared snickers, they exited the kitchen.
Kishori Murthy, on her way to the kitchen, caught sight of Rishav and Rajveer sneakily enjoying the sweets before reaching the dining room. Amused, she shook her head and commented to the ladies, "There won't be any sweets left for tomorrow if those two continue devouring them like that."
Garima reassured her, "It's okay, maa ji. Let them be. There's plenty more sweets here. If there's a shortage, Khushi and Shahi ji can always make more."
"Yes, amma. Let those two enjoy. Our Rishav has opened up so much after Rajveer's arrival. He now laughs openly, has almost no nightmares, indulges in mischief, and finally acts like a typical teenage boy. It truly warms my heart," Shanno shared, her eyes gleaming with pride.
"You're right. I also believe that Rajveer came as a blessing to our families," Kishori Murthy added with a contented smile.
Naina, on the verge of entering the kitchen, overheard their conversation. A smile spread across her face as she realized that Rajveer had finally found genuine love and acceptance. In this newfound family, he could truly be himself, and no one would ever mock him for being an orphan again.
She gently knocked on the kitchen door before stepping inside. "Can I help with anything?" she offered.
"Naina bitiya, come join us," Garima welcomed her with a warm smile.
"Bachcha, do you know how to cook?" Kishori inquired.
"Ah... a few things," Naina replied honestly.
"That's okay, bitiya. Our Rajveer knows how to cook very well. So, you don't have to worry at all after marriage," Madhumati assured her with a playful wink.
Naina blushed at the mention of the wedding. "Um... I would like to share something with all of you," she announced.
Garima, Madhumati, Kishori, and Shanno gave her their full attention. "What is it, Bitiya?" Garima asked, concern etched on her face.
"I don't know how much Rajveer sir told you guys about himself, but I believe, as his family, you should know the real him. I'm not aware of his childhood after his parents' death, but I do know about his military academy days. My older brother, Naveen, was his best friend. He used to say that although Rajveer sir laughed and played with them, there was a deep pain buried in his chest. Rajveer sir faced mockery not only from teachers, seniors, and classmates but even from juniors, all because he was an orphan. As if that were somehow his fault. On the academy's parents' day, when everyone's family members arrived, I witnessed the longing for family in his eyes. Now that he has a family, he's over the moon. Rajveer sir would love you a thousand times more if you only love him a little," Naina folded her hands and said, tears rolling down her face. "He's finally happy after a long, long time. Please don't ever hurt him," she pleaded with genuine emotion.
The women in the kitchen listened with rapt attention to Naina's heartfelt revelations, the weight of her words settling in. Garima, Madhumati, Kishori, and Shanno exchanged knowing glances, comprehending the depth of Rajveer's struggles. Their hearts ached for the man who selflessly showered them with love, asking for nothing in return. Their affection and regard for Rajveer deepened, and they grasped the extent of Naina's love, respect, and care for him.
Approaching Naina with a compassionate smile, Kishori Murthy placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "Thank you for sharing this with us, Bachcha. Rest assured, we'll do everything in our power to ensure his happiness and well-being. He is not just a member; he is our son," she assured.
"Yes, bitiya. You don't have to worry about us hurting him. He became our child when he entered our lives. He can't undo this family even if he wants to now," Madhumati assured with a bright smile.
Naina nodded, grateful for the understanding and warmth she felt in that moment. She wiped away her tears, her heart feeling lighter, knowing that Rajveer was surrounded by people who cared deeply for him.
"And we understand how important Rajveer is to you. We're relieved to see that Rajveer's girl loves him so much," Shanno added with a teasing smile, making Naina look down shyly.
As they continued with their Diwali preparations, the kitchen transformed into a space of shared stories, laughter, and the comforting clatter of utensils. Naina actively participated, feeling a profound sense of belonging among these wonderful women who had embraced her into their fold.
.. .. - - - - .. ..
Rajveer inquired Rishav about the whereabouts of Payel and Navya. Rishav shared that Payel and Navya were engaged in crafting handmade diyas in the front yard. Perplexed, Rajveer, who had already purchased numerous diyas, decided to investigate. Politely excusing himself, he ventured outside and discovered Navya and Payel engrossed in conversation and laughter. Positioned on a blanket beneath a tree, they were meticulously fashioning diyas from soil, allowing them to dry.
"Payel, Navya, why are you both making diyas by hand? Weren't the ones I bought sufficient?" Rajveer queried with concern.
"Everything is fine, bhaiya. Khushi and I always enjoy making a few diyas by hand. It's a fun activity for us, a sort of tradition. Navya mentioned she used to do the same back home. So, we were bonding over this," Payel explained.
Rajveer smiled. "These handmade ones look even better than the ones I bought," he remarked, admiring their craftsmanship.
"Thanks, Rajveer bhaiya," Navya beamed in response.
With a smile, Rajveer began making his way back when his phone rang. Glancing at the caller ID, his smile widened. "Hello, Doc! How are you?" he greeted cheerfully.
"I'm fine, Captain. Happy Diwali! What is this? You forgot all of us after going on vacation. I didn't even know you were on vacation until I confronted BC about this," Shalini complained.
Rajveer burst into laughter. "You confronted BC?! That's hilarious."
"Don't laugh! Do you have any idea what kind of mischief your super six had been up to in your absence? If it wasn't for me, their Diwali vacation could have been canceled," Shalini shared with a huff.
Rajveer frowned. "What mischief are you talking about, doc? What did they do this time?" he inquired.
"Well, I don't actually know what they did... but the cover story they all told everyone was that they were playing 'truth or dare' when things got out of hand. But their injuries didn't match... especially the ones on Cadet Naina."
"Injuries on Naina? What injuries?" Rajveer started to feel a sense of worry.
"She had a concussion, which I was able to show BC to back up their cover story, but she also has a large cut from something sharp, most likely a knife. It took me 24 stitches to pull her skin together. She also lost a lot of blood. I gave her as much medical leave from the drills as I could without raising suspicion. I'm just glad that she was able to go home for this vacation and would be able to rest and let her stitches heal properly. It's been six days, so she should be able to get her stitches out in a few days if they have dried properly," Shalini informed.
Rajveer was shocked. He tried to recall the moments since this morning when Naina arrived. Between her long journey and her dance, she would be in pain. But when he saw her earlier, there was no sign of discomfort on her face.
"Did others have any injuries?" He asked, worried for his super six.
Shalini continued sharing the details, "Yes. Everyone's knuckles were badly bruised, as if they had just been through hand-to-hand combat or something similar. Cadet Yudi had a black eye, and everyone also had various black and blue bruises all over their bodies. Cadet Pooja was apologizing to Cadet Naina again and again, crying. All five of them were terrified as Cadet Naina was unconscious for two whole days."
Rajveer's eyes widened in shock as he recalled those two days when Naina suddenly stopped calling him. He thought she was angry with him. Even Alekh claimed the same thing. "I didn't know about any of this," he muttered in shock.
"I don't know why your cadets didn't share it with you, but they requested that we don't tell you anything. Cadet Naina even said that they didn't want to disturb you during your vacation," Shalini explained.
"Thanks for telling me, though, doc. I wouldn't have known what they were doing behind my back. When I asked, they said everything was okay," he grumbled, pinching the bridge of his nose.
Shalini sighed, "It seems like they didn't want to worry you, Captain. I guess they thought they could handle it themselves. But with the extent of injuries, I felt it was necessary for you to know."
Rajveer nodded, a mix of concern and frustration evident on his face. "I appreciate you informing me, Doc. I need to talk to them and figure out what happened."
"I hope everything gets sorted out, Captain. I'll be here if you need any medical assistance or advice," Shalini assured him.
"Thanks, Doc. Happy Diwali to you too," Rajveer said before ending the call. He took a deep breath, the festive atmosphere around him feeling a bit overshadowed by the unexpected news about his super six.
As Rajveer walked back into the house, he wondered what could have led to such injuries and why the cadets kept it a secret from him. He needed to get to the bottom of this, but at the same time, he was grateful for Shalini's timely revelation.
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A/N::: Some hotness from our second fav couple, Arshi.
Yikes! Super six is in trouble!
Will Naina be able to save her gang from Rajveer's anger and disappointment?
Stay tuned to know.