Part 4
As Arnav expected, Khushi was damn happy about Payal and Akash's marriage. She and her sister are going to be together forever. It's because of Arnavji. Khushi knew how haughty Manorama is. If she is ready to accept Payal as her daughter-in-law, it's because of Arnav. It seems LARD GOVERNOR is not as bad as she thought. She remembered what she said about Arnav once.
"Even a bad man will seem good in front of him. That worse he is"
She chuckled and hit her forehead. And Payal's love for Akash made her awestruck. Finally, her sister's life is settling down. The same man is making it right who ruined her previous marriage. Life never misses to amaze us. She smiled. Anyhow, she badly wanted to thank Arnav.
Arnav who just came to the bed smiled, seeing Gupta's number. He purposely asked.
"Who is this?"
"This is Payal"
Arnav was dumbfounded. He thought it was Khushi.
"Akashji told me it's you who compromised, Mamiji."
"It's not a big deal," he said.
"According to you, it's not. But you have no idea what you have done for my family. My family faced a worse time when my marriage got stopped. Khushi was also guilty. She thought it was because of her. She always says, she should not have gone to the Sheesh Mahal that day."
Arnav was not that dumb not to understand, what Payal is talking about. That means, what Khushi told them about her sister's wedding is not an excuse.
"Thank you Arnavji... you brought a smile on my parents face"
"I'm sorry Payal... I don't know that it was your marriage...."
"Leave it Arnavji... I never regret the stopped marriage. A greedy man can never be a good husband. Knowingly or unknowingly you have saved me from the man. Thank you"
She disconnected the call. Arnav gulped. He didn't trust Khushi's words that day. He had not trusted anyone though. But he didn't know his disbelief could ruin someone's life... not just someone's life but a family's happiness. They are a normal middle-class family. It was not hard for Arnav to analyze, how their condition would have been. Scattered pearls of her Dori... her flawless tears... innocent eyes... why didn't he trust her?
He went to the poolside and stood, looking at the sky, remembering Khushi's words about STARS. She is leading a simple and interesting life unlike him. He felt bad for hurting her every time. Still, she had forgiven him.
Again a phone call dragged his attention. It was again from Gupta House. He attended it making himself up, thinking, it's Payal.
"Hello..."
"It's me"
It surely brought a smile to Arnav's face as "It's me" was said by Khushi.
"I mean?"
"Can't you understand who is talking?"
Arnav smiled silently.
"Arnavji... I know you recognized my voice"
"Ohh really?"
"Haan, you have our landline number"
"Very smart"
"I called you to thank you"
"For what?"
"Because of you, my sister is getting married. I was so worried about my sister. Because of you, she is smiling again Arnavji"
"You don't have to thank me..."
"Why?"
"Because we are getting married"
"So?"
"These formalities are not necessary between us"
Khushi smiled and Arnav knew it. He felt happy that he made her smile.
"I'm taking my thanks back"
She smiled and Arnav chuckled.
"Ok Arnavji... bye"
Before she disconnects the call,
"Khushi...."
"Ji..."
"Is that true?"
"What?"
"Would they become STARS?"
Khushi was stuck. She looked at the sky through the window. Is he talking about what she said the other day when he said SORRY?
"It's not a matter of belief, Arnavji. If you believe... it's true. If you don't... it's not true. If you started thinking that your mother became a star, you can feel her smiling at you"
"From when you started seeing your parents in the stars?"
"From the time they left the world"
"What will you talk to them?"
"Everything"
"Means, did you talk about our wedding too?"
"Absolutely..."
"What you felt?"
"I felt like they are happy"
"Really....? Are not they feeling bad about you marrying a LORD GOVERNOR?"
Khushi hiccupped widening her eyes.
"Are you there?" Arnav asked smilingly.
"ohh... I just..."
"Relax... I just am kidding"
Khushi smiled.
"Good night Arnavji"
"Are you sleepy?"
"ohh... no... but..."
"Ok... Good night"
He disconnected the call, looking at the receiver. She couldn't believe that Lord Governor could even talk like this. And he is asking questions that are opposite to Lord Governor's type. She was right. Arnav wanted to talk to Khushi to console himself. He believed that his guilty mind will be relaxed after talking to her. He knew this won't be atonement to what he did. And he will make everything all right.
Next Morning
Arnav got downstairs and got stuck, hearing an unwanted (according to him) voice, shouting,
"Maaaaassssiiiii"
He was about to go back to his room, he heard,
"Nannnnavvvv"
He rolled his eyes and stopped. NK rushed to him and hugged him.
"Congratulations Nannav"
"You... here... suddenly?"
"Then...? How could I be staying in Australia, after knowing about your marriage? Massi needs my help. (looking at Mami) am I right Maasi?"
Manorama nodded yes.
"Won't I get your help?" Anjali asked.
"Why not, Di? But I don't think your husband will give chance to someone" He smiled whereas Anjali chuckled.
"Ok, Akash... take leave from the office. We have very important work" NK said.
"But we have an important meeting in AR," Akash said unaware of the truth that where NK is calling him.
"Ohh... I see... ok then. I will go alone to meet my Bhabhis"
Akash cursed himself for telling NO.
"But NK Bhai, you can't go alone as it's difficult to find their house" Akash.
"Don't worry Akash, Google Maps will take me to your madam's house?" NK said shrugging his shoulders.
"The meeting is in the evening only. Hai na Bhai?" he asked Arnav who was already annoyed about NK's plan of going to Gupta house. He doesn't want NK to go to GH alone. He talks a lot. Akash may control him.
"You go with him and get back to AR soon"
Akash's sighed in relief as he got a chance to meet Payal. Arnav left RM, halfheartedly as he couldn't join them.
GH
Hearing a calling bell sound, Buaji opened the door, uttering "Nand Kishor". She smiled at the person, standing in front of him. Shyam greeted Buaji, joining his hands, smilingly.
To be continued...
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Buaji smiled seeing Shyam as usual. Shyam handed her Lucknow sweets.
"How are you Babua? Where were you suddenly disappeared?" Buaji asked.
Making a sad face, Shyam said,
"What to say Buaji, I was distraught because Khushiji denied marrying me. I thought I can make Babuji happy by marrying Khushiji. But...."
"You don't have to worry about it Babuwa. She got a very good alliance"