Thriller The Killer ~ (Romance/Thriller) (Completed)

[Rawat@7]

Chapter 9


Aspire Builders Manager Ratan Sinha’s face drained seeing Arnav Singh Raizada at his house. He rushed out almost pushing Arnav out.

Ratan: Sir, you here?

Arnav: We went to your office and got to know that you are on leave. And you said you won’t attend any outer call at home. So, I came here to meet you.

Ratan: Why are you here, sir? I almost told everything about Stella.

Arnav saw a girl in the early twenties peeping from the house. Ratan gestured her to go inside wrathfully.

Ratan: Can we talk upstairs?

Arnav tilted his head, in the manner of agreeing. He followed Ratan along with Aman.

Ratan: Tell me, sir…

Arnav: We checked the incoming calls of Stella’s phone number.

Ratna got horrified. He wiped his forehead.

Arnav: She worked under you. You were together for more than eight hours per day. Still, what was there to talk to her three to four times every day?

Ratan: We talked officially….

Arnav: How? Like, I want to be with you… I want to touch your velvety cheek…. I want you on my bed again….?

Ratna(cutting him): Sir… please…

Arnav: What will your wife think if she comes to know about how you talked with another woman who was someone’s wife? And what about your daughter, who obeyed your gesture without any second thought? Will she give the same respect for the man who cheated on her mother? shame on yourself…

Ratan bowed down…

Arnav(sighing): Tell me what happened to Stella.

Ratan: I don’t know, sir.

Arnav: I’m respecting you because I don’t want to give punishment to your wife and daughter who trusted a wrong person like you. Tell me the truth if you have a little concern about them. I won’t mind arresting you. Then all the trash will come out.

Ratan: Sir, I don’t know who burnt her. I got a call from a PRIVATE NUMBER the next day of her murder.

Arnav straightened himself.

Ratan: He threatened me.

Arnav was looking at him like, “continue”

Ratan: He said, if I try to get a relationship with some other woman again, I will also get the same end as Stella. I have to be loyal to my wife and family. And I’m under his scanning. He ordered me to spend time with my family.

Arnav shrank his eyes thoughtfully.

Arnav: Then?

Ratan: I know my phone is being tracked by him. He often calls me and asks regarding my calls and related activities.

Arnav: Still?

Ratan (nodding yes): He even asked about your inquiry and mocked me.

Arnav: What he mocked?

Ratan was silent.

Arnav: I asked you something.

Ratan: He said he will send our conversation to you… and made people get to know about my other side.

Arnav: What about Stella’s husband?

Ratan: He is a money-minded man, sir. He always roams behind money. He won’t mind spending his time with Stella. She always feels loneliness….

Arnav: And you used it in your favour throwing a few praising words on her…

Ratan bowed down.

Arnav: Why? Your family seems so pleasant. Didn’t you think about them at least once? What’s your age? your daughter will get married in one or two years it seems. What if Stella’s husband got to know about your relationship? Won’t he cut you into pieces? What if he touches your daughter to take revenge on you? Should she get the punishment for your lust?

Ratan closed his eye repenting.

Arnav looked at Aman who recorded his statements.

Aman feels something whenever Arnav talks about illegal issues. He loses control.

Arnav: Let’s go, Aman…

They got into the Jeep.

Aman: What will you do in his matter, Sir?

Arnav: What do you want me to do?

Aman: I just want to tear his mask, sir. we have to reveal such kinds of dirty men to society.

Arnav: Hmm…

Aman: but I can’t understand one thing, sir.

Arnav: What?

Amann: The killer seems different. He killed the woman and warned the man who had a connection with them. If Stella is wrong, Ratan is also wrong. Why is he punishing only women?

Arnav: Do you think so?

Aman: Are not you thinking like that, sir?

Arnav: In fact, he is punishing him more than Stella by threatening him often. Do you think he could be peaceful? The knife is hanging above his head. It will be better if he kills him.

Aman: What’s the use of repenting now….?

Arnav(gritting his teeth): Repenting? He is repenting not because he did wrong. it’s just because he got caught. If he hadn’t gotten caught, he would have continued.

Aman nodded yes sadly.

Arnav looked at the children who were standing in the queue. It was Little Angels Convent. His eyes got rooted at the particular “little Angel” who got close to him in the past few days. The School watchman was guarding them. It seems they are waiting for the school bus.

Arnav: Stop the Jeep…

Mohan pressed the brake. Arnav jumped off the jeep and headed towards Pooja. Her face lightened for a second and hung next second.

The watchman looked at him questioningly. As usual, he showed a powerful weapon… his identity card.

Arnav: ACP Arnav Singh Raizada…

Watchman: What do you want me to do sir?

Arnav: I want to talk to Pooja.

Watchman: Are you taking her with you, sir?

Arnav: No…

Watchman: The school bus will arrive soon, sir. Please finish talking before that.

Arnav: Yeah…

Arnav kneeled in front of Pooja who bowed down seeing him. Arnav smiled when she stole his glance from the corner of her eyes, cutely.

Arnav: We can be friends like before if you answer my question. Will you?

Pooja nodded no sadly.

Arnav(surprised): Why? Don’t you like me?

She spread her hand wide, gesturing like “a lot”, making face.

Arnav thought for a while and beckoned Aman. He ran towards them.

Arnav: Ask her what I’m saying.

Aman nodded ok.

Arnav(looking at Pooja): You don’t have to talk to me. You can answer this uncle. Ok…

Pooja looked at him brightly and nodded excitedly.

Aman wondered. Who is this little girl who is making Arnav Singh Raizada kneeling in front of her?

Arnav whispered in Aman’s ear and he recited the same to Pooja.

Aman: Who made your Bua cry last night? Did anyone say anything?

Pooja: Bua cried a lot after attending a call.

Arnav jerked. Phone? Who called her?

Aman: Then?

Pooja: She said I shouldn’t talk to him.

She pointed at Arnav.

Aman: Why?

Pooja: Don’t know. She said, God, will take her if I talk to uncle.

Arnav gritted his teeth. He gestured to Aman and he nodded yes. Taking Pooja’s school identity card, he read.

Aman: Father’s name Ankat Kumar Gupta, and Mother Anisha Gupta. There are two phone numbers, sir. One number is written by pen…

Arnav understood Khushi should have written her number on Pooja’s identity card, after his Bhai and Bhabhi’s demise.

Arnav: Note the numbers down.

Aman noted down and handed it to Arnav. At the same time, the watchman called Pooja as the school bus arrived. Pooja waved at Aman and went.

Aman: Who is she, sir?

Arnav headed towards the jeep without answering while dialling Prince.

Prince: Yeah Dude…

Arnav: I have sent you a phone number… Check it, with whom she spoke last night.

Prince: Yeah… and I have found all the contact details.

Arnav: Fine… I’m coming…

He headed to his flat. He badly wanted to know about the phone call. What he is suspecting could be possible? He reached the flat and knocked on the door. Prince opened the door rushing. Before Arnav asked him anything,

Prince: who is the girl, dude?

He asked curiously.

Arnav: Why?

Prince: She talked to none other than the killer yaar….

Arnav: Whaaat!

Prince: Not only yesterday night. She has received two more times from the same Private number.

Arnav: When?

Prince told him the dates. The killer talked for the first time with Khushi when the fourth murder was held. That was the same day, Khushi came to the flat at midnight and lied that she went to watch a movie. He immediately wanted to go to her flat but he couldn’t do it in front of Prince. He has to know her story first. He changed the topic.

Arnav: What about the other contact?

Prince: All the stories are interesting dude. All four murderers had a connection with someone and spent a lot of time on the phone.

He read the men’s name with whom the murderous had connections. Arnav jerked when Prince read ANKAT KUMAR GUPTA’s name.

Arnav: Wait… what’s Ankat’s number?

He asked while taking the paper hurriedly in which Aman wrote Pooja’s identity card details.

Prince read Ankat’s number. Arnav was shocked to the core as it was the same number that Aman wrote.

To be continued…

 

[Rawat@7]

Chapter 10


Arnav went through Ankat’s chat history. He sighed… So, he is also connected to the case. The killer killed the woman Ankit had connected with. Khushi should have known about it. That’s why the killer had threatened her as the killer knows that HE is handling the case. So, if Khushi helps him then he could easily find out the killer. But it seems, it won’t happen that easily. she is in fear. He has to break her fear first. Don’t know she will give him a chance. She won’t give if he approaches her as a friend. He has to use his power… no choice…

Prince: Who is she dude? Is she one of the…

Arnav(cutting him): No…. she is not that kind of girl.

Prince: Ohh… is she beautiful?

Arnav glared at him.

Prince: Just for general knowledge….

He smiled greasily.

…….

Khushi was stirring the gravy which she is making, learning from youtube. She put the stove on the SIM and headed to the door as she heard the calling bell sound. She got wedged seeing Arnav who was standing, folding his hands.

Arnav: I need to talk to you…

Khushi: I already told you I don’t want to talk to you. You shouldn’t be here.

She was supposed to close the door,

Arnav: Ms Kushi Gupta… ACP Arnav Singh Raizada… wants to talk to you. You can’t deny a police officer.

Khushi was thunderstruck, hearing his tone. It was a kind of WARNING. She stood, clutching the doorknob, swallowing down. FEAR was crystal clear on her face. Getting inside her flat, Arnav locked the door.

Arnav (leaning on the door): Do you think I can’t find the truth out?

Khushi was horrified. Which Truth he is talking about?

Khushi(stammering): T… truth…..?

Arnvv: You have forgotten that I’m a police officer.

Khushi: talk directly…

Arnav: Why? Don’t you know what I’m talking about?

Khushi: no…

She said looking down.

Arnav: Where were you that night? You concurred that you didn’t go to the movie. Then where did you go?

Khushi: I went to meet my friend.

Arnav: who is your friend? Give me her phone number and address.

Khushi: She left for Singapore, the day before yesterday.

Arnav: No problem. I will inquire with her family.

Khushi: She has no family.

Arnav: Then she should have stayed in the Hostel or Room. We will inquire there OR… our department will bring her here through Singapore police if needed.

Khushi: But why?

Arnav: I want to confirm that you are not lying.

Khushi: I’m not.

Arnav: Ohh… don’t you know Kalpana?

Khushi’s face drained. Kalpana is the girl who had contact with Ankat…. Khushi’s brother.

Arnav: What’s the connection between you two?

Khushi: I have no connection with her.

Arnav: Your Bhai had?

Khushi looked at him speechless.

Arnav: Look Khushi, everything to be revealed. I can’t help you if you hide the truth from me. Speak up…

Khushi: What do you want to know?

Arnav: Who spoke to you last night?

Khushi was shocked. Arnav hit the point directly. The killer is already threatening her and adding to it, Arnav...What should she do now? The killer will kill her if she says anything to Arnav. Arnav won’t hesitate to arrest her if she doesn’t say anything. What a critical situation is this?

Arnav: I know you know something about the killer. He had called you last night. Not only last night but also two times he had been calling you after Kalpana’s death. I have all your phone history.

Khushi: Who gave you the rights?

She sneered.

Arnav(calmly): Cyber Crime office… we can trace and inquire, anyone if we suspect.

He warned her indirectly. Khushi was silent.

Arnav: Tell me what happened that night? What do you know about the killer? Who is threatening you?

Khushi: Sir, please don’t ask me anything. Pooja has only me. Please don’t make her an orphan.

Arnav: Means?

Khushi: I can’t say anything about him. You are right I’m under the threat. But I can do nothing about it.

Arnav: what do you think of me? Don’t you know who I’m?

Khushi: Yes, I know you are an Assistant commissioner. You will give protection until the case gets over. What about after that? I don’t know whether it is HIM or a TEAM. What if they kill me? I don’t care about dying but about Pooja…

Arnav: Relax… I won’t let him near you.

Khushi: How? Do you know what happened yesterday? I and Pooja got escaped in fractions of seconds from a truck. I thought it was a coincidence but no. it was him who did that.

Arnav was thunderstruck.

Khushi: Sir, please… try to understand… it’s very hard to survive all alone in this society. I have to take care of Pooja. She has no one other than me. Please leave us…

She pleaded with joining hands.

If it was someone, Arnav won’t mind dragging her to the station for the inquiry. But… he didn’t even think of doing that to Khushi… he doesn’t know why. He doesn’t even understand why he is quietly, listening to her.

Arnav closed his eyes and thought for a while. He opened his eyes sternly.

Arnav: What if I give you protection forever?

Khushi(frowning): Please don’t try to manipulate me, sir… you know very well that it’s not at all possible.

Arnav: It is…

Khushi rolled her eyes sighing.

Arnav: MARRY ME…

Khushi’s shock was not estimated. She felt her throat lose its speaking ability. She hawked.

Khushi(stammering): Wh… whaaaat!

Arnav: You and Pooja will be in my protection… forever…

Khushi: Sir… please…. Please… stop it.

Arnav: Don’t you trust me?

Khushi turned opposite Arnav.

Arnav: You may think I’m just doing this to get the truth from you. You know very well that I can do it very simply… in many ways.

Khushi turned towards him shockingly.

Arnav: Can’t I? This is the turning point of OUR lives. Take the decision wisely… keeping Pooja in your mind. Because I don’t think she will get a better PHUPHA than me.

Khushi felt a few claps of thunder getting down into her body when he talked about the RELATIONSHIP.

Arnav: I don’t want to force you… for anything. Hope you understand.

He left her flat leaving stunning Kushi.

To be continued…

 

[Rawat@7]

Chapter 11


Seeing Arnav smiling, Prince widened his eyes.

Prince: Where did go you, Dude? Did you get vanished all of a sudden?

Arnav: Didn’t you ask about a girl?

Prince(excitedly): Haannnn…

Arnav: Just went to propose to her.

Prince: Whaaaaat! Propose? That’s why you didn’t say anything when I asked about her?

Arnav nodded yes folding his lips.

Prince: You should have told me if you love her.

Arnavv smiled at him.

Prince: Did she accept?

Arnav: She will…

Prince: How do you know? Does she love you?

Arnav: No…

Prince: Then? What are you going to do?

Arnav nodded NO.

Prince: Are you going to roam behind her? if yes… I have a lot of ideas…

Arnav(rolling his eyes): Keep your Romeo type ideas with you. She is not that kind.

Prince: All the girls are the same type when it comes to love. They like Romeos than gentlemen.

Arnav: I will surely take your help if needed. Now… let me concentrate on work.

Prince: Yup…

Arnav: Tell me, could you trace the killer?

Prince: it’s challenging me yaar… I couldn’t trace his location. I think he is using a satellite phone.

Arnav: Really? Isn’t it costly?

Prince: yes, if we buy… but not if we assemble.

Arnav: Could it be assembled?

Prince: School children are making matchbox size rockets for their science project these days buddy…

Arnav: Disgusting…

Prince: Yeah… such talents are used in the wrong route.

Arnav: Can’t we trace him in any way?

Prince: Maybe, with the help of a high-frequency tracking device…

Arnavv nodded yes.

…….

Khushi’s mind was wavering in a storm. How easily does he ask for Marriage? Is he insane? Does he think marriage is a simple thing? Of course, Marriage is an unwritten protection agreement. But it shouldn’t be a scale of a mere CASE. Did he ask her just to give her protection or it was an excuse? He can’t ask all the victims the same but why only she? She bit her nail. At one point he was right. He will be the best Phupha to Pooja. In this insecure world, she couldn’t trust anyone though. Everyone is selfish here. She can’t expect the man who she marries will treat Pooja as Arnav does. What confusion is this….?

She looked at Pooja who is eating Khushi’s handmade food, making face.

Pooja: Bua… tomorrow, noodles is enough for me…

Khushi sighed. Cooking is the hardest task in the world. How easily she had teased her Bhabi’s food? She should have learnt cooking from her Bhabi. But she never allowed Khushi to do any work in the kitchen. How sweet her Bhabi was… she treated Khushi like her own sister. It’s very hard to get good company from a sister-in-law. Khushi was lucky in that but her brother Ankat didn’t value Anisha. How deeply did Anisha love Ankat? How happy they were… because of Ankat’s lusty mind, their family got demolished. Why women like Kalpana do not understand that they are destroying someone’s life? Just because they didn’t get a loving husband, how could they snatch someone’s husband? Unexpectedly, Kalpana eventually got her punishment. But who is doing these murders? Who is he? Why he is doing this? What does he want? What he is going to get doing these? What he will do if he gets to know about Arnav’s proposal? Will he do another attempt to threaten her like a truck incident? Will Arnav save her from him?

Khushi felt a tug in her shawl. She saw Pooja pulling her shawl.

Pooja: Bua, take me to the park.

Khushi: We will go tomorrow.

Pooja: No… now…

Khushi(sighing): Let’s go…

They reached the part and Pooja occupied the swing. Khushi was watching her, sitting on the cement bench. She felt relaxing when the evening breeze caressed her face pleasantly. Arnav and Prince were going out as Prince nagged Arnav to accompany him. Arnav’s legs slowed down, seeing his girl in the park. Khushi was sitting, facing her back to him. Prince who was talking with Arnav didn’t get any reply. He turned around and saw him gazing at the Park. He tapped on Arnav’s shoulder.

Arnav: Hannn…

Prince: This is not fair…

Arnav: What?

Prince: You just proposed a girl and saw another one?

Arnav: She is the girl.

Prince: You mean Bhabi…?

Arnav liked his decency in calling Khushi Bhabi. He nodded YES.

Prince: Let’s play…

Arnav: What? Don’t…

Prince: I will call your name, if she turns, she will say YES to your proposal. What say?

Arnav: I don’t have such a childish belief.

Prince: I have… you go and start the bike.

Arnav rolled his eyes and went to his bike. Though he said he doesn’t have faith his heart has been beating fast on the “result”.

Prince shouted from the building entrance.

“Arnavvvv”

Khushi’s head automatically rotated in the direction, making Arnav’s lips curve with a beautiful smile.

Prince rushed to his bike and sat behind him.

Prince: She saw you, dude….

Arnav started the bike and went off all the way looking at Khushi with the same smile.

……..

Aman was a sincere police officer. He always does quality duty. He won’t wait to get his senior officer’s orders. He does always his best. According to this case, he wanted to lessen Arnav’s burden as he was handling the case from the beginning, he became so eager after Arun Prince gave them the knot of the case. He started squeezing his poor brain. Collecting all the contacts, he was checking them in order.

Taking the first murder, he was checking four phone chats.

Aradana - First murderous.

Akhilesh - Aradhna's husband.

Manohar - he was the one with whom Aradana had extramarital affaire. He was a lawyer.

Sadna - Manohar’s wife.

Aman was analyzing their phone calls. This case also had the same kind of chats as Stella’s case. Those were all capable of “A” certificate talks. He sighed… how a woman could talk such talks to a third person who is not her husband?

There were many contacts on Manohar’s phone as he was a lawyer. He had got a regular message from another woman also. she was his wife. They were all sad and heartbroken messages. it seems she got to know about Manohar's extra-marital affaire with Aradana. Poor woman. Something dragged Aman's attention. She had been stored two numbers on her FAVORITE contact list. He checked them.

Aman’s eyes went wide open seeing Arnav’s number in her favourite list, with another name. Chotte…

To be continued…

 

[Rawat@7]

Chapter 12
Part12

Aman was rolling the paperweight, thinking about how Arnav is related to the case. The city hospital receptionist said the woman who is admitted to ICU is his sister. But he lied that he came to see his friend. Why did he hide about his sister? What’s there to be hiding? He wanted to know about his sister. If he inquires about her, Arnav will get angry and he will get to know about it. How could he know about Arnav? Is suspecting Arnav right? There must be a valuable reason if he hides something. The much he knows about Arna,v, he is not a kind man who abuses his power. He could hide the matter until it remains his PERSONAL but when it related to the case, how could he be silent? Why not link the dots? Or did he already connect the dots? He is the one who brought a HACKER into the case, that too with personal interest. It seems, he wants to confirm something through Prince by checking the chatting of the murderous. The much Aman got to know about the case, all the murderers had extramarital affairs with married men. He had seen, Arnav losing his control when he talks about the kind of issues. He even pounced on Aspire Builders Ratan Sinha which was not a police officer’s duty. Until now, he didn’t submit the progress of the case to the commissioner. What’s there in his mind? If he keeps silent like this the killer will continue his job as usual. He sighed.

….

Prince was talking on the phone irritatingly.

Prince: Yes, sir…..

Arnav raised his eyebrows gesturing to him” What?”

Prince(on phone): Ok sir… I’m coming…

He disconnected the call.

Arnav: What happened?

Prince: My Boss needs me.

Arnav: For?

Prince: To steal someone’s detail… what else?

Arnav: It’s ok you go. I will call you if I need your help.

Prince(sighing): I’m going to miss the second important half of the thriller story yaar…

Arnav: Don’t worry… you will read the entire story in the newspaper in a few days.

Prince: Are you sure?

Arnav: Undoubtedly…

Prince: I have all the details about the case. If you want anything make a call… I will give you anything…

Arnav: Sure.

Prince: And especially the result of your proposal.

Arnav: yup…

They dashed their knuckles and hugged.

……..

Khushi was cleaning Devi Maiya’s idol to do Moring Pooja. Whenever the phone rang, Khushi was scared to death, thinking that it’s from the killer. After Arnav’s proposal, she lost her peace of mind. But she didn’t get a call from the killer. Is not he tracing her? Or doesn’t he know about Arnav’s proposal? Who the killer is? Why does he kill women? He killed Kalpana… Khushi knew what kind of woman Kalpana was. Are all the three women also Kalpana’s type? Does he hate undisciplined women? He must get affected directly that’s why he is killing. Means… he is also like HER… Poor man…

Khushi lit the lamp and called Pooja. She came to her.

Khushi: Pooju… came and pray with me.

Pooja nodded no.

Khushi(frowning): Why?

Pooja: I don’t want to pray.

Khushi: But why?

Pooja: She takes all my beloved ones…. Mumma, papa and now, she is planning to take you.

Khushi gulped her tears.

Pooja: I like Arnav uncle… she stopped me to be friendly with him. I don’t like her. I don’t want to pray her…

Khushi hugged her crying, understanding, what she had done to this small heart. She did a blunter mistake of poisoning Pooja’s heart to solve her problem.

Pooja: Why she will kill you if I talk to uncle?

Khushi: no… she won’t… I was mistaken…

Pooja: Really?

Khushi: Yes… I mean… she said, you don't have to stop talking to him…

Pooja: Wow….

She hoped.

Pooja: I love you Devi Maiya….

Khushi: But, why do you want to talk to him?

Pooja: Because he listens to me, unlike pappa…

Khushi swallowed hard. Pooja was right. Ankat never liked to hear her talk. He lived on his mobile maximum of the time, some days, till midnight. Anisha always complained about him but they didn’t expect he had extramarital affair with someone’s wife.

Pooja: Shall I talk to uncle?

Khushi nodded yes.

At the same time, they heard a knock on the door. Khushi looked through the magic hole and got stuck seeing Arnav. She felt a kind of nervousness which she never felt before. Taking a long breath, she pulled the door. Before Arnav said anything, Pooja shouted.

Pooja: Uncle…….

She rushed to him and hugged his knee. Arnav looked at her awestruck. He raised his head with the same unbelievable expression and looked at Khushi. How Should he take this change? He kneeled in front of her.

Arnav: Will you talk to me?

Pooja: Haan… Devi Maiya permitted me to talk to you.

Arnav’s eyes shifted to Khushi who was looking at somewhere. He understood that Pooja’s change has not connected with his marriage proposal. Arnav lifted Pooja and stood up.

Arnav(looking at Kushi): Thank you…. Deva Matha…

Khushi: Pooju, you are getting late for school. Come…

Arnav: Go… we will meet in the evening. Ok?

Pooja: Okkkiiii

She got down from his arms and ran inside.

Arnav: What that means?

Khushi: I don’t want Pooja to hate God.

Arnav: Thank God you understand what you have done to the poor baby. I hope you will accept the reality.

Khushi: I need to talk to you.

Arnav amazed. Does she ready to talk about the killer or their marriage? Whatever…

Arnav: Waiting…

Khushi: I will come, dropping Pooja.

Arnav: Ok…

He said sternly.

Khushi sent Pooja to the school, after warning her that she shouldn’t talk about Arnav to anyone. Pooja agreed to her and went to the school happily.

When she got down from the elevator, she saw Arnav leaning on the wall of his flat. No doubt, he is waiting for her. She came and stood in front of him.

Arnav: You said you want to talk to me.

Khushi nodded yes.

Arnav(extending his hand towards his flat): Let’s go…

Khushi stepped inside his flat. Closing the door, he went to the kitchen.

Arnav(while going): I will be back…

He came with coffee cups and stretched one to Khushi. Without denying him she took it.

Arnav: Tell me…

Khushi: Actually, I want to talk about the killer.

Arnav stopped sipping the coffee and looked at her.

Khushi: I don’t want you to punish him.

Arnav: Excuse me…

Khushi: He is killing undisciplined women…. What’s wrong with that? That kind of woman has to be killed.

Arnav: Ohh?

Khushi: You know, I wanted to kill that B*

She folded her lips, panting hard, not uttering the word. Arnav was gazing at her vulnerable state.

Arnav: He tried to kill you, remember?

Khushi: He warned me, that’s all. He could have killed me without warning. But he didn’t.

Arnav: Don’t you think this is too much?

Khushi: No, I believe he won’t kill a good girl like me.

Arnav (chuckling): I will decide about punishing him later. Tell me what happened?

At the same time, Arnav’s phone rang. He attend it hurriedly as it was from City hospital.

Arnav: Yes doctor…?

Doctor: Please come fast….

Arnav: Yeah, I’m coming… (disconnecting the call) I have to go….

Khushi: Shall I come with you?

Arnav nodded yes. They rushed out together.

To be continued…

 

[Rawat@7]

Chapter 13
Part13

Arnav came to the City Hospital with Khushi. Arnav rushed to the ICU ward where his sister was being admitted. He saw the doctor waiting for him.

Arnav: What happened Doctor?

Doctor: There is a complication in Baby’s position. The umbilical cord is around the baby’s neck.

Arnav: What we should do to protect them, Doctor?

Doctor: cesarean… We have to do it immediately to save the child.

Arnav: What about Di?

Doctor: We can say anything about her condition only after the operation. And I have already told you that we have no other choice than the operation as she is in a coma.

Arnav (nodded yes): Ok… go ahead…

Doctor: Yeah… sign the papers.

Arnav signed the papers and sat on the chair outside the OT. Khushi sat beside him.

Khushi: Don’t worry… she will be alright.

Arnav: She won’t be alright… ever…

Khushi: Why are you talking like that?

Arnav: Because she is broken down, no one can imagine. She won’t be normal even if she comes out of the Coma.

Khushi: Why? What happened to her?

Arnav: Betrayal… She had a love marriage. She was like she is the luckiest person in the world. She loved her husband madly. She enjoyed every moment of her life. She runs out like a small girl, hearing her husband’s bike sound. You know, she went to the temple only to thank God for giving such a husband. She never prayed for her betterment but only for her husband. But…Her husband was not like her. He had another woman in his life. When she got to know, she was broken down. He consoled my sister by lying. He made her believe that he left the woman but he didn’t. When my sister left her hope in him, she tried to commit suicide. She intentionally banded the car on a tree. But fate’s plan was something, she fell into a coma. She was with five months baby at that time.

Khushi: Didn’t you ask your Jeejaji anything?

Arnav: She said nothing to me. She knew I will kill him in anger. So she hid the truth. She sent me a voice message only before she tried committing suicide. then only I got to know the truth.

Khushi: Where is her husband?

Arnav: He died in an accident.

Khushi: He got what he deserved… this kind of man should not be alive.

Arnav: Do you know with whom he had extramarital affaire?

Khushi: Who?

Arnav: Aradana… the first murderous of the case.

Khushi: Whaaaat! (pause) I think the killer should have killed him….

Arnav: Maybe…

Khushi: But why he didn’t kill my Bhai?

Arnav: How did they die?

Khushi: My Bhabi’s case is also as same as your sister’s. She not only loved him but also was very possessive of him. Your sister tried to kill herself but my Bhabi wanted her husband to also die with her. She was not ready to leave him for someone. She poisoned the food and ate with him. I love my Bhabi very much. But she didn’t think about me and Pooja. She left us alone. Because of that Kalpana, we became orphans.

Arnav: That’s why you went to her home that night?

Khushi knew he would have connected the dots.

Khushi: no… I just went to wound her…. I wanted to wound her at least… to make my Bhabi’s soul rest in peace…

Arnav: Why did you go in the night?

Khushi: I got to know that her husband went to Surat. That’s why.

Arnav: Did you wound her?

Khushi: no… before I did that, the killer came there.

Arnav: Did you see him?

Khushi: Yes, he was a masked man. He had been covering his feet, palm, and face.

Arnav: What happened there?

Khushi: I went to her house. Fortunately, the door was not locked. I got inside and searched for Kalpana, taking the knife. But I didn’t find Kalpana in the living room. I heard a footsteps sound and hid behind the curtain, which was next to the door. I thought her husband is back. I stood, catching my breath. I heard Kalpana asking “Who are you?” I slowly peeped from the curtain. The masked man sprayed something on her face. Kalpana fell losing her consciousness. The next second he spill petrol on her body and fired her. I dropped the knife getting horrified. He looked at me, hearing the sound. Opening the door, I came running. I got into the bus which crossed the way. But it was not our route bus. But I was not in the condition to think about it. So, I returned to our flat at midnight. But I couldn’t expect the killer will call me. I don’t know how he got my phone number. He even said my name…

Arnav: Do you suspect anyone?

Khushi (nodding no): No… Didn’t you get any clue?

Arnav: It seems, he is planning very cautiously. We haven’t got a single clue yet.

Khushi: I think he is also one of the victims.

Arnav: I too have the same doubt.

Khushi: Mmmm…

The doctor came out of the OT…

Arnav and Khushi stood curiously.

Doctor: Baby is safe. Your sister’s condition is also fine. Her pulse was not normal… but we bring it back.

Arnav: Thank you, Doctor.

He smiled.

Khushi: Can we see the baby?

Doctor: Sure… but he needs to be incubated for a few days.

A nurse came with a cute bundle. She extended the baby to Arnav. Arnav’s eyes tear up instantly. He had the baby in his arms and stood like a statue, looking at him. Khushi took the child from him smilingly.

Khushi: Pooja would have hopped if she had seen him.

Arnav: We will bring her…

Khushi: yes, she won’t be quiet if she got to know about him.

The baby started crying.

Khushi: Ohhh… I think he is hungry.

She rushed to the nurse and she went inside, taking the baby. Arnav sat on the chair holding his head.

Khushi: What happen?

Arnav: I don’t know how I’m going to raise him…

Khushi: Yes… it’s very tough to raise a child… especially for a man…

Arnav: What about you? Won’t you be with me?

Khushi got thunderstruck. She didn’t expect this.

Arnav: You haven’t answered my question yet…

Khushi: I can’t marry you…

Arnav(feeling upset): Why?

Khushi: You want to give me protection right?

Arnav: Of course…

Khushi: What if another girl also needs protection in your upcoming cases? You may think of giving her protection…

Arnav bit his lips smilingly.

Arnav: Do you think I didn’t deal with such a case before? I had sent many protection seekers to the HOME.

Khushi: Then why for me?

Arnav: I asked you to marry me not that you need protection. It’s because I couldn’t protect my Heart from getting stolen. So I thought to arrest the thief of my heart.

Khushi couldn’t hold her smile.

Arnav: I liked you… That’s why I proposed to you. And honestly, I need someone to look after my sister’s son. You want someone to take care of Pooja… am I right?

Khushi nodded yes.

Arnav: Let’s get married.

Khushi: but I don’t know cooking…

Arnav: We will manage.

Khushi: Rethink… you should not complain later.

Arnav: I already did that when Pooja talked about the Australia map…

Khushi laughed at him Arnav joined her.

They have no idea that their talks were heard by someone…. Aman…

To be continued….

Next Chapter

 

[Rawat@7]

Chapter 14
Part 14

Aman got amazed, hearing their talks. They are connected to the case… Arnav openly admitted it to the girl… who is she? Why he is reciting everything about his sister to the girl, which Arnav hasn’t even shared with him? And for his shock, Arnav asked her to marry him….of course, Arnav wants someone to look after his sister’s baby. But he could get many options if he wants. Why should he marry a girl who doesn’t even know cooking? Does he really love her or he is doing this for the case?

Khushi: I have to go home. Pooja will come.

Arnav: Yeah… I will drop you

khushi: It’s ok... I will take a cab.

Arnav: Are you sure?

Khushi: Yes.

Khushi went from the Hospital whereas Arnav went to meet the commissioner. He sat straight, seeing Arnavv. Arnavv saluted him.

Comm: Any progress?

Arnav: Yes sir… I got the reason behind the murders.

Comm: Good… what’s that?

Arnav: Extra Marital affaire sir…. All the murderous had connected with another man.

Comm: Do you have proof?

Arnav: Yes sir, their chatting histories are the proofs, sir.

Comm: Ok… what next.

Arnav: I want you to declare it in media, Sir.

Comm: But…

Arnav: Then only this case will go to the next step, sir. as of now, I can’t say anything, Sir.

Comm(sighing): Ok fine… I will do it…

Arnav: Thank you, sir.

Arnav left his office with a satisfactory smile on his face.

……..

Arnav got a parcel from Arun Prince. He opened it. It looked like a kind of electric device. Arnav saw a letter in it.

Hi Buddi, It's a COUNTER EMP device.

(Arnav Surprised. (in mind) Electro-Magnetic Pulse?)

It’s an not usual EMP device but Counter EMP…I think whenever the killer attempted the murders he is using EMP to make the entire electric device, around him go struck. If he tries to attack you in your home, he will try to stop all the cameras and phones from working. He can’t do it if you fix the device on your house door. This device will keep your devices working as usual. So, you can be relaxed and you may get a chance to catch him. I’m not sure whether he will come but I want you to be safe. That’s all. Why risk? Don't ask anything through the phone. We are being traced. if he got to know about the device then there won't be any use for it.... what about your proposal?

(Arnavv(self-talk): We are getting married…)

Convey my regards to Bhabi…

(Arnavv smiled)

Prince: See you.

Arnavv(folding the letter): interesting guy.

……..

Kushi was applying the jam on the bread to give it to Pooja. Her phone started ringing and Khushi’s face drained. Taking a deep breath she attended the call which was from the “Private Number”. She started moving towards Arnav’s flat while talking.

“Are you going to marry Him?”

Khushi entered Arnav’s flat as his flat door was open. She saw Arnav on call. He lowered his hand, seeing her.

Khushi gestured for I'm to see her mobile and she turned on the speaker.

Khushi: Hello…

They heard a beep sound.

Khushi: He disconnected the call.

Arnav: What he says

Khushi: He asked about our marriage.

Arnav: How did he know? We didn’t talk about it on the phone…?

Khushi: I think he is stalking us.

Arnav thought for a while and marched to Khushi’s flat. Khushi followed him. Pooja smiled seeing him. He lifted her in his arms.

Arnav: Pack your and pooja’s stuff.

Khushi(confused): Why?

Arnav: You don’t have to be here alone. Come with me.

Khushi: Where are you sending me?

Arnav: Not anywhere, to my flat.

Khushi: It won’t be good. How could I stay with you?

Arnav: So what if you stay with me? What if the killer tries to harm you? Who will protect you from the killer?

Khushi: no… I just can’t…

Arnav: Ok fine… you stay here. I’m taking Pooja with me.

He walked to his flat with Pooja. Khushi blocked his way, spreading her hands.

Khushi: Just stop it.

Arnav: Are you coming or not?

Khushi: no….Try to understand this is not done.

Arnav: This is your decision?

Khushi: Yes.

She snatched Pooja from him.

Arnav: Ok fine…

He locked the door and sat on the couch.

Arnav: You don’t have to come to my flat. I will be here.

Pooja hopped.

Pooja: Heyyyy jolly….

Khushi: until we get married, we shouldn’t stay together.

Arnav: ok then. Let’s go…

Khushi: Where?

Arnav: To get married.

Khushi: Whaaaaat!

Arnav: Haannnn… you won’t stay with me until we get married, right? Then let’s get married.

Khushi: Have you gone mad?

Arnav: Nope…. You are making me mad.

Khushi: you are behaving childish who doesn’t know about marriage.

Arnav: Ohh really… nowadays I’m getting fed up, seeing people, betraying one another in the name of marriage.

Khushi: That doesn’t mean we could change the social setup.

Arnav: Who asked you to change it? I said I’m ready to marry you. You are the one who is not ready.

Khushi: It’s because marriage is not a matter to be decided in haste.

Arnav: Don’t you believe me?

Khushi got stuck.

Khushi: no… not like that.

Arnav: Then?

Khushi: Actually… I…

Arna

v: Even my co-workers don’t know about my sister and her story but you… only you… I told you everything because I trust you. Why not you? I’m calling you to my flat just to protect you. Why not you understand?

Khushi was silent.

Arnav: Ok fine… your wish.

He left her flat. Khushi shouted.

Khushi: sir….

Taking a back step, Arnav leaned backwards and looked at her.

Khushi: Wait… we will come.

She said making face.

Arnav: Finally…

He sighed and again came to her flat.

Pooja: Are we going to be together?

Arnav nodded yes.

Pooja: Woooohooo… Let’s go…

Arnav: We should take your Bua or else her mind may change.

Khushi: Actually…

Arnav: Just stop talking and come.

Taking all the required things, Khushi locked the house. Arnav’s flat welcomed them who are going to become permanent members of the flat.

To be continued…

Next Chapter

 

[Rawat@7]

Chapter 15
Part15

Khushi had been thinking about what she doing is right. She is sitting in someone’s house who she knows for a few days. She couldn’t understand how she agreed to marry him just like that. He said he likes her and she believed him without any second thought. How? It’s because of the circumstance? Is the killer’s threat the reason?

Arnav looked at her who was making bread toast and omelettes. He kept them on the plate and forwarded them to her.

Arnav: Eat and ask me what you doubt.

Khushi looked at him amazed.

Arnav: You are thinking about how you agreed to me, right?

Khushi: ohh… I just…

Arnav: Do you think I could cheat on you?

Khushi: Honestly, I really can’t trust anyone other than me. Current happenings are not letting me think positively. No one is trustworthy here, neither men nor women….

Arnav: What can I do to make you feel secure?

Khushi: I don’t know.

She said helplessly.

Arnav: What’s the source of your income?

Khushi: Nothing… My brother bought this flat putting all our savings. He wanted to be near to his office. So we sold our house to buy this flat.

Arnav: Ok… make it as your income.

Khushi: How?

Arnav: Give it on rental and save it in your account.

Khushi: But…

Arnav: Every month, when you see the amount debiting in the account, it will give you confidence.

Khushi: you mean, is money everything?

Arnav: Not at all, but a girl indeed needs money to stand for herself. She should not be depending on anyone.

Khushi: Actually, I’m talking about…

Arnav: Trusting me… you don’t have to trust me. Be relaxed, making yourself confident. Enjoy the present. Don’t think about what will happen tomorrow. Go with the flow. Instead of getting upset, thinking about the past, that’s what you have to learn from your PAST. Ok?

Arnav is teaching her not to trust anyone. But his talks themselves made her TRUST him. She liked him “Don’t trust me” concept. What a girl needs more than a man who makes her confident? Who tells her to be an individual? Who shows the path to be happy?

Arnav: Until we get married, you will be insecure. Think about it…

Khushi: Won’t you allow me to do JOB?

Arnav: Unfortunately, NO…. until my sister’s son goes to school. But you can do any job from home, taking care of Pooja and the baby. I will give my contribution to our family as much as I can.

Khushi was surprised. This is a five years plan. It seems, he is well planned about not only hers but also about the children's future.

Arnav: And it depends on you….if you ready for OUR child or not.

OWN CHILD? She bit her nail. Damn this man…

Arnav (smilingly): Yeah… you may get fed-up with bringing up two children….

Khushi could no longer hold her blush. How could she not believe this man, who has LONG-TERM plans for their lives…? Including her niece?

Khushi: After this case, we will think about the marriage.

Arnav: What if it takes more than a year?

Khushi: One year?

Arnav: Yeah… how could we say when will the killer get caught?

Khushi: Why? Don’t you have hope?

Arnav(sighing): of course… but I don’t want you to drag the case in between us.

Khushi: Then? When do you want us to get married?

Arnav: Tomorrow?

Khushi: Why are you hurrying?

Arnav: I don’t know what to answer. However, we will get married… why not tomorrow?

Khushi sighed.

Khushi: What about your sister?

Arnav: It will be better if we don’t consider her. I will be happy if she gets cured. But I’m not ready to get disappointed, expecting about her. I thought she would be out of a coma at the time of her delivery. But it didn’t happen….

Khushi: Ok… We will get married but not tomorrow. We have to do it on an Auspicious.

Arnav: Well… go ahead…

Finally… they were ready to get married.

…….

Not only Delhi but also the whole nation talked about the case. As per Arnav’s request, the commissioner declared the reason for the case in the media. It started spreading like fire. People discussed it on social media. Channels argued about it in the talk shows to raise their TRP. Facebook up hoard the likes. It showed how much people hated those cheap characters people.

At the same time, a set of HIGH-LEVEL people wanted to suppress the case. Undoubtedly, they were “Extramarital affaire” parties. They started to pressurize to find the killer.

But our HERO seems, not bothering about the pressure. He looked cool, doing his job cool. His office phone got many calls, regarding taking action to find the killer. Aman and Eshwar were tired of attending the calls. Eshwar was on such a call, giving answers. Arnav snatched the phone.

Arnav: Who is speaking?

Caller: It’s me Swaraj….

Arnav knew who is he… he is one of the grandees of Delhi. Arnav removed his phone. He sent Prince a message, typing Swaraj’s number.

Arnav: Yes sir…

Swaraj: When will you get the killer?

Arnav: We are working on it, Sir.

Swaraj: How long will you work on it?

Arnav: Why sir? Why are you suddenly bothering about him? The much I know, you never called us to know about any case?

Swaraj: Ohh… I just want people to be safe…

Arnav: Did you get a threat from him?

Swaraj: Whattt….. no …. No….

Arnav: Then cool sir… we will take care of him…

Swaraj: Actually, my friend got a threat…

Arnav: Ohh… then ask him to come to the station and give a written complaint.

Swaraj: How could he?

Arnav: Why not?

Swaraj: He is a reputed man….

Arnav: A reputed man could have extramarital affaire… but can’t give a complaint?

Arnav was talking, looking at the fax machine. As he expected, he got a fax from Prince. Arnav gestured Eshwar to bring it. Eshwar gave it to him. It was the chatting details of SWARAJ.

Swaraj: You don’t have to talk unnecessarily… you know who I’m? I can change you from the case if I want….

Arnav: I will gladly get out of the case, revealing all the chatting details of whoever related to this case. And for your kind information, I have just got all your chatting details… By the way, who is Bapitha? You have chatted with her so so romantically?

Swaraj (stammering): How…. How… could you….? I will complain about you…

Arnav: Do it… I will say the world what I got from your chat.

Swaraj: No… please…

Arnav: Are you scared….? Then be a good husband to your wife….

He disconnected the call. Swaraj called again but Arnav refused to speak to him.

Aman was confused and surprised. Why Arnav is doing this? Why he makes the killer popular? What he is trying to prove from this, that the killer has people support? Is that right? Won’t the killer take it in his favour? Aman was not wrong.

“Extra Marital Affaire” Parties started getting the message for the PRIVATE NUMBER.

“YOU ARE UNDER MY RADAR - KILLER”

The message made them shiver but none of them complain. How could they… after all, it’s a matter of their reputation. Many of them stopped their dishonest moves, of course, in fear…

To be continued…

Next Chapter

 

[Rawat@7]

Chapter 16
Part16

Aman was thinking about Arnav and his stance on the case. He saw Akhilesh coming. He smiled at him.

Aman: You here…? any clues about the killer?

Akhilesh: No sir I want your permission to go my native.

As Akhilesh is related to the case, he couldn't go out of Delhi until the case gets over.

Aman: Anything serious?

Akhilesh: somewhat…

Aman: Means?

Akhilesh: My friend is getting married…

Aman: What’s there to be serious?

Akhilesh: I have lost my hope in Marriage, sir…

Aman nodded yes. he was not wrong... many people lost their hope in marriage after this case.

Aman: How many days?

Akhilesh: For two days…

Aman: You have to get permission from Arnav sir.

Akhilesh: Won’t he come to the office today?

Aman: He just left the office.

Akhilesh: Can I go to his house to get permission?

Aman: No no… I will call him.

He knew Arnav doesn’t like anyone coming home regarding the case.

Aman: Which is your native?

Akhilesh: Ghaziabad.

Aman: Ghaziabad?

Akhilesh: Yes sir… as my wife was a clerk in the Delhi high court; I got transferred to Delhi to be with her.

Aman: In Ghaziabad also you were in the Adhar section?

Akhilesh: No sir, I was in the Ration section.

Aman: Ohh… Do you know Nandkishor?

Akhilesh: You mean, NK?

Aman: Yes…

Akhilesh: Yes, he was in the FLOOD section but he also got a district transfer to Delhi don’t know why…

Aman: What do you mean?

Akhilesh: I got transferred because my wife was working here but he didn’t have such a strong reason for the transfer. Our senior officials didn’t consider his transfer but he was adamant… don’t know why… he hasn’t even brought his mother and sister to Delhi yet. He travels to Ghaziabad often to meet them.

Aman looked at him shrinking his face. Didn’t NK say he got transferred for his sister so that she could meet him (Aman) often? Then why didn’t he bring her here? he gave all the details about the second case… would he know about other cases too?

Akhilesh: Sir, could you help me to get Arnav sir’s permission?

Aman (coming out of his thought): yeah… When will you go?

Akhilesh: Tomorrow sir…

Aman: Ok… come tomorrow morning and sign the statement.

Akhilesh: Ok sir…

Akhilesh left the office and Aman thought of following NK.

…….

Khushi looked at Arnav surprisingly whereas Pooja hoped in joy as Arnav gifted them new dresses.

Khushi: What’s this, sir?

Arnav: We are going somewhere. Get ready.

Khushi: Where?

Arnav: I will say…

Khushi: Any party?

Arnav: No…

Khushi: Then?

Arnav: We are going to Temple.

Khushi: Temple?

Pooja: Is this your birthday?

Arnav: No beta…

Pooja: I’m not beta but beti…

Arnav(kneeling): You know why girls are called BETA?

Pooja nodded no.

Arnav: It’s because she is so special… boys couldn’t be called BETI...but girls could be called BETA lovingly… right?

Pooja nodded thoughtfully… Khushi chuckled.

Arnav: Go and get ready…

Pooja rushed, taking her dress.

Khushi: Why are you taking us to the temple?

Arnav: Today is a precious day of my life. So…

Khushi: What day today is?

Arnav: You will get to know that soon… go and get change.

Khushi thought something… if this day is precious to Arnav, she should gift him something…

Khushi: Tell me what today is?

Arnav: Won’t you get bored of asking questions?

Khushi: it’s because…

Arnav(cutting her): Until you stop questioning, you won’t get your answers.

Khushi: I would like to give you something on a special day.

She said curiously. Arnav looked at her with his lopsided smile.

Arnav: Go and get ready…

Khushi(pouting): Shouldn’t I give you a simple gift, Sir?

Arnav: What will you give me?

Khushi: Something which you want.

Arnav: what do I want?

Khushi(hesitatingly): What do you want?

Arnav(chuckling): Go… get ready…

Khushi: Tell me, what you want…

Arnav: I will accept whatever you give…

Khushi: But I will be satisfied if I give what you want…

Arnav: Are you sure?

Khushi: Yup…

Arnav: ok fine… I will tell you…

Khushi: When?

Arnav: in the temple…

Khushi: Promise?

Arnav: Yeah…

Khushi: Ok…

Khushi awe stuck seeing a beautiful RED Saree… in the box. She draped it. Of course, she looked stunning in the saree.

Pooja came out hopping. She was damn happy as she is going outing with her Bua and Arnav. Arnav also was ready in his three-piece suit. He looked dashing in the suit. But the girl in RED saree could make the dashing man collapse. Arnav faced a tough time to be firm not look at Khushi because he knew his LOOK won’t be normal.

Khushi: I’m ready…

Pooja: Me too…

Arnav: Let’s go…

They reached the Hospital. There was no movement in Sadna. The nurse brought the child to them. Pooja pulled Arnav’s coat asking him to give the baby to her. Arnav asked her to sit on the chair. He kept the baby on her lap when she sat on the chair. Pooja’s face overflew with happiness.

Pooja: Bua… see him, how beautiful he is…. won’t he talk? Will he play? What does he eat? What does he like?

Arnav and Khushi smiled seeing her overjoyed.

Arnav: He is so small… he doesn’t know anything. He will learn if you teach him.

Pooja: I will teach him everything… What is his name?

Arnav: You can give him a good name.

Pooja(excitedly): Me?

Arnav: yup…

Pooja: Ansh…

Arnav: Wow… good…

He looked at Khushi whose face hung. Arnav asked her raising his eyebrows like, “what?”

Khushi: Bhabi had chosen the name for her boy baby…

Arnav caressed Pooja’s hair lovingly.

Arnav: Ok… now let’s go…

Pooja: Where?

Arnav: Temple…

Pooja: Ansh also comes?

Arnav: No… Ansh can’t come out…

Pooja(sadly): Why?

Arnav: Doctors won’t allow him to go out because he is so small.

Pooja: When will he come to us?

Arnav: Soon…

Pooja: ok…

She pecked his cheek lovingly. Arnav gave Ansh to the nurse.

Arnav: Let’s go…

Khushi thought this day must be very precious to Arnav. That’s why he is visiting the hospital before going to the Temple.

They came to the Temple. The Pandit smiled seeing Arnav.

Pandit: Are you ready?

Arnav nodded yes.

PAndit: Come…

He went behind the temple.

Khushi looked at Arnav…

Arnav: You said, you will give me what I want.

Khushi: Haan…

Arnav: Will you give what I want?

Khushi(hesitating): Whaaaat?

Arnav: I want you to become a MAAMY for ANSH…

He clutched her hand and pulled her with him, behind the Temple. She saw the marriage set-up was being arranged by the panditji.

To be continued…

Next Chapter

 

[Rawat@7]

Chapter 17
Part17

Khushi was shocked to see the marriage arrangements. Is this what the meaning of “precious day” is?

Khushi: Marriage…?

Arnav: Didn’t I say, this is the precious day of my life?

Khushi: I thought something…

Arnvv: You promised me that you will give what I want…

Khushi: but I didn’t expect this…

Arnav: What’s your decision?

Khushi: Decision?

Arnav: When you are ready to marry me, why should we delay? You wanted it to happen on an auspicious day right? (to Panditji) Panditji… is this a good day?

Pandit: Yeah…. This is indeed an auspicious day…

Arnav: Now, tell me…

Khushi rushed from the place without saying anything.

Arnav(shouting): Khushiiii…

Khushi didn’t stop but Arnav followed her. He saw her standing in front of Devi Maiya’s idol… closing her eyes...with joining hands. He slowed down his steps, letting her pray.

Khushi(in mind): Hey Devi Ma… my life had taken an unexpected turn already. From here on, I’m submitting my life to your feet. My life is your responsibility… please, lead me.

Khushi opened her eyes and saw Pooja happily roaming around the temple. She looked at Devi Ma’s idol. Is this what she wants her to do? Of course, Pooja also is one of the reasons she decided to marry Arnav. Turning around, she saw Arnav who was waiting for her, YES and she nodded yes. Arnav sighed in relief.

Arnav showed his hand towards the holy fire, like, “shall we?” Khushi went with Arnav and sat in front of it. Arnav knew Khushi is nervous. Her face looked restless. She will be alright he supposed. Seeing them sitting together, Pooja ran to them and sat beside Arnav happily.

Pooja: What are you doing?

Arnav: I’m getting married to your Bua.

Pooja: Really?

Arnav nodded yes.

Pooja: Heyyyy… Ansh will be with me….

She hopped.

Arnav tied the mangal sutra around Khushi’s neck and filled the patrician. Panditji asked them to take pheras. They took pheras joining fingers… the first-ever touch….

Panditji announced them as a couple.

Lifting Pooja in one hand, Arnav clutched Khushi’s hand in another. He walked off the Temple, taking Khushi's responsibilities on his shoulders.

Taluk Office

NK became excited, seeing Aman in the office.

NK: Hi… jeejaji…

Aman: How are you?

NK was stuck as Aman didn’t oppose him calling him Jeejaji.

NK: I’m great… why are you here? Do you want to know anything about Megna?

Aman: Not about Megna but about Aradana…

NK (frowning): Aradana? Who is she?

Aman: The first murderous…

NK: But she worked in Delhi high court… her husband was my colleague. Poor man… he loved his wife very much…

Aman: Do you know everyone who is working in the revenue department?

NK: Almost… people share all the information about co-workers while doing their job. It makes them brisk you know?

Aman: Is gossiping about someone’s personal life your time pass?

NK: Everyone does…

Aman: How are your mother and sister?

NK wondered. Aman never talks about his sister.

NK: Yeah… they are fine…

For more to NK’s surprise,

Aman: Where is your house? Won’t you invite me?

NK: Ohh actually, they are not here…

Aman: What do you mean?

NK: They are still in Ghaziabad.

Aman: you said you came here only to meet me often… because your sister wants to meet me?

NK: Actually, I’m a bit busy here… I didn’t get time to shift our house.

Aman: What’s the necessary for you to do that on your own? There are many parcel services available in Delhi. They will pack your whole house in Ghaziabad and arrange them in Delhi…

NK: It won’t come into my budget… So, I’m waiting for my leave…

Aman: Ohh… when will go to Ghaziabad usually?

NK: Every weekend.

Aman: Okk fine… I’m leaving.

NK nodded Ok. He sensed the difference in Aman’s approach. Is Aman suspecting him? NK suspected Aman…

……..

Arnav and Khushi came to THEIR flat with Pooja.

Arnav(unlocking the door): Sorry, I have no one to welcome you by circling thali and all…

Khushi: understood…

Pooja ran inside before them. Khushi was about to enter, she got rooted at the same place. She felt her legs paralyzed. Arnav entwined his fingers with hers. She looked at their hands and then Arnav who was smiling at her.

Arnav(pressing her hand gently): Now, you can step in.

Though Khushi felt a kind of skittishness they stepped in… together… joining hands…

Ordered food arrived for dinner. They had silently. Pooja was the only one who talked non-stop.

Arnav looked so cool whereas there was a restlessness in Khushi’s heart. After all, that was their FIRST NIGHT. She has no idea about how Arnav is going to take the next step. Should she stay with Arnav? Until yesterday, she stayed with pooja. What now? Pooja will question if she stays with Arnav. Arnav will question if she stays with Pooja. What should she do now? Pooja won’t understand… she is a kid. But, Arnav will understand... Would he understand?

Though Arnav looked cool he also thought the same. He wanted to see what Khushi is going to do.

After cleaning the dining, Khushi switched on the TV and kept Pooja’s favourite Cartoon channel. Pooja watched it lying on her lap. Khushi knew Pooja will sleep soon. She also leaned on the couch, closing her eyes. Though she didn’t get the sleep she had no choice other than to be pretending. Arnav smirked seeing her.

Arnav(murmuring): Smart move.

After a while, Pooja dozed off. He lifted pooja in his arms and took her to their room. Keeping her on the bed, he came to the living room and tried to wake Khushi up.

Arnavv(tapping her cheek gently): Khushi…

Nope… there is no response from Khushi.

Arnav(sighing): No choice…

He scooped her in his arms making Khushi’s heart beat faster. She faced a tough time pretending to be sleeping. More than that, she was scared that Arnav may hear her rushing heartbeat as it was drumming like ever before. Arnav started walking and Khushi was nervous about, whose room he is taking her.

To be continued…

Next Chapter

 

[Rawat@7]

Chapter 18
Part18

Khushi sensed he is taking her to Pooja’s room when Arnav took the right-side turn. He kept her on the bed beside Pooja. Khushi felt relief but it was not lasting for even a while. She jerked hearing Arnav’s stance.

Arnav(in her ear): I know you haven’t slept yet…

Khushi opened her eyes and gulped.

Arnav: Relax… good night.

He left the room, switching off the light.

Khushi sat on the bed, hitting her head.

Khushi(self-talk): what have you done, Khushi….? First day itself you got caught… Ohhh God… don't know what ACP is thinking….

She continued blabbering…

Arnav was on the bed smiling. His wife should have forgotten that he is a police officer. She looked cuter than Pooja while sleeping. He chuckled. Let’s have fun with Khushi Singh Raizada…

He closed his eyes…

Next morning

Khushi was preparing coffee for herself. Without coffee, her morning won’t be refreshing. And she badly wanted one as the headache is killing her as she didn’t get proper sleep last night in the fear of how to face Arnav.

When she poured the coffee into the cup, she felt a hot breath on her neck. She heard…

“Good morning”

No need to say who it was. She closed her eyes tightly, folding her lips.

Arnav: Hope you had a good sleep…

He looked at her face tilting his head.

Arnav: What happened?

Khushi nodded No…

Taking the coffee cup, Arnav sipped it.

Arnav: Not bad. You are not adding excess sugar.

Kushi(hesitatingly): oh…. Last night… I was…

Arnav: Yeah… how could you leave Pooja alone in the room?

Khushi smiled awkwardly nodding yes.

Arnav: I can understand. We can’t be together, leaving Pooja baby alone.

Khushi’s face became pleasing little by little.

Arnav: I don’t think it’s necessary to have the First night.

Khushi looked at him like “are you this much good?”

Arnav smiled and left the kitchen with the coffee cup. Khushi was on cloud nine. She looked at Arnav when he knocked on the door.

Arnav: Everything can be changed, according to our comfort. We will arrange FIRST DAY… sending Pooja to school. What say?

Khushi looked at him like “he was a ghost”

Arnav: Don’t widen your eyes a lot… your eye balls may fall.

He left the place controlling his laugh.

Khushi was hesitating to make Pooja ready for the school. She prepared bread toast, boiled eggs, and orange juice.

Arnav came to the dining, talking on the phone.

Arnav: I will be there in half an hour.

Khushi’s eyes smiled more than her lips.

Arnav: Yeah… sure…

He disconnected the call.

Arnav: I have to go… maybe, will be late… Be safe. Don’t open the door unless the person is familiar to you.

Khushi nodded ok.

After stuffing a few pieces of bread in hin mouth with orange juice, he stood.

Arnav: Call me if you want anything. Ok?

Khushi: Sure.

Arnav: Anything means Anything….

He smirked.

Arnav: Bye…

Khushi sat on the chair… frowning.

…..

When Arnav got into the office, Akhilesh was waiting for him.

Akhilesh: Good morning, sir.

Arnav: You here?

Akhilesh: I came here yesterday to meet you sir but Aman sir, said you just left.

Arnav: Yeah… Tell me.

Akhilesh: I have to go to Ghaziabad for my friend’s marriage. So I’m here to get your permission.

Arnav: Ok, write a brief statement and give it to Eshwar, signing it.

Akhilesh: Sure sir.

Arnav: When are you going?

Akhilesh: Tonight, sir.

Arnav: Call me, once you returned.

Akhilesh: Sure sir.

Akhilesh submitted the statement to Eshwar and came out. Aman pulled him aside.

Akhilesh: Sir, you? What happened, sir?

Aman: I want to know something.

Akhilesh: About what, sir?

Aman: Find out, why NK got the district to transfer to Delhi.

Akhilesh: He is in the Taluk office… I’m in Collector office… how could I, sir?

Aman: NK told me, everyone knows about everyone….?

Akhilesh was silent.

Aman: Could you?

Akhilesh nodded yes.

Aman: Thank you.

Akhilesh: I will be back to Delhi the day after tomorrow. I will try to gather information about NK.

Aman: Ok…

…..

Arnav was sitting on the table, rolling the paperweight. Something hit his mind. He took the last murder case file and went through it. He checked it again and again. Didn’t Khushi say, she went to Kalpana’s house with a knife? But there was no record of any KNIFE in the report. He frowned. Khushi said, she dropped the knife in Kalpana’s house and the killer looked at her hearing the knife sound. Would she come, taking the knife? No… Khushi didn’t say so. Police also didn’t find such a knife in Kalpana’s house. Then where is the knife? What if the knife is with the killer? Khushi’s fingerprints are there on the knife… what if he traps Khushi in some other case?

He took the phone to dial Khushi. But he stopped. It won’t be wise to talk to Khushi from the office. He left the office hurriedly.

To be continued…

Next Chapter