Tables turned

SHANTHIVAN

She gets down the cab and enters the house with her bag. Shyam was sitting in garden thinking deep. He notices Khushi getting inside the house and follows. As Khushi enters, Anjali who was sitting in living room gets happy and come near her.

Anjali – Sorry Khushi, because us you had to face trouble yesterday

Khushi – Please ensure this doesn't repeat Anjali ji. (She is serious as the situation she went through was not an easy one. Shyam comes in)

Shyam – It was a misunderstanding. You suddenly decided to delay coming back, I connected wrong dots.

Khushi – I don't want to know what you did. It was Arnav ji who hired me with all those background checks. He made me sign agreement. Later you do this? Accuse me? What do I look like?

Shyam – He made you sign agreement?

Khushi – He does that for all employees I believe. (Turns to Anjali) Arnav ji requested me to  continue working otherwise after this insult and game played against me I wanted to quit.

Anjali – Yes Khushi, I am comfortable around you so I asked him to check with you if you can forgive us for the trouble we caused you. (NK and Naani also come there)

Khushi – Before joining back I want to discuss few terms with Arnav Ji. Where is he?

Nani – Let me call him. (She makes call to Arnav, once he picks) Chotte come home immediately. Khushi is here, she needs to discuss some things before joining back.

Arnav – Ok I will come

All are waiting in living room till Arnav comes. Shyam is worried about Arnav's reaction. He was sure it won't go well. Khushi was all set to ask for justice. Arnav comes home and sit on sofa where everyone was sitting already. Khushi's bag was still standing at her side. No one speaks. After some time, Arnav breaks the silence.

Arnav – I think I was called here for some discussion. Will anyone tell what it is?

Shyam – This Khushi wants to put some terms before restarting the job. (Complains. Arnav looks at Khushi)

Khushi – I was called a thief and there was complaint made in ashram which made them send me out of ashram late in night. That was not mentioned the agreement we signed right Arnav ji?

Anjali – I am apologising on behalf of my husband.

Khushi – Anjali ji please... this is not the time to get emotional.

Arnav – Nani, please take Di to room. I will sort this. (Nani gestures Anjali to come and Anjali looks at Arnav) you have to go Di, trust me I will make things right. Please don't worry. I just don't want you in this exchange of words which may not be pleasant. (Anjali nods and go.) Now tell me Khushi what's your problem?

Khushi – My husband is not comfortable about me working here. (She lies)

Arnav – Any reason?

Khushi – I burnt my hand, and it took 1 week to heal.

Arnav – Are you a cook here? Why did you burn hand and how? Haven't I told you not to poke your nose in any work other than taking care of Di and her needs?

NK – Nannav, she is telling she burnt her hand, and you are questioning? (Comes to Khushi) Show me your hand Khushi ji. Why didn't you tell anyone? (Khushi hesitates) I am your friend come on (Khushi slowly shows her hand which still had the evident mark of burn) Oh...it looks so bad.

Shyam – NK.... we are standing here to ask her stupid terms not ask about her hand.

Khushi – Why are you panicking so much? I will surely tell them the reason and the blackmail too.

NK – What? Jeejaji blackmailed you?

Khushi – Yeah, he has photos of Arnavji saving me in the pool and after the games we played during Akash ji's engagement he burnt my right hand because I had touched Arnav ji with it. He also warned me that, If I tell anyone about it he would get the photos published.

Shyam – Arnav, don't trust her, why will I do it?

Arnav – How can I not trust her? Didn't you deliberately accuse her as thief and ensured she is sent out of ashram? That was evident Jeejaji so don't try and cover up.

NK – Yes, all of this makes sense. You were not at all happy when these both were teamed up for games.

Shyam – Ok fine, I agree I did all of this, and I am sorry (Joins palms and look at Khushi) I suspected you to be Arnav's wife and I did all of this to provoke him, to get the truth out.

Arnav – You should have asked me directly jeejaji. Why are you so much interested in my wife? (Arnav was really shocked by Shyam's revelation but he acts innocent).

Shyam – We are family Arnav, Rani Sahiba will feel nice if your wife is brought to home.

NK – For that you can't suspect any girl coming into the house jeejaji. Physical torture is beyond any limits. Khushi ji has all right to deny working here. Nannav you have to be liberal on her.

Arnav – Let her decide NK, with jeejaji breaking all the limits I give full freedom to her.

Khushi – Arnavji, you tell me what would you do in such a situation?

Arnav – I don't want to answer this, because I don't want you to do anything what I would do. (Pause) Khushi, we are at fault. Beggars can't be choosers so I leave it you.

NK – Khushi Ji, please think about Anjali Di.

Khushi –  I have decided to stay, I wanted you both to know truth because I could not take this abuse from Shyam Ji anymore. It would make me look weak and bringing my husband into this picture would have really made things worst.

Arnav – Thanks Khushi. Be comfortable and you can share with me if you have any issues in future.

Khushi – Thanks.

NK – So all is well now. Let's disperse. (Arnav silently walks back to his room with a slient smile no one noticed. His wife is not as naïve as he thought. She just blocked all paths for Shyam to approach her anymore. NK looks at Khushi, takes her bag) come Khushi ji I will help you (They both walk away leaving frustrated Shyam)

ARNAV'S ROOM

Arnav sat on his bed, his eyes fixed on some distant point as he delved deep into thought. His mind was reeling with the revelation about Shyam's true intentions.

Arnav (to himself) – Why did jeejaji resort to such dirty tactics to provoke me? Thank God Khushi exposed his plan; otherwise, I would have never known that finding my wife was his goal. Aman's words echoed in his mind - "Be cautious, ASR, and trust no one."

GUEST ROOM

Khushi's heart ached for Arnav, and she felt guilty about her feelings towards him. She was married, and her emotions seemed like a betrayal. Despite their conversation in guest house, her feelings hadn't changed. She decided to avoid Arnav and sent a message to her husband.

Hi, how are you?

Arnav was taken aback. So, she still remembered her husband. He knew his cold behavior as Arnav had made her feel bad. At least as her secret husband, he wanted to make her feel good.

Glad you remembered me. I'm all good. How's your hand, Khushi? Sorry I could not respond to you day before. You should have called Shera atleast.

(Khushi replies) The injury is healed now. Thanks for asking. I managed the situation.

That's good to hear. Did you miss me? (He wanted to tease her a bit)

No, you made things clear, why would I miss you? I need to speak to your mother. I had promised her that I would never break this relation. I want to clarify things with her.

Now Arnav felt the seriousness of the issue.

Khushi, I missed you when you didn't message. Will you be fine if I think about accepting this relation in full sense?

Khushi felt a pang of guilt. Her husband was thinking about their relation, and she was enjoying moments with Arnav.

Can we talk over the call? I need you to know a few things before you decide.

Arnav was surprised. What would she tell? He decided to use a voice changer app and agreed to the call, planning to use a secure line.

Sure, why not. When do you want to have the call? You can't call me, so I need to know the time to make this call.

She replies.

If you don't even trust me with your phone number, how can I believe you'll accept the relation?

Arnav smiled at her reply. He thought:

Arnav (in mind) – Khushi, you're so smart. Love you, baby, but let me play along. I want to know what you'll tell me. (He replies)

If you say yes to this relation and share your address, I'll come and pick you up right away.

Khushi felt more guilty. She replies.

Call me at 10 PM. We'll talk.

She gets an instant reply from him. OK, wait for my call.