Khushi is Kidnapped?

Arnav knew he had to make things right. He couldn't keep Khushi in the dark, making her feel guilty for having feelings for her own husband. He should have been more careful.He drove for hours, trying to clear his mind and figure out the best way to handle the situation. He couldn't believe he had hurt Khushi so deeply, and he knew he had to make it right.

When he returned, Khushi was sitting in the living room, her eyes still haunted by pain and confusion. Arnav walked towards her, his eyes locked on hers, filled with a deep emotion.

Khushi – Arnav Ji....

Arnav – Why aren't you sleeping?

Khushi – I wasn't getting any sleep.

Arnav – Hmmm.

Khushi – I spoke to my husband today. (Arnav remained silent) He loves me... (tears formed in her eyes) I'm so confused... (she trembled with fear. Arnav's expression softened as he consoled her.)

Arnav – Khushi, don't panic. Things will be fine, trust me.

Khushi – I don't know....I am restless. What should I do next? I am confused....

Arnav – You need sleep, that's what you need right now. We shall discuss this once you are calm.

She nodded, and they both retired to their rooms, seeking rest. Arnav himself became restless after this talk with Khushi. He decided not to play with her emotions anymore.

MORNING

Khushi had finished Anjali's morning walk and was spending time alone in the garden. A stranger appeared at the gate, and she went to check.

Man – Can you help me with this address?

As Khushi approached, she was suddenly pulled into a vehicle. Her eyes widened in shock as she struggled, but a cloth was quickly pressed over her mouth and nose, rendering her unconscious. The vehicle sped away, leaving the neighborhood behind. Khushi's body slumped against the seat, her head lolling to one side.

Arnav appeared for breakfast, seemingly oblivious to the chaos that had just unfolded.

Anjali – Chotte, did you send Khushi anywhere?

Arnav – No, Di, why would I?

Shyam – She's not seen in the house.

Arnav – Call and check with her. (He continued eating, unaffected with the news)

Nani – She never went out of the house without informing us.

Arnav – What can I do for that? I have a lot of work at the office. She is not a kid (He quickly finished breakfast and walked out)

As Arnav left the house, Anjali's expression turned worried. She knew Khushi would never leave without informing anyone, and Arnav's nonchalant attitude was unsettling.

Anjali – Shyam Ji, try calling Khushi again. (Her voice was laced with concern.)

Shyam nodded and dialed Khushi's number, but it went straight to voicemail. Nani spoke up.

Nani – Something is not right. We need to find Khushi. (Anjali nodded in agreement)

Anjali – Let's ask the servants if they saw her leave with anyone.

As they began to investigate, Arnav's calm demeanor outside the house was a surprise. He drove to the office without worrying about Khushi.

EVENING

Arnav returned from the office, and Anjali was desperately waiting for him.

Anjali – Chotte, we tried calling you from noon. Where were you?

Arnav – I was in very importatnt meeting. What happened, Di?

Anjali – Khushi hasn't returned home yet, and her phone is switched off.

Arnav – What? Did you check with the Ashram? (Shows a little shock)

Shyam – We've tried everywhere possible.

Arnav – Okay, let's lodge a police complaint.

Nani – Can you also inform your acquaintances? We don't know what happened to her.

Arnav – I'll make sure to inform everyone, Nani. Don't worry, we'll find Khushi soon.

As Arnav continued to make some calls, his eyes gleamed with a mysterious expression. He was  worried all the while,but is this how he would behave about Khushi's disappearance?

NEXT MORNING – PLACE WHERE KHUSHI WAS

Khushi slowly opened her eyes to find herself on a lavish bed in a master bedroom. She was disoriented and couldn't recall where she was. As she turned, she noticed two maids dressed in crisp uniforms standing motionless, their eyes fixed on her. One of them stepped forward, a hint of a smile on her face.

Maid 1 - Good morning, madam. Welcome to your new home. We've been instructed to take care of you.

Khushi's eyes narrowed, her mind foggy from the effects of the sedative. She tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness washed over her, forcing her to lie back down.

Khushi - Where...where am I? (she stammered, her voice weak)

Maid 2 - You're exactly where you're meant to be, madam. Now, please, let us help you get freshened up. You must be exhausted.

Khushi's eyes darted around the room, searching for any clue or hint of where she was and why she was being held captive. But the room was spotless, devoid of any personal touches or hints of its occupant's identity. Despite her frustration, she accepted the maids' help and freshened up.

Khushi - Which place is this? Why am I here? Who are you all?

Maid 1 - The right person will come and answer all your questions. Till then, please don't ask us anything.

Khushi sighed, feeling frustrated and anxious. She didn't like being kept in the dark, and the maids' evasive answers only added to her unease. She tried to question them again.

Khushi - Please (her voice firm but polite), I need to know what's going on. Why am I being held here?

Maid 1 - Like I said, madam, the right person will come and answer all your questions. Until then, please cooperate with us.

Khushi's eyes remained fixed on the maids, hoping to glean some information from their expressions. But they remained stoic, their faces impassive.

Khushi - Fine. I'll wait.

The maids nodded in unison and began to busy themselves with tidying up the room. Khushi watched them, her mind racing with questions and fears. As the day wore on, Khushi grew more and more restless, pacing back and forth in the room, trying to find some way to occupy herself. But the silence and isolation were oppressive, and she couldn't shake the feeling that she was trapped.

The maids brought her food and drink at regular intervals, but their silence was deafening. Despite Khushi's repeated questions, they remained tight-lipped about her situation, their expressions as impassive as the walls that held her captive. As the hours ticked by, Khushi felt like she was losing her grip on reality, trapped in this luxurious prison with no escape, no answers, and no end in sight. The opulent surroundings that had initially impressed her now felt suffocating, a constant reminder of her gilded cage.

SHANTHIVAN

Three days had passed since Khushi's disappearance, and the family was growing increasingly desperate.Anjali turned to Arnav, her voice laced with concern

Anjali - Chotte, what do we do?

Arnav - I'm trying my best, Di. (expression remained calm)

Shyam - She was so close to you, and she didn't even tell you? (his tone was mocking)

Arnav - Jeejaji, she's married, so be careful how you speak about her. ( eyes narrowed slightly with slight anger)

Nani - Yes, damad Ji, just because she's not here, we shouldn't speak about her like that. She was close to all of us.

Arnav - I have a conference in London, and I'm leaving tonight. (stood up, his movements deliberate)

Anjali - What about Khushi? (eyes widened in surprise)

Arnav - Di, the people I've assigned to find her will keep searching. I'll follow up regularly and keep you posted. (expression remained impassive)

Anjali's expression turned skeptical, her eyes narrowing slightly as she looked at Arnav.

Anjali - Chotte, are you sure you have to go to London right now? (her voice laced with concern) Khushi is still missing, and we need you here.

Arnav avoided Anjali's gaze, his face remaining unexpressive

Arnav - I have to go, Di. This conference is important for my business, and I've already committed to attending. Besides, like I said, I have people looking for Khushi. They'll keep us updated on any developments.

Shyam's annoyance was palpable, but Nani shot him a warning glance, silencing him. As the conversation continued, Arnav's phone buzzed discreetly in his pocket. He glanced at the screen, his eyes flicking to the message before he quickly tucked the phone away, his expression unreadable.