A Second Chance at Happiness : Prologue

 Arnav hoped she likes one of the collages he suggested. Since last 3 months he was trying hard to win her heart again. He made a mistake in his judgement. He thought Khushi was involved with Shyam Manohar Jha. He blackmailed Khushi with Payal's marriage to Akash to convince the entire family that they both are in love and they need to get married immediately after Payal and Akash's wedding. 

Khushi had feelings for him then. He knew that but he didn't let himself weak because of that. He trusted his judgement over his heart. They got married with the blessings of the families and pretended to be happy in front of the world. He threatened Shyam to stay with his Di if he wants, else leave the house quietly. For sometime Shyam pretended to a good husband. 

When Shyam tried to make advances towards Khushi, his truth was exposed by Khushi in front of all. Gupta family revealed how he was staying with their family as a paying guest pretending to be a bachelor. But as expected, Shyam dismissed every allegations. He was thrown out by Arnav and Akash from Raizada house. Anjali was in shock, she locked herself in her room for long hours, when Nani or Mami go and call her repeatedly she opens her door to receive the food. Everyone was worried about her. 

Raizada house was a mess. Everyone had questions, Arnav didn't know how to face Khushi after punishing her for a mistake she never committed. On the other hand his Di was living as a ghost. He failed both women.

He need to make things right for Khushi and Di. For starters he checked all the reputed collages nearby for Khushi to continue her graduation and gave her all the leaflets to select from those. As usual she didn't speak a word and took the leaflet and left from the poolside making him disappointed.  "She will come around, give her sometime" - he consoled himself and continued to sit on the poolside chair.

She came back after half an hour to the poolside and said. 

"I would like to join Dawn Valley Collage , but I will apply for a scholarship and if any extra fees you are paying I want you to give me that invoice and I will pay you back once I get a job". 

She waited for him to say something in response. 

"Sure Khushi, I will ask Aman to proceed with the application and don't worry about anything else, you are my wife you don't have to worry about... "

"No Arnav Ji.. I am not your wife, you married me because you thought I am an obstacle in Di's happily married life, now I am not serving that purpose of yours so there is no point in continuing this facade. But I agree with your point both our families cannot bear the news of another failed marriage. So completing my collage will give me some time to think and plan my future. Thank you for your help !"

Saying this Khushi walked inside and went towards the cupboard to get her nightdress. 

He felt sad after hearing her but this was a progress. Now she will get time to think about herself and her dreams which will make her happy. And once she  is back to being the original self, he can take his next step by asking her forgiveness. One step at a time. Give her time. This is the mantra he whispers all the time.

Now coming back to Di, he is clueless how to make her understand. His sister is very angry with him he can sense that, like Khushi he gave her space and time to come out of the betrayal. She was silent and angry most of the time. He just need to break the ice between them so that they can have a heart to heart conversation like old times. 

"Arnav Bhaiyya, Anjali Di is calling you" the house help Hariprakash informed him. Maybe its his lucky day, he thought while walking towards his sisters room.