#devyani raizada

[featheredclover]

Tagging: @jalebi-weds-bluetooth @barshifan @andli @shiyaravi @muttonthings @hand-picked-star @msbhagirathi @phuljari @sankititaliya @thenainitaldisaster @thedupattaknowswhatsup @chutkiandchotte @laad-governess @laadgovernors @laadgovernorandsankadevi @leila1 @bitchy-bi-trash @hi-this-is-permabanned @arshilearner @arshispyaar @minpdnim @thedustyshehnai

[phuljari]

social media au! part 2

summary : khushi is a model and influencer; arnav just seems to stumble upon her profile one day— not so much by accident. (or what if khushi fell in love at first sight?)

warnings : just some hindi/hinglish, cussing in both languages. deliberate typos. online stalker!shyam. flirting with the boss

a/n : i am...trying something new (by using the word prompts) #IPK 13th Anniversary Fiesta @arshifiesta

hellohibyebye

liked by aakash_r, amanmathur, gulabo_devyani, anjaliiiii.r, mahendrarudrapratapsinghraizada, hari_prakash and 137 others

hellohibyebye haaye! ekdum vaijanthimaala laagat hai hum😍🥰

⚫kaala tika najar na lage e ke khatir⚫

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aakash_r Maa group pe daalne ko bola tha, Instagram pe nahi 🤦

gulabo_devyani Manorama! Ye Hear. hum aapko diye naahi the... Toh kaisan aap pehen liye?

anjaliiiii.r Mamiji 👌😍

mahendrarudrapratapsinghraizada Thoda vakht nikal ke humare saath bhi ek-do photu khichwaye leti!

⤷hellohibyebye aap photo me bilkul handsome.... nahi laagat hai 😒

hari_prakash B//J...K>';edxnnnnddd

iMessage "Raizada Group"

Aakash Maa aapne instagram pe post kar diya 🤦

Manorama toh ka hui gawa? hainn

Mahendra Bohot sundar laagat hai tumhari amma 😊

Akash liked a message

Manorama liked a message

Devyani Humra. Haar. Dena mat bhulna. Onmanorama.

Anjali Arre Aakash, karne do yaar, umar hai inki 😌

HP Ji Naniji, hum abhi wapas rakhwa dete hain

HP hhhhhhhh?/?????

Aakash HP yaar tune firse phone bandh kiye bina pocket me rakh diya... buttdial nahi, yaha toh butt-typo hote hain😶

Anjali 😂😂🤣🤣🤣

Arnav seen

Anjali Chotte yahan bolna mana nahi hai!

Arnav: Di, I'm in a meeting right now. Ttyl

Anjali: Arre, chotte 🤦‍♀️

Manorama added NK to Raizada Group

NK: Hello bhaiyyon aur bhabhiyon

Anjali: Bhabhiyon nahi NK bhai, beheno!

NK: Haan wahi Di! You understand me so well!!

Aakash: 😂😂

Arnav left Raizada Group

NK: Oh no Nannav! Tum kyu chale gaye

Aakash: You know that he can't see the messages now right?

NK: Oh, Whoops! Wait

NK added Arnav to Raizada Group

NK: Nannav mere bhai!! How are you??

Arnav: Isn't it like 3 AM in Sydney?

NK: Nannav, naughty naughty, tumne time check kiya mere liye! So cutee! I'm at your home doofus 😂

Arnav: gtg

Arnav left Raizada Group

iMessage

Anjali: Ye har baat pe chotte group kyu leave kar dete ho?

Arnav: Di! WTF ye NK kya kar raha hai Shantivan me?

Anjali:😶‍🌫️

iMessage

Aman: Sir, we have officially signed Ms. Khushi Kumari Gupta!

Arnav: Good

Arnav: Kumari?

Aman: That's her middle name boss

Arnav: Oh, okay

iMessage

Aakash: Bhai, you signed THE KHUSHI GUPTA??

Arnav: Yes

Arnav: And she's not that popular c'mon

Aakash: Bhai do you even use instagram? 😭

Arnav: Of Course!

Arnav: Btw I have more followers than her 😒 So much for "influencer"

Aakash: That's her personal profile Bhai! You have to see @/thekhushigupta

seen

thekhushigupta

liked by divalavanya, payaliyaa, guptagarima, aakash_r, shyamjha, versace, arnavsinghraizada, saritaraman and 396,981 others

thekhushigupta @/versace thank you for sponsoring my cannes debut

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saritaraman You dancing on hawa hawaii at cannes was the only thing left for me to see😭

⤷thekhushigupta all thanks to you babe <3

payaliyaa My babie sisterrrr 😍

⤷thekhushigupta jijiiiiii 😊

guptagarima Ae Khushi isko chalu kaise karte hai

versace It was our honour! 😍

aakash_r Amazing performance👌

shyamjha khushiji aapka koi boyfriend hai kya? 😭

divalavanya Bestie 💖

⤷thekhushigupta right back at ya! 💖

user1 i love the dressss

user2 just one chance khushi pls pls

user3 it was so cheap idk why ppl idolize u

⤷user1 get tf outta here

shyamjha hosh rubaa😍

nandiii khushi jiiiiii 💘

⤷thekhushigupta nanhe jiiiiii

nandiii

tagged: @/emirates @/anjaliiiii.r @/aakash_r

liked by aakash_r, anjaliiiii.r, gulabo_devyani, mahendrarudrapratapsinghraizada, hari_prakash, hellohibyebye, thekhushigupta and 806 others

nandiii So excited to meet you guys!😭

view comments

anjaliiiii.r Pooja ki thaal tayyar hai NK Bhai

⤷gulabo_devyani Aapan. Ka. hi intezaar hai Bitwa.

mahendrarudrapratapsinghraizada Return flight book karke nikle ho ki naahi?

⤷nandiii Now why would I do that Mausa Ji? 😊

thekhushigupta nanhe ji! iss baar aap mile bina nahi jaa sakte 😌

⤷nandiii Aapse hi toh milne aa rahe hai Khushi ji! It was fun to hangout with you while shooting in Portugal last year! 😊

hellohibyebye humre khaatir oo gucci peck kiye ki naahi?

⤷nandiii Maasi ji aapke liye toh chanel, gucci, versace sab haazir!

hari_prakash Ccooffee lenge?

Notifications (arnavsinghraizada)

thekhushigupta followed you

titaliya_k followed you

payaliyaa followed you

Notifications (thekhushigupta)

arnavsinghraizada followed you back

shyamjha unread 1475 messages

shyamjha commented on your post: hosh rubaa 😍

shyamjha commented on your post: khushiji aapka koi boyfriend hai kya? 😭

usershyam hume aap bohot pasand hai khushiji

iMessage

Khushi: he followed me back omgomgomg

Lavanya: ???

Khushi: ajgar

Khushi: arnav*

Lavanya: 😂😂

Lavanya: You didn't stop talking about him last night oh god

Khushi: i know ur friends were so pissed😭

Lavanya: Nooo, why would you thibk that

Lavanya: And look at you crushing so hard on ASR!

Khushi: you've met?

Lavanya: Briefly

Khushi: 🥺🥺🥺🥺🥺

Khushi: I'm gonna slide into his dms wish me luck

Lavanya: Khushi wtf

Lavanya: Khushi come back you son of a bitch

Lavanya: Istg Khushi pls don't make a fool of yourself in front of your new boss😭

Lavanya: Khushiii??????

seen

(1) message from thekhushigupta

thekhushigupta: hey

arnavsinghraizada: Hi?

thekhushigupta: we met the other day

arnavsinghraizada: Yeah, you bumped into me, how can I forget?

thekhushigupta: omg i'm really sorry for that😩

thekhushigupta: can i take you out for an apologetic dinner?

thekhushigupta: tonight?

arnavsinghraizada: Are you...

thekhushigupta: asking you out? yes

arnavsinghraizada liked a message

TBC

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[hand-picked-star]

The 13th Anniversary Arshi feista

Moodboard : Historical AU

Whispers of the Heart | Chapter 21

DISCLAIMER: The story is set in the early 20th century. While I have made efforts to capture the essence of the era, there may be inaccuracies as this is a work of fantasy. I do not own the characters Arnav and Khushi, and this story is purely fictional with no relation to any real individuals, living or dead. Any resemblance to actual persons or events is purely coincidental.

WARNING: 18+, MATURE CONTENT

Chapter 21

The next few months brought a hectic change to Khushi's life. As their return to India was delayed, she finally enrolled for her last semester at the University of London. Living in a foreign country was one thing, but attending university with people from different cultures was a completely different experience altogether. Though the experience was terrifying at times, it was also profoundly wholesome.

She also met two of her best friends, whom she would cherish for the rest of her life. They would become her partners in establishing the charitable foundation "Little Happiness" which she would build later in her life from scratch. They would also be the first people, besides Arnav, to read the first draft of her debut book, actually almost every book, she would write in future.

One of them, Nithin Kingsley, "Hamari dost hume pyaar se NK bulate hain"-that's his words, not Khushi's, was someone she met in the neighbourhood actually. NK was Devyani Ji's grandson, the son of her daughter who lived in Spain. NK wanted to visit India, so he came to see his grandmother to refine his Hindi. During his stay, Nani Ji, Khushi, and NK embarked on a hilarious journey to sharpen NK's Hindi skills. Through their amusing and sometimes chaotic attempts, NK and Khushi formed an unlikely friendship that lasted a lifetime.

And the other best friend she met, was in university through the extracurricular society she had reluctantly signed up for to earn extra credits. She chose the literary society, driven by her lifelong aspiration to become a writer. The members were divided into groups of ten, each tasked with staging a play in collaboration with the theatrical society. Her group was assigned the play "Romeo and Juliet" by William Shakespeare.

It was during the preparation for the play that she met Lalita Kensington. Lalita was the leader of the team, barking orders at everyone. She appointed Khushi with the duty of setting up the fairy lights on the stage to set up the right mood for the actors. Somehow, unbeknownst to anyone, Khushi got entangled in the fairy lights, which were accidentally switched on. From that moment, the team started calling her "Chamkili" to tease her. One day, when Lalita called her by that name, Khushi stood up to her and said she didn't like being called 'Chamkili'.

That day, after wrapping up their dialogue writing class for the literary society, Lalita offered Khushi a bar of chocolate and a dazzling smile.

"Hello, my name is Lalita Kensington. My friends affectionately call me 'La.' You can call me that too," Lalita said, extending a hand to Khushi. "I am sorry I called you 'Chamkili' earlier."

"It's okay," Khushi chuckled, offering her a friendly smile. "Hi, my name is Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada. People affectionately call me Khushi."

"Wow, you have such a long name. But why did you laugh? Are you making fun of my name?" Lalita asked scrunching her eyebrows.

"No, no. Your name reminded me of my neighbour. He talks like you, actually. His name is Nithin Kingsley, but people affectionately called him NK." They both shared a gleeful laugh.

"Is he cute?"

And that's how their banter began, becoming seemingly unstoppable whenever these two friends got together. They bonded over their shared love for literature and food. And Khushi found a precious friendship she had never expected. So it was very surreal for Khushi when the two best friends of hers met and formed an instant connection.

It was her 20th birthday. Nani Ji and NK had planned a surprise for her. Nani Ji baked a cake and came to visit her in the afternoon. Khushi was so happy. She made jalebis and rabri for her birthday and offered them to Nani Ji and NK. As she was making tea for them, the doorbell rang.

"Khushi ji, chinta mat kijiye. Main dekhta hoon," NK's voice filtered through the kitchen.

As NK opened the door, it felt as though time had slowed down. He came face to face with a girl who made his heart almost stop beating as he stared at her without blinking even once.

"Hello," Lalita said, waving a hand in front of him.

"Hi," he murmured breathlessly.

"Who are you? Where's Khushi?"

"Main Khushi ji ka beiman hu."

"Aap Khushi ka kya hain?" she said, doing a double take.

"Beiman, you know, guest."

"Beiman nahi, mehman hota hain."

"Aap Indian ho?"

"Half-Indian. Meri ma Indian hain, dad British."

"Mera bhi. Actually my mom is half-Indian and dad British."

As Khushi approached the front door, she found NK staring foolishly at her best friend with heart-eyes.

Lalita asked Khushi lowly, "Who's this cartoon?"

"La, this is my neighbour I told you about, remember? La, meet Nithin Kingsley, aka NK."

"Hi, I am NK. Aur aapki takleef?"

"What?" Lalita rolled her eyes and added, "Takleef nahi, tareef hota hai. I am La, I mean Lalita Kensington."

"Aap meri dil ki baat kitni achi tarah se jaanti hain, Lalita ji."

Khushi saw Lalita roll her eyes at him again, but a small smile ghosted her lips as he gazed at her with stars in his eyes. Over the next few weeks, NK talked her head off by alternately talking about Lalita and how much he would miss Khushi when she leaves London next month.

"Lalita ji kitni nice hai na, I mean unka face, unki aankhein, unki baal, unki naazuk haath, sab kuch..sab kuch...kitna... kitna nice hai na.....Aur lalita ji jab bathein karti hain....oh..oh..hoo..wow, ese lagta hain ke jese ki saari duniya geyi jhaar mein."

"Hmm."

"Khushi ji, aap agle mahine chale jayenge, hum aapko bohot miss karenge."

"NK, I'll give you my address. Come visit me when you come to India."

The remaining time before going back to India was spent preparing and saying goodbyes. It was a bittersweet moment for Khushi. As for Arnav, he didn't form any emotional attachment to the city, but Khushi had a feeling that she would miss it somehow. She would always hold dear the moments, good or bad, that she spent in this city. She would miss Devyani Ji, NK, and La. She would always miss the cottage that had seen so many of their moments and had been with them through thick and thin. She would also remember the bitter moments, as those had taught her to be better in life.

"Do you need any help wearing that saree? " Arnav asked from the doorway of their room, with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"NO, absolutely not. don't come near me," Khushi said rapidly shaking her head. "I don't want to be late for this party."

"Come on, let me help. You're obviously struggling over there," Arnav said, moving closer. "See, this part is sticking out." He tugged at a loose part of her saree from her waist, causing the fabric to unravel completely.

"Arnav!!!!!" Khushi whined, stomping her feet.

Arnav raised his hands in a sign of surrender and flopped down on the bed, hugging a pillow.

"Since when did you make so many best friends? Now you want to go to a girl's birthday party you met six months ago instead of spending this Sunday evening with your husband. I thought I was your best friend," he said, sulking a little.

Khushi let go of the saree and carefully draped it over the back of a chair in the corner of their room, and went to him.

"You are my ultimate best friend," she said, kissing his cheek. "And you will come with me too. When I can attend La's birthday again, only God knows."

"No, I don't want to be at a girly party. I'll drop you off and then pick you up," he said broodily. "Don't you have NK to accompany you, by the way?"

"Come on, Arnav, kya aap hamare liye itna bhi nahi kar sakte?" she said, messily kissing him all over his face.

"Gimme some more, then I'll think about it," Arnav mumbled with a faint smile at the corner of his lips.

Khushi started kissing his face with renewed enthusiasm. "Please, Arnav... please... please...please," she punctuated each word with a kiss.

Laughing out loud, Arnav rolled them over, bringing her body beneath his as he captured her lips.

"Don't make me late," Khushi whispered against his lips.

"It's not late Khushi. It's called fashionablely late," he said deepening the kiss.

It was her graduation day. As Khushi stood at the crossroads, where one chapter ended and another began, she looked back at her life and couldn't help but feel a deep swell of pride for the journey that had brought her to this moment. She wasn't supposed to be here-by all accounts, the path that led to this grand hall in London, dressed in her cap and gown, was one she was never meant to walk. Yet here she was, standing among her peers, experiencing the culmination of her dreams in this prestigious graduation ceremony.

As Khushi approached the stage to collect her degree, her eyes instinctively sought out Arnav in the crowd. He was beaming at her, pride shining unmistakably in his eyes, a look that warmed her heart and steadied her nerves. Beside him, NK and La were clapping and cheering loudly, their excitement echoing through the grand hall. Their support wrapped around her like a comforting embrace, filling her with a sense of belonging and accomplishment as she prepared to take the final step in this remarkable journey.

Lavanya paced the length of her dimly lit study, the soft light of the antique lamp casting long shadows on the walls. Her gaze fell upon the framed photographs of her youth scattered on the desk. The faces of her friends, her late mother, and a younger, more carefree Lavanya stared back at her. She sighed, her reflection in the polished wood of the desk a reminder of the person she used to be.

She thought about her mother, who had passed away when she was just twelve. A profound sadness washed over her as she wondered if her mother would be proud of the person she had become-resentful, vindictive, and delusional. The answer, she realized, was no. Her mother would not be proud.

For the past ten years, Lavanya had navigated life largely on her own. Her father's absenteeism had been compensated with expensive gifts and empty promises. He would often say, "Lavanya, you can have anything you want, dear." She grew up believing that she could indeed have everything she desired, and she did. She gained a myriad of material possessions and excelled in academic proficiency, yet there was one thing she couldn't have-HIM.

Her childhood friends, Pam and Sim, often told her, "Lavanya, you are so beautiful. You can have anyone worshipping the ground you walk on." Yet, despite their reassurances and the suitors who pursued her, Lavanya had eyes only for Arnav. He possessed an elusive quality that enchanted her, a quality so captivating that she failed to see she was building a castle in the clouds.

Arnav's words rang true. "It's but a shadow and a thought that you love." He was right. She had convinced herself that she loved him and envisioned a future together, yet she knew so little about him. She did not know about his dreams, his fears, what made him tick and all the things that mattered to him at all, nothing. In her obsession with Arnav, she had turned her own life into a distorted reflection of what she thought love should be. Her fixation had not only clouded her judgment but had also caused pain to someone who had been entirely innocent in this process.

Lavanya gave the driver meticulous directions to her destination. With a deep breath, she stepped out of the car. Her heart pounded with anxiety, as she had no idea how she would react.

As she approached the house, Lavanya saw her through the window, curled up with a book. She drew a deep breath, steadying her shaking hands before knocking, a small bouquet of white tulips clutched nervously in her hand.

Khushi answered after a moment, her eyes widening in surprise at the sight of Lavanya standing on the doorstep. The tension in the air was palpable, but Lavanya offered a tentative smile. "Hi," she began, her voice softer, "I hope I'm not intruding."

Khushi hesitated, then stepped back to allow her inside. "What brings you here?"

"I came to talk," Lavanya said, holding out the tulips with a nervous smile. "I brought these for you. I know it's not much, but I wanted to bring something."

Khushi accepted the flowers with a hesitant hand, unsure of Lavanya's intent. "Thank you."

They settled in the cozy living room, the warm glow of the fireplace contrasting sharply with the chill Lavanya felt. Lavanya kept wriggling her fingers.

"Would you like some tea?" Khushi asked politely. She had no intention to be in her presence longer than absolutely necessary.

"Sure."

As they sipped their tea wordlessly, an awkward silence fell over them.

"I don't know where to begin," Lavanya started, her voice trembling. "I've come to apologize to you....for how I behaved, for the things I said...... I know I've hurt you immensely with my actions." She paused, licking her dry lips, "...and I am truly sorry for that."

Khushi looked at her, dumbfounded, not expecting the apology at all. "I don't know, Mrs. Kashyap," she said slowly. "What do you expect me to say?"

"You don't have to say anything. I'm being selfish here once again actually. I just need to say 'sorry' to you before you go back to India," Lavanya added. "I know you don't need my apology, but I am truly sorry."

"I'll take my leave now," Lavanya said, standing up. "If possible, please forgive me."

Khushi looked at her retreating form with a wistful expression on her face. it felt like drawing an end to a specific chapter of her life.

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@featheredclover @arshifiesta @phuljari @chutkiandchotte @msbhagirathi @jalebi-weds-bluetooth

[jalebi-weds-bluetooth]

ArShi TS: Open Secret [2/3]

Word Count: ~2000 words

Prompt by @ruminationsofaraven​

What if all the secrets are revealed during the Holi segment? Can you write about the dynamic shift in the characters and how this would affect the Raizada parivaar in this phase of their lives.

Read part 1

Shyam had intended to color Khushi all along. If only Arnav hadn’t come in between… but for how long? What if the next time Arnav wasn’t around? Then? 

The thought sobered Payal up more than the lemon pickles. Them hiding Shyam’s true colors was a mistake. That man had no intention of changing, his disgust on Khushi being married was evident and so was his desperation to get to Khushi one way or the other.

Oh what had they done! For Payal’s marriage they had all put Khushi’s safety at stake. What if Khushi wasn’t married into the family, what if he had blackmailed Khushi to ensure the safety of Payal’s marriage? 

Khushi’s marriage, more of an elopement, was a blessing in disguise because Payal’s marriage to Akash had just been the leverage Shyam could have used against the Guptas. Especially Khushi.

No, Akash had to know the truth. 

Payal composed herself and head to her bedroom to find a stony faced Akash, a devastated Nani and an enraged Manohar. 

What was going on? 

– – – – – – – – – – –

“What is going on!” Manohar yelled, quieting Manorama with his rare rage as the rest of the family flinched in the living room. Shyam sweated profusely, Khushi blinked in confusion and Arnav was just sobering up. 

“Mama ji-” Shyam began but Manohar stopped him in his place with a look. 

What the hell… 

Anjali sat next to Khushi, holding her hand tightly. Khushi’s attention was diverted to the quivering pregnant woman. 

“Bitwa, please calm down. Anjali bitiya-” Nani began, trying to reign in her son’s temper. Anjali was expecting and she was of faint heart. God forbid if she followed her mother’s footsteps then Devyani would have no will to live at all. 

“How long has this been going on?” Akash asked Shyam, his anger barely in check. When Shyam feigned innocence, Akash rolled his eyes and took Khushi’s phone from Mama ji. 

“Di, I’m really sorry. But you should read the texts that your husband sends out to your sister in law.” Arnav stood up, realizing Akash had figured out what he had. He grabbed the phone from Akash’s hands, stopping him from handing it over to Anjali.

Anjali wouldn’t be able to bear the truth. 

“Akash, leave it.” Arnav warned. Akash froze, Arnav knew. 

“Bhai… how can I leave it? The whole house has a right to know, especially Di-” Shyam paled at the conflict between the cousins. Shit. They knew. But how much? And what perspective? 

If Akash thought what Arnav thought, then Khushi and Payal would be kicked out from the house and everything would work in his favor. 

But Anjali looked strangely calm. Perhaps she wouldn’t believe her cousins. Shyam formulated a plan, he would beg for forgiveness and talk about the way Khushi came onto him. That’s how the Gupta sisters are. Payal grabbed Akash at the first chance and when Khushi couldn’t get Arnav, she and her family latched onto the very married Shyam. 

This would make perfect sense. 

And Garima would never speak to the family - he knew it by her fear of Payal’s broken wedding! 

Anjali stood up and grabbed the phone from her brothers, reading aloud the text message from Shyam. 

“Dear Khushi ji, it’s time to bury the hatchet at this wonderful festival, isn’t it? I miss you, and I still love you. Trust me, Rani Saheba means nothing to me. Yours, Shyam” Anjali’s voice shook. Khushi panicked, disgusted at the text message. She should’ve never given the man another chance. Rather, she should have buried him alive the minute she had got to know the truth. 

He wouldn’t stop. He never would. It was her biggest mistake to have kept it quiet for the sake of Payal’s marriage. But speaking of Payal, where was she? 

Arnav yanked Khushi by the arms, his eyes bloodshot in rage. 

“How dare you-”

“Chote!” Anjali pulled Khushi away from Arnav’s grip - which left bruises on Khushi’s arms, as always. 

“Di?” Arnav asked in disbelief. 

“This is a lie…” She pointed to the text, “or half of the truth. We don’t know everything. I’m sure there’s a misunderstanding.” Anjali begged her brother. 

Oh Anjali and her false hopes.

“Exactly Rani Saheba, this is not what you think it is.” Shyam, finally, opened his mouth. The whole family glared at him except Anjali. Phew, that meant his lottery ticket still believed in him. 

“No Di, I know her. She’s a disgusting gold digger woman with no character-” Khushi stared at Arnav in disbelief. That is what he thought about her? Is that why he married her? But what about their heartbeats? How was he able to give her so much happiness and so much pain at once? The ground slipped beyond her feet as vicious, vile words spilled out of Arnav’s mouth. 

“Bhai-”, “Bitwa-” Akash and Manohar tried to stop Arnav but in fail. 

“ENOUGH!” Payal screamed, her family in tow. 

This was worse than she had imagined. Akash, Manohar and Devyani gave her a chance to tell the truth and she rushed home to bring back Garima and Madhumati to corroborate their version of events. But all they walked into was Khushi’s character assassination. 

How did this happen? It was Shyam who sinned, correct? 

“You’re happy hiding the truth na Amma?” Payal accused Garima, tears pricking her eyes. Madhumati on the hand just stormed off into the living room, her blood pressure rising through the roof. 

Shyam remained quiet, the situation was incredibly volatile and he needed to assess everyone’s tonality before he could give a fitting reply to save his place. But his demeanor slipped looking at Madhumati raging like a bull towards him. 

She paused, switching glares between him and Arnav. Interesting, who would she hit first? By the looks of it… Arnav was the target. 

Instead she grabbed Khushi’s wrist and pulled her away. 

“What are you doing?” Devyani asked. 

“Well this house does not respect my niece, so I’m taking her away from here.” Madhumati announced, pulling a frozen Khushi along.

“Respectwa? Hello hi bye bye, since when have we started respecting these kind of women?” Manorama sneered. 

“Enough!” Payal snapped, tearfully she looked at Akash, “Akash, when I thought you, Papa ji and Dadi ji gave me a chance to bring my family along I thought you were giving the truth a chance. But I see you’ve all already laid judgment - especially jethji.” Arnav frowned. 

“There is no other truth, Payal,” Arnav warned her, holding his sister tight. 

“How do you know that Arnav?” Arnav stiffened as Anjali’s soft, yet firm voice broke through the tension. 

“How do you know everything?” Anjali whispered.

“Exactly saale sahab-” Shyam agreed, “No one’s talking to you Shyam ji,” Anjali said, freezing Shyam. What did that mean? Did Anjali know the truth? How? 

“All you have is Shyam ji telling he loves Khushi, what do you know about what she feels?” Anjali questioned. Arnav balked at his sister’s calm questioning. Where was the anger? Where was the rage? This was her life!

“I’ve not seen anyone ask Khushi what the truth is.” Anjali left Arnav and held Khushi. Madhumati let her go, stunned that out of all people to show rationality it was Anjali. 

“What is the truth Khushi ji, tell me? You’ve already tried telling me once, haina?” Khushi finally broke out of her thoughts, staring at Anjali in confusion. 

Anjali smiled amidst her tears, holding Khushi’s cheeks gingerly, “It’s ok, this time I wouldn’t pretend to fear for my husband’s life.” The whole house fell quiet as Khushi broke into sobs, hugging the other woman tightly. 

– – – – – – – – – –

Anjali had laughed at everyone when they learned Khushi’s fiance was Shyam too. But the laughter quickly faded when she saw the ring on Khushi’s hand to be exceedingly similar to Shyam’s taste and the engagement ring he had selected for Anjali. 

Or when Motilal met Anjali again, laughing how Shyam was buying two rings for Anjali - he must be making up for a crime! 

Anjali’s suspicions solidified when the day she formally introduced Shyam and Khushi, Khushi’s engagement broke and she had come over the next day, tearfully trying to tell her the truth.

She thought all was well with Shyam paying attention to her, Arnav and Khushi’s growing attraction to each other, and Shyam’s joy over her safety when she returned from the accident. 

But one look at Holi and she knew her husband hadn’t stopped chasing Khushi, in fact he had only grown bolder, more dangerous. 

– – – – – – 

The house was quiet as Khushi was done with her version of events - from Lucknow to Delhi. 

“She’s lying!” Shyam cried, but this time Madhumati held his wrist in a menacing grip to let this man escape. 

“Lying? We have the whole of Lakshminagar to confirm your dalliance in our house!” Payal seethed. Garima closed her eyes, the errors of her judgment clear.  

“Hello hi bye bye, actions so down yet voice so louds?” Manorama scoffed at Shyam. Unbelievable! Any emotion, any tears, anything she felt for her beloved damaad disappeared in an instant. Manohar consoled the distraught Devyani but Manorama sought strength from Anjali’s strength. 

If her darling niece didn’t break down from the truth - she would not either. She slipped away from the crowd, calling her police contacts to file an FIR for everything Shyam had done. Attempted bigamy to stalking, siphoning funds off Anjali’s account to continuous harassment of Khushi.

Someone over here had to be practical.

“If you had only asked me,” Khushi asked Arnav, distraught that he hadn’t even liked her enough to ask. Not even asked. He had simply believed the worst of her in the blink of an eye. 

And even if he had believed the truth, did he think he had no right to yell at her? To demand her side of the story? To demand justifications for what all they felt? 

“So everyone knew some part of the truth anyways?” Akash laughed bitterly, settling on the sofa. Arnav could not respond, his heart soaring at the thought that Khushi was innocent but his mind calculating the damage of his actions. 

“And nobody, nobody told me.” Akash sighed. Payal reached out to him, attempting to hold his hand but he shrugged it off.

“You know Payal, I understand Bhai not telling me because if I heard only his version of events I might have not been able to marry you. I get it that he tried to preserve our family as much as he could. I understand Di not telling me because she herself was not sure if what she suspected was true or not. But you? Your family? You all literally did not tell me the truth just so you could marry me?” Akash was hurt, that despite all of his mother’s warnings that the Guptas would like to secure this marriage - a part of her was right. 

“Nahi Bitwa, Payal already had a broken marriage-” Garima began but Akash raised his hand, unable to hear anything else. 

“I know she had, and to be honest I’d understand if you had hidden that from me. But a truth concerning my sister’s wellbeing? I mean don’t tell me you all actually thought Di would be happy with Shyam-” Akash questioned the Guptas, their shame faces telling everything. 

Shyam, meanwhile, had nothing apart from silence to offer. The family spoke as if he didn’t exist, and pretended to not see when the police picked him up and carried him off to jail. This was the heights?! His yells to Anjali, curses to the Raizadas and threats to the Guptas only helped the police further to lock him up. Manorama only bid him a happy bye bye from the doorway. 

“I’m sorry Di,” Khushi whispered, tears streaming down her cheeks. Anjali had not left Khushi’s side at all. She had played complicit to Khushi’s harassment. 

“It’s ok, you’re young. People make mistakes,” Anjali paused and looked at a stricken Arnav, “don’t they?” 

Arnav swayed on his feet, collapsing by Anjali and unable to meet Khushi’s eyes. 

What had he done? 

“You are right Akash. My family acted purely out of selfishness for my marriage to happen. As such I have violated the sanctity of truth of our marriage.” Payal whispered, wiping her tears away. 

“Hence, the only way to repair this, is for me to walk out of your life.”

A/N: Finally I've updated this! Last part left! Let me know how you think this would transpire???

[phati-sari]

Hey PS! Hope you're having a good winter holiday so far! My question is, do you think as the show went on Nani and Mami's relationship got better? This sort of struck me during Shyam's first reveal; Mami cried in Nani's lap, and this seemed so far removed from the sort of tension they had more towards the beginning of the show. Thanks!

Hi hi!

I am having a great holiday, but I have to point out that it’s summer here, not winter hahaha :)

I think it absolutely got better. I agree – in the beginning, there was a lot of negativity and intolerance on both sides, and it sort of mellowed into a fond exasperation by the end. I think it’s great because Mami had to endure 25+ years of mistreatment in that household before things started to get better!

[arnavsinghraizada]

Devyani Raizada: the early days 

[fragmanwebtr]

Bir Garip Aşk 78. bölüm fragmanı yayınlandı!

Khushi’nin yanlış anlamaları yüzünden Madhumati’nin ağır bir hastalık geçirdiği sanılmaktadır. Gerçekleri öğrenen Khushi ise başkalarının öğrenmemesi için elinden geleni yapar.

Anjali’yi ikna etmeye çalışan Arnav ona Khushi ile yaptığı evliliğin asıl amacını anlatır. Akash ve Payal ise yeniden eski mutlu günlerine geri dönme kararı alır. Bir yanlış anlaşılma sonucu Madhumati’nin hastalandığını sanan Raizada ailesi çok endişelidir. Arnav’ı Gupta ailesinin evine bırakan Arnav ve Madhumati’nin durumunu sormak için aileyi arıyan Devyani olağan dışı bir şeyler olduğunu fark ederler. Eve doktor götüren Arnav gerçekleri öğrenebilecek mi?

Bir Garip Aşk 78. bölümüyle 08 Şubat Çarşamba akşamı saat 21.15’te Kanal 7’de!

[phati-sari]

Nani: You're very mature for your age.

Khushi: Thanks, it's the trauma.

[phati-sari]

Hello PS! Just wanted to hear your opinion after watching “Honton Pe Tera Naam” from the film Jwar Bhata that stars Dharmendra and another special someone!!

Hello :)

Ha, I’ll bet you this is about Jayshree T.

*googles*

Hahaha, yup! Jayshree T is the hot item girl we all deserve! She’s amazing, I have a lot of respect for her and her craft. She’s actually the reason I began watching IPKKND in the first place!

I mean, at one point you couldn’t wave a stick without seeing her on your screen … which is why I’m glad they incorporated a love of dance and kathak into Nani’s character in IPKKND.

‘Hoton Pe Tera Naam’ sort of gives me newly-married Nani and Nana vibes. I imagine she was the outgoing one in their dynamic haha.

[jalebi-weds-bluetooth]

Hello! Hope your week has been well. I’ve just watched the show for the first time but unfortunately my Hindi is a little weaker than I would like so I’m not sure if this has been covered on the show or maybe in your asks? I’m sorry if this is a repeat question. I was just wondering if we know about the Raizada family specifically, in terms of whether they’re meant to have generational wealth/is the house ancestral or if Arnav built it. Arnav is “self made” but I’m not sure whether we’re meant to understand the Raizadas as independently wealthy or if the wealth we see is all due to AR doing well as a company. For other Gul shows I’ve noticed class differences are shown thru dialect but Nani seems to be speaking the same dialect as the Guptas so is hard for me to tell. Thank you!

Hello there!

Welcome to Jalebi Weds Bluetooth <3 I love your ask!

I do think I have answered something regarding this but there's never been an in depth answer to this so I'm glad I can think about this!

LONG ANSWER ALERT

Regarding The Raizada's Wealth

Arnav comes from generational wealth from both sides of his family. The Maliks and the Raizadas are incredibly wealthy. I'd say the Raizadas wealth comes from textiles and land. There's nothing concrete here but in Anjali's party Mama-ji does refer to old clients and there seems to be discussion of land, mills in the little business conversations we have in the show.

We know Arnav and Anjali have no wealth from the Maliks' end as Arnav's uncle fraudulently claimed all assets after his brother's death and squandered that away. And I guess by the time Devyani (Nani) brought the kids to her place, the Raizadas were suffering financially as well.

The Raizadas were rich, rich enough to send both the kids - Akash and Arnav - abroad for education (I assume Akash went as well). Harvard is an expensive university - even if we consider Arnav and Akash got scholarship for their degrees.

So I think with the failing wealth of the Raizadas, Arnav probably set up his business idea early on - leaning into the textile background of the Raizadas - and capitalized on that by making a high end fashion brand. And we also know that Mami sold all her jewelry to back Arnav's idea. I'd assume he started thinking of this when he was 18-19. I also feel Arnav never had a childhood after the death of his parents and was very much invested in establishing financial security with the Raizadas ever since he was a teen.

Every memory Arnav brings up of childhood are of days before his parents died, even the ones with Nani and Akash and in the earlier episodes Akash often stated in subtle ways that Arnav grew up very quickly.

So, in the show, Arnav re-establishes the economic status of the family (the Raizadas have always maintained a social status, they never quite disappeared like the Maliks). Arnav only strengthens the social status even further.

Shantivan is a new house. I'd assume the previous Raizada properties were either as a guarantee for loans, sold off or are much smaller compared to what Arnav built for his family.

In the show it is stated several times that Shantivan is Arnav's house (that he bought it) and in lieu of that he is the pseudo head of the family. Which is why Arnav's approval matters so much. And it is also incredibly interesting to watch the struggle Arnav-Nani have at the beginning for she's morally the head of the house, but financially Arnav is.

Also one thing I firmly believe is right in the beginning of the show Arnav is riding on newly found success. He's almost like a young lion who has tasted his first blood. Unlike Shivaay from Ishqbaaz, Arnav's arrogance and fixation with money and status doesn't stem from generational pride and elitism. It stems from financial and social insecurity. His hatred towards conniving middle class people is a direct repercussion of the people he's had to deal with and his own uncle.

Yes, Arnav has never been poor to get to the streets.

But he has faced his assets being stripped away, his family giving up all their money for his education and business idea, and an insecurity over everyone's financial future.

No wonder he was pushed to ensure his family just doesn't get rich, but filthy rich for seven generations.

He is a self made man. Yes he had resources, contacts, backup - but let's simply say that if Arnav didn't exist then the Raizadas wouldn't be having the financial status they had today.

So yes, every sign of wealth we see today is due to Arnav and the empire he built. I think it's very clever how he incorporated his family's textile business.

It's a pity the show really didn't explore this part because it's fascinating! (And Arnav should've been 28 because 26 is an unachievable age for this! If he was a tech guy I'd get it!)

Coming to dialect, I think all the elders in the Raizada household have a strong Lucknowi/UP accent - which is similar to what all the Gupta elders have. While Anjali doesn't have an accent, her Hindi shows her to be very well educated and well versed with the language. She doesn't switch much to English and actually has an incredibly polished Hindi.

Arnav and Akash, Arnav especially, have a very 'returned from abroad' accent that speaks for itself. You know these kids didn't just study at an excellent private school, they definitely went abroad. However, their Hindi is clear enough for you to know that they were raised in India for a significant time.

Also you made an interesting observation about all the elders having similar accents regardless of status. And I think we could factor in what influences accent. I don't think the Raizadas interacted much with foreigners, and learned Hindi in Lucknow - hence the strong Lucknow/UP accent. Definitely they're well versed with English, but prefer not to use it. So since they're usually speaking Hindi - we see their accents. Mamiji tries really hard to speak English because of her fixation with status but we know it works quite the opposite!

Since they all speak Hindi and were very much in their Lucknowi roots, we can see a strong overlap between the way they speak and the Guptas!

The class difference is understandable in the difference of the younger generations' accents. There's hell and heaven difference between Arnav and Khushi's accents. Arnav's Hindi was originally much stronger in the show (in fact there was quite a bit of Urdu there), but he definitely doesn't have the fluency Khushi has (he struggles to read complicated words) whereas Khushi's English has a thick accent and she struggles to speak it fluently (I guess because she had none to speak that language with, you can notice her English get better as she spends time with Arnav because she absorbs a lot with him). Just through dialogues alone you can sense the difference in status between Arnav-Khushi.

However that's not the case with Akash and Payal. Akash has a stronger grip in Hindi and Payal has a stronger grip in English that makes it audio-wise impossible to understand their class difference. Which probably explains how and why their class difference didn't come into the way of them falling in love. It was so easy.

And the Raizadas and Guptas not having a dialect barrier explains why they gel together so well.

Also in other Gul shows it is established that the ML family is established in a metropolitan city for ages which is why their Hindi is incredibly posh while the FL family's dialect is influenced by their locality.

And what's most interesting is that the class difference between the Raizadas and Guptas isn't in their accent but in their vocabulary. Devyani's language is more commanding, direct, polished. She's like "sab ke sab kahaan marr gaye, waqt se aage mat jayiye" - a lot of polished, wise metaphors.

Buaji/Madhumati is like "Sasur ki naati, naas piti, haye re Nandkisore" - phrases that an elite family simply won't utter!

Last thing I love about the language in the show is how Arnav gets better in speaking, wording his emotions over time (especially in Hindi, he usually reverts to English when he's very passionate) and how Khushi absorbs his vocabulary, accent and tone (ugh talk about Sanaya's FANTASTIC acting).

Ok I had A LOT OF FUN WITH THIS.

I hope I made sense?

Best,

JWB

[jalebi-weds-bluetooth]

IPKKND OS: To Years & Laughs

Holi at Shantivan was a grand affair. From a noisy household with four generations under a roof to loud music, colors and a mouth watering buffet set by the lovely Mrs. Raizada.

Not the Mrs. Raizada who religiously attended satsangs, nor the Mrs. Raizada who was loyal to her Bollywood themed kitty parties, nor the fresh from America NRI Mrs. Raizada who held an air of grace and a besotted husband beside her.

No, it was the jovial Mrs. Raizada who was instantly written off by the elites for being loud, opinionated, stubborn, steadfast, witty, charismatic and openly critical of the socio economic status of the city. It didn't help that Mrs. Raizada was stunning as well.

And what had started as a loud party where none of the elites wanted an invite to, turned into a media and fan favorite affair where none of the elites were ever invited. So, despite all the money and jewels thrown by the snobby neighbors, Shantivan had the grandest Holi celebration in town.

"We are betters than everyone Saasuma! These page 3 articles about our parties are only written because they’re jealous of our perfect phamily!" Manorama huffed, throwing the paper aside. Devyani laughed at her daughter-in-law’s antics. They were far from perfect - but with Khushi and Payal’s blessed entry in their household, Devyani realized that walking with the time was the way to sustain the family and be with the new generations. 

“Arrey what are you all doing here?” Speaking of the new generation, Aarav quickly touched Devyani’s feet and ushered the family to a corner. 

“There is time for Phati-,” Aarav raised an eyebrow at Manorama, “humara matbal Khushi bitiya to be here.” It was eight o’clock. In any minute, Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada would leave the kitchen - after supervising all the food to be laid out for the festival - and go to her bedroom.

And it was the only day Arnav Singh Raizada slept in - hence there was no obstacle in coloring Khushi from head to toe. Last time the Razada brood (Khushi’s Aarav, Kairav and Kainaat, follower by Payal’s Kushal and Anjali’s Ratna and Maan) thought it was an excellent idea to throw colors in the kitchen.

With a thousand sweets getting contaminated and thrown in the bin, the kids didn’t venture near any kitchen for a year.

“Khushi bhabhi, relax. The food will be perfect. You take some rest - there’s still a few hours until the party.” Hari Prakash smile, unaware of the turmoil his dearest Khushi bhabhi was facing. One of the upsides of Arnav indulging her to do anything on Holi was that she spent the next seven years terrorizing everything with pranks, bhaang and colors.

On the downside, she was the number one target of getting colored first thing in the morning. Even Aarav, who was on the quieter side like his father, chose to wake up early in the morning to plan with the rest of the family in pranking her.

Two years ago Khushi was shocked to her bone when Aarav walked up to her in a white kurta - haye her beta was so handsome! - and touched her feet, wishing her a happy Holi. Tears rolled down her cheeks as he called her Amma - otherwise Angrez Ki Bete preferred Mum. 

That should’ve been an indication that something was up his sleeve.

But never to judge her own child, Khushi was lured by Aarav and his sanskaar right into the middle of the garden where she was greeted by three buckets of colored water.

“Bura na mano Holi hai!” All her traitors grinned.

Since then Khushi had realized that on Holi no one was family - especially one’s own family! And out of all the days her Laad Governor found the perfect day to sleep in. Otherwise no one could touch him - and in lieu - touch her!

The Raizada family, though, had one strict rule. If anyone genuinely said ‘no’ to colors and loud music - that was to be respected. It was Payal’s attempt of teaching and establishing boundaries to the younger generation that finally exonerated Arnav from loud noise.

Not that he needed a rule, one glare and all the kids - including NK - would run away.

Think Khushi! Try to spot the family! Khushi had cultivated her Arnav Antenna - or Nannav Network (as NK put it) - into the Raizada Roundup. After two consecutive failures she could finally sense where all the sixteen members of her family were.

Hmph! Nani-ji was being extra devotional to Devi Maiyya. But if you look at her eyes then they constantly looked sideways - so much for a morning prayer. Thus, the temple was eliminated.

Behind the sofas there were the K’s of the Raizada - Kairaav, Kainaat and Kushal. Haye the babies grew up so fast! So couldn’t they realize she could see their heads even from the kitchen? 

Aarav was tuned to the latest football match with Maan and Ratna by his side, but why were all of them sitting with one liter bottles? Amateurs. Khushi surveyed the living room, Mami was seated - staring into her makeup kit. When did that get twice the size and... why wasn’t Mami doing any touch upiya to her makeupiya! Even Lakshmi was conveniently roaming by the corridors - bleeping a ‘meeeee’ in warning.

NK hadn’t made his entry yet - thank God he and Lavanya were ten hours away from India - and Mama ji seems to be rehearsing something under his breath, a box of sweets in his hand. Could Khushi see a flicker of green in those laddies? BHANG! Payal and Akash made themselves useful at the dining table but she knew that with two steps Akash could clearly throw a water balloon aimed at her.

Khushi had seen her Jija-ji play basketball. Oh, that reminded her of her other Jija-ji. Aman Mother. Anjali and Aman were truly terrible actors as they tried to their smiles in between reading newspapers and entertaining the Guptas.

Now how could she run to her room before anyone? Every zone had an eye! 

Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada had only two rules for Holi. She would be the first to color everyone and the last to have bhang. Two, the great Arnav Singh Raizada would be the first to color her.

One could argue that Khushi could simply walk up to her family and state “Don’t color me, I want my husband to color me first!” But what a could a naturally bashful woman do if it led to incessant teasing by sixteen family members? Like her full name, her family was too big and enjoyed embarrassing her to bits - they still played clips from Akash and Payal’s wedding and begged for details of the fiery Teri-Meri. 

“I have to ask, how were you all so blind?” Aarav once commented, snickering as all the Raizadas and Guptas matched Khushi’s red blush for once. Even as a child Aarav saw the way his parents were enamored by each other. Something he hoped to have one day.

Khushi was stuck. Perhaps ten years gave her family the perfect training to corner her.

“Hey Devi Maiyya,” Khushi whispered and jogged in her spot. Every day she complained, religiously, when Arnav pulled her to join him for a run but today she realized how beneficial it was. Not that she’ll admit that to him. Honestly, she’d rather go for a job with Arnav than be ambushed by her family when she had nothing planned for them!

And there were other incentives when running with her husban- focus Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada!

Now was not the time to get distracted! It was time to invoke Devi Maiyya’s strength and make an impossible sprint from the kitchen to her room.

Taking a deep breath, she targeted the stairs, unaware of the fact that Maan had tied the end of Khushi’s white saree to a twelve foot long rope attached to a kitchen counter to give the family enough time to catch her!

“Hey Devi Maiyya, shakti dena!” Khushi prayed for the final time.

No one expected Khushi to literally run through the living room. Their faces turned from amusement to horror as her pallu tore, rope split and pulled her back causing Khushi to fall head first into the floor.

“MAA!” Aarav screamed, leaping from the sofa towards Khushi.

Except she never fell.

She was pulled right into the arms of Arnav Singh Raizada. Khushi’s eyes were screwed shut, hands clutches on his shirt, heart beating loudly. Arnav let out a hard breath, calming his own racing pulse.

“I’m fine,” Khushi said after a moment, reassuring their kids who visibly relaxed in relief.

A few minutes ago Arnav woke up from him sleep, sensing a tense Khushi. Of course, it was Holi. He did enjoy his family’s antics of attempting to color her first. As his Di often said “jaise ko taisa”, he loved hearing Khushi rant about how Nani and NK had planned something for her. He did have to remind her she was no less of a menace!

However, today he couldn’t fall back to sleep. Something bugged him.

He got up, brushed and headed downstairs. He let out a laugh at how concentrated his family was in color Khushi that none saw his coming downstairs!

That’s when he saw the rope tied to Khushi’s saree and her running across the hall.

Oh no.

“HOW MANY TIMES HAVE I TOLD YOU ALL TO PLAY IT SAFE? SHE WOULD’VE BROKEN HER HEAD!” Arnav yelled, a protected hand on her nape. The house quietened. Everyone shifted on their feet, unable to answer. 

“Kya zaroorat-”

“Arnav-ji,” Khushi broke out of his grasp and held his tensed face in her hands. His skin had turned hot in anger, his glare softening at her pleasing eyes.

“Please don’t yell. How would they know I’d turn into a P. T. Usha?” Khushi smiled, caressing his stubbled cheeks.

“Don’t try to be funny,” Arnav snapped, “and how many times have I told you to not run around the house? Tum ho ya bacche, nobody listens to me!” He scowled. Khushi grabbed his shoulders and gave him an affectionate squeeze. 

“We do listen to you Arnav-ji. Have I ever not heeded to what you’ve said?” Arnav raise dan eyebrow in response. Khushi cleared her throat, “I mean have I ever done anything intentionally to displease you?” At this Arnav folded his arms and glared at her. The audacity of this woman!

Khushi colored, knowing Arnav was on the verge of staring a list of things she did to displease him. She took his hands and attempted to mollify him. The Raizada stood rooted to the spot, not wanting to distract Arnav. Fortunately his attention was on Khushi, otherwise they would’ve been carrying their own funeral at this moment.

“Arnav-ji, I was just running to meet you soon.” Khushi batted her lashes.

“If you ran a little faster Khushi, you would’ve met your darling Devi Maiyya instead.” Arnav seethed and turned to stare at his family who was attempting to leave the scene.

“Where you do you think you’re all going? Tell me who did this!” Maan closed his eyes. His beloved Bade Mama was going to kill him and even his mum couldn’t save him. Here he was, unbeaten by the pandemic, about to die as a single sixteen years old man or be jailed for attempted murder of his dearest Badi Mami. 

He had thought he’d win the glory for the Mathurs by defeating Badi Mami. But who knew Badi Mami would instantly go ‘Lo Chali Main’ on all of them?!

Anjali and Aman looked at their son who had vocalized half of his thoughts out loud. Aarav stared at Maan in incredulity, his chappal ready in his hand, Buaji started muttering her ‘Hai Re Nandkisores’. 

“MAAN MATHUR-”

“-has grown so much, haina?” Khushi grabbed Arnav’s arm, saving her nephew from imminent danger. Maan ran and hid behind Anjali, knowing only his mother could save him. Arman twisted his ear as Maan whispered hushed sorries to everyone.

“Seriously Khushi?” Arnav sighed in frustration. Couldn’t she see how dangerous this could’ve been?

“Arnav-ji, we’ve all learned our lesson. Sacchi. Now please don’t be upset. It’s Holi!” She perked up.

“Toh kya main nachu? (So should I dance?)” Arnav glared. His nose flared as Khushi actually thought for a moment. 

“You should Arnav-ji! And in your bhang waala style. Baccha party, the only reason Laad-” khushi coughed, “-Arnav-ji doesn’t dance in public in Holi is because it introduces his 90s Bollywood B-grade hero avatar.” 

Khushi shrugged her shoulders and did pelvic thrusts. 

“What!” Arnav scoffed as the whole family burst into laughter.

“Poora boliye na! What the!” Khushi winked at him, raising her arms in the air and moving her shoulders left to right. Arnav couldn’t resist forming a small smile at her awkward dancing. Looks like his talents were limited to couple dancing. 

Khushi stopped as Arnav heaved an affectionate sigh and shook his head.

“Buaji, your niece is truly Sanka Devi.” Arnav said.

“Haan Nandkisore!” Buaji smiled, more in relief that her dearest but shot tempered damaad-ji had relaxed. The family dispersed and Maan gingerly approached the couple to receive a slight ear twisting and a whole lot of forgiveness from them.

Arnav and Khushi then headed to their room, her hand firmly locked in his.

“So have I successfully cajoled you?” Khushi asked, walking up the stairs with him.

“Why are you asking?” Arnav asked, taking each step carefully.

“Then we can play Holi together!” Khushi jumped, excited at the prospect of chasing him through the fields - or better him chasing her through the grounds. As Mama-ji had once commented, Arnav had started an opposite ritual where men literally ran behind their wives. 

“Stop jumping,” Only Khushi Kumari Gupta Singh Raizada could think of jumping on stairs right after being saved from a bad fall, “and Khushi, we have celebrated Holi together.” Arnav reminded her.

“Haan we have but this is our tenth year. I promise we won’t do anything you don't like. But I’d like to dance with you in front of the whole wide world.” Khushi proclaimed.

“Khushi, our parties have only selected invitees. So it won’t be the whole wide world. Also after the demo I’ve seen, I’ve sworn off dancing. I have no wish to be a 90s B-grade hero.” Arnav visibly shivered from the memory.

“B-grade hi sahi, you’re my hero.” Khushi whispered, giving him a small peck on the cheek. 

“Don’t try seducing me into this.” Arnav warned.

“Why, is it working?” Khushi trailed a hand up his chest. Arnav caught it, his gaze hooded with desire.

“Don’t start something you can’t finish Mrs. Raizada.” Arnav nipped on her earlobe. Khushi giggled, looking around for their family. Fortunately everyone was away.

“On the contrary Mr. Raizada, I’m knowing for finishing off rather well,” Khushi winked. Arnav’s eyes turned wide,

“Have you already had bhang Khushi?” Arnav chuckled.

“No, but I want to - with you - if you’re okay with it. Do you know how adorable you become? I still remember everything you told me ten years ago.” Khushi sighed, a soft smile playing on her lips. Arnav grew quiet, watching her face intently.

“You know, when I had asked-”

“Why does your heart beat fast when you’re near me? Why couldn’t you forget these feelings despite trying your best? That your tried to understand why it happened but you couldn't?” Arnav completed. Khushi stared at him in surprise. She hadn’t expected him to remember, word to word. 

Arnav drew her closer, resting her palms on his chest.

“And I told you that when we come close, then it’s not just your heart that’s beating fast. Mine beats just as fast too. Humari dhadkane-”

“-ek ho jaati hai.” A single tear of happiness rolled down Khushi’s eyes. Arnav frowned, brushing the stray tear with the pad of his thumb. Khushi sniffled and smiled, touched by his memory.

“Arnav, I…” Khushi sighed, she couldn’t find the right words to express the happiness she felt every time he reminded her that even in the worst days love had prevailed.

Despite not being one for regrets, Khushi found herself revisiting the moments. But upon recounting what she thought was a forgotten memory, a wound she didn’t even remember closed.

“I understand,” Arnav whispered, brushing his nose against hers. In his ten years of marriage there were only a few moments when he was surprised that Khushi was with him. The past, although peacefully asleep, would bother him once in a bluemoon.

He never doubted their love, not even for a second, but when Aarav would ask poignant moments about his parents’ lives - why was there a double wedding - or watch Aman and Anjali have a fuss free fairytale wedding, Arnav would look at Khushi’s happy eyes and wonder, how did it all work out?

Khushi looped an arm around his neck, closed her eyes and caressed his cheek. She could feel his dimple under her fingertips. She loved feeling his smile rather than seeing it.

“Alright then,” Arnav broke the hug, “to commemorate our ten years of Holi I’ll celebrate, drink and dance publicly.” Khushi jumped in the air and grabbed his wrist, “COME ON ARNAV-JI I HAVE TO GET YOUR SHIRT AND JEANS-”

“Khushi!” For a small woman her enthusiasm brought strange strength as she dragged him to their room and opened the door when a big bucket of water turned and splashed water on them.

“HAPPY HOLI KHUSHI-N-Nan-Nannav?” NK paled seeing who received his surprise. The Raizadas and Guptas quickly assembled and found NK hiding behind Lavanya.

“Arnav-ji,” Arnav snapped out of his shock and caught a reflection of him and Khushi in the mirror. They were soaked to the toe in green.

“This colour suits you too.” Khushi completed.

The Raizadas and Guptas nearly closed their ears but were caught off guard by Arnav’s laugh. 

A carefree, loud laugh.

This was going to be one of the best Holis. 

– – –

A/N: Hello lovelies, I had written this as a Holi OS for the Holi Celebration and thought why don’t I post it here? Enjoy this snippet of Raizadas in current times. 

Best, 

- JWB

[phati-sari]

What do you think of Arnav & Naniji's relationship? They argued a lot but they also had some fun scenes together, like when she's teasing him before the fancy dress competition, taking his keys, etc.

Hello :)

I think they were super close. Fighting doesn’t always mean a lack of love or respect or closeness and it obviously hurt both of them to be fighting.

Arnav tried to get over his dislike of small talk to converse with Nani, she’s the only person he really spoke to about the way he married Khushi, and he involved her when he wanted to win Khushi’s affections. I think her opinion matters in a way that no one else’s does for Arnav and he was relieved when Khushi was able to earn her forgiveness on Holi. I think it meant a lot to him that Nani approved of and accepted his wife.

Devyani obviously loved Arnav and wanted only good things for him. She was opinionated and assertive, but so was he! That was what made their fights even more heartbreaking – they were always fighting about the best ways to bring him happiness. They had different ideas for what his future held, and her ideas involved him settling down with Khushi or someone like Khushi. 

I think Nani understands Arnav in a way that even Anjali doesn’t. For example, she told Khushi that story about how he punishes himself when those around him are hurt. That, in my opinion, was more useful to Khushi than Anjali’s advice about how much he hates being doted on. Nani also understood what Arnav wanted to ask before he even said a word when they called a truce on Anjali and Shyam’s anniversary.

Their dynamic is interesting because Nani is elder of the household but Arnav is its head. He’s tries to reason with her and bring her over to his side but he’s obviously the final authority on anything concerning Shantivan. He didn’t even try to hide Lavanya from Nani – he thought it was a non-issue until Anjali convinced him that it wasn’t and even then he wanted to be upfront about it (ping @puranijeans).

So I think they had a great relationship, one that I loved seeing on the show :)

[phati-sari]

Hi. Is Arnav the heir of Raizada family or is it Akash? Thank you :)

Hello!

Probably Mama, as Devyani's only surviving child. The serial doesn't offer much information.

Thanks for asking :)

[jalebi-weds-bluetooth]

Hey S! What's up? How are you? Your unbelievable (pun intended :P) set is comical. I loved how A conveyed so many emotions through two phrases: 'what the' and 'unbelievable'. Since you have made an unbelievable gifset, what are your fave what the moments. I know there are a lot to choose from :D Also, happy women's day. Another ask that came to my mind- What traits do you most like and dislike in the IPK women? Love and Hugs- Rdx.

Hey Rdx, 

That lovely unbelievable gifset was a reblog! So all praise goes to @phati-sari for the unbelievable (pun intended) gifset. 

My favorite ‘what the’ moment (I don’t know if he said it) is when Shukla cries to him about being married and Arnav has no idea what would Shukla’s problem be if Arnav got married. I just love it! 

Traits I Like & Dislike About IPK Women

- Devyani Raizada: Really like her unfailing support to Khushi post marriage. Disliked her pressure towards Lavanya and Arnav for marriage - so maybe judgmental? Or the thing with age that she believes that she is always right. 

- Madhumati: LOVE how no one can stand in front of her, her strength is unparalleled. Do not like her attitude of bringing up the past in arguments. Such as never failing to remind Khushi she’s an orphan. 

- Manorama: Love how she can deal with snakes and is unapologetic about who she is. Did not like how she once takes a perspective about someone she takes forever to change about it, even if there are conflicting evidences. 

- Garima: I like how she’s sensitive (second half of the show). She would understand if Arnav truly didn’t mean to forget Khushi’s birthday or that he’s dropping by the Gupta house because Khushi is there. What I did not like is her favoritism towards Payal. She was very clear about Payal being her first priority.

- Anjali: I LOVED HER GENEROSITY AND HER INFINITE ABILITY TO LOVE. Her devotion is pure and strength is endless. I think it’s not about dislike but I think Anjali needs help in this that she likes to be in denial as long as she can. I firmly believe she had a hint of Shyam not being who he was, but refused to believe it - not that I blame her for it. 

- Lavanya: EVERYTHING. LA IS EVERYTHING. I really like how she’s adaptable, genuine, sincere, mature and understanding. The only thing I disliked is that I never saw her in the show again. 

- Payal: Loved her maturity, calm and logic. If expanded she could’ve been the only person to take Arnav down in an argument without raising her voice at all. I disliked Payal succumbing to the Raizada’s image of a perfect bahu. Not talking to Akash about her troubled marriage or even telling Akash he’s responsible for making the marriage work too. (She needed help). 

- Khushi: I love her ability to love, optimism and ability to forgive. She’s the person who will never let anyone go to bed with an argument happening. The few things I do dislike about her are her toxic positivity, letting intention override consequence.

Thanks for the fun ask!

[jalebi-weds-bluetooth]

Hey! I am drunk on your amazing gifsets and your detailed answers ♡♡♡ I was wondering who you would cast in an american/english versiln of IPK and a Turkish one? (If you watch turkush dizi!) Thankyou!!

Oh this is a difficult ask! I don’t have much idea about american/English actors but I’ll try my best! Also, I don’t watch Turkish shows (sorry!) so I won’t be able to answer the second half. 

Honestly the reason why this is difficult is because they casted excellent actors in the original version. So I’m trying to find people who can emote as well as the original cast did. 

Also do check out @tellywoodtrash‘s list - she answered this question some time back :D She has Lakshmi, yes Lakshmi, perfectly casted so I'm not touching that! 

I hope you like the following set below! The actors I have chosen are based on their acting capabilities as opposed to looking similar to original IPK characters :)

Adam Driver as Arnav Singh Raizada

Why: This actor aces simmering rage, anger, fear, pain, cries, loss, sadness, love and his eyes speak volumes. He. Can. Stare. Arnav is one of my favorite characters because he’s so beautifully essayed by Barun - that man can layer expressions like no one else. So in my eyes, another actor I’ve been completely enamored with off late for the same reason is Adam Driver!

Ana de Armas as Khushi Kumari Gupta

Why: Knives Out. Firstly, I have actually watched very few American/English things and so far Ana struck me as an actress who can toggle between innocence, vulnerability, steadfastness, strength, joy and be an absolute sunshine! Sanaya was brilliant as Khushi and I can see Ana’s variety coming on as strengths. 

Also, just the below scenes struck me as Khushi during a downpour :)

Yep. Rabba Ve Khushi, with that barely there touch and eye lock.

John Krasinki as Akash Raizada

Why: If Akash’s role ever expanded, we might have gotten a character that was steadfast, a bit shy, someone with dry humor and an antitheses to his cousin. John certainly masters the role of a character who can give quiet quips that can steal a scene! Anyone with the last line?- It’s actually him. Remember Akash’s dialogue “Now who’s this woman who dented Arnav’s mind instead of his car?” Yup - if that Akash was expanded - this is who I see :)

P.S: I would TOTALLY have loved to see Akash’s perspective of his brother falling in love and working with the ‘ASR’ (something tells me Akash takes his brother’s anger with a pinch of salt).

Gemma Chan as Payal Gupta

Why: I loved her in Crazy Rich Asians. I think she can nail the loves-everyone-and-is-highly-practical Payal brilliantly. Payal as a character is graceful, slightly shy in expressing her emotions until someone (ASR) pisses her off that she can launch and murder the person in front of her. She kills with kindness and logic though. The whole sequence between Astrid and her useless husband in Crazy Rich Asians gave me BIG vibes of how Payal - if extended - could be as a character. 

Natalie Portman as Anjali Jha/Raizada

Why: Anjali, in my eyes is the epitome of beauty, grace and perfection. She seems so delicate, but gorgeous. Her smile radiates the household and she is the pillar of the Raizada's. But when she breaks down, when her world comes tumbling down - it caves a hole deep enough to reach hell. There’s so much love, empathy, compassion and heart in Anjali that I see someone like Natalie fit the bill :) 

Oscar Isaac as Shyam Manohar Jha

Why: Here’s your handsome, intelligent, smart, diplomatic lawyer who suits up well enough to hide his intent and actions. Oscar can easily carry a character who oozes charm, wit and diplomacy with hidden motives. It’s easy to believe his smiles and deep eyes. Given Abhaas’s greatest strength was the simmering yet hidden sinister ideas, I would love to see Oscar play Shyam cause I think he’d do the character justice. 

Naomi Scott as Lavanya Kashyap

Why: Stunning, powerful, a bit suppressed but when given room to feel, she ultimately has a heart of gold. Lavanya as a character starts off as someone who’s a bit standoffish but is actually a bit naive, incredibly lovable, emotionally mature and has the heart of a sixteen years old! Which is why I always ship her with NK (who can love her with all his heart) and why I think Naomi balances childishness, maturity, naivety and power pretty well. 

Andy Samberg as Nandkishore/NK

Why: COMIC TIMING! He’s one of the best I’ve seen of late. And someone who can be charming, kind, obnoxious, silly but can steal your heart under your nose. Also, this one actor can swiftly switch between humor and something serious which is necessary for our adorable NK.

Dame Judi Dench as Nani/Devyani Raizada

Why: I’m taking a lead out of @tellywoodtrash​‘s list (do check it out!) because Dame Judi Dench would absolutely the role of a strict matriarch with a touch of softness in her heart. Also, Nani has some sass.

Catherine O’Hara as Manorama Raizada

Why: Watch Schitt’s Creek. THIS WOMAN WILL NAIL HELLO HI BYE BYE TO ITS BEST! PERIOD!

You know she’s gonna walk into Akash and Payal’s wedding wearing the below;

Also, we don’t see this much of this in the show but she would ace in the hate to I-love-my-bahu really well. 

Eugene Levy as Mahinder Raizada

Why: Supportive, kind, in love with Mami and kinda gives into her whims until it endangers the happiness of his son. Again, watch Schitt’s Creek. I will not separate this on screen chemistry - this is Mami Mama in reality!

BONUS:(Mama and Mami dancing)

And now to the rest of the Guptas,

Meryl Streep as Madhumati/Buaji

Why: Bua ji is dramatic, intense, extremely loving - so much so she kinda destroys Khushi’s life before learning how to become a better maternal figure to Khushi. Also, Bua-ji is plain hilarious. She might be hard to love but once we know her, we just love her. She’s an excellent, difficult character. If expanded, Bua-ji could’ve been one solid matriarch who would gladly kick Arnav for not just forgetting Khushi’s birthday but much more. Who better than the iconic Meryl Streep? Also... I can’t stop laughing at the ‘war’ of dancing between Catherine O’Hara and Meryl Streep - I’d die laughing.

Tom Hanks as Shashi Gupta and Laura Dern as Garima Gupta

Why: Again, I’m borrowing them from @tellywoodtrash​‘s amazing list because they’re just perfect that way. Tom Hanks would perfectly capture the wise Shashi and I think Laura Dern would totally kill the whole Garima-had-affair-with-Arnav’s-dad track. Also, in this version Shashi would recover from paralysis and we’d have a great track on that, as opposed to Mrs Ind- let’s not talk about it.

And OF COURSE AMAN WILL BE HERE. AMAN TO LOVE OUR ANJALI. THE SWEET HANDSOME, JUST FALL IN LOVE WITH HIM, INTELLIGENT PUDDING IS AMAN MATHUR-

Look! He has a ring ready!

Hello Henry Golding!

Phew! With that it’s an end to this - thanks for asking :) 

Much love, 

- JWB

[jalebi-weds-bluetooth]

TS: Farak/Difference [2/3]

Read Part 1

---

Four minutes and forty two seconds.

The time it took for his parents to argue and commit suicide.

Thirty hours.

The time it took for Khushi to faint from her internal bleeding, without anyone noticing.

She bled when she held his heart. She bled when they hugged. She bled when the family flung their discreet accusations and disappointments.

She bled when he blamed her for ruining Anjali’s life.

She bled when he called her the biggest mistake of his life.

And he hadn’t noticed.

Because much like her heart and mind, her injuries had been too deep for him to see.

---

Hemorrhagic shock due to rapid, delayed intra abdominal blood loss.

She was alive, barely.

Akash watched his wife take the news with unparalleled bravery. Her lips pressed tight, eyes glassy, but not a tear rolled down Payal’s cheek.

The same could not be said for the rest of his family.

Arnav had burst into a fit of rage and denial until he finally fell silent. Devyani slumped on the seat and started muttering prayers, her aged hands shaking with every utterance. NK sat by her, offering her the comfort a stunned Manorama couldn’t give. Yet, his clenched fists revealed his suppressed anger.

Payal remained frozen as the surgeon, Dr. Zayed, rattled off the rest of the things necessary for Khushi’s treatment. Blood transfusion, surgery. They needed a family member to sign the surgery consent form.

Arnav snatched it.

All operations and surgeries carry the risk of unsuccessful results, complications, injury or even death.

“What’s the success rate of this procedure? How can I sign this!” Arnav faltered, re-reading the terms and conditions.

“Bhai,”

“Akash, call Aman and gather the statistics of-” Stripped away from his anger, Arnav was desperate.

“Arnav ji,” Payal stopped him with a gentle touch on his shoulder, “Shayad Khushi might die during this operation but if we waste any more time, she will die.”

With a gentle determination, she took the consent form from him.

“And, please, get a checkup done.”

“Payal I am fine-”

“Khushi said the same.” Payal choked, “And if anything happens to you, I don’t think Khushi could take it.”

Akash’s pull did not have the power of Payal’s words. Arnav gave one last look at the ICU and headed down the hall. Dr. Zayed gave an understanding, sincere nod, and gestured to Payal to sign the consent form.    

“We’ll try our best,” Payal’s hand shook as she gave a watery smile to Dr. Zayed.

“Payal, I’ll handle-” Akash approached her and the doctor. She stepped away before his hand could touch hers.

“Doctor, aap hame bataiye, what else do we need.” Akash stilled, his hand mid air. Ever since Khushi had been hospitalized, Payal neither spoke, nor looked at Akash. Did she blame him? How was he at fault? How was anyone at fault!

“Does she have any blood relative?” Dr. Zayed asked.

“She has-” No one. A chilling reality swept across Payal, apart from Khushi’s aunt - Amma- Khushi had none she shared blood with. Any other tie was met with gratitude and a humble nudge of obligation. There was never a sharper reminder of Khushi being an orphan.

Unfortunately, Babuji’s words of heart bigger than blood didn’t matter.

“An aunt,” Akash frowned, it was the first time Payal referred to her mother as such.

“Do you know her blood group?”

“B negative.”

“I’m afraid Mrs. Raizada, she isn’t compatible. Is there anyone else in her family with-”

“She doesn’t have anybody,” Payal’s voice shook.

“Payal, yeh kya keh rahi ho, we are all there for her.” Akash interrupted, hurt by her thinly veiled accusation. Dr. Zayed kept to himself, not missing the strain in the couple before him.

“Mrs. Raizada, do you know anyone who has O positive or-”

“I’m O positive.” Payal cut in, expectation and hope springing in her eyes.

Dr. Zayed sighed in relief. They were in short of blood owing to the major accident that took place a few hours ago. He collected the form and quietly, with as much as fact and as little as false hopes, conveyed the truth of Khushi’s situation to her sister and brother-in-law.

“Mrs. Raizada, we’ll take a quick test for further compatibility and pregnancy, after which we can-” Dr. Zayed stopped at Payal’s stricken face.

“Pregnancy?” She asked. Akash turned to his wife in wonder, his heart pounding for the best news in the worst time.

“Yes it’s necessary as one cannot donate blood during pregnancy,” Dr. Zayed watched the woman who hadn’t cried at the news of her sister’s possible death, crumble in shock.

Akash crouched and placed his hands on her shaking knees. There were so many questions he needed to ask her. Payal remained rooted to her spot, her world collapsing in a moment.

“Mrs. Raizada, are you-”

“I might be, I don’t know…”

---

Positive

It was the best news of Akash’s life.

It was the worst for Payal’s.

She stared at the ICU. Khushi’s lifeless body was hooked to numerous tubes. The last time Khushi was this pale, she was an eight year old child pulled out of a car crash.

“Payal, we’re preg-” Akash choked, tears of happiness clogging his throat.

“She’s never asked anything from me. No earrings, bangles, sarees or dolls. She would even ask for a ladoo, making sure I wouldn’t want it so she could eat it.” Payal whispered, running her fingers on the glass door separating her and her sister.

“One time Akash, this was the one time she needed something from me and I couldn’t give it to her.”

“We will find the blood for her.” Akash’s smile fell when she stepped away from him, again.

“Payal this is not your mistake-”

“If not telling you and your sister the truth about Shyam was a mistake, so is this.” Payal brushed her tears aside. How could she have missed out on Khushi’s weakening health? What kind of an older sister was she?

“That’s something different Payal. You could’ve told me the truth. Khushi could’ve-”

“And so could Arnav ji. Bas farak iss baat ki hai, that you would never yell at him.” Akash stepped back, her words unmasking his hypocrisy and unfailing faith in his brother. He had known that if Bhai hid the truth, it was for a reason.

Why could it not apply to Payal and Khushi? And how could he question Bhai when he’d just been home from a kidnapping, scarred and traumatized?

With Khushi in the ICU, Akash realized that he no longer had the choice to ask questions to the only woman who had nothing but smiles for him.  

---

The doctor ruled Arnav a miracle for not sustaining any permanent injury given the nature of his injuries. Arnav walked out of the physician’s room, his head pounding at Devi Maiya’s cruelty.

He needed no reminding of her existence. Not when Khushi vowed he’d believe in her Devi Maiya in her absence.

Yet, he was blessed with every miracle possible.

Payal whirred by him, frantically punching keys in her cell. Akash remained slumped on the seat, distraught.

Distraught?

Arnav jogged up to Akash and nearly yanked him up from his seat.

“Bhai? Are you alright-”

“That doesn’t matter. What happened? Why are you…” Arnav paused, his heart hammering in fear. Khushi.

“Khushi, please tell me she’s not-”

“No Bhai,” Akash held his brother,  “But we’re falling short of blood. She’s O positive and so is Payal but Payal can’t donate because she’s-”

“What the fuck are the blood banks doing?” Arnav interrupted.

“There’s been a major accident nearby, the hospital is running low on blood.” Arnav kept quiet. There was only one decision left.

“Akash, you’ll look after the family right?” Akash was surprised at Arnav’s strange request.

“Of course Bhai, but-”

“Good. I trust you.” Arnav left to find Dr. Zayed.

---

“Mr. Raizada, we don’t allow this in most cases-”

“And this is an exception doctor. We’re short of blood and I’m in perfect health, your own doctors checked me. I’ve checked it with my assistant, you are allowed. I’ll make sure of it” Dr. Zayed battled his ethics as Arnav continued debating with him.

“Above all I’m O negative, a universal donor. If I can’t save my wife then… meri,” Arnav refused to complete the sentence. He grabbed Dr. Zayed’s hand.

“Please doctor.”

“Alright Mr. Raizada, but you will be under strict observation once your blood is further tested for compatibility.”

And again, much like the rest of Arnav’s life since Khushi, Devi Maiyya dropped another miracle on his lap. Arnav and Khushi were perfectly compatible.

---

The Raizadas panicked as Arnav was rushed into the room for a transfusion. Payal collapsed on the chair in relief, and Akash held her, his brother’s words finally dawned on him.

Devyani rolled the prayer beads in her hands, while Manorama remained uncharacteristically quiet. Both the women held the other for support. In supporting and caring for Anjali, they wondered what pushed them to take a stand against Khushi. When all in all it had been one man responsible for the events.

Shyam Manohar Jha.

It was easy to believe someone’s secret was responsible for their tragedy, rather than their own gullibility and lack of suspicion.

The last few words Khushi spoke to them floated in their minds and shame filled them. Yes, Khushi had committed a mistake but she was family.

And a family never counted the mistakes.  

NK bounced in with his group of friends, rushing them to the transfusion center. Akash was amazed at NK’s capability to bear a smile in these trying times.

---

“What’s there to not smile?” NK asked, piling up a tray of tea for the grieving family, “I know Khushi ji is going to be alright.”

“I hope you’re right. Today deserves to be a good day.” Nk nearly dropped the tea cups and engulfed Akash in a hug upon learning Payal’s pregnancy.

“But Payal, she’s-”

“-devastated.” NK completed, “How can a sister smile knowing the child in her didn’t allow her to save her sister?”

“NK, how’s Payal at fault? She couldn’t have predicted she would be pregnant right when Khushi needed blood.” Akash reasoned.

“Exactly Akash bhai. Khushi ji and Payal bhabhi too were at no fault for not sharing. There’s no way they could have predicted their silence would lead to this.” NK dropped his smiles, staring hard enough to unease Akash.

“NK, it’s different-”

“-It’s not.” NK cut in, his tone razor sharp, “Imagine if they told Di the truth on time  and unable to bear it, she would commit suicide.  Or if none of you believed their truth and cancelled your weddings - leaving Payal bhabhi abandoned at the altar yet again. Ya phir, the blame lies on Di and all of you for not sniffing out Shyam’s weird behaviors and excuses.”

NK sat down beside Akash, hoping the latter’s sensibilities helped.

“Payal bhabi blames herself for the same reason you all are blaming Khushi ji and Payal bhabhi. And in all this mess, it’s sad that no one gets it that if there’s anyone to blame - it’s Shyam.” NK seethed. Somehow, despite all the truths, Shyam had emerged victorious and had managed to break the family into pieces.

Akash groaned into his palms, his head hurting with all the truths. There was no reasoning in Shyam’s malicious words as he threatened Arnav for grabbing his collar.

A fear crept up Akash’s spine.

He only wished it didn’t take Payal’s grief, Khushi’s injury and Arnav’s panic for him to understand that Khushi and Payal were a part of the family.

---

Arnav lay on the bed, staring at his Khushi in remorse and agony. The regrets were too much to count, and he fervently thought against anything related to God.

“The day you believe in God, I won’t be next to you,” She huffed, the pain in her bandaged finger miniscule next to the words inflicted by him to her. Arnav had lost sleep since that night, breaking every nightmare with Khushi’s name on his lips.

He couldn’t apologize, nor cry. He just continued to stare, hoping she’d wake up one more time for him.

---

Read Part 3

---

A/N: Third part will be up soon. A big thank you to @ridzmystique​ for checking on this story and pushing me to complete Farak. Thank you for reading/liking.