PART 27

Rest of the day flew by in a jiffy.ASR barely had more than few moments to glance up from numerous legal documents,clues and alibis of potent suspects in Jayesh Waliya murder case.

There was stifling pressure to crack the notorious case at earliest possible.On top of that khushi's indifference frayed ASR's already tattered nerves,agitating him further.

All in all,it wasn't really an ideal day for him or for his team for that matter,who were being yelled at for no mistake of theirs so much so that they were in mortal dread!

ASR's spleen had its own share of good impacts along with bad ones.His mounting frustration drove him in a mad rush.

Not so surprisingly,as night grew darker and blanketed the bustling city in its blustery blackness and serenity the case was cracked!Media nearly went frenzied.It has to be a record of sorts!

It was a case of one-sided,crazy love.Ms.Shomita Bannerjee,Jayesh Waliya's childhood friend had killed him in a fit of impromptu rage when he had repeatedly denied her love for him.

''He didn't accept my love!I don't know what he saw in that hag of a wife of his! Even after doing so much for him,he wasn't ready to accept me.So,I killed him!'' Shomita shrieked callously in the interrogation room.

As khushi stared in the col-blooded murder in her eyes,a chill ran down her spine reminiscing something.

Inadvertently,she thought of Shyam......

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ACP Arnav Singh Raizada sat in his chair,absolutely whacked,his mind glued on khushi.

He still hadn't managed to break the ice between them and if he were honest with himself,he didn't know how to!He had hurt her,and he was unable to tackle it.

''Saab,your coffee.''Chandru kept the mug on the table and walked off towards the door.

''Chandru wait!''ASR stopped him.

He bit his lips uncertainly,but decided to come out with it.

''Ji saab?''Chandru queried.

''Umm did you see khushi?''ASR asked feigning non-chalance.

''Saab,khushi ma'am left for home just now.''

''What?''ASR asked and glanced at his watch.

It was beyond mid-night.

What the hell!Why is this girl not concerned about her safety?ASR thought furiously,rushing towards the elevator.

Khushi hailed an auto and was about to sit in it when she felt someone yank her back.She turned around to find herself face to face with ASR.

''Where are you going?''He growled,confusing khushi.For some unfathomable reason,he looked put off!

''I'm going home.''Khushi replied irritably.

''No you aren't.''ASR said coolly and warded the auto driver off,pulling khushi along with him.

''What are you doing?...Leave me!''Khushi struggled to free herself from his tight grip.

''Do you think I'll allow you to go on your own at this time of night huh?Its well beyond midnight for crying out loud.''

''Thanks for your concern,but I can manage....''Khushi began but was cut short by Akash who had just appeared from the huge,glass doorway.

''Bhai,what are you...?''he trailed off,seeing his bhai dragging an annoyed and struggling khushi abreast.

''Akash take out the car.We'll drop khushi first.''ASR said solemnly,effectively stopping any further prying.

PART 26

ACP Arnav singh Raizada was sitting in the confines of his spacious room.A motley of emotions coursing through him,but the dominant one being that of guilt, which was quite oxymoronic,considering it was him.Ever since he had heard Khushi and Akash's conversation in the canteen,he was considerably angey at his pigheadedness.

Khushi's hurt doe-eyes flashed before him,making his heart ache.He had hurt her for no mistake of hers!

But it was not just penitence at his unruly behaviour that occupied ASR's mind and heart,but outright rage.He simply wanted to strangle that guy Shyam for laying his eyes on khushi!

But before that he needed to ask for her forgiveness.ASR shifted in his seat uncomfortably.Never before had he apologised to anyone apart from his family and situation was bound to be awkward. 

Still he couldn't stand khushi's silence and wistfulness.She hadn't so much as glanced towards him,let alone talk since the morning encounter.The office seemed strangely monotonous without khushi's silvery laughter.He missed her craziness and was determined to get it back.

With conviction,ASR reached towards the door knob only to be brought up short by the shrill ring of the phone.

He picked up the phone irritably.It was a call for duty.

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''Khushi,if you're not comfortable with this then you can go out and get a bit of air.''ACP Arnav singh raizada said in quite mellowed down tone,inviting several raised eyebrows and unhinged mouths.

They were in the sprawling mansion of the great business tycoon,MR.Jayesh Waliya,who was currently lying in a pool of his own blood in his bedroom. His corpse was savagely mutilated and his hollow,rolled eyes were enough to give goosebumps to most toughest of officers.

ASR had noticed khushi's discomfort and found her making faces.He had immediately grabbed the opportunity to initiate small talks with her,trying to thaw her out,like a teenage school boy trying to impress his crush.That was so uncharacteristic!

''I'm absolutely fine,Sir!''Khushi replied,her voice aloof,not looking at him.

ASR's expression floundered a bit before he pulled on his nonchalant facade,now intensely aware of the stunned gazes of others.

Forensic team was all over the place,clicking pictures,searching for finger prints and other clues.

ASR spotted two glass on bed side cabinet and observed them carefully.They strongly smelled of wines.No doubt an exotic one!He searched every nook and crevice and barked orders at others,his mind racing,weighing every aspect. 

He quite literally forgot about khushi and her anger until she offered to go with Rohan,another fellow officer to interrogate the employees of Jayesh Waliya.

''Khushi you're staying with me!''he blurted without thinking.

Everyone looked up at him wonderingly and he internally kicked himself for his folly.

''I mean,with lavanya on leave we need to have a lady officer present here to question Mrs.Smriti waliya,hius wife.She'll reach here shortly.''ASR clarified.

His reason convinced everyone but not his brother who immediately saw through it.

Akash suppressed his smile,trying to keep his face straight.Love truly was all potent and puissant.......

PART 25

ASR saw her with another man,his mind was a perfect tangle of chaos.As far as he had heard about khushi from Akash when he had drilled their family about her,she had no brother even as cousin for that matter.Then who was this guy with her?Were they just friends or was he....was he her boyfriend?

ASR flinched away from the word even in his thoughts.It was unbearable.He was apoplectic with rage,blinded so much by his fury that he was unable to see the displeasure behind khushi's forced smile.

He saw the car roll out of the parking lot,digging daggers.

''Ms.Gupta!''he snarled,making khushi and Akash jump a foot in air.

Akash had seen the murderous expression on his brother's face,but unlike him,he had also noticed khushi's displeasure.He was sure that this was that guy Shyam,Payal was talking about,who irked khushi to no ends.But before he could intervene and save khushi from ASR's wrath,his impatient,possessive brother was already into action.

''Bhai...''

''You stay out of this Akash!I need to talk to Ms.Gupta!''ASR turned to her.

''Ms.Gupta what kind of nonsense did you hand me over yesterday?''he asked through gritted teeth,clenching and unclenching his fists to control his fury.

''Sir,what did I do?''Khushi asked bewildered.

''There's no need to act so innocent.You also know what you did.I asked you to give me a complete profile of all the suspects of Sindhya Vihar case and what I got was pure crap!Can't you do a single work with efficiency?But of course how will you do if you are busy fooling around and gallivanting with men!''he jeered at her.

The reports submitted by khushi were astute,but in the spur of the moment ASR could think of nothing else to admonish her.He needed to take frustration out of his system.He was very put off!

ASR glowered at the quivering,indignant figure in front of him and stalked off,ignoring  tears brimming in her eyes.

''Khushi,calm down.You're very well acquainted with bhai's anger.He didn't mean that.''Akash was soothing a very belligerent and hurt khushi.

They were sitting in a secluded corner of the canteen,away from the bedlam. Khushi was in a very bad mood since the morning encounter.

''What do you mean by he didn't mean that Akash?He insinuated on my character!''Khushi choked,a lump in her throat.

Akash sighed.He very well knew that his brother's harsh rebuke in the morening had been a testimony of his brother's love and possessiveness for khushi.His hideous past still had brunts on his life,making him very protective for his loved ones even if he didn't show and somehow miraculously he had fallen for khushi! But of course he couldn't tell khushi that!

So,he decided to channelise her thoughts to a different avenue altogether.

''Umm khushi was that guy Shyam?The one who seems to have a crush on you?''he asked hoping to distract her.

Khushi immediately scowled.

''Yeah he was the one.I don't know what's his problem!Why can't he leave me alone?And as if it weren't enough,buwaji keeps on hinting that he's the perfect match for me!I'm fed up of all this!''Khushi wailed.

Unaware as they were,they didn't know that there was another audience to khushi's outburst who now stood in the corner,burning in repentence.

 

PART 24

The following days passed by in a flourish.ASR gradually recuperated and was soon discharged.

Meanwhile the protracted period was quite irritating for khushi due to frequent popping up of Shyam.His visits started another round of heaping praises from buwaji,giving momentum to her thoughts of him being the perfect match for khushi,to the latter's great anoyance.

Khushi simply started avoiding Shyam.She didn't know why,but she got a strange skirmish feeling whenever he was around her.Still her attempts usually went in vain thanks to her buwaji's tenacity and more so Shyam's knack of sticking to her like a glue.

''Maa where are my shoes?''khushi yelled,running around the house with Payal at her heels,feeding her breakfast.

She had overslept and now was running late as a repercussion.

''Its there in the shoe rack!''Garima called from the kitchen.

''Khushi sit down and have your breakfast properly!''Shashi said,watching her run around the house collecting her things like  a maverick.

''Papa,I don't have time!That laadgovernor will bury me alive for being late!''she whimpered,walking around like a tornado.

''Hai rey nandkishore!This Sankadevi will surely bring the house down someday!''Buwaji muttered,clutching her head.

''Khushi chased down her breakfast with a glass of milk,making absurd faces,but quailing under her Mom's glare and rushed of to the door.

She wrenched the door open only to find herself looking at Shyam.

Damn!She cussed her fate.

''Good morning khushiji!''he greeted her rather cloyishly.

''Uh yeah Good morning!''Khushi replied unenthusiasticaly.

''Hai rey nandkishor!Are  Sankadevi you lifted the entire house on your head saying you were getting late,then why are you standing at the threshold,talking to......Are Shyam babua you!''Buwaji's face immediately changed.

''Why are you standing there at the door?Come inside....Are Parmeshwari move!''she pushed khushi pulling Shyam inside.

Shashi got up and came striding into the living room.

''Shyam?''He glanced at khushi's face.

''To what do I owe this early morning visit?''he asked politely,though he had little doubts.

He had noticed Shyam's extreme preoccupation with khushi and sensed her irk and anger at that.

''Nothing uncle!I was just passing by so I thought to drop here and meet you all.'' Shyam said with a smile.

Buwaji's face lit up.

''Maa,I'm going .....''Khushi began,trying to make her escape,but was cut short by Shyam.

''Khushiji are you going to office?I mean,I'll drop you.I'm going that way!''he offered.

''No thanks Shyamji!I can drive.''She blurted immediately,trying to hide her chagrin.

''Are why not?Shyam babua will drop you...You go with him!''Buwaji ordered.

''But buwaji....''

''Khushi go!''

''Come on khushiji!''Shyam smiled,opening the door for her.

Khushi stepped out in the buttery sunlight,fuming.She had no option....

ASR parked his car in the parking lot and advanced towards the escalators when he saw another car coming.

He stopped in his track and looked,his anger mounting with every passing second as he watched khushi with another man,smiling down at him.....

 

PART 23

''Hai rey Nandkishore,Surinder babua is so lucky to have such polite and obsequies cent son!That boy is one in a million.''Buwaji was continuously rambling about Shyam ever since they stepped out of the house.

Just in a matter of few hours,he had become buwaji's golden boy.She had been relentlessly gushing about him,especially in front of khushi to see whether she reciprocated the feelings that he had developed for her in first sight,but till now she had only been disappointed.

Buwaji's jabber about Shyam got on khushi's nerves,annoying her to no ends.

''Buwaji,stop singing ballads in his glory.We all have had it memorized by heart till now!''she said irritably.

''Oh Shut up Sankadevi!It won't get into your brain!I'm thinking about the girl whom he will marry.She will be the luckiest girl in the entire world!''Buwaji said pointedly.

Khushi blanched.She had no problems in recognizing what buwaji was insinuating at.

''Whatever!''she muttered and stalked off to her room in great dudgeon followed by Payal.

''Oho khushi don't be so upset.I know what's cooking in buwaji's mind but that's nothing to worry about.Nobody  will force you!''Payal tried to mollify her.

''Jiji,its not that!Its..I don't know,but that Shyam guy didn't appear to me as a neat one!''Khushi voiced her confusion,remembering the manic glint that had come in Shyam's unfathomable eyes when she had told him about her being a S.T.F. officer.

He was very keen to know the nuances of the drug racket that they were currently dealing with,though rather tactfully and inconspicuously to not to show his apparent interest.But he hadn't manged to fool khushi.

''Which crime thriller are you reading currently khushi?''Payal asked innocently.

''Jiji!''Khushi chided her,pouting her lips.

''Ok!But jokes apart,don't think about him.Who knows,maybe we won't even meet him ever?So,relax and go to sleep.You need rest khushi!''Payal said lovingly,pulling duvet over her sister and caressing her hairs gently.

Khushi wasn't gratified.A nagging voice in the back of her head kept whispering her doubts.

Thoroughly angry,khushi stared at the moon peeping from behind a  fleece of cloud until sleep took over her.

Her dreams were eclipsed by dark,vicious shadows......

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Far from the restless slumber of khushi,sat a man in a dark room watching T.V. He kept on replaying the news clipping.

''...speculations are doing round that drug peddlers were behind the attack on ACP Arnav Singh Raizada and officer khushi gupta.

As soon as khushi emerged out of the hospital,covered in blood and thoroughly exhausted followed by Akash,she was besieged by the paparazzi.

''Is this attack somehow connected to that drug racket ma'am?''

''What does the investigation say?''

''Who were the assailants?''

Media bombarded her with questions.

''We're probing into the matter and....''

But the man concentrated on her mellifluous voice instead of her words.There was a gentle fragility as well as a wild strength in her,which appealed  him.

He stared hungrily at the girl,imagining running his fingers through the silken mahogany of her hairs and cupping her cherubic face.

His spun webs of fantasy,smitten by her charm and tenacity.She was his type!

''Khushi,I'll make you mine!''he whispered.

His words hung ominously in the air.The nightmare was going to begin......

PART 22

ASR was staring out at the twilit grounds of the hospital.His thoughts a stark contrast of its beatific serenity.He was confused.

Nobody knew about the meeting except the some officers at top echelons.His doubts of infiltrations.

The enemy was vicious and fierce and was really desperate to finish him off.Last night had been an irrefutable testimony to that.Had it not been for khushi's selflessness and unparalleled bravery,he would have surely died.

She had put herself in mortal danger to save him.

He still remembered how she had supported him,encouraged him and had hugged him.He still remembered her warmth,her sweet smell clinging to him.

Her memories made him crave for her.ASR so very badly wanted khushi to be beside him.He missed her badly.

Lost in thought ASR didn't notice a nurse slip in and give him morphine.The medicine efficaciously triggered drowsiness.

ASR slept off dreaming of khushi.

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''Namaste bhabhiji!''Surinder Manohar Jha said folding his hand.

He was Shashi Gupta's childhood friend and an entrepreneur.A man in his early sixties,he was as monochromatic as anyone could be.He was formidable and quite eccentric.

''Namaste bhaisahab!Please come in!''Garima and Madhumati said politely,leading him in.

Surinder sat on the couch followed by a smartly dressed young man.

''Ah,he's my so Shyam.''

''Namaste !''he greeted them,touching their feet.

''Hi rey nandkishore,such a well-mannered and sweet boy!Have a long and happy life my dear child.''Buwaji was highly impressed with his decorum.

''Are payaliya,khushi just see who has come!''Buwaji called in her usual wail.

Payal and khushi came in and greeted them politely.

''Khushi what happened to you my child?''Surinder asked concernedly.

''Arey this parmeshwari is absolutely crazy!Keeps on jumping around here and there!''

''Buwaji!''khushi muttered embarrased,highly aware that Shyam was staring at her unblinkingly.

For some unknown reason she felt as if she were tainted.She somehow wanted to remove herself from his vicinity.

She wasn't the only one who had noticed this.Apparently buwaji too had noticed Shyam's gaze.She was happy to see that he had intrest in khushi.If only they were married!

What she didn't realize that the thing she thought was infatuation was actually a deadly obsession.....

PART 21

''Chote!''a frantic Anjali came running down the corridor,her eyes blurred with her ceaseless tears.

Khushi stood up from the couch.She was covered in bloodstains and her forehead,elbow and palms were heavily bandaged.

''Chote!''Anjali sobbed.Raizadas entered,close on her heels.

''He's in the Operation theater....Doctors are removing his bullet.He'll be all right!''she reassured Anjali.

This made Anjali and others notice her.

''Khushi!''Akash gasped.

''Khushi are you all right?''he asked anxiously,immediately rushing to her side.

''Of course Akash!I'm absolutely fine!''she soothed his anxiety.

Everyone's eyes teared up looking at her condition.They all had been so impatient to meet her,but they had never thought that they will meet her in such grave situation.

''How did this happen?..Who were they khushi?''Akash questioned her.

Khushi took a deep breath and began narrating the fateful incident.

When she finished,Anjali pulled her in a fierce hug not bothering about her bloodstained,dirty clothes.

''Thank you so much for saving my chote's life...I can't thank you enough!''she chocked.

''Our entire family owes you for saving our chote's life khushiji!''Armaan said gravely.

Khushi was embarrased.

''You don't have to thank me Anjaliji!In fact I should be grateful!Arnav sir saved my life.''she said earnestly.

Suddenly she swayed gently on the spot.Exertion finally taking toll on her en mass.

''Khushiji,you are dead on your feet!Akash drop her at her home,she needs rest!''Anjali said anxiously,holding khushi by her shoulders.

''No its Ok,really!I'll manage!''Khushi protested.

''No,bitiya,its not safe to travel so late in the night!Besides you are unwell...Akash will drop you!''Nani ordered,putting an effective end to the arguments.

''Yeah come khushi!''Akash held khushi by her elbow and gently supported her out of the infirmary.

A glorious dawn chased the blemishes of the previous night away.

ASR regained consciousness in the early hours to immense relief and joy of the Raizadas.

''Chote!Thank God you are safe!''Anjali sobbed,embracing him tenderly.

''You gave us  such a scare!''Armaan muttered,beaming down at him.

''Thank God khushi bitiya was there to...''

''Khushi!''her name triggered the previous night's memories ans ASR looked around,searching for her.

''Where is she?..How is she?''he asked anxiously.

Raizadas gaped at him fuddled.It was hard to believe he was the same condescending,rude ASR who never gave a damn about anyone but his family.

''She's at her home Bhai.''Akash answered.

 

''By the way Arnav bituwa,you being so anxious for a girl is literally a news for us!''Mama commented innocently.

ASR flushed.

''Oh its nothing!I just wanted to thank her.Had there been anyone else in her place,they would have made a run for your life,but she didn't leave my side even when I urged her to do so...She saved my life!''ASR said gratefully.

His family stared at him flummoxed.Khushi had altered ASR for good.....

PART 20

The next morning passed in a jiffy with khushi trying her best to avoid ASR not that she had to try too hard,given the pressure cooker condition they worked in and countless important cases thrown their way,they hardly got time to dwell on other matters.

It was evening when ASR found khushi sitting in the comference room,reading a file.

''Khushi,let's go!''ASR ordered.

''What?...Uh..Oh!Yeah!''Khushi stood up and followed ASR out of the office.Both of them unaware to the fact that a pair of malevolent eyes followed their departure with glee.

''Boss,he has started for Gurgaon with another officer khushi gupta.''Chandru informed in a hushed voice.

The chase had begun....

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''Why aren't there  any street lights on this road?''Khushi mused looking puzzled.

They were passing through a deserted road on their way back from Gurgaon.The meeting had gone well with several well-chalked strategies to nab the drug peddlers and tighten noose on the wide-spread social abomination.

The swath of the headlight of their car was the sole source of light cutting the velvety darkness.In the glare of headlight they suddenly spotted that several branches and heavy looking drums had been used to block the way.

''That's odd!What are these drums doing here?''Khushi frowned.

But ASR's mind raced.He had already sensed the danger.It was a very old trick to trap the prey in a snare.

''Khushi,hold on!''he commanded,maneuvering the car out from the blockage through a ditch on the side of the road.He jammed his foot on the accelerator,with khushi clutching on to the seat for dear life.

Suddenly a loud bang echoed in the surrounding and the car skidded wildly on the asaphalt,completely out of control.

ASR pressed the breaks hard trying to steer the car towards the roadside grooves of trees.

''Khushi jump out and dive into the woods as soon as the car stops!''he yelled frantically.

The car collided with a tree partially falling off the road into the thickets. The safety airbag inflated and precisely at the same time as if on cue several bullets hit the car,shattering the glass of windows.

''Khushi lie low!''ASR shrieked,opening the door and wriggling out,followed by khushi.

There were several shouts as men came running towards them,firing feverishly. ASR jerked khushi down on him,covering her body with his.

Khushi felt his body convulse and something warm and sticky trickled down her neck and legs.

With a dawning sense of horror she realized what it was.ASR was shot in a bid to protect khushi!

They rolled,darting in the gloomy woods immediately,leaving their assailants riddling the car like mavericks.Khushi panted with her efforts to pull an injured ASR along.She searched her pocket for her mobile and found it to be broken.

''Arnavji,do you have your mobile with you?''She asked frantically.

''No,I left it in the glove compartment of the car!''ASR gasped,leaning heavily on khushi.

He was shot in shoulder and leg.The constantly oozing blood and diabetes weakened him severely.

Khushi struggled with him on the rough path of woods,slipping and stumbling on the moss, injuring her elbows and knees,whispering encouragements to Arnav,not that he needed it.He was a tough man,tenacious to keep going!

Suddenly they heard cracking of twigs and footsteps as their assailants came running into the thickets searching for them.Khushi pulled ASR behind some dense bushes,constantly mumbling prayers.

The men came but nobody spotted their hideout and went away in other direction.

''Khushi you leave me and go....Cross these grooves and you'll catch the road.Don't risk your life for me....I'll be fine!''ASR's weak voice still had the authority.

''Do you think I'm so mean as to leave you in this condition and run away to save my life?I'm not afraid of death!I'm no coward!I'll get us out of these woods safe and sound.So there!''She growled indignantly.

ASR gaped at her in wonder.She considered running for her life,leaving him behind as a mean act!He had never come across a more selfless soul apart from his sister!

No one could be more feisty than khushi kumari gupta!

They had to struggle a couple of meters more before  luck smiled on them.The duo could clearly make out the hula-balloo of the bustling traffic and city light sifting through the trees.

Khushi dragged ASR along,quickening her pace.They both were drenched in perspiration and muck of the grooves.

The bustling city freeway had never  been so welcoming.Absolutely whacked khushi hailed an Auto and made ASR sit in it,who despite his wounds was remarkably conscious and vigilant.

She collapsed in the seat with tears pouring down her eyes and hugged ASR tightly as they raced away to the nearest hospital.

They were safe......

PART 19

Khushi was having an incredibly tedious day.She had spent the better part staring at the frothy canopy of her bed under hawk-eyed surveillance of her jiji and buwaji,who had taken to feed her tasteless porridge and khichdi the entire day so much so that she sincerely doubted that her spicy food addicted taste buds were damaged forever!

She yawned lazily,flippin g through the channels on T.V.

‘’Khushi bitiya!’’a soft voice called from the doorway.

‘’Maa!Papa!’’she squealed,jumping up from the bed.

She ran towards her parents and caught them in a tight bear hug.

Garima and Shashi Gupta staggered a bit under their missile of joy and embraced her lovingly.

Nobody could tell that they were her foster parents,by looking at the bond they shared.

Khushi was merely 6 years old when her parents-Garima’s sister and brother-in-law-had passed away.Since then Guptas had accepted khushi under their wings,loving her even more than their own daughter Payal.

‘’Khushi how are you?Jiji just now told me what happened last night.Are you hurt?’’Garima asked concernedly ,holding  khushi  by her shoulders.

‘’Maa,I’m absolutely fine!’’Khushi  replied patiently.

‘’See that’s why I was stopping you from joining the police force!Its simply not a girl’s job to run around catching goons.Bless your chief that he found you on time,otherwise God only knows what would’ve happened!’’Garima was hysterical.

‘’Maa please!’’Khushi didn’t like it when her mother’s prejudices spoke through her.

‘’Garimaji,calm down!Nothing can happen to our khushi.My daughter is strong enough to look after herself.Besides Devi Maiya’s blessing are with her.No one can so much as touch our khushi!’’Shashi said reasonably,a subtle tinge of pride in his voice.

‘’Yeah,what more can I speak now!You two will turn deaf ears just like always.You can’t understand the anxiety of a mother!’’Garima sobbed.

‘’Oho Maa,please don’t cry.Nothing is going to happen to me!You’re with me aren’t you?..Noe lets go and eat.Its good you came,otherwise I would’ve soon starved to death,thanks to your jiji and Payaliya!’’Khushi pouted ,hiding behind her mother to escape the evil glares of her jiji and buwaji.

Garima smiled.Her anger and fear dissipitating in thin air at the childishness of her daughter.

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‘’Chote,why aren’t you eating anything?Is everything Okay?’’Armaan asked,eyeing the almost untouched food of ASR.

Raizadas were having a sumptuous dinner,talking happily.Everyone looked up at ASR.

‘’Nothing important jijaji.Just thinking about an important case!’’ASR muttered.

‘’Oh!’’

Nobody looked convinced,but they didn’t ask anything.Instead they looked at Akash questioningly who smiled conspiratorially.

ASR finished his food half-heartedly and slouched off to his room.

‘’ Akash what’s wrong with chote?’’Anjali asked raising her eyebrow.

‘’Di,Khushi was on a leave today!’’Akash explained grinning from ear to ear.

His one-liner was enough to explain ASR’s spleen.

Arnav,tossed and turned on his bed restlessly,sleep miles away from him.Finally he gave up to his unsettling torment and picked up his phone.

Khushi was taken aback to see ASR’s name flashing on the screen.Trembling she answered the phone.

‘’Hello!’’there was no voice from the other end.

‘’Arnavji!’’she called uncertainly.

ASR’s heart swell with an inexplicable,unknown feeling as he heard his name from her mouth and the words tumbled out.

‘’Khushi how are you?’’

Khushi was thrown off guard.This was totally unexpected!

‘’I’m fine Sir!’’she aid softly.

The word ‘Sir’ snapped him into perspectives and reminded him who he was.

‘’Good,that means you don’t have an excuse to stay absent and loll around,wasting time in your house!We’ve a meeting with the Commissioner of Gurgaon tomorrow ,related to security of the place since it is one of the hotspots in this drug racket.I want you to come with me.So,I shall expect you tomorrow at 8 am sharp!’’

The line went dead.Khushi gaped at the phone in disbelief.

‘’Laadgovernor!’’she growled,her nose flaring.

ASR fell into a peaceful slumber with a smirk on his face.

 

 

 

 

PART 18

Gentle wind and merry chirrupings of the birds hailed khushi to a new dawn.She felt well-rested and sleepy,wanting to doze off again.Suddenly the night's incident came flooding in her groggy mind and she jumped on her bed,a faint blush creeping up her cheeks and neck.

She banged her head against Buwaji's who was bending over her to check on her and a piercing wail followed the collision.

''Hai rey Nand Kishore,have you gone mad Sankadevi?You cracked my skull!''

''S..sorry buwaji!''khushi whimpered,clutching her head.

''What happened?.....Khushi!''Payal came running in the room,looking alarmed. She swooped down on khushi nearly flattening her.

''Are you ok?Why did you scream?Is it hurting somewhere?What happened to your head?Why are you clutching it?Are you dizzy?Shall I call the doctor?Can't you take of yourself?I was so worried!''Words came tumbling from her mouth in a jumbled tangle as her anxious  queries dissolved into sobs.

''Arey Payaliya,got this Sankadevi's bug did you?At least let her take a breath!'' Buwaji interjected.

Payal's spanish inquisition had given khushi an idea to evade ASR.She didn't have the guts to face him,not after the previous night's embarrassing gaffe.

She immediately leaned against the bed post looking faint.

''Jiji,I'm feeling dizzy!''she whispered.

Payal and Buwaji panicked.

''Hai rey nandkishore,titaliya you lie down.Payaliya,you go and call the doctor and haan bring something to eat for her.My titaliya is looking so weak!''

''Ji buwaji.''

''Jiji will you please call Arnavji and tell him that I can't come today?''Khushi said.

''Of course khushi!You take rest!''

Payal hurried out of the room,leaving buwaji taking care of khushi.

Khushi inwardly commended her presence of mind and acting skills.

''Khushi you're a genius!You deserve to be cast opposite your Salman khan ji.You've made him so proud today!''

ASR saw khushi's name flashing in his mobile and his dampened spirit rose.

''Hello khushi!''he answered immediately,expecting her melodious chirping on the other end.

''Is this Arnavji?''

''Yes!''ASR frowned.

''I'm Payal,khushi's elder sister.Actually I called to inform you that khushi won't be able to come to the office today.She's giddy.''

''What?Oh of course!''his heart sank.

''Thank you!''

ASR kept his cell,his frustration mounting.He desperately wanted to see khushi. But how?He didn't know!

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A new peon was recruited in S.T.F. office.

'' Chandru ,you've to do your work efficiently.Lackadaisical attitude won't be tolerated at all!''The Canteen manager instructed the newcomer.

''Of course Sahab!I'll do my work with full dedication!''Chandru replied.

''Good!''

The manager walked off.

Chandru took out his mobile and dialled a number.

''Boss,I've reached.I'll keep an eye on everything and will get back to you soon!''

He snapped the phone shut and stared at ASR's cabin with a smirk.

He was determined to make the hunter hunted......

PART 17

''Phew,that was close!''Akash muttered shakily as he was helped to his feet by the passer by.

ASR had spotted the truck speeding and had warned Akash on time.They both jumped and escaped quite narrowly,nearly unscathed with just a few bruises.

ASR stood up,rubbing dust of his shirt.

''You were so lucky!''

''Yeah..these truck drivers have become a menace.''

''They drink and drive and take others with them too!''

''Your escape is no less than a miracle!''

People commented as they crowded around them,looking at the burning SUV.

''Thank God Bhai,you saw the damned vehicle,otherwise we would've turned into ashes!''Akash quipped,staring at the spectacle.

''It was no accident Akash.Someone deliberately tried to run us over!''ASR dropped the bomb,looking grave.

''What?B..but who?''Akash was shocked.

''I don't know,but I'll find it damn well soon!''ASR resolved,clenching his fists.

Registration number of the truck was sent to all the patrolling cars and checkposts of the city.They were instructed to clamp down on the truck and the driver as soon as it was spotted.

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''Boss,the accident was tremendous!I don't know how th..they escaped!''A man whimpered fearfully.

''You don't know!You good-for-nothing fool!''The boss screeched,slapping the man hard.

Others shuddered.Woe betide them!

They had failed to finish off ACP Arnav Singh Raizada!

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All the checkposts were given the registration number of the truck to clamp down as soon as it was spotted,but there was not a whiff.

In the evening a burnt truck was found abandoned in the deserted squares of the city......

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The vehicle registration officers informed that the truck belonged to Mr.Shyamal Jeeth Chaddha.Later probes revealed that it was stolen an year ago without a trace.

ASR's mood turned wan.His foe had till now proved to be one step ahead of him....

PART 16

''Anjali bitiya,where is chote?''Nani asked ,looking around for Arnav.

Raizada's were sitting together,having their breakfast.

''Nani,he's still asleep.I've already sent Hariprakash ji for waking him up.''

H.P descended the stairs dazedly,looking pale.

''Hello hi bye bye,ee lo,think of the denim and denim shall appear!''Mamiji began in her usual drawl.

Akash rolled her eyes.

''Its devil not denim Mom.''

''Haan,that only!''Mamiji muttered condescendingly.

''Arey H.P. what's wrong with you?Did you see a ghost?''Armaan chuckled looking at a befuddled H.P.

''No,jijaji,I saw Arnav bhaiya........He was.....he was s...smling!''H.P. said,his eyes wide.

There were several collective crash as vessels fell on the ground and broke,not that anyone noticed.

Everyone stared at H.P. with their mouths hanging open.

Akash was the first to come out of the initial shock.He stood up and went near H.P. and sniffed.

''Who asked you to get drunk so early in the morning?''Akash asked.

''Oho bhaiya ji,I swear I'm telling the truth.You can come and see yourself!''

Raizadas immediately scrambled out of the dining room to go to ASR's room.

''Unbelievable!''

''Armaanji pinch me!I can't believe this!My chote is smiling after so many years!''

''Hello hi bye bye miraclewa in the morning!''

''Khushi bitiya has changed chote so much in such a short time!''Nani said wiping her tears.

Akash and Armaan immediately took out their mobiles and began clicking pictures wildly,a wicked grin on their faces.

ASR sensed the movement and woke up with a start.

''What ?''

''Hello hi bye bye Arnav bituwa what nahi what the!You're romancing in your sleepwa!''

''What the!''ASR said groggily.

''Uh nothing chote.You get ready I'll send your breakfast to the room.''Anjali said as they hurried out of the room.

They didn't want to be caught by ASR....

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ASR was driving through the busy roads of Delhi expertly.

''Bhai,we've recovered drugs of worth rupees 50 crores since past week.Its the largest ever confiscated catch!Hopefully we'll.......''

Akash droned on but ASR didn't listen.His eyes were on a truck that was following them for quite a while at a cautious distance.

His instincts told him they were being followed.

He wasn't proved wrong.Moments later the truck suddenly gathered speed and hit the car.

The SUV rotated violently on the road and fell off sideways,hitting several other cars.

The SUV burst into flames.......

PART 15

A loud gun shot echoed in the room and the drug peddler fell on the ground, clutching his bloodied hand in which he held the syringe,doubled up with pain.

Rota of policemen thronged the place and within seconds culprits were overpowered and handcuffed.

ASR stood in the doorway,his gun aloft,his face cold and expressionless.

Khushi stared at him,utter relief flooding her already fogged mind.

''Arnavji!''she whispered faintly,trying to get up.She took a few wooden steps,feeling completely drained and drowsy,before everything swirled.

ASR caught before she fell on the ground and held her up tightly against him.

''Its Ok khushi.You're all right!''he shushed her softly.

She calmed down,feeling protected.

ASR turned towards the officers.

''Take these low-lives and arrest everyone who is present here.We need to take their blood samples to test for traces of drugs!Seal this place.''he barked.

''Yes sir!''The personnels filed out of the room with the goons.

Suddenly ASR felt someone rubbing his nose.He looked down startled,to see khushi frowning up at him.

''What are you doing?''

''Searching for him!''she replied,still not letting go of his nose.

''Whom?''he asked bewildered,looking positively alarmed.

''Anger ....everyone says that short tempered people have anger sitting on their nose!''Khushi answered patronizingly,as if confiding a big secret.

''What the!Have you gone mad?''ASR asked amazed.

Khushi dropped her hand looking miffed.

''Everyone says that I was born crazy and that I go crazier with every passing day!And now you too!''she whined.

Her childish rebuke brought a smile on ASR's lips.

Khushi stared at him mesmerized.

''Your smile is so sweet.Why don't you remain this way and switch into a rude, arrogant laadgovernor?...You look so cure when you smile!''she chirped,pulling his cheeks playfully.

ASR looked at her shocked.He was eternally feared for his ire and yet this slip of a girl had called him cute!Impossible!

''I think you've got lots of drugs in your system,you're going barmy!Let's get you to a doctor first.''he said,lifting her up effortlessly.

ASR himself was surprised at his action.He could've as well supported her to his car,but here he was cradling her in his arms.Yet it felt so right!She fit into him as perfectly as if it were made for her.

Lost in the spur of the moment ,ASR carried her to his car,keenly hearing her incessant blabbering.

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''How is she doctor?''ASR asked anxiously as soon as the doctor stepped out of the room.

''Don't worry Mr.Raizada,I've administered her with medicines and she's fine now.She is sleeping but will come round soon.You can take her home....Now excuse me.''

''Thanks!''ASR replied and darted in the room.
Khushi was lying on the bed,deeply asleep.She had a frown on her breathtaking face and her lips were slightly open.

ASR reached her quitely and smoothed her forehead.She relaxed at his touch and inclined her face in his rough hands completely.

He cuddled her face as gently as if she were as fragile as a petal of rose and lifted her in his arms,cuddling her like a child.He carefully strapped her to the passenger seat so that she was barely jostled and drove off,unable to tear his eyes from her face for barely more than a few seconds.

He had to drop her home.

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That night he barely slept.Khushi's face,her smile,her laughter flashed before him.Never before he had been so restless.

''You look so cute when you smile!''she chirped.

ASR  smiled remembering her words.He felt lighter,happier than he had ever felt in the 14 years since his life became colorless.

Just as the Sun lightened the horizon,he dozed off dreaming of khushi.His smile lingering on his face.

PART 14

''Those men there are the drug dealers.You've got to go to them under the pretext of buying drugs...I won't be far and cover you.As soon as they give you drugs,we'll nab them red-handed.''ASR conclude,nodding inconspicously towards the hulking figures of three troll-like men.

''What if they escape?I mean,we're outnumbered.''Khushi said eying the men appraisingly.

''No,they won't!I've posted officials of local police in civil dress.They don't have a prayer to escape!''he replied calmly.

''Now off you go and I don't want any mistakes!''

Khushi nodded determinedly and set off,making her way between the dancing crowd.Just as she was about to reach the men,someone patted on her shoulder.She turned around to see her friend Natasha standing in front of her with a surprised smile.

''My my from which direction dis the Sun rise today?Khushi kumari gupta is in a night club!Got time away from your beloved S.T.F did you?''She asked.

Khushi blanched,hoping fiercely that the men hadn't heard.

ASR stared at her frustrated.Khushi was wasting his precious time,talking to that girl.

''What the!This girl is having her cozy,little chit-chat,abandoning the mission!''

He saw one of the men whisper something in other's ear and he walked off nodding.ASR smelled the danger immediately and started towards khushi.

Suddenly the lights went off,enveloping the entire place in dark.Everyone stated fidgeting,calling for the management.ASR was stopped as several bodies closed together,buzzing like angry bees.

Few moments later lights flickered on and brought with it a nasty blow for ASR.

The men had vanished in thin air and so had khushi......

Khushi was dragged,gagged and smothered towards the gloomy insides of the club premise.She struggled hard but was  no match to the men's biceps.

The goons pulled her into a small,dingy room and threw her on a broken chair.

''You S.T.F. officers have a very bad habit of poking around here and there missy!''One of the men leered.

''Let me go!''Khushi said sternly.

''Of course we will...but not so soon.''the man whispered again grabbing khushi by her chin and bending towards her.

He took out a syringe from his jacket pocket.

''Do you know what it is?..It is Marijuana,the most potent of drugs!But of course you must be knowing that,after all you're a S.T.F. officer,shrewd and intelligent.Then you must also be knowing what its over dose does to the taker........It kills!''He sneered.

''Ralph!''he said.

To her horror,khushi felt her arm pricked and the effect was instantaneous.She felt light headed as stupor settled over her.The room seemed to revolve and took a sort of surreal impression for her.Drugs had a more debilitating effect on her nervous system as she had never been subjected to it before.

The men laughed manically and reached out once again to inject her.

The door banged open......

 

PART 13

People danced around in sync to the blaring music.ASR and khushi made their way through the dancing crowd.

''What are you doing?''ASR hissed as he saw her swaying gently.

''What do people come to night clubs for?We've got to look like other comers and for that we've to go with the flow....Do you want to join me?''she added after a pause,trying not to sound rude.

ASR rolled his eyes.The girl had the audacity to ask him to dance.That was a first!

''No,I don't dance!''

''Figures!''Khushi replied cheekily and sauntered away.

She started dancing,absolutely enthralled,lost in her own world.

ASR was frozen on the spot,robbed of strength or will to move so much as an inch,not even to blink.

She looked so tantalizing,yet so innocent.The red dress sticking to her soft body like another layer of skin,emphasizing her femininity and fragility.She appeared so delicate,like a rose petal.

Her eyes were shining,highlighting her happiness and her small lips were pulled up in an endearing smile.Though she was the most innocent girl he had ever met,yet her each move attracted him seductively to no ends.

He wanted nothing more than to hold her by her petite waist,to let her warm his being.

Khushi danced merrily,unaware of the havoc she wreaked on ASR.

Suddenly she felt someone tap on her shoulders.She turned to see a guy holding out his hand.

''Hi,I'm Anvesh!''he introduced himself with a friendly smile.

''Hello,I'm khushi.''She reciprocated,shaking hands with him.

''If you don't have any problem,then will you dance with me?''he asked gently.

Khushi bit her lip and appraised him.Anvesh looked like a decent,neat guy.

''Uh..Sure!''she smiled taking his hand,unaware that her small,friendly gesture boiled someone's blood.

ASR stood,glaring at the guy,clenching his fists.An unfamiliar madness took over him.He literally wanted to rip the guy apart from limb to limb for daring to touch khushi.

He gulped down a glass of Vodka in one go.It burnt his throat,fuelling his ire.

Khushi danced with the man,chatting with him.She found him to be a very funny, candid sort of person and immediately liked him.There was nothing he couldn't bend to make a joke of it.

He cracked a joke and she closed her eyes and giggled.

A vein in ASR's temple busted.He marched forward all guns blazing.

''Khushi!''he snarled,digging his nails in his palms to stop himself from ripping them apart physically.

Anvesh and khushi jumped.

''Can you step aside so that I can dance with her?''ASR growled,pulling khushi towards him without even bothering for reply.

Khushi was shocked.She opened her mouth to speak but closed it immediately at the look in his eyes.

Anvesh stepped away,sensing the danger.

''Sure buddy!Hope we meet again khushi!''he said politely.

''Sure Anvesh!''Khushi smiled apologetically.

ASR's ears went red hearing their pleasantries.

''So,you guys are on first name basis now?''He snapped as soon as Anvesh went away.

''What?No...it was just a casual acquaintance.I don't even know him!''Khushi explained not knowing why she did so.She didn't feel it right to let ASR have any misconceptions about her.

''Yeah...I could see that much!''ASR muttered darkly.

''Why does it matter so much to you?Why did you even bother?''Khushi asked curiously,his words ringing in her ears.

ASR hesitated,torn.His handsome features vulnerable.

''I don't know!''he whispered,their heart beats increasing.

ASR twirled her wordlessly,bringing her closer to him,tightening his grip.Possessiveness still coursed through his veins.He pulled her closer to his heart,a feeling of total contentment like he had never known before,swept over him.

Khushi relaxed in his embrace.She felt so warm,so protected like never before.She didn't want the moment to end,relishing it entirely.

ASR and khushi stared unblinkingly in each other's eyes as if seeing the very soul which craved for love and tenderness.

 Their moments of bliss came to an abrupt end by the shrill ring of ASR's phone.That brought them in the reality and they came out of their embrace,looking away embarrased.

They had a mission to accomplish.......