Just when Khushi and Arnav begin to taste the sweetness of love, a shadow lurks close… and this time, it won’t be easy to escape the storm.

-×-

Shantivan – Study Room – Midnight

The house had settled into quiet slumber. But not all hearts were at peace.

Shyam Manohar Jha paced inside Arnav’s study, his hands clenched into fists.

He had heard it—every word. Arnav’s confession. Khushi’s teary smile. Their midnight chai by the poolside.

Shyam (to himself, eyes burning):

“Nahi… Khushiji sirf meri ho sakti hai. Arnav ne mujhe zindagi bhar ke liye bewakoof banaya… par ab nahi.”

He picked up Arnav’s paperweight and slammed it back on the desk with venom.

-×-

Next Morning – Dining Room

The family had gathered for breakfast. Khushi walked in from the kitchen with a tray of piping hot aloo puri, her smile brighter than the sun.

Arnav glanced up from his phone. Their eyes met. A small, secret smile passed between them.

Anjali (cheerful):

“Khushiji, aaj toh breakfast bahut hi delicious lag raha hai!”

Mamiji (eyeing the food):

“Hello hi! Naya naya pyar aur nayi nayi mehnat!”

Khushi blushed furiously.

Shyam sat quietly, sipping his tea, his eyes on Arnav, his mind already weaving a new trap.

-×-

Later – Poolside – Afternoon

Khushi was sitting with her diary, sketching out ideas for a sweet shop. Arnav came up behind her.

Arnav:

“Business plan bana rahi ho?”

Khushi (smiling):

“Nahi, sapna likh rahi hoon. Apna mithai ghar.”

Arnav (kneeling beside her):

“Tumhara har sapna… ab mera hai.”

He kissed her forehead gently.

Just then, Shyam watched from the glass doors. His expression twisted into something dangerous.

-×-

That Night – Guest Room

Shyam barged into the room he used as a study and slammed the door.

He pulled out an envelope. Inside were photos—grainy shots of Arnav and Khushi at the poolside, in each other’s arms.

Shyam (smirking):

“Tum dono ne mujhe hataane ka socha? Ab dekho… main tumhari zindagi ka kya haal karta hoon.”

He picked up his phone and dialed a number.

Shyam:

“Haan, Rajiv. Tumne kaha tha na kisi ka raaz chhupana tumhara kaam hai? Mujhe kisi ka raaz khulwana hai.”

-×-

Meanwhile – Arnav's Bedroom

Khushi stood by the poolside window, brushing her hair. Arnav walked in, drying his hands.

Arnav:

“Tumhare liye kuch laaya hoon.”

Khushi (turning around):

“Kya?”

He handed her a tiny velvet box.

Khushi (opening it):

“Yeh… payal?”

Arnav (softly):

“Tumhare naam ki. Maine banwayi hai. Waqt aaya hai… sab kuch theek karne ka.”

Khushi:

“Sab kuch?”

Arnav:

“Shyam ka raaz. Anjali ki zindagi. Hamari shaadi. Sab kuch.”

Khushi looked at him, hope and fear dancing in her eyes.

Khushi:

“Aap taiyaar ho?”

Arnav (nodding):

“Main taiyaar hoon… sach bolne ke liye. Sabke saamne.”

Khushi stepped forward, holding his hand.

Khushi:

“Toh chaliye. Kal subah sab kuch badal jaayega.”

But little did they know—someone else was already planning to turn that morning into a nightmare.

-×-

To be continued…

Next Up: Chapter 23 – The Blackmail Begins

By

Muskan Tarway

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