Coerced Alliance: Chapter 7

Chapter 7

After the office scene, Khushi just ignored him completely. Some where she understood that her husband was actually just not hers. The person who doesn't even consider her his wife, why should she consider him her husband. Also it was not like she was head over heels for him. The way he treated her was harsh, but he just didn't know the truth yet, so she couldn't blame him. Also she didn't want him to ever find out.

This made her want to move on in her life. She started to concentrate on her studies. She spent more time with her friends as a free person. Her professors were very impressed with her. She was studying business management but in the fashion industry. Her eye to key detail was much appreciated amongst students. She started to become more independent.

However, she still completed her wife duties. She didn't want to somewhere but she knew that it was all due to Nani that she could study and be free. It was the freedom that she gave her, which made it her duty to somehow repay her back, even if that means being a wife to the man she hates.

-

Arnav on the other hand, tried talking to Khushi. He tried many times but all he got was ignorance from her side. He knew he was wrong and wanted to correct it. At some level, he also feared that Khushi will tell Nani or simply ask him for a divorce, but none of that actually happened. Every day, he could see her taking out his clothes, his wallet, making sure his breakfast was served, making sure his lunch was delivered, with his medicines and when he came home, he found the dinner on the table but never her. She used to sleep on the recliner every day. She was most of the time asleep before he came back home. He missed her presence.

For hours at night, he would just stare at her face, seeing the frown on her face, or hear her muttering sweet nothings like jalebis or gol gapes. Her serene face, put in him in peace.

Weeks passed by...but their distances were getting bigger and bigger. He now realised that this was for the best. She hated him now and kept out of his way and he made sure that he would stay late in office and leave early in the mornings so he could give her the space she wanted.

-

It was two months now since their marriage. Arnav woke up early and went straight into Nani's room. He knocked on the door and only went when she said come in.

Nani..how are you? Said Arnav. Spending time with his Nani was one of Arnav's favourite hobbies. She was a lady who has always been there for him, she has been a guide throughout his life. One of the reasons he respected her so much is because she looked after AR Corporations after his parents died and she made sure that Anjali, Akash and him had a shelter when the world was against him. She held herself with so much poise and elegance that no other lady can match. It was his Nani that he loved and would do anything for even if it meant marrying someone and she was the only woman apart from Anjali that Arnav Singh Raizada had respect for.

Good Morning Arnav bete, I am fine! You were very late last night? Everything alright? Asked a concerned Nani.

Ofcourse Nani...everything is fine...but just clearing a lot of back-log and you know what happens when I am not in office...

Hmm...I understand bete..but you must remember that you are married now and you have another responsibility which is Khushi...you need to look after her and make sure that you can meet her needs. Waise how was your dinner last night?

Alright...why? It was alright as usual, just as HP makes it...

Yes...beta...but the food yesterday was made by your darling wife not HP as he wasn't in and she even waited for you and didn't have her food. She is the perfect bahu! The moment I saw her I knew that she would be perfect for you!

Oh so thats why she was taunting me last night! he thought angrily.

Why wasn't HP in yesterday?

HP isn't in because his wife is in hospital and is very ill so he has taken a day off...

Hmm...okay!

And Arnav can you please try and be early, as I like to have my dinner with all of my family and when you come late, you don't let us wait for you!

That's because I don't want to all to tire yourself and with you Nani your health is the most important, nothing else and i come to talk to you every morning anyway so there is absolutely no need for you to stay up late!

Hmm...but why not Anjali and Payal or Akash?

Nani...why should they stay up for me? They have their own life, I have my own life. You know I like to be independent!

Yes but Arnav...it's not only you...you have someone else as well! Khushi might want to spend some time with you so can you please be considerate! I know both of you didn't want to get married but you were married that to on my consent. Actually to be fair, Khushi wanted to carry on with her education but when I saw her first time, i knew that she would be a perfect bahu for me.

~Past~

After Khushi came to Lucknow, and met her family, she was taken to a room where her Mum explained to her that she was getting married. At first, Khushi objected but with that objection, Buaji had slapped her hard on her cheek and she was told to go into her room. After hours of protest, nothing seemed to work, she had almost given up on her life.

Her mom and dad had tried to intervene into this marriage and try and stop it as they didn't want to upset their daughter and ruin her dreams but they knew that this was a good proposal and it would be really good if Khushi agrees but even then they tried to convince Buaji about the marriage. After a few hours, Nani came to Lucknow where they all had a quick discussion.

Bitya...mujhe Khushi bahot hi pasand hain! Aur mujhe meri bahu chahiye...woh bahot khush rahegi...delhi main Nani tried to convince Garima.

(Bitya...I really like Khushi and i want her as my daughter-in-law! I will make sure that she remains happy in delhi)

Arre...sambdhan ji...woh aap tho chodhiye par khudi shaadi hi nahi karna chahti...ab main apni bachi ko kitna force karu...said Garima.

Aap fiqar mat kariye Nani...she will be ready for marriage! Announced Buaji.

You cannot use force and violence all the time said Khushi's Dad. Woh saat saal ki bachi nahi hain! She has the right to make her own decisions.

Hmm...please can I talk to her alone? She hasn't met me yet but maybe i can change her mind! Said Nani.

As you wish! Said Buaji.

Nani went upstairs into Khushi's room. She opened the door slightly to see what was Khushi doing. She saw her crying and felt really bad immediately. She went inside the room and put a hand on her shoulder gently comforting her, thats was when Khushi looked up to see an elderly lady standing in front of her. She got immediately.

Aap?

Hmm...everyone call me Nani! Said Nani

Namaste Nani...said Khushi politely and she bent forward to touch her feet but Nani held her shoulders and brought her back up.

No girls from our house don't touch people's feet and you don't need my ashirwad beta as it will be always with you.

Thankyou Nani...

Hmm...beta..I want you to be my bahu. I really like you beta and I really want to see you as my daughter-in-law in my house, I think you will be perfect for my grandson.

I know you have no plans of getting married and want to continue your education but believe me you can always live the way you want. I maybe from a high society but we live in a very simple life.

You can carry your education forward and I have no objection in that! But just think beta that if you refuse me now then your family will make other arrangements and will get you married to some guy who might have a problem in you educating yourself.

Please give it a think! I know I am being a little selfish but I just wanted to give you my perspective. The rest is your choice, I will not force you in any manner.

Saying this she left her room and Khushi drowned in her words. What she was saying did have a point, at least they were from a good family and she knew that she would be able to educate herself, but still she wasn't sure. Maybe she should wait for the groom to turn up and ask him if he can turn down the marriage but Nani did have a valid point.

~End of Past~

Kya? So Khushi never really wanted to get married in the first place?

Hmm...but her family and especially her Buaji was really cruel to her, they slapped her and locked her in a room until you came and she had no choice but to accept...that's why I am saying Arnav...she is new to all of this and she is very simple but now she is your responsibility! I hope you understand.

I do..Nani! Thanks for sharing!

Hmm..anytime! said Nanima.

Arnav left the room in a hurry. He went to the bed room and saw a new set of clothes lying on the bed. He quickly took a shower and their first meeting came into his mind where he just insulted her and then their suhag raat and the first morning. Guilt swept through him and he punched the cold wall in clear anger and frustration. He was so rude to her but she just took it and never even bothered to explain to him what actually happened. Also, after what happened yesterday, she probably hates him now.

Oh god Arnav...how can you be so stupid? Her eyes portray everything, you should have known that she couldn't do something like that...how could you just accuse her like that when she didn't even want to be in this marriage. For the first time Arnav Singh Raizada is wrong, and for the first time he now has to apologise to a girl. But how would I have known, I mean if Nani had not told me then I would have never even known that she was forced into this marriage, just like me. A week ago I thought I was the only one forced into this marriage and she was just doing a drama but now both of us are coerced into a marriage that none of us want! he thought.  

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Love Mishty