Making Khushi Mine (Complete Edition)

By Anamika GK

Khushi, a vibrant 21 year old was the sunshine of her bade papa and buaji’s existence. Add to it a close set of friends and love for arts and her life was complete. She was beautiful inside out, with her doe-like olive green eyes mature beyond their years. Her life was not perfect but she was not the one to complain for she lived it to the fullest. She made the best out of the situations and believed in moving on. Her smiles and chitter chatter were the life of Raizada Mansion. Everyone loved her dearly.

Everyone, but Avish Singh Raizada. He arrived in her world claiming his stake on two things that Khushi held very dear to her heart. Her home and her bade papa’s love. Sharing was an alien concept to that cynical arrogant man, who was unhappy with pretty much everything around him. And unfortunately Khushi became one more reason of his displeasure. Forgetting her own sadness, she tried to be reasonable and friendly towards him but he refused to warm up to her. So like any other intelligent being she decided to pretend that he does not exist and went on with her life.

It worked, but not for long. The people and the ties binding them were very important, very strong, whether they liked it or not. Their lives touched each other’s on daily basis. So overtime, living under the same roof, sharing the same family forced them into an understanding, a friendship of the sorts.

But like it happened with other people, Avish too found his life revolving around Khushi one fine day. She was not someone you can resent for long and he had understood that slowly. They way she saw his pain through the facade of anger broke his resolve to stay away from her. Her heart warming smiles that he had started discreetly capturing in his camera, thawed his frozen heart bit by bit. But his silent admiration and complex nature did not help the matter. To add to his woes, Khushi was obliviously happy in her own world, where Avish was her friend, just a friend. She sincerely believed in love, but for others not herself. He had always mocked the idea of love, but it was his only salvation now.

Second chances are rare in life but he got one, and thus began his quest to bridge the distances between himself and her, distances created by the society, distances created by the age difference, but most importantly distances created by themselves. To make her his for eternity, only his.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Indic Publication
• Release date: Apr 17, 2015
• ISBN: 9781625980502

Book preview

Chapter ~ 1

Hai re Nandkishore, bitwa you are not eating anything. From now on, I will personally see to it that you eat heartily like a young man should, buaji exclaimed.

She was rewarded with a very awkward smile. He was not used to company while having breakfast, and a fussing over him types, absolutely not.

How was your flight, beta? his dad asked.

It was fine, dad he replied.

Here take some more pooris bitwa; eat properly. I have seen you after so long Nandkishore, buaji served him some more, ignoring the mortified look on his face.

Kalyani Jiji, you cannot feed him for all eleven years in one day. He'll get sick. He is not used to Indian food, his dad came to his rescue.

Oh! Then leave it bitwa, leave it. We don't want you to get sick among all this fan-fare, where I cannot even look after you properly. Everybody will be enjoying in evening, what use is all this food if the only son of the house does not enjoy because of it she relented instantly.

He smiled, a little more genuinely this time. Not because she had let him off the hook, but because she referred to him as the son of this house.

Beta, as you can see there is a lot to do. I am afraid I'll have to go now. But you sleep a little and get refreshed. Hariprakash will wake you up when it is time for you to get ready, he dad said getting up from the dining table where they all were sitting.

Okay dad. Ummm ... Can I look around the house for a while ... if you don't mind? he said, not sure what made him ask for permission, for he had run around the mango groves in the backyard of this very house, creating pretend fortresses and restricting entry rights of everyone else there at one time. ‘Maybe the long years that he had been away from this place,' he shrugged mentally.

Of course beta. You don't have to ask. It’s your house. But don't forget to sleep. There is a ten hour time difference and you'll be jet lagged in evening if you don't take rest now. It is a ... what do you people call it in America... big fat Indian wedding in the house. And I want to show off my son to everyone there, he looked at him with a benevolent smile before walking into the other room.

Bitwa, you know where your room is? Have you seen it? buaji asked.

Ji, yes, I have, he replied.

Bhaiya got it specially designed for you. Total American-style with swimming pool and all. He is so happy that you have finally decided to live here. And I am so happy that you came in time to attend the wedding. Now the family looks complete. Rest now bitwa. Everything is so hotchpotch today, but in a day or two we all will sit and talk to our hearts content she said getting up, with a kind smile.

Avish too got up from the dining table, already feeling weird due to such heavy and greasy breakfast. He has always eaten milk and cereals for breakfast since college, but buaji's enthusiasm to feed him had killed all his protests. With the agenda of a little walk, and a trip down the memory lane in this childhood house of his, he made his way towards the veranda of the ground floor of Raizada Mansion. Last he had come here eleven years ago, only because he had to, once every year until he turned eighteen, as per court orders.

When he had come in the morning today, after an early morning flight, it was still dark outside so he did not see much. Just a white washed imposing building, surrounded by vast gardens, inside huge rot-iron gates. After living abroad for so many years it had all felt kind of royal to him, and alien too. And to think of it, he has spent his childhood in this very house. This is ‘his’ ancestral house, he thought wryly.

A long veranda, winding all around the grand Raizada Mansion, with pillars lined up along its length and decorative arches between those pillars, looking over the lush green gardens. It was beautiful, with charming architectural details of the pre-independence-era intact in all its glory. Raizada's were old money family of Delhi, his grandfather had built this mansion in the heart of Delhi during early 1940s and his dad, Sumer Singh Raizada, has visibly done a very good job of preserving it. After making a round of the veranda, he decided to go to his room and sleep as the house was brimming with people who he assumed were friends and neighbors. There was some ladies function planned on the terrace later that morning buaji had mentioned. He will tour the house after all this wedding circus is over, he decided.

He settled on inspecting his room for today. It was, as buaji said, an all American-style, very modern bedroom with minimalistic decor, obviously a new addition to this wing. Huge contemporary bed, grayish-green paint on walls, a huge LCD TV opposite the bed, a stylish green recliner, frosted glass cupboards, few modern art paintings; everything was on the lines of his apartment decor in New York.  It also had a swimming pool area adjacent to it, a jet shower, hardwood floors. In short, this whole new world that was created in this house was solely for his benefit, totally different from rest of the Raizada Mansion that had an old world charm to it with traditional arched windows and marble floors. He appreciated his dad's efforts, he knew he was trying hard, but that was it. For him, it was too little, too late. He would have gone ballistic with joy, had this attention been showered fifteen years back, on a love-starved kid who wanted to stay in his room, in this house, who had cried that he did not want to go to the boarding school. But not now. He has over the years expertly taught his heart to not get happy at either of his parent's generous gestures, as they were just baits to lure him to their respective sides.

His head had started aching due to tiredness and change in surroundings, but sleep was still eluding him. His body clock was very different. He spent some time working on his laptop, calling a few business associates for work related matters, watching news on TV. After 2-3 hours he picked up the intercom and asked for lunch, some salad basically. He could not risk going down and again eat the kind of food he had for breakfast. Finally he decided to lie down and close his eyes, willing the sleep to come. God knows when, amid the wandering thoughts of his childhood, his apartment in New York, some pending business presentations, few flashes of his mother's face, sleep finally caught up with him.

Constant banging on the door awoke Avish from his deep slumber. He was trying to block the noise by pressing a pillow on his ears since last five minutes, but whosoever was on the other side of the door was relentless. He finally gave up and stood up groggily to open the door. Hurrypaash, yeah that's what buaji said his name was, was standing with a scared look on his face in front of him.

Chote sahab, please get ready he said.

What time is it? Avish asked, irritated due to sleepiness.

Ji, its six-thirty. Baraat is supposed to come in half an hour. I am trying to wake you up since five p.m. he informed of his failed attempts, lest chote sahib gets angry for not waking him up on time. Bade sahab has warned the whole household about his temper before his arrival.

Okay! Listen ... Ummm ... can you get me a cup of strong black coffee? Avish asked, not very accustomed to household help.

Ji, sure Hariprakash said and left.

After having a much needed dose of caffeine, a hot shower and few work related calls, Avish made his way to the decorated gardens, about an hour later, dressed in a black three piece suit, with a green silk shirt and a green tie. Five p.m. or six-thirty p.m. or even after the wedding, it did not matter to him when he was woken up for he knew nobody here, other than his dad and buaji. He did not even know the bride or the groom. He was here because his dad insisted on his presence at this wedding, else he would have come a week later as originally planned. He knew that his dad could be quite persuasive when he chose to be. Wasn’t it the relentless persuasion, that had finally made him agree to shift bases to India?

He tried hard to locate his dad among the sea of unknown faces, but he was nowhere to be found. Instead he found a group of girls staring at him and giggling. Irritated, he spotted a secluded bench in the garden and fished out his blackberry, reading and replying his mails and checking stock prices, basically utilizing time while shehnai music reverberated in the air, the air which smelled heavily of roses and marigold flowers. Did Hurrypaash not say that baraat will come in half an hour? It was nearly 8 p.m. and there was no sign of baraat, groom, bride or anything else. Indian Standard Time, he muttered under his breath. Guests, however, had already started on dinner buffet without waiting for the ceremony, he noticed.

When another half an hour passed, Avish got impatient. Maybe the ceremony is taking place inside the house, or in some other corner of the garden that he did not know about. He spotted a known face, namely Hurrypaash, passing by and called him out.

Hurrypaash, listen, he said, in a higher octave.

Ji chote sahab, me? he looked around, confirming that it was him who was being called.

Yeah! You, Avish stood up, and walked towards the man.

My name is Hariprakash, chote sahab, the man meekly corrected him.

Oh! Hariprakash, is it? Okay. Hariprakash, where is dad? he questioned.

Ji, bade sahab and buaji are in Khushi babyji's room, he informed.

Khushi babyji, the bride? he asked.

Hariprakash nodded in confirmation.

Where is her room?

Ji, in the same wing where your room is. Two doors before yours. Yours is in the right hand side of the corridor, babyji's is on the left hand side.

Avish dismissed Hariprakash. He stood there thinking about what should he do now. He knew that Khushi is his dad's foster daughter, and that it is her wedding today. Other than that he had no idea about the girl. Dad did not talk much about her in front of him after he had accused him of getting 'that girl' into the house as his replacement, in a fit of anger years ago. Though he had briefly talked to her once on the phone two years back, when she had called him to inquire about his dad after he had suffered a heart stroke while visiting New York. Was that phone call enough acquaintance for him to go inside her room? Should he go or should he wait here? Technically speaking he wrapped up everything a week early in NY and has come only for her wedding today, hasn't he? And this was his house, isn't it? Also his dad and buaji are inside there. 

After a few minutes of contemplation Avish Singh Raizada made his way inside the mansion, towards the said door, which was his room eleven years back.

Chapter ~ 2

He crisply knocked on the door of what was now Khushi's room and slowly pushed it a little. His dad who was standing in the middle of the room looked at the door. 

Come in beta  he said when he saw Avish's face through the slit of the door.

Avish stepped into the room, and gave a cursory glance around while walking to his dad. His dad was standing with an older man and both looked quite stressed out. On the bed sat who he assumed was Khushi, going by her wedding finery and buaji, side by side, both leaning on each other. There was a pin drop silence in there and a suffocating tension hung in the air. All the occupants were looking like someone had died rather than someone was going to get married today. He sensed that there was some major argument going on, which had been halted in the light of his arrival. His dad introduced him to the other older gentleman.

Beta, this is Manohar Jha. Khushi was supposed to get married to his son Suraj. My son. Avish he said in a clipped tone, as Avish shook hands with the man.

Supposed to?  Avish questioned, first looking at his dad and then at Khushi, who instantly closed her eyes looking extremely uncomfortable.

Yeah. Supposed to. Apparently his dear son has run away a few hours back, leaving a farewell letter behind his dad said, bitterly.

Buaji's sobbed quite audibly in the background as her brother finished speaking. Manohar Jha hung his head down once again. 

I am sorry, Raizada sahab. I don't know what to say. Suraj is dead to me from today. Had I known his intentions, I would have killed him myself. Trust me Raizada sahab, Manohar Jha spoke, slowly.

Oh please Manoharji. Cut the crap. Your sorry is not going to stop the ridicule which we are about to face in the society. It won't help my daughter's future,  Sumer Singh Raizada spat, his voice getting louder with each syllable.

Waiting in the garden suddenly started looking like a better idea to Avish. He had no clue what he was supposed to do or say in this situation. While his dad was emitting cold fury, Buaji was sobbing continuously and the would-have-been bride was sitting with her arms around her knees, looking at her feet with utmost concentration. He felt like an intruder in his own house, out of place of the sorts, for he had no background context of the matter here. Moreover he did not know this girl Khushi even a little to jump into the argument for her cause. Should he excuse himself and let himself out? Yeah, that would be better.

Dad I will wait outside'  he said and started moving out.

No beta. You stay here. Manoharji I think you should leave. Your shameless son has done the deed and now there is no point in discussing it further. And don't think I'll let you get away with this. You and your son, I'll bring you two on the road and you very well know that I don't even have to try much with my holdings in Jha Chemicals, Sumer Singh Raizada threatened. And I want everything I have sent to your house in the last month back here by tomorrow morning, am I clear?  he added.

Ji,  Manohar Jha mumbled and left the room with heavy steps. He would have really liked Khushi as Jha daughter-in-law. Beautiful girl with Raizada connections. And a little compromise here and there is what life is all about, isn't it? Oh God, what a fool his son Suraj is!

Sumer moved towards the bed after Manohar Jha closed the door behind him. He sat in front of Khushi and put his hand on her head. Within a flash she jumped into her bade papa's arms burying her head in his shoulder. Avish did not know what to do, so he also moved near the bed and stood at the edge.

I am sorry Laddoo. I am so sorry bachhe, his dad was saying to the girl, who looked more like a child bride.

Laddoo!! Avish couldn't help feeling a tinge of jealousy at this nickname business. ‘Grow up, will you?’ He admonished himself.

It’s okay, bade papa. You know it’s all because of me Avish heard her say. 

His eyes widened. It’s okay? Really? Is she not supposed to blame that runaway groom or ... at least complain. She just got jilted on her wedding day for crying out loud. What a strange girl!

No it’s not okay. You told me that you found that scoundrel's behavior weird, but I still pushed you into this mess. I am sorry beta, his dad replied guiltily and looked at buaji, who looked double guilty to Avish's keen eyes.

Okay, so there is more than what meets the eye here. If she knew something was off then why did dad still push her? She is quite a beautiful girl. And with Sumer Singh Raizada as her guardian, she can have a line of suitors behind her in a snap, Avish analyzed the available facts, just like he did at work.

No bade papa. It's all for the best. We should be glad that it all happened before marriage, else my life would have been irreversibly damaged, she wiped the tears off of her bade papa's eyes. 

True, Avish mentally agreed. He liked this girl’s balance of mind.

But bhaiya, what will we do now? All the guests have arrived outside. What will we tell them? buaji spoke.

I don't know jiji. We tell them that the wedding is off, I guess, Sumer replied, with slumped shoulders.

What will happen to Titaliya's future then? Have you thought about that? she raised her concern.

You think I am not thinking about that? snapped Sumer, while getting up from the bed, pinching the bridge of his nose in frustration.

Sumer Singh Raizada was a strong man, but even he had his limits. A wife who left him, an estranged stubborn son who he had to practically woo back into his life, a widowed sister and a daughter whose future was at stake right now. There should be a limit to the tests life throws at you. But this was not the time to complain. Right now he needed to set everything straight in his Laddoo's life, his daughter who had blindly followed his decision.

Jiji, I know one guy who would happily marry Laddoo. Should I call them? he turned a little hopeful at his idea.

WHAT? Khushi shrieked before anyone could react. Bade papa, I am not marrying anyone. Please don't start this again, Khushi's voice was dripping with irritation, and tears were forming in her eyes now.

Beta, you know the boy since childhood. Rishabh. Rishabh Raichand. He is such a nice boy. You are friends with his sister and his parents love you too. They are such good people, I am sure if we talk to them, they will agree. I know he is still studying, but we will just get you two married right now. Bidaai can take place later, he suggested.

Khushi wiped the tears that were threatening to come out and scoffed You really think they'll agree? Anyway, no matter how nice he is, Rishabh cannot save the day. He is in USA, doing his internship right now. She could not believe that within minutes of wedding being called off, bade papa would go back to searching grooms for her. Instant variety this time. And Rishabh is a friend, just a friend! What the hell is happening in her life!!!

Oh. Sumer was ready to grope any life line right now and Rishabh was a good boy, and he was a close friend of Laddoo as well. While he was thinking of some idea that might save his precious daughter from the social stigma of being jilted on her wedding day his eyes fell on Avish, who was standing there looking at Khushi. ‘This is also a good idea. Laddoo can stay in this house only after the wedding’ Sumer got hopeful once again. 

Avish, beta. Can I talk to you for a second? he called Avish near him.

Yes, dad, Avish walked to the side his dad was standing on.

Beta, I know this is too much to ask for. Especially considering our history, but please beta,you are the only one who can help us right now. Raizada name is your responsibility too. Please, beta will you marry Khushi? Sumer said in a single breath.

Excuse me? Avish blurted, shocked.

He half expected his dad to grin any second now and squeal Just Kidding!. Since that did not happen, he looked at him, then towards buaji and then at a wide-eyed Khushi, the reason of his dad's ridiculous proposal. He instantly cursed the moment he had decided to come inside to find what's going on. That Raichand lad, whoever he was, was definitely lucky sitting ten thousand miles away right now, away from this mess. And he is stuck here, where his own father wants to make him a scapegoat in order to get his 'Laddoo' a groom. Like hell that will happen!

Bade papa, what are you doing? Please stop this, Khushi beat him to voicing the protest.

I am talking naa, Laddoo. Keep quite, Sumer shushed her.

You must be joking dad, Avish looked at him pointedly.

No beta. I am serious, Sumer said with utmost sincerity.

Dad. I don't believe in marriages. And you know that, Avish retorted.

Please consider it once. I vouch for Laddoo. She is the best girl you can ever find Sumer pleaded.

I am sure she is. But I am not marrying her. End of discussion, Avish controlled the anger that had started bubbling inside him.

Beta. For me. For saving Raizada name. Please. She is NOT a Raizada and anyway I don't give a damn about Raizada name. Don't start with emotional blackmail now, Avish replied angrily. 

Those callous words did it for Sumer Singh Raizada. Pressure from all quarters finally took its toll.

Of course! You don't give a damn about Raizada name. Like mother, like son' he exploded and said one thing he should have not said. At any cost.

After staring at his father in dead silence for a few seconds, Avish hissed in a naked agony written all over his face, I knew it. You'll never let it go. Is this why you wanted me here? So that you can insult me to your hearts content? Something you could not do to your wife? 

Monstrosity of his error had dawned on Sumer as soon as those words had left his mouth. How could he say that? To Avish? Sumer wanted to kill himself for hurting his son like this. He stepped towards him. Sorry beta. You know I did not mean that. Sorry.  

Avish stepped back. Then what did you mean? Ugh, I was such a bloody fool to think that you actually cared and came back to this blasted place once again he bellowed.

I was ... I was thinking of both my children's happiness Sumer stammered.

Then stop thinking about mine. And you cannot settle this girl's life at my cost. I am not your back-up plan, Avish yelled in rage.

It’s not like that. I wasn't thinking clearly beta, Sumer had mellowed down with Avish's outburst.

So, when you can't think clearly, you push me into someone else's mess? Wait! ... All this baraat not turning up... Is this some kind of a dirty tactic to ensure I don't leave again?

What? Do you think I will use dirty tactics on you? Sumer asked in a distressed tone.

We can never tell, can we? If my mother can, then why can't my father? came the cutting remark.

You are my only son, Avish. I love you, beta, he tried to mollify his enraged son.

Oh please! More than your only son, you are worried about this girl. For her you are ready to force me into an institution I have no faith in. That too, courtesy you he bit out.

I have been seeking your love since last five years beta. That has to count for something,

'I did not ask you to seek anything from me. Anyway you and mom have successfully wrenched 'love' out of my heart long ago, so please stop looking for something that does not exist in me, he said sarcastically.

Don't say this beta. I am sorry. You know I am. I did not mean to compare you with your mother. It just came out. And I understand your stand as well. I am very tensed right now. Please understand Sumer pleaded.

I understand. That is why I will leave you now to attend to ‘your family’ emergency... dad. He turned to leave but stopped and looked back. I’ll head back to New York at the earliest, he declared and made his way out of the room.

Sumer Singh Raizada flopped on the couch defeated, with his head held between his hands. Khushi started crying softly. Things have spiraled out of control within mere minutes and she was unintentionally the reason of all this. She closed her eyes in despair and leaned into buaji's shoulder, who looked dumbfounded at what had just transpired between her brother and nephew. After a few minutes, Khushi sat straight, wiped her eyes as a look of determination dawned on her face. She was the reason of this mess and she only will sort it out. ASAP. There was no time to loose.

Bade papa.

Sumer looked at her.

Please go and stop him. Now. Else he might start packing and booking tickets she said.

I lost him again, Laddoo Sumer mumbled.

No, you haven't. Nothing is lost. Go. Talk to him. Bade papa fast. Don't waste time. Apologize. On my behalf too, she guided her father-figure.

Guests? Sumer said standing up.

Don't worry about them. They must be busy eating. We have time for that. And I am sure buaji can handle them, right buaji? Khushi assured him.

Sumer looked at his sister, who nodded in affirmative. Go bhaiya. Bitwa had come home after so many years, this should not have happened. I'll take care of guests she said.

After Sumer left the room, and after going back and forth on few ideas Khushi turned to buaji and suggested, How does me meeting with an accident sounds? Like slipped off the staircase or something? Bade papa and Jha family are with me in the hospital and the wedding has been postponed. What say?

Hai re Nandkishore. That kameena Suraj should meet with an accident. Why my lovely titaliya? Don't say such rubbish, Buaji chided her immediately.

Okay, then you give some brilliant idea that explains mine and bade papa's absence along with that Suraj's. I am all ears, Khushi narrowed her eyes. 

When buaji could not come up with anything half as convincing, she agreed to Khushi's plan. Don't elaborate, just get rid of the guests for now. Bade papa will handle everything tomorrow, Khushi added with an unwavering trust in her father figure, while buaji pulled hair pins and fake bun out of her hair. With misty eyes, buaji lovingly warded evil eye off her brave daughter, who was holding the fort amid the ton of bricks that have fallen on her head. She instructed Khushi to take some rest, switched off lights of the room and closed the door behind her. How can such a beautiful day turn this ugly in a matter of one hour, Kalyani asked her Nandkishore. Please Nandkishore, give us all strength to pull through this, she prayed wiping her tears, as she headed to face the guests.

Khushi lied down hugging a pillow, her mind cluttered with all that had happened. First that Suraj ran away after all the guests have assembled in Raizada Mansion, then bade papa wanted her to marry Rishabh out of the blue and as if all this was not enough, he went ahead and yelled at his son for her. The son whom he shares a very delicate relationship with. Slowly and soundlessly her lips started trembling. She rarely cried, it was not in her nature. Bade papa has raised her to be a strong girl. Threads of practicality and thoughts of bade papa's heart condition had kept her from falling apart in the last hour. But now in the silent darkness of the night, the dam of her bravado crumbled. Her self-control snapped. And she wallowed in the feeling of humiliation. In feeling of pain. In the insult she felt. In the sadness that was weighing her whole being down. She let the gaping hole in her heart take control. A pinching feeling that was twisting her gut took over. No matter what Manohar uncle says the content of his letter was, everyone knows why Suraj ran away. 

And she let herself cry, like never before. She cried into her favorite pillow. Cried till her eyes burnt. Till they were the same color as a new bride's blushing cheeks. Muffled her heart wrenching sobs with her palm until she drew blood. She cried until there were no more tears left in her and no more energy to shed them either.

Chapter ~ 3

Raizada Constructions was a huge construction firm in India, started by Sumer Singh Raizada in early 1970's, as he was not interested in zamindari and money lending business of his ancestors. And when Avish had joined RC five years back, he immediately channelized his energy into overseas and government projects using the infrastructure and expertise of RC and its staff. He had recently successfully completed a natural gas pipeline project for USA government in partnership with an American construction firm, worth billions. Their first turn-key project of a 60 story residential building in Dubai, which Avish had suggested Sumer goes after, was in its initial stages and buyers have already lined up for it.

Sumer was very proud of his son's contribution to their construction empire. He was amazed to see Avish's ability to handle clients, his risk analysis that were generally bang on and his research models to look for new projects which were far better than their competitors. He was glad that what all his son had faced in his personal life, it did not affect his professional acumen at least. Of course, Masters from London School of Economics had helped too. 

In India Avish had set his heart on the Government Restoration Project of historical buildings in the golden triangle of Jaipur-Delhi-Agra. It was a very prestigious project and a profitable one too. After deciding to shift to India last year, he had sent his father the business plan and tender quotes to be submitted for it. When Sumer Singh Raizada figured his son's ambitious forward integration plan for their construction business, he had put in all his head, heart, contacts and money to secure this tender. And they had won it two months back paving way for Avish's return to India.

The much awaited return, which was under scrutiny right now.

Like Mother, Like Son.

The odious statement sat like a ghost between father and son, who were sitting in silence side by side on the bed in Avish's room. Sumer was looking at Avish and Avish was looking straight ahead, with the veins in his temple throbbing. When he had entered Avish's room, Sumer was pleasantly surprised to find the room intact, with nothing broken. Finally the anger management sessions paid off, he thought. He had urged Avish to give them a try in New York, after he had hurt himself badly during one of his anger episodes. 

Sumer knew that he had not been a good parent to his boy. Avish's anger issues, his clamming up, his cynical attitude and the way he ran away from emotions was all his and Sujata's doing. They had been so caught up in putting each other down, that they never paid attention to a little Avish who hid behind the curtains and sobbed while his parents hurled insults and abuses at each other. All his helplessness as a child found its vent in the form of anger in his late teens. The fear of one of his parents leaving had scared him to such an extent that he had become very quiet at an early age. About showing affection, well he did not see any display of affection around the house, so he never learnt.

He cursed himself for saying what he said when he very well knew that Avish was nothing like his mother. And he cursed Sujata Mathur ex-Raizada from the bottom of his heart. Even after her death she is not leaving them alone. In his mind she stays as his biggest ever regret, and in Avish's as his biggest ever error of judgment. The woman used her own son like a puppet and had died without an iota of guilt.

Oh darling! I don't give a damn about Raizada name, were her parting words to Sumer. And in the malicious manner that they were spoken in, the sound of it will go with him to his grave, ingrained on his mind. Avish did not even know what raw nerve had he touched in his anger today. He shook his head and stared into the space Avish had been staring at since last ten minutes. ’There are so many things my broken child still doesn't know about his mother, and I will keep it this way. No more misery for my son‘ he told himself once more, like he has been telling since last five years that he has gotten him back in his life.

This day will go into the black listed days of Raizada Mansion. Everything that can go wrong, has gone wrong. But right now he needs to keep his son here, with him. By any means.

'I cannot apologize enough for what I just said. But can you try to forgive me beta?'  Sumer started.

Silence.

It's been a very rough evening and I am under tremendous pressure. I know, you don't like to talk about Khushi but she is facing the worst nightmare of a girl's life right now. Trust me beta, it isn't like I choose her over you or anything. In the desperation to save her from social stigma, my thinking got clouded for a while. I will never expect you to compromise your life for anyone. It was a grave mistake on my part to ask you to marry her and I accept it. But there was no ill intention or dirty trick involved. Trust me beta. I have disappointed you several times, I agree, but have I ever broken your trust? Sumer tried to extract some answer out of his son.

Silence.

Please don't go back. I will do whatever you will ask me to. Just don't go back beta. I want you near me. I have been living without you since last eleven years and I don't want to continue like this anymore. Avish, stay beta, he pleaded.

You don't want me. You need me. I am a need for you, to take care of your business, heir to your Raizada name. Now you need me to fill in the place of a runaway groom. When had you guys ever wanted me? Avish spoke, traces of anger showing from under the chilled tone.

I want to be with you, beta. I want to be with you, that is why I come running to meet you every year in New York. About taking care of business, now that you handle Raizada Constructions you do realize that if we shut down all our ventures right now, we have more than enough money to last us our life time, don't you? As for Raizada name, I care for it as long as I am alive, after that it is not my concern and I do not wish to burden you with it. And I am sorry about the marriage thing, shouldn't have said anything that I said there. Any other thing that makes you think I need and not want my flesh and blood near me?

Listening to his dad's declaration of wanting him, Avish's mind wandered back in time. After being sent to boarding school at the age of fourteen, he had made peace with his life. And he had handled the information of their divorce and his joint custody grant very calmly too. But only if they had let that peace prevail in his life, if only. Where he was invisible to them previously, now they showered him with hawk like attention. Both his parents left no stone unturned to buy his love and his favor.

In the two months of summer vacation, his mom insisted that he comes to stay with her first, and also got his room set up in her new house. His dad made sure that his welcome home present reaches to him even before he left the hostel. Gradually he started sympathizing with his mom though, for she used to cry in front of him, complaining about his dad's atrocities, her innocence, his accusation on her character, whereas his dad just wanted him to forget everything like it never happened and move on. His gullible mind got entangled in tales woven by his mother. His dad's chances with him were successfully ruined by her, and he was a stupid fool who blindly aided her in her agenda of hurting Sumer Singh Raizada. For nine bloody years.

Just five years ago he realized how wrong he was in judging his father. Before that, his anger towards his dad was totally justified in his heart. As the silence stretched in the room, out of the blue, from the deep recess of his heart, Sumer decided to make a confession that was long overdue.

I know you hold it against me, whatever happened between us in your LSE hostel and after that, and rightfully so. I knew that she was feeding you lies and instead of protecting you I abandoned you in anger. I should have not given up beta, but I was so tired of trying to make things normal. My hatred for your mother over powered my love for you that time, and I will always regret that. All my life, Sumer said, honestly.

Avish’s eyes snapped to his dad. This was the first time he had brought that event up. The precise reason why it took Avish so much time to trust his dad's love enough to move in with him. That day marked his dad's indifference towards him, when he gave up on Avish like a lost cause. Left him with his mother, like Avish had wanted, like his mother had always planned. 

Avish gulped trying to reign in the emotions that were crowding his heart. Unknowingly, today his dad has given Avish's aching heart the closure it was looking for. What had happened cannot be changed, but his accepting it helped. With these words the hurt of his father's indifference got salved inside his heart today. He needed to know that his dad realizes that his giving up on him all those years back had made him insecure that he is not that important to his father. That it was holding back Avish from accepting his love now, unsure he’ll take it back any time he would like. 

He had left India at the age of eighteen to pursue under-graduation in London and his mother too shifted base to England so that 'she could be near her son,' winning his favor irrevocably. What else do you expect from an eighteen year old kid who always wanted to be loved by his parents, and this was the epitome of concern on her part. Leaving everything behind for her only son. It obviously meant a lot to him and he was putty in her hands after that, cluelessly wedging rifts between himself and his father under her expert manipulation. He thwarted all attempts his father made to reach out to him for two long years. And then one fine day, threads of patience snapped and dams of restrain crashed in blinding rage. Father and son had an ugly spat in his college dormitory room, and both of them said things they shouldn't have. His mother, who now that he looks back was suspiciously always present for all their meetings, had fueled the tempers flaring in the room by her crocodile tears.

But he was, just twenty years of age, and he was hell angry and misguided when he had said that he did not want to see him, ever. And his dad stubbornly complied; he did not come to see him for next four years. He left him with Sujata Mathur when he was not supposed to abandon him, when he knew exactly how manipulating his mother was. It did not help to discover that day that his dad has found a child back home to shower his love on, and so he hated both, his father and that kid for years, till he realized how misdirected his hatred was.

When after her death in a car crash, Avish by chance came upon the proofs that Sujata Mathur had herself documented over the years, of her infidelity, her manipulations, her greed for the Raizada money and property that was in Avish's name, he had felt like a fool.  And robbed of a good life with his father. And absolutely cheated. And much more. Some price he paid for trusting his own mother!

His dad was right. He at least never broke his trust. And he cannot be ungrateful for all the support his dad had been lending him since last five years. He had stuck by him and helped him wrap up everything in London and move to New York for a fresh start. Trusted him with a huge project of Raizada Overseas. Agreed, he had excellent academic credentials for the job, but he certainly did not deserve the warm welcome his dad had given him with open arms. Given him space and time to sort his mental mess, patiently waited for him to come around. He'll just have to overlook his dad's outburst and this wedding fiasco, Avish concluded. 

I don't hate you, you know that, right? Avish spoke up finally.

I know it since five years when you allowed me to be a part of your life again,  Sumer smiled. It was rare that Avish would express himself, and this was equivalent of peace making in Avish's vocabulary.

About tonight, I think my going back would be better. I don't think I can fit in here and play second fiddle to that girl in this house, Avish looked squarely into his father's eyes.

That girl ... has a name. And if you leave, I come with you this time, Sumer said with all the conviction he could muster. 

Are you pulling a mom on me by shifting continents for me? Avish tried to ignore the sincerity in his father's eyes.

No. As I said, I don't want to live away from you anymore. I go where you go. Sumer was learning to get through his strong-willed son, who was still a love starved child from inside.

Then what about that... I mean Khushi and buaji, Avish narrowed his eyes.

They'll understand. I won't live for eternity. Its time I live with my son now, Sumer said while rubbing his chest, over his heart region.

Are you okay, dad?  Avish got alarmed. 

His dad had had a massive heart attack while visiting him in New York two years back, the main reason he decided to shift back with him, and looks like today's events have started affecting his fragile heart.

Yeah. Don't worry. I am fine, Sumer smiled, his hand still over his heart.

You sure? Cough hard dad Avish was now standing in front of his dad checking his eyes and tongue for any rolling back, heart attack 101 as doctors had told him.

Leave all this and tell me that you'll stay here. With me. Please. Sumer said.

We can talk about that later. Where is your phone? I'll call your doctor, Avish replied looking for his phone.

No. I don't want doctor. I want my son here. Say that you'll not leave, Sumer persisted.

FINE. I won't leave. Now give me your phone dad, Avish gave in. He might never accept it aloud, but his dad has become very important to him. His pillar of strength.

No, that's what all I needed to hear. I am already feeling much better. Don't go back on your word son Sumer said while standing up to avoid more discussion that could give his stubborn son a leeway to run back to NY. He knew Avish that much that he will not go back on his word, specially to him.

Sit down, will you? Let me call the doctor Avish said sternly.

I should go join jiji outside. My doctor must have come too. I'll talk to him there, said Sumer, while rushing towards the door, wondering what reason was she giving for wedding being called off. He should call jiji before making an appearance in the gardens, he decided.

Dad what is all this? What about your pain? Avish blocked the door. He skeptically looked at his father who was looking alright all of a sudden.

Oh beta, you have made your old man so happy. All pains of my life vanished with your one promise.

WHAT? he blurted bewilderedly.

Yeah! You are my medicine, beta. No doctor can treat me the way your presence in my life would Sumer said while fishing his phone out of his pocket.

Avish frowned, now convinced that his dad was in fact using his heart ailment as an aid to extract a promise out of him  Dad,just because I don't say it does not mean that I don't notice that you talk and act all filmy sometimes. You were acting right now, weren't you? That hand on your heart was to fluster me, right? Seriously dad. Where did you learn all this kiddishness from?

Instead of answering, Sumer Singh Raizada gave his son an enigmatic smile, and left the room to take charge of the situation.

Chapter ~ 4

Avish got up very late in the morning. After a life changing shift to a different continent, a kaput marriage where you are at the wrong place at the wrong time and verbal spat with a father who you know did not mean what he said but it hurt nonetheless, you are bound to get into thinking mode. And so he was thinking sitting near the pool till wee hours of morning. 

Khushi Sharma. He had hated this name for four long years with all his might. He hated this girl for getting what was rightfully his. He hated her for enjoying what he was supposed to enjoy in his life, his father's attention and love. He hated her for keeping his dad away from him, for he thought that if his dad did not have a back-up in form of her, he would have had come back to him sooner. But as it turned out he was wrong. Not completely wrong, but wrong nonetheless. He was the one who was with the wrong person at the wrong place and this girl was with the right person at the right time. 

And so he had tried to move on. Move on from negativity towards her too, as she has over the years become important in his dad's life. He knew his father did not talk about her in front of him so that he does not feel bad, and he was grateful for that. There is only so much he can take. His mother for whom he fought his dad tooth and nail for so long had turned out to be a foolish cause, and so now when his dad was trying to mend bridges between them he did not want to hurt him by hating this girl. And he would have slowly succeeded too, had last night not happened. As it is he was awkward in this house after so many years, now with one particular person he will be extra awkward, and add to it not-so-amiable feelings for her deep down in his heart. It is going to be difficult.

But he will manage, and manage fine. He is here to reclaim his life with his dad who also wants the same and had voiced it a thousand times. No Khushi Sharma will make him run away from a normal life that awaits him here. However unintentionally, she had been one reason of a very unpleasant phase in his life. And yesterday, God knows what happened between her and her fiancé, but it was his equation with his father, his homecoming that came under threat. He nearly blew off his one chance at happiness because of the problems of her life. His dad may like this Laddoo gal, but for him she spells bad news every time. And the best course of action would be to keep away from her. 

It’s a big house and he can avoid her without much effort. Talking was never his favorite thing and he decided to particularly not spare any efforts for her. Anyway he has a new team to assemble here for his new project, so he will be busy. And she must be studying or working or doing something too. So as it is their paths should not cross much. He will not let anything stop him from living his fair share of normal family life that he had missed all these years. He is here to live with his dad and he will do just that, fully and happily. His dad had promised him the same and he'll hold him up to it. 

Laddoos and barfis can take a hike for all he cares. Yeah!

As Avish entered the living room he saw his dad sitting on the couch talking on the phone. Servants were running all around the house, taking down the decorations that were done for the wedding last night. When Sumer spotted Avish, he smiled and stood up, and started walking towards the dining table motioning Avish to follow him. Both of them took their places on the table as Sumer finished the call.

Good Morning, beta. I was waiting for you, for breakfast, Sumer smiled disconnecting the call.

Good Morning dad, Avish replied looking around. Everything under control? he asked.

Yeah. Everything under control. It'll take some time for the gossip to die, but then that cannot be helped, so why think over it, Sumer replied, while Hariprakash served him his breakfast.

Hmm.., Avish replied. Where is buaji? he