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The 13th Anniversary Arshi Fiesta

Moodboard : Historical AU

Whispers of the Heart | Chapter 23

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

WARNING: 18+, MATURE CONTENT.

Chapter 23

The Nine accused that Arnav and the police interrogated today were tight-lipped. Arnav couldn’t take any action until they had solid evidence against Mr.Rajjani or one of them broke and agreed to be a state witness. He knew he had to find a way to crack at least one of them, and his focus was on a specific suspect—Ramprasad Lallan. There was something about him, an air of authority, that made Arnav certain he was the head of the herd.

"Mr. Roy, have you gathered all the information about the property papers that were confiscated?" Arnav asked his assistant.

"Yes, sir. The lands that Mr. Lala claimed he bought from Mr. Tiwari are adjacent to his new steel factory."

"Mr. Roy, please jot down all the dates of the previous dacoity cases and go to the Land Registry Office to check for any land transactions around that time involving the victims, especially if it was with Mr. Lala. Also, send someone to collect information about Ramprasad Lallan... and be discreet."

Sending Mr. Roy on his way, Arnav went to meet Inspector Shukla, the officer in charge of the area. Inspector Shukla had a reputation for being an honest police officer. He was also the investigating officer of this case. Because of his hard work and dedication, the police managed to capture these ruthless dacoits. Upon seeing Arnav, he stood from his chair to greet him.

"Good morning, Mr. Shukla. How have you been?" Arnav asked, extending his hand for a handshake.

"I am good, Mr. Raizada. How can I help you?" Inspector Shukla replied.

"I need your assistance with a matter." Arnav handed him a paper containing a drawing of a tattoo, which he had gathered from the statement of the only surviving adult victim in the cases they were handling. "Have you seen anything like this before?"

"No, sorry, Mr. Raizada," Inspector Shukla shook his head in the negative.

"Can you ask your constables to search the accused for any tattoos or birthmarks on their bodies?" Arnav requested.

"Yeah, sure can. I'll have them look right away," Inspector Shukla replied, immediately ordering one of the constables to conduct the search. Meanwhile, Arnav and Inspector Shukla continued discussing the case.

A few moments later, the constable came rushing toward them, reporting a mark on their bodies. Arnav and Mr.Shukla quickly rushed to the cell where the suspects were held. There, they found the same tattoo of a pentagonal star on each of their right thighs, confirming Arnav's suspicion.

The next day, Mr. Roy arrived at the office with all the information he had collected, marking a significant breakthrough in the investigation.

"Sir, all of the victim's family had sold lands or properties to Mr. Lala around the time they were attacked and killed. Here's the documents."

"Hmm, and what about Mr. Lallan?"

"Mr. Lallan is a farmer, and has a 10-year-old son. So far, there's no connection to Mr. Lala or Mr. Rajjani. However, when I dug further, I found that 10 years ago, Mr. Lala gave some land to Mr. Lallan. It’s unclear whether Mr. Lallan bought it from him or if it was a charity. Anything else, sir?"

"No, that will do for now. Tell Inspector Shukla that I need to interrogate Mr. Lallan in one hour and ask him to keep a magistrate ready."

An hour later, Arnav sat with Mr. Lallan for the interrogation, aiming to turn him into a state witness. They were in a dimly lit room with a large wooden table. Arnav sat on one side, while Ramprasad Lallan, looking tense and uncertain, sat across from him.

"How are you, Ramprasad?" After receiving no answer, Arnav discarded formalities and got straight to the point. "Do you remember your son? Have you ever thought about what will happen to him after you die?" Ramprasad went completely still, his previously composed face twitching at the mention of his son.

Ramprasad gulped audibly.

"...because it is pretty much confirmed that you would be sentenced to death. However, I might be able to help you if you agree to cooperate," Arnav said, arching an eyebrow.

Ramprasad chuckled sarcastically.

"Ramprasad, I truly sympathize with you. let's be honest here, you've spent your life serving a boss who doesn't give a damn about you." A surprised look crossed over Ramprasad's face. "Isn't it obvious that there's someone else pulling the strings? Why are you so surprised?" Arnav continued. "So, where was I? Oh..yes, do you know Mr. Rajjani has a top defence lawyer? Still, no one's lifting a finger for you? That should tell you where you stand. I'm offering you the best chance you’ve got."

"How?" Ramprasad asked, his voice trembling slightly.

Arnav smirked faintly at his question. "We could appeal to the judge to reduce your punishment, you might have a chance to escape the death sentence."

"What do I have to do?"

"You need to tell us the truth and testify against the others in court. It's as simple as that."

"You are out of your mind, Mr. Raizada," Ramprasad chuckled sarcastically.

"Listen, Ramprasad, I know you're in a tough position, and I also know who is involved in this. Today or tomorrow, I will collect evidence against them. But today, you have a chance, but tomorrow, you won't. The question is, how do you want to come out of this? Do you want to go down alone and let the main culprit go free? Because to him, you are expendable. One Ramprasad will go, and another will take your place. He might even recruit your son. Would you like that?"

Arnav saw Ramprasad clench his fists, still bound by the handcuffs, his forehead veins throbbing as he glared at Arnav with murderous intent.

"If you don't want that to happen, I can offer you an agreement," Arnav said, extending a pen, a seal pad, and a piece of paper toward him. "I can appeal to the judge for a lifelong sentence instead of the death penalty."

Ramprasad took the pen with shaky hands and signed his name on the agreement paper. "You are quite educated despite being a farmer, Ramprasad." Arnav remarked.

"I need my family's protection."

"You have my word," Arnav replied, nodding as he signalled Inspector Shukla and the magistrate to enter the room. "Start talking. Who else is in the group? Is Mr. Rajjani included?"

"Yes, everyone arrested was part of this group."

"Anyone else that we might need to know?" Arnav pressed.

"Yes," Ramprasad hesitated, then continued, "There is another, but he isn’t directly involved in the attacks. He usually plans the whole thing and covers our tracks," his voice tinged with reluctance.

"Who?"

"You already know, don't you?"

"I want you to confirm that."

"Shyam Manohar lalaji."

"Is looting the only intent of this group?"

"Dacoity isn’t our main focus. I handle property papers on behalf of Shyam Lala Ji—illegally, you could say. Most people agreed to sell their land to Lala Ji easily, but for some, we had to take extreme measures if there was no other way." Ramprasad continued, "Mr. Tiwari didn't agree to sell the land adjacent to the steel factory, which Lala Ji needed to expand due to increasing demand. So we decided to take the land by force."

"Hmm, carry on."

"I recruited the other seven people. They only know me and not Lala Ji or Rajjani Ji. During the attack, Rajjani Ji and I threatened Mr. Tiwari to get him to sign the papers while the others looted the house."

"So, the dacoity is just a disguise?"

"Yes, you could say that."

"Were there other houses you attacked?"

"Yes, the first was the Chauhans, then the Guptas, followed by the Doobays, the Sharmas and the Khans, and lastly the Tiwari's."

"Did Lala Ji join you in these attacks?"

"He used to join us initially, but not after that. The last time he was present was during the Gupta house attack," Ramprasad hesitated, his voice dropping, "He... had his eye on Gupta Ji's wife."

"And Mr. Rajjani?"

"Umm, Rajjani Ji joined us every time because he needed to verify the papers and... he also wanted to carry out some specific activities."

"Specific activities involving being physical with a child?" Arnav asked, his voice hardening.

"Yes," Ramprasad admitted, avoiding eye contact.

"What’s the story behind the marks on your thighs?"

"To hide our identity from others, even from the others involved, we’d cover them with a gamcha. We would tie our lungis tightly around our waists, leaving our thighs exposed. So, to recognize each other, we made this mark on our thighs."

"Everyone in your group has it?" Arnav asked pointedly.

"Yes," Ramprasad replied, then eyed Arnav for a moment. "Raizada Ji, Lala Ji is a very dangerous man. If he finds out about this, he will kill my family. Please, save my son and my wife."

Arnav gave a brief nod, his expression firm, yet reassuring, "Nobody will know until the trial. Inspector Sukla will look after this matter."

Arnav dropped Mr. Roy at the office with strict instructions to both the police and Mr. Roy not to leak the fact that Mr. Lallan had become a state witness. He then went to pick up Khushi.

"Where are we going?" she asked, confused.

"We're going to stay at the Rajput Haveli for a few days. Hariprakash will bring your things and Amy in a few hours," Arnav replied, keeping his voice steady. When they arrived at the main gate, he showed no sign of getting out of the car.

"Aren't you coming inside?" Khushi asked, noticing his reluctance.

"I have some works to do," he said curtly, his eyes betraying the weight of his restlessness.

Khushi was perplexed. Within a few hours, she discovered that Arnav had appointed Hariprakash, Mohan, and the entire security team from their house to guard the Rajput Haveli. A few hours later, two police constables joined them. The tension in the Haveli was palpable, with everyone on edge due to this sudden development. Only Arnav could answer their questions.

When Arnav returned to the office, Shyam Lala was seated in front of his desk, three men standing behind him.

"Namaste, Raizada Babu," Shyam said, folding his hands in greeting.

"How can I help you, Lala Ji?" Arnav responded, nodding politely.

"I usually don’t concern myself with trivial matters, you know, but I came to talk specifically to you about... Rajjani Ji."

"Shouldn’t you be discussing this with his defence lawyer instead?" Arnav asked, his tone pointed.

"Oh, Raizada Babu, let’s keep this between us," Shyam said, signalling one of the men, who placed a box on the desk. When the lid was opened, it revealed bundles of money. "Let’s help each other. You can’t prove his involvement, so why tarnish his name? He’s a respected man in society."

"Why go to such lengths for a mere employee? What’s in it for you?"

"Nothing. He’s an old friend and a loyal accountant. I just don’t want to see his reputation ruined."

"Lala Ji, thank you for the offer, but I suggest you use this money to hire a good defence lawyer."

"Raizada Babu, don’t force me to use other means. You won’t like it if I do." Mr.Lala said with a sickeningly sweet voice.

Arnav chuckled sarcastically, leaning back in his chair. "Why should you care whether I'll like it or not?"

Shyam signalled his men to leave the room, then leaned in close over the desk, lowering his voice. "Tell me, Raizada Babu, does your wife's cunt grip as tightly as her mother's did? I've seen first-hand how those Gupta women make a man lose his mind. Must be why you've got such nerve now, a pretty little thing warming your bed every night." He smiled sleazily, watching the tension build in Arnav's clenched fists, "Don't push me, Raizada Babu, I'd hate to find out just how far a man like me might go when tempted."

Arnav placed both hands firmly on his desk, rising to his full height and leaning in toward Mr. Lala."If you or your goons dare to touch even a single hair of my wife, I'll make sure you end up six feet under right where you stand." His voice menacing and dark in the dim light of the evening, Arnav challenged Mr.Lala to contradict him further. Mr.Lala stood up and glared back at Arnav. "And Lala Ji, please take your money with you."

When Arnav returned to the Rajput household, it was very late at night, but everyone was still awake, waiting for him. They all gathered in the living room as Arnav explained that the dacoit group recently arrested was the same one responsible for killing Khushi's parents. This was why Arnav had been extra cautious regarding Khushi. And also as it was a high-profile case, if anyone wanted to hurt Arnav, they might target her. Prevention was always better than cure. He also informed Bua Ji that she might be called to testify if needed.

Khushi didn’t know what to think of all of that. Exhausted, her head ached from all the overwhelming information. She just wanted to retreat to her room, hide under the covers, and forget about everything else.

She was walking down a familiar corridor, but it was so dark that not a single source of light could be found anywhere. Khushi gently pushed a door open. Inside, a small girl was sleeping soundly, cuddling with a familiar rag doll. Suddenly, a woman entered the room. She was beautiful, but panic and desperation had marred her face. She quickly took the sleeping girl into her arms, causing the child to jolt awake.

"Amma?" the little girl asked in surprise. Her sweet voice rang in the darkness.

"We have to hide, bitiya. They will kill us all. We have to hide," the woman said hysterically.

But before they could flee, a dark shadow loomed over them. A man entered the room, his face obscured. He took a menacing step toward them, causing the woman to step back, clutching the little girl to her chest.

Khushi's body felt like lead, paralyzed, her screams caught in her throat. She tried to cry out, to call for help, but her voice was lost in the void. She tried to run toward them, but she couldn't move a single muscle. Helplessly, she watched as the woman slipped and fell with the little girl still in her arm, causing the child to hit her head. The faceless monster laughed, his cruel hands tearing at Garima's clothes, his laughter echoing in the small room like a twisted melody.

Khushi met the eyes of the little girl, trapped in the suffocating grip of a memory she could never fully escape. The stench of fear hung heavy in the air as she lay still, hearing the faint sound of her own whimpers. Her head throbbed with pain. Little khushi felt the cold touch of dread as another figure emerged from the shadows, advancing toward her with a sinister smile. She could see his eyes now—cold, predatory, and filled with a sickening intent. He reached for her, and her small frame trembled as she backed away into the wall, her tiny hands fumbling for something, anything, to protect herself.

Suddenly, she jolted awake, her heart pounding fiercely against her chest. She froze as a hand around her drew her closer to the body behind, while a voice whispered, "Shhhh, you're safe, Khushi. I've got you."

"Arnav?"

"Hmm, I'm here," his sleepy, tired voice rasped.

Khushi rolled over to face him. Her eyes adjusted to the darkness. She could see his features in the dim light filtering through the curtains. She cupped his cheek, lightly tracing the dark circles under his eyes. Then she buried her face in his neck and began to cry softly.

"Please don't cry," Arnav murmured, kissing her head. His fingers gently stroking through her hair.

"I'm not letting you sleep, hain na?" she said softly. "You work all day and have to deal with my nightmares at night."

"You know I can function with little sleep. I'll be okay."

"There's a dark circle under your eyes."

"It will go away," he said, caressing her back and snuggling closer. Let's get some sleep, okay?" Khushi nodded in response, still nestled in the safe cradle of his neck.

It was true that Arnav was beyond exhausted. His mind was overactive, his heart heavy, and as a result his body couldn't relax until the matter was resolved. Arnav calculated the risks associated with the case, but he hadn't anticipated the return of Khushi's nightmares. Night after night, horrifying dreams and screams kept them awake until the early hours. Arnav still remembered the first time they began. It was the first night, they shifted to Rajput Haveli. He was with Mahindar Chachu while Khushi was fast asleep.

“What type of relationship did Guptaji and Lalaji have with each other?” Arnav asked.

“They were business partners. They had many businesses together. Other than that they bought a land together to set up a new printing press. But before that could happen, Sashi died. He supposedly sold the land to Lalaji.”

"What happened to these businesses?"

"Khushi's uncle took over. I didn't keep tabs after Sashi died." Mahindar Chachu replied solemnly.

A blood-curdling scream caused them to rush toward Khushi’s room. Arnav quickly switched on the light. He discovered her hunched at the far end of the bed, clutching her knees with a terrified expression on her face, the sheet crumpled around her.

"Khushi?" Arnav approached her cautiously. "Tum theek ho?"

His voice pulled her out of the trance, and she looked at him, finally regaining her bearings. She began to cry softly.

"Arnav," she whimpered, crawling into his lap. Arnav rocked her back and forth, gently rubbing her back as she sobbed against his chest, clutching a fistful of his shirt. Since then, Arnav had been on the edge and being a light sleeper he could tell when she was having a bad dream.

The nightmares were becoming increasingly uncontrollable with each passing day, to the point where Khushi was afraid to close her eyes to sleep. As days went on, her mother's lifeless face was beginning to look like Arnav's, making Khushi restless and jumpy. The nightmares were taking control of her life, and she couldn't let that happen. Fed up with her helplessness and feeling confined to the house for days, she decided to go to work at her foundation one day, only to end up being yelled at by Arnav when he found out that evening.

"Pagal ho gayi ho tum. Kuch ho jata toh? What if I lost you?" he said, his voice laced with anger.

She hugged him suddenly to ebb his rage. "I can't live like this, Arnav," she said, her voice muffled against his collar. "This fear is crippling me. I took Hariprakash and Mohan with me. They wouldn't do anything in daylight."

"You don't know them. They can do anything," he replied, tightening his hold on her. "I can't lose you. Do you understand?"

“Hmm. And you can’t raise your voice at me like that.”

“I will whenever you’re being stupid,” he said, hugging her a little tighter. “Just a little while longer, and it will be over.” And then he felt her forehead. “Are you okay? Are you running a fever?”

“It’s nothing. I’m just feeling tired all the time, but... I can’t sleep, you know.”

“Let’s go to bed early, okay?”

Arnav still had some work to finish. After Khushi fell asleep, he quietly switched on the bedside lamp and began reading the documents. After a while, she started tossing and turning, followed by her soft whimpers. Arnav quickly took her into his arms, gently trying to wake her while murmuring comforting words.

Khushi's voice trembled as she whispered, "It's so horrible. I can't take it anymore." She fisted the fabric of his shirt, bringing herself closer to him, "Arnav, please make me forget everything..... I want to forget about all of this." Her eyes, still wide with lingering fear, searched his, pleading for solace, for an escape from the memories that tormented her.

Arnav cupped her face gently, his thumbs brushing away the tears that clung to her cheeks. His heart ached to see her like that. He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead, his lips lingering as if trying to erase the pain etched into her skin."Khushi," he murmured against her temple, his voice a soothing balm, "I won't let anyone hurt you." She closed her eyes, savouring the warmth of his breath against her skin, the steady rhythm of his heartbeat beneath her palm.

Slowly, she let herself be pulled into the safety of his embrace, the solid presence of him grounding her, pushing the nightmare further into the recesses of her mind. His hands slid down to her waist, drawing her closer until there was no space left between them. His lips brushed over her eyelids, her cheeks, the tip of her nose kiss a silent promise. Khushi sighed, her body melting into his as his lips found hers in a kiss that was tender, yet laced with an intensity that made her forget everything but the feeling of being in his arms.

His fingers tangled in her hair, pulling her closer, deepening the kiss as if he could draw out all the fear, all the pain, and replace it with the love he felt for her. She responded to his kiss with a desperation that matched his own, her hands gripping the fabric of his shirt as if he were her lifeline. The taste of him, the warmth of his skin against hers-it was all she needed to chase away the remnants of her nightmare. Khushi tugged at the waistband of his trousers.

Arnav pulled back slightly, his breath ragged, his forehead resting against hers. Her eyes fluttered open to meet his gaze, finding comfort in the love that shone in his dark eyes. A silent conversation passed between those two sets of beautiful eyes.

"I just need you," her voice trembled. He didn't need to be told twice. With a gentleness that contradicted the desire burning within him, he laid her back against the pillows, his body covering hers, shielding her from the world. His hands roamed over her skin, touching her as if she were something precious, something to be cherished. Because she was, to him. He entered her warm wetness gently and then went completely still as a cracking sound halted his pursuit.

"Fuck, the bed is making noise." Arnav groaned in her neck.

Her whole body shook with the force of her laughter, barely muffled by her hand. "I completely forgot my bed makes noise." It was a relief and a delight to see her laugh like that after so many days, and Arnav's eyes shone with laughter as a result as well. He missed her smiling face.

"Tumhari bistar hai na, chup kaise reh sakti hai?" he couldn’t help but tease her.

"Shut up," she swatted his shoulder lightly. "Bistar ki bezzati mat kijiye. Teak ki lakdi hai, pachaas saal se Raiput Haveli mein hai."

"Hmm, pata chal raha hai kitni purani hai, ab?"

"We have to move to the floor."

"Ugh, my knees will be very sorry tomorrow."

Khushi looked at him with her big, expressive eyes and laughed at his grumpiness. She grabbed a pillow and a quilt and dropped them on the floor. She pushed on his shoulder to lie back on it. His eyes locked onto hers as she straddled him, her slender legs on either side of his hips. Her hands rested on his chest, feeling the rapid beat of his heart beneath her fingertips, mirroring her own.

He inhaled sharply as he felt her warmth enveloping him. The feeling of her softness around him, so pliable against his hardness, was breathtaking. His strong hands found their way to her hips, his touch firm yet tender, guiding her with an unspoken understanding. Leaning forward slightly on his chest, her fingers splaying out over the firm muscles beneath his skin, grounding herself as she began to move, slowly at first, her rhythm uncertain. Her body adjusted to the exquisite sensation of him deep within her. His gaze never wavered, his silent encouragement fueling her confidence.

Every slight shift of her hips sent waves of pleasure radiating through her. She bit her lips as her head tilted back, her hair cascading down her shoulders as she rode him with increasing fervor. The tips of her hair grazed his thigh as the tension between them built with each rise and fall of her body.

Her breath came in shallow gasps. Her body completely in tune with his as they found a shared rhythm. He gazed up at her entrapped, reveled in the sight of her above him, lost in her own pleasure. His hands glided over her thigh to her hips, to encircle her waist in both hands, feeling the tremble in her stomach muscles. He could feel every subtle shift, every flex of her muscles as she took him deeper.

Her nimble fingers gently covered his hands holding her waist. She looked down, gazing at him, with eyes full of stars. Her lips quivered, unable to form the words she didn’t need to voice. He could hear them in his head, loud and clear. His gaze moved to where they were joined. Arnav had accepted that he would never get enough of her a long time ago. Just like, he would never get enough of the way she looked at him right after he entered her every damn time or the visual his hands created across her body, or the sight of himself disappearing into her, over and over again.

His hands roamed from her waist to her breasts, cupping and squeezing them a little, before one of his hands moved higher to her chin. He ran his thumb over her slightly parted lips. A breathtaking pleasure overwhelmed her and she threw her head back once again. His hands slipped from her lips to her throat. And his fingers, as if having a mind of their own, wrapped around her soft neck.

Like always, his touch set her entire body on fire, but the irony was that the only balm for this burning was his touch as well. Her pace quickened and she cried out sweetly, as her mind went blank, tiny specks of light danced in front of her eyes. Arnav pulled her closer by her neck, covering her lips with his to suppress her moan.

"Shh, be quiet"

"I can't." she pants against his lips.

"Try."

"We haven't been together for quite some time. I miss you."

His eyes softened, and he captured her whimpering lips once again. His hands traced her back, pulling her closer until her chest was pressed against his. He snaked his arm around her waist to steady her as she lay on top of him. With his other hand on her rear, he pulled her harder toward his body. Then he started moving inside her. She spread her legs wider and arched her back so he could pick up the pace.

Her hair fell around them, creating an intimate space where only they existed. Their lips met in a searing kiss, desperate and consuming, as if they had been waiting to kiss each other for hundreds of years. Her breath hitched as she felt his fingers dig into her skin, grounding her, anchoring her to the moment. As he moved faster, harder, her body responded to the primal urge to merge, to lose herself in him.

Arnav gathered her hair in his fist and pulled slightly exposing her neck to him as his lips found the sensitive spot at

the base of her neck. His voice, rough with need, whispered her name against her skin like a prayer. Her hands tangled in his hair, giving herself over to the sensations building within her. The world outside ceased to exist. There was only Arnav, only the warmth of his skin against hers, the sound of his breathing mingling with her own. Time seemed to stretch and contract,.moments blurring together in a haze of pleasure.

As she approached the peak of her desire, her body trembled with the intensity of the emotions coursing through her. Arnav held her steady, his hands never leaving her, his lips never straying from hers as he guided her through the storm.

He flipped her over when his lips failed to keep her quiet. He covered her mouth with his palm, her body convulsing around him encouraging him to follow her into the abyss of pleasure. He bit his bottom lip. A few hard and rough thrusts, and he poured himself deep inside her.

It felt surreal to have him with her in this room. With all the tension and sleeplessness, she had almost forgotten how many dreams she had woven around him here. This was the room where she had heard her first "dhak-dhak" for him, where they had shared their first kiss, where she had prayed to Devi Maiya to write him into her destiny. And now, in this room, with Arnav's touch guiding her, Khushi let go of the nightmare, that haunted her for so long.

His kisses, his caresses-they became her sanctuary, his whispered words of love a shield against the shadows that threatened her peace of mind. As their bodies began to move together again in a rhythm as old as time, Khushi felt the darkness recede, replaced by the warmth and light that only Arnav could give her. In his arms, she found not just escape, but a reminder that she was more than her past, more than the pain she had endured. And when the night finally gave way to the soft light of dawn, Khushi fell asleep in his arms, her body spent, but her heart full. She knew that as long as she had him, she could face anything.

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

#ipkknd #arnav singh raizada #khushi kumari gupta #arshi #ipk 13th anniversary fiesta #13 years of ipkknd #whispers of the heart

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hand-picked-star · 1 month

Text

The 13th Anniversary Arshi Fiesta

Moodboard : Historical AU

Whispers of the heart | Chapter 24

WARNING: 18+, MATURE CONTENT.

Chapter 24

And at last, the day of prosecution finally arrived. The court was brimming with people.

Arnav as a prosecution lawyer started first, "Your Honor, today we stand before you to seek justice for the countless lives that have been devastated by a criminal conspiracy rooted in greed, brutality, and the complete disregard for human dignity. The defendants in this case are not mere opportunistic criminals. They are orchestrators of a scheme that goes beyond mere dacoity. They preyed upon the innocent, massacred entire families, and took lives in cold blood to satisfy their insatiable hunger for power and wealth."

After a brief pause, he started again, "This case goes beyond punishment. It's about restoring justice for the victims. We ask you to affirm that no one is above the law and that justice will prevail. Thank you."

The the defence lawyer stepped forward, "Your Honor, my prosecutor friend paints my client as a heartless criminal, but we must remember the foundation of our justice system: the presumption of innocence. My client, Mr. Rajjani, is a respected individual who was caught in an unfortunate situation. On the day in question, he was simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. His presence was purely incidental. The prosecution's case against him relies on circumstantial evidence and assumptions. We ask you to carefully consider the facts and recognize that Mr. Rajjani is not guilty of the crimes for which he has been accused. Thank you."

"Nice speech, Mr. Patel," Arnav remarked with a nod as Mr. Patel concluded his opening argument.

Mr. Patel adjusted his spectacles, a subtle smile playing on his lips. "For you to learn from it, my friend," he replied smoothly, his tone both genial and slightly teasing. A slight smirk curled in the corner of Arnav's lips.

Mr. Kishori Lal Patel was a distinguished and seasoned lawyer, a man who carried the weight of decades of experience on his shoulders. However, it was disheartening that his expertise was being applied to the defence of someone implicated in such grave and serious offences.

Then, the court proceedings began. The investigating police officer, the medical examiners, and the Registrar of Deeds of the Land Registry Office all of them involving the Tiwari case gave their testimony. And then, to everyone's surprise, Arnav called Mr. Lallan as the state witness to testify in the witness box. Mr. Lallan identified his accomplices and confirmed that Mr. Rajjani was also a member of the group. He also told the court about the involvement of Mr.Lala. Following his testimony, the defence lawyer commenced cross-examination.

"Mr. Lallan, why should we believe that you're not lying just to avoid the death penalty?" the defence lawyer began.

"Objection, speculation."

"I can ask that question, Your Honour." Mr.Patel protested.

"Overruled . Please continue Mr.Patel."

"Thank you Your Honour. Please answer my question Mr.Lallan."

"I am telling the truth."

"Very well. The other accused had never seen each other's faces before. Are you certain you saw my clients, Mr. Rajjani, and Mr. Lala during these attacks?" the defence lawyer asked.

"We all have a similar tattoo on our thighs. You can check him too," Mr. Lallan said eagerly, causing a ripple of whispers to spread through the crowd. This was precisely what Arnav had hoped for, and Mr. Lallan did not disappoint him.

As the judge ordered everyone to expose their thighs and reveal their identical tattoos, the case seemed to be nearing its conclusion. However, Arnav requested one more witness to be brought to the stand. He detailed the pattern of the previous cases and the documents collected from the Land Registry Office to link the cases together, a proof that these events were not purely coincidental. Then he asked the sole survivor to testify. Madumati Ji took her place in the witness box and took her oath.

"Madumati Ji, please tell us what happened that night," Arnav asked, his voice steady and commanding.

"Objection, Relevance."

"Didn't I submit the evidences to link these cases together? " Arnav retorted.

"Overruled, witnesses may answer the question."

"Thank you, your honour. So tell us about the night, Madhumati ji."

"Hayree Nand Kishor, That was a horrible night,''Madumati Ji began, her voice trembling. "I heard Khushi, I mean, Sashi Gupta's daughter screaming in her room, so I rushed to see what was happening. What I saw there.." She took a deep breathbstruggling to continue, "Garima Ji was being assaulted by a man."

"Please be clear, Madumati Ji," Arnav urged, his tone firm but gentle.

"He was forcing himself on her,'' Madumati Ji whispered. ''And another man was approaching Khushi. That man was near the door. They didn't see me. So I grabbed the door bolt and struck him with all my strength. When he fell, I took Khushi and hid with her in a crevice in the kitchen. I don't know how long we stayed there until I heard Mahindar Ji's voice."

"Thank you, Madumati ji. Did you see any of their faces?" Arnav asked softly.

"No, Nand Kishor, their faces were covered with a gamcha, but both had a mark shaped like a star on their thigh."

"Did you inform the police at that time?"

"Yes."

"Anything else, Madhumati ji?"

"Yes, the man who assaulted Garima ji was naked. He had a large black mark on his back, kind of a birthmark. I reported it to the police as well."

"Thank you, Madhumati ji."

"Your Honor, this is a copy of the drawing of the tattoo and Madumati ji's statement from 12 years ago." Arnav handed the documents to the court clerk, who passed them to the judge. The picture displayed a pentagonal star-shaped tattoo."The same tattoo our state witness, Mr.Lallan talked about and also present on our defendants' bodies."

"The court acknowledges the evidence. Defence, you may cross-examine," the judge remarked, indicating the defence lawyer to proceed.

"Madumati Ji, let me ask you a few questions. You mentioned that you didn't see the men's faces because they were covered, correct?" the defence lawyer asked, stepping forward.

"Yes, that's right." eyeing him suspiciously. Her voice was steady despite the tension.

"And this incident happened 12 years ago, is that correct?"

"Are you weak in math, Nand Kishor?"

A ripple of laughter swept through the crowd. Arnav ducked his head to conceal a smile, accustomed to Buaji's antics.

"Silence, please. Madhumati Ji, please answer the question."

"Yes."

"You see, Madhumati Ji, memory can be a tricky thing, especially after such a long time," the defence lawyer said, pausing before continuing. "Are you absolutely certain those marks were star-shaped tattoos and not something else? It was dark, and you were clearly scared. Maybe you saw something else. How can you be so sure?" The defence lawyer pressed, trying to sow doubt.

"Objection, leading question, Your Honor."

"Sustained. Counsel, please refrain from asking leading questions."

"I want to answer that question, Judge shaheeb," Madumati Ji stated firmly, her voice unwavering. "Yes, I was scared that night, but those marks are burned into my memory. And that picture in your hand, I drew it, not today, but 12 years ago. I know what I saw."

"Your Honor, while we respect Madumati Ji's testimony, we ask the court to consider the potential fallibility of her memory due to the traumatic nature of the event and the significant passage of time. Thank you. No more questions," the defence lawyer addressed the judge.

"Thank you, Counselor. We will take that into consideration. Madumati Ji, you may step down," the judge said.

Addressing Arnav, the judge added, "Mr. Raizada, proceed with your next witness."

"Thank you, Your Honor. I request that Madhumati Ji be allowed to remain on the stand a little longer to identify a crucial mark for me."

With the court's permission granted, he continued, ''Your Honor, I now ask permission to question Mr. Shyam Manohar Lala.'' Arnav had previously obtained a court order to bring Mr. Lala to the witness box and to restrict him from leaving the province or the country.

As Arnav approached Mr.Lala, the tension between them became evident. He posed a single question, "Lalaji, how do you respond to the evidence implicating you in this case?"

"I am completely innocent, Your Honor," Mr. Lala retorted. "Ramprasad is lying. They sold their lands to me willingly. They are trying to defame me."

"Why would he do that? Do you have any animosity with him?"

"I don't know. Perhaps you coerced him into lying," Mr.Lala seethed at Arnav.

"Objection, Your Honour, Argumentative." The defence lawyer stated firmly.

"Sustained, Mr.Raizada, please rephrase your question."

But Arnav's eyes twinkled with satisfaction, seeing Mr. Lala growing agitated with each passing second. He leaned forward, a smirk curling on his lips. "It is highly inappropriate to accuse a lawyer of misconduct, especially in court," he said, his tone cool and composed. "However, for the sake of clarity, could you please show us your left thigh?"

"Objection, Your Honor. Unnecessary invasion of privacy and improper line of questioning," the defence lawyer interjected, standing up.

"What kind of insult is this, Your Honor? I have no involvement in this," Mr. Lala insisted, stressing his innocence.

"Then why the hesitation?" Arnav pressed. "We only have a doubt. Lalaji, please assist us in clearing it up."

"Objection overruled. Please show us your thigh, Mr. Lala, and help resolve our doubts," the judge ruled.

Upon the judge's order, Mr.Lala reluctantly exposed his thigh, revealing the pentagonal tattoo. This sight sent a wave of gasps through the courtroom.

"I wish I could stop there, Lalaji," Arnav said with a steely resolve, "but could you please also show us your back?"

As Mr.Lala turned and exposed his back, revealing the distinctive birthmark, Arnav's smirk deepened.

"Madhumati ji, have you seen mark before?" Arnav asked Madhumati ji without turning toward her. His eyes fixed on Mr.Lala.

"YES, YES, that's the mark Judge shaheeb. I will never forget this mark."

Arnav turned to face the judge and said, "That's all, Your Honor."

Khushi sat idly at her office desk, her gaze drifting toward the gloomy sky outside. Today, she felt a deep sense of melancholy that seemed to engulf her. For the past few days, she had been experiencing these sudden bouts of sadness, a feeling of wanting to cry that she couldn't quite explain. With a sigh, she picked up the newspaper for the day.

Shyam Manohar Lala, Mohan Rajjani and 7 others Sentenced to Death for Heinous Crimes in Landmark Verdict

The headline stirred a bittersweet feeling within her. She was present in the courtroom yesterday. It was her first time attending one of Arnav's proceedings, and she couldn't help but think she should have chosen a different case for her debut. She would have relished seeing him in his element under happier circumstances than witnessing this particular trial. But perhaps, she mused, it was simply her destiny to see him fighting for her and her family.

She was undoubtedly relieved that her parents' murderers had been brought to justice, but the resurgence of painful memories cast a sombre shadow over her. She knew she needed to go home and rest. The past few months had been difficult for both her and Arnav. It was a relief that the nightmares had eased down a little bit. Despite this, she felt persistently exhausted. She just felt tired all the time. They would stay in the Rajput Haveli for a few days more, as Dewali was this week. Then they would return back to their home.

But suddenly, after few days, Khushi fell ill and caught a severe case of stomach flu. Amma, Babuji, Bua Ji, and Arnav all scolded her for indulging in too many jalebis, rabri, and golgappas the previous day. Despite their concerns, her condition worsened over the next ten days, showing no signs of improvement. The doctor visited today, diagnosing her as dehydrated and advised them to give her more fluid. How could she keep herself rehydrated when the mere sight of food made her sick?

Suddenly, Buaji's shriek startled everyone. "Arey, Manoroma, have we all lost our marbles, Nand Kishor? Payaliya, go ask Hariprakash to fetch Ganga Tai!"

Upon hearing Buaji's words, everyone suddenly turned their gaze towards Khushi. She felt like a deer caught in headlights and managed a nervous smile. In return, they all smiled back at her as well. Though their smiles were well-natured, but they seemed menacing to her. Khushi pursed her lips, feeling her heart pounding loudly. Out of everyone's sight, she tenderly placed her hand on her stomach. And somehow, she knew. She didn't need Ganga Tai, the local midwife, to tell her what was happening.

"Arnav, uthiye na," Khushi whined, gently shaking Arnav from a deep slumber. Her voice was filled with a mix of desperation and impatience.

"What happened?" Arnav mumbled, his voice muffled as he buried his face deeper into the pillow.

"I want to eat jalebis," her voice rising with a hint of excitement.

Arnav slowly raised his head, squinting at the bedside clock. "It's three in the morning, Khushi. Go back to sleep."

"I can't sleep. The baby wants jalebis."

Arnav sighed deeply, propping himself up on one elbow. "Alright, only on one condition."

Khushi's eyes brightened with hope. "Kya?"

"You have to drink a glass of milk too."

Khushi scrunched up her nose. "But milk is yucky."

Arnav gave her a stern look. "Then I'm going back to sleep."

Khushi's eyes widened in alarm. "No, no, no! Okay, I'll drink the milk. Now please, let's go."

Arnav got up lazily from the bed and turned on the light. Khushi, with a playful pout, spread her arms as if she were a child wanting to be picked up. Chuckling, Arnav gathered her into his arms.

Him, being a father hadn't fully settled in yet. Perhaps it was a gradual process, and with time, he would gain the momentum to fully embrace parenthood.

They had returned from the Rajput Haveli two weeks ago. Though Chachu and Chachi had wanted them to stay at the haveli, it was no longer fitting to live there for an extended period after their marriage. Staying there long-term now seemed inappropriate. Instead, they had brought Buaji to live with them in their house.

As Arnav walked through the corridor with Khushi in his arms, this was the third time that week they were embarking on a midnight mission for jalebis. Soon after her sickness subsided, her cravings for jalebis reared their head. The first time, her craving had been for hot jalebis without chasni. The next, she demanded them with chasni and added countless conditions. They couldn't disturb Gauri ji or Buaji, as the thought of waking them up made Khushi tear up out of guilt. So, the only person left to make the jalebis was him. It felt as though she had no affection for him anymore, only her love for the sweet treat prevailed at that moment.

Khushi had meticulously guided him through the process of making jalebis this past week, and now he had become a pro. His once hesitant hands now moved with precision, swirling the dough in the hot oil with confidence, ensuring each jalebi was crisp and golden and then dipped them in the perfectly sticky, sweet chasni.

They settled on the balcony with a small plate of hot jalebis and a glass of milk. She savoured each piece of jalebis with evident delight.

"Wow, these are sooo good, you've learned to make such delicious jalebis," Khushi praised Arnav in between bites.

"Yeah, if I ever fail as a lawyer, I might just start a stall in the market."

"At least you'd have one loyal customer," Khushi winked, offering him a piece of the sweet delicacy.

Arnav caught Khushi's hand, taking a bite of the offered jalebi. His tongue lightly swept over the tips of her fingers, sending a ripple through her skin. One by one, without breaking eye contact, he polished off all the sweet chasni from her fingers.

"Yeah, you were right. Today's jalebis are extra delicious," he said, winking at her. A lovely redness tinted her flawless skin, which looked radiant under the moonlight.

"Are you trying to correct a past mistake?" Arnav laughed, remembering their childhood moment.

"Maybe."

"Or are you trying to seduce your wife, Mr. Raizada?"

"I can't help it. You're just so irresistible," he leaned in to kiss her lips, enveloping her smile with his own. "And so, so, so sweet." He punctuated each word with a press of his lips against hers.

He kissed her some more. At least he could do that, since the doctors had banned any physical intimacy until her fourth month of pregnancy. Releasing her lips, he said, "Alas, all my seducing will go to waste."

"Serves you right. How shameful it is. Now that I'm pregnant, everyone will know what we do...what we did," she whispered, pursing her lips.

Arnav burst out laughing. She swatted his shoulder lightly, then joined in his laughter as well.

Arnav's birthday was approaching next week, and Khushi wanted to do something special for him, despite his dislike for celebrations. Last year, she had cooked his favourite dishes, but this year she wanted to make a more significant impact. After discovering her influence over him physically, she was determined to come up with something that would truly blow his mind.

However, since she couldn't be intimate with him due to the doctor's restrictions, that plan was off the table. She pondered other ways to make him feel special and happy. Her mind raced with ideas throughout the day. She decided she needed to explore the secluded spots of the library and gather inspiration, so she planned to visit the library to search for ideas and find the perfect setting to surprise him.

She wished for a magical box where she could write, "What is another way to make your husband happy physically when you're pregnant?" and have all the answers appear before her. Life would be so much simpler if someone could provide a straightforward solution.

After a discreet search, Khushi finally found a book that seemed to promise answers. However, as she leafed through it, the content was convoluted and confusing, leaving her more perplexed than enlightened. But she was determined to decode those confusing texts.

It was five minutes to midnight on Arnav's birthday. He had a crucial hearing the next day and was working late in his study. Khushi timidly knocked on the door, causing him to look up from his file.

"What are you doing still staying up?" he asked.

"I wanted to wish you a happy birthday," Khushi said shyly.

He crossed his arms over his chest and smiled at her, an amused glint dancing in his eyes as he observed his suddenly shy wife. He raised an eyebrow.

"Happy birthday, Arnav," she said, growing nervous under his silent gaze.

"Why are you so shy all of a sudden?"

"I didn't bring a gift."

He extended his hand toward her. She took it, allowing him to pull her close until she stood in front of him, where he sat. He placed a hand gently over her belly.

"You've already given me the best gift in the world," he said softly.

He wrapped his arms around her waist and rested his head on her stomach after placing a tender kiss there. Khushi's fingers tangled in his hair as she smiled.

"I want to try something. Promise me you won't laugh," Khushi whispered, nervously playing with his hair.

"What?" Arnav asked, intrigued.

"Close your eyes."

Instead of following her request, Arnav frowned, his curiosity piqued. Taking a deep breath, Khushi settled on his lap, surprising him. Her legs straddled him as she lowered herself on his body. He instinctively grabbed her waist.

"What are you doing?" he asked, a mix of curiosity and concern in his voice.

"Kuch nehi," she replied softly, her eyes locked onto his. "I just want to kiss you."

And she kissed him once, twice, three times, her lips soft against his. She trailed kisses along his chin, his jaw, his neck. His stubble tickled her sensitive lips. She gently rubbed the back of his neck, massaging his scalp with her fingers. The soothing touch and tender kisses felt nice to him, too nice actually. Her kisses, he could take, but what was becoming unbearable was the way her body moved against him. He grabbed her hips to still her and pressed his forehead against hers.

"You're doing it on purpose." he whispered, his voice strained. "Don't start something you can't finish."

Khushi bit her lip to hide her smile, her face flushing slightly. "But I intend to finish,'' she whispered back, kissing him again.

Arnav squinted slightly, trying to gauge her intentions as she slowly slid down his body, kneeling between his legs. Her hands rested on his thighs, then moved a little higher, grazing the growing bulge in his pants. Before she could go further, Arnav caught her hands.

"You don't have to," he murmured, his voice thick, his breathing ragged.

"But you want me to," Khushi replied, her gaze meeting his. Eyes sparkled with mirth.

"How do you know?"

"I can see it in your eyes," she whispered. She pressed her lips together, a ghost of a smile dancing on her face.

"Damn it,'' Arnav exhaled, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I've got the best wife ever. Let's go to our room."

She giggled as he pulled her up by her shoulders and scooped her into his arms. He carried her towards their bedroom, determined to finish what they had started.

At the end of next month, La and NK got married. The way they clicked together from the very beginning, it was inevitable that they would end up together. Khushi couldn’t attend their wedding for obvious reasons, but La and NK assured her that they would visit soon. In fact, they planned to enjoy their honeymoon in India. Khushi was over the moon to have her two best friends with her. Over time, NK and La fell in love with India and its people so much that they decided to stay for an extended period to help Khushi with the foundation.

As her dream regarding the foundation slowly came to fruition, she found herself yearning to focus on her other dreams. Khushi had always dreamed of becoming a writer, but whenever she sat down to write, her ideas felt scattered, elusive, like pieces of a puzzle that just wouldn't fit together. Despite having the time, she struggled to find the focus and direction she needed before. Her thoughts seemed to drift aimlessly, and her creative energy, though abundant, was unfocused.

Then came the unexpected news of her pregnancy, which brought a sense of calm and clarity that she hadn't anticipated. Though the first few weeks were overwhelming, filled with a mix of excitement and anxiety. As her body changed, so did her perspective. The life growing inside her gave her a new sense of purpose and a grounding she hadn't felt before. The scattered thoughts that once filled her mind began to settle, like leaves gently falling into place.

The quiet moments, especially in the early mornings when the world was still asleep, became her sanctuary. The ideas that had once been disjointed started to come together.

As her pregnancy progressed, Khushi found inspiration in the smallest of things-the gentle flutter of the baby's movements, the warm sunlight streaming through the window, the quiet moments of reflection. Each day, she would write a little more, her words a reflection of her journey, filled with the raw emotions of impending motherhood. There were days when the physical toll of pregnancy would slow her down, but she pressed on, driven by the idea that she was creating something lasting, something she could share with her child one day.

Writing became a form of therapy for Khushi, a way to process the changes happening in her life. The book she was crafting wasn't just a story; it was a reflection of her own experiences, fears, hopes, and dreams. Every chapter was infused with the emotions she was feeling-the joy, the uncertainty, the love that was growing each day for the little one she had yet to meet.

As her due date approached, Khushi found herself writing the final chapter, feeling a deep sense of accomplishment. The book was a journey, much like her pregnancy, filled with unexpected twists, moments of doubt, and overwhelming joy. When she finally held her first draft in her hand, she realized that the time she had spent writing had not only brought her closer to her dream of being an author but had also prepared her for the beautiful, challenging journey of motherhood.

Her book, once a distant dream, was now a testament to the strength and resilience she had discovered within herself during those nine months. Khushi knew that this was just the beginning of her story-both as a mother and as a writer.

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

#ipkknd #arnav singh raizada #khushi kumari gupta #arshi #ipk 13th anniversary fiesta #13 years of ipkknd #whispers of the heart

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