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Wo(e)men



Shot-1


Death silence prevailed inside the shantivan, providing peace like it's name. But the difference is, it's calm after the storm or Is it calm before storm? Only time will tell.

"Arnav bhaiyya coffee..." HP voice broke the stillness of the atmosphere yet it didn't broke Arnav's stance. He quietly took the coffee without even looking at anything.



The hot liquid seeped down through his parched throat did burn his oesophagus but his expressionless face didn't gave away anything. Perhaps he wouldn't felt anything.

HP looked at him with hesitation. As a loyal servant of shantivan for years, he knows what's happening in this house and the seriousness of the issue. In fact he's guilty to say understatement. Pushing back those thoughts he called his master again.

"Bhaiyya... "

Arnav raised his head and met his eyes wryly.

"Bhaiyya... Nobody has taken their breakfast yet. If you tell them... they would've... I mean bhaiyya, this day is important, I know. But food is also important to survive. If you all want to face this day then you all need to be strong not only on emotional front but also physical strength is much needed. Please bhaiyya..."

Unsurprisingly, Arnav didn't give any expression on taking advice from HP. He plainly nodded. This is what happening in that house from past two days. The house is no less than looking like mourning on someone's death. HP sighed wearily and left to arrange breakfast. When none of the family is in the state to look after themselves it's his duty to remind their schedule.

Arnav kept the half empty mug on the tea table and left to Nani room. He reminded himself about his responsibility towards the family. He entered Nani room without knocking  which is listed under some basic mannerisms of both ASR and Arnav who follows strictly, has broken his own rule.

"Nani... Have breakfast. I asked HP to serve." His words come out impassive as his face.

Nani looked at him bluntly "This is only left now."

"Please Nani..."

The hidden vulnerability beneath his impassive tone is not easily ignorable by Nani. She stretched her hand cueing him to come near her. His knees trembled. His obscure began to break piece by piece. If anyone who can give solace to him at this moment then it's only Devayani Singh Raizada who has that grip on his heart.

He got hold of her extended hand and moved forward to laid his head on her lap.

"She refused to see me. I... I waited outside whole day to get a glimpse of her. She refused Nani. Won't I meant anything to her? Won't I make everything alright for her? Why is she behaving like this? I can't take it. I can't take her ignorance. I can't see her behind the bars. I can't..." The dam which packed of roller coaster emotions broke by soothing caress of his Nani on his head. There hasn't have any tears left in her system to shed. She already shed all her tears and blood. Now only few is left for her to survive.

"She refused to meet me too chotte. She refused to meet anyone from the family. Does that mean, we are nothing to her?"

"No..." His low voice reminded of her small Arnav. Memories are always good to remember than present. But if some memories contain negative aspects then it's better to not think of it.

"Same applies to you chotte. You mean to her. She's in trauma. It's our duty to get her out and cure her." Arnav nodded meekly.

"Khu..."

"ASR can make everything alright, aren't he?"

Arnav bobbed his head and slowly lifted his head from her lap. Nani words boosted his inner strength which was much needed at the moment.

Nani cupped his cheeks fondly "You bring Khushi betiya down, I'll tell everyone to have breakfast and then we can go to court." He gave a grateful look. His half anxiety already flew away. Maybe this is why family is important. They'll stand by you in your hard times. Sometimes, family itself become a headache which is another case.

He hugged her unexpectedly for a brief time before left to his room. Nani wiped her tears. Hoping against hope she set her foot on the floor. If her words did magic on him, his determined eyes at last gave her the strength, strength to fight against the dark clouds which surrounded her family once again.

.
.
.

Except the mild sound of wind chimes, there isn't anything which shows human presence around the place. Arnav sighed heavily seeing the empty room. This is happening from last two days, the women who run to him sensing his presence always is now not even acknowledging him if he even throw his arm over her shoulder or hug her. His legs automatically took him to the place where she resides almost all the day.

Leaning her back on the poolside wall, she is busy watching the water in the pool, folding her arms around her knees. He closed his eyes for a brief time. He don't know why it always them to face the hardship.

"Khushi..."

She didn't looked up at him like she always does. Her twinkling eyes didn't met him, in fact the twinkle is erased from her eyes as if it was never there in the first place.

"It's time for breakfast."

Silence is what he got as reply. In this last two days, he learnt what patience is. Even though, he's not in the state to console the family as he himself is broken, he didn't marred his fear and worries under the mask of angry.

"We've to reach court before 10 a.m. If you want to come, then come down for breakfast." He said with all the calmness on the world that, if anybody heard his voice will conclude there's some ghost entered into ASR soul.

"I am not hungry. I... I will come to court." She answered not meeting his eyes.

"I'll not eat unless you take your food."

Her posture shifted after brief time. She rubbed her temple and steal a quick glance at him before stood up to walk downstairs. No words exchanged after that. Earlier at least they can read the other through eyes. Now that seems impossible to Arnav as Khushi is not meeting his eyes. They drifted apart in this two days more than they were distanced in their hate encounters. Arnav has no choice but to quietly follow her to dining table.

The atmosphere at the air conditioned dining room is thickened with tense. No one had the guts to break the sheer silence and initiate a conversation. Their hands played with food and they ate it for a namesake. In once and all, the mansion is confined with gloominess.

***

"See her Ragini. She's the new one in the list." A girl around mid thirties murmured to the girl next to her.

Ragini stuffed mouthful of paan and roamed her eyes over the women infront of her.

Ragini twisted her mouth at the women appearance "Fair in colour, chubby cheeks, threaded eyebrows, soft skintone, looks like she's from high-class family. As far as I know money speaks more than anything. Then why is she still here in this police prison?"

"You're absolutely right. You know what, she killed her husband. She even refused to meet her family members."

"Waah... She killed her husband. I heard these high class people changes their partners like they changes their dresses, but I am seeing it for first time... Tsk... Tsk... We can't blame her rakki, She must be tired of him."

"You're right Ragini. These people have no heart... See na, there isn't any guilt on her face. She's sitting there as if she achieved something and feeling proud of her actions."

The object of their gossip heard everything as both ladies voices are considerably high.

Rakkhi who was about to start another round of gossip session stopped saying in midway, as the women whom they gossiped limbing towards them making her way.

"Yes, I am proud of what I did." Declared she looking straight into the ladies eyes.



Shot-2



"You heard it right. I am proud of killing my husband." Anjali declared with her head held high looking directly at the two.

Ragini cocked her brows "I pity you."

Anjali crooked a smile "I pity you girl. You're judging the book by it's cover. Don't follow that, you'll end up regretting it."

Ragini didn't buy her words "Waah... You know to lecture apart from killing your husband."

Seeing them speaking something from far, a constable ran towards them "Stop it Ragini. You don't know with whom you're showing your cheap talks."

"I know, I am speaking with a murderer." Ragini replied arrogantly.

"Shut up Ragini.." The constable eyed her to shut her damn mouth & turned towards Anjali "Mam, we've to go to court. Shall we?"

Anjali smirked wryly "Do you treat every accused like this? I assume money speaks louder than anything."

"Mam..." The constant gave a bewildered stare and gulped at the utter truth behind her words.

Anjali ignored the stare and ready to move out "Shall we?"

The constable bewildered by the coldness beneath her voice and ran behind her following outside.

*

Aakash followed Arnav and stopped him from climbing on driver seat "Bhai... Let Mohan drive you both. We'll follow you behind in another car."

Arnav nodded somewhat guessing his try to break the ice between him and Khushi. Mohan came running to them & Arnav handed the keys.

Arnav frowned seeing Aakash weird signal. He followed his vision and saw Khushi coming towards them in fully covered salwar. He stride long steps & held her palm earning a shocked expression.

'Atleast she's reacting.' Arnav mused dragging her gently towards his car safely leaving the others.

When she continued to be in trance, he pushed her on back seat taking his place next to her.

"Where are others?" Asked she realising the surroundings.

"They're coming on another car." He answered and eyed Mohan to start the car before, Khushi can change her mind to shift on Aakash car.

As the car moved out of the premises, Khushi shifted her gaze to outside of the window. Arnav noticed her aloofness and felt himself drowning into it along with her. Whatever happened two days before shouldn't be happened. He was in illusion that his house was highly secured, when it is not or better say he should've concentrated on keeping another circle of high level security without anyone's knowing even his own family. Everything was his fault. If only he didn't left them alone that day. If only he alerted police about Shyam mishaps & made sure of his stay inside prison. He expelled a displeased sigh at the realisation of his blunder.

But sighing and regretting on our previous failure is not going to make anything better. If he wants everything to be normal, he should  strike a move. ASR brain took control of broken Arnav. He slowly slid his left palm on Khushi's right which rested in between them.

Khushi startled at the sudden contact and wiggled her arm out of his hold. If it was broken Arnav he would've probably released his hold but determined ASR shifted close to her and entwined his fingers with her's & kept their entwined hands on his thigh. She attempted two more times and as she failed, she let him hold her.

"We can get her out in bail Khushi."

She nodded simply keeping her vision nothing at particular.

"If only she accepts our efforts unlike her rejection to meet us." He added. Khushi didn't reacted like he expected but her mind started to think on his words.

The remaining distance passed in silence. The moment car halted with a screech on court, Khushi get down as first person before anyone. Her eyes instantly searched for the presence of Anjali.

Arnav got down & stood beside her, joining her in search of Anjali. He roamed his eyes and took his mobile to call his lawyer whereas Khushi  lurched forward seeing Anjali limping form.

She panted slightly and held Anjali hand "Di..."

Both their lips broke into a painful smile. They're happy to see each other all fit and fine but terrible to see each other state.

Anjali palmed Khushi cheeks "Khushiji what had you done to yourself? Are you even eating?"

"I can ask you the same. What had you done to yourself di? And why did you refused to meet anyone? Everyone is feeling bad." Khushi throws question for her question.

Anjali closed her eyes for a brief time. A lone tear trailed down her cheeks breaking her resolution.

Khushi frightened "Di?"

"It's my punishment for going behind their back. I betrayed them... I... I've no strength within me to meet their eyes. Because of me you've to go through a lot khushiji & top of it I broke my chotte trust. I don't deserve his unconditional love khushiji... I wish I can go back & reverse the time and correct my wrongings... But alas! It's too late. Crying over spilt milk is waste. I prefer seeing you and chotte leading a euphoric life." Anjali's determined and rational speech surprised Khushi.

She can't believe she's the same women who took the whole house on her head even if a small issue popped up. She's the same women who's not seen without Pooja thaali on normal days. She's the same women who tames ASR but puts blind trust on her husband. She's the same women who didn't think twice before calling her husband behind her family's back. And, in all that she found a different shade of Anjali. A porcelain doll with little amount of selfish on her part. But now...

Situations can change anyone and will reduce to anything. It's all about how we took upon the issue and emerge from that.

Further Anjali cupped Khushi cheeks "Leave everything. How are you? Does chotte looking after you well?"

Khushi lowered her lashes and bit her lips. How can she say, she's not responding to anyone? How can she be normal knowing Anjali di is in prison? How can she be when she's also a...

Her silence scared Anjali out of her wits "Khushiji... Does... Are you scared?"

Khushi raised her eyes. Stream of tears brimmed on her eyes ready to flow down.

"It's not easy to forget di..." She said through quivering lips. Her palms shivered by the mere reminder.

Anjali hugged her immediately to calm her down inturn she herself mended her treacherous heart. Khushi bit her lower lips to control her erupting sob. The comfort Anjali providing reminded her of struggles she went through to come out from the monster who robbed her soul and moral. A chill run down her spine as the flashes strike through her memory. Her grip on Anjali strengthened expressing her grief. Anjali sensed the change in her posture and cursed her blindness & stupidity for umpteenth time. Both Sister-in-law's unwillingly travelled back in their memory which caused them enough grief to mourn for lifetime.













"Shyamji... I want to see you." Anjali cried gripping the phone close to her ear.

"Me too Raanisahiba... I am nothing but a living corpse without you and our Rajkumari. But you don't worry Raanisahiba, Salesahib is under illusion. There's some misunderstandings on his part. We'll clear them out & it's our duty to show him the right truth." Shyam played his good card which hit the arrow.

"I can't believe chotte did something like this." Anjali wailed out her displeasure.

"I am saying na, he's under some misconception. Leave that, did you take your breakfast? What my Rajkumari is doing?" Shyam changed the topic. He's not going to miss the golden egg for anything.

"No... How can I, without you? Did you eat anything? Where are you now?"

"Er... You first eat Raanisahiba."

His way of dodging did bring the desired reaction out of her "Don't change the topic shyamji. Where are you now?"

"Raanisahiba... I am at railway station." He sounded as low as possible.

Undoubtedly that created enough ruckus on her mind & she begin to panic "What? Why? Are you going somewhere?"

"Er... I thought.. leave that Raanisahiba."

"Come here shyamji. I want to see you. Yes, I'll not unless you came here. There's no one at home." She answered remembering her conversation with Nani who informed about her visit to temple with Mami. Arnav already left the house defeated on making her eat.

"But..."

"I am waiting." Anjali end the call & called Payal to clear the way.

"Di, do you need anything?" Payal asked hesitantly.

"Payalji... My medicines are finished. Can you buy it for me?" If Payal is surprised by her request, she didn't showed it outside. She's happy that Anjali is speaking to her unlike her mother-in-law and husband. So she readily accepted without fuss.

"Yeah, sure di. I'll go after cooking lunch."

However Anjali didn't encouraged that.

"Payalji, I am not taking medicines from yesterday. I fear something might happens to my baby. Will you please buy it asap? Let HP cook today."

Payal thought for a second and accepted it. Anjali smiled and sighed inwardly. She hid behind the door & waited for Payal to move outside through the main entrance. Once she was sure of her absence she called HP.

"Hariprakashji bring some fresh fruits from our farmhouse."

"But didi, I've to cook for lunch. Moreover farmhouse is located at outskirts, it'll take time to bring fruits from there. Shall I give you fruits from fridge? I bought it today only. It's fresh."

Anjali gritted her teeth at continuous question "I did not ask your opinion, I ordered you to bring it from our farm. Is it hard to understand?"

HP bewildered by her anger. He has no option but to bob his head taking her order. He's a mere servant what can he do?

She limped all the way to the entrance and closed the main door.

"Shyamji come through back door. If anyone caught you, then they'll inform it to chotte & he'll misunderstand it again." She informed through phone in addition.

She thought she planned everything without loopholes, if only she knew Khushi was still in the house and she's keeping herself away from coming infront of anjali.

Hurried towards her room, anjali didn't forget to take a plate of breakfast before walking upstairs.

On the other side, Khushi sat dipping her feet on the pool water. Her lips stretched wide & her eyes settled it's vision on the photo rested on her palm. Her fingers continuously stroking  Arnav's figure on the photo which is taken during Aakash, Payal wedding. Her eyes twinkled seeing him looking at her on that picture when everyone was looking ahead posing for camera. She clearly remembered how she flaunted her bangles which he bought for her specially but he refused to acknowledge the same.

'Laadgovernor...' She cooed ever lovingly. After that words he uttered to her about moving forward & matching his steps henceforth, his thoughts are never leaving her. She blushed reminiscing his stare.

Unaware of the bloodshot eyes which is burning her with his eyes, Khushi busied herself on daydreaming about her arnavji and their new formed dimension in their relationship.

He stood at the steps with fisted hands seeing her blushing, talking to a photo. The rejection and her betrayal during Arnav kidnapping hit him hard. His knuckles turned white & breathing laboured by the sight of her kissing the photo which confirms his assumption. His anger & fury reached beyond limits. Her giggles, talks, blushes to the mere photo intrigued him against her. His mind replayed how she rejected his love and went ahead to love his Salesahib.

His mind begin to compare him and Arnav. What's lack in him that she went ahead to love Arnav, who knows nothing but to hurt her? She even kept her life at stake to rescue Arnav. Arnav didn't even knows to speak politely but she chose him, why?

Instead of searching for answers, he grew a sense of hate. Instead of looking at his own mistakes, he counted Khushi mistakes according to him. Instead of correcting his sin, he went ahead to create new ones.

"Shyamji..." A feeble voice brought him to reality.

He looked up at the source and found Anjali looking at him from upstairs which connects guest room of RM.

Quickly devising a plan, he took two steps at once and reached Anjali who hugged him instantly. His mind reminded him of the scene which happened few minutes before. Khushi kept the photo against her chest as if hugging the person in real. His fury instantly manifolded. Suddenly he find answers for all questions. Everything started only after Khushi came to know about him marrying to anjali. Now the anger directed towards Anjali. He raised his fisted hand & hit it hard against her head.

Anjali who didn't expected this kind of treatment, slumped on his chest holding her head. She didn't lose her consciousness nor she's in the state to think anything. He used her shocked dazing state & dragged her to her room.

"Sh..y..amji..." She uttered hoping that she was dreaming and it would go away once Shyam took her in his arms and coo sweet nothings. He pushed her harshly on the bed & looked around for something.

His eyes instantly caught a plastic carry bag which contains newly bought medicines. Emptying the content, he fettered it on Anjali face.

Anjali dangled her arms in uncertain. Her subconscious mind registered some danger but her conscious mind was not in the state to protest or fight against the danger. She tried to wiggle her legs which went futile as he tied it with a rope & he tied her hands too. At once oxygen for her lungs declined drastically. She started to took sharp breaths. Her eyes flickered more than required. Her reaction alarmed the little time he have. Hastily he deposited her on poolside & locked it. Taking her mobile he dialled Khushi number. After two rings she attended it.

"Come to Anjali room if you respect your precious Sister-in-law's life." He ended the call abruptly.

A wicked grin formed on his lips. Finally, he's getting what he wanted. His one sided love is going to give him fruits. His desire for one women, he yearned is coming to end.

"Di..." Khushi frantically called her running inside the room. The moment she steps in, the door locked with a click.

Khushi desperate eyes caught the sight of anjali. She ran towards poolside door and tried to open it. When she can't open it, she started to bang it.

"Tsk... Tsk... Khushiji. I didn't throw her out for you to rescue easily."

Khushi eyes rounded in shock & she whipped around to see the sick man leaning on the wall with his arm crossed against his chest.

"What are you doing here? How did you come?" She questioned coming out of her shock.

"Your precious Sister-in-law called me here." He said with sly smile.

Khushi felt herself surrounded by danger seeing his smile. Nonetheless, she mustered courage and tried to open the poolside door. Her heart thudded vigorously against her ribcage. The realisation of breathing the same air with that man itself disgusts her.

"Don't waste your energy on that Khushiji. You see, I locked it with key and see here's the key." He showed a key and pocketed it on his trousers.

Khushi steps forward hurriedly "Give that to me."

"Wahhh... Rewind your memory khushiji. I didn't throw her for nothing."

Khushi got furious by his irresponsible answer "Will you stop playing around for once? Give that to me. She's struggling." Her voice ended on serious note. If looked upon seriously, anyone can find fear under her last sentence.

"I'll stop if you give me what I want." He initiated his conditions knowing he have little time in his hand.

"What do you want?" She asked nonchalantly running her eyes around the room to get an alternative way to open the door.

"YOU."

Her head snapped at him in terror "What?"

"You heard it right. I want you. Accept it or see her die infront of your eyes." He sneered with dangerous glint in his eyes.

"SHUT UP YOU BASTARD. You'll never get what you want & for your information I know how to save her." Furiously challenging him, she walked towards the door only to lean against the door in horror. The door was also locked.

Her determination began to cascade. Her eyes instantly caught the struggling anjali who's taking sharp breaths and her chest moving up and down speedily. She realised she has little time in her hand. Swallowing the fear, she roamed her eyes again & searched for something to break the glass.

"Searching for tool to break the glass... Poor khushiji.. Do you think, I will do the same mistake again? You already fooled me and this time there's no way you can escape from me. Didn't you see, night lamp, wires, cd stand, tables everything is taken off..." He announced proudly.

Khushi found his words true seeing every possible thing which could help her in this situation was safely placed outside beside di.

"Why are you doing this? Please open it." Her lips quivered for first time revealing her fear.

"Khushiji... Khushiji... I thought you're brilliant. Did you forget it's not only about your di, it's about her baby too? Who knows it might be dead by now."

Next moment, Shyam cheeks stung with pain caused by Khushi slap.

"YOU'RE A MONSTER. It's Your Child dammit. ARE YOU EVEN HUMAN?" Her tears rolled down beyond her control.

Unfortunately her words didn't brought the humanity inside him but his ego got bruised.

He held her shoulders under his tight grip "You're going to pay heavy for slapping me khushiji..."

He didn't give time for Khushi to fathom, he pushed her front to the glass door and held her neck from behind keeping her face firm on glass "See her losing her precious life along with her baby."

"Leave me... Leave me you bastard..." Khushi wiggled on his hold.

Her words fuelled his rage. He pushed more into the glass and pressed himself on her back.

"Wow... What a sight! Haaina khushiji..." He scoffed.

Khushi eyes widen at the sight of anjali whose struggles started to mellow down.

"She's losing shyamji.. Please leave me..." Khushi cried trailing her palm on the glass.

Her female instinct woke up in alert. She gripped his hair in her fingers and pulled it with all her strength.

He hissed and left her at the unexpected attack. Khushi ran towards the door forgetting the major fact of him standing in all glory. He hopped forward & pulled her by arms.

"You didn't done right thing."

He pushed her harshly on the bed. Frightened Khushi was about to stand up but Shyam towered her pinning her down to the bed. She hit him on his chest and pushed him but he didn't budge. He held her arms in single hand with malicious way. Her mind was clogged with Anjali state that she didn't worried about her safety which is under question now.

"Leave me..."

She kicked her legs on his abdomen.

His eyes turned dangerous and the struggling Khushi allured him. Her struggle to free herself from him encouraged him to take one step further. And next moment, the black beads around her neck scattered on the bed. Khushi breath stuck at throat.  

He laughed like a maniac seeing her paralysed form "You're MINE khushiji... You already did a sin by wearing this on Arnav name, more than required."

She came back to earth by his monstrous laugh. Sensing the danger, she raised her leg to kick him again. But this time he alerted and put his legs over hers applying enough pressure which leaves no space for her to move. All the hairs on her body stood straight in fear. She felt powerless and defeated. Her courage declined drastically. She cried at her own state. She tossed and twisted her body hoping to find a way.

"This spirit... This is what I like in you." He whispered leaning down to her face.

She turned her face other side in disgust and continued with her efforts which went futile everytime.

He smelled her hair "Arnav doesn't deserve you khushiji."

A sob escaped from her mouth. She felt a truck full of caterpillars crawling on her body. Her body trembled under his frame.

He further trailed his index finger on her cheeks which was damped with her tears.

"STAY AWAY YOU BASTARD... Arnavji will skin you alive if he come to know. Move away.."

"For god sake, stop your dirtiness... Let me save di and YOUR CHILD."

He cupped her jaws tightly "I don't consider that as my child khushiji... Only OUR child is mine."

"SHUT THE FUCK UP..." She used all her strength to push him off her body.

Her petite frame hadn't have the strength to fight against his well built frame.



Outside, Anjali breath quickened. She took fast and rasp breaths. She tossed on the hard floor. Her eyes had difficulty to keep both the lids open.




Khushi tussles on the bed. Her vision blurred by tears. She is unarmed. Nothing made sense to her. But she kept her determination alive somehow.

'I should not lose. I can fight. I cannot let him win. I should save di and her child. I can..' She chanted this on her mind again and again.

Swiftly turning her head, she bit his arm hard. She expected him to release his hold like earlier but...

"You're again and again doing the same mistake Khushiji... You need a punishment...."

Before her mind could comprehend anything, an ear piercing scream echoed inside the walls of shantivan breaking it's Shanti.

Anjali eyes snapped open and she felt all blood rushed to her veins.





Shot-3

Anjali tossed and turned on the hard floor. Her breathing becomes laboured proving her lungs and heart are still active. Her ears perked up and eyes opened wide at the shriek of voice.

Her mind pursued her to get up and see what the sound was about whereas her brain failed to order the limbs. Her limbs lay flat tied up with a rope. Her mouth opened hollow trying to grasp her breath. Her eyes flickered and near to close when she heard another shriek followed by a cry. Her brain registered the danger and ordered the limbs to move. But lack of oxygen and the tied up limbs has no option but to stay immobile.







Meanwhile, inside Shyam jumped aside in confusion hearing Khushi's shriek. He looked at his hands and her trying to analyse what would've probably hurted her that she yelled at the top of her voice.

Khushi who failed to restrict him through her physical strength used one of her antics. She shrieked without any particular reason and distracted him successfully. Apparently, any tool could be best for a good craftsman. Victoriously she knocked him down using the opportunity and made a step to escape from his clutches.

Once devil can never be an angel. And when the devil named anger blinded his senses, Shyam recovered from her folly and quickly regained himself back. Before Khushi could make out a run towards door forgetting her earlier failed attempts, she was yanked back badly. She fell right on his chest, her hairs disheveled and fell right on her face hiding her face.

She wiggled on his arms as he continued to laugh like a lunatic.

"Tsk... Tsk... Trying to act smart. No one... No one can stop me today from taking what is mine..." He bragged.

"There's nothing here which is yours." She fervently despised.

He craned his neck and raised his brows in an amused way "Your fierce... I just love that Khushiji..." She jumped  feeling his face so near her. Instantly, she stomped his feet & pushed him down at the place where it pains. He yelped in pain & that was the exact cry Anjali heard.











Anjali rolled her body with great difficulty and somewhat successful in taking a one full rotation. Applying full force she took a round again and again until she hit a thing which is nothing but a weapon she need at the moment the most.








Shyam fell down on his knees at the impact. Her determination and anger added to her bone weight gave a perfect needed shot which made him immobile for good few minutes. She released herself from his hold and looked out for something which would help her at the moment. She hurriedly tried to open the main door & the realisation hit her. Mustering her dripping courage and thoughts, she run towards the wardrobe and tried to open it. Alas! It was locked already. Then she moved towards side drawer and opened it to search for alternate keys.

But seems like her Devimaiyya decided to test her, she turned out empty handed. The seriousness of issue once again dawned on her when her eyes accidentally fell on struggling anjali who was at the moment trying to catch her breath amidst of the restrictions. Panic started to crept up. Her heart drummed in anxiety. Her lips and hands started to quiver in tension. Her mind went blank. Sweat beads already rolled down from her forehead to chin and down to throat. Her eyeballs frantically moved from left to right inside the premises of eyes. In between this her mind didn't failed to register the wincing Shyam nor the reducing yelp from him. Her brain quickly rewind her memory and found out the key on his pocket. Without wasting time, she took the comforter and throw it on his head & held him captive from behind. He tossed his head and his arm already went behind to hold Khushi. She give her best effort to strangle his neck, at least she expected a sprain or anything that would keep him abate. But her idea backfired. A sane person would've fatigued but a lunatic obsessed person will never. In no time Shyam pushed her away and threw the comforter away. His strong physical strength become his boon whereas her moral strength was her boon.

He yanked her up and threw her harshly against the poolside door. Her lips torn at the force and tears leaked out of her eyes in pain.

"You didn't done good khushiji..." He groaned and clutched her hairs tightly.

She winced in pain. He further raised her up and made her stand against the door. She hit his chest and tried to push him which awakened the beast as if he isn't already in that sense. He stepped his shoe cladded foot on her slippers cladded feet. The ear piercing scream escaped from her mouth shook the whole mansion so as Anjali.










Anjali raised her head and took her face near the thing and next moment the cover which roped over her head got a little hole letting Oxygen to travel inside the cover. She made continuous attempts by hitting her face against the sharp thing and got many holes on the cover letting the oxygen to seep inside her lungs. Never ever she thought the thing which her brother uses to groom his plants will save her life. But it did. As said earlier, anything could be a tool for a good craftsman. It's all with us to take better use of it. It took her only seconds to regain her conscious and next she tried to tear the rope tied on her hand through the same sharp thing. When she set herself all free from the clutches, she limped towards the poolside door and terrified to see the scene unfolding infront her. She knocked the door frantically. How'll she get response when she's alive and he realises his game was over? She hurriedly made a run towards the main door of her room and knocked it hardly. As if a lightning strikes at unexpected time, her brain worked. Alternative keys for all the doors and locks has been safely with Nani. In no time she limped and fell few times before reach her room again with keys. Fumbled with keys, she groaned when the door refused to open. Seeing the bunch of keys, she realised her blunder of putting wrong key on the hole.

'Breath Anjali.' She said to herself and inserted the correct key to keyhole. The door blasted open and Anjali breath robbed of her soul.

Shyam pinned khushi down with his full weight and her hands are held above whereas legs are tied with her dupatta. To her utter horror and disgust, his head was buried on her neck and she's whimpering tossing turning with all her effort.

Hearing the door sound, he lifted his head and snarled at Anjali.

"You good for nothing women..."

Anjali lurched forward and pulled him up by his hairs. Tears cascaded down her cheeks with no limit. Khushi hiccupps in both relief and disgust. She hurriedly sat down, untied her dupatta from her legs & covered herself with it. The shock didn't subsided yet and another one came in the form of Shyam who knocked Anjali down. Anjali curled herself like a ball in pain.

He laughed like a maniac averting his eyes between Anjali and Khushi "What do you both thinking of yourself? A superwoman? Haha... Haha.. A limp women and a fragile girl can knock me out. Like, really? What can you do WOMEN? You both together will not even weight equal to me & you both are showing your so called power. I pity you... Haha... Haha..."

Khushi moved back frightened by his madness. Her eyes bulged out and breath almost stuck in her throat as he cupped her jaws.

"Don't think just because this so called limp creature escaped from death will save you. See her, she's almost at verge of losing. And you, you're fragile khushiji. Don't make me harsh on you." He warned and lowered his head down.

He underestimated the power of a girl whose mental strength is unlimited compared to a man who's only strong at physical front. If she decides anything no-one can stop her. There's nothing she can't do. And it happened here too.

The moment he uttered low about woman, Anjali ego got hurt for the very first time. She realised how wounded heart and ego drives one to an extent, when she stood up and took the garden tools when she is not even in the condition to roam freely.

With all her mighty, she hit Shyam head who've just placed his lips on statued Khushi.

Shyam held his head and slumped down for few seconds. Anjali lifted her hand to hit him again. The sweet doll he've ever known has literally took Kali Avatar. But that didn't stop him from doing anything. He pulled the cutter in his arms making her stumble forward. She fell right on Khushi who shrieked and held her safely.

If his words enraged the ever sweet Anjali, the push he give to Anjali awaked the demon side of Khushi. She doesn't know what come over that she went ahead and strangled his neck with her dupatta from behind. As if she gained some superpower she applied force with triple the times of her usual strength. Meanwhile, Anjali crawled and saw the thing which fell from his pocket. She took it in her hands and made a slit on his arms. The small knife he had it for emergency helped her instead of him. Khushi grip loosened automatically seeing an enraged Anjali.

"You're not fit to live... A true man should protect his lady with love and care. A true man will be honest with his lady. He'll not eye another women nor he'll plan to kill his wife & child. You're not even a man Shyam. Shame on you for pointing us when you have all mud on yourself. You deserve hell..."

And she thrashed the knife multiple times on his chest, arms and wherever she can get access. Khushi jumped forward and held the enraged Anjali from killing him. But if only that bastard left with any sanity in him. He bounced forward and gripped Anjali neck making her choke to death.

Khushi got horrified. Her senses alarmed the danger. At the moment, her priority set on only saving Anjali that she took the cutter and thrashed it on the back of his head. His grip on Anjali neck immediately withdrawn and he slumped down like a sack of potatoes. Anjali coughed catching her breath. His eyes flickered clearly indicating his struggle between life and death. Blood pooled down surrounding his head.

The two ladies stood watching his struggles, one with utter horror and another with determination and happiness.

The moment his breath was about to stop Anjali stabbed his chest with all her mighty. If only the other occupant noticed the minute detail of his last minutes. He stopped breathing even before Anjali could stab her last shot which practically makes Khushi as the main destroyer of his existence and Anjali knows that but she kept mum and before Khushi could realise that, anjali herself called the police and surrendered willingly.

Once everyone was back to home, there was a plethora of truths and revelations which left them with nothing but misery and guilt.











Since money speaks more than anything in power, it's easy to coax the officials regarding Khushi involvement. No one except anjali, not even Khushi herself know about Arnav hand in this. Khushi's moral didn't let her in peace knowing she harmed someone physically. And Anjali, If only she let arnav in, she wouldn't even had to stay two days in police custody owing to the weekend holidays.

"It's not your fault Di, but if you are stubborn to not cooperate on getting bail today then be ready to welcome me in with you." Khushi said breaking the hug.

Anjali gasped in shock and her vision landed on teary eyed Arnav.

"Di..." The pain and crave underneath Arnav voice undid the knots. Anjali lurched forward and hugged him tightly.

"No sorry will ever going to vanish the sin, I did." She hiccupps between the words. Arnav engulfed her in his brotherly hug and patted her back in soothing way.

"We don't need your sorry. We need you di. Let me handle this..." Arnav mumbled through his tears.

Anjali nodded her head and cried her heart out on his arms. The pain of betrayal hit her hard as soon as she hugged Arnav. She cried clutching him to dear life. Arnav continued to soothe her and family also came to them by then. Once her cries subsided, he shifted anjali in his one arm and stretched his another hand which khushi take it as a cue and crashed herself against him. He hugged them both close to his heart.

Within a week, the case was closed. The term 'Self Defence' played a vital role in her release adding to her limp leg which turns out to be a boon in her case and she was out of the case in no time.

***



"Amma, sorry. Because of me you've to stand in principal room. You would've felt tired na?." A cute girl around five, clutched Khushi saree pallu.

Khushi smiled at the cute bundle and made her stand infront of her "Amma is not tired baby. Even little one too... See yourself..." Khushi lifted Anya's little hand and keep it on her swollen belly where her and her husband's first love symbol is growing.

"Awww... Amma baby is kicking. Is it paining?" She asked with a pout for which Khushi blinked her eyes as no.

Anya laughed in glee. Khushi lovingly caressed her cheeks.

"Amma, that boy hit my friend Naina. She cried so much in pain. How could I stay quiet? So, I hit him back. But... Principal saw that and called you." Anya said with a sad pout feeling terrible for making her amma tired when her dad clearly warned her to not trouble her much before going abroad.

"You did right baby. My baby is always right."

"Like, bua." Anya smiled clapping her hands.

'Yes, Like your amma.' Khushi thought but didn't voiced out. For them, Anya is their first child and they're giving their best to Anya.

Anjali put so much trust in them, that she handed her child over to them stating only they can be better parents. And she didn't want Anya to grew fatherless and nor she wished to introduce Shyam as her father.

True to Anjali trust, Arnav and Khushi grew Anya like their own child nurturing her with all the good values. Unlike Anjali who was once a porcelain doll, anya was taught to fight back the odds and was shown to world and the problems according to her age. But that always made either Arnav or khushi to take run to principal almost every week. One day she slapped a boy in her class, other day she took a fight with seniors because they teased her friend and the list goes on...

***

People, especially women themselves accused me of having affair with someone behind my husband's back and I killed him for the same.

Not all the fingers are same in single hand but every finger has its uniqueness. Not all the fault was on women as society portrays. Same as not all men are good as they flaunt themselves.

If a girl is raped in our society then her whole life is destroyed. Her dignity, self-respect, virtue everything is squished by the society, but the one, who is responsible for her destructor is defamed for few months only and then everything is back to normal. The VICTIM is remembered always but the criminal and the cruelty he commited, is forget by everyone. And the irony is, these shameless bastards who doesn't even deserve to be called as men use a girl's dressing sense and her freedom in their defence, instead of accepting their crime. What more can be more cheap and uncharitableness than this?

In what way an eight year old, eleven year old, five year old & sixty year old uplift their desire?

Why eveytime only a girl is questioned? Either if she's raped, kidnapped or heck... even if she's divorced, why everytime our society blames her? Why doesn't these so-called respectable people hold the collar of the man, who's responsible for all this?

And heck, why only girl is bound to follow orthodox traditions when God, our creator himself has created both men and women on equal basis. Why doesn't boy was told to behave well, outside his house?

If a girl is said to respect everyone and dress up according to the society, why doesn't a boy is told to behave with respect? Who the hell are these men to treat women so lowly?

The basic ideology of our country is, All Indians are brothers and sisters. Is it hard to understand? We're living in the nation where our ancestors worshipped and respected women to an extent that they kept female names to all the rivers and worshipped it.

But today the situation is totally upside down.

Nowadays, Men thinks they are superior than women, most people across the world presses this notion.

Then I challenge each and every men to create a life with your highness having no support from any women.

They think, we're fragile. Yes, I agree we're fragile in strength but there's nothing a women can't do. Her strength, determination, will power and self-esteem is what makes her strong. When she's a wife, she'll do anything for her husband well-being, when she's a mother, she won't even hesitate to sacrifice her life for here child and when a woman is a WOMAN, she won't stay back from protecting and standing up for another woman.

He asked, What a limp woman & fragile woman can do, forgetting the basic notion for the existence of men and women. They're created to stay together, help eachother, love eachother, care eachother and compliment eachother. But if the men themselves emerges to threaten us, then Women can be We-men too. If situations demands and if men thinks we cannot do anything beyond their strength & domination, I would like to enlighten, WO(E)MEN, WE CAN BE MEN TOO.

And that's what I am going to do... A path which leads me to lit the dark lives...

My mornings will help the victims by giving necessary precautions and counseling to all students, youngsters and my nights are for the victims destructor...




The dairy lay opened as she covered herself with a hoody and slipped into her specially made boots. Only her eyes are visible through the black hoody. She once again verified the name and specifications of the man who raped a twelve year old girl. She crossed the photo of destructor with a red marker and took a pistol & knife and other safety precautions.

Court declined to give death penalty to the criminal as the girl he raped was above twelve years. Yes, a weird law is practised in our judicial system, if a girl above twelve years is raped, there's no need to give death penalty to the culprit. So she, Anjali Singh Raizada took it on herself to give desired punishment to the culprits. What if we don't have Robinhood? We can make one for ourselves, right. And Anjali willingly took it on her shoulders.

It's not an end, it's a beginning...









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