SS Faltering Footsteps:Boojh - Part 5 & 6

Chapter 5: ( By Jenny ) 

After having left the mandir Arnav's mother was distraught. Her own daughter, her own flesh and blood could not understand her. How could it be that the child that she had nurtured inside her for nine whole months now could not understand her?

As she walked along the street towards home deep in thought she did not realise how slowly everything began to get fuzzy. And the next thing she knew everything had gone black.

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Khushi's screams echoed through the room as her contractions came one after the other now only seconds apart. This was sheer torture. The single most agonising thing pain Khushi had ever been through. Nothing in this world could have prepared her for the pain that was shooting through her body at that precise second.

The doctors and midwifes offered her a number of pain reliefs epidural's and such but Khushi needed none of those. All Khushi needed was for her pillar of strength, her rock to be there holding her hand as she bore their child into the world.

Arnav watched Khushi as she screwed her face in pain once more as she clung deeper to his hand to try and ease the pain. Arnav stared at her a look of pure admiration etched on his face. He knew Khushi's history more than all too well. Growing up in a family of all brothers she had been the apple of everyone's eyes. Her brothers and parents would give her all she had wanted even before she could open her mouth to vocalise her wish. She had been spoilt but not in a snotty way. One of the things that had surprised Arnav about her the most was that though she was spoilt she was not at all arrogant or stuck up at all. She was one of the most humble down to earth people that he had ever met.

But the fact that she was the apple of her family's eye meant that she never had to go through any pain at all. So her tolerance level for pain had always been low. Arnav fondly remembered how during their few years of marriage if Khushi would ever get the slightest of a toothache or headache she would take pills straight away and then sleep it off. And here she was today denying all forms of medication and preferring to go through that pain because she wanted their baby safe.  

A natural beauty had always adorned Khushi and Arnav thought that she looked effortlessly beautiful always. But right here right now he could not help but realise just how much more beautiful she looked than usual. In fact right here right now as Khushi laid on the bed and was giving birth to their child she had never looked more beautiful.

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Arnav's mother woke up to find herself in a hospital bed. As she sat there wondering to herself how she had gotten there a nurse walked in.

Mrs. Raizada, a man and his wife had found you lying unconscious on the floor near a temple. The couple bought you in and left. We tried our best to contact your family but no one was picking up the calls, so we left messages'

Sister what's wrong with me?'

I am afraid that due to your diabetes your kidneys have stopped functioning so you will need to be coming here regularly for dialysis. We need to get some information from you about who is in your family as your carer' and who will be bringing you to your dialysis sessions. If you are living alone then I am afraid we are going to have to shift you to an old age shelter at which people who suffer the same condition as you have nurses and doctors who can care for you around the clock. I will be back with all the relevant forms after a while. For now you must rest'

And saying that the nurse left. But Arnav's mother did not realise the severity of what the nurse just said. She still believed that he son would come to take her away from the hospital. Little did she know that the outdated belief she held about sons looking after their mothers in old age was too shatter in such a harsh way---

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Twelve hours of labour later a screaming baby was laid into the open arms of Khushi and Arnav. The child was howling trying to adjust to her surroundings. The second she felt two pairs of strong arms around her she quietened down immediately. She felt safe. The small baby then slowly opened her doe shaped eyes and looked up.

All that pain everything Khushi had been so worth it when her bundle of joy had been given to her. And when she opened her doe shaped eyes revealing a pair of molten brown eyes and looked up to her at her it was love at first sight for Khushi.

As her little girl stared at her she knew that she would love and protect that little girl forever. She would fight the whole world for her little girl's happiness if she had too. And she would make sure that her daughter knew just how rare and important girls were. She would never have to grow up believing that girls were a burden.

Arnav watched as their little girl was given to them. After so long their treasure was finally here. He watched as she slowly opened up her doe like eyes. He watched as a pair of molten eyes looked from him to his wife. The shapes of her eyes were just like Khushi's but the colours of her eyes were like his. As he watched the tiny bundle of joy Arnav Singh Raizada fell head over heels in love once more. First time around it had been with his wife Khushi Kumari Gupta and this time around, the second time it was with his child. His daughter---

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Today was visiting hours once more. And just like she had been doing for the past 21 years, Arnav's mother stood gazing longingly at the door hoping her son would finally be coming today to take her away. Every day at this time Arnav's mother would be sitting in the common area with all the other residents waiting for her son to come. It had been 21 long years but even 21 years had not been enough to falter her belief that her son was coming to take her away.

Even after all this time she was still under the same illusion she had been under all those years ago.

A knock on her door pulled Arnav's mother out of her reverie. A girl stood knocking on her door waiting until she was told she could enter. Arnav's mother nodded giving her silent consent to enter.

She had a feeling that she knew the girl from somewhere. As if she were a long lost relative of some sort. Her face. Arnav's mother felt as if she had seen her face before.

I came here to invite you to my wedding Dadiji'

Why would I come to your wedding? I am sorry but I don't even know you'

Of no you do know me Dadiji you do indeed. Do you remember 21 years ago your son and daughter- in-law were expecting a baby? A baby which you threatened to kill if it was not a boy? You remember something Dadiji? I am the daughter of that son and that daughter-in-law. Laxshmi, Laxshmi Singh Raizada'

And with that she gently placed the wedding invitation on the table next to where her Grams sat and softly walked away leaving behind a startled Grandmother---

Part 6 ( By Myself ) 

As Laxshmi Singh Raizada walked away leaving her Dadi's world reeling, she knew her Dadi would come for her, for her parents, for their family. God had given her everything a girl could ask for, loving parents, an adoring younger brother and sister, caring relatives, her family was perfect yet she had never known the love and care that only grandparents can give.

Her Bua's in laws, her mother-in-law had always treated her like her own granddaughter, never a comparison between Laxshmi and Anjali's daughter Naina, yet she yearned for her own and as she grew up, she had slowly discovered the circumstances of her birth and an elder sibling that she had lost because her Dadi loathed girl children. She had heard of the pain her mother had been subjected to, the trauma that her father underwent when he learnt of the horrible truth and how her parents and her Bua had moved away to live separately because her Dadi couldn't accept her or her mother!

Laxshmi was deeply hurt and heartbroken that her Dadi wished for her death. She had initially decided that she didn't want to meet her but later on, a faint glimmer of hope took shape inside her heart, constant thoughts haunted her.

What if her Dadi had changed?

What if she was living in repentance?

Whatever happened, it had been years now and maybe her Dadi too had changed with time!

She knew her parents missed their mother figure so then why not make a fresh attempt?

And that is how Laxshmi Singh Raizada who had inherited her mother's strong will power and innate sense of goodness and her father's sharp brains embarked on her personal hunt for her Dadi , retracing the past, travelling through the same paths through which her Dadi had once treaded on, she had eventually managed to locate her.

And now it was up to her Dadi to decide what she wanted.

Meanwhile, Laxshmi's Dadi was lost in her own world. It has been decades now since she had heard of either of her children. Neither of them had ever bothered to reach out to her, and they didn't seem to miss her either. For decades now she had lived a lonely life , a life uncared of whilst she had a family who were duty bound to be with her in her old age, yet here she was, all alone.  And it was all because her son loved his wife and daughter more than his own mother.

The rage that she had bottled up inside her in all these years of her lonely existence, rose to the surface again, Laxshmi's arrival fuelling it, the life who even before it was born had snatched a son away from its mother and her she was today inviting her Dadi to attend her wedding as though unaware of the misery she had caused her.

She picked up the card and scanned the dates as she thought to herself, you wished for my presence and so shall it be Laxmi Singh Raizada, sooner you will be wishing that you had never invited me!

The day of the wedding arrived; Arnav and Khushi looked at the blushing bride who was their little princess, wondering how the time had flown by so quickly.  Khushi felt her tears threatening to flow when she felt Arnav squeezing her hands in his, his eyes reflecting her happiness, he pulled her close as she laid her head over his heart, hugging each other tight as they watched their daughter being teased and loved by her friends and family, whilst she had eyes only for her soon to be husband, Raghav who was sitting right beside her.

To Arnav and Khushi it seemed like just yesterday that they were sitting on a similar mandap, waiting to be married so that they could start their odyssey of life together and here they were now, getting their first born married while her siblings fussed over her!

All of a sudden they saw Laxshmi's eyes zoning in on somebody who seemed to have just arrived and as they followed her line of sight, they felt the tremors of the past jolting them, the person who stood before them was the symbol of all the darkness that had taken over their lives a long time back.

Even now, after all these years, Khushi could remember a traumatised Arnav who used to weep in her arms over the pain of his lost child. Arnav could still remember that terrible night when Khushi had revealed his mother's true colors for him to see. He could still remember her agony and fear and now after all these years, the bane had returned on the most important day of their daughter's life...

Arnav was the first one to find his voice You! Who invited you here?! How dare you enter our lives after all you have done? Aren't you satisfied with all the pain you gave us years back?' spat out Arnav while his mother flinched in the face of her son's hatred, even after all these years Arnav had still not forgiven his mother and that much was clear.

But never one to back down without a fight, she retaliated Hold your tongue Arnav, I am not an uninvited guest here, before you lash out, ask your daughter why I am here and you will know!'

Now it was Arnav's turn to be shocked, Khushi turned towards their daughter who was coming towards them, What are we hearing Laxshmi? Did you invite your Dadi to your shaadi?" asked Khushi looking at her daughter for an explanation to the bizarre turn of events.

Laxshmi nodded her head apologetically as she spoke, Mama, Papa, please forgive me for not telling you beforehand, but Dadi is here because I requested her to attend my wedding. I didn't tell anyone anything because I knew you all would be upset and I didn't want that, I wanted this to be a surprise for everyone here'.

Arnav for a minute forgot that his daughter was getting married; he forgot everything but the pain that his mother had given him and Khushi!

Surprised?'

 Laxshmi how did you have the audacity to invite this woman to our home? Do you even know what she is capable off? Do you know what she did to your parents? I thought you already knew. She killed our first child Laxshmi, only because it was a girl, she forced your mother to kill her own child!' And if Khushi hadn't decided to open up to me, then even you would have been killed off in your mother's womb!

And yet you call the same woman to be a part of the most important day of your life?! I need an explanation and it better be a good one'

Laxshmi struggled to contain her tears as she heard her father speak. All her life she had never seen her father this angry and hurt because of her, she wanted to explain it to him that she had done it with purely good intentions. She reached to place her hand on Arnav's shoulder but he shook her off,

Papa, I know what Dadi did. I know she hated me even before I was born, I know everything Papa and yet I went looking for her. Papa there is nothing that time can't change or heal and I was merely pinning my hopes on that. What if Dadi had changed after all these years? She is your mother after all. What if she was missing her children? I know you and mama can't live without knowing about Raj , Sweta or me even if it's for a day, Anjali Bua can't live without hearing about Naina  & Alok either so in that case how can Dadi live without her 2 children? What if she wished to be with her grandchildren?' Laxshmi silently wept as she stated her reasons while Raghav held her in his arms.

Arnav couldn't stand his daughter's tears, he looked at Khushi who was equally in pain over everything that was happening, and they also understood Laxshmi's reasons. But, to forgive the woman standing before them, and that too, when not even a single iota of change seemed to have touched her heart. Even today, they wondered how the day could get worse but just then Alok and Raj stood up, they had been silent all through the entire ordeal, and they were also well acquainted with their grandmother's cruel acts.

They went and stood in front of her, Raj looked at her, his eyes distant and cold, So you are the one who was ready to kill my Di, you are the one who killed my parent's baby once already and all because you wanted a grandson to carry your family name? Do you know who I am? I am Raj Singh Raizada, Arnav Singh Raizada's second child, if you had been around while I was born am sure you would have loved me but you know what? I hate you! I hate your very existence as much as my dad does. It's better to die rather than be related to a heartless woman like you! How I wish my father had a mother who knew to love her children like how my mother loves us! My Di is innocent, she can only see the goodness in every soul, she is pure and untouched by evil and that's why she couldn't understand the evil in you even after all these years but I can! You haven't changed a bit even after all these years and I want you to leave right now!' spat out Raj , rage coursing through his veins but his Dadi wasn't done yet , she leaned forward to touch him but he pulled away , she looked at him with adoring eyes.

Your words can't hurt me Raj, you are my Arnav's son after all and how can I hate you? You are just like your father, he was also very protective about his sister and so are you, like father like son! Why do you hate me Raj? It's only your sisters I don't care about but I do care about you. If I had known earlier that I have a grandson like you then I would have come earlier. Laxshmi as she is about to leave us all for good, did one right thing in her otherwise useless life, it's because of her today that am able to meet you and soon you will realise why your Dadi loves her grandson more than her granddaughter'

Alok had enough of his Nani's nonsense and he decided to put an end to it,

Oh really? So then how come you cared so much for my mother at one time ? Your daughter Anjali? You hate girl child yet you still loved my mother, why? Isn't she a girl too? Yet you loved her and you hated Khushi Maasi. Why?

So if it's your own blood then there is no difference between a girl and a boy, your own daughter you can love her as much as you love your son, but you can't accept your son's daughter or her mother! You are such a hypocrite! A bane for all women around the world!'  screamed Alok, shaking in pure uncontrollable rage while their families , relatives and friends watched him shocked.

Naina and Sweta intervened, That's enough Alok and Raj, do you even know who you are talking to? She is matriarch of your family Raj and Alok she is your Nani' said Naina as she admonished her 2 brothers for their reckless words while Sweta looked at her Dadi whom she was meeting for the first time.

Dadi please accept our apologies on behalf of our brothers, it's only their love for us that's making them act so, please don't hold any grudge, Laxshmi Di wished for your blessings on her shaadi , please don't deny her this wish of hers!' begged Sweta, tears in her eyes.

Just then Anjali who was silent all this while came forward, Sweta whom are you asking for blessings for your sister? Don't waste your time and don't let evil fall upon Laxmi! This woman here can only curse your sister, she can never learn to love! If she did then Laxmi would have had an elder sister as well, a sister whom this woman brutally killed off in your mother's womb'

Arnav came forward; looking straight at his mother I will tell this for the last time, leave from my home right now and never return. Anjali and I don't have a mother anymore, our mother died decades ago and we have moved on. So leave right now before I call the police and have you arrested for disorderly behaviour!'

Arnav's words were the last blow to their mother's otherwise impassioned sensitivity, his words sent her world reeling and for the first time since being separated from her children , she fully accepted the crushing reality that her children hated her, that she was a dead memory to them. And this reality was more than what she could handle. Her body staggered and she heard Khushi's scream.  The last thing she saw was Khushi's tear stained face before everything went dark---

SS Faltering Footsteps-Boojh - Part 4 ( by me )

As Arnav walked out with Khushi and Anjali, there was nothing his mother could do to hold her son back or stop her daughter from leaving. It was only Khushi who turned to look at her, her eyes trying to reach out to her but it was in vain, she didn't have a place in her mother in law's heart who turned her head away when she saw Khushi looking at her.

Months passed, they had moved into a house close to Arnav's workplace. Khushi was nearly 6 months pregnant and she had never been happier in her life. Arnav apart from being the doting husband was also on his way to being the best father in the world. Most days he worked from home, only going to the office if it was absolutely necessary, most of his time was spend around his wife, their baby and his sister.

Anjali though initially shattered at what her future in laws had done, soon grew out of it. She could see the evil in the family and she thanked the Gods' that she had never been married into a family where she would have faced hell while her husband watched in silence. It took her time to forget the ordeal but with a brother like Arnav and a sister - in - law like Khushi, she couldn't be sad for too long.

For instance, the thing that kept Anjali on her toes was that she was soon going to be a Bua, she was only too happy about the baby and if not just Arnav, then Khushi had her Nanad hovering over her 24/7 and Khushi wasn't complaining. Over the months, the Bhabhi-Nanad duo had bonded really well. Anjali had found a true friend in Khushi, who in turn found her best confidante in Anjali.

Throughout this period, Arnav's mother tried her best to contact him but he remained as remote as ever and each time Khushi tried to broach the topic with him, he refused to even talk. As far as he was concerned, he had no mother, as much as it hurt him to forget his mother whom he had once loved so much, the wounds that she left in his heart ran too deep.

Even now Arnav woke up in the middle of the night, sweating, jerking awake from nightmares, where all he could hear was the loud wail of a baby, and he would wake up, his face tear stained as he thought of his unborn child whom his mother had mercilessly killed!

Khushi would hold him as the pain over their lost princess shook them, making their resolve harder that this time they would never let anything happen to their baby!

One day Anjali and Khushi were at the mandir, after the aarti. As they were about to leave, they ran into Arnav's mother who seemed positively delighted to see Anjali but she blatantly ignored Khushi as  though she were an invisible wall!

Anjali ... My child! How are you princess?' wept her mother as she tried to reach out for Anjali who immediately pulled away.

Her mother looked at her beseechingly.

Why are you angry at me Anjali ? What did I do to you that you don't even want to meet your mother ?' 

Anjali gave a cold stare to her mother who still hadn't taken the courtesy to at least acknowledge Khushi.

Do you see this woman standing next to me Ma? She is your Bahu, the one who will bear your son's children, who will eventually carry our family name! She is your daughter too and she is pregnant with your son's baby. She is in a stage of her life where she needs a mother's love the most and you don't even consider her existence! I am shocked mother; you killed my brother's first child because it was going to be a girl?! A girl Ma, just like me, your Anjali, could you bear it if your mother - in - law had killed me off while I was still inside you? And you killed away my niece?  If not for you Ma, Bhai and Bhabhi would have been parents to a beautiful princess, you would have been a Dadi and me a Bua, so much happiness and you snatched it all away! You yourself are a woman and yet you killed a girl! Bhai is right; we are the unluckiest children because we were born of a mother like you! Don't wait for me or Bhai. We are happy in our lives today. And you will be welcome in our lives on the day when you can accept my Bhabhi and her kids, whether they are a boy or girl!'

 Khushi watched her in stunned shock, Anjali who had always been gentle and caring to everyone had spoken out to her mother whom she adored and respected. She could do nothing to stop her, she knew her words would hurt her mother -in-law to no ends and she didn't want that.

Anjali may not have noticed in her anger but Khushi did, the old lady looked really tired and weak, her eyes were sagging, her body looking fragile, there were worry lines on her forehead, the sparkle had vanished from her eyes and Khushi couldn't bear it, after all she was her husband's mother. Someone she had loved like her own. But Anjali didn't care and she didn't stop.

For what you did Ma, I suffered. I would have got in laws who are exactly like you in their thought process and today I am happy that I didn't get married off into such a family. My Bhabhi at least had Bhai who fought for her when he heard the crimes done to her. Not all women are blessed to get a husband like that! You should be jailed Ma, for what you did. Consider it as Bhai's charity to you that you are still walking free! You haven't seen his pain, you haven't seen Bhabhi's pain---Have you? The pain of losing their child! No matter what you do Ma, you will never be able to make up for your sins!'

Anjali caught hold of Khushi and led her out while her mother stood silent, her tears unable to be controlled, but her anger towards Khushi didn't abate , she couldn't see the truth even then.

One day Anjali, you will realise that a girl child is always a burden while a son is a blessing and that day you will return, not just you, even Arnav!' thought the woman as she prayed for her children's happiness and left the temple!

Meanwhile back at home, Khushi tried her best to talk to Anjali who didn't want to discuss the topic at all. Arnav was home after an important meeting and Anjali related everything that had happened at the mandir, he listened to them, his face devoid of any emotion at the mention of his mother's name. He hugged his sister close as he heard from Khushi how Anjali had spoken to his mother!

Later Anjali left them alone for a while as she went to meet Manas, a friend of Arnav and business partner. Manas had liked Anjali at first sight and had sought her out to Arnav who told him that it was all Anjali's decision. They had go on a few dates and things were going pretty well between them and if all worked out then Anjali would soon find her own happiness. But nevertheless, she had told her brother that even if she was settling for Manas, it would only be after Khushi had given birth, she didn't want to miss out on any detail of the baby's birth and Arnav had readily agreed.

As the months passed, happiness seemed to never leave their lives as Khushi neared her delivery date. Their baby was living and kicking and Anjali and Arnav were there with Khushi to experience the baby's every heartbeat!

Meanwhile Anjali and Manas had decided to get married. The date was to be fixed after Khushi had given birth. Arnav and Khushi had met Manas and his family who had welcomed Anjali like their own daughter. In fact Manas's mother loved Khushi as well and she was the one taking care of everything that Khushi would need as the due date came close.

And now the day had arrived, the day that Arnav and Khushi had long been waiting---

SS Faltering Footsteps-Boojh - Part 3 ( by Jenna )

Arnav's mother was seething. All she could see was a haze of red in front of her eyes. How dare that girl tell Arnav everything? How dare she? She had become braver and she had to put an end to that soon. But before she could start thinking of how to get back into Arnav's good books a loud yell bought her out of her reverie.

Racing to the main room to try and locate the source of the scream Arnav's mother's feet almost gave way as she saw her young daughter collapsed on the floor howling with the tears falling. She saw Khushi on the floor with her comforting her whilst Arnav stood seething beside them.

What happened Anjali why are you crying?'

Mama that was Rohit's family. They said that they are calling the wedding off'

But why is Rohit cancelling it when he himself proposed to you?'

Mama Rohit's mum had come over last weekend and asked me to go out with her. No one was home and I thought that you would have agreed so I went along with her. She took me to the hospital and told me that they just wanted to do a normal check up on me because it was his father's wish. She had also told me that every other daughter in law in their family had done this too so I should not feel scared. So I agreed. But she just called me now and said that they had done a fertility test on me to see how fertile I was. The test results showed that I have a low ovarian count meaning that the chances of me ever becoming a mother are very low if nothing nil. So now she is saying because of that she does not want her son to marry me. Mama, do something please? I love Rohit I don't think I can exist without him. Please Mama?'

Arnav's mother was seething once more.

How dare that woman, conduct a fertility test on my daughter?! Who does she think she is? Get me the phone I will call her and give her a piece of my mind right now!'

Mama with what right are you going to call them? You also did the same thing to Khushi and when you found that she was not having a boy you killed our baby. Never did you think that she too was someone's daughter. When it's your daughter then it's a problem but when it's someone else's then it is fine? What kind of rule is that?'

I don't care to listen to this right now Arnav. My daughter is laying there because her heart is broken I need to fix this, so just shut up!' Said his mother making a move to grab the phone from Anjali, who, still had it cradled in her lap.

Once she had the phone she proceeded to dial the number for Rohit's house only to have the phone yanked out of her grip. She watched as Arnav harshly took the phone and smashed it to the floor.

Oh so it's okay for you to fix one daughter's problem, but you could not feel the pain of another daughter you had? Though she has the phrase in law attached to it she is still a daughter to you! You didn't seem to think twice when you got that daughter's baby killed! Its women like you that deserve to stay childless!'

To hell with you right now Arnav can't you see your sister is upset right now?! Instead of giving me this lecture why don't you try to fix this?'

Mama I can't fix. You know why? Because Anjali is paying the price for what you did!'

Arnav was about to say something more when a light touch on his shoulder made him stop.

I know that you are upset right now but we need to fix this. Our little sister needs us'

Khushi help Anjali and pack her bags alongside ours. I can't stay here a second longer. I can't say in the presence of a woman that differentiates between daughters and daughter in laws. And don't you dare try to argue with me or try to convince my mind. Just do as I say Khushi. I can't stay in a house with a woman that does not respect my wife.

And turning to his mother he said You know today for the first time in my life I am feeling regret that of all the women in the world it was you who bore me and gave me life'

And having said that Arnav left the room leaving his shell shocked mother rooted to the spot...  

SS Faltering Footsteps - Boojh Part 2 ( by Jenna )

Some of these short stories are graphical and contain some elements which some readers might find disturbing so reader discretion is strongly advised.

Part 2: Written by me (LondonChick)

What was Arnav meant to say to that? What was anyone meant to say when they found out that the mother they had idolised their whole life was nothing but a cold blooded murder? That too, of her own granddaughter? How does anyone come to terms with something like that? Arnav looked down at the girl who was wrapped in his arms trembling from fear. She had suffered for so long in silence. Why had she not said anything? And damn it why had he not seen the signs?

'Khushi look at me' said Arnav as he gently let go of her and lifted her face up to meet his. 'Baby, I am going to fix this okay? Khushi why did you keep it from me for so long? Right now I feel like a failure of a husband and a father. Our baby was not lost Khushi she was killed. And I will not let anyone get away with that no matterwho it was. Baby, don't be scared. I am with you. Nothing will happen to our baby this time Khushi, nothing' said Arnav as he wrapped his arms around Khushi once more in a snug embrace. 'You trust me don't you?' asked Arnav. He did not have to wait for her reply he could feel the movement of her head nodding a yes.

Khushi and he had had an arranged marriage. It was arranged yes, but not forced. Slowly after marriage their relationship had steadily progressed until one day they had become each other's lives. Even though Arnav had not been in love with Khushi on their wedding day he had still fully intended to carry out the promises he had made to her. One of those promises had been to love her and treasure her for eternity. He thought he had been doing that all along. But here in this moment he found out something else. He had failed her.  She had gone through hell and back literally and he had no idea.  

Arnav had always known that women had been strong characters. If anything their strength could overpower that of a man. Why? Because, a woman's strength came from her heart. It came from pure emotions that were completely selfless unlike that of a man's. But looking down at the woman curled up in his hands his respect for women increased by leaps and bounds.  She was stronger than anyone he had ever known.

'Arnav I did it for you. I love you more than I thought ever possible. I did not even know my heart was capable of loving someone so much. Arnav I know what it feels like to not have a mother in your life. I just did not want to be the reason why you and Mama had a falling out. Arnav you have given me the whole world. It was the least I could do for you in return' said Khushi. Arnav could feel a lump in his thoart. He knew at this moment words would fall short for him. So he did the next best thing he could and placed a long lingering kiss on the nape of her nape.

Arnav had been unaware before. But now he was not. And he would be damned if he would let anyone do anything to his unborn baby or his wife. Women were to be honoured, loved and cherished not abused off. 'Come with me Khushi' he said as he lifted her up gently and took her downstairs with him.

'Mama. We need to talk' said Arnav. 'What's wrong son?' said his mum getting up from the sofa looking at his expression. 'You know damn well what's wrong Mama . Don't pretend. How dare you do that to MY wife?! How dare you abort my child without telling me? Who gave you the right to do that Mama who?' yelled Arnav. 'Son, please understand' said his mother. 'I did this for you. I did it so you could get a son and expand your lineage' explained his mother. 'How dare you Mama?! You had no right! How can you be such an educated woman, have daughters yourself and then think such sick things?!

I don't care whether I have a son or a daughter all I am concerned with is the fact that the child is my baby! Do you comprehend that Mama?! Don't force me to leave this house and go right when Anjali is about to get married. What will your damn society say when they see that I have left a few months before my younger sister is about to get married? Mama if my wife does not get the respect and status she deserves and my baby as well then I will not be held responsible for my actions. You got that?!' yelled Arnav as he entwined his fingers with Khushi dragging her back up the stairs leaving behind his seething mother.

SS Faltering Footsteps - Boojh Part 1 ( by me )

Some of these short stories are graphical and contain some elements which some readers might find disturbing so reader discretion is strongly advised.

Chapter 1: Written by Jyo (AKA Jyo.Arshi.IPK)

As her mother in law exited the room, Khushi hugged herself tighter, fresh tears escaping her eyes, fear enveloping her as she thought about the life growing inside her. Arnav was away again this time and Khushi felt a sense of deja vu surrounding her all around, she couldn't let it all happen again, she couldn't let history repeat, she couldn't save her first baby but she couldn't let the life inside her meet the same fate, if it was a boy then there was nothing to fear but if it was a girl, she knew the fate that awaited it and she wasn't ready to let go of her baby this time.

Her thoughts went back to her husband who was unaware of everything about his family, she considered herself blessed to have a loving and caring husband like Arnav, it truly was an irony as she thought about her mother-in-law, her husband was nothing like her mother-in-law, he was gem of a guy who had given her all the happiness that any woman could have hoped for from her husband, it was this love of his for her and their family that prevented her from revealing the ugly truth about his mother's real face. She knew he would be shattered if he came to know the evil deeds that his mother had forced upon Khushi, and she couldn't let it happen.

But now she was in a dilemma, she had to save their child, she was dreading to tell Arnav everything, she didn't know how he would react if she told him what had actually happened during her first pregnancy. But this was his child too and she had no right to keep such a truth away from him. She was ready to bear any amount of suffering if it meant that Arnav's relationship with his mother would remain intact, but she could let their children suffer her fate.

The time passed and Khushi was still in her room, she wished Arnav would return sooner, it was only when he was around, that her mother in law treated her with love for the sake of her son. Otherwise it was all hate and spite.She was so lost in her thoughts that she didn't realize that she was being watched.

Arnav had returned early this time around, he had wanted to surprise Khushi , also he had felt this gnawing fear in his heart each time he thought about her, like she was calling out for him, as though she needed him with her, so he had wrapped up his meetings and got back home early, he had been downstairs spending a little time with his mother, she had told him that Khushi was resting in their room and he had left immediately to meet her.

But what he saw unsettled him, he saw her lost in her thoughts, worry lines creasing her forhead, occasionally a few tears dropping down her cheeks.

Khushi felt startled when she felt warm lips on her cheeks, kissing her tears away, a pair of strong arms enveloping her, but her initial fear gave way to happiness as she recognised the pair of arms hugging her, she turned around in his arms and hugged him tight, Arnav held her closer in his arms.

'Did you miss me too much Khushi?' asked Arnav. Khushi didn't reply but she hugged herself closer into his arms, for now all that mattered was that she was back in his arms. 'What is it Khushi? You were crying ... What happened?' asked Arnav

Khushi broke out of the hug and looked at him in his eyes; all she could see was all encompassing love and care. How could she tell him her fears? How could she tell him that he was going to be a father once again but tell him that their baby was in danger?

How could she tell him that their first baby wasn't miscarried but killed by his mother?

There was so much her husband didn't know and had a right to know. She knew she had to tell him if she wanted to save their child this time.

She took her hands in his and kept them on her womb, looking at him straight in his eyes 'I am pregnant Arnav' she said. It took a moment for the words to sink in, she watched as his expression turned from worried concern to breathtaking happiness, the smile on his face dazzling her senses, he pulled her into his arms and held her close, pressing kisses on her hair, wishing he could never let go of her from this hug...

'I am so happy Khushi. So happy, God's given us a second chance this time around, I am going to be here 24/7 with you. I will take care of you myself. I won't let anything go wrong this time!' proclaimed Arnav. Khushi hugged him tighter, knowing that what she was about to tell him was going to break his heart. 'If you want to see our baby being born into this world, then protect me from your mother Arnav' whispered Khushi

Arnav stilled in her arms, it took him a long time to register what she was saying, his shock giving way to utter confusion. He looked at Khushi to see if she was making some kind of a weird joke but all he saw was fear and pain in her eyes. 'Khushi what was that? What did you just say? Protect you from Mama? What the hell is that supposed to mean? How can Mama hurt you or our baby? She loves us so much!' said a confused Arnav.

Khushi looked at him and the expression in her eyes freaked the hell out of him, all he could see was pity and pain in her doe eyed pools, his intuitions told him that his world and his beliefs was going to crumble very soon ... 'Khushi speak up dammit! Your silence is killing me now!' said Arnav. Khushi mustered up her courage and send a silent prayer to the Gods to give her husband to survive the truths she was going to give him; she knew it had the power to rip his heart into smithereens. 'If Mama loved us so much, then why would she make me abort our first baby Arnav?' questioned Khushi

She saw Arnav recoil in shock, his hands had gone numb as he clenched his fists, his whole world turned topsy turvy as he tried to register Khushi's words, his heart and mind fighting against accepting it, no his mother could never do that! He had seen how much she loved Khushi, how happy she had been when Khushi was pregnant the first time.

'Khushi please tell me all this is a joke, you and mama are playing with me right, please stop it baby, I can't take it anymore!' said Arnav. Khushi looked sadly at her husband, she could see that neither his heart nor his mind was letting him accept her words but she couldn't stop now, she placed her head on his heart as she wrapped her arms around him and continued speaking... 'I am sorry Arnav but you have to know this, I kept everything away from you all this while because I didn't want to be the reason to cause a fissure in your relation with Mama. Ever since the day you married me and brought me home I have always loved Mama like my own mother, I have always felt that am the luckiest girl to have got such a loving family and a husband like you.

But things changed the day I got pregnant , I can still remember tht day Arnav, we both were so happy, I can still remember how happy you were, Mama seemed to be so happy for us, time passed and you left on the business trip, and thats when my world turned dark, as soon as you left Mama took me to a doctor for a medical checkup, the doctor welcomed us as soon as we reached, it looked like she was expecting us, she made me take some tests that day and we came back home.

The next day Mama came barging into our room, she was livid with rage and I was scared, I had never seen Mama get angry, she raged at me, cursed me for coming into your life, and when I asked her what I did for her to hate me so much, she told me that the test results had come and that I was expecting a baby girl !! A little Pari was about to enter our lives Arnav. I was so happy, I hugged Mama and thanked her for giving me the news but she pushed me off, I asked her why she was so angry, and thats when my world fell apart, everything that I believed about Mama broke apart that day!

She hated our baby Arnav, she hated me, she wanted a son to take our family name ahead, she never wanted a girl child, I tried convincing her, tried telling her that it was wrong to differentiate between a girl and boy, told her that she too had daughters, asked her how she could hate girls when she herself was a woman, she slapped me for questioning her, she told me she would never let me give birth to the baby, told me that I have to abort the bay or else watch her kill it if I gave birth to it, I was scared Arnav , I couldn't agree to what she was asking me to do, I couldn't kill our baby. It was a symbol of our love, how could I kill our baby Arnav?

And then Mama did the unthinkable, she took me to the hospital again, told me that the doctor wanted to talk to me once, once we reached there, I was taken for the routine checkup, but I had this fear inside me that something bad was going to happen and before I knew it, they drugged me, Mama had already bribed the doctor and some of the staff already, and when I woke up, I knew without anyone telling me what had transpired.

They killed our baby Arnav, Mama brought me back home, I felt lifeless, there was nothing I wanted to hear , there was no one I wanted to speak to, all I could feel was the emptiness inside me, I wanted you so much , wished you were there with me, ached for you to hold me in your arms, I decided not to tell you anything, I knew that you would be shattered when you heard about our baby but I didn't want you to know that Mama was the reason we lost our child, I knew Mama would have a story ready for you and I let her do what she wanted.

I am sorry Arnav, sorry that I kept this truth away from you for so long but I can't do it anymore, I am scared for our baby, Mama wants me to give birth to a boy, she doesn't know am expecting again and I don't want her to know, she will have it killed as well if it turns out to be a girl, I am scared Arnav, I don't want to lose our baby again' sobbed Khushi.

Khushi sobbed her heart out as she finally told him the real face of his mother, Arnav let her give it all out, and the more she spoke, the more his heart broke, his own tears mingled with hers, Khushi had gone through so much pain and she didn't let him know anything, she took it all alone because she didn't want him to go against his mother! His mother whom he loved as much as his wife, whom he worshipped, adored, his very own mother had killed their baby, only because it was a girl!

He couldn't bear it, the pain threatened to engulf him, rage boiled in his heart, the world turning dark to him, but he couldn't let himself breakdown now, he had to be strong, strong for Khushi, for their baby, they both needed him now, Khushi had already gone through so much, he couldn't let her suffer more, he wouldn't let his mother hurt his family ever again!