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Saturday, January 5, 2013

Chapter 21 - Surprise!


Dear Readers

This was a long break on my part. A lot happened in the past couple of weeks that left me a bit unprepared and shocked. My mother in law lost her long battle to cancer and left us on Dec 26th, 2012. I was dealing with a lot in the family and not in a frame of mind to write a chapter. She is in a better place and went peacefully. I was trying to distract myself with other short bursts of activity and today finally found the mental discipline to jot the next chapter down. Thanks for your patience and for staying with me.

SJ
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The knock on the door startled NK. He wasn't expecting any visitors at this hour. He closed the windows on his laptop and shut it. He was surprised to see ASR and Khushi outside the door. A pall sent in his mind as he had a fairly accurate idea of the reasons for their visit. He straightened his face and plastered a smile before he opened the door.

“Hi, you guys! What a pleasant surprise. Hi Khushi!” He looked between them and made a mental note of the grim look on ASR’s face. Khushi smiled but ASR walked in”
“We need to talk.”

“Okay! Come on in Khushi. How about some coffee first?” NK let in Khushi and headed to his small apartment kitchen to start a fresh pot of coffee.

ASR was about interrupt when Khushi shot him a reprimanding look. He decided to hold his horses for a bit longer. Khushi had no idea why they were here. She was simply told they were to meet NK. She decided to help NK with coffee cups and cream.

The two engaged in inane small talk while ASR built a slow burn, unable to hold back his anger any further. When NK brought his cup of coffee, he almost snatched it and set it on the table with a bang.
“Alright, let’s cut to the chase. We have a problem, NK.” He bored at his partner.
“Cool it, man. Whats going on?” NK’s heart was racing while his mind was doing a number thinking of excuses to explain what would be the inevitable question from ASR.

“You moved 150k from Khushi’s account. Why?”

Khushi almost choked on her coffee.

“ASR, sit down and calm down. I can explain.” NK tried to make peace.

“Explain? How can you explain? Its money laundering, fraud. You can have your ass thrown in jail for this travesty.”
“Please, there is a good reason for it. Sit down.” NK was struggling to keep his cool and that drove ASR mad. In a sudden move, he leaned forward and grabbed NK’s collar and spat out, “Don’t you dare do that! I can whoop your ass for good you motherfucker!”

“Hey! Careful now.” Khushi piped in, “Let him explain, ASR. As a matter of fact, I am quite curious too.” She clipped her sentence with short emphatic words, and NK knew he was cornered.

“I did it for Gitu.” He blurted.

Khushi was not ready to believe. Her shocked face alarmed NK and ASR.

“Khushi, don’t panic, let me explain. Gitu needed money urgently. She tried to reach you many times but because you were in protective custody, she couldn’t. She told me that her dad was going through chemotherapy and he did not have medical insurance. The hospital bills were piling up and she didn't know who to turn to.” NK rattled off in quick litany and noted with discomfort that Khushi had tears flowing down her cheeks.

“Khushi, I am sorry. I shouldn’t have let her use my laptop. It is my mistake. But she was so sad about her dad and his condition. I didn’t have that kind of money on me and I was…never mind, its too late now.”

Khushi stood up and simply said, “Gitu’s dad died three years ago.”

NK felt his gut had been punched. “What?”

“Gitu’s dad died three years ago. I was there at his funeral.” Khushi repeated without a tint of emotion.

“Oh my god! No, no, no. This is all wrong. I am so sorry ASR!”  He looked at ASR who was glowering at him and ready to strangle the man. He wanted to punch NK.

Khushi stood up looking gaunt and defeated. 

“You better pray hard you dickhead that your ass is not in jail. I am going to report you.” ASR bit his words
“ASR, I am sorry! Is there anything I can do…Anything, but please, you can’t do this to me.” NK pleaded, unsure if his words would make difference. 

“You bet, I will.” ASR rubbed his temples while Khushi picked her cup and left the room for kitchen. She felt her entire world had been turned upside down once again. Her family had betrayed her, her very best friend embezzled money from her.

Gitu! Why, why did you not tell me? I would have given the world for you. Khushi braced her hands on the edge of kitchen sink and sobbed.

“ASR, please. I beg of you.” NK continued his pleas which were mostly falling on deaf ears. ASR was burning with naked anger from his head to toes. He could not believe his friend would be let his dick do all the thinking and let a chit of girl take advantage of him.

“There is one thing you can do.” ASR deliberated with a calculated move.

“Anything. Just say it.” NK felt a short rush of relief.
“Get me the serial numbers on the Sabres.”

NK’s face drained of color, “I…I “ he hesitated and weighed his options quickly. There were none.
ASR watched him with murderous eyes and NK knew better than to say no. He nodded.
“Fax me the papers by tonite to my home.” ASR finished and headed to the kitchen to take care of Khushi.

*****

Khushi was silent in the car.

“Are you ok?” he asked, patting her head. She turned to him and realized with a touch of relief that he was about the only person who was left in the world who had not lied, cheated or fooled her. But there were a few things she had to do before she could accept him into her life.

“Take me to Gitu’s” she asked. He nodded.

Gitu’s apartment was on the same floor as Khushi’s. Khushi did not like visiting her building, it brought the memories of that unfortunate night back with vivid details. She felt eerily out of place and her senses caught an imagined stench of death as she stepped out of the elevator to her floor. Yet, she had to confront her fears once and for all and find out how many more betrayals she had to face before her life was over. Khushi had no idea the ultimate betrayal she was about to face.

ASR held her by her waist to give her strength and knocked on Gitu’s door. He signaled Khushi to stand away from the peep hole to prevent detection. The door cracked open a bit and a familiar voice asked, "Who is it?"

ASR signaled Khushi to stay silent. The door opened further and a head peeked out to see who was at the door. ASR pushed in while the person behind the door resisted and pushed back. He wedged his foot by the door and with one last force, opened the door completely.

“Payal!” Khushi asked in shock.

“Who’s at the door, Payal?” Gitu walked into the foyer and stopped in her tracks. Her shock was only surpassed by the shocked faces of Khushi and ASR.

“Khushi! What are you doing here?”Payal asked with her usual disdain.
Khushi stepped forward and asked sternly,” That’s what I want to know. What are you doing here?”

“Wait, everyone. I can explain.” Gitu stepped forward.
“Yeah, I’d like to hear that, thank you very much.”ASR scanned the shocked faces of the three women in the room. 

This was quickly devolving into a sleazy soap drama and he did not like it one bit. 


69 comments:

  1. why is gitu there,,are they working together or summat?
    and why did gitu need the money
    love how this story is progressing,,its amazing=]

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  2. Awww gitu.. :( I am so sorry to hear about your Mother in law.. May her soul Res in peace..


    Coming to the update, rocking update as usual.. Poor Khushi..

    Waiting for the next chapter..

    God Bless You.. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I am sorry, i meant SJ.. Sorry for the typing error..

      Delete
  3. Hi SJ, :)

    Welcome back :)

    I am sorry about the tough time you have been going through I hope everything settles down soon. :)

    Now on to the update…Wow! NK got trick wait but when NK caught Gitu and found out what she was behind NK said he was after the same thing. How does that come about? It is so strange for an FBI officer to get tricked by a girl.

    Have Gitu been working against Khushi with Payal the whole time? Poor Arnav is stuck in the middle of three women, two of them are about to reveal the “ultimate betrayal.” Khushi will be broken and Arnav is going to be glad that he was there to console Khushi.

    Arnav is so far the only person now that Khushi could lean on. Poor Khushi! Everyone that matter to her people she loved betrayed her. :(

    Please continue soon. :)

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  4. very messy soap opera indeed. sorry to hear about the demise of your mil. its such terrible news. hope you and the family cope with the news as best as possible.

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  5. Hi SJ, sorry for ur loss.
    After wats happened thank u for the update. Greatly appreciated and patiently awaiting for the nxt revelation.

    TC x
    Karoogie3 x

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  6. Dear SJ,
    Sorry to hear about you mother in law. May she RIP
    Thanks for the update.
    Kavita1970

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  7. Welcome back SJ I'm sorry to hear about your mother in law. It's really sad to hear because my chachu and his son passed away that same day in a car accident! And I totally understand you not being in the right state of mind to update. I feel extremly bad for Khushi she's losing all the people that she thought cared for her:/ I'm loving all these mini twists that you're having in each chapter! It's making the story so much more interesting and it also makes the reader think about what's going to happen next:) thanks for the update :)

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  8. SJ, please accept my condolences. A mom is a mom and will always be missed.

    Thanks for updating. Loving the twists and turns.

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  9. sorry to hear about your Mother In Law R.I.P

    150K wow

    what's Payal doing at Gitu's

    continue soon

    ReplyDelete
  10. SJ, Very sorry to know about MIL. May her soul rest in peace and give you and your family enough strength to come to terms.
    This was a shocker update! gitu and payal? I can't believe Payal can stoop so low in spite of her problems with Khushi. I am talking abt her involvement with Shyam when he was engaged to Khushi.
    Is it just stupid mistake on NK's part or he is in the game too? Whats Gitu's agenda?Just Money or something more like exposing payal?
    Waiting for next update as usual. you dont know how religiously I have stalked this FF for updates for past month!!
    -shree10

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  11. Hi SJ!!

    I am sorry for your loss!!! May her soul rest in peace..I hope things are smooth sailing..soon!!

    Ah! All those close to Khushi are deceitful....Payal and Gitu in cahoots..and, NK taken for a ride by Gitu...Poor Khushi...wonder how many more treacheries will she have toendure?? Thank heavens,Arnav is around...and, I always thought NK is astute..

    Aanchal15-IF

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  12. Wth!!! Wat is payal doing there?????
    And khushi's about to face the biggest betrayel....GOD im scared!
    Rabzooo

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  13. SJ, pls accept my sincere condolences to u n ur family on the loss of ur mother in law.

    A mother will always be missed, may god rest her soul in peace!

    Now the update!
    Mind boggling. NK was aware n Gitu cooked up a story bout her sick father?.....what crap ..... what was she thinking that khushi would never come to know n never figure out what she did? N what the hell is she doing still at her appartment?....
    Waiting to be didcovered n questioned bout the money?

    N most importantly how did she know bout the money??? Was it from payal???

    N what the hell is payal doing with gitu....pls dont tell me now they've teamed up or worked together frrom day 1. N r now also in relationship.....that"ll be nasty n ultimate blow

    Geez UR NK is seriously a dick head.. freaking got taken for a ride by a girl .... i thought he was smarter than that....but men r ultimate dickheads when it comes to women

    Loving the twists n turn ...n thnq for updating inspite of all that transpired in ur real life

    Hope 2013 brings u better moments to cheerish n make lovely memories

    Regards,
    Avni :)

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  14. woah!!!

    whats this now!?!?

    absolute twist!!!

    Gitu !! Payal!!! The B***HES???

    waita min!! this is kinda hard to digest!!

    SJ!! whatever it is .. pls spit it out!! i can t wait more now!! where is this Story headed to!? *chuckle*

    ~P
    If ID arushi_fan

    P.S: i am very sorry abt your MIL ... surely can understand whats it like... coz i have been thru the same phase last april where my MIL too lost her battle to cancer... sad but yes she finally was relieved from the pain!!

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  15. I am so sorry for your loss.. May she rest in peace...

    finally the story is unfolding, climax after anti climax...

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  16. What is this SJ. Why so much of betrayal. I just don't understand. This is so messed up. This chapter has left me haunted.

    Even though you gave a pre warning of ultimate betrayal, I never expected Payal there.
    Gitu is such a ****! I can't beleive this. So her friendship was not true one bit??????????

    I can't take this SJ. I'm so very depressed. Hope your enxt update will bring some relief. But for now I hate Gitu the most. Hey why did you give her that name, you could have come up with a new name. Gitu of TFS is still in my heart fresh and she was such a lovely character. I don't like the girl here with the name Gitu. Not fair SJ, you shouldn't have used that name.

    Ok I'm sorry. I'm very much depressed, so said so. But I really don't want her name Gitu!!!!

    Hey SJ, I've started a new venture in writing. I'm writing in my blog,IF and Myedunia site. If you are interested, please do read mine and let me know your views. I have Pmed you my links in IF. Please do check and comment whenever you get time :)

    Bring the next chapter soon SJ, I can't take in this chapter. You made me cry....:(

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  17. Oh SJ, I'm really sorry, I didn't read the initial lines. I'm really sorry for you Mother-in-Law. But as you said, she is at peace and God is with her, mo re close to her and your prayers are there for her soul. That will keep her happy even there.

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  18. Sorry to hear about ur MIL, SJ.

    The update was gripping, how does Gitu fit in here- waiting to see what she has to say!
    Payal and Khushi meeting again so soon!Phew!

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  19. can understand the feeling of losing someone..... BTW chap do had a lot of surprises man, gitu and payal together......
    if can try to update soon.........waiting

    Neag (india-forums)

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  20. Sorry for your lost. Hope you're better now and may this year be better for you..

    Coming to the update. Wow!!! So many things unfolding. Gitu, Payal and NK.. Wondering what they're up to.. Glad that ASR is with Khushi. Love the way the story is progressing. Can't wait for next... Hope you'll update soon but no pressure..

    Blablabla_mo7 IF

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  21. So sorry to hear about your MI L. Hope your family and you are doing ok. Thank you for the update!

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  22. My condolences for your loss! Hope your family and you are coping well! Thank you for updating. I love the way you have created this web of conspiracy involving everyone close to K in this story. Let's see if ASR remain her strength or if he is also hiding something. Hope not! Patiently awaiting the next update.

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  23. SJ, So good to see you back. I'm so sorry to hear about your mother in law, may her soul RIP. I'm glad you're finally feeling a little better.
    And thank you! For this chapter :)
    Needless to say, I completely LOVED it! I was stalking this thread and when I saw chapter 21 it was as if the title was for me - 'Surprise!' :D
    Poor Khushi, I feel so bad for her. Betrayed on all sides. Thank heavens she has ASR.
    Gitu - with Payal? That was a shocker. Whats going on? Is Gitu also involved with the mafia? Whats Gitu's motive? Not just money for sure. Intriguing, as hell!
    This sure is like a soap opera, and I'm dying to know who is the real villain-mastermind behind all!
    NK, Khushi - both have been betrayed. Are there more betrayals to come?
    Waiting for your next :') Update soooon, lots of love.

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  24. SJ, So good to see you back. I'm so sorry to hear about your mother in law, may her soul RIP. I'm glad you're finally feeling a little better.
    And thank you! For this chapter :)
    Needless to say, I completely LOVED it! I was stalking this thread and when I saw chapter 21 it was as if the title was for me - 'Surprise!' :D
    Poor Khushi, I feel so bad for her. Betrayed on all sides. Thank heavens she has ASR.
    Gitu - with Payal? That was a shocker. Whats going on? Is Gitu also involved with the mafia? Whats Gitu's motive? Not just money for sure. Intriguing, as hell!
    This sure is like a soap opera, and I'm dying to know who is the real villain-mastermind behind all!
    NK, Khushi - both have been betrayed. Are there more betrayals to come?
    Waiting for your next :') Update soooon, lots of love.

    ReplyDelete
  25. Dear SJ, really sorry to hear about your mother-in-law.hope you and your family find the strength to deal with this tragedy..

    Looks like there is absolutely no one khushi and Arnav can trust...hopefully things will look up soon..

    Polkadots78- IF

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  26. Sorry for your loss.
    Nice update.
    casker

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  27. Sorry to hear about your mother in law. I can imagine the difficult time you must have gone through. Loved the update. So Geetu and Payal are in it together. Waiting for the next part to know what happens next.

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  28. Sorry to hear about your mother in law. I can imagine what you must have gone through. Loved the chapter. Waiting to know how Payal and Geetu are linked to each other.

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  29. so sorry to hear about ur mother in law....
    n
    the update ix as usual amaxngggggggg......
    plxxxxxxxxxx do continue soon..
    IF id smartgirl9009

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  30. So sorry to hear about your MIL. God bless her soul.


    Love the way the story is progressing.

    IF: kudi123

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  31. Sorry to hear about your mother in law.

    thank you for updating under these circumstances

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  32. Sorry to hear about your mother in law.
    thank you for the update.

    ReplyDelete
  33. Hi SJ,
    I'm sorry to hear about your mother in law. Please accept my condolences. I adore that despite such a loss you penned down such a good chapter with turns and twists. I feel for Khushi, her life is really turning upside down. I don't know why I feel Gitu is not traitor here. I think NK had once said to her that they both are on same side. I feel both of them are on good side and G knows Payal's truth. Only you can clear up this mystery. Waiting for further updates. Thank you.

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  34. I can completely understand your loss as my mother was also diagnosed with cancer and we didn't know is she would survive or not. Always remember the good memories you shared with her & she is in a much better place. Pull yourself together cause I'm sure she wouldn't want to see u sad. Everything happens for a good reason and we all need to leave this place one day.
    Thank you for updating after all u and ur family has gone through these past couple of weeks.
    Indeed, this story has been completely complicated & like a soap drama. Don't how many times Khushi is going to get betrayed. A truly suspenseful story!

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  35. Hi SJ,

    My condolences to ur family.....

    Thanks for giving us a great update.

    ReplyDelete
  36. Hi SJ,

    My condolences to ur family.....

    Thanks for giving us a great update.

    Srujana...
    sruj@gmail.com

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  37. Omg cant believe gitu did tht to poor kushi....fantastic update...continue soon...

    flowers4u

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  38. Sorry to hear about the passing. Hope everyone is doing okay now.

    Why....who can you trust in times like this where every person appears suspicious.

    Anamika100

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  39. sorry to hear about ur in-law dear... my condolences to ur family!!! may god bless her soul!!!

    Thank u for updating for us dear...... "hug"

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  40. Really sorry for your loss, it really helps to accept the reality of the situation.God always knows and does what is best.....Stay Strong

    As always it was a fantastic chapter.....you are a really good writer and storyteller
    Looking forward to reading more of your work.

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  41. SJ,
    Really sorry for your loss.
    Thanks for the amazing update

    inajnar (IF)

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  42. Heart felt condolences to you and your family ...
    Good to have you back ... SJ ... can totally imagine the trying times you all must be going through ...

    Felt really bad for Khushi at being swindled for money by such a dear friend ...
    she better have a real valid reason for doing what she did ...

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  43. First of all, my condolences for your loss.

    About the story, what a surprise. Certainly did not expect Gitu to team up with Payal, even though she planned to dupe NK. But even more surprising is NK fell for her lies without investigating further and helped her steal from another without even asking to talk to the doctor or check his condition. NK turned out quite stupid.

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  44. Dear SJ
    Very sorry to hear bout ur loss!
    Update is superb, as always!,

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  45. Hey SJ.
    I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. Just know that I'm thinking about you an your family. And sending lots of positive thoughts your way.

    As for the update. I didn't see that one coming. The betrayal by Gitu and her being close to Payal. Completely shocked is an understatement.

    Thank you and take care sweetie.
    Sachi / JerryTheMouse

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  46. Sorry of hear of your loss, SJ... the only consolation, however small, is that she is no longer suffering.

    lovely update... so even nk was fooled by gitu... agree with arnav that nk doesn't deserve to be an fbi agent... how many more betrayals does khushi have to face? so gitu and payal are hand in glove, but what are they up to? or did payal blackmail gitu to embezzle money from khushi? touching to see her immediate thought that arnav was worthy of her trust... hope circumstances don't force on these two a test of that trust and love

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  47. My mom's sister too had died in April after battling cancer for 4 years - so I can understand when u say 'She is in a better place now'. I felt emotionally drained at that time but never sad.

    Coming to the story, Hope Khushi takes a fist to Gitu and Payal. They both hv been working with the Mafia right? I think Gitu knew about Shyam too. How ppl can be so callous I hv no idea?

    There are too many qns right now but I hope they will be answered soon enough right???

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  48. And I do not think NK is telling the truth

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  49. I am very sorry for ur loss SJ..

    Anyway.. fab update...

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  50. Sorry to hear of your bereavement. May your family find peace and solice at this time. Thank you for finding the time to write. Very much appreciated.

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  51. Sorry to hear about your bereavement. I hope your family finds peace and solice. Thank you for finding the time to update. Very much appreciated. Take care!

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  52. I think there's more to NK's story than he's letting on. Gitu with Payal? I thought she was helping those Sabre people. Or is she still? Is Payal blackmailing her? Thank you for giving us such a great story

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  53. SJ,

    I'm sorry for you loss. You know I'm just a call away.

    Gitu is a SNITCH! I'm never trusting that girl ever again. Chutki guessed it right.

    Jokes apart, what a twist. this is bloody intriguing and more curious than ever to know the full scale of the games people have been playing and the truth of the sabres.

    Fab update, update soon.

    I promise to comment soon too.

    Muah

    NB

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  54. sorry about your lost and thank you for the updt. take your time and come back when you feel for it.

    and back to the chap, what worng with this girls, and why are they doing this to khushi and poor nk.

    latha

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  55. sorry to hear about your loss SJ..i hope you and your family come out of grievance.

    this is getting very interesting and the last line summed up the situation perfectly..let the Drama begin.

    -Smarties-

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  56. Sorry 2 hear about ur mil.may her soul rest in peace.about the update woah gitu is d culprit and payal in gitus place.love d last line given by asr.happy new year sj.shinaa.

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  57. Condolences to you and your family ..
    Thank you for updating...
    Coming to the update!
    I don't trust NK..He knew what Gitu was up to so his excuse is not believable
    Gitu and Payal are together??
    Khushi must be feeling terrible after seeing how her family and best friend cheated her..

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  58. I am sorry about your Mother in law... You and your family will be in my prayers.
    The update was wow... this is becoming more and more intriguing... cannot wait to read more

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  59. Take care dear....
    Awesome ff....sman from if..Shailaja

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  60. hi....just now read the whole story within couple of hours...it is wow and intriguing....feel sorry for khushi and glad that arnavs there to console her...and really sorry to hear about your mom in law...may her soul rest in peace...
    yush(if)

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  61. SJ,
    How and where are you?
    Hope everyth is fine at your end.
    -shree10

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  62. Awesome story. Read all chapters in 1 go.
    Sorry to hear about your MIL, passing the day after X-mas.
    Hope your family finds peace and strength soon.

    Please continue this story soon :)
    I am signing my IF id.

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  63. Trust no freaking person.

    What a twist!! Gitu is a snitch!!!!

    And yet...all this just seems like the tip of the ice-berg and that there is MUCH MORE hidden and waiting to pounce on Khushi!

    Great Chapter :)

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  64. This was quickly devolving into a sleazy soap drama and he did not like it one bit.

    How many snitches are there in this story?!?!?! I love ASR taking the "I Shall protect you till death do us apart" quite well :)

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  65. Sorry for your loss...

    Gitu tooo???? Uhhhh!!

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  66. miss you lover :)

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  67. This chapter really lived up to its title!!!

    I had actually felt sorry for Gitu & her dad until the truth was revealed!!

    Can't wait to find out what the hell is going on, so many twists & turns, simply brilliant how you achieve all that!!!

    PS I know it's 4 months too late, but my deepest condolences to you & your husbands family, may her soul rest in peace.

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