Chapter 2

                          

                             CHAPTER 1: CROSSROADS 

 

 

Arnav left office early that day for the first time in years. He was rushing to get home and jumped all the red lights on the way. He had to reach home to stop Khushi from leaving the house. He couldn't let her go. She was his life, the only thing that had kept him sane through all the suffering that he had endured these past 2 years. He had already lost a lot, he couldn't stand to lose Khushi as well. He swerved the car hard into the driveway and ran to the front door. He hesitantly put his hand on the door knob. He was afraid to face what may be waiting for him inside. He closed his eyes and prayed with all his life that Khushi still hadn't left. He opened the door and ran inside shouting for Khushi. The house was empty, she had left. Arnav sat down on the bed and held his head in his hands. The pain that now took over him was unbearable. He had messed up his life pretty bad. It was all his fault. He kept Khushi away from him. He had abandoned her and used his work as an excuse to shun her away from his life. And now he was paying the price for that. All he wanted right now was to turn the clock back, to have Khushi in his arms and never to let her go. He yearned to see her or at least hear voice. He took out his mobile from his pocket and dialled Khushi's cell. Her phone kept ringing and no one picked up. He called her 4 times more but no one picked up. He was really worried now. Where was she? Was she ok? Arnav then called her parent's house. Khushi's mom picked up the phone.

Arnav took a deep breath," Hi mom, is Khushi there? I need to speak to her."

Mrs. Gupta fumed hearing his voice," So you finally found time out of your busy schedule to call Khushi. Why did you even bother Arnav! You didnt seem to be bothered about her before!"

Arnav closed his eyes,"Mom, I am sorry. I know I have been unfair to Khushi and have treated her badly but I never wanted her to leave. I love her!"

Mrs. Gupta snapped," Stop calling me mom Arnav. I don't want to have anything to do with you. You made my daughter miserable. There hasn't been one night when she didn't call me and cry on the phone. Remember what you said at the time you asked for her hand in marriage, you said you'll always keep her happy. You're a liar and the worst kind of husband any parent can expect for their daughter. Khushi isn't here Arnav and even if she was, I wouldn't let her go through the pain of talking to you. At least let her live in peace now."

She then slammed down the phone in anger. Arnav face crumbled in pain. Khushi's mom was right. Arnav  couldn't be a good husband to Khushi. But life cant be so cruel to him. He deserves a second chance with Khushi. He had to find Khushi and bring her back. And this time, he wouldn't let a single tear drop from her eyes. He closed his eyes and spoke with a voice deep with yearning, "Khushi, where are you?" Just then it occurred to him; he knew where Khushi might be.

...

Khushi was back in her old apartment where she used to live before she got married to Arnav. She had spent her whole college life in this apartment. She was really proud of herself being the star student in her college and managing her little household here. She was carefree, independent; basically a free spirit till she met Arnav Singh Raizada. All her life, she had only been responsible for herself but after she fell for Arnav, she made herself responsible for him too. She learned to adjust to his needs and put his happiness before hers. This is the reason she stayed with him even after he hurt her so much. Khushi put down her suitcase on the sofa. Opening the suitcase, she took out an album.

A picture is worth a thousand words

she came to appreciate this line now more than ever.  The pictures in the album made her relive her all the happy memories of her marriage that she shared with Arnav. Everyday she would look through this album and remind herself of the old Arnav she had fallen in love with; the Arnav who could never see her cry, the Arnav who would take care of her little needs and always love her more and more each day. She would convince herself that Arnav would one day once again go back to being the old Arnav and stop hurting her. But she kept waiting for him to change but Arnav kept being cold to her and pushed her away. The hurt was too much to bear and even her love for him couldn't make up for that. She had to leave him. it was the only way she could stop reliving the nightmare their marriage had become every single day. She kept sifting through the album when she came across a picture of her...

The picture was taken on their first date. She kept looking at the picture and a tear rolled down her eyes. She could still remember their first meeting. It feels as if she met him just yesterday and got into their first fight.

Khushi came out of the shopping mall with lots of bags in her hand. She was talking on the phone with someone when suddenly she heard screaming and shouting of a girl nearby. People were gathered around the scene. She immediately cut the call and made the way towards the source to see what was happening.

Khushi cut the crowd and saw a young girl in early 20s was shouting at top of her voice

"how dare you? How dare you do that? How can you even think of leaving me?"

"will you shut up tanya"

That was the first time when she noticed someone else with the girl. The voice was husky and the mere sound was sending shivers down her spine. She went forward to get the clear view of the source and thats when she saw him. He was clad in blue jeans and white shirt. He had rolled up his sleeves a little. Few top buttons were open from his shirt giving her a clear view of his well-toned chest. He looked utterly handsome. She just froze looking at him.

"don't you dare tanya"

His voice broke her trance. What was happening here? Why was he shouting? Tanya! The girl's name was tanya.

"Arnav Singh Raizada! You dare not leave me or I will make sure you regret this decision."

Arnav was furious. No one ever dared to talk to him like that, "Tanya Oberoi! Do not talk to me that way and stop creating a scene. (turning to the crowd) don't you people have any other work? Leave us alone."

Everyone dispersed except khushi. she didn't knew why but she wanted to know what was happening here. And this guy..arnav, whoever he was, why was he yelling like that?

"didn't you hear what I told? Leave us alone"

Khushi realised she was still looking at him,"what? Excuse me. This is a public place and every citizen has a right to freedom. I hope you know what that means?"

Arnav narrowed his eyes," miss right to freedom! I absolutely know what that means but you have no right to eavesdrop someones private conversation."

Khushi looked at him in disbelief," are you mad? What was so private here? You both are fighting in the middle of the road and accusing me of eavesdropping"

Tanya interrupted, "hey miss know it all! Its between me and my boyfriend. You dare not interfere in it."

Arnav rolled his eyes," tanya for the last time, I am not your boyfriend. We have broken up a month ago so stop stalking me. (to khushi) and you miss right to freedom, no one talks to Arnav Singh Raizada that way. "

"and no one dares to talk to Khushi Kumari Gupta that way!"

Arnav and khushi both glared at each other. Khushi first time noticed that the guy was not only handsome but also had world's best looking brown eyes. The eyes were mesmerizing.

Arnav too for the first time noticed her. She was beautiful clad in simple jeans and top with minimal makeup unlike others. Her hair was long and silky with little curls falling on her slender waist. Her eyes were brownish in shade. She looked so innocent but was also feisty at the same time. A smile crept on his lips.

Khushi for the first time saw a slight smile on his face. he definitely looked more handsome while smiling, "why are you smiling now?"

"oh was i? I didn't knew it. I am just admiring the beauty in front of my eyes. (to Tanya) will you leave or do you want me to call the police now for the case of stalking?"

Tanya gritted her teeth and left saying," don't think this is over. You will regret leaving me"

"whatever, girls!", arnav rolled his eyes.

Arnav continued battling his eye lashes," so, where was i? yes, you are really beautiful!"

"are you mad?"

"yes, for you"

"jerk". khushi muttered in low voice while leaving

"I heard that", arnav yelled smiling

"good...because it was meant to", khushi struck her tongue out

Khushi came out of her thoughts. More tears fell from her eyes. She loved him and still do. She kissed his picture which was in her hand and kept it aside.

"I never knew things will change so much for us arnav!" , she sighed

 

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