Chapter 6

Arnav went to the cafeteria to get some coffee. It had been 26 hours since he brought Khushi to the hospital and he hadnt got any sleep since. He had cancelled all his meetings for the next week, something he hadnt done in years. His work always used to come first but not anymore. His Khushi was much more important than anything now. Arnav went back to the hospital room. He opened the door and found a man standing by Khushi's bed. He had his back to Arnav. Arnav kept the coffee cup down and put a hand on the person's shoulder, "Can I help you?"

The man turned around. The person looked very familiar to Arnav. It took him some time to recognize him, "Aditya? what are you doing here?"

Aditya didn't return Arnav's smile, "Hi Arnav, I came to see Khushi. Heard about what happened. Very unfortunate."

Arnav nodded," Yes, she is fine now. It's just the medication that's kept her under. The doctors just need to keep her under observation for a little while and then I can take Khushi home. What about you? Its been years since college ended. Last time I saw you was on my wedding day. I guess we just fell out of touch. How did you know Khushi was in the hospital?"

Aditya snorted," You and I may have lost touch since college ended Arnav but Khushi and I have been seeing each other for 2 months now. Khushi came in for a job interview. She has been working in my company for the last 2 months but suddenly out of the blue, she quit her job a few days ago. I tried calling her but she didn't return any of my calls so I got worried. I checked up and found out that Khushi is in the hospital"

Arnav's smile faded-, "Oh, I wonder why Khushi didn't tell me about taking up a job. She didn't mention you either."

Aditya looked at Arnav sternly and replied in a cold voice, "It's because you were never there to listen to what was going on in her life."

Arnav was startled, "Did Khushi tell.."

"When I saw her in my office for the first time 2 months ago, I could tell from her face that things were not okay. I tried asking her but she always avoided my questions. And then one day I found her crying in her office room. That day she told me everything. I cant believe you Arnav. How could you put her through that?"

Arnav's jaw clenched," Stay out of this Aditya. Its my marriage and Khushi is my wife"

Aditya smiled sarcastically, "Not for long Arnav! Its just a couple of months more that Khushi has to tolerate you in her life and after that she will be free of you."

Arnav narrowed his eyes, "So you know about the divorce."

Aditya shrugged," Who do you think suggested Khushi to get a divorce!"

Arnav's eyes were now filled with rage, "What the hell! It was you who convinced Khushi to get a divorce! Who gives you the bloody right to interfere in my marital life! You overstepped your bounds Aditya. Oh wait, let me guess. You had a crush on Khushi in college and you even fell in love with her but she chose to be with me. And then after years you saw her again. She was having problems in her marriage so you jumped at the opportunity and brainwashed her into ending her marriage so that you can be with her. That's really low Aditya"

Aditya glared," I admit that I am still in love with her but I am not trying to win her heart here. Don't make me out to be a monster Arnav because the truth is you are the monster. You were horrible to her and what she needs right now is to be away from you. You are the reason she is in this hospital room right now. You pushed her sanity to the limit and now she is paying the price for being in love with you"

There was a lump in Arnav's throat. Aditya caught the pain on Arnav's face and was glad to see the he was getting his penance.

"She wont ever forgive you Arnav, so do yourself a favour and stop trying" He gave Arnav a look of deep loathing and left the room. Arnav sat down beside Khushi's bed and gripped her hand tightly in his hands. "He's wrong Khushi. I know you'll forgive me one day. I just need one chance from you, to make it right, just one chance"

...

Khushi opened her eyes and found herself in a hospital room. It took her some time to recollect what had happened. She tried to get up but all the medication was making her feel light headed. She felt someone clutching her hand. She turned her gaze to see Arnav asleep with his head resting on the bed and his hand entwined with hers. She gazed at him with a smile on her face, reality forgotten in that sweet moment of closeness. She rubbed her thumb against his hand. The slight movement woke Arnav. He yawned and rubbed his eyes. He saw Khushi was now awake.

He sat up and held her face in his hands," Khushi, thank god you are okay. You really scared me back there. Wait I'll call the doctor. I'll take you home once they are done. Just wait for me okay"

Arnav got up and left the room to look for the doctor on call. Khushi sighed. The burden was returning again. She waited for Arnav to come back. The door opened. Khushi turned her head expecting Arnav but it wasn't. Karan and Maya entered the room and sat beside Khushi, their faces were wrought with worry.

Maya's eyes were filled with tears," Khushi, you idiot, why didn't you tell me about what was going on. You never thought of picking up the phone and telling your best friend that you are having a nervous breakdown. I am seriously going to kill you!"

Karan laughed at Maya's threat," I thought you came to comfort Khushi. When did the murder plan take form?"

Maya gave Karan a dangerous look, "You better not talk to me. You are one sucky lawyer. You let Arnav get his way."

Karan kept quiet. He knew when not to poke the monster. Khushi held Maya's hand reassuringly, "I am fine Maya, really!"

" You are lying in a hospital bed after a panic attack. So don't say you are fine. You know how worried I was when I didn't hear from you in days. And then this.."

Khushi was irritated now. She was tired of having to explain herself. First Arnav, then her parents and her best friend. "What do you want me to say Maya, sorry? Fine then. I am sorry. I'll add the angry best friend to the pile of problems I already have to deal with"

"Hey, I am sorry. I shouldn't have burst out on you like that. I was just worried Khushi. I hate it when you hide stuff from me."

Khushi sighed, "Maya, please go. I am really not in a talking mood right now."

Khushi turned her head away. Maya touched her cheek once and then left the room with Karan. Meanwhile Arnav told the on call doctor that Khushi was awake now. Once they reassured him that they will discharge Khushi as soon as her reports come, he went to the pharmacy to get all the medicines. There was a long line so it took him some time to get them. He went home and quickly changed his clothes and came back to the hospital. He went to Khushi's room but he got a shock seeing the room empty. He asked the receptionist on that floor and was even more surprised to know that Khushi's discharge papers had already been signed. He was about to ask who signed the discharge papers when a voice spoke behind him," You don't need to worry about Khushi anymore. She is going home with us"

Arnav turned around to see Shashi Gupta. Garima Gupta was standing behind him holding Khushi by the shoulder.

Arnav lowered his head," Mr. Gupta, I am really sorry. I couldn't take care of Khushi as well as I should have but Khushi belongs in her real home, our home. Please, she needs to come with me"

"You are actually telling me that I should let you take Khushi. You didn't even bother to inform me that my daughter was in the hospital. You are the reason she is here and I wont let you ruin her life anymore. I gave you one chance Arnav, now no more. She is coming home with me and you just leave my daughter alone."

Shashi gestured Garima to leave but Arnav ran up to Khushi and held her hand tightly.

Arnav spoke as a desperate man trying to salvage the only ray of light left in his life," Khushi, you will come home with me won't you? Tell your dad you'll come with me. You have to, don't give up on us Khushi. Please, I love you so much."

Khushi looked into his eyes. She could see the love and desperation in his eyes were real. She wanted to believe him. She wanted everything to be like before but too much had happened. He had hurt her too much for her to forget. Arnav sensed the hesitation in Khushi's eyes.

He held Khushi's hand against his heart and cupped her face with the other hand, stroking her cheek with his thumb," please Khushi..Come with me"

Tears gathered in her eyes, she slowly pulled her hand away from his grip. Arnav's heart pained seeing Khushi moving away, "Please.."

Khushi spoke through the tears, "I cant Arnav..I am sorry"

Garima pulled Khushi away from Arnav. She followed Shashi to the elevator. Khushi turned her head and took one last look at Arnav. Arnav looked at Khushi with yearning. His heart called out to her but Khushi gave a pained smile and left. Arnav could feel his world crashing around him. He slid to the floor. His chance at redemption seemed like a long lost dream now.

...

Khushi was back in gupta house. she was sleeping and thinking of past events that took place in the hospital. After a long time she had seen love, care, regret, desperation in his eyes. But it was too late. Even if she tried, she couldn't forget what happened to her in past 2 years. Her life had changed. It was a mess. no matter how she tried to get over it, some wounds never heal. She wasn't crying today because her tears had dried long time ago.

Khushi heard her mother entering her room. She pretended to sleep. Garima stood near her caressing her forehead and kissed her. she was contented to see khushi asleep.

...

It was the day of khushi's appointment with Dr. Mehra. She was waiting outside his cabin to be called when she saw arnav walk towards her. khushi was shocked to see him there," what are you doing here?"

"did you think I will leave you alone here?" arnav smiled sadly.

"I don't need you here. Please arnav don't make things difficult for me", khushi pleaded with him.

Arnav sighed," I know I have been horrible. I want to redeem myself and right now this is the least I can do for you. please khushi. please?"

Khushi didn't answer him and looked away. After waiting for few more minutes, she was called inside. Arnav accompanied her.

"hello Mrs. Raizada. I am Dr. Siddharth Mehra. Please have a seat", he greeted

Arnav and Khushi took their seat. "please call me Khushi, doctor" she said

"alright Khushi. then you can call me siddharth and you must me Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada", he smiled.

Arnav nodded.

Siddharth continued," alright Khushi. We are starting your sessions from today. You have to come everyday and please be relaxed. Do not stress yourself".

"can I sit with her doctor please?" Arnav asked

"I am sorry Mr. Raizada but I cant allow you that. We need her to speak about her problems and she may not if you sit with her but you can always wait next room and see her sessions. I have no problem with that", he smiled.

Arnav nodded.

"so Khushi? are you ready?", Siddharth asked

"yes"

"Ok, now tell me, how are you Khushi?"

"I am fine I guess"

"Khushi, I need you to be honest with me. I wont be able to help you unless you tell me what's really going on with you. Now lets start again. How are you Khushi?"

"I am...I am not...fine."

"What's the reason for your heartache? Take your time to answer but tell me honestly"

"I...Its just that...there was a time when my life was filled with happiness. I had everything a girl could want..a loving husband, the perfect house, the perfect job and...the perfect baby. My little angel, Sneha"

Tears poured down Khushi's eyes as she began telling him how her beautiful life turned into a nightmare.

                                                             

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