Chapter 12

Chapter 10 ~ Ishq in Paris

Khushi wrapped the scarf around her tightly, walking with her head down against the cool winds. She took a seat in the open cafe, which had a clear view of the Eiffel Tower. She ordered a mug of coffee, and sat sipping in the cold, her eyes on the flowing River Seine.

As she looked, she couldn't help but think of the losses she had faced. She had lost her family, her child and her love. She stifled a sob. She knew, deep inside, that it was not JUST Arnav's fault. She could have prevented all of that from happening... She could have ensured that the two of them had lived a happy life... After all, she couldn't deny- at least to herself- that deep inside, she always knew Arnav had loved her. Only a blind person wouldn't see that... But she had broken what could have been beautiful with her own hands, and the thought made tears stream down her face.

Arnav stormed into his suite and changed his dress. He had no clue as to where he'd find her once he was here. But he was here, and all that mattered was the fact that she was in the same city as him. Hewould find her. SOMEHOW.

He looked out of the window, and gazed at the Seine. He could see a cafe on the other side of the river, where he could see the leg of a woman protruding out from beneath a dark green umbrella. He SO needed a cup of coffee.

He sighed, and headed out of the room, the cafe his destination.

*

Khushi stiffened as soon as she felt him... She DID feel him. She closed her eyes; she was imagining!

She got up quickly and began walking towards the Eiffel Tower. That'd help her to get her mind off of him for sometime at least. She hugged herself tighter, and quickened her pace, almost breaking into a run.

Just as Arnav got down and was about to cross the street across to the cafe, he saw a quick movement and something stirred in his heart. His head shot up instantly, and he saw Khushi with her eyes closed and walking hurriedly in another direction. He tried calling out to her, but being in the middle of the road, it wasn't quite a good option. By the time, he had reached the pavement, she had turned around the corner.

By the time he went to the turn, she was gone. He ran fingers through his hair, feeling frustrated. Then his eyes fell on the Eiffel Tower. He had an idea as to where she would be now...

And so he began a slow, casual walk towards the Eiffel.

*

Khushi stood underneath the Eiffel, feeling tears brim up in her eyes, as she remembered that she had dreamt of Paris being her honeymoon destination when she was a child.

And now, here she was. In Paris, days before the definite divorce.

She kept her eyes on the ground, afraid that she'd break down if she saw daylight romance. Even the ground wasn't of any help, for she could see the silhouettes of intertwined hands and people kissing passionately. She turned and walked towards one of the elevators after buying a ticket, waiting for her turn.

There was long line, which held promises of making one stand for half an hour minimum. So she stood there, looking at the vendors selling replicas of the Eiffel Tower, the children playing and old people feeding pigeons. She didn't dare look at happy families, laughing gaily, happiness echoing in their laughter.

She felt a small tug on her elbow, and looked down into the face of a little boy. She saw him blink at her with his electric blue eyes, and thrust a bunch of red roses into her hand. She looked at his face in surprise.

The tip of the boy's nose turned red. "Roses pour la belle femme!" he said. {Roses for the pretty lady!}

Khushi blinked. "What?"

The boy shook his head, and held out his hand pointing towards one of the legs of the Eiffel.

She followed his finger and the boy scampered. Her eyes widened as she saw the sight in front of her. Arnav was standing there, with clear hesitation written across his face. He was wearing a black shirt with jeans, and had his hands crossed.

She took slow and unsure steps towards him, each step careful and measured. She didn't want to think of what'd happen to her if she goes closer to him, only for him to disappear.

The End*