Chapter 25

Standing on the beach sand barefooted, hands in the pocket, eyes closed Arnav inhaled deeply the cold fresh breeze … no other sound except of the waves crashing into each other. He stood there for few minutes doing nothing just inhaling and exhaling the freshness of the sea. He opens his eyes slowly seeing the waves coming towards his feet wetting them along with sand and then going back … moonlight falling on the waves making them serene and only other lights are coming from the Hotel behind him.

He moves few feets back and sit down on the beach where he had taken his shoes off, his coat and tie also place carelessly on the sand beside shoes. He places his hand on knees, lean his head back and closes his eyes again feeling the wind flutter through his hair, finally the tiredness of the day started to sweep away.

He had gone to his chopper after winding his work yesterday and flew directly to Goa without informing anyone. Once he settled down in his suite in the hotel he had send a message to his Di and Aman that he had landed safely and will be out of city for two days for an important meeting. He didn't mention the place where he is. After that he switches off his mobile knowing that Di would be calling him as soon as she read his message and demand him to come back immediately. The next whole day he spent with the Sharma's discussing and planning about his Resort project, they also went to select the land where the resort will be made. He chooses the land near the beach as it will drawn more tourist attention. He came to his room late at night around 11 and dumps himself on the bed without changing his clothes. When after an hour he didn't seem to get any sleep he came out to the sea.

Today was Tania's death anniversary but he didn't want to do anything related to her. He knew that his Di will hold a pooja at RM for her barsi and will insist him to sit in the pooja. 1 year ago when Tania died, Anjali held the pooja at RM and strictly insist him to sit in the pooja. When he rejected that he won't sit his Di emotionally blackmailed him that she won't eat until he sits in the pooja. His Di being the most important person of his life how could he see his Di trouble herself like that so he unwillingly sit in the pooja along with his Di. If that was not enough, his Di had invited Tania's brother and father for the pooja. Seeing her brother made his blood boil as he remember his fight with him a week ago blaming him for everything that happened between him and Tania and again they end up badly arguing and pushing each other after the pooja. He didn't want to face the same drama again, he didn't want to sit in the pooja or wanted to see her brother or father thats why he came here because he knew Anjali will invite them. Also he needed some time alone to himself which would be impossible if he stayed in Dehli with work surrounding him all the time and then his Di bickering around him, not that he mind but his Di could be too much sometimes.

He opens his eyes looking far away at the sea concentrating on nothing particular. His mind traveling back 8 years of his life …...

He was 20 years old when he completed his Business and law degree, people often completes their bachelors at the age of 22, 23 but with his hard work and determination he completed his bachelors early. Why he choose the Law? He has his own reasons for it, one to re-claim his properties and his father's business in Luckhnow which his own uncle had steal from his family by fraud and then he mercilessly thrown him and his sister out of their own ancestral house Sheesh-Mehal. And second to punish his uncle for stealing and cheating his family.

After completing his bachelors the first thing he did is that he went to Luckhnow with his Maamaji and file a legal case of fraud against his uncle with help of his Maamji's lawyer friend. By studying the Law he knows all the process of court and legal cases. He fights the case along with his lawyer, telling the court how his uncle cheated his father by forging his signs on property papers claiming them in his name and doing many frauds in his father's company "Malik's Corp". According to his father's will all the property and business will go to his children Arnav and Anjali but his uncle throws them out.

Being helpless and no proof they couldn't do anything but to wait. And yes Arnav did wait … waited for this day since 6 years, when he will makes his uncle punish for what he did to him and his sister.

The case run in the court for 5 days and on the last day court finally announced the verdict in favor of Arnav by giving the sentence of 8 years to his uncle for doing cheat and fraud. In those 6 years his uncle had brutally damaged his father's company, and Arnav had no choice but to sell all shares to pay the debts and loans.

He hated his father … but then why he want to get his Buisness back? He didn't do it because he somewhere care for his father … NO .. he did it because of his mother. That company was made by his grandfather with his blood and sweat. Her mother loved his grandfather, because in return he loved his mother just like his own daughter and he put his home Sheesh Mehal in his mother's name. And her mother named him after his grandfather Arnav Raj Malik. He didn't want the hard work of his grandfather to go waste but unfortunately he was too late for that.

He also had to sell all his mother's jewellery and family heirlooms along with antique furniture in order to pay the mortgage, again his uncle's deed … in his greediness he had taken loans from the bank putting Sheesh Mehal as a mortgage. So basically he was left with nothing but nearly an empty house. Then he tried to sell Sheesh Mehal so that he can get some money for him and his sister's future but no one was willing to buy that house knowing what incident had placed there … local people claim it to be unfortunate disasters house. So he went back to Dehli dejectedly with nothing in particular.

But he didn't dishearten himself; he applied to many universities abroad for masters as he knows the importance of education. To achieve higher goals he had to have the best education possible. 2 months later he received the letter from Harved University telling that he had been selected for 2 years master program of Business Management. That day was the happiest day for him; finally he would be able to build a better and strong future for him and his sister. But his happiness was only for the short time when he realized the expenses of going there, his stay, education fee etc. He was very worried for it and was at the edge to send the declination letter to university when to his astonishment his Maamiji, whom he thought to be self centered person, came to him along with Nani with all the jewellery they had at that time telling him to sell them and take money for his education.

In his fight for doing his bachelors as soon as possible so that he can take revenge from his uncle he neglected everyone in the family except for his Di. After his uncle betray him, who he always thought to be his father figure, he didn't let his mother's family come close to him so that he don't face the same betrayal again. But he was wrong; they were not like his Uncle. They accepted him and his Di whole heartedly, didn't they took care of them when they get sick, didn't they give them the same food, same clothes which they have for themselves … how could he not see that and most importantly it was his Maamaji who had bare all the expenses of his and his sister's education till now. After that day he decided they are his family too and therefore his responsibility as well. So he went to the US with the promise to himself to build the bestest future for his family.

His whole focus was on his studies, so he didn't pay any heed to the attention the girls would throw in his direction. He was a man of few words so he didn't have many friends except for his roommate Yuvraj Bhatt. After 4 months he came to know from his sister that they had to sell their house as his Maamaji wasn't having profit in his textile business so to bare the expenses of living and the education of Akash they had no option left and now they have moved into the small house on rent. This made Arnav to take the step of doing part time job. In morning he will attend his lectures and then from 4pm to 10pm he will work in the caf. He didn't waste his Saturday Sunday either like others going to parties and hang out, he did another part time job in a local mart only for weekend to earn as much money as he can. The rest of the time he will study and do assignments. He would send half of his earnings to his family, so that his Maamaji could feel supported.

Yuvraj at first tried to make him loosen himself by hanging out but it didn't work on him later he came to know about his reasons and then he also supported him. Arnav was good looking and handsome, girls would try different things to gain his attention but he didn't have any time to distract his mind to something else. He put his whole focus on how to build his future and most importantly earn money.

His first year of masters was completed and Yuvraj taken him to the party thrown by his other good friend. Arnav couldn't say no to his only friend this time so he went along with him. They came to a big Mansion, his friend turn out to be the son of the rich business man in the fashion industry. Yuvraj introduces him to his friend Rohan Ahuja, he was a kind of flirty and happy go lucky guy. Rohan also study at the Harverd along with them but as Arnav was the private person keeping him to himself he didn't even know half of his classmates. In that party Arnav met Tania first time when Rohan introduces her to Yuvraj and Arnav as his sister. Arnav didn't show more interest than simple hi hello but he did notice Tania throwing glances towards him. The party seems to go on full swing and it seems to Arnav that it's not going to end before the wee hours of morning. So he bid goodbye to Yuvraj and Rohan making an excuse of doing assignment left the party little after 11pm. He chooses to walk instead of taking the cab or bus.

When he turns a corner to one street he saw some 4 or 5 guys beating a young boy most probably of his age. First he thought not on interfere but then he saw one of them taking out the knife and telling the beaten guy that he is going to put the knife in his chest. Didn't know what struck Arnav but he could not see the poor guy get killed infront of his eyes. He move forward and like a flash kicked the hand of the guy which was holding the knife and then he started to beat all of them alone. Some self defense and karate he learned from his gym master at the university came handy tonight. He then takes the poor guys along with him to his hostel and tends to his wounds. That night he got himself another friend … Aman. He help him in his studies and also he helped him getting part time job at the caf where is worked. With time Arnav and Aman become good friends.

His second year was quit tough which require most of his time, so he give up on his weekend job and stick to his regular part time job at caf where he would also get to spend some time with Aman. Why he hit off with Aman? Because of his nature, Aman was of humble nature and easy going guy … the best thing about him ... he doesn't ask unnecessary question … never gossip … never show interest in someone's private matters … always honest and had great ability of understanding.

When his 3^rd semester exam neared he had to leave his caf job as well because the courses were very tough and he needed to study day and night if he wanted good grades. And yes indeed he passed with excellent grades, becoming apple of eye of teachers. But now he wanted to do a job, he didn't earn much from the caf job … he needed something big. He discussed this matter with his friends Yuvraj and Rohan. Few days later Rohan came to meet him with his sister Tania. Tania offered him to work as model for the upcoming fashion show. Tania's father owns a Fashion House "Xottica" and they were looking for a fresh face to introduce their new collection.

At the age of 22 Arnav had a smart physique too as he was a diabetic he had to take care of his health and he too liked to be in good shaped. So whenever he gets time he would visit his uni gym and work out for hours. When Tania first met him she was impressed by his overall personality, so when Rohan discuss with her about Arnav's problem she immediately gave the suggestion to try him as a model. Arnav was reluctant at first but when Yuvraj and Rohan insisted and also when he get to know that he will be given good amount for it he agreed.

So at the age of 22 he had done his first ever fashion show and got introduce to the Media World. He really didn't like the glamour but he did become intrigue by the power which Fashion world holds.

After completing his masters he spends next 1 year working as a model for Tania's father company. He did 2 major fashion shows, 6 small fashion show for other companies along with many print ads for clothes. When he meet other business men or people related to Media World he was introduced as model of Xottica. He wanted to make his individual presence in the Fashion World … something which speaks of power and dominance. Aman who worked as an internee in Xottica, again Arnav helped him getting an internship there, sometimes assist Arnav in his work. So when Arnav discussed his thoughts with Aman, he suggested him to use ASR to represent his personality … the initials of his name. As Aman sometimes call him ASR to lift up his mood whenever Arnav seems to be gloomy. And yes he did become the famous male model ASR in that year.

In the same year he also worked with Management and Marketing team along with Tania. They both were practical, focused on their work so they became friends very quickly. Tania helped him in understanding the works and ways of Fashion industry. Also she is the one who insisted him to learn more of sketching and designing clothes when one day at office she caught him designing a pretty gown. So he spent another 6 months, along with doing modeling, learning a small course of Fashion designing and being a sharp minded person he quickly get hold of it. With time Arnav and Tania became great friends.

He became aware of the power one possesses in the Fashion World, and he found it that this would be very beneficial for him in make big money. At the age of 14 he became aware with the fact that the only thing held value in this world is "Money and Power"… when his uncle threw him and his sister out of their home. With time he also gets to know that anything could be bought with money in this world.

He was not greedy but yes he wanted to become big and rich so that in future he can buy anything he want or his sister want. His past experience thought him that the world is a cruel place and the one who have the money and power both … can only survive in it.

So he went back to India with a plan in his mind to make his own Fashion House. He discussed his plan with his Maamaji and Akash. For that he needed a base to start with so he chooses his Maamaji's small textile company, which at that time was going through loses, to turn it into Fashion House. Maamaji and Akash were hesitant at the suggestion but seeing the determination Arnav was showing they both agree to his plan. He needed a partner, on whom he can trust who will work side by side with him. He did include Akash but he lacks knowledge. One day when he was out making contacts with different companies he found Aman in one of the company who had come there for job interview. Who would be that partner better than Aman?? … So he discussed his plan with Aman and to his surprise he came along with him without asking any question. He first started with the idea of designing clothes and to present them in exhibition. Designing was not an issue but to get contact in big exhibition seems to be a little problem as it was his first time. So he asked Tania about it, as she was very good in recruiting contacts. So Tania came to India to help him. He designed few clothes and Tania help in presenting them at the exhibition using her contacts under the label of ASR. His work was greatly appreciated, his designs were fresh and match with that time's latest trend. In 8 months he set up his own boutique which started to grow and before he knew it he became a rising star in the fashion world.

After working hard for another year and using his sharp mind he finally able to conduct a Fashion show of his own under his company name AR DESIGNZ and it become a huge success that year. Many people including big business men from the fashion industry praised his work. His attention to detail and his perfectionism earn him many projects in spam of just 1 year. In this 1 year he also modeled for other fashion shows as well gaining more fame all over India. The media became frantic … wanted to catch every detail happening in the life of 25 year old rising star ASR of the Fashion World. But he kept his personal life away from the media, he never responded to the personal questions … private person he was. He gave a huge credit of his success to Aman and Tania as they helped him in every step … Aman was more close to Arnav … spending day and night alongside him working hard to bring AR DESIGNZ to top. Whenever AR would get new deal Aman was the happiest one and he was always supporting and encouraging Arnav to do more.

Next year bring more success to AR DESIGNZ, 2 big Fashion shows and many other small or big projects which resulted in awarding him the BUISNESS MAN OF THE YEAR award at the age of 26, marking the history … ASR the youngest ever Business Tycoon to win that award. Yes he was succeeded in making his future big and bright.. But he didn't know that after his happiness a disaster is waiting to enter his life.

2 months after winning the award he had a fight with his Di on day of his parent's death anniversary. He didn't even attend a single pooja his Nani and Di hold at their Parents barsi since they died. He lost his faith and believe in God that day when his mother died. So today when his Di insisted to attend the pooja he simple decline but it end up in heated argument and Arnav left for office. This day only bring pain to him as he could still remember the scene of his parents fight and his mother getting shot. Just to subsidies that pain he drink alcohol. He had drunk whiskey many times before but never more then 2, 3 pegs but that day he nearly emptied the bottle. Aman was trying to make his anger cool down so that he can take him home but nothing seems to work. Tania just came that day from US … she had went back 3 months ago. Arnav was a bit upset at her for not attending the award function with him. So when she tried to help him, he jerks her off. Tania suggested Aman to drop him at her apartment as it will not good for Anjali to see Arnav drunk on their parent's barsi day. Aman was reluctant at first but when Tania assures him that she will take care of him he dropped Arnav at her apartment. Arnav was half unconscious that time.

The earth shattering moment for Arnav was then when he woke up next morning without any clothes on … finding himself in bed with a woman who was none other his own best friend. He could not believe that would happen. But the scene infront of him showing that what he was dreading, that had indeed happened. He was so angry about the situation that he lashed out his anger on Tania that if he was drunk she could have control herself. But Tania answered that he needed someone to remove his pain and she is not regretting what had happened because she love him. That was another blow for Arnav, he never thought of her in that way … well he never thought of any girl in that way.

He was extremely focused on working hard to gain money, fame and recognition in the world. He didn't have the time to sit back relax and being in relationship was definitely not on his list. He does go to parties and events with his models or Tania but that's just to gain fame … to show media so that they will focus more on him, not on his family.

He was known to be man of few words, lacking in emotions especially love. He hardly trusted people and never let people come close to him. But at the same time he would do anything for few people he really cares about … his Di and his family. When he gained success he began to spend his money on his family. He made a big lavish home for them thus giving his family a secure life ahead.

After the incident with Tania he kept his distance from her. Whenever she tries to make contact or talk to him he simply ignored her. He was upset about the situation which had caused him his friendship but he was more angry on himself that how could he let that happened and why can't he remember anything about that night which increased his frustration more. After a month Tania went back to US … Arnav thought that she became tired of his ignorance so she went back and he thought it was best to forget it. But it didn't seem that Tanid had forget it because a month later she came back with news that she was pregnant with his child. Now when Arnav thought everything is getting back to normal, he found himself in more twisted situation. He don't know how to handle the situation, Tania suggested that they should get married.

But Arnav was not ready for any kind of commitment. He wanted to do big… gain more fame …he wanted to become undefeatable by taking his company to the top of top. He wanted to be recognized not only in India but worldwide. With commitment to someone he won't be able to give his 100% to his work. So he rejected the idea, but at the same time he felt guilty of Tania's situation. She seems unwell and she had lost weight he noticed.

Tania was persistent that they should get married, they would make a good couple and more she loved him. But Arnav never loved her, yes he didn't think of commitment or being in relationship with someone but being a human he too wanted to love someone and to be loved by that person. He had seen his friends enjoying life with their girls friends when he was in US … somewhere in his heart he wanted to enjoy his life too but at that time his mission was something else so he thought he would wait … wait for the perfect person. Tania was not a bad person also how can he forget that it was Tania who helped him with job when he needed money after his masters and how she helped him in making his company AR. But he cannot build his relationship on something which he considered as a mistake.

Another month passed but Arnav still couldn't get to decided what to do … in that month Tania was making herself more close to his family and his Di. Working with her from past 3 years, his family knows about her. One day Arnav loses his cool when Tania told him that she decided to tell his family that she is having his baby and he had a fight with Tania to stop all this and better go back to US, Tania refused to do so and told him that if she had done mistake then he was also to be blame for it. How could he forget that nothing happen.. How could he let her life got ruin like … How can a person will accept her knowing that she had a child from someone else and after her outburst she got fainted. Arnav took her to the hospital and there doctor told him that her condition is critical and she needed care, stress or carelessness can cause her life. Little did Arnav know that this was nothing do with pregnancy but something else entirely.

He was feeling guiltier because of Tania's condition, her words ringing in his ear that he was at mistake too. His Di visited Tania at hospital, he didn't wanted his Di to know about her pregnancy because he knew it will break her trust on him and he didn't wanted that so he had no choice left but to agree to Tania's suggestion. So after a week they had done a court marriage.

The media made unnecessary scandal of it, that they must be having affair that they got marry so quick. But he didn't care what media think. His family was upset with him tpp but he only care for his Di. Somehow he manage to make his Di accept his marriage, only he knew how difficult it was for him. He didn't take Tania to his home as he didn't want his family to know about her pregnancy just now. He asked Tania to wait for 2, 3 months then they will tell them. Tania was happy that she got married to Arnav so she agreed, they were living in her apartment.

2 months passed, Arnav was trying his best to accept this relationship but his heart was not agreeing with him. Tania was doing well in this marriage; she would took care of him, his things, his food … but he couldn't get himself to love Tania. He mostly kept himself busy with work. Till one month everything was good but then Tania's behavior started to change, she started to insist to go to US and settle there, but he told her that he won't leave his family. She would do stupid things to gain his attention which irk him. She had tried to seduce him as well but he didn't pay attention to it. Tania then accused him that he is not trying to make this relationship work like he claim that he is trying. She asked him if he was having affair with someone. That make his anger reach to new heights, he left the apartment saying to hell with her and this relationship. He went to drive, he needed to cool down. Tania was somewhere right that he wasn't doing anything to make this relationship work. Infront of his family and media he would show that he is happy when he was not. When they were alone he would ignore her but show that he is busy with work. Tania health was getting affected and that made him guilty again, so he decided to give this relation a chance, give a chance to love her.

So he started to take care of her, he would spend time with her. She wanted to make love but he was not ready for it as he thought it was not good for her in pregnancy, he also refrain himself to touch her all this time. Tania then refuse to eat anything until he do what she wants, Arnav asked her to stop her childish acts … if she don't want to eat then its fine by him. Tania argue with him that she had done so much for him, reminding him the days of his modeling for Xottica and building his company, cant he give her one thing she wants. Arnav hate being blackmail, and that's what Tania was doing. But he also hated being debt to someone even if its not in terms of money. So he did what she asked him, it might be love for her but it was just plain sex for him without a single drop of love.

It was 3 month of their marriage Arnav decided to tell the family of Tania's pregnancy but Tania said to wait for some more time. But Arnav was confused why to wait but Tania didn't say anything about it. One day at night when they were about to have dinner Tania had a severe headache and fainted. Arnav took her to hospital. After her checkup Arnav asked the doctor if Tania was fine and the baby. Doctor told her that Tania's condition is getting severe and they might have to abort the baby. Arnav was shocked hearing that. Yes Tania did seem pale sometimes but physically she was looking fine. Arnav was confused. Doctor seeing his shock expression told him that nothing to worry as she is just a week pregnant so abortion won't be a problem. Now that news was nothing short of a bomb for Arnav…. A week pregnant? Arnav told the doctor that he must be mistaken she is 3^rd month pregnant. Doctor told him that they had done the test and she is only a week pregnant. Arnav couldn't believe it so doctor asked him to bring her medical records. Arnav went to the apartment and searches for Tania's medical report. He never went to hospital with Tania when she goes for her regular checkup. He was busy with work and also Tania never asked him once for it, so he too didn't bother about it. He had found another file with her pregnancy file which holds another shock for Arnav … Tania was having brain tumor 2^nd stage.

He was shocked beyond words … he went to hospital with all the reports and asked the doctor again and again for confirmation if that's true. Doctor told him that Tania was diagnosed with tumor 8 months ago. Arnav then remember it was the time when Tania went back to US 3 months ago before the award function … her headaches during the work …she getting faint after argument before marriage ... doctor telling him her condition will cause her life if not take care... so that was nothing to with pregnancy ... her insisting to go back to US … all this was because of tumor? And what about she is a week pregnant not 3 month pregnant … that means she wasn't pregnant at that time when she came back from US 1 month after that night incident … she lied to him .. but why? He went to the ward where Tania was placed, she was conscious now. Arnav asked her (shouting) about her being 1 week pregnant … why did she lie to him 3 months ago? Why she didn't tell him that she was suffering from tumor? He was hell angry … the feeling of being cheated and pushed into the relationship by the fake cause.

Tania had never seen Arnav so angry, she was scared but knew that now the truth is out so she should be completely honest with him now. Tania told him that nothing happened on the night in her apartment when he was drunk. She took his and her clothes off just to show that something happened. When she went back to US before the award function she came to know that she had brain tumor, doctor told her that it was 2^nd stage, treatment can be done but they were not sure if I will able to survive or not. Tania told Arnav that she loved him from the days when he worked as a model for their company, she wanted him … wanted his love. She didn't have much time left so she wanted to spend her remaining days with him. If she directly told him that he would not accept her as she knew he don't want any relationship and commitment, thats why she had to stage that incident and then that fake pregnancy news so that he would feel guilty and accept her. She didn't have any other intention she just want to have his love. She didn't tell him about her tumor because she was scared if he come to know about her tumor then he will never come close to her.

By the time Tania finished he was literally shaking with anger, he had never expect that kind of thing from her, his best friend. Arnav told her that he don't want to do anything with her anymore, he don't want this relationship now … he hates her for manipulating him and force him into this relationship. He hates her for playing with his feelings and emotion. Tania tried to apologize but Arnav said with finality that he would never forgive her and also he would never accept this child. Its better that she should abort it … if don't then she can have the child but she have go away from him. Tania was devastated but she knew the damage has done. Tania went back to US after the divorce. Arnav told his family that their relationship wasn't working so they decided to end it mutually. As usual his Di made a fuss but this time.. Arnav didn't listen to anyone … he had enough of everyone …. Now he will spend his life his way.

He dedicated himself completely to AR … working day and night … not paying heed to anyone … he had just one thing in mind … he had to make his company on No. 1. Time passed … and he went on climbing the stairs to success … finally after 2 years of hard work he had accomplish his mission making AR DESIGNZ the No. 1 FASHION HOUSE of INDIA.

1 year ago when his Di came home with his son … he again remember that betrayal. He told his Di that he won't accept him but his Di told him about Tania's condition and her promise. Tania died after a week … that day he had a big fight with Rohan … when Rohan tried to take Arush away … don't know why but he felt he can't let that happened and he take Arush home with him. Some where he feels connected with Arush. With time he becomes use to with Arush's presence in his life but he kept his distance. He first hated him but with time his hatred converted into concern after all he was his son. But he just couldn't get himself close to him, whenever he try he would get reminder of Tania's betrayal.

Arnav closes his eyes again … he wanted those memories to disappear … but it seems that the demons his past will continue to haunt him all his life. He picked up his stuff and went back to hotel. He needed sleep … he is tired … he wanted some peace in his life. On his way back to hotel he checks his mobile to see many miscalls and few messages. He checked the call log … he got miscalls from his Di, Akash, Maamaji and ……… he stopped in his track on reading the name from whom he got 7 miscalls…

KHUSHI ….. why would she call him??

TO BE CONTINUED ... (next part after 2,3 days)

ok guys i am practically drained here ... i have written continuous for 4 hours ... just finished this before sehri and now posting it after sehri ... 😆 ... as i said i will post the next part late tonight.

sorry for any grammer mistakes ... too exhausted to proof read ...

now give ur feedback ...😳