Chapter 52

Same day @ India - In noon - CBI Office

"Where is Mr. Raizada? I thought he will be coming with you this time?", asked Vikrant as he saw only Aman entering his office.

"ASR is in London due to some work ... he is in flight as we speak ... he will be here tonight ... but for now tell me what you have find out?", said Aman as he took the seat opposite to Vikrant.

Vikrant didn't probe further as he knew by now that Aman was known as ASR's right hand man and a very trust-able person so he began to explain what he had find out. "you were right ... it was indeed Kushal and Ajay Malik who was behind all the incidents ... it was Ajay who was in that studio room where he cuts the rope of light ... and he was same man you pointed out in that video where he wrote the message on Mr. Raizada's car ... and yes it was their men who attacked your factory and burned it using alcohol bottles", said Vikrant. Aman got worried thinking that his hunch had turned out to be accurate. Some where he was wishing that it could not be them, because if they are then it would mean digging up the past which ASR hates to the core.

"I had given their pictures to my team to find out their location and they report to me that they are living in the area which is famous for crime people's hide out. We have raided the same area few times before. I placed my two men in their surroundings disguise as their men ... they had given me all this info. Plus they also told me that they are planning something else too but they couldn't find out exactly what. As of now they are trying to get close to Kushal and Ajay to know what they are planning next", said Vikrant.

"So why can't you arrest them?", asked Aman.

"that's why I was asking to meet with Mr. Raizada. We can arrest Ajay as we have video footage against him but still his face cannot be seen clearly, his lawyer or whatever can point that thing out and we cannot arrest Kushal. Even if we try to accuse him being partner with Ajay he can easily deny because we didn't have any solid proof against him. Also if we arrest Ajay then probably Kushal will go into hiding and then later on carry his next plan to harm Mr. Raizada. Thats what I wanted to discuss with him that does he want to go ahead with the arrest of Ajay? or should we wait to know their next plan against Mr. Raizada. I will suggest you to wait for their next plan ... it will be much better if we catch them red handed ... that way they can't even think to escape from us", said Vikrant explain all the things to Aman.

Aman thought what to do ... this matter surely require ASR's presence. The final decision would be his. "I will arrange your meeting with ASR as soon as I can ... thank you for all your help Mr. Vikrant", said Aman as he stood up to go.

"Yes I would like that ... the sooner we decide, then sooner we can take actions", said Vikrant as he shake hands with Aman ... Aman just nodded his head ... finding him still worried Vikrant tried to assure him. "Don't worry much Mr. Aman ... we will get them for sure ... they won't be able to harm Mr. Raizada and his family for that matter".

"yes I hope so too", said Aman and left from there thinking that this matter is way more serious than it seems ... he just hope that Arnav doesn't loses his control when he get to know about the real culprits.

Next day - Tuesday @ AR office - Around 11am

Arnav closes his eyes as he leans back in his chair ... he had just finished a video call with one of his clients. He was busy in work since the time he had come to the office. One day late he came and his work piles up ... he wonders sometime what will happen if he have to go away for a long time ... his company just cannot manage without him even for a day. It is a good thing but at the same time frustrating too. . He sighed ... he won't be getting any time to be with Khushi ... he thought as he recollects his schedule of today which Annie had given him this morning. He is missing her presence ... the last time he had seen her was when he had dropped Khushi to her home yesterday night when they got back to India ... even then they didn't talk much as both were tired. And now it seems like ages that he had been with her. His thought process broke when he heard a knock.

"Come in ...", said Arnav and sit straight on chair. Akash comes in, "Bhai ... you got time? ... need to talk something important", said Akash as he come close to Arnav.

"yeah ... what?", said Arnav as he looks up at him.

"Why did you asked Amit to increase the security around us and the house?", asked Akash still standing.

Arnav was little taken aback with the question, "well just as precaution Akash ... because of the fire incident", said Arnav not wanting to tell him the real reason behind it. He doesn't want to worry him.

"Precaution doesn't mean that the bodyguards have to follow you to other city as well", said Akash as he eyes his brother. Arnav was surprise at his remark ... and look at him astonished.

"Well you have to give me some credit ... after all I am your brother", said Akash a bit proudly. Arnav chuckled at his remark ... well yeah he had to give him some credit ... how come his brother get that smart?

"yeah ... you're right", said Arnav.

"So whats the reason? Is there some threat that I am not aware of?", said Akash again surprising Arnav.

Before Arnav could answer ... the door knocked again and Aman came in. He stopped seeing Akash there.

"Aman?", said Arnav looking at him with questioning gaze.

"um ... ASR I need to discuss something important with you ... you busy?", said Aman looking at Akash and then Arnav.

"No ... what is it?", said Arnav looking at Aman.

"um ... (Aman look at Akash and then at Arnav) no I will come back later", said Aman and turn to go but Arnav stopped him. "Its ok Aman ... you can say".

Aman turned back to Arnav ... "you sure?", he asked him. Arnav nodded his head.

"What is it? Is it related to the threat that I am not aware of?", said Akash looking at both Aman and Arnav. Aman was surprise at what Akash had said he looked questioningly at Arnav asking if he had tell something to him about the car incident. Arnav understanding his questioning gaze just shake his head slightly.

"Aman ... what is you wana say?", said Arnav.

Getting a cue from Arnav, Aman said, "well I talked to CBI just like we decided and they got some info that who is behind the fire and car incident ... so the officer wants to meet you ... should I fix the meeting for tomorrow?".

"Car incident ...? What car incident?", asked Akash slight worried. Aman then explains him the attack on Arnav's car and the message written on it.

"what ?? and you guys are telling me this now?", said Akash with some anger and worriness. "Akash we didn't want to worry you as we ourselves didn't know who is behind all this", said Arnav.

"tuch ... bhai", Akash shake his head.

"Aman ... you fix the meeting for tomorrow ... alright?", said Arnav looking at Aman who nodded his head and left the office. Akash too turned to go but Arnav stopped him.

"Akash .. don't tell anyone at home .. ok?", said Arnav. "but bhai ...", Akash want to argue but Arnav stopped him.

"Not yet Akash ... I will myself tell them when the time is right ... just be precautious for now ... ok?", said Arnav standing up from his chair. Akash agreed and left his cabin.

Arnav too left his cabin after some time ... he had some time in his next meeting ... he wanted to see Khushi or talk to her if he get the chance ... to know how is she doing. He came into the hall and saw her cubicle empty so thinking that she might be in caf he went in that direction and yes he was right ... Khushi was indeed there ... standing by the counter with NK ... she was smiling and talking with him. He was glad seeing her smile ... that means she is doing good ... but still she lacks her complete chirpy self. But he was sure that she will back to her complete self soon ... she is strong girl ... he knows that. He was thinking whether he should sms her or not ... so that he can talk to her too ... but seeing her with NK ... he thought to let it go ... she also needs time to spend with her friends ... it will do her good. He was thinking all this when someone calls him.

"Hey ASR .. you here?", said Pam ... she was coming to the caf and saw Arnav standing near the door.

Arnav turned to her and raise his eyebrow ... "So?", he said in his curt tone.

"No .. I mean you never come here ... so that's why asked ... anyway (she came closer to Arnav not giving him chance to say something) do you need something? Should I get your favorite black coffee", said Pam a little too sweetly ... Arnav also notice her extra tapping of her eyelashes at him.

He rolled his eyes in annoyance ... another attention seeking girl ... he thought and left from there giving a last glance to Khushi. Pam felt a little bad at no response from him but dismiss the thought thinking its his usual arrogance. She went to the counter to take coffee for her.

"I am telling you suman ... there is something between them", said Sonia to Suman.

"Oh .. please Sonia ... how can you say that just because he looked at her", said Suman.

"Because he ONLY looked at her dear ... not anyone else in here ... I notice that carefully", said Sonia, "And don't forget ASR also stayed back because she was ill ... he never did that before for any other employee ... then why Khushi?".

"Oh come on ... Are you forgetting Lavanyaji told all of us that she is staying back for Khushi and ASR just got some work that's why he stayed back", said Suman.

"yeah right ... if you don't see whats going on that doesn't mean that others don't", said Sonia. And Suman just shakes her head.

"I guess Sonia is right Suman ... I felt that too that there is something between ASR and Khushi", said Pam coming to their table as she had heard what they were talking about and she wanted to know more.

"See ... she agrees too ... its just you who don't see that", said Sonia pointing to her.

"fine I don't see ... come lets go back to work", said Suman as she stood up ... she didn't like Pam at all ... too much arrogance and self-liking she has.

"Oh come on Suman ... lets talk for sometime ... So Khushi seems alright to me ... what happened to her back there?", asked Pam while sipping her coffee.

"Don't know what happened actually ... but at the after party when Prachi asked for Khushi Aman told her that she gone back to Hotel as she wasn't feeling well and Lavanyaji also went with her that's all", said Suman and grabs Sonia's hand making her stand up.

"yeah .. but don't forget ASR also left the party at that time", said Sonia ... "Yes because he is a busy man ... not someone who interfere in other's matters", said Suman looking up at Pam in annoyance.

"And we too got work .. come on Sonia", said Suman and drag Sonia. "But ... wait yaar ... why are you getting angry", said Sonia as she walk with Suman out of the caf.

"Cant you keep your mouth shut in front of Pam ... you know I don't like her", said Suman.

"What wrong I said ... she asked something and I tell it", said Sonia.

"Uff Sonia ... you should see first what are you saying and infront of whom ... and also its not our business what is happening between whom ok ... all have their personal life ... would you like it if someone else interfere in your personal life ... haan tel me", said Suman in anger.

"Acha baba ... sorry naa", said Sonia making a apologetic face. "fine ... but no more talk about Khushi or ASR now ok?", said Suman and Sonia agreed ... they both went back to their work.

On the other hand Pam was feeling jealous that here ASR is not giving her one look and there he is taking care of Khushi ... whats so important in her anyway ... murmur Pam in anger.

"in who?", said Sim who also came to caf in search of her. "Khushi ... who else?", said Pam and then tell Sim what Suman and Sonia talked about.

"So do you really think there is something between ASR and Khushi?", asked Sim. "hmmm ... one way to find out ... come", said Pam and walk over to Khushi.

Vijay called NK to talk something so he went over to him and Khushi decided to go back to her desk ... but she found herself face to face with Pam and Sim. Khushi give them an annoyed look and was about to walk past them when she heard Pam saying something to her.

"At last you got successful haan ...", said Pam and Khushi turned back to her. "what?", said Khushi.

"I heard that you got ill back in London and ASR stayed back ... but looking at you right now it seems that you all acted it up to gain ASR's attention .. right?", said Pam and Khushi looked at her in anger.

"Seriously? Don't you have any other thing to do than spying up on me", said Khushi in anger and turn to go but Pam comes in her way extending her arm to stop Khushi.

"I know very well about you middle class girls ... first they try to look innocent to gain every body's sympathy and then they trap rich man like ASR ... you girls simply have no class ... tell me how many have you trapped before ... didn't they work out that now you ...", Pam was saying when Khushi stopped her in anger.

"SHUT UP ... JUST SHUT UP ...", said Khushi in anger and a bit loudly. NK and Vijay who were talking a distance away turn to them and seeing Pam and Sim with Khushi ... NK knew that something is wrong so he immediately came to Khushi. Few other people, who were around at that time, also got quite and looked at them.

NK was about to say something but Khushi was quick, "Whats with the middles class girl ... middle class girl ... haan? Yes I am middle class girl ... but I don't run behind men every other day like you do ... not me ... everybody here knows about your attention seeking ways around male models. And don't forget about Sameer ... do you want me to tell everybody here what you two do when alone ... ", Khushi was saying in anger.

"Listen you ...", Pam tried to say something but Khushi stopped her.

"Oh just Shut up ... Girls like you don't even have the right to talk about Class ... you can't change your nature by changing you name Parmindar Kumar ...", said Khushi and Pam eyes got widened. Very few people know her real name here and she got shocked that how the hell Khushi knows and few people started to giggle hearing her real name.

"What do you think ... by changing your name and try to be modern you can be a Hot Shot ... NO ... to be known and popular one needs to do hard work ... like Arnav Sir do ... like Lavanya ji do ... you can never be like them who only know how to interfere in other peoples life and spoil them by your stupid and false gossips ... and don't you dare come in my way again ... understand ... or else it won't be good for you", said Khushi in anger and a little loudly and then without waiting for answer she went from there ... NK was momentarily shocked at Khushi's remarks ... as far as he knows Khushi always try to solve matters with ease talking ... she rarely gets feisty with other ... only when she is high in anger or something is wrong with her. So he followed her and stopped her by holding her hand.

"Khushi ...", he called her softly.

"What ...?", said Khushi in same anger tone while turning back to him. NK didn't say anything and looked at her closely. Khushi saw NK looking at her with questioning gaze so she calms herself.

"I was fed up of her stupid remarks ... she needs a lesson ... at least it will stop her for further taunting me", said Khushi in softer tone.

"hmm yeah .. you're right ... lets leave it ... listen I have to talk to you about something important", said NK. Khushi got alert thinking that he will be asking her about what happened in London and she didn't want to talk about that right now.

"Later NK please ... I got some work to finish ok...", said Khushi and walk ahead without waiting for his reply.

NK was surprise at her behavior ... he didn't realize first but now thinking about it ... he recollects that Khushi was unusually quite around him since morning and then her anger spree on Pam ... and now not listening to him ... He wanted to talk about Naina with her ... but now he thinks that something is really wrong with Khushi and he intended to find it out ... so he went to his desk thinking how and when he would ask her.

On the other hand Pam was seething with anger. A girl had come to her asking if Parmindar was really her real name ... and others laughed as well. She felt humiliated, "I won't leave that Khushi ... what she think of herself? I will take revenge for this humiliation ... I won't spare her", said Pam in anger as she crushed the paper cup in her hand.

"What you intend to do Pam?", asked Sim.

"I will spoil her image ... and humiliate her in public ... just like she did with me ... but this time it will be much worse with her", said Pam in anger her mind planning to take her revenge with Khushi.

Next day - Wednesday @ AR office - Around Noon

"ASR ... Mr. Vikrant is on his way here", said Aman sitting in Arnav's cabin. "Hmm ... call up Akash as well", said Arnav while going through some file.

"You sure ... you want Akash to know about the people who is behind all this?", asked Aman worried about the truth that will be coming out today.

"Yeah ... he had already figured out about the threat and he will nag me again and again if we don't tell him ... and its ok if he comes to know ... at least someone at home will know what's going on ... it may help us later", said Arnav and Aman nodded his head. He then calls Akash from Arnav's cabin phone to come up after some time. Then Aman thought it is good in a way that Akash would be here when the truth comes out ... may be Arnav needs someone to handle him.

Meanwhile Khushi was preparing for the designers meeting, which will be in an hour, when Sim came to her.

"Hey Khushi ... sorry to disturb you yaar ... can you please do me a favor? ASR had asked for some fabric samples ... they are in wardrobe section's store and I had to rush up to washroom ... can you please fetch them here", said Sim with pleading face and worried voice. Khushi look at her surprise that why Sim has asked her.

"Look you can ask Aman if you want too ... he told me to collect the samples when he was going up to ASR's cabin as I was standing near the stairs and he was in a hurry ... so will you please", said Sim and she move on the spot like she really wanted to go to washroom. When Khushi still didn't say anything as she was thinking to go or not.

"ok fine if you're busy and don't wana go ... I will ask someone else or rather hear ASR scolding", said Sim and look around to see someone else and about to move when Khushi stopped her.

"No its ok ... I will go ...", said Khushi.

"Oh thanks Khushi I owe you a big one ... the samples are in blue shopper ok", said Sim and then rush towards the washroom area. Khushi suspiciousness died when she saw Sim going towards washroom. She went out of the office towards the elevators to go down to the wardrobe section.

Khushi was about to press the button when elevator door opens and two men came out. Khushi looks up at them and got surprise seeing the gun holster under their arms and kind of police badge on her belts.

The two men also look at Khushi but didn't say anything and went towards the office hall. Khushi went into the lift still thinking what police is doing here now. On the other hand Sim had messaged Pam that Khushi had left towards the wardrobe section.

Khushi went in the wardrobe section, the store was at the end of the hall ... she went towards it. The store was also a big room full with racks and boxes. Khushi looked around saw a blue shopper on the table next to the wall. She went to it and just as she picked the shopper, she the heard the sound of the door closed. Khushi turned and saw the store room door close, she went up to it and pull the handle ... but the door didn't open. Panic started to kick in as Khushi struggle to open the door and knocked on it hard.

"some one there ...? Hellooo ...", shouted Khushi while punching on the door.

Just then the light went out and Khushi got more scared with the darkness around her. Unfortunately there was no window in that room. Only small light coming under the slit of the door ... but it wasn't doing any good to Khushi as she started to breathe heavily. She turn to side wall and move her hands on wall to locate light switch and her arm got brushed with the pile of boxes ... she got more panic and screamed ...

"AHHH ...", Khushi move back and stumble thinking that someone is here in the room ... her mind going back to the incident happened in London.

"ARNAAAVVJJJIII ...", she screamed out loud and fell on the floor as she couldn't balance herself in her panic.

Meanwhile in Arnav's cabin, Aman had introduced Mr. Vikrant with Arnav. As they all sit down the cabin door opened and Akash came in. Aman introduce him with Vikrant as well.

"is it ok to discuss this with him here?", asked Vikrant looking at Akash.

"yes it is ... as he is my brother ... he has a right to know", said Arnav and Vikrant gesture his assistant to give him the file.

"well Mr. Raizada ... without wasting time ... I would like to come to the point that the person who cut the light rope in your studio, the man who wrote message on your car and people who attacked your factory ... are infact the same people", said Vikrant.

Akash and Arnav got surprise at the info .. while Aman just prayed for things to be alright when the truth comes out.

"Who are they?", asked Akash.

"well it Kus ...", Vikrant was about to say the name when at the same time Arnav felt the same ache in his heart and little dizziness. He got worried and stood up instantly, thinking that the last time when he felt like this was when Khushi ... He couldn't complete his thought as then he heard Khushi's scream in his head.

"Mr. Raizada?" ... "ASR" ... "bhai ..." Vikrant, Aman and Akash called him but he only said her name.

"Khushi ...", said Arnav in worried whisper. "ASR?", said Aman as he come close to him.

"Aman ... Khushi ... where is she?", said Arnav as he move out for his chair and around the table.

"ASR ... she is down working ... what happened?", asked Aman as he grabs Arnav's arm.

"No .. she is in trouble ... we have to find her ... NOW..!!", said Arnav and hurried towards the door. Aman, Akash and Vikrant also followed him.

"Aman ... what happened ..why bhai is asking for Khushi and how can he say that she is in trouble?", asked Akash while moving out of cabin.

"I don't know ... but trust me ... if ASR is saying then we have to find her", said Aman assuring Akash as he had already experience this in London and knows that if ASR is saying that Khushi is trouble then she is ... the only thing that was not feel right was that how can she be trouble when he had saw her a while ago before coming to ASR's cabin ... well only way to find out is to find Khushi first. So he followed Arnav down the stairs to the office hall.

"Where is Khushi?", asked Arnav in a little loud voice coming to Khushi's cubicle, addressing Prachi as her cubicle was just next to Khushi's.

Prachi was momentarily surprise at the question but answered, "Sir .. she was just here a while ago ... I don't know ... she might be here" as she looked around her.

"Vijya ... have you seen Khushi?", asked Prachi to Vijay who was standing a distance away. "No ... She might be with NK", said Vijay as he knew that Khushi and NK are best friends ... and they mostly spend their free time together.

Arnav turned and went to the management section ... till then everyone had stopped working and was watching ASR wondering what is happening.

"Khushi ..?", said Arnav as he saw NK ahead ... "She is not here", said NK .. he too got worried.

"Dammit ...", said Arnav in frustration as he run his hand through his hair.

"Find her RIGHT NOW...", said Arnav turning to Aman and Akash and he went towards Lavanya's cabin to find if she knows where Khushi is. As he open her cabin door ... he heard another of her scream ...

"Dammm ...", he gritted his teeth.

"ASR ... what ...", lavanya was about to ask as she saw Arnav at her cabin door.

"Where is Khushi Lavanya ...?", asked Arnav.

"At her desk ...", said Lavanya but seeing his face expression she got worried, "You don't think that she is ...", she was about to say "in trouble" when her doubt got true as Aman came in ..

"ASR ... I just asked the ARID to check the camera footage ... she went to the wardrobe section ... I ...", Aman sentence was left in middle as Arnav rush out of the office hall to the elevator.

He presses the elevator button for the lift to come up. Aman, Akash, NK, Lavanya and Vikrant had already come there.

"Shit ...", said Arnav as the lift was taking time and he run towards the stairs.

"ASR wait ...", said Aman as he too run after him. But Arnav didn't stop ... only thing was on his mind was to find Khushi at any cost. He came to the wardrobe section, a floor below, door was ajar .. he went in and looked around saying her name loudly ... "KHUUUSSHHIII ..!!!!". But didn't get any response. He went towards the left while Aman went towards the right ... both screaming her name. As they went towards the end of the hall saying her name, they heard Khushi replied back.

"Khushi ...", said Arnav loudy as he punched the door of the store room. "Arnavji ...", they heard Khushi called back.

"ASR .. its locked ...", said Aman as he tried to open the door ... the key wasn't inside the lock either.

"Who the hell locked it ...?", asked Arnav in anger but Before Aman could answer Arnav had gone a step back and started to kick the door.

NK, Akash, Vikrant and Lavanya also came there and saw Arnav kicking the door while Aman tried to stop him.

"ASR wait ... it wont help", said Aman as he grabs Arnav's arm.

"Don't f**king tell me whats gona help and whats not ... Khushi is in there dammit ...", said Arnav in anger and then kick the door hard ... the door jerk from its hinges but still in place. Akash came ahead and he too started to kick the door with Arnav ... after 3, 4 kick the door finally pulled off its hinges and fell on the floor. Arnav move inside the room ...

"Dammit ...", said Arnav as it was dark. Lavanya who was standing outside she quickly look for switch which was on the wall outside the room and switch it on. Light filled the room and Arnav look in panic at the bundle on the floor.

"Khushi ...", said NK in worried tone and went to her crouching down on the floor ... he touched her leg.

"NO ...", Khushi jerk back at the touch ... "Don't touch me ... don't ... Arnavjiii ...", said Khushi loudly as she glide back on the floor ... getting away from NK in panic as she thought he is the one harming her. NK was shocked at her reaction.

Arnav who saw that rush to Khushi and grabs her shoulder jerking her, "Khushi ...".

"NO ... Don't touch ... please don't touch me ...", said Khushi as she sobbed ... tears streaming down her cheek. NK move back seeing this ... still in a shocked state.

"Khushi ... its me .. Arnav ...ARNAV ...", said Arnav this time loudly and jerk her hard too. Khushi looked up staring at him ... few seconds pass by and then she throws herself in his arms grabing him tight.

"Ar ... naavjiii ... you came ...", said Khushi and Arnav patted her back ...

"Shhhshhh ... im here", said Arnav ... Khushi pull back from hug ... "He was here ... he ... He tried to touch me ... (she then push Arnav) why you come late? You ... You ...", Khushi was sobbing and saying at the same time.

Arnav grab her again, "No one is here Khushi ... Im here now ... see I came", said Arnav and Khushi hug him tight.

Arnav turns back to Aman and gesture him with his hand to check the surroundings ... While Aman do so ... lavanya went out to call the doctor.

"Bhai ... what", as Akash was about to ask Arnav stopped him.

"Not now Akash ...", said Arnav. Khushi who saw some people standing at the door got panic and try to move away ...

"No ... Khushi ...i am here ok ...", said Arnav grabbing on to her. "You go from here now ...", said Arnav addressing Akash, NK and Vikrant.

"But why ... is she ok ...", said NK coming ahead.

"haven't you listen to what I said ... JUST GO FROM HERE", said Arnav in anger loud tone.

NK was about to argue but Aman put hand on his chest ... "NK .. do what ASR is saying .. he knows better ... please", said Aman and NK look at him in anger ...

"Arnav ji...", said Khushi in low voice and loose her conscious.

"Dammit ... Khushi ... Khushi ...", said Arnav while patting her cheek ... but she didn't budge.

"Shit ...", said Arnav and lift her in his arm. He move out of the room. "ASR I had called the doctor ...", said Lavanya coming to Arnav ... he didn't say anything and went towards the door.

As Arnav went towards his cabin with Khushi in his arms, the employees in the hall got shocked and started to murmur among themselves.

"GET BACK TO WORK NOW ...!!!!", shouted Arnav in his dangerous voice and people got scared seeing him angry ... they return back to their desk but still the murmur didn't stopped.

Arnav lay Khushi down on sofa inside his cabin. He crouch down on floor next her and stroke her cheeks. "Khushi ... I am here ok ... don't be afraid", he said softly.

"NK stopped ... haven't you heard what ASR said", said Aman as he stopped Nk going inside the cabin.

"Why ..? she is my friend ... I want to know what happened to her", said NK in anger and worriness.

"Let the doctor check her first please", said Aman and NK groan in frustration but back off. He, Aman, Akash and Lavanya was standing outside the cabin. Aman had asked Vikrant to leave assuring him that nothing major happen ... he was reluctant to go but nevertheless respected Aman's wish of privacy of the matter.

The doctor came in next 10 minutes. He check Khushi and assure Arnav that she is fine ... just fainted due to some shock. Arnav then told doctor about what happened to her in London and also told him how she thought that someone was in the store room ... trying to touch her ... when there was no one.

"Well it happens as the incident is still fresh in her mind ... her mind went back to that situation in her panic mode ... it happens when the patient is still suffering from the trauma ... but she will be fine .. you just have to ...", as doctor was saying ... NK couldn't wait longer and barge into the cabin and heard what doctor had said.

"Trauma ... What trauma?", asked NK in worried voice.

"What are you doing here ... didn't I asked you to stay out", said Arnav in annoyance.

"I won't stay out while my friend is lying here ... tell me what had happened to her", said NK turning to doctor.

"um ...", doctor looked at Arnav who shakes his head telling him that don't tell anything to NK.

Aman came in and hold NK back, "NK please calm down ...", said Aman gesturing him to not to argue. NK stopped he didn't want to create a scene infront of the doctor.

"Well I gave her an injection .. she will be conscious in an hour ... just take care of her .. and try to divert her mind ... you know what I mean right?", said the doctor looking at Arnav.

"yes I know .. thanks ..", said Arnav as he shakes hand with him. As soon as doctor left the room ... NK stood infront of Arnav.

"Now tell me what happened to her? Why was she so scared?", asked NK.

"Nothing ... she just got scared from the dark", said Arnav not wanting to tell him the real incident.

"she just not got scared from the dark .. I know her ... and she had been afraid of dark and I have been there ... but it is nothing like that ... it is something else ... so cut the crap and tell me now", said NK in anger.

"Watch to whom your talking ... I am not gona take this shit from you", said Arnav in dangerous voice.

NK hesitant for a moment and then look at Khushi ... he went to her ... he was about to touch her forehead when Arnav stopped her.

"Don't ...", said Arnav. NK jerks his hand away. "Whats wrong with you", said NK in anger.

"Havent you seen how she reacted to your touch in that room ... she is afraid others touch", said Arnav.

"Oh yeah .. and she isn't afraid to your touch", said NK in mocking tone. "Yes she is not ...", said Arnav in stern tone ... "So back off ...".

"No .. I wont ... who are you to her haan ... friend? Family? You're just her boss ... while I am her friend and family too ... so I have more right on her ...", said NK pointing a finger to Arnav.

Arnav didn't like what he had said ... he grabs NK's collar ... "I don't need to tell you what is she to me ... you better not interfere in this matter", said Arnav in dangerous tone.

NK was momentalriy shock at Arnav's reaction. Aman instantly came and tried to push Arnav hand off NK's collar.

"ASR please ... its not the time to argue", said Aman ... Arnav push NK back, "tell him that ..." said Arnav in the same tone.

Akash was shocked seeing all this ... he was confuse about the whole situation but he was smart enough not to question something as he knew his brother's anger very well.

"NK please ... come with me ...", said Lavanya as she grabs his arm.

"Lavanya ...", said Arnav in a warning tone as he knew that she might tell him what happened in London.

"ASR ... he needs to know ... try to understand he is her best friend ... she might need him ... You take Khushi home ok ...", said lavanya and drags Nk out of cabin.

"ASR .. Lavanya is right ... lets take her home", said Aman.

"you handle things here ... Akash and I will go home", said Arnav as he gently picks Khushi up and move out his cabin.

Employees were still gossiping among themselves about what they saw ... they all stopped as they saw Arnav coming with Khushi in his arms ... seeing his employees looking at him and Khushi and the murmuring going on ... he got angry ...

"AMAN ...", Arnav shouted ... Aman who was behind him came quickly to his side.

"If anyone gossip about Khushi and not return back to their work now ... THEN FIRE THEM ALL ...", he said in his loud dangerous tone. His employees got worried and sacred of his remark and immediately went to their work.

But one of them didn't let the opportunity go and take pictures of Arnav and Khushi through cell.

----------------------- After an hour ... @ RM

"Oh my god ... is she alright now?", asked Anjali after Arnav tell her everything. It was good that when he came to RM with Khushi ... his Nani and Mami was not at home. Anjali was worried seeing Khushi ... she had asked Arnav but he told her that she will tell her later.

"I don't know Di ... I hope so ...", said Arnav looking at sleeping form of Khushi. They both were standing beside her bed. Akash was also very sad knowing about the whole sitaution ... he pray for Khushi to be alright soon ... After some time he left for office due to some work.

"No ... don't ...", whimper Khushi in her sleep. Arnav immediately sit beside her on bed.

"Khushi ...", said Arnav softly as he stroke her cheeks.

"No ... don't touch ... DOOONNNTT ...", Khushi scream and Arnav jerk her ... she opens her eyes and started to breath heavy ... "Arnavji ...", said Khushi a bit loud ...

"yes I am here ... ", said Arnav too a bit loudly and seeing Arnav close Khushi hug him tightly.

"He ... he tried to touch me Arnavji ... I tried to pull back .. it was all dark .. I ... I ..", Khushi was caring and saying at the same time.

"No one was there Khushi ... I checked ... you just got scared from dark", said Arnav pulling back from hug. Khushi looked at him questioningly ...

"trust me sweet heart .. no one was there ... I came right ...", said Arnav and Khushi nodded her head and hug him again.. Arnav lovingly rub her back. He turn to right and look at Anjali who was standing at the other side of the bed. Tears on her cheeks ... as she was too feeling for Khushi looking at her like that.

"Di ...", said Arnav gesturing her to the door. Anjali understood and went to her room. Arnav had asked her to bring Arush to Khushi when she wakes up. Arush was playing with his toys sitting on bed with Shobah keeping an eye on him. Anjali picks Arush and went to Khushi's room.

Arnav pull back from hug when he saw Anjali coming in the room with Arush. "Khushi ... looks who comes to see you", said Arnav gesturing her to look at right.

Khushi smile instantly as she saw Arush ... "Mamaaa...", Arush exclaimed happily and clapped seeing Khushi. Arnav stood up from the bed giving Anjali a way to hand over Arush to Khushi.

"Maammma ... Maammmaa adayiii (agayi - came)", said Arush happily as Anjali give him to Khushi.

Khushi kiss his both cheeks and hug him ... Arush was making happy sounds.

"Kaisa ha mera baby ... haan (how is my baby?),", said Khushi in baby voice.

"eet (thek) ... app ett oh (ap thek ho?)", said Arush and Khushi nods her head smiling widely ... She was very happy seeing Arush talking like this ... Anjali was right .. his words had started to get a bit proper.

Arnav held Anjali's hand and take her out of the room... "Di .. let Khushi spend some time with Arush alone ... she will feel much better", said Arnav and Anjali nods her head.

Khushi, hug him, kiss him ... play with him ... in short she just loved him as much as she can ... she had missed Arush soo much in past 2 days that she cant even express her happiness now ... and it was not different with Arush either ... although he don't understand much but he was sad when his mama couldn't come to him and was elated when he is with his mama now.

After an hour Anjali came in with food ... lunch time was already gone back.

"Khushi I bring you food", said Anjali as she sit opposite to Khushi on bed.

"Anjali ji ... I am not hungry", said Khushi as she played with Arush who was sitting on bed with his toys.

"But Khushi lunch time had already gone ... you must be hungry", said Anjali but Khushi denied again ... Anjali sighed and pick up the tray and was about to move out when Arnav came there. Looking at the tray full of food in her hand he looked at her questioningly.

"I brought that for Khushi ... but she said she isn't hungry", said Anjali ... Arnav take the tray from her.

"I will make her eat ... she had to take her medicine as well", said Arnav and move in the room. Anjali was stunned at this ... his care for Khushi overwhelmed her. She had never seen Arnav taking care of someone like this other than her.

She went out of the room but stood there ... she wanted to see what will Arnav do.

Arnav sit opposite to Khushi and place the tray on bed. Khushi got a little nervous seeing Arnav in front of her.

"Paappaa ... eh deto (yeh dekho)", said Arush while showing him his toy ... Arnav smile at him and bring him oh his lap ... Khushi was surprise at that.

"Baby you know ... your mama is not ok", said Arnav to Arush ...

"tun ... (kion)", asked Arush.

"Because she is not eating food ...", said Arnav and looked at Khushi who avert her eyes.

"tun Mama ...", said Arush. Arnav smirk at this and Khushi didn't knew what she should say now.

Arnav take spoon of rice and bring close to her mouth ... Khushi looked at him surprise and momentarily shocked ... that Arnav was going to feed her?

When Khushi didn't eat he eat himself ... "mmm its yyummmyy Arush ... Mama ko dain?", Arnav said to Arush who got excited. Arnav again take spoon full of rice and bring near Khushi's mouth.

When Khushi wasn't opening her mouth ... "baby see ... your Maaama is not eating the yummy food", said Arnav making a sad face and Arush push Arnav's hand more towards Khushi.

"Maamaa tao naa (khao na)", said Arush in his baby voice. Now how will Khushi deny her baby .. she opens her mouth and eat it. Arush happily clapped and Khushi smile at him. Khushi take some rice ... smash them between her fingers and then take it near Arush's mouth who eat it and then make a happy face.

"ummmyyy (yummy)", squeal Arush.

"He too didn't have his milk yet", said Arnav looking at Arush ... Khushi immediately take the plate of rice and started to feed him and she too eat herself as Arush was asking her too.

After a while when both had well fed Arnav take the tray and move towards the door. Anjali who saw all this was shocked ... how Arnav uses Arush to feed her ... she just couldn't believe it.

When Arnav stepped out of the room he saw Anjali standing there .. Arnav smile a little and give her the tray.

"ahan ... so Khushi eat it ...", said Anjali and Arnav nods his head looking back at Khushi ... who was lying on her back on bed with Arush sitting on her stomach ... both were enjoying each other company oblivious to the surroundings.

"You love her .. don't you?", said Anjali looking closely at Arnav.

"What ...?", Arnav was stunned at what Anjali had said. "No ... its not like that", said Arnav quickly denying the fact not meeting his sister's eyes.

"oh yeah .. if its not love then why do you care for Khushi that much haan?", asked Anjali and Arnav was stunned again .. not knows what to answer ... he was not ready to tell anyone about his feelings for Khushi yet.

"Whatever Di ...", said Arnav and move ahead but Anjali quickly came infront of him ... stopping him.

"You cant run ok .. answer me ... if its not love then what is it?", asked Anjali again.

"I don't know .. ok", said Arnav a little annoyed ... he too not knows what is it really that he feels for Khushi.

"its love chottey ...", said Anjali with a smile.

"Seriously Di ... I go work to do ... ", said Arnav and walk past her quickly.

"well just remember what I use to tell you about love ... you will know the answer", said Anjali moving behind him.

Arnav closes his room door and Anjali shakes her head but she was happy seeing Arnav's behavour with Khushi ... she was confirm now ... that her chottey is in love with Khushi .. she just prayed that Arnav realize this too.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

As soon as the office hours got over NK rush to meet Khushi. Khushi was coming down the stairs as she had just put Arush to sleep. She stopped in the middle of the stairs when she saw NK.

NK smiled at her and wave his hand in his usual greeting way to Khushi ... Khushi then remembers how she had behaved with NK when he tried to come close to her.

"Khushi ... NK just came to meet you ... I was about to call you ...", said Anjali who was standing near NK.

Khushi hurriedly descends the stairs ... run towards NK and hug him ... NK instantly wrap his arms around her.

Only he know how he had spend his time in office ... treading each minute .. each second ... lavanya had told him what happened in London ... he was sad and devastated to know what his friend had gone through ... he was also grateful to Arnav for coming on time.

Khushi started to sob in his arms ... Anjali was touched to see this and move away to the kitchen to give them privacy.

"Shhhsshhh kuku ... its ok .. everything is ok ...please don't cry sweet heart", said NK while he rub Khushi's back.

"Nikhil ... I want to back ... please ... I want to go to Amma and Baba ... please take me to them ...", said Khushi between her sobs ... NK was momentarily shocked hearing his name from her ... its been long that she had call him by his name ... infact the name "NK" was given to him by Khushi. He gulped down realizing that how much Khushi got affected due to that incident.

"Ok I will take you to them ... just stop crying ok .. please", said Nk as he break the hug and cupped Khushi's cheek ... removing tears. Khushi nodded her head hug him again ...

"I am sorry ...", said Khushi in low voice. "For what sweety...", asked NK confused.

Khushi looked up at him with sad face, "For pushing you away earlier".

"Its nothing sweety .. I understand ... should we leave now ... Buaji must be waiting for you", said NK and Khushi just hmmmed.

Anjali came there with juice, "Here have some ...", she said extending the tray towards NK.

"No Anjali ji ... thank you we were just leaving ...", said NK as he break the hug and held Khushi's hand.

"Oh ok ... take care Khushi ...", said Anjali and Khushi smile weekly. NK held Khushi from shoulder and went turned to go ... Just then Arnav came on the stairs ... he stopped seeing Khushi going away with NK.

Khushi didn't looked back or talk to him that she is going ... Arnav felt hurt at this.

Anjali turn back and saw Arnav standing on the stairs ... before she could call him he turned back and went to his room ... Anjali then turn back to look at Khushi who just gone out the front door ... Anjali was thinking that did she saw the hurt expression on his brother's face or not?

Arnav pace in his room ... why didn't Khushi meet him before going ... NK is here so she forgets him? He was the one who was trying hard to make her smile and be her normal self since the incident and now she didn't even acknowledge him before her friend ... this really unsettles him.

But next day this unsettlesness turn into anger when he came to know from Lavanya that Khushi had went to Mumbai on few days leave along with NK ... she didn't even try to tell him about him ... is that is his importance in her life ...? Thinking that he angrily stormed into his cabin.

------------------ Sunday @ RM - Around Noon

Khushi was surprise to see workers in the living room when she came in ... she stood there watching and realize that the preparation are for some pooja. She looked around and saw Mamiji giving instructions to one of the worker. She comes to her and asked her about the occasion.

"Namstey Mamiji ... Is there some kind of pooja here?", asked Khushi after greeting her.

"Khushi bitya howz you? Yes Pooja is for Anjali and Arnav bitwas parents", said Mami ... sadly.

"Matlab ...?", asked Khushi as she was confused.

"Today was the day when our Anjal and Arnav bitwa lost both their Maa and Papa", said Mami sadly.

Khushi was stiff for a moment to know what day is today. She didn't say anything but shocked knowing that Arnav had lost both his parents on the same day. Anjali did tell her about being orphaned and but didn't tell her that she lost both parents at the same time. Her heart went out for both Anjali and Arnav ... mostly for Arnav.

Her eyes filled with tears as she remember that she too had lost both of her parents at the same time. She wanted to know hows Arnav so she took steps towards the stairs. She had just climb one stair when she heard Anjali calling her. Khushi turned behind and saw Anjali standing with a thal ... Wearing a white sari.

"Anjali ji ... I didn't know that today is ...", Khushi couldn't complete her sentence as tears stream down her cheek.

"Its ok Khushi ... you don't need to be sorry. Arush is with Nani", said Anjali

"Nahi .. wo hum ... Arnavji ...", stammer Khushi. Anjali thought she wanted to meet Arush that's why she is going upstairs.

"He is not at home", said Anjali with a painful voice.

"What .. why ... today is his parents death anniversary .. why he is not here?...", said Khushi who was shocked to know that Arnav is not present at an important day like this.

Hearing this Anjali started to cry ... Khushi got worried and held her hands ... which was shaking ... Khushi take her to the sofa which was moved to the corner for making space in the living room.

"He was never at home on this day ... he ... he ... just go away ... he never attends pooja ...", said Anjali while crying.

"What? ... Why? ... where is he .. let me talk to him", said Khushi.

"NO ...", said Anjali instantly startling Khushi.

"Don't talk to him ...", said Anjali ... Khushi was about to ask why when Anjali continued, "Today is the most painful day for him ... he want to be alone on this day ... he get so angry if someone try to talk to him on this day or about it ... please ... I don't want you to get hurt by him", said Anjali as she held Khushi's hand.

"But Anjali ji ... its not right ... he should be here for the pooja ... its for his parents souls peace ... you wait and see ... I will bring him here ... tell me where ...", as Khushi was saying when Rahul came there.

"No Khushi ... Anjali is right ... I too don't want you to talk to him regarding today", said Rahul as he held Anjali's hand standing beside her ... Anjali put her head on his hand which was holding hers.

"But Rahul bhai ... I ...", Khushi want to say that she wants to try.

"Listen Khushi ... Arnav hates his father very much ... that's the main reason that he had never attended this pooja in past years ... he is hurt and on this day he reminded of his painful memories ... we tried to indulge him in pooja years ago ... but he get hysterical .. so angry that its difficult to control him ... so its better to leave him alone ... he will be alright after a day or two ok", Rahul explain to Khushi ... Anjali stop crying but tears were still coming out of her eyes.

Khushi was sad to know about Arnav ... her heart was aching badly thinking of him being alone on this day ... she wanted to go to him ... but at the same time she wanted to respect Anjali's and Rahul's request. What she should do now? , she thought sadly. Rahul took Anjali away ... Khushi stood there for while not knowing what to do ... after few minutes she saw Akash coming to the living room so she went to him.

"Akash .. where is Arnavji?", asked Khushi.

"Listen Khushi ... if you are thinking to talk to Bhai and by any chance you are thinking to bring him here then please I request don't ... It will hurt you as well as him", said Akash. Khushi was surprise at what Akash had said ...

But now her resolve got more strong ... she cant see him like this ... she will talk to him no matter what ...she will try her best to bring him out of his pain.

"Akash ... just tel me where is he?", asked Khushi in more calmer tone.

"Khushi ... why don't you understand? ... Bhai will be very angry and you don't know what will he do in anger ... you", Akash was trying to make her understand ... But Khushi was Khushi ... she was admant.

"Akash ... just tel me where is he ... leave the rest", said Khushi.

Akash looked at Khushi's determined expression which clearly shows that she will not stop and will talk to Arnav ... he sighed and said, "Office ..." in low voice.

Khushi smile in thanks and left from there. Akash shakes his head only praying that nothing bad happens between the two.

-----------------------------------------------

After reaching AR, Khushi went straight to Arnav's cabin ... it was quit every where ... and this silence was making her more scared ... it feels like a silence before a ragging storm. She slowly opens the door and went in ... the cabin was filled with darkness ... very less light was coming through the slits of the curtains from windows. It takes some seconds for her eyes to adjust and she could recognize Arnav's form sitting on his chair. She moves to right towards the wall window and pull the curtains so that there is some light in the cabin.

Arnav eyes open up instantly with the sound and he stood up annoyed and angry with the disturbance. Hearing the sound of the chair Khushi turns to Arnav and take a step towards him.

"Ar .. navji ..", said Khushi slowly.

"GET OUT !!!!!!!!", shout Arnav so loud that Khushi flinch and stumbles back. Her heart thud so fast ... she look at Arnav and got scared ... she had never seen Arnav so angry ... so mad before ... his eyes literally red ...

TO BE CONTINUED ...

--- what happened after Khushi went to Mumbai ... will be shown in next update ... so dont ponder over this that much ...

--- i was down with fever, flu and soar throat for past 3 days ... thats why i take this much time in updating the new chapter.

--- its very late here ... and i am tired ... so will send PMs tomorrow.

DO COMMENT AND LIKE ... 😊