Chapter 53

-------------------- Flashback to Previous days

Arnav was so angry at Khushi for not informing him, that he cancelled his morning meeting ... he knew he could not concentrate on the meeting when his mind was going back to Khushi and the questions like ... why she didn't inform him ... or meet him before going ... or why didn't she talk to him? Does she only need him when she needs comfort? When she is in need ... only then? Why can't she share with him what she can with NK? What is his importance in her life?

All these questions had kept haunting him throughout the day ... he wasn't able to give his 100% to his work today.

Aman had also notice him phasing out during work ... he wanted to call Vikrant today and discuss about the things ... but seeing him lost on track he didn't ... he thought may be Arnav was disturb due to Khushi. So he let the matter go for today.

At night Arnav held his cell phone tight in hand as he pace around his room ... he had thought to call Khushi and give her a piece of his mind ... may be yell on her ... but denied the idea. May be she does need some time with her family ... well he didn't mind but there is a thing called courtesy to at least tell him that she was leaving to another city or she was alright?... So he let go of the thought of calling her and went to sleep ... giving her the time to call him back.

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Next day (Thursday) Aman had already called Vikrant ... he cannot waste any more time on this matter ... he don't want the things to get late.

"ASR, Vikrant is here and I think we should not waste any more time regarding this", said Aman as he looked at Arnav's stiff state with worry.

"Ok ...", said Arnav in curt tone ... he was still in a bad mood ... because it was already noon and Khushi still haven't call him.

After a minute, Vikrant was sitting in front of Arnav with Akash and Aman on one side.

"Yes Mr. Vikrant ... what you got for me?", said Arnav his tone still the same as he look down at file ... singing the pages.

"yes I was telling the other day that we have found the people who are responsible", said Vikrant as he was a bit confuse due to Arnav's rude stance.

"and .. ?", said Arnav still his eyes on papers.

"its your Uncle and his son ... Kushal and Ajay Malik", said Vikrant ... and the next second they heard a sound of pen cracking into two pieces ... which Arnav was using to sign the papers.

"what did you just said?", said Arnav gritting his teeth ... his eyes still on the paper and hand tightening on the broken piece of the pen ... Aman gulped seeing this as knew that any moment ASR will burst into anger. Akash was shocked to know who were the culprits ... he too look worriedly at Arnav.

"that ... the person who is behind you is your Uncle Kushal and his son Aj ...", Vikrant was saying ... when in an instant Arnav stood up so fast that his chair hit the wall window behind ... Aman and Akash too stood up quickly at the same time.

Arnav hit both his hand on table ... "Do you even know whom you are talking about? Do you have any idea?", said Arnav in anger ... his mind was not ready to believe that his past has come back again in his life.

"yes I know", said Vikrant who was taken back with his sudden reaction and stand up slowly... "Mr. Mathur had told me about them ... he was the one who give me their info" Vikrant gesture towards Aman.

"What?", said Arnav and turn towards Aman ... "You knew ... and you didn't tell me", said Arnav in anger ... he was controlling not to yell in front of Vikrant.

"ASR ... I only had a hunch that they might be them ...as my sources told me that Kushal jail time was over and the very next day he came to Dehli ... I got suspicious knowing this so I give Vikrant their pics and the info I had on them ... I didn't knew that they would turn out to be them", said Aman very carefully not to rise Arnav's more than it already is.

"Dammit ...", said Arnav as he run his hand through hair. "So what are you doing here telling me this ... go and arrest them".

"We cant", said Vikrant. "Why not dammit?", said Arnav in anger ...

"Bhai please ..", said Akash as he came to Arnav putting a hand on his shoulder. Arnav closed his eyes to control his anger.

"We can only arrest Ajay ... as we got evidence only against him ... but he will only get few months jail time just for attempting to harm you ... then he will back again after you ... and Kushal might plan something else to hurt in the meantime", said Vikrant.

"So what you want me to do ... sit here and watch them harm my family?", said Arnav in anger.

"No ASR ... Vikrant had his men disguised in their surroundings ... they informed that Kushal is planning something against you ... but they didn't know exactly what ... So me and Vikrant think that we should wait until we know what they are planning", said Aman and then told all the things which were discussed between him and Vikrant.

Arnav sighed and sit on his chair, which Akash had already pulled for him.

"We want to know your decision Mr. Raizada ... we can still arrest Ajay on the basis of evidence we have ... but Kushal will still be out here", said Vikrant.

When Arnav didn't say anything ... Akash turn to Vikrant ... "Just give us some time to ponder over things ... its already too much knowing about them", said Akash watching Arnav at the corner of his eyes.

Vikrant nodded, "ok ... I understand ... just ring me when you come to some decision and try not to late it much", said Vikrant and then left from there.

Aman and Akash turn to Arnav ... both worried for him and about the situation ... both knew what Arnav must be going through ... hearing the names and knowing that those people who were responsible of his bad past had retuned ... bringing those bad memories back.

"Bhai .. you ok ...", asked Akash putting a hand on his shoulder. Arnav just nodded ... his head leaned back on chair .. eyes closed.

"Look if you want anything ... we are here bhai", said Akash and Aman agreed. "Yes ASR ... you don't need to do this alone this time ... we are ..." Aman was saying but Arnav cut him.

"I know ... just leave me alone", said Arnav.

"But ASR ..." Aman open his mouth to say but Akash stopped him by shaking his head.

"Ok bhai we are going ...", said Akash and gesture Aman to leave as well ... then they both left the cabin.

Arnav was distracted all day during the office ... he had asked Akash and Aman not to tell anyone about it as he don't want other family members to get worried ... especially his Di ... he will try to solve this matter himself ... after office hours he drove to that place which some way bring peace to his mind and heart. While sitting under the tree on that hill side he thought over the things ... On its own record his mind was playing images of his hateful past ...

His mom and dad fighting ... his dad misbehaving with his mother in drunken state ... his father caught with other women ... her mother doing suicide ... his father accident ... his uncle betrayal ... his uncle throwing him and his sister out of their own house ... his sister's marriage got broken ... him and his sister taking refuse in a village temple little far away from the city ... his sister working in temple ... while he do various labor jobs so that he can get money to feed him and sister ... he going to Dehli ... meeting his Nani ... trying to settle doing ... struggling to study and do job at the same time ... filing a case against his own uncle ... taking his mother's home back from his uncle ... putting him behind jail ... how he struggles to go abroad ... do two jobs at a time to send some money back home ... meeting Tania ... doing job in her company ... back to India ... launching his own company ... then Tania's betrayal ... his son ... his life turning cold and arrogance just in two years ... all this played his mind again and again ... increasing his pain by every minute ...

He stood up in anger and went to his car and hit his both hands on its bonnet,,, and then screaming out loud to take out his frustration ... he wanted those images to stop coming into his mind ...

That's when he felt his cell vibrate in his pocket ... angry on whom disturbing him .. he take out his cell and after seeing the name his features got soften a bit ... a name escape his lips in a whisper ... "KHUSHIII". He stared on the screen flashing her name ... He didn't pick up and cell stopped ringing ... his mind then started to play the images of Khushi ...

The first time she fell in his arms ... she joining his office ... her care ... her bond with his son ... their kisses ... their hug ... and the moments he spend with her in London on the last day ... he felt the darkness slowly moving away from him ... but ... but ...

Why isn't she here when he need her the most? Now .. right here ... with him ... to tell him that everything will be alright ... to tell him that she is with him ... just like he told her when she needed his comfort ... why she went away ... didn't she knew that he needs her as much as she needs him ... why?

The thought of Khushi leaving him ... made him felt betrayed even by her ... he felt alone again ... where there is no one who could really felt what he is going through ... not even his Di could comfort him now ... in this condition ... he knew she will understand his sorrow but she cant understand his pain ... he put the phone back in his pocket and then drive back to home ...

He went to bed without meeting anyone as he didn't feel like at the moment ... whats the use anyway when they person he want to be with is infact is happily spending time with her family.

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Next day (Friday) after getting free from his work ... he had called Aman and discuss things with him regarding Kushal and Ajay ... after much discussion and arguments Aman succeeded in making Arnav agree with the term that they should wait and see what they plan next ... so that they can take action accordingly ... in that time they can protect the family as it is by strict security around ... So Aman called up Vikrant and told him of their decision ... Vikrant then told his men who were disguised as Kushal's men to find out what they are planning.

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On Saturday Arnav went to office early morning ... and spend all day in office ... he didn't even return to home ... he did get calls from his Di and Akash but he once told them he won't be back for 2, 3 days and they clearly knew the reason ... He did get calls from Khushi but he didn't pick up in his anger towards her ... she even message her ... he do read them ... they all are equally same that she is sorry that she left and to pick her calls ... at one moment his heart wanted to hear her voice ... but he knew he didn't want that ... actually it wanted her presence ... her warmth to comfort him.

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The frustration ... the need ... the bad past images that haunted him ... the need to feel her warmth ... the betrayal his heart felt from her leaving ... all this flash in front is eyes in that single moment when he saw Khushi standing in front of him ...

"Ar .. navji ..", said Khushi slowly as she saw him all lost looking at him.

"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 ...

"Arnavji .. please ...", said Khushi as she came near his table.

"Didn't you hear what I said? ... I SAID GET OUT", said Arnav as he stormed angrily around his table and stood in front of her.

Khushi stood there watching him in fear and astonishment ... she had seen Arnav being angry, yelling and shouting at people and even on herself but she had never seen this mad rage in his eyes before ... and that is beginning to scare her.

"No I won't", said Khushi after few seconds gathering some courage ... "I .. am ..i am here to ..."

"Why are you here now haan?", Arnav cut her in between her sentence.

" You had left ... without even telling me ... without even talking to me ... just like that ... SO WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING HERE NOW?", said Arnav in his loud voice and Khushi took few steps back in fear.

"I know ... but I ... I called you many times ... I even left you ...", Khushi was saying ..

"Oh so you called me ... probably because you were feeling scared and needed me then haan? Right", said Arnav in a mocking tone.

Khushi was startled at this ... what he is saying? What he meant?, she thought confusingly.

When she told NK that she wanted to back ... she had her own reason for it ... she had reminded of her own demons of past and the only person who rescued her from them was her baba ... so all thoughts vanish from her mind and just one remained that she want to go to her baba ... next day she went to Mumbai with early morning flight ... telling lavanya that she needed a week's break . When she reached home her baba was out for work so to kill the time she slept ... then when her baba came back Khushi instantly hug him crying ... Shashi was shocked to see her cry and asked the reason but Khushi only told him that she missed him so much ... then she spend most of her time with Shashi as he told Khushi her mischiefs of childhood. Next day was the same Shashi didn't go to work but stayed at home with Khushi. When Payal asked about Arush ... Khushi instantly remember Arnav and the fact that she hadn't told him that she is coming here ... so in evening she give him a call but he didn't pick ... so she thought that Arnav must be angry with her so she thought to give him time to cool down. Next day she called him and send messages but when she didn't get any response she started to worry ... she wanted to go back but just then her Baba fell ill so she stayed another day and then after that she went back to see Arnav and talk to him.

She knew that she was at mistake this time and she had come here to rectify it ... but hearing what he thinks of her ... it hurts her.

"Or may be because you wanted comfort haan? For this only you need me right ... only when you feel worried and scared you need me? ... is that the importance of me in your life? Or you were just using me for your own comforts?", said Arnav mockingly.

"What? NO ...", said Khushi a bit loud ... "How can you even think that? Is that little you understand about me?", said Khushi getting hurt from his accusations.

Looking the hurt look in her eyes Arnav gritted his teeth ... he somewhere knew what he was saying is not true ... but then again the thing that Khushi left without saying anything was ruling his mind among many other things.

"What other reasons you have given me to understand you more?", said Arnav as he turn around .. his back towards her.

Khushi was stunned to hear this ... she can't believe that this what Arnav thinks about her.

"other reasons ... was it not enough that I was there when your factory got burnt ... was it not enough that I was there when your Di got married and you needed comfort? Wasn't I there for you? Tell me?", said Khushi in hurtfull voice.

"So ...? If you was there then I was also there for you when you needed me", said Arnav turn to face her. "Wasn't I the one who saved you from that man? Wasn't I the one to comfort you ... give you space ... to try to bring smile on your face", said Arnav his anger rising slowly.

Both were hurt ... both had realized this fact ... then why are they arguing ... same was going through her mind ... just then Khushi remember that what day today is ... and what had Anjali and Rahul said to her regarding Arnav and this day.

"We both were there for each other ... and that's the reason I am here now ... Arnavji", said Khushi taking a step towards him.

"I came to know what day is today when I met Anjali ji today ...", said Khushi

"Don't ...", said Arnav gritting his teeth ... he did not want to talk anything regarding today.

"Please Arnavji ... you need to go home ... you're needed there ... I know what you must be feeling ... but please you ...", Khushi was saying ..

"NO ...", Arnav shouted and take the glass from the table and throw it on floor with force ... the sound made Khushi scared and she took few steps back ... breathing heavy ...

"You don't know anything about today ... so don't you dare say that you know what I am feeling or not", said Arnav in dangerous voice.

"Ar .. nav ji ... please don't be angry", said Khushi taking a shaky step towards him ... the need to comfort him engulf her "I know ...", Khushi begin to say when Arnav cut her ...

"Have you seen your mother dying infront of you?", said Arnav in a painful voice ... Khushi was shocked at the question ... she didn't know what to say.

"Do you know how does it feel when you see your own mother taking her last breaths infront of you and you cant do anything to save her? Do you know how does it feel watching your world being destroyed in front your eyes helplessly?", said Arnav ... his eyes red ... his face contorted in pain and hurt.

Khushi too was feeling hurt seeing Arnav like this ... tears were flowing down her cheeks ... She took a step towards him, saying "Ar .. nav ji .. I understand what you ..."

"NO ... YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND ...", shouted Arnav as he throw the things from the table with a swipe of his hands ... the things fell on floor with the crash ... Khushi moves few steps back in fear ... her body was literally shivering seeing his rage.

"YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND HOW IT FEELS WHEN YOU IGNITE THE PYRE OF YOUR MOTHER FROM YOUR OWN HANDS ... When you step into the house where you knew you would never see your mother again...", said Arnav in loud voice taking a step towards her.

Khushi was hurt and sad ... she could clearly relate to his pain ... because she too had lost her both parents on the same day ... yes she can understand his pain ... his hurt. She was about to say the same when Arnav continues ...

"YOU WOULD NEVER UNDERSTAND HOW DOES IT FEEL when people show their fake sympathy saying that they understand our pain when in reality NO ONE REALLY UNDERSTAND OUR PAIN ... SO STOP SAYING THAT YOU UNDERSTAND ... BECAUSE YOU WOULD NEVER UNDERSTAA ..." Arnav was shouting when he was cut short by Khushi.

"YES I DO UNDERSTAND HOW DOES IT FEEL", shouted Khushi on top of her voice taking a step towards him. Arnav was shocked seeing Khushi shouting like that ... he had never seen Khushi being like this before.

Khushi takes one more step towards him ... now only 2 feet distance between them. "Yes I do understand how does it feel when you ignite the pyre of your parents ... BECAUSE I NEVER GOT THE CHANCE TO DO SO", said Khushi loudly and painfully.

"What ...? Your parents are alive", said Arnav getting confuse.

"NO THEY ARE NOT ... My real parents died in an accident when I was 8 ... I too lost my parents on the same day ... and speaking of it ... Do you know which day?", said Khushi in hurtful voice.

Arnav shocked to know this ... he never knew that the people whom with Khushi living all her life is not her real parents. Arnav didn't know what to say

"Tomorrow ...", said Khushi and Arnav eyes got widened.

"Tomorrow is my real parents death anniversary ... I never told of this day to anyone ... not even NK ... not even my family ... when they asked me about it years ago I denied that I don't remember ... but in reality I did ... I never wanted my adopted family to feel sad to see me crying and devastated on this day ... because they had done so much for me ... so every year I go to temple and pray for them", said Khushi as she cried bitterly remembering all of it.

To say that Arnav was shocked would be an understatement ... "Khushi ... I didn't knew ... I ...", Arnav didn't know what to say.

"Of course you don't know ... how would you know when I never told anyone ... when you had always seen me being happy and joking around", said Khushi in low voice.

"yes I feel sad and hurt remembering my real parents ... but it doesn't mean that I will let it affect my present ... my future ... I do mourn about them ... but I never let it drowned me in darkness and sorrow ... because you don't know but people who loves you ... around you get affected equally by your behavior", said Khushi as she wipe her tears ...

Arnav couldn't do anything but only to stand there ... his mind and body was still in shocked with the new found information.

"you are lucky Arnavji that atleast you get to see the face of your mother before you ignite her pyre ... you are lucky to do that honor for you mother ... but me ... I ... I never got the chance to see my parents for the last time before their pyres were ignited. Because I didn't do that ... the hospital authorities did that. Due to the accident my parents bodies got burnt so the official thought it would not be good to let the 8 year old see such destroyed faces ... it would not be good for her memory or brain ... So they did that themselves and I just watched ... watched them doing it from far ...", said Khushi as she started to sob again.

"I was then sent to the orphanage ... for many days I use to think that my parents had gone somewhere and they will be back to take me ... but a year passed and they didn't came ... then I realized that they would never come back ... I was so hurt that I ran from the place ... I was all alone and it was dark ... I was chase by the leering boys ... Do you know how does it feel when you get touched unwillingly?", said Khushi as she sobbed.

"DO YOU?", said Khushi loudly looking at Arnav ... "if not then ... STOP CONSIDERING YOURSELF THE ONLY ONE WHO HAS SUFFERED ... there are many people who have gone through worst than this ... even I went through the horrible time but I didn't let that rule me and my life ... I didn't let myself got drowned into the darkness ... Do you how does it feel when some unknown people tell you they will sold you away ... I felt that I will die that time", said Khushi crying as she slowly fell on her knees on the floor Arnav quickly went to her and held her by shoulders ... "Khushi ... I"

"Thats when my Baba found me ... the boys were dragging me to some place but baba stopped them ... he even fight with them ... he saved me and then take me with him ... that's when I met my jiji .. my Amma ... and I found a wonderful family", said Khushi as she was in daze of those painful days.

"You are lucky Arnavji that you have your sister with whom you can share your pain ... the loss of your parents ... but I .. I didn't have anyone that time ...", said Khushi as she looked into Arnav's eyes who was sitting infront of her on floor.

"I couldn't share it with jiji even ... it took me days to come out of those horrible memories ... that's why I am afraid of dark ... I was reminded of those days when I was trapped in that store room ... all dark .. I thought someone will take me to that dark place just like those boys ... and at that time I just wanted to be with the person whom saved me ... my baba ... that's why I left Arnavji ...", said Khushi as she held Arnav's hand in both of hers.

"I know I was wrong that I didn't tell you before leaving ... I was just so scared and feeling vulnerable ... I did not want you to see me break down ... because I knew it will hurt you more. When a day later I realized my mistake I called you Arnavji ... but you didn't pick .. why Arnavji?", said Khushi ... her eyes tearful ...

"Khushi .. I ... I was an ...", Arnav was saying.

"Angry?", Khushi completed his sentence. Arnav avert his eyes from hers. "I knew you were angry Arnavji ... but then I even message you and said sorry ... you didn't even reply back ... do you how worried I got?", said Khushi ...

That's when Arnav realize that why he didn't as he was trapped in his own demons of past ... when he knew that the man who was responsible for his broken family and childhood had return.

"Khushi ... I was ... I", Arnav wanted to tell her but didn't know how ... he was feeling vulnerable now himself.

"I understand Arnavji ... that you were angry and probably hurt ... that's why i wanted to come back the same day but I couldn't ... my Baba was ill and I had to stay back for him ... I came back as soon as he got better", said Khushi and Arnav just nodded his head slightly.

"Arnavji I know it hurts ... but you have to come home ... your sister needs you ... your Nani needs you. As much as painful it is for you ... it is for them as well. Don't forgrt that if you have lost your mother, Nani ji had lost her only daughter ... and Anjali ji ... she needs you ... she do have Rahul bhai with her but even if he try he can't give her the emotional support which she needed from you", said Khushi as she cupped Arnav's cheek with both hands.

"Khushi ... its not that easy ...", said Arnav as he removes her hands and stood up turning his face from her.

"I know Arnavji ... but ...", Khushi stood up

"No ... going back there means I have to see the face of the man whom I hate to the core ... the same man who was responsible for my mother's death", said Arnav in anger.

"does the hatred of that man is greater than your love for your mother and sister?", asked Khushi and Arnav turn back to face her ... little starlted at the question.

"If not then you will go back there and face that man ... telling him that your love for mother is far grater than your hate for him ... you will not let him rule your life by darkness and hatred ... go there and tell him that ... be with your sister ... be with your Nani .. because today nothing matters but being with the ones who loves you Arnavji ... please if not for yourself then for you sister and Nani go back ... and you will see for yourself how much your presence means to them", said Khushi in a determine voice as she wipe her face.

Arnav was stunned at the words Khushi had said ... does he really let his father make his life dark with his hatred? Does really his love for mother is less than the hatred for his father?

NO ... its not ... The answer came back to him in an instant ...

Khushi turn back and went to the door ... she knew that he needed some time to ponder over the things ... he must be more in pain hearing her story too. She opens the door and turn back to look at him ... Arnav, hearing the sound of the door ... looked at her wondering how much she has gone through ... he never knew and still she is full of life and make other's happy.

"Arnavji ... life is too short ... no one knows how much time we have ... its better to spend the time we have with our loved ones rather than wasting it over hatred. We born alone and we die alone ... but to live alone or not its up to us ... Our family, friends and the one you love are the only ones who will fill that loneliness ... that's what I believe and that what is keeping me going on in life", said Khushi and lastly a small smile and she closed the door behind her.

She knew what Arnav must be thinking ... how could she be happy if there are horrible times and sorrow in her past ... that's why she had said those things before leaving so that he knows life is just too short to waste it over your bad past ... it should rather be lived with the ones who loves you ... because you never knew tomorrow would be your last day.

-------------------------------- Evening time @ RM

It was evening now ... the pooja was about to start and still there is no sign of Arnav. Everyone got seated in the living room ... Khushi was standing in the hallway ... her eyes were going back to the front door every now and then. Khushi was called by Nani to sit down as the Pooja started ... dejectingly Khushi sat down beside Nani. Anjali and Rahul were sitting in the first row ... behind them were Mamiji, Mamaji and Akash ... and behind them were Nani and Khushi ... and behind them were seated their ever loyal servants the three Prakash brothers. This Pooja always contains family members only ... but today Khushi was the only exception.

The priest then said some mantras and asks Anjali to put the flower mala on the photo of her parents. At the same time Khushi felt the breeze caressing her face and her heart felt the presence of Arnav ... she quickly look behind over her left shoulder towards the door ... but no one is there ... Nani asked her with gesture of her head what she is looking for but Khushi shake her head.

After putting the mala on the photo Anjali sit back on her spot ... but just then the mala fell off the photo from the right side ... seeing that Anjali stood up again and went to the photo ... she was just about to touch the mala when a hand come from behind and put the mala on the photo properly ... Anjali instantly turn around and gasped seeing Arnav standing just behind on right side. Arnav looked at her sister ... with sad and moist eyes. Anjali instantly hugged Arnav and started to cry. Arnav hug her back and rub her back ... saying nothing ... just giving the comfort she needed at that time.

Everyone had already stood up seeing Arnav ... they were happy and shocked at the same time seeing him here on this day at the pooja ... its been 14 years since he had never attended one single pooja before. Nani and Mami were already in tears ... Khushi eyes too got moisten. While hugging Anjali, Arnav looked at side and his eyes came in contact with Khushi's.

Both stare at each other for many seconds ... this didn't go un-notice by Nani ... and she realized then that Khushi is the reason behinds Arnav coming here. She smiles with tears still in her eyes ... she turns behind and look towards the Mandir area sending a thanks to the goddess that her prayers had finally fulfilled ... that Arnav find the right person to be his partner for entire life who will fill his life with happiness and understand the Arnav inside him.

"Chottey tum agaye?", said Anjali as she broke the hug and cupped Arnav's cheek.

Arnav nods his head, "Haan Di ... sirf ap k aur mama k liye", said Arnav his voice still painful.

Anjali nods her head understanding his meaning and hug him again. Then they both sit down for the pooja, Rahul shifted on back row beside Akash.

Priest started the pooja with mantras and stuff ... Arnav held his sisters hand.

Anjali was looking down ... silently praying ... also happy that finally after years of waiting ... her brother is finally here beside her on this day. An hour passed and pooja had finally come to an end. Priest had distributed parsad among all and then left after some time.

Everyone went to their room to freshen up as instructed by Nani. After that they all sat for an early

Dinner ... everyone was having their meal quietly. Khushi did glance at Arnav 2, 3 times but found him lost in thoughts. After dinner Arnav went to his room straight away ... no body stopped him or say anything as they that it was already very hard for him ... attending the pooja and all.

------------------------------- Around 10 pm

Khushi was in the kitchen as she was putting the cutlery away in drawers and cabinet. Hari Prakash had wash them all and kept them on the counter to get dry. Nani had given the servants an early off and Khushi happily oblige to finish off the remaining work in the Kitchen. Khushi had just put the utensils away and went for the dishes when she heard foot step and turns towards the door to only get startled seeing Arnav standing there ... his face sad and hurt.

Since the time Arnav had gone to his room after dinner he had been thinking about his conversation with Khushi that happened today in his office ... he tried to distract himself by doing some work but wasn't successful ... he thought over the whole conversation and felt sad and hurt by knowing Khushi's bad memories of past ... he felt like to apologise to her for his behavour. He never intended to hurt her ... it just happened.

"Khushi?", said Arnav slowly as he came inside the kitchen ... Khushi avert her eyes ... she didn't want to talk to him now as she knew it will turn into another argument.

"Khushi ... I ...", Arnav begin to say but Khushi looked down and walk past him. This angered Arnav, here he want to say sorry and she is ignoring him ... why?

He quickly held his wrist and pull her back., "How many time do I have to tell you not to walk away when I am talking to you ... baat ik bari mein thek se samajh nahi ati kia?", said Arnav angrily.

"Haan nahi ati ... and leave me ...", said Khushi as she tried to take her hand away but Arnav grip got more tightened.

"Didn't you hear ... I was saying something and ..."said Arnav but cut off by Khushi.

"What? What you wana say haan? To accuse me again of using you for my comfort?", said Khushi and pull back her hand as Arnav hold got loosen. Khushi turn back to the dishes, "Please leave from here".

Arnav looked back at her with hurtfull eyes and went towards the door.

"I am sorry Khushi ...", said Arnav with his back to Khushi ...

Khushi got stunned at what he said ... she looked back at him and got shocked seeing tears in his eyes as he turned to look at her.

"I am really very sorry ... for every damn single time when I hurt you ... thats all I wanted to say ... just this that .. that . (he gulped the lump in his throat) that I am sorry", said Arnav and quickly turn and left the place.

Khushi was rooted to the spot ... Arnav had just apologizes to her? Arnav Singh Raizada has said sorry for his mistakes? ... Khushi could not believe it ... Arnav did said sorry to her once but she topped her as it was not his fault and now when he said it was so painful and Khushi knew that he meant it by heart. Khushi closes her eyes as tears fell down ... she felt ashamed on her behavior. She wipe her tears and went out the kitchen to follow Arnav only to be stopped in her steps seeing Nani standing few feets away from the door.

Nani had seen Arnav apologizing to her ... and to say she was shocked would be an understatement ... he had never seen Arnav apologizing to someone else before other than his Di ... even when he misbehave with Nani or Mami he never apologize to them ... but instead he would do something which will they ask him to do. Khushi wipes face and give a small smile to Nani, but Nani had already seen her tears. Khushi was about to ask Nani if she need anything or not when Nani spoke, "Khushi bitya come to my room when you get free ... I want to talk to you something important". And then she left from there.

Khushi got confuse as to what she want to talk about and at this time? But she quickly finished her work and went to Nani's room.

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When Khushi entered into Nani's room ... she saw her sitting on the bed and caressing some photo. Seeing Khushi Nani, patted the space beside her ... to sit there. Khushi went and sit beside Nani. That's when she saw the photo which was of a beautiful lady and a small boy hugging each other side aways and smiling towards the camera.

"She is Ratna ... my only daughter and Chottey's mother", said Nani with a sad voice. Khushi gulp and look at the photo with sadden eyes.

"This was taken on his 7^th birthday ... we were very happy in those times ... then everything changed in years ahead and we nearly lost everything", said Nani as a tear roll down her cheek. Khushi grabs her hand squeezing to comfort her.

"My husband and Arnav's grandfather were good friends ... and to bond their friendship together for always they thought to married their children with each other. So my Ratna got married to Arnav's father Viren Malik. Although it was arranged marriage but we could see the love blossomed between them ... they care for each other and then their bond got more stronger when Anjali bitya was born and then after few years our Chottey. Everything seems to be going fine until the death of Arnav's grandfather ... after that Arnav's chachu return who have been discarded from the family by his father due to his misdeeds. But Kushal ... Arnav's chahu apologize to Viren for his deeds and Viren like a good elder brother forgive him when his mother ... Arnav's dadi ... insisted him to let Kushal live with them ... after all she was mother. A year passed and then Viren began to change ... he started drinking and began to fight with Ratna ... Arnav's was of 8 then ... he was more close to Ratna. So his dadi started to take care that he don't see his mother and father fighting. But it couldn't happen for long and after 2 years his Dadi died too ... Arnav was very sad ... as he loved his Dadi very much. Then at the age of 10 he had seen something which made the little boy scared and that's when he started to fell into his own shell ... he .. he saw ...s..", Nani want to say but her voice got choked as she remember what Anjali had told her.

"He saw papa beating mama ...", a voice came from behind. Khushi and Nani both turn and saw Anjali standing in the door with tears in eyes. She come in the room and sit on the chair in front of them.

"Chottey didn't tell me then ... even he tried to take care of the fact that I won't see mama and papa fighting ... but living in the same house it can't be hiden for long ... I get to know one day when I saw it with my own eyes ... Papa was hitting Mama in drunken state and then Chottey came and push papa away from mother ... that's the first time I had seen Chottey so angry ... Papa was astonish to see Arnav like this ... but he backed away. And unfortunately this was also witnessed by our Nanaji who had come to meet us then ... but what he saw made his heart broken and he felt that it was his fault that he married his daughter to such a man ... he tried to talk to papa but he also misbehave with him ... he was old and weak so he couldn't withstand the guilt and died of the heart attack.", said Anjali and Nani sobbed remembering the days when her husband told her what her daughter was going through but couldn't do anything.

"Mamaji came and ask mama to come with him to live in Dehli but mama refused. Inspite of all this mama stilled loved papa and stayed with him with the hope that he would change back to his former self and everything would be alright. But mama was wrong ... because soon she found out that papa was having an affair and had begun to bring that woman with him in the house. She realized that its all Chachu's doing ... he made our father alcoholic and also the woman was his partner to destroy my father. Mama tried to talk to papa to warn him but he didn't listen. Mama was devastated then ... she used to be very lively person but we saw her reducing to a bitter person ... I and chottey tried to make her happy but all we could do was to see her suffering more and more. I was emotionally weak so I use to lock myself in room try to shut it all out but Chottey he loved Mama so much that he could not see her like this and he started to fight with papa and soon his hated for papa changed into loathing. More years passed and nothing changed ... then my mother fixes my marriage thinking that I should leave before things get too bitter ... or else seeing my father no one would marry me.", said Anjali and she sighed.

Nani was silently crying and Khushi too had tears in her eyes ...

"it was after years that I see my mama and Chottey smiling because of my marriage. I got engaged and the wedding was a week after. It was a day of my mehndi when we heard loud voice coming out of study room. Mama went there and saw father holding collar of Chachu who was laughing. The woman with whom our father was having affair was in fact our Chachu's mistress and my father had caught them both in his study ... he felt betrayed and asked Chachu and the woman to leave but Chachu laughed it off. Then the woman said that she is carrying his baby and father had already sign the property papers in her name ... in hours of her seduction game. Mama was shattered to hear this ... papa also seen mama standing there and he went to talk to her but she ran from there. Unknown to mama ... chottey had followed her and heard all. He fought with Papa and went to console mama but she had closed her door. Next day was Mama's birthday so Chottey bought a cake and with help of our servant he opens her room door and went in to surprise Mama ... but what he saw made him scream loud. Mama had cut her wrist ... hearing the scream I too ran in her room but by the time I reached there I saw mama lying in chottey's arm taking her last breaths and chottey was crying ... and then right there in front or our eyes mama died", said Anjali and she sobbed bitterly.

Khushi quickly came to her and hug her ... her mind playing back Arnav's words ...

"Have you seen your mother dying infront of you?"

"Do you know how does it feel when you see your own mother taking her last breaths infront of you and you cant do anything to save her? Do you know how does it feel watching your world being destroyed in front your eyes helplessly?"

In that moment Khushi felt that her sorrows are nothing in front of his.

She pulled back from her hug, "Anjali ji please ... it enough ... don't say more", said Khushi crying ... But Anjali shakes her head and she continues ...

"Chottey and I were devastated by this ... our father had gone out ... too shocked to know Mama killed herself due to his misdeed. After performing Mama's ritual we came back home ... it was evening when chottey got the call from hospital telling him about papa's accident ... it seems that he had been druken and could not control the car. Chottey went to hospital only to came to know that Papa had also died. In one day we lost both Mama and Papa ... then in night after performing Papa's ritual, Chachu throw us out of our on home ... telling us that we don't belong here. We went to my in laws as we didn't have anyother place to go and mama's death had made us distracted that we didn't get the time to call Naani ... but my in law brokes my engagement telling that they don't want to have any relations with poor people like us who don't even have a house to live ... we begged them but they also throw us out. All our friends who use to hand around us when we were rich refused to acknowledge us. Then we went to some village where I started to work in temple and chottey did labor jobs to earn money so that we can feed ourselves ... we don't remember Nani's or Mamaji's number as we never needed it before ... so tried to earn enough money so that we can go to Dehli.", said Anjali as she wiped her tears.

"I didn't knew that my daughter is dead until Manohar show me the newspaper ... we were devastated and went straight to Luckhnow but Kushal didn't let us in and told us that both Anjali and Chottey had went somewhere ... we tried to search them but couldn't find them in the city ... so we went back with broken hearts ... I prayed day and night to god to bring my kids to me and my prayer got answered when months after I saw Chottey and Anjali at my doorstep ... their condition was worse ...", said Nani as she try to calm herself.

"Chottey then worked very hard with Mamaji and struggled to put himself in college ... study day and night and learn LAW as he swore to get back our house one day as that home held memories of our childhood and our Mama. And he did ... sending Chachu jail for fraud. Then to stable our lives he went abroad ... there too he worked two jobs and the same time done his MBA ... he had worked so hard to come to position where he is now ...", said Anjali and Khushi remembered Rahul's words...

"People who meet him today think that he was born with silver spoon but only we knew how much hard work he had done to reach there where he is today. How much effort, his health, how much work he had put in making this life for his sister and his family."

Anjali continues ... " but all this had made him very arrogant and cold as he have to take responsibly of me and family when he was very young ... in his teens. People started to come back to us when they know we were rich again. This made Arnav lost his faith on relationships ... I had held my self till then and with help of Nani I started to come out my grief because at that time I also met Rahul ... who helped me emotionally. But chottey ... he went away ... into the darkness where he shut his emotions and feelings away. He had lost his youth in working ... he lost belief in God ... he begun to believed that money has all the power and one can buy anything with it ... but he wasn't able to buy love for him. He had seen mama suffering because of Papa ... she loved him that's why didn't left him ... this had made Chottey hate the emotion of love. He started to believe that love makes you weak and eventually destroy you. So he built a strong wall around him and didn't let anyone in ... until ... (Anjali pause and took Khushi's hand in hers) until you came in his life Khushi.", said Anjali with a small smile.

Khushi was overwhelmed and stunned at the same time ... she don't what to say ... Khushi looked at Nani was also looking at her with love and smiling.

"Anjali ji ... I", Khushi was about to say when Anjali cut in.

"you love him .. don't you?", asked Anjali looking in Khushi's eyes. Khushi thought for few seconds when she slowly nods her head.

"Yes ..", said Khushi lowering her eyes ... Anjali held her chin and made her look up.

"And he loves you too Khushi ... He won't admit it because he is just scared as he thinks that whomever he loves will leave him .. like Dadi .. like Mama ...", said Anjali.

"Khushi bitya ...", Nani held Khushi's hand and made her sit beside her. "the reason we told you all this is so you can know and understand why chottey is the way he is. But he has started to change ... and I know if today chottey had come for the pooja is only because of you ... hai na?", said Nani and Khushi looked down.

"And I also know that only you can give him the love and happiness he deserve.. So let me ask you this ... will you come into my Chottey's life for entire life?", asked Nani with hopefull eyes.

Khushi was stunned with the question but she also knew the answer for it as her heart was screaming to her.

"Yes ...", said Khushi and Nani instantly hug her ... Anjali too smile wide hearing the answer.

"God Bless you Bitya", said Nani roaming her hand on Khushi's head.

"You will be staying here right ... you might want to talk to chottey right?", said Anjali and Khushi avert her eyes being shy.

"I will call you buaji and tell her this", said Anjali and she leave the room.

"Go Khushi bitya ... Chottey too want to talk to you i guess ... but he will be hesitating ...as I have seen him apologize to you ... other things which he haven't done before and with you he did ...", said Nani as she smiles. Khushi nods her head and leave the room.

Nani picks the photo, "Ratna ... you don't have to worry anymore about Chottey ... he had found the girl who will love him and be with him always", said Nani caressing her daughter's face.

Whole discuss with Arnav in office and with Anjali, Nani a while ago played in her mind as she climb up the stairs ... and now when Nani had also permit her to be with him ... she wont leave him alone from now on ... she will care him .. love him immensely ... she will never let him feel alone and unloved ... Khushi promise to her self as she came in front of his room ... taking a deep breath ... she went in ...

TO BE CONTINUED ...

feeewwwshhh ... its finished ... while writing it i also became so sad and emotional ... i hope i write well and do ignore if there any typo n grammer mistakes.

As it is my birthday today ... i want all the readers to press LIKE and COMMENT ... 😆