Chapter 60

------------------- Few hours ago.

"stop ... stop here bhaiya ...", said Khushi to the auto driver. After paying the auto Khushi got down and went up the stairs of mandir.

She so wanted to spend some time with Arnav today. She wanted to tell him that her family has no objection with their relation. She felt lighted that now she doesn't have to hide her feelings ... her love for Arnav from her family. And for the same reason she don't care now what other people will think about them because her family is now with her. Some where she wanted to thank the person who leaked their picture. At least due to that her family came to know of their relation ... although little in a dramatic way but still a good thing ... she giggle thinking that.

She flicked the mandir bell and folded her hands in front of Devi Maiya and prayed for Arnav, Arush, his family and her family. She prayed to be with Arnav soon and forever. When finished, she took the parsad from the pandit and then moves back. She was descending the stairs when a man in driver's uniform came to her.

"Khushi Mam ...", the man called her and she looked at him surprise.

"yes?", asked Khushi.

"Arnav Sir has sent me to pick you up", the man said.

"Arnavji?", said Khushi surprised.

"Yes Mam ... he was busy in a meeting so he send me to take you to him", said the driver quickly.

Hearing that, a big smile came on her face, "Ok", she said and went with the man. The man moves to the left side after climbing down and Khushi followed.

She was feeling happy that Arnav is busy but still he think of her and send a car to pick her up. But then something struck her ... Wait ... how did Arnavji know that I'm here?, thought Khushi and stopped,

She didn't tell anyone that she would be coming to mandir because when she left the office she weren't planning to come to mandir ... she thought to thank Devi Maiya when she saw the mandir coming close.

"Mam?", said the driver who turn back to Khushi and saw her stopped.

"How did Arnavji know that I am here?", asked Khushi.

"Arnav Sir has asked the guards to follow all the family members for the safety purpose ... he knew from them that you have stopped at the mandir", said the man and gesture with his hand to come along. Nodding her head Khushi moves forward. She knew from Lavanya way back that Arnav have guards for every family member. Why didn't Arnav tell her that guards are following her too? She never saw any guards around her?, as the thought came in her mind she stopped again. At that instant she started to get negative vibes. She looks ahead and saw a black car and a black van.

"Mam ... please come Arnav Sir must be waiting for you", said the driver opening the back door of the car for her.

"No ...", said Khushi quickly ... she wasn't feeling right from all this. Why didn't Arnav call or send her message regarding this? The thought came in her mind and she knew that something was not right. "I mean ... I have some work ... I will come myself", said Khushi and turn to go but then she stop seeing two men standing in front of her.

"Please Mam ... sit inside ... we will take you where you want to go", said the man who was standing in front of Khushi.

Khushi quickly looked around ... there was no one else ... she didn't know that they had come behind the mandir. She curses herself that why didn't she notice that. She quickly moves to side.

"No thank you ... I can manage", said Khushi and quickly move to the side but the second man who came behind her quickly grabs her arm.

"Well we were asking you nicely but you don't understand", said the man in angrily tone.

"What are you doing leave my hand", shouted Khushi.

"Quickly get her in the car ... we don't have much time ... what if his guards are here around in real", said the driver.

The man who had grabs Khushi's arm started to drag her towards the car.

"Stop ... leave me ... Let me go ...", said Khushi struggling to free her arm. She strike her foot on that man's foot with force ... the man left her arm and she started to run but the other man came quickly behind her and grab her arm and make her turn with force ... the bag from her arm slip down on the ground.

"Help ... some body help ...", shouted Khushi .. getting panicked with the whole situation.

"Shut her up ..." the driver shouted from behind. Before Khushi could do something ... she felt something hard hit her head ... and then she felt dizzy and blacked out. The two men then put her in the car. The driver started the car and went from there with van following behind.

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

"Hhhsss", Khushi hissed as she slowly gained conscious ... her head was pounding ... she could hear some voices too ... she still felt little dizzy and blurry.

After few seconds, when she sit up ... her eyes able to look around. She was in room, sitting on floor, beside the wall. Only one light bulb just above her head ... rest of the room was in semi darkness.

There were boxes, ropes and some wood logs in the room. She quickly stood up and move around the room. She went to the door and tried to pull it but it was locked. She started to get scared. She then remembers how some men tried to force her. That mean ... she is kidnapped.

Khushi took a sharp breath realizing that ... her heart started to thud fast. What they want? Why they took? What will they do with her? ... all these question come in her mind. She wanted to shout but then stopped thinking that what if they hit her again ... she turn and saw a small window quite above on the wall ... she could tell that the evening was over as it was dark outside.

She quickly grabs her OM locket and prayed to her Devi Maiya. Tears started to roll down her eyes. She kept on praying. She didn't know how many minutes pass. She didn't have her bag with her so that she could check the time in her cell. Her parents would be getting worried for her ... more tears came out of her eyes thinking about her parents and ... Arnav.

She opens her eyes quickly thinking about Arnav ... he didn't know I am here, thought Khushi. She went to the door and started punching it.

"Any one there ... Open the door ... Helllo ...", said Khushi between punching the door ... "open the door ... Hellooo" ... but no one answered. She tried few more times and then heard someone at the other side. She moves few steps back. The door open and came one of the man who grabbed her arm back then.

"stop making noise ... here eat this food", said the man and extended the plate to her.

"Why you bring me here? I don't have any money to give you", said Khushi gathering some courage.

The man laughed, "You think we bring you here to take money from you?", said the man and Khushi got confuse.

"Then why you kidnapped me?", asked Khushi.

"You will get to know soon ... eat this and don't make noise again .. or else our boss will get angry", said the man and again extended the plate towards her.

"Take that away", said Khushi in a loud voice. "I don't want to eat ... just let me go".

"Ayy larki ... don't make me angry", said the man and grab her arm and drag her to the wall and make her sit down with force ... then he places the plate on the floor.

"just eat this food keeping quite ... or else ..", he threaten her and then quickly move out of the room locking the door.

Khushi pushes the plate away ... bring her knees close, putting hands on it. She didn't have the heart to eat.

She was hell worried now, if they didn't want money from her then why did they kidnap her. She knew that people kidnapp to demand money.

Many minutes passed or may be hour ... she didn't know ... she didn't eat ... she just kept on praying and cry in between.

Then after some time the door open and the same man came in. He saw the plate still full of food.

"you didn't eat? Guess you are very stubborn girl", said the man. "Come now ... boss asked for you", said the man and turn to go. But Khushi didn't move, seeing this the man got angry and grab her wrist.

"I forgot that you don't understand that easily", said the man and drag her out of the room.

"Where are you taking me ... leave me", shouted Khushi trying to take her hand but the grip was strong. The men take her to a room ... which was big ... she saw 2, 3 man standing in the corner with guns and one old man standing near the table talking on phone.

The old man take few steps near her, "Chalo koi nahi ... if you didn't recognized me ... but I guess you will surely recognize this...", saying that the old man move the phone towards Khushi and the man who was holding her wrist push her a bit forward.

"Leave me ... who are you people ... where am I?", said Khushi looking at the old man not understanding why he extend the phone towards her and then taking it back.

Then she heard the old man laughing.. "Wah ... you got it correct ... that means I got the right person", said the old man.

Khushi got alarmed hearing that ... whom that man talking too?, thought Khushi.

"Ouuchhh ... you care for her so much ... good to know that ...", said the man. "that will make our work easy", said the old man again.

Work? What work?, thought Khushi more confused.

"will tell you soon ... just wanted to tell you where your girl is", said the man laughing and cut the call.

Your girl? what does he means?, thought Khushi again.

Seeing the old man cut the call Khushi asked, "Who are you? Why you kidnap me?" ... then quickly added, "Listen I am not rich to give you money I am just a middle class girl".

"you might be not rich but your man is", said the old man with mocking tone.

"My man ... what you mean?", asked Khushi not understanding.

The old man gives a sly smile and then move back to the table, pick something and came back to Khushi.

"This man ...", said the old man showing Khushi the newspaper.

Khushi eyes widened seeing the same newspaper which had her and Arnav picture published.

-------------------- Present Time

"ARRRGHHH ...!!!", Shouted Arnav as he throws the vase on the floor which broken into hundred of pieces with loud CRASH sound.

"Bhai ... Bhai", Akash got worried as he tried to hold Arnav.

"LEAVE ME ..!!!", shouted Arnav and take two steps back. "How dare he ? .. the nerve of him ..", said Arnav fisting his hands as his blood boil with anger.

"Bhai please .. relax ... we can ...", as Akash said to calm Arnav down but was cut by Arnav.

"DON'T TELL ME TO CALM DOWN ...", shouted Arnav. "When Khushi ... Khushi ... is ..." Arnav could not complete his sentence as his voice choked thinking of Khushi in that vile man's clutches.

"Rahul .. whats is chottey is saying?", said Anjali not believing what she heard. "Kushal ... means .. chacha ji? ... Khushi ... Rahul ... whats happening I am not understanding anything".

"Anji ... Anji ... listen ...", said Rahul who crouch down on floor in front of Anjali who was seated on sofa, cupped her face and said, "Kushal Malik is back ... he was planning to kidnap you ... probably to take revenge".

There were loud gasps from Nani, Mami and Mamaji .. only people who don't know of Kushal's intentions.

"Damad ji .. What are you saying?", said Nani in panic voice.

"Yes Nani ji ... Arnav told me himself ... we were planning to take actions against him ... but he kidnap Khushi", said Rahul looking at Nani who sit down beside Anjali who was now crying.

"Arnav bitwa ... why didn't you tell us before?", asked Mamaji little irritated, but worried.

"Papa ...", Akash turn to his father, "We didn't want to worry you all ... plus we were in talk with the CBI regarding this matter ... don't know how Khushi got into this all".

"But how did Kushal know about Khushi bitya?", asked Mamaji worried.

"The news ...", came Arnav daze whisper. "The news about me and Khushi ...", said Arnav a bit loud this time. "He must have seen mine and Khushi's picture in news ... and then I take the news down ... he got to know about this".

"But bhai ... as you asked the channel had apologize regarding it as the fake news ... then how come he kidnap Khushi ... it doesn't fit ... kidnapping Di was something else but Khushi ..."said Akash in a confuse state.

"I took the news down Akash ... he knows I won't do something of that sort for some normal girl ... I have never done that before when media linked me with other models ... and as Vikrant said they had been keeping an eye on me ... he must have understood that Khushi is important to me".

"Oh no ... bhai ...", said Akash worriedly.

"Dammit ...", said Arnav running his hand through his hair.

Just then the front door open and Amit came in with Aman.

Seeing Amit ... Arnav came to him and held him by collar, "Why there were no guards following Khushi ... I told you to keep following every one dammit", said Arnav with gritted teeth.

"ASR ...", Amit got confused, scared at his gesture. "You told me to keep guards for every family member ... Khushi was not family so I didn't ...", but his word were cut by Arnav who push him.

"SHE IS FAMILY DAMMIT ...", yelled Arnav.

"ASR ... please ... hold yourself together", said Aman who held his arm, not understanding why is he getting so much angry, as Aman didn't know yet that Khushi got kidnap

Arnav looked at Aman in anger ready to yell on him too but then his eyes feel on the thing Aman was holding ... Khushi's bag.

"this ..."said Arnav grabbing the bag from Aman ... "this is Khushi's ... how did you get this?", asked Arnav as his heart thudded with a hope of finding Khushi's whereabouts.

"when you told me to find Khushi ... I asked Saurav to track down her cell ... we got the location for the signals and I went there with ARID members ... on scanning the area I find this ... at the back side of the Mandir near our office ... her cell is inside ... but she was not there we check everywhere around that area", said Aman and then continued ... "but I don't understand ... where Khushi go ... she should have been near somewhere the mandir as her bag was there ... is she home?", said Aman looking at Arnav and Akash and then his eyes follow to equally worried Mamaji and distraught Anjali and Nani.

"Dammit ...", said Arnav in anger and move back closing his eyes in agony. Seeing his expression and other's state Aman got alert.

"Whats going on? What happened?", asked Aman looking at both Akash and Arnav.

"Aman ...", said Akash coming near him, "Kushal Kidnap Khushi".

For a second Aman didn't understand but then as the sentence got in his eyes widened.

"What?", said Aman in not believing tone ... "Khushi ...?".

Akash nods his head, "Just few minutes ago we got call from him and he said to bhai that he got Khushi with him".

"I heard her voice", said Arnav in painful voice. "She was scared ...". Aman and Akash look at him in worry and fear.

"its all my fault ...", said Arnav as he took few steps back.

"No bhai ...", said Akash coming near Arnav. "You didn't knew that Kushal would do this ... no one knew".

"No ... I should have known that if everyone else had seen the newspaper article then Kushal must have seen it too ... I should have taken the precaution ... I didn't ... I put her life in danger ... I had put guards for everyone but I didn't think of Khushi's safety ... its all my fault ... I neglected things", said Arnav in painful voice as he leaned against the wall

"ASR ...", said Aman in worried tone as he held his shoulders.

"Its not your fault ... Kushal planned to Kidnap Anjali ... we were distracted with that ... things happens ... its not your fault ... we didn't know that there will be a news about you and Khushi ... did we? ... you saved her respect ... you would never let any harm come to Khushi ", said Aman.

"Aman is right bhai ... we all know how much you care for her ... its not your fault ... if it is then we are at fault too ... but we didn't have thought that Kushal could target Khushi", said Akash.

Arnav shakes his head ... If he could have any idea about this ... he would have done something.

Arnav closed his eyes ... Khushi's voice ringing in his ears.

-------------------- Same Time On the other side

"Arnav ji ...", escapes Khushi's lips in low tone as she looked at the picture and then at the old man.

"right ... ARRNAVJI ...", said the old man dragging Arnav's name.

"But that news is fake ... I am just an employee at his office", said Khushi gathering a bit courage.

"uh huh ...", said the old man moving his finger in front on Khushi in a NO gesture.

"Don't fool me girl ... these eyes (pointing towards his eyes) have lots of experience. "If you are just an employee then why did he carry you like this (pointing towards the picture) like you are so fragile ... if you are just an employee then why did he take the news down? He never did that before when media link him with other girls ... then why at your time?", said Kushal and Khushi got shock thinking that how could he know that it was Arnav who made the channel to take the news down.

"Oh you are thinking how i know that it was he who took the new down. Well we have been keeping an eye on him from so long ... plus i know its not easy for some big channel to take their news down ... it takes some powerful man or force to do this kind of thing ... and Arnav Singh Raizada is one such man ... am right?", said the old man looking at her with evilness.

Khushi stood there surprised and worry ... not able to say anything in return.

"He ... (the old man put the paper on table) he saved your's (pointing to Khushi) respect ... and I know he will do anything to save you now", said the old man giving Khushi a wicked smile.

"you are mistaken", said Khushi again trying not to get scared.

"Nope ... his anger clearly shows that HE CARES FOR YOU (emphasizing on the words) when I just told him that I got you ... what he said (the old man pretending to remember something) oh yes .. "don't you dare hurt her" (mimicking Arnav's voice) ... so why would he say that for just a mere employee", said the old man smiling that wicked smile.

"you ... you were talking to Arnavji", said Khushi as her mind went back few minutes, now understanding that why that old man extended the phone towards her. He probably wanted Arnav to hear her voice. Her heart thudded with the thought that Arnav find out that she is kidnap. But how he knows Arnavji? Thought came in her mind.

"who .. who are you? How you know Arnavji?" asked Khushi as she looked at his attire of dirtied male shalwar kameez and beared ... he don't seems like some business rival to her.

"Kushal ... Kushal Malik", said the old man and Khushi's widened ...Arnav's uncle ... thought Khushi but she didn't knew that she voiced her thought.

"oh you do know about me?", said the old man getting surprise.

"What you want?", asked Khushi instead on answering.

"that ... you don't need to know", said Kushal in angry tone looking at Khushi. "Raghu..." he gesture the man with his hand, who brought Khushi. Raghu grabs Khushi's arm and drag her out of room.

-------------------- After Some time ...

"what are you saying Payal Di ... you must be mistaken", said NK in worried tone not believing what payal has said to him about Khushi getting kidnap.

"I am telling the truth NK ... Akash called me some minutes ago", said Payal and told NK everything what Akash told her.

"Shit ... shit ...", said NK as he runs his hand through hair.

"I am coming there Di ...", said NK and cut the call. He went out to his car and drove towards Khushi's home.

When Payal called him around 7pm asking about Khushi he got worried and asked around about her. He called on Khushi's phone as well but she wasn't picking up. As her cell was not switched off or not responding he was little at peace knowing that Khushi must be busy in work and forget to see her cell, as it happens with her. But after 2 hours when he still didn't get to know about Khushi he got panicked. He called Aman as well ... he too didn't knew about Khushi ... and now after an hour getting Payal's call ... he got more scared knowing of the situation. He wanted to go to Arnav ... but knew that he wouldn't appreciate his presence right now ... so he went to Khushi's home to be with her family and to support and comfort them.

-------------------- Half hour later ... Around 11.15 pm

Vikrant enters Shantivan with his men and tech team. Aman had called him and told him of what happened.

"Mr. Raizada ..", said Vikrant looking at Arnav acknowledging him.

"Did you get Khushi's location?", asked Arnav.

"Not yet ... when Mr. Aman called me I messaged my men who were placed in Kushal's gang to find out about Ms. Khushi ... I didn't heard from him yet ... but I'm sure he will call or message me if he find out anything", said Vikrant and gesture his men to do their job.

His tech team gathers around the landline phone and started to attach some devices with it.

"What are you doing?", asked Akash.

"Kushal called on this number ... what Mr. Aman told me ... he will call again ... with this device we can track the call which will give us the location from where the call is made", said Vikrant.

Just then Akash's cell ring ... he checked .. it was Payal calling. Vikrant looked at him questioningly.

"its personal ..", said Akash answering his questioning gaze and went away to the side.

"Hello Payal ji...", said Akash in low tone.

"Akash ji ...", came Payal's painful voice. "Khushi ... did you came to know about Khushi".

Akash close his eyes for a second ... he realized from the tone that Payal was crying.

"No Payal ji ... not yet ... CBI people are here ... their men are looking for Khushi ... I will tell you as soon as I get to know anything about her", said Akash in assuring voice.

Akash had called Payal and told her what happened ... it was painful for him to hear her crying but he was helpless ... he wanted to take her in his arms and comfort her ... but he could not do that.

"I am scared ... what if something happen to her? Amma is crying and Baba is also very worried ... I don't know what to do", said Payal as she tried to stifle her sob.

"Payal ji ... please relax ... I know its not easy ... I can understand your situation ... but your parents needs you now ... if you get broken like this then who will support your parents ... Khushi wouldn't want it ... would she", said Akash trying to comfort her.

"No ...", said Payal as she nods her head. "tha... nks.. I should go now ... please letme know of Khushi", said Payal.

"I will ... take care", with that Akash cut the call.

"What .. what did he said bitya?", asked Buaji who was standing beside Payal.

Payal shakes her head as tears flow down. Buaji move back and NK hold Payal in comforting embrace.

"Payal Di ... what did he said?", asked NK.

"He .. he said that CBI people are there ... they are searching for her ... he will tell me if they get to know about Khushi", said Payal stifling her sob.

"Meri bachi ...", cried Garima who was sitting on the sofa ... Shashi was holding her close ... his eyes were moist and worriness etched on face.

-------------------- Another Half hour later

Devastation ... can be felt that settle on every member of Shantivan. The Shock of Khushi getting kidnap had now turned into great grief ... and everyone can see ... the person who was affected more by this was Arnav. Who had been quietly sitting beside the landline phone. No one knows whats going on in his mind and no one dare to talk to him knowing how worried he was.

Just then the silence broke by the ring of cell phone. It was Vikrant's, who went to side ... talking rather hurriedly on the phone. Once finish the call he called his right hand man, "Shivam", who went to him. Vikrant told him something quickly and nodding his head Shivam went out of the house. Vikrant went to Arnav.

"Mr. Raizada ... we got the location where Kushal is", said vikrant and in an instant Arnav stood up.

"Where?", asked Arnav. Others got alerted too.

"A ware house ... at "xxx" place. I am heading there with my men", said Vikrant.

"I am coming with you", said Arnav quickly.

"Mr. Raizada its not your place to be ... let us do our work ... we will ...", as Vikrant was saying but Arnav cut him.

"I am going with you and that's final ... don't tell me its not my place ... its about Khushi dammit..", said Arnav in anger gritting his teeth. Vikrant was not sure how to deal with this man but seeing his expression he knew that he won't back down from this. He looked at Aman for some help but what Aman said made him more surprised.

"ASR is right ... we are coming with you", said Aman coming near Arnav.

"Fine ..", said Vikrant and move towards the front door. Arnav and Aman too followed him.

"Bhai ... I will come too ...", said Akash as he came behind Arnav.

"No Akash ... stay here in case Kushal call or something", said Arnav and Akash stopped back.

-------------------- 20 minutes later ... at other side

"Why you kidnap that girl? Why not Anjali? I thought we agree on kidnapping Anjali?", said Ajay, Kushal son, rather angrily looking at his father. He was away for some work and didn't know that his father had already taken the action. Once he returns back, his men told him about Khushi.

"Ok ... so tell me how are you going to kidnap Anjali when 4 guards are always around her?", asked Kushal a bit mockingly.

Hearing this Ajay twitched his mouth, "fine we can't do that ... but then what so important in that girl ... my men told me she is just an employee in his office", said Ajay still irritated.

"Not just an employee ...", said Kushal throwing newspaper in front of him and turn to put alcohol in glass. Ajay got surprise seeing the picture and then read the article.

"She is very much important to him like Anjali ... or may be more ... when I told him that I got her ... he was so angry ... he won't get angry for a mere employee would he", said Kushal as he took a sip of alcohol. And then told him how Arnav took the news down and also warn him not to hurt Khushi.

"Will he give everything up for her?", asked Ajay as his hope renew listening to all what Kushal said.

"He will ... if he want his girl unharmed.", said Kushal in evil tone and Ajay smile then he made himself a glass of alcohol and both father and son got busy in talking.

After 10 minutes or so Ajay phone rang. Keeping the glass on table, he received the call and got shocked listening to his men. Looking at his expression Kushal asked him the matter.

"My man just said that he saw police cars coming towards our area", said Ajay a bit worried.

"What???", Kushal sat straight who was leaning back on sofa.

"Yes ... I guess they got to know about the girl", said Ajay standing up.

"How is this possible?", said Kushal not understanding that how could they find their location.

"that's not important ... now what should we do?", asked Ajay taking his gun out.

"Are you mad? We are not fighting with them? Not before we get what we want", said Kushal putting his gun away.

"Come on we should leave", said Kushal and call his men. He asked Raghu to take the girl from the back door and then placed his few men at the front of the warehouse. And tell them to hold the police till they escape.

Kushal and Ajay went to the back door. Raghu came there with Khushi.

"leave me ...", said Khushi as she was constantly struggling to free herself. Soon they heard some cars noise.

"Police is here ... come on hurry", said Ajay and sat in the car.

"No ...", said Khushi and push herself back to get free her hand. Hearing about police she put more effort to free herself but could not as Raghu grip was strong.

"oye girl ..!!! shut up and move", said Raghu pulling with force and then make her sit in the car.

As Ajay started the car, they heard a gun fire sound and Ajay accelerated the car and went from there.

Vikrant take the cover behind the car, his gun pointing towards the door of the ware house. Arnav and Aman beside him. Soon firing started from both end. Arnav was looking for a way to enter the ware house. He just wanted to save Khushi. He saw some trees on the left side and stared to crawl in that direction. Aman got worried ... he wanted to stop him but knew he won't. Vikrant also saw him moving.

"Mr. Raizada ... don't move ... you will get shot ... please stay where you are", said Vikrant as he fire towards other men.

"I need to get to Khushi", said Arnav in impatient voice.

"We will but going like this won't do you any good ... just for once let us do our work", said Vikrant. This time a bit loud and sternly. Arnav wanted to retort back Aman stopped him by keeping his hand on shoulder. Not having other choice Arnav waited.

After 10 to 15 minutes the firing spree stopped as Vikrant's men surrounded the warehouse. Seeing the situation Arnav move inside the warehouse. Aman followed him.

"KHUSHIII ...!!!", shouted Arnav as he turn inside the room. He looked around but no sign of her.

"SHIVAM ..", shouted Vikrant ... as his man came close Vikrant ordered him, "check the premises now". Shivam signal his men and they scattered around the ware house. Arnav and Aman too checked various rooms with them but no sign of Khushi.

Arnav felt dejected and his fear came back. "Khushi ...", he whisper in agony.

"Sir ... no sign of them", said Shivam as he move back to the main room, where they had found the table with alcohol bottles, glasses and few clothes items.

"he was here ... that was sure", said Vikrant as he showed the newspaper to Arnav and Aman that he picked up from the table.

"You were right Mr. Raizada .. he knew about Ms. Khushi from this", said Vikrant as he place the newspaper back. Arnav fisted his hand in anger ... he is not going to spare that Kushal if he met him.

Just then one of Shivam's men came in with another man who was wounded.

"Sir ...", said the police man pushing the wounded man forward who fell on the ground. Vikrant move ahead and grab his hair tightly jerking his head up.

"where is Kushal and the girl?", asked Vikrant in stern voice.

"Ggg ..oone", the wounded man said with difficultly.

"where?", asked Vikrant but the wounded man didn't reply. "Where?", Vikrant asked again as he jerk the wounded man again.

"Dooo...nntt kno... ww", wouded man said. Vikrant push him away and stood up.

"Check for others ... asked them about Kushal", Vikrant ordered looking at his men, "Where is iqbal?", asked Vikrant looking at Shivam.

"he is out ... letme call him", said Shivam and went out. Soon he came with a man who was looking like one of Kushal's man ... but he was not.

"Sir ..", iqbal saluted Vikrant and he acknowledge him with the move of his head.

"what the news?", asked Vikrant.

"Kushal was here ... I saw him with his son ... but I guess their men had seen our cars and inform them. There are car tracks on the back side and I found a door as well ... they had escaped with the girl", said Iqbal.

"DAMMIT ...", shouted Arnav punching on the table. "ASR ...", said Aman holding his arm trying to calm him.

"find out where they went ... and call me asap", said Vikrant and Iqbal left from there. Vikrant turned to Arnav.

"He was the one who informed me about this place ... he is working undercover among Kushal's gang. Don't worry we will get their location soon", said Vikrant.

"its easy to say", said Arnav gritting his teeth. Vikrant wanted to say something regarding the same but then change his mind, "I think you should head back home ... Kushal might call you about this".

"He is right ASR .. come on lets go", said Aman and pull Arnav towards the door.

Arnav turn and look at Vikrant, "You will telme if you find anything about her ... and I don't need the talk that its not my place ... I hope you understand my situation", said Arnav in a rather requesting tone.

Vikrant nods his head understanding what Arnav meant.

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After some time, Arnav and Aman entered Shantivan. Everyone came to them asking about Khushi. Not want to reply Arnav move aside. Aman told everyone what happened. They got worried again as their hope crush same like Arnav. It was around midnight but no one seems sleepy ... they were still waiting for any news about Khushi. Akash had updated Payal as well ... the situation of Gupta family was no different.

After few minutes the landline phone ring ... everyone got alerted. Arnav quickly went to the phone. 2 of vikrant's men was there as well with the device ready. He gesture Arnav to wait. After the 4^th ring he gesture Arnav to pick the call.

Just as Arnav pick the call, Vikrant's man push the button and put the headphone to listen to the call ... now the call is going to trace.

"hello ...", said Arnav.

"reached home empty handed haan chottey malik", came Kushal's voice.

"Just tell me what you want", said Arnav gritting his teeth trying to control his anger.

"I will tell you whats the hurry ... but first let me tell you .. what you did by bringing police is not at all good", said Kushal and gesture to Raghu who was standing at the distance with Khushi. Seeing the signal he bring Khushi close to the phone.

Kushal grabs Khushi's hair and pull her.

"Aaahhh...", yulped Khushi.

"KHUSHIII ...", said Arnav in a loud voice hearing her painful voice.

"If you want us not to hurt her then don't bring police between us", said Kushal and again pull her hair.

"Aaahh nnn" Khushi yelped again as few tears escape her eye.

"KHUSHI ... YOU bas***d ... DON'T HURT HER ... YOUR ENIMITY IS WITH ME KEEP HER OUT OF THIS", shouted Arnav.

"I didn't hurt her yet", said Kushal and keep the phone on Khushi's ear.

"Oye girl ... tell your man that you are alright as of now", said Kushal in evil tone.

"Ar...rr naavjii...", said Khushi in a choked tone.

"Khushi ... Khushi ... tum thek ho?", asked Arnav feeling relief as he heard her voice. Everyone move close to Arnav wanting to know about Khushi.

"Hum thek hai Arnavji ...", said Khushi.

"Don't worry Khushi ... I will get you out of this ... just hang on", said Arnav ... before Khushi could say Kushal take the phone away.

"Now you see we didn't hurt her ... but if you do this mistake again then ...", Kushal left the sentence as he again push Khushi away holding her hair.

"Ahhh", Khushi shouted with pain.

"No ... Khushiii ...", said Arnav in loud voice. His heart paining, hearing her painful voice. His eyes getting moist. Vikrant's man gesture him pointing one finger, that its one minute to the call and then showed 2 finger ... that he had to keep call going for another 2 minutes.

"JUST TELL ME WHAT YOU WANT DAMMIT", shouted Arnav. Tears roll down from Anjali, Nani and Mami's eyes seeing him in pain. As it was clearly showing that how much Arnav is trying to control himself from breaking down.

"Everything you have, all properties, your business with access to all the bank accounts", said Kushal. Arnav was not surprise ... he already had an idea what will Kushal demand.

"Fine ... where should I bring the papers?", asked Arnav.

"Uh huh Chottey Malik ... you think I am a fool ... I know this call might be getting trace ... don't think that I haven't learnt things during my jail time ... get the papers ready ... will call you tomorrow evening about where to come", said Kushal and cut the call.

Arnav banged the phone down and looked at Vikrant's men. One of them shakes his head in NO indicating that the call couldn't get traced.

"1. 47 sec Sir ... he knew we would trace the call", said the other man.

"Bhai ... what did he said?", said Akash coming to Arnav.

Arnav told him what Kushal's demanded. "Now what we do?", asked Akash looking at Arnav and Aman.

Arnav fisted his hand in anger and move towards the stairs taking hurried steps.

"Bhai ..." "Chottey" ... Akash and Anjali called Arnav at the same time but Arnav didn't stopped. He went to his room and shut the door with bang.

"Anjali move towards the stairs but Rahul stopped her. "But Rahul ... Chottey ..", said Anjali controlling her sob.

"Leave him alone for some time Anji ... its tough for him", said Rahul hugging Anjali who started to cry in his embrace.

"Don't know in what situation our Khushi bitya is", said Nani as she too couldn't control her tear.

"Sambhaliyee samuma ...", said Mami holding Nani and make her seat on the sofa.

"Aman ... now what?", said Akash.

"We wait Akash ... we can't do anything as of now", said Aman as he held his head worried for both Arnav and Khushi.

-------------------- Same Time On the other side

"Raghu ... lock the girl away", said Kushal gesturing to his man. Raghu dragged Khushi away and then locked her in a small room.

They were in an abandon building near the border of Dehli City. Kushal already knew of this place and his men occupied it already in case of emergency escape route.

"Take rest son ... tomorrow we will be rich", said Kushal looking at his son.

"I have my own score to settle with that Malik ... I won't leave him alive", said Ajay in evil voice.

"Once we get the papers then you are free to do whatever you want with him", said Kushal and Ajay smile evily.

Khushi lean against the wall holding her knees close to chest. She cried feeling helpless, lonely and scared. She just wanted to be with her parents ... with her Arnav ... nothing else was coming in her mind.

"Ar...navji ...", cried Khushi holding her OM locket ...

Miles away ... Arnav who was standing near pool got alerted as Khushi's voice came in his mind ... calling his name.

"Khushi ...", said Arnav with longing and agony ... as he move backwards ... "Khushi ..." he whisper his name again. He knew she was calling him ... she needs him ... but this time he could not run to her like previous times. And this was paining him.

He was helpless ... very first time after so long he felt helpless ... Arnav Singh Raizada was helpless he could not do anything to save his Khushi ... his love.

He felt himself that 14 year boy again who was alone with his sister in a small village feeling helpless as to how he was going to live his life ... how he will get something to eat as he and his Di was hungry ... the same helplessness was back again ... and this time it was more painful as it was regarding Khushi ... who had become his life.

Arnav's legs touch the bed and he slips down on floor ... not knowing what to do.

Khushi knew Arnav's condition will be bad as he couldn't save her. She knew very well how he must be feeling as she was feeling the same. She just wanted to hug him ... be in his embrace for long forgetting the world.. After some time, she leans on the floor holding her Om locket ... she was feeling weak and tired as she hadn't eaten ... don't know how much she cried but slowly sleep took over her.

TO BE CONITNUED ...

So how was it ... i know you all are waiting for Arnav to save Khushi ... but couldnt do that before building some tension .. could i ...

Nope ... i know i am bad now leaving like this ... but couldnt help ... 😆

i just needed more time to think about the scene ... should i put fight wala scene or not ...?