Chapter 100

1 hour earlier -------------------

"Why did you do that for?", asked Khushi surprised and irritated.

"What you mean by why? ... that car was following us, god knows what intentions they have. What if they have robbed us or ...", Rohan was saying when Khushi cut in, "That car was suppose to follow us Rohanji ... you should have told me before about it and I would have told you then".

Khushi was trying to make Arush stay calm as the little baby was getting cranky and irritated and was crying in between. In making him distracted Khushi didn't paid attention to what route they have taken to hospital. When she realized that they haven't reached the hospital within half an hour, which usually is the time taken to reach hospital, she looked up and find them on different road and asked Rohan about it. She asked him why he didn't take the xxx road which would have taken them to hospital till now and that is when Rohan told her that he had taken a different route as a car was following them and he took some turns and just ditched the car.

"What you mean by that car was suppose to follow us?", asked Rohan surprised.

"That was Raj, my guard. He follows whenever I go out, for my safety", said Khushi.

"Your guard? What are you? Some princess who will get kidnapped or what", said Rohan in a mock tone. He didn't knew that he had touched a sensitive topic as images from her kidnap and Arnav getting shot played in her mind in that instant.

"Yes, I am his princess, do you have a problem?", Khushi snapped, giving a glare to Rohan, who was taken aback with her tone. He knew who this 'his' is and his thought got clear with Khushi's next sentence.

"And now Arnavji will get more angry, poor Raj will be at the receiving end", said Khushi worriedly as she looked at her dead cell phone, "Why didn't you think of sending him a message, you stupid, stupid Khushi", murmurs Khushi.

"Huh, no surprises there, when he is not angry", said Rohan sarcastically.

"Don't say like you know him", said Khushi in stern tone.

"But I do know him from past 6-7 years madam and I know how he is like", said Rohan giving a pointed look to Khushi, "Always gets what he wants, no matter how much the other person will get hurt by this or even die".

"You're wrong", said Khushi instantly, "He has changed. He may not be perfect but he is not less than perfect", said Khushi with a pride in her voice.

Rohan look at her and can see the love and pride in her eyes for Arnav, he turns his gaze towards road giving a small chuckle, "Men like him never changes Khushi, without emotions and feelings, heartless and arrogant".

Khushi was about to retort but Rohan continued, "You say that he has changed, tell me how? He doesn't care for Arush. He never did, not when Anjali Di brought him from hospital, she told me how he had kept his distance from Arush and since the time I have come here I have never seen Arnav with Arush. He hates him like he hates my sister."

"He has a reason to hate your sister", said Khushi in defensive tone. She remembered Anjali telling her that it was something Tania did which broke Arnav's trust and hurt him.

"Oh yeah, and what is the reason of hating his own son Khushi. Arush is his son right, he got my sister pregnant right and then refuse to acknowledge his own blood on his birth, what is the reason for this? Tell me Khushi", said Rohan angrily.

"Its not like that ... he .. he does care for his son ok, I have seen him", said Khushi defending Arnav.

"Yeah, did you see him playing with him? spending time with him? Well I have never seen him, and what Anjali Di had told me, all this while she hadn't seen him doing that too. So I don't know what illusion you have seen", said Rohan in mock tone.

When he saw Khushi lost in thoughts he continued, "He doesn't care for Arush, for him he is not even his son. You will see when we will get home, he will yell on us, he won't ask the reason, he would just argue why I was with you when he clearly told me to stay away from you".

Khushi looked at him with surprise, Arnavji told Rohan to stay away from her, she thought.

"He never cares for other's feelings, he only care what he wants and thinks. And my sister loved him, bloody loved him till she died waiting for him", said Rohan angrily.

"Tania died of tumor, what Arnavji has got to with it?", said Khushi confused.

"Her tumor was operated, she was week but she could have gotten better if she had the will to. All she wanted was to meet Arnav, to talk to him. I begged him to come to hospital, dad begged him. Even Anjali Di and Rahul Jeeju asked him to come and meet Tania but he ... (Rohan shakes his head) he never came, not once, not even when Arush was born. My sister was fighting with her life but still she had gone ahead with pregnancy, giving birth to Arush because she wanted to give Arnav, his son. And still he didn't care what Tania had gone through."

"She broke his trust, he was hurt and may be ...", Khushi was saying when Rohan cut in, "Yes she did, I agree. But even criminals get the second chance; even they are allowed to defend themselves. So why not my sister? But Arnav just decided she doesn't deserve it. If he would have come to meet Tania or forgive her, she could have been alive today and Arush would have his mother with him today. But no, he always do what he wants, he never cares what others thinks or go through. He is selfish and arrogant. He always thinks and wants whats only best for him, he never fulfill his commitments and plays with others feelings ..." Rohan was saying when Khushi cut him, "Stop it! Just stop ok."

Rohan stopped the car as they have reached the hospital but Khushi didn't go out, she was fuming and looking at Rohan with anger and then she pointed a finger at him, "Don't you dare say that about my Arnavji. He is nothing like that. I may not know him from past 6-7 years but I know him more than you will ever get to know. Yes he is arrogant and ruthless but only for the world and its people who were the reason for him to be like that. But for his family and love ones he is just Arnav ... (Khushi pointed the finger towards herself) my Arnavji. You say that he doesn't care for others ... than you are wrong. He deeply cares for his family, its other thing that he doesn't display it openly for others to see. One has to look beyond his actions to see his concerns and care ... you don't have an idea till what extent he can go to, to keep his love ones safe and happy", said Khushi as her mind conjure up the image of Arnav jumping in front of her, taking the bullet to save her life.

"And for commitments, he knows his responsibilities well and he is not the one to run from it, if he was then Arush would not have been here with him and Anjaliji in the first place. You might have not seen him with Arush but I have seen the love and care for his son in his eyes. And if Arnavji doesn't come close to his son then it's not because he doesn't love him, it's because that he is afraid that he will hurt him. And you will see for yourself how this gap will be erased in coming days, that's my promise to you", said Khushi as she took a moment to calm herself down, she can feel her cheeks getting warm and heat rising within her body due to anger. Rohan was stunned at her outburst and couldn't even utter a single word.

"And don't you dare accuse him of playing with others feelings. Arnavji will never ever do something like this, because he knows well how is it like; he had suffer enough in the name of relationships in past and I will be damned if I let anyone hurt him again. You don't know what he had been through in his teens, you said you know him from 6-7 years; then you must have seen him struggling and working hard to reach the success. Its only because of his determination and diligence that have made him reach the place where he is today and I am so proud of the man, is he. He may not be perfect but I love him the way he is. I love his anger, his determination, his care, un-said actions and more importantly his honestly and bluntness. I am sure he have been honest about his feelings with Tania, I don't know what exactly happened between them but I know that he would not have given her hope if he didn't feel about her in that way, she was the one who have played with his feelings, broke his trust. She must have done something which makes him hate her like that. So don't you dare say like this that Arnavji is more to blame.", said Khushi and she took a deep breath.

She opens the car door and went out with Arush in her arms, she turned to Rohan , " Put yourself in his shoes and think what if someone you trust and is your best friend and then do something like which Tania did with Arnavji, will you be able to forget and forgive?" saying that she move from there, not waiting or caring for Rohan's reply.

Rohan looked at her retreating back; to say he was shock would be an understatement. He had never seen or met someone saying these things about the person they love. Even when Tania or Anjali had defended Arnav it was not with such intensity which he had felt in Khushi's words ... which clearly showed how deeply she loves Arnav. He took a deep breath and came out of car ... he follows in her direction.

He saw Khushi sitting on sofa in front of doctor's cabin, he sits beside her; a little distance away. In the 10 minutes wait for their turn, Khushi didn't talk or even looked at Rohan for once. When the assistant called her name, she went in without looking back.

Doctor Astha, who was Arush's regular doctor, greeted them. Khushi saw her questioning look towards Rohan and explain that he is Arush's uncle. Dr. Astha examine Arush and told them its just viral flu and he had caught germs while playing on floor, that's why the coughs and fever.

She said that she would give him injection for fever. Khushi was reluctant as it would hurt her baby.

"Is it necessary to give him injection doctor, can't you give some medicine or syrup?", asked Khushi with concern as doctor took Arush to the bed.

"Injection works faster than medicine and in case of children under age of 3 we recommend injections as parents have to struggle to make them have medicine or syrups ... its easier this way", Doctor Astha explain.

"Its ok doctor, you go ahead", said Rohan as he saw that Khushi was still reluctant.

"It will hurt him", said Khushi slowly looking at Rohan.

"Its for his betterment Khushi", said Rohan

"Ahhh ... maaamaaa", Arush cried out loud when the needle went into his skin.

Khushi closed her eyes and grabs Rohan's arm with one hand and other was clutching the back of chair. Rohan could see the pain on Khushi's face.

"Its done", said Dr. Astha.

Khushi opened her eyes and quickly take her hand off Rohan's arm. She didn't look at him and quickly took Arush in her arms, she sway him in her arms and tries to calm him down. He was still crying clutching Khushi's kurta.

"Its ok shona, Mama is here. My baby is brave na. Shhshh its ok", said Khushi cooing to Arush who snuggled more into her, his cries got down a bit.

"He will be alright in a day or two. He will be little more sleepy today, so don't worry about that", said Dr. Astha as she scribbles on her pad, "And here are the drops, you can give him in water if his coughs don't stop till tomorrow".

Rohan took the paper and thanked the doctor. They both came out and went towards pharmacy ... they bought the drops and went out of hospital.

"Where are you going?", asked Rohan in surprise as he saw Khushi passing the car but didn't stop.

"I will take a cab, you don't have to worry", said Khushi not looking at him.

"What? Are you mad? Why will you take a cab when we have the car", said Rohan getting irritated.

"I don't want to listen to more of your accusations on Arnavji", said Khushi as she waves a hand to a coming taxi.

Rohan grabs her hand and pull her a little but Khushi jerk her hand back pushing him, "Don't you dare touch me", said Khushi getting angry.

"Ok ... ok ... sorry", said Rohan putting his hands up in surrender, "Look Arush is not well and I promise I will not say anything about Arnav ok, please come now".

When Khushi still didn't move Rohan said, "look we are getting late like this, don't you want to go home soon and call Arnav, he must be waiting or something". And that made Khushi move towards the car.

Rohan shakes his head a bit, getting in the car, thinking that he should be careful in future of what he says about Arnav in front of Khushi, because she doesn't take it lightly.

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Rahul saw a visibly angry Arnav pacing in living room, yelling on phone, he had an idea who could that person be ... only one who is subjected to this kind of anger from Arnav ... Aman. He shakes his head as he went near Anjali, who was looking worried. Anjali went to Rahul and quickly explain what had happened. He gestures Anjali to calm down and waited for Arnav to finish his call.

"Can't you do this one on your own dammit?", yelled Arnav, "I said I am not coming to office now. You know all the details just make a decision Aman".

"You stupid! You have the authority to make decisions and finalize things when I am not around, how many times to I have to put that in your useless brain Aman", Arnav shouted again.

Rahul went near him and gestures him to finish the call, he was worried if Arnav keep on shouting like this, his blood pressure will increase which will affect his sugar level, which in return will affect his health.

"Just decide dammit and don't call me for every little thing Aman", said Arnav in frustration and cut the call. He turns towards Rahul who had just open his mouth to say something when Arnav quickly snapped, "Jiju not you too, I am not going to hear anything in favor of that man".

"Arnav, please calm down, that much anger is not good for your health", said Rahul keeping a hand on his shoulder to which Arnav jerked away.

"Chottey", Anjali give him a warning look but Rahul didn't mind his behavior, "Anji let me talk".

"Look Arnav, Arush was not well, they have taken him to hospital. This is not something you should be angry on", said Rahul.

"Like I said to Di as well, I don't care about that; all I care is that man didn't pay heed to my warning, when I clearly told him to stay away from Khushi. What was the need to go with her? She could have taken Rajesh or she could have inform me, I would have come here and taken them to hospital", said Arnav in anger.

"I am sure Khushi must have called you before going Arnav, and you were busy in meeting and couldn't attend her calls, am I right?", said Rahul and saw Arnav turning his head, Rahul knew he was right.

"Again jiju, it was not necessary for Rohan to accompany Khushi, and what about him ditching Raj. What explanation you want to give for that?", said Arnav.

"He must have not known about Raj Arnav, no one knows about our guards outside our family", said Rahul, "Just think what will Rohan get doing that, he won't kidnap Khushi and Arush, he won't harm them".

"You don't understand no one understands here what I am going through", said Arnav in agitated tone as he fisted his hands. Arnav could feel his head throbbing now, he knows that his blood pressure is rising. He was trying to control his anger, he just wished that Khushi comes soon so that he can be at peace seeing her, she would understand him.

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As soon as the car enters the gate, Raj stood up from the chair he was sitting on near the security cabin beside front gate. He went towards the car as Rohan came out. Khushi opened the door and put her one leg out, she tried to get out but Arush who was half sleep in a weird angle in her arms, was proving difficult for her to move. Seeing this both Raj and Rohan went to her.

Rohan quickly took Arush from Khushi and she came out.

"Mam, are you alright?", asked Raj quickly, looking at Khushi to check if she was hurt anywhere or not.

"I am fine", said Khushi and was shocked to see his wounded nose, "What happened to you?".

"Mam please go inside, ASR is not in a good mood", said Raj giving a pointed look to Rohan, "And may I ask you Sir, why you ditched me?".

"I didn't know about it or I ...", Rohan was saying when Raj cut in, "Sir, kindly don't repeat it", he then turn to Khushi, who was looking at him with concern evident in her eyes, "Raj, what happened to you?", asked Khushi thinking, Did Arnavji do this?

"Mam, please go inside, ASR is waiting for you", said Raj as he punched some numbers in his cell.

Rohan move ahead and Khushi followed him. She turned and saw Raj speaking into the phone.

Arnav cut the call as soon as he heard what Raj had said, he move towards the hallway leading to front door which got open just then and Khushi and Rohan came inside. Anjali and Rahul too followed Arnav.

Khushi and Rohan had just taken few steps when they saw Arnav strode towards them in anger. Before Khushi could open her mouth, Arnav grabs Rohan's collar, jerking him, "How dare you? Didn't I tell you to stay away from her?", his tone was stern and angry.

With the jerk, Arush got startled and being irritated due to his flu he made a crying sound. "What is wrong with you man, get off", said Rohan as held Arush with one arm and with other hand tried to push Arnav.

"Arnavji" ... "Chottey". Both Anjali and Khushi said at the same time.

"You're scaring Arush", said Khushi as she places her hand on his arm.

"I don't care", said Arnav in anger, "I swear Rohan this time I won't spare you", he raise his hand probably to punch Rohan when Khushi grabs his hand, "STOP IT!! PLEASE", she literally shouted.

Arnav took his hands off Rohan, startled a bit with her shout. Arush was crying loudly now. Khushi drag Arnav away, "Anjali ji please look after him", said Khushi and pull Arnav to move with her, "Khushi ..." Arnav stopped her but Khushi give him angry look, "Arnavji, we need to talk , right now! And please I don't want to create a scene here".

Arnav pressed his lips in anger, he gave a warning look to Rohan before going with Khushi upstairs to guest room. If not for Khushi, he would have punched Rohan then and there.

"Arnavji what you were doing down there, what if Arush got hurt in between?", said Khushi as soon as they enter the guest room.

"I don't care", said Arnav in anger as he move two steps away and turn to her, "Why the hell was he with you when I told him to stay away from you and you ... (Arnav came close to Khushi) didn't I tell you the same then why dammit, what was the need for you to go with him".

"Arnavji, Arush was having coughs and it wasn't stopping so we took him to hospital ... I did call you", said Khushi placing her hand on his arm but he jerked away.

"So ... couldn't you wait for me to call you back, couldn't you take the driver, I would have come here to take you to hospital", said Arnav, his anger was not subsiding.

"We were worried about Arush, what if his condition had gotten worse, thats why we ...", Khushi was saying when Arnav cut in.

"So, he couldn't have died right", said Arnav in anger, his mind register the "we" part more than Arush. His anger was now entering into the dangerous path where his ability of thinking is over power by it

Khushi gasped at this and pushed him, "How dare you say that about him?".

Arnav grabbed her wrists, "I can say whatever I want understand he is my son, not yours", Arnav shouted but the next moment he regretted seeing the hurt look on Khushi's face.

"Oh so, it will be like this always right, whatever I do, how much I care for him, he will never be my son right", said Khushi as she jerks her hands away from his grip.

"No Khushi ... I", Arnav shakes his head.

"Fine, let it be like this then. At least I love him unlike you. You only claim that he is your son but never shows it", said Khushi in anger, "Only being the reason for his birth doesn't makes you a father Arnavji. You didn't even come to see him when he was born, didn't even saw his face for many days and still you say that he is your son".

Arnav's mind catches her last sentence, "How do you know that? I have never told you this".

Khushi averts her eyes at this and move a step back, Arnav realizes who must have told her, "Rohan told you this?".

"Doesn't matter who told me this, but you tell me was it wrong or the truth of your real feelings towards your son?", said Khushi pointing a finger towards him.

"Just stay away from him Khushi", said Arnav in warning tone.

"Why? Are you afraid that he will tell me something which you don't want to come out in open", snapped Khushi.

"I am not afraid of anything, understand", said Arnav as he grabs her upper arms.

"Fine, then tell me why you hate your own son, give me a valid reason", said Khushi giving him a pointed look.

"I don't hate him", said Arnav as he left her arms and turn but Khushi grabs his shoulder and make him turn to her, "It doesn't look like that a while back, you don't care if he lives or dies", Khushi said in anger.

"Stop it Khushi", said Arnav in anger pointing a finger at her, "I am warning you".

"Why? You can say whatever you want and when I am saying the same you can't digest it", said Khushi in mock tone.

"JUST SHUT UP DAMMIT!", yelled Arnav.

"YOU SHUT UP", Khushi yelled back.

Rohan, Rahul and Anjali were sitting downstairs and they can hear the muffled voices coming downstairs. They got alarmed listening to the shouting. Arush was in Anjali's arms ... sleeping now, so she can't go upstair, she asked Rahul to go but he denied saying that let Khushi and Arnav handle the matter among themselves. It won't be good if they interfere in-between; matter can get worse. What they haven't realize that it was already getting worse.

"Don't you dare say anything else Khushi", said Arnav in loud angry voice.

"I will say whatever I want ok, I will meet anyone I want, to be with anyone I want and you cannot stop me", said Khushi.

"Yes I can, you are my finace and ...", Arnav was saying when Khushi cut in, "Yes I am your finace but it doesn't give you any right on me understand .. I am not your wife yet that you can order me around".

"I have every right on you", said Arnav as he grabs her arms again and pull her close, "You are mine".

"I am not yours, I do not want to be yours", said Khushi loudly as she struggles to come out of his grip.

"What did you say?", said Arnav wanting to be sure, if he has heard right.

"I said I don't want to be yours, I don't want to do anything with someone like you", said Khushi as tears came in her eyes, "Rohan was right, you are selfish, you only think about yourself and how mad I was that I was defending you in front of him. You don't care about Arush, you don't care about my feelings and I am sure you haven't cared about Tania either, that's why she died".

"What the hell are you saying? You don't know anything about Tania so don't say anything further", said Arnav in warning tone, leaving her arms and take a step back.

"It's not a genius work to know what had happened; you must have hurt her like you have hurt me today", said Khushi somberly, "Tell me if I am wrong, Tania was going through a brain tumor but still she went ahead with pregnancy and given birth to Arush, it shows how much she must have loved you".

Arnav fisted his hands at hearing this ... he didn't hurt Tania; she was the one who had hurt him and played with his feeling. His blood boiled and anger raised a notch higher. He turned away from Khushi and move few steps ahead.

"And till the time she died, she was hoping to see you and you didn't even come to see her or talk to her once. What does it say about you haan, aren't you heartless ... you don't know how to love, you just pretend ... you", Khushi was saying in her hurt and anger without thinking the impact of her words on Arnav.

"ENOUGHH!!", yelled Arnav as he grab the bedside lamp and throw on the ground.

Khushi jumped at his reaction and got scared and mute for a moment. The lamp had landed just few inches away from her, what if it had hurt her?, thought Khushi as her heart hammered against her chest.

Arnav too got startled at what he did, he took a step towards Khushi but stopped when she held her hand up, "Don't come near me", said Khushi and move towards the door but Arnav caught her hand and pull her.

Khushi got more angry and she pushed him away, "Don't you dare touch me ... I hate you Arnav Singh Raizada ... I hate you", said Khushi as her voice choke, tears stream down and she turned away, with the image of his hurt look in her mind.

Khushi stormed down the stairs and run towards the hallway leading to front door.

"Khushi .." ... "Khushi ..." , she didn't stop at Rahul's and Anjali's call, who got shocked at hearing the crashing noise and was about to come upstairs when they saw Khushi running down the stairs, her face paled and tears visible.

Just then Arnav came running down the stairs, "KHUSHIII", Arnav yelled seeing her opening the front door and went out.

Arnav move fast to stop her but Rahul came and stopped him, "Arnav stop".

"No ... Leave me ... I need to stop her", said Arnav as he tried to push Rahul but he dragged him back.

"She won't listen now Arnav, let it be for now", said Rahul.

"No I cant, jiju ... Khushi thinks I don't care about her. I love her jiju", said Arnav getting worried, "I need to talk to her".

"I know Arnav, I know. Give her some time to calm down, please. You also calm down ok ... You both are not in state of mind to talk calmly, things may get more worse Arnav, try to understand", said Rahul as he took him to living room.

Arnav closes his eyes, as Khushi's hurt face and tears came in front of his eyes. He had hurt her. He didn't want to but it had happened. He opens his eyes and saw the person because of whom all this started.

"Its all because of you", said Arnav in dangerous tone pointing a finger to Rohan, "I swear if not for her, I would have killed you right now".

"Arnav", Anjali was schoked to hear this.

"Tell him to stay out of my life Di, or else I don't know what will I do to him next time", said Arnav in warning tone as he move upstairs.

Anjali looks at Rahul, worry etched on her face. Rahul move closer to her and picked Arush from her arms, carefully as not to disturb his sleep, "Come, we should put him on bed".

"But Khushi ...", Anjali look towards the front door.

"Anji, its no use talking to both of them right now, they both are angry and hurt. Let them calm down with time. They will eventually realize the seriousness of the matter and will solve it, believe me ok", said Rahul giving Anjali an assuring look and led her upstairs.

Rahul didn't thought that the matter will get this much worse. He didn't knew what conversation had happened in between Arnav and Khushi, but whatever it was, he prayed it will get solve soon. He was glad that one thing happened positive that others, specially Nani, was not present to witness the scene or else it will be much harder to pacify the situation. He told Anjali, not to tell others about it.

Rohan shakes his head and went towards his room, his father had also went out to meet some of his friends. He was glad about it. But he couldn't help but feel worry about Khushi. He knew that the fault must be Arnav's as he cannot control his anger and say things which hurt the other person. But he still couldn't understand this how come Khushi can love a person like Arnav. His mind was playing her words from earlier, he thought what will be Khushi's feelings now; after getting hurt by the same person she was defending so pridely.

@ DINNER TIME ------------------

"Don't you get it the first time, I said I am not hungry ... GET OUT!", came Arnav's loud voice which was heard downstairs.

Anjali looked worriedly at descending Hari Prakash, he came near the table, "Anjali Bitya, Arnav Bhaiya don't want to eat". Anjali only nodded her head and Hari Prakash went in kitchen to put the food back.

"What happened? Why Chottey is shouting like this?", asked Nani looking at Anjali.

Rahul pressed Anjali's hand under the table to stop her from speaking, "Nothing Nani, you know na how Arnav is, he gets angry even on little things sometimes. Don't worry, it must be related to work", as he gave an assuring smile to Naniji, who nodded and started her dinner.

But Akash knew that it was not the truth. Arnav getting angry or shouting is not a new thing for them, they had been subjected to this type of behavior many times in the past ... yes past ... because since a month or two Arnav's anger had been sitting at the back and they had seen his more calm demeanor ... not to forget the occasional smiles which they had been granted.

He was there when Aman made the call to Arnav asking about his disappearance from the office, and was surprised to hear Arnav's shouting, it was loud enough for him to hear and conclude that his brother is not in a good mood. And there are only 3 reasons which can result in that much anger in Arnav. One ... related to his parents, Second ... if some mistake is happen which results is losing the deal or suffer loss. Third, related to someone he dearly loves and cares ... his Di and now the new addition Khushi.

He knew it's not related to his parents and nor about some deal, because if it was he would have known, so it is the third reason and he had a notion that it is related to Khushi because of the presence of Arush in their home.

Although Anjali did told them she was missing him and wanted to spend some time with him that's why she had asked Khushi to let Arush remain here for tonight and also as he was not well, Rahul will be able to take care of him in case if his health worsen. But Akash knew that Khushi is fully capable of taking care of Arush, so something major must have happened.

He mentally noted to talk to Anjali after dinner, as he looked towards Rohan, his serious expression and tightening of lips didn't go un-notice by Akash at the mention of Arnav.

As the dinner came to end, Anjali asked Hari Prakash to make a glass of juice so that she can give it to Arnav.

"Anji, leave it, you know Arnav is not in a good mood. He will himself ask if he needs something", said Rahul knowing well that Arnav doesn't want anyone to talk or make him do something.

"But Rahul you know it's not good for his health to skip food, he has to take his medicines as well", said Anjali in concern.

"I know Anji, but I am not sure if he will appreciate this gesture as of now, he did ask not to disturb him .. right", said Rahul and Anjali sighed as she went in kitchen to tell Hari Prakash not to make the juice.

Since the time Khushi had left, Arnav hadn't come out of the room. Anjali did went to him after sometime to talk to him but Arnav clearly told her that he is not in a mood to discuss, talk or meet anyone. He asked or rather ordered to not be disturbed with anything.

Rohan was surprised that still after that much rude behavior by Arnav; everyone is still concern for him and his mood, he shakes his head a little, his expression somewhat irritated and lips pressed ... which didn't go un-notice by Akash, who move towards Rahul as he stood up, "Jiju ...", Akash called Rahul and come close, "I know bhai's mood is not disturbed due to work, I want to know the what really happened", said Akash as he gives a look towards Rohan's direction. Rahul too notice his glance and gesture him to come with him.

Rahul told Akash everything of what happened as they move upstairs to check on Arush.

"That's not good Jiju, now the wedding is close and this fight.", said Akash as shakes his head a little, "Bhai will be like this until and unless the things get sorted between him and Khushi".

"Don't worry Akash, I and you both know that Arnav can never remain upset with Khushi for long and can't even let her remain upset with him either", said Rahul with a knowing smile.

"Hmm, I hope they sort the issue tomorrow or before Khushi's birthday, we were planning for it", said Akash.

Rahul chuckled, "Tomorrow? I am sure this thing will be sorted tonight itself".

"You mean to say bhai will ...", Akash let the sentence incomplete.

"Yup, he will go there for sure. I stopped him earlier because I know how stubborn they both can get. They needed the time to calm down and think things through", said Rahul.

Akash nodded in understanding, though another thing was going in his mind ... that he might need to have a talk with Rohan.

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

"Buaji, leave all this, I will do it ... you go and rest", said Khushi as she took the plate from her buaji's hand and push her out of kitchen.

"Haye re nandkishore, you also don't keep awake till late night ok. We need to wake up early ... remember, so many things to do", said Buaji going towards her room.

"Yes Buaji, I know", Khushi replied as she gets down to the job of washing dinner dishes.

Her mind went to her fight with Arnav. She was hurt by his words, although she knew that he regrets them later, because he can't think straight in anger. But still his words did hurt her and also she knew that he is equally hurt in return. She thought to give Arnav a call but stopped thinking that he should be the one to initiate the apology as he is more at fault ... but when she didn't receive his call till now nor a single message, she got more sad and irritated. She cannot get over the feeling of melancholy.

She wiped her wet hand with a cloth and arranged the utensils on slab, then she switched off the light, make sure the front door is bolted and went to her room. She picks up the phone in hope of seeing Arnav's message or call but was disappointed to find none. She knew she won't be getting any sleep that easily and she wanted to vent out her feelings and need someone to tell her what to do and there is only one person who can do that, so she dials his number.

"Hey kuku, whats up? How come you remember of me haan?", said NK in teasing tone

"Shut up NK, I am not in a mood of teasing right now", said Khushi.

"Oh ok ... did Buaji scold you too much today haan?", asked NK.

"No, I ... I", Khushi closed her eyes, trying not to picturize the scene of her fight.

NK who was sitting on chair with his legs on table, working on some file, got alerted a bit hearing her sad tone. He straightens up and closes the file, "Khushi, what happened? Are you alright? Uncle ... Aunty?".

"Everyone is fine beside me", said Khushi and before NK could ask Khushi continued, "I had a big fight with Arnavji". And then she told NK about all the events following Rohan's entry in Shantivan.

"Khushi you shouldn't have said that to him when you don't know what actually had happened between ASR and his first wife", said NK.

"But he started it", said Khushi trying to defend her.

"What are you, a kid? He said so you should also say something hurtful in return", said NK.

"Why are you taking his side, you are my friend or his?", said Khushi getting irritated.

"Khushi, first calm down ... look I am not taking anyone's side here. I am saying generally, when he was angry, you should have shown patience", said NK.

"Patience? I think you didn't heard what he had said to me", said Khushi.

"Khushi what he said is the truth and we both know it, I agree that it was not the right time or way to say this but how much bitter it is, but it's the truth that you are not Arush's real mother", said NK.

"NK, don't say that. Arush is my baby", said Khushi her voice cracking.

"Yes he is, and will remain so. But the bitter truth will always be there sweety. I am not saying this to make you sad or discourage you, I am trying to make you understand this that you sometimes gets over possessive for Arush. I know mothers are possessive for their kids but sometimes it becomes too much in your case. You focus too much on his care so that other don't think for a second that you are not his real mother or think you as a step mom. And we all know what notion this society has for step mothers. I know you're afraid to make mistakes in regards of Arush and you think that if he gets hurt even a little, you are to be blamed but Khushi its ok, mistakes happens; you cannot be there with him for every second so don't need to be over focus on this. Let him grow, let him learn. You're understanding what I am trying to say?", said NK

"Hmmm", said Khushi as her brain process all this. NK was right in this point; she had this thing in the back of her mind every time when others are present with Arush and her. She is afraid that she might make mistake in taking care of Arush and it will give others a chance to point out that she is not his real mother and cannot look after him like real mothers do.

"And Khushi for men like Arnav the possessiveness towards kids gets irritating sometimes. Even I get irritated with Naina when she can't give me time and focus more on her family. But that doesn't mean that I hate this, later I come to terms that she can't be with me every time, I understand, but for us men it takes time to understand such things. We are humans, we are not perfect. We make mistakes and with mistakes we learn and we men are selfish when it comes to our woman. And ASR is a possessive man; we all know how much he loves you, when the intensity becomes more ... the possessiveness increases. And you will see after marriage the demand of your time will also increase. He will want you to be with him as much as possible. Even I sometimes don't like sharing Naina with her friends when I want her time solely for me, it irritates the hell out of me when I am with her and suddenly some of her friend calls or even meet up when we are out. And what you told me about Rohan, Arnav doesn't like him, so it was obvious for him to get angry when he couldn't reach to you. It has nothing to with the trust on you, what if something had happened, god forbid, an accident or any other thing haan. After your kidnap fiasco even I would get worried about you whenever I couldn't reach to you, it was Naina who made me understand that we have to have a faith that God will do everything right and will look upon you ... that I am not going to lose you. And this ... you have to make ASR understand", said NK as he took a deep breath, "You need to talk to ASR directly about this Khushi. You know him better, how his mind works, his anger, it was you who told me that he says more through his actions than words ... right?

NK was right, in her anger she forget to realize his fear and concern at not reaching her. If she was on his place, she would have also gotten worried or more got panicked at not reaching him, she thought.

"Yes you are right", said Khushi as she rubs her temple and move towards window, "Thanks NK, you always help me in straighten out my feelings and thoughts".

"Its fine Khushi and yeah most importantly, talk to him about Tania and whatever happened. You need to know what had happened so that you can take care of the situation between him and Rohan. It will also help you understand ASR's feelings and behavior", said NK.

"Yes NK, I am thinking of the same. I want to know why he can't come close to his own son, what stops him and why too much anger towards Rohan", said Khushi.

"Yes do it, and do remember what I said about your over focus on Arush, I don't know how else to put this whole thing to make my point but I ...", NK was saying when Khushi cut in, "Its ok NK, I understand ... thank you".

"Hmm ok, go rest now ok ... good night", said NK and cut the call.

Khushi stood at the window looking outside, not focusing on anything as her mind plays NK's words and scenes of her fight flashes in her mind. She had kept thinking about it for many minutes that her head started to ache. She shakes her head thinking, why Arnav is such a complicated man, when she will understand him completely?

Khushi places her hands over the window sill as she look towards the sky, "Abh mein kia karun us laad governer ka".

"Ju tumhara dil chahey", came a quick reply from behind.

Khushi quickly turned and gasped seeing Arnav in her room, her foot trip over another and Arnav move ahead catching her in his arms ... their eyes locked.

TO BE CONTINUED ...

Ok so kaisa laga ? 😆

Bubbles762015-11-03 03:50:25