Chapter 30

-Archi-

@-Archi-

Hey guys,

I am back with the next chapter. Unfortunately, I didn't have enough time to reply to all your comments again, I definitely enjoyed reading all of them. Thank you so much!

Note: Aman is NOT in love with Ayesha. He had that conversation with her in the last chapter, simply because he didn't want her to fall in love with Karan and get hurt. He feels there are already enough people struggling with broken hearts to add one more! His feelings for Ayesha at the moment are nothing more than respect and admiration, because he is the only one other than Arnav and Khushi, who knows what she went through. He knows that it takes a lot of courage to stand up after being hurt like the way she was, and that's the only reason he encouraged her to still be hopeful for the future. Of course, this is subjected to change in the future!

Jaane Doh Naa

-CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE-

Handprints on my Heart

"I need to leave!"

It was early evening in Delhi, which was exceptionally experiencing sweltering temperatures that day. Of course, the horrid heat of the city was far from its lavish houses and its wealthy inhabitants. It was in one such house that the Raizada family was found, relaxing their time away until dinner.

Khushi, on the other hand, was sandwiched between a talkative Garima and Madhumati, who dropped by with the excuse of delivering jalebis. The two women were about to bring up the topic of their daughter's stay, when a panting Ayesha interrupted the conversation. Khushi stood up instantly.

"What happened?"

"Long story. But I have to go back to Pune today."

"Okay. We will leave in an hour."

And that was all that was exchanged between the two friends, before they set off to pack up their belongings. Neither asking what should be asked, neither minding what they were leaving behind and neither doubting the other's intentions.

And as promised, Khushi was found saying "Take care Hari Prakashji," an hour later in the living room of Shantivaan, where the entire family was assembled to say their goodbyes.

"You too Khushiji," the servant replied, before tugging her suitcase out into the parking lot.

Next in line was Devyani, who to Khushi's surprise, held out a small antique jewelry box. "This is for you Betiya."

"What is it Naniji?"

"These are the kangans your Nanaji gave me on our wedding day. I want you to have it."

"No, no," Khushi objected, trying to push the box back into Devyani's hands. "I can't have this!"

"Please Betiya… Don't say no. I would be happy if you could accept them... the least of what I should have given you."

Understanding suddenly dawned to Khushi, who realized why such precious bangles were being given to her. It was Devyani's way of apologizing for what happened, her way to trying to fix what was broken. So, without any more hesitation, she accepted the gift and hugged the elderly lady in reverence. It seemed that she was going to miss the family more than she anticipated.

"Thank you so much for coming Khushiji!"

It was Anjali, who pulled her into a hug as soon as the latter stepped away. "It meant a lot to us."

Khushi smiled. "It was my pleasure Di."

She turned around to find an absent Ayesha, when her eyes fell upon her sister, who was standing further away, hesitant to become involved with the goodbyes. Knowing it was inevitable Khushi slowly strode towards her.

"So you are leaving," said Payal, breaking the awkward silence that spread between the two.

"Yeah… Something came up."

Payal nodded, not knowing what to say. Or rather, how to say farewell to sister she managed to regain only for a day.

Khushi let out a sigh. "I'm sorry… for yelling at you yesterday. I know you don't wish bad for me, but-"

"No, you were right," Payal interrupted. "It might be easy for us to forget what happened, but its not easy for you. And I'm sorry for expecting you to be okay with everything. I guess, I was thinking you were still my little sister."

Khushi fell silent, the phrase knocking her into thought as she was unwillingly reminded of the conversation she had with Arnav that morning.

"I can't change your opinion about me Khushi," Payal continued. "But I want to let you know that I will love you no matter what. And I will accept whatever decision you make. If it's not too much to ask, try to keep in touch this time… I don't think I can live through another two years wondering if you are okay."

"I will," she promised, slightly guilty. It seemed that all her inhibitions disappeared along with her anger towards Arnav. "I'm not going to disappear."

And with a small smile, the two sisters hugged each other, both feeling light hearted after a long time. They fell apart as Akash joined them.

"Take care of yourself," he said, almost sounding like an older brother. "And please don't stress!"

Khushi laughed. "I won't Jeejaji. But you better take care of my Jiji too!"

Akash protectively placed a hand over Payal's shoulder. "Will do Saali Saheba!"

And with that she was about to resume her search for Ayesha, when Khushi saw Karan sitting on the sofa, playing with a blissful Varun. It appeared that like Arnav, he too had a gift with the two year old.

"Ready to leave then?" he asked, when she approached him.

Khushi nodded. "You should visit Pune sometime… it's a beautiful place."

His eyes flickered to the figure of Anjali, who was in a conversation with Devyani. "I think I'm better off here… but it was nice meeting you."

"Nice meeting you too," she replied. And after a little hesitation added, "Don't take it the wrong way, but don't give up on her."

Karan froze mid way of catching the ball Varun threw at him. He stared wide-eyed at Khushi, stunned that she knew about his feelings.

"I overheard you talking with Di last night," she explained, sheepishly. "I didn't mean to pry… it just happened."

He didn't seem to mind, for his face split into a broad smile. "I guess it doesn't matter… everyone will know at some point. But thank you for the advice. I definitely plan on following it with utmost sincerity."

Khushi couldn't help but grin. "You are perfect for her you know… just make sure her brother doesn't get a whiff of it!"

Karan raised an eyebrow. "He is that bad, eh?"

Her eyes wavered to Arnav, who just descended the stairs, mumbling something into his phone. "No… not anymore."

* * *

Ayesha slowly walked down to the living room, tugging her suitcase along, when she caught the sad smiles covering most of the Raizadas' faces. It was evident that her best friend became the soul of the family in the past two years. What a surprise.

She smiled at Hari Prakash, who obediently took the luggage out of her hands and departed to store it in Arnav's car. It was a mutual decision that he was driving them to the airport, though he wasn't accompanying them on the journey back. He apparently had meetings to attend before his final visit to Pune for their fashion show.

Or he is avoiding Khushi, her mind murmured.

Ayesha couldn't deny that thought. While the rest of the family found nothing wrong with Arnav's behavior, she noticed how quiet he became upon entering Shantivaan. It was if the man she met in Pune, who was quick to pick an argument or two with her, was someone else entirely. And this silent Arnav appeared to put as much space as possible between himself and the love of his life.

I wonder how Khushi doesn't see it, she thought vaguely, her eyes travelling to the latter, who was talking with Karan.

Her thoughts took another direction as she remembered Aman's words from earlier that morning.

Who knew Old-School Aman was so observant? A small smile worked its way up her face, when she saw Anjali walking towards her.

"Thanks for coming," she said politely.

Ayesha didn't know what to say. Despite having discussed about her endlessly since yesterday, this was only the first time she was directly talking to Anjali Singh Raizada.

"It was nice meeting you," Anjali continued, not finding the lack of response odd.

Ayesha took her time to answer. "It gets better you know."

Anjali's forehead crumpled. "What?"

"You don't want to feel the pain right now… but you have to feel it someday."

She didn't reply, the contours of her face falling into a perfect mask of indifference.

"I know I'm nobody to give you advice," Ayesha continued, knowing the look she was receiving well. "But trust me… I have been there. Just let it go… it's easier to let it go."

Her eyes turned to the living room, where Karan was still playing with Varun. "If not for yourself, do it for the people who need you."

Anjali followed her gaze. It wasn't everyday that someone managed to break through her wall of apathy, and she found it very odd that the one who did was a girl she barely knew. And it was with surprise that she realized, not only were her words honest and simple (unlike all the emotional speeches delivered to her on a regular basis), but also, very comforting.

"I see why Khushiji doesn't want to come back to Delhi," Anjali said quietly.

Ayesha smiled and bid goodbye. She was almost to the door when she remembered suddenly that she didn't see the quirky Manorama, who usually never missed such events. She spun on the spot, her eyes raking the vast living room when-

"Hello hi bye bye… you's not leave yet?"

Ayesha looked to her left to see Manorama standing a few paces from her, an irritated expression on her face. Somehow, she wasn't as offended as yesterday.

So, with a small smile, she held up a white colored envelope. "For you."

"What's it?"

"Tickets to the W.I.F.W."

Ayesha watched in satisfaction as Manorama's eyes widened, stunned into silence. She expected that reaction; it wasn't everyday that one would get tickets to the bi-annual fashion week organized by the Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI).

"Go on… take them," she said after a few moments, when her arms began to slightly ache from the strain.

Manorama took the envelope with trembling hands. "B-but... why 's you giving to me?" she spluttered.

"I got it for free," Ayesha answered with a shrug. "And I thought you would appreciate them a bit more than me."

Manorama didn't answer, her system still in shock that the girl she fought with only yesterday, was giving her a present, that too an expensive one.

"You should let her be," Ayesha continued, glancing at Anjali. "She went through too much to accept that she is in pain. But she will be fine… she will eventually come out of denial. And that's the other thing – you can't change what happened. No one could have foreseen what was coming. Not you, not Arnav… not anyone."

And though she didn't say it, her intention was clear – it wasn't Khushi's fault. And surprisingly, it seemed to work. For the first time in many years, Manorama began to doubt herself.

So, when a hesitant Khushi approached her to bid farewell, the latter neither scoffed nor yelled. She simply gazed at Phatti Sari, deep in thought.

"I am leaving Mamiji," Khushi said folding her hands in a namaste. "Take care."

Manorama nodded, all spite she felt at the girl who ruined her nephew's life, leaving her. "Remember one thing," she said seriously. "Think twice before you decide anything… People here don't have much strength left to bear any more hasty decisions. Not only by you, but by anyone."

Khushi was caught off guard with the thoughtful words. "I… I will keep that in mind," she answered slowly. "Thank you."

And with that she gave one last look at the Raizadas, before joining Ayesha at the door. Together, they stepped out of the luxurious mansion, both wondering if they will ever return.

It was a quiet ride to the airport. Khushi's eyes kept flickering to the silent figure of Arnav in the driver's seat, his words from that morning echoing continuously in her muddled mind. Much too soon, the car pulled into the vast parking lot.

"I will check-in," Ayesha said, before hurriedly walking inside. It was her attempt to discreetly leave the duo alone. It might have worked, had both Arnav and Khushi knew her any less.

Both were too well experienced with her antics.

"So…" Arnav said, unnecessarily clearing his throat. "Thank you… for coming. I know it was very tough for you to see everyone again."

She didn't miss the formal tone coloring his voice.

"I guess I will see you soon…"

She didn't answer, even though her heart was practically screaming to ask him to come with them.

"And let Ayesha know that I will send the few bits of paperwork left in a day or two," he continued, determined to keep the one-sided conversation going. "And the invitations for the show will be sent out tomorr-"

Khushi seemed to have had enough. "Look," she interrupted, looking straight into his eyes. "I don't know what you want from me… or what you expect. But I can't leave without telling you this."

He was surprised to hear her direct, to-the-point tone.

"I'm not your Khushi," she blurted. "And to tell you the truth, I don't think I ever was. We never really stopped hating each other, to become something more. Don't get me wrong, but the contract would never have happened, had you trusted me."

Arnav didn't answer.

"And I you," she added quickly, not wanting to cause any more pain "But we can't change that… and you need to accept it that we can't. I can't go back and be the girl who ended up ruining your fashion show all those years ago. I have seen too much… been through too much. I can never look at you the same way… just like Di and for that matter even you. You are not the Arnav Singh Raizada who threatened me into marrying him. You are different, you changed… so please, stop comparing me to the girl you used to know."

She paused, waiting for his reaction. But he simply continued to stare at her.

"And I'm sorry if I hurt you," Khushi continued. "I spent so much time trying to be angry at you, that I didn't realize what I was doing. That I was turning into everything that I hated about you."

"No, you had the righ-"

She shook her head. "Please, just listen! I don't know what you feel for me," she said earnestly. "And… I guess I don't have a right to ask you either. But if you are still here out of responsibility for what you did, then you are free. I forgive you for that contract marriage… and also for the six months I spent in it."

Arnav was astonished.

"So I hope you can stop feeling guilty and move on."

Her lips pulled up into an empty smile, before she picked up her suitcase and walked away to join the awaiting Ayesha. It was as Arnav drove back that his mind finally registered what had happened. After years, he finally saw the Khushi he fell in love with.

And really, what a sight it was for his sore eyes!

__________________________________________________________________________

I know Khushi's attitude is annoying, but you have to put yourself in her shoes. Two years ago, she fell in love with a man, and he broke her trust so mercilessly that she ran away. He never confessed that he loved her back and any glimmer of hope that she had he did was wiped away with the contract marriage. Now, she has no idea what he feels for her. And his arrogant attitude at the beginning made her feel that he only wanted her forgiveness (instead of her love) and after seeing his suffering in the last few parts, she knows that he is guilty and remorseful. But no where, did she even get a hint that he loves her. So, she can't really go running into his arms.

Arnav on the other hand, realized how imperfect he is for her. He thinks that by confessing his love and being with her, he will ruin her life and cause even more damage. That's why he stopped trying to earn her forgiveness and bring her back into his life. He feels she is better off without him!

I know - they are idiots. But who isn't when it comes to love?!

Looking forward to your comments!

Archi