Chapter 31
“Yes, see you soon” Khushi said and disconnected the call.
She had been talking to Arnav who had called her to inform that he had reached home. He sounded normal with a hint of happy and Khushi took that as a positive sign.
Her own conversation with her father had been relieving. While Shashi Gupta hadn’t gone into details of what Arnav had said to him, the man was all praises for Arnav’s character and his renewed trust in him.
Khushi had been happy to hear it. She knew it was one thing to gain forgiveness from her father but a totally different thing to regain his trust. If Arnav was successful in both, it just confirmed that Arnav was better at dealing with people than she imagined him to be. It was a welcome surprise.
In her case, Shashi Gupta had drilled her a lot about information on Devyani. She wondered why that was. But, Khushi had made sure to talk about only the positive interactions. There was no point in recounting the not-so-positive interactions now that Devyani had finally agreed to her relationship with Arnav.
Thinking of her relationship with Arnav, Khushi recalled the worries that had been plaguing her mind since her night with Arnav. While talking to her, Shashi Gupta had wrapped the conversation with a piece of advice that stuck with Khushi.
“I said this to Arnav and I want to say the same thing to you, Khushi. Between two people, trust and communication are the most important things. Don’t hide things from each other. Do not assume that you know what the other person wants. Instead, talk to them. Because, sometimes our emotions and insecurities cloud our judgment. We fail to see what’s before us. That’s why, trust and communications. The two pillars of any good relationship”
Listening to the words, Khushi felt that they were meant exactly for her. Yes, she was being insecure and imagining things. Arnav’s love was real. He loved her enough to let her go. He loved her enough to confront his Nani.
So, whatever was on her mind, it was definitely of her own making. She decided she will talk to Arnav about it whenever the opportunity arrived and until then, she will not worry about it.
“That’s a good decision, Khushi. Do not overthink and worry” She told herself.
~~***~~
After talking to Khushi and unpacking his suitcases, Arnav found himself back in the hall. He decided to call his Nani and check up on her.
While he was still on call, Doctor Kumar walked in through the doors with his coat and briefcase in hand.
He noticed Arnav too and walked up to him.
“Talking to your Nani?” He asked after Arnav disconnected the call.
Arnav nodded.
“What did she have to say about you coming back?” Doctor Kumar asked, sitting down.
“She is fine with it” Arnav said, sitting down as well.
Doctor Kumar gave Arnav a curious look, one that Arnav ignored.
“I talked to Akash. He mentioned that you don’t want me to interact with your patient” Arnav said.
“My patient is your father. Judging by how you don’t even want to address him as your father, I’d say it’s the best decision for all of us” Doctor Kumar replied, crossing his arms and looking at Arnav with intention.
Arnav looked at the doctor with a piercing gaze.
“Is this a test?” He asked, voice stiff.
“Why will it be a test? Both of us are aware that you don’t like your father much. When I made that decision, I thought I was helping you” Doctor Kumar replied.
Arnav stared down the doctor for seconds before he shook his head.
“You’re not helping me” He said.
Doctor Kumar made a confused face.
“You’re pretending that you’re helping me. You just want me to admit to you that I in fact, do want to talk to him” Arnav replied, reading the doctor’s face.
Doctor Kumar let out a small laugh.
“You give me far too much credit, Arnav”.
“You will not fool me a second time, Doctor. I still remember the stunt you pulled with me. Last time you instigated me about my mother because you were trying to get me to talk to him. I am in no mood to play one of your games” Arnav replied, voice flat and harsh.
“Fine! No games, then. Let’s be honest with each other. I told Akash that you should stay away from Malik because I genuinely think the conversation can be too stressful for Malik to handle. The chemotherapy is draining his physical strength. I don’t want to top it off with an emotional drain as well. And yes, I did suspect that you might want to talk to Malik when you come back. I know you care about Khushi. You love her. Malik took a big risk when he exposed himself before Shashi Gupta. He did it for you. And while I may not know you too well, I knew you might want to talk to Malik about this. Who knows where your conversation will go? Last time you two got in a room together, you called him a mentally sick monster. So, while your intentions may not be so hostile at the moment, I can’t take a chance. As Malik’s doctor, it’s my right to stop you from doing anything that might worsen his health” Doctor Kumar delivered the words with utter calm.
It made Arnav take a second and consider his own reply.
“I understand your concern” He said.
“Does this mean we agree?” Doctor Kumar asked.
“Yes. I agree that his health is the most important thing right now. I will keep that in mind when I see him. But, I am meeting him. Like you said, your patient is my father. I am no longer denying that” Arnav answered, every word delivered with effort.
“You are not denying that he is your father?” Doctor Kumar’s voice keyed up a little.
“I am not. He is my father. And I am thankful to him for his efforts in getting Khushi and I together” Arnav answered, looking at the floor and then at the doctor.
Doctor Kumar’s face finally shifted into a hint of smile. Arnav was sure it was the first smile he had seen on the doctor’s face.
“I am glad to hear that” He said to Arnav.
Arnav gave a small nod and Doctor Kumar stood up.
“And I am glad to see that you have finally moved into the room you always belonged” Arnav said, standing up as well.
He watched as Doctor Kumar’s hand trembled before he put it in his trouser’s pocket.
“You don’t mind?” Doctor Kumar cleared his throat and asked.
“That’s never been an issue” Arnav replied, looking at Doctor Kumar’s hesitant face.
Doctor Kumar nodded and Arnav noticed that it was indeed relief flooding his face. He had never assumed that the doctor cared about his opinion on this matter. Apparently, he did.
“But don’t expect me to call you Dad” Arnav said.
“I never did” For the first time in ever, Doctor’s Kumar’s expressions were defensive and surprised.
“I know. I was kidding” Arnav answered, putting a hand on the doctor’s shoulder before he walked past him.
“Definitely a younger version of Malik” Doctor Kumar commented long after Arnav was gone and his surprise had worn off.
When he made it to Malik’s room, he found the latter sitting in his chair and reading a book.
“Reached the good part yet?” Doctor Kumar asked, putting away his briefcase and the coat.
“If you mean the part where the dog dies under the owner’s car, then yes” Malik answered, putting away the book.
Doctor Kumar huffed out a laugh.
“Keep on reading. You’re almost there” He said, approaching Malik.
Malik looked at Doctor Kumar.
“You’re happy about something” He commented.
“I have been happy ever since you asked me to move into this room” Doctor Kumar answered.
“Good answer” Malik said, attempting to get up from his chair but Doctor Kumar placed a heavy hand on his shoulder.
“Where are you going now?” He asked Malik.
“Well, it’s my walking time” Malik answered.
“Oh, right. I hope you wouldn’t mind some company while taking your walk” Doctor Kumar said.
“I thought you said you do plenty of walking in the hospital to accompany me on my walks”.
“Oh, I didn’t mean me. My three rounds a day are indeed enough of walking. I meant Arnav” Doctor Kumar said.
“What?” Birendra Singh Malik’s face became an instant mix of surprise and delight.
“Yes. Arnav is back” Doctor Kumar said.
Birendra Singh Malik scanned Doctor Kumar’s face for signs.
“You’re not kidding, are you?”
“I will never kid about this, Malik. You know that. I just met him in the hall” Doctor Kumar answered.
“Then why didn’t anyone tell me? My son is back and I have been sitting in my room reading this bore-you-to-death book?” Birendra Singh Malik got up from the chair.
“And that’s why no one told you. You get too excited. Mind your step” Doctor Kumar followed after Malik who was already walking out of the room.
“Here! Take your stick” Doctor Kumar caught up and held out Malik’s walking stick.
“I don’t need it” Malik said as he stepped out in the hall.
“Yes, you do. And slow down” Doctor Kumar shook his head.
“Where is he?” Malik said, running his gaze around.
“That way” Doctor Kumar signalled towards the lawns outside.
“Give me the stick” Birendra Singh Malik took the walking stick and trudged his way out of the hall.
~~**~~
Arnav finished a round of the lawns before sitting down at the patio and reading his emails. The evening was cool and he liked the soft breeze.
Only minutes had passed when he heard the sound of feet approaching and knew instantly who it was. Keeping his reactions to himself, he continued reading the emails until Birendra Singh Malik was standing right next to him.
“May I join you?” The question was hopeful.
Arnav finally turned his gaze at his father and noticed it. The wrinkles on his face seemed to have increased and the glow had waned. One look was enough for anyone to say that the man was chronically sick. Arnav felt it bothered him more now.
Not knowing what to say, he nodded his head. Words were easier when he hated the man. Now that he didn’t feel the burning inside his heart, he found himself at a loss of words.
Fortunately, Birendra Singh Malik didn’t seem to have that problem.
“Tonight’s evening is particularly pleasant. I read in the newspaper that it might rain. The showers will definitely help the mangoes. The ripening season is upon us” Birendra Singh Malik said.
Arnav found himself focusing on the man than at his words only to realize he was still silent.
“How are you?” He finally found the words.
Birendra Singh Malik heard the question and his surprise was momentary. It was gone within a second.
“I am well” Birendra Singh Malik answered.
“At least, as well as an old man can be. But tell me about yourself. How are you? How was your flight? How’s Khushi? Did you safely drop her home? Did you meet Shashi ji? What did he say?” Birendra Singh Malik fired questions one after the other, encouraged merely by the fact that Arnav was sitting at the same table as him and talking to him.
“Those are a lot of questions” Arnav said, making Malik’s face deflate.
“I am sorry. I didn’t mean to pry, Arnav. I understand that it’s your life and you do not want to discuss these..” Birendra Singh Malik quickly responded.
“I don’t mind the questions” Arnav cut off his father, adding another look of surprise on the latter’s face.
“You don’t?” Birendra Singh Malik repeated.
Arnav shifted in his chair and looked at Birendra Singh Malik.
“When I left here, I did not have any plans of coming back anytime soon. I thought I had lost Khushi one more time. But, I did not. Despite all my mistakes, I did not lose her. She held on to me. She showed faith in me even after I failed to have faith in her. She came all the way to Delhi for me. And you made that possible. You talked to Shashi Uncle on my behalf. Thank you for doing that” Arnav said each word with perfect calm. It took effort. But, he said it and looked at his father with gratitude.
Birendra Singh Malik listened and then shook his head.
“It was the least I could do after ruining everything for you. It was my mistake to begin with. I rushed into things when I asked Akash to pursue Khushi. So, you do not have to thank me, son. I was simply cleaning up the mess I created” Birendra Singh Responded with a hint of guilt and anguish.
“You didn’t know how I felt about Khushi. And I know that you weren’t deliberately trying to hurt me” Arnav responded.
Birendra Singh Malik held Arnav’s gaze and read that he meant the words.
“I would never hurt you deliberately, son” Malik affirmed.
“I know. And I want you to know that I know that” Arnav said.
Birendra Singh Malik heard the words and felt the tightness in his gut uncoiling.
“You do not know what your words mean to me, son” Malik said, letting his hand inch towards Arnav’s hand on the table.
“Even I don’t know what my words mean. All I am trying to say here is that I am thankful for what you did. And, in return, I am willing to call a truce” Arnav said, pulling his hand off the table before Malik could touch him.
Despite Arnav’s silent refusal of physical affection, Birendra Singh Malik felt a burst of hope and happiness in his heart.
“Truce?” He repeated the word.
“You will not mention the past again. You will not mention Ma. And in return, I will admit that I no longer hate you” Arnav stated the words like terms of a deal.
But, Birendra Singh Malik couldn’t care less.
“You don’t hate me?” It was knee-shaking relief that dripped from his voice. And joy! He felt unadulterated joy.
“No” Arnav said, looking at the table.
Birendra Singh Malik wept.
Arnav found himself unbearably uncomfortable as the man before him broke into sobs. Slow, silent sobs!
He waited a minute, suppressing his instincts that told him to stand up and hug his father.
It would be too much, he told himself. He couldn’t afford losing control of his emotions.
“Are you okay?” He spoke after a long while, gathering the courage to look at Malik’s face.
“I just need a minute” Malik said, his throat raspy. The sobs had subsided and Malik was still looking at the table. Arnav too went back to staring the table.
The two of them sat like that for some more time.
“Anyone in mood for some tea?” It was Akash’s voice that interrupted the heavy but calm silence.
Arnav turned back and noticed Akash walking their way. He reached to them and sat down in one of the chairs.
Arnav opened his mouth but Akash shook his head.
“That was a rhetorical question. The tea is already on its way” He said, grinning and then looked at Malik.
“Baba?” He noticed Malik’s face and then looked at Arnav in question.
“It’s nothing, son!” Malik answered.
“Are you alright?” Akash asked again.
“I just told him I don’t hate him. I didn’t know he would mind it so much” Arnav said.
Both Akash and Malik looked at Arnav, the former with surprise and the latter with amusement.
“You told what?” Akash asked, not believing what he just heard.
Arnav shook his head.
“Damn!” Akash laughed.
“Did you also tell him what you said to me in the afternoon?” Akash further asked.
“What did he say in the afternoon?” It was Malik who spoke first.
“I have a call to make” Arnav said and attempted to get up.
“Yeah right!” Akash responded with a grin so large that Arnav scowled at his brother.
“You’re going to miss the tea” Akash called after as Arnav walked away.
“You can have my share. I anyway prefer coffee” Arnav said without turning back.
“What did he say in the afternoon?” Malik asked as soon as Arnav was out of the earshot.
Akash brought his attention back to his father and noticed the gleam in his eyes.
“Were you crying just before I arrived?” He asked in return.
“Happy crying” Malik answered, with a hint of buoyancy in his tone.
"You’re so dramatic, Baba” Akash said before he smoothened his face and turned serious.
“But, I am so happy for you. Did Bhai really say that he doesn’t hate you? What else did he say?” Akash asked excitedly, unable to contain his happiness.
“He said he is thankful that I talked to Shashi ji. And he said that he knows that I would never try to hurt him deliberately” Malik repeated Arnav’s words, his throat choking once again with emotions.
“Then he really meant it” Akash said, feeling more optimistic than he had felt in a long time.
“Meant what?” Malik asked.
“That you’re his father. That’s what he said to me in the afternoon. He’s my father too, Akash. I can’t avoid talking to him forever, he said. I was telling him that he doesn’t have to talk to you if he doesn’t want to. But, he didn’t agree with me. And I thought he meant that he will talk to you about all the things that are on his mind. I didn’t think he might actually want to talk to you. I never could have guessed” Akash said, smiling.
“Neither could have I. Now I can die in peace, Akash” Birendra Singh Malik smiled back.
“Trust you to ruin the moment, Baba!” Akash’s face fell and he shook his head.
But, Birendra Singh Malik’s smile remained in place.
~~**~~
Two days later Khushi walked into the Mahal and was greeted by Akash with a bear hug.
“I know it’s hardly been a week but I missed you so much” He said to his best friend.
“Have you now? Is that why you didn’t come see me as soon as I came back?” Khushi responded, mock-hitting Akash on the arm.
“I would have but things here have been very interesting lately” Akash replied, smiling.
“Yes, I heard. Arnav told me yesterday. I am so happy for Malik uncle, for Arnav and of course for you! I know how much you wanted this” Khushi said as the two of them headed towards the sofa.
“Yes, I did. And it wouldn’t have been possible without you. I mean, out of nowhere, Bhai decided to give Baba a chance? I am sure it had something to do with you” Akash patted Khushi’s hand.
“I don’t think so. All I did was support Arnav. He made the choice all by himself. In fact, I didn’t even know he was going to do that. We didn’t talk much about Malik uncle when we were in Delhi” Khushi said.
“Well, if not actively, then passively. You being in his life has had a positive influence on Bhai”
“Fine! If you’re bent on giving me some of the credit, then who am I to deny? And why some credit? It was all because of me. I tamed the mighty Arnav Singh Raizada” Khushi said.
“Tamed?” It was Arnav’s voice that made Khushi jump in surprise.
Akash laughed at her response.
“Is this how you talk about me behind my back?” Arnav drawled, walking up and sitting down next to her.
“What? No! I was just..”
Both Arnav and Akash chuckled at Khushi, making her scowl.
“Jerks!” Khushi shook her head.
“Your face was worth watching” Akash pointed at Khushi, holding his laugh.
“Yeah. It was very funny. Now, get out of my way” Khushi made a face at the two.
“Get out of your way?” Arnav asked, raising an eyebrow at her.
“Yes. I came here to see Malik uncle” Khushi replied before getting up.
Arnav and Akash stood up too.
“What? You’re going to escort me there?” Khushi looked at the two men.
“Actually, I have to go meet a client” Akash said.
“See you later” Khushi said and as Akash left, she turned to Arnav.
“You too have some place else to be?” She asked him.
“Yes, but I am not going” Arnav replied, taking a step closer and leaning into her.
“Arnav! What are you doing?” Khushi instantly stepped back, looking around.
“What? I missed you. It’s been two days since I last saw you. I was expecting you’d come yesterday” Arnav said, holding her and dragging her away.
“Well, I thought so too but Babuji needed my help at the shop. I do all the accounts and it was pending for a week. It needed to be done”
“Well, there are things I too need to be do. Care to help me with that?” Arnav said, sticking her back against a pillar.
“What things you..” Khushi’s words were cut off with a swoop of Arnav’s lips. She took a second to register the change and then was kissing him back. Barely seconds had passed but Khushi felt the dizzying effect of his lips.
She opened her mouth to speak, to ask him to stop but much before that could happen, the sound of a loud cough had her springing away from Arnav.
“Oh my god” Khushi muttered, her face becoming red with mortification as she noticed Doctor Kumar heading their way.
“Is there anything you need, Dr. Kumar?” Arnav spoke first, stepping up. There was no hint of embarrassment on his face which only made Khushi feel more awkward.
“Yeah sorry, but I need to borrow your girl. Malik’s asking if Khushi is here yet” Doctor Kumar, thankfully, didn’t comment upon what he had just witnessed.
But, Khushi still felt unable to meet the man’s eyes.
“Very well. I’ll be in the library, Khushi” Arnav said to her. Khushi nodded and quickly walked past the doctor, heading straight towards Malik’s room.
“She’s mortified” Doctor Kumar finally said.
“Horrified is more like it” Arnav replied, shaking his head.
“Well, tell her on my behalf that I am very happy for her. And for you! You two bring out the best in each other” Doctor Kumar said, patting Arnav on the shoulder.
“Thank you” Arnav said after a second, unable to contain his smile.
“When can we expect the announcement?” Doctor Kumar asked.
Arnav looked at the man with a quizzed face.
“Don’t tell me you aren’t going to put a ring on her!” Doctor Kumar said.
“Is it you speaking or my father?” Arnav asked, wondering whether it was clear to everyone around him.
“Well, both of us are expecting it” Doctor Kumar admitted.
“I am working on it. It’s more difficult than it sounds” Arnav said.
“Well. I am here. Let me know if you need any help. Malik is just waiting for an excuse to celebrate” Doctor Kumar said.
“Okay” Arnav said.
“Okay?” Doctor Kumar repeated.
“It means I don’t want to be asked any more questions about it at the moment” Arnav said.
“Okay” Doctor Kumar said and took his leave.
Arnav stood at the pillar thinking, deciding when and how to ask Khushi to marry him. He wanted to make it special for her.
A smile developed on his lips as the perfect way to do it struck his mind.
__________________________
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Comments (25)
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Pearl_Oyster @Pearl_Oyster
+ 7
3 years ago
Dear friends,Kindly find the next chapter on this new thread.
kayarose @kayarose
3 years ago
Please update next part soon.
kkgsrpepo @kkgsrpepo
3 years ago
Awesome story line... Very interesting covering lots of topic and non of them overlapping .. Very clearly written and well narrated... One of the best stories i have read... Thank you so much.... Write sonkkgsrpepo2020-04-23 08:48:07
Pdrover @Pdrover
+ 2
3 years ago
Lovely updatesArnav is at peace and accepting his relationship with his father with Khushi on his side.
suji5 @suji5
3 years ago
Finally everything is falling at the right place.continue soon
Param @pup03
+ 4
3 years ago
Felt very good after reading the update.. it was feel good chapter.. after all the bitterness liked this sweet one.. Arnav and Akash pulling Khushi's leg was wonderful.. she is horrified agree with Arnav.. waiting to see what special preparations will Arnav do to pop the question to his girl?? loved reading this superbly amazing feel good chapter.. Thanks for pm and update.. Take care and be safe
Safnaz @Safnaz 3 years ago Awwww dear.. Read the story in one go and it's really wonderful.. loved it beyond words... Thankyouu for such an amazing story ❤️❤️❤️
Lily30 @Lily30
3 years ago
Loved the chapter. Arnav and his father on way to reconciliation making both happy and at peace. Akash is right that Khushi has had a major part in this reconciliation. Thank you for the pm.
virka_luv @virka_luv
3 years ago
I am happy that Arnav has forgiven Malik. Malik is quite relieved now. I wonder how Arnav will propose Khushi. virka_luv2020-04-15 03:55:39
MDTharun @MDTharun
3 years ago
Arnav accepting Birendra as father is a huge relief for Malik . The man was blaming himself for ruining childhood of his only son . Dr Kumar seems to be relieved with Arnav's acceptance about his relationship with Malik . Khushi's presence in Arnav's life has brought positivity and hope in lives of all the men in Sheesh mahal .