ll Heartbeat: An ArHi FF ll*part 5a page 40 - Page 30

Chapter 5a): Forever Yours

2 Weeks Later

Khushi was seated on her bed, trying her best to busy herself amongst the clothes strewn helter-skelter. The black, cordless phone rested beside her, knowing the young girl would eventually give in to her desires. Khushi could, in a sense, feel it beckoning her. Would it really be so wrong if she heard Arjun's voice just once? She hadn't spoken to him for over a week. Her ears craved for the sound of Arjun's voice…his breath, caressing her thirsty skin…and his eyes melting within hers. Even if not the rest of it, she wanted to speak to Arjun. She needed to pour her heart out to him. Another part of her knew it wouldn't be proper. After all, she was married. She had duties to fulfill… responsibilities to take care of, and a sense of loyalty to her husband. She closed her eyes, torn between her duties and her desires. She reached for the diary, sitting neatly upon her desk and opened it to a fresh page.

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Dear Diary,

She wrote.

What have I done so wrong that destiny punishes me so? Why am I fixed between two of the most important people in my life: both of which I have duties towards? How I wish that I had never met Arjun. Then perhaps my life may have been simpler. But it is not so. And I suppose the time has come to face reality. Although, I must question myself; am I ready? All my life, I've lived in a dream world, imagining that one day, my prince charming would come, and whisk me away, away from everybody. We would live in our own world, where nothing else would exist. We would be content simply cuddled up within each other's arms. We would share each other's grief, each other's troubles, and each other's joy. And our life would be a fairy-tale, with a happily ever after. But never had I anticipated that the one I love with all my heart would be stolen from me so brutally. Though, I must admit, I've learnt one thing in my life. Love doesn't exist. And even if it does, destiny will do everything in its power to destroy it.

She slammed the diary shut pursing her lips thoughtfully. In a way, the little leather binded notebook had become her closest friend. She could write in it, her heart's desire with the knowledge that her secret was safe. She felt comforted. But today was different. Even her diary was of no use. Her life had given her such a permanent scar in her heart that no matter how hard she may try, it would remain. It would mark the point in her life, where she had given up all her joys in exchange for sorrow. Despite this, she knew that she could never hate Arnav. After all, he was in a much similar state as her. The only difference was that he didn't know that the love of his life had no love to give him. And she knew. Arjun had become something close to a distinct memory for her. He was a burning desire within her; a flame that could never be extinguished.

She rose, silently pacing the room, trying to calm herself. She knew in a few moments, the tears would be aroused, and they would be difficult to stop. You're going to be fine Khushi…. She encouraged. It was a statement that she was very much doubtful about. Life seemed too long. One month, she could manage. One year, perhaps. But one lifetime? She didn't know if she had enough strength within her to stay apart from Arjun for that long. She sighed, trying to clear her mind of the pestering thoughts.

All of a sudden, she heard a light knock outside her door. "Can I come in?" It was Arnav. She couldn't help the reddening of her cheeks. It was almost as if she thought Arnav could read her mind……. Just Shut-Up Khushi….She grumbled. "Yes. Come in!" She called. He entered with a sheepish look on his face. "Sorry about that. Uh-actually, um, I…. I wanted to ask you something." Khushi nodded, awaiting his question. "Uh-As a fact, my friend just called. It's his birthday today. And he's thrown a huge party. He's asking that we come. I mean, I told him that we can't, but he's insisting!"

Khushi was confused. "So what's wrong with that? Let's go!" He chuckled nervously. "A-Actually…I don't think you would like it. It's kind of…not your type. No offence!" He added quickly. Khushi glared at him. "Excuse me, Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada. I suppose you haven't known me long enough. But I'm a very adjusting girl! I can handle anything and everything! So don't underestimate me, ok?" She growled. He laughed. "Alright then! I guess I'll tell him we're coming then?" She nodded, giving him a small smile in return. He smirked before heading out the door.

Khushi shook her head, giving a chuckle of her own. This guy was crazy. Just as she began heading towards the bed once more, Arnav's head poked in. "Oh! I almost forgot! Just a suggestion, but you might want to wear something other than a salwar suit!" He winked before closing the door once more.

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Khushi stood in front of the mirror, with a line of worry on her face. Her wardrobe contained nothing but salwar suits…apart from, of course, the dress that Arnav had gifted her…. Khushi suddenly felt a stab of sadness overcome her. Poor Arnav had no idea of her feelings. What would he think when he found out the truth? How would he react? Khushi was scared to find out, and hoped that her secret would remain a secret, buried within the depths of her heart…forever…. Soft tears were beginning to snake down her eyes. It felt almost as if her heart was being clenched in pain…all the emotions…feelings that she had hidden for so long…were flowing out like the waves of an ocean. She wiped them off quickly, before they could spread. She hadn't remembered the last time she had been able to cry her heart out. She didn't remember the last time that she felt someone's arms around her, consoling her…telling her that everything would be ok…. But Khushi was independent. She didn't need favours from anybody. She had taught herself to be strong…hadn't she?

She sighed, turning back to the problem at hand. She had absolutely nothing half decent to wear. And Arnav had cautioned her about wearing Salwars. That left her with zero outfit options. She sank down on the bed, confused. Maybe Arnav had been right. Maybe it wasn't such a magnificent idea to go to this party after all. Just as Khushi was about to give up and give a shout to Arnav, she noticed the neatly wrapped package lying under some of the scattered clothes. She could have sworn that she hadn't seen the box a few minutes ago. Khushi reached for it slowly, fingering the wrapping in her hand. It was covered with bright blue paper and had a letter sitting on the top. She raised her eyebrows as she curiously opened it.

Khushi

It read.

I think this is the first time that I've tried to write something like this. (Then again, there are a lot of "first times" happening in my life at this point)! So forgive me for any mistakes. Actually, forget mistakes, I don't even know where to start. You're probably thinking, "A guy that knows nothing of my past, nothing of my likes and dislikes, and very little about me, has decided to write a love letter". Well, I agree. And you're probably already gathering shoes to throw at me for this, but Pyaar Kiya tho darna kya right? So without further ado, I'll continue! (That rhymes btw)

If there's one thing that I've wanted to say, it's Thank You. Khushi, I don't know if you've realized or not…but you entering my life…it's the best thing that's ever happened to me. You're the light in the darkness of my life. Day by day you're growing more and more my need and less and less a want. I don't know what I would do without you. In these few short days, you've taught me to live Khushi…. The way I feel about you…Well, I haven't felt it for anybody else, and nor will I ever. And I only have one request for the future. I hope you will stay beside me through my entire lifetime and guide me. I promise to give you all the happiness in this world and I won't hesitate to lay my life on the line for you! I love you very much Khushi.

Forever Yours,

Arnav

P.S- I almost forgot! Open the package under this letter! It's a small gift from my side! I hope you like it! J

P.P.S- Did I mention I love you?

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Khushi couldn't help the upwards perk to her lips upon reading Arnav's words. There was something about him…. Something that she truly loved about him, though she couldn't pinpoint it. First the romantic candle light dinner, and now this love letter. And she didn't know when it was, that she began to wonder…. Would Arjun have ever done something like this for her? Though she didn't want to admit it, she knew the answer very well…very well indeed.