Arnav never knew it was possible to feel so many emotions at once. He felt guilty for leaving her again and this time when she needed him most. He felt angry with God, if there even was one for creating this situation, for making Khushi cry. He felt sympathy for Khushi, he who had always thought carrying the burden of losing two parents made him special somehow. But here was Khushi on the brink of losing a third. There was also surprise that she would even come to him like this, after all of the things he'd done.
But most of all there was joy and contentment; Khushi was in his arms and that was all that mattered. Despite the situation, despite his brain telling him to get a grip and provide her with the comfort and compassion she needed right now he lifted his hands to hold her closer to him. Her body fit with his in a way Lavanya's never did. He closed his eyes for a moment and allowed himself to enjoy the full effect of Khushi's body so close to his.
Khush's shaking shoulders and the sound of her tears made him remember where they were and he slowly held on to her shoulders and pushed her away from him slightly. 'Khushi, please don't cry.' Her tears had always affected him but never more so than now, he wished he could fix this, make her father better and make her smile again. He would gladly give everything he had just to stop her tears.
He brought his hands up to wipe her tear stained face which was just as soft as it had been that morning. 'Khushi, I'm here now, please don't cry. I'm so sorry,' his voice was husky with unshed tears. He didn't know if they were for his own parents or a reaction to Khushi's tears but he had to be strong for Khushi.
'Arnavji... Babuji...he...I..' Khushi hugged him again and sobbed into his chest and Arnav felt as if his heart was going to explode. This wasn't how Khushi should be, crying and falling to pieces in his arms. She was supposed to be happy like her name and irritating him, not making him feel so helpless because he couldn't do anything to stop her tears. He clenched his fist in frustration before moving Khushi slightly so she was pressed to his side. He kept one arm around her shoulders and the other hand on her arm as she had them still clasped around his waist.
'Shhh Khushi, it's okay. You don't have to talk, I'll speak to the doctor, come on.' He led her slowly towards the direction she had come from relieved that her tears seemed to be lessening at least if not stopping entirely.
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