True Colors : ARHI FF Thread 1 - Page 45

Khushi got over her temporary numbness and told Arnav, "Fine Arnav. I understand and take care," she hung up before he continued.

She let the tears flow after that. He was doing it again. He was shutting her out of his heart and his life. She did not mind that he was taking care of Anjali. Under the circumstances he was doing the right thing. But it hurt her that he never shared what he felt or never cared to make her feel she was as loved as his Di when things came to a breaking point. He never explained or consoled and that hurt her.

Well she was Khushi Kumari Gupta. She would not sit and cry at home. Her sweet shop! She would go there and spend the day there. She would not fret over Arnav or wait for him to come home. She knew how to get on with her life.

So when Nani tried stopping Khushi the next day Khushi reassured her she would be fine. She said "Nani I am going in the car and I will come back in the car. Promise me you will not tell Arnav where I am. He will worry unnecessarily. I will be fine. So don't worry."

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For the next few days whenever Arnav called home Nani answered the call. When he called Khushi's mobile, there was no response. When he called at night she spoke to him in monosyllables. He concluded Khushi was angry with him. But what could he do? He had to think of Anjali Di.

It was about a month from the time he left home. A panic stricken Naniji called to say "Arnav. Khushi has still not come home!"

Arnav was zapped, "Home from where Nani?"

Nani said between sobs, "From the shop. I should have told you earlier that she has been going to her shop. But she did not want me to tell you because you would worry…and now she is not there…or at home…and is not picking up the phone. She is pregnant…"

Arnav continued to hear his Nani out. How dare Khushi do this! He thought angrily. Anger was replaced by worry. Where could she be?

He paced up and down feeling helpless. Damn Khushi! Damn! She was risking her life and the child's! Right now the child did not matter. Khushi's smiling face came to haunt him. If something happened to her….For a moment he stopped breathing. And then he continued his pacing.

Anjali noticed Arnav's agitation.

"What happened Chote?" she asked.

"Nothing Di," Arnav lied.

Anjali knew instantly it was about Khushi. She now knew if someone other than her, or even more than her, could upset Arnav, it was Khushi.

"Is it about Khushi? How is she?" Anjali asked.

"She is fine Di. Nani called to say she has not reached home from that stupid sweet shop in that godforsaken Laxmi Nagar. How can she go to that lousy area in this condition…" he ranted on and on about the horrible potholes in Laxmi Nagar.

"What condition Chote?" Anjali asked.

"Di she is five months pregnant with my child," Arnav told her. He felt sad sharing the news with her knowing that Di herself may never have the pleasure of having a baby.

But Anjali amazed him with a delighted smile,"A baby! Why didn't you tell me Chote. I am going to be a Bua? I am so happy. Thank you Chote for giving me a reason to look forward to life after so many days!" she said excitedly. Her eyes shone with a new hope and joy. Then she turned accusing eyes at Arnav,"How could you leave her alone at this time Chote. It's not right. Let's go home immediately."

Arnav looked at her with unsure eyes. "I know what you are thinking. You are wondering if your Di is ready to admit to the world that her marriage is in shambles, her husband was a cheat and a womanizer, she is ruined for life. I am ready Arnav. I was a coward to attempt suicide. I have to learn from Khushi. No matter what life throws her, she bounces back. Take me to her Chote. I want to be with her, apologize to her and take care of her," Anjali said.

Arnav's eyes reflected his deep joy at Anjali's decision. Then he was reminded of Khushi again. Damn! Where the hell was she? She was never going to get away with this, he thought gritting his teeth in anguish and worry.

The phone rang just then.

He answered immediately. It was Khushi. "Yes Arnav. Nani told me you were worried. My mobile was switched off and I went to the temple as it was an auspicious day…."

"You are damn right I was worried. How dare you Khushi! How could you go to work in this condition to that Laxmi Nagar which is full of potholes? You could have a miscarriage…and …and" Arnav faltered.

"Nothing would have happened. Millions of women work. I am fine. You don't have to worry," she said coolly,

"How can you be so careless? What kind of mother are you?" Arnav gritted out angrily.

"Look who is talking! The father who is missing for a month," Khushi said sarcastically.

"Khushi don't talk to me like that…"Arnav said angrily.

"Why not? It's the truth. You don't care. If you did you would be here!" she said in a pained voice.

Arnav felt guilty at that. But he was not going to admit it now that he was having a fight. "Khushi I will not allow you to work during this condition!" he said firmly.

Pat came Khushi's answer in an equally firm voice, "And I don't remember asking your permission Arnav. I will do what I want, the way you always do what you want without ever bothering to explain to my why you do so and whether I am happy or not!"

Damn! Arnav thought. So that is what bothered her. He had not explained why he had opted to stay away from her.

"Khushi listen to me. I am coming home tomorrow. Let's sort this out. Don't go to the shop till then," Arnav said as if speaking to a child.

"I will think about it," Khushi said and hung up. She was damned if she was going to listen to him. The hell! He thought he could rule her. Well, she was not going to put up with it….