True Colors : ARHI FF Thread 1 - Page 85

Chapter 26

Khushi had never asked about his past. The family chose to treat it as a subject that was taboo. Arnav himself never spoke about his parents though now they were so close. All she knew was that, his mother had been shot dead. Today she mustered up the courage to ask him gently,

"You miss your mom don't you?"

Arnav nodded, still soaking in the warmth of Khushi. Having her filled up the vacuum he often felt in his heart. Di had taken on the role of a mother and care-giver. But Khushi had just filled him with love and the sense of belonging.

'She must have been beautiful," Khushi said.

"Yes. One of the most beautiful women I knew. And like you and Di, the beauty was not superficial. It was as deep as her soul," Arnav said as his eyes took on a fond expression.

"So what happened Arnav, do you ever want to tell me?" Khushi asked very subtly.

Arnav was quiet for a few moments then said," We were a happy family. Mom, me, Di and my father. I was always scared of my father but I respected him. He was such a forceful personality. He absolutely doted on DI and Mom just doted on me. Those days were so happy Khushi'all laughter, all smiles, all happiness'till that day Dad met that man'."

"Which man?" Khushi prompted as he stopped.

"A business partner of Dad, he came into our lives suddenly. He had Dad completely in his grip from the time he came. Dad changed rapidly after that. Took to drinking, gambling, never paid attention to the family or what we needed. The change happened gradually'over three years. This partner came to our house often. I knew even then that I did not like him. Also, he had his eyes on Di, who was just 20 then," Arnav paused and closed his eyes as memories flashed back.

"And then'" Khushi prompted.

"No Khushi, I don't want to talk about this. We are supposed to be happy here. I want to relish these days as some of our happiest and meant for us alone before the baby arrives. Plus, these are not things a pregnant woman should hear. I will tell you again someday. I hope you understand," he said looking into her eyes. Khushi nodded and did not push him. He had said a lot already. The rest would come with time. They had some more moments of blissful silence as he played with her silken hair. Today the passion for her had been replaced with a gentle companionship and a feeling of total peace for Arnav.

'Khushi, you have had your rapid fire trying to know me. Can I have mine?" he asked smiling at her.

"Ok. Fire away," she said.

"I don't have any questions. I will just ask you whatever comes to my mind is that fine?" he asked. She nodded. "Ok, we start now," he said.

Arnav: "Food"

Khushi: "Jalebi"

Arnav groaned.

Arnav: "Movies"

Khushi: "Hrithik's"

Again Arnav groaned.

Arnav: "Childhood"

Khushi: "Bauji"

Arnav: "Growing up"

Khushi: "Jiji"

Arnav: "Favorite place"

Khushi: "Lucknow," then she added, "I met you there."

Arnav smiled at that remembering the fashion show.

Arnav: "Children"

Khushi: "Yours"

Arnav again looked at her tenderly.

Arnav: "Happiness"

Khushi: "With you"

Arnav stopped to swallow the lump in his throat.

Arnav: "Life"

Khushi: "You"

Arnav found it difficult to continue. But he went on as he tightened his hug.

Arnav: "Love"

Khushi: "Only you"

Khushi smiled up at him in his arms.

Arnav: "Fear"

Khushi: "Losing you"

Again Arnav paused to control his voice.

Arnav: "God"

Arnav knew if she loved anyone more than him it was her Devi Maiya and this time she would have to choose some answer where he was not involved.

Khushi: "Through you,"

This time it was Arnav who hugged her to him, wondering what on earth he had done in this life or the one/s before, to deserve a love this deep and this pure from this sweet, adorable, beautiful angel called Khushi'his Khushi in every sense of the word.