IPKKND FF | Broken Strings (ON HOLD) - Page 37

Originally posted by: MsIPKKNDManic

Why I read that as "bits and boobs", I will never know. 🤔

Originally posted by: dreamyshadows

AFTER I HAVE PICKED UP THE MANGLED REMAINS OF MY BRAIN DUE TO SUCH HEAVY LAUGHING, I SAY THIS;

Anissa's psychic. Do we have a sesk scene, or at least an almost sesk scene in the next update?

DO WE? DO WE? DO WE?

Originally posted by: MsIPKKNDManic

LOOL I'm glad you find my inability to read so hilarious 🤢

OMGG AVI. Of course there'll be an almost-something.

What kinda IPK fan would Shay be if she didn't have at least one almost-something? 😉

SHAY WUZ MY PSYCHICNESS TRUE!?

DO I HAVE SECOND SIGHT?!!? 😲

Originally posted by: shay1990

When i saw you two RES (yourself and Avi) It made me chuckle to myself in bed... Oh how i love you both 😆😳

But yes, creepy peedo man is on the lose and terrorising London Town... (Well just Khushi)
And does Arnav come to the rescue? Or does he not? You'll just have to wait and see till the next update (which hopefully won't be very long because I've got it pictured in my head so perfectly)

And yes, you've got it... Arnavs redemption/realisation is to officially commence from the next chapter onwards. 🥳

I feel like you compliment me too much... Shay gets embarrassed and way too stunned to even comprehend what is going on. But you know what, this story wouldn't be where it was today if it wasn't for your (and everyone's) appreciation - it really keeps me going. Need to keep you guys happy after all 😉 So honestly... thank you so much 😭

And i'm so glad you've commented on the realism of Khushi's character... I really wanted to make that out within the story - because it's true, in reality... people are confused in situations like this; there's always a doubt! So points to you for noticing that 😆

But MORE points to you for picking apart then pendant scene!!!! You got it in one Pinks!! To have that memory dragged up when she's so badly trying to come to terms with his betrayal and her heart-break... It's literally breaking her heart even more. Especially seeing as he seems to be taking this so lightly. But don't you worry... It's going to smack him like a fish (and maybe a lorry😆) I'm so glad you saw this because i so badly wanted to show the depth of their relationship here; how there's so much more to their past and how close they actually were.

And coming to Arnav... I'll let you in on a little secret - i still have no idea what I'm doing with him LOL! everything up until this point was building up to the next few chapters (because that's where his real character comes through) so touch wood I've found a spot for him

Anjali and Akash were pretty cool in this hey... They're like to scheming kids!! 😆 And i agree... Akash never really has any sort of real contribution in everything... That's why i've made all the backdrop characters at least marginally an integral part of the story.

Phew.. That's me done! 😉

Once again, your tremendous commentary has blown me away and shoved me right down to the back of my garden 😆
I'll be updating soon for you 🤗

I love you!!! ❤️

Originally posted by: dreamyshadows

Update update update update update.

Originally posted by: shay1990

You'll be getting your wish today my lovebug...

Stay tuned

X

Originally posted by: shay1990

You'll be getting your wish today my lovebug...

Stay tuned

X

Chapter Ten - Porcelain Doll

The office was eerily quiet when Akash stepped through the doors of AR Designs - the sound of his shoes echoing harmoniously throughout the building. He glanced down at his slightly lose watch, rattled it in to position and saw that it was almost 10pm. He had been at home waiting for his brother to come home for ages now. He and Anjali had been sat there since the afternoon, constantly looking at the clock wandering what had been happening for the whole day. Surely they hadn't had that much work to do? Or had Khushi gone ahead and just murdered him? With that last thought, Akash glanced around the empty building and its darkened stature

'This place gives me the creeps at night' he thought, shuddering as a slight chill made its way down his spine.

He had uncannily left his files there for the work that needed to be done by the next day... That and he was itching to see what was going on between the two 'friends'

He was pretty sure that they would still be at each others throats. But then why weren't there any sounds? He watched as the cleaner wheeled his trolley along the marble floors - the shrill squeak making Akash wince as it scratched at his ear drums. 'Everyone's gone home as well' he whispered, wondering where they were.

He chanced upon the dim light emerging from his cousins' office and quickly took the stairs two at a time, figuring they must be in there. Opening the door, a chilling uncertainty crept up on him as he saw Arnav sitting on his desk, alone - deep in thought as he gnawed at his thumb nail. He didn't know why, but a worry swept over him as he scanned the office for another occupant. Where was Khushi? He thought with a questioning urgency.

'Bhai?'

Arnav looked up - slightly dazed as he saw he cousin slowly walking towards him 'When had he come in?' He'd been so lost in thought that he hadn't heard him enter the room.

'Akash... What are you doing here so late?'

Akash was getting all the more worried by the minute, looking round the office still as he vaguely answered his brothers' question

'Bhai woh, I forgot the file I was supposed to work on tonight, toh hum bas usse lene aaye hai'

Arnav raised an eyebrow at him - watching in confusion as Akash glanced around the office, seemingly otherwise preoccupied. 'What is he up to now?' He thought - the amusement somewhat wilting away his previous distress

'You could have called me... I was just about to come home you know'

Akash looked at Arnav and began to explain himself

'Yea I know bu-'

He failed to finish his sentence as the curiosity got the better of him.

'Bhai where's Khushi?'

Arnav stood there perplexed - an odd pang of jealousy pursuing his thought processes as he looked at his cousin in slight resentment.

'She went home about half an hour ago,'

Akash felt some of his tension ebb away; the relief causing an unexpected smile to form on his thankful face.

'Achha... You dropped her off home right?'

Arnav was getting annoyed now. What was his problem? He had warned him already to stay away from her.

'What? Why would I?'

That was it. Akash felt the nervousness pile back up on top of him as he looked at his brothers oblivious expressions. He had grown to like Khushi over the weeks - and had gotten to know her quite well. He felt almost responsible for her in some way now that she didn't really have Arnav looking out for her.

'Bhai you're joking right?'

He sounded almost hysterical as he carried on further

'Khushi doesn't have a car Bhai, and there aren't any buses that come round here at this time of night. That's why I've been dropping her off home when we work late.'

Arnav felt as if he'd just been doused in ice cold water. He hadn't even considered what time it was. He looked at the clock and realised it was past 10 - Surely she must have been home by now right? He felt an uncomfortable wave of nausea hit him as he thought about just how unsafe this area was in daylight let alone at night. He felt his heart thudding against his chest as Akashs' words echoed in his head 'She doesn't have a car'

'She must have taken a taxi' he convinced himself - his eyes widening as he realised that Khushi Kumari Gupta hated Taxi's - the fear of being raped was far too great for her to put herself in that position.

He shook his head and looked at Akash, hiding the gulp with great difficulty as he tried to reassure himself that everything was OK; that the feeling moving through him was just the cold air travelling around the room. He lifted himself off the desk and walked past Akash towards the office doors.

'I'm sure she's home. Come on let's go'

As they walked out of the building and towards their cars, Akash whipped his phone out and glanced nervously at his cousin

'I'm going to give her a quick call... Make sure she got home safely and all,' he finished lamely - looking at his brother guiltily as he held the phone up to his ear; knowing he was probably cursing every bone in his body for showing such concern.

Before the phone could even ring however, a distant scream resonated through the air surrounding them, shattering the peaceful night sky as its shrill tones pierced through Arnavs' every nerve and destroyed his so carefully placed walls. It rang in his ears; the wind encompassing his open eyes as they began to water. Turning to face Akash slowly, there wasn't a doubt in his mind concerning what he had just heard. That very scream had been etched in to his memory for the past six years. His voice was barely above a whisper as he just stood transfixed - staring at his cousin.

'Khushi?'

Within that very moment, he was tearing past Akash as he ran in the direction of his life - she needed him and he could sense it in his every fibre.

He could hear the taunting voices in his head as he skidded to a halt at every corner breathlessly, each time the panic hitting him more and more. This is why he had been feeling so restless! He cursed himself a million times for not knowing sooner - he should have known... he was clearly out of sync from being away from her for so long.

He heard Akash move behind him as he stopped for a moment and found his bearings - his erratic breathing mirroring the fear within him as he looked at his cousin pleadingly.

'Where is she Akash?'

~

She could feel the knife slide down the side of her neck - slicing it slightly as he applied more pressure to her throat; squeezing at it as she felt herself become light-headed.

His putrid breath was masking her senses as she inched towards an unconscious state - His sickening leer magnified as he brought his face closer still. He had her jammed to the wall, his every limb pressed against hers; pressing her flat against it as she felt the rough bricks protrude in to the black of her blouse.

She had sensed his intentions the moment she had seen that look in his yellowing eyes. Before he could even touch her she had punched him right between his eyes - following through with her knee as it collided with his most sensitive area. She hadn't had time to think of much else as she ran in the opposite direction, glancing back every now and then to make sure she was rid of him. In all her terror, she had failed to realise where she was going... She hadn't had a clue where she was in the constricting darkness. In that very moment she had never felt so alone in all of her life. Placing a hand to heart in order to calm the monstrous thuds erupting from her, she tried to reason with herself that it was OK; that she had lost him. She had slowly arched her neck to peep round the corner, making sure she had indeed taken him off course. She had closed her eyes and thanked Devi Maiyya for keeping her safe.

But in all her bravado, he had been too stealthy for her, inconspicuously padding behind her in the darkened alleyway as he grabbed at her from behind, tearing the sleeve of her blouse as she had screamed for her life.

And that was the last that was heard as his rough hands clamped down on her mouth; his nails digging in to her skin whilst silent tears rolled down her face as she shook violently - thrashing around in a bid to escape.

And by now, she was slowly drifting - his grip tightening by the second as she felt her hindered circulation pulsating under his hold. She could feel him move the knife lower, inching it towards her chest as he came forward and slowly licked the blood that was trickling down the side of her face. She clenched her eyes shut - the bile rising up towards her mouth as she made a futile attempt to unbind her hands from his strong grip

And then

A cold breeze was suddenly enveloping her as her attacker was pulled of her with a force so powerful she was brought forward with him and thrown back at the sheer force - her head slamming on the wall behind her.

She felt herself sliding down - the rough bricks grating at her bruised skin as she collapsed in a heap, pulling her legs to her body as she buried her head in her arms - The image of Arnav flashing before her eyes.

~

Arnav didn't need to think about what he was doing, or what he needed to know. All he knew was that the second he had seen this piece of filth clawing at his Khushi; pressed up against her - watching with sick pleasure as he carved her with a knife... he wanted to kill him. He had him pressed up against the wall within the instant - his forearm pushing against his throat as he shoved him with such force that the slight crack of his bones was just about audible. His mouth turned up in to an evil snarl as he watched the dirty bas***d writhe in pain. It wasn't enough for Arnav. No. He jabbed his arm in to his throat once more, replacing it with his hand as he brought his head towards his ear and whispered menacingly in to it.

'You touched her. And now you die'

He let him go and watched as he fell to the floor. Laughing, Arnav growled at his retreating form and picked him up by the collar, throwing him back against the jagged bricks only to watch him fall once again.

It still wasn't enough.

Arnav's mind went blank - a purposeful ring ricocheting through his ears as he fell to his knees and pummelled the attacker right through the pile of rocks beneath him - the image of Khushi plastered across his every brain cell as he saw the blood dripping down his face. He got up, clenching his fists once more as he turned around to sneer at the man below him; looking him straight in the eyes as he unleashed his full force.

'Time for round two'

~

Khushi felt an unfamiliar touch somewhere on her head - the pain drumming against her insides. She looked up in to the concerned eyes of Akash and snatched her hand back as she moved further back in to the wall upon reflex.

'Hey, hey Khushi, it's ok - it's me Akash'

This failed to reassure her as she shook her head slightly at him, cowering away in to the corner as the tears trickled out from her eyes and down her blood stained cheeks. Akash could see the fear so clearly in her eyes, making him sick to the stomach at the thought of how scared she must have been feeling in this moment in time. He could see her eyes opening and closing as she held her throat, the red rings indented upon her as she strove to rid herself of the searing pain emancipating from her whole body.

He jumped up and rushed towards Arnav, holding on to his arm to stop him as he urged him to look at the broken girl on the floor.

'Bhai stop it, Khushi'

At the mere mention of her name, Arnav lashed his head round to see the mess he had inadvertently caused, dropping his clenched fist that was bunched in the f**kers' shirt; he rushed towards her, sliding to his knees as he came to a halt in front of her

He lifted her head gently so he didn't alarm her, his thumb stroking her scraped chin. He blocked out the chaos behind him as Akash finished off what he started and managed to call the police in the process. All Arnav saw, was his best friend - his Khushi, trembling in front of him as she just stared right in to his eyes as if trying to seek out some sort of comfort within them. He felt his breathing restrict as the tears rolled down her fright-filled face

'Khush?'

That was all she needed to hear. Khushi fell forward in to him as Arnavs arms automatically slid round her waist, holding her close as she clung to him. He could feel her shaking as hot tears trickled down the back of his neck. He closed his eyes and sat there with her for a few moments; squeezing her to him as his hand rubbed up and down her back.

'Hey shh. Shhh It's ok Khush I'm here. It's ok.'

He looked down at his hand, feeling a sticky wetness - her blood was colouring his skin, trickling off his fingers as he looked up at the wall above them. It was stained with the fluid that should have never even left her. He clenched in fist, cursing himself for not being there on time; for letting this happen in the first place. He felt Khushi move away from him slightly in his arms. He looked at her carefully - her tear-stained face emanating such beauty, even now as her whole body was wracking with choking sobs. He held her face in his hands as he bowed his head a little to look right in to her eyes - silently letting her know her know that she was safe. She opened her mouth slightly, wincing as the cut split open, releasing with it a fresh burst of pain. She spoke out - her voice coming out in a breathy rasp.

'Arnav... It hurts'

He nodded at her, not trusting himself to speak as he felt a choking lump at the back of his throat. He helped her up slowly, struggling to keep her stable as she buckled under the pressure of her aching body. Her arm was firmly latched on to his - craving his every support as he felt her waver a little. He looked down at her as she stood still for a moment, her eyes closed as a painful frown made its way upon her wounded face.

Her head lolled back - finally succumbing to her dire state; her legs giving away as she fainted in front of him. He caught her weight with his one hand, lifting her arm around his shoulder so he could lift her up... it felt wrong to take pleasure in the feel of her curves resting against his body as she lay there unconscious - but she felt so blissfully good. He shook himself out of his ridiculous thoughts and hoisted her further up in to his embrace - holding on to her tightly as Akash rushed over to them both whilst mentioning something along the line of 'taking Khushi to the hospital'

Arnav took one look at her beautiful scarred face and felt himself break completely under his sickening guilt; her words resounding through his head, 'You really don't understand do you Arru?'

He looked back at Akash and shook his head. She didn't need a doctor... She needed him

'No... I'm taking her home'

ooo

My quickest update till date! 😆

Hope you enjoyed this one!

Shay X