ArShi:Destiny With TRAILER Thread I - Page 35

OMG! OMG! i am super excited to know what is going to happen next?

Firstly, thank you for the comments, i am so happy. Second, i would like to see some people who only hit like, to actually leave some sort of comment. Third, i love all my reg reviewers. These updates are dedicated to you and only you.

I have no idea how this has turned out. I swear, this was the hardest update till now. I dont think i am satisfied with it

So review, review, review.

Take Care

Chapter 10

"The mind is its own place, and in itself can make a heaven of hell, a hell of heaven.."

? John Milton, Paradise Lost

Friday, July 1, 2011

6.45 PM, Gotts Park Mansion House, Leeds, England

"What the," he mumbled against her ear as he held onto the upper shoulders of the girl while her head crooned against his neck. She leaned onto him; her arms flailing on the side but finally resting on his broad shoulders. In order to steady both of them, he pushed her back slightly. Next thing he heard was a painful cry leaving her mouth. In a sudden motion, he jerked his head up and stared directly into her eyes and noticed that they were laced with pain and slightly rimmed with tears. Immediately, he steadied her back onto the step and everyone rushed towards her.

Just a few minutes ago, whilst Arnav was walking towards the mansion, he saw his family lounging outside. Great, let everyone know we are the odd bunch, he mused. Though, he had to admit, they looked very happy. He saw his younger brother, Akash, dancing with his fianc, and Arnav slipped off his aviators to get a better look at inhabitants outside. He was surprised to see Akash pull a girl for a dance. He did not know who she was, but he didn't know most of his extended family all that well. He looked over to his side and saw his girlfriend flash him a smile. He continued to walk on the cobbled stone path which led towards the front steps and switched his gaze towards his brother's latest antics. He was not a graceful dancer, Arnav shook his head. The girl was dancing away with Akash and unbeknownst to himself, his facial muscles twitched up in a slight smile. Who was the girl? Must be some relative, he thought.

Before he could step further, he heard his sister. Then he was engulfed in a hug. Then his shoulders were bruised by the sheer amount of jumping Anjali did. He focused on his sister. She smiled at him, and greeted Lavanya, and pushed him up the stairs. His family also rushed towards to him. His eyes fixated on the girl for some unknown reason. He saw her fumble and then she was free falling down the steps. He had instinctively reached out for her.

"Khushi, are you okay?" Anjali then rushed forward and held onto the girl's right arm.

His eyes switched back onto the girl. She was squirming away; she tried to pry her left shoulder away from his grip. She looked visibly petrified and uncomfortable. He seemed to notice her stare. Her eyes were laced with an emotion so foreign; he felt his fingers recoil away from her instantly.

As Arnav focused back onto the situation, he saw that Akash hurriedly held her by her left arm and he noticed that her lips were quivering. It must be her foot that she injured, he thought. She gritted her teeth and held onto Akash, who picked her up and walked into the mansion followed by a worried looking Payal, Anjali and rest of his family. He raised his eye brow at Payal who just motioned him to walk into the house. "What is going on here," he said quietly to Payal.

When he walked further into the house, he saw that his entire family was fussing over the girl. He scrunched up his forehead and felt Lavanya slip her hand into his. She was nervous as well. She was meeting his family second time but this time it would be for a prolonged period. He squeezed her hand but took his hand back from her grip.

"Khushi, are you okay, child?" his uncle questioned the petite girl sitting on the sofa. By the amount of people firing questions at the girl, she should have felt harassed. But, she seemed fazed and confused. He felt the sudden need to tell everyone to shut up and let her speak. "Why don't you all let her speak," he growled. Suddenly, everyone noticed his presence in the room. "Arnav, oh dear lord, why did you come?" said his aunt. He rolled his eyes at her dramatic yet motherly display of affection for him.

"When everyone rushed to meet me outside, and knocked her out of their way," he muttered, irritated by the lack of response from the girl sitting on the sofa. His nani came and hugged his girlfriend and himself. The help came and took their belongings to their respective rooms. He gestured Lavanya to sit on the sofa directly facing the girl. She was still in her own thoughts, and he could see her eyes darting back and forth as if she was in turmoil.

Arnav finally sat down on the sofa, with a disgusted face courtesy of the old ladies who smothered him in hugs. He curiously peered over at the girl.

"Khushi," said his aunt, "are you okay? Here, let me have a look at your foot," she soothed the girl and slowly wrenched her foot free from her boot. He noticed that she didn't flinch. Soon, the help came back with a plastic bag filled with ice chips and she was asked to apply it to her ankle. "It's just a sprain; you will get better in no time, Khushi. Thank god, I was scared for a second," Anjali exclaimed and plopped herself on the sofa. Anjali switched her gaze back onto him and suddenly stood up. "Bro, come here," she walked up to him and pulled her towards the girl.

"I can't believe I didn't introduce you guys. You have been sitting there for fifteen minutes." She looked at him and gestured him, "After eluding each other for years, and not purposely, you guys finally get to meet each other. This is my best friend, Khushi, and Khushi," she shook the now not so nameless girl's shoulder and said, "This is my big brother, Arnav."

He stood impatiently and waited for Khushi to look up. He even extended his hand, but it took her ages to notice. She finally met his gaze again and he saw some other foreign emotion lingering there. No, it wasn't the same as before, and this stumped him even more. She managed to splutter a quiet 'hi'. Noticing her discomfort, he took his hand back, but Akash interrupted the awkwardness that had spread between them.

Akash joked with Arnav and earned himself a punch on his shoulder. "Congratulations my brother from another mother," Arnav mused and continued, "finally this sensible girl has agreed to marry this monkey." He grabbed onto Payal's hand and joked with her. "My fianc and my own brother taking jabs at me," Akash mocked a hurtful look. In between this banter, Arnav, looked back at Khushi and saw that she was pushing her left arm further into the couch. She then stood up and mumbled something and however painful it was, limped up the stairs and disappeared. What a bizarre person, Arnav thought.

----

Khushi banged the door shut with anger. She sat on her bed and crossed her hands in her lap. The next ten minutes were dissolved in a soundless stupor. Her mind was impassive or maybe too many thoughts were running at the speed of light in her mind or maybe only one thought was running in the imaginary circular pitch of her mind or maybe he mind had finally shut down because it couldn't take it anymore. She couldn't decide. She couldn't even speak let alone formulate a coherent sentence to calm herself. She got up and walked towards something and hugged onto a bunch of her clothes. She walked back, opened her suitcase and carelessly threw all her clothes in. She didn't comprehend anything… still. In the next minute, the situation dawns of her and she starts to hyperventilate while clutching onto her toiletries sitting on the dresser. She isn't able to make the trip back to her bed because by now she is shaking… with anger or pain… she isn't sure. Her stuff falls back onto the floor and she slumps against the foot of the bed and slides down onto the floor. She realizes that she is going to faint soon so she puts her head in between her legs and tries to calm herself. With calmness comes more questions and anger, and she is again on her toes, and rushes towards the cupboard. She needs to get out of there, and so she throws her clothes into the suitcase. She is doing and everything and yet nothing at the same time. Her room is a mess now. She throws her toiletries into the suitcase as well.

Her eyes flicker to the deep brown parchment sticking out of the pocket of the suitcase and she instantly grabbed it. The front read:

The Gill Family is honoured to announce the soulful union of their son

Akash Gill

With the beloved daughter of the Sehgal Family

Payal Sehgal

"Gill, Gill, he is a Gill… where does this Raizada bullshit came from?" she muttered and bloody angry from the sudden turn of events. She ripped the card into two and exasperatedly threw it away. "What the f**k!" she cursed, and she rarely cursed. Arnav Singh Raizada. Three words in the past had twisted her world. He isn't supposed to be here. He was hypothetical. He was non-existent. He was fictional. He was made belief. He was her past. He wasn't supposed to turn up in her present. He was a past tense. Tears of frustration oozed out of her brown eyes. Pain finally shot through her entire right leg so much as to remind her to sit before she permanently fractured her ankle. "Shit, shit, shit."

The knock on her door brings her out of her cursing spree.

"Who is it?" she yelled ran her hand through her already disheveled hair. "It's me, Anjali," a voice heavy with a British accent said. Khushi knew that it was more pronounced when Anjali was guilty or feeling uncomfortable.

"It is bloody open," she spoke with as much calmness as she could muster at this point. But, her tone still came out spiked with bitterness. The door creaked a bit but Anjali finally pushed it open.

"Khu…" but her voice halted as she took the surroundings of the room. Khushi peeked over at Anjali but right now, she was livid and angry and she felt betrayal.

"Are you alright?" Anjali uttered as she came and perched herself next to her best friend. "Bloody, f**ken, jolly good." Her voice was dripping in sarcasm.

"I am sorry about your ankle, I suppose everyone just got a bit excited after seeing my brother," Anjali murmured and looked straight ahead. "And," she chanced a look at Khushi, who was gritting her teeth, "I suppose, I am sorry that I hid the truth from you… but in my defense, I said I am somewhat rich."

Khushi flashed Anjali an I-don't-believe-that-you-are-trying-to-justify-this-situation look. "Anjali, there is bloody difference in being somewhat rich and being the sister of one of the top ten billionaires in world on the Forbes list." Khushi stated and for a moment her old self emerged back. This information was embedded in her brain. "I know, but I really didn't think you act like this, I mean I thought you would be shocked but not to the point where you are oozing anger." Anjali said in a hushed tone. "I didn't want to tell you during my stay at Stanford because all my life I have been used just because I am rich. I never had people who were genuinely interested in being friends with me. I mean that's why I chose a school so far away and that is exactly why I opted to go with 'Singh' instead of 'Raizada'."

After getting no response from Khushi, Anjali continued, "I really don't think I have ever felt like I have friends since they all wanted me for money or for other purposes. I was never a regular kid, and that is exactly why I have avoided being seen in public. But I don't get why you are angry?" Anjali stated in a matter of fact tone.

Khushi thawed after hearing the happy go lucky girl confess how blatantly she had been used for mere purposes associated with money. She felt horrible for her best friend. However, her last question staggered Khushi. How could she ever explain to her best friend why she was reacting so peculiar about seeing her brother? She was ashamed of her past. She could never utter anything about that. It was locked away in some dusty corner of her brain. "Uh, I am sorry… I guess you didn't say anything about being associated with someone like Ar… I mean, your brother so I am just frazzled whether there is any other skeleton you are hiding in your closet." Khushi glimpsed at her friend and instantly felt sorry for her. "I am not hiding anything… well all the tricks are out of the bag," Anjali stated and peered over at Khushi.

Khushi smiled at her friend, and somewhat understanding her predicament. She also had buried skeletons in her own closet as well. "I just need some time; my ankle is just sore right now and I need to wrap my head around … things."

Anjali opened her mouth to speak but Khushi held her arm and cut her, "I am not mad, trust me, I just want to rest my ankle and because everyone seems to be busy with the wedding and not to mention the house is being decorated, I don't want to impose. I'll just stay here for tonight." Khushi squeezed Anjali's arm in assurance. She needed some time alone and her ankle was finally throbbing. Anjali didn't push it further and she stood up.

Anjali eyed the room but Khushi lied, "I was looking for a pain killer medicine, I brought it along… I just couldn't find it," she forced a laugh. "Well, let me help you clean it up and then I can send some medicine up."

------

7.54 PM, Gotts Park Mansion House, Leeds, England

The dining table was buzzing with loud voices over lapping each other. The table had more than 30 people seated around it and it stretched in the middle of room. Cringing at the wedding atmosphere, Arnav tried maneuver his way towards the empty chair next to his girlfriend. Dressed in plain, cotton white T-Shirt and black silk pants along with black Nike slippers, Arnav shook his wet hair. He plopped himself on the chair and piled food onto his plate. He was rather hungry and completely ignored the questions being thrown his way with an annoyed look. "Lavanya, how nice of you to join us for the wedding," his nani began. "Yes, Lavanya, you are so very welcome," his aunt added on and looked at him. He gave her an annoyed look because he knew what the next question was 'when are you making it official and putting a ring on it'. However, Anjali skipped into the room and averted her attention. "She says she is fine upstairs." Anjali stated and plonked herself on the chair in front of him. His eyebrows shot up in curiosity and his fork dipped in pasta stopped halfway.

"Well, poor thing must have been in pain… I will go check on her later," said his aunt with motherly affection that she only reserved for him or his siblings. "I'll have the cook send up ice cream as well," she continued. His curiosity perked up slightly and he wondered how this mere mortal could gel with his family so quick. He had overheard his aunt's discussion with his uncle. He learned that Khushi had just flown here two days back. She must have something in her to have his family worry and fret over her like this, he considered. Shrugging his head, he continued to savour the pasta and wine.

"ASR, I am feeling tired, I think I'll retire into my room," Lavanya whispered into his ear. He peeked over at her, slightly irritated at her lack of effort to bond with his family. Though, he understood that she was uncomfortable. "Alright," he nodded his head. She excused herself from dining hall.

----

It was the first of many strings of nights when Khushi had the nightmare that plagued her years back. It was pitch black and Khushi was running around in slick snow. Then, she fell and hit a sharp glass. Blood oozed out of her arm and she picked herself off the ground only to get knocked down by a force. However, this time, she felt a pair of arms encircle her waist and an all too familiar scent filled her senses. She looked back up and gazed into the entity's eyes. All she witnessed were red orbs livid with rage. Then she woke up.

----

8.30 AM, Gotts Park Mansion House, Leeds, England

A knock sounded and Arnav looked up from his laptop. The door to the library suddenly flew open and Akash walked in. Still in his night wear, he rubbed his eyes and made his way towards the desk Arnav was situated on. His leg collided with the dark brown mahogany desk and an 'urgh' sound escaped past his lips. Annoyed at being disturbed, Arnav uttered, "What are you doing here, mate?"

"Do not ask… my laptop isn't picking up the Wi-Fi connection… it is so damn frustrating. On top of that, Payal has pestered me to check on our gift registration that for some weird reason will not work on my phone." Akash scratched his head.

Arnav raised his right eye brow and gave a 'W*F' look to his half asleep brother. He shook his head slightly and resumed to check his email. When he looked up, Akash was passed out on sofa lined against the wall. He rolled his eyes and right when was about to switch his gaze back to his laptop, his asleep brother's furious fianc came charging into the library. He just motioned his head towards the sofa and chuckled at Akash's piercing scream. "Get up you bear," she screamed and continued, "I will not be marrying you in five days, if you don't get up this instant and help me."

"Payal, sweetheart, you won't have anyone to marry if you don't let me sleep, and I just don't mean it now… I mean all night long as well." Arnav's head shot up and he threw Payal an amused expression. She had turned beetroot red but now had resorted onto hitting Akash but for safe keeping, she clamped his mouth shut with her hand. He shook his head and was about to resume his task when another knock sounded. He was now irritated and it wasn't even past 9 am. He looked up to see his girlfriend blocking the doorway. "Can I talk to you?" she asked meekly.

He nodded his head and followed her out leaving behind an injured brother and a fuming friend.

----

9.48 AM, Gotts Park Mansion House, Leeds, England

Khushi sat on the ledge of her room window and gazed out while gnawing her nails with her teeth. After her sudden nightmare, she had made sure to stay awake. She was too afraid to go back to sleep. It had taken her an entire month to deal with her nightmares last time. She only knew that this time, it was different. Every other time, Khushi was running and bleeding but no one ever caught her. This time, someone did. She had no idea who the monster was or why had he caught her in the first place.

She also knew that it was because her worst fear had stood in front of her. Her worst fear was living, breathing in the same house as her. She shuddered and was thankful that she had no idea where his room was. Could she avoid him forever and stay put in this room? No, she knew that. Should she leave from here after faking an excuse? No, she knew that as much as she would like to leave, she wanted to stay at this amazing mansion in this beautiful country and with these warm hearted people. She should face it. Him. Her fear.

Yes, she should face him and get rid of the fear that resided somewhere in her mind. Yes, she should clear out that space for some new memories.

She did not wish to open up that can of worms too much. Her stomach also had similar plans and growled. She realized that she was starving. Quickly, she brushed and dressed herself in her grey sweats and loose off the shoulder green shirt, she pushed her feet into her black UGGS. Her ankle felt much better now so she skipped down the stairs.

----

Arnav waited patiently as Lavanya apologized to his Nani and hugged her. Then his aunt, and then his aunt's mother and then so on and so forth. Was this some sort of a hug fest, he muttered. Lavanya had received a call last night informing of a last minute shoot since the reel she had just shot for Vogue UK was accidentally damaged. The issue was on the brink of release and she was summoned immediately to re-shoot her entire spread. Arnav was very nonchalant about it because when it came to work, he was a perfectionist and sought that same in others. After ten minutes of hugging, he was thankful to see her move towards him. Other's quickly left them alone and retreated back into the living room while Arnav walked her down the steps towards the car.

"I am sorry that I have to leave," she mumbled and hugged him. He patted her back lightly. "It is fine, and don't worry, no one is mad about it."

"I know, I suppose, but you will miss me, yeah?" she untangled them and looked straight into his eyes. He simply smiled at her and kissed her cheek.

Khushi heard the car engine rev and she slowed her pace. Was Payal already leaving for shopping like she had discussed with Khushi? Khushi immediately felt bad for locking herself away in her room, and shrugging off anybody who came to see her, including Payal. She wanted to catch Payal and apologize so she ran down the steps and through the living room towards the front door.

Arnav kissed Lavanya's cheek one last time but before he could pull away, Lavanya latched her lips onto his. This was the exact moment Khushi chose to enter. She stopped dead in her tracks when she saw them buried into each other's embrace, their lips latched onto each other. Her eyes widened and an unknown feeling engulfed her insides. Her face blanched.

When Arnav pulled back from the sudden kiss, he could see the satisfied smile on his girlfriend's lips. He did not wish to hamper her already down spirit, so he smiled, opened the car door and waved as the car drove down towards the iron gates, and finally pull out.

The fact that he had held the door for his girlfriend surprised Khushi. At least, he has some manners, she snorted. By the time she looked back up, she could see a startled look grip his face. He raised his eyebrows as if he was alarmed by her presence. She simply despised any sort of emotions associated with the man in front of her. She was furious with herself for letting him seep into her thoughts like that. On cue, she rolled her eyes and gave him a loathing look and disappeared back into the house. Immediately, Arnav was struck with a strong spell of curiosity at the perturbed behavior this creature called Khushi was exhibiting.