Chapter 14: Distance Makes The Heart Grow Fonder.
Khushi was sitting in her room and thinking about everything that happened that afternoon. 'Buaji made a mistake. It's nothing to fuss about. She judged Shyam too fast. My life would have been different. Very different. But did I truly want that life? I don't know. It's weird because these days I don't know a lot of things. Arnav always knows what he wants but I enter his life and create so much chaos that now even he doesn't know what he wants. I can't change what has happened but I can change what is going to happen. I will be happy. I deserve happiness and that's what everyone wants for me. I will make my decisions myself and do what I want to. Okay, so what do I want? Shit. I don't know. Do I want to get back with Shyam? No, I know that. After what he said and did I don't think I feel the same way about him. He never understood me really. But Arnav has. Whatever little time I spent with him, he understood me. He does. But does he want me anymore? That's the question. I think what I want is a new start with him. Even if he doesn't call me back I will do back. I will.' Khushi decided. Just then her phone rang. She smiled. "Hi." She said. "Hi," he replied. Both of them were happy listening to each other's voice after a long day. "How was your day?" Khushi asked. "It was normal only, was a little busy today but I am home." He said. "It's 8 o'clock Arnav." She pointed out. "I can't help it. Okay, I will work till 10 from tomorrow! Happy?" "No. I didn't mean that." She said immediately.
Arnav smiled. "What about your day?" he asked. "Mine was pretty eventful actually." She said. "I went to meet my college friends at Chai break and we talked for a few hours. It was so great catching up on each other's lives." She said smiling. "Hello?" she said to make sure he was there, "Yes, I'm listening." He said. "We talked about you, actually." She said, making an effort to open up, taking the first step. "Really? What did you say?" Arnav asked, eager to know. Khushi smiled again. "They were asking me about you. They've just read about you in the papers." She said. "Why don't you get them with you for a small vacation." He said after taking a long deep breath. He had just asked her to come back and he hoped with all his heart that she got the hint. She was speechless; her smile had just widened so much. "I'll ask them," she whispered. "You didn't tell me, what did you say?" he asked. "I just told them how you are..." she said slightly flushed. "And how is that?" he asked teasing her a little. "Uh-I-um-actually..." she said her eyes growing bigger. "Khushi," he said calmly, "What do you think about your husband? I want to know." He stated with a grin. "Something is wrong!" she laughed. "This is not you. The Arnav I know is calm and quiet and serious!" Khushi was stunned. She hadn't been gone a week and Arnav was a changed man already. Since when did he tease her? Since when did he freely share his feelings? "I told you I just need some time and space," he said softly. "And that is what you think of me?" he asked. Khushi smiled. He had a way of getting things out of people. She smiled even wider. Suddenly there were butterflies in her stomach and she had so much to say. "Actually, I think you are great." She said honestly, straight from the heart. Arnav's heart fluttered and that was all as silence dawned in on the phone.
"Arnav," she said, "I asked Buaji today. She told me." A small silence. Arnav's smile vanished and he heard intently. "She chose you because she thought you were better than him, you were better for me." She said. "That's not what I was looking for Khushi. I want to know what you want. I want to know how you feel? If you love him" he paused, "I will get you two married." He said firmly. "No Arnav. Whatever small confusion I had is gone. I want to come home." She said. Arnav's heart beat slowed and relaxed when she called this house her 'home'. Finally, he was tension-free. He wasn't insecure anymore. All this time he needed, all the thoughts in his mind, the questions, everything was over. He had got all his answers and that's all he wanted. He didn't need anything more than that. He trusted her blindly and he hoped that this time she wouldn't break his trust, his heart, because this time he may not be able to take it. "I'm waiting." He said softly.
"I am sorry Arnav." She said softly. "You wanted truth and loyalty and I couldn't give you either. I am sorry." She said. Arnav didn't know what to say. If she would be in front of him, he would have probably hugged her but now he didn't know what to say. He was at a loss for words. He could say I love you, but then he thought it was too soon. "It's fine. It's okay. We can start afresh," He said. Khushi and Arnav could just sit with the phone to their ear all day without saying a word. The presence was enough for them. But finally, Arnav said, "Goodnight, even you should sleep." He said. "Hmm, goodnight." She said getting inside her bed.
'Only I know how tough it was to say all of those things. It's not easy to open up when you've just been betrayed. I know I would be with her in a heartbeat even after everything. But opening up again, sharing again, trusting again, it's going to be tough. I don't know till what extent I'll be able to do it but we both are making an effort. I just wish she comes back soon...'
*
The next morning, Arnav sat alone at the breakfast table when the doorbell rang. He smiled. He wasn't sure who it was but was it Khushi? The chartered plane was in Kolkata only so was she home? Arnav tried to hide his excitement and anxiety but it was getting tougher. A maid opened the door and Arnav's excitement broke when he saw Mamiji enter the house. "Good morning Arnav!" she said coming inside. "Good morning Mamiji," he said smiling, "How are you?" he asked. "I am fine beta, I just thought I'd drop by and see how you're doing without Khushi. You were just too used to her so..." she trailed off. "Yes, I am awfully used to her being around, but it's fine, she'll be back in sometime." He said. "Good that you are happy. I was starting to think that something was wrong." She said sighing. Arnav weakly smiled. He missed Khushi. He wanted her to come back. "No Mamiji, we are good." "So how is work?" "It's great. Never better. We are just one tender away from being the no.1 fashion company in India. We now rank 45th in the world but soon I will change those too." Arnav said enthusiastically. "Just one tender?" she asked. "Just one." "Superb beta, I am so proud of you. I am sure you'll do great and this tender is yours." She said. "Thank you Mamiji." Arnav was so happy to receive that encouragement from Mamiji. He wanted this to happen so badly. No.1. That was Arnav's aim.
Meanwhile, Khushi too apologized to Buaji for questioning her judgement and for doubting her. Buaji smiled as she realized that her daughter had understood why she had chosen Arnav. Khushi told Buaji, "I think I'll be going back tomorrow." "No way!" Buaji said, "It's not even a week yet Khushi!" "Buaji, Arnav is alone in Mumbai. I--I--need to go back." She said. "So now you only care about your husband, is it? Your old Buaji is of no value?" she emotionally blackmailed her. "Buaji, I love you, and you know that. Fine tell me, till when do you want me to stay?" "Atleast another week..." Buaji said. "That is not possible!" she said. 'What if Arnav went back to being busy in office?' "Can I go back after 2 days?" she asked. Buaji sighed. "You will never listen, will you? Ok, go whenever you want but you have to come back soon!" she said. "I will visit soon Buaji and you should come to Mumbai." She said. "I don't think that will be possible anytime soon. I am planning to start a small restaurant with the money I've saved. You aren't going to be here and I'll be alone. I thought it would be nice to have people around and keep busy." She said. "Wow! Buaji, why didn't you tell me before? Started the work? Anything?" she asked. "Khushi, what do you think I've been doing for this 1 month when you've not been here?" "Can I please go see it?" she asked. "It's just started now Khushi. The building isn't even complete, you and Arnav will anyway have to come for the opening!" she said. "Ofcourse we will!" she said happily. She was so delighted with this news. She was so engrossed in her problems that she totally forgot about Buaji being alone here. She always admired Buaji. She was a self-made woman. She didn't need anyone to do something. She did it on her own and Buaji's cooking was just out of this world. Khushi had also learnt from her only.
*
'Khushi. Happiness. This cannot just be a co-incidence?' Arnav thought as he sat in bed, once again lost in her thoughts. 'I have always wanted to be happy, always wanted someone to care about. Khushi. That was all I wanted. That is all I want. I am glad she wants the same too. Atleast that's what she says. Khushi needs to grow up. She is so fickle minded. I hope she makes up her mind and I know. That's all. I just want to know. I want to know that I am needed, that she wants to be with me. That she loves me. I need to know that Mr. Oberoi is not a threat. I need to know that I don't need to feel insecure. I need to control myself and stand up for Khushi and myself. She needs someone who can protect her. I need to be stronger. I cannot be a liability when she counts on me.' Arnav thought. He had always been a humble person. He had never needed to stand up for something or claim something as his. He always earned it. But this time he couldn't risk it. He couldn't wait for Khushi to come to him always. He had to make an effort. He had to change for her. He loved her so much. He lay in bed for a long long time but sleep just didn't come.
*You know you're in love when you can't fall asleep because reality is finally better than your dreams.*
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Hope you enjoyed the update. Next update Thursday, 4th July.
Waiting for your feedback.
Love,
Manjari 😳
Seher Hone Ko Hai
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