ArShiFF: The Dawn of the Dawn - Thread 2 - COMPLETED - Page 13

Originally posted by: starsarun

I think 24 hrs are over..
Yeah they are over. Bas! Now its Update time!! :p

Originally posted by: arnkhunostalgic

aaj update milega?

Originally posted by: chetna19

shayd...stalking...😛

Yes Update is coming up...Give me an hour or two, doing some final edits.

Originally posted by: deepthiya

Yes Update is coming up...Give me an hour or two, doing some final edits.

Yipee. But beware Di. We are stalking...

Chapter 11

Arnav, This this is not right.

He looked at her still holding her face in his palms. Her words This is wrong echoed in his mind and he stepped back taking his hands off her face. He looked at her one final time and walked away from the place.

Khushi followed him to the terrace. She couldnt see him dejected or upset. Its been like that ever since they became buddies in the college. She too got carried away with him in such weak moment and she felt she is equally responsible for whatever happened moments ago between them. She followed him to make sure he is okay and wanted to apologize if she has given him any wrong signals.

Arnav is not in a better state either. He fisted his palms and hit the parapet wall venting out his feelings that are lately becoming uncontrollable and uninviting. More he wanna be away from her, closer his heart is reaching for her. He heard the tinkling sound of her anklets approaching closer. He closed his eyes to control his frustration and wrath on himself.

Arnav...Khushi called him in feeble tone.

He did not turn around to face her. He stood silent with his eyes shut tightly. He didnt wanna face her. He is embarrassed to even see her after what he tried to do and on top of that his ego is hurt real bad when she stopped him saying its wrong.

Arnav...I...I...am... Khushi couldnt say anything further. She is too embarrassed and terrified at the same time imaging how he is going to react if she raises the topic again. She never felt different about him until few moments ago but it was not her mistake. She couldnt resist his intent gaze followed by his ever so tender touch. She was never touched by anyone so featherly yet passionately. She waited for him to turn around. But he did not. She took few steps past him and turned around to face him.

He looked at her over his eye corners and said please leave me alone Khushi and he immediately looked away.

Khushi stood in front of him and for the first time ever, she observed him from head to toe. She then remembered that she forgot to even look at him or acknowledge him in his best clothes on their special night. Not that they had any such agreement.

Arnav, woh, I didnt mean...I am..Arnav...She stuttered.

Chale jao Khushi. [[Go away Khushi]] He said authoritatively.

Arnav, lis...

Suna nahi? I said get the hell outta here. He yelled at her squeezing her arms in his firm grip.

She looked at him painfully, as tears flooded through her lids.

You did the same thing 8 years ago. She said with choked voice.

He immediately removed his hands from her and took step backward.

Aur aaj bhi? [[And even today?]]

He turned away unable to meet her eyes.

She didnt give up. She walked past him and challenged him to answer.

I understand your reasons for today. But what was my mistake 8 years ago, that you didnt care to reply to even single email?

He just stood there blankly unable to decide himself what reason he should give. The known fact is that he wasn't aware of her emails but had he checked them on time, what is the guarantee that he would have replied. He is not sure of that either. He stood there in silence battling himself with his inner turmoil.

Thats when Payal came searching for Khushi.

Cookie, I have been looking for you eve... Cookie, what happened? Why are you crying?

Arnav turned away from them and Khushi faked the smile at Payal.

Arnav told me a PJ and I couldnt control laughing. She tried to put up smiling face.

Arnav looked at Khushi with shocked expression on his face.

Are you sure? Payal asked stilll not convinced.

Ofcourse, Arnav why dont you say something.

He just acknowledged with a nod.

Chalo then, you guys need to get ready fast. Panditji is calling.

Khushi walked away with Payal, without turning back.

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In Khushi's room, Payal and few other ladies were helping Khushi to get ready. Garima entered the room and swirl her hands around Khushi warding off the evil eye. Controlling her tears, Garima kissed Khushi's forehead and blessed her. She asked everyone to leave them alone for few mins.

Khushi, are you alright?

Khushi nodded yes on the verge of crying seeing her mom emotional.

Garima took Khushi's hand in her hand and kissed. I cant believe you have grown up so fast. I still remember those days when you used to say, Amma paani yaayiye! Garima chuckled. You never got that straight. Listen Khushi, You will now have your own family, your husband, your kids. A small world yet better than heaven. Its going to be all yours, either you make it or break it. You and Arnav will be responsible for every decision you make. So accept each other negatives more than positives. Hmmm?

Khushi nodded unable to talk anything, as volcano of emotions heaped up inside her.

I wonder how our days are going to be without you. We are going you to miss you.

Khushi started crying and hugged Garima.

Silly girl. Nothing to be worried. He will take care of you very well. Otherwise, I will bring my daughter back. But I know that day will never come. He is god's send. Thats what your papa says. Now stop crying. You are ruining your makeup.

Amma, if I have done anything wrong. I am sorry. Just know that I had to because I was left with no other options.

What are you saying about?

Nothing, aise hi, in case I hurt you and papa.

I admit that you have grown up fast but that doesnt mean that you talk big stuff. You are thinking too much. Enjoy the moment. This happens only once in lifetime. I understand its very difficult for you to accept Arnav at this point, but at the same time I know you wont fail us.

The more Garima talked about them and Arnav, more Khushi cried. She is going to leave all of them in few hours. Will they have same feelings for her after they come to know of her plans. Definitely not.

Hurry up soon, your angry man must be waiting for you. Khushi's nose and cheeks flushed red hearing that someone is waiting to take her hand. Its new and very different feeling from what they both shared in college. Her emotions started taking toll confusing her feelings towards Arnav and NK. She just wanted to get over with this soon and go away from everyone.

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Panditji started chanting mantras and Arnav stood waiting for his bride.

Its pouring heavily outside. I heard some roads are closed.. I guess you will have to spend your first night here. Do you want me to decorate any room here? Akash teased.

Cut it Akash.

What? I am just prepping you up man.

No thanks. I am better off without your stupid ideas.

Oh achhaa, I got the point. First night in the rain, huh?

Akash, stop it before I kick you outta here.

Ok sorry I am just teasing you. By the way are you tensed? Akash whispered in Arnav's ears.

No I am fine. Came a cold reply from Arnav.

How is this possible man? How can you be so cool about it? You are going to lose your freedom in few mins. Arent you sad?

I dont do anything that you do. So I dont have to feel that I am losing my life.

No doubt bro. You are smitten.

What?

You have to check yourself with doctor.

Shut Up Akash. What rubbish?

There you go, your doctor to mend your heart! He pointed to Khushi descending stairs.

Arnav couldnt take his eyes off of her. She looked like goddess shown in portraits. She took steps slowly down the stairs with her eyes lowered. His lips parted in awe of her. Sweat pearls appeared on his forehead evidently showing his nervousness. For the first time he felt nervous seeing her and he wondered if he will ever be able to handle her princely beauty gently and with immense care.

Yesterday he was a bit perturbed by her following the tradition of not showing her face until the moment when she shows up on the mandap. Now as she walked each step towards him, he thought its all worth it. He mentally thanked her for hiding her face yesterday, he wondered how he would have controlled his urge to touch her, otherwise.

And the moment came, she finally closed the distance between them and stood right infront of him in all her beauty and radiance. He looked at her thoroughly which is when he noticed she wore the lehenga of his choice. Proud smile crept up on his lips and at the same confusing his thoughts.

Why did she wear my choice? She wanna go away from me yet she is making it difficult for me to let her go. He mentally peeved.

Garima passed on the jaimalas to both. Khushi trembled with fear as she took the garland in her hand. The fact that she is entering into this marriage agreement with none other than her once best friend, built up flood of emotions inside her. She is going to leave him soon after as if nothing changed in their life. But world will know her as Mrs. Raizada. Forget about the world, her heart will tag her as Mrs. Raizada. Will she be able to live her life with NK as Mrs. Raizada. She had no answer but to cry over her crisis.

Every eye is on her as she settled herself in front of him, ready for jaimala. Gush of emotions built up inside him beyond words could describe. He couldnt handle it anymore and struggled to be normal. Dad, please help me. Dont let me lose my composure. I need your help Dad. She doesnt belong to me. She doesnt belong you Arnav, get a grip. He closed his eyes and tried his best to bury all his nervousness, fear of losing her, unexplained emotions everything inside him.

Dammit Arnav, she is just a girl. You agreed for this to get the property. Dont lose it. He reminded himself. He put the garland around her neck and he noticed tiny drops falling from her eyes. She is emotional. He could sense that but the reason is beyond his understanding.

She was about to put garland on him and she remembered him warning her to look into his eyes in the engagement ceremony. And she did this time as she was told. She raised her beautiful brown eyes filled with tears and met his gaze as she made him wear it.

It was painful for him to watch her in tears. He lowered his head and eyes apologetically.

They were made to sit to carry on further rituals.

Khushi is totally blown away as the reality kicked in. She thought its going to be easy for her. But the moment her parents did the kanyadaan leaving her hand in Arnav's tore her. There were many moments she hated her parents for silly issues like any other kid but soon she will be leaving them for good, deceiving all their love and affection.

Arnav understood her pain because no one else will know better the pain of losing parents but him. He couldnt help but squeeze her palm in his, assuring that everything will be alright. She appreciated his gesture with sweet smile.

Pandit asked Arnav to tie mangalsutra. Arnav hands started trembling.

Khushi is in no better situation. She squeezed her dupatta in her palms nervously.

Sarva-mangala-mangalye Shive

sarvartha-sadhike;

sharanye Tryambake Gauri

Narayani namo'stu te.

Arnav tied mangalsutra around her neck while she struggled hard to hold her tears.

Then he put sindoor while she kept looking at him asking many questions through her eyes. She mentally asked, What have we done Arnav?

He responded with little hope in his eyes, Dont ask me Khushi, but it feels so right. He answered as his eyes smiled at her.

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Khushi's luggage is loaded into Arnav's car ready to leave. Akash and Payal came to Arnav to ask if they need any help setting up at his house. He assured them that they will be fine and asked them leave as the weather is not co-operating.

Khushi held onto her dad's arm and sobbed all her heart out.

Bitiya, dont make it difficult for us. We all live closeby and you have nothing to fear about. We will meet often, infact if you invite I dont mind coming everyday for lunch. Shashi tried to her ease her pain.

Khushi just nodded while Arnav watched them from the car.

Shashi, aap bhi na. Chodiye Ji. Its time for them to leave. The weather is not good. Khushi, we will meet you in 2 days for pagphera rasam, OK? Now give us that cute smile.

You take care and Arnav too.

Shashi walked to Arnav and held his hands and asked, I know I dont have to say this to you but as a father I couldnt stop myself, please take care of her.

He couldnt say anything assuring him. He remained silent nodding subtly.

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Its been 10mins since they left Guptas and there is no sign of stopping her sobs. He is frustrated because he couldnt help her come out of it. Finally he gave up and tried to talk nicely with her.

Tum teek ho? [[are you alright]]

She nodded No, which made him smile.

Listen Everything will be alright.

She nodded no again.

You made the decision, now whats the problem?

She nodded no again crying.

He didnt know how to console her.

Ab main kya boloon? How do I console you? He smarted.

She smiled at his frustration and then she took out papers from her bag.

Papa gave me these papers. She handed over the papers to him.

Just then driver drove the car into chuckhole filled with water.

Careful Vijay. Arnav warned him and took the papers from Khushi's hand.

Those are the property papers and all signed by Khushi, on each sheet.

This is what you wanted right? She asked him.

He read her carefully for few secs and said, Yes that is ALL I wanted.

Where is he waiting for you? He asked about NK.

Himayat nagar.

He took out another set of papers from the envelope and gave her. She knew what those were.

Divorce papers, as you demanded. he handed over to her with subtle anger and pain in his voice.

He continued, I have signed all papers. You can sign it but you have to wait for 6months to file it as per law.

She nodded looking down.

He couldnt take his eyes off of her and she couldnt meet his eyes in guilt.

Use my address for any correspondence, otherwise it might become issue when you file for divorce. Per law, we should be living together at least for six months.

She nodded Yes and she couldnt say anything to him...

Vijay, water level is high in himayat nagar. Drive carefully. After brief moment, he said, Stop the car here. He looked at Khushi and said...Good Bye after looking at her intently for one last time.

Where are you going?

He just looked at her blank.

Wont you drop me?

Hamara rishta yehi tak hai.

He stormed out of the car and walked across the street totally drenched in rain water and got into his car that is already waiting for him.

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She felt sad for leaving him. She dint know if she is going to be happy with NK or sad that she is going away from Arnav. She cursed herself for not even thanking him for making all this possible for her. She began to tremble inside and she just wanted to burst out crying. She didnt know if she is losing or gaining her life.

He couldnt take it anymore. He leaned his head against the seat and closed his eyes in pain. The tears burst forth and his body shook. It is supposed to be such a priceless moment in anybody's life but it turned out to be painful one for him. Dad, Help me please.

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Khushi almost reached the meeting point where NK is waiting for her. But they put on board not to go on those roads as the water pipes broke and the rain water flooded the streets. Driver tried to explain but Khushi insisted to go through the roads as NK will be waiting for her. She forgot her cell phone and when she tried to contact through driver's phone, he did not pick up and so Khushi had to risk and push herself into danger. But Khushi is very scared of water. Though it is safe in the car, she started panicking as the water level started increasing with each feet.

Much to her fate, vijay drove the car into pit hole and the car got stuck without moving further. Khushi could see NK 20 feet distance waiting for her in cafe on first floor but before she could get down, water level started increasing rapidly. All the cars around started getting pulled downstream. She called out NK to help, but he remained where he was.

Cookie, hang in there. I will try to get some help. He yelled from the other end.

NK, please come, I am scared. She started panicking crying harder. She pulled her feet up and sat on the seat. Meanwhile, Vijay called Arnav.

Are you out of your freaking mind?...didnt I tell you to drive carefully in that area.

Sir, but the roads were closed and she insisted to take this route..

Arnav then heard Khushi's noise, in the background crying.

NK, I am scared please come. Please come. She was going hysterical.

Without waiting another moment, Arnav took the control from the driver and drove fast to Khushi.

Sir, its not safe to go that side.

Its not goddammn river. Its just few feet of water.

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But when he arrived near the area, it was different situation. Much worse than he thought. He asked his driver to get down and he stopped the car and crawled up to the top. In few feet distance, he could see Khushi's car stranded in the pit hole. When the car almost passed by Khushi's car, he jumped onto it asked the driver to roll down the window.

Khushi started freaking out seeing Arnav dangling from the car in the water force.

Arnav slid into the car through the window and Khushi hugged him immediately in fear. Water almost reached upto their tummy level. Arnav dont leave me, please save me. Please save me. And she fainted.

Khushi? Khushi? He checked her pulse and she is breathing. He needed to act fast. He took Khushi dupatta and the katbandhan that she still had on. He tied them both and climbed up the car. A man from the floor yelled at Arnav.

Hey...Hey...Hey...throw here.

After several attempts, the man was able to get hold of the cloth. Arnav asked the driver to go first. After he was pulled out. Few men threw the cloth again to Arnav.

Arnav went inside the car, took out his sherwani and tied him and Khushi together by their waist. He then tied katbandhan to his wrists and opened the car door. They got hit by rough water and metal peices but the men upstairs were able to pull them just in time.

Its been an hour, since Arnav tried to wake up Khushi. He thought he lost her and started sobbing. He kissed her forehead and said that,

You are the only one I got Khushi. Please dont go. I cant live without you. Please Khushi, phir akela padhjaonga. Please Khushi, open your eyes. Open your eyes dammit. He shook her vigorously and she coughed up.

He immediately hugged her not letting her go. He then looked at her whole making sure she is safe.

Arnav..She called him feeble tone.

Shhh dont say a word.

Tum teek ho? She asked him.

He smiled at her. I should be the one to ask that. You scared me. He hugged her tightly.

Just then NK came running with someone.

Cookie, thank god. you are fine. you made it sweetheart. NK hugged her and NK was genuinely concerned and left to get some help.

Arnav immediately stepped back seeing NK and Khushi together.

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Next Update on Monday....What do you think will happen?

Author's note to clarify some things coming up soon...

Phew!! Waiting was worth. As update surely written brilliantly.
Arnav was rejected indirectly even before starting relationship with Khushi when NK introduced. He was furious then. For now he was rejected again by Khushi so he was furious. Coz by even having Payal and Aakash his sides, he still just think that he is alone. He have no one except khushi. He had lived all that yrs in loneliness.
When time came for Khushi to go, he knows he will not be able to see Khushi with another man so he left after hurting her thru his words.
But still he can't say that he don't love her. Coz he do still after knowing that Khushi never wanted to be with him. She treats him as his friend. So he came for her without caring for his life or say Khushi is his life.
I think now she will realize that Even NK don't care for her so much than Arnav does. Hope she will disagree to go with NK and left with Arnav.
Or may be I can hope NK say something bad ro Khushi Soo... :p
aise nahi toh vese hi sahi!!

res