Arshi SS Issaq Tera * completed on 24/9* - Page 11

Note - Hello friends. How are you all? I hope everything is going fine in life. Big thanks to you all for the likes and comments on last chapter. This is the last chapter of the story. Hope I did justice with every character of the story. Thanks for being with me in this small journey.

Warning - Some rona dhona ahead!

I am leaving for a long break on 29 September from IF. Take care okay. I was not following any story too from last week. Those who want to remove me from buddy list, they can.

Here is the last part and MY fingers crossed!!

But one thing that I never asked.. Erm... Please do click like and comment too. *pouting* I want to know the views from all of you. *puppy face*

Thank you.

Part A

After Dinner Arnav was on the way to his room, he reminded himself that now his room was not his only. It was their bedroom. He sees that Khushi was not in the room. Atharav was sleeping on the bed on left side. He smiled to himself and climbed on the bed. He can listen that shower was running in the bathroom which mean Khushi was in.

Khushi came out from washroom in her night clothes. She sees that Atharav was sleeping on the left side and Arnav was hugging him. It means she had to sleep on the right side beside Arnav.

'Haww.. Now whom will I hug while sleeping?' But then she reminded herself the promise. She took a deep breath and gets laid there only, beside Arnav.

Next morning Khushi found herself Hugging Arnav from behind. She stood up at the next second after realizing her position. She grabbed her clothes from her suitcase and ran into washroom. One thing she didn't realized was that she was all red. Blush was crept all over from her neck to face.

When Khushi got out of washroom, the scene before her made her smile. Arnav was tickling Atharav because of which Atharav was laughing hard and trying to stop him.

After some time from Khushi left for washroom, Arnav woke up. He sees that Atharav's eyes were moving slightly and his attentive position was also saying that he was not asleep. He knew that somehow he had to break the ice between them. He could take the first step. That's why he started teasing Atharav, sometimes blowing air on his neck or in his ear, sometimes tickling him.

That was same time when Khushi showed up. Arnav felt someone's eyes and he turned his head to see that Khushi was giving both of them admiring looks.

Khushi came out of trance when she caught Arnav's eyes. 'Err.. Good morning.' She stammered.

But Arnav replied in cheerful voice. 'Good morning.'

'Good morning Mumma...' Atharav too got the chance to ran out of Arnav's hold ran to Khushi and hugged her. 'Mumma I am going to wish Dadaji too.' Atharav ran out of room leaving them alone.

'I want to talk to you.'

'Yeah tell me what is it?' Arnav didn't know what she wanted to talk about but her next words surely made him jump though he controlled.

'Can we go out today for a while? I want us to talk alone.' Khushi asked while looking here and there. It was not easy for a girl to ask boy for going out.

'Out with Khushi, Alone. Wow!' Arnav was in his own thoughts. He even started making plans in his mind which makes Khushi raise her voice to make him come out of his dreamland.

'Yeah... I am fine.' 'I will talk to Ma. She can handle Avi. He is not going with us. Is he?' Arnav asked Khushi doubtfully.

'Obviously not! By us I mean you and me.' Khushi replied before frowning at him slightly for asking a silly question.

Arnav and Khushi were ready to leave. Since city was not new to them they decided to go for dinner. Khushi was wearing a pink saree. She wanted to wear something simple but couldn't able to deny her mother - in law on the second day of her marriage. Arnav was in his casuals.

Khushi fed Atharav food and tucked him in bed. Arnav was there only in the room making bed for him.

'Sleep well okay. Good night.' Khushi put on the quilt on Atharav and stoop up to take her purse while Arnav kissed his forehead.

'Take care Avi and good night.' Arnav wished him with a smile. In reply Atharav just hugged Arnav around his neck which was fully reciprocated by Arnav.

Arnav took Khushi to the resort where they had dined before too. He knew that their 'talks' for which they were out were not going to anywhere near romance so he thought for a friendly place. They both had come here many of times with Aakash and Payal but now being alone.

They had some starter and then dinner.

{Please don't ask me tell you that what they had in dinner. Dinner means Raat ka Khaana unhone bhi Raat mein Khaya!}

They were talking but not the ones they were out for. Khushi wanted to ask but she was not getting any start. Her questions were starting at job and were ending at Bangalore again and again. They started to take a walk on the nearby road.

'Do you like Bangalore?' Arnav asked her because topic of her questions.

'Excuse me?!'

'No... no, you are not excused. I think you love Bangalore. The way you are only talking about it. And moreover I am curious too.' 'Since you wanted to talk about Bangalore then why did you wanted us to go out? It is not like that I didn't wanted to go out. This is confusing and irritating too.' 'I mean what is there in Bangalore that you are keep asking again and again.' Arnav didn't realise what was he saying? He just kept continuing his rants. He had walked far from Khushi and she was standing behind away from him folding her holds below her chest with a stern look. But when he realized that he was walking alone and turned around to see Khushi, she was angrily walking towards him.

'No, you are wrong. I don't love Bangalore. Moreover I am not here even to talk about Bangalore.' Khushi was angry. She was already irritated with herself and when Arnav said that she is irritating him, she couldn't able to control herself.

Arnav's eyes were hooded to see Khushi so much angry. After coming back to Pune, he had seen frowning Khushi or scowling Khushi but angry.

'You want to know the reason for which I wanted us to go out. So tell me why did you marry me?' Khushi asked Arnav in same angry mood. They were standing at eye level.

Arnav never expected her to ask this. He thought it will go on like this but now maybe it was time to confront.

'No! I am not going to listen to your any excuse.' 'Tell me why did you marry me even after knowing that I am a single mother?' Khushi asked him again to which his reply shocked her to the core. She gasped and backed off away from him.

'So what if you were a single mother Khushi. Atharav was adopted anyways...' Arnav replied casually but didn't expect the outcome.

'What...?!' If Khushi was angry before then she was furious now. 'How dare you? He is my son Arnav. Dare you call him adopted?' She shouted. She was breathing heavily. She can never hear those words and let Atharav know the bitter truth. She turned around from Arnav. She was scared to say something wrong when she herself had no control over her emotions.

'Khushi you are taking me wrong.' Arnav came in the front of her to face her

'No! You just said he is ado... adopted. He...'

Arnav sees that Khushi was crying and trying to stop her sobs by covering her mouth with hands. Not being able to control he took her into his embrace. She tried to oppose but he didn't let her go.

'Oh! Khushi. You didn't noticed I said 'was'. Now he is my son Khushi.' 'Atharav is our son.' Arnav said while caressing Khushi's back to calm her. But she was crying hard and her tears were wetting Arnav's shirt.

'Don't say that again. I don't want Avi to realize this ever. He was only one Arnav who was with me, who loved me unconditionally and never pitied on me like others.' 'Never say this again please.' Khushi said while returning Arnav's hug.

'Never Khushi, I will never let him know this.' Arnav hugged her more tightly like he wanted to hide her from the whole word so that no one will be able to hurt her.

Kuch reshmi hai,

Kuch khurdara...

Abhi beh chala hai,

Abhi hai rukaa...

Hathon mein hai raith sa...

Issaq Tera

Arnav took Khushi to nearby stall and bought her a water bottle to drink for getting relaxed. They were sitting on roadside bench. Arnav was holding Khushi's hand while her head was resting his shoulder.

'How did you found Atharav Khushi?' Arnav asked Khushi. He knew she have to take out everything otherwise.

'I found him in hospital. He was crying and sitting alone. I was there in hospital. I asked him that who is he? But Atharav just knew his name. A two year child was alone and scared.' 'My heart goes to him. I asked hospital's authorities. They also didn't know about him. Then CCTV footage revealed that he came in ambulance with two dead bodies.'

'Bodies were burned in car and he was sitting around the car crying. So helpers took him too hospital. After talking to management of hospital, I took him home.' 'I waited for days about any news from hospital about any relatives but none came. They too burned the bodies after the post-mortem.'

Khushi took a deep breath and continued. 'Avi was always in silence. He does always obey my every word but never shared anything. I didn't gave him only shelter Arnav. I loved him and tried to everything I can do for him.' She said while looking into Arnav's eyes. He cupped her face and kissed on her forehead. This urged her to continue.

'I don't know how but police came to know about Atharav. I didn't have any legal papers or something about him. Atharav's answers were always in monosyllables. He just knew his name from start. That day when policemen tried to Atharav from our home, he shouted for me. That was the day he called me first time 'Mumma'.' There was a bright smile on Khushi's face while remembering that day.

*Flashback start*

An inspector was taking Atharav out of Khushi's room.

'No please... At least listen to me. I will adopt him soon. You need to know the actual thing. Please don't take him from here.' Khushi was pleading before them and trying to stop them from taking Atharav.

Atharav was crying. He suddenly shouted. 'Mumma!! Mumma please I don't want to go anywhere. Please mumma, I just want to be with you. Stop them Mumma...' He was crying bitterly while saying this.

*Flashback End*

'I fought with them Arnav and took Atharav back to home.' Khushi said while looking down on her lap. 'SP sir has told me that department will help me. I filled for adoption. He told me that they will start investigation; if no one still came for Atharav then only adoption procedure will proceeded. After two months of waiting, he became my son legally.' Khushi smiled a bright smile which lightens Arnav's face too who was lost in her only. She sighed and rested her head on his shoulder.

'But my question is still standing there Arnav. Why did you marry me?' Khushi turned to face him. She knew that she just needs to urge him and he will surely answer her.

Khushi's name was still there on Arnav's hand which he was caressing now. He was staring at his hands like every answer was written there only.

'Why did you left Pune so suddenly? You didn't even tell me once about your decision.' Khushi asked him further.

'It did matter to her Arnav.' He thought and tears glistened to his eyes.

'You were good friend of mine. At least I can expect this from my good friend.' Khushi tried to urge him to say something.

But Arnav was overwhelmed with his own inner turmoil. 'It did matter to her and I...'

Arnav and Khushi first time each other at the engagement party of Payal and Aakash. Though both lived on same town but never met before. Firstly Khushi was hesitant to even talk to Arnav but slowly they became friends because of company of Aakash and Payal. Whenever Payal and Aakash had to go out, they will always take Arnav and Khushi with them. Sometime they even pick Khushi from her college. Aakash was aware of Arnav's feelings so he tried to play was cupid but fate wanted some other thing then. Two innocent lives suffered because of one mistake!

'I love you Khushi. I loved you then. I love you now and will do ever...' Arnav whispered. He still didn't look up to Khushi. He didn't want to face her at least not at that time.

'Oh! You...' Khushi was shocked to know that but realization dawned upon her. She got up from bench. She was unable to hold herself but his words answered her every question.

'Oh My God. That is why you left Pune suddenly after my alliance. You... but you never said a word.'

Tears rolled down from eyes of both Arnav and Khushi.

'I... I am sorry Arnav. I...' Khushi was not able to stop her sobs from coming out.

Arnav got up at the same instant and covered the distance between them. He hugged her tight which was returned with same intensity. 'You are not in fault Khushi. You can never be in. It was our fate.'

But Khushi was crying bitterly again for him, for her for both of them.

Marriage was never in books of Khushi. But every time she sees Payal and Aakash together, her spirits go high. She had never seen any successful marriage so close and the incidents happened in her life never let her stand for this word. Garima and Shashi always do fight. Even once their fights reach till decision to take divorce. A 15 year old Khushi sees her parents fighting over one thing and another. When she asked the reason to her elder brother, her brother joked. They are married Khushi and marriage means fighting all life. Her brother didn't realize that words got struck in poor mind of small Khushi. After two years her brother left India to work in foreign country. He never came back and even called them. After few months he called to tell them that he got married so he can't came back. He wanted them to left India. But Shashi and Garima broke every tie with her bother. Khushi lost her brother's warmth like forever. That 17 year old Khushi took the reason Marriage behind the distance between her and her brother.

Please scroll down for Part B. 😊

Part B

'Please Khushi... Please don't cry.' Arnav cupped Khushi's face and kissed way her tears. 'No... no please...'

Khushi was breathing heavily due to so much crying. He made her drink water and hugged her again to calm her. Arnav made her sit on bench again and kneeled down before her. 'Please Khushi don't cry.'

'But Arnav...'

Arnav cut her off. 'No! You will not blame yourself. It is enough!' He told her in stern voice to which Khushi pouted cutely and looked on other side. He got up to sat on bench and hugged her from side.

Arnav too wanted to know that why that incident affected Khushi too much. He would have asked but now she had already cried too much. But he didn't need to say anything. Khushi herself answered his unasked questions.

'I trusted him. I had never liked marriages and relationships. But Payal Di and Akash jiju's marriage somewhere changed my mind. I agreed to Shlok's proposal. He was nice and genuine all along. He promised to be with me when I told him about Bhai.' 'But he betrayed me. He brutally broke the alliance in front of everyone on Mehandi day. His family accused Ma and Papa about our relationship with Bhai.' Khushi's face was showing every pain she had gone through at that time. But she was not crying anymore.

Arnav took her hands in him and kissed them. 'I am so much relieved Khushi. You know when I came six months ago here to see you then. You were not the same anymore. I thought you may be liked him that's why you looked hurt and broke beyond repair. I thou...'

Arnav was not able to complete because Khushi cut him off.

'No! No ways Arnav. I never had feelings for him. It is just like he proved my instincts about marriage right. And...'

'Ssh Khushi... Just stop here. I don't want to listen about this anymore. It is past and will never matter to me.' Arnav stopped her to talk anything about past. He didn't want to listen anything which hurt his Khushi. He just took her in his embrace.

When Arnav got to know about Khushi's alliance with Shlok, he was shattered. Aakash was hesitant to tell but he knew that Arnav deserves to know the truth. Arnav didn't asked Aakash anything beside one thing that was Khushi's feelings.

'She agreed for alliance?' Arnav asked Aakash in a small voice.

'I am sorry Arnav but...' Aakash came forward to hug him and comfort him but Arnav turned around and left. He got his answer. He cried and cried all night that day. His parents were tensed to see the state of Arnav. As they were supportive and caring, Arnav confided in them. In next two days, he was ready to leave Pune forever. He filled the form to make his course of MBA correspondence. He left to never come back. But God was not so cruel with him. He came back for the same person.

Khushi came out of embrace and looked in his eyes. 'But Arnav... I... erm.. I don't love you.' She said with so much innocence that Arnav really wanted to pull her cheeks to do coo-chi-coo. But he controlled himself.

'So what Khushi? I do love you.' 'It is enough for the time until... Umm... Yeah!' 'Until we plan for another baby.' Arnav said casually like he was asking for ice-cream. 'You know what Khushi I want baby out of love.' He continued holding her both hands. He looked all serious.

Khushi's eyes popped out on his last words. Her hands started trembling. Seeing her state Arnav started laughing loudly.

'Ooh! Khushi... It is still very easy to trap you.' He said while controlling himself. But Khushi was just pouting and looking here and there. Arnav grinned to see her blushing and hugged her.

'Let me go Arnav.' Khushi tried to push him but there was no change in the hold of Arnav.

'No!' 'No!' 'No!' Arnav smiled and inhaled the fruity fragrance from Khushi's hair, trying to fill his senses.

Tu mere main tere,

Samne jab talak!

Yeh zameen yeh falak,

Khoobsurat lage...

Kishat mein hai mili,

Aaj ki yeh Khushi,

Gin rakhe hain magar...

Kal ke Lamhe sabhiii...

Kuch derr tujhko bhi,

Tak lunga main...

Palkon ke talon mein rakh lunga main,

Hai subah ke khwab saa,

Issaq Tera...

'Argh! Arnav...' Khushi whined and pushed Arnav on his chest which let her go from him. But Arnav was really getting joy in teasing her. He gave her an open mouth Kiss on cheek.

'Eww.. chi! yuck!' Khushi wiped off her cheek and got up from bench startled.

'Amar I think we should call them. See the time. It is about midnight. At least we should know where are they stuck?' Asha asked Amar. She was tensed because Arnav and Khushi were out from last four hours. They didn't even call home to tell them that they will be late.

'No Asha. We can't call them like this. They are newly married and out for first time after marriage.'

'Let me take Avi in our room. Today he can sleep with us.' Amar replied to make her understand and left for Arnav's room to pick Atharav.

'Khushi stop! You should not waste water. Stop Khushi.' Arnav was hiding behind the car. He was not stopping his teasing-Khushi-program on one thing or another. Khushi was getting irritated. When they were on the way to car in Parking lot, Khushi got an idea. She started spilling water on Arnav from her bottle as her revenge.

'Now what Arnav? What's the big dee...al?' Khushi laughed. She knew Arnav that much. He always behaved like he had hydrophobia. Payal, Aakash and Khushi were used to tease him for this and ask him questions like he even take bath?

Later that night, they reached home around 12:30 am. They entered home leaving there pasts behind.

Friends do know how to walk behind yet together and a little touch of love only make them closer.

That was the selfless love of Arnav that bound them close in their present and future with the little trust in him from Khushi.

***************END**************

P.S. - Thank you for reading.

P.P.S. - I am disaster at writing romance. Jo aata hai voh IF ke wonderful writers ki hi den hai... Forgive me plz..

P.P.P.S - I did a small dance after writing Shlok as a bad person. You all know why??

Please read the note - https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/post/92728328

Since I am leaving on a long break, I cannot promise when I will be back but I want to tell everyone here that the journey till on IF was mixed. It was all a roller coaster ride for me.

One thing that I got from here is friends and my elder sisters. Thanks to SF Di, Astha Di, Avni Di, Hinu, Pooji, Anu, Cheeni, Zohu, Deepti Di, Sree ji, Gul ji, Nishu, Pavin 😉 Vanhi Di for being with me. Mujhe sehne ke liye shukriya!! *sigh* you all can also take a big sigh since I am going.

Take care,

Upasana or Gudiya ji or Appu or UKG or Star ji...⭐️

Hehehe I got so many names!! 😃

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