ArHi FF[Complete] - Running From The Truth#3 Epilogue pg. 102 - Page 50

Her even breathing against his neck had notified him of the fact that she had finally fallen asleep, the soft inhale and exhale, the gentle clutch of her fingers curled around his forearm...

Khushi had finally delved deep into a slumber amidst all the worry, the desperation for everything to go smoothly in the lives that were interspersed with Khushi.

Arnav ran a gentle hand through her locks, gazing at her face as she snuggled closer into the nook of Arnav's neck. They had boarded a flight almost immediately last night after the news of Lavanya's condition, as he recalled back to the events.

As the car stopped in front of Buaji's house, Khushi did not wait for Arnav to come around and unfasten her seatbelt as he usually loved to do, she rushed out and entered the house with Arnav swiftly at her side. A muddled Buaji stood by the door sporting a slight frown, the lines of worry and confusion marring her face.

"Arnav babua? Titaliya? What's going on?" Buaji asked, watching as Khushi rushed past her and went straight to her room.

"Buaji..." Arnav caught her attention as he stood in front of her, her eyes moving away from Khushi's retreating figure to stare at him.

"What's going on? Where is Khushi...?" Madhumati looked alarmed as she waited for Arnav to answer.

And as he went on to tell her about what was happening back with the rest of his family, Madhumati listened, letting out a gasp when she heard about Lavanya's condition.

"That is terrible babua. Have faith in Devi Maiyya, she will set everything right." She sent a silent prayer above her as Arnav nodded.

"So, you must leave now? And Khushi..."

"I promise, I will take care of her while we are there. It will be fine." Arnav assured quickly, putting his hand on top of hers.

"I trust you Arnav...it is just..." Madhumati looked to the floor, recounting the events that had happened once upon a time ago in the Raizada mansion. Was it so bad that she was still doubtful of the rest of them? If they could treat her that way once...what would stop them from doing it twice?

"You have my word Buaji; I will not tolerate anything against Khushi." His tone had gone from distraught, to austere in a matter of moments, leaving Buaji without any more questioning thoughts.

"We will not stay long. A couple of days maximum, and then we will be back." He stated solemnly.

"Why only a couple of days?" Khushi interrupted as she emerged from her room in a simple T-shirt and jeans, and a bag slung on her shoulder.

"We do not need to stay long...just until things are settled there. I am sure everything will be fine with Lavanya, and then we can head back." He said in an obvious manner.

"This is because of me, isn't it?" She asked blatantly, her eyes searching into his. "You're scared that something might happen again..." She trailed off.

"Arnav babua is absolutely right. You don't need to stay there long." Buaji spoke in the midst of the slow tension that was being created between them.

"I thought we all forgave and forgot? This is your family Arnav..." Khushi started.

"My decision is final. Khushi, we have to catch a flight now. Let's go?" Arnav said without waiting as he fished for his keys in his pocket and then looked to Madhumati. "We will be back soon. Take care Buaji."

She smiled sincerely at him, sensations and waves of guilt flowing through her as she recalled how wrong she had been about him for so long. "You too."

Khushi said a quick goodbye to her aunt, and then shuffled past Arnav without another word or glance. She was visibly upset with his decision, and although Arnav had tried talking to her, she refused and kept to herself the entire way there. When they had finally reached Arnav's private jet, she had taken her seat and stared out the window for a very long time, not acknowledging Arnav at all. Moments later, he had felt her head resting on his shoulder as she fell into a deep sleep.

Clearly, he had not done a very thorough job at being gentle when he touched her, because she began stirring soon after, her lids fluttering open as she looked around dazed. She closed her eyes once more before opening them again and then removed her body from where she had been snuggling close to Arnav's, as if recalling that she was upset with him.

She glanced at him wordlessly, conveying what she could with her stare, while he responded with his.

"Still upset?" He asked as he leaned back against his seat, tilting his head in her direction to his left.

"Yes." She said, looking out the window once more.

"Will you listen to what I have to say at least?" He asked, reaching for her hand and entwining their fingers together, taking pleasure in the way that she could not relent.

"What's the point? Your decision is final." She rolled her eyes.

He let the automatic small smile form on his face. "Khushi, please?"

"Fine." She looked at his with a sigh and raised an eyebrow as she waited.

"I have forgiven and forgotten. We aren't staying long due to the fact that I don't trust my family. I'm just...not ready to share you yet."

When she frowned, he continued. "We have much more freedom here. Look at how well we've been doing so far Khushi. How happy we both are? I don't want to let go of that. I'm not saying we won't be happy if we go back to New York, but back there it won't be just the two of us. There will be the rest of my family. So no, this isn't about what you are thinking about...but it still is about you." He smiled. "Do you understand what I'm trying to say?"

She nodded slowly. "So...you're not upset with them anymore?"

"No, I'm not." He assured with a genuine smile.

She let out a breath, and tightened her hold on his fingers. "I'm sorry, I overreacted. You're right...I didn't really think about it, but I'm not ready to leave all that either." She admitted. "I've just really missed your family Arnav. They've treated me like their own for so long, that I can't be upset with them."

"I know." He sighed. "If everyone was as forgiving as you, I wonder what the world would come to."

"I guess that's why I'm one of a kind." She shrugged smugly, causing Arnav to chuckle and catch her chin between his fingers, placing a sound kiss on her mouth. "Well I do like things unique. Why do you think I'm keeping you?"

"And here I thought you loved me..." Khushi muttered in mock anger, giggling slightly when Arnav leaned over to place a kiss on her neck.

Satisfied upon seeing the small amount of happiness amidst her worry, he allowed Khushi to reach over for his hand and grip his fingers in silent fear after the laughter had diminished. They knew they could both only hope for the best.

--------

With their hands locked together, they entered through the hospital doors, rushing past the crowds of people around them. Khushi had pulled out her phone at this point, asking Anjali where exactly they were, and once they found the exact floor, they were met with an achromatic gloom of the hallway, and the lone chairs that rested there for those who were to wait. NK was one of them, and they found him sitting on his own, his head in his hands and his shoulders visibly slumped.

Both Khushi and Arnav glanced at one another before looking back at his figure, taking hesitant steps towards him. He must have sensed them from his peripheral vision, because he looked up almost immediately and stood on his feet staring at them with an unfathomable expression. He looked exhausted; his eyes were heavy with sleep deprivation. The worst fears had been rooted into Khushi's mind at this point, and she waited with bated breath.

A sigh of relief left NK's lips as he strode forward and engulfed both Arnav and Khushi in a tight hug, resting his head on both of their shoulders. Both Khushi and Arnav stilled at this point, wondering what had truly happened.

"They're okay. Lavanya and the baby..." He pulled back to look at them with moist eyes. "They're both fine! The doctors were able to save both." He grinned through tears, and both Khushi and Arnav let out the breaths they had been holding in.

"Gosh, NK that's amazing news!" Khushi gushed happily, squeezing Arnav's hand in the midst. "We were so worried..."

"I know, I know. I mean, Lavanya had to go through a lot but...she's so strong and they both made it." NK shook his head and ran a hand through his hair, "I can't believe it. I only saw a glimpse of her...she so tiny and -" He suddenly looked up as if realization had hit him.

"I'm so sorry I haven't even greeted you both properly! Hi you guys!" He grinned going in for another hug, smiling warmly when they both hugged him back.

"Thank you both for coming. I'm so happy that the whole family is here!" He sighed joyfully.

A sense of contentment ran over Khushi, the last time she had seen him he was the exact opposite. He had finally changed - and for the better. He was no more the quiet, sulking NK that circumstances had changed him into; he was his jovial and happy self.

"Do you want to see them? I had to leave the room for some moments; I was just a bit overwhelmed." He explained. "But everyone else is in there with Lavanya. The nurse should bring Anya out any moment!" He said enthusiastically.

"Anya? Is that what you named her?" Khushi smiled with exuberance, and he nodded, continuing his chatter making Khushi laugh and grin from time to time during their walk to Lavanya's hospital room. Arnav's own smile had formed seeing the elation on her face - it was the joy of being reunited with a good friend after a long time.

--------

It was a feeling NK could not explain...a mixture of awe, love, pride, fear, exhaustion and much more. It was an overwhelming and soul consuming feeling. He was finally holding his baby. He counted the five fingers and five toes. From the dark hair on her small head, to the almond shaped eyes - she looked just like Lavanya. She was the most beautiful creature he had encountered.

She was the most familiar stranger he had ever met. She was his. Theirs.

He took a glance around the room to where the entire family had gathered only moments ago, and saw that the room only had himself, their baby and Lavanya inside. They must have left at some point while he was entranced with his little girl, wanting to give him and his little family some privacy. Lavanya stared at him, a mixture of hesitation, exhaustion and love. Her eyes were tired, her face was a bit paler but he could still see the eagerness she had.

"Isn't she the most beautiful thing ever?" He asked, sitting beside her on the edge of the bed where she half sat and half lay.

She nodded slowly, her own eyes filling with unshed tears as she stroked the baby's cheek.

He looked over at her, and she met his eyes easily. Leaning down, he placed a kiss on her forehead, a feeling of pride overwhelming him because he had her. She had just given him the most beautiful gift one could possibly offer. She stilled, perhaps shocked by his reaction. Did she suspect that he would be upset with her?

"Lavanya...can I ask you something?"

"Anything." She responded. "I know...you have gone through a lot in the past 24 hours NK, but I will accept anything you tell me at this point." She admitted softly.

"Can we start over?" He asked, watching her shocked yet relieved expression. The waterworks had finally made an appearance once more as she started to cry softly.

"Really?" She asked, shock flashing across her tired eyes. "But what about what I..."

"It doesn't matter anymore. We all make mistakes Lavanya, who am I to judge you?" NK asked, caressing his daughter's soft cheek. "Unless you want otherwise..."

"No, please." She muttered. "Can we forget everything else that has happened? We have a fresh slate now." She looked over to her daughter, their daughter. "Not everyone who is put in situations such as ours, are lucky enough."

"We made it Lavanya. We always will." He smiled at her warmly. It was true; they had been through it all and finally ended up here. They would make things work from there on, he thought happily as him and his wife looked on at their baby with a sense of euphoria.

-----

"I'm so happy everything worked out Arnav, I've been so stressed." Khushi admitted as her shoulders slumped against Arnav, leaning on him.

"Me too Khushi." He said, kissing her hair.

It was in this position that Devyani, Manorama and Mahinder Raizada had found them. The three approached slowly, and then Devyani decided that perhaps this was not the right time and she gestured with her eyes to the others that they should go and return some other time.

As she was about to swivel around she heard herself being addressed, "Nani!" Khushi had called out.

The three Raizadas had turned and looked at Khushi, who was now standing up with a small smile playing on her lips. She took a couple of steps, before she stood in front of them fully and then embraced Devyani warmly.

"It's been so long Nani!" She said, pulling back only to move over and hug both Mahinder and Manorama. They would always be her family, Khushi thought, no matter what.

She observed at the three of them, her eyes suddenly feeling moist. "How are you all?"

"We are fine bitiya...it is us who should be asking you that. It's because of us that you -" Nani began demurely, avoiding eye contact with Khushi out of shame.

"Nani, it is such a happy day today." Khushi interrupted. "Let it continue to be that way." She smiled. "I have nothing against anyone, I have forgiven and forgotten. Honestly, I have." She reassured after seeing the dubious look the people in front of her sported.

"We know." Manorama was the one who spoke this time. "We expected no less from you. But Khushi, what I said was -"

"I don't remember what you said." Khushi said with a smile, taking Manorama's hand in hers and squeezing it. She saw Manorama's eyes filling with tears, and shook her head as if to tell her that there was no reason to feel the guilt that she did.

"I have to say this. I must apologize Khushi bitiya. It was very wrong of me to act the way I did that day. I know you have forgiven me, but I don't deserve it." Manorama gave her a remorseful look, and Khushi opened her mouth to speak only to be interrupted.

"All I know is that we are so happy to have you back. For however long you are staying, bitiya we truly missed you." Mahinder said lovingly, always the peacemaker, patting Khushi on the head making her smile in response.

She suddenly felt Arnav at her side, his hand at her waist holding her gently.

"Chotey..." Devyani said joyously, her eyes looking straight into those of her loving grandson's. Khushi stroked the hand at her waist before moving it away from her, encouraging Arnav to go hug his family, which he did.

"Where are Di and Jeejaji?" He asked moments later.

"Here!" Anjali called out from behind with Shyam in tow, beaming at her little brother and best friend. "Were you leaving without seeing me?!"

"Of course not Anji, how could we go without seeing your face?" Khushi giggled, going in for a tight hug which Anjali returned lovingly. "Gosh I've missed you both!" Anjali complained softly, approaching her little brother as Khushi moved to give Shyam a hug.

"Sorry Di." Arnav simpered. "This is why I got Shyam for you, to keep you entertained! Has he not been doing his job?" Arnav asked teasingly turning to his brother-in-law, "Shall I reduce your pay?"

Shyam chuckled, putting an arm around Anjali in the process. "Hey, I do my job perfectly well! She's just been a bit more annoying lately; I think you should raise my pay actually."

They all laughed heartily, and Arnav and Khushi took a moment to appreciate how well Anjali seemed despite the sadness that she had been carrying recently.

"Annoying?" Anjali asked with a raised eyebrow moments later.

"Yes, all those adoption papers she has been constantly making me read!" He sighed dramatically, making Anjali shake her head and smile thoughtfully.

"So, it's official? You guys are adopting?" Khushi asked hopefully. Anjali and Shyam both nodded vigorously in response.

"That's wonderful news Di and Jeejaji." Arnav expressed exultantly, and the family erupted in good wishes joyously.

When all the hugs and tears had diminished, Arnav finally spoke, "I think Khushi and I will return home if that is alright. Khushi won't say it, but she is very tired because of the jetlag." He looked at her and gave her a tender smile before looking back at his family.

"Of course, of course." Nani said eagerly, and Anjali hid her smile. "Om Prakash is home. Do let him know of the good news as well." Devyani smiled.

Arnav nodded, and his hand found Khushi's. "We will see you all later then."

Devyani stepped slightly closer to put both her hands on either of their cheeks, feeling ecstatic upon seeing them together. It was the first time she had gotten to see their eyes stare so lovingly at one another openly, and it filled her heart with merriment. That Khushi would be in their lives with her Chotey.

"Bless you both." Devyani said, and in return she was rewarded with brilliant smiles from the duo.

----

Khushi yawned as she entered the Raizada mansion, and then stopped to look around as she recollected all the moments she had spent here. Whether jubilant or dismal, this would always feel like home to her. More than her, it was of course home to Arnav, she realized as she glanced to her side where he stood. He was returning back here after several months, and having left this place with a bad taste in his mouth, she was sure he was feeling much better returning with a sense of contentment finally.

"You know...I never quite cleared this up with you. I think we've both known it for a while, but after meeting my old therapist the other day...I'm depression free." Khushi said casually, as they walked towards the staircase, noticing how Arnav's eyes flashed towards her immediately. She struggled to hide her smile, but finally let it break free as she looked straight ahead.

They found themselves in his room moments later, his lips on hers, his fingers in her hair and hers in his, letting out all the relief of being home, of being on good terms with everyone, being with family, and of being with one another.

He had managed to carry and place her on the bed, as she felt the cool covers on her back, her mouth curved into a smile along with his as he pulled back to stare at her. His eyes shone down on her with nothing but unadulterated love and she grinned at him, her hand reaching up to stroke his face and move the wayward strands away from his forehead.

"Is it wrong to feel scared because I'm so happy?" She whispered.

"No. I feel it too, a good kind of scared though." He said thoughtfully, getting off of Khushi to lie beside her.

She turned to face him on her side, her head in her hand as she balanced herself on one shoulder, admiring his strong jaw, his thick neck, the lashes that seemed even longer from his side profile and the five o'clock shadow on his face.

When he turned to look at her with an amused smile on his face, she wrapped her arms around his neck and rested her face in the crook of his neck, aware of the way his hands wrapped around her waist to pull her flush against his body. Moments later, the two of them had fallen into a deep sleep, entwined in one another peacefully.

----

"I got a call from Khushi some time ago, she said everything was fine!" Madhumati smiled as she stirred lunch on the stove.

"Did she say when she was coming back?" Siddharth asked as his eyes scanned the fridge for food. "I miss her already! She's the only one who can understand me, unlike Payal, you know Ma?" He said, making Payal roll her eyes from the dining table.

"She'll be back soon." Madhumati shook her head and chuckled. "Now stop looking for snacks, I'm serving lunch!" She admonished.

He sighed, closing the fridge door and settled on the chair beside Payal with his usual happy grin.

"So how's Akaash?" He asked nonchalantly, causing Payal's eyes to widen before she glanced behind her to make sure their mother had not heard, and then proceeded to smack her brother on the arm. "Are you mad?" She asked.

"Are you in love?" He asked, waggling his eyebrows.

She rolled her eyes. "I miss Khushi too! She would have shut you up somehow."

"Okay, okay I will stop." Siddharth laughed. "But seriously, did Akaash say anything?"

"About what?" She asked innocently.

"He was supposed to fill me in about some interview from some newspaper company...he really didn't tell you anything? He said it was important...I'll call him."

"No!" She blurted out, and then relaxed upon seeing Siddharth's startled gaze. "I mean...he's busy right now. In a meeting. I'm meeting him after that...but if it's really urgent, just call his secretary and ask!" Payal suggested casually with a shrug.

"Secretary?" He frowned.

"Yes! What was her name again...?" Payal pretended to think. "Oh, right! Diya." She smiled.

"Err...I don't have her number actually. And that's alright; I'll just wait for Akaash." Siddharth dismissed.

"I have her number!" Payal exclaimed happily, reaching for her phone and scrolling through her contacts. "Here, I'll give you her number."

"Payal, really...it's okay..." Siddharth mumbled.

She sighed finally. "Look, I'm just going to go straight to the point, alright? I know you like her. So stop being a wimp, and call her! Because she is a nice girl, and very pretty, so she's not going to wait around for you to never talk to her! She has better things to do. So man up, and ask her out!" Payal said in a no nonsense tone.

"How do you..."

"Khushi has good eyes." Payal smiled slyly. "She happened to notice something, and told me about it."

Siddharth's eyes had almost bulged out of their sockets, having never heard his sister speak to him in that kind of tone before. She gave him a stern look before sauntering off into her room, not before she looked over her shoulder and winked at him.

He stared at the number Payal had written down for him for a couple of moments before grinning. Getting up, he followed his sister down the hall, yelling after her in an enthusiastic yet nervous tone, "What do I say first?!"

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