ArHi TS | Home Is With You (Last part up!)

Home Is With You

Part 1

The expanse of green seemed to be calling upon him. The inviting grass that he walked on, the very same soil on which he had played as a child. The lush plants that surrounded him, the trees and flowers, the very ones he had cared for and nurtured with his mother. The roses still surrounded the haveli to this day, the immaculate colours and delicate petals seeming just the same. He could almost hear the laughter echoing into the air of the youth he wished he could return to, the relentless giggles of his sister and cousins, of her... It had been a time where innocence was abundant, where it was all easy.

The breeze whistled through the turning skies of Lucknow. The sun beat down and light pooled peacefully on the flat, worn ground. The city of Nawabs, as they liked to call it. It was only a city for him now, and no longer held the title of his hometown. How could it, when this place had only taken everything from him in one go, and left him deserted with his own lonely thoughts?

He removed the aviators from his eyes, allowing himself a momentary proper glance towards the beautiful structure in front of him, a place he had once been able to call home. His feet picked up, one after the other, the same steady pace he had recounted his entire life, only to bring himself back to the very point where it had all started.

The way he had sprinted across this very lawn as he played in the sun, the way he had upsettingly glanced at the large clock tower at the top as a child, observing that play time was over. The way in which he had sat outside with his entire family in the morning to have breakfast, the utterances of his loved ones residing within the walls of his mind.

And suddenly, any fond thoughts were washed away by the onset of reality. The palpability that flaunted the fact that there was no more to this place, for him. That he had been bereaved of it all, and there was no going back. All he could recall now were the tears, pain, deceit...a place in which the worst of his memories had taken form. He felt his fists clench until he was sure his knuckles had turned a shade of white, he felt the hot blood coursing through his veins, similar to the way flames had engulfed his past life, and then he proceeded to take a deep breath.

"You know, whenever I get angry Babuji tells me to take a deep breath and count to 10 slowly. You should try it sometime...except for you, maybe counting to 20 is a better idea!" She had giggled, throwing her head back and laughing away...

His mind had never failed to remind him of those words whenever he got angry, as if reminiscing that there was always sunshine after the rain. That not everything was despicable in his past, that he had his fair share of happiness at one point of time. Where had all that gone? With that thought, his eyes wandered carelessly towards the mansion behind him across from his former home. His neighbour's house, her house, the only true friend he had been able to keep as a child and even adolescent.

The large balcony at the very top was empty, and he was not sure whether to upset over it, or thankful. What had he been expecting? The hazel eyes that he had fantasized of for so many years, to be staring back at him with the same sense of longing as his? The grin of content that had always managed to warm his entire being, the same long tendrils of mahogany hair framing her face the way he had envisioned? Life had taught him better lessons than this, he mused silently in his mind.

He looked away swiftly, realizing that the outcome would be futile. He turned back, his gaze strained once more on the building before him. It was just as beautiful as he had remembered, the walls looked stronger and even a different shade than he had remembered it to be. It must have been reconstructed after the incident from all those years ago, because it looked newer even. However it still maintained its old age charm and glory.

Sheesh Mahal.

A place that had snatched his childhood from him, and had burned all the beautiful moments in its wake, quite literally. He took a couple of more steps forward, hearing the grass crunching beneath his feet.

"Annav give me my payal back!" The small girl squealed, her pigtails boucing about as she ran after the boy who had just taken one of her most prized possessions out of her hands.

"I just want to see it!" The 7 year old boy grinned mischievously, running even further across his front lawn from her and holding it up in the air.

She instantly glared and crossed her arms over her chest. "I hate you Annav! Anju Di, look at what Annav took from me!" The little 5 year old girl wailed with a pout, the frown deepening on her small chubby face.

Suddenly his older teenage sister was by her side, putting an arm around the little girl and giving her little brother a stern look. "Chotey, why do you bother her so much?"

"Diii, I was only playing! She takes my toys all the time." He gave them a devilish smirk.

"My payal is not a toy!" She stomped her foot so adorably that he could not help but give in a little.

"Chotey..." His sister warned.

"Fiiine, come here Meethi."

The expression on the little girls face brightened almost immediately, as she ran over to her best friend with a large grin. He placed the Payal back in her hand, albeit reluctantly, and she thanked and engulfed him in one of her bear hugs. The ones that made her go all the way on her tippy toes, and wrap her little arms around his neck.

He cracked a smile then, he loved his Meethi. His best friend.

From the corner of his eyes, he saw his parents sitting at the table set up in the front garden, along with hers. They smiled at them happily, and then chattered amongst themselves while he was reminded of an earlier memory.

When she pulled back, she looked at the payal in her hands and toyed with it happily while he frowned.

"Hey Meethi."

"Hmmm?" She said, her attention still on the piece of jewellery in her hands.

"Do you know what be...betrothed means?" He frowned, wondering if he had pronounced it right, trying to recall the conversation he had heard earlier.

"Be...what? Where did you hear that?" She looked up at him, her big hazel eyes clouded with confusion.

"Our Ammas were talking about it! What do you think it means? They said we were going to be betrothed or something like that." He wondered out loud.

"I don't know Annav, you are the older one! Maybe it means we will be best friends forever?" She guessed hopefully.

"Hmmm, maybe you are right!" He agreed after some time.

"I am always right Annav. And you...are always wrong." She ended with a giggle, her small palm coming up to cover her large grin in the process.

"Meethi!" He watched her run off laughing, as he shook his head and ran after her.

"Sir?" It was the voice of Aman that had managed to steer him out of his reverie, his assistant who stood at his side with confusion and slight hesitance marring his features. "Shall we?"

Arnav Singh Raizada nodded briefly, locking away any more memories of this haunted place at the back of his mind, along with any other forms of retentiveness that pertained to his tender age. It was about the present now, it was all that mattered, an attempt to induce his own self.

***

Her feet seemed to move on their own accord, the exquisite footwork that matched the rhytm of her hands as she danced gracefully, the skirt of her red lehenga flowing around her willowy body, along with the long plait that swung in accord to her every move. The jhumkas in her ears seemed to echo the churiyas that adorned her arms, and the pauals wrapped around her ankle, all tinkling with the delight that was also evident in the grin that she wore.

The small children behind her seemed to have as much enthusiasm as their teacher, if not more, as they tried to imitate her eagerly and pursue her every footfall. As the lyrics of the song came to a slow end from her radio set in the distance, Khushi Kumari Gupta turned around happily to gaze upon her lovely little students with a sense of pride.

"Shabbash bacche!" She expressed gleefully as she clapped her hands together, "You are all going to rock your performance next week."

Khushi's smile grew as she saw their excitement, her hazel eyes twinkling as they conventionally did, and soon after when their parents came to pick them up and her students muttered a heartfelt Goodbye Khushi didi see you tomorrow!', her heart expanded with love.

After attending University and class for the entire day, she positively adored coming home and teaching the young children who came to her place to learn classical dance. She had volunteered wholeheartedly to teach the kids in her neighbourhood who desired to soak in one of her favourite hobbies - dance. They had performances once a month at the community get togethers, to which Khushi prepared them for. It was her passion, her happiness. Her family members had always loved her performances, but not as much as she adored to perform herself. Inspiration had hit at a young age, and she had been terribly nervous and self-conscious initially. It had been with the help of him, that she had suddenly become a confident dancer. She had not just grown with her dancing skills, but had learned to appreciate her own self because of him.

"If I could watch you dance across these lawns everyday of my life, I would..."

Sitting down on one of the benches in her front lawn, she took a deep breath and tried to shake off the memories that never wished to leave her. How could they leave her, when everything in front of her , whether it was the grass she placed her feet upon, or the large structure that stood on the other side of the lawn, only resonated with his presence.

He is gone. He left you and this place a long time ago Khushi. She reminded herself as tears threatened to spill over. Visions of a fire taking over the structure of Sheesh Mahal filled her mind, the echoes of screams being heard as she woke up in the middle of the night to find them gone, burned along with the memories of him...taking her best friend along with the flames. Taking another deep breath, she shrugged it all off and suddenly saw a figure walking on the path that led towards her and their home. And instantly, any ominous thoughts were pushed to the back of her mind temporarily as she smiled at the man approaching her, with a younger girl by his side.

"Babuji!" She exclaimed joyously, running into her father's arms without a second thought or glance. She heard the chuckle that followed suit, as his arms wrapped around his lovely daughter.

"You seem to be in a good mood today Bitiya." He observed with a warm smile as he pulled back to look at his daughter's happy face.

"I think it is the weather! The breeze is absolutely beautiful." Khushi grinned. "Jiji!" She proceeded to hug her older cousin by two years, who had come along with her father, who grinned and muttered a pagli'.

"I was at your Bua's house and Payal wanted to come home with me to see you. Although I am not sure why a nice girl such as herself hangs out with a crazy girl like you." Shashi Gupta chuckled, earning a glare from his daughter.

"Because she loves me. Everyone loves me." Khushi shrugged teasingly, earning smiles from both who could not deny the fact.

"Okay you girls can go upstairs, your Amma and I will call you when dinner is ready." Shashi said, ushering his girls once they entered the house.

Khushi grabbed Payal's hand and ascended the spiral staircase with her, laughing and giggling in excitement for the stories they were going to share.

***

Arnav had managed with much difficulty to move his eyes away from the vision that had managed to knock him out of his senses, as he stared at herfrom the top of the terrace. It must have been her, had to be. The figure in red who danced so beautifully, that his breath caught in his throat momentarily as he watched her retreating figure from a distance while she walked back inside her home with an elderly man and girl. It was the sound of a briefcase being dropped onto the table before him that had managed to catch him out of his trance, as he suddenly glanced at the two men before him who eyed the money inside the case that Aman had just placed in front of them. He watched the face of the men before him, one who seemed to be pleading for mercy, as well as the other man beside him who looked upon the bills stacked inside the briefcase greedily.

"Sheesh Mahal is yours Mr. Raizada." The man on the left said with a tone of finality, not being able to deny the large amount that had presented itself in front of him.

"You can't do that! Khan Saab, what is going on here? Who do you think you are?" And abruptly the man to the right, Arvind Mallik was furious with the man standing in front of him, while Arnav gave him an impassive look.

And suddenly, years worth of pain had been diminished, replaced by a sensation of relief. That he had taken revenge from a man who had destroyed his entire life, who had snatched any contentment that had been left within him. And he had served his revenge cold, the way it was best served.

It did amaze Arnav however, that he did not feel even a small amount of pity within him. As the man before him stood there with trembling lips, and pleading eyes, Arnav felt nothing but regret that he had not done this sooner.

"I don't think anything. I am Arnav Singh Raizada. But I do know who I am not." Arnav proceeded to slip his aviators back on, the small smirk still set into place. "I am no longer your nephew, dear chachaji."

"It can't be..." Arvind staring at the man before him, his mouth opening and closing as he gaped at the scenario that had just been put forth.

"Yes, it is me. Except I am no longer Arnav Mallik, I changed my name the moment you ruined my life."

"Mallik Saab, he gave me enough money that took care of anything you had to owe me. And so, it was not a difficult deal to make, I have sold him Sheesh Mahal." Khan Saab gave Mallik a slow, pitying smile that he would remember for the rest of his life.

And even as Khan left the premises, and Arvind Mallik ran after him desperately, pleading for him to take the deal back, Arnav stood atop the terrace alone with a sense of calm. Of determination and prestige, his thoughts returning to his parents. Would they have been proud today?

His gaze flit across the terrace he stood on, to the balcony across from him on the other side of the green grass below.

***

"So how is Akaash?" Khushi waggled her eyebrows in Payal's direction as they both sat on her bed exchanging gossip. She preferably liked to hear about the boy at Payal's school that she had a major crush on.

"Offo Khushi! I don't even like him like that..." Payal smiled shyly, making Khushi squeal and grin.

"You liar! Hai Devi Maiya, I haven't even thought of songs I will dance to at your wedding!" She slapped her forehead dramatically.

"Khushi!" Payal groaned, as her younger cousin ran over to the balcony and hid behind a pillar in attempt to hide from the wrath her cousin would cause.

Payal however stopped right before the pillar, peeking behind Khushi to gaze at the man who stood at the terrace of the haveli across from them.

"Khushi, who is that?" Payal frowned, making Khushi turn her head as well. "It can't be...doesn't it look like...ASR?" She asked with a sudden gasp.

"What?" Khushi asked. "Who...oh! ASR as in that rich owner of the fashion line you like so much? Yes, he is standing across from us in Sheesh Mahal, enjoying the view." Khushi rolled her eyes and proceeded to walk away, only to be pulled back behind the pillar by Payal.

"OK, that is definitely him. He's looking this way too! Do you see that Khushi?" Payal hyperventilated.

"And you call me pagal..." Khushi muttered under her breath. This time she took the time to stare at him properly, although from a distance, and she could not help but admire the handsome profile.

There was a certain aura around him that spoke of poise, however beyond that was something Khushi found indecipherable, seemingly recognizable.

The last time she had stood in her balcony to stare at someone, it had been her best friend. Following the unfortunate incidents, she could not remember the last time she had been poised upon this veranda, nor had she ever desired to after all that had happened. However, as she was positioned on the platform, she felt as if she was a young girl once more, sneaking a glance at her best friend late at night, exchanging silent conversations and smiles even as the sky began to get inkier among the twinkling luminous drops above them. It was suddenly as if nothing had ever changed, and the swift pounding of her own heart distracted her from the eyelock she was sharing with a man who could only be a stranger to her. So why on Earth did it feel otherwise?

The sudden calling of her name along with Payal's had managed to fully steer her out of her silent musings. She managed to tear away her gaze from his that held on to her. With a slight frown, she descended the stairs with her cousin who rambled about how beautiful ASR truly was, Khushi could not help but have her thoughts wander back to the moment she had witnessed only moments ago.

"Garima, have you heard the news?" Shashi asked as Payal and Khushi got seated at the table, across from him.

"News?" The beautiful middle aged woman turned towards her husband, already on her way to bringing dinner for her small yet content family.

"About the Malliks? They are being thrown out of their house." Shashi said, his lips set into a firm line.

This made Khushi's head snap upwards, her eyes widening slightly at the words uttered by her father. Thrown out? But...

"What? How?" Garima settled down on the chair beside her husband, followed by a small gasp that had escaped her lips as the news truly hit, her features marred with worry.

Her family had not spoken to the Malliks for several years, nor did they plan on it anytime soon. All connections lost, all relations broken due to one incident that had managed to tears all the interwoven relationships apart.

"It has been sold to some rich business man. Apparently he is from the States and had a very keen interest regarding that haveli. And Arvind Mallik had several loans that had to paid off, so the business man bought it off the landlord easily. The Malliks are on their way out of the house as we speak. My only hope is that he does not demolish the place. But then...what else could such a rich business man desire?" Shashi said grimly as he took a sip of his tea, missing the way Khushi's eyes widened. That ASR?

"But Babuji! What is he going to do with the house? He cannot possibly destroy it! Can he? It's not even Arvind Malliks! It's..." She was not sure whether between the slight happiness upon hearing that an evil man such as Arvind was being thrown out of that house, or the rage at the business man and why he even desired the place, was greater.

"I do not know Bitiya. But what can be done?" Shashi shook his head. "We can only hope for the best."

"I don't know what to say." Garima sighed. "On one hand, Arvind Mallik deserved it, I am sorry to say. But on the other hand...I cannot help but think of the rightful owners of the house. If only they were here today..." The tears that sprung into her eyes were uncontrollable, brought on by years and years of remembrance towards friendships which could never be brought back.

Shashi's hand went to hold Garima's which lay on the table in a tight fist, giving her silent comfort. Khushi looked at her parents sadly, realizing that she did not want to intrude in their silent moment of mourning. Nor did she wish to dwell on a subject that only brought back all the memories she had locked away with such difficulty.

She glanced to her side at Payal who merely shrugged, feeling just as confused as Khushi about the entire matter. She decided to take matters into her own hands, and gave a reassuring glance to Payal before she rose from her chair.

Khushi excused herself, her parents too caught up in the news to notice how unlike Khushi it was to leave her plate unfinished. She glanced behind her one last time before making way to her front lawn.

It was then that she saw the the figure who stood at the front of the house, his back towards hers and seemingly lost in his thoughts. His hands were fisted into the pockets of what looked to be an expensive, sleek black suit.

She ran across her lawn, her legs moving as fast as her body could take them and she stepped over the path that divided the house in front, from hers, and stepped onto the lawn of the majestic Sheesh Mahal.

Her hands held her lehenga up slightly, making it easier for her to run. She stopped before his back, halting as she bent over slightly with her hands on her hips to catch her breath.

He must have heard her pants, because he turned around to face her at that very moment. Taking his sunglasses off, he sported an unfathomable expression. He stared at her from top to bottom, as if taking his fill, and for some reason it made Khushi tremble when his gaze stopped on the payals that wrapped around her ankles. She dropped her skirt immediately.

Still catching her breath, she straightened up from her bent position as her chest heaved incessantly. She found herself unable to divert her eyes from his, was it because of the beautiful colour of molten caramel, or was it the fact that they seemed so very familiar? She was not sure.

And suddenly, her words had been lost somewhere in her throat, all the demands and awful words she came up with for him had vanished into thin air. All she could possibly do was stare at the devastatingly handsome man who stood before her in slight awe.

She felt like a teenager once more, meeting her best friend after school halfway, among the fragrance of roses and green grass that surrounded them.

His expression seemed to have softened from whatever kind of shock or perhaps confusion he had been carrying moments ago, and Khushi could have sworn she saw the corner of his lips lift slightly for only a moment before he composed himself.

"Who are you?" She found herself whispering in between breaths, already knowing the answer, however wanting to hear it from him anyways.

"I could ask you the same question. Who are youand what are you doing here?" He asked coolly, his husky voice sending unnecessary shivers down Khushi's back. His eyes were now boring into hers.

"I live in the house on the other side. But that is not the point..." She blinked, coming out of her trance. "Who are you and why did you buy Sheesh Mahal?" She frowned, finding her pent up anger from somewhere within as she avoided his charm.

"That is my business. I don't know you...why on earth would I tell you my plans for this place? And once more, why does it matter to you? It is mine now, I can keep it or destroy it to my liking." He shrugged, turning his gaze back towards the house. She could have sworn she saw the ghost of a smile on his chiseled face.

Why was he actually answering her? Why did he even bother talking to a random stranger such as herself in the first place? Why did he not frown and turn away as she had expected him to? Why did he still hold her gaze, refusing to look away?

Why?

In the midst of her jumbled questions, she had managed to find her voice, wanting...no needing to know more.

"Because it's my neighbours house, that is why it matters! Sheesh Mahal has been here forever, it belongs to...belonged to my best friend. You have no right to just buy it like this. I don't care how big of a business man you are, but you cannot destroy this place." She panted, her voice coming out strong, determined and composed as opposed to the shakiness she had assumed it would have due to the quivering of her lips.

His eyes caught onto those very lips, his gazing moving from there to her hazel depths. "I have every right to buy this place. As for destroying it..." He started, but was cut off mid sentence.

"No, please don't do it. This place means a lot to me..." She whispered, feeling nervous due to the sudden intensity visible in his caramel depths.

"I'll make a deal with you then." He said, his arms crossing over his chest as he studied her intently. "Go out to dinner with me, and I won't destroy this place. I will tell you what I plan to do with this place, and why I bought it."

Her eyes widened to the point where she thought they would have come out of their sockets had she not composed herself when she did. Why was his tone so conspicuous, a familiar arrogance and charm intertwined in the words that tumbled from his mouth? "Sorry?" She asked in disbelief. The nerve of this man, first buying Sheesh Mahal and then asking to take her out...

"One dinner date, and I promise I won't destroy Sheesh Mahal." He stated, watching the myriad of expressions visible on her face.

"Why on earth would I go to dinner with you? You're a complete stranger...I'm not that type of girl...who goes out with random men..." She muttered nervously, not because of the words she uttered, but due to the truth behind the fact that she was not the least bit afraid of this man. "You could be a kidnapper for all I know! I don't even know you..."

"Don't you?" He asked in amusement, stepping forward, and she felt her feet taking an automatic step backwards. "I mean to say that I am a famous business man. Everyone knows me. And I find you very beautiful, and would like to take you on a date. It is as simple as that." He said casually, watching the quickening of her breath, and the astonishment in her hazel depths.

She took another step back, needing some distance from this man, and as her foot retreating behind her other, the hem of her skirt managed to slip between, and before she knew it she was tripping over her own clothing. If not for the hands that had immediately held her waist, pressing her close against his own body in the midst.

"Still tripping over your own feet." He shook his head and muttered, his eyes suddenly clouded with irritation.

"Sorry?"

He muttered a 'nothing' under his breath, and released her, albeit slowly...his fingers resting on the skin of her waist moments more than necessary, grazing the bare skin of her midriff. Why hadn't she squirmed? Moved away from him first? Pushed his fingers away from her suddenly heated skin?

And for reasons absolutely unknown to her, she felt herself drowning into the pools of molten caramel, further into an abyss that seemed so knew, yet so familiar. "Why should I trust that you would keep your word?"

"I always keep my word." He said, his eyes seeming to pierce right through, making her flinch slightly because of the haunting words.

"I can't wait to grow up! I want to travel the world, I want to study in different places. I want to leave this place someday and build a life of my own."

"Then you would have to leave me." Khushi frowned with a pout.

"I will take you with me someday Meethi!" He had said, throwing his arm around her shoulders.

"Do you promise Annav?" She asked hopefully as her eyes lit up in excitement.

"I promise! I always keep my word." He had grinned at her as she threw her arms around his shoulders and engulfed him in an unbearably tight hug.

"I will pick you up tomorrow at 8 then, and we can discuss matters. If you could excuse me now, I have some important work to get to." He said in a clipped tone, suddenly all business. As if on cue, a man who appeared to be his assistant stood at his side, giving Khushi a polite smile before handing the man a file.

"See you tomorrow Khushi." He turned to her one last time, a small smile playing on his lips, before entering Sheesh Mahal once more and not glancing back on purpose. Otherwise he would have seen the slow disbelief that grew on Khushi's face, her head shaking slightly.

"I never mentioned my name..." She muttered to his retreating back.

Moments later she was running back home, ignoring the questioning gazes of her parents and Payal as she got back home, merely striding up the stairs and into her room, locking the door behind her. Her movements were slow and lingering as she knelt to the floor, retrieving a large box that sat beneath her bed. She could not remember the last time she had looked at the box, lest even touched it.

She removed the lid of the white box, only to pick up pieces of paper that had gone on to mean so much to her. The first was a childhood picture of her and her best friend. They sported large grins, limbs marred with mud from their playing escapades, and through it all they held hands.

She felt the waves of nostalgia fill her senses, the back of her lids immediately stinging in the process. She lay the picture beside her, and went on to the next which showed another during the same time, however this time she was on their favourite swing, attached to the large tree by his house. The one that they took turns to sit on, each one pushing the other as their giggles were carried on by the winds.

She then pulled out the newspaper clipping, the headlines flashing before her, certain words and phrases standing out

Fire at Sheesh Mahal Kills Armaan Mallik, his wife Ratna, and two kids Arnav and Anjali...

Bodies of both children not found...burned into ashes along with everything else...

She shook her head in disbelief once more.

It couldn't be...but it had to be...

She had always known she was right. Had always believed there was a chance he was still alive. However truly seeing the outcome before her very eyes frightened her to an extent she had not known possible.

Swiftly putting everything back in its place, she closed the box and pushed it under her bed once more. She rose, her feet moving on its own accord to the balcony that was adjoined to her room. She had specifically wanted this room for that very reason, she loved the idea of sitting in her balcony everyday and enjoying the view outside. Particularly when she was a child, and she could see...

She stood stealthily behind the large white pillar of her balcony, peering out only slightly to watch the now familiar figure that walked away from the lawns of Sheesh Mahal. The strong built man in a formal black suit who had three men trailing after him. Two of which almost seemed like the bodyguard that her favourite Salman Khanji had portrayed in one of his movies. The other man who she had earlier assumed to be an assistant of sorts, who held several files in his hand and she found that all the men who followed him, carried a nervous, hesitant kind of expression.

A small unknowing smile formed on her lips as they curved upwards on their own accord, she did not blame anyone for seeming scared. Even the way he carried himself seemed intimidating, just not to her...

It was almost as if he had heard her, for he turned back to look at the balcony she stood on. She quickly hid, her back against the intricate designs of the pillar as she hoped desperately that he had not seen her. Taking a chance, her hazel eyes peeked once more and found that his eyes were no longer trained where she stood, but he was now walking towards his car without a second glance.

When she was sure that the car had driven away, she stood freely holding the railing of the balcony, welcoming the warm summer breeze that made the strands of her framing her face, dance about around her.

Khushi Kumari Gupta felt herself taking in a deep breath, and an unknown smile lingering on her face for reasons unknown to her. However her thoughts only went back to one particular sentence that had ended with...

... tomorrow at 8.

She strode into her room that was adjoined with the balcony, doing a small spin. A feeling of sudden fear, mixed with anticipation washed over her. It must have been the weather that had lightened her mood today, she mused.

-------------------------------------------

Hello everyone! I am back, I hope you remember me? 😊

This is a little something, very random and sudden on my behalf. I guess I missed my readers too much, and could not stay away. I had been craving to write something, and this is what came out. It will have two or three parts in total, and the next part will be up in a week! I do hope you enjoy this, and if anything seems mysterious or confusing at this point, I promise to unveil everything soon. Happy Reading lovely people! 😃

For any future updates, feel free to buddy me, or follow me on twitter

@Emma_Kay03

Enjoy🤗

*PART 2 BELOW!

PLEASE DO NOT COPY UPDATES TO OTHER SITES, THIS UPDATE IS MEANT EXCLUSIVELY FOR INDIA FORUM MEMBERS.

Home Is With You

Part 2

The sizzling oil that burned before her finally steered her out of her reverie, as the crisp jalebi turned into a beautiful hue of orange in contrast with the black shaded pan. Khushi took a deep breath and took it out of the pan, plopping it onto the large pile that lay beside the stove, with several of the other crispy sweets that now stood as tall as a tower. Sighing, she picked one up from her stack, and bit into the crunchy goodness with a frown, the worries that had made way into her mind were forever leaving her stressed.

Her trepidation was evident; there was a reason why she was awake at 4 in the morning, performing her favourite stress busting activity - making jalebis. More than anything, her jittery and apprehensive mind would not stop reminding her of her upcoming date. She could not even close her eyes without recollecting the events that had unfolded the previous day.

His face, his eyes, and his touch...the most familiar stranger she had ever met in her life. What was wrong with her? How could she be so shameless, thinking about a man who she did not even know, she chided herself.

But don't you...?

His voice haunted her once more, sending unnecessary tingles down her back, and before she knew it, she looked before her to find that every single jalebi was gone. Sighing, she realized that no matter how foolish it sounded, it was him. It did not matter if her cousin Payal had found her to be absolutely absurd once Khushi had expressed her doubts, nor did it matter that everyone believed Arnav to be dead.

She cleaned the mess she had created in her kitchen with minimal noise, and proceeded to ascend the stairs and attempt to fall into a deep slumber that would allow her to brush aside the thought of ASR...or Arnav...or whoever the mysterious man was. Opening the door to her room slowly, she walked past Payal who had stayed over at their house and slept peacefully in Khushi's bed, and proceeded to sit in her childhood favourite chair that resided in her balcony. Glancing at the empty balcony across from her in the distance, she looked up to the sky as she had on so many nights. Hoping to see a new twinkling light, hoping to see her Arnav as a star in the sky. However, no star had ever caught her attention enough to make her believe that Arnav was truly up there. How could it, when he had never left? He had always been alive; he had come back as promised. With a lingering smile on her moonlit face, she drifted to sleep finally.

***

Arnav Singh Raizada on the other hand, stood before his own window, glancing at the skies of Lucknow. A sense of peace passing through him, was it because he had finally accomplished what years and years of hatred had led him to do, or was it because of that glimpse of her? It must have been a mix of both, but more of the latter, he mused.

Khushi...

She was not what he had expected, severely more beautiful than he had imagined, and the charm and grace with which she carried herself had left him momentarily breathless. The moment in which she had run up to him, to confront him, there had been no doubt left in his mind that she had not forgotten him.

Perhaps this had been his biggest fear throughout the years - that she had moved on without remembering him. Perhaps it was shallow of him, but he greatly feared that he no longer held a place in her past. That she had, simply put, forgotten him.

One look at her was all that had been necessary to evoke every feeling he had been harbouring for her, the longing he had to see her, hear her voice, and see what she had grown into. One look, and he was a child again, a child who loved his best friend with all his heart.

The ghost of a smile made way to his face at the thought of what was to come. He wondered, did she get the hint that it was her Annav? She must have, she knew him inside and out.

With that thought, he lay in bed; an arm bent under his head, and attempted to close his eyes, hoping his dreams were as sweet as his Meethi herself.

***

"Jiji, pleaaassseee!" Khushi tried once more, but her older cousin still stared at her with a scrutinizing gaze.

"This is too risky!" Payal said, trying to avoid Khushi's puppy dog eyes. "I can't believe you are going out on a date with him! Are you out of your mind Khushi? Do you realize this could be the opposite of what you are hoping for?"

"Jiji I know what I am doing! You just need to cover for me at night. If Amma or Babuji found out I was going out with some stranger...well, he actually isn't really a stranger..." Khushi said pointedly, and glanced at Payal again, "OK, point is, they cannot find out! If you do this for me, I will help you whenever you want to go out on dates with Akaash!" Khushi bargained, earning a roll of the eyes from Payal.

"Fine, but if ASR really is your childhood friend Arnav, you have to promise me you'll get me discounts on his upcoming fashion line." Payal countered with a smile playing on her lips.

"Deal!" Khushi grinned, throwing her arms around Payal in the process. "You are the best Jiji!"

"I know, I know...now what are you going to wear?"

Khushi bit her lip, silently conveying that she had absolutely no idea. What was one supposed to wear to a date with their childhood betrothed best friend who they had also thought to be dead? She knew the little Arnav loved red, did the older one prefer it as well? She knew the younger Arnav had not taken his eyes off of her the one time she had worn a sari at a family friend's wedding as an adolescent, was he still the same? She knew the small Arnav loved pure Lucknowi food; did this Arnav still enjoy it?

She knew nothing about him, she realized in defeat. Who was he now, she thought with a pang. The despair of not being around him for so long, for all the years that she had wanted and needed to know him, for not knowing the person who she had once been able to deem as her best friend.

Deciding there was not much she could do about it, she perceived that she was best off being her absolute self. Payal did her makeup, minimal yet enhancing her natural beauty. The smudge of kohl making her hazel eyes glitter all the more, and the shiny pink gloss that gave her lips a tinted rosy hue, was all that was truly necessary. Her hair was let out in loose waves, falling past her shoulders and towards the slender waist that was covered by the beautiful peach coloured anarkali she opted for. When Payal turned Khushi towards the full length mirror, she gave Khushi a full blown smile, showing off the pride towards how beautiful Khushi looked.

"Well...I look decent." Khushi smiled appreciatively, earning a smack on the shoulder from her cousin.

"You look super beautiful Khushi, don't undermine my work of art!" Payal said sternly, making Khushi chuckle. Her eyes immediately strayed towards the wall clock that hung carelessly against the walls of her room.

7:50 PM...

10 minutes. There were exactly 10 minutes until Arnav would be here to pick her up. She got up from her chair absentmindedly, ignoring the confused look Payal gave her, and walked over to her balcony.

What if he had forgotten?

What if he changed his mind?

What if this wasn't even the Arnav she had imagined him to be?

As her mind suddenly became muddled with what if's Khushi felt Payal's hands on her shoulder, turning her around to face her cousin gently.

"Look Khushi. All I know is that I trust you, and if you believe this is Arnav...no matter how utterly absurd it could be...I believe you. Go out tonight and get all the answers you are seeking Khushi." Payal smiled assuredly, earning another hug from Khushi.

She then took a deep breath, smiling in farewell to Payal who nodded and told her silently that she would take care of everything back home, and Khushi stepped onto the ledge of her balcony.

She looked below, although visibly difficult due to the darkening shade of the sky, she managed to make out the ladder that was attached to her balcony.

A ladder she had not dared to look at, forget even touching, because it brought back memories of him. Of the way she would sneak out in the middle of the night and have secret rendez vous with her best friend in his garden. Escaping through the front door had always been way too risky, and therefore Arnav and her had built a ladder that she had used so frequently in her youth, that it seemed almost natural for her to use it now.

It felt like old times.

It took her several moments to reach out as she sat on the ledge of her balcony, and unravel the ladders from the vines that had enclosed around it over time, however she got it free eventually, and found herself taking in a deep breath before stepping onto it.

Devi Maiya, raksha karna!

She chanted this in her head, and once she was halfway down the ladder, she realized how foolish she truly was. Smacking her own head mentally, she wondered what she was thinking, stepping onto this ladder in the first place! She was not nearly as small or as lightweight as she was when she was younger, she realized from the shakiness of the ladder that threatened to possibly collapse.

And so, she was stuck. She considered calling Payal for help, however that was too risky. What if her parents heard? Letting out a sigh that sounded more like a helpless whimper, she took another step onto the following step of the ladder, and just as she thought, it gave way and collapsed.

Khushi felt herself falling hopelessly, squeezing her eyes shut and waiting for the result of her ugly fall.

However, nothing ever came. Instead, she was in someone's arms; warm, comforting arms that almost felt like home itself.

Opening one lid, she found herself staring into her favourite shade of brown eyes. Her second lid opened in anticipation, wanting to truly know with all her might that it was truly him.

And it was.

Warm, caramel coloured eyes stared back at her curiously, his expression was a mixture of worry, irritation, relief and plain wonder. Either his grip on her tightened after their gazes clashed, or it was simply her imagination...either way she silently reveled in the feeling.

He glanced upwards towards the ladder she had descended moments ago, and then stared back at her, his expression softening to one of slight amusement. His gaze moved from her eyes, to her lips, and she felt herself shiver inwardly.

"Are you crazy?" He asked in wonderment.

"Huh...?" She asked, finding herself lost in the study in his features. "I mean, no. I mean...would you put me down?" She blurted out, finding they were the only words that were not absolutely nonsensical. What on Earth was she doing in his arms, and rejoicing in it?

He studied her in exasperation, dropping her lightly to her feet and keeping his hands on her waist until she regained balance. She perceived the fact that his hands were still there after as well, and why did she not question it? That was beyond her understanding, and Khushi chose not to go there.

"Why on Earth were you coming down on that ladder?" He asked with a frown, trying to see past Khushi's adorably anxious face, and her slightly rounded hazel eyes.

"I...My parents don't know that we have a date." She admitted, still slightly in a trance as she flashed him with a sheepish smile. "So I..."

"So, you decided to climb down a ladder that hasn't been used in several years instead? What if I wasn't there to catch you?" He asked in irritation, his tone increasing in volume all the while.

She knew her bare feet would be covered in scratches at this point, however 8 year old Khushi could not have cared less at the moment. Her sole aim was to get the ripest mango from the tree, which had been tempting her all day from above. She had finally finished her school work, and had managed to sneak into her safe have. Actually, it was their safe haven. Although it was her Annav's garden, they both came here to meet and play. It was their favourite place in the whole wide world.

With that said, Khushi and Arnav had frequent fights over the mangoes grown in their tree. The last time Arnav had taken the best mango, and eaten it all by himself without sharing. Although Arnav's mother had later scolded him for not sharing with Khushi, it was not enough. She was currently taking revenge, by getting the ripest mango. And because Arnav had not finished his school work yet, she knew she had enough time to take it and leave before he could catch her, she thought with a grin.

Once she caught hold of the fruit, having climbed all the way to the top, she let out a victorious giggle and attempted to dance to one of her favourite Salman Khan songs atop the tree, however to no avail. She decided she would complete her dance once she got down. And so, as she carefully descended the tree, her foot managed to slip on the bark of the branch she had been getting off of, and felt herself falling to the ground. Her mango flew out of her hands, and she let out a scream that was cut short as soon as she felt herself landing in very familiar arms.

She opened her eyes to find her Annav visibly fuming at her, his teeth grinding against each other as they so often did whenever he was angry.

"Annav!" She said nervously, and he put her down immediately, and proceeded to give her one of his deathly glares as he crossed his arms across his chest.

"What on earth were you doing Khushi!" The 10 year old asked furiously, making little Khushi tremble slightly. If there was one thing that terrified her, it was her Annav's temper. It scared the wits out of her, and when he called her by her name instead of the endearment she was accustomed to hearing, she knew she was in big trouble.

"I only wanted the mango Annav..." Khushi admitted in defeat. "I'm sorry, I should have told you! I was just getting back at you from that time when..."

"I don't care about the mango Meethi! What if you had gotten hurt? What if I hadn't come out at the right time to catch you?" He asked frowning.

"So...you're not mad at me?" She asked hopefully.

"Meethi! You are absolutely crazy, did you know that?" He groaned.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry! I will be more careful next time!" She grinned, going up to him and throwing her arms and legs around her best friend who eventually managed to crack a smile. It was terribly difficult for him to stay angry with her for a long time.

He found her hand once she pulled away from the hug, and glanced at her dirt smeared face with a shake of his head. "Come on, let's go clean up! We have to take care of your feet." Arnav said, wincing as he saw the scratches and blood on her tiny limbs.

"Wait, my mango!" She did a small spin, and finally spotted in a small distance away from them, proceeding to run swiftly towards it. Once she got it back, and stood beside Arnav once more, he gave her a piggy back ride into the house, knowing her feet must have been hurting.

She wrapped her arms tighter around his neck, leaning her head against the top of his in the process with a wide grin. She loved her best friend, what would she ever have done without him?

"I guess I will have to catch you for life!" He chuckled.

Although he was still slightly upset with her lack of care, she knew exactly what to do to cheer him up. The mango in her hands was an even more beautiful shade of orange up close, she realized with a smile. Now she could not wait to share.

Khushi blinked several times before responding, her words suddenly dead somewhere in her throat at the mention of those very familiar words. Her breathing picked up as she glanced at his grown face, the handsome features and stubble that covered his cheeks. This was her Annav.

"How do you know this ladder hasn't been used in years?" She asked hesitantly.

Arnav sighed and shook his head. "It is covered in vines. I was only assuming, because it looks terribly old. And from the way it broke after someone as light as yourself stepped on it...it is kind of obvious Khushi." Arnav pointed out.

She continued to stare at him, and although Arnav knew exactly what she was thinking, exactly where she had found the loopholes in all of the phrases muttered by him, and taken all the hints he had been giving her, he chose to keep it for later and instead extended his arm towards her.

"Shall we? I think we are already late for our reservations." Arnav said huskily, waiting for her to take his arm with impatient eyes.

She nodded timidly, looping her arms around his elbow, never keeping her eyes off of him. "Thanks."

"For?" He asked as his sleek black car came into view once they passed the gardens and fences that enclosed their houses.

"Catching me." She smiled.

***

He had been apprehensive and feared, that it would be awkward for them, having not seen each other in so many years. What would she say? And then, what would he say? Where did one start?

This was her. His Khushi. His Meethi. He had so much to tell her, but where could he possibly start? How would she react? Did she long for him as he did for her, for countless years? Did he still matter to her? Did she revisit their content memories as he so often did?

However, he should have sensed better than to deduce Khushi had completely changed. She was still as lighthearted and chirpy as the younger version of herself. There had never been a dull moment when he was around her as children, or even as young adolescents. She always had something to say, and this was perfect due to the fact that he was more of a listener than a speaker itself.

She had been so thrilled to see the restaurant he had taken her to, the zeal and animated spirit not leaving her for a moment, and claiming it as one of her favourites. He had purposely chosen an authentic Lucknowi restaurant that served what used to be her favourite Awadhi cuisine, and apparently still was. It was a very classy restaurant, and although he knew she would have been happy to eat anywhere, he would not give her anything that was not the best.

As he glanced at her happy smile and glittering hazel eyes, he found himself drowning into a familiar pool of desire that he had felt the previous day. However, today it was stronger, the sensation much more potent.

He wanted nothing more than to reach out to her, bury his face in her hair to see if she still smelled like the jasmines in his former garden. What if he were to reach out and entwine their fingers together, would he still feel the comfort he had once felt as children? Would she pull away, or reciprocate?

But no sensation trumped the one that had been eating at his brain, clawing at his chest relentlessly. Every content thought that had managed to find it's way into his mind had always been stopped short due to this very reason. Would she hate him, once she found out? Had she moved on so much in her life, that there was no room for him?

"And what will you have, Sir?" The waiter steered him out of his reverie, and Arnav's attention was sought back to the matter at hand. To the exquisite girl in front of him, and to the happy atmosphere and aura that seemed to linger around her, infecting him immediately.

"I will have whatever she is having." Arnav said, leaning back in his chair to glance at her, as she stared up at him from the glass of water she was sipping on.

Once the waiter left, and she put her glass down, the silence seemed to have enveloped them momentarily as they took turns asking silent questions to one another through their gazes.

Arnav decided to break the silence naturally, needing to hear her voice. Needing to see her reactions, feel every emotion that flickered through her. "As promised, I will tell you my plans with Sheesh Mahal, since you have completed your part of the deal." He said, his eyes wandering carefully to the tremble in her lips that he wanted to diminish with his own. He smirked inwardly before continuing.

"I want to make it a hotel. I will not be demolishing it, however I do plan to make a couple of changes construction wise. Before I do that, I was to use it as a placement for the launch of my new fashion line. If you did not know...that is what I do...I'm the owner of the AR fashion line." He looked at her hesitantly, studying every expression that flashed across her face all the while. When she nodded slowly, he continued.

"I will be using it for a fashion show I have coming up in a couple of days. It will be at the back of the mansion, and therefore won't affect your house too severely. If it does, feel free to let me know." Arnav said, leaning forward on his chair, watching the way Khushi listened with bated breath.

"And...that is it. That's all I plan on doing with the mansion." Arnav concluded, waiting for Khushi to say something. However she merely gazed at him, with a sheen of moisture covering the surface of her hazel orbs.

"So...you're not staying back at Sheesh Mahal?" She asked quietly.

"No, as soon as all this is done, I am off. Back to Delhi, where I live." He responded coolly, in a composed manner.

"Will you be back?" She asked on a whim. Would he perceive her to be absolutely mad for asking such questions?

"I don't plan on it. Lucknow is not a city in which I particularly wish to dwell." Arnav shrugged. Apart from the fact that you are here, Arnav thought to himself.

She nodded quickly, considering herself absolutely foolish for thinking he had come back to stay. He would be leaving, and then...

Their meals had come just on time, as Khushi avoided eye contact with him and ate her food silently, ignoring the desperation in Arnav's eyes for her to say something more, ignoring the sudden pain visible in his orbs as he longed himself to say something himself.

Once she had some of the food in front of her, and had no appetite for anything more, she pushed the plate away slightly and turned to watch the couples dancing in a corner of the restaurant. The lights hung low, and the figures in the distance seemed to all be lost in embraces of loved ones.

What was she thinking?

That he would stay back, and that everything would magically fall in place once more? They were no longer children, they had lives of their own. And suddenly she raised her gaze to his questioning one. Was there someone in his life? Is that why he did not wish to stay?

"Khushi..." He interrupted softly.

"I...I don't even know why I am here..." She turned to him suddenly, her eyes bleary with tears that threatened to spill.

How could he leave? When she had finally gotten him back?

"Khushi..." He reached out to take her hands that rested carelessly on the table before him, and enclosed them in his own, and although she tried to pull away initially, she surrendered moments later.

"I'll explain everything to you. But first...dance with me." He murmured huskily, weaving his fingers through hers in the process. "And don't tell me you don't know how, or you don't want to. I didn't miss your dancing lessons yesterday. You dance stunningly." He said so seriously, that her breath caught and there were needles covering her skin once more.

Not knowing what to do anymore, what to say or even think, she found herself in his arms in the next moment, her head leaning against his chest as they swayed. He smelled intoxicating, a muskiness that was exclusively his. And she found herself becoming more and more addicted to the scent as the moments passed by.

"Sometimes I wonder how you dance. You can't walk for more than a couple of minutes without tripping over your own feet Meethi." He said, leaning down to her ear as her eyes fluttered close, feeling his lips so close to her skin. Feeling his breath against her nape.

Meethi.

She had not been called by that name in several years, nor did she ever believe that she would hear it from that very voice ever again. She pulled back from his arms, her eyes widening as she watched the way he gazed at her so tenderly, so lovingly. The shivers down her back came once more, and feeling of her heart skipping several beats reoccurred as it had the previous day.

The song seemed to have come to an end almost perfectly, for she found herself removing his arms from her waist, and walking back towards their table. She took the small purse she had carried with her, and turned for the door in the next moment, suddenly overwhelmed with emotions that ran wild across her brain.

"Khushi, wait!" He called after her, leaving several bills on their table before dashing out after her.

***

The car ride was eerily silent in comparison to the ride from hours ago. She did not say a word, and merely stared out the window instead. He turned his head towards her direction several times, hoping she would look his way, but to no avail.

The stars twinkled above them, shining more brightly than he had remembered them to, and found himself hoping desperately that matter would work out in his favour.

But, when he stopped before her house, she looked at him painfully, and the expression was swiftly replaced with one of blankness. "Thanks for the dinner Mr. Raizada. I am glad to know that you aren't destroying Sheesh Mahal, it was once my best friend's. And because he does not seem to be coming back there, I guess you can do whatever you wish with it." She said, her voice composed and calm, and not as shaky as she had feared it would be.

"Khushi, listen to me." He said, getting out of the car, slamming the door shut, and going after her. He managed to stop her before she settled on the lawn of her house, catching her hand in a tight grip and halting her from moving any further.

"Please Khushi, hear me out. I'm here to explain everything to you." He said desperately. When he turned her to look at him, one look was all it took for her to surrender. And she found herself against his chest once more, burying her face in the crook of her best friend's, the man who she had thought to be dead for so many years. The boy who had snatched every dream away from her young mind, making her see the reality that was. Making her understand the grey in life, that shades did not only consist of black and white. That life took, and gave back, and took some more.

He walked them towards the back of Sheesh Mahal, towards the garden that still resided. Although it did not carry it's former charm, the colours and smells that his mother had so very carefully nurtured into the place, it was beautiful nonetheless. It was still their safe haven.

It was wide and open, sloping gently down to a cosmic-blue pond. A grove of cypress pines flanked them on one side, with a thicket of peaceful beeches standing guard on the other. Apple trees run through the centre of the garden, casting a lake of claw shadows onto the grass.

He sat her down on the bench where they had so frequently sat upon, sharing stories and dreams.

He sat beside her, and she immediately leaned against his shoulder, hugging his arm against her chest. He let out a shaky sigh before commencing, listening to the now steady breathing of his Khushi. Of his Meethi.

"Arvind Mallik had always been an evil man, this I was aware of since childhood. I knew this when he gave his children all the chocolates in the house, and left none for myself or Di. I knew this when he helped his own children with their homework, and never had the time for me. I knew it when he never let us play inside the house, and yelled at us for having fun. But I especially knew this when I caught him telling Di one day, telling her that she was worthless. That she was a handicapped good for nothing, and that was the first day I had ever lost control of my temper. It was at that moment when the hatred had truly bloomed. I hated his guts, I hated his snobby behaviour, and the way he acted as if his children were the best on the planet. But, I had always felt a little better once I was with my father, knowing that he handled everything. That perhaps my uncle was mean with me, but he could never say anything to his older brother. My father and mother were always in control, and loved me and Di enough, so that any other kind of love from other family members was not necessary." He said, his eyes distant as if remembering it all.

He glanced at Khushi who had now risen from her leaning position, and was now holding his arm possessively within her own grasp. Her eyes bore into his, perhaps fearful for the story to come, but mostly he saw the concern and love that she had for him. And suddenly, it was not so scary anymore.

"He wanted money, he wanted property. Arvind Mallik wanted everything for himself and his own family, tired of being overshadowed by my father his entire life. And so, he planned our deaths." Arnav said composedly, the bitter memories suddenly flashing before his eyes, the resentment smearing his soul.

"He set Sheesh Mahal on fire, with my family in it. Ma, Baba, Di...and myself. All engulfed in flames. But the next thing I knew, I was on a train to Delhi with one of our servants accompanying me and Di. He had managed to save us in the fire, but not my parents. He had run away with us, making my uncle believe that we were dead, and he had succeeded in his mission. That man saved my life. He told us all about Arvind Mallik and his true colours." Arnav said, putting a hand over Khushi's clenched one. Her eyes were wide, tears on the verge of falling from her lashes. However she nodded once more, encouraging him to finish his story.

"Arnav!" She screamed at the top of her lungs, feeling as if the wind was knocked out of her. She thrashed against her father as he held her back from lunging herself into the burning mansion to find her best friend.

"Bitiya, you cannot go!" Shashi told her helplessly, as she continued to scream for her best friend.

"No...not Arnav, please..." She muttered hopelessly, her knees dropping to the grass of her front lawn, clutching the roots beneath her fingers as she imagined the scream that rang continually in her ears.

"He killed Ma and Baba. He snatched my youth from me. But Di and I managed to find our way to our Nani's house, with the help of our servant. He left us there in safe hands, and we never saw the man again. Nani used to live in a small house, with my Mama and Mami, and their son. My Mama was struggling financially, and soon I realized what a burden Di and I were to them. Although they loved us and tried to care for us the best they could, it was difficult. And with Di's polio getting worse, we could not even find treatment for her. And so, I went out into the streets and got the first job I could find. It was hard Khushi, moving from a life of luxury, a life of ease, to the reality I found after my parents died. I started doing small jobs, earning pocket money and helping out in the household. I started saving for Di's treatment, and soon I found myself earning a decent living as a mechanic. I spent enough time around your father and learned about cars from him." Arnav smiled softly, watching Khushi reciprocate slightly. He knew how sensitive she was, and just how much this was affecting her. He wanted to lock them both up somewhere and start afresh. As if nothing had ever happened, as if they had stayed best friends forever. As if, Arnav thought with a pang.

"I went from job to job, and Mama started picking up with his business too. Soon, the two of us managed to earn enough money for Di's treatment. I started helping Mama out. Di and I were enrolled in school once summer vacations were over, and even that was expensive, for my Nani wanted us to have the best. I continued working on the side, until I grew up and found myself wanting to give back as good as I got. I studied as much as I could, went to the best schools, and landed myself in the business field. Helping out Mama had come in handy, and soon I graduated. Mama and I took the business to new heights, and soon after my younger cousin Dhruv started helping out as well. My Mami sold all of her jewellery to help us out. Now, we are the best company there is Khushi. We used to be scared about our competitors, and now it is the opposite. We used to plunge in stocks, however now we have risen all the way to the top. We all worked hard, and soon I had a mansion built for my family. Shantivan, was what my Nani had named it. We went from nothing...and suddenly we had everything." Arnav said, hoping she would stop crying because he had given her a happy ending to his story.

"How is Di now?" Khushi asked quietly, her heart racing at the thought that she was alive as well. That they both were.

"She's doing really well. She is a teacher at a local kid's school now. And Nani is currently looking for a suitable groom for her. Although that will be hard, she is too good for them all anyways." Arnav grinned halfheartedly, earning an excited smile from Khushi, even through her tears.

"I'm so sorry Khushi...that I left you in the dark all these years. I..."

"I understand Arnav. You suffered for so many years Arnav, and I wasn't even there to help you." She said brokenly, shaking her head in sorrow. "I wish I had known...I wish you had found me somehow throughout all these years...a phone call, a letter...something."

"Believe me Khushi, there is nothing I wanted more." Arnav said in a more serious tone, taking her small hands in his and squeezing them. "I wanted to see you everyday, I thought about you all the time. I missed you every second Khushi." He whispered, and watched as her eyes fluttered close. "But I couldn't come back here until I was absolutely sure I could destroy Arvind Mallik. Until I could give back as good as I got. I didn't find myself worthy of you before that, I needed to give you the best. And now I can Khushi. I would do anything for my Meethi." Arnav said hopefully.

"No one ever believed me Arnav..." Khushi whispered desperately. "I always knew Arvind was evil, he never kept in touch with us after the fire incident. He seemed... thrilled that you were all dead, and did not even perform any final rights...in the end, my parents did it. For their best friends, your parents." Khushi said despairingly, clutching Arnav tighter, realizing he was truly in front of her. "I always knew you were alive. I knew you were out there somewhere, and when I saw you yesterday...I figured it out. There was no way you were not my Arnav." Khushi said, taking one of his hands and leaning her cheek against it.

"Khushi...let's start afresh." Arnav muttered, placing a kiss against her palm in the process. "You and me, let's make new beginnings. Forget anything dark and bitter that relates to our past, and solely remember the good things we shared. The only happy memories I've had. I've waited for you Khushi. I really have." Arnav said with feeling. "I could not wait to find you...see how beautifully you've grown after all these years." Arnav tucked a loose tendril of hair behind her ears, and then cupped her cheeks.

"Come back to Delhi with me. Di will be so happy to see you...and Nani will love you Khushi, I'm absolutely sure of it." Arnav said, the pad of his thumb caressing her cheek bones.

She stilled almost immediately, brushing his hand off her cheek tenderly. "I would love to see them Arnav. But...there is so much going on right now. I can't just leave..." She said, avoiding eye contact with him, feeling guilty for denying him, depriving him of anything. "I'm starting up class again...I just got a scholarship offer from one of the best Indian Classical schools in the city...Lucknow is my home Arnav."

Arnav nodded slowly, understanding her predicament. He had not expected her to sit around, waiting for some miracle. He had not assumed that she would be waiting for him, as he had been for her. He could not just appear into her life and expect that he could have everything he desired. She had every right to go on in life, and he came back to Lucknow being prepared for that very matter.

"Khushi, I look here and I see nothing but the blood of my parents. Everything around here reminds me of how I was deprived of any kind of happiness...I was separated from you. I've been waiting for this moment...to take you with me. Because Delhi is my home now." Arnav said hopefully. "I cannot stay in Lucknow, and will leave the second I am capable of it. The only reason I am able to bare the city, is the thought of you here."

"I...I can't Arnav. I can't just leave..." She muttered anxiously, shaking her head in defeat. "I'm sorry..."

Before she could say anything more, her phone rang abruptly, cutting the tension off momentarily as she glanced at the name on the display with sudden chills running through her spine. Her face paled, and it was not until Arnav tilted her chin for him to look at her, that she managed to slow down the whirlwind of thoughts that she was currently drowning in.

How had she not remembered?

"Khushi, who is it? What's wrong?" He frowned, searching her eyes for an answer and finding nothing but fear that managed to chill his own bones.

"It's Nandkishore...the man I am supposed to marry." She muttered, her eyes dropping, and then looking back to his. His hands dropped from her face, and she was deprived of any warmth she had previously felt around him, all she saw was shock in his eyes, a distant look.

"I...His father is Babuji's friend, and...nothing was going to happen, I already knew..." She tried to say something, but the shock on his face was too evident for her to muster the courage to enunciate anything. Nandkishore, or NK as he liked to be called, was a family friend. His father worked with her Babuji, and when NK had proposed to his father the idea of a possible alliance, they had not been late in coming to Khushi's household themselves to ask in person.

Of course, Khushi said she was not sure. Her father was used to her rejecting every single proposal that came her way, however she decided to truly think about this one. He had left for a business trip for a month, and told her they should meet after she had time to think. Today must have been a month later, for he called once more after she did not pick up the first time. She had thought about it, and was truly not ready for marriage, even with NK. He was a nice man, but for some reason she could not get herself to truly try and like any man.

The one in front of her seemed to be reason enough, she had been waiting for him all along.

"You were getting engaged...when were you planning on telling me?"

It was a given, that Arnav was well aware of the fact that he had supposed to have been dead, and naturally she was supposed to move on. But just the thought of another man with her, made his blood boil, and jaw clench in response. He almost paled at the realization of his arrival...had he been a little more late, would he have found her engaged? She was too young for marriage!

"Believe me Arnav...I forgot. And I wasn't actually - "

"Do you love him?" He cut her off abruptly, not concerned for anything else.

"No! Of course not, he's just a friend...I was going to tell -"

"It's okay Khushi. I understand, you forgot." He gave her a reassuring smile. "All I need you to know is... I just want to be with you. Spend time with you." Arnav said. "If you want time, then alright. We can work things out. But I am leaving in a couple of days and I want to spend as much time with you as possible. I've missed you so much." Arnav took her hands in his once more, caressing the back of her hand with soothing circles as he had when they were young children, and she had been nervous about something. Arnav had always managed to calm her nerves in this manner.

She frowned, no longer understanding his behaviour. Of course, she was more than happy that he had understood her, yet on the other hand...had he given up on her so easily? Did he not care that she was supposed to get married? He had not even let her complete her sentence, so she could tell him that she had no such plans. Was he okay with all this? Was he alright with the fact that he would be leaving in a couple of days, and they would not see one another?

Her jaw clenched, mirroring his when he was angry. One could not expect two people to be so close, and not pick up frequent habits from the other.

You are asking for too much, Khushi chided herself mentally.

***

Arnav Singh Raizada was a business man. Making deals and sealing them were his life, persuading people was a hobby, and getting his way was essential. Although Khushi was not a deal, and was in fact, his childhood love, the case was somewhat similar.

If she truly reckoned that she was not coming back to Delhi with him, then that was fine.

He would prove her wrong.

If she presumed that some random proposal would get in their way, that some Nandkishore would come between them, then that was alright as well.

He would show her the reality, that it was just him and her. It had always been.

There was no going back, Arnav Singh Raizada had made the decision. Khushi would be his at any cost, he would make his own place in her life. And when the time was right, he would carry her all the way to Delhi over his own shoulder if needed.

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A/N : Sorry for the delay guys! I became much busier than I had imagined during the week, and therefore could not post sooner! Hope you all liked the second part, i will post the last update as soon as I can😊

Also, a HUGE thank you to everyone who commented and liked. You are all amazing, I did not think I would get such a tremendous welcome back. I was absolutely overwhelmed. You guys are the loveliest readers!🤗

Lastly, I will dedicate this part to ...Iyla... for being so patient and waiting for my update so eagerly! Thank you dear, and hope I did not disappoint😊

Leave any comments, or feedback if you get the chance! I would love to read them. See you all soon, but until then, happy reading😃

****Part 3 below!

Home Is With You