ArShi FS: Never Let Me Go - Last Part (Pg-113) **COMPLETETD** - Page 12

ArShi FS: Never Let Me Go - PART 2

Her tears won't stop ... nor did she tried to wipe them away. She wanted to let out all the pain and misery for once and all. But she knew it's not possible. It will take her time. Time to forget her love ... those sweet moments ... all that pain ... that broken trust ... and broken heart.

How did all this happen? They were so happy and in love. Yes they had fights, which married couples don't fight? But she never knew those fights could cause a distance between them. But she tried, didn't she? To mend the gap. She even apologizes when the mistake was not hers ... why? ... because she had loved him so much.

She roams her hand on their wedding picture, "Why Karan? Why you have hurt me?", cried Lavanya. "I loved you so much. Why didn't you trust me? Was our love so weak that someone came and broke our bond? It was our baby Karan. It was your baby ... how could you say such cheap words about our baby? I hate you Karan. I hate you ... I will never forgive you ... Never".

Lavanya lay down on bed and cried into the pillow. She had never thought that someday she will be so hurt. And the reason will be the person whom she had loved a lot. The events of the day runs in her mind.

She wanted to meet Karan; she didn't want this divorce to happen. Her mother and brother was furious with her, knowing her decision. That even after she had suffer so much, lost her baby, she is still thinking of that man. But Lavanya was helpless from her heart. She wanted to try, just for once ... to save her marriage. She still had hope somewhere in her heart that if she talks to Karan or explain him ... maybe he will listen ... and her marriage will be save. Her mother had forbid her to meet or call Karan; she even took her cell phone, so that she couldn't even call him. Lavanya didn't know what she should do, she was feeling suffocating. Why her mother was not understanding her? Even Ratna aunty and Bade Papa were against her meeting or talking with Karan, according to them this divorce is the only solution. After debating much, she went to Arnav ... hoping that he would understand her dilemma.

"Lavanya ... what are you doing here?", asked Arnav surprised as he saw Lavanya standing at his cabin door.

"Can I come in? Or you're busy ... then I will ...", Lavanya was hesitant.

"No ... no ... come on in", said Arnav as he stood up and went around the table as Lavanya came in.

"I ... I want to meet Karan", said Lavanya taking a deep breath and ready herself to be shouted upon, as it had happen with her mother and brother.

But Arnav just stare at her face for few seconds, and then smile a little surprising Lavanya.

"I knew you would want to", said Arnav softly.

"And you're ... you're not angry at me?", asked Lavanya. Arnav shakes his head and then takes her hand in his.

"I am angry ... but not on you. I am angry at Karan, that why he couldn't trust you if he loves you. With love comes trust Lavanya. If you don't trust the person you claim to love, then in reality you don't love that person in the first place.", said Arnav in serious tone. "I knew that you would want to meet him, try to make him understand what the real situation was. And I won't stop you. Because I know that its not easy to go away from the person you love so much".

"Arnav ...", Lavanya had tears in her eyes, happy to know that he understands.

"But in my opinion ... it will be waste of time. He won't change his decision. If he had even love you the half of what you love him. He would have given you a chance to talk to him. In last 2 weeks you have called him, try to talk to him ... but he didn't respond", said Arnav.

"How did you know that I called him?", asked Lavanya being surprised.

"When I was coming to your room for dinner one day I saw you crying with your cell in your hand and I knew what you were doing ... so I left", said Arnav.

"Why didn't you stop me like mom and Bhai?", asked Lavanya again.

"Because I know how much you love him Lavanya. You fought with our family to marry him ... and also because I want you to understand yourself that it's over now", said Arnav.

Lavanya shakes her head and before she could say something Arnav gesture her to stop.

"You want to meet him, go ahead. Talk to him ... but do not beg or plead him ... Understand", said Arnav giving her a stern look. "Yes you love him, but you're not a toy to be played with. You also have feelings, emotions and self-respect. If he cannot respect your feelings and love then it's better to leave him ... move on. I know at this stage its seem impossible to you ... but trust me Lavanya time is a big healer. You're a strong woman ... don't be like those who make themselves helpless instead of fighting or standing on their own feet ... ok?".

Lavanya smile and wipe her tears by nodding her head.

"Good girl ...", said Arnav giving light punch to her cheek in a friendly manner.

"I never knew you would understand love that much haan ... I guess someone had her effect on you pretty well", said Lavanya in a teasing manner.

"Well love defiantly changes a person", said Arnav with a grin.

"I am really happy for you that you have found your love", said Lavanya placing her hand on his arm.

"Me too.", replied Arnav.

"And I hope that you won't forget your friend ... You know I love you right", said Lavanya with a smile and Arnav smirk at her and Lavanya then hug him.

"Yeah I know ... We will always be friends Lavanya", said Arnav.

"Thank you for understanding me", said Lavanya.

Arnav was about to reply when he felt Khushi's presence. Arnav breaks the hug and move to the door, he opened it and then look in the corridor. It was just a second late that Khushi had turned the corridor.

"Arnav what happened?", asked Lavanya as she too came out.

"I think ... I saw Khushi", said Arnav and Lavanya giggle,"Ayee hayee ... that much love haan ... that she is at her father's place and you're seeing her here".

Arnav give her a stern look and she made a gesture of zipping her lips.

"Hey Arnav ...", Aman came there, "We have a meeting in 15 mintues", handing the file to Arnav.

"Ok I will be there", said Arnav.

"Hi Aman", Lavanya greeted Aman who smile in return and shakes her hand, "How are you?".

"Much better", replied Lavanya.

"Come I will drop you outside", said Arnav.

"No its ok ... I will go ... you go and prepare for your meeting", said Lavanya.

"I will go with her Arnav", said Aman giving an assuring look to Arnav who nodded his head and went inside. Aman and Lavanya move away, talking about various things.

Aman knew about Lavanya's situation, not everything, but knew that she and her husband are going for divorce. They both were not friends but are on good talking terms and he wish and pray that everything goes well for her.

Lavanya then went to Karan's office, she waited for him to come out as its nearly his time off. After some 15-20 minutes she saw Karan coming out of office, she went to him. Karan saw Lavanya coming to him, and completely ignored her and went towards parking where his bike was. Lavanya wanted to talk, she asked for one chance but Karan ruthlessly dismiss her. Lavanya too got angry and they both had a argument which ended very badly when Karan taunt on her character and baby.

"Tell me Lavanya ... why didn't you tell me that you were pregnant haan ... or you didn't wana tell me because it was not my baby", said Karan in anger.

"Karan how can you even say that", Lavanya had tears in her eyes, "I also came to know late about it, I tried to tell you but you were always angry on me with something or other ... and I started to suspect Pallavi wrong doings ... so I didn't share it with anyone because I was afraid that she will harm my baby and it happened in real".

"Oh please ... now don't put blame on Pallavi. Just accept it that you were having an affair behind my back. Tell me who is the father, was it Rohit (Pallavi's fianc) or was it Arnav? Ofcourse it will be Arnav right? After all who can resist a rich handsome guy who also happens to be in love with you. I don't know why you married me in the first place, when half of the time you were talking about Arnav this and Arnav that ... and also comparing me with him. And its good that the baby is gone ... as it was the sign of your sins ... illegitimate being ... he deson't deserves ...", Karan was ranting on when suddenly he felt a sharp sting on his cheek.

Lavanya can bear anything but not a word about baby, that was a limit for her. She had slapped him hard.

"Arnav was right ... you won't change. How dare you call my baby illegitimate? I am ashamed on myself that I still hoped that you will understand me ... still hoped that you would trust me ... but I was so wrong. Mark my words Karan, you will regret one day ... and that day you will realize what you have lost. I might forget one day what Pallavi had done with me but I will never forget and forgive you", said Lavanya in anger with tears streaming down her face, which she wiped away and move from there.

She was broken before, but now felt completely shattered. She went home and cried and cried looking at their wedding photo. When after much time when her tears dried ... her heart felt a little light. She went to washroom, freshen up and move down ... to spend time with her family to distract herself. She won't be week ... she will be strong. She will fight for herself ... for her self-respect.

--------------------------------- Later @ night around 8 pm

Arnav enter his home ... tired. He wanted to go to meet Khushi before he leave for Mumbai but when he was about to leave office he got called by his Dad, who was not feeling well but had a meeting to attend, as Akash was already left for home so Arnav asked his Dad to leave for home as well and he will attend meeting on his behalf ... but he didn't knew that the meeting will stretch to another 2 hours.

He really needs a strong coffee now, as he have to send some mails then have to prepare his luggage.

"Khushi ...", he shouted a bit, "Give me strong coffee please". He went up the stairs, too lost in his thoughts as what work he have to do and what not, that he didn't remember for a moment that Khushi is not in the house.

He threw his mobile, wallet and coat on the bed and taking out a shirt from cupboard he went for a warm shower. After shower he shaved and wearing a shirt and trouser came out of washroom ... rubbing his wet hairs with towel. He threw the towel on bed and bend down to take a traveling suitcase from under the bed.

He hear the room door open, "Khushi ... can you ..." he stopped as he looked up and saw Lavanya standing with a tray ... with a teasing smile on her face.

"Khushi is not here dumbo ...", saying that she place the tray on small table.

And that made Arnav realize that how use to he had become of Khushi's presence in his life. He smile sheepishly at Lavanya and stood up holding the traveling suitcase. He places it on bed and then sits on recliner as Lavanya hand him the coffee cup and sits beside him holding one for herself.

Arnav sips the coffee and frown, "Um ... its too bitter".

"What? Last time I check, black coffee is bitter Arnav", said Lavanya.

"But not the one Khushi makes", said Arnav in an innocent tone that made Lavanya giggle.

"Oho ... sorry janab ... but you have to drink this one tonight as your Khushi is not here to make one bitter less for you", said Lavanya teasing him. Arnav gave her a stern look and place the coffee back on table.

"What?", asked Arnav when even after few seconds Lavanya didn't stop giggling.

"I never thought the one who use to so shy and reserve in relationship and those types of things can be so attached with someone that it sometimes made you forget that she is not even here.", said Lavanya.

Arnav rubs the back of his head in embarrassment, and started to miss Khushi. He looked around his room which was giving him a very empty feeling without her.

"She is lucky that you love her so much", said Lavanya softly.

"Nah ... I am much more lucky to get her", replied Arnav instantly.

Lavanya giggles again and patted his arm, "I am happy for you". And she was genuinely happy for him ... that now she doesn't have to feel the guilt anymore for turning down his proposal.

When Arnav told her he loves her ... she was shocked, as she was not expecting this from him. It's true that they have been together since childhood, had been great friends and Lavanya love and care for him just like a friend. And she had said the same thing to Arnav but then felt bad as she saw his sad and hurt face. Since then she had prayed that he find his share of happiness soon. And now seeing him happy and in love she couldn't help but feel happy and light weighted.

Seeing her lost in thoughts Arnav touch her hand, "Lavanya ... where are you lost" and then remember that she had to meet Karan today, "Did you meet with Karan? What did he said?".

Lavanya came out of her thoughts and then gulped hearing Karan's name... her conversation with him played in her mind.

"You ... you were right. He ... he didn't even listen to me and ... and ... talked so rubbish about my baby ... you ... and ...", Lavanya stopped as tears started to come in her eyes.

No ... she have to be strong, thought Lavanya and then told Arnav about her meet with Karan. Arnav got angry listening to what Karan had said.

"He is not worthy of your love Lavanya. You have given him everything, your love, your care ... your heart and your trust. It's your love that despite all the bad happenings you still wanted to give one try to save your marriage ... and it's not a bad thing. Love is like this ... even when that person hurts you, your heart is ready to forgive him. But it's no use when that person is not ready to reciprocate the same love and trust. Its good in a way that you meet him ... at least now you will know that you are right on your part. You won't be having any guilt in future that you didn't try, which you did. Now just leave all this, stop thinking about him, I know it won't be easy but you have to be strong. Life is not over yet ... you will be happy again. And trust me, if you think that love is over for you than its not ... in future you will love again ... you will find someone who will love you, trust you and respect you ... it's the way of life dear. It never stops ... you just have to be strong and patient", said Arnav.

Lavanya smile as she wipes her tear which roll down on cheek, Arnav patted her hand and she nods her head.

"And don't worry ... we all are here for you ok. We will support you in every step", said Arnav in assuring tone.

"I know ...", Lavanya smiled a little ... and then taking a deep breath she place the coffee cup on table and stood up.

"Forget about me ... you tell. You need help in packing?", said Lavanya eyeing the suitcase on bed.

"yeah ... before Khushi would always do that for me. I don't even remember half the time now where I put my things", said Arnav as he too stood up and went to cupboard. He took out 2 pair of suits, 2 shirts and trouser and hand them to Lavanya who arrange them in a suitcase.

"I can't seem to find my socks", said Arnav looking into the cupboard ... after few seconds he went to recliner and pick up his cell, "Let me call Khushi".

Lavanya shakes her head and went to his cupboard looking here and there, keeping care not to invade their personal space.

After trying two times, when Khushi didn't pick up his phone, he called her father.

"Hello Arnav ...", said Shashi.

"Hello Uncle, where is Khushi? Is she alright? I am calling her but she is not picking up", asked Arnav with concern.

"Oh beta ... she is sleeping I guess. She didn't came down since the time she came back in evening ", said Shashi

"Oh ..ok ... I will leave her a message then", said Arnav.

"ok beta ... I will tell her to call you once she wakes up", said Shashi and Arnav bid goodbye to him.

"Arnav ...", Lavanya called him and pointed towards a big plastic box under the drawer in below shelf, "I guess your socks are in there".

Arnav went and the pull the box, as it was sliding one and defiantly his socks were in there.

"What will you do without Khushi haan", said Lavanya teasingly as Arnav give her 2, 3 pair of socks.

"I don't know too", whisper Arnav to himself ... feeling worried about Khushi.

Khushi never sleeps at this time, thought Arnav, as he looks at the watch which is showing 8.45pm. She didn't even call him today asking if he had his lunch or not. Not in evening either, asking if he had reached home or not ... like she did the last two times when she had stayed at her father's house. He was feeling that something is not right ... and feeling irritated that he didn't have the time to go and meet her as he had to catch 10.30pm flight.

Lavanya helped him pack his luggage as he packed his laptop bag with files and other necessary things. Then he got ready and left the house in another 15 minutes.

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

Khushi felt her head pounding as she opened her eyes ... and next second gasped feeling the darkness in room. She quickly run her hand over side table to find the switch as her heart started to beat faster with fear ... 2 second later the room bathes with soft yellow glow. Khushi sigh with relief.

She is afraid of darkness. Still even after so many years she just couldn't let the fear shake off her. It was just a childhood prank played on her by her cousins who locked her in a store as she was not sharing her toys with them. She had been locked in there for almost two hours when her father let her out. She had been shaking with fear and fell sick the next day. All her cousins earned a scolding and punishment of getting grounded for a week. They all have apologize to her, they are good with each other now ... but still that fear still hung with her all these years.

She rubs her temple and pick up her cell to see the time ... its 10.12pm. She had slept that much, surprise and shocked she put her legs on floor and was about to stand up when she saw miscall icon blinking. She slide down the screen and saw 4 miscalls from Arnav and 3 messages.

"Khushi, are you alright? Called you twice but you didn't pick up.

Just talked to your dad. Call me when you wake up.

I guess you're still sleeping. I am heading to Airport now. Missing you a lot :(

Khushi's eye stuck to the last sentence ... missing you a lot.

He is missing me, thought Khushi as her heart flutters. She quickly dials his number.

Arnav had just received his boarding pass when his cell rang, he fished it out from pocket and a smile lit up his face seeing Khushi's name flashing. He quickly picked up.

"Hey ... I guess you're awake now", said Arnav.

Khushi felt warmth seeping in her being listening to his deep husky voice.

"Yeah ... just few minutes ago", replied Khushi.

"Are you feeling ok? You never slept at this time ... what happened Khushi? Why I am feeling that there is something which is bothering you? Tell me ... maybe I can help", said Arnav with concern.

Khushi didn't know what to say now; she didn't want to make him worry. He is going for work ... and if she tell him ... he might cancel all things and come to her. She never want to become a hindrance in his work.

"It nothing Arnavji ... there is not much to do here that's why I lay down for rest but didn't knew when my eyes got shut", said Khushi trying to assure him.

Arnav was not convinced with the answer but he didn't probed further ... he thought to ask her later when he will meet her ... then she won't be able to divert the topic.

"Hmm ... that's good that you rested ... now what will you do next?", said Arnav as he sit down on the chair near the terminal gate.

"Don't know ... may be I will eat something ...", said Khushi and then quickly asked, "Did you have your dinner and medicine Arnavji?".

Arnav smiles at her concern, "Yeah I ate at the office as I have to stay back for a meeting ... took medicine as well ... but couldn't get to drink coffee".

"Why? Didn't Hari Prakashi ji make you one?", asked Khushi.

"Nope ... Lavanya made it ... but I didn't like it", said Arnav and Khushi couldn't help but asked, "Why?".

"Because it didn't had your taste. I like the one you make. I guess I am more habitual to your coffee", replied Arnav with ease and it made Khushi blush a little.

"So that means when you said you miss me a lot, it meant you miss my coffee, not me.", asked Khushi in a teasing tone.

"No. Khushi ... it meant the same what I said. I really missed you a lot today", said Arnav in a serious tone. Khushi heart thudded a bit listening to this.

"You know when i was packing and couldn't find my socks I called you to ask where you have placed them", Arnav chuckled a bit, "Lavanya was making fun of me that how dependent I have become on you".

"Lavanyaji was there when you were packing", asked Khushi couldn't help but feel bad.

"Yeah she was the one who find the box of my socks. She helped me in packing", said Arnav, "I am worried for her Khushi ... you know today when she ..." Arnav was saying when there was announcement for the passengers to board the plane for Mumbai.

"Ok Khushi ... I gotta go now", said Arnav as he stood up, "Have to board plane ... I will message you when I reach there ... do not wake till late ok ... eat something and sleep".

"hmmm", said Khushi

Arnav showed his boarding pass to the lady and went ahead, "ok Khushi I am cutting the call now ... take care ... and (pause for 2, 3 seconds) I will miss you".

Khushi couldn't help the tears escaping her eyes and put her hand on her mouth to stop the sound.

"I guess you won't miss me haan", asked Arnav wanting to hear the same from her. Khushi quickly shakes her head as If telling him that he is wrong.

"Khushi ... hello are you there?", said Arnav.

"Yes I am here", said Khushi after few second.

"Won't you say anything", said Arnav.

"Take care Arnavji ... I will see you soon", said Khushi .

Arnav felt a little bad not hearing the thing which he so wanted to. Just then the Air hosted gesture him to cut the call as they were about to take off.

"Ok Khushi ... I have to switch off my cell now. Bye", said Arnav and cut the call. He then switched of his cell ... not at all feeling good.

Khushi hug her cell phone and sobbed. "I already miss you a lot Arnavji. I don't know how I will be able to go away from you.

After 2, 3 minutes she wiped her tears and send him a message, then went to washroom to freshen up.

Arnav switched on his cell after half an hour, as the plane was in the air now. After 2 seconds his cell beeped indicating for incoming message. He checked and saw a message from Khushi.

"I too will miss you a lot Arnavji :( ".

A big smile came on his face reading the message, feeling content, he closed his eyes to catch some sleep.

Khushi couldn't eat much, she doesn't know what to do or feel. Hearing about Lavanya from Arnav, made her sad. Not that she hates Lavanya, she knew she is a good and friendly girl. Whenever she had met her, she was always smiling and good to her. She also feels for her as how much she had suffered and lost. But at the same time she doesn't feel good when Arnav talk about her. She knew Lavanya is his best friend and they had been together from childhood. She had always respected their friendship because she knew it means a lot to Arnav. She also knows that Arnav isn't kind of man who will cheat his wife or have an affair. He had been honest, straight forward since the beginning. That's the main quality of him that had attracted her towards him in the first place. He had been honest with her in everything.

Khushi lay down on bed holding her cell phone close, seeing their picture, which she had put on as wallpaper, because she loved that particular picture of them so much.

And the lovely thing was that Arnav was looking at the same picture ... he couldn't sleep ... so he opened up album in his cell phone and started seeing the pictures. Few of Khushi, few of them together. While browsing, the same pic came about which Khushi told him once that she love this particular picture every much and he hand seen that picture as a wall paper on her cell too.

Both remembering the time when they had met for the first time, their fight ... their arguments and their care for each other ... and how they got married.

TO BE CONTINUED ...

I know its not much ... but i hope that it can fill the wait you guys were doing for the update.

I will try to make the next one long ... and it will have flashbacks of the time when Arnav and Khushi met and how they got married.