She paced the length of her bedroom, glancing at the wall clock every few minutes. He hadn't arrived yet. She wearily laid on the recliner still waiting for his arrival. He promised he'd be home early. She pouted as she began reading a magazine that was on the table, not knowing when she dozed off.
Time stood still, one soul, in two bodies amidst a little bit of heaven. The scorching sunlight soaked up the morning dewdrops, the sound of the birds chirping melodiously played throughout the vast area.
Khushi caught up with Arnav as he ran closer to the waterfall. "Arnavji... bas aur nahin dor sakhti..." (Arnav... enough I can't run anymore...)
He tugged her hand as he pleaded, "Just a little more Khushi... come on."
She took a breath and nodded, "Theek hai..." (Okay...)
As he walked into water, he turned to Khushi, "Come on, what are you waiting for?"
She shook her head involuntarily, "Nahin... nahin... dard lagta hai..." (No... no... I'm feeling scared.)
He extended his hand, "Hold onto my hand."
She looked at the water and then at his hand, she nodded and placed her hand into his. She stepped into the water, hand in hand with her Arnavji... as they got to the middle of the water, he let her hand go. She tried to clutch his hand again but he smiled and began moving further away from her.
She blinked her eyes and just like that he had vanished, she was all alone, she looked in every direction, suddenly she felt herself feeling sinking into the water. She became frantic, "Arnavji... Arnavji..."
Submerged into the water, her hands and feet fought effortlessly to save herself from drowning. As she struggled to breathe, she saw him underneath the water. He smiled yet again. "Let yourself go Khushi... I love you."
A knock at the bedroom door, jolted Khushi awake. She straightened her clothes and opened the door to see a distraught Anjali.
Anjali began sobbing before the words could leave her. Khushi held her shoulder, "Di kya hua?" (What's wrong?)
Anjali uttered, "Chotte ka accident hua hai..." (Arnav got into an accident.)
Khushi held the door frame for support as she felt her world slip beneath her. Without waiting for Anjali to say another word, Khushi raced downstairs, her dupatta flowing through the air as she moved.
Nani and Manorama were sitting on the couch with their heads on either side of Mahinder's shoulders, they remained in silence as tears streamed down their faces. Akash had a hand around Payal for both his and her comfort., while his other hand held his phone to his ear, being briefed by Aman constantly. HP sat on another chair with his hands folded in plea, fear was evident on his face. Arnav was like a son to him. Anjali made her way downstairs behind Khushi, quite shaken.
Khushi strode towards Akash. She held his shoulder as she demanded answers, "Meri Arnavji..." (My Arnav.) She bit her lip, as sobs racked her form, "Kaha hai woh?" (Where is he?) Payal moved forward to comfort her as she continued sobbing. "Arnavji" came Khushi's hoarse whisper.
Akash helplessly looked on at his sister in law, having no answers to her questions. He never saw her like this before. He encircled his arms around her reluctant form and cradled her head. "Shhh...we'll find him Khushiji. Nothing will happen to bhai. The police are looking for him."
The shrill of Akash's phone brought everyone's attention to him. The caller id read Aman! He immediately answered the call as Khushi pulled away from his arms.
"Anything?'" There was silence followed by Akash's face paling. His jaw stiffened as he tried to find his voice, "A..A a... I'm coming." He ended the call. "I have to go to the accident site. Aman needs me there... I'll be back as soon as I can." He said before he left.
Akash walked into the house two hours later, he saw the expectant faces of his family. He ran his hand through his hair, "Bhai's... the car it went off... it went over the cliff. The police can't find his b.. body. They think he's..." He couldn't hold back his sobs, "He's gonee...how could he? Just... bhai..."
It took a few seconds for everyone to comprehend Akash's words, then the house filled with the wailing sounds of pain and anguish finally unleashed.
Khushi's face turned ashen, her knees tried buckling but she ignored it as she climbed the stairs to her room. She locked the door behind her and sat on the floor by the poolside. She hugged her knees as she rocked herself back and forth. Just like that her life flashed before her eyes, meeting Arnav, fighting with him, falling in love with him, marrying him, nearly losing him, winning his trust, getting married to him again, falling deeper in love. So many promises, so many vows, everything left incomplete. Her life partner, her everything, a part of her...gone!
He can't just leave me like that. He said he would hold my hand. But he let me go... he let me, She screamed his name, "Arrrnnaaavvvjiii!!!!"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AsdGAOvLHUQ
Itti Si Khushi Sab TV
Bade Achhe Lagte Hain
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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