Arshi FF: Heartbeats part 7 updated 21.10.15 - Page 6

He turned back to look at her. Her eyes were closed. Her hand was on his wrist. She was murmuring his name in sleep. He sighed in relief. He gently removed her from his wrist and went to take shower. After a few minutes Khushi woke up. Her head was aching very badly. She saw her attire.

I am still in the party wear!! But how did I end up here? And what happened yesterday?she thought.

She heard the bathroom door open. He came out.

Khushi: Hum kal raat yaha kaise aaye? (How did I come here yesterday?)

She didn't remember anything!!!! He was glad.

Arnav: Mujhe nahi pata. (I don't know)

He ignored her. Khushi felt like throwing up. She immediately rushed to the washroom and threw up. She wasn't well. He was worried when he heard her throwing up. But how can a bit of alcohol affect her to this extent? She was tired after throwing up. She came out wiping her face.

Arnav: Tum theek ho? Mai doctor ko bulau? (Are you fine? Should I call a doctor?)

Khushi: Na..nahi hum bilkul theek hai.(Nn..no I am absolutely fine)

She went out of the room. She behaved strangely, which made Arnav confused.

************

Only a day left and then tomorrow he would be divorcing her. She couldn't lose him so easily. She had to try her efforts to gain him back, but in one day it was impossible. She came here just to make a small attempt. Khushi banged the door. She got a positive response from her, Khushi entered her cabin. She could not believe that this was the same Lavanya who was once her best friend. The same girl who left Arnav for Khushi? And today the same lady snatched her Arnav!!!

Khushi: Hume aapse baat karna hai. (I want to talk to you)

Lavanya: Sit.

Khushi: Yaha nahi, neeche canteen mein.(Not here, downstairs in the canteen)

Lavanya obeyed her.

************

In canteen,

There was no one in the canteen, except for the cook. It was almost five thirty and all the staffs were leaving the office. Khushi and Lavanya entered the canteen.

Lavanya was shaking her cold coffee with the straw. Khushi had taken nothing.

Lavanya: Jaldi batao mere paas time nahi hai. (Say soon I don't have much time)

Khushi: Arnavji ko chhod dijiye.(Leave Arnavji)

Lavanya started coughing. So nothing sorted between them? Her efforts were an utter waste. But she couldn't betray her friend ASR. She had to act as instructed by him.

Lavanya: Khushi, iss galat faimi mai mat rehna ki mai ASR ko chhod dungi.(Khushi, dont be in a wrong impression that I am gonna leave ASR) I mean we love each other. I have got him back with great difficulty and you want me to back out.

Khushi: Isse paana nahi cheenna kehte hai. (It is not called "getting" its called "snatching")

Lavanya: Excuse me Khushi, maine nahi kaha tha ASR ko mere paas wapas aane ke liye. Woh khud mere paas aaya tha. Agar tumhe itna hi pyaar tha uss par toh tumne usse ignore kyun kiya tha tab? Kyun uss Rakesh ko itna importance de rahi thi? Kya tumne ASR ko manane ki koshish bhi ki? Jab woh London mein tha, toh kya tumne uss se ek baar bhi theek se baat kiya? Great!! Aur tum yaha mujhe blame kar rahi ho? Tumhari shaadi toot rahi hai toh woh tumhari wajah se hai Khushi!!! (Excuse me Khushi, I did not tell ASR to come back to me. He himself had come to me. If you loved him so much then why did you ignore him? Why did you give so much of importance to that Rakesh? Did you try to woo ASR? When he was in London did you even talk to him properly? Great!! And here you are blaming me for all these? Your marriage has broken because of yourself Khushi!!)

Khushi could not believe her ears. Lavanya was right. But truth was always bitter. She should have paid some attention towards Arnav.

But then, there was a blast in the canteen kitchen. Due to God's grace the canteen cook had been out or else he would have died. Only Khushi and Lavanya were inside the canteen. There was fire all over and these two ladies were stuck. Khushi and Lavanya looked at each other in fear. Arnav and Aman came down hearing the sound. The cook was standing outside unable to help the two ladies. Arnav and Aman saw the cook. The whole office was empty, except for these few people.

Arnav: Who is inside?

Cook: Khushi madam and Lavanya madam.

Arnav stopped breathing for a moment. Khushi was inside. Aman and Arnav rushed inside to save these ladies. Arnav's eyes were searching for Khushi. And therehe found Lavanya and Khushi. They were safe but the fire could reach them anytime. Arnav and Aman ran to them. Arnav immediately hugged Lavanya which gave a big shock to both of them. She never expected him to hug Lavanya, not atleast in this situation.

Arnav(hugging Lavanya and looking at Khushi): I am glad that you are fine. Do you know how much I was worried for you?

Arnav came to help Khushi but she stopped him by showing her palm.

Khushi: I can walk by myself.

Arnav: You are not fine, let me help you.

Khushi(sarcastically): You need not care for me.

She walked out of there as much as she could. She wiped her unstoppable tears. He signalled Aman to help Khushi.

"This time even if you call me to come back I wont!! I wont come to you Arnavji!!"she said to herself.

She was deeply hurt. Arnav saw her moving out of the office sadly. He went back to his chamber. He was weak in expressing his emotions. Lavanya followed Arnav.

**********

In Arnav's cabin,

Lavanya: Happy ASR? Sorry, Very happy right ASR? Was it necessary to hug me? Why do you want to hurt her more? She expected you to help her, not me.

Arnav: That's what I need. I don't want her to expect anything from me. I want her to have no hopes on me. I want her to hate me.

Lavanya: Why are you punishing her? I agree she ignored you but is this a way to punish her.

Is this lady mad? Why will I leave her forever just because she ignored me?he thought.

Arnav: Wait!! Who said you that I am leaving her just because she ignored me? Are you sick Lavanya?? You think I don't love her? I love her a lot and I want to be with her. But I cant be selfish. I cannot put her life in danger. It is the third time Lavanya that she merely escaped death. Somebody has put this fire on purpose.

Lavanya: Tum yeh kya keh rahe ho ASR? (What are you saying ASR?)

Flashback:

Shashi was still recovering. Khushi and Payal stayed in Gupta house for Shashi. Rakesh also used to visit Shashi everyday.

Arnav(on the phone): Uncle kaise hai? (How is uncle?)

Khushi: Bas theek ho rahe hai. (Just recovering)

Arnav: Kya mai waha kuch dino ke liye aa jau? (Should I come there for a few days?)

Khushi: Nahi Arnavji, aap kaam ko beech mein chhod ke mat aayiye. Hum hai na Amma ke paas. Aap chinta mat kijiye. Aur madad ke liye Rakhy bhi hai. (No Arnavji you don't leave your work in middle and come. I am there with Amma right. You don't worry. And even Rakhy is there to help)

Arnav didn't like it when she refused him to stay with her. And whenever he heard Rakhy's name he used to get angry.

Arnav: Bye.

********

It was almost two weeks since she had been to Gupta house. She never called him. It was him who always used to call her. And nowadays Rakesh used to interfere in Khushi and Arnav's conversation. This irritated Arnav a lot. He remained quiet since Khushi was in GH just due to Shashi's health. And Khushi nowadays did not show any interest towards Arnav. Garima sent Payal back to RM, because even in RM there should be a daughter in law. Payal went back unwillingly. Khushi, being stubborn, did not go back until Shashi recovered.

*********

It was just one day since Khushi returned back. Anjali and Khushi had been out to market. While crossing the road, Anjali didn't see that Khushi was behind. Khushi got a call on her phone. She was talking on the phone and Anjali had started crossing the road. Suddenly Khushi's eyes fell on the speeding car towards Anjali. She ran to Anjali and pulled her back. Both the ladies fell on the road.

Khushi helped Anjali to get up.

Khushi: Di aap theek hai na? Kya zarurat thi road cross karne ki? (Di you are fine na? What was the necessity to cross the road?)

Anjali: I am sorry Khushiji and thank you.

Anjali hugged Khushi.

Anjali's hand was wounded. Khushi tied a piece of cloth on it. Even Khushi was wounded but she didn't utter a word about it. On their way they found Rakesh, and he dropped them to RM.

********

In RM,

All were worried to see Anjali. She had got a big scar on her hand and blood was still oozing out. All rushed to Anjali. Khushi and Rakesh also entered in.

Nani: Aap theek hai na? Yeh sab kaise hua?(You are fine right? How did this happen?)

Anjali narrated the whole story to the family. All praised Khushi except Arnav. But none was concerned to ask if Khushi was fine. Even she was wounded but her wound wasn't visible. Rakesh's presence angered Arnav.

Arnav(angrily): Khushi tumhara dhyan kaha tha? Agar aaji di ko kuch ho jata toh? (To di)Aur di aap? Aap thoda sa intezaar nahi kar sakti thi?

Khushi didn't expect any scoldings from Arnav. She was sad. Rakesh noticed that. Arnav had no intentions to shout at her but the presence of this third person irked him.

Khushi went away from there.

********

An hour later,

Khushi was watering the plants and thinking about Arnav's words. She felt a hand on her hand. It was Arnav. He made her sit on the bed. He looked angry. He lifted her leg a bit and pushed her salwar's pant up.

Khushi: Aap kya kar rahe hai? (What are you doing?)

There was a big wound. It was miserable.

Arnav: Why didn't you say that you too were hurt?

Khushi had no reply. He dressed her wound with the bandage.

Arnav: I am sorry. I overreacted.

There was regret in his eyes.

She hugged him. She went downstairs to work. Arnav's mobile beeped. There was a message. An unknown number.

Arnav was literally shocked looking at this. At first he thought it might be a business rival, but then he started to suspect Rakesh. He called Aman. He asked Aman to track the number. After half an hour he got a call from Aman, "Sir the no. cannot be tracked because it is a use and throw sim!! That person is very smart". Arnav cut the call and banged the table.

*********

It was Rakesh's birthday party. Arnav and Khushi were also present. Arnav was very possessive regarding Khushi. All the rich people were invited. He cut the cake. He fed the cake first to Khushi. This annoyed Arnav. How dare he? Rakesh was an orphan. He was brought up by his late uncle. And Khushi was also pampering Rakesh a lot.

After the party, Khushi and Arnav were leaving.

Rakesh: Tintin, will you come with me tomorrow to gift shop? I need your help to buy a few things.

Khushi was about to say a yes but Arnav interrupted.

Arnav: No she is coming with me to Agra tomorrow. Sorry.

That was quite rude.

In the car,

Khushi: Arnavji why did you speak like that? Uska dil toot gaya.

Arnav(looking at the road): So you don't mind breaking my heart?

He was hurt by her words.

Khushi(looking at him): Arnavji!!!

He was fed up with her behaviour. She didn't understand what was wrong with him. He was driving the car in full speed.

Khushi: Arnavji hum kaha jaa rahe hai?(Arnavji where are we going?)

Arnav didn't reply. He was angry. Finally he halted the car in his farmhouse. He opened her door and pulled her out of the car. He grabbed her wrist inside. She was screaming his name, to let go of her hand. She hissed in pain when his grip tightened. He left her hand finally when they went inside.

Arnav(screaming): So tell me what do you want Khushi? Whenever I want to spend some time with you why do you go away? Why do you give so much of importance to that guy? Am I no one to you Khushi? Did you speak to me even once when your dad was ill? I waited for you but you never came. Why are you ignoring me so much? And wow!! You don't want to break his heart but you don't mind breaking mine. Everything was planned for tomorrow- Our hotel, our tickets, our trip everything Khushi. And you don't even care for that. Why don't you understand me? Why don't you want to spend some time with me too? Answer me Khushi. Aren't you interested in me anymore? I am not your dog Khushi, I am your husband. Please stop treating me like a dog!!

Her eyes were moist when he said that. Today she realised how much she had hurt him. Before she could reach him he started throwing all the things on the floor. He was too hurt by her behaviour. A vase fell near her leg and she jerked back. She had never seen him like this. She had to stop him. She went to him and cupped his face. He angrily shoved her hand from his face, "STAY AWAY FROM ME" he shouted. She was scared. The hall was looking miserable. All glass pieces were broken down. She was the reason for all these mess. And finally he locked himself in a room, needing some peace of time. Their maid was also too scared looking at all this.

Khushi followed Arnav to his room but he shut the door on her face. She kept banging the door, but he didn't open. He sat on the floor leaning his back to the door.

Khushi(banging the door and wiping her tears): Arnavji...darwaza kholiye(Arnavji ...open the door)

She kept banging the door and finally sat on the floor beside the door. For almost an hour they sat like that. Khushi was very tired, so she went to the hall and slept on the sofa, wiping her tears murmuring, "I am sorry Arnavji".

********

Next morning,

Khushi went to Arnav's room but he wasn't there. He was missing. Khushi enquired about this with Maria. Maria said that he had already gone and he sent a vehicle for Khushi. Khushi didn't expect him to leave her like that and go.

She stepped inside RM searching for Arnav. But there was no sign of Arnav. She bumped with Mami.

Mami: hello hi bye bye, tumhara eyeswa theek hai ki nahiwa? Aur itne jaldi mein kahi jaa rahi howa?

Khushi: Mamiji did you see Arnavji?

Mami: He went to airportwa in the morning.

Khushi(confused): Airport??

Mami: You don't knowwa, he is flying to London. He must have sat in the flight.

Khushi was shocked would be an understatement. He was going to London? He didn't even inform her. Why would he? She thought of stopping him but Mami said that he might have sat in the flight. It would be of no use to go to airport. She tried calling him, but his phone was switched off.

************

It was almost three weeks since he went to London. Every day she would call him, he would cut her call, making her sad. He used to talk to his Di, Nani and everyone but her. That was what pricked Khushi the most. "He hates me" she thought.Khushi called him from the landline. He picked the phone and said, "Hello". Her heart started beating fast. After three weeks she heard him. Khushi did not utter a word. It didn't take much time for him to realise that it was Khushi. There was silence from both the ends. He could feel her. Their silences were speaking.

Khushi: How are you?

He didn't reply.

Khushi: Say something Arnavji. Its almost three weeks.

He heard her sob.

Arnav: Do you care?

Khushi: Arnavji I am sorry. I didn't mean to hurt you.

Arnav: Leave it Khushi. Its fine.

He had not said it wholeheartedly and Khushi realised that.

Khushi: You did not answer me. How are you?

Arnav: Alive. You? (This surely hurt her. )

Khushi: Same here. When are you coming back?

Arnav: After a week.

They spoke for two more minutes and he made some excuse and kept the phone. He had not completely forgiven her.

He looked at the message which came yesterday. Khushi had been to the temple and there some goons came and scared everyone and the priest. They took all the money from the priest and the people who had come there. They scared Khushi a lot. And it was a plan by the same person who had caused the almost accident, the other day. It was another warning for Arnav to stay away from Khushi.

FB ends.

*********

Present,

Arnav showed Lavanya the message which he received a few minutes.

"I guess you didn't take my warnings seriously. It is my last warning. You know, the fire could kill her. Today she was saved but don't expect the same in future. I give you two days time, either leave her or see her dead body. Hope you don't force me to kill her."

Lavanya: Yeh Rakesh hai shayad!!(This might be Rakesh)

Arnav: No Lavanya, that guy is not sending these messages. It is some one else. Because whenever Khushi gets attacked this guy is engaged in some or the other work. Upon that we have no proof against him. As far as I know he will not harm Khushi. And I cannot be selfish Lavanya. I must save her life. And afterall she deserves someone better than me.

Lavanya felt bad for Arnav.

************

Next morning,

It was her time to leave RM. The divorce papers were ready. She was hurt by yesterday's incident. To his surprise, she was all smiling today. She had finally taken a decision. She didn't cry. This caused more tension for Arnav. Was she alright?

Arnav handed her a file.

Arnav: It is our divorce papers.

She jerked back when she heard that. That hurt her, but still she managed to smile. She cannot force him to stay with her. It was his wish. She didn't wish to trouble him more. She quietly took the paper and signed it. Arnav couldn't believe that she did sign. A drop of tear from her eye fell on her signature. She managed to wipe her tear before Arnav noticed. She handed it back to Arnav. Both of them, heartbroken, looked at each other.

Khushi: Arnavji, before leaving, can I hug you for a last time?

Her eyes were filled with tears when she said that. He didn't say anything. For one last time, she hugged him, making him weaker. He shut his eyes. Tears rolled down her cheeks. She composed herself, saying, "May you and Lavanyaji stay happily forever". But my happiness lies in you Khushi. Forgive me, I am helpless, he thought. She broke the hug and gave a big smile.

Khushi: Ghabrayiye mat, aapko hume dobara dekhna nahi padega. (Don't worry you need not see me again)

What did that mean? he thought. She marched towards the door.

Bas ek baar rok dijiye Arnavji, hum nahi jayenge.(Just stop me once Arnavji I wont go)she wished, closing her eyes.

Arnav: Khushi stop.

Thank you for the comments and thankyous.

Katty