Chapter 27 - When Love Costs
Mahira sighed seeing the light filling in the room. She looked at Piya who was still sleeping. She jumped down from bed and made her way to window. She looked far at sky holding window ledge.
Sun rays illuminated her skin but the pain was quite visible on her face. Fresh tears that still soaked her cheeks were radiating as a diamond under sunlight.
She wanted to forget everything that happened but was it that easy? No! She loved Armaan yes there was hesitation on her engagement but she really loved him. The moments that she spent with her felt like a nightmare to her now.
She let out another painful sigh and closed the window. She pulled the curtains on it and looked at Piya once again. She thought to let her rest knowing her mind state.
Mahira got ready and opened the room door. She was surprised to see Arav standing outside but maybe she wasn't really surprised. She expected him.
"She is sleeping." Mahira informed
Arav nodded.
"I wanted to talk to you." Arav said
"Let's go" Mahira said closing the door quietly
They walked downstairs.
~*~
Abhay opened his eyes. He was confused to see his room. Then he remembered what happened yesterday night and guilt returned. He turned his eyes and found his parents looking at him. He sighed and sat up.
"Are you feeling fine, Abhay?" Haseena asked softly
Abhay smiled sadly. Feeling fine! Can a culprit ever feel fine in his life?
"You shouldn't indulge in fight alone. Your powers are too weak for such deadly fight. You should've called us, Abhay." Haseena said worried for him
"What would've happen then? Someone else would've been hurt for me. Till when I let others get hurt due to me?" Abhay said with far off glance
"Who were they, Abhay?" Chand asked
"Does it matter?" Abhay said getting down from bed
"You should rest Abhay." Haseena said
"There's no rest for creatures like us" Abhay said wearing his coat
"What were you saying last night?" Chand asked finally
Abhay stopped in his tracks. He remembered trying to tell them the truth that he was trying to find from that night. He turned back and looked at his parents.
"You never trusted me then why suddenly my words matter to you?" Abhay asked
"Abhay..." Haseena tried to speak she wasn't able to see his son in such state
"We too lost a lot that night, Abhay." Chand said
"But you never tried to know what happen that night! You never cared to know if Armaan was at fault or not instead you believe what you wanted. You never listened to him just because you lost your own and Armaan wasn't yours..." Abhay shouted, he wasn't able to stand the pain anymore, he needed to let it out but he realized soon what he was saying
"It was all my fault... I should've stand for him but I... I failed him... I hurt him... I hurt my own brother..." Abhay whispered
"It was my fault and I'll correct it only... I'll bring your son, mom. I'll bring him back..." Abhay said and left immediately
~*~
Madhu sat on chair, looking at Arav. She exchanged glances with Rishab.
"Arav..." Madhu called
Arav looked up from table. Looking at Madhu he was reminded of yesterday event and realized he didn't inform them anything. He held his forehead.
"Sorry, mother, I didn't inform you..." Before Arav could inform Madhu about freeing Piya from room they all were stunned by Piya entering the dining room
"Good morning everyone.." she said loudly with a smile
What stunned them wasn't Piya smile because they all wanted her to smile but the drastic change in her appearance...
"Piya this..." Madhu was shocked to say anything
"What mother?" Piya asked casually sitting in her chair
"Your hair?" Madhu asked
"Oh well... I cut them a little and straightened them too. Aren't they pretty?" Piya smiled pulling some strands of her hair softly
"I wanted to look like you, mother. Strong and sharp." Piya giggled but the spark in her eyes was missing
Arav and Mahira looked at each other. They knew she was hurt and was just trying to distract herself. They felt sad for her but remain silent not wanting their parents to know anything.
"Piya..." Zoya tried to speak but Piya interfered
"C'mon mom am hungry. Won't you give me food?" Piya said
Zoya sighed. She looked at Madhu and both smiled.
"By the way you are looking different today!" Rishab remarked
Piya looked at him startled. She got nervous. Did he see through his facade?
"How?" Piya asked forcing a smile
"You are looking lot more innocent today." Asad said smiling at Rishab
Piya face twitched. Innocent! That's what costs her heartbreak.
Khushi observed her silently. A fear was engulfing her heart. She felt like she was seeing herself but how was that possible? She met Abhay and she could tell he was a nice guy then what went wrong. She looked at Mahira and Arav. They were unusually silent too. Something was wrong. Absolutely wrong.
"Arav, I'm thinking why don't you drive us to college today?" Piya said busying herself in eating food
Arav looked at her. He eyed the elders looking at Piya shocked. He sighed. Nevertheless, he liked Piya idea. Seeing Mahira and Piya state, it was better they don't drive.
"Why not?" Arav smiled "what say Mahi?" Arav looked at Mahira
Mahira was lost in another world but hearing Arav she came into her senses. She looked at him nervously.
"Ah.. yeah..." Mahira forced a smile without looking up
"Ok then... I'm waiting for you outside." Piya stood up
"What did you eat?" Madhu asked
"I'm done mom." Piya said making her way out
"You left your phone, Piya." Madhu said seeing phone placed beside the plate
Piya stopped and turned around. She rolled her eyes feeling annoyed. She extended her hand bringing the phone in air and then pulled it towards her.
"What's this, Piya? You shouldn't use Powers like this!" Madhu chided her
"Oh well mother we should remember the use of our powers so not to be harmed by enemies" Piya said in reply boggling everyone
Arav stood up quickly seeing her going.
"I think she is really in good mood today..." Arav said forcing a smile diverting everyone's attention from Piya words particularly the use of 'enemy'
"Let's go Mahi..." Arav said and left followed by Mahira
Khushi watched them going. She looked at everyone getting busy in their breakfast. She knew. She was now sure that something went wrong in her children lives. Her eyes then went to Arnav and something pricked her heart.
"When am unable to understand my own life how will I help them?" Khushi thought with sadness
~*~
Arav watched as Piya and Mahira got down the car. He smiled weakly seeing them confident with their mask of indifference. He locked the car and walked over to them.
"I so much miss our old days." Piya said "let's go together today" Piya said holding Arav arms
Suddenly she was reminded of Abhay. How much she loved to hold onto his arm. He never protested too... Her heart ached at the thought. Was it really fake? Her heart started to ponder over all the betrayal and That's when her eyes fall on Abhay who stood at distance looking at her with the same pain in his eyes that she wanted to remove.
"I wanted to free you from every pain, Abhay. Why did you give me pain instead?" Piya thought
Conscious of her brother's gaze on her, Piya quickly looked away with attitude.
As they walked, Mahira saw Armaan. Her mind went back to all the moments they shared together from their silly fights to their dates. She suppressed the pain surging through her each fibre.
"Oh see Misha..." Arav grinned in an effort to distract his sisters from the pain they were going through after seeing the reason of their heartbreak
Mahira couldn't shook off Armaan from her mind so she tried to focus on Piya and Misha banters. She smiled at Piya who left Arav and hugged Misha tightly. They were partners in crime and she knew exactly how much Piya must be missing Misha since so much happened in their life... She sighed everything was stopping on one point only.
"Mishu... I miss you so much..."
"Oh my God, Piya, are you trying to strangle me for Arav mistakes huh? Is that what our friendship was?" Misha said dramatically
Mahira chuckled as Piya broke the hug and slapped Misha on shoulder.
"Idiot! He is my brother okay? I don't need to punish others for him. I'll punish him directly. Besides he never think wrong for me so there is not even a chance of such things" Piya said rolling her eyes
Misha raised her eyebrow at Arav who passed a cheekiest smile to her. Misha opened her mouth to say something when she noticed the change in Piya.
"Piya... What happen to you huh? We were besties and you betrayed me just like that?" Misha said feigning hurt
"What did I do?" Piya asked frowning
"Your curls! How could you straighten them? We are soul sisters and with curls we looked twin sisters but what you did? You just straighten your hair!" Misha said pouting
Arav admired Misha antics while Mahira watched the besties with amusement.
"See... And you call me drama queen!" Piya said looking at Arav and Mahi
"So now I am a drama queen for you?" Misha said pulling Piya from shoulders
"Fine... Let's go to class" Piya chuckled
"Bye Arav and Mahi" Piya said dragging Misha with her
"Arre.. I couldn't even talk to her" Arav mumbled
Mahira laughed at him. Arav glared her and she suppressed her smile.
"I thought Arav Azaad hated to talk to Misha Dobriyal" Mahira teased
"When did I say that? I don't know what are you talking about?" Arav stammered looking around
"Ah.. I think we should go to our class too." Arav said trying to shut the topic
"Sure..." Mahira suppressed her smile
Arav and Mahira made their way through corridor to their first class. Mahira held Arav hand as soon his eyes laid on Armaan and a sudden fury engulfed him. Arav looked at Mahira who shook her head indicating him to let go. Though Mahira managed to calm Arav, the fire inside him didn't subside and as they sat on together he kept on glaring Armaan. If looks could kill, Armaan would've been ashes by now such was the intensity of Arav anger.
Mahira find it difficult to breath in the same class as he was. Worse was, they shared almost every class. She wanted to be strong but her heart couldn't forget all the lovely moments they spent that she had once dreamt.
Finally it was lunch time. Maybe a breath of fresh air would lighten her heart.
Mahira sighed and stood up collecting her books. That's when she remembered it. She glanced around quickly and saw Armaan leaning on bench lazily. She then turned to Arav.
"Arav, I'll come in a minute" Mahira said eyeing Armaan
Arav looked at her and then turned to Armaan. There was no one around. He was reluctant to leave her with the beast who broke her heart that too alone.
"Mahi..." Arav tried to speak
Mahira held his hand and blinked her eyes in affirmation.
"Trust me!" She said
Arav sighed and nodded.
"Make it quick or I'll be here in five minutes" Arav said, worried was evident on his face
Mahira said an 'okay' and Arav left glaring at Armaan.
Armaan was sitting leisurely perhaps he was hoping that Mahira would talk to her and was waiting for her only. Or maybe something was going in his mind that Mahira tried to guess but gave up not wanting her mind to be occupied by him. She walked over to him.
"Armaan.." Mahira called with difficultly, it wasn't easy to have a smooth talk with him knowing well how manipulating he was, oh yes he was a manipulator being a Vampire and she had experienced it before but being a fool in love thought it be a love effect while he was just preparing to perish her family...
Armaan looked at Mahira. He raised his eyebrow surprised that she came to him after whatever happened but then when didn't she surprise him?
"Oh hi" Armaan sat sitting up straight
Mahira clenched her teeth in disgust. Hi! my foot!
"There's something that should be returned" Mahira said strongly
Armaan looked at her quizzically. She then placed something on table and he was shocked to see what it was. Their engagement ring!
"Mahi this..." Armaan stuttered
Mahira gave him a blank look and turned on her heels.
Armaan watched her going with shock. After she was out of class he turned to ring. He gazed it in disbelief shock. He feel lost...
~*~
Piya was walking through corridor with Misha beside her. Misha was talking and Piya was just listening to her pretending to check her books while her mind was stuck on Abhay.
"Oh no!" Piya exclaimed coming into her senses
"What happen?" Misha asked narrowing her eyes
"I forgot my notes in class. You go, I'll come in a few minutes" Piya said pushing the hair strand behind her ear and holding the books from other hand
Misha shrugged and started to go ahead. Piya rushed back in class. Collecting her notes from class, she made way to locker room to place some books. Stuffing the books in her locker, she was coming out of locker room when she bumped into someone. She looked up and was frozen to see Abhay.
The sadness pierced her looking at him. He was the person she dreamt. He was the person she ever eyed in her whole life. He was the only guy she ever trusted in her life besides her family. And he was the person who broke her heart and trust.
Piya looked away with pain. She tried to go from other side.
"Piya..."
Abhay voice stopped her. She wanted to run away but her legs didn't move. She wished he just don't defend himself else she knew she would be too weak to hold herself. Love! It was her weakness after all.
"I am at mistake, I know. Punish me. Do what you want but Piya don't punish yourself. Don't change yourself... please." Abhay said slowly
Piya turned to him and looked at him. She sneered.
"Do you think I'll change myself for your mistake? You know after what you did, I'll prefer not to even look at you and you think I'll change myself for you, Strange!" Piya said confidently even when her heart broke only she knew she didn't even mean a word when she said that she'll prefer not to even look at him
Abhay sighed. He looked at her. She was standing like Stone. How much he hate himself for wiping the cheerfulness from her face. He missed her smile. He missed the spark in her eyes. It made him feel guilty and disgusted of himself.
"Why did you... Cut your hair short?" Abhay asked hesitantly
"My hair, my wish!" Piya said rolling her eyes "Don't mistake it to be for you because When I didn't change myself for your love then I won't give damn to you after your betrayal"
Piya left immediately unable to stand in front of him anymore. She gulped painfully while walking through the empty corridor. Her eyes stinged with tears but she blinked them not wanting anyone to see her state.
Why couldn't he just defend himself for once?
The only thought made her feel miserable. She was stuck hopelessly. Neither she could forgive him nor could live without him. Her heart still wished to listen out to him. It wished to forgive him but she knew if she did it then she won't be able to forgive herself. She didn't know what to do.
She touched the hair stand caressing her face. His question echoed in her ears and she smiled wistfully.
"If you cared so much then why did you betray me, Abhay?" She whispered taking a sharp breath
"It was just Distraction! I did what I never care for, just to distract my mind..." Piya muttered looking high at sky with painful gaze
Hearing the voices from all around, she closed her eyes and swallowed to let go off everything. She looked around and tried to smile so to look normal. She then made her way to canteen.
Piya sat on the empty chair by wall smiling at her group.
"What took you so long, Piya?" Misha asked
Piya was nervous. She looked at Arav observing her and forced a smile.
"Oh, I just placed some books in locker. Am I really late?" Piya asked feigning surprise
Misha raised her eyebrow. Piya just took a breath to calm her nerves.
"Where's my order? I'm really hungry!" Piya said coming to herself
"Here.. " Arav passed her and Piya smiled widely at him
"Where were you yesterday, Piya? We missed you a lot." Arushi said sweetly
Piya looked at her.
"Wasn't in mood to attend college!" Piya said shrugging
"Was everything right?" Arushi asked concern
Piya frowned at her.
"I never knew we spend that much time. I mean I usually bunk classes, college and sometimes don't even enter canteen no?" Piya said unkindly
Silence prevailed.
Arushi forced a smile and looked down. She was embarrassed understanding well what actually Piya was hinting.
Piya wasn't regretful of her words even when Arav glared her, she got busy in her food. She never liked unnecessary attention or concern. It pissed her. She wasn't really a great friend of Arushi. They rarely talk and now her concern particularly when she was already upset irked her.
"Isn't Armaan sitting with us today?" Ansh asked seeing Armaan entering the canteen and sitting on their side table
Mahira looked towards Armaan. He was looking at her too. Sadness darkened her face. She quickly looked away.
Piya noticed it. She looked at Arav who was furious but was trying to ignore the whole situation. Misha was looking at them for answers too. She turned to Ansh.
"Why are you so concern?" Piya snapped
"I..." Ansh was speechless
"Piya..." Arav glared indicating her to stop
"Who are they, Arav? You never told me how come you befriend someone so suddenly?" Piya asked in low voice
Arav eyed Ansh and Arushi as they shift uncomfortably. He looked at Piya to reply when their attention was diverted by Armaan voice.
"Hey Abhay..."
Piya looked up to see Abhay standing at entrance. Their eyes met. Her chest seared with pain.
Armaan was noticing the change of gestures. He was sitting beside them and hearing them wasn't difficult with his enhance hearing sttength it was as easy as to listen something on speaker. He actually enjoyed Arav and Piya frustration. Their expression were always a treat for him.
He was observing them when he saw Abhay. He was going to enter the canteen but seeing Piya, was going back. He thought to take advantage of the situation.
"Come here.." Armaan shouted from his seat gesturing him to sit with him
Abhay looked at him surprised. He never called him. His eyes traveled to Piya who was looking away. He knew it now. His brother was just using situation for his fun. He nodded a no to him and was ready to go when Armaan walked over to him.
As Armaan coaxed Abhay to come and sit with him, Piya was enraged. She understood what Armaan was trying to do. So much open love wasn't really love. She tightened her grip on fork as Armaan dragged Abhay to his table.
Armaan and Abhay sat just in front of her making it difficult for her to ignore them not like she was trying to ignore them because her eyes were already fixed on them but Armaan was surely getting on her nerves oh well like always.
Abhay looked at her sadly and eyed Armaan. He was stuck between Armaan and Piya.
The fork break in her hand and she clenched it more tightly letting it pierce her palm. The blood dripped from her hand as her companions gasped.
She stood up ignoring her siblings and friends and walked over to Armaan table.
Piya mocked a smile to Armaan and took out tissue paper placed on his table. She wiped her blood with it eyeing Armaan who quickly looked away feeling uneasy seeing the blood.
Piya concealed her smirk seeing the desired effect on Armaan. Making sure the tissue paper was fully soaked in her blood, she threw it in the middle of table and walked back to her seat.
Piya placed her elbow on table and held her chin with her fingers. She looked at them with a glint in her eyes.
Armaan and Abhay shifted on their seats. They tried to ignore sight of blood but its smell was enough to bring out their demons. They quickly stood up and left the canteen in jiff.
Piya smirked, satisfied at her victory. She looked at her brother who passed her an appreciative smile. Even Mahira heaved a sigh of relief.
Misha stoned glares made her gulp. She looked towards Arav who passed her a helpless look.
"Ansh Arushi, will you both give us sometime alone?" Piya said suddenly
Ansh and Arushi looked at each other. Ansh seemed annoyed but Arushi gave a weak nod and left holding Ansh with her.
"What was that, Piya? You shouldn't behave with someone like that? They must be hurt!" Arav said turning to Piya after Ansh and Arushi left
"Why can't I hear their mind?" Piya fired
"What?" Arav was confused at first but soon realized what she meant, he held his head exhaling in disbelief
"They are just like us. They possess powers. Some evils are behind them and that's how I found them, fighting with a devil." Arav explained
Piya eyes widened in shock.
"How is it possible?" Piya mumbled straightening up
"Are you sure they are not from other side? Having black powers?" Piya asked
Arav looked at her in disbelief.
"I saved them myself, Piya. Their parents died in such a fight and you think they have black powers!" Arav said
Piya didn't reply. She started to play with her spoon but her mind was again lost.
"If you two are free from who Ansh and Arushi are. Will you guys tell me what's the matter? What's going between you guys and Abhay and Armaan?" Misha asked slapping her hands on table in exasperation
Piya raised her eyes staring down at her. She exhaled sitting up straight and looking around.
"Mahi, you come with me." Piya stood up "Arav will explain his Love" Piya rolled her eyes as she completed her words
"Piya..." Mahira gestured her not to be so rude but she just looked away
"Come with me" Piya gritted
Mahira sighed and stood up. She understood Piya was pissed to the extent of losing her temper any moment. She realized she was fighting with herself because it was rare to see her like that but when she behaves so, she was fighting with herself.
Mahira stood up. Piya walked ahead and Mahira followed her. Sometimes Mahira really wonder who was the elder among them?
Misha looked at Arav.
"What happen to her? Why is she so upset?" Misha stopped as dots started to connect and she realized something was gravely amiss
"Wait a minute! Did she break up with Abhay? But why? Did you find something? I mean isn't Abhay a nice guy? And Mahira? Why is she upset with Armaan? She wasn't even wearing her ring? Is she..." Misha kept on questioning until Arav pressed his finger on her lips shutting her mouth
"Will you stop for a moment?" Arav asked , his head was spinning by her questions
"take a breath okay?" Arav said pulling his finger away
Misha was breathless for a moment. She blinked her eyes and finally took a sharp breath.
"Fine! Tell me everything now" Misha ordered
Arav sighed and nodded.
~*~
Khushi entered the room. She glanced at Arnav resting on arm chair with his eyes closed. She stopped looking at him. Her heart ached in yearning.
He was there with her, in the same room, under the same roof, within the same walls but... But he wasn't there. He wasn't the Arnav she knew and fell for. Face doesn't make you fall in love but heart does and now... Now his heart wasn't the same and even when feeling guilty she felt like she didn't love him. There was an invisible wall between them that Demonio succeeded to built up...
Khushi pursued her lips suppressing the pain. She hated Demonio. Hated him like she never hated before. He could be never Arnav's father because he was a devil in fact worse than devil who ruined his own son happiness. He made Arnav what he was today and their relationship was spoilt too...
"Khushi..."
Khushi looked at Arnav startled. She didn't realize she was lost so deep in her emotions to even realize he was looking at her.
"Yes?"
She sat on bed fidgeting.
"Are you upset?" Arnav asked slowly
Khushi looked at him quickly.
"Uh.. why? Why will be I upset?" Khushi asked pulling her hair behind her ear
"I couldn't be a nice husband" Arnav sighed
"No, you just become fine okay?" Khushi passed him a smile
Arnav stood up and walked over to her. He sat down on bed close to her. He placed his hand on shoulder.
Khushi stood up. She gulped as the pain filled inside her. She didn't wish to show her pain to him.
" I'm sorry. I know our relationship isn't the same it was before but... I can't remember anything... Just vague memories of here and there..." Arnav sighed " anyway we'll start afresh"
Arnav stood up. He held her hand.
"Don't force yourself. I know everything will be fine soon" Khushi forced a smile and left immediately
Arnav exhaled watching her going.
Khushi sat in hall. She buried her face in her palm as tears made their way. Life was taking shapes she never expected. She hated her own life now. It was so worse but it also arouse the feeling of revenge in her. Revenge that should destroy Him in ashes.
She felt a hand on her shoulder and looked up to see Zoya and Asad just back from office.
Zoya sat beside her. Madhu too came and sat on other side beside her. Khushi looked down feeling the silent support.
"He's changed. He has become so cold that I can't even recognize him. I know he has reason but I can't feel him anymore. I still Love Arnav but this... He destroyed him completely. He isn't my Arnav and I can't love him anymore. I can't even stand what he offers me. The coldness..." Khushi scrunched her nose
Zoya and Madhi looked away. They knew she was right after all. Arnav forgot everything. He lost everything. He was just a statue between them.
"I want to destroy Demonio. I want revenge. I can't live like this. I was peace and I'll get it only after his death. I want his death Asad. I want his death Rishab. Just find the way to him somehow. I want him ruined" Khushi said with a fire burning in her eyes
Asad looked at Zoya. They shared an understanding look and turned to Rishab and Madhu who seemed to be conversing silently.
The couple looked at each other and they knew. They knew they had to find Demonio by hook or by crook. It was the time they brace themself for another war that might shook them once again perhaps...
_________________________
I'm finding it difficult to complete the story before papers start on 7th of may so perhaps I might leave the story in between. Almost six more chapters remaining and I don't think I'll be able to put them up in these few days so...
Wait for me if I leave. I'll be back after a month and half. At first I'll try to complete but I know its impossible now this can be last chapter too before my hiatus. Writing a complete chapter takes lot of days so please forgive me.
Love,
Asshi
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