ARSHI FF: COLOUR ME IN LOVE : PART 50 11/10/19 PG.82 - Page 33

Hello people!!

Hello everyone. Again sorry for the delay...I know i loved posting everyday but this ish with my lappy alas, still persists. Still aiming to rectify it...

However, here's the next part and I hope it makes you smile, get mad and then excited about the next part...whatever it may be😉

PART 37:

Arnav was dreading it more than he was letting on but he was sweating bullets in the cool Study as he faced two of the iratest women who barely concealed their disgust for him as they sat across from him, waiting.

He cleared his throat and sat straighter. "Thank you both for coming, he said finally.

"Please let us know what this is about so we can be on our way, Payal said softly so as not to appear rude, "I wouldn't want to take up anymore of your time.

Dia gave her a reprimanding look which she totally ignored, fixing him with a deadpan expression that gave almost nothing away, if he didn't spot the erratic beating of her heart at the base of her neck.

"I understand Payal. Really I do, he said, looking from her to Dia, "And I totally expect your reaction to be worse than this, but...I thank you for still coming in spite of how you feel about me. Payal looked away, refusing to meet his gaze. "Look, Dia, Payal, I asked you here today because for the first time in a really long time, I'm living with the consequences of my actions.

Dia looked at Payal in surprise, wondering what had gotten into Arnav. He never talked like this...not to anyone...not even his family.

"Arnav, what's going on? she asked, a little trepidation in her voice, "Is my sister alright?

Arnav nodded, "She's perfectly fine. But I'm the one that has something to say. And yes, it has everything to do with your sister.

"What about her? Payal queried.

Arnav took a calming breath, before speaking, "I love your sister, he stated matter of factly, not expecting the gasp that escaped both women who stared at him aghast. "I have loved her since the second she walked into your living room in Chandigarh with nothing but disdain for Akash and myself, for having the effrontery to come into her house and ask for Payal.

Payal whose mouth was hanging open just stared at him will Dia sat in rapt attention as he spoke, her own thoughts running wild in another direction.

"The first time she cussed me out for getting fresh with her I knew I was going to marry her whether she agreed to it or not, he said, a distant, reminiscent smile on his face as he stared unseeingly down the expanse of the floor between himself and the women, before his expression sobered up again, "Your sister was the first woman I've met to put me in my place and not give a damn and that...that was the most exciting thing to happen to me in a long time. I was existing...for many years...each day was similar to the next, until I met your sister...

"Wait...hold up, Payal interrupted, "You have always been in love with Didi? she asked for clarity sake.

"Yes, Arnav answered.

"Then what was all that mess with Dia di? she asked, frowning deeply.

Arnav looked at Dia who shrugged, indicating she didn't mind him speaking up. "I met Dia first and yes, I was intrigued by her. She was modern yet homely, and that was a very interesting combination I hadn't seen. But the next day I met your sister and there was no doubt in my mind who I wanted to wake up to for the rest of my life.

"And the engagement? Payal continued, anger freezing her face as she fixed Arnav with a piercing look.

He shook his head, "It was all a sham. I assumed Dia would have told you about that, he looked between them, but Dia shook her head, so he continued, "She wanted to break into the big leagues and I wanted to find a way to get Khushi to come to Mumbai...away from...

"Nahar bhai, Payal finished, wondering at the anger she saw on Arnav's face. "I understand fighting for what you want, but what warranted you doing what you did? How could you in any universe, think the way to a woman's heart was to break her spirit and tear her family apart?

Arnav leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he contemplated Payal's question. "There's so much I can't tell you right now, but you need to understand. Your sister really and truly was in danger. And I thought, albeit in my arrogance, that the only way to protect her was to bring her under the cover of my name.

"Protect her from what?! Payal cried, "She has been safe and I think the only danger she has experienced was since you came into her life. I mean look where we are!

"Payal! Dia said, trying to hush her.

"No Di, he has to hear this, she said, powering on, "You can't claim to love someone and then the first thing you do is take away their choices. You forced her to marry you by making it impossible for her to say no. You threatened her sisters...her family for goodness sake! What kind of love is that?! Who, taught you to love like that? All you've done since you came into our lives is hurt each and every one of us. You almost cost Dia her fianc. Ajay almost left her and yet you claim to love my sister. You wouldn't let me take care of my sister after you almost killed her and you turned my husband against me. How is that love?!

"Payal please calm down, Dia said, noting how still Arnav had gone as he sat listening to Payal.

Payal however, held up a silencing hand. "Do you have any idea what it is to love? I'm not going to lie, I respect the fact that you could fight for what you wanted. I saw my sister develop feelings for a man she barely knew and from what my husband told me about you, I was willing to take a chance on you, even though I knew Nahar bhai has been there for us from the get-go. He literally brought us up and yet, I was willing to give you a chance with my sister. Even encouraged her to make a go of this sham of a marriage, but what did you do? Rather than show her love, you went and destroyed everything she loves. I will not forgive you for this, ever! she finished on a huff, anger etched in every line of her face.

Dia looked apologetically at Arnav, knowing some of what his motives were but understanding exactly what Payal was saying. He'd really messed up big time and a simple apology wouldn't cut it.

"I cannot tell you I understand your pain Payal, and I would never assume that an apology would simply make everything alright. I understand somethings can never be taken back once they have happened but for what it's worth, I really wish I could take back everything I did. I broke a beautiful, strong woman and even I may never forgive myself for that. I apologize for the strife this has caused in your home. I should have been more sensitive to your emotions as her sister, he said softly, but then a resolute light entered his eyes when he spoke again. "But having said that, I do not regret marrying your sister, or that it happened the way it did. I did what I thought was best and I won't apologize for it, or take it back.

Payal was taken aback as a formerly docile Arnav stared at her with a different kind of anger in his eyes. She threw Dia a confused look, "I'm sorry, was that an apology?

"It's an admission of guilt Payal, Dia said, respect and a little bit of admiration shinning in her eyes as she regarded Arnav, "And we could hold on to grudges for as long as we want but it changes nothing. Only makes it worse. What I want to know is what you'll do to make this right.

"There's nothing more I can do right now Dia, Arnav said, exhaling deeply, tiredness crossing his features, "I only hope that she does get better while she's with Payal and Akash. At least then we can begin to move forward from here.

"There is no we' in this matter, Payal said bitingly, "There's you, and there's us. If I had my way my sister would never return to you.

"I'm sorry you feel that way, Arnav said simply, "But know that if I could do it all over again, I would only change the action that got us here. As I said, I do not regret marrying your sister. Not even for a second. Be that as it may, I agree I am the bad guy in all this, but she doesn't have to suffer any more than she already has. The Doctor has advised that we try to get along for her sake. Khushi is right now, the thing that binds us all together. I'm not asking you to give me a chance Payal. I'm asking you to at least try for Khushi's sake. We all want the same thing, which is for Khushi to get better.

"He's right Gudiya, Dia said, taking a seething Paya's hand in hers, "You're angry and I get it. But Di needs us right now. He's acting in good faith by letting us take her. Can you at least just make the effort...for Di?

Payal glared at Dia who seemed to be buying this whole contrite act of Arnav's without so much as a question. She looked back at Arnav who it seemed had been more focused on her than even Dia.

"Fine, she said finally, "But I have one more question, to which I still don't have an answer.

"What would that be? Arnav asked warily.

"Why, and from what, did you think you needed to protect my sister from? she watched Arnav's eyes shutter up, "If you want me to begin to forgive and let this go, you must tell me what you were hell bent on protecting her from.

Arnav at this point stood, throwing Dia a look that warned her to be quiet, "I'm sorry Payal, but that is information that at this time, I cannot give you. Your sister will get better. When she does, that is a conversation she and I will have. Only then will she decide what she wants to do with the information.

Payal stared, he stared right back, unflinching. She must have realized he wouldn't budge, and then got to her feet. "Can I go take my sister now?

"Yes, he said, turning on his heels and walking to the door, to hold it open for them to go through, before he followed them. He did not however, miss Dia's amused glance as she walked past him. "I'll be right back, he said as he disappeared up the stairs towards his bedroom.

Dia turned to Payal, "You are one angry little woman.

"I am not angry enough, she snapped right back, making sure to keep her voice lowered, "And what is up with you, sitting there like this didn't happen to your own sister?

Dia bit back a retort, and after a few seconds said, "The man I saw in there is a totally different person than the man I have known for more than a year. Di may not have been trying to change him, but he is a different person than the man I've always known. He did a stupid, horrible thing. But if you've never done something stupid or horrible in the name of love, you'll never understand.

Payal was looking at her sister with a bewildered expression on her face when they heard a door open in the distance.

"Do you think she's still angry with me? Dia asked nervously.

Payal's gaze softened, "I don't think so. Not after all that's happened.

"Still, she thinks I betrayed her.

"You did, Payal said, "But I'm guessing like Arnav, you have a perfectly good reason for doing all you did.

Dia shrugged, "If you knew what I know you'll understand.

"There you go again! What is it...

"Hello Dia, Payal, Anjali's calm voice spoke from behind them, causing them to turn and face her.

"Anjali Bhabhi... Dia began.

"No, no need for formalities, you'll make me feel old, she smiled kindly at them.

"All set then? Akash asked, coming in from the garden where he and Shyam had been talking in the gazebo.

"He went to get her I think, Payal answered, coloring a little as her husband scrutinized her face.

"Please know that we are extremely sorry for all that has transpired in the last few weeks. I can't begin to imagine what you both must have gone through, but I would please ask you if you can, to forgive us for not being able to take care of your sister, Shyam said.

"Nahin Uncle, Dia spoke, "While it was an unfortunate incident, we cannot hold everyone responsible for the actions of one person. And Arnav has apologized for his rash actions, Payal snorted behind her, causing Dia to throw her a reprimanding glare, "And it will take some time, but we are ready to do whatever it takes to make sure she gets better.

Shyam nodded and smiled, just as Arnav appeared at the top of the stairs, holding Khushi by the hand, much as they had been doing the last week, causing some to smile, and others to be completely thrown for a loop. Slowly he descended, clutching a small box into which her things had been packed.

He came to a stop in front of everyone, "She's all set to go.

Akash took the box from him and headed to the car, leaving the women alone. Arnav was loathed to let her go and it showed in the way he stood protectively behind her.

"Didi, Dia said softly, inching closer to her uncertainly, "How are you feeling?

Payal watched her sister's passive face and tears welled up in her eyes, "Didi, are you okay?

"Listen, you need to know she can hear you, Anjali said softly, "And she communicates in her own way. You just need to watch her body language. She eats normally but you have to feed her. She'll let you know when she's full. Other than that, you should have no issues.

"Didi, will you come with me? Payal asked, extending her hand.

Khushi turned gently, imperceptively looking over her shoulder and taking an involuntary step backward. It seemed she was undecided on what to do, and Payal's eyes flew to Arnav who stood behind Khushi, watching her with hawk eyes.

"What's the matter? she asked, looking between them.

"Khushi, your sisters are here to take you for a few days. You'll be back soon enough so don't worry. You won't miss us too much, Shyam coaxed, then making a clucking sound, pushed her in the direction of Dia, "Acha, tum jao. Ek do din ka mamla hai... Jao.

She didn't stop Dia who stepped forward and took her hand, leading her gently out of the house and to the car where Akash was waiting for them.

"Payal? Arnav called as she turned to go, causing her to turn toward him in curiosity, "She...likes to sit in the gardens. Please take her out there every once in a while. Payal's brow lifted in mild surprise, but she nodded anyway. "And... he began again, cursing under his breath at the slightly annoyed look on Payal's face, "Don't leave her alone if it rains.

"Anything else? she asked, an edge to her normally soft voice.

A ghost of a smile touched the corner of his lips, "No. Nothing else.

"I'll be leaving now, she folded her hands in a namaste as she walked out of the house without a backward glance.

As the car rolled out of the portico, Arnav turned on his heels and stalked toward the Study, ignoring Anjali's concerned call as he shut himself up in the one place that could give him some sort of comfort right now...

...

Payal sat watching her sister as she played with her dupatta, refusing to acknowledge anyone in the room...not her, not Akash...not even Ajay who had come to pick up Dia.

"What's wrong with her? Payal asked, battling tears that threatened to fall.

"The psychologist says she's still in the fugue state but somehow registers what's going on around her, Akash supplied, not wanting to mention Arnav right now and give his wife another reason to go off the deep end, "Remember she has a routine we have to follow. Perhaps we'll get her to see the Doctor while she's with us.

"I think that will be best, Ajay said, "I just can't correlate the person I'm looking at with the Khushi I know.

Dia elbowed him and he winced. Khushi on the other hand stood abruptly and turned to walk out to the garden, surprising everyone.

"What just happened? Ajay asked.

"Arnav did say she likes to sit in the garden, Payal said softly, dabbing at the sides of her eyes with Akash's hanky he had handed her, "I'll be in the kitchen, she said, jumping up and going to start dinner.

To say a somber mood fell over the house after that would be an understatement. It was unfortunate that this was where things had gotten to but not much could be done. It was a huge shock that Khushi refused to eat at the dinner table. Akash had had to call Anjali to find out why. He was then informed that dinner was a sort of ritual with Arnav and Khushi in his Study. To say they were dumb struck would be an understatement.

"She won't eat unless he's here? Payal queried incredulously.

"Ain't that something, Ajay said, marveling that Arnav could have such an effect even on a dissociated Khushi from faraway.

"Can I please speak to Arnav? Akash requested. A few seconds later, Arnav came on, "It appears your wife won't eat unless you're here.

"Is that a joke? Arnav said after a brief pause.

"Not at all my friend, Akash said, trying not to laugh at the expression on his wife's face, "Apparently her routine is broken and she won't budge. You're the expert so what do we do?

"Am I on speaker? he asked.

"No.

"Good. Put her on the phone.

"She can't speak Arnav, Akash whispered.

"Hold it to her ear yaar, Arnav said irritably.

"Okay baba, one minute, he said, indicating the phone to Khushi, before gently holding it to her ear. Seconds later, Khushi turned toward the plate and sat still, waiting. Akash removed the phone and spoke into it, "Hello? What's happening now?

"Try feeding her again, he answered.

Akash indicated for Payal to try again, and this time, Khushi opened up, chewing slowly, her eyes very much downcast and distant.

"I'll be damned, Akash whispered, "What did you say to her?

"Not your business brother, Arnav said, a grin in his voice, "Please let me know how she does afterwards, okay? I'm worried about her.

"We'll take good care of her, and I'll keep you posted. Bye.

"What, he doesn't think I can take care of her? Payal asked, peeved.

Akash just chuckled, thinking it wise to side-step that one. He was already in enough trouble with his wife, he was not going to create more.

TBC...

I had missed reading this story a lot. You always manage to keep our anticipation at the highest level

you updated!!! yahh!!! loved Arnav's confession to Payal and Dia. can't wait to read more.

Lovely to see you update.

Was eagerly waiting for an update. But you didn't disappoint need with the update. It was beautiful and look forward to the next update soonish

Missed reading your updates on this story. As I had mentioned previously I can't seem to connect with this helpless khushi. But I am sure you know how you want your story to go. I hope she comes out of this soon. Arnav was pardoned too soon comparing to the stunt he pulled with her home.

Brilliant chapter!

Wow a very nice chapter i loved arnav's confession n his apology n also both dia n payal acted like mature adults n i really hope things get better between them n also khusi's recovery soon n they sort out their differences.

Wishing for Khushi's speedy recovery. Its no good seeing her like this.