Arnav and Khushi- a cinderella story CHAPTER 3/4

HER

There was nothing to be done. It was over. She collapsed into a heap shattered by the loss of the one person she had counted on, relied on. Sobbing uncontrollably, she remembered the last words her father had said to her. I want you to be happy, Khushi. That's all I want. Because I love you so much, honey. I love you the most. And now he was gone, never to return. The shock of losing him so suddenly was too much to bare. She grasped the grass on the ground tightly and pulled at it, closing her eyes tightly, her head still reeling from the shock. She looked up at the funeral pyre with a stitch in her heart. He had been her strength, her support. She felt helpless and alone without him, unable to face the world.

Dispair enveloped her as she wept quietly. What will I do, Papa? She thought of her stepmother and stepsisters. They had never been a family even though her father had tried so hard. He had married again just for her. So she could have a mother to guide her and teach her. But Manorama had always treated her like an outsider. An inconvenience. A bug to be squashed at the first chance. She knew instantly there would be no place for her in her father's house anymore.

She had to run away. There was no other choice.

HIM

Arnav strolled among the maple trees in his garden, anxious. He had been disturbed for the past one month. Ever since he had met her. Khushi. He couldn't get her out of his thoughts. She was always there. At the back of his mind. Smiling, falling, trembling, resisting. She wouldn't let him sleep or work and every day he had become more and more restless. He remembered every moment spent with her and yearned for her sight. If I could just see her, one more time. He ran his hand through his hair, exasperated. The soft breeze played with his senses, reminding him of her citrus perfume. He rested his back against a tree trunk and closed his eyes. Instantly his mind went back to the day at the bridge, their kiss in the barn, her rose petal lips. He sighed. He was brought back from his reverie by the sound of footsteps. He looked up to find, Aakash, one of his deputies, coming up to him.

"You asked for me, my Lord?" Aakash asked when he reached him.

"Yes, Aakash. I was told that you were in charge of delivering all the invitations to various estates for the Ball in November."

"Yes, my Lord."

"Did you deliver all the invitations?" asked Arnav.

"I have sent my men to everyone on the list. I have just received some of the replies and I brought them with me to give to you." Aakash said, showing him the small bundle of letters in his hand.

"Have we received a reply from the Guptas, yet?" Arnav asked.

"Y…Yes, my Lord ," he said, hesitating.

"What is it, Aakash?" Arnav asked, suddenly worried.

"My Lord, I'm afraid there is bad news. Chief Gupta passed away about a week ago. He went riding and fell off his horse. He was grievously injured around the head and nothing could be done to save him."

Arnav, stunned by the news, remained quiet for a minute. His thoughts delved on Khushi. How she must be feeling? Was she ok? This would have devastated her. He had witnessed the strong bond between father and daughter on his visit. He had also noticed how Khushi was never with her stepmother or sisters. They were never bothered about her, even though she was always respectful towards them. She must be so lonely. He thought, his heart aching for her loss.

"Aakash, did your messenger meet the family? How were they?" How was she?

"My lord, the messenger met the Chief's wife and two daughters. They were still devastated but slowly recovering. He offered his condolences to all of them and delivered the invitation personally."

"Two daughters? You mean… three daughters. Lavanya, Pam and Khushi."

"No, My Lord. There were only two daughters present. The reply that we received with respect to our invitation contains only three names. Mrs. Manorama, Lavanya and Pam. There was no Khushi mentioned, my Lord."

"No, Khushi? Surely, you must have read incorrectly."

"My Lord, you can go through it yourself if you wish," replied Aakash, selecting a letter from his hand and handing it to Arnav.

Arnav took it in haste and quickly went through the contents. No Khushi! Dread filled him as he slowly began to comprehend the facts. Khushi, he whispered, where are you?