ArHi FF: Fragmented Colors [COMPLETED] *Replies posted - Page 31

Chapter 20: Irrevocable

"Haye. You look gorgeous, Aashna," A girl exclaims, sighing at her friend's adorned reflection in the mirror.

"Really. I've never seen a more beautiful bride," Another woman joins in, as the bride blushes slightly.

"It's true," Khushi affirms, holding Aashna's chin towards her, "Today is a special day Aashu, and I'm so happy for you,"

"Oh, Khushi. What would I do without you?" Aashna hugs her, the weight of her golden bangles clinking with sound.

She hugs her warmly, feeling emotional herself. "Come now, it's time."

The women fix the bride's dupatta for a last time before making their way outside where everyone awaits.

Arnav has been restless all day. Easing the knots in his knuckles, his mind surges with the memories of the past couple days, wanting to hold on to them with all his heart.

Khushi...

His lips silently take her name, remembering the way she makes him feel, the way she fits within his arms, the way everything seems right when they are together. The past had been cruel to them, and he had let go. But now... he isn't ready to commit the same mistake. He will fight for her if need be, because he can't ever afford to lose her this time. Not again.

He reaches into his pocket to confirm the presence of the little velvet box inside. His heart soars when he thinks of the moment he can finally kneel before her with a promise of a lifetime. But would she accept? Although he can sense her emotions, an inkling of doubt remains - they hadn't confessed their love yet.

And although she had given him a written declaration of her love for him which he has kept safe with him, he wonders if these fourteen years had changed anything. If the need for togetherness has dwindled. The thought breaks him, but he chooses to look past that and listen to his conscience for once, to his entirety that screams to make her his, in every possible way.

A commotion sounds towards the lawn, and he makes his way there from the garden. Families and guests gasp in fond wonder as his beloved cousin, the bride, walks towards the mandap where her soon to be husband sits. He watches in admiration, when his gaze shifts to the woman beside her. Khushi smiles as she holds Aashna and walks with her, looking nothing less than an elder sister. Arnav sighs heavily at the mere sight of her, dying to hold her in his arms again.

The pandit ji starts chanting the mantra, as Aashna and Kunaal sit smiling next to each other, adorned in traditional wear. The sparkling lawn is now filled with loved ones, all surrounding the couple as they witness the coming of togetherness.

"Hi,"

Arnav turns around in surprise, relaxing when he sees her too familiar, beaming face.

"Hi," He replies, holding her hand in his, away from everyone else's sight. Khushi's mehendi filled hands close around his warm fingers as he softly strokes her palm. She then points to a distance and his gaze follows, stopping at an elderly woman standing next to a man sitting on a wheelchair.

"My parents," She quietly whispers.

Arnav looks at them for long moments, his hand clasping hers closer. A wave of happiness flow through both as the two look back at each other again, reading what each other's eyes seem to say.

"Payal, I need to speak to you,"

"Dev? Can't it wait?" Payal replies, confused.

"It's urgent,"

He walks to a far corner of the lawn and Payal follows, concerned at the seriousness in his tone.

"I saw someone go in with your sister in her room last night,"

Her eyebrows scrunch together in utter perplexity. "What? Who was it?"

Dev points towards the lawn, sighing deeply. Payal looks at his pointed direction, recognizing the face. "Arnav...? They must have gone in for something important or-"

"He didn't come out of her room until this morning," Dev grits, shocking her further.

"What? Why would she do that? He's a complete stranger!" Her voices rises in disbelief.

"Why are you directing your anger towards me? I simply told you what I saw. Protect her Payal, she doesn't know exactly who he is,"

"Who is he?"

"A big shot businessman in America. For him, nights like yesterday are his norm and women like Khushi come and go,"

Payal looks away, trying to make sense of it all.

"Thank you for telling me Dev. I'll talk to her."

Dev smiles apologetically. Just when Payal turns and walks away, his lips twist to form a wicked smirk.

"Jiji, where are we going? We're going to miss the bidaai!" Khushi exclaims as her sister pulls her inside her room.

"I need to know something first," Payal says, looking into her questioning eyes, "Did you spend the night with that man?" She pauses, trying to remember his name, "Arnav?"

Khushi stares at her in shock, unknowing of how to respond. An uncomfortable silence fills the room.

"How did you know of this?"

"Dev told me,"

Khushi looks away in anger, "Of course he told you..." She mutters under her breath.

"Khushi, I'm asking you something. Did you spend the night with him?"

She pauses before answering defiantly.

"Yes,"

Payal grimaces. "Why?! He's Aashna's cousin and a complete stranger for God's sake! This is so unlike you!"

Khushi shuts her eyes in frustration, helpless. She cannot blame her sister's unchanging orthodox mentality, nor can she accuse her when the truth itself is hidden from her. Taking a deep breath, she decides to spill her heart.

"He's not a stranger,"

Her quiet declaration surprises Payal. "He's not a stranger? What do you mean?"

Khushi holds her hand and they sit on the bed, facing each other.

"When I was in California, we met in university. I promised to not let myself, but I did, Jiji. I fell in love with him,"

Payal stares at her, blinking as uncalled tears form in their eyes.

"And he loved me. Then... Papa had a heart attack and you were pregnant with Palak. I knew he had to stay there in order to grow his father's business, and I had to come back. So I did, Jiji. I came back, I tried to forget about him,"

"Why didn't you ever tell me all this? Why did you decide to take this burden on yourself Khushi? Am I not your sister?" Payal cries, holding her hand.

"I didn't want to trouble anyone back then. Everything was in shambles with Papa's health and I needed to concentrate on my career. Fourteen years flew by and I couldn't forget him no matter how hard I tried," Khushi gazes at a distance, a faint smile suddenly playing on her lips, "But then I saw him Jiji. He was here, right in front of me, as if my dreams had come to life. I don't think I can ever let go now,"

"And you never will," Payal assures her, smiling through tears.

"Jiji, please don't believe Dev. I don't know why but he's been acting extremely stranger lately,"

Payal nods, knowing the possible reason behind Dev's odd behavior. He has always seen Khushi as more than a friend but his feelings were never reciprocated. Now, seeing her with another man... Payal knows that it has bothered Dev endlessly.

"Tell me Khushi, how is Arnav?"

Khushi smiles brightly at her sister, her eyes regaining its sparkle, "He's wonderful. So immensely kind, caring, and hard working. He makes feel like I've never felt before," The joy dies to be replaced with despair, "But he lives there, his home, his work, everything is in California. With you married, I can't leave Mamma and Papa here,"

"Khushi, do you love him?"

Payal's question silences her. She hadn't even asked herself this. But then his face flits across her mind, and the answer comes to her like a whispering breeze.

Of course she loves him. She always has, always will.

"Yes,"

"Then there's nothing to fear. You had lost true love somewhere along the path of life, but it has come back to you. Don't you ever let go now." Payal hugs her, stroking her hair affectionately.

And just then, the fragments of her heart became whole.

A/N: We're slowly coming to an end and even though it makes me sad, I can't wait to give the story a deserved ending. Let me know what you guys thought of the chapter.

- Rain