Part 23
"Arjun, she's going to be okay." said Dr. Gupta as he placed a comforting hand on Arjun's shoulder. Arjun felt himself slide into the chair behind him. He was finally able to breathe. His rigid body was finally able to relax a little. She was going to be okay'.she was alive'she was alive! Tears welled in his eyes that he quickly wiped away. He didn't have the luxury of breaking down right now. He needed to find out exactly what was happening and what would happen next. Dr. Gupta took a seat next to him. "What saved her life was you and Anjali taking action so quickly." "Getting her to the hospital and us being able to work on, pump her stomach." "5 minutes here or there and the pills would probably have killed her." he said. Arjun closed his eyes and leaned his head back against the wall. Killed her... the memory of her in his arms 'lifeless.. would be forever imprinted in his brain. But he knew she wouldn't die, god could not be that cruel to them. Especially not now, when he'd just gotten her back. "When can I see her?" Arjun asked quietly. Looking up as Anjali and Sunny came up with cups of coffee. "She's asleep but if you like you can see her now." "Thanks Dr. Gupta." Arjun said. "Thanks for everything." Arjun filled Sunny and Anjali in on everything Dr. Gupta had told him. "Why don't you go in and be with her, and I'll let our PR people know to go ahead and release the news that Arohi had food poisoning." Sunny said. Arjun looked away. How he wished it had just been food poisoning and not Arohi trying to end her own life. "Whatever you want Sunny, I don't really care." Arjun answered, walking towards her room. He knew the media was going crazy outside wanting to know what had happened. But he could really care less what the media wanted or thought. All he cared about was Arohi. His Arohi being alive and healthy and happy. He missed her smiles and her laughter and her voice. The sound of her voice. It had been so long since he'd heard the sound of her voice. And because of Rudra Ahluwalia all that had been taken away from them. That man was the reason Arohi was in this place right now, lying on a hospital bed. He was the reason that Arjun had almost lost everything. Hatred, cold hard hatred filled his heart and he vowed that once he pulled Arohi out of this despair, he was going to make Rudra Ahluwalia pay! But now he had to help Arohi.. He had to make sure that what she'd almost done would never ever happen again.
Arjun stopped as he walked into Arohi's room. Pausing to stare at her. Asleep not dead he reminded himself. But not living either he thought bitterly. Walking to her bed he sat down and gently took her hand in his. She looked so fragile, so vulnerable. The tubes coming out of her arm he knew were for her own good but they still made her look like a patient. She is a patient he thought as he smoothed her hair back from her face. "Hi baby." "How are you feeling now?" he asked, brushing his lips against her knuckles. "Gave everyone quite the scare didn't you." he said, his voice thick with emotion. "I don't know how you ever thought that I would let you go so easily." "You're my whole world Arohi and I..I can't lose you..no matter what Arohi, I can't lose you." he repeated. He sat there holding her hand and talking to her for a long time. Reassuring her that once she woke up everything would be fine, he'd make everything fine. "How is she doing now?" Anjali asked a while later. "She hasn't woken up yet but Dr. Gupta said that was normal." "That is would be a few hours atleast." he replied, wiping a hand over his face roughly. "Arjun, you're so tired." "I know you won't go home but maybe you could sleep for a bit." she said. They'd been there all night but her and Sunny had atleast been able to slip away for a little bit of shut eye, after they found out Arohi was going to be okay. Arjun hadn't left her side. "I'm fine, I'll get some sleep once I see her open her eyes." he replied, squeezing Arohi's hand. Anjali looked from Arohi to Arjun and she couldn't help the tears that sprung to her eyes. They were such good people. So why were they being tested like this? Arohi had always been so strong, always a fighter so why now did she take this step when she knew that she wasn't alone to cope with all this. She had Arjun. Who loved her so much. Please Arohi wake up and be your normal self she begged silently. But she knew deep down that probably wouldn't be the case. "The Media is swarming the hospital, it's a good thing Dr. Gupta and his staff take care of high profile patients and are trained to keep everything confidential orselse by now the hungry wolves out there would have found out every tiny detail of what had happened." Anjali said angrily. She knew she was part of this profession but right now she was disgusted by the lot of them. Some one was facing a possible tragedy and there was a feeding frenzy out there with everyone wanting to get the first picture or the most current news. She prayed that the lie about the food poisoning would work. "I don't care what the Media thinks or prints at this point all I care about is that they stay away from my family! "That's all I care about." he said roughly. Anjali nodded. "I'm going to go get us some lunch." "Anything in particular you want?" she asked. Arjun shook his head. "Just whatever." "Thanks Anjali." he added turning back to Arohi.
Arohi stirred and slowly opened her eyes wincing as she moved her hand and felt a sharp pain. Slowly adjusting her eyes she looked around the dimly lit room. Scary looking tubes were hooked into her hand and arm and she was laying in a hospital bed. Making out a shadow at the side of her bed she saw someone with his head rested on the bed. His hand holding hers tightly. "Arjun." she whispered. Arjun bolted up. Looking around disoriented, as he forced himself awake. "Arohi," he said hoarsely. "Arohi." he repeated louder this time with a laugh. "Oh god, baby!" "Oh thank you god." he said hoarsely as he leaned down and kissed her forehead. His eyes filled with tears. Water," she whispered. Her mouth gravely and so dry she could barely speak. Arjun quickly poured her some water helping her drink it. Leaning back down he pressed another kiss on her forehead. "I'm going to go grab Dr. Gupta." he said. "I'll be right back." he added as he ran out of the room. Arohi stared after him. The memory of what she'd done coming back to her. Squeezing her eyes shut against it she felt hot tears slide down her face. "Why did I survive?" she whispered. Opening her eyes she saw Arjun standing at the door. His eyes haunted and angry. Dr. Gupta next to him. "Well young lady, you had a close call there." he said, checking her vitals and the machines that were hooked up to her. Adjusting a few things he asked her questions that she answered softly. "I'm going to keep you another night and then you can go home." "But someone will be getting in contact with you, someone you can talk to about what's going on with you." "I think this person can be a big help if you let her." he said encouragingly. "Also I've prescribed something for depression and anxiety." "I've explained to Arjun how it should work as he's specified that he'll be taking care of you." Dr. Gupta said. Arohi couldn't help the resentment that spread through her. She didn't want anyone including Arjun's help. She wanted nothing from anyone. "She wanted to be numb." Arjun thanked the doctor and sat down next to Arohi, watching her closely. He had a 100 things to say to her, starting with what did she mean "Why did she survive?!" "What the hell...why did she survive?!" She survived because he wasn't going to let her die. He wasn't going to let her give up. Sure things were hard but that didn't mean you just gave up and ended everything. In life there were obstacles, it was up to you how you overcame them. You certainly didn't try to kill yourself! he thought angrily. "You must be hungry." he finally said. Arohi shook her head no. "NO?" "You've barely eaten in days." "You're skin and bones so please don't tell me you're not hungry." he snapped. Buzzing the nurse he asked for a tray to be brought in for Arohi. "I want to stand up." she said suddenly. "I'll help you." Arjun said quickly getting up. "No, no I don't need help." she said starting to stand. Arjun caught her just as she collapsed. "Arohi, I said I"d help you." "You could have hurt yourself." he said gruffly. "That's what I want." she muttered. "What?!" he demanded. Arohi looked away. "Please just help me to the bathroom." she said tearfully. Arjun's tone instantly softened. What was he doing? Here she was unwell and he was being so rough with her. Now was not the time for him to be angry. "I'm sorry baby, here I'll help you." he said, wrapping an arm around her hips and guiding her to the bathroom. As the door shut behind her, he walked back to the bed. She seemed so angry, so resentful and distant. They needed to talk, just not now. Once they were back home he would sit her down and they would discuss what was happening and he would make her promise on his life that she would never ever do something like this again. Seeing the door open he rushed to help her again. Once back in bed Arohi closed her eyes. She didn't want to talk about what had happened...about what she'd done. She didn't want to talk or feel anything. "Where's that medication?" she whispered to Arjun. Arjun paused and then said "The nurse is bringing it with your dinner." Opening his mouth to say more he shut it. Not now, once they were home he'd make her promise, he told himself again.
"Welcome home." Anjali said as Arjun and Arohi walked into his place the next afternoon. Arohi didn't say anything, not even when Arjun insisted on carrying her into the family room and putting her on the couch. She knew there was no point. He wouldn't listen to her anyway. "No more spending all day in the bedroom." he said, handing her the remote. "We'll stay out here, watch movies." "You can watch my old movies..I know how much you like to do that." he teased. Arohi stared at the blank TV screen, not saying anything. "Anjali, you and Sunny are staying for dinner tonight aren't you?" "Wel'll order pizza and hang out." Anjali nodded. "I'm picking Sunny up from his office and then we'll be back." she replied. "Arohi, do you need anything from your apartment." she asked softly. Arohi shook her head. "I'm going to move back tomorrow so there's no need to bring anything more here." she replied. Arjun's eyes narrowed and Anjali looked a little taken back by Arohi's answer. "We'll see you in a little while." he said to Anjali. Anjali nodded and left quickly not understanding why Arohi was acting so distant from them. Arjun poured them each a glass of juice and walked over placing one infront of Arohi. "Drink this." he ordered. Arohi glared at him. "I'm not thirsty." she snapped. "Drink it anyways." Arjun said, leaning back in his chair and staring intently at her. Arohi glared at him and then finally spoke. "I think I'm going to go home tonight...no reason to wait until tomorrow." she said, standing up gingerly. She was still weak but she'd be damned if she'd ask him for help. "Sit down." he said quietly. But as Arohi took a step, he stood up and grabbed her shoulders. "SIT DOWN!" he ordered loudly. Arohi stared at him trying to struggle out of his grasp but he only forced her back on to the sofa. Sitting down next to her. "If you stand up again Arohi I'm going to just force you right back down on to this sofa." "So save us both the time and effort." 'Now tell me what's your problem?" he asked. Arohi shook her head. "My problem is you!" "Everything has to be Arjun Singhania's way or no way." "If you don't want something to happen it can't happen" "You're always telling me what to do and how to do it!" "Well no more!" "Your arrogance, and attitude, I've had just about enough of it!" she yelled. "I'm done, I'm done with, you, and with us!" she screamed tears rolling down her face. Arjun stared at her, a brow raised, his arms folded across his chest. "I hate you Arjun!" "And, and I'll never forgive you for what you did." "You, you egotistical, manipulative bas***d!' she screamed lashing out at him as she sobbed and sobbed. Arjun let her hit him. "I hate you so much Arjun, I hate you!' she sobbed. "Why, why did you save me." "I didn't want to live!" "Why did you make me live." she sobbed as he slowly took her wrists which were beating against his chest and pulled her into his arms. "It's okay baby." "Let it out." he said softly as she cried against him. It broke his heart to see her like this but he knew she needed it. Finally when her tears slowed down to little hiccups he pulled back and wiped her face. "Feel better?" he asked. Arohi's answer was to put her head back against his chest. They held each other for a long time before Arohi finally spoke. "I'm sorry." "I, I'm just...I'm so messed up." she said shaking her head and feeling more tears spring to her eyes. Arjun kissed the top of her head and pulled back so that he could look at her. "You're not messed up." "You've been hurt in one of the worst ways possible by someone you trusted." "It's painful." "But what you need to understand is that it's not your fault." Arohi shook her head. "It is, can't you see it is." "My poor mom was raped and I was a product of that rape." she said hoarsely. "I don't even know how she's lived all these years seeing him in my face." "I don't look like her so I must look like him..oh my god what must my mom have endured." "I don't know why she didn't just abort me, or leave me somewhere after I was born." "I wish she had, Arjun, I really wish she had." Arohi whispered, closing her eyes against the pain. "Hey, don't ever say that again." "Abort you?" "The smartest thing your mom did was decide to keep you." After that it was just one dumb thing after the other...starting from marring that loser Rudra Ahluwalia." Arjun said in a voice dripping with contempt. "Arjun don't say that." "She's been through so much because of me." "Even, even papa...he raised me...how hard must that have been?" she wondered out loud. Arjun stared at her with shock. "Are you kidding me Arohi?" "Don't even think about feeling sorry for that creep!" "He hasn't loved you a day in your life!" "He's treated you like sh*t and your mom let him!" "Sure she brought you into this world but I don't think she protected you like a parent should!" "If she had stood up to that man you wouldn't have been forced to go live on your own." "Even how she came with that man to ask you to marry Ranauk...who the hell does that?!" "She's your mother for gods sakes, it was her responsibility to protect you!" he said furiously. "Arjun, she did want the best for me, she's just no match for papa." "She's a simple woman, non confrontational and I don't care what you say, all I know is that she still had me even though it must have been the most painful thing in the world for her to endure." "I will never be able to look at myself in the mirror again and not see a rapist's daughter staring back at me." "Not see the reason for my mom's pain and anguish." "I don't blame her for not making papa bring me back after I ran away...I wouldn't want me either." Arohi whispered. Arjun stared into her eyes which were filled with sadness. "I want you, I will always want you Arohi." he said softly. "Please promise me, on my life that you will never ever try to take your own life again." "Promise me Arohi!" he said forcefully. When Arohi didn't answer Arjun grabbed her arms making her look up at him. "Why do you think your life begins and ends with them?" "What about me, what about all the promises you made me?!" "I'm holding you to them Arohi, you promised me a happily ever after and I will be damned if I let you go back on your word." "We're a family, you and I, and our family in Chandigarh who adores you!" "Next time the thought of taking your own life even crosses your mind I want you to remember how many lives you would destroy if you took that step again." "So I want that promise Arohi, I want that promise now." he demanded. Arohi stared into his eyes, filled with determination and love. "I promise I will never do anything like that again." she said quietly. Arjun nodded. "You know you need to talk to a professional about what's happening?" "I wish I could just take all this away and make this better for you Arohi, but I know I can't." "But counseling should help." "I saw one after my sister...after my sister took her life." "I was young and stupid and angry at the world and didn't think I needed anyone's help." "But my mom had forced me and I can say now that it had helped a great deal." "I think it'll help you too." he said quietly. Arohi stared at him in horror. Tears filling her eyes as she hugged him. She'd forgotten that his sister too had committed suicide. "I'm sorry, she said sadly. "I, didn't think...I was just so consumed by my own pain I didn't think of yours." "I forgot about your sister." Arjun shook his head. "I always felt that I wasn't able to save her and while I waited for the doctor after they rushed you into emergency...I was so damn scared that I wouldn't be able to save you either." "I can't lose you Arohi, I love you so much and those hours before you woke up was the hardest time in my life." "Please Arohi, don't ever do anything like that again...if you feel like you're heading towards that, please just to come to me." "I'll make it better." he said a a broken voice. Arohi wrapped her arms around him, never wanting to let go. They held each other for a long time each trying their best to take away the other's pain.
Later on that night after Sunny and Anjali left, Arohi lay on Arjun's bed, her mind wandering again to that night in her apartment when she found out the truth about herself, about who she really was. She'd told Arjun that she would force herself to move on, she would get counseling, she would get better. But would she be able to do that? Would she ever be able to move on from that? "You need anything?" Arjun asked as he got into bed next to her pulling her close to hin. Arohi shook her head no. "Mom and Ishaan bhai are arriving tomorrow morning." "They were actually due to have arrived yesterday but Bhabhi fell ill and Bhai didn't want to leave her and Maya." "Mom was going to come by herself but I told her to just wait." Arohi nodded. But as much as she loved Arjun's family she didn't know if she could face them. "They know I guess." she said softly. She felt Arjun stiffen and then say yes. "You were in a bad way Arohi...I just felt that mom could help." "Just her and Bhai know and that's it." he said. "You can trust them." he added. Arohi nodded. She knew she could trust them...but could she face them. She wasn't the same person who had been engaged to their son just a couple short weeks ago. She barely recognized herself any more..she doubted any one else would be able to recognize her. "What's happening with your shooting and movie promotions?" she suddenly asked. She's heard Sunny asking Arjun something about that and Arjun hadn't answered. "Don't worry about that," he replied. Arohi looked up at him. She'd be damned if she would be let his career suffer because of her. "Tomorrow morning you're returning to work." she said matter of factly. "No I'm not." Arjun replied stubbornly. "Fine, then I'm moving back to my apartment...I'm obviously too much of a distraction for you." she began. "Your not a distraction...I just think I should wait a little longer before I go back." he said softly. Arohi stared at him, she knew what he was worried about. "Arjun, you can't watch me every minute of every day and I've...I've promised that I won't do anything to hurt myself again." "Please let's just move on from this...I want to just forget this." she said, rolling to her side away from him and feeling tears well in her eyes. She felt Arjun press closer to her and then finally say, "I'll go back to set the day after tomorrow." "After I've spent time with mom and bhai too." he replied. Arohi nodded but she knew his mom and brother were just an excuse. He was staying for her, he was doing everything for her. And god knew she didn't deserve it. She didn't deserve any of this love that he had for her. How could she try to kill herself after she knew what that had done to him when his sister had done it? She felt him relax against her, and she listened as his breathing even out as he fell asleep. But it was a long time before she was actually able to fall asleep. So many thoughts running around in her head. She had said she'd wanted to forget all this but how was she going to forget when every time she caught a glimpse of herself in the mirror she remembered. She remembered who she really was Dirty blood. She was dirty.
Arohi sat next to Arjun's mom who held her hand in her lap. "How is everyone?" Arohi asked softly. "Good, everyone is doing well." "Excited about yours and Arjun's wedding." she said lovingly. Arohi's eyes widened at the mention of the wedding. She'd forgotten all about it. "Don't worry beta, you two don't need to rush into anything." "I've told everyone that you two will wait awhile longer." "Maybe after Arjun's movie completes." she said with a smile. Arohi tried to smile back. Staring down at her engagement ring she remembered how happy she was when Arjun had slipped that on her finger. How she couldn't wait to be married to him. And now she couldn't imagine marrying him. Because if he married her he would end up hating her...which had always been her biggest fear. But he would hate her because no matter what his life with her would be a vortex of pain. A pain that she didn't feel would ever end. Arjun walked in at that moment with his brother. "Bhai and I were thinking we'd take you ladies out somewhere for dinner tonight." he said with a smile. Arohi looked up at Arjun and then at Ishaan bhai and as their eyes met she saw a flicker of something...was it pity she saw? Shaking her head she said "I'm not hungry, actually I think I'm going to go to bed." Arjun frowned and watched as she got up and said good night to everyone, walking away. "I'll just go talk to her." he said to his mom and brother. "No leave her," his mom said stopping her. She needs time, she's not ready for all this yet." "Just give her some space, I know it's hard to watch her like this but the more you force her the more she will retreat." "And that will make matters worse." she said. "I'm going to make us some dinner." she announced. "The housekeeper made something and left it." Arjun called, but as usual his mom ignored that. She cooked and fed people when things were bad. That was her way to help, and that's what she would do. Atleast he wouldn't worry about Arohi not eating. His mom would make sure of it. "Arjun, I wanted to talk to you." Ishaan said taking a seat. Arjun looked at the serious expression on his face and sat down. "Is everything okay?" he asked. "You tell me?" Ishaan replied. "How are you doing?" he asked. "I"m fine," Arjun replied. "You don't like fine." Ishaan replied, worry evident on his face. Arjun sighed. "Once Arohi is fine I'm going to be fine." he said reassuringly. Lowering his voice Ishaan asked "What if she's never fine?" "Then what?" Arjun stared at him in surprise. "Ofcourse she's going to fine, she has me, she has our family, she has friends, all of us love her so much." "She's going to pull through this." "It's just the initial shock and she's going to go for counseling too." Arjun replied. "Arjun, after Sania, after she killed herself we all took it hard but...it broke you." "I just can't watch or let that happen to my little brother again." Ishaan said, in a voice filled with emotion. "Last time you pulled out, next time I don't know if you'd be able to." he added. Arjun frowned at his brother."First of all there won't be a next time, she's promised me and I know she won't break that promise." "And secondly I can handle this, she needs me and I need her." Ishaan shook his head in frustration. "So you're going to put your life on hold indefinitely and try to help her through this when there is no guarantee that she will pull out of this!" he snapped. Arjun stared at his brother. "If Aria Bhabhi was to go through something as horrific as this, would you just leave her or would you try to do everything in your power for as long as it takes to help her through it?" Arjun asked. "Ofcourse I'd help her, she's my wife, the mother of my child." "I would do whatever it takes!" Ishaan replied roughly. "Well then what's the difference here...that Arohi and I aren't married...well then I'll marry her tonight if that's what it'll take!" "My relationship with Arohi is just as strong as yours with Bhahhi." "She means just as much to me as bhabhi means to you." "I will never back away from my responsibility just like you wouldn't." "Because that's how we were raised." Arjun said quietly. "I know, and I'm sorry for even bringing this up." "You're right." "And I know deep down you can get through this." "It's just that I'm the big brother and...and I worry." he said softly. Pulling Arjun into a bear hug he wished his brother luck. "You know we're always here for you...and for Arohi too." he added. Arjun nodded. "The place smells good, I haven't had mom's home cooking in weeks, let's go see what she's making." he said smiling.
Arjun watched as Arohi helped his mom put out breakfast the next day. She was smiling and laughing today. His mom and brother coming had changed her whole demeanor. Thank god he thought as she passed him. Grabbing her hand he brought it to her lips. "You look beautiful." he said. Arohi forced a smile on her face. She knew she didn't. She'd lost too much weight, her skin was pale, or eyes had red circles under them. Her hair was lack luster. She didn't look good but she thanked him nevertheless. And that's how the next 3 days went. She was steadily improving, even his brother had commented before he left for Chandigarh. His mom had decided to stay a while longer and keep Arohi company. His heart was finally starting to unclench. Her mom had called him a few times, the first time taking him by surprise. He had hung up on her. In his opinion, it was a little too late for her to be worrying about her daughter! And he didn't want Arohi to hear about her mother's calls and it reverse all the progress she had made. He'd returned back to set, still calling and speaking to her numerous times a day but he was reassured that his mom was there to support her. "I'm going into the Tribune office tomorrow to speak to the editor." "See if he'll give me another chance." she said that night. "Work?" he asked with a frown. "Isn't that too soon Arohi?" he asked. "Too soon for what Arjun?" she snapped. "Am I sick, do I have a disease?" "What's wrong with me, I'm fine, I'm healthy." "There's no reason I shouldn't be working." she added. Arjun didn't say anything, maybe she was right. Maybe work would be a good distraction for her. " "I'm seeing the counselor tomorrow too so I'll be out of the house most of the day." "I'll come with you." Arjun said. "No, I don't need you to hold my hand every step of the way Arjun." "Some things I need to do by myself." "And this is one of them." "Don't worry I'll fine." she said forcing a smile on her face. Arjun didn't like it but he didn't want to push her either. This was the first time in weeks that she even mentioned leaving the house. It was a huge step and he didn't want to ruin this for her. "Fine, why don't we meet up for dinner after my shoot." "I can pick you up from home around 8:00ish." he said. He watched as Arohi looked up at him. Her eyes pooling with tears. "You know you're wonderful," she said in a broken voice. "A dream come true for any girl." she added, cupping one side of his face lovingly. Arjun pulled her into his arms. "No, just one girl, my girl." he replied leaning down and giving her a sweet kiss. Arohi wrapped her arms around him and kissed him back with all the love she felt for him. Eventually they were interrupted by his mom calling for him. "I'll be right back." he said. Arohi watched him go, it was best this way she told herself. It was the only way she knew to protect Arjun from herself. She knew he wanted her to come out of this, be the same Arohi as before. But she could never be that Arohi, that Arohi was dead and left was this shell of a person. This shell of a person who needed to figure out how she was going to go on.
The next night Arjun let himself into his apartment his eyes quickly searching for Arohi's. She'd spoken to him for a minute this morning on the phone and then texted him that she'd be busy all day and would see him tonight. He couldn't wait to see her and hear about her day. Tell her about his day...see her face light up at his stories about the set. "Mom, where's Arohi?" he asked walking into the family room. "She's not home yet, remember she said she'd be late." she reminded him. "Yeah, but she should be home by now." he said, pulling out his phone and texting her. Walking into his bedroom he was pulling off his t-shirt when he saw a piece of paper laying on his night table. What's that?' he thought as he grabbed it. His eyes skimming over the words and finally freezing over the last paragraph.
"I'm leaving and I'm not coming back Arjun so please don't waste your time looking for me." "It's for the best... we don't want the same things, I just think that we're not right for each other." "It's best that we part ways now, I know at first it might be a little hard for you to take but I know eventually you'll see this is the right thing for both of us. I wish you all the best for the future and I know one day very soon you'll find the right woman for yourself." Arohi.
So there it is. Please let me know what you thought. PTHHT will be next. As always thanks so much for reading and all the support.
Edited by salmankh1 - 13 years ago
Bindi
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
Jodha Akbar
