FF: Bruised Hearts II - Chapter 42, 43.1 pg 39; Updated 4/8/14 - Page 12

Tantalizing fragrance of exotic flowers overwhelms his already heightened senses. Arnav inhales deeply as he awaits the arrival of his beloved. He wants to apologize to Khushi and start over with a clean slate. The lush beauty of the garden is the perfect backdrop to facilitate the new beginning.

He checks one last time to make sure everything is set and in place. Arnav has organized a candlelight dinner for Khushi with all the Lucknow dishes that she loves. The way to his lady's heart is through her stomach.

Waiting impatiently for her arrival, he growls at his ringing phone. His mami is calling and he is almost tempted to not answer. However, Arnav knows how persistent his colorful mami can be. She will call and call till he would be completely left at his wits end. It is best to answer the call now before she comes up with unusual torture techniques.

Arnav (answering brusquely): Mami...this is really not a good time.

Mamiji: Hello hi bye bye! Arnav bitwa. I haive chomethingz bhery impoirtant to sharewa with yous.

Arnav (sighing): Can't it wait? (Suggesting) Tomorrow morning perhaps? I'll call you then and you can tell me all about it.

Mamiji: Chup! Aur listenwa bitwa. Itj about Shyam, the Snakewa.

Arnav (alert): What about him?

Mamiji: Phue dayj aigo, he metwa a peirson in secretwa. I phollowed! Raat akele, chupki chupki. They lookj likez they waire plainingz!

Arnav (shouts): Mami! Shyam met someone in secret a few days ago and you are telling me this now?

Mamiji (annoyed): Bitwa...I am bhery bheeji yous know? Meri bootiful facewa makej me bhery poipular. No timewa to tellz yous till nows.

Arnav (sighs): Did you get a good look at the other guy's face? Did you take a picture?

Mamiji: No bitwa. Facewa waj covered with chunglaches aur hoided jaicket. I took picturewa...I chend to yous.

Arnav (doubtfully): You couldn't see the face at all? You can't identify him?

Mamiji: Arre...facewa covered tha. I knoiwz I am bootiful aur ishmart but no X-Ray visionwa.

Arnav (sighs): Just send me the picture Mami. (Muses) Should have done it a long time ago. Hired PI to keep an eye on Shyam. Don't worry Mami. I will call Aman to find someone immediately so you won't be burdened with the task. (Mutters to himself) At least I will get my reports on time.

Mamiji: Escuche me! My name ij Mami...Mami Bond. I no need aisistanch. No need ainybody jab Mami Bond ij heres. Undeirstandz?

Arnav (placating): He or she will do all your work for you. You wouldn't want your make up to be ruined, now would you?

Mamiji: Hello hi bye bye! Meri bootiful facewa!

Arnav: And you will have more free time to socialize.

Mami: Ok Arnav bitwa but I willj be in chargewa of inbhestigation, uinderstandz?

Arnav (rolls his eyes): Fine mami. Please send me the picture asap. Need to go now. Bye.

He quickly hangs up the phone so Mami won't continue to prattle. No way is he going to let her ruin his evening.

Meanwhile, Khushi steps into the garden and does not find another soul wondering about. She finds it very odd and calls Madhu's number again. Madhu and Tara were supposed to meet up with her but they are missing in action. Cautiously she walks around, taking in the natural and exotic beauty of her surroundings. Khushi is giving Madhu and Tara exactly 10 minutes to either pick up the phone or to join her at the garden.

As she roams around, Khushi sees the candlelit dinner set up at the corner of the garden and halts. She looks around and wonders did she just crash on a couple's romantic date night? That's why there are no one else roaming around? But where is the said couple? Confused, Khushi shakes her head, the time has come to exit this rather bizarre scenario.

Khushi turns around to leave but she stops in her track as she hears a familiar voice calling out her name.

She whirls around to face the man responsible for both her dreams and nightmares.

Khushi glares back at Arnav. How dare he intrude when she is trying to get past him?

Khushi (snaps): What are you doing here? (Looks at the table and snaps her head back at Arnav) Ohh no no no! This is a set up right? You asked MY DAUGHTER to lie to me so you can get me here? (Pointing at the table) To have dinner with you? I don't think so Mr. Raizada!

Khushi turns around and takes a few quick steps. But Arnav rushes towards her, grabs her from behind and turns her around to face him.

Arnav (breathing hard): Khushi...wait...

Khushi (pushing him away): What the hell Arnav? You CANNOT just grab me whenever you want. (Threateningly) Now let me go before I give you so much pain that you won't have a choice but to let me go!

Arnav (still holding her close): Just hear me out one time (desperately) please!

Khushi (snaps): Fine! I'll hear whatever you have to say but you need to let go off me this instance Mr. Raizada.

Arnav slowly removes his arms from around Khushi and takes a few small steps away from her.

Khushi (warns): And don't come near me again.

Arnav takes a deep breath to compose himself before speaking.

Arnav (with deep regret): Khushi...I am sorry for hurting you. For not trusting you. (Rakes hand through his hair) I know you would never intentionally hurt me or Di...I mean Anjali for spite. Yet I still jumped to that conclusion...because... because I just didn't want to believe that my Di could be so...devious! It was wrong...and I am very sorry. I should have trusted you. (Dejectedly) I didn't want to believe that the sister I loved like a mother had so little disregard for my happiness. (Looking deep into Khushi's eyes) If she really cared, she wouldn't have hurt you and Tara. You two are the most important people in my life. (Vows) I will always stand by you and I promise to stand by you no matter what, through thick and thin.

Khushi (folds her hands over her chest): How do I trust you again Arnav? I gave you so many... (holding her hands wide) so many damn chances! (Shakily) But each time you prove that you are still the same. You always blame for things that not my fault. First transgression, you thought I was having an affair with Shyam without any basis. What did you do? You forced me into a contract marriage. I had no say. You were the judge, jury and the executioner.

Arnav (flinches): I...Khushi...

Khushi (continues): Even after the kidnapping, when you knew I did EVERYTHING in my power to find you, what did you do? You accused me of ruining your life. You wished that you had never met me! For what? For Anjali. Because I didn't want her to throw tantrums and not eat for the baby's health. You accused me of tyring to harm her once again. As if I was the one who told Anjali to go the damned hospital to abort her child even if she has to cut herself! You believed that when you knew how much I sacrified to protect her, for her happiness. If I didn't give a damn, I would have exposed Shyam the minute I found out about his two-timing ass! But no I am the evil guy because in her mind I was the other woman. And despite knowing the truth, you catered to her belief!

Arnav (flinches): Khushi...I know...I was wrong for not standing up for you. I should have...but you know...she was in such a delicate condition that...

Khushi (interrupts): Then for Anjali's sake, I brought Shyam back to Shantivan. Even though it was very a difficult choice, I did it so she can recover from the miscarriage. What did you do? You accused me of breaking your trust without even listening to my reasons. You have done and said so many things to me. Every time you came to a conclusion and made a judgment without considering all the facts. So please excuse me Arnav if I can't accept your words at face value!

Arnav (very contrite): I am sorry Khushi...I am very sorry! I know I have a bad track record but please give me one more chance. I have lived 5 years without you and it was hell on earthI promise that I will do my best to change and never hurt you again. I want to spend the rest of my life with and make it up to you.

Please give me another chance to show you how much I love you. Your love is my salvation.

Khushi (sad smile on her face): You imposed the last 5 years on us Arnav.

Arnav: Khushi...you know why...

Khushi (holds up her hands): Yes I know...but tell me how do you think I fared these few years that we missed? My life may be all dandy now but you think it was easy? (Holding back tears) In the span of 24 hours, my husband dumped me. I left my family and ended up in a new city with no family and friends to turn to. I don't know what I would have done if I hadn't met Madhu. You think it was hell on earth for you? You're wrong...it's nothing compared to what I went through!

Arnav (whispers, wishing to hug Khushi): I am sorry.

Khushi: It nearly killed me Arnav. But some how I pulled through and Madhu and I decided to attend university. (Smiles slightly) We had to fight hard to get into school. But we were determined. (Smiles sadly) You used to always accuse me of being stupid and brainless. So I had a lot to prove.

Arnav (winces): I was an idiot Khushi. I always knew you were smart. My pride chafed at the way you used to outsmart and outmaneuver me. My ego couldn't handle it. I am sorry Khushi...I was world class ass.

Khushi (smiles slightly): You still are...an idiot and an ass.

Arnav (solemly): Yes...yes I am.

Khushi (gives him an odd look and continues with her story): Madhu and I finally started classes. Things were getting slightly better. I stopped crying at the drop of a hat or at anything that reminded me of you. I refused to let you turn me into a watering pot. Then, one day, I fainted as Madhu and I was preparing to leave the house for class. Madhu rushed me to the clinic. I was sure that I fainted due to exhaustion and didn't want anyone to cause a fuss. But Madhu and Maa wouldn't hear any of my reasons and dragged me to the doctor. That day I found out I was two months pregnant. (Smiling) It was the best day of my life, thinking about a tiny creature, symbol of our love, growing inside of me. I so desperately wanted to share this news with you, for you to hold me and rejoice in our love. (Crying) But it was also the worst day of my life because you weren't there. You weren't there for any of the subsequent doctor visits. I used to be so envious of the other expecting mothers who were accompanied by their husbands to all their appointments. (Voice breaking) You were not there when I needed your arms around me to tell me everything will be fine. You were not there as I worried how it will be once the baby is born. What shall I name the baby? Where are we going to live? Would I be able to go to school and still take care of the baby? You were not there as I worried myself sick thinking if I could handle it!

Arnav feels a few of his own tears roll down his cheeks, he discreetly wipes them away and he steps forward to hug Khushi. But she steps back and holds up her hands, to keep his distance.

Khushi (continues): You were not there to hold my hands as I went through the long hours of excruciating labor. Tara was in neonatal care for weeks because of complications and I needed you to hold me so badly. (Sobbing) To tell me our baby girl will be fine and she's a fighter. But you were not there for me Arnav! You should have been there for me, for Tara every single damn step of the way. So don't you dare say our separation was hell on earth for YOU! You have no idea!

Arnav quickly gathers Khushi in his arms as he gently cradles her head on his shoulders. He rubs her back in a slow circular motion in a bid to comfort her as he keeps his unshed tears in check. After a few minutes, calms down enough for her flood of tears to slow down to a trickle. Khushi slowly lifts her head from Arnav's shoulders and stares into his beautiful eyes.

I keep on fallin'

In and out of love

With you

I never loved someone

The way that I love you

He cups Khushi's face and kisses her forehead and cheeks.

Arnav (gently caressing her cheeks): Let me be with you now. I promise to be with you every step of the way. Please sweetheart...give me another chance. I want to see you happy, to see that beguiling smile on your beautiful face every day. (Wiping the remnants of her last tears) And I don't want you to ever shed your precious tears, especially for me. I know I am unworthy of you sweetheart but I just can't let you go. I can't live with you.

Sometimes I love ya

Sometimes you make me blue

Sometimes I feel good

At times I feel used

Lovin' you darlin'

Makes me so confused

Khushi (pulls out of his arms, flustered): Arnav...it's too much...I don't know...I just can't...I mean...it's too hard...I don't know...!

Arnav (soothingly): You don't have to decide anything now. But just have dinner with me. Please?

Arnav walks over to the table and pulls out a chair for her. Khushi bites her lips in indecision. Should she stay or should she go? After a minute or so of deliberation, she tentatively walks over and sits down. He breathes a sigh of relief at her acquiescence.

He sits down and uncovers the dishes and secretly delighted in her reaction. A soft smile graces her face to see golgappes and jalebis. His Khushi may be a sophisticated lady now but in essence she is still the same.

Arnav looks on in fascination as she attacks the food with gusto. Watching her pop golgappe in her mouth with sauce dribbling down her lips, he is transported back in time. They were in Buaji's house and he brought golgappes as a way to say sorry for his rude behavior.

She still has that same zeal, a healthy appetite. With a wicked grin on his face, he thinks how much fun it would be to direct that zeal to other more...pleasurable pursuits. The table is beckoning to be used improperly for a rendezvous.

Khushi looks up and notices his grin.

Khushi (quirks her eyebrow): What?!?

Arnav (smiles bigger): You still have the same eating habits.

Khushi (blushes in embarrassment): Yeah...(defensively) so?!?

Arnav (shakes his head): It's...enjoyable...to watch. I missed it.

Self-conscious now, Khushi does not want another bite and pushes her plate away.

Arnav clears his throat and walks over to Khushi and sits down on his haunches. He has two gift wrapped boxes in his hand, one substantially smaller then the other.

How do you give me so much pleasure

And cause me so much pain

Just when I think

I've taken more than would a fool

I start fallin' back in love with you

Khushi (looks warily at the boxes): Arnav.

Arnav (puts them in her hands): Indulge me...please.

Khushi: Arnav...I haven't agreed to give you another chance and plying me with gifts won't help your chances either. I can't and won't give in till I see changes in YOU.

Arnav: I am well aware of it. Trust me...taking my gifts will not be considered as an indication that you have decided to give me another chance. (Makes a puppy face) If you reject my humble offerings, I shall die of a broken heart.

Khushi (rolls her eyes): Drama Queen!

Khushi unwraps the larger package and gasps in pleasure. She pulls out a large, black ornate diary boldly inscripted, Khushi, dipped in silver. She laughs out loud at the smaller message inscripted at the bottom: Open at the risk to your health.

Arnav (sheepishly): Did you know I read your diary that you kept during our contract marriage?

Khushi's mouth opens in shock. She remembers with trepidation the outrageous things she wrote concerning Arnav.

Arnav (grins widely): 100 ways to Irritate Laad Governor. (Chuckles) This Laad Governor is very glad that you didn't get a chance to carry out everything on your list. Some of them are damned creative!

Khushi (grumbles): Yes...well there's still time to implement them.

Arnav (holds his hands): You won't need to...I'll be on my best behavior. (Grins) Tonight's date can be your first entry.

Khushi glares at Arnav and just shakes her head at him. She looks at the pearl encrusted silver lock and looks for the accompanying key.

Arnav (pointing at the smaller gift wrapped box): Open that one please.

Khushi (pointing at the lock): But what about the key?

Arnav: Trust me...just open it.

She tears open the wrapper and reveals a velvet jewelry box. Her fingers slightly shaking, she opens it up to reveal a beautiful pearls and diamond encrusted pendant in the shape of a key. The locket is hanging from two white gold chains set in a criss cross pattern. Khushi looks at the bottom of the locket again in the shape of a key and looks at Arnav for confirmation.

Khushi (shaky voice): Is this the locket for the diary?

Arnav takes the locket out of the box and uses it open the lock for the diary.

Arnav: Yes. So you can safeguard whatever secrets you share with your dear diary and keep it close to your heart.

Khushi (shaking her head): Arnav I can't accept this necklace.

Arnav (nods his head in the affirmative): Please. Taking this necklace does not mean that you are accepting our relationship. That is still your choice. I want you to have this necklace for a whole different reason. Here let me show you.

The top of the locket is shaped like a heart. The center stone is large, 2 carat diamond encircled by round south sea pearls. Arnav clicks on the small, latch at the back of the locket and it opens up. Inside is a cut out of a recent picture of Tara. The space for another picture was intentionally left blank.

I keep on

Fallin'

In and out of love with you

I never loved someone

The way that I loved you

Khushi bites her lips to stem the tears that are threatening to spill over.

Arnav (voice thick with emotion): She's your life...our life. And I want you to wear this locket so you can always have her close to your heart.

Khushi (softly): What about...the other...emm...space?

Arnav (solemnly): It's your choice sweetheart. You can put anything you want it or leave it blank. I won't take that decision from you.

Khushi (wipes at the stray tear and jokes): So I can put in Salman Khan's picture?

Arnav (teases back): As long as he is fully clothed and I mean buttoned all the way up to his neck.

He closes the clasp, walks behind Khushi and holds it up to her neck.

Arnav (softly): May I?

Khushi nods and pulls her hair back so he can fasten the chain to her neck. She fingers and smiles back at Arnav. It's much easier to deal with him now that she's gotten her angst out of her system. She stands up and faces Arnav.

Khushi (softly): I should go now. (Thinking) The muscled brothers were in on the plan, weren't they? That's why they didn't follow me inside. (Smiles slightly) Should have found it odd that they didn't. Especially since the area seemed so empty.

Arnav (smiles): I didn't need them to interrupt.

Khushi smiles in response and gathers her new diary close to her heart and turns around to leave. After taking a few steps she turns back around and walks up to Arnav.Khushi stands on her toes and kisses his cheeks.

Khushi (fingers the locket and whispers): Thank you. (Saucily) For the dinner. Don't think I have given in. I still think you and I won't work and you can't and won't be able to change.

Arnav (laughs): Don't worry. I know better then to make that assumption. (Teases) I don't want you to implement any of your untried methods to torture me. (Abruptly serious) And I mean to prove to you that I can and will change to a man who is worthy of your love.

Khushi: Good night Arnav.

Arnav (whispers once Khushi walks out): Good night sweetheart. I hope you choose to give us, our love a chance.

Oh baby

I, I, I, I'm fallin'

I, I, I, I'm fallin'

Fall

Arnav avows to win Khushi back. But can he really change into the man Khushi deserves? Will he complete the transformation to morph into her Prince Charming? Only time will tell.

Author's Note: Dear readers. Rishbala part up next. Sorry...but Arshi needed time to cope with their issues. 😊