For You Forever - An Arhi TS Pt 3A & B on pg18 -5/2 - Page 9

Awesome part. Loved it.

PART 3A

(Flash back in Italics)

FUTURE

Anjali shifted in her seat uncomfortably for the umpteenth time to get courage starting a conversation. She had been accompanied by her ever cool husband Shyam who had a big grin on his face witnessing his tension filled wife for the first time. Ashok and Asha just looked straight with their eyes fixed on the wall in front not able to withstand the awkwardness that emanated due to the situation. Disparities bound to have existed between the two families seems to be ebbing with the moments they were spending at the house with more anticipation. It was time to close this unidentified rivalry. Now with the pretense of grown up matured responsible family they ought to move forward once.

She came forward with the tray of snacks and tea as the families finally shifted their gazes to receive the welcome. Ashok for the first time saw her and had refuted inside developing guilt that that had waded him throughout. Time to resort to the appropriate decisions he thought.

As he turned beside to spot his wife Asha looking lovingly at her, he felt a smile creeping on his own lips with the assurance that things are going to fall in place soon. She had returned back to the opposite couch where her mother was seated. Sitting beside her mother she had bent her head down in expectance of the "elders" to break the ice.

Shyam found the situation getting more intense with the silence pervading around. He reckoned that there had to be a third person involvement to begin with.

"Aunty, I am Shyam Jha Anjali's husband. I presume you are not disturbed with our visit at this point" Shyam started off with an not so comfortable tone still to affirm that all are at peace.

Anjali could well take off from there as she saw the assuring smile from the host.

"Yes Aunty. We are sorry to have intruded your time now. It's just that we couldn't really want to talk about this. I hope we can ward off all those past blemishes that had occurred without our knowledge.."

Her calm composure didn't match with the hands that fiddled the hem of her duppata. She could feel the heat inside as her mother sitting beside her was shuddering for words.

Atlast it took Asha to come forward and sit beside her mother to take things friendly.

"Garima ji, we haven't been fair with our kids when they had been at our disposal. Now things have gone way forward. We had been under a false presumption that we had been right through out. I think its time to set everything right this time. Though its late we should walk past all those differences that had spoiled our kids dreams." With a tinge of guilt pervading in her tone she gave a brief look at Khushi who still didn't let her gaze to even spot Asha's eyes for once.

Garima felt like her emotions were over powering her senses. She had least expected them to visit their house for refurbish their relationships which once they had purposely broken with the pretext of spotting out irrelevant differences. Things had changed since the time they had been visited by the trauma. Not that she was feeling not befitting herself into this conversation but something did stuck her throat which blocked her from uttering a word to them. The sense of overwhelming ride of emotions at the position where she is pushed into to decide her daughter's life with clarity and a chance of correcting mistakes that had been a cause of the severe turmoil her daughter had faced all these years. Is she competent enough or deserving enough to take up the decision she thought. Not dragging herself into the hasty conclusions which had once shattered her family once she turned towards Asha with an implying smile.

"Asha ji.. first of all I apologize for what all had happened. If I had the same intelligence to correct my husband before we wouldn't have seen this day. Greediness and Selfishness had led us to an impoverish situation as we face now. I feel it must be the consequences of the pain that we had imposed on your son and my daughter that we had been through all these." She held Asha's hands with the tears fighting to come out and slowly starting to wet her cheeks.

Asha quickly held her to console the vulnerable woman who once had so much conviction like them to decide for her own daughter what she thinks is best for her life.

"Garima ji.. please don't get emotional.. Just like you were at fault we are also to be blamed. We didn't go through the feelings of the kids who had just asked us a chance to prove themselves. I had been at the worst of my selfishness when I saw my son only as a responsible son of my family who should keep up the dignity and status. I didn't even bother to look into his pain while he had brushed off his dreams and continued to work harder just for my family's happiness."

Needless to say Asha herself started to pour out her emotions thinking about the unexpected happenings that had protruded out of their stupidity.

Anjali had received a nudge from her husband who was confused to see the emotional ladies in front of him. He wanted to come to the point rather than beating around the bush which seemed impossible with the amount of tears shed by the ladies. He turned around to see his father in law looking at Khushi with a remorse that's haunting a father seeing the miserable state of the once- chosen- daughter in law by his son. He heaved a sigh and finally had to poke his only wife to clear this mess out the only way to snap them out of the past delusions.

"Ma.. Aunty.. Please we are not here to dig out the past and wail over it. Please lets get away from those unfortunate incidents and get on with the present which will lead to a bright future for both the families"

Shyam hiccupped hearing the choice of words that his wife had put forth at this serious and intense atmosphere. He took out the mobile to send a message.

"Your Father is dumb stuck with guilt. Your Mother is trying to dig the past with the severity of situation increasing in intensity. On the top of it your sister is ready to add her contribution in the muddle. She is teaching grammar classes for the mothers.. Obviously a teacher's daughter should show some traits! With this family, I think you will live bachelor till the end of your life Saale Sahab"

Least Shyam knew that the receiver of this message spill out hot coffee reading out this sarcastic comment when he had anticipated with tension on the happenings this side.

"What the ? Jeeju you are ditching me too? Come on! Do something fast.." Shyam's mobile beeped with the message which made him grin suppressing a mockery inside him.

"You don't have the guts to talk but wouldn't mind pestering me to get into action... What a family?" The reply and the conversation wasn't strange between the brother in laws as they were more like friends.

"Ah.. Who talks about the guts? I bet you wouldn't have open your mouth since the time you sat!" Shyam got jerked by the undeniable truth his brother in law had messaged him. He too wished he had the guts if he had any to utter in front of his wife and mother in law.

Just on time as an interruption Ashok looked in front of the ladies. He hadn't faced the similar round of tension when he had fixed the proposal for Anjali too.

"Garimaji.. lets forget every single moment of the past. I apologize for all the known and unknown mistakes from our side.. I think its better I get straight to the point now. Officially with whole heart I am asking your daughter's hand for my Son Arnav Raizada. And I do need a reply from your daughter if she wishes to forgive us and accept our proposal to become the daughter of my family."

An eerie of silence clouded not with the negative effect of the shock but an overwhelming sense of happiness that hit everyone. Within moments happy tears bursted out with the cracking smiles on everyone. Khushi was fixed on her seat looking at Ashok's expression who had a genuine affection pouring out to her. It was difficult to believe her own ears when the same family who had rejected their relationship now pleading for the same. Her eyes welled up with tears which she struggled to keep control of.

"Woah.. Your dad hit a six.. Finally he developed a spine to break the invisible shackles and get straight into the point. Man.. you have luck somewhere" Shyam who controlled his squeal messaged his brother in law hoping to get an awesome response in return.

Garima turned herself towards Khushi cupping her face with a glee in her face. Khushi could feel adoration and respect she was receiving from her mother through her eyes.

"Khushi, I don't have any words to express my feelings. All I could say is this time its your decision, your wish and your dreams that I am concerned about. We had shattered you once knowingly or unknowingly.. You have the right to decide, this is your life beta.. I will respect your opinion now; be it anything."

Her heart started to pound at a faster rate. All eyes were boring on her now making her the center of attention. She couldn't feel herself straight in the ground almost making her feeling dizzy. She has reached at this point where the same families who had abandoned her love years back are in the verge of pleading to accept the proposal for the same man whom she loved. She couldn't resist the tears rolling down but was confusing enough to give a befitting reply to the people she was confronted with their attention. Hadnt they not neglected hers and Arnav's pleads they wouldn't have landed in such an awkward situation which resulted in apologizing to a girl much younger to them by age. What that man had gone through these years with pain can that be erased so easily? She closed her eyes tightly to suppress the anger, pain, sufferings, tears all those mounted up frustration of life which she suppressed these years. With the much expectant reply all the eyes bore acute concentration on her expression. They were really perturbed with her silence what if she rejects it as a revenge? How could they tolerate that disappointment? Startling them in between the silence a mobile beeped with a message. Shyam hesitantly took the mobile. How could he message back Arnav that his lover has forcefully put a question mark on her decision. But to his shock it wasn't his mobile that beeped. He raised his face to see Khushi checking the message with much expectation as her life was dependant on the message. A blushing smile broke out the dam of happiness in her face bustling through the creases of her round bubbly face. Her eyelids fluttered in many seconds reading out the message and turned to switch it off.

Shyam smiled sardonically that how his brother in law changed sides as soon as he got confirmation from him about his father putting forth the proposal. He was sure to punish him later at night for ditching him in the middle.

It wasn't rocket science for the families to comprehend whose message it was atleast by the reaction on her face which was flying with joy and bliss. Asha came near her and sat beside Khushi. She caressed her cheeks moving the strands of hair from the forehead. Her rounded eyes which was devoid of the kajal still shined at her. Asha admired her for once and kissed on her forehead implying the love she has for her.

"Khushi... Will you marry my son? Would you forgive me and accept this old teacher as your mother in law?"

That was enough for her to burst into tears. She hugged Asha with all her might and burst into tears as they had been threatening her for a while. All she knew was she couldn't take up such a blessed moment all at once.

The reply was conveyed her decision is fixed.. Asha and Ashok were feeling on the top of the world so was Garima. Anjali hugged Shyam expressing her delight while Shyam enjoyed it to the fullest. One side his brother in law getting settled in life and on the other his wife was showing such PDA inspite of her parent's presence which delighted him. He thought of sending a message to Arnav but stopped as he thought of leaving Arnav desperate for the result. On the contrary as the families started to proceed their talks, someone had got up to send a reply.

"I love you too"

*****

He gulped his third shot of whiskey while thinking about the unexpected events that happened in the day. Not even for once he had expected to meet her again in his life. For him it was just a closed yet an inerasable chapter of his life. Amrit noticed the disturbed friend who was trying to gulp his emotions from the morning. He had met Khushi in the hotel who too wasn't quite normal since her visit. He rubbed it off his mind thinking it must be the travel lag but confounding expressions of his friend after meeting his colleague did raise some queries inside him. Vinay, Rohan and Manish were discussing the upcoming shopping festival plans with their biwis as they were curious enough to get the budgets right this time. Amrit turned around and addressed his friends just trying to grab attention from Arnav too.

"Hey, do you all know girls can change anything? I am amazed to find that they can melt even the hard rock?" He sardonically passed a glance to Arnav who was still looking down in deep thoughts & confusion.

"Why do you say so Amrit? Is there any interesting gossip you would like to share.. Come on break it out" Vinay got excited with the cool gossip which was coming through his way while others too shifted their attention towards Amrit except Arnav.

"At last one has to accept that they can fall for girls with their charms. I didn't know it requires so much beauty to trap some people. Much to the average likes of men like us our hero has laid eyes on one of the beauty assets which is haunting him from the morning. If we had known about this we could have set up a similar chick to satisfy the hunger" Amrit tickled the wrong nerves of Arnav which surely enraged him. He straight away glared at him in one swift glance his jawline constricting the anger inside him not wanting him to burst out.

All eyes just popped up seeing the reactions from their friend who was always good in counter attacking people. Now the rage in his red eyes felt weird for everyone. Was that due to the girl whom he picked up in the morning? They chose to untangle this web with further provocation as Arnav wouldn't open out the truth otherwise.

"You mean to say while going to pick up your colleague our friend fell for her charms. Come on describe how she looks."

"Come on Manish, when beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder. Though I didn't find her much beautiful than any other ladies she has some kind of attraction. She is not that thin and sleek model type of girl but looks practical and matured with her round face and big eyes."

Arnav closed his fists in anger gritting his teeth. He turned around to his friends after gulping the fourth one.

"Stop talking bullshit.. and mind your own business"

His friends did understand the cold ruthless tone which were calm now that might increase his rage soon. They continued their efforts.

"Why? What has she done to you that you are so much disturbed? Wait..you get pissed off when we talk about her why?" Amrit curiously raised his eyebrow as Arnav continued to stare at him.

"Arnav did you fall for her? Come on.. why so much concern that you reprimand your friends for some third person?" Rohan too joined him.

"Enough.. You want to know who she is? Then hear it out, She was my lover from my school days my one and only crush till this age. We broke up after college due to our family issues and she is the reason why I don't still love anyone or marry anyone. Did you all get that?"

He turned around furiously and barged outside the flat leaving behind his gang of friends in utter shock.

*******

Khushi lied straight on the bed watching the ceiling but her mind had whirlpool of thoughts inside her. Getting stuck in the past memories of her childhood friend her eyes welled up thinking of the situations that had led both of their lives from that day, the day everything broke up between them. Promises, trust, love, immense care and every damn emotion she had felt towards the only man in her life. Now the fate has played a game by bringing him infront of her again. How is she supposed to handle this turmoil? What would she do when he meets her again? Why has destiny turned so harsh towards her? She closed her eyes letting the tears to flow through her cheeks that had already reddened due to the depression in her. The initial shock of seeing him in the morning had been got over but the ease and comfort that he had interacted with her after all these years without a tinge of frustration did surprise her. Is that the power of love? From the talks of Amrit who had come to visit her she got to know that he is still a bachelor. Does that mean what love and affection which she saw in his eyes this morning is an effect of the unbounded love they had shared? She was sure that he hadn't known about her background since he had questioned about Vijay. Is she supposed to reveal what had happened in his life or let go off these emotions whirling around her ? May be it would do good for him atleast for the fact that he deserved good life and happiness and it would be more selfish on her part and there was no space for relationship revived by sympathy. She closed her eyes with a sigh taking in the slumber as she has to take up the work she was here for the next morning.

*******

One week had passed. Both hadn't attempted to meet even once but the desire curling up inside the heart to make her restless as if she wanted to grab the lost treasure. Was it ever possible to get back the same friend in him after all that happened between them? Would she be able to pull her sleeves and control herself? She continued to wage the battle in her as the thought of approaching him as a friend still hovered around her mind. Every night weren't so different when after work she takes up his card trying to give him a call but soon the hesitation crops up with the reasoning that he too wasn't interested in calling her. So she decided to push back this friendship call till the time is right.

Amrit had seen the different dimension of Khushi at office when she indulged in discussions. She was a prudent designer who had an absolute skill to understand the likes of people. She had shocked most of them with her budgeted designs that suited their project that's when she revealed that she did her Bachelor's in Commerce only. She developed a good rapport among the staff and Amrit had utilized it to the extent of treating her as his sister. He knew what relationship she shared with Arnav but he didn't foster any opportunity to know about her or her feelings for Arnav. He had been under the influence of their friends gang to know more about her and her past so that they could do something for Arnav. He blindly turned off their intentions as it would hamper their relationship with Arnav especially with the current situation where Arnav has avoided some time from all of them and isolated himself. All they could think of was an effort to get them meet at one place.

****

PART 3 B

****

"Khushi I have a small request. I hope you wouldn't turn down that request.." Amrit extended his talk as they were returning back from work walking through the lanes that led to the metro station.

"Come on Amrit.. Don't be so formal and don't ever treat me like a stranger."She said with a sweet smile as she enjoyed the cool breeze that moved away the strands of her air as they walked.

"hmm.. nothing much. Tomorrow my friend is hosting a birthday party of his daughter. I would like you to attend the party too. It would a good change for you as such you are totally tied up with work at office and at room too"

Khushi stopped in her tracks thinking about another worst possibility. Her heart started to beat erratically thinking about the possible person being his friend who would attend the party too. Not that she was not interested in his invitation to attend the party but the thought that stuck her throat bewildered her. It would be more like a chance that she takes to meet him unwontedly she thought.

Amrit could feel the hesitation and awkwardness that had stopped her in the middle.

"If you are not comfortable then I am fine Khushi" He pretended as if he is not pushing her for this. Always every action has an opposite reaction with the ladies.

"No Amrit.. I am fine provided your friend wont mind me attending"

She herself was startled with this 18o degree change. Why had she accepted this with a fake smile and continued walking? She pondered over it to convince herself the reason. At last what she had concluded was final. She is not going to run away from this. If she could live all these years then she could get past this one party without a fail. Amrit on the other hand let out a victorious smile as half of his mission succeeded.

*******

"Arnie.. we people are still alive.. Didn't you feel like calling any of us once?" Rohan admonished him with the right that he possessed of a friend.

"hey sorry Rohan.. I am really tied up in work, the management suddenly decided to prepond the new product launch in Egypt this month. I am running behind for preparations as its really constricting my time. Still I am at office now."

"oh.. you have so much of excuse with your job when you like. Anyways I hope I don't need to call you separately for tomorrow? Don't make it late like the last time".

"What's tomorrow Rohan?" He hurriedly typed his email while talking to Rohan.

"Oh my.. you forgot Riya's 1^st birthday? I didn't expect that from you Arnav!"

Arnav stopped typing and checked the calendar. He was right he forgot Riya's birthday itself. What had happened to him all of a sudden that he who always make a point to celebrate his friend's birthday and anniversaries forgot the baby's birthday.

"Oops sorry Rohan.. It really skipped out of my mind. Thanks for reminding. I shall be there for my baby tomorrow evening"

"Yea.. we are on the verge of skipping out of your mind so it sounds plausible that you would forget those dates. Anyways see you tomorrow.. Bye"

Arnav threw his mobile on the table and leaned back his head on the chair feeling guilty of the changes that's happening to him which requires a drastic remedy. The first one would be wooing his friends for avoiding them for one whole week.

*******

He entered the Pizza Hut party room where the kids were having a gala time. He spotted his friends and talked to them. His one smile was enough for them to patch up with him. He took Riya in his arms and played with her oblivious of people around him. His ultimate attention was to enjoy the party till his eyes bore on the person who stood infront of him. He stood frozen for a second as she stood there in her green anarkali fitting herself perfectly her hair left loose falling on her shoulders, the round eyes revealing its charisma with the dark kohl around the lids and her cute rounded face plastered with a sweet smile that could knock him off again from his senses. Hadnt he not snapped out of the reverie by Riya by gently slapping him on his cheeks he would have admired the beauty standing right there.

For a spur of a moment she turned her gaze towards him that's when their eyes caught up in the fire like they had experienced before. The same pool of desires and passion that had raised inside them years back started to show up again. They remained in their stance for a while. This was clearly caught by the eyes that were keenly watching them. They could surely sense that the fire has not really been put off inside.

She was the first one to divert as she felt the shivers through her spines when she was caught up in that web of hot gaze. His charming looks with the black shirt he was wearing that matched his hot gaze was really disturbing for her too. Rohan shook Arnav and took him near the table for cake cutting while his eyes refused to leave its continuous job of hounding her with his piercing gaze. Was he doing right? But here there was no room for rightness all he had was the questions that hovered his mind apart from the undying desires he had for her. She stiffened as she stole a glance at him who still had his eyes on her but now it was more of a questioning stare than something passionate. Anitha took her towards the table as she had found a good friend in herself soon her position almost near to where he was standing.

All through the party, they both shared a biggest attraction by heart yet a repulsion created by mind. A colossal of emotions that sprung has tainted their heart which has to be cleansed now or never. She rested herself on the chair beside the ladies to assure herself that she is safe among them but to her dismay he was called into the same group by Rohan making him accidentally sit beside her. Arnav knew his friends were up to something but he remained quiet & casual as if nothing would affect him. Something did really shock the entire gang including Arnav. She had started to talk to him without any heaviness on her talks.

"How are you Arnav? How is work?"

All the ears that had heard this started to divert themselves towards some other topic so that they could give them ample time to get comfortable. Slowly some of them got off the seats in pretense of filling their plates.

Arnav looked at her smiling face that was expecting a response to her question. He smiled back with the same intensity.

"I am fine Khushi. Hope you got settled in your office too. How do you find the work?"

"Its normal. I mean there are no qualms but still adjusting to the work atmosphere. Half of the job is getting over this week hopefully I can travel back the end of the month"

"That's great to hear from you... and.."

Arnav was stopped in between by Amrit who came hurriedly patting his shoulders.

"Hey guys sorry.. Something has come up urgently. Arnie if you don't mind please drop Khushi back to the hotel yaar..Catch you later. Bye Khushi Good Night."

Before Arnav could hesitate Amrit ran for his lives from the place and Arnav somewhere sensed something fishy. Anitha and other ladies got into conversation with Khushi that had deviated herself from the impending repercussions of travelling again with him. She chose to fight back again while he too felt the same.

***

The couple were admired secretly by the friends as he walked with her to their car park after biding a good night. It might have been a coincidence or a ploy by his friends but this meeting was inevitable. Her heart thumping up and down. As they walked through the parking lanes his mind bombarded within himself to clear the confusions. Enough was enough he thought as it had been a torment from inside for years and now time to burst it out.

"Khushi I need to talk to you. I.. I" He shuddered for words as soon as his eyes fixed on hers that looked at him with a blank expression.

She had welcomed it with a nod. Nothing much less than she expected. There were much to clear in the muddle.

*****

Arnav parked his car near a park and they started walking again. Silence that had been following them from the time they got into the car. It was time to burst that bubble.

"I don't know what to tell or ask you.. Let me be straight now. Why did you tell me that you are still Ms.Gupta? What's the meaning of it?" Arnav stood firm in his gaze as they stopped near a bench. She smirked at him sarcastically at the anxiety in his expressions.

A feeling of high how it affected him so much how her happiness stood in front still.

"The answer lies in your question Arnav. I am Ms. Gupta because I didn't marry anyone to change my surname."

Shock hit his nerves like a tornado. His face reddened with anger but some part of his heart was rejoicing even when he wasn't aware of it.

"What? So where is Vijay? I .. After the exams you had your engagement right?" His curiosity doubled with fear.

"Let me explain Arnav but before that promise me that you wouldn't fool yourself imposing any emotions that hadn't affected you for years."

"What's that suppose to mean?"

"I need a clear minded friend in you Arnav who would really listen to me and take it as practical as it sounds without any strings of sympathy or pity."

"You take my promise. Go ahead"

"After that dreaded day when you just let out your anger on me I felt broken Arnav. I couldn't believe that we had broken off. There were multiple images that went through my mind. It even tempted to end up my life then and there but some false strength in me dragged me to my house where I fell down in dejection. A dejection of lost love."

Arnav closed his eyes rewinding the same scene where their lives took two different paths.

"At night my father had come near me asking to have my food and filling my ears against you. It was all about your selfishness and your attempts to keep your parents happy he said. He told me about the engagement preparations that were happening around the time I finish my exams. I detested it the next moment I heard it. He was shocked at my reaction. He straight away took his anger on the denial of his dreams. He explained me about the benefits that I would acquire in marrying Vijay. I heard everything and kept quiet. He asked me to take some time and give him a positive reply as there was no room for the negative reply for him."

Arnav curled his fists thinking of how she would have got tortured by their taunts.

"I contemplated the situation whole night. My tears were never ending till I got hit by a point; if they had blamed you for supporting your parents won't I be selfish enough to agree to them. All you wanted is some time and you were matured enough to put it in a decent way it was me who jumped into conclusion where I thought about myself. Realization dawned as I thought about Anjali di's situation. My one haste decision can cause a big destruction in both our lives. I decided to talk to my father and tell him an amicable solution that we can consider about this marriage as soon as Anjali di's marriage is over. We can at least wait till we both finish our studies and settle ourselves after which we can start a new life."

Arnav got shocked by her confession. Never had he thought about such a point. Wasn't he fool at the age to have skipped such a middle ground type solution which might have been a good argument with her parents.

"But it was all a conspiracy Arnav. When I reached my father's room I heard him talk to my mother how they had trapped you by their conditions. They had never intended to unite us. It was just a faade to make both of us believe that they had attempted from their end and finally we were the reason for our own destruction. I was broken down completely I had never expected by father to cheat me with his words. I quickly ran over to him. I reproached in anger on how he could think of cheating me. Our fights and arguments continued till the dawn. We were not reaching anywhere. He stood in his stand and I stood in mine.. I finally revealed my decision that at any cost I won't marry Vijay even if lose my life. I even proclaimed how cheap they could behave for their selfishness all spilled out of my mouth with the aggression. Least I knew it would create a big blow in him. I saw him crawling down with a hand in his chest, he was prone to seizures before and now I saw it coming with the ulterior motive of killing me mentally. He fell down in and we tried to stop the seizure but in vain. Soon he was taken to the hospital by my uncles who were present at my home."

Khushi's voice chocked as she continued, she had difficulty in continuing but something helped her to come out of it. He had pressed her hands tightly to control her. She looked at the tight hold and his face which had determined her to continue as he is with her now.

"Two three days we had to go through his critical situation. A stroke it was that led to comma with a meager chance of getting back to normal. I got devastated inside. I felt I had to be the blamed for this. Imbibed with the courage of seeing him back to normal life we tried to carry on with the treatment. That's when the real selfishness of my family exposed to me and my mother. To add fuel to it ,my mother anticipated some sort of concern from Vijay and his family to support us morally. Again faltered hopes on her part. Vijay's parents were informed the real reason for my father's illness. They couldn't accept me anymore who was already in love with a guy. They had suspicions that I would land up in running away from their house after marriage. I couldn't resist myself in blurting out the truth that I was never interested and would never step into their life. Animosity aggravated but they ceased it with the only thought of my father who was on bed lifeless. As natural as it sounds they cursed me for my distraught behavior and took their son who had finally expressed his happiness that his life was spared from me"

Arnav gulped his anger knowing about the cruelty of a family to torture a small girl in the name of cheating when they were really proving to be selfish at their end. He could feel some remorse on how had led her to the situation. She smiled slyly as she continued the rest.

"No one had tried to extend their help at this stage. It was like falling totally on my shoulders. Days passed and there was no sign of any retrieval. My mother was already broken down with the circumstances and she had no courage to even give a moral support. I skipped my exams deciding to get along with this life till my father is fully recovered. The only source of money was the business that my father was running. I requested my father's friend's help to get him treated. I had to lease the properties and sell his business to that friend which was an utter stupid decision on my part at that age".

Arnav could join the dots with her revelation of how he had attempted to get a glance of her during the exams. Though the mind was fighting against a lost battle his heart still yearned for one glance of her. He didn't even bother to conceive the information from her friends as he comprehended it as her rage against him for breaking up. All the more his family came into his thoughts after the exams which made him completely wash off this phase. Now after hearing her part of turmoil he felt guilty of not able to stand with her during the trepidation.

"Then Life was miserable as time passed by. He had never a chance of recovery even when we took him to Mumbai where one of our relative had offered some help. I tried to get past my worries by giving my exam the next year in Mumbai. Our resources were getting exhausted slowly and then the dreaded day we faced. My father left this world after the severe attempts from our end without reciprocating our love and efforts to bring him back"

He took his hand from hers and clutched her shoulders for support as he felt she was on the verge of breakdown.

"Don't worry Arnav, I told you I am ok.. Just look at this as a practical situation. There was no true hope for him to survive still we tried gave a try in combating against the fate. Turned to be the losers. We then returned back to our house though it was already sold the house owner was kind enough to rent it for us. I got into a job with my degree and got into work in Delhi. It was already 2.5 years since we had parted. My heart battled to find out you and at least apologize for my selfishness that had ruined your life as my life turned bleak at that time. But still there was a real fight inside me whether I deserved even meeting you for an apology. Finally I got the information from Rakesh that you had already left the place. I felt happy that you were getting settled in life. I decided to go along with the life which I had. It was truly a journey from riches to rags as I had to start from scrap. Slowly I developed some good rapport with my boss who saw my interests in the designing department and suggested me to do a diploma. I worked part time in his office and joined the diploma which I passed with moderate marks. I got into this current job with the help of the same boss and now I am here. Working hard for my company spending time with my mother whenever I get time is my only means of happiness now."

Arnav looked into her eyes staring at her with more admiration to the lady he loved. She was the pillar for her family as he was and he was proud at the fact that he loved her Loves her.

She looked at him to get the reaction for this. She would curse the fate if she saw a tinge of sympathy on his eyes but to her shock she found a smile creeping in his lips with a sheer admiration from his eyes. What had she done to get his admiration? Hasn't she been selfish enough to ditch him at a point where he trusted her? All these thoughts hurled around until she saw him embrace her tightly.

"I am proud of you as a friend..You really have so much conviction and determination."

Shocking would have been an underestimation. Never had she thought he would utter those words. But more than the emotions of pride about him she felt solace in those arms which she had missed for years. No one had provided such a warm consolation till this date. She unknowingly wrapped her arms around him and rested her head on his chest closing her eyes. She missed him during her tough times, she missed him all these years, she missed his touch, his warmth and all the more the care, the affection that would sweep her away. Though the sparks inside them created goose bumps in her which tempted her to move away the heart didn't listen to it. She wanted to take up the chance she had got from him as a friend.

He caressed her her back as he understood how much she needed that hug. They waited there in each other's arms till his mobile rang in between interfering them. They broke their hug and he attended the call which was from Amrit convincing him that he would drop her soon as they were in traffic. After he hung up the call he turned towards Khushi who was looking elsewhere except him. He brought forward his palms to cup her face lovingly and smiled at her.

"Be brave Khushi. Now that you have blurted out all your miseries you will feel lighter.. I assure you from now onwards I would be with you till the end as a friend" His assurance startled for a moment.. Did he say he would remain as a friend? Hope against a hope she expected him to feel sympathy and propose her? One side she was the one who expected him to behave as a friend devoid of any sympathy on the other side it contradicted her own thoughts expecting him to feel for her? She herself was confused at this point.

He stood up and checked his watch.

"Come Khushi.. Its too late. I have to drop you to the hotel. You might have office early in the morning. So its time you catch up some sleep."

A sense of foreboding pain shuttered inside her. He was right it was time to move on. Now since she has explained him everything she has to look forward for the future instead of making him vulnerable with the feelings he has for her. Time will heal this pain too. They both left the park soon while Arnav was trying to deviate her talking about the general topics cheering her up. She faked a smile pretending to get on with the talks. He dropped her in the car promising to meet her the next evening. She bid good bye and plunged herself into tears inside her room feeling terrible of her situation. She wasn't able to forget her love not now never!

*******

Amrit got the shock of his life when he saw his friend standing by the edge of his Prado waiting outside his office. He scurried a look at him asking why he was present at his office without any precaution. Khushi couldn't believe her eyes too. She had her eyes puffed with the heaviness of her last night's tears that was clearly visible for Arnav. She felt embarrassed to meet his eyes but it was irrefutable.

Arnav hugged Amrit who had asked him the real reason for his sudden visit when he started to beat around the bush.

"Amrit, I am taking Khushi out. So please excuse us and for sure will meet you tomorrow night buddy!"

He said casually looking at Khushi with a smile that she had to nod a good bye to Amrit and get into his passenger seat. It was a call from a friend and she had to leave behind a brother gaping at them with shock on what's happening in this world within a night!

******

A very pleasant ambience, poignant restaurant, very serene location with the slow music behind. They were at the balcony of the 30^th floor of a hotel where he had arranged a dinner for the two. She was stumped looking at the solitary place that he had chosen for them. He directed way to have her seat and sat opposite to her with a smile.

"I didn't take you out since your visit. So this is one of my favorite eat out with yummy delicious North Indian dishes." He said with a glee looking out for the menu and requesting her to order. Though she hesitated he didn't leave her a chance to opt out. After they placed their orders he turned towards her describing his life in Dubai after he reached there.

He was pretty unaffected she knew. But something was really pricking her from herself. An answer to her but she wasn't sure if she owed such an answer. Why didn't he talk about their love, their parting? Did he really forgive her and accept her as a friend? Or he wrote off that phase from his life and moved on as she wished? Were those passionate glances an illusion for her? She was struggling within herself as he proceeded to talk freely about himself.

"Arnav.. Sorry to interrupt. I have something to ask you" She said with a hesitation, her lips quivered in fear clicked her fingers to ease out the nervousness. He leaned forward with a nod asking her to proceed the question.

"Did.. I mean. Do you .. No.. Did you forgive me for my mistake? I am just curious to know before we entirely accept this new relationship"

He smirked at her and leaned back in his chair looking at his face which was curious enough to know the answer. He remained silent increasing her pressure which was slowly building inside her.

" Please Arnav.. You have to spill out.. Its very difficult to walk with you as a friend with the pain of deceiving your trust without getting a proper forgiveness from your side."She pleaded as her tears threatened to flow out of the brim at any second.

He sighed inwardly and leaned forward holding her hands.

"Why should you be forgiven when you were not at fault? Did you think that I held you responsible for my life? By the way what misery am I in to curse you for this? You were damn perfect as a daughter and I am actually proud of it"

"If you didn't feel deceived then why didn't you marry still?" he could feel a sense of indignation in her tone as if accusing him for being a bachelor.

"I can hurl that same question to you Khushi"

She was tongue tied. What would she answer. She came up with a weird explanation which didn't seem to affect him.

"That's because I.. I wasn't in a position to leave my mother alone and situation wasn't favorable to think about a marriage till this date."

"hmm.. so get married now.. I shall fetch someone suitable for you who will understand you better and adjust for you"

She got furious when he was playing around with her feelings.

"Stop it Arnav.. I am asking about your marriage and you are turning the plate towards me?"

"ah.. why do you get enraged? Tumhe kya faraq padta hain mere shaadi se?"

"Faraq Padta hain dammit.. I feel guilty of ruining your life, I blame myself for putting you in this situation.."

Her anger rose to a level that made Arnav serious to the talks. He knew where to strike now.

"So you think I didn't get married because of you? Do you think I still love you?"

She froze in her seat hearing the truth.. Yes.. She had believed she was the reason for his decision. Was she wrong? Will he think wrong about her if she say a yes now? Or wasn't she the real reason for postponing his marriage. She was breaking her head with questions. She turned away her face to hide the emotions.

" Come on Khushi.. if you are ready to hear out then I am ready too.. Provided you just peel off that imposed layer of false pretense that you don't seem to be affected by my presence still, your fake identity of a simple friend who don't expect pity and sympathy because I know you still crave for love, affection, care, pity and the same damn sympathy from me!"

The surroundings which were calm started to heat up and the intensity of their gazes increased. She looked at him with bewilderment as he was knocking off her sacrifice in the form of ego and showing a mirror for herself.

"From the day we got parted I felt numb, hurt, agonized but I didn't hate you. I tried to keep your thoughts away and concentrated on my life, career and studies. Though the pang of a failure in my love haunted me I used to seek solace in the memories of our golden days whenever I plunged in depression. Those thoughts made me a phoenix. I got the double strength and courage to face the world. I wasn't dejected for my life yet I wasn't forgetting you. You were there with me throughout my success. Though I made my family happy inside I could still share it with you because you were here inside my heart. I didn't attempt to search about your whereabouts as it pricked my heart thinking of the lovely life you would be living with Vijay. I chose to keep my love within myself lived with you inside myself which was the biggest reason why I rejected all the proposals. I just couldn't accept another life. When I saw you here in the airport last week my heart rejoiced with your presence but the thought of you being another man's wife made me desolate that emotion. I chose to ignore even after hearing out from you that you are still Ms.Gupta and then yesterday you stirred the desires in me again. I am really helpless when it came to resist my feelings towards you Khushi because it affects me.. You still affect me! When you had taken a promise of the looking at the perspective of a friend I agreed, I chose not to disappoint you yesterday. That's why I controlled myself and continued to accept our friendship in the same way as you liked. Now you asked me a question that's because you are totally confused about your own feelings! If I say I still love you unconditionally without your past, present and future which is not bounded by any responsibilities, guilt, sympathy, pity would you accept it? Neither did I forget you nor did my love for you die in my heart.. Its still green & fresh just like the time it was when I saw you first time in my house on a rainy day."

He caught hold of his breath to release as he blurted out his emotions in one go. He could see the tears flowing from her eyes turning her chubby cheeks red with a blush. He closed his eyes for retorting her with his confession but everything was for good.. Both had to come to conclusions one day or the other. He stood from the table and turned his back to hide his tears from her.

What happened at the next moment was uncontrollable even by the nature. It was spontaneous yet blissful. She had come forward facing him with a smile through her tears. Standing on her toes she hugged him tight wrapping her hands around his neck as if it was the end of their life. He too hugged her with the same passion and they drowned themselves in the pool of tears that had been suppressed inside for years.

"I love you Arnav.. I love you so much"

She mumbled in his ears as the tears were chocking her throat.

"I love you too baby.. "

He whispered in her ears and kissed her neck lovingly making her chuckle.

They soon realized that they were in a public place where they ought to keep up their decency. She pushed him back making him stumble at the sudden realization. They finished their dinner and moved towards their car to leave the place. Their return hand in hand from the place left back so the memory of a turning point in their life.

********

It was party time among the friends. Khushi had joined his friends and their wives who had arranged their weekend party. They had go to know about this patch up. Amrit was really happy seeing them together. They had made them sit together in a couch and taking pics with them and sharing their happiness. Arnav hadn't noticed how they sat together so close unconsciously brushing their bodies each other. They had talked through the phone after their meet at night the other day but got stuck with the adversities of job and planned to meet at the party on weekend.

"Arnie I need a single pic of you both together.. Come on cuddle each other" Manish held his camera stating the pose.

"What the ? Manish.."He glared at him mockingly while the rest of the gang broke into laughter.

"This guy is unbelievable. Why are you asking a sanyasi for such cozy pose Manish and all the more he is of shy types you see. " Rohan chuckled seeing a fuming Arnav.

Arnav sat straight in the couch and pulled Khushi by her waist closer and posed for pic with a smile.. All of them applauded for the courage he showed.

Khushi blushed hard thinking of what he was doing in public. She hadn't expected him to react so fast with just a small provocation. They enjoyed their party well and left the place early.

He opened his room door for her to enter and explore the place. She was mesmerized at the interiors and choice of work inside. They settled down in his bedroom after sharing talks about the changes that can be made in the rooms. He laid on his bed where she too accompanied him beside. They reminisced the old memories of their college life, school days which provided them happiness more than the present. With the discussion they both didn't know when she rested in his arms as he caressed her cheeks with his thumb.

"Arnav.. are we living in another illusion now? Have we thought about our family again?"

He turned her to face him and looked into her eyes.

"This time we are not going to lose. I would make sure we will fight this out till we succeed" She hugged him again for his confidence. That assurance was much needed from him this time.

They spent the two weeks time in travelling around Dubai. His friends had taken the opportunity to convey this news to Anjali di who inturn convinced her parents to agree for this. They were guilty of how they had denied his happiness till this date and now it was time to clear every mistake.

*******

He straightened his black Kurta after dropping his neice to his jeejaji as he stood by his beautiful wife for his wedding reception. Soon after the marriage was planned, he flew down to India after his business visit to Egypt to eagerly meet his bride. He was extremely happy to witness that all long lost relatives of Khushi had adjoined her mother to join the marriage. Though Khushi wasn't really willing to get them participate in her preparations Arnav convinced her that it would be a slap on their faces for having ditched their family once. She couldn't believe the journey from their school life. Nostalgia hit them as their old friends from school hadn't failed to attend their reception upon their invitation. He caught her hands tightly without making it obvious to anyone which surely created some havoc inside her. She turned herself to smile at him and thought about that beautiful rainy evening they had met. If not that day then she would have lost a precious life.

"Arnav.. what would have happened if I hadn't come to your house for tuitions that day"

He smiled and shielded her with his arms taking her in a side hug.

"We are destined to meet Khushi.. Otherwise after all these family problems we wouldn't have got united. I promise you Khushi.. that for every single minute from you I will be there beside you For you Forever"

Their hearts sore high with contentment a satisfaction of a victory over life.. They fought single handedly with love by love and for their love.. which should last forever!!!!!!!

hailaaa me first😲
yayyy

Update soon pls. Jus read the 2 parts and loved it

Lovely!amazing! Waiting for more.

res

Finally dey r one

I was really happy wen khushi came to knw d truth of her parent

Hw could her parents be selfish

Urgghhh i hate dem

Arnav frnd r gem

Who did everythng to unite dem

Every frnd should have dis true frnd

I loved dere restaurant were dey poured dere heart out

Nd shyam part was hilarious

I really enjoyed D Three shot di

awesome update...

awesome ts

Oh my