Chasing Dreams- Thd7 CHP42, PG 130, Link to THD8 & CHP43, PG143 - Page 16

Originally posted by: Naach_Basanti

If I'm lucky I might be able to post two updates today. So There won't be a teaser for the next chapter. Good day everyone!

awesome...i was on holidays and could not read ...thank you for continuing with this story...it is very close to our hearts...

So wonderful to read this update. The passion between them was amazing but Arnav is being so selfish and insensitive. & I am not sure if Arnav is worth it - Khushi should really dump him . I know I am displaying such strong emotion but very involved with your story :)

I feeel so much for Khushi. Arnav is the type of person all mothers and fathers would keep their daughters away from. All I can say that however sincere his affection for Khushi are it just does'nt cut it. The next three months should be interesting.

Originally posted by: Naach_Basanti

If I'm lucky I might be able to post two updates today. So There won't be a teaser for the next chapter. Good day everyone!

I have no idea how Khushi is standing and taking it all in...

I'm so glad u updated!

Chapter 35

Khushi I would like to speak to you before our cab arrives in another fifteen minutes.' Khushi peeked to see if her mother was standing behind her father. Garima wont be joining us.' Her father reassured her.

After their confrontational discussion the previous night the Guptas had retired to take a short nap and then started packing for their return flight to Lucknow. Although Sashi had served his daughter an ultimatum, he wasn't entirely pleased with how the discussion had progressed. He felt that as father he should have been more obliging and should have focussed more on getting Khushi to share her reservations and concerns about marriage with him, instead of pushing her to a corner.

I know the three of us said things at the heat of the moment, which in hindsight we shouldn't have. But I want you to remember that both your mother and I love you. We will always be there for you if you need us.' Khushi's eyes teared up, she sought her father's hands and held them.

There is something that is bothering you, don't pretend thats not the case. For some reason you are unwilling to share it with us.'

Khushi looked away unable to look into her father's eyes and tell him that that was not the case.

Even if you love someone, you must let me know. It might be difficult for us to accept the fact that our little girl is now old enough to make her own decisions. But we will still try and accept it, as long as the person you have chosen is well educated, has a decent job and follows the same religion as we do. I'm just a phone call away Khushi. Please do speak to me.' His last few words sounded like an earnest plea.

Bauji, I just need some time. I promise to speak to you soon. But until then please don't ask me any questions. Please.'

But thats the most difficult part Khushi. As a parent it is impossible to not be worried about your children and their decisions.'

I understand your predicament Bauji. All I'm asking is for some more time and patience.'

Fine. I will convince Garima.' Sashi then added, Khushi we have always trusted you to do the right thing, don't let the glitz of a city like Delhi get to you. It is not about embarrassing us or letting us down. Don't do something which you will regret yourself in a few years time.'

"""""""""

Did you speak to Khushi again?' Garima asked Sashi during their cab ride to the airport.

Yes I did. I told everything as we had discussed. Give her some time Garima. She has promised to speak to us soon. Please don't put any pressure on her until I say otherwise.'

Garima agreed.

Did she say anything about being in love?'

No she didn't.'

You still don't believe me, but I feel there is something between Payal's brother in law and Khushi.'

You mean Arnav?'

I think you are jumping the gun here. When Khushi has said that there is nothing between them, we have to trust her. After all why does she need to lie about him to us? I don't see a reason as to why we would refuse someone like Arnav. He is from Lucknow, a Hindu, he comes from a good family, is well educated and financially settled. Even Payal is married into that family. Of course he is much older than Khushi, but if she really likes him, we can overlook that. Why would she hold herself back from telling us?'

You have a point Sashi, I just hope she will come around soon.'

"""""""""""-

Khushi is everything alright?' Khushi was busy packing her suitcase as the remaining guests and the newly wedded couple would soon need to return to Delhi.

Khushi mumbled something and remained busy with packing her items.

Okay something is wrong. You are starting to freak me out.'

Nothing!' She gave him a pointed reply even without looking at him.

Khushi wait.' He held her by her arms.

What do you want Arnav?'

I want you to tell me what is bothering you.'

Arnav there are many things that bother me these days. But its best if we talk about those some other time. I seriously don't have the energy or the inclination for another showdown. I have had too many of those in the past few days.' Khushi spoke in a dejected tone.

Is it about your parents. Are they putting undue pressure on you again for a marriage?'

No this isn't about my parents, so stop dragging them into everything.' Khushi snapped at him.

Arnav if your parents were alive today, do you think they would be okay with Anjali falling in love and staying with a man who isn't willing to marry her or for that matter anyone?' She asked him with a raised voice. She didn't mean to pull Arnav's family into this discussion, but she was feeling helpless.

Where are you getting at Khushi? You know I don't appreciate such pointed questions.'

All I'm saying is that it is completely natural for my parents to behave the way they do.'

Fine, I accept your opinion. Henceforth, I wont say anything about them.'

Its just not about that.' Khushi added

Then?'

My parents expect me to come clear about why Im refusing to even entertain discussions on marriage. They feel extremely upset and let down by my reactions so far. What should I do?' Khushi's shoulder slumped as the pressure of the last few days got the better of her. She broke down.

Arnav held her immediately.

What should I do Arnav? I love you, but I also love my parents. Is there a way to keep everyone happy?'

Shhh...' Arnav rubbed her back soothingly.

I'm sorry Khushi. It was me who under estimated the gravity of the situation. Your parents would still be in the airport right? I'm happy to speak to them right away.'

And tell them what Arnav? We've gone through this in the past. They don't understand the concept of such relationships and they will never accept it. I cant lose them Arnav.'

Khushi this is going to be a tricky situation. I need some time to figure out a way. But don't you worry, we will come up with something soon.'

Wait here, let me get you some water.'

Arnav had just taken a couple of steps when he heard Khushi ask. Is marriage still a no-go?'

Arnav turned around and was about to reply.

No Arnav. Please let me complete what I want to say.'

I have asked you this question not for my benefit but for my parents and my family. Although I'd love to be married, I can be with you forever even without one, as I love you as dearly as my life. But my parents will never accept such a relationship. To them this relationship will be a sin, a matter of dishonour. As their only child how can I be the person to bring this upon them?'

Arnav closed his eyes and tried to clear his head before speaking. Khushi you knew about this from day one.'

Yes I did. I'm not denying that. This isn't even about me anymore Arnav. This is about my parents.'

Khushi I understand your predicament. And trust me I'm going to do everything to make things better between your parents and you. But marriage? He ran his fingers through his hair.

I love you Khushi, you are the first woman I have fallen in love with. When I met with the accident I wasn't even sure if I would be fine one day to see you again. But by good fortune things have worked out between us. But...marriage is something I still don't believe in. Do you really want me to get married not because I want to but because the society wants me to?'

To me such a marriage will be purely out of pressure not out of choice. And I strongly believe that what we have is much more stronger than a marriage borne out of societal pressures.'

Khushi was surprised that for the first time Arnav didn't flip out when someone spoke about marriage.

'But this doesn't make things any easier on me.'

He hugged her from the back. I know sweetheart.' He placed a kiss on her shoulders and said, Lets think this over. I'm sure we can figure out a way. To me the best solution is to come clean and declare our relationship to your parents. I'm sure they will be upset and angry, but I genuinely believe they will come around in sometime.'

I'm not too sure about that Arnav. Anyhow, I have decided to go home in two months time for a week's holiday. I plan on acting on whatever is that we have decided, during that trip, one way or the other.'

Fine, lets talk about this once we are back home. You will be moving in next weekend, right?'

I'm not sure about that. I think it will be better for me to move in once I have spoken to my parents.'

What does that mean?' Arnav asked, surprised at the sudden turn of events.

Not a lot. I won't move all my stuff over, just yet. My parents already have strong doubts. So let me not complicate things further. I will continue to stay over during weekends and other random week days.'

Although Arnav wasn't entirely happy, he didn't want to push Khushi any further. Fine I understand.'

And what about the Paris trip? I'm assuming you will be using that holiday to go home?' Arnav asked.

Yes Arnav. I know I have changed quite a few our plans, but I think this is for the best. We cannot move forward while we have so many unresolved issues.'

Its okay Khushi, I understand. This is for the best.' Arnav tried not to sound disappointed.

A little while later when Arnav had left Khushi's room to check on Akaash and Payal, Khushi recollected her discussion with Arnav. She was surprised that he hadn't walked out when she discussed marriage with him. Nor had he refused the option of a marriage straight away. Maybe Nani was right, maybe Payal was right. Maybe Arnav would change eventually.' She thought to herself.

And Khushi let her heart believe, again.

""""""""""""""-

Once they got back to Delhi, Khushi and Arnav immersed themselves in work as they had both taken considerable time off due to the wedding. Within a week of the wedding, Arnav had to fly to London unexpectedly to close an agreement with a new client. He was gone for over two weeks as he then decided to spend some time in Paris and Barcelona to meet existing and prospective clients. While he was away, Khushi spoke to her parents regularly to rebuild their relationship which was fragile after the argument during Payal's wedding. Just as her father had promised neither he or her mother spoke to her about her marriage. When she announced that she would be visiting them in two months time, they were overjoyed. Sashi had an inkling that Khushi had decided to make this trip out of the blue to discuss her reservations about marriage and her future plans.

The more he thought about it, the more he felt that it would be right to give Khushi the time she needed to agree to a wedding. He had met an old friend in Lucknow, who advised him against putting any sort of pressure on Khushi. He had done the same mistake and had forced his son into a wedding, only for the couple to separate in a couple of years time. Sashi had decided that if Khushi asked for more time, he would be accommodating. And his daughter was a fabulous young woman, even if she grew older, men would still line up outside their home to seek her hands for a marriage.

While Khushi was pleased with how her relationship had improved post the argument at Payal's wedding, more good new came beckoning a week later. Meera met her one day after work and asked her if she would like to accept a promotion that would make the Events Manager at AR. The Events Manager role was highly coveted as it would involve extensive work during fashion shows and trade marketing events. However it also meant that Khushi would need to travel, sometimes even outside of India, as often as once a month. Khushi was over the moon as it was a role that was not only challenging and offered better prospects and higher pay, but it was also something every marketing professional in the fashion industry aspired to do someday. And most importantly the role gave Khushi the perfect opportunity to put off marriage talks should she decide not to share the truth with her family.

"""""""""""""""""-

Once Arnav was back in Delhi he was dealt with some not so good news. Anjali had moved to Shantivan with her two sons. Arnav could sense the tension in Anjali and Shyam's relationship during the wedding, but decided not to speak out of turn. His sister was as strong minded as him if not more. He knew that she would not appreciate his interference. Even Khushi had indirectly nudged him to speak to Anjali, but he decided to wait for his sister to speak to him first.

Arnav met Anjali at her apartment close to Shantivan. In spite of Akaash and Payal's instance she didn't want to overstay her welcome at Shantivan given that they were recently married. The apartment was something she had purchased before her marriage to Shyam. She asked Nani to stay with her while she decided what she wanted to do next. Anjali told Arnav that Shyam and her were going through a rough patch. And that she felt that some distance would help them both decide what they want to do next. Arnav tried to find out what had happened, but Anjali remained tightlipped and less forthcoming. Even Nani failed in her various attempts to get Anjali to reveal the truth behind their differences. Devyani also tried everything possible to get Anjali to patch things up with Shyam, but both Arnav and Akaash asked their grandmother to not interfere and let Anjali be.

""""""""""-

After a hectic few weeks of work, travel, and family issues Arnav and Khushi decided to spend a weekend away at Arnav's family farmhouse. They had spent very little time together since the wedding and hadn't even celebrated Khushi's promotion. Arnav was very thrilled for Khushi. Their relationship not withstanding, Arnav considered Khushi as valuable resource for AR. He had absolutely no influence over Meera's decisions, so he was pleased that even Meera felt that Khushi deserved better.

They had spent a relaxing day at the farmhouse. They walked around for a bit and then lazed by the pool. Both of them were aware that they had to discuss Khushi's impending trip to Lucknow soon. So they both wanted to make the most of the tranquility before the discussion. In the evening Arnav had organised a dinner at the gazebo by the garden. The last time they had dined here, Khushi had walked out of the relationship. He wanted to erase those memories for good and create new ones here.

As they relaxed into the dinner Khushi brought up her trip to Lucknow in two weeks time.

Lets be honest and tell them the truth, Khushi. No more running away from the truth.'

Arnav, what if they throw me out of the house?'

No such thing will happen. I will be there with you.'

What if they decide to cut off all their ties with me?'

Khushi the question is, do you really believe in this relationship?'

Yes.' Khushi replied confidently.

Do you believe that you are doing the right thing and not living a sin?'

When Khushi said Yes' again, Arnav added, Then don't think that you are doing something wrong. Speak to them with the same conviction with which you said Yes.'

Khushi then brought up the possibility of stalling marriage talks by telling her parents about her promotion and how it would involve travel.

How long do you think they will buy this argument? Eventually some day of the other they will get to know the truth.'

I don't know Arnav. All of this is so confusing. As much as I want to say the truth and be honest with them, a part of me keeps pulling me back. A part of me believes that I should delay the inevitable hurt and pain for as long as I can.'

Then you have to make the final decision Khushi. I have shared my opinion with you.'

Yes thanks for that. Let me sleep over this and also speak to Payal. She had always guided me through some difficult moments in life.' Arnav was starting to get jittery about the whole thing. He felt Khushi was delaying the inevitable, but there was only so much he could persuade her on such a sensitive issue.

Khushi just one question. If your parents threaten to cut ties with you and tell you that they will only accept you if you break things off with me, will you leave me?'

Khushi walked over to Arnav's chair and sat on his lap. Never.' And she kissed on his forehead.

"""""""""""""""

The following morning Arnav work up at eight and was surprised to see Khushi still fast asleep. He decided to surprise her with breakfast on bed and probably more.He made scrambled eggs, toast, baked beans. He also made some chai just the way Khushi liked it. When he went into their room he was he surprised to find Khushi still sleeping. It was close to nine already. He gave her some more time and then woke her up as the breakfast was getting cold. Khushi loved Arnav's surprise and started tucking in. She was feeling very hungry and oddly still exhausted in spite of a good night's rest. As she brought the scrambled eggs close to her mouth, she felt an overwhelming need to throw up. She ran to the bathroom and threw up all of her breakfast. Arnav helped her clean up and then left the bathroom to give her some privacy. He was a little concerned by Khushi's health and then attributed it to the food they ate last night. They had ordered food in from a local dhaba. Even he had been feeling a little iffy.

Khushi cleaned her face and as she looked at her reflection in the mirror, realisation struck.

[YOUTUBE]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8pSvpaMrClw[/YOUTUBE]

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Edit:

*Blowing trumpets*

Finally. The prologue is now on the track. Khushi (not so-) Kumari Gupta is now pregnant.

Last 3 chapters, there is one conclusion in my mind. Arnav is supportive, caring and very much firm on what he belives. He still stands by what he believes. And he is comfortable in talking out with her parents and he is telling Khushi to do so as well, his advice doesn't pricks on my ears, he is Right. Till how long can you stall the absolute inevitable?


Khushi, i duuno which promises does she means to keep or which are those she is willin to break. At this point to me, she stands vulerable to all of them. To her parents she is leing and keeping them in dark. To Arnav she isn't finally agreeing to live-in with. She might have grown up in this year in delhi, yet she isn't mature enough, i'll say now. Because now the complications are just gonna increase.


As for Anjali, i dun want her to be the reason to fuel Arnav's stance against marriage.

The Farmhouse, proves yet again, its Jinxed😉

😃