Chasing Dreams- Thd7 CHP42, PG 130, Link to THD8 & CHP43, PG143 - Page 21

Finally she voiced that she wants both Arnav and her family... Arnav is supportive and sure does want their relationship to be in the open... but hes only thinking about them and not their families... not only khushi's family, Arnav's family will also bear the burnt if the society comes to know abou it... There have been so many situations that would have had a chance to change Arnav but nothing has changed his stance on marriage and kids... will they have to be separated for him to realize it?

Just caught up with chapters 34 & 35.

Just read two chapters together NB.

Glad to see that you have resumed this story..

Looks like she got pregnant I am wondering what will be Arnavs reaction .Now the prologue comes I think Khushi will not tell Arnav about it and getting the abortion done as she thinks its her fault of not taking precaution .Arnav was clear from the beginning he does not want family. I am feeling bad for Khushi

Girly you are truly on fire.

Love, Love and Love reading the updates everyday.

OMG!!!!!! N.B finally it happens after the wait eppp wonder I she will tell arnav or not and what will he do when he finds out so many questions going in my mind right now

Author's note-

The net few chapters will proably raise a few questions and might even initiate a few debates if the story is any good. The thing with opinions is that, it is often different from person to person. So please debate, agree or disagree respectfully if such a discussion ensues.

Chapter 36

'Khushi are you sure you are fine? You don't look very well.' Arnav and Khushi were driving back to Delhi from the farmhouse. After Khsuhi had vomited in the morning, she had seemed restless. Arnav kept checking on her to make sure she was okay, but Khushi kept reassuring him that she was indeed fine. However Arnav wasn't completely convinced.

Do you have to stay home tonight? Why dont you come home with me. We can pick up your laptop and a set of work clothes for tomorrow from your flat.'

No Arnav. I need to be home I have lots to do. I have also promised to Skype with my parents. If they saw the ambience of your home, they would easily conclude that I'm not home.'

Cant you reschedule the video call with your parents? You obviously don't look very well.'

No, I cant. I need to Skype them today. Its been a while.'

Then let me at least stay with you tonight. I want to make sure you are doing well.'

No, I'm fine. Dont worry about me. I just need to be on my own today. I have to finish that presentation and need to focus. When I'm with you, I tend to get carried away.'

Okay, but you have to promise, you will call me if you feel poorly.' To which Khushi agreed instantaneously.

After dropping Khushi home, Arnav drove to his place. He wasn't sure why Khushi had been behaving oddly. He then decided that Khushi was probably suffering from Premenstrual syndrome which explained her changing moods.

"""""""""""

As soon as Khushi saw Arnav drive his car out of her apartment complex, she locked the doors to her flat and took her bike out to ride to the nearest pharmacy. Initially she was fairly confident that she wasn't pregnant, as the chances of pregnancy are very low while one was on the pill. But then she examined the strip of pills she had packed for the farmhouse, when she realised that she had missed taking a few pills during the week of the wedding. And suddenly in the farmhouse, she was feeling even more sick when thoughts of the various possibilities of such a development, invaded her mind. She didn't want to share her fears with Arnav, yet. Especially given that the chances of this being a false alarm was very high. She didn't want to cause him unwanted stress. Also given his reservations about having children, and then his repeated reminders about taking the pill, she was sure that he wouldn't take this news well.

At the pharmacy she purchased six different pregnancy sticks, of three different brands. She didn't care for the reaction of the pharmacist when she asked for the test sticks. All that she cared for at that moment was for her to undergo the test and disprove her own fears.

As soon she came back home, she used one of the test sticks in the bathroom. She decided not to look at the test for the next three minutes which the manual advised as the maximum processing time. While waiting for the result, her mind was filled with various possibilities and what each of those would mean to her, her future, Arnav, their relationship and her family. She had never felt this scared or this vulnerable in her life; not even when she had been attacked in Lucknow years ago. She closed her eyes and prayed to her Goddess Devi Mayaa to help her set things right and to guide her through the next steps whatever the result maybe.

Three minutes were up. Khushi gathered her nerves and looked at the test stick for the result.

She closed her eyes again and this time she broke down as all her worst fears came true.

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

Khushi are you alright.' After opening the main door with her old set of keys, Payal found a sobbing Khushi sprawled across the living room of her old flat. Khushi had placed an SOS call to Payal after repeating the tests three times. She requested Payal to visit her on her own and not discuss it with anyone in her family. Payal was scared when she heard Khushi's uncontrollable sobs. But even that hadn't prepared her for how vulnerable Khushi looked at present.

Khushi, what happened?'

Khushi looked at Payal and said in between her sobs. I'm pregnant.'

After helping Khushi sit up, Payal made her some tea and forced her to drink it. She wiped Khushi's face with a damp towel and then made her sit comfortably on the couch. Khushi automatically placed her head on Payal's lap.

Payal, there is a baby growing inside me. How did my life come to this?'

Khushi are you sure. Some of these tests are unreliable.'

When Khushi told her that she had repeated the test multiple times, Payal asked her. I assume you havenIt broken the news to Arnav yet?'

Khushi lifted her head and cried again. I cant Payal. What do I tell him? You know how he has been clear about not wanting kids. He has also repeatedly reminded me of the importance of taking pills every day. Its was my own carelessness that has led to this.'

Khushi, you have to stop blaming yourself. its not like you are not pregnant as a result of immaculate conception. It was Arnav's sperms that got you pregnant in the first place.'

Payal...'

No listen Khushi, enough of mopping around. Arnav is as much responsible for this as you. Even the most renowned medical experts would tell you that the only contraception that is 100% effective is abstinence. If Arnav is that serious about not fathering children, either he should have undergone sterilisation or have never pursued a physical relationship with anyone.'

Khushi stopped crying, feeling a tad bit better since the evening.

Stand up for yourself Khushi. Dont let him do this to you. You have been accommodating from day one of this relationship. The least he can do is reciprocate with some understanding and support.'

But at the same time, it is entirely your decision on what you want to do with the pregnancy. If you want to keep the baby, tell him that you want to be married. If he still disagrees go to Nani. She will make sure that he does the right thing by you.'

But if you dont want the child...then speak to him and arrive at a decision either way.'

A few moments later Khushi laughed sardonically. My life's a mess isn't it Payal? And I have no one to blame but myself. Not even in my worst nightmares did I imagine that one day I would find myself pregnant and unmarried.'

Khushi you did nothing wrong. This could have happened to anyone, even to me.'

But it didn't Payal. It has happened to me.'

I understand that. But I dont want you to give up on yourself and what YOU believe is the right thing to do. This is one thing worth fighting for Khushi. I'm with you on this.And I can say confidently that so will the rest of the Raizadas.'

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

Arnav was finishing up a meeting when he received a text from Khushi. I'll see you home today at seven. Will stay overnight.'

Arnav managed a small smile. He was finishing up at the factory and planned to drive straight to home where a surprise awaited Khushi.

After Payal's pep talk Khushi had thought about how she should approach the pregnancy. She was completely torn, not knowing what she should do next. She decided to not think too much about the baby growing inside her for now, and instead she decided to take the first step, which is sharing the news with Arnav. Arnav was the baby's father and he had as much right over the baby she she did. She wanted to arrive at a decision with Arnav instead of making one herself. But heart in heart she knew that no matter what happened, irrespective of what Arnav said, she would never be able to let go of the baby. She of all people knew that babies were always a blessing. She was born to her parents after eleven years. A baby was growing inside, their precious baby.

""""""""""

When Khushi entered Arnav's apartment after giving herself a pep talk, she was taken aback to see a setting of a different kind. Arnav had decorated the living room with balloons that said, Congratulations.'

Arnav?' She asked in a worried tone, worried that the celebrations would take away from the important news she had to share with Arnav.

Surprised?' Arnav asked jubilantly. I had wanted to organise this at the farmhouse, but I couldn't.'

Khushi stood rooted to the spot.

Come with me Khushi, I have another surprise for you.' He held Khushi's hands excitedly and took her to the coffee table.

I wanted to get you something for your promotion, so please accept this small gift.'

Khushi felt that she was once again losing control of the situation. she didn't want this, she didn't want to participate in the celebrations. She felt like screaming at Arnav.

Open the gift Khushi.' He nudged Khushi.

Khusi just stared at the gift.

You are so slow Khushi. Here give it to me. I can be patient anymore.' Arnav removed the gift wrap as excitedly as a child would open his Christmas presents. He then opened what seemed like a jewellery box. Inside the box was a beautiful emerald solitaire pendant in a platinum chain.

I had ordered this last week. I wanted to give this to you at the farmhouse. But the jeweller didn't deliver it until today.'

He removed the chain with the pendant from the box and showed it to Khushi.

I chose emerald as the stone reminds me of you beautiful eyes. Do you like it?'

Khushi simply nodded her head.

Arnav took the chain and went behind Khushi.

I'm so proud of what you have achieved so far Khushi. You have so much potential.'

He moved Khushi's hair to one side. You have a great career ahead of you. Never lose focus.'

He put the chain around Khushi's neck as the emerald solitaire pendant rested above Khushi's breasts. Khushi wasnt even listening to what Arnav was saying.

I'm definite that this is the first of the many promotions in your career. I'm confident that the next promotion will be even bigger.' He then locked the chain in place.

How do you like it Khushi? You haven't said much?'

Arnav I'm pregnant!'

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

Arnav was pacing the balcony of his home. He had given up smoking after the accident and subsequent brain surgery, but now he really craved for that one smoke.

Arnav...' Khushi called out his name tentatively.

How did this happen Khushi? You are on the pill, for f**k sake.'

I might have missed a few pills during the wedding.' Khushi tried not to look him in the eye.

How can you be fricking careless Khushi?' He snapped. In spite of his constant reminders he couldn't believe that Khushi could have been this careless.

I didn't do it on purpose. You know how much I had on my plate recently.'

He held Khushi's arms. Still Khushi. You should have been more careful. If you had taken a bit more responsibility we wouldn't find ourselves in this situation today.'

Khushi shrugged off Arnav's arms. Although she was mentally prepared for his response, she felt disappointed that Arnav was still stuck at one point and wasn't willing to look beyond it.

Lets not talk about responsibility Arnav. If you are really that serious about not fathering children, maybe you shouldn't be with women in the first place. And you know that birth control pills dont work all the time. Why didn't you take responsibility and use a condom every time?'

Damm it Khushi. Why are you turning this around on me ?'

Im not doing anything Arnav. It is you who has been blaming me for the pregnancy ever since I shared the news with you.' Khushi made her point in a straightforward fashion.

What else do you expect me to do? Congratulate for a promotion of another kind and celebrate.' He asked sarcastically.

I dont appreciate that tone Arnav. You know what, I'm seeing a different side to you today and let me tell you I dont like this version of Arnav even one bit.'

Its not like I didn't prepare you for this. You know how strongly I feel about children.'

Things happen Arnav. That is life. You cant control the outcome of every single thing. If we could we would be Gods.'

I need some fresh air. I will be back shortly. Arnav picked his car keys and went out of his flat.'

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

Once Arnav left, Khushi sent Payal a text to give her an update. She then started feeling hungry. She went to the kitchen and made herself a cheese sandwich. She then opened her laptop and started browsing through a couple of pregnancy websites. She use the birth date calculator on one of the sites to predict the likely birth date of her baby.

That is exactly how Arnav found her when he came back to his apartment.

Do you want a sandwich?' Khushi asked Arnav innocently.

No thanks. I think I have lost my appetite after you shared the news of your pregnancy. It is quite a shock to my system.' That Arnav said your' pregnancy didn't escape Khushi's notice.

Arnav settled into the couch next to Khushi. Khushi closed the screen of her laptop as she didn't want to Arnav to see what she was browsing.

So, what do you want to do next?' Arnav asked.

Its just not about what I want Arnav, it is about what we want. This is your baby too, you know.'

Please Khushi don't say that. By calling it my baby, don't try to create an emotional connect, when there isn't one.'

Arnav I wish I could record this conversation and play it back to you at a time when you are your normal self.' Khushi bit out.

Lets not deviate from the core discussion. What do you want to do?'

When Khushi hadn't replied he said, You want to keep the baby, don't you?'

Let me reiterate Arnav, it is not about what I want. It is about what we want. But yes a part of me wants to keep the baby.' Khushi took Arnav's hands and kept it on her tummy. Arnav this is our baby, this is a part of each of us. What else would I want?'

Arnav moved his hands away and stood up. Stop doing this. I don't want the baby Khushi. I have made this very clear to you from the beginning. Im not cut out for any of this. Please dont force this on me.'

Khushi stood up. Arnav you have always been upfront with me. But this was not something I planned. Ideally even I dont want to be pregnant when I'm not even married. But life is hardly ever ideal.'

Enough Khushi. Enough of this philosophical bull-shit. I was here in our apartment, planning a surprise for your promotion. And you come and throw this news at me. You have no idea how this is going to mess things up between us.'

Arnav sleep over it. I know this is a lot to take for this evening.' She then added. I will sleep in the other bedroom. I think we both need space tonight to think with a clear head.

Khushi picked up the plate and started walking towards the kitchen when she heard Arnav say, Abort the foetus Khushi. Lets not drag this matter any further.'

Khushi stopped and closed her eyes to control her tears. She told him without turning to face him, As I said Arnav, sleep over it. Lets talk tomorrow morning. And oh, please take the day off from work tomorrow, I already have.' Khushi walked into the kitchen and left Arnav all by himself.

"""""""-

Garima was selecteing a salwar for Khushi from one of the high end boutiques in Lucknow. Khushi would be visiting them in less than two weeks. And as it had been the practise always, Garima wanted to get Khushi a stunning outfit with heavy intricate handiwork. Garima had her eyes on a pale yellow salwar, which would perfectly compliment her daughter's sunny personality. She decided to purchase the salwar and asked the sales person to gift wrap it. She then went to the counter to pay for the outfit. Near the counter stood a lady she had been introduced to recently.

Manorama ji what a pleasant surprise.' Manorama turned around to greet Garima.

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Amazing! I love your story and had bookmarked it. I am sooo glad you have started the updates again and also are on a roll.