Arshi FF: Fighting Fate (TVK 2) Thread 2 - COMPLETED - Page 37

Fighting Fate

CHAPTER 6

When I slid my eyes back up to yours, I knew, and I knew you knew ...that its about time...

After a lavish reception thrown to the mighty collect of relatives, friends, and business individuals, Anjali, Aman, and Nani looked for Arnav who excused himself after seeing off the last guest just a few mins ago.

After scouting through the entire mansion, they found him seated in the gazebo, his feet up on the table, his head rolled back, his eyes closed into the darkness. Anjali lifting her lehenga climbed up the short step and took seat next to him while Nani joined the other side of him.

Nani brushing his forehead softly spoke, Anjali tried to stop her but she left before Anjali could reach her.

Arnav not willing to discuss anything related to her, stood up from the bench and was about to walk away from them angrily, totally disappointed with them when Anjali stopped holding his palm.

Coming to stand in front of him, Anjali calmly said, I understand these are tough times for you Bhai, but Kh...

Oh you do? Why am I surprised? Arnav passed snide remark, his anger slowly burning to fire.

Bhai..I..

Oh ShUT UP Anjali! For my bloody life sake just SHUT UP! Arnav barked wiggling her hand away. While Nani wasnt surprised that this was going to happen and was prepared, Aman slowly moved to the brother-sister duo to peace them.

What the hell was all that about? What are you cooking up behind me?

Its nothing like you are imagining Bhai..

Tho kyaaa hai? Mein bhi samajh na chahta hoo...Explain me, is this the dream wedding, you wanted?

Anjali remained silent with her eyes lowered in remorse.

What happened to your overworking mouth? Speak out dammit, Is this the way you wanted to have your dream wedding, playing tricks behind me? He crouched forward pointing finger at the mansion dipped in wedding lights when Aman stepped inbetween them..

Arnie...Aman tried back Arnav who started advancing fiercely.

If yes, congratulations. Because you got it Ms. Anjali Singh Raizada...Arnav shoving Aman aside screamed at Anjali.

Ek min Aman...Anjali stepped past Aman when he tried to interfere and stood determinedly in front of Arnav challenging his own emotions. If wishing happiness for you is a trick then yes I made the biggest mistake of scheming all these behind you. But you need to know that she is no where better than you ar..

I f**king dont care whose life is what and how. What part of "Dont interfere in my life" you dont understand, that you keep bringing up what I left behind. What does it take you to understand not to mess with me or my life?

Arnie, they are just trying to work things for you. Understand from their perspective...

Kyun? Kisliye? Kiskeliye, [Why, For what, For whom?] when there is nothing left to work it out and understand. And dont you dare shush me Aman. Just because I gave my word doesnt mean I will nod to everything going around here. And YOU... BACK OFF Anjali, before its too late. Arnav glowered at her not caring Nani's presence.

Turning his feet to exit, he turned swiftly targeting all three, Dont take my silence as my helplessness. Since you are so persistent on this kind of dream wedding, it will happen ASAP with no more tricks or people that I dont approve. Giving a deathly stare to Anjali, Arnav walked away from all three of them, hurt, and broken.

While Anjali and Nani broke into tears, Aman stood helpless but he turned more determined than other two to break the wall Arnav built around him. Bring it on Buddy! Aman smiled with a thought.

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Inserting the key into the lock hole of their penthouse, Khushi paused for a moment scared to embrace the withered memories. Lifting her padded side of the palm, she wiped the big fat tears that blurred her vision similar to his words that muddled her brain. As much as she want to have a clearer idea of what his words truly meant few mins ago, the harshness in his words and the bitterness in his stare made her incapable to ponder deeply and those words stealthily echoed in her ears subconsciously leading her to the penthouse.

Opening the door, Khushi walked inside warily holding down her breath to calm her agitated nerves. Walking at a snail pace through the narrow hallway that led to the master living room, Khushi ran her fingers on the wall that are colored in dust. Stopping at the kitchen island, she picked up the lone water glass left by the sink. Rotating the glass in her hand, she found the fine print of misted lip mark tainted in little more dust than the rest of the glass. Swallowing the painful gulp, she let her thumb caress the dusted mark of his lips.

Kitchen was probably their favorite room of all as they sneaked many kisses especially during her last stage of pregnancy when the house was overloaded with 2 senior citizens, who constantly kept an eye on them with pair of glasses over their noses. Khushi sighed remembering the way both used to chat around the kitchen while one cooks, other entertains. Khushi turned her feet to exit the kitchen but stopped in her tracks as an afterthought. She walked back to the custom made mahogany cabinet and opened the door to check something that she had left on purpose. She left coffee filter and their 2 mugs back then. Everything remained in place nothing touched.  Her eyes drooped sadly before exiting the room, already having an inclination to the true meaning behind his distressed words.

Walking towards the right wing of the house, She stopped before their bedroom and trailed her gaze around it as tears pooled in her eyes taking her down the sweet memory lane. She walked to their bed taking hesitant steps, turning numb with every step, as each memory started hitting her painfully slow and hard. She sat on the bed covered in the blanket of cobwebs. Pooling her knees to her chest, she looked around absolutely feeling lost, battling the unknown restlessness that enveloped her as she remembered the final moments of leaving her life and embracing the the barren 3 years ago.

The place that hosted many memorable moments looked dreary and spiritless. That raised the question in her mind why had it been kept locked and where was he if he didnt stay here. Remembering Security guards words of Arnav's absence, she wondered why Arnav left keys for her.

Her eyes wandered around thinking all the possibilities but nothing made sense until a moment flashed in her memory.

This house is on your name.

This house is sold to you for 40K. So as you may please, you can take revenge and chuck me out when you feel like.

She wondered if this could the only reason but knowing that his every action screams deeper one, she felt there must be more to it since he specifically left the keys when he could abandon the house without a care. She stood up walking over to the cupboards and found that all her clothes were missing. Pretty much the room is cleaned to empty.

As she turned to open the adjacent door, her gaze fell on the mirror of her dressing table. She hurried her steps as her eyes found a paper pinned under her perfume bottle. She opened the small paper with big letters written in red...Her first instinct was to check if they were bloody. She sighed knowing that they are not and thus continued to concentrate on the words.

Reading the words written, the ocean of her tears flooded soaking the paper, her hands trembled gripping the paper and she collapsed on her knees in loud sobs...

I was worth the fight!

Was his scribbled message straight to her heart. Scrunching the paper between her fingers, pressing it against her lips to catch the loud acid wails, Khushi curled herself on the floor.  Crying bitterly, with much difficulty to breath, she became froze unsure what to do and how to reach the man she distanced herself from. Tears valleying on the tip of her nose, her insides burning in agony, she realized she had lost much more than she already lost in these 3 years.

She died! Died one more time yet another night but this time not remembering the 6hours video of brutal rape like she is used to, but from the death sentence she never wished to receive from the man who loved her unconditionally without a twitch. Losing the battle to her love for him, her feeble frame shook tremendously in defeat unsure how to make him understand that he was worth more than a fight and she wouldn't have given up if she were alive and weren't a living corpse...

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Dont ever take you away from me. We will be ruined. I mean it!

The world outside his suite window spattered with grey clouds mirroring the agonized smoke that filled his burning heart. With his arms folded at midriff, he stood looking up at the sky feeling the impending doom of his heart.  The bruises of his soul broke his face into a deathly pallor as he stood frozen, not a single muscle willing to move and take the risk of disobeying him.

Angry, Perturbed, Disoriented!!! Everything around him seems to be running its due course of life smoothly, but then he wondered why he stood where he was stopped unable to move like every other entity on this world. The emptiness that he filled his soul for these years, has been once again coyly replaced with the awakened memories. No matter how much he reprimanded, his insensitive heart stopped listening to him from the moment its eyes fell on its counterpart few hours ago. She left and returned when he least expected in his life and unfortunately both times she appeared in tears that always made him weak. The only person that made him weak in the strength of her love and in the defeat of her tears!!!

Tears! They may be sputters of water showing different emotions to everyone else. But his naked eye, always triumphed in understanding the strenuous efforts those tiny droplets make to depict the torment built inside her.  He grew unsettled as her each tear peeled off showcasing every inner level of storm she is holding inside her. But then his pain is too raw and crippling affliction is so deep that he refused to acknowledge her anguish openly to his own heart.

Thats the path she had chosen for them. And thats the path he will lead with no questions asked, letting the time decide success or failure over his efforts.

jab kaha apna , tum ko kaha mein ney... jab soch apna, sirf tum ko socha mein ney...
jab hasnaa seekha tum ko paya saath... jab rona chaha tum ko mehsoos kiya paas
jab socha tumhari takleef ko ousay apna mana... kayse nahi deekha mein bhee dukhi tha
jab socha, tumhara haath mein haath socha... kayse socha tum ney keh saath chordh doo
jab socha, tu khooshiyan sochi humari... kayse socha tumney nahi dey paaon ga mein woh sari
jab socha, chaha ansoon sey khali ankhain...kayse socha tumney deekh paon ga inko zindagi se khali
jab socha, chaha sahara bun jaon tumhara...kyase socha tumney mein sambhaltay khoodh toot jao ga
jab socha, tumhari aur apni takleef ko aik socha...kayse tumney iss ko alag alag deekha
jab socha, chaha saans leyna saath mein...kayse soocha tum nay juda juda raastey
jab socha, hur qadam saath saath socha ...kayse socha tumney keh palat aik baar bhee na deekha mujh ko
jab socha, tum ko apna socha mein ney...kayse soch leay tumney keh meray leay nahi hooo

jab socha tu poochna chaha...soche baghair keysey tumney keh diya keh tum meray leay nahi bani ho...

Poem Credit - Lala [Thank you baby for whipping this up at such short time and listening to all my crazy demands]

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After last night's outburst of his buddy, Aman decided to take the situation under control from the ladies. Though their intentions were good, they seem to play too naive with mighty ASR. He thought with a wicked smile as he sat sipping his hot mocha in the AR Cafeteria, reading the news headlines ASR's Ex-wife Khushi spotted at his sister's engagement!

Soon Anjali joined him, slamming her handbag on the table, in sulking mood unable to come out of her dear brother's warning from last night.

Baby naraz ho kya? Aman teased pulling the chair out for her.

Anjali said nothing, instead pouted and stared at him sternly.

Hota hai...You know that monster...He will come around..Dont you worry...He leaned closer nuzzling his nose near to her ears...

Aman! She chided pushing him away..Are you even serious in this? He is seething in rage hearing her name and you called her here to discuss your plan? What if he sees her?

What will happen? Zyada se zyada ek ladai hogi...bas..ladne do..hum maza lenge....He said coolly chuckling much to her irritation.

You are unbelievable. Anjali smarted looking around, scared of her brother.

Aman taking her palms into his, he spoke seriously understanding her frustration over tough nut brother,  On a serious note, I dont want to hurt him doing all this behind his back..If he sees us, Good, he will understand that we are not scheming behind him...If dont sees us, thats even better. So relax and enjoy coffee. He pushed his cup to her, tapping his finger on the rim where his lips were moments ago...This is where all heaven is...

Anjali rolled her eyes smiling coyly at her hopeless romantic fiance and found the newspaper lying on the table.

Reading the news about Arnav and Khushi, She shook her head infuriated with half-knowledge news, Why do they keep writing her as ex-wife when they never got divorced nor legally separated?

Media! They have legs and they lead in the wrong paths. Ignore is the best option we have!

Aman said waving hand at Khushi who approached them in hesitant strides. Giving warm hug to Anjali, Khushi was about to sit when Aman interrupted, Bhabhi its high time you start giving me hugs too.

Anjali slapped his arm silently chiding him but Aman on mission with different reasons was no where to be stopped. Comeon yaar, I am meeting her after 3 years, ek hug tho banta hai...

Khushi seated in her chair, instantly turned flustered. Forcing herself to a playful smile, She said fidgeting her fingers frantically, I dont think you need a hug from me Aman. You get plenty from her.

Anjali's face at once turned ashen and pale, realizing Khushi's hidden insecurities and apprehensions to a touch and how cleverly she masked it spewing bunch of words.

Khushi with her downcast eyes tried to concentrate on the menu when she found Anjali's hand over hers with a gentle squeeze. Khushi looked at her meaningfully and turned her head away not willing to show anything to the world, she wishes not to.

Aman was not so innocent not to understand what conspired at the moment, between the ladies. In fact he purposely teased to understand Khushi better after the way she jerked with his touch on the other day in the coffee shop.

Why did you choose this place, he might not like it if he finds out! Khushi spoke softly looking around and outside the eatery to get glimpse of him.

He is in the conference, he wont be out anytime soon. Aman leaned forward resting his elbows on the table. There is something Anjali wanted to tell you.

Khushi looked at Anjali encouraging her to continue. Khushi I dont think Bhai meant anything he said last night.

Oh I know. Khushi cupped Anjali's hand with a smile. I got his message last night.

Message? Did he message you?

NO he left a message for me in the house. So dont worry about it. Khushi said remembering how how his pain filled statement said it all, only strengthening her resolve to get back to him.  

And there is something else we need to tell you. Anjali hesitated for a moment and looked up at Khushi in surprise hearing her words.

Did he get mad at you both last night? Khushi looked at them in remorse. I am sorry its all because of me.

No, No dont be silly. Thats not the point. Well, I dont know how to say this...Ah..Uh..woh...He doesnt want to see you in the wedding or any functions. Anjali uttered softly in hesitant and remorse tone.

It took a moment for Khushi to digest it. Pursing her lips to stifle the sad quiver, she feigned a smile uttering I understand! Its too much for him to handle at once. And I dont want to make it worse. Khushi squeezed Anjali's hand assuringly.

I feel so bad. I proposed Telugu wedding hoping that you guys will relive the memories leaving the bitter past. Whats the point going for it if you are not going to be there. This is not done.

Anjali, dont do it for us. Go for your traditional wedding. I dont think we are yet in a stage to cherish our times. We have too much on our plate to even think of sweet moments. If you dont feel bad, I sincerely hope you change the wedding style. After what I saw yesterday, I think he will have tough time coping up with the ceremonies. It would be too much pressure on his part.

Anjali nodded in agreement while Aman pitched in his 2 cents, You know what Anjali, I am leaning more towards court marriage if you are OK with it...The problem is I cant survive those ceremonies to take you home. He tried to ease the situation with simple solution.

Thank God! I wanted to have court marriage but I was afraid to share it with you as that buddy of yours threw quite a few emotional dialogues, which by the way, was waay out of norm.

The couple broke into smile teasing each other but Khushi understood their better reasons. The decision is ultimately yours but I think you guys should give it a thought once more. Being the only daughter of the house, I think he and Nani might like to see you..

Who are you to think what I like and what I dont like?

Khushi shot her head back to the man standing with a roar in his throat. Khushi stood up nervously stumbling at her feet. Arnav threw a deathly glare at Anjali and then at Aman who approached to explain that it was their decision to call Khushi there.

But before Aman could utter a word, Arnav glowered at him, When have you turned AR into a house for stray people?

OUCH! Her heart was slit opened for a moment. Khushi's eyes snapped to wide open in shock with the way he addressed her. But soon she came to terms with his words without getting offended because he was right. She had become stray, a homeless person without him in her life. He knew her better!!!

Arnie, dont do th...

Ignoring Aman, Arnav walked closer to Khushi, who clamped her palms to the edge of the table behind her. I never gave permission to my people to make decisions for me forget strangers. Who the hell do you think you are to poke your nose into my family?

Khushi's eyes softened as she mumbled in low voice, Nobody. She asked after a pause remembering his last night statement in the party. Is that what you wanted to hear?  

Her eyes stared at his, noting the momentary flinch of emotions, but before she could read him thoroughly, he turned indignant crouching to her fiercely and yelled loudly YES BLOODY NOBODY!!! remembering the last words of her letter.

She could feel the underlying tremendous pain radiating from him with the way he stood with stiffened shoulders, tightened jaw, and creased forehead. Involuntarily just like any other time, her hand reached to smooth his distressed lines, but he didnt give her that pleasure as he swiftly took a step backward forbidding her touch.

She fisted her palm in the air retreating it, when he brusquely said, Get the hell out of here.

She stared at him with her eyes glistening in moistness while Anjali and Aman watched helplessly. Stepping aside, revealing the door behind him, He said one more time swallowing his own pain, OUT!

Grabbing her handbag, ignoring the tears that escaped the corners of her eyes, She hurried her steps and left the premises.

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Later in the evening, Anjali unhappy about the way events are turning out between Arnav and Khushi, she walked away from the office but not before asking the men to come home for dinner to discuss their marriage.

Handing over the headache pill to Nani, Anjali settled down next to Aman while Arnav took his place next to Nani.

With her eyes focused on her intertwined fingers, Anjali declared softly, We decided to go for Court marriage.

While Nani's face twitched unhappily, Arnav stared at them seething in anger.

We both prefer simple court wedding than the lavish wedding and that too as soon as possible, because Anjali is returning to practice medicine from next week. Aman backed her up giving his consent.

Arnav shifted his gaze from Aman to Anjali and frowned at her as she looked contemplating something. On other end, Nani giving a despairing look stood up and left them alone feeling helpless with their individual decisions. But she is not somebody who will force her wishes knowing her 2 stubborn kids, Aman and Khushi being the other 2.

Arnav waited until Nani left and yelled in low growl, Are you guys out of your mind?

Anjali was about to explain her brother when Aman stopped her silently gesturing not to force anything on Arnav.

This is one time event and are you guys mad to let go of this? Why are you guys taking decisions for people who dont matter anymore? Arnav questioned in grit.

This is what we wanted Arnie. In fact we were previously taking decisions for those so called Dont-matter-anymore people. Said Aman in voice filled with mock. But now all we are doing is what we wanted from the beginning. We were never a big fan of grand weddings. Trust me, we are not doing this keeping you or Bhabhi in mind.

Arnav raised his lashes and glowered at the word Bhabhi...

Understanding Arnav's rage, Aman snapped with instant retort, She will be my Bhabhi until otherwise you officially break all ties with her. So dont give me that stare.

Arnav pressing his fingers to his temples, frustrated with these 2 thick-headed people, Why are you guys doing this? Arnav asked in mellowed tone looking at Anjali who had her eyes downcast. He walked over to her and took her hands in his, Di, Why are you being so adamant about it? You are the only daughter of the family, Nani must have dreamt quite a lot about your marriage...

This is exactly what she tried to tell and you chucked her away! When will you make peace with yourself? How long are you planning to battle this alone?

Arnav instantly left her hands and turned away saying, You need life to battle, and heart to make peace. I have none left in me. Its better we cut this crap here once for all. He turned to her once again and this time spoke in almost pleading way, Dont do this. I dont want you to regret later that you didnt even had the wedding of your choice. Its not worth it.

Anjali smiled cupping his cheek as her eyes brimmed in tears. Lowering his head, she kissed his forehead saying, I swear on Papa I am not doing this to prove a point with you. I dont want lavish wedding Bhai, we have no one to do Kanyadaan. And selfish part of me dont want to give that right to anyone but Mom and Papa who are no more. You have to believe me when I say this. I will be more than happy with court marriage. Just promise me that you will be by my side.

Are you sure Di?

100%.. Anjali gleed.

Aman, I need to know your opinion.  Is this what you want?

Yaar, who wants to spend the entire day in marriage draining all the energy. I would rather save it for the night...Aman chuckled embarrassing Anjali to splits.

Arnav scowled at him stifling his chuckle, Dont mind Di, You are marrying a desperate as*hole.

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