I some how got up and turned to the other side .
Arnav : Khushi stop ignoring me . Please . You don't know how it feels . I feel as if some one stabbed my heart million times . It is very painful .
I closed my eyes . This is what I never expected . Arnav loving me . He gave me many instances to understand his love but I didn't . How can I say him that even I don't like ignoring him ?
Arnav : Yes . I gave you many chances to understand my love towards you but you never acknowledged it .
Khushi : Will you please stop reading my brain
I said turning around , facing him with my moist eyes .
Arnav : I don't read your brain . I just feel it . I feel that Khushi . Why you see me in a negative side ?
He said with a sort of feeling out of my reach .
I have to Arnav . I have to . You don't know how I struggle to present myself like this in front of you .
I closed my eyes again folding my hands .
Khushi : Why did you come here ?
Arnav : To tell you everything .
He said taking a step forward while I was taking a step back . With this process I got stuck in between him and the door .
Arnav : I know I gave you so much of pain . But Khushi whenever I hurt you , I go through a lot of pain more than you . I felt like crying but I couldn't because I didn't want anyone to see that . On my birthday , I came to your class and spent the whole day there , I tried to talk to you but your friends answered me .. Aman asked you to sit with us , you simply denied it . On the farewell day when I saw you for the second time in a saree , you just locked my heart for you . I fixed on that day that whatever may happen you will be mine . Forever . That's why I made Aman ask you where you will be joining . You lied to us . The truth was you were going back to Lucknow .
Khushi : How did you get to know ?
I asked him in a low tone .
Arnav : I felt that it wasn't the truth . I enquired Anusha , first she didn't tell me . Then I asked her again and she told me that you shifted to Lucknow immediately after the exams . She told me where you were joining . So I forced my parents to shift . They didn't accept . But I convinced them . And rest you know .
He caught my arms gently . I know he did that so I wouldn't break down .
Khushi : No , I don't . Why did you hug Swathi in the cafe when you had feeling for me ?
I already started to cry .
Arnav : What ? When did I hug her ?
He asked startled .
Khushi : On the farewell day . In that cafe .
Arnav : I didn't hug her dammit . She was the one who hugged me .. I was only thinking about you with my head bent down . Did you even see me touching her ? Did you ?
I nodded a no . Yes . Arnav didn't hug Swathi that day .
Arnav : Then in our inter , I tried my level best to talk to you . But you became too professional with me . I asked you the Same . You didn't say anything but look into my eyes with your moist ones . It gave me all the answers . That it is because of me . I'm sorry for ignoring you Khushi . I'm sorry . After those two years . You didn't give any information out to your friends. No one knew what happened to you . I started to change from then . We shifted to Delhi again . Swathi used to meet me everyday . I started to drink and smoke . I wanted to forget the pain I gave you but I couldn't . Only Aman knows what all had happened to me . I already used to fume in anger . Your ignorance made my anger reach its peaks . I wanted to show you what it means to ignore me by ..
He closed his eyes ..
Arnav : Anyways . One day Swathi forced me to ...
He again closed his eyes . He started to stammer . I understood what all happened .
Arnav : She seduced me by wearing the same kind of saree which you wore . I thought it was you . I was drunk . I couldn't figure out who it was . By that time your both complexions matched , you both were fair and you became thin like her . So I thought it was you . And we consummated that day . From that day I became a Casanova .
I closed my eyes . What all happened just because I ignored him ? I cried more harder . He rubbed them off with his rough hands . His eyes are moist too .
Arnav : I used girls just to forget what I did with you . It shrunk me completely . Then the thought of making you mine forever made me more like a beast . I turned into ASR . Ruthless and arrogant . I worked hard to get all the power which can drag you , which will make you come to me and even no one would dare to raise their voice . I made ..
More tears spilt out from my eyes .
Arnav : I made Aman search for you . But he just knew you were in Lucknow . But doesn't know your address . One day you yourself came to my office. Then I started to plan things to get to know your feelings for me . But it seemed that you forgot that you once loved me . Which I couldn't bear . I asked Mr.Mehta to organise a success party which he did . There again seeing you in a saree after years made me lose my senses . I was the happiest one on the universe . There Aman and me discussed about our plans near the bar counter . I forcefully hugged you and kissed you . If it was any random girl , She would have slapped me then and there . But you didn't do anything like that which proved that you somewhere still like me . At least as a person . But the next day you said Aman that I mean nothing to you , just a crush and all . Aman informed me about it .I then bought Aman's cousin Lavanya into the scene .
Aman didn't even tell me that Lavanya is his cousin !!!
Arnav : Even Aman didn't know that La and me planned about the relation . He just thought his cousin is working at my place . But when you told him that we were on relation . He entered my cabin and asked me what was it . I told him everything . Then fortunately my birthday was nearing and so he suggested me to organise a party and propose you there . But I still knew that you are going to reject me . I know .. You still don't have the strength to love me the way as you did before . No one can understand better than me because I went through a lot more than you . But I say it can't be compared with yours . Because di yesterday told me how much you , Aunty and Payal bhaabhi faced in your childhood but always had a smile on your faces . She also said it was only when you shifted to Lucknow your life became better . Though she didn't tell me completely about your past , she wants you to tell me when the right time arrives .
He left my hands slowly . I wanted to cry but I can't in front of him . I wiped those tears .
Khushi : Hogaya ??? Will you leave now ? [ Over ? ]
It is really hard for me to be rude with Arnav but I have to .
Arnav : Khush..
Khushi : Leave.
Arnav : Not before I confess .
Khushi : I don't want to hear anything Arnav . Please don't . I don't want to . I have no strength to give what you want .
Arnav : Khushi please .
My mobile started to ring with Salman Khan's famous bodyguard song " I LOVE YOU " !!
We both looked at each other as those three magical words were ringing in a beautifully composed rhythm .
Oh no should I change the ringtone for this situation ?
I went towards the table and saw who it was . Jiji . Finally she got some break to call me . I have to tell her so many things . And ask her few too .
Khushi : Hello jiji
Aisha : Jiji nahi Masi , Aisha .
Said cute little 4 year old Aisha .
Khushi : Oh my princess ., sorry Masi didn't know na . Ok tell me how is my baby ? How is her school going ?
Aisha : No ! Ayu notch talking to Masi . She hungry with Masi . [ no ! Ayu not talking to Masi . She angry with Masi . ]
My cute little princess is enough to make me laugh in any kind of situation . My lips broke into a smile .
Khushi : It's not hungry princess . It is ANGRY ! Hunger ka matlab hota bhook .
Aisha : Not talking to Masi .
She said out aloud .
Khushi : Masi ne baby ko sorry phir se keh rahi hai ! Maaf kar do [ Aunt is saying sorry to baby again . Forgive me ]
Aisha : Chal kar chiya . Masi aap kab baby ko bisit karengi ? [ Ok I've given . When will aunt visit baby ? ]
I chuckled at her cute baby language .
Khushi : Soon !
We both started our chatter . No one can stop us now . She is sharing about her school with me .
*****
After 5 min
Arnav came towards me .
Arnav : Is it Aisha ? Can I talk to her ?
I nodded . Yes I have to ask him about this . Why didn't he know about jiji ?
Khushi : Ayu baby want to talk to chachu ?
Aisha : Which chachu ? Nannav chachu ?
Nannav ? Is that what she calls him ?
Arnav : She doesn't know how to pronounce my name .
Aisha : He doesn't talk to princess Masi !!!
She said with a dull voice . I think she is pouting now !! Her voice sounded that way .
Arnav snatched the mobile from me .
Arnav : Hello Aisha . How are you ?
He asked as if he is talking to his client .
I took the mobile from him and turned on the speaker .
Aisha : Daddy !! Daddy !!! Nannav chachu talk to me !!! [ Nannav uncle spoke with me !! ]
Her voice sounded very happy . I think she will be jumping now . That means he really doesn't talk to her ! But why now ?
I cut the call . And decided to start my questioning session .
Khushi : Didn't you know before that my sister is your brother's wife ?
I wanted to sound stern but I don't know my voice is soft and had some affection .
Arnav : First of all , have I ever met your sister .
Khushi : No . You didn't even know when they were getting married ?
I tried to be stern again but failed . This time my voice was very normal . As if I'm talking to a friend . Anyways my heart can never hate him . It is me who intentionally pretends to be strong .
Arnav : Have I attended your sister's wedding ? Did I ?
He is being straight .
Khushi : No . But you have never visited them ?
Arnav : I've met your sister as my bhaabhi when she visited our place . I've just said a hi and made my way out . But I didn't know she is your sister . And Aisha used to come to our place and try to talk to me . But I never used to talk to her . Because I hate kids .
Khushi : How can you hate kids ?
Arnav : I'm not like you Khushi , who can love everything on this world . I don't like them . That's it .
Khushi : Then why did you talk to my princess now ?
Arnav : I wanted to talk to bhai after greeting Aisha .
How materialistic he is . I just love kids . Even he was a child once . I hope he remembers that .
Arnav : I remember that Khushi !! And I know how much you love kids . In our 10th one kid started to play in our ground , everyone were looking at her awkwardly but you were admiring her childishness . That day I understood how much you love kids .
He knows a lot about me but I always failed to understand him . I always failed to understand him . The way he thinks , the way he looks at me . Why ? If I truly had loved him , I would at least know something about him !!! But I don't know anything .
Tears again started to roll down .
Arnav : Don't think like that Khushi !! Never !! Who told you that you know nothing about me ? You do know . But you never admit it !! You never did it .
Khushi : Aap humaare baare mein kya kya jaante hai . Aap jo jante hai voh sab kuch .. Sab kuch Hume Kahiye . [ What do you know about me ? What ever you know , feel me everything about it . ]
Arnav : You like fantasy related things .. You believe in them . You like to live in a dream world . You like greenery , pleasant places . You always like your hair flying . You like rain , snow . You don't like summers . You like cool places more than anything . Your favourite food is Indian chat , chicken snacks , sandwich , butter nan , noodles , Manchuria . You like junk food . You can do anything for Aisha even if it is against your sister . You love Aisha that much . You love Payal bhaabhi and bhai . They are your world . You will do anything which your Amma asks you to . You always think of others before yourself ... You are too self less which is very dangerous . But you think you are too selfish . You are gullible .. Anyone can fool you easily . It doesn't take a minute to fool you but alas you can't fool anyone !! You are too ..
Khushi : Stop it . But do I know anything about you ?? No .. I don't !
More tears rolled down .
Arnav : you do . Don't you know my love for you ? My passion for you ? My possessiveness ? Don't you know I'm crazy for you ?
Khushi : Not those Arnav !!! Do I know what you like ? What you dislike ? Do I know that ? I don't !! I at least don't know what your favourite colour is !!
Arnav : Red . I love red . And the next place goes to black . I love football . Football was my passion once . I like Italian food . I prefer it mostly . I like Indian food too . I like perfection . I like when you call me Arnav . I love to look into your eyes which reflect love . I love your smile . I like your childish and senseless talks . I love your thick hair . I love your innocent eyes . And about my dislikes . I hate it when you ignore me . I hate it when you speak to other guys . I hate it when anyone drools over you other than me . I hate it when any man dares to touch you . I hate it when you say I don't mater you , I'm nothing to you . I can go to any extent if you do anything which I hate . Maybe I can in turn hurt very badly . I don't know . I will just lose all my control .
I don't know what I have to speak now ! I just kept looking at him . All the tears are dried now .
. Whatever it is . I don't know if I feel the same for Arnav !! My love can't be compared with his . I thought I was the one in pain always . But no I wasn't . He was the one who went through a lot of things .
I always thought I'm the only person in that relation . But no . We both were in it without each other's notice .
But seriously , I never had such strong feelings for Arnav as he has for me .
Khushi : I don't feel the same for you now Arnav . Everything is changed. I seriously don't love you now .
My phone rang again with the I LOVE YOU song . I answered it .
Aisha : Masi . Chachu spoke to me !!
She started her non stop blabbering which made me do nothing but smile . I again started to talk to her . All my grief is gone away !!! All thanks to my baby .
I was about to say something but I heard a knock on the door . I cut the call .
Bua ji : Arnav beta , Khushi come and have your dinner .
I was going to the door . But Arnav pulled off my dupatta . I was about to fight with him but bua ji slammed the door again . So I went and opened it .
I exited from My room without saying anything . I went to the kitchen to drink some water . What's all that ?
I placed the bottle back after drinking water . I went back to the dining hall .
Arnav is already on table . I sat opposite to him . Amma and bua ji took the places left .
I placed bread omelettes . Amma served some soup too with few aloo tikis . I took a small bowl and squeezed some sauce into it .
Arnav did the same too .
Bua ji : How is this girl in office ? Does some work or not ? Or she sits lazily on her seat ?
Arnav : She is the most hardworking employee . She is the best .
He said looking at me .
Bua ji : Yeh tho bahot ajeeb hai beta ! Hamesha bakwaas karti hai ! Do you think anyone will leave their car behind in hometown ?
He nodded a no .
Amma : She always wanted a scooty but her father bought a car for her . While coming Delhi again , she said it is better we go in a bus rather than in car . Who will go in a auto rickshaw to office when they have a car ?
Khushi : Do you think any girl will drive Delhi from Lucknow ? It is impossible !
Bua ji : Your sister did .
Arnav : You know how to drive Khushi ?
Amma : She drives better than Payal .
He smiled .
Wait did he ? He smiled just now !! ASR smiled ?
Shocking and breaking news of the decade !!
Seeing him smiling like Arnav a small smile crept on my face too . This is what I always liked in him .
He too turned towards me and we kept looking at each other maintaining the smile .
Bua ji and Amma kept on telling about me . I tried to stop them but they didn't . I finished my dinner . I went to my room and ringed jiji .
Payal : Let's video chat Khushi .
I started the video chat . I told her everything . Jiju is also beside her .
Payal : Wait Khushi .
She turned to jiju .
Payal : So you did know she was working under your brother !
Akaash : yeah
He said with a smile .
Payal : How could you Akaash ji ? You know how he is . You know that I hate him for what he did .
He turned towards me
Akaash : Khush . Yes I do know that you work under my brother . I understood that when you told me that's you got a job in AR . I didn't want to lose this chance . I know my brother was in love with some girl from childhood . I thought may be it was you . I called him that day and asked him whom she was . He said that her name is Khushi . Then I understood everything . I preferred to keep quiet . So none of you know about this . Including Arnav .
I didn't know what to say .
_______________
10