Hi guys... This update drafting was a bit difficult.. But I got help from a wonderful person.. My friend (lovedrops) Wrote nearly half of the update as it was so much words of emotions..
My sincere thanks
PART 46
Soon it was Lunch time. The kids were back as Arnav called Aditya and asked them to return. All had lunch together trying to be as normal as possible. Aarthy did not let her presence affect this. It was decided that Akash and Payal will come and stay with them as soon as the Choudhary finance was set. Arnav made all legal arrangements for him to join AR. The kids were more happy to see a happy family around them which somehow was missing till then. Ansh was the happiest among all. He was a kid who wanted his father to be happy and love him like anything and today he believed that it came true because of his Khushi maa. HIS MAA.
For next night, Aarthy got her flight booked to return to Shimla, where according to her was the paradise of her husband. But somehow, she wanted to talk with Arnav. Anjali already cleared the air with her and both know that in all these if affected, it was Arnav and Khushi. Aarthy was so ashamed to face Khushi, so talking or apologizing to her is out of question. But Arnav was no less. He behaved as if Aarthy never existed, punishing her more. Khushi was noticing all these.
The day soon ended as the mothers put their kids to happy sleep and retired to their rooms. Aarthy was still nonexistent. Khushi slowly entered their room. Yeah it is now their room. After all the major decisions about this home were taken, Anjali very sternly ordered her Bhai and Bhabhi to stay in this home. And as it is Ashutosh's memory that binded the kids emotionally, Khushi happily agreed. But she knew that it would not be easy for Arnav. She easily found the difference in his smile that he tried to show others. Khushi saw him in the balcony recliner looking at the star filled sky as she expected. Khushi walked toward him and sat next to him.
Khushi: Arnav? What is there to think so much? This house is your father's living memory for you two. So there is no problem in living here right?
Arnav: Do you realize where you are offering to stay? This is the same room where Me and Tara lived.. Where I.. Khushi it has horrible memories too. Every minute I feel.. Khushi try to understand!
Khushi: It is you who should understand. Guilt is a nasty feeling Arnav. Whatever happened with Tara was not your fault. You heard what Akashji said. It was all well planned. Her death was meant to happen. It is not easy to come over. I know. But unless and until you don't let this feeling go off you, neither you will be happy, nor we will. Everytime you see Ansh, I see the love, but also guilt. If this continues, you will be the one suffering! And you know that no one here wants that.
Arnav: This is you! But It is not easy for me. Not only I did injustice to Tara, but also for you. When Akash said How his father caught Papa, do you know how I felt? I felt I am no less than that Parthesh Choudary. Don't you see? Me too hooked Aditya to get you, just the way he hooked Papa to get his way! I am no less than that bloody criminal!
Khushi was taken aback by his words. She never thought that Arnav could think in such way. Arnav's self pity and guilt were reaching new levels since the pool incident and now the confession from Akash. This is not good for him. Khushi decided to get him out of it and She will.
Khushi: Arnav! Look at me! 
she cupped his cheeks and turned his face to her side. She looked into his glassy eyes with her determined ones.
Khushi: Do you know something? The anger of the people who are innocent can be destructive. You are innocent Arnav. That's why when I left you, you got so angry that you were ready to destroy me. But what do you see now? We cannot give pain to each other before going through it ourselves. What do you think? I don't know that all those days in AR you were sleeping on the floor just like I used to? I know Arnav. What do you think? I was at peace leaving you here all these years especially after seeing what you have been through? Do you really think that I didn't try to come out of this self blaming torture.
What's the point of getting lost in the past Arnav. Lets face it and move on. Lets come out of it and face the reality. Believe that, its not your mistake. Believe that you have a life to yourself, Believe that we love you despite of all the past. I will be with you in each and every step you will take to come out of it Arnav. I am just asking to walk with me by holding my hand to see the light and make our lives glow.
Tell me Arnav, are you with me?
Arnav: Khushi, when I tried to find the key to open the doors of my peace, I keep getting lost in the darkness of my guilt. When I searched for the light to see through my darkness, I kept falling in the ravine. Now when the light itself came to me to show the path towards my tranquility, how could I say no, Khushi. But after being in dark for long time, I need to accept the brightness of light. I want you to be my helm. Make me walk with you Khushi. Orient me towards our better future.
Arnav held her hand asking her hand towards new euphoria and said sincerely looking into her hazel orbs that were now glimmering with the shade of almond. He could remember how dead they looked few days back. Could he ever forgive himself for that?
Khushi saw the inner batter in his eyes. She wondered how easily that the suave facade of ASR always goes obnoxious in front of her. She is the only one who could always see the real Arnav, a very innocent child, who could do anything for his loved ones. Now it is time for him to be loved.
Khushi: Arnav, I know you will be with me in each and every step we take. But it will only happens when we pace together. Our love is our helm Arnav. Just we will hold on to it and follow it together, hand in hand, step in step towards the happiness we are waiting for.
Arnav: Khushi, what have you done to me.
He strode towards Khushi in a snap and pulled her into a tight embrace to show how he is feeling right now for the love she is showering on him despite of what he gave to her. She welcomed him and Ansh with her open arms and trying hard to bring their life back to its glory. The warmth he is getting from her is cooling his agitated nerves. The matched rhythm of their heartbeats is cajoling him to calm down to tranquility.
Finally he found his peace. Magically he felt very light at his heart. He tried to trace the fragments of his guilt in the air around him. But, right then he realized when he is with Khushi, nothing will dare to ruin his repose. That gave him lot of credence that he can fight with his guilt so easily if Khushi is with him. Period.
After few moments of comforting each other to calm their qualm he pulled back and took her visage into his hard palms as gentle as possible and pressed his lips on her forehead and said,
Arnav: Yes Khushi, We will do it together.
Looking at the new glow on Arnav's face, Khushi smiled and replied,
Khushi: Together, Always.
While cold breeze is hitting them in this December weather, When his cold fingers touched her skin, Khushi shivered a little. Fathoming her inconvenience to the breeze, Arnav lead her inside their room. There was a moment of silence as both stood in each other's arms looking at the bed.
Arnav: Khushi...
Khushi: Umm...
Arnav: It's quite late! We should sleep.
Khushi: Mmm!...
Arnav: Ok then...
Khushi: Ok..
Arnav: Good night.
Khushi: Good night.
Both Did not know what else to do. So they moved to their side of bed and laid down after dimming the lights but sleep was far away from their eyes. Last night they slept peacefully in each other's arms. But that was after going through an emotional trauma. Now that they were in their normal phase, they could not do that. In between them, three years of separation and Tara's incident kept haunting them. They settled with their backs touching each other.
This room held so many memories for him. Although it has many beautiful reminiscences, the recent unpleasant memory is still haunting him. The silence of the night is not helping his haunting memories either. When that silence started piercing his tolerance, unable to hold on to his quietude, he turned to Khushi and whispered her name.
Arnav: Khushi..!
Khushi turned to face him and raised her brow with a questioning gaze.
Arnav(hesitating): This house...
Khushi: This is Our home Arnav. Papa's only remembrance left for us. Don't see it as just a pile of sticks and stones. Feel the breath of him in every corner. Feel the memories of you with him in every space.
Accept it Arnav. Accept your haunting memories in this house as reflections of your father and see the feelings you are trying to chase down with the acceptance. Then you will find it as home again.
Arnav: With you by my side, I will go through any hurdle. But never again leave me. Mujhe chodke kabhi mat jana. Jee nahi paunga. I will di..
Khushi immediately placed her hand on his mouth glaring at him.
Khushi: Don't you dare to say that. I am not going anywhere.
Arnav: Prove it!
Khushi: Huh! What?
Arnav: Prove that you are with me.
Khushi: Sometimes Arnav you behave worse than Ansh.
She chided as she understood him seeking assurance. She moved near him and placed her head on his chest putting her hand around him. He smiled and placed one hand around her waist while other caressed her head.
Arnav: Now I will have a peaceful sleep.
Khushi: Did you think anything for Sanaah and Aditya?
Arnav: Hmm.. I have planned something for them. But Your proud should accept!
Khushi: Proud? And why will he not accept?
Arnav: Because I am planning to give him Papa's restaurants. He and Sanaah can manage them while I can look after AR hotels.
Khushi: Ahem Ahem..
Arnav: I know! He is your proud brother! But I am also a good businessman. I will manage to convince him.
Khushi: I never doubted that.
She said it just to pull his legs. But it went in wrong way.
Arnav: Yeah. After all I was the one who tactfully trapped him as debtor.. But this time I am genuinely trying to help him Khushi.
Khushi: Arnav! Just few minutes back we made a deal not to think of past! And here you are again... Arnav I was genuinely accepting the fact that you are a good businessman. Else from nothing as base, you would not have brought AR to such heights.
Arnav: That time too I had you Khushi. You were always with me. Somehow!
Khushi: Arnav?
Arnav: Ok! I am not talking about it again. Fine?
Khushi: Good! So tomorrow you will be talking to Nanhe?
Arnav: Hmmm...
Khushi: There is someone else to whom you need to talk Arnav.
Arnav looked at her with a knot between his brows.
Khushi: Aarthy ji. Your mother!
Within minutes his soft chocolate brown eyes turned dark like fire.
Kabhi Neem Neem Kabhi Shahad Shahad
Debate Mansion
35