#2 Arhi FF : Limerence [ Completed ] - Page 21

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Limerence : Part 10

There was comfortable silence in the car, as two people were lost in a world of their own. Khushi enjoyed the slight chill in the air, the speeding car making her hair flutter in the night wind. Early on, she had asked Arnav if it was okay to roll down the windows and he had gladly relented. The real reason being that she felt unnerved in his company. Despite all their conversations till now, she always felt a little jumpy around him... especially in such a casual setting. When the discussions were about work... it was all-good, considering how passionate they were both about it. Time would fly by, as they lost themselves into a colourful world, which was far away from the harshness of life.

However, in this moment she also realized that she enjoyed these silences between them. He actually thought her to be beautiful? Again the rosy blush crept up her cheeks, making her want to grin brightly. One of the most eligible bachelors in India, her extremely good-looking boss, thinks her to be beautiful. For a girl, who had always been privy to coquettish comments with sexual innuendo, spiteful remarks and lustful glances... to be called beautiful in a respectful manner... mattered a lot. More that she could ever explain to anyone. NK had called her beautiful too, but then there was something about Arnav's behavior that pulled her towards him.

Somewhere during those discussions at work, his respectful behavior towards her academic experience, the time spent in his absence, those secret glances at the wedding, experiencing his protective behavior a while ago to drop her home and that special moment when he had called her beautiful... she finally accepted to herself... that she had managed to have a tiny crush on Arnav Singh Raizada. It was the first time ever a man had behaved in ways that made her alter her opinions on the entire male race. The man who had given birth to her, had scarred her beliefs, and this man, silently sitting besides her was slowly and steadily annulling them. How had such a miracle happened in such a short span of time?

Once again his words echoed in her ears, "You look beautiful tonight, Khushi." And just the memory of it made her smile. "Why are you smiling to yourself?" his soft question broke through her musings. She shook her head and said, "Kuch nahi..." not really being able to control the grin on her face. He looked at her for a moment and smirked saying, "You know right, that smiling for no reason at all, are signs of madness?" Her smile grew wider, thinking about his words. Yes she had lost it... she had gone mad... crazy... totally crazy... for the first time in her life.

She wanted to do things she had never done, wanted to feel emotions that were out of reach... wanted to dream of a life that she had never believed to be worthy of her... offcourse she was going crazy with her rapidly changing life. ARD had transformed her to become a confident and strong girl, who did not care about what the society thought or said anymore. She was done with that part of life. It was time for her to live life to her terms and if that sounded crazy, then offcourse she was crazy! She giggled at that thought, making Arnav look at her amusedly.

"Well I wish I could read minds... because the thought which is making you laugh like this... is definitely worth knowing," he mumbled, knowing well that he was getting distracted from driving, all thanks to this woman in red, who looked like a diva and behaved like a child. Such disparities, yet so endearing. "Nothing actually. I don't really want you to find out that inside this smart exterior, I am actually an idiot," she grinned at him cheekily. It was his time to laugh out loud, seeing a completely different side of Khushi... a side that seemed to be hidden behind that tough and timid outlook. However, his mind raced at the thought of why did she need to pretend to be someone she was not?

Due to nighttime, and the almost empty Delhi streets, they were close to Khushi's house, sooner than expected. She noticed her surroundings, guiding him somberly. Her mood had shifted just like that, the anxiousness making its treacherous return. She silently prayed for those regular Laxminagar losers, to be not around at this time of the night... especially the man named Shyam Jha. The car came to a halt at the junction from where they could not proceed ahead. Khushi quickly unbuckled her seatbelt and turned to Arnav's side to wish him goodnight. However, she sat shocked to see him already making his way to her side of the door. Damn! Why did he have to get out of the car?

Her eyes flitted across the dim lit streets, as she spotted Shyam's entire gang of goons cum friends. She cursed herself mentally to have landed herself in this situation... again... and this time with none other than Arnav Singh Raizada!! Will he hear her out and leave quietly like NK had? She hoped so. They had to stay in Laxminagar for a couple of weeks more, before they shifted into a new house she had almost finalized. Shyam had already threatened her once and she did not want to create a scene before they left this locality. Even though it would not be the end of her woes with Shyam, atleast being away from this neighbourhood would give her time to think of her next actions. Arnav opened the door and said, "Car mein hi rehna hai kya?" His smile made her even more nervous as she stepped out of the car on trembling feet.

"Aaj aur ek naya bakra? Kya baat hai Khushiji... aap toh apni maa se bhi tez nikli." There it began. Khushi closed her eyes for a moment, extremely pissed hearing those nasty words. She had the strong urge to punch that guy on his face... and maybe these emotions were stronger today, being in presence of someone who she knew would protect her at any cost. "What the!" She heard Arnav's shocked, loud voice... not an ounce of gentleness in it from earlier. She opened her eyes to look into those warm brown eyes... only to be shocked to see them clouded with extreme fury.

"Please Arnavji. Don't say or do anything. This is their usual habit. Let it go. I am changing my house soon... in a couple of weeks. Nanheji has been helping me out with finding a new flat. Please... please... please. Let it go. They are dangerous thugs. They can harm you... so please just get into your car and go. I will pakka manage," she pleaded desperately; knowing well that his anger was about to explode any moment.

"Now I know why you were refusing to marry me Khushiji! You get to land up with a new rich guy every day... why would you even want to settle for one?" she heard Shyam's angry words. He sounded jilted and jealous at her refusal. She knew his huge ego must have been taking a blow in front of his friends. And even before she could form a sharp retort in her fuzzy head, Arnav had charged towards Shyam, throwing a solid punch right across his face.

Khushi shrieked, "Arnavji... please... stop!" There was a sudden chaos, as Shyam fell to the floor, writhing in pain. His friends, charged at Arnav, as Arnav hit each one, fighting them off from holding him. His face was contorted in fury, his hands and legs flaying in the air, landing blows onto the entire group. Khushi could only look in sheer horror, as she saw Arnav fighting them off single handedly. Shyam's nose was bleeding as he wailed on the floor. A couple of his friends, rushed to pick him up. Soon, they realized that they were no match to Arnav's strength... his anger acting as a trigger to the adrenaline rush pumping through his body.

Some of them picked a battered Shyam up and dragged him away into a waiting car, to rush him to the hospital. The others merely scampered away, cursing loudly and waking up the entire neighbourhood. The lights in houses across the street came alive, to witness the midnight pandemonium. However, Khushi's eyes were trained on the man, who was now breathing raggedly, his gaze fixed on the retreating figures of the goons. When he finally looked into her eyes... that was the moment Khushi came out of her silent stupor.

"Are you crazy Arnavji? They were so many of them and they are extremely notorious. What if they would have harmed you? What were you thinking? Aapko kuch ho jaata toh?" she bit out angrily; looking at his bruised knuckles and disheveled state. Arnav took two steps towards her and replied furiously, "What is wrong with me you ask? Seriously Khushi? How long have you have been putting up with this s**t? How can you keep silent and listen to their bloody nonsense? And why the f**k are you still living in this shithole?"

"Because that is how most of the poor live, Arnavji. Not all of us are born with a silver spoon," she replied back, her eyes brimming with unshed tears, her breathing erratic and her voice trembling at the horror of what she had witnessed. "Khushi beta, come inside the house and talk." It was Garima's gentle voice that finally made Arnav and Khushi realize about their surroundings. Khushi glanced around, shocked to find people looking at them with sadistic interest. She knew they had provided enough food for gossip, for the next couple of weeks atleast.

Managing to tame her anger and her haywire emotions, she turned to Arnav and whispered pleadingly, "Arnavji, please come inside. Your hands are hurt... please." Seeing her moist eyes, simply broke Arnav's heart. The reality of her life... her lifestyle finally dawned on him, making him cringe at the thought of how this amazing girl managed to keep her innocence intact despite being surrounded by cruelty and covetousness. He felt a sudden surge of protectiveness towards her, wanting to keep her out of harms way, as his mind started planning and strategizing for the next steps.

He followed the two Gupta women, soon realizing that there was no man in their house. Khushi did not have a father? And what were all those losers talking about her mother? His mind seemed filled with those scarring taunts and snide remarks. His blood boiling at the memory of the man, who proclaimed to have been wanting to marry Khushi. How dare he? He stood outside the door, not wanting to enter their house at this time of the night. He knew that they had given enough show to this neighbourhood.

Getting a control over his emotions and thinking through his plan Arnav said, "Khushi, be ready to pack your bags and all the belongings tomorrow morning. I will be sending my men to your house. They will help you load all these heavy necessities and shift you into one of ARD's flat. And before you start arguing, let me tell you that I am doing this as a friend. Payal and NK regard you, much more than an employee now Khushi, please do not refuse. You can then look out for a flat for yourself. But right now it is a necessity that you leave this neighbourhood as soon as possible. It is unsafe and I do not trust any of those guys."

Khushi stood silent for a few moments and then whispered, "You don't have to do this. We can manage on our own. We don't need your help." Arnav knew this was her defense mechanism kicking in. He did not know the entire story, however, he had now started understanding the reasons for her low self-esteem, her need to be independent and not being able to trust others. He knew she would not listen to him so easily and hence he had to use the emotional blackmailing card. "Do you want me to tell Payal about all this Khushi? She is flying off to her honeymoon and you know she will shove away all plans to put some sense into your brain."

Khushi gasped at his audacity to use Payal's name in such time of crisis. No wonder he was one of the renowned businessman's in Delhi. He could easily get his way while making deals, making the other person, relent to his demands. She went through the options that she had. They were anyways looking out for a flat and had shortlisted it. It would not be too bad to move into a temporary accommodation, considering the ruckus they had created a while ago. This time Shyam was not going to sit down quietly and she knew sooner or later he would be back for vengeance. She had seen a glimpse of his evil side today... his face contorted with hatred.

Nodding in approval before responding, she said, "Fine. We will move into ARD's flat... but only if you are willing to take the rent for the period of our stay." Arnav's lips quirked up in amusement. Khushi was much more feistier than he anticipated and it somehow made his respect for her rise multifold. "Done," he said and then turned his focus onto the woman, who was watching this entire conversation silently. Garima was taking in the easy camaraderie between Khushi and this man... the entire incident feeling surreal.

"I am Arnav Singh Raizada, Khushi's boss... NK, Akash and Payal's cousin. I had just come to drop Khushi home. However, everything seemed to go out of hand. I am sorry for everything that happened aunty. I did not intend to create a scene. But trust me that this neighbourhood is not safe for the two of you anymore and I cannot put you in harms way," Arnav said a little awkwardly, making Garima smile at his hesitation.

She took a couple of steps towards him and said softly, "It is fine beta. I understand. Infact you have no idea how happy I feel today. For the first time in my life, someone has stood up for us... doing everything in their capability to protect us. I am truly grateful. But first, let me nurse your wound. Your hand is bleeding and it should not remain unattended." He was blown away by her gentleness and guile... finally understanding from where Khushi gets her innocence.

Arnav shook his head in denial and said, "No no aunty. I have to rush back to the reception now. I am already very late and I am sure my maasi will be very worried. I will take care of the wounds as soon as I reach the venue." He added as a promise, seeing Garima's worried face. Turning once again to look at Khushi, who stood silently, her body now drooping in exhaustion, he said, "I have got to go but please lock all the doors and windows securely. And please take care. If you need anything else, just give me a call, okay? My men will be there at your doorstep first thing in the morning."

She gave him a small smile, as he controlled the urge to pull her in for a hug. She looked so small, so unnerved that he felt the desperate need to comfort her. He stormed away from the house, managing to keep a check on these thoughts that could only add to the mess he had already made. How had this beautiful night turned so ugly? Getting into the car, he reversed it, glancing one last time at Khushi's house to see her standing by the door looking at him. Even through the darkness, all he saw was her glowing face and the fragile form of a girl draped in a flaming red saree. It was an image that he knew would haunt him for the days to come.

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Khushi lay silently in her bed, staring at the ceiling. So much had happened on one evening, turning her life upside down. Flashes of the wedding, the grand celebration, happy faces of Payal and Akash, NK's hassled state, Arnav's intense gaze, the unwavering connection that they shared, his touch, his smile, Manorama's loving words... everything seemed to be out of a dream world. A life she had never imagined. A life she had never expected. A life, which was so unlike hers... that it seemed surreal and fictitious.

Her thoughts drifted to Shyam and his vile words. How could he demean her to such extent? Her fears had come alive, when she had seen Arnav charge at Shyam. She recollected how a few weeks ago, even though furious, NK had relented to her demand of not getting into an ugly fight. However, Arnav seemed to be in a daze... her words falling on deaf ears. She had never seen him so angry and never had she been so happy either.

In the deepest corner of her heart, a small spark of hope had been ignited in that moment. Not one person in this world had ever stood up for her. No one had defended her virtue, which was badgered time and again. Nobody had wanted to protect her. She had always been alone in her fight against the world. So damaged had she been with relationships, that when Arnav had offered her help, she had instinctively refused. Did anyone in this world help without a hidden motive? She was not used to relying on someone. She wasn't used to trusting someone. Yet, she finally had... reveling in those protective words from Arnav.

She sighed thinking that this would be her last night in this house. Despite all that had happened over the years, she felt choked and drained. However badly this neighbourhood had treated them, she had a treasure chest full of memories in this house. However cruelly the world treated her and her mother, inside these four walls, they had built a home for themselves. It was a place where they belonged... a place they owned and a place they called their home for most of her lifetime.

"He is a good boy," Garima whispered bringing Khushi out of her thoughts, realizing that her mother was awake too. "Can't sleep?" she asked gently, turning to face her mother, completely ignoring her statement about Arnav. Garima smiled knowingly and said, "I am glad you have found such wonderful friends Khushi. It gives me immense satisfaction, that there are people who are out there to take care of you... especially when I am not around." Khushi could not help but voice out her fears to her only support system, "Amma... I am scared."

Garima panicked a bit asking worriedly, "Why beta? Kya hua?" Khushi shook her head and held her mothers wrinkled hand in her own saying, "I am scared to trust amma. I am scared to accept all of this happiness. I am scared to allow all these people into my life... my heart... because I fear they will break it eventually. Am I bad in thinking this way about those people... who have only but supported me?" The tremor in Khushi's voice made Garima feel dreadful for her daughter. Khushi's life had been a reflection of Garima's life... and as any mother would, she wanted it to take on a different course... towards happiness.

Running her hand over her head, Garima now sat against the headboard of the bed, taking Khushi's head on her lap... just like she always liked. "Don't be scared Khushi... you are my brave child. You deserve all this happiness and more. I am glad that it is finally here... even though it took a while to reach your face... that smile is so beautiful, which I have seen so often in these past few months. What happened with you father..."

She was abruptly stopped by Khushi who bit out, "He is not my father amma... please." Garima nodded in understanding and continued, "Whatever happened in our past Khushi... do not let it flow into your present... It will only taint your future. This world comprises of good as well as bad people. Our one experience should not prejudice our opinions about everyone. How will you know what lies beyond the horizons, if you do not take your first step towards it, beta. Let your heart decide what is right and what is wrong. Even though it might take you through rough patches... it finally lands you in your fated destination."

Garima looked down at her daughter, who was now snoring lightly. She smiled tenderly, seeing Khushi's peaceful face... the day's exhaustion finally catching up on her daughter. Today a mother had been witness to something, which she had never ever hoped for. Arnav and Khushi's bond, even though unknown to the two of them... was so potent and expressive... that Garima had seen the connection they shared. She had seen extreme possessiveness and protectiveness in his eyes for Khushi and like every mother; her heart hoped that her old eyes had not betrayed her. Time would eventually make everything fine for her beloved daughter.

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Part 11