#2 Arhi FF : Limerence [ Completed ] - Page 70

Limerence : Part 14

Khushi sat on the small wooden bench on the extreme end of the temple. In the massive capital of India, which flaunted a range of highly striking places... this was the only place, which brought Khushi some solace. Since their shift from Lucknow to Delhi, she had been a regular visitor to this temple and made sure to spend some time with herself on this very bench. However, today she was unaware of her surroundings. The temple premises were deserted at this time of the day, yet she felt suffocated... an emptiness engulfing her from within.

The receding monsoon had started making its presence felt, as dark clouds loomed low in the sky. It was a poetic rendition of her state of mind... exactly like the dark thoughts that overwhelmed her heart. Her phone had been ringing incessantly since the time she had left ARD. Yet she lacked the will to swipe that trembling finger across the screen to talk to anyone... to let anybody into the whirlwind of her emotions... to seek an anchor before she drowned in her own sorrow. Why had the man who she thought would bring her out of her gloom, only added fuel to fire?

Yes she admitted to herself, as she sat silently... that seeing Arnav hugging Lavanya, had affected her like nothing else. Her already scattered wits had made it impossible to see sense through the sheen of tears, which she had been desperately trying to control. First the awful thought of going to Lucknow and then the horrid image of the hug, flashed in a loop. Why was this place not calming her today? Why was she not feeling the peace that her Devi Maiyya's presence always brought along? Like the others, had her favourite goddess abandoned her too? Where was she going to go now? Who would she turn to... to feel the soft cocoon of comfort?

Thoughts swirled in her head, as her throat choked on unshed tears. Everything seemed to be hazy, as her eyes focused on nothing in particular. She sat lonely... the bench that had been her companion for years, did not help soothe her wounds today. The truth of her existence, about how her father had abandoned her... that she was used to by now. But this newfound throbbing in her heart caught her unawares, making her lose the strong control she usually had on her emotions. Sighing in defeat at fate, she slumped more into the seat, raising her eyes towards the thundering sky, which was almost on the verge of a heavy downpour.

That is exactly how Arnav found her, as he rushed into the temple premises. He took in a fractured breath, realizing that he had forgotten to breathe all this time. His heart pounded in his chest, threatening to leap out... his eyes languidly tracing every detail of her sullen face. She looked distraught and he felt unhinged at the sheer pain that stung his irrational heart... seeing her like this. Was he the cause of her grief? Or was there more to it? He did not know how to approach her, yet he could not stay away from her either. Now that he had found her, he was never going to let her go... even if it cost him his own ideologies and beliefs.

Taking quick strides forward, he reached her within moments. She startled, as he stood in front of her... tall... towering and fuming. The rage and worry was back, racing through his body, at the fear he had experienced in the past hour. Fear... of losing her... fear of not knowing what was troubling her... and fear of the magnitude of his own emotions. "How dare you just walk out of ARD like that? What is wrong with you? Tumhe kuch ho jaata toh? You know how worried I was? Before I could explain anything, you just ran away!!" Arnav screamed, as he pulled her up by the shoulders, shaking her out of her silent stupor.

The angry bite in his words was her undoing as she pushed at him. "How dare you scream at me? Waise bhi humein kuch ho jaata toh aapko kya farak padta hai?" she glared equally, making him stumble seeing her so furious. It was beyond his control as emotions brimmed through words, "Mujhe farak padta hai dammit! Kyonki main..." he stopped abruptly, shocked at where his words were headed. A vein throbbed in his temple, as his throat clogged and unclogged. Taking in a deep breath, he tried to reign in his anger... knowing well that one of them needed to have the cooler head. And considering how distraught she was, he knew she needed him right now.

"Khushi... Lavanya and me are just friends. We were never dating and it was just an arrangement for the media to see, so that they would leave me alone and not tag with every woman that they see me with. Similarly, my name helped her in getting offers from a lot of international brands and that is all that is to our so-called relationship. What you saw in my cabin was just a goodbye hug, Khushi... I swear," he pleaded desperately, wanting to convince her of his innocence. Even he had no clue why he needed her to believe him. Yet it was something that he wished with his heart.

Khushi took in his words silently, her scattered thoughts finding the right alignment before she could begin talking again. She wanted to tell him that it was ok... that seeing him with Lavanya was not the only reason of her torment... that she had walked into his cabin to tell him about why she could not go to Lucknow. However, nothing seemed to be coming out of her parched mouth. The words were stuck right where the pain began and without a thought... all she could do was fling herself, into the arms that she knew would catch her without doubt. And she was not disappointed, as his arms ensconced her into his warmth... the safe haven where she somehow felt she would not have to pretend to be brave anymore.

With that thought the dam broke, as tears flowed with vengeance. She sobbed into his chest, holding onto him for her life, clutching onto his suit as if only Arnav could save her from drowning in her own sorrow. Her body wracked with sobs as she felt his arms hold her closer, soothing her, comforting her... giving her everything she needed in this moment. He was silently supporting her, not once questioning... giving her the time to gather herself and tell him the reason for her torment. His heart broke seeing her so fragile and unhinged. He felt her pain... deep... scarring and inflaming. Managing to gulp down a few sobs, she mumbled into his chest, "I am not an orphan Arnavji. I don't have a father because I have never had one." His arms stiffened, and she felt the sudden difference in his hold. Yet she knew, she had to do this. She did not know why, but he had to know... whatever the consequences be!

"I am an illegitimate child, Arnavji," she whispered brokenly and upturned her face, her painfully tormented hazel eyes, clashing with his clouded brown ones. His heart had twisted hearing her confession. His stiffening was a result of the shock he felt, hearing the truth of her life. Arnav knew baring herself like this to him, would not have been easy. However, he was unsure of this untimely outbreak of her emotions. What had suddenly led her to become so distressed? He looked into her eyes deeply, that were brimming with tears of the last shreds of hope, she had left within her. He knew this look far too well. Wasn't it how he had clutched onto his mother's leg, while she was leaving him for good? Looking up at his mother, the small child had pleaded with hope, asking for affection in return, only to be harshly put to the ground by reality.

She was illegitimate... F**k! His mind made quick work to join the dots. Two women living alone... those nasty comments against Khushi's mother... Khushi's independent streak... her talking about being the man of the family. How much had this woman gone through since birth? How long had these women being suffering at the hands of this cruel society? He had been privy to such remarks as a child when his mother had left him. However, he had seen his father fight against the world, with such conviction and arrogance, that everyone who seemed to be lurking around for gossip, had been silenced. He knew that would not have been the case for these women, as this society manages to target the weak and find sadistic pleasure in their torment.

His arms involuntarily tightened themselves around her quivering form, pulling her flush into him. Neither of them was aware of the intimacy that oozed from their stance. They were standing like this in broad daylight, at a local temple where anyone could spot them easily. However, their minds had phased out the world and were only attuned to the other... one seeking comfort while the other struggling to give everything he had. Arnav pulled away from the hug and saw the sudden drooping of Khushi's shoulders, as if she had expected him to judge her too... like the rest of the world did. He cupped her face tilted it upwards, to make her look right into his eyes, as he said with extreme gentleness, "Shhh... Khushi. First and foremost... please stop crying. I cannot see you in tears, because Khushi is only meant to smile... be happy and spread happiness. So wipe those tears away and tell me what is bothering you."

She seemed to relax in his hold a bit, as her trembling fingers rose to wipe away the tears from her face. She looked like a small child and his heart hurt to see her distraught. His hands rose on their own accord, brushing away the wisps of hair that were upsetting her. She hiccupped and he was quick enough to ask, "Do you want water?" She shook her head in denial as he made her sit onto the wooden bench. He sat silently besides her, far enough to give her space and close enough to lend her his support.

She looked at the huge structure of the temple and murmured, "My mother met that man in Lucknow. She was working in his company and he seemed to have promised her a lifetime of happiness, dreams of a future together, marriage and everything that an orphan ever dreamed of. She truly loved him and believed in everything he said. However, when he came to know that amma was pregnant with me, he showed his true colours. He refused to have had any relationship with her. She pleaded, she begged and he threatened to destroy her if she did not abort the child. Unfortunately for him, it was too late and amma was thankful that it was impossible to abort. He threw her out of his company, demeaned her in front of everyone, making it sound like she was the one seducing him."

Khushi choked on her words, feeling anew, every pain her mother might have gone through. If even talking about it made her so tormented, she could not imagine how much her amma had suffered to give birth and to protect her. Arnav's arm immediately shot across her shoulder, pulling her into himself and she fit into the sheath of his arms, perfectly... as if she was meant to be right there, all her life. His eyes were moist hearing about how much a mother could go through for her child. In that one moment, his perception of all mothers... all women changed. Yes he had been unlucky, his past was not very happy either... yet he had a lot of people to love and support him. Who did Khushi and her mother have? Life was so cruel to the most kind-hearted people, testing their determination and willpower, he mused.

After a few moments of silent sniffles, she continued in a broken voice, which broke Arnav's heart as well. "We lived in Lucknow for eight years after I was born, but then the people just would not let us be. Every moment, every occasion and every opportunity they got, it was gloriously used to taunt and demean us. Amma was having trouble to meet two ends, with changing jobs every time anyone tried to hit on her." Arnav's hand curled up in anger. How much more had these two to go through? He now not only admired Garima as Khushi's mother but as a woman as well. Despite all the difficulties in her life, she had raised Khushi so beautifully. She had not let the bitterness creep into their lives, keeping themselves innocent and untouched by the vileness of this world. Respect. That is what he felt for the two.

"With the help of a distant mamaji and a few of amma's relatives, we shifted to Delhi. Initially things were very good, and we were happy to have left our past behind. But then how could we be so foolish to believe that? Gossip spreads like wildfire, consuming everyone in its wake. People in Laxminagar started talking about my identity too and soon we had to face a repeat of what we were going through in Lucknow. However, now we were stronger and prepared. I was growing up with a strong determination to study hard and begin work quickly, so I can relive amma of all her duties. She has done a lot for me Arnavji and I cannot see her going to her workplace anymore, to be demeaned and taunted repeatedly," Khushi whispered brokenly.

Tears that clung to her long lashes, brought tears to his eyes. He had never seen her so closely... physically. Yet all he could think of, was how emotionally connected he felt to her in this moment. She had shared her deepest secrets with him and he knew how difficult that would have been. She had trusted him enough to let him into her heart that was filled with so much suffering and pain, that he pledged to wipe every freaking trace of that pain... away from her life... from her amma's life. Getting a control over his emotions, he whispered, "Is that why you came to see me Khushi? To tell me that you didn't want to go to Lucknow for the fashion show?"

She looked up at his face, his eyes glowing with tenderness. She nodded into his chest and closed her eyes for a few moments. Peace. She felt at utter peace to have shared her sorrows... to her friend... a man who had only ever supported her. And even now she had not seen an ounce of judgment in his eyes. He hadn't cringed or pushed her away. But neither had he voiced his thoughts. What did he think about her? Now that he knew about her... did he feel she or her mother were at fault too? Did he find them characterless? Was he thinking that her closeness to him, was a trap? She pushed away suddenly, breaking out of the comfort of his arms and shot up from the bench. Turning around, she asked him flatly, "Do you blame us too for whatever happened, Arnavji?"

He had been stunned at her sudden movement and had felt the loss of her softness. Her question, though taking him by surprise, had also been expected. He had started figuring out the workings of that tiny brain of hers and he knew exactly what he had wanted to say to her since she had told him, her story. "Offcourse I blame you, Khushi." His words hit her like a whiplash as she staggered back. He was quick to pull her by the shoulders, making her look right into his eyes. "I blame you for not telling either NK, Payal or me about your problems in these past seven months. I blame you for bravely taking on the entire world all by yourself even now, when your friends are ready to stand by you. I blame you for even thinking that any of us will force you to go to Lucknow, when you clearly do not want to. And I blame you for crying for that man, who does not deserve even a drop of this precious tear," he said, as he gently lifted the lone tear that had rolled down her cheek onto his fingertip and held it in front of her with a smile.

Through the gloom that had settled around her, through her misty eyes... she smiled. It was a smile that lit up her eyes and made his heart skip a beat. "I am not used to this... this... this compassion, this comfort, this friendship. I... I didn't know what to do when I heard about the venue. I simply lost control on my mind and all I could think of was coming to you... to tell you everything. I am not used to this feeling of need, either," she said truthfully, her breathing getting even and sobs receding. "Then get used to it," he whispered close to her face as he pulled her into his arms again, protecting her from even her own fears. A drop of rain splattered on his forehead, as he looked up towards the heaven, silently praying for the happiness of the woman in his arms.

Within seconds, the skies had begun their downpour, showering their love on the two parched souls on earth. Arnav tightened his hold on Khushi, who seemed to be least affected by the torrent of rain. It soothed her more than anything else, as he himself cooled down. His body loosened up, and for the first time he became aware of the soft petite form that was cushioned within the circle of his arms... her softness pressing into his hardness. His hands moved over her back in soothing circles, lulling her out of her distress.

His emotions were on a different high, as her sorrow felt like his own. It seeped through her into his pores. Despite being two different people, he felt like their pain was one. He knew she affected him. But today, he realized just how much! It scared him out of his wits, yet it felt right, it felt perfect and it definitely felt a lot like love. The realization did not scare him surprisingly. Instead it strengthened his will to hold her tighter. It brought along a sense of relief and determination to protect his happiness, which was now connected to hers. A few moments later, he pulled away from the hug and gently held her stunned face. He leaned in, to drop a tender kiss on her forehead. A simple gesture that meant nothing to some... yet meant the beginning of something special, to the two people who stood unfazed by the heavy downpour.

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Payal and NK halted in their tracks looking at the scene unfolding in front of them. Payal gasped, seeing the blazing intimacy between Arnav and Khushi. The duo seemed unaware of their surroundings and oblivious to the heavy rains. She dared to peek at NK, who stood stoic. His face gave away nothing yet she knew the emotional upheaval her brother-in-law was going through. She placed a comforting hand over his shoulder. He startled and looked over at Payal's penetrating gaze. He would be lying if he said that he was unaffected. He felt a gaping hollow in his heart, which seemed to be widening by the minute. His heartbreak was too raw and fresh, to even be able to pretend.

He gave Payal a small smile, letting her know that he was fine. Payal could see the burn in his eyes and knew instantly how much of this current situation was affecting him. Clearing her throat, she called out, "Khushi... Arnav!" That had the desired effect, as the duo suddenly pulled away from each other. Payal rushed to Khushi with her umbrella and said admonishingly, "You gave us a real scare woman! What were you thinking when you disappeared like this without a word! All of us have been so worried. It is unlike you to behave this way, Khushi. What happened?" Khushi stuttered with words, unsure if she could go through the turmoil of confrontations, all over again. There was nothing to hide from Payal. As much as she had let Arnav into her world, Payal and NK were a significant part of it too.

Arnav came to her rescue and said, "Lets get her home first. We are completely drenched, and I cannot afford any one of us falling sick right before the fashion show. So come on, get into the cars and let's go." Payal took it as a cue to not ask anything further. She knew Arnav would brief them about it later. As all four of them, moved towards the road, NK could not stop himself from asking, "Khushi, you are ok right?" She looked at him and gave him a small yet genuine smile, saying, "I am fine Nanheji... and I am sorry to have caused you'll so much worry." He shook his head, telling her silently, that there was no need to apologize and he would be there for her, whenever she needed him... if ever she needed him.

Arnav urged Payal and NK to return back to office, while he decided to drop Khushi off to ARD quarters. He knew that today's day had been extremely draining for her. She not only needed to change out of her wet clothes, but also needed to change her sullen mood. And what better than being in the comforting company of her mother. He looked over at her shivering form. She was peering out of the window, silently gazing at the passing landscape. Her face was puffy and red with all the crying from earlier. Making up his mind to speak his heart, he whispered, "Khushi, I know everything about your past... but despite it, I think you should come to Lucknow."

She turned to look at him, shock clearly evident on her face. She could not believe that he was actually saying those words. Even after knowing what she was going through at the mention of that forsaken city, he wanted her to actually visit it? All she could mumble was his name in question... "Arnavji??" He slowed the speed at which he was driving and replied calmly, "Khushi. I know how affected you are by Lucknow. Trust me when I say that nobody else could understand this pain more than me... knowing about the man who disowned you and your mother. He was the unlucky one... the undeserving one. But I have seen the strength in you Khushi. I have seen the hope of a bright future in your eyes. I know how you have always stood up against this world, who has tried to suppress you time and again."

She was listening to him attentively and was unsure of where he was heading. She felt this uneasy tension in him, as if his life had a similar history to be told. "Khushi, do not let your past overshadow your present or future. I know it's easier said than done, but let it go... just let everything go and live your life to your terms. By fearing to go to Lucknow, you are letting that vile man win, Khushi. He did not for a moment think about you... and all your life you have paid for his follies. Now it is time to throw him out of your life for good. You should begin with visiting the city, which essentially began your story. We are with you Khushi... you are no more alone. I promise to not let you out of my sight even for a minute. I am not forcing you Khushi... I would never. I am merely suggesting and I do hope you think over it," Arnav said with earnest emotions.

He knew Khushi was one of the strongest women he had ever met, and he wanted her to break through all her fears, rising above them as a winner... the way she deserved. Khushi tried to look through the facade of his words, trying to know his true intentions. No one ever had stood up like a fortress before her... defending her, protecting her. It was the first time she felt safe and comforted within the confines of his arms. In the last one-hour or so, she knew they had taken a hundred steps towards each other, diminishing all formality between them. It unnerved her, yet reassured her. How was that even possible? There were a lot of things she had to sort in her head. A lot of things were changing rapidly and she needed to put things in perspective to move forward in her life.

Making up her mind to give his suggestion a definite thought, she nodded and replied, "I will think about it Arnavji, I promise. This fashion show is very important to me as well. I want to be a part of it and enjoy these new experiences. Aap rahenge na humare saath?" Her innocent question was his undoing as he replied with emotion, "Hamesha." She smiled at him and then got back to looking out of the window. A few moments passed by silently, both lost in thoughts of their own. They had almost reached home, and he was pulling into the car park of ARD quarters when her hesitant question broke through his reverie, "Why did you tell me about Lavanyaji? I wasn't upset because of it. Infact I am sorry to have barged into your cabin without knocking. You didn't have to tell me about... hmmm... about you'll."

His lips broke out into a grin, naughtiness twinkling in his brown eyes. She averted her gaze, as she knew... that he knew... she was blatantly lying. Unbuckling his seatbelt, he moved towards her to unbuckle hers. Drawing her expectant face into his hands, he pulled her closer and placed a tender kiss on her forehead, mumbling... "I needed you to know... about Lavanya and me... that there is nothing between us." She closed her eyes reveling in the soft touch of his lips, that sparked an unknown fire in the pit of her stomach. Her breathing heightened, as he peered into her hazel eyes to see intense desire swirling within them, mirroring his own. A deep hue of red tinged her already flushed cheeks. She must have shivered, bringing his focus onto her wet clothes.

Pulling away, he swiftly got out of the car, coming over to her side, to help her out. "What are you doing? I can go up by myself," she said as he held her hand within his and walked towards the elevators. Getting into one, he pressed the button to their floor and turned to look directly at her. "I promised your mother that I would get you home safely. I am only home-delivering my promise... literally!" he teased and smiled at her. This new ease they felt around each other was exhilarating. The distances between them rapidly ceased to exist, the conventions melting with time.

Two people who were unaware of the others existence till a few months back, were now irrevocably tied to each other... by heart, by sorrow, by comfort, by trust, by emotions so strong that nothing could come in the way of their happiness. The elevator pinged and Arnav swiftly pulled Khushi along with him, to ring the bell. An anxious Garima opened the door, whose focus first went to her daughter's smiling face and then to her hand, held comfortingly by Arnav. "You take the day off today, Khushi. I want you to spend time with your mother. I will see you in office tomorrow and call me if you need anything... ok?" Arnav said, while quickly making his way back to ARD. Garima pulled her daughter into her arms, as Khushi clung onto her mother... the tears that had subsided, renewed with force once again. "Amma...," her broken cry, broke Garima's heart. The two women clung to each other, trying to find that one glimmer of happiness in their lives... who Garima knew for sure, was finally here!

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Part 15