#4 Arhi FF : Limerence [ Completed ] - Page 13

Limerence : Part 23

Soft sunrays filtered through the fluttering curtains. Khushi scrunched her face to block away the light. There was a lingering smile on her face and as the haze of dreams cleared... a pair of entrancing eyes flashed in front of her eyes. How long had they sat huddled together, talking about nothing... everything? Last night had been magical and the speed at which things were happening, she felt overwhelmed yet happy and content. It felt like all the sorrows were left far behind, the trials, the tribulations a thing of the past. Did love make life more beautiful?

She knew the answer to that question. It was not about who you loved... it was about who loved you back. And Arnav Singh Raizada was a dream man. She sighed feeling blissful and looked at her phone to gasp at the time. It was already past ten. Why was Payal not back yet? Was she feeling okay? It was then that a thought struck her. How had she landed up in her bed? The last she remembered was that Arnav and she, were talking about her ongoing embroidery courses and its curriculum. Then she must have dosed off... and he brought her to the bedroom and tucked her in bed? The thought made her blush again.

Getting off from the cozy comfort of the bed, she decided to shower quickly, before going to check on Payal... and of course her Arnavji. A steamy hot shower and a refreshing cup of tea later, Khushi rummaged through the suite and packed her bags. It was time to go back home, to her amma. With a smile on her face, she dialed her mother's phone and waited for it to be picked up. "Khushi bitiya," she heard her mother's soothing voice as tears brimmed in her eyes. She suddenly missed her mother and wanted to drag her, into her bubble of happiness. "Amma... I miss you. We have a flight at four in the evening, so I should be back home by eight. I am so happy amma... this trip was beautiful. I am glad I made the decision to come here. I am so so happy," Khushi could not control her joy.

Garima smiled into the phone and said, "Oh bitiya, how wonderful you sound. I have been craving to hear this joy and freedom in your voice for years. For the first time in my life, I feel like you are sounding your age. Meri bacchi. I am truly happy and I miss you too. Jaldi wapis aana Khushi." Khushi nodded into the phone, wiping away a tear and said, "I will be back tonight amma... I have so much to tell you." She ended the call and smiled at the thought of telling her mother, how much had changed in this last week. There had been so many firsts, scattered across these days. And despite the happiness bubbling within her, she knew her mother would have to know about Rakesh Kapoor and how the man had only but ever been a fraud.

Brushing away thoughts that would plummet her mood, she glanced at herself in the mirror and gaped at the woman standing in front of her. She had never looked so beautiful, so happy. The frown lines were gone and she suddenly looked her age. How was Payal going to react today morning? Would she tease her for the constant blush marring her cheeks? How would she face Arnav? The memory of those relentless kisses sparked something unknown within her. If she was bold enough to admit it to herself... then she wanted more... much more.

Gathering herself to face the teasing faces of Payal, Akash and NK, she walked out of their suite to the one opposite theirs. To her surprise the door was partially open. However, she had never imagined seeing the faces that had always dazzled her with happiness... so pale and uneasy. What had happened overnight? Was everything all right? And where was Arnavji? A dread filled up her heart as she walked in, searching the vast hall for his face... who she knew would bring back some peace to her suddenly anxious heart. He stood in the balcony, talking on the phone. A memory from last night filled her mind, fighting with this cruel one. As he turned, she saw first surprise and then a distinct pain in his eyes, which made her gasp. Her heart new it... something was terribly terribly wrong!!

-----------------------------------

The morning had been like hell; absolutely contrasting to the heaven he had experienced last night. At four in the morning, after he had comfortably tucked Khushi into her bed, he had strutted tiredly into his suite. He had slipped in besides an inelegantly snoring NK and immediately fallen off to sleep. Despite the fatigue of the last few weeks, this had been the best sleep he had ever had. With his past put to rest, and the beautiful future on the right track, he was happy and content. It was the shrill ring of his phone that had woken him up from his dreamy sleep... the dreams dissipating within seconds of his tryst with reality.

It had been Aman, calling to let him know about the huge picture of his kissing Khushi, that had been published in one of the most reputed newspaper of Delhi. The coverage had been of the fashion show and the merger with RK Enterprise... but the spotlight had been of the current lady in the arms of one of India's most eligible bachelors. Anger like never before had surged through his veins, his heart pumping blood at a maddening rate. Getting up roughly from the bed, he had smashed the table lamp onto the floor... waking up the other occupants of the suite.

Red! He had seen red... when he actually had the copy of the newspaper in his trembling hands. It was one of the most explicit photos to be published in a daily, and if he knew better, it had to be done by someone who had the money and the power to use their connections. And whoever it was, Arnav vowed to hunt them down and destroy them. He did not care about his reputation and what the world talked about him. This was about Khushi... his Khushi... the woman he loved... a woman who had suffered enough of embarrassment and taunts for a lifetime. How was he going to protect her from this ruthless world? This thought had been distressing him since the past few hours and as he looked at her confused and anxious eyes, he felt unhinged and helpless.

He walked towards her in quick strides and engulfed her into a hug. How desperately he had been craving for her warmth, to spread through his frozen body... a chill that had frozen his heart as well. He was unaware of his family being a witness to this intimacy. All he cared was to shelter Khushi from all harm. How was he going to do that now... now that this explicit picture of him and her had become fodder for unwanted gossip? Hadn't she suffered enough already? This humiliation would kill her... and what about her mother? A million questions swirled around his head with no answers what so ever.

It was her feeble voice that broke through his reverie, "Kya hua hai Arnavji? Why is everyone so tensed? Please bataiye mujhe." Her quivering voice was his undoing, as he pulled away and ran a frustrated hand through his already mussed up hair. "Khushi..." he whispered, words failing him completely. How could he tell her something that he knew would break her, torment her and possibly destroy whatever the remains of her self-esteem were? He hoped, he prayed that she was stronger... stronger than he knew her to be. "What is it?" she asked anxiously, fearing the worst.

He sighed and led her to the sofa, where Payal and NK were already seated. Holding her by her hands, he made her sit and kneeled in front of her... a posture similar to the one last night. But alas, such drastic difference one night had made in their circumstances. Making up his mind, he sighed wistfully, looked into her eyes and said, "Khushi, there is a picture of you and me in the newspaper today... and it is extremely personal and explicit... something that was taken unawares, capturing a personal moment." He paused taking in her expression, which still remained confused and worried.

"Oh for Gods sake Arnav, just show her the damn newspaper," NK snapped and thrust the copy of Delhi Times, into Khushi's hand, which she had withdrawn from Arnav's. An outraged gasp escaped her lips. No! This could not be happening to her. The troubles and trauma was over. She had just tasted happiness and this is not how she expected her life to pan out. The most beautiful moment of her life... a moment so private and intimate, had suddenly turned crude and embarrassing. What were people going to say? How would she face everyone... her amma... Payal... Nanheji?? Why was her life subjected to humiliation and suffering? Was she so unworthy, that she did not deserve any happiness in the world?

Overwhelmed with sadness, her trembling fingers dropped the newspaper on the floor as tears rolled down her face. She buried her face in her hands and cried. "Khushi... Khushi please don't cry... Khushi..." Arnav begged, trying to pry away her hands from her face. His heart ached seeing her pain and anger surged through him like venom, wanting to destroy the person who was responsible for this. As Khushi continued to sob, Payal pulled her closed and hugged her for comfort. She silently gestured Arnav, to let Khushi cry... it would make her feel lighter. With a frustrated groan Arnav moved away and let Payal comfort Khushi.

Dialing up Aman's number he barked into the phone, "Anything yet Aman?... No I don't get this. This is absolutely ridiculous and an invasion of privacy. I am shocked at how Times Group could actually allow this kind of a photograph to be published. I am sure there are political strings attached to this... and if I am not mistaken... I want you to find out if Shyam Jha or his father were involved. And the most important thing... sack our current investigation agency. No Aman... if Shyam Jha is actually involved in this matter... it is their failure. They have failed to give us exact details about his whereabouts and transactions. I want you to find me a new one asap and brief them about Shyam. I will be meeting with them once I am back in Delhi. I need immediate action."

By the time he turned around, Khushi's crying had subsided and she was looking at him through tearful eyes. "Shyam?" she asked like a small innocent child. Anger once again coursed through his body at the thought of someone, trying to taint this beautiful, innocent woman. "I have been keeping an eye on him since you told me about him Khushi. There was no chance I would have let him, hurt you. But seems like I have failed... and how!!" Arnav gritted through clenched teeth. He had never been so furious. Never had he felt this deep anger towards anyone... not even Rakesh Kapoor. The world that had seemed so right just a day ago, had shifted and seemed to be splintering in front of his eyes.

There would be questions directed towards him... but more so towards Khushi. Wasn't that how this society functioned? Blaming the girl for everything. The employees of ARD were bound to talk... and the worse was what Khushi's mother would feel looking at this picture. Despite a clear conscience... he hated the fact that because of him... so many fingers would be pointed at Khushi... demeaning her, tainting her purity once again. He kept praying silently to keep her strong and positive. He would do everything in his might to protect her.

"What would he gain out of this Arnavji? This does not even make sense. He wanted to marry me... with this... all I will do is hate him some more," Khushi said, trying to think things through, her heart beating rapidly in her chest with fear. Before Arnav could answer her, there was a knock at the door and Akash walked in with a few papers in his hands. "Arnav, our tickets are booked and that means we have to leave now, to take the next flight to Delhi. Payal, NK and Khushi can come by the next flight," he said calmly, giving Khushi a small smile.

Arnav nodded and turned towards Khushi saying, "I need to head back to Delhi before you do. The media will hound me and ask me questions. If we travel together, you will be caught in the crossfire and I do not want that. We will decide on the next course of action once I have a word with Times Group and my investigators. Will you be ok Khushi?" She nodded sadly, not wanting him to actually go. His presence gave her the strength to face anything... and she dreaded to be without him.

As if reading her thoughts, he cupped her face and asked, "Khushi, I swear I do not want to leave you like this. But I have to... I need to make things all right. I will be there to receive you at the airport and take you home. I will speak to you mother, along with you. I promise to be by your side throughout this ordeal. You trust me right?" His plea was so sincere and earnest, that Khushi blinked back her tears and nodded, freeing him from the burden of her worry. She had been through hell and come out a winner... and she would keep fighting till happiness makes its way into her life, permanently. Placing a soft kiss on her forehead, he walked towards his room to get his already packed bag and silently bid goodbye.

Arnav's ashen face was a revelation in itself, all the way back to Delhi. His mind was occupied with the tormented face of Khushi... the eyes that had bewitched him last night... were sad and resigned when he left. The next few days were going to be trying. And what worried him most was their fragile relationship... that had just started breathing freely, was snapped back to this harsh reality. If Shyam was behind all of this... he would definitely suffer. But then, there was someone else who was helping him out. The photograph was taken at Sheesh Mahal, in a secluded area, hidden from the prying eyes of everyone. Even though he had an inkling who it might be, he refused to doubt without proof. It was a matter of time, before the culprit would be in front of him.

With great difficulty, he managed to dodge the greedy media outside the airport. These people were ruthless, hounding for some bruised piece of meat everyday. His heart worried at the thought of Khushi being troubled by them and made a quick call to add extra security for her, when she would drive out of Sheesh Mahal. Getting a grip on himself, he said, "Akash, you go home and narrate the entire story to maasi. I know she will be worried and inquisitive. She has already called up Payal thrice since morning, wanting to know what exactly is going on. I will speak to her, when I come over in the night. I am heading to ARD to brief the new investigating team and also to ask the law team, to draft a letter suing the Times Group. I need a public apology and I will make sure they print one. Then I will be going to pick Khushi up from the airport and will drop her home. I will have to speak with Garima aunty, as well." Akash nodded at the instructions and headed for his waiting car, leaving Arnav and Aman to do some damage control.

-----------------------------------------

The sun was low over the horizon, as Khushi blankly stared at the soft morsels of scattered clouds. Her mind remained numb, unaware of her surroundings. Payal's insistent pestering to have lunch, NK's chatter to divert her mind... everything seemed to have failed to uplift her mood. A heavy weight had been pressed onto her fragile heart, crushing it under the burden of a bleak future. Had her mother seen the photograph? Why wasn't she taking her calls now? Will her amma understand the situation and her love for Arnav? Or will it be compared to her mother's love for Rakesh Kapoor? Was history repeating itself? A tumult of questions swirled her mind. Doubt and uncertainty rearing its ugly head every now and then.

No! She loved her Arnavji and he loved her just as much. There was nothing impure about their relationship. There was no comparison of her Arnavji to that man. She would make her amma understand. That is all that mattered. This society... this world... did not mean anything to her. They had always demeaned her without it being her fault. What difference could she expect in their behavior now? She was much stronger than she ever was. She had friends, who would stand by her... she had a sister who would break the face of anyone who humiliated her. They would survive through this... she would not let destiny repeat its cruel game... destroying her life in its wake.

Khushi took determined steps towards the exit of the airport, NK and Payal tagging on either of her sides. Even though the security surrounding them was uncomfortable, it was extremely necessary in the given circumstances. Like promised, Arnav awaited for her in his car, which she was quickly ushered into, while NK and Payal took a separate car back to their home. As soon as she settled into her seat, Arnav pulled her into a side-hug, breathing in her essence... just letting his warmth seep into her fragile body. Her eyes looked hollow, devoid of their usual luster... and it broke Arnav's heart to be an indirect reason for her sorrow.

"Tum theek ho?" he breathed, wanting her to say she was fine... wanting her to tell him that whatever the future holds for them... she would never let go. Gulping back a sob, she shook her head in the negative, telling him that she was far from being ok. Why was happiness so short-lived for her? "Khushi please don't cry. It breaks my heart to see you like this. I love you so much... don't ever doubt this love, ok?" he whispered. She pulled away and looked into his eyes... into his soul to see the truth behind those words. She needed to believe in them desperately... because that was all she had. After a short moment of complete silence she replied back with equal honesty, "I love you too Arnavji... please never let me go." At the words that spilled from her mouth... the declaration of her love seemed to bring back some life into him, as he crushed her to himself.

They sat in complete silence... the Delhi city passing them by... time slipping through their hands. How different was this silence to the one from last night? This seemed like a silence before the storm. "Khushi, I will speak to your mother. I will explain everything to her. Tum bilkul chinta mat karna, theek hai?" Arnav said, running his fingers through her hair, soothing her. She peered up at him and spoke softly, "No Arnavji. It is better that I speak to amma alone. There is so much I need to tell her. About you... about us... about Rakesh Kapoor. We have been through a lot of things together... I am sure she will understand."

"But Khushi... I can't leave you alone to face everything. I want to be there for you," Arnav pleaded, not wanting to let her go. He had just won her... just had a taste of happiness, which he feared would be snatched away from him like always. Khushi held his hand and said, "You are always with me Arnavji... I will let you know if anything goes wrong. I promise. But I need to do this alone. If you want you can come and meet amma in the morning and then we can go to work together. Anyways, it is going to be a task for me to face the employees at ARD." Arnav caved in, not wanting to push her anymore. He extracted a promise from her to keep him updated and with great difficulty, gave her a last squeeze before letting her go. Why did it feel like she was slipping out of his nimble fingers? The lack of control on things frustrated him, as he made his way to meet his maasi. There was music to be faced on both ends.

-----------------------------------------

Khushi was surprised to see the darkness cloaking her house, as she used her key to enter. Was her mother out for some work? "Amma," she said hesitantly, grappling around to find the light switch. The bright lights blinded her for a moment, before the living room came into vision. The sight before her, made her breathing quicken, as she rushed to her mother. "Amma," Khushi whispered, dropping to her knees and cupping her mother's face, which had traces of tears lingering on her wrinkled cheeks. "Khushi... you are home?" Garima mumbled, as the fog of anguish lifted from around her. "What happened amma? Why have you been crying?" Are you feeling ok? Do you need water? Tell me amma?" Khushi asked frantically, concerned for her mothers health.

Garima blinked back the tears that had been flowing freely since the afternoon. A life she had suffered, the pain she had witnessed, the humiliation she had felt, the troubles she had gone through... everything she had tried to shield her daughter from... seemed to be exactly what destiny had planned for Khushi. The fear she had felt seeing the photograph mocking her from the newspaper... was something she had never wanted to experience. Was history repeating itself? Was her daughter walking on the same path as hers? A myriad of emotions had fought for dominance in her heart, in the last few hours... as she finally had sagged onto the ground in resignation. Looking up into her daughter's concerned eyes, she wondered where to begin from... what to tell her... what to ask her. However, she would have to do what she had to... even if it hurt in the moment. In the long run... it would only mean Khushi's happiness.

-----------------------------------

Part 24