#4 Arhi FF : Limerence [ Completed ] - Page 36

Limerence : Part 25

It wasn't Lavanya. Then who could it be? NK sat at his desk, thinking through the conversation he had with Lavanya, last night. He had been so sure that it was her, who had leaked the photograph to the newspaper. She was present at the party. She was in love with Arnav. She was jealous. She was drunk. Everything about her had made her the strongest suspect. But unfortunately she had denied playing a part into this scam. And he had believed her. She was speaking the truth and there could be no doubt about it. She was hurt, but not venomous. She was heartbroken, but not a heartbreaker.

"I didn't do anything NK. How could you accuse me of such a cheap stunt? Yes, I love ASR. Yes, I detest Khushi. But that does not mean I would demean any girl to such extent. I know what a woman's character means to her. Who would know it better than a model? People take us for granted to be a high-profile escorts... just because we are ready to show some of her skin! I would never do that to another woman, NK... even if I hated her from the bottom of my heart. I cannot believe you think so lowly of me. Even though we have never been the best of friends, we have worked together for long enough dammit!"

"I am so sorry Lavanya. I really did not mean to hurt you. I was just trying to find the real culprit and your behavior at the party that night seemed so out of sorts."

"Off course I was upset. I saw the way ASR kept looking at Khushi. The need, the desire, the love shining bright in his eyes. I craved for that kind of affection from the man I had fallen in love with. It isn't easy to see someone you love dearly, fall in love with someone else. It hurts NK, it hurts a lot."

"You think I don't know this Lavanya? You think you are the only one suffering? I am going through the same crappy phase, and what's worse is I have to live with that fact. But then I am happy to see the woman I love, truly happy and cherished. For her smiles, I am ready to hide my feelings in the deepest corner of my heart. That is what love has taught me."

"You are in love with Khushi, aren't you? Gosh!! What is with that girl! Three... I mean two extremely desirous bachelors falling in love with the same girl! How did this happen?"

"She is special Lavanya. You just don't know her well enough. Anyways, I am sorry for hurting your feelings and cornering you this way, but I needed to make sure that the culprit is found out so that no one can hurt Khushi... or Arnav anymore. Thanks for coming."

"No problem NK and I really hope you believe me. I had nothing to do with that photograph being published in the newspaper. I would never stoop to such low level. I can never imagine hurting ASR..."

"I believe you Lavanya."

"Thanks. Ummm NK... can we be friends? I can't tell you how good I felt talking about ASR with you today. I have been bottling it within me and it just gets so suffocating sometimes. I am sure you feel the same way about Khushi. I can understand. And it would be really nice if we could be each other's sounding boards. What say?"

"Okay, sounds cool. Anyways, it was nice meeting you Lavanya. Do you need a lift home or you can manage on your own?"

"I can manage. Thanks."

He replayed the conversation in his mind, trying to think if Lavanya had wavered even for a moment. No! It wasn't likely of her to lie. He would not doubt her again. There was only sadness there... not treachery. He smiled thinking about how she had forwarded a hand in friendship. Who would have thought that he would become friends with supermodel Lavanya Kashyap some day!

Glancing through the papers on his desk, he cringed at the pile of pending work he had. One week away from the office had increased the work pressure by ten-fold. And in Arnav's absence, he knew Akash and he would have to focus much more than usual. His thoughts went out to his cousin, who was with Khushi at the moment. He wondered what was happening at Khushi's home. Would aunty understand their love? Will Arnav be able to win her over? The written apology by times group in today's newspaper could never compensate the damage that was done. It was only strong bonds of love, friendship, family and humanity, that would help Arnav and Khushi survive through these turbulent times. He needed to be prepared to defend them and especially Khushi at work... and just to be sure that the office staff was not gossiping, he got up swiftly and made his way towards Payal's desk.

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Lavanya gulped another sip of the vodka, trying to wash down the lump in her throat along with it. But it wouldn't budge. It was a bright winter morning and even though the sun had risen across the city, her room remained blinded by the dark curtains. She had spent the night drinking herself to sleep... yet sleep had eluded her guilty conscience. Her conversation from last night with NK, kept replaying in a loop in her buzzed mind. Even though she had spoken the truth, she had omitted a fact as well. She feared at the outcome if she revealed the truth. Her body shuddered at the memory of her meeting with Shyam Jha at the Polo Club, a few weeks ago.

"Hey Lavanya Kashyap, I am so glad to see you again. I can't believe that you actually agreed to meet me today. I know your father must have forced you to meet the Jha heir. Political clout does work wonders in today's world you see."

"Get to the point Shyam. I know you have called me here for a reason."

"Oh ho! Come on baby. Have a drink first. We will get to the point as soon as we have calmed you down a bit."

"Stop babying me. I guess in our last meeting, I wasn't clear enough when I told you to back off. I am not interested in you and your sweet talks. I love someone else and..."

"And... he loves someone else, doesn't he? I know your relationship with Arnav Singh Raizada, Lavanya and I also no that he has broken up with you. Well, let me clear some things for you. I am not interested in you either. I am here to make you an offer... that will be beneficial to both of us."

"What do you mean?"

"Well, I am in love with Khushi Gupta... yeah the same Khushi, who works with Arnav and seems to have caught his eye."

"So? What has it got to do with me?"

"Lavanya... It is sad to see a smart, beautiful girl like you asking such stupid questions. Come on, use your charm to seduce Arnav."

"Well, Shyam... like you said, Arnav is interested in Khushi and not me. He is not going to be seduced into loving me... Are you stupid to not understand this simple fact?"

"Don't you dare use that tone with me, Ms. Kashyap. All I am suggesting is for you to create a scenario, where Khushi sees Arnav and you in a compromising position. Even though it is an illusion, I want you to orchestrate it as if Arnav is really into you. That will make Khushi hate Arnav... and then you can get your Arnav back. I am sure you will be able to pull this off effortlessly."

"I am sure I can Shyam..."

"Great! That is brilliant. I always knew you were a smart girl and would use this opportunity for your benefit Lavanya."

"I said I am sure I can manage it Shyam... but I am not willing to. I love ASR and I want him to love me back for myself... not as a backup. I can live with jealousy and heartbreak Shyam... but never with deceit and plotting against the man I love. You may think of me as a fool. But that is me... Lavanya Kashyap... who is now going to be storming out of this club... because you Shyam Jha, are an a****le."

"How dare you!! I don't need you to break Arnav and Khushi apart. I will find a way because Khushi is mine... only mine."

She trembled at the memory of the maniacal glint in his eyes as he had uttered those parting words. Had he somehow managed to get this picture and published it in the newspaper? How would he create a rift between Arnav and Khushi, if they united against the entire world who blamed them? How could he even claim to love Khushi, when he so easily decided to demean her by publishing the photo? Should she tell ASR? A million questions swirled in her mind. Yes! She had to tell Arnav. Shyam Jha was a threat to not only Khushi, but Arnav as well. What if he tried to harm one of the two... especially Arnav? She would never be able to forgive herself for this. Taking a large swig from her drink to calm her frazzled nerves, she made up her mind to tell Arnav, everything she knew about Shyam and his dirty games.

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Garima sat on the sofa, silently gathering her thoughts about Khushi... about Arnav... about Shyam. Why had life always been so cruel towards Khushi and her? They could count their happy days on the tip of their fingers whereas; despair seemed to be a permanent residence around them. She had seen happiness and love shinning brightly in Khushi's eyes last night. She had noticed the subtle changes in Khushi... the peace in her countenance, the confidence in her love and the trust she had in Arnav. How many times in her entire life, had she wished for this miracle? How many times had she prayed for her daughter's happiness? And now, when the happiness was just round the corner, things had to go unreasonably wrong. Why was this becoming like a cat and mouse game... one that had no end... only extreme frustration being added every minute.

Even though she had tried hard to not let Shyam's malicious words affect her, she had failed miserably. The night had been one of the longest and the most feared nights for her. Fear for her daughter's happiness and the bright future she had started dreaming of. Her poor bacchi... caught in the crossfire of such evil intentions by despicable people. Why wasn't there any balance in this society... weighing people's sins to their happiness? Why were good people like her subjected to such a disgraceful life? She had never pitied herself... not even when she had braved giving birth to a child out of wedlock. However, her old, tired body could not take the burden of anguish anymore. She felt like resigning to fate and the only thing that was giving her the strength to fight, was her daughter... who was finally in love.

Her inner turmoil spilled through her eyes, as tears of resignation ran down her cheeks. She made no move to wipe them away, sitting listlessly. It was the doorbell that startled her from her thoughts as she saw Khushi, run from the kitchen towards the door. She knew who was outside the door and quickly wiped away her tears. She wasn't sure what role she would have to don... an understanding mother or a mother who was ready to wage a war with anyone who tried to mess with her daughter. Only time would tell. She saw the poised frame of Arnav Singh Raizada walk in... she noticed the way his eyes took in Khushi... the care, the concern, the love, was all there. What mattered to be seen was just how deep this love was.

"Hello aunty," Arnav said gently, noticing Garima standing near the sofa. "Namaste beta, please come in and have a seat," she replied with equal warmth. Khushi rushed into the kitchen to get a glass of water, praying that the unease surrounding them, would settle down, so they could have a more productive conversation. Her heart was beating irrationally, fearing Arnav's explanation and her amma's reaction. Their love story had just begun and a huge boulder had been lodged into their way. There was no doubt in her heart about Arnav's feelings for her. However she feared if his love was enough to overcome the ghosts of his past.

She rushed out to see both the people she loved the most, drowned in silence. Clearing her throat she whispered, "Arnavji... water." He took the glass from her hand, his fingers brushing lightly against hers, causing them both to jerk instantly. It was a simple moment of realization for him... knowing exactly what he had to do. Khushi was precious to him and whatever they had between them, was something he would fight against the world for. And the battle began with himself. Taking in a shaky breath, he looked straight into the weary eyes of Garima Gupta and said, "Aunty, I love your daughter. I love Khushi and even in the short span of time that we have known each other... she has come to mean the world to me."

Garima looked at him blankly, giving away nothing, yet admiring how he had begun this difficult conversation with conviction in his feelings... and not some random apology. It spoke volumes of his character and the determination he had towards every challenge he faced. "She loves you too beta," Garima said gently. She saw him visibly relax in his seat. "Aunty, I know it was Shyam who showed you the photograph in the newspaper. He cornered you in the supermarket and before my men could do anything about it... he was gone," he said and when he saw surprise marring her face, he continued, "I have had my investigators following Shyam since the day you'll shifted to this house. I did not trust that man and I think he has something to do with this scandal as well. I still have no proof against him, but we are desperately trying to find some clue."

Garima took in the information, silently processing it in her head. So it was Shyam who published the photograph... mainly to show it to her and plant the seed of doubt against Arnav in her head. And she had been a fool for a moment to fall for his vile plans. But then, it did not change anything for Khushi. She was still in love with a man, who might be unsure of commitment. Those issues still need to be tackled and that too with utmost sensitivity.

To move forward, only complete truth would give results and hence she said, "Shyam told me about your family Arnav... about your mother... and also that you despise the concept of marriage. Shyam wants to marry Khushi, despite knowing her relationship with you... and give her a legitimate standing in this society... something you know we have always been denied. I know it was his plan to get to Khushi... and even if everyone refused to marry her... I would never push her into a marriage that would be more of a punishment than anything else."

"Amma," Khushi rushed to be besides her strong mother, who despite the miserable circumstances, still thought of her happiness than what this society thought. How much had she to learn from her mother... her strength, determination, hope and her unconditional love! Garima patted Khushi's head and turned to see Arnav seething in anger. "I am sorry aunty that you got to know about Khushi and me like this... from Shyam. I cannot believe that someone would stoop to such degrading levels to get what he wants. However, whatever he said about me is not wrong."

Both Garima and Khushi looked at him in anxiousness. His next words could make or break their hearts. "I was only 8 when my mother left my father and me. She said that she never loved my father. She said I was a mistake. I have only ever seen fights and arguments in a marriage. I have seen my father's despair after my mother left. I have felt that hollow eat me up from within. It made me into the reclusive man I am... I have had trust issues for far too long. And I will be lying if I said, that I am not scared to give away my heart to Khushi. I am. I fear that she would leave me one day... just like my mother did. I fear being the shadow of my father, who lived like half the man he was. It is only because of my maasi and her upbringing, which has made me believe in love now, because that word was tainted for me since childhood. It only meant heartbreak and I will not hesitate to say that I am scared of this commitment," Arnav said brokenly.

Khushi sucked in a breath, seeing the torment in his eyes, the hollowness behind his words and the broken heart of a child. Even though their situations were different, yet their pain remained the same. Before she could reach out to comfort him, Garima said honestly, "I understand your situation beta but I need you to understand my helplessness too. As much as you have seen the failings of a marriage... Khushi and me have suffered at the absence of one. The stigma of being an unwed mother is something that would never be wiped away from my existence. However, I cannot have the same fate for my daughter. She is my strength, my pride, my ego... my everything. I cannot let her go through the same life as mine. I hope you understand that Arnav."

Tears leaked out of Khushi's eyes, as she held onto her mother's trembling fingers. She knew how much her amma was trying to portray a strong facade, while actually crumbling from within. She felt torn between her mother and her Arnavji... both not wrong in their beliefs. How were they going to find a middle way out? She wouldn't dare to force either one... to change their beliefs. It would be unfair and in the long run, futile. She wished that Arnav and she had been in love for months... for years, so that their love would be that much strong to ride over these strong tides of fate. She did not care for what the world had to say. All that mattered to her was that her family, her love and his family were at peace with this relationship. Would that be possible, considering how huge a baggage they carried over their hearts?

Garima looked keenly at the young man sitting across her. He seemed to be lost in thought, gauging his options... mulling over her words and forming his own opinions. What would be his decision? She discerned she was being imposing and demanding... unlike how she had ever behaved. However, this was about Khushi... and she would go to any extremes to protect her precious daughter. Taking in a deep breath, she gathered her scattered nerves to ask the one question, which would decide on their destiny. She looked into Arnav's guarded eyes and asked, "Arnav, all I want to know is whether you intend to marry Khushi. That is all I need to know. So Arnav Singh Raizada, will you marry my daughter, Khushi?"

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Part 26