#4 Arhi FF : Limerence [ Completed ] - Page 47

Limerence : Part 26

Garima 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?" Khushi gasped as the bluntness in her mother's words and looked into Arnav's eyes, which remained placid like the ocean. However, she knew better the kind of storm that was brewing behind that cool facade. She hated that he was being put in a spot and she herself was no different. Her mother's fear she knew and Arnav's reluctance she understood. It was such a cruel situation they were put into that the thick fog of despair seemed to seep into her pores, making her fear for a future; she had just begun dreaming of.

Arnav closed his eyes for a moment, not being able to bare the plea in Garima's eyes. Like her daughter, the mother's eyes were also a window into her soul... the soul of a broken woman... a woman who had fought the toughest of battles to wade through this cruel world... a woman whose resilience and dignity were intact despite all the cruelty surrounding them... a woman whose innocence still made her dream of the impossible and wish the best of anyone she met. How had these two women survived without being scarred and tainted so far? Yes, the hurt and contamination was there at the surface. However, no one had been able to reach their soul... a soul as pure and generous as their hearts were. How could he ever refuse anything to either of these two women who expected so less out of life? But would he be able to alter his beliefs and thoughts in the process?

Making up his mind, he opened his eyes to look right into the hazel eyes of Khushi first and then turned to look at Garima. "I don't believe in marriage aunty. For a really long time I have been living in a world that only strengthened my beliefs in the failure of this institution. It has taken me years to get over that thought. Seeing my maasi and maasa happily married... seeing Payal and Akash happy in their relationship... I guess I don't abhor it as much as I used to. However, it is still an alien thought for me and overnight, I cannot overcome that fear," he said truthfully, hoping that both these women understood his reasons for whatever he was about to say.

The tears brimming in their eyes broke his heart and he rushed the next few words, looking at a desolate Khushi. "I never believed in love either. But now I do... I realize the depth of that word... and more so, I realize the responsibility that the word carries. It's easy to say I love you' to someone... but living up to those words is the challenge. I love Khushi... with all that I am and if these tears in her eyes are breaking my heart into a million pieces right now... I cannot imagine giving her a lifetime of sorrow," he said chocking on his words, unable to see the sorrow in the pair of eyes that he had come to love so much.

He turned back to Garima and said pleadingly, "Aunty, I know that the picture in the newspaper is only going to add to the insults and embarrassment you have been privy to and I cannot imagine being the reason for it. I would do anything to reduce your pain and suffering... but I need time aunty... to accept the idea of marriage. Khushi and my relationship has only just begun. We have a lot to know about each other. Probably at the end of a few months, she may want nothing to do with me... although I will try my best never let that happen. I think both of us need some time to get used to each other and see how things work out. Her career has just begun and I see an extremely bright future for her. And none of these are excuses to slink off from your main question aunty... but just my beliefs put upfront."

Garima took in his words silently, letting them seep into her being. What he was asking for was not something outlandish. He seemed like a very practical boy and she was happy to see how he was trying to find solutions through this situation. However, a mother's heart still ached and feared for her daughter's future. The trauma they had lived by so far, was far too ingrained within them to let go things so easily. People were still going to question and demean this relationship based on the photograph and she did not want Khushi to bear the brunt. She asked the one question that was her main concern and probably Arnav's priority as well. "I accept your thoughts beta and if you want time... I am ready to give you time. All I want to know is how do you plan to safeguard Khushi against this society? There is no way that you can silence them. And I have had enough of the filth being splattered our way."

Arnav nodded, then looked at Khushi for a moment and replied, "If Khushi has no objections and if she will have me, then I would like to formally get engaged to her. I have full intentions of marrying her someday and cannot imagine my life without her anymore. The engagement will shut the gossipmongers and give us the much-required time to get to know each other. Is that okay with you aunty?" Before Garima could answer, it was Khushi who spoke, "Arnavji... you don't have to do this if you don't want to. I love you and I know you love me too. That is enough for me. I have never cared about this inhuman society and am strong enough to face their mockery."

He got up from his seat and dropped down near her feet, grasping her hands within his and said, "I love you Khushi. You have no idea how much you have helped me heal. I have never been this happy in my entire life and I want to keep this happiness with me forever. The thought of anyone hurting you, drives me insane and I cannot trust myself, if someone ever tries to demean you. I am not doing this out of guilt or responsibility... but only for myself. I am already thrilled at the prospect of claiming you officially, so that the world knows when to back off. Please Khushi, lets get engaged and then we can take our time to finalize on the wedding."

For the first time in two days, both Garima and Khushi smiled, though their eyes remained drenched with tears. She nodded and looked at her mother for approval. Garima wiped her eyes and said cheerfully, "Thank you beta... for giving this old woman so much happiness... something I have always struggled to absorb for myself. It gives me immense peace, to know that Khushi has fallen in love with you... unlike the man I thought I loved. I approve of this engagement but I also want to know what your family thinks Arnav beta. I do not want to force this relationship on anybody."

Arnav rose on his feet and said, "I have already spoken to my maasi and maasa about it aunty and they are thrilled about my decision." Garima asked hesitantly, "But what about my lack of marriage and Khushi's legitimacy?" Arnav held onto her drooping shoulders and replied gently, "Aunty, they know everything about Khushi and have also been a victim of Rakesh Kapoor themselves. So they know to what extent that man can damage. If you both are free, then I would like you to come home and meet my family, tomorrow night for dinner."

Garima could not control her smile, as she nodded in approval and dashed towards the kitchen, mumbling something about sweets. At the retreating figure of Garima, Arnav turned towards Khushi and asked tenderly, "Are you happy?" She gave him a huge smile in return, putting his heart to rest after the thunderous storm that they had been engulfed in. "Yes... are you?" she asked with shining eyes. He nodded and kissed her forehead softly. It was kiss to seal their fate, a decision that would alter the course of their lives and bring them onto a path, that eventually would lead them to happiness. Wasn't that what every couple in love dreamt of... the thrill of having your feelings reciprocated?

After a few moments of feeding sweets and random discussions, Arnav reminded Khushi that they needed to be in AR soon. The pending work was going to take days for them to clear off, before they could strategize for the next few months. With a spring in their steps, they left for AR Designs, leaving behind an exhausted yet exhilarated Garima. As soon as she closed the door, she dropped to the floor in a heap of welcome relief. The happy tears mingled with her tears of liberation. Her dream was now within touching distance... a dream of a legalized relationship. She would live her dream through her daughter... because she was all Garima had. It felt like the eclipse had ended, with bright morning sun filtering into their lives.

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As they got out of the car, Arnav swiftly took Khushi's hand in his and walked confidently into his office... a place that always brought him more peace than anywhere else. He would make sure that either Payal or NK was always with Khushi, to avoid any nuisance until they officially declared their engagement. He could feel Khushi's restlessness and it irked him, that he had been reckless enough to let this happen. Leaving her hand abruptly, he snaked his arm around her waist, pulling her closer to himself. "What are you doing?" she asked, trying to wriggle out of his arms. "Its called claiming, Khushi. I want everyone in ARD to know that you are mine and if they try to mess with you, then they have had it for good."

Khushi giggled and the sound of her happiness brought such relief to his frazzled heart. "I can very well handle myself Arnavji," she said pouting at him cutely and he had to control the strong urge to kiss her in ARD lobby... avoiding to send the staff into coma. He smiled and replied, "I know you can and also with your bodyguard Payal around you, I don't have to worry much. However, I don't want to leave any area unchartered anymore and take any kind of chances where you are concerned. I want you to call me when your work is done and I will drop you home. Don't go out on your own and tell aunty to remain indoor as well. Shyam will be lurking around the corner and I want to gather some proofs against him, before I can face this villain in our love story."

Khushi giggled once again, as they took the private lift towards the top floors, ignoring the gossipy eyes of ARD staff. The world never mattered to them until now... and it would remain so for this lifetime. Making sure to drop Khushi on the design floor, in the safe hands of Payal, he headed towards his cabin with a million thoughts on his mind. Firstly, the investigators needed to be fired for the lack on any information since last night. He wondered how someone could have sneakily taken the picture and managed to send it across to Times Group. Picking up his phone, he instructed Aman to gather NK and Akash into his cabin. There were too many things that needed to be done and more heads would make it easier to see things in a different perspective.

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"Well, well, well, Khushi Gupta. You seem to be much more smarter than what I had expected of you," Neena Matthews sniggered, the moment Payal rushed into Akash's cabin for some urgent work. Khushi turned around to face her and also a few of the other designers, who had gathered around her desk. Despite a peaceful afternoon at work, Khushi was awaiting this kind of cornering. With the new-found confidence in herself and Arnav's love for her, she replied politely, "I am glad you realize that now Neenaji... better late than never."

The entire group kept silent, surprised at Khushi's reply. They had never imagined the timid and shy Khushi to be bold enough to respond. It had always been NK or Payal defending her until now. Seeing this avatar of Khushi, Neena continued her snide remarks, "Looks like someone has found her tongue... the Raizada name does have that kind of effect, doesn't it?" Khushi sweetly smiled at her and replied, "Off course it does. It feels good to know that the man, who is pursued by so many women, is in love with me! But frankly that is a very personal matter... and unfortunately someone disgusting, has made it quite public. I am here to work Neenaji, and I would prefer to focus on that at the moment. I can answer all your questions regarding Arnavji and me, after work. Maybe even Arnavji can join us in this question-answer session if it's ok with you!"

Neena staggered back at the subtle threat Khushi was enforcing behind her smile. She knew the repercussions of messing with ASR and she loved her career enough to know where to stop. "Well, lets talk about it later. For now, I need your help with one of these designs Khushi," Neena said amicably, changing the tone immediately. Khushi had the strong urge to laugh out loud... and was surprised at her own reaction. She had never felt so confident, so sure while tackling problems or facing people. Was this how being in love strengthened you? She smiled at the thought and replied, "Yeah sure Neenaji, I will come to you in an hour, after I finish with these designs. These are some new concepts Arnavji wants me to work on." Neena gave her a curt nod, scuttling off to her desk, while the entire entourage scampered to their seats.

Payal smirked to herself, seeing the way Khushi had handled these b**ch's. She was proud of her girl and felt relieved that the entire situation had somehow managed to be in control. She had always known Khushi to be a very strong person. However, the way she had taken her life in her stride was extremely commendable. The last few weeks had been full of so many revelations and Khushi had fared well through these testing times. Payal smiled at how things had changed in a matter of few months. Her workaholic brother-in-law had turned into a romantic dreamer... and his happiness was now connected to the woman, who had become her best friend and soul sister. She smiled at the thought and walked towards Khushi, excited to applaud the newest member of the Dracula club in ARD.

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"Why didn't you tell me before Lavanya? You had so many opportunities to inform me about your special meeting with Shyam Jha. We were in Lucknow for a week for gods sake!" Arnav spat through clenched teeth. He was no doubt pissed with Lavanya for waiting until now to tell him about Shyam's grand proposal. Had he known that Shyam was up to something... especially during the Lucknow fashion show, they could have stopped this huge debacle from happening. He ran a frustrated hand through his hair, as Lavanya tried to apologize to him.

They were coming to a dead end, each time the investigators had tried to find out, who had send the photograph. They had finally managed to find out the email id by which it was sent. The trackers were on the go, finding out the system from which this photograph was emailed. Soon, very soon they would come to know who was behind this mess and whether Shyam Jha was a part of it. However, lately, Arnav had a big hitch that Shyam's role in this scandal was only taking advantage of the opportunity and nothing more. Even though he had connections, he did not have the brains required to pull through this kind of a plan. That did not mean Shyam would go scot-free. The man needed to be taught a lesson and Arnav needed to make sure that he did not venture anywhere close to Khushi or her mother.

"I am really sorry ASR," Lavanya pleaded, wiping away her tears. Arnav sighed regretfully, knowing well that his anger was directed towards the wrong person in this moment. Lavanya was a good friend and he wished her well. He was simply glad that she hadn't fallen to temptation of Shyam's offer. He knew she wouldn't, yet it was a relief the way she had handled the situation. "Lavanya, I am glad you came and told this to me. I hate miscommunication and misunderstandings. However, the scene you created at the party was not something I want to see again. I love Khushi, Lavanya and she is the only woman I have ever loved. I thought our arrangement was beneficial to both... without any expectations. I had no idea you had feelings for me. If I have unintentionally ever led you on, I am very sorry."

"ASR please. It is not your fault... it never was. But truthfully, it is not very difficult to fall in love with you, you know... even if you think it isn't true," she said dejectedly while Arnav tried to interrupt her. "No wait ASR, let me complete. I have finally accepted the fact that you can never be mine and I am ok with it. Anyways I think I am not cut out for any relationship. My career is so demanding, I travel most of the time. How do you think I would be able to live upto the demands of being someone's girlfriend, let alone wife? I guess it was meant to be this way and I am truly happy for you. Khushi is a nice girl and I can see how much she has changed you Arnav. You seem so happy these days," Lavanya said with a smile on her face.

He nodded and gave her a bright smile thinking fondly of Khushi. "I am happy Lavanya, much happier than I had ever dreamt of being. And thank you for understanding. I think I now need to get in touch with the investigators and see if they have found anything new. I have spoken about you to the head at L'Oreal and he will get in touch with you soon regarding some work. Thanks again Lavanya... for everything," he said smoothly, marking the end of their conversation. Lavanya got up and moved towards the door, her mind working on how she would reveal this information to NK. She was more worried to address him than ASR... and she really didn't know why. Probably because he had already confronted her once; and she had omitted this vital information. She wondered if her new-found friend would be just as understanding as Arnav.

Arnav sat back in his chair, his head swirling with a million thoughts. Shyam was definitely not behind this... or was he? Who would want to demean Khushi? Other than Shyam, it seemed no one really had a strong motive. It was an attack against her and not him, of that he was sure. At that thought, the face of Rakesh Kapoor flashed in front of his eyes. Had he come to know about Garima and Khushi's existence? Did he want to take revenge from Arnav, knowing well his affection towards Khushi? He needed to find out what that despicable man was up to. Despite being thrown on the road and having him acquitted for various crimes, did he still have that kind of venom to carry out such a trick? Grabbing his phone, Arnav made a quick call to Lucknow. He knew he would have his answers very soon.

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Part 27