Part 24
Arnav stumbled back a few steps as he took in the effect of his love's words. The intensity of her words shook him from within. Her hatred had shattered him while her pain had broken him. Guilt was powdering the broken pieces of him while sorrow seemed to pump blood out of his heart in a speed he never even knew existed.
He couldn't force her to stay with him, no matter what. He had loved her, not desired her or wanted and love was not the name of a bondage. He would free her and if the destiny which time and again united them decides to let her know the depth of his love, then she would come back and he would wait, not for years but for eternity because accidental or whatever, Arnav Singh Raizada was married according to his heart.
He left the water glasses filled tray on the side-table near the door and rushed to his mother, who was the only person who could give him the solace he wanted so badly. He assured himself that he would soon see a smile on Khushi's face. And he also promised himself that he would make sure that Khushi's parents let her take up the acting career no matter what he has to do for that.
He walked into Arunima's room as she was indulged in some work, probably some employee problem because Arunima looked after the Human Resources Department in the group of Industries which Devyani owned and managed. Arnav knocked at the door to divert his mother's concentration from her work to him, knowing how serious she was with her work.
" Chotte? Why are you standing there? Come in. I wanted to speak to you, anyways." Arunima continued as Arnav took the seat beside her,
" Garima Ji had called me yesterday night, to ask about how the situation here has been. She seemed really happy that Khushi and Payal are accepted by Maa. Now she is hoping that Khushi accepts this relationship soon because that seems to be the only solution to the taunts Garima Ji and Shashi Ji have been hearing ever since the incident to them. Do you see that happening anytime soon, Beta?"
It seemed like the destiny was punishing him for the deeds he had committed in the past by giving such shocks related to his love that his heart seemed to bleed in pain. But he stood firm on his decision; he was going to make sure Khushi is happy and he would only consider himself lucky if Khushi finds happiness by his side.
" You seriously think that Khushi staying here is the solution of every taunt which Sasu-Aunty and Khushi faced, Mumma?" questioned Arnav while Arunima looked taken by shock with his reaction.
" If you ask me for an honest answer, no Chotte, I don't think and never thought that this was the solution to our problem. I can understand Khushi's perspective here and she is completely justified in her position. In fact, not just you but we all are her culprits. I had even spoken to Garima Ji that when the matter is about our child's future then we shouldn't care about what society thinks and she countered it by saying Khushi Bitiya wouldn't get a match throughout her life if we fail to accept this marriage. Moreover, we even have Akash and Payal which makes this even more difficult. More questions would be thrown at them if we send back Khushi now and there is a possibility that Garima Ji would not even let Khushi Bitiya to pursue her career in the acting field with the fear of society. She might even marry her off forcibly with whatever kind of alliance she gets, just to make sure she has an answer to the society.
The only thought which was in my mind when I convinced Maa about your marriage was that Khushi Bitiya's dreams should not be shattered like mine were, years back when I wanted to work outside or a start my own consultancy but I had to work for Maa and that your first love should not remain incomplete. I had seen the determination in Khushi Bitiya's eyes and when I had heard your confession, I just knew what I had to do. With the promise you gave me, I was assured that you would never cut off Khushi's wings and not let her fly to her dreams and I trusted your love enough that I was sure that you would convince Khushi Bitiya of your own intentions. But it seems it is not going the right way, is it Beta?"
Arunima's thinking was something which always left Arnav surprised. His mother always thought of something very far rather than things which would give immediate relief but would be trouble later.
" Yes, Mumma. Nothing is going as we expected. Khushi hates me and everything related to me as she is hurting herself by staying here. And I can't see her in pain, Mumma. But after listening to your points here, I don't think sending her to Mumbai to Sasu-Aunty would be a great idea. Khushi holds her passion and her dreams as the top most priority and cannot see them being snatched away from her. I don't know what I should do, Mumma. Whether to let her go and let Sasu-Aunty choose her a future she wouldn't like or let her stay and give her more pain as she sees the face she hates the most." Tears pricked in Arnav's eyes while Arunima held his hand as she signed with her eyes to not cry.
" Don't let her go, Beta. After seeing NK's pain by losing his first love, I wouldn't want you to be in his place. I tried my best to convince Maa back then too but she hushed me by saying that Sheetal was not a good choice but even she had to accept Khushi. Lord Krishna asked everyone to their karma and leave the rest to the Almighty. You have loved Khushi genuinely and promised to make her dreams as your own, and now it is the time you fulfill your promise. Give her the respect, the freedom she craves for and give your best to convince her of your intentions, and if she still doesn't believe you or takes the decision to leave Lucknow, then we cannot stop her. Try with a genuine heart and that Krishna will take you to the path which is the best." Arnav nodded in an affirmative fashion while placing his head on his mother's shoulders searching for solace in her warmth, as he firmly decided that he would not let Khushi go and would give this his best shot, no matter what.
Will Khushi ever realize Arnav's depth of love for her?
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