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Death Can't Take You Away...
"I have decided that I am not going to Mumbai...!!" declared Arnav sitting beside the bed holding Khushi's hand as she lay there in her bedroom.
Khushi was surprised to hear it. She scolded Arnav, "How can you let go such a big deal Arnav?! Just because I am not well, you can't let go this opportunity! You are going to Mumbai and that's it..!! And it is just a matter of two days Arnav..." Just then Garima, Khushi's mother, came in with a glass of juice for Arnav. Khushi looked at Garima and said, "Amma, please tell Arnav... He is saying that he won't go to Mumbai... Please usay samjhaao na Amma..!!"
Garima smiled as she served juice to Arnav and said, "Arnav, Khushi is right beta. You should go to Mumbai... And anyways, you will be coming back in a couple of days..!"
"But Aunty..."
Arnav tried to speak but Garima interrupted saying, "Don't worry Arnav, hum TUMHAARI Khushi ka achhe se khayaal rakhenge... We will take good care of YOUR Khushi...!!"
Arnav was embarrassed. He blushed looking at "his" Khushi. Khushi too blushed looking away.
Khushi's father, Shashi, too came in now. He said, "Yes Arnav, we all are here with Khushi!"
Khushi tightened her grip on Arnav's hand, "See? Now you MUST go to Mumbai...!!" She smiled and said, "I would be happy if you make the deal successful...!"
"You would?" asked Arnav. Khushi nodded. "Okay then... I am going just for you!! Do you understand?!" he said.
Khushi nodded gladly. "Thank you!" she said.
*****
Arnav Singh Raizada and Khushi Kumari Gupta had been engaged to each other since a couple of months. They had known each other since they were born as their families had known each other since years. Rakesh and Malini, Arnav's parents, were very close friends of Shashi and Garima. The four had studied together and eventually Rakesh got married to Malini and Shashi to Garima. They settled in Pune after marriage. They were business partners as well and shared a great bond. Naturally, Arnav and Khushi too were very close to each other. Both had grown up playing and studying together. They referred to each other's parents as 'Uncle' and 'Aunty'. The wish of everyone came true when they both decided to get married. Everyone was happy and soon Arnav and Khushi got engaged. Now, it were two months since their engagement. Arnav was supposed to go the Mumbai for an important assignment, a deal actually. But he didn't wish to leave Khushi in the condition she was. Khushi wasn't well for a week now and doctors had suggested her bed rest. Unfortunately, the exact problem hadn't been diagnosed yet. Every day, Arnav would come and spend hours with her and then return to his home at night. And now he didn't want to go to Mumbai. But he agreed to, as it was his Khushi's wish. He had agreed reluctantly. He knew everyone was there to take care of Khushi, but still he wanted to be with her.
*****
Arnav packed his bag and kept it to the side of his bed. He kept his clothes ready that he would wear the next day while leaving. Confirming that everything was done, he lay on the bed to sleep. He wasn't feeling good for some reason. He was feeling restless. Was it the right decision to go to Mumbai? Or should he stay back with Khushi? He kept his palms under his head as he stared at the ceiling. He knew he did not need to worry. But still something was troubling him. He had a strange feeling that something was going to happen... something bad... and that made him restless. He took a deep breath and brushed off the thoughts from his mind. "Love you Khushi...!" he whispered and closed his eyes. He fell asleep remembering Khushi.
*****
Arnav was ready to leave for Mumbai. But how could he leave without meeting Khushi? Rakesh and Malini too accompanied him to the Gupta's. They all chatted for some time. Khushi was sleeping under the effect of the medicines. Finally, it was time for Arnav to leave. How he wished Khushi were awake! But she wasn't. But how could he leave without seeing her? He went to her room and stood there silently staring at her. She looked as innocent as a kid sleeping peacefully. She looked pale because of weakness, yet beautiful. He moved the strand of hair over her cheek behind her ear. Brushing his fingers across her cheek he whispered, "I love you!" and turned to leave.
"I love you too.." he heard a weak voice. He turned to see Khushi looking at him. Her eyes were wet. "I will miss you..." she whispered. She didn't want him to go away, but still she made him ready to go to Mumbai.
Arnav just looked at her. He went near her and was about to place his palm on her cheek. But he suddenly realized that if he stayed there for another moment, he would not be able to leave! He pulled his hand back. "Take care!" he said and left at once.
*****
Arnav checked in to the hotel in Mumbai. He called his father, Rakesh, to inform that he reached safely. Next he called Shashi. He told Shashi that he had reached safely and asked about Khushi. Shashi told him that Khushi was fine and was asleep at the moment. Arnav wished to talk to Khushi but he sadly disconnected the call. Did he hurt her before he left Pune? He just hoped that the way he left her did not affect her in any way. The doctor had told not to stress Khushi physically or psychologically.
Arnav had meeting the next day. As he was preparing to sleep, he felt like talking to Khushi. He took his phone but was surprised to see the black screen as he tried to unlock. The phone battery had discharged. He dropped the phone on bed and opened his bag to take out the charger. He couldn't find the charger. Now his frustration was increasing. Where was the charger? He took out almost everything from the bag but the charger was nowhere. He threw the bag away in frustration. How could he forget to get the charger? He wanted to talk to Khushi right now!! He sat there on the bed holding his head in his palms. Taking deep breaths he tried to calm himself down. He was feeling uneasy for some reason. He recognized the feeling. It was the same feeling, a strange fear, that he had felt last night. Was Khushi alright? Ofcourse! What could happen to her? Everyone was there to take care of Khushi. He decided that he would call her the next day from the phone at the hotel reception. He lay down on the bed but could sleep. He felt something was wrong. But what?
Next day Arnav woke up late. He had to hurry to reach for the meeting. So he couldn't call Khushi. Khushi's trust in him gave him confidence and the meeting ended up successfully. Arnav was glad. Khushi would be so happy to know about it..!! He couldn't wait to tell her about it, afterall he had come to Mumbai just because Khushi wanted him to. As soon as he returned to the hotel, he called Khushi on her mobile from the reception. Even after a number of rings, she didn't pick up. She might be sleeping. So Arnav called at the landline number. No one received the call. No one at home? How was that possible? Why would they leave Khushi alone at home? He felt that strange. Now that the meeting was over, he decided to leave for Pune at once. He checked out and began driving towards Pune. Tension was slowly gripping him. Fear was there too. Had something really happened to Khushi? He hoped not. Breathing became uneasy. He wanted to talk to someone. He wanted to know that Khushi was alright. How could he wait for three more hours?!! "Papa!! I will call Papa!" he thought. He stopped his car by the roadside when he found a PCO booth. He inserted the coin and dialed number.
"Hello?" Arnav was so glad to hear Rakesh's voice.
"Hello... Papa... Arnav here!!"
"Arnav... beta..." Rakesh's voice cracked as he spoke. He couldn't speak more.
Arnav missed a beat. His hand trembling as he held tightly onto the phone receiver. "Papa... Is everything alright? Papa, please tell me!!" Arnav was breathing uneasily. "Khushi?!! Is she okay? Usay kuchh hua toh nahi na...! Papa!! Why are you not telling me?!!" he almost yelled.
Rakesh composed himself and said, "Have you left Arnav?"
"Yes Papa, I am on my way!" he said in a hurry. "Papa, tell me... Is everything alright?" he repeated.
Arnav inserted one more coin as he waited to hear from Rakesh. Rakesh had no choice but to tell him. "Arnav, listen calmly... Khushi wasn't feeling well... So..."
"What?!! What happened to her?" Arnav's heart was thudding.
Rakesh tried to be as calm as possible. "Arnav... First listen to me... So Khushi is admitted to the Mangeshkar Hospital... But but there's nothing to worry... Okay? The doctors have said that she would be fine soon! THERE'S NOTHING TO WORRY!! Do you get it?" Arnav remained silent for a moment. "Arnav?!" said Rakesh from the other side.
"Y-yes Papa... Khushi... How's she?" asked Arnav.
"She is fine beta... You..." and Rakesh stopped for a moment. Arnav could hear some chaos going on in the background. Rakesh continued, "Arnav, you directly come to the hospital... We will talk then!" he said and cut the call in a hurry.
Arnav was very restless now. What had happened to Khushi? Now he knew why he was feeling uneasy and scared all this time. He drove wildly through the roads not minding the people around cursing him for rash driving. He just wanted to see Khushi as soon as possible.
*****
Arnav reached the hospital. "Khushi Kumari Gupta!!" he told at the reception and then hurried to her ward. He was buried in tension and fear when he saw the scenario there. Garima was crying bitterly in Shashi's arms. Tears were rolling down Shashi's eyes. Even Malini was not able to control her tears. A couple of tears escaped Rakesh's eyes though he tried his best to control. Arnav felt weak suddenly, he felt as if he had lost all his strength in a moment. His body was numb. He didn't understand anything. Rakesh saw Arnav. He quickly wiped his tears and came towards Arnav.
Rakesh tried to smile and before he could say anything Arnav at once asked, "What has happened to Khushi?" Rakesh's smile vanished away as he heard that. He didn't say anything. Arnav walked ahead to Malini. "Ma, Khushi theek hai na? What has happened to her?" he asked and Malini began crying more. Arnav was desperately waiting someone to tell him something. He went to Shashi and Garima. "Uncle, Aunty... atleast you tell me!! Tell me... What has happened to Khushi?"
Garima just hugged Arnav and cried. "Arnav..." she was crying.
"Someone tell me... PLEASE!!" said Arnav desperately. But no one was in a condition to say anything.
Just then the Doctor came out from Khushi's room. Arnav pushed Garima away and hurried to the doctor. "Doctor!!" he was breathing rapidly, "please say that Khushi is alright!!"
Doctor sadly placed his hand on Arnav's shoulder and said, "I am sorry... She has very less time left... You can meet her for the last time..."
Arnav pushed the doctor's hand away forcefully. Taking steps backward he cried, "Kya bakwaas kar rahe hain aap?!! No!! You are lying!! I know this is not true!! This can't be true!!"
Shashi and Garima stared at Arnav in shock. Rakesh and Malini tried to calm Arnav... "Arnav... shant ho jaao..." said Rakesh but he knew how difficult it was.
Arnav pushed them away, "You are telling me to calm down, Papa?!" he said surprised. "Didn't you hear what the doctor said just now?!! These doctors say anything!!" said Arnav. He looked at everyone, they all had tears. "And how can you all believe all this?!!" he asked them angrily. "The doctors say anything and you all believe it?! Nothing will happen to Khushi!! Nothing! I know she will never leave me!! Don't worry you all, I will go talk to her!" so saying Arnav flung open the door and entered the room.
Everyone was scared as Arnav had not a single tear in his eye. They hurried in behind him. Khushi was lying there with her eyes closed. Arnav saw her and went near her to sit down on his knees. He moved his fingers over her face gently calling her name.
With great difficulty Khushi opened her eyes. "Arnav..." she whispered.
Arnav smiled and said, "You know what, doctor has said that you would soon be fine and you will be discharged then!"
Khushi's eyes welled up. She smiled weakly and said, "Tumhein jhooth bolna nahi aata Arnav...! You can't lie, not to me!!"
Arnav was shocked. Everyone else couldn't control their tears. "Khushi, the doctor is talking nonsense!! Do you know what he said? He said that you have very less time left...!!" said Arnav. He was acting like a child. He saw Khushi had closed her eyes. "Khushi!!" he cried as he shook her. She opened her eyes slightly. "Khushi, I know you will never leave me... Right?!" he said in a trembling voice.
With great effort, Khushi raised her hand to place it on Arnav's cheek. "Right...!" she whispered and her hand fell to the bed. The cardiograph went flat. Her eyes closed, she lay there motionless... lifeless. Garima broke down. Malini to fell to the ground crying.
"Why are you all crying?!" said Arnav, confused. "Just now Khushi said that she would never leave me! Maybe you don't believe in her, but I do!" Everyone was shocked at Arnav's words.
"Arnav!!! Khushi marr chuki hai!! She is dead!! Why are you not understanding!!" cried Rakesh.
"Papa!!! How can you say that about Khushi!!" said Arnav in shock.
Why wasn't Arnav understanding it? Why was he not accepting that Khushi was dead? Everyone was scared that if he didn't accept it soon, he would probably go mad.
Arnav shook Khushi's body, "Khushi!! See what everyone is saying?! You can not die, right? You have promised me that you will always be with me. And I know you will never break your promise!" he said smiling. "Khushi?!! Open your eyes and tell everyone that you will not leave me! I told them, but they are not ready to believe me. Please wake up and tell them yourself, only then will they believe it!" he said innocently. But how could Khushi tell it? She was dead. Arnav shook her vigorously. "Khushi?!! Open your eyes damn it! Enough of sleeping!!" he said. "Ma, see Khushi is not opening her eyes, please tell her to wake up!! Papa, please tell Khushi to open her eyes!" But they could say nothing. "Khushi, now if you don't open your eyes, I will never talk to you!! And I am serious this time!!" he warned. But how could he get a reply from a dead body? He patted hard on her cheeks, "Khushi!!! I am very angry now!! Aunty, please tell her to listen to me... please!! Why is she not talking to me?!! Khushi!! Talk to me... PLEASE!!"
Arnav was desperately trying to wake Khushi up. Rakesh and Shashi tried to pull him away from Khushi's body, but Arnav was uncontrollable. They were trying to convince him that Khushi was dead, that she had left them forever, that she would never come back now. But Arnav was not ready to believe it.
"No!! She is not dead!!" yelled Arnav as he tried to get out of Rakesh and Shashi's grip. Arnav held Khushi's hand tight in his. "Khushi, don't you love me? Then please listen... please... See what everyone is saying about you!! But I don't believe it at all! I know you are here... right here... with me! I know it!" and he began laughing. "Stop that drama now Khushi!! See how much you have scared everyone! Now if you don't get up, they all will die crying...!! Hahahaha" he said. He stared at Khushi. "Khushi!! Tumhein meri kasam hai... Get up now and..." he suddenly stopped as his eyes widened. A smile spread across his lips. "Dekha, maine kaha tha na ki Khushi ko kuchh nahi hua..!! She is not dead!! I had told you!!"
Rakesh shook Arnav hard, "Arnav!!! Come back to your senses!!!" cried Rakesh.
"Papa... see!!! Her finger moved!!" he said pointing at her hand that he had held. And now they all could see the finger move stightly.
Shashi and Rakesh ran out to call the doctor. The doctor requested everyone to move out. Everyone was waiting desperately with a ray of hope that they would get back their Khushi. After a few extremely tense moments, the doctor came out and announced to everyone's pleasant surprise that Khushi was alive, though critical. Everyone rejoiced with happiness.
A few hours later, doctors declared that Khushi was out of danger, but she had to be kept under observation for a few more days. Arnav went in to meet Khushi. The others too followed.
"Khushi..." said Arnav gently keeping his hand on hers.
Khushi opened her eyes and now the barrier that had held all the tears inside Arnav broke down. He was crying his heart out burying his head beside Khushi's into the pillow. Khushi couldn't control her tears. She knew what Arnav must have gone through.
"Main bohot darr gaya tha Khushi!! I was very scared!! I didn't want to lose you at any cost!! I was just too..." he sobbed. He couldn't speak further.
Khushi weaved her fingers through his hair. "I couldn't leave you Arnav... How can I break my promise?!" she said smiling through her tears.
"Please don't do this again! Please..." Arnav was crying. "Please... never scare me like this again..." and he sobbed. Khushi nodded. Arnav tried to control himself. He took a couple of deep breaths and wiped off his tears. Smiling at Khushi, he said "I want to tell you something..." Khushi looked at him curiously, "The meeting in Mumbai was fantstic!!" he said.
Khushi was very happy. "I knew it!" she said.
"How did you know?" asked Arnav.
"Because I believe in you!" said Khushi.
Arnav smiled as tears flowed down his cheeks. He moved his hand across Khushi's forehead, "I knew you would never leave me!" he said. "I love you!! I would never let you go away!!"
Khushi smiled. "I love you too...!"
All this was unbelievable for everyone including the doctors. Now they knew what true love is!!
____________________________________
Hey friends, did you like it? Feel free to share your views on this 😆 Had written this long ago... Thought of sharing it here... Ready to tolerate chappals and rotten tomatoes 😛😆
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