Arshi FF: The Broken Hearts#2 NEW LINK ADDED pg 153 - Page 13

Chapter 13

********************************************************

The next day to keep her mind off from counting hours, Khushi drowned herself in household chores and she had a very important reason to do so. Today was special not just for her but for uncle and aunt as well. It was their wedding anniversary and they were holding a dinner party at their place. Thus without saying, the responsibility of organising it fell on her shoulders.
She had swept and mopped the house, made lunch and was now ironing her aunt's sari

when her aunt came from behind and rolled her eyes.
" you're still not done with the ironing? Girls of today's times are dead slow and lazy. Take hours to finish one simple task." Khushi silently glanced at the pile of clothes that she had already ironed, it wasn't just one sari that she had to iron.
" maami, give me two minutes..it will be done."
" I don't have spare time to waste like you...there's so much that still needs to be done." Her aunt's bitter words didn't hurt her, perhaps the joy of seeing Arnav after six months, didn't allow her to get teary. She was too happy to get affected by her aunt's rudeness.
Manorma handed Khushi a piece of paper.
" This is the menu for dinner."
Khushi's uncle who was mutely watching everything, gathered some courage to open his mouth before his wife.
" instead of cooking everything, let's order from outside." Manorma placed her hands on her hips. " why ruin hard earned money when we can easily cook at home?" Her husband lowered her head and nodded..by we, she clearly meant that Khushi would have to do it.
" now I need to take a quick nap before the guests start coming..don't wish to look tired before the evening starts." Khushi gave her the ironed sari before she left for her room.
Glancing down at the menu she read the items that needed to be prepared. Not a very lavish menu but still she had to go to the market to fetch the required groceries.
" Khushi beta, you also rest for some time ...I'll go to the market and get everything." Khushi smiled and shook her head. " no maamu, I'm not tired.."
" it's fine Khushi, as it's I have to get the cake." He took the paper and went out.
Khushi let out an audible sigh. Three more hours. She smiled inwardly, Wasn't the clock running too slow?
Her uncle would take an hour to return, what would she do till then?
An idea struck her and she opened the fridge to take out the fermented batter. Yesterday she was thinking of making jalebis for the party and kept the batter for fermentation but her aunt had rejected the idea saying that on her special day she'd like to cut a cake instead of munch on cheap jalebis.
But now without caring about her aunt she'd would make hot jalebis not for herself but for Arnav.
She remembered during their last meeting when he had come to drop her, how much he had relished the jalebis made by her. He had even fed her with a piece. She bit her lower lip and smiled at the sweet memory.
Pouring the oil in a utensil she turned on the gas to heat it. Then started making spiral shaped jalebis. She was dipping them in sweet syrup when Manorma came out of her room. Khushi took a deep breath and prepared herself for getting scolded. The jalebis smelled divine, Arnav would surely like them and for that she didn't mind hearing something awful from her aunt.
" Khushi, are you hard of hearing or stupid enough to not understand simple things.." even though prepared still Khushi was startled by her words.
" didn't I specifically tell you not to make jalebis then what's this?"
" maami, the batter would have got spoilt..so I thought instead of throwing it away, why not use it."
Manorma gritted her teeth. " eat or throw them but don't even think of serving them to the guests."
Of course, she had made them specially for Arnav, why would she serve them to others?
After two hours the dinner was ready. Khushi was busy washing the utensils when her uncle said, " Khushi stop all this and get ready for the party. The guests must be coming."
Khushi smiled and dried her hands with a cloth. Her uncle was leaving when she stopped him.
" maamu, tonight a close friend of mine is coming cover," she lowered her head and held the corner of her dupatta. " I'd like you to meet him."
She felt his hand on her head." Sure."

Tonight she wished to dress up for him. They would be seeing each other after so long, she needed to look..special.
She blushed at the thought.

Khushi opened her cupboard. All her suits were too simple. She wanted to wear something nice if not new. She ran her fingers through the wardrobe and stopped at the red sari.
He had loved her in that sari. She took it out and showed it to his sculpture.
" Arnav ji, do you approve this?" The sculpture was smiling. Good, she would wear it for the evening.
She pinned the end of the sari to her shoulder. Wore a pair of earrings then turned around.
" so what do you think?" She bit the inside of her cheek.
" what, you're not liking it..but why?" She gazed at her reflection in the mirror. Was something missing?
She shook her head, of course yes. She pulled open her drawer and took out the red bangles that he had bought for her.
Looking at the sculpture in the mirror, she said" Arnav ji..you're so particular."
Taking the bangles she was about to push them in her hand when her uncle called her from behind and she jumped in surprise. The bangles dropped from her hands and broke.
" Khushi, someone's waiting for you at the door...I think it's him."

Khushi stared down at the scattered bangles and slowly nodded. Breaking of bangles was not a good sign...it didn't feel good. She bent down to pick them. That day the chain broke and today these bangles..what was happening?
" hurry up Khushi, he's waiting."
Khushi looked up at her uncle and blinked her eyes. She remembered Arnav's words that it was delicate and broke, there was nothing to worry.
She pressed her lips and stood up. He was finally here, then why was she worrying. She forced a smile and left her room.

As she made her way through the guests she could feel butterflies doing a happy dance in her stomach. Arnav had returned. The nervousness, the excitement was impossible to contain.
However she froze at the sight of him. Ever so slowly she blinked her eyes, she was not dreaming. He was here, standing at the door.
" Arnav ji." She whispered , this time in real and not in her dreams. However in the hustle and bustle of the guests, she doubted he would have heard her...but maybe read her lips.
She grinned broadly and went up to him.
" you're here!"
He slowly nodded. " yeah."
" Khushi, won't you invite him in?" She giggled and gestured him to come inside.
" maamu, this is Arnav ji..He was my senior in college."
" and Arnav ji meet my maamu." They both smiled and shook hands.
To her uncle, Arnav looked like a decent and nice guy however his face looked slightly familiar and then he remembered Khushi's sculpture...so indeed he was a quite close friend of hers.
Arnav looked around at the people who had gathered. They seemed to be celebrating but what?
Khushi read his confused face and enlightened him.
" you've come on a very special day...today is maamu and maami's wedding anniversary."
Arnav opened his mouth to congratulate but Manorma intervened.
" what are you doing here? The guests are waiting for us to cut the cake." She threw Arnav a cold gaze before dragging her husband with her.
Khushi turned to look at Arnav.
" how was the flight?"
" good." He appeared stiff and somewhat uncomfortable as he replied. Perhaps surrounded by so many unknown faces was making him uneasy.
" Khushi, I need to tell you something."
" I'm sure we must be having loads to share but before that let me get you some black coffee."
Arnav wanted to stop her but she had already rushed to the kitchen.
As she poured hot black coffee in the cup and placed some jalebis in a plate, she heard the guests clapping and cheering. Perhaps the cake had been cut...without her.
A part of her wanted to feel bad but then all this was not new. Her aunt never considered her as family.
Pushing the thought aside she reminded herself to be glad...Her Arnav ji was here with her...what more could she ask for?
She handed him the cup and offered the jalebis.
" no, I'm not hungry..I'll just have coffee."
" but I made them for you."
" Don't mind Khushi but I'm really not hungry..and thanks for the coffee."
Okay he wasn't hungry but at least he could have had one small little piece..she sighed...never mind.
With one hand in his pocket, he slowly sipped the coffee. Khushi silently admired him, he was wearing a fitted , pinstriped shirt and an expensive looking navy jacket. For the first time she was seeing him in a suit and her jaw dropped...He was looking so different and gorgeous!
Arnav turned his neck to peer down at her and she immediately closed her mouth, she hoped he didn't catch her ogling him.
Her eyes fell on her sari...did he notice the red sari that she was wearing? Maybe he did but she had to admit tonight he was looking absolutely amazing!
Khushi gulped and slowly raised her head. Her eyes searched his face. Was he as excited and happy as she was? It didn't seem like, instead he appeared tensed and lost in some deep thought. Something was bothering him.
" Arnav ji, you were saying something?"
He took a moment to reply.
" can we go to your room and talk?" Khushi passed him a surprised look. With so many people present, how could she take him to her room?
" please." He insisted.
Maybe he needed some privacy...She slowly nodded.
Once in her room, Arnav shut the door behind.
Khushi gaped. " Arnav ji..what will others think?"
Arnav waved his hand. " nobody will notice..they are busy enjoying the party."
Khushi wished to disagree, God forbid if her aunt caught her, she'd throw her out of the house.
" relax Khushi, I know what I'm doing..and what I have to say is quite important and not at all easy to blurt out with people hanging around."
Khushi pressed her lips and reluctantly agreed however her eyes were fixed on the door..hoping and praying nobody called her or came in.
It irked Arnav to see Khushi staring at the door...fine it isn't considered appropriate for a young boy and girl to be alone behind closed doors..but for heaven's sake could she stop thinking about others and just focus on what he had to share? They both trusted each other and were not here to get cosy!
Had the guests not been present, he would not have insisted on taking him to her room...He just needed a few minutes alone to say all that was bottling up inside him. It wasn't easy for him to speak his heart out and with the guests hovering around he was sure he wouldn't be able to open his mouth.
Anyway...He closed his eyes and took a deep breath then parted his lips.
" well my company was very impressed with my performance in Mumbai and I've been promoted."
Khushi glanced at him and smiled. " that's great Arnav ji..I'm so happy for you."
He blinked his eyes in response.
" our company has a subsidiary in New York," he looked into her hazel eyes. " and I have been appointed the financial head of that company."
Her lips first stretched to smile and then her eyes turned wide.
" I didn't..get you."
He knew it wouldn't be easy.
" I'll be going to New York...for two years."
Her forehead wrinkled and she looked at him in disbelief.
" but Arnav ji you have just returned after six months...and now two years?"
He could understand what she was going through but she also needed to look at things from his perspective.
" I know Khushi...but this is a golden chance..I can't let it go."
" but can't you find a job in Delhi?" Her eyes turned moist. " please...don't go."
He knew this was coming and she'd react like that but he wished she'd also realize the importance of this opportunity.
" if I stay back then I won't be able to grow."
" what about your MBA degree...and Anjali di?" She wished to add her name to list as well but didn't.
" my semester is over...I have the degree and di...she'll understand." So there was no way to stop him?
She grabbed his arm. " okay, then take me along."
He knitted his brows together. " Khushi, you need to finish your graduation...and how can you come with me?" In this room being alone with him was worrying her, then how could he take her with him?
" we can get married..and I can finish my studies later." Like Payal and Aakash they could also pursue their careers after getting married.
Marriage? Now from where did that come from? He shook his head. " that's not possible..the company is sending only me..family isn't allowed."
Her heart sank as she slowly left his arm and whispered, " I'll wait for you."

It crushed her to let out those words. These six months had been painstakingly tough...and now two more years!
" but why do you wish to wait and waste your precious time?"
What kind of a question was that? Had he left her with any other option? If he had decided to take up that offer and she couldn't accompany him then apart from waiting for him what else could she do?
" I can't see you spoiling your life for me..what if I don't return?" He didn't know what the future held for him and how his life would be once he left India? Then how could she put her life to a halt for him and why?
He was leaving...forever?

Her knees gave in and she dropped on to the floor. She stared at the broken bangles.
" Arnav ji don't you love me..or is there someone else?"
Arnav crouched down to look into her eyes that were shedding tears.
" of course, I love you Khushi but.." He took her face in his hands. " love is not everything..there's more to life." He wished she came out of her dream world where everything was rosy.

Both Arnav and Khushi dealt with this separation quite differently. While Khushi opted to stop and revolve her life only around him...Arnav took some strong steps to move ahead in his life...these steps distanced him from Khushi and brought him to a new world that was close to his dreams. Khushi preferred to spend her time waiting for him whereas he used the same time to chase his dreams. While all this time Khushi missed and craved to be with him..Arnav who had drowned himself in work, perhaps didn't miss her absence in his new found world. They had always been different and this separation had widened their differences.
" one should be practical in life and realize that money is important..and who better than you can know that?" Her father committed suicide because he didn't have the money to support his family.

There was a time when his touch would comfort her and his words, sooth her aching heart. But tonight his touch didn't ease her pain and his words only brought tears to her eyes. He appeared unfamiliar.. a stranger..He wasn't her Arnav ji.
She slowly brought his hands down and asked, " what do you want?" Tears were still streaking down her cheeks, he raised his hand to wipe them but she moved back. Like always she was thinking from her heart and not mind.
" I know initially this will be extremely tough but look didn't you survive without me for six months? That just goes to show how strong you are?" Right, only she knew how strongly she'd faced this separation..by counting days and crossing dates on her calendar.
" life has to go on..people come and leave but we can't stop living.. our falling in love is just a part of life..it's not the end of our lives...there's much more to come..we shouldn't cling on..."
" I asked what do you want?" She didn't wish to hear his words of wisdom...how she dealt with her life was now just her concern and not his.

" set us free."

She closed her eyes and smiled...smiled at her foolishness. She thought that he loved her immensely but in reality he loved his dreams more than her...dreams in which probably she wasn't part of. She believed that their love could withstand anything but she was wrong..his ambitions crushed their love like dry leaves...leaves that are weak and cannot face the storms, drop and fall down...their love was weak like tender leaves. She thought that nothing could come between their happiness...love had blinded her , she couldn't see that she herself was standing in between his goals and happiness.

And Now was the time to step aside. She wiped her tears, opened her eyes and faced the reality.
" Arnav ji..you're free to go." Her throat felt as if it was on fire.
He lowered his head. " I'm sorry Khushi."
She shook her head and dismissed his apology. In fact she was sorry for even attempting to hold him back when in reality, he was never hers.
Arnav slowly stood up to move back, Khushi turned her face away, she didn't wish to see him leave.
As Arnav stepped back , he hit the table behind. His sculpture fell on the floor and shattered.
" ohh." He let out and bent down to pick the pieces but Khushi stopped him.
" it's okay. It was delicate and broke. There's nothing to worry." She repeated his words and lay her head back against the wall. Her puffy eyes slowly dropped.
She didn't know how long he stood there peering down at her before finally leaving her with scattered bangles and sculpture...with shattered dreams...and a broken heart.

Like he had said the guests outside failed to notice when he came and left Khushi's room... and life.

Love is the most beautiful thing to have, hardest thing to earn and most hurtful thing to lose...

End of flashback

Thanks for reading

Rose