Arshi FF: The Broken Hearts#2 NEW LINK ADDED pg 153 - Page 25

Chapter 14

" set us free."
After six long years, today his own words were echoing in the silent hospital room. How mercilessly the words had left his mouth. He knew that this breakup would be extremely tough for her yet he went ahead with it. He knew how badly she depended on him, in fact she had no one to claim as hers except him yet he chose to snatch that very relation from her and leave her alone. She was lonely when he had stepped in her life but when he decided to step out of her life, she was lonelier and much more broken than before.
There was a time when her tears would twist his gut however that night even her teary face couldn't melt his heart.
He said he loved her and he did but he loved himself and his dreams much more than her. Dreams that he preferred to chase by crushing hers.
He always feared that this love would act as a hindrance in his path to move ahead in life but still he gave love a chance. And as long as he stayed in Delhi, he tried to strike a balance between his love life and his professional life...somewhere he succeeded in doing that. However when he went to Mumbai, those six months brought him very close to his dreams..Dreams that were slowly turning into a reality. He didn't realize that the more he was moving towards his goals, the more he was drifting away from Khushi. The gap between them was widening and he failed to see that because his eyes were blinded by the shimmer of his bright career. The ache to be with Khushi or the desire to go back to her was not there because the joy of achieving his goals was filling his heart...his heart that was Khushi's home was slowly being captured by his ambitions. And when the opportunity of working in New York came his way he just couldn't resist it.
The decision to end ties with Khushi wasn't easy for him. He thought about it for days before coming to Delhi. But at that point of time, he really didn't have many choices. If he rejected the offer and stayed back then he wasn't sure when he would get such an opportunity again and the regret of letting go such a golden chance would always stay with him and it would have definitely affected his relationship with Khushi. So instead of ending something on a bitter note he preferred to end it on a teary note. Yes she'd cry, she'd be heartbroken but in the long run she'd understand that what he did may not have been emotionally right but practically it was. Moreover in life breakups do happen. You always don't end up being with the person you love and vice versa. People do fall in love but later realize that this is not what they want so they part ways and move on in their respective lives.
Khushi suggested to get married and come along with him.. but that wasn't possible. He wasn't prepared for marriage and the responsibilities that came along with it...He just wished to focus on his rising career. And then she suggested something that was completely unbelievable for him...She wanted to wait for him! Not two weeks..two months but two years! Was it even possible?
He wasn't sure that when he'd come back to India and in such a case if he asked her to wait for him..would it be fair? Yes he was cruel..He was selfish but he wasn't a cheat. He could have given her false hopes, kept her waiting and not bother to look back...but he didn't. Would anyone give him some credit for that? Probably not .
He stepped into his future but after ending everything in his past. He wanted to give Khushi a fair chance. If he was moving ahead in his life then what right did he have to hold her back?
So, what and how he did, could it be justified? Was his decision right?
NO.. NO..NO..dammit...!

Breaking a heart full of dreams desires and love wasn't just a mistake, it was a sin! And he was a sinner in his own eyes!

Leaving Khushi was the biggest mistake of his life! And he realized it after he made some more mistakes.
He glanced down at her hand that he was holding. She had promised that she'd always be by his side. When he'd reach the top, she'd be there with him, holding his hand.
He smiled at her innocence, little did she know that one day, he himself would leave her hand and fly alone in the sky. She couldn't keep her promise because he didn't let her do so and now he deeply regretted doing that.
He believed that his happiness lay in climbing up the ladder of success but every step that he took to move up, he realized that he had no one by his side to share that happiness. He was ALONE! He was filling his life with luxuries but his heart was turning hollow. Standing in the crowd, people cheered for his success but his eyes searched for someone who was only happy for him (Arnav) and not ASR. The world was at his feet as he had dreamt but his hands were empty.
Slowly he realized what loneliness was...what emptiness was.
His dreams were turning true but he could no longer sleep and how could he after knowing that someone was crying because of him ? His life had all the comforts but it didn't have peace. The guilt and the loss of losing Khushi wouldn't let him stay in peace.
He realized how true her words were that money couldn't buy happiness..how true her love was, absolutely pure and unconditional.
How badly he wished he hadn't left her? How badly he craved to have her back in his life? Yes he was once again being selfish but he truly loved her. Perhaps nobody would believe but over the years, every fiber of his body regretted breaking her heart and every beat of his heart cried to be with her. He loved her when they were together but his love deepened during this painful separation.
Having said and felt all that, he still never once did attempt to go back to her because he believed he wasn't worthy of her! After ruthlessly destroying her life, he only deserved to suffer and repent. He had everything that he ever wanted but not Khushi, who his heart wanted! He had money, wealth and power but nobody was poorer, lonelier and helpless than him...And he deserved to be that way..He deserved to suffer that way.
Arnav gazed at Khushi who had still not woken up. She had her eyes shut and lips sealed. She didn't desire to see and talk to him. She was tormenting him in her own silent way.
He had lost all hopes of seeing her, meeting her and today out of nowhere she was right before his eyes... Her hand was in his..but he wasn't happy! He was miserable seeing her in this state.
He knew all these years she must have suffered..suffered beyond his imagination and he deserved the worst possible punishment ..but not this...please not this...God, he couldn't see her dying!
The rising tide of sorrow and regret inside spilled over and tears just cascaded down his eyes.
" please Khushi, open your eyes..you hate being in the hospital..it scares you .let's get out of here."
He gently cupped her face." It's killing me to see you like this..Hate me as much as you want but for God's sake, get up."
He pressed her shoulder and shook her. " you can't be cruel like me..you can't leave like this..please, I beg of you..wake up..wake up for your daughter ." He dropped his head on their entwined hands and cried for the time they'd lost together and the mistakes he'd made.
" don't forgive me but please don't go...I love you Khushi..I really do."
His tears of guilt, regret and love fell on her hand and her fingers moved.
Arnav's head immediately shot up and he looked at Khushi. Her lips parted and she murmured something.
" Khushi..you're alright..open your eyes..say something." He couldn't believe that she was gaining conscious. He at once pressed the bedside button to call the doctors.
The doctor asked Arnav to wait outside as they examined Khushi. He saw Khushi's daughter with the nurse who was coming back after feeding her. Arnav reached for the child who wrapped her arms around his neck.
They both stood outside the door and anxiously waited for the doctor to come out.
" see.. maa."
The baby peeped inside and banged her tiny fists on the glass window.
" shh...shona..maa will be fine very soon." He pulled her back slightly and silently watched the doctor who was attending her. He hoped and prayed that she was alright.
Arnav approached the doctor as he came out.
" how's she?" The pulse in his neck throbbed as he asked.
" Her heartbeat , pulse, blood pressure all are normal now. But she's too weak to open her eyes..still kind of drowsy..hopefully she'll wake up after few hours and be much better."
" Is there something to worry about?"
The doctor shook his head. " not yet."
Arnav closed his eyes in relief. " thanks a lot."
The doctor nodded and looked around. " it's been more than one day and nobody from their family has turned up?"
Yeah it was strange that no one cared to enquire about shyam and Khushi.
" Mr. Raizada, I don't think we can keep Mr. Jha's body for long. Please inform someone from his family to claim his body."
Arnav slowly nodded. " I'll do that."
When the doctor left, Arnav called up aman. " Yeah aman, I had asked you to get information about shyam..what happened?"
" sir, I have reached the hospital and I have all that you wish to know about shyam." Arnav disconnected the call as he could see aman walking down the corridor.
" afternoon sir."
Arnav gave him a curt nod. " tell me."
" sir, shyam's parents separated when he was young , he stayed with his father who passed away in 2008.. he didn't have any other relatives..after finishing his education he got into exports business which is now doomed..he's almost bankrupt now..two years back he married Khushi kumari.."
" Khushi kumari gupta." Arnav completed his sentence and somewhere it pricked him to know that she had married shyam.
" and they have a daughter named Sia." Aman gazed at the girl that Arnav was holding, perhaps she was Sia.
" what about Khushi?"
Aman slowly shook his head. " sorry sir, I thought I was supposed to gather information only about shyam..but I'll find about her also."
Arnav waved his hand. " leave it . No need." Now that there was no one in shyam's family who could be informed then only Khushi's uncle and aunt were left. He didn't have their number but he remembered where they lived. He hoped they hadn't changed their address.
" aman you wait here with Khushi." He gestured toward the woman lying in bed.
" I'm going out for some work but as soon as she wakes up, call me." Aman nodded.
Arnav took a step ahead to hand him Sia but she panicked and clung to Arnav more tightly.
" okay okay I'm not leaving you..you're coming with me." Arnav rubbed her back and kissed her head to soothe her.
Arnav turned around to leave when a ward boy came his way and showed him something.
" when the family was brought here..this was found with them." A mangal sutra, some keys and a wallet.
Arnav stared at the nuptial chain then extended his hand to take them when Sia grabbed the chain to put it in her mouth.
" no, shona." He carefully took back the mangal sutra from her mouth and put it inside his pocket along with the keys before she grabbed to play with them. Sia then made a swipe for the wallet. Arnav didn't stop her, a walllet was harmless she could play with it or put it in her mouth.

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Arnav took a deep breath as he found himself standing outside Khushi's uncle and aunt's house. So this was where he ended everything!
He rung the bell and Khushi's aunt opened the door.
She furrowed her brows as she couldn't recognize Arnav. " yes."
" I'm Khushi's friend.."
she didn't let him finish. "She doesn't live here anymore." And pushed the door to shut it. But Arnav stopped her.
" I know that..but I have something very important to say." Manorma reluctantly kept the door ajar and waited for him to speak up.
" can I come inside and talk?"
Manorma rolled her eyes before letting him in. As Arnav came inside his eyes ran across the hall. Nothing much had changed, same furniture, same flooring just that now everything seemed old and dirty with layers of dust covering every nook and corner. The house had always been small and congested but Khushi kept it neat and clean. Though she wasn't considered a part of this house yet she had turned it into her home.
" you had something important to say." Manorma folded her arms and looked at him expectantly.
Arnav gave her a slow nod.
" yeah...this is Khushi's daughter Sia." Manorma glanced at the little child who was playing with Arnav's tie.
" So?"
Arnav thought that she must be aware of Sia, if not then probably she'd be happy to know about her..but she wasn't glad. She was indifferent.
" on New year's eve, Khushi and her husband met with a serious accident...thankfully Sia made a miraculous escape, but.." He thought knowing this might flicker something in her eyes.
" but what?" She didn't have all day, why wasn't he hurrying up? And why was his face looking familiar, had she seen him before?
Arnav swallowed hard before breaking the news. " but unfortunately shyam died on the spot and Khushi got severely injured..she's still unconscious..." he wanted to add that she was out of danger but Manorma tilted her head slightly and interrupted him again.

" I don't know why you're wasting my time by telling me all this because for us, Khushi died the day she decided to marry that shyam."
Arnav couldn't believe her, yes she had always been an insensitive woman but how could she be so inhuman? After knowing about Khushi she was least concerned and bothered!
" I understand, you might be upset with Khushi, but now isn't the time to dig the past..shyam's body needs to be cremated ..Khushi is in the hospital..and this little one also needs you."
Manorma shrugged her shoulders. " I think you're not getting what I'm trying to say,
let me put it clearly. Khushi is dead for us. We have nothing to do with her and her family."
" but you're also her family." Arnav argued.
" we Were."
Arnav stared at her. This woman was impossible. Why was he even expecting her to be considerate toward Khushi when in the past she gave Khushi several reasons to cry.
It was pointless talking to her. " I'd like to meet Khushi's uncle." He had come across as a kind man.
Arnav moved toward Khushi's adjoining room but Manorma blocked him.
" he's resting and he agrees with me."
" I don't think so. On the contrary I'm sure he'd help out Khushi in this crisis."
Manorma smirked at Arnav.
" crisis? This girl has always been in crisis? How long and how far does she think we'll help her."
Manorma turned her face and continued to spit venom against Khushi. " I'm glad she's out of this house and our lives. In fact I'll celebrate the day she dies and leaves this world as well." She peered up at Arnav and sniggered. " I think that day is not far away...do let me know when she actually breathes her last."
" Shut your mouth!" Arnav shouted back.
" had you not been a woman, I swear I'd have broken your face." Clenching his jaws, Arnav towered over her and raised his voice. " as long as I'm alive, nothing's gonna happen to Khushi. I'm with her." Coming here and expecting something from her uncle and aunt was a big mistake. Khushi would be better off without them. He turned on his heel to leave when Manorma said something that burnt his ears.
" you mean to say you're back in her life?" Manorma moved around to stand in front of him.
" aren't you the same friend who dumped her years back?"

She clapped her hands. " so the lover boy has returned? Wow, what timing...shyam is dead and now the two love birds can reunite. But won't this baby be an obstacle for you?" She glanced at Sia who had started to fuss by putting her fist in her mouth. She must have sensed the tension in the air. Arnav hugged her closely while glaring down at Manorma.
" you know what, you disgust me. Your mouth is as filthy as your mind." He gritted his teeth and twisted his face.
" and now I'm glad that I'm not repeating my mistake of leaving Khushi here with you."
Arnav banged the door shut behind him as he left that house and vowed , no matter what, but Khushi would never come back here.
This chapter was closed forever.

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Arnav sat back in the car and tried to calm his nerves. He so badly wished to smash that woman's face.
Shyam had no family so he thought at least Khushi's relatives needed to be informed about the accident. But he didn't know that he would regret coming here.
Anyway there was no point in thinking about this worthless family. Khushi had suffered injuries, she needed time to recover and she couldn't possibly manage everything on her own...So how to go about this?
Throwing his head back, Arnav closed his eyes when Sia started to climb on him and tugged his shirt to pull out the pen from his upper pocket. As expected she put the pen in her mouth.
" shona, you'll hurt yourself." Arnav took the pen from her, she pouted and started to cry.
" hey, no crying..no crying." Arnav looked around to give her something to play with but there was nothing so he again handed her the wallet. She stopped crying and started fiddling with it.
Arnav peered down at Sia and took a decision. Khushi and Sia would stay with him till Khushi recovered! He knew making Khushi agree to it would be an uphill task but there was no other option. He would bear her anger but she couldn't be left alone..not in such conditions.
He called up aman. " yeah, text me shyam's address."
Raizada mansion would be a new place for both Khushi and Sia. Adjusting in a home wouldn't be easy especially for Sia. So he thought of picking up some stuff of hers from her house and shifting them to RM.
Arnav instructed the driver to take them to shyam's residence.
His house was situated in a lower middle class society. Taking out the keys from his pocket, Arnav pushed open the door. Never in his dreams had he imagined that one day he'd be entering into shyam's house which would happen to be Khushi's as well.
It was a one bedroom hall kitchen apartment. Nothing special but it was where Khushi lived...with shyam. The bitter fact twisted his stomach.
Sia was getting antsy, after all she was at home so Arnav allowed her to slide down until her little feet touched the floor. And soon she began crawling all over the place after throwing away the wallet that was in her hands.
Arnav leaned over and twisted the lamp, and the small amount of light it provided highlighted the living room and kitchen.
The living room was covered with toys, scattered around. The kitchen was in complete mess. There was just one window that allowed some sunshine otherwise the apartment seemed dark and suffocated. It was hard to believe that this was Khushi's home!
As Arnav moved inside, he stepped on a stuffed animal in the centre of the hall and it made a giggling sound. Sia immediately stopped crawling and looked back. She recognized the toy and raised her arms, gesturing Arnav to give it to her. She pressed the soft, pink little hippos stomach. It laughed and Sia grinned along with it. Seeing her laugh brought a smile on Arnav's lips too. She smiled just like Khushi, open and without any inhibitions.
Arnav let his gaze wander around when his eyes spotted something but wished they hadn't. He slowly walked toward a small side table and picked up a photo frame. It had a picture of shyam, Khushi and Sia..together like a family. He watched it closely. Khushi was holding Sia in her arms while shyam had his arm firmly wrapped around Khushi's shoulder...As if he owned Khushi. Arnav clasped the frame tightly and clenched his jaws. The smirk on shyam's face and the malice in his eyes irked Arnav. As though he was mocking Arnav through this picture..As though he knew that one day Arnav would see Khushi as his wife, holding his child!
Arnav's gaze moved to Khushi. She didn't look happy. She wasn't smiling and her eyes..her eyes seemed empty.
Was she really not happy with shyam or did his eyes wished to see her that way?
If her heart wasn't in this relationship then why did she marry shyam? Even her aunt and uncle appeared to be against this alliance then what made her marry shyam?
Did shyam force her or did she agree willingly? Was it really her decision? It was extremely hard for him to imagine Khushi and shyam together.
Not that he expected her to wait for him or spend her life crying over him...He wanted and somewhere expected her to move on but not like this.
Did she marry shyam to punish him for leaving her or to punish herself for loving him?
Arnav's cellphone vibrated disturbing his agonizing thoughts.
" Okay aman..I'll be there. And listen get Khushi and Sia's stuff packed and moved to Raizada mansion."
Arnav kept the photo frame back. " shona...ahh Sia, come let's go meet maa." He lifted Sia who tucked the hippo stuff under her arm and clung onto Arnav.

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By the time Arnav reached the hospital, Sia had gone off to sleep by dropping her head on his shoulder.
Khushi who was now awake had been shifted to a room on the ground floor.
Arnav's heart rate raced as he approached her room. They would be meeting after six years and he knew it wouldn't be a pleasant encounter. She would be first surprised to see him and then she'd loathe at the sight of him. She'd probably not even talk to him. The face that used to lit up on seeing him would now be disappointed to have him in front of it. The innocent hazel eyes that used to have love floating in them would now be filled with hatred. The beautiful delicate lips that used to stretch in a smile would now lash out bitter words at him. Though only hatred would be coming his way still he wished to face her...face the mistake he had made.
Arnav turned the knob and slowly opened the door. Khushi was sitting up with eyes closed and head resting on the pillow.
" Khushi." He called her softly. As he stood before her, she failed to notice his presence.
" Khushi." He said a little louder than before.
Her eyes moved under her eyelids and she slowly lifted them to look at him. She stared at him for a few seconds before parting her lips.
" do I know you?"

Thanks for reading

Rose