Arshi FF: The Broken Hearts #3 NEW LINK ADDED pg 146 - Page 39

Chapter 26

" Sia, baby my cupboard is not for you to play." Said Khushi on entering the room and finding Sia standing in front of her opened cupboard.
" here are your toys." She took Sia to her shelf that was full of stuffed toys. Then moved back to her cupboard to rearrange her clothes that were now dropped on the floor. Shaking her head she failed to understand, Sia's new activity of pulling open cupboards, drawers and emptying their contents. Khushi folded back her suits and made a neat pile of them. Then started to hang her saris in a hanger. Her gaze fell and stilled on the green sari that Arnav had gifted her on Valentine's day. She fondly caressed it. The sari was special as it came from him. Everything about and related to him was special for her including her love and the confession of the same. Though he didn't accept her feelings but that didn't stop her from continuing to love him neither did it stop her from wondering what made him say that he wasn't worthy of her?
When she could see deep love in his eyes and feel the ache in his voice while saying that he didn't deserve her love then what was compelling him to hold back his emotions? It wasn't only about her loneliness but his as well.
It had been more than ten days since they had spoken about this but still his agonized face was fresh in her mind. Why couldn't he just embrace this beautiful truth and welcome happiness in his life? Both their lives could be so simple then why was he adamant on complicating it?
There were several questions pooping up in her mind that demanded answers from him but she refrained herself from asking him.
Love is tender and it needs to be handled with same tenderness. Love is not logical, it can't be planned and definitely not be forced. It should be felt and accepted on its own.
He loved her, there was no doubt about that..his every gaze, action and unspoken word..softly told her how much he loved her. Just that he wasn't willing or ready to accept it and why, only he could answer. But she wouldn't push or force him to do anything that he wasn't prepared for.
She could see him struggling with his feelings, fighting an inner battle. She would give him time to deal and win this battle.
Putting the sari back, Khushi closed the cupboard. So how were things between them? Was there any shyness or awkwardness?
She was neither shy to love him nor was she ashamed to have expressed it to him.
Yes there was certain awkwardness and hesitation between them however both didn't make it so apparent and obvious. Like before they talked, ate together and played with Sia..to an outsider , everything might have looked normal but within them, they knew, things weren't like before. Their relationship had changed and Khushi hoped it was only for the better.
Personally she felt light. There was no confusion in her mind as her heart knew what it wanted. His rejection hadn't broken her heart, though that night her pillow was wet, she cried herself to sleep. As his words had definitely pricked if not shattered her heart. And that was because she was only thinking about her love however when she closed her teary eyes, she found a pair of eyes, aching with unshed tears, looking back at her with hope and forgiveness...hope, she'd understand his point of view and forgive him for bruising her tender heart . She hadn't lost hope. At the same time she wasn't at peace. How could she be when she could see, he wasn't.
He probably felt guilty of not reciprocating her feelings..but he didn't know that she didn't want him to love her back out of guilt. Love needed to be guilt free. Plus she didn't blame him for anything, so he needn't feel sad. Her happiness lay in his and would always will.

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Arnav read and signed the last page of the file. His eyes moved to his wrist watch, it was 6.30 and he had promised Sia to return home early and take her out to buy her chocolates. In the morning before leaving for office, she had brought him the newspaper to show him the picture of a basket of chocolates. He had smiled and promised to get her those chocolates in the evening. And he was damn sure, since evening, at every doorbell, she must be running to the door to see if he had returned or not.
Knowing that his shona would be waiting for him, pleased his heart . However she'd not be the only to have her eyes set on the door..even Khushi would be waiting for him. Not for his return but to seek answers to the numerous questions that were swimming in her eyes. Every time he'd look at her, he'd find her looking back with pure and undying love. But that wouldn't bother him, it would only make him feel special..special to have her in his life. However that feeling wouldn't last long because he knew how unfortunate he was, as he couldn't shower her with the same love that resided in his heart..And that would bother him...His inability to clear her confusion..His inability to bare his heart to her...and his inability to love her back!
Her silent eyes, that spoke volumes, didn't accuse or hold him responsible for anything...they just wished to love and be loved back!
Simple!
But his heart was complicated!
The computer screen pinged, drawing his attention.
Mail, from Lavanya? Now what was this woman up to?
His mind wished to delete the mail without even reading it but something within him stopped him from doing it.
He reluctantly clicked on it. Some contractual papers, opened up. Arnav furrowed, why had she sent them to him?
As he read them and scrolled down, the pulse in his neck started to throb rapidly and his face twisted in fury.
" Damn!" He cursed loudly.
" Aakash, come to my cabin, immediately. Its urgent." The desperation in his voice was quite evident.
Arnav turned his laptop and gestured Aakash to read. Shutting his eyes, Arnav attempted to curb his fear laced with anger.
The company that Arnav had floated for Lavanya had entered into a contract with a small time Indian firm. As per which the Indian firm had to export cotton fabrics as raw material to Lavanya's company. However after getting an advance of five lac rupees, the firm failed to deliver the raw materials on time. Now Lavanya was threatening to send legal notice to the partners of the firm.
And unfortunately that firm belonged to none other than Shyam Manohar Jha!
Worse, along with him, Khushi his wife was also a partner of that firm!
Arnav so badly wished to smash, dead shyam's head. Even after dying, he wouldn't let Khushi rest in peace. And why just blame shyam, even his ex wife was using this issue to get back to him.
" How serious is this?" Arnav asked.
" you are nowhere related to the case but the fact that Lavanya has mailed you these documents, clearly means that she knows about you and Khushi."
" I figured that out. What next?" Arnav couldn't wait to know what could be Lavanya's next move. He just wanted to keep Khushi safe from her.
" everything depends on the authenticity of these documents."
Arnav leaned forward and rested his elbows on the table. " then find out if this contract is fake or not and then make sure Khushi is not dragged into this."
" it would be difficult to keep Khushi away from this..But I'll try my best." Assured Aakash.
" your best better be best." Pointed Arnav. When it came to Khushi he wouldn't take any chance.

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Arnav rang the doorbell of his house. The house maid opened the door for him. When he stepped inside, he heard some noises coming from the living room. Khushi was talking to someone, as his feet moved in further, he recognized the second voice too and it surprised him...definitely not pleasantly.
What the hell, was going on in his house? His jaws clenched in annoyance.
" Arnav ji." Said Khushi on seeing him. She appeared uneasy and that made Arnav even more upset.
Khushi silently stepped aside, to show him who was waiting for him.
Arnav cringed at the person sitting and smiling at him.
" hey, ASR!"
" what are you doing here?" Asked Arnav through gritted teeth. Was sending that mail not enough, that she landed up at his place as well?
Lavanya stood up confidently and purposely took some time to adjust her long skirt before replying him.
" I know it's all over ...But still there's something between us that isn't finished as yet." She gave Arnav a cheesy smile.
Hearing that Khushi averted her gaze. Lavanya's presence and the way she was behaving with Arnav, made Khushi really uncomfortable...she was acting as though she was still his wife and Khushi an outsider, of course that she was...But still.
Noticing Arnav still glaring back at her, delighted Lavanya. She so badly wished to see that furious look on his face.
" did you get my mail? I came to talk about it." Lavanya said while tucking her hair behind her ear with her slender fingers.
Of course he had got those documents, she bloody well knew about it, but still she was asking him. And if she really wanted to discuss about it then she should have gone to his office instead of dropping in here in his absence. She clearly wanted to irk him by being around Khushi.
Arnav opened his mouth to reply , " listen.." but before he could complete what he wished to say, Sia came, pushing her walker. She grinned looking at Arnav and raised her arms, expecting him to pick her up.
Arnav calmed slightly, at the sight of Sia and at once lifted her in his arms.
" aww such a cute baby." Said Lavanya and walked near Arnav. She raised her hand to caress Sia but Arnav moved aside. He wouldn't even let her touch his shona. No, not this time.
Lavanya pursed her lips and gulped her insult then took out a chocolate from her purse.
" look, what have I got for you?" She showed Sia the chocolate and Arnav mentally kicked himself. With this whole contract thing running in his head, taking Sia out, completely slipped out of his mind.
Sia glanced at Lavanya with wariness in her eyes, though Lavanya was smiling at her with the chocolate in her hand, still Sia was hesitant to take it from her. She peered up at Arnav, who didn't encourage her to take it so she silently dropped her head on his shoulder and started to play with his tie.
" take it. It's very tasty." Lavanya offered again but Sia didn't even bother to look at her.
Lavanya felt a little embarrassed, not just Arnav, even the child was showing her attitude. Huh.
Sensing the animosity and heaviness in the air, Khushi intervened.
" Sia, baby take the chocolate." Surely Lavanya wasn't welcomed in this house but still she was a guest and she should be respected.
Sia reluctantly took the chocolate from Lavanya.
" She listens to you...you are her.."
" governess." Replied Khushi.
" But you seem like her mother." Lavanya grinned maliciously as her eyes moved from Khushi to Arnav, make him fume.
" maa." Said Sia and tried to go to Khushi and once again Arnav could see that wicked look on Lavanya's face.
" come," Khushi took Sia from Arnav. " I'll get the dinner ready. Lavanya, do join us." Khushi tried to excuse herself.
" how sweet of you Khushi. I'd love to spend time with you and Sia"
" No need. I got your mail and I shall get back to you soon.Lavanya, You may leave." Arnav said coldly. He couldn't tolerate her even for a minute.
" how rude ASR." Lavanya pretended to be hurt.
" it's okay Arnav ji." Khushi didn't see any harm in Lavanya eating with them.
" Lavanya must be getting late. Her evenings are usually not free." Arnav spoke sarcastically. Back in New York she never had time for him and now she wished to be with Khushi! She just intended to annoy him.
Lavanya shook her head. " No, I'm completely free but why do I feel you don't want me to be around Khushi? As if I'm going to reveal something to her." She casually stroked Arnav's arm, " are you hiding something from her?" She winked at him and Arnav shrugged his arm. " Lavanya!" He warned her. She was probably aware of all the lies he had told Khushi and now she was trying to use them against him.
" sir, the dinner is ready." HP announced.
" Lavanya, please come." Khushi invited her again and moved with Sia to the table.
Arnav grabbed Lavanya's elbow and pulled her back. " on the dining table, you dare say something you shouldn't and I swear I won't give you a chance to repent." Arnav threatened in a low and dangerous tone.
The corners of Lavanya's lips twisted in a grin. " relax ASR. Your secrets are mine. I'll keep them safely, here." She softly patted her heart that was dancing in joy. That painful look on his face was back which went missing when he had come to New York for the divorce. He was angry then but still there was some calmness in his eyes as though everything was normal in his life. And even the doubt of it, infuriated Lavanya, how could he be at peace after shattering her plans? Just as he kept a tab on her activities even she needed to know , back home what was going on in his life.
After divorce her only aim was to torment Arnav and extract money from him. For that she needed to press his throbbing nerve. So she hired a detective to investigate into his life. The detective informed her that he was living with a lady named Khushi and child named Sia.
Khushi...Khushi..Khushi..the name seemed familiar. On thinking really hard she remembered that his ex girlfriend was also some Khushi. It couldn't be a coincidence that currently too someone named Khushi was staying with him. Therefore to dispel her doubt she got more information extracted regarding Khushi and Sia. And the outcome of the investigation, stunned her!
Khushi his girlfriend was married to shyam who had breached her contract. Shyam was dead so she couldn't press charges against him but Khushi his wife and partner was still alive...great! At last Arnav's weakness was now in her hands and she vowed, she'd use it in the best possible way.

At the dining table Khushi served, Sia, Arnav and Lavanya.
" wow Chinese!" Said Lavanya. Khushi simply nodded and tried to smile.
" you know Khushi, Chinese is ASR's favorite? But why am I asking, of course you must be knowing, as you both are living together."
Yes she was staying in Arnav's house but the way Lavanya said , it sounded quite cheap. Khushi silently moved to feed Sia.
" will you just shut up and eat?" Arnav glared hard at Lavanya.
The dinner thus proceeded in silence. Khushi, from the corner of her eye, stole glances at Lavanya. She was beautiful. While she hadn't expected anything less, but had hoped that maybe, by some chance, she would be just the average looking. Not the case.
But it wasn't Lavanya's looks that gave Khushi an upset stomach. It was more so coming face to face with some who Arnav had chosen as his life partner. Though he claimed he didn't ever love Lavanya but he would have surely felt something for her at some point. And that disconcerted Khushi.
* cough* * cough*
Suddenly Arnav was coughing really hard.
" what happened Arnav ji?" Khushi asked, passing him a glass of water.
Arnav gulped a few sips and felt better. " the Manchurian is quite spicy."
" I'm sorry Arnav ji..I made it..But how did it get spicy, I don't know?" Khushi looked and sounded apologetic.
And then Arnav remembered something.

" now you tell me Khushi, what if one day some other girl steps into my life?"
Khushi knitted her brows together and pursed her lips in annoyance. " you think of bringing someone else...I swear I'll add chilli sauce in your food."

Now Arnav was laughing. Even after losing her memory, Khushi's feelings and love for him hadn't changed.
Both Khushi and Lavanya gazed at him in surprise, why was he laughing without any reason?
" Khushi, you're the best and the food is awesome." He smiled and assured her. There was no need for her to feel insecure around Lavanya. No woman could ever come between them.
Khushi smiled back while Lavanya smirked seeing the love birds.
" well a man's heart is through his stomach. Khushi you seem to practice it quite diligently." Lavanya couldn't hide the bitterness in her voice, forcing Khushi to drop her lashes.
" what if, she's already there?"
Arnav's words surprised Khushi and angered Lavanya.
What was he trying to show that he had forgotten her and moved on with Khushi?
Ah, it won't be so easy.
Lavanya abruptly stood up.
" I'll take your leave."
" so early? I thought you'd stay for the dessert. Khushi makes really delicious kheer." Arnav smirked at Lavanya.
" No thanks. Tomorrow, I shall see you in the office. Perhaps then we can have something sweet." Lavanya held Arnav's intense gaze before turning around to leave.

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Arnav ran his hand through his dark hair in frustration. His sleeves were rolled up , showcasing a massive and expensive watch on his right wrist. With that sourpuss expression, he stared off out the window as he fidgeted with the watch, twisting it back and forth.
" the contract is genuine and since Khushi is the partner of the firm, she'll be liable for breach of contract. She can be penalized and face imprisonment as well ." Informed Aakash.
" aren't there any loop holes in the contract that can be used to save Khushi?" There must be some way to protect her.
" No. The contract is fool proof."
Arnav slammed his fist against the closed window. " for God's sake, there has to be a solution to this problem. I can't let Khushi be part of this mess."
" in that case we'll have to negotiate with Lavanya and ensure that she doesn't take legal action against Khushi."
Arnav clenched his jaws. " this woman is nothing but a mistake. She intends to harm me through Khushi."
Aakash stood up and went to Arnav to show him a piece of paper.
" somehow we need to get this signed by Lavanya. But I doubt she'd cooperate in any way."
Arnav took the paper and gritted his teeth. " I'll make sure she signs it."
And then Arnav's intercom rang.
" yeah, send her in." Ordered Arnav, " she's here."
" let me negotiate with her. You stay quiet." Aakash suggested as he knew Arnav wouldn't take a minute to lose his cool on Lavanya and then it would be difficult to deal with her.
Lavanya stepped inside with her chin held high, confidence oozing out of her body.
" Hi."
" Hi Lavanya." Aakash stuck his hand out to greet her while Arnav gave her cold look before turning his back to her.
" have a seat." Said Aakash.
Lavanya pulled the chair to make herself comfortable.
" Lavanya, I'll come straight to the point. Why are you doing all this?"
" Khushi and her husband have cheated me. So I demand justice."
" if that's the case then we are willing to repay you the advance along with interest."
Lavanya shook her head in disagreement before staring at Arnav's stiff back. " No, I wish to take legal action against Khushi."
Arnav cringed hearing that...this woman wouldn't bow down so easily.
Aakash sighed deeply. " look Lavanya, you very well know that Khushi has nothing to do with this. Her late husband took the advance and later failed to fulfill his commitment. Then why are you dragging Khushi into this?"
Lavanya crossed her legs and eased herself in the chair. " I'm only following the law. I have no personal grudge against Khushi. If she has to suffer because of her husband then that's not my headache."
Arnav turned sharply, enough was enough. " damn with your law! You're using Khushi as a weapon against me. But I won't let her suffer because of me."
Lavanya tilted her head and smirked. " then what can you do?"
Arnav pulled his chair and sat. " we both know you want money. Tell me how much?"
Lavanya raised an eyebrow. " how much can you pay for your Khushi's happiness?"
Arnav curled his lips in fury. " stop talking in riddles and quote your bloody amount."
Lavanya smiled seeing him miserable and desperate . She had promised herself, that one day, she'd be calling the shots and Arnav would helplessly agree to her terms..that day had arrived.
" since you're literally begging in front of me then fine, I shall take back my case. But I have two conditions."
" what conditions?" Asked Aakash.
" first instead of five lac rupees, I want five million dollars. And second.."
" But that's too much."
" Aakash, I don't like to be interrupted. Let me finish."
Aakash nodded silently and glanced at Arnav, his face refused to give away anything.
" And second, I want twenty percent stake in AR Enterprises."
" have you lost your.."
" Done." Announced Arnav and passed her the paper stating that Lavanya would take back the case as Khushi was innocent and no charges would be pressed against her.
" Arnav, you're making a mistake." Said Aakash. Lavanya was black mailing him and he was allowing her to do so.
" No, I'm correcting my mistake." Arnav looked at Lavanya. " sign it. Now."
Lavanya had a triumphant smile on her cunning face. " what's the hurry, ASR?"
" shut up and sign." He ordered through gritted teeth.
Then he called his accounts department and instructed them to do the needful.
" you may wait outside."
Lavanya stood up and pushed back her hair falling on her shoulder.
" see you ASR."
" I wish not to see you ever again. And if you reveal anything to Khushi..."
Lavanya chuckled. " why will I do that? You've filled my mouth with money, there's no need to open it before her. " She winked at him, " Like I told you, your secrets are mine." She said in a hushed tone.

Aakash watched Lavanya leave the cabin. " Arnav, think again. What she's asking is huge."
" Khushi has already seen the worst because of me. Even today I'm responsible for this mess. Money isn't important, but Khushi is!"
" But we could negotiate." Argued Aakash.
" in front of Khushi's happiness and safety, no sum is huge enough."

Thanks for reading

Rose