#2 Arshi FF - Sealed With Your Kiss/Chapter 41&42/(Pg-86&87)/U - Page 23

Chapter 25

The Ultimate Betrayal

I've lost hope in you

I've lost hope in me.

Not only that, but things I see and what I read.

I've lost hope in the sky and the stars.

The whole world entirely.

The dreams that once were all I could see.

I no longer feel that I am free.

I've lost hope in all that made me, me.

I don't feel like I can manage to hope or to dream.

I just don't believe in you.

Because I've lost hope in me.

Its like the future is fading, just out of reach.

Or maybe, there just wasn't one waiting for me.

Maybe just like the stars, that future faded long ago.

And its only now that I can see,

The road I'm on now will lead me nowhere entirely.

~The saddest thing about betrayal is that it never comes from your enemies~

"Sashi, have you got anything to with my sister and brother-in-law's murder, Garima was asking, suspicious could be seen clearly in her eyes. "What...how could you think it of me...i am hurt, Sashi acted outraged. "I don't know...it just came to my mind...that my brother-in-law was after you from some time, she bit her lips nervously. "Look at you...after all those years you can't bring yourself to utter their name you're your tongue...what already regret marrying me, he sneered.

"Don't change the topic...tell me the truth please Sashi...are you really involved in murders and illegal activities...as my sister once told me,she asked hesitatntly, her glance dwelling on the bland face of her husband.

"You didn't trust me...yet you marry me, he asked bitterly. "No, that's not the case...i trust you utterly and completely...it was just that the other day I caught your brother talking something about how you both were involved in illegal activities, she ran her tongue on the lips that had suddenly gone dry...

"I don't believe that you trust on whatever shit my brother spews froth...he has a lose tongue and who knows better than you...that he is my arch rival in business, he sputtered furiously. "I am sorry Sashi...i am really sorry...i care about you that's why I asked you...who knows to how many people he had told the same lie, she apologized miserably...

"Ah...my poor darling...now I get it you were worrying about me...hence the change of mood, he winked playfully, hauling her in his arms...

"Give me back my romantic Garima, he flicked her nose. "Sashi...aren't you getting late for your business meeting, she frowned. "Oh...yes...i totally forgot about it...okay I am going...i'll try to come as soon as possible then we'll go to dinner...wear that sexy red saree for me, planting a kiss on her cheek, he headed outside, whistling a soft tune under his breath...

As soon as he was outside Garima almost fell to the floor, her fingers shaking, lips pale. "I heard the whole conversation of your brother with your lawyer...and I know you are lying...God how could you do this to me Sashi, she moaned, cold sweat breaking out all over her body. Suddenly feeling nauseous she got up on her feet and stumbled towards the bathroom where she was violently sick...

After some time she moped her teary eyes and washed her mouth then almost fell on to her bed. A terrible thought came to her mind and she asked the maid to bring her a pregnancy kit from the nearby medical store. Two minutes later, the result was positive...

An inaticulate moan tore through her throat. Stuffing the back of her hand inside her mouth she choked back the screams that would have otherwise ripped her apart. She had brought that on herself. Didi, you were right, she thought with agony. Her heart was burning like the city of Rome, but no one could douse its flames. She had burned all her bridges to reach a point of no return...

Her mother's curse had came true, she was destined to burn in agony and never show her pain to anyone. No fate could be worse than this...

The price of loving a criminal had been too much, but she was coward enough to remain silent all through her life...

Because she had a life to protect and Sashi was very powerful...

Powerful enough to crush her...

"The bitch took my wallet, Arnav cursed, taking out an empty hand from the pocket of his coat. "Don't tell me, you knew it as well, Ramlal mocked from the driving seat and Arnav flashed him a warning look...

"I didn't knew it...i think she stole it when she kissed me infront of the police station, he replied grimly, rubbing wearily at his temples. "You forgot she is an accomplished thief...it's no hard work for her...and well she is clever too ... you have to hand her that, Ramlal winked mockingly...

"We'll see...how far her cleverness will work, he was aggravated, she had outsmarted him in one of her cunning moves...

"Call Rahul, tell him to come with backup and wait for us near Singhania's house. "What...why, Ramlal screeched to a halt, a confused look on his face. "Don't ask, you'll know later, Arnav said, an inscrutable expression outlining his face . "I am confused where should I drive now towards city hospital or Singhania's house?. "To Singhania's house...going to city hospital won't serve any purpose.

"But I am thinking how we will catch Khushi then...without making a public spectacle of ourselves?. "We will...I've got a plan...but first enjoy the chase as long as it will last, he drawled and Ramlal fell silent, detecting the cryptic message in Arnav's words...

"City hospital, Khushi ordered the taxi driver, throwing herself at the back seat, trying to catch her breath. As the taxi rushed towards its destination, she constantly glanced back to see if Arnav's car was following her. She was certain that he had seen her escape, but she couldn't comprehend as to why he was not following her...

He is playing a game with me, but what are his true intentions, she thought shaking her head with frustration...

"Mam, there is no patient by the name of Garima here in room no 12, the girl at front desk smiled apologetically at Khushi. "How could this be possible...I am two hundred percent sure that the receipt was of city hospital, she muttered under her breath. "Can you please check again...maybe she was shifted to another hospital, she leaned on the reception counter, desperation in her tone. "Mam I have already checked three times on your insistence there is no Garima Gupta in room number 12, you must be mistaken, annoyance had crept into the girls voice. "Okay, leave it, she shook her head, her voice subdued with worry...

Where would have that bas***d taken her mother?, she thought biting at her lips...maybe her mother was initially here but then Arnav transported her somewhere else. But what could she do now, she thought helplessly. She had no idea where Arnav was hiding her mother and now she couldn't go back to him, it was too late and right now he would be bubbling with wrath. You fool Khushi, why in the name of God did you run?, she groaned...

"What should I do...what could I do?, she thought, pressing her finger tips to her temples. Then the thought flashed across her mind and she rushed towards a young boy of about 15 sitting in the corner, playing game on his cellphone. "Hey, can I use that phone of yours for two minutes, she requested, a hand held out pleadingly. "Nope, can't you see I am about to complete the level, he refused, without lifting his head. Khushi clenched a fist, her fingers itching to snatch the phone from his hand, but she didn't want to create a scene here in the hospital. So, she abstained from punching his puffed up face...

"Here, take this and eat a burger, she waved a 500 rupee note infront of his face and his head jerked upwards, his tiny piggish eyes flashing with greed. Mesmerized by the sight of money, he held out his thick fingers, his jowls quivering with excitement. "The phone, first, she hitched her stubborn chin. Without wasting a single second he held out his phone. As soon as Khushi took it, he almost snatched the note from her hand...

Shaking her head with disgust, she punched the memorized number in the cell, one toe scraping the chipped surface of the floor as she waited for Singhania to pick up his phone. "Singhania speaking, after the fifth beep a nasal voice rasped inside her ear. "It's Khushi...Khushi Kumari Gupta, she answered hesitantly. "Oh...Sashi Gupta's daughter, he asked after a moment's silence.

"Yes...I met my father today in jail...he gave me this private number of yours. "Khushi...is there someone around you...what about Arnav Singh Raizada. "No...there is no one around me...i escaped from his captivity and that's why I need your help, she bit her lip looking around her for any watchful eye, desperate fingers raking her hair. "Oh that's good child...why don't you come to my place and we'll talk about it, he prompted in a gentle tone.

"Okay...please tell me where you live and I'll get there. "Here, he said proceeding to tell her the address. Khushi rushed towards the reception, grabbed a pen from the girl at reception, snatched a paper from the pad placed infront of her and jotted down the address. "Hey my phone, exclaimed the little bulldozer-like child who had gotten up from his seat and was now making his towards her, his wrestler like arms swinging at his sides, belly quivering with outrage.

"Thanks Mr. Singhania...I'll be there, she disconnected the call. Then handing the pen and paper back to a goggle- eyed receptionist she almost threw the phone towards the child who flailed like a fish and went tumbling down with a great screech, his butt hitting the floor with a resounding thud, his phone victoriously caught in one outstretched hand...

"Here take more money...to treat that injured butt of yours, she slapped a one hundred rupee note on his chest. "Greedy child, muttering under her breath she rushed outside leaving more than half of the people in the hospital corridor staring open-mouthed behind her...

"So that's how a rat look when caught in his own trap, an amused voice boomed inside the room causing Singhania and Khushi's head to whip towards the door. Arnav's powerful frame was silhouetted in the doorway, a demonic cast to his face. His eyes glittered diabolically, one hand leaning against the door jamb, enjoying their pale and shocked faces. "What...not happy to see me?, one brow arching with mock astonishment as he sauntered inside the room...

Khushi staggered up from the chair, her mouth thinned, fists clenched at her sides a sinking feeling in her gut telling her that she might have been played for a fool. By Singhania seemed to found his lost wits. "What the hell are you doing here Mr. Raizada and who gave you permission to enter my premises?, he sputtered, outraged written on his face. "Ask her...she lead me to you...right Khushi, he nodded, pointing his head towards her. "What bullshit...i never told you about this place...how could I when I came to knew about it just an hour ago, she bit out, horrified.

"Yes, not intentionally but then you never knew about my plan princess...eh, he jeered. "What plan?, Khushi asked sharply while Singhania looked from one individual to another, a look of comical disbelief over his face...

"It might hurt your womanly sensibilities princess but you were the cheese to land that rat in my trap, he declared calmly, pointing towards Singhania. "What the hell he is saying Khushi?, Singhania swelled like a bull, his nostrils flaring with rage. "Don't ask her...ask me, taking his hands out of his trouser's pockets he hauled a chintz chair to him, settling himself in its comfy depths, placing one casual leg over the other one.

"I don't know Mr. Singhania what he is saying...don't believe him, Khushi blurted, spreading her hands pleadingly, but Singhania held out a hand to stop her. "Whatever it is I don't want to listen...I can't be a part of this circus...please leave my office...both of you, Singhania pointed towards the door, his face set in an angry mask.

"You'll leave when I'll say you'll leave...not before, Arnav's low voice dripped with menace, as he indicated Singhania to take a seat. "This is outright harassment...under the article act of. "Sit down, Singhania started but was cut short as Arnav barked and he almost jumped out of his skin, perspiration popping on his forehead. "That's enough Arnav...I am not bound to listen to you, Khushi turned to leave but Arnav grabbed her wrist so brutally that a tiny scream left her throat. Her breath almost stopping in her lungs, she looked at him fearfully as he pushed her into a chair placed near him...

"Don't you dare go anywhere Khushi Kumari Gupta, his tone was so frightening that Khushi could feel her hackles rising, her chest heaving as she sucked in a much needed breath. What would he do to her, knowing that she had betrayed him, she shuddered even to think of it. "What do you want?, seeing Khushi's fate Singhania gulped, almost falling back into his chair. "Nothing that you can't give me, he said cryptically.

"And what is that?, he asked confusion written on his face. "The record...I want the record of Sashi's crimes. Singhania froze, then after a moment's silence he shook his head in negation. "I don't have it, he swallowed nervously. Kicking the chair away Arnav stood up like lightning and almost dragged Singhania over the table by his collar. "Tell me you want it the easy way...or the hard way...cause believe me I've been well experienced in dragging out the truth from a person's gut, he hissed menacingly...

"I...I, Singhani sputtered, his breath juddering in his throat, eyes widening with fear. Khushi took that chance to get up from her chair and tiptoe towards the door. But before she could put a single foot outside, Arnav whistled and Mohit and Ramlal rushed inside. "Leave me, she struggled as they held her by her arms. "There is nothing that you can do princess...so be a good girl and just enjoy the scenario while you can, there was no mistake the threatening message in his words. Ramlal pushed her into the chair again...

Rubbing at her arms, she threw him a dirty look but thought better of remaining silent...

"Now Singhania, can you tell me where are you hiding the record?, Arnav tugged at his shirt, tightening the starched collar around his throat. "The safe...in my office...to your right, his voice came out as a mewl, hands as week as a kitten, ineffectively trying to loosen Arnav's grip on his shirt. "The password...tell me the password, he shook him hard, tightening his hold as to cut his air supply. "A...2...6...b...7, he delivered trying to suck in a breath, his face turning blue.

"Mohit, Arnav signaled and nodding his head obediently Mohit punched in the safe's code and with a clicking sound it opened to reveal a heavy black leather bound file. "Is that the one?, Arnav hissed. "Yess...Yess, Singhania shook his head profusely and Arnav released his collar and he collapsed in the chair, his hands shaking...

Seeing Mohit engrossed with checking the contents of file and Arnav with his cellphone, Khushi bit at Ramlal's hand that was placed on her shoulder, holding her down. Ramlal cursed and Arnav's head jerked up. As she tried to run towards the door one powerful stride took Arnav to her side.

"No more, dragging her back he gave her a tight slap, causing her to lose her balance and fall on the carpeted floor. "You bas***d, she began but then he pointed a pistol at her head and she froze in mid-tirade. "You want to meet your mom tonight or not', he declared making her throw a suspicious look at him. "Yes, she replied mutinously, rubbing a hand at her cheek.

"Then don't try any tricks...otherwise you won't be able to see her anymore...I still haven't forgotten your betrayal princess, there was a hint of bitterness in his voice as he got down on his haunches, placing the nuzzle of pistol at her temple. She closed her eyes then sucking in a deep breath she opened them again. "I hurt you, she asked in a low voice, her gaze probing, trying to find the hint of pain that she had detected in them just now. But as he looked back at her, his face was devoid of any expression. He had blocked her out...

"Arnav, she placed a hand on his shoulder but knocking off her hand he got up to his feet. "You didn't answer me, she insisted again. "Ramlal call Rahul, ignoring her statement he moved his head to the side to bark an order. Holding a now weakly struggling Singhania with one hand Ramlal nodded at Mohit who punched a number into his phone. In ten seconds flat several uniformed men rushed inside the room.

"You are under arrest Mr. Singhania...anything that you say now...would be used against you in court, one of them said handcuffing him. "What...what is my crime?, he spat with outrage.

"After this...there won't be any doubt on your list of crimes Singhania, Arnav triumphantly waved the file infront of his face. "Who the hell are you to threaten me...where is my security?, he shouted an expletive as the uniformed men began dragging him outside. "Well it would be too dramatic to say that I am your nemesis...but I would say it all the same...Mr. Singhania you are charged with the crime of consorting with criminals and falsely covering up their crimes for your own nefarious purpose...so it's over for you now...you lost the rat race, he mocked, flicking an imaginary speck of dust from his coat, enjoying the deathly pale look on Singhania's face...

After that he didn't utter a single protest as the men dragged him outside...

"Thanks Mr. Raizada, a distinguished looking youth held out his hand in gratitude, the various badges decorating his shoulders showing him to be of a higher rank than his other colleagues. "My pleasure Rahul, Arnav shook his hand, his gaze following his the direction of Rahul's stare as he looked at Khushi with a confused expression on his face. Khushi who had been staring silently at them from a long time, uncoiled herself from the chair and trotted forward, her hips swaying sensually with her every step, a smooth slinky expression on her face.

"She is with me, Arnav declared hauling her to his side. "Oh, I see...nice to meet you mam, he bent his head in acknowledgement. "Nice to meet you too Rahul, Khushi smiled charmingly and the youth's ears turned red. Arnav dug his fingers into her waist in warning but she ignored him and held out a hand, her eyes dancing with devilry. Rahul held her fingers and pumped them animatedly, his eyes having a glazed look in them. "Actually Rahul, we've got to go somewhere urgently...how about we'll have tea someday, Arnav almost pulled her hand out of his grip. "Sure Mr.Raizada...anytime you want...it will be an honor for me, he said breathlessly.

"Then it's done...i'll call you, Arnav said then shaking his hand with the young man for the final time, he nodded his head to bid goodbye and dragged Khushi out the door...

As soon as they were outside, he almost threw her away from him. His car was parked nearby, while Mohit was nowhere to be seen Ramlal was sitting in the driver seat, waiting for them. "Get in the car, he ordered coldly, a shuttered look on his face. "What the hell is the matter with you...if you are angry then scold me...but don't judge me Arnav Singh Raizada...i left you because I had the right to do so...I am not your damn property...i am an individual...separate from you, she burst out, causing some startled birds to take flight and passersby to gawk at them...

"I said get in the car or do you want me to throw you inside, he wrenched the door open, his tone icy, eyes like chipped glass. "Damn you to hell Raizada, for the first time she ditched his first name for his surname. Something intelligble flamed inside his eyes for a fleeting moment than it was gone leaving them icy with a controlled rage. Her lips tight with anger she got inside the car but during their journey to meet her mother she didn't dare strike a conversation with him lest he would say something ugly in that scathing tone of his and she wouldn't be able to control herself and would punch his arrogant face...

"You've got a hospital too, outraged Khushi stared at the glinting hospital signboard. As soon as they reached Raizada Hospital she couldn't keep silent anymore. The feeling of being outsmarted in her plan was too overwhelming for her. "Yes, that's why your idea of rummaging through my coat pockets to find any clue was a flop...your mother was never admitted in city hospital, Aenav had the satisfaction of seeing her face go crimson with defeat and anger. "Don't mention it, she bit out, following him as he headed inside...

As soon as they reached the reception, stark silence fell over for a second then the entire staff jumped to their feet, blurting out welcome. People nodded their head, smiling at them in greeting as they went through endless corridors...

"You used me...was that also included in your plan to catch Singhania through me, she almost ran trying to keep up with his long legs, her tone excusing. "Not Singhania but yes...I wanted to catch the person who had the records through you that's why I send you to Sashi, he shrugged his broad shoulders shamelessly, pressing the button to call a lift.

"And how the hell would you know that Sashi Gupta would tell me something so important about his life...that was one hell of a risk...what if he wouldn't have told me?, she ask puzzled as they emerged out on the fifth floor. "There was no risk...your mother told me...that you are more important to Sashi than his life...you could make him do anything, he laughed mockingly.

Khushi came to a halt. "Why would she tell you something like this...she is too faithful to him...almost to the point of worship, there was disgust in her voice. They had reached a place where there were endless doors lining both sides of the corridor. "I threatened to kill you, he replied breezily as they halted outside a door named Garima Gupta...

"You bas***d..., she sucked in an outrageous breath but was cut short as Arnav pushed the door open to reveal a whitewashed and well-furnished room. The smell of antiseptic and chemicals assailed her nostrils as she entered inside, causing her to flinch and sneeze. "Khushi, a woman called her name hoarsely and Khushi turned her head towards the source. Her mother was leaning on the bed, a nurse tending to her drip. As soon the nurse saw Arnav she got up, raising her head slightly in greeting. He signaled her and she went outside...

"Mom, Khushi rushed towards Garima, throwing herself in her frail arms. "How are you my life...my child...my Khushi, she sobbed, looking with gratitude at Arnav over her daughter's shoulder. He leaned against the wall, looking almost bored with the mother-daughter reunion, his arms folded across his chest. "Mom, you have almost become bird-like...see how thin your arms are...they are like my fingers...see, she put her fingers next to her mother's arms, laughingly comparing them both.

"No...that's not possible...I am eating so much...I will gain weight soon...don't worry, she acted shocked. "Look what I made for you, she took out a red woolen shawl from under her pillow. "Mom, it's beautiful, Khushi took it from her mother's hand, caressing its contours. "You like it, Garima's face lit up, her eyes shining with tears. "Ofcourse...Mmm...it smells of you, she lifted her eyes which mirrored her mother's expression.

"Did you get the records?, Garima asked hesitantly from Arnav. "Yes, thanks to you, his reply was non-committal. "Why the thanks...you threatened her with my life...she was forced to give you the information, Khushi piped in, her face a mask of bitterness. "I see...you are not happy that a criminal like Sashi would receive his due punishment...oh I forgot that you are your daddy's little princess, he jeered and Garima flinched, her face paling...

"Will you stop it...whatever happens to him I don't care...but I do care what happens to my mother, she flashed her eyes angrily. "And did your saint of a mother tell you...what she did...how she had been involved in covering your father's tracks, he declared harshly. "No...Arnav, Garima's wail of protest came too late. "What..., Khushi's head whipped, seeing the flush of guilt on her mother's face.

"No, you are wrong...she didn't know that he was a criminal, she shook her vehemently...

"Open your eyes damn it, Arnav cursed passionately. "She knew from a very long time and she did whatever he asked of her, even to the point of acting as a witness in defence for the crimes that he committed and taking oaths in the courtroom...it's not that there was no dirt on his name...there was but whenever someone convicted him for some crime...your mother would always be there to sweep that dirt under the floor...you were a child then so you didn't know...by the time you grew up Sashi had grown too powerful for his enemies and no one had the courage to antagonize him, Khushi listened to him wide-eyed as he narrated, his voice filled with contempt.

"No...that's not right...that couldn't happen...I don't believe it, she muttered hysterically, staggering to her feet. "Mom is it right...did you do that...please mom...i need the truth, turning towards her mother with disbelief, she shook Garima, who looked at Arnav with pleading eyes, then feeling no support coming from his cold and disgusted demeanor she hung her head in defeat. "Yes, her whisper was hoarse, filled with guilt, it permeated the air like a sickening smell. His work done, a satisfied smile broke over his mouth..."No...nooo...nnnooo, she screamed doubling up with agony...

Lighting up a cigarette, he leaned against the wall to enjoy the scenario enfolding infront of his eyes...

"Please, Khushi...i did it for you...i wanted to give you a good life and I had nothing to support you, Garima grabbed at Khushi's hands beseechingly. "No...noo...no...don't touch me, she shook her head blindly, backing away, a tormented look over her face. "No...don't say that you did it for me...it's just an excuse...you got too used to the expensive lifestyle to leave him...the rapist...how could you mom, she doubled up, sucking in air.

"I was kissed by him, hugged by him in my childhood...raised on his stinking money...as a woman...how could you do this to me and yourself, she tore at her hair, scrubbing away madly at her arms and face, as if she could get rid of Sashi's past touch...

"I am sorry Khush...i... please forgive me...i couldn't kill the love that I had for him and I couldn't stop him from committing crimes...i was too weak, she lamented, her voice hoarse with crying.

"You were a coward mom...you and all those women out there who cover for their men's sins...even if he had blackmailed you...forced you...i could have understood...my sympathy would have been with you...but you had the evidence of his crimes in your hand and you chose not to do anything, she raged, her voice choking on the last words. Garima almost crumbled on the bed, her body shaking with grief...

"I know why I never loved Sashi Gupta properly...i struggled with my feelings thinking that he is my father and I am bound to love him...even knowing that he was an adulterer and that he hurt you...i remained silent just for your love...but when I knew he was a rapist...i killed whatever little love I felt for him...but mom...what you did...you broke me into pieces...and for the life of me I would never be able to found myself again, her voice broke as she crumpled on the floor, her shoulders shaking with anguish...

It was over the love she had for her parents had been killed silently out of her...

And only a gaping wound had been left in its spot. Garima had been her weakness and with her weakness gone now there was nothing on this earth that could frighten Khushi anymore...

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