Chapter 57
Dil Se DilTak
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PS: This pressure of updating every week is killing me..:) But still iam trying my best . Well in that urgency of writing , you may come across many language errors. Please ignore.
Story is so deep. I need to fill in many gaps, many things to be properly discussed before ending the story.....I assure , things will fall in place.
I hope it wont be boring..but .....fingers crossed.
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Bangalore
“Its Arnav’s birthday and you are shedding silent tears.”
“No nothing like that”
“You cant hide it from me beta… It’s the only day of the year , I see you weak. Very weak.”
Shanti devi silently wiped her tears, kept the photo of Arnav back in her drawer andpretended to act strong in front of her trusted PA.
“Why don’t you go Mumbai. This is the chance. Well laid out chance. Sheetal is in hospital. You can contact Khushi, can see Arnav. Arnav is close to Khushi. You know that. This is the opportunity. Go and meet him. May be the misunderstanding will be clear”
“Do you think, meeting Arnav through sheetal is the only chance I got in my life?.If I want to see him, I can see him anytime. If I want, I could meet him anytime. But I don’t want. I know how tough he is. I know how hard it is, I know how he has lost all trust, I know he wont believe me, I know he has shut that part of his heart. And once he has shut the doors, he wont open. I know, I know every nerve of him, he is not someone to forgive easily. I know because he is MY SON. Its better I remain dead to him, In his wild memories, because I don’t have anything to explain him, because there was nothing good I left for him. I was wrong and I deserve this.
Shanti devi finally dialled Khushi number to check on Sheetal.
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Mumbai Hospital
““Khushi,I want you to meet someone.” Aman asked holding her hands in his.
Khushi looked at him in question.
“Trust me. You will be top of the world. All those stress marks on your face would ooze out and you would jump of happiness. Please join with me in evening.”
“NO Aman!!. That’s impossible.I have to clear leaving formalities here. Plus I don’t want to leave akka at this stage. What if someones tells her about trafficking…..whatever but I cant come”
”please?”” Aman requested her again.
“NO please understand Aman. Seriously, Right now, Iam sure nothing can make me jump out of happiness. I need to talk to doctors, clear all bills, its so much of task .Please, I just want to leave for Bangalore today at any cost.
“Sure baby. No worriers. Relax” Aman soothed Khushi back, as she was talking being so much direct.
“Just to be curious, whom you want to meet me up?” Khushi asked being nervous.
Aman raised her eyebrows. But before Aman could answer, payal came up looking at her mobile stressed out.
“KHUSHI!!.. There are just few seats available at 10pm, but Khushi, the prices are sky rocket. Checked all the flights!” .Payal looked at khushi raising her brows.
“Did you check flight at 1am? I have my flight at same. “
“None are available . Only 3 left at 11pm”
“Why its urgency to leave today then ? You guys can catch tomorrow”
‘Can we book a taxi? It would workout cheaper” Payal questioned.
‘But It would be hectic road journey. I don’t want to take any risk with akka.” Khushi replied back
“Hey , you are not travelling by Road. Iam booking the tickets for you. Khushi make sure u finish all the hospital formalities. Don’t worry about the tickets”
“but Aman…”
“NO but …shh” Aman placed his finger on khushi’s lips not to further resist anything
“I would pay you soon!’
“Shhh”
Payal looked irritatively at Aman. The way he talking so cosily with Khushi.
“I booked it!” Payal excitedly told after few minutes. “”the tickets are booked. At 10pm khushi”
“Khushi,. I need to go out back to hotel. I have some calls to take. And then some event to catch up.. ”
“I understand Aman. Your flight is again at1am. You need not come to hospital again. Payal is there with me anyway. We will manage”
“are you sure?”
“Yes..yes. whats in there. We were worried about akka, but she is stable now totally. So “
“Ok then, I would see you tomorrow in Bangalore .Keep calling and texting me”
“yeah yah”
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As Khushi saw Aman going, she heavily sat in bench nearby.
“My loans amount are increasing. God knows how would I repay everyone. I have to give you, then Arnav…
“Soon things are falling in place. You will soon get a job. Don’t worry”
“You know, I have to meet someone before I leave Mumbai”
“I know its Arnav. “ Payal retracted back
“No. Its shyam. I never got chance to meet him. He played with my sister’s life.”
“Are you nuts? He is in station. Under police arrest. They will do a fair trial. Why you want to go there and get involved in all this. Arnav would have taken care everything.
“Just want to see him once. My so called jiju…..” Khushi was fuming as she remembered shyam’s deed.
“pchh. Which station and which officers were involved, I guess then nly Arnav and karan knows. I was not involved in any of these”
Khushi looked back at payal helpless. And she asked if payal could ask them.
“NO!. Iam not gonna call them ask. NO. If youwant, you either call karan or Arnav. Iam not doing” Payal spoke directly.Khushi frustrated made a face.
“Leave. Let me first reach banglaore. Will findout later. He should suffer to hell.”
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4pm
Research confirms that women are more likely to have an external locus of control. Personality can dictate how sensitive we are to outside factors influencing us. Women are complicated. While most of them pretend to support feminism, they struggle with their darker side-feeling of jealousy, envy , hatred and competition and with that soon anyone can become a potential threat. This covert and indirect aggression Anjali felt towards many women. The latest were Khushi and with Lavanya. This led to the depression, constant aches, migranes. Its never easy to deal with that darker side of yours. After a trechourous plan with Pam,Anjali went to meet her doctor
“Tina. I don’t know. But I lately I suffer so much from this migraines. Its weird. I feel like I will loose everything.” Anjali confronted infront of doctor.
“sort of ? too much lately? “
“Yeah , guess of business deals. Travelling, meetings making me tired”
“are you sure,you not feeling depressed?”
“NO. Not at all. But its weird. I feel like I will loose everything. Head starts spinning.”
“Is it anxiety Anjali?”
“I Am not sure Tina. I guess issues with controlling”
“Like?”
Anjali was silent.
“You need to observe your routine Anjali. Make a note when you get these. I mean , do you observe when you are dealing with lots of critical meetings or anything else,, Just make a note, Observe a pattern when you get these constant headaches”
Anjali was silent. How could she speak the truth to her doctor. Once she had a business downfall , she attempted to have a suicide. Arnav has to come in to shanghai to deal with that. There was a time when Anjai felt a covert and aggression towards Khushi. She planned to defame Khushi in the company. Yesterday night, she felt a sudden potential threat from Lavanya which could demoralize her personality, result of which she decided to end Lavanya’s life. A plan she carried out with Pam.
A moment of that aggression leads them to make a hasty decision which could even cost someone’s life.
“I have an early 3am flight to catch up. Its going hard”
“Anjali. Iam writing some probiotics and supplements. It should help now.”
“Thanks Tina. ”
Anjali came out from doctors cabin after a profound discussion, and routine checkup before flying from India. Sudden Headache was killing her.
She was walking in hurry when she bumped into a known women. That left Anjali stunned.
“gosh. I never expected I would ever see you again in my life” Anjali spoke as she saw Khushi. In Mumbai. In hospital.
Khushi was hell shocked as Anjali was. The persona of Anjali always made her weak. Some women have that quality of showing that leadership qualities, to display that you are tough and not the easy one.. But every women should also be aware that, all the strong women who pretend to be strong are weak , too weak deep inside the heart. You need to face with equal confidence.
“But I always wished to see you once” Khushi replied composing herself, when she recalled a sudden clash of events with Anjali back in shanghai.
Anjali raised her eyebrows..
“Yes. You heard it right. I always wished to see you once Miss Anjali Raijyada. And lately I wished it lot.”.
“Must admit your confidence girl, you have been blacklisted, guess still jobless in IT, and”
“ ah…. iam absolutely doing well” Khushi replied cutting her short.
“oh.yeah. I could see that.”” Anjali spoke seeing her from top to bottom. And then again continued. “I feel pity on you. I guess you have come to know what it is to take up with Anjali raijyada,“
“No mam. Infact, Iam feeling special, iam feeling proud of myself more than ever.. that the women of your status have actually thought I could be someone to who shouldnot be blindly taken. And you see,…Iam in competition with no one. I am not in jealous with anyone. I run my own race.. I have no desire to play the game of being better than anyone . I just aim to improve , to be better than I was before. That’s me and Iam free. More free than ever”
Anjali fumed with her remarks. But Khushi continued. Sudden urge to shout on someone was burning inside her. “And I guess u might even aware of the rumour…?”
Anjali looked confused at Khushi
“Don’t tell me,You haven’t heard any rumour?” Khushi questioned and smiled back. And continued. “”Rumour of getting clicked with Arnav. That nameless person , mysterious women who is been seen many times with Khushi. So you know ,”
“That’s the charm of my brother. Women like to stick and hang along with him. You know women like you enjoy the publicity they get…I told you this before. Iam telling you again..””
“Wait wait. Anjali. I have one more thing to feel proud. Ignoring all my status , ignoring what happened between us, Arnav is still in contact with me. You don’t have any idea? Don’t you think, your brother equally considers me special? . But I had taken your word seriously. I stayed away from him, but you know Arnav more than me. And also I guess if destiny had other plans too. Why don’t you ask Arnav singh Raijyada about this…?”
Khushi was in no sense, what she was talking to Anjali. Days of frustration was coming out. She never wanted to tell Arnav about Anjali. She never wanted to tell Anjali what she just said. But she said that….and she did not stop. She continued.
“And yes Anjali Raijyada… It seems, the only women Arnav trust is on U. Indeed I too feel pity..No!,,..Not on you. But on Mr Arnav Singh Raijyada!!. He immensely believes on saying truth, of loyalty, etc etc….He blames his mother on lying, about cheating. But, I wonder, what would be his reaction if he comes to know the things you do and the things you keep lying about. He will be heart broken. Don’t you think? I so badly feel pity on him. And that’s because of YOU!
Before Anjali could say anything, she was getting continuous call from Manohar. And Khushi smartly excused herself and went away. Anjali was left red-hot. The ring again came from Manohar.
“Dad?”
“Where are you Anjali? I need to talk to you. Its urgent”
“I was at clicnic just routine checkup . whats the matter Dad”
“I want you to head home right now!!”
“dad. I have an appointment in SPA. And some purchases.and many things to sort out!” Anjali looked at the direction where Khushi went. “ Will head right after that” Anjali told.
“Anjali right now!””Manohar spoke in hard tone.
“oh gosh. What s the matter Dad”
And next Anjali could just hear the beep sound at other end. Anjali was suddenly cautious. Otherwise his easy going father would never behave like this. Manohar looked angry. He looked tensed.
Anjali looked again at the direction where Khushi went, equally fuming on what she said, but equally wondering what was she doing here in hospital , in Mumbai? She is in contact with Arnav? Did they meet here?
Anjali clutched her fingers. She had asked Arnav to not to bein touch with Khushi. She wanted to call him and ask, But it was Arnav birthday. She did not wish to spoil suddenly with arguments. but right now she wanted to meet Manohar behaved strangely.
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Olive Bar, Mumbai
“What did you say your fiancée name?” Arnav asked
“Khushi. Khushi Gupta it is” Aman replied giving a cunning twist of lips.
Arnav looked at him in disbelief. Before Arnav could ask more about her, Karan shooked Arnav’s shoulder showing the Breaking news getting displayed on the screen…Arnav eyes left motionless as he shockingly read the news..
“A very shocking news has come out from Bollywood .Famous actress Lavanya Kashyap has given her life in her Bandra flat in Mumbai.Reports says that the death occurred due to heavy dose of drug.
“Lavanaya Kashyap committed suicide………..”
Arnav eyes glued to the breaking news which was coming. He hated Lavanya, but this was something he never expected. He knew she was one women who made many other’s life hell,, she was being an victim of depression and then he knew how she was so much addicted to alcohol and Drugs. He looked at Karan at disbelief. Clueless to describe the unfortunate incident they were hearing.
There were messages which started poping into his message box. He started getting calls.
Arnav took a heavy breath and was in deep thought.
“Arnav, Did Lavanya commit suicide for a love failure? Because like u have dumped her?” Aman asked when he read that breaking news
Arnav was silent.
“What the F**k Aman? Their Break up was long ended!! Lavanya was into depression. Drugs. “ Karan responded to Aman’s uncanny question. In all the close group of friends, we always find a friend who display to be good friend, but inreality would never wish good for us. Did Aman belong to that category?. Their friendship was a long run from days of College back from London. But deep down, it was way different.
“Arnav, ?” Karan questioned, when he saw Arnav was just quiet. Gazing into his drink.
But Aman continued. “Nevertheless Karan. A general discussion. Iam not holding Arnav as responsible, but like I guess she loved Arnav so much and then may be she could not take into your affairs and she started with drugs and all.
Arnav through his finger pushed aside his glass of drink, gazed at Aman and replied in singleton.
“Lavanya had some reduced connections between the ventromedial prefrontal cortex”
“huh?” Aman looked at him in question confused with the terminology.
“Google it !!! and I don’t think Iam answerable to anyone ! You reap what you sow. That hold true for Lavanya!. No one else is responsible for her death but she herself” Before arnav could speak more, he again started receiving calls. He took an excuse and left the bar table.
Karan knew Arnav wont explain much. He was that way
“F**K Aman. Lavanya suffered from anti social personality disorder. To be precise Psychopath she was and to explain the things,. She was suffering from hell syndromes. Karan hurriedly replied and quickly followed Arnav who went out without giving a F88k to anyone.
Arnav was on call vilifying someone , but Karan could sense, it was some press who were asking about Lavanya’s sudden demise.
“The f**K!!” Arnav shouted and muted the calls and rested his head on his car head rest. .Karan joined him in front seat.
“Leave me alone karan” Arnav answered shutting off his eyes.
‘I know, with lavanya’s you would be the first one to be questioned by hell lot of people- the media, friends, industry insiders. You guys were after all broken up and Lavanya was crazy on you. The world knew that!”
Arnav did not reply. But Karan continued.
“You know Arnav Initially I did feel pity and sad when I heard Lavanya’s news. But I do feel now its what was going to happen. She was suffering from all sorts of disarrays. There was no way anyone could have ,I guess helped her!!” Karan was too carefull in constructing his words.
“She came yesterday night to wish me!.” Arnav spoke after a while. “ She was drunk. I blasted her., I was fuming upon her. I regreted for having an relation with someone like her. The terms were clear in our relationship. No commitments, no promises, no future. Yet she spied on my movements, yet she constructed a web of imagination with me. I warned her, but no. She tried to harm every women I was close, without even my understanding .How could someone be in that toxic relationship. I did warn her. I did tell her to consult doctors immediately. But I guess she never wanted that. She never helped herself and I guess there was no one to help her either. But why should everyone assume I would have helped her.Why? When infact I hated her”
“I understand Arnie. I guess, no one but the person itself has to come out of all their sickness and depression. It was her destiny. People do suffer and they have to ultimately face that outcome. You are right. You are not answerable to anyone.”
A moment passed in silence, Neither Arnav nor Karan remembered what Arnav mentioned about his fiancé name. The death of Lavanya came as huge blow to them.
Arnav got a call again from some other media. Frustrated he muted his calls. All messages.
And then after a minute. Karan received a voice mail from Khushi. His eyes were zoomed.
“Voice mail from Khushi.”Karan spoke seeing Arnav. Arnav looked at him in surprise. “For you?” Play it”
‘Its for me. Why should you” before Karan could speak, Arnav took his celphone and played it.
“Hi Karan. There is something important and urgent. Look, first of all, Thanks for showing akka and getting her treated in this hospital with all the world class facilities. But it also has world class charges. Its not that We can pay the bills. We can. But why should WE ? The bill is 10lakhs!. It was you and Arnav who made all plans and made her admit in this hospital without my knowledge. Now with all due considerations and thinkings , I want to tell that, you are one who should be paying this BILL.!! Come to the hospital right now. We need to check out and our flight is in next 3 hrs”
“What the F**k. Why she should message you? Could not she ask me directly.?” Arnav spoke being exasperated.
“Didn’t you listen, she said that I should be the one fully responsible and she is right!”
“F**k.” Arnav muttered and then dialled her number. She did not receive his call.
“What the F**K. Why is she not receiving any of my calls. There is not even a single message” Arnav told being irritated again
“See I told you. The moment she arrived from your home, she is acting weird”
“I hate women!” Arnav spoke back angrily and kick started his engine.
“Are we going to hospital?”
“Don’t you want to pay the bills? Wait. I did tell you to take care everything!? Did not you take care of all proceedings?”
“Arnie I forgot today. I mean I did not realize they would leave the hospital today itself.”
Arnav checked the time. 8:10. He accelerated his engine.
“I went to hospital today to meet, but” Arnav imagined a person hugging Khushi.
“When? U did not give me any update on sheetal then”
“I did not meet them. I guess there was some one, who hugged Khushi. I thought it could be a private moment. I just walked back”
“And thats y you were looked so dull? You were jealous? Arni ,you are jealous!”
“No way. Why should I? Arnav asked.
“Anyway, the guy could be her brother” Karan popped up
“she don’t have”
“Could be cousin”
“Iam sure, she might have not informed any of her relatives” Arnav replied back
“Could be friend” Karan guessed next
“I don’t think anyone of her male friend could give her a tight hug like this. She wont allow””
Karan was frustrated suddenly. “Ok doctor hoga..hey beti…sab theek ho gaya types…let me give a tight hug…”
Arnav gazed at him angrily.
“Ok. He must be his fiancée then. Soon to be going to marry. Aman verma. She mentioned right” Karan exploded.
“AMAN AMAN AMAN verma”” and that name suddenly draw a huge electric curve in both of their minds suddenly remembering the conversion they had with Aman.
“My girl name is KHUSHi Gupta”
Arnav applied a sudden break as he saw the red lights and then looked at Karan who equally looked at him in shock.
“NO Arnav.I hope you are not thinking what Iam “ Karan mentioned, stating the two Aman cant be same. Arnav did not reply. Karan continued.“Yes. I don’t think so! Khushi did mention right he is still not in INDIA, so technically how could he be.”
Arnav remained silent. Pondering over both of their words. Aman verma, in US , investment banker, rich, lot rich guy….from Bangalore. But haan he is not in Mumbai..Khushi words echoed..“My girl name Khushi gupta. I saw a girl photo with you in papers and damm, for a moment I thought she would be my KHUSHI” Aman words echoed.
Karan looked at Arnav who was lost in some thoughts. He knew what exactly he might be calculating.
“Arnie, this is so big world. Could be any number of Khushi gupta, any number of people having Aman verma as name, many people from Bangalore,US. Data, could be just sarcastically close enough. And the situation Khushi and his sister is in, do you think Aman would be partying here with us? Instead of spending time with them…he was with us whole night, and dude he was f**king up some women in hotel early morning. Karan went on to tell many such things where both of them couldnot be same.”
“Do I look bothered. Karan.? What the hell you are giving explaination” Arnav looked at him in agony. He was bit suddenly in thoughts, the coincidences of everything matching. But they say world is big…and it might be just coincidence. But now when he could focus on that man hugging Khushi. He could think, of all similarities with Aman from his back posture physic? He pressed his forehead.
“No. You are jealous” Karan replied
“F**K. You don’t know me better”
“Well, I know you better. Wait then let me open Aman profile. He should have made his relationship public. Let me see”
Karan opened his profile, searched for Aman verma. Karan could sense, Arnav was watching over him. He then clicked on Aman verma.
“Here goes Aman Verma. Committed to Khushi Gupta. Viola.F**K” Karan gapsed. Arnav immediately grabbed his mobile from karan hand,,controlling his vehicle speed, and tried to look , but it was written SINGLE on AMAN page.
Arnav threw a dirty glare and returned his mobile. Karan gave a nice hearty laugh.
“you are jealous see”
“F**k You”
“Anyway, whoever that random person, lets see if we would be lucky to meet the person who made ASR jealous!!!”
Arnav did not stay but glued on road increasing his car speed. And then Karan mobile rings up with Aman name. Karan picked up at 2ndring.
“Hey Aman. Sorry,, gotta come for some urgent work”
‘Hey Fine. Your car keys are here “ Aman replied
“F**k. When are you leaving the bar?”
“Just in few minutes. I would be going to Marriot . I will do a checkout at night 12. I have a flight at 1:30”
“I would come there to pick there before 12. Should be fine?”
“No problem mate. . Hey Arnav there? Can you put in speaker.”
“”yeah” Karan replied and he put the speaker on, hinting Arnav, that Aman wants to talk.
“Hey Sorry dude. I did not meant that way. I was just going through the news. Lavanya was suffering from lot of disorders.. “
“No wonder. So when is ur flight ?” Arnav replied.
“At 1. Hey I will be in Bangalore for next 15 days. You need to come for my engagement. Would send anyway a confirmation date soon”
“Oh man tits tough. Iam traveling to London.”
“NO.. “ Aman was slightly tensed. “When are you leaving?””
“In next week.”
“”hey Aman. Your profile states you single” karan shouted in speaker suddenly
“you peeped in!. Iam thrilled. Whats the matter” aman asked
. Karan bite his tongue, only to get that angry look from arnav
“No just casually” Karan corrected soon.
“Will soon update once I officially gets engaged. Much pretty soon with Khushi Kumari Gupta. You guys have to come. Arnie..I travelled all long way for your bday. You have to make it. ‘
“ah . Cant promise. Ok dude. Call you later. Safe take off”
They cut the call as they arrived at hospital gate.
“Is that Khushi?” Karan asked, as he saw Khushi crossing out and taking right.Arnav immediately turned to look at the direction..“What the F88k. Where is she going?”
Arnav immediately took the vehicle inside the gates , and asked karan to park the vehicle.
He gave a ring to Khushi, but she did not pick again.
“”F**K. check down there, if I have kept any scarf?”
“scarf Why?” Karan checked. “”YES!”
Arnav quickly grabbed the scarf from his hand. Tied it neatly across his head not to be identified by anyone..
Karan furnished a laugh.
“Arnav Singh raijyada is true hero now. You are iin LOVE my dear..how funny to se e you like this”
“Iam just worried about her. She was in need of money to clear the bills. Where she is going?. She had bad records of travelling in most dangerous roads “ Arnav replied.
“Don’t worry. No one would assume its ASR. Just that someone may randomly say..”look alike person found on streets of Mumbai…””Karan gave a hearty laugh again, and With Arnav for the first time, walked the streets of mumbai , feeling really odd and uncomfortable.
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Hospital
Khushi was getting restless waiting for Karan. Payal convinced that hardly 40mins passed and that h e may arrive soon. Khsuhi went inside to meet sheetal , made her comfortable and was cheering her up how everyone would get excited seeing her. Later, Khushi made her have food. Payal insisted Khushi to finish her dinner soon and that she would be waiting near sheetal to take care. Payal assured she would inform once karan comes.
As Khushi was going out, she called out sheetal and requested not let karan meet sheetal akka.
“Payal, I don’t want karan to meet akka!. You know by chance if he would tell something and that would bring back akka’s worst memory. No risk. Please”
“No worry Khsuhi. I would message you, if he comes”
“please handle it. I cant even say him thank you nor anything else. Just message me once he clears the bill”
And saying that Khushi was going to 15th floor of cafeteria building when she decided to have it outside.
“Its too costly here. There are so many wada pav stalls out there. I will have something there and come. And I can pack it few . Can have it at airport”
“Khushi. Leave it. Have in cafeteria..”
“No NO. . just 15mins. I will quickly have and come”
Khushi quickly walked ,passed the gate . She was damm hungry. Afternoon hospital high cost plate food had not satisfied her appetite. She quickly fond a stall serving wada pav. She quickly checked the list…Wada pav, pav bhajji, cheese wada pav, dabeli, etc etc…the list was tempting….
Arnav walked wearing off his scarf in style.. . He could soon spot Khushi after few steps and could hear her loud voice. An over exertion of her voice when typically she would see any platter of food.
“Bhayya!. Jaldi. 1 cheese wada pava and one dabeli , jaldi dena”
He observed her and thought she looks absolutely NORMAL. WAY more Normal,. But , then what’s making her to not respond to my calls?. He opened his mobile from his trousers and dialled back to her.
Khushi held the wada pav platter and next minute she was hearing her ring tone. She quickly grabbed from her left hand before eating. It was Arnav number. She kept gaping at the screen.
Arnav kept looking at her. He could see the mobile flash lights falling on her face. She was glaring at the screen, and then just like that she kept the phone back in her cross bag.
“What the!”” Arnav muttered. “Whats wrong with this woman?.” Arnav muttered and redialled again.
She closed her eyes seeing the number and again did not bother to receive. This time she placed at silent mode to avoid that distraction from eating. Arnav held the mobile and kept her calling, and walked towards her. That moment it did not even matter if he was actually walking in those Mumbai rough streets. And then Arnav placed his hand holding up his mobile infront of Khushi’s face.
Khushi immediately jumped out of fear seeing someone with mobile.
“Khushi Gupta dialing” she read the screen. Khushi eyes zoomed as she realized it was Arnav. She closed her mouth with greesy buttery palm, and then muttered
“Mr Raijyada? AAp? “
Khushi looked at her left and right, wondering how could Arnav is here.
“If you are free, can we talk now?”
Khushi quickly stuffed last bite, washed her hands. Paid the bill. Took the parcel. It was one of the appalling site for arnav to see. He did not like that. He walked 3 steps and turned away standing .
Khushi could sense, he was standing his head turned opposite side towards hospital entrance.
“Why are you here?” Khushi asked standing behind him
“Whats wrong with you? Why are you not receiving my calls?”
“I was busy” Khushi replied looking at her sides
“Oh!. I could see that…” Arnav replied irritated.
‘Whats matter?” Khushi asked being equally irritated.
“I did tell you to give me update on your sister”
“I told right I was busy”
Arnav could imagine suddenly a person hugging Khushi
“Oh right. Loooks like someone close to you has arrived and you don’t bother about rest!’
Khushi suddenly gazed at him, not understanding the implication of what he said.
“she is Khushi Gupta. My girl. “ Suddenly the contradictory images of person’s back and aman all looked matching to him. . “No!. Not a chance!” he muttered.
Khushi suddenly could ponder over how Arnav mentioned his friend name as Aman, …and then she thought for a minute to tell that his soonto be fiancé is in Mumbai. And then does it matter? She thaught
“Is your” Before arnav could ask , Khushi cut short him.
‘Have you heard the news Mr Raijyada?”
“Lavanaya?” Arnav asked
“mm. You look so cool? I mean did not it affect you? It really came as shocking news for us”
‘mm. I was shocked initially, but”
“”but? How could you be so casual? Not even an inch of sadness I could sense in your eyes Mr Raijyada?”
“”Khushi, its not like” Again before arnav could continue, Khsuhi cut him mid half
“Not like? I mean we are outsiders and I felt suddenly an odd feeling. I felt pity on her life. Why does so many celebrities are committing suicide. I realy felt pity. But you Mr Raijyada? You were in relationship with her once. You knew her so much. You did not feel any emotion? How could any person be so heartless? You should be there at her house!!”
Arnav gazed straight to her. A nerve of him was almost making him to fume. He controlled
Mr raijyada, why did you leave her? She loved you so much right? We should never leave a true relationship for few faults. Nobody is perfect, nobody is correct. In the end, affection is always greater than perfection. Alittle of affection, she would be alive right? Little of extra love, she would be happy right?. A soul would have survived right?”
“
“Khushi, I guess I told you the reasons”
“Yeah I know. You told me!! . She was suffering from many disorders, many depressions, many pshyological problems, . You felt suffocated. You mentioned, she destroyed my life, you told me, she even tried to harm many women…but god dammed for who’s sake Mr raijyada?
Arnav was silent. He clutched his thumb silently. Khushi continued.
‘For you right Mr Arnav Singh Raijyada? “
“”Khushi, I did tell you, I don’t like forced conversions. Forced friendship, forced relationships.. I simply don’t force things . If we don’t vibe with anyone, we don’t vibe. That’s it. Don’t let someone change who you are , to become what they need. She put everything to hell and she called it Love. It was just toxic. If there is no trust, there is no connection. Don’t let someone change who you are , to become what they need. No one can control anyone’s life. We are not slaves. Thats stupidty.”
“Mr raijyada, When you don’t want to commit any relation, why do you want to get close?. Like you gonna sleep , go for dates, vacation, do all romantic stuff on screen, and test yourself in live in relation, and then suddenly when the other person starts feeling attracted, starts falling in love with you, getting connected with you, you realize its toxic? The real problem, is because you are scared to give commitment!, you were scared to be in love and then you just walked away. What should other person do? Then to face for the consequences of loving in to you deeply?”
”I thought you understood me Khushi. I thought you knew me well…But’
“but what MR Raijyada?”
Arnav composed himself again,
“Khushi. She suffered the illness from childhood. I was late to realize. It was not just because I did not show any interest. I suffered because of her.Many women suffered. You suffered. Did not you know how almost she destroyed you. She hurted YOU. She played with your JOB, your career..”
“Oh yeah. I almost forgot. MY JOB, MY CAREER. Is she was the one to play with? How sure you are MR Raijyada? You know. We are blind to many things, many relationships… Iam feeling more sad now..with Lavanya gone, many truth carried away. Went buried deep down…” Khushi finally blurted.
Arnav looked at her curving his brows..The implications of her sentence.
Khushi continued. “Deep down, I guess the society was responsible for inhibiting that mental disorder for her in childhood. I guess even till end ,she was betrayed……she took away the truth…that….even Anjali.. is responsible for everything happened to me…its not sucide Mr raijyada. I guess it’s a murder…Murder done!!.... Suicide is a reason for her illness. You know what….Since you like to hear truth very much,let me tell you one---, its not just her, even your sister was equally responsible for everything that was planned in office against me”
“what the F**?”
“yeah heard it right Mr Raijyada. You know I never wanted to tell you this. Never ever. But I could not control today. Because I met Anjali raijyada today. She insults me everytime I meet. You know that day in shanghai, why I used harsh words against her being considering her position also? Because I knew she was the one who played against me. It was just I couldnot tell you, because I thought you would not believe me. I know neither today you would believe me. So why don’t you go back and ask your sister itself. The TRUTH.
“What the hell Khushi? No more a word. Enough. Iam here , I was here just because I cared for you”
“”cared? Like what? “Like not to tell anyone about me ? Like you are not sure about our relation? Like you are always cautious about everything? Ok, Lets just leave that. Can you do me a favour-Please…do tell Anjali that you met me , you were in contact with ME. I may be middle class, but iam not unworthy to be felt ashamed off Mr raijyada.
Arnav though stood still Anjali? Ashamed? Unworthy? . Nothing was sinking to him. He stood there still. Nothing made sense. Khushi suddenly wiped her tears and walked past saying goodbye.
***************************
Arnav drove his car at the fastest speed at night………He blindly walked inside Raijyada house. Still clueless of everything that he heard from Khushi……nothing was making sense. The whole world looked spinning.
He gave Khushi his whole time, care and affection, he went beyond his comfortable zone for that relation which grew into special bond…..Khushi words echoed..his head was aching..
As he stepped into house, he could hear the noise coming as he walked past the staircase. He went into the direction of voice and he could hear Manohar speaking
“Yes Anjali. It was not your Mother. But It was me!! It was because of Me she left us, all of US.It was my fault.
That Left Arnav frozen....!!
*************************************************************
Hi guys,
I know you expected different, but this was important.....Let Khushi to tell arnav about Anjali....
:)
Fingers crossed....
Love tc, see you soon next week
stay safe
I
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