ArNi Valentine Week SS {Completed} - Page 2

Chocolate Day – A Bittersweet Taste of Love

The city was alive with celebration. Streets were lined with shops displaying an array of chocolates—heart-shaped, truffle-filled, dark, milk, and even customized ones with little messages of love. Cafés offered special chocolate desserts, and couples exchanged sweet treats with even sweeter smiles.

For most, Chocolate Day was a celebration of sweetness. But for Arjun Suryakant Rawte, it was just another day—a reminder of what once was, of a love that still lingered like an aftertaste, both sweet and painfully bitter.

Seated at his desk in the ETF office, Arjun’s fingers absentmindedly tapped against the table, his mind far away from the case files spread before him. He wasn’t thinking about crime scenes or criminals today. Instead, a memory whispered to him, carried by the scent of cocoa wafting from Chotu’s desk, where a box of chocolates lay half-eaten.

*Flashback*

"Arjun, mujhe chocolate chahiye!" Roshni’s voice rang through their apartment as she stood before him, hands on her hips, her eyes shining with mischief.

Arjun, sitting on the couch with a book in hand, barely looked up. "Kha lo."

Roshni’s nose scrunched up. "Mujhe tumse chahiye."

He raised an eyebrow. "Toh le lo."

"Arjun!" She huffed, plopping down beside him. "Aaj Chocolate Day hai. Aur Chocolate Day pe ladke apni girlfriends ko chocolate dete hain."

A smirk ghosted his lips. "Toh main ladka hoon aur tum meri girlfriend?"

She gave him a dramatic look. "Shaadi ke baad bhi yeh sab kehna padta hai kya?"

Closing his book, he leaned back against the couch. "Aur agar main na doon toh?"

Roshni gasped, her eyes widening. "ACP Arjun Rawte, agar tumne mujhe chocolate nahi di, toh main tumse baat nahi karungi!"

Arjun chuckled, shaking his head. "Bachpana mat karo, Roshni."

But she was already on her feet, marching towards the kitchen. A minute later, she returned holding a bar of dark chocolate, waving it in front of him. "Theek hai, agar tum mujhe chocolate nahi doge, toh main bhi tumhari favorite wali kha jaungi!"

Arjun narrowed his eyes, watching as she unwrapped the bar, deliberately taking a slow bite, her lips curling in satisfaction.

"Roshni, voh meri hai."

She grinned. "Ab toh meri bhi hai."

With a swift movement, Arjun reached forward, attempting to snatch the chocolate from her hands, but she dodged, laughing as she ran around the couch. "Agar chahiye toh khud le lo!"

Arjun sighed, but the smirk on his face betrayed his amusement. Without warning, he lunged forward, catching her wrist and pulling her closer. She gasped, her laughter turning into surprised giggles as he held her firmly.

"Bohot shauk hai na mujhe pareshaan karne ka?" he murmured, his voice low as he leaned in slightly.

Roshni’s breath hitched, but she refused to back down. "Aur tumhe mujhe pareshan karne ka shauk nahi hai?" she challenged, tilting her chin up.

Their faces were inches apart, her eyes locked onto his with playful defiance. Arjun’s gaze flickered down to the piece of chocolate still between her fingers. Before she could react, he bent his head and took a bite from the same piece she was about to eat.

Her eyes widened, her lips parting in shock. "Arjun!"

He chewed slowly, savoring the taste, a teasing glint in his dark eyes. "Ab mujhe bhi mil gaya, aur tumhe bhi."

Roshni stared at him, then let out a laugh, lightly punching his arm. "Tum na… bilkul impossible ho!"

He simply shrugged, finishing the rest of the piece she had started. "Lekin ab tum mujhse baat kar rahi ho."

Roshni huffed, then sighed dramatically. "Tum jeet gaye. Lekin agli baar, main tumse pehle chocolate chheen loongi!"

Arjun smirked. "Koshish kar lena."

*Present*

The memory faded, and Arjun found himself back in the ETF office, staring blankly at the untouched piece of dark chocolate someone had placed on his desk.

Sakshi, standing nearby, frowned. "Arjun, chocolate toh kha lo. Aaj Chocolate Day hai."

He picked it up slowly, the smooth texture pressing against his fingers. For a second, he imagined a soft, playful voice teasing him—Agar chahiye toh khud le lo!

He sighed, closing his fingers around it, his voice quieter than usual. "Mujhe chocolate pasand nahi hai."

Without another word, he slipped it into his pocket and stood up, walking out of the office. His feet took him where they always did on days like this—to her.

The sun had begun to set as Arjun reached the quiet riverside. The water reflected hues of orange and pink, the gentle waves lapping against the shore. This was where he came when the weight of his memories became unbearable.

This was where he had let her go.

Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out the small piece of chocolate and stared at it for a long moment. Then, with slow, deliberate movements, he broke off a tiny piece and placed it on his tongue. The taste was bittersweet, just like the love they had shared.

Kneeling down, he unwrapped the rest of the chocolate and set it on a small rock by the water’s edge.

"Tum jeet gayi, Roshni," he murmured, his voice thick with emotion. "Aaj bhi, main sirf tumse hi chocolate share kar sakta hoon."

A soft breeze rustled through the trees, as if the wind itself carried her laughter. He closed his eyes, letting the moment wrap around him.

The taste of their love—bittersweet, but forever his favorite.

Yahan aake padhna bhi hota hai

Teddy Day – A Soft Reminder of Love

The ETF office was buzzing with activity, but for once, it wasn’t because of a case. The usually stern and focused officers were caught up in the festive air of Valentine's Week, and today was Teddy Day. Small teddy keychains dangled from bags, pink and red stuffed bears adorned desks, and even Liza had smuggled in a giant teddy to keep on her chair.

Sakshi, as always, was the most enthusiastic. She walked around the office, a tiny teddy bear in her hand, offering it to people with a cheeky grin. "Lo bhai, yeh raho. Teddy Day hai!"

When she reached Arjun’s desk, she hesitated, her usual playfulness fading slightly. Everyone knew Arjun didn’t participate in such things. His cold, brooding demeanor was enough to warn anyone against trying. But today, as he sat at his desk, his fingers absentmindedly tracing the edges of a small file, there was something softer in his expression—a distant look in his eyes, as if he was somewhere else entirely.

A memory.

*Flashback*

"Arjun, dekho na!" Roshni’s voice rang with excitement as she tugged on his hand, pulling him towards a shop window.

He sighed. "Roshni, yeh kya bachpana hai?"

"Bachpana nahi hai, Arjun! Yeh bohot cute hai!" she pouted, pointing at a fluffy white teddy bear sitting inside the shop. It had a red ribbon tied around its neck, and the words "I Love You" embroidered on its foot.

Arjun glanced at it, unimpressed. "Ek aur teddy? Tumhare paas toh already kitne teddy bears hain, Roshni. Pura ek rack bhar diya tumne unse."

Roshni crossed her arms, giving him a dramatic glare. "Kya Arjun, tumhe samajh nahi aata na? Teddy bears sirf toys nahi hote. Yeh comfort dete hain. Jab tum office mein hote ho, tab yeh meri baat sunte hain, mujhe samajhte hain."

Arjun let out a short laugh. "Sach mein? Matlab ab mujhe kisi teddy se competition dena padega?"

"Haan!" she declared proudly, then softened. "Lekin Arjun, sach bataun?"

He raised an eyebrow, waiting for her to continue.

She smiled, slipping her arms around his. "Teddy bears toh sirf tab tak zaroori lagte hain jab tak ek aisa insaan nahi milta jo tumhare saare dukh, saari khushi samajh sake. Jo bina kuch kahe bhi tumhari feelings feel kar sake."

Arjun tilted his head slightly, looking at her with curiosity. "Aur kya tumhe koi aisa mil gaya?"

Roshni leaned closer, her warm brown eyes locking with his. "Haan. ACP Arjun Rawte."

For a moment, he just looked at her, her words sinking in, touching something deep within him. Then, with an exaggerated sigh, he shook his head. "Phir bhi mujhe lagta hai ki tumhe yeh teddy lena hi padega."

Roshni frowned. "Kyun?"

A rare smirk played on his lips. "Taaki jab main kisi case mein busy rahun, toh tum mujhe is teddy ke saath replace kar sako."

Roshni gasped, punching his arm playfully. "Arjun!!"

He let out a small chuckle, then stepped into the shop. Minutes later, he returned, handing her the same teddy bear she had pointed at.

"Ek shart hai." His voice was firm, but his eyes held a certain warmth.

"Kya?" she asked, hugging the teddy to her chest.

"Jab bhi tum mujhe yaad karogi, isse nahi, mujhe call karna."

Her lips curved into a smile, a promise reflected in her gaze. "Pakka."

*Present*

Back in the ETF office, Arjun was still lost in that memory when Sakshi hesitantly placed the tiny teddy keychain on his desk.

"Mujhe pata hai tumhe yeh pasand nahi, but… bas aise hi," she muttered before walking away.

Arjun stared at the tiny stuffed bear, its beady eyes staring back at him. It was nothing like the one he had bought for Roshni, but the sight of it stirred something in his chest.

His fingers hovered over it for a moment before he finally picked it up, rolling it between his fingers. The past and present blurred for a second, as if somewhere, in some unseen place, Roshni was watching him, smiling.

A sigh escaped his lips as he slipped the tiny teddy into his pocket, standing up from his desk. He didn’t know why, but today, he wanted to visit their old apartment—the one he had left behind after she was gone.

The apartment was untouched, covered in dust and silence, as if frozen in time. He stepped inside, his gaze scanning the dimly lit room. His eyes stopped at a wooden shelf in the corner.

A row of teddy bears sat there, slightly worn but untouched. And in the center, the same white teddy he had bought for her years ago, still holding onto its red ribbon, still carrying the words "I Love You".

A deep ache spread through his chest.

Walking closer, he reached out, fingers brushing against the soft fur. The weight of memories was heavy, yet somehow, the presence of this small stuffed bear made the silence a little less lonely.

He sighed, murmuring almost to himself, "Roshni… jab tum thi, toh mujhe Teddy Day ka matlab samajh nahi aaya. Par ab, yeh chhoti si cheez kitni zaroori lagti hai."

The room remained silent, but the air felt warmer, as if an unseen presence had wrapped itself around him.

And for the first time in a long while, Arjun allowed himself a small, broken smile.

Originally posted by: SarafWasima

Chocolate Day – A Bittersweet Taste of Love

Loved the update. I had already planned to comment, asking not to show Arjun visiting her cemetery again, in case you included that scene in the this update—thankfully, you didn’t show it this time.

I loved the place he chose this time. Previous updates left me feeling sad towards the end- whenever he visited that place, but this one felt lighter and more uplifting to read, especially with the way it concluded.

Originally posted by: kavya1994

Loved the update. I had already planned to comment, asking not to show Arjun visiting her cemetery again, in case you included that scene in the this update—thankfully, you didn’t show it this time.

I loved the place he chose this time. Previous updates left me feeling sad towards the end- whenever he visited that place, but this one felt lighter and more uplifting to read, especially with the way it concluded.

Glad you loved the update! Looks like I unintentionally saved you from some emotional damage this time—consider it my good deed of the day. But don’t get too comfortable… you never know when I might strike again!

Promise Day – The Promise That Wasn't Kept

The sun was setting over Mumbai, casting a golden hue across the ETF office. The team was going about their usual work, but today felt different. Today was Promise Day—a day meant for love, devotion, and commitments, but for Arjun, it felt like a heavy reminder of a promise he had made long ago. A promise that was still unfulfilled.

Sakshi, noticing Arjun sitting quietly at his desk, stepped over, her usually playful expression replaced by something softer. "Arjun, Promise Day hai… kisi ko kuch diya?" she asked gently. She knew how Arjun had been ever since Roshni’s passing, but seeing him lost in thought today made her worry even more.

Arjun barely looked up from the case file in front of him. "Tumhare liye promise ka matlab kya hai, Sakshi?" he asked, his voice distant. "Bas ek din, ek aur din, hum sabko promises ke saath jeena padta hai, par phir kabhi na kabhi woh promise tod bhi dete hain."

Sakshi frowned but didn't push further. She simply left a small, red notebook on his desk before walking away. Arjun looked at it for a moment, his heart tightening as he saw the date on the cover. Promise Day.

*Flashback*

“Arjun, tumhe kuch promise karna hoga!” Roshni’s eyes sparkled with mischief as she stood before him, a small smile tugging at her lips. They were in the garden of their apartment complex, the evening air cool and fragrant with blooming jasmine.

Arjun was leaning against the tree, his arms crossed, a half-smile on his face. "Aur woh kya hoga, Roshni?"

She stepped closer, her gaze serious yet full of warmth. “Mujhe promise karo ke tum apni zindagi mein khush rahoge, chahe kuch bhi ho.”

He raised an eyebrow, clearly not understanding. "Khush rehne ka kya faida? Tum jaise koi bhi apne saath ho, toh sab kuch perfect hota hai."

Roshni’s face softened as she gently cupped his face in her hands. "Arjun, tumhe apne liye jeena hoga. Tum apni zindagi ko sirf duty aur kaam ke liye nahi, khud ke liye bhi jeena seekho. Tumhe khud se pyaar karna hoga."

Arjun blinked in surprise. He had never thought about it that way. He always felt the weight of responsibility, the constant need to protect and fight for the greater good. But Roshni was different—she always believed in the power of joy, even in the darkest of times.

He leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. “Main tumhare liye yeh promise karta hoon, Roshni. Tumhare saath hamesha khush rahunga."

Her smile was gentle, but there was a flicker of sadness in her eyes. "Aur jab main na rahoon, tab bhi."

Arjun pulled back, confused. "Aise kahan baat kar rahi ho tum?"

She laughed softly, her eyes twinkling. "Mujhe pata hai tum kabhi yeh promise pura nahi kar paoge, par main chahti hoon ki tum zindagi ko khulke jiyo, khush raho. Tumhara andar ka dard kam hoga."

Her words stayed with him, long after she had gone. He never truly understood them then. He had thought life with her would go on forever.

*Present*

The office was quiet now, the others having left for the evening. But Arjun remained, sitting alone in his chair, his fingers resting on the cover of the red notebook Sakshi had left him. He slowly opened it, revealing pages filled with notes, reminders, and one small piece of paper folded carefully inside.

He unfolded the paper, and his heart skipped a beat. There, in her handwriting, was a message she had written just days before her passing. “Arjun, khush rehna. Tum mere liye hamesha khush raho. Meri yaadon ko apne saath lekar chalna.”

A sharp pang of regret shot through him as he closed his eyes. "Roshni..." His voice was barely a whisper.

In the silence of the room, he spoke to her as if she were still standing there beside him. "Main yeh promise pura nahi kar paaya. Tumne jo kaha tha, woh yaad hai, par… tumhe chhod kar main kabhi khush nahi ho paaya."

He stood up, pacing the room as if trying to shake off the weight of his own thoughts. "Har din kaam, dard, aur khud ko bhoolne ki koshish... par tumhare bina, kuch bhi sahi nahi lagta."

For a moment, he let himself feel the emptiness—feel how deeply he had failed to keep his promise. But then, a thought broke through, cutting through the haze of his guilt.

“Par shayad… tumhari yaadon ke saath, main phir se jee sakta hoon. Tumhare liye, Roshni. Tumhare liye.”

He sat back down at his desk, the red notebook now clasped tightly in his hands. He smiled softly, as if she could hear him. "Main tumhare kehne ke hisaab se jeena chahta hoon, Roshni. Tumhare liye, khush rehna chahta hoon."

Just then, the door creaked open. It was Sakshi, her face filled with concern but also understanding. She had been watching Arjun from afar, knowing that even if he didn’t show it, today was a difficult day for him.

“Arjun… tumne apna promise abhi tak pura nahi kiya, lekin ek din aayega, jab tum zarur khush rahoge. Tumhare andar jo khushi thi, woh kabhi maar nahi sakti. Tumhare paas hai ek yaad, ek pyaar, jo tumhe hamesha jeene ki taqat dega.”

Arjun nodded slowly, as if those words had lit a small spark of hope inside him. He looked up at her, his voice low but steady. “Mujhe tumhari baat yaad rakhni hogi, Sakshi. Mera promise… main use pura karunga, chahe kitni bhi mushkilein ho.”

Sakshi smiled, her eyes filled with silent understanding. "Haan, Arjun. Tumhare paas ek pyaar hai, aur uska asar hamesha tum par rahega."

As the night grew darker outside, Arjun looked at the small notebook once more, the weight of Roshni’s promise still lingering. But this time, it wasn’t just about regret. It was about hope. The hope that, one day, he would keep that promise. "Khush rehna."

Originally posted by: SarafWasima

Teddy Day – A Soft Reminder of Love

I was wondering, when you'd show him visiting his own house, and you fulfilled it. I liked his choice of visiting the house this time.

A beautiful update showcasing the teddy bear as more than just a symbol of affection; it's a companion offering comfort, warmth, and emotional support. Loved it

Originally posted by: kavya1994

I was wondering, when you'd show him visiting his own house, and you fulfilled it. I liked his choice of visiting the house this time.

A beautiful update showcasing the teddy bear as more than just a symbol of affection; it's a companion offering comfort, warmth, and emotional support. Loved it

Aww, I'm so glad you noticed that! His visit home was definitely a special moment, and I’m thrilled you liked his choice this time. And yes, the teddy bear isn’t just a gift—it’s a silent listener, a warm hug, and sometimes, the best kind of comfort.

Keep reading and commenting—I love hearing your thoughts! ❤️

The ArNi moment had me crying 😭 😭 😭

I hate you

Hug Day – The Embrace of Lost Love

The morning mist lingered in the air, soft and silent, as Arjun Rawte stood alone by the window, gazing out at the grey skies. It had been months since Roshni’s passing, but every day felt like an endless battle. She had been his world — her laughter, her warmth, her love. And now, there was nothing but emptiness. Today, on Hug Day, he felt it even more acutely. The world around him was cold, but it was the absence of her warmth that made the chill unbearable.

Behind him, Sameer Rathore entered, quietly observing his old friend. The two of them had drifted apart since Roshni’s death — Arjun had shut everyone out, not willing to share the depth of his pain. Sameer had always been Roshni’s best friend, and he had introduced her to Arjun when she first moved to Mumbai. Back then, Arjun and Sameer had been inseparable, a team of sorts. But now, the air between them was thick with unsaid words, as if the tragedy had built an invisible wall between them.

Sameer cleared his throat gently, breaking the silence. “Rawte,” he began softly, his voice carrying a warmth that Arjun hadn’t heard in a long time. He knew Arjun wasn’t the type to open up, but Sameer couldn’t stand seeing him like this anymore. “Aaj Hug Day hai. Tumne kabhi socha hai ki... tum khud ko thoda toh samajh paoge, thoda toh apne aap ko jeene do? Tumne apni zindagi ke saath kuch karna hai, Rawte.”

Arjun didn’t move, his eyes still fixed on the window. His jaw tightened, but he didn’t respond immediately. The mention of the day — Hug Day — made him feel even more disconnected from the world. He closed his eyes for a brief moment, as if trying to block out everything around him. “Hug Day, Rathore... kisiko hug dunga main? Roshni ke bina, kuch bhi sambhal nahi paata hoon.” His voice was low, almost a whisper. “Woh jo pyaar tha, woh jo baatein thi, ab kuch bhi bekaar lagti hain.”

Sameer stepped closer, his eyes soft with understanding. He knew Arjun was not just grieving the loss of Roshni, but also the loss of his ability to live fully. Arjun was trapped in a world where Roshni’s absence overshadowed everything else. But Sameer also knew that Roshni had asked Arjun for one thing before she left — to live. To keep going. “Arjun,”Sameer said, his voice firm but caring, “tum dono ki kahani mein sabse zaroori cheez woh pyaar tha, jo tum dono ne ek doosre se kiya. Woh kabhi khatam nahi ho sakta. Tumhare andar woh pyaar hamesha rahega. Par us pyaar ko jeene ka ek tareeka apnana hoga. Tumhe apne zindagi ki saari taqat wahan se leni hogi, jahan se tumne usse sabse zyada pyaar diya tha.”

Arjun looked at Sameer then, his expression unreadable. The man standing in front of him had been a part of his life for years, had been there when Roshni had walked into their world. Sameer had introduced them, and it had been the start of everything. But now, that connection felt distant. The truth was, Arjun had shut everyone out. Even Sameer, his closest friend. “Woh pyaar tha, Rathore... ab uska koi faayda nahi hai. Roshni ke bina, zindagi sirf ek khali raasta lagti hai.” His voice faltered, and for a moment, the walls around his heart seemed to crumble.

Sameer didn’t back away. He placed a firm hand on Arjun’s shoulder, a gesture of solidarity. “Woh jo pyaar tha, woh kabhi khatam nahi hoga, Rawte. Tumhe apne jeene ki wajah wohi pyaar mil sakta hai. Tumne apne dil se ek promise ki thi na, Roshni se?” Sameer’s voice softened. “Usne kaha tha tumse, ‘Jab main na rahoon, tum apni zindagi khush rakhna. Tumhare chehre pe muskuraahat honi chahiye.’ Tumne kabhi socha hai ki tumne apne promise ka kya kiya?”

Arjun flinched at the mention of the promise. The words pierced through the cloud of grief that had clouded his mind. Yes, Roshni had asked him to live happily, to smile, even when she was gone. But how could he? How could he honor that promise when every breath felt like a betrayal? “Woh promise, Rathore... usne kaha tha, lekin... main kaise jee sakta hoon? Uske bina, sab kuch adhoora hai.”

Sameer’s gaze softened, and he gave Arjun a long look. “Arjun, Roshni ki yaad tumhare dil mein rahegi, lekin tumhe apne dil se apni zindagi ke saath aage badhna hoga. Tumhare andar jo dard hai, woh uske pyaar ka ek hissa tha. Us dard ko apne jeene ki taqat bana lo.” Sameer’s voice carried a quiet strength. “Aur, agar tumhe zaroorat ho, toh main hamesha yahan hoon. Tum khud ko, apne aap ko pyaar dena seekho. Tumhein apne jeene ka tareeka us pyaar se mil sakta hai.”

Arjun’s eyes welled up with unshed tears, his chest tightening. He wanted to let go, to feel Roshni’s love once again, but the weight of his grief made it seem impossible. And yet, there was something in Sameer’s words that made him pause. For the first time in a long while, he felt the faintest hope, like a small flicker of light in the overwhelming darkness. “Roshni ki yaadon se jeena hoga, Rathore,” he murmured. “Woh jo pyaar tha... use apne dil mein hamesha rakhoonga.”

Sameer smiled softly, a smile that spoke of years of friendship, of loss, and of hope. “Yahi hai sahi raasta, Rawte. Tumhe zindagi jeenay ka haq hai. Tumhari yaad Roshni ke saath hamesha rahegi.”

Arjun nodded, his gaze softening as he finally understood. The grief might never fully go away, but Roshni’s love would always remain a part of him. Today, on Hug Day, he found solace not in the physical hug that was missing, but in the memory of the love that still lingered — a love that would never fade, no matter the distance between them.

Arjun took a deep breath, feeling the warmth of Sameer’s support. “Shukriya, Rathore. Tumne jo kaha... usse apne dil mein samajh paaya hoon.” With that, the two stood together in silence, not needing any more words, knowing that the hug of memories was all they would ever need.