Arhi FF:Mirage #2 Next thread link on Pg 151 - Page 26

Silence prevailed between them. Neither of them spoke. Arnav sat on the cold bare floor, leaning against the wooden frame of his bed, folding his knees to his chest. His eyes seemed lost in another world, different from his own. But they looked extremely tired and weary.

Khushi was perched beside him in a similar position, her hand entwined with his, resting on his knees. After his revelation, he had collapsed down on the floor without a word. She hadn't pursued the topic further. He had needed his space and she would definitely provide it to him. That was the least she could do to console him.

She couldn't imagine how this evening could transform so quickly into such a serious atmosphere. Was it her fault that she had pressurized him too much to reveal his past? But this was essential for their relationship, wasn't it? And now his silence slowly began to perturb her as time passed by. Why wasn't he talking to her?

"It helps if you speak of it aloud, instead of burying it inside you." She said stroking his stubble. He was snapped back to the present by the touch of her fingers on his face. Turning around, he was greeted by reassuring eyes. "I even promise to keep this conversation a secret between us. You can atleast trust me on that part."

"I don't know where do I begin from." He replied back in a helpless voice.

Khushi let out a huge sigh. This was going to be more difficult than she had imagined. "Let's start from the beginning. Tell me where were you born? Where did you do your schooling? Basically about your life before..." she paused not wanting to remind him of his mother's death again. She could feel his fingers tightened against hers.

"Mumbai." He started, as his mind wandered back right into his early years of life.

"I think I was born in Mumbai. Not sure of it though. But I spent the first eight years of my life there. I attended Xavier's Primary school. Had so many best friends there." He smiled remembering his childhood days. "I lived with my mother and another elder lady, whom I used to call Nana. She was the landlady of the house we were staying in. Nice lady. She loved me a lot. But I used to irritate her. My mother used to work in a bank. I think she had a pretty good job, coz she used to single-handedly manage all the finances of our house."

Arnav paused, taking in a deep breath and continued. "I had never known that there was someone called a father, until I started going to school. One fine day, the kid beside me asked me whether my father used to take me for cricket practice. That was the moment when I realised that there was someone called 'father' in a child's life. That night, I went home and asked my mother where my father was. She replied that he wasn't living with us as he was busy earning money for us in a distant place. That day, I hadn't realised the panic spread on her face at this question. I was too young and naive to understand the gravity of my innocent question."

"As days went by, I started noticing dads interacting with their kids in school. I saw how much they loved the kids. I began to feel sad as I had no father. Everyday, I used to pester my mother to take me to my father. I didn't even have a single photo of him to see how he looked like. My best friend even suggested that he might be dead since his own father was. That day I had come home crying, demanding the truth from my mother. She had got very angry at me for pestering her and shouted at me. But I didn't stop waiting for him."

"Few years passed by. By that time, I had to come to realisation with the terms that my father would never come to me. As days passed by, I started getting irritated by the word father. So much so, that I lost all hopes to meet him. I forgot all about it. But then one fine day, my mother told me that we were going to Delhi permanently. I was shocked because I had to leave behind my friends, school, Nana and above all, the city I had considered my home. She said we were going to meet my father. Since, by then, all my interest had faded away to see him, I wasn't excited. But then, somewhere, I felt that my dream was coming true. That I would finally meet him. And that was the biggest mistake of my life." He gulped down, closing his eyes.

Her heart ached at his story. But somewhere she knew what he was feeling. Even she had blamed herself so many times for not stopping her parents from leaving the house, on the night of their unfortunate accident. But somewhere down the line, she had realised that things were just beyond her control. There was nothing she could have done to save them.

"We boarded the train to Delhi, looking forward to a new life. My mother had promised Nana that once we were settled there, she would return back to take the rest of our luggage. Once we arrived at Delhi, we were led to a guest house in Ambala Nagar. She said that my father was out of town and would arrive within a week to take us to our new home. So until then, we would have to stay there. And I didn't mind the wait. Afterall, I had waited for eight long years for him."

"One evening, I think around six days after our arrival to Delhi, I was seated inside the bedroom watching cartoon on the tv, while my mother was busy in the kitchen. Suddenly, I heard the door bell ring and saw my mother rushing towards the door. I didn't bother much, thinking that it must be some random salesperson doing his sales rounds at this hour. I could see two men entering the house, engaging into a conversation with my mother. The tv volume was high and I was so engrossed in the tv, that I didn't notice when their voices began raising. Soon, it was loud enough to capture my attention. I lowered the volume and went out of my room to see what was happening, when I saw one of the men, staring at me in a disturbing manner." Arnav's voice began to choke now, reliving that fateful evening as he spoke, like it was just yesterday, the memories, too fresh in his mind.

"My mom screamed out to the men to spare me, saying that I was just a child. She even came running towards me only to be held back by one of the men." By now Arnav's breathing had turned haggard and she could feel his palms turn icy cold. "The next thing I know, she screamed at me to run away. I didn't know what was happening to me. But my feet started taking me away from her. Then, I heard the gunshot. She dropped down lifeless on the floor, in front of my eyes. She was gone."

Hearing all this, Khushi's eyes were filled with tears. Atleast she hadn't witnessed her parents dying in front of her own eyes. What would it have felt for such a young boy to witnesses such a terrifying incident? But she saw that there were no signs of any tears in his eyes. As if they were scared to pour down his eyes, after streaming down endlessly for years together.

"It was raining outside. I didn't know where to run or hide. I was too shocked to react. I ran and ran for hours, away from the house, away from those men, until my legs ached and I collapsed on the floor. I didn't know whom to contact. We were new to this place. There was no one I could go to for help."

"It was my entire fault. Had I insisted to stay back in Mumbai that day, my mother would have been alive beside me. We should have never left Mumbai. Never." He declared shutting his eyes tightly.

"It wasn't your fault Arnav. Sometimes we just have to accept that certain things are never in our control. They just happen." Khushi whispered amidst tears, trying to console him. "So how did you find out that you were...?

"Illegitimate child?" Arnav completed for her. "I never realised it when I was small. Maybe because I never observed the obvious in front of my eyes. My mother never wore sindoor and mangalsutra of my Dad's name. There wasn't a day I remember when she had spoken about her anniversary, nor were there any wedding photos as proof. She had never spoken about my dad before I had brought up the topic. It was all a matter of putting all the pieces together and concluding the obvious reason."

"But what if you are wrong?" Khushi asked back questioningly.

He remained silent. After few minutes, he stood up, pulling her from the ground. "You need to go home. It's 9:20 pm already. Buaji will be suspicious if you don't reach home on time. Let's go."

Khushi silently nodded and followed him.

As they reached her house, she quickly got down from the bike and turned around to face him.

"Arnav, I cannot change your past. But I can definitely do one thing for you. You needn't have to feel lonely ever again. You have me. I'm your family from today onwards. And I promise that I would never leave you alone. Ever." Khushi said enveloping him into a warm hug.

"Don't make promises that you cannot keep up." Arnav shot back instantly as reality dawned upon him.

"Trust me. I always keep up my promises. Good night and sleep well. Call me if you feel like talking to someone." She said kissing him goodbye and walked towards the gate, glancing at him one last time before he sped away.

o0o

"Khalid Bhai! How would I know which file is Goenka's file? Kashyap has so many files in his room." Arnav asked the man standing across the other end of his luxurious room, looking outside the window, smoking his expensive cigar.

"It will have some name like 'Goenka Industries/Trading' or maybe some mention of Ajit Goenka's name on it. It's a top classified file. And according to some sources, we have found out that Kashyap stores such classified information in a black file. So that will limit down your search. But it's going to cost you lots of time Arnav. How will you manage it without getting caught?" Khalid asked back curiously, turning around to face Arnav.

"I've managed that. Kashyap will be out of town for two days this weekend. And I have the perfect plan for it." Arnav replied with a wicked smile.

o0o

"Lavanya, I was thinking, since your Dad is going to out of the city this weekend, why don't you organise a party at your house? I mean, I have never attended a party hosted in your house. Maybe then you could impress me with you hosting skills." Arnav asked carefully, gauging her every reaction carefully.

"Oh, that's such a great idea, Rishab. Wow, I never thought about it. We can have loads of fun. How many people do you think I should invite?" Lavanya asked extremely happy that her new boyfriend was showing so much enthusiasm.

"How about the whole batch of your college? I mean Lavanya Kashyap is hosting a party. So everyone must know the grandeur of your parties' right. I should be something memorable so that people wouldn't forget it for the rest of their lives." Arnav added.

"But that would be 200 people. Isn't that too much to manage?" she asked back worriedly.

"Oh Baby, I'm sure you would manage it perfectly. Afterall, you are the best right?" he asked flashing his million watt charming smile at her, making her weak in her knees. This was something that worked wonders for him and made his every task possible.

"Ok then. But you've got to help me Rishab." Lavanya replied back, blushing at his drop dead smile.

He silently nodded. He was ready to do anything to set his plan in action. Even if it meant planning the party with this girl.

o0o

"Buaji, can I invite Arnav over for dinner today?" Khushi asked carefully, gauging her Aunt's face for any reaction.

"So you are really serious about this boy, aren't you?" Buaji asked straight forwardly on her face.

"Ermm... yes Buaji! He is a really nice guy. He lives all alone here. And even you seemed to like him when you met him right?"

Buaji stared at her niece's face in a suspicious manner, before she broke out into a huge smile. "Come here Sankadevi!" she ordered, asking her to sit down beside her. "If he really makes you happy, then fine. He can come over for dinner today. I trust your decision and I'm sure you have made the right choice." She said hugging her tightly.

"Thank you Buaji!" she exclaimed out in happiness, jumping around with excitement.

"My little girl Khushi has grown so big today. I still remember you as the ten year old girl who had come to my house, helpless and agonised after your parent's death. That day, I hadn't known how I would bring up such a child. But you have grown fine into a very bright matured girl, who is taking her own decisions, taking care of me. I wish every parent had a lovely daughter like you." Buaji was nearly in tears saying this.

"Buaji, you don't look nice while crying. You look good as the stern and serious Buaji. Please don't make me cry too." Khushi said hugging back tightly. "You are the best Buaji in the world."

"That's true. I'm the best" Buaji bragged while both of them burst out into laughter.

o0o

"Khushi, I'm standing right outside your gate. Why did you call me over?" Arnav asked over his cellphone, wondering why she must have called him out of the blue.

"Arrey, come inside the house. You'll get to know as you enter." Khushi replied giggling, looking at him through her window.

Arnav walked towards the main door, not knowing exactly what to expect. He was greeted by Khushi at the door.

"What happened Khushi? Is everything fine?" he asked looking at the room behind her.

"Do you always have to fret so much?" Khushi asked puckering her lips, folding her hands on her hips. "Come in!" she ordered pulling him inside.

"Hi Aunty!" he greeted awkwardly, suddenly noticing the presence of the elder lady in the house.

"Please, have a seat." She replied pointing to the seat opposite her. She could see him eyeing them nervously, alternating his glances between Khushi and her.

"Oh ho! Sankadevi! You invited him to dinner and didn't inform him? Look at the poor boy's face. He looks so confused." Buaji exclaimed out laughing at Arnav's face.

"Dinner?" Arnav asked even more confusedly.

"I'll go and arrange the table, while you both sit and talk." Buaji said and went inside the kitchen. After making sure Buaji was out of sight, Khushi neared him, managing to give him a peck on his lips, running her fingers through his ruffled hair.

"Since you and I are a family now, I thought why don't we start behaving like one and thought dinner was the best way to begin. By the way, you look hot in this white shirt." She whispered in a husky voice in his ears, managing to nibble his earlobe, before Buaji returned with the plates.

Arnav could only stare at her stunned with her actions. She never ceased to amaze him. Ever. He could see the immense happiness in her eyes, doing all this for him. Why was she doing all this for him?

Did he really deserve all this?

"Both of you come here. It's ready." He was snapped from his reverie by Buaji's words.

"I hope you didn't have your dinner already." Khushi asked him apprehensively, worried that all of this would be a waste.

He could see loads of dishes presented on the table. As soon as he took his chair, Khushi started serving him.

"You know, Khushi prepared all these dishes for you. She didn't know what your favourite dish was. So she prepared loads of them, hoping that you would like atleast one of them." Buaji said, looking proudly at Khushi.

He stared at her dumbfounded. Did she really take all this trouble for him?

"Khushi, why are you standing? Sit down. With me." Arnav uttered in a soft voice. Both the ladies were eagerly looking at him, anticipating his reaction. As he ate his first morsel of the food, he heard her muttering nervously.

"Arnav, this is the first time I'm preparing this dish. So I have no idea how it has turned out to be." Khushi said nervously, fidgeting with the roti on her plate. "I'm not feeling hungry. I'll eat later." She declared pushing away her plate.

He would be lying if he said that it was perfect. The dish was too spicy and she had definitely forgotten to add salt. As the spices hit his system, his face reddened instantly, causing both his eyes and nose to water furiously. But he controlled his urge to drain water down his scorching throat.

"It's really nice." He lied not wanting to disappoint her. The efforts mattered to him. Not the outcome.

"You really like it?" Khushi asked enthusiastically, relieved that her efforts were successful.

"Yeah, I like it." He added, struggling to take another bite.

"Then you must have more." Saying so Khushi poured more of that dish on his plate. But the alarmed expressions on Arnav's face, didn't miss Buaji's eagle eyes. Suspiciously, she tasted the dish and then realised the whole matter.

Sankadevi! She wondered to herself. What more could she expect from this girl? She laughed in her mind. She suddenly felt pity for Arnav. Khushi was serving him more and more food, while he gulped it all down without any hesitation, without any complain.

So Sankadevi had definitely made the right choice in choosing him. Only Arnav could bear her for the rest of his life, she thought amusedly.

o0o

"So, did you enjoy today?" Khushi asked Arnav, strolling about in their garden. It was pretty dark outside and Buaji had already slept for the night.

"Yes." He nodded, snaking his arm around her waist. "Thank you." He whispered, kissing her gently on the lips. "For making me feel at home after so many years." This was the first time he had thanked someone after so many years. It was something very genuine that automatically sprang up from the bottom of his heart.

He looked up at the night sky above him, remembering his mother. The first time he had met Khushi, he had thought that his mother must have sent an angel to rescue him. But today he was sure about it. His mother had sent this angel in his life, to complete him. To fill the loneliness created in his life after his mother had left him. He didn't know how long this would last. If he could, he would want Khushi for eternity. But as long as she was with him, he would hold on to her tightly.

Should he tell her the truth about himself? He dreaded her reaction. She would be completely devastated. Hurt. Shattered.

And he didn't want to see her like that. She brought happiness in his life. If couldn't do the same to her, he could atleast try not to bring sorrow in her life. He wanted to see her smile. He felt happy when she was happy.

So in such circumstances, could he tell her the truth? No, he couldn't. Was there any other way out of this? Where he didn't need to reveal the truth and still keep her to himself?

He felt her arms enveloping around his chest, as she rested her face on his shoulders.

"Arnav, I was thinking, what if we hadn't met that night when you were injured? What if you hadn't found me in the forest? It's so strange how destiny works. If that night, I had listened to Buaji and returned home earlier, I wouldn't have met you. If you hadn't decided to take a jog in the woods in Shimla, you wouldn't have met me. To tell you frankly, the first time I met you, I thought you were this arrogant angry man, inflated with ego and haughtiness. You even seemed weird and lost in your own world. I was scared of you for a minute. But I never knew there was such a good man hidden inside that tough exterior. I'm so proud to have you in my life." Khushi glanced at him with beaming eyes.

"It's funny coz I had the same impression about you." Arnav said laughing out loudly causing her to frown with surprise.

"Really? Was my first impression really that bad?" she asked him curiously.

"It wasn't bad. I thought you had that spunk in you that instantly attracted me towards you. But what stood out was your bravery. You are very brave Khushi. More than you realise." He said kissing her forehead. Especially to accept a person like me, he thought to himself. "And that makes me proud to have you in my life."

Nothing else was said. Nothing else was needed to be spoken. The silence between them was the proof of where their relationship had grown.

Later that night, when Khushi finally felt hungry and went to eat the food prepared by her, she realised the reality of the food prepared by her.

She was furious as to why both Buaji and Arnav didn't tell her anything about it. They had happily eaten the food without any complaint. But then could she blame Arnav? She smiled sheepishly remembering him. It was typical of Arnav to hide his distress to himself.

CHAPTER 25