Hello all. Exams are over. M relieved.
No Arshi in this chapter. This one was still required in the story. So please don't bash me. Next update will b more focused on Arshi. Till then, tolerate this one. 😆
Here's the update.
Chapter 44
Mumbai
Arshi were having fun in Mumbai. They would visit places, spend time together, go for dinners, clubbing, etc. Life was beautiful. They would explore the city throughout the day and return back home fully exhausted. Three days passed and Arjun, Payal, Akash, Lavanya, Rohan, NK, Sapna & Rishi were coming to Mumbai the next day. Everybody was very excited. Sonam was nervous as it was Arjun's first stay in SunnySea Cottage after Diya's death. She knew that he was not very comfortable but had agreed just because of her. On the other hand, Anjali was nervous about facing Arjun. She had no idea how she's going to react on seeing him. She was praying to God to give her strength to face Arjun after their last conversation.
Next Morning
Dining Table
During breakfast, Sriti & Harshad were discussing about the arrangements & rehearsals with Sonam. Just one week was left for the concert and there was still too much to do. Khushi and Anjali were talking while Arnav was just watching the two of them with a slight smile. He felt happy seeing the two of them so involved with each other. He was glad that Khushi & Anjali shared such a sweet bonding.
Arnav: By the way, when r the others arriving??
Sonam: They will b here by lunch. I might not b present to greet them as I have my rehearsal today. N moreover, I can't afford to see Bhai right now. I won't b able to go after meeting them.
Arnav nodded in understanding. Sonam left along with Harshad & Sriti. Arnav was planning to do some work before the arrival of the family while Khushi & Anjali were making sure that everything was arranged for them.
Afternoon
All the awaited members of the family arrived finally. The reunion was full of hugs and a lot of teasing. The new arrivals were shown their rooms and were asked to freshen up n come for lunch. Arjun, as expected, refused to take his room, took his bag & left for Diya's room. Anjali was hurt but didn't say anything as they had not exchanged formal greetings even. This did not go unnoticed by Akash, Payal & Rohan. Akash & Payal could understand the reason while Rohan could sense that something was fishy.
Dining Table
Arjun: Where is Princess??
Khushi: She had a rehearsal. Harshad & Sriti r with her.
Rohan: Weird!! She knew that we r coming n she still left.
Arnav (choosing not to tell the real reason): It was urgent. The concert is so close.
They had their lunch between some chitter-chatter & the mood was kept light. After lunch, everybody retired to their rooms for some rest.
Diya's Room
Arjun was sitting on the bed, going through the things which held his most precious memories. He still couldn't believe that those moments will never come back. He longed to b with his Diya, to experience the warmth she held, to have those stupid fights over his habit of leaving his wet towel on bed which used to irritate Diya the most, to spend his nights in the comfort of her embrace, their long drives, last minute dinner & movie plans, the passion they shared, all those moments which were his life in actual sense. He was never a quiet person. He was mature but he was never a person with a very serious & disciplined outlook towards life. He loved making mistakes as Diya would point him out and correct him. The immense joy he got when she would smile while correcting him was something which he could never explain in words.
Arjun was brought out of his thoughts when Anjali entered the room after knocking the door once. She came and took a seat next to him, leaving a decent space between them.
Anjali: Hii Arjun. I hope m not disturbing u. How was ur journey??
Arjun was not expecting any such advances from someone like Anjali. It was not in Amjali's nature to come in a man's room without caring about the other people present in the house. Her visit was a surprise for Arjun.
Arjun (hiding his shocked expression & answering non-chalantly): Journey was fine. Thanks for asking.
Anjali noticed the to-the-point answer and also the dismissal in his tone but she was determined that she will not back down. She was here to talk and she would b damned if she leaves without speaking her heart. She had decided that she would talk to Arjun in an indirect manner but his behavior made her opt for a direct approach.
Anjali: Why r u behaving like this with me??
Arjun could no longer avoid this conversation. She had questioned her in a very straight-forward manner and he owed her an honest answer.
Arjun: Look Anjali!! When we became friends, I never knew that we'll b having this conversation at any point of time in our lives. And now that we r having it, I would b very clear n honest. We cannot b anything other than friends Anjali. (sigh) I can never give Diya's place to someone else. She still holds my heart. I can never move on. Not because m scared but because I don't want to spoil someone else's life. A relation has no meaning if there is no love. I might never b able to love someone again. N I don't want to bind someone to me in a loveless relationship. U deserve better Anjali. U have already gone through a lot. I agree that u made many mistakes but I can also understand the reason for what u did. By choosing me, u'll just b repeating the mistake of choosing a wrong partner for the second time. It's not a joke.
Anjali listened to all that he said. She could understand that Arjun doesn't love her but she could also deduce that he really cares. And that was all that she needed right now.
Anjali: U know what Arjun, I agree with u. I can never take Diya's place. But what if I say that I don't really want to take her place?? (paused and looked at Arjun directly in eyes) My love does not change even after knowing that u can never love me the way u love Diya. But we r friends. Right?? N a friend is the best person when it comes to choosing a life partner. I'll never ask for love Arjun. But I know u care. N that's enough for me. I'll give this relationship, the element of love, and it would b sufficient for both of us. Take ur time. U don't need to think about it right now. I can wait for u throughout my life. May b I deserve better but u r the best. N when I am aware what the best actually is, how can I accept the better??
Arjun: Anjali u r not understanding'
Anjali (putting a finger on his lips): Shh' I know what m doing. M not compelling u for anything Arjun. Its ur discretion that u can't love me and I have no problem with it. But u can't dictate my feelings. If I love u, then it's not ur problem. We'll still b friends. N I was not even planning a happily ever after. Leave it on time. We'll stay the way we have been till now. U know what I feel for u n I know that u don't feel anything for me except care and that too because we r friends. Give some time to our friendship. Forget that I ever confessed my feelings. Forget that I want more. Just remember that I can't lose my only friend because I have started falling for me. This friendship we share is much more than any other relation in my life. N it's too precious for me to lose.
Arjun was speechless. He had not expected Anjali to b this strong. He had seen her when she was weak n was finding a support to lean on. He could see that she had actually moved on to a huge extent and he felt proud of the person sitting next to him.
Arjun: (taking a deep breath): Okay fine. SO what brought u here??
Anjali: (pouting) What type of a question is that?? Can't I come to meet my friend??
Arjun: Of course u can. But it doesn't seem like u came to meet me only. So what's cooking in ur head??
Anjali (smiling): Actually I was planning something but m not sure.
Arjun: What?? Tell me.
Anjali: I was thinking that I should join AR. I get bored at home all the time and then even Chhote needs to give some time to Khushi. That can't b handled with the current work load in office. My joining will keep me busy n Chhote will b relieved of his constant work load.
Arjun: That's a good idea. Go ahead. What r u waiting for??
Anjali: The problem is that I have never worked before. How will I handle?? N what will I do there??
Arjun: First of all, find ur forte. When u'll know what r u good at, and then join AR for the same work. Simple!! Ask ASR about all the operations in AR. Then shortlist those which u find interesting. Think over them all and then choose the one which u find is best suited for u.
Anjali: Hmm. I guess u r right. (smiling happily) Thank u Arjun. U r a life saver.
With that she gave a peck on his cheek and left the room leaving a shocked and dazed Arjun staring at the door through which she left.
Arjun (self-thought): What the hell was that?? But it felt so' Shut up Arjun!! Get a grip. Don't behave like a hormonal teenager. U practically rejected her just now.
Precap:
Arshi playing match makers (Rishi Sonam patch up)
Kyunki Saas Bhi Kabhi Bahu Thi 2
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