ArShiFF: The Dawn of the Dawn - Thread 8 - COMPLETED - Page 48

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Arnav beta, this is so beautiful. How do we ever thank you for this?

Oh no, please dont be formal. I am what I am because of Payal. Its just small return gift from me and Khushi. I hope Payal liked it, he looked Payal who joined them after changing to her regular clothes after trying her wedding lehenga.

Why dont you ask yourself? I will get some water.

Payal mom left the buddies alone.

Arnav went and sat next to her.

This is sooo beautiful Arnie. I never imagined I would ever wear such expensive one for my wedding. I always dreamt but never thought it would become real. And the fact that you made it for me, it means alot. Thank You! She held his hands and cried.

Fatty, do you remember the day you gave me 1001 dollars to start my business.

She nodded Yes.

You gave me that money even though you had nothing left. He took his wallet and took out the deposit receipt that he got 8 yrs ago when he cashed her cheque. This receipt always reminds me where I came from and how you started my life. I may have worked my ass off to get here but that first step you took without any slightest doubt in your mind, gave me so much self-confidence in my life. I never told you this but you gave me such immense strength when I was breaking down emotionally losing people one after the other, first my parents and then Khushi. You stood like pillar until I stood up. What I did today is just a small gesture and is nothing compared to what you did for me.

And for us! came voice from the entrance of the door. They both looked at Khushi who stood by the door.

Khushi kneeled infront of Payal and said holding her hands, Arnav is right. I wonder what would have happened if you hadnt told me the truth. He is here because of you. If you and Akash hadnt given that money, I dont think he would have taken money from anywhere else and I dont think my help or Papa's help would have served any purpose. In a way, you kept us together, you brought us together. You have no idea what you gave ME Payal, you gave my lost part, MY LIFE back. She said looking at Arnav as he acknowledged her with a smile. This is nothing compared to what you did for us.

Payal hugged Khushi and Arnav. Arnav looked at Khushi proudly. She is indeed his other half fitting him in every way.

Now stop crying, whats my baby doing? Khushi leaned and tried to listen to baby while Arnav looked at her confusedly. Awww, ok, I will tell mommie to stop clyin..OK..Mommie, baby wants you to stop clyiing..Khushi did baby talk leaving Arnav totally confused.

Excuse Me? Did you just talk to baby?

Yeah I just did. Do you wanna talk?

No thanks. I am not as crazy as you. He stood up to leave.

Wait, I didnt Payal in lehenga. Did you already try? Khushi asked looking for the lehenga.

Thats when Arnav realized and looked around to check on Akash. He saw him playing with kids outside. A**Hole. He swore under breath. As Khushi was about go towards the her wedding dress, Payal panicked and immediately Arnav jumped ahead of her and kissed her on his lips, Dont you wanna go to Farmhouse? We are getting late. He whispered on her lips not minding Payal's presence. Payal left them alone the moment his lips landed on Khushi's.

What are you doing? Sab ke saamne? She tried to look around to see if Payal is there.

I told you I dont look for the moment. The moment calls for it. And the moment says that I should kiss you hard because I missed you for the last half an hour. He kissed her kicking the door to close.

Arn...She couldnt complete his name as he swept her feet of the floor resting her against the wall on his toes.

You were saying something in studio that, If I am desperate, Why dont I do what? He plunged into her mouth as he spoke.

Nothing. She mumbled through the kiss.

Nothing? Are you sure? He squeezed her hips as he pressed himself harder against her belly.

If you are desperate why dont you...She mumbled as his question made her think what they would be doing in their honeymoon arousing her hormones taking her to bliss.

Why dont I what?

Why dont you show me how desperate you are? She said it one go shutting her eyes as tight as she could to avoid his gaze.

He broke the kiss abruptly and looked at her shocked and flustered face. He lifted her chin and said, I dont think you will be able handle it.

Dont you think its unfair to judge without testing? She repeated his once said words, with her eyes closed.

He smirked, You are impossible Mrs. Raizada. You are killing me to pieces. He wrapped his arms around her taking her to blissful world to one more time.

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Mr. Gupta, this is Arnav Singh Raizada speaking.

Yeah thats what my caller ID displayed. The old man said in mocking tone irritating Arnav further.

I am glad you have the highly advanced system. I will make note of it. He retorted. Before Shashi could say anything, he interrupted Shashi and said, I would like to invite you and your wife to Payal and Akash wedding.

Thanks for the invitation but I dont think we will be able to make it.

I know you are pretty busy in life but MY WIFE will feel happy if you could take sometime off your busy retired schedule. He made sure he sent across the message.

As he expected Shashi understood that Arnav is aware of her stay away from her parents. Shashi felt happy for the step his son-in-law took as a husband.

We will see you on the day. Thanks again for inviting.

You are welcome!

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Arnav was all in good mood when he got in the car but as they approached closer to the farmhouse, he became silent, his sweat beads showing up clearly the turmoil he is going through. As they parked the car, He kept staring at the farmhouse with straight face.

Khushi placed her hand on his and called his name. He gave a feeble smile and got off the car. He came around to open the car and stealing the glances of the huge waterfront villa. Khushi got off the car looking at the beautiful house that looked nothing short of heaven as the Moon started taking over the Sun slowly.

As she got off the car, she wrapped her hand around his arm and they walked taking baby steps, one reminiscing the memories, one recollecting the forgotten memories. Khushi felt the entire place extremely familiar, the lights, the way trees shrubbed, the way the fountain sprinkled water, was extremely familiar.

As they reached for the entrance, this is the west entrance, wedding will happen on the east side. He spoke barely audible to her. He couldnt take his first step. He stood by the door, sweeping his hand on the wooden plank that hung on the door that read, Aran & Komal's Retreat.

A lone tear escaped his eye. He flicked his thumb under the eye lashing the tear off the face, abit roughly.

She wrapped her hand around his waist and said assuringly, Lets do it once for all. I am with you.

He opened the door and she made sure stepped her right foot in. The whole house was beyond familiar for her. The scent, the subtle indoor fountain sounds, birds chirping, everything seemed so fresh yet so familiar. She closed her eyes for a brief sec and she remembered seeing the huge Monalisa painting to the left. She was shocked to see it there. I know this place. I have been here. She uttered as he looked at her.

I think I came here before. I think we spent our childhood here. This looks familiar. She spoke looking around without leaving his hand. Arnav took few steps towards living room to look back at the entrance. Lifting his finger, he pointed at the nook to the right of the entrance and spoke feeling overwhelmed, Dad used to call Mom to that spot to kiss her before going to Golf with his friends. He smiled as his eyes turned red. Khushi acknowledged him with a smile and he started turning cold.

Then he took her to the living room.

He sat in he middle of the sectional sofa facing the fire place. Nothing changed including the vase. Thats how his mom always liked. Everything and everyone should belong where there are supposed to belong.

White is dad's favorite color but mom always insisted to add some color. Thats hos turquoise ended up here. He said taking the pillow in his lap. He leaned back looking at the fire place and then the TV nook. He wrapped his arm around her while she tried to make it normal. She could feel him trembling with pain, This is our pop-corn hub. Me and Dad used to fight over remote while mom and sister over soaps and cinemas. They were crazy about bunch of useless heroes. He tried to maintain his sarcasm even in the pain and Khushi smiled trying to make it easy for him. She leaned onto his chest while he slowly opened up. One day me and Dad were watching India Vs Australia ODI, we were losing pretty bad and I happened to throw pop-corn piece at Di. Instantly, one Australia wicket was down. Dad got an amazing idea. He threw another piece at her, another wicket was down. Without making it obvious, dad and I silently exchanged our plan, We had to take a wicket in 10 balls to win, Me and Dad went behind Di and poured all pop-corn on her. She chased us for the rest of the day like mad dog. We laughed on it for more than a month. She was hilarious and we always used to tease her that she smelled like pop-corn and we would tell her husband when she gets marry. He smiled sadly. He cleared his throat controlling his tears and led her away from the living room feeling painful to think of his loss. Khushi tried to hold back her tears. She never felt so helpless in her life. She could neither stop him nor let him continue.

He took her to Anjali's bedroom...

This is Di's bedroom. He sat on her bed and swept his hand on the bed. She loved red. She always thought red is her lucky color. She would have red on her in some form, either earirngs, bracelet if not red color dress. Khushi walked over to the side table to see a young girl in 20s posing like rockstar.

Thats her! Very bubbly always full of life. He walked over to Khushi and sat next to her on the bed as she held Anjali's photo in her hands. She is beautiful. She said softly, holding his hand.

She used to ask me to get her a romantic Prince. She promised me she will never leave me after marriage. But I guess she forgot to promise about before the marriage. He rested his head on Khushi's shoulder, drenching her skin. Khushi sucked her tears and literally sat unmoved swallowing huge painful lump in her throat. She remembered the bedroom. She particulary remembered an iron safe where Anjali used to keep all her pictures.

Is it OK if I get the pictures from her safe? She asked in low voice.

He looked at her a bit surprised. How do you know she keeps photos in that safe.

I just remembered. I think I spent pretty considerable time here. She said looking around.

He nodded Yes approving her.

She quickly came back to him with the photos. Have you seen these photos before?

Nope, she never allowed anyone to see.

While Arnav tried not to look at the photos, Khushi tried to flip as fast as she could to find Arnav and Khushi together. But none found. She felt disappointed as those photos only has Anjali and Arnav.

Shall we go from here? He asked and took her along as she nodded Yes.

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Khushi was impressed with his parents room and what she loved most is how open it is to the city of Mumbai. It was simple but elegant and royal.

She looked to her side to see where Arnav is. He stood by the door as he shivered looking around the room.

She walked back and held his hand, Come, show me around. She asked.

He nodded NO. Lets go from here.

She caught his hand and held her. Main hoon tumhare saath. Lets get it over. Dont hang on to it for life.

He walked in as she held his shaking hands. He didnt come his parents death. The flashback of his parents laughing around, teasing each other in that room flashed in front of his eyes. She expected him to say something but he became deathly silent looking at every corner of the room. He walked to small desk where he used to work during weekends. He pulled the drawer and found his pen, with all dried up ink. He smelled the ink and placed the pen back. They then walked over to the balcony and stood in silence, God knows for how long. But they stood together as she wrapped her arms around him reminding him constantly that she is there.

His dad's voice kept playing in his ears and he rushed out of the room away as fast as he could.

Khushi followed him to the pool side and found his sitting on the couch by the water.

He shook his leg vigorously trying hard to get control over his emotions. She came and sat next to him and as she placed her hand on his shoulder he hugged her crushing her in his embrace letting her know that her God was very merciless to him. Shr rubbed his back, soothing him, crying along with him. Let them rest in peace Arnav. Dont hold onto them. They need to be freed. Please dont torture yourself.

Why me Khushi? What did I do? Why all of them? He cried on her shoulder.

Because you are the strongest man who could deal. I heard he gives problems to those who he is capable of.

I wasnt born strong, I wasnt capable of dealing such things. I was shoved into the situation with few dollar bills, and letters, snatching away every thing else that belonged to me.

She cupped his face, But you proved that no one can snatch anything from you. You came back stronger than before, you took back everything that belonged to you.

Kahaan Khushi? I havent got my family. Whats the use of everything else, this money, empire, buildings? Today if I wanna give you something that my mom wore, I have nothing.

You have YOU, your mom's most precious you are. I dont need anything else Arnav. Everyone must go at somepoint, its better you accept this fact. The more you suffer more will they be restless. Amma says they become angels. They are watching from above, I am sure you dont want your mom crying from there. She explained like one would explain a kid.

Its not easy Khushi. I have seen them. They are not normal parents. They were more friends than parents. He tried to get up vexed.

She caught his arm and made him rest his head on her lap. He obliged as she said. He looked at the sky as she combed through his hair soothingly. Tears rolled down the corners of his eyes and he looked at her.

How do you know all these?

Know what? She asked confusedly.

That I like my hair stroked from left to right.

I..I dont know. I just happened to do it.

Mom used to do it this way. Thats why I was surprised.

She smiled, I must have seen her doing it.

You know why I got upset yesterday when you said, You missed me like never before.

She nodded NO.

Dad used to say those exact words every single day after coming home from work. His voice cracked up, sounded fragile as his tears didnt try to stop rolling.

He took a moment to regroup before I continued. I was very close to dad. He never asked me what I achieved. He was always interested to know what I failed in. He always believed I should fail to win. May be thats why they failed me 8 yrs ago making me what I am. But do you really think I had to go through so much to be what I am today? He looked at her and asked her genuinely.

She nodded No as words didnt dare to come out to answer his question and tears rolled down her cheeks. For the first she felt, how could God truly be so cruel with him.

He gazed at the stars, as he held her hand on his chest. Dad, Mom, Di were on the road lying there for 8 hours before anyone found them. When I landed in Mumbai after hearing the news, I was taken directly to the accident site where he was lying in the grass like orphan. Arnav tried hard to maintain straight face but without his knowledge his soul started crying trickling the bloody tears non-stop.

I was refused to look at them because I was only 19. When I begged my Uncle, he convinced the officers to let me take a look atleast my dad. For that only reason, he is spared today, even after snatching all my dad's hard earned money.

When I approached him closer, I couldnt believe that was my dad. I was in denial. I turned to officer and said thats not my dad but something caught my attention. I sat down next to him and read him thoroughly. Arnav looked at Khushi as she listened to him attentively rubbing his hand.

I saw trail of tears from the corner of his eyes. He must have cried. His mouth was twisted, it was familiar. His lips closed to form a pout and I instantly knew he took my name for the last time. He called for me Khushi. He called Chote, before his last breath. I couldnt save him Khushi. He needed me but I couldnt do anything. He didnt deserve that. They didnt deserve that.

He swiftly turned and hugged Khushi waist and sobbed bitterly and loudly. Khushi cried with him hugging him, holding his shaking frame as tight as she could.

Mom prayed that damn God every single day and evening and Di had so many dreams, never harmed anyone, both were crush...He couldnt say furthr...Why the hell didnt he save them Khushi? What the hell was he F*ing doing? He cried bitterly out of control, convulsively gasping for breath.

Arnav...She mumbled in his ears...Let it go. You held onto it for long time. It is about time. She held on to him firmly as he shivered, became extremely fragile which no one but his wife would believe. Tired of overwhelming memories, remembering painful mishap and his family, his body gave up, her warm hold and his tired mind soon pulled him to much needed slumber. He slept on her lap, while she kissed his hair and soon she dozed into deep slumber resting her head back, sleeping in the seated position.

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Didnt proof or color the dialogues...Sorry guys..Next time Iwill try...