Arshi OS- When two scarred souls met

Arnav & Aman first met at St Joseph's Boarding school at Dehradun , when they were in fifth Standard. Aman on his first day at school was being bullied by few seniors. He being of shy & introvert nature was not being to help himself out of this situation. That's when Arnav found him. He too was new in school, but quite opposite to Aman. He saved Aman from those bullies & befriended him. Since, they have to stay there , so making enemies is not going to help them. Realising this on the very first day, they decided to befriend others as well. Since, Arnav was very good at all types of sports , so he became quite popular. Sports is a good medium in making friends- & slowly he was able to make many friends. The seniors also like him. After all nobody was harmful over there, as they didn't' physically harm anybody. Everybody was staying there leaving their family - though they bullied new students, pulled their legs , but later turned out to be quite friendly. Aman being good in studies was equally popular like Arnav as he helped his friends in their assignments. Though they make many friends but Arnav- Aman bond was very strong. They are best friends & literally inseparable. Everybody knows about theior friendship. Stories of their friendship are equally popular just like them. Hostel life was amazing- helping each other with homework, reading story books under cover even after light outs, trying cigarettes secretly, covering up for friends. Their school was co-ed & the girls hostel on located on the other side .Since, Aman was good in literature, he became the official letter writer for his friends. He used to write love letters on his friends' behalf whereas Arnav's job was that of a delivery man. He used to secretly go to the girls hostel to deliver the letters & gifts & dedicately bring back the return gifts as well. Aman always joked how he wished to write letter on his best friend's behalf & Arnav used to reply him, that even he wants to deliver Aman's gifts. Both were much in demand, but still they chose to be single. Though Aman & Arnav are different by their nature, but one thing was common between them- both of them are foodies.

Arnav's ancestral home was in Nainital whereas Aman's was in Delhi. Arnav's father was a software engineer when Arnav was in 8^th standard. His father got transferred to USA. Since, Arnav would be appearing for boards in 2 years, so his parents decided, not to take him along with them, as it will affect his studies. Afterall, both the country's education system was different & Arnav would face proble. Rather he can later come down for his higher studies. Arnav was upset for his parents leaving him, but was happy that he doesn't have to leave his best friend.

After 10^th, both have joined Humanities group for their 12^th in the same school. Where Aman was interested to do higher studies in English literature, make a career in Academics & also wish to be a professional writer someday, Arnav wanted to study Indian History further. The warfare strategies of the rulers specially Moghuls always excite him.

After completing 12^th, they got admission in same college & that too in their desired subjects. After completing their graduation, Arnav, Aman along with their friends went for camping, but something happened there, which changed Arnav's life forever.

Khushi Avasti, is the youngest of Avasthi family. She is very fun loving & friendly. She is the darling daughter of her papa Shashi & chachu - Gautam, informer of her ma - Garima & chachi - Supriya, a Barbie doll for her Anjali di (as Anjali always like dressed her up like her favourite doll), a tail to her Aaksh bhaiyya ( a good 8years older than her). But most importantly, she was very close to her Sonu Bhaiyya- she always carry out her pranks on him, make him her partner of crime & whenever gets caught infront of her father, Sonu & Aakash used to cover up for her. After completing her 1^st year in college, something happened in her life, which changed her nature as well as her life forever.

Part-II

Hello dad... Yes already left office... Yes we are coming back & don't' get disturbed, Payal bhabi is driving...will reach home within half an hour. Khushi was talking to Shashi Avasthi over phone. Payal Kashyap is the only daughter in Kashyap family & is engaged to Khushi's brother Aakash. Kashyaps has been family friends to Avasthis for 3 generations & now soon going to be relatives.

It was already 10 p.m , but Khushi & Payal didn't reach home. It's already been 2hours since, Khushi last spoken to her dad. Feeling disturbed Shashi called her up.

Hello.

Beta, it's me. Where are you & where is Payal. Why haven't you reach yet.?

Dad, we are in hospital.

H-O-S-P-I-T-A-L-But why? Are you guys ok?

Yes Dad, we are fine.

Just tell me which hospital are you, & we are coming.

Khushi realized that explaining her dad, would be useless as they could come down anyways, so she replied, 'J.K.Hospital'

After half an hour Khushi's family reached there. They saw Khushi sitting in one of the bench & Payal was talking to a police officer.

What happened beta'? Shashi asked Payal.

Payal gave a glance to Khushi & narrated the incident. When they were returning, they are forced to halt their car to see a commotion infront of them. Both of them get down to see a person lying on the road unconsciously, blood was coming out from his head , his phone was lying dead at a corner . The onlookers say that he was met with an accident. So, Khushi & Payal drove him to hospital & inform the police. Just when their family arrived Payal was providing her statement to the police while at the same time, they had handed him the phone.

Being an extremely supporting family, they stayed there whole night. Since patient was still unconscious, they provided the hospital with their number, & asked the police to investigate further. The person has suffered huge blood loss & so he remained unconscious. Doctor informed Khushi & her family that if the person didn't gain his consciousness within 72 hours, he might slipped into comma. The family was surely concerned for this unknown person. After enormous efforts of doctor, the person gained consciousness after almost about 60 hours. When Khushi, Payal & their family came to meet the patient, the doctor informed them that he has lost his memory. He don't remember who he is , where did he came from, who are there in his family or who his parents are - nothing. Khusi wanted to meet him so doctor led her inside.

Sir, how are you feeling now?

There was slight pain in my head doctor. & feeling a little weak too.

Actually sir, you have suffered huge blood loss, so the weakness will stay for sometime. Do eat properly & take rest, you would be fine. By the way, I want you meet Ms Khushi, she is the lady who found you at the accident spot & bought you here.

Oh... Well, thank you Maam.

Doctor left both of them alone. Well it's ok. By the way you can call me Khushi.'

Ok, thank you Khushi. But I am sorry, I can't provide you my name as I can't even remember it in 1^st place'

While Khushi was trying to make this stranger feel comfortable- police was talking to Payal & their family.

Well Mam, the phone you have provided, we have been able to retrieve the number, but since the contact list was saved in the device memory so cant retrieve any number from there. From the sim card which is being used by the patient, we came to know that this number was being used for last 2 months. After checking the call list & tracing the call location, we found out that for last 1 week, he was staying in a hotel. When we visited the hotel, we found out that , on the day of the accident, he has left the hotel in the evening , informing the front office that he was going for a walk. Luckily from his room , we found out his passport, & we got his name- Mr Arnav Singh Raizada. From the papers , he provided to the hotel, we found out that, he has a return flight to New York after 3 days. Though his passport was that of an Indian citizen, we presume that he was staying in new York for professional reason. We are trying to contact the Indian Embassy over there, to know about his family & everything. If we get any further information, we would let you know.'- the police officer informed them & left. After some time, Khushi came out. She was feeling sorry for this stranger. If whatever police said is true, then this person is not only alone in this city, but rather in this country. & by saving his life, she was also in dilemma, about what to do with him.

Her father understanding her dilemma told her,'Beta, I know after saving a person's life, you are feeling responsible for him. Let police do their side of investigation, & if you want we can take him home. Afterall, your chacha, Aakash bhaiyya, me, everybody will be there to take care of him'. Khushi feeling grateful towards her family just nodded. She is very lucky to have such an wonderful family, where even before she speaks out, everybody understands her.

Arnav felt a little relaxed at least to know his name. Khushi introduced him to Payal & informed him, that she was equally responsible to save his life. She slowly introduced other members as well. Arnav felt more relaxed to find out , how these unknown people are concerned about him. He felt more comfortable around Aakash & Khushi - may be belonging to same age group might have removed the awkwardness. So he agreed to move in to their house.

Part-III

It was 2 weeks that Arnav was staying with Khushi & her family. In this time, all his physical wound was healed a lot. Police in the mean time contacted the Indian Embassy in New York & from the papers, he submitted while coming back to India, they found that he has been working in an University in New York as a lecturer in Indian History & at the same time was carrying out his research in the same University. He came to India as a Guest Lecturer in Delhi University. Police has also been able to contact his family over there & they have in return informed them, that they would be coming to India very soon. All these informations were given to the Avasthis as well. Since, Arnav's parents need some time to come to India, so they regularly talk to the Avasthi family over phone regarding their son's health. As Arnav didn't remember anything from past, he was not very comfortable in talking to them over phone, but with Khushi's insistence, he skype with them everyday, where his parents talk to him about everything & tried to give him glimpses of his past. But till now it was not a very fruitful effort.

It was one day when Aakash was talking to Arnav & found out a tattoo on his arm peeking under his T- shirt. Being curious, his lifted his T- shirt & found his name tattooed over there. He called up Khushi to show her (afterall elders are not so appreciative of tattoos) & joked,' Khush see, the design is nice nah. Thinking should I try this?' But Khushi's eyes twinkled seeing the tattoo, but before a tear drop fell from her eyes, she left the room.

What happened to her Aakash bhaiyya' ? Arnav was a little confused with her reaction, so was Aakash. Don't know... sometime she became so mysterious, I can't even recognize her. Anyways, you take rest' Aaksh replied & left.

As time passes, Arnav's bonding with Khushi's family gets stronger. He feels like being at home. He used to borrow books from aakash, chatted a lot with Khushi, sometime becomes a part of her one sided conversation . Payal sometime brought him food she tried cooking at home & Arnav always appreciated them.

"Why you always stay in you room Arnav'? Khushi asked him

I... just don't feel like going out'.

Why'?

Just like that'.

Why'?

Just like that'.

Why'?

Khushi , what is it? Haven't you find anybody's brain to eat in the morning

After a minutes pause Khushi replied,'Actually I need a change in the menu you see. For all these years, eating same people's brain is sometimes monotonous you know'

How would I know Khushi, I don't' have appetite for human brains like you. I eat what normal peoples eat. But I thought you like the taste of my brain, that's why you are eating it'

Tasty. Oh no no. Your brain is not so tasty. Actually I don't have any other option nah, that's why I was eating your brain'

With such conversation both starts laughing. Aakash was passing by their room , hearing their laughter, he felt happy for both of them.

After sometime, Khushi left Arnav's room & he got busy in reading a book , which he borrowed from Aakash. Suddenly he found something dropped on his book. He got panicked seeing a lizard & starts shouting. Khushi came running as her room was nearby. By that time Arnav was already standing outside his room.

What happened'

A...a...a...li...lizard'

Khushi get inside the room & after sometime called for him,'Come in. I have thrown it away'

Arnav nervously entered.

Are you afraid of lizard'? Khushi asked

I don't know. When I saw it, I instinctively got panicked. May be I have got phobias for lizard. It might have got imprinted on my subconscious mind'

It's Ok, ' Khushi replied with a hidden smile, Now when you came out from your room, why don't you join us downstair'

Arnav reluctantly joined them. Later Arnav found out a lizard made of rubber in Khushi's room & understands that Khushi made a prank on him to bring him outside his room. Not that he minded. He felt like being belonged to a place, where people have right on him to play pranks.

It was since 2 days since Arnav has last seen Khushi. Now that is unnatural. It was normal during day time as she & Aakash has office to attend, but if she is at home, everybody knows it because of her laughter or high-pitched voice. He realized that he didn't heard her voice or laughter for last 2 days. When he inquired Aakash about the same, he replied that it's her birthday, the next day & every year, she became silent & aloof for these few days.

Oh, but that was strange. Generally girls like celebrating their birthdays & demands fifts from brothers, sisters, friends, elders. Then why she behaves in this strange way'

After few moments of silence, he replied ,'You are right Arnav. Even Khushi was like this few years back also. But something happened 8yrs before that changed everything'.

"What happened. If you don't want to tell, it's fine. Afterall I am outsider....

But Aakash interrupted,'No Arnav, you are no more an outsider. You have not become a part of this family, but Khushi's friend too. You should know about this, as it would help you to understand her better. Khushi was very close to her Sonu Bhaiyya. They have their schooling in separate boarding school, but still they were very attached. Actually, it's our family tradition, where we children were sent to boarding schools to make us more disciplined. Though Khushi & her brother were completely opposite in nature, but still love each other a lot. During vacations, when they meet each other, they forget everything. Infact in boarding school also, they used to call up each other at night. When Khushi just completed her 1^st year, Sonu was completed his graduation. He along with his few friends went on a trip. After 5 days, we get the news of his accident. Sonu was not able to survive his accident. He left us forever. It affected all of us mostly Khushi. She dedn't cried seeing her brother's body but rather get into a shell. It was hard time for us as we were confused whether to console Tauji-taiji for their only son's loss or help Khushi to come out of this shell. She often wake up at night due to nightmares. With loosing her brother, a hollowness has created in her life. But time heals everything. It's 8 years afterall. It's not that she is still mourning, but whenever she started leading a normal lefe, she remembers & misses Sonu & went back to her shell. She is helping everybody to move on in their life, forcing Tauji- Taiji to celebrate their anniversary every year & that too in a grand ways, often sends my parents for watching movies, forces me to go on on dates with Paya, but she herself is not being able to move on. It's you who she behaves normally & plays prank on .When we have asked her why she chhoses to carry out all her pranks only on you, she replied just because you didn't know anything about her , so all your reactions are normal- if you get irritated you showed, if you are angry on her, then also you show it. Whereas we feeling always concerned for her never shows our irritation or anger. With you she can feel happy, sad, angry without making others concerned. With you she was not forced to wear a fake smile to make you believe that she is happy in her life. But we are sorry Arnav, knowing very well that you are hurt too, & also in pain without being able to remember your past, but being selfish brother can't stop her.

It's ok bhaiyya. I don't mind. Afterall while staying with you, I really felt like being belonged to here. & moreover Khushi obviously has right over me, afterall I am indebted to her for my life' Arnav replied. After some light casual chat, Arnav left Aakash' room. While going back to his room, he saw Khushi's room was a little open. He hesitsted & then knocked it.

Hey. What happened? Need something'? Khushi asked.

Actually feeling bored at home , so thinking of going for a walk. Want to join?' Arnav replied.

After giving athought, Khushi replied,'Ok. Just wait for 5 minutes. Will get changed & join you downstairs'

After sometime, both were sitting in a nearby Icecream parlour.

Khushi...I...heard about your brother. I am really very sorry'

Don't be. Please don't. Everybody wants to cheer me up & behave differently. All want me to behave normally when they themselves are anything but being normal. Please you also don't do this to me. I feel normal with you. Please, even after knowing everything, don't change your behaviour. Please' by the end Khushi was tearful holding Arnav's hand

'Okkk. I promise not to change my behavior. Now, please don't cry'

After sometime, Arnav starts speaking,'Actually you are lucky Khushi. At least, you have though painful but memories to hold on to . I toh don't even remember anything'.

Arnav , our memories are books with lots of pages- some have impressions, some are fully covered & some are left blank , only to be covered up fully in future. The book which you have, the older pages have only impressions, whereas the newer ones are blank. Instead of thinking about older one, why don't' you fill up newer pages with new moment, which can turned out to be you beautiful memories in future.'

But what about the older ones? Will the impression ever be changed into fully written pages?

Khushi smiled,'Why not. See when a baby borns, his /her mind was blank, slowly they start remembering faces, recognize mothers warmth, fathers embraces, learn to walk, crawl, run. Start to speak gibbesrish & then meaningful words. Slowly learns to make sentence & then many other things. Look at you, you haven't forgotten all those things, which you have learnt in first few years of life, so it's just a matter of time, when you will remember, other things as well.

I just wish Khushi, whatever you say should come true'

"Arnav, I know since, you don't remember your parents, you don't feel comfortable with them... Rather you don't trust the. Do one think, please try to believe them. You often used to tell me, nah, you get flashes in your dreams. May be those flashes are realted to your past. Why don't you ask your parents about them? I am sure they can help you with that.'

I think, you are right Khushi. Thanks a lot dear. Talking to you helps a lot. I would surely try that'

Ok, now that I have helped you, where is my gift'

Arnav smiled hearing her antics,'So, what do you want Madam'?

"Let me think...I want to eat your head whenever I want'

Arnav start laughing hearing her demand. He felt comfortable that finally Khushi was being herself. He control his laughter & replied, 'Surely, whenever you want, I will be at your service'

Part-IV

Shashi & Gautam were owners of a leading Publishing House. They have many writer friends as well. One of them was writing a Historical fiction during Babar's rule. Since, Arnav was lecturer of History, so they requested him for assisting their writer friend. Arnav agreed to their request. After following Khushi's instruction, he spoke to his parents regarding the flashes he was getting in his dreams, & his parents in turn narrate him those incidents. Arnav in this process was slowly recovering his memory. Since, he is not yet ready to resume his lectures or Research work, he has asked his University to extend his leave on medical ground & he was granted his leave.

It was evening & Arnav arrived home early. He entered the house, to find it empty. Shashi & Gautam uncle hasn't arrived. They must be in office. Garima & Supriya aunty must have gone to the market. Aakash bhaiyya also didn't return. It's early so obviously Khushi also haven't arrived. Out of everybody , he missed Khushi, precisely her voice & laughter. It was a week that Arnav joined his temporary new work. In this week , he has developed a new habbit of returning home with Khushi. Though they spend a lot of time with each other but this returning- home- together part makes him very happy. Arnav was busy in his musings. It was a month after the accident & he met Khushi. Though he hasn't yet remembered everything from the past fully, but this one month with Khushi & her family has been a great experience. Arnav has realized that he has already fallen for Khushi in the process. Exactly when he didn't remember- when he felt indebted towards Khushi for his life, or when Khushi make him feel comfortable inspite of being in unknown place & among unknown people, or when she showed her right on him by irritating him or playing pranks with him, or when she felt vulnerable & share her memories of her brother or when she encouraged him that he would remember everything soon. But whatever it is, he wouldn't have feel at home if Khushi haven't been around. A day without Khushi in obviously unimaginable. Arnav has already recognized his parents & felt relieved when they informed him, that he was not married or engaged. Obviously, leaving Khushi behind is no more an option. He already decided, that once he remembers everything, he would marry Khushi & take her back to New York. Though, his feelings are not unknown to Aakash & his family, it seems like they have already accepted him. As for his parents, they have met Khushi just like other family members over Skype & looks like evn they approve of her. But the only problem is the girl in question is completely unaware of everything. Arnav remembered a famous quote, which he once found in Facebook,' If a girl loves a boy, nobody except the boy knows, whereas if a boy loves somebody, the whole world except the girl knows' This situation suits perfectly for Arnav. Suddenly his musings came to ahalt, will the ringtone of his mobile phone.

Hello'

"Hi Arnav, it's me , Aakash'

Yes bhaiyya'

Has Khushi arrived yet'?

I guess, no bhaiyya'.

Actually I want to tell you something. Tomorrow is Sonu's death anniversary. Tauji has gone to meet his doctor for his annual check up & so Taiji accompanied him. My parents along with Payal went to meet Panditji & then they will go to market for making tomorrows arrangement. Even Anjali & her husband Shyam has gone to take care of other arrangement & I myself has got stuck in office. You know Khushi's condition. When she came back home, don't leave her alone. Every year, this time, she shuts her up in her room & her condition gets worse after that. So, today, as we all are outside, please don't leave her alone.

Bhaiyya, it's ok. I will be with her, don't worry'

After disconnecting the call Arnav get busy thinking, how much pain is she still living in. Arnav made a promise in his mind to take care of her from now onwards . He went to his room to get freshen up. After sometime, he still cannot find Khushi anywhere in the house. When he was decending downstairs, he heard a wailing sound from the corner room. He remembered that he has always seen that room to be closed. Whose it is actually?

When he entered the room, the sight that welcomed him stabbed his heart. Khushi was lying on the ground floor, holding a photo frame close to her heart & wailing,'I miss you bhaiyya... why you left me alone'?

Unable to bear the sight, Arnav ran inside & gathered her in his arms. Khushi, look it's me Arnav... Please stop crying baby...shh... I know you miss him, but please look, we all are with you... You are not alone baby...shhh... Please stop crying honey.'

Khushi realized Arnav was with her. She hugged him back but couldn't stop crying. Arnav hold her tightly in his arms & started softly kissing her hair . After crying for sometime, she became unconscious. Arnav made her sleep on the bed & took the frame out of her hold. He looked at the picture & mused why the person in the picture looks so familiar? He looked around the room.

At around 10 p.m when the whole family returned back, they found Khushi to be sleeping peacefully on her bed & Arnav sitting on the recliner. Hi aunty. So you all came back... actually Khushi got unconscious sometime back. But after she gains consciousness, I have already fed her & gave her sleeping pill, so that she can sleep. I think, one of you should stay back with her as she is still very weak.

Garima replied,' Thank you beta. Ill stay with her. You also go & have dinner'

It's ok aunty. I don't feel like eating. I should go back to my room.'

Next day has been a busy one as all the members were busy in the pooja for their beloved son. Khushi was upset & was not keeping well, so Arnav took her outside to distract her. She spent the whole day by sharing her dearest brother's memory with Arnav. She didn't even realized when she dozed off. Arnav brought her back.

It was evening & the family members were sitting downstairs talking to each other. Suddenly they hear Khushi shouting,'Ma, papa'

All turned upstairs to find Khushi standing at the stairs.

Ma, where is Arnav'?

Don't know beta. He was just here few minutes back'. Replied Garima.

But Ma, he not here right now right. Because ma , he left us. He just kept this note at my bed stand & left. Why did he leave Ma'? Khushi ended in crying.

All members run towards her. Aakash said,'I'll look for him'. Payal, Anjali & Shyam also left with him. After searching for an hour, they couldn't find him anywhere.

He hasn't yet recovered his memory, & he doesn't' know anybody over here except us. Where would he have gone? Gautam expressed his anxiety.

Actually, I have seen his address of Nainital in his passport. He might have gone over there', aakash remembered suddenly.

Do you remember the address bhai?' Khushi asked.

Yes I do remember. Actually, if we take the 9.30 wala bus from Delhi, we can reach there at morning. I think, we should leave. Khushi along with Aakash , Payal, Shyam & Anjali left for Nainital. During whole bus journey Khushi remain silent thinking what made Arnav leave them suddenly?

Part-V

Arnav has taken a hired car to reach his ancestral home in Nainital & has already arrived at very early in the morning. This home held lots of his memories. This is the first time , he visited this house in 8yrs after he left for USA- 8yrs before. Though every year his parents visited their home, but he never came. They have a very friendly neighbourhood & so 1 spare key was left with their friendly neighbor- Mr Sharma, arnav's Sharma Uncle. Though Sharma uncle was shocked to see Arnav , so early in the morning & at first was not able to recognize him, but later he remembered him. Taking keys from him, Arnav entered his home.

It was around 10.00 a.m, that Arnav heard the doorbell ring. He thought it to be Sharma Uncle. The good old man, must be concerned about his meal, afterall there is nothing eatable in the house. Arnav opened the door with a smile.

S-L-A-P

Out of everything, he didn't expect this. There stood a very angry looking Khushi. No it can't' be. May be he is hallucinating. But the pain on his left cheek is the proof that he is not hallucinating. He looked over Khushi's shoulder & found Anjali- Shyam, Aakash- Payal standing behind her.

What are you all doing over here? - Arnav still couldn't believe his eyes.

We can ask you the same thing.' - Khushi replied

At first please come inside' Arnav welcomed them.

But all decided to wait outside. They need to sort things out between themselves & that too alone.

How dare you Arnav? How could you leave me & everybody else behind just leaving a note? Why have you left suddenly'?

Khushi , I never want to leave you like that. But I don't' have a choice'?

But why'?

Because till now you don't know everything about me. Once you know it, you will hate me. & I can't accept that.

What the hell are you talking about'?

After a moment of silence Arnav replied,'I am your brother's best fiend ... & cause of his death'

After taking a deep breath Khushi replied, I know you are Sonu bhaiyya, I mean your Aman's best friend. Though I have seen your photograph with him, but I didn't recognize you when I first met you. I recognized you after seeing the tattoo as my bother made the same tattoo on his back & he himself told me how secretly both of you has gone to make the tattoo. But why do you held yourself responsible for his death? It was nobody's fault, it was an accident.

Because I know I am. We both were climbing the hill with the help of rope that we have tied ourselves with. But by anymeans, Aman slipped the rope. I was beside him & I instantly hold his hand. But I couldn't hold him more & he slipped from my hand. I was there Khushi, but couldn't save him. My bestest friend died infront of me & I couldn't do anything.' By the time Arnav finished, he was in tears.

Khushi was also crying hearing the accident description & also remembering her brothers lifeless body. Both were on their knees crying but ciouldn't console each other.

After sometime,Khushi replied,'It's not your fault Arnav. You tried to save him, but couldn't. Nobody in our family held you responsible, so come out of this self- guilt mode. What do you think, if we hold you responsible for everything, shouldn't we have filed a complaint against you. Please Arnav just stop blaming yourself.

After composing herself, she hold Arnav's collar tightly & shouted,' When I fist saw you, I felt responsible to save your life. But when I recognize you, I decided, not to abandon you. How could I abandon the person, who never abandoned my brother? Who has been practically a family for him for all those years. But today, you failed as a friend. Sonu bhaiyya always praised about your dare devil attitude, your courage & today you left us like a coward. You could have talk to us, face the situation, instead you prefer to run away. Thank god my brother is no more. If he would have been alive, he would have been ashamed of you. You know what; I don't want to see your face ever- not because I find you guilty, but because you were no more the Arnav whom by brother have known. I am leaving & please never show me your face.

Khushi left the house & sat in the car. Sensing the tension, aakash came inside. Arnav narrate him everything.

Aakash said,'We know you Arnav as Khushi has long before inform us about you. You need not to feel guilty as we already accepted you. But if you let Khushi go this time, you will never be able to forgive youself.'

Both looked at the car outside. Arnav said,'I think, I have a lot of explanation to do'

Well, not only explanation, but lots of revealation too.'

Means'

It's confession time bro. Don't be late.'

Arnav hugged Aakash understanding his meaning. Only one thing was going on in his mind- Khushi didn't hate him. How could he let this golden opportunity pass? You are right. It's time for confession'.

All of them returned back, but Khushi didn't acknowledge Arnav's presence in car. They reached home & the entire family reunited with lots of tear, hugs, and smiles. Shashi asked Arnav,'Beta go & meet Khushi. She is still very angry. Make her realize your feelings'.

Khushi'.

Khushi looked at the door to see Arnav standing. She didn't reply anything. Arnav entered & knelt down before her. He hold her hands,'Will you please give me a chance to explain'?

Khushi didn't replied.

Arnav continued,' Khushi I will always be indebted to you for saving my life. Aman was not only my best friend, but rather my family. Seeing him die has hurt me a lot. I was traumatized. I used to get nightmares. My parents took me to USA. They thought staying away from all these might help me to heal my wounds. But it never happened. To forget all those things, I start secretly taking drugs. I was so addicted that I was sent to rehab. It took me 2 years to come to my normal life, though I haven't been able to forget that or precisely forgive myself. That is the reason why I avoided coming to India . After the accident, you gave me a new life. Inspite of being hurt, you always tried to cheer up other. & I don't' know when I fall for you. I wanted to marry you & take you along with me. I wanted to start a new life with you- afterall you are the reason that I am still alive. The day before Aman's death anniversary, when I found his pictures, I started remembering our memories. When I understand that after knowing the truth, you would hate me, I can't bear the pain. So, I decided to leave.

Khushi was in tears. She can't' believe what she heard.

You love me'?

Yes, sweetheart, I love you. & I simply don't want to stay in a place or have a life where you would not be with me. Wiil you marry me?'

Khushi still was in a trance. He loved her all these while. Well Khushi always have a crush on him. She admired him, while hearing stories from her brother. Seeing his photograph, she used to get lost in her dreams. But Aman's death changed everything in her. She forgets her feelings, her emotions, her future goals.When she recognized Arnav & while spending time with him, she was coming back to her life. She was living her dreams. But was unsure of his feelings. Now when she heard Arnav's confession, she was confused about her reply. Should she say yes? But wouldn't that be very early?

What are you thinking'? Arnav can see confusion in her eyes. He was afraid f her rejection too.

Well, I will say yes only on one condition'.

& what was that?'

Promise me that you will never ever leave me like that.'

Arnav was on cloud nine. He hugged Khushi with all his power & promised,'Never ever baby. I will always be with you'.

After sometime, Arnav asked,'Will you come with me to New York or you want to stay here'?

What do you want'?

I want you to come with me. This place have your brother's memories. But that part needs closure to move on. No one can take your brother's position, but you have to let it go'

I need some time Arnav'.

& I am with you in this. Afterall he was & will always be important for us. We both have to let it go'.

Thus, a promise was made towards a future that would heal both scarred souls .

So, tell me how was it? If you didn't get time to comment, it's ok, but if you like it, then at least hit the like button

Have written another OS, if interested, do have a look

http://www.india-forums.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=4096860