ARIYA SS: I'M WITH YOU (Note on PG 11 on 20/8/17)

I'M WITH YOU

(1ST PART)

She was standing numbly in the middle of Rawte mansion while everyone was busy in degrading her character. Questions were being raised on her upbringing. She was being accused for worst and none of the member stood for her.

Those people who were begging for forgiveness few days back for not believing her, promising her that it won't be happening ever, they will be listening to her side of story first before concluding anything. They were now standing forgetting everything, humiliating her.

She stood there like statue.

She lifted her tearful eyes towards all the people who were now looking at her disgustingly.

She looked towards her badiMa who always have stood up for truth, pleading her to listen to her once.

"Nahi Riya mujhse tum koi umeed mat rakho...Jo harkat tumne ki hai uske baad to mujhe khudse nafrat ho rahi hai ki maine tumhe Arjun ke saath apne rishte ko ek mauka deneke liye kaha...Tum itna girogi ye maine soacha nahi tha...chi" Anapoorna replied in a way as if talking to her disgusts her.

"Ye ladki hamare dono beto ko ghuma rahi hai didi, beshram kahiki... "

"Ek or Arjun aur dusri or Karan, ek saath dono ke saath ...chi chi mujhee to bolne bhi sharam aarahi hai aur ye hai, besharmi ki hadde paar kar chuki hai...Aur ab yeha chupchap khadi hai..."

"Iski parvarish hi aise hai, Maine kaha nahi tha is bangali ladki ko is ghar me mat lavo...Par koi meri suntan kaha hai...Ab dekhlo natija..." Sumitra said in venom dripping tone.

She felt as if someone poured acid on her ears. Listening to the words of both ladies who were showering her with the love sometime before, she asked herself how someone can change overnight? Tears started flowing through her eyes. Those two woman whom she see as mother figure, call them Ma were now crushing her beliefs of respecting someone, loving someone.

Her vision blurred with tears. She didn't know what she did and why everyone was saying these hurtful words to her. That's when Sakshi stepped forward she raised her hand to slap Riya hard but her hand halted in air when someone grab it in air.

"How dare you?" He asked angrily jerking her hand away from his hold. "Why you are blaming her she has done nothing wrong." He said to everyone present there.

Karan stood in front of Riya shielding her. Riya felt nothing but the sheer disgust being protected by the one who have always been reason of miseries in her life. Today also he is the one because of whom she was suffering.

"Karan tum is mamle aur Riya dono se door raho. Akhir khoon to apna rang dikhayega...Jaisi Maa waisi beti" His mother said to him.

"Aap bilkul sahi keh rahi hai Maa...Kyo kar rahi ho Riya tum aisa...Humne tumse kaha tha na agar tum chahti ho to Karan ki jindagi me wapis aajao hum unse dur chale jaayenge. Tab tumne inkaar kar diya aur phir ye sab?" Sakshi shouted on her shedding crocodile tears.

"Arjun ne kya bigada hai tumhara Riya? Wo to hamesha tumhare saath khade rahe chahe wo rasta sahi ho ya galat, to tumse pyaar karne ki itni badi saja kyo de rahi ho? Kyo unke dil ke saath khel rahi ho. Bade bhai ki patni uske pith piche uske chote bhai se najdikiya bada rahi hai...log kya kahenge? Arjun ko jab pata chalega to unhe kaisa lagega kabhi soacha hai tumne?" Sakshi asked adding fuel to everyone's anger at Riya.

Riya felt someone stabbed her heart when Sakshi talked this.

Someone humiliating Arjun because of her the thought itself was paining her. Hurting the person who has been her armour, her only family after dida and Ma was unsettling her. She felt like killing herself. Her innocent, pure soul was in so much pain. Her fragile heart was broken by her so called family.

"No, no ...Arjun ko koi kuch nahi kahega...Ye sab meri wajah se ho raha hai...Nahi mai uski takleef ki wajah nahi Banugi..."She mumbled to herself shaking her head.

In her trance she started walking backwards.

Her tears have started flowing with more intensity drenching her already tear stricken face.

The hurt, humiliation she received today she didn't deserve that. No one was ready to believe her. They all declared her culprit when in reality she was the victim.

She felt someone holding her arms too roughly. She looked towards the owner of hands. It was his Mom.

Sumitra who was controlling her anger in order to not hurt her physically till now stepped forward when she saw her backing away.

She gripped her arms too roughly her nails were digging in Riya's skin but Riya felt nothing. The mental pain she was going through was way much for her heart and mind to handle. She was shivering badly not because of the fury in Sumitra's eyes but because of the Arjun's take on whole event. She didn't want him to go though any pain because of her.

Sumitra jerked her body roughly. "Ab chup kyo ho...Jawab do...Mera beta to tumhare pyaar me pagal hai ...Uske saath pyaar ka na sahi par bharose ka rishta to nibhaya hota..."

Leaving her hold she slapped her hard across her face. The force of that slap was so much that Riya's feet stumbled and she fell backwards unable to hold herself. Corner of her lip was bleeding and her cheek was red showing imprints of finger on them.

She felt her head spinning. All the emotional and mental torment she went through drained her. She was left with no energy. Now this physical blow was the last attack on her control over her body. Her control slipped and her vision became blurry.

Last name of the person on her mind was Arjun who was not there. One part of her was relieved that he didn't face any humiliation because of her and another one was craving for his presence, craving for his support, his strength, his unconditional love. She always ran from his love but today this much of hatred left her with yearning of his love. She closed her eyes anticipating hard fall.

But before she could hit the hard floor someone held her lifeless body within his arms.

PART TWO

Arjun held her by her back. His heart pained by looking at her. He mentally cursed himself for leaving her alone when his instincts were telling him something bad is going to happen. He wished he would have listened to his heart.

Her tear stricken face, her bleeding lip and the cheek which has fingerprint marks was turning bluish on her soft skin which have turned pale, her whole body was icy cold all this awoke the beast in him. Someone who has dared to harm his love, his life will now have to face him, face the worst of him.

Soon the concern for her take over his other feelings, right now she was his priority, scooping her in his arms he made his way to their room ignoring everyone and their calls

Putting her on bed and covering her fully by warm blanket he quickly turned to fetch medicine box and his mobile to call doctor when he noticed his family coming towards door. Though he was unaware of all the happenings but he was not fool to understand that they again held her responsible for something which she haven't done and are responsible for her present state.

Striding towards door he told them through gritted teeth, "No one!" "No one will enter this room without my permission."

"Arjun, tum nahi jaante iss ladki ne kya kiya hai. Ye bhi iska koi naya natak hoga" Sumitra said trying to hold him.

He jerked her hand, "Bas Ma! Not a word more against her. Mai ab kuch nahi sunna chahta"

Without letting anyone utter something more he closed door with bang. Briefly closing his eyes for a moment to calm his bubbling anger he turned to her immobile form. Panic rose in his chest seeing her in this state, his eyes moistening at this condition of hers. Quickly walking to wardrobe he opened it in search of medicine box. When he didn't found it in his section he frustratingly kicked the door of wardrobe. It must be in her section thinking so he opened it. Luckily he found it there in front. While picking it from there in his haste a file and diary fell from her cupboard. He thought to pick it up later but he stopped in his tracks when his gaze landed on contents in the file.

Quickly bending down he picked up them. Placing diary and box on side table he started reading the card kept with file. It was some Dr. Kapoor's card and clinics file.

He thought he know this name but he didn't have time for thinking so he quickly dialled the number given on that thinking her to be Riya'a family doctor.

After asking Doctor to visit their place as soon as possible he made his way towards their bed.

She was lying their almost lifelessly. Her lip has stopped bleeding and a mark on her cheek has turned completely blue. He cursed himself badly for not being able to protect her.

Arjun picked up antiseptic bottle and cotton from kit, after soaking cotton ball in it he cleaned the blood near her lips and took another ball which he pressed near her wound.

"I'm so sorry Riya! I'm so sorry...Please, Wake up Riya, please" He whispered to her.

He held her cold palms in his and started rubbing it when he senses her temperature falling down more. He made his actions fast so as to increase her body heat, blankets were not helping either. He was feeling too afraid for her.

After continuously rubbing her palms and feet for nearly half an hour he felt her body getting little warmer. Riya stirred in her sleep. Arjun who was sitting at her feet was besides her within sec, holding her hand in his waiting for her to open her eyes.

All the accusations flashed in her mind, awakening some past memories which were buried deep inside her mind. Riya started trembling due to the intensity of them. Shaking her head mumbling, "No please...No D...Don't do this ...No ...Ma...Please ...Leave her...Ma"

Tears started flowing through her close eyelids. She was having nightmare, all the present happenings have opened up the closed door of dark phase of her past.

Arjun who was clueless of her condition became more helpless seeing her, this much vulnerable. He tried waking her but she didn't open her eyes instead started struggling.

Arjun on not knowing what to do hugged her body tightly stopping all her struggle and rocking her back and forth mumbling, "Shh it's okay...it's just a nightmare...I'm here shona...open your eyes...Shhh it's okay."

He sat on bed taking her with him still hugging her, "Riya aakhe kholo...Mai hu yeha...Bas wo ek bura sapna tha...Riya" he said softly in her ears all time caressing her back and hairs to calm her down.

His voice acted like medicine, she who was shutting herself down from outer world opened her teary eyes.

"Ar...junn" first word she uttered brokenly, almost in a whisper...

The pain was so deep that voice refused to come out of her system. Arjun quickly pulled back when he sensed her calling his name. He thought he imagined but realized that she indeed called when her hold tightened around him.

"Oh God...Riya" He heaved sigh of relief.

"Tum thik ho?"He asked pulling back and cupping her face.

"Aah " She flinched when he unknowingly placed his palm on her cheek where Sumitra had slapped.

The pain was evident on her face. Saying sorry he quickly removed his palm.

Riya who was yet to recover from her nightmare came to presence when he brought glass of water to her lips asking her to drink.

Her teary eyes collided with his concerned one without saying anything she drank little bit from his hands.

Arjun thought first to calmed her down rest can wait for some time. Right now she was his priority.

They sat in complete silence with Riya still crying silently looking down to her joined hands in her lap and Arjun gazing her vulnerable form with dilemma of how to start conversation.

Their silence was broken by knock on door. He angrily marched from his place to door thinking it to be one of his family members noticing her flinching form at knocking sound.

He opened door and was about to lash out on the person stopped when he saw a middle aged lady with medical case in her hand with Piya behind her.

"Dada ye wo Dr. Kapoor...Vahini ke liye aayi hai.." Piya said when she saw him looking questioningly at them.

He moves away from door giving way to Dr to come inside. He followed her inside but not before closing the door but Piya managed to come inside pleading him to let her see her vahini telling she is not the one who thinks wrong about her vahini.

Riya's lips stretched into nervous smile at unexpected visitor. Dr. Kapoor sat near her observing her broken form and asked her warmly, "Kya hua beta?"

Before Riya could answer anything Arjun told her everything about her condition from her fainting to the recent nightmare she had.

Riya was listening to everything quietly looking down.

Arjun was confused when instead of checking her she asked Riya, "Phir se ye sab? You had recovered long ago. That's why we stopped treatment right?"

"Treatment? Aur phir se ye sab? Iska kya matlab hai doctor" Arjun asked on not knowing what they were talking about.

"Aap?" she asked to him.

"Mai Riya ka pati hu" Arjun said.

Riya's head instantly snapped at that, she looked into his eyes searching for any kind of hatred as his family have right now only to get surprised by love, concern shown by them.

"Riya behosh hone se pehle kuch hua tha?" She asked this directly to him this time.

"Mai ghar par nahi tha" He replied guiltily.

"Mai batati hu" said Piya and despite of Riya's protest told everything that happened from how Sakshi framed her characterless to Karan claiming their love, everyone's accusations and Sumitra's out of control behaviour in the form of verbal and physical reaction.

Arjun's fists clenched at what she went through. Riya who was weeping silently started shivering when all the events were recalled. Same fear of Arjun hating her started coming back.

Dr. Kapoor who was listening to Piya turned to Riya when she felt Riya's hand trembling and turning cold in her hold.

"Riya kuch nahi hua hai...Look at me...No one is going to leave you..Riya" Dr Kapoor said rubbing Riya's hand.

When she felt Riya not responding to her any call she hurriedly opened her bag and took out injection. Asking Arjun to Lay Riya down and hold her, she injected her tranquilizer.

Riya slowly closed her eyes and went into sleep by effect of medicine.

Arjun who was confused till now became panic for her. This was not good. Within 1 hour all these happenings have arose many questions.

He could not understand the Riya whom he knows is not this week; she knows how to give back when she is not at fault. Then how all of sudden she is not standing up for herself? Why she is running away? Why she is allowing others to hurt her, harm her? Why her condition was like this? What Dr. Kapoor was talking about?

There were lots of questions in his mind and the person who could answer them was right now not in condition to answer. From her condition he was sensing something terrible to come. He was only praying to God to give him his old Riya.

Now his only hope was Dr. Kapoor.

"Doctor...Riya ko kya hua hai" He asked mustering all courage he had.

Dr.Kapoor was in dilemma on whether she should share this with him without Riya's consent or not.

But one look at his worried face and she decided to tell him everything about Riya which no one except Riya and she knows. She was sure he is the person who can erase her every pain who can fill her life with love and who won't leave her in middle of anything like others. She can see undying love in his eyes. She was psychologist after all whose work is this to know who's what.

PART 3

Shock would be an understatement to describe Arjun's state when Dr. Kapoor told him about Riya having panic attack. Witnessing Roshni's death had left him with nightmares and panic attacks. This term, reasons and issues related with it were not new to him. What shocked him was that someone as bubbly as chirpy as Riya could have bear something in past which was so worst that its imprints are still visible.

"How?" Was the only word Arjun managed to utter.

"It all started 10 years back, when she was 10 years old. One incident happened back then which has turned her whole life upside down. Her childhood had snatched away from her and overnight she became mature. The age in which a child should play and live his/her life freely Riya locked herself in shell. She never demanded anything. She used to be silent all time. Until now no one knows about the pain she had suffered and was suffering due to that, not even her family members are aware about it. We had worked very hard on that and were successful to bring her back to normal but from what happened today I think that whole hard work went in vain. Do you really want to know about her past? Is it out of love for her or out of guilt?" Dr. Kapoor asked looking into his eyes.

She knew it was love, still she wanted to confirm. Riya was more like daughter to her rather than being patient. So sharing her life to stranger was never acceptable to her. She wanted to be sure. Moreover she wanted to make sure; that with person she is sharing this could help in healing Riya.

Arjun didn't know what to say by the little summary she gave. When she asked about his feeling he at first was very angry for his love being labelled as guilt but when he looked in her eyes somewhere he felt that the lady was really concerned for Riya. He could clearly see worry in her eyes.

He was sitting beside Riya's sleeping form holding her palm in his. He looked towards her, caressing her hairs softly with his free hand. He whispered slowly,

"Yes, I'm guilty for what she has suffered today. I'm guilty for not being beside her when she needed me. But my concern, my worry and my love for her is not out of guilt. Yes I want to know the reason, that's not out of any guilt. It is because I want to heal her, I want to erase all bad memories from her life and fill her life with happiness."

"Maine jis Riya se pyaar kiya hai mai us Riya ko wapas laana chahta hu...Mai uski khushi dil se chahta hu kisi guilt ki wajah se nahi."

He replied looking straight in Dr. Kapoor's eyes. She could feel sincerity in his voice.

Taking a long breath Arjun braced himself for upcoming revelation when she decided to trust him.

"Riya is my daughter's friend. Shonali my daughter and Riya were classmates and roommates in Mumbai's girl's hostel. First time we met was 4 years back in summer vacations when they were here in Kolkata for two months." Dr. Kapoor started telling him from start when they were settled on coach in room.

"There was something not right about her. She was way more reserved than her age. Mai jab pehli baar Riya se mili thi tabhi muje doubt ho gaya the that there is something she is hiding behind that smile. First I thought it may be because we were meeting for the first time but as time passed I noticed her behaviour. She uses to smile which never reached her eyes. " Doctor paused looking to Arjun who was staring at sleeping Riya.

She continued further, "Wo jab bhi akeli hoti to har waqt kisi gehri soach mai rehti ye baat Shonali meri beti ne mere puchne pe mujhe batayi thi, uski baaki family details ke saath. Being a psychologist I doubted her to be in depression. I tried talking to her but she smartly changed that topic."

Arjun immediately turned towards her when she mentioned depression.

"Mujhe aaj bhi wo din yaad hai when for the first time she opened up. It wasn't easy. She was staying for studies at our place. In midnight when I was going to kitchen I noticed lights of her room still on. So went to her room to see if she needs anything, the sight left me too stunned to react for moment."

"Riya was curled up in ball on floor beside bed crying continuously mumbling something inaudible and had covered her mouth with cloth in order to make no noise. I went near her I noticed her shivering badly. She flinched and crawled backwards on receiving my touch on her shoulder. She wasn't expecting me to be there."

"To calm her I gave water to her she hurriedly drank it and wiping her face she said it was just nightmare before I could ask her anything and quickly saying goodnight she pretended to sleep better. At the end I'm mother too besides being doctor. I didn't want her to suffer more I decided to make her share her problems with me. That night after lot of persuasions she gave in, shared her pain with someone for the first time."

Arjun's heart was beating loudly imagining 16 year old Riya crying and shuddering in fear. How desperately he wanted to erase that painful time off her life.

His train of thoughts was broaken by Dr, she started telling him the reason

"Jaisa maine pehle kaha Riya das saal ki thi jab ye sab hua tha jis ka asar aaj tumne dekha. Riya ke papa ke maut ek road accident me hui thi jab wo Riya ko bachane ki koshish kar rahe the. Ye hadsa usne apni aakho ke saamne hote hue dekha tha. Wo chotisi bacchii dar gayi thi."

Arjun's breath nearly stopped what she did to deserve this? He looked up at Riya's face. She had never shared her past with him. He now knew why she was so desperate to reunite her Maa baba.

Dr.Kapoor continued unaware of the fact that her every word was piercing Arjun's heart,

"Us sadme se ubharne ke liye use kafi waqt laga. Jab wo kuch normal ho rahi thi tab ek din aisa kuch hua ki Riya ke dil me ye dar baith gaya, wo jis kisi se bhi pyaar karti hai wo us insaan ke dard ka, takleef ka reason banti hai. Use kisi ko apne paas aane dene ka dar lagne laga. Riya logo se bhagne lagi. Uski Maa aur dida ke samne to khush rehna ka dikhava karti par unki najaro se dur hone ke baad wo khud me simat si jaati."

"Uski papa ki maut ke bad uski dadi hamesha Riya aur uski Maa ko dosh deti. Unhe ek din ye pata chal gaya ke Riya ke Biological father koi aur hai halaki ye baat Sharmishta Ji shadi ke pehle hi unke bte ko bata chuki thi aur sab kuch janne ke baad bhi unhone Riya ko ek pita ka pyaar diya. Use apni bacchii hi samjha."

" Unki Maa ko ye gavara nahi thi. Unhone us raat bahot bada tamasha kiya. Riya ko itna kuch suna diya jo us waqt uski samajh ke pare tha, use itna mara pita ki koi janvar ke saath bhi aisa suluk na kare."

"Jab sharmishtaJi bich me padi tab unhone apne bade bte ke saath milkar unhe berehmi se maara aur jinda jalane ki koshish ki. Riya chikhti rahi, chillati rahi apni Maa ko bachane ki kosish karti rahi, par log sirf tamasha dekhte reh gaye. Wo chikhe, wo hadsa uske masoom dil me ghar gaya. Aaj bhi wo baate Riya puri tarah se bhul nahi payi."

"Bhagwan ka shukar tha ki Riya ke papa ke dost jo police me the unhone waqt pe akar unki jaan bachali. SharmishthaJi aur Riya ki halat itni kharab thi ki 2 mahino tak wo log hospital me rahe. Pehle uski papa ki maut phir ye sab iska bahot bura asar Riya pe pada."

Arjun felt an immense hatred towards that lady who was sole reason for Riya's condition. Imagining Riya in that situation hurts him alot. He felt someone stabbed him very badly. His eyes moistening.

"Us hadse ke baad wo log wapas Kolkata shift ho gaye Riya ke dida ke yeha. Yeha par koi unke bite kal ke baare me nahi janta. Sab yehi soachte ki apne pati ke jane ke baad wo waha reh nahi payi. Dhire dhire SharmishtaJi ne to iss jindagi aur sacchai ko apna liya tha par Riya... Riya ke liye ye sab uski jindagi ka ek dardnak hissa ban gaya. Har aanewali raat use us raat ke yaade dilati, wo khudko apni Baba ki maut aur Maa ki halat Jimmedar Manne lagi. She started having nightmares."

"From that time onwards we started her treatment. She needed proper care, love and support of her close ones but she refused to let her family know about her condition. I obliged to her but took promise from her to co-operate with me in every way possible. She agreed quickly on that. She was ready to do everything to hide this from her Ma. As time passed and she stated responding to treatment the original Riya, carefree one started emerging0 out. She started trusting people. Moreover she stopped holding herself responsible for bad times. It was one tough journey for both of us."

He was relieved knowing someone was there for her, thankful to God for helping his Riya.

"Par ye baat Maa ko kaise pata nahi chali?" Sanskaar asked her his doubt that how her Maa missed this?

"KyonKi Riya us waqt unke saath nahi thi, wo Mumbai me thi girls hostel me. SharmishtaJi aur dida ko laga Riya ko change ki jaroorat hai aur waha use change bhi mil jayega aur uski waha acche se padhai bhi ho jayegi. Riya ne khudko sab se dur kar diya tha iss weham me ki wo sab ki takleef ki wajah hai."

"Aur waha us hostel me bitaye waqt me Riya ke dimag jo dar baitha tha wo aur bhi badh gaya. Wo chotisi choti cheej karne se pehle 100 baar soachti thi, kahi us se koi galti na ho jaaye. Wo kisi ka dil na dukha de, kisi ko takleef na pohcha de."

Imagining that scared and lonely Riya feared of everything and everyone left burning ache with Arjun. How badly he wanted to engulfed Riya in his arms, hold her closer to his heart, and ensure him that she is here safe with him.

"After year Riya thik ho gayi thi, usne apne dar ko overcome kar liya tha but achnak ek din Riya ka past uske saamne aa gaya. Riya ki dadi ko pata nahi kaha se par Riya ke hostel ke baare me pata chal gaya. Unhone waha bahot tamasha kiya. Wo Riya se kuch papers pe sign chati thi. Property jo Riya ke papa uske naam kar gaye the. Riya signed them but taunts and curses that lady threw at Riya were once again reason for her breakdown. Then after only she started having panic attacks. Those forgotten nightmares again resurfaced on her memory."

Arjun wanted to kill that lady with his bare hands. He swore under his breath cursing that lady. His hearts going out for the girl lying there almost lifelessly, traces of fear, pain was evident on her face.

"But for her ma and Dida she fought with her fears and came to me. We then again started what we had stopped. I told her to come back to her family and she agreed. Staying with her family helped her a lot."

He felt proud of her. After going through so much at early age Riya never gave up. She stood up, has born everything in life and was still bearing with fighting spirit.

Dr. Kapoor continued after long pause with heavy voice, "I thought after her recovery she won't face this phase ever. But I was wrong. She always had this fear of her loved one going away from her. Despite of all attempts of trying clearing this fear, I failed." feeling guilty for not being able to heal her.

"From whatever I have listened from you and your sister one thing is clear she is afraid of losing someone. If I'm right then I think that is you. She loves you and scared of losing you. From her present condition I am worried for her. She is mentally tired and weak; her condition is not at all good. You will have to work hard being her husband. Only your love can heal her." After thinking for awhile she told Arjun about her take on whole happenings.

"Being a doctor I am telling you no medicine or treatment can cure phobia. Patient needs proper attention, care, love and moreover assurance verbal, emotional and physical of the person whom they are afraid of losing. As you told about her nightmare and she calmed down without any medicine I think you are her remedy Arjun. Besides tablets and injection she needs you, your trust."

She told him, trying to convey him his role in Riya's recovery.

Keeping her hand on his shoulder she slowly said in motherly affection,

"She has suffered a lot without being at fault. Riya deserve happiness Arjun, I know you will not let her down. You better not break her heart; she won't be able to survive that pain. Take care of her and call me any time when needed. Here are the medicine and timing. Just keep her away from stress and you both come to me when she is willing. Okay?"

Handing him prescription and medicine she stood up to leave.

Arjun just nodded unable to trust his voice, silently following her till door of his room. He wanted to accopny her till her car at the same time didn't wanted to leave Riya.

Understanding his dilemma Dr. Kapoor told him to stay with Riya, she knew Arjun needs time after knowing the truth and left with hope that this man will heal his broken angel. He will be with her.

PART 4

Arjun came back in room after closing door as doctor left. He stood beside bed staring down at love of his life, his Riya. Adjusting blanket properly over her he sat on bed facing her holding her palm in his.

He sat there just staring at her face. All the details given by doctor were running in his mind hurting every fibre of his body at the knowledge of pain she had been enduring from so long. In past he himself had been the reason of her pain. Her breakdown after which he was forced to leave his grey shade kept flashing in his mind where she broke down saying he could not understand pain of seeing people you love in pain.

The intensity of her pain had brought him back to the humanity before that he was only animal blinded by revenge.

He now knew why she values every relation so much. Why she wanted to give so much chances to Sakshi for her redemption. How she so easily forgives everyone. Why she do not allow herself to love someone. Why she was not ready to accept him or his feelings.

Despite of seeing and experiencing hell she always has created heaven for others without accepting anything in return.

Arjun promised himself to make every wrong thing right. He can't change the past but He will make sure to change present and future. If Doc is right, Riya is afraid of losing him then he will do everything to assure her of them not parting their way if she doesn't want to. Arjun was not sure about Riya's feelings towards him till now, do she loves him or there is something else he doesn't have any idea about.

If she feels for him, then no one can separate them, not even she herself, deciding this Arjun stood up and went towards balcony thinking over what Piya shared.

Arjun held railings of balcony in his fist, trying to control tornado of emotions rising inside him.

All the past incidents started running in back of his mind after Karvachouth's night. At that time in his hurt he paid no attention towards happening but now looking back and remembering them his sharp mind started connecting dots. All things started falling in place answering his every question. Now he was sure Sakshi and Karan made him believe Riya was in love with Karan still and he was being hurdle in between her acceptance.

Arjun cursed himself for falling in their trap. How could he ignore his heart, screaming to have Talk with Riya, telling to ask her, her point before concluding anything and separating himself from her.

He was so busy to ignore her thinking it would lessen his pain; unaware of the fact that instead of lessening it, it doubled his pain and hers too.

First he will clear her image from the mess Sakshi and Karan created. He can't bear her framed in wrong light...can he?

Arjun was thinking of plan to bring out sakshi and karan's truth in front of family and clear Riya's name, when knock on door brought him back to present. Glancing at sleeping form of Riya he made his way towards door of his room to give piece of mind to person on door.

He saw face of the person trying to peep inside as he opened door who was responsible for Riya's present state, he wanted to burn in his rage for hurting his princess.

Closing door behind him not letting other to see anything least Riya woke up and witness something that she doesn't have to Arjun stood with arms folded near his chest, palms fisted in order to control his anger.

"Arjun, you can't do this. I want to see her." Saying this Karan tried walking past Arjun who stood like rock in front of door not moving an inch from his place.

Arjun raised his eyebrow as if asking, really?

"Arjun I am saying this last time, move let me go inside, otherwise..." Karan said raising his voice trying to threaten him...HIM...Arjun Rawte. Least he knew that he was waking up Lion, who was ready to pounce on him yet trying to control him.

Without being affected Arjun said in low, dangerous voice controlling his anger with great difficulty, the thought that this person is responsible for everything was enough to sky rocket his anger and on top of that he has audacity of standing in front of him and saying all this crap.

"Otherwise? Huh? "

"Listen to me Karan, and listen carefully. Keep this attitude and drama of yours to you. I'm not buying it this time. I'm done with bullshit of you and that wife of yours. You crossed every limit this time and I will make sure both of you regret the moment when you thought of doing this to MY RIYA. Stay away from her."

Giving last warning and glaring hard to Karan who momentarily looked taken aback with this shade of his rather calm and composed brother Arjun strode inside of his room leaving Karan after composing himself who was ready to say something, closing door on his face.

"Riya?" her name came out as breathless whisper from Arjun's lips as after entering he saw her opening eyes and looking at her surrounding as if seeing for first time. Fear clearly visible on her face.

Quickly taking steps towards her, he was sitting on bed beside her lying form.

"Riya, you okay?" Arjun asked gaining attention of her looking around in confusion, praying for positive answer from her.

Their eyes locked as always, Riya could see worry, concern and love for her in his eyes. The look in his eyes somewhere elated her knowing there is someone who cares about you. She felt happy that he was there with her, for her. Next moment that happiness was overpowered by fear of rejection, hate thinking if he too holds her responsible like his family.

Where Arjun could read her eyes that showed momentarily happiness that then was replaced by hesitancy, fear of rejection. He guessed thoughts wondering in her mind, after spending so much time with her even though he failed to know this biggest truth she successfully had masked under her smile from everyone, from him, he was able to read her thoughts reflecting in her soulful eyes.

From what Piya told and after his conversation with Dr. Mukherji he was sure she feared rejection, hatred from people she is close to, she loves. Though he still felt unsure about her loving him, he knew he matters to her. He will never let her withdraw herself because of anything.

Deciding that Arjun lean over her all time looking in her eyes, stopped with his face inches apart from hers he could see surprise registering in her big dark orbs, waiting for her reaction giving her chance to deny him, push him, on getting no such response from her he placed his lips on her forehead. Giving an affectionate and lingering kiss silently conveying his worry, gratitude, respect, care, concern and love he feels for her gently cupping side of her face by placing his palm over it. Saying gives all your worry to me, give your all pain to me, and let me heal you!

Riya's eyes closed at the instant her skin received his affectionate touch, conveying his unsaid words. Tear trickled down her close lids vanishing in her dark lustrous black hairs spread over pillow she was resting her head on.

All her fears clouding her senses slowly started fading as his warmth started spreading inside her, his intense care warming her heart, his closeness affecting her with slow pink blush rising on her skin, his love soothing her.

"You scared me!" Riya heard him whisper against her skin still in the same position.

"I'm sorry!" She again heard him with in guilty tone his voice heavy with emotions.

Arjun pulled back slowly coming to his original sitting stance still not removing his palm placed on her cheek.

Riya could see how sorry he felt for the whole situation, even though at first place it wasn't his fault.

Riya tried getting up, Arjun helped her in sitting as her body was still week as whole scenario drained her all energy making her mentally and physically exhausted. Riya all time has her eyes on him who was busy in taking care of her as she was some porcelain doll.

"I'll bring food, you need to eat!"

Saying so Arjun turned to leave, he felt soft grip on his wrist stopping him. Turning towards it, he saw her holding his wrist, he look questioningly towards her, taking her hand quickly back thinking he didn't like her this guesture, Riya told him in low tone that she doesn't want to eat.

"I was not asking your opinion. You have to eat after that you have to take your medicines." Arjun said being his usual self with her.

Not giving her chance further, Arjun made his way towards close door, Riya stared at his retreating back with little amusement as if seeing this shade of him for first time, when he suddenly turned back and giving his that breathtaking smile said, "I'll be back soon!"

Riya managed to nod slightly. His smile taking her breath away. First his kiss on her forehead and now his alluring smile, enough to set her mind on crackers. Small smile appear on her face.

Riya was wondering what Dr. has told him and what would have been his first reaction if she has told truth to him. Before she could stress her mind further, when she heard sound of door opening.

It was less than 5 minutes; Arjun left the room, wondering to herself that how could he be back so early, Riya waited for him to make entry.

Riya's heart started beating loudly, seeing the person who enters inside.

He came closer to her bed making her uncomfortable with his smiling face.

"Riya! Oh God! You okay?" He tried touching her, holding her by extending his arms, when Riya pulled herself backward away from his reach, not bothering to reply. His presence now disgusted her.

"Riya, You know how worried I was. Arjun even didn't let me see you." He complained to her, who least cared about his concern, sympathy.

"Leave!" Riya said turning away from him. Not sparing glance in his direction, her tone stern clearing her intention of her not being interested in him and his talks.

"Riya...I..." He tried again not paying heeds to her clear words.

"I said LEAVE!" turning towards him, this time Riya said little louder glaring at him.

"Riya"

"Karan, LEAVE!"

Two voices rang at the same time. First belonged to Karan who was like shameless person was still trying to get closer to her even after her refusal and later to Arjun whose angry voice boomed in room scaring Karan and halting his futile attempts of talk with Riya and relieving Riya from stress and tension due to Karan's presence who was standing at the door.

In his way to kitchen Arjun met Piya who was bringing food for him and Riya, so taking it from her he made his way back to room. He was momentarly stunned seeing Karan in his room trying to get closer with her, he was about to say something seeing Laksya stepping nearer to her when he saw Riya crawling back. Thinking about letting Riya handle to extent she can take he stood quiet. He felt proud when he saw his older Riya, who took stand and asked his shameless brother to leave.

Being spineless creature, Karan didn't budge and continued his nonsense, so Arjun stepped in taking matter in his hands. Damn nerves of this man! Even after getting told to stay away from her he was there!

Karan saw Arjun who was glaring back with murderous rage in his eyes. Thinking it's better to back out for now Karan walked out but not before asking her to take care of her health and call him if needed to which Riya completely ignored. If not for plate he was holding Arjun for sure would have strangled him.

Arjun's heart pained looking at Riya who once was back to her shell avoiding him and his eyes looking at her knotted fingers her lap. He felt immense hatred towards his brother for spoiling little recovery she showed earlier, after gaining consciousness as she didn't withdraw from him.

Quickly walking towards her Arjun settled in front of her. Not saying word he picked up morsel and hold in front of her lips. Looking up Riya saw his eyes laced with concern, worry, in trance her lips parted. Arjun's eyes lit up with happiness, sliding morsel in her mouth, Arjun started feeding her. Relief wash over him when he saw her eating without any protest.

His happiness new no bound when he felt her care for him even in this state. After eating some morsels from him Riya had held his hand having morsel and tuning it towards him she silently have asked him to eat. That was enough for Arjun, obeying to her wish; he too had his food while feeding her. Completing the food in blissful silence, Arjun gave her, her medicines.

Arjun wanted his old Riya back, chirpy, bubbly smiling, carefree Riya. The girl seating in front of him was lost. He wanted to ask her so much, tell her so much, assure her that everything will be okay, he will make it okay but he kept quite on not wanting to stress her further by anything. Today was tough day for her. Though she didn't protest him but her withdrawal, her aloofness bothered him. Before Karan's entry she was meeting his gaze which she now was avoiding.

Riya on other hand felt overwhelmed with this much care and concern from him. Karan's entry has opened up all wounds again, and thoughts were back again what if Doc has told him everything and what if he too felt same about her, that she is some sort of bad omen, bad luck. Somewhere she knew he was not that kind of person, but after facing so much in her life, her mind was not allowing her to thin straight. They didn't have tall about anything yet. He hasn't asked single question to her about anything for which she was thankful to him. But how long they can avoid it, one day they need to talk, clear everything. She can't run away now from anything and if truth to be told, she didn't want to.

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TBC

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PART FIVE

The shrill ring of mobile broke unwanted silence prevailed in room with both of them lost in their own thoughts one thinking about how to bring other out of walls of aloofness she has built around her and later about how to let other know about her turmoil, her fears, and her insecurities to the man sitting in front of her.

Stretching his right hand Arjun got hold of her mobile on side-table beside bed, looking at caller Id frown appear on his face, thinking why that caller is calling her he look towards her who happens to stare at name flashing on mobile screen with little worry. Answering the call he put it on speaker, while unaware to this person on the other side started saying, "Hello Riya, I'm Sameer Rathod here."

Arjun looked questioningly towards Riya who was not surprised like him as if she was expecting that call.

"Hello Sameer...It's me Arjun. Is there any problem you called Riya at this time?" Arjun spoke when he sensed her not wanting to talk.

"Oh Arjun it's you...Actually this was important so I called now, it's about the complaint Riya filed against some goons for attempt of harassing and kidnapping her and clicking some photos and sending them to your home in attempt to muddle her image. I called to inform that we caught them from description she has given. Actually I wanted to ask her to come to office for their identification so that further actions could be taken." Sameer said unaware of the shock his little information has given to the person he was talking with.

"I will be there day after tomorrow Mr Sameer. Thank you!" Riya said meekly when she saw Arjun's shocked face and knew he was angry for hiding that from him and later they heard line going dead as Arjun cut call without listening to other end.

"Care to explain?" Arjun asked trying to not shout and scare her further.

"I was going to tell you Arjun." Riya said in little voice, scared about his reaction.

"Yeah...Right!" Arjun said sarcastically. More than anger he felt hurt, that she didn't felt it important to share something like this. She was in danger. Someone attacked her and he knew nothing about it.

Seeing his expressions Riya felt guilty. She never wanted to keep this hidden from him but he himself has not given her chance to tell him.

Knowing Arjun is not going to calm down till he listens to everything Riya thought its better she explains him everything.

"You remember when I came back on Karvachauth, I wanted to tell you something?" asking this she slowly raise her head to look his reaction.

Recalling that day's event Arjun remembered her distraught state when she returned at home before pooja, she had looked disoriented and restless to him and then as he approached her he had seen relief in her stance when her gaze fell over him. He remembered her saying he didn't know how relieved she was feeling on seeing him. At that time he had felt something gone wrong with her, he had voiced out his worry but she brushed it off seeing hustle bustle going around.

Riya continued when Arjun hummed in response "That day mistakenly Sakshi called me and I heard her and Karan fighting... the reason was me."

Arjun saw faraway look in her eyes as she started narrating him the whole incident.

"I went there thinking Karan might end up hurting her by his words... After reaching there I found only Karan standing there... On asking him about Sakshi he shrugged saying she was feigning her memory loss... It was all her plan to get back in his life. I was enraged at that and fought with him because I was fool to think Sakshi had changed... I mistook her aloofness after her truth was revealed as her guilt... and thought she was regretting her actions and wanted to do redemption." Hurt in her voice unsettled him. He knew how concerned she always has been about Sakshi. She was even ready to fight with him for her and on finding the same person having so much hatred for you was heartbreaking.

Placing his palm on hers Arjun tried giving courage to her of continuing, silently giving her assurance of him being with her.

"I called Sakshi to know about her whereabouts she told me about she being in Green Way Park, when I was leaving for it a van came speedily and stopped infront of me. It was so sudden that I ...I got no time to react and before I knew they...they pulled me inside and...and ...they dragged me to some unknown place...I struggled...shouted...shouted for help...I...I ...was so scared..." Riya's voice quivered while recalling that time and tears rolled down slowly from her eyes. It was scary incident of her life and thinking about it still made her shiver in fear.

Seeing and listening to her Arjun moved beside her taking her in his arms, caressing her hairs softly. His chest tightened feeling her pain. Why she has to face so much? She wants happiness for everyone and in return she only gets sadness, hurt and humiliation. He felt anger towards those people who dared to hurt her.

"Shh...It's okay...Shh...Relax...Riya" His throat clogged with pain hearing her sobs. In his arms first time after that incident Riya opened herself. After that horrible incident, the way they dragged her, manhandled her and the part which she yet to tell him...Humiliation! she felt when Badi Maa asked her about explanation of those photos of her and Karan. She revived that incident today when she was emotionally vulnerable already and that's the reason the intensity of that past incident increased hurting her more.

Clutching his t-shirt in her fist Riya let him hold her, let his concern, care sooth her. Gaining courage from his hold she then told him about those pictures of Karan and her taken when he saved her and was consoling her. How Badi Maa and bade papa confronted them, how Karan blamed Sakshi for that and in end how she at that time refused to believe him.

"At that time I trusted Sakshi and to prove Karan wrong and find the real culprit I filed complaint against him without informing anyone from family."

"I'm such a fool Arjun!" Riya cried feeling miserable for trusting and standing for the one who wronged her always.

Arjun looked at girl in his arms, so broken, so vulnerable. He felt immense hatred towards those who have hurt her. He felt guilty for not being with her when she needed him. Despite of being closer he failed to be together. She suffered and even after promising to never letting her face any problem alone he failed to keep his words.

"I'm Sorry!"

Riya looked towards him hearing him apologising. Why he needs to apologise for it. She was at fault for trusting people blindly when he warned her in first place.

"Galti Meri thi...(I was at fault)" she said sadly.

Arjun looked at her; she never fails to surprise him. Pulling himself away from her he sat facing her. He has noticed her not meeting his gaze, playing with her fingers nervously in her lap. Deciding it's time to let her know about his feelings and her place in his life Arjun braced him arranging his thoughts in his mind. Closing his eyes for moment to calm and forget everything he took deep breath.

"Riya!" he held her both palms in his, he softly took her name urging her to look to him.

"I'm truly sorry for everything...Shh let me complete please..."

Arjun pleaded when he saw her about to protest.

"I claim to love you, be with you in every problem and look what I did. I failed you...I failed myself. When you needed me I was not there. I even don't know what you went through...I'm sorry for everything, for every pain you went through and still going. Somewhere I'm responsible for all this."

"Kaash meri nafrat ki galiya mujhe tum tak na laati...I'm sorry"

"Riya...you know that I love you... And I know I don't deserve you...Mai sirf tumse "

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SORRY FOR SO MUCH DELAY GUYS. PLUS I WILL BE BUSY TILL 17 JUNE SO NO UPDATE OF MINE ANY STORY TILL THEN😭...KYA KARE PRE-DISSERTAION PHASE😭😡

Emotional update

Owesome story yaar...

Arjun ko family wali ne riya ko bhot bura bhala kaha...

Riya puri trahse tut gai he..

Acha huva wakt rehte arjun ne use sambhal liya...

Riya ka past Sach me bhot pain full he...

Ab arjun ka pyaar hi use past se nikalkar sakta he...

I hope riya jaldi achi ho jaye...

Arjun ab apni family ka kya karega. ...

Please next part jaldi. ...

Please post the next part soonish. i am dying to read this. i feel sorry for RIya. I hope Arjun teach everyone lesson for hurting Riya

Quite a painful start with Arjun's family members spitting venom against Riya.

Awsome story..
Plz continue soon
N plz do pm me