TH 2: To Love or Not To Love: Ch 63 & Epi - Pg 162 / May 2 - Page 83

This is such an amazing, addicting story.. I came across this by chance n I’m glad that I did. I read all the chapters in a go.. I cudnt stop. I don’t know how late into the night I kept reading.

Just realized that it’s been many months since u last update. Hope all is well with you.

Would really love to read this story till the end. Pray that u r able to finish it.

What's going on with every other Good writer... They all stop writing...

Man, you have to come back... you have talent and unique idea of writing.. Please update.. its been like 7 to 8 months... I hope you are alright...

Hi Shrattila

You have written such a lovely story... couldn't stop... read them in a go... I started off in wattpad then sesrched it up on if.... doing all sorts of jiggling to read further...

Loved all the characters inspite of the negativity they nav in each of them.

Keen to know what's Amans story as well... something is hidden there as well I believe,,,

Have you given up on this story ?

Hope things are fine at your end and u get into the mood of finish in this wonderful piece of work

Please update..

Hello Readers

I am back to complete the story on IF. After IF was updated, I discontinued writing on it because I am not that tech-savvy. I instead started posting this story on Wattpad. But I could not afford to disappoint my readers on IF who have stayed with me for so long. I want each of you to know how much I value your presence on this journey. When I started writing this story, I was so new to all of this but your valuable comments have given me the encouragement to pursue writing as a full-time career. I am making a major career switch this year and am seeking everyone's best wishes and blessings. I will continue to write more for my readers on Wattpad. The platform is more user-friendly and saves time to PM. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I can't thank you enough and I will forever be grateful for the love you showed someone who was going through a particularly difficult phase in her life.

With lots of love and a humbled heart,

S

51

Two hours into the tour, and Khushi’s throat was feeling parched. She cursed her common sense, she had forgotten her water bottle. She looked around, only to realize that the only two people left on the tour from her group were herself and Arnav. Surely, the others were a few steps behind. They had just come around one of the fortress’ corners. Khushi stopped and turned back, only to have Arnav snap his fingers to her face.

Khushi stopped and turned to him in irritation. “I beg your pardon?”

Arnav snapped his fingers a few more times.

“Why are you doing this ASR?”

“Arnav. And please let’s not go through this again.”

“A..S..R... Remember that’s what you wanted me to call you when we began this entire charade? Well, congratulations, you’ve won. I concede.”

Arnav gritted his teeth. Just as he imagined his hands on her delicate neck wringing them.

He cleared his throat unwilling to let his mind take a fanciful flight. “In case you’ve lost your sense of direction, the tour is going that way.”

“I know, I was just looking for Aman.”

The green-eyed monster flared its head once again. “It seems you’ve lost your mind as well. Aman, Shyam and Di are part of the tour.”

“And it seems you’ve lost your eyesight. For if you look closely, you will notice that none of them are there.”

It was only then that Arnav cared to glance and his observations confirmed what Khushi was already telling him.

Before they could figure out what had happened to their three companions, the tour guide called out to them to stay with the group. “Let’s go with them for now”, Arnav hissed. “We’ll find them once the tour is over.”

And without waiting for a response from Khushi, he took her hand and forcefully dragged onwards.

****

The tour ended in Ducal Chapel where the guide continued giving the history of the palace. Arnav was busy texting on his phone and Khushi was not listening. She was mesmerized by the beautiful pictures, the rich motifs and the drawings that adorned the walls of the chapel. Mother Mary with baby Jesus on her lap was on the wall right in front of her. Saints marched all around. And the ceiling was painted with a picture of Christ rising to join his father in the heavenly abode with angels guiding his way. It all looked surreal, and the entire vision brought tears to her eyes. She was aware of being excessively emotional but she was lost in thoughts of her childhood, her faint memories of playing with her mother, and the dupatta she had bought for her, the only thing that remained with her of her mother.

Garima had never let her think she was not part of their family, but even then sometimes, Khushi wished, albeit fancifully to know what life might have been like if her parents had been alive. She wanted to understand, and perhaps she was frustrated because she was unable to. The Ducal chapel had walkways that connected the royal chambers to it. Without realizing what she was doing, Khushi began exploring those walkways. Arnav, seeing her leave the room, followed her to bring her back. And by the time the two came back, all tourists had left the spot, the door to the chapel was shut.

“Help”, shouted Khushi frantically banging the heavy wooden doors, that muffled her screams. She banged on her some more and then stopped, her hands hurting from contact.

Arnav looked at his mobile phone that indicated no reception. He looked at the door and then at Khushi and calmly proceeded to find a clean spot on the floor to sit down.

“What are you doing?”, questioned Khushi, fazed by his calm demeanor. “We’re stuck and you’re pretending as if we’re here on a picnic? God knows when we will get rescued.”

“Tomorrow morning at the latest”, he replied looking around for something he could use to create a fire. He got up and started feeling all of the candle sconces for an errant matchbox someone might have absently left.

“What are you doing ASR? Are you out of your mind?”, Khushi screamed, perturbed by his behavior as well as the onset of her claustrophobia. She pulled onto his jacket collar to forcefully turn him around when he held her wrist gently but firmly.

“I know you’re afraid of the dark and I’m looking for a matchbox to light those lone candles near Mother Mary’s statue. That should give us enough light until dawn.”

“But…”, her voice faltered. She knew this was all her fault. If only she had not gone exploring, but that was all done. Thank God Arnav had followed her. She couldn’t imagine being stuck in here, all by herself. She took a step back, but Arnav’s force kept her from retreating all the way.

“Tell me Khushi,” cajoled Arnav. And she rushed into his arms, hot tears burning her eyes. She hugged him and cried, cried for the little girl who lost her parents, cried for her uncertain future, cried for the debt she owed Shashi, Garima and Payal, cried because she was strong and cried because she was weak, cried because she was in love and cried because her self esteem wouldn’t let her seek that love. She cried. And cried some more. It was ironical, she felt that she should find solace in the arms of the man who had created this turbulence in her life in the first place. But she wasn’t going to think too hard. If he was offering her respite right now, she would gladly take it. Everything else, the friendships, the vengeance, the petty arguments, the one-upmanships, the complicated present, and uncertain future, everything could wait for the crack of dawn. Khushi Kumari Gupta was eight years old when she had lost her parents. She had been holding back for 16 years now. It’s time her tears were allowed to flow.

Its so great to see you back.

Khushi letting out all her emotions and Arnav actually handling them.

Hey good to see you back.

What's your wattpad profile name?

Thank you for continuing with the story...,

I am glad Arnav and Khushi’s are getting this moment, and this is the golden opportunity for Arnav to correct his harsh words and pride because of which he has hurt her. If he can be Khushi’s support now , and continue with his care love and affection after they get out of this place, their love will be a success.

Your likes on my 2 posts told me that u've updated ..

👍🏼

I hope u r doing well in AD..

Thanx for updating TLONTL..

Khushi's emotional state is heart wrenching..

She has gone through a lot..

Loss of Parents at such a young age,hardships that life threw at her..

The disgrace Arnav brought to her..

She's trying to cope with life with grace n perseverance...

She still has not come to terms with te fact that her heart has been gradually falling for the very person who has brought this disgrace to her...

I hope to see her healed soon n get all the love n respect from Arnav..

N look..

Arnav still feels jealous when Khushi merely takes Aman's name..

What to do with u,ASR..

Good to see you back.

Wish you all the best with your career change.

IF is revamping the Fan Fiction forum, which has similar features as Wattpad. You may want to check it out at the following link and decide whether you want to continue on IF or not.

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/suggestions-comments/5144013/important-first-look-of-upcoming-fan-fictions-section-on-if

I have noticed that your username is same in Wattpad as here. I found you there. I can continue following there if you decide to move.

I will post my comment after reading the chapter.

PS: I was just thinking about unfinished FFs and glad to know that you are going to finish this story and have decided to write more after that.👍🏼

Cheers......

Originally posted by: Savera84

Good to see you back.

Wish you all the best with your career change.

IF is revamping the Fan Fiction forum, which has similar features as Wattpad. You may want to check it out at the following link and decide whether you want to continue on IF or not.

https://www.indiaforums.com/forum/suggestions-comments/5144013/important-first-look-of-upcoming-fan-fictions-section-on-if

I have noticed that your username is same in Wattpad as here. I found you there. I can continue following there if you decide to move.

I will post my comment after reading the chapter.

PS: I was just thinking about unfinished FFs and glad to know that you are going to finish this story and have decided to write more after that.👍🏼

Cheers......

U too r following it 😊

It's really good that Shratilla intends to finish this FF as all the readers were waiting for the update..

Btw,I m reading Letterbox right now..

Remember??

U have sent the link to me alongwith Unforgettable that I'll read next..