Chapter 11

It had been two days since Khushi had been to RM and she had had the “confrontation” with Arnav, if she could call it that. They had mutually decided that today they would tell his family their decision. She was sitting on her bed bracing herself for the reaction of his family because she had know them long to get to know what they were like. “You ready?” Karan asked leaning against her bedroom door. She took a deep breath and looked at him. “If I said yes I have to be. Don’t I?” she asked looking away from him. Karan sat down beside her on the bed. “There’s something that’s been bugging me since that day Khushi,” Karan said deep in thought. “What is it?” Khushi asked concerned turning towards him. “After everything you told me, after everything you said he did or tried to do to you... why did you say yes?” he asked looking for some emotion, some reaction in her face, anything but there was nothing. Khushi stood up and walked to the window across her bed. “He needs to know what it feels like. He needs to know how easy it is to destroy someone. He needs to know what I went through because of him. I’m not the same Khushi he knew a year ago Karan. Whether he knows that or not is his problem. All that matters to me is that Arnav Singh Raizada has hell to pay... and the time has come,” Khushi was emotionless when she spoke almost as if she was hell bent on destroying him. It didn’t go unnoticed by Karan and he was scared. Not for himself but rather for Arnav. The path Khushi was travelling was one of no return and from where he was standing it looked like she was going to take Arnav with her. He knew there was no point in trying to make Khushi understand. She was hurt, maybe even damaged and with her determination she was unstoppable. No one could reason with her. She had always been like that, even before she moved to Delhi but then her heart used to make her see reason. Now it was as if she didn’t have a heart. Karan could blame her. He knew how much she loved Arnav and he knew how much what he had done had hurt her. “I’ll wait for you in the car. Come down when you’re ready,” Karan said and made his way downstairs. Khushi grabbed her bag of the desk and shut the door on her way out. She got into the passenger seat, “Let’s go” she said.

 

Arnav had asked everyone to meet him in the living room because he had something important to discuss with them. As asked the Raizada family had assembled in the living room of Shantivan at one pm. Everyone was as curious as the next person because for the past year Arnav had been very secluded and isolated. He was hardly ever around his family and only spoke to them when it was absolutely necessary. The only people that ever had anymore contact with him was Sanjana and Anjali. After Khushi had walked out of Shantivan she had noticed how her brother had built up some sort of wall and that he wasn’t letting her in. Since their parents had passed away she had been a mother to him and that’s why when Shyam had accused Khushi of seducing him he couldn’t take it lightly even if he had feelings for her. Anjali had noticed since Aakash’s wedding how close they had become and knew that her brother was falling for Khushi but after speaking to him and hearing what he did she couldn’t believe it. She knew her husband would never hurt her but she also knew the kind of girl Khushi was and knew she would never be capable of committing such a heinous crime.  Seducing her brother that she might. But her husband, never.  Anjali didn’t know what it was but she had a weird feeling about what was going to happen.

 

Arnav walked in taking notice of who was there and who wasn’t. To his surprise his Shyam was actually there. Sanjana seemed to have disappeared in the time span of ten minutes but she knew everything so it was fine. The only reason he really wanted her there was to help him convince his family if needed but he doubted the occasion would arise. “I know you all want to know why I’ve called everyone here but the circumstances are such that should I go ahead without telling anyone there might be some problems,” Arnav said matter-of-factly. “But Arnav, what is so important that you’ve called us all here like this and that too on such short notice,” Anjali asked worriedly. Just then the door to Shantivan opened and Sanjana walked in followed by Khushi and Karan. Everyone stood up in shock as Khushi made her way to the living room. Their eyes were wide with surprise, more especially Shyam who had become scared recollecting the incident that happened a few days back. “Arnav... she...” Anjali said trailing off. Arnav looked at Khushi then his family, “This is the reason it was urgent. I wanted to tell you all that Khushi is back in Delhi and we’ve been meeting for a while. I also know that especially Di and Nani will not like what I’m going to say but I’m going to say it anyway. Khushi and I have decided that we want to get married.” He looked for a response but everyone seemed to have been paralysed from shock. “I know everyone doesn’t like this idea and is concerned about what happened but we’ve sorted it out between the two of us and it’s a mutual decision,” Arnav said looking at Anjali. Anjali had a strange feeling and wasn’t sure Arnav was telling the truth. She knew Khushi could never have done what she was accused of but she also knew what Arnav had done to her that day. She looked to Khushi for answers.

 

Khushi was waiting to see the reaction of his family more especially at Nani and Anjali but when she looked at Anjali she saw it in her eyes. She wanted to hear it from Khushi. Khushi knew that what she Arnav had decided was unorthodox. People didn’t do that so she at least owed it to Anjali to tell her. “Arnav is right. I met him at the fashion show a couple of weeks ago. I’m not doing it under any pressure or anything like that. We’ve sorted out our differences and we’ve decided to move on. Whatever happened is the past and shouldn’t affect the future. We’ve decided together that we want to get married but it’s not going to be big. We’ll get married in a temple with just immediate family present. Amma and Babuji are in London and I told them not to worry to come because they aren’t going to miss anything,” Khushi said trying to convince everyone. Anjali stood up and was about to walk towards them when Shyam stopped her, “Arnav, how could you do such thing even after knowing the truth, after knowing that she tried to break your sister’s home. You know very well what she is yet you’re still marrying her!” he burst out. Anjali opened her mouth but before she could say anything Arnav had jumped to Khushi’s defence. “Whatever you said was a misunderstanding on your part jeejaji. Khushi did no such thing,” Arnav said firmly. Arnav’s response made Anjali swell with pride. She knew he regretted what he had done and he was trying to make up for it. “Very well then,” Anjali said walking towards the Arnav and Khushi, “I guess we should start preparing for the wedding then.” She noticed something was wrong and turned to Khushi, “Is everything okay?” Khushi looked at her unsure of how to say it, “Uhm... actually Di, we want the wedding to happen as soon as possible. I was hoping tomorrow. I know you’re going to ask me about the mehendi and haldi but...” Khushi trailed off. Anjali noticed something different about Khushi. She changed. She wasn’t the same happy-go-lucky girl that had big dreams about her marriage anymore. “After everything that happened I can understand. Everything will happen as per your wishes,” she said looking from Khushi to Arnav. Khushi gave her small smile and was led away from the rest of the family to discuss with Nani and Anjali how she wanted the wedding to happen making it very clear that she didn’t want anything grand.

 

Once everyone had accepted that they had reconciled their differences and the wedding was going to happen Karan pulled Sanjana aside. “Arre... What happened?” she asked concerned. “I’m scared Sanjana. What Khushi’s doing...” Karan said trailing off. “What? What is she doing?” she asked urgently. “She only said yes because she wants to show him what he did to her. She wants to hurt him, they way she was hurt,” fear was evident in his voice, “She said he has hell to pay and know is the time.” Sanjana closed her eyes and took a deep breath, “I know she hates him but she doesn’t hate him that much Karan. If she tries to hurt him, damage him or ruin him she’s only going to hurt herself more. Yeah she’ll hurt him but she’s going to feel twice as much pain as she gives him. She hates him because of what he did not who is. She loves him more than her life. That’s why she tried hating him so much when she left here. That love that she feels for him is going to kill her if she even tries to destroy him.” Karan shook his head, “You’re talking about her heart. Her heart that would stop her. You weren’t with her as much as I was in Lucknow. She doesn’t have a heart anymore Sanju,” Karan said close to tears, “she doesn’t have one. It turned into nothing but stone the day she came to Lucknow. She doesn’t have any emotion, any feeling. She doesn’t care for anything or anyone.” Sanjana looked at Karan with red eyes, “I hope for her sake what you’re saying isn’t true Karan. Arnav’s my brother and I don’t want anyone to hurt him but I know what he did Khushi and he had no reason to. I guess only time will tell but I just don’t want to see either of them hurt again because I know that they won’t be able to bear it. Not the second time round.”

Chapter 10

Sanjana and Karan saw an enraged Arnav heading to where the other two were standing. It was clearly visible in eyes. He didn’t like what he saw and he was going to do something about it. How much of the whole confrontation Arnav had actually seen and heard was unknown to the two spectators. All they knew was that no one was prepared for what was going to happen next. Not even Sanjana.

 

“Arnav!” Exclaimed Shyam, “I’m so glad you are here. You will never believe what SHE is doing! She’s trying it all over again despite knowing what happened the last time she was so characterless.” Arnav looked at his brother-in-law seething with anger. “Didn’t you have somewhere to go?” Arnav asked through gritted teeth. Shyam looked at him slightly scared. “Yes, I was just leaving when she...” Arnav cut him off. “Then leave!” he said making his anger known. He looked at Khushi then at Shyam who was scurrying out the front door. He turned towards her looking her in the eye. “What the hell are you doing in my house? How did you even think of coming here?” Arnav bellowed. Khushi looked at Arnav in the eye a he shouted at her. When she had first seen him she wondered how much of her conversation with Shyam he had actually heard. From what she could see now it looked he was still under the misconception that everything was her fault. Had he not punished her enough already? That too for something she hadn’t done? Ignoring everything that had happened a few minutes ago and all the thoughts that were running through her mind when she first got there she glared at him as he shouted at her. “Excuse me Mr Arnav Singh Raizada but you have no right to speak to me like that. What I’m doing here and how the thought if even coming here crossed my mind has nothing to do with you,” she folded her arms across her chest. Arnav couldn’t believe what had just happened. SHE, a low class, third grade girl had the audacity to speak to him like that. Arnav opened his mouth to speak but before a single word could come out Khushi released more of her anger. “Before you start of another rant accusing me of more things that I’ve done I suggest you get your facts straight and think about what you heard two minutes ago before you open your mouth,” she said with a straight face. Anger was boiling inside Arnav. How did she manage to become so courageous? The whole point of what he had done when he found out was so that she would be scared and neve think of doing it again. Not get more brave and try something else! "How did you get so brave all of a sudden? You ran out of this same house eight months ago because you were scared so where did the courage come from?" He asked folding his arms across his chest. Khushi laughed, "Here I was thinking you're atleast intelligent enough to be a ble to answer that question but you just proved me wrong again." Khushi rolled her eyes. "Excuse me!" Scoffed Arnav. "You see Mr Raizada, the day I stepped out of this house and this city I died. YOU killed everything that was good about me, " she said accusingly, "I had nothing left. Nothing to live for. My sister was here. My family was here and I had to leave it all behind because I was accused of being characterless and almost got raped by a business tycoon." Arnav could see the tears that were starting to well up in her eyes. It was his biggest weakness and considering the relationship they had now he couldn't afford to care. "Your little life story doesn't bother me Miss Gupta. All I really care about is what you are doing here and why you were with my brother-in-law," he said emphasizing the last few words. "As I said earlier, it has nothing to do with you." Khushi said sternly. Arnav grabbed Khushi by the shoulders tightening his grip as he spoke, "Of course it does dammit! How much of that conversation I heard?" Khushi looked at him, her eyes wide.  "How much did of that did you hear?" She whispered. "Enough! Enough to know what to do!" He shouted.

 

"Ehem..." They heard someone clearing their throat trying to attract their attention. "Sorry to break up your lovers quarrel but I think we have something bigger to deal with." Sanjana said casually sitting on the stairs with a nervous Karan standing behind her. She got up and walked towards them with Karan trailing behind. At Sanjana's approach Arnav realised he was still holding Khushi and immediately released her from his grip and backed away. "Before you say anything Arnav just listen to me. I... We heard everything that just happened. You're so loud that your voice travels through the whole house. You made it clear to Khushi that you heard part of her conversation with Shyam but how much of it did you hear and PLEASE don't beat around the bush and just come straight out and say it." She glared at Arnav as she spoke. Arnav didn't have a choice and had to succumb to his sister because he knew that if need be she can become ASR or even worse. "All of it. From the beginning," he said in a monotone. "Well you must be having mixed feelings after hearing all of that," Sanjana smirked. She turned serious and turned to speak to Arnav directly, "You heard everything and you saw both their reactions to that situation," she said looking towards Khushi, who was looking at the ground feeling very anxious and nervous unaware of what was to come, "What do you think about the decision you made eight months ago? Do you still think you were right and whatever you did was best for Di?" Sanjana looked at her brother as she asked him softly. " He looked at her and she saw a hint of guilt in his eyes. He didn't need to say anything. His eyes said it all. Sanjana immediately understood and turned towards Khushi who was looking at Arnav and didn't seem to notice anyone else in the room. Sanjana smiled at the realization that there might be a chance her brother was going to try to rectify his mistake. She took Arnav's hand in hers and looked him in the eye, "The choice is yours Arnav. You decide what happens from here onwards and you know I'm with you no matter what. As long as you make the right decision." She pulled her brother in for an embrace and whispered, "I trust you with my life and I know you won't ruin anyone else's without cause." She pulled away and stood next to Karan watching her brother deep in thought about what to do next. She noticed Khushi stealing glances at Arnav not sure what decision he was going to make but scared that it would ruin her life, or what was left of it. Sanjana took a deep breath and held it.

 

The events of what happened eight months ago ran through Arnav's mind. He thought about what he'd done and how he he had hurt Khushi. It all made sense now. What she had told him in the room and what he heard now. Could he have been wrong? Was he wrong? A million questions ran through his head. Every moment he spent with her flashed before his eyes, regret flooding them. He should have listened, he should have stopped her. There were a lot of things he should have done but he didn’t. He wasn’t going to make the same mistake twice. He lifted his gaze from the ground to Khushi only to be met by her own. He remembered the effect those hazel eyes had on him. It was his biggest weakness, unknown to everyone. For a few seconds he thought he saw her let it all go. Everything she had been through this past year. The pain, the hurt, the anger and the heartbreak. He knew what he wanted to do now. He turned to Sanjana and Karan, “I know what I want to do but I’m not going to force anyone into doing anything they don’t want to.” He looked at Khushi. “Let’s hear it. How do you plan on getting rid of this son of a ...” Sanjana said. Arnav stood in front of Khushi almost as if he was only speaking to her and not the others, “It’s Khushi he wants and it’s Khushi he won’t get,” he moved away from Khushi and stood in the middle of the room addressing all three of them, “I’ll marry Khushi. That way he won’t be able to do anything about it. He wouldn’t dare touch her if she was my wife, he’s not that brave.”

 

Khushi’s eyes were wide with shock. She couldn’t believe what he just said. He, Arnav Singh Raizada, was going to marry her so that Shyaam would stay away. Something she would have wanted him to do a year ago when all of this had happened he had only thought of now. She didn’t realize when Arnav made his way to her. She remembered everything he had done to her that day how he had killed her. He looked into her eyes and she could see the regret that flooded his. “I won’t do it against your will Khushi. I know how much hatred you must have bred for me within this year so I’ll only go ahead with it if you are willing. Once he confesses everything was his fault and he realises he made a mistake you’re free to go and no one will stop you,” he was sincere. She could hear it in his voice. She had nothing to live for anyway. What will she lose? She had no family, no love when she left so she couldn’t lose it now if she decided to marry him. If she married him at least Shyaam would stop chasing her as well. Right? It didn’t matter how sincere he was. She had let her guard down for a moment, but that was exactly what it was... a moment. Nothing could decrease the amount of hatred she had for him. If it became unbearable she could always leave. She’d do this for his sister because she had no part in anything that happened but for him... for him this would be punishment. He murdered her and she suffered for a year with no one’s shoulder to cry on, with no one to share her pain. She couldn’t burden her friends with it so she never told them but she had a feeling they figured it out along the way. Now it was his turn to feel how it’s like to be dead and living at the same time. “I’ll do it,” she said with a straight face.

 

Sanjana looked at Arnav then Khushi. There was something wrong and she could feel it. She knew Khushi and Khushi wouldn’t just agree like that. There had to be a catch but whatever happened now wasn’t in her hands. Whatever happened after this she has no say in. Whatever happens now is between the two of them.

Chapter 9

Arnav was pacing up and down his bedroom unable to control his anger. He couldn’t understand what was wrong with him. Why was he saving her all the time? Whatever happened to her didn’t make a difference to him. He didn’t care. Did he? No, he didn’t! Not after what she had done. Along with betraying his entire family she broke him. His trust and more importantly his heart,but then why? Why can’t he stand to see her in danger when he’s around? He shook his head. None of that mattered anymore. The next time she was in trouble she’d just have to save herself because he didn’t care. He dropped down on the recliner with his head in his hands. He needed a distraction. The more he thought about the more he remembered the things he didn’t want to. He grabbed his laptop bag off the coffee table next to the recliner. Work would definitely distract him. He was marching out of Shantivan and was almost out the front door when a petite figure stood in his path. “Where exactly do you think you’re going?” Sanjana asked him with a raised eyebrow. He glared at her. Sanjana sighed. “Don’t give me that get-out-of-my-way look. I’m not budging and you’re not going to the office. That’s final. Now turn around and get back upstairs to your room before I drag you there,” she said with a smile. Knowing his sister wasn’t going to let it go he went back upstairs. He could still work from his laptop at home and if he needed anything from the office then Aman, his manager, was always there.

 

Sanjana grinned as she saw her brother’s retreating figure. She loved the taste of victory. Now it was time to set her plan into action. She knew everyone was most likely going to kill her for doing this but she had no other choice. It was the only way the two of them were going to realize what they really felt for each other. She had to at least tell Karan even if he was going to be completely against the idea and would shoot her for it. Sanjana dialled Karan, “Karan, I’m going to tell you what I’m going to do. Whether you help or not is your choice but I’m going to do it regardless of what you tell me.” She could imagine Karan raising his eyebrows on the other end of the phone. She spoke on the phone for about half an hour giving him every detail of her plan and how she would execute it. “ARE YOU MAD?” she heard him scream over the phone. “No, I’m not Karan. I just can’t take it anymore. Ever since they’ve seen each other they constantly think about one another and don’t you dare tell me Khushi doesn’t because you know very well she does,” Sanjana stated. “Okay fine, but you do know that nothing ever goes according to plan especially when you want it to,” Karan was reluctant but he had to try even if getting caught meant suicide or murder. “Trust me Karan. I’d never do anything to hurt them. I love them both,” Karan could hear the sincerity in her voice. “So we start tomorrow. I’ll bring Khushi there, all you have to do is make sure that he sees her there,” Karan said unsure. Sanjana swallowed, “I really don’t want him to know but it’s the only way we‘re going to be able to push Arnav’s buttons and the right ones too. Thanks for helping me Karan. I know you didn’t have to. Goodnight.” She put her phone in her pocket and headed upstairs towards her room. She needed to rest properly tonight because there was no way she was going to be able to sleep tomorrow. Not after what she was going to do.

 

It had been a week since the fashion show and Khushi was looking forward to going back to Lucknow just as her friends had promised. She was almost done packing which was a difficult task considering all the crazy and outrageous thoughts that were constantly running through her mind after the mall incident. Those scenes kept flashing in front of her eyes and occupying her thoughts. She had thought long and hard about everything when she had got back home. She had come to the decision that her leaving would be the best option because there would be no chance of him running into her or finding her again. He would still be travelling around in India and would probably go to Lucknow often and she couldn't take anymore chances so she was going to London to stay with Jiya. It wouldn't be a problen because she was going with Jai anyway. Khushi had just closed her suitcase after struggling to shove the last bit of clothes in when Priya walked into the room looking extrememly annoyed and irritated. "You might want to unpack that," she muttered pointing at the suitcase. Khushi raised an eyebrow questioningly. " Your very dear best friend's cousin is ill and he wants to stay for a couple of days until she gets better," Priya sounded highly annoyed. "Oh, Karan didn't tell me anything. It's fine. A few more days couldn't hurt. We've already been here for a week. I'll tell Karan it's okay and I'll stay but you have to go back. Jiya can't be doing everything alone," replied Khushi surprised, "I'll stay with him and you go back. If I leave the two of you here you'll tear each other's hair out," she add flatly. "I'm cool with that," Priya had an unmistakeable grin on her face.

 

A few hours later Khushi was with Karan in his car on their way to see his sister, Riya. "Khushi I just have to stop at Riya's friend's house quickly. She just sent me an address and asked me to pick up some stuff for her. You know how demanding she can be," Karan rolled his eyes. Khushi smiled at him, "Sure. Go ahead. I don't mind." Karan gave her a small smile. He didn't like lying to her, she was his best friend, but he had no choice. It was in her best interest. Karan stopped outside Shantivan to Khushi's surprised. "Karan, why did we stop here?" Khushi stared at him. "This is the address she gave me, now come on. I might need you to help me carry some stuff," Karan said casually. Khushi stumbled over her words, "But Karan... This is... Rai..." Karan cut her off, "Are you coming or am I going to drag you out of the car and up those stairs." Khushi looked at Karan as she got out the car and very reluctantly started walking towards the house. Karan rang the door bell and they were welcomed by Sanjana. Sanjana could see Khushi's uneasiness and was double minded about whether to carry out the plan or not but she shook it off. She had to. It was the only way. "Hi Karan," Sanjana said brightly. Karan returned the greeting with a smile, "Riya said I had to pick up some of her stuff that you had. She's not feeling well so she asked me to get them for her." Sanjana glanced at Khushi who seemed to be looking everywhere but in the house and replied, "Oh yeah, she called me up this morning. Come with me, it's upstairs in my study." Karan looked from Sanjana to Khushi signalling her. "Khushi come inside," she said as she walked towards the living room with Karan and Khushi not trailing far behind. " Khushi have a seat," she said indicating at the sofa, "Karan and I will be back just now. It won't take us long." Sanjana smiled and walked off with Karan upstairs towards her study.

 

Khushi was sitting in the lounge downstairs fiddling with her dupatta prayong to her Devi Maiya that no one else was home when Karan and Sanjana came back downstairs. She breathed a sigh of relief. She stood up and was ready to leave as soon as Karan stepped of the last step. He had one foot one the step, "Stop!" He heard Sanjana's voice behind him. He turned around raising an eyebrow. "I forgot the stuff in the cupboard. Leave this down here with Khushi," she said passing him the pile of books she was carrying and come back upstairs." Khushi was beginning to worry wondering if anyone else was home. "Uhm, Sanju... Is anyone else at home?" Khushi asked nervously. "No, I don't think so or at least there shouldn't be. Di, Mami, Nani and Payal have gone to the temple and Mama went to the office with Akaash. Arnav left for a meeting half an hour ago and Shyaam also left for work," Sanjana said casually. Khushi relaxed, "Oh, okay." Sanjana nodded and went back upstairs with Karan. They passed Arnav's room on the way and Karan heard a voice, "Yeah, Aman. Just make sure it's properly authorised and then we can finalize the deal." He looked at Sanjana with wide eyes. She shrugged. "You said he left for a meeting!" Karan exclaimed. "Maybe he cancelled and did a video conference instead. He tends to do that you know," Sanjana looked at annoyed. Karan was about to give her an apt reply when he paused mid-word. She turned around to look in the direction Karan was staring. "What-t-t-t is he doing-g-g-g her?" Karan stammered. Sanjana had a guilty look on her face. "Sanju?" Karan glared at her. She sighed in defeat. It was time to tell him the full plan," I'm sorry. I didn't want to tell you last night because you would have never brought Khushi here. I want to see how Arnav reacts and what he does. He still thinks Khushi is guilty and his brother-in-law is a saint. It's time he comes to know what really happened be it before or after he marries her." He could see a determined look in her eye, "Wait. What? What do you mean before or after he marries her?" Sanjana braced herself."I know Arnav and I know his anger. It'll get the better of him. He reacts first and thinks about it later. He's always been like that and it causes a lot of problems for everyone, not just him but maybe this time it'll put an END to all the problems," she looked at him apologetically. "Sanjana..." Karan shook his head. She held her ears in a gesture to say sorry and Karan pulled her in for a hug, "Next time just tell me before you do something this drastic. Okay?" Sanjana shook her head in the affirmative. "Now that we're done can I set my plan in action. He's going down and it's not going to be long before he sees her," Sanjana said. "Be my guest," Karan said before he walked to her study, "Just make sure Arnav doesn't know I'm here." As Karan walked away Sanjana opened the door to her brother's room. "Arnav?" He looked up from his laptop at his sister standing in the doorway. "I need some books that are downstairs in the lounge but I have to make an urgent call. You're done with your video conference so I thought of asking you to get it if you wouldn't mind," she leaned against the door with her fingers crossed behind her back. Arnav gave her an annoying look,"You're the only person in this house that ever asks me to do things that are a waste of my time and I don't know why I do it all the time either." Arnav got up and started walking toward her sending daggers in her direction. "It's because you love me," she said with a smirk, "and because I'm the only person in this house who has the guts to face you. Everyone else is just scared of you because you're Arnav Singh Raizada but I'm Sanjana Singh Raizada and I can be just as bad as you when I want to be." She gave him that you-know-who-I-am look and walked off as he was walking down the hall towards the stairs. She signalled for Karan to come out of the study and they both stood in the hallway overlooking the lounge downstairs. "Brace yourself Karan. This is not going to be very pretty," Sanjana said as she turned her attention to the scene downstairs.

 

Khushi had relaxed a little since Sanjana told her that no one else was home. She took a deep breath, let it out and picked up one of the books Karan had left with her. She had just reached the end of the first chapter when she heard someone coming downstairs, she looked up from the book aghast. There he was standing at the bottom of the staircase gawking at her. Khushi shot up like a rocket shocked. "Khushi," Shyaam said with a smirk on his face, "What are you doing here? I thought I would never see you again after what had happened." His smirk turned into an evil smile that grew wider with each step closer that he took. "Stay away from me! Don't come any closer. I'm warning you," Khushi said pointing her finger at him and moving backwards away from the couch. How could something like this have happened? How could HE of all people be at home? Sanjana said that she was alone and no one beside her was here? "Khushi, why are you being so difficult? I haven't seen you in so long, haven't felt you either. Why are you moving away from me? I know you missed me as much as I missed you so don’t make me suffer anymore,” he said as he grabbed her and pulled her towards him. His arms were tight around her barely giving her enough space to breathe. “Let go of me!” Khushi said her voice getting louder as she tried to push him away unsuccessfully. “What do you think of yourself? Who do you think you are? You are no one to me and I don’t want to be anyone to you! Get your slimy hands off me!” her voice was full of disgust. Shyam gave loosened his grip on her slightly, “You only left because of Arnav, Khushi. Had I not said anything that day you would’ve still been roaming around here, but unfortunately I had to because you see,” he pulled away from her holding shoulders, his grip tight. “Arnav had become suspicious. I don’t know how but he did. Telling him it was you made my life easier because then he didn’t doubt me and of course he wouldn’t try defending you because it was a question of his sister’s life.” He laughed. It sounded so bad, so evil. Khushi wondered how someone like this could even exist. Despite being married he still lusts at other girls. Khushi could feel the anger in her rising. “You know what Mr Shyam Manohar Jha? I’m kind of glad you put the blame me because had Arnav found out the truth that day you wouldn’t even be around right now. I don’t even think you’d be ALIVE. You chose the wrong person’s sister to play around with. You haven’t seen the wrath of Arnav Singh Raizada. You don’t know what it’s like,” Khushi let out a laugh seething with anger. You could see it in her eyes. “It doesn’t make a difference what he can do because his sister will never let him do it. Anjali loves me too much to ever let anything happen to me,” he pulled Khushi closer, “I love you and I told you that before, nothing is going to change that.” Khushi tried pulling away but his grip on her was too tight, “And I’ve told you before that if you don’t Anjali than leave her!” Khushi had run out of patience. When was he going to stop speaking rubbish!

 

“What the…” Both Shyam and Khushi turned to look at the top of the staircase. Khushi’s eyes were wide with shock. Shyam pushed Khushi away from him making it look as if it had been her that tried to get close to him. Arnav started down the stairs two at a time, anger radiating off him. It was visible in his eyes even from a distance. Sanjana and Karan were holding their breath when they saw Arnav head towards the lounge and stop at the stairs. Sanjana looked at Karan and could see the fear in his eyes, “Whatever happens now has nothing to do with us Karan. We play no part in whatever happens after this. You don’t have to be scared. I know you’re worried about Khushi but I’m there to stop Arnav if he tries anything.” Sanjana looked from Karan to the scene downstairs totally unprepared for what was about to happen next.

Chapter 8

It was almost as if he felt his life come to standstill. What would he do if he lost her? He had only just found her and this was the moment he was going to lose her again. No! He wouldn’t let it happen. He couldn’t lose her, not this time, not now.

Arnav had just walked out the mall with shopping bags full of Sanjana’s stuff. He had just crossed the threshold of the door when he thought he had a glimpse of her. He changed direction walking towards the girl he thought was Khushi instead of his car. He could feel the tiny droplets of rain and knew it was going to pour soon. He was a few metres away from her when she stopped and seemed to be looking for something in her handbag. It took only a second. He heard the car rounding the corner and coming in their direction. He jumped out of the way throwing the shopping bags down realizing that the girl was standing in the car’s path and it wasn’t going to stop for anyone. She turned around upon hearing the car and that was when he saw her properly. It took him a split second. He ran towards her pulling her out of the way knowing she wouldn’t move herself from past experience. He felt her grip around him tighten and he did the same. Arnav had closed his eyes, relief washing over him. He had made it just in time, had he stalled any longer she would have been gone and he would have never survived. He felt her move and opened his eyes to make sure she was still there, make sure she was safe. He could see the fear and relief in her eyes but there was something else… something he was missing and just couldn’t lay a finger on it. They were drenched in the rain still not moving, still looking at each other as if it would satisfy that longing to see each other, as if it would make up for the 8 months they had been away from each other.

Even if she had hurt his Di, even if she did have an affair with his brother-in-law nothing was going to change the attraction he felt towards her. It was almost as if she was a magnetic force that always pulled him towards her and no matter how hard he tried he couldn’t repel. She was the first girl he had fallen for. He had dated Lavanya for so long and had never felt anything for her but Khushi… Khushi was different. His heart seemed to beat faster when he was with her, he could hear his heartbeats increasing but never really understood why. After Aakash’s wedding he seemed to be realizing and he could tell she was reciprocating. “Tumhare saansein ruk jayegi,” he had laughed at his sister when she told him that one day someone will come along whom he won’t be able to live without and when he’s away from her he’ll find it difficult to even breathe. That day he couldn’t believe his sister, he passed it off as her usual ramblings little did he think that he’d be in that situation one day, but he was…

It was when Khushi was still working in AR. At that point he had hated even looking at her so he sent her to work in the old guesthouse that was under reconstruction. She had been there the whole day while construction was going on and Arnav hadn’t known that the house was so dilapidated it was going to cave in. Khushi had been in the guest house all day and the workers had decided to stop the reconstruction because they could see it was going to cave in so they locked the exit doors and left not knowing Khushi was trapped inside. The building had started crumbling from the far side and Khushi was in danger. “Help!!! Is anyone there? Open the door!” Khushi screamed banging on the door. There was no one there and her pleas went unanswered. She was trapped in a dilapidated guesthouse with no phone signal and not a single soul knowing where she was besides Arnav Singh Raizada. Khushi sat against a pillar with tears streaming down her cheeks thinking about how worried her family would be. At nine o clock the phone rang in Shantivan. Anjali had picked up the call and everybody had gathered in the hall because of the panick stricken look on her face. “Di, what happened?” aksed Arnav worriedly. “Payalji phoned and said that Khushiji hasn’t reached home yet or called. Everyone is very worried because she never does this she always calls if she’s late. They wanted to know if she was still in the office,” Anjali said sounding very distressed. Everyone had tried calling everywhere they thought she could be including her house to check if maybe she had reached home since Payal called but they still hadn’t heard from her. Arnav tried her cell, “This number is not available at the moment. Please try again later.” It seemed at that moment Arnav had suddenly had a realization and sprinted out of Shantivan.

Arnav was driving at high speed trying to get to her as fast as he could. Had he known it was so dangerous he would have never sent her. He stopped the SUV inn front of the guesthouse and could see it crumbling slowly. He broke down the door and shouted for her but couldn’t find her. He was really hoping she was on this side of the house. He was about to open the door to the only room he hadn’t checked when a wooden beam fell in front of him pushing down the door. Arnav was crouched behind the fallen beam when he looked in the room and saw Khushi sitting against a pillar where the roof was going to cave in. Arnav ran to Khushi and pulled her up and holding her by the arm dragged her out of the room seconds before the roof caved in. Once they were out of danger in a safer part of the house Khushi stopped in her tracks and Arnav realizing stopped in front of her still holding her hand until she pulled out of his grip. He turned around to look at her and could see the anger in her eyes. “I didn’t know…” Arnav started explaining when she cut him off. “You didn’t know? How is that possible? You’re god, you know everything!” Arnav now turned to face her. “Listen to me…” Arnav said but was cut off again. “No Mr Arnav Singh Raizada. Khushi Kumari Gupta has heard enough! Now it’s your turn to listen and if you’re not in the habit of listening then get used to it. What do you think? I don’t feel hurt? I don’t have any self-respect? I don’t have a family? I DON’T HAVE LIFE? No you don’t! Because you don’t think about anyone besides yourself!” Khushi burst out and pushed Arnav away. Arnav’s anger was increasing by the second he grabbed her wrists and pinned her against the wall not realizing how hard he was holding her wrists until a tear escaped. He loosened his grip and moved his hand only to find pieces of broken bangles falling to the ground and blood dripping down from Khushi’s hand where the bangle had pierced her skin. Khushi’s hand fell limp and she slipped into unconsciousness. Arnav had carried her to the car and had taken home that day.  He didn’t want to leave but he knew she was with her family and they’d take care of her. Arnav couldn’t help but blame himself. He didn’t know what he would have done if anything had happened to her. He would’ve died that day. It was also the day he had finally realized what his sister meant and she was right.

They let go of each other and stepped backwards, all without breaking their eye lock. The rain was pouring down and everybody was either inside the mall or in their cars taking cover oblivious to the two souls standing outside drenched. Except for two people, Sanjana and Karan had arrived at the mall to find Arnav leaving. She breathed a sigh of relief knowing he hadn’t seen Khushi until she saw everything that followed. “This is exactly what I wanted to avoid,” Sanjana said flatly. “As long as they don’t say anything to each other it’ll all be fine,” she said taking a deep breath. Karan nodded his head in agreement, “Can we at least get home before they do? You know how inquisitive they both can be and I really don’t feel like being cross examined by my best friend after almost watching her get run over.” Sanjana knew he was right, “You’re right. We should leave now but I’ll call you later once I’ve thought of a fool proof plan. I need to test it first just to make sure the idea works.” Karan raised an eyebrow, “It better be good because if this backfires it’s both our lives on the line.” Sanjana nodded her head in agreement and set off for home.

Khushi looked at Arnav once more before she turned away from him. “Khushi! Khushi wait,” he called after her retreating figure. She didn’t stop to listen to him. She increased her pace as she walked away from him. How could this happen every time? Whenever she tried to stay away from him he always found her. She had worked so hard over the past 8 months to get over everything that happened and it seemed like slowly everything was going to get undone. Every time she saw him and looked into those honey coloured eyes she could only remember the hatred she had seen in them that day. The day that changed her life, no both their lives forever. Khushi got into the car and drove back home as fast as she could before anything else could happen. Half an hour later Khushi stormed through the house racing past Karan who had been waiting for her and headed straight for her room. She threw the keys on the bed and still in her rain drenched clothes huddled herself in the corner of the room wrapping her arms around her legs and resting her head on her knees. She had a lot of time to think about whatever had happened in the last few days and she couldn’t hold it back anymore. She just let the tears flow down her cheeks. It was almost as if there was no end and they would never dry up. It was the eight months worth of pain and suffering that she had hidden all this time but couldn’t anymore. Was it possible that she still felt something for him after everything he had done? Was it possible after hating him so much? Could he still have a place in her heart? Was he still there? Had he been there all along? Most importantly – Did she ever really forget him? Did she still love him?

Chapter 7

“Now you know what happened, well my side of the story at least. I don’t know what started in RM or how it even came up but it did. I vowed I’d never go back there and I won’t. Nothing is going to stop me from hating him. I gave up on the whole idea of love because of him. My heart broke into too many pieces that day and the hatred I have for him burnt whatever was left of it,” it was clear to Karan that Khushi had died that day. She wasn’t the same Khushi they knew when she came back to Lucknow, she was different almost void of any feelings. Karan didn’t know someone could love another person to such an extent that if their heart was broken it would stay that way forever. “Ok, but from what you told me it doesn’t seem like anyone from there would want to see or hear from you again. Then why did Sanjana come to Lucknow? Why does she still come see you all the time?” Kran asked out of confusion. Khushi smiled, “Because she’s the only one who knows the truth. Arnav and I had feelings for each other and somewhere deep down we knew it but Sanju was the first one to realize what was going on between us. She knew us better than we knew ourselves. While I was here in Delhi I spent most of my time at RM after jiji got married and Sanju became like a sister except for the fact that she kept calling me Bhabi all the time so I starte thinking of her as a sister-in-law because I guess I kind of knew I was in love with Arnav. That was the day I called you and everything happened. Sanjana wasn’t there. She had gone on a business trip to London and was only coming back the next day. Jiji told her everything that happened when she got back because everyone knows she’s the only one that can handle Arnav. She didn’t even bother talking to Arnav or ask him what happened she managed to track me down and I told her everything.” Karan had a look of satisfaction on his face, “At least someone in that family has brains.” Karan had something up his sleeve and knew exactly what to do now that he knew everything it was going to be a little easier. Khushi tapped him on the shoulder, “I’m going to finish the movie. You coming?” she asked with a raised eyebrow. “After you,” Karan said cheerfully and they both settled themselves on the couch to finish their movie.

It was half past six when Arnav reached RM. He parked his car and sneaked in through the door. Di was always the first to wake up but she only woke up at seven on a Sunday. He climbed up the stairs stealthily and opened the door to his bedroom only to find his worst nightmare. There she was sitting on the recliner waiting for him. He thought it was so unbelievable that after everything that happened she was mad at him as if everything that happened was his fault. “Where were you all night? You obviously weren’t with Lavanya because she came her looking for you, so where were you?” she did this every time he stayed out without telling her and was used to it by now. “I told you before Sanju, I don’t have to answer to you. You’re not Di. You’re Aakash’s sister,” he said annoyed and angry. “And how many times do I have to tell you that it doesn’t make a difference to me because you’re both my brothers. Where were you last night?” Sanjana asked getting irritated. Arnav gave the ASR look. The one that scared all of his employees and anyone else that tried to mess with him. “Fine, if you don’t want to tell me I can’t force you. It’s your choice. There’s something else I want to ask you and if you answer it maybe you’ll know the reason I’m angry and annoyed with you all the time. Whether you’re going to answer me or not is another story.”

Arnav took off his waistcoat and undid his tie settling down on the bed, “What is it?” Sanju looked unsure of whether she should do it but after what happened last night she wouldn’t find a better opportunity, “What happened that day? How did it start?” Arnav looked up at her in shock. He couldn’t avoid it any longer so he might as well tell her what Payal didn’t, “Shyam brought it up. We going to throw a party for Aakash and Payal and I was discussing  the idea with Di when she suggested that maybe we should Khushi involved and between the two of us we could organize the party. I don’t know what happened to Shyam or why it took him so long but he came clean then saying he doesn’t want her to come and that she had been trying to seduce him and you know the rest.” Sanjana shook her head, “I can’t believe you. Just because he said something like that you took his word for it and didn’t even hear her out. What is wrong with you Arnav and don’t think I don’t know what happened here. Everyone else was scared because they were downstairs but I know you like the back of my hand Arnav. You are disgusting! Do you know that for five seconds she actually thought you were going to rape her? She of all people knew what you are capable of. She worked with you and after everything you did to her it wasn’t totally unexpected but it did come as shock. That’s why she got so angry Arnav. She was hurt. You hurt her!” Sanjana was pacing around the room shouting and screaming at him. Arnav stood up, ‘Enough,” he bellowed. “You have no right to judge me foe whatever I did. You won’t understand. Di is my life and I can do anything for her. Understand? I can’t stand it if someone tries to ruin her happiness.” Sanjana walked up to him and asked coolly, “Why are you getting so angry Arnav?” She could see the anger boiling in his eyes. “Why did you save her if you hate her so much? Why didn’t you just leave her there?” Arnav looked at her with surprise. “How do you know?” he asked softly. “I know everything that happens. You can’t hide anything from me. I have spies everywhere,” Sanju said with a small smile taking a step closer to him. “I… I couldn’t leave her there. They were going to… they were going to rape her Sanju,” Arnav said, his voice breaking. Sanjana wiped away the lone tear running down her face and placed a hand on his cheek. She could see it in his eyes. It was all a façade. He could deceive everybody else but not her. The hatred was only a show. It was the only way he could convince himself that whatever he had done was right and she was wrong. Hating her was the only way he could kick her out of his life, still it wasn’t strong enough. The love was still there. It was always there. She could see it in his eyes. He couldn’t stand the thought of someone else touching her. “It’s okay. I understand, I know why you did what you did but it was still wrong. You can’t hate her Arnav and you know that. You don’t have it in you. The hate you feel is because you think she cheated you. Because she tried to ruin Di’s happiness. Everything will fall into place eventually but I’m worried about you. I don’t know if you’ll be able to handle it, the regret for everything you did will kill you if she’s not here Arnav. No one knows you better than I do and I can’t see you like that.” Arnav looked at her confused. She gave him a small smile, “Don’t worry everything will be okay,” and she gave him a tight hug.

“We have to do something about this. I’ve never known she could be like this. She’s my best friend and I can’t stand the fact that she can hate him so much. She’s told me that he hates her, it’s the only reason he did what he did to her but I don’t think she knows. After what he did last night there is no way he hates her as much she thinks he does,” Karan blabbered over the phone. Sanjana knew he was right. If it wasn’t for Karan she would have never known what he did for Khushi. In a way she was grateful that someone saw. At least now she had some help otherwise this was never going to end. Now that they met it was going to be a waging war. She saw what had happened backstage and could see they clearly didn’t want to be near each other but now they had no choice. “You’re right he doesn’t hate her as much she thinks he does but I know for a fact that she hates the sight of him and doesn’t want to see him again. We have to find a way to clear all this up but first they need to meet a couple of times before everything gets sorted out otherwise it’s just going to make things very difficult,” Sanjana sighed. “Khushi’s gone to the mall so maybe you can come home and we can think about what we can do then…” Sanju cut him off, “Wait… Which mall?” The answer was exactly what Sanjana hoped wasn’t coming. “I’ll call you late. I have to get to the mall to see what’s going to happen because knowing their luck they’re probably going to find each other there too. I sent him to buy some stuff for Di but I guess he’s coming back empty handed. Meet me there if you can this is going to be interesting,” Sanju cut the call grabbed her bag and keys and got in her car. Karan followed suit and they both reached the mall.

Khushi was bored at home so decided to go shopping to kill time. She had been roaming around the mall for a couple of hours but couldn’t find anything she liked. Fifteen minutes later, after a very unsatisfactory shopping trip, she was walking out the mall to the parking lot. She was looking for the key to the car Karan had lent her and wasn’t looking where she was going when she heard a car speeding in her direction. She turned around and saw the car speeding towards her. She froze. She didn’t know what to do and the shock had taken control over body. She closed her eyes as the car neared her praying to her Devi Maaiya to save her. The car was three seconds away from hitting her when she felt a strong grip around her waist pulling her out of the way. She hugged him tight her eyes still closed, her head against his chest where she could hear his heartbeat. She could feel the warmth of his body against hers. He was holding her tight, both arms around her waist. She slowly recovered from the shock and felt the droplets of rain on her hands, her hair and then on her face as she slowly raised her head to look up at her saviour. For some reason she wasn’t surprised, she was thankful instead but when she looked at him his eyes were closed tight almost as if he was afraid. He opened his eyes and looked down to meet those hazel eyes that he loved. There they stood in the rain. Khushi in Arnav’s arms, drenched in the rain lost in each other.

Chapter 6

“What?” Karan turned around to face Khushi when he heard the shock in her voice. “Why are you so surprised?” Karan asked with a raised eyebrow. “After everything that happened I just didn’t think… He hates me, he blamed me for everything then why…” Khushi trailed off. “Look Khushi, you need to relax don’t stress about these things. I want to know what happened last night and don’t tell me it was nothing because from what you look like something definitely happened,” Karan asked with concern. Khushi looked at him helplessly as she reencountered the events of the previous night and how when she had prayed for help it was Arnav who had saved her. “Please don’t tell Priya anything. If she asks what happened I’ll come up with an excuse. I’m still in bed. She hasn’t seen my clothes yet and she only knows Arnav brought me here and is probably blaming him,” Karan shook his head in agreement with Khushi’s last statement. “Okay, I won’t tell her anything but then you need to shower and change your clothes so when she comes she doesn’t notice anything,” Karan ordered her as she got out of bed. She took off Arnav’s coat and looked at Karan, “Give it to me. I’ll return it to him.” Khushi breathed a sigh of relief. At least she didn’t have to come face to face with him again. She walked into the bathroom closing the door behind her as Karan made the bed. He took the coat and left in his room before he went downstairs to grab some breakfast.

An hour later Karan and Khushi were sitting in the lounge having coffee. They had planned to leave today but Priya insisted on staying so she could visit her niece. She had left after breakfast when she received a call from her brother and at that point they all decided that they would leave on Friday giving her three days to spend with her family. They were watching a movie when Khushi noticed Karan turning the volume down on the TV. “Karan, what are you doing?” Khushi asked confused. “I need to talk to you,” Khushi diverted her attention from the TV and turned towards Karan. “What happened, Khushi? What was it that made you come back to Lucknow? What could he have done that hurt you so much?” Karan needed answers. After everything he had seen and heard last night there was definitely something amiss. Khushi got up and walked to the kitchen with her mug but Karan wasn’t going to let it go that easily. She stopped at the sink, “I don’t want to talk about it, Karan. Whatever happened, happened. Nothing can change it and there’s no point in opening old wounds.” Karan folded his arms across his chest. “I’m not budging Khushi. We only have a vague idea. No one knows what happened and it’s possible it could have been a mistake or a misunderstanding,” Khushi turned around to face her friend and leaned against the sink. She knew he wasn’t going to let this go until all his questions were answered. “Fine. You want to know, I’ll tell you, Karan, but no one else is going to hear it. What everyone else knows is enough. They don’t need to know every detail,” Khushi said. “this stays between me and you,” Karan promised. “You’re one of my best friends and I always told you everything. You remember you were the one who told me that maybe I was falling for him. I had just spoken to you that day and you told me to tell him the truth about Shyam and the engagement before I told him how I felt,” Khushi looked lost in thought. “I remember. That was the last time I spoke to you over the phone because you were back in Lucknow two days later but you never told us why,” Karan said as he pulled out the chair from the table and sat down. “That was one day I want to forget and try to all the time but it’s almost like it’s stuck on repeat in my head. I just can’t forget…” Khushi whispered softly, just loud enough for Karan to hear.

**********************Flashback*******************

“You were right Karan. I’m going to visit Jiji anyway so I might as well do it now. Better late than never, right. Thanks Karan. I’ll call you later, I just reached.” Khushi put her phone back in her bag and adjusted her scarf as she walked up to the door. She had decided that today was going to be the day she was finally going to confess to him. She hadn’t realized when it happened and how it happened but it just did. Little did she know what awaited her inside. She opened the doors to the mansion and heard voices floating down from the hall, “No, Saale Sahib. I haven’t done anything. I could never imagine cheating Rani Sahiba. How could you think I would stoop so low. It was that Khushi, she was the one who was always trying to find a way to seduce me. I told her I was married to your sister but she said it didn’t make a difference to her whose sister she was.” Khushi couldn’t believe what she was hearing. How could anyone stoop so low to save themselves even if it meant tarnishing someone else’s reputation. She picked up her pace when she heard his voice, “You’ve been married to Di for two years and you’ve never done anything to hurt her so for your sake and hers I hope you’re telling the truth.” Khushi stood at the entrance to the hall far enough for them not to see her reaction to what was going on but close enough for them to see her. Arnav’s back was to her and she could see the smirk on Shyam’s face when he saw her standing there knowing she would have herad everything he had said before. “Exactly, you know me and I can’t hurt your sister especially not when she’s in this condition. If there is anyone you should be venting out your anger on it is Khushi because she is the cause of all of this and none of it would have happened had she stayed away when I begged her to. Why do you think she comes here all the time? She doesn’t come her to visit her sister she uses it as an excuse to try something every time,” Arnav fumed at what he was saying. He had seen them together on a few occasions but never had he thought she could be so cheap. How could she do that to him. Here he was thinking that for the first time in his life he felt something for someone. NO!

Khushi gasped and Arnav turned around. He looked at her with pure rage. She could see nothing but hatred in his eyes and she felt a stab in her heart. Arnav walked towards grabbed her by the wrist and pulled her to the centre of the hall where everyone was standing, “How could you? My family were never anything but nice to you. Your sister married my brother… how could you have stooped so low, dammit? I never would have thought you would do something like that but I guess I was wrong. You are low class and cheap and it’s just been proved. You’re not worth anything or anyone because you obviously just want money so you’re trapping any man you can find, married or not.” Khushi eyes were flooded with tears, they were pouring down at her cheeks while she listened to him degrading her in front of his family, in front of the people she thought of as her own family. “Arnav, just listen to me. He’s lying to you. He’s lying to all of you. I haven’t done anything like that and I never will. How could you…” he cut her off and grabbed her shoulders. “Because I hardly know you. You’re my sister-in-law’s sister. You’re nothing to me and I have no reason to trust or believe you whatsoever. He on the other hand has been married to my sister for two years. I can’t believe you’d even try again even after you knew the truth,” Arnav let go of her shoulders, grabbed her wrist again and dragged her up the stairs to his room while the rest of his family tried to stop him. Now it was between the two of them. What he said now only she needed to hear and no one else needed to see how ruthless he could really be. He shoved open the doors and flung her on the bed. He could see she was scared of him, almost as if she knew what he was going to do. He closed the door and edged towards the bed. “Why are you so scared now? Is it because we’re alone behind a closed door, Khushi? I thought this is what you like doing, being behind closed doors with a man,” he kneeled over the bed and pinned her arms down so she couldn’t move. Khushi was beneath him, she wanted to move but she just couldn’t. She was frozen. She couldn’t believe that even for a second she thought she loved him. If he was willing to try this on her, then all would be lost. He looked at her frozen body smirking, “Relax Khushi Kumari Gupta. I have self-respect, I’m not like you. I don’t have to tarnish your reputation anyway Ms Gupta. You’ve done that very well all by yourself.” He let go of her arms and stood up. What came next was something he would have never expected.

“What do you think of yourself Mr Arnav Singh Raizada?” Khushi screamed at him. He was caught by surprise. Everyone was panicking downstairs about what Arnav would have done to Khushi but now they could hear, loud and clear. “You think because one of your family members told you something I’ve done it’s true. Is that what you really think of me?” Khushi looked him in the eyes and could see the anger rising. “If you really want to know then yes, you are third grade and low class it doesn’t seem very unlikely,” Khushi could feel her heart breaking with every word he said. “I’m glad it all came out now. You know why? Because now I know you’re not who I thought you were. You’re a completely different person. You know something else, I’m going to do you a favour. Because I’m so low class, third grade and cheap you won’t ever have to see me again,” Khushi didn’t have any tears left. The only ones that were left were the ones that had dried. “Then let me help you find your way out,” he grabbed her by the wrist again but she wasn’t going to let it happen this time. “Let go of me!” she shouted. “I know where the door is and can find my own way out,” she said as she stormed down the stairs in RM making her way to the door. She stopped and turned around when she got to the door, “I’m glad you came down here because now everyone can hear me say it. I HATE YOU ARNAV! I hate you Mr Arnav Singh Raizada. I hate you.” Khushi walked out the doors of RM knowing there was no turning back now. She had to forget everything. All those moments they spent together all their unspoken I love you’s, everything. She’d go far away and start over. Somewhere she wouldn’t be haunted.

**********End of Flashback*************

That was the day both their hearts were ignited, burnt to flames and broken beyond repair. It was the very same day their love had died and their hatred was born.

Chapter 5

“Where is Khushi? What have you done?” Arnav could hear the worry and anger in Karan’s voice but right now what was important was Khushi. “Look I don’t have time to answer all your questions now. I’ll tell you whatever you want to know just tell me which god damn hotel you’re staying at,” Arnav’s voice was full of anger and Karan could hear it. “Okay, we’re not staying at a hotel. Khushi didn’t know where we were because we came without her. We’re staying at my cousin’s guest house. Here’s the address,” taking mental note of the address Arnav sped off. He couldn’t waste any more time. Khushi needed to get home and she needed to get there now.

The car came to a screeching halt outside the guest house. Karan and Priya had heard the car and opened the door. Arnav had Khushi in his arms and was bringing her inside. “Upstairs first room on the right,” he heard Karan say as he walked inside. He carried Khushi upstairs and couldn’t help looking at her. That sweet, innocent face that had taught him so much. She was mesmerising, beautiful. He didn’t need more than that to describe her. He put her down gently on the bed and pulled the covers over her. Not realising Karan had come up behind him and was standing at the door waiting for him he kneeled down next to the bed and took her hand in his and held it against his chest. He couldn’t stop himself. He had tried so hard to hate her but he just couldn’t. His head told him she was the one at fault but his heart just couldn’t. He stilled as much as he did before if not more. She meant everything to him. She was his world. “Khushi…” he whispered her name. “What were you thinking tonight when you decided to walk on your own?” he asked almost as if she was going to answer. “Don’t ever think of doing something like that ever again. What if something had happened to you? How would I have been able to live? You mean everything to me,” he said as a tear rolled down his cheek. “I can’t live without you. I know you think I hate you, I tried very hard but I just couldn’t. My heart wouldn’t let me because it kept telling me that you never did anything wrong. I still love you Khushi, I love you,” he whispered as his tear fell on his hand. He knew she was unconscious and wouldn’t remember anything maybe that’s why he told how he really felt. He didn’t want her to know he still loved her but he said it. There was a part of him, ASR, that hated her for what she had done. He wiped away the stray tears and put her hand down next to her gently. Karan had seen him getting up and went back downstairs.

Priya saw Arnav walking down the stairs and got up from the couch walking in his direction with anger. “What did you do to her this time? How low can you stoop Mr Raizada? What do you want from her? Haven’t you done enough?” Priya spat the questions. “Calm down Priya,” Karan said as he put a hand on her shoulder. “If Arnav did something to her he wouldn’t have brought her here. We shouldn’t be blaming him. It’s our fault, we let her walk alone.” Priya glared at Karan, “You know what he did to her and you know who he is. He’s capable of anything and I don’t trust him. I guess it doesn’t really matter what he did because Khushi is still going to be the one to suffer like she always has.” Priya ran upstairs to her room. She couldn’t see her best friend in this condition and it would just be best if she spoke to her when she was awake. “Her bag is in my car, I’ll go get it,” Arnav said as he walked outside. He was always vulnerable when she was in this condition, he couldn’t bear to see her hurt yet somehow that day he had forgotten everything he felt but now he knew that was ASR. I can’t leave her and go he thought to himself. Karan had waited by the door to get the bag from Arnav so he could leave but was shocked by what he heard, “I’ll stay with her tonight. I won’t get in your way and I’ll leave before she gets up in the morning.” Arnav said as he looked at Karan. He could see that of the two he was the more rational one and maybe he’d understand. Karan could see the pain in Arnav eyes, “Ok, there’s another room next to…” Arnav cut him off. “I don’t need a room.” Arnav said as he walked upstairs to Khushi’s room. All it took was that one moment for Karan to realize why he had done what he had. He didn’t know what happened to Khushi but Arnav had saved her. Even before everything happened he was always there when she needed him. If he hated her as much she said he did he wouldn’t be doing all this. There was only one reason. Arnav still loved Khushi, he heard him say it and he saw the pain in Arnav’s eyes because of Khushi’s condition.

Arnav walked into the room and put the bag down on the dresser. He spotted a chair next to the window and made his way towards it. He took out his phone before he sat down and called his Di to tell her he won’t be home tonight. He said it was late and they still had some things to finish up after the show so he is staying in a hotel near the hall. He looked at Khushi again after he had finished the call and leaned back in the chair. “Don’t worry Khushi, you’ll be safe tonight. I’m right here, I’m not going anywhere,” he whispered as he fell into a deep sleep. He felt the light shine on him as he opened his eyes. He looked at his watch. 6 o’ clock. He could see the sun starting to rise and decided it would be best to leave now before anyone got up. He got up and grabbed his phone and keys that he had left on the table next to the chair. He quietly closed the door behind him as he walked out and went downstairs. Everybody was still asleep so he let himself out. He got in the car and drove home. Nobody needed to know what had happened last night and where he was. He knew nobody would question him as to his whereabouts except for one person but he’d have to deal with her when he got home.

Khushi slowly opened her eyes. She looked around the room not recognizing anything until her eyes settled on her two best friends sitting at the edge of the bed. She smiled at them. “How are you feeling,” Priya asked as she and Karan helped Khushi up propping the pillow up against her back. “I’m a little shaken up but I think I’ll be alright. How did I get here?” she asked looking confused. Karan was about to answer Khushi’s question but Priya was faster, “What did he do to you last night? We should’ve never let you walk alone. God knows what he did. I’m not going to spare him just let me get my hands on him…” Karan walked to where Priya was sitting, “Calm down Priya. Relax. Why don’t you go make us some coffee while I help Khushi? It’ll take your mind of last night.” Priya got up, glared at Karan and stormed out the room as Khushi and karan laughed. “Who was she talking about?” Khushi asked as she shook her head at her friend. “Arnav,” Karan said as he looked at her. Khushi looked at him with shock as she suddenly recalled everything that had happened last night. She remembered how he had got there just in time. She looked at her clothes and noticed she still had his jacket on over her torn sari. She looked at Karan again. “He called me from your cell last night. You were unconscious I think. He asked for the address and brought you here. Look Khushi, I don’t know what happened last night but I do know that he didn’t do anything wrong otherwise he wouldn’t have cared so much. He wouldn’t have taken the trouble to find out where you’re staying and bring you all the way over here. He cares for you Khushi, he still worries about you. He wouldn’t have stayed here last night if he didn’t.” Karan said as he paced around the room. Khushi’s head shot up as she looked at Karan with surprise.

Chapter 4

The two men had cornered her.  There was a chance she could escape if she ran but it was slim. Why did it have to happen to her? Why tonight of all nights? The man with the cap took a step closer to her and she stepped back. The other, the one with the leather jacket, joined his friend. They kept walking towards her and she kept stepping back until she walked into the wall of the shop. “What is a pretty girl like you doing out so late at night alone? What if some goons attacked you and tried to hurt you?” asked the man with the cap. Khushi grabbed her sari holding tight closing her eyes as they crept nearer. “Don’t be scared. We’re not going to hurt you,” said the other with a laugh. Khushi started crying out of fear of what they were going to do to her. She had nowhere to go and was helpless. She prayed to her Devi Maiya hoping she would make it out okay, praying someone would save her. They grabbed the part of her sari that was pinned on her shoulder and pulled it away letting fall to the ground leaving her exposed. Khushi fought to try and grab it so she could cover herself but they had pinned her down, each holding one hand up against the wall.

 Arnav killed the engine, got out the car and ran across the road. The sight he saw when he reached the sidewalk disgusted him. As he got closer to the goons he noticed what they were doing. They were trying to force themselves onto a girl in a dark quiet street. They could’ve done anything they wanted and nobody would’ve known. She could’ve screamed as loud as she wanted to and nobody would’ve heard her. “Help, somebody help me!” he heard the cries of the girl but there was something in that voice that sounded familiar. He could hear the fear in her voice, he was sure he had heard it before. But where? “No, let go of me!” she screamed. Arnav broke into a run and stopped when he reached the spot they were standing. He grabbed the collar of the leather jacket and the man immediately turned around. “What do you want man? Can’t you see we’re busy? Get lost!” Arnav was fuming. He pushed him against the wall next to his friend. Arnav could tell he was drunk. “It’s not right to misbehave with a girl in a dark and quiet street, especially this late at night.” Arnav said through gritted teeth. He pushed Arnav and he stumbled back. Arnav heard more screams and cries from the girl. He looked towards her and saw her sari was trying to get pulled off. He looked at the goon that was moving the hair away from her face. That was when he lost all his self-control. Nobody touched Khushi. He didn’t care if she had left 8 months ago. She was still his and no one else’s. Blinded by rage Arnav punched the one against the wall in the gut and he buckled over falling to the ground crying in pain. Arnav kicked him breaking some of the bones in his arm. Realizing he wasn’t able to move Arnav turned his attention to the man harassing the girl. Arnav attempted to punch him in the rib as he was still facing the girl leaving his side open but he blocked the punch. He threw a punch at Arnav and the two ended up in a brawl with the goon landing a few punches but Arnav managed to beat him until he didn’t have any strength left and was bleeding from the nose and mouth. He looked over to where the girl was. She was hunched over on the ground with her head between legs. He could hear soft muffled sobs and saw her clothes were torn. He looked at her again and then turned towards the goons lying on the ground writhing in pain.

Khushi flinched when she felt someone touch her. She had seen someone come their way but couldn’t remember much of what had happened at that moment. She had been too scared and didn’t want to see anything so she closed her eyes and didn’t want to open them until everything was over. She could hear all the fighting but it was just adding to her fear. She felt so vulnerable. She couldn’t believe that she had almost been stripped of her dignity. She was frozen and couldn’t move. She didn’t want to. She just wished she had stayed and waited for Karan and Priya. If she had none of this would have ever happened. “Khushi…” she heard a soft whisper. She knew that voice. She could never make a mistake in recognizing it. She lifted her head up to see his face. She looked at him with blotchy, red eyes as he helped her get up. She was too much in a state of shock that she couldn’t even fix her sari, what was left of it at least. Arnav picked up the end of her sari that was lying on the ground and wrapped it around her. He took of his coat to put it around her and noticed her trembling. He couldn’t stand to see her in this state. She was slowly coming out of shock. She looked down at the two unconscious men lying on the ground then at the one standing in front of her. She was still scared and Arnav noticed. He knew Khushi and he knew how vulnerable she was right now. He took a step towards her and put his arms around her. Khushi didn’t try to stop him or push him away. His arms were her fortress. Her safe place where she knew no one could harm her and she didn’t have to worry. She leaned her head against his chest letting the tears fall. “Don’t worry, Khushi. Everything’s going to be okay. I’m here now.” She heard him whisper to her. She looked up at him into his eyes. That was the last thing she saw before she slipped away into the darkness.

Arnav felt Khushi’s weight against him. He picked up her bag he saw lying on the ground behind her and lifted her up in his arms and carried her towards the car. He put her in the passenger seat and got into the car behind the wheel. He looked at her thinking what they would have done to her had he not arrived. What if he had left earlier as he planned on doing? He pushed all the questions he had to the back of his mind thinking about Khushi. Right now he needed to get to where she was staying. She wasn’t hurt and didn’t need to go to the hospital. He reached for her bag that he had left on the backseat and took out her cellphone. He looked at the recently dialled numbers and redialled the last number. “Hello, Khushi where are you? I was just about to call you. It’s been over an hour.” Arnav braced himself as he heard another voice on the other end. It was probably Priya seeing as a guy had answered the phone. “Karan where is she?” he heard. Arnav braced himself, “Karan, it’s Arnav Singh Raizada speaking. Khushi is with me. Which hotel are you staying at?”

Chapter 3

It was almost as if it was the first time they had met. The only difference was that now he knew who she was and she knew exactly who he was. No matter how hard she tried she would never be able to forget. Every moment of her life that ever meant anything to her was a moment she had spent with him. What she was showing him wasn’t who she really was. It was only a part of her. The part that she wouldn’t have even known existed if it wasn’t for him. In a way she was grateful for what he did to her. It was thanks to him that she learnt how cruel the world really was, she learnt how to survive. She knew the wounds he left when he’d hurt her would never heal. She also knew she’d never open up to anyone again. She’d never make herself vulnerable. She was naïve then but she knew better now. The position he’d put her in, their surroundings, it surfaced the memories of their first meeting. The first time she had ever seen him. She didn’t know if it was fate or destiny. It was all an accident. She didn’t how it happened but it did. It was the day of her Jiji’s wedding and her future brother-in-law’s parents had demanded dowry. She was hoping to reach her Jijaji in time before the wedding because he was the only option they had. It just so happened that that was the day luck was against her. She had accidentally ended up walking down the ramp at his fashion show in Lucknow completely unaware of who he was hoping to find her Jijaji. Little did she know that this one incident would change her life forever, for better or for worse.

*****************************Flashback************************************

Khushi walked down the ramp not realising where she was and what she was doing. Everybody at the show mistook her for one of the models but she was out of place. All the models had been modelling dresses designed by AR and she had a green and gold lehnga. The show had come to standstill. She reached the end of the ramp and stood there scared and confused. Where had she come? What was she doing? She looked around at the crowd until she saw someone stand up. He was wearing a black suit and was sitting in the front row. She turned to look at him but the expression on his face made her more scared than she already was. He had started making his way towards the ramp when she turned around to walk back the way she came but stepped on her veil and fell of the ramp. She closed her eyes waiting to hit the ground when she felt two strong arms break her fall. She opened her eyes to look into those of the man who had stood up when she walked down the ramp, the eyes of Arnav Singh Raizada. He had a stern look on his face one of almost anger but not quite. It almost seemed as if both of them were unaware of the masses of people looking on. Event managers had been running around trying to figure out how all of this could have happened when security approached the front of the crowd. Arnav had finally come back to reality and realized he was still holding her. He had put her down and not knowing he was standing on her veil he pushed her towards the guards and her veil came off. Khushi turned around to look at her veil lying on the ground and then at Arnav. Little did she know he was the one person that was going to change her life.

The guards had thrown her in a dressing room. Khushi felt bare without her scarf and took the pink one she saw lying on the chair. She had put on and was just about to walk towards the door when it opened and in walked Arnav. He closed the door behind him so no one would hear their conversation. He kept walking towards her until he was two feet away and stopped. “Who are you? Who sent here? How much did they pay you to ruin my fashion show?” he asked with rage. It was the first time anything of this sort had ever happened. He was known for his image and perfection in the way he did things. He wasn’t going to let some girl ruin his image and his reputation. Khushi moved back scared because of the anger she saw on his face and heard in his voice. “Answer me god damn it!” Khushi was trembling with fear but didn’t want to make him any angrier. “I was looking for someone but I think I came to the wrong place. I needed to do something before my sister’s wedding and was looking for someone but I guess I got lost.” He walked towards her and she didn’t know if it was out of fear or natural instinct but she kept moving back. “Don’t lie to me. It’s in your best interest if you just speak the truth.” He kept moving forward as he spoke knowing there was nowhere for her to go. Khushi had taken one more step back when she hit the wall. She noticed Arnav still hadn’t stopped and was still coming towards her. “What’s your name?” He had cornered her in the dressing room and she had nowhere to go. “Please let me go. If I don’t my sister’s wedding won’t take place. I need to leave. Please.” Khushi pleaded as she tried to move past him but he was too quick. He grabbed the top of her arms and pushed her back against the wall. “I asked you a question. It doesn’t even look like you know who I am. I’m Arnav Singh Raizada. Nobody ruins my work and gets away with it.” Arnav tightened his grip on her arms as he spoke with outright rage. Khushi was hurting and her eyes started wellling up with tears. His grip was so tight that she felt like she was going to get bruises. She had had enough. Did he really expect her to just stand there and listen while he threw false accusation at her? Did he really think she was that weak? He was hurting her physically, that pain she could take but not being falsely accused of something she hadn’t done. “Look Mr Arnav Singh Raizada, I’m not going to stand here and listen to you accuse me of something I didn’t do. Let go of me. You have no right to touch me or talk to me this way.” Khushi pushed him back and he let go of her. She still had tears flowing down her cheek. From the pain he had caused her? No. From the fact that her sister’s wedding would cancelled because of her if she didn’t make it in time? Yes. Arnav’s just kept getting angrier. He couldn’t believe what had happened. Never before had anyone walked away from him. He had always been given answers when he wanted them… then why was she being so difficult. All he wanted was answers and the truth. He wanted to know who sabotaged his show. He wasn’t going to let her go that easily. If she thought she could just walk away from him then she thought wrong. She was an arm’s length way from him when he reached back and grabbed her wrist. He pulled her swinging her around and holding her hand behind her back pulling her towards him. His grip on her wrist was tight and she could feel the pain searing through her. “How did you even dare to walk away. I wasn’t finished.” His tone was harsh. More tears streamed down her cheeks. The fact that he was causing her pain seemed to have no effect on him whatsoever. It was almost as if he was heartless and couldn’t feel anything… or maybe he didn’t want to feel anything. “Let go of me. You’re hurting me.” Khushi cried out. He just looked at her with anger in his eyes. He didn’t seem to feel anything, almost as if he wasn’t even human. He didn’t even feel any remorse for the pain he was causing her. Nothing. “It’s no use. I’m not going to get anything out of you anyway. You’re not going to give me he answers I want.” He let go of her. “Just get lost.” He shouted at her and Khushi ran out of the dressing room far away from the fashion show, far away from the person who she never wanted to see again. She never wanted to feel that kind of pain again. She never wanted to feel that scared again.

***********************End of Flashback********************************

She remembered reaching home only to realize that it was too late. Nothing could be done. The groom’s family had called off the wedding. Her sister was shattered but there was nothing anyone could do now. It was too late. “If you knew it was my fashion show why did you take AR as a client. You should have known better.” Arnav said in a smug tone with a smug look on his face. “That’s the thing Mr Raizada, I didn’t even know it was yours until I saw the AR signs on either side of the stage. You see, this event would boost our business and my partners knew that but they also knew I’d never accept the event because it was yours. They decided to take up the project without informing and arrived in Delhi. I hate not handling any event personally so I decided to come to Delhi and look at my bad luck. I see my client for the first time and it’s you.” Khushi said with a smirk on her face. She knew she had pushed the right button. He was definitely going to react to this. “Look, Miss Khushi Kumari Gupta,” he said as he pulled her even closer holding her tighter. “I’m not happy about seeing you either but then again it’s not like we have a choice.” Khushi smiled at him. It wasn’t what she was expecting. She was expecting anger and that ruthlessness that she knew he was capable of but it never came. “Well, then I’d be glad to get out of your face if you would just let me go. I don’t even know why you tried doing this. Were you hoping that it would have the same effect it did all those months ago or were you expecting it to do more? I’m going to let you in on a little secret,” Khushi leaned forward and whispered into his ear, “I don’t feel pain anymore. I don’t feel anything anymore.” Arnav let go of her and stepped back. He looked at her knowing somewhere deep down that he was the reason for it, but he didn’t care. He hated her for what she did to his family and what she did to him. She could never be forgiven. Khushi walked past him to look for Karan and Priya hoping to find them soon so she could get out of there.

Khushi had finally found Karan and Priya when they were clearing up the stage and ramp taking down all the lighting and decorations. “Khushi, what happened? Why are looking so pale? Are you okay?” Priya asked concerned. Khushi looked at Priya and she immediately understood. Khushi didn’t need to say anything. “I’ll leave you alone for a while. Karan and I will finish up. When you’re ready to leave come find us and we’ll go back to the hotel. I’ll ask Karan to book the earliest flight back to Lucknow.” Priya went back to helping Karan finish up so that they could leave. She knew Khushi didn’t want to be there any longer and wasn’t going to make her wait any longer than she had to. Khushi was greatful for the friends she had. She didn’t even have to say anything and Priya knew what had happened. Not all of it. But she still knew. She went backstage to fetch her bag knowing he would have left. She knew him too well. If she was there, there was no way he was going to stay any longer than he had to. She grabbed her bag and walked towards the end of the ramp where Karan and Priya were taking off the fairy lights. “Just give us two minutes, Khushi. We’re almost done then we can leave,” Karan said as he untangled the lights. “Don’t worry. You two take your time and sort everything out. I need some fresh air so I’ll walk back to the hotel and get a taxi if I’m tired,” Khushi said. Priya dropped the lights she had in her hand and looked at Khushi, “Are you mad? After everything that happened you want to go alone. What if something happens to you?” Khushi could see the worry in Priya eyes. “Don’t worry. Nothing will happen to me. If I’m not at the hotel within an hour then look for me okay. I promise it won’t take longer than that,” Khushi gave both her friends a small smile and headed for the door.

She needed to be alone for a little while. It wasn’t as if she didn’t know Delhi. She’d lived there for 8 months. She needed to think about what had happened. What game was fate playing with her? Why was god doing this to her? She had tried so hard to forget everything that happened since she came to Delhi, every memory she had shared with him. She tried to forget HIM. She would have been successful to if only she hadn’t come to Delhi. Maybe she should have stayed behind and let Karan and Priya handle it. She thought back to what had happened backstage. Why is that despite hating him she still loved him. She had shown him how much she hated him when she told him she had only come for business and nothing else. She had shown him that he meant nothing to her. Then why, why did she still feel something for him. She tried to forget him but never could. Is it because she loved too much? Is it because she would have given up her life for him? Could she still love him even after everything he’s done? There were so many questions that she didn’t have the answer to. How could she be so confused? Nothing made sense anymore. The hatred was there but it wasn’t enough to kill her love for him. Her love for him was too strong. What she had shown him backstage was a façade. It wasn’t the real her. It was part of who she had become but not completely. She had killed all her feelings and vowed to never let anyone else in ever again but was it possible that he could revive everything she had killed. A part of her had also died. Her friends tried very hard to revive the happy-go-lucky Khushi they knew but somewhere along the line of trying to rebuild her life and forget him she forgot how to be happy. She still couldn’t forget what had happened backstage though. Why did her heart still beat faster when she was around him? he had broken her heart into so many pieces that she didn’t think it was possible she could ever love again but somehow when she saw him and when he pulled her closer towards him she could hear the dhak dhak that she hadn’t heard in over eight months. Was it possible? She shook her head. It couldn’t be. Tears streamed down Khushi’s face as realization had suddenly dawned her. Even after all this time. Even after all the effort she put into trying to forget him. She had the answer to all her questions. She still loved him. Her vision was blurred from the tears in her eyes and she couldn’t see properly. She was about half to the hotel when she heard the sound of glass breaking on the sidewalk behind her. She wiped away her tears and tried to clear her vision as she turned around. Fear had suddenly taken over and she froze. There were two drunk men walking towards her wolf whistling. The whistle rang in her ears bringing her back. Khushi turned on her heels and started running. She had heels on with her sari that she had worn for the show and was too tired to change before she left. She knew she wouldn’t be able to run very fast but was hoping to make it far enough away from them to stop and call for a taxi. She rounded the corner onto the next street and stopped when she didn’t see them. She didn’t want to turn around to see if they were chasing her so she didn’t know if they were behind her. She looked at her watch then down the street. It seemed as if she had lucked out. It was half past ten and there were no taxis in sight. She turned around to see if she was still safe but froze. They were running after her. There was a distance of two feet between them and there was no way she was going to be able to escape. Now all she could was pray.

After his encounter with Khushi backstage, Arnav knew he wouldn’t be able to stay any longer. He was walking towards the exit doors at the back of the hall when he was stopped by one of their clients who wanted to compliment him on the fashion show. Arnav had eventually ended up moving to one of the tables at the back of the hall and was discussing a business deal. He looked down at his watch and saw it was quarter past ten. “Thank you for the offer Mr Sharma but I think it’s getting quite late now. Maybe you could come by the office tomorrow and we could arrange a meeting to finalize the deal and sign the contract,” Arnav said as he stood up. “Sure no problem. I understand you’re a very busy man Mr Raizada but I will get my secretary to phone and set up a meeting at you r office. Goodnight then,” Mr Sharma greeted Arnav as he left. Arnav looked around the hall glad to know this show was a success unlike the previous one. He saw a few people packing away stuff and cleaning up the hall so he decided to leave and go home. He walked to the parking lot, got in his car and left for home. He couldn’t help thinking about Khushi. He had never expected to see her. He never wanted to see her after what she had done. For the first time in fifteen years he had opened himself up to someone. He allowed himself to get close to her. He fell in love with her. He protected her from everything. Why? Why did this have to happen to him? She had broken down the wall he had built around himself … and then she was the cause of him rebuilding that wall. He would never let anyone in again. Never. He was driving down the street noticing it was unusually quiet until he saw the time. This part of Delhi was always like this when it was this late. People were probably throwing parties elsewhere and other people would have been caught up in something else at half past ten at night. He was driving down the street when he suddenly hit the brakes jerking the car to a stop. Two men were interfering with a girl on the sidewalk.