When Dreams Become Nightmares!

Character Sketch

The main LEADS…

Khushi Kumari Gupta: or (Khushi Thakraal)

She is 18. Lives In London. She belongs to an upper-middle class family. She is an adopted child of Garima and Shashi gupta. Her real parents were neighbors of the gupta’s. Her real mother, Tejaswini Thakraal, died after giving birth to her, that is why her father Vijendar Thakraal hated little Khushi. He disowned Khushi as soon as she took birth. Shashi who was the best friend of Vijendar couldn’t bear little Khushi’s crying face. From the birth itself Garima saw her own daughter in Khushi. So they adopted her. Khushi is very bubbly and happy go lucky person who is extremely optimistic. She saw a good thing in very situation. But somewhere down under, where her heart lived, she was sad, very sad. She didn’t have numerous dreams. Just some dreams she could afford to see.

Arnav Singh Raizada:  (ASR)

He is 25. Lives In London. Owns his company ‘AR fashions’. It is one of the world’s leading Fashion Companies. He is rich, extremely powerful and influential And also he is diabetic. He is one of the most eligible bachelors of the country. Arnav is ruthless and wants to win at any cost.  When he is good, he is intelligent and hardworking, but when he is bad, he is arrogant, aggressive, short tempered AND violent. Apart from his bad tempers he is extremely famous among the girls, every girl just wants to be in his mind, even if its just for a second. Every model in the fashion industry willingly dies to work with him coz one show with ASR and their life is set. AR is not just a name in fashion industry, it’s a milestone. And ASR who is now the king of fashion industry. When he wants to achieve something he can go to any extent, ANY. The one and only person he loves more than himself is his younger sister Anjali. He is a bit dark character of the story coz he also holds a dark past. His sister Anjali is the only one with whom he becomes the caring Arnav and for the rest of the world, he is a ruthless winner.

 

 

UdayVeer Singh: (UV)

He is 23. Childhood and the only friend of Khushi. He also lives in the same neighborhood. He is attractive, rich and extremely caring for Khushi. He knows her in and out. There is no secret between him and Khushi. UV was already in love with her when he didn’t even knew what love meant, but Khushi just had friendly feelings for him. And he was okay with it, as he knew there would be time when she will recognize him as more-than-a-friend. He does not want to force his feelings on her. He would happily wait for her, till his last breath. He is over protective and sometimes even possessive of Khushi. But that doesn’t make him a gray character in this ff. he is utterly a positive guy who cannot bear Khushi in pain.

 

(I know what you guys are thinking! So lemme tell you, this is not a-love-triangle way!)

 

 

Now the other main characters:

 

Payal Gupta:

She is 22. Elder daughter of Shashi and Garima. She is the same as she is in the show- caring, shy, and simple but being shy doesn’t mean she can take anything that comes her way. If time needs her to stand for herself or her family then she would. She is simple but yet expensive gifts please her. Which girl would not like to get gifts? But if anyone tries to ask her forgiveness by pleasing her with gifts then its impossible. If she is angry then nothing can please her. There is only one person she can’t be angry with, Khushi. She is payal’s weakness and strength both. If anything hurts Khushi, Payal cant bare it. Payal is protective of Khushi too. She knows her dark past and tries to shield her with every harsh wind. She is also best friends with UV.

Anjali Raizada:

She is 18. (She does not limp in this ff). She is all fit and fine. Also same as she is in the show. She is very sweet and caring but very naughty when she is with Arnav. Arnav does not get angry on her, no mater how big her mistake is. He pampers her a lot. Even though she is younger, She takes extreme care of Arnav, as she knows he forgets his health when he is in his full-on-work mode. She is the one who knows how soft hearted and vulnerable Arnav really is. She is the one who can see the emptiness in his eyes even though he claims to be all ‘fine’. Arnav calls her ‘anji’.

Other characters-

(they are not much important though.)

Shashi and Garima: Foster parents of Khushi and real parents of payal.

Tejaswini(tej) and Vijendar (vij) Thakraal: real parents of Khushi. Tej is dead.

Astha and Giriraj Singh : UV’s parents.

Arnav’s Nani : same as the show. Lives with Arnav and Anjali in RM

Prakash bros (hari prakash, jai prakash, om prakash): hehe. They work in RM.

 

Concept…

Khushi, which means happiness, is the name of an Indian girl living in London. When every girl dreamt of being rich, successful and famous, Khushi dreamt of being a mother. So she decided at a young age that one day she will be a mother and would love all the children in this world. Little Khushi dint knew what it meant but she really, from her whole heart, wanted to be a mother and have a family, her perfect family.

Arnav, which means an ocean, was exactly like his name. He too lived in London and was extremely rich and famous. He was a self made man. Arnav saw very much ups and downs in his life that made him like his name, a sea, impossible to predict. At once he was calm and steady, and the next moment he held so power and anger, that could destroy anything coming its way, like a tsunami.

 

Khushi who was so full of life that she saw positivity in every aspect of life. Wherever she went, she made everyone’s life full of happiness. Khushi lived a protective. She was being protected even by the harsh wind. But what will happen to her when this tsunami, called Arnav enters her world? Will she be able to stand it?

What devastations will Arnav bring in her world? or what happiness Khushi will be able to fill in his life?

 

What will happen when these two, exactly opposite worlds collide together? Will they be able to make it?

 

Read and find out!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Warning- violent content ahead! *

This is the story of a simple yet special girl, Khushi. Her life was not easy. She had many hurdles, stones, thorns and monsters on her way of life. When her mom Tejaswini came to know that she is pregnant she was on cloud nine. Vijendar loved her a lot and was happy too. She was so happy to have a child that she didn’t even knew that, to give life to her baby, she had to sacrifice her own. When Khushi was born, her mother left her. Vij loved tej a lot that’s why when she passed away he hated Khushi, his own daughter. Shashi and Garima were present at the hospital as they were neighbors and the family friends of thakraal’s. When doctor told that tej passed away giving birth to a baby girl, vij instantly started to blame her of killing tej when she was just an hour old, and refused to take her in his arms. It was Shashi who held her first and instantly was so happy to see her that he named her Khushi that instant. Garima saw the irony of the little child and took the responsibility of giving the motherly love to her. Shashi and Garima bought Khushi home and introduced her to a 4-year-old Payal as her sister. Payal also took the baby Khushi in her arms and kissed her cheeks saying, “welcome to the family, sister.” From that day on, the gupta’s were Khushi’s family. Khushi lived with them and hence gave her all the love they could.

When Khushi was 5 she used to play on the road near vij’s house. And every time his eyes fell on her he just spitted fire. He used to shout at her and make her leave the place. The little Khushi would run to her house crying. There was no one who can make her stop crying, but only one person, a boy in the neighborhood. Udayveer. He would just please and pamper her so much that she would forget her sorrows and start to smile again. He was the one who brought her out of the crying sessions again and again. When she grew up and was 10, she asked Shashi why the man in the neighborhood, hated her. Seeing the sincerity in her eyes Shashi couldn’t make himself to lie to her. So he told her how her mother left her to them and passed away and the man in the neighborhoodwas no one but her own father. Khushi was extremely guilty. She can understand that her father loved her mother that’s why he hated her. So On her every birthday she used to visit him once. Just to say she is sorry and she wants to live with him, her father. But vij every time pushed Khushi out of his door and she would return home, crying. The day she should be the happiest, became worst day of her life. The day her mom left her and yes Khushi too blamed herself for killing her mother, but dint let anyone know.

Udayveer was the one who pampered Khushi a lot. When she returned home crying he made Khushi stop crying and eat sweets he bought her. Seeing their affection Shashi and Garima usually had tears in their eyes. Khushi was such a wonderful child anyone could ever wish for. Seeing Khushi cry so badly UV once asked Shashi what the matter was. Why she returned home crying on her every birthday. Shashi told him the reason. And that day Udayveer swore to protect her. He would accompany her every time she visited her father. He would just stand out the door and waited for her to come. It would hardly take her 5 mins to come out as vij would accuse her and she would return back, crying. It was their routine for Khushi’s birthday. She would go to meet vij in the morning and return home crying where Uv would console her and then they would celebrate her birthday with the gupta’s.

Some more years flew and it was her birthday again. As usual she went to her father in the morning along with uday. Uv just stood at the door and Khushi went inside. Usually it hardly took her 5 mins to come but today it was 15, then half an hour passed, Shashi and Garima too came out of the house to find them. They started to get worried seeing uv still outside the door. UV couldn’t stop himself from going in. and when he went in with Shashi and Garima he saw the place was pitch dark, covered with the curtains. And then a horrific scream! Shashi panicked and switched the lights on. The sight made them rooted to the spot. Khushi was trembling in the corner holding her knees to her chest. Her shoulder had a deep cut and was bleeding. Vij had a long knife in his hands. They were so shocked that they forgot to react. Khushi saw towards UV and stood up with pleading eyes to save her and soon her eyes went bigger and widened. When UV looked down he saw the knife which vij was holding was now in her body, below her chest. and the blood was oozing out like a tap. Khushi took a long sigh and fell on the floor, unconscious. Uv ran to her side with Garima while Shashi held a violent vij away from her.

Shashi was busy beating vij and UV was just holding her in his arms. That was after a minute or two he realized that he has to take out the knife. And with utter difficulty he held the knife in his trembling hands and tried to take it out. And when he finally took out the knife, more blood started coming out. Uv held her wound to stop the blood and ordered Garima to bring the car. He thanked god that Garima aunty knew driving, they rushed Khushi to the hospital while Shashi called the police and made sure vij was in prison for whole life.

Shashi came to the hospital and was told that Khushi was out of danger. She was a strong girl, she survived. But the accident made her a phobic. From that day on she was utterly scared of being alone and being in the dark. That day Shashi legally adopted Khushi and gave her his name, Khushi GUPTA. She was no more a Thakraal. She was shashi’s daughter now. And he would love her in every bit. Payal and UV grew more possessive and protective towards her. They wouldn’t leave her alone anywhere. If she needs to go anywhere, she was supposed to take Payal or UV with her. They all went to the same school, but were in the different classes. Khushi was in 7^th grade while UV and payal were in 12^th. Payal and uv’s school ended before Khushi’s. But they waited for her after their classes just to make sure she was not alone and they took her home with them.

One day when Khushi came out of the class, she saw UV and Payal waiting for her as usual. But something was different. She was not seeing UV in the eyes. She faked a smile and started coming towards them. Just then UV noticed something and asked Payal to wait for them in the car. Payal protested at first but left.

Uv took her face in his hands and asked, “What’s the matter?”

Khushi looked away and said “nothing.”

Uv looked directly in her eyes with a hint of anger “tell me.” although his voice was calm, she knew what was coming.

“i..i..tripped.” and looked down her knees. It was what UV had noticed. Her blood, on her knees. The skirt that she wore had prints of 4 drops of blood. Four. That was far too much for him to handle.

“Who did it?” he said looking at her with I-am-not-going-to-buy-any-excuses look.

Khushi sighed and said “him.” she pointed towards a boy who was laughing at the parking lot. Uv instantly was infront of that boy and pushed him on the ground.

“Hey!” that boy yelled and UV stepped on his knee.

“AAH!!” he yelled in pain and Khushi came to his side holding uv’s hand and tried pulling him away. Khushi heard the boy’s cries and looked away. Soon children from the school started to gather around them. Everyone knew UV was a rich spoilt boy whose father was one of the trustees, so they all kept mum.

“That’s for hurting Khushi!” he said and pulled him up by his collar. “If I saw you anyway near her again then next time it wont be just your leg.” With that he pushed him to the ground again and held Khushi firmly and walked to his car.

At the way they met Mr. Thomas, their principal.

“whats the matter, son?” he enquired worriedly looking at crowd in the parking lot.

“He hurt Khushi!”  That’s all he said and went off holding Khushi’s hand. Mr.Thomas also knew how protective UV was. He never had a fight with anyone if it was not for Khushi. But when it was for her, he was uncontrollable.

They went to their car in which payal was sitting at the front and UV and Khushi sat at the back seat.

As soon as they were in the car Khushi asked, “what was that uv?”

“He hurt you! So he deserved it!” UV said matter of fact-ly.

“You cant go hurting people and breaking their knees just for a scratch.!” Khushi protested.

“A scratch does not bleed, Khushi!” uv said looking at her skirt which had blood marks.

“But its dressed now, its not hurting!” she showed him her knee which was dressed in white bandage.

“He would also be dressed in the same way tomorrow, don’t worry.” And smirked away.

“Your impossible! Jiji tell him that he was wrong!” Khushi looked at payal.

“Yes UV what you did was wrong!” uv raised an eyebrow. “You should have broke his head, instead!” saying she laughed and high-fived UV.

“Impossible!” said Khushi and huffed looking out the window.

She could never argue with them in this matter. But somewhere she thanked the one above for giving her the two most lovable people in the world. They cared for her more than she herself ever can.

Some years later…

Khushi- 18

UV- 23

Payal- 22

It was Khushi’s birthday again. Today Khushi became 18. It was in the morning when UV woke up and his cell phone beeped. It was a message from Payal.

“It’s the day again!”

As soon as UV read the message he forgot to breath for a second. He got up and quickly had a shower and went to Khushi’s home. Every year on Khushi’s birthday he did that one thing which he hated doing the most.

He went to Khushi’s room and entered to see her writing something on her heart-shaped letter pad. She looked at him and quickly closed it shut.

“What the hell!” Khushi glared at him. “Cant you knock?!”

“Nope!” UV said casually and laid on her bed.

Khushi sighed at his remark and tore the piece of paper in which she was writing something, folded it nicely and put it in a white envelope and gave it to uv.

“You know I don’t like doing this!” uv said in pleading voice.

“Either you go or I?” Khushi said folding her arms.

“Ok I WILL!!” he said instantly and got up from the bed.

“Go right now! And don’t forget to bring me his answer.”

 

It was UV and Khushi’s little secret! They dint let anyone know. Not even Payal. It was just between him and Khushi.

Uv held the letter in his hand as he stood outside his destination. The place where he needed to deliver this letter, Jail.

From 3 years UV was the one who took Khushi’s letter and delivered it in the prison, to none other than the man he hated the most, her father. She was 15 when that accident happened and he was sent to jail. Khushi was heart broken. On her birthday again she wanted to meet him! Uv was flabbergasted. But Khushi was adamant on meeting him. Uv then somehow managed to console her and make her understand that she can’t go in jail, so should write a letter to him and he will personally go and give it to him. Khushi agreed.

And even after 3 years, here he was again, holding the letter and going to give it to him. But this year as he saw her writing something on that ‘heart-shaped letter pad’ he was curious to know what was written in it.

As he stood outside he opened the envelope and took out the letter. He was mesmerized! Khushi took an extra effort to write this! Her handwriting was not that good though but in this letter it was like awww! And she made smiley and faces everywhere!

(The letter)

Dear daddy. 🙂

 

I know you couldn’t bring yourself to forgive me daddy but I m really sorry! I really am! I too blame myself for killing my mother! I dint wanted to! I was unknown to the fact that time. Please forgive me. Daddy, please come back. I need you here with me. I want you here Even though bauji (shashi) takes a great care of me and amma (Garima) never lets me feel that I m not their child. But I know I m not! I am your daughter. You’re my father. I need you here! Everyone takes a good care of me here, don’t worry. You just take care of yourself. Come back soon.

 

Your’s

 

Khushi

 

—

As UV read the letter he clenched his fists and was about to kill himself for not understanding the inner turmoil Khushi held. But more than that he was angry with her for thinking that she was the reason of her mother’s death. There was a mad rage in his eyes. He entered the jail and met with the incharge officer who took him to vij, and then suddenly UV started to feel utterly disgusted at this man in front of him. The daughter who loved him so much, he tried to kill her, and even after suffering a major accident, Khushi loved him!

“I bought you a letter Mr. Thakraal!” UV voice was venomous. He narrowed his eyes as he came near the rods of the prison.

Vij took the letter and without even seeing it once he tore it into pieces and threw it out on his face. Uv instantly held his collar and was about to hit him when the officer came and pulled UV away.

—

Khushi waited for UV desperately. She wanted to read his reply. That’s when she heard his car coming and rushed to the door. He saw her coming out, held her hand and shoved her in his car and drove away. After few seconds they reached the beach where there was no one right now. Uv pulled her out and pushed her on the sand, although he was careful she doesn’t get hurt.

“ARE YOU GOING TO EXPLAIN WHAT ARE YOU DOING!!” UV shouted on top of his lungs and was about to explode in anger. He wanted to punch something so hard that it breaks into tiny little pieces just like his heart was right now.

“What have I done?” Khushi asked casually, getting up.

“What have you done? Khushi you wrote you were ‘guilty’ and ‘sorry’ and what not!! Care to explain why??” uv said controlling himself from giving this girl a piece of his mind.

“You read my letter! That’s bad manner UV! You shouldn’t – ”

Uv held her shoulder and bought her near his face and spoke in deathly tone “believe me – right now, I m far from my manners Khushi.! Don’t challenge me to show that to you!! Now EXPLAIN why you wrote that stupid stuff in your so called letter!!”

“Stupid!? That’s the biggest truth of my life to which you are calling STUPID!” Khushi freed herself and spoke to him looking in his eyes.

“That’s not truth! You dint kill your mom!! So why are you sorry to that man!” uv’s eyes spitting fire.

“That man is my father!!” Khushi said as a tear fell from her eyes.

“ohh! On birthdays usually a father gives presents and gifts to their child and what did he gave you! This!!”  Uv said as he tore the shoulder-sleeve of her top and a big wide cut mark came in sunlight.

Khushi quickly hid it from him and moved the other side.

“Closing your eyes to the Sun doesn’t mean it isn’t the day anymore!” he raised his voice but then understood that he did wrong and calmed it again, “Come on Khushi, I know you are hurt that your father doesn’t love you. But it’s not your fault! He-”

“Its not my fault?” Khushi said turning, “it is totally my fault! If I were not born then my mother would be happily alive with daddy. She gave me birth on her deathbed! I was the reason of her death!”

“NO!!” uv shouted again. “YOU were the reason of her love! She loved you more than her life itself! She wanted to give life to you even if it meant death for herself! She loved you in every way a mother would! And if this little thing is not understood to that man then it’s not your fault! You can’t keep blaming yourself for the crime you never did.” Uv tried making sense to her.

“Did you bought my answer!” Khushi asked him in mere whisper.

“Yes I did!” saying so uv pushed his hands in his pocket and Khushi looked at him with a hope in her eyes.

Uv took the torn pieces of her letter and kept them in her delicate hands. “What’s this?” Khushi looked at him unbelievingly.

“Your daddy tore your letter without even sparing a look at it!!” uv said and Khushi fell on the sand again. Quickly UV held her up. He felt her shoulders moving. And then he heard her faint sobs and looked at her. She had tears in her eyes and was crying. He immediately regretted himself for making her cry.

“Khushi, he is not worth your love, sweetheart! He is not even worth your mere look.” Uv said in utmost lovable way he could.

“He loved my mom that’s why he hates me.” Khushi tried to reason with him and uv smiled at her.

“Do you really think if he did loved your mother, then he would have hated you? The only person on this earth who resembles his wife the most.” Khushi looked at him teary eyed. “Yes sweetheart. I saw your mom’s photo. You look exactly the same. Same eyes (uv said kissing away her tears) same nose (he said kissing the tip of her nose) and same lips (before he reached Khushi smiled and blushed away)”

This was his way to divert her attention from their fight and bring smile to her face.

“You have her photo?” Khushi said excitedly as she sat mostly on his lap as he held her.

“ofcourse I do!” uv smiled to her and himself that he finally once again was able to make her smile.

“Will you give it to me? Please!” Khushi said as a 5-year-old asks for his favorite candy.

“ofcourse I will, anything you ask for sweetheart!” and finally gave a quick peck on her cheeks barely touching them. Khushi blushed away and was highly happy now. She finally will see her mom’s photo. She could have never asked Shashi or Garima about it as they might get worried and hurt thinking Khushi still lived in her past. But uv was different case. She can share her anything with him. After all he was the one who took her letters secretly to her father!

“Then lets go!” Khushi said excitedly and got up from his embrace.

“Where?” UV asked confusedly.

“To see the photo!”

“Not so easy, dear. I will show you at the dinner time when we go out with Payal. Ok?” UV said holding her hand.

“Please uv, now!” she whined like a child.

“Nope. Right now we are going home.” He said as he slid his jacket on her shoulder covering her sleeves that he tore in his anger.

Khushi was disappointed but she could wait.

—

It was like a tradition in gupta house now. First they would cut the cake in home with Shashi and Garima and then UV would take Payal and Khushi out on dinner. Uv’s father owned a big chain of hotels but UV aspired on becoming a doctor. He never had any interests in business thingy.

As they reached the Uday-niwas hotel, named after uv, they got out and entered the dinning area. Khushi stopped and stood infront of uv. He understood she is not going budge until he gives her the photo. He pushed his hand once again in his pockets and Khushi was again filled with hope.

He took out a photograph and gave it to her. Payal looked suspiciously. Khushi snatched it and turned the photo just to see herself in utter traditional wear. She couldn’t imagine! She was exactly the same! Like a rebirth! Khushi soon had tears in her eyes and saw Payal looking at her.

“Jiji, that’s my mom!” Khushi said excitedly and Payal smiled even though she was sad of being reminded of fact that Khushi was not her real sister.

“You both are exactly the same!” said Payal hugging her.

“I know!” Khushi said happily.

“You have given me the BEST gift of my life!” saying so she stood on her toes and gave a kiss on his cheek. And this time UV blushed!

—

Payal, Khushi and UV sat to have dinner and Khushi noticed something different about the surrounding today. She frequently visited this hotel as UV owned it and it was different from the time before.

“What’s the matter? Why so extra decorations and why is everybody running here and there.” Khushi asked seeing two waiters running taking bouquets in their hands.

“Khushi, there is a big meeting held in our hotel, from AR fashions.” Uv said excitedly.

“AR fashions?” Khushi said confused.

“AR fashion is the leading fashion company. They usually hold their meeting in our hotel only. The boss of AR is very strict and wants everything strictly as per his demand.”

“Oh.” Was all Khushi said and then started looking at the menu and checking the item she should order.

—

It’s been half an hour and the food was not arriving! And Khushi was really hungry now. Then she heard a waiter yell, “ASR is coming! HIDE!” ASR dint liked to see the army or waiters around him, just one who would take the order is fine. As soon as he yelled all the waiters ran in the kitchen and hid.

For Khushi it was first time to witness this much chaos in UV’s hotel, usually everyone worked sincerely and quietly.

ASR finally arrived and everyone in the dining area started gossiping and looking at the door, holding his or her breaths.

“As if some laad governor’s arriving!” Khushi muttered under her breath, looking at the people staring at the door. Finally ASR arrived and her food too.

Khushi forgot about the ASR when her food was brought to the table. She looked at the food hungrily and the waiter started to serve them.

Khushi’s eyes twinkled at seeing her favorite jalebis and she quickly held one in her hand and fed herself.

—

Arnav arrived in his car and was followed in the hotel by his four armed bodyguards. As he looked inside a familiar site was waiting. Every head turned towards him, every man envying him and every girl eying him and drooling over him. But just one minute! Did he notice a girl who was staring at the jalebi in her hands, rather than him! HURT! His ego was hurt, instantly! What was in that jalebi, so exciting that she missed a chance to look at him..the ASR!

But then he reminded himself that he should not be affected by a mere girl holding a jalebi in her hands! She thinks she affects him!! NO!!!

He then saw forward and took long and fast strides towards the lounge area where his meeting would be held.

—

Uv and Payal had their dinner but Khushi ate so slowly that even snail could win over her. Having the time UV asked Payal for a dance. Khushi had dinner. Just then Payal came and sat around her. Now uv asked Khushi for a dance. And she accepted.

As soon as they went to the dance floor it was a slow song playing. Uv held Khushi’s waist and she put her hand on his shoulder and they started to swing to the music.

—

ASR just getting annoyed by the thought of the jalebi girl not looking at him but the jalebi. He was looking here and there and was getting restless, as if something is calling him. He was so damn annoyed, and he himself dint knew why it affected him!

It was then he called off the meeting and went to the open area of the lounge floor.

And he could clearly see that girl again!

He looked away but he noticed a hand on her waist! He dint knew why but it irked him to no boundaries.

—

Khushi who was happily dancing with uv was now aware of herself.  She suddenly felt as if she was being watched. She looked here and there and suddenly her eyes fell on the figure standing on the first floor. He was watching her as if he would eat her alive! Khushi was feeling uncomfortable under his heated gaze.

She just smiled at uv and told him to catch-up with Payal. He complied and took her to the table. She was thirsty and seeing the chilled orange juice sitting on the table silently, she smiled and took it. As she was drinking it, her eyes went to the figure on the first floor. He was still looking at her. Seeing the audacity of him and the intensity in his eyes, she choked on her drink and spilled some on her dress. She quickly got up and went to the restroom to clean herself.

—

Arnav was watching her intently dancing from the first floor when she suddenly looked at him. She was now aware of his stare on her. But he dint give a damn. She was the first one in his life to behold his eyes on her. She should be proud that the great ASR was staring at her!

Then he noticed her saying something on the man’s ear. His fist tightened again and he was on his aggressive mode now. Then he saw her going to the table and having a glass of juice. Then suddenly she choked! Oh my god! She looked so beautiful while she choked on her drink. Her eyes closed like a baby and she coughed spilling some on her dress. That was enough! He wanted her! NOW! Right now!

He saw her going to the restroom area, which was little secluded and followed her.

—

Khushi went to the restroom and started cleaning her dress with water, when she looked up for tissue, she saw Arnav standing behind her in the mirror holding out one for her. She was shocked, Moreover scared! She quickly turned and was pinned to the basin. He was just inches away. His eyes sensually staring into hers.

“wh-what are you doing here? This is a ladies restroom!” she said trying to put some sense in him but he was totally unaware of anything but her.

He put his hands on her waist where uv’s hands were a minute ago. He held her and pulled her to him, her chest collided into his and he felt heaven for a second.

She just wanted to scream. Yes scream! She opened her mouth to scream but his lips closed it. She just looked at his eyes, shocked at his audacity. But then again she felt heated in his gaze and her eyes closed at their own accord. Khushi felt his hands roaming and for once she even felt him licking her lips. He was devouring her, slow and steady. Then he again licked her lips and she just stood there doing nothing. He increased the pace of his lips on her, as she was not responding. He sucked at her lips and wanted them to open.

That’s when realization stuck her. She tried pulling away but Arnav sensed her and pulled her more close, now their body glued and his hand went inside her top and he started roaming his hands on the place uv touched her, trying to remove his traces. Khushi was all shocked. She tried wriggling in his arms but he dint even budge, instead he pinned her to the basin slab and kissed her more furiously, demanding entrance. But Khushi was stubborn she dint open her mouth.

ASR was getting impatient! He wanted entry now! He pinched her hard on her waist and she gasped. That’s it! He entered her sweet mouth. By the time his tongue entered she lost herself to the pleasure. Her toes curled and she was about to fall when he held her in place and kissed her completely.

It was after eternity she again came to her senses and started beating her hands on his chest but it was mere tingling sensation for him. Then she scratched him on the chest where he had two buttons open but it dint affect either.

Arnav just lost himself fully. He was just tasting her and was on cloud nine today. She was something to die for. He traced every corner of her mouth and teased her tongue to get up and fight but instead her teethes interfered and he felt sharp pain on his tongue.

“Did she just bit my tongue!” he thought and moved away leaving her.

He saw her breathlessly dropping on the ground and she held her herself below the throat for oxygen.

Anger and rage ran through him. “Nerve of that girl! She bit me! This not going to happen! She is not going without a punishment.” He thought.

Arnav pulled her up again and pinned her against the wall.

“How dare you!!!” he held her hairs and yanked her face to a side, exposing her neck. He started biting and sucking her neck. Leaving a red mark on her white skin. Khushi tried pushing him but was not able to. She felt his hands all over her waist, shoulders and stomach. Then suddenly he bit her again but this time it was harsh, coz she was not responding.

He was frustrated! No girl in this world resisted him! But this unknown jalebi girl did not respond to him!

He heard her cry loud in pain as he bit into her skin. Finally a response! He licked the area and tasted blood. He opened his eyes to see if he hurt her badly. He saw her tight shut eyes, pressed lips and tears slipping down her chin. He looked at her hands that were holding his shoulders trying to push him away. She felt him stop his assault and slowly opened her eyes. She saw him looking at her lips again but before that she pushed him hard and got out of the bathroom.

As soon as she got out she looked at herself, swollen lips messy hair and a hurting shoulder!

She quickly adjusted her clothes and rubbed her lips to make them normal and went to the table. Uv came to check on her as it took her too long. As soon as she saw him, she ran and hugged him hard. Uv instantly held her close and felt her crying again. Khushi’s tears made their way to his shirt.

Just then ASR came out and started to search the girl who pushed him away. He cam out to the dining area and saw her hugging the same man with whom she was dancing and his blood boiled.

“What happened sweetheart! Why are you crying! What happened..” uv said as he held her more close and Khushi sobbed.

ASR clenched his fist. He was bout to go and snatch her away when a girl came in between. Payal.

“What happened Khushi? Why are you so scared!!” Payal asked worried.

“i..i want to go ho-home. now!” Khushi said clutching uv’s shirt.

“Okay!” uv said and held her from her waist again and Khushi started to walk but her feet wobbled and just then uv held her in his arms, picking her up and walked out. Everyone around them looked in awe. But one. One person looked in rage. The ASR.

As they reached home, uv again picked the sleeping Khushi in his arms and took her to her room and made her sleep. Uv was still confused as to what happened to her all of a sudden and why was she so frightened about!

All questions remained unanswered and the only person who can answer them was sleeping peacefully on the bed! uv rubbed her hand once and got up to leave. Shashi was worried so he told him that there was nothing to worry about and Khushi was fine but UV knew she was far away from being fine.

Next day.

Khushi opened her eyes and saw the clock and was shocked! It was 10 AM! She is late! She never woke up this late and how come jiji not came to wake her up this morning!

She quickly went to shower. She took out her cloths and stood beneath the hot water pouring from the shower but it stinged! Khushi looked at her shoulder where the hot water was not feeling comfortable and was shocked to see a bite! Then it all came crashing down on her. Last night’s dinner and then restroom, that man, he kissed her –

As soon as she thought of him her body shivered and she had Goosebumps all over her body. She touched her lips and went to the big mirror infront of her and stood there watching her face, her lips. She touched them again and was shocked to feel his lips lingering there again. She looked at her shoulder and a bit downwards where the bite mark sat proudly on her skin and she tried rubbing it but it hurt! It became purple-blue type of print on her milky skin. She tried removing it by the soap but it didn’t budge! Bloody stubborn thing! She sighed and sat under the water. She let the hot water linger on her skin and hugged herself. She still felt his hands all over her again.

Khushi quickly dried herself and went out wearing a white anarkali suit.

Khushi’s POV.

I got ready and moved out of my room half heartedly, because I saw some marks on my skin which that Dracula has given me! Bloody hell! What if someone sees it! Ah! I wore anarkali and hid them neatly behind my dress but yuck, it stings! Oh god that Dracula! Am I some kind of cake or what that he was…forget it! JIJI!!!!

I went down to my favorite place, the kitchen and saw jiji still in her pajamas! Wasn’t she supposed to go with me! It’s already late! What I m gonna do with her!

I gapped at her look and said “jiji, why aren’t you ready yet!?”

“I m not going anywhere!” she said with a stern look.

“But you promised!” I whined.

“I told you to tell me what happened last night but you dint, then I am also not going anywhere with you!”

“That’s not fair! Families do not blackmail!” I tapped my foot on the ground.

“oh when its your family anything is possible! And by the way where is that ultimate supporter of yours, that little Udayveer Singh! Go with him!” jiji said mimicking my tone.

“here I am!” uv said entering the kitchen, “why are you both fighting and that too this much loud, I heard you guys at my home and came running!!” uv said dramatically.

“ohh come on uv you have spoiled her! She doesn’t share her anything with me, its you and only you for her every time! I am jealous of you!!! Look at you! I don’t know what she sees in you!” jiji said. I knew she was mad at me but I dint have the courage of blurting out what happened.

“She dint tell me either!” uv said and his hands now on his waist and his eyes searching answers in mine.

“oh come on you two stop yelling! Amma and bauji will be here any moment I don’t want them to get worried!” I said making them quite.

“why would I be quiet!! my own little sister was hell bent scared yesterday, that too to a level that she couldn’t even walk and what I get as an explanation that you saw a rat in the bathroom! AND THAT TOO IN UV’s HOTEL WHERE EVERYONE KNOWS HE HATES ANIMALS! And there is a SPECIAL unit of workers who work on these matters! And you want me to believe you!” jiji said in one go and I knew she was really mad at me but what can I do!

“jiji will talk later I have to go!” I said brushing the topic off maybe when I return home at the evening she will be cooled down. Or else if I saw jiji worried one more time I will blurt out everything.

I was about to go when uv held my hand, “that’s not the way to talk, Khushi. She is your sister and is worried for you!” uv said seriously.

“oh my god! Famous Uday who is best friends with my sister, took MY side! I m overwhelmed!” jiji said dramatically keeping her hands on her chest.

“come on uv she is exaggerating everything! See.” I said pointing at her.

“she is exaggerating coz you are not explaining dammit!” ok! Now uv was angry too. I gotta go before they tie me up to the chair and start interrogating me!

“ok fine! If you guys aren’t coming with me, I m going ALONE!” I said and quickly came out before any more argument arrives.

—

I took a taxi and started to go to McDonald’s. I loved it! I got some food packed and was heading out when I saw the same person who-  No no no I am imagining him! He is not here. He is not here! I said to calm my little heart that raced like it was a death sequence of a hero in some film. I should have taken jiji with me! I should have bribed her for a treat! Oh!  What a mistake!

I quickly got out of McDonalds and headed towards my taxi and quickly got in. I saw him searching something, is it me? NO! my heart started screaming to me that it should not be you, who he is searching for or else I will stop working and go on a strike! I patted my heart to calm it down.

Oh god! Then the bulb above me turned on! I was already in my taxi! What I was waiting for!

“LETS GO!!” I shouted at the driver and he drove off!

What if he follows me! I saw back and saw him entering his car and moving at MY direction! Oh no again! He IS following me! He saw me! No! What do I do! Soon tears started escaping my eyes as the last night flashed through my brain. Last night UV was there but what about now! I am all alone! Yes I should call uv!

I took out my phone with my shaky hands and speed dialed uv’s number.

“hello!” he said angrily.

“u-uv!” I couldn’t hold the sob that escaped without my knowledge.

“Khushi!” soon his voice was calm and caring hearing my sob. “Where are you? Why are you crying, what happened!”

“uv so-someone is fo-following me!” I managed to take it out of my mouth.

“What!? WAIT! Khushi?” he spoke over the phone while I was busy staring at his car, which was just behind my taxi.

“Khushi, you there! Hello!” uv panicked.

“yes I m. uv.” I said hearing him panic.

“Khushi where are you! Tell me I m on my way!” I heard his hard footsteps cascading down his hotel’s stairs.

“I am, I am near Anji’s house, I am going to her! You also reach here soon, please uv come soon!” i said and uv cut the call.

“oh god help me! don’t let that monster catch me again, please.” I prayed as I had Goosebumps all over my body and the bite he gave me last night became more prominent and hurting! Why I made a plan to visit my friend and that too alone.!!

END OF Khushi’s POV—

—

(Arnav was in the McDonalds taking some of the food for his sister, Anjali. Usually he doesn’t allow her to eat junk food which is more unhealthy and maybe inconvenient for even eating! But today Anjali was mad at him for not coming home early last night, so he decided he would give her, her favorite junk food and then ask for her forgiveness.

But then last night’s incident fell in front of his eyes, her big honey brown eyes, looking at him angrily after he kissed her! And her soft palms trying to push him while they were merely touching him and her not-to-forget lips, so soft, juicy and tasty under his own. How she moaned when he explored her mouth! The thought itself made him hard and needy for her again.

Then all of a sudden she appeared infront of him. He kept looking at her angel like figure in the white anarkali suit. Was she really there or he was imagining! If he was imagining then why not in some short skirt! Why anarkali! She was indeed there he looked here and there but she was gone! Like yesterday.

He looked here and there and searched her everywhere but she disappeared like a smoke! He was frustrated! He ran his hand through his hair and went back to his car. He wanted to go back home and calm his desires, which were evoked just by her mere imagination.)

—

Khushi reached her friend anji’s house and the car was STILL following her!

“Nerve of that man! Wait! uv will be coming and he will punch him so hard, he will beg for mercy! And then I will bite him in his hand and show him how it hurts to get bitten!” Khushi thought furiously and got out of the taxi.

Soon from nowhere she got the courage to face him! “Ah! I should just show him off by myself! If I behave like an abla nari  infront of him he would bug me more. I should just show him with whom he was messing around. And if I couldn’t handle him then uv is on his way to reach here! Yes lets have some fun!”

Khushi got into the great palace like place of Raizada mansion where her friend anji aka Anjali singh Raizada lived! It had a big garden and lawn at the entrance and Khushi waited for him to come in. Khushi knew raizada’s were very powerful and influential people, no aira gaira person would be allowed to enter!

But soon she saw him entering and that too the guards who dint let her taxi in, let that man’s car in too.

Khushi was more furious and soon her fears were vanished and she was ready to fight with him for having a nerve of following her!

“Hey you!” Khushi shouted from back as she saw him entering the mansion.

—

“Hey you!” Arnav heard someone shout at him and turned. To say he was socked was an understatement. He was DUMBFOUNDED!

“you jerk, indecent, arrogant and pervert type of a guy!”  Khushi said on his face, “you are following me! YOU REALLY CHEAP KINDA GUY!” Khushi shouted on top of her lungs. (they were fighting at the entrance and thankfully RM was so big that Anjali wasn’t able to hear them.)

Arnav couldn’t believe himself! He was staring at the girl who was using abusive language for him and that too in his own house! He moved forward to this little chick so that he could give her a piece of his mind.

Seeing him move forward Khushi backed quickly and said “don’t! Don’t even think about it! You cant come near me!” Khushi said pointing a finger at him.

“uh-ha why?” Arnav said folding his hands to his chest and staring at her intently. Amused by the audacity of this girl who was calling him a pervert, he would indeed show her what pervert-ness was!

“You are standing at my friends house! MY friend’s house! If I want, the guards will throw you out right NOW!” Khushi said and Arnav looked at her amused again.

“oh is that so! Really?” Arnav said smiling a bit, thinking what will her reaction be if she came to know SHE was the one standing at HIS house.

“yes, Anjali Singh Raizada, who lives in this house is my best friend! And more over her brother,” Khushi paused and tried to remembered her brother’s name “ ar-aryan yes her brother Aryan singh Raizada is a close friend of mine too. If he came to know you were following me in the first place, he will throw you out by kicking you butt!”

Arnav looked at this sample piece infront of him who dint even knew his name properly and was talking as if she knew him from ages! But that was enough for him. He will tell this girl that she was utterly wrong in the sense of being close ‘friend’; yes he wanted her to be ‘close’ but not a ‘friend’. And then he will show her, in his own way, how bad are the consequences of talking to ASR in the way she was talking.

“Look you-” Khushi was again about to say something when she saw uv’s car entering RM and she quickly ran towards him.

ASR saw Khushi running towards a car and saw the same man coming out who was with her at the party. The ‘amused’ expression was changed by the expression of ‘rage’ when again he saw Khushi hug him.

Khuhsi hugged him and uv checked her face clearly and saw her smiling a bit and she nodded at arnav’s direction, uv saw ASR standing infront of him.

He saw ASR and walks towards him with Khushi in his side.

“Uv this is-” Khushi began to say but was cut in the middle

“Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada, I know! Hi, I m Udayveer.” uv said pulling his hand infront of him. While Khushi was shocked, surprised and what not!

Arnav shook uv’s right hand and saw his left hand which was holding Khushi’s. “hi, you are Udayveer Singh. From uday-niwas hotels!”

“Yes, and this is Khushi.” Uv said to Khushi who was about to faint from embarrassment and shock.

“hi I am Arnav Singh Raizada, anjali’s brother!” he took out his hand to shake with Khushi but she was already shaken.! From the fact that HE was ARNAV Singh Raizada! Moreover he was anji’s brother who she just called as Aryan and a close friend! Oh no! she stared at his hand which was still extended and she could not meet his eyes. Arnav smirked inwardly and had a fit of laughter inside seeing her expressions and he could tell she was biting her lips inwardly too. He would surely teach how to bite those lips, soon.

“Please, come in!” Arnav took his hand back and gestured them in. UV held her hand and brought her out of her dreamland. Arnav clenched his teeth, once again that UV touched her, and once again she avoided touching him by not shaking her hand.

They came in and Khushi saw the most beautiful house. It was so big; sorry it was so huge and decorated with each and every detail. Even the atmosphere looked so lavish that she couldn’t explain. She felt a certain liking towards this house. The décor, paintings, furniture, stairs, even the texture on the wall was so nice that she couldn’t take her eyes off. It was like the person who arranged this house has taken personal care of each and every detail.  Even the flowers kept in the vases at the corner of the house were giving the definition of being perfect.

As soon as Arnav entered the house, prakash brothers who were going here and there, roaming in the house, stood in line and greeted him.

“Good morning, Arnav.” The older prakash brother, Om, greeted him. Arnav hated being called sir-sir every time in the office and home too and he hated being called “Arnav baba” as it made him feel of some one of 10 years old. So he told everyone to call him by his name.

“Good morning OP.” Arnav said in authority.

Any other girl, in the place of Khushi would have been highly impressed by the authority in Arnav’s voice but not Khushi. She was annoyed by this Arnav who kept the people of this house under certain dress codes. Actually she dint understood that they were the servants as they dint call him sir or used any other salutation.

“Why are you guys in that black and white uniform like thingy. (Seeing their black pant-coat and white shirt) Is there a certain uniform of black and white to enter in this house!? Thank god I also wore white or else I wouldn’t get to meet Anjali.” Khushi saw Anjali wearing white dress and Arnav wearing black suit with white shirt too. Udayveer chuckled and Arnav was amused at this girl who dint understood the simple concept of having servants in uniforms. Unbelievable!

“They are the caretakers of this house so they have uniforms.” Arnav said suppressing his urge to laugh at this girl.

Uv’s cell rang and he picked it up. “Yeah. Oh ok. I will be there. Ask them to wait in the lobby.” Uv hung up and moved towards Khushi and Arnav looked narrowing his eyes. “Baby, I have to go. Some special clients have being coming today. I have to attend them.” Khushi made a face at him. And Arnav clenched his teeth for the umpteenth time. “Oh well, who was following you that time? Did you note the number? I will talk to the cops right away!”

Uv suddenly remembered why he came after Khushi.

“ohh ho. That was nothing. I had a misunderstanding, uv.” She said brushing off the topic.

“Ok then. Bye.” He said and went off, leaving Khushi sad and Arnav, angry.

“So now that your boyfriend aka your UV is gone, can we have a word!” Anjali teased Khushi and she used to tease her every time she saw UV with her. But hearing the word ‘boyfriend’ left Arnav to the edge of his anger and he was now seething with furiousness.

He thought “boyfriend, eh? We’ll see to it!”

—

While chatting with Anjali, Khushi forgot the time and it was now evening. Khushi specially kept in mind to not to leave Anjali’s side as that Dracula was freely roaming in the house. But just then OP called Anjali to finalize the menu for the night and Khushi was left alone in her room. Khushi felt awkward and she decided to go downstairs. She was walking through the long corridor of Raizada mansion, which made her remember the school corridor in which she used to twirl around when walking, she was nearly at the stairs when she was grabbed and pulled in one of the rooms and again was being held by the same man with his hands on her waist and mouth.

Arnav kept his hand on her mouth, as he knew she would scream.

Khushi as soon as saw him catching her again she started struggling and wriggling in his embrace. This angered him to no bounds. “She can go and hug that UV but couldn’t stay in my arms!” thought Arnav angrily.

“Umm-ummmmmm-mmm-umm—aamm” Khushi tried to scream although he had his hand on her mouth.

“Shut up!” Arnav whispered tightening his hold.

“umm–” Khushi tried again.

“You always compel me to do this” saying this he removed his hands and replaced it with his lips. And kissed her again.

He moved his lips to hers and seeing him coming closer confirmed his ideas to her and she silenced suddenly. After feeling her making no efforts of going out of his arms as his act left her stunned, he poured all his anger in the kiss. He was punishing her, punishing for having a boyfriend. Punishing for even having another man other than himself near her. She was so stunned at the moment that she couldn’t figure what to do. She just stood there having no movements left in her.

Arnav moved his lips inside her mouth to deepen the kiss. But she was not responding! Again! Like that night! Like last night! He thrusted in his tongue and tried to get some response but no avail. She was just like a statue.

He abruptly left her mouth, turned around and ran his hand through his hair. Khushi was still in the reverie. Arnav took long breaths as he tried to control his anger. He was so angry that he could take her then and there and no one in this house could stop him, not even his own sister.

Khushi came to reality and saw him turning again. Before he could turn fully she placed a tight slap across his face and he was shocked at the audacity of this damn girl!

He glared at her and saw her angry too. He grabbed her arm and pushed her to the bed and got on top of her. Khushi was so shocked and moreover scared that she just stared at his eyes. Arnav stared at hers too. He was trying to find his answers in her honey orbs while she tried to find the cruelty in his dark ones. But she was unable to find any type of cruelty she just saw possessiveness and stubbornness in his eyes while he saw anger and shock in hers.

This man was building alien feelings inside her. Which she never felt before. Maybe it was his strange eyes, or his strange behavior. She couldn’t put her finger on her certain feelings but still she was so sure that she dint like this man a bit.

She again started struggling and pushing him aside. Wrong move. He pressed her hands on the side of her shoulders and pressed his arousal on her. Feeling him so intimately she left a gasp from her mouth and was now on verge of crying. Arnav felt her wriggling decrease and she turned her head on her side revealing his bite to him.

He saw a purple-blue mark on her neck and recognized. It was from him. He could recognize the teeth marks as his.

As she has turned her head, he could see the tear drop escape and sit on the edge of her eyes. He quickly kissed it away. Khushi again looked at him wide eyed.

He let go of her this time. He got up from her and stood aside from the bed. She hesitantly got up too. She was standing at a fair distance. Arnav knew he was doing wrong to this innocent girl. But damn! He couldn’t control his urges for her! He wanted to consume her fully. But he knew right now would not be the good idea.

Just then the intercom in his room beeped and it was automatically answered after the second ring.

“Bhai food is decided! It’s Indian! Khushi likes it. Do you want something special or other than that?” Anjali’s voice came.

“No. I am okay with Khushi’s Indian style.” Arnav said looking at her top to bottom and said to Khushi more than to his sister.

“Ok!” Anjali said and hung up. Arnav looked at the intercom for once and as he looked towards Khushi again, she was not there. She moved out in a jiffy.

“Escape. But not next time.” He smirked and passed a cruel smile to himself.

—

It was dinnertime and the dinner was served. Khushi and Anjali sat at the lounge area to have food as they were having some work done by the carpenter in the dining area. Arnav was upstairs in his room when Anjali called him too but he dint budge from his room. He knew if he saw her one more time he wouldn’t be able to control himself. So he decided not to go down. After some time he had to see the work, which was being done by the carpenter, so he went to the stairs.

He went to the stairs and stood there mesmerized. Khushi was laughing full heartedly with Anjali and she was saying something in her ears. Anjali said something again and Khushi burst out laughing again. But suddenly her laughter seemed to decrease. Arnav frowned seeing her getting serious again.

Khushi was laughing when she felt his presence again. How can she mistake his cologne. The thing, which drives her crazy. She then felt his eyes piercing through her body. She looked here and there and finally spotted him to be on the upper stairs. She avoided his eyes, afraid to find the same possessiveness in them. She quickly wanted to run away but Anjali was here too. She quickly asked her where the kitchen was and went in by the excuse of getting water.

Meanwhile HP went to the dining area and saw the carpenter has left his knife which he used to cut leather sheets and thin wooden cardboards. He thought of keeping it safely in the kitchen as it may harm someone on the way. He picked it up and started walking towards the kitchen.

HP was on his way when the lights of the house went out and then there was a blast like sound too. Everyone got scared. Arnav quickly ran towards Anjali with the help of his mobile light. Khushi was terrified by the sudden darkness and saw someone coming towards her. She looked closely and saw someone holding a big knife on her.

Darkness, a man, a knife, unknown place; she was alone, no one to protect her; She was reminded of the same incident which happened years ago.

Soon she was surrounded by the images of the day. She saw him moving towards her. In the same way holding the knife as that man was holding to harm her.

“NO!!!” Khushi screamed. “NO DADDY DON’T!!” Khushi shouted at top of her lungs. Her eyes glittering a bit by the lights of the moon.

“DON’T KILL ME!!” she started moving back and was terrified to no bounds to see the person move towards her.

“khushiji ?” hp said confused, not understanding the reason of her sudden outburst.

“NO!!! PLEASE LEAVE ME!!” Khushi again shouted and this time Arnav and Anjali looked at each other and Arnav quickly flung towards the kitchen. Anjali ran across the area not caring about the darkness and things she might bump into.

“AHHH!!” Khushi shouted as she hit the panic attack inside her.

Arnav and Anjali reached the kitchen and saw the horrified act. Khushi nearly at the corner of the kitchen and HP holding a knife in the darkness. Arnav and Anjali were shocked. Arnav, because he dint understood what was happening and Anjali, because she knew. She quickly picked her cell up to call UV. Only he was the one who can handle Khushi at this moment.

“Uday come soon Khushi–” Anjali choked while talking.

“AHH!!” Khushi screamed again and UV heard her in the phone.

“Khushi? What happened why is she shouting like that!” UV got up from the chair in his office.

“She- she- the darkness, there was a blast and lights were gone, and – panic attack- seeing a knife.” Anjali found difficulty making a sentence out of the words. But it was enough for UV to understand the situation and he left the meeting and went straight to his car and was already on his way when the call was cut.

While Anjali was talking to UV Arnav was scared to see her in this state. She had her eyes widened and was screaming. Poor HP seeing the scene was not able to understand too. He went near her to tell her that it was he not anyone else and he would not harm her.

“khushiji, its me -” hp went forward and Khushi quickly got back hitting herself in something sharp and having a cut on her elbow. But the pain was not recognized by her as she was terrified by the knife in his hand.

She held her elbow that now started to bleed. Arnav saw this and firstly he held the knife which hp was holding and threw it across the room. “OUT!” he ordered him and soon he went out without any word.

Arnav then began walking towards her in order to calm her down.

“NO DON’T!!” Khushi pointed a finger at him with her bleeding hand and Arnav saw the blood drops dropping on the floor. He could clearly make it out in the moonlight, which lit the room in sufficient light to see.

“Khushi you’re bleeding!”

“ITS BECAUSE OF YOU! YOU HIT ME HERE!!” she held her shoulder which had a big scar. But he can’t see it in the darkness.

“Me?”

“YES YOU!! I M SORRY!!! HOW MANY TIMES DO I TO SAY I M SORRY!! I DINT WANTED TO KILL MY MOM, I WAS TOO YOUNG! Please daddy, don’t kill me! Please daddy!” Khushi said and Arnav was surprised and tensed. She was thinking him as his daddy and saying she dint kill her mom? Why?

“Khushi I-” Arnav stared at her and she hit the wall behind her and slid down while saying the last bit- “I am sorry.”

Arnav came to her and held her firmly by her shoulders, unfortunately holding her on the same place where he dad hit her with the knife.

“NO!! STAY AWAY!! HELP!!! UDAYVEER!!” Khushi screamed his name, thinking he was still outside the house waiting for her and Arnav who was already confused was now again angry to hear his name from her mouth. He held her tightly and tried to make her see the reality but she was gone to the past years of her life.

“NO LEAVE ME DADDY!! I WONT COME HERE AGAIN I PROMISE!!I SWEAR!! I SWEAR ON MY DEAD MOTHER!!”

As soon as he heard ‘dead mother’ he abruptly left her and saw her taking deep breathes and her hands clutching to her dress near her chest and her cheeks were tear stained. Anjali who was just seeing this understood that Khushi has mistaken Arnav as her dad and she quickly held him away.

“Bhai go away. Don’t go near her! She will freak out more! She is scared of you!” Anjali tried but Arnav was not in his senses.

Why was she screaming to not to kill her, he was some killer or something? Nope.

“You don’t know anything! Please!” Anjali said but Arnav dint listen to her. He again went near Khushi to touch her elbow and find out if she was more hurt.

“Khushi are you hurt! Khu-”

“LEAVE ME!” she snatched her hand away and pushed him back. Arnav stumbled on the ground and Khushi pushed her little body to the corner. As she saw him stumble back she thought he would harm her more then she held her knees to her chest and hugged herself.

Arnav now knew he had to stop this or else she will grow violent.

But soon from nowhere UV entered the kitchen and held her in his arms.

“Khushi!” he looked at her and she again pushed him too.

“LEAVE ME!!” Khushi shouted at him.

Uv looked at Arnav and Anjali “please are there any lights, torches or candles! Please light them.”

Anjali quickly got the candle from kitchen shelf and lit it all, nearly 6-8 candles.

As there was light in the room now, UV saw her drastic state. Her hairs messy, eyes swollen, cheeks were stained by her dry and fresh tears and her hands clutching her knees and her elbow was bleeding.

“Khushi!” he whispered towards her and held her fully in his arms, tightly. Khushi struggled with all her might. But it seemed as if he was holding his dear life, with all his strength.

“LEAVE! PLEASE!” Khushi shouted as she tried to open her arms free but UV held her tightly as he hugged her.

“Its me!” UV whispered in her ears and she looked at him for the first time. Khushi couldn’t believe what was happening.

“Leave me.” Khushi said in merely audible voice.

“I wont. I will hold you till my last breath! No one will harm you!” UV assured but Khushi still had doubts.

“You wont kill me?” Khushi said still in a trance of him being her father. (Whoever came near her at this moment she confused him of being her father, who wanted to kill her.)

“I am not him. I am Uday. Your friend!” he consoled and in a swift movement he held her soft and little form in his embrace and now he was sitting at the corner with Khushi fully on his laps.

As soon as Khushi saw his face clearly and touched his shoulder, confirming him to be real she hugged him fully and sobbed.

“He- he will- kill me. He hates me- he -”

Khushi tried to continue but UV stroked her hairs and calmed her down.

“He is in jail sweetheart! He is not coming back! I wont let him. Promise!” UV consoled but Khushi was sobbing like a 4 year old who cried for an hour.

OP came running to Arnav. “Arnav, the blast was from the electricity room of the house. That is why there were power cuts and no lights-”

“shHH!” uv gestured towards Khushi and Arnav gestured OP to keep quiet and OP went out.

Arnav seeing the current state was confused. He wanted to be angry but was satisfied that finally her crying and shouting for help was stopped. He was more concerned for her than her being in someone else’s arms. Khushi hugging UV fully now by sitting on his lap! And his hands were on her hairs consoling her. She was keeping her chin on his shoulder and was facing the wall, sobbing. Uv sat there nearly for half an hour and Arnav-Anjali just stayed there looking at them. Then after some time when Khushi was not looking, UV stealthily put his hands in his pockets and took out a syringe and a small bottle.

He poured the liquid from the bottle to the syringe and Arnav was horrified! What was this man doing? He got forward to stop him when Anjali held his arm and assured him by her expression that everything is going to be fine. Uv left her firmly on his lap as Khushi was holding him tightly. He took her arm, which was circling his waist and put the syringe there, on feeling some thing painful in her arm Khushi tried to look but he moved his face towards her not making her able to turn her face and put the medicine on her arm.

“Ah!” Khushi mumbled on his shoulder.

“shhh! Its okay!” UV whispered in her ears. Then he took off the injection and Anjali took it and disposed.

Soon after few minutes Khushi’s head felt heavy and she was under the effect of the medicine. She moved a bit back, looked at the faces of each and every person, but her vision was blurry. She could not make any sound from her mouth. Her face fell back and UV held her from backside and picked her up carefully. He took her out to the car.

There were some cops who came enquiring about the blast. Arnav asked them to do the enquiry later as they had a patient with them and went with UV to the hospital.

Arnav was utterly confused, there were some questions which he needed answers for.

Why was she calling everyone her dad?

Why he wanted to kill her?

Whom did Khushi kill?
Why was she sorry?

What happened to her all of a sudden?

Why was Udayveer able to console her?

These uncountable questions popped up in his mind but he drove off to the hospital.

Arnav was driving the car, anji was sitting next to him and uv was holding Khushi in his arms by sitting on the back seat. Arnav ran out all the red lights but no cops followed because his car had small a vvip flag flying on his bonnet, which told them that it was an important person to the government. And moreover his back mirror (above the trunk) had his initials “ASR” written elegantly, each and every cop gulped and stared at his car whose tyres were on the verge of blasting by the speed this man was driving at! Arnav stopped the car abruptly and UV looked at him surprised. He looked out and found that they already reached the hospital. Uv stared at him for a moment and took Khushi in quickly, not even waiting for the nurses to bring out the stretcher.

Arnav and anji were in the car when Arnav parked his car and they rushed inside the hospital. Arnav saw the hospital area but it was like UV and Khushi disappeared in the thin air. He went to receptionist and enquired.

“Where’s the damn emergency ward!?” Arnav asked out of breath.

But before receptionist would answer anji shot up “NO! The Psychological ward! Where is it!” Arnav stared at his own sister in disbelief. Did she really think Khushi was a psycho!?

“Oh! Are you with Mr. Udayveer Singh?” receptionist enquired and Arnav lost his cool.

“Just tell me the god damn DIRECTIONS!!” Arnav lost his patience and roared. He would just kill this lady if she took one more second extra.

“Just go to the left and there will be a lift. 5^th floor is the psy…” before she could finish he was already running to way towards the lift and literally punched the lift’s button when it didn’t arrive in 2 seconds. Anjali saw his brother’s restlessness and wondered why was he so hyper!

After waiting for 2 more seconds which felt like eternity to Arnav he bolted towards the stairs.  Taking two at a time and sometimes-even 3 at a time, he reached the 5^th floor before anji reached 2^nd. He saw here and there and spotted UV lying Khushi on a stretcher and pushing it towards the emergency room.

He quickly reached towards her when he saw doctors approaching and taking her in while UV and Arnav stood at the door. Anjali reached the floor too and enquired, “Where’s Khushi!”

“She’s in.” UV said and gestured towards the ICU.

“Aren’t they letting us in?” Arnav enquired further as he was fed up standing outside when his life was in there!

“No bhai! Just relax! Dan is in there too. He will take care of her.” Anjali said as she saw a different Arnav standing in front of her. All her life she saw him in different avatars- possessive, protective, understanding, loving, caring, angry, stubborn, ruthless, and what not but she wasn’t able to identify him now, maybe because she dint saw him any way near, nervousness before.

Firstly-ever in his lifetime Arnav Singh Raizada was nervous! Yes indeed, its truly said! ‘There is always a first time!’ and for the first time in his life he was experiencing fear, nervousness, uncertainty and of course L.O.V.E.

Arnav was thinking of what not happened in just an hour and his thoughts were blocked by Anjali’s words to UV.

Anjali had tears in her eyes, “I called Dan as soon as I called you! He told me you would handle till we reach the hospital and then he would take the charge, but I was so afraid to see that happening in front of my own eyes, Uday! She was-” Anjali shuddered thinking of Khushi. “She was screaming at her top voice and asking us to not to harm her! When will she able to cope up, Uday! When?”

Arnav was moving slowly to console her, as he himself was shocked to hear the incomplete information from her. Seeing anji cry UV gave her a side hug and she continued “Uday, Dan heard her voice from the phone and said this time it was severe! This time her condition was worse. Dan said-”

Anjali saw her brother’s questioning gaze on hers and she stuttered realizing what she had blurted out “actually bhai, I- umm- I know Dan from sometime now, he is- he is kh- Khushi’s doctor. He is a psychological doctor, I- mean he is a psychiatrist. He handles Khushi’s case.”

“Khushi’s case and psychiatrist? What’s going on here!? What’s happening? Someone tell me.! NOW!” finally Arnav asked the question he wanted his answers for.

Udayveer came in front and kept a hand on his shoulders and Arnav got confirmed that something was terribly wrong.

Seeing the concern in his eyes UV told him the truth but half-truth. “Khushi, suffered an accident in her past which left an undying effect on her-”

“Effect! You call all this ‘effect’! For god’s sake, she was screaming at me! She was thinking I would kill her! She was terrified of me! And you call all this just an effect!”

“She was not thinking YOU would kill her! She was confusing you of being her DAD! Her dad wanted to kill her when she was small!” UV said, as Arnav got hyper.

“Why? That’s what I m asking.” Arnav tried to sound normal. “She lives with her parents, right? And she looked happy! And if her dad wants to kill her then why she staying with them!”

“He isn’t Khushi’s biological father!” UV answered. “Yes Shashi uncle with whom Khushi lives isn’t her real dad. And neither are they her blood-relatives. They were her neighbors. She is their adopted child. They couldn’t bear little Khushi’s sadness. So they adopted her legally. But her past still haunts her!”

Just then they heard some footsteps near them. They were the gupta’s.

“How is she? Was she terrified again? But what happened this time?” Garima asked as she tried to move ahead and go to the room. But UV held her hand and made her sit in the near by sofa and consoled her.

“Its fine aunty. She is fine. Don’t worry!” Garima looked at UV’s eyes and was consoled but one man was still confused, Shashi.

“How did this happen? When did this happen!” looking Shashi so concerned Arnav looked more confused.

“Hadn’t he done enough already? That he is following her in her thoughts too! When will this all stop? I can’t bear her being bought here in every now and then and she screaming her lungs out for help! She is an angel, UV. She should have been treated the same way, but that- that man dint knew how precious she was, how precious she already is and he will pay for this!” Shashi said as he got up to go somewhere.

“No uncle! Khushi needs you here!” that stopped him. “Uncle, he is already paying and I will make sure he does till his last breath! But right now Khushi needs us.”

Anjali who was the silent spectator till now was filled with guilt. It was her decision to call Khushi to her house. And everything went wrong!

“Uncle, aunty, I am so sorry! This is my entire fault. I should have taken extra care. Even though I checked the whole house for knives. I don’t know how one landed in front of her!” Anjali said teary eyed and a tear escaped from her eye. Arnav felt miserable.

“No Anjali betiya.” Garima got up from her place and moved towards her. “Its not your fault at all. Khushi has been to your house nearly daily. And from the day you are friends with her, I have seen you taking care of whatever she likes and moreover you are not to be blamed betiya.” Garima ran a hand through her hairs and hugged her.

Arnav let out a frustrated sigh and walked to them to ask what the WHOLE matter was. He was dying of anxiety. And now everything was a mystery for him. The mystery of Khushi Kumari gupta. The mystery of his life.

But as soon as he was about to open his mouth he saw the door of emergency room open and the doctor came out.

Everyone looked at the doctor and he was not surprised to look at the people who were gathered to know the well being of that one person. But only one tall and muscular figure made him feel conscious, the mighty ASR.

“Dan, how is Khushi now!?” Anjali went straight to him and held his white doctor coat in her fist and asked him shaking a bit. And Arnav looked suspicious. Anjali was never this free with guys before. Moreover the one she met recently.

Dan looked nervous as ASR was glaring at him, “uh, miss Anjali, your friend is doing fine while we still have some old complications though.” He said as he made Anjali aware that there was her brother present too and who was currently looking in very bad temper.

“What old complications?” Payal asked as she dreaded his next answer.

“I m sorry to say Ms Gupta, but Khushi still keep forgetting to breath when she is in her panic state. Thank god she dint forget till she got here but when UV bought her here she was already stopped breathing. if he was any way near ten seconds late then- That is why we have her in oxygen masks and most importantly, she was all cold by the fear and her body is not responding to the medications.” He looked the scared faces of the family members and continued “but no worries, we kept her in the warm room, and are watching over her temperature completely. She will gain some heat in her body quickly.  Has she had something in her lunch that might have mushrooms or capsicum?”

Everyone saw Anjali for an answer, as she was the one with her from the morning.

“Um. Nope. She- she didn’t have any of mushrooms and capsicum. I knew she is allergic to them, so I dint have it even in the house.”

“That’s good! I was just checking for some allergic effects. Not to worry.” He said with a sly smile and UV and Arnav noticed this. The doctor was hiding something!

“Can we meet her!” Garima asked hoping for a positive response.

“I m sorry, Mrs. Gupta. She is weak and is kept under strict observation; you can only meet her when she comes to consciousness. Right now she is under sedatives.” Saying so the doctor went and UV and Arnav followed him.

When they were out of sight of the family, UV asked. “What is it!?”

Dan looked at UV and sighed, he can never hide Khushi’s real state from him.

“Look, Uday.” He kept a hand on his shoulder “Khushi is very weak. Maybe she is avoiding healthy food from sometime now. But seeing her not responding to the medicines is what making me worry. She had never been irresponsive to the injection I gave you to give her in the time of need. But when you gave her the injection she would have fainted rather then being quiet. And from that fainting she kept slipping into deep slumber and is now being irresponsive. Though the sleeping pills in the injection, stopped her from more panicking.” He sighed, as he was about to disclose the most horrible part now. “If her body heat doesn’t climb up and get her responsive to the medications in the next 48 hours, I am scared, she might- she might slip into coma. She needs to wake up in 48 hours. Or else-”

“NO!” UV said aloud. “She will wake up! She will damn wake up, Daniel!” saying so UV went away but there were two horrified eyes which were looking at their direction, ASR’s.

Arnav’s brain was on verge of breaking by thinking. “Khushi- scared- darkness- screams- dad- kill- help- hospital- psychiatrist- knives- daily- forgot to breath- coma- 48 hours- AHHHHHH!!!”

He went towards the room in which Khushi was sleeping. He saw the small circle on the door by which Khushi was visible.

He could see her lying there nearly lifeless, cuddled in numerous wires attached to different kinds of machines, breathing with the help of oxygen mask, needles piercing through her knuckles, a machine showing her merely there heartbeats, her small chest heaving slightly as the mask forced the oxygen inside her, she was wrapped in a white sheet of blanket. The color in which she looked like an angel was now defining her lifelessness.

How badly he wanted to barge in and shake her deliberately and ask her to end this nonsense and come back to life. Just how badly.

—

After few hours.

It was past midnight and infact the starting of a new dawn. Starting of a new dawn in Arnav’s life. He could still see the doctors in the night shift roaming lazily here and there, the nurses speaking of something,  Garima hugging Shashi while sleeping and Shashi wide awake, waiting for his daughter to get up so he may take her home. Uv, Anjali and Payal sitting on the iron chairs and Arnav himself was standing from god knows how much time just to see the face brimming brightly of that one girl they all loved the most in their lives.  But that girl instead of opening her eyes was so adamant in her sleep that she…that she…

Arnav sighed slowly and went away. There was a place in the hospital, which was secluded for the persons who wanted to be alone. (Remember psychology ward)

Arnav was seeing out side when a hand touched his back and he turned at the foreign touch. He saw Shashi standing there with a gloom look but still his eyes were able to give some positive waves. But the fear and grief he saw in them made his conscious guiltier. The girl who was already suffering in her life, here he was hell bend in making it more miserable for her.

Shashi looked in Arnav eyes too. But what he saw made him scared. He saw a different type of madness in them. Some different type of expression that soothed and scared him at the same time. The eyes that were so concerned that he was scared to know why? Why was this man concerned for his daughter? Why were the eyes of this man so possessive? And why did it have a glint of guilt and … he couldn’t name it coz this expression was one of a kind. He was scared of Arnav for a second. Not because he thought he would harm her but because he knew he would protect her. But there was no extent in his eyes, there was no extent to him, which he cannot cross to protect her.

One thing Shashi was sure of- if this man is anyway near Khushi, she would be safe. He would protect her even from the cold wind, which would dare to touch his daughter’s skin. But what scared him was that he was able to read the protectiveness but not the extent. What will be the extent of his protectiveness!

Shashi knew he was Arnav Singh Raizada. He had the world spinning on his fingers. He could have the whole world in his fist if he wanted. Then why is he here? In this hospital, waiting for a random girl, who maybe, not even know him except the fact that he is her best friend’s brother.

Shashi knew he had to look in his eyes and all the questions will be answered but the passion his eyes reflected, scared him.

Shashi went back to the place where everyone was seated. He told Anjali to go home and take some rest. As next day they would need her, to sit besides Khushi when she woke up. Yes, Shashi was sure tomorrow Khushi would wake up. After all, how can a girl sleep when the love of her life is waiting for her to wake up?

He gestured an assuring glance towards Arnav who looked puzzled when Anjali told him to leave for RM. Arnav knew that Shashi had an idea of his feelings towards his daughter. But he could not deny that. And he would not. One thing Arnav was very sure of too- that he had feelings, no, strong feelings for Khushi. So strong that for some time he believed if she is not going wake up then he would TOO not see the next sunlight ever again!

—

The room was covered with white curtains, which restrained the light from coming inside but a man pushed them aside. Sunlight hit the room. The room covered with darkness soon became bright. The sunrays kissed the face sleeping peacefully in the room and soon the face started to make different expressions, she was Khushi. Soon the man sat besides her and whispered slowly, “wake up to your new destiny, sweetheart.” And then she opened her eyes to see the man of her dreams, sitting in front of her with his famous shining and glittery eyes.

Khushi smiled and said “good morning.”

The man bent a little and took her lips in his and kissed her good morning.

The kiss was so tender that even a dewdrop was ashamed of its hardness. Soon Khushi started to respond, enjoying the kiss.

But what started like a tender show of love became furious. The kiss became urgent and demanding. Khushi felt awkward and was about to back out when she felt his hands on the back of her head, pushing her face and lips more into his. She opened her eyes and saw the horrific incident. The eyes, which were glittery, were now full of animalistic desire. Then she saw the face. She was shocked to see Arnav, as the owner of those soft and glittery eyes.

He smiled wickedly and entered her mouth and was devouring her each and every corner. She tried to move away but he held her in place. Soon he got over her body and pressed his manhood on her feminine parts and started rubbing her. She was hell shocked. Arnav again smiled as he continued to assault her. Khushi tried moving her wrists but no avail they were tied to the bed. She tried removing her hands but he smirked and broke the kiss.

His face was inches away and he again gave her, his not so famous I-Am-Arnav-Singh-Raizada look and then it stuck her. He is not kissing her! SHE CAN SCREAM NOW!

And then she did. Scream.

She stood up from her bed harshly, and was startled to see no one in the room.

—

A loud scream came from her room and Shashi and UV entered seeing her wide awake and scared, as she was few hours ago. Shashi came to her side and hugged her.

“Your awake! Khushi, are you fine? What happened? Why are you screaming?” Shashi asked worried.

“He- he- was- here!” Khushi looked around the room. There was no one. Except some machines, white curtains, a sofa and UV.

“Who was here, jaan?” UV came beside her and asked worriedly.

Khushi soon realized that she was not in her room or even in her house. “Where am I?” she then remembered being in RM and having dinner with Anjali. And after that everything was blurry vision.

“Am I in RM?” she asked UV. And he nodded a no. To say it relieved her would be an understatement.

She was more than happy to just know that she was not in his territory.

“You are in the hospital.” said UV and hugged her.

“You again passed out. And we were scared so we bought you here!” UV lied to her as usual and saw an apologetic look on shashi’s face.

“ohh not again! Well UV how come you know about my pass out session? I was in RM right!” Khushi looked puzzled at him.

“ohh well Anjali told me. I mean she called me at once when she saw you lying on the floor unconscious. And I bought you here, as you were not waking up with water. Are you ok now!” UV asked as he made a reasonable excuse.

“Yeah I m fine just my head is a bit paining and -”

“And what?” Shashi asked more worried.

“And I have a blurry vision of you hugging me last night too.” She looked at UV and he gulped.

“Actually I did. I hugged you yesterday to make sure you come to conscious but to no avail, you are really a deep sleeper!! Damn, you scared the hell out of us! Next time you sleep with so intention make us informed so we do not panic after you! Alright!!” UV became fakely angry on her so that she forgets about the last night visions and looks forward to the new day.

The doctor (Daniel) entered with Anjali and Khushi smiled seeing them together.

“So what’s up Dan? You and Anjali together! Huh? What’s cooking?” Khushi asked with a devilish smirk “and Anjali you opportunist! You don’t even leave a chance na. I m the one who fell unconscious and you are after your lovely Daniel!! Not even asking me how I m feeling??” Anjali turned a deep shade of red. While Dan looked at the door coz Arnav Singh Raizada was just outside while this girl was teasing them mercilessly. And Khushi folded her hands to her chest and sighed in anger, fakely.

“ok ok enough of this. Her brother is just outside if he hears you I m dead!” Dan whined like a baby and Anjali and Khushi chuckled. But soon Khushi’s heart stopped beating! He is here!!!!!!!!!!!!

Then the door opened and enters the famous ASR with his eyes only for the lady on the bed. Khushi then became worried as she had already teased Anjali and knew what was coming next. And what was coming later too. Next was anji’s teasing and later was ASR’s anger on her being with UV.

And so that happened as Anjali was unaware of her brother entering..

“Look who is talking? You are teasing me! Who was the one hugging and cuddling to uv last night! And my gosh the way he carried you, haaye I felt I was watching a movie! And the hero was so romantic! NA UV!” She saw in UV’s direction and saw him blushing at the comment and saw her brother too and bit her lip inside her mouth.

Khushi for a second chuckled at anji’s expression and Dan made a move for going out.

“So I think miss gupta is now fine but we need her here for next 2 days more as she needs bed rest. And I very well know that wont be good idea if she goes home. So you are staying here!” Dan looked sternly at her and she opened her mouth in ‘O’.

“Is that the punishment of me teasing you!? Not fair!” Khushi again made baby pout and everyone laughed except one, who was utterly confused, Arnav.

Last night she was in panic attack then she fells unconscious and doc says if she doesn’t wake up she will go into coma and then now today she is up and well in form of teasing and laughing as nothing happened, while he was the fool who didn’t even sleep and was blaming himself for her condition. WHAT IS GOING ON HERE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! His mind screamed for umpteenth time.

If he dint know the truth next second, he would blast like a volcano.

For his relief, the doctor (Dan), gave an uneasy look to everyone and they look worried all of a sudden. Then Dan bid good-bye to Khushi and when she was not looking at him he suspiciously opened a syringe and inserted the contents it held in the glucose bottle, which was attached to Khushi’s arm. May be it had some sedatives. Shashi looked at him and nodded. Then as if in a line everyone went out bidding his or her good byes and Khushi was made to rest on the bed.

Arnav was the last one to move. He looked at her suddenly sleepy face and sighed. He then moved with heavy steps and moved out. Everyone was waiting for him outside. They made a big circle around him and Shashi took him to a private room with Anjali, which was empty. Shashi very well knew that Arnav would have been going through a lot of questions.

“so now are you guys going to explain all the ABC facts to me or should I just yell my lungs out.” Arnav said seething with anxiety.

“I knew you would be asking this bhai, but I wanted the doctor, to explain this all to you with all the critical details.” Anjali said and came to him and put her hand on his shoulder. “Bhai, I just wanted to assure you one thing. Last night, Khushi was not blaming you or was terrified of you, but of the knife which unknowingly was in HP’s hand.” Anjali looked at a doctor.

Dr. Thomson, who was in his late 50’s was the one who nodded, that he would continue after that, started to tell him Khushi’s story. Arnav looked at him questioningly.

“Look Mr. Raizada, this all started when Khushi was born.” Arnav was shocked. The doctor continued, “Yes, when she was mere minutes old, her mom passed away giving birth to her. Her dad who was waiting outside the operation theater didn’t even look at the little girl crying for the first time. He just went away blaming the newborn for killing its own mother! He not even had a look at her. Mr. Shashi Gupta and his wife were present at the hospital too, for the first time they took little girl in their arms and then the baby stopped crying. They named her Khushi that instant.” Somewhere Arnav eyes were moist. And his anger vanished to thin air.

doctor sighed and continued, “Khushi was so weak when she was born, and not receiving the mother milk made her more prone to diseases and infections. Then she was kept for a while in the hospital, when the doctors decided to discharge her then her dad, her- (doctor also couldn’t make himself speak) when Khushi’s dad refused to accept her, Mr. and Mrs. gupta got the baby discharged. And took her home.” Arnav smiled internally relieved that Khushi found home somewhere.

Then Shashi started to tell him how Khushi used to visit her father and return back crying. Then the horrific incident of her father hurting her badly. And when Khushi was again admitted to the hospital.

Then the doctor again continued, “When she was brought here she was loosing a lot of blood, we got her examined and dressed medically, her physical wounds were taken care of but her mental wounds are still afresh, they cannot be healed this soon. Her cuts were recovered but her mind couldn’t! Whenever she sees any knife or even darkness, she is temporarily blinded by those memories of the horrifying day. Her brain partially believes she is in those surrounding again and again someone is harming her. That is why when she saw you in the darkness, she mistook you as her dad. And due to this she usually gets hyper and looses conscious but what happened last night was so similar to what happened that day, that instead of getting hyper she got her panic attack! And mistaking you of being her dad in the darkness who was out to hurt her, she screamed at you. If UV dint have reached in time and have given her sedatives through that injection something severe would have happened. But she was saved.”

Arnav was in deep thought extracting each and every word in his mind and was so overwhelmed by the sufferings, that little angel have gone through in this young age.

“Then why was she behaving so uneven today morning, like nothing happened?” Arnav asked, as he was barely able to speak.

“Mr. Raizada she goes into the memories, like in back of her life. Her mind starts to believe things and when she wakes up, she forgets every thing. Even before this incident, when she used to loose conscious after being hyper, she would remember nothing! Just nothing! Well this is a good thing, incase. If she remembered whatever happened, she would panic again but she just thinks she is having a habit of passing out and everything is a blur to her. That is why we all treat her like nothing happened too. And we secretly give her sleeping pills or some injections. Or else she would just protest for everything.”

“but- but don’t you think this is not good. I mean—I mean – how can you hide something of her from her!” Arnav was logically speaking but doctor was still silent.

“Answer me how can you hide it from her that she gets panic attacks!! its ridiculous!” Arnav said frustrated.

“Its due to high sedatives we give her for calming her down. May be because of that!” the doctor said casually.

Hearing this lame excuse Arnav got angrier, “It’s the matter of her life dammit!! And there should not be any MAYBE’s here! We are talking about someone’s life, for god’s sake! And you are saying maybe!”

The doctor got nervous, “listen Mr. Raizada, psychology is the science that can not be explained. Her mind is behaving that way and we cannot do anything about it. Every brain has its own working power and a way of being. We can not interrupt it in any way and we can not do anything about her mental condition! We can just make her calm down and prevent her from being hyper and getting panic attacks. Before or after that we can do nothing, everything is up to her and her family!”

“I just cannot believe, being one of the best psychiatrists of London all you have to say is you can do nothing! Unbelievable!” Saying so Arnav went out and moved to his car and drove off in the silence.

—

It was late night now and Arnav was still missing from the morning, when the truth was disclosed in front of him.

—

Somewhere in the city where there was no one around, just jungle and jungles and jungles. In the big, dark mansion near the river and surrounded by big and dense forests. There was a room messed up like there was a war going on in there, yes war was going on, not in the room but in him.

The antic, black-glassed vase, which was his favorite, was now on the floor, broken in uncountable crystals, just like his heart. But the difference was that now his heart was not black but red, due to bleeding. Yes his heart was bleeding since he knew he had hurt her. Since he knew she was an innocent angel and for a minute he was about ravage her innocence in that room of his where he was about to take her then and there if she had just not turned her face away and showed him his cruelty in front of him in the form of a bite he gave her.

There stood him. With a grim look on his face and a heart which constantly accused him of being the culprit while his brain just tried to convince it of being a victim.

Yes. Arnav Singh raizada’s heart was accusing him of making her life more miserable while his brain was just convincing it that he was just a victim of her beauty and thus couldn’t control himself in her presence and couldn’t see past her lips and the beautiful eyes which just carried an unknown desire to be kissed the same way he did.

If she had not looked at him that way he would have not proceeded further. But what was done, was done. He could not reverse the time, he could not change her past, but he would surely change her future. Now Arnav Singh Raizada would write her destiny along with his. Now she would just get happiness, just happiness and laughter. Any tear she would ever shed now would be only when she would be laughing out loud.

But before that he has to hurt himself. Hurt him for hurting her. For giving her that bite which might have bleeded and hurted her. so he picked up a black piece of that vase which now stood near his foot and slashed it near his neck, exactly where it was on hers.

Blood oozed out furiously. And slid on his chest, dripping on his black shirt and making it soaking wet. The sensory nerves sent a message to the bran that they were being hurt on the neck, so that it gets acknowledged. But the brain refused as the heart was ruling at this moment.

Before dropping the glass piece he held it so tightly in his hand that it dig inside his palm and then fell on the lifeless ground of the lifeless room. But the darkness turned red as the blood started oozing out from his palm and fingers which dared to hurt her.

Then he went down the room and sat in his car to get some answers, which he needed to know. He wanted to know who was the bloody bast*** who wanted to kill his Khushi even before she met him. He would just finish him off that instant! The man she dreamt of living with but he was the biggest threat to her life. The thing she thought was a dream, in actually was a nightmare!

Now the car was driven by ASR, who was out to protect the one he loved and destroy the one he hated. And once ASR got started he could not stand still until he achieved what he wanted. And now he wanted the answer to a simple question – who is he? Who is the that man in her life?

The car went crazy on the roads of London. But who sat inside was going crazier.

The car came to a sudden halt, in front of RM. He knew the person who can tell who that man is, was sitting inside.

Anjali. Anjali was sitting on the sofa when she heard the gate fly open and a stranger with a murderous glint entered who looked just like her brother! For a second she just saw his eyes that spelled M.U.R.D.E.R. and then she saw her brother, taking long steps towards her. His shirt was wet due to something and oh my god his hand was cut! His eyes suddenly soften seeing her worried and scared. He took a long breath and tried to sound normal.

“Who is Khushi’s dad!?” he tried but failed to prevent the hatred his question spilled for him.

“What?” for a second Anjali dint register his words, as it was unexpected.

“I asked, who her dad is? Who is he? THE NAME.” Arnav unknowingly gritted his teeth.

“Bhai, why are you behaving so different?” Anjali looked the man in front of her who resembled her brother but she failed to recognize him as the ever so soft, loving and caring eyes her brother held were now red with anger and desperation. Desperation to kill someone.

“Anjali, not today, just tell me the name of that b-” Arnav was about to degrade him but he never even spoke loudly in front of Anjali, forget speaking the curse words, and today also he dint wanted to scare her. So he didn’t.

Anjali as soon as heard her full name from him sensed something was wrong. As he never took her full name instead of when he was introducing her to someone or she was in trouble for some mischief.

“Vijendar Thakraal.” Anjali said.

Arnav’s eyes went wide “who?” he asked once again, thinking he might just heard something she dint say.

“Vijendar Thakraal.” Anjali said casually.

Arnav was now on new heights of hatred and rage. If he were a bomb he would have blasted at the name of that man.

The name of that man in his life and the name of that man in her life, MATCHED.

For a moment his eyes went wide and he was filled with a lightening force to kill someone and his eyes held so much hatred that Anjali felt scared of her own brother. The brother who was always like a father figure to her and who always had a fun-filled relation with her. But today seeing his alien eyes she felt a shudder run through her spine and her knees buckled and her eyes became teary.

Arnav sensed her when she took a little step away from him in fear. He closed his eyes and gulped down whole hatred and rage down his throat.

He opened his eyes. He looked at his sister who was currently terrified. Anjali saw his eyes again and was stunned to have her brother back. The same loving and soft eyes were back. She went near him to touch him to be real and Arnav just hugged her and took her in his embrace. Anjali couldn’t think for a second.

“I am sorry.” Arnav whispered to her as he ran a soft hand in her hairs. “I am sorry. I didn’t wanted to show you that side of mine but- – I am sorry.” Arnav sighed. And ran his comforting hand on her back and felt her sobbing.

“bh- bhai, you were- so- so angry. I – got scared. I am sorry.” Anjali sobbed between her sentences.

“shhh. I am sorry for scaring you. I didn’t mean to. But- – sorry.” Arnav just tried twice to explain it to her but just said sorry. Coz he also didn’t knew why he was reacting this way for her. He knew he loved Khushi the moment he saw her on that white bed. But he dint knew to this extent. Can love be this powerful?

Soon he saw Anjali closing her eyes as she drifted off to sleep, while hugging him. He always did this to her unknowingly. Whenever Arnav hugged Anjali for long, she would just drift off to sleep peacefully.

“Its so comforting to sleep while you hug me, bhaiya.” One day Anjali told this to him.

He took her in his arms and went up to her room. He made her lay on her bed and sat there for a while beside her. Just stroking her hair while she was fast asleep. Then he saw the clock. It was 11 in the night. But still sleep was far away from him. After which looked like an hour he again looked at her, his little beloved sister. What would have happened if he was a second late that day. The thought itself made Arnav shudder. And he hugged the little form of his sister in reassurance that she was with him, alive and healthy. His slight stubble poked on her arms and she laughed a little as she felt it tickling. Arnav also smiled slightly and pulled the quilt over her and gave a good night kiss on her forehead and went out of the house, running.

He couldn’t hold it any longer. He drove to a secluded area to a hilltop, and screamed his lungs out.

“AARRHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!” his voice shook with the amount of rage and he again screamed to control his shaking nerves, which wanted to hit something to shreds.

FLASHBACK (that day in Arnav’s life.)

When Arnav was nearly 7 his mom was pregnant and was about to give birth to a baby in a month. That baby was Anjali. Arnav took care of his mom a lot and was told by her that if he saw her in any pain and in case dad was not in home then it was time for the baby to come out and call the ambulance.

Vijendar Thakraal and Arnav’s dad, Aarav Mallik were friends. Not the best ones but still they were good friends, as Aarav thought they were. But in reality Vijendar Thakraal just considered Aarav as his enemy and god knows why. He was poisoning Aarav’s mind with filthy thoughts. He was filling him with doubts, that his wife (Arnav’s mom) Asha was having an affair.

And as Aarav considered him to be a good friend, he believed him.

That day vij came to aarav and told him that Asha was cheating on him from ages and that the baby she is carrying now is also not his but of some other man she was in love with! He was poisoning his mind from so long that aarav lost all thoughts of rationality and just went to Asha who was sitting on the stairs, knitting a small sweater for the new one to come and pushed her. The eight-month pregnant Asha fell from the top stairs to the ground and screamed in pain.

Arnav who was in his room, doing his homework came out at her scream and leaned down seeing her crying. He looked at the stairs and saw his dad standing there mute, seeing his mother die. And behind him was the culprit! Vijendar Thakraal, smirking and smiling at him mockingly. That look on his face, Arnav dint even forget now. The smirk was asking out loud to him- “how are you going to save your mom, little one.”

As Arnav was just 7 he couldn’t understand what was going on and did what he was told to do. He called the ambulance. In no time the ambulance arrived and took the patient with them. Arnav who was sitting with his mother on the back of the ambulance watched his mother in pain. And was unable to do anything. He just held her hands.

As they reached the hospital she was rushed to the operation theater. And Arnav went towards the telephone; to call his nani, as she was the only one he could think of. His nani rushed to hospital too and saw the 7-year-old sitting outside the operation theater waiting for the baby to come. As soon as Arnav saw her he ran and hugged her. Nani asked him what was happening and he just told her what he saw.

“I was doing homework when I heard mom crying loudly. She was lying near the stairs and screaming. Dad was upstairs but was not coming to help mom. Then I did what mom told me one day that if she is in pain then call the ambulance soon as it would be the time for the baby to come! But I dint know why was that man smirking at me.”

“That man? Who?” nani asked confused.

“That man – Vijendar. Dad’s friend. He was smirking and I wonder why dad didn’t helped mom. He was just standing there seeing her in pain!” Arnav cried, as his innocent mind could not make out what he saw. But hers did. Asha told Nani many times that vij was filling her husband’s mind with doubts. But nani dint knew that Aarav could go to this extent in his doubts on her that he would try to kill her and the unborn baby.

She hugged Arnav and told him to calm down. The doctor came and said “hello I guess you guys are with the patient inside.”

“Yes. We are with her, I am Savitri Singh Raizada, the patient’s mom, and she is my daughter, Asha Singh Raizada.” Savitri said determined that from now onwards her daughter would use her maiden name. And so will Arnav. Now she would name him as Arnav Singh Raizada rather than Arnav Mallik. She dint even wanted to see her daughter using his surname, hence she would use her own.

“Oh. I am happy that you guys were on time to take her to the hospital. Or else we would have lost them both. But not to worry they are both healthy. The mother and the baby. I think she slipped from the stairs and had a cut on her head, but we are glad the baby is perfectly fine. It’s a miracle they both survived the accident. May I know where the husband of your daughter is?” the doctor asked.

“He is dead.” Savitri said coldly and Arnav just stared at his nani. His father was alive then why was nani lying? Arnav wanted to clarify but felt a little squeeze on his shoulder by her, indicating him to not to disclose the truth. And Arnav stayed quite.

“I am sorry.” The doctor apologized “you can see the baby and you can meet Mrs. Raizada once she is in conscious. But I must say they were really lucky. And you little boy-” doctor ruffled Arnav’s hair a bit and continued “called the ambulance on time, maybe she slipped from the stairs and as I said they were lucky but if he was a second late then may be we would have lost the baby as Mrs. Raizada was in her 8^th month. The baby is very weak but we will try our best and the results would be positive for sure.” The doctor smiled a bit and left.

Arnav was in deep thoughts. What if he was a bit late? A second late! NO. Thank god he knew the ambulance number and called them at the right time.

Then nani and Arnav went to see the little baby. The doctors kept her in the small glass carriage thing and there was some wires attached to the crib. Arnav saw her first time and was proud of himself as he saved his little sister and would do it again and again, if needed. He would save her every time.  The nurse and nani looked at Arnav affectionately and made him sit on the nearby bench and handed him the baby, at first Arnav was reluctant.

“Nani, I would drop her.” Arnav said nervously.

“I know you wont.” The look in Nani’s eyes gave him strength and he held her in his laps and in his little hands. The baby smiled unconsciously and soon in a minute slept peacefully.

The nurse gasped and said out loud, “how did you do that! We were trying to put her to sleep since half an hour! But she just cried and then after a lot of hard work she stopped crying but after you took her in your arms she slept!” the nurse flew her hands in the air and Arnav smiled seeing his angel sleep peacefully in his arms.

“Who are you? I mean, are you her brother?” the nurse asked Arnav.

“No. I am her father.” that time Arnav dint knew what it meant but now he knew what he said and what he did.

From then on nani took them away from the evil clutches of Aarav and changed them forever, from a Mallik to a Raizada.

—

FLASHBACK ENDS

“I am going to kill him, Khushi. I am so going to kill that man. Not for me. For you and Anjali. I swear he won’t be able to get any one in his life to help him. Not even his own shadow! He is your nightmare, now HE is in for a new type of nightmare in his life! Nightmare called Arnav Singh Raizada. And I swear I wont scare him, I will not kill him instantly. NO, he would beg for mercy and he would beg for death! It’s my word to you, Khushi! Arnav Singh Raizada’s word!”

Arnav opened his eyes. He wanted to see her. He needed to see her. Look forward that she is fine. He again sat in his car and drove towards the hospital.

He reached and opened the gate of her room. She was sleeping peacefully. Maybe the docs gave her the sedatives again. She was looking so serene. Her eyelids closed like a curtain, hiding her hazel eyes. Her nose set in peace as for a moment there was no anger on it. Her cheeks a little pale but managed to have a glint of reddishness. And then – oh no, her lips, he looked at them and an urge to kiss those lips shot through him.

He told himself that she is so fragile at the moment; he could not even touch her. What if she got scared! NO. I wont scare her! Arnav looked away from her face and moreover her lips. Arnav was controlling himself so much that he took all the energy available in him to just drag himself out of that room. Or else he would just.. just… Arnav sighed and with heavy steps, stepped out of the room. But once he was out. He was not Arnav anymore. He was ASR. Arnav was left behind in the room with Khushi and the one who stepped out was a ruthless monster, ASR.

—

Finally Arnav knew where he was. JAIL.

And he went to meet him. Not because of his reasons, but because of hers.

It was long past midnight, and the streets of London were also resting in peace. But suddenly a booming roar of the engine was heard near the police headquarters and everyone was on alert. They also knew who was inside the car, ASR.

He went inside the headquarters and went straight to one of the cops. “I want to see Vijendar Thakraal.” He said in cold voice, the emotion-drained voice of his.

“I am sorry sir. But the visiting hours are closed for the visitors.” The cop knew who was infront of him but rules were rules.

“And I am not a normal visitor, cop. You know me.” the last sentence was the indication that they couldn’t stop him from meeting the one he wanted to.

The cop swallowed hard and turned towards the computer screen and got the cell number in which ASR’s culprit was locked. “Its cell number 1299, sir.”

Arnav started to walk in the dimly lit corridor and saw the first cell, 1291.

He took long strides as soon as the jail rooms started to come in front of him. He just couldn’t wait to see him. And he just couldn’t stop the itching in his hands just to punch the life out of that man.

 

1292..93..94..95..96..97..98.. finally, 1299.

He immediately looked down and saw it was immensely dark. So dark that he couldn’t see a face. Soon the cop following him turned a light on which made the room dimly lit, at least he could see faces now. But Arnav Singh Raizada was not here to see faces, but to break one.

There was an iron bed and vij, in his gray uniform was sleeping on it. As soon as the lights were on he made a face and got up with anger. He saw a cop outside and yelled.

“What the hell is wrong with you, scoundrel! Cant I even sleep nicely!!” vij came near the bars and stood just in front of ASR.

ASR looked at him and felt all the muscles that held his patience move away. He just glared at the cop beside him and the poor chap just fumbled through the keys and opened his cell door.

ASR got in and vij looked suspiciously at him.

“I bet the sleep you got till now would be your best sleep ever! Coz now onwards I am in your life Vijendar Thakraal. And I promise I wont let you sleep a blink from now onwards. The only peaceful sleep you will ever get now would be when you die!” ASR said, as he was just an inch away from his culprit, from her culprit. And moreover anji’s culprit. Anji and Khushi may forgive him but ASR? Nah! He never forgives, he punishes.

“Oh come on! Can we not continue this tomorrow? I m really tired!” saying this vij started moving towards the bed when ASR just held the bed and threw it across the room, like it was nothing. The iron bed clashed with the bars and made a big noise. Hearing noises 3-4 cops came running to his cell and were about to enter when Arnav’s one glare stopped them in their tracks.

“You have no idea what you are putting yourself into!” vij gritted his teeth. And ASR glared at him equally.

“Then I think you don’t know me. I am Arnav Singh Raizada! And I like to play rough!” he said boring his eyes into vij’s and for a second a small shiver ran into his spine. But vij recovered it and looked at his eyes that were spitting fire into his soul.

“And I don’t play fair either!” vij said again looking at him and now he moved forward to see closely who this ASR was. “Well what have I done to you? There are a lot of people with whom I have played. But you are something interesting!” saying this vij had a cunning smile on his face and ASR felt so bad for his cunning smile that he was just about to rip it off from his face!

“I am Asha and Aarav’s son.” There was a fire-type glint in Arnav’s eyes and he had a got-you-off-guard smirk on his face.

Vij’s eyes narrowed a second for redirecting the info Arnav gave, soon he had a fake mask on “ah! You are Aarav’s son! Oh my god! You have grown so big, son!” he said with fake smile and fake affection.

Hearing him say son, Arnav lost himself and gave a tight punch on his face and for a second vij felt his teeth and gums dislocate but soon recovered and was about to reply back but Arnav held his hand and twisted it on his back. Vij let out a small scream as he held his wrist so painfully that soon it started to get numb.

“Don’t you dare call me that! I am nobody’s son!! And let me remind you- I am not that 7-year-old that would not know your real intentions. I very well do and don’t you dare underestimate me! You poisoned my mom’s life by filling Aarav Mallik’s mind with doubts and even at that time I saved my mother and sister by the evil clutches of you and I am very sure I would save my love from you, too!” saying this he pushed vij in front of the bars and his head got hurt. Some amount of blood started oozing out.

Seeing the blood and violence in the cell the cops tried to catch Arnav, “don’t you dare step in the prison!” he warned the cops and they stilled. They were aware of ASR’s bad temper and now it was not only bad but also the worst.

“YOU!! – ” he was about to hit him again but Arnav very easefully dodged and moved behind him and pushed him to the wall, hurting him on the same place of the head again.

“You have no idea how much I am loving this.” Arnav said as he had his victorious smirk on his face.

“What have I done??” vij said frustrated, then it clicked “your lover? Who is your lover, huh??” he said venomously.

Arnav smirk the best of his and answered, “your biological daughter! Khushi!”

The floor beneath vij slipped and for a second he tripped, “easy, easy there, Thakraal!” Arnav said holding him, “I am not going to let you fall so easily. It will be the most painful one for you! Coz you tried to hurt the 3 most precious women in my world, my mom, my sister and my love! So technically your fall would be 3 times worst than how it should be!” saying this Arnav smiled but again he felt Thakraal getting up but this time with full force.

“You love that b*tch! Oh forget saving her! You can’t do anything once I am out of here! Save her till I am locked but after that she will breath her last!!” vij said in anger.

Arnav was just too furious. He held his collar and pushed him towards the walls. Vij cried in pain. Arnav was about to punch him on his face when the face of smiling Khushi hindered in between. He again tried hitting him but he saw Khushi smiling in front of him. He couldn’t hit him. Not because Khushi loved her father but because Arnav loved her..

“Don’t you dare use a word against my love! Be grateful to her that because of her, today, I am sparing you! Or else I would have killed you right now, but killing you in here would be so less fun, Thakraal! Lets see how you play outside this lock up. And I would wait till you get out. But the day you try to harm ANYONE around me, be it a little kitten also, I swear I will make your life living hell and that is a promise, Arnav Singh Raizada’s promise!” he said nearing vij’s face.

“Oh then you don’t have to wait for long, Raizada! I am going out soon. And remind you! When I am out! I m so, so going to kill her.” vij also moved further towards Arnav.

“We’ll see. Who is going to be killed by whom!” Saying this Arnav stepped out and took long strides near the exit.

—

After hearing those negative words for her, Arnav was furious! So raging furious that he had to take every ounce of self-control present in him, to not to turn back and tear that man into pieces. He needed to see her, kiss her, maybe that would calm him down. ONLY that would calm him down. Without any delay he went towards her.

He opened the door of her room and saw her still sleeping in her deep slumber. He went near her and sat on the same bed in which she was laying. He again saw her in the same state. White and white color around her and different wires connected to her body and a small machine beeping in every beat of her heart. He kept his hands on the either side of her shoulders and dipped his head towards hers to have a taste of her mouth. Yes, he would just taste her and then would run away before he preceded any further.

He dipped his head more and more. And finally found the corner of her lips. He lingered over there, taking in her warmth.

Khushi, who was asleep, felt something soft and warm on her lips. It was like something magical, like something was breathing life into her. She could feel it in her deep slumber too. Unfortunately, she was unable to move her lips so that the warm thing covered her lips fully. But as if he heard her, Arnav couldn’t help but cover his lips on hers and take her full warmth in him. He licked her lips and sucked at the bottom lip. That’s when her mind roared and told her that she was being kissed, again. But the mind, this time, was not roaring due to fear but due to happiness.

Khushi tried hard in fighting the sedatives, which kept her from coming to consciousness. And soon she was out of her slumber and tried opening her eyes. Arnav who was unaware of her inner war, was busy taking in her lips fully, all the thoughts of leaving jumped out the window. He felt her lips moving slightly. She was responding! For the first time! Arnav opened his eyes, removing his lips from hers. He got a bit away to see her face, when he saw the wrinkle on her forehead, He thought she dint like him kissing her but what he saw in her eyes totally stumped him! There was desire! A pure and innocent desire to be kissed. Maybe she liked it! The thought itself made him hard. She liked him kissing her.

She frowned a little, while waiting him to kiss her. And he obliged!

Arnav dipped his head once again and neared her lips. Seeing him come forward, she closed her eyes in submission. Arnav saw her submitting herself to him and he fell in love with her all over again. He brought his lips on hers and stayed there still, not moving or not making any move to proceed. She felt him stop and frowned a little again, she was still under sedatives, and looked like they were taking a toll over her senses.

She tried moving her heavy lips and he felt it, Her responding to his kiss. He started licking her lips slowly and sensually. As if trying to heal her. But Khushi, she wanted more of him. She opened her mouth unknowingly and let out a weak moan. Hearing the sweet voice of her wanting more Arnav smirked inwardly and started to play along! After all, he was also tortured by her not responding-ness, now its her turn.

Not feeling him move she started moving her lips again but failed. It was like she had no control over herself anymore. She let a weak frustrated sigh. Suddenly Arnav heard the heart monitor of hers beep faster and he knew she wanted him desperately. The second he realized his love for her, He promised himself that he would fulfill each and every wish of hers, and if this was her wish right now, then why not! After sweet torture Khushi felt bliss, as his lips finally parted and he started the real kiss. Khushi felt fireworks inside her and her body going numb in his presence. He opened her mouth with his tongue and entered in her secret territory. His hands moved from the bed to the back of her head and moved her face more into his. Getting his support Khushi moved her lips just to caress his. That was enough of the light kissing. Arnav broke through all the barriers and started getting into the intimate journey. He sucked her tongue and teased it to get up and fight for dominance but at the moment dominance was not what she wanted. Khushi just sighed into his mouth but Arnav was not satisfied. He thrusted his tongue into her mouth deeper and deeper, unlocking her hidden treasure- her sweet taste. Khushi again let a satisfied moan escape her mouth and finally felt the eternal bliss of being kissed perfectly. Their first-perfect-mutual kiss.

Suddenly, Arnav pulled Khushi carefully in a sitting position, the wires were attached but he took so extra care that nothing came in between. Arnav then half-hugged her while still continued his soft kiss. Arnav nibbled on her lower lip just to make her respond nicely but she was just lost in him. He again bit her softly and Khushi just moaned again. His body was going hard to the aching point. She tried to respond and just licked his lip with her tongue, just for a second and Arnav was so in her that he forgot all the anger, frustration and even the revenge. The sedatives again dominated her senses and her body fell weak into his arms. Her head jerked back a bit and Arnav knew she was again falling back in her deep slumber. He broke the kiss and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. Then slowly and steadily he made her lay on the bed again and he took his hands back that were holding her face and her back and looked at her now-swollen and red lips. After seeing them, he again wanted to kiss her senseless but knew he should not. She has just started falling for him, he dint wanted to scare her again. He just adjusted her blanket, looked at the heart monitor, which was now at peace and without any noise, moved out of the room.

—

Closing the door, Arnav peeked inside the room for the last glance and there, she was again in her peaceful sleep and now due to him, there was a whole new redness on her cheeks and lips. Maybe she was blushing in her sleep. He wanted to control his urging desires before he harmed her in a drastic way, the way, he too would not be able to forgive himself. He closed his eyes tightly and turned, now his back facing the door. He saw here and there but there was no one. How come? Why was there no one out here for her? What if she needed anything!

He tried seeing someone here and there again but couldn’t find anyone. But then UV came from one of the rooms, which was actually Dan’s cabin. Uv saw Arnav and was surprised to see him here at this moment.

“Arrey, Mr. Raizada you here? At this time?” UV looked at him suspiciously, and looked at the time in his watch. It was 3.30 am.

“Ah. Actually my sister, Anjali, was so worried about her friend that She wanted to stay here but I took her forcefully. Then she became angry and I came to check on her friend on her behalf.” Arnav lied so innocently that UV dint even doubted. Arnav then looked closely and continued, “I hope you don’t mind me coming here at this awkward time.”

Uv’s expressions changed suddenly and he said casually, “ohh no Mr. Raizada! What are you saying? I know you love your sister very much. And Anjali is so caring about Khushi too. I still remember when Anji came to know about Khushi’s past, she was broken herself. And I really don’t mind your presence Mr. Raizada.” He said.

“Well, thank you. But I don’t understand, why isn’t anybody of her family here? I mean they love her a lot?” Arnav asked and UV smiled.

“Yes they love her a lot and they are here too. Actually they are in the next room. (Uv showed Arnav the room next door and he was shocked to see all of her family- Shashi, Garima and Payal sitting on the sofa.) Actually Khushi didn’t wanted to trouble them by staying here so she insisted to them to leave but they just couldn’t and so do me! That’s why they are here in the next room, if she needed them anytime. But they wont tell her.” UV smiled.

Arnav was touched to know that she had a great family inspite of having a horrible biological father! Infact he is not even worth it to be called as the father of that angel. Arnav clenched his fists and controlled his rage, which just erupted at the mere thought of him.

“Are you her boyfriend?” Arnav just couldn’t stop himself from asking.

Uv laughed and Arnav looked confused. “Don’t even say that infront of her! Her friends just keep teasing her with my name and I am ok with it! She would just kill you if you mentioned it too. She loves me and I love her but just the way friends do. Khushi is so nice that she sees everything through the positive-ness inside her! So she needs someone to protect her from the harshness of the world. And I am her protector.”

Hearing UV like this Arnav just got the positive vibes from him. He was sure Khushi would be safe with him. And he did not need to worry about their relationship anymore. And he was not that ancient minded, when people believed that a guy and a girl cant be friends. Infact he was happy Khushi had someone to protect her from the world before he came in her life. But now she had him. And he was just going rip off the harshness altogether from her life.

—

Arnav was trying hard to sleep but sleep was far far far away from him. He tossed and turned on his king sized-soft bed that he loved the previous nights but today, this bed was biting him to get up.

After 2 minutes he got up and headed towards the gym. May be he can tire himself to an extent that he might fell asleep easily coz sleeping at mind’s peace was not a question for him right now. Coz his mind was not at all in its place after hearing those ridiculous words from vij’s mouth.

He entered his personal gym in his house, which was full of latest equipments, he could work on but he went to the most favorite of his, the treadmill. He went to it and climbed on it and put the maximum speed he could run on. He had that rage inside him building up that he could burst in anger any moment. He needed to let out his anger soon or else he would just destroy something around him.

He was running and running to his high speed, legs aching, muscles hard and sweat – it was like a shower was pouring water on him. His track pants were soaked and vest- which just hugged his chest as a second skin. His shoes screaming at him to stop the torture but the raging ache inside his heart was not letting him stop for even a nanosecond also. His breaths were uneven and his sweat-wet hairs were jumping up and down on his each step and the room was full of heat. His heat. The heat of his rage inside him.

Soon his legs gave up and he stopped himself from running. He went to the boxing area instead. He punched and punched the bag, which hung loose in the middle of a roof. The bag got punched so many times that the machines were looking at it sympathetically. But Arnav was nowhere near stopping. He ought to let out his anger. But he himself didn’t have that energy to let out his full anger. The final punch and the bag was thrown out of the sight by him. The loose knot on the roof buckle tore and the bag went go-went-gone in the room.

Soon in 2 hours or so Arnav went to his room and slept, not because he was sleepy but because he was hell tired.

—

Soon the much-awaited sun shone bright in the sky, making its rays enter the white room, where the angel was sleeping.

Khushi opened the eyes and found UV infront of her. He was smiling brightly at her and was looking at her face, which had the unusual happiness. Khushi smiled back to him and he was again infected by her smile.

“I didn’t knew you liked this hospital so much that you are waking up with a smile.” Uv pointed it out for her and she was in deep thoughts.

Why was she smiling? Oh my god!! She remembered being kissed by him last night. Even though she was in deep effects of the sedatives, she couldn’t forget how gentle and soft his lips were. And the kiss- she blushed.

Uv saw the changing expressions, from surprise to realization to shock then to shyness.

“ohh ho do you realize how happy you are Khushi??? If you be so happy coming here then I myself will knock you down every other day, just to see you so happy!” uv joked and got a hit on his arm.

Just then Shashi, Garima and Payal came in.

“Oh my god you are up! I was thinking of you all night in that room!” Payal said and got a secret nudge from UV. “I mean in my room, in the house.” Payal said making an excuse.

“Oh leave that Payal, Khushi would be tired and bring that homemade food for her.” Garima said as she wanted to shoo Payal off before she spilled the beans of them being here all the time.

“Yes and you know last night all the neighbors were asking of you, sweetheart.” Shashi lied.

“Oh come on, bauji. Do you really think I was asleep when you came in and turned off the AC and put a blanket on me!” she said and Payal and Garima gasped at her. “And you!” she turned towards UV “don’t you have any manners to knock on the girl’s door! You came 3-4 times, all without knocking!” she said with fake anger and UV smiled.

“I knock on a girl’s door right! But you (he looked at her) I even doubt you are a girl!” UV said playfully and again got hit by her on his arm.

Everyone laughed as the real Khushi was back and Garima had her signature tears on.

Just then doctor Dan entered the room, full of laughter. “I see, the things are now under control. And you Khushi Kumari Gupta! Scared the hell out of us. Next time you plan to go unconscious, inform any of us!” Dan was also a family member to them as he was handling her case from years and hence had an affair with her best friend, who was now in a serious relationship with him but there was no seriousness in Anji and him, they were as playful with everyone as they would be in kindergarten.

“Hey where is Anji, Dan!” she asked and he blushed at the simplest mention of her name.

“She told me last night that she would be here soon, I wonder what’s taking her so long.” Dan said glancing the door.

Seeing him so impatient Khushi cooed, “ooooooh someone’s having late night talks too! Maybe I should tell anji’s brother about you and your secret heart which beats only for my dear friend.” Khushi said innocently and that scared the poor guy to the core.

“No no no… don’t tell him! He is just so protective of his sister that he might kill me, no wonder.” Dan suddenly got scared and everyone laughed heartily at his frightened expression.

“I don’t get it how badly you are scared of him! He is so nice!” Payal said to Dan and he gave an annoyed look to her.

“Yeah yeah he isn’t scary but his temper is! I have read, he once shot her boyfriend, in the heart, who just tried to kiss Anjali in a dance pub. And he was stalking his moves and when he came closer to her and held her hand, he shot him dead!! The cops came and were present there! But he is Arnav Singh Raizada! Who dares to touch him!” Dan told everyone with wide eyes imagining the live scene infront of him and everyone again laughed at his cuteness and horrified face. He was just too childish to be a doctor.

“By the way, let me tell you! That boy was a criminal and had 2-3 rape-attempt cases going on him. He moved infront of Anjali to harm her. Firstly he warned him to not even move in anji’s direction, and what he did was right. He first shot him on the foot, as a warning. When the guy, saw ASR infront of him he again moved towards anji and that’s when he shot him on his heart! Dirty heart though!” UV said expanding on the scene and Khushi looked at him horrified once again! The person who kissed her so sensually was a murderer!!!! Oh em gee!!!

“And how do you know this exactly!” Khushi asked now as terrified as Dan.

“That dance pub was in Uday-niwas hotel!” Uday said scaring the wit out of Khushi.

“And you did nothing!” Khushi said not believing.

“What would I do!” Uday asked confused.

“I mean, he KILLED someone in YOUR HOTEL!! And you dint even tell me!” Khushi said widening her eyes.

“Yes and the person who was killed was a CRIMINAL and he was trying to harass ASR’s sister, Anjali Singh Raizada. The outcome was expected! I would have been surprised if he left him breathing.” Uday said casually. “And one more thing, why would have I told you! You cant even handle killing a mosquito and he – well leave it. You wont understand! Guys are just so protective for the people around them. I would have done the same if I had a gun and someone was misbehaving with you or Payal.” Uday said with determined eyes as if he was not at all joking.

Khushi took in all the information. And processed it in her brain. The man who kissed her last night was a murderer and moreover she liked the murderer’s kiss!! Double oh em gee!!

While she was processing the info, Anji came in and greeted her.

“Hi Khushi. How are you feeling?” she said casually and then saw Khushi’s and Dan’s faces. It was white from fear. “What happened guys! Did you see Payal without her makeup!! Omg Payal!!” she looked at Payal who gave a fake glare to her.

“Actually, uv told her about your last boyfriend who was shot dead by your brother!” Payal said giving tit for tat and high-fived UV, Who was also laughing at her remark but Anjali was unaffected.

“ohh that! His name was Vivek and let me clear! He was NOT my boyfriend. I just met him 2 times and I liked him. But I dint made him my boyfriend! If bhai knew he was my bf and we were dating then he would have shot him 10 times.”

“And you are telling me now!” Dan was now all the more scared.

Payal and UV laughed and Anji pacified him. “Come on! he doesn’t know about us! I mean not yet! And you are not even any type of criminal trying to harass me. Why would he harm you! And I am there with you Na! He won’t shoot you! I promise.” Anji said sensually and everyone broke into laughter and Dan left the room in a huff. And Anji followed him.

“Oh my goodddd!!! They are not going to change EVER!!!” Payal said and UV laughed too. Khushi who just pretended to laugh was nervous again. She liked being kissed by him, and the problem was HE KNEW IT!!!

He knew it she liked it last time and wanted more of it! And the way he looked at her, was just- .. Khushi got Goosebumps all over her, at mere thought of him. What if he came infront of her now! Triple oh em gee!!

—

Soon Anji returned with Dan and everyone was sitting in a circle, as the famous food of Garima aunty’s hands was going to be served. Dan also joined in with Anji. The food was simple as it was for Khushi but still it was delicious. Garima specially went home in the early morning, as she knew Khushi dint liked the food that was served by the hospital. So she went with Payal and made food for everyone. This was garima’s hobby – to stuff everyone with food!

Khushi was so happy seeing everyone around her happily chatting and eating together, except one. She thought – How nice would it be if Arnav joined them too? . . . . . . . .

Khushi slapped her head and finished her eating.

—

After 2 days.

Khushi was back home and everyone was happy. Uv decided to throw a party. He knew Khushi loved surprises and hence he threw a party without her knowledge. Khushi was busy in her home working on a project. Khushi just passed her high school and got admission in a college. And as soon as their semester started they were loaded with projects. So she was working on one of them when Anji called her and asked her to get ready as she was taking her out on shopping and then to a party. Khushi agreed, as she was so tired resting in home. When she was discharged from the hospital she thought she would finally join her college but she was locked in her house just to take REST! Everyone, even along with UV were on the side to not let her join college for her regular classes. And the traitor Anji was with them too.

In the late afternoon, Anji came and took Khushi along with her to shopping. They were roaming around in the mall when Khushi saw a beautiful short dress and was very excited to see it. Usually she does not wear short dresses but she had two of them, which she hid from everyone and wore them at night just to admire herself, and Anji knew this. Anji smiled seeing the Khushi finally back with a bang.

Khushi excitedly took the dress to try it on. She was in the trial room when the door opened and Khushi gasped! There he was! Leaning on the doorframe and smiling at her.

He looked at her mesmerized and was awestruck! She was the girl who can make Arnav Singh Raizada stare! Arnav looked at her, her long bare legs, her short dress ending above her knees, hugging her waist and breasts extremely well, and had thin stripes on the shoulder just to support it, letting her neck and a bit of her cleavage visible.

Soon his mouth dried and he wanted to wet his lips with hers. He moved closer to her and then turned to lock the door. As she heard the door lock, it sent a long shiver through her spine and her knees wobbled a bit. She moved back as he moved towards her. The room was so small that she hit the cold wall in the second step itself. Arnav moved closer and raised a hand to touch her bare neck. His hand lingered there and her knees gave up. She was about to fall when Arnav quickly held her waist tightly, supporting her. He held her closer and looked at her face, she was looking away.

“You wont be wearing this dress in the party!” he said a bit sternly and again! A shiver ran through her body.

Khushi concentrated her mind in understanding what he said and then figured that he was ordering her! She opened her mouth, “but-”.

Before she could complete Arnav said “I said, no, then it’s a NO!” he looked directly in her eyes and was surprised to see a hint of anger in them.

“You are not supposed to order me Mr. Raizada!” she said narrowing her eyes and Arnav was again furious. No one talked to him like that and got away with it! But her! It could be JUST her.

He closed his eyes in order to suppress his anger. Then he abruptly left her and turned, thank god she composed herself from falling and looked angrier now! Arnav again turned to her and now with a bag that had a box in it, in his hand. She looked at it and looked confusedly towards him.

“Wear this at the party tonight!” he said and it was clearly visible that he was trying hard to control his anger.

“And why would I do that!” Khushi said equally angry at his dominating behavior.

“You won’t really want me to answer that!” Arnav said with a hint and she shivered again. Why in the world, he is only able to do that to me! Khushi thought.

Arnav looked at her eyes and saw a genuine urge to know the answer.

“It bares more than it really covers!” he said looking sensually in her eyes and she was shocked at his confession. But it was half of a confession, she wanted more. But he said “And I would kill any other person rather than me to look at you like this!” Arnav’s eyes became dark at the last comment and Khushi was fed up of his attitude to bully her around. She lost her senses in her anger.

“And how it affects you even if I go nude in front of them?!” Khushi asked furiously and the thread by which he controlled his anger finally broke into pieces.

“Wrong move, Khushi!”

He quickly came towards her and she closed her eyes and hid her face in her palms. Arnav hovered over her with his hands on the either sides of her head. When he did nothing she slowly peeped out of her hands and looked at him. His eyes were so dangerous that she was again afraid of him.

“If you dare say that again, I will make sure you are nude, with me inside you!”

There was a strange sincerity in those eyes that meant he would do exactly what he said. He took the bag and forced it in her hands and moved out.

Khushi was shocked and a sob escaped her mouth as she collapsed in the room. She hugged the box unconsciously and sobbed further, but tears refused to come in her eyes. She took a deep breath and changed herself in her previous dress and came out of the room. She kept the short dress back into its place and went to Anji who was busy selecting shoes for herself. Anji saw the bag in her hand and said

“Oh you bought the dress! Very good, I bought one too. I will show you, once we got home. I was just seeing the shoes-” Anji saw Khushi distracted and deep in the thoughts. “What happened?” Anji said scanning her eyes for answers.

“Nothing.” She looked at her and changed the topic “wow nice shoes Anji!” looking at the gray high hilled sandals.

“You like it! Should I buy?” Anji asked excited.

“Yeah go ahead! They look nice.” Khushi smiled as she finally changed the topic and was successful in her tear-controlling practice.

“Hey Khushi look at the royal blue ones! They would look good on you too.” Khushi saw at the direction where Anji was pointing. They were really nice. Simple royal blue sandals with no sparkly or glittery stones. Just simple! As she liked it. She smiled and bought them.

Once their shopping was over they went to Khushi’s home. They chatted on various things. Payal was in her room when she heard Khushi laughing and chatting with Anji. She went to her and saw her smile. She was laughing heartily but for some reason the laughter was not reaching her eyes. Payal looked at her from the door. Then at a comment made by Anji, Payal laughed from the door and Khushi turned terrified, thinking he was there.

“What happened?” Payal asked seeing the look in her eyes.

“Nothing.” Khushi said and looked away.

“No. Something is wrong. You look lost since I saw you in the mall.” Anji said reading her face.

“No. I m fine guys! I m fiiinneeee.” Khushi said whining. And seeing her so desperate to make them believe it they both laughed.

—

It was evening and everyone was ready, except Khushi. Payal and Anji came to her room in their dresses, Anji wearing a gray Punjabi suit which was nearly backless and the sandals she just bought with them. Payal wore an elegant salwaar kameez that was enhancing her beauty.

They both entered her room and were shocked!

“WHAT IS THIS!!?? You are not ready yet!!!!” Anji said yelling.

“Khushi what are you doing!!?? Get ready this instant!” Payal said.

“I don’t feel like going!” she said looking at the bag, which was given by Arnav. “Why don’t you guys carry on? Anji take jiji along with you! I m not feeling well.” Khushi said as she clutched her head. This worried the heck out of them. They came rushing towards her.

And then it happened! They both showered her with their questions!

How are you feeling exactly? Are you sick? Do you feel headache? Are you not eating properly? Did you take medications as prescribed!?

Khushi fed up, sighed – “OK OK OK!!! I m going.! Happy!” she stood up and shooed them away before opening the bag he gave.

The bag carried a black box, in which “AR Designs” was written elegantly. Her hands shivered as she opened the box but she was more scared to see what it was. If it has something too revealing, then? Then you have to open it and see. Duh! Her mind retorted.

She opened the box and saw a royal blue anarkali suit! It was not at all revealing. Infact it had a decent neck with heavy embroidered full sleeves, she looked closely and found that it was fully embroidered. A royal blue suit with elegant black embroidery. Simple but stylish. She hated to admit but it was awesome! The dress was so nice she couldn’t take her eyes off. She quickly changed in it and found it exactly of her size! As if it was designed for her!

She was confused. How come he knew her exact sizes! Again the nervousness stuck her and she was deep in thought! Whether she should wear it or not! IF YOU DINT THEN IT WILL ANGER HIM MORE! Her mind screamed some senses into her and she wore it nonetheless.

—

Everyone arrived at the venue. Payal and Anji went in first and Khushi was helped out by a man in white sherwani. The place was totally dark, just some candles were lighting the path towards the entrance. And Khushi felt strange as Anji told her that she was going to a party but here it was full dark. The face of the man holding her hand was also not visible. But his hand felt familiar.

Due to dark Khushi couldn’t see anything but guessed that she was going in a room. As soon as she entered the whole place burst with lightings and Khushi closed her eyes for a moment, adjusting her eyes for the sudden lightings. Then she heard everyone yell.

“SURPRISE!”

She opened her eyes and saw UV, Garima, Shashi, Giriraj (uv’s dad), Anji, Payal and all her friends clapping for her. She smiled and gasped for the umpteenth time of the day! She realized this all was arranged for her! Just for her! She then looked at the person holding her hand; it was none other than- Dan! That’s why she felt it familiar.

She hugged each and everyone present there. And the last one was UV.

“I cant believe you did all this?!” Khushi said as she held tears of happiness.

“Anything for you, sweetheart!” UV said and she hugged him tightly. Every other girl burned with jealousy, seeing the two together.

“Enough of the romance guys! We are in public, Behave!” Anji said sighing fakely and they broke the hug.

“Well, how do you know everything was done by him!?” Anji said disappointed.

“Everyone is in traditional dresses tonight!” she looked around. “Only uv knew I always wanted a traditional party.” She looked at him. “He knows me!”

Hearing it Anji said, “You and only you two can be so fond of each other! Don’t you guys get bored! Ever?”

“Nope!” they both said at the same time and laughed.

Soon the party was in full swing. Everyone was enjoying and dancing. Even the girls were flattered seeing Khushi. They were jealous of her every inch! Khushi had minimal makeup and she let her hair loose which was adding to her beauty.

She danced and danced with UV and he, not for a second left her side. She felt weird. As if she left him then Arnav would come and take her away. Uv felt something wrong, as Khushi was not leaving his hand, not for a second. He held her more firmly and closer to himself. Khushi felt safe in his warmth. He then took her to a corner table and made her sit.

“Khushi, What happened?” he asked concerned. But Khushi got angry.

“What’s with ‘what happened’‘what happened’ phrase?! Everyone is asking the same thing! I am fed up! Cant you guys just stop worrying like I m a 3 year old!?” Khushi said as she suddenly got up from the chair and UV held her hand.

“Come on Khushi! Everyone is worried coz you have just returned from the hospital!” UV said a bit hurt.

Khushi sighed and regretted talking like that. “UV, I m sorry.” She looked at him. “Its just that everyone, Anji – Payal, literally everybody asked the same thing to me! I shouldn’t have talked like that but- please understand.” Khushi said as she looked at UV and he hugged her.

Khushi then hugged him tightly. Uv also embraced her to him. He placed a soothing kiss on her forehead and cheek.

“You can talk to me in anyway you want. Just keep talking! Its when you are quiet, everyone is worried.” He said and Khushi hugged him again. Then they sat in the same table and saw everyone dancing on the dance floor. Garima and Shashi left with Giriraj, as there were only youngsters in the party. Uv and Khushi laughed as they saw nervous Dan dancing with Anji. Dan was born with two left feet. He was just stepping on her foot every now and then. Uv laughed and made Khushi forget everything. Payal was dancing with someone and was looking admiringly towards them. The way UV kept Khushi happy was just like a miracle.

Suddenly Khushi felt him. Her laughter and smile died. She saw towards the entrance and there he was! With his armed bodyguards around him. He just looked at his bodyguards and they got the hint to wait out side. They went out and UV took Khushi towards him.

“I am glad you could make it, Mr. Raizada.” Uv said extending his hand.

Arnav took his hand in his and shook firmly and replied, “Call me Arnav, Uday. I don’t feel good when near ones call me by formals.” He said looking at Khushi and she remembered she also called him “Mr. Raizada” in the mall. She ignored it.

She then looked at UV and said, “I will be just back.” And left.

Arnav dint like it that she left without greeting him. But as UV was talking to him he ignored it too.

Uv made Arnav meet some if his friends and businessmen. Arnav was meeting everyone so formally that it looked like a business party to Khushi. She was stealing glances of him, without making him notice it.

Arnav knew she was ignoring him as whenever he neared her she just left. This followed 3-4 times and Arnav was angrier than ever before. How dare she ignore him!! Wasn’t the warning he gave at mall, enough? He got to do something!

Everyone was enjoying when Arnav grabbed Khushi’s hand and pulled her in a room. Firstly Khushi was shocked and scared but then she was angry too.

“Why are you avoiding me!?” Arnav asked narrowing his eyes.

“I don’t want to talk to you!” Khushi said and started walking off.

“I told you many times, don’t you dare talk to me like that!” Arnav said controlling his anger.

“Oh I will and you can not stop me!”

“I very well can Miss Gupta!” saying this he moved closer to her and she was moving back. Soon her back touched the wall and she was unable to move further. Arnav came close, grabbed her dupatta and threw it across the room.

Khushi was surprised! How can he do this! But what came next surprised her more. She felt him grabbing her and pushing her on the bed.

Arnav held her shoulders and pushed her on the bed and got over her, kissing her furiously on the lips. Khushi was unable to make out any action of his. And the kiss was not completed yet, she also felt him opening her top. Her yes widened and she looked at him. She couldn’t see his lips but his eyes were smirking at her. Arnav’s hand went back and he opened the chain of her top. He quickly slid it down revealing her shoulders and her black innerwear. Khushi was so shy and shocked that she forgot to even react. She just clutched his shirt and tried pushing him but was unable to.

He kissed her shoulder and she tried screaming but his hand came crashing down on her mouth to stop her. Her mouth was covered by his hand and she was not able to scream now. He kissed her neck, shoulder and upper part of her breasts. He left many wet kisses and Khushi just squirmed under him. Feeling her protest he left his marks, some bluish, some reddening and some bleeding.

He heard her cry out in pain and saw what he has done! He was again after her body and he scared her away again! He abruptly left her and moved away from the bed. Khushi quickly sat on the bed hiding her shoulders and his bites. Arnav ran a frustrated hand through his hairs and said in hoarse voice

“Just leave Khushi! Leave me here and go away. If I saw you once again I wont be able to stop next time. Please go!” he was too compelled in front of his own desires for her. He dint wanted to harm her like this but she- he looked back. She was still there! She dint go? He looked at her again and saw her clutching her top for her dear life and turned his head, frustrated at her.

“I told you to leave Khushi. Please. I don’t want to show you the monster in me!” he literally pleaded her but she dint budge.

“You just compel me to show you the monstrous side of mine.” Saying this he came to her and made her lay again and just slid the stripes of her innerwear down too.

Khushi felt most vulnerable in his gaze. She felt him hardened more and his hardness pressed her lower part. Her breasts were revealed to his mercy. But he was just far away from giving mercy at the moment. He looked hungrily at one and then at her eyes. They had fear, indeed. But there was a faint permission, for him, to go on. Her ignorance angered him but her submission scared him. Not because he knew he can destroy her. But because he came to know she was willing to be destroyed. At that very moment he came to how naïve she was! She dint even knew what was happening. She was just giving in to his desires. She dint knew what was waiting ahead for her. She knew not a single consequence of going a step further. And if he continued, he would become unstoppable, even for himself. The faint permission in her eyes, even after what he just did to her, was the reason he was scared to loose her. For the first time he was scared to look at her eyes. Coz if he saw that submission once again he would just consume her. For the first time he was afraid of his own capability. He just pecked her lips once, just touching them with his. He dint look at her eyes and pulled the stripes back up and closed her chain from behind and again moved away. He picked his coat from the ground, which he unconsciously threw away and walked towards the dupatta. He picked it up and wrapped it around her. She looked at his eyes that were genuinely sorry for his deed and he was forgiven instantly. Yes, she forgave him.

He then did a mistake, looked at her eyes, which were giving him permission the second earlier, were now giving him the forgiveness. His eyes welled up for a second. Innocence can be lethal. It can provoke you as well as kill you. If he died looking at those eyes, he wouldn’t complain, ever!

—

Khushi.

The party was over and Khushi returned back to her home. To her surprise she didn’t see Arnav after that incident. After he wrapped her dupatta on her and walked out. She controlled her heart and went outside once she saw herself in the mirror. There were everyone, Payal, uv, and her friends, everyone except him. She somehow felt sad but UV then joined her and made her enjoy the whole party. Then he dropped her and Payal home and went away too.

Khushi still shook by the fact that she gave in to him completely. What if he shouldn’t have stopped? She would have been destroyed! He virginity would have been taken away. But, why didn’t he? He used to manhandle her. He threatens her. He kisses her forcefully and even – but why did he stop now? Why? WHY?

Khushi was damn confused of this man’s mood swings. She needed a hot shower, desperately. She went to her bathroom. Again! The big mirror mocked her. She looked at herself in it. She slid down her dupatta, and had an image of ruthless Arnav throwing it away, like he did few hours ago. She clutched it tightly and again wrapped it around herself, then again she had an image of caring Arnav wrapping it around her. She closed her eyes in order to forget any image of him stored in her mind. But she dint knew she could forget what’s written in the brain but not what’s written in the heart.

She then closed her eyes and being strong she took all her cloths off. She was standing on the hard-cold floor, naked. She saw herself. She opened her eyes and tears escaped as she saw his ruthless and heartless bites on her pale-pink skin. She gasped as to what has she done? WHY DID SHE ALLOWED HIM TO DO THIS TO HER? But her heart was screaming happily. What and why she dint knew but somewhere her heart was screaming. She felt as if she dint understand herself anymore. He heart was contradicting everything she has ever learned! Her amma (Garima) told her at a young age about what relation a boy and a girl hold when they get married. But she just knew! She dint experience it! SHE WAS STILL AN INNOCENT! She knew what usually happens! For god’s sake, she was in her biology class when the chapter “Reproduction” was taught! But having information about a tornado and EXPERIANCING a tornado is a total different fiasco.

Khushi looked at herself in the mirror. Her first dress from him lying on the floor, her hands that were held by him hours ago, her hairs that were still shaking on theirs roots after having him so close to her, her lips that still anticipated to be on his, she was still looking or rather finding it in herself, the fact which attracted him towards her. Was it her body? Was it her voice? Was it her smile? Or was it her eyes? Then she looked at her bites. There were several new ones now. She unknowingly touched the one, which was deep red and hissed in pain. These were surely going to hurt more than the first one did. She closed her eyes and went to the shower. As soon as the hot shower touched her skin she hissed in pain again and again. Tears again formed in her eyes and were streaming down furiously. She was now angry! WHY? Why was he doing this to her? Did he do this to ONLY HER? Or he was a creep who went on doing this to every other girl he meets? How did she attract him? What did she do to have his attention in the first place!? She was fed up of these questions. He could only answer these questions. But Khushi wanted answers, NOW.

She dressed in her night cloths, which was the pale white salwaar kameez. (Which she also wears in the show at night.) She looked here and there; the room was empty as usual. But today these empty things would eat her out! She wanted him, to ask her questions! And now, RIGHT NOW. She pulled the door of her room determined and walked out in her night suit and sleepers. As soon as she walked out of her house, London whether showed itself! It started raining heavily in the middle of the night! But Khushi was determined! She would get her answers today.

—

Arnav.

As soon as Arnav came back from the party he was greeted by nani, who was out on her trip to India to meet someone. She saw some type of eagerness in his expressions. She questioned about it but Arnav turned the topic successfully from him to her, asking how her trip was and how were everybody in India doing and nani was surprised as to chote never asked about anyone before then why was he behaving differently? Nani answered him everyone was fine and asked about Anji and he told she would be late as there was a ‘friend’ party going on. Nani sighed and left for her room and now Arnav was all alone in this big fat house of his. He shared everything that came in his mind with nani, as she was the only one helping them when even his dad—Arnav groaned violently as he thought of that person.

He went straight to his room and changed in his nightwear as well. He sat on his recliner and was thinking of how he would have hurted her today! Arnav sighed again and again as her frightened face came infront of his eyes. He was roaming in his room like a caged lion. But all he could do was sigh! He ran a frustrated hand over his hair and went to nani. Only she can help him now! She was the only mother figure he had after his mother left. Nani was so kind and supporting that Arnav even forgot at times that his mother wasn’t there with him. After his mom passed away, Nani was the only person Arnav would go in any problem. Even as a kid if he struggled to tie his shoe lasses, nani would help. He went and knocked. To his surprise nani was waiting for him by the edge of her bed.

Arnav went in and sat on the floor and put his head on her lap.

“I was waiting for you to come.” Nani said knowingly and Arnav looked surprised.

“How did you know I would come?” Arnav asked and nani smiled.

“Your eyes speak volumes, Arnav. Even if your mouth fails.” Nani stroked his hair lightly.

“I think I am in love, nani.” Arnav said not sure of his own statement.

“I know.” Nani said slightly rubbing his forehead and he looked up surprised again.

“How do you know?”

“I knew it when you entered the house itself.” Nani looked the confusion on his face, “I told you, your eyes speak volumes.” Then she smiled.

Her smile was infectious. Arnav smiled unknowingly and tells her-

“Nani, I know I am in love with her but I don’t know what to do? I just can’t forget what happened in the past! I mean- I -” Arnav was unable to complete but nani understood.

“Don’t think about it Arnav! You are not like him! You never were and you never will be! He was a creep and I was a fool to marry my daughter with him but I can see you. You are not like him. Don’t worry you will never hurt the one you love!” nani said confidently but Arnav dint believe her.

“I already did! I hurt her! I made her wear my favorite dress by threatening her.!!” nani laughed a little and Arnav looked disappointed.

“Sorry-” nani controlled her laugh and continued. “Arnav, forcing her to wear or do something you like is not hurting, unless you don’t soothe her pain.” Arnav looked at her “Arnav, dear you know how to be protective and caring. I see you are over protective of Anjali and so caring for me. But now you have to be concerned. Concerned for her wishes and desires, for her dreams and fantasies. If you force her to wear a dress, its okay but never force her to accept you.” Nani said directly looking at his eyes.

“Nani, I know but I am so -”

“Insecure?” nani completed it for him. “I can understand Arnav. Being insecure is natural but being insensitive is what you have to choose. Be nice with her, be caring, and show her your love, not dominance. Girls love the guys who set them free. Not the one who is after them everywhere.” Arnav looked proudly at her, as to how nicely she understands him.

“But nani she never listens to me. She talks to me like I am no one! But I am Arnav Singh Raizada I can’t stand a word against my decision and she just disobeys me every time! And then I am tend to get angry on her na! She just rubs the bad side of mine.” Arnav said like a little child.

“First of all get this straight Arnav, you are in love with her! You do not own her! in future, You are going to marry her, not adopting her, Like you want her to obey you! Why would she? She too has her own life to live!” nani said sternly and that shut him totally up.

“But nani she never listens to me!” Arnav whined literally.

“Have you ever asked her? And mind you I am talking about ‘asking’ not ‘ordering’ okay!” she looked at him “and as far as I know, you are far away from asking people their consent! You just give orders. This type of behavior is not going to work for her!” she was right. Arnav remembered whenever they met either he kissed her or forced her.

“Nani I just want to be with her but I am -”

“Confused?” nani again completed it for him. “So is she.” Arnav looked at her frowning. “Yes. She is confused to enter Raizada mansion or not! That is why she is walking left and right of the gates of RM from last one hour!” nani chuckled and Arnav widened his eyes. He got up and opened nani’s room’s curtains just to see the direct sight of her. She was squeezing her fingers in nervousness and walking hence and forth of the RM gates. She was murmuring something too. Arnav looked closer as the rain was hindering her clear view. Then it stuck! Se was not murmuring! She was shivering in the rain! Stupid girl standing in the rain from past hour!

“She wont enter on her own. Go, get her in.” nani said from back and Arnav looked at her surprised for the umpteenth time. He went to the door when she spoke again.

“And one more thing!” Arnav turned to see her smiling “I like her.” Arnav then came to nani and hugged her tightly. Then nani reminded him of Khushi and he ran out. And nani was left alone shaking her head negatively on Arnav.

—

Khushi was walking here and there just in front of RM in order to decide whether she should go in or not. it was past midnight and she was not sure to go in at this hour but at the same time her heart was not letting her leave without getting her questions asked. What should she do? She was thinking from god knows how much time when she saw someone from the inside run towards her. She looked closely in the rain and figured out it was a male figure but when finally the gates of RM opened she was shocked! It was Arnav!

She saw him nearing herself, and shivered not because of rain but because of the intensity of some kind of emotion she saw in his eyes. He just came forward and held her hand that had gone cold due to rain and numb due to his presence and pulled her inside and ran with her besides him. Khushi at first protested but then he literally dragged her with him. He knew she was prone to diseases and standing in the rain would do no good to her health.

As soon as she was in the insides of RM she started screaming.

“HOW CAN YOU DO THIS!!! I CAME TO TALK!!! AND WHERE ARE YOU DRAGGING M-” before she could yell any more and nani comes out, he closed her mouth by his palm and dragged her in his room, which had a fireplace and luckily Arnav had already lit the fire in it to make the room warm.

Seeing him dragging herself to his own room made Khushi tremble with fear. She was in his house and that too all alone and moreover drenched! She tried getting out of his grip again when he came closer and whispered in her ears, “Shhh! You’re so cold; I just want you to be a little warm. I wont touch you, I promise.” A shiver kept going up and down her spine and moreover in her whole body when she heard his husky voice and that too just besides her lips. But she some how trusted him enough. If he said he won’t touch her then he wont. She knew it.

As soon as he opened the door of his room, sudden warmth took over the shivers of her body. Her dress was completely drenched and she thanked god that it wasn’t transparent or she would have been hell embarrassed. She quickly wrapped her dupatta around her and directly moved towards the fireplace. Arnav smiled at her being comfortable and not to mention so DARING to just walk in his room. Because you need so much courage to go to any man’s house at this time of the night and that too in the nightdress and in this bad whether but he surely dint mind the weather tonight. Whatever the weather outside, he knew it’s going to be a nice weather inside!

She was sitting in front of the fire and was warming up her hands by rubbing the warm palms together. Arnav saw her shiver a lot and closed the door to not let the warmth of the room go outside. As soon as Khushi heard the door close she got up and looked at him, not frightened but surprised. Arnav quickly moved towards the closet and started searching some of the cloths for her to change but all his shirts and pants were so big for her that she can probably drown into it.

But he found something she could wear, he was not sure if he should give to her cause he himself never touched it since years. Once again he looked at her and saw her drenched form. A sudden gush of protectiveness flowed into his heart seeing her so vulnerable condition. And he decided he would give it to her, after all she’s the one who owns his heart. It doesn’t matter. He took out some really small sized cloths from his closet and handed it to her.

She saw him searching something in the closet and then finding it but then he was not sure but a determination came in his eyes and he handed her the cloths. She looked at the cloths in his hands. A simple blue colored nightdress that had a thin line of short fur around the buttons and at the ends of the full sleeves, the design was a little old though. But all in all it looked cute but little girly. NO WAY, this could be Arnav’s.

She smiled looking at the dress but then she became confused. Should she take it? But then again she shivered and she took it nonetheless. After she took the dress from his hands he motioned her towards the bathroom and she got changed in them.

Surprisingly it was a perfect fit! But then she had an unknown happiness of having it. She dint knew why but she was happy wearing it. She came out and found out that Arnav was not in the room. She saw everywhere in the room but he was not there. After 2 minutes she thought maybe he was out on some work so she just admired the room. Looking at the room, the words that kept ringing were – beautiful, lavish, classy, rich, comfort and not to forget! Everything in the room just shouted one thing! “I AM EXPENSIVE!”

But the room had minimum furniture and more space for them to just sit down and have hot chocolate together. She hit her head lightly. What made her think that! Just sit down and have hot chocolate together!!!

She laughed at her ‘first’ fantasy with Arnav. She knew he dint like being all so romantic like a teenage boy in love and also not so –

Her thoughts were disturbed when Arnav entered the room with two big mugs in his hands. Soon she hoped for her fantasy to come true. He came near her and extended the mug towards her. She looked at him asking him through her expressions what it was. But her heart was just screaming- tell me its hot chocolate!! Tell me its hot chocolate!!

 

He smiled and said “hot chocolate!” the bliss and happiness Khushi felt at that moment, she dint even feel it when she was in school and was waiting for holidays and finally got it!

Arnav was swelled with happiness seeing her eyes turn dreamy and starry at the name of hot chocolate. Girls! He thought and mentally rolled his eyes. Khushi took the mug and quickly asked, “what’s in yours?” Tell me its hot chocolate!! tell me its hot chocolate!!

“Umm, its my sugar free coffee.” The stars in her eyes soon became shooting stars! Some men would never even learn the spelling of R-O-M-A-N-C-E. Coffee? And that too sugar free? Yuck!

The sudden change of expressions made him worried. “What happened?” he asked confused.

“Nothing.” She gulped down her first teenage fantasy that was on verge of coming true but – ah forget it!

Arnav knew there was a lot more hidden behind that nothing of hers but he wanted to go slow! As nani instructed! In future I am going to marry her not adopt her! So give her some space!

There were several large colorful pillows in his room. Actually the ‘only’ colorful things in his room. Or else everything was either black, white or gray. When Arnav was thinking of sitting in the couch Khushi opted for the pillows and carried one near the fireplace and sat on it like a 4 year old. After sitting she noticed Arnav staring at the couch, so she looked at him for a second and he smiled again, and brought a pillow for himself too and sat just besides her.

Khushi desperately wanted to start a conversation but was stuck in an awkward situation. Can’t he start a conversation! Khushi distracted herself and looked at the wall above the fireplace and looked everywhere but him. She was then lost in thinking how nice would it be if he were also having hot chocolate like hers.

“So, (after a pause) why were you, I mean, why were you disappointed when I told you I was having coffee?” Finally he started a conversation.

“Actually I was thinking of having my first fantasy come true!” she said in a hurry and then her eyes widened and she saw him smirking, her eyes widened more, then she looked away and then she shied.

So to say Arnav was surprised, would be an understatement. He was SHOCKED! So this girl DOES have fantasies and that too with ME! Interesting.

“What kind of fantasy, Khushi?” he said raising his eyebrows and a husky voice escaped from his mouth when he said fantasy.

Now she was embarrassed. What would she tell him now? She ignored his question.

“Umm, so why aren’t you having hot chocolate?” she tried to turn the conversation.

“Don’t try to change the subject, Khushi. I know you. You have to answer my question.” He said a bit sternly.

“Exactly what type of fantasies are we talking about?” again Khushi opened her mouth to be embarrassed again. This was the wrong question in the wrong situation.

“That’s what I want to know! Tell me.” he said looking directly at her eyes and a wide smirk on his face. Khushi knew if she told him he would tease her to death and if she dint then he would ask till death so she chose to be teased.

“I- I was- I was just imagining- I mean, just thinking of having hot chocolate with you sitting near the fireplace.” She said not looking at him even for a second. But then when he dint spoke for 3-4 seconds or he didn’t even let out his famous mocking laugh, she looked at him. And the affectionate eyes he was holding mesmerized her.

Arnav just looked at her with all the love he had for her, and she could just drown in that love. She could actually feel the warmth, his eyes were providing. It was so different from the other meetings she had with him. Earlier his eyes made her feel cold and usually his look sent shivers in her spine. But today, they were speaking some other language, something so alien that she couldn’t figure it out.

Arnav was just looking at the innocent girl present in front of her. She was indeed, one of a kind. She was sitting with him, in this rainy night, in his own room, she could have asked anything to fulfill her any type of wish, she knew he wouldn’t refuse. But all she asked was to share some hot chocolate with him.

If any other girl would have been in her place she would have made the biggest wish of her life but everything this girl asked for was to have a cup of hot chocolate with him, when he already was having it with her. Well not technically as he was having coffee but still. He was just overwhelmed for some reason. And if the unknown reason made him feel this, then wanted to leave it unknown.

When Khushi saw a lost expression in his eyes, she waved her hand in front of him. And he was back from his mental ride. He saw her and she was expecting something. Maybe, his cup of hot chocolate. So he just got up, went out and came after 2 minutes holding another cup and this time he sat besides her but more closely and showed her what he was having. It was hot chocolate!

Khushi smiled and her eyes brimmed with happiness and she banged her cup with his, lightly and said ‘cheers’. He again smiled and sipped his hot chocolate.

Khushi was finally feeling warm. She was now feeling comfortable in his presence. He was also looking a bit different. Maybe he had something else in his mind. What would he have when a girl would pop up in his house at this hour! Her mind retorted and she rolled her eyes.

Arnav saw her thinking something and then rolling eyes at herself. He chuckled inwardly. With her, Life can be anything but boring. He thought to himself and smiled. He had now finally started thinking of having a life with someone; while sometime earlier he just thought of having one night stands. But now he was sure of two things, one, that he was in love with her. two, she dint have any idea to what effect she had on him. Or else she wouldn’t have come to him at this time of the night.

Arnav was having a hard time keeping his hands to himself. He ridiculously wanted to touch her, feel her. But now only they have developed some affection towards each other, actually, SHE has developed some affection towards him, and he didn’t wanted to ruin it at the first step itself.

Arnav saw her mentally debating with herself. He looked closely and was awestruck to see how can someone be this cute! She was unknowingly shrinking her nose and moving her eyes as if debating in full energy mode.

Then suddenly out of the blue, she asked him, “why are you doing this to me?” she asked totally concentrated and serious as if she was the most straightforward person in the world.

“What?!” Arnav was taken aback for a second.

“I mean, why- I- I mean why do you like me!” she knew she had to ask him, it was now or never kind of situation. And when she saw his expression she was shocked. She expected him to be serious as she was but all he did was smile.

Arnav knew this question was coming. Coz no girl, that too like Khushi, would come to him dragging herself in the rain just to fulfill her fantasy of having hot chocolate with him. He knew something serious was coming up. And after what happened between them in the hotel, it was obvious that Khushi would be having a lot of questions. Which he knew he should answer with honesty.  But knowing to be honest and being honest is far different from each other. Likewise, Arnav wanted to her to suffer the slow torture which he endured while he figured out that he is in love with her, similarly she too will have to endure a slow torture from him to know that he loves her. And he will go to any extent to make her believe himself.

“I like you? Why do you even think so?” he said looking up and down at her and her normal expression of being nervous turned to be really nervous.

“I- I-”

“You can’t even say a sentence without repeating ‘I’ so many times and you are asking me this question?” he said as he made a serious face, but internally he was smiling at her childlike ability to not even guess he was kidding.

“I –umm I w-” Khushi tried.

“See I told you! You can’t even say a sentence without repeating ‘I’ twice!” he said and came closer to her and she moved a bit back, but as she was sitting on a pillow she couldn’t move or else she would just stumble upon it.

“I was saying, I mean- I thought you liked me that is why you ki- ki-” she saw him coming more close as she was about to say kiss.

“Kiss!” he said looking at her plump lips. “The word, you weren’t able to take out of your mouth is kiss.” Khushi suddenly blushed crimson and was not able to concentrate, as she knew he wanted to kiss her.

“No!” Khushi said certainly denying but then he gave her the look and she gave up. “Yes, I was asking about the ki-kiss.” She said and looked down.

“Oh, very well. What were you asking?” he said as casually as he could.

“I was asking why did you kiss me in the first place when you dint like me or had any kind of feelings towards me!?” Khushi said now a little angry at his super cool attitude.

He then, in a bolt of a second kept his cup aside and took her in his arms and now she was practically sitting on his lap and he was holding her from her waist. She knew trying to move away would only make him tighten his grip so she stayed, where she belonged.

To Khushi’s utter surprise, Arnav did nothing after that. If she knew him correctly she expected him to kiss her twice already but nothing came. So she was relaxed a bit but still she was anxious. Arnav pulled her closer like holding a baby and bought her near his heart. Khushi was now leaning on his chest and was compelled to hear his racing heart. WAIT! Racing heart! To confirm she leaned on his chest and heard his heart thumping loudly. She was happy at the moment, as she knew his heartbeat increased too, by having her close to him.

“So your heart also beats wildly. Mine too.” Khushi admitted foolishly and Arnav grinned.

“Nope! A guy’s heart beats loudly. Its normal.” Arnav lied bluntly.

“NO! I have heard UV’s heart! His heart is so much calm! Yours is like running on a treadmill.” He was shocked hearing her innocent confession. But Hearing UV’s name in their private time he became angry. It showed in his eyes that he was furious, no raged!

Khushi’s eyes widened seeing the anger and she tried to get up. But as soon as Arnav saw her try moving away he said gritting his teeth, “don’t even think about it!” he looked at her eyes and she looked at his raged ones. “Don’t even try going away, Khushi. I want you! Right now!” as soon as she heard him. She unconsciously placed her lips on his and he was shocked.

Khushi placed her warm and trembling lips on his and he was surprised. This girl never fails to surprise me.

Khushi placed her lips on his but was unable to do anything, coz she dint knew what and how to do. Every time they kissed, Arnav was the one to fully kiss back but she; she just opened or closed her lips on his. That’s it! Then she moved away and saw Arnav closing his eyes. He was lost in her, his anger forgotten and rage left behind. Khushi unintentionally chuckled and this made him open his eyes, all the rage and anger gone in a split of a second.

He was surely going mad! He didn’t imagine this girl to be this unpredictable! At first she came to his house, then she talked all nicely then all of a sudden she threw questions at him and then she was scared but then again she smiled! Unbelievable.

Khushi chuckled and then shied away. Arnav loosened up his arms on her and she was relieved. She tried changing the topic.

“So I guess, you don’t like me. Maybe I got all my answers.” Khushi said when she looked at him and he looked concerned. “Maybe, I should get going. I- should leave now. It’s getting late.” She again came in her shy-and-looking-away mode and looked everywhere but him.

“You got your answers but I dint answered them!” Arnav said, as he looked closely, her expression transferring from confused, happy and then again confused. Gosh she’s just as readable as a book.

“What do you mean?” she asked confused.

“That’s for you to figure it out. If I would do everything for you, what would you do? Sit there listening?” he said and looked at her and she was now getting his point. Yess, he has feelings for me! yess!

She brimmed and now he knew he hit the right chord. He wanted to kiss her so badly but then he was reminded of nani’s words. He should give her some space. But having her this close was making him affect now. Soon she would be able to feel it too. So he got up and made her stand too.

“Umm, you were right. It’s getting late, you should get going. Come I will drop you off.” Arnav said but Khushi had another question stepping out of her eyes and Arnav couldn’t stop himself laughing at her state, she ALWAYS had so many questions! “What is it?” he said and Khushi looked at him. She knew he would ask. She didn’t know why and how she knew but she just knew!

“Why did you wear such a girly dress?” she said looking at the furry material in her hands.

“It was when I was 15. My mom got it for me. She loved furry things and hence, she bought it, I disliked it and even hated it but wore it 2-3 times nonetheless, but just to show it to her that I liked it. And after some days she bought this for me, she passed away. And then I was left with this dress and emptiness in my heart. I still see this dress when I miss her. And find her smiling at me. This was the last gift from her to me.” Arnav confessed honestly and sincerely. Khushi was touched. She was overwhelmed. He valued her so much that he trusted her with his most touchy thing! She was happy but as said she should be sad for him, revealing his dark secret to her but she just couldn’t be sad knowing he valued her the most. She just hugged him tightly. (The way she did when she met Arnav when he was kidnapped.) And then kissed his cheek.

Arnav too was touched. She can be so mature and childlike at the same time.

Then Arnav got her to her home and she quietly sneaked in to it. And went straight to her bedroom.

No one of them was going to get sleep tonight.

—

After a week.

There was a big award function organized in uv’s hotel. He was busy with the preparations that he could barely talk to somebody. He even ignored meals and skipped food. Khushi knew he would do that, as she knew him very well. So she cooked his favorite pasta and took it for him.

As soon as she looked at the hotel from the inside, it was a total mess. The things were being shifted and the furniture was getting replaced. She sighed and went directly towards uv’s cabin. He was barking on someone from the phone. As soon as he saw Khushi he lowered his tone and gestured her to sit. She sat and opened the box she bought; UV saw his favorite pasta in white sauce and smiled. He hung up and sat on the chair and rubbed his hands together and grinned seeing his favorite meal. As soon as he touched the fork, Khushi slapped his hand away. He looked confused and she gestured him to see his hands, which were dirty by helping the people move some furniture himself.

His smile died, as he knew she wont let him eat unless he washed his hands. But his hunger increased ten folds seeing the delicious pasta and he dint wanted to waste a single second to eat it. Khushi knew him and then decided to feed him herself. Uv smiled and opened his mouth and Khushi started to feed him. He just licked his lips unlimited times, devouring the taste of the tasty pasta made by Khushi.

“so what’s this ‘special’ party going on that you even skipped your meals for it?!” Khushi said as she fed him pasta one more time.

“hmm, thwes pwarthy ish phor bushinwess-” he tried saying while he chewed on the mouth full of pasta but Khushi interrupted.

“ok ok, first you finish this then we will talk! Or else you would just invent a new language!” she said as she fed him continuously. He was indeed hungry and a best friends company to have lunch is indeed the best way to relive it.

They finally finished and Khushi wiped his lips after feeding him his last bite while he was reading a file.

“So what were you saying?” Khushi again asked and he smiled.

“Hmm, (keeping the file away) this party is for Business Man of the Year.” He said and Khushi took it casually, but then it struck her! Arnav was too a businessman!

“Oh em gee! So you know the nominations! And the winner!” Khushi said suddenly excited and UV laughed at her antics.

“Of course! And the nominations doesn’t matter, Arnav Singh Raizada is nominated and when he is nominated in anything no one wins but him!” UV said proudly.

“Is he so influential?” Khushi misunderstood and UV sighed.

“No silly girl! (Hitting lightly on her forehead) he is the AWESOMEST!” he said with a dreamy look to be like him some day. “And you know! This time it will be his fourth win in a row!”

“Oh you look so pleased with his achievements, don’t you?” Khushi said and looked at him closely.

“Of course I am! I admire him!” UV said casually, but Khushi was in a good mood to tease him.

“Uh hmm! I can see that! You ADDMIIIRREEEE him!” she said singing out loud the word admire.

“Oh come on! You know what I meant! You cant do this.!” He said getting irritated and Khushi loved it when she teased him and he got irritated.

“ohh… uv admiiiirrreeeeee’s Arnav Singh Raizada! Ooohhh!” she said moving along his desk and roaming in his cabin. Uv had had enough of teasing now he chased after her, yelling.

“You little spoilt brat come here!!! Because of you half of the London thinks I am gay!” he said as he chased after her and she kept on going in circles around his desk.

“Me? What did I do.!!” She said running.

“WHY? Didn’t you spread the rumor that I and my classmate, Karen, were ‘dating’!!” he said he made a face in disgust of even thinking such a thing!

“I dint say it! People just figured it out! And why wont they! If you go to late night dinner with him and that too not once but 10 to 12 times then why wouldn’t people make gossips?! And he stayed at your house too!” she said as she tried dodging him with the chair.

“That was because he wanted some experience in hotel management and he was from New York so he didn’t had a place to stay and he was my classmate so I helped him! Its just that!” he said trying to catch her.“ It’s your deed! I know you were behind that rumors, Payal told me! You told your school friends that I had a crush on him!” he said again making puking faces.

“So? You fought with me at that time! It was my type of revenge! hehehehe” Khushi then thought of him at that time and laughed and he caught her.

“So it was your revenge and here is mine!?” he said and started tickling her. She burst out laughing and he continued to do it..

“ahh! So-(laughs) ahh, hehe sorry, (laughs) I wont do (laughs) it again. I promise (laughs).” After hearing this he left her and she sighed.

“Uv admires Arnav!! Yayyyyyy!!” she took out her tongue and teased him and ran out of the hotel leaving UV to laugh at her.

—

(Next day, award function day)

Finally the day arrived. The officials of the award function invited Arnav to the party and this time he took Anji with him too. He just dint wanted to leave her alone. Coz from the beginning of the day he was getting negative vibes. He dint knew why but he felt extra possessive of Anji being at home ‘alone’. So he told her to get dressed and they were leaving for a party in evening.

At night, the Uday niwas hotel.

Uday and two more people came to receive the great ASR and Anji. Anji smiled at Uday and then became serious; as she knew her brother’s mood was a little off since morning. Arnav offered his Arm to Anji, in a formal way and she too tugged her hand on his arm gracefully. He held her possessively and walked in. everyone followed him, the media, reporters, camera, the flash light was making Anji’s view blurry but Arnav held her hand so tightly that she knew he wouldn’t let her fall. She just kept walking with him and they were finally inside the venue where the award function was to be held. The big grand lawn of UV’s hotel and the stage was as big as anyone could imagine. And there was a big picture of Arnav smiling proudly in his black Armani suit. And there his name was also written, “Business man of the year – Arnav Singh Raizada” it was his fourth time and he was used to this but still, there was an uneasy feeling. But he couldn’t show it to anyone. So he applied his usual proud smile and walked like a lion with his head held high.

—

Somewhere in middle of the crowd, there was a man, who was dressed in complete black. And his face was hidden. He saw Arnav and Anji enter. Then all the reporters throwing questions at him and the cameras clicking pictures.

Then everybody got up and gave a thundering applause to the ASR. And he just walked through the crowd and sat on the stage with Anji beside him and his larger than life photo just behind him. And the person in the crowd just looked at the two.

—

Arnav was now so uneasy that he just held Anji’s hand under the table. Anji was now worried too. Her brother never ever behaved in such a way. He was always calm and composed infront of her. He looked at her and gave a fake smile. Although Anji knew he was not ok. She just smiled back and the host for the night came on stage.

The host started “hello everyone! We are all here for the known reason! Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada has won the businessman of the year award, yet again. And for the fourth time in a row! The company he won this award for is his so popular fashion house and the biggest brand on earth right now! AR Designs!! Well before 6 years this company was nowhere to be seen but now after 6 years of hard work this company and the sole founder of the company are the biggest names in the fashion world! This young and dynamic guy is from India. He came to London when he was 7 and now he is one of the most powerful men of this whole world! Now may I call upon stage the man of less words but great actions!! Mr Arnav Singh Raizada himself!! And not to forget his sister, miss Anjali Singh Raizada. ”

Arnav stood up holding Anji’s hand and went on stage to receive the award. Then the host gestured him to take the microphone and he in his ever so husky and sexy voice, just said, “Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. I dedicate this award to my sister and family as usual. Thank you.”

Anji smiled standing there as usual. And then the party started. Everyone went on busy with his or her food and friends where as Arnav dint let Anji’s hand slip from his for even a second. He then spotted UV and Khushi, coming towards them. Khushi was so happy seeing Anji there too. Coz now she would just stick to Anji so that Arnav wont get angry for her staying with UV all the time. Even though she hated being away from UV, just because Arnav dint like it but it was better this way or else she knew Arnav wouldn’t mind murdering UV. And Anji too told her on the phone that Arnav’s mood was off from the morning. So better let the beast sleeping than awakening it.

Khushi was standing with Anji from past 10 minutes but Arnav was not letting her hand go even for a moment! Khushi desperately wanted to go and gossip some really useful info she got about college but this Arnav was just being himself, again!! He was not letting Anji go!

Khushi just made a face at Anji saying I-want-to-talk-to-you-in-private. And Anji gave a helpless expression saying its-Arnav-bro-I-cant-help-it!

Khushi then sighed and went on with UV and Anji just watched her having fun while she was stuck with her now-over-possessive-brother. She wondered why was Arnav behaving so strangely today.

There were big screens focusing on the party and showing how the party was going on everywhere. Arnav was just looking here and there. He kept his security on red alert today. He double-checked everything but just cant get rid of the over possessive feeling he had for Anji. On the screen to the left he saw Khushi eating her favorite Chinese food with UV. Thank god, today UV was with her. He dint knew why but he knew if she were with UV he wouldn’t let anything bad happen to her. He trusted him in this matter.

Suddenly his eyes wandered to the screen to his right. And he saw him! It was definitely him! He couldn’t forget his face! Even after these years! HE WAS AARAV!! Arnav saw him. His blood boiled at the highest degrees possible. He wrapped his arm around Anji in protectiveness and walked out. He knew he would follow them. So he just called his bodyguards and they came in a jiffy. His men made a huge circle around Arnav and Anji. So that they can walk nicely and be a bit away from the crowd. But the man followed them nonetheless.

Suddenly his mind roared and he held Anji’s shoulder possessively. She was confused as to why all of a sudden the bodyguards were called. Now there was a big commotion taken place as to people started wondering why were Mr. Raizada and his sister leaving this early and in so rude manner, with bodyguards and all? Uv and Khushi saw the public seeing at one direction, towards Arnav, and they ran towards them. Arnav was walking out but the party was in full swing and he couldn’t move ahead with his numerous bodyguards. Khushi tried coming near Anji but was stopped by the guards. She was confused. Uv too wanted to talk to him about what happened, but the guards that formed a circle around them, listened nothing.

Then Arnav turned towards them and gestured towards the guards to let them in the circle. Then Khushi joined hands with Anji who was now trembling. Soon the guards moved and they were out of the place. Once out, UV asked Arnav.

“What is it, Mr. Raizada? Dint you like the party?”

“No its not that Udayveer, I am just not feeling well. And I want is to go home with my sister.” He told him.

“Can we take Khushi with us too, please bhai!” Anji almost pleaded.

“Do you mind if I take Khushi with me too? Anji is not feeling good as well. She can be with her overnight. Can you tell her parents and inform them?” Arnav said, as he was about to get into his car.

Uv at first was not sure but then seeing Anji really scared he agreed “ok. I will tell them, she is with Anji.”

Arnav smiled and said thanks to him and went in his car and drove off.

Both Khushi and Anji were now scared. They knew it was something big. Or else Arnav would not have made such a drastic scene in front of the whole media and top business people. But when it’s about Anjali, Arnav cares a damn about media and people.

Khushi saw outside the window, two cars at their front, and three cars on their back following them? What was going on? It looked like they were in a certain movie and were prime ministers with their so much of security. And like Arnav was driving, he looked a total maniac. It was like he wanted to reach RM as soon as possible.

Right now the best thing Khushi did was kept her mouth shut. Or else she knew his temper. It would just blow off. As soon as they entered the RM, more guards in black and that too with guns came around them. The Raizada mansion looked more like a fortress than a house. It was like they were the soldiers of king, Arnav.

When they got out, they were again surrounded by guards and they were followed them till the insides of the mansion. The guard just stopped when they entered the living room. But she could still see four of them just standing on the doorstep. She sighed at Arnav’s moods and went up with Anji to her room. Nani also came up to them and sat down. She saw Khushi for the first time, and smiled at her. Anji introduced them and nani sat there holding Anji’s hand.

Anji looked at nani and she too looked worried, as if she knew why was everything happening. But she dint questioned her. Anji knew Arnav would tell her everything when the time is right. Khushi was now out of patience! She wanted to know the answers NOW! Or else she would go mad. She excused herself and went to Arnav.

As soon as she descended the stairs she heard him barking on the phone.

“I DON’T BLOODY CARE!!! I WANT HIM OUT OF LONDON!!! I HAVE A RESTRAINING ORDER ON HIM!! DAMMIT!!” saying so he threw the phone and broke it into uncountable pieces. Khushi flinched and decided to walk upstairs again. She would talk to him when he is somehow ‘cool’.

She was walking upstairs when she heard him say again.

“HOW CAN YOU GUYS BE SO CARELESS!! HE BOARDED THE FLIGHT TO LONDON AND REACHED HERE TOO AND I WAS NOT EVEN INFORMED!!!THIS IS HOW YOU GUYS WORK!!” he shouted at the top of his voice and Khushi also trembled in fear. She held her dress in her both fists and again tried to drag her feet upstairs but for some reason she was unable to leave seeing him in this condition.

She turned and saw that he was shouting at a police officer and the cop was listening with his head down. From when did the cops started to listen things! She wondered and unconsciously went down.

When she entered the living room. She saw Arnav was sweating from anger and the AC was trying hard to cool him down but to no avail. As soon as the cop saw her coming, Arnav also noticed her and told him to get lost.

He turned his face away from hers and said in rude manner. “Go to Anji’s room, Khushi.”

But she being she, didn’t even budge. Instead she kept a soothing hand on his shoulder and he turned. His eyes red with anger and nerves trembling to break anything. She felt his body stiffen even more and he discarded her hand from his shoulder.

“Khushi, right now I am in a mode to kill. Don’t come near me or else it would be you who would get harmed.” He warned her.

“And what makes you think I am afraid of getting harmed?” Khushi said looking at his eyes.

“Khushi this is serious! I want you to be safe too. Even if it’s from me!! Just go upstairs Khushi.”

He looked at her eyes and they told him that this girl was so stubborn to leave.

“Khushi! I am requesting you! I request you to leave! I am not in my right senses! I may harm you!” he said as he moved away and closed his eyes. He peeked through his eyes and saw her still standing adamant! Not leaving!

Arnav quickly turned towards the guards standing at the doorstep, “Dismiss!” and turned and grabbed her waist and pulled her towards him in a hungry and passionate kiss. His lips on hers were not at all gentle, but instead they were beyond getting harsher. He sucked on her lower lip so badly that they were red and swollen, instantly. She too was surprised by the intensity of this man. She just stood there shocked and he was the one devouring her senses, she didn’t protest, coz she knew he was depressed and if she could help him decrease it, she is willingly there to be his this instant!

Arnav desperately sucked on her lower lip making it swell with pride and his tongue desperately went inside her mouth to fight with his own passion. His all-consuming kiss was so intense she automatically wrapped her hands on his neck, but right now he was not ready for this, all he wanted was only he kissing her. So he held her hands and yanked them behind her waist and pulled her more to himself. Her chest was grinding on his and his manhood pressing over her lower abdomen. He just wanted to kiss her senseless. He bit her lip and she whimpered, but he dint care. He again sucked where bit her and soothed her pain. She sighed in his mouth and this aroused him no extent. He just pulled away from her and carried her to a random room, which was nearest to them. Soon he just laid her on the bed and got on top her kissing her again.

Khushi tried touching his shoulders but soon he held them above her head and took his tie out and tied it to the headrest of the bed. Khushi was frightened by this action of his but Arnav was now above rationality. He soon felt her getting hot on her feminine part and spread her legs with his and grinded himself on her. Even though they were fully dressed, Khushi could feel him exactly. It was like he was trying to enter her with their cloths on. Khushi moaned his name uncountable times but he wasn’t able to hear a thing. Soon Khushi started to feel some alien feelings on her lower part. She wriggled but he held her in place and she wasn’t even able to tell him to stop as his lips were running havoc on her senses.  She tried pushing him but her hands were tied. Arnav kept on grinding himself and kissing her senseless at the same time. He held her waist and became harsher in his movements. He held her waist rubbed himself roughly. Khushi felt something warm in her lower part and was now crying coz she dint understand what was happening to her. She kept taking his name to wake him up from this madness. This is was not right! Not before they get married. She again tried opening her hands but just couldn’t. She closed her eyes when the final blow was coming and she became still as she felt herself coming just by him rubbing on her. She felt her insides screaming for him to stop but her heart was contradicting to it! She took a deep breath and Arnav bit her lips again. She let out a frustrated sigh again and tried moving her head away but he held her in place for himself. Soon she came in full force. Her eyes closed tightly, trying to absorb the sudden pain and pleasure. It was her first time ever, feeling this ultimate emotion of getting physical. Her first ever orgasm roared through her body and she shivered violently. Arnav noticed her shivering badly and came to his senses. But it was too late. He saw her face, her lips swollen badly and her eyes closed. She fainted due to the intensity of her first orgasm. She was all-new to this. She couldn’t help and understand this. So her mind gave up and she fell in to her deep sleep of unconsciousness.

Arnav dint had any regrets. He was anything but guilty for that. That was what he wanted to do from the very beginning. He wanted to have her! But he was glad they had their cloths on and he dint literally raped her. He wanted to make her first time really special. But if this is how her first orgasm was going to be, then let it be. But now he was sure of one thing. He got to marry her soon or else he would just steal her virginity and that would not be right. He will marry her first. Only for her! He doesn’t mind having her once or many other times even without getting married but Khushi did.

Khushi wanted a proper marriage like any other traditional-Indian girl. So if she wanted it, he would give it. Now he cannot hold himself any longer. He wants to marry her now! NOW! But he had many other “works” to finish. And two of them were most important. First, handling Aarav. And second, to finish off vij. And then he would ask Shashi for Khushi’s hand in marriage and then they would live happily ever after. Happily ever after?! Jeeezz I am going mad!

Arnav looked at the beauty lying beneath his sweaty self, clad in her messy cloths, lips swollen, so serene and so angel-like. He opened her hands from the headboard and placed a soft lingering peck on her lips, for the last time, just to satisfy his own self. Her lips were still so tasty he couldn’t help but kiss her again and enter inside her mouth just to loose him to her again. Khushi whimpered in her unconscious sleep and he quickly withdrew, seeing her face. A lone tear escaped her eye and he rubbed it off.

Then he came in his full senses and found himself lying fully on her. He got up and slid besides her, slipping his hands under her waist and bring her closer to himself and keeping his head on her chest, listening to her heartbeat. He then pulled the quilt on them and slept just like that.

—

The sun rose, with a new day, with a new journey to begin. As the rays made their way in the room, Khushi stirred in her sleep. As she was half awake, the doings of the night came crashing down on her. She remembered him asking her leave so many times but she dint move and as a result that happened.

She gasped and opened her eyes in shock, only to find Arnav sleeping literally on her, breathing on her neck. She was terrified again. This Satan looked so calm while sleeping! But then she pushed him away with her shaky hands and failed miserably. He was too strong to be moved by her. But she was determined, and pushed him with full force, waking him up from his sleep. He opened her eyes lazily only to find her terrified ones. A sudden pain crossed her mind, she looked at him and pushed once again, Arnav quickly got up from her and she tried getting up too but she was tangled in the bed sheets. She tried getting up but was not able to.

Arnav smiled at her helplessness and tried helping her but was shocked to see her trembling and suddenly crying. Khushi was in a hurry to leave the place that she tried to untangle her but ended up tangling more. Arnav looked at her eyes that were busy trying to find an end to the mess she was but they started to shed tears. He half sat on the bed and held her face in his palms, to pacify her but she shoved his hands away and moved to her untangling bed sheets. Now she was frantic in leaving the place but Arnav held her hands. She looked at him with tears escaping her eyes. She was not able to speak. She was horrified to death. She just trembled in his arms again and he held her close. She was shocked to see how his hard and manly hands were able to deliver to tender of touches. As he held her to himself, she was both, scared and relieved. She was utterly confused as what games are being played with her? Her heart liked his touch and his mind contradicted this.

Arnav saw mixed feelings on her face, she was scared, frantic, worried, tensed and what not. She knew if she stayed a second more, she would melt in his arms. And that was the last thing she wanted rite now. Arnav noticed that she was feeling awkward about what happened last night. But as he thought earlier, he does not regret it and would never regret it. He looked directly in her eyes as he usually does and this time Khushi diverted her eyes to other direction and started struggling against him to take her hands off. She was wriggling when she sobbed suddenly and Arnav let go of her hands.

As soon as he let go of her hands she just tried to get up but nothing helped, nothing was going as per her plans now a days and she just had to sit there entangled in the sheets. But as she looked down she noticed that the end of the sheet was beneath Arnav. He was sitting on it, seeing her struggle, and that too with a smirk!

She was just too much terrified now. He wont let her go this easily. She just tried gathering her courage to ask him move but nothing helped. She just couldn’t bring herself utter anything. Arnav had had enough of Khushi’s childish behavior of untangling the sheets; he just got up and pulled her out of the sheets in a jiffy and made her stand on the bed.

Now that she was finally free from the damn sheets she jumped from the bed and moved forward, towards the door. Arnav in a reflex ran towards the door and closed it shut and locked it. Khushi just reached there a second late. If she was there before a second she would be out but now she was just behind Arnav. And Arnav turned back on her and was now red in rage. How can she run away from him?! And when he is trying to pacify her about last night, she is just turning her head away!

He took a step forward and she stepped back, he again took a step forward and she took two backwards, soon she fell on the bed again. Arnav took a long step and was just in front of her. Khushi hugged her knees and moved back on the bed, she was again terrified by the look in his eyes. They were red with anger. A sob escaped her mouth and Arnav gulped down his anger, just for her. He took a step back and stood there folding his hands on his chest. He was just standing there, looking at her intently. Khushi on the other hand was confused. She looked here and there and then at the door.

Khushi was finding a way out when she heard his manly voice,

“There is no other escape, Khushi Kumari Gupta! There is only one door in this room and it is locked. You can’t leave the room without talking to Me.” he then folded his hand more firmly and took a step forward. Khushi seeing him nearing her moved back on the bed. Seeing this Arnav got furious, he came towards her and held her shoulders in his hands and yanked her to himself. “Am I some monster to eat you up, Khushi? Why are you scared? I am not here to harm you!”

Khushi closed her eyes shut and moved her face to the other side. She waited for him to again hurt her or kiss her, but she got nothing. She just waited and he just held her. She opened her eyes slowly and saw him looking at her.

She gathered courage and spoke in broken voice, “why?” her voice was barely audible, “why are you doing this to me?” asking this some tears spilled from her eyes.

“Because I love you.” Arnav admitted like it was a well-known fact to her.

Khushi’s head jerked towards him and she looked in his honest eyes. She was still confused if she heard the same thing she thought she heard.

“Yes, that’s right! I love you. I love you in every possible way.” He confessed and looked at her shocked eyes to find any reaction to this. But there was just disbelief.

“No.” Khushi whispered to herself, and looked away again.

“What?” Arnav couldn’t hear what she was muttering to herself and he asked her. “What are you saying?”

“This is not true!” Khushi managed to speak.

“What do you mean by this is not true! Of course its true and I am telling this to you, that I, Arnav Singh Raizada is in love with you!”

“How can you love me?!” she spoke in disbelief and shoved his hands away from her shoulders.

“How can I not!?”

“You are Arnav Singh Raizada, owner of AR designs, the best fashion house, you sit and stand with world’s best models and heroines, you can get any sort of girl, any model, heroine, beautiful, any type you want! Why do you want me! I am just a simple girl with no looks and nothing to attract!” she said crying bitterly and was now broken down but Arnav was shocked to hear her misconception about herself.

“You are the most beautiful girl I have ever met, Khushi.” He said sitting on the bed, besides her.

“NO! I am not beautiful.” Khushi screamed.  “If I was, why- why” her voice broke “why doesn’t he loves me! Why?” the last word was a mere whisper and she just fainted in his arms.

As she lay limp in his arms, he felt intense protectiveness swept through him. For an instant his heart feared loosing her. Why? Why was his heart so scared of loosing her? She is not going anywhere. At least without his consent or permission, she is not even stepping out of this place, forget leaving him. But then his sensory nerves moved! She fainted and for Khushi’s mental condition, fainting is not good, IS NOT GOOD!!! Screamed his brain. He quickly took out his cell phone and dialed Dan’s number.

Dan was in his hospital, ready to give an injection to a patient, when his phone vibrated. He took it out and saw ‘private number’ flashing. He picked up, “hello?” he answered.

“Daniel!” Arnav said hurriedly.

“Yes, who’s this?” Daniel questioned.

“Arnav Singh Raizada, Dammit!” for a second Dan’s mind went numb, and the phone was about to fall from his hand when he caught it in mid air “hello! Dammit Dan are you there?!” Arnav barked through the phone.

“Ye-yes I think so. I mean, yes I am. Yes.” He fiddled with the words.

“Listen! Come home! Its urgent!” Arnav said breathless.

“Why is something wrong?” he asked doubting that he might came to know about him and Anji being together.

“That’s what you are for! Khushi fainted in my arms! She- she is unconscious and in her case its not good. You are her doctor can you come RM, right now!?” that sounded more of an order than to a request.

“Okay, I am on my way! (He handed his injection that he held in one of his hands to a nurse and gestured her to continue while he went out of the room.) Just sprinkle some water on her face and keep her warm. She becomes cold when she faints.” He was already in his cabin taking some of Khushi’s medicines, which were always present in his drawer and ran out.

On his way to RM he called UV to join him. Uv too left out his work and rushed towards RM.

Dan reached, and saw Arnav holding her hand and rubbing it furiously.

“What happened?” he asked when he entered the room.

“I don’t know! She- she just fainted.” Arnav tried to hide what happened between them.

“But still, you said she fainted in your arms?” Dan questioned.

“Um- actually, I, she came with me and Anji last night and stayed here. When I came here- in the- morning I saw her standing and then she stumbled and she was about to fall when I held her and she fainted right away!” Arnav lied.

“Oh. Ok let me see.” Dan came and saw her face that was little pale and was now a bit cold. “Can you please turn off the AC, she’s cold.” Dan said touching her hand. As he held her wrist to check her pulse Arnav was getting uncomfortable.

“What are you doing?!” he asked as Dan dint leave her hand after few seconds.

“Checking her pulse. When did she faint?” Dan asked fully concentrated on her and missed the angry look Arnav passed him.

“In the morning, when I came to check up on her.” Arnav said hurriedly.

“Did she said anything about her past, I mean, about her-”

“Father?” Arnav’s eyes softened a bit and he answered. “Yes. She said, he doesn’t love her.” Arnav looked the other way, as he could imagine the sadness she had in her eyes as she mentioned him and fainted.

“Oh. Its okay. At least she dint go in her past memories.” Dan sighed and gave an injection to her.

Arnav again saw the mysterious injection being injected in her arm and couldn’t stop himself from asking, “what’s that for?”

“Its to calm her nerves. So that she could sleep peacefully.” Dan looked at the Arnav Singh Raizada in front of him and for a second he couldn’t recognize him. Was this the vulnerable Arnav that was hidden behind the mask of ASR? “She would sleep for hours due to this.” he showed the empty syringe and disposed it in the near by trashcan and the door flung open. There stood UV in his hyper mode.

“What happened to her?? Is she okay? What is wrong now??” he quickly threw questions at Dan and went near Khushi and held her hand in his. “Khushi? Khushi wake up!” he nudged her shoulders. “Why isn’t she moving?! Why is she quite??” uv looked at both of them and then at Khushi. He demanded serious and true answers from them. EACH one of them.

He got up quickly and went near Arnav, “tell me how did this happen? She doesn’t faint easily. She is a strong person! Then how?” UV looked directly in Arnav’s eyes and Arnav looked with equal passion.

“When I came she was stumbling! And then when I held her she fainted!” Arnav said not wanting to explain himself but at this time what mattered was Khushi not the damn explanation. After being half satisfied with Arnav’s answer he looked at Dan demanding the explanation from his side.

“Mr. Raizada called me when she fainted and I came, gave her her injection. And right now she is sleeping.” He said the last sentence as he kept a hand on UV’s shoulder and UV became quite for a second but fired his next question immediately.

“What’s wrong?”

“She just remembered her father and fainted. Mr. Raizada heard her saying that her father doesn’t love her.”

“What?!” uv said an moved back a little. He ran his hand on his hair in a frustrated way and mumbled to himself, “that bast*rd! I swear if he weren’t Khushi’s dad, I would have killed him with my bare hands! That SELFISH BAST*RD!!” saying this he punched his hand on the wall nearby and his knuckles started to bleed.

Seeing him bleeding Dan rushed to him, “what are YOU DOING!” he turned to Arnav, “do you have a first aid box?” Arnav nodded and bought the box.

“I don’t need it!” he pushed the box away and screamed “I just need his blood! I just want to kill him! IF HE WAS NOT THERE- IN THAT HOUSE!!! IF I HAD ANY CLUE — ANY SINGLE CLUE! Of what was happening inside with her! I would have gone to her help!! I- I –” Uday started to curse himself now. Only the matter related to Khushi can make him loose his patience, other wise UV never lost his cool. Never. But when he saw Khushi in that hospital bed, not moving, every other day, just because of that bast*rd in the prison, he panicked to hell. He just wanted to punch the daylights out of him! For doing this to her. But as he knew she loved vij so much that she would not see his face even as much as a scratch happened to her father because of him!

Arnav who always knew UV was a calm and composed person, was shocked to see this sudden outburst. He never imagined the heights of hatred UV had for vij. But now he knew, he and UV were the travelers of the same path, path of hatred, and that path had no end. Only DEAD END, dead end for that man.

Arnav believed he would kill vij on the very first opportunity he got but now he felt same for uv too.

“What happened, chote?” nani came hearing the noises from the guest room downstairs.

Arnav saw nani who came in and then Anji followed. Anji saw Dan and was surprised. She quickly asked him through expressions that what happened and he gestured her that everything was fine.

“Umm, I think we should move out of the room. We might disturb her.” Dan said looking at a sleeping Khushi and everyone nodded and moved out but Dan stopped UV, “Not before YOU get that bandaged!” he said looking at his still bleeding hand. Nani gasped and Anji widened her eyes. But Dan gestured Anji to take nani out and Anji did.

—

Everyone was out in the living room. Uv finally was calm and had his hand bandaged and Arnav explained nani why Khushi kept getting those panic attacks and how she fainted in the morning, well, he of course lied about the morning incident.

Nani was in tears as she came to know about Khushi’s past. How can a father be so cruel to his own daughter! But whom was she fooling? She herself saw an example in her very house, aarav! He too tried to kill Anji. But the fact was that Anji dint know about it!

Yes, Anji was told that her father was dead in an accident. Well it was true, he was dead when that accident with her mom happened, but still Anji dint knew the whole truth about her father and moreover herself.

They were all silent in the living room after a long discussion on Khushi, when a guard in black uniform, holding a gun, visited.

“Sir, there’s this man waiting for you.” He gave a card to Arnav and Arnav quickly smashed the card in between his fist. He glared at the guard and he looked down. Now it was Arnav’s turn to loose his cool. How dare he come to his house! He drank his anger for a second. “Nani, please take Anji in your room. I have a guest to deal with!” Arnav said and walked out with the guard.

“HOW DARE YOU LET HIM IN!!?? I TOLD YOU TO SHOOT HIM AT SIGHT! YOU HAD MY SHOOT AT SIGHT ORDERS! THEN WHY HE IS STANDING OUTSIDE! IS THIS I PAY YOU FOR!” Arnav said as soon as he was out of the living room. Uv and Dan followed him when they heard him yelling.

“How dare you!?” Arnav seethed holding his voice down so that Anji wont hear him. He walked in front of Aarav Mallik, and held him by his collar.

“You committed a big mistake this time Mr. Mallik! I still have the restraining orders against you and if don’t follow them I have the right to shoot you!” he said looking at the old man in his eyes.

Dan and UV were shocked to see these things in front of them. Arnav then left his collar and took out a gun from the back of his waist and targeted the man in front of him.

“Don’t compel me to become the one like you, a killer, Mr. Mallik! I don’t want to be the reason of my mom’s husband’s death! That is why I left you the last time! But if you compel me, I have no other choice but to kill you!” he said and loaded his gun, ready to shoot.

The man in front of the gun looked pale white, like a ghost, seeing so much hatred for himself from his own blood. He closed his eyes and spoke in barely audible voice, “Kill me.” that was not a sarcastic comment, nor an order, not even a request; it was just a helpless plea. “Kill me, son.” He said pleading him urgently.

Hearing the word son from that filthy mouth, Arnav was disgusted. “That’s the difference between you and me, Mr. Mallik.” He said removing the gun from his forehead. “I can’t destroy my own blood, even though I desperately want to. That’s the difference between you and me. You tried to destroy the very own existence of my sister! But being the son of Asha Singh Raizada, I can’t destroy you! My mother won’t forgive me! And even if she did, I can’t forget her values, and despite of what you did to her, she valued you the most. So this is your last chance Mr. Mallik, leave before you leave the world. Coz I don’t want the blame of killing her husband.” He said and turned to leave.

“I am your father!” aarav pleaded helplessly.

“NO!” Arnav turned screaming. But aarav dint even flinch. “You are nothing to me! You are just my mom’s husband. And that’s all you will ever be, to me and to my sister.”

“I want this man out of my house this instant!” Saying this to a guard nearby, Arnav turned on his heels and went inside, ignoring the two pair of shocked and speechless eyes.

Dan and UV. They were beyond being shocked. They never knew this side of Arnav Singh Raizada. He dint even showed a hint of mercy on his own father! His hands didn’t even shiver when he was pointing his gun on him! It was clearly visible that he wont even regret shooting him! He was so angry on him; he could have surely killed him. But the question remains, – WHY?

They saw towards the man whom Arnav referred to as Mallik, another question how could Arnav be a Raizada if his dad was a Mallik, they saw the guards moving towards him and he stopped them putting his hand forward and walked away.

Soon UV and Dan entered the living room where Arnav was pacing like a caged lion. How desperately he wished to see him in pain! The same pain he saw his mother in, the pain of death. The way she screamed for help and being just above the stairs he didn’t even move! His mother and sister would have died if he were not the one who knew the ambulance number! A chill ran down his spine as he thought that he wont have had Anji with him if that man succeeded in his plans, and that man here was not aarav, but Vijendar!

Arnav was in rage. He dint believe himself that he let him go that easily without even teaching him a lesson for coming at his door! He would have! But the morals of his dead mother came in front of his eyes. Whenever aarav was in his bad temper, he slapped or hit Arnav, and then his mom used to console him by saying, “beta, people tend to make mistakes, so you ought to forgive them, and you should forgive them, not for them, but for yourself. For your own good, and peace of your heart and soul. And as far as your dad is concerned, he is a nice man. You should not look at his bad side but at his best. He is not bad at heart. Its just his bad temper.” Then she used to smile that smile to him that shoed every grudge from Arnav’s heart. But now she was not there to smile at him, so that grudge will remain, that scar will remain, that anger will remain.

Uv and Dan saw Arnav pacing here and there. Nani came to check on him. And she was right; he was in his worst of tempers. She came and stood in front of him, strong and determined.

“Chote, go to your room.” She said as if nothing happened.

“Nani? Have you seen his audacity-” Arnav tried to reason but nani dint let him finish.

“I saw everything that happened from the window above. And I still want you to go to your room! Go. You are not in your senses right now! You are angry!”

“I should be! I have every reason to be angry on him!”  He reasoned.

“You have every reason to be angry but your sister needs you more! She is suspicious as to what is happening! And she is waiting for you in your room!” nani said sternly and as soon as he heard it he went to his room without further argument.

Arnav hated aarav the most but he loved Anjali more. He went up to his room, took a long breath, closed his eyes for a second and let his breath out. He did it 2-3 times and imagined Anji’s smiling face in front of him and his anger vanished. He smiled slightly and opened the door. Anji was sitting on his bed and she stood up seeing him. The way he walked out and the way she heard noises of him shouting, she thought he would be in his worst of moods but he was smiling! This confirmed her suspicion, something was wrong! Very wrong!

She maintained a straight face though his smile was infectious. She looked at him as if reading something in his body language, finding traces of his anger, to be particular. He smiled again and this time her lips curved a bit, but she cleared it to him before he misunderstood, “your smile is infectious to me, bhai, and I am smiling too but that doesn’t mean I don’t demand answers!” she came straight to the point! ASR’s true sister!

“What’s going on!?” Anjali asked.

“What? Where?” Arnav said looking around as if not understanding anything.

“There!” she pointed towards him. “In your head! What’s the matter? What’s wrong?” Anjali asked again.

“Nothing is wrong Anji. Why do you ask?” he said casually and walked towards his laptop.

“Do I look like I am convinced?” Anji said closing his laptop.

“There is nothing to convince you for! Everything is fine! Nothing is wrong.”

“You are behaving strange since yesterday! All day you were on your alert mode and then you took me to your party then we abruptly left and then the sudden increase in the number of guards, then a man’s visit and your unusual smile! Now you’re telling me what’s wrong or should I give a detailed list! Tell me the truth, right now!” Anji said determined to know the real matter.

“Ok okay!” Arnav said keeping his laptop down. “There is this guy who wants to harm me and my family. So I am taking precautions. I don’t want him to even see or touch you, let alone harm you.” Arnav said and this answer finally managed to convince his detective sister. It was true, as she wanted but only half of a truth.

“So, that’s all?” Anjali said still expecting more from him but she just got one line of information.

“No, that’s not just all. If he were after me, I would have handled. But he is after my family too. And Arnav Singh Raizada will not forgive the one who tried to mess with his family’s happiness. So now onwards you are going out with at least 4 of my guards, and I want you to cooperate.” Arnav said the last sentence in a serious tone.

“Yes SIR!” Anji stood straight and gave a salute to him and smiled. She knew he was overprotective but Anji understood. Arnav hugged her and sighed inwardly. His sister was so innocent to believe him with blind faith. But what he did was not wrong either; after all it was for her own good.

—

It was night now.  Dan and UV stayed in RM as nani and Arnav asked them to stay with them for some time. Today was a long day for everyone. Arnav was still on his high alert mode and somewhere UV and Dan knew what was wrong but they didn’t knew the reason for it. Uv sat beside Khushi the whole day while Dan kept checking her in fixed intervals. Arnav was busy whole day in Anji and phone calls. He was making arrangements, but nobody knew what sort of. He then asked UV and Dan to stay for dinner.

Khushi woke up, she slowly opened her eyes. She found UV besides her and smiled. Uv smiled back and helped her sit. She then looked around and found herself in RM. The horrific memory of Arnav forcing her came crashing down on her. But somewhere she knew it was her mistake too. She knew he was in foul mood and he told her to leave too. But she stayed. And then, that happened. She knew it was not right but somewhere it felt right. She didn’t know why but it did.

“How are you feeling, sweetheart?” UV said as he caressed her hair.

“I am okay.” She said weakly. “What happened to me?” she remembered her trying to escape then her conversation with Arnav and then an unknown type of sleep taking over her senses, she looked out, and it was night! She surely dint sleep that much.

“You fainted. Maybe because you didn’t have your dinner last night and your feeling weak too, right?” UV asked holding her hand firmly. As he held her hand Khushi saw the bandage. And just then Arnav came to check up on Khushi when he heard her talking to him.

“Oh em gee! What happened to your hand UV?” she tried to examine it. And Arnav dint like it even a bit. She was holding his hand, that too so lovingly!

“Nothing, nothing much. I got hurt by – umm by a sharp thing.” He was about to say knife but thank god he made up some excuse.

“You think you are smart!? Not enough I think! I know you fought with someone! Right? You should stop doing this! YOU ARE NOT A KID ANYMORE! You are so careless for yourself UV. This is not done!” she said and faked that she is angry.

Uv smiled at her childishness and said, “uff! Your anger is always on your nose! Its nothing much. It would be good in some days. Don’t worry sweetheart.” He said and hugged her tightly, nearly choking her. Arnav saw this and clenched his fist in anger. Sweetheart, my foot!

“Ah! Uv!” she said and noticed Arnav on the door. She was shocked and She knew he would be angry! Very very angry!

“Sorry.” Uv smiled again and helped her get up from the bed. As he turned he saw Arnav on the door.

“Dinner is ready. Please join us soon.” Arnav said and moved out, without even a glance at Khushi.

Dinner was a silent scenario. Khushi didn’t even dare to sit near Arnav. Nani was sitting on the head of the family’s seat. She kept glancing at Arnav, sitting in front of her, eating quietly. She was now tensed. Why was Arnav so silent? His silence was not good, its better if he kept yelling. Something was going on in his mind. Maybe Aarav. But still, when Arnav stayed quiet, a storm was about to come.

Anji and Khushi were the ones exchanging glances with each other’s, asking in expressions what was wrong and what happened while they weren’t there. But UV and Dan saw this and just kept their fingers on the lips indicating them to stop making faces and expressions.

“If you guys want, you can talk. No need to be so quiet.” Arnav said still eating his food, not looking above. For once Khushi searched his head for some extra eyes, how can he know everything without looking!

Khushi gulped and drank water. She knew he was in a foul mood but how much foul she didn’t know. She just tried to finish her food quickly and leave.

“Arre arre Khushi betiya, what happened? Why are you eating so quickly? Want to go somewhere?” nani said as she saw her finish her food quickly.

“Um-I wash thhinkhing tho-” she drank the full glass of water and forcefully gulped the bite in her mouth. Everyone looked at her amazed, “Naniji I was thinking to go home today. I was, I was missing my amma and bauji.” Khushi said and wiped her mouth with a napkin and got up.

“Uv want to come along with me?” she asked UV who was sitting just besides her. He looked a bit lost. “Uv?” he didn’t listen. Everyone stared at him, “Udayveer!?” saying so she kept her hand on his shoulder and he came out of his reverie.

“Huh! Han Khushi? I am sorry I wasn’t listening.” He said looking everywhere but her.

“I asked, will you, come with me, to drop me to my house?” she said explaining him in sarcastic tone but UV was silent. “Uv?? Where are you!” she said nudging him harder. Everyone was confused at his state now.

“Umm I forgot to tell you. I mean I was about to tell you.” He said looking at her. But not really telling her.

“And that is?” she said asking him what he forgot to tell her.

“yo-your parents, I mean Garima aunty and Shashi uncle are off to Sydney today.” He again said without looking at her. And she was surprised.

“What! Sydney! Why?” Khushi asked as she sat besides him again.

“Umm yesterday when you were in the party, Payal received a letter from her college. Payal said her college were opening in 2 days so she needed to complete the formalities there so it was an abrupt decision to go there.” Uv said in one breath.

“And?” Khushi asked still expecting him to continue explaining.

“And then they called me, telling they are planning to go so I came to tell you but then, Arnav asked me if he can take you with him and looking at Anji I thought she needed you more so I told uncle to carry on and leave. So they did and I told them that you would be staying with Anji. Right Anji?” he said looking, rather staring at Anji in a way that said cover-my-lie-for-me and Anji foolishly nodded. Arnav saw this exchange of expressions and was sure something was wrong.

“I don’t believe they left me here?!” Khushi said dejectedly.

“No! I mean they insisted me to take you with them but Anji then pacified them and convinced them that she would take care of you. And promised that she would stay with you in RM and then they agreed. Right Anji?” he again asked with same expression and Anji again nodded.

“Don’t worry, Anji needs you in her homework too so she asked them to leave you here.” Uv added.

“But we don’t have any homework, Do we?” Khushi asked Anji.

Anji was a bit scared to lie but she tried “ um.. hehe.” Anji laughed foolishly again. “I lied.” She said and Khushi was shocked, so was UV. “About- about homework, I lied about homework!” she clarified and got up from her chair and hugged Khushi from the back, glaring at UV giving him you-re-so-dead-after-this look. “Come on Khushi! Don’t you want to spend some time with me? I-I would share my room with you too, if you want!” she said leaving Khushi and asking her.

“No, no thank you! I know how you sleep, by the way. I don’t want to wake up strangled by you.” Khushi said as she imagined herself knotted between the sheets of the bed.

“So it’s decided! YOU ARE STAYING!” Anji announced really happy. Finally something good happened after the constant hard work of lying! Nani and Dan smiled looking at the two friends so in love! I mean so in love with the company of each other!

But Arnav, Arnav witnessed all the nervous stares UV gave Anji to come up with an excuse to help him. But why? He knew UV was lying to Khushi. And the reason must have been so severe that UV LIED. He was now sure, Uv was hiding something.

Khushi sighed and seeing her UV too.

“Wait a minute!” Khushi said and UV held his breath. “What about my cloths, mister!” Khushi said looking keenly at him and folding her hands.

Uv sighed, this was easy. “oh I forgot! (uv held his head) I will bring them tomorrow, for sure. Anji will lend you her cloths for the night. Right Anji?” he again looked her with his ‘right Anji?’ phrase and mentally pleaded her to support him one last time. And Anji nodded, again.

“Come let me show you my night suits!” she held Khushi by her shoulders and took her in her room.

—

After the ‘sensational’ dinner, Dan retired to his house and Khushi to her room, wearing one of Anji’s dresses. Anji was more than happy. She always wanted to have Khushi in her house for some days so that they would chat all night! And now it was happening! But the look on UV’s face was someway disturbing. He was looking worried. And why would he lie to his best friend, to his Khushi? Anji shrugged the topic off and slept.

Arnav had a lot of ‘stuff’ to talk to with UV. So he requested him to stay too. At first UV denied politely but on the clear insistence by nani, he stayed.

—

Khushi was about to scream when the two pair of arms held her tightly and pulled her in a dark room in the middle of the night when she was searching kitchen to have some water. She was silenced by a horrifying sound of “shhhhh!” and she was quiet!

“Scared?” asked the mysterious person and as he came to light, it was Arnav.

“You!?” Khushi took a laud gasp. Her lips parted and he was drowned in them.

How badly he wanted to smash his own to hers and kiss her till eternity! No other girl managed to make him this desperate for just a kiss! But this girl, she was exceptional, in every sense of the word. Even though he was tensed and worried and what not but this girl distracted him from every tension of his, just by passing a mere look in his direction.

“Yes. Me.” came his husky voice as he still stared at her lips.

Khushi for the first time felt it, a sudden want, a desire to touch those lips, to kiss them. But she was not sure. How would he react!? Screamed her heart. What if he did what he did last time? She then averted her gaze from his lips.

“What happened, Khushi?” Arnav continued in his husky voice, and the way he said her name, it sent chill down her spine.

Khushi nodded a no and looked the other way.

“You too very well know you can’t ignore me! Specially when I am right in front of you!” he said and looked through her eyes. She was trying to control her feelings, which were suddenly aroused inside her.

“wh-what do you want, Arnav ji.” Man! Now the way she said his name for the first time! It sent chill down his spine too. And that so cute ‘ji’!

He smirked a bit and brushed his lips to hers and said “you know.” She looked not sure at him, “you know, what I want. I want you.” Khushi gasped at his comment and looked wide-eyed to him. Arnav looked at her parted lips again “don’t do that Khushi, you will regret later.” He said looking at her lips. “I may not control myself every time you gasp.”

Khushi closed her mouth immediately, and looked the other way.

“Why are you doing this?” he asked completely changing the topic.

Khushi looked at him, “what? What am I doing?” she asked.

“You know I don’t like seeing you with anyone else, other than Me.” he said looking at her and the seriousness was dripping from his each word.

“Uv? Are you speaking of him?” somewhere anger took place in her eyes.

“Yes.” Came his sudden reply.

“Then mind you, Mr. Raizada! He is my best friend and I am not going to leave him!” she didn’t know from where but she got enough courage to back answer him.

“Don’t. Talk. To. Me. Like. That.” He gritted his teeth to stop himself from yelling.

“Why not! You are the one asking me to leave my friend! That too my childhood best friend!” she said.

“I am not asking you to leave him, Khushi. I am just telling you that I can’t see you with anyone!” he wanted to make her understand.

“And Uday is not anyone. He is Udayveer, my best friend! We became friends when we were mere kids. And since childhood UV didn’t let me feel alone in this world. He knows my darkest secrets and has even saved me from them.” She said in one go. She took a long breath, “he loved me even though my own father didn’t!”

“I love you! And you don’t need anyone else to love you! Not even Uday!” Arnav said and kissed her but this time it was a slow and healing one.

Finally. He lost all his control and kissed her, but this time he knew he had to control himself, or else-

Arnav felt her lips move on his. She kissed him back! He couldn’t believe! He circled his arms around her and bought her closer. She too let him explore herself. He held her waist tighter. He couldn’t believe she was responding! After so many kisses they shared, she responded to this one. She parted her lips, inviting him in. But Arnav resisted, trying to tease her. He sucked her lower lip and Khushi groaned. He chuckled inside her mouth and Khushi held his shirt tightly, trying to make him understand what she wanted. But Arnav smiled slightly and continued his assault on her lower lip. Khushi now left his shirt and held his neck for support. Arnav too roamed his hand on her back, sending chills on her spine and making her toes curl in pleasure. Khushi pulled him close so that he may deepen the kiss but Arnav smiled again and tried to tease her by stop kissing her but then what he felt crushed his insides.

Khushi pulled his mouth to herself and entered her tongue inside his mouth. If heaven was anywhere, it was here, in her arms. Arnav sighed and sucked her tongue hungrily in his mouth. Being all warm and slow, he played with her,. But Khushi wanted him to be what he was. Fast and furious. She wanted a proper Arnav-kiss, which was powerful, fiery, wild, painful, suffocating and satisfying at the same time. But this time Arnav was treating her like a glass doll, thinking that she would break if he held too tightly. And Khushi didn’t like it. She moaned loudly to tell him that she needed more. Arnav could not be happier. He knew what she wanted and he granted. Soon his hand held her nape and he tilted her head to let him more access and then hit his tongue inside her mouth, fiercely. He then took control and nibbled on her lips, sucking hard. Khushi sighed in satisfaction and let him do what he did, completely take over her senses. It took every little ounce of self-control in him to stop himself from going any further.

He slowly moved away and placed a sweet and lingering peck on her now swollen lips. Khushi closed her eyes and hugged him. They stayed like that till their heartbeats became regular. Then Khushi looked at his eyes. They were sincere, truthful and honest. She knew he loved her. He was not fooling around to take advantage of her. Even though she could see the lust in his eyes, but she felt safe too, cause she knew it was just for her. A sudden jolt of satisfaction drew inside her heart, knowing he felt like this only and only for her. She kissed him on his lips, just trying to portray that they belong to her and only her lips to kiss.

Arnav looked in her eyes. He was sure she loved him too. But he wanted her to figure it out herself and believe that she loved him. Coz if he asked right now, maybe she would refuse. But he wanted her to explore her own feelings and then come up to any conclusion. Till then, he would wait. Wait for her to discover, what he already knew about her.

Arnav then kissed her forehead, reassuring that he would be there for her even though she wouldn’t want him to.

—

Uv was not able to sleep. He lied to Khushi for the first time in his life. But it was for her own good. He was sitting on his bed when he heard a knock. He glanced at the clock; it was 2, in the morning. Who could that be?

He got up and opened the door.

“Not able to sleep?” said Arnav.

“Umm, yeah.” Said UV scratching the back of his head.

“Lying to Khushi must be a difficult task no?” he said looking at him.

Uv was surprised. How did he know? “No. I mean, I didn’t lie to her.”

“I know you lied and I know there must be a very good reason to it.” Arnav said and came in.

Uv sighed, “not a good reason Arnav. Infact a bad one.” Uv said. Then he says, “Its good Khushi is with you.”

“I don’t understand?” Arnav said confused.

“Vijendar Thakraal! He is out. He is trying to hunt her down.” Uv said as he closed his fist tightly not to burst out in anger. “He came to me last night! He said he wouldn’t leave her.” Uv closed his fist so tight that the white bandage became red from his blood.

Arnav was just able to widen his eyes, again that rage and anger was back inside him. Only one word came out of his mouth. “How?”

“His imprisonment is finished! So he was free. I came to know about this after the party, that he was out, that is why I was with her every second.” Arnav looked at him shocked. “It was good you took her with Anji, Vijendar visited gupta house as soon as he was free. He – he tried searching the house while Shashi uncle stopped him. Then he came to me. He knew I was the only one Khushi would go to if she was not in her house. He was furious. He broke the delicate items to show he was angry, so that if Khushi were with me she would come out hearing noises. But she was not there.”

Uv closed his eyes controlling his anger on the very person his best friend loved without any reasons.

“Then he asked me where she was. I had to make sure he was away from her so that I may get some time to relocate Khushi somewhere, and that too without telling her that his dad is out, or else-. So I acted scared of him and I lied she was in Sydney, starting her college there. And the shame of a man, believed. To make him believe my lie more, I made Shashi uncle and everyone leave for Sydney that instant. He must have enquired and found that entire gupta house has gone to Sydney, confirming my lie to him. And he left for Sydney too. But today morning when Dan told me that Khushi fainted, I- I – was- ” Arnav kept a comforting hand on his shoulder realizing what he must have gone through. “I thought Vijendar visited her here. Then I realized he doesn’t know you and Anji yet.” Arnav saw the satisfaction and calmness on his face but felt guilty as he remembered he went to meet him in the prison. Vij knew Arnav loved Khushi! It was Arnav’s turn to gasp now. But UV didn’t see it.

“I am sorry Arnav. I am involving you into this. But please understand, I had no other option to save Khushi. I can’t keep her with me too. Vij knows we are best friends, she would be with me, if not with her family.”

Arnav had tears somewhere, his eyes were moist. He was misunderstanding UV when he was protecting his Khushi. He kept his hand on his shoulder and assured him. “Khushi is going nowhere, Uday. She is staying here until this whole fiasco ends. Tell the gupta’s that Arnav Singh Raizada is there for Khushi too. I will do whatever I can do. After all -” Arnav was about say ‘she is my love’ but he stopped himself. “After all, she is my sister’s best friend and I would like her to be with Anjali as we are going from a rough path of life too.”

Uv was very much grateful to him. But he could not stop himself from asking Arnav, “what is it, Arnav. If you don’t mind me asking.” Uv knew it was his personal matter and if he chose not to tell him, it would be fine. But instead, Arnav told him.

“My story is no different, Uday. Khushi’s father wants to kill her and my- (Arnav couldn’t say Aarav was his father but said anyway) my father, wanted to kill Anjali. Except the fact that Anjali doesn’t know about this, like Khushi does.”

Uv was dumbfounded. He too had no words to speak. He placed his hand on his hair and looked at arnav to start telling him everything from the beginning.

—

Arnav and uv sat near the fireplace in uv’s room. And Arnav started dictating his story.

Arnav’s POV~~~~

It all started when I was 5. My dad was a great businessman. He never signed a deal in which he was at loss. Always profit. We were doing well, until that man entered our life. He was my dad’s business rival. The biggest threat to our business and so were we to him. So he very cunningly put forward the proposal of merging the businesses of my dad’s and his. He said if we came together none would be there in our competition. It would be our monopoly in the market. And my dad agreed. Soon in two years they became fast friends from rivals. But that man wanted his sole right on the business as well as the market. So he started to eat my family like a termite! He never showed his true self to us. He knew my dad’s power and strength resides in his family. If his family is broken from him, he would be no more. And the whole business would be his.

When I was 7, that man poisoned my father’s mind with doubts against my mother. And that time my mother was pregnant with Anji. Slowly-slowly he became successful. He showed some morphed photos and fake love letters, telling him that my mom was cheating on him. (Arnav closed his eyes and a lone tear fell from his eyes, UV moved towards him and kept a sympathetic hand on his shoulder.)

One day my mom was knitting a small sweater for the upcoming baby when that man urged my dad to kill her and the child which he believed was not his. So, so – he- (Arnav’s voice shook from pain) he pushed my mother from the stairs and she came crashing down on the bottom ones. She screamed for help. I was doing my homework when I heard her screams and came down. I saw her nearly dying in front of me. I even saw my dad standing mute on the above stairs and standing behind him was that man. I quickly called the ambulance and they took her with them. When we reached the hospital I called my nani. She supported us throughout everything! In that accident which happened with my mom, my father died, for me, for Anji, for every one of us. Then we came here, London. Expecting everything would change.

It changed but just for us, me and Anji. My mom still believed my father; she did, till her last breath. She even closed her eyes in hope to see him from heaven. She loved him so much. But he, he was a stone hearted and cold-blooded creature. Mom left Anji with me, when she was merely 2 years old. Since then we haven’t looked back. Anji, nani and me were happy family.

(Arnav sighed)

Some year’s back, Aarav Mallik tried contacting Anji. He came to her college to meet her. Anji didn’t recognize him. Why would she! She dint see him ever! He used to follow her from home to college then back. Then my driver one day told me about this man who followed them regularly. And this time I was with her, as her driver. I went to drop her college and picked her up too. But he didn’t stop. Then I threatened him and found a gun with him. I was terrified! What if I didn’t know he was following her! Then I took a restraining order against him and used my sources to restrain him from even entering London. But now he is back. I don’t know why he wants to meet her now! After what he did to her! But I surely don’t want Anji to know that Aarav Mallik is alive, her father is alive. I want her to believe that she has no one other than nani and me in this world. I want her to live in this lie than to ever come to know the truth.

Arnav’s POV ENDS~~~~

Arnav looked at the fire in front of him. It was burning similarly as he was. He had the burden of this hidden truth since Anji was born. But he won’t tell her this truth. No matter what!

“And you know who that man was?” Arnav asked sarcastically. “Vijendar Thakraal!” Arnav said still looking at the fire.

Uv gasped out loud. He couldn’t believe his ears. Can this man stoop any low! Trying to kill his own daughter! And then trying to kill someone else’s too! Can he be so after money that he would forget all human feelings like, love, sympathy, care, honesty – every bloody thing!  Uv sighed.

“Being that man’s daughter, you- you don’t- I mean, you don’t blame Khushi in these things, right?” UV knew he didn’t but wanted to hear it from him.

“Of course not, Uday! When I came to know that vij was her father, after that kitchen incident, my hatred towards vij grew and so do my sympathy towards Khushi. After all this, at least Anji doesn’t fear anything or anybody to an extent Khushi does. I know she is too a victim of that monster. I do not blame her.” Arnav said and smiled at Uday, who was still worrying about Khushi. “And this is my another reason that I want to protect Khushi. I am protecting her from that monster, I am protecting her from that man!”

Uday didn’t know why but he felt to hug him, and he did. Uv hugged Arnav, even though he was taken aback, Arnav hugged him. Soon Arnav felt a brotherly bond brewing between them. But that doesn’t mean he wont get jealous whenever he is around Khushi. (*Wink*)

—

After a week.

Everything was normal since that night when Arnav confronted both, Khushi and UV. After that hug UV asked Arnav to call him UV rather than the formal ‘Uday’, and he agreed. Arnav knew that UV had a soft corner for Khushi but that was just for her good only.

Khushi was now more than happy. She was living with her best friend Anji, in her house and everyone from Anji, nani and even Arnav, used to pamper her a lot. Arnav was a changed man from their last kiss. He was more cautious after it. He used to pamper her with ice creams, rather than flooding her with expensive dresses. He would give her her space rather than following her everywhere. And he would kiss her gently rather than forcing her.

Everything was going great. Vij was finding Khushi in Sydney while she was here in London. It would take at least a week more for him to realize that he was fooled. From that day UV and Arnav divided their time to be with the 2 most important persons in their life, and to never leave them alone. In these 7 days the trust level between UV and Arnav grew to no bounds. They trusted each other with their most important people. Khushi believed it was magic! Arnav laughed and hugged UV more often; he looked more comfortable around him. They would exchange their own language of expressions.

Khushi was happy in a way but there was one topic between her and Anji now days. Why do uv and Arnav try to stick with them EVERYTIME! THEY DO NOT LEAVE THEM ALONE! Even for a second. When they go to college, either they would stick to drop them or make en excuse that they would enjoy a ride to their college. When Khushi planned to go movies, they told they want to go too, even when the movie was a kid’s movie. It was funny how hey reacted now days. They thought of joining them every time Khushi or anji went out of the house.

Khushi found it little fishy but Anji told her that Arnav received threat from a business rival so he was taking precautions. But Khushi knew Arnav. He was not the one to get scared by a mere threat! But alas! Everything was going very very very good, she had no problem. They even hang out together!

Anji saw the growing friendship between UV and Arnav so she decided to blackmail him in manaofying Arnav to get Dan in the house too. (She was missing him coz they dint get meet more often now! thanks to Arnav accompanying them everywhere!) Uv told Arnav that Dan helped them a lot with Khushi and knew how to handle her mental condition when she had her panic attacks. So Arnav decided to call Dan to live in their house too. After all they would have one more person to protect them! Anji came to talk to Dan, at first he told her forget it! He was not going in the lion’s den, that too for his own death! But then agreed as Anji made a cute puppy face which Dan can never refuse.

Today they all had breakfast together. The laughter that followed the dinning table was EPIC! Arnav and UV tried to make the atmosphere as light as they could. Nani too was proud of both of them. Specially UV, he was protecting Anji like his own sister. Nani somewhere felt the sparks between Arnav and Khushi. But she knew they wont do anything they shouldn’t do. She looked everyone sitting in front of her and having a good time. Arnav, Khushi stealing glances at each other, UV and Arnav having confidential talks through expressions. Dan was always nervous in front of Arnav and Anji used to nudge him slightly cheering him up. And etc etc.

Breakfast finished and they all retired to the living room where they decided to watch a movie as it was a Sunday, and everyone was home. The guys were getting the DVD players and the lounge ready to sit and watch, whereas Khushi and Anji prepared their favorite, cheese and butter popcorns.

Arnav was fixing the player when he received a call from his security on the landline number.

“Sir, there are two men, c-came here to meet you.” He stated in his nervous tone, knowing what is coming next.

“What men?” Arnav asked.

“Um, po-police men sir.” He stammered.

Arnav thought it must be his men who bought some info about Aarav or vij. He glanced at the kitchen where the girls were laughing, making popcorns and said, “Send them in.”

The men entered with one mysterious man. Aarav.

As soon as Arnav saw him entering inside, his temper rose to no bounds. “WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?” he yelled at his face.

Anji and Khushi came out hearing Arnav yell at someone. Uv and Dan looked shocked.

“Sorry to disturb you Mr. Raizada but he is here with me.” A man in the uniform answered.

“You must be sorry and you will be!” Arnav said gritting his teeth.

“Arnav beta, I -” aarav started but Arnav dint let him finish.

“Don’t call me your beta, Mr. Mallik! You are no one to me.” Arnav said shooting fires from his eyes.

Aarav looked at Arnav and sighed, “well in that case, I have this for you.” Aarav said forwarding a piece of paper to Arnav.

Arnav dint even touch the paper and asked. “What is it about?”

“Its regarding miss Anjali Mallik.” The cop answered.

Arnav folded his hand to his chest, clenched his fist in anger but tried to be calm. “There is no Anjali Mallik in this house. Its Anjali Singh Raizada.”

“Changing your last name wont change who you are!” aarav said getting irritated by his calmness.

“Please let us do our work. Read the notice you are been handed.” The cop said sternly. Arnav took the paper but dint read it.

Aarav loosing his cool said, “this is a legal notice, Arnav! In this, it says that you have my daughter in your house, and thank you very much for taking care of her in these years when I was not here but now that I am back, I want her back to me. And I would like to take her back to India with me. So would you please step aside and let me take my daughter, Anjali, with Me.” aarav said in anger.

As soon as Arnav heard that he wants to take Anji away from him, his body shook with cold rage. His eyes turned dark and his hands itched to break the bone of the man standing in front of him but he just kept them folded on his chest. And he knew it was not the right time. He would get a lot of opportunities to break him. So he closed his eyes and gulped his anger down and smiled, a wicked smile.

Aarav was confused as to why was Arnav not reacting? He expected him to break the things and yell his lungs out but here he was standing calm and smiling! Then he saw Arnav walk away and climb the stairs. He took two stairs at a time and went in his room. And come out in a minute holding a file.

He came up to him and handed the file to the cop. The officer read the file and sighed.

“What is it!?” aarav asked disturbed.

“Let me tell you.” Arnav said and grinned. “The girl, named Anjali, who lives in this house, is a Raizada.” Arnav smirked coz here was the final blow, “because she is MY DAUGHTER.”

The blood drained out of Aarav’s face and he shuddered, looking at the cold expression Arnav gave.

“What did you think Aarav Mallik? You would come up to me and show me a paper and would snatch away my Anjali from me?” he said directly looking in his eyes and laughed. After his laugh he became damn serious, “No one! Remind you; no one can take my sister- my daughter away from me! I will keep my daughter in this very house, and no piece of paper can stop Me.” he said glaring at him, shooting daggers.

Arnav said and looked at the cop to explain him further.

“Mr. Raizada is right, Mr. Mallik. These are the legal documents of adoption of miss Anjali Mallik, by Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada. These paper say that miss Anjali is his daughter legally and hence you don’t have any right on her and the current notice you used against him, would be invalid.” The cop said and handed aarav the file.

Aarav looked at it and it read

Raizada Orphanage

ADOPTION CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada, (18, son of, Mr. Rajesh Singh Raizada and Mrs. Devyani Singh Raizada) is adopting a child, Miss Anjali Mallik, 11, from our organization. He has promised to protect her and keep her loved throughout his life and this organization is delighted to let him adopt this child in supervision of the authority.

From now on, Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada is the legal father of this child, and hence, this child would be named after him, her name now onwards would be

Miss Anjali Singh Raizada

in all of her official and unofficial documents.

Signed by the authority

(Raizada orphanage)

Then it stuck him “. . . . Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada, (18, son of, Mr. Rajesh Singh Raizada and Mrs. Devyani Singh Raizada). . . . . . . ” Aarav turned the page and found the same type of certificate. But this was for Arnav.

Raizada Orphanage

ADOPTION CERTIFICATE

This is to certify that Mrs. Devyani Devi, (55, wife of, late Rajesh Singh Raizada) is adopting a child, master Arnav Mallik, 8, from our organization. She has promised to protect him and keep him loved throughout her life and this organization is delighted to let her adopt this child in supervision of the authority.

From now on this child would be named after her late husband, hence, from now, his name would be

Master Arnav Singh Raizada

in all of his official and unofficial documents.

Signed by the authority

(Raizada orphanage)

The truth dawned upon him. Now he cannot claim to be the father of either Arnav or Anjali as Devyani and Arnav legally adopted them.

The file dropped from his hand and he had his mouth open.

“I knew you would try such a cheap thing on us. I know you better than anyone else. So this was my first step as soon as I became eighteen. I adopted her on my eighteenth birthday itself. You know, the orphanage I adopted her from was Nani’s, She is the founder of Raizada orphanage. So I knew Anjali would be safe there for a day. So I let Anji live there for 24 hours, just to make the legal documents ready, and then the next day she was back! But now, as my daughter not yours.” Arnav said and gave a victorious smirk to him. Aarav opened his mouth to say something but Arnav dint let him. “I don’t want to hear a single word from you now! Get out! I said, GET THE HELL OUT!” Arnav screamed and this time, aarav flinched.

After hearing everything aarav left dejectedly. Arnav still folded his hand to his chest. Uv who was silent till now came forward and placed his hand on Arnav’s shoulder. Arnav unfolded his arms and UV saw blood. His nails were dug deep into his palms (as he tried controlling his anger by clenching his fist) and his palms were bleeding.

Uv looked questioningly at him, Arnav answered, “it took every bit of my self control to not beat the hell out of him when he mentioned that he wants to take Anji away from me!”

Hearing this UV hugged him tightly imagining how much he has gone through even though he stood strong in front of him. After a much-needed hug they turned, to see 3 shocked pair of eyes (Khushi, Dan, and Anji) and the proud ones too, Nani’s.

Arnav saw Anji’s shocked, confused, and proud expression. He knew he has to do a lot of explanations today.

“Bhai? What was going on in here? Is this – ” Anji couldn’t speak as she was utterly shocked. My father is alive? Was he my father! Really? Then why did bhai talk to him so rudely? WHATS GOING ON HERE!!! Anji’s mind was filled with thousand of questions, and the only person that could answer them was standing there mute, voiceless.

 

A tear again fell from his eye, and strolled down his stubble. Khushi and Dan gasped seeing this side of him. Seeing him cry, seeing the one and only ASR cry!

Anji, who always saw the most powerful man in him, as her brother, was shocked too to see him cry. And seeing him this way was not an easy thing to bear for her. She walked towards him and he looked away, not having any answers for the voiceless questions her eyes were asking him.

“Bhai, tell me.” Anji came and stood in front of him. “What’s all this my-daughter-not-yours thing!” she asked now getting hyper.

“Anji, I- I- I am your father, now.” Arnav said looking at her and she smiled, shocking him.

“You always were, bhai! Not only now! You always were a father to me, all my life! And now too you ARE my father to me! Since birth you were the one to make me laugh, you were the one to pamper me, you were the one to remove my difficulties, you were the one to make me stop crying, you were the one to make me sleep, you were the one to bring the world down on my feet! Since birth you did what a father should do for his child. But who was he? And what was he saying!? Why was he here?” Anji said shedding more tears.

“Anji I am sorry, I didn’t tell you!” Arnav said moving towards her and holding her shoulders in a light embrace.

“What you dint tell me bhai? Tell me.” Anji asked looking at him. Although it was absolutely NOT an offensive look but somehow Arnav felt deeply hurt by it.

“Anji, I wanted to tell you before! The day he first met you! I- I just dint had the courage to do so!” Arnav said as he slumped down the floor, on his knees. He knew he is about to break his baby doll in uncountable pieces. “Our father, he is- he is alive.”

Arnav finally told the only truth he ever tried to hide from her.

Anji gasped, the loudest one in her life. “Is he our fa-”

Arnav didn’t want to hear the father from her mouth, especially for him, so he cut her in middle. “Yes he is.”

Again a gasp from her.

“Anji he didn’t wanted you to come in this world.” Arnav said and a sob escaped his mouth this time.

“Why?” it was a mere whisper fro her which was only Arnav able to hear.

“He thought, he thought our mother- she – cheated on him.” He said between his sobs and now it was Anji’s turn to slump downwards. She looked at him, her now broken brother. She was not able to recognize him. Whenever she saw him, he was a definition of strength and power to her, but only for the outside world. To her, he was always a loving and caring brother. But seeing him so broken inside made her cry as well.

In a broken voice Arnav told her everything, how they were happy family and then that man came and ruined everything, he just didn’t tell her who that man was. He didn’t wanted Anji to hate her best friend, Khushi, as her father was responsible for their sadness and broken-ness. He told her how she was born, then the words of his mother.

~~~~(Arnav remembering)~~~~

(This scene is when Anji was new born. And Arnav just 7 years old.)

“Arnav beta, (handling little Anji to him) this is your little sister.” Asha said.

Arnav saw the baby and pulled his hands back.

“Ma I can’t hold her, she’s too delicate, ma, I may drop her. She would get hurt because of me.” The 7-year-old said.

Asha smiled and handed him the baby instead.

“I know you wont. Infact, if you are there for her, I am sure you wont let even others to harm her.” the trust in his mom’s eyes for him, made him feel utter proud of himself. Arnav took the delicate small figure in his tiny hands “take care of her. Don’t even let a rough wind cross her path. She is too delicate to know all this. So don’t tell her. She might not be able to cope up. But you, you are my strong man nah? (Arnav mom looked at him with tears.) A child needs a father the most! You take care of her like a father. You become her strength. Don’t let anything happen to her, ever.” Saying so Asha hugged her little family. She knew then that the boy in front of her was able to protect his sister for all her life.

~~~~End~~~~

“It was her faith in me that I would protect you, which stopped me to tell you every time I thought I will.” Arnav looked at Anji who was now crying like he was. “She asked me to not to tell you the bitter truth of your life, that your very father didn’t wanted you to come in his life and hence tried to kill you and my mother, together.” Arnav hugged Anji and held her shaking form in his tight embrace. “I dint wanted you to get hurt because of him, because of a no one in our life.”

Anji was in his embrace for long, but then she came out and looked at him in the eyes, “did you and ma think of me as such a weak person?” she looked in his eyes and said, “If HE doesn’t want me in his life, then me neither! I have the best person in my life! As my brother! And now as my father!” Anji said and hugged Arnav for everything he ever did for her. “You are all I could ever wish for, bhaiya. You are my angel in disguise! You are my everything. And you don’t have to give any explanations to me. I know whatever you do for me will be for my best.”

That was the moment he thanked the one above, for the first time.

Everyone present in the room had tears strolling down their faces, seeing the two. They never knew the Arnav Singh Raizada who appeared to be a ruthless winner, would be so delicate and broken inside.

“I am sorry.” Arnav whispered and kissed her head.

“You don’t have to be sorry for anything, bhai. Its him, I am sorry for, he missed the two best people that could be in his life.” She said and smiled. Then hugged him again.

Arnav sighed and was very grateful to have an understanding sister like her. Anjali became more and more emotional. She sobbed and Arnav held her tightly, but she broke the hug and looked at him.

“I want to be alone for some time.” Arnav looked at her worriedly, “don’t worry bhai. Its just that- its just that, that I want to digest all this altogether. And make up my mind and heart more strong so that I could stand by you, forever.” She smiled and went away to her room.

Khushi who was silent till now sensed Arnav’s worry about Anji and came up to him and said, “don’t worry, I will look after her.” saying this she kept an understanding hand on his shoulder but was stopped by him.

“Anji do not need a friend right now, Khushi. She needs to cry it out and hence would be needing a shoulder.” Khushi looked at him happily and understood that he will go after her.  “And that shoulder will be Dan’s. She needs HIM, his support and love right now.”

Dan’s eyes widened like they were ready to pop out. Khushi too was in similar state. While UV gave a smirk. He knew nothing could be hidden from Arnav and that too about his sister! No way. He would have been surprised if Arnav didn’t know.

Arnav walked towards Dan and he took baby steps backwards. At last he hit the sofa and was stuck. He gave his last prayer to the one above and Arnav came in front of him.

“You are nice and innocent guy, Daniel. I am proud of you and my sister’s choice.” Arnav said.

“You are?” Dan asked sheepishly.

Arnav laughed through his moist eyes and hugged him too, “Keep her happy, and never make her cry.” Arnav broke the hug.

Dan was in shock! The Arnav Singh Raizada knew about his affair with his brother and he was still alive! In his house! ALIVE! He was in cloud nine. He still couldn’t believe so he asked, “y-yo-you do-don’t have any- any pro-problem with me- and a-Anji being together?” Dan asked nervous to the hell and Arnav raised his hand, Dan became scared and closed his eyes thinking he is going to slap him but Arnav kept his hand on his shoulder and smiled.

“If I had any problem with you and Anji being together then I would not have agreed when UV asked me to call you here. I knew Anji would be sad after knowing this truth. So I thought it would be good if you were with her in this sad phase of her life.” Arnav said and smiled again. “Go, she needs you.” He said indicating towards her room and Dan smiled sheepishly again and like a good boy obeying his elders, went to her room, obeying him.

—

Dan knocked in Anji’s door.

“Bhai I am okay. Don’t worry.” Anji thought it was Arnav on her door.

“Its me! Dan.” Anji gasped and opened the door quickly, before Arnav could see him in her room. And pulled him in.

“Are you gone mad? What if bhai sees you here!” she said glancing at the door.

“He knows. HE sent me here.” Dan said shocking her even more.

“WHAT??” Anji said in loud voice but then glanced here and there to see if someone listened.

“Yes! And you know what!” Dan said excitedly, “He said, I am a nice and innocent boy!” he said moving his neck like a kid.

“What?? Really? He knows about you? And us?” Anji said and kept a hand on her mouth not believing.

“Yes he knows! And I think he had no objections about we being together! Isn’t it great!” Dan was equally excited.

“YAY!! I am so happy! Now we can marry soon! Without the fear of bhai getting angry!! Bhai has no objections!!” Anji jumped in joy and hugged him.

“Me too!! We can marry!! Without the fear of me getting killed by your brother!!” Dan said jumping excitedly too but Anji stopped and slapped his shoulder. Then Dan realized what he said and made a puppy face, “sorry!” holding one ear.

Then they both smiled at each other jumped in joy and hugged again and shouted “I AM SOOO HAPPYYY!!” together.

Arnav, Khushi and UV peeked inside the room and looked at them and passed a smile saying they-are-hopeless. And then moved to their own respective rooms.

—

After hugging Dan and nearly planning half of the wedding with him she remembered and went to Arnav’s room to thank him.

Anji hugged Arnav and said, “bhai I am so happy, you like Dan!” she again jumped in joy and hugged him more tightly.

“I know where my sister’s happiness lies. So I ought to give it to her. Right?” he said cupping her face and Anji replied “right!”

“You really don’t have any objections na bhai?” Anji asked confirming that Arnav really liked him, and was not just pretending so that she became happy after all that mess.

“Well,” Arnav made a serious face and Anji’s heart sank. Then Arnav gave a fake mean smile to her and said, “I did all my background research on him once I came to know my kid sister is seeing him. Then I came to know about him that he is a really good man and his background was also clear, his parents live with him and were doctors too, they are really simple people and when I dint find anything fishy about him, I made up my mind to go with my sister’s happiness. And keeping in mind that he fears me a lot-” Arnav smiled more meanly, “he will never harm you! Otherwise he very well knows the consequences.”

Anji smiled and so did Arnav.

She talked to him for some time then went up to Dan’s room to plan the other half of the wedding.

Arnav smiled at her antics, she was so happy now, when she was too sad just a few minutes ago.

“I am glad I could bring this brimming smile on your face back, beta.” Arnav whispered to himself. He always secretly called her beta. He loved calling her that as he in real, considered her like his own daughter.

—

Everyone dismissed to his or her rooms. But Khushi, she was still in shock. If Arnav knew about them, why didn’t he protest? Why didn’t he show his anger or his disagreement to this relation? Why? She couldn’t take it anymore so she did what she always does- ask him directly.

She knocked and Arnav opened the door. She was standing there silent. Not speaking anything. Then she threw her question directly. “How do you know about Anji and Dan?”

Arnav smirked at her question, he expected that, “I am Arnav Singh Raizada. She is my sister, I even know who comes and goes out of her life, and I know whom she met years ago! Won’t I know about her not-so-secret-affair? I know everything!” he said proudly.

“Really?” Khushi can’t believe him, did he really know? Khushi tried asking him more, “okay, so tell me where she met Dan for the first time?” I know you are fooling around, so tell me now. I bet you don’t know they met at the McDonald’s, 2 years back.

“At the McDonald’s, 2 years back.” He answered matter-of-factly. Thank god I have a secret bodyguard appointed behind Anji. He tells me everything. That day he called me to tell that she is at the McDonald’s and some guy named Daniel is talking with her. He mentally patted himself for answering her question right. Her big doe like eyes told him he was right.

“Where did she meet me?” Khushi threw another question.  We only know that Anji and me met in the philosophy class. She thought thinking that finally she would win over him.

“In the philosophy class.” He answered back, Khushi’s jaw dropped open.

“How do you know!?” Khushi asked shocked.

Coz that day Anji told me herself that she made a cute friend, Khushi, in her philosophy class. But he can’t tell her that. “I know, you know.” He said shrugging his shoulders.

She looked at him confused to hell, Is this man a ghost who enters everyone’s mind just by seeing them by his eyes! Do he has some extra magical powers!?

“What is it that you want to ask now!?” Arnav said sighing as if he was tired of her questions.

“Are you some kind of psychic? HOW do you know everything!!” she said puzzled.

“Well, if that is what you want to know, you will have to look at my mirror. It’s magical! It tells me everything that ever comes to anyone’s mind. I just have to ask it. It would never deny me!” he said dramatically, making his eyes big and making hand expressions near his face.

“Really?! It can tell anything which comes to anyone’s mind!!” she said as she believed him like a kid and got excited.

“Yes, as I told you, it would never deny me. After all I am its master!” Arnav said proudly, folding his hands on his chest. Dear lord! She is just too innocent! Arnav thought and smirked internally.

“So can I ask it something!? PLEASE!!” she asked him with her best pleasing smile and he looked at her in awe! How can he deny something to that smile!

“umm yes,” then he had an idea, “actually no, I mean you cant ask it. For you it is simple and common mirror, but it only knows me as its master so only I can ask it. It would not listen to you.” Khushi’s face fell at this, “but you can tell me. I can ask for you. What say?” he said rubbing his hands internally as he knew he would come to know her secrets now. You are just too naïve to be fooled Khushi! These things only happen in fairytales! Saying mirror-mirror-on-the-wall thingy and asking anything!  He thought to himself but was enjoying it.

She was in deep thought now. Then she decided to come in and check. She came in and looked at the mirror. It was a normal mirror to her, as he said. She made faces and thought of various ways but to her dismay; it was looking like a normal mirror! Stubborn mirror of the stubborn laad governor!

“Ok I will tell you.” She said looking down in defeat. “But you have to promise! You wont tell what I asked to UV! He will get angry.” She said pouting like a kid and Arnav was fascinated. But then he became confused. What is it that Khushi wants to hide from UV? She tells him everything. And as far as he knew, uv dint even frown at her, forget being angry?

“Tell me, you wont tell him right?” she said with hope filled eyes.

“Okay I wont.” He said a bit confused.

“Pinky promise?” she asked as she extended her pinky towards him and smiled. This is the only girl who can so mature and childish at the same time!

“Okay, pinky promise. Now tell me.” he held her pinky finger in his and asked.

“YAY!” she clapped and smiled.

Can she ever be any cute? No! He asked himself and then answered too.

“So tell me.” he said standing behind her and looking directly in the mirror. This is going to be fun!

“Ask it, when will my father return!!” she said as she mentally jumped.

Arnav’s face fell. His breath stopped. His heart raced. How can she even ask for it?

Arnav just stood there rooted to his ground when she nudged him on his shoulder, “ask nah!” but Arnav couldn’t react. How can he tell her that her father is already out of jail and is searching her! After 2 minutes when Arnav didn’t react she said, “ohh I forgot! It tells what one is thinking! I asked something else. So ask it, what goes on my father’s mind when he thinks of me!” she again jumped and praised herself internally for the intelligent question.

Arnav was again tongue-tied. What is he going to say! She just loves her father too much, even more than what I thought. Arnav was caught in his own game now.

“What are you thinking? Tell me!” she nudged him again.

“Enough of the games! I am tired! Go and sleep!” he said as he held her elbow and pushed her out of his room. “Goodnight!” saying this he closed the door on her confused face.

Khushi just stood there for a second. What did I do wrong, this time? She thought and then concluded that it was a part of his sudden mood swings and then left the place.

Arnav touched his door affectionately and murmured to himself. “I am sorry Khushi, I don’t have answers to your questions.” Then he closed his eyes and sighed.

—

Uv came running to Arnav’s room in the middle of the night. He knocked and a sleepy Arnav opened the door.

“VIJ! He is back from Sydney!” UV said out of breath.

Suddenly the whole sleep went out from his mind and he panicked.

“How?? When??”

“I put up my men in each of the airports of London. One of my men works in London Heathrow airport! I gave a photo of vij to him and told him to inform me if he sees him. He called me right now to tell that he just came to back to London from Sydney.” Uv explained and Arnav ran a frustrated hand through his hair.

Just few hours ago Khushi was asking about her father, and now this! How will he deal with him!

“What are we going to do now!” UV said, as he too was about to go in his panic mode.

“I have a plan.” Said Arnav and had his evil smirk on.

—

Next day UV, Dan and Arnav were off to AR offices, to discuss the plan Arnav had, obviously they could not discuss it in RM coz Anji or Khushi would always stick around. So for a change, they Left Khushi and Anji behind in RM with a lot of security and with the heavy instructions of Arnav that nobody is allowed to even roam around RM without the permission of anyone of the house.

Uv and Arnav knew what they were about to do in these following days would be drastical for Khushi but they didn’t have any other option. If they want to heal her completely they ought to do this and for that they need to have her in her worst form, in her panic attack. Because in her panic attack she forgets every thought of rationality and begins to imagine things herself and if everything went up to their plan, then now onwards Khushi wont ask anything about her father anymore.

And as far as an expert was needed, they had Dan. He was handling Khushi’s case from a long time now and he was aware of her each and every reaction. He can even predict how would she react in a certain given situation. So according to that they needed to plan their doings. They ought to be very careful coz it was Khushi who they were dealing with.

Arnav narrated his plan to Dan and he was shocked. As her doctor he denied it in the very start. Coz he knew the thing they were planning to do will harm her to the fullest.

“I can’t believe it! You agreed to this plan?!” Dan asked, shocked at UV.

“As far as I am seeing it, I don’t find any problem with the plan.” Uv said calmly.

“Yes, the problem is not with the plan, the problem is with Khushi.” Dan said and came face to face with Arnav. “You are trying to hurt in the most sensitive part of her heart and her brain as well. Do you have any idea how will she react to this! I am sure she is going to get so hurt-”

“And right now, do you have any other option to save her from that bast*rd, do you have any other plan in mind?” Arnav said and looked his face.

Arnav’s question left him mute, he was right. They cant just sit there and watch vij coming and hurting Khushi. This is the only option they had. But he was still not sure. He knew Khushi would be broken after this.

“I am not sure. As your friend I can approve this. But as her doctor, I cant. Do you have any idea if there will be any mistake, any slightest mistake! Any slight mistake and she would be in that state again. And I personally can’t see her in that white bed anymore. So I am not with you guys. And I advice you not to do this too.” Dan said and walked towards the big window on the wall. How can they even think of this?!

“I know you care about Khushi more than a doctor. But try and think about it with our point of view.” Uv said as he kept his assuring hand on his shoulder. But for the first time Dan was adamant.

“What you are planning to do is an inch away from trying to murder her. Do you guys realize that, if we become a second late, forget second, even a fraction of a second late, then it could cost us her life! She can even loose her life do you realize that!!” Dan said out of breath. He never knew he was this protective of Khushi.

Arnav saw a whole new Daniel in front of him. He always thought of him being calm and composed but this Dan was so protective! Like a brother, exactly like what he became when anyone thought of hurting Anji.

“I-I-I cant do this to her. I just Cant.” He said and slumped down the chair where he previously sat. UV came and put a hand on his shoulder, understanding him.

“I care for her as a brother, uv. You know! I never had a sister. I was the only child of my parents. But when I met Khushi, I thought- I thought I had a sister now.” a tear fell from his eye. “The first time you guys rushed her to the hospital and I checked her, I instantly felt an attraction towards her. And when she used to tease me, I always saw a sister in her. And then on Rakhi (raksha-bandhan) when she tied that rakhi on my wrist! I too promised to protect her like other brothers do.” Dan looked at UV; “I cant put my sister in such circumstances, UV. I can’t just afford to loose her. And there is hell a lot of chances of her loosing her life and if god is graceful then we can save her form that Vijendar by some other way out, we don’t need to do this!”

Seeing Dan react like this, Arnav stood up and came up to him. “I know you care about her to much Dan, and I do too. I am not her enemy to do all this to her. I am too her well-wisher! And I promise I wont let anything happen to her. We will take extra measures for her. And that is why I asked you to stay with us. You are aware of her mental as well as emotional condition too. We all are going to make it perfect. Just the way it used to be.” Arnav said and half convinced him. But the other half, his heart, was not yet pleased.

“This plan has a lot of bad sides in it. Is it really going to work the positive way?” Dan asked still confused.

“Its Arnav Singh Raizada’s promise! I wont let the bad side happen.” He said seeing him directly in the eyes. And Dan knew, if it’s HIS word, it’s the last word.

Dan sighed audibly and said in a low voice, “I am with you.” Hearing this Arnav and UV hugged each other coz if Dan was with them they are already half way through. “But remember one thing! Its not my patient, its my sister you are dealing with.” Dan said and Arnav and UV hugged him again.

—

The plan was thoroughly discussed. The pros and cons were kept in mind, strictly. They knew there were more of the disadvantages in this plan than the advantages. If they failed, it would be Khushi who will be loosing her life; so failing was not even an option. They ought to succeed. They should do everything perfectly and according to the plan, they had to avoid even a blink’s mistake and if they couldn’t, it would be the biggest mistake of their life.

If there was a do or die situation, it was this, literally.

—

The men came back to RM but they couldn’t find the girls in the house. Being scared they rushed to find them in every room but then they found them giggling over something in the lawn of the backyard.

Girls! Nobody ever knew what they talked and giggled about!

Arnav sighed and went near the lawn and UV moved his palms in the air like he was pushing the invisible thing, indicating Arnav and Dan to be quiet and to play along. As he reached behind their back he shouted intentionally, “WHAT are you girls doing?”

Poor scared girls jumped up screaming and clutched their heart. Then they looked at the back and found the men in their victorious smirks.

“That was not funny!!” said Anji looking at Dan and walked away stamping her foot.

“What did I do?!” Dan asked confused as to why Anji was angry on HIM when it was UV who screamed and scared them.

Uv laughed at Dan’s condition and received an I-will-get-you-back-on-this look from Dan and went away behind Anji to pacify her.

Uv then received a call and excused himself.

Now that Arnav and Khushi were alone, Khushi was a little conscious about their surrounding. It was all open and a place where they can be seen easily. But Arnav didn’t care. He walked up to her. Seeing him coming forward she backed and hit the lawn bench. Arnav smirked and kept coming close. Khushi tried backing up more but couldn’t, her back was literally pushing the bench backwards too. As he took one step ahead she then had an idea, she saw Anji walking away from Dan and she was few feet away from her, Khushi then called her name loudly and Arnav quickly backed away.

Anji saw Khushi calling her and came to her.

“Hey Anji,” Khushi started nervously and then was out of words, she looked at Arnav who was watching her intently with a look that sent chill down her spine. “Umm, I was- Wondering if, if we could go-” she looked at Arnav who still looked at her with his full attention look, making her all the more nervous in lying. Then it clicked! “I-was-wondering-if-we-could-go-to-the-McDonald’s!”  She said in one go and it took a second for everyone to realize and understand what she was saying.

After understanding what she was saying, Anji too joined her. “YES!! It’s been a long time we went to some place together!! Just the two of us!!” Anji said giving her the looks of we-will-have-our-private-talk-about-boys! And then grinned at Khushi who understood too.

Khushi then looked at Arnav giving him a look, I-won-in-avoiding-you!

Arnav then smirked inwardly, not-so-soon-Khushi-Kumari-gupta!

“You are not allowed to go out alone!” Arnav said in a certain amount of seriousness in his voice that Anji knew was damn serious and it was better to obey everything he said in this kind of voice.

“But it’s just the McDonald’s! Its hardly 2-3 blocks away.” Khushi tried to argue with him. “Its not like the whole world is waiting for us to go out and eat us alive!” Khushi said as she had had enough of his and UV’s over protective attitude since so many days! They hardly let anyone go out! “And we are not even some kind of celebrities or secret agents that there is a psycho killer waiting to kill us!” Khushi said and waved her hands in the air as if she is frustrated.

Arnav was angry hearing the last sentence from her mouth. Even if there is a psycho killer waiting, he cant even touch you in my presence!

And Anji looked worried looking at the expressions Arnav had. It was do-not-mess-and-argue-with-me!

“Okay we will take you to your McDonalds!” Arnav said indicating to everyone including Dan and UV.

“But I want to go with Anji ONLY!” Khushi argued again!

Anji passed a god-save-her look upwards and then nudged Khushi secretly saying keep-quiet-dumbhead! -He-is-getting-angry!

Khushi then gave her a so-what! Look and said again, “I am going with Anji ONLY! And that’s is final!”

Arnav finally lost his cool and said in his angry low voice, “you are going with everyone or not going at all!”

“And why am I going to follow you?!” Khushi said keeping her hands on her waist.

Anji nudged her again and this time she said it out loud to her, “Khushi its okay! We will go alone some other time!” if we are alive from my brother’s wrath.

“NO WE WONT! We will go alone RIGHT NOW!!” Khushi said now getting stubborn and Arnav sighed in desperation!

How can I not yell at her when she is this stubborn! Arnav said in his mind to her and then walked away.

Khushi saw him leaving the place in the middle of an argument and Anji knew what was going to happen! Khushi left the place too and followed Arnav to his room.

Dan looked confused at Anji and she gave a knowing look and then explained it to him. “Khushi NEVER leaves the argument in the middle! Even if the person leaves the place, frustrated, She finishes it off by following him or her to the end of it! God can only save him now!” Anji then smiled imagining her brother’s condition when he will come out from his room now! Coz when Khushi comes to argue no one can beat her!

And as expected, Khushi followed him to his room and saw him removing his coat angrily and throwing it away.

“You can’t leave any argument in the middle! That’s not the rule to an argument! You must finish it before leaving!” she said as she stood just before him.

“And where is it written as such?” Arnav turned angrily.

Khushi was now trapped in her own words, “err-, nowhere but-”

“Exactly! Nowhere! So it is obvious that I can leave! So now, end of the argument!” he again turned away from her and loosened his tie a bit. Then after few seconds he saw his notepad being pushed in front of him. He took the notepad from her and saw what was written on it. Unbelievable!

Argument rules!

1.  You cannot leave the argument in the middle!

“Now! Its written here! In my argument book! So now tell me! Why cant me and Anji go out alone!?” she asked resuming the argument and Arnav was now out of his angry limit.

“At first I was ready to take you guys out by myself! But now! Forget even going out with me! Coz you are going nowhere!!” he said with a hint of finality.

“I WILL GO!” Khushi said and stomped her foot like a kid.

—

Anji knew they were going to see fireworks today! As Arnav and Khushi both were stubborn when it came to Arguments. Anji and Dan were waiting for the fireworks by standing on the stairs, eavesdropping to their conversation. That’s when they she heard Khushi yelling, Dan nudged Anji and whispered, “I think Khushi is winning!” Dan said excited and Anji laughed, “You still don’t know my brother!” and then Anji dragged him downstairs to the living room, “hey what? We were listening na!” Dan said enjoying there argument. “No more! I don’t want you to learn augmenting from them or else after marriage you will fight with me.” Saying so Anji pulled Dan in the lawn where UV was also sitting, oblivious to everything happening in the house and drinking his evening tea.

When is this man going to give attention the happenings around him! Sitting and sipping tea in lawn when a super hit movie is going on upstairs!! Anji thought and shook her head in negative. She knew UV too well now. They became friends when she met Khushi and now they were like buddies too. Sometimes he can be total oblivious to his surroundings! Manufacturing defect! Anji thought and sighed.

“Are you ever going to improve, UV!!” she accidentally said it out loud.

“Improve what?” UV looked above from his cup and asked genuinely confused.

“Never mind!” Anji then added in her head, you wont get it even if I tell you in words, so be what you are, total oblivious!

Uv then saw her strange expression and sighed inwardly, girls! Never going to leave their blabbering. And continued with his remaining cup of tea.

—

“I WILL GO!” Khushi said and stomped her foot like a kid.

“No you will NOT!” Arnav’s voice grew dangerous.

“And why will you stop me?” she said folding her hands on her chest challenging him.

Arnav just gave an angry look and then turned to her backside and closed the door and locked it, “because I am your boyfriend!” and turned towards her in an angry expression.

“That’s not true! Who said you were my boyfriend!” Khushi didn’t know what she said but then realized after it was spoken.

Arnav came few inches away from her and said in an intimidating tone; “I became your boyfriend, when we kissed.” He knew this topic would distract her and she would forget about going out. His breath was fanning her lips and she lost the sense of what she was saying.

“Then I would make another one, I will make some other boyfriend who will let me go out on myself unlike you.”

That was it. He lost his cool completely. Thinking of Khushi being with someone else, made him mad. Mad with rage.

He pushed her back and she fell back on the bed. His bed. The mattress was so spongy and cozy that she just sank in, without getting hurt. That’s why he pushed her, knowing she won’t get hurt. He then angrily lay on top of her; her fear came back of that night when he tied her hands and- NO! Her eyes widened in shock! Is he going to do it again? Is it going pain the same way? The strange way that felt like paining and felt like pleasuring too?

Khushi quickly tried to stop him, push him. She kept her hands on his chest and tried pushing but she was no match for him. He, in a swift moment, held both of her hands above her head, imprisoned. He held them tightly. Khushi wriggled her wrists to get out of his grip but his hold got tighter. She looked at him. His eyes. Which were angry but had a tinge of hurt in them. She then gasped. She realized what she just said and the reason behind his sudden behavior.

She then gasped as his waist rubbed hers and made her top move up, her belly now half revealed to him. She struggled more into him and wanted to stop him, as soon as she can. Coz she knew what was coming, she wanted to hide her waist from him, or else he would see-. But then suddenly his lips met hers and another heart shuddering kiss. He didn’t bother to lick her lips at first, he just bit her lower lip so hard that she gasped again and he directly entered her mouth. He sucked her tongue, which has become lazy and was waiting for him. He didn’t bother now, he was so angry on her, he just kept biting her lips, making her moan in pain. He was so brutal that she felt her own blood in her mouth. But soon he licked it away and came to her throat. His grip on her wrist, still firm. But Khushi managed to get her hands free and push him. She pushed him away and stood up. Her knees wobbled with the effect of his kiss. She hastily pulled her top down and covered her waist, saving it from his hungry eyes. She some how managed to stand straight but now Arnav wanted more, more of her. He too stood up and she backed away.

“A-a-a-Arnavji, y-you are s-scaring me. p-p-p-lease.” With that she hit the cold wall.

Arnav didn’t say anything; he just held her from her waist again and brought her close to himself. And kissed her hungrily on the lips again. This time he was a little gentle but still rough. Khushi melted in his arms. He lost himself. He sucked in her lower lip and she tried to respond but couldn’t match his intensity. She then felt a light fall and she knew he bought her to his bed again and was on top of her. His lips still on hers and they were not able to leave them, not even for a second.

He then pulled down her top’s fabric down from her shoulder and started placing wet kisses. Khushi tried taking long breaths as his kiss left her nearly breathless and she forgot all sanity and gave in to this pleasure his mouth was creating on her skin. He bit her neck and then soothed it by his tongue. Khushi moaned again and her moans did nothing but to encourage him. He then pulled her top upwards from her soft waist, his anger and rage totally forgotten. Now he was totally gentle to her. He placed several heart-warming kisses on her waist. He kissed the round part of her belly and placed a bite, a mark, which will remind her of his presence on this forbidden ground of hers. He then pushed her top up a little more so that it covered only her breast. And revealed her full waist, what he saw then made him lost! Lost in his track! He gulped and wondered what it was. Khushi was so lost in him that she failed to notice that he stopped his sweet torture on her. Arnav then remembered, it was what he knew it was, the scar. That man gave it. By his knife, on her birthday. He touched it lightly, hoping it would disappear by his touch, but no, it was still there. A long scar, which was still adorned with the hints of stitches, she might have received at the tender age. He had tears in his eyes seeing the beautiful scar. Yes it was beautiful, it was hers, and it ought to be beautiful. He placed a long kiss on it and then it stuck her. She widened her eyes and saw downwards to see him kissing away the scar, thinking as if his kiss was healing it. He looked at it and mentally believed that the color of the scar was fading away with his each kiss. It was stupid, he knew. But still his heart believed.

Khushi pushed him away a little and got up. She quickly pulled down her top again and got up nervously. This was she afraid of, afraid of him seeing that mark on her, which was the mark of unwanted-ness in her life. Every time she saw that mark on herself, she felt unwanted.

“I- yo-you sh-shouldn’t have seen It.” She said looking away ashamed.

“What?” Arnav asked looking at her changing expressions, from shy to ashamed to embarrassed to guilty.

“I-I don’t- ” Khushi was at loss of words. Her eyes now welled up with her endless grief.

“Its beautiful.” He said shocking her.

“What?” Khushi asked not sure she heard it right.

“Your scar, its beautiful.” He said mesmerized.

“Scars are never beautiful, Arnavji, they are painful.” She said as she hugged herself in order to hide the mark further from his eyes.

“There is something beautiful about all scars of whatever nature. A scar means the hurt is over, the wound is closed and healed, done with.” Arnav said as he came closer to her, she again backed away, not because she was scared, but because she was embarrassed. “None of your scars can make me love you less, Khushi.” Saying so he held her waist lightly, bent down on his knees, pulled her top up a little, and placed a long healing kiss on it.

—

Next day.

The time was so less and the work was very complicated and lengthy. Uv, Dan, and Arnav were partners, partners in crime. Yes it was a crime to break someone’s heart. And they were going to do exactly the same. They were about to break her heart. Forever.

The time was slipping from their hands like sand.

It was Arnav’s study, where they discussed and planned everything in private, coz it was the only place where no one was allowed to enter without his permission. They were seated in front of the fireplace and the place was still quite cold, not because of the weather, but because of the tension.

“Guys, we are forgetting something.” Uv stood up from his seat and said in a serious tone.

“Everything is kept in mind, UV, what else?” Arnav asked.

“Garima aunty and Shashi uncle.” Uv said and Arnav’s facial expressions changed from confident to worried, “They will never agree to the plan. And without their permission, we can’t do a bit. After all it’s about their daughter. They adopted her and loved her more than their own daughter. And Payal, guys you cant even imagine, she is too possessive for her sister. She never left her alone. And when I told her that she has to go to Sydney leaving Khushi back here, she denied on my face! It took me a whole hour to make her realize the sensitivity of the situation and make her agree to it. She was adamant in being with Khushi. And when she called me yesterday, when we came back from the office, she looked thoroughly depressed and she is now suspicious too, that we are up to something, and to be honest, I can’t hide this from her, I just cant! And she is too possessive about her. She is her soul sister, you know. And getting Khushi’s family ready for the plan is a must.” Uv said making his point crystal clear.

“I am sorry I dint think about it. But I admit you are right. Without Mr. and Mrs. Gupta’s permission, this plan will not work.” Arnav said as his head bowed down and he was again in his deep thinking mode. Dan kept a hand on his shoulder and made him understand.

“Convincing them won’t be a problem. I know them, but the problem here is Khushi.” Dan made them concentrate on the main subject, Khushi. Coz he was sure the gupta’s will eventually agree to it if told about her good. But the main problem here was not the family but Khushi herself.

—

In some lonely and deserted part of London.

Vijendar Thakraal, he was the man with the most evil mind ever. He knew Khushi was somewhere safe, hidden by his eyes.

She was definitely not in Sydney as told by that UV. But then where was she? Then it stuck him! How can I forget! That son of a bi*ch! Arnav Singh Raizada! Vij thought, how can I forget him? He came in my prison to threaten me. Then I thought it would be one of his current affairs and he would forget her in 2-3 days, but now it seems to be something serious. My my my, she is such a player! She is playing around with Arnav Singh Raizada! Saying so he rubbed his chin evilly as if thinking and then smiled to himself, interesting! The game is now very interesting.

He laughed and the evil laugh echoed everywhere in the empty streets of London.

“I will see you, darling. I will see you, for the last time, and this time it would be final!” he said as he looked at the photo which had Khushi smiling in front of him and then smashed the poor piece of paper in his hands and kept it in his pocket.

—

2 days later.

Arnav and UV changed the whole RM into a fortress, with more armed guards and camera’s everywhere, Arnav installed the highly sensitive motion detectors that were familiar to the footsteps of anyone in the house but would burst out shouting if any outsider came in its range, any outsider- even if its HP’s poor brother, OP, who was not allowed to come to RM without the permission. Anji and nani were suspicious though but Arnav told them about the famous but fake threat he had been receiving by an unknown person and then they were silent. Khushi as she was, always oblivious to her surroundings, didn’t find anything suspicious rather than UV hanging out with Arnav.

She wanted to be with Arnav alone, to spend some quality time with him and wanted to be with UV alone too so that she can carry on her routine teasing and leg pulling. But they always were together discussing some business in the now-so-favorite-study of Arnav so much that they hardly leave each other for even a second! She saw their new friendship grow in very fast pace, like a rocket in space. She never thought Arnav would ever like UV, forget being friends with him, but this Raizada always leaves her confused and amazed at the same time. Khushi watched it from 2-3 days now. She was growing suspicious and more more more suspicious! Then she decided to ask them what the business was exactly about.

She waited adamantly, folding her hands on her chest, in front of the famous study of Arnav Singh Raizada where no one was allowed to enter. She saw them coming out for evening tea and stopped them by extending her hand in front of them.

“Stop!” she said stopping them in their tracks.

“What’s going on?” UV asked.

“That is exactly what I wanted to know!” Khushi said again folding her hands on her chest.

“What’s wrong?” Arnav asked still confused.

“You! You guys are behaving wrong.” She said accusingly.

“I don’t understand! Will you please e-l-a-b-o-r-a-t-e.” Arnav said mimicking her as she said it one day.

Khushi sighed and continued, “You guys, who hardly knew each other a month ago, are behaving like long lost brothers! Spending time with each other, gossiping like girls, being alone with each other! I mean, some days ago, you didn’t even knew who the other one was, besides their names, and now suddenly out of the blue you guys enjoy each other’s company so much that you guys keep forgetting that there are some other peoples too who would be willing to spend time with you.” Khushi said in one breath and then sighed in relief as she let out all the frustration that was building up from 3 days. Taking a long breath “now, tell me!” she said.

Uv and Arnav saw each other with she-is-unbelievable-but amazing look and passed a smirk to one another.

“See! That is what I want to know!” Khushi pointed at their faces. “The secret exchange of expressions which only you guys share and understand!” she let out a frustrated sigh, “do you guys have any idea how fool and stupid I feel when you guys exchange looks and understand each other but I don’t!” she huffed like a kid and uv and Arnav laughed.

Khushi gasped loudly in front of them and made an angry face, “you guys are laughing at me?! I am not going to talk to you!” she turned and started to leave but UV held her elbow.

“Khushi!” UV held her elbow and stopped her. “Khushi, we were just discussing about the threats Arnav has been receiving these days and were trying to figure out the person behind them. We are really worried for you guys.” He said and secretly winked at Arnav.

“Do I look like a 2 year old baby to you, UV? Are you trying to tell me that YOU, Udayveer Singh, is scared of threats, the person who almost killed a guy who tried to talk to me! is scared by a threat! And you!” she turned to Arnav, “you, Arnav Singh Raizada, the business tycoon, biggest fashion maker! Is scared by a mere threat he received days ago. Really? Why am I not amazed then?!” Khushi said again folding her hands on her chest and looking away.

Arnav looked at UV with she-is-full-on-in-her-argumenting-mood-save-ourselves-before-she-eats-us. Before UV could reply to his look Khushi turned amused like she solved a million dollar mystery and her mouth hung open in delightfulness.

“I know now! Now I get it! I was so stupid to not see this!” she observed UV keenly from up and down and Arnav looked at her confused. Then Khushi raised her eyebrows twice at UV and he knew what she was thinking.

“NO!” UV said figuring out her look and Arnav turned to him. Uv quickly moved away from Arnav like he stung him. “Don’t even think about it!” UV made a disgusting face looking at Arnav who was utterly confused.

“Ah Han? Now I know your little secret!” Khushi smiled wickedly. “Now, I can understand the real reason behind your closeness.” She looked at Arnav up and down.

At first Arnav thought of her checking him out publicly, but that bold behavior was far away from her nature. Arnav felt as if she was mentally undressing him by that look and unconsciously hid behind UV for an instance and UV pushed him aside.

“Don’t come near me!” UV said disgusted. “She will misunderstand us!” UV tried to hint him but Arnav was confused while Khushi just watched another expression being shared.

Uv gave a look to Arnav but he didn’t understand. “What?” Arnav came towards him and asked.

Uv gave him a look again and now he got it-   she-thinks-we-are-gay!

“What?” Arnav questioned him unconsciously and then he got it, “WHAT!?” his eyes widened and his mouth hung open too.

“Yes!” Khushi jumped in the air as she got a chance to tease them, “yes! I was correct!” she turned to UV, “one day, you told me yourself that you admiiiiiiiirrrreeeeee Arnavji. Right?” she again sang the word admire.

“WHAT?!” Arnav looked at UV disbelievingly and now it was his turn to get disgusted, “you said like that!? EWW!” he stepped away from UV and said, “how can you even think about it!” Arnav asked UV disgusted and Khushi smiled inwardly, thoroughly enjoying the scene.

“EWW!” UV and Arnav said at once as they mentally imagined themselves together, “shut up!” they said and looked away.

“See you guys are so much in love that you say things together too!” Khushi jumped clapping.

“Khushi, are you out of your mind!” they again said in unison and they looked at each other disbelievingly. And sneaked away from each other more.

Khushi laughed whole heartily at their embarrassed expression and clutched her stomach as it started to ache due to laughing.

“What the!” Arnav said frustrated and looked at UV, “why the hell do you admiiiirre me, Dammit!” Arnav mimicked Khushi again and said really embarrassed.

Uv couldn’t believe it and said, “I don’t know dude! She just imagines things- ” UV tried to explain but Khushi said in between.

“WHAT! Me imagining things??” she said thoroughly annoyed, “was it me imagining when you went out on dinners with that Karen?” she asked as if accusing.

“Yes I went, but-” UV said and Arnav eyes widened in shock. And Khushi again didn’t let him finish and said.

“Was I imaging that you were living with Karen in your house!?” Khushi asked again in the same tone.

“He lived in my house because- ” UV tried to explain again but Khushi said to Arnav in between.

“Ask anyone! The famous story of Karen and uv being in love is still afresh in everyone’s mind!” Khushi said excited as if she was disclosing a hot gossip topic.

Arnav was about to fall back in shock.

Just then UV saw Anji coming towards them. He sighed of relief and went to Anji. He stood in front of her and fired his question.

“Anji, you know nah, that the story about me and Karen were just false rumors! It was nothing like that! You know nah, that it was Khushi behind those rumors! You know nah, then please explain it to Arnav. Khushi told him I am gay! He thinks, I AM! And that too having a crush on him!” UV literally begged her to say the truth and Anji was in dilemma. Whether she enjoy the show as Khushi was or should help him out. Then she saw his cute embarrassed face and gave in.

Anji looked at Arnav and said, “It was nothing like that bhai! Khushi was just pulling his legs. She planned this sweet revenge on him when he did something! It was so sweet!” Anji was lost in the memories; she remembered UV being red embarrassed which he was that day when the story was disclosed to public. “But to be honest, UV is straight! He is NOT gay! It was Khushi behind all those rumors.” Anji said keeping a hand on his shoulder and UV sighed a big sigh of relief.

Uv then looked at Arnav happily, “See! I told you! It’s her mind behind all this rumors! I am straight! I AM STRAIGHT!” UV jumped in happiness as if he found a treasure and claimed it.

Anji then looked at Khushi who was now angry because her plan to tease them both together was failed due to her.

Khushi frowned and made the cutest pout ever and looked at Anji, “Traitor!” she said and walked away stomping her foot.

“Ohh no! Now she will be angry on me!” Anji said as she sulked in and UV happily cheered her up and told her that he will manaofy her.

—

Khushi was disappointed and went to her room. Uv followed her; she saw him when she was about to close the door and said, “Go away! You spoiled my prank!” and again made a disappointed baby face.

Uv smiled at her childishness and said, “What did I do! You tried to play a prank on me! How was I supposed to help you in that!?” uv asked her making his point clear but Khushi was stubborn.

“Still! I was so excited to tease you guys! You always tease me, but I never get a chance to tease you!” Khushi said with the twinkle in her eyes but sulked in when she remembered the reality of her flopped plan.

How can he refuse to that twinkle in her eyes! For that twinkle he could do anything, he can even become gay for his whole life! Just to see that twinkle again.

“Okay are you angry that you don’t get to tease me!?” uv asked.

“Yes!” Khushi said and then looked at him with the hint of a twinkle.

“Okay then. Tell what you want me to do, to make you happy?” UV said in the flow of emotion but regretted mentally as soon as he said it, coz he knew what was coming.

“Really? Will you do that for me?” she asked looking at him.

Uv sighed, and gave in, anything for Khushi, “okay.” He said but then looked at her expression and understood, “But not that dress! Please!” he said genuinely scared and then he saw her smile and sighed again!

“Okay. Bring it on.” He said half-heartedly. “But I don’t think you have that dress here, do you?” he said with a hope in his voice.

She Khushi became happy and instantly opened her cupboard and took out a dress. “Don’t tell me-” UV mumbled and saw a pink night suit in her hands.

The pink night suit was far away from her size; it was at least double and of baby pink in color, Khushi gifted this to him on one of his birthdays and he was totally floored to receive it as a gift! Uv saw it disbelievingly, “you bought it here too?” and looked at her.

Khushi just smiled wickedly again and handed him the cloths.

Uv took the cloths and went to her washroom, to change. He knew this made Khushi giggle for days and he will do it again and again to make her giggle! And if this makes her happy, he is happy to do it.

After 5 minutes.

The washroom door opened and came out UV, in pink night suit, which had tweety’s picture printed on the shirt and “I love tweety” written diagonally on half of the shirt and half of the pajamas. He came out and bowed down.

“Now are you happy, your highness?” UV asked.

“VERY!” Khushi exclaimed and ran into his arms and hugged him. Uv too hugged her tightly and smiled.

Khushi then moved away “you are too shweet!” she said in her child like voice and kissed his cheeks. Uv as usual blushed and shied. Whenever she did that he felt an unknown desire of living a life altogether. He IS a living being but her mere touch created something new inside him.

He then tried to move towards the door when Khushi stopped him.

“Don’t you want me to go in front of them? To tease me?” UV asked and she smiled.

“Only I can see you in these cloths! no one else can! Only I can tease you! And nobody else!” Khushi claimed proudly and hugged him again. Uv was her escape to every sadness, and she was his.

They knew it, very well.

After manaofying her UV changed again and went down for the due evening tea. Khushi was again her cheerful self and Arnav looked at her amazed. She was so angry few minutes ago?

Uv came and sat besides him on the lounge and this time Arnav dint back away. *Winks*

“Wow! She is smiling again! What did you do to manaofy her?” Arnav asked him secretly.

“You wouldn’t want to know!” he whispered back and Arnav understood.

Then they enjoyed their tea/coffee.

—

The gupta’s were back. Khushi obviously didn’t know about it. Arnav and UV knew if they told this to her, she would leave RM instantly to meet them and will go to live with them again. And right now, they needed her to be safe which was only possible in RM as it was the only place where vij cannot come.

As told by Dan, it was not a difficult task to convince them but to convince Shashi uncle was the hardest. Garima and Payal were in tears but then thinking of her happiness after that plan works out, they agreed but Shashi, he saw the risk involved and feared to loose his child. But then after a lot of persuasion and promises he agreed too.

After everything was discussed between them too, Shashi pointed out one thing, “Arnav beta, you guys said that vij was out few days ago?” Arnav nodded, “and he is back from Sydney too,” Shashi continued, “then why isn’t he striking! Why isn’t he making a move!” Shashi said and got up from his place thinking. “As far as I know, he is not the one who will sit there and wait for the right moment! He is one of those people who attack as soon as they get a chance, but then, why is he not doing something! Why is he quite?”

Shashi’s words left both UV and Arnav silent. He was right. In deciding and planning everything they forgot about it.

“He is planning something big!” Shashi said. “He is planning something brutal!”

Uv looked at Shashi and Shashi continued, “I know u guys will take care of him but let us be here for Khushi betiya too.” He kept his hand on UV’s shoulder, “we wont come in front of her. She wont know we are here.” Shashi said.

“Uncle it’s not about her not knowing. Its just that if you are here, and are left unsafe, he can try to hurt you guys too.” Arnav said. “And we wont be able to explain it to her that why cant she come here to live with you all when you guys are back.” He looked at Payal requesting her to understand and she nodded in understanding, after all they were doing it for her sister and if this was her bit in their plan, then she would do it. For her, Payal too can go to any extent.

Shashi understood that UV, Dan and Arnav were enough to handle him and hence agreed.

They were soon sent to Sydney by the next flight again so that Khushi thinks she is alone and her family is in Sydney, and therefore she is compelled to live with the Raizada’s.

—

The question raised by Shashi left Arnav in deep thinking. Why was Vijendar not trying to harm Khushi? It has been several days now. He is out of jail and free of every charge, then why is he still quite? May be the security of RM is very tight that’s why he is unable to do anything. But then also if vij tried to roam around RM Arnav would know or would have been informed once. But nah! There was no sign of him. As if he escaped in the thin air.

But one thing they didn’t know – it was the calm of the upcoming storm.

—

Arnav, UV, and Dan went to the study in the middle of the night. It was the final meeting. Everything was decided and taken care of. They just had to execute the plan in the decided way. In the planning days, it seemed easy but it was more difficult to implement the plan. So they called an emergency meeting of  the three of them and started their conversation.

“So first things first!” Arnav said gathering their attention; “here is the final plan.” he took a sigh and started to dictate it to them. “Tomorrow, uv will fight with Khushi, intentionally, and then would take her to his hotel, and will give her a late night dinner-treat, to manaofy her. Then suddenly the lights would go out. Then as assumed, Khushi would panic and UV will give her his cell phone as a source of light and would go to check what’s wrong. Then she will get a call and will move out of the hotel. Then suddenly someone will pull her into a blindfold and will abduct her to a stranded street, with just one street light glowing far away.”

Arnav sighed, as he was about to dictate the main part, “Then I, in the face mask and make up of Vijendar Thakraal, would come in front of her holding a knife. Just like that day. She will surely freak out and would loose her senses. I will tell her that I, Vijendar Thakraal, didn’t wanted her in my life and that was my biggest mistake. I accept her as my daughter with my full heart and would love her forever coz that is what she wants the most! Then I will tell her that I can’t meet my own eyes and that is why I am going away from her and would never return. I will, I will (Arnav stuttered a bit) I will break her heart. AND THAT’S exactly when a truck will come from nowhere, Dan will be driving the truck, and he will hit me, she would see it as if her dad is about to get hit but then the light of the street would go out for a second and the bodies will be replaced. There will be a dummy body placed in between that second whose face is already been changed by the plastic surgery and then Khushi will run towards the body and will have an emotional b-break down. (Arnav imagined the state she would be in and then shuddered) She will shout or cry her heart out. And that is when UV will come. He will console her and would try to make her understand that her dad realized his mistake and that he loved her and if Khushi gets out of control then he would give her that injection which you guys give to make her calm down and sleep. Then after that we will take her to the hospital and then Dan will examine her for any complications and would make sure she believes him, that her father is dead.” Arnav sighed again but this time it was a happy one, then he smiled a bit and continued, “if everything went well and we managed to do it right on time then I am sure she will believe what she saw and then would believe that he is dead. And then! We will find him out and would deal him in OUR WAY! The brutal and nasty way! I am sure you guys would like to kill him by your bare hands!” Arnav said as his hands itched to get his blood and there was a naughty glint in UV and Dan’s eyes when they thought of real Vijendar getting killed by them.

“So gentlemen, any questions, for the last time, any confusions? Let me remind you, We have to do it with utter responsibility and the time management of the lights will be uv’s work, Dan you will take care of the truck and the second lights would go out, I will take out the body from the truck and would place it near it. And will hide in the bushes, UV will come and console her. If she gets out of control then we will use the injection. Then everything would be up to Dan, to make her believe.”

Uv warned, “Don’t forget you have a knife, you just have to make her see it, and she will go in her panic state, don’t even come near her with it. We just want her to see it. JUST see it. That’s all.” and Arnav nodded.

“And one more thing, if Khushi’s panic is increased and she faints on the spot, before the fake accident then the plan is over and she can even go into a state of shock from where, it will be impossible to bring her back!” Dan looked at Arnav and said, “you just have to come in front and then start your ‘I am a fool and I am sorry, and I am guilty’ talks and distract her from the knife and don’t ever say anything to scare her, receiving a threat again and that too in the same atmosphere and the same man will hit her in the state of shock and would be able to take her away, forever! So be utterly careful!” Dan warned.

“So basically you have to just trigger her towards her panic attack. And then rest will be taken care of.”

Uv assured.

Arnav took an angry breath and said, “after all this, I swear I will find out that bas*ard, even if he hid beneath the ground and would beat him to death!”

Arnav seethed in anger and UV joined, “WE will kill him to death! I want my part of romance with him too! (He winked and Arnav remembered Khushi’s prank and smiled) Only you get the final fun, is not fair!” UV said rubbing his hands.

“Guys you are forgetting the main guy here! ME! I get to have my fun too. I will poke him by my needles! I swear!” Dan gave his naughty reply with a naughty grin and that made UV and Arnav chuckle.

—

Next day.

The planning was done. Now, the implementation of the plan. As planned UV tried to find the reason to fight with her, he looked at her smallest antics and then finally found a reason to fight.

Khushi was getting ready to go to college with Anji when she came down in a sweet top and jeans; he went up to her and said adamantly and harshly, “Khushi! What are you wearing? You are not going to college in these cloths!” he knew she will fight back hearing his harsh tone.

“Really? It’s not looking good Na! I told you!” she looked at Anji and said, “I told you, I will not look good in these cloths. I should wear my salwaar kameez only!” Khushi smiled and obeyed UV and went up to change.

Uv sighed in disappointment. If it were any other occasion she would fight back and would wear the same dress to college but today! When he wanted her to fight! She didn’t!

Dan and Arnav saw his disappointed look and motivated him by expressions to go on.

Khushi then came down in one of the white anarkali’s she liked. She was very happy wearing it. Then uv got an idea. He took some of the orange juice from the dinning table and intentionally walked towards her and spilled it accidentally on her.

“AH! Uv?!” Khushi looked at now not so white dress and gasped. “Uv, you spoiled my dress!” she said pouting.

Uv hated himself for what he was about to do next, “me?!” uv said as if surprised, “YOU are the clumsy one. You walked in front of me!” UV said and Khushi was now finally angry.

“Me and clumsy?” she asked disbelievingly.

“Yes! You and clumsy!” UV said folding his hands on his chest.

“I am not clumsy! You are! You spilled your drink!” Khushi accused him.

“Oh come on Khushi, everyone knows who is clumsy in this house!” UV said and Khushi was shocked. He never behaved harshly with her ever. But today he looked like in the foulest of moods.

Khushi became worried, something is bothering him, she thought and asked him lovingly, “uv, what is bothering you?” the love and care in her eyes broke UV internally and he had invisible tears in his eyes. How can he fight with the most beautiful girl?

“Nothing, you are just – ” UV tried to fight with her but couldn’t hurt her. He then sighed in defeat and mumbled, “I am sorry. I just want to be alone.” And walked upstairs passing a look to Arnav and Dan.

Khushi knew he was bothered about something, may be a business deal, or else he would have never talked to her like that. Khushi understood and left him alone for some time.

Arnav then nudged Dan to escort them to their college. As soon as Khushi and Anji left Arnav went upstairs in UV’s room.

He saw UV standing in the balcony looking at the empty sky.

Uv sensed Arnav and said, “I couldn’t do it! I couldn’t do it. I was unable to fight with her. She is, she is my best friend, Arnav. How can I hurt her?” UV said with tears in his eyes. “It seemed so easy in the plan. But in reality, hurting Khushi was next to impossible. Her doe like eyes seemed to be so caring!” he looked down and a tear fell from his eyes. “I can’t hurt her, even if it’s for her own good. I cant!”

“No, uv. You HAVE to do it!” he kept a hand in his shoulder. “Think, think it as if we are helping her. We are protecting her.”

Uv looked at him with hope, and Arnav nodded.

Then UV hugged him and said in his sad voice, “I am sorry, I became weak.”

Arnav put his hands on his back and patted him, “its ok, this is just the beginning, we need much more strength.”

Then they broke the hug and UV smiled a bit, “I will make her angry soon.” And Arnav smiled.

They never thought there would be one day when they will have to do this to her.

—

Khushi was in the college when UV came to pick her up after it. He saw Khushi and Anji sitting in the cafeteria of the college and saw a boy with them too. They were laughing and the boy was making some remarks. Khushi laughed again and it seemed that the boy tried to flirt with her. He then tried to hold her hand and Khushi flinched away. The guy held her hand and Khushi felt uneasy. Then an idea came in his mind again.

He knew that the boy was a playboy and hence he went towards him determined. He portrayed as if he is damn angry, Khushi saw him and was surprised.

“Uv you here? You came to drop us home?” Khushi said happily but he ignored her and saw the boy in his eyes.

Then out of the blue a punch came and hit him. Khushi looked shocked and saw UV ready for another punch.

“Uv?! What are you doing??” she asked backing away as a fight took place.

Uv again ignored her and gave him a punch again, this time the guy fell back and touched his mouth and saw blood. This guy too got angry and got up to hit UV. If UV wanted he would have easily ducked him but he wanted to push the fight further so that Khushi got angry on him. The guy punched him hard and his mouth bled too. Khushi gasped in shock and tried to stop him but nothing seemed to reach his ears today. From the morning his mood was foul. And the poor guy chose this day to flirt with her. It was entirely his mistake.

Uv then saw his blood and punched him harder, knocking him out at once. The guy fell down again and the whole fight became an issue. Everyone looked at them as if they had grown horns. And Khushi was FINALLY very angry.

To trigger it more uv bent down to the guy and held his collar and hit him on the face again. “Don’t you dare touch Khushi again!” he screamed though he knew he was unconscious.

“UV, STOP IT!” Khushi shouted and left the place.

Anji looked at him and wondered what just happened. Some time ago they were having fun and were laughing with a guy and now that guy was lying unconscious, beaten thoroughly by UV! She looked at him and he went after Khushi.

Khushi identified his car and sat inside it, on the back seat. She was hell angry now.

Uv came and saw her sitting back. He smirked inwardly and was happy that finally she was angry.

Anji came and saw Khushi sitting back in anger. She sat in the front with UV and he drove back to RM.

—

The whole ride of 30 minutes was silent. Uv kept glancing at her from the mirror but she looked away. She saw his bleeding lip and stopped herself from asking if it was okay. She was angry she reminded herself and looked away. Uv smirked again but this was not gone unnoticed by Anji. She was confused as to why UV was behaving so weird today, first that dress fiasco and now this!

Then the car came to a halt and they got out. Khushi at once got out and went in, without any word.

She came to the living room where Arnav and Dan were waiting for them and as expected, Khushi came in angry, stomping her foot.

“Khushi, listen to Me.” UV said coming in and she looked back.

“I don’t want to talk to you!” Khushi said and climbed the stairs and went up in her room.

Uv then winked at Arnav and Dan and they gave a thumbs-up to him. Anji noticed. Then Dan saw his face, and came to him.

“Oh my god, what happened UV!” he saw his face.

Anji gave a sarcastic reply, “Nothing much, just had a small fight and knocked down a college mate to unconsciousness. Right Uv?” and went up too.

Arnav looked at UV and smirked, “I am proud of you!” he patted him on the shoulder and grinned with him.

Dan then looked after his wound.

—

It was evening. As expected, Khushi was really angry and was not talking to UV. Then as planned, UV went up to her room. To say sorry and take her out to his hotel.

He knocked and Khushi knew it was him. She asked him go away. But he didn’t. She opened the door. Uv looked at her and she just stared at him back.

“I am sorry.” Uv said sheepishly and tried to smile but his lower lip hurt him and he flinched due to raw pain.

“Why do you do this to yourself!” Khushi asked as she pulled him in and started searching an ointment. She found it in the drawer and applied it on the side of his mouth. He just looked at her worried face. Is this the same girl who dint talk to me the whole day due to anger but melted at my slight pain?

After applying the ointment she looked at him and saw him smirking again.

“I hate that smirk of yours! You always get your way!” she said defeated and looked away.

“If I get my way, then I request you to go out on a dinner treat with me!” UV said smiling at her and now his lip dint hurt.

Khushi smiled and shook her head at him; he is never going to change, ever. Fighting and then getting his way to manofy her. He is soo- , she cant name it but he just is! He is that way! Getting his way or no way!

She smiled and he held her hand to take her out.

“Wait?!” Khushi said loudly.

“What? You said you are coming with me.” UV questioned.

“Yes I am. But that doesn’t mean you got a green chit on this matter. Promise me.” Khushi said and UV looked at her, “promise me that you won’t fight with anyone again.”

Uv looked at her and said seriously, “Khushi you know I am going to do it again. And I admit I am going to fight, fight with everyone who is even thinking of hurting you. And that guy was a big flirt! He was after you to do friendship with you and then he would just, he wanted to-” uv couldn’t even bring himself to say it what that guy would have planned. Thank god I beat the hell out of him. Uv thought.

“Say it!” Khushi asked adamant, “tell me what he wanted to do?”

“He wanted to take advantage of you! Of your body! DON’T YOU GET IT! People are after you for their own motives! If YOU are of pure heart that doesn’t mean every one is! People in this world are selfish, mean and rude. You cant always be carefree with everyone! You ought to be careful with some people around you too! And that guy was doing the same; he was trying to woo you in his trap and then he would just -. (Uv tried but stopped) Now you get it! Or should I explain myself more!?” uv said and Khushi was dumbstruck.

“How do you know!?” Khushi asked.

“I know everything! And now do you want to go out with me or should I leave!” UV said sternly and Khushi knew he became angry this time.

“Yes!” Khushi came to him and hugged him sideways. Uv too returned the hug; his anger flew away by her mere touch. “You’re not angry with me, are you?” Khushi asked sheepishly.

“With you? Never.” Uv said and kissed her forehead.

Khushi smiled and went to change.

—

Khushi and UV entered the hotel. The hotel manager came to receive them and looked at UV in a strange way. Uv too passed him a glance and the manager nodded, giving him the signal that everything is ready.

Uv took Khushi to their private dinner area that was near the corner and the view was perfect from the glass wall behind them. This was the top floor of his hotel, reserved only for the VVIP’s and hence only few people were allowed to come. The manager followed and UV pulled the chair for Khushi and she sat down elegantly. Uv signaled the manager to get the food and he nodded.

Uv was talking and behaving normally, he was trying very hard to. Then finally, the food was served. They chatted and the had their food.

The delicious food was finished and now the turn of sweet dish, none other than jalebi.

The manager put the bowl full of sugary and delicious-looking light yellow colored jalebi’s. Khushi’s eyes turned evil seeing those jalebi’s like a predator’s seeing his favorite prey. She took one in her hand and put the whole jalebi in her mouth at once and munched on it lovingly. Uv saw her face, full of innocence. He smiled and fed her more jalebis! She was already full but 2 jalebis were left.

“aww poor jalebi!” Khushi said pouting at the poor jalebis looking at her in hope that she will have them too. Khushi smiled evilly and took both in her hands and ate both, each one by one. Then she sighed of relief.

Uv shook his head at her antics.

Soon after the dinner they went up in the rooftop to take a walk. So that they can continue their plan. Today the VVIP restaurant was full too. So kidnapping Khushi from there was impossible, so he already messaged Arnav and Dan to come to the rooftop.

They were taking a walk from 20-25 minutes and talking about random things when suddenly lights went out.

Khushi clutched UV’s hand tightly and UV assured her, “don’t worry I am here. Don’t worry.” He then opened his cell phone and switched it on. Khushi then sighed of relief seeing the light and uv besides her and UV handed her the phone.

“You take this phone with you and I am coming.” he said and started to walk away.

“NO! Don’t leave me alone. I am afraid.” Khushi said frightened.

Uv looked at scared features of her face, “Khushi if I dint go how will the light come?” in the hotel and in your life. Uv added in his mind. He then pushed her hand away which she tried hard to not let go but uv intentionally left it and went away saying, “trust me, I Will Come.” He said looking in her eyes and went away.

As he walked away from the rooftop he saw Dan, ready with a blindfold.

Uv saw him and Dan passed him a reassuring smile.

Then…

Dan went to the rooftop. Khushi was standing at the corner with a mobile phone, facing the view of London’s tall buildings. Just then he sneaked behind her and put the blindfold on her and pressed her mouth with his hands, to shut her up. Khushi was scared and frightened to hell. She tried to struggle but to no avail, she was being kidnapped! The thought dawned upon her and she tried to struggle more but the man didn’t let her go.

Her eyes were closed and she could not see anything. She was being dragged away. She tried to shout but her mouth was pressed. The man felt familiar but and his smell too. She knew him but couldn’t figure it out. Then she felt it him tying her hands lightly by a soft cloth and then being taken in a car. She tried to wriggle away but couldn’t.

She felt the car running on the silent roads. Now her mouth was not pressed against his hands so she screamed and shouted but no answer. The person was quite. She begged him to let her go. But nope he didn’t budge. Dan watched her face; it has gone pale due to fear. And he hated himself for doing this to her. She was the most amazing person he ever came across, purest of heart. He wanted to console her, to tell it was him and he wont harm her and it would all be okay but he could not. Now he realized how difficult it would have been for UV to see her in this position and still continue to do it knowing it will harm her and hurt her. But if they wanted to get the big fear out of her, then the small one was needed. Then after few minutes the car stopped. Dan took her out opened her hands and threw her lightly on the road, so that she falls but not hurt herself. He then closed the door of the car and drove away, before she sees him.

Khushi quickly opened her blindfold and opened her eyes. She was somewhere in the unknown place. Only one streetlight was blooming near her. She looked here and there but found no one. It was all dark but she didn’t fear it because of the faint light. (they kept in mind that there should be some light, so that she does not get her panic attack before Arnav enters as vij.)

Khushi tried walking here and there and saw nothing. It was all dark. She didn’t even know where she was. Even though she lived in London from so many years, she couldn’t identify the place and her way back home.

Dan stopped the car and saw Arnav; he was in the strange cloths that looked like vij’s. And he held a facemask in his hand. Arnav then put up the mask on him and did some touch ups to his face. Then looked at a small mirror and then satisfied by his look, he turned to Dan.

Dan was shocked. He was looking exactly like vij. Same type of eyes due to contact lenses, and same type of cloths that Shashi uncle described and then same type of evilness on his face. A shudder passed through him. If he was this scared of him by KNOWING that it was Arnav behind the mask, then what will happen to Khushi?

“Arnav don’t go near her. Talk to her from a distance. Or else she would just run away.” Dan warned the last time.

“Okay.” Arnav said in exact vij’s voice.

“How did you do it?” Dan asked shocked.

“What?” Arnav asked in his own voice.

“Vijendar’s voice! How can you speak like him?!” Dan asked and Arnav smirked, but due to facemask it didn’t show.

“I was the best mimicking artist in my school. And I practiced a lot to take out his voice.” Arnav said and winked. (He remembered his voice when he went to meet him in the prison)

Then Dan patted his shoulder in encouragement and said, “take care . . . . Of her.” and hugged him, “it’s all on you now. Be careful.” and Arnav nodded.

Arnav came out from the building that was near the place where Khushi was.

For the first time Arnav was scared. For the first time he was not sure. He was not confident that he would be able to hurt her. The first time, he saw her, in UV’s hotel, eyeing the jalebi, he lost his heart, mind and soul to her. And the first time he tasted her, same day, he was sure she was the only one he would ever touch and would allow himself to be touched by. But back then he never thought he would be in this situation where he would intentionally hurt her. Then he reminded himself that it was for her good and then took a deep breath and moved towards the light, to do what he was here to do.

Arnav saw Khushi; she was facing her back to him. She was in her salwaar kameez that HE gifted her. And was looking divine. The suit he gave her as a first gift by him that he forced her to wear, and literally shoved it in her hands in that mall.

Khushi was looking here and there constantly. She dropped the phone in the struggle and now was bare hands. She turned and saw a faint shadow of someone.

“Who is there?!” came her half scared but curious voice.

No reply came from him. Khushi looked closely and asked again, “who’s there!!” then the shadow came to light. She saw him, the memory still afresh in her brain but stored beyond her reach, became prominent and she gasped as the truth came to light too. It was him! That man!

Khushi saw Vijendar; he was holding a knife in front of her again. She saw here and there and found no one for her help. There was no Arnav, no UV and no one else. She then thought it was again one of her nightmares. She pinched herself and found herself in the same dark, which had no lights. Just a street light enhancing his face to her and she backed away screaming, “NO, DADDY PLEASE! DON’T KILL ME!!”

Arnav closed his eyes as the immense hurt swept through his heart and his heart accused him to be the reason behind it. He saw her backing away and before she could turn and run she stumbled in her high heeled shoes and dropped on the ground. She hurt her knees and it started to bleed. Arnav again moved towards her but stopped himself reminding that right now he was not Arnav, who loved her but in the makeup of vij, who hated her.

He came near her and saw her backing away; “NO! NO NO! DON’T DO THIS! NO!” she couldn’t get up due to shock. He hated himself for doing this to her, he did. She hit her panic attack and he was responsible today.

“Khushi, I-” Arnav took out vij’s voice and tried to explain himself but she was not in control.

Khushi cried miserably, her tears flowing out frequently, making this even harder then it already was for him.

He folded one knee on the ground near her and sat in it but she flinched back, her eyes wide like saucers and her breath uneven.

“DON’T HURT ME! I AM SOORRRYY!” cried Khushi and hugged herself and curled into a thin ball. “I know you think I killed my mom! I THINK TOO. BUT DADDY I AM SORRY!!” Khushi tried to explain but her sobs were hindering her.

Arnav was shocked to hear this. She blames herself for KILLING her mom?! He took a small breath in and blinked severely stoping himself from making his eyes moist. He bent down and examined the wound on her knee. The salwaar was torn from the knee and blood oozed out.

She was shivering from fear. Seeing him so near Khushi forgot to breathe. She looked at him and he looked at her. There was a certain familiar-ness in his eyes but she couldn’t figure it out too.

“Don’t kill me, please.” Came her helpless plea. It was barely audible but she managed to take it out.

Arnav backed away and took a sigh. It was so hard to control himself. He just wanted to hug her instantly. That instant he thought it was immensely bad idea to be vij in the plan. He was unable to do it. But now there was no backing away. And Arnav Singh Raizada NEVER backs away.

“Daddy, please leave me. I am soo sorry I can’t tell you!” came her whisper again.

Arnav became strong. He has to do it. For her, for her future.

“I am not here to harm you.” Came his well-practiced voice like vij.

He looked at her and could tell that she didn’t believe him. He then saw her eyeing the knife in his hands. He took the knife and showed it to her. She flinched back and tried to move back too, but then he looked up and threw the knife in the darkness, making it invisible.

Khushi saw the knife being thrown and her dad seeing her with love, which she barely recognized as she never saw him look at her lovingly.

She kept looking at him and he took a step towards her.

She became scared immediately and slipped back by the help of her hands and hips. She looked at him accusingly and Arnav knew she was still scared and due to her panickness she isn’t recognizing him being calm and composed in front of her.

A chill ran down her spine when she saw him say the next words.

“I am sorry.” Said vij (Arnav) “I am not here to hurt you.” He said and she looked at him, not believing at all.

“You want to kill me, daddy. You wanted to.” She accused like a child.

Arnav closed his eyes and stopped the tear from escaping his eyes, “no.” he said, “I wont harm you, I promise.” He used vij’s voice but he couldn’t change the Arnav-ish tone. Khushi saw his eyes that depicted he was honest. Now she had a hint of securedness.

Seeing her in some control, Arnav moved slightly towards her and she again tried to slip away, scared. She then hit the cold wall of some building and gasped. She was trapped, she couldn’t run. Her eyes widened as she saw him come near her again.

She sunk into the wall more, as if she would break it and slip away from him. She was so scared she felt dizzy and numb.

Arnav saw her constant shiver and was unable to think what to do to make her believe he won’t harm her. The real vij had made her condition so miserable that he was unable to undo it.

He then went two steps back and showed her his hands, “look, I have no knife, nothing. I am NOT going to harm you. I just want to talk! That’s it. I promise, I wont harm you, beta.”  He said with utmost love he could pour into that word. The last word.

As soon as Khushi heard beta from his mouth, she couldn’t believe herself. She dreamt of this! Her dad calling her beta!

When she was small she dreamt of her dad, and knew her dad will come, but that day it became a nightmare that HE WILL come, come to kill her.

But today her dream came true.

She hid her face in her palms and cried. She dreamt of this!

Arnav got what he wanted to see; she was starting to believe him.

“Beta, I am not here to harm you.” He said and she looked at him.

Khushi saw a new person in front of her. She saw her dad, rather than a merciless killer.

Arnav again tried to go towards her and she again backed away scared. So now he decided he would not go near her. He will talk to her by standing away. her chest heaved up and down but her breathing became a bit normal.

—

Uv and Dan looked at the scene from far distance, they just managed to see that Khushi was backing away but thank god she was not screaming and running away, which they expected to happen. They held each other’s hands tightly, and nervously. They smiled through their tears as they saw Khushi calmed a bit and Arnav talking to her just like vij’s voice. She was starting to believe him.

—

Arnav then saw her being a bit calm and then started to say, “beta, I was wrong.” He looked down and continued, “I blamed you for taking my wife away from me, but I, I was wrong.” He looked at Khushi who was listening very attentively and her expressions told him that she was shocked.

“What?” came her merely audible voice.

“Yes,” he said and looked in her eyes, “I am sorry. I am sorry for whatever I did.”

And, due her panic attack she was unable to think anything, so she even stopped thinking that why suddenly everything changed in him. Or what changed him.

“You are?” she asked not believing if he was really sorry.

“Yes I am, I am damn sorry. So sorry that I cannot explain.” He said and kneeled down where he was, coz he knew if he went near her, she would back away.

Khushi saw her father, kneeling down in front of her. She didn’t even think twice and ran towards him.

“Daddy.” She said and kneeled down too, “don’t say you are sorry, just say you love me. It will all be okay, daddy.”

Arnav’s heart reached out for her. Even though her dad did so much to her, she forgave him just like that and could not see him kneeling down in front of her. She was such an angel.

“Beta, I am not worth your love. I never was.” He said as he slightly pushed her away.

“No, daddy don’t say anything like that.” She tried to come to him but he stopped her by showing her his hand. (*the dadi way*)

“Beta I am so sorry, for everything, but now even though I am sorry, nothing can be changed. Nothing can be reversed to what it was years back.” He said and made a secret hand movement in the direction of UV and Dan. They knew he was gesturing towards them to make the truck ready for the final blow.

Arnav got up and walked back. Khushi too got up.

“Beta, I am going away from you.” Saying so he took a step back. “I did my biggest mistake, to disown you. I was never a good father. You feared me more than anything. You were the angel sent by god to me, my angel but I refused to believe. I refused to accept the greatest part of my wife and your mother. I am guilty of whatever I did and I can’t be forgiven. So I am going away from you. I am going away. I bless you to be happy in your life as you wished to be. I wish I could be with you more. But its better if I leave.” Saying so he again took a step back.

Seeing him going back Khushi moved forward a bit, “no daddy, my life wont be as I wished it to be, if you are not in it. Daddy I love you. I want you in my life. I won’t be able to live without you. These years I just lived in the hope of your coming back and accepting me, now when you are, you cant go away!” Saying so she cried again and Arnav closed his eyes. It was going to hurt her, the most.

He saw Khushi crying by her eyes closed and tears rolling down. He pointed up and signaled Dan to bring the truck, Khushi was in her most vulnerable state; he saw towards UV and signaled him to turn lights off in time. Uv gave a thumbs-up and soon a truck’s horn was heard, which was coming in speed towards them.

Khushi saw her dad standing on the road and heard the horn. She gasped in shock as the big truck came in light and it was in great speed.

She saw it moving towards her dad, “good bye, beta. You were the most loving daughter I could ever have. And please forgive me. And I love you too.” The truck came just in front of him and the lights went off.

Everything was dark! Not even the headlights of the truck were on. Dan too practiced this, to run a truck on this road without any lights. Just by experience. Dan was driving the truck by one hand and the speed was slightly more than normal. He held the dead body whose face was changed and as soon as the lights were off, he pushed the body down. It landed with a thud and Arnav let out a scream, a fake sound of being extremely hurt. Then like a spider jumped in the truck’s back so that Khushi can’t see him. Khushi gasped when the scream was heard. The lights were on and Khushi saw a dead body, laced in blood. Arnav held the truck’s back and went away with it.

Khushi was rooted to her spot. She saw the body wrapped in same cloths as her dad wore today but refused to believe it was him. And then she saw his face. She was shocked beyond measure. She couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe, and couldn’t interpret what was happening.

—

Arnav and Dan went away to their hiding point with the truck, leaving Khushi on the spot.

They joined UV and saw Khushi. She was immobile, standing at one spot. Her body was straight and not even moving, not even moving due to her breath.

Was she even breathing? The thought crossed UV’s mind and he took a step out to run towards her when Arnav held him and nodded a no. “let me go!” UV whispered urgently and Dan held him too.

“I think she is not breathing!!! She needs us.” UV said and Arnav and Dan looked at her direction. Yes, her body was not moving. She was standing still.

“When we breathe our shoulders move up and down a bit!! Hers aren’t moving! Let me go! She isn’t breathing! She forgot to breathe!” UV tried to whisper as loud as he could manage and put some sense in them. But they were shocked too, just as he was.

They were talking when they heard a sound of loud thud.

—

Khushi looked at the most precious dream in front of her, her dad, dead. She stood there grounded and was unable to think anything. She even forgot to shout and call for help. She knew the person in front of her was dead. And so was her dream to be with her dad.

She looked at his face. Same face she feared but loved instead.

She kept staring at the face of her dreams and her nightmares. The same person who was in her dreams, rubbing her hairs lovingly and the same person in her nightmares, staring at her with a knife, ready to kill her.

She even failed to notice that she stopped breathing long ago. Her mind felt dizzy at the sudden loss of oxygen. Her heart starving for air and her body going numb. Her brain screaming at her but her heart overpowering her senses.

She didn’t even know when and how but all she felt was her vision going blurry and every thought moving out of her mind.

*THUD*

—

She fell down in front of them. They saw it, her body becoming like a jelly and suddenly settling down on the ground, they couldn’t move for a second.

Then UV was the first one to move to her side. He saw her state, eyes shut but he could imagine the shock in them, the hands and face looked pale and white due to fear. He kneeled down elegantly, sitting on his feet; he tried to pick her up by holding her waist. As he picked her waist, her shoulder felt limp to him and stretched back, lifeless. He then supported her shoulders by one hand and held her up by another. This time her neck stretched back as if no life was present in her and her head fell back.

Arnav looked at the scene. He saw uv trying to pick her up in his laps, to comfort her her. and she, she looked like a broken doll, whose pieces were now scattered and uv tried to collect the broken pieces in his hands but couldn’t. Next was Arnav who ran towards them and knelt down besides her and in front of uv and helped him hold her, he held her head and looked at her chest, it was not heaving up and down as it used to be.

He gasped and touched her neck, checking for pulse on the crook of her neck, he then put his two fingers in front of her nostrils, in case he would feel the hot air moving in and out but no, nothing was going in and his life was definitely going out of him.

We dint plan this! This was not in the plan! Dan said out loud. Then he dialed a number. “Come here soon!! COME OUT SOON!!”

Then suddenly out of the blue an ambulance came in front of them, two ward boys, in the light blue colored uniform came out taking a stretcher. Dan motioned them to take her in. the ward boys took Khushi in the ambulance and made her lay there comfortably. Then Dan stepped inside and took the oxygen mask and put it on her mouth. He opened the mob of oxygen cylinder slowly, looking for the expressions on her face, any signs of breathing. But none.

“WHAT ARE YOU GUYS WAITING FOR?!!! LETS GO!!!” he barked to the ward boys who were looking at his face and they quickly ran in front of the van and drove to the hospital. uv and Arnav too hopped in and they saw Dan doing some things. He held one of the back of his palms with his other hand and kept it on the place of her heart. And tried to give a little strokes to her heart, so that it starts pumping and breathing.

He then applied a little force, after 4-5 strokes, suddenly her mouth opened, her chest heaved up and she took in a large amount of air. Her face fell back and Arnav quickly held her forehead.

Uv saw this and held her palms in his and started rubbing it.

Her face fell back a little and Arnav kept stroking it lightly. Her chest heaved up and down in raged manner; her face fell back when her chest heaved up and then down when she let out her breath, her body needed a large amount of air each time to compensate the lost ones. Her heart started beating but still not recovered from a big shock.

Her eyes were still closed and that was what Dan feared, her coma. If she doesn’t open her eyes she might fall back in coma.

Arnav and UV felt stars on their feet as they saw her breathing and her heart beating once again.

They had happy tears but saw Dan’s face which held the sorrowful ones. He didn’t notice them right now but was doing something in his pager. He then took out his cell phone and messaged someone hurriedly and put it back in his pocket.

At first Arnav was baffled to see him messaging someone at this crucial hour but then he saw him returning to Khushi and sighing.

Dan then held her hand and rubbed the back of her palm and inserted a needle that was attached to a drip/glucose bottle, on the stand. Then he put a small white tape on the needle so that it doesn’t move. Then he opened the roller on the thin pipe of the drip examining it keenly and Arnav saw the transparent liquid fall down to the pipe and roll in to her body.

Dan too breathed heavily. He never thought of this. He thanked the one above that the ambulance was present at that time. Or else—her couldn’t even imagine what would have happened.

Her breaths were now a little normal. But her eyes still closed.

—

They reached back to the hospital and saw half of the staff waiting for them. They had a stretcher waiting too. As soon as the ambulance stopped in front of them the other two ward boys came running and attached her current bed to the stretcher and pushed her inside. The nurses moved back and gave space for them to roll in their stretcher. An old doctor came and hovered over her and examined her eyes, and her retina.

This is what Dan did with his pager and phone. He paged the hospital staff to get the things ready and messaged the old doctor of Khushi to come too. The truth dawned upon Arnav.

“Take her in!!! Immediately!!!” the doctor ordered and the stretcher rolled in twice speed.

The nurses ran back leaving Arnav and UV shocked at them. It looked like the half of hospital staff was out. They gave a confused look to each other and ran back in towards her.

They saw the stretcher being pushed inside the lift and the lift moving to the upper floors. The psychology ward.

“Here!” Arnav gestured towards uv and they took the stairs, as the lift was busy and they couldn’t wait for it come back and take them up. So they took the stairs and climbed up.

They saw Dan running with Khushi and the old doctor running too, even though he looked a bit tired but still he ran with Khushi inside a room called “Sensitive area. Do NOT Enter without permission.”

But they didn’t care. They opened the room door but an elderly lady, maybe the head nurse, came and closed it sternly on their face.

Arnav was angry. How could they stop them from entering! Arnav took a step ahead but UV stopped him. He knew they had to be out so that the doctors do their job quickly and nicely.

But Arnav was adamant. If he can’t enter at least he can see her. He opened the door and entered before the lady could stop him.

“I will not go in!! I just want to see her!!” he barked on the old lady but felt bad instantly, “Please.” It was the first time he said that word. The old lady understood and nodded. He then looked ahead it had many glass doors and rooms. He at her questioningly and she gestured him towards the second glass door, he went and saw “I.C.U. Room No. 2” written with blue paint on it.

Due to glass door he can clearly see what was happening. There were 2 doctors inside, Dan and that old one. And 4 nurses running here and there, one taking oxygen cylinder the other one taking the heart ventilator machine, the other one doing something else and they all looked occupied by the person lying lifeless and almost pale on the bed.

He clutched his head in grief and let out a shaky sigh. The plan was bad. The plan has failed. First time Arnav Singh Raizada was not sure and he made a huge mistake. A tear escaped his eyes looking at the people inside running here and there to save the love of his life and he, standing there numb, doing nothing, just watching them do whatever they were doing to her, to save her.

Right now if god descended down on earth and asked his life in exchange of hers then he would give that happily. But good descending to take HER life, no!

Just then UV came and said, “Her family called. I told the gupta’s about the plan and -” he paused, “and about Khushi. They are taking the next flight back. I tried to stop them because vij is not yet caught but they didn’t listen. They are coming back. Tomorrow morning.”

They looked at the room. Suddenly everything came to a halt. The nurses stopped. The old doctor looked down and sighed, in defeat. Tears welled up in Dan’s eyes.

Uv lost his cool and barged in. He saw Khushi lifeless. The Doctor and the nurses moved out quietly. Just then Arnav looked at heart ventilator, the lifeline on the ventilator was straight, not breathing, not pumping, not moving.

Uv saw Khushi on the hospital bed, in which he saw her nearly every month, but today, it was hell painful. As if someone has poked him to death.

Uv sat on the bed on which she was laying and held her face, “Khushi, get up jaan.” He said with utmost love and care. But Khushi didn’t even flinch, “Khushi, sweetheart, I am here. Soon your parents are coming too. What will I tell them? They left your responsibility on me. Do you want me to stand there ashamed? Please jaan. Get up.” He said still not believing that Khushi left them, all alone.

Dan couldn’t hold it any longer he looked away and cried.

Uv looked at Dan and looked at him, “Dan why are you crying? She is not leaving us! not like this!” a tear spilled down his eye. Dan wiped his tears and looked at uv.

“DO SOMETHING DAMMIT!” UV shouted at Dan. He was looking at the limp form in front of him. Arnav saw them from a distance. Not able to move.

Dan held her wrist in his hand, trying to find her heartbeats. Trying to find her pulse. But no, it was blank.

“I am sorry.” Dan looked down and tears escaped his eyes.

“Give her the electric shock!” came a distant voice. Uv looked up and saw Arnav standing at the door. “Dan, get up.” Arnav held him up and pushed him out, “go get that electric shock machine by which you give shocks to the patients!” he explained and Dan looked blank.

“GO GET IT, RIGHT NOW!!! WE DON’T HAVE TIME!!” Arnav screamed and bought him back to reality.

“Arnav, she left us long back!” Dan said and the floor beneath him slipped. Arnav was shattered at the mere words of her leaving him. “Yes, her breathing came but stopped when we were taking her here.” Dan said, “there is no use of the shock therapy now. It will just hurt her body further.” Dan said and broke down to tears. He held his face in his palms and sobbed slipping down on the floor.

“I Don’t CARE! I don’t care if it hurts her body! If that could bring her back! I will give her the shocks.” Arnav looked adamant again and moved out of the room. He saw the nurses and the doctor standing there, their eyes moist and teary too. “Get the shock machines ready.”

They didn’t move.

“Are you LISTENING! Get. The. Shock. Machines. Ready!” he said.

“but-” the nurse tried to protest but he shushed her.

“I said, I. Don’t. Care!” and that did it. The nurse saw a ruthless ASR back and moved to a room and the doctor helped her.

They bought in the shock machines. But UV was not letting her go. Arnav held him by his shoulders and gestured him to move. Uv was too shocked to react. He moved and the old doctor got the machine ready for the shocks.

The nurses came to the door, to see their favorite patient, and hope and pray for her to come back. Yes Khushi was everyone’s favorite. When she used to come in the hospital, there was a war between the nurses to spend time with her. Coz she was so bubbly and funny that everyone loved her. Even the old head nurse. Sometimes Khushi came injured, she used to bandage her, even though she had her heartfelt sympathy towards Khushi. She never showed it on her face. Coz she knew, Khushi is a free spirit, she wont like it.

Wherever Khushi went she spread what she was, Khushi, happiness.

The doctor got ready with the two small round machine-like things in his hands. He too sent a silent prayer and GO!

Went down the first shock to her body. The lifeless body of Khushi went up in the air for a second and descended down. Arnav saw the ventilator, still straight. No breathing, Nothing!

The doc got ready and gave the second shock; Arnav saw the ventilator, straight! Arnav closed his eyes. This was the last chance. For him and for her.

The third shock! Arnav saw the ventilator and it beeped a slightest and died. And the straight line MOVED A BIT!!

Arnav rejoiced and the room was filled with gasps and happy tears. Dan looked at it and got up happy. Uv too saw it. The nurses held their breath. But the last chance was over. 3 times were over.

“Again!” Arnav ordered the doctor. He looked at Arnav and nodded a no. Arnav looked at him and said, “Do. It!”

The doctor too was shocked seeing the ventilator move but 3 shocks were done, he got ready for the last time, if she didn’t wake up this time. There won’t be any more chances.

Everyone held their breaths. The nurses were glued to the door. Arnav held his breath and sent a prayer above. Uv and Dan got up to see too. The doctor sighed loudly and GO!

The machines came in contact with her body and sent high degree current in her body, her heart that was dead, got a shock and pumped! Her chest heaved up and her mouth opened again to have a large amount of air in. but she couldn’t breath! Maybe due to shocks.

Dan ran across the room and placed the oxygen mask on her mouth.

Arnav looked the ventilator, it beeped and the straight line was now a series of zig-zag lines. He looked up, closed his eyes, sighed loudly and slumped down with tears rolling his eyes constantly. The tears he held from long finally found release and flowed down on their own accord. Arnav sat on his knees, defeated by the power of love and the one above. He sent a quick thank you and cried his heart out. He hid his face in his palms and cried his sorrows and insecurities out.

Seeing her breathing again, even though with the help of oxygen mask and seeing her heart beats on the ventilator made uv weak on his knees too. He barely walked towards Arnav and slumped down besides him and hugged him, crying himself. Dan too rejoiced and smiled through his tears and went up to them and hugged them sitting on his knees.

The remaining staff cried happy tears seeing their favorite patient come back to life and seeing the crazy bunch of people literally laying on floor, crying and rejoicing at the same time. Uv Arnav and Dan hugged each other, pacified each other, and smiled and laughed together as if they had won a war inside them. They couldn’t believe they did it! The plan was FINALLY successful! They did everything and now Khushi was alive and breathing too. The old doctor checked and examined her, while the young lads had their moment together. They cuddled like kids and smiled through their tears. Uv ruffled Dan’s hairs and mixed up Arnav’s then he gasped as Arnav looked angry by this and then Arnav laughed through tears and they laughed too.

The doctor checked and came to the people busy rejoicing.

“Hello?” he said and they looked up.

They became serious and got up, straightened their dresses and looked at him expecting a good news.

The doctor smiled, “she is okay!!” The doctor broke the most awaited news to them. They again smiled and hugged each other.

“Wait! Wait!” the doctor said in serious tone and they looked at him. “She is okay but that doesn’t mean she is out of danger. Her body and heart are too weak to get up. She is now in her deep sleep.” They looked at their worried faces and cleared, “no is not going to go in coma. Its just the sedatives.” Arnav Dan and UV looked at him, expecting more details. “I would give more details once I examine her for 48 hours.” Her said and their faces fell, “We are keeping her under observation for 48 hours.” The doctor announced and looked at Dan sternly.

“You are a doctor! You should behave professionally. What all this rolling on the floor and rejoicing?” Dan looked down embarrassed and UV and Arnav chuckled.

Then the old one smiled and said, “its okay. I understand. We are all humans, right.” He kept a hand on Dan’s shoulder and said, “you did a nice job by not loosing your cool and patience at the time of crisis.” Dan nodded and the old one smiled.

Then all of a sudden they remembered Khushi in their rejoicing time. They looked at her, and she still looked a little pale, Dan touched her hand and neck, it was cold. He turned the room temperature up and made the room a bit warmer for her, then slid up her blanket till her waist. He remembered whenever she came here, she hated the white color scheme. She loved bright and vibrant colors but the hospitals do not have those vibrant colors. So she kept quite nonetheless. Dan smiled at the happy memories of her shrinking her nose at the white color and smilingly went to other two people.

Arnav and UV looked at Dan smiling and asked what happened. Dan told them how one day Khushi complained about the room’s white color and everything in whites. And they smiled too.

Uv and Arnav sat besides her for some time, thanking god in their each breath, when Dan came and asked them “guys I know this is difficult but you will have to leave, as this is the sensitive area and no one other than staffs are allowed here.” He said and UV and Arnav’s face fell and they were utterly disappointed. “Umm, don’t worry after we shift her to the normal room, you can meet her.” Dan said making a reason but he got the same look,

“And that would be after 48 hours, after they finish the observation period.” Arnav said and Dan understood that they couldn’t leave Khushi for that long.

“But, rules are rules nah?” Dan said sheepishly, knowing they won’t budge. Then he had an idea, “you know this rule was made so that the patient doesn’t get the germs present in the people came to meet them.” Uv looked as if Dan has grown horns and Dan explained further, “I mean patients in sensitive area are usually low in immunity and weak to fight further more complications so, here, in this area we do not allow visitors, you know they carry different types of small germs which might harm the patients, so please, for Khushi’s health, move out?” Dan said and hoped he made it clear to them without hurting their feelings.

Uv and Arnav sighed and left the place. Dan had a victorious feeling after convincing them. No one would have convinced them to leave Khushi’s side but I am so awesome, I did! It felt great! He mentally patted himself and walked out too.

—

After 2 days.

Garima, Shashi and Payal were back the next morning all this happened. Garima was in tears to see her state, Payal was shaken and Shashi, he somehow expected Khushi to be shocked and broken but Khushi forgetting to breathe and what happened after that, was shocking. Anji too was in tears and somehow angry as she was not the part of the plan. She could have helped too. She had some doubts seeing their strange behavior but she couldn’t believe they were doing these things behind her back.

Dan kept updating everyone about Khushi’s health. She was doing fine but still was unconscious due to high sedatives given to her as the doctors dint want her to get the shock again by coming to conscious and remembering everything that happened, the oxygen mask was still not removed as she was very weak and was not able to breathe on herself. Visitors were not allowed to go in the sensitive area but who can stop them? Arnav, Anji, UV, Payal and Dan spent their half of the time in the room, besides Khushi, whispering their sweet nothings in her ear and wishing she hears them. Arnav too constantly said “I love you” and many more things when he was alone with her which didn’t happen very often but still seeing her alive and breathing, was the best feeling.

The gupta’s thanked Arnav so many times as it was his idea to bring the shock machines and due to which Khushi was alive right now. Garima had teary-eyed hugged Arnav when she came to know that and Arnav felt a motherly bond with her. This family was magical, Arnav lived alone these many years, he never felt attached to anyone but this family, it was exceptional.

—

The 2 days were over, and everyone was waiting for Dan to come out after checking her and give a good news, that she is being shifted to the normal non ICU ward, so that they can be with her 24/7.

Dan came out and saw everyone waiting for him. He controlled his smile seeing the curious faces. They are so cute! Thought Dan and finally couldn’t stop the laugh. Everyone looked at him a bit serious and he told them, “I am sorry, I couldn’t stop my laugh as I saw your curious faces!” Dan laughed and everyone too smiled inwardly knowing he is going to give the good news they expected, or else he wouldn’t have been laughing right now.

“Yes! We are shifting her to the normal ward!” Dan broke the news and everyone smiled and hugged each other. Dan saw them happy and his laughter died. There was a bad news too.

He looked at them celebrating by hugging each other and happy tears making their ways to everyone’s eyes. Anji was so happy that she hugged her brother then uv and then came to Dan. She saw his disappointed face and knew at first that something bad was also in the line. She looked at him and he had tears too, but this time, not the happy ones.

She looked back at the family literally celebrating by the news of Khushi being out of danger, she then looked at Dan who looked at them guiltily that he was about to break them once again.

“Dan what happened?” Anji asked but Dan looked at her as if he understood nothing. Anji lost her patience as the bad thoughts covered her mind and she screamed, “Dan, WHATS WRONG DAMMIT!?!” everyone stopped in mid of their celebration and looked at them, “you said she is out of danger, then why so gloomy expression, Dan??” Anji asked again and everyone now looked at him expecting the same answer that Anji demanded.

Dan looked at them and said in merely audible whisper, “being out of danger doesn’t mean her life isn’t at stake. She is still unconscious and that is a bad sign!” everyone gasped and Garima weakly sat on the chair nearby. Shashi went to console her, and looked at Dan when he continued, “she is in trauma. Her body is responding to the medicines though but we don’t have any news of her brain. There’s no machine that can tell what’s going on in her brain! How much damage does the accident did is still unknown. We would find out once she is awake but -” everyone listened carefully but as soon as he stopped, everyone’s breaths stopped and they waited for the worst part, “but- she is not waking up, we have given her an injection and hope she would come to conscious anytime soon, maybe tomorrow morning.” Dan said and looked at their now so sad faces.

Anji looked at everyone and wiped her tears away and said, “Come on everyone!! No news is always a good news! And I know my friend is not so weak! She will make it! I know!” Anji smiled and tried cheering everyone up.

Uv smiled and hugged her sideways, “I am with you! I know she will make it!”

Then Dan too smiled and hugged Anji from the other side saying, “me too! She will make it!” he said giving Garima and Shashi some hope.

Payal joined them by hugging UV sideways, “my sister is too strong! She didn’t loose any battle, she will cope up from this too.”

Arnav was now again feeling overwhelmed, how can he not trust them? They were fighting for his love and they knew she could make it! He too hugged Anji sideways and said, “she will make it!” and they all smiled at Shashi- Garima.

Shashi looked at the young generation in front of him, they were fighting for the one they didn’t had any blood relation with, of course he too didn’t had any blood relations with Khushi but he had adopted her and she was his daughter, it was obvious for him to be emotional and attached to her, but what was in her that she had these many good people in her life? She didn’t even know how lucky she is to get the friends like this, who cared for her even more than any blood related person would do.

He hugged Garima and assured her, “we are not alone Garima, and our daughter is not alone either. She has so many good people around her! Look! (They saw towards the young group in front of them) Who love her unconditionally and she will be all right! We will see her in her true self again! She will the be the bubby and adorable Khushi again!”

“YESS!” the young group shouted and laughed. They knew Khushi is so strong, she WILL make it through!

Shashi and Garima got up from the chair and joined the young group by hugging them sideways too. Then Shashi extended his hand in front of them, asking their support, “for Khushi!” said Shashi.

Garima kept her hand on top of his, “for Khushi!”

Everyone kept their hands on it and said, “for Khushi!” together.

As they broke the hug, Dan smiled sheepishly and everyone looked at him, “guys I, I – talked to the trustees of this hospital, and one of them is our great uv’s dad, Mr. Giriraj, and know what!?” Dan said excited, “we have got the permission to do CHANGES IN ONE OF THE ROOMS OF PSYCHOLOGY WARD!!”

At first everyone looked at him as if he has gone mad but then Payal jumped and hugged him, saying, “YAY! WE WILL DECORATE THE ROOM FOR KHUSHI!”

Then the news dawned upon their heads. “YAY! That’s great man!” said UV hugging Dan.

Everyone again had a reason to rejoice.

“Why didn’t it clicked in my brain!? To take the permission from my dad and other board members.” asked UV confused and scratching the back of his head.

“Coz everybody is not as awesome as me!” Dan said proudly and Anji kissed his cheeks and he blushed.

Uv saw his girlish blush and said, “Ya, look who’s talking! The one who blushes at the mere peck on the cheek!”

Uv said and everyone laughed at his sudden blush, Arnav high-fived UV and Anji glared at them.

“Okay, okay, sorry!” said UV looking at Dan, and then looked at Arnav and passed him a look and Arnav joined.

“Ya Dan, you are awesome!!” Arnav said going ahead and kissed his cheek that his sister recently kissed and Dan became damn embarrassed as his hospital staff that were passing here and there, stopped for a second and passed him a look.

Enjoying the scene uv too joined him and kissed Dan’s other cheek and gave a flying kiss to him saying, “you are awesome!!”, in the other girly way.

Dan became red with embarrassment and Anji pushed them away from him lightly, “now stop it you two!” and wiped the invisible kiss off his cheeks.

Dan again blushed at this, “oh no, not again!” said Payal and everyone laughed. Dan pouted like a baby and Anji hugged him passing I-am-with-you look and Dan smiled.

—

It was night. And everyone decided to decorate the room for Khushi, as she will be transferred to her new room in the morning.

Shashi, Garima, uv, Payal and Anji were busy decorating the room, Dan was busy with other patients and Arnav, he took charge of staying with Khushi in her ICU room, in case she needed something and everyone else were busy making her new room special.

—

An unknown man was standing at the door, stealthily, and was observing the people decorating the room. He smirked and gave an evil look.

Uv sensed that someone is observing them and looked towards the door but the man hid behind the wall and UV shrugged it off thinking it was his mind playing games and resumed his work.

The unknown man was none other than VIJ!

He again smirked and looked at them keenly.

Payal and Anjali! It would be Payal and Anjali! They are the ones Khushi loves the most in her so called family! And moreover, Anjali is my so-called friend, Aarav’s daughter! Ah! He is good for nothing! Can’t even kill her when she was not even born! And Shashi! You sent me to jail! Now your daughter will pay for it! He smiled wickedly and gave himself a smirk, appreciating his plan.

Vij watched them for few minutes and they were too busy to notice the invisible eyes on them. Then vij moved to the ICU room. It was the time when the staffs of the night shift have their breaks of 10 minutes for their snacks and coffee. So there was no one, just a sleeping old lady, the head nurse. He stealthily went near her room and looked at her.

Khushi was sleeping peacefully, it seemed like it. Then he saw Arnav sleeping on the sofa besides the bed.

Arnav, Poor baby! Sleeping peacefully? You made my work easier Mr. Arnav Singh Raizada! Because of your infamous plan, now Khushi is in her most vulnerable state and now will believe that I am dead. (He smirks) now, she just needs my one look for her to loose her mental stableness as she will think she is free of my claws, but When I come in front of her now, she will be shocked and all the bad memories would rush back to her making her instantly weak and immobilized! Ha ha! I would love it! Saying so in his mind he gave an evil smile to himself again and walked away.

—

Khushi in her deep sleep sensed her dad near, very near to her. As if he is watching her intently. Her hands moved slightly and she squirmed a bit in her deep slumber.

Khushi saw a whole darkness inside her brain. As if someone has erased everything from her memory. She was standing on the floor but couldn’t see it too!

She looked here and there and found no one, just darkness everywhere. She then looked closely; she saw a light, a very faint looking figure moved to her side. She looked at him; yes it was a man’s figure. She looked at it and raised her one hand to touch it. The figure too raised his hand but suddenly a loud horn was heard from nowhere and a truck came hitting the figure dead.

“DADDY!!!” Khushi woke up with a start, sweating heavily. It was night when she woke up like that. There were fewer lights due to night and she looked here and there.

Arnav, who was sleeping at the sofa besides her bed, woke up when he heard her scream. He went towards her and saw her up, finally awake from her deep sleep, sweating and frightened.

She was looking here and there at her surroundings when she saw his faint glimpse. She hoped it was her dad and he somehow survived the accident or whatever she saw was a nightmare.

“Daddy?!” came her weak voice but full of hope.

It hurt him to shatter her hopes but he said nonetheless, “No, it’s me, Arnav.” He whispered as he neared her, sitting besides her on her bed and she hugged him tightly.

“Arnav?!” came her faint but desperate voice and she hugged him tighter as if she was a broken doll and only he had the medicine that could fix her, at first due to weakness, she wasn’t able to speak and just sobbed on his chest but then she tried, “Arnav you know! When I- I went -out with- UV, I- I wa-was” Khushi was trying hard but her sobs were making her weaker. She remembered again, what happened that night with her dad and lost her senses completely, “I went out wi-with UV a-and you know my-my daddy ca-came to meet m-me!” she said sobbing furiously Arnav tried to stop her but she didn’t and continued her blabber. “he – he was there! I – I saw him- he said he was going – away from me -”

Arnav saw her hysterical state and tried calming her by hugging her tightly and keeping a supporting hand on the back of her head but she didn’t stop, “he-he came-I am not lying, he came. Be-believe me.” her eyes became teary as she imagined Arnav not believing her.

Arnav all the way tried calming her by nodding furiously in agreement but nothing helped. He feared if she continued liked this she would again hit her panic attack. But she continued, “you know he said- he said he loves me!” she looked at him happily and saw tears in his eyes too and continued, “he said I was- was the best daughter- and” Arnav didn’t had any idea how to shut her up so he smashed his lips on her and kissed her furiously. He rubbed her lips by his and gave quick pecks on her lips urgently but no avail, She continued, not even registering in her mind that she was being kissed!, “he (kiss) said he is (kiss) sorry and (kiss) he loves me.(kiss) I am-” Arnav left her lips abruptly as he saw no help by it and it was worsening her state as she was continuously sobbing and her breath hitched at his continuous kisses. He ran his hand through his hairs and listened to her, “Arnav I am so happy!” but after a sec she remembered that accident and gasped, “oh em gee! That- that accident!” her eyes turned teary again from the happy ones. “there- there was an – accident!” she clutched Arnav’s shirt tightly in her fist and shook him, “there was an accident!” her eyes grew wider and her sobs turned heavier. “Arnav – there- was an- accident- there was a – loud horn- a truck came- ”

Before she could continue Arnav again smacked her lips on her but this time his tongue reached in her mouth and held hers captive, so that she is unable to speak and panic. Khushi held her breath and tried speaking but then it dawned upon her, she was unable to speak due to the kiss. A kiss! Her eyes widened and she saw Arnav holding her tightly and she looked at his dark brown orbs looking back at her, then they gently closed and she felt him kissing her ever so gently. He licked her tongue and she was tongue-tied. Feeling the smoothness of his kiss she closed her eyes and arched her back and gave in, quietly. Arnav felt her giving in and opened his eyes to look at her. She looked at peace. As if his kiss created a magic spell on her. He again closed his eyes and kissed her thoroughly. She moaned his name when he slightly bit her lips and he smirked inwardly, he would never get over his habit of biting her, he could not help it. Her arms that fell limp on her sides tried to hold on to him but couldn’t as he was holding her tightly but kissing her gently. She never had him this gentle, as if he was just licking away her pains. He broke the kiss a bit and sucked her lower lip. Khushi moaned at the sudden pleasure, she felt helpless in his embrace, his hands embracing her tightly and his mouth creating havoc in her senses. She tried to increase the kiss but her body didn’t react the way she wanted it to.

Then suddenly she felt her body going numb, same type of blackness taking its power on her mind. The feel of his mouth becoming faint on her senses. She felt as if she was drugged by his kiss. Her face started falling back as she could not manage the energy to put it straight. Soon his hand came to the back of head and she came to her senses and felt his tongue in her mouth again, she opened her eyes and looked at him, he was looking back, she smiled through her eyes and then her eyes became droppy, she felt the familiar sleep take over her. Arnav saw her eyes becoming sleepy and her body giving in all the energy. He supported her with his hands but didn’t break the kiss. He knew she would fall back if he did.

He saw her eyes closing and Her body fell limp on his completely. Her mouth attached to his and her upper body glued to his chest. He held her from the back and the back of her head and bent her down, making her lay on her bed, but still not breaking the kiss. He slowly took out his hands and she whimpered at the loss of his touch. He quickly cupped her face and sucked her tongue, assuring her that he was still there; he was going nowhere leaving her alone.

He kept looking at her face while kissing her lips and they somehow felt cold, they were warm due to the kiss but still cold. He broke the kiss and continued looking at her face for any sign of disappointment, fearing she would wake up he pressed his lips to her cold ones, not moving them, just pressing hers to let her know in her sleep that he was there still, holding her and taking care of her.

After few moments, he broke apart and saw her face, peaceful. He hardly expected her to be in the state she was now. But the way she reacted was terrible. A shudder ran through him knowing she didn’t even address him kissing her the very first time! But when he made her stop talking, she realized.

He knew his kisses had those effects on her, which made her forget everything. And he needed it the most today, and it worked. He smirked seeing her swollen lips and couldn’t stop himself pecking them once again. He touched her lips with his and quickly broke away, before he lost his self control and went away kissing her in her sleep. But when he broke away Khushi whimpered again and this time moaning out his name in her sleepy pleasure, “arrrnavvv” she said opening her mouth for him to kiss. Arnav left all his self control aside and cupped her face and devoured her lips, sucking, licking and biting them. The helplessness in her voice for him, made him a beast again.

His hands went on her neck, stroking it gently and then down, towards her breasts. It was a hospital dress and she was wearing nothing underneath. His fingers went on fire touching her young breasts and taut ni*ples. He stroked and pinched them on the dress and Khushi moaned harshly. He went on pinching and pleasuring her, “aah. . ” said Khushi between his kiss and in sleepy tone as he pinched hardly and that pained her. Suddenly he realized and took away his hands and mouth from her. She frowned a little but then drifted off to sleep.

He smiled seeing the disappointment on her face, her red swollen lips again and rubbed them slightly by his thumb so that it turns to normal. If she was not lying there unconscious, he would not have stopped himself but the thought that she was not in her senses and he was just taking advantage of her, made him stop himself abruptly. He didn’t want her to think of him as an advantage seeker, but of lover, mad lover.

He than rang Dan on his office phone and asked him to come to Khushi’s room.

Dan rushed, and knocked at the door. Arnav quickly got up from her bed and stood up.

“What happened!?” Dan came frightened.

“Umm, she woke up startled and was scared. She blabbered about what happened that night and was reaching her panic attack. I – I hugged her tightly and stopped her from speaking and she fell in her deep slumber again!” Arnav bit out the kissing and the sensitive part and Dan looked concerned.

He walked up to her bed and looked at her face, it had gained some color now, and was not so white as it was that time, it was normal, he then touched her forehead and neck, it was warm too. He closed his eyes and sighed.

“What is it!?” asked Arnav seeing him sigh.

Dan turned with tears, “Its not something to worry about!” he came near Arnav and hugged him, “SHE HAS MADE IT!!” he said in utter happiness and Arnav let out his breath which he kept on hold seeing his sigh, and hugged him back tightly.

“Our Khushi has made it!” Dan said breaking the hug and smiled.

“Really?!” Arnav asked not believing, “how?”

“You said she woke up? And blabbered about that night!” Dan asked and Arnav nodded yes, “that means her brain is functioning good and her memory is also safe. She didn’t loose her memory, and she didn’t even panic! That’s a good sign! She is at peace! She is dealing with the surroundings!” he said. And then became a little serious, “I was fearing her going under shock and not reacting but now that you are telling she reacted! I am so happy!” he hugged him and Arnav too hugged him back.

They broke the hug and Dan went to check her pulse and heartbeats, the ventilator was okay and they already removed the oxygen mask when she was doing fine, he checked everything and it was normal. He turned happy again and asked Arnav to take his leave and tell everybody about this achievement.

Dan left and Arnav went near her and sat on her bed again. He held her hand in his and stroked it gently. Suddenly he came up with a new name for her. He then bent down towards her ear and whispered, “Welcome back, Shona!” he smiled and kissed her earlobe.

As soon as he got up, he felt the footsteps near the room, everyone came in and jumped up with joy, they were so happy, no they were so delighted they couldn’t explain! Dan then gestured them to be quiet and they suppressed their happiness. Soon the head nurse came hearing their noises and they assured that they wont do it again.

She left humping. And they laughed.

Finally everything was all right!

But really, was everything all right? Nobody knew.

—

She was shifted to her new room in the morning. It has totally changed from boring to a happy one, as it had pink and blue curtains, some really good big soft toys, the walls were decorated with so many cartoon characters she liked and some of the shows, like Lizzie McGuire, That’s so Raven, and cartoons like power puff girls, tom and jerry etc. everything was going great! Khushi was recovering, at first when she woke up and saw her family members, she cried her heart out telling them that vij died in front of her and she couldn’t do anything. But then Shashi and Garima consoled her saying it was all destiny and fate, nobody has any control over it and nobody can control it, except god, and it was god’s wish. And they made her happy that finally her dad loved her and told her she was the best daughter and Khushi remembered and smiled.

Khushi was discharged after a while when Dan approved her being well in form. And she was taken back to gupta house. But then after a day or so they all returned back to RM as Arnav insisted and Shashi agreed, they made an excuse that their house was being renovated and they needed to find a new place for the living, then from nowhere Anji insisted Khushi to live with them. And Khushi could not help but say yes. They cheered her up by different things and made her forget the accident, they loaded her with so many activities that she hardly got any time to think. But she was not the Khushi she was before. There was emptiness in her. A type of vacuum inside her heart, which told her that she needs to fulfill it. And she filled it. With Arnav’s love.

She was somehow returning back to her routine, not fully but in some ways. And now when Arnav was always around her by some excuses she was more than happy. During the day time she was so busy in the college and then her personal life was getting complicated as uv and Arnav both took so much care of her that it bothered her every time! The bathroom was the only place where they didn’t follow her and where she enjoyed being with herself. And at night! Arnav daily sneaked out in her room to give her a good night kiss and would wait for her to sleep so that she doesn’t bother herself about the accident anymore. (She doesn’t remember that Arnav got a little intimate with her on the hospital bed.) There was still so much she needed to sort out inside herself. The accident was still afresh in her mind, she didn’t think of it though but still, she shuddered at the thought of it.

The possessive, rough and arrogant Arnav was changed into a total gentleman. He was so tender that she sometimes thought it was her dream but then she reminded herself, she had no right to dream, her every dream turned a nightmare. Her dream to have her daddy with her turned a nightmare and then the dream of her daddy returning turned a nightmare. Now she didn’t dream of anything, anything at all. She just wanted to live her life like a normal girl did. Study till the age of 25, then get married and then children and grandchildren etc. she just wished a normal life, that’s it!

—

“Our fates have been written and sealed. No matter how much you run away from it, it will follow you. No matter how much you run towards it, it will run away from you. Just stand still and wait for it to happen, and it will come to you spreading its arms, and giving all its warmth.” (Quotation by, MUSKAAN *winks*)

Arnav and uv tried to find vij in every possible place he could be, at the malls, hotels, and even cheap types of bars too, he was a super alcoholic, Shashi told. But it was like vij escaped into thin air. And as if his accident happened for real and he died. They wished he did but they knew he was planning big. Thus it was damn important to find him. But they were unable to. Arnav, by his sources issued a shoot at sight order against him. Of course Khushi didn’t knew. The cops were strictly ordered by him personally that the man should shot on the head if he is being sighted anywhere near his or anyone’s house. There were permanent guards appointed for Anji and Khushi who followed them everywhere, without their knowledge and were ordered to be in their civil uniforms.

But their security was just not enough. They were still unprotected. Arnav could feel it, he just did. If he were on command he would just find him and burn him alive, as Khushi is burning at his loss. Khushi never let anyone know that she is not happy but somewhere the emptiness was visible in her eyes.

Uv on the other hand appointed 2 of his best friends who were in the crime-investigating field, to find out about the background of vij, his family, mother, father, ancestors etc.

—

Arnav was working in his cabin, attending a meeting with his board members when he got an urgent call.

“Diana, how many times I told you I don’t like being hindered in between my meetings!” Arnav said on the phone, screaming at his receptionist.

“Sir I know, bu-but, you only said that if there is anyone named Udayveer Singh, do not stop him from anything. So he is here to meet you and he says it’s urgent and couldn’t wait. So I called to ask-” the receptionist continued in one breath and the words like Udayveer, urgent, couldn’t wait rang in his head and he quickly called off the meeting.

“Gentlemen, the meeting is off, excuse me.” he said and quickly put the phone down and left the room.

—

Arnav ran towards his cabin and saw UV standing restlessly on the door itself.

“What?” Arnav asked what the news was.

“You wont believe!” UV challenged.

“Tell me!” Arnav said expecting news about the whereabouts of vij.

“I found out everything about vij!” uv exclaimed and jumped.

“So where is he?!” Arnav asked and his face fell.

“Not that way, his background!” UV smiled like he was gossiping something very interesting.

“What?” Arnav asked impatient.

“Khushi is the grand daughter of THE SUMER SINGH!” he said and Arnav arched and eye brow.

“And who was he?” Arnav asked not really knowing whom UV was talking about.

“You don’t know him?! He was the KING OF MEWAR!” UV said.

Then it dawned upon him, “WHAT!?”

“Yes!” uv said and made a victory face.

Arnav was a little confused now, “so how does it affect vij’s background?”

“Oh ho! You silly boy!” UV hit him lightly on the head and continued telling him the full story.

“See there was a king and queen happily married, the king Sumer Singh of mewar. And obviously if he was a king, he ought to have many treasures and properties. But due to democracy in India, there were no more kings who ruled. So they lost their kingship, but the properties and money still remained. Now this Sumer Singh had a daughter, only daughter! Meenakshi Singh, Khushi’s mother! Even though Sumer Singh didn’t rule over mewar but still he had properties and gold worth billions and more. And after him, who will it get transferred to? Meenakshi!” UV dictated the story and Arnav listened at him carefully.

“And?” Arnav asked now all confused.

“Oh ho! Khushi’s mother, Meenakshi was to inherit all the properties and money. But then she fell in love with Vijendar Thakraal, a local boy and he lured her in his fine traps and married her secretly. The king came to know and kicked them out of his kingdom. Vij saw his plans getting failed and his dream of getting rich turn into ashes. And the king was so influential that he ordered the society to throw her out too. So she came to London with her lover, vij. Vij was at first disheartened but then he heard of the sudden demise of the king who couldn’t bear his only beloved daughter leaving him. He again became hopeful. And he got it right! The king named all his properties and money at the name of his daughter. And then!!! Vij loved Meenakshi even more! You know!” UV gave a sick look and continued, “then Meenakshi came to know that she is pregnant. It was her first child. She was too naive to realize the evil plans vij had. But then she was informed about the complications in her pregnancy. And then she did the very right thing! She named her properties in the name of her new born and died giving birth to her baby.” uv finished sadly. “The story is not finished yet, as soon as vij came to know that the properties are in the name of the new born, he lost his mind and disowned the baby, Khushi. Then he soon realized his mistake and started finding ways to inherit the properties himself. He maybe talked to a lawyer and he told her that the only way was- ”

“To kill her.” Arnav finished all shocked. “So this was not just the story we saw it to be, it was much more.”

“Yes and vij has now turned mad behind those properties. The only way he could claim it is by proving her dead in an accident or proving her mad and mentally unstable to inherit the properties. And if he tried to kill her at first he would have caught! So he tried the other way around, he started scaring Khushi. And scaring her to an extent that she looses her mind! And he could claim the properties.”

“Unbelievable!” said Arnav “so this is the reason he is so behind Khushi, just to prove her mad in front of everyone, or to kill her accidentally?”

“Yes!” UV said upset. Just then uv’s phone rang, “hello . . . WHAT!? WHEN!. . .WE ARE COMING!”

“What happened?!” asked Arnav looking at uv’s sudden pale face.

“Payal is missing!”

“WHAT!?” Arnav asked horrified. He ran his hand through his hair “how! WHEN! I mean, -” Arnav couldn’t say what he wanted to ask. He was too shocked.

“It was nani on the line, she said Garima and Shashi had gone for the temple and Payal was at home reading her books and when nani went up to chat with her, she wasn’t there and then she searched the whole house. Then she tried calling her but her phone is unreachable, and its been and hour that we have no trace of her!”

“Just a sec!” Arnav said and grabbed his phone from the table.

He punched some numbers in it and called, no one picked. He cursed under his breath, and dialed again. No one picked!

“DAMMIT! PICK THE DAMN PHONE!!” he barked as if his voice could reach the one he was dialing to.

“Who are you calling!?” uv said loosing his cool.

“The damn guards, who were appointed for Payal. They should be behind her, or at least near her, keeping an eye on her whereabouts! They might tell us something!” Arnav literally punched the keys and they were about to break due to his angry pressure.

“DAMN!” Arnav said and ran a hand on his forehead, wiping out sweat, as he feared for Payal but still maintained his cool. He should be in his right mind so that he thinks wisely and takes correct decisions.

“We should rush home. Maybe gupta uncle and aunty would know!” UV said and Arnav nodded.

“I just wish that man is not behind Payal’s disappearance or else, I don’t know what am I going to do with him!” Arnav said and UV joined, “me too.”

They both ran out of the office as if racing and the employees passed a weird look to each other.

“UV, you go home! I will go search her in her library!” Arnav shouted in between his run, and UV nodded.

They both separate their ways and headed to the place they expected they would find her in. Payal loved books, not her textbooks or course books but novels and love stories, she had a capacity to eat down 2 books in a day! So most of the time when she is not with Khushi or her friends, she is in the nearby library or book stores, reading a book!

Arnav literally hoped that there was nothing wrong with her, she took care of Khushi the way much better than any real sister would take, and he owed a lot to her for taking care of his Khushi when even he was also not there in her life to protect her. He built a certain bonding with everyone related to Khushi, not just because they were related to her but also because he was going to be a part of them too, as Khushi’s would be husband.

Arnav smirked a little when he thought of ‘would be husband’ phrase, but it vanished as soon as it came coz he concentrated on Payal.

—

Arnav reached the nearby library to his house, in which he hoped he would find Payal, sitting in a corner and reading. He saw every nooks and corner but couldn’t find her. He sighed and tried his luck on the nearby store that keeps a good range of exclusive books. But, no luck. Se wasn’t there. He even showed the shopkeeper her photo which was saved in his contact list, the shopkeeper said she came 2 days back and bought 4 books from him but she didn’t showed up today. Arnav sighed and was about to go and check another store but his phone rang.

He didn’t even see who was calling and picked it up hoping it was UV.

“Did you find her!?” asked Arnav breathless.

“Yes, I did!”

If there was a scariest moment ever in his life, it was this. This was that man’s voice he cannot mistake it even if listens to it in a scratched record!

“Cat got your tongue, Raizada?” vij spoke evilly on the phone.

“BAST*RD! I will kill you!” Arnav said and he heard him laughing.

“Come on, search me down first!”  He said mocking him and Arnav felt his anger rise to an unbearable pressure.

“I will KILL YOU!” Arnav said as his voice rose as his anger did.

“Come on! Give me better replies! Uv too had the same thing to say, that he would kill me, so here are some suggestions- bury me alive and burn me and what not! I am bored of listening to these kinds of things! You are very much intelligent! I know it! Come on show me some of your intelligence! Catch me if you can!” vij dared him to an extent Arnav felt his veins on fire.

“All hell would break loose, when I catch you!” Arnav said as he gritted his teeth.

“Aw! That was a heart-warming reply!” vij said faking an excitement.

“Was it? Then I promise, when I meet you, I will set you on fire!” Arnav said and cut the call as he heard his laugh again.

He then took his car and rushed towards the RM.

—

Uv had already received his call and his conversation was also the same as Arnav’s, heated. Uv was pacing up and down already. Shashi-Garima and nani were present too. And the only persons missing were Anji, Khushi and Dan.

Arnav looked around the house and saw them nowhere, “where are Anji and Khushi!” asked Arnav horrified even more.

“Khushi has been gone to her college, and Anji bunked her classes and sneaked out to meet Dan. (uv sighed) Dan said he is with her and they are on their way to home. I called their security, they are alert and are bringing them back home safely.”

Arnav sighed too, “at least Khushi and Anji are safe.” He then looked at Garima and Shashi.

Garima had her eyes swollen by now. She was crying continuously when UV to inform to rush back home called her. They knew something was going to happen that is why they went to temple, to pray that the feeling that something might happen be their useless worry and their kids remain safe and sound, but before their prayer ended, their hopes did.

He kept a hand on garima’s shoulder and consoled her.

He then saw the latest entrant in the house, the cops.

He saw towards UV questioningly as to how come they knew that something was wrong.

“I called them.” Uv clarified.

“Hi. John Winsley.” The cop introduced himself.

“John, Udayveer Singh.” UV shook hands with him.

“I have been informed about the kidnapping of miss gupta. I am afraid, we missed to trace the calls when the kidnapper called.” He looked at UV and Arnav and they went in little private to talk. So that Garima doesn’t get more worried.

“Mr. Raizada.” john referred to Arnav, “Mr. Singh told me he is a psycho, I have done a case study on people who kill for pleasure but I don’t find him mentally disturbed, keeping in mind his police records. I mean he never had a fight in the police station, he cooperated in the jail and other works that were assigned to the prisoners, he was a well-behaved man, like he has totally changed. But now, I can’t say the same.”

“Its all bullsh*T!” said an angry UV. “That man is so clever in changing moods and personalities that you cant even define, who is the real vij!”

“HEY ALL!! HOW IS EVERY THI-” Dan entered very much glad at something but his happiness died as he saw the cop inside RM, and then worried expressions on uv and Arnav’s face.

Uv saw Dan and then at his back but didn’t see Anji coming, “hey where is Anji?” UV asked expecting her to come in a minute, following him.

“She isn’t with me. Infact, I didn’t even meet her today.” Dan said casually but the cop irked him, “what is this cop doing here?” he asked and Arnav loosed his cool completely.

Arnav barged towards him and held his shoulders in a firm grip, “this is not a JOKE!!! WHERE IS ANJALI!” Arnav asked and Dan got scared.

“I-I-didn’t- didn’t meet her today, I do-don’t know.” he looked scared at him and UV came to him. He kept a hand on Arnav indicating to calm down.

“But I talked to you a while ago! You said she is with you and you are bringing her back!” UV said getting hyper too.

“Come on! I was in a critical surgery whole day! She called me asking if I was free but I denied! I am an assistant neurosurgeon and I was in OT all DAY!” Dan said clarifying, “I didn’t even see her! Forget meeting her and I even lost my phone! So how will I talk to you?! I was happy I will spend the whole day off tomorrow with Anji but you are asking me if I- ” then it descended upon him! Anji! They thought she was with him! But she was not! Then where is she! “Oh. My. God. Where is Anji?” Dan was asking them and they had their jaw opened, except one jaw clenched.

“He is dead!! He is so dead!!” Arnav said punching some numbers again. The phone rang and he took names of each and every god he remembered and asked them to make Anji pick his call.

“Hello! Anjali?” Arnav said half happy as Anji picked his phone call.

“Surprise surprise! Ha ha ha! How was it, Raizada!” all blood drained out and Arnav looked more like a ghost in just a split second, hearing that man’s voice in his sister’s cell phone.

“YOU FREAKING BAST*RD! I WILL KILL YOU, SON OF A B*TCH!!” Arnav roared through the phone and for a second he pushed the phone away from his ears coz he was too loud.

“Uff! You are too loud on ears, Raizada. Calm down.” Vij said as if nothing happened.

“You are going to pay for this! You are going to die and I swear it will be coz of me!” Arnav said in his intimidating tone.

“ohh! I am scared!! I am so scared, Raizada!” vij said sarcastically.

“You should be! And I swear, being scared would be your last emotion!” Arnav said in deathly voice.

“Look who’s talking! I have kidnapped your sister, I have her tied in front of me and I have the wish to kill her or not and you think, I will be scared? You really disappoint me with your intelligence, Raizada! I thought you were worth it! But I am sorry I was wrong.”

“Not as sorry as you are going to be, Vijendar Thakraal! I will NOT kill you, Vijendar, I will make you beg me for it! I promise!”

He heard him laughing mockingly and after getting no response for a minute from his side, Arnav threw his phone on the floor and it broke into uncountable pieces due to force he applied on the innocent piece of metal.

“I want the whole police department in my house. RIGHT NOW!” he said in the deathly tone of his. And the cop in front of him nodded.

—

Soon Khushi’s car entered the Raizada mansion. The guard at the door informed Arnav inside as soon as her car entered the grand gates.

“Okay.” Said Arnav on the house phone.

“Everyone! Khushi is coming!” said Arnav out loud so that the cops hide and everyone wipes out their tears, and angers and behaves normal.

—

As soon as Khushi entered RM she could feel something different, something was missing, the house was way too calm and quiet.

She entered the living room where numerous cops were standing a second ago but they all hid in any place they could get, and the house members were normal but way too quiet.

“Hey everyone.” She greeted and everyone forced a smile. She felt her instincts react and looked around her. But there was nobody except the members of the house.

“why is everything so quiet?” she asked, “where is Anji? She left college before me.” Khushi said looking here and there.

“Well she is gone out with Payal. To the near by store, to buy books.” Uv lied before she enquired about Payal too.

“But she already got 4 books 2 days ago! She read them all?!? She’s turning a bookworm!” if it was any other day, UV would have burst out laughing but all he gave was an understanding smile right now, it was all he could manage in this situation.

“What’s wrong?” Khushi said looking around but finding nothing wrong with the surroundings.

Everyone laughed loudly at the same time and started to blabber with each other about nothing in particular.

Khushi looked around the people and muttered, “Strange.” then looked around again but no Arnav. If everyone is home, he must be too. Maybe in his room. Thinking this she went upstairs as she saw the other members talking with each other.

They saw her going up and sighed.

—

Khushi knocked in his room and Arnav looked away from the door, trying hard to control his anger but getting his and Khushi’s sister kidnapped, he could not control his rage which was building up and up by each passing second!

Khushi entered after getting no response.

“Arnavji?”

Her soft voice left him breathless. He will not be able to do this, to pretend that everything is normal when it really isn’t!

“Khushi, leave!” Arnav said not wanting to see the hurt in her eyes.

“Arnavji?” came her again so soft and melodious voice. He cannot hold more! Why cant she obey him the first time, ever!.

He turned, locked the door and grabbed her waist, pulling her close and kissed her. Everything happened in a second that she didn’t even get time to comprehend what happened, she just saw him turn and the next thing was he kissing her.

He held her possessively and sucked her lower lip. He was so harsh that he didn’t recognize her flinching at his touches. Khushi felt pain on her lower lip as he bit her for entry and she opened her mouth, giving him what he wanted. His palm and fingers digging in her slender waist and she moaned in pain, she tried to push him away coz he was being ruthless, something he was never before. Not for her at least. Arnav put in his tongue inside her mouth and sucked deeply. Khushi arched her back and this gave more access to him. He was being totally a monster, taking out his anger on his prey. And he was doing the same. Too bad, Khushi always chose bad timings to see him. Khushi was scared, he was in his foul mood and she was at his mercy. “ah..” Khushi flinched back abruptly when he bit her inner lip and she could taste her own blood in her mouth. Arnav was nowhere near stopping. He was taking his anger out on the wrong person. His heart yelled out to him but his mind, refused to listen. Khushi held his shirt in her fist and tried to push him, she nearly succeeded when his mouth was about to leave hers but he held her hairs and pulled them back in his fist and kissed her again. It was all him in the kiss, his dominance. He then suddenly pushed her on the bed and got on top of her, pinning her hands above her head. She got scared but then nothing came. He just stared at her eyes while she did the same too. She knew he was angry the instant he kissed her but she tried to find the reason in his eyes. All she could see was hurt. Deep hurt. But by whom? She wondered. She saw his lips near hers but not moving towards her to steal another steaming kiss. She looked at his lips and then at him. Why was he not kissing her again? That’s why he pushed her to bed and pinned her. But now all he is doing is seeing her. She then leaned and tried to initiate a kiss herself, but is lips moved away. She moved a bit forward too but he had her hands pinned, she failed and fell back on the bed. His lips neared but he didn’t kiss her, she again tried touching them but he again moved back. He was not kissing her and not leaving her as well. She was confused, why is he so strange.

Arnav looked in her eyes to find hurt, he came to his senses while kissing her and then pushed her to bed to find her hurt but instead she was hurt because he stopped! She tried kissing him but he backed out coz he thought he had done wrong. He was angry and he shouldn’t have done that. But then her eyes longed for him to kiss her, he tried but he backed out on his own accord, not acknowledging it.

He was staring deep into her eyes, so his grip on her hands loosened and she grabbed this opportunity to free her hands and pull his head lower to hers in a kiss. This time she held his face and brought him down on hers and kissed him softly, just licking him. Arnav groaned as he tried to resist but then she threw her tongue inside his mouth and his hand came towards her face and held it lightly, licking her lips too. Trying to be gentle. But it seemed she didn’t like him the gentle way. She bit him on his upper lip and he let out a moan resisting it again but then he thought hell with resistance and started his steaming kiss again, pushing her tongue out of his mouth and pushing his own inside her. She smiled at his gesture of dominance and he noticed, he created havoc when he touched her bare skin of her waist. But then again he came back to his senses; there were more important works to do then to pleasure him or her.

He left her mouth and got up. Sitting on the bed. She got up and sat on his lap, nearly touching his aroused parts.

“Khushi, you have seen the demo already, don’t come near me now. I am way too angry to stop if I get started, so please.” Arnav said making her understand that he didn’t mean to harm her.

“Arnavji, you never harmed me.” she said softly and pecked his lips gently.

“Khushi please, leave. I am sorry I am being rude but its for your safety.” Arnav insisted in the calmest voice he could manage.

“Safety? From whom? You? You wont hurt me.” Arnav looked at her eyes, full of trust.

“Khushi, I am a beast! And right now, in a mood to devour you! SO please.” Arnav cleared his intentions.

“Then do it.” Khushi said but she didn’t really know what affect it had on him.

Arnav clenched his fist again to control himself, “you dont really know what it means, Khushi. And now no further discussions! You are leaving the room right now!!” he said in a stern voice and Khushi got up angrily.

“Okay!” she said and left the room. He heard a loud slamming of the door and knew it was Khushi. She was making sure he knew she was angry.

—

Arnav composed himself and went down.

“What happened?” asked UV, “I saw her angrily getting out of your room.”

“Just fought with her.” he said casually. Everyone knew they never made it together. They fought every single time! That is why no one suspected them being together. “But this time, intentionally.” He said and UV looked at him confused.

Arnav looked at Dan who was besides Garima and consoling her. He nodded him to come. And Dan did,

“I want you to drug her.” Arnav said seeing him and said sternly.

“What??” asked both UV and Dan together.

“Yes, I want you to make sure she sleeps throughout this session. At least till the time we get Anji and Payal back.”  He said confusing them more.

Arnav looked at their confused faces, “I am telling you to make sure she sleeps and doesn’t know about all this happenings. If she is sound then how are we supposed to find Payal and Anji without getting her to know that they are kidnapped!” Arnav whispered in case she was eavesdropping.

“I am sorry you can do that, sir. You can’t drug an innocent like that.” John (the cop) said.

“I am Arnav Singh Raizada and moreover this is my house. I can do whatever I wish.” He said sternly and the cop knew better to argue with him when he is in this avatar.

“But – ” Dan tried to protest but Shashi came forward.

“Arnav is right, Dan. We can’t let her know he is alive and that too so evilly back that he already kidnapped her sister and best friend. She will die if she knew.” He reasoned and then moved to the cop, “and I am her legal guardian and I allow dr. Daniel to drug her enough to keep her out of all these matters and make her oblivious to everything that is happening or is going to happen. Will it do for you now?” Shashi said as he was fed up of this cop interfering rather than helping.

Dan took a sigh and gave a nod. He then tried going out of RM to get the things he would need.

“Where are you going?” arnav asked.

“To the hospital, obviously.” Dan said not interested to talk anymore.

“The guards can bring you the things you need. Don’t go.” The last two words held care for him.

“Why?” Dan asked back.

“Listen! We have already been in a big mess and I don’t want one more family member in his clutches! So please be here, call the hospital and ask them to bring here the stuffs you need. Understand!” Arnav said sternly but no one could miss the care he had in his stern voice. Yes it was already 2 people with him and didn’t want Dan to follow too.

For a minute Dan’s eyes welled up hearing ‘family member’ from him for himself. He instantly went and hugged Arnav tightly.

“I am sorry.” Dan said meekly.

“No I am sorry for how I talked to you. You had done nothing wrong but I blasted at you-”

“No, I can understand.” Dan said and hugged him again and went away to call the hospital staff.

—

Soon the equipments Dan asked for arrived with an experienced doctor and a helping nurse.

He went on in Khushi’s room and made an excuse that she needs an injection for her better health. She was so naïve, she agreed. She slept on the bed and Dan gave an injection in her arm.

Soon in 5 minutes her eyes dropped and she slept. He then attached a ventilator to see her steady heartbeats, just in case they need it. Then an oxygen cylinder and mask if she needed.

The doctor took the charge, as Dan needed to find Anji and Payal too. He gave full charge to the doctor, as he trusted him the most and moved out.

—

Dan descended the stairs and nodded, “I have given her light sedatives to keep her sleeping for hours and in case she wakes up, we will make her eat and then again will give the medicine.”

“It won’t harm her, right?” UV asked concerned.

“No, its just like sleeping pills. But more effective. That’s it.” Dan said and smiled.

Just then they turned and saw the cops entering and they hoped they got some information.

“Sorry Mr. Raizada. No traces of him. He didn’t even use his credit cards incase he has them. And no one has seen him too. But-” the cop hesitated.

“But what!” Arnav asked helpless.

“Miss Payal went out to the shop nearby and bought a book and after that she disappeared. A man saw Vijendar in that street today and miss Anjali, she was kidnapped near the hospital, Dr. Dan works in.”

The cop was saying and Arnav came forward, “that is all that doesn’t matter! What matter is if we found them! No matter discussing now how and why it happened! We got to find them rather than wasting our times thinking what might have happened. So please put your all efforts in finding the clues that could lead us to them!”

Arnav had a point and the cops took some boxes in.

“These are some equipments and tracing devices we would need.” The cop told.

Everyone nodded and tried to help in each and every way they could. The Raizada mansion was soon a frontier where everyone was fighting to get a clue of their loved ones.

—

Vijendar was very delighted! Very, very delighted!

He tied the girls to the chairs they sat on and there were 20 to 25 men surrounding them. Anji and Payal sat back to back and they were tied together, and the man behind all this came forward and slapped Anjali.

“B*TCH! Tried to be out smart! You bit my hand, you filthy scum!” with that he hit her again and a small amount of blood oozed out from the corner of her lips.

Anji could taste it on her lips and bit out her anger that was rising fiercely, “your death will be less painful if you keep your hands off me. Don’t forget I am Arnav Singh raizada’s sister!” with that she gave a glare to him to whom he glared back.

“I very well know who you are! That is why you are here, darling.” He said as he touched her chin and made her look up.

“Don’t touch me, bast*rd!” Anji said and vij again slapped her and this time the bloodline touched her chin from her lips.

“You are really a well mannered person, I must say, seeing your manners of talking to the elders.” He said sarcastically kneeling towards her.

“Then you must see how mannered my brother is! He is great in his hospitality too. You would enjoy it surely!” Anji spat and vij was shocked at her audacity.

“Aren’t you a bit SCARED!?” vij lost his cool as he saw the mere chit challenging him on his face.

“I am scared, who said I am not!” Anji said casually and then smirked, “thinking how bad your face would look once my brother finds out you hit me and that that 2 drops of blood oozed out too. I am sure he wont even leave 2 drops in your corpse!”

“My, my! You are a kind of stubborn person.”

“Its not stubbornness, it’s the Raizada blood.” Anji said proudly.

“Uh Han? Then lets see what the other Raizada is doing?” vij said and extended his hand to a man near him and he gave a phone in his hands.

—

“WHERE IS MY ANJALI!” Arnav barked at the face of the cop standing in front of him. “I swear, I will shoot you all dead if anything as much as a scratch came on my daughter!” Arnav said pointing his gun at the officer’s head in front of him.

Uv and Dan rushed to him held him from the back and stopped him from doing something stupid.

“Arnav we need to think properly!! We can’t loose control!!” uv said as Arnav struggled to get himself free.

“Uv is right! Control yourself, Arnav!” said Dan.

Arnav was strong, he pushed them away from him and said frustrated, “YOU WANT ME TO BE IN CONTROL!!! That bast*rd has my sister and Payal as hostages and god knows how he is behaving with them and you freaking want me to be in CONTROL!! Give me one good reason why should I?!!” then he moved towards the cops, “I am informing you all!! When I find him! I am going to kill him myself! And then you can hang me to death, I DON’T CARE!!” the fire in his eyes was unmistakable, like he was burning inside.

“Its not just you, Arnav. Its WE! We are going to kill him!” Dan said and had a similar type of fire in his eyes too.

Uv saw them and joined, “me too want to kill him guys but first lets track the bast*rd down.”

—

Many black cases were brought. They said they were the equipments police officers use to track a criminal down.

“Sir, we need a space to set our machines.” Asked a cop.

“You have the whole house! Set it anywhere, but I want results, ASAP!” said Arnav.

“Yes sir.” Said the cop and went away setting his equipments.

—

The equipments were set and they waited for vij to call. And he called. The house phone rang and the officers signaled Arnav to pick it up.

“Hello?” Arnav said suspecting the call to be from vij.

“Hello, son.” Vij said faking affection.

“As****e!” Arnav gritted his teeth.

“Manners, manners! Don’t forget the manners, son.” Vij said warning him sarcastically, “I was discussing the same with your sister but she is too, an ill-mannered wh***!”

Arnav lost his cool when he heard bad things about his sister. “You, f****** b******!! Count your days Vijendar! When I get you! It’s your end! THE END!”

“Well I have a better reply to that!” vij said walking up to Anjali and kept the phone near her and slapped her. Anji somehow stopped her cry but the sound of his hand hitting her face was not left unheard by Arnav.

“YOU MOR** DON’T TOUCH HER!!” Arnav said raising his voice and then closing his eyes to control himself, his bad words were going harm Anji. “What do you want!?” Arnav asked in a deathly voice.

“That’s like a good boy. Wait for my other call.” Vij said and hung up.

After hearing the line dead, Arnav hit his hand on the nearby glass table. Seeing this nani rushed to him.

“He hit her nani, HE HIT HER!!!” Arnav said raging, “I didn’t even raised my finger on my baby and that son of a b*tch, HIT HER!!” Arnav said as his breathing became uneven due to rage.

Nani sobbed seeing his hand, examining it, “I know you will find her soon, beta. Don’t hurt yourself!” nani assured him by rubbing his back and luckily there were no cuts on Arnav’s hands.

Arnav then went up to the cop to see if the call was traced.

“Sorry sir. He must be knowing that we are tracking the calls that is why he hung up before one minute.”

“Dammit!” Arnav said under his breath.

—

Uv called vij’s photo from the police station and alerted his friends and other men to inform him if they saw him anywhere. Dan too contacted his friends and relatives so that if they saw him anywhere they would inform them his location. Arnav on the other hand messaged and emailed the photo to his employees, he had more than 10,000 employees under him, and someone would sight him for sure. He even mentioned in the email that the person who will inform them correctly would get a lifetime contract with AR designs and a big fat amount as reward. But the info should be correct or else, life sentence!

Shashi was very much afraid for his daughters, the one who was already with him and the one who was in this house, drugged.

“I know him too well.” Shashi said and everyone looked at him, “he cant live where there is no facility. He might have kept them in a secret place but not where there are no facilities.”

“Facilities?” asked Dan confused.

“Facilities in the sense, nice room, nice food, warm water, and most important! A lot of red wine!” he looked at them and continued, “vij was fond of red wines, he can not even live for a day without it, and he is so addicted! And now that he was in jail for years, He would be craving his red wines that he didn’t get in the prison. He will surely buy a truck of red wines at once!” Shashi said indicating them their next step.

Dan got it and said, “Okay, as uncle said! Uncle and I will take some cops with us and check the wine shops for the clues, UV you go to the big posh hotels and Arnav, you wait here incase he calls back again, (everyone nodded) lets do it!”

Saying so everyone left in order to search the girls.

—

After couple of hours, everyone was still searching the clues of vij. They were eager to find a slightest hint to where he can be.

Arnav on the other hand, was sitting in his house, calming his anger and waiting for the bast*rd’s call.

Then the guard came in running and handed a phone to Arnav. He looked at the guard and said, “what?”

“Vi-Vijendar!” the guard said in nervous tone, and Arnav snatched away the phone.

“Hello!” said Arnav.

“Hello.” Came a curious but calm voice.

“Why did you call my guard?” Arnav asked.

“Don’t I know each and every Raizada phone would have been efficiently tapped by now? And the Raizada mansion would have been turned into a police headquarters! Come on Arnav, give me some credit; I kidnapped THE Arnav Singh Raizada’s sister! I ought to be intelligent too. And in the tapped phone, I cant talk more than 1 minute, and now I want to talk business.” Said vij and his evilness was dripping down his words.

“What the damn thing you want! Properties, money, gold! Anything! Just name it!” said Arnav urgently.

“Ah! You understand me so well. Well to your good news, I don’t want any property, no money and definitely no gold!” vij said testing Arnav’s patience.

“Then what the hell do YOU WANT!!!” Arnav said gritting his teeth.

“Your Love, I want your Khushi.” said vij as if asking a cup of tea.

“YOU-” Arnav was about to use bad words but he remembered that he can harm Anji and Payal so he just stopped.

“Good to see that you are a quick learner.” Vij said, as he understood what Arnav was about to say. “Well, I can understand your feelings. You want to curse me, I know it, but I want my daughter back. I want Khushi, and you will hand her to me, yourself!”

“NO I WONT!” Arnav said impulsively.

“Think again! Don’t be a fool Arnav, love? Or sister? Choice is yours!” said vij smiling keenly, imagining Arnav’s face.

Arnav stayed quite a bit, then it clicked. He could have kidnapped Khushi himself, if he can kidnap Anji then how hard it would be to kidnap Khushi! Then why didn’t he?

“If you wanted, you could have kidnapped Khushi yourself! Then why didn’t you!?” Arnav asked curiously.

“aww! You figured it out now? I thought you would have found the answer to it too! Whatever, never mind! I will tell you!” said vij in excitement and then his voice became dangerous, “remember a guy came to meet me in my prison, challenging me that he would save his love from me?!” vij said and Arnav remembered it was him. “So if I kidnapped her and you rescued her after that, you win! And become a hero! So I thought to make you a villain too. You will hand her over to me, and that way I will defeat you even before we started playing!! You challenged me, Raizada! And I don’t take challenges easily. I hit my enemies where it hurts the most! So when are you bringing my daughter to meet me! Her so called dead father.” With that vij smiled evilly and Arnav felt his ground slip from his feet.

He knew about the plan! He knew everything! Thought Arnav and unconsciously sat on the sofa behind him.

“Yes! I know it! I know your little secret! And now! You made my game even easier! I just have to come in front of her and WHOOSH!” he made a big sound, “she will be gone! Forever.”

“NO! You bast*rd! I wont let that happen!” Arnav said angrily.

“Temper huh? Don’t forget I have your sister! Hold on for a minute and don’t think of tapping it coz next voice will be your sister’s and it will be the last time you hearing it!” said vij and went inside the place.

Vij reached inside a room where Anji and Payal were tied. Arnav waited patiently, he then turned and saw Dan returning. The phone was on speaker so that other cops might hear him talking, so he indicated Dan to come over slowly, without noise.

“Here b*tch, talk to your brother.” Saying so he put the phone near her ear.

Arnav closed his eyes in anger as he heard him calling names to his sister. Dan too clenched his fists.

“Hello bhai?” came Anji’s hope filled voice.

“Yes beta! I am here! Don’t worry I will find you soon.”  Arnav said as a tear escaped his eyes.

Anji too had tears in her eyes hearing the word beta, “bhai. I- I am so sorry to put you in this situation. Bhaiya, I never told you this I am sorry, I love a guy named Tom in my class, I am so in love with him that I even love his house and the surroundings. They look so familiar. I hope you understand and forgive your little sister. Please think wisely and try to understand me. I am sorry again.” Anji said and Dan’s jaw dropped.

He was about to speak when Arnav held him from back and closed his mouth by the help of his hand and continued.

“I will think about it.” Arnav said looking keenly at the phone.

“You’re the best, bhai!” Anji chirped but the look vij gave her froze her. He was about to take the phone away; she needed to give more clues to him and that too fast!

Vij was about to take the phone away when she said, “bhai I love you! Like I love my prettiest thing! I love you!” and then the phone was taken away.

“So you hear her words, Raizada! And one more thing, do I need to say that don’t do any silly things like telling the cops and all or I will kill your sister and Payal? Oh god I am so fed up of these dramatic lines. Well you understood me right?” he said being smart but he didn’t even get that the Raizada sister already hinted her brother where she was in her own language.

“Right.” Said Arnav thinking something.

“So I want Khushi to be brought in a place, in 2 days! I will tell the place in 2 days because I want all the police officers out of this case! I will keep an eye on you and your men. If I see any of the cops involved, you know what I will do. So in these 2 days, don’t do anything stupid which may compel me to kill your sister and the so called sister of Khushi! Till then, these girls will be my guests! So after 2 days bring my daughter and take your girls with you. And feel free to find them without the help of cops, coz I know you cant! Ha ha ha.” Vij gave his evil laugh as he underestimated Arnav.

The phone went dead and Arnav jumped in excitement! For a second, Dan felt as if Arnav has gone mad. Vij was telling him to keep Anji and Payal hostages for 2 freaking days and this man was happy! And more over Anji said she loves someone else! Then Dan felt as if Anji shred his heart into pieces.

Soon UV and Shashi too entered RM and got updated by Arnav about the new phone call and its details. Except the fact that vij called Khushi, his love.

They too were shocked to know what Anji said but UV somewhere knew that cant be true.

“This cant be true. We all know Anji loves Dan! Why did she say that!” UV said confused at her statement.

“That’s the thing! She was giving us the clue! Don’t you get it! She knows that we all know about her and Dan but vij doesn’t know! So she said that in front of him that she loves a guy named tom.” Arnav moved towards the cop, john. “John, I need every information on this guy. Our clue is similar to him. And more importantly his house and surroundings! She said it felt familiar!”

“We can’t take the help of cops! He said he would be keeping an eye on us!” Dan said freaking out as Arnav was assigning the task to a cop.

“Shit!” said Arnav, as he knew vij was so cunning, he would find out if cops were involved.

“I will do it!” said Dan and nodded, “I will find out everything about him.”

“Good. Now I want everything and every cop out!” Arnav said and john stepped in.

“But Mr. Raizada, we could help.” John protested.

“You were here! You heard him! He will harm the girls if the cops are not out!” Arnav said as he made john understand.

The cop understood their dilemma and offered, “okay. I understand your situation. We will all step out until you don’t want us in this. I assure you, my men wont step in but in case you want any help, just call.” John said and everyone nodded.

Soon the equipments, tapping devices and the cops were moved out.

—

A man was standing near RM and he saw the cops and their vans moving out. He dialed a number and said, “boss, work done. The cops are moving out.” And vij laughed.

—

It was midnight.

Its been hours of Anji and Payal being kidnapped and still no clue! Uv searched the hotels and there were no bookings in the names of Vijendar. They showed the photos of him too but nobody recognized.

Dan brought the list of buyers who bought large amount of red wines in the last few days. There were nearly 50 different places from which red wines were ordered, some due to big parties and other for their regular consumptions. Nobody could be suspected for kidnapping, just because they bought large amount of wines!

Arnav was consistently trying but none of his men or his employees contacted him back regarding the issue.

Then Dan stepped in with a guy.

“Here is the guy! Tom.” Said Dan and pushed him lightly towards Arnav and UV, making him kneel down.

“Why did you bring him here?” questioned UV.

“Coz this guy is a hard nut to crack! He isn’t spilling anything about himself!” Dan said frustrated.

“Is he a hard nut!? Then lets crack him!!!” said Arnav getting up from his seat and putting his gun on tom’s forehead.

Soon the poor guy started to sweat, he saw certain madness in Arnav’s eyes that confirmed that he wouldn’t even think twice before he shoots him down.

“Okay OKAY!” said tom raising his hands and giving up. “I will tell you everything! But tell me one thing first. You are Arnav Singh Raizada! King of fashion! Why would you want to know about me?”

“ohh so you know me, you would also have heard about my madness then? I don’t have time to give you any sort of answers, I just want mine! So tell us where do you live and about your surroundings and all and I promise we won’t harm you! But if you try to be smart! I swear, I will kill you!” Arnav said loading his gun.

“Wait!” tom said closing his eyes in fear. “Is this about Anjali Raizada, your sister?” he said and looked up. Tom knew Arnav killed a guy just because he was misbehaving with her in a party. But he barely knew Anjali, infact he didn’t even had a word with her ever! He met her once in his party. That is all! Tom then looked at Arnav and knew that it was definitely about Anjali.

“Mr. Raizada, I swear I didn’t misbehaved with your sister in any way! I didn’t even talk to her, we were just classmates in high school. Infact I met her once in my birthday party in which she came with one of our common friends, Nita. That is all, I don’t know anything about her!”

“Where was this party?” Arnav asked still keeping the gun firmly on his forehead.

“In my house. I – I am from America basically; my parents just own a beach house in London. My family lives in USA, there is my uncle here, and he comes to check me on every other weekend. So I lived in my small beach house and held a party there where I met Anjali for the first and last time!”

“What are your surroundings?” asked Dan.

“Surroundings?” tom asked confused.

“Yes the things you are basically surrounded by!” asked Arnav loosing patience.

“Um- su – surroundings?” tom thought a bit then saw the gun and then answered, “I am su-surrounded by, um- my house, there is a beach near it as it’s a beach house, m- my car, my college, books, I have a library, a pool, my garden, my video games and my pet dog.” Tom blabbered, as he was hell scared now.

“That’s it?” asked UV still expecting more.

“Yes! I am a simple guy! I don’t have many things around me, just the things I like! That’s it!” he said closing his eyes in fear again and Arnav then pushed his memory and tried to think. Anjali in high school. She went to a party in a beach house. Then it clicked! He remembered! He quickly went to a desk in front of him and took the list of addresses where large mount of red wine was delivered. And understood everything.

He made tom stand on his feet, which were wobbling, “don’t worry. We wont harm you!” and then hugged him happily. “I am sorry for this behavior but my sister is being kidnapped and she gave us the clue related to you. So forgive us for being rude. If you need any help in London, feel free to ask me! You have done a favor on me. And I wont forget it! Thanks.” Saying so he let tom go and UV and Dan looked at him, expecting answers from him.

“Anji was in high school, she attended a party in a beach house, she came home and told me about it. She was in all praises for tom’s house, saying it was nice, warm and cozy and moreover she loved the beach and the view from it. So that year on her birthday I bought her a beach house to make her happy. I took her to her new beach house and she said that it was the prettiest thing in her life!” then Arnav remembered Anji saying on the phone when vij called him, “bhai I love you! Like I love my prettiest thing! I love you!” and it confirmed his suspicion.

“So?” Dan asked as he didn’t understand what Arnav was blabbering.

“Remember she said familiar surroundings?” Arnav asked and Dan nodded, “it was the beach and the sea! She must have seen it or heard the waves from the inside, and see this!” he showed the red wine buyer’s list to Dan, “see address no. 39. It’s my beach house’s address! This vij is more cunning then we ever thought! He knew we will search the whole world but we wont search her in our own house! So he kept them in our own house! Anji’s beach-house! Its surroundings are familiar to Tom’s and it’s the prettiest thing according to Anji as it’s a little excluded from the city and away from its noise and pollution. And a perfect place to keep them away from anyone’s eyes, where no one can see or suspect vij. And as uncle (Shashi) said he need facilities, there is every facility he needs!” Arnav said and everyone had a smile as they finally cracked the clue given by Anji.

“What are we waiting for? Lets go! Bring them back!” said Dan.

“No! We can’t go now.” Arnav said.

“But why?!!” said Dan hearing Arnav’s words.

“Do you think he is really stupid that he wont see us coming? Now we need to perform very keenly, if he came to know that we know where he is then he would change his location and our hard work will be spoiled.”

“Who says we wont let him know that we know where he is! We will attack him from the face! He will see us coming and he will see us killing!” Said UV keeping a hand on Arnav’s shoulder. “And I have a plan.” UV said to Arnav and smiled wickedly.

—

Soon the plan was made and was taken to action. It was 2 hours passed to midnight. Arnav then called the cops, secretly letting them know where they needed to be. He asked them to come after 30 minutes. 30 minutes were enough for them to break their bones. Arnav strictly ordered the cops to not even touch Vijendar. He was his baby now, and he will take care of him. The cars were ready, the cops were ready, our heroes were ready and moreover our lover was ready to save his love. Arnav would save his Khushi even before vij’s 2 days begin! Even before he thinks he is, he will be dead already!

—

[IMG]http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n537/MastiMuskaan/FF/modern-beach-house-with-white-exterior-paint-3.jpg[/IMG]

Vij was sitting in the porch of the house, sipping his red wine, and enjoying the view of stars that shone down at him, but he missed that they were not shining down at him but smirking in their own way.

Soon the noises of big cars and trucks moving were heard and he suspiciously looked here and there. This was a lonely place with no house nearby then who could it be? Before he could think further, three big black hummers stood in front of him.

[IMG]http://i1138.photobucket.com/albums/n537/MastiMuskaan/FF/hummer-black-hw01.jpg[/IMG]

He gazed at the powerful looking cars dumbfounded. If he thought the lifeless cars were powerful, he had no idea about the men sitting inside it. The right car’s door opened and Dan came out standing on the front of the car, folding hands to his chest, smiling as if nothing happened. Soon the left car’s door opened and UV came out advancing but stood in front too, folding his hands and smiling at him. And now! Our hero stepped out in his super hot glares and taking long strides he too stood in front of his hummer, smirking at him.

Vij saw the men standing in front of him, first Dan at the right, uv at the left and with Arnav in the middle. They were smirking and smiling but looked deadly. The wine glass fell from his hands and hit the ground breaking into pieces and smirked widened on Arnav’s face.

—

Payal looked at the men in front of her. The night was taking a toll on them and there were only 10 of them now. The other ones went out of the room. That’s when she passed a smile to herself.

She knew she could handle 5 at a time. She had taken marshal arts training for self defense and was capable of handling 5 men at a time but what about other ones? And Anjali? She wont be able to handle them. Payal was continuously wriggling her hands lightly so that she can find a loop hole to the knot tied on them and now was on verge of opening the ropes. Ropes that were tied on her hands were soon opened and she touched Anji’s hands to open hers. Anji gasped loudly as she felt her hands.

The guards were in their half sleep so they didn’t get it, Payal soon made a sound of “shhhh” so that Anji doesn’t do anything to alert them.

Payal figured out her knots too and untied them and whispered, “open your legs but be careful, they are half asleep. Don’t let them figure out.”

Anji nodded slightly and was about to turn down to open her legs but couldn’t, “they will know! I cant do it.” Anji said afraid.

“Don’t worry, just a sec.” Said Payal as she was wriggling her legs now. The knot tightened and the rope loosened a bit. She took out her long heeled shoes, as they were too big to come out from the rope. Then she took her left leg out and sighed then she took the right leg out and the rope fell on the ground making her fully free. Soon she wore her high-heeled shoes and was about to get up when they heard big noises of cars coming. She knew they were here. And it was time to settle the scores.

—

As soon as the reality dawned upon vij he ran back inside and yelled.

“THEYARE HERE!! MOR*NS GO AND FIGHT!!” he yelled and the men outside the room ran out at first.

The men in Anji and Payal’s room woke up from their half sleep and ran out too, but only 6 could run out of 10 as two were already inside and the other two were held by Payal. She pushed them back and closed the door. Anji soon opened her legs and went on Payal’s back.

“These stupid mor*ns were eyeing us from so long and I am IRRITATED!” saying so Payal came forward and gave a hard punch on a guy’s face and a kick in his guts. He yelled in pain and soon fell on the ground.

Seeing so two men came in front of her and she smiled and kicked the second guy in his foot by her high heels that would have pained a lot and then rolled back and hit the third one on his face. Then she twirled around and kicked the second on chest by her heels and he too yelped in utmost pain. After that the fourth one came forth and tried to hit her from the back but Anji took the chair in her hands and hit him on his head, knocking him out at once. Soon the third guy got up and Payal jumped and roll-kicked him on the face and knocked him out too.

—

Arnav, UV and Dan came close to the house and heard vij’s men coming. They parted and waited for them to come out, as soon as they came uv got hold of 2 and started to serve them with his hugs and kisses, i.e., his kicks and punches. Dan too got hold of one and started hitting him.

Then all of a sudden many men came and Arnav dropped in and started to wash them with his hands too. He kicked and punched many guys; he was not seeing anybody in particular just going on hitting as soon as he saw anyone. Soon he heard guns and bullets and then Arnav and UV left the men and went near the wall and took out their guns too, while Dan took an opportunity and sneaked in from the window.

The foolish men who were fighting with Arnav and UV also had guns but they were attacked so fiercely that they even forgot about it. Soon they got up from the ground and took out their guns too. Arnav and UV loaded their guns, took a quick sneak peek out from the wall and shoot!

They knew there were so many of them that the bullets will hit someone for sure. They were firing and yay! One guy got hit in his leg and fell down the others searched for something to hide behind. Some found a place and started shooting at Arnav and uv’s direction but they were hiding behind the wall so were saved.

Uv told Arnav by his gesturing that he (Arnav) can handle them by front and he is running to the backside of them. Arnav nodded and UV ran across the boundaries and took them by surprise, everyone was facing Arnav’s side and their back was facing UV. He whistled and they turned surprised.  Just then Arnav kneeled and rolled out of the wall and whistled too. Vij’s men were confused for a second and that is when Arnav and uv smiled wickedly and fired their guns nonstop, hitting some of them in their chest, heart, head and legs. Soon all the other men laid down dead and only two men stood there smirking to each other, Arnav and UV.

Arnav and UV then hopped above them and went inside. They saw Dan fighting with one and surrounded by 4 others.

“Half-half!” said UV and smiled at Arnav.

Arnav then held two of them and punched and kicked them.

Soon UV too held the one and then punched him on the face, making him bleed. And then the other two back-to-back punches knocked him down, the guy’s face fully bleeding now.  He turned to see his other man and saw Dan snatching him away.

“Hey! He was mine!” said UV enjoying like he was playing a video game.

“Nope he was mine.” Said Dan hitting on the soft point of his neck and rolled back and hit him directly on his guts. The man fell unconscious, “never, underestimate, a doctor!” said Dan at his unconscious face.

Uv then took his gun to hit his lifeless body when Dan stopped him, “save your bullets for vij, he is already dead, as I broke his neck bone.” Dan said smirking.

“Shit I thought this would be fun! But these men were so childlike! They didn’t even touch us once!” said UV disappointed.

“Don’t worry, one man is still left.” Said Arnav determined and walked towards the rooms to find vij.

He opened a room and checked it, it was empty.

He then went to another room, UV and Dan followed. He opened the door and found Anji taking the chair in her hands and hit a man on his head, knocking him out at once. Soon the other guy got up and Payal jumped and roll-kicked him on the face and knocked him out too.

Dan’s jaw dropped at Anji’s hit and he saw the chair in her hands. Uv whistled at Payal’s last kick and she smiled, victoriously. Arnav eyed the poor guys and one of them tried to get up, Arnav took his gun and hit him on his head. Payal and Anji closed their eyes and ears at the sharp noise of bullet.

Arnav looked at them, “what?!” Payal and Anji saw him, “you can kick them dead and I can’t even fire? Come on!”  Saying so he hit other three of them too, “bast*rds, helped in kidnapping my girls!” saying so he moved out and UV shook his head in negative, thinking what will he do to vij!

—

Vij was scared! Very much frightened when he saw the three guys getting out of their cars! He saw the fire in their eyes even though they were smiling. He knew they would kill him and that smirk on Arnav’s face! It sent chill down his spine and he forgot everything for a second.

He ran in and sent the men out and searched for a proper place to sneak out or hide.

He tried to sneak out but the guys were all over the place fighting his men. So he thought of hiding! I was such a fool to kidnap Arnav Singh Raizada’s sister and hire so less of men against him!

 

He ran back to the rooms and hid in the last one on the corridor. Then he heard bullets being fired and got more scared to he went near the gallery that led towards the basement. And went down in it.

—

“My hands are itching! Where is the bast*rd!?” Arnav said frustrated. They searched the whole house but he was nowhere.

“He must have ran away!” said Payal.

Dan said, “No he is in this house! I was near the door and Arnav and UV were out! They must have seen him if he was gone. He is in here, hiding somewhere!”

“I know where he is!” said Anji happily, “we searched the whole house but the basement! THIS HOUSE HAS A BASEMENT GUYS!” Anji said excitedly and the guys were already on their way to it.

—

Arnav, UV and Dan took out their guns and kicked open the door of the basement. Soon a fire of the bullet was heard and Arnav and UV ducked down. The basement was a bit dim, so they couldn’t see anything. They heard a sound of footstep near the left corner and UV fired with his gun towards the sound.

“NO!!” said Arnav and stopped him. “I want him alive!”

A laugh was heard from the same corner and vij got out hearing Arnav. He knew Arnav wouldn’t kill him so easily. And was sure, hell not with his gun.

He got out and pointed his gun towards them and said, “Well, well, well! I am impressed!” he got into their vision and said, “I thought you won’t be able to figure it out! But I was right! You’re a hell intelligent guy, Arnav.”

“If you knew that then you might be knowing that I wont spare you!” Arnav said controlling his anger and gritting his teeth.

“Oh no, Raizada! Infact, I won’t spare you!” saying so he fired the gun aiming at Arnav.

As soon as the gun was fired, a man whose face was not seen came in front of Arnav and took the bullet on himself. Seeing this UV fired his gun at vij’s hand, making the gun to drop away and vij yelled in pain as his palm bled.

Arnav held the mysterious person from his shoulders and made him lay near the wall, still unable to see his face and ran back to vij and held him from his collar and took him out of the basement, dragging. Dan then rushed inside and saw a hurt figure near the wall and touched him to find the bullet. He touched his shoulder and the person winced, not making noise.

Arnav took vij to the first room where Payal and Anji stood and pushed him near their feet.

He tried to get up but got a kick on his stomach by Arnav and fell back. Arnav and uv threw their guns away and went near him and held his collar and punched him on his face, once, twice, thrice and then fourth time and stopped. Vij’s jaw was definitely broken and bled like anything. Arnav then raised him to stand and passed him to UV. Vij went helplessly towards UV and he caught his shoulder. Uv then pushed him away and punched his stomach twice, making him fall again.

—

Dan ran out of the basement towards his car, in which he carried a full first aid kit. He took it in and turned on the lights. As he turned again and saw the man who saved Arnav, his jaw dropped and his eyes turned wide.

—

As vij fell he tried to run away as the main door was just in front of him. But he was caught by UV and uv pushed him towards Arnav as if playing passing-the-ball. Arnav then punched him once and pushed him towards UV. Uv kicked him back and he automatically went towards Arnav. Arnav then hit vij’s knee and he yelled, as his knee was nearly broken and fell back. Arnav tried holding him but vij resisted and struggled but Arnav held him instead and punched him on the face.

Vij then gathered his courage and energy and pushed Arnav away and quickly grabbed a gun near him. He then stood up wobbling and aimed it at Arnav again. He was the root of all hell. Uv saw for a spare gun around him as they threw away their guns in over confidence.

Vij faced the people in front of him; his back was facing the main door. He smiled and smirked through his broken jaw. Vij then loaded the gun and a shot was heard.

Everyone gasped and looked at Arnav. Arnav too looked down at his chest and stomach. But nothing. No bullet touched him. Everyone, including Arnav then looked at vij and saw a small round shaped wound on his chest, near his heart. And unlimited amount of blood oozed out of it. Vij too shocked at the shot, tried and look back. In the process of looking back he fell down on the ground and there stood the person who shot him, on the main door. It was Khushi. She held the gun firmly in her hand and moved forward towards her dad. She came in front of him and all hell broke loose when vij saw his own daughter shoot him. Khushi then pointed the gun on his heart, directly on his heart. And shot again. This time, killing him.

Vij felt numb as the second bullet hit him. His heart stopped working long back at first one itself. He then looked at the disgusted face of his daughter. He disgusted her, his blood disgusted her. She then looked away from his face and he let out a final breath, as the life in him, left him forever.

—

Arnav was speechless. He didn’t even imagine in his wildest dreams that Khushi would be coming in front of him in this wild avatar. The sweet and innocent girl, who even flinched at one harsh word by him, now was standing in front of him as a fearless and ruthless killer. Yes, a killer. Coz the way she shot at him was way too professional than even a sharp shooter and the second bullet hit him right in the heart! It was a lucky shot he knew, but only efficient people get lucky.

The ruthless expression she had on her face while shooting him numbed everyone. Anji and Payal looked as if they had seen a ghost and were ready to believe that the girl in front of them was not Khushi at all. Coz the girl who mercilessly killed him was the same girl who fainted when she saw him dead in a planned plot by them. The fire she had in those eyes was way beyond any mercy. As if she was killing an insect. We don’t even kill an insect so ruthlessly, without any mercy. But she did. And every one wanted to know why.

—

Just then Dan finished his dressing and heard a gunshot and got out of the basement holding the person in his arms that saved Arnav.

Arnav saw him and was shocked. It was aarav. (Arnav’s dad)

The look Arnav gave him was even more terrifying then ever. Now the ruthless and merciless look was mirrored in Arnav’s eyes. He barged towards him and held his collar, just as he did that, aarav winced and he noticed the white bandage. Then he realized. The person who took the bullet for him was his father!, nope! Correction! The person who took the bullet for him was his mother’s husband, Aarav Mallik!

Arnav looked at his bruised shoulder by which he couldn’t even move his hand, basically due to the bullet, and somewhere it pricked his heart. Then he consoled himself saying that he was worried coz aarav was hurt due to him and nothing else! Just then a soft voice came, “bhai?” said Anji and Arnav closed his eyes in hurt and clenched his fist; finally Anji and aarav were face to face. And he knew, Anji would be hurt.

“He is- he” Arnav tried to lie to her but couldn’t, “HE is our dad.” Arnav said meekly but loud enough for her to hear and confirmed her suspicion.

Khushi moved towards Anji. But before Khushi could get to her she moved towards Arnav and held his arm and snuggled close, thinking he is still here to take her away from her brother. Sensing her fear, Arnav wrapped his arm around her, consoling without words that he is here and he wont let him take her away.

“He is our dad?” Anji asked innocently, as she was not able to believe.

“Yes.” Arnav slightly whispered and seeing him finally accepting the fact that he is their father, aarav slumped down the floor crying.

“I am soorryyyy!” aarav cried and broke into tears just in front of his own blood.

“Don’t you say sorry, DAD!” Anji said, as her eyes now reflected hate.

Aarav saw the same hate that he saw few days back, in Arnav’s eyes.

“Due to you! I got the best father anyone could ever get! My brother! And now my father, Arnav Singh Raizada.” she said as she looked proudly at Arnav and angrily at him.

“Please, beta. Forgive me.” aarav folded his hands in front of them and pleaded.

“No, DAD! Don’t be sorry! Coz I am not! I am happy that you left us!” Anji said narrowing her eyes at him, “Because that was the best thing in my life!” Anji said with as much as hate she could manage in her voice, “why did you come back huh? WHY? To punish me further! To detach me from my very own brother and take me back to India so that I can live a living hell with YOU!” asked Anji in her venomous voice.

But then she heard a sharp voice from the back “NO!” they all looked back and found that the voice belonged to Shashi. He came to her and put a consoling hand on her head, moving it smoothly on her hairs and told her the truth behind the comeback of Aarav Mallik.

“He didn’t came back to punish you, Anjali. But to save you!” said Shashi teary eyed and Arnav looked at him not believing. “Yes, he came back to save you. When Vijendar was in jail and was about to come back hunting for his own daughter, he called aarav on the phone in India. To tell him, that he is going to be back and now he will complete his incomplete work, of killing you.” Shashi told and Anji shook for a second. Arnav too trembled slightly at this knowledge. Shashi continued, “scared?” he asked as he looked at her, “so was he. He came to know the reality of vij as soon as he committed that sin of pushing your mother. . .” Arnav closed his eyes as the scene came alive in front of his eyes. “. . . after seeing her tumbling down the stairs, vij believed that aarav’s family was finally destroyed. And now it was his turn.” Shashi said pointing at aarav and Arnav gasped this time. “after Arnav left with his mom to the hospital, vij tried killing him by shooting him the same way he tried rite now, at Arnav. But thanks to the police! They arrived at the scene and arrested vij. So aarav was saved, but only physically, emotionally he was already destroyed, and that too by himself.” Shashi looked at him with pity eyes and aarav looked down, shedding tears.

“You know, after that he punished himself, by abandoning him from his home, from his life, from everything. He was living a life in which he was also not involved.” Shashi said and Arnav looked at his father, first time, lovingly. “But after years his life came back! Not for himself, but for you!” Shashi said to Anji with a hint of taunt, “when vij called him to tell that he is going to kidnap you and his other plans, aarav came back flying! He came back to take you away from Arnav just for your safety! He wanted to take you back to India for the time being, so that Arnav and we can handle vij!” Shashi said and Arnav looked at him and remembered how badly he behaved with him when he came back to take Anji, without even listening to him let alone knowing his real intentions.

Shashi looked at Arnav and put a consoling hand on his shoulder, “he was not here to snatch away your Anjali, beta. But to give you your Anjali back. All the time he was too trying to protect her, just like you.”

Arnav saw Shashi, “Then, then why didn’t he ask me directly? Why didn’t he tell me about the call.” Asked Arnav slightly defending himself.

“Would you have believed him easily, if he had told you that?” Shashi asked casually and Arnav knew, he wouldn’t have believed him no matter what and how he said.

“How do you know all of this?” asked Arnav as he looked at Shashi again.

“When you were saving my family. I was not sitting, hand in hand. You were saving mine, and I was saving yours. I came to know this and knew there was a reason behind his comeback. He cant be having a dream suddenly that he has a daughter and he shows up in front of you and tells you that he needs her back!” Shashi said sarcastically but with a sly smile. “But my suspicion became even stronger when I heard vij’s name in all this. When he is involved anywhere, the matter is not safe, at all. And then when I was in Sydney these days, I found out everything about aarav. Some through my contacts in India and some through he himself told me when I met him personally.” Arnav looked at him surprised, “I met him, once.” Shashi told him. Then Shashi moved to aarav where he was laying, “I know you were misled by him and you regret what you did, but still, you owe an apology, to both of them.” Shashi said to him.

“I don’t deserve their forgiveness, and its too late now.” aarav said repenting and looked down, not able to look above at them.

“Its never too late to apologize, aarav.” Shashi consoled.

“It’s never too late to apologize but sometimes it’s too late to forgive. And what I did was far beyond any forgiveness.” Said aarav with a heavy heart.

“Just speak to them, aarav. I know them, maybe they already forgave you.” Said Shashi looking at Arnav and Anjali’s moist eyes and a hint of pride in their eyes for him, for even trying to save them.

Aarav looked at them and was about to speak but couldn’t, he just fold his hands in front of them, asking forgiveness from his eyes.

Seeing her father after so long and that too repenting his deeds, Anji couldn’t hold her hate at him. The years of longing, for a father overpowered every hate, and she bent down cupping his hands in hers and nodding a no, “no, you are our father, and our mother wont be happy seeing you folding hands in front of her kids, its okay, its was not your fault! I forgive you.” Anji said as she tried to be strong but she was shattered inside.

Aarav after getting Anji’s forgiveness saw towards Arnav and knew, forgiving himself was too much to ask from him.

Arnav closed his eyes. He was hurt, obviously. But he remembered his mother teaching him something, “Beta, sometimes you need to forgive, even if you really don’t want to, because you cant live happily by holding grudges in your heart. A Heart should be free of all negativities. And forgiving is important, because forgiving someone is like letting the prisoner free, and then realizing that the prisoner was you. If you cant make yourself to forgive someone, it means you aren’t strong enough, you are just a weak soul, And to forgive is letting go of the hurt, so that the wound caused to the heart is over, the wound is closed and healed, done with.” That time when his mother said that to him, he didn’t understand why she told him this, but now he does. His mother knew there will be a day when aarav would be back, repenting. And she knew Arnav too; he won’t be able to forgive him.

Arnav took a sigh, and closed his eyes, “I forgive you.” He said and looked at aarav.

Aarav was truly grateful to his kids, even after being a ruthless and cruelest dad, they forgave him. Aarav closed his eyes as a soothing content flew around his veins. His heart felt at peace.

“Thank you.” he touched Anji’s cheeks lovingly and suddenly he fell back where he was kneeling, before his head could hit the ground, Arnav ran and caught him and put his head in his laps. “I truly loved your mother, son, and I am really proud at her upbringing.” As he said this, he saw a tear escape from Arnav’s eyes, aarav thought, he was sad for me, they cared for me, my kids love me! Saying so in his mind, he consoled his ever so broken heart. His heart was alive for this day only, he was breathing for this day to come. He was living to see this! And now that he has achieved his last goal, forgiveness from his children, he was ready to ask forgiveness from their mother, in heaven. And then he closed his eyes forever, sleeping soundly in Arnav’s laps and holding Anjali’s hands.

Arnav and Anjali held on to him tightly, they too wanted him, to get their father back, and they did got him back, but they didn’t know, it would be this short lived.

Shashi saw Arnav and Anjali and kept a hand on their shoulders, “don’t cry, he is alive in your hearts. Now at least you will remember him with pride and would take his name with honor.” Shashi said and hugged Arnav tight and Anjali too came and hugged him, finding a father in him. Shashi hugged Arnav and Anji together.

—

Soon they got reminded about Khushi. They looked at her. She had tears in her eyes too. Arnav was lucky, at least his father realized he was wrong and Anji was lucky to have at least a moment of love from her father, when she had none. Her father was gone, but she didn’t regret doing it. Coz aarav deserved forgiveness and Vijendar, he deserved what he got, punishment.

Arnav walked towards her, she was still, not moving at all.

“Khushi, why did you-”

“He deserved this!” before Arnav could ask her fully, she said in the middle.

“But-”

The fury was evident in her eyes, “He killed my mother! He married her for her property! He killed her by not giving her the love and care she expected! He killed her by his reckless behavior! My mother didn’t die Arnavji! She was killed, brutally murdered by that man!” she said pointing at his dead body behind her. “And I do NOT regret it even a bit! I gave my mother the solace of being free! Free from him. And I freed myself from his name and his evil clutches!” she said having the ruthless and merciless Khushi back in her eyes, as if she is not bothered about him a cent!

“I killed him with my bare hands!” Saying so she looked at her hands and broke down in tears, sobbing and Arnav held her too.

Everyone ran to her and saw her crying hysterically, “I killed him Arnavji! I killed him, I killed my own father! I killed him. He was so- I am sorry, he was pointing a gun at you, – I couldn’t see him shooting you- I killed him- bauji(Shashi) told me everything- he told me-  I – killed him myself! I had no other option! He deserved this!- he never loved – my mother. She craved his love. And he never bothered. So I killed him!” till now Khushi tried to hate him, she tried not to show everyone that she was weak but couldn’t hold the pain any longer inside her. She repeated the same line again truly regretting what she did but then consoling herself that she didn’t do anything wrong but did a good thing instead, “he deserved this, he killed my mom, I- ki-I killed- ” uv knew she was hitting her panic attack, repeating everything again and again. So he went out and got the injection they accidentally kept with them. And then without further delay, he shot it in her veins, calming her and making her sleep like this, but for the last time in her life. From now on there wont be any vij, no panic attacks in her life, ever!

—

As soon as Khushi went unconscious and Arnav tried picking her up but saw john (cop) standing there. Arnav knew Khushi was innocent as she killed a monster, and hence, she was more than innocent though but she DID a crime in the books of law. He knew now she would be taken to the police, and he will use all the powers in his might but wont let Khushi be in the prison.

Arnav saw towards him and he passed a knowing look that he can take her to the car. Arnav sighed a bit and picked up Khushi in his arms and took her towards his car. Uv climbed the driver seat and Payal took Khushi’s head in her laps, supporting her in the seat. Arnav too adjusted her hands – legs and closed the door. Then in the other car, Dan sat on the front with Anji and the cars along with some cops were escorted towards RM. Now Arnav and Shashi were left with john and his fellow mates.

Shashi looked apologetically towards john and went towards him with a sad face, before he could say anything john stepped up and held his hands.

“I didn’t see anything.” Said john indicating him something but Shashi was not sure, “I didn’t see your daughter killing Vijendar Thakraal. Infact he was killed in our cross firings. And we will write the same things in our reports too.” said john indicating towards his men and gave a knowing smile again, “I know what he did. I read miss Khushi’s background in your complaint against him years back when he-, when he tried to kill her,” john said understanding, “infact I too was concerned for her when Mr. Udayveer bought her letters to the prison and Vijendar used to tear them mercilessly, without even reading it! I have indirectly witnessed all the suffering miss Khushi has endured.”

Knowing the new fact about Khushi writing letters to vij in prison gave a shock to both of them.

“Letters?” asked Shashi not understanding.

“Yes, didn’t she tell you?” john said puzzled. “She used to send letters on her birthday every year. Asking for his forgiveness.” John said and saw a how-do-you-know look on Arnav’s face, “I am sorry I used to read them as I was doing my duty of checking in everything that goes into a prisoner’s hands.”

John explained and the ground beneath them slipped. Khushi wrote apology letters to vij every year! On her birthday! And UV didn’t even tell anybody? Why?

“Mr. gupta, your daughter is innocent and she will always be. And we all are going to break the law for good. She is not a professional criminal, infact she killed one to save Mr. Raizada’s life. So it was self-defense and I can totally understand the circumstances she was in. so don’t worry, in our reports, there won’t even be her name anywhere. I would mention that he was pointing a gun on Mr. Raizada and we came on time to save him, so we were compelled to shoot him.” He said giving a nod, “we would need your statements for the same too.” he said and gave a wink to them.

“Thank you so much sir, you are doing a lot for my daughter.” Said Shashi really emotional.

“We are the keepers of law and what miss Khushi did is justice Mr. gupta, for your daughter, it is pure justice.” John said and the pride in his eyes for Khushi was evident.

“When can we get–.” Asked Arnav not able to continue but gestured towards the gate, concerned about his dad’s body, “- for his last rituals.”

“It wont be a problem Mr. Raizada. Just some formalities and then you can claim it back.”  Said john and started to leave.

“We would need his body too-” said Shashi looking at vij’s body and looked at john, “no matter how he was, he was still a human and no one should be denied his last rights.” Shashi sighed, “We would like to have his body too.”

Never in his career of 30 years, he saw a family like these people. John, he had seen many criminal and their families, but this family was so very different, everyone in this family had a heart of gold. But just one wrong person and everybody were suffering in some way or the other. Its true, one bad person, ruins it all. But now they were glad, that bad person was finally gone out of their lives.

—

Arnav and Shashi were back after giving their statements to the police and finally the case was dismissed, Khushi was nowhere mentioned in the reports as promised by john and his colleagues, and they told that they can claim the both bodies of aarav and vij tomorrow.

They entered RM in the morning and went straight towards Khushi’s room.

She was still sleeping. So they went out in the living area and explained everything john said but with an angry glare on UV.

“Why didn’t you tell us that she was doing such foolish things!??” enquired Shashi about the letters.

“I am sorry, uncle. But she took a promise from me.” said uv looking down.

“What damn promises!!?” asked Arnav.

“Her pinky promise!” said UV in no joke look and saw Shashi, “and you know how possessive she is about pinky promises getting broken!” said uv looking down again.

“But you should have told us, we might have stopped this madness!” said Shashi.

“We were not even able to handle her panic attacks! How were we supposed to stop her! And whatever I did was for my best friend! And I know I never did anything wrong coz she got happiness for whatever I did!” said UV and yes, he was not even a bit guilty about doing it.

“Uv, I understand your feelings, it’s just that I am concerned about her. She is so fragile, so innocent. She needs to understand that her dad was a bad guy in all our lives and she needs to accept the fact now that he is finally dead.” Said Shashi as he humped down the couch in the room.

“what happened, uncle?” uv knew there was something else behind shashi’s concern. He was just taking it out in the name of letters but he was tensed about something else.

“I- I claimed vij’s body. And I want Khushi to do his last rituals as it’s her right to do it, and if Khushi didn’t accept the fact that her father is dead then how will we make her realize!” said Shashi finally letting out his last fear for his daughter.

“Don’t worry uncle, she is not so weak. Did you see her today!” said UV as he bent down and Shashi looked at him, “she was anything but weak. The Khushi I saw today has finally moved on, moved on and has accepted the fact that Vijendar Thakraal was bad and as a result she shot him! And proved that she is over it too!” said UV giving hopes to Shashi and he got a bit relieved.

“do you think she will do it?” asked Shashi confirming it from him.

“I am sure.” Said uv and passed a sad smile to him and Shashi hugged him tight and for the fist time in his life he cried! He cried out all the pain he had for his daughter, he cried out all his sorrows and every worry out. Finally Shashi felt relieved and broke the hug.

“Uncle how did she come to know all this?” asked UV once Shashi was normal.

“She woke up after you all went to the beach house. The doctor and nurse were sleeping so she sneaked out of the room and heard me talking with Arnav’s dad. He came here to tell me that Anji’s life was in danger and hearing this I told him that she is already kidnapped.” Shashi looked down, “she heard us from upstairs and demanded the secret. And then in front of aarav and seeing the trust her eyes for me, I couldn’t lie to her. I told her everything, from the beginning to the end.” Saying so he sighed. “But I hope, everything turned to normal and finally Khushi has got over him. And now finally my daughter will move on in life.” he said and uv nodded too.

—

Soon Khushi came to conscious. Everyone was present in the room, looking at her face changing expressions, it changed from frown to sadness to fear to anger and then finally she got up screaming, “AHH!” she was sweating and for a second looked here and there and recognized everyone around her.

“what happened Khushi.” asked Garima concerned.

“I – I – I killed – m-my father! I – ” she sobbed and Shashi hugged her tighter.

“No baby, you didn’t. You freed his soul.” He said looking in her eyes.

“What do you mean bauji?” Khushi looked innocently at him.

“Dear, your father’s soul was trapped in a bad body. And you freed his soul from it. You didn’t kill him, you freed him from all his evils and sent his soul to heaven.” Shashi said heaven even though he knew the truth that vij was going to rot in hell. But right now, making his daughter understand was far important than any truth.

Khushi looked him not believing, “yes my baby, you freed him, and see incase you think you did any crime then why isn’t there any police out there to arrest you?” said Shashi indicating the doors and there was no one accept Arnav.

Arnav!

ARNAV

Is he all right? Is he hurt?! Thought Khushi and became restless, she quickly went near him and touched his chest, where vij pointed his gun once. Arnav saw her and was shocked to see her bold approach. But then she soon came to her senses and asked politely; “are you hurt, Arnavji?” her voice was so soft and caring that the love was dripping down every word she spoke.

“No, you are. Please rest, Khushi.” Arnav said.

“Baby, come and rest. I was talking something really very important.” Said Shashi as he approached her and took her shoulder in his hands and made her lie on the bed.

“What is it bauji!?” the care in her voice scared Shashi for a minute, will he ever be able to ask her what he was going to ask now?! But instead he made himself strong and asked, “beta, you need to provide the last rituals to your father.”

Hearing this her head shot up and she looked at him. And nodded a no furiously.

“No bauji! He was not my father!” said Khushi disgusted at his name.

“Khushi, do not say like that, no matter how he was, he was still related to you, and this last right of him, cannot be denied, not even by nature.” Shashi made her understand.

“But he just married my mom for money! You told me! And now you want me to fulfill his rights! Why bauji?” Khushi asked helpless.

“Baby there are some duties from which you cannot run away, not even when the duties do not matter to you anymore.” Shashi looked at her and she looked half convinced. “Baby do it for me. I would feel like a proud father of you and a responsible friend of him, if YOU fulfill this wish of mine. Will you do it?” asked Shashi looking at her face.

“Bauji!” she quickly hugged Shashi and said near his ear, “I can do anything for you bauji, and you do not need to request me. If you want me to do it, its just for you and my mom, who loved him so dearly.” Khushi said and Shashi kissed her forehead telling that he was proud of her.

—

Soon both the bodies were claimed and the police gave them back after the last formalities were done. Arnav and Khushi performed the whole rituals. And the bodies were cremated with full honor and respect.

—

After few days.

Khushi and the gupta’s were back from RM and now finally everything was going good. Khushi and Anji resumed their colleges and Payal too decided to stay back and dropped the idea to go Sydney for studies and stayed with Khushi.

After that sudden outburst of Khushi when she thought Arnav was hurt and she went to him, created a doubt in everyone’s mind but it created a hole in someone’s heart, Udayveer. He was totally heart broken. He couldn’t believe that the Khushi he loved and waited for these years, was now finally in love but not with him, with Arnav.

Soon everyone was aware of the invisible sparks between the two and the sparks burned down uv’s heart. But somewhere he was happy. Finally happiness was trying to come in her life, may be in the form of Arnav. But then whom was he kidding! It hurted like hell!

The hardest thing bear is to see the person you love, love someone else.

Now uv understood how deep this quote was, how much it hurted to finally understand the true meaning of it. It was like he has divided his heart into two pieces: one, which still loved her, and second, which was happy for its best friend.

And now, he will do what he wanted to do. He will ask Khushi! What does she want, rather WHOM does she wants. He will ask her, her choice. And Khushi will be free to choose any body. Either him, or Arnav.

—

Uv tried to hide his disappointment to the fullest when he first came to know about Arnav and Khushi. He behaved normally and used to hang out with her the same way but now the twinkle was gone. The twinkling of air when they meet, the twinkling sound of birds and their surroundings. The twinkling effect of her on him was lost.

Khushi noticed this too but she was still recovering from the sudden changes in her life that she couldn’t do anything with it. She talked to Arnav about it too but Arnav changed the topic every time. It was uv’s right to talk to her about the things going wrong, not his. And it was the thing between best friends. And no matter what he cannot step in between them, or has he already? Has he already stepped in between them??? This thought often made him restless. But he was not sure why was uv not talking to Khushi? What was he waiting for?

But Arnav cant understand, how hard it is to ask the question which you already know the answer to and you know hearing the same answer again, can break you in uncountable pieces and you will never be able to cope up ever again. Uv knew Khushi’s choice cos he himself would have chose her over everything! Every damn thing in his life was lifeless without her, and held no meaning to it. But now, he cannot hang in between this love and friendship, he has to take a decision, and decision was up to her. Coz no matter what, he will be happy in any decision, if she was happy with it.

—

Khushi returned home from her college. There were several tests lined up this month and she did very well! She didn’t expect to do so well but she scored an ‘A’ in every subject! She was way more than happy. Her exams went well. And now only happiness!! No exams till 3 months!! She was free.

But little did she know that a whole new examination was waiting for her. This exam had only one question and she had unlimited time to answer it. But still it was the hardest thing possible.

She came home and put her bag down and looked over her phone, it had a message from uv.

Meet me at my hotel’s terrace, 9 pm.

Udayveer.

Strange! Thought Khushi, not for the message but for the name uv wrote at the last. He never wrote his full name! He just used to write uv or leave it just like that, without a name, but today it felt strange!

She got ready and went to his hotel.

Again, his manager received her. He escorted her to the terrace and told her to wait for uv as he will be here any moment.

Khushi turned around and watched the view from his hotel. It was so serene, so peaceful. But her heart! Her heart was on constant race from the time she received his message. There was certain uneasiness. The usual warm wind that used caress her hands were now cold and hurting, as if it was angry on her too. The wind was on its peak when someone entered. Her hair flew away and she held them in place and turned.

It was Arnav.

What is he doing here? Thought Khushi again and went to him.

“Hi.” Khushi said and blushed as she did every time she saw him.

“Hi.” Said Arnav but this time his hi was a little softer than it used to be.

Just then uv arrived. Everyone exchanged looks; there was never this uneasiness! But today they all felt like strangers to each other’s. As if they don’t actually know any one present and moreover they don’t know themselves.

Uv came and smiled to her, but it was evident that it was a forced smile and he was hiding something behind it. Khushi looked at him and knew that a big blow was waiting for her.

Uv sighed and took a large breath, “Khushi,” he started and looked at her, “you know I am not good at going round and round and then putting my point.” He sighed again, “I am in love with you.” Uv said ever so gently, so purely that his heart was pained with the purity of his own feelings.

Khushi gasped in the cold air. Even though she had an idea of UV’s feelings but not the kind of love, love. She expected just a friendly love. She looked at him and knew he was not joking around as he used to do. Her whole life in which she spent many special moments with uv came in front of her like a film, his care when she fell for the first time, his laugh when she stepped in a puddle, his anger when someone teased her, his mischievous eyes when he was about to do something stupid, his concern when she was hurt, his love when she was sad, everything! And then she saw Arnav. She was sure in the back of her mind that he would be furious! But what she saw, shocked her the second time in the night; he was holding a look of an apology. As if he was apologizing! Apologizing to put her through this difficult time of her life and apologizing to ever make her choose between him and Uday. Cos he truly knew, how difficult it was for her right now.

Then Khushi heard uv say, “Khushi, I am in love with you, and there is no restriction or compulsion on you to be in love with me too. I know you are in love with someone else. I can see that in your eyes.” He said looking at her eyes and Khushi could not do any thing but to look down, “but this damn heart!” he said softly pointing towards his heart, “this heart wants to hear it from you.” His eyes welled up and he looked at her eyes again. “Khushi, you are the most beautiful person I have ever met! You have a beautiful face, beautiful heart, beautiful personality and everything about you is beautiful. And that is why I couldn’t help myself falling in love with you.” The tears became more powerful and uv blinked twice to make them stop from falling, “Khushi I hate myself for doing this to you but you have to decide. Not between me and Arnav. Coz I know it will be so hard to not have you in my life. and I wont be able to go away from you. You just have to choose between mine and Arnav’s love. And I promise, your decision won’t harm our friendship. We are and will be friends forever, even if you reject my love, I will always be your friend, your uv.” Khushi looked at him and saw the sincerity in his voice and she knew he was strong enough to not anything change in between them even if she didn’t choose him. “Whenever you need me, I am still a phone call away, just a phone call away.” the last word sounded the scariest from his mouth, as if telling her that he is no more hers, she is no more his. She is scared even when she didn’t make any decision! What will happen when she did!!

Seeing her pale face uv continued, “And don’t be scared Khushi, The whole person should not be punished for the crimes committed by the heart. I wont hate you for your decision if it is not in my favor. Just think wisely and answer me when you are ready, till then, I’ll wait.” Saying so he hugged her tightly, like he always did but he knew many things have changed, just in matter of few minutes, many things, or many persons were already changed.

He broke the hug and kissed her forehead lovingly and turned to leave. As he turned he saw Arnav standing with tears in his eyes too, “I am sorry, but thats all I ever wanted to say.” Arnav too felt his heartfelt apology and smiled weakly at him and then, UV left without any other word.

Arnav knew, If uv wanted, he would have proposed Khushi when they were alone and would have blackmailed her too to give in to his love as he took care of her since she was 5 and now that he wanted her, he could have done anything to please her or compelled her to agree, but he did not do any of that! And that raised uv in Arnav’s eyes to no bounds. He now really really respected him and somewhere his heart said that Khushi should choose uv, coz he was way more than deserving than he was. Yes he wouldn’t mind for a sec if Khushi chose uv over him, coz uv really did everything he could ever do for her and was much more of a good person than he himself was.

Arnav’s love was selfish at the start as he was attracted to her body but uv’s love, his love was pure. And that’s where Arnav feared. He knew Khushi would definitely think of uv’s happiness too and if she didn’t, then she wont be a good human being he thought she was. If she was so selfish herself to choose Arnav and break uv’s heart, she will be a fool!

First time in his life he was seeing this! His life has become so much like a TV show drama. But in the TV they are all selfish loves, here it was selfless.

Both uv and Arnav were praying to the one above to make Khushi understand everything and take a decision wisely. And for the first time in any story, the love triangle was not the love triangle way. Both boys were caring about the other’s feelings and were respecting it too, where in any other story they would be fighting to win, here both were ready and happy to loose for the happiness of the one they loved, Khushi.

Whereas Khushi was torn in between UV and Arnav. The first one was the backbone of her life and the other one was her heart. If she looses her backbone, she will be paralyzed forever and if she looses her heart, she wont be able to live. Her heart too was not able to make the decision. In one place there was uv and his unconditional love and support, on the other hand there was Arnav, the man who gave meaning to love in her life.

Who will she choose??

—

Khushi came back home as Arnav dropped her. He didn’t disturb her by saying anything, as he knew she was in deep thought.

Khushi as if in automatic mode, got down the car and slowly walked towards her house.  Arnav sighed and drove towards his home.

Khushi got into the house and went to her room. She took out her cloths and took a long hot bath. It soothed her body but her heart was not at peace. It was not easy but she was compelled to take a decision. It was a very well known fact that if a woman is given a choice between her two favorite things, to choose one amongst them, she would try and manipulate to keep both. But here the situation is different. She cant keep both uv and Arnav in her heart as lovers. One has to be forgotten in order to be loyal and truthful to the other one. And uv and Arnav knew, that whoever the person she chooses would be the luckiest.

Some days passed and Khushi was confused as hell. It was like somebody has asked her to choose between her soul and her life. Maybe her heart was confused, but her mind was adamant. Her mind took decision immediately when uv asked the question, the answer was Arnav. Her mind was screaming Arnav Arnav Arnav but her heart! Her heart couldn’t accept the fact of breaking uv’s heart so mercilessly.

Khushi knew she loved Arnav and only he can live in her heart, so choosing uv would be ruining his life too. But to disclose the fact that she is choosing Arnav over him and that too without hurting him was impossible. And to hurt the person who saved her from every injury since childhood was like killing herself. She knew she would be guilty no matter who she chooses. All she would ever get was guilt, of breaking a heart.

Whenever Khushi was in a problem, or in confusion, uv used to be the one to remove it and give her all the answers. And now she was in the biggest confusion of her life, maybe this time too he would help her. Hoping so, Khushi went to his house. She knocked on the door; the head maid opened and smiled seeing her. The maid quickly without any other word went away inside the house to inform about Khushi’s arrival.

“SIR! Sir, Khushi came.” The head maid went to giriraj’s (uv’s dad) room and informed.

Giriraj, who was reading a newspaper saw at her and smiled sadly. The maid who was working for more than 20 years smiled sadly too. She nodded in a yes and Giriraj got up and opened his cupboard, took out a white envelope and a box.

Khushi sat in the living room, it was not as if she never visited his house but today, today it had an emptiness in it. The house didn’t look so lively as it always was. The walls that looked like they spoke to her whenever she came now looked silent. The room in which she currently sat used to make her want to dance but today it was lifeless.

Before she could think any further, Giriraj came to her and smiled but his smile too was not as colorful as it was before. Khushi sensed he knew about her dilemma. But still he smiled at her and handed over the big box and the envelope to her. Khushi looked at him surprised but all he could do was keep an understanding hand on her head and move away, leaving her alone for sometime.

Khushi looked at the things in her hand. She kept the box on the nearby table and opened the envelope expecting a letter. And yes it was a letter. A letter by Udayveer.

My dear loving Khushi,

You have made a right choice; Arnav is the right choice for you. (Her eyes widened). I knew your answer as soon as I asked you my question. I saw love in your eyes, but not for me, for Arnav. And I even saw Arnav’s eyes, he was ready to sacrifice his love for me and you too were confused just because you didn’t wanted to hurt me. But silly girl, don’t you know how much hurt I would be if I saw you unhappy, with me! I know you love me, but not as your lover, as your friend, and believe me, it will take time for me but I will come in terms to it. Its just that I was waiting for you from years and finally letting you go will be a hard task for me. So I am going to some place where I can pick up the broken pieces of myself and return back with a BANG! Haha! Yeah, I am not gone from your life forever! I am going to return!

Khushi I read it somewhere that if you are confused between 2 people you love then choose the second one, coz if you really loved the first, you wouldn’t have fallen for the second. I am glad I was your first love! 😉   But yeah, I am sad for Arnav too. Now he is going to tolerate you rest of his life. Poor soul. Dint even knows what is coming his way! 😀

Khushi you deserve every happiness in the world, and if I am the one coming in between you and your happiness, I would be more than happy in going away from you.

The confusion I saw in your eyes that night, was not because you were thinking who to choose, but how to tell me that you cant choose me. And I totally understand it. I too have loved you from the bottom of my heart and would never wish you to be heart broken.

Khushi don’t blame yourself for anything. It was my decision to go away from you so that you can start your life afresh, and I promise to come back once I have dealt with my heart. My happiness lies in yours, so never be sad, keep smiling and keep remembering me.

Go Khushi, I set you free. Free from the guilt of breaking my heart. Free from my love. Live your life Khushi, a life free of sadness. You deserve everything in the world, and if I will ever be able to do anything for you, I will do it. And as I promised, nothing will change between us. I was, I am and I WILL be your best friend, no matter what. So please Khushi do not sulk down thinking of me. Remember, I will return back. I will come back to you when I am ready. Enjoy and wait for me till then.

Remember one more thing, I love you and will always love you. Do not blame yourself.

Yours and ONLY yours,

UV.

Khushi had tears streaming down her face. Some tears spilled on the letter and Khushi wiped them away, hugging the letter. Once again, uv solved her problem and took her out of her confusion. She then looked at the box. What’s in it? She thought and opened it.

To say Khushi was shocked, wasn’t enough. She was happy, guilty, sad, surprised, every emotion reflected in her eyes. The box was filled with innumerous pictures of her childhood. The pictures were arranged in the order of her age and the box was filled with them. When did he take so many pictures? Khushi thought as she took some of them in her hands, and remembered that when uv and she were small he used to carry a toy camera, she didn’t knew it was real, and she used to pose in front of it and uv used to pretend clicking pictures, it was for real?? Khushi saw her and uv’s pictures together and tears made their way again. There were many photos of her, with her sister Payal, with Shashi, with him and with everyone related to her childhood.

It was as if uv returned her whole childhood to her once again. She smiled and cried looking at their pictures.

Giriraj was asked by uv to take a snap of her when she would look at his gift. And Giriraj hiding at the stairs took her snaps and whispered to himself, “have a good life ahead, Khushi. May you get every happiness you desire and deserve.” Saying so Giriraj too returned to his room.

Khushi sat at the living room looking at her pictures and after some time relieving each one, she reached the end of the box and found a small note, by uv again.

This was your childhood with me, I hope you make more memories of your married life too. Get married Khushi, love never waits but Arnav is waiting. So go grab it from both hands. And make a lot of memories with him.

She took everything and ran to Arnav, to tell him that uv left.

—

Arnav was in a meeting when Khushi came in between, his staff was directed to never stop her meeting him, so no one dared to stop her and she reached his cabin.

“Arnav ji!” Khushi said and stopped seeing the people in his cabin. They gave a surprised look to her and Arnav nodded them to leave.

They all nodded in understanding and left the cabin.

Khushi came in front of him and said, “Arnavji do you have any idea what is going on!?” Khushi asked out of breath as she came running towards his room.

“I know.” Said Arnav and those two words gave away everything. Khushi looked at him dumfounded and Arnav took out a similar white envelope she held from his drawer.

Uv’s letter to Arnav.

Dear Arnav,

I know you must be surprised to see this letter but I, I am not surprised to know Khushi’s decision. She will choose you but won’t be able to tell me. I know her from childhood, I know her too well. But that doesn’t matter. What matter is that she loves you. You are very lucky and you are very well aware of that. I am going just to find some solace and to come in terms of the fact that Khushi is JUST my friend. But that doesn’t mean I wont be back! I will be back when she needs me. Arnav, it’s a request to you from my side though I am sure I need not to say it but still, please keep her happy, always. Never break her heart or else I will come back and break your bones! I swear! Well, right now she is confused but I know she will decide soon. So please, never allow any tear to escape her eyes. Keep her happy and be happy with her. I found a very good friend in you. Be like that always.

Your friend 😉

UV

Khushi slumped down hugging the letter to her chest. Arnav saw this and quickly came to her side, sitting on his knees he kept a hand on her shoulders, and Khushi quickly hugged him. Arnav was touched by the honesty of this guy, he was dead honest by his each word and Arnav was proud to call him as his friend too.

“I broke his heart! Arnavji, I broke his heart that is why he left.” Khushi cried but Arnav consoled her.

“Khushi, he said he would be back. He wrote it, didn’t he?” Khushi looked at him not believing.

“Arnavji I am so bad! He loved me since childhood, he took care of me, and I, I broke his heart.” Khushi said and sniffed in the air, Arnav gave her a hanky and held her close. “Don’t worry baby, he will be back and don’t you think like that for yourself. You are not bad, and you can’t even be if you want to. So stop this, okay!” Arnav said a bit sternly coz he knew he had to be strong, for her.

“You really think he will be back?” Khushi said with hope in her eyes.

“Yes! After all, he loves you! And no matter how hard you try, you cant leave the one you love.” Arnav said and Khushi looked at him, mesmerized.

“You, you don’t have any problem with him loving me?” Khushi asked not sure if the question was right enough to ask.

Arnav smiled a bit and said, “I am not surprised by you! I too knew you loved me but you wouldn’t want to break his heart too. I was too confused coz uv’s love was greater than mine. He was there for you when I dint even know you existed somewhere. I owe him a lot, and now I owe him my love too. Coz I know, if HE didn’t back out, you wouldn’t have come to my life. And now I love you soooo sooo much that I cant even explain, I love you for not choosing me instantly, I love you for caring for your childhood friend. I love you for everything! AND I love uv, for giving me the most expensive gift ever- YOU. And I swear I have no problems with uv loving you, coz his love is selfless. He is such a person that nobody can stop loving him. If I was not selfish enough, I would have left before him. But I couldn’t think of my life without you in it. I love you so much that I am okay being selfish.” Arnav said looking down.

“And I love you too.” Khushi said looking down at him, at the man who was so full of himself some days ago but now was a total changed man.

Arnav’s face snapped up as he heard those words for the first time from her. He looked as if thinking if he heard the right thing or it was just his imagination as always.

But then he felt Khushi kneeling and leaning towards him. She snaked her arm around his neck pecked his lips wetting them from her gloss. Arnav gasped and opened his lips as soon as she kissed him.

“I love you, Arnav Singh Raizada!” exclaimed Khushi and pecked his lips once again.

Arnav was shocked to see this bold Khushi. She never initiated a kiss like this. This was just so bold for her. Khushi saw Arnav not responding and looked at his amazed expression. For a second she forgot everything and just leaned again and kissed him fully, his mouth was already open so she slid away her tongue and Arnav closed his eyes in sheer pleasure. He too held her and was lost in her innocent yet bold kiss. Khushi then came on her knees and deepened the kiss with her full will. Arnav too started responding slowly, letting her dominate him for some time. But then Khushi bit him, as he used to do it and he lost his patience and brought her down, making her sit on the floor again and held her nape and pushed her tongue away from his and got his way in the kiss, he sucked on her lower lip and she moaned in bliss. Just then when he was about to stop he felt her hands tighten and he deepened the kiss, soon it took their breaths away and they broke apart. Arnav hugged her and whispered, “I love you so much, Khushi.”

Khushi smiled on his chest and said, “I love you too, Arnavji.”

Her bold confession yet the innocent Arnavji made him feel the luckiest man alive.

—

Everyone was shocked by the news of uv going away leaving them alone, Arnav and Khushi didn’t hide anything from anyone. They called everyone at Arnav’s house, even Giriraj. And broke the news to everybody with a sad face and a heart felt apology. Arnav asked giriraj’s forgiveness, as he was the one due to which his son was suffering.

“Its true that my son is suffering Arnav beta, but it will all pay off if Khushi is happy. I know she cant be happy thinking her best friend is sad,” he kept a hand on her head affectionately, “but he did everything for you, for your happiness, don’t ruin his efforts by being sad dear.” He smiled sadly as he tried to hold on his tears, “I am proud of my son, and so should you be on him. He did what was right, and you do what is your right, to be happy. Here everyone is wishing just for your happiness, you are so important to them. And yes, I know my son, he is very strong, he will cope up soon and will return to you as he was before. Don’t worry.” He said and Khushi hugged him, thanking him for understanding her. Giriraj too patted her back and Arnav too hugged him.

Everyone was in tears to hear that uv left just like that without informing but then they thought it was for his own good. He needed time to collect the broken pieces of his life. And then he promised to return and everyone here knew, uv can break anything but promises. He kept his all promises as his priced possessions.

—

Days passed, or to say flew away like a bird and soon the marriage was fixed. The marriage of Arnav and Khushi. THE MARIAGE OF ARHI!!!

Nani was flying high on the sky by the news of MARRIAGE as Arnav asked her one day to finally fix the wedding date. She quickly called Shashi and the date was fixed. It was 10 days from now on as there was no good mahurat till next year and seeing the eagerness of the groom, they agreed.

—

Khushi was in her room when Arnav entered without even knocking. He saw Khushi lying on her stomach facing the other side and her skirt revealing her long legs and her top was crumpled a little upside too revealing a bit of her waist.

“I didn’t know you wore skirts!” said Arnav startling her.

Khushi scared at his sudden entrance got up and stood on her bed on which she was lying, “Arnavji!” she said and quickly jumped and hid herself behind the curtain, “why didn’t you knock!?” she said a bit angry and embarrassed for sure.

“Do I need the knocking for an entrance in my would-be-wife’s room?” he said and Khushi’s jaw dropped at his ‘would-be-wife’ and she covered her mouth from her hand to keep herself from screaming out loud in excitement. She came out and jumped in his arms, not caring what she wore.

“ohh Arnavji I cant tell you how happy I am!” she said near his neck and Arnav sighed seeing her truly happy for the first time after uv left.

“Anything for you, baby.” said Arnav as he touched her revealing waist and Khushi left him abruptly realizing.

She slapped his shoulder and pretended to be damn angry, “Arnavji! Don’t you know the term knocking!? What if I was naked!”

Arnav chuckled, “I would have enjoyed the view though.” He said shamelessly and somehow Khushi turned red with shyness.

Arnav looked at her happy face and sighed inwardly, finally the color was back on her face. He thought and grabbed her towards himself.

Without any warning or indication, he just attacked her lips; they were cold but soft, moist but a bit rough, and truly magical. It’s been ages he kissed her. He didn’t wanted to bother her from the physical tension after uv left because he knew Khushi was emotionally weak after loosing a big part of her life.

Focusing on the current task in hand, he just kept licking her lips and not deepening it for a while, and this made her curious, he could feel it. She clutched his shirt harder and Arnav roamed his hands on her waist, she gasped inwardly when his hands touched her soft skin underneath her top and she was a bit apprehensive in continuing this, she was still so naïve to understand this sudden desires. But Arnav knew, he was not new to these feelings, he is feeling this since he saw her for the first time. He only knew how he controlled her in those salwaar kameezes and now seeing her in a sexy short skirt, and that too revealing her beauty to his eyes, he lost it. As Khushi had her mouth open due to her gasp, Arnav took the opportunity to suck her lips, and his eager hands roamed at the hidden treasures of her body.

Soon Khushi too lost the battle of thoughts and desires won over sanity, she too gave in and touched his neck encouraging him further. After knowing her response Arnav too turned bolder and his hands touched the lower swell of her breasts. Khushi widened her eyes in realization but Arnav deepened the kiss by his tongue and soon Khushi was under the spell again. Khushi felt the daring thumb of his unknown hand brush against her bosom and the unfaithful traitor aroused to its peak giving her heart a feeling she never had before. Arnav at once opened his eyes to see if she is comfortable with the intimateness and saw her lost in the moment. He left her mouth and placed open-mouthed kisses on her jaw line and below the ears and that too sent the shivers in her body. Khushi moaned as the daring thumb now touched her peak and pinched it slightly above the cloth. Even though she was decently dressed, she awoke these undying desires that raised a flame in both the hearts. And now before the fire takes over the little flame, Arnav knew they should stop. He can stretch the limits, but can’t break them even if he wants. He kissed her on the lips again and removed his hands, covering her up and gave a peck on her forehead. Khushi suddenly feeling shy gave a smile and ran inside her bathroom to hide away the blush.

—

As the time to their wedding was nearing, Khushi was damn excited. She was on top of the world to know she was marrying her prince charming, her knight in shining Armour, her laad governor!! She squealed up and down the house whole day when she came to know the news of her marriage fixed. Payal too was happy for her baby sister and was jumping with her to give her company. God knows when will she get to live these things with her after she is married.

She would miss Khushi’s craziness more than her herself. The way she made fun of her school friends, the way she copied some of her class mates and the way she made faces seeing the raisins in her food and when she accidentally ate one she would just puke it out, her bubbly attitude, her jolly nature in spite of all the sadness, she was going to miss it all.

Payal was the person in extreme loss, she lost her friend uv and now her sister was going away from her too. She felt really sad and alone. She was in her room when Khushi came jumping and turned her sorrow into happiness.

“JIJI!! JIJI!!” squealed Khushi when she saw her lying on the bed.

“Khushi what is it?” asked Payal rubbing off her tears secretly.

“JIJI WE ARE GOING SHOPPING!! Bauji said we can take his credit cards and can shop as much as we want!! Isn’t it great!” Khushi jumped on Payal’s bed as if the happiest person on earth and Payal got teary eyed seeing her so happy.

Payal couldn’t help but just stop her abruptly and hug her tightly wishing her to be like this forever.

“What happened jiji?” asked Khushi looking at a worried Payal.

“Nothing, I was, I was just worried for you.” Said Payal holding on her tears.

“Worried for me? Oh no jiji, worry for bauji! He has given us his credit cards and we can SHOP!!!!” Khushi twirled Payal on her bed and they slumped down with a thud on the bed happily. Payal saw her happy and wished the one above to keep her like this all her life. She had suffered a lot, not anymore.

—

Khushi couldn’t help but write down everything she would need after her marriage. She was so engrossed in making her IMPORTANT list when Payal came in her room all dressed to go and found the girl on her study table writing down something.

“What are you writing down, baby.” came Payal behind her and saw her startled.

“Jiji this is my ‘private’ list! Do not peek in here!” said Khushi like a kid and hiding the matter from her palms.

“ohho, my baby has grown old enough to keep secrets now, is it?” said Payal innocently and was on verge of snatching the paper away from Khushi’s hands.

Khushi sensed her doings and ran across the room, to keep her list private. But Payal was fast enough to grab her and snatch away the list playfully. Khushi pouted but Payal was immune to her innocent acts now. She opened the list and burst out laughing.

MARRIAGE LIST

1. Buy expensive dresses.
2. Buy matching clips and bangles
3. Matching shoes
4. Learn hairstyles
5. Learn to wear a sari
6. Buy new makeup stuff
7. Buy a new suitcase to carry cloths to RM
8. New ear rings!

“What happened jiji?” Khushi looked at Payal seriously as she was laughing her head off at the innocent list of her baby sister.

“khu-Khushi! Are- you-” Payal couldn’t speak as she was laughing so hard. This girl had no idea about what to buy for the marriage. “Matching clips, ear rings! Khushi. Are you serious!” asked Payal still laughing.

“Jiji you know Na, Arnavji is so rich! Even Anjali wears matching clips and earrings! I don’t want to look like a clown wearing all rainbow colors. And Arnav ji loves blue! I will buy many clips in blue color. Wow!” Khushi replied seriously and innocently but squealed again.

Hearing so Payal again burst out laughing but then looked at Khushi’s hurt face and controlled herself. She started explaining, “Khushi, baby, you don’t buy clips for your wedding. You buy linge- ” Payal was about to teach this girl about some basic aspects of the wedding and what happened after that, But thought otherwise, it would be good if Arnav tells her, it will be a good scene. Payal had devils horns highlighting on her head dramatically and Khushi looked at her face.

“Khushi, OH I FORGOT!” Payal slap her head, “I had to go to Anjali and make a new assignment! You go shopping with Arnavji.” Payal suggested and Khushi looked displeased.

“Jiji he will bully me all over and would take me to expensive places in don’t even know!” Khushi’s happiness died and Payal got an idea.

“Khushi, you wanted to buy Arnav’s favorite colored hair clips, so go with him! It’s your and his wedding! He is also getting married, there would be things you can help him in and get his help in yours! What say? That way you can buy everything of HIS taste, the way HE likes! Isn’t it a good idea?” Payal said and Khushi thought for a second and agreed.

“I will call him!” said Khushi excitedly and took her phone in her hands.

Khushi dialed his number and it rang but no one picked. Khushi called him a few times but he didn’t pick it up!!! She was now angry. She huffed and went out of the house in anger.

Payal saw this and mumbled, “god save Arnav! Poor soul.”

—

*warning* MATURE CONTENT AHEAD!! PROCEDD ONLY IF YOU’RE 18+!!

“He ignored my calls!! His would-be-wife’s call!! I am not going to leave him!! What does he think of himself! Am I some kind of free for him!! No! I am not free either! But what does he mean by not picking up my calls! I am so angry I will tell him!!” Khushi blabbered to herself and entered AR designs. Everyone greeted her and she made happy faces to them and greeted back. Soon Arnav’s cabin came and she knocked as she saw some men sitting.

*knock knock*

“Come in.” came Arnav’s stern reply. Without seeing whom it was he said, “Suzan, how many times do I have to tell you not to disturb me in a meeting! Ignore the calls and do NOT DISTURB ME -” he turned and looked a red in anger Khushi.

He ignored my calls! She thought and came in to him.

Arnav knew she was angry at something and excused himself. The other people left and our arhi were now alone. His cabin was same as the office in the show, except that the glass walls were covered with curtains to maintain his privacy.

“Why didn’t you pick my calls!!!!” asked Khushi extremely angry and Arnav was taken aback for a while.

“I dint see them.” Said Arnav not sure what to say.

“YOU DINT EVEN SEE MY CALLS!!!!!” this angered Khushi even more. At least he could have acknowledged my calls and made a mental note to call me back. Her heart accused and she charged towards him.

“Khushi, I was in an important meeting so ignored taking calls in between.” Reasoned Arnav to calm her down.

“We are not even married and you started ignoring me!!” Khushi accused.

“I was busy in a meeting!” Arnav defended.

“Well if your meeting is so important, go get married to it! I am not marrying you!” Khushi said and turned away.

Arnav suddenly angry with her pulled her in a corner and pinned her to the wall. Khushi, seeing the dark side return got a bit scared. She looked at him and his eyes looked predatory again. Arnav noticed her soft and pink lips and stared at them. Khushi knew what he was thinking and got a bit uncomfortable. She was angry and his intense eyes were melting her. Arnav looked at her eyes and saw her angry looks getting prominent. Khushi tried getting away but Arnav tightened his embrace and pulled her closer. Khushi licked her lips in embarrassment and this gesture of hers made him go insane. He quickly attacked her wet lips and savored them. Khushi felt his magical lips on hers and the intensity kept on increasing.

Arnav bit and deepened the kiss whereas Khushi tried matching his pace and tried responding. But Arnav was not kissing her passionately; he was rather punishing her for even thinking to not to marry him. He wanted to claim her there and then, so that she does not even think of going away from him. He was totally angry and the rage ran in his veins like blood and he wanted to just be the one for her. He held her hands above her head from his left hand and with his right one he brought her face closer to his, taking her lips inside his mouth and sucking them. Khushi was frightened by this act and shivered as he bit her mercilessly. She felt weak in the knees and they bent on their own accord as if they became jelly and Arnav quickly held her up, leaving her hands. He held her waist and brought her lower body closer to his. She could feel the bulge of his hardness on the lower stomach of hers and gasped in shock. Arnav slid in his tongue and she tried backing away but he was too strong. He held her to himself, picked her up a little and made her stand on his feet so that she feels what he wants on the right place. Khushi was again terrified to see this and opened her eyes and tried pushing him but nope, no help. Arnav put her face in place so that he gets maximum access and Khushi sighed, letting him do what he wants, coz if she doesn’t, this punishment would not end, ever.

Khushi was numb with fear as she felt his hand go inside her salwaar; he pulled her salwaar down a bit and touched her bare butts inside her panty. She again tried pushing him but his hands held her tighter and she held his shoulders for support coz her legs refused to hold her anymore. Arnav misunderstood her body language. Taking her hug as her green signal he proceeded touching her further. He took out his hands and trailed a finger on the outlines of her thigh and Khushi kept swallowing air as the atmosphere changed from hot to cold for her. Even though she felt cold, she was sweating heavily. Taking her raged breath as an outcome of her pleasure he dared and touched her sensitive part above the soft fabric of her panty and felt her aroused and warm. He couldn’t believe he had that effect on her, he touched the wet area of her panty and pushed it away from his thumb and touched her core. She was all hot inside. Khushi felt his cold fingers and her eyes widened in shock, no one ever touched her there, and she was now horrified to what will happen next. She clutched his shoulders tightly and bit her scream inside her mouth as she felt him rubbing her there. She never felt this kind of thing, whatever it was, it was so nice but he was so rough, it pained too.

“Arnavji, no, don’t-” before she could complete he used his index finger and entered her a bit, not fully just the tip of his finger went inside and she tried screaming but no voice came, “ahh!” only air came out of her mouth and she felt bliss but a terrified one. She didn’t know even if it was okay for a guy to touch her there but it was Arnav, he wasn’t paying attention to what she was feeling. Her raged breath became wild as he rubbed her nub and she couldn’t even go away as he held her tightly by the other. Arnav left her mouth and kissed her neck like a starved man and Khushi tried stopping him.

“Arnavji, I – I don’t-” she tried to make him understand but his fingers created havoc in her senses and she was drowning into it. She leaned away on the wall and tried catching her breath; if she didn’t breath nicely she would probably die. But even if she breathed she would die by the feelings he was arising in her. His thumb caressed her fully, exploring her hidden territory and she breathed a sigh of relief as he stopped his torture a bit but again he started rubbing her roughly with his thumb and she nearly died with the pain, as he was so wild.

“ahhh!! No! aah!” she again tried to speak but his lips found hers and stopped her from saying anything.

Khushi closed her eyes as she felt lightening jolt inside her and she came on his hand. She didn’t knew what happened, she just felt hot on her private part, which she never felt but Arnav was NOT satisfied, he kept his assault going on and Khushi went a little subconscious by the pleasure, yes it pained a bit but the pleasure she felt was boundless. He kept on rubbing her core and she was ready to come again. He felt her insides tightening and he increased his pace, he kissed her madly and her scream died inside his mouth as she came with a roar! Tears escaped her eyes like a waterfall and She tried holding on to him more, if it was possible and Arnav felt her insides tighten more. He left her mouth and opened his eyes to see her flushed face. She held him tightly and breathed heavily as if swallowing air to store it inside. He took his hand out and placed a peck on her already swollen lips. Arnav held her close to his heart and she held on to him like holding her life to herself and Arnav soothed her back till her aftershocks died and she stopped shivering. He took out his coat and made her wear it, she was shivering badly. He took her face in his hands and hugged her small form to himself.

After sometime she stopped shivering and her sobs subsided. She looked at Arnav and he looked at her.

“Arnavji, why? Why did you – punish me like this?” asked Khushi looking at his dark eyes.

“I thought you wanted it, that is why you hugged me. Dint you feel the pleasure of it coming?” asked Arnav genuinely confused.

“You- you were so rough, it pained a lot.” Khushi complained and Arnav looked at her smiling.

If she thought this pained! What will she feel when I actually enter her?  Thought Arnav and smirked at her and she looked confused.

—

Arhi at the mall.

“Arnavji how do you know I was about to ask you to take me shopping?” Khushi asked as she saw him stopping the car in front of the most exclusive mall.

“I know you, Khushi.” said Arnav and Khushi felt a proud rush went through her heart.

Soon Arnav held her hand and took in, in the mall. There was a whole floor booked for them. The floor was exclusively for the shopping for marriages. It had everything, the ladies section and men’s wear and many more shops in which she would like to shop. The whole floor belonged to the two of them today. Arnav didn’t want to have media following them everywhere and spoiling their marriage shopping. And it irritated him the most when the media people clicked Khushi’s pictures, coz somewhere it made her conscious of herself. She was a normal girl, and he loved her like that.

When they got into the mall the media was waiting for them like hungry tigers. Arnav held Khushi close and his bodyguards came and surrounded them like shadows.

“mr Raizada! When are you getting married?!” asked a reporter who tried hard to push through the guards.

“Mr. Raizada, is it true that you are here to shop for your marriage!?” asked a man from behind.

“Is it true that it’s not an arranged marriage!?”

“Mr. Raizada!”

The voices echoed and cameras flashed unlimitedly and Khushi was shocked to see them. They were almost hovering over them!

Arnav held her sideways from the shoulders and brought her close.

Soon they were on escalator and the guards guarded it so that no media person steps on it. When they got on their floor there were not even a single person. It was just them. Khushi sighed and looked around. They were still clicking pictures and shouting like teenagers. Arnav smiled fakely to them and went on. He quickly dialed aman’s number.

“aman! What the hell! Who leaked the news to the media that I am coming here with Khushi! They are all over the place!” Arnav said but then looked at Khushi who was already nervous seeing the media and now his foul mood would kill the moment. So he dropped the call and smiled at her. she too smiled a bit and Arnav assured.

“Don’t worry they wont be coming here. The floor is booked for just two of us. Don’t worry. They wont come.” Arnav said and she nodded. They went to a shop that said “Bridals” and there were a lot of eye-catching dresses soon Khushi went through all of them and chose a simple lehenga for her haldi and sangeet ceremony. As she knew her wedding dress would be designed by the great ASR! He told her before also that he was going to design the main dress for her and it will be the best piece ever!

They shopped for many things when she saw a shop of new salwaar kameezes and accessories she would need.

She happily went inside and asked Arnav if he would like to see her in the salwaar kameez or sarees after they are married.

“Khushi you can wear anything!” asked Arnav as he really dint care what she wears, as long as he was there to take it off.

He smirked at his own thought again and saw Khushi happily picking up some dresses.

—

Anji and Payal came to the mall and saw the media people.

“ohh no! Media! Again! Bhai will be so angry!” said Anji and covered her face with a scarf and wore her sunglasses, so no one spots her. Payal too did the same and they tried getting into the escalator. But the guards forbade her to go.

“Sorry mam, the floor is booked for Mr. And Mrs. Raizada only!” said the guard and Anji sighed, they weren’t going to let them go.

“Listen you don’t know, we are! We are-” Anji tried to indicate the guard to recognize her but he didn’t.

“Whoever you are miss, you can’t go out there.” said the guard sternly.

“Listen shenoy! It’s me! Anji!” said Anji in his ears and showing him her face through the glasses, he looked at her horrified. If Arnav knew he stopped his sister, he will be dead meat!

“Okay okay Mam, go in. ” he let the girls go in and the media people made a fuss.

“Hey! Who’s that girl going upstairs!” “Why has she the rights to go!?” asked the reporters and the guards yelled.

“Its Anjali Singh Raizada!” said the guard who let them in and the media people calmed down, they knew a bad word against Anjali and Arnav would shut down the channel. So they just stopped bickering. Soon the security was called and all the media people were out.

Anjali saw here and there and found no one. Soon they looked up a commotion in a shop and Payal said, “She is there.” and they stealthily followed.

“I cant imagine bhai being with her all his life, he will be lucky and mad as hell!” said Anji as she saw Khushi roaming around for different hair clips and hair accessories while Arnav looked bored. Khushi happily showed him each one and he nodded a yes.

The old shop owner looked at Khushi and then at Arnav, “I can understand what you are thinking.” Said Arnav and looked at the overly happy Khushi as she got her hair accessories matched to the dresses she bought.

Khushi was still a child at heart; god knows how will she react when he asks her to buy a lingerie!! “She will be disastrous!” said Arnav’s mind and he kept a side the thought.

Once she was done, she came to him and said, “Arnavji we bought everything! Lets go!” said Khushi happily and Arnav held her hand.

“One thing is left.” He said smirking and took her to the shop.

Khushi was flabbergasted at seeing the indecent dresses that were hung up and down the wall of the shop. He wanted her to buy these with her?!

“Arnavji no- no-” she tried to speak but Arnav dragged her in. Anji and Payal smirked as they saw Arnav dragging her like that, poor girl Khushi.

“Show us something for her.” said Arnav and the sales lady smiled.

“May I know the size.” She asked politely but Khushi just fidgeted through her dupatta.

“Its 28C” said Arnav looking at her and Khushi gasped.

The saleslady went away and Khushi looked at him shocked, looking her face Arnav said, “what!? I am a designer Khushi! I can tell what size a girl is even just by looking!”

Khushi closed her mouth and looked at him suspiciously. She came close to him as if trying to intimidate him; “don’t even look at any other girl then!” said Khushi and Arnav nodded looking her new avatar. When she turned around he smiled at her little try to intimidate him and thanked the one above to send her in his life.

“Here.” The lady said to get their attention and Khushi gasped at the designs she bought. They were all so nice. But how can she say that to Arnav, even thought they were getting married, some things were personal!

Arnav looked at her and said to the lady, “pack all.”

Khushi looked at him and he said, “I know you.” Again! Her heart swelled up in proud but then she blushed crimson red. Anji and Payal looked at them from behind a poll and giggled.

“But what if- what if it does- not fit.” Khushi asked not sure to ask but then she did.

“They will. I am sure.” He said and here she goes again, she was red with shyness and Arnav wanted to kiss her then and there.

He quickly finished the shopping and took her outside. Anji and Payal slipped behind the pillar again and watched them go. It was unexpected to see them go so abruptly.

Arnav quickly came to his car and drove off. He drove and drove, Khushi looked at him confused and he stopped the car as he parked it in the garage of RM.

“Arnavji, what-” before she could say he pinned her to the wall and kissed her.

her lips were hot and when he touched them with his, they went on fire. Khushi gasped at the urgent touches of his hands and he slid his tongue in. Khushi closed her eyes enjoying too, now she was used to his aggressiveness. As abruptly the kiss started, it ended too.

“I cant wait to see you in these!” said Arnav indicating towards the last thing they bought and Khushi blushed again. he again lost his heart to her and said, “Khushi stop doing it!” he said and Khushi looked at him confused.

“What am I doing?” asked Khushi.

“Stop blushing at the slightest of comments! I am – I am – .” Arnav couldn’t explain what he felt at that moment, she was here! Just in front of her and he cant love her the way he wants!

Khushi understood what he was trying to say and the deep color reached her cheeks again.

“Enough! We are getting married ASAP!” he said as he took her hand and went inside RM.

—

Marriage date was fixed as soon as Arnav told everyone that he wants to get married soooonnnn. Seeing his hurry nani smiled and nodded.

—

Marriage day!!

Arnav was ready to go to bring in his bride and everyone were just in compliments for him, he was looking that awesome. Each and every lady looked at him in awe and wished that he would have married their daughter!! Khushi was a hell of a lucky girl! She was going to be MRS. ASR!!

Arnav along with the baraat reached Khushi’s place and the whole baraat was received with a grand welcome. The gupta’s thanked the gods for sending Arnav down for their daughter. Finally all the worries have ended and now it was her turn to get her happiness.

All the pre-marriage rituals were performed but Arnav was getting impatient to see his wife! Why was she taking so long! He impatiently looked at the stairs, by which se would be coming down in few minutes.

He looked at the pundit in front of him doing things and arranging the items as per their requirements. He again looked at the stairs but no one came.

“Bhai, relax!” said Anji teasing him and he gave a look to her and she giggled.

—

“Bride’s here!” said someone and after ages Arnav got to see her.

to say she was beautiful, was not right, coz she was breathtaking! Various gasps were heard from the corners of the room and Arnav was in total awe. The male guests were just spell bounded by her beauty. She was wearing a simple red color lehenga with golden zari and stone works. Arnav knew didn’t like much fancy stuff so he kept it simple. And the top covered her belly till her waist; after all it was only for his eyes to see!

The way her dress swayed when she climbed down the stairs was a sight to see, her grace was out of this world. If he was looking awesome, she was no less either, If he was THE Arnav Singh Raizada, she was too THE Khushi Kumari Gupta!

His heart skipped a beat when she came and sat besides him on the mandap and Arnav was just staring at her.

“Khushi- you- you are looking- beautiful.” He said as if in a trance and Khushi blushed. “Save it for the night, MRS. ASR.” Said Arnav to her ear and she went deep red!

Soon the pundit cleared his throat and bought them out of their world and started chanting the mantras. He did something something with the things in front of them and Arnav was getting highly annoyed. “God! What is he doing!?” thought Arnav to himself. “why cant we just take the pheras, then sindoor and shadi over! urgh!” Arnav sat on the mandap and after few minutes the pundit asked him to stand up.

They stood up on the mandap and the pundit recited the mantras while they took the seven pheras of the holy fire. In these pheras Arnav promised to protect and love her till his last breath and till forever. Khushi too promised the same and they came to a halt.

The pundit passed them a small box, the red sindoor, Arnav took some and filled her empty forehead with the holy powder, making her as his, forever.

Everyone smiled and poured them with lots of rose petals on their heads, blessing them to be happy always. But there was a person, who stood in front of them, without being noticed. He came forward and Khushi looked at him and her jaw fell off, “udayveer!” she said and smiled at him. He too smiled seeing her dressed as a bride and Arnav saw him too. Uday nodded to him telling him that he is fine and he is back. And Arnav too looked at him thankfully.

When dreams become nightmares, finally became, when dreams become REALITY!!

THE END!

—