YOU BELONG WITH ME! CHAPTER-17

As those disturbing sun-rays fell on his face, Arnav stretched out his body after letting out an irritating grunt and rubbed his nose in soft pillow. Though his throbbing head made it extremely tough for opening eyes but his olfactory organ instantly registered an unfamiliar but sweetest scent on this earth. His sleepy mind filled with pleasure at once. He tried hard to figure out whether that was jasmine or lavender or anything which could heal the pain in the body, mind and soul. Still closing his eyes, like a child he smiled upon his own failure. Suddenly, he stretched out his hands and began to pat on the bed; looking for the source. As the sharp pain shot up in his wounded shoulder, he jumped out from his sleep and tried to douse that pain. Then caging his head with his palms he battled with headache aroused due to hangover.

Khushi!

He whispered her name; as if doing a morning prayer.

Automatically his mind registered who was the actual source of that awesome healing scent and tried to remember previous night.

He saw her crying….She was in his arms…..He kissed her….She responded….Their forehead touched…breathes were heavy….. She shivered in light breeze…He cried out in pain at his shoulder.… She rubbed and massaged around the wounded place…..They decided to leave….He stumbled to reach his room…..She held him and helped……They were in his room…She helped him to lie down….She turned to leave….He tucked her wrist….She fell on him…He rolled and pinned her under him… Her eyes trickled…. Fear or desire?….She whispered in incoherent language…. He nodded in negative….He bent to kiss her…She turned her head and his lips landed at the crook of her neck…..Again she whispered….But he began to kiss her….She lifted up his head and said something…..Then looking into his eyes, eventually she gave in…..Gradually her soft form went fused with his broad built…….. Then everything went black.

Arnav cried out in desperation yet couldn’t remember the sequence after. Immediately he checked himself and found himself only wearing a grey pant. Obviously his state couldn’t satisfy his own anxiety. His throat dried in fear.

Did he force her last night? He was drunk and she was in vulnerable state. Where is she? He needed to talk to her. NOW! He cursed himself and get out of the bed. Adding his dismay as soon as his feet touched the ground, it landed on a metallic thing. He picked up the metal; it was one of her anklets. Arnav thought of committing suicide. He was sure that he did grave mistake at previous night. Without wasting any second he picked up his phone and called her. It declared unreachable. He rushed out and directly went to Anjali’s room. As he knocked, Anjali opened the door and received the shock of the millennium. Completely in dishelved state, Arnav Singh Raizada was standing at the door, that too at around 8 in the morning. Before she could tease him, he asked in no nonsense voice,

Where is Khushi?

What? Are you gone mad? At this hour, ruining my sleep, you came to ask about her. Go to hell.

This is not funny. Where is she? Arnav raised his voice and that was enough wiping out Anjali’s sleep.

What happened bhai?

Where is she?

She…Khushi went to temple with Ma. Is there any problem?

Without answering her Arnav turned and left. Anjali stared at his retreating back and uttered angrily,

‘Psycho’…

She shut her door with a bang as if wanted to make it audible to Arnav.

——————-

Arti smiled looking at the caller ID and answered,

Arnav!

Where is Khushi?

What?

Where is she? Give this phone to her.

Arnav, don’t forget I am your mother. You can’t order me. I need explanation. Why do you need her? I can’t let you shout at her.

Ma, don’t start your drama.

What? I am doing drama. Is this your thoughts about me? Your mother?

Ahhhhhh….Arnav groaned in expiration and toned down a bit.

Ma, Please. I need to talk to her. It’s urgent. I…. We… I mean…Ummmm..

I am not a language expert my boy. Please complete your sentence. I am on my way to RM. And for your information, she is not with me. I just dropped her at her home. Tell me, why do you need her?

But Arti’s question went vain as Arnav cut the call at once. After coming home she found a sulking Arnav, an irritated Anjali, strangely behaving Lavanya and amused Shyam. Shyam insinuated Arti not to be worried and later informed her about yesterday’s party and hangover. As usual Shyam was successful to divert Arti’s mind. She was tricked to believe that Arnav’s enquiry for Khushi was only for her well being nothing else.

———————

Bidding a quick good bye to her body guards, Khushi rushed towards her collage building. It’s already 11 and she would be almost 5min late for the class after reaching there. She almost sprinted through the empty corridor. Everyone already went inside the class. Suddenly she bumped into a hard body and lost her balance. A pair of strong suit clad arms immediately held her tightly. As she was sure about her painful fall on the floor she closed her eyes and almost dug her nails into the flesh of those arms. Her sixth sense automatically registered her savior was a man. As she was in motion, so he also lost his balance and both of them whirled together until his back touched the wall. After recuing himself from the fall, immediately he gathered her in the arms so that she could also regain her balance. As her head was pressed on his chest, she could hear his drumming heart beat. His breathes were irregular and fanned her hair. They stood like that for gasping some fresh air as well as to acclimatize with the situation. Khushi was the first one who almost pulled out herself from his vice like grip but felt extremely ashamed to face him. A very few men touched her and she wanted to die for being so closed to a stranger; that too a man. She glued her eyes on the floor, focusing on her toes.

Khushi, are you okay?

She looked up in surprise. Once again Akash Singh Raizada became her savior. It might be the reason that suddenly she felt so relieved for not been touched by a stranger and broke into most dazzling smile that Akash had ever seen. He couldn’t stop to reciprocate that infectious smile and looking directly at her eyes he asked in between.

What’s so funny?

She nodded in negative but couldn’t stop smiling. Placing a palm at her stomach she only managed to utter a thank you. Suddenly the bell rang and Khushi came into the realization that she couldn’t enter that class anymore. Looking dejectedly at the class room door she stopped smiling.

Ohhh…You may be missed the class.

She nodded and began to look everywhere except at Akash.

It’s okay Khushi. No need to be upset. I may talk to your teacher.

Khushi looked at him in awe, as if he had grown two horns.

Yeaah…I can do that. I am a trustee. I can explain why you were late. They are bound to let you attend the class. Come with me.

No… I mean no need to do that…..It’s okay. I will wait in the canteen for the next class.

Are you sure?

Yeah. Thanks.

For what?

She couldn’t stop but smile at him and spoke,

Once again, for saving me.

He smiled back. But once again they lost the words and stood like zombies. He gazed at her and feeling her uneasiness, he asked directly,

Do you mind if we have coffee together?

Khushi was that kind of persons who never say no at any one’s face. She knew Akash troubled equation with Arnav and wanted to say no. But couldn’t able to utter that. Bending her head she stood like a defeated person. Akash’s face blackened immediately with anger. Yet without showing his rage, controlling himself, he murmured with a dejected tone.

It’s okay. Never mind. I understand your answer. How’s is badi Ma? Is everything okay in RM?

Suddenly Khushi felt sorry for rejecting him. She remembered how he consoled Arti ma and took care of that situation. Ma or anyone except Arnav never behaved or spoke badly about him. She owed him for giving an assuring shoulder during Arti ma’s plight. He’s a good person. She looked directly at him and spoke,

Ohh Ma, she is absolutely okay. Everything in RM is fine now.

Then hesitating for a moment she added,

My next class is at 2 pm. It will be better if you have lunch. I mean… I am hungry.

Akash felt as if he won a jackpot and bent slightly like Elizabethan era, he susurrated,

It’s all my pleasure!

After reaching the gate, Khushi informed his body guards about her plan. Surprisingly, they hurriedly agreed and let her go alone with Akash. Her innocent mind couldn’t observe the fact that her bodyguards were seemed to be known to Akash.

They went to a nearby plush restaurant and spend next few hours by knowing each other’s hobbies, likes, dislikes and most importantly how much they loved Arti. Khushi’s heart went out for Akash when he confessed that he was too small to do anything for Arti ma when his parents decided to stay together; how he was bullied though out his life; his love for his own mother despite all her wrong doings.

Khushi, I can’t hate her. Never. She’s my mother who loved a person without thinking about the consequences. As a son it’s my duty to make her happy. But believe me, I too wanted Arti ma’s happiness. She’s also my mother. But they are like two sides of a coin which can’t be together. I….

He chocked to utter anything more and felt relieved when found Khushi’s assuring palm on his own. It was just a friendly gesture from Khushi but Akash’s heart jumped in silent joy. Caging her palm within his, he told,

Thanks Khushi. It means a lot. After Badi Ma, you are the one who understand my plight.Badi Ma never blamed me for what my mother did to her.

It’s okay Akash ji. A mother may be bad to everyone but can’t be bad for her child.

Rest of the lunch went smoothly as if old friends met after a long time and remembering the details of each other’s past. After the lunch, Akash dropped Khushi at the gate and exchanged phone number. Though Khushi found a good friend in him, yet she called Arti after Akash left. She informed Arti about her sudden meeting and subsequent lunch date with Akash. Surprisingly Arti became ecstatic with that piece of information but asked Khushi to keep it secret from Arnav and Anjali. Then she began to tease Khushi about Akash’s sudden interest on her.

Ma! please stop. What are you telling? You are….He…Oh… He’s just a friend. I mean not even friend. We just met.

As she heard Arti’s chuckle, she spoke with mock anger,

Ma, I am busy. I have class. Okay Bye.

She cut the call and remembered previous night. She rested her hand on the thudding heart. Khushi wished she could tell Arti ma; it’s not Akash……never……it was always Arnav.

———————–

Arnav was burning in rage. How dared she ignore him? He tried her number uncountable times; it seemed to be unreachable. She had blocked his number. He knew she was in contact with Arti. But his mother was too protective for Khushi and she denied sharing any news with Arnav. As Anjali went out with Shyam, she didn’t attend college and Arnav missed another chance to contact her. Arnav called her bodyguards but they informed either she was in class room or busy with friends. When asked they told “Mam is refusing to talk to him”. He couldn’t tell anyone why he needed to talk to her. If anyone got to know what had happened between them, things would be out of control; especially Khushi’s reputation would be at stake. He just wanted to meet and show her how much he was worried. But he couldn’t go out as doctors asked him to take complete bed rest and his family members are roaming around him like pest. To vent out his anger he just shouted at everyone. Except Arti, poor servants or nurses even Anjali, Shyam and Lavanya also face his wrath and began to avoid him. But no one could understand his plight. He never felt so helpless and that chit of girl just ignoring him as if he was an alien. At the end, he decided he suffered extensively and needed to teach her a lesson.

———————

Arnav was in his gym; working out as his doctor prescribed a few to regain the strength of his shoulders. He was in a tight short and his body’s well toned upper part was completely bare. Suddenly he caught a glimpse of her in the mirror and their eyes met. As the current sparked within her veins, on an impulse she quickly retreated back with a loud gasp. His eyes flickered at once with a scintilla of desire and mirth realizing his effect on her. His sweat soaked body had already hardened noticing her after a complete gap of two days. The way she was shuddering, her heaving breasts, irregular breathing; were throwing an open challenge to his self-control. As his desire flared up, involuntarily his feet moved towards her; to touch her, feel her, taste her like there will be no tomorrow. Before he could reach or voice anything, suddenly she turned and tried to flee from the room.

“What the!”

He sprinted towards her as fast as he can. Reaching near her, with a swift motion he swirled her around and pressed her roughly with him. Then she encountered menacing looks from Arnav. She was so scared that couldn’t utter any words and looked everywhere except him. Gripping her jaw tightly he hissed,

“Who are you? Are you a princess? Cinderella? What do you think of yourself? What do you want? Everyone should run behind you. Arnav Singh Raizada has other important work to do rather running behind you. How dared you ignore me? Because of Ma I am sparing you or else….”

But he couldn’t complete as he saw Khushi’s eyes welled up. He gulped down and conceded “She will be the death of me one day’.

Then he bent to slam his lips on her venting out all his frustrations for past two days.

chaha tujhe hai jahaan se bhi jyada…..

tu hi mera pyar gori tu hi mera pyar…….

palu tujhe to palu jag sara……..

tu hi mera pyar gori tu hi mera pyar..

YOU BELONG WITH ME!!! PART-12B

“Sometimes it’s a form of love just to talk to somebody that you have nothing in common with and still be fascinated by their presence.” ―David Byrne

Everyone went shocked hearing Khushi’s name from Arnav. But one of the bodyguards immediately disclosed that why Khushi was with him during that mishap. Later sensing Khushi’s mental condition, Shyam also requested doctors to admit her.

—————

Almost 12h Arnav again opened his eyes. This time his condition was much better than earlier. His pulse rate was quite stable. As usual after gaining the full consciousness he once again asked for Khushi.

“She’s is fine. As she was in shock, we had to admit her. Now she’s sleeping. We will let her see you after she woke up. No need to worry about her.”

Arnav still insisted to see her but cooled down when Shyam explained him every detail about Khushi. Arti like usual all melodramatic mothers, continued to cry until she got a threat from the doctor. Arnav also didn’t react after watching his father beside his mother as he knew that only he could enable to provide the much needed comfort to his distressed mother.

———————

“How could he go there? Mom. Why the hell did you let him go?”

Sheetal was sitting on her bed like a stone statue. She didn’t even bother to answer Akash’s continuous queries. Hugging her stiff body from sideways Akash asked again softly,

“Mom, Please, atleast say something. You have already made a big mistake by letting him go. Now you…”

“Akash, I can’t stop him. Arnav is his life. After so many years, still I don’t have any right over him. Arti will be a winner, always. She gave him, Arnav which I failed. I ….”

Covering her face with her palms, she broke into weeping.

“I am scared beta. Once again, I am going to lose. Avinash can do anything for. What will I do if he decides to stay with them? I…we…”

“No Mom. Dad can’t do this to us. He has to stay with us. Those Raizadas harassed him every possible way. He can’t forget those so easily. He has to stay with us.”

Then Akash thought for a while and added

“Mom I have a plan and I am 100 percent sure, it will work like a magic.”

—————

Next day when Khushi woke up, though she was still under the influence of sedative yet the first word she uttered was ‘Arnav’. But from the next second, she began to behave like an over agitated, stubborn, almost insane child. She continuously asked for letting her see Arnav. Garima and Sashi went extremely tensed. Even Anjali & Shyam also tried their best to calm her down but eventually failed. Then, after collecting permission from doctor, they took her to Arnav’s cabin. Surprisingly at the door of his cabin, Khushi suddenly halted in her track. She intently watched him who then seemed to be busy in talking to his family. With a sudden gust of breeze, then he felt her presence and looked back at the door. In accordance, their eyes met. Time as if went stalled at that moment. Confusions, love, pains, forgiveness, all these emotions were almost radiating through their eyes. Arnav utter softly,

“Khushi”

“Huh” She responded in a hypnotized manner.

“Tum thik ho?” And that was the last hurdle of Khushi’s outburst. Directly looking at him, without answering, she whimpered and said,

“I…I am sorry. Please forgive me. Pl…”

Anjali hugged her from sideways with watery eyes and informed,

“Khushi, Don’t worry. Bhai is perfectly fine now. That bullet just hit at the back of his shoulder and it had already been removed.”

But Khushi continued,

“I am sorry. Believe me… I…” She couldn’t tell more as her sobs almost clogged into her throat.

Automatically, Arnav tried to propped himself up to stop her. But in that process he himself got hurt again and screamed in pain. This time Arti went livid and rebuked both of them scathingly. Reaching to Arnav’s side, she ordered,

“Stop it now! Both of you. Khushi, go back to your room, NOW!! Whatever had happened, you had no clue about that. So, stop blaming yourself. Anjali, take her to the cabin. She needs rest.”

Anjali tried to help Khushi to move out from that cabin. But she stood like a statue without tearing her eyes from Arnav’s woebegone face. After receiving heated scolding from elders, atlast Khushi turned back to leave but her head spun dangerously. Her vision got blurred instantly. Before she could hit the ground two strong arms held her strongly. Next moment, she sensed vaguely to be lifted by those strong arms and heard,

“Where’s her cabin? She needs a doctor.”

————–

Akash Singh Raizada was a man with few words, great poise, focused with sharp brain. Even after being an extremely popular guy among high society women/girls he never appeared as a play boy as his cousin or so called brother. He always sternly maintained his focus to regain his mother’s long lost pride that he never even indulged into any affairs. But fate had another plan for him. Incidentally, when he entered Arnav’s cabin, the first sight was awaiting for him, ‘an extremely beautiful girl was about to hit the floor’. Before he could think anything, within a whisk of a second he had to rush towards her and scooped her ‘lightest as well as softest’ body within his arms. Then, ignoring everyone’s concerned voices, especially almost livid Arnav’s, scooping her in his arms he walked into assigned cabin. Meanwhile he roughly instructed a nurse to inform a doctor.

—————

Khushi found it hard to open her eyes. She felt relieved seeing her loved ones around her bed.

“How are you feeling, young lady?” A senior doctor asked her softly.

“I..I am fine.” She answered reluctantly and asked for her grandmother. Garima patiently answered her all questions about Arnav’s well being.

He’s fine. No need to worry about him. It will take time some to heal his wound. So he will be here for sometimes. But you are getting discharged today.”

Sedatives were still acting on her. So, she fell asleep after sometime without showing any tantrum. Nobody could realize then, one person was fuming with jealousy; standing at the corner of that room. Akash Singh Raizada, who came with a plan, incidentally came across one of the weakest and most beautiful parts of Arnav’s life, ‘Khushi’. He didn’t take much time to realize how to put forward a massive blow in destiny’s favorite child Arnav Singh Raizada’s well guarded, successful life. Looking at the sleeping nymph in front of him, immediately he modified his whole plan.

———-

It was almost one month past when Arnav and Khushi last saw each other. Everyday especially after his release from the hospital, Arnav was getting impatient for Khushi. He found it extremely difficult to spend a day without her. Whenever he asked about her, he received only one (fine) or at max three words (I don’t know) as answers. Meanwhile Khushi was suffering from similar anxiety. Instead of requesting uncountable times, no one let her come outside her house. Few days she heard about Lavanya who was staying in RM. She understood her position in Arnav’s life and never bothered to go RM except collecting news about his condition.

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YOU BELONG WITH ME!! PART:12A

Part 12 A:

 

“The course of true love never did run smooth.”  ―William Shakespeare

“Sir”

“Why the hell did you call me? I told you to finish the work & never call me. What about that task?”

“Yeah! Sir, I called you for that only. Umm….Actually our target was perfect… We shot him after they came out from the restaurant. I mean we had shot that guy who was with that girl. But….sir, he was immediately taken to hospital…His bodyguards were there…”

“Whhhaaaaat!!!! Aman can’t have bodyguards…Was that Aman? Did you check? Who was that? You fools……”

“But, you never mentioned his name or provided us any photo except that girl. We just obeyed whatever you have asked for. But his name wasn’t Aman …I don’t think so…That girl was screaming… She took some other name…. Even his bodyguards…”

“Which name? You b****ds… Tell me who was that?”

“Sir, I think his name was.. ummm ASR!..or…Arrr…Arnav…”

“What!! Noooooo… He can’t be….Oh!! my God!!..”

————–

Khushi went completely insensate, speechless. On the way to hospital, she didn’t even spill a single drop of tear. Clutching Arnav’s hand near her heart, staring at his pained face; closed eyes she was silently praying to her ‘Devi maiya’. He was having a great difficulty in breathing and it was becoming shallower with each passing moment. She had already lost her parents. This time she couldn’t even think of loosing Arnav, her Arnav.

——————

She observed the doctors; nurses were rushing into the operation theater where Arnav’s almost lifeless body had been taken immediately after they reached to the hospital. She heard their incoherent discussion, but couldn’t fathom anything. When Khushi was only 8 years old, she saw her mother to succumb into death after being shot by a local goon. She was in her school & her grandparents went to pilgrimage, so they were saved. After blaming himself, her father, a renowned honest police inspector committed suicide on the very next day. From that day, Khushi had been taught to be strong mentally. She was indeed a strong girl who could brilliantly face any storm in her life. But she never imagined that ‘the storm’ would be like this, ‘Arnav is in pain like her mother.’

——————

Although Arnav forbade yet Lavanya came to meet Arti. She was the only child who had lost her mother in cancer, at very early age. Her father went ahead & few years later, he married to his secretary who was good enough but nothing liked to be her mother. Her parents were too busy in their respective lives that little Lavanya had to grown up without proper parental care except lots of money. From her teenage days, she always lived a bohemian lifestyle; partying hard, changing boyfriends like clothes, casual dating. Then six months back, ‘Arnav’ happened. They just hit off after their first meeting in a beach party but the news of their casual dating went viral. From the beginning their relationship was way too friendly and open and of course their sex life was amazing that she never felt before. Even last six months, it was only Arnav, every corner of her heart & life. Now, she had turned into kind of addicted with his presence in her life. Lavanya always felt some special connection with Arnav; be it as a boyfriend or as well wisher. She could do anything for him; to make him happy. She knew very well about the past of Arnav and his love for his ‘Ma’. But after meeting with Arti, Lavanya had realized how to fill the void in her life. She could get a family if Arnav stays in her life, forever; either may be as her live in partner or husband. Arnav is a amazing guy with the most amazing family, just perfect for her dream like future.

———-

Lavanya was chatting with Arti, sitting in the hall.

“Aunty ji, please forgive him. He is really ashamed of his outburst on that day. He did all these only because of me.” At the end her voice cracked a bit.

“Lavanya, I am not angry with him because he refused to marry Khushi but I am upset for what he told about her; even without knowing her. He…..”

“Aunty ji, he was so upset on that day because of his fight with uncle. Now you also knew that. Arnav is such a nice guy that he never tells anything nasty against anyone.”

“Wow! Lavanya, you know him so well, even better than me.” Arti declared teasingly. She also tried to change the topic. She had discussion with Khushi who also insisted her to forgive him. But she was bit stunned to see his audacity for not calling her back for forgiveness.

“Ohh! Auty ji.” Lavanya started blushing like a newly wedded bride.

Arti held her chin and asked,

“Do you love my Arnav, na?”

Down casting her eyes, she nodded in affirmation and declared softly,

“A lot. He is the best thing that had happened in my life. I….I can’t even imagine my life without him. Although we had started our relation in a different way, but now everything has been changed between us. I know he doesn’t believe in love & marriage but believe me, I love him so much that…”

Glint of tears gathered at the corner of her eyes. Wiping that, Arti brushed her cheek & told,

“You know Lavanya, it was always Khushi in my mind as my daughter in law. I thought only she can wash away all the pains from his life. But today, I have realized that my son is so much lucky that, even after losing a girl like Khushi, he got his Lavanya. Okay, I will talk to him.”

Both of them hugged & smiled at each other. But their moment of happiness broke after Lavanya’s phone started ringing. It was from Shyam. So she picked up the call but the color of her face turned darker instantly. Next moment, dropping the phone on the floor, again hugging a worried Arti, she cried out,

“Aunty ji, My Arnav….Our Arnav…. He…He has been shot.”

—————–

Arti had begun to behave like manic after getting the news. Whole Raizada clan, along with Lavanya & Shyam came to the hospital immediately after they got the news. But the very man of concern, who rules their heart, was still fighting for his dear life. Reaching there, Arti’s eyes fell on Khushi, sitting at the corner of that floor, in front of devi maiya’s idol, staring at that, busy in silent prayer. She went to her with few long strides and forcibly made her stand.

———-

Arti brushed her trembling fingers over the dried blood stains on Khushi’s neck, arms, kurti. Khushi was visibly shaking with her every touch in the aftermath of Arnav’s sudden critical status. She didn’t even able to reply or nod her head in affirmation when Arti asked in an inaudible voice,

“ Arnav, my Arnav? ”

Receiving no response, Arti became impatient. She repeated her question with full of irritation. But Khushi ignored her and blankly stared at her. Next moment, clutching her shoulder, almost digging the nails on her soft flesh, an angry Arti began to shake Khushi’s slender and numb form and started screaming,

“Tell me Khushi, is this, a part of his plan to scare me? This is not funny. Tell him, I will never forgive him for this. He’s not a small kid anymore. He can’t make me scare like this to earn my forgiveness. Where is he? Why aren’t you talking to me?”

Arti stooped on the floor and started sobbing. Still Khushi didn’t respond. Like a stone statue, she continued to stand there, staring straight at nothing. Immediately Anjali, Lavanya & Shyam rushed to her. Lavanya hugged her and apprised in her wailing,

“Auty ji. Nothing will happen with him. He will be fine. I know. We won’t let anything to happen with him. He promised me us to sort out everything. He has to do that. He wanted to talk to you. He….”

“Ma, bhai will be fine. He can’t…”

Anjali broke into cry, falling into Shyam’s arm; who was so stunned hearing the news that he completely forgot to soothe away his fiancé’s pain. But ignoring all of them Khushi continued to stand there, looking at the idol.

————-

One hour later,

They were gathered in front of operation theatre, suddenly Arti saw him; approaching towards them. He was the reason she got the reason to live, her baby, her Arnav. Forgetting the last 23 years, Arti began to move towards him and then began to run and at last hugging him tightly, she cried out,

“Avinash, please save our baby. You have to….I… I will die….I can’t live without him. Please…I”

Hugging her back, he soothed her,

“He will be fine. Arti. Our son is always a winner. He can’t…”

He couldn’t even speak more.

————

4h later,

“Operation is successful but…”

“ ‘But’ what?”

Almost everyone screeched at the doctor. Taken aback a bit, doctor explained with plain voice,

“He is diabetic and already lost too much blood. Although we have already removed the bullet but we can’t say anything until he gets back his sense. Till then…”

Hearing that again all the ladies except Khushi broke into sobs. She was still into her non responding state, into her grandmother’s arms. ————–

12h later,

Arnav opened his eyes with extreme difficulty. He was still under the influence of sedatives. Before he could open his eyes, he let out some jumbled sounds in pain. But the immediate, slightly blurred view, just ebb away all his pains. He saw his parents, together, holding each other, looking at him with teary eyes and full of happiness. Suddenly it struck him, his current position and earlier condition. He tried to get up hurriedly but cried out in pain. Next moment, before going to be unconscious again, he called out a name, ‘Khushi’ which echoed every corner of that room.

YOU BELONG WITH ME!! PART-10

Both Arnav & Khushi both just stared at each other across the desk, with awe. Receiving no positive feedback, Lavanya detached herself from Arnav & looked at him. Realizing his eyes & thoughts were on something at her backside, she turned to peer at his direction. She must admit, that was one of the most exquisite as well as envious visions indeed. A very beautiful traditional dress cladding, perplexed looking young girl was standing just few feet away from them. Immediately considering her as Arnav’s secretary, turning to Arnav, Lavanya spoke naughtily, “Ohh!! You must be busy. I am sorry.”
Then again looking back at Khushi, she spoke smilingly,
“Hi, I am sorry. Please, can you excuse us for sometimes? You may come later.”
Khushi nodded in affirmation and automatically turned to leave the room. But before she could reach the door, started approaching towards her direction, Arnav softly called out her name.
“I am sorry Khushi. Please, wait a minute.”
Lavanya thought, she might be hallucinating. ASR is saying sorry. Her thought broke when Khushi replied with much evident annoyance,
“ It’s okay Arnav ji. I..I understand. You must be busy. I should leave.”
“It’s not like that Khushi. Lavanya…She…You…are getting…wrong….I….don’t…” Arnav became so tensed that he started stuttering. All in sudden, making him more flabbergasted; Shyam entered in a hurry, almost jumping & dancing in joy.
“My dear bro…At last mission accomplished… All credits go to Lavanya. She’s the best. She’s such a sweet heart. She just blew away Arti ma’s anger. Hat’s off to you……”
But his words faltered immediately after noticing Khushi. He went completely perplexed seeing her there.
“Khushi!..You? Here?”
Before Khushi could give an answer, on behalf of her, Arnav spoke firmly,
“She came here to meet me. I have arranged bodyguards for her safety which she has refused. But….”
“What….the…F***!!” Shyam got another blow of emotional torture.
“Behave yourselves. Don’t use foul languages.” Arnav reprimand him loudly and immediately added,
“Now tell me what the matter is? Why, you two are here, in my office?”
Turning to Lavanya, he asked more rudely,
“Why are you here? This is my office. I never encouraged you to meet me like this. Then? Why did you come? We have already decided…”
He was getting furious with each passing second. Those two morons have just wasted his chance to solve every issue with Khushi. Lavanya’s face fell instantly. But Shyam came into her rescue. He answered back with irritation,
“You moron! You should be grateful to her. She has saved you. Only because of her, Arti ma has agreed to forgive you. She is the one who confessed the truth about your relation. As you two were in love, you rejected Khushi’s proposal.”
Shyam winked sheepishly while Arnav stared at him blankly.
“Arnie! I know you never wanted us to tell about our relation…So fast. But I can’t bear that you are being separated from your ma only because of me.”
She said each word with such a stress that Arnav understood easily that both Shyam & Lavanya was playing a game.
“Arnie, ma, I mean your mother is still angry with you because you kept our relationship as a secret. But she also wants to meet you. I mean….with us, together.”
Lavanya was proving prominently that she was a pathetic actress. But Khushi was the one who was watching the whole drama religiously. She was so perplexed that none of their words were getting into her brains. Her trance of blankness broke when Shyam called out her name,
“ Khushi, I know whatever Arnav did on that day was wrong. He is extremely ashamed of that. But he never wanted to hurt you or anyone; especially ma. Things moved so fast beyond the limit of his patience that he badmouthed about you. Actually he loves La..”
“Shyam it’s okay.” Arnav stopped him instantly. Turning to Khushi he almost ordered,
“Khushi, it’s already late. You should leave. I will drop you.”
“No.. I mean I can manage. I…”
“I will drop you.” Arnav repeated his words as if he was gritting each word between his teeth.
“Yeah. Khushi , Arnav is right. You should go. I can drop…” Shyam tried to help an visibly uncomfortable Khushi but was roughly cut short again by Arnav.
“I have already said, I am going to drop her. Didn’t you hear me properly? Please drop Lavanya at her hotel…”
“What!!”
Automatically both Lavanya & Shyam screamed in utter disbelief.
“Are you mad Arnie? Lavanya came here alone. It’s final; she is going to stay at RM.”
“Shyam. Are you out of your mind? You, yourself can’t decide…”
“No. I am not. Arti ma asked her to stay there. Now come with us to RM. She is waiting for you.”
“If she is waiting for me, then why didn’t she call me yet? I will only go there if she call me. I mean it. I am damn serious. Don’t you dare to blackmail me.”
“Arnav. Don’t act like fool. We planned…”
Directly looking at Khushi, Shyam said again,
“I mean she isn’t angry with you.She was upset with your behavior. Now she’s really happy knowing about you and Lavanya.”
Ignoring his repartee as well as Lavanya’s existence, Arnav asked Khushi to join him & started marching towards the door.
“Arnie!”.. “Arnav!” Consequently Shyam & Lavanya began to follow him. Still he ignored them. Reaching at the door he turned back only to look at Khushi and spoke arrogantly,
“Are you coming or should I lift you on my shoulder?”
Khushi was so confused & scared with the continuous unfathomable turns of events, throwing a helpless look at shyam, she almost ran behind Arnav. On the way to car, only God knew how much uneasy she was feeling being escorted by Arnav. He opened the passenger door for her and without any protest, she also obeyed that. Their closeness and undercurrent turmoil was making sick and cold. But rest of the journey there was complete silence between them. Though Arnav was desperate enough to spill the actual truth, somehow he managed to restrain himself to do that. He knew very well that Khushi needed few times to be accustomed with the changes in her life. He didn’t want to put more stress on her.
—————–
Reaching in front of the Gupta house gate, Arnav opened the passenger door but blocked her path. Khushi looked at him with pure disbelief with slight irritation. Smiling timidly at her, then Arnav tried to tell something. But without giving him any chance to speak, avoiding his touches, ignoring the hypnotizing scent of his cologne, Khushi hurriedly moved to pass him. When she reached the door, Arnav called out her name sensuously,
“Khushi”
Although their equation had been changed, she secretly admitted to herself that he still had some effect on her. Turning back to him, smiling brightly for the first time on that day, she greeted him,
“Good night. Arnav ji and thanks a lot for the ride.”
But ignoring her greet, Arnav implored,
“Khushi I am sorry. I know I hurt you badly. But I didn’t..”
“It’s okay Arnav ji. I understand. You shouldn’t have any regret for what you did. Yeah, you words hurt me a lot then. But I am relieved that you didn’t say those purposely and you didn’t think about me that much low. You had proper reasons. After all you love..”
An irritated Arnav didn’t let her complete her sentence and stopping her abruptly, arrogantly moving towards her, standing just few inched away, unabashedly he extended his hand,
“ If things are clear then can we be friends now?”
Khushi turned flummoxed at once. She stared at him with utter disbelief.
“Please.” Arnav made a baby like face and it was sounded like a prayer from his moth.
A golden heart bearer like Khushi couldn’t resist more as things were really crystal clear to her. Uttering any words, she only nodded in affirmation and that brought a boyish grin on Arnav’s face instantly. Khushi also reciprocated his smile and joy and answered softly,
“Friends.”
Next moment, bending his head at the level of her cheek, he whispered huskily near her left ear, followed by placed a peck with a sound,
“Forever.”
Then he left while Khushi stood at her doorsteps with wide opened big doe like eyes and ‘o’ shaped mouth, completely perplexed. She lost all her every strength to scream at him in frustration.
——————
She walked into her bedroom in a daze, recalling all the events going on her life for past few days. Did she deserve all these? Why did Aman ji left her, without any message? Then Arnav ji… Her heart started beating erratically reminding their kiss. Why did he kiss her? How dared he? He loved Lavanya. Yet.. Unknowingly she placed her fingers on her pinkish pulp lips those were seeming warm to her. Suddenly her reverie broke with shrill ringtone of her phone. It was from an unknown number. But hearing the voice of the caller, her eyes wend wide in shock. Tears automatically started flowing down through her cheeks.
——————-
Arnav was standing by the window with his back towards Shyam and Lavanya. He heard them coming but he refused to look at them. His stiff posture had already alerted Shyam about his turbulent mental state. All of them were staying in Shyam’s house as Arnav refused to go RM until his mother would personally call him. It was true that Shyam had a talk with Arti who had no problem with Arnav & Lavanya’s relationship. But still she was angry with the words Arnav has used against Khushi on that day. Shyam cursed himself for being sandwiched between mother-son due. As he loved both of them, still he was trying his best to mend the ongoing problems. But so far his every attempt was going into vain.
“Arnav.”
“Please Shyam leave me alone, at least, for tonight. I promise. We will discuss tomorrow.”
Being Arnav’s best friend from childhood, Shyam easily understood that there was no point to utter a single word. He also insinuated Lavanya to leave the place. Anav not even turned back after hearing the closing of the door. He was truly confused for the first time in his life. Why the hell, a few drops of tears from a pair of doe like hazel eyes were haunting him? He was living the worst days in his life. Although he had already admitted to himself that he was attracted towards Khushi, yet the continuous pain within his heart was entirely new and incomprehensible. He couldn’t delay further and decided to solve this problem as early as possible. Without any hesitance, he dialed Khushi’s number.

YOU BELONG WITH ME CHAPTER-1

Part-1

Arnav just came out from the airport and heard his one of his most favorite musical voices,
“Bhaiyaaaa…”
Anjali jumped into Arnav’s arms & almost caused him off from his balance. Because of his well built 6ft physic, somehow he managed to hold her into his arms as well as made himself steady.
Rubbing her back with utmost brotherly care he whispered huskily, “I missed you too, choti! It’s been 6 months.”
“Me too bhaiya.” She looked at him. Her vision went blurred with the mists in her eyes. With a chocked voice she managed to say,
“Ma is waiting for you, there.”
She pointed out the place. Arnav groaned loudly seeing her mother wiping her tears. She couldn’t even move a bit seeing her only son after almost 6 months. Standing there she extended her arms & without wasting a single moment, Arnav reached to her with long strides and embraced her tightly. He felt peace after such a long time. But his peace broke immediately feeling her tremble, started weeping again.
“Mom…” he grated.
“Ma. Call me Ma.” She instantly chided him back.
Arnav smirked in joy, “That’s my Ma. I hate to see my beautiful ladies are crying for me; that too in public.”
“Shut up. What should a mother do when she knows that her son doesn’t care about her?” She resumed her weep.
“What the!!”
“Chhi Arnav, don’t you dare to use such foul languages & by the way, where is my naughty?”
“I am here Darling.” Shyam came hurriedly and took her into a bear hug.
“Ma, I missed you so much. I wanted to come every month. But I was hell busy for helping out Arnie’s broken hearted ex-girlfriends and his last minute insane orders to change his schedules to provide him some precious free times for another new girl.”
Shyam winked at Arnav while he couldn’t control and shouted back in mock anger,
“You, ba****.”
“Shut up Arnav. He is doing the right. Shyam, you should tell me every single detail. How could you Arnav? You don’t have free time your Ma but you have times for those girls. I feel disgusted thinking about your life style. You are just like your father.” Arti gasped loudly realizing her slip of tongue. She went closer to Arnav and cupped his face tenderly,
“Yes, you may be just like him but I love you most in this world.” Tears started flowing through her eyes. She almost chocked to say, “I am sorry beta. I shouldn’t”
“Mom..” Arnav shouted in irritation
“Shut up. Call me Maa”
All of them burst into peaceful laugh.
——————————
“Khushi.” Aman almost murmured from the opposite side of the table while Khushi was busy in finishing her favorite desert.
“Huuh” She answered absent mindedly. Aman couldn’t help himself from being frustrated. He extended his hand and put it on Khushi. She immediately raised her doe like big eyes and silently asked him the reason of his sudden call.
“Are you really happy with this marriage proposal?” Looking down at the table he clarified, “I mean our forthcoming wedding. You are just 21 and you have got into this responsibility. Is this….”
“Amanji ” putting her another hand on their already joined hand she spoke again,
“Amma thinks, you will the best life partner for me and now I know she’s right.” She smiled at him while her eyes were lost and she knew very well the reason for that.
“Thanks. I am really happy having you in my life.”
She closed her eyes and spoke again, “Me too.”
——————————
Shyam was coming out from his bathroom while drying his hair with towel. But for his dismay he was pinned hardly with the wall behind by two strong manly hands. Immediately he realized who it was. He asked him,
“So Mr. Sex deprived Raizada. You have become so insane without sex that you are trying to have sex with me?” He gave him a wicked smirk.
“Shut up you A*****e. Why did you tell about Lavanya? You know Ma..”
“I thought you are serious about her. You both have been in this relationship for long time. I…” This time he acknowledge hesitantly.
“F*** you for your absurd thoughts.” Arnav grazed his fingers through his hairs. Then he looked at Shyam and spoke seriously,
“By the way, you have done a fabulous job. Ma is so happy with this new development that she won’t disturb me with her frustrating marriage proposals during this vacation. I will clear her brain later that I don’t wanna marry.”
Shedding his hands roughly from his shoulders Shyam cursed him badly, “A*****e”
And then both of them burst into laugh hugging each other.
——————————

He stopped his car in front of the Gupta house gate.
Khushi looked at him and tried to bid him, “Good night Amanji. It was a lovely dinner.”
Then she turned to open the door from her side. But before she could get out, Aman held her hand and yanked her bit harshly towards him. She almost landed on his chest. Placing her palms on his chest to make safe distance, she uttered in fear,
“What..what are doing Aman ji. Someone may see us.”
“Let them see. I can’t help it. I just wanna hold my girl. Sorry..My fiancé. My beautiful would be wife. I just wanna say her; she’s looking stunning, excuisite in this red Anarkali.”
His eyes were dark in raw desire while he moved down his hand down towards her waist. Khushi trembled and slipped her palms to clutch his shirt. She gulped hard.
“A…Aam..Aman ji..”
With a bit hesitation Aman asked her,
“May I kiss you tonight? I can’t control myself; anymore.”
Hearing the question, Khushi started shivering vigorously but didn’t answer him back. Then holding her chin up, he asked again,
“I am going to miss you very badly. I won’t be able to see from tomorrow until our wedding. I will be busy in compling my unfinished work before our wedding. From tomorrow, ASR is going to come in office. If he finds something wrong, he may force me to call off my marriage, even on that very day. He is..”
Then without wasting a time, bending his face, he tried to catch her lips with his. But Khushi turned her face with an utmost urgency. Thus his lips had to land on the crook of her neck. He chuckled at her shyness and started grazing his rough lips through her silk smooth skin. Khushi went numb like a pray caught into the predator’s trap. But before he could reach up to her lips; his phone rang loudly. He swore much louder than that and took out his phone to see the caller. Seeing the caller cursed his fate,
“F**k this man. As****e.. ASR.”
Immediately realizing the current state, he tenderly looked back at Khushi. By the time she settled herself almost 1ft. away from him, backing towards the closed window of her side. Her eyes were completely lost with this sudden assault. Aman cut the call & reached near to her. Holding her hand he kissed her knuckles and huskily said,
“It’s okay Khushi. I know this was your first time. I should have given you the hint before I…” He smiled foolishly remembering his latest unsuccessful attempt.
“But I promise, I will end my task next time at our marriage bed & you are going to enjoy this. My phone will be switched off until we finish..”
Her surprised eyes met with his naughty ones & she nodded like an obedient child.
“Good night Khushi.” He unabashedly placed a small peck at her cheek. Then leaning over her, he opened the door of her side. She couldn’t utter a single word as her breathing was struck in her throat; hurriedly moving out from the car, she almost ran towards the main door of her house as her life was completely dependent on that. Reaching there, she turned back again & radiantly smiling at him slowly she waved her hand. Then she sheepishly said,
Good night. Amanji”
Next moment she almost went vanished through the door. Aman too released his long time held breathe and started driving his car.

Tum Mile!! Part-4

For another half an hour Shiya continued her blabbering  while both Arnav & Khushi was looking everywhere except at each other. Suddenly Bankelaal came back with sleeping Ambar.

“Khushi, please take him back. I need to carry Arnav baba’s bag. Next station..”

“It’s okay Bankelaalji.”

She held Ambar with utmost care while rolled her eyes at her daughter in mock fear.

“Sona, you have to follow me. If you miss the station, you know what will happen? A hungry and ferocious raksaash(demon) will come & eat you up.”

Immediately Shiya jumped out from her seat & held Khushi’s pallu while her eyes were completely on Arnav. In the mean time Arnav also looked back at them sensing that they were trying to leave. Then he saw that which again made his heart wreck. Khushi was holding her son with one hand as her another hand was engaged in carrying that heavy bag with much difficulty. Instantly Arnav almost jumped from his seat and forcibly snatched that bag from her hand. Without any hesitation he shouted at her,

“Are you mad? Where is your husband? Why did he let you roam alone with these two babies? Is he alive or went blind completely? If he doesn’t know how to take care of his wife then he shouldn’t marry. I hate these types of hypocrites.”

But he was cut short by Baankelaal.

“Ohh, Arnav baba, we need to proceed to the door. Next one is Mohanpur.”

In between Khushi was continuously trying to snatch her bag from Arnav but failed miserably. Her face was completely red in anger. She almost whispered,

Arnav da, please. I need to go.

“Then leave.”

Arnav declared his decision & still carrying her bag, started walking towards the door, without looking back at Khushi. Both Khushi & Baankelaal sighed and exchanged a glance of helplessness and headed towards the door.

—————————

After they got down from train, Khushi didn’t utter a single word & let Arnav carry her bag up to the exit of the Mohanpur station. Even Shiya went completely silent seeing her imaginary tormenting ‘raksaash’ just infront of her eyes.

 “Arnav da. please return my bag. I need to go some other place.”

“No.  You can’t. You are coming with me. It’s already late.  You are not supposed to roam alone at this odd time.”

“This is my routine. So, please, there’s no need to bother.”

“What the!!  Where’s that idiot, your husband? I would have never allowed you..” But he stopped immediately realizing his sudden slip of tongue.

But this time Khushi replied back in much raised as well as irritated voice,

“He is no more. If he was alive, he never let me do all these. He loved me more than anyone”

She tugged that heavy bag from Arnav who was standing like being completely numbed & stunned. Without looking at him she headed towards auto rickshaw stand with long strides. Arnav who had already lost his voice didn’t even able to hold up his hand to stop her.

Coming bit closer, Bankelaal then murmured into his ear,

“Shyam died in an accident. He died after 6 months of their marriage. She was already pregnant then. Poor girl!! She was just 18. Shyam’s family held her responsible for his death. They didn’t even accept their blood, Shiya. She….”

Before he could utter anymore, Arnav sprinted towards that auto-rickshaw where Khushi was sitting with her children and wiping her tears.

NEW SHORT STORY: TUM MILE!! PART-1

“My Heart May Change Over Time (Boyhood->Manhood->Old) But the Love It Carries Will Remain the Same….”
― Muhammad Imran Hasan

“Chai chai.. Babu chai..”

Almost frantically running from one corner of the platform to another, in between peeping through every window, a hawker was trying to sell tea even in that constant drizzle. Sitting at the window seat, Arnav once again frowned at his current situation & silently cursed himself for giving consent to attend this conference, held in a newly established Govt. research institute, that too outskirts of the town, Mohanpur. Although at first he declined organizer’s request but later had to agree when his closest friend requested him. To increase his dismay, the day he landed in Dumdum airport, he got the news of road block due to some political issues and had to travel by local train to reach that place along with Bankelaal, caretaker of their ancestral estate & building ‘Seeshmahal’ in Mohanpur. As he already informed the organizers that he didn’t need help. He was not against that conference but hated that place to the core due to some dark memories from his past. He hated every single person belonged to this place & associated memories. He again looked out through the window to dampen the decade old chest pain which was increasing with decreasing the distance from Mohanpur. Train had already started to roll. He hoped that next three days would pass without any complications.

—————

Arnav Singh Raizada, a thirty-five years’ old ex-IIT-an, renowned scientist in an US based esteemed university, extremely handsome, rich and still a single man. He had achieved everything enough to make others jealous, but was alone, extremely alone in this magnificent world. He had already changed his nationality not because he loved to work in USA but wanted to avoid every painful memory as well as to avoid his parents’ constant pressure for getting married & become settled.

————

“Ma, come here. Empty seats….”

Arnav turned to look at the source & found a cute little girl, age might be around 8-9 years, wearing a simple cotton baby pink frock, were patting on the seats, just opposite to him. She again screamed waving her hand in the air for getting attention of her mother,

“Ma, here”

“Coming, beta. These bags are too heavy & look at your naughty bhai, still sleeping. I can’t carry all of them together.”

Before Arnav could turn to look at the mother, suddenly Bankelaal almost yelled in joy,

“Khushi.”

And with the mere mention of that name, Arnav’s surroundings went into complete darkness. He almost sprinted towards the lady to hold her heavy bags. But Arnav didn’t even dare to look at that lady. He closed his eyes with utmost desperation. He always hated this place because it had a tendency to dig out his past.

—————

Khushi thanked Bankelaal & took her seat just in front of him. She failed to notice the person sitting just bit opposite to her. Before she could ask Bankelaal any more details about his where about, her daughter impatiently called out,

“Ma, I am thirsty.”

Khushi rolled her doe like hazel eyes in frustration and spoke back,

“Uff.. Shiya, Beta you are becoming naughtier day by day. Let me check the bags. I forgot where I have kept the bottle.”

She readily removed the few disturbing bangs from her sweaty forehead & placed her sleeping 1 year old son on the bench beside her. Bending a bit, to look at the bags kept under the seats, she first saw a pair of costly shoes clad feet. Out of curiosity, raising her head to check out the person, she got the shock of the decade. She saw him, after a decade, still looking as handsome as earlier, age seemed had added extra sexual quotient on his ever handsome face. Unknowing she rasped in hesitant joy,

“Arnav da?”

 

CARPE DIEM!! Chapter 25:Falling apart-part-1

25. Falling apart

Part-1

“You can’t stop the future, you can’t rewind the past.
The only way to learn the secret…is to press play.”
― Jay Asher, Thirteen Reasons Why