Apni cheezen yahan wahan churne ki aadat hai tumhari. Arnav was standing in front of Khushi, glaring at her. (It's your habit to leave things here and there)
Jaise apni payal mere poolside pe churi thi, his words made Khushi look up. (like you left your anklet at my poolside)
Tumhari payal mere paas thi is baat ka koi galat matlab mat nikal lena, Arnav scoffed, looking in her eyes. (don't think of any wrong thing of the fact that your anklet was with me)
Yeh mat sochna ke aik ameer admi tumhari payal ko apne seene se laga kar betha tha. Mjhe iss sab se koi faraq nahi parta. It doesn't mean a thing! Starting slowly, his voice raised reaching the end. (don't think that a rich person was keeping your anklet close to his chest. I am not affected by all this)
Shayid tumhare liye hoga. Tumhe tu laga hoga ke tumhari zindagi ban gaye. Mere liye us baat ki ya tumhari koi ahmiyat nahi hai. He gritted his teeth. (maybe it meant something to you. You must have thought that your life is made. I don't have importance for you or that thing)
Koi maini nahi rkhti tum aur tum se juri koi bhi cheez. He spat at Khushi without realizing her state. (you or anything related to you doesn't mean a thing to me)
Standing a little away from Gupta House, with dim lights surrounding them, Arnav was glaring at the girl clad in red saree.
His teeth clenched as he fisted his palm, suppressing his anger. The girl standing before him made him lose his control.
Tum jesi larkiyon ko mein ache se smjhta hun. Paisa dekha nahi, aur apni auqaat. (I know your type of girls. The moment you see money, you show your low status)
Khushi looked towards him in shock. But Arnav Singh Raizada is never dominated by anyone.
Aj k baad tumse mjhe koi matlab nahi hai. Di aur Nani ko tu tum apni muthi mein kar skti ho, lekin mjh pr tumhara jado kabhi nahi chale ga. He gripped her upper arm making her flinch. (I don't have any thing to do with you now. You can butter up Di and Nani, but your charm won't work on me)
Her doe eyes filled with tears as the grip tightened. A tear escaped her eye, seeing which Arnav pushed her back and marched towards his car.
Opening the door, he looked at Khushi for one last time. Kaash tum ab kabhi mere samne na ao. His nerve throbbed as he spoke the words powerful enough to break the other person. (I wish you never come in front of me again)
Khushi, who was silently crying till then, looked up at his words. The angry brown orbs met with teary hazel eyes, making the world stop.
Theek hai. Hum aj k baad kabhi ap ko apni shakal nahi dikhain gai. Khushi wiped her tears and ran towards her home. (Alright. I won't show you my face henceforth)
Realizing the intensity of his words, Arnav felt an urge to stop her.
He looked at her helplessly as he recalled his words. He didn't mean to say them. His hand rose in air to call her back but the words got stucked in his throat.
Cursing himself, he sat in the car and zoomed out of Lakhmi Nagar. At that time, he didn't know that some wishes come true faster than a person wished them to be.
*
*
*
Khushi stopped at the door of her home. Her eyes crying, her heart bleeding. Arnav's words still rang in her ears making her go insane.
Wiping her tears harshly, she took a long breath composing herself. But felt like crying more and more.
Glancing at the close door, she turned away. I can't go inside like this. With slow steps, she went some way far from her home. Her heart was constantly crying at the turn of events.
Everything felt like a dream. Arnav and his closeness felt like a dream. A dream which was brutally snatched from her.
Why Arnavji?? She asked to thin air around her. Not realizing, she had come a little away from residential area. Why you pushed me away like that, when I gave myself to you?? Her voice broke down. I love you, Arnavji. She confessed making her own heart bleed more.
I love you, she said again as she fell down on her knees. She didn't know for how long she sat there crying bitterly. It was a hand on her shoulder which made her stop. Looking up she saw a man in late thirties standing there.
Mam, are you alright?? Khushi looked around in confusion. She didn't recognized the place and got up afraid.
Can I drop you somewhere?? The man pointed towards his taxi.
Ji... she gulped her tears. Hamein Lakshmi Nagar jana hai. She said with difficulty. Sure. The man lead her towards his car and made her sit behind. Starting the car, he zoomed out. (yes. I have to go to Lakshmi Nagar)
*
*
*
Chotte. Anjali called him as he came downstairs after getting fresh. Chotte, ye Lavanyaji kahan ja rhi hain? She asked as she saw Lavanya come down with a bag. (where is Lavanyaji going?)
Di. Before Arnav could answer, Lavanya called her. Hamein ye shadi nahi karni, Di. She said as she came near. (I don't want to marry him)
Nani and Anjali gasped hearing her. Ye ap kya kahat hain? Nani came close to her. Ye shadi hai, koi mazak nahi. She shook her head. (what are you saying? This is marriage, not a joke)
Hum jante hain Naniji, lekin hamein maaf kar den, hum ye shadi nahi kar payen gai. Kam se kam ab nahi. Lavanya spoke looking at Arnav sadly. (I know Naniji, but forgive me, I won't be able to marry. Not now for sure)
Anjali scrunched her brows. Ab aesa kya ho gaya? Ap is tarhan kese apna irada badal skti hain? Anjali gripped her shoulder and made her look at her. (what happened now? How can you change your mind like this?)
Hamein btayen. Kya chotte ne ap se? She trailed off. (tell me. Did chotte said anything?)
Nahi Di. ASR ne mjhe kuch nahi kaha. Ye decision meine khud liya hai. Lavanya assured Anjali, but she was not satisfied. (No Di. ASR didn't say anything. This is my decision)
Di, ASR kabhi mera tha hi nahi. Anjali slowly left her shoulders. Wo aik larki se pyaar karta hai, lekin wo ye baat manne ko tyaar hi nahi hai. She said drowning in sadness, while Arnav frowned. (Di. ASR was never mine. He loves some other girl, but he is not ready to confess)
At the mention of the girl, only Khushi came in his mind.
Tu kya mein Khushi se?? He thought frowning. (so do I love Khushi?)
Aesa kuch nahi hai Di. He barked, angry at his thought. Coming close to Lavanya, Mein Khushi se pyaar nahi karta, he spoke without realizing that he blurted out the truth. (there's nothing like this Di. I don't love Khushi)
Anjali and Nani gasped as Lavanya smirked. Lekin maine tu Khushi ka naam bhi nahi liya. She smiled. (but I didn't even take Khushi's name)
Tum Khushi se pyaar karte ho, ASR. Lekin tum iqrar nahi karna chahte. She pointed finger at him. Tum darte ho. Darte ho is such ko manne se k aesi koi larki hai is duniya mein, jis k hone na hone se tumhen faraq parta hai. (you love Khushi, ASR. But you don't want to admit. You are scared. You are scared to confess that a girl resides in this world, whose existence affects you)
Darte ho ye manne se k tum pr bhi ab kisi ka asar hone laga hai. Lavanya tried to make him understand. (You are scared to admit that some girl has influence on you now)
Darte ho k koi larki tumhari sanson ki wajah ban gaye hai. Lavanya gulped her tears, (you are scared that a girl has now become reason for your breath)
Lavanyaji. Anjali called hesitantly, seeing Arnav all lost.
Hamein bura nahi laga Di. Khushi hai hi itni achi, kisi ko bhi us se pyaar ho skta hai. She smiled, holding Anjali's hand. (I am not offended Di. Khushi is so nice, anyone can fall in love with her)
Mein yahan se naraaz ho kr nahi ja rhi, par is dil ko thori der lagi gi theek hone mein. She hugged Anjali. (I am not going from here being angry. But it will take time to mend my heart)
ASR ne nahi, par meine tu us se pyaar kiya tha na. A lone tear escaped her eye, which she cleaned before anyone notice. (ASR don't love me, but I loved him alot)
ASR, she came in front of Arnav, who was still lost in thoughts. Apni ego ki wajah se apne pyaar ko kho na dena. (ASR, don't lose your love just because of your ego)
Caressing his arm, she left after hugging Nani and Anjali, leaving behind chaos.
*
*
*
Anjali came near Arnav. Chotte, she called him, kya tum waqi?? She asked with a hope and wish in her eyes. (Chotte, do you really?)
Di. He tried to speak but words got stuck in his throat. He gulped hard and looked at Anjali. Mein.. Khushi?? Kya yehi pyaar hai?? He asked like a lost child. (Di, I... Khushi. Is this love?)
Ye baat hamein nahi pata, chotte. Ye baat sirf ap dhondh skte ho. She urged him to go to his room. (I don't know chotte. You can only find this out)
Entering his room, he locked the door behind and went towards the poolside. The night sky was illuminated by millions of star.
Everything looked ethereal. Arnav took a long breath and thought.
He thought about Khushi.
How he met her at Sheesh Mahal.
How she almost destroyed his fashion show.
How he manhandled her, leading to her sister's marriage breaking.
How she smashed her scooter with his car.
How he insulted her in front of a road full of strangers.
How she joined his office.
How he gave pathetic tasks to her.
How she was almost killed in that guest house.
How she resigned from his job.
How he started feeling for her.
How he started observing her small deeds.
How he started liking her nonstop talks.
How he almost kissed her in the very place he was standing.
How he rejected her at her doorstep.
With every thought, came immense pain. He leaned over the same wall, where they were standing just some time ago.
Khushi. A tear escaped his eye as he realized how much pain he must have caused her.
I am sorry Khushi. He closed his eyes, unable to bore the pain of his own words. I am so sorry Khushi.
Kaash tum ab kabhi mere samne na ao.
His own voice rang in his ears, making him open his eyes abruptly.
Ye meine kya kar diya. He gripped his hairs. Anjali came inside the room with phone in her hand. (what have I done?)
Chotte. She called him.
What happened Di? He asked, composing himself.
Chotte, it's about Khushiji. Her name made his heart beat fast.
Kya hua? He asked with batted breath. (what happened?)
Khushiji abhi tk ghar nahi phnchi, chotte. She gestured towards her phone. Tum unhain kahan chor kar aye ho? Her eyes showed confusion and fear. (Khushiji haven't reached home yet. Where you left her, chotte?)
Mein.. usse... Ghar. Arnav was unable to say anything, just then his phone beeped. He opened his phone only to see a message from Khushi. (I... Her... Home)
Reading the message, he dashed out of the room, grabbing his car keys. Anjali stood there unable to understand his reaction.
Ap kahan hain Khushiji? She asked to noone in particular. (where are you Khushiji?)
*
*
*
Khushi was lost in her own thoughts. She was busy seeing the trees pass by that she missed her phone indicating incoming calls. The driver stared at her in the back view mirror. His eyes turning lusty with every passing second.
Knowing that the girl is not in her right state of mind, he took a turn towards a deserted road. It was almost after five long minutes when Khushi realized that the surroundings were not looking familiar.
Wiping her tears, she turned her eyes to the back view mirror, in order to ask the driver , but found him already looking at her. His gaze scared her. Where are you going? This is not the way to Lakshmi Nagar. She tried to be brave when in reality her heart was drowning in fear.
I am taking a short route, Mam. He said eyeing her lips.
Khushi felt a shiver run down her spine. She reached for her phone and switched it on. There were several missed calls. Not paying any heed, she just went to that one contact which she knew will always protect her.
Arnav.
With shivering fingers, she sent him a message "Save me". The car stopped with a jerk. She quickly sent him her location, just as the door opened.
The driver yanked her out of the car even though she struggled her level best.
Chup chap bahir nikalti ho ya lagaon khench kr? The man growled making her heart stop for a moment. (you are coming outside silently or should I slap you?)
Arnavji. Please jaldi aa jain. She prayed with all her heart. (please come fast)
Coming out, the man dragged her towards some cars. With all her strength, she pushed him so that he hit his head with the car.
Infuriated, he turned back towards Khushi and slapped her hard. The intensity made her fall down on the ground.
The man tried to grab her hand and reach her face, but Khushi was constantly trying to stop him.
She grabbed his hands and twisted them. That irked the man more and he grabbed her hairs. Khushi let out a cry of pain.
Arnavji. She called the one man she always trusted with all the sincerity of her heart. It was getting tough for her to stop the man.
His lusty gaze was scaring her from her wits. Just as she thought she was losing it, the man was thrown away from her body like a lifeless thing.
She closed her eyes in fear with tears running down.
*
*
*
He was driving the car with an insane speed. His inner self churning with every passing second.
He was very close to the location Khushi sent him. His heart beating faster than ever. With a screech, he stopped the car and came out of it.
That's when he noticed that it was a deserted parking place. His eyes searched for the girl who is the sole owner of his heart. Khushi? He called while cupping his mouth.
Aaaahhhh. He heard her scream coming from somewhere between the cars. He dashed towards it and what he saw made his blood boil.
A man, apparently a taxi driver, was forcing himself on his girl. Khushi was lying down on the ground with her hair disheveled. Arnav saw red.
With a kick, he forced that vile man to get back from Khushi. His Khushi. His eyes burning fire as he landed punch after punch on that man. Khushi had closed her eyes.
She opened her eyes and saw Arnav punching the man. Khushi got up seeing him, clutching the saree close to her body. She was crying bitterly. Her whole body shaking from the after affects of such an event.
Arnav kept on beating the man, not giving him a chance to even whimper. He was not done with him but the man lost his consciousness. That was when he finally let go of his collar and straightened himself.
He looked at Khushi who was standing in front of him, slightly leaning on the car. He ran towards her and engulfed her in his arms.
Khushi broke down in his arms as she finally felt protected. Arnavji, he... She sobbed as Arnav caressed her back.
Sssshhhh. Mein hun na. Kuch nahi hua. He rubbed her arms and back, ensuring himself as well that she was alright. Kuch nahi hua. Sub theek hai. Mein hun na. He kept assuring her. (Ssshhh. I am there na. Nothing happened. Everything is okay. I am here)
Leaning back, he cupped her face. There was a small bruise on her forehead. He touched it lightly with his lips, tears brimming his eyes. Khushi closed her eyes, feeling his soothing touch on her.
He again leaned back brushing his hands in her hair trying to smooth them. He asked her, aur kahin dard ho raha hai Khushi? He asked while wiping her tears away. (is it paining somewhere else Khushi?)
Khushi touched her cheek and that's when Arnav noticed that it was redder than ever. Looking closely, he found hand print on her cheek.
Did he -- his nerve throbbed as he asked her.
She nodded with tears again filling her eyes. Arnav closed his eyes biting his lips, suppressing his anger.
He felt a touch on his lips and he opened his eyes. Don't be hard on yourself. Khushi said while caressing his lower lip. Her eyes focused on his petals. Hum ab theek hain.
Khushi. Arnav breathed out, letting his warm breath caress her finger. In the next second, Khushi was hugging him close. Hum jante the k ap aayen gai hamein bachane. She said making Arnav more guilty. (I knew that you would come to save me)
Hamesha ki tarhan. She placed her head on his broad chest, as Arnav brought her more close. (like always)
Hamesha ki tarhan tumhari hur takleef ki wajah mein hi bana hun Khushi. He said in a remorseful voice. (Like always I am the reason behind your pain Khushi)
Khushi left him and stood before him. Her eyes speaking volumes. Arnav was shaken seeing the trust in her eyes. For him.
For Arnav Singh Raizada.
For the same man responsible for her current state.
I am sorry Khushi. He dropped his head. I am so sorry Khushi. His tears rolled down on his cheeks, seeing which Khushi was restless.
Ssssshhh. She wiped his tears. Sub theek hai Arnavji. She shushed him. (everything is okay)
Mjhe kese pata nahi chala k tum mjhse pyaar krti ho?? Sub smjh gaye the, sirf mein hi nahi jan paya. Arnav asked her, and she, who was busy wiping his tears, got still. His hands sneaked around her petite waist. (How come I never knew that you love me? Everyone knew, only I did not)
Main itna bura ban gaya k sub kuch smjhte hoi bhi tumhe keh na saka. He joined their foreheads. Khushi closed her eyes due to his proximity. (I became so ignorant that I didn't say any thing despite knowing all)
Kya keh nahi sake, Arnavji?? Her breathing labored. (what you didn't say, Arnavji?)
Yehi k Arnav Singh Raizada ko pyaar ho gaya hai. Khushi felt her cheeks burning. Us ki Khushi se. He completed and hugged her close to his heart. (That Arnav Singh Raizada is in love. With his Khushi)
Yehi k Arnav Singh Raizada ko Muhabbat ho gaye hai. Khushi felt her lips widening in happiness. Confession of love was making her feel elated. Us ki Khushi se. (That Arnav Singh Raizada is in deep love. With his Khushi)
Yehi k Arnav Singh Raizada ko Ishq ho gaya hai. Khushi heard his heart beating in sync with her own. Us ki Khushi se. (Thay Khushi has become a passion for Arnav Singh Raizada)
Hum bhi apse buhat pyaar karte hain Arnavji. Is duniya mein sub se zada. He buried his head in the crook of her neck. Placing a kiss there. Her words made calmness seep in his heart followed by pure bliss. (I too love you alot Arnavji. More than any other thing in this world)
He felt Khushi shiver. Khushi. He called moving back. Tum theek ho?? His worried eyes met her intense ones. (Khushi. Are you alright?)
Arnavji. She breathed with her hands encircling his neck.
She leaned close to him, I - she leaned more close to him. I love you dammit. Arnav's lips broke in a wide smile as he heard his favorite word from her mouth.
I love you too, he paused and with twinkling eyes added, dammit.
Both laughed on their confession, their eyes reflecting their happiness. When they had laughed their pain away, Arnav stopped laughing and looked closely at her.
She was still laughing throwing her head back. Arnav's gaze traveled from her eyes to her cheek. He placed his lips on her cheek as if trying to suck away the pain. The moment his lips touched her skin, fire ignited their desires.
Arnav remembered the poolside and his desire came back with full force. Bringing her close to his warmth, he detached his lips from her cheek. May I? he asked for her permission eyeing her tempting lips.
In a trance, Khushi licked her dry lips and that was it, Arnav slammed his warm lips on her soft cold petals.
Both felt fire erupt in them as their lips touched. Arnav took his own sweet time in kissing the petals which had him restless for so many days.
As he felt that Khushi was out of breath, he left her lips and joined their forehead. Khushi's breathing was labored. Before he could say anything, his phone rang.
The ringing broke the dreamy moment. Arnav watched in amusement as red hue spread across her cheek. Khushi pulled back but Arnav brought her more close.
Fishing the phone out of his pocket, he dropped a lingering kiss on her hair, before answering the call.
Yes, Di. He listened. Yeah she is with me. He kept quiet for some seconds. Okay Di. You inform Buaji. I will drop her there in some time.
Anjali dropped the line, hearing her brother's voice laced with happiness, she knew that he and Khushi were now together. She silently prayed for their happiness, before making call to Guptas.
Khushi. Arnav called her who was still standing while clutching him.
Hmmm. She hummed.
Will you spend all your life with me? Will you bear this laad governor for your entire life? Khushi felt the world spinning around her.
She pulled back to look at Arnav.
Almost at once, Arnav got down on his knee, stretching his hand forward. Will you marry me, Khushi Kumari Gupta and become Singh Raizada forever?? He asked with all the love shining in his eyes.
Khushi felt like she was given the whole world. Yes. She breathed out. Yes. She nodded her head, falling on the ground in front of him.
Yessss. She engulfed him in a hug too happy to say anything else.
I love you. Arnav confessed again, understanding her state.
Both sat there, relishing their love and reunion. Everything was like a dream. And this time, it won't be snatched from them.
Arnav understood at the moment that sometimes it's better to listen to your Dil Diyan Gallan than any other justifications. (heart talks)
I didn't realize my heart could speek until you made it talk in beats, Khushi. Arnav tightened his hold on her petite waist.
You're all my heart ever talks about, Arnav. Khushi buried her face more into his chest, shy. Arnav was over the moon hearing her words.
His heart still regretted all the time he hurt his lady love, but now he was determined to make her feel like a Queen. His queen.
The night darkened as Arnav and Khushi made their way towards the car. With hands in hands, they started their new journey and this time, together.
Sometimes someone comes into your life so unexpectedly, takes your heart by surprise, and changes your life forever...
Same happened with Arnav.
The End...
Love,
Neena💖