Dedicated to Chanduz teenager_scribbles, user23549805, nivinishi, penbengungor1,
and to all my readers and friends....
Chapter 32 : Revelations
" I learned that courage was not the absence of fear,
But the triumph over it.
The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid,
But he who conquers that fear."
~ Nelson Mandela...
Next Day...
Early Morning...
Around 4 a.m.
Delhi Highway ..
45 missed call, 12 messages....
Arnav closed his eyes, it's his fault. He knew how much today's incident has an impact on his family, still he forgot everything..Arnav wonder how easily Khushi has stolen his all attention like always..
As he guessed, his overflowing message box indicates, calls from everyone of his family. Well almost everyone, except his mother... Payal, Aman, Shyam and Manohor dialed multiple times and as expected, majority of messages are from either Payal or Aman.
Arnav sigh a little, he have to have a face to face conversation with his sister-in-law cum therapist Payal. He can sense that Payal is not at all fond of Khushi and after today's incident, God forbid, there is a high chance that Payal will spat on Khushi in no time.
Breaking Arnav's thought his phone again rang indicating an incoming call. Aman's name flashed on it and Arnav received it immediately, "Where are you Arnav?" Aman anxious voice reached his ears and instantly Arnav's eyes pricked with unshed tears.
Oh..how he had missed this concern of his best friend. It's been years, his bestie had addressed him as " Arnav"... will his life take a new turn from now on? Will he get a second chance to life? Arnav is scared to dream, but his heart already waved a dream of getting a chance from his life ( Khushi) and his lifeline ( Aman) , once again...
" I will reach soon. Is everyone awake still? Are you at RM?" Arnav asked in a row.
" Yes, how did you expect that everyone will sleep selling horses after today's incident? You idiot, come soon. And be prepare, you have to explain a lot today." Aman said.
" I know.. and I will answer everyone's every quarry, and by the way, you will be there na?" Arnav asked wiping the happy tears which escaped unknowingly.
There was a pregnant silence after that, Arnav thought Aman has cut off the call and he cursed himself being so impatient. But his heart danced in joy hearing the next reply of Aman Mathur, " I was always with you...it was you, who left me, it was you who broke US ..."
" Sorry...I know, there is no repentance of my deed which I did with you or whatever I said that day.. But..I want a chance Aman.. Can you please, forgive me?" Arnav asked while tears started forming his eyes once again and his voice choked with unnamed emotions.
" You never realized what place you hold in my life, Arnav. Why do you think I am your personal assistant for last 6 years? Just because Arvind uncle told me? Then you really never understood me. What even I expect from an idiot like you, you destroyed your own life by pushing away Khushi, and I was a mere friend of yours.. Anyway, how much I am angry on you or did I forgave you or not, that does not matter anymore. But I am still with you, and that's the point." Aman said maintaining his calm while Arnav was drowning in more guilt.
" I am..." Arnav was cut off by Aman again, " I don't need your sorry Arnav. I have moved past that phase. Anyways, come back with Khushi.. Everyone is waiting."
"We are on the way." Arnav said and was about to end the call but halted hearing Aman next words, "By the way Arnav , your love is waiting for you in RM."
Arnav frown a little not getting Aman's words, " huh? Who love? Sorry I did not get you."
" Sheetal Kapoor is waiting for you in RM...impatiently..." Aman said while holding the bubbling smile remembering how Sheetal was got scared when she was allotted a guest room in RM campus.
"What the ??? Who the hell allow Sheetal to enter in RM ? and Why you did not do anything?" Arnav felt as clueless as well as angry listening that woman is staying in his house.
" Welcome back ASR... actually, me and Shyam jiju do that honor. We thought everything needed to be clear, once and for all... and ya, no need to thank us, We are always there for helping you out." Aman said last line chuckling while clearly getting how much furious Arnav might be now...But it is needed...
" Amy, You are such a..." Arnav wanted to scream but due to Khushi's sleeping form he gulp down the bubbling anger within him and allow Aman to give him his share of punishment as a form of Sheetal..
"I know.. We are waiting here in RM to see the drama with popcorn.. come soon ASR..." with that Aman cut the call leaving behind a little bit irritated, but somewhere contented Arnav...
Indeed life is taking a turn...
Aman wanted to bring back Arnav from his guilt trip, so that he can face the present and fight back for his happiness.
It's not that he has forgiven Arnav, No.. Not at all..
But few relations and emotions cannot be erased so easily. We turn our back from them because we don't want to get hurt from the same person who holds important strings of our life, we wanted to protect ourselves..that's it...and both Aman and Khushi did the same. Both of them are different , their pain and struggle are different in matter with Arnav... but one thing was common, their emotional attachment with him...it was unbreakable...
Both Aman and Khushi tried to hate Arnav or may be tried to curse him but neither Aman nor Khushi ever tried to be Apathetic towards Arnav.. Hate is also a strong emotion just like Love which connects us with a person...and if said well, love and hate are two opposite side of a coin... It is apathy which erase a person's existence from another person's life...and Aman and Khushi none tried to do this once, never... and today, after all these chaos Arnav finally realized the true strength of love and meaning of true friend in the form of Khushi and Aman respectively...
Looking at Khushi's sleeping form he slowly pick her up in bridal style and placed her in passenger seat. Khushi slowly opened her eyes and looked at her surrounding.
" We are.." Khushi was too clueless and it seems every other memories has erased from her memory.
" We are going to HOME, together... Everyone is waiting for US..." With That Arnav finished buckling up Khushi's seat belt, while Khushi again closed her eyes.. Looking at Khushi serene face Arnav took a deep breath and started the car towards RM...
Unknown to Arnav a small smile appeared in his face. Having Khushi beside him, Life seems perfect...after so long.....
***************
Early Morning...
Around 5:30 a.m.
RM ..
Aman has already informed the Raizada that Arnav will come back any moment along with Khushi. The last night was a horrible experience for the family members. Khushi's actions, the revelations that, Arnav was linked up with Sheetal, had snatched earth beneath them.
Devyani Raizada had already slept along with Sneha and Advay when last night the family members returned home and that was a blessing for all of them.. They literally don't know how to explain all the happening of Fashion show to the elder lady, because they , themselves are clueless. Every members were drown in their own thought which were running in different directions.
Ratna became a statue almost realizing his chote had a relation with the girl, who is Shashi Gupta's illegitimate daughter. Arvind too can not believe that. All this years, Arvind thought observing Arnav's behavior and his longing for Khushi, that may be due to some misunderstanding between lovers had made Arnav took that drastic steps. But now, his every theory seems wrong. With batted breath he is waiting for the return of Arnav and preparing for facing the worst.
Manohor and Manorama were clueless what to think anymore, they were busy to gather and console Arvind and Ratna but their eyes were also moist thinking how much more secret is there hidden behind their eyes.
Anjali was truly devastated knowing her chote can ever link up with Sheetal where as Akash was clueless how to control a fuming Payal. When everyone was somewhere thinking about Arnav's deeds, Payal was engrossed thinking about the aftermath. Payal was the one who has gone through "Arnav's journal" and thus she knew what Khushi means to Arnav.. Her overprotective mode as a sister in law and Arnav's counselor made her somewhere biased towards Khushi and she conveniently ignores her pain...
Whereas the other three persons Aman, Shyam and Kuhu were engrossed thinking that what if the real truth about Khushi's kidnapping came infront of everyone? What if Khushi came to know about Arnav suicide attempt? What if Sheetal spit her last venom in such a way that nothing can be repaired later on?
Nk and Lavanya were engross thinking that both of them failed to take their responsibilities towards his brother and towards her friends respectively. Nk thought if 6 years ago, he would have enquired about Arnav's drunken state more, may be Sheetal fiasco could have been avoided today. But he has no idea that matter is worse as he is thinking. Lavanya was cursing mentally for not understanding Khushi's turmoil for once.
Sheetal Kapoor was sitting in a sofa at a corner of living room. Every family members were gathered here. Sheetal was cursing herself for agreeing on Khushi's plan. She initially thought now she can enjoy Raizada fame and money by trapping Arnav again when Khushi herself made the path. But the moment she met Shyam and came to know his relationship with Arnav and the Raizada family, she wanted only one thing, that is to fly away from here and never come back...
In the mean time Shyam was talking in phone and from his facial features it was evident that he is discussing something very serious. And the way from his corner of his eyes he was keeping a watch on Sheetal, it seems related to her only.
All of their thinking and trance were broken when the front door was burst open getting everyone's attention. All of the occupant in living room was shocked seeing the scene unfold in front of their eyes.
Infront of them, standing Arnav Singh Raidaza holding Khushi Gupta in his warmth in bridal style while Khushi were holding his shirt lapel and her eyes were drooping, it seems like she is fighting hard to remove her sleepy state but failing miserably.
The entire scene was so peaceful and heartwarming that for few seconds the environment change. Everyone has a faint smile curved in their faces. Arnav and Khushi looks not only good together but they seems the missing pieces of the puzzle.
"When last time they had seen their Chotey so much contented?" That was the question lingering in everyone's mind.
Their trance were broken when Arnav spokes, " Khushi is very tired and sleepy. Besides, she did not have a proper meal yesterday. I will just leave her in guest room and then we will talk. And HP , please prepare a full meal for Khushi..." With that Arnav took the stair in long , hurried steps and vanished in first floor leaving behind a bunch of people in amusement, where as Sheetal truly realized that she will never be able to trap this Arnav ever again. Gone that immature, emotional fool but now the man in front of her screams power and not to mess with him...Sheetal sigh and just pray that she can get a easy exist from this house..
Entering in the guest room Arnav slowly placed Khushi on the bed and covered her with the blanket. Khushi's eyes were drooping though she was trying heard to open it but finally failed miserably. As if she is completing her years of pending sleeps . Arnav looks at her sleeping face and whispered, " Sleep Khushi.. Till now you have fought for US, you have once removed the darkness from my life and had shown the path of light, today I will stand for US... I don't know how much I will be successful but I will try my level best to fight for US... be with me, My sleeping beauty.. I... I love you..." Arnav was about to move forward but a faint whisper reached his ear, " But I hate you..."
Arnav froze in his place but composing himself he slowly turn around and looked at Khushi who were half asleep, " Thank you.. For hating me.. At least in this way You are still connected with me, you have some emotions for me.. and regarding US ? My love is enough to fight for us and to give you back "yourself". I know you can hear me, so hear me clear and loud Khushi, I will not give up.. Never.. Till my last breath I will fight for US, to get a second of togetherness with you, to get a glimpse of you in my life, I can bring heaven on earth. Once I had let you go but not anymore.. Now I will fight for US.." with that Arnav was about to exist but again halted in his place hearing Khushi's words..
" What if, I vowed to make your every effort in vain? What if you found me standing against you every time?" Khushi whispered.
" If required I will fought against you too... But I will not give up till my last breath. Now sleep.." Without waiting for her reply Arnav left the room leaving a drowsy yet surprised Khushi behind...
************
After 30 minutes....
There is a pregnant silence spread in the living room from last few minutes.. Arnav has come down after made sure that Khushi sleep well and nobody could disturb her. Since then they all are sitting but no one is making any effort to start a conversation. So much have to ask but none of them knew how to start..Finally breaking the silence Kuhu asked, " Where did you find Khushi? Is she alright?"
" She was in one of the green room which someone had locked from outside, she is just tired and need rest..Nothing else." Arnav replied while from the corner of his eyes he observed how Sheetal had cringed after mentioning the part that someone has locked Khushi in green room.
" I know you all have many quarry, please ask." Arnav said calmly but no one knew how to start the conversation..
" Are you okay Arnav?" Payal asked while observing her brother in law keenly. And she is satisfied to see Arnav is not shattered infact an unknown determination sparkling in his otherwise dead eyes.
" Absolutely, believe me." Arnav smiled a little and assured her knowing how much Payal can get harsh on Khushi if he does not remain strong and sorted.
" We never thought Khushi bitiya will say all those words. I know our Chotey can never hide such huge matters from us. Besides we all saw how much you longed for Khushi, still she ..." Manorama clearly expressed her dissatisfaction which actually lingering in other's mind too.
" Chachi please, don't blame her.. She had a reason." Arnav said while remembering Khushi's words from yesterday's events and along with his venous words 6 years back..
Again a pregnant silence engulfs the living room.
" What does Arnav means? Does that means for all these years it was not Arnav love for Khushi but his guilt which he was mourning? They all assessed their Chotey wrongly?" this thought were only increasing their fear for the unknown truth.
"Will Sheetal became Raizada bahu as Khushi claim?" Ratna was stuck in this one question. If it's become true, then how will she ever be able to show her face to her Garima?
Finally breaking the ice, Akash asked, " Chotey, I will not ask what actually had happened between you and Khushi in Harvard years ago. Because how much we knew previously, it's clear now that there is more.. But I don't want to probe you about it. Just want to know that Whatever Khushi had said about you and Sheetal, is it true? This news will turn every believes of us upside down then."
"Whatever Khushi has said is PARTIALLY true." Arnav responds without delaying a second. Only he knew after how much inner battle he had gathered the courage to confess everything , his every deeds and his every unspoken sins.. It's now or never...
"What do you mean ? Partially true?" Arvind was shocked. He somewhere had a thin believe that his Arnav can never be associated with Shashi and Kamini's daughter.. But seems he is really unaware about his younger son's where about.
"There are many facts which I have hidden from you. It's time, that I say it all. Only one request, let me speak total story then decide." Arnav said while everyone almost nodded.
Arnav looked at his mother's face which seems blank. He knew after few moments her mother will break down hearing how her son uses to live a reckless life previously, but he will not hide it. Because how much he wants to hide, truth will be always that there was a dark phase in his life which had upside down not only his entire life but his families and his beloved too.
Arnav looked at Shyam, Aman, Kuhu and Daksh. These four people knew about his sins but they still did not reveal anything.. Arnav is thankful to all of them for keeping this secret as secret till now, because it's his deed and sins. Arnav wants to own his every mistakes and takes the punishment whatever his family choose for him, how harsh it may be. As if reading his inner thought, Aman and Kuhu nodded their head, Daksh showed a thumps up and Shyam mouth, " Go on...".. and their silent support boosted Arnav a little more in his determination.
Taking a deep breath Arnav gather himself and started, " Years ago, when I went for Harvard, at beginning everything was under control. I was slowly adjusting myself with the new environment of there and study pattern. Besides Aman was always there for me. But you all know, Aman use to live in hostel and used to do few part times jobs so, after college I use to hang out alone. One such day, at the last semester exam of first year, I met a group of three people namely Veer Malhotra, Raj Chopra and .. And Sheetal Gupta Kapoor."
Arnav paused a little while from the corner of his eyes he can easily see that Sheetal was uncomfortable in her position.
" Well, at the beginning I became friend of Veer because he was also like me in few matters. He also was fond of adventure.. We use to go for long drive in fact we use to do bike race in night. Slowly Veer and Sheetal became my friend too. I was not very much aware about their families but I was being informed that Sheetal's father died because of a woman, who basically took advantage of him and now by blackmailing she had broken her family."
Arnav could not meet his eyes towards his family members but the few gasp was enough that they are shock. What will they do after knowing about his 3 years of colorful, sinful life there?
Shaking his head Arnav again started, " I usually started to spend more time with those 3 people after the college hours and later use to bunk classes even for partying or going somewhere with them. Though Aman warned me continuously but I was in a trance. I was running towards the stunning life of freedom as if I was hypnotized. Due to Aman's continuous warning I became a little bit irritated and slowly I use to hide facts from him. The first thing I hide from him was my new forming habit of drinking."
Another loud gasp was heard from nearby along with a slow whisper, " You used to drink? Regularly?" Arnav could recognize the shocked voice of his sister Anjali.
" Yes, almost regularly. The day when Aman used to come to my apartment I will not go out but others days, I used to booze. Initially I thought it will be for few times but I got addicted. As if I will die if I stop drinking. My body use to crave for the drinks which were specially made by either Veer or Sheetal. I vowed myself many times to not touch alcohol when I use to stay in my sober state but at night, I would become a different person. I could not recognize myself. Besides, I started to enjoy the attention which I use to get from girls. I used to flirt with them, slowly started to hang out.. It all were casual but after one fine day, Sheetal proposed me and I used to start dating her."
Arnav felt the invisible claw in his heart once again and the ache in his heart. His whole body started to tremble a little remembering the past. Till now, his focus was on Khushi and Khushi was with him too, that's why probably the dirty and disgusted feeling was not knocking him but, once again retelling them, felt awful.
Arnav stop for few moments but came back in his senses feeling a known hand on his shoulder sending him the needed support.
" I am okay, Aman..." without looking Arnav said those words towards the person with whom he once behave like an animal.
" That is why you use to avoid coming home ? Your excuses of projects and pressure of studies all are false?" Manohor asked disbelief.
" Almost..." Arnav nodded his head in shame. " I knew whatever I was doing was not right but I became uncontrollable. I wanted to hides the facts from all of you and even Aman was not aware about everything, specially about the actual relationship of mine and Sheetal. When he confronted me I use to say that we are good friends and just hanging out."
Arnav took a pause and taking deep breath finally says the next words which was not less than a bomb for the families.
" One Sunday morning after partying whole night, I found myself besides a unknown girl in a hotel room. I was shocked seeing myself naked under the sheets and the condition of the room clearly picturized that I had slept with that girl who is a stranger to me.. But I could not remember what exactly happened. I only recalled that this was Veer birthday party and I and Veer had a competition of tequila shots. After few shots I felt very dizzy, that feelings were totally different... I had a black out and next day I found myself in that compromising situations. I clearly could not remember anything and that girl said we slept with each other. I was ashamed and scared at a same time. I just dressed up and come back to my apartment. I locked myself the whole day and at evening Aman came.. I thought to share with him but got scared what if he hates me? What if he tells you all? So, I hides the facts. And I used to avoid that group for months. That time everything was slowly becoming on track but my body used to crave for the drinks. I got fever and few rashes.. and a sudden kind of restlessness engulf me. Later after almost two months, I again collided with three of them and they apologized. And again like a fool I trusted them."
Arnav paused a little and finally looked infront at his family members who were still in shock. Pain, disbelief, tears of betrayal, sense of failure and disgust were clearly evident from their posture.
Arnav realized that some mistakes can not erase not even time can reduce their intensity. The burden of guilt which he was carrying till now seems increased thousands folds after realizing that his few wrong decisions and cowardice act not only spoiled his life but his families peace too.. And the sound of their shattered soul was so evident that it makes Arnav realized that his past deeds will always hover over him like a black shadow to snatch his sanity and peace.....
Arnav wonder if there will be ever any way to come out from this guilt trip? Is there any way to ever come out from this darkness? Will he ever be able to get forgiveness from his family? Will he ever get a chance to live a life with "his happiness?"
Only time can say.....
To be contd...
***************************
Author note:
Hello, lovely people over here...Hope You all are doing well..
Here is the next part of this FF,Chapter 32 "Revelations"..
Arnav finally took a stand and master the courage to reveal his past entirely. The next chapter also will contain some revelations and probably confrontations...
Stay tunes until next...
And Share your view regarding this chapter....
I have published a new OS, " You are my everything".. please read it.
Read my other Arshi story named, " Beauty and The beast", " Sweetheart" and "Rising Phoenix".. Please check it and share your opinion.
And TS is posted based on Sheetal track named, " It's too late" and on Diwali track named, "Come back please", have a look. Besides the two OS.. please read them if you have time..
Waiting for your review regarding this chapter.... Thank you for reading this story..
Love and Regards..
Your story teller
Mamree
03.02.2020