Part 38 Repentance

Khushi was looking at the sky with overflowing tears. She felt bad for herself... for Shashi... for Garima... she had faced many tough times in her life but she was so weak when it comes to emotional situations. She didn't know what to fix it and how to handle this sensitive situation. Her father would not have hidden this from her. But... how Shashi could tell Khushi about his relationship? After all, Khushi was a small girl at that time... Would she have understood if he had told her about it? Khushi was thunderstruck. His father thought a lot about her. He married a woman who can ONLY be the mother of his child. but, how could she know there can be a truth hidden in his father's story...? Garima might have told her if Khushi had given a chance to Garima to talk with her. But, she never did that. She didn't know what to do. she looked at her mobile. Taking it, she dialed Arnav's number. Arnav who just fell on the bed saw her number and smiled.

*Hi...*

*Arnav...*

Arnav sat on the bed, hearing her depressed tone.

*Khushi... are you all right? * He asked.

*I want to meet you...*

Arnav looked at the clock. It showed 10:05.

*Where do you want me to come? * Arnav asked, getting down from the bed.

*I don't know...* Khushi said slowly.

Arnav sighed.

*I will be there in half an hour* Arnav disconnected the call.

He went to Ratna's room and knocked on the door which was open.

*Haan, Chotte...*

*I'm going to meet Khushi...maybe, I will bring her here...* he said.

*Any problem? * Ratna asked worriedly.

*I don't know, Mom...*

*Why are you confused? Is Khushi alright? *

*No, Mom... I think she is not...*

*What do you want me to do when she comes here? *

*Do nothing... be in your room...*

Ratna chuckled...

*Ok...* She smiled.

Arnav came out of the house with the car key and drove off. As he said, he reached GH in half an hour. Khushi got inside the car and Arnav again started the car towards RM. As Khushi didn't have an idea to go anywhere, he decided to bring her to RM.

Arnav looked at Khushi who was sitting silently. He didn't start speaking but stayed calm. Don't know what her mental condition was. He waited for her to talk whereas Khushi waited for him to stop the car to speak. As she didn't say anything, Arnav geared up the car towards RM. Though Khushi noticed the car traveling in RM's route she said nothing. Arnav stopped the car outside of RM as he should drop Khushi in GH again. Arnav got down from the car and opened Khushi's side door. She got off the car and stood.

*Let's go...* Arnav said.

Khushi walked in, silently. Arnav took her to his room. He closed the door even though he knew no one would come. He just wanted to make Khushi comfortable.

In no time, Khushi hugged him tightly and cried. Arnav panicked, seeing her crying. He touched her shoulders...

*Khushi, what happened? *

Khushi said nothing but cried.

*Khushi, how do I know if you say nothing? Khushi, please stop crying...*

Khushi's clutch around him became tightened more. Arnav gasped, letting her calm herself down. Khushi calmed down only after a long cry. Arnav felt she stopped crying. He lifted her chin up and looked into her eyes.

*What happened, Khushi? *

*I don't know what's happening, Arnav. What I never knew is happening in my life... no one ever said that to me... I don't know how to react to it...*

Arnav made her sit on the bed.

*Khushi, relax...* he passed a glass of water to her.

Khushi nodded NO. Arnav glared at her and made her drink it. Khushi took two sips.

*Tell me now... about what you were talking about? *

*Buaji said something to me...* she stopped.

*About? *

*About Dad and...* she gulped down.

Arnav didn't interrupt her as he guessed who is the other person.

*And, her... * she said.

*You mean, Garima aunty? *

Khushi nodded yes.

*What did Buaji tell you? *

*They are seemingly husband and wife but friends in real...*

Arnav frowned in confusion.

*I didn't get you, Khushi*

*Dad didn't get married to her for himself but for me. You know she is a heart patient... she can't get into a family relationship. My Dad purposely asked Buaji to search for such a girl to marry because he was not ready to replace my mother...* she leaned on his shoulder and cried bitterly.

Arnav was taken aback, hearing that. If he was so much shocked about what Khushi said then, it was not hard for him to understand Khushi's condition.

*I never knew there can be another side like this, Arnav. I didn't give them chance to prove them right... I had hurt them a lot being away from them because I don't know anything about them*

*Khushi, relax... you are not wrong. You no need to be guilty. I know you would not have hurt them if you had known the truth. It's your father who should have cleared his stance...*

*But, I didn't give him chance...*

*Oh, come on, Khushi. if he would have tried to clear his stance, there was a lot of chance to do it. If there is a will, there is a way*

Arnav sighed.

*I don't know why Shashi's uncle missed doing that. Maybe, he would have been under stress...*

Though Arnav tried to console Khushi he advocated for Shashi.

*What should I do now? * Khushi raised her head and looked at him.

*Do what you feel to...*

*Should I apologize for my rude behavior? *

*No need* he said hurriedly.

*Shouldn't I? *

*You behaved rudely because you were forced to do that... you are not completely wrong, Khushi. *

*I feel guilty...*

*You don't have to be guilty... understand...? *

*Mmmm*

*Go home and sleep well... everything will be alright...*

Khushi looked at him confusingly. How could everything be all right?

*Do you trust me? *

Khushi nodded yes.

*Then, do what I say*

Khushi nodded ok.

*Shall we go? *

Khushi nodded ok and stood. Getting up from the bed, Arnav smiled.

*Good... let's go...*

Khushi took a step and turned to Arnav as he clutched her hand. She raised her brows. Arnav slightly pulled her towards him and hugged her. Khushi responded to the hug.

*I didn't hug you when you hugged me... I'm sorry I was concentrating your tears* he said kissing her hair.

*I'm so lucky to have such a person who gives more importance to my tears...* she palmed his cheek.

Khushi pressed her lips on his cheek, closing her eyes, making him close his eyes. Khushi's whirling mind became calm down with Aranv's proximity. It created something in her. Khushi got detached from him quickly and stood turning opposite Arnav. Arnav held her hand,

*What happened? * he asked, trembling who was also disturbed by her kiss.

*We should go...* she said, turning towards him. her voice was shaky.

*Are you all right? * he asked.

*Mmmm*

Arnav circled her waist from behind.

*I know you are not...* he whispered in her ear.

Khushi leaned on his shoulder, closing her eyes, and nodded yes.

*Just three days... we will be together...* he said caressing his cheek with hers.

Khushi turned towards him and nodded yes. Arnav pecked her forehead.

*I think we should leave...* he smiled teasingly.

*Immediately...* she chuckled.

They headed towards GH.

To be continued...