Part 68:

Morning breakfast went with all teasing Khushi. They just want her to come out from her horrible days. Everyone knows that only Arnav can bring her out. Though Shyam can bring her out, but for now, as he is also a victim of the fate to lose his family, he doesn't want Khushi to think about their worst days. So, he requested everyone to not to talk about their accident or family. He requested everyone mainly Arnav to be with her all the time.

Arnav spent most of the time with Khushi, leaving all the official work with Aman and Shyam. He took Khushi to office whenever his presence was needed.

On Friday night, after dinner, Khushi went to her room early saying she is feeling tired. She stopped Arnav and Shyam when they offered her their help. She said she will be fine alone. He turned to Kruthi and said "Bhabhi... I'm leaving to my room, can you send ice pack to my room? Please"

"You go and take rest; I will send it with Mani" Kruthi sent Khushi to her room, understanding her problem. She looked at her husband DS, who breathed out in pain.

"What's wrong DS? Why are you both looking sad?" asked Shyam sensing something wrong

"Nothing... Arnav I need to talk to you, about Khushi"

"Yeah Sena, tell me"

"Here...?"

"No problem... tell me"

"Woh..." Kruthi started saying but couldn't continue. She sighed deeply and asked Arnav directly "Arnav Ji... will you marry Khushi?"

"What the!!! How can you ask that? Of course I will marry her; I'm not going to leave her. How much I missed her that's enough for me. But why are you asking that?"

"But can you marry her, if she is suffering with some problem?"

Controlling his anger and anxiety, Arnav asked gritting his teeth in low voice "Can you tell me exactly what the matter is?"

"Arnav... Khushi is facing some problem with her health. When our car blasted two years back, she had some injuries on her body. Even though those are cured, but their marks are still there on her body. They may not visible to outside, but she feels very inferior about them. I just request you to love her as before. Please she faced a lot. If she loses you, then she can't live" said DS, but didn't get any response.

They were disturbed by their maid Mani's voice. "Bhabhi... ice pack is ready. Shall I go and give to Khushi Di?"

"I will take it" Arnav stood from his place and said

"Arnav!! But... I don't think Khushi will..."

"She is my Khushi... I know how to deal with her. Don't worry... I can take care of her. Please you give me" with that Arnav went to Khushi's room.

**************************

"Who is that?" asked Khushi hearing the knock on the door

"..."

"Who is that?"

"..."

"Arnav Ji... I want to be alone for some time. Can I talk with you tomorrow morning? Please?"

"No... I need to talk with you... I want to be with you. NOW... open the door, otherwise I will break this door, you know I can do that" threatened Arnav

Sighing deeply Khushi opened the door and allowed Arnav inside. She looked at the corridor waiting for Mani

"I bought what you are waiting for. Here is your ice pack"

Khushi looked at Arnav in wide eyes. Seeing his relaxed face, Khushi took and sat on the bed. She waited for Arnav to leave the room. She sighed in relief seeing Arnav leaving the room. But next minute, her eyes went wide seeing Arnav closing the door

"Ar...Arnav Ji... what are you doing?"

He came to her and sat beside her. "I want to help you Khushi. I want to be with you in every pain. Please Khushi let me do"

"Arnav Ji...?"

"I know, DS and Kruthi said everything to me. Please Khushi... let me see and let me help you"

Khushi face turned into red with embarrassment. "No... I can manage..."

"Khushi... please... I wasn't there when you needed me most. Please at least now, let me do my work. Let me remove your pain as much I can. Please Khushi..." seeing his moist eyes Khushi nodded her head and went to washroom to come back wearing night gown.

Showing her back, Khushi lied on bed. Nodding his head he sat beside her. Arnav close his eyes till Khushi settled on bed opening her back to Arnav.

"I'm ready" said Khushi in low voice, closing her eyes

Arnav looked at Khushi's back which turned into red. He slowly touch her back which made Khushi to hiss in pain

"Oh god... Khushi... I'm sorry... I'm sorry..."

"It's okay Arnav Ji... can you please put that ice bag on my back?"

"Yeah... sure... tell me if I hurt you, please"

He kept moving the ice bag all over her back. After some minutes of silence, he asked "Is it unbearable? Does it pain daily?" His voice is shivering with pain seeing his Khushi in that state

"Yes, it is unbearable. But, if I apply this ice pack, it will go off. And No, it doesn't happen daily. I used to feel this burning sensation and reddened back daily. Later the frequency got less but not the severity. Before it used to come like by alternate days, then by every week and then by month, but now, I don't know when it comes. If it's come means, it's really bad. I can't bear that burning sensation. I need to cool my body immediately"

"What doctor told?"

"He said it will take time to reduce, as it is reducing. But he was not sure about the complete cure. But you know Arnav Ji... it's really difficult to bear. I can't even wear my clothes that time. It feels like, I'm standing in between fire. I don't know when I will be free from this pain"

Arnav leaned forward and kissed her temple "You will. If not, I will be there to help you in reducing your pain. Trust me Khushi... I will be there with you, till my last breath"

"No..., you shouldn't. You better..." she couldn't continue saying further because his words cut her off

"Why shouldn't I? And what I better?" he narrowed his eyes, having an idea about Khushi's crazy mind. He was expecting something which came next moment.

"You deserve best Arnav Ji... You deserve a beautiful girl. You deserve a completely perfect girl with a support from her family. I know... I'm not at all good..."

"Khushi, do you really think I loved you by seeing your body?" asked Arnav controlling his anger not wanted to shout at her

"Arnav Ji!!" she gasped "I didn't mean in that way"

"Then what did you mean Khushi? Huh? What did you think when you are saying, that you are not at all good? Answer me damn it"

Her eyes got moist. She looked away

"Khushi... I loved you because of your innocence, your mesmerizing smile, and your twinkling eyes. Khushi I loved you because of your pure heart. I never wanted to get separate from you. If I really wanted a beautiful girl and you think I found you ugly, then I shouldn't come here Khushi. I need your heart. I need your support. And as per me, you are most beautiful girl I know so far. No one can take your place in my life. If you are not ready to live with me, then it's up to you. But you don't have right to ask me to drop back. It's my life and my love. Do you understand?"

Feeling overwhelmed with Arnav's confession Khushi hugged him tightly, immediately. Feeling her heart thudding so closely, Arnav also hugged her tightly not touching her reddened back. After few moments later, they broke the hug and looked at each other

"But, what's about your family? What if they...?"

"Shh... tum bahut bolti ho Khushi... just leave all these fears... and trust me. My siblings never had a problem with you or they will never have. And about my parents they just want our happiness. You know, when I confessed my love for you to them, they were really happy about us. My parents are really eager to meet you that time. In fact my Mom planned to come to your parents next day itself. But so much happened that time and... and... I was completely lost. And you know... Mami... I mean, your biological mother, immediately recognized you seeing your photo. She said you are her Choti. But that time I couldn't assure her as we are not sure about that. When they got to know that you are their lost daughter after your dea... accident, they couldn't take. So much happened in these two years Khushi. I missed you a lot... Aman was in worst situation knowing he lost his baby sister one more time. I know how much he loves his Choti. He is my inspiration for being a brother. He is best"

Khushi nodded her head with a smile on her face "Yes, he is best"

"Please don't leave me like this again Khushi. I can't live without you. Please..." Arnav kissed her slightly on her cheeks. As he felt the coolness of pack reducing; he asked "Do you want me to put ice some more time? This ice pack went warm. It won't help you any more I think. If you want more, then I will bring one more"

"No Arnav Ji... it's enough. You go and sleep, it's already late"

"Umm... Khushi... can I stay here with you? Please... I promise I will keep my hands with me. Please..."

Smiling shyly, Khushi nodded her head. Both settled on bed facing each other. Holding each other hands, they talked about their life these two years.

"I still can't believe this; that you are here with me... alive. Khushi... I missed you a lot"

Touching his cheeks "I too feel the same. When I thought to come to India, DS Bhai restricted me to go there. He said he won't trust his mother. He is very nice man Arnav Ji. I never expected that Rahul and DS Bhai are siblings. Like I never believed that NK and you are siblings" she ended thinking to change the gloominess between them

"What do you mean by that?" Arnav narrowed his eyes

"Nothing... see how good NK and Akash are? And look at you? You are a complete Laad Governor"

"Mind you Khushi... think before you say... with whom you are messing with. I'm not Arnav anymore. I'm ASR"

"Yeah... I know... Arrogant Stubborn Rakshas – ASR. I read so many articles and so much news about your attitude. What's the need to change into this? I really shocked to see you like this. What made you to change like this?"

"You"

"What?"

"Yes, it's you who changed me like this. As I told you, when you left I was shattered. Everybody said you left me to other world. I didn't believe their words Khushi. At the same time, I wanted to be diverted from your thoughts. So, I concentrated on business. When the girls in my office try to come near to me, I became ruthless boss to avoid them. So, I became Arrogant Stubborn Rakshas – ASR" he chuckled seeing Khushi's open mouth after listening about girls in his office. He got what he is waiting for... a jealous Khushi.

Suddenly her expression changed into concern, she touched his cheek and said "You should have settled Arnav Ji."

"Not again Khushi... I already said, you or anyone doesn't have any right to talk about my love or my life. I have decided whom to marry, what to do and what not. So, you better mind your words. I'm not going to leave you or I'm not letting you to go away from me. You tortured me enough, now this is payback time. I won't let you to go... you are tied to me Ms. Khushi Kumari Gupta... you don't have any chance other than living with me. Got that?"

Nodding her head Khushi leaned to Arnav and slightly brushed her lips over his, making him surprised.

"Khushi...!!?"

"I Love you Arnav Ji... without you there is no reason for me to live. I Love you and I will Love you till my last breath" with that she kissed him on his lips again. Few moments later the kiss turned into a passionate one. They let each other to know about their feelings, fears, love and longing. Khushi moved her upper body on his chest and deepened the kiss. She is laying half on bed and half on Arnav. Arnav felt like eternity. They kissed each other like there is no tomorrow. They remembered their kisses in the past. Both felt like they are complete and at home. They broke the kiss to the need of air. They looked at each other and said at the same time

"I Love you..." they smiled and lied on bed hugging each other. Arnav dragged her close to him and kissed on her hair. They closed their eyes in content and drifted into relaxed peaceful and deep sleep.

**************************

Arnav, Aman, Shyam and DS are in the office to finalize their deal. They shook their hands after signing the deal. When they talking about random things, after completing their deal, Arnav's mobile started ringing.

Seeing the number, Arnav expressions got changed which alarmed both Shyam and Aman. They looked at each other and waited for Arnav to answer the call

"Yes... Mr. Joshi... Tell me... any news?" he kept the call on speaker to others to hear.

"Sir... we found Rahul..."

"What? Where?"

"In Sydney sir... just now my man called me and informed me that he saw Rahul in town hall centre, near the France embassy. He tried to get details and found Rahul is there to take his visa for France"

"Is he still there? Is your man sure about the person being Rahul?"

"Yes sir... he is 100% sure. Do you want my man to catch Rahul?"

"I'm in Sydney only. Just ask your man to keep an eye on him and forward his number to me. I am leaving to Town hall now." saying this he cut the call and turned to see DS looking at him with so much tension. Arnav closed his eyes

"I'm sorry Sena... I can't help now. I can't leave him; he deserves the punishment to messing with my dear one. I'm sorry..."

"Just take care of yourself Arnav... Khushi needs you most. Think about her before you do anything. I hope you will be with Khushi throughout her life. I know he deserves punishment. But... he is my baby brother Arnav... Can you spare his life? Please..."

Seeing vulnerable DS, Arnav hugged him tightly "Don't worry... I'm not a killer... I just want to punish him badly... I promise... you won't lose your brother. He will be alive"

"Thank you Arnav... come I will drive you guys to Town hall"

"Are you sure?" asked Aman

"Yes... I'm" smiling little, DS led them to parking.

Before they occupy their car, Arnav, Aman, Shyam and DS phones rang at the same time from NK, Lavanya and their respective partners. Everyone looked at each other and smiling little they answered the calls from NK to Arnav, Lavanya to Shyam, Anjali to Aman, Kruthi to DS. But what they heard left them shocked. The calls are different, but the matter they said is same

The matter is "Rahul got hold of Khushi, threatening them to allow him to take Khushi."

Blood rushed into everyone's face along with fear in their hearts. DS started car immediately towards the Town hall with determination – thinking – if Arnav leaves his brother – he will not leave Rahul and will make him behave like a human

...to be continued