Part 69:

"Leave me... I said leave me... if Arnav Ji knows about this, he won't leave you. Leave me Rahul Ji... Leave me..." said Khushi once she freed herself from Rahul's hold

"No... not before what I have to do" he dragged Khushi to the corner of the shop

"What's wrong with you? Why can't you leave me alone? Whatever you did to me and my family isn't it enough for you? I lost my family because of you and your mother. Why are you both hell bent on harassing me? Can't see me alive? Do you want to kill me? Do you want to see me dead? Do you know how it feels when we lost all our family members at a time? Do you know how it feels to get separated from our family? Do you know how it feels to become an orphan? Enough Rahul... please... leave me alone..." she cried her heart out

"I'm sorry Khushi... I'm really sorry" Khushi looked at him bewildered, astounded and scandalized.

"I know whatever I did, a mere sorry can do nothing to rectify that. I was just jealous of Arnav, I was just angry on you. I just wanted to teach you a lesson for your slaps. But I never knew my mother can use me. I never knew my mother can fall this low. I never knew after marrying my father, she still loves your father – Suraj Mathur. I never knew you were separated from your family because of my mother. I never knew I will be the reason for death of a complete innocent family. I am sorry Khushi... I really really sorry... please forgive me..." he knelt down before her, putting his hands together and asking forgiveness.

"What's the use of forgiveness Rahul? Can and will my parents and family come back? There is no use and need for my forgiveness. Just leave me alone and GO..." she shouted remembering her family and crying on her fate

"Please Khushi... I was really shocked to hear my mom asking our men to kill your family. I tried my best to stop my mom. But I couldn't. You know, after I knew about your relation with Mathur's, I confronted my mom. She agreed everything and captivated me in a room. I heard her ordering her men to kill me. I somewhat escaped from there and went to Arnav Bhai and Aman Bhai's home to inform them about you. But when I reached there I saw my mom's men waiting for me. I didn't have any chance other than leaving the country. I left India and roaming around the world. I may not know about the feeling of losing family and loved once that time, but Khushi, trust me... now, I know very well. My father and brother tried their best to make me understand about my mother's nature, but I didn't believe them. I lost them – forever. Please Khushi... forgive me. Now, I'm leaving to France, I won't come to your life again. I won't interfere in your life again. Just tell me that you will forgive me. Please Khushi... I am dying with guilt every second. Please... Khushi... please..." with that Rahul cried his heart out, venting out his two years of guilt.

When he came out from the embassy, he couldn't believe that he is seeing Khushi. First he thought he is imagining things, but when he saw Anjali, NK, Lavanya and his Bhabhi – he understood she is indeed Khushi. He immediately went there to ask forgiveness, but seeing NK and Lavanya's trails to save Khushi from him, he had no other choice other than dragging Khushi to a corner of the mall. He made sure no one can find them in that corner. Finally he asked forgiveness from Khushi. 'Now it's her wish whether to forgive me or not. I know I won't deserve forgiveness from Khushi. She has every right to not to forgive me' thought Rahul.

Khushi felt bad seeing Rahul like that. Before she says anything, suddenly Rahul fell back on the floor clutching his cheek. He looked at the person, who became reason for his bleeding lips. Rahul became numb after seeing the person who bet him

"Arnav Bhai..."

"How dare you touch my Khushi? How dare you..? How dare you?" Arnav started beating him.

For Khushi it took little time to understand the situation. When the reality hit her, she ran towards Arnav and tried to stop.

"Arnav Ji... Stop... Leave him. Don't beat him. He is not here to hurt me. He is just asking forgiveness. Stop it Arnav Ji... Leave him... Arnav Ji... ARNAV JI..." Khushi pulled Arnav back with much effort "What's wrong with you? Do you want to kill him? Why can't you control your anger?" shouted Khushi

"Yes, I will kill that rascal. How dare he touch you? How dare he try to hurt you? How dare he? I won't leave him?"

"Arnav Ji... Rahul is not here to hurt me. He is asking for forgiveness. Calm down..."

"How can you trust that idiot Khushi? Did you forget what he did to you and your family? Didn't you remember he and his so called mother were the reason for our destroyed lives? Do you forgot that he was the reason for our separation?" Arnav shouted on Khushi

"NO... I DIDN'T FORGET ANYTHING... But Arnav Ji... now he is asking for forgiveness. What's the need to punish him when he is regretting? Please Arnav Ji... for my sake, for DS Bhai sake, please leave him. Give him a chance... please..."

"No... Khushi... Rahul deserves that punishment. I don't want anyone to leave this rascal because of me. He is not my brother anymore"

That is the moment Rahul saw his brother standing there. He ran to him hugged him tightly. "Bhai... you are here? I thought... I thought you died"

"Kaash hota..." said DS breaking the hug and pushing Rahul "I wish I have died with dad. I wouldn't have seen whatever you and mom did to Khushi and her family... I can't forgive you Rahul. Go to hell" DS also shouted at him with so much hurt visible in his eyes

"I'm sorry Bhai... I never thought mom can do that. I never thought mom will use me for her deeds... I'm sorry... I'm sorry..." Rahul couldn't control his pain anymore. He hugged his brother for support while crying bitterly. DS controlled himself from consoling his baby brother

Shyam came forward and pattered DS's shoulder "Don't stop yourself DS, he is regretting, that is enough for anyone. Our forgiveness is the best punishment for him. He needs you now, don't let him suffer alone. I think he already suffered in these two years as much as we suffered. Just embrace him and support your baby brother. He needs you most as much as Khushi needs me. He too lost his family. After a long time he is seeing you – alive. I can understand how he is feeling now. So, don't stop yourself" Shyam turned to Arnav "Arnav... just forgive him. He is changed man now. He won't interfere in our life anymore. If he does, we can take care of him at that time. For now, you just relax... okay?"

"But Bhai..."

"Arnav... just relax..." after becoming ASR, if Arnav listens to anyone means that person should be Shyam or Aman no one else. Now as Khushi came back to his life, we can add her too in the list of Arnav's controllers

Nodding his head Arnav took Khushi and left from there ordering NK to take a taxi to return.

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

"Arnav Ji..."

"I'm fine Khushi... don't worry" said Arnav concentrating on his mobile

Khushi asked the driver to take them to the park, which he did

"Come Arnav Ji. I want to spend some time with you. Come..." before Arnav resists Khushi, she left the car and walked forward

"Khushi... stop there damn it. Let me come..." Arnav followed Khushi in long strides

Khushi sat on the bench and make Arnav sit "Now tell me, how you are?"

Arnav looked away from Khushi, not letting her to see the fear in his eyes

"Arnav Ji... I'm fine and I'm here with you, right beside you. Don't worry... I'm fine. Rahul didn't hurt me. Relax..." said Khushi holding Arnav's hand

Sighing "I was just... sca...scared. I thought I will lose you again with that Rahul. I couldn't control my fear. I was scared to lose you Khushi. I can't do that anymore"

"Shh... I know... I know... but Arnav Ji... don't you think, this much anger is not good for you? Do you really think this anger will help you to solve our problems? Don't you think anger will worsen the situations?"

"But I can't control Khushi, that too when it comes to you. I just can't"

"I won't agree with you. You were not an angry man before, then how can it's uncontrollable for you? When you are not a serious person before how can it becomes difficult for you? This is not a good excuse Arnav Ji."

"But Khushi..."

"No... don't try to convince me. I'm not going to agree with you. This anger is not good for anyone, most importantly for you. It will affect your health Arnav Ji! Don't you know that? How can you neglect your health?" Khushi is serious

"I'm sorry Khushi... I will try to change my attitude and anger. Please"

"You have to change. I want MY ARNAV JI back. Not this arrogant ASR. Do you understand that?" she is furious. Not able to meet her eyes Arnav nodded his head

"Let's go back home, everyone will be waiting for us" with that they left to home

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

When they come back home, they assured everyone that they both are fine. Seeing Khushi, Shyam and DS forgiving Rahul; everyone also forgave him. Rahul felt nothing when he heard about his mother's condition. All he said is "She deserves. Every mother like her deserves that, in fact more than that" he felt sad about his father, he cried seeing his father's photo on the wall

After few days Rahul joined in DS's office as a normal employee. He rejected being brother of CEO. He said "I want to live as I'm – just Rahul, not Rahul Malhotra. I don't deserve that name. Let me prove myself Bhai. Please... don't force me"

DS felt good for his brother.

After that day, both Akash and Payal went to other places throughout Australia to celebrate their honeymoon. Khushi took Shyam, Arnav, Aman, Anjali, NK and Lavanya to the places where she felt peaceful – Three Sisters, Blue Mountains, Helensburgh temple, Manly beach, Bondi beach and Zoo. Arnav went everywhere Khushi took him just to see the happiness in her face. He felt content after seeing that happy twinkle in her eyes. Everyone prayed God for giving their Angel back.

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

Today is the day, everyone leaving for India. Khushi felt difficult to leave Kruthi and DS. She cried her heart out before leaving them. DS and Kruthi hugged her and cried with her. DS also couldn't control his feelings seeing Khushi leaving him. He cupped her face and kissed her forehead and rested his forehead on her saying "Take care... we will come there to meet you. Don't worry... everything will be fine. Just follow your brothers and Arnav. Please tell them about your fears and tensions. Don't keep it to yourself, tell them whatever you want, otherwise they can't know about you and your fears. And if you need anything..., I mean it... anything if you need, just remember, I'm just a phone call away. I will be there. Okay?"

"Thanks Bhai... Thanks for everything and sorry for my rudeness at the start. I'm sorry. I will do whatever you say, I will listen to them. I will talk with them. But I will miss you Bhai... I will miss you and Bhabhi" she hugged both of them and cried one more time

"Sh... chup pagli... you are not going to any other planet. You are just going to your family. Why are you crying like an art movie heroine? Stop your river now; otherwise it will be difficult for your brothers and Arnav Ji to carry this river now. Just stop..." Kruthi tried to cheer Khushi up which she succeeded "Stop crying now. Okay? Go, it's getting late for the flight. Let us know once you reach home, okay? Don't worry... we will come there often. You will never miss us. For now, go and wash your face and come, it getting late... go..." Kruthi send Khushi to washroom and turned to others and said with Arnav "Khushi suffered a lot. She needs time; she needs time to adjust in new family. Please... be there for her whenever she needs you. Still she gets nightmares about her family, accident and all. Every time she gets the nightmare she calls for you and Shyam Bhai. Make sure, you both will be available for her whenever she needs you. She might show strong outside, but from inside she is scared. Please... help her and bring her out and get her. All the best for your future"

Suddenly shocking everyone, Arnav hugged Kruthi and said "Thanks for being there for my Angel. I can never forget whatever you did to my Khushi. Thank you... thanks a lot. Please come to my house whenever you can – for Khushi" he also hugged DS and said "You saved my Angel, my life. What can I give you back? You gave me my life back. Thanks Sena... thanks a lot" DS also hugged him back and patted his back

"I don't need anything... just keep her happy and healthy all the time and please make sure she never cries. That's enough for me" they heard Khushi coming "Now, wipe your eyes. Otherwise your sankadevi will tease you" everyone smiles through their tears. Everyone hugged each other, bid bye and left to airport.

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

"Bhai... I'm scared Bhai..." said Khushi keeping her head on Shyam's shoulder

"Don't be Pooh... they are really nice people. I'm staying with them from last two years. They supported me a lot. They embraced me as their elder son. They are such a nice people, including your to be in-laws. Don't worry... everything will be fine" assured Shyam. Hmming Khushi drifted to sleep.

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

"Angel... Angel... Come on wake up... we reached Delhi..."

"Please Bhai... I want to sleep for some time"

"WHAT THE!!! HOW DARE YOU? Why are you calling me Bhai? Are you mad Khushi?" shouted Arnav making Khushi jump from her seat. She looked at him wide eyed and whispered a meek 'Sorry' and rushed to toilet to freshen up. Arnav looked at everyone who is suppressing their laugh. Giving them disbelief look Arnav said "Unbelievable... the craziness is back. God only can save me" saying this, Arnav went to his seat and adjusted himself for landing waiting for Khushi to return.

He knew... his life will be bliss with this craziness. He closed his eyes in satisfaction thinking how he waited for this day, for this craziness, for this laughter, for these loud and irritating surroundings. He thanked God silently for giving back his life. He opened his eyes feeling Khushi holding his bicep and resting her head on his shoulder. Arnav fastened Khushi's seat belt safely getting her ready for the landing. He kissed her forehead and held her hand on his bicep

"I Love you Arnav Ji..."

"I Love you too Angel. Thanks for coming back"

Seeing her fallen face Arnav sensed something wrong and asked "What's the matter angel? Why are you looking tensed? Why are you scared?"

"Aman Bhai's parents?"

"Khushi... do you trust me?"

"More than myself"

"Then trust me when I say, they are best. Particularly, Mami... she is an amazing lady. She is missing you badly. When she got to know YOU are her daughter and she lost you once again; she lost her conscious. She suffered a lot Khushi. When Mohini kidnapped you when you were 2 years, Lavanya is a two months infant that time. Mami was really depressed, so Mamu and dad decided to not talk about you in front of Mami. They also ordered us not to talk. We really missed you that time. Aman was the worst one among us. He missed you a lot. When we saw you in university for the first time, for some minutes we thought you are our Choti, of course you are. But..."

"Is that the reason Anjali Di asked me about my parents whether they are my own or not?"

"Yes... she was. But we thought that was really early to ask you. We, I and Aman thought first we will take you in our batch then make your comfortable and will ask you, but before we ask you anything, all those horrible incidents happened. Hmm... anyway... you are back now. I'm glad that you came and made me win."

Khushi looked at Arnav with a confusing expression

"I promised Mami that I will bring you home, and then she can take care of you as her daughter. But whatever happened later, she only questioned me that I promised and I should bring you home. I felt helpless that time. I didn't know what to do. After that I avoided meeting her. I avoided talking with her. I was scared of thinking – what if she asks me again about you, what would I answer her? From the first time I knew her, she never asked me anything. She just asked me about YOU, that too I couldn't give her. I'm hopele..." he was cut by Khushi

"Shh... you are not. You are a great person Arnav Ji. Please don't think like that. Just think that you are going to complete your promise. Just think that you are going to give her what Mami asked you. Just think how much happy she will be. Just think that how much proud your parents will be. Nothing else..."

Arnav looked at Khushi lovingly. He hugged her by holding her shoulder and kissed her top of the head. "Thank you for coming back Khushi. Thanks for being with me. Thanks for loving me. Thank you..." they broke their hug hearing the announcement of cabin crew. They got ready to get down the flight and meet their family... complete family...

...to be continued