Khushi watched shock, her voice died in her throat. She could not voice out of the pain she is going through looking at her limp form of her husband.

It was all nice and wonderful till few minutes, but then suddenly everything got destroyed in next second. Her Arnav ji fell head long on the ground with a bullet piercing exactly near his chest.

Khushi could hear nothing; see nothing other than her Arnav ji. She did not realize when Ambulance came, when her Arnav ji was kept in the strecher inside the ambulance. She did not realize when she was pushed inside the ambulance or it was she who walked holding her Arnav ji's hand inside the ambulance. She did not realize anything.

Not even now, not even now when she looked on her Arnav ji is pushed inside the room with doctors closing the door of the room on her face. She could not feel anything other than the shattering noise of her little heart with the searing pain as she looked at the blood stains on her hand and clothes.

Her Amma, Buaji are crying....Rita Di, Gauri Di are crying but consoling her Amma and Buaji. Babu ji standing devasted. But she could not feel anything.

As if her brain stopped working. Rita Di is saying something to her but what?

She sat down on the floor before the room waiting for her Arnav ji to walk out, as she rocked herself back and forth hugging her knees.

Rishab and NK looked helplessly at everyone, nothing in their hand, only God and doctor could help them. They had arrived to the hospital as soon as they got the news. Aman was informed who had already left to Delhi and is now returning back.

NK 'how everything did go wrong?'

Rishab looked at Rita 'tell us clearly how did all this happened, and that too between so many people. Who was it? Did you all not notice the person who shot ASR?'

Gauri spit venomously 'Raghu....It was Raghu. I saw him running away from there'

Rita wiping her tears 'we were all dancing around enjoying the sangeet function when we heard the gun shot. We could not comprehend for a minute until we saw Khushi shouting in horror looking at Arnav ji. When we looked at him, he was falling down on the ground, he was shot. Blood was dripping as water. All we could think was to save him.'

Gauri 'and see her *pointing to Khushi* how is she?' they all turned their head towards Khushi who is still rocking herself back and forth looking at the door without blinking. Garima and Buaji are shaking her....trying to get her response but she is not reacting to anything.

Rishab 'She is in shock.'

Garima looked at Buaji helpless 'Jiji?'

Buaji shaking her head 'it is too much for her Garima. It is her husband who is inside the operation theatre. She still could not believe anything'

It had been hours now they had taken Arnav inside the operation theatre yet no news is given on what is happening inside.

Another few hours went,

Nani, Dadi, Anjali along with Aman and Tanya came rushing inside the hospital after enquiring reached the corridor where Arnav is being operated.

Aman enquired Rishab and NK who narrated him what Rita and Gauri said. All listened to him, enraged on Raghu and Raghav but now is not the time.......the worry for Arnav and his life is clouding their mind.

Nani, Dadi sat dejected beside Garima and Buaji. Tanya went over to Khushi who yet did not notice anything.

Tanya 'Khushi, Kuch naahiim hoga ASR ko' but she sat numb.

Tanya tried shaking her but she did not relent. Garima and Buaji looked at her worried. Even Anjali walked to Khushi crying on seeing her state. More than anyone it was Khushi who could not take in anything happening around her, as if time stood still for her.

Anjali 'Khushi, look at me. *but she did not look at her, cupping her face to look at her* Doctors are looking after Arnav. Nothing will happen to him'

But Khushi was all the more immersed herself in the darkness waiting for her light to come out.

Rita sniffing 'She is not moving, nor talking, she is like this from the moment she saw Arnav ji like that. I'm scared seeing her like this'

Aman 'Nothing bad is gonna happen. Everything is alright. She is in shock and once she knows Arnav is out of danger and safe she will be fine.'

Anjali 'But Aman she is not reacting to anything'

Aman looked away helplessly; he heard she is not reacting to anyone or anything around for hours.

Rishab 'We should show her to doctor'

NK 'he is right'

Dadi 'Aman bitwa call the doctor on duty to look at her. My grandson is already fighting for life and I don't want anything happen to my bahu too. I want both my children to be safe'

Shashi 'I'm so sorry Maa ji I could not take care of Damaad ji' he felt all the more helpless worrying for Arnav and now looking at his daughter's unresponsive state.

Nani 'how were you in fault? You did not shoot Arnav or did you gave order to shoot him? It is them those devils' who should be sorry of their act'

Dadi 'And I'll make them sorry. This time they had put their hands on Raizada Malik grandson and I'll show him what happens when they try to harm my family'

A doctor came and checked Khushi on Aman's request. Doctor 'She is in shock. I've given her injection for now. She will sleep for while. She will be fine' patting Aman's shoulder she left.

Dadi 'It is good, hope she is fine when comes to consious'

Anjali 'Hey Devi Maya Please doesn't let anything happen to my brother'

Tanya hugging Aman 'I can't see them like this. You saw na Aman how Khushi reacted, she will not be able to bear if anything happens to bhai. I don't want anything happen to them. God, only now he was happy in his life and this has to happen'

Few hours went by till the doctor came out.

Dadi 'how is my Arnav?'

Doctor 'and you are?'

Dadi 'I'm his grandmother'

Doctor 'The bullet pierced near his heart and it had its risk since it was near the heart. If one mistake we could lose him. He has lost of lot of blood. We removed the bullet and now he is out of danger. You can meet him once he is shifted to private room'

All sighed in relief, at least after hour of battling there was good news.

There one side Arnav was shifted to private room and other side Khushi was sleeping under the effect of injection put by doctor in other room.

While others waited for them to come to conscious.

Rita noticed Khushi coming to her conscious; sitting beside her she caressed her hair.

She called her softly 'Khushi!!!'

Khushi just blinked her eyes; Rita called her again 'Khushi, Arnav ji teek hain'

She called other's inside the room, Garima rushed inside hugging her crying in relief 'betiya Damaad ji is alright.'

Buaji 'Hey titaliya darne ki kono jaroorat nahiin hai.'

Gauri 'Haan Khushi, he is fine now. Doctor said he is out of danger.'

Khushi just sat not hearing anything. Tanya cupping her face 'Khushi kuch toh bolo. Why are you silent?'

But she sat still.

Aman paged the doctor through nurse, in few minutes doctor came inside.

Anjali 'Doctor why is she not reacting?'

Doctor 'let me look at her....you all please leave the room'

All looked at her anxious before leaving the room, while doctor checked Khushi inside the room, outside Nani 'what is happening with our children?' she cried being helpless at the situation.

Dadi 'Devyani shaanth hojavo....sab kuch teek hojayga.'(Devyani calm down, everything will be alright)

Doctor came out of the room, Shashi 'Is she alright Doctor?'

Doctor 'Watching her husband nearly dead had pushed her mind to darkness. She is in trauma right now'

Everyone looked at her to continue, Doctor 'Once her mind realizes her husband is safe she will be alright. It is more due to the fear of losing him. It is time still the truth sinks inside her brain; and what is happens she will be alright. She will come out of her shock'

Aman 'What should we do now?'

Doctor 'let us see if after seeing Mr. Raizada fine she comes out of her shock else we can see her to psychologist for her help'

Tanya brought Khushi inside the room where Arnav was kept, Tanya 'Khushi see na your Arnav ji' he made her touch his hand.

Khushi looked at him all silent, Tanya 'he will not like his Khushi being like this. See he is all fine'

Sat on the stool by Tanya, Khushi watched Arnav sleeping peacefully under the drug effect post operation. She watched his chest rise and fall as he breathe in and out. She looked at the bandage little soaked in blood tied around his chest.

Tanya 'He is okay now. He will be all fine in few days'

Khushi held his hand tight in hers as if he will vanish. Laying her head on the side of his bed, a little on his arm she kept quite.

Anjali came inside 'Did she react?'

Tanya 'Not yet but she did not sit numb, She will be alright'

Anjali 'I hope so'

Nurse came inside the room 'please let the patient rest, do not disturb him. Only one can stay with him'

Anjali and Tanya looked at Khushi, knowing well she will not leave they left both of them as per Nurse's order.

It was after more than 14 hours of battle Arnav came to conscious,

For first he felt everything disoriented, he could not make head or tail, his eye lid felt heavy and sudden light to it made him flinch and close it soon enough before opening them catiously.

He looked around confused at the white walls, where is he? A second later, the smell of medicine and well-known smell of hospital hit his nose. He scrunched his nose realizing the place he is. But why?

After a moment like a lightening struck last day evening events blurred his mind one after the other, the happy moment turning to disastorous.

His thought at the end moment halted on only one person...Khushi, his Khushi. Her pale face while he fell down as a heep on the ground.

His dry lips opened to voice out his heart call.....his throat went dry....swallowing with difficulty he voiced her name 'Khushi!!!!'

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

Part 27

His dry lips opened to voice out his heart call.....his throat went dry....swallowing with difficulty he voiced her name 'Khushi!!!!'

Aman 'Arnav!!!' he called him softly, happy to see his friend coming back to his conscious.

Arnav looked at him, Aman 'let me inform doctor' he rushed outside to inform the nurse who inturn paged the doctor.

Aman walked inside now accompanied by his and Khushi's family. All shedding happy tears looking at him.

Anjali caressing his forehead 'we were so scared Chotte. Devi Maya ka lakh laakh shukar hai, you are fine'

He looked at everyone as they poured out their grief of the dark hours they spent while he was operated.

Arnav 'Khushi!!!' his eyes looked at them questioning on her absence. He for knew Khushi can never stay away from him.

Till then doctor has come and everyone was asked to move from the room.

Few minute later he came outside the room and addressed Arnav's family 'don't crowd him, let him rest, and please only one people can stay here with the patient'

Dadi 'can we see him for few minutes?'

Doctor 'yes but then don't take too much of time. He needs lot of rest to get cure'

Thanking the doctor they went inside the room. Arnav's eye again searched for Khushi but she is no where in sight.

Getting panicked he asked 'Where is Khushi?'

Anjali looked at Aman who nodded at her, Aman 'Khushi is in other room Arnav'

Arnav 'Kyun? Is she alright?'

Anjali 'Shhh Chotte, don't get panick she is alright and is resting.'

Aman 'and Rita is with her'

He felt sad for not able to see her, seeing his fallen face, Tanya 'she was not willing to leave your side bhai but it is we who forced her to take rest' how can they tell him, Khushi is given sedatives again seeing her state for making her rest which she was not willing do to. Fearing for her to get sick doctor has given her mild sedative to keep her sleeping for few hours on their request.

Nodding he closed his eyes, all left the room with Aman deciding to stay back forcing other's leave for home.

Few hours later,

Khushi opened her eyes, looking around with confusion etched on her mind. She was with her Arnav ji, then where she is now? Where is he?

Panicking not seeing him in her sight anymore she stumbled out of bed.

Ritu 'Khushi, sambalke. Please lay down and have some rest'

Khushi shaked her head in No, no never, she needs to see her Arnav ji. He is alright, isn't he? They said he was alright. And she too saw him, she saw him in the room, she saw him taking breathe, she has been holding his hand in her's. How did they take her away from him?

Ritu stopped her 'Khushi, where are you going?'

Khushi freed her hand from hers; she wanted to go....go to her Arnav ji. Ritu 'Khushi ruk jaa, doctor has adviced you to take rest'

But she did not listen to her, coming out of the room she looked everywhere around, Ritu 'Wait, you want to meet Arnav ji?' that caught Khushi's attention, she looked at her.

Ritu 'I'll take you to him. Come with me' holding her hands she took her to the room Arnav is kept.

Aman looked surprised at them walking inside, but he knows there is no need to be surprised as it is known thing Khushi will not be away from Arnav.

Aman asked in a whisper 'When did she woke up?'

Ritu 'Just now!!!' as the two talked, Khushi walked to her Arnav ji. Sitting on the low stool beside his bed, she again caught his hand in hers and stared at him.

Arnav was not in deep sleep; the medicine effect has weared off, and with her touch his sleep left him, he woke up whispering her name from his mouth.

The one person he so wished to see from the time he woke up from his few hours little deep sleep is sitting beside him, staring at him waiting for him.

Arnav called her again seeing her not responding to his call, he tried to sit but it hurts lot, the stitches are still fresh. Aman helped him and adjusted the bed so he could sit properly without having difficulty, Arnav nodded him a thanks and looked at him. Understandning the silent request he left the room taking Gauri with him.

Khushi looked at him without blinking all the while, the state he is hurting her a lot. Arnav cupped her face 'Khushi!!!!'

That did the trick, his caress, his concerned voice calling out to her erased the little amount of doubt, little amount denial in her, Yes her Arnav ji is alright. He is talking to her.

Arnav 'Will you not talk to me? Why my Khushi is so silent?'

Khushi sprung into his arm, clutching him hard crying, sobbing or more like to say wailing wrenching Arnav's heart.

He rubbed her back, caressing her, shushing her with his concerned etched love filled voice 'Shhh...it is okay...everything is alright. I'm safe now.'

He parted her little, cupping her face, caressing her hair, removing her tears 'shhh bachha see your Arnav ji is all fine'

She touched his face, leaning on to his arm, hugging him side ways, she got beside him on the bed in the little space clinging onto him. 'Scared....I...wa...was so...sca..scared'

Arnav just patted her, Khushi 'so much blood....*raising her hands infront of her face*.....so much blood. *she looked at him refusing* it was not stopping....and you did not hear me.....I called you so much. I cried for you....but you did not open your eyes. I asked amma to wake you but.....but you did not listen to her. You did not listen to anyone. The doctor uncle took you away in that room. And I...I was alone....waiting outside the room. I cried...I cried very much. Everyone were crying.....you were so bad. I waited....I waited so much for you but you did not come. All said you will be fine soon but.... but I don't understand it.... I...I thought...I was scared...that I'll never see you again. Arnav ji *she sobbed....hicupping*.....I'll not be able to see my Arnav ji. I don't want you to die....how can you die on me? Hum aapke bina nahiin rah payenge. Please.....please....humein kabhi chodke mat jayiyega Arnav ji. Please.....very much please....promise me....humein vada kijiye.'

Arnav whispered, his throat choking, his eyes blurred with unshed tears 'Promise Khushi, I'll not leave you ever. Your Arnav ji will be always with you' she just cling to him. Aman and Ritu looked at from outside the room and smiled seeing them both.

Aman 'thanks to God they are safe'

Ritu 'Yes, varna it would have be really un fair by him if he had separated them'

Later when doctor entered inside the room with nurse to check on him looked surprised to see Khushi sleeping peacefully on Arnav's embrace. It looked quiet too personal but one nod of no from Arnav's side and he stopped nurse from waking up Khushi.

Doctor while checking on him 'you would be uncomfortable'

Arnav 'I'll not. It is okay. She has gone through so much'

Doctor sighed 'make sure to not put much pressure on the wound, the stictches are fresh and can open if you stressed yourself'

Arnav 'I'll take care'

Garima looked worried at Khushi, they had forced fed Khushi but the girl had vomited it. It had been more than a day she has eaten anything. They had bought food from home for Khushi, Aman and Ritu, but everything they fed her only comes out in a minute.

Buaji 'Garima don't worry, she is stressed that is why?'

Garima 'but jiji even the juice we gave her, she vomited it. Don't know what to do. I don't want her to also be sick. It is really very painful to see Arnav bitwa like this and I don't have strength to see Khushi too in such a state'

Buaji 'now don't have such face while entering inside Arnav bitwa's room. If he comes to know Khushi is not taking anything he will be worried'

Garima 'jiji?' a thought like lightening striked her.

Buaji 'Kya huwa, why so surprised?'

Garima 'Jiji? What if...what if our Khushi is.....'

Buaji 'do you think so?'

Garima 'hope so....may be that is why she is not able to eat anything. Can't we have a check up for her?'

Buaji 'lo karlo....we had to force her to come out of the room and have her food. Do you really think so she will agree to come leaving a minute away from Arnav bitwa' all they could see was Khushi clinging on to him not leaving him a second.

Garima 'we need to jiji...let us inform Arnav bitwa. He will make her agree to meet the doctor. And how much time it will take'

Buaji 'if you say so.' They walked inside the room. [Note: mostly in the village people's thought will more like will come to conclusion on such thing when if the women is married one.]

Ritu noticed them looking worried, she had been noticing it for a while now. Ritu 'Kya huwa Bua ji?'

Buaji 'Khushi, we are worried for her. You saw na she is not able to eat anything and we are scared what she get's sick'

Garima 'aur mujhe yeh bhi shak hai ki kahiin humari beti pet se toh nahiin.'

Buaji 'Nandhkishore kare aise hi ho, yeh toh kush kabri ki baat hogi'

Ritu watched them with horror filled eyes, which is impossible what they are thinking? She knows the truth of their relationship, and if they will come to know Arnav and Khushi does not share such relationship then they will be worried for Khushi. As it is here it will really mean if the husband had not touched his wife then something is wrong in their relationship where no one tries to think practically and logically of the problem can be of Khushi being still maturing and a kid. No, they will never think it as Arnav ji think. For them Khushi is married women and satisfying your husband's need is married women one of the duty.

She sighed 'Buaji, Garima Chachi, Khushi is just eighteen and don't you think it is too early for her to be pregnant'

Garima and Buaji looked at her thoughtfully, Ritu 'and I got to know from Khushi that they will be waiting for few more years'

Garima surprised 'really?'

Ritu said white lie 'haan' what can she? It is what she decided hearing everything from Khushi and the way Arnav ji handling Khushi is like not treating his wife, it is more like he is treating a child woman. She is really in awe with the man's patience, love and care she is bestowning on Khushi.

Buaji 'Oh, you too are correct. Khushi is only eighteen'

Garima worried 'then? There is really some problem, she vomits everything she eats. She can't stand the smell' what they forgot is being in the trauma seeing her husband in such state and the hospital environment is not doing well on her.

Ritu 'we can ask the doctor.'

They all tried to take Khushi to doctor's cabin to get her check up but she refused moving from the place. Arnav asked the nurse to page the doctor and do her check up. It was when doctor said she is fine it happens during this time of her traumatic state they sighed. Arnav did got to know what Khushi went through Aman after Khushi's outburst.

In next few days,

Arnav was discharged from hospital after a week and was taken to their guest house/farm house where he will be comfortable with all the facilities.

He needs some more days to rest before travelling back to Delhi. While Aman, Tanya had left after two days of him coming back to home since they were need in AR main office.

Everything is going fine except for Khushi as she refuses to leave Arnav's side a minute.

She would follow him like puppy, clinging to his side always, not giving a thought to others. If a minute he goes away from her sight she panicks. She takes care of him like kid when his/her mother got sick but then the worry, the pain, the fear always lurks in the corner of her eyes making her go paranoid.

It is worrying everyone so much including Arnav. Even if he goes to washroom to freshen up he notices her restless, till he comes out of the bathroom her eyes would be stuck on the direction of bathroom waiting for him to come out.

And if it was her going inside the bathroom to freshen up she will ask so many promises to him pleading him like 'Arnav ji don't go anywhere? I'll come back soon'

'Kahiyena Arnav ji, you will wait for me na'

'aap yahiin rahenge na'

They don't know how to assure her, how to erase the fear of him going away from her mind. It is like stuck on her mind.

Even now it was same as Khushi's eyes were fixed on the bathroom door for few minutes now, every minute of silence raising the fear of left alone.

After what felt like eternity her Arnav ji came out of the bathroom all freshened up.

Arnav sighed watching her eyes changing from fear to relief; he came to her sitting beside her, as she cling to him like always on his arm 'Khushi!!!!'

Khushi hmmed, Arnav 'I'm going no where without you'

Khushi 'Ji!!!'

There is nothing more he could say, no word, no assurance seems enough for her.

Khushi softly touched the band aid 'does it hurt?'

Arnav shaking his head answered for her the same question from her 'No, not anymore'

The bandage had been removed few days back and now it is only covered with cotton and band aid.

Arnav 'Did you had your breakfast?'

Khushi 'No, Di said she will bring our breakfast in few minutes'

Arnav 'Why don't you join everyone?'

Khushi shaking her head 'Nahiin!!! I want to be with you' he sighed she will not leave his side for a minute, he is being grounded to be in bed taking rest by his family but he does not want Khushi to close herself in a room.

This is not his Khushi, this is not what he wants for his Khushi. His Khushi should be always happy with a smile with no worries at all. How will he assure her he will not leave her ever? The fear has seared deep into her soul which is not possible to erase from her mind.

At the same time while Arnav and Khushi were going through physical and emotional turmoil other hand police were searching for Raghu and Raghav who had escaped and is now lying low somewhere.

Dadi looked at the inspector who has come to have word with them on the case 'did they get caught?'

Inspector shaking his head 'We are trying our best to catch them. Don't worry madam we will make sure they are caught and will be punished for all their crimes'

Yes crimes, seeing their beloved Arnav Saheb gettins shot the villager's went in fury; they could not take in the hurt they had caused to the man who had come forward to save them giving the hope of new life like Angel.

If Arnav and Khushi's family were enraged on the two devils then whole villager's were ready to burn them on the same night when Arnav was taken away in the ambulance. But the devils had escaped seeing the shocking fury unleashed from the village people; they never thought the very same people who feared them will one day try to burn them alive.

Police had been on the search all day and night but they were like had gone invisible. The news was kept away from media knowing well it will create hypher hearing the news of famous business man is shot.

Dadi grunted angrily 'this is what we are hearing from last few days there is no news on them being getting caught. Do you want me to go to your higher authorities?'

Inspector 'Madam wereally are doing our best to catch them, we have alerted all our sources to getany news on them. They cannot hide for long'

Thank you for all the votes and comments.