Arnav & Khushi spent the rest of the next two hours talking to each-other, Khushi bombarded him with questions regarding his life in the last four years while Arnav answered each one of them with utmost patience and a constant smile on his face

“Leave something for tomorrow as well, I'm not going anywhere. You have me all for yourself now.. I know you are my personal chatterbox, but I'm amazed at your ability to talk endlessly.” Arnav teased Khushi who flashed him a stern look and pouted adorably.

Arnav chuckled and pecked her lips chastely

“You don't have to go now?” Khushi asked excitedly, Her eyes shone with joy while her lips stretched into a full-blown smile causing Arnav to smile just as widely and cup her cheeks.

“Didn't I promise that once I'm back, I'll never leave my butterfly again? How can I break my promise?” Arnav asked lovingly, And damn him if his heart didn't skip a beat seeing her eyes reflecting pure love for him.

Seconds turned into minutes, Arnav kept looking at Khushi her hazel eyes with golden flecks holding his molten chocolate orbs captive in a spell that seemed to be strengthening with every second that passed between them. The spell was broken rather abruptly by the voice of Shashi Gupta.

“Gudiya..(doll)” Shashi called out cheerfully, Khushi tensed up hearing the voice, her hand quickly found his. Arnav knowing exactly the reason behind her behaviour caressed her hand soothingly while Shashi entered the room with a smile on his face.

“Sorry Gudiya, Woh kucch kaam se urgently office jaana pada- (Sorry doll, I had some urgent work, so had to go to the office-)” Shashi stopped abruptly noticing Arnav sitting next to his daughter.

Arnav stood up from his place, “I’ll be right back Khush” Arnav said softly, Khushi gulped.

Khushi unwillingly let go of his hand when Arnav gave her an assuring nod. He walked towards Shashi and bent to touch his feet. Shashi stepped back instinctively, surprised at Arnav's move.

“Hello Sir,” He greeted, stepping back hastily “I didn't mean to make you uncomfortable. I'm sorry if I did.”

“What are you doing here You had left hadn't you?” Shashi asked

“Shall we move into the hall? The nurse will be here in a few minutes to change her drip.” Arnav asked politely, Shashi furrowed his eyes in confusion but nodded

.FLASHBACK

Arnav stopped his motorbike in front of the Gupta Mansion, Khushi got down from the vehicle along with Arnav “Don’t you want to come in?” She asked hugging him.

Arnav hugged her back, “Not today, Some other day maybe. I have errands to run. I mightn't have free time for a few days.” He reasoned.

Khushi broke the hug.

“You're always busy.” She complained childishly, Arnav chuckled.

“You know how AK and AR are keeping me occupied most of the days, being in the initial stages they need attention that's why I'm not able to take out time for my baby, I'm sorry.” Arnav apologized holding his ears.

Khushi smiled, removing his hand from his ears “It's Okay, It's just a matter of time.” She said.

“It's just a matter of time.” Arnav assured her, He couldn't help but feel proud of how understanding a partner he had been blessed with.

“Good Night Arnie.” Khushi chirped, standing on her tiptoes, She kept her lips on his. Arnav smiled into the kiss, and held her by her waist steadying her before deepening the kiss.

“KHUSHI!!!” A angry yell caused the couple to jump apart reflexively, Khushi smoothened her dress consciously, refusing to look up from the ground embarrassed. Arnav walked towards the enraged man with steady, confident steps.

“Good Evening, Mr. Gupta” Arnav greeted, Shashi looked up with his eyes blazing in anger

“Who the hell do you think you are?” He screamed, The picture of his daughter kissing this boy revolving in front of his eyes.

“My name is Arnav, Arnav Singh Raizada. I work with RF for my final year business Management internship program with your daughter, making Khushi my colleague, and best friend-”

“Baba I love him” Khushi interjected, Arnav smiled at her attempt to defend him

“Go inside Khushi” Shashi ordered his daughter, Anger evident in his voice which made Khushi flinch for a second but she composed herself fairly quick.

“Baba.. He's a nice Guy. Please listen to..” Khushi said earnestly.

“I TOLD YOU TO GO INSIDE!!” Shashi roared. Khushi staggered back terror-stricken.

“Khush.. Go” Arnav whispered softly blinking in assurance. Khushi glanced at him once before going inside the house.

“Mr. Gupta, She was scared.” Arnav said quietly.

“She's my daughter, I know exactly how to behave with her.” Shashi snapped at him.

“I didn't mean that Sir, Of course she's your daughter.” Arnav said softly.

“So you love her?” Shashi asked

Arnav nodded.

“Do your parents know?” He asked

“They're no more, They died in an accident along with my elder sister.” Arnav said, Shashi smiled sarcastically.

“Bold of you to assume that I'd marry my princess off to an orphan.” Shashi spat distastefully.

“Are orphans not humans, Sir?”

“Khushi is innocent, she doesn't know what is good for her & what isn't.But I do! I’ve come across thousands of boys like you who trap the girls to use them for their own benefits, and who better than Khushi, The only heiress to all my properties.” Shashi smiled mockingly

“I have no intentions of using her for any such things Sir, I find myself capable enough to provide her with everything that she'd ever want to lead a luxurious life.” Arnav stated confidently.

Shashi let out a sarcastic chuckle. “You, an intern earning a mere 20,000 a month with no family, no background, no future whatsoever find it in yourself to be able to provide the best for INDUSTRIALIST SHASHI GUPTA'S DAUGHTER? Too big of a dreamer you are, I must say.” Shashi said surprised.

“Time has no master Mr. Gupta, Today it's in your favour, Who knows what course it might take tomorrow” Arnav said

“Jab tumhaare dinn palat jayeinge, Tab mujhse baat karna (Talk to me when time’s in your favour)” Shashi said

(I so wanted to write the famous raees dialogue: “Dinn aur Raat toh logon ke hote hain, Sheron ka toh zamaana hota hai” here  🙈🙈 [Days & Nights are for people, Lions have a period of their own])

“You're Khushi's father, Although I don't find it courteous to be the one saying this, But overconfidence isn't a good thing to have.” Arnav said “I love her, Mr. Gupta and no matter what you think, one day you'll have to accept that I do”

“All the best.”

Arnav smiled “There. I even have your blessings.”

“I hadn't left, Sir. It was a just a matter of time as I had told Khushi all those years ago” Arnav said.

“What are you here for today?” Shashi asked.

“For Khushi.” Arnav replied, His eyes shining with sincerity.

“Who let you in?” Shashi asked, a familiar emotion floating in his eyes. Anger

“It's a wonder you still manage to run Gupta Industries without being updated with the news.” Arnav chuckled, “Not that I enjoy showing off, but now that AK has emerged as the most successful Textile Company of the country thus making me the most successful young entrepreneur, I see no reason for you to oppose our being in a relationship or even being married to each other”

Shashi looked at him astounded. Did he really have no idea? Arnav mused silently

“This was the thing lacking in me the last time wasn't it? Lack of financial stability, or a stable future, I wasn't successful then, but now I am, even more than those so called perfect matches you'd found for her, Did you think I'll not come back? Too bad I did.” Arnav said

Shashi shifted uncomfortably

“I think I should be inside there” Arnav said.

TWO WEEKS LATER

“Arnie.. It's bitter” Khushi whined looking at the tray of tablets.

“I know.. but you have to take these medicines to cure yourself right? Be a good girl” Arnav cajoled her yet again. It was his daily job for the last two weeks

“Arnie.. The doctors and nurses always keep poking needles in my skin, even after that they aren't satisfied and want me to take these bitter bitter medicines, Please na Arniee, Just this once” Khushi pleaded making a puppy face.

“When you know your puppy face won't melt me in this matter, Why do you even try?” Arnav asked

“Please Arnie” Khushi pleaded.

“Okay, Let's strike a deal. You have these medicines today and we go out in the evening to have your favorite Vanilla Ice-Cream, Sounds good?” Arnav asked softly

“Okay, You win.” She sulked “We'll go in the evening right?”

Arnav nodded chuckling at his beautiful sulking baby “Yes baby”

3rd WEEK

Arnav paced the corridor restlessly, Khushi was inside withering in pain, Her soul piercing cries breaking the heart of both her parents and Arnav.

Arnav looked at his side to find Garima sobbing sitting on the chair while Shashi sat next to her utterly helpless. He walked towards the couple and crouched in front of them.

“Don't worry, Khushi will be fine” Arnav tried to reassure them.

Shashi smiled warmly at the man he's grown so fond of in the last few days. The way he had handled his wife as well as daughter with so much of patience and maturity. He had to accept, although grudgingly that he was wrong in judging Arnav. He could clearly see the love that Arnav had for his daughter he knew he couldn't find anyone better than him for his daughter. Only if his daughter wasn't suffering from this disease

“The doctors haven't come out for so long” Garima said in a cracking voice.

“Just don't lose hope Ma. Khushi is way too strong for this. She'll be fine, the doctors are in there right? They're doing everything they can and I'm sure Khushi will be fine” Arnav blinked in assurance.

HALF AN HOUR LATER

“Arnav” Shashi tapped his shoulder

“What happened sir? Did you want to say something?” Arnav asked anxiously.

“Everything's fine Arnav, I just wanted to apologise to you. I behaved really unfairly with you. Four years ago, I shouldn't have been that rude. I'm really sorry, it was unfair on my part to judge you without actually knowing you. I even tried to make Khushi to forget you, But your Khushi is really stubborn at times. I'm actually glad she stood her ground, firm, unmoving or I wouldn't have known a gem of a person like you.” Shashi said smiling. Arnav smiled back

“I don't blame you sir, It was the question of your princess's well-being. I'm not saying I liked what you said that day, Just that I understand your protective instinct and love for Khushi and I forgive you.” Arnav said softly.

Shashi kept his hand on Arnav's head blessing him “God bless you my child” He said.

FEW HOURS LATER

“Her reports are much better Mr. Gupta, Her wounds are in a much better shape now. Her body is reacting to the treatment.” The doctor told Shashi who was looking visibly relieved, Arnav who was standing right next to him smiled hearing the news.

“But.. She was in pain earlier today.” Arnav voiced concerned.

“I was coming to that Mr. Raizada, Her liver is in much better shape now but the cirrhosis of liver has rendered her liver as well as other digestive organs extremely weak. We have to go for the transplant in any case and too at the earliest.” The doctor told Arnav.

“What is the problem, why haven't you done anything yet?” Shashi asked

“We don't have the perfect donor for her, her blood-type is extremely rare and that is posing to be the biggest problem in front of us right now”

“Is there no way?” Arnav asked anxiously

“Looking for a donor is the only thing we can do” said the doctor

“I happen to have the same blood-group as Khushi, Can I be the donor?” Arnav asked skeptically, The doctor looked at him surprised.

“We can find out after some-routine tests. But are you sure you want to do this?” The doctor asked

“Yes Doctor, I'm sure.”

“Arnav.. No!” Shashi’s concern-filled voice reached his ears.

“Please Sir, It's about Khushi. We don't want her to suffer anymore now do we?” Arnav asked Shashi who sighed

“No.. Arnav but what about you?” Shashi asked

“I'll be okay Sir.” Arnav assured. Shashi stood helpless in front of his firm demeanour.

“I'll take those tests doctor” Arnav said firmly and was escorted towards the MRI room.

FOUR DAYS LATER

“Why is my tiger looking like a scared kitten today?” Arnav asked humorously

“Why do you have to go today? It's my surgery Arnie.” Khushi complained sobbing.

“Baby.. It's very important for me to be there or do you think I would have left you alone?” Arnav asked softly

“Let him go Gudiya, It must be something important. We're there with you right?” Shashi explained.

“You're both teaming up against me. I'm gussa from both of you.” Khushi said pouting angrily.

Arnav smiled softly “I'll be back in three days Khushi..”

“But”

“I promise you.” Arnav squeezed her hand in assurance.

“Be safe please” Shashi whispered to him.

“Don't worry about me Sir.”

“At least now start calling me baba like Khushi does” shashi requested

Arnav nodded with a smile. “Of course, Baba”

Arnav and Khushi were led into the operation theatre for the transplant process at different times, Garima and Shashi sent a swift prayer to the deity for the safety of both their children. Hours later, The doctors announced that the transplant was successfully completed making them sigh in relief.

Arnav had been shifted in the private ward and had gained consciousness.

“I'm fine Maa-Baba.” Arnav assured the worried looking couple.

They smiled, Visibly relaxed “You'll be under constant observation for two days” Shashi informed him. Arnav nodded

“Khushi?” Arnav asked

“Khushi is fine too. She's unconscious now. Don't worry, She is very strong” Garima said.

“I know” Arnav smiled.

“Now rest for a while.” Shashi patted his head softly.

3 days later

“You're such a liar Arnie” Khushi complained sobbing into his chest.

“Shh.. Khushi. See I'm absolutely fine. Don't cry na jaan”  Arnav pleaded.

“You don't.. You're a liar! Just go away.. Don't talk to me” Khushi pushed him slightly making him let out a small yelp of pain.

“God.. I'm sorry.. I'm so sorry, Did it hurt? I'm so sorry” Khushi apologised frantically, tears ran down her cheeks. Arnav composed himself and cupped her face in his palms.

“It's okay. I'm fine.. I'm fine. I'm absolutely fine baby. Shh.. Don't cry.” Arnav comforted her.

“Why would you do this Arnie? Why did you risk yourself like this.”

“I'm fine na Khushi. That was the only way at that time. I couldn't lose you, you're my family. I have always.. always dreamt of an eternity of happiness with you, and I did everything to ensure just the same.” Arnav explained placing a soft kiss on her cheeks sucking away her tears. Khushi looked at him shocked, When did she get lucky enough to have a man like him in her life?

“I love you Arnie.. I love you so much.” Khushi confessed overwhelmed.

“I love you too my jaan” Arnav whispered softly.

Months later, ArShi got married under the witness of Khushi's family. Khushi was dressed in a beautiful peach-red lehenga Choli while Arnav wore a similar coloured sherwaani to their wedding ceremony.

ASR tying the knot with the only daughter of Shashi Gupta became national news in no time. Arnav was too happy to announce it to the world that the ASR was taken by his one and only true love.

Arnav gifted Khushi a beautiful pair of anklets which she recognised as the exact replicas of the anklets she had liked years ago, somehow even more beautiful than those anklets, on their suhaag-raat.

“How did you..?”

“How can I forget?” Arnav asked softly.

“I'm so lucky to have you Arnie” Khushi whispered overwhelmed. Arnav kissed her forehead “I'm the one who is lucky, If not for you I wouldn't have been at the place that I am at.”

Khushi smiled brightly and hugged him tightly. Arnav wrapped his arms around her frame causing her to snuggle more into him.

“I love you.” They confessed in unison.

And so… they lived happily ever after.

For Eternity & Beyond

This was supposed to come out last night, But I couldn't complete it in time. Anyway. A very happy new year to you all. May this year bring a lot of happiness for everyone of you!

So did you like it?

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A happy ending, I hope I've done justice to the title as well. I'm a little skeptical about it tbh.

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Love
Vinny