Chapter 24: Kitne door..kitne pas..

I move my head restlessly as the sharp gun shot still echoing to my brain. It shaken me like anything. I woke up panting calling out his name only to find Nk and buaji beside me.

''Arnavji..'' Only word she whispered after regaining and continue chanting his name.

Nk heart clenched hearing his name and look away which is not go unnoticed by buaji.

Current incident recollected in my brain. With widening eyes, I look around and went highly afraid finding myself in the hospital bed. I try to got up but Nk came forward ask me to take rest. I don't care about anything. I want to meet Arnav. My heart is not resting at peace. I ask buaji about him several times but she remain silent. She exchange glance with Nk while he blink his eyes in assurance before moving toward khushi. He keep consoling me but it doesn't affect her.

Arnavji kaha hain Nk ji.. (Where is Arnavji) Why don't you tell me? My panic state of mind can't figure out anything. The last thing I remembered lavanya shot the gun on Arnav and then.. I shuddered to even imagine anything happen to him.

And the moment I saw tension in Nk and buaji faces, My worry increasing. With difficulty I got up from bed and rushed out without giving any heed to them.

Nk: ''Khushiji wait..'' He followed me.

Khushi: ''Why no one is telling me where is Arnavji..I want to meet him..'' She yelled banging her fist at the counter enquiring about him.

Lady: ''Mam please you go to your room if doctor see you then--''

Khushi: I don't care, i want to meet him..Tell me where is Arnav singh raizada's room? Why no one is telling me anything..! She shouted frutrated and began calling out his name paniac.

Nk try to control her by convincing her to be calm. But she shoved his hand walking further.

Nk: ''No khushi you can't go...So much stress is not good for your health try to understand..'' He try to take her toward her ward but she ran away. She can sense they were hiding something crucial from her. Her nervousness were increasing by every passing moment. Suddenly her eyes caught Nani. Her heart skipped its beat when her eyes lay on the direction where she is looking. She and Akash standing outside the ICU. I saw doctor coming out and telling them something.

''Iska matlab arnavji.. No!'' I shook her head in denial. I felt my legs giving away. My body trembling by every step i took. I couldn't see him in such condition. I wanted to be with them but my voice went numb. I doesn't have strength to say anything. All i did is just stand there staring at the ICU.

On the other hand Nk stood there with his eyes fixed on the only women he loved the most.

Taking a sharp breathe, she gather courage and directly rushed inside the ICU. My eyes widen in shock seeing the condition of the patient. I dropped on the ground not ready to believe my eyes. Rocky is laying on the hospital bed with several wires connected to his soft body. I press my mouth to stiffen my sob. Then i remember about Arnav.

She fought back in tears thinking how he was. The heaviness within her chest lead her to breathe harder.

A hand on her head made her to raised her head and look at the person. I blink her eyes two three times to make myself believe I am is not imagining. I touch his face and ask him through eyes where he got hurt. He just smiled. It anger me and i started punching me. He grab my both hands and kissed my fingers. His touch made me to flinch. That means i am not dreaming.Arnavji is safe...I felt relief but my smile faded instantly when my gaze cast on Rocky. That means bullet shot Rocky, not Arnav.

Next few days passed quickly. I just be there with Rocky. Arnav told me to go home but not for a second i felt like going away from my first love- My Rocky is my life. Why this happened to him.

After a week later doctor shifted him into ward.

Both Arnav and khushi stay With Rocky. Arnav brought food for me. When i deny he forcefully feed me. This laad governor is so bad..always impose right on me. He smiled seeing her muttering. He know she is worried about Rocky but he is worried so much stress and lack of rest deteriorating her health. However, he lifted her into his arms and made her to sleep in the bed he made beside Rocky bed.

Arnav: Good night..

Khushi: Aur aap..

Arnav: I am fine.. He turn to go when he found her hand holding him. With surprise, he turn and ask him to lay beside her. At first he is hesitant. He don't want to make her uncomfortable. So he lay few distance away. Khushi grasp thinking he still loves lavanya. She wipe her tears turning to other side and sniff.

Apne hamare saath aisa kyu kiya arnavji..agar aap humse pyaar nahi karte toh hame jhoote sapne kyu dikhaye..kyu.. (Why did this to me..if you don't love me why you show me fake dreams..why) She sobbed clutching her mouth so that her voice not heard to him.

On the other side, he keep looking her with lover boy eyes. He is eagerly waiting for that day when she will be his in every way and they stay together like before.

Next day Arnav brought breakfast for her and saw her standing near the window staring outside. Her silence is killing him. He can sense something is troubling her by the way she is looking at him and then back at Rocky. There is a fear in her eyes.

Arnav: Don't be scared..No one can harm him..Lavanya is under police custody..Her chapter is finish.. She keep staring him with several emotions. He hold her hand and look deep in those eyes that have only ability to quicken his heartbeat.

'Tum theek ho..'' When she doesn't respond, he kiss her forehead and pull her near to him. His eyes wanted to express his love but the numbness and pain in her eyes stop him everytime he try to confess his feelings. He hand protectively cover her. Automatically her head made it way toward his chest.

Arnavji.. She melted into his arms and started crying. After ages she felt herself so alive. Their heartbeat again become one. Her breathe get abnormal. Her hidden emotions evoke the old feeling just by feeling close to him.

But their is one person who is not happy by their reunion. His fist clenched in a tight punch. The scene in front of Nk eyes lead him to left from there. He came to meet khushi and give her tiffin given by garima aunty but the sight in front of his eyes broke his heart.

I broke the hug and look into his eyes. The close proximity again started blooming something within me which is hard to vanish. I am struggling with my feelings when I heard Rocky cry. His pain made me to cry more. I don't know whether to cry or be happy seeing him opening his eyes.

Her pain prick Arnav. It's enough now, he had promised himself he never allow her to shed more tears. He will erase every pain from her life, all he wanted to see the old khushi who always fight like a jungli billi. The darkness in their life is over. He will gain her love and marry her again but the pain in her eyes made him tongue tied.

''Shh..Kuch nahi hoga..main hu na..'' I ran to Rocky and hug him. Seeing Rocky responding made me to sob harder.

He went and caress her hairs lovingly.

Arnav: Rocky is out of danger..Bullet just passed from his body..there is nothing to worry about..He need some rest..'' She sighed in relief but her tears not ready to stop seeing him crying in pain. He get more worried now. Least did he knew it is not due to Rocky but for all the pain and humiliation she went through.

Immediately she move his hand away and create distance between them and seat near Rocky in his bed.

Khushi: Kya jarurat thi hero banne ki..stupid idiot i will kill you duffer..Why you are silent i am talking to you..(You told you to create such stunt..You think you are hero of action movies..?) Open your mouth varna.. She showed her punch to Rocky. Painfully he groan and started making painful sound pretending to act innocent.

''If anything had happened to you how would i survived..You are my jaan..Don't you think i had forgiven you so easily..I am still very angry with you for joining hands with that laad governor.. She grabbed his neck in anger and threaten him to spat. Fearfully he look at his own savoir- His jijaji. Arnav chuckled but immediately hide his smile as soon as Khushi eyed him.

Ek thappad marungi na saari herogiri nikal jayegi.. (I will slap you so hard all your heropanti will be gone) She scolded him and he made a sad pout. Getting melted by his tears, she tugged him closer and hugged him. Then Rocky whispered something in her ears. Arnav raised his eyebrow suspiciously as her face turn crimson red hearing his words.. He said to her to kiss his jiju. She really wish to give a hard kick.

Arnav: What happen Khushi..What did he just said..?

Khushi: Kuch nahi voh bas..He hee is-- is hun--hungry..for--my ki--ss..

Arnav: What? In return little naughty puppy deny and about to spat about his wish when khushi grabbed Rocky in a bear hug and gave a hard kiss to his cheeks putting full stop to his further demands.. He blushed harder. Sooner his shyness turn into terror seeing the face of his jiju. A storm is coming on his way. He sniffed in fear. Khushi turn to move but he didn't allow her to go knowing well how dangerous it would be if she leave him with her devil lover.

Arnav: Khushi, you go to back home..I am right here with your dearest Rocky.. '' He said with hissed anger.

A sudden rage emitted from his eyes by each and every word he spoke. His breathe caught in his mouth letting him to gulp. Innocent Khushi didn't understand why Rocky is sweating. Lovingly she shower him more kisses without knowing the consequence of her act.

Khushi: You want me to stay with you, baby?'' Rocky wanted to say to not call him baby especially when the atmosphere is heating up but she keep showering her love to him.

Arnav: I said leave, Khushi..

Khushi: But

Arnav: I don't want to hear a word..

Khushi: But..

His one glare lead her to leave the room, not before giving last glance to Rocky. Poor puppy in nervousness can't even ask her to be with him and rescue him. Right now he is weak, can't even have enough energy to face the devil.

As soon as Khushi leave, he stride toward Rocky in slow and meaningful steps.

Arnav: HOW DARE YOU! A dangerous kind of rage burnt him. Entire room started shaking by his harsh voice.

He just blink his eyes conveying him he had saved him. Atleast spare him.

Arnav: So what? That doesn't mean you can touch my khushi..She is mine! Did you understand.Stay away from MY KHUSHI.. He slammed his hand on the bed making to jump like a cat.

As Arnav came closer, rocky closed his eyes praying for some miracle. Being injured, he can't even run away like every time when his jiju had attacked him. Previously Khushi was always there to cool his anger but he had send her. Now who will save him?

Arnav: ''You have to pay for every kiss..'' He pull Rocky near him and eyed him. His deadly voice made Rocky to loose his conscious and he fainted.

''What the..''

~~~

'Thank you devimaiya..ap nahi hoti toh shyad hum unhe kho dete.. (If you not there then i might had lost him) She heaved sigh of relief and closed her eyes. A smile adore her eyes thinking about Arnav. She touch her small tummy and drown in the memories of her marriage.

In which world you are living? A voice being eched to her letting her to open her eyes in shock. She get stunned seeing her own soul standing in front of her.

Khushi: Kaun ho tum? (Who are you?) She get flabbergasted seeing her own image in front of her eyes.

''I am your Your shadow, Khushi.''

'What do you want..?''

'I just wanted to warn you to stop you..don't build dreams that will only hurt you..'' Khushi looked at her.

''Lavanya is gone from his life that doesn't mean he loves you..he will never accept you his wife..She was his first love and it is not easy to forget our first love..Did you forget your first love and marry another man..Nahi na then how can you expect him to forget her and give you his name..Don't forget your marriage is illegal and your unborn is just the culmination of those weak moments which he is still regretting. He don't love you, Khushi..he never love you..He had married you for Anjali di and since she is gone he don't want you..You were just his responsibility..he is being nice to you because he is worried for his child..afterall you are carrying his child..Your unborn is the only heir of his family..don't forget what he had done to you..'' She concluded and it only hurt her more. Her eyes welled up as the realization hit her.

I remember his words.

LAVANYA IS MY WIFE AND NO ONE HAVE AUTHORITY TO POINT FINGER ON MY LOVE

My eyes shed painful tears remembering that sight I witness lavanya on top of him and he is reciprocating her. He throw me out from his house and then those humiliating words, his rejecting to accept he is father of her child and then their divorce..

I lifted my teary gaze to say something but she disappear.

Wiping my tears, I got up from the place and move out to breathe some fresh air.

~~~

Arnav smiled staring at Rocky. He kissed him at the place where khushi lips touch him.

''Thank you for saving me..I owe you for the rest of my life..Thank you for everything you have done to make me realize how much i loved her..'' he smiled caressing his soft hairs who is sleeping cuddling to himself. Arnav decided he will tell Khushi everything, to pour out his heart.

''I love you Khushi..now there is no boundry between us..I will make you mine..''

~~~

''There is nothing like that Buaji..'' Nk said avoiding his gaze.

Buaji: I knew you love khushi..accept it..I have seen love in your eyes..'' Shashi and garima were astonished.

For the first time he accepted his feelings. But his heart went out remembering the event he witness few moments ago when he caught Khushi so close to Arnav.

No buaji..This is wrong..Khushi love Arnav.. I don't want to come between two lovers..Arnav is my cousin brother..He truely loves her and her heart still beats for her..

Buaji: Arnav is a cheater..His entire family deceive us..Being already married they hide truth and spoil Khushi's life..By making her pregnant, he had let her..She hates him..I know her she had no feelings for him..I agree he wanted to save her but the path he had choosen for Khushi was wrong..It only pushed her into darkness..She never accept him..he had hurt her immensely and whatever he had done with her, do you really think she can forgive him..? No..never..there is no place for Arnav..Even if she forgive him but i never forget how his one wrong decision risk Shashi's life..I hate those raizada.. '

Payal get worried seeing so much hatred in them. Till now she had hide her relationship with akash but she fear what will happen when they know she love Akash.

Shashi try to intervene in between but she stop him and turn to Nk asking him what does he felt for her.

Buaji: Bolo shaadi karoge Khushi se..(Will you marry Khushi) Are you ready to accept her..will you accept a lady who is carrying someone else child..?

Nk: Her past doesn't matter to me.. she had no fault into this..I love her and will love her child as my child..'' A sudden banging sound lead their pair of eyes to look toward the direction of main door where khushi is standing.

She get biggest shock of her life hearing his confession.

Buaji: Acha hua Khushi tu aa gayi.. (It's good you came) Happily Buaji took her hand and lead her toward Nk and made her to stand opposite to him.

He look at khushi and smile at her. There is no expression on her face. She is just staring blankly. Then he bend down on his knees and ask her hand for the rest of his life. Her mind is only clouded with the thought of Arnav.

Nk: I try khushi i tried not to love you but my heart is not under my control..i really really love you..Will you be mine?''

She stood like a statue lost until he hold her hand. She shrieked and removed her hand from him and ran to her room without saying a word.

Buaji: Don't worry beta..you know na how much she is attached to Rocky..once he get discharged i will talk to her.

Currently shashi didn't say anything but he can clearly understand what is running in his daughter mind. She loved Arnav, her eyes speaking louder than volume. He will not allow anyone to impose any decision on khushi. And if she love Arnav then he will talk with her regarding this.

~~~

Arnav get worried when Khushi didn't pick up his call. He rang payal and she told him she is resting in her room.

He wanted to meet her but seeing Rocky condition, he stay back.

Next few days passed quickly. Everyday khushi came to meet Rocky in hospital and spend some quality time with him but what trouble Arnav, she ignored him. Her cold behaviour disturb him. Everytime he try to talk to her, she get diverted and pretend to get engrossed with Rocky.

'Tomorrow Rocky is getting discharged..'' She just plainly nodded and took at the wrist watch. It striking 9pm.

Arnav: 'Come i will drop you home..''

Khushi: 'No thanks i can manage..'' Saying this, she starting walking further. Getting angry, he followed her behind.

Arnav: Tum janti Mujhe na sunne ki adat nahi hain (You know i hate it when anyone deny me)

Toh adat dal lijiye Mr raizada.. (Then be habitual of hearing no) She hurried her steps and reached outside the hospital.

Arnav: 'How many times i told you when i am talking to you don't walk away.. He grabbed her dupatta and twirl her around leading her to crash against his chest.

Khushi: 'Yeh kya batameezi hain..chodiye hame..'' (What are you doing..leave me) She look around and saw people staring at them passing by.) 'Don't create scene Mr raizada and let me go..everyone is staring at us...'' She struggled in his arms. His intense gaze passing havoc to her senses.

Arnav: Tum aj bhi mujhse.. (You still lo--) Interrupted by her.

Khushi: ISke age kuch mat kehna varna.. (Don't say a word further)

Arnav: Varna kya.. (Else what will you do) He grab her nape and pull her dangerously close as if she belong to him.

Khushi: 'I want to go home..Please leave me..I will shout..'' Shhe said preventing herself to look in his eyes.

Arnav: 'What's wrong with you, khushi. I am observing you since many days..Why you ignoring me?''

Khushi: 'Because i don't wish to talk to you..Your presence pained me here..'' She said directing toward her heart. He loosen his grip hearing that and she pushed him away and turn her back.

His eyes turn misty. He don't know how to reduce her pain. He wanted to rectify his mistake. He will do anything to bring smile back on her face.

Arnav: Khushi, I know i had hurt you..believe me i have no choice other than this..If i didn't separate myself from you then she might had hurt you..I wanted to protect you and our baby at that time..only option had left was to announce the world that i loved her but the truth is that i never feel the way you make me feel..Khushi i never loved her because I. I.. he turned to face but found her nowhere..

Khushi!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dammit! He punch his hand by realizing she hadn't heard anything.

His furious expression turn into determine one.

I am coming khushi..to clear all the misunderstanding you have..You are MINE..ONLY MINE..

To be continued!

Precap: Arnav sneak in khushi bedroom at night.

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