Chapter 22: A hope

She smile touching the bangles adoring her, it made her drown into the past to relish the memories when he gifted her these 3 years ago through Anjali. That was the best memories she ever experience with him but it all been ruined by her own bare hands.

She shrugged those thoughts off and glanced at the place where he is in currently and call him in her soft voice. As usual he arrogantly denied.

''Laad governor..tonight you can't run away from your khushi..'' She smiled at herself tugging her hair strands. She can't wait to see him. But sooner her smile washed out from her face as her eyes cast to the newspaper.

''Yeh admi..'' She get stiffened for a moment.

''Do i know him?'' She questioned to herself. Her brain cells trying to fandom where she had seen him but could not memorize it. Casually she put it back to the place but her mind again diverted back to the same picture.

Where i have seen him..? Where?

May be in school, college or in any party?

She grabbed her head as some painful memories flashed in front of her eyes but unfortunately she cannot able to join the dots. She began to sweat and her breathing started to get heavy.

Her grip tightened around the newspaper making her restless all of the sudden.

Kaun hain yeh hamne isse kaha dekha hain..Hame kuch yaad kyu nahi aa raha.. (Who is he and where i saw him? Why i can't remember?) She began to sweat. It was quite strange though. She never felt like that before even in drastic situation she had faced in her life. She grabbed her head getting horrible pain suddenly.

She was totally oblivious about the presence of Arnav who came downstairs to lash at her but stopped by the divine beauty in front of her. He get totally lost in her. Her wearing his favorite color saree make several memories fresh. And these bangles, it stir strong desire which become hard to vanish. He clenched his fist mercilessly to stop himself falling for her.

''Ab yeh kya naya natak tumhara...?'' (What's new game?) He shouted on her face.

''Your cheap tactics not going to work upon me..'' He taunt. By getting no response, he went forward and glance at her. She half lie on the floor grabbing her head. Forgetting all, he ran to her.

''Khushi, what happened?'' He took her into his arms and patted her face. She try to speak in her feeble voice about her inner fear.

Unable to take this, he called the servant. When no one arrive on time, his blood boil.

WHERE THE HELL EVERYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

''I gave holiday to all..'' She managed to whisper slowly peeping one eye.

What! He surely wanted to shout at her, by seeing her state he control his anger.

He get up to bring water but she stopped him not letting him to go.

''I am right here, relax..'' He wipe the sweat tenderly and keep consoling her in his soft gentle voice with his one hand caressing her back. She look into his eyes lovingly. He soothingly massage her head asking her repeatedly if she is fine. There is a worried expression on his face. Her heart jumped in joy seeing so much concern. She had hurt him numerous times yet he cared her so much. He keep asking her while she said nothing staring him. She had her eyes closed wanted to remain in those arms forever.

''What's wrong, you okay..Should i call doctor..'' She smiled in reply holding his hand.

''Stop staring me and answer me dammit..'' He get taken aback as she press him tightly, she find solace in his arms. His presence heal her wound that arise in her heart seeing that picture.

''Khushi..please say something..you okay..Should i call--

''I am fine Arnavji..Ap hain na hamare saath..'' (You are there with me na) All her tension flew away somewhere being with him.

Furiously he pushed her away and glare her sharply.

''So it was all your acting..?'' She was about to say something in defense but..

HOW DARE YOU!!!!!!! He rose on his feet angrily and kick the sofa where she is resting her back. She began loosing her balance, he held her waist instantly. Sooner come back to his senses and left her.

Arnav: You are such a sick women khushi kumari gupta using all these cheap ideas to gain me..

Khushi: No Arnav its not like that I.. (She try to touch his face)

Just Shut up!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Angrily he remove her hand..

''Don't you dare come near me..I hate your presence and your touch disgust me.. (His each word feel like venom poisoning her mind and soul.)

''How many men you had touch by this filthy hands god knows..

''Arnav.. ''She whimpered in broken voice..)

''I don't wish to hear a single word..I know what kind of cunning lady you are and what are you planning in your crap brain I knew all well..all these decoration, saree, these bangles everything just to seduce me..you think you can get rid of me so easily..you are bound to be my mistress and everyone tag you a mistress..you would never get the right to be anyone wife..i will make sure of that..you had rejected my love and now i will see how you settle with that bast** rishab..You can never be a mother..neither a wife..

He grabbed her hands and twisted it letting bangles to crushed into million pieces.. (She cried uncontrollably.)

''I hate it..i hate everything related to you..I would never forget what you had done to my family..to my child so Stop your drama...You are my KEEP..stay in your bloody limits...You meant NOTHING to me..NOTHING..SAMJHI TUM.. (He shouted on top of his lungs)

There is so much aggression and hatred in his eyes. She try to speak but he don't wish to hear anything after that. She saw his disappearing figure and look at her broken bangles with a tug in her heart.

His words echoed to her ears.

YOU CAN NEVER BE A MOTHER..NOR A WIFE..EVERYONE TAG YOU A MISTRESS..

Her heart pain so badly that it is beyond the endurance. She can't take this anymore.

Don't give me such kind of punishment.I want to be a mother..I want my child Arnav..i want him back..

His hurtful words saffocating her. He had to believe her. She feel like screaming and do all the possible things so that he could see her innocence, but she had no proof neither any way to let out in open. Except Anjali, no one knows what had happened that night. But she.. She is not alive.. She took a sharp breathe whispering Anjali name. Then a thought came to her mind.

How can i forget that person- That well wisher.

May be the person help me to expose those cruel monsters in front of Arnav. Then he will believe me..

She got up and paced thinking about it. She had no idea where to find him. She don't know who is she or he. Unaware to that, that well wisher observing her leaning near the window.

Her eyes constantly pondering over the newspaper in a hope to catch any clue. She had an idea this person related to Anjali but she didn't know how.. Suddenly she heard a sound. She turned abruptly and look around.

Whose this? She rose on her feet and hurriedly went to the window. Person immediately hide in a corner. By finding no one she went back to her room dishearten..

Well wisher: I wish i able to tell you who is that bas*** but i am sorry khushi, i can't come in front of you..But whenever you need me i always protect you and be there for you..not directly but indirectly i will help you then only my heart rest at peace..Sooner your true love come back to you..I will help you out..

Person feel horrible putting herself in such situation. On reaching the hunt, an old women came and put a reassuring hand.

Lady: Did you meet her?

Person: No!

How long ..How long ANJALi..you hide your identity from that girl..Why don't you confront her and tell her you are alive..ANJALI RAIZADA IS ALIVE..that night you get saved..i saved you from that fire accident..

Anjali: I can't ma..I can't.. She hugged her and weep..

''Mujhe toh koi khushi nahi lekin main khushi ko uske saare haq dilwake rahungi..shyad devimaiya ne mujhe us haadse se isliye bachaya taki main us raat ka sach sabse samne la saku.. (I didn't got any happiness but i will lend her to get all her rights which she lost because of me..may be DM saved me from that incident so that i expose all the truth of that night in front of all..) In front of chotte..He need to understand whatever he thinks about khushi were his biggest misunderstanding..She never cheated him..Kavya and rishab played nasty game to bring down khushi in front of Arnav..from past 3 years he loath khushi and giving punishment for the crime she aren't responsible..I will punish those animals one by one.. Khushi had suffered enough..not anymore..How many times i tried to tell Chotte about khushi but..

Old lady touch her shoulder bringing her back to trace and wipe her tears..

Lady: I can understand..You know I met them..their jodi truly made in heaven..

Anjali: You met them when..? Anjali asked her shocked with widen eyes..

lady: Once they stuck in jungle and stay in my hunt for a night.

[Flashback Chapter 9-]

''I want to die..'' Her vision getting blurred.

''Why you saying like that..you got such a lovely husband who cares for you so much..''

''Did you guys have a fight? Why you're sad beta..'' She touch her cheeks lovingly. Khushi stare into her eyes remembering her mother. The same warmth she felt which she used to felt being close to her mother.

''Do you know entire night your husband took care of you..I have seen how much he cares for you..''

''Don't be sad There is PCO boot 5 Km away if you want you can inform your family from that boot..''

''Thank you Aunty..thank you so much..You have no idea how much i am grateful for you..'' She hugged her happily.

''If anyone should be thankful then it was HIM and HER..i haven't done anything..'' There is a hidden meaning to her words. She look away annoyed. She not wanted to hear his name even though he saved her life but was only for his own benefit.

''God bless you..'' Old lady uttered with her eyes continue to stare her.

''Do come again when you get time..'' Khushi nodded wiping her tears and walk away.

*Flashback end*

She remembered how lovingly like a perfect lover Arnav took care of khushi whole night when she was injured and their non stop fight..they look really cute together.. Anjali felt happy knowing that.

She indirectly try to make them realize love for each other, even she try to hint about Anjali but her promise stopped her from telling them.

Anjali: Ma why you met them what if Chotte or khushi suspect something..you don't know my chotte if he know i am alive he can do anything to find me..

Lady: They aren't..don't worry..

Anjali sighed and sleep cuddling to her lap for sometime. In all this mischap one good thing happen- she got a mother figure, she is just like her mother who not only saved her from getting burnt from those monsters but also encourage her to stand for herself, to fight for justice and gave her strength when she had no one.

Now she had only two motives to punish those rapist and bring Khushi innocence in light.

Chotte you did the grave mistake mistrusting khushi..you broke your promise given to your Di...It was your good karma that khushi came to your life..I really wish i able to tell you entire truth coming to you but i can't..How many times i gave you hints indirectly by sending messages and calls but you are blinded with hatred...I really hope the day you realized your mistake it wasn't too late.. Don't hurt that poor soul..she hadn't killed your di..your di is alive.. (She close her eyes letting tears to pour out.)

Her gaze then display the hint of insanity as she took the pen and make the cross mark to the next rapist..sooner the photograph been roughly torn with knife..

Your time is up! She was now seething with furious agitation..

She took the gun and drove toward the next target...

~~~

The morning sunshine fell on his face. The wind was blowing on his face due to the open window of poolside. He got up with a knock on the door. Annoying, he growled knowing who it could be..

Just GET OUT KHUSHI KUMARI GUPTA..don't ruin my mood early morning showing your damn face..

His rude voice trembled the servant and tray fell on the ground..

What the Fu**..! He hadn't expected him. ''What are you doing here..Get out!'' He nodded and proceed.

''Wait!..'' He took a small pause and spoke ''Where..is..she?''

''She? Who chief..''

''That women..?'' He gave his boss a confused look that surely irritate him further..

''I am talking about khushi..''

''I don't know..''

''Then what do you know..Do i pay you to roam unnecessarily in my den..go and check what's she doing..

Arnav think for a second and stop him..

''No need..you do your work..And yah don't tell her i ask about her..'' Servant nodded sheepishly.

''What so funny..get lost!''

''Okay chief!'' He hide his smile and left.

Its been a quite long he hadn't seen her. He should be happy what he wanted it is happening but he is not happy. His life is meaningless without but he is not ready to admit this face. Unable to control his emotions, she started to search her madly. He get worried but the moment he saw her, he breathe in relief but again switch back to Asr mood.

''Where the hell were you..?'' (He saw her near the garden planting tree and walk to her desperately.)

''Are you deaf..i am talking to you khushi..'' Her silence irked him.

Khushi is lost in her world. She caresses a flower. Her life just like it- wilt and lifeless. She kept watching it and caress it until she heard a sharp roaring outburst from Asr.

Khushi!!!!!!!! A thorn pricked her finger. Blood oozes out and the droplets dripping to the red rose, it become deep red. Arnav noticed it but didn't react. She smiled half halfheartedly thinking her hurt didn't affect him anymore. She again bowed her head wrapping her fingers with her dupatta. Else he will think she again gaining his sympathy. That she doesn't want.

Arnav: What do you think of yourself..!

Khushi: What else..Your KEEP!

Arnav: Just shut up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! How dare you back answer me..

Khushi: ''Okay..'' She put finger on her lips and put a mute mood.

Arnav: I am arranging a party at home next week..Aman is busy so you have to arrange everything.. I am talking to you something are you listening or not..

Khushi!!!!!!!!!

Khushi(With baby face): Ap hi ne toh kaha chup ho jao.. (You only ask me to shut up) He fumed.

Arnav: Stupid girl..

Khushi: Not girl..women..your women.. (She smiled proudly..)

Arnav: Whatever!

He turn to leave but stop noticing her walking behind him.

''What are you doing..Stop following me..''

Khushi: ''Wasn't it was you who show me real place so i thought you are going to your bedroom, afterall I am your mistress..its my duty to serve myself to you whenever you go to your be-- Her word left incomplete as he grabbed her hairs and pull her closer.

Arnav: Again drama! Aren't you get tired pretending to be a innocent women..You think i will melt..

He stare at her eyes observing each and every expression of hers, Her beautiful eyes were swollen. Like she cried whole night. There is a kind of sincerity and honesty in her eyes but he failed to see that.

His blinded hatred stronger enough to see the love and innocence in them.

He left her immediately and she fall down near his legs. He folded his arms and look at her with raised eyebrow.

Arnav: That's where your real place is..under my feet..A women like you only owe to pleasure men. (She smiled sarcastically hearing his hurtful words. She get habitual though. He turned to leave when Aman called, he keep walking to him in the lawn.)

Aman: Asr can i join you to office..my car get punctured..

Arnav look at khushi, he think something in his mind and smile and said.

Arnav: No Aman you go by taxi..i won't be available for a night.. (He said purposely giving side glance to khushi.)

Aman: Any new deal..?

Arnav: Not deal..a new hot chick..Well i am thinking to taste her tonight..It been long i hadn't fu** any women.

Her heart sank. Her hand was still holding the rose but now it was clutching those thorn. They pierced her delicate skin.

Arnav: Cancel all my meeting for today...

Aman: Enjoy! (Aman gave a pity look to khushi and left from there winking at him.)

To put salt in her wounds, he came to her with her face staring at the floor toward the flower.

This time i would make sure no one enter my private apartment and if you dare to sneak and make any drama like that night then I..

Khushi: No sir..How can a slave go against boss's order.. (She lifted her gaze and he get dumbfounded. There was so much pain in her eyes.

He turn to other side and close her eyes.

Arnav: Get out..Aur mujhe apni shakal bhi mat dikhana.. (Don't show me your face for now)

He expect her to argue but she took him in surprise moving away. She silently walking out of his sight without uttering any word.

Arnav: How dare she ignore me. Who cares..! He shrugged her out from his mind and decided to chill out and enjoy with another women.

~~~

He is holding a wine in his hand and a lady wearing a sexy lingerie pose for him on his bed. Sooner her dress been fall from her body while his mind where somewhere else. Not once he look at her naked form. She pull him on top of her on the bed.

~~~

Khushi is standing near the poolside staring at the stars, she caught one bring star, a smile sparkled her face.

''How are you Anjali? Why you left me..Do you know how badly i'm missing you and Arnav..he..No don't worry about your chotte..he always took care of me like a princess..sometimes i thought if i ask him to bring star he give me that also..he loves me very much more than anything and our baby..he is now 4 years old..his name is Ayaan..he is as beautiful as you..Just like Arnav..Anger always stick to his nose..You know he always ask me about Anjali bua..he say i want to meet my bua..I am very happy with my Arnav and ayaan..I had a perfect family..I..'' She burst into crying and her soft sob getting harder as her pain started reaching her soul..She can lie to Anjali but how could she lie to herself..She is breaking from inside but she is still had hope one day everything will be back to normal..she too get a family..a husband..she would make children who call her ma.. Then no one will tag her a mistress..She wanted to become his wife, not mistress but DM had other plans for her.

Few meters away, Anjali standing in a terrace stare him sternly, A man is lying near her legs begging her to give her mercy. A gun been shot and the bullet hit the rapist head.

~~~

Arnav walked to his room in his drunken state. He loosen his tie and threw it on the floor along with the rest of his coat and blazer. His eyes were blurring and suddenly he heard a laughing voice of Khushi.

What you doing here..?

She again laughed at him.

''I said stop it..'' He was about to shout but she disappear.. Then he turn to wardrobe and saw her again there.

''You can't do it asr..you can't do it..You still love me..''

No!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

''Then what you're doing here at night? You should be with that women.. why you didn't fu** her..

He has no answer..

''It's clear sweetheart my love still rushed in your veins like poison..You can't cheat me Asr..

''But you cheated me and I hate you..''

''You always love me..admit it..''

Just shut up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Leave me alone..

Furiously, he took the bottle and throw it on the floor. Within a blink of second, she again disappear..

I don't love you..i don't love and today i will prove it to you how much i hate you..

He walked to her room, limping and kick the door open in one go..

There she was sitting in one corner shedding tears.

Khushi kumari gupta..! His deadly voice reached her letting her neck turn. His eyes flashed dangerous with a mad glint of insanity.

''What you doing in my room..?''

He say nothing and keep advancing toward her in a slow predator steps. His every step to her skipped her heart. She is not getting good vibes. His expression scaring her.

''What you doing here..go to that witch and have fun..''

She got up and walk past him. But her hand been roughly twisted behind her back, making her to land in his arms..

You are here to serve me..Today i will officially made you my mistress..

Strip!!!!!!!!

Her body went cold. She feel like someone ripped knife to her soul..

To be continued!

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